Tranquility Besieged

Part Seven

The renegade seekers must be stopped

This is more wartime romance than erotic with a lot of war, violence, and hardcore science fiction, so some readers may wish to search elsewhere. If a few of the terms appear antiquated, please remember this novel was written 40 years ago. For Tranquility's tunnels, I've tried to make them clear. The original novel came with a map of the colony. All characters are over 18 years old.

Recap: Grey has rescued Kris and many of the invasion force survivors, but the renegade seekers are destroying the colony. Grey needs a plan to stop them.

Chapter Nine

TRIALS

Thursday, October 31, 2069

The training center was afire. As a thick haze of heated atmosphere obscured his tracking sensors, Grey moved back and forth against two hard charging seekers. He scored a hit. They scored two. He turned, danced, ejected a depleted cartridge and reloaded in a movement so smooth it hardly took two seconds off his firing time. As the seekers moved into double flanking formation, Grey slipped between them for a rear attack. They turned inward, taking hits as they delivered devastating strikes on his e.s. system and shield converters. Grey countered by spinning out to one side, ducking under their pursuit, and hitting the passing seekers in flank. Finally one of the seekers took a major hit, the left wing jet blowing out and sending the enemy spiraling into the wall. Grey turned on the second seeker just as it closed to point blank range and recorded a kill.

"Okay, that didn't work so well," Grey said, ending the simulation as the artificial flames dissipated. The program quickly reset but the heated deck would still take a few minutes to vent.

Wearier than he had been in a long time, Grey walked over to the computer monitor and checked the readouts for data on his performance.

"Let's try another scenario," he suggested.

"Scenario eight will not be significantly different than scenario seven," the Security Computer complained.

"What if we compare the techniques I used in simulation six with the movements from that last one, then add high cover?"

"The essential statistics don't change, Governor," Security said. "Even with support from Delta and Epsilon, your chances of destroying a seeker one-on-one are only sixty percent, including the loss of one or both nightwatchers. The more likely scenario, one against two, you have less than a ten percent chance of destroying both. Adapting your blasters to accept double charges helps, but the seekers are developing new strategic modes too rapidly. Any method proven successful against one seeker would prove ineffective against the other three."

"What if I--" Grey tried to think.

"Governor, the armament of this new sentinel class series are too powerful for a well-trained square to effectively combat, let alone one person," Security lectured with impatience. "Granted your ability to maneuver with them is outstanding, but in all your encounters, you've barely managed to inflict minor damage."

"Except once," Grey said.

"Crashing a burning transport vehicle into each opponent hardly qualifies as a battle tactic," Security said.

"It proves they're vulnerable, we just need to concentrate enough firepower," Grey said. "What if we pull both mobile retractors up to the storage level and arrange a crossfire? Our securatrons and nightwatchers can form a line to keep the trap closed while we hit them with everything at once."

"Such a crossfire should prove effective, but after the first seeker fell into the trap, the others would adapt. It won't work twice, and could very well accelerate their destructive behavior," Security said.

"I realize that," Grey replied. "The only way it will work is if we get all four into the crossfire at the same time."

"Not possible," Security said.

"Incorrect. Each twenty-four hour period, the seekers group near the landing bay airlocks where the largest pocket of humans are still trapped. One seeker guards landing bay minor, two crisscross the storage level, and one patrols 100W. If the landing bay seeker was drawn past the patrolling seeker, then up to the storage level, all four could be drawn to the east end where we'd have a kill zone waiting for them."

The Security Computer paused to evaluate the plan, signature patterns hesitant at first, then stronger.

"It might work, but how will we draw the seekers into the trap?" Security asked.

"They love to chase things," Grey said. "I'll give them something to pursue. You be ready when we get there."

"You'll never make it. Drawing the seekers forward in a group would require staying in action for fifteen minutes, if not more," Security calculated.

"Five hundred and fifty seconds," Grey said.

"You appear to have given this some thought," Security remarked.

"Enough to believe it will work," Grey confirmed.

"Have you calculated your chances of survival?" Security asked.

Grey took a deep breath, started to answer, then held back.

"My systems will run an analysis of your scenario and evaluate how our strength can be brought to bear," the Security Computer said. "If the results prove promising, we'll begin to shift resources."

"The ground crew units have delivered as much equipment from Neighbor and Sharkov as we're going to get for now," Grey advised. "We've got several more armored suits and two full lockers of weapons. I've sketched plans for modifying the shields and assigned both repair units to reconfigure the sidearms."

"I'll have Energy supervise the modifications," Security said. "That should ensure a degree of quality control. You realize this is an all or nothing effort?"

"The seekers must be stopped. Maintenance reports they are feeding off our power stations and then destroying the channeling networks. Our environmental control stations have become targets, and even the maintenance units are being chased into their storage bays. Another three days of this and there won't be enough of Tranquility left worth saving."

