“Wait a minute,” Loyola said. “You reject me as a volunteer but you’re conscripting him?” She hooked a thumb at Fierce. “Don’t get me wrong – I love the guy – but he’s a pussycat.”
“Thanks, hon,” Fierce intoned sarcastically.
Ignoring her beau, Loyola went on, saying, “You can’t possibly think he’s a better asset to have on hand if things go off the rails.”
“First of all, despite their nonviolent nature, Augmen are far from useless in combat,” Maker noted. “Fierce has proven that on multiple occasions. And as I just stated, we’re going to a place where humans are unfamiliar, so no one is likely to know that he’s a ‘pussycat,’ as you put it. Second, he’s big and intimidating, and that will go a long way towards making up for the fact that we can’t carry weapons. Finally – and most importantly – if someone gets hurt down there, no one’s going to know how to treat them because, again, humans are unknown in this part of space. And let me tell you, there’s no way I’m getting treated by some alien sawbones who doesn’t know which end is up when he looks at me.”
There was stony silence as Maker finished speaking, and then everyone burst into laughter.
Chapter 46
With the briefing complete, Maker dismissed everyone. As he should have expected, he was approached by a stern-faced Loyola immediately afterwards.
Waiting until everyone else left the conference room, she suddenly turned to Maker and uttered, “Okay, why? Why keep me from going planet-side? Because I’m pregnant?”
“Not exactly,” Maker confessed. “There actually are rules about the duties that can be assigned to expectant mothers, but the truth of the matter is that you’re a sniper and we’re going to a place where firearms are banned.”
“Like we haven’t smuggled weapons into places before,” she admonished. “Or bought them illegally when we had to.”
“In case you forgot, our last illicit arms deal was a disaster,” Maker stated, reminding Loyola of how they’d been double-crossed by their contact on that prior occasion. “Besides, this is the first time many of these races are going to encounter humans. The last thing we want to do is leave them with a negative impression of our species, such as the inability to obey simple rules.”
“All right, I get that,” Loyola conceded. “I just don’t like the notion of people thinking I need special handling just because I’m having a baby. I mean, I’m not even showing yet.”
“Well, nobody else knows, so I assume their attitudes toward you haven’t changed. That being the case, if I jump on the bandwagon and continue treating you like a completely expendable grunt, will that make you happy?”
“Very,” Loyola assured him, grinning ear to ear.
***
Following his chat with Loyola, Maker went back to his cabin. Erlen practically met him at the door, rising onto his hind legs and playfully pushing Maker’s chest with his front paws. At the same time, he let out a curious warbling sound.
“I know, and I’m sorry,” Maker apologized.
In essence, Erlen had been cooped up in their quarters all day. Maker had pretty much confined him there, mostly because he didn’t know what the Niotan would do with Skullcap on board. Although Erlen hadn’t attacked the insectoid earlier, there was no guarantee that his forbearance in that regard would continue.
“All right, we’ll go for a walk,” Maker said. “However, the same rule applies: do not go after Skullcap.” The Niotan made a sound of acquiescence, and a moment later they departed.
Since this was Erlen’s idea, Maker pretty much let him take the lead and simply meandered along, lost in thought as they walked the Nova’s hallways. This mission had left a lot to be desired when he first volunteered; however, in a very short span of time, it had gone from simply bad to repugnant. Even though his team seemed willing to continue, he briefly wondered if he should just pull the plug and go home, despite the repercussions.
No, he ultimately said to himself. We’ll find a way to see this through, regardless of obstacles.
Decision made, Maker suddenly realized that he and Erlen had come to a stop. He looked up to find that they had wandered into the observation lounge – a large, open area with an exterior glass wall that ran from one side of the room to the other. It was effectively a giant window, offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the stars.
The room itself was designed for comfortably viewing the wonders of space, with numerous chairs and couches throughout, as well as a bar area which – at present – was devoid of alcohol.
