Vanderdeken's Children

by Christopher Bulis

  'In what capacity?' Lanchard asked.

  'In the interests of peace and goodwill between planets, naturally,' the Doctor said.

  Sam felt Rexton's intense scrutiny pass over them. He's a politician, she thought. He knows he can't ignore a Moderator, so he's trying to make the best of it.

  'Then you should talk to the Nimosians first,' he suggested. 'They're obviously more in need of your services than we are. Remind them they're infringing our territorial space, and that we have prior claim on the derelict.'

  'Oh I will, if it becomes necessary,' the Doctor assured him, leaning forward to emphasise his words, his eyes glittering intensely.'In fact I will do anything to avoid unnecessary harm coming to any occupant of the Cirrandarta or the Indomitable - or even the crew of the alien vessel, if it has one. I hope you will bear that in mind.'

  Rexton bristled, taking the words as a thinly veiled warning. He glowered at the Doctor, as though trying to cow him with the force of his will. Sam saw their eyes lock and realised Rexton assumed the Doctor was as mild and youthful as he looked. But after just a few seconds it was Rexton who turned aside, as though he had seen unexpected depths in those cool blue eyes opposite him.

  Lanchard tried to lower the tension. 'We're very grateful for your offer, Doctor. Of course we hope that the situation can be resolved peacefully.'

  'Then you will stay well clear of the derelict?' 'We cannot weaken our claim to salvage,' Rexton said. 'You have over two thousand civilians on board,'

  the Doctor reminded him.'You cannot involve them in your dispute with Nimos.' 'We don't intend to,' Lanchard said. 'A Federation evacuation ship is on its way. By the way, do you wish to contact the Assembly yourself to confirm the arrangements? You are welcome to use our priority channel.'

  "That won't be necessary,' the Doctor said quickly. 'I'm sure it's coming as fast as possible.'

  'As long as the proper measures have been taken,' Sam explained, 'we like to keep a low profile. Our main concern is the alien vessel.'

  She saw Rexton frown suspiciously but continued,'Obviously if it is the property of a previously unknown alien race then the Federation must be fully briefed. For all we know their sphere of influence may border on Federation territory. I trust we can count on your cooperation in this matter, which I'm sure you will appreciate is clearly in the best interests of both the Federation and Emindar.'

  That sounded pretty smooth, Sam thought. Out of the corner of her eye she caught the Doctor's tiny approving smile and felt a warm glow of pleasure.

  'Naturally,' Rexton assured her. 'We want to maintain amicable relations with the Federation.'

  'That being the case,' the Doctor said brightly, 'how soon will your modified shuttle be ready to attempt a landing on the derelict?'

  Rexton looked taken aback.

  'Oh, it's inevitable you'll make the attempt,' the Doctor said.'As will the Nimosians, I should think. But don't turn this into a race, Councillor. You might all lose in the end.'

  'You can't stop us landing on the derelict and claiming salvage rights,'

  Rexton said.

  'Even after what happened to the Nimosians?' Sam pointed out. Rexton didn't trouble to reply.

  'No, I can't stop you,' the Doctor admitted, 'though I do most strongly advise against it.' He looked hopefully into Rexton's face but saw only stubborn defiance.'No, I thought you wouldn't change your mind. In that case I request places be set aside for us to accompany the mission.'

  'I'm not sure that will be possible,' Rexton said quickly. "The capacity of a shuttle is limited. We will need to send a full team over. Technical experts and suitably qualified personnel, you understand.'

  'But we are experts,' Sam insisted.

  'And supposing there are members of the alien crew still on board the ship,'

  the Doctor pointed out. 'Having Federation representatives with you would be an advantage - one the Nimosians would not have should they land before you. We do have considerable practical experience in similar situations which you would benefit from. Post-spaceflight industrial archaeology is a hobby of mine. I once wrote an article on it for the Interstellar Pangraphic . Have you read it? No? Remind me to send you a copy.'

  Sam saw Rexton's expression change subtly. 'Very well, Doctor. I accept your arguments have some merit. You and Ms Jones may accompany the boarding party.'

