We pulled to the curb. Around us, students and academics walked or rode small transports. A fountain glimmered in the distance under bright artificial daylight. A sign on one of the builders said Cimer University.
“We’re here,” Croyzer said. “Professor Dok’s building is 32-1A. His office is on the second floor science lab, there’s a receptionist.”
“Thanks for the lift,” I said. “We’ll take it from here.”
Croyzer nodded.
“Let me know if the investigation makes any progress,” I added.
Nod. Cool, one-eyed stare.
The door opened. Jefel, the large officer, looked down impassively at us. Maauro slipped out of the car with commendable speed. I slid across the seat to follow her.
“Fels,”
I looked over at her.
“There’s more going on here. With you, with the little princess there, and with the Ribisans and it involves my city. You’re Confed, I know there’s not a lot I can do to stop you, but you might find yourself in need of an ally soon.”
Taking a page from her book, I nodded.
A vexed look crossed her face then, as if she realized what I had done, she grinned briefly.
I got out of the car.
Maauro and I made our way into the building and past the students.
“You know,” I said. “I just realized that I smell of smoke and fire and you don’t.”
Maauro paused. “Yes, I was sanitizing myself and just realized that could have been a mistake. I wonder if Croyzer noticed?”
“She’s sharp, that one.” I pointed at a bathroom and ducked in. After a few minutes washing up I judged I was ready for company.
But we were to be disappointed. Dok evidently had a lecture and as we were an hour late, he’d moved on. We took advantage of the situation. I demanded to inspect the school’s fusion reactor lab. After ordering everyone out, I gave Maauro the chance to plug in and recharge to her heart’s content. I sat outside to avoid radiation poisoning. In twenty minutes she appeared at the doorway and waved.
“Well, I am refueled. There is a school cafeteria. We can get something for you.”
“Great,” I said without enthusiasm. Then I spotted a sign: Rathskellar. “Ah, good to see that some things about colleges never change. This will be better than a cafeteria. Follow me.” We walked down to a sublevel of noise and young people, many in full-body dyes and some not wearing a great deal beyond that.
Funny, I thought of them as young people though I was barely seven years older than most of them. Yet those years had tacked almost infinite miles between myself and these carefree students. No one had tried to kill them today.
Some people smiled at us. One group actually waved us over, but we declined with smiles. I asked the waitress for a quiet place in the back.
“No quiet place around here,” she grinned. She had dark-skin and eyes, golden earrings bounced and flickered on her earlobes. “But there’s a make-out corner that’s not being used. Hey, you aren’t supposed to be kissing on duty are you?”
I winked. “We’ll control ourselves. Beers and pizza, please.”
“Sure,” she showed us to a booth in a dark corner. We slid into it. The noise level was low enough for normal conversation and while we still caught looks from the crowd, there was no one close by.
The waitress slid tall, frosty beers in front of us. “Pizzas just come out. How many slices?”
“Four for starters,” I replied.
I lifted the beer and held it before Maauro’s eyes. “Cheers.”
She duplicated my gesture and we both put a good dent in the contents. I sat back with a sigh. “Go ahead.” I said. “Let me have it.”
“Wrik can you explain your reaction to Captain Croyzer?” I asked, lowering the stein.
He hesitates, then his jaw firms. “You know your life changes. You think you are past certain things. Past being treated a certain way. Then you meet someone who brings it all back.”
“I’m afraid I do not understand.”
Now his face takes on an embarrassed cast. “I guess that I’m no longer used to being treated like that anymore. Like I used to be when I was nobody and nothing in the offport of Kandalor. The local cops treated me like I was something stuck to their shoes. That’s the way she looked at me. I guess that got my back up.”
Further conversation is delayed as the waitress returns and slides plates of pizza in front of us. Wrik orders refills on the beer. I wonder if this is wise, then consider that he has had a narrow escape from death, the second in days. Perhaps it would be as well to allow him some rest and relaxation. So we enjoy the pizza and beer for a few minutes. Wrik orders another slice and then leans back in apparent contentment.
I cocked my head at him. “Captain Croyzer is an attractive human female, isn’t she?”
His face was a mix of surprise and a touch of guilt? “I suppose if you like the type.”
“What type would that be? She appears to be somewhat older—”
“Yeah, she doesn’t look like it though,” Wrik said with an air of distraction.
“Her hair seems odd, the way it hung in her face, even though it covers an artificial eye. There was little need for concealment; it is a quality prosthetic.”
“She pays serious attention to the way she looks.”
“Were her features what would be considered pleasant?”
“Yeah, in a severe sort of way. She had very full lips … Maauro.”
“Yes.”
“Why are you asking these questions?”
“Because I think your somewhat extreme reactions are the result of an attraction to her.”
“What!?!”
“It is hardly surprising. She is by your own comments: attractive, intelligent and powerful – qualities one looks for in a mate.”
“I’m not looking for a mate, or have you forgotten Jaelle?”
“I forget nothing. I don’t even delete anymore.”
