"No greater woman walked from the ashes of despair. She gave he beloved husband to another for the unity, the strength, and the salvation of us all.”
Lord Kelnor Din,
Ruling Clan of Amos,
"Eulogy for
his wife, Poletta", 2382 TS
CHAPTER X
John stopped short of the portal leading to Dispatch Central. He'd been purposely avoiding it since Neila was temporarily assigned to stay with the alien on the Medical Frigate, which was nearly a week ago. He knew the crew would be asking questions that he was not prepared to answer Fending them off wasn't what really bothered hint, though; it was the tact that she wasn't in there that kept him walking by it.
She did come in and help stringer rework the duty roster before starting the tour, except for the meeting with the Council that same day he had seen very little of her since the alien arrived. He was glad that she was able to work at something she was more suited to do than dispatch, but he also worried how it would affect her when the assignment was over. The thought had occurred to pull her out of dispatch and work her undercover using her connections with the former colleagues who were involved with ECOS. It was one he had not totally dismissed from his mind. He was half hoping she might discover a connection between the alien and the ECOS activities.
He stared at the portal for another long moment, contemplating whether or not he was ready to face the crew on the other side Finally, he drew in a deep breath and took two steps forward. "Sommers, you're scheduled to work Neila's shift tomorrow. Try to be here on time so Shelly can get out of here, she's pulling a double tonight." He ordered as soon as the portal closed behind him.
“This covering for Neila bit is getting pretty old, commander. She’s missed three shifts, and I was supposed to be getting time off,” Sommers grumbled.
"Knock it off. She’s covered for every goof-off here. It's payback time. Get it?”
"What's going on with her, anyway?" Sommers asked.
"She's on an assignment," John muttered.
"An assignment? Is that what their calling it now?” Sommers sneered. “So how can I get posted to that kind of an assignment?”
“Preferably a voluptuous blonde assignment.” Phil added from the group.
"Me too,” Shelly joined in. "I wouldn't mind being assigned to escort some big good looking hunk once in a while, either."
"All right, all right. Back to work you morons." He waved them off. Then added under his breath, "Who needs this shit?"
"Commander?" Stringer came to his rescue.
"What is It, Stringer."
"There's a Priority 1 relay on your corn-link."
"Thanks, I'll be right there. Look, guys, I know it's
rough but it'll only be to the end of the week. So, lets all
just buck up and bear it."
He and stringer left with the crew mumbling their grievances
to each other behind them. Stringer offered his apologies for
the crews moral before linking his system with the Councilman.
"Senator Marshall," he said, acknowledging the link.
"John. The Council is holding an emergency meeting. I
want you to hear it."
"About the Allen?"
"Oh, John, Can you be at my quarters on the Institute
in 15 minutes. It's important.!
"Yeah, I can get away What's this about Owen?"
"I'd rather not discuss it till you get here."
"Yes, sir. Stringer."
"Sir."
"I have to get over to the Institute. If anybody wants
me, tell them to wait. You know the drill."
"No problem. Sir, can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure, what's on your mind, buddy?"
"Are things going okay with you and Neila?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, talk is, she's been spending a lot of time with
some guy from the institute. Everybody's noticed she hasn't
been taking her shifts. well, I was just . . . conosmed1 Sir."
"Didn't she tell you? She's on special assignment far
the Council. She'll be back at her post when she's done."
"I'm glad to hear It, Sir. she's very well liked, and
respected in the squadron We all miss her."
"Thanks1 Stringer. She'll like hearing that.
Neila and Bedall had spent most of the morning viewing
the lab facilities at the Institute. The majority of the
research which benefited all of Terra System was conducted in
the various divisions of this complex. They had visited the
stellar, nuclear and physics divisions early that morning and
had just completed a tout of the weaponry and propulsion
divisions when they bumped into Neila's former professor and
Mentor Daniel Harris.
"Professor Harris." Neila said cheerfully. She had not
seen him since her reassignrnent to Security Central."
"Neila. How are you? It's good to see you again."
"It's good to be seen, Professor."
'How are you doing, Neila?"
"I'm holding up.
"So what brings you back to the Institute?"
