A thin slit of blurry light broke across his field of vision and his eyelids slowly flickered opened. A fuzzy figure blocked the light and looked down on him from above. "Scott, can you hear me?"
"Yeah," he mouthed. His throat felt like parchment, his voice a shrill wind in a hollow tube. He tried to move.
"Don't." A hand pressed against his shoulder. "Try not to move."
He knew the voice now. "Miranda?" he croaked.
"Yes, now just take it easy."
"I... I'm still alive."
"Yes. You'll be okay after a while, once the wound heals."
Scott relaxed a little, then stiffened as he remembered. "Rick. How's Rick?"
There was a moment's silence. "Rick... didn't make it."
Scott groaned and lay back. "No. Not Rick."
"He took a direct hit, died before we got him back to medbay."
Scott wanted to go back to the time before he woke up, back to oblivion. He couldn't face it: Rick dead, and him still alive. He was responsible. His actions led to this.
Others now entered the medbay, and Scott felt their presence. He closed his eyes again.
"You tell him?" someone said.
"Yeah," came the reply.
There was a hush. Scott opened his eyes again and tried to sit up. This time, Miranda let him and even helped. Steph and Cyrus were there.
"What a goddamn mess." Scott's voice sounded stronger now.
No one replied.
He looked around at the medbay. "We got back?"
"Yeah, just about."
"Where are we now?"
"Two days out from Neo City, heading for Ceres."
"Two days?" Scott was shocked. "How long have I been out?"
"You passed out on the shuttle, so quite a while."
Scott lifted his hand to wipe his forehead; it was weak and heavy. "We got to do right by Rick when we get back to Ceres."
"Eh... there might be a problem with that." Cyrus took a seat beside his bed.
"What do you mean? We got the EPR device, didn't we?"
"Yeah, but..." He looked up at Miranda. "Do you want to tell him?"
Scott sat up further and felt the pain in his side. But it was duller now; presumably they had pumped him with painkillers.
"Here, drink this." Steph handed him a bottle of water.
"Thanks." He took a gulp and felt it cool his throat. His head cleared a little.
"So, what's the problem?" He took another sip of water.
"We've got four ships chasing us out of Neo City. One is the pirate vessel, one is Xiang Zu Corporation—which is essentially a Neo City ship—and the other two we're not sure. Although, we think one might be Martian."
"Martian?
"Yeah."
"Can we outrun them?" Scott shifted a little as pain stabbed at his side.
"Not a chance."
"But that's not the real problem." Cyrus came over beside him.
"We've also got an armed Dyrell vessel from Earth between us and Ceres."
"How the hell did that get there?"
"It's been there for a while according to HQ. It has been moving toward Ceres ever since they discovered we’d found the Bao Zheng."
"Can't Ceres do something to help us?"
"They've already dispatched a light frigate, but that won't reach us for several days."
"By then it will be too late," said Miranda.
"What do you mean 'too late'?" said Scott.
"The ships from Neo City are a day behind us. The Dyrell ship is a day in front. Which means that in twenty-four hours, there will be a showdown unless we think of something."
"Well, that's just great. We've got every scumbag in the solar system after us," said Scott.
"What did you expect? They all want this thing, and they are all prepared to kill to get it. That's why Rick is dead," said Steph.
"Rick knew what he was getting into. We all did," said Miranda.
"We can't bring him back, Steph. So, let's do right by him: sell this thing to the highest bidder and be done with it," said Scott.
"Mars has offered us two million," said Cyrus.
Scott nearly choked on his bottle of water. "Two million?"
"Each. Including Rick's share," said Miranda.
"So, what the hell are we waiting for? Let's get it done and go home."
"Not that simple," said Miranda.
Scott sighed. "Why not?"
"The Dyrell ship has issued a warning that any attempt by us to transfer the device to any party other than them will be met with extreme violence."
"What the hell does that mean? They can hardly destroy us; the EPR device would be destroyed in the process."
"True," said Cyrus, "but I get the impression it's a case of 'if we can't have it then neither can you.'"
"Shit."
"So, what are we going to do?" said Steph.
"Well whatever it is, we've got less the twenty-four hours to do it," said Miranda.
"Perhaps I could make a suggestion." Aria's voice echoed around the medbay.
"Please, be my guest." Scott waved his water bottle at nothing in particular. "Anything is better than nothing."
"Head to Europa."
"Ha, ha," Cyrus burst out laughing. "I think that tech from Neo City must have screwed with your circuits, Aria. That's a crazy idea. And even if we wanted to, how can we get there? We can't outrun these ships. They would catch us, and we're back to where we started."
"That's not strictly true," said Aria. "Having a section of the torus destroyed has helped us."
"What? You're not going to tell me it's because we've less mass?" Cyrus's face took on a look of incredulity.
"Wait. Let's hear what Aria has to say before pouring cold water on it. Unless anyone has any better ideas." Scott sat further up in the bed. No one answered.
"Okay, Aria. Explain to us how we get there, and more importantly, why we should, since I have absolutely no idea how that is going to help us."
"Consider the current scenario for a moment, if you will," Aria started.
