Children of Hope (20 page)

He eyed me, annoyed, but then the corners of his mouth went up, for just a moment. “Do let us know first. Sir, I arranged that meeting we spoke of. This afternoon, midwatch.”

“You mean with Randy’s nephew, the Stadholder.”

I started.

“Yes, but I meant to be circumspect.” Tolliver’s glance flickered to me.

“How refreshing, Edgar. You apologized to Anthony, for my remaining aboard?”

“No, but I reminded him of your health. He was glad to come aloft. And Admiral Kenzig would like a callback as soon as convenient.”

Mr Seafort scraped back his chair. “That would be now.”

“No, I told him you were at dinner. He’ll wait.”

“He’s an Admiral.”

“And you’re the former SecGen. Finish your pasta.”

Jaw agape, I listened to the byplay, astounded Mr Seafort didn’t squelch him flat. From what Dad had told me, no one, lieutenant or not, spoke so to the Captain. But Mr Seafort didn’t seem perturbed.

“Remind me to call him, directly we’re on the bridge. Since Randy scrambled my brains, my memory isn’t what it was.” A reassuring squeeze of my forearm.

“Perhaps there are other improvements as well.”

Hot rage suffused my cheeks, on Mr Seafort’s behalf.

“As soon as Stanson is back aboard, Edgar, you ought to take your leave. We’ll be months to Kall’s Planet.”
Mr Seafort didn’t notice! Or was he so embarrassed he had no response?

“You’ll manage without me, sir?”

“Somehow. Randy, why do you glare at Lieutenant Tolliver?”

I jerked my gaze aside, but his question freed me to speak my mind. “Because he’s unmannerly to you. Uncivil, uncouth, and rude.”

Tolliver’s jaw dropped.

From Mr Seafort, a smile that widened into a grin. “Well, I
did ask,
so I can’t reprove him. Nonetheless, Randy, you won’t be rude to adults in noting their rudeness. Not for some years yet.”

“Some years?”

“The duration of your sentence, at any rate. Edgar, was he rude, or merely observant?”

“Sir, truth to tell, I’m glad he’s alive. But I don’t choose to banter with him.”

“Hmpff. I thought you were bantering with me.” The Captain let it lapse. Soon, they were immersed in a discussion about the power plant, and I concentrated on table manners.

Afterward, a firm grip on my hand, Mr Seafort walked slowly to the bridge.

“Are you dizzy, sir?”

“Perhaps a bit.” Gingerly, he scratched his skull. “It itches, and I’ve a headache.”

He keyed open the hatch. The bridge was unmanned.

“Isn’t it always supposed to be staffed?”

“Not moored to the Station lock. Ah, that’s better.” Settling at his console, he took up the caller.

“Should I be here?” I poised myself to wait in the corridor.

“If I say so. Be silent awhile. Comm Room, put me through to Admiral Kenzig, at Admiralty House. Visuals too.” His eye on the simulscreen, he tugged at his tie, made as if to smooth his hair, winced with an indrawn breath.

I muttered, “I’m sorry.”

“You’re to be silent.”

“Yessir.”

The screen flickered, went black. After a moment, a florid face loomed. “Kenzig here.”

“Captain Nicholas Seafort reporting, sir.”

“Oh, good. Are you recovered?”

“Substantially, thank you.”

“We have a problem. Who’s that?” He peered at his screen.

“Randolph Carr, sir.”

“Good heavens, on your bridge? Why?”

“To keep an eye on him.” Mr Seafort’s tone was neutral.

“Well, that’s why I called. Do you think this ought to be private?”

“Not unless you insist, sir.”

“No, of course not, Mr SecGen.” The Admiral’s tone was obsequious.

“My rank is Captain, sir.”

“I meant it as a courtesy. Sir—Mr Seafort—this unfortunate affair has political ramifications. The Church is involved, and we must steer clear of antagonizing the local authorities.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“The boy.” He stabbed a finger at me. “That—that hooligan you have sitting next to you. The Hope Nation courts gave custody of him to the Church. If you keep him on
Olympiad,
you’re involving us.”

My fingers curled around the armrests.

Mr Seafort said, “He’s in our jurisdiction, tried and convicted. His sentence is under review.”

“We don’t
want
him in our jurisdiction. He’s a Hope Nation citizen! That puts us in conflict with Mother Church!” The Admiral made his tone peaceable. “Look, sir, as long as you have him, no one will be satisfied. The Stadholder is under pressure from the Court, Bishop Scanlen views your holding him as interference.”

