The Girls From Alcyone (24 page)

"Graduate, ma'am?" Rodney scratched his head.

Selene laughed. "Rodney didn't exactly do well at the Academy."

"It's not what you think," Rodney said awkwardly. "It's just that…well, I grew up on ships. Classrooms…"

Hitomi smiled. "You didn't think much of the instructors…"

Rodney frowned. "We didn't exactly get along."

"I understand completely. Have you ever worked on one of these?"

Rodney looked over his shoulder out the viewport to the
Morrigan.
"PS 16c falcon-class patrol ship. Manufactured by Diego Systems: fourteen years old, by the look of it, progressive, fusion-core reactionless drive engines—piece of cake—140 metric ton cargo capacity, dual-mounted rail-gun system with two forward-mounted quad-torpedo launchers, crew compliment of twelve. But, no—never touched one."

Sigrid grinned. "Very well. Welcome aboard. Ensign McTeer will see that you're both quartered."

"I'm sure whatever you have will be adequate," Selene said. "As you can see…we travel light."

After getting settled in, Sigrid took Selene and Rodney on a tour of the ship and introduced them to the crew. Some were surprised at the hiring of the ex-Tarsus officer; others seemed to be relieved to have an experienced helmsman aboard.

She was completely amazed at how familiar Rodney and Selene were with the systems of the small Scout, and it was Rodney, not Sigrid, who ended up conducting the tour, with Selene pointing out some of the more peculiar elements. Sigrid might have been able to tie into the ship's systems directly with her PCM, but it was Selene who
understood
those systems, and how best to use them, especially in combat situations. Sigrid was feeling better and better about the hiring. Rodney was particularly eager to make several modifications to the engines to
soup
them up, but the Chief Engineer was outraged at the suggestion. Sigrid hastily declined the offer, hoping to defuse the situation.

"Ready to get underway," Christian said as the two women entered the bridge. Christian had already vacated the helm and Selene now filled the seat, looking every bit the ship's pilot.

"Let me know when we've received clearance from the Dock Master," Sigrid said.

"Confirmed," Karen said from her station.

"Very well. Take us out, Ms. Tseng."

"Aye, ma'am."

Sigrid watched as Selene deftly moved the ship away from the docks, spinning it quickly on its axis and blasting away. Christian had sweated their approach, not exceeding 10,000 kph through the traffic, but Selene handled the small ship masterfully, knifing easily through the crowded corridor of waiting ships and service traffic at well over 42,000 kph.

Christian nodded in admiration. "Nicely done."

"Thanks."

"We're clear of traffic and free to maneuver," Ensign Greenway said.

"Take us to the Relay, best possible speed," Sigrid said.

"Destination, ma'am?" Melissa asked.

Sigrid smiled. "Earth."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ninja

April 15, 2348

As the
Morrigan
entered Earth's orbit, Sigrid could only stare, openmouthed, at the scene before her. Crucis had seemed crowded with the fifty-six ships that surrounded the station, but it was nothing compared to the clutter she saw before her. Thousands of ships lay between her and the blue planet below, with hundreds more already docked at the many orbital stations and docking platforms.

It was far too congested for them to gain clearance to bring the
Morrigan
down. They were forced to park in orbit and take the São Paulo Elevator, known affectionately as the
Lift
, down to the planet's surface. Sigrid and Karen accompanied the Lady Hitomi and her security contingent while her crew remained in orbit on the
Morrigan
. Once on Earth, it was only a short trip on the TGV to Buenos Aires, home of the Council for Trade and Finance.

Hitomi's security argued against her taking such a vulnerable mode of transportation, but the Lady insisted and sat beside Sigrid on the short train ride, marveling at the sights of the old planet as the TGV whipped along, suspended below the elevated rail system.

Aquarii and Alcyone were beautiful and largely pristine; there was nothing to compare with the diverse architecture of the urban sprawl before them. Grey smog hung heavy, mixing in with the mist and clouds that enshrouded everything. There was no end to the strings of modular habitats and towering permacrete structures that thrust their way up into the clouds. Hitomi pointed out the more important landmarks, remarking that many of the buildings lay empty; most people of any sort of means had long since left for new opportunities off-planet. All that remained were the tens of billions of working poor, and the very, very rich elite.

