by Thomas Stone
"I'm sorry about that, Commander. It's only a precaution, please don't take it personally."
Harry laughed. "You're a cool one, Ilyich. Were you that cool when you killed Stuart?"
Serge glanced at the doctor. "I didn't kill Stuart. That was an accident. He did it to himself by tapping the jets on his suit. That's what sent him out of control."
"Only after you cut his oxy line."
Dr. Ferguson watched Serge for his reaction.
"This is nonsense," said Serge.
"Is it?"
Serge faced the doctor. "This is useless. He's not going to tell us anything. Give him his shot."
The doctor had already prepared the syringe. She held it down by her side as she stepped to the cage. Harry held up his chained hands, stopping her before she unlocked the door.
"I seem to have reached a threshold of sorts in my abilities. A rather unexpected one. Watch."
All the while, Harry's hands had remained in the air. Now he drew the chain taut and, with concentrated effort, snapped it in the middle. As Serge and the doctor watched, he similarly snapped the chain binding him by the ankles. He inspected the ends where the metal had broken, and then looked at the two.
"Metal fatigue," he commented.
Serge looked at the doc. "Inject him."
"I'm not going in there."
"Get a tranq-gun then. Shoot it into him."
"Right. It's in the lab. I'll get it." She turned and hurried out of the compartment.
Harry remained where he was and stared at Serge.
"How did you know, you crazy bastard? How did you know about Stuart?"
"I can read your mind. I know a lot of things about you, like how the company hired you as my watchdog."
"That's not true, it was Burke..."
"No, not Burke. Burke's a zealot, you're just a guy doing his job."
"You're crazy."
"Yeah? Well, let's see how crazy you think this is." Harry gripped the bars with both hands and pulled. The two titanium-composite bars didn't bend, instead they broke, the pieces coming away in Harry's hands. Harry dropped the pieces and stepped through the hole.
In the low gravity, Serge began taking backwards steps. Harry smelled Serge's panic. It was a strong, bitter odor. Serge had obviously not expected the new developments. With little effort, Harry reached out with his mind as he told Serge to stop. Obediently, Serge halted.
"Turn around."
The man again did as he was told.
"I could stop your heart if I wanted. With my mind or with my hands. Either way would be simple." Harry moved directly in front of Serge and reached out with one hand, gripping Serge by the tunic and lifting him over his head. "Or I could snap your back. They do that sometimes to criminals on Bedor-2."
Ilyich couldn't move, but he could still feel the terror that now gripped him. His eyes were wide and glassy.
"You know," Harry continued, "maybe it would be better if you were chained up for awhile and given the opportunity to consider your crimes before your punishment." Harry carried the terrified man to a second cell, opened the door, and threw him inside, slamming the door behind. Ilyich slid to the far end of the cell and fainted.
The doctor returned just as Harry caught her fragrance. She raised the tranq-gun and fired. The dart flew past Harry's ear and shattered against the bulkhead. Dr. Ferguson fumbled with an additional dart, but it was too late. Harry moved with uncanny speed, slapping the gun out of her hands and pinning her arms behind her back. Screaming and kicking all the way, Harry dragged the woman to the cage and threw her in beside Serge.
"You can't do this," she screamed in outrage, "you'll end up just like Fagen! The Corporation will make you pay!"
Harry almost laughed. He really didn't care anymore. "What are they going to do?" he asked, "Put me in a cage?"
He left the specimen compartment with Doc still screaming profanities at him.
*
It was a confusing situation for the Corporation officials. Of course, over the years they'd developed a detailed contingency plan for the capture of Fagen, if and when it ever occurred. Naturally, they were extremely pleased when Minerva showed up with the Grunwald in tow, but Fagen's return didn't happen exactly as they'd hoped. For one thing, Blane refused to allow anyone but Fagen aboard Minerva. When Corporation Security tried to enter, they were met with a barrier field. As a result, it wasn't long before Fagen sat at the negotiating table with the Corporation board of directors.