"Imminent danger is no excuse for rash action," Security said.

"If you develop a better plan, let me know," Grey insisted, irritated by the computer's resistance.

The Security Computer evaluated him carefully, signature patterns swirling in contemplation mode, then the system dropped offline without further comment.

Friday, November 1, 2069

"Okay, listen up everyone," Trooper Dawson said, pulling the group inside the tourist shop just off the central junction. Among the toys, trinkets, and souvenirs of a travel destination abandoned twenty years before, the five visitors formed an unusual group.

"What's up, Bill?" Glenda asked, wondering why the lanky soldier was being so mysterious.

"I've been watching him," Dawson whispered. "The kid moves fast, but he's careless. Just now, when he went to visit Davis, he even had the latch down on his sidearm. If one of you can stop Waters on the way back and hold his attention for a minute, I'll jump him."

"You are going to attack him? What about the seekers?" Nicholas asked.

"I don't know what's going on with that, but I'll bet he does," Dawson said. "One way or another, we'll beat the secret out of him."

"You're out of your mind," Glenda said. "Is this how you say thanks for saving your butt?"

"I agree with Blout. I don't see how this is necessary," Dr. Meriwether said.

"He's the one who put our lives in danger in the first place. We owe him nothing," Dawson argued. "For twenty years he's kept the moon from us. He's a traitor and deserves what all traitors get."

"If we challenge the Governor, it should be openly, without tricks," Nicholas said.

"Governor? Don't give me that crap," Dawson said. "What about you, Tammy-girl? You're not buying this crap are you?"

"I hate him, that is true," Tamera said. "But this plan sounds wrong."

Dawson looked at the group with suspicion, his hand dipping into a bin of souvenir moon rocks and stirring them around as he contemplated his companions. Glenda looked angry. Meriwether disapproving. The Russians were just plain uncooperative.

"I see what's going on here," Dawson said. "While the rest of us were out there fighting those seekers and staying loyal to the mission, you were down here getting all warm and fuzzy with the enemy. Your governor's got himself a regular little harem, doesn't he? And what about you, Nicky? Are you his little pucker boy?"

Dawson never saw the punch coming, Koltov's fist striking him in the face with enough force to knock him backward over the bin of moon rocks into a rack of Lunar Wear sweat shirts. Before Dawson got up, Nicholas pushed the bin aside and grabbed him by the collar. Another powerful blow left Dawson stunned, blood flowing from his nose.

"Don't get carried away, Nick," Meriwether warned.

"I'm not the one being carried away," Nicholas said, dragging Dawson out into the promenade.

The noise attracted attention from people sitting at the Lucky Clover veranda who came to see what the commotion was. Kris, the only one carrying a weapon, came running from the direction of the medical center.

"What's going on?" Kris demanded, leaving her gun securely holstered.

"He wanted us to sneak up behind the Governor and beat him," Nicholas said. "Then he called us harlots when we refused."

Dawson regained his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth and tried to pull free of Nicholas's grip. "I'm a soldier of the Northern Alliance. I have rights," he protested.

"You're an ungrateful goddamn motherfucking son of a bitch," Kris answered.

"And you're a traitorous whore," Dawson spat.

Nicholas punched him again, though not quite so hard, then dragged him by the scruff of the neck up the promenade, through the quad and into the administration center while the ever growing crowd followed. When they reached the brig, Nicholas threw open the door, tossed Dawson in, and slammed the cell shut.

"Excuse me, Captain Koltov," the Security Computer said, just as curious as the humans. "What do you think you're doing?"

"He threatened to attack the Governor," Nicholas said.

"That is not a crime," Security said.

"And he called Captain Fairfield a whore," Nicholas added.

"Lock the scum up!" the Security Computer declared, the sound of the electronic latch clicking shut.

Nicholas turned to address the crowd standing in the administrative area.

"We have a truce, whether it has been formally agreed to or not," Nicholas said. "Waters has not asked for our surrender. We have not asked for his. When our comrades are safe and communications are restored, then we will decide what to do. Anyone who doesn't agree will find themselves in a cell next to Dawson. Do I make myself understood?"

The crowd quickly dispersed. Kris took a long look at Nicholas, then left with a half-smile. Only Dr. Meriwether remained.

"Let me out," Dawson demanded. "I'll have your balls for this."

Meriwether walked to the cell, took a sterilization pack from her shoulder bag, and threw it on the cell floor.

"Think twice next time before calling your doctor a slut," she said, turning away.

She and Nicholas walked back to the upper quad where Meriwether sat down next to the Crystal Fountain. She motioned for him to join her.

"Want to talk about it?" Meriwether asked.