There were no stops between São Paulo and Buenos Aires, so they were all a little unnerved when the TGV shuddered to an abrupt halt. Sigrid peered through the window as the train rocked gently back and forth, suspended below the rails some fifty meters above the ground.

"What happened?" Sigrid asked. "Why aren't we moving?"

Hitomi didn't know either, but she stopped a steward as he passed by.

"Terrorists," the steward informed them, making
tisking
noises. "It seems they're causing trouble with the tracks again."

"Terrorists!" Sigrid said, alarmed.

The steward gave her a reassuring, if condescending, smile. "Shameful. But don't you worry yourselves. We're quite used to it now. It should only be a short delay." He continued on down the car, happily reassuring the other passengers.

"Terrorists?" Sigrid said again, still not quite believing it.

A man in the seat next to her leaned over and patted her knee. "Happens all the time now. A lot of fuss and bother, if you ask me."

Sigrid looked down on the hand that still lingered on her knee. She jerked her leg away and gave him a sharp look. The man returned quickly to his reading; Sigrid noticed Hitomi's amused expression and smiled.

Just as the steward promised, they were underway in moments. The TGV slowed again as it passed by the area where the trouble had been and Sigrid leaned forward, catching a glimpse of the damage of the surrounding area. Several of the shanty-like structures had been flattened in the bomb blast, yet the track was perfectly intact.

"I guess we got lucky," Sigrid said.
If the bomb had hit the tracks…

"Yes…
lucky,
" Hitomi said.

Ten minutes later they were off the train in Buenos Aires. The Lady Hitomi's entourage was quite a sight; mostly because of the Lady herself, resplendent as always in her long, richly patterned gown of deep green and gold, complete with full headdress. Wherever they went, people stopped to look. Sigrid had the feeling
she was traveling with royalty, and in a sense, she was.

"We should arrange transportation, Milady," her head of security said, scanning the crowded streets.

"Nonsense. The hotel is only four blocks from here. It's a beautiful day and I would like Sigrid and the young ensign to enjoy the sights. I'm sure Sigrid is quite capable of taking care of me. Isn't that right, dear?"

"Uh…"

"There. You have it."

The man opened his mouth in protest, "Milady…"

Hitomi wasn't having any of it. "You four go ahead and meet us there. Take care of the luggage. We'll be along shortly."

To give him credit, her chief of security argued valiantly for several minutes, but there was no swaying Lady Hitomi's mind on the matter, and the four men eventually took a cab to the hotel.

"They're quite professional, but they do need to lighten up now and then," Hitomi said. "They're simply no fun."

Hitomi motored along in her wheelchair with Sigrid and Karen trailing behind her. "Come, girls; there's something here I think you'll like."

This part of Buenos Aires wasn't that much different from the ghetto in Geneva where Sigrid had grown up. Sullen, weary-looking people filled the streets, mulling about the open markets, combing through the bleak offerings of the merchants. The flesh traders were the most aggressive, attempting to ply their trade on Sigrid and even Hitomi herself—presenting the women with some rather graphic offerings.

Sigrid looked at the girls and boys, some young and frightened, some older and weary, beaten down. She knew she could have easily been sold into such a life, just like many girls in her financial predicament.

"Here!" Hitomi exclaimed, leading the girls into a crowded little shack, glowing with the warm lights from paper lanterns. The air was thick with steam and the wonderful smells of broth and cooking vegetables. "Phong! My good man, you look positively ghastly."

Old Phong ran out from behind his counter to greet Hitomi. Sigrid thought he
did
look ghastly, what with his scruffy hair, spotted withered hands and awesomely blackened teeth. But his face lit up at the sight of Hitomi and the girls. Cooing and chattering, he ushered them into his establishment and seated them in pride of place by his counter.

Sigrid looked around the little soup kitchen. The place wasn't without its charm—as long as she didn't examine the layers of grease and dirt on the floors and walls too closely.

