Somar was unaccustomed to being watched so closely. In all of his experience in leading others, he had never been the subject of such scrutiny. The men he led in combat had all followed him without reservation. The crew of Citadel had, so far, followed him with only a small form of reluctance. But the humans who had accompanied him to the river were now following him with something very much like fear and awe.
“They saw you re-grow a severed arm,” Billy Sans said, when Somar asked about it. “That makes an impression.”
Somar nodded. “This is something my people do without thinking. We’ve rarely shown it to humans. I was unaware that it would be so disturbing to them.”
Billy was quiet. Since the incident on the riverbank, he had barely said a word to Somar unless he was asked a question. “Do you fear me, Mr. Sans?”
Billy looked up, startled. “No sir! I just … I betrayed you.”
“Did you?” Somar asked.
“Yes,” Billy said miserably.
They were nearly back to camp and had stopped for a moment’s rest. Billy was the only human who sat close to Somar. In fact, he had been the only human to make any contact with Somar since leaving the river. The others watched him and whispered among themselves. No one, not even Jack’s old crew members, refused any order he gave them. But none volunteered to be near him.
“Mr. Sans, it might have been your intention to betray me, but you did not. In the end, you defended me and stopped them from killing me.”
“But I led them to you! I told Jack and the others where you would be and that you would be vulnerable! This was my fault.”
Somar again nodded. “I see. But Mr. Sans … Billy … despite this, you changed your heart. I hold no grudge for what might have happened. You may have given them information, but it was they who chose to use it. And in the end, you redeemed yourself by standing up to them, even risking your own life for mine.”
He reached out and took Billy’s forearm, raising his hand so that the palm was up. The cut he’d made had now stopped bleeding and was scabbing over. “Our blood has mingled over the grave of our enemy. Among my people, there is no greater bond. I have shared my blood with only one other human. Now both of you are part of my family.”
Billy was staring at his hand, and then looked up at Somar with tears in his eyes. “You are a good man,” he said simply.
Somar nodded, smiled. “Thank you. You, too, are a good man, Billy Sans. Though you do not think so now. That is, perhaps, part of what makes you good.”
Billy looked past Somar to the other humans, and Somar followed his gaze. “Maybe we should get back to camp,” he said.
“Yes, I believe we should.” He rose and began issuing orders. Everyone present took hold of handles on the water and equipment transports and began moving slowly towards camp.
They broke through the brush and came back to the camp in a short time. Everyone greeted them with cheers, failing to notice the strange, somber mood of the team. In fact, Somar noticed, the humans who had been with him began to smile and wave at the crowd that gathered. The memory of the events on the river seemed to fade slightly for them, and they began to soak in the adulation of people who truly appreciated what they’d done.
Whatever might have happened, even the fact that they came back with more people than they had left with, made no difference to the growing community in the shadow of Citadel. They were simply grateful to have the water.
Somar split off from the group with Billy in tow. He found one of the engineers who had been working to install plumbing and water lines at the base site. “Is all prepared?” Somar asked.
“Yes, sir,” the engineer grinned. “We’re good to go. All we need now is that main water line. We’ve also installed a line and breakers on Citadel’s main power input. She’s ready to take a line whenever we run it.”
“How are the solar panels coming?”
The engineer’s expression soured. “All damaged beyond repair for the moment, sir. But Mitch radioed that there are some intact on the colony module, and there are the small panels on the pods. When they’ve finished bringing back the colonists, we can send the shuttle out to get the parts we need.”
Somar nodded. “Very well. Meet with the members of the survey team. They’ll need to rest for the night, but tomorrow you and your team will begin running power and water lines from the river.”
The engineer smiled and nodded, then went to find someone from the survey team.
“Word’s going to get out,” Billy said. “They’ll tell people how you healed yourself after being shot.”
“Yes,” Somar said. “That cannot be prevented now.”
“I’m going to tell a few stories, too. And I’m bringing Jack’s crew in on it. The real story of what happened there is going to be told.”
Somar looked at Billy, who now seemed far less like the young man he’d known before and more like … what? An adult? A man? More like an Esool, Somar thought. As if somehow by mingling their blood on alien soil, Billy Sans had taken in some of the character, some of the strength of Somar’s people.
“Captain Somar!” a young woman called, rushing to him. “The shuttle is returning, sir. It will arrive any minute now. They have a load of colonists on board.”
Somar nodded. He had been briefed on this over the wireless but had expected more time before their arrival. He turned to Billy, “Please see that arrangements are made for food, shelter, and medical treatment, Mr. Sans.”
“Yes, sir,” Billy said. He immediately began recruiting help from all of the crewmembers he could find, organizing them into groups and giving orders on what should be done.