“Yes, but … A sigh. “Yes, sir. What are your orders?”

“I understand you want revenge on him, and it’s bloody unfair you can’t have it, but sometimes, political realities prevail. Look, Mr SecGen, we can’t hold a Hope Nation citizen against the will of the local Church. As long as that’s the case, you must transfer him to their custody.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

“Very well. Send him groundside. See that he’s put in the custody of the proper authorities.”

“When?”

“Today, if possible. Tomorrow, at the latest.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

The Admiral’s tone softened. “Sir, about your injury, is there anything I can get you? Any way I can help? You look awful.”

“Thank you, sir, I’ll let you know if something comes to mind.”

“Did the Stadholder keep his promise about supplies?”

“No interference so far. Dakko & Son are the chief victuallers. I met with—”

“A good man, Chris Dakko. He seems quite reasonable. Good day, Mr SecGen.”

“And to you, sir.” They rang off.

I swallowed. The Church correctional farm was no joke: a strict regimen, arduous daily prayers. Well, Lord God knew I’d earned it, whether I liked it or not.

Mr Seafort’s gaze was fastened on the darkened screen. His eyes smoldered. “Bloody politicians!”

Would it be today? A walk through the mated lock, a stroll down the Station corridor, to a waiting shuttle. The buffet of air in the outer atmosphere, a bumpy ride, a VTOL landing at Centraltown.

Grim-visaged figures waiting, in high church collars. Perhaps a glimpse of Anthony before they hustled me into a heli for the long ride north.

I would hate every minute of it. Most especially the hypocrisy of prayer to a God I didn’t know.

And Judy would grow without me, go out with other joeys, become a woman, while I was left to the edgy solace of my palm.

Scant hours ago, I’d dreamed of freedom, of the clean sea air of home. Now I was dismayed to leave the ship.

Mr Seafort glanced at his watch.

Time to face up to it. “Sir, I’d like to change my shirt before I go.”

He heaved himself out of his chair, eyes blazing, and bunched the front of my shirt in his fist, hauling me close. “How many times were you told to be silent?” He hauled me to my feet.

“Twice, sir.”

“You are wayward indeed, Randolph. Did you disobey your father so?”

“No, sir!”

“I’d hope not. You’re in my parole and custody, joeyboy, and I will
not
have disobedience. I’ll be asking you shortly to tell me what constitutes obedience, and you’d better be prepared to answer. Take your seat!”

I gaped.

“RIGHT NOW!”

I careened into my chair. Satan himself couldn’t wrest a sound from me at that moment.

Arms folded, Captain Seafort glowered at the simulscreen.

On the bridge, all was still.

B
Y THE TIME THEY
showed Anthony through the lock, I’d sorted myself out.

Mr Seafort was strict, but not nearly as much as Bishop Scanlen’s joeys were going to be. And, really, the Captain expected no more than what I’d have given Dad without a second thought. In any event, I owed it to him, for the hurt I’d done in a moment’s stupidity and rage.

The tone he’d used, though … he made me feel so young, so helpless.

On the other hand, twice he’d told me to keep still, and twice I’d paid little attention, like some silly joeykid who didn’t know better. My face burned from shame.

It wasn’t long that I’d be with him, but I’d show him what a Carr could do. I just wished … wished … damn it, I wished I had longer to prove myself to him.

Lieutenant Tolliver and a middy I’d never seen escorted the Stadholder to the bridge.

“Sir, Anthony Carr.”

With a smile of welcome, Mr Seafort stood. Abruptly he turned white, staggered. Tolliver bounded across the bridge. For a moment the Captain clutched him, head bowed, knees weak. “It’s all right. Let me sit.” Carefully, he eased himself into his console chair. He lay back, eyes shut.

I sat frozen, fist to my mouth.

“I’m sorry, Mr Carr. Give me a moment.”

Tolliver said, “Sir, you need rest. Let me get you to your cab—”

“No.” With an effort, Mr Seafort opened his eyes. “Sorry, Mr Stadholder. I’m only a day out of sickbay, and it catches up to me. If you don’t mind I’ll remain seated.”

“Sir, I could return after—”

“Not necessary.” Mr Seafort sat straighter, and his color seemed to be returning.

I breathed easier.

“So.” The Captain extended a hand. “You’re Derek’s grandson. It’s wonderful to meet you. Let me apologize most humbly for my role in his death.”

