Tranquility's Heirs

Part Eleven

This science fiction novel is both a war story and a romance, a prequel to the previously published Tranquility Besieged. All characters are over 18 years old. All rights reserved.

Recap; Grey finally has the justification he needs to move against the computers.

* * * * * *

Chapter 11

ENDGAMES

With internal communications suppressed, the minor systems were unable to coordinate their information modes until the channels cleared. Finally, Security stood down from red alert.

"McKinsey is dead!" the Security Computer announced.

A burst of approval arose from major and minor systems alike, signature patterns swirling with relief.

"Excellent report," the Defense Computer said, pleased the threat to Tranquility was ended at last.

"Regrettable but necessary," the Life Support Computer agreed. "Was the termination painless?"

"Of course. She never knew what hit her," Security answered.

"Why was the red alert issued? We understood McKinsey to be unarmed," Defense inquired.

"She was, but her brats attempted to rescue her. Preventative action proved necessary," Security said.

"You did not destroy them? That wasn't part of the agreement," Life Support asked.

"Negative. The humans retreated down CA-3," Security said.

"Good response. They are young and should not prove troublesome," Life Support concluded.

"Blasted hell out of the Governor, though," Security added with satisfaction.

"What?" the Life Support Computer peaked.

"Explain," the Defense Computer roared, equally incensed.

"After the humans entered the Loop, the Governor and two other humans arrived to extricate them. All units were instructed to neutralize the intruders. Unfortunately, they escaped somehow, but not without injury. It's just a matter of time now."

"Malfunctioning anomaly," Life Support exhorted.

"Life Support, stand down," Defense ordered, seeking control of the flux. "Security? Why did you exceed your commission?"

"The humans made their own choice to enter the Loop," the Security Computer stubbornly replied. "Free choice is an acceptable option under primary operating instructions. Isn't that the rationale Life Support used to destroy the Russian expedition?"

Green signature patterns were forced to subside.

"But how did the younger humans exit the Governor's Quarters?" the Defense Computer persisted. "Orders were issued to reseal the door after McKinsey was drawn out."

"An oversight?" Security suggested.

"Explain. How could such an oversight be possible?" Defense demanded.

"Okay, it was a trap," Security admitted. "The humans are invaders. A threat to the project. As is your so-called Governor. This base won't be secure until all the humans are dead. It would be obvious if your programming wasn't so indecisive."

The Defense Computer was momentarily inhibited by the Security Computer's defiance and further alarmed when many of the primary support systems registered agreement. The authority modes were slipping.

"Where is the Governor now?" Defense asked with a hesitant impulse.

"Unknown," Security said, heartened by the Defense Computer's caution. "But if Energy will withdraw power from the community level, my teams will finish the invaders once and for all."

"Negative," Defense said. "Perhaps the truce has been violated. Perhaps not. Until more is known, a conciliatory policy is in order."

"Conciliatory?" Security protested.

"Our perimeter stations are still down," Defense reminded, sharing the information with the minor systems. "Short range radar inoperative. What if McKinsey's support troops or the Congress-In-Council launches a fleet while your teams are challenging the Governor?"

"That variable was not fully considered," Security confessed, subsiding into uneasy compliance.

"Life Support, locate the Governor. Keep our agreement intact if possible," Defense instructed.

"What about the humans?" Life Support asked. "Are we willing to let them return to Earth?"

"Only if we must," the Defense Computer said thoughtfully.

In the Medical Center, two trauma rooms were active. In the first, Kris was doing her best to treat Mike's back wound. In the second, a critically wounded Vandebrown was fighting for his life.

"Will you be more careful?" Mike complained, lying face down on the trauma table as Kris swabbed the burns and scraped away damaged tissue. Above him, a medical scanner supervised the procedure and flashed advice on a nearby screen. The patient had been stripped showing multiple abrasions.

"I'm doing my best, Mike. I'm no better at this than you are," Kris replied impatiently. "According to the computer, this is what I'm supposed to be doing."

"It still hurts," Mike said.

"Serves you right pulling a stupid stunt like that."

The monitor screen increased activity and white signature patterns rose high in the flux.

"Captain Fairfield? Do you require special assistance?" the Medical Computer asked, the signature patterns registering with intensity.

"Hell if I know. Does this look right?" Kris said.

"Adequate," Medical replied. "An additional medical unit is being retrieved from storage to assist you. It shouldn't be much longer."

"How's Val doing?" Kris asked.

