Port Casper

Chapter Thirty-Two

Maud Van Decker appeared on the display. The orchid vase behind her told Martin what he wanted to know: she was home. Maud never broadcasted her coordinates, unlike most protectors, and this was Martin's only way of determining her location.

Martin cleared his throat.

"Protector Van Decker, I have been cleared by medical to commence duties again tomorrow." He watched as Maud cocked her head to one side and stared back. Did she look surprised? Was she shocked to find him looking unscathed? Yes, I have received a lot of punishment, Maud. But you're not getting rid of me as easily as Gobi.

"I'm glad you recovered so quickly, Randgarten," Maud said. She was dressed casually in an oversized blue shirt. It looked strange to Martin, who had never seen her in anything but variations of a protector's uniform.

"Have we found out what happened?" Martin asked.

"You shouldn't have followed Donner on the blind bang. You weren't called up." She leaned closer to her display. Maud's face looked wan and suspicious.

Martin pressed further. "What about Donner and Wilmer?"

Maud shook her head. "We don't know what happened to Protector Donner. Your report of her abduction was thin on detail. Protector Wilmer, luckily, is unharmed and on duty."

"Good," said Martin, offering his warmest building manager smile. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you at home, Protector Van Decker."

Maud smiled briefly and terminated the call.

Martin fingered his ptenda, sending a message to Grace. He leaned back in his chair. Good, he thought. With Maud at home, I have a better chance of extracting Chanho. He made a quick call to Protector Wilmer, noting the coordinates. Wilmer would be doing Maud's dirty work, wherever he was. He made up in butt-kissing what he lacked in ability.

The sun was setting outside, the sky streaming with deep reds and yellows. Martin enjoyed watching the sun go down. It made him feel like everything could change. Day and night.

Martin reached for his holster, strapping it on as he headed out the door.

• • •

The concierge rose from his seat and bowed his head politely. "How may I assist you, Protector Randgarten?"

Martin brought his right hand to his holster and adjusted it, maneuvering his backup phasewave to a more comfortable position. Martin observed, with satisfaction, that the concierge stared at the weapon, too.

"I'm here to assist Dr. Williamson in Science Section Eight."

"Just a moment sir, while I check." The concierge reached for the display, but Martin gently held the man's wrist.

"You needn't bother. I know where to find him."

The concierge reclined in his chair. He was probably glad not to have another petty work request. Martin nodded amiably and continued through the ITB atrium toward the main lift bank.

Breaking the rules felt good.

Now, he needed to concentrate on two people: first, Dr. Williamson. Tim had been able to retrieve the doctor's name before walling off access to ITB. Then Wilmer. Call notification had him right in there with Chanho.

Martin entered the lift.

"Science Section Eight," he said in a loud, clear voice. His credentials transferred, and the lift headed four floors down. This is it.

The door opened to a spartan lobby. It looked nothing like his memory of the place. It had been over two years since he had come here with any regularity. Gone was the clutter of active research. Most of the scientists had gone, their machines with them.