Ari must have seen what transpired, mirrored in his features.
"What's the matter, love?"
"There is something I can't tell you right now."
She did not make it easier for him. "Oh?" she said, and looked hurt and disappointed.
"At least not yet."
"I understand." She did not understand at all.
"I promise you'll know soon. I don't want there to be any secrets between us ever. For now, though, this is how it must be."
"Of Course." Ari brightened at once. "You know best, Spence. Tell me all you can, then. I won't press you for details.
It's just that you've been away so long, I want to know what you were doing every minute since I saw you last."
Spence took a deep breath and began relating to her all that had happened since he left, starting with the journey and eventual landing on Mars, then on to that first night and the blackout that had sent him wandering lost on the surface with the stoma rising around him. He told of the exhaustion, of nearly freezing to death, of his plunge into the rift valley, and his discovery o f the crevice and tunnel. Then he stopped, uncertain what to say next "There's something in that tunnel you don't want me to know about."
He nodded. "That's right. I shouldn't say any more right now."
Ari stared upward into the leafy canopy overhead; a ray of sunlight slanting through the branches caught her hair and set it ablaze with golden fire. "All right," she said softly. "Even though I'm dying with curiosity, I won't make you. It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you're here with me and safe."
In the shelter of the hidden nook the two lovers held each other and talked in low, intimate tones, pledging themselves to one another again and again until the closing sunshields cast the garden into a semblance of twilight.
"We'd better go," said Spence, drawing Ari to her feet. He held her close and kissed her once more. "That's until I see you again." "When will I see you again?"
"Tomorrow, I hope. Here. We'll meet here at the same time as today. If I need to get in touch with you before then Mary D. will leave a message."
"You're not going back to the lab?"
"No, I'll be staying with Adjani. You two are the only ones I can trust right now."
"You make it sound very dangerous."
"Well, I think it's best to assume so until we can figure out this whole thing. My keeping out of sight for a while longer might be just the break we need."
"I'll do whatever you want me to. You know that."
"I know." He drew her to him and kissed her lightly. "That's good-bye. Until tomorrow."
"Tomorrow." She slowly turned away and parted the ferns closing the entrance to the shady alcove. "Sleep well, my love. Don't let the Dream Thief get you."
For a moment the words did not register. Then they began to burn themselves into his brain like a laserknife through soft butter. An icy tingle crept up his scalp. "What did you say?" His voice had become a rasping whisper.
14
… ARI FROZE IN PLACE. "What is it, Spencer? What's wrong?"
"What did you say just then? Say it again." "I said, 'Don't let the Dream Thief get you."' "Where did you hear that?" He stepped close to her and pulled her back into the deepening shadows.
"I don't know… we've always said it. It's-" Her eyes shifted away.
"It's what? Tell me!" He gripped her arm tightly.
"Spence, what's wrong? You're scaring me!"
"It's what?" Spence persisted. He lowered his voice and forced a calmer tone, letting go of her arm. "Tell me. It's important."
"It's just something my mother used to say. That's all. I must have heard it from her. Why? What does it mean?" She gazed at him with troubled eyes, her brow wrinkled in concern.
"I-I'm not sure," he said at length, avoiding her eyes. "It just seemed important somehow… I don't know." His tone softened and he smiled to reassure her. "I'm sorry if I frightened you. It surprised me, that's all."
Ari nodded uncertainly; the cloud still hung over her features. "All right. If you're sure, Spence, I-"
"Don't think about it anymore. I'm all right. Just let me think it over. I'll tell you if I come up with anything tomorrow."
"Good night, Spence. She waved and was gone. Spence heard her footsteps recede along the pathway outside and then stepped out of their hiding place and left the garden by another route. …
ADJANI SAT CROSS-LEGGED ON his rumpled bed. He was barefoot and appeared more than ever the wise, all-knowing guru dressed in his flowing white kaftan, his hands placed palms together, fingertips touching lightly. He had been silent, listening to Spence's recitation of the facts. Now Spence waited for his verdict.
"So, here it is," he said at last. "Another fact to be connected.
How will we make the connection? That is the primary question,. "I can't see it myself," offered Spence. "Maybe it's just', coincidence."
"Please, there is no such thing as coincidence. Not in science. Not in the plans of God. The connection must be made and perhaps it will be useful to us."
"Ari's mother-the woman isn't even alive anymore. How can she help us?"
"Ari herself might know more than she thinks she knows. We should find out."
"I still don't see how I could possibly be connected with some weird superstition in the mountains of India somewhere, and to a woman I've never even met-who has been dead I don't know how long."
"Stranger things are possible. You yourself thought there was a connection or you wouldn't have reacted the way you did. Subconsciously you fastened on it."
"How could I help it? I mean first you mention it, and then Ari-it gave me a jolt at first. I thought it might be a clue, but I'm not so sure now."
"And I think you're just afraid to face what you might find."
"Afraid?" Spence could not prevent the sneer that came. "What makes you say that? If I was afraid I wouldn't have told you about it."
"I think you might fear prying into your lover's past," said Adjani carefully.
Was it that obvious that he and Ari were in love? "I don't recall ever mentioning anything to you about that."
