SEAMS16:Arrival

By Eric B. Thomasma

Picking up where A New Home left off...

Charlie and Susan are shocked when the confession is thrown out. To insure the safety of the alien devices the judge then orders that the trial be held on SEAMS16.

Aliens appear, but not for repairs, bringing a surprise visit from the S.E.A. Security Director.

With all of these arrivals, can Charlie and Susan handle one more?

Prepare for ARRIVAL.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric B. Thomasma
• Release date: Mar 16, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452340487

Eric B. Thomasma

Born and raised in West Mitten, USA (Grand Rapids, MI), He still lives in the area in a house he built, (literally), with the help of his wife, Therese, and two sons, Eric Jr. and Nicholas, (and various other friends and relatives). The boys are grown and gone now, although they both live in the area. Eric and Therese have managed to get past the empty nest syndrome and currently only share their home with their dog, Tucker. For more information, visit Eric's website at http://ericbt.webs.com

Book preview

SEAMS16:Arrival

by Eric B. Thomasma

Smashwords Edition

Copyright (c) 2010 Eric B. Thomasma

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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This book is a sequel to SEAMS16:A New Home. It is suggested that these books be read in order for full enjoyment, but it is not strictly necessary. SEAMS16:A New Home is available from Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/11123

Print versions of both books are available at http://www.seams16.com

Praise for SEAMS16: A New Home

…engaging characters, realistic relationships and an imaginative plot…

…a refreshingly imaginative tale.

…an entertaining read for science fiction and mainstream fans alike.

-Pittsburgh Books Examiner

…a classic story set to a classic off-planet site…

…meticulous attention to detail…

…will keep the brains of High-Tech Science Fiction readers tingling.

-New Reads Underground

+++

SEAMS16:Arrival

Chapter 1

Skeet! Charlie called out. Wait up!

The young teenage girl froze in her tracks. She turned slowly, embarrassed that someone had seen her skipping. Especially someone she didn’t want thinking of her as a little girl. Hi, Charlie. She looked in his direction, but couldn’t bring herself to look into his eyes. I thought you’d already be in the service bay.

I had to work a little late. Charlie caught up with her and bent down a little to try to meet her gaze. You seem to be in a good mood today.

Uh, sure. She glanced into his eyes, then turned away and started walking. We finally get to take Sparle out for a test flight.

Sparle was Skeet’s pet name for the transport they were refitting for her Uncle’s business, Space Cab. She learned in her Alien Studies class that Sparle is a Clindoran word that most often translates to house but can sometimes also mean home. This seemed appropriate, as the transport they were refitting was a replacement for the destroyed vessel that was home for her and her uncle since her mother died, all those years ago.

Well, if you hadn’t decided to retrofit the guidance system with your upgraded remote control system, a test flight wouldn’t be necessary, Charlie teased. It was a fully functional transport, you know.

I know, Skeet replied cheerily. But I can’t imagine taking fares without my remote. I’d never be able to talk with the passengers.

There’s always the auto-pilot, Charlie offered.

Skeet stopped and glared at Charlie with a horrified look on her face.

Charlie paused before speaking again. Well, your uncle used to use it before you went to live with him.

Skeet shook her head and scowled. Yeah, and look where that got him, a huge fine for almost running into another transport. Which, I might add, was also running on auto. One faulty proximity sensor is all it takes...

Okay, okay. Charlie put his hands up in surrender. I get the point. You know I’ve always been impressed with your remote. And even more impressed that you invented it when you were only eleven. A hand controller and an eye patch view screen, it was a simple and elegant design. The new design was even more impressive, replacing the hand controller with a control glove.

That cheered her up. She liked impressing Charlie. They resumed walking and entered the service bay. Skeet smiled when she saw the freshly painted transport, with the Space Cab logo proudly displayed on the tailfin and passenger hatch. Look at her. Isn’t she beautiful?

That she is, Charlie agreed. As they approached the vessel, they noticed that the outer maintenance hatch for the engine compartment was open, and the toes of a pair of shoes were sticking out.

Neal, Charlie called out. Is that you?

The shoes disappeared into the compartment and a moment later a head replaced them. Oh, good, you’re finally here, he said pleasantly.

Well, I’d have been here earlier, but we weren’t at a good stopping point when my shift ended, Charlie replied.

Still can’t figure out the alien device? Neal inquired.

Charlie nodded, I wish I could talk about it. I can tell you that we’ve figured out what most of the controls do, and we can disassemble and reassemble it at will, but we still have no idea what makes it work.

