I had my doubts. "Okay," I said. "What's your name?"
"Lance Depardeau."
"Okay, Lance. Come to the lady's rescue."
They needed a few minutes to get ready. I assume they were talking to the station, trying to make sure the other vehicle, the one with the big cargo doors, could not make it in time. Finally, they were back.
"Sorry about the delay, Janey. Okay, here's how we're going to do it. The only thing you need to do is keep cool, follow directions, and leave everything to us." Minutes later, the Patrol vehicle maneuvered close in, almost close enough to bump the cab. "It's okay," Lance said. "If you have any warm clothing with you, put it on." I wrapped myself in one of the blankets. I was starting to get used to wearing blankets. Latest fashion item. Their air lock opened, revealing a figure in a pressure suit. They had to stay close, not only because getting me from one vehicle to the other had to be done quickly, but also because the antigravity field extended only a hand's length beyond the wingtips. We weren't in orbit. So anyone who got outside the field was going to fall.
"Do you have something you can put over your head, Janey?"
That's why I'd bought my nearly airtight dragon jacket. I'd secured it to a seat support to prevent its floating around the inside of the taxi. Now I released it and told him yes . The person in the pressure suit-I didn't know whether it was Lance or not-jumped across, and I heard the thump as he landed on the side of the cab. Just before he reached the door, I took a deep breath, shed the mask, and pushed it under the seat. The air in the cab was fouler than I'd realized. "All right, Janey," he said. "You're doing fine. Keep calm." I pulled the jacket over my head and secured it at my throat with the tieback.
"Okay. That's good. Breathe normally. And hang on to the handle so you don't get sucked out."
I couldn't really answer him anymore. But I grabbed hold of the door release and the chair.
"I'll pull you out. As soon as I get your arm, let go. You might want to hold on. But don't do it, okay. Let go as soon as I touch you."
I nodded okay. Inside the jacket, of course, I couldn't see anything. I knew others had made this kind of crossing and that there was no real danger unless I lost my head. So now I'll confess something. I was almost enjoying playing the damsel in distress.
"Open the door."
I pulled the release and opened up. The air exploded out. Then the world turned frigid. It was like being held naked against an iceberg. I started shivering. He took my arm and pulled me through the door. I could see nothing; I was just trying to breathe normally when we pushed off hard away from the taxi. Hard because for a moment we went outside the antigrav field. My weight returned and, for a terrifying moment, we fell. But our momentum carried us across. The weight went away again, as quickly as it had come. We touched metal. Secure in my jacket, I closed my eyes. Air pressure began to push against me, and gradually, the world got warm again.
TWENTY-SEVEN
This is my promise to you, Beth. As long as there is a star in the sky, no evil will come upon you.
- Midnight and Roses
Lance insisted I check in with Medical, and there was no way I could refuse without arousing suspicion. Anyway, I was bleeding from every orifice I had. So he escorted me down. On the way, he said he knew this wasn't a particularly good time, but he wondered if he could see me again. Considering the shape I was in, it came as a surprise. "That would be nice, Lance," I said. "I'm on duty through tomorrow. But-" He hesitated. "Will you be staying on station? I think they're going to want to talk to you." He didn't specify who "they" were. "I have to be getting back to my job," I said. "Can't really stay here." He smiled. He was a big, good-looking guy. There was an innocence about him that was appealing, and we all know how women love uniforms. Not to mention guys who save their behinds. But there was too much risk in letting him know how he could reach me, so I gave him a bogus code to go with the bogus name, and we separated, he promising to get in touch, while I batted my eyes, said thanks, gave him a hug, and thought good-bye . Medical checked me out, said I was fine, but suggested I stay under observation for a day. I thanked them, but passed, and headed for the Ops desk. I was approaching another bad moment. To get the Belle-Marie , I had to use my real name, which was likely to bring the gendarmes crashing down on me before I could get launched. Ivan was my best bet. But I wanted very much to get on board Belle and clear out. The watch officer came out of a back room and assumed his place behind the counter. "Yes, ma'am," he said. "What can I do for you?" He was tall, thick gray mustache, speckled gray hair. Serious-looking and well along in years. He'd obviously been passed over several times, a guy who was still manning the counter. "My name's Kolpath," I said. "I'd like to clear my ship. The Belle-Marie ." He wasn't good enough to hide his reaction. His jaw tightened; his eyelids flickered and came alive. "Very good," he said, trying to pretend everything was okay. "Can you hold on a second?" "Sure." He went back into the office, and I took off. Down the gravity shaft and out onto the main concourse. Picked out a ladies' room and hustled inside. There was one occupant, and I washed my hands until she left. Then I called Ivan. "Captain Sloan is not available," said his AI. "Do you wish to leave a message?" He was probably out on the Goldman . "Yes, I would." "Anytime you're ready."
"Ivan, this is Chase. I'm in trouble. Need to talk to you as soon as possible." I added my code as the door opened, and somebody came in.
I checked the schedules. The Hassan Goldman , Ivan's ship, was en route to Varesnikov. It was due back in two days. See the biggest planet in the system. Cruise through the moons and rings. Gourmet meals served on board. Not good. If I simply wandered around the concourse for two days, I was going to become extremely visible. Then, as I was trying to decide what to do, I spotted Krestoff. She was looking around and talking into her sleeve. I had to get clear of the station. The only way I could think of to do that was to steal Belle . On the assumption they wouldn't expect me to go back to Ops, I did just that, slipped past the service desk, and saw a couple of serious-looking women talking with the watch officer. I kept going, and got as far as the maintenance piers. But the entrance is always locked. I stood there waiting for someone who'd open the door and allow me to follow him through. While I was considering my chances of doing that and
making a run for Belle , getting on board, and getting under way before they closed the launch doors, a nasal voice broke in: "Who are you and what are you doing here?" It was a technician. He was big, kind of old, and didn't look particularly kindly. "I'm lost," I said. "Can you tell me how to get to the main concourse?" I went back and thought about booking a room. But the hotel would be the first place Krestoff would look. I could hunt Lance down. And I had no doubt he'd be happy to provide bed and board for two days. But I'd have to persuade him to keep quiet in the meantime. The schedule showed two more tour flights that day: one to Miranda, and one that would chase down a comet. Miranda would be gone almost a week, so I signed on for the comet, which would be back in three days. I left another message for Ivan, asking him not to leave when he got back. "Going to see the comet," I said. "I'll be in touch." It was taking a chance, letting him know where I'd be. But I doubted Wexler had made a connection between us. I spent the next few hours shopping once again for fresh clothes and staying out of Krestoff's way. When time came to board, I waited until the very last minute, then rolled through the boarding area, gave them my pass, and hurried down the tube. A flight attendant welcomed me, showed me to my cabin, and wished me a good flight. There was a brief delay, apparently having to do with one more late arrival. I held my breath, but finally hatches closed, and the captain's voice came over the comm system, warning the passengers that we were getting ready to leave.