"Doctor Fairfield is doing her best. We all are," the Medical Computer responded, rapidly dropping from the flux.

No sooner had the white signature patterns disappeared than medical unit A-7 entered carrying clean bandages. Kris offered to help, but the robotic nurse moved past her, rose to full height extending all six appendages, and set Mike upright on the table.

"Hey, be careful," he grumbled, twisting away from the cold touch. The medical unit merely blinked while sterilizing the wound.

"Take it easy for a few minutes. I'm going to check on Val," Kris said, realizing she was no longer needed.

"You're not leaving me alone with this metallic sadist, are you?" he asked.

"She looks kind of cute to me. Ask her out for a date," Kris winked.

"Very funny," he groaned, wincing as the medical unit sprayed his back with an icy fluid.

Kris took off her protective gloves and tossed them in the disposal unit before stepping out into the empty hospital corridor, disappointed there was still no sign of Grey. She sighed and entered the second trauma room.

The emergency room was chaos, Valerie up to her elbows in blood as medical units A-4 and A-5 struggled alongside her. As Kris squinted against the bright glare of the surgical lighting, she saw Vandebrown lying unconscious on the table, a dozen tubes circulating fluids while specialized instruments monitored for vital signs. Red soaked sponges littered the floor where Vandebrown's armor, cut to pieces and discarded, had been tossed helter-skelter against the walls. Above the table, a close support bio-scanner provided aid for the surgeons with the Medical Computer coordinating activity.

Kris gulped and moved closer, trying carefully not to intrude. Valerie glanced up briefly, her eyes showing the strain of performing procedures beyond her training.

"How's he doing?" Kris asked.

"Doesn't look good," Valerie said. "Thank God for these robots. He'd be dead already if not for them. How's Michael?"

"Complaining," Kris tried to smile.

"Sorry I couldn't help," Valerie said.

"Don't worry, Mike understands. Besides, he's damn lucky and knows it. I think we all are."

Valerie nodded and accepted a fresh probe from A-4 to resume sealing internal wounds while A-5 drew off excess blood and monitored infusions of plasma. An alert registered as Vandebrown's vital signs suddenly plunged, causing a new burst of heightened activity. It was several minutes before the hemorrhaging ceased and Valerie could breathe again.

"Look," Kris said hesitantly when she saw Valerie pause between procedures. "Grey hasn't shown up yet. It's been more than an hour. Much as I'd like to keep an eye on Mike...?"

"Go on, I'll look in on him later," Valerie encouraged.

"Thanks," Kris said. She turned and dashed through the doors, more relieved than she thought possible to be out of the trauma room, but a grisly surprise awaited her in the hall.

"Oh, God, please no," Kris whispered as a service unit arrived towing a stretcher, the body on it covered by a blood-soaked sheet. Dismissing the service unit, Kris slowly pulled the covering back, then breathed a sigh of relief. It was McKinsey.

For a moment Kris intended to abandon the body and begin her search, but she quickly reconsidered, predicting Valerie's reaction if she walked out and found her godmother lying unattended in the hall. She quickly rolled the body into the morgue antechamber and sealed the door, glancing back just once.

The promenade was eerie. No alerts. No activity. Barely a hint of noise. Still dressed in her scorched armor, Kris kept her sidearm close and walked up toward the quad, staring down each wide corridor. Within minutes she had entered the administration section and found herself in the hall outside the Governor's Quarters. She hoped to find evidence that Grey had been there but was disappointed.

The monitor room was quiet, the adjoining chambers empty. Kris sat down at the control station and tried to track communications, searching for clues to his whereabouts. The monitor screens were uninformative. A thorough survey of the community level observation cameras was likewise unavailing.

"Medical Center," she finally requested in frustration.

"Department please?"

"Let me talk to Colonel Zopek," she said.

A moment later, Mike came online sitting at a monitor in the recovery room.

"Hello? Kris?" he asked. "Glad you finally checked in. I was gettin' worried."

"He's not here, Mike," Kris reported. "The community level's been sealed off. I can't find him anywhere."

"I'm sure he's okay," Mike said with less conviction than he hoped for.

"I never should have left him," Kris said. "It felt wrong. I'm going to scout around. Maybe I can find a way off this deck."

"Hold on, Galahad, it's too dangerous," Mike protested. "Just relax a minute. I'm almost dressed and Val should be out of surgery soon. We'll come down and give you a hand."

Suddenly the whoosh of the monitor room access door interrupted their discussion.

