The Child Rescuer
an excerpt

I suppose it was safe to say that I never quite begin each day in the same way. In most cases there is always some sort of variant of which I have absolutely no control over.

In this case, I, Mekki Hunter, am referring to my dear resident Captain. The most distinguished Roald Stern.

A commoner won to an extraordinary place by the majority vote of the people, he’s good enough and well-liked by most of us.

I prefer to appreciate him on alternating days. Today I do not.

Particularly since he let himself into my little home, granted it is merely a sleeping cabin with a so-called kitchen area for me to prepare whatever I order from the food replicator, but he is also bellowing my name at the top of his lungs.

That, is an awakening I could do without.

I tumble out of bed and grab the nearest thing at hand. My black silk robe, granted that I sleep in my work jumpsuit, but I don’t think he needs to know that bit of information.

Tying the belt in a knot, I stick my head through the doorway only to have it collide with his.

“Mekki!” He exclaims, exasperated. “I was looking all over for you!”

“Yes, I know.” I tell him, tapping his chest for him to move so I can pass. “I heard you. Loud and clear.”

He moves to the side and I realize that he has brought a guest with him.

No wonder he seems embarrassed.

“Mind if we move outdoors?” I head for the hall without waiting for an answer. Dervy doesn’t like visitors and he especially hates to work in front of them. I know the messed up bed and dirty floor will drive him crazy unless he can clean it.

“Actually, we…don’t mind at all.” Roald’s voice has gone flat, I smile inwardly as he falls into step behind me.

I wonder what exactly happened that led to his searching for me so early in the day. Usually my services are not required until midday or the afternoon.

The man beside him looks remarkably like an animal. His hair is sticking up all over the place, he looks as if he shaved by running his face through a singer and daubing it with paste afterwards.

I yawn. I must have had nightmares. No wonder my thoughts are rather cynical. I consider myself to be rather good-natured and even-tempered.

Or at least so I would like to think of myself.