Chapter 7
Colby
Nard, our friendly computer, was calmly talking again and Scott missed the first couple of words as usual.
“…..and contact has been established with your boss and Director Colby is ready for your report.”
“Colby, hey Colby, are you aware of our situation here, an attack on us?” Scott almost shouted at the screen.
“Take it easy, Scott, Nard has filled me in on the actual events but, I was wondering if you could add anything to his report. I need your own personnel feelings or insights.” Colby’s smooth reassuring voice coaxed.
“Feelings or insight, I haven’t had a chance to take a look at any insight. All we..uh..ah..I can be sure of is this attack was meant to remove me, and my little ship, from the company's inventory.” Scott knew he was a little bit on the hysterical side of things.
“What do you think of your prisoner and does he have anything to say about his reason for this attack?” Colby asked.
“I don’t believe the prisoner can answer any questions that come close to inquiring about the attack or the reason for the attack. It seems like some type of specialized drug or maybe a mysterious post hypnotic suggestion. Questions about the event leaves him almost paralyzed, breathing labored and his speech is severely restricted. We tried just about every universal language and the slightest hint or mention of this violent incident causes this recurring paralyzes."
“Nard said the only word the visitor there would say was “Lacgil”, do you think that has anything to do with the attack?” Colby calming voice questioned.
“No, I really think the way he slaps his chest after he shouts “Lacgil”, it must be his name.” Scott replied thoughtfully.
“Scott, are you alone? I mean with the prisoner, just the two of you?”
The question caught him off guard even though he expected it. His mind raced as he tried to find the right reply. Should I tell him now of my companion the Warman, or should I continue to keep that particular item a secret? What should I do? His mind hit all the questions without a real good answer.
“Who else could there be but me and the prisoner?” Scott stated firmly, he hoped. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, twice you said we, and then you changed it to I.” Colby paused and then continued. “Were you implying as if Nard was an individual or is there another person with you?” Colby’s questions were strained as if he wanted answers but did not want to alienate Scott.
“Well, as you know I often refer to Nard as my partner in crime.” Scott said jokingly, hoping Colby would not push him down this particular avenue right now.
There was a hesitation that seemed longer than it probably was. This made Scott think that Colby was conferring with someone else before continuing the questions. Then he asked. “Where are you headed from there? You're still on the asteroid, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m still on the asteroid but I haven’t thought much about my plans or destination.” Scott replied quickly, relieved by the change of topics. “I have another appointment in four of your days on the desert of Polan. Do you think I should continue with my route or return to headquarters?”
If Colby says he should return to headquarters he will have to think of a way to advise him of his companion the Warman. He would have to do that now because they would be aware as soon as he got within sensor range of home base. If he waited too long, he’ll probably be blasted out of space as a vehicle with an unidentified intruder on board. That would be embarrassing as well as deadly for both of them.
His luck was still holding as Colby replied. “Ok, Scott, I want you to continue but I also want you to be extremely careful and avoid all possible entrapments or unsure situation. Use all of your instincts and every computer sensor available to prevent any surprises. Any contact with headquarters or me should only be made when you arrive at your destination and just prior to conference time. That way you can be brought up to date and see if there are any changes that you should be aware of.”
Colby knew this statement was unnecessary but he was required to say it and since it did not require a reply, Scott simply signed off with Colby replying “good luck”.