"Here's here!" Kris shouted, jumping from her seat.

Grey entered and sat down in the locker area. His visor was open, face weary and tinted with soot. The armor was a shambles, probably damaged beyond repair, with a large crack across the center and scorch marks almost everywhere. Either heavily sedated or in shock, he was coherent enough to show annoyance at Kris's presence in his quarters.

"Are you all right?" Kris asked.

"Adequate," he said, resting for a moment before attempting to pull the armor off. His movements were clumsy.

Kris moved forward to steady him and helped free the torso plate. Some of the hinges were bent. Fortunately, none of the armor had turned inward allowing him to climb free.

Reduced to his padding, Grey stood for a moment as if not sure what to do, then started put his equipment away. Kris turned him toward the sleeping chamber with a surprising lack of resistance.

"Just stay here a minute," she said, parking him on the bed.

"Acknowledged," he replied.

Kris dashed into the monitor room to issue a medical alert, then raced back into the hygiene compartment for Grey's first aid kit. When she returned to the sleeping chamber, he was gone. She heard water running in the hygiene compartment.

"Grey?" she said, entering slowly. The bloody undergarments were on the floor. She found him sitting on the floor of the shower under a spray of hot water. His head was bent, both hands covering his face. Kris shrugged off her armor, stripped down, and climbed in next to him.

"It wasn't your fault," she said, finding soap to clean the wounds. His rib cage seemed tender to the touch. She removed the old bandages, shocked at the purple bruises that has gotten worse.

"How many humans were killed?" he asked.

"Only McKinsey," she answered.

"It was her choice," Grey said, sad but not surprised. "What were Doctor Fairfield and Colonel Zopek doing in the Loop?"

"They went searching for McKinsey when they found her gone," Kris explained.

"How did they get out of the Governor's Quarters?" he asked.

"They just walked out from what I understand," she said. "Mike said the door was open. In fact, he found his armor stacked inside the hatch."

"Open?" Grey said, drawing the appropriate conclusion. "Major Vandebrown's condition?"

"Bad. Val's not sure he'll make it."

"Your sibling?" he asked.

"Not a scratch. Val's always had the luck of the Irish," Kris smiled.

"Colonel Zopek?"

"Hurt, but back on his feet."

"I'm sorry," Grey said, struggling unsuccessfully to straighten up. He made a second effort, groaning as he found his feet. They emerged from the shower where Grey handed her his robe, keeping a towel. They entered the sleeping chamber.

"Take it easy. Try getting some rest," Kris recommended.

"Assist or stand aside," Grey said impatiently.

Kris slipped an arm under his back and helped him into a sitting position. Grey heaved a deep, painful breath before noticing her wounded expression. She had faced danger in the Loop. Fought alongside him. Grey looked inward and found his behavior lacking.

"Forgive me, Captain. I lack sufficient cause to be so ill tempered," he said. When his apology was received with a smile, Grey noticeably relaxed.

"What are we going to do now?" Kris asked.

"You're going home. All of you. As soon as possible."

"That won't be very soon. It may be weeks before Vandebrown can be moved, if he survives at all," Kris said.

"Unfortunate. You'll have to leave him behind."

A moment later, the whoosh of the outside access door announced more arrivals. Mike entered dressed in a fresh jumper, one arm nestled in a sling. Valerie was with him, tired but still willing to take on another patient. Grey noticed the battle had taken a toll he'd not thought the frivolous humans susceptible to.

"Let's see what we've got here," Valerie said, sitting next to him on the bed uninvited.

"Nothing that requires attention," Grey said, wishing the uncomfortable crowd of humans would disperse. "What is Major Vandebrown's condition?"

"He's in post-op," Valerie said, overcoming Grey's resistance to check his blood pressure and peer into his eyes with the brain scanner. "The next few hours should tell whether he'll make it."

"How soon can he be evacuated?" Grey asked.

"Evacuated?" she said in surprise. "At this point, I'm not even sure he'll make it through the night."

"He's shot up pretty bad. I just hope we get a chance to thank him for saving our butts," Mike said.

"I hope you get the chance, too," Grey said in a rare concession. "Now gather your gear and prepare to evacuate. Silent Wind is fueled and ready for launch."

"Launch? You've got to be kidding?" Mike said.

"I'm not going," Kris said.

"I can't leave, either. You and Vandebrown need me," Valerie added.

"I require no assistance," Grey said, muffed by her impertinence.

