Part 26 (2/2)

132.

The aircar slowed. Besides barracks, sheds, and a maintenance hangar capable of holding one of the grounded stars.h.i.+ps, the headquarters complex included three hundred-story concrete warehouse towers. The aircar slowed further as the driver angled toward the landing pad on the roof of the central tower.

”We are arriving,” one of the Cemians informed Wiley. It was the first time any of them had spoken since they had spirited Wiley away from the Kona Tatsu station.

”I can see that,” said Wiley. He nibbed at his eyes, wondering if it was his hands or his face that felt so rough. The pilot set the aircar down and cut the engine. The silence was abrupt.

Wiley had not been aware of how loud the aircar was until now.

”You will leave after I do,” the German informed him, holding a Meinhauser pistol aimed at the center ofWile/s chest.

”You bet,” said Wiley. He tried not to s.h.i.+ver as he looked at the pistol, but he could not com- pletely conceal his fear. His captors pushed him toward an access door. Air puffed out as the door opened: it was an auiock, and the pressure within was higher than ambient at this alt.i.tude.

Wiley stepped into the chamber in front of his guard. The outer door shut behind them and

133.

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

pressure built. The building was a sealed unit with enough positive internal air pressure to pre- vent gas or biotoxins from being introduced from the outside in the event of an attack.

”Move along,” said the German, gesturing with his Meinhauser as the inner door opened.

”I'm moving,” said Wiley.

Beyond the airlock was a reception hall two stories high and domed with a tremendous stained gla.s.s window representing all the worlds on which the Haiken Maru traded. Beneath this, the room filled with priceless antiques, including a set of twenty-first century gaming tables, a full suit of armor, and in a place of honor, a genuine 1957 Cadillac in perfect condition, its doors open for those who wished to sit in it.

Wiley was still studying the eclectic but fasci- nating collection when the far door opened and a middle-aged man, broad of shoulder and broader of girth, stepped through. Wiley recog- nized Senator Lomax as the man extended his hand in welcome.

”Good afternoon, good afternoon, my lad,” he cried merrily. ”I'm very sorry about the incon- venience, but you understand we didn't have time to explain things when we rescued you.”

Wiley stared at him. ”Rescued?”

”Certainly, most certainly,” said Senator

134.

Lomax with all the sincerity he was capable of showing. ”We couldn't have the Secretary's heir in the hands of the Kona Tatsu, now could we?

No telling what those sly devils would do with you. Damien Ver doesn't have to account for how he handles his work. But that's going to change. Isn't it?”

”Is it?” Wiley asked, uncertain how to react to this affable reception.

”Well, of course itwill,” said Senator Lomax, at last grasping Wiley's hand and shaking it with fervor. ”You're just the lad to make the change.

And you'll find me ready to help you do it. You'll have all the support you could ask for. No more of this Kona Tatsu secrecy. Openness. That's the answer.” He turned on his heel, indicating his remarkable collection. ”Let me apologi2e for the atmosphere. This building has some special requirements, and I daresay you'll get used to it shortly. There's nothing harmful in the environ- mental adaptation, not for humans. People in trade get used to these things. Well, what do you think?”

This was much too fast for Wiley. He regarded Senator Lomax narrowly. He answered a ques- tion with a question of his own. ”What's your plan? The Kona Tatsu's job is to protect me.

What makes you think they'll give me up?”

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