  'Ah, and I promised to ask, on behalf of Lyset Wynter and Don Delray, if they could also join the exploratory party,' the Doctor added. 'Ms Wynter would like to record events for posterity and take a closer look at the derelict.'

  "The photographer and the actor?' Rexton scowled. 'Ridiculous!' 'Foolhardy on their part, perhaps,' the Doctor said, 'but not necessarily ridiculous. I would have thought a professional photographer would be quite useful to help document the interior of the craft.' A fresh thought appeared to strike him. 'Unless you think there's something about it that should be kept secret?' he mused guilelessly.

  'I will not speculate on the matter,' Rexton replied stiffly. He frowned. 'I suppose Wynter may come as long as she submits her pictures for official vetting before they are published.' The Doctor beamed at him.'I'm sure she'd agree to that.' 'And Don Delray?' Sam asked.

  'No. This is not some juvenile adventure vid,' Rexton said firmly. 'No, it's merely the investigation of a derelict spacecraft which you're turning into an interstellar incident,' Captain Lanchard interjected.'And it's making the passengers and crew uneasy. Delray is a popular figure people can identify with. If he and Wynter want to go along - and they'll sign waivers absolving the company of any responsibility - then it might help reassure them.

  Remember, you need this ship to remain calm for another couple of days until relief forces arrive. Think about it.' "The Captain may be right,' the Doctor said. Rexton sighed. 'Very well,' he conceded with bad grace. 'We'll let you know when the shuttle modifications are complete,' Lanchard said to Sam and the Doctor.'About two hours from now was the last estimate.'

  'Good,' said the Doctor, rising from his chair. 'We have preparations of our own to make.'

  ***

  When they were back in the lift descending towards the hold, Sam looked at the Doctor curiously. 'Looks like Lyset Wynter's going to have her destiny fulfilled like you said. Did you think out the argument for taking her along as soon as she asked? And were you ready to speak up for Delray as well?'

  'It did occur to me that their proposed participation might influence matters somewhat,' the Doctor admitted.'Captain Lanchard was obviously thinking along the same lines, so I think it was inevitable. Anyway, Rexton's response suggests he knows more than he's letting on about the derelict.

  He's acting on more than mere speculation.'

  'Yeah, he knows something all right,' Sam agreed. 'Actually I'm surprised he let us tag along so easily.'

  'Probably because he realised our presence, as Moderators, might dissuade the Nimosians from taking drastic action against the boarding party,' the Doctor explained matter-of-factly.

  Sam found that her mouth had gone curiously dry. 'So we're a sort of insurance policy?'

  'Something like that. I hope our premiums are fully paid.'

  ***

  Vega had the boarding party - except Reng, who was still working on the shuttle modifications - assemble in the briefing room. On the big screen covering most of one wall were pictures of the alien ship taken from every angle. For an hour they had analysed its every detail and plotted likely points of access, referring to the enlarged views showing what they tentatively assumed were hatchways, almost hidden amid the complex topography of its hull.

  As they conferred Vega examined the team with a critical eye.

  Lieutenant Matt Tane, third in command and the Indomitable's armaments specialist, would lead the party. Exhibiting his usual external coolness, he was making careful notes on his personal datapad. First Pilot Del Argen was half smiling, his eyes flicking across the images as though it was a new land he was about to conquer. In contrast Second
Tech Render, Reng's assistant for the mission, looked quietly resigned to his duty.

  Seated behind them were the six marines who would provide their escort, appearing professionally alert and easily concealing any anxiety they might be feeling.After all, this was what they were trained for.A little apart from them was the solid form of Squadleader Harren Sho.As always his face was unreadable. If he had ever exhibited any sign of the slightest outward anxiety in any situation, Vega had never heard of it. He was not a comfortable person to have around. His men respected but did not like him, and as far as Vega knew he had no close friends. But if you needed somebody to rely on absolutely to get a job done, no matter what the cost, he was your man.