Scott got the impression this could take a while, so he sat back in the bed and took some of the strain off his aching ribcage.
"In approximately twenty-four hours, virtually every power in the solar system will be represented in a stand-off between this craft and each other as they all vie for control of the EPR device."
Scott could sense the others were beginning to listen: they were settling themselves down, and they all looked exhausted. Perhaps this same conversation had taken place between them many times, going round and round in circles. So, they were content to let Aria do the talking, no matter how crazy the idea.
"Earth, Mars, The Belt, Neo City, and several of the more powerful corporations all seeking control. The opportunity for armed conflict is extremely high. Moreover, it has the potential to start a war."
"That's a bit melodramatic, Aria," said Steph.
"Not really," said Miranda. "Earth has been itching to export their war off the home planet and into the broader system. Tensions are already at an all-time high between them and Mars for control of the Belt's resources."
"Maybe, but that's a problem way beyond our powers to solve. As it stands, it might be a stretch for all of us to still be alive in a day or two," said Scott.
"Indeed, I have come to that very same conclusion, Commander," the QI continued.
"Well, that's comforting," said Miranda.
"However, Europa is beyond the politics of the inner planets. It stands alone, on the edge of human civilization as a place of research and learning. The fact that the only other known life in the universe has been discovered there makes it a sacred place in the eyes of all parties in this conflict. Europa could provide sanctuary. It would be safe. None of the inner powers would dare attack it."
"Hmmm..." said Scott. "I see your point, but how do we get there?"
"Yeah, how does a hole in our ship make us go faster? I'd like to know that," said Cyrus.
"It doesn't. At least, not in and of itself. However, this ship, being somewhat of a technical mongrel, has been fitted with engines way more powerful than the structure can handle."
"Yes, I know that. We never run more than around 50% power or we start to come apart. I mean, that's why we couldn't outrun the pirate vessel."
"Correct. However, to get the torus to spin back up after the last attack, I had to do a full analysis of every structural component within the ship. This was to enable us to develop a solution to compensate for the shift in mass. I ran a great many simulations and discovered that the ship could indeed take more stress than the initial mission specified."
"Jeez, why didn't you tell us this back when we were being chased down?"
"I did not know then. I was operating the ship in accordance with mission parameters."
Scott sat up again. "So, what you're saying, then, is we can outrun them?"
"No. We can't outrun them," said Aria, a little bluntly.
"So, what's the point, then?" Cyrus stood up and raised his arms in the air.
"We can, however, match their speed. I have calculated this to a probability of 96.25%. It is a twenty-one-day trip to Europa. I calculate we would arrive in orbit approximately seven point three hours before the next closest ship."
The crew paused as they considered this possible way out of their dilemma.
"What's the probability that Europa will give us refuge, Aria?" said Steph.
"Approximately 62.74%."
"That doesn't sound very encouraging."
"Why so low, Aria?" said Scott.
"One has to factor in the amount of firepower that will ultimately be in orbit around Europa once it becomes known that they now possess the EPR device—assuming you land and hand it over to them."
Scott gave a big sigh and wished he hadn't—his ribcage complained painfully. "I don't suppose you've calculated the probability of us getting any financial remuneration after all this?"
"I'm afraid not, Scott. But it seems very unlikely."
"We should have left the damn thing on Neo City. Maybe Rick would still be alive if we had." Steph's voice was low. She wasn't blaming anyone—it was just the way it was.
"We need to make a decision. Time is running out," said Miranda.
Cyrus threw his hands up in the air again. "Do we have any other option?"
"Steph, what about you?" She turned to the geologist.
Steph shrugged. "Well, I've always wanted to visit Europa. I suppose now is as good a time as any."
"Scott, where are you on this?" said Miranda.
He said nothing for a moment, just stared into space. "I have to think. And I have to pay my respects to Rick first. So, if someone could get me some clothes and tell me where he's laid out, that would be great."
16
Twenty-One Days To Europa
Faced with no other option, the crew conceded to Aria's suggestion and charted a course for Europa. It commenced with an excruciating 54-hour heavy acceleration burn—the worst any of them had ever experienced, and for most of this time, Scott was convinced the ship would ultimately shake itself to destruction. This, coupled with the pain from his wounds, was almost beyond his ability to bear. Still weak from his injuries, he drifted in and out of consciousness and at one point awoke to find himself in a pool of his own blood. The heavy gee had started the bleeding again. He worried he might actually bleed to death, even before the ship broke apart. But in the end, he woke up back in medbay; the ship had survived, and so had he.
Fortunately, Aria's calculation proved to be correct, although the ship did suffer minor damage to some of the more sensitive internal equipment. Yet, it was a small price to pay for a chance to keep one step ahead of the armada that was now chasing them down. As soon as the burn completed, Aria increased power to the plasma drive and the ship continued with its acceleration, albeit at a much slower rate. It calculated that they were approximately seven hours ahead of the next fastest pursuer and currently maintaining that gap.
So, for the next few days, the crew rested up. They were shattered, no one more so than Scott. Eventually, on day nine of the twenty-one-day journey to Europa, he finally found the strength to rise to his feet and make his way to the bridge.