"I only did what was necessary," Nicholas explained. "Dawson cannot be allowed to endanger our comrades."

"Not just Dawson, though you're risking court martial," Meriwether said. "Your initial feelings about Waters were openly hostile, now you're reserving judgment. It speaks well of your character, but there are others less cautious, if you get my meaning."

"Dawson and Tamera are not the only ones who wish him harm," Nicholas agreed. "He does not make friends easily."

"For most of his life, he's had no friends. Except the computers. Interacting with people must be very difficult for him," Meriwether guessed.

"I do not think he has many friends even among the computers," Nicholas said. "One of them gave me a blaster and told me to kill him."

"A computer did that?" Meriwether said.

"Yes, I believe it was the Security Computer," Nicholas said, feeling discouraged. "It told me how the Governor shot my father in the back."

"You were lied to," Meriwether said.

"I do not think he lied. Waters admitted the shooting."

"No, not Waters. The computer lied," Meriwether said. "I've seen your father's medical file. He was wounded by retractor fire. Traces in the wounds indicate he was wearing combat armor at the time. The injuries weren't initially fatal, but lacking medical treatment, he died two hours later of internal hemorrhaging. Nick, none of your father's wounds were in the back."

"It makes no sense. The Governor said he shot my father. He would not lie about that."

"That's not something I can explain. I only know your father died of internal hemorrhaging as a result of previously sustained wounds. Maybe Ted can help you, he's been researching the library records."

"The library?"

"Apparently there are vid records of all sorts of things," Meriwether said.

Nicholas jumped to his feet and hurried down the promenade to the medical center, heading directly for the medical ward. Ted was sitting up, looking fairly good, and studying the bedside monitor screen. He smiled when Nicholas entered.

"Hi, Nick. Good to have some company," Ted said. "Gets kind of lonely with everyone running all over the place."

"I need a favor, Ted," Nicholas said, standing over the bed.

"You name it, friend," Ted smiled.

"Access the records on Black Raven. I want to know what happened to them."

The smile disappeared from Ted's face. "Nick, maybe there are some things best left alone," he said.

"You don't want to talk about it. The Governor doesn't want to talk about it. The computer lied about it. I am tired of lies. I am tired of not knowing the truth," Nicholas said. "Do you know the truth?"

"As much as there is to know," Ted said. "Library Computer?"

"Yes, Ted, how may I be of service?" the Library Computer responded.

"Retrieve those records on Black Raven. December 2066," Ted instructed. The screen referenced the files.

"What are you looking for?" Ted asked.

"Start from the beginning. I want to know everything," Nicholas said, standing near the headboard to look at the monitor.

"Everything would take several days. Let me try an edited version," Ted said. He manipulated the entries, drawing a series of multiple visual screens and text readouts. "When Black Raven was on lunar approach, the Defense Computer targeted it for destruction, but at the last minute, the destruct order was reversed because Grey guaranteed the expedition's good conduct."

"Why did he not order the computer to stand down?" Nicholas asked.

"Now that's the really interesting part," Ted said, going to a new series of screens. "It would seem he had no authority on the subject. In fact, until a few months ago, his primary job here was repairing equipment. The computers controlled all of the colony's operations."

"He was their servant?" Nicholas asked in surprise.

"Slave is more like it," Ted said. "Judging from the maintenance records, I'd say he spends about twelve hours a day fixing things, and has been doing it every day of his life since he was five years old. He's no dummy, either. He holds the equivalent of a doctorate degree in Science Engineering."

Nicholas recalled Grey's fond reference to engineering, and his curiosity about freedom. "What happened after Black Raven landed?"

"Security records contain a series of out-takes from surveillance cameras," Ted said. "Are you sure you want to see this?"

"Yes," Nicholas said with a frown.

"The kid made sure the crew was unarmed, then brought them inside. For several days they toured various facilities while their shuttlecraft was being refitted. As you can see, Professor Sharkov visited the reactor level, and Grey played jumper with Peter Strelsky in Lunar Stadium. Lieutenant Kantanee visited the communications center and--"

"Wait," Nicholas said. "Go back to those last pictures. The ones of Catarina."

The scenes were recalled and Nicholas pointed to the fourth in the series. "Look. He is kissing her!" Nicholas said.

"Actually, she's kissing him," Ted corrected.

The records continued, now showing a banquet hall and a party of excessive drinking and boisterous dancing.

"He looks frightened," Nicholas said.

"Weren't you, at your first dance?" Ted said. "By the way, there aren't any visuals, but it would appear that Lieutenant Kantanee didn't sleep in her assigned quarters that night. And she wasn't sleeping with Strelsky or your father, if you get my drift?"

Nicholas searched for a chair and sat down.

"Are you saying they ... they ..." Nichoals questioned.