1'Ah, well . . my friend, Bedall, wanted to see what I
used to do here. So I'm giving him the grand tour.1' she passed
Bedall a wink in hopes that he understood the meaning of the
gesture.
"Do you have time to chat?"
"I guess we could take a short break."
"Excellent." He turned to Bedall and extended his hand.
"I am professor Daniel Harris. Neila and I have been good
friends for most of her young life."
":n truth, the professor and his wife practically raised
me here at the Institute. My mother had actually designated
Owen Marshall to be my guardian before she died, but I spent
most of my time here with the professor."
John stood in the outer chamber of the Council for only
a moment before Owen Marshall met him and ushered him into his
office.
"John, come in, please."
"Thank you Senator."
"John, you and Neila Winters are close. Is that right?"
"well, it1s no secret1 If that's what you're asking."
"Yes. So tell me, exactly how well do you know her?"
"well enough. Why?"
'The ECOS that were arrested, I understand there was a
transport involved.
"Yes, we captured a couple of them. They're back on the
mental Barge."
"You found documents in the transport. Is that correct?"
"That's right. It’s all in the report."
"Did you examine any of the material?"
"I saw what was in the bag before I sent it all to the
lab for evidence."
"Does this look familiar?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Look at it carefully, John."
“'The Regeneration of Life on the Earths Surface. An hypothesis concerning survival on the planet surface by Neila Winter.'” He read the title aloud. “This is Neila's thesis. What would ECOS want with it?"
"That's what this meeting is about. Her association with
the three who were captured, the thesis and the Alien specifically
requesting her is all very suspect in the eyes of some of the
council."
"Wait a minute. Neila's pretty sore about being kicked out
of the Institute for no apparent reason. Who wouldn1t be. Her
research was her life. But if you think she's in cahoots with
these nuts on the Barge, you're crazy she was on duty when we
captured that transport. She's the one who dispatched Zebra.
If she's guilty of anything, it's not stupidity."
IrJohn, please. I believe Neila is innocent. You forget
I was the designated custodian. I raised hsr from an infant.
Wiley, Professor Harris and I all defended her and fought against
her reassignrnent, but there's still the matter of the three who
were with her on the expedition."
Irshe doesn't know anything about it. Practically called
me a liar when I told her about it. What's in this reportr anyway?
What use is it to them?"
1'This report describes the evolutionary process of the life
forms which have survived the plaguss and adversities of the 21st
century. The implications of her findings are astounding. If
we were to colonize the surface again, the evolution of the future
generations would be incredible. It would be a race of super
humans with life spans of hundreds of years.
rrThatrs incredible. But I don't get it. why is that a threat
to the system?rr
"?olitics7 John. It's the way of the human Eind. Power,
control and eventually war. That war all of humanity has managed
to postpone for a millennium."
"You don ' li know that.
"I'm afraid we do, and the alien's story of the war his people
are fighting even now confirms it. It1s our heritage. Our legacy.
We've maintained peace on the system by eliminating powerful
entitlements. No monarchy, no capitalism, no monetary system,
no excessive population or supply shortages. No wants. Still
we have thrived and progressed without abusing those things we
hold most dear, and everyone contributes by performing the tasks
they are most suited for, The Council is afraid that if future
generations en Earth did become as powerful as the mutants Bedall
is fighting now, it would bring about the end for all of us and
our descendants 1'
"So, what does this have to do with Neila?"
11You said she was on the monitor when the alien first made
contact, is that correct?11
Iryes, it was in her assigned sector.1'
!rDavid had pointed out that the alien was unresponsive when
she was not in the room, and Bedall specifically asked that she
conduct this tour. The Council is very suspicious of this alien.
They believe that he may not be what he claims, or at least, that
he niay have an ulterior motive for coming here.
'Like what?"
"That's what the Council want you to find out. If Neila
is not involvedN then she could be in grave danger. If not from
the alien, then as an accessory to the BOOS. The Council wants
you to investigate and make an arrest. But I want you to prove
her innocence to them, for both your sakes." A small light on
the arm of Owen's chair told him that the meeting was about to
take place. He stood up, walked over to a cabinet and pressed
several buttons in sequence. The cabinet slid to the side
revealing a large monitoring screen. Instantly the screen
flickered to life and the bustling of the Council Chamber came
into focus. "I want you to listen in on the evidence being
presented to the Council You should be able to see and hear
everything from here. You must leave before the meeting is
adjourned, though. I donrt want anyone to know that I've spoken
'I
with you. Just push this button before you go.
