Starhawk (A Priscilla Hutchins Novel) by McDevitt Jack

Starhawk (A Priscilla Hutchins Novel) by McDevitt Jack

Author:McDevitt, Jack [McDevitt, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-11-04T18:30:00+00:00


Chapter 28

“HI, HUTCH.”

She heard it several times next morning before she even got to her desk. One of the medical guys used it to say hello while she was at breakfast; Joan Kung sang it out as they passed in the Starlight lobby; a staff member whose name she didn’t even know used it coming out of the elevator. Frank, who was going the other way in the corridor outside her office, raised a hand but said nothing. Though maybe the smile said it all.

She picked up her coffee and went into her office. Nikki greeted her: “Good morning, Hutch.”

“You, too?”

“I’m sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

“You need some new material.”

“I sense that you are annoyed.”

“Hey, they introduced me to one of the biggest stars of this generation, and they made it a point to screw up my name.”

“I’m sure Patricia meant no harm.”

Priscilla sank into her chair and set her coffee on the desk. “I know. And I’m acting like an idiot.”

“May I ask why, Priscilla?”

“Love your tact.”

“Thank you.”

“Was that sarcasm?”

“Sarcasm is a purely human response.”

“Okay. Look, if you have to know, I spent a large chunk of my childhood trying to get rid of Prissy, which was the name my mom used for me most of the time. I never much cared for Priscilla either.”

“May I ask why not?”

“I just didn’t like the sound of it. So I tried to get my folks to change my name. To give me a nickname.”

“And what nickname would you have preferred?”

“That’s what annoys me. I wanted Hutch. It never really caught on. Until, apparently, yesterday.”

“I do not have a laughter capability.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“So why don’t you cash in on it now? Take Hutch as your own. There will never be a better time.”

“Nikki, I’ve gotten used to Priscilla.”

“It’s your call. By the way, Priscilla, we have an organization chart that needs updating.”

* * *

SHE WAS TRYING to get some accounting records together when Parik Simpkins came in. Parik was a construction worker. She’d only met him once before and had to scramble to come up with his name. He had dark skin, dark eyes, and an easy smile. He held out a pair of earrings. “Are these yours, by any chance?”

They looked like pearls. “No,” she said. “What makes you think they might be mine?”

“They were found on the Bomb. You were the last person to use the ship.”

“Not mine,” she said. “Rob might know something.” There were rumors that Rob Clayborn entertained occasional lady friends aboard the Baumbachner. Which maybe explained the dizziness.

“Okay, I’ll check with him.” He started to leave. Hesitated. “Did you hear about the problem at Teegarden?”

“At where?”

“Teegarden’s Star.”

“Oh. No, I didn’t. What’s going on?”

“You know the Academy Project has a research station on the ground, right? Well, anyhow, they can’t get the lander started. They’re running out of food and water. The Proxmire’s in orbit, with plenty of supplies, but they don’t have any way to deliver them.”

“That’s not good. Is the lander on the ground?”

“Yes.”

“When did we find out?”

“Yesterday,” he said.



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