Shadowed Passage, page 6
Pious added, "Faith carries the brotherhood through many trials but no sense in not being prepared. If you can share any information about the Eddy before we jump, we would be grateful."
Slate leaned his elbows on his desk, steepling his fingers. "This is disturbing news. If it ties to anyone on Progress, I'd know. At least I should. We've heard nothing untoward from the Eddy. There've been four ships jump from there in the last three weeks. Not a whisper from any quarter about deployed weapons." He glanced at DualE. "You're welcome to question any crew you encounter but my sources are well informed."
"I believe you," said DualE. "I won't interrogate anyone but I'll see what I can learn informally." What had he said? Not a whisper.
A buzzer rang on Slate's desk. "I'm needed elsewhere. Brother Pious, I hope you're here long enough for a sermon or two, I'd like to attend in person. Get a sense of how the prospectors and crew here react to your message. See how I react." He stood and signaled the pair to proceed back to the lift. "I'll accompany you part way."
When they began the descent, DualE asked, "Have you seen or heard of a barnacle craft Whisper? It would have come through in the last three weeks as well, from Argosy Station."
"The name doesn't ring a bell. Forward a request to my dock master. I'll advise him to cooperate."
"Thank you."
Slate stepped off the lift platform as it passed one of many gangway ledges.
"I thought the Whisper jumped straight to the Eddy?" said Pious.
"It did. That doesn't mean Zofie and Carver didn't backtrack. I need to be thorough. I doubt we'll get Slate's level of cooperation further out. We are heading into Confluence-unfriendly territory, brother."
The stepped off at the base of the lift. "Where now?"
Pious pointed ahead. "I'm to meet Chels in the atrium beyond the compression plant. Come."
Progress's innards shook and rang with life support mechanicals doing their best to separate from each other and the station. Slate may have a staff of multitudes but DualE wasn't convinced their engineering skills were keeping up with the demands of a randomly growing facility. She made a mental note to double-check the Penance's departure readiness.
They passed through a series of bulkheads, finally evading the din and entered a colorful dome twenty meters high and twice as wide. Cloth streamers in red, green and blue hung from the ceiling, creating a spectral garden.
A woman DualE's height walked toward them, her raised arms brushing the ends of the streamers. "Brother Pious. I'm so glad to see you again." The woman's glee faded momentarily when she spied DualE.
I've a self-appointed rival here if I don't diffuse her suspicions. The bodyguard truth or the guise of another disciple? DualE had moments to decide.
Chapter 11
"I await your explanation." Carver rubbed his knee. His landing on the deck hadn't been violent in the reduced station gravity but it hurt enough. Zofie had unsealed the 'lock, then hung outside, waiting for his move. She obviously anticipated some action. At least she didn't laugh long as he writhed at her feet.
She brewed a post-jump recovery drink. He accepted the steaming elixir and sipped. It was better than his tea. He waited for her next words. He'd made his move, unsuccessful as it was, now it was her turn. "Thanks," he said. "Now talk."
"Pious broadcast a general message through Argosy Station. He referenced your Renfrew identity. I interpreted it as a subversive code. I dug into Argosy's security, found you jailed, and added Renfrew to the incarcerated."
"And got Willie released." It was a daring move. Zofie was never to be underestimated. "Why bring me here instead of shuffling me back to Pious?"
She hesitated before answering. Improvising?
After a minute, she spoke. "The Confluence Navy's arrival and the attack wreaked minor physical damage to the station but the reactions threatened its short-term stability. I judged it prudent to get us both away. Pious and DualE will catch up."
"I hope they do before Rowland does. What now? We sit?"
She shook her head. "We have business to conduct," she said. "You and I have a meeting next shift. Maybe one sooner if my second source makes contact."
"The purpose of the meeting and why am I part of it?"
"You're part of it because I need a partner and you're the best available."
"Let's back up and start with shanghaiing me. I made a commitment to the brothers and to DualE which you have voided."
"You voided my last deal with Gar Kondradt and the Realm power brokers. We're even."
Zofie'd rewritten events to justify her current actions, Carver realized. Maybe she wasn't as psychologically healed as he believed back in Bohr. "You were well-compensated, Zofie. By me. This ship is a step above the last piece of detritus you manned." He braced for an onslaught, either verbal or physical.
She dropped her head and sighed. When her eyes rose to meet his, there was no anger. "You're right, Carver. I do owe you. And DualE. And Pious. When they arrive, I swear you can rejoin them. In the meantime, all I ask is your presence and a sliver of your luck. There are opportunities out here. For how long, I can't guess, but I need to act quickly. With whatever happened to Argosy Station and the inbound freighter from here, a siege is imminent. Or at least an embargo. At this moment, only you and I know how serious the conflict could become. I can broker deals with peacetime rates which will look paltry when the gunships arrive. As I told you, I've already made one contact and I expect more within a shift or two."
This wasn't about the money, he thought. This was about Zofie regaining her self-worth. Since he'd been part of the circumstance destroying it on their ill-fated jump to Bohr, he could clear whatever morsel of guilt remained.
"I'll cut you a generous share, Carver. I bet you regret your generosity on the Pollux salvage claim."
Pollux. The jumpfreighter they'd all barnacled to which sabotage had left adrift in unknown locales until Carver, Brother Cardinal and the Pollux's late astrogator limped it to Bohr in barely one piece. The barnacles claimed salvage for that one piece by virtue of transport-crew abandonment. The Pollux's captain and officers had been locked into cryo but the claim stood. Incarcerated aboard the freighter, Zofie still qualified for a salvage share. Carver'd signed his portion over to the brothers in a cleansing gesture.
"I'll accompany you to your meeting and judge for myself." He drained the last of the recovery elixir.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah. Still pissed, but better. How much time before we meet your leads?"
A bang on the Whisper's airlock interrupted Zofie's answer. She checked the monitor.
Carver noted three red-suited figures huddled outside. "You know them?"
"Not yet. Party two might have moved up the priority list." She palm-printed a small screen on the control panel and a shockgun slid free. She handed it to him. "Please don't use this on me."
"Mind reader." A show of trust? Did she deserve it? Carver wondered if it was charged. He hoped he wouldn't find out.
She opened the lock and addressed the visitors. "Come in, this is my partner, Willie Renfrew."
Two of them wadded into the airlock while the third remained on guard outside. Carver appraised the men. Their suits had seen better days but the occupants looked in better than average condition. An incongruence, Carver thought. They were cookie-cutter alike in manner as well. From the bulkhead, the pair scrutinized the Whisper's innards, then Zofie, then Carver.
The first one inside laughed aloud at the introductions. "Willie Renfrew, my ass. Do you know who this really is?" He turned to his mate and then to Zofie.
"This is Carver Denz, the famous prospector. I wouldn't think you'd be needing this kind of work. There's something going on here besides shifty trading. I want in."
Carver fingered the shockgun in his pocket and debated whether this crew was worth the trouble. The man had recognized him but to reveal his recognition showed poor judgment. With what kind of idiots had Zofie got him involved?
Chapter 12
Pious knew he must intervene. Confronted with DualE as his escort, Chels' demeanor changed from joy to concern to emotional turmoil in the twitch of an eye. He recognized jealousy but it so often puzzled him. It sprang forth without genuine justification. Chels needed reassurance.
"Chels, you have done wonders for the cause in my absence." He clasped her hands and kept eye contact. "You have accomplished more than I could hope."
Her pained expression wavered. She hugged him, then stepped back and glanced from his feet to his face. A new look appeared. Chels looked...afraid? No. Apprehensive? Yes. About him. The physical change to his face; the long, hard weeks since his last visit had taken a toll.
He smiled to reassure her. "Jumpspace disagrees with me. If I were a vain man, I'd avoid it altogether or take measures to retain what's left of my middle-age."
