London Pride, Or, When the World Was Younger by M. E. Braddon (fiction books to read .TXT) 📕

Rosanheer nodded. “No thanks. You can have the honors,” he grumbled back.

They continued into the main part of the city, where Cidele was waiting. Rosanheer stepped to the back of the group, watching for who was wounded. Danstu held back with Rosanheer, pointing out four people he believed needed medical treatment.

In the middle of the city, across from the cafeteria, Cidele stood to wait for them. Behind her sat a table covered with all sizes of clothing, care packages with cleaning supplies, and bundles of fresh blankets and linen.

Zion approached Cidele, shaking his head pleased. “This is impressive. What made you believe this was needed?” he asked.

“Not bad for a woman, right?” she jabbed, having had to deal with his sexist remarks in the past. “I was thinking ahead. Sedom mentioned you were going out to search for survivors,” she said. In her hands, she held a computer pad. She glanced over Zion's shoulder, shaking her head, befuddled by the group of people that they had returned with. “Good fishing, I see. How many did you catch this time?” she asked.

Zion glanced back at the group, and then ran his hands through his cropped black hair. “We have twelve men, eight boys. I'm not sure who belongs to whom yet. Rosanheer is taking the injured to the infirmary. He's,” he motioned to Danstu who was gazing up at the light source in amazement. “Nokinil's nephew. Do me a favor and take special care of him,” he requested.

“Special? Favor? What is he, royalty?” she tittered.

“I’m not sure yet. I just have a feeling about him. It’s my belief that he’s the only one in the group that shows any signs of significant intelligence. Though, they are all dazed from the attack and it’s hard to tell who’s thinking straight. If you have any issues, talk to Danstu. Alree,” he motioned to Alree, who was standing next to Rosanheer.

“The dusty one?” Cidele asked.

Zion grunted. “He’s under protective custody. It has something to do about being a war criminal and working with the Wyice’s. Sortec knows more. She also ordered the orbs to watch him. Treat him like the others and let Sortec handle him. Rosanheer will take those needing medical attention to the infirmary,” he said motioning to Rosanheer, who was now kneeling on one knee to talk to one of the children.

Cidele nodded, taking in all the information. “Too bad he’s Marisheio. I’m actually starting to like him,” she admitted. She glanced down to her computer again. “She doesn't like to make it easy on us does she?” she muttered low. “I'm running out of furnished housing. She's going to have to wait to play hero for at least a month so I can catch up replicating furniture and bedding.”

Zion chuckled. “The upside is you'll have more help. Do you need me to stick around?”

Cidele shook her head. “As long as they're not dangerous, I'm good.”

Zion turned to the group, clearing his throat to gain their attention. “Everyone, this is Cidele. She'll be handling your housing arrangements until Sortec decides what to do next.” He pointed back to Cidele who shyly waved to the group.

Rosanheer nodded a friendly hello to Cidele, who ignored him. He continued on, gathering six of the men. “I'll take all the children with me and have the doc check them out as well,” he called to Cidele.

“Thanks,” she returned, half-acknowledging him.

Cidele approached the group, her computer pad in hand. “Welcome to Gathow everyone. I'm sure you’re all anxious to get a good night's rest and find your loved-ones.”

One man nudged Danstu then whispered something to him. Danstu nodded. “I'll ask.” He cleared his throat causing Cidele to glance over at him.

“Yes?” she asked.

“Is there a list of…” Danstu paused when he noticed Cidele look up at him with her beautiful blue eyes. Her beauty momentarily took his breath away. “Um… list of um--”

“Of those rescued from the city? Yes, I have one along with their locations. I'll provide everyone with a copy. Please, let me know if you’ll be planning on staying with a person on the list so I don’t double up on the housing assignments,” Cidele requested. She took a plastic card from her yellow smock, swiping it across her computer pad then handed it to the man next to Danstu. “Block seven, housing four-zero-one. There’s clothing, personal care items, and blankets on the tables. Food is served in the cafeteria.” She pointed to the building behind them.

One by one she checked in the people, handing them door cards. She paused when she reached Danstu. “I was informed you’re the smart one in this group. So smarty, do you have a last name?” she asked with a warm, almost flirtatious smile.

Danstu was beside himself. “Um...”

“Are you okay? You might want one of our doctors to look at that,” she asked concerned, motioning to his bruised cheek.

Danstu felt to his head, a trickle of blood seeping from a small cut. His face reddened. “No, it's nothing. Hit my head on a branch when I was running in the forest. I guess I'm a little overwhelmed by all this. It’s been a rough couple of days,” he admitted.

“Gathow does that to you,” Cidele grinned back. “Do you have a last name?”

“Oh, yes, Danstu Keriney. K-E-R--”

“I’ve got it. Strange, you were already in the database. Just to make sure, what’s your age and occupation?” she interrupted. She looked up at him through the tops of her eyes, waiting for him to answer.

“Twenty-six, political advisor,” he returned with pride.

Cidele frowned as she looked at the computer. “Advisor? Yes, that would be you.” She turned her eyes back to him. “Advisor to Nokinil? He’s not registered in the system,” she questioned.

Danstu looked away, grinning uneasily as a tinge of pink crept across his pale white skin.