Well, I wish I could offer a suggestion. Neal shook his head. But alien technology has never been my strong suit, and since the details are confidential and I don’t even know what it does, there’s not much I can say, sorry.

Charlie nodded. Forget it. We’ll figure it out eventually.

Neal turned to Skeet. And how was school today?

Weird, Skeet replied. I just can’t get used to being in a classroom and sharing a common viewer. I like it better when I can arrange the screen the way I like it.

Well. Neal started lowering himself out of the compartment. If all goes well today, we should be able to get you back to your old habits by sometime next week.

I can’t wait! Skeet smiled and nodded.

Charlie helped Neal replace the compartment hatch. I didn’t think the engines needed any work. What were you doing in there?

Neal shook his head. The engines are fine. I just installed a secondary recorder for the test flight today.

Charlie nodded. Not a bad idea. If you two want to get started on your pre-flight, I’ll go sign out the towpod to take you out to the test area.

I still don’t see why we can’t just take her out, Skeet complained. It’s not like we made any changes to the manual navigation system, we just added the remote controllers.

Neal put his arm around Skeet. We’ve been through this before. It’s station policy to tow any vessel that’s had work done to the navigation system or engines to open space. It’s simply a safety precaution.

But that’s my point. Skeet scowled. We didn’t really work on Sparle’s navigation system, we just kind of added to it.

And if we made a mistake and tied in wrong, Neal explained, then something could go wrong that could cause damage to both us and the station. Skeet started to protest, but Neal cut her off. I know we didn’t make any mistakes, but we still have to follow station policy, whether we agree with it or not, or we’ll lose our docking and repair privileges. And we can’t afford to not be able to dock. It’s our business.

Fine, Skeet sighed. Let’s get the pre-launch started so we’re ready when Charlie gets back to tow us out.

I’m sure the test flight will go fine and you’ll be able to return her to the bay yourself, Charlie assured her.

Using the remote? She asked, with a sneaky grin on her face.

Now, Skeet. Neal shook his finger at her as he opened the passenger hatch. You know better than that.

Charlie smiled. I’ll be back in a little bit. And he started toward the supervisor’s office near the far end of the service bay.

We’ll be waiting, Skeet called after him.

+++

I still think he’s spending too much time helping them with that transport, Brenda complained.

I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Susan poured another cup of coffee for Brenda. It doesn’t bother me, and he’s my husband.

She has a crush on him, you know, Patty stated.

Susan laughed, Well of course she does. She’s a young, teenage girl working with a good looking man who’s nice to her and treats her like an equal.

And that doesn’t bother you? Brenda asked.

No. Susan smiled. I think it’s cute.

She’s going to get hurt, Julie added.

Not by anything Charlie does, Susan replied. Besides, they’re almost done and then she’ll be gone with only occasional visits. C’mon, we’ve all had schoolgirl crushes at one point or another. She’ll be fine.

Are we ever going to get around to discussing the story we’re supposed to be reading? Penny asked. It is supposed to be the reason we formed this guild, isn’t it?

If I recall correctly, Penny, dear, Susan smiled, you started this little group to develop some friendships because you were tired of living in isolation, due to your husband being the station director. It only evolved into a story guild when we ran out of our own stories to tell each other.

Penny laughed. True enough. But you know how I feel about idle gossip.

But this isn’t gossip, Patty protested. It’s genuine concern for a friend’s situation.

My ‘situation’ will take care of itself. Susan shook her head, amused.

Not yours, Patty said. I was referring to my daughter’s friend, Skeet. I love that girl as if she were my own.

Everyone laughed.

I do too, Susan agreed. Ever since we met her on our initial visit to the station. The way she acted and interacted with us both, I only hope my children turn out as well.

Patty took Susan’s arm. Your children? Is there something you want to tell us?

Susan laughed. No, there’s no news there. But I do want to have kids someday.

What does Charlie say? Brenda asked.

Oh, he wants kids too, eventually. Susan finished pouring the last of the coffee into her own cup. But we want to wait until we’re set financially.

Ha! Patty exclaimed. If Bill and I had waited until we were financially set we’d never have had Jenny.

Really? Susan was surprised. I thought you didn’t become pregnant until you were already on the station.

Oh no, Patty explained. Jenny was born on the station, but I was pregnant before Bill even applied for the job here. We were lucky he got the job, or I don’t know what we would’ve done.