John took the thesis with him when he left Owen S office.
He could not believe that the Council actually suspected Neila
was a conspirator with the BOOS, though he had to admit that the
evidence presented did not appear hopefull. He remembered thinking
it was awfully strange that Bedall had formed such a close
attachment to her so quickly, but thinking it was his own jealousy
talking to him, he'd simply brushed it off. He wondered if it
wasnrt talking to him even notEE distorting his perseptions and
making Neila seem more guilty. It's a tough call when your lover
is involved.
His mind was still swimming in confusion when he saw them
coming out of the professor s office. He wanted to confront her.
He wanted to hear her deny their charges. He wanted to hear her
ask him to help her to clear herself. He watched them as they
talked at the door. They turned and headed in his direction.
He had to get her alone without raising too much suspicion from
anyone who might be watching. As they came closer, the opportunity
presented itself.
"Neila, I've very much enjoyed this tour, but if you!ll
forgive me, I. . Bedall had said to her.
"Of course. You must need to rest. I'll take you to your
quarters." She was saying before she saw John standing a few
feet in front of her. "John. What are you doing here?'1
was in a meeting. Can we talk for a minute?"
"If you'll excuEe us for one minute. ri she said apologetically
to Bedall.
I'
"Of course.
"what is it, John." She said softly, judging there was a
serious problem by the expression on his face.
"Look, if you have some time later I'd like for you to see
what I've done to the old hopper. If you're interested, that
is.
"You want to show me your hopper? That S very sweet of you,
John, I'm a little busy right now. I'm trying to
"I need to see you Itts imiportantE" He urged.
"I was just taking the Bedall to his quarters and. . 4"
"well, it you've got better things to do then spend a little
of your precious time with me
"Excuse mel"
"Well, when are you going to be finished holding hands with
that - -
*'What's gotten into you? This doesn't sound like you at
all."
1'Your spending all of your time with hini and none of it with
nie. It's getting to me Okay?"
"Pick me up in an hour."
1'An hour?"
"Well, I would Like to wash up a little. If you don't mind."
'1Why don't you just come to the hanger bay when your finished
here
and I 11
rEirjhat? Never mind. I'll be there as soon as I can."
Fine. Don't take too long."
rHe is a special friend, : take it?" Bedall asked with his
eyebrows raised.
"well . . . yes . . . I think."
cittderstand. Perhaps you should go to his ship with him.
I can find my way."
"Actually, I
out of character. Please, let me take you to your quarters."
II
"Meyanna, some battles are better won before the war ensues.
'Moyanna'?"
His face suddenly flushed. "Forgive me. I did not mean to be so familiar."
"I don't understand"
"It's a term of endearment which is used between kin. It means you are very important to me."
'"Meyanna. It has a pretty sound to it. Like someone's name."
"Yes, it Is a word I've never had an occasion to use before now. He seenis to be very fond of you, and concernedr I think."
"Mm. Well, good nightE fledall. We'll finish the tour after you've rested."
"Good nlghtr Neila."
She turned to see John standing near the turbo lift and quickened her step to catch up with him.
"I see you raanaged to drag yourself away.'1 He scowled when she reached hiffi. With a sound like rushing air the lift door swished open. He grabbed her by the biceps, dragged into the small space and whispered, "Just play along."
"Docking bay" He commanded when the doors where shut.
"Whatrs going on?11 She tried to ask hIrir but he shook his head and nodded toward the monitor near the ceiling of the little room.
"So, I guess you and Bedall are getting pretty tIght. I hear you two are having a swinging time going to plays, visiting museums, picnics in the Parks."
"It's my job, or have you forgotten that you were the one who assigned me to him in the first place."
Looking down at her indignant expression he had to remind himself that this was staged. 'Don't play the part to seriously. "He told her when the doors opened out to the docking bay.