Somar turned then and went back to the command post. He had other matters to attend to at the moment.
The cargo bay door had barely opened and the shuttle hadn’t even touched down completely before Mitch sprang out and made his way to the command center. He brushed past Billy Sans and a group of Blue and White Collars who were preparing for the arrival of the colonist survivors. When he stepped into command, he found Somar pretty much where he’d left him several days ago. He was pouring over printouts and computer screens.
“Captain Somar,” he said.
“Mr. Garrison. I am pleased you’ve returned safely.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You have a great deal to report, I take it?”
Mitch spied a chair and pulled it close, slumping into it. He rubbed his eyes for a moment, and then said, “Yeah, a great deal. A lot has happened since we took off.”
“More than just the recovery of the colonists?”
“Yeah. One of the colonists is named Taggart. Do you know him?”
Somar thought for a moment. “I do not.”
“He’s the wealthiest man in the colonies. I think he may be up to something.”
“What has he done that has led to your suspicions?”
Mitch stared at Somar for a moment, then glanced away. He studied the command center. The makeshift tables were covered in stacks of papers and communications equipment. The computer that Somar was using glowed with images and data. “It’s a feeling, more than anything. It’s the way he’s taken charge at the crash site.” He looked back to Somar. “Don’t get me wrong, what he’s doing is good work. He has everyone organized and ready to be picked up. And he has the pods lined up for us to load as soon as we can. In fact, I want to take a few men back with me to stand guard over them after the colonists are back here.”
Somar was surprised. “Stand guard?”
Mitch waved. “It’s something else. Something I saw out there. I think … well, I think we may not be as alone on this planet as we thought.”
“You saw a life form? A humanoid?”
“Not exactly.” He relayed Reilly’s story first, then told Somar about his and Alan’s ordeal with the electrical fires and short circuits. “It just seems too much of a coincidence,” he said finally.
Somar nodded. “I agree. Unfortunately we can spare no one to go and investigate.”
“I know. But I’d at least like a couple of guys to stay at the crash site while we use the shuttle to find the remaining pods.”
“I believe it can be arranged. You may have three crew members of your choosing.”
Mitch nodded, “Thanks.”
“And as for Taggart … until we have something more, there is little we can do. I trust your judgment, Mr. Garrison. If you distrust this man, then there is good reason to be wary of him. But until he demonstrates some measure of malice or some ill intent, I see nothing for us to do about him.”
Mitch nodded again. “ok,” he said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
“As will I.”
“And I think that Thomas is watching him closely, too. “
Gravely, Somar said, “In that case, I truly am distrustful of the man.”
Mitch wondered at how Somar could have such faith in Thomas. Whatever bond they shared must be strong indeed.
It took the better part of the day, but finally Thomas and the last of the colonists arrived at Citadel. Alan and Taggart had come back on this final run as well. Thomas marveled at Alan’s ability to completely avoid a conversation with Taggart. He envied it. Every conversation that Thomas had with the man made him wish they could be stranded on two different planets.
As the shuttle settled to the ground everyone exited in a slow but organized manner. Except Taggart. No sooner had the doors opened than he pushed through and was on the ground directing people as they made their exits. When he was approached by the Blue Collar who had guided the shuttle in he quickly shook the young woman’s hand, asked her a few pointed questions, and then issued the order for her to guide the rest of the passengers out into the camp.
This was a job she was assigned to do anyway, but Thomas noted she jumped to when Taggart issued his order, as if it hadn’t occurred to her before he’d said anything.
Thomas shook his head. Was it possible he was viewing Taggart a little harshly? This was a man who was used to being in charge. It was entirely within reason that he would continue in a comfortable role, whether he’d earned the right or not. What chafed Thomas, though, was how the man’s “leadership” was always so public. Every command was given boisterously, loud enough for others to hear. In this, Thomas felt, Taggart was establishing himself as being in charge in the minds of the colonists. He was setting up an elaborate pretense of authority so that he might solidify it and make it real. He was using the crash and the chaos surrounding it to position himself as the head of the colony.
It was the act of a self-preservationist.
Thomas had known quite a few men like Taggart in his time. They were mostly businessmen who espoused “The Art of War” as their personal belief system and who saw everyone around them as a resource and not much more. Thomas understood this, because he had worked with men like this all his life. The first colony ship had been built by men like Taggart, who saw the stars as a means for financial and corporate growth.
Strangely, Thomas felt no resentment towards these men. In fact, in many ways he admired them. They were brilliant, usually, and masters of a science that Thomas had never fully understood—the science of controlling human beings, of manipulating the minds of men to their own means.
How much different would his life be, Thomas wondered, if he could have had this gift? He would not be standing on this world right now, having run from a crime he didn’t commit. He would not have slept through the past hundred years.