When he and Erlen had first come across the lounge during their initial exploration of the ship, Maker had noted the place solely in terms of its functionality – what it was used for. This was his first opportunity to actually experience the room as intended, and he found himself so drawn by the view outside that he didn’t even realize that there was someone else present.
“Fancy meeting you here,” said a familiar voice.
Maker immediately turned in the direction of the sound, and saw Chantrey sitting on a nearby couch. (In fact, Erlen had joined her and had his head resting in her lap.)
“Oh, sorry,” Maker muttered, then began walking towards her. “Didn’t see you.”
“So, you found my little hideaway,” she said as Maker flopped down next to her, opposite Erlen.
“I kind of overlooked this place at first,” Maker admitted, “but it’s nice.”
“I adore it. It’s very peaceful and serene, so I like to come here and think.”
“Agreed. I’m sure that once we have a little leisure time, more of my squad will find their way here.”
“A few of them already have, but you guys have stayed pretty busy on this trip.”
“True,” Maker agreed with a nod, suddenly realizing just how true her statement was. For instance, at that very moment, Wayne was busy attacking the issue of Skullcap’s armor, a couple of folks were on bridge duty, and those he’d tasked to go planet-side were probably gearing up for the shuttle ride.
In short, they – like himself – hadn’t had much time to enjoy the splendors of the lounge. And with that thought, something new occurred to him.
Turning to Chantrey, he asked, “So, why are you here?”
“Huh?” she muttered in bewilderment. “Like I said, it’s tranquil – a good place to think.”
Maker shook his head. “No, I mean why are you on this mission? I understand my role and that of my team. I also get why Browing’s here. But you…you’re an anomaly.”
She gave him a coquettish look. “Maybe I’m just here to keep you relaxed.”
“Come on – be serious,” he implored. “You’re not qualified to take on any of the military duties of this mission. You’ve got no standing with the diplomatic component. You obviously don’t need to be here to report on me, since Browing can do that. Moreover, despite anything you were told, any report you submit on me is going to be deemed unreliable because of our relationship. So again, bearing all that in mind, why are you here?”
Chantrey merely stared at him for a moment, then let out a deep sigh. “I can tell you – or rather, take a guess, since no one explicitly told me – but you aren’t going to like it.”
“That’s a given.”
“Fine,” she remarked soberly. “I’m here to keep you under control.”
Maker frowned. “What does that mean? Do you have some kind of authority that I’m unaware of?”
“No, not that kind of control. Simply put, my presence here is supposed to prevent you from doing anything radical.”
“Your presence?” Maker intoned, baffled. And then he understood. “Of course. Because we’re in a relationship, I’m unlikely to do anything that will put you – and by extension, the mission – in jeopardy.”
“That’s the gist of it,” Chantrey confirmed. “And I know what you’re thinking – that our relationship is once again warping everything, but–”
“No,” Maker interjected, adamantly shaking his head. “Tha
t’s not what I’m thinking in the slightest. I’m actually wondering how they knew you’d go along with it.”
Chantrey looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Only that your puppet masters are using you as a tool, which doesn’t seem to be something you’d normally allow. Somehow, though, they knew you wouldn’t object.”
“No,” Chantrey suddenly hissed fiercely. “No way. I know what you’re suggesting, and it’s not true. It just isn’t.”
“But I think you already know that it is,” Maker insisted. “They’ve got someone watching you now, predicting your behavior. Sadly, you’ve gone from being lead scientist to being a rat in the maze.”
Chapter 47
Chantrey left almost immediately after Maker’s “rat maze” comment, stating a desire to look through some paperwork. Settling for a kiss before she left, Maker imagined she’d spend the next few hours (if not longer) reviewing files in order to determine how likely his assessment was that she was now under the microscope as well.