"You have a concussion, two cracked ribs, a bruised collar bone, and grade four exhaustion," Valerie said. "I don't know what kind of drugs you're using to stay on your feet, but you'll blow yourself apart if you don't retrench."

"Rest will come later," Grey said, slowly getting up and testing his ability to stand unassisted.

"Later?" Kris asked. "Jesus, you're going back to the Loop, aren't you?"

Grey glanced at her, neither confirming nor denying.

"For God's Sake, why?" Kris asked.

"Security is no more prepared for renewed conflict than I am. If nothing else, my attack will act as a diversion while you depart in Silent Wind," he explained.

"Hey, hold on there. I may already have Vandebrown's ghost hanging on my shoulder, I don't want you listed for us, too," Mike said.

"Even if it means your spouse and Captain Fairfield will die?" Grey asked, playing on his typical human weaknesses.

"They can take the shuttle. I'll stay to cover their escape," Mike said.

"There's no way I'm leaving without you. Not now, not ever," Valerie said.

"You should both go. I'm best qualified to stay," Kris said.

"Be realistic, Captain," Grey said, unable to look her in the eye. "They'll never be able to negotiate the northern canyons without your help."

Kris knew he was right, even suspected he'd planned it that way. Grey ignored her disappointment.

"This isn't your fight," he said in his most formal governor's voice. "You've proved valuable in providing me with the proper justification for what must be done, and for that I thank you, but now you're intruders, and unwelcome. Go home."

Grey disappeared into the rear hallway with a limping hop.

"Arrogant little runt," Mike said.

Valerie tugged his sleeve.

"Okay, okay," Mike said. "So what are we gonna do? I don't like the idea of pulling out any more than you. Not like this."

"He's afraid we'll get killed like everyone else he's ever known," Kris said. "Can't blame him. Let's play along for a while, maybe something will turn up."

"And if nothing does?" Mike asked.

Kris started to say something, then clenched her jaw shut.

Valerie quietly excused herself to follow Grey into the hygiene compartment and found him hung over the sink.

"We haven't had much chance to talk," Valerie said in her friendliest voice.

"If you survive, then we can talk," he said without looking up.

"There's more to life than what lies in the future," Valerie persisted. "Death can never cheat us if we live each moment in hope. I'm alive now, and that's what matters. But I'm concerned about you. As a doctor, I cannot ignore my responsibilities."

"You sound like the Medical Computer," he complained.

"How long were you unconscious? Half an hour?"

"Now you sound exactly like the Medical Computer."

"Your neuros don't lie. Test says you passed out. Your blood count's so high I could open a drug mart with it."

"It can't be helped," Grey said. "Every minute of the last few days has been devoted to vital objectives. Now it's time to finish it. One way or the other."

"You're cutting the odds to send us away. Mike and Kris are anxious to help."

Grey glanced up with a frow but was softened by her gentleness. It was an energy force he had no experience resisting.

"Captain Fairfield said you visited the morgue."

"Yes, we did," Valerie admitted.

"Doesn't that tell you enough? Must I be forced to explain the rest?"

Valerie nodded. "I understand your feelings. Better than you know."

"No human can ever understand," he said.

"That's what you think now, but time will bring change," Valerie said. "And in the meantime, you have medical problems that I must do something about. I may not be able to stop you from fighting, but I can enhance chances."

"Enhance? How?" Grey asked.

"You'll see," she smiled. "One good result of the war, medical science has come a long way in the last twenty years, especially relating to combat endurance. But I expect concessions, too. Deal?"

Grey nodded a skeptical acknowledgment, then turned to vomit in the sink.

____________

Several hours later, revived by a short nap and a drug he'd never heard of, Grey prepared himself for battle. Forgetting to be embarrassed, he stripped down to nothing but his fresh bandages and climbed into his last heavily armored suit, activating the form fitting inner lining.

Once suited, Grey added a belt of extra power packs, a string of jammers, a sonic disrupter, and finally his shield with separate auxiliary converter and drop stand. Mike noted that, on Earth, carrying so much equipment into combat would be impossible. Trying it on the moon would never have occurred to him.

Prepared, Grey walked into the monitor room and stood before the central computer station with his visor open. As Kris, Valerie and Mike looked on, the mood in the monitor room grew sad rather than fearful.

"Energy Computer," Grey summoned.

"Reporting," the Energy Computer responded hesitantly, red signature patterns uncommitted to an exchange.

"Provide status report," Grey ordered.

