The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [8]
McMillan shot him a dirty look. Imagine if it was you who had been altered. Would you want to be caged up like an animal? Especially when you hadnt done anything wrong?
This isnt about justice, Pelletier maintained. Its not about right and wrong. Its about survival.
And whats the point of surviving, McMillan asked him, if were to throw right and wrong away in the process?
Hundreds of years ago, said Hollandsworth, people in Salem accused their neighbors of being monsters and murdered them, because they feared what they didnt understand. He looked around the room. Is that what were doing? Lashing out at our neighbor out of ignorance? And if I do that, whos the real monster herehim or me?
Were not lashing out at Agnarsson, Pelletier argued doggedly. Were just talking about restraining him.
For now, McMillan told him. But what happens if your restraints dont work? Once youve taken that first step, its a lot easier to take the next one, and the one after that.
As someone once said, Hollandsworth added, weve established the principle now were just haggling over the price.
Pelletier didnt answer them. Instead, he turned to Tarasco, his eyes as hard as stone. What are you going to do, sir?
The captain frowned as he thought about it. Coming into this meeting, his inclination had been in line with his security chiefshe had considered the idea of having Agnarsson watched closely and, if necessary, confined to his quarters. However, McMillan and Hollandsworth had made some good points in the mans behalf.
Agnarsson had been one of them, right from the get-go. He had risked as much as anyone to carry out the Valiants mission to the stars. And even if he hadnt, he was a human being. As McMillan had stated so eloquently, the man had rights.
For the time being, Tarasco decided, Im just going to talk to Agnarssonlet him know hes treading on thin ice.
Pelletier didnt look happy. And if he starts throwing people around instead of blankets?
The captain looked him in the eye. Well cross that bridge when we come to it.
CHAPTER 3
Captains log, supplemental. I have had another conversation with Geirrod Agnarsson. This time, I made it clear to him that I wouldnt tolerate his tampering with any of my ships systems, or for that matter, frightening any of my crew. I also told him that he was to cooperate fully with Dr. Gorvoy in his efforts to explore Agnarssons condition. Agnarsson seemed to understand the consequences of diverging from my orders and promised to follow them. For the time being, Im willing to believe him.
Chantal Coquillette had heard the stories about Agnarssons manipulation of the helm controls.
But when she entered the intensive care unit, he didnt look like a superman. He just looked like a normal human being, engrossed in one of Dr. Gorvoys beloved mystery novels.
How are you doing today? the medic asked, her voice echoing from bulkhead to bulkhead, emphasizing the loneliness of the place.
Agnarsson looked up from his book. Just fine.
The eyes, thought Coquillette. She had forgotten about his weird, silver eyes. But truthfully, even those werent enough to make him seem like some alien entity, ready to tear the ship apart on a whim.
He still looked human. He still looked like the man who had helped bring their engines back when they were stranded.
Can I get you anything? she asked.
Agnarsson appeared to think about it for a moment. I dont think so, he decided. But thanks for asking.
The medic shrugged. Dont mention it.
I guess youre here for another scan, said the engineer, still intent on his mystery novel.
You dont sound happy, Coquillette replied, removing her bioscanner from its loop on her belt. I thought you liked me.
Agnarsson looked up again. This time, he smiled a little beneath his wild mustache. I do. I just wish Doctor Gorvoy would let me out of here. Im going a little stir crazy.
Hang in there, the medic told him.
She wished she could tