by Roland Starr
Mutiny! The word was large in his mind. Ed Bardo had relieved him of his command! But why? Was this the result of Ed’s partial recovery from the brainwashing process? Vonner got unsteadily to his feet and leaned against the bulkhead. He had only himself to blame for this. He should have sent Ed to be processed before the rota started. The man’s attitude, before all this started, ought to have warned him just how far the situation had deteriorated.
He moved around the blank walls, trying to find the door, but the steel was flush and obdurate. His head still felt strange from the burst of energy that had knocked him down, but his mind was beginning to react again, and he put a hand into his pants pocket and produced his electronic key. A grin touched his face, and his dark eyes lost their dazed expression. They hadn’t bothered to search him! He moved around the walls, not sure of his position in relation to the ship, and the electronic key, a narrow twist of microsteel shaped like a magnet, vibrated in his hand as he operated it. A moment later the steel door opened soundlessly, and he stepped out into the corridor. The door closed at his back.
Now what? He glanced around, then moved along the row of cells, pausing at the first and opening the door with his electronic key. The locks were electric and would resist the force of an atomic blast, but the simple key in his hand acted like a magician’s wand.
In the first cell he found Philo Curran stretched out on the floor, and Vonner thinned his lips as he entered the little steel cubicle. He bent over his security man and saw bruises on Curran’s fleshy face. So Philo had put up some resistance! It was good to know that some of the others were against Bardo.
There was nothing he could do for the man. Curran would recover in his own time. Vonner heaved a sigh and left the ceil, going on to the next one, and found Aaron Marr just regaining his wits. Marr stared up at him in dazed shock, and sat blinking his eyes and shaking his head in much the same way Vonner himself had done. He couldn’t speak at first, and Vonner crouched beside him, just waiting.
“What happened, Skipper?” the astrogator demanded eventually. “Why have I been arrested? You don’t suspect me of sabotage, do you?”
“I didn’t arrest you, Aaron,” Vonner replied grimly, and explained what had happened. He saw pure disbelief on the man’s face.
“But what’s happening?” Marr continued. “What’s Bardo going to do?”
“I don’t know, but I have no doubt we’ll get some idea before very long.” Vonner got wearily to his feet. “There’s not much he can do.” He glanced at his watch. “No doubt he’s taken over the ship by now, but he can’t go anywhere in it. He won’t know enough about your job to do anything about our present course.”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Marr said slowly. “Before I was arrested, I mean. Each of us on board has been programmed just like a computer. We each know our duties, and it’s only men like you and Bardo who have more than one program impulsed into you. It’s obvious that you and the other key officers on board must have some knowledge of all the departments. That brainwasher could give to any man whatever sequence is on the cassette inserted into it, couldn’t it?”
“I don’t know. I suppose so. We’d have to check that out with the doc. But I can see what you’re getting at, Aaron. You’re thinking that Bardo has gained access to the brainwasher in some way and absorbed the programs from some of the other cassettes.”
“That’s right. If he took mine, then he’d know as much about astrogating as I do, and if he took Wayland’s then he’d have the same knowledge as a chief engineer.”
“And if he went through the entire ship, then he could have the knowledge of every man aboard!” Vonner felt his mind tremble at the thought. Then he shook his head. “I doubt if one man’s brain could contain so much information. If it were possible, then there wouldn’t be seventy crewmen aboard. There’d be a captain and no crew.”
“Perhaps. But it is worth a thought. What are you going to do now, Captain?”
“Try to regain control of my ship!”
“Do you know who’s working with Bardo?” Marr was rubbing his temples, his face twisted a little with the pain inside his skull.
“No. Curran is in the next cell, and he’s still unconscious. So he’s on our side. I’m going to check out the rest of the cells. Do you feel ready to go along?”
“Sure. Just give me another minute. But we aren’t armed, Captain. If Bardo wants to get a whole lot rougher, then he’s only got to give the word.”
“We’ll worry about that when the time comes,” Vonner decided. “I can’t just sit around wondering what will happen next. I’ve got to try to take the initiative.”
“I’ll go along with you, all the way,” Marr said. “I didn’t even 'see who stunned me. I was in my quarters with my back to the door, trying to do a little homework against the time we’ll slip into orbit around Omina. Then — wham! I didn’t know a thing until I saw you bending over me.”
Vonner nodded. He was still a little dazed himself, and he couldn’t find any reason for what Ed Bardo was doing. But he’d know soon enough, he thought grimly as he moved to the door and unlocked it. He pressed his electronic key against the smooth steel, felt the vibrations begin to waver, and then slid the key toward the top left-hand corner. The door opened immediately, and he peered out into the corridor.
“Isn’t there a guard down here?” Marr demanded uneasily. “I don’t fancy getting another bolt from one of those guns.”
“I haven’t seen anyone. No doubt they’re all busy taking care of the rest of the crew. Go and take a look at Curran. He ought to be snapping out of it by now. I’ll go this way and check through the other cells.”
“Okay. But wait for me before you go any farther!” Marr grinned thinly and went next door; he paused in the open doorway of Curran’s cell and glanced back at the watchful Vonner. “He’s beginning to stir, Captain,” he reported.
“Good. Help him up out of it and come with me.” Vonner went on to the next cell, opened it, and discovered Dalus Wayland pacing the small confined area. The chief engineer swung around as the door opened and glared at Vonner.
“What is this all about, Skipper?” he demanded angrily. “That was no way to arrest a man!”
“You’ll have to take that up with Ed Bardo, Dalus,” Vonner said grimly, and told his subordinate what had happened.
“I had a feeling that something was eating Ed,” Wayland said when Vonner had concluded. “You figure he did something to that brainwasher.”
“More than likely, but we won’t know until we can talk with him. Your being here proves that you’re not in on this mutiny, Dalus. Are you with me to try and regain control of the ship? Curran and Marr are down here. I’ve just released them.”
“You can bet your sweet life I’m with you.” The chief engineer was angry about his arrest. “What the devil’s gotten into Ed?”
“I’m to blame,” Yonner said quietly. “I should have had him processed before anyone else. God knows how long he’s been planning this, or how long he’s been returning to normal.” He turned to leave the cell, and Marr appeared, supporting a half conscious Curran. “Step in here a moment, both of you,” Vonner went on. “I want to check the rest of the cells. It’s better that the corridor is kept clear, just in case.” “You figure those guards will kill us if we get too frisky?” Marr demanded.
“I wouldn’t like to test them,” Vonner replied. He went on, and in the next cell he found Howie Farrell. The communications officer was stretched out on his back, unconscious, and Vonner shook his head as he gauged the degree of the man’s incapacity. He went to the door of the cell and called for the others, and when they came trooping in he faced them grimly. “It looks to me as if Farrell has been given a big stun,” he said tightly. “He should have medical treatment.” Curran was rubbing his temples, his large, strong face twisted with a grimace of pain. But his glistening brown eyes were steady as they regarded Vonner.
“I’m to blame for this, Captain,” he s
aid firmly. “As chief of security, I ought to have known about this plot.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” Vonner said generously. “In my capacity as the captain, I’m equally to blame. But that’s not going to help get us out of this. We’re going to have to disarm the guards Bardo has gathered around him and take over the flight control room. Until we know what the true situation is, there’s not much we can do.”
“Sergeant Nevin took me,” Curran said, and there were traces of surprise in his unsteady voice. “My own right-hand man! Just wait until I get him into these cells!”
“He and the others are still unprocessed,” Vonner pointed out. “They’re not capable of their own actions. We’ll handle this as simply as we can. Are there any guns down here, Philo? If not, where is the nearest supply?”
“There won’t be any guns in this block,” Curran retorted. “I imagine the best thing to do is get to the crew’s quarters. If we can determine who’s with Bardo, we’ll know what the odds are, and can plan accordingly.”
