Questor Read online

  “Welcome to Midea. Yours is a delightful craft, if I may say,” Polodvy said, his eyes taking in every detail of the shuttle with what could be deemed envy. “You have indeed come a long way. We’ve never seen a craft anything like yours.”

  “Thank you,” Sullivan replied, “we’re rather proud of her.”

  “If you would like to follow us, we have a meeting room set aside so we may discuss what you wish to receive and what you offer in return.” He led the way to a large building not too far from the landing site.

  The architecture was interesting, if a little bland and repetitive. The Mideans seemed to prefer curves rather than angles, though that must have meant some wastage of space, Sullivan mused as he moved past the buildings. The whole area was built up as far as the eye could see. Everywhere one looked there were inhabitants hurrying and bustling about. It was a somewhat busy place. It could just have been lunch time in a business sector, of course, but somehow one was left with the impression this was the normal pattern.

  A few hours later and the captain’s one wish was for a cup of tea; a real cup of tea, what a luxury that had become. He’d sat and listened to the interminable wrangling and began to wonder if they would ever reach an agreement. One minute the Mideans were impressed with what Questor’s crew were offering but they didn’t offer a fair bargain in exchange, and then all of a sudden they began a different tack altogether. It was frustrating and he was glad he’d decided to leave Sara behind—she didn’t suffer fools gladly. Simpson was better able to keep his emotions under tight control, but it was obvious Henson was ready to tear his hair out, and Sullivan wasn’t far behind. Keep calm, Dave, this is too important.

  They were going to have to make sure they had available all the detailed information required by the Mideans in exchange for the food supplies Questor was desperate to obtain. The captain gained the distinct impression that behind the smiles he was dealing with a ruthless people.

  Back on Questor, Barlow was quite unaware of the captain’s difficulties and was in the middle of an update from Mannheim and Hardesty. Everything was progressing well according to plan and they would report again in six hours.

  “Henricks to Barlow.”

  “Yes, Sara.”

  “Any news from the captain yet?”

  “Not yet.”

  “How long could it take?” She sounded exasperated.

  “What’s the problem, Sara?” he asked with resignation. It seemed Sara just contacted him with a complaint these days. They used to get on quite well, but nowadays Sara was always irritable.

  “The problem is I would like to commence repairs before systems break down, that way there’s less damage and less repairs to do, but unless something happens soon and we can catch up with Mannheim’s shuttle, it’s possible we are going to lose a couple of systems.”

  “Nothing too serious, I hope?” Barlow was concerned.

  “No, not yet,” she replied, sounding almost reluctant to admit that. “If you hear anything...”

  “You’ll be the first to know. Barlow out.”

  Almost at once, Lieutenant Piper interjected with, “Sir, the captain for you.”

  “Yes, Captain. Good news I hope.”

  “No news, I’m afraid. This is hard going, and slow. We’ve broken off for a while, I need it.”

  “As bad as that?” Barlow queried with a smile, glad the captain could not see his face; he didn’t think Sullivan would appreciate his humor just then.

  “No, worse. Talk about negotiation! These people have converted it into an art form,” the captain retorted. “Henson, however, thinks we’ve made progress and is confident with a little patience we can get most of what we need.”

  About sixty hours later, Manny made yet another of their scheduled transmissions with Questor.

  “Commander, we’re about four hours from arrival at the fourth planet in system two. Everything’s progressing as expected, including Jon’s annoying habits.”

  “My annoying habits? What about you, you’re always talking about some girl you knew when—”

  “Gentlemen, can we stay on topic, please?” interjected Barlow. In private he was amused, but he didn’t want them to know that. I wish I could be a fly on the wall of that shuttle. The two men couldn’t be more opposite in appearance. Manny was shorter but appeared much stronger than Jon’s tall, slender, and lithe appearance. Manny was darker in both skin tone and hair coloring than John with his fair hair and blue eyes. Manny was more effusive and outgoing than the quieter, more introverted Jon Hardesty, yet the two men were firm friends.