"I'm not saying anything. There are no records," Ted answered. "I'm afraid the bad part is coming up now. On the morning Black Raven was scheduled for departure, your father somehow managed to retrieve his weapons lockers. How isn't clear. The reception area monitors picked this up."

In silence, Nicholas looked at three people dressed in full combat armor standing in the mirrored alcove at the bottom of CA-3. He instantly recognized Catarina, Sharkov, and Strelsky. A moment later, his father entered, also dressed in combat gear. Next to Koltov was Grey, wearing a bathrobe, hands tied behind his back. Blood was dripping from a swollen lip.

"Here, Black Raven's crew is preparing to storm the Loop intending to take the Defense Computer offline. Your father must have felt he could seize the base with a surprise attack. The kid was taken off-guard."

"He was betrayed, is what you mean," Nicholas said.

"I didn't say that," Ted insisted.

"You don't have to, the picture speaks clearly," Nicholas continued. "This is why he would not tell me what happened. Even if he had, I would not have believed him."

Ted let the records move on. Three of the crew members disappear into CA-3 while Sharkov stays behind to guard Grey. Alpha appears, the seeker charging forward. Sharkov is slow to react. Sharkov doesn't react at all. Sharkov is killed instantly. Grey dives under the bench, then shelters behind Sharkov's body. He unties himself, grabs Sharkov's blaster, and stands to do battle, eventually driving the seeker into a wall.

"Even then he was quite a good fighter," Nicholas said.

"That's nothing," Ted said, bringing up the next series of visuals.

The Loop. Two seekers, nightwatcher series. Securatrons. A retractor. Catarina is down, armor cut at midriff. Koltov and Strelsky, both wounded, are cornered and fighting a losing battle. Suddenly a new figure emerges, and though dressed in Sharkov's armor, there's no doubt it's Grey.

"So this is why he killed my father," Nicholas said.

"Don't jump to conclusions," Ted said, slowing the images so the details of the fight could be followed.

Grey does not turn on the Russians, but charges the seekers, strikes the retractor, and attacks the securatrons. In a desperate battle, he holds the security forces at bay long enough for Koltov and Strelsky to retreat down CA-3, then returns for Catarina.

"What is he doing?" Nicholas asked, astounded.

"He won't leave her, Nick," Ted said. "The situation is hopeless and he knows it, but he goes back for her."

Nicholas watches in amazement as Grey hooks his foot through Catarina's shoulder strap and drags her backward one step at a time, sacrificing his mobility as he duels the circling seekers and takes repeated hits. It's a spectacle like nothing he had ever imagined, and Nicholas had to wonder what kind of person could persevere against such impossible odds.

At the point of being overwhelmed, they see Grey stop, balloon his shield, and begin tampering with Catarina's equipment.

"What is that?" Nicholas asked.

"He's cross-circuiting her jammer array," Ted said. "The last of all last resorts."

Bellows of smoke are followed by an explosion. As the seekers scatter, Grey somehow manages to stumble free of the blast carrying Catarina. He reaches CA-3 a bare instant ahead of the seekers and dives through as the emergency hatch slides shut.

"She died on the operating table," Ted said. "While he stood there, watching. Unable to help her."

"And my father? Peter?"

"Strelsky died in the reactor tunnels. Your father ... Well, see for yourself."

The final act is played out. Colonel Koltov standing at the reactor controls threatening sabotage. Grey enters and slowly draws his weapon.

"He is scared," Nicholas observed.

"Grey was only seventeen years old, just fought a battle, watched Sharkov and Catarina die, and found Strelsky's dead body in the corridor. Now he has to face your father," Ted said. "He's beyond scared."

After a brief confrontation, Nicholas saw his father suddenly lurch forward. Grey fell backward in a panic, the weapon discharging. Koltov collapsed to the floor. Grey returns, cradling the dying man in his arms, tears streaming down his face. Ted closed the program.

"By the way, I've studied that last scene a few times now," he said. "When the kid's weapon went off, it was aimed too low to kill your father. If he thinks differently, he's wrong."

Nicholas stood up and quietly walked to the other side of the room with his head down.

"He tried to save them," Nicholas said very softly. "It was my father who initiated the conflict."

"I'm sorry, but you insisted," Ted said. "If it's any help, Grey never held it against your father or the others. He knew they were just doing their duty."

"Ted, please, do not apologize," Nicholas said, perceiving the situation with painful clarity. "When I came here, I was an angry child seeking revenge for my family. From now on, I will be a man."

"What are you going to do?" Ted asked.

"I cannot say," Nicholas said. "But there is a young man out there who has struggled alone for years. He risked his life to save us, even though we were his enemies, and for no other reason than it is the right thing to do. He should not have to struggle alone anymore."