"I'm sorry, Brother Pious, the reactions in my heart and my head are in conflict today. I built up your memory in my mind and to see you in person is a shock. To realize you are finally here again." Her gaze flicked over his shoulder.
Could he diffuse at least one of her concerns? "This is DualE, our protector."
"My role might be superfluous on Progress, given your work," said DualE.
DualE apparently had recognized Chels' elevated emotion too.
"I'm honored to meet you, Chels. Brother Pious has spoken often of your partnership. I place myself in your service."
"And I, yours." Chels glanced at Pious. "Protection from what? Who?"
"The Realm's environs beyond Slate's can be rough," said DualE. "The Eddy's pioneers tend to shoot first and erase the evidence later." DualE studied the surroundings. "I came to evaluate this place for tomorrow's safety."
DualE reacted as a soldier, a comrade in the cause and as an empathetic soul recognizing Chels' unease. Pious was pleased with his choice. She left them to survey the domed park.
Pious walked with Chels amongst the hanging decorations. "Tell me what your plans are. Where and when do you recommend we offer communion?"
"Give me a day to spread the word and build anticipation."
Chels' manner had blossomed from anxiety into enthusiasm.
"I am grateful for your devotion, Sister," said Pious. "What can I do for you?"
"I'm struggling with a burden, Brother Pious. A troubling confidence I need to reconcile before I decide what to do."
"If I can help clear your decision, I will. I'm free anytime for you."
"I'm still processing it. It could be a threat to all of us or nothing. I'm too excited with your arrival to think about it now. My time will be taken up with preparations for the gathering. After the service, I'll decide. I know your counsel will help me."
"Very well, consider yourself first in line." He signaled DualE to join them. "There is another matter we must investigate. DualE's colleague may or may not have passed through Slate's recently and we need to determine if he did and if he's still here. Would it compromise your plans if she and I were to visit the spacer tavern to inquire?"
"Uh, it would be better if I did the inquiries and you remained secluded."
DualE rejoined them. "What if I accompanied you, Chels?" she asked. "I could be just another nomadic merc you've befriended."
"All right. Keep the robe. I'll show you off as a new recruit." Chels clutched Pious' hand. "I'm so glad you're here. I won't let you down. We will fill this place tomorrow."
"I knew we could count on you Chels."
"Come with me while I spread the word and we can talk." She tugged DualE's robe. "What's your colleague's name?"
"Carver Denz," said Pious.
Chels laughed. "Really? If the most successful prospector in recent history had been near or within Slate's, it wouldn't be a secret."
"He might call himself Willie Renfrew?" DualE asked.
"We'll see."
DualE endured the passing nudges and gropes without crippling or crushing bone. The tavern crawled with prospectors, station employees off-shift and jumpfreighter crews. She noted the complete absence of any military types.
She followed in Chels' wake, uncomfortable in the role of a submissive female disciple but almost any pose would appear docile compared to the exuberant Chels. It was a necessary guise for DualE's role as part of the brothers' entourage.
Chels gave each encounter her fullest effort, promoting Pious' appearance. The reception was lukewarm from most but a small number were enthusiastic. Those Chels spent even greater effort upon, judging, DualE assumed, that a fully committed minority was more important than an ambivalent or tolerant mass. DualE agreed with the strategy. A small group of fanatics were much harder to face on the battlefield than loosely-bound large numbers, willing to disengage at the first setback. Pious and the brothers waged war to bring God into these dissolute lives.
From beneath her hood, DualE read the postures and listened to the verbal intonations. Chels was a natural recruiter.
They took a table. DualE was back in a comfort zone. She said, "You're very good. Pious should have you on his full-time payroll instead of me. Assuming your muscles are in tune."
"My life is on Slate's. Even if I could suffer through spookspace, I wouldn't want to."
"Slate?"
"Yeah, that's part of it. But I'd committed to my role for the brothers before he and I got together. This station is my home, my church and will be my resting place."