  “Any news yet from Midea, from the captain?” queried Manny.

  “Yes, good news, thank goodness. They’ve reached an agreement at last and they managed to obtain just about everything we wanted, with the bonus of some materials Sara needed. A major problem’s arisen with the life support systems so you can imagine how Sara’s acting.” He stopped himself short; it wouldn’t do to say too much. “Plus, the landing party has managed to pick up some rather interesting information, albeit in dribs and drabs. The planet you’re heading for is known as Rhiava, as are its people. It seems this is the race the Mideans meant when they said they’d already met another alien species.

  “It’s all a bit mysterious though. The Mideans used to have regular trade with these people, but a short time back—they wouldn’t be precise as to when—the Rhiava stopped trading. The Mideans claim not to know why, but the captain says they’re ruthless, hard negotiators, and they could have their own reasons for keeping the facts to themselves. It’s quite possible they’re intentionally giving us a false impression.” Barlow hesitated, as if trying to get all the facts straight in his mind before continuing.

  “It appears the Rhiava are a strange race, having mysterious, dangerous powers that have led to the Rhiava keeping very much to themselves, though the captain believes that’s more legend than fact. The Mideans also seem to believe their technology is much more advanced than they let on. However, it could just be one more story to keep us away. Even so, the captain suggests you approach with caution, but with an open mind.”

  “Somehow I feel we know less now than before you ‘filled us in’,” Manny retorted.

  “Yes, I’m sorry, I know just what you mean. Remember, these Mideans are as much interested is disinformation as in information,” Barlow replied. “Do the best you can. It’ll take a little time to gather everything and Sara would like to at least repair the problem with the life support system before we follow you to Rhiava.”

  “We’ll do our best, Commander,” Manny responded. “We’ll contact you again when we enter orbit. Shuttle out.”

  A short time later the shuttle was approaching the system of the planet they now knew was called Rhiava. Manny checked the sensor scans again and obtained a somewhat clearer reading now that they were closer. There was still some interference, but not as severe as earlier scans suggested. He reported everything seemed quite normal; in fact, better than normal. According to the scans, the place was paradise. It appeared as if it’d be possible to get food supplies here too. As for minerals, it was loaded with every kind imaginable, and some they didn’t have any idea how to use, if the Rhiava would prove accommodating.

  The energy readings were somewhat odd. They were intermittent and of a rather low level, but it was clear the inhabitants had a communication system because Manny was receiving a feedback signal.

  “Let’s see if we can raise the planet. We know they’re aware of alien lifeforms, but it’d be best if we can get permission before we go into orbit,” Manny said. “Earth Shuttle to Rhiava. This is Lieutenant Johnson Mannheim from the Interplanetary Explorer Ship Questor. We come in peace and wish to discuss trade with you. May we approach your planet?” However, their response was simple static. “It’s strange, Jon. We’re transmitting, and according to the readings they should be receiving.” He ran a check over the transmission system. “I'm positive there's nothing wrong with our system, and as far as
I can tell from up here, nothing’s wrong with theirs either.”

  “Unless they choose not to respond,” Jon said. “Perhaps there’s some truth in the reports from Midea after all. Maybe the Rhiava are no longer as open to contact as when the Mideans first contacted them.”

  “Could be, if the captain’s experience with the Mideans is anything to go by,” Manny replied. “I’ll broadcast the message again, and if there’s still no response I’ll keep sending every fifteen minutes.”

  “Do you want me to slow my approach?” Jon asked, his hands hovering over the controls.

  “No, let’s just carry on. I’ll keep a close watch on the sensors though.”

  An hour and a half later and they still hadn’t had any response. There was no change in the sensor information Manny was receiving. The entire system was quiet and the planet of Rhiava was peaceful. There was no indication of any orbital satellites, or any spacecraft. Even though they were now much closer, they still couldn’t even identify any energy sources in use on the planet’s surface, which seemed impossible. If it wasn’t for the information they’d received from Midea it would appear this race had no space flight capability.

