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brown pants and a white shirt. Trading in the slippers for a pair of low-heeled
boots, she tucked the trousers inside them and placed the brown jacket on the bunk.
Taking a brush from the pack, she moved into the bathroom, yanked off the
brown wig and shook out her own hair. Now she felt normal. She hated wigs, even
though at times they were necessary, especially when her own white hair was so
obvious to hunters. The glint of gold strands entwined amongst the thick white
tresses, and she gave it a quick brush before braiding it neatly. Fastening it, she
flipped it back over her shoulder and felt the end thump familiarly against the
small of her back.
One day she might cut a lot of the heavy weight off but for now it was easier to
just keep it tied back.
Going back into the main cabin, Tasi bundled the bloodied gown and shoes into
the pack along with the brush. Pulling out a clean bandana, she tucked it into the
pocket of the jacket before picking both the jacket and pack up and leaving the
cabin.
Hesitating in the corridor, she glanced around. No one was in the corridor but
voices were coming from a door not far away. Moving forward, she peeked inside
to see that it was indeed the dining cabin. It was spacious. To one side was a large
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table and big swivel stools, to the other side a well stocked library of paper and
electronic books, a large coffee table, and five big armchairs. A fifteen foot counter
was ranged along the back wall, the small glass partitions showing the trays and
plates of food inside, everything ready and cooked, sealed hygienically in the
bacteria proof containment. A stainless steel door at each end of the counter was
undoubtedly for the dirty dishes. On top of the counter were several containers, one
an urn which, from the smell of it, contained hot una, another for drinking water
and a third for some kind of juice. Every bit of furniture and utensil was fastened
securely for travel.
Heddam and Simon were sitting at the table drinking from steaming mugs.
Another trader she recognized as Shamon was standing near the food counter with
a bowl of some kind of dessert in his hands.
They all looked up as she entered and stood waiting. Their mouths fell open and
they blinked.
For a second she wondered what had caught them by surprise, then remembered
and reached up to touch her hair.  I was wearing a wig.
 Disguised for roaming the settlement? Simon queried as Heddam stood up and
crossed the cabin to her.
 Mmm. The traders might be no threat to her, but that didn t mean she had to
tell them anything.
Taking the pack from her hand, Heddam dropped it against the wall and placed a
hand at the small of her back.  Come and get something to eat and drink.
 Take my word for it, Shamon said as she came to the counter,  regardless of
what your mother told you, dessert before the main course is perfectly fine.
 I believe you. She smiled slightly.
 I ll tell your mother you said so, Shamon, Heddam told his friend.  But what
Tasi needs is a good feed. Heddam pointed down to the hot section of the counter.
 Take a choice, as long as  tis nourishing.
 I don t get to have dessert first?
Heddam looked down at her.  You want dessert first?
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The man was really too easy to tease. He didn t know her well enough to be able
to tell when she wasn t serious. He didn t know her well enough and he never
would.
The thought was enough to remind her where she was and she just smiled to let
him know she was kidding before lifting the lid of one of the glass compartments
and lifting out a bowl of stew. The fragrance was delicious, and the chunks of fresh
vegetables and meat floating in it were the best things she d seen in days.
Within minutes Heddam had her seated at the table with a spoon and a glass of
delicious, icy berry juice.
Shamon sat beside her eating his dessert, while Simon and Heddam cupped their
mugs in their hands and watched her from the opposite side of the table.
For a few minutes she simply enjoyed eating fresh food. Whoever had cooked [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]