"No scattering your ashes among the void?"
"No, thank you."
A short, wiry man approached. "Chels? I'm a recent arrival on Slate's. Tarbent's the name. I've been intrigued by your messages but haven't visited your chapel yet. This Pious preacher seems like a big deal for you." He took a seat at Chels invitation.
"Come tomorrow and learn for yourself. We don't convert anyone who isn't ready."
"All or none, eh?" He lowered his head to see DualE's face under her hood.
"Chels is right. I'm all in," said DualE.
"I watched you in the crowd. You're trying not to move like a warrior." He sipped his mug.
"A previous life," she said. "You have better eyes than most."
"What do I reveal?" Chels asked.
DualE was grateful for the deflection.
Tarbent turned his gaze to the acolyte. "You show the strain of too many jump nightmares. You could have been in service too. Or a well-traveled barnacle. Prospector?"
"Anyone here could have told you that."
Tarbent laughed. "That they could have. I've not wasted my time in Slate's getting drunk. You are well-known."
"How many other recent arrivals are aboard?" asked DualE. Her cover wasn't blown but she'd risk the question.
"Not many. I'd say more have left than arrived in my short time."
"We're looking for one of our party who got separated from the brothers at Argosy. A prospector by trade though not a very good one. Still, his astrogational knowledge made a good addition to our mission." DualE felt Chels toe on hers. A warning to go slow?
Chels added, "A patron of ours when his luck was good, a volunteer for the cause when it wasn't. Trading sweat equity for board."
"Name?" asked Tarbent.
"Willie Renfrew aboard the Whisper," said DualE. No point in advertising Carver Denz.
Tarbent answered without changing expression. "Never heard of him or the ship. But I will buy you ladies drinks on faith that tomorrow's service will be worth it." Tarbent rose.
Chels laid a hand on his hip. "Save it for a hard donation. Tomorrow, if it pleases."
Tarbent looked to DualE for confirmation. She said, "Chels is right. And anything stronger than tea might impede the rest of today's duties. Thank you just the same. I'll take you up on it another time, I promise."
"Me too," said Chels.
Tarbent left to join two other female patrons having a laughing conversation. With an armload of drinks in his possession, he was quickly welcomed to the group.
DualE and Chels exchanged glances. "Been there," said Chels.
"Been them," answered DualE.
"The crowd's peaking between shifts. It's time I earned Pious' trust."
Time I earned yours, if I can. "How can I help?" DualE asked.
"Watch them. Note the ones with the most visible reactions, interest or skepticism. Then look for them tomorrow at the service."
"In a place like this, I'm more used to holding a fellow marine's coat or having mine held, but I'll do my best."
Chels stuck thumb and middle finger between her lips and shrieked a whistle guaranteed to wake a body from cryo. She stood on the table. "For those who don't know me, I'm Chels Harte. Ignore me at your peril. Those who do know me can confirm I am not to be taken lightly. I won't waste your valuable drinking, flirting or business time but hear this. Those of you who were present the last time Brother Pious addressed the station can vouch for the fact it was a transcendent moment. We're on the edge of civilization for better or worse. We're here for the freedom, for the quest and the chance to make a difference to ourselves and the Realm. But sometimes we need perspective on how to put it all together. What's our next level? What's our end game?"
DualE noted the derisive hoots. They were few and she marked the perpetrators. Most customers were polite and a few in the audience were transfixed by Chels' words.
"It varies for each individual," Chels continued. "It was for me. A forcibly-retired prospector, not much good to myself or anyone else in the Eddy. Pious' message transformed me. It gave me purpose. I can make a difference. If he can change but one of you to the path I chose, then we'll take it. If he can reach more, we'll transform the Eddy into something special. A place to build a new civilization based on respect and trust. We're not building a crusade for God, but for good, in His name. Please join Pious tomorrow at the atrium. Back to your glasses, mugs and friends old and new." She bowed and hopped down.