“That could lead to killing,” Wayland said slowly. “Captain, I’ve got a better idea.” “Let’s have it then, but be quick,” Vonner retorted urgently. “There’s no telling what is going on around us.”
“We can make our way to the engine room from here with little or no trouble,” Wayland said quietly. “Once inside, we can seal off and take command of the ship. The engine control room is master to your flight control room, Captain, as you know. Bardo, up there on the flight deck, cannot do a thing if he hasn’t taken over below.”
“You’re right.” Vonner nodded instantly. “I should have thought of that. But I’m certain Bardo will have considered it, so we’ll have to be prepared for trouble. With the main engine room doors closed, nothing short of a nuclear explosion can open them. We could dictate terms. If we cut the main switches in the engine control room, then everything on the ship will shut down. Come on; we can’t afford to waste any more time.” He paused as they started from the cell. “Wait a moment,” he warned. “There’s an atomic disintegrator in service. They could cut through the engine room doors with that. Chief, how long would it take them to get through, do you think?”
“Hard to say for certain.” Wayland scratched his chin. “But we can cut power if they start anything like that. Those doors are built to withstand accidental atomic explosions. You know as well as I do that our motors are potential atomic bombs. But I’ve got the feeling that if we take over down there and kill the master switch, Bardo is going to start feeling sorry for himself.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Vonner nodded decisively. “Let’s go.”
He led the way to the heavy door that shut off the cells from the rest of the ship, and his electronic key opened it without trouble. Peering out into the corridor, he found it deserted, and motioned to the others to follow. They slunk along the long metal tube that was the corridor, and Dalus Wayland pushed his way abreast of Vonner.
“Captain, we’d better get out of this corridor,” the chief engineer said. “There are sure to be guards at all strategic points. Let me take over for a bit. I can get you into the engine room with no trouble at all.”
“Go ahead, Dalus,” Vonner invited. He glanced at the others. “Anyone who has any helpful suggestions at any time can speak right up. Were you all reprocessed before this mutiny started?”
They all replied in the affirmative, and Vonner sighed in relief. He didn’t want any extra complication clouding the already obscure situation. They went on, with the chief engineer leading the way, and descended two levels by way of a narrow flight of steel stairs that spiraled dizzily. Then Wayland paused on a small landing and slid aside a thin square plate that revealed two switches. He flipped one, and a section of the steel bulkhead slid noiselessly open.
“Inspection tunnels,” Wayland said. “Me and my assistant are the only men on the ship who know them all. You can get anywhere on the ship through these.”
“That’s handy to know,” Vonner said, grinning. “So let’s get moving. I shan’t feel easy until we’re inside the engine room.”
They entered the narrow tunnel, and Wayland switched on some lights and then closed the entrance. As they went on again, Vonner could hear the steady hum of the gigantic engines, and the tunnel seemed to be vibrating steadily with throbbing power. For what seemed ages they followed the tall, hefty figure of the chief engineer, until finally they came to a blank steel wall. Wayland turned and grinned tightly.
“We’ve arrived,” he said tersely. “On the other side of this door is the engine control room, Captain. I expect you know the layout in this area, but if any of you don’t then I’d better explain. It’s a small chamber with all the control panels in it, and normally either I or the assistant chief engineer is on duty there. Bardo might have put a guard in there with him, but at this moment Lieutenant Mellon should be alone.”
“If Bardo has left him on duty, then it means he’s one of the mutineers,” Vonner said crisply. “I want it understood that none of these mutineers can be blamed for what is happening. I want to take back the ship without hurting anyone, if possible, but don’t let that order restrict you. The ship and this mission come first. Kill if you have to. Now get this door open, Dalus, and we’ll tackle anyone on the other side.”
Big Philo Curran pushed his way to Vonner’s side. “Let me go in first, Captain,” he said roughly. “This situation has arisen because I fell down on my job, and I’m the best trained fighter on the ship.”