“No, sir. It’s we who owe you an apology, for the way you were treated.” For a moment, Anthony’s eyes burned into mine. “Grandpa would be heartily ashamed, as I am.” I tried not to flinch.

Remorselessly, Anth went on, “I apologize for him, Mr Seafort. He should have known better. I’ve always tried to treat him as an adult.”

“Perhaps that was an error.” Mr Seafort’s tone was mild.

“I did what I could. I’m not Grandpa.”

“You did well. Randy took responsibility for his acts.” The Captain cleared his throat. “Do take a seat. Coffee, or refreshments? No? That will be all, Mr Tolliver.” When we were alone, Mr Seafort shut the hatch. “May I be frank?”

“By all means.”

“It’s a mess. What are you going to do about it?”

“The Bishop will have Randy.” Anthony grimaced. “I’ve no way to stop that.”

“And through him, he’ll have you.”

Anth closed his eyes. “Not entirely.”

“Sir …” The Captain’s voice was soft. “I know something of the conflict. I’ve heard from Jerence since he went ground-side. And on his Terran visit, Derek spoke of tensions, of threatened renunciation.” He shook his head. “What, exactly, does Scanlen want?”

“Can you involve yourself?”

“No. In fact I was ordered not to.”

“Then it’s best we not discuss it. Please don’t take offense; it’s for your sake. When there’s talk of excommunication …” Anth shook his head.

“I’m already excommunicate.” Mr Seafort’s voice was desolate. “Whether the Church knows it or not.”

“Hope Nation, sir, has its independence. I must safeguard the Commonweal, at whatever cost. There are those who would see us again a colony. In saying so, I make no complaint against the Church.”

“Of course.”

“I came aloft for Randy’s sake. There were rumors of a trial, of a sentence—”

“The rumors were true. He was to be hanged. I intervened.”

“Ah.” A pause. “How may I pay my debt?”

“That’s rather an insult, don’t you think?” The Captain didn’t seem to take offense. “You suggest I toy with the boy’s life for advantage.”

“Some would.”

“Yes, but Randy gave them the opening.” The Captain favored me with a glance of annoyance.

Carefully, I said nothing.

“I’m glad to see Randy’s well, but may I ask why he’s present?”

“So he’ll learn the consequences of impetuous acts.” A wintry smile. “I see no harm in his presence, but if you wish, I’ll have him wait in the corridor.”

Mr Seafort’s eye caught mine, and I blushed deeply. If he did, I would NOT listen. Not for anything. Never again.

“May I talk with him?”

“Of course. Son, you may speak.”

Anth turned to me eagerly. “Randy, you’re well?”

“Yes, sir.” This was no time for boorish manners.

“You must have been frightened.”

“Terrified.”

“The training farm will be … quite difficult.” He rose from his chair, paced, came to a halt before me. “I’ll try to protect you, but …”

“There’s no need, sir. I fouled up so badly, I’m ready to take the consequences. And yes, I know what they are. The deacons may kill me.”

“It’s a risk, but small. Once I’m out of office, they lose you as a lever, and have nothing to gain by harming you. While I’m Stadholder, your death would mean outright war. I think they know that. But the petty cruelties, the poor food, bullying, the lash …” He shrugged. “I’m sorry. You brought it on yourself.”

“I know, Anth.”

He tousled my hair, pulled my head to his chest. I clung to him, and whispered, “I’m so sorry.”

After a time, he looked to Mr Seafort. “Captain, our political situation is more complicated than you may know.”

“When will you manage to break our trade monopoly?”

Anthony gaped. “You’re aware of that?”

“Derek told me.” Into the silence, he added, “Friendship will do that, you see. It’s possible to work honorably to opposite ends.”

“I knew he loved you indeed. I never realized how much.” To my astonishment, Anth seemed unsure. I’d rarely seen him so. “There are factions … my government is not entirely united. Some would use Earth’s current weakness to break the shipping monopoly once and for all. Others would … no doubt all this goes in your report. I ought to be more discreet.”

“I respect your candor.”

“The fact is, there are a few hotheads wanting me to seize your ship, or any that comes along, to increase our leverage with home system.”

Mr Seafort waved it away. “You won’t seize
Olympiad,
and if you did, you’d start a war. Hope Nation would lose, and revert to colonial status.”

“I’m aware. Some of my partisans aren’t. May I …” Abruptly Anthony stood, paced a few steps. “You don’t know how humiliating it is … Might I suggest you post extra guards at your airlocks?”

Mr Seafort leaned forward, his face grave. “You’re saying you’re not entirely in control of elements of your government?”