by David Gill
'Following an accident, Declan was forced to return to Vennica,' said Gil. 'No doubt he'll fill you in on the details in due course, but he's spent some time working in isolation in deep space. Declan's carried out jobs like this for me before and knows what I want. I'd like the two of you to stay together for a few days and try to work out exactly what happened on Bouron. There's no hurry. You won't be under any pressure, but it's important that we listen to and understand everything you have to say.'
Jenna's mouth twisted into a cynical smile. 'It's funny how all the others said exactly the same. Each time it started with soft words and promises and ended with threats and coercion. I told the truth, so why should I change my story just to make it easy for you? What happened wasn't my fault; I'm not going to just sit here and take the blame.'
'You're under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department for your protection,' said Gil. 'You won't be questioned again.'
'Protection against what?' asked Jenna. 'Don't try to make out that you're the last in the line; this is going to go on for ever. How many more people are out there waiting to have a go at me?'
'No-one else will bother you,' said Gil. 'After you have finished with us the investigation will be over.'
Declan looked down at the floor, knowing that it most definitely would not be over. Whatever the outcome of the investigation, Jenna's life was never going to be the same again. But Gil was right, there was no point introducing alternatives until absolutely necessary.
'I keep telling you that you already know as much as I do,' said Jenna. 'I've nothing to add. Why can't I walk out of here and have done with it?'
Gil was patient. 'Listen, Jenna. For some reason you have got yourself caught up in a mess and now you have to explain what happened, even if you were not directly involved in what went on. People have gone missing and property has been destroyed. You must understand that there are legal aspects which need to be resolved before you can return to any semblance of normal life. But I've treated you well, haven't I? Have I done anything that you disagree with or would you prefer to take your chances with those last investigators? I promise you that as long as you're under my protection you'll be safe.'
'I'm being detained against my will,' said Jenna.
'This is only a temporary arrangement,' said Gil, 'and hopefully it won't be for too long.'
'So what other options do I have?'
'I'm afraid you don't have any,' Gil replied.
Jenna took a little time to reflect upon what Gil had said. Eventually she turned to Declan. 'You don't have much to say for yourself. What are you going to do? Pick my brains, tape my dreams, give me all that mind shit, smooth-talk me into saying things I don't mean, lie to me like the others?'
Declan met Jenna's gaze and was struck by the intensity behind her dark eyes. He shook his head and addressed her for the first time. 'I have no plans to do anything like that. Listen to Gil. It's exactly as he says; you don't have any options.'
Jenna was surprised at the sound of Declan's voice. It was deeper than she had expected, and he spoke with an underlying confidence that belied his appearance. 'I still have one option,' she said. 'I did what everyone wanted and told my story and now I've finished. If you want to know more try somewhere else, because you won't get anything from me. I'm tired of playing your stupid games.'
'I don't think that would be wise,' said Declan.
'You wouldn't, would you? You haven't been locked up for weeks trying to talk to people who won't listen.' Jenna got up and walked slowly around the room, hugging her elbows. 'You claim that this is the end of the line and I won't be questioned again, so tell me what you intend to do if I don't cooperate.'
The two men exchanged glances. Jenna stared at them and tilted her chin. 'Well, what are you going to do to me?'
'I don't think we ought to consider that possibility just yet,' said Gil. 'Let's take one step at a time. First allow us hear what you have to say.'
'No, now is the time. Tell me what happens next.'
'You mustn't jump to conclusions,' said Gil.
'I haven't jumped to any conclusions, and you're avoiding the question,' said Jenna. She turned to Declan. 'You're supposed to be here to help me, so we have to trust each other, right?'
Declan nodded his agreement.
'Then here's a little test for you. To show me how much I can trust you, tell me exactly what I can expect to happen when I refuse to be questioned again. I'll be able to tell if you're lying; I've become an expert since I got mixed up with your lot.'
'May I remind you that you are facing serious charges which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence,' interrupted Gil. 'You are not in a good situation, so I wouldn't treat this lightly if I were you.'
'Let your friend tell me,' said Jenna. 'I want to hear it in his own words.'
'This isn't the time or place,' said Declan.
'It's now or never. Prove that you trust me and I'll trust you in return.'
Gil looked troubled. He caught Declan's eye and gave an almost imperceptible nod.
'Sit down,' said Declan. He watched Jenna walk lightly across the room, like a dancer. The thought made him even more sombre. 'Okay, I'll give it to you straight. First of all I don't want to take this case. I haven't worked on Vennica for a long time and had good reasons for leaving, but Gil wants to involve me because he is concerned for your safety. I understand that you have not yet been formally charged and what you are now being offered is a last chance to produce a sensible explanation of the events which led to your being here tonight. You must consider your circumstances and accept Gil's advice.'
'And if I don't?'
'You will be charged with whatever crimes you are accused of, and your failure to provide an acceptable explanation of your actions will automatically result in the application of drugs and mental stimulation to obtain the truth.'
'Just like that?' said Jenna. 'I doubt if you have the authority.'