Vonner nodded, and tensed as Wayland prepared to operate the great airtight door. The chief engineer slid open a plate in the wall and pressed a button, and the door slid aside. Curran went through the opening almost before there was sufficient space for his powerful frame, and Vonner was close behind, followed by the others. Vonner saw Mellon seated at a desk, and there was a security man standing nearby. Both men turned quickly, and Vonner saw the surprise and fear that came over the guard’s face. The man dropped his hand to his belt, where a stun-gun was holstered, but Philo Curran was halfway across the room before anyone could move. He swung a heavy fist at the guard’s unprotected jaw and connected powerfully. The sharp crack of the blow made Vonner wince, and Curran half turned to throw a triumphant grin at him as the guard crumpled. He caught the man and lowered him to the floor, snatching at the stun-gun, and he squared his powerful shoulders as he came erect with the weapon in his hand.
“Now this changes the situation, Captain,” he said heavily.
“Watch the door, Philo,” Vonner commanded. He turned to look at Lieutenant Mellon, who was getting to his feet, an expression of relief showing on his face.
“Chief, Captain,” Mellon cried. “Thank God you’re here! They were forcing me to work with them. They told me you were all being held as hostages, and if I didn’t do what I was told you’d all be killed.”
“Glad to know you’re with us, Mellon,” Wayland said. “We’re going to seal ourselves in here and close the four engine-room doors.” He moved to a control panel that was alive with flickering green lights and tremoring gauges and dials. He started to throw big switches, and more lights flashed. Then he turned to face Vonner, heaving a long sigh of relief. “That does it,” he said. “All four main engine-room doors are locked, and nothing short of an atomic explosion will open them, apart from these switches.”
“Surely there’s an auxiliary control,” Vonner said.
“There is, but it doesn’t come into action unless these main controls fail for any reason. We’re safe in here, Captain, and we control every light source and machine in the ship. Every ounce of power originates from here, and these control panels operate completely independently of auxiliary circuits and sequences.”
“Good. Now we’re in a position to talk to Bardo,” Vonner said. “But first we’d better check the staff in the main engine room.
“There’s likely to be another guard, at least, in the department.”
“We have five mechanics on duty in the engi
ne room,” Mellon said. “The normal crew is still on duty, and there is a guard on them.”
“If you know where he’s posted, then come and show me,” Curran said. “I’ll soon take care of him. Then you’ll be free to carry on, Captain.”
“Go with him, Mellon,” Vonner ordered. He looked at the eager security chief. “Report back to me as soon as you’ve secured the engine room, and I’ll take steps to contact the flight control room. Bardo is going to feel unhappy about this.” Curran nodded and preceded Mellon out of the room. Vonner moved to the desk and sat down. His fingers hovered over the communicator buttons, hut he contained his impatience. He needed information badly, and his eyes flickered toward the unconscious guard lying on the floor, but already showing signs of coming to his senses.
“Get that man up and in a chair,” he ordered, and Aaron Marr motioned to Farrell to help him. Vonner waited until the guard was conscious. When the man opened his eyes and looked about dazedly, he found the senior officers of the ship around him in a tight circle. “You’re Burke, aren’t you?” Vonner demanded.
“Yes, Captain.” The man spoke sulkily. “How did you get here? We were told you and the rest of the officers were in the cells.”
“I’ll ask the questions,” Vonner told him. “Just what were you told about me and the rest of the officers?”
“That you were all suffering from space madness, Captain, and had been arrested for the good of the ship.”
“How many men are in on this mutiny?” Vonner didn’t take his eyes off the man’s face.
“About a dozen.”
“When did you first learn of it, and why did you agree to join it?”
“Sergeant Nevin sounded me out. I know all about the brainwasher, sir. It’s monstrous that we should be processed like that. On the last rota, those of us who were to take part in the mutiny were passed through the brainwasher without being processed.”
Vonner frowned. “How was that accomplished?”
“Commander Bardo had it arranged with one of the nurses, sir.” Burke was speaking more readily now. “Nurse Kendrick is on our side, and she always helps the doc with the brainwashing. The mutineers were told to make a sign to her when we entered the chamber, and she did something to the machine so we didn’t get any power.”