Part 62 (1/2)

WALTER: You kids have got to have your chance.

VEIKKO: Oh, G.o.d. But Marc might kill you.

WALTER: It's possible. But he might think twice. Suppose the course director autopilot broke? It's not too tricky manoeuvring Kyllikki in fine weather. But given a storm-and there might be one lurking out there-this big four-poster is a b.i.t.c.hkitty to steer manually.

VEIKKO: I remember the gale in the Ross Sea! ... So you think that even if you-you think Marc won't dareWALTER: I'm going to try it, and hope that Marc won't kill me when he finds out. But whatever happens, happens. I don't know when my chance will come, but when it does, I'll grab it. The things are locked up tight, but I'll figure some way to neutralize them.

VEIKKO: Oh, Walter. Oh, Daddy.

WALTER: See that you and Irena don't get yourselves killed by the d.a.m.ned goblins or whatever they are. If anything happened to you, I don't think I could go through with this.

VEIKKO: We've got the base camp all dug in and there are plenty of weapons. We'll be fine. But you-whenWALTER: When I can. Don't worry. Call me tomorrow if possible.

Otherwise, on Tuesday.

VEIKKO: The Tanu with us say that the Firvulag will probably quit when their sacred Truce begins at dawn on Wednesday.

WALTER: Well-that's something. Take care, son. Someone's just come into the wheelhouse and I'll have to let you go.

VEIKKO: Good luck ...

Walter thumbed the autopilot and turned smiling from the wheel. ”h.e.l.lo, Alex. Come in.”

”A wand'ring minstrel I,” Manion sang, ”a thing of shreds and patches.” He began to rub industriously at the port-frames with his polis.h.i.+ng rag.

Walter said distinctly: ”Alex. Stop that. Come here and listen to me.”

The docilated man obediently lowered his cloth and stood before Kyllikki's captain.

”You're the best PK-head of us all, Alex. And not too shabby a coercer either. I wonder if you're strong enough to get past the docilator. I wonder if your coercion can push down the command-set if I give you the proper inspiration. Listen Alex!

I know how you and I can help the children!

I need your help.

Do you understand?”

A broad smile spread slowly across the ravaged face. Manion sang softly: Am I alone, and un.o.bserved? I am!

Then let me own I'm an aesthetic sham!

Walter grasped him by the arms. ”Can you do it? Have you been picking away at it from the inside? You know I can't turn the docilator off.”

Alex sang: This air severe is but a mere veneer!

This cynic smile is but a wile of guile!

This costume chaste is but good taste misplaced!