After her departure, he and Erlen had the lounge to themselves, and Maker spent a little time simply staring out at the stars. He had to agree with Chantrey: it actually was rather relaxing to just sit there with his thoughts. The view was indeed magnificent – the type of thing that everyone should get a chance to enjoy at least once in their life.
They stayed there for maybe half an hour, at which point Maker started feeling a little drowsy. Thinking there was probably enough time for a quick catnap, he and Erlen headed back to their room. Once there, he went straight to the bedroom and stretched out on the bed. He was asleep in less than a minute.
***
Maker found himself roused by an odd buzzing noise. It took him a moment to place it, and then realized what it was: the Nova’s bridge crew trying to reach him on his p-comp. He immediately came wide awake.
Tapping a button on his p-comp, he announced, “This is Maker.”
“About time,” grumbled Adames, who was currently in command of the bridge. “I thought I was going to have to send out a search party.”
“Not this time,” Maker assured him. “What’s happening?”
“We’re getting pretty close to that star system. There’s a lot of traffic up ahead, but it’s a sure bet someone’s going to notice pretty soon that there’s a new kid in the neighborhood.”
“All right, keep us out of hailing distance for now, and pass the word to the cruisers as well.”
“Roger that,” Adames stated, then disconnected.
Wasting no time, Maker promptly reached out to Wayne, who answered almost immediately.
“How’s it coming?” Maker asked.
“Just about done,” Wayne responded. “It was actually a lot easier than I thought.”
“Good to hear,” Maker stated. “Finish up and then meet me outside Skullcap’s cabin.”
“Will do.”
“You know what?” Maker intoned, suddenly struck with an inspired thought. “Belay that order. Meet me in the observation lounge instead.”
“Roger that,” Wayne replied.
Chapter 48
“What are we doing here?” asked Skullcap.
“I just thought you’d enjoy a change of scenery,” Maker replied. “If it’s a problem, you can go back to your cabin. It makes no difference to me.”
The two of them were currently in the observation lounge. It was during his conversation with Wayne that Maker had gotten the idea of letting Skullcap stretch his legs. (After all, even convicts in solitary confinement get time out of their cells for things like exercise.) Moreover, bearing in mind the tranquil atmosphere of the place, he had decided to take their guest to the observation lounge.
Maker had chosen to combine this little excursion with Skullcap’s mealtime. Thus, he currently held two of the squeeze tubes in one hand, and – as usual – his sidearm in the other. (He had also been careful to walk to the rear of Skullcap as they went through the Nova, in case the insectoid tried anything.)
“Well, what’s it going to be?” Maker asked. “You prefer to go back to your quarters?”
“No,” Skullcap answered almost immediately. “This is…refreshing. Thank you.”
“No problem,” Maker muttered noncommittally. “Oh yeah – here you go.”
Maker tossed the squeeze tubes to the Vacran, who deftly caught them.
“My thanks again,” the insectoid said, to which Maker grumbled an unintelligible response.
Opening up one of the squeeze tubes, Skullcap put it up to his mouth while walking forward toward the glass wall. Maker simply stood back and watched as the Vacran fed in silence and took in the view.
***
Skullcap had just finished the second squeeze tube and tossed it into a nearby waste receptacle when Wayne entered the room. The young Marine was carrying a circular device about the size of his palm, with a number of wires trailing from it and numerous diodes on its surface. The Vacran glanced at Wayne (who had headed straight to Maker), and then made a noise akin to a snort. He then began stalking towards the two men with a determined stride.
“Easy,” Maker stressed to Skullcap, holding up his free hand, palm outward, while getting a firm grip on his sidearm with the other.
“What have you done?” Skullcap demanded.
“Wayne here simply excised the translator from your armor,” Maker explained. “Now you don’t have to slog around in that uncomfortable hunk of metal.”
“You destroyed my armor?” the insectoid asked.
“Oh, no,” Wayne assured him. “That wasn’t necessary.”