“Sorry, figure of speech. But God no, I don’t need any additional complications.”
“Wrik, I did not accuse you of intending anything toward Croyzer, but you are a young human male and she is an extraordinary female. Your having an attraction to her is probably not something you can completely control.”
He grimaced, which told me that I was correct.
“She,” he hesitated, “she reminds me of the girls from homeworld. I guess I wasn’t prepared for it.”
“It is not entirely one-sided.”
“What?”
“Attraction in the female of your species is marked by a dilation of the eyes and flush to the skin, as well as a fuller redness to the lips. These signs were all there.”
“Umm, I think those are the same signs for suppressed rage. A state I believe she spends a lot of time in.”
“My point, Wrik, is that Jaelle, with her wish for children, has upset the balance of our network. By doing so, she has also caused you to reassess your relations with females of your species.”
“Now really does not seem to be a good time to be worrying about this.”
“That is true,” I conceded, “I only wish you to be aware of the attraction between you. It may be either useful or dangerous to us. Perhaps both.”
“Ok. I’ll watch it. Though I can’t imagine why a woman like that would be interested in me.”
“You are not unattractive.”
“Thanks.” He raised his beer in salute and drank.
“You command a ship, which gives you status. Beyond that, you are not from here and neither a superior nor subordinate of hers. That makes you an acceptable choice to her, at least as an item of interest. If it turns out to be a mistake, it is a self-limiting one, as you will not remain long.”
“You mean she just wants to use me for sex?” He gives his lop-side
d smile. “I feel so cheap and tawdry.”
I judge the last comments to be humor based on context and his expression. I decide that I’ve conveyed as much warning as he is capable of dealing with for the present. I reach for the last slice of pizza.
Chapter Fourteen
Hours later we return to the hotel that Wrik is staying at. The Star and Comet building is light and airy with many levels. Only the sleeping quarters are entirely inside as there is no fear of bad weather inside the floating city.
When we enter the lobby, a slender and attractive red-haired female in a tight dress that reveals much of the body beneath, catches my eye and motions me over. I slip away from Wrik, who is checking for messages and picking up some items from the front desk. I send him a brief message not to look for me and to take his time.
The woman takes my arm and leads me into an alcove behind some plants. “I’m Baracia. They sent me over to entertain Lieutenant Fels. Can you introduce me?”
I am tempted to introduce her into a long fall into the planet’s interior. “Plans have changed. The Lieutenant and I have visited some of the same worlds. I will be handling the entertaining.”
“You?” she said. “Aren’t you a bit young—”
“I am older than I look,” I reply. I scan her portacomp, cracking its pitiful security instantly. I see she is promised a thousand credits for a night of sex with Wrik. I message a false order to her portacomp canceling her appointment and reroute a thousand credits from Wrik’s account to hers, laundering it through several transactions. This takes .023 seconds. “In any event, you’ve been paid for your time.”
She gives me a dubious look, checks her portacomp to find the message and check her credit balance. She brightens visibly. “Well, that gives me an evening all to myself. Pity though,” she casts a calculating eye at Wrik. “He’s not bad-looking and it’s always fun to meet someone new. These spacers aren’t usually much work after months in transit. They go off like rockets themselves.” She gave a knowing laugh.
I smile in response, as something seems required.
“Have fun,” she says over her shoulder as she steps back into the street.
We gain the security of Wrik’s apartment. The robospider I sent with Wrik is no longer needed and I have reabsorbed it. I check our security myself. They have no cameras in the bedroom so I need not invent a loop of video for our unseen watchers there. I guide Wrik into the bedroom and close the door. Ambient music will cover our conversation. A proper scanner could isolate speech, but my software defenses will prevent that. It might raise suspicion, but less so than being eavesdropped on.
We order room service and a live waiter brings up the food. I again don one of Wrik’s uniform shirts and the server’s intrigued expression tells me that I am successful in planting the desired implication. Doubtless someone will interrogate him about his observations. Between my intrusions into their computers and the natural tendency of bureaucratic organizations not to questions orders, I am comfortable no one will figure out how I assigned myself to Wrik. They wanted him entertained by a female; the details will not concern them.
We enjoy our meal, discussing but gaining no clues as to how I could possibly have been intercepted high in the sky. I devour my dessert with enthusiasm, savoring the complicated chemical combinations. Wrik gives me a tired smile, as he always does when I show my affections for sweets. He likes it when I seem more like a real girl.
I notice however that Wrik’s face is drawn with fatigue. I quickly clear the dishes. “You must rest. The toll on your body has been severe over these two days.”
He shakes his head. “We have so much to do—”
“Must I use my stunner?”
He smiles again, but his eyes are closing. I push him gently to the bedroom. He tries to say something but exhaustion claims him and he is asleep almost immediately after he stretches out. I monitor his vital signs attentively, but it is only deep sleep. I remain on the bed, nearby, motionless, watchful.
A channel clicks open in my head. It is Jaelle, she and Dusko must be in orbit.
“Jaelle to Maauro, God this is weird sending a message with my brain.”