Stephen Thanopolous sat at the head of the table. He and the other directors rose as Fagen entered the room.
"Hello Edward. It's been a long time."
"Fifteen years, Stephen. How have you been? You don't look a day older than the last time I saw you."
"You're too kind. Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Fagen took his place at the broad conference table and smiled at the faces surrounding it.
As soon as Fagen sat down, Thanopolous started the negotiations by rapping a gavel for order. "The first item for discussion is the disposition of the alien craft. I'm sure you realize the importance of the technology involved. Now that the wormhole is gone, we have no way to continue our exploration of the universe. We understand that the alien ship, Minerva as it is called, is capable of attaining warp speeds. Naturally, we're interested in utilizing the alien craft for continued exploration purposes. Without it, we are destined to remain isolated in our small section of the galaxy. I hasten to add, under the Corporation Mission Survey by-laws, the alien ship is property of the Braithwaite Corporation. It was discovered while Mr. Fagen was on an earlier survey mission and forthwith stolen by Mr. Fagen for his own purposes. I submit to this board, and to Mr. Fagen, that control of the alien vessel immediately is handed over to Corporation representatives. I see no other choice. The property is, after all, under the jurisdiction of the Corporation."
Mutely, the other directors agreed. Fagen sat smiling.
"Second," continued Thanopolous, "is the disposition of the crew. There were fatalities and there is some question as to the part the Mission Commander played in those fatalities. As we all know, Commander Irons was the leader of the mission to the Bedoran system. We had our reservations about the Commander because of a known infection he contracted while on a previous mission, but because of Commander Irons' reputation, because of his experience, and because of his knowledge of Edward Fagen and the alien craft, he was deemed to be the logical choice for Mission Commander. We now regret that decision. From the testimony of the remaining crew, it seems Commander Irons has lost control of his faculties and progressed deeper into an alien psychosis. After considering this problem in closed sessions, the board has deemed that the safest and most expedient course is to isolate Commander Irons for further study and observation."
Continuing to sit and smile, Fagen said nothing.
"The disposition of the remainder of the mission crew is being considered while we review the mission tapes. We have reason to believe Mission Specialist Roberta Long may be involved in abetting the takeover of the Grunwald. If that indeed turns out to be the case, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law. I might add that under the Space Councils Act of 2032, mutinous offenses carry a death penalty."
For the first time, Fagen's expression changed into a frown.
"I believe it is also necessary to add that all samples taken from the Bedoran expedition are property of the Braithwaite Corporation. This includes not only all data collected, but also all types of flora and fauna, extending in this case to the Bedoran child and the adult Malaaz male."
Fagen leaned forward. "So, to sum it up, you're saying that everything is considered to be property of the Corporation?"
Thanopolous spread his hands. "I think the legal prerequisites are clear, Edward."
"Perhaps," said Fagen. "Certainly they're clear to all those who sit at this table. From my point of view, things are not nearly as cut and dried. So let's get serious here. Although you haven't
said so, you've found no way to board Minerva and no way to scan her. Let there be no mistake about it. She is the prize, the reason this hearing is taking place at all."
Thanopolous held up his hand, interrupting Fagen. "There is also the question of your status, Edward, as well as the status of Dr. Barthelme Blane. The Corporation is very interested in seeing justice served."
"As long as it is served upon a platter set at the Corporation's table. My head is not a topic for discussion. I'd like to make that clear. You talk as if Braithwaite were already in control of the ship. I'd like to remind you that without the cooperation of Blane and myself, you have nothing."
"I beg to differ. We have the Grunwald, the data tapes, the alien samples, and Commander Irons."
Fagen nodded. "As far as the Grunwald and the data collected, I make no claims. They are yours to do with as you choose. The two aliens and Commander Irons present a different problem."