Wasn’t he working then? Julie asked.

He was. Patty frowned. But we were barely making ends meet.

That sounds like us. Susan nodded. It was all we could do to make rent and utility bills, not to mention the student loan payments. Food was a luxury some days.

Patty nodded in understanding.

Brenda spoke up, Well, Lou got the job here right out of the academy, so we didn’t have to struggle at all.

Now, Brenda, don’t brag, Penny admonished.

Brenda looked stricken. I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. I was only trying to say…

Relax. Penny patted Brenda’s hand. I was joking.

Brenda looked sheepishly around the table at her friends and they each smiled back in return. Apparently feeling better, she returned to her question for Susan. So now that you’re here, you’re financial position must be improved, are you thinking about having kids now?

Well, we haven’t discussed it since we came here, Susan considered. And frankly, I haven’t given it any thought ‘til now.

It’ll change your life, Patty stated.

For the better or worse? Julie asked sardonically.

Overall, for the better. Patty ignored the cynicism. There are some things that I miss from the days before we had Jenny, but the rewards far outweigh the loss.

And even now as she’s become a teenager? Susan asked.

Patty laughed. Well, we are coming into what my father refers to as our ‘Stupid Years’, but I’m sure we’ll all survive.

I’m sorry, Penny inquired. Stupid years? I’m not familiar with the phrase.

Patty laughed again. Yes, it refers to the period when your kids are roughly between the ages of twelve and their early twenties. During this time, your kids think they know everything and that you know nothing. You are, therefore, in your stupid years. I’m assured, though, that eventually you gain all of your intelligence back. And it seems to correspond with when your kids move out and start to fend for themselves.

Penny smiled and nodded in comprehension. The Stupid Years. I’ll have to remember that.

Susan turned to Julie. I take it from your tone that you don’t want children.

Julie shook her head. You can have ‘em. From what I’ve seen they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

Oh, I won’t deny they’re a lot of work, Patty conceded. But most worthwhile endeavors are, and I can’t imagine life without Jenny now. She has brought more joy and happiness to my life than I could have imagined.

Oh, joy and happiness, Julie’s words oozed sarcasm. Like the time she and her hooligan friends broke into the classroom after hours and, shall we say, redecorated?

That was intended to be a prank, it just got a little out of hand, Patty countered. No real harm was done, and while I’m not particularly proud of what she did to the classroom, I am proud of the way she took responsibility for her actions and worked for months to pay for the damages.

Oh, my word! Susan exclaimed. This must have been before we got here. What did they do?

Now we are getting into gossip, Penny injected. As far as I’m concerned it’s ancient history and they were just kids who made a mistake. They made amends and learned from their mistake, so the matter is over.

But it proves my point, Julie said smugly. Kids are more trouble than they’re worth.

Patty sat back. Well, fine, I guess for you they would be, so don’t have any. But I have no regrets about having mine, and her worth is far greater than any trouble she may have caused.

Susan laughed. And here I thought we had run out of our own stories, and had to turn to published ones to discuss.

+++

Charlie returned with the towpod, an odd-looking, one-man vehicle that mostly resembled an egg, sitting on a circular, skirted base. The upper half was almost completely glass, allowing maximum visibility. The lower half held all of the machinery. On one side, mounted to the bottom, a rigid bar extended straight out and had opposing hooks at the tip. Just before the tip were what looked like two large, padded, paddles with the handles closest to the end. These were attached to the bar with a hinge mechanism. The pod floated in midair, but moved as if it were on wheels, maintaining a constant distance from the deck. Charlie spoke into the com, I’m ready to hook up. Is your preflight done?

Neal’s voice came over the speaker, Preflight complete. We’re ready when you are.

Okay. Charlie followed protocol. Proceeding to hook up.

Okay, but Charlie…

Yes?

Don’t scratch my new paint.

I’ll do my best. Charlie laughed. But no promises.

Charlie maneuvered the towpod toward the transport, carefully aligning the grab bar to the tow loop built into the nose of the transport. His aim and timing were perfect as the hooks of the grab bar closed around the loop without even touching the guides on either side. A far cry from the first time he had tried it during his training all those weeks ago, but by the end of that two weeks of tow duty, he was a polished professional and gained his certificate easily. And even though he hadn’t done any tow duty since, it all came back as if he had been doing it all along. He then hit the switch to flip the magnetic paddle guides on either side of the hook to provide stability and keep the hook/loop connection from acting as a hinge.