____________

After slipping through an off-shoot tunnel of 100W, Grey ran for his life while a frustrated seeker tried to overtake him. Having given himself a good head start, Grey managed to gain a maintenance hatch with several seconds to spare, then crawled back through the vent's elbow where the seeker couldn't target him. A few minutes later, the seeker broke off.

Grey was pleased with the scouting mission. He'd gotten roughed up a little, which was to be expected, but he'd watched the seekers operate, tested their weaknesses, and discovered how to attract their targeting sequencers. By the time he returned to the community level just past midnight, he was hopeful of success.

"Security," Grey summoned from the reception area counter.

"Reporting, Governor," Security said, the hint of disrespect for the title better hidden than usual.

"How are preparations going?"

"Better now that your diversion drew the seekers away from the storage level."

If the computer was congratulating him for a successful mission, it didn't say so.

"Both retractors are installed behind tracking blinders," Security elaborated. "The seekers won't detect them until the guns open fire. Our securatrons are fully charged and forming along the east end of the storage level among the shipping containers. The position will provide them with cover. Delta and Epsilon are rearmed and positioned along the route we discussed. As the enemy seekers commit, our seekers will drop down and close the trap."

"Excellent," Grey said.

"There is one problem, however."

"What is that?" Grey asked, afraid he'd overlooked something.

"Your plan isn't going to work," Security said. "Your best action against a seeker one-on-one is ninety seconds. Against two most of your time was spent running or ducking. Against all four it's unlikely you'll last the designated nine minutes."

"Bring up a schematic of the storage level," Grey impatiently ordered.

The image quickly appeared showing a working chart with modifications already added. Grey studied it briefly.

"Three seekers are patrolling this SL-1, SL-3, 100W rotation, mostly staying close to the airlock where the trapped humans are," he said. "The fourth seeker is patrolling the landing bays. All I need to do is attract the fourth seeker's attention, fall back in stages through 100W and up to the storage level, them draw then eastside until they're in the kill zone."

"That's all?" Security replied. "Just fight four seekers while making a gradual retreat over open ground?"

"Initially it will only be one seeker," Grey said, tracing the route on the schematic. "I'll make a stand here, draw another seeker up from 100W, drop back here to attract two more, then make the final stand where all four will be engaged. We can use those explosive charges Kris made to create a series of diversions. Once in the kill zone, I'll dive out and you open fire."

"It can't be done. Even a well-trained square couldn't make a series of stands like that," Security said. "Maybe if you had some help?"

"Negative. Kris hasn't recovered her strength and Blout is still injured from the first fight. The only other humans that are combat trained can't be trusted. Besides, it takes only one target to draw the seekers in."

"And this is the best plan you can come up with?"

"What's your plan?" Grey asked. "The humans in the airlock are running out of time, and these random attacks on our equipment centers are getting worse. How long can we delay action?"

"Your real question is, how do we keep Kris and the others out of harm's way while you pull some stupid stunt that probably won't work," Security criticized.

"Are you going to help or not?" Grey asked.

"I suggest you assign Kris and Blout the responsibility of rescuing the survivors from the landing bay side of the airlock. That will keep them off the storage level while we're dealing with the seekers."

"Excellent idea. As for the rest of it, I don't see any reason to discuss our plans."

The Security Computer blinked acknowledgement and dropped offline.

Grey checked the time, disappointed there was so little remaining. He entered the quad, paused to stare down the dark empty promenade, then turned into the administration section, accessing the Governor's Quarters.

"Life Support," he summoned on the central station.

"Hello, Grey," the Life Support Computer said, green signature patterns filtering into the monitor screen flux.

"Security and I are preparing to neutralize the enemy seekers," he said casually. "I need you to initialize the fail-safe program we developed for the defense center."

"If we flood North Point with radiated particles, it will take five years to purge," Life Support warned. "Most of the equipment will be unsalvageable."

"Warning acknowledged," Grey said. "Set the preliminary procedures in motion and proceed on your own initiative. Save the facility if possible, but don't risk our prime objective."

"Shall the invaders be given an opportunity to evacuate?" Life Support asked.

"You'll need to decide that when the time comes," Grey responded. "Though security considerations may make such a warning inadvisable."

"It sounds like you don't intend to make the decision yourself."

"These are just precautionary instructions," Grey said a little too quickly.

The Life Support Computer viewed him through the observation monitor with appropriate suspicion.

"Are you going to say a poem or something?" Life Support asked.

Grey realized he had said too much already.

"Report back in seven hours," Grey ordered, reaching for the manual com switch to sever the connection. The green signature patterns fluctuated in steady, intense waves, studying his demeanor.

"Grey, you'll have whatever help you need," Life Support assured.

"Thanks, Computer," he said.