He’d have been long in the grave by now; forgotten like all of the Taggart-like men he’d ever known.
Having handed off the task of guiding the colonists into the camp, Taggart now began asking for directions to Captain Somar. Thomas and Alan managed to free themselves from the confines of the shuttle in time enough to see a White Collar engineer giving directions and, ultimately, volunteering to take Taggart to wherever Somar might be.
Thomas looked at Alan, “I think I need to tag along and sit in on this meeting.”
Alan nodded slightly. “I would, if I were you.”
Thomas turned and was just about to follow after Taggart when Penny stepped into his path. “Hey,” she said.
She had come back on the shuttle just prior to his, and she had apparently had time to get cleaned up and into a change of clothes.
“Hey,” he replied.
“I wanted … I wanted to say thanks,” she said. Her words and her demeanor were both stiff. Her brow was furrowed and her face was tight, and with her arms crossed at her chest Thomas thought she looked more like she was angry with him than grateful.
“Thanks?” he asked.
“For rescuing me. For helping me look for my parents. For … ” she didn’t finish.
“You’re welcome. I’m sorry we haven’t found them yet,” he said.
She looked away. “They’re out there. I know it.”
To Thomas, it didn’t sound like an assertion. It was more like hope mixed with dread. As if she feared she might be wrong.
He reached out and rubbed the bare skin of her upper arm. “We’ll find them. I promised, didn’t I?”
She turned and looked up at him, and suddenly her expression was different. Tears were gathered in her eyes, and her face muscles relaxed. Suddenly she sprang forward and hugged him, tight. He was taken by surprise but did manage to hug her back.
When she was done, she turned and fairly ran away. “Penny!” Thomas called after her, but she didn’t pause, just kept moving.
The mystery of Penny Daunder, Thomas wondered. He shook his head and then hurried to catch up with Taggart before he could reach Somar.
As the White Collar engineer stopped in front of the tented area that was serving as the command center, Thomas finally caught up to them. Taggart was thanking her extravagantly, and she blushed and near-curtsied as she turned to leave. Thomas couldn’t help but grin. “Looks like you’ve got a fan,” he said.
Taggart looked up at him in surprise. “Thomas! Good, you should be here for this meeting.”
Again, Taggart was directing, asserting authority where none had existed before. Thomas marveled at the man’s ability, and then nodded, smiling. He kept it cheerful despite the cold feeling that was coming over him. He was becoming certain that Taggart had more to do with their present situation than he might previously have thought.
The two of them entered the tent and found Captain Somar and a young Blue Collar, Billy Sans, discussing the work of the engineers who had gone out to establish water and power for the colony. Somar looked up as they entered and smiled to see Thomas.
“Mr. Thomas,” Somar said. He stood and, following human custom, clasped Thomas’s hand. It had not been that long ago, less than a week, since Somar had used his own blood to heal Thomas, to give him back the use of his hands. No one seemed to remember it now with all of the business and activity surrounding them, but Thomas remembered.
“Captain Somar,” Thomas said, and he was surprised to hear a hint of emotion in his own voice. He cleared his throat and shook the Captain’s hand firmly, grasping his forearm as he did so.
Through this all, Taggart only watched. What secrets have you learned from us? Thomas asked silently. What will you do with them?
“Captain Somar,” Taggart said. His voice was sudden and loud, filled with mirth that sounded genuine enough. It jarred Thomas to hear him.
He reached out his hand, and even though the alien had just clasped hands in this gesture a moment before, Somar tentatively took it, as if he were unsure of the custom. “I am,” Somar said. “And you must be Mr. Taggart.”
“Just Taggart,” he replied. “It’s the only name that matters.” Thomas wasn’t sure if this were a boast or not.
“How may I serve you, Taggart?” Somar nodded respectfully.
Taggart looked around the command center, taking in the papers and equipment, the makeshift tables and chairs. He moved to stand beside the terminal that Somar and Billy Sans had been using moments before. “I was wondering what the situation was here. I hear that you’re doing a fine job in getting the colony up and running.”
“Yes,” Somar nodded. “We will have water within the week. The engineers are working diligently. I am pleased with them. I asked that they rest before moving to the river, but they took it upon themselves to begin right away.”
Thomas blinked. This was sounding a great deal like a debriefing. Taggart had asked for a status report, and Somar had obliged. Thomas felt his heart sink a little. He saw a future, suddenly, in which Taggart governed the colony. For some reason, this felt like a tremendous injustice.
“Good,” Taggart said. “How soon can we get Citadel back to full operation?”
Somar looked to Billy Sans, who answered, “Best estimate is within five days.”
