Frozen Fire

by Wendy L. Koenig

  “So I found out. That sidewinder must have slung him way into the past, here.”

  Denefe stood, no longer able to hold still. “I’m coming there. I need to see this.”

  “I’d hoped you would.”

  “I just need to get permission from Cardenza.” She grimaced. It looked as if she’d be talking to him, after all.

  Kaleen’s wry laugh echoed in Denefe’s mind. “Yeah. Good luck with that!”

  “Don’t you worry. I’ll get it. Talk to you as soon as I get the details worked out.” She looked over Starry’s bio again. Nothing to comment on, really. Just a good old boy who decided to have fun. She sighed and flicked the screen to Cardenza’s line.

  When he didn’t answer, the call forwarded to his secretary—a prune-faced woman who Denefe felt sure had never smiled a day in her life.

  “Mr. Cardenza is in a meeting. I’ll give him the message that you called.”

  Denefe thanked her before she turned off the screen. She itched to get moving, but she couldn’t until she had permission. Still, she had to do something. Looking around the room, her gaze lit on her metronome. She’d given Starry’s to Mik immediately upon her return, but he still hadn’t gotten back to her about it. Maybe she’d just go see him. Eager to be engaged in any kind of action, she nearly ran out of the room.

  Mik’s quarters were just down the hall from hers. Before she knocked, she leaned her ear against the door. Not hearing any noise, Denefe continued to Charisse’s quarters at the end of the hall. Even before she reached it, she heard Mik’s bass voice echoing against the walls.

  She rapped on the door. “Mik. It’s Denefe.”

  The room got suddenly quiet and, after a second, the door opened to reveal Mik dressed in Charisse’s silk robe. He had a sloppy grin on his face. It seemed all his unhappiness of his divorce announcement that morning had disappeared.

  “Am I interrupting?” Actually, she didn’t care if she was. This was business. Behind Mik, Charisse peered around the corner at them.

  “C’mon in!”

  She shook her head. “I’m just checking on what you found out with that metronome.”

  “Ah, right.” He turned to Charisse. “Be back in a minute, love.” He stepped into the hallway with Denefe, pulling the door shut behind him. He led her to his quarters and then reached under the far corner of the foot of his mattress. From there, he pulled out Starry’s metronome. Turning to her, he said, “Port’s been asking about this, but I figured I’d wait to see what you wanted done with it. Took me until just an hour ago to figure it out.”

  Mik held the metronome close to Denefe’s face. “You were right about this being a camera. Pretty ingenious, actually.”

  She nodded and tried to take the item from him, but he refused to let go. What was he waiting for? She hedged. “I was thinking the same thing.”

  “There’s another thing with this too. It’s got a small recorder device in it, voice only. That’s the part I didn’t want Port to find out about.” He let her take it and pointed to a tiny hole at the edge of the gold GlobeX emblem. “See, that’s the microphone.”

  Denefe frowned. “What was recorded?”

  “Well now,” he began with a skittish look on his face. “It says a whole lot that I’m sure no one at GlobeX needs to hear, otherwise, why would it be hidden? I had to use a translator on it because it’s in ancient Egyptian. I only got partway through it, but I heard a few things that don’t make any sense. You’ll probably want to listen to that in private. I can stall Port for a few more days yet.”

  She nodded as he opened the door to the hallway and then escorted her out. He said, “If you need anything else, let me know.” He started back to Charisse’s quarters.

  Denefe went in the opposite direction, toward her own rooms, but pivoted back, calling to Mik. “How do I turn it on?”

  He turned around, walking backward toward his destination. “Push a needle or something small into the other hole on the bottom.” He spun back before he disappeared around the corner.

  She continued down the hallway, turning the metronome over and over. A recorder. What had Starry been doing?

  Chapter 8

  Bluff called

  When she reached her quarters, the live-call-waiting light flashed on her screen. The originating identity read, Maurice Cardenza. Lovely. She wasn’t quite ready to speak to him. He could just wait a minute while she went to empty her bladder.

