Pegasus In Space
- Автор: Маккефри Энн
- Серия: Talents #3
- Язык: английский
- Жанр: Научная фантастика
Электронная книга - «Pegasus In Space». Краткое содержание книги:
For an overpopulated Earth whose resources are strained to the breaking point, there is only one place to look for relief: straight up. With the successful completion of the Padrugoi Space Station, humanity has at last achieved its first large-scale permanent presence in space. But there are those who, for motives of their own, want Padrugoi to fail. Standing in their way are the Talented, men and women gifted with extraordinary mental powers that have made them as feared as they are respected--and utterly indispensable to the colonization effort. Now, as sabotage and attempted murder strike the Station, it's up to the Talented to save the day. Only who is going to save the Talented?
Pegasus in Space is the tale of Peter Reidinger, first Tower Prime!
Not now, he told himself wearily. I can barely 'port to Lance and Johnny. I'm tired, he admitted, recognizing the difference between the adrenaline high of being safely on the Moon as opposed to being strong with physical vigor. He might not have limits to his telepathy and teleportation but he did have a finite measure of energy. All the odd sensations that he was experiencing were fatigue, that's all.
Suddenly a space-suited figure bounced up to him. "I've borrowed that rover," Lance said, and pointed in the appropriate direction.
That was when Peter noticed that the airlock bus was backing away from the Limo and that there were men-the security squad probably-swarming about the wreck. The hatch opened again and Lieutenant Liu stood there, saluting to the two men waiting to get aboard.
"This way, Pete," Lance said, touching his arm. With relief, Peter drifted beside Lance and didn't object when Lance gave him a little kinetic push on the way. So what did you tap into to get here so precipitously? Watari's dying to know.
So am I, Peter said ruefully.
Did you really 'port all the way from your TLI-3 burn? Lance was impressed.
Peter nodded his helmet. With the boost we got from-somewhere. He wasn't sure if he should confide in Lance, though it went against his grain to prevaricate to someone he knew so well. But he was so security conscious right now, after such a near thing. Lance would surely understand the reticence when the time came that Peter could mention the CERN assistance.
Peter stumbled, aware that there was little to stumble over on this smooth mare. Lance put his hand under Peter's arm, reducing the effort Peter had to make.
I think my last meal just ran out, Peter said.
We're nearly there, Lance encouraged him and half shoved him into the lunar rover. Once Peter was strapped in, he let fatigue wash over him.
Thing is, you made it. Well done. Now to find out who.
And why, Peter added.
"Hold on now, Reidinger," Lance said out loud, aware that there'd be someone monitoring them.
Peter let himself relax, safe and secure in Lance's company. He barely took in Lance's explanation of the geography of First Base as he was driven to the nearest airlock. Then they were being cycled through it, Lance helping him from the rover, encountering the three-quarters Earth gravity that First Base maintained within the dome; unsuiting in the ready-room, Lance getting the sergeant to take charge of their EMUs; getting Peter's Base ID, room assignment, and ration-card-all the necessary bureaucratic details required by security.
Not much longer, Pete, Lance said. "If you're hungry, Reidinger, I can show you where the mess is."
"If it's all the same, Lance, I'd rather get to my quarters."
"Right ch'ar," Lance replied amiably, and indicated they should hang a right as they came to a five-way junction of corridors, the widest one being the main route to the Control Intelligence Center offices in Akahiro Block. Babe Ruth Block was in that direction as well. Despite his fatigue, Peter noticed the steel doors that would seal off sections in each corridor. He saw the alcoves containing glassed cabinets of emergency oxygen masks. He thought in passing that this was just the place for someone to follow the book.
They turned up one of the narrower hallways down to a Y junction where Lance took the right again.
"Clemens Block-where us transient specialists are housed. But the tucker's good. Did you bring in the new cooks?"
"We did."
"Good! One needs a change in the hand that stirs the chowder."
The hallway was lined with doors and Lance stopped at the fourth one on the left.
"We got you a single, Pete. I'm next door. Call addie is 5775." Or you can call me.
Politely, Lance took the plastic room card from Peter's limp grasp and slid it into the slot; a soft snick and the door opened. He gave Peter a gentle shove inside and then led him to the bunk, wider by a good meter than the Limo's accommodation.
Lie down. I'll get your boots off and tuck you in, m friend. You're one weary chook.
Peter made no complaint and willingly laid his body down, faintly aware of the blanket covering him. He was asleep before Lance dropped the first boot to the floor.
Pete? Pete? Pe-ter! The voice was soft but insistent. Peter woke. Pete? You're awake? Ah, yes, you are. Rhyssa's having knicker fits until she has an eyes-on report from Madlyn that you are here.
Johnny?
That's who. C'mon, get up. I'll give you time to shower and clothe the bod.
Did you find out anything?
About the sabotage? Not much, except we're not dealing with stupids. Someone rigged the MPUs raw-ther, and Johnny drawled the words, deftly. And it had to be someone on Padrugoi. No time to import anything, or anyone, 'cos I was the chief importer I sent folks downside. I didn't bring anything upstation that hadn't gone through security. On Earth or again on Padrugoi.
I'm awake, Peter reassured the general, aware that he had to drain his waste-bag like right now! He levitated up, found the toilet, and emptied the appliance as Johnny continued his instructions.
I'll send a guide. You'll need one.
A guide? Or a bodyguard?
A little of both. And check it out. I can 'feel' a menacing presence from time to time, Johnny added grimly. Lance warned me. I'm warning you.
Peter exhaled at that intelligence. He looked around, realizing that he hadn't even noticed his accommodation when Lance had brought him here. Was it last night? Well, whenever it was. His small bag was on the desk and he "pulled" out a fresh coverall and shorts. He returned to the bathroom. A notice on the shower enclosure warned him that water usage was limited: he was advised to soap before turning the taps on.
He did and felt refreshed despite the brevity of the wash. He was closing his coverall when he heard a brief tap on his door.
"Corporal Hinojosa, sir," a female voice announced.
"Be right with you, Corporal," he said, and slid his fleece-lined shoes over his feet.
"Good morning, Mr. Reidinger," she said when he opened the door. She must be just within the height limit for the service and he felt he towered above her. She had a lot of black curls, dark eyes, and a ready smile. "This way, sir." She gestured gracefully toward the intersection. "You're expected in Akahiro Block-that's the original facility, if you haven't had time to study a map of First Base."
He deliberately matched his steps to hers; she had a long stride for a person her size. First Base's slate-gray uniform looked fashionable on her.
"I know who Babe Ruth and DiMaggio were, but who was Akahiro?"
She flashed him a smile. "He was the most outstanding first baseman of the international Japanese Nippon Nicks baseball team in this century, sir. Popped more home runs than the legendary Mark McGwire. The North Americans didn't happen to have a baseball celebrity whose name began with an A, so the Japanese got first crack. They didn't have a C either, so Clemens got his innings, as it were."