Infinite Reef by Karl Kofoed Read Free Book Online Page A

staff. Alex and Mary, invited along, were silent the whole time, listening to others’ sometimes panicky dialogue. Listening closely to all comments, the Commander remained mute.
    “Are these helmets necessary?” asked someone.
    “They’re precautionary,” said Stubbs, almost angrily. “In other words, protecting you.”
    Seeing through the headgear was not, at the moment, a benefit, Alex thought as he looked at Stubbs’ furrowed brow. The Commander was moving with calm and grace, hardly reminiscent of the person who’d been, until recently, confined to a wheelchair. Observing Stubbs in action, Alex decided it was pure zeal that was driving the man, and even healing him. It was clear to Alex, if not Mary, that he had found his calling.
    It was agreed, after some discussion, that the object could be a probe, and since it might be examining the interior of the Goddard it would be best for everyone to leave the area. As Stubbs issued the order everyone prepared to leave.
    Alex had been walking next to Wysor. When they reached the cart, Alex became conscious of Mary. “You’re quiet all of a sudden, love.” When she didn’t answer he looked around. Mary was still at the rim of the crater, facing the orb and holding her helmet loosely at her side.
    Alex ran toward her, horrified. “Dingers, Mary. What do you think you’re doing?” But she didn’t seem to hear. She stood still as a post, staring at the sphere.
    When he reached her side she glanced at him. “I’m coming. Just give me a minute, Alex.”
    “To do what?” Alex gazed down at the sphere. There was no detail on its black glassy surface, nor any indication that it had been damaged by its impact. Feeling encumbered by his helmet, he took it off, then stepped away from Mary. At the same moment two blue suited guards reached them. “I’m sorry, you two,” one said. “The Commander insists ...”
    “Let a sensor do her work for a minute, gents,” said Alex, holding up a defiant hand. “Give us sixty seconds.”
    The guard looked back at Commander Stubbs, who was waiting next to the cart speaking into his wrist receiver. Alex saw Stubbs nod as he spoke. The guard listened a moment longer to his own receiver, then faced Alex and Mary again. This time he switched on the weapon. For a second Alex thought the guards were going to threaten him, but the guard aimed his weapon at the sphere. “The Commander says okay, but make it quick,” he said tersely.
    Mary shook her head. “It doesn’t help to threaten that thing.”
    “Orders, ma’am,” said the guard.
    “Then I’m done here,” Mary said angrily. She turned away from the crater and walked stiffly back to the car with Alex and the guards following. When they reached the cart Stubbs drew her aside. They spoke briefly, then returned to the group.
    Alex was already in the cart and Mary slid into the seat beside him. As they headed toward the command center, Alex looked at her questioningly. She shrugged but said nothing. They rode in silence until they reached the center.
    Stubbs ordered the driver to take the cart around to the rear of the building.
    “We can park at the front, sir,” advised the driver.
    “Do what I said,” ordered the Commander. “If that thing is watching, it might have identified us all as leaders. It’s a possibility, at least. I don’t want it to see where we go.”
    Johnny Baltadonis was seated in the front of the cart, between the driver and Stubbs. He nodded approvingly when Stubbs gave his order. “Good idea,” he said, glancing back at the crater. Facing Mary, Johnny smiled. “Did you feel anything?”
    “Pressured,” she said, not returning his smile. She glanced at Stubbs. “Some of us have different agendas.”
    “Like safety of my crew,” said Stubbs. “There’s plenty of time to meditate, Mary. Now we have to assume the worst.
    Wouldn’t you agree?”
    Mary frowned. “I can sense things, sir.” Her voice was so artificially sweet that it gave