It was deserted save for Cyrus, who cut a lonely figure bent over his console. His face bathed in an eerie green wash of light reflected up from the monitor. He looked up from the console and gave Scott a smile. "Jeez, look who's still alive."
Scott hobbled over to his seat and slumped down. "Yeah, finally vertical. So, how are we doing?"
"Do you want the good news or the bad news?"
"Cyrus, I hate when people say that. Just hit me with whatever you got."
"The good news is we're maintaining a distance of around seven hours."
"And the bad?"
"We've picked up a few more ships. They're quite a way behind, though. Aria, can you give us a visual?"
"Certainly, Cyrus."
The holo-table blossomed to life, and a 3D rendering of the solar system ballooned outward. It stretched from the edge of the asteroid belt on one side to Europa and Jupiter on the other. The projection zoomed in to show their current position as a pulsating green marker. Not far behind was a clump of red markers with a tail of others stretching further back like a comet.
"Holy crap." Scott had assumed they would lose a few ships, not gain some. But now he could count at least a dozen, maybe more. "How many?"
"Seventeen, in three main groupings. These two at the front are the Dyrell ship and a Martian vessel. About a day behind them are a bunch of ships... from everywhere, including the frigate from Ceres. Behind that... well, there's a load more."
Scott studied the pulsating red markers as his face displayed a look of utter astonishment. He shook his head. "Ever get the feeling the entire solar system is out to get you?"
Cyrus shrugged. "Sure looks that way."
They sat in silence for a while, gazing at the 3D rendering.
"Aria, can you zoom in on Europa?" Scott finally said.
The projection moved and shifted as the massive planet Jupiter grew in size, its surface textured with vast swirling storms, and they could just pick out the tiny moon of Europa in orbit around the massive gas giant. As Europa grew in size, they began to make out many of the features of this icy world. The smooth, polished surface was etched with dark gashes spidering across its face like some great celestial, bloodshot eyeball, its tiny shadow cast against the vast expanse of Jupiter beyond.
"Aria, can you bring up the main population center?"
The view shifted and rotated, and Europa began to resolve in greater detail, finally stopping when they had a view from a few kilometers above the surface. Great domes and towers rose up from the icy surface. These were mainly the structures of the universities and research institutions that had established themselves on the moon over the last century. Near the epicenter of these blisters of human civilization stood a vast dome that housed what many regarded as the greatest mind in the solar system—the quantum intelligence, Solomon.
"I never really appreciated how sprawling this place is." Scott moved closer, taking in the scale of the metropolis.
"It has over fifty-seven thousand inhabitants," said Aria, helpfully.
"You know," said Scott, "Rick always wanted to visit here. He used to go on and on about it like it was some sort of utopia."
"Well, it looks like he's gonna get his wish," said Cyrus.
"Scott, what are you doing here? You should be resting." Miranda entered the bridge and rushed over beside him. For a moment he thought she was about to give him a hug or some other gesture of affection. But she pulled herself up short, almost standing to attention in front of him as if to compensate for her emotional concern.
"I needed to get up and move, just to see if I could still do it after that burn."
"God, that was hell." She moved over to her seat. "But you should be resting while you have the chance."
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"I'm okay. There's only so much staring at the ceiling in the medbay that I can handle."
Miranda nodded. "I suppose, but take it easy." She paused for a second and gestured at the projection. "Is that Europa?"
"Yeah. I was just saying how much Rick wanted to go there," said Cyrus.
"Rick?"
"Yeah, who would have thought?"
Scott stood up and moved over to the holo-table. "Do the council on Europa know we're coming?"
"Not yet. We were waiting for you to come back to life before sending a message," said Miranda.
"Then we should let them know what we're planning—as soon as possible."
"And what are we planning?" said Cyrus.
Scott lowered his head and scratched his chin. "Hopefully, by the time we get there, we should have a window of opportunity to land before any of the other ships arrive. I think we should hand the device over to the council and let them negotiate on our behalf."
"What makes you so sure that these ships won't start a fight as soon as they get there?" said Miranda.
"I don't. I'm hoping that both the neutrality and perceived sanctity of Europa is enough to stay their hand."
"Seems like a lot of hoping going on, if you ask me," said Steph, as she walked onto the bridge and sat down.
Cyrus looked over at her. "We're just talking about arriving at Europa."
"Yeah, I got the gist of it," said Steph.
"Well, if Aria is right..." Scott continued.
"I am always right," said Aria.
Scott gave a half grunt, half laugh. "Yeah... well, as I was saying. If Aria is correct, then seeing as how this device was destined for Europa originally, it must be important to them."
"Let's hope so," said Miranda, as she gave Steph a half smile.
Scott returned to his seat, trying to take some pressure off his ribs. "Aria, can you get a message to Europa? Tell them we're heading their way with the EPR device, and will be seeking sanctuary when we get there."
"Will do, Commander."
Cyrus looked pensive. He was scratching his head and looking intently at the visual of Europa on the holo-table. "You know, something has been bothering me about this whole... escapade. We still don't know what this device is."
The Belt: The Complete Trilogy Page 11