'We will take no part whatsoever in what happens,' said Declan. 'Once authorization for the next stage of the investigation has been approved you will be handed over to an external agency for treatment, after which we will no longer be in a position to intervene.'
'You're trying to scare me,' said Jenna. She got to her feet again and stared squarely at Declan. 'I don't believe you. If you think you can impress me with stories about drugs after what I've been through you can forget it.'
'It's something I can't forget,' said Declan. 'I've seen the results.'
'Then tell me about it. See how much you can frighten me.'
Declan focused his attention on a spot on the far wall and spoke in a fast, low monotone. 'The procedure is unsophisticated but effective. Put simply, your head will be shaved and a laser will be used to punch small holes through your skull, after which fine wire probes will be inserted through those holes into specific areas in the lobes of your brain. Afterwards chemicals and drugs will be intravenously administered to create a medium within which the probes will be able to stimulate memory activity. What emerges from a human memory under those conditions is pure fact; you would be unable to lie even if you wanted to because the parts of your brain under conscious control will have been completely suppressed. But the human body is unable to withstand the onslaught of the treatment indefinitely and at some point starts to die. At that point you will be placed in suspension while your body tissues are cleansed. Technically, you will be dead, and then you will be brought back to life by another application of drugs and stimulation. After your vital signs have stabilised, your body will be removed from suspension and assessed for damage. People react differently to the chemicals, but some degree of brain damage is inevitable in the areas affected by the probes, which is why the procedure cannot be used other than as a final, desperate attempt to obtain the truth.' He stopped talking to allow his words sink in.
'Tell me about the brain damage.' The look of defiance on Jenna's face was betrayed by a tremor in her voice.
'Memory is reduced, perso
nality changes and mood swings become permanent, and life span is inevitably shortened because the body has effectively been poisoned. The procedure is unpredictable and not without significant risk. Sometimes there is no recovery.'
Then why is it used?'
'Because it is the only technique that guarantees direct access to the subconscious part of the brain, and it always works.' Declan caught sight of Gil's grim face and regretted being brought there.
Jenna began to pace the room. She fingered her shoulder-length curls as the full realization of the situation came to her. 'So, all I have to do is tell the truth and I'll avoid the treatment?'
It was Gil's turn to speak. 'The Justice Department only submits a final report to the High Court; what happens after that is the Court's decision.'
Jenna's face turned white. 'You mean that even if I go through all this again I could still end up brain dead?'
'Which is why your cooperation is essential to enable us to work out why you're in this situation,' said Declan.
There was a long silence. Declan continued to stare at the wall and Gil managed to look even more morose than usual.
Jenna finally spoke. 'Then I guess I really don't have a choice. What now?'
Gil glanced at Declan with a quizzical expression. Declan turned to Jenna and found her watching him expectantly. 'I listen while you talk.' The decision had been easy; it was the only one he could have made.
'But I can't tell you anything I haven't already told the others. What more can I do?'
'Look Jenna,' said Declan. 'I've no idea what you've already said, and I don't know anything about you or what you have been through, so I have no opinions concerning what you may or may not have done. You might think that you related things as you saw them, but you also saw, heard and experienced other events which you won't remember right now, but will with time and reflection. I'll be there to help fill in those missing gaps. That's all. I won't lead you anywhere you don't want to go.'
'But will you believe me?'
'My opinion is irrelevant,' said Declan. 'I will listen to what you say and help you explain the events that happened, but it is of no concern whether I claim to believe you or not. I'm not here to pass judgment.'
'It's not irrelevant to me.'
'What exactly do you want me to say, Jenna?'
'Why do you find it a problem to say you'll believe me?' said Jenna in a voice edged with irritation.
'I cannot explain,' said Declan. 'You must accept the way I do things.'
Jenna started to complain, and then realized the futility of her objections. She remained silent for a few moments while she gradually came to terms with the new development and then turned to Gil. 'Okay, it's your move. Let's get on with it.'
'There's a spare bedroom in the back,' said Gil. 'Providing Declan has no objection, I'd like him to spend the night here. I'm withdrawing the guard from inside the quarters and tomorrow you'll be moved to a quieter location where you'll be able to live normally.' Gil rose to his feet. 'I'll show Declan to his room. Is it too late to start tonight?'
'I'm not going anywhere,' said Jenna dejectedly. 'I'll be here whenever you want me.'
Declan followed Gil to a bedroom where one of the guards was unloading the last of his cases. Gil spoke to him quietly and a few moments later Declan heard the outer door close as the guard left the apartment.
'How did you know I would be staying?' Declan asked.
'Call it intuition,' replied Gil. 'What will you need?'
'Communications and connections, data links, anything you can let me have.'
'I can't do much tonight,' said Gil. 'Tomorrow I'll get a work station installed in the next place and you'll have complete access to anything I can find.'
'You mentioned Phasewave. How much do I need to know about it? Is there a technical aspect to this case?'
'Yes, you'll be hearing a lot about Phasewave. It's the focal point.'
'Can you get hold of any information from the manufacturer?'