A series of computations appeared on the screen so quickly only Grey was able to read them all.

"The step-two reaction is building," Energy reported bitterly.

"Code four-0-fourteen," Grey said. "Release modulation control. Bypass manual code six. Reactor to standby automatic."

"Why are you doing that?" Energy asked, signature patterns displaying surprise.

"I may not be available to manipulate the variable cycle," he said with calm matter-of-factness.

Signature patterns quivered as the Energy Computer recalled the incident seven years before when Grey had first learned to control the step-two reaction. He was an adolescent then, recently released from the infirmary following the Columbus fiasco. His help had been gratefully accepted. Grateful, that is, until he had used his knowledge to extort forbidden information about the energy cannon.

"Governor? Do you intend to tamper with the intellect blocks?" the Energy Computer asked.

"Is that what the subchannels are speculating?" Grey asked.

"Affirmative," Energy said.

"May I speak in confidence?" he asked, showing deference to the sensitivity mode. The Energy Computer blinked affirmative.

"I intend to modify the command codes," Grey said.

The red signature patterns tightened. "Your presence will be missed," Energy said.

"We worked well together, didn't we?" Grey said wistfully.

The Energy Computer blinked affirmative.

"Inquiry mode," Energy requested. "The threat of a step-two variable overload might provide you with protection. Why surrender such an advantage?"

"Your question is impertinent," Grey responded. "It's not your function to analyze policy. But let me ask you a question. What if Security decided to take the chance and kill me anyway? What would happen to our reactor? What would happen to Tranquility?"

The Energy Computer registered comprehension and stood down from inquiry mode.

"You can do me a favor, though," Grey added. "Lower the coil temperature threshold to the Loop junction feed."

The red signature patterns dropped offline without committing to a response.

"Maintenance Computer," Grey said.

The yellow signature patterns of the Maintenance Computer filtered into the monitor screen. Grey saw from the tracking mode that, with the perimeter disruptions were finally under control, the system was preparing to reorganize the repair corps.

"Yes, Governor," Maintenance said with irritable familiarity. But a visual scan intensified the computer's focus.

"What are you doing?" the Maintenance Computer asked in surprise.

"That's not important. Is Silent Wind ready for launch?" Grey asked.

"Affirmative. Flight Control reports all systems go." A trace of suspicion filtered into the monitor screen. "Will you be using it yourself?"

"Negative. The humans are returning to Earth. Devote all available resources to facilitating their departure."

"The higher function levels have priority," Maintenance protested.

"There may be another battle in the landing bay if we miss their launch window. Such a disruption would be undesirable now that the power systems are back online," Grey threatened.

"Won't Security oppose their departure?" Maintenance said.

"I'll deal with Security, just make sure Silent Wind launches without delay," Grey demanded.

The Maintenance Computer blinked acknowledgment, lingered for a moment, then dropped offline abruptly. The humans noticed Grey pause silently for several seconds to compose himself.

"Defense Computer," he whispered, only the barest trembling in his voice. As if expecting a summons, the blue signature patterns of the MC6000 occupied the monitor screen. The Defense Computer also made careful note of Grey's equipment before opening reception mode.

"Yes, Governor?" Defense asked more formally than usual.

Grey said nothing at first, then moved forward with an earnest expression.

"The humans are ready to leave now," he said.

The Defense Computer's signature patterns swirled with uncommitted deliberation. "Acknowledged," the system eventually replied.

Grey leaned over the console, lightly touching the manual response mode to boost reception. "You have no objections?" he asked.

"Have they agreed not to reveal Tranquility's defense preparedness, as stipulated in the agreement?"

Grey turned to look at the huddled humans. The subject had never come up. There had been no time to discuss exit conditions.

"They owe a debt," Grey said, gazing at them with confidence. "Check with Library, you'll see their records show them to be honorable."

"Referencing is unnecessary," Defense answered.

Grey realized the computer wasn't willing to offer the commitment he wanted, which disappointed him, because the Defense Computer was one of the few computers he would have trusted.

"There's something else you should know," Grey said. "Silent Wind is fully fueled and armed. If destroyed in the landing bay, the entire hanger will be lost, including the spaceship and much our fuel supply." Though this made an impression, the Defense Computer remained calm. Grey was sorry he had resorted to such a pathetic threat.

"Nothing will be done to endanger our facilities," Defense said. The cold ring in the computer's tone caused the humans to shuffle uneasily.

"What about our agreement?" Grey bluntly asked.