“Very good!” Taggart said. Thomas thought he showed some personal constraint in not clapping Billy on the shoulders.
“Taggart,” Captain Somar said, “what is your purpose in the command center?”
The room fell silent. The directness of Somar’s question made everyone suddenly curious about Taggart’s answer.
Taggart blinked and said, “I wanted to know the status of the colony, Captain. What else would my purpose be?”
Somar nodded. “How is it that you came to be on the colony vessel?”
Taggart looked to Thomas, smiling, then back to Somar. “Why, I bought passage and boarded. Not much more to it than that,” he grinned.
“There is,” Somar said. “And I wish to know it. What is your purpose?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, Captain.”
“You do,” Somar said. His voice was even, plain. There was no hint of frustration, anger, or fear. Thomas felt his respect for the man grow. “You surely must be aware that by now I would have looked at your travel record.”
Again the room fell silent. Thomas wasn’t sure what was happening, but he felt a sudden tension from Taggart. Billy Sans was standing at Somar’s side, watching with an almost blank expression. It was obvious Somar and Billy knew something that Thomas wasn’t privy to. The fact that they were confronting Taggart in his presence, though, said enough. Somar was bringing Thomas in on the secret.
Taggart looked from one face to another. “Gentlemen, I don’t know what you think you’ve learned, but I assure you that my intentions here were the same as any other passenger.”
“That is not true,” Somar said.
For the first time, Taggart let anger enter his voice. “And how would you know whether it is true or not, Captain?”
“Because,” Somar said calmly, “unlike the other wealthy passengers, you booked no return passage. This implies that you either intended to go back at a much later time or you intended never to return. Upon further investigation, we discovered that you have turned over control of your financial empire to a board of directors. This leaves only one possible conclusion—you never intended to return from this world.”
Taggart laughed, a sharp and sudden sound. “You may be unfamiliar with the customs of humans, Captain. I assure you, I’ve done nothing unusual. Regardless, I can’t see how this is any concern to you. It doesn’t matter what my plans were before. I’m here now. And since I am, I plan to do everything I can to make sure this colony succeeds.”
“That may be true,” Captain Somar said. There was a hesitation from everyone in the room, expecting the captain to go on. But he made no further statement and instead simply stared at Taggart for a moment.
Thomas was elated. Since meeting Taggart, he had seen the man systematically work people, taking charge of every situation. He had been prepared to see Taggart take over the colony and bend it to whatever purpose he had in mind. But now, as Somar watched him with sharp green eyes, Taggart seemed to deflate a bit. Thomas fought the urge to grin.
“Captain Somar,” Taggart said, “I intend to govern this colony.”
There it was. Somar had put the man in a corner and left him with only one option—telling the truth. Taggart had designs on the colony.
“If the people elect you,” Somar said, “then it shall be so.”
Taggart was having trouble, Thomas could tell. He was clearly not accustomed to dealing with someone who could not be goaded, manipulated, or controlled. “Have these people elected you as their leader?” he asked.
“They have not,” Somar said.
“Then by what right do you lead them?”
“By the only right available at the moment. Necessity. These men and women needed someone to direct them and I stepped into that capacity, fulfilling my duties as the only ranking officer present. I will step down again when the people decide it is time for me to do so. At such time, you may well govern here, if you are elected.”
“But not you,” Taggart said, suddenly smiling. “I’ll never govern you, will I?”
Thomas couldn’t handle it anymore. “What is this, Taggart? What kind of game are you playing here?”
Taggart looked as if he’d only just remembered Thomas was there. “Thomas, son, this is about humanity. Something I suspect will always be a curiosity to Captain Somar here.”
Somar turned to the computer, punched a few buttons, and turned the screen for them to see. On it was a photo of Taggart with a short dossier. “Captain Alonzo was curious about you as well, it seems.”
The text of the document was largely a log of things Captain Alonzo had written about Taggart. There was too much to read at a glance but Thomas caught a few alarming phrases right away.
“Earth First!” he said, shocked. He looked up at Taggart who was eyeing him quietly. “You’re with Earth First?”
“He’s their leader,” Billy Sans said. His voice was full of bile.
They all looked at Taggart who suddenly broke into a smile. “Oh, yes,” he said. “That’s me. Leader of Earth First. It’s something of a legacy.” He turned to look at Thomas and his grin deepened, “But of everyone here I suppose you, yourself, are most familiar with my organization. Aren’t you Mr. Paris?”
There was a brief pause. “Paris?” Billy Sans asked, confused.
“Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to John Thomas Paris,” Taggart said in the grand voice of one introducing a man of great importance. Thomas felt his stomach sour, and the blood rushed from his face, even as he knew what Taggart would say next.
“The man who murdered a world.”