  However, as they approached orbit it was clear the atmosphere surrounding the planet was charged with some kind of electromagnetic energy; an energy they couldn’t scan. Even this close Manny couldn’t obtain any sensor readings, but it was visible to the naked eye. Manny had never seen anything like it. It could indeed be interfering with his scans. It was causing definite interference with communications. Perhaps the Rhiava couldn’t receive or send when their atmosphere was so charged.

  “Mannheim to Questor.” He waited but there was no response. “Come in Questor, Mannheim to Questor,” he repeated, a little louder, as if that would help.

  “Questor to Mannheim.” Commander Barlow’s voice came over the system, sounding quite muted. “There’s a great deal of interference, it’s rather hard to read you. Come in, Mannheim.”

  “I’m having trouble receiving you too; the same sort of interference at our end and it’s not the shuttle’s systems. I think it’s the planet’s atmosphere, it's displaying severe charging. We’re about to enter orbit. We haven’t been able to reach the Rhiava yet, which I think is due to the atmospheric interaction. Will be in touch again soon. Do you read, Questor?” His words had been interspersed with crackle, and he wasn’t sure how much of his signal was getting through.

  “Yes, Mannheim, we read you, just about. Let us know as soon as you—” the end of the message was lost in a burst of static.

  “Mannheim to Questor, come in Questor.” There was no response. “Well, Jon, it looks as if we’re on our own for the time being. Will the atmosphere prove a problem for the shuttle?” he asked, almost as an afterthought.

  “No, I don’t think so. The hull is well protected against much worse than this. If you’re ready, I’ll take us down now. Let’s see what happens, shall we?” Jon suggested. Manny nodded his agreement, and Jon flew the shuttle down from orbit on a well-plotted gentle curve into the atmosphere.

  Almost at once the shuttle began to shake.

  “What on earth,” Jon shouted above the sudden whine of the engines.

  “What’s happening?” Manny called over the noise.

  “I don’t know. Just a minute, Manny. I’m reading something now.” Jon concentrated on the console for a minute, then. “Heck, I’m not sure quite what this is, but that electromagnetic charge, whatever it is, is at a much higher frequency than we could scan from orbit.” He studied his readouts again, as did Manny on his own console. “Besides this annoying buffeting, it seems to be bleeding the power from the ship, though I don’t understand how,” Jon yelled, louder now because the sounds of the charge added to the whine of the straining engine and the scream of the ship’s hull.

  Manny glanced at one of the other consoles to begin his own more detailed investigation when all of a sudden it exploded in a shower of sparks. He threw up his arms to protect his face.

  “Are you all right, Manny?” Jon asked perplexed. When Manny nodded, he continued, “Perhaps you should try again to contact Questor, see if you can let them know what’s going on.”

  Manny returned to the transmission console. “Mannheim to Questor, come in please. We’re in difficulty in the atmosphere of Rhiava. Come in please.” Manny waited but there was no answer.

  “Are you sure we’re transmitting?” Jon asked as he struggled with the controls. He tried every trick he knew, and a couple he invented out of desperation, but nothing helped.

  “Well, as far as I can tell whatever’s affecting the shuttle is disrupting our transmissions as well.”

  “I don’t know what this electromagnetic source is, whether it’s natural or not, but it’s acting just like some sort of dampening field. It’s shutting everything down. I don’t think we’ll be able to contact Questor. Also, I don’t think I’m going to be able to get us down in one piece. The lower we go in the atmosphere the harder it is to control the ship.” Jon hesitated for just a second. “Strap in, Manny.”

  Manny put on the safety straps that weren't often used, knowing Jon wouldn’t have asked him to do so unless he was concerned. Manny appreciated Jon’s ability, so if Jon was worried then Manny was even more worried.