  Returning, there was the flash of a second message waiting. She decided to read it first. It was from Mik, and not live. Unlike Cardenza’s. She grimaced and read Mik’s. Forgot to tell you, only press the pin in the hole one time or you might erase some of it. Found that out by error. Sorry. There was a smiley face, drawn by Charisse, no doubt.

  Denefe carefully moved the metronome out of the viewpoint of her monitor and then opened the channel to Cardenza. Immediately, he lifted his head from his paperwork. Dark circles underscored his bright blue eyes and his lean face looked even more drawn and ragged than usual. “You called me?”

  Everything she’d planned to say flew out of her mind. It always seemed to happen when she spoke to him. She didn’t find the man attractive, nor was she in awe of him. If she was honest with herself, it was probably because he intimidated her.

  He frowned at her silence and then said, “Denefe, if this is about Port, I still haven’t decided what to do yet. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”

  There, that was it. “He’s overstepping his boundaries—”

  “He says you’re overstepping yours.” He raised his eyebrows.

  Denefe dropped her jaw, feeling the heat of her anger flood into her face. “I’m telling you, he’s behaving inappropriately.”

  “Well, that may be, but the fact remains that you have also. He says you’re pushing him as much as you can, and that you’re inciting the others to mutiny against him. Is that true?”

  “What? You got the report from Ardense—”

  “Yes, I got the report, but it means nothing. He’s your boyfriend. Of course he’ll side with you.”

  She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. Could he really believe Port? “The others here will collaborate what I’ve said.”

  He nodded and drank from his coffee cup, a deep purple one that said, Daddy. He continued. “Which only goes to prove that you’re inciting them. Denefe, I’m trying to keep an open mind. I’m trying to help you. Let it die down a few months, then I’ll dig into it more.”

  “A few months? I don’t believe this. I can’t work with him for a few more months. Either you take him out now, or I’m quitting.” She jutted out her jaw.

  His face took on a dark scowl. “If that’s the way you want it, I’ll expect your resignation on my desk within the hour.” The screen went black.

  Denefe rocked back in her chair, shocked, numbly tumbling over the conversation again. That wasn’t the way it was supposed to go. She sniffed and stood. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about getting permission to go see Kaleen. Then again, once Hallen found out about her quitting, he would fix it so she could stay. It would be better for her future plans of her own telepathic relay company. She still needed more cash, but she wouldn’t go back until Port was gone and a third telepath was posted.

  She sat back down and punched in the link to Hallen’s channel. Perhaps she could use this to her advantage. Hallen didn’t answer right away, and adrenaline from her argument with Cardenza itched under her skin. She stood again and pulled out a travel bag. There wouldn’t be much to pack. She’d given Kaleen all her winter clothes.

  Denefe let the link to Hallen ring through, and by the time she had most of her underclothes packed, she was sick of waiting. She reached over to flick off the link, but his face showed just then, hand already raised to ward her off any arguments. “I know, I know. I’ve just been discussing the situation with Cardenza. Don’t quit. Give us time to figure out what’s happening.”

 
; She sat and ignored Hallen’s placating gesture. “Cardenza has no idea what’s going on here. I want someone else to head the investigation. I know those reports may look bad, but I’m telling you, Port’s way in the wrong here.”

  “I can’t pull him off the project, but I’ll oversee everything he does. I promise we’ll check into it. Give us time, okay?” He nodded, as if she’d forget herself and start nodding with him in agreement, his bald dome reflecting the room’s lights as he moved. He’d spent too much time dealing with the government, she decided. His political techniques wouldn’t work with her, not if he didn’t get things fixed.

  She set her jaw, and said, “We need that third telepath. It’s too much for only two. We need time off. I’d like to go see my sister.”

  “Certainly. I think that may be a good idea. Take a couple of weeks now. I’ll have a telepath there within an hour. Tell you what, I’ll even authorize you to take first class on one of the company shuttles. Okay?”