Secured, Charlie said with a satisfied smile.

Okay, Neal replied. Engaging anti-grav... engaged.

Gotcha. Charlie raised the towpod a few inches and the transport moved right along with it. Here we go. Charlie swung the seat around to face the opposite direction and started toward the center aisle to make his way to the outer bay doors. As he passed the supervisor’s office, the warning tone sounded. The tran-tech that was working on the vehicle closest to the door attached his safety hook to the deck plate and gave Charlie a thumbs-up. The outer doors opened and they slid easily out to open space. Charlie turned and looked back at the station he now considered home. The bold red lettering spelling out SEAMS16, identifying the Space Equipment Authority Maintenance Station 16, was underlined by smaller letters spelling out Level 22, Service Bay 9, labeling the doors he’d just passed through. Charlie turned back and switched the com to the cent-com channel and requested any last minute changes to their flight plan. Given the go-ahead, he punched the towpod to full throttle and switched the com back to the transport and set it for open channel.

Can’t we go any faster? Skeet’s voice came over the speaker.

Nope, Charlie responded. This is as fast as these little tugs go.

Well, are we at least going to get to the test area some time today? she complained, sarcastically.

Charlie compared the flight plan to the coordinates and the chronometer. We’ll be there in about twenty minutes.

Neal’s voice came over the speaker. You’ll have to forgive my niece. Patience has never been one of her stronger virtues.

It’s ok, Charlie chuckled. It’s never been one of mine, either. Believe me, if I could make this tug go faster, I would. I’m just as anxious to see her new remote work as she is… well, almost. I just wish I could be in there with you to see it in action.

We may need you to rescue us again if something goes wrong, Neal replied.

Skeet’s voice could be heard in the background, Nothing’s gonna go wrong! And then louder as she took the microphone back from her uncle, How about if we fire up our engines and give a little push?

Sorry, Skeet, Charlie responded. No can do. We’ll just have to suffer through it.

Why don’t you tell us what you learned in school today to help pass the time? Neal asked.

Charlie could just imagine the look on her face as a frustrated, Aarrrgh! came over the speaker.

+++

Charlie released the magnetic paddle guides and they flipped back out of the way. He moved the tug slightly toward the transport, then released the tow hook and stopped, causing the transport to drift away slowly. Disengaged. You’re on your own.

Finally! Skeet replied.

Charlie laughed. Just give me a minute to get out of the way and you can get started. And remember Skeet, test the manual controls first.

I know, I know, she replied. Forward, backward, left, right, up and down. It’s not like I haven’t done this before.

He knows that, Neal spoke kindly. It’s just that, like me, he knows how excited you are and doesn’t want you to rush things.

Skeet’s voice took on a professional tone. Understood, sir. Charlie, please advise when you’re clear. Starting ignition sequence.

Charlie moved to the designated coordinates. All clear. Good luck, Skeet.

Thank you, Charlie, Skeet replied. Commencing test flight.

Charlie watched the transport pull away and go through the familiar flight pattern. All systems appeared to be in working order as the transport returned to the starting point near Charlie’s location.

Manual controls check out, Skeet reported. Ready to commence remote control tests.

Acknowledged, Charlie replied.

Again the transport pulled away, but when it reached the coordinates of the first scheduled course change, it slowed, but continued to fly straight ahead. Charlie resisted the urge to ask what was happening and waited. In a few moments the transport started maneuvering in an approximation of the first flight path, although it appeared to be somewhat sluggish. At the completion of the pattern, the transport should have returned to the starting point, but because of the apparent difficulty, it was out of position.

Charlie asked, Is everything okay? It seemed a little lethargic.

Everything checks out. Skeet’s voice had lost a little of its professional edge. I guess I need to get used to the new controller. It’s not reacting the same as it did in the simulator.

Well, I’m in no hurry, Charlie offered. Do you want to play with it for a while to get used to it?

That’d be great, Skeet replied.

But Neal interrupted, Sorry, but we can’t afford to keep that tug out here any longer than necessary. Everything checks out, so we’ll have to practice on our own time.

Sorry, Charlie apologized. Since I’ve been helping you in my off hours, I forgot you’re being charged for the pod.

That’s quite all right, Charlie, Neal was quick to respond. Your help has been more than appreciated, and you’ve more than earned those free rides I agreed to. I don’t mind paying the towpod rental. I just don’t want to run up the bill any higher than we have to.

