Prisoner's Hope (The Seafort Saga Book 3)

by David Feintuch

  His lean, aristocratic face portrayed his agony. “Do you know what you ask of me? My heritage!”

  “Derek Carr, I call you to your oath!”

  He spun away, stalked across the tarmac. I waited. I had done what I might.

  I shifted from leg to leg, studying the concrete. I didn’t dare look to Derek. Long minutes passed. I watched the groups clustered outside the terminal. They began to drift back inside. Still I waited.

  Footsteps. I waited until they were close before I turned.

  Derek drew closed the remains of his jacket. Bitterness blazed from his hollow eyes. He stopped before me, came stiffly to attention. “Midshipman Derek Anthony Carr reporting, sir.” He snapped an icy salute.

  I returned it. “As you were. Come along.”

  “May I ask where you’re assigning me, sir?”

  “You may not.” We strode in silence back to the terminal. Inside, Hopewell was banging for order. I continued past my seat to the front. “Mr. Carr, sit here.” I mounted the dais.

  I looked to Hopewell; he gestured outside, nodded.

  “Your attention, please.” My voice had the habit of command, and carried. A moment later all was still. “As representative of the United Nations Government I confirm the laws of inheritance voted here today.”

  Plumwell shot to his feet. “What about absentees? You can’t—”

  “There shall be no absentee ownership. A member of the controlling family must live on a plantation at all times, else the plantation reverts to the common weal.” I spoke as if with authority.

  Derek’s eyes bored into me, burning with rage.

  “I turn now to other matters of importance. We meet in a hall where some of your number carried out treason against the lawful Government of our United Nations. That Government is restored. It’s fitting that in this place I tell you I will leave Hope Nation late this afternoon. After I leave, no United Nations representative will take my place.”

  “What about Zack?” Harmon Branstead.

  “I shall resign.” Hopewell’s tone brooked no discussion.

  “Free Laura, then!” Someone in back.

  “Hers is not the way—”

  “How will you stop us? We’ll have our revolution despite everything!”

  Harmon got to his feet. “Captain, you can’t expect us to keep your Government in place once you leave.”

  “No.”

  “We’re on our own, then.”

  “No.” It brought a puzzled murmur.

  Leota Volksteader said, “There’s nothing between the two. We’re a U.N. colony, unless we seize our freedom. If your fleet returns, we’ll be at war with you. We know only the U.N. can change our status.”

  “I am the U.N.”

  “You’re—what?”

  I rested a hand on the lectern. “I am the United Nations.” I banged the gavel; the sound echoed like a shot and stilled the babble of the hall.

  “Now I, Nicholas Ewing Seafort, Captain Commanding, on behalf of all forces civil and military, as representative in transit of the General Assembly and as plenipotentiary of the Government of the United Nations, hereby terminate, as of midnight tonight, the United Nations trusteeship over the colony of Hope Nation, system of Hope Nation, and do hereby grant to the Commonwealth of Hope Nation full and irrevocable membership in the Assembly of the United Nat—”

  A tumult of approval and joy. Hats flew, chairs tumbled. Men and women danced in frenzied celebration.

  I waited on the dais, smiling despite myself. Zack Hopewell came close. He said simply, “They’ll hang you for it, lad.”

  “Yes, but they’ll have greater cause.” He made as if to inquire, but I shook my head.

  Eventually the euphoria subsided. I banged the gavel until the hall quieted. “We have further business. I do appoint Midshipman Edgar Tolliver as liaison and advisor to the Commonwealth military force as it may establish itself, for the term of his enlistment.” I avoided Tolliver’s eye.

  “As observer to the Commonwealth of Hope Nation, with specific reference to the plantation zone and its economic and governmental structure, I hereby appoint Derek Anthony Carr, for the duration of his enlistment. His duties shall be part-time and he may reside in his own—”

  Derek’s eyes closed as he slumped in his chair. I could hear his whisper across the hall. “Oh, Lord God, thank you.”

  “—And he shall be free to manage his civilian interests while carrying out his limited Naval duties. Mr. Tamarov, please come to the dais.” I waited while Alexi climbed the steps to stand beside me in his ill-fitting uniform.