  When the briefing was concluded, Vega addressed them. 'Although we still believe the vessel is empty, after what happened to Kerven we can't take any chances. The energy discharge and gravity shift may have been a routine function or some defence mechanism. Be extremely cautious before committing yourself. Remember this may be a first contact situation.

  Make it peaceful if you can - we're not looking to make any new enemies.

  But don't hesitate to defend yourselves if it becomes necessary. Aliens must learn to treat Nimosians with respect.

  'We've no idea why the Emindians are so interested in the alien craft, but if they're willing to risk facing us down with a civilian ship carrying Federation passengers then, in the opinion of the Intelligence analysts back home, it must be something important. A task force will be dispatched from the Fourth Fleet to reinforce us, but even at top speed they're over a day away.

  Meanwhile the Emindians may try to land a party on the alien craft with a view to occupying it. Hopefully we will board first, in which case your mission is to discover whatever the Emindians are after and recover it for our use. This is your prime objective. If that is not possible and, in your judgement, the item or knowledge could pose any possible threat to Nimos, then at the very least you will deny it to the Emindians.That'll be your decision, Matt, if there's no opportunity to confer with me.'

  Tane nodded slightly. 'Understood, sir.'

  'If the Emindians effect entry and establish a bridgehead on the craft before we do, then they must be removed, peacefully if possible. But if it becomes necessary, you are authorised to use whatever force necessary to achieve your objective.'

  ***

  The brief message, relayed via ship phone to their suite, stating that Councillor Rexton would be honoured if Ms Lyset Wynter and Mr Don Delray would accompany the craft soon to be dispatched to explore the derelict, was greeted with unalloyed delight by Lyset.

  'The Doctor came through!' she exclaimed.'He must have some pull.'

  'So he must,' Delray admitted.

  Lyset had already turned out her camera case and was sorting its contents.'What did he say he was again?'

  'Just a functionary,' Delray said glumly. 'Apparently civil servants stick together.'

  Lyset paused in her work to reach out a hand to brush his cheek. 'Don't feel bad about it, Don. Just because this time you couldn't swing it for me.' She turned back to her case again before he could take her hand, half talking to herself: 'Better use film with that interference... no fancy circuitry.Wish I'd had the Hamnex vacuum-proofed. Have to take the Scintar with the booster tube... and the mini-floods. Maybe an infrared converter as well.

  Delray watched in silence for a minute as she checked over the equipment with her quick, practised hands, then asked, 'Are you sure you want to go through with this? It could be dangerous.'

  She looked up at him with frank puzzlement showing plainly across her face. "That's never stopped me before, you know that. What's different about this time?'

  'Because I'm actually here and 1 couldn't stand seeing anything...' He fumbled for words. 'Trite as it sounds, meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me.'

  'That romantic encounter in Evan's waiting room,' she said with a reminiscent smile.'I always wondered if he planned that.'

  Delray managed a weak smile. 'A good agent can arrange anything.'

  'True. Hey, hadn't you better let him know what's happened, and get ready yourself?' She turned to her wardrobe. 'Now, where's my field kit?'

  ***

  'The insurers will never stand for it, Don!' Evan Arcovian said five minutes later as they stood in the lounge of his own cabin. "They were sticky enough over you doing that dive for real in your last picture.' He threw his hands up in the air.'This'll kill 'em, I swear it will.'

  'Well they're going to have to live with it, Evan. I'll sign a waiver or something if necessary, but if Lyset's going then I've got to as well. No choice. Can you imagine what the news slots would say if I didn't? Anyway, think of the bonus side: publicity. I'll be part of a real adventure for once in my life...' He saw the little man's face fall and added hastily, 'There's probably nothing to worry about. The thing's just an old hulk with some bad power cells.'

  'Don - you felt the kick that thing gave us earlier. What if it does it again while you're on board?'

  'Look, Rexton's leading this jaunt.War hero or not, I don't think he'd risk his skin unless he thought he had a pretty fair chance of making it through safely. He wants the top job, remember? Anyway, Evan, just fix it. Earn that ten per cent.'

  'Don't I always, Don?'

  Delray smiled.'Fine. Now I've got to get ready.'

