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This section covers the events after the Councillors departed.
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Enough Rope
Saturday 08/05/94 7:00 pm
Tun Wong returned and said. "Jennifer has been keeping me
in touch with events while I have done a bit of investigating
on my own account. I must admit that Jennifer can find out more
in seconds that I can in hours."
Marita appeared and said. "Tun Wong, one of the councillors
has tried to hijack the sub-orbiter. The pilot collapsed and the
automatics took over. A woman is reported to be unconscious and
very ill. Undepoldus is interpreting the telemetry. They are now
in free fall with virtual gravity. They will land in thirty-one
minutes. There is a vidcom message from the sub-orbiter. The pilot
is OK. The woman has regained consciousness and is being given
medical help. She is becoming hysterical. Her voice is audible
in the background. She is saying. "It's going! I didn't know!
It's going away! What will I do?" She is being sedated. The
vidcom message has ended. Telemetry indicates that the pilot has
taken over control again."
Tun Wong said. "Now there is one less to worry about. I don't
know what the others aboard the sub-orbiter detected but they
could now know what misuse of their powers can do. I expect that
we may get some calls soon."
George said. "It looks like at least one of them tried something
almost as soon as she could. If any of the others had any idea
what she tried to do, and what the effects were, they may be scared
of taking any action at all."
Marita said. "Anne-Marie is calling you George. Undepoldus
has re-routed the call through himself and me. Anne-Marie will
speak with my voice, so don't get confused. I will shut my eyes
when she is finished. When I open them again the connection will
be broken."
Anne-Marie said. "George, Frederica Olmos has had what seems
to be a stroke. We think that her stroke caused her to radiate
in a way that affected the pilot. None of us can make contact
with her. It is like there is nobody at home. All of us are worried
that we could suffer the same problem. Can you help?"
George answered. "Anne-Marie, I suggest that you read the
earlier works of Isaac Asimov for the answer. When you land contact
Anita Kohlvits alone. I can say no more on this circuit."
Anne-Marie said. "I don't think that we need Dr. Susan Calvin
to diagnose the problem. Law one obviously applies. I know the
answer. The others do not. I think that they should find out for
themselves. Clearing."
Marita said. "It is strange being a human vidcom. Undepoldus
wanted the circuit re-routed to prevent interception. It is busy
today. There is another call. It is from Boku."
Boku said. "George, I have intercepted a strange call. Someone
wants you and Kerstin out of the way. The cover is that you need
protection because of your knowledge of Undepoldus. It has apparently
come from the Council. I cannot advise you what to do except follow
my example. If necessary, play dumb. There is a good team here
ready for action if needed. Say nothing. Clearing."
"Tun Wong said. "Jennifer is with us. She has just linked
Annie and me. Annie is on her way to Malmö right now as a
Sikh gentleman. Jennifer suggests that she and I make ourselves
look like you two and take your places. She said that she can
convince anyone that she is as tall as you Kerstin."
Kerstin said. "I can believe that after what she did to me.
I think that it is time that we all had a good sleep. It seems
like it has been a very long day."
Sunday 9th May 10:00 am
It was mid morning when George was called via Marita.
Marita said. "Tun Wong is calling you George."
George said. "Tun Wong, George here, have you any news?"
Tun Wong said. "The protection team are on their way. Boku
and Undepoldus have been tracking them. They will not be landing
in London for some reason. Their destination is Paris. It could
be that they do not want to attract our attention by landing at
Heathrow. That gives us plenty of time to prepare. Jennifer is
practising at changing our looks. She is using you and a mirror
to look like Kerstin right now. Now she is changing me. What a
talent! She has other ideas up her sleeve as well. You two go
to Ivan's cabin after lunch. Eva and Sarah will be there. We don't
expect the protection team to arrive until 14:30 local. George,
you will look like Ivan. Kerstin will look like Jennifer. Ivan
and Leonov know what we have planned. Jennifer is everywhere.
She is trying to teach me to be able to do what she does. Charlie
is talking to Undepoldus. There are four in the protection team.
They will land near Paris in ten minutes. They will leave France
for Heathrow in a flyer soon afterwards. I will warn you when
they have left Heathrow if necessary."
Sunday 09/05/94 1:30 pm
George and Kerstin made their way to Ivan's private cabin after
lunch. Tun Wong and Jennifer took their places. Soon they saw
glimpses of what Tun Wong and Jennifer were seeing. There was
one difference. Tun Wong could kiss Jennifer's lips as they shared.
Kerstin thought it was nice to see George's face instead of the
top of his head.