  I looked to Zack. “Bring in the prisoners.” Hopewell gestured to men waiting at the door. A moment later they filed in: Palabee, Volksteader, and Laura Triforth, their hands bound behind them. Volksteader looked ashamed, but the other two stared at me with defiance.

  I said, “Martial law is in effect. You have committed treason against the lawful United Nations Government, and conspiracy to murder. No trial is necessary, for your guilt is evident. And under martial law, none is required.”

  Someone in the front made as if to object. I snapped, “Be silent!” He was. “I sentence all the prisoners to death.”

  Leota Volksteader stumbled to her feet. “Captain, for God’s sake, don’t.”

  I ignored her. “And as representative of the United Nations Government, I do hereby pardon your treason, and each and every act committed in furtherance of it.” Palabee sagged in relief.

  “Except you.” I glared at Laura Triforth. “Your sentence shall be carried out forthwith.”

  She spat her defiance, literally. “I suppose you have a gallows ready.”

  “No, but the flagpole’s enough.”

  “Who’s to do it? Your toady Zack?”

  “I’ll carry out the sentence myself. Lieutenant Tamarov, you will assist.”

  Alexi was white. “Aye aye, sir.” A whisper.

  Outside, in the presence of Derek and Tolliver, Zack and the other planters, I had Alexi place the rope around Laura Triforth’s neck.

  When all was ready I took the rope in my hand, stepped close to the bound woman. “Why, Triforth? Why did you do it?”

  “Revolution was the only way. Without it you’d never have—”

  “Not your damned plot. Why did you blow up our car? Why the missile?”

  Her eyes met mine. “Revolution succeeds against villains, Seafort. Not reasonable men. You might have undermined their will.”

  “For that you destroyed Alexi?”

  “And anyone else who stood in the way. I’d do the same again.”

  “You deserve this end.”

  “Long live the Revol—”

  I hauled on the rope, raising her off the ground with the strength of long-suppressed fury. Alexi grabbed the rope, helped me haul. After a moment, so did Tolliver. I managed to tie a knot around the grommet.

  It was not a pretty death; she strangled, her neck unbroken. I waited until the frantic kicking ceased.

  We went back inside. Alexi swallowed several times before he dared look at me. Tentatively, I touched his shoulder. “I could forgive her all but what she did to you.”

  Alexi shuddered. “I’ve never seen anyone die.”

  “Yes, you have. On Hibernia.”

  “Your Navy is hard.”

  “It’s your Navy too, Alexi.”

  “Is it?” He fingered the overlarge jacket. “Look at me. I’m as out of place in the Service as I am in these clothes.”

  “Your memory will return.”

  “Mr. Seafort, we both know better.” He turned away. “How soon do you leave?”

  “Shortly.”

  “I want to go aloft with you.”

  “No, that’s impossible.”

  “There’s nothing for me here.”

  “You may not come.” I groped to change the subject.

  “Excuse me.” Harmon Branstead. Jerence trailed alongside, holding a bulging knapsack.

  My smile was wan. �
�A strange day.”

  “Yes. I’ve brought Jerence.”

  I puzzled. “The discussion we had? You can’t mean—not now. Circumstances have changed.”

  “I remind you of your promise.”

  “Harmon, I can’t take him to the Station. He’ll be in far more danger there than—”

  His face grew hard. “The choice is not yours.”

  “Harmon, there’s no way...I can’t nursemaid a boy while I—I have work to do!”

  Alexi said helpfully, “I’ll watch him for you, Mr. Seafort.”

  Harmon said, “Captain, I call you to your promise.”

  Over his shoulder I saw Derek Carr’s sardonic smile. I flushed. “Harmon, I won’t do it.”

  “You gave your oath.”

  “My oath is worthless. You knew that.”

  Harmon’s savage finger stabbed at my chest. “Don’t bleat that nonsense to me, Seafort, we’ve heard it before! Your oath was made worthless once, when you were forced to violate it. That doesn’t mean you may choose to ignore it thereafter!”

  “What’s to stop me? I’m already damned!”