  Denefe nodded. “Thank you.” She sniffed. Funny how they were able to get another telepath so quickly now that she threatened to leave.

  “Anything you need. Just don’t quit on me.”

  “I’ll wait to see how the investigation turns out, but I can’t work with Port for months before you even begin.”

  “Fair enough. I’ll see what I can do.” He shut the connection.

  Denefe stood and began packing again. “Kaleen, you there?”

  “Here.”

  Folding a red shirt, she said, “I’m coming up on the next shuttle.”

  A pregnant minute passed. Kaleen answered, “I guess I didn’t expect Cardenza to let you.”

  “He didn’t. Hallen did, as a concession to me not quitting.”

  “Oh, I see. So you threatened him.”

  “No, I told Cardenza that I quit. Hallen stepped in and convinced me to stay until they could investigate.” Denefe closed the compartment in her bag and then opened the next one. After walking to her closet, she pulled out two pairs of shoes and held them up. Which ones?

  “Wow! You actually quit. I can’t believe it.”

  “I told you.” Shrugging, Denefe carried both pairs to her bag.

  “Indeed. What good is a bluff if you’re not willing to carry it through?”

  “I’m not bluffing. They either get rid of him, or I’ll make my resignation permanent.” She jammed in the shoes, but the second one of the second pair just wasn’t going to fit, no matter how she turned it. She jerked its mate out before she zipped the compartment shut.

  “So Hallen approved the trip to get you to burn off some steam?”

  “Yep.” Denefe held up her heaviest T-shirt, unzipped the pocket with the shoes again, and stuffed it in. “Gotta do some winter shopping before I get on the shuttle, though.”

  “Yeah, you might get cold in just your uniform.”

  “Who says I’m wearing that?” She smiled, as if Kaleen could see her.

  “You’re taking a company shuttle. You’re required to wear it.”

  “What are they going to do? Fire me?”

  Kaleen chuckled. “I see your point. I gotta run for now. See you soon.”

  Denefe snatched up her jewelry and poured it into a side pocket. “Absolutely. Wish me luck telling Ardense.” Suddenly apprehensive, she bit the inside of her lip.

  “You haven’t told him yet? Wow! I don’t want to be in the same room when you do. Good luck.”

  “Yep. Talk to you later.”

  Denefe finished packing her last few shirts and then looked around the room. What else did she need to take? Her gaze lit on Starry’s metronome. She had no time to listen to the recording now. Wouldn’t it just make Port angry if she took that with her? She shoved it into her pack.

  Chapter 9

  Frozen tundra

  Within an hour, Denefe was on the rocket plane to the Siberian hub and Kaleen. She shifted in her seat, tugging on the cowl-neck of her brand new beige sweater. Bad idea to put on the winter clothes before she got to her destination. She thought she’d save time by dressing in the changing room at the station store. She tugged on the neckline once more and shook her head. Never again.

  Ardense was sorry to see her leave for a few weeks, but he’d taken it well. It was her resignation that gave him plenty to say. They’d been in his quarters, and his voice had easily filled the tiny space and spilled over into the hallway for everyone to hear.

  “I can’t believe you did that! What were you thinking?” He’d stared at her with heavy, stormy eyes.

  “I was thinking that I can’t work with Port anymore.” She’d shrugged and taken a step back, suddenly leery of the direction the conversation had been going. She’d made light of it, hoping he’d understand. “It’s not that big of a deal. I’ll find another job.”

  “As if Port’s the only detail in your life right now?”

  She hadn’t said anything, though she’d been pretty sure it was required. The ever-present unease had grown within her.

  “Denefe, if you resign, you have to leave, and you’ll go alone. I can’t leave here until my term is done.”

  “So?” She’d shrugged again.

  “So, you’re the only reason I’m here. I put in for this assignment to be with you.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re so upset. My resigning doesn’t affect anything between us.”