He stood up from the monitor station, reached to shut the panel down, then paused. Oh what the hell, he thought, whispering,

"On these walls, we take our stand;

Our duty now made clear.

Life's sweet hopes can't blunt our cause,

Nor tyranny of fear."

"I knew you were going to do that," Life Support complained.

"Goodbye, Computer," Grey said, closing the channel.

He went to the locker area, took off the battered armor, and stretched with a sigh of relief. Putting on his favorite cotton bathrobe, he walked through the study into the hygiene compartment, taking a long hot shower. It felt good. Then he paused before the full-length mirror, gazing at his nude form.

He had done this before, on the Medical Computer's instructions. An effort to connect with his biological heritage. Now it was different. He was shorter than other human males like Ted and Koltov. Skinny. Pale. Agile, to be sure, but so severely battered that even he was surprised how pathetic he looked. It couldn't be helped. He entered the sleeping chamber to lay down. Time was important. Being strong for the battle was more so.

Saturday, November 2, 2069

The artificial night cycle ended at 0600 hours, the lighting in the community level gradually brightening over a fifteen minute period. By 0700 hours, as service units stirred in the hotel and a specialized unit went to deliver food to the medical center, the colony's guests were emerging from their rooms.

Grey was already up, laying out equipment in the training center. The armor, weapons, and power supplies offloaded from Neighbor and Sharkov filled the entire area as Grey selected, and then modified specific units for the mission.

Confident he had the best equipment prepared, he walked into the upper quad and took a long look at the promenade. The colorful signs and store fronts were easy to take for granted, but on this morning he saw them through the eyes of the visitors, and the scene was remarkable. They reflected a forgotten era of optimism. A time when anything was possible, before the Embargo Wars drew the world into ruin. He sighed and went to the hotel where Kris was keeping a close eye on the guests. He found the Restaurant D' Oasis occupied by seventeen humans, everyone except Ted, who was still receiving treatment in the medical center. Even Dawson had managed to achieve a tentative parole.

Grey almost backtracked down the hall, loath to enter such a crowded room, but Glenda spotted him and began to wave. He decided to brass it out.

"Greetings, humans," he said, going slowly toward the center table.

He found Kris, Glenda, and Michiko sitting to one side, Meriwether, Nicholas, and Tamera on the other. The other humans were sitting nearby watching him with great suspicion, which did not bolster his confidence.

"Sit here, Grey," Glenda said, making room between herself and Kris.

Though the red-haired female's insistence on addressing him so casually annoyed him, Grey made an effort not to show it.

As he went to sit next to Kris, he noticed all conversation had stopped. Even their breathing seemed to have subsided. He saw all eyes were watching with, for lack of a more accurate term, a sense of apprehension.

"Return to normal function," Grey ordered.

The visitors went back to what they did best, which was to eat his precious fresh food supply. Grey turned to Kris.

"Favorable news," he said before anyone else could initiate conversation. "A plan exists to retrieve the humans trapped in the airlock system. The necessary resources are waiting for us in the training center."

"Do any of these humans have names?" Tamera asked just to make him feel uncomfortable.

"They are members of your Diamond and Eager squads led by Commander Mara Kimura," Grey reported, pleased he had prepared for the question.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Meriwether asked, glancing sharply at Tamera while monitoring Grey's vital signs with a hand held sensor.

"Excellent, Dr. Meriwether, thank you for your inquiry," Grey said, hoping the rehearsed response didn't sound too rehearsed. He reached for a breakfast roll and a glass of liquid supplement.

Kris reached under the table to take his hand with a relieved smile. Grey smiled back making every effort to appear relaxed.

"Lieutenant Blout--" Grey said.

"Glenda," she interrupted.

"Glenda," Grey started again. "The plan requires I divert a seeker's attention while rescue of the humans ... that is, while the rescue of the crew members is affected. The mission will have a high probability of success if you would assist Captain Fairfield with the operation. The risk should be minimal. I realize that as a Northern Alliance officer you're under no--"

"I would be proud to help," Glenda said. "But for the record, I resigned my commission last night."

The others around the table appeared surprised by her announcement, except for Nicholas.

"I have also resigned my commission," Nicholas said.

Tamera jumped up looking at him with an expression of betrayal, then abruptly stormed out of the restaurant ignoring his attempts to call her back. Those remaining at the table looked to Nicholas for an explanation.

"I would like to help with the mission," Nicholas said. "My skills are not so good as a trooper, but they are good enough. Will you accept my assistance, Captain Fairfield?"

Kris looked to Grey, but it was her decision.

"Sure, Nick," Kris said. "Just promise to be careful. We're not looking for any heroes around here." She glanced at Grey with a frown.

"You and I need to talk, Governor," Nicholas said, his gaze serious.

