Challenger's Hope (Seafort 2) by David Feintuch

Author:David Feintuch
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction - Space Opera, Fiction - Science Fiction, Nicholas (Fictitious character), Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seafort, 20th century, Space Opera, General, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Navies, Space colonies, Fiction, American fiction
Publisher: Warner Books
Published: 1995-04-30T14:00:00+00:00

12

Stew and fresh bread revived me; I returned to the bridge with a more jaunty step. I sent Philip, still armed, down to crew berth one to settle the new recruits. My first thought had been to hunt down the rebels immediately, but on reflection I decided otherwise. Untrained recruits with unfamiliar weapons were no match for tough, ruthless crewmen who knew every inch of the ship. I'd only end up killing some of my new crew and putting more arms into the hands of the rebels.

I paced impatiently until Philip returned. He dropped into his chair with a sigh of relief. "They're getting settled, sir. We found the stores and I issued uniforms and bedding. I took the liberty-" He flushed.

"What is it?"

"After I left them I put my ear to the hatch for a minute. There was some grumbling, but it sounded all right I know we're not supposed to spy."

"That's right. If they catch you they'd never trust you again. Or any officer."

"Sorry, sir."

The corners of my mouth turned up. "I'd probably have done the same."

Philip, used to my moods, said nothing when I stood and began to pace. I had to deal quickly with the rebellion. But despite my anxiety, until we had the enlistees-and the inductees-well in hand, I had no way to regain control of my ship.

In the meantime, I could trust Philip Tyre and Walter Dakko. But I dared not press the loyalty of seamen like Mr. Tzee and Mr. Kovaks, who'd bunked with the rebels on the long voyage out.

I glanced at the two rifles leaning against the bulkhead, mine and the one I'd issued Walter Dakko. Perhaps I could set the midshipman and Dakko to guard the two ladders up from Level 3 while I systematically searched the bottom Level myself. No, that wouldn't work; I couldn't afford to lose either Dakko or Tyre, and besides, searching an entire Level would need more than one person; while I was in the engine room or a crew berth the rebels could slip around the circular corridor to where I'd already searched.

I pounded the chair arm in frustration. How could I conduct ship's business with six armed sailors skulking belowdecks? They could hold out indefinitely, unless I could deny them access to food. A chill stabbed. What if they burned through the arms locker and seized the rest of our weapons?

Good Lord. I hadn't secured the armory.

"Philip!"

He leapt awake, alarm and embarrassment playing on his features. "Yes, sir?"

"Go below. Bring back Mr. Attani. And, uh, seal crew berth one. Explain to the men that it's for their own safety. I'm concerned to keep the rebels out, not them in."

"Aye aye, sir. But couldn't Ginger burn his way through, the way he did the brig?"

"He won't know whether I've issued arms to the crew, so I don't think he'll take the chance. Show them all how to use the caller and instruct them to call the bridge or my cabin at the first sign of trouble.

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