“Jaelle, I hear you. Are you and Dusko well?”
“I got her!” she says aloud to Dusko. I fine-tune the signal and now can see out of her eyes. I could do so with Dusko as well if I wanted to but there is no need. I will hear what he says through her. I also know the suspicious Dua-Denlenn will be happier if I am not actively in his mind. I observe them sitting in the small bridge of the Stardust, Dusko in Wrik’s place at the controls, which would make Wrik unhappy if he saw it.
“Are you and Wrik all right?” she continues speaking aloud for Dusko’s benefit.
“We are now,” I send using each one’s channel so they hear me directly.
I give her a sitrep on our infiltration to date and my assurance that Wrik is well.
“Zazal’s claws,” she explodes. “It’s a wonder you’re both alive!”
“What is your status?” I replied to divert her concern.
“We are in orbit, keeping out of sight of the Pisces as would be expected if any Guilders are looking at us. Now tell me about Wrik.”
“Wrik is asleep. The days have been strenuous but we are both in good health. What is of greatest concern is how I could be intercepted by fighters on my entry to Cimer. This is either an incredible stroke of bad fortune, or our unseen enemies have intelligence on our movements from a source I cannot fathom.”
“Shall we break off and return to Star Central?” Dusko asks. “If our covers are worthless…”
“I do not believe that is the case. Our cover story here has held up. I think that, as before, some faction among the Ribisans is moving against us. Cleary they have more assets here but they too do not want to break cover. Such surreptitious action tells me that they fear discovery and interference from other factions. If the human city authorities did not believe Wrik to be Confed military, we would have been detained by now.”
“So we go ahead with contacting the Guild?” Jaelle asks
“Yes.”
“No time like the present,” Dusko says with a grimace.
Jaelle nods and switches on the radio. “I’ve got the Guild encryption on. Pity it’s so out of date.”
Dusko shrugs. “Given the distances out here the normal communication channels don’t change much – too much time lag.”
“SV Longshot to Cimer base,” Jaelle says. A minute passes and she repeats the encoded call several times.
Finally. “Cimer base to SV Longshot, acknowledged. What do you want?” the voice was gravely with an accent I associate with Moroks.
“Oh the usual,” Jaelle says, “easy wealth, no taxes, to avoid Confed Patrols and to live to a ripe retirement.”
“Your code is an old one, Longshot,” the voice replies dryly.
“I’ve been out of circulation, securing a very valuable cargo.”
“That is of interest, who am I speaking with?”
“Fyvia Minogue, ship’s master. I am last out of Manadar in allegiance to House Ferlan. Who am I speaking with?”
“For now, simply Cimer Guild Control.”
“You’re very cautious CGC, I approve. I have not lived this long by neglecting caution either. What is the weather forecast over Cimer presently?”
“Presently stormy and uncertain.”
“Damn, what type of storms?”
“A small plague of comets,” the Morok replies
“Slang for Confed Navy,” Dusko sends mentally.
“Unfortunate,” Jaelle replies, “I do not wish to linger in this area as other opportunities beckon.”
“The weather might be better on another voyage.”
“This one would have to demonstrate profit before I would consider a return. As I indicated I have valuables to trade
and am looking to establish a connection here. “Can you get me down?’
“Whole ship or cargo shuttle?”
“Shuttle for now.”
There was such delay in responding that I began to wonder if we had lost our contact. Several times Jaelle made as if to speak, each time Dusko forestalled her with a hand gesture.
“Longshot, this is ground base. I am uploading code and coordinates. We have an automatic shuttle due in from one of the lunar mining operations. They come in by ALS in a section of the city used only by automatics. We can substitute you in at 27.60 local time. Synchronize your chronometers with Cimer’s normal landing beacon. We’ll give you a parking orbit free of comets and let you know if they move.
“You will be met on landing. Be prepared to prove your status. There will be a 5,000 credit addition to the customary fees for covering your landing. Up to you if it is worth it.”
“It will be. Longshot has received the download.”
“There will be no further communication until you land. Ground base out.”
“Charming rascal,” Jaelle says.
“The first test passed,” I add.
“I’m suspicious that they just happened to have a shuttle coming in six hours from now,” Jaelle says.
“They don’t,” Dusko replies. “I used to keep an automatic lander in near orbit back on Kandalor. I could always use it on short notice to cover any Guild connection or landing I needed to make. My bet is he does the same. The fact that he’s agreeing to land a Guild ship he doesn’t know, with an obsolete code, tells me he is hungry, looking for profit and willing to take risks. It’ll also make him dangerous.”
“Agreed,” I send. “It was wise to offer to land only the shuttle, it preserves our options and he will be less concerned about a shuttle. Getting Stardust down unnoted would likely be impossible.”
“I’m not thrilled about it in any event,” Jaelle says. “Candace gave us a bunch of nasty stuff, drugs, illegal medicines and software, not to mention the weapons. If we get pulled by real station authorities, we could be in the gas mines for the rest of our short lives. “
Against That Time Page 14