Sunday 09/05/94 2:40 pm
Leonov greeted the Spacers who made up the protection team. He
kept them talking with pleasantries while Jennifer checked what
they had been told. None of them knew of George and Kerstin's
talents.
Their spokeswoman said to Leonov. "We have been given secret
sealed orders from the Council to help protect Commanders George
McFigg and Kerstin Broberg. We were not told of the danger that
they are in. We have been ordered to take them to a safe place
for their protection."
Leonov said vehemently. "I protest! They are in no danger
here in this Club. We can call on at least fifty Spacers to protect
them at very short notice. Why have I not been informed of this
decision? I will register my protest with the Council forthwith.
I formally inform you that if you remove George McFigg and Kerstin
Broberg from this Club, I will place charges against you four
for operating in a manner contrary to Spacer protocol.
I'm an old man. I have nothing to lose. If any harm comes to those
two Spacers I will make sure that you will regret that you ever
went to the Spacers College. I have plenty of friends who are
not in the Council who owe me a few favours. You know how easy
it is to cover up errors in Space. Those two are my friends. Take
very good care of them. Your lives depend on it!"
The four wondered how they had been caught up in the situation that they now found themselves in. There was hardly an active Admiral, Vice Admiral or Rear Admiral that Leonov Chebychev could not call on for a favour. They knew that Leonov had overstepped the mark by threatening them. All of them would have protested equally violently if they had been in his formfit.
As they left Leonov's office Charlie quietly told them where George's cabin was located. Then he went into the office and closed the door. The two happily relaxed their self control to have the biggest laugh that they had had in ages.
At George's cabin the vidcom announced. "A deputation
from the Spacers Council wishes to be admitted."
Jennifer answered. "Admit them, Kay-Mac 207."
Tun Wong and Jennifer maintained their sharing situation as if such a visit was routine.
Their visitors came in and waited as Tun Wong and Jennifer
continued sharing comfort in a manner deliberately planned to
arouse the onlookers. The three females and one male felt very
uncomfortable in their formfits. Jennifer and Tun Wong sent them
gentle wafts of phantom comfort to make them want to forget why
they came.
Then Tun Wong and Jennifer made a bit of a show about having their
sharing interrupted.
Jennifer said. "Why don't you four have a break. Use the
cabin through the connecting door. Relax for half an hour and
leave us in peace."
Their spokeswoman introduced herself. She said. "I am Lieutenant
Commander Thomas. My colleagues are Lieutenants Bausch, Emcheta
and Kalechovsky. We have been despatched here to escort you to
a place of safety by order of the Council. We have been told that
your connection with Undepoldus makes you vulnerable to attack.
Please dress and come with us as quickly as you can."
Tun Wong asked. "Does Rear Admiral Chebychev know of this?
He is ultimately responsible for all the Spacers in this Club.
I know that he has taken appropriate precautions as advised by
Admiral Chang, the head of security. He briefed us about the situation
two weeks ago. We are as safe here as anywhere."
Lieutenant Commander Thomas showed that she understood the status
and authority of Admiral Chang. She could not understand why the
council would act independently. She said. "Rear Admiral
Chebychev has made his feelings very clear. His protest has been
noted but he is overruled by the orders we have been given. Please
come with us quietly. We are only obeying our orders to ensure
your protection."
Tun Wong and Jennifer made a show of body language that they were
very sceptical about the order but said nothing as they got dressed.
The four escorts had no idea that Jennifer was not Kerstin and
Tun Wong was not George. Jennifer added just a touch of confirmation
that the four were carrying out their mission correctly while
she made them more doubtful about the wisdom and authenticity
of the order. The two went with their escorts as if they had been
arrested by secret police in the middle of the night. They expressed
despair and puzzlement as they discussed the unlikelihood of any
place being safer than the Spacers Club.
Sunday 09/05/2094 3:10 pm
Jennifer conveyed to George and Kerstin. "Our escorts
are very unhappy. They would only need a slight push to mutiny.
They are innocent cogs in the mechanism. They have accepted Tun
Wong and me as you two without trouble. They are taking us to
Heathrow. Then they will take us to Paris where they have a small
sub-orbiter. I am excited. It will be my first sub-orbital flight.
Gurprit has relayed to Anita all that has happened. Anita has
programmed the sub-orbiter's vidcom to relay all conversations
and links to Undepoldus. She knows where the sub-orbiter will
land. It is near a small Spacer port in Oregon. Kate, Boris, Suri
and Jean are flying there now. Anita has made their flyer unnoticeable
by all the radars on the route. We are landing at the Spacer pad
at Heathrow. I don't know if I can stay with you all the way.
