Spindrift by Allen Steele Read Free Book Online Page B

the right place at the right time. It only figured that he’d make friends with Lawrence; they both belonged to the same social class. The only difference was that, in Shillinglaw’s case, he actually showed some aptitude for his job.
    Cut it out. Harker bit the inside of his lip as he watched Shillinglaw make his way through the crowd. You’ve got to work with these guys…especially Ian…even if you don’t respect them.
    â€œSorry. Got hung up back there.” As Shillinglaw joined them, his gaze fell to the V-neck sweater and baggy trousers Harker wore. “A little out of uniform, aren’t we, Commander?”
    â€œSorry. Wasn’t aware that this was a formal occasion.” Praying that Shillinglaw’s presence didn’t portend another unexpected crew addition—they’d had one of those already—Harker began to escort them to the lift. “We weren’t expecting you. I take it this is…ah, official business?”
    â€œOf course.” Shillinglaw smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t be here long. I’ve just come up to observe the final mission briefing before you go into quarantine.”
    Oh, thank God. “In that case, glad to have you aboard.” Harker caught the sour expression that crossed his face. “That is,” he quickly added as he pushed the button that opened the lift doors, “I hope your visit is…”
    â€œJohn was my guest at my family estate this last week.” Lawrence’s voice was cool as they entered the lift. “We spent some time discussing the mission in a more comfortable environment.” He cast a sideways look at Harker. “You were welcome to join us, of course…”
    â€œThank you, sir, but I had my duties.” Harker stared straight ahead as the lift began to ascend. All the things you couldn’t be bothered to take care of yourself , he thought. But, after all, one last weekend loitering around the Yorkshire manor was more important, wasn’t it? “The rest of the crew is already aboard. They’ve completed training, and we’ll commence final preparations tomorrow.”
    â€œVery good. If you could deliver an update by nineteen hundred hours, I’d appreciate it.” Lawrence turned to Shillinglaw. “See? I told you Ted was efficient. That’s why I personally requested for him to be my first officer.”
    That , Harker thought, or you knew you’d get someone who’d cover your ass. Just as you always have…
    The lift came to a stop, and the doors slid open to reveal a circular corridor. Harker stepped aside to let the other two men through, then followed them into the passageway. At least Lawrence knew where he was going; making small talk with Shillinglaw, he led them around the bend to a round hatch on the outer wall marked SEC. 2—AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY . A quick scan of his thumbprint and a typed-in password on the keypad were enough to open the hatch. On the other side was a cramped sphere, just large enough for four persons, with padded seats arranged around its interior. Ducking their heads, they climbed inside and sat down. Harker took a moment to secure the captain’s baggage within the nets beneath the seats, then they grasped rungs positioned at shoulder level and inserted their feet beneath the floor bar. Once they were settled in, Harker pushed a button to seal the hatch.
    â€œSo we’ve got everyone?” Lawrence asked as the cab began to descend down the axial spoke leading to the station ring. “Flight crew, science team…”
    â€œYes, sir. All present and accounted for.” The cab rotated ninety degrees, and Harker briefly closed his eyes, feeling his body gain weight as the cab crossed the gravity gradient. “Dr. Ramirez came up last week. He’s handled the training quite well…better than I expected, in fact.”
    â€œI’m not…” Shillinglaw