The Amtrack Wars - Earth Thunder Part 73

'No, sir, it couldn't have been. He had no knowledge of the political set-up. On the other hand, if he was working closely with the Yama-s.h.i.+ta, it would explain why whoever hit me on the head only took Commander Franklynne."

ti don't quite follow,' said Jefferson.

'It would be a way of getting his own back for what happened to the Clan m'call. Instead of having his j.a.p friends capture or kill me, he left me to take the full rap from the Federation for coming back without a deal - and losing Commander Franklynne."

Karlstrom pinched his nose again. 'Yes, well, that's one explanation.

But how did he - or they - figure you were going to make it?"

'I'm not sure, sir. But since we'd managed to get out of the Palace after being tossed in jail, it must have been obvious to the guys who jumped us that we were in the process of being rescued. The meeting at the Summer Palace was supposed to be top secret, but whoever set up this coup knew exactly what was going on, who was going to be there and when - and had access."

'Ye-esss ' Karlstrom sought Jefferson's reaction to this.

Steve watched the silent exchange and knew he was out from under He jumped up as the P-G and Karlstrom vacated their seats. 'Sir, I realise that my failure to provide Commander Franklynne can't be erased from the record ' 'd.a.m.n right!" exclaimed Jefferson.

'- but I'd like an opportunity to make rest.i.tution."

'Don't worry, you're going to! This screw-up has brought her father and half his kin-folk down on my back. And pressure from that quarter is the last thing I need."

Jefferson treated Steve to a mocking smile. 'But at least you've learned you can't win them all. Even so, you're still a lucky sonofab.i.t.c.h. In fact we both are. It was Fran who talked me into giving her this mission against my better judgement, and insisted on taking you - instead of someone with similar experience who could actually speak the language!" He waved dismissively. 'Take him away, Ben."

When Karlstrom and Steve emerged into the glistening marble lobby, Steve asked: 'What's going to happen to Major Fujiwara and the other men who helped me escape, sir?"

'They've been temporarily a.s.signed to our language laboratory. But we'll probably send them back in to Ne-Issan to make contact with the operatives we still have there and - hopefully - set up a new network working directly for us. If the Toh-Yota lose control of the ball, it could all get very messy. It's vital we keep tabs on what's happening, so that we can be in a position to help the winning side." A thin smile. 'Who knows? You may soon find yourself back in there dressed up as a Mute - but this time with lumps in your face."

'Does that mean I still have my job on the Eastern Desk?"

'Not yet, Brickman. You're down for a crash course in j.a.panese - and you're also going to be wargaming in the Simulation Room. The Desk Controller's office will give you the details?

'Thank you, sir." Steve stiffened to attention.

Karlstrom returned his salute, then remarked casually: 'Oh, by the way - there's something we didn't tell you in there. Your hunch about Cadillac was right on the money."

'Beg pardon, sir?"

'While you were all at sea, Monroe/Wichita picked up a signal from Sara-kusa. The Yama-s.h.i.+ta family are holding Commander Franklynne hostage. You'll be pleased to know she's alive and well."

'Wovww... jeezuss! That's a relief."

'It's more than just good news, Brickman. Remember our train ride?"

'Very clearly, sir."

'Then we may have one thing less to worry about. The Yama-s.h.i.+ta family have cut a deal with the She-Kargo.

They're offering to swap Commander Franklynne for Clearwater and her baby son." Steve's jaw dropped. 'Baby...?"

'Yes, I forgot. You're a father. Congratulations."

Karlstrom stuck out a hand. 'But before you go rus.h.i.+ng over there, ride down to my office with me and I'll give you the rest of what we have on the hostage front."

Steve looked down at the little screwed-up face then sat on the side of Clearwater's bed. They squeezed each other's hands and exchanged kisses.

'Have you given him a name yet?"

'Yes, Sand-Wolf." Clearwater lifted the dark-haired week-old baby out of the bedside cot and cradled him in her arms. 'Because he was born in the Great Desert of the South."

Steve laughed. 'Why do you still call the Federation a desert? Don't you ever look out of the window? There are trees and gra.s.s out there."

'I know - but what lies beyond the wall?"

'More trees, more gra.s.s, streams, rivers-things you've never dreamed of. There's more to the Federation than concrete warrens and wagon-trains."

'Yes, I know. It was the skill of their medecine men who saved my life - while their brothers continue to wage war on the Plainfolk. Do you expect me to ignore that?

To forget how my kin-sisters and their children died?

I was not spared because they took pity on me, but whatever the reason I will always be grateful - not to them but to you. For it was you who summoned help and gave me something to live for. But not here."

Clearwater stroked Sand-Wolfs head. 'It doesn't matter how favoured a life you can secure for us. I don't want my son to grow up in a world where they build walls."

'He won't have to." Steve reached out and was allowed to take the baby. He held it awkwardly in the crook of his arm and slipped the little finger of his right hand into one of its tiny clenched fists.

'Got some good news for you, Sandy. You and your ma may be going home soon."

Clearwater jerked forward off the stacked pillows. 'Is it true?!'

'Yes, well - let me put it this way. It's true in the sense that it's a serious possibility." Steve explained about the message from the Sara-kusa palace offering to exchange Fran for her and the baby.

Clearwater lay back with a puzzled frown. 'But why do the Iron Masters want me?"

Steve flashed a warning glance the hidden cameras couldn't see. 'I'm not sure. There's an unconfirmed report that suggests they may be doing business with the She-Kargo. If it's true, then getting you back could be part of it."

Clearwater caught on. 'And when is this going to happen?"

'Dunno. That still has to be arranged."

'But you will be involved?"

'Oh, yes. I've been given the job of making sure the hand-over goes smoothly."

'Which means...?"

'That it will." Steve's eyes gave another warning. 'If I don't,get it right this time, I'm finished."

Clearwater reached out to stroke the baby and the arm that held him.

'Has it occurred to you that my son and I might not want to leave you?"

Steve grasped the outstretched hand and squeezed it affectionately as he raised his voice for the benefit of the concealed microphones.