  “Your honor.”

  I shouted, “I have no honor!”

  “You’re wrong. Think on it.”

  “I don’t—I can’t—”

  He folded his arms.

  After a minute or so I sighed. In return for my promise he’d saved my life. I had no escape. “Very well. I’ll take Jerence aloft.”

  “Keep him from harm.”

  “As best I can.” I’d send him back with Tolliver and the shuttle.

  The boy shook his head. “I told you, Pa, I’m not going.”

  “You’ll go, Jerence. I’m putting you aboard myself. We’ve already discussed why.”

  “I’ll take my chances here!”

  “I love you too much to let you.”

  “He won’t even tell us why he’s going to the Station!”

  “Son, he’s your best chance. Look at what he’s done so far.”

  “I don’t care, I’m staying where it’s safe!”

  Harmon slapped him hard, and again. The boy’s fingers flew to his face. Harmon pulled him close, blinking. “Safe? The fish bombed the Venturas Base out of existence. We’ve killed five in the atmosphere. There’s no safety here. You’ll go.” He looked up. “Take care of him. Bring him back to me.”

  “Are we ready?” Tolliver.

  “Soon.”

  “Sir.” Derek, beside me, spoke softly.

  “Yes?”

  He led me aside, his eyes pained. “For the way I spoke to you, I’m—I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

  “You’re forgiven.”

  He whispered, “Why did you put me through that? Why didn’t you tell me I could stay?”

  “For your soul. If you’d held to your oath because it was easy, you might have damned yourself. I couldn’t risk it. I love you too much.” I cleared my throat.

  His jaw quivered. “I’ll never see you again!”

  “I doubt you will. Godspeed, Mr. Carr.”

  Slowly, he drew himself up. A crisp salute. “Fare thee well, sir. Thank you.”

  I held the return salute a long moment. I beckoned to Annie, who’d come outside with Bezrel. She came to me, rested her head on my shoulder.

  “Annie...I love you.”

  She nodded. “I know.”

  “I have to go...away. For a while.”

  “Away?” She raised her head.

  “To the Station. It’s not for long.” The lie stuck in my teeth.

  “You ain’ leavin’ me no more! I tol’ you, go an’ I be dead!”

  “Hon, I wish I didn’t have to—” Her nails raked my face. I gasped. My fingers crept up, came away with blood.

  “You don’ go widout Annie!” She began to beat my chest, softly at first, then harder.

  Tolliver caught at her wrist.

  “No. I deserve it.” Blood trickled down my chin. Jerence gaped, distracted from his own anguish. “All right. I’ll take you with me. For a little while longer.” I put my arms around her.

  “She needs watching, sir.” Tolliver.

  “I know. Mr. Bezrel, Alexi, you’ll have to come along and help.” It didn’t matter. I’d send them all back when it was time.

  24

  I SETTLED INTO THE copilot’s seat. “Mr. Tolliver, if I pass out, get us to the Station.”

  “Aye aye, sir.” He ran his finger along the printed checklist.

  I swiveled my seat. “Everyone ready?”

  Bezrel patted Annie’s hand with manly assurance. “Yes, sir.” I covered a smile. Alexi nodded, though his face was pale; he had no recollection of his last flight. At his side, Jerence grimaced. His memories of his first trip aloft weren’t pleasant.

  “Ready, sir.” Tolliver’s hand hovered over the ignition switch.

  “You’ve checked the flight plan?”

  “Over and again. William confirms.”

  “Any fish?”

  “Not for the past forty hours.”

  “Very well.” I pointed at the console. “Is the puter agreeable?”

  “Puter checklist is completed, sir.”

  I could find no other reason to delay. “Take us aloft.” The engines bellowed.

  We cruised down the runway gaining speed while I tried to control my nerves. The shuttle had merely to loft us to the Station. Other shuttles were available for the return trip. Just get us there unharmed, machine. Every shuttle had built in redundancies, I’ve already proven that.

  Just get us there.

  At five thousand feet I counted down with Tolliver, my hand atop the copilot’s backup. When the rockets lit, a great weight pressed me back in my seat. I tried to relax my chest muscles. I thought I was succeeding.

