Page 72 of Sky Song
What else, indeed. “Do they know who?” she asked cautiously.
“Not yet. Yanet came by and said the latest news was, the attack originated here, at the hospital, but that’s all they know.”
Cricket’s stomach roiled a little. “I hope our tech team makes progress soon.” Fixing the system, that was. Not finding the culprit. “Where’s Salty?”
“Oh, crap.” Terrance made a snapping gesture with his gloved fingers. “She went upstairs to report your absence.”
In light of Kim’s disappearance, Dr. Ragberg was liable to send peacekeepers to her house for a welfare check.
Forgoing the elevator, Cricket took the stairs, once again grateful for the newly acquired strength in her legs. And not a hint of a wheeze appeared in her lungs, even by the time she reached the sixth floor.
Speed-walking toward Dr. Ragberg’s office, she rounded the corner and knocked on his door, praying she wasn’t too late.
“It’s Emma, Dr. Ragberg. Are you busy?” she called from behind the door.
It opened to reveal Yanet. “Here she is!”
“Emma!”
She walked in, all eyes on Dr. Ragberg seated behind his desk. “I was late, I’m sorry.”
Salty was in the room as well, but instead of greeting Cricket, she curled her lip at her.
“You gave us a fright. I was considering sending officials to check on you.” Dr. Ragberg’s nice, kind eyes scrutinized her, making her twitch on the inside. There was no censorship in his gaze, and he looked genuinely relieved.
“It’s my fault for not calling in. I’m sorry,” Cricket repeated, wondering wildly how Lyle would have reacted to a couple of peacekeepers knocking on her door or, God forbid, breaking it down. She was more than relieved she wouldn’t have to find out.
She glanced at Salty who looked disappointed at having tattled for nothing, and at Yanet who had this crafty look about her like she knew something Cricket didn’t.
“No harm no foul,” Dr. Ragberg said. “I’m glad you’re fine, Emma. But since you’re here, might as well get some business over with.” He gestured for her to sit down. “Kim’s been gone long enough, and although her situation is still unresolved, I’m asking you to act as an interim team lead.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Things have sure been out of order these past few weeks.” He laughed, and there was a nervous edge to it. “Everyone needs stability. A team lead is important for every unit, and I’m confident you’ll be a good one.”
Immediately, Cricket knew she didn’t want this responsibility, no matter a pay increase. Not with the way things were between them at the lab, not with Lyle who upended her life and made it impossible to think straight, and not with the supply room door.
But it was Dr. Ragberg who was asking. “I… It’s so unexpected. Thank you, Dr. Ragberg.”
Salty stirred in the corner. “Why her? She’s only a junior tech.”
“Emma has excellent leadership qualities,” Dr. Ragberg defended her merits. “She stepped up to the task with the alien delegation and handled it very professionally. Dr. Nura and I were very impressed.”
Salty wasn’t. “She’s from Earth!”
Being from Earth was a blemish that never went away.
Dr. Ragberg gave Salty a brief but reproachful look. “We know.” He let her go along with Yanet who looked disappointed at not learning a new juicy piece of gossip she could spread around the hospital.
“A few words with you, Emma,” Dr. Ragberg detained her. “We just had a bad system glitch that seems to have been the result of a cyber attack. The security at the hospital will be enhanced. As a team lead, it’s important you stay vigilant.”
Cricket cringed inwardly. “Of course, Dr. Ragberg.”
His clear eyes were fully on her. “There will be new check-in procedures.”
“Understood.”
“No visitors will be allowed from this point on. If anyone - and I meananyone- tries to gain entry, you are to raise the alarm. We rely on you, Emma.”
