Parasites by Jason Halstead Page A

good as can be expected. She’s near the upper end of those affected, with proper gene therapy it’s possible for her to lead a normal life.”
    “That was close to nine years ago.” He was thankful she hadn’t pointed out the obvious, that nobody survived past their fifth year with Spartans without significant, and expensive, therapy.
    “That’s why I’m here, Doctor,” Jeremy said. “All of my checks go to her therapy. There was no other way I could make enough to pay for it. I was just catching up on status updates that had been sent while we were enroute. I’ve got about three years worth remaining, but I can do that after we’re settled at the colony.”
    Dr. Rice stared at him for a long moment. “I was saying, Mr. Sinclair, that the transport is leaving for the surface in four hours. I believe most of our equipment has been loaded but…I’m going to check and make sure nothing has been overlooked. I’ll expect you’ll want to review your own items as well?”
    Jeremy nodded, not sure if he was believing his ears.
    “Good, I’ll leave it to you to determine how much time that will take. I’ll see you on the transport.”
    Dr. Rice turned and left. The door to his quarters shut behind her, sealing him in. Jeremy stared at the door until his brain started working again. “Maybe she’s not the cold fish I’d read about,” he mused aloud. With a shrug he turned back to the display on his desk and pulled up the next message. He smiled and fought to blink past the blurriness in his vision. Jasmine was six in the picture and looked like a normal girl, even if her gaze was distant and unfocused. Modern medicine couldn’t cure everything, but this was as close to a miracle as he’d ever dared to dream.
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 2
     
    “Listen up!”
    Jeremy snapped his head up again, surprised by the harsh tone. The Coalition Marine who spoke was sitting in her chair and letting her serious gaze travel over all of the science crew. When her eyes touched his he felt a sudden urge to hide. She looked angry and he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of it.
    “My name is Lance Corporal Fiona Kate. I’m in charge of Fire Team Charlie. I’m also in charge of keeping you people out of our way. Orbital scans show an atmosphere rich in nitrogen, oxygen, and other trace elements that make it nice and breathable for humans. You do not need containment suits, but you will stay in this transport until you have clearance to leave. Do you understand?”
    Jeremy glanced around and saw everyone staring at the Lance Corporal with expressions that he was sure mirrored what he was feeling.
    “You people are supposed to be some of the smartest people out there, prove it by not doing anything stupid! Do you understand?” Lance Corporal Kate yelled at them.
    Shocked into reaction, Jeremy found himself stiffening and responding, “Yes Lance Corporal!”
    He noted that some of the others had responded as well but none quite like he had. Jeremy felt his cheeks warm in the cold interior of the transport, then the icy chill returned when he noticed the Marine staring intently at him. Her eyes dipped to the name sewn on his environmental suit. “You a Marine…Sinclair?”
    “No Lance Corporal,” Jeremy said. “I was in the Navy.”
    Lance Corporal Kate grunted and looked away from him. He felt Dr. Rice looking at him from her seat beside him.
    “That’s not in your dossier,” She said low enough to keep anyone else from hearing.
    He ignored her, forcing himself to continue staring straight ahead. His time in the Navy was of no interest or use to anyone, least of all him. “Good,” He said, refusing to speak any further on it. If she made an issue of it he’d do what he had to — it wasn’t like he had a choice to leave and find a new job! He was stuck with Rice and, he supposed, she was stuck with him.
    The most recent image of a nine year old Jasmine filled his mind, soothing the added tension in his