The Amtrack Wars - Earth Thunder Part 23

That's the one danger about working amongst those people. It's not their skins that are poisonous, it's their f.u.c.king ideas! Once you take that s.h.i.t on board, it's like a worm eating into your brain!

That's why you were only awarded probationary membership of the Family.

A lot of people who decide these things still don't feel you can be wholly trusted."

'But you aren't one of them. If you were, we wouldn't be here having this conversation."

Karlstrom leaned out of the window to check the line. When he turned back, he was smiling broadly.

'That's something else I like about you, Brickman.

Talk about bra.s.s neck! Beats me how you've got this far."

'Somebody up there must like me." Steve hesitated for a moment then added: 'Despite the fact that I'm a Mute."

The smile disappeared from Karlstrom's face. 'This is not the time or place to push that particular boat out, Brickman. In fact, I would strongly advise you not to broach the subject again until someone of the very highest rank invites you to do so. Comprendo?"

'Yes, sir."

'As for me trusting you, let me put it this way. You've got this far this fast for several reasons, but also because you haven't been found out. I've said this before, but I'll say it again because you obviously still haven't got the message. I've got your number, Brickman. I know there are 'bodies' buried out there. But I don't propose to look for them because I'm not out to destroy you, I'm trying to find a way for us to work together."

'I'd like nothingetter, sir."

'Exactly. I knew you'd say that. In fact I could have written that line for you. But let's cut the c.r.a.p. There's only one way for partnerships like this to work. Both of us have to get what we want.

Now I'm quite happy to be a rung on your ladder.

The question is - are you willing to be a rung on mine?"

I am getting into very deep water, thought Steve. But the bait Karlstrom was dangling was almost impossible to resist. Next to the President-General, Karlstrom - in Steve's reckoning - was one of, if not the, most powerful men in the Federation. And here he was offering a deal! It could be a trap, but it was the element of danger which got Steve's adrenaline flowing. The opportunity to match his wits against one of the sharpest minds in the Federation was an irresistible challenge. Yes... Karlstrom really did have his number 'I think we've got ourselves a deal, sir." Steve pulled the work-glove off his right hand. 'If you would not co;der it an impertinence, why don't we shake on it 'Sure. Why not?" Karlstrom didn't smile but he couldn't hide the amused glint in his eye.

Reaching Beaumont they ran off into a siding and lunched in the small railside canteen. The signal staff and overseers were Trackers, but there were a number of Mutes dressed in faded blue shirts and bib overalls working in the railyard. Karlstrom had chosen Beaumont as his outward destination because it had a triangular spur which allowed the engine to be run off the up line - which went as far as Baton Rouge and back onto the down line, enabling them to run nose first into Grand Central.

'Clearwater,' announced Karlstrom.

Steve moved a step closer to avoid having to shout over the background noise of the loco. 'Sir...?"

'I think we could have a problem with her." Karlstrom switched his attention back and forth from Steve to the line up ahead. 'You know she's undergoing these various tests at the Life Inst.i.tute. And that she's due to give birth to your child about two weeks before the New Year."

'Yes."

'Good, well, there's a strong body of medical opinion who want to go for termination fairly rapidly thereafter.

They want to carry out a complete biopsy. Strip her right down to the bare bones- and beyond." Karlstrom saw the look in Steve's eyes.

'Since you have a certain, uhh - attachment to this person, I thought you ought to know what's on the agenda."

The idea of Clearwater's body being sliced apart like the carca.s.s of a dead buffalo turned Steve's stomach over.

'Does she have to die?"

'Interesting question. But what alternatives are there?"

Steve chewed his lip and decided not to volunteer an answer until Karlstrom revealed more of his hand.

'All right. Let's take this one step further - and by the way, this conversation is completely off the record - '

'Of course .... '

'It must be clear from your present involvement with Commander Franklynne that Clearwater's presence is a complicating factor. And, given the choice, it's probably one you would prefer to be without."

'I can't deny it would make life easier, sir. But you sent me out to bring her in, and that's what I did.

As for my relationship with Commander Franklynne, I responded to an approach by her in the manner which seemed appropriate."

Karlstrom grinned. 'Yehh, sure. It was an offer you couldn't refuse."

'Given her rank and position I certainly could not have taken the initiative just as, in response to your question, it's not my place to countermand directives issued by you."

Karlstrom gave one of his thin smiles. 'Very neat, brickman. Here you are, dying to jump in at the deep end, but still frightened of getting your feet wet. It wasn't me who wanted Clearwater and her friends brought in, it was the President-General. I have to take orders just like you do, but for reasons we don't need to go into, her presence here is a problem I would like to dispose of.

'You're obviously suffering from a severe attack of discretion but if it helps, you might as well know that Commander Franklynne can't wait for the biopsy. She wants Clearwater out of the way, and I'm sure you don't need me to tell you why."

'Does the President-General have a position on this?"

'He's been persuaded by the medics that it's the only way to go if they want to get to the bottom of this earth-magic s.h.i.t. As for me, well a biopsy is one way of solving the problem but it leaves me with another."

'Sir...?"

'You, Brickman. I'm concerned about the effect this may have on you.

If they cut her up and stick the pieces in a row of jars, I don't think you're going to be able to live with yourself. In which case, you're not going to be of any use to me or my organisation."

Steve banged some more logs in the firebox while he digested this. He flipped the door shut with the stoking iron and straightened up to meet Karlstrom's unwavering gaze. 'So where would that leave me?"

Karlstrom repolished some pipe-work. 'In Commander Franklynn's bed.

Not what I call a secure position." He held up a hand to quell Steve's protest. 'Don't get me wrong. I gather she thinks very highly of you.

You may even have worked yourself a winning ticket. But it's only fair to warn you, she is notoriously fickle."

He watched his words sink home. It was going better than he expected.

'Let's face it, Brickman. A young man with your intelligence and resource shouldn't really allow himself to be manoeuvred into a situation where his future depends on someone's pa.s.sihg pa.s.sion for his dong."

'No, sir."

'So what's the solution?"