He stepped forward and gingerly handed the translator to Skullcap, while Maker instinctively slid his forefinger onto the trigger of his weapon.
“I did have to disassemble it to a certain extent,” Wayne admitted as he stepped back, “but I can put it all back together, no problem.”
Skullcap made a sound that Maker interpreted as skepticism, but didn’t verbalize a response as he examined the translator.
After perhaps thirty seconds, he looked up and said, “It appears to be undamaged and functional. It will serve. For now.”
Maker turned to Wayne. “Good job on that.”
“Thanks, el-tee,” Wayne said with a smile.
“And our other project?” Maker asked.
“It’ll be ready shortly,” Wayne promised.
With that, Maker dismissed the young man and turned his full attention back to Skullcap.
“Happy now?” Maker queried.
Skullcap made a gesture that Maker interpreted as a shrug. “As I mentioned, it will serve.”
“I’m glad our efforts meet with your approval.”
“Am I to assume that you will act in similar fashion – further dismantling my armor – regarding the tracking interface?”
Maker gave him a wink. “As I noted before, you’re a quick study.”
Skullcap let out a sound that might have been a sigh of frustration.
“Very well,” the Vacra intoned. “I assume that by giving me the translator now, we are close to H’rkzn?”
Maker nodded. “We’ll be in hailing range shortly. Time to earn your keep.”
Chapter 49
Maker stayed with Skullcap in the observation lounge for perhaps another quarter-hour, at which point Adames reached out to let him know that they were within hailing distance. Maker called their convoy to a halt and then hustled to the bridge with their guest. Upon arriving, he noted that almost everyone was present; the only absentees were Fierce, Diviana, and Planck. (The first two were probably still making preparations to join Maker planet-side, while everyone agreed that it was probably a good idea for Planck to avoid his former captor for the nonce.) Things happened fairly quickly after that.
Within minutes, they were able to make contact with an appropriate authority in the H’rkzn system – an individual who, in Maker’s opinion, looked like a lengthy coil of fiber-optic cable on the bridge monitor. Needless to say, it was a spec
ies he had never seen or heard of before, and to his naked ear its language sounded like a series of owl-like hoots. (Frankly speaking, it sounded like the same hoot repeated over and over again.)
Skullcap, conversing with the wiry individual in Vacran, didn’t seem to have any trouble with the translator. The insectoid also seemed incredibly poised, despite the fact that both Adames and Maker held their respective sidearms loosely in their hands near him. Or maybe he’d simply grown accustomed to it. Regardless, after a few minutes of conversation, the Vacran’s conference with the H’rkzn official ended and the monitor went dark.
“Well?” asked Maker, getting the insectoid’s attention.
“It is essentially as I told you before,” Skullcap replied. “Your battle cruisers can go no closer. We can direct this vessel to an in-system docking station and from there take a shuttle – our own or one of theirs – to the fifth planet, which is where the tracker is located. Finally, he stated that the ban against firearms is still in effect. That said, you are not precluded from bringing other forms of personal protection.”
“How kind of him,” Maker remarked sarcastically, then turned to Adames. “Can you escort the ambassador back to his quarters? I need to take care of a few things.”
Adames nodded and, seconds later, he and Skullcap were off the bridge.
Almost bursting with excitement, Wayne looked expectantly at Maker.
“Well?” the young man asked eagerly.
“Worked like a charm,” Maker said, taking a small hearing device out of his ear. “I could understand everything they said.”
“Awesome!” Wayne announced with a grin. “Although in truth, it really wasn’t that hard to do. Basically, I just cloned Skullcap’s translator, which is geared to convert hundreds of languages – including our own, but most of which we’ve never encountered – into Vacran. I then tweaked some of the settings and software so that it renders the final interpretation not as Vacran, but as Terran.”
“Well, you did great,” Maker acknowledged, causing the young man to blush slightly. “And I’m happy to report that Skullcap essentially relayed everything that was discussed truthfully.”
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