If I fade out, do not worry. Anita's friends will be monitoring
the telemetry. We are getting into a flyer now. Tun Wong has made
me know what to expect when we take off from Paris. Our escorts
are looking forward to passing us on to someone else. They hate
the job that they are doing. I could easily make them take us
back but Tun Wong wants to meet the person who organised this
trip. I will leave you now. Relax and get some sharing in. We
will be OK."
Ivan's vidcom announced. "Rear Admiral Chebychev and
Mr. Potter have arrived."
Eva said. "Admit them, E-Sin 102"
Leonov and Charlie came into the cabin full of smiles.
Leonov said. "I pity those four escorts. I could have made
them mutiny. I had great fun protesting about the order. I know
that I overstepped the mark but I can do what I told them. There
are not many top Spacers around who do not owe me a favour or
two. I was tempted to warn them about what is really happening
but that is Tun Wong's job. Now we will have to wait until the
sub-orbiter lands to find out what will happen next."
Charlie said. "I thought I knew Jennifer after being married
to her for nearly twenty years. George, you have made her into
a wonder woman. It was like she was born to have mental power
and you just activated it. She knows exactly what she can do and
loves to make use of her power in the best way possible. Kerstin,
she told me what she did to you and Tun Wong. She wanted to try
out her skills without hurting you. Now she knows that she can
make people do things while they are asleep.
I knew she had found the role that suited her talents and personality
as soon as she had decided to be Tun Wong's assistant. I am proud
of the way she has fitted in. If she was not married to me, Annie
would have a rival. She can wrap Tun Wong around her little finger.
She knows why Annie loves him and she knows everything about his
job. She and Tun Wong make a perfect team in the security business.
I can't wait to find out how they are doing."
Kerstin said. "Charlie, please share with Marita and me now.
Marita wants to link Jennifer and Boku with you as the go between."
Charlie joined with Kerstin while Kerstin made a breast into a
face and kissed him. They all felt Kerstin pleasing Charlie as
she made him feel wonderful. Then, suddenly they all felt the
presences of Marita, Jennifer and Boku. Then Charlie spoke. "It
is wonderful. Kerstin's body and mine are having fun while I am
talking to Anita. Boku is talking to Tun Wong through Jennifer
and me while I watch it all happen. Jennifer has a plan that she
can use in case of an emergency. She will change all the Spacers
around Tun Wong and herself to look like you, Kerstin and George.
She and Tun Wong will make themselves look unnoticeable and find
somewhere to hide or escape. Variations on the idea can be used
at any time, particularly on the organisers, to put them in their
own trap."
Charlie's voice changed and became higher and softer. He said.
"Leonov, this is Boku talking through Charlie. Steady on
Kerstin, I must concentrate. Kate, Suri, Boris and Jean will land
ten kilometres from the sub-orbiter's landing field. Undepoldus
has hired a heavy floater for them to go the last bit. Leah, Odine,
Pietro and Alexander will be around when the Councillors arrive.
Elli, Jill, Armand and Giovanni are with me, helping me to make
this link. Anita and Marcos are reprogramming the vidcom network
to intercept all calls coming from or going to the Councillors.
Gail and Kjell are tracking the civilian who received a call from
the Councillor who had the beamer. They are sure that he is connected
with the order from the Council. Kerstin! Stop it! I know how
pleased you are about what we are doing but please restrain yourself.
Leonov, I cannot do much myself except act as a link. My new hands
are still too weak to be of any use. Rachel and Wilhelm treat
me like their baby. They do everything for me. If you have any
messages for me, I can receive them through Charlie while he is
with Kerstin. Stop it Kerstin! Remember that Armand, Giovanni,
Elli and Jill feel you as I do. No! Kerstin! We love it but we
are trying to solve a problem. Feel our formfits! Thank you. That's
better. I will give you another report when we have more news."
Kerstin said. "Don't blame me Boku, it was Marita. I have
my voice but she controls most of my body. When this trouble is
over, let us all have fun together like this. Trans-Atlantic sharing
is a lovely idea."
George said. "Boku, it is good to have you with us. I know
how you like a challenge. Everyone here thinks that you are doing
a marvellous job. We will tie Kerstin and Charlie together so
that you can call us at any time."
Boku said. "Next time I call you I will remember not to wear
my formfit. See you later. Clearing."
Kerstin said. "Charlie, you now know what it is like to be
with Marita. Relax but don't go away. I want my turn now."
Eva grabbed Leonov and Sarah took charge of George. As Jennifer
said later. "It was an ideal way for them to pass the time
while they waited for something to happen."
