| |
An hour later I was sitting in an officer’s chair with Captain Liddle beside me and stared into a screen which held wriggly white and black lines. But at least it didn’t hum. Finally, it cleared up and I was surprised at the face on the screen. Danton A. Anson, vice president of the Federation, was looking back at me. A distinguished man, he had short white hair and a white goatee. Astonishing clarity in the blue eyes. He had a reputation for honesty and, for once, the reputation was correct. Anson did not play fast and loose with the truth.
“Major Ryvenbark. I’ve heard of you. It’s good to meet you, so to speak.”
“Good to meet you, Mr. Vice President. I assume you know where I am and what our mission is.”
“Your mission is to scout the planet Sandeling and gather information about the planet and what may have happened to it.”
“Yes, we had a couple of odd events occur on the planet. Well, not really on the planet; about three miles below the planet’s surface to be exact. We proceeded on this mission with very little information and I was wondering if the Federation knew a little more than it let on. I want to know what I’m dealing with.”
“So do we, major, and that’s why you’re there. The solar system you’re in is out of the way but it’s not exactly remote. We have satellites, listening devices and telescopes in that area of space. We haven’t had a chance to explore it yet, but there are indications there was a civilization on Sandeling. Obviously, the planet had a livable atmosphere. We could even say it was a pleasant location. Then one day...” He snapped his fingers. “Nothing. Civilization disappeared. And the planet became one vast ice cube. Naturally, we were curious.”
“Naturally.”
“The Federation doesn’t have a great deal of information about Sandeling. There didn’t seem to be many building on the surface. Most of the inhabitants may have lived underground for some reason. There were no sign of large cities. But we believe there was a civilization there. That’s the extent of our knowledge, or the extent of our guesswork.”
“But you sent us, or rather you asked Belen to send us, not a science team.”
He nodded. “Yes, we did, major. We are on friendly terms with Ms. Morganthal. She has often helped us and we have occasionally done her a favor. We thought the incredible anomalies on Sandeling might be an alien attack. If so, then a scientific team couldn’t deal with it.” He smiled. “That’s why we sent our best men: Logan Ryvenbark and his Raiders.”
I don’t think I smiled back. Lips may have twitched thought.
“At my age, Mr. Vice President, I am immune to flattery, but I will tell my Raiders that you think highly of them.”
“Yes, we do. Our information was tentative, so we decided it might be best to simply tell you and your squad to keep alert and aware. We don’t know what we’re dealing with. Could be important. Could be nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. What could change the planet’s atmosphere that drastically and that quickly? And why isn’t the sun melting the ice?”
“Very good questions, major. I hope you will help us answer them.”
“So you would not know anything about flexible walls and the humming colors?”
He gave me a blank look. “I have no idea of what you’re talking about.”
I sighed. I don’t like dealing with bureaucrats, even if they are honest. Yes, technically, Vice President Anson wasn’t a bureaucrat but...
“OK, Mr. Vice President. Knowing the odds now I will not pull my squad out but I want a couple of Federation ships here, just in case. I don’t know what I’m dealing with and I want some firepower behind me.”
“I understand. The ships will be sent.”
“I don’t want any conflicts or bureaucratic turf battles either. I want command.”
He took a bit longer to reply, but finally he nodded his head. “I will agree to that, with the usual exceptions. Safety of the ship and crew, things like that. The captain will have authority to refuse your orders if he thinks the command is reckless or dangerous."
I nodded. “That’s fine. I’ll be looking for the ships. Is the Valiant available?”
“I believe so.”
“I know the captain, Ramsey MacDonald. He’s a good man and a man I trust.”
“If the Valiant is available it will be one of the ships we send.”
“Thank you. Have a good day, Mr. Vice President.”