"It's no problem at all, Edward. In fact, it's rather clear. There is no way to return the aliens to their home worlds. The Corporation considers it an obligation to care for these creatures. Commander Irons has met with an unfortunate accident which has left him in a deteriorating state. A state, I might add, that has made him a danger not only to himself but others as well. Frankly, Edward, the man is completely out of his mind and beyond all help. The Corporation can see to it that Irons is taken care of for the remainder of his life, which, in his state, will probably not be very long."
"Has the Commander been informed of these things?"
"Due to his state of mind, no. Commander Irons' debriefing and hearing has been suspended until the outcome of this meeting of the board."
"A wise decision," replied Fagen. "Now, have we adequately covered the concerns of this board?"
Thanopolous looked at the faces surrounding the table. There was no dissension. "In a general way, yes."
"In that case, allow me to outline my offer to the Corporation. It's a rather simple proposition, really. I understand that the primary concern of the Corporation is the disposition of the alien ship. I hasten to add that the idea of ownership of the ship is nonnegotiable. You see, Minerva, as an entity unto herself, is no one's property. She does as she desires..."
Thanopolous laughed. "You talk about the ship as if it were a living thing."
"Indeed, I do. Believe me, Stephen, when I say Minerva will not cooperate with you. This does not, however, mean the end of space exploration. I have obtained a substance that will permit the construction of a drive that is identical to that aboard Minerva. With it, another ship can be constructed. Minerva would willingly turn over the required specifications and assist your engineers in building such a craft. In the end, you would have a ship capable of operating beyond your imagination. If you are agreeable, the substance, referred to as the ghlowstone, would be turned over to the Corporation. Control of the ghlowstone would be a boon to civilization and open a new era in space travel."
"What do you propose in exchange for this substance?"
Fagen didn't hesitate. "Full pardons for myself and Dr. Blane. Of course, as I explained, Minerva would be free to make decisions for herself. The two aliens, for reasons unknown, are completely loyal to Commander Irons. Additionally, they are out of their environment and show no willingness to cooperate with Corporation authorities. They should be returned to their planets of origin."
"Seeing that Bedor-3 is in the midst of severe climatic changes, return of the Bedoran is tantamount to murder."
Fagen waved a hand. "There are other Bedoran colonies."
"You have first-hand knowledge of this?"
Fagen nodded. "Yes. So, moving along, I believe this leaves the matter of Mission Specialist Long. You are incorrect in assuming she is culpable in complicity with mutinous activities. Quite the opposite. She served the Corporation in a professional manner and was a valuable member of the expedition. I'll even go so far as to say you've accused the wrong people of mutiny."
"That has yet to be determined. Until Specialist Long is brought to trial, she will remain on City Two. On her own recognizance, of course. Until deemed otherwise, she is still a Corporation employee."
Fagen got to his feet. "The Corporation drives a hard bargain."
"We're here to determine what course of action to take and to get to the truth of things."
"Well," said Fagen, leaving his place, "the truth depends on one's perspective, Mr. Thanopolous. Think about what I've said." Fagen turned and walked out of the room.
Thanopolous called after him. "We'll call you when a decision has been reached."
Over his shoulder, Fagen said, "I hope it's the right decision."
Fagen didn't even have the time to return to Minerva before a Corporation aide caught up to him.
"Sir, the board has reached a decision. Would you care to return to the meeting room?"
Fagen smiled and accompanied the aide back to the board room.
Thanopolous looked uneasy.
"That was quick," said Fagen.
"It was agreed that this matter should be handled expeditiously."
"All right. What have you come up with?"
Thanopolous cleared his throat and looked at the other members sitting quietly around the table.
"The board has decided to grant you and Dr. Blane immunity from prosecution. In the matter of the two aliens, if it becomes possible to return them to their original environs, we will support that effort. The decision concerning the alien craft was more difficult. Personally, I argued against it, but was out-voted. Control of the craft will remain with you and Dr. Blane..."
"As I told you, Minerva controls herself."
"But she is influenced by you and Dr. Blane?"
Fagen shrugged. "To a certain extent, yes. What about Irons and Ms. Long?"