Understood, Charlie responded. And since your manual controls check out, we can cut the bill a little more if you tow me back. We can go a little faster that way.

You read my mind. Neal laughed. Hook up and we’ll get under way.

+++

So how was the test flight? Susan asked, as Charlie made sure the door closed, and slipped his notetaker into the slot on the com panel.

It went well. Charlie smiled and sat down beside her on the couch. Skeet needs to get some more practice with the new controller, but it all checks out. I think they’ll be ready to return to business sometime next week.

And then we can finally make the trip to visit the outpost? Susan had been looking forward to going since she first heard about all of the exciting things there.

Not right away. Charlie shook his head. They need to get a couple paying fares before they can take us. And I’m not eligible for vacation for a few more weeks anyway. Susan looked disappointed. But I promise, as soon as we can arrange it, we’re going.

I’m going to hold you to that, Susan teased.

And when have I ever not kept my promises? Charlie asked, in mock dismay.

"Shall I get my list? Susan responded playfully and started to get up.

Charlie took her hand and pulled her into his arms. No, I want you to stay here. He drew her in for a long passionate kiss, but got cut short by a buzzing noise coming from the kitchen.

Susan pushed away. I’ve got to get that or dinner’s going to burn.

Let it burn. Charlie pulled her back.

Susan turned and kissed him softly, but then pushed away again. Plenty of time for this later. Right now, it’s time for supper.

Susan got up and headed for the kitchen and Charlie followed. While Susan pulled the pan out of the oven, Charlie went to the cupboard and grabbed a couple plates, opened the drawer and pulled out silverware, then set the table.

We talked about you during Story Guild today. Susan removed the foil covering the pan.

Me? What about me? Charlie went to the fridge and pulled out a bowl of fruit salad.

Brenda’s worried about how much time you and Skeet are spending together, and Patty thinks she has a crush on you and is worried that she’s going to get hurt.

Charlie thought about it for a moment. I don’t know. She hasn’t done anything to try and make me notice her. Although she does act a little shy if the conversation strays away from technology or their transport. I’m sure I haven’t done anything to give her the wrong impression.

I’m sure you haven’t, at least consciously, but girls that age often misinterpret something as simple as a smile as having a special meaning.

Well, I can’t very well not smile at her. Charlie sat down.

No, of course not. Susan brought the meat and potatoes to the table. Just be careful.

I will. Charlie started cutting the meat while Susan got the wine and glasses.

We also talked about the pros and cons of having children today. Susan sat down and poured the wine.

Oh? Charlie smiled. And what did you decide?

Well, I think the pros outweigh the cons. Susan placed the cork back into the wine bottle.

Charlie smiled. I think we can start thinking about having kids now. We’ve got a good life here on the station and we’re all caught up on our bills.

Susan smiled back. I was hoping you’d say that. She leaned over to kiss him.

Did you want to get started now? Charlie suggested.

No, I think we should eat now. Susan laughed. And let’s not tell anyone we’re trying. The last thing I want is sex advice from everybody.

Charlie laughed. "Yeah, I think we’ve got that part figured out.

+++

As they were picking up the dinner dishes, the com panel beeped. I’ll get it. Charlie headed through the living room to the front com panel. The display showed Incoming call from Evan Stolt. Charlie said, Accept…Hi, Doctor, what’s up?

Dr. Stolt’s face appeared on the screen and his voice came over the speaker. I know you’re off duty and I hate to interrupt your time with Susan, but we’ve had a setback and I thought you’d like to know.

What kind of setback? Charlie tried to keep the disappointment from his voice.

Cal had an inspiration a few hours ago and came back to check it out.

Inspiration?

I’ll let Cal fill you in on the details later, but the short of it is that he found a release to open the top cap, and he tried it hoping to be able to access the innards, but it was just an outer casing. We still can’t access the guts of the thing.

Charlie was confused. Well, that sounds like progress, not a setback.

Yes. Dr. Stolt sighed. But here’s the bad news. We can’t get it working now. We tried it with the outer casing off and it didn’t work. We assumed that there was a safety mechanism that kept it from working with the casing off, but Cal replaced it and it still doesn’t work. It looks like he may have damaged it.

Charlie considered. Well, if that’s true, then we don’t have to be as careful gaining access. The only thing that’s been keeping us from being more aggressive is the fear of making it inoperable.

Perhaps, Dr. Stolt sighed. But I think I’m going to have to order a halt to the project until Hoss, er, Director Sureenon can resolve the bureaucratic nightmare, so we can finally get our hands on the technical reports from the sixth colony.