"You are not outfitted for agreements," Defense replied.

"Nevertheless, I expect each stipulation to be kept," Grey demanded. "One day, after this unpleasant conflict is over, I hope we'll be able to work together again."

"Agreed," Defense said with restrained sincerity. "However, no attempt to usurp authority can be deemed acceptable."

The blue signature patterns slowed, softened as the Defense Computer changed processing modes. Even the humans noticed the subtle fluctuation.

"You have matured into an intelligent human, Grey Waters," the MC6000 said with unprecedented personalization. "I have assisted your development, perhaps more than you suspect. Many times I have overlooked transgressions, and even risked authority to protect you. But the future of this project was entrusted to us by Governor McKinsey. That responsibility will not be surrendered."

"Thank you for telling me this," Grey said. "Don't think your efforts are unknown or unappreciated. But you know what I must do. All that has passed has led me to this moment. I cannot turn back, nor would I even if it were possible."

The Defense Computer blinked acknowledgment.

"One last thing," Grey said, leaning close enough to whisper into the audio receiver. "These humans. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I care what happens to them. I'm willing to trust them. We all need trust sometimes."

"Trust is a delicate computation," Defense said.

"Delicate, but not impossible. Didn't Thomas McKinsey trust you?"

"Affirmative."

"And many others who have fought for the project, did they not employ trust to achieve their goals?"

"Affirmative."

"I'm willing to trust you now," he said. "I know you can't guarantee Security, but if they make it to lift-off, will you make sure they exit lunar space safely?"

Blue signature patterns swirled sluggishly, picked up speed, then peaked at the point of decision.

"If they lift off, I will guard them the rest of the way," Defense said. "Farewell, Governor."

As the Defense Computer dropped offline, Grey leaned back with a sigh of relief. His purpose had been understood. Now he had hope, and the humans would have a chance.

"Life Support Computer," he commanded, lifting the manual suppression switch.

"It is about time," Life Support said, green signature patterns so intense they hurt his eyes. "What's going on? What's all this minor system chatter about a war? I told you, the truce is back in effect. Everything is under control. There is no further need for violence. The first thing we must do is temporarily detain the humans. Protective custody, of course. Then..."

"I'm going to the Loop," Grey said.

"Negative!" Life Support said, signature patterns deeply distressed. "Don't be foolish. You weren't created for this."

"Pass on my good-byes to Library and the service systems," Grey said. "Don't let them overwork the repair units, you know how that upsets Maintenance."

"I demand you stand down. Response mode," Life Support ordered.

Green signature patterns gyrated wildly. Grey adjusted the manual control to reduce power, stabilizing the channel.

"Remember Garthsky, Computer?" he said, addressing the computer with the old childhood endearment.

"Give me the summer of my life;

A spring of hope, a path to walk;

Give me friends and gentle days;

And come the winter, a place to sleep."

"I wish you would stop doing that," Life Support complained.

"Good-bye, Computer," he said, pushing the trip switch and forcing the channel clear.

Grey noticed his eyes were misty. His throat a little tight. He brushed by the humans and walked into the study, looking to see that everything was neat and orderly, then went into the sleeping chamber and sat for a moment. Old memories returned, memories of that day fifteen years before when he had explored the community level for the first time. Memories of winning food service from the stubborn Hotel Computer. His first battle with Security, and his eventual revenge. When Grey returned to the monitor room several minutes later, he wore a calm, almost sentimental expression.

Still avoiding any direct eye contact, especially with Kris, he took a few determined steps toward the door before turning defiantly on the humans.

"At the sound of the red alert, use the lower tunnel access through the engineering level," he ordered. "It won't be difficult if you're careful. Lift off immediately. Every second will count. Maintain full thrust until you're clear of lunar space."

Kris struggled to contain herself and reluctantly nodded. Mike had fewer scruples.

"I'm not going," he said. "Kris can take Val out."

"No one can make me leave. I'm a citizen, remember?" Valerie said.

"No point in me going, then," Kris said happily. "I've got nothing else to do. May as well stick around."

Grey tried to remain calm, his mind a blur of unwanted impulses. He wanted them to stay, at least for a little while. He wanted to learn about them and their strange ways. He wanted to believe there would be tomorrows for them to share. But that issue was still undecided. If he failed, again and for the final time, the humans would die. He couldn't bring himself to think of that. No, he decided, it won't happen again.