"Their disposition will be determined by hearings conducted by this board. This is the best offer we can make, Edward. I suggest you take it. Everything, however, is contingent upon receipt of the ghlowstone and the specifications of the alien ship."
Fagen showed no expression. "Is that it?"
"Yes, Edward, and we hope you will consider our offer carefully. You may, of course, take time to consider your decision."
"I don't need it. I've made my decision."
"Yes?"
"I accept your offer."
Chapter 35
Harry's cage didn't have bars. To the contrary, he was given temporary quarters in a suite usually reserved for visiting heads of state and leaders of industry. All the same, he paced back and forth across the lushly carpeted floor like the animal he was afraid he'd become. Armed guards loitered outside the door, limiting Harry's pacing to the three rooms of the suite.
They'd given him another sedative, and his head felt fuzzy. He had but one nagging concern and that was Kathleen stranded in the Bedoran star system without any way to return to Earth. Over and over, he asked himself if there was anything he could have done to change the outcome. Perhaps if he hadn't been so agreeable with Minerva's insistence to take care of everything. Maybe he'd been too hasty to allow others to make decisions for him. They'd planted doubts in his mind as to his own sanity. Was he even thinking straight now? No, he thought, I'm not. But Kathleen was all that mattered. She was all that ever mattered. And now she was gone. Nothing else mattered anymore, certainly not his standing in the Corporation, nor his accumulated wealth.
His family had left messages for him, but he hadn't returned the calls. He didn't want them to know about the kitzloc infection and the prognosis. If he were to talk with his mother, she'd know something was wrong by the tone of his voice alone. No, he hadn't returned the calls and he didn't plan to.
The door buzzed. Harry ignored it and turned to the reinforced window. Behind, the door slid open. Harry closed his mind and stared out at the stars, hoping that whoever it was would go away.
"Harry?"
In his mind, the kitzloc sang. Harry listened, but the voice behind him persisted.
&nbs
p; "Harry? I came to see how you were doing."
Finally, Harry turned from the window and faced Fagen. "What do you care? You got what you wanted. Minerva. Full pardons for Blane and yourself. A girlfriend, although I hear you haven't completely got her off the hook yet. You'd better do something pretty quick cause the buzz is that somebody's got to take the fall. Bobbie's available."
"Why, Harry, you sound bitter."
"Bitter? Why shouldn't I be? I'm sitting here in orbit, slowly losing my mind, Kathleen is light years away without any way to get back... oh hell, why am I even talking to you?" Harry turned back to the window.
“Maybe things aren't so bad. Minerva says she knows some things about the kitzloc. She thinks she might be of help."
Harry shut Fagen out. He could hear the words and understand the meaning, but he shut out the man's thoughts.
"Why don't we get out of here for awhile? Take a walk?"
"Are you kidding? They won't let me go anywhere."
"Anywhere without an armed escort." Fagen drew a small stunner from his pocket. "They said it'd be all right if I kept an eye on you."
Harry eyed the stunner and thought about taking it from Fagen and using it on himself. "I don't feel like taking a walk," he finally replied.
"What are you going to do? Sit here under the cameras and wait to go crazy? Come on, let's go talk to Minerva. What can it hurt?"
Harry decided to go just to shut him up. Once in the corridors, the two security guards followed at a distance. Harry didn't care, he barely noticed. He didn't believe anything could be done to help him. As things had turned out, everyone was right: nothing could prevent a kitzloc infection from running its course. The result was always the same, psychotic insanity.
More security personnel were stationed at the umbilical connecting Minerva to the space station. Fagen used an intercom to let her know they had arrived and she released the stasis field long enough to allow the two to pass.
Instead of going to the control center, as Harry expected, Fagen led him to the lounge. He was surprised to see Tringl and Yoni, as well as Bobbie. He turned to ask why, but was suddenly stung by something on the side of the neck. Blane stood to one side, holding a tranq-gun, a smile plastered across his face.