  The world faded to black.

  “Wake up, sir.”

  I pushed Tolliver’s hand away. “I’m up.” I floated against the straps, my chest aching. “Where are we?”

  “In orbit. We’ll be docking at the Station soon.”

  Weightless, I unbuckled, pulled myself along the handholds to the passenger section. “Everybody all right?”

  “Fine, sir.” Bezrel unbuckled. “What should I do?”

  “Stay with Mrs. Seafort.” Across the aisle, Jerence smiled wanly, gulping. “No, let Alexi chat with her. Sit with Mr. Branstead.”

  “Mr.—you mean Jerence? Aye aye, sir.” Bezrel swam across. “Hey, stop swallowing. You’ll make yourself sick. Look, just relax your stomach, like this...”

  Alexi peered through the porthole.

  “Nothing there to see, Mr. Tamarov.”

  “Stars.”

  “There are always the stars.” I floated down to him. “Any motion sickness?”

  Alexi frowned. “No, of course not.” He looked up with astonishment. “I knew how to relax myself!”

  “Your body remembers. Trust it.” I pointed. “You’ll be able to spot Orbit Station from the starboard side.”

  “I’ve been there before, you said.” He peered through the porthole. “Orbit Station is the largest transshipment station outside of home system. It took seven years to build.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I read it, in the hospital.” His expression turned bitter. “A grade-school text.”

  I patted his shoulder. “Give it time.” On the way to the cockpit I bent to give Annie a kiss. She smiled, went back to sleep.

  We approached the Station with caution, in constant radio contact with William. Tolliver brought us to rest a hundred meters from a docking bay. After every middy’s enforced practice with a starship’s thrusters, maneuvering the feather-light shuttle seemed a breeze.

  Tolliver gave the thruster a last tiny flick, decided he was satisfied with our position. “What now, sir?”

  I went to the suit locker and thrust aside the regular suits to get at the thrustersuit stored behind. “Dock us. I’ll exit. Immediately after, withdraw twenty kilometers from the Station.”

&nb
sp; “Sir, I have no idea what you’re up to or why.”

  “That’s as it should be.”

  “It is not.” He met my eye, as if unafraid. “I’m second in command. If anything happens, I don’t know what you expect from me.”

  “After withdrawing, disconnect all active sensors and turn off your engines. The craft will chill, so you’ll all need to suit up. There’s ample oxygen in the suit lockers.” I paused. “I want the shuttle dead in space, except for passive radionics. Everything off, including lights. You may listen, but that is all. Do you understand?”

  “So far.”

  “I’ll explain further when I’m on the Station. If—when I emerge, I’ll jet toward you in my thrustersuit. You may then match and pick me up. If anything happens to me, restart the engines and take the shuttle back to Centraltown.”

  “What do you mean, ‘if anything happens’? What’s your plan?”

  I climbed into the T-suit, hoping to distract him. “Help me.” I thrust my arms through the armholes, wriggling them to fit my hands into the gloves.

  He fastened my snaps. “Your orders are peculiar and you’re acting strangely. Why shouldn’t I relieve you on the grounds of mental disturbance?” So much for distracting him.

  Relieving a Captain was legal, but unless the Captain’s disability was clear beyond question, and sometimes even then, the relieving officer could expect to be hanged. In the Service, authority was not to be trifled with.

  I said, “I know exactly what I’m doing and choose not to tell you. It’s a Captain’s prerogative.”

  He hesitated. “All right. For the time being, I acquiesce. But your explanation had better be good.”

  Finally, we mated with the Station. I carried my helmet to the lock. I wouldn’t need it for a long while; no sense in fogging up my suit to no purpose.

  I said lightly to Annie, “Be back in a few minutes, hon.” Alexi’s eye caught mine as the lock slid shut. I said nothing. It was the best way.

  After the shuttle’s locks cycled, I entered my code in the station keypad and placed my hand on the scanner. The light blinked green; I’d been recognized. The hatch slid open and I stood in the empty corridor of Orbit Station.

  A voice boomed, “Welcome aboard, Captain Seafort.”