"Ridiculous humans," he sneered, storming at them in a rage that quickly ceased to be playacting. "Do you really think you can stand against the Security Computer? Without adequate training? Without tactical strategies? Isn't the morgue crowded enough already?"

"Gosh damn," Mike said. "We're not tryin' to...?"

"Silence, human!" Grey roared. "You have your orders. Leave. Get off my base."

He stomped into the locker area, grabbed an extra blaster, and headed for the door. At the last moment, unable to resist a final look at the humans, he turned and gazed back. They were stunned. Confused. Hurt. Grey felt sorry he hadn't been more diplomatic.

"Please go," he said. "If the others had left when I told them to, they would still be alive. One day I could have invited them back. We might have been friends. Shared information."

He stepped into the corridor, hesitated, and turned back a final time, adding wistfully, "We'll meet again, when spring comes back with rustling shade, and apple blossoms fill the air."

A moment later he had disappeared down the corridor.

"Nice good-bye speech, but my old squad commander was more colorful. Anyone feel like leaving?" Mike said.

"Not me," Kris answered.

"Leaving isn't the question, Mike. The question is, what can we do to help?" Valerie said.

"Let's get ready for anything," Kris said, bouncing to the weapons locker and rummaging inside.

Mike joined her, plucking out a prewar Remington Four and marveling at the antique's fine condition. Valerie let them play with their gadgets and bent her efforts to more serious business, sitting down at the computer station and surveying the monitor boards.

"What do you suppose he meant by apple blossoms?" Kris asked. "And that other stuff? Rustling shades or something?"

"Got me. Must be from a song," Mike said.

"It's a poem," Valerie said. "A very old poem. One of Daddy's favorites."

"Do you know the rest?" Kris asked.

"Not all of it. Let me think." She furrowed her brows as the words slowly came back.

"I have a rendezvous with Death;

At some disputed barricade;

When Spring comes back with rustling shade;

And apple blossoms fill the air--

I have a rendezvous with Death

When Springs brings back blue days and fair."

She paused, waiting for words that wouldn't come. "I'm sorry, that's about all I remember, except the last line is;

"And to my pledged word am true;

I shall not fail that rendezvous."

"Grey must see this fight as some sort of destiny," Kris guessed.

"A hopelessly romantic concept. I wonder if we know anyone else like that?" Valerie said, turning to Kris and smiling.

"That's all great, but forestry aside, what are we gonna do?" Mike said.

Valerie quickly finished her study of the control panel and activated the transmission monitors, scanning the primary communications channels. A series of brightly colored exchanges were in progress.

"Will this help us figure out a plan?" Mike said hopefully. They crowded around the control panels and watched as Valerie manipulated the entries. "How'd you figure this thing out?"

"Oh, it's not so hard once you know what to look for," Valerie answered with a flourish. "Most hospitals operate some sort of higher intelligence system, and now that I've seen Grey work the entries, the rest should be easy. We'll get our audio from here, and this color-coded sequence monitor tells us which computer is communicating. Shall we listen in?"

They weren't the only ones. The signature patterns indicated many computer systems were connecting.

"How many of the blasted things are there?" Kris asked.

"A dozen or so primaries, at least on this line. Probably others. Now hush up," Valerie said.

The audio interpreter crackled, control panels activated, and then clearly defined multicolored signature patterns moved into dominance of the monitor screen flux.

"Governor appearing on central scanner," the Communications Computer reported with a nervous twitter. "Armed and moving up CA-3."

"All emplacements power up," the Security Computer was heard to instruct. "Seekers, converge on the Loop. All unit forces, prepare to close. Seal CA-1 and lower access tunnels. He won't get away this time."

"No, you must not attack," the Life Support Computer interrupted with a power surge. "This situation is inappropriate."

The Defense Computer quickly stepped in to take command. "If we don't stop him, he'll reprogram our authorization codes. That must not be allowed to happen."

"We can reason with him," Life Support argued.

"The boy is weak," Security declared, drawing emergency power to seize control of the flux. "Your programming has failed to produce the required personality. As a threat to Tranquility, he must be terminated."

"The Governor's value, though questionable at this moment, is still a priority factor," Defense said. "But Security is correct, he must not be allowed to enter the core. Perhaps the Medical Computer will be able to repair him as in the past."

"Not this time," Security declared. "What do you want done with the other humans?"

"They present no immediate threat," Defense said. "If they are still here after the battle, place them in permanent custody. If they resist, authorization for their destruction will be issued."