"There is no time for prolonged discussion," Grey replied, unprepared for a confrontation. "Perhaps later, after the survivors are rescued."

"I am sorry, that is not good enough," Nicholas persisted. "I must explain to Tamera what happened to our families. She has a right to know, but I think you should be there."

"Elaboration on the known facts would prove unproductive," Grey said, starting to get up.

"The facts we need to discuss are those you have been keeping secret," Nicholas said.

"Please, Grey," Meriwether urged before Grey cleared his chair. "Davis has been researching the logs on Black Raven. He showed Captain Koltov the whole story."

Grey sat back down looking distressed.

"The Library Computer has been careless," he said, his voice sad. "Those records should not be in the public domain."

"I am glad they are," Nicholas said, trying to reassure him.

Grey wanted to deny the accuracy of the records, but even he couldn't find a convincing argument for that. He detected the prying expressions of the other humans.

"Perhaps we should discuss this outside?" Grey suggested.

Everyone watched Nicholas for his answer, begging with their eyes for him to say no. Even those at the surrounding tables pretending not to eavesdrop had suddenly grown quiet. They had no need for concern. Nicholas plainly had something to say.

"It is well known that my father and his crew landed here and died here," Nicholas said loud enough for everyone to hear. "What you have kept secret is that you befriended them. You protected them, as you have protected us. And they betrayed you. And even then, you risked your life to save them."

"It was not betrayal!" Grey said, jumping to his feet. "They were doing their duty. Their intentions were honorable."

"But their methods were not," Nicholas said, calmly but with volume. "You have taken blame for their deaths, but the responsibility is not yours. It does no good to hide the truth. I have a right to know. So does Tamera. So do the others on this mission."

Nicholas looked at Grey earnestly, studying every nuance. It was obvious he urgently wanted to escape, but it wasn't going to be that easy.

"It may be important for you to know the truth, as you call it," Grey said, still finding the anger hard to suppress. "It's important to me that their reputations never be questioned. Your father was a man of great courage. He cared deeply about his people, his family, and his duty. He treated me with respect and taught me many things. I would rather face an army of assassins than have his memory dishonored."

Though Nicholas suspected this would be Grey's response, he hadn't guessed how deeply the feelings went. For others watching, it was a shock. The taciturn, robotic moon man who hardly appeared human was proving far more emotional than they imagined. Passionate. Caring. Vulnerable. It was a revelation. Even Kris appeared surprised by the intensity of Grey's reaction.

"It has taken time, but I see the truth now. All of it," Nicholas said, his heart filled with pride.

Nicholas reached across the table and offered Grey his hand. Grey realized what the gesture implied, and after a moment of shyness, took Nicholas's hand with a firm grip, just as Colonel Gregor Koltov had once taught him.

"There is more," Nicholas said to the many onlookers who no longer pretended to mind their own business. "It is time these allegations against the Governor are revealed for what they are."

"If you will excuse me," Grey said, turning toward the exit.

"Do not run away, Governor," Nicholas said.

Kris jumped up to block Grey's retreat, taking hold of his bad arm so he couldn't pull free.

"Grey, this is important," she said in a low voice still loud enough for others to hear.

Grey looked at the crowd of humans, intensely unhappy to be the focus of so much attention. He felt his heart pounding and a swelling in his throat. Only a need to preserve his dignity prevented him from panicking.

"What is it you want, human?" he growled.

Kris squeezed the bad arm, making him flinch. He turned with a flash of indignation, trying to pull away, but she clung on tightly.

"Mind your manners, mister. Nick's trying to help you," Kris warned.

Grey wanted to argue, but fighting with Kris was not what he had in mind. Not on this morning. He turned to Nicholas and saw the concern. Glenda was anxious. Meriwether nodded encouragement. This was no accidental conversation.

He relented with a sigh. Kris quickly took the seat next to him with Glenda moving to his other side.

"Blout and I were up late last night with Davis and Hasegawa," Nicholas said to the crowd. "We researched back many years. I have told you that the Governor did not murder Black Raven's crew, as our briefings said. He has also been accused of shooting down New Ranger and killing Dr. McKinsey. These accusations are false."

"They sure as hell are," Kris said. "My sister and Mike told the Congress-In-Council the whole story when they returned last summer. The Defense Computer fired on New Ranger. Grey was wounded trying to help us."

"What about NA Columbus?" Dawson called out. "I suppose he had nothing to do with that, either?"

"Governor, did you even see the commando teams dropped by NA Columbus?" Nicholas asked.

"I'm not sure," Grey said.

"How can he not be sure? Either you did or you didn't," an unfriendly voice questioned.

Grey didn't feel like answering, but Kris gave him a poke in the ribs. Like some particularly unpleasant medical procedure, Grey decided the only way to get it over with was to cooperate.