  He turned about and left the cabin quickly. He didn't see the expression on Arcovian's face as he went, or hear the quiet:'Take care, Don', spoken to his retreating back.

  Chapter 6

  A Meeting at the Rail

  Lester Plecht was woken by his wife's elbow digging into the small of his back. Years of habit caused the words, 'What's wrong, dear?' to issue from his lips even before he was fully awake.

  'Do you hear that?' Rhonda Plecht said indignantly.

  Lester raised his head from the pillow and listened. The distant shuffle of feet and raised voices were filtering through from the corridor side of the cabin.

  'Just some people outside, dear,' he said drowsily. "They're not very loud and I'm sure they'll go away soon.'

  'What's the time?'

  He squinted at the illuminated bedside display.

  'Uh, half past one, dear.'

  Rhonda sniffed. 'I thought so: the middle of the night. Some wild party, no doubt. I assumed we would only have people on this voyage who showed proper consideration for others. Find out who they are and tell them to stop.'

  'Right now, dear?

  'Of course.'

  'Can't we just call the steward -'

  'They never do anything. Remember how unhelpful they were last time I complained. Now go out there and stop them.'

  'Yes dear,' Lester said resignedly, throwing back the covers and searching for his slippers.

  ***

  Lester did not find the drunken merrymaking his wife had assumed was taking place, when he cautiously emerged from his compartment. Instead, a steady stream of people, many still in their nightclothes, as he was, were making their way to the promenade deck. Most were carrying cameras and several had children with them; some were being dragged along by their offspring.

  Puzzled, Lester joined the flow. On reaching the promenade he found the rails already well crowded. Pushing forward as vigorously as his nature allowed, he managed to squeeze himself into a narrow gap and peer out into space. There was the rather sinister-looking bulk of the alien vessel, and to one side of it the smaller form of the Nimosian warship. Nothing seemed to have changed. Yet all around him people were talking and pointing and holding their cameras ready. What was going on? There was a bulky blue-skinned Yevron male to his left, but he was always nervous about talking to aliens for fear he might unwittingly say something rude.

  'Excuse me, but what's happening?'he asked the person on his left, realising only as he did so that it was a young and rather attractive woman.

  She turned a bright face to him and gave a carefree smile.

  'Any minute now they'r
e sending a shuttle over to explore the derelict. Lyset Wynter and Don Delray are going with them.'

  She was tall and lithe, rising half a head over his small and slightly portly figure. He realised she was quite unselfconsciously dressed in a very brief nightshirt which, he couldn't help noticing, was her only garment. The crush of bodies pressed them together, but it didn't seem to bother her. He was suddenly acutely aware of her warmth and the scent of her body.

  'Really,' he said, grasping for words. 'How... exciting.'

  She favoured him with another smile and he basked in its innocent warmth.

  'Delray must be doing it for the publicity, of course, but I wonder what sort of pictures Wynter will bring back? Have you seen much of her work?'

  Before he could reply an all-too-familiar voice cut through the babble about him.

  'Lester! Where have you been?'

  He spun about guiltily. Rhonda, wearing her full length dressing gown pulled tightly across her front, was glaring at him. A space rapidly opened up between them, as it tended to before the force of her glare, leaving him feeling terribly isolated.

  'Just trying to find out what was going on as you asked, dear,' he explained rapidly.'It wasn't a party after all.They're sending a shuttle over to the alien ship.'

  Rhonda was eyeing his companion. 'Well, if we are going to be woken in the middle of the night by hordes of curiosity seekers marching past our door, they might at least dress correctly. There are certain standards of decency, you know.'

  The young woman glanced down at her costume in mild surprise, then at her accuser. 'You're lucky I stopped to put it on,' she replied simply. 'Sorry if it bothers you.'

  In a desperate attempt to divert Rhonda's scorn, Lester said, 'Apparently that actor, Don Delray, and Lyset Wynter will be on the shuttle, dear.'

  'Lyset who?'

  'The photographer, dear. Remember those striking pictures of the Tor-zak war -'