Adjani laughed and the tension which had built up in the room floated away on his laughter. "You didn't need to say a word. It is written all over you, my friend. Anyone with eyes can see it-I just happen to know her name, that's all."
"You're shrewd, Adjani. I'll give you that. You'd make a great spy "What is a scientist but a spy? We're detectives, all of us. scratching for clues to the riddles of the universe."
"What are we going to do about my riddle?"
"Simple. We'll ask Ari. She may be able to tell us more about it."
"you know, now that you mention it, it is a little strange. Ari never talks about her mother. I gather it's still a painful subject – her death, I mean. I wouldn't want to hurt her for anything." "Then we must be very discreet and gentle in our inquiry.
That should not prove too difficult, should it?"
"I guess not. There's still something I don't like about this, though. it makes me nervous."
"A warning, perhaps?"
"Warning?"
"We may be probing close to the heart of the matter." …
THE EGG-SHAPED CHAIR SPUN in the air as Hocking gazed upward at the clean blank ceiling, as if he were searching for cracks or specks of dirt. Tickler and his assistant sat slumped in their own, less-mobile seats gazing upward, too, in imitation of their leader. But they had less on their minds.
"The transport is back and Reston has not turned up." Hocking repeated the facts of the case so far. He shot a quick, disapproving glance at Tickler. "It would probably have been a good idea to have watched the docking and disembarkation of the passengers. But that, I suppose, would never have occurred to you."
Tickler grew sullen. "There was no reason to. He has not been seen or heard from since the message. And if he was here he'd have to turn up sooner or later somewhere. He's gone."
Hocking's eyes narrowed. "He disapp
eared-broke contact – on the first night they landed. Yet the report of his disappearance did not come until a week later. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"
"I don't know. I hadn't thought about it."
"You don't think period!" exploded Hocking. "I have to do all the thinking for all of us."
Tickler looked away. "I'm getting sick of this-this constant badgering. Just tell us what you want us to do, will you? I can't be responsible for Dr. Reston's whereabouts anymore. He's gone.
Most likely he fell over a rock and broke his neck."
"Possible-but I don't think so. I believe Reston is very much alive, and something tells me he has returned to Gotham. I think we had better check with that young bubblehead, Miss Zanderson. If he is alive he will have tried to contact her; she may know his whereabouts."
"Kurt can go talk to her," growled Tickler, "but it's a waste of time. I say we should begin looking for a new subject right now„ Hocking whirled to face him. "Since when are you in charge here? You'll do as I say! Or do I have to remind you who holds the reins of power, hmm? I thought not.
"We will begin looking for a new subject when I have satisfied myself that he is indeed gone. But need I remind you that Reston possesses certain highly refined qualities-he is unique probably not one in a million like him. We have searched long and hard to find him, gentlemen. And his contribution thus far has advanced our work enormously. I do not intend to give up now until I know for a definite, absolute, undeniable fact that he is dead."
Tickler muttered under his breath and avoided Hocking's eyes. He did not wish to feel the terrible sting of the power Hocking had referred to. Once had been enough for him; it was enough for most people.
"Any further observations, gentlemen? No? Then report back to me as soon as you have questioned Ariadne. I want you to talk to some of the cadets on that trip, too. They can confirm our suspicions. You may go." The chair spun away from them and the two beleaguered underlings crept away.
Hocking heard the sigh of the partition closing and then silently cruised to the panel himself. "Perhaps another visit to Miss Zanderson's father is in order," he said to himself. "Yes. It is time we had a little chat."
15
…
ADJANI! WAKE UP!" SPENCE jostled the arm of his sleeping friend. A low murmur passed the Indian's lips as he rolled over. "Adjani!" he persisted. He went to the access panel and brought up the lights.
"What is it?" Adjani sat up rubbing his eyes, and then snapped fully awake. "Are you all right?"
"Some watchdog. Yes, I'm all right. I remembered something."
"In your sleep?"
"I don't sleep much anymore. What difference does it make?
I remembered something-it may be important. When I first came here I met someone, a very unusual person-he had a pneumochair-"
"Those things aren't cheap."
"A quadriplegic, I think. His name-I can't remember his name. But he asked me about my dreams."
"He did?"
"Well, he didn't come right out and ask me. But he seemed to suggest that he knew about them. He implied as much; at least that was the feeling I got at the time."
"What made you think of this now?"
"I don't know. I was lying there thinking about what you said about there not being any coincidences and this just popped into my head. Here was a coincidence where there shouldn't be one. I don't know. You're the connection man. You tell me."
"A quadriplegic in a pneumochair will be easy enough to track down in any case. We'll try to find him tomorrow." He yawned and lay down again.
"What's wrong with right now?"
"I'm sleeping right now. Besides, if you haven't noticed, it's third shift and everything is shut down. We wouldn't get very far on his trail just now. Go back to bed and try to get some rest. Tomorrow may be a long day."
"Sorry if I interrupted your beauty sleep, mahatma."