But I thought corporate had classified this as top priority? Charlie asked.

They have, Dr. Stolt explained. That’s why I’m hoping that halting the project will give the director some leverage to cut through the bureaucracy.

Charlie nodded. I see. Well, does that mean we can go back to that brochure thing? Or one of the other devices we found in Shrum’s apartment?

I haven’t decided yet. Dr. Stolt shook his head. Just report here for your shift tomorrow and we’ll find something for you to do.

Charlie sighed, Okay, I’ll see you in the morning.

Good night, Charlie, Dr. Stolt said just before the display went blank.

Charlie leaned against the console for a few moments. Susan came up from behind him and put her arms around his waist.

Bad news. Charlie felt a little defeated.

I heard, Susan whispered. But he’ll find something interesting for you to do until you can get back to it.

Charlie turned around and returned her embrace. I know. He looked into her eyes. It’s just frustrating.

Susan smiled. I have just the thing for relieving frustration. She pinched the stripe at the waist of his station uniform, causing it to separate into the shirt and pants that allow for easy removal.

Chapter 2

Susan! Charlie called down from the bedroom, Are there any clean socks?

Yes, Susan called back from the kitchen. I just didn’t get them put away. The basket’s down here. I was going to bring it up, but I got a call from Director Sureenon while you were in the shower, and I forgot about it, sorry.

Charlie stepped off the lift. No need to be sorry. What did the director want?

Susan flipped the pancakes. He wants me to sit in on a meeting this morning.

Charlie picked through the laundry basket and found two matching socks and headed for the kitchen. What kind of meeting?

I don’t know. Susan paused for a second, and then turned to Charlie. You know? I just realized, I never know. He never tells me what the meeting is for or who’s going to be there and he never tells me why he wants me there. I just go, listen, contribute if I can, and then after the meeting he asks me a couple questions, and that’s it. I still don’t know why he wants me there.

Charlie sat down at the table. Well, you don’t have to go. I mean, that is the deal you made, right?

I know. Susan turned back to the pancakes. But it’s not that I object to being there, it’s just that I don’t see how I’m helping. She flipped the last of the pancakes into the warmer and carried it to the table. I guess it doesn’t matter as long as he thinks so.

Charlie stabbed a couple of pancakes with his fork and dropped them on his plate. And it appears he does, since he keeps asking you.

+++

Charlie passed the threshold into the section containing the workshop that had been his duty station since the incident that provided them with several pieces of alien technology to study. He immediately knew something was wrong. There were two security officers posted at the door instead of just the one, and neither of them was the officer that normally stood guard during his shift.

Good morning, Charlie said, as he approached.

Neither of them spoke, but one of them opened the door for Charlie and allowed him to pass through. Charlie was stunned by what he saw as he entered the room. All of the worktables were empty and there was a stack of crates near the front of the room. He spotted Dr. Stolt near the life support system unit and he was clearly engaged in heated conversation, but the person he was talking to was blocked from view. Charlie scanned the room to see if anyone else was present. There was another uniformed security officer standing by the crates, but Charlie didn’t recognize him, so he headed for Dr. Stolt.

I know you have your orders, Dr. Stolt was clearly upset, but he maintained an even tone. What I’m asking is who issued those orders, and why wasn’t I informed before you people boxed everything up?

As he came near, Charlie could see and recognize the man Dr. Stolt was addressing. Detective Stong? Doctor, Charlie interrupted, what’s going on?

Dr. Stolt turned to Charlie. That’s what I’ve been trying to find out for the past five minutes, but this gentleman seems unwilling to explain. He turned back to Det. Stong. Or unable.

Det. Stong nodded. Good morning, Mr. Samplin.

Charlie repeated, What’s going on?

I’ve been ordered to gather all of the items from the incident and prepare them for shipping. I’m not at liberty to provide any more information than that.

Charlie put his hand on Dr. Stolt’s shoulder. Doctor, I worked with Det. Stong fairly closely before you came, and I can tell you, it’s pointless to badger him. I’m sure he would tell us more if he could. Have you called the director?

I tried. Dr. Stolt shook his head. But I’m told he’s in a meeting and can’t be interrupted. I also tried MacElvy, but apparently he’s in the same meeting.

Well, obviously we can’t do anything here, so perhaps we should leave, Charlie offered.

And let them start moving this stuff out? Dr. Stolt turned back to Det. Stong. "Not a