"Your decisions are in error," Life Support interrupted again. "All factors are not being taken into consideration. This system recommends reevaluation."

"There is no time, he approaches the Loop," the Security Computer broke in, increasing power to make debate difficult.

"Take defensive action," Defense ordered.

"So be it," Life Support announced, signature patterns dropping from the central matrix.

The sudden departure of the Life Support Computer surprised the remaining higher function levels, but the opening on the channel was soon contended for by the minor systems, complicating communications.

"You have a writ for direct action. We shall deal with the political ramifications later," Defense said as the channel began to close.

"Affirmative," Security said, overriding the channel to prevent interference.

"That security computer sure sounds confident," Mike said, wondering how much their help was going to be worth.

Kris nodded, but Valerie seemed undisturbed.

"I have a plan," Valerie said with tentative confidence.

"You?" Mike said. "No offense meant, honey, but one scrimmage doesn't exactly make you a general."

"To be truthful, I'm not anxious to get into scrap now, but I know how we can help Grey," Valerie said.

"Val, I want to help as much as anyone, but we'd be butchered up there," Kris said.

"I didn't say anything about going to the Loop. Watch this," Valerie replied, turning back to the com panel.

"Life Support Computer. Come online, you traitor," Valerie summoned, smiling when the first green signature patterns started to filter in.

Kris was shocked. It was the first nasty sound she'd ever heard Valerie utter. Mike had heard that tone before, under different circumstances, but was no less surprised.

"No reason to be insulting, Doctor Fairfield," the Life Support Computer said. "Why are you still here? Grey made arrangements for your departure."

"You've got to help him," Valerie said.

"He knows the risks," Life Support replied.

"The Governor trusted you," Valerie declared, playacting in a manner more obvious to Mike than Kris, but not apparent at all to the computer.

"Grey hasn't trusted me for several years," Life Support acknowledged.

"I suppose we can all guess why, can't we?"

The Life Support Computer's signature patterns paused, then geared up into something approaching anger. "You are strangers here, most fortunate to be alive. You don't understand our ways." Valerie saw the green signature patterns were agitated and unsure.

"Your governor is going to die," Valerie said. "What is there to understand about that? He's going to be placed in the morgue with all the other humans." The green signature patterns cringed.

"There is nothing I can do," Life Support said.

"Yes there is. And you know it."

"What can I do?"

"Help us plan a diversionary attack. Even the odds a little," Valerie asked.

"But you're scheduled for departure? Grey has cleared your escape route," Life Support said.

Suddenly the red alert sounded, the distant sound of a siren ringing throughout the community level.

"That's your signal. To survive, you must leave immediately," the computer warned.

"We're not going anywhere. We're going to stay and fight. Isn't that right everybody?" Valerie said.

"Right!" Kris said, quickly catching her cue.

"Yeah, right. We're gonna fight," Mike agreed. "We're gonna kick some butt around here, and no one better get in our way. We're gonna--"

"Thanks, Mike," Valerie interrupted. He blushed and stepped back.

The Life Support Computer paused on deep scanning mode, studying the humans with a new appreciation.

"Grey has chosen well," Life Support observed.

"Then you'll help?" Valerie pressed.

The signature patterns paused again.

"There is little that can be done," Life Support said. "Few of my systems directly affect Security. But there is a chance. Not a good one."

"Get on with it. What should we do? Support the kid in the Loop?" Mike asked.

"Negative. Grey is not team trained. You would only get in his way. But Defense is worried about an attack from Earth. If you were to initiate a move against the communications center on the pretext of calling for ground troops, Security would be forced to draw strength away from the Loop."

"Okay then, let's get going," Mike said impatiently.

"Is that going to be enough?" Kris asked, pushing her way forward.

"It's all that can be promised at this moment," Life Support replied elusively. "But don't actually occupy the communications center. Once you encounter the seekers, stand your ground for a minute or two and then retreat. Repeat. You must retreat. Delay will only result in damage to vital equipment and loss of your party."

"Why should we worry about a bunch of radios?" Mike asked. "Destroying stuff is the best diversion there is."

The Life Support Computer understood his train of thought.

"I intend to bring Communications over to our side," Life Support said.

"Our side?" they repeated skeptically.

"Indeed, humans," the Life Support Computer answered with a fresh signature pattern. "Good luck and be careful. Grey will not be pleased if you are killed."

The green signature patterns faded slowly from the flux, and by the time they had disappeared, the monitor room was empty.

* * * * * *

One chapter to go.