Charlie was amazed when Kerstin picked him up and carried him to the hygiene station like a baby. She made sure that he was comfortable before attending to her own needs. She washed him in the shower as if he were her young son, then carried him back to the bed to resume sharing with him. She and Marita took it in turns to keep Charlie in a state of bliss. The others intended to leave them as they were when it was time for dinner but Kerstin was in no mood to be left behind.
Sunday 09/05/2094 7:10 pm
Gurprit and Martha were having dinner together when the six came
into the dining room. They sat down at a table next to them to
exchange news.
Gurprit said. "Jennifer lost her link with Charlie this afternoon.
She could feel him sharing but she could not get him to answer.
Marita is still linked with Jennifer. Undepoldus had to use the
vidcom to contact me. Jennifer and Tun Wong have been taken to
a remote farmhouse under something like house arrest. There are
six Spacers guarding the place. They are not worried because they
know that they could walk out at any time. The councillor who
collapsed is totally amnesiac. Bodily she is alive and well but
she cannot understand anything said to her. Undepoldus told me
that Anne-Marie had peeped and found nobody at home. Anita thinks
that she may have organised the protection order for Kerstin and
George. If so, the guards will soon start worrying about their
situation. Kate and Boris are now in the farmhouse with Jennifer
and Tun Wong. Suri and Jean are watching the guards. The guards
do not know when they will be provided with food and drink or
when they will be relieved. Roberto and Susannah are going to
the farmhouse with supplies in case the six have a long wait."
Kerstin asked. "Gurprit, what has happened to the Councillors?"
Leah and Pietro report that the councillors are worried and confused
about Frederica Olmos. Pietro peeped and found that her mind is
a total blank. She knows less than a new-born baby. Leah peeped
Anne-Marie and knows that she is the only one who thinks she knows
what happened."
George asked. "What is Anne-Marie doing?"
Gurprit answered. "Anne-Marie is pretending to be as worried
as the rest about Frederica but she is more worried about the
possibility that others might try to do the same. She had thought
of trying to take over the Council herself but now knows that
she cannot use her powers in that direction. She wants all Spacers
off Earth to have the gifts but she knows that most of the other
Councillors want to prevent more Spacers from getting them."
Leonov said. "Tun Wong suspected that four Councillors had
big ideas about taking over the League. We now know about Anne-Marie,
Frederica and Frank. There is a fourth one that we do not know
about yet. Have you heard anything that can point to the fourth
one?"
Gurprit replied. "Most of the Councillors do not trust each
other very much. We only know about Frederica and Frank who may
have had joint plans. None of them have played with their powers
as we have and they do not know what they can do. They dare not
try to peep their colleagues in case they are caught at it. They
know that they have physical health and longevity and some weak
mental powers. They do not know much about changing appearances
and nothing about vidcom linking. Leah and Pietro are good but
they do not have Jennifer's power. Odine and Alexander are concentrating
on making Leah and Pietro unnoticeable as they try to get close
enough to find out who is planning what. They will report as soon
as they have any news."
George said. "I find it frustrating that I can't do much
to help what is happening over there. I know that we have the
best possible organisation to try to solve the problems but it
is not the same as helping out directly."
Martha said. "George, you must remember how important you
are to us all. If you tried to go, the rest of us would do our
best to stop you. Tun Wong and Jennifer are experts in their fields.
They know how to be patient to catch the big fish that they are
looking for. Marita's ex-students have shown us what a team can
be like without the powers they have now. They do not rely on
sentiment or personal preferences. They check each other to find
out who is best for any particular job. Then they deploy their
resources to deal with whatever faces them. You must remember
that Marita is almost like a goddess to them and you and Kerstin
are her partners. They want to know that you are safe while they
sort out the problems."
Kerstin said. "If you tried to leave, George, you know that
you would have Marita and me to deal with. Remember, I have not
resigned as your bodyguard and I never will."
George said. "It is no use me trying to do anything for myself
these days. How could I ever compete with a giant like you Kerstin?
If you feel that you can't solve a problem, you can pass it on
to Marita. Then there is no way that I can win. What man could
ever try to match someone who can be in two places at once with
such power and talents?"
Marita said. "George, I told you that I was the boss shortly
after we became partners. That has not changed. Now I think that
you should finish your dinner like a good boy. Then go to Kerstin's
old cabin and share with Kerstin and me until tomorrow morning.
You must reward us for looking after you, it is only fair."
Martha and Gurprit laughed. They knew how George felt. They also
knew that it was better for him to be occupied in a situation
that took away all his worries. Marita had conveyed to them what
they should do as soon as George and Kerstin were happily sharing.
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