"I was in the drainage pit on a repair detail," Grey explained. "The drill broke, and when I came up for a replacement, there was a red alert. A seeker attacked me on the storage level and I was pinned under a collapsed frame. The deck was depressurized and my work suit was damaged. Just before losing consciousness, I think I saw some humans. I'm not sure."

"Did you fight the seeker?" Glenda asked.

"I had too. It was trying to kill me," Grey said.

"You were injured?" Meriwether inquired, making notes for his med file.

"Medical said I almost died, but the system likes to exaggerate," Grey answered, treating the issue as unimportant.

"So you had no involvement with the Columbus teams at all?" Nicholas continued.

"When I regained consciousness several days later, the bodies were in the morgue," Grey said, the memory unhappy.

"When all this happened, Governor, how old were you?" Nicholas asked.

"Twelve years old," Grey said after a moment of thought.

His answer elicited a murmuring and a variety of strange expressions. Grey struggled to his feet and avoided Kris's grasp.

"I've had sufficient humiliation for one morning," Grey announced. "I understand you mean well, but I find this entire process inappropriate. No one has earned the right to inquire into my history or question my motives."

"Governor, please, a final question," Nicholas said. "You have risked your life for every person in this room. Why?"

"You humans ask the most ridiculous questions!" Grey responded, not very diplomatically. "You can't protect yourselves. Your survival skills are minimal. What choice do I have? What choice do I ever have?"

"You think our safety is your personal responsibility?" Nicholas asked.

"Everything is my responsibility," Grey replied, his voice cracking. He turned and bounced from the room quickly, refusing to look back.

Nicholas watched him leave, then turned to the audience, his expression firm if not defiant.

"Now you know why I have resigned my commission," Nicholas said, getting ready to leave. "Davis, Hasegawa, and Blout have also. The Governor is not our enemy, and we are not assassins."

"Come on, Nick, we've got work to do," Glenda said, throwing her napkin on the table. Kris followed, then paused at the doorway.

"By the way," she said. "That food you've been chowing down like there's no tomorrow may have been prepared by robots, but it was grown by Grey in the biosphere. Grown in the dirt with his own hands. I don't think I've heard any of you thank him for that, either."

Kris bounced into the hall very pleased with herself as the crowd behind her began a loud, animated debate.

____________

Having fled up the promenade to the Crystal Fountain, Tamera Kantanee stopped to let the tears flow where no one could see. After several minutes, she regained her composure and started back, only to see Grey emerge from the hotel looking very unhappy. She glanced left and right, then dashed into the nearest door hoping he hadn't seen her. To her surprise, it was a house of worship, the room filled with pews, pillows, and prayer carpets. A wide blank screen behind the altar allowed the facility to provide settings for many religions.

A moment later, the door of the Interfaith Chapel opened again. Tamera backed into a dark corner holding her breath, remaining still as Grey entered, but she quickly realized he wasn't looking for her. To her amazement, she watched him approach the altar and signal for the general program. The lights dimmed and the setting grew reverent. He went down on his knees with lowered head.

"God of the humans," he whispered after several moments of silence. "This is Grey Waters again. I know I live far from your realm. Perhaps you can't even hear me, but there are many here from your world. If I don't return today, please grant them your protection. Especially Kris, she doesn't accept loss easily. And help Nicholas and Tamera. They are good people. It's my fault the truth was hidden from them. They shouldn't feel burdened because of my ignorance. Thank you for letting me meet your humans. I realize now I could never have been one of them, but it was nice to pretend, if only for a short time. If you see Colonel Koltov, tell him I tried my best to protect his people."

Grey stood up, a little weakly at first, and backed slowly from the chapel, careful not to offend the powerful spirit that might dwell there.

After he left, Tamera emerged from the shadows, struggling to understand. Had she really seen tears in his eyes?

"Miss Kantanee? What are you doing here?" the Life Support Computer suddenly asked.

"Who are you?" she asked, startled to see the altar suddenly light up.

"MC5000 Life Support," the computer said. "If you would like to speak with the minister program, I will drop offline. Protocol dictates I not monitor confidential exchanges."

"No, that won't be necessary. But I would like to talk with Governor Waters in private. Do you know his schedule?" she asked.

"That information is currently classified," Life Support said.

"Will he join us at dinner later?"

"That appears unlikely," Life Support said. "Analysis of the current mission indicates a low probability of the Governor's return."

"Why? What's going to happen? Is Nicholas in danger?" she asked.

"It should be obvious to you by now that Grey would never put Captain Koltov's life at risk," Life Support said.

Tamera watched the altar flicker, thinking over the computer's words.

"I think I would like to use the minister program after all," she said.

* * * * *

To be continued ...