'I'll do my best, and you should have something by mid-day tomorrow. What's your impression of Jenna?'
'It's early days,' said Declan. 'It sounds like she's been through a difficult time, so let's hope we can turn up something that the others appear to have missed.'
'Parts of what she's going to come out with will surprise you. Bear in mind that this isn't a straightforward affair.'
'We'll get there,' said Declan.
Gil checked the time. 'I'll be on my way now and will be in touch again in the morning. Good night and good luck.'
Declan saw Gil to the door then turned his attention to the pile of cases on the floor. Six metal boxes containing everything he had accumulated in forty years of existence lay at his feet. Behind the cases the bed beckoned invitingly, but Declan knew that if he succumbed to temptation the rest of the night would be lost, so he fought back his lethargy and started to unpack one of the cases whilst trying to envisage what the rest of his stay would consist of. What would they use for surveillance? Sensors and body identification? Would they go that far, or was he being paranoid? He picked up one of his crumpled shirts and held it to his face, the smell of cold metal and chemicals bringing back instant memories of Scion. Although Declan knew that any monitoring equipment would be too small to detect, he could not resist looking around the room. What could Jenna possibly have become mixed up in that was so important? At first sight she was acting fairly predictably, but then so had a lot of the suspects he had dealt with. What about the unexplained deaths? It seemed unlikely, but if space sickness was involved anything could happen. A figure appeared in his mind's eye - Slater washing blood from his hands, but Declan ignored the picture, knowing that it would return to haunt him later, and removed the clothes he had worn on the journey to Vennica. The reflection of a stranger greeted him from the mirror on the wall. Declan looked dispassionately at the sad souvenirs of his encounter with fire: the damaged body, the twisted and scarred arm, and the red wheals down his face and neck. What must Jenna think of him? He did not do sex, so why was he suddenly concerned about a woman's feelings? He put on a change of clothes which looked, if anything, worse than the ones he had removed, but felt slightly refreshed and made his way back to the lounge, hoping to make the most of the few remaining hours at his disposal.
'I don't suppose you've been to Bouron?' Jenna sat curled on a chair with her feet tucked beneath her.
'No, I've never been there,' said Declan.
'How much have you heard about me?'
'Only that Phasewave figures in this investigation, so why don't you start by telling me what you were doing on Bouron?'
'You don't know anything about Phasewave either, do you?' said Jenna. 'Do you know how long it is going to take just to cover the background?'
'Yes,' said Declan, 'which is why I would prefer to ask the questions.'
'If we don't share any common ground we're not going to achieve much. This is a very technical subject.'
Declan's enthusiasm waned as he felt an argument about to start. 'Let me tell you what little I do know about Bouron,' he said. 'By percentile comparison with Vennica: physical mass twenty, atmosphere ten, oxygen five, gravity seventy, and rotational speed two hundred. Originally it was known as Outstation Forty until Phasewave was introduced five years ago when it adopted the name of one of the original Colonies. '
'You don't have to tell me that,' snapped Jenna, and Declan immediately knew she was a Colonist. He quickly changed the subject. 'Let's not start off on the wrong foot. I know that you find it hard to accept my appearance, but I cannot help it. We must not argue. I need all our available time together to listen to you and try to understand what you are saying. Simply explain what happened on Bouron and leave the rest to me.'
Jenna stared at Declan suspiciously, then changed position on the chair and folded her legs in the opposite direction.
'I have no background on you,' Declan continued, 'so just tell me what happened in the beginning. We can come back to
Bouron later.'
'Bouron was the beginning,' said Jenna, 'that was where it all began.'
'Refresh my memory, isn't Bouron a communications relay station?'
'Not exactly,' said Jenna. 'It used to be a relay station for the old Extranet, but, when Phasewave was introduced, it became the central control station that synchronizes all Phasewave transmissions. Without Bouron you could not operate the Intranet. Apart from the Phasewave base there's nothing on Bouron; the rest of the planet is deserted, just rock and dust. I was one of the maintenance crew sent out on a one-year contract to maintain the Phasewave units.'
Declan listened and in his mind a new picture began to form: a flat expanse of wasteland, rocks battling against the encroaching dust, and a cluster of squat buildings huddled together for protection against the harsh atmosphere.
'Who else was with you?' asked Declan.
'I keep asking myself that.' Jenna laughed at a private joke, but her laughter lacked any humour. 'All I can tell you for certain is who I arrived with.' A faraway look appeared in Jenna's eyes and Declan knew she was deciding how far to take him into her confidence.
'Why do you say that was the start point?'
'It was when we first found out that something had gone wrong.' Jenna relaxed in her chair. 'We had arrived and were orbiting Bouron on board the Giran, the shuttleship that took us out, waiting to replace the previous crew. The landing craft was down on the base and had been out of contact for ages.'
'Who was on the landing craft?'
'Two of the Giran's crew went down. Birne, the captain, took another pilot with him whose name I can't remember. They'd completed the supply drop but stayed at the base for three days and we were becoming worried about them.'