Hitomi seemed to love it though, especially when the three of them were presented with steaming bowls of delicious-smelling soup. Sigrid marveled at the presentation; the vegetables and meat were cut and layered with such precision and care. The whole time, Hitomi chatted spiritedly with Phong in Vietnamese. Sigrid was surprised that her Mistress was so fluent, then completely astonished to discover that she could understand them perfectly once her PCM executed the programmed language files.

Sigrid's jaw dropped when she saw the tip Hitomi left for the man—
he could probably close for the month.

"I simply adore his cuisine," Lady Hitomi intoned. "I always make a point of stopping here."

Sigrid liked it too, and so did Karen, who finished everything, even all the broth.

When they arrived at the Hotel Astrid, it seemed the entire staff was out to greet them, red carpet and all. The hotel manager welcomed Hitomi personally, extending his gratitude for her continued patronage. Lady Hitomi was the epitome of graciousness; as tired as the Lady was, she didn't refuse his offer of hospitality as he escorted her to the private VIP lounge for refreshments. Sigrid had never imagined such variety of foods and drinks even existed. Despite having just filled up on Phong's outstanding soup, she couldn't keep herself from sampling all the fare available, stopping only when she realized how tight her belt had become.

Sigrid groaned, the last morsel of cheesecake perched on her fork, raised halfway to her lips.

"Careful!" Karen cautioned. "You look a little green."

Sigrid steeled herself to the task and swallowed the last bite. "My mother always said, never let anything go to waste."

Karen chuckled. "Yes, and I'm sure that starving people everywhere appreciate your efforts."

The festive mood was spoiled when another group of people entered the lounge; Hitomi took instant notice. Sigrid saw a darkness descend over the Lady's face.

"Randal Gillings," Hitomi said, wheeling herself in his direction; she didn't even bother feigning politeness. "I thought this was a private lounge."

"If you'll forgive me, Lady Hitomi. I thought it best that I should meet you here."

Sigrid scanned him warily, standing with her arms folded in front of her. His name was Randal
Gillings, chairman of the Council for Trade and Finance and CEO of Coran Industries, the single largest conglomerate in the Federation—short of Daedalus Corp. In his seventies, Gillings had the look of a man who had grown well accustomed to getting his own way. Sigrid instantly found him arrogant and unlikable.

Hitomi noticed the sour look on her Sigrid's face; her own expression was similar as she turned to Gillings. "What's on your mind, Randy?" Hitomi said. "The hearing isn't until tomorrow."

"That's what I came here to talk to you about. There will be no hearing."

The statement caught Hitomi off-guard. She stared at him for a moment. "I see."

"I'm sorry you've come all this way," he said.

Sigrid didn't think he sounded sorry at all.

"Aren't you even the least bit curious to see the information I've brought for the Council?"

"I think you'll be far more interested in the information I have for you, Hitomi."

Hitomi frowned. "Out with it, Randy, what's on your mind?"

"All the talk coming through the Relays these days seems to be about you—and not in a good way. There have been…allegations. We find this business of
Project Andraste
quite disturbing
.
" He looked directly at Sigrid, somewhat distastefully. "
Human genetic manipulation?
Abducting children? These are grave charges, Madam Kimura."

"And
who
exactly has made these charges?"

"Do you deny them?"

"I see neither the need to confirm nor deny anything. Kimura is not in the habit of discussing any of its projects."

"Well, whether you like it or not, those projects
are
being discussed. Charges have been brought to the Council, petitions have been made."

Hitomi laughed.

"I would not make light of this, Lady Hitomi. I can delay the matter somewhat, but in time, the Council will be forced to make a ruling on this matter. I'm sure you would not wish to see the girls taken from you."

"Taken? On what grounds?"

"It is the Council's responsibility to investigate any suspect technology—especially when dealing with something that may pose a threat to the security of the Federation."

"A threat to the Federation…?" Hitomi laughed again. "Come now, Randy. I'm not sure who you've been listening to—"

"Don't play games with me, Hitomi," Gillings said, a sternness had crept into his voice. "I didn't have to come here—I'm warning you as a favor. Seriously, how did you think people would react…with gratitude? These girls don't just pose a threat to your…
rivals
, they threaten society itself. And the fact that you've only done this to girls. When people—"