  Triena glanced overhead as the strange sound assailed her ears. She saw an unknown craft, and it was obvious it was in trouble. It was clear someone at the controls was struggling to maintain level flight. The craft wouldn’t make it. Already one of the short wings was dipping toward the ground. She called to Lector, pointing into the sky. “Look, it’s coming down nearby. I’ve never seen a vessel like that before.”

  “No, neither have I, it doesn’t belong to any race we know. It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?” he replied. “It’s much more aesthetically pleasing than any of the oppressors’ craft. It’s going to land...crash, over the rim.”

  “Let’s go and see if we can help.”

  “Is this wise, Mistress?” The question stopped her flight before it had even begun. She glanced back at Lector, surprise written all over her face.

  “They’re not our oppressors. We mustn’t judge all by their actions. We must help if we can,” she replied in a stern tone. Lector nodded in acceptance. They ran across the meadow as the craft screamed overhead.

  Jon did his best to keep the craft level during his desperate search for some sort of landing site. He saw a level meadow of pale blue grass just to the right of his erratic flight path and aimed the shuttle for it.

  The surface of the planet was quite beautiful. If he’d not been so involved with trying to land the ship, Jon would’ve been quite impressed and reminded of home. It was lush as far as the eye could see. There were huge tracts of forest with striking pale blue foliage and high mountains in the distance with what appeared like snow on the tops. Dotted here and there were deep green lakes and one large sea, also green but tinged with a deeper blue where the surf touched the land.

  Jon was doing his best to regain control, but he didn’t think he’d be able to, at least not in time. He did feel some response from the instruments now, but it was far too late. Some power was returning now, but when it had failed without warning before, they’d been sent into a spiral he couldn’t pull out of. All he could do was try to edge the shuttle into the softest possible landing, and hope.

  At last, they hit the ground with a loud thud, so hard Jon’s safety harness snapped, and he was thrown forward. He slammed into the console, pain creasing his head and blooming in his arm. The last thing he saw before his world went dark were the console’s blinking lights.

  Manny managed to stay strapped in, but as the ship flipped on landing he hit his shoulder on the console to his left. When the smoke cleared the shuttle lay at a strange angle, leaving Manny hanging toward the seat where Jon ought to have been. Instead, Jon was lying across his console, almost in the nose of the craft.

  “Jon, Jon, are you all right?” Manny called as h
e tried to get out of his safety harness. His shoulder hurt but he could cope with the pain. He needed to see to Jon.

  Jon didn’t answer. Instead Manny heard voices from outside the shuttle, suggesting the transmission panel had been knocked onto open receive. He was of two minds; grateful for the possibility of help, but felt it natural to be wary of these unknown aliens. He got out of the harness and leaned over Jon who had an obvious and rather large bruise on his left temple, and his left arm seemed as if it could be broken. Manny was unable to rouse him; it was obvious he’d struck the console hard.

  Whoever was outside was trying to find a way in. Manny heard a female voice call, “Can we help? Are you hurt?”

  Thank goodness for the translation device that had been developed just five years earlier. He’d never quite understood how it worked, it was a specialized field, but all he cared about now was how relieved he was it did work. It had been designed to be used as part of the standard equipment used by the Explorer division for alien contact, and was one of the items incorporated into the utility belt worn by all landing parties on alien worlds. It was so small that, if necessary, it could be secreted about the person.

  Manny decided it was doubtful if the shuttle would fly again, not just because of the damage but because of whatever had brought it down in the first place. He, and for certain Jon, needed help. His decision was made.

  He made sure his weapon was in place at his waist, and then he went over to the shuttle door and pressed the release. He was greeted by two people, one male and one female. Rather attractive people too, he noted without conscious thought.

  “Oh, you’re all right,” said a smiling female with a lyrical voice. “I’m Triena, and this is Lector. May we help you?”

  “That’s so kind and most welcome.” He was still a little wary. After all these were aliens, and it was their world. “I’m called Johnson Mannheim. My friend, Jon Hardesty, has been injured.” Manny moved back into the shuttle and the two Rhiava followed. Lector helped Manny carry Jon outside, and they were careful as they placed him on the ground.