  “Think. I still have three years on my contract with GlobeX. I can’t just quit. When I’m done with this assignment, they’ll probably ship me to Primary. You can’t go there either. You can’t go anywhere I’ll be located. I might as well be a jumper, for as close as we’ll be able to be to each other.” He’d stood with his hands on his hips, his chest rising and falling in agitated breaths.

  She’d stared into his eyes. That hadn’t occurred to her. “I’m sorry. I…I didn’t think about that.”

  “No, you didn’t.” His voice had been softer, and he’d reached for her hands. “I love you, Denefe, and I don’t want us to be apart. We’ve planned our future together—our telepathic relay company, where to live, even a family.”

  She’d shaken her head, tears filling her eyes, the burr of disquiet small in her stomach again. “Hallen won’t let me quit. He’ll figure out something.”

  He’d pulled her into his arms and pressed her head to his shoulder with his hand. “I sure hope so.” They’d stayed like that until it was time for her to go. She had almost said that she loved him. Almost. Instead, she’d gotten into the shuttle and ridden away.

  Denefe sniffed and stared out the window at the clouds beneath the rocket plane, determined not to think about Ardense and his declarations of love. True, she’d been a little rash in her resignation, but it had made Hallen finally decide to pay attention. Perhaps he’d start treating her a little more seriously and get a third telepath for their station. Of course there was the remote possibility that the whole thing could go south, and she could end up looking for a new job. What would she do about Ardense then?

  She rubbed her temples. It would be a few hours before they reached the Siberian Hub. She yawned. Maybe she’d take a nap.

  She settled back in her seat and let her eyes close.

  In her dreams, she faced a great swelling and swaying ocean. Lightning shot up through and from it, dancing into the heavens. A sudden strike wrapped around her neck, strangling her and pulling her down. Water closed over her, engulfing her. Deeper and deeper it pulled her while the multi-hued lightning continued. Every time it lit the tides near her, it tingled on her skin. She could no longer see the light above. Bubbles broke, burbling against her. They became voices babbling. The sound roused her out of the ocean, and out of her dream. She fluttered her eyes open.

  The babbling brook had been people standing in the aisle near her seat. They all held traveling bags. She looked out the window. The rocket plane had landed already and had been towed into a parking hangar. On the ground, shadowed images scuttled
around the ship, loading and unloading suitcases, guiding great fuel loading arms that swung from the ceiling. One wall of the building held a giant paned window with waiting people behind it. Even from that distance, Denefe could make out Kaleen’s snow-white hair. She sent the message, “I thought I’d have to take a transport.”

  “Are you kidding? I hardly ever see you anymore. Do you think I’d let any second go by that we could be together?”

  Denefe laughed as she stood with her bag and fell into the line of disembarking patrons. “I’d hoped not.”

  She stepped off the rocket plane and onto the flat, frozen concrete. The cold radiated through her tennis shoes as she walked to the reception area. “Boots! I forgot to buy boots!”

  “No big deal! There are plenty at the camp. Even in our size!”

  “Well, that’s good. Which reminds me, can I borrow some of your clothes while I’m here? I only had enough time to buy a couple of sweaters and a pair of jeans.”

  “I brought a coat for you to wear too.”

  “You’re a lifesaver!”

  She entered the waiting area. Her duplicate, in a slighter build, stood at the front of the waiting crowd. She seemed oblivious to the men staring at her, their interest clear on their faces.

  The moment Denefe pushed through the barrier, Kaleen flung her arms around her, smothering her. “Oh, it’s good to see you!”

  Denefe answered in her ear. “I know. How long has it been now?”

  Kaleen pulled back and linked her arm through Denefe’s, piloting her down the walkway, past the staring crowd. It wasn’t every day that people saw a near-albino, especially one who was an attractive woman. To see two that were so alike as to be identical was downright jaw-dropping. “Since before you took the assignment at the training academy, that’s for sure. What was that? Eighteen months before the BaBy hub?”

  “Something like that, I think.”

  “So how did Ardense take your resignation?”

  Denefe rolled her eyes. Now that she was away from him, her familiar unease about him returned. Did he really love her? “Don’t ask.”