They silently made their way to his hopper, wearing angry expressions and smiling facetiously at onlookers. At the hopper, John stepped to one side and elaborately gestured for her to enter ahead of him. Once they were in the cockpit and the hull was sealed shut, he fired up the engines and lifted the craft into the launching position. when the traffic controller gave him the go ahead to launch, he wrapped his fingers around the joysticks at either side of him and pushed the foot pedals clear to the floor. The force of the sudden acceleration drove then back hard against their seats as the craft lurched forward down the long narrow tube to the end of the telescoping runway. Lights streaked past them to form solid green and white lines to the end of the launch tube, then suddenly ended in the black darkness of space.
John released his grip on the joysticks and used only his index fingers to dip the craft down to the left until their direction was reversed. Then he easEd back slightly, causing the craft to climb until it came to the orbiting lanes for cruising.
"Show off." Neila teased. "This thing is so archaic. Why don't you scrap it for the newer models? They do all of this maneuvering on their own.
"So does this, now. I had the navicom upgraded a couple of weeks ago."
'"Why don't you use it?"
"Because 1'd rather show off."
'It figures SOr now can you explain why you made such an ass of yourself in front everyone at the Institute."
He removed the headset and flipped off the comline before answering her. Then he reached inside of his shirt. "Yeah. Here's why.'1 He said handing her the thesis Owen had given him.
"You read my thesis? How did you get a copy of it?"
"How many of those are in print?"
"Only the three I made up for my report."
"Who has them?"
"Professor Harris, Wiley Roslin and Owen Marshall. I kept the original, of course."
"So there are actually four of them Do you still have the original?"
"Yes, but I did bury it in the linen closet when I lost my assignment."
"Did you print them yourself?"
"No, I took it to the
"Okay, that could explain some of this."
"Explain some of what? John, where did this copy come from?"
"Remember the arrest on Transport Central, I told you there was a bunch of old antiques and a pile of literature was taken."
"My thesis was in the pile? Why dldn't you tell me the EGOS had it with them?"
Si Because, I didn't read everything, just the titles. I sent it all to the lab for the investigative tean's to deal with, I didn't realize 'The Regeneration of Life on the Earths Surface' was the title of your book. Or maybe I did and it just didn't click, I don't know. The point is the ECOS have it and they're using it."
IrFor what?"
"Probably to recruit new members, but the Council is convinced that you are involved somehow. You and the alien,"
"What? That's absurd!"
"Absurd or not, Babe, you're being watched,' and the Council wants me to investigate your activities. Owen says there's a leak in Security. I think he recommended me because he wanted to give me a chance to clear you. He let me listen in on the Council rneeting. They had all the tapes of you in Dispatch. You're little conversation with Max about the ECOS was there, our talk at the restaurant, and the aliens little secret mission. The only thing saving you from the rubber room is the fact that you haven't admitted anything yet."
"MY God."
"The Council doesn't know that I was eavesdropping on their meeting. That's why I had to make an ass out of myself at the Institute. I figured sverybody was talking about our little love triangle since that alien showed up and were expecting me to be a little jealous about it. So I used it to get you out hers where we could talk. I thought it would lock less suspicious. I'm sorry. It was the only thing I think of on short notice."
*It's all right, John. I understand."
"Neila." He stopped, held his breath and prepared himself for her answer. "Are you somehow involved in all of this?"
'114o, John. I swear to you."
"You're sure?"
"As of this very moment, it's the only thing I am sure of." The words brought a flood of emotion to her heart and she could not hold back the tears that came with it. She buried her face in the palms of her hands and wept for several minutes. "I can't believe it. I don't understand any of this." She sobbed.
She let the weight of frustration and confusion pour out of hsr like a steaming hot pot of tea being emiptied into cups, until she was drained and weak from the release. John had taken her in his arms and was still her when finally regained her composure and could control the tears.
"Are you all right?" He asked carefully.
'1Yes, I'm fine now. Thank you." She said through her embarrassment. "But I don't know what to do. How can I defend myself against these charges? Everything I do, everything I say is suspicious. : I'll have to be on my guard every minute of the day."
"No you won t. I've got an idea, if you re up for it."
"I'm listening."
"Don't change anything. Just go on the way you have been, Pretend you
don't know anything about what I told you. Stay close to the alien. Keep him
trusting you, and get him to show you his ship. While you're doing that, I’ll
pay a little visit to the