"It is but the buzzing of a gnat, my son. It is nothing. Go to sleep." …
DIRECTOR ZANDERSON PASSED THROUGH the outer office and smiled warmly at the receptionist. He entered his office and hurried by Mr. Wermeyer's empty desk, glancing at the near corner as he went by to see if there were any messages for him. He saw a small red light blinking on the ComCen panel set in the desk. He stopped and punched his code. The wafer screen lit at once with the message.
It was a note from Wermeyer; it read: Brodine called to thank you for your support of their AgEn project. I quote: "Means so much to me and my boys to know the boss is behind us." End quote. They're sending the first crate of spuds to you. Reply?
The director tapped a key and entered the words "potato pan. cakes." He then cleared the display and proceeded to his office.
It was only when he reached his high, handsome desk with its satiny walnut top that he noticed he was not alone. He turned and jumped back a step.
"I am sorry if I startled you, Director Zanderson." "What are you doing here?"
"Is that any way to greet a friend?" Hocking smiled his grisly smile. "I hope you don't mind. I had to see you, and since no one was about I let myself in."
It occurred to the director that he would have to have the entry code changed at once. "What do you want? I thought you said you'd never come here again. You said you had what you wanted and you wouldn't bother me any more."
"Something's come up, Director. I need some information. That's all. Just a little information."
"What makes you think you can just come sneaking in here any time you want and bully me around? I can have you thrown out of here."
"Now, now." Hocking clicked his tongue and chided, "You agreed to our little arrangement long ago, didn't you? It would be showing poor form to begin getting all indignant and officious at this late date. We've kept our part of the bargain. We expect you to keep yours."
"What do you want?" Zanderson scowled at his unwelcome guest. want a modicum of consideration," sniffed Hocking. I "Ha! You won't get that from me."
"I thought I made myself clear last time we talked," Hocking intoned menacingly. "You are a powerful man, director. With powerful enemies. What they might do with the information I could give them… Well, who knows what they might do? There is, of course, one quick way to find out, isn't there? But you don't want me to use it, do you?"
Zanderson closed his eyes and turned away.
"I thought not," Hocking soothed.
"I made a big mistake in letting you come here. A big mistake."
"'I wouldn't worry about that. It wasn't really your choice." Hocking smirked haughtily. The chair rose higher in the air.
"What do you want?"
"I want to know the whereabouts of a certain Dr. Spencer Reston."
Zanderson gulped and stared blankly at his guest. "Him? Why him?"
"Let's just say he has become something of a topic of conversation lately. I would like to know where he is."
"He's missing," said the director delicately. "I'm afraid that's want anyone can say right now."
"Do you expect to say more later?"
"No. I mean, I don't know. We haven't even notified his family yet."
"And why is that? Do you think he's likely to turn up soon?"
"No, I don't." The director shook his head sadly. "Dr. Reston is dead."
"Then why haven't you notified his family? And why has there been no announcement to this effect?"
Director Zanderson touched fingertips to his temples and sank into his chair. "You don't understand," he said wearily. "In the case of suicide we don't exactly like to rush to press with the news. It isn't good for the Center."
"Is that what you suspect? Suicide?"
"I am afraid so."
Hocking watched his man intently and decided that he was telling the truth. He assumed a bright, reassuring tone. "See how easy that was? Not unpleasant at all. I shall be going now." The chair floated across the room toward the door.
"I don't want to see you again," Zanderson said to the retreaing figure. "Do you hear me? St
ay away from here.".
Hocking did not answer and the chair kept right As the door panel slid closed, the director thought on going. grim, ghostly laughter coming from the othe side He * of that heard a motionless in his chair for a long time after the sound laughter had died away. Sat …
THE TWO MEN SLIPPED along the trafficways trying to be as invisible as possible. The °f Gotham of technicians and construction workers, the dark one keeping crowd wary watch ahead on all sides, the light man keeping his face averted, eyes on his feet.
When they were certain they were not being followed they slipped unnoticed into an empty axial and hurried on. As they approached their destination they stopped and waited. Upon hearing a slight noise and voices speaking low as a portal slid open they dived into a nearby maintenance alcove and waited until the footsteps trailed away down the corridor before emerging to press the buzzer on the access plate. …
ARI, HAVING JUST GOTTEN rid of one visitor, hesitated before answering the door. She expected to hurry off to meet Spence soon and considered that probably it was best to ignore the buzzer and hope that whoever it was would go away. But it buzzed again, more insistent this time, she thought, so she went to the panel and lightly tapped the entry key.
The panel slid open and she saw a slight dark man and another behind him hidden in the shadow. "Yes?"
"Excuse me, Miss Zanderson, I-"
"Oh, it's you, Dr. Rajwandhi. " She paused. "I, uh-was just about to leave…"
"Please, I understand. Is your father here?"
"Why, no. He is at his office, I imagine. Or at a meeting somewhere. If you need to see him, I would suggest-"
He cut her off. "Thank you. Is anyone else here?" He answered her suspicious look, saying, "Please, the purpose of my questions will immediately become clear."
She peered past Adjani to the man lurking behind him. A hint of worry glinted in her eyes. "No one else is here. I'm alone."
At this the man behind Adjani moved into the light and both men hurried through the door. ,,Spence!" squeaked Ari in surprise.
"Sorry for the charade. I had to see you at once."
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