The Chaos Chronicles by Jeffrey A Carver

Author:Jeffrey A Carver [Carver, Jeffrey A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Carver, novels
ISBN: 9781611381962
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Published: 2012-08-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Decisions

“CAPTAIN.” THE ROBOT paused in the front lobby. “Before we return to the room, you may wish to review this message privately.”

“Why’s that?”

“It contains a suggested course of action which may be contrary to what your companions want to do.”

Bandicut blinked, suppressing a momentary dizziness. Mokin’ foke, he thought. He looked around the lobby. “Over there,” he said, pointing to a secluded corner. They walked over and sat on a long, low cushion. They were flanked by two pools populated with fat eels and bulbous fish; otherwise, they were alone. “Okay, let’s have it.”

Napoleon clicked. “Could you sit closer, please?”

Bandicut stared at him, then nodded. He leaned forward and put his ear against the robot’s external speaker. “How’s this?”

“Better. I am concerned that we not be overheard.” The robot’s metallic voice was nearly inaudible. “Copernicus reports that the boojum may be intending an attack against a critical Shipworld structure. Soon.”

Every muscle in Bandicut’s body coiled involuntarily. He had trouble breathing.

“Shall I repeat?” asked Napoleon, raising his voice slightly.

“Negative.” Bandicut finally drew a deep breath. “Tell me what he said.”

“Following the warning not to speak in public, quote: Shadow-people believe boojum is planning attack on critical life-support infrastructure. Defense inadequate. Many lives, including yours, are at risk. Request meeting in secure location; coordinates attached. Must have further confirmation you are uncontaminated. Your help urgently needed! Pan pan. Bring all those with translator-stones! Come at once, please! The address—”

Bandicut sat up abruptly. “Jesus, Nappy!”

Napoleon paused, then raised his voice to a normal soft volume. “Well, the address appears to be outside Atrium City.”

Bandicut closed his eyes, nodding. Attack on critical life-support infrastructure . . . Jesus.

/// Sounds as if we should go, I’d say. ///

/Yeah, but—Charlie, why us? Aren’t there systems to take care of these things?/

/// Maybe the systems are corrupted.

He asked for “all those with translator-stones.”

That’s you. Ik and Li-Jared, too. ///

Bandicut’s head was spinning. He stood up. “Nappy, we’ve got to get back to the room.”

“Agreed, John Bandicut. But please—how can I prove to Copernicus I am uncontaminated, without direct contact? I do not believe he will allow that. If I were contaminated, such contact could endanger him.”

“Maybe he has some idea,” Bandicut said helplessly. He suddenly cocked his head, squinting past Napoleon. In the pool just beyond them, two thumbnail-sized fish eyes were sticking up out of the water. Looking at him. Or listening? He shivered with sudden, unreasoning fury. Were even the damn ornamental fish spies around here? He stepped quickly to the stone-lined edge of the pool. The eyes—or ears—vanished as he grabbed a large stone and smacked it down into the water. He grabbed for another, but through the disturbed surface of the water, he saw the fish dart into a hole, out of sight.

“Captain? Shall we go?” said the robot.

He looked around, not sure whether to be angry or sheepish. “Yeah,” he grunted. “Let’s go.”

*

“Hraah, John Bandicut!” Ik cried as they entered the sitting room. “You are safe! We were afraid for you!”

“Why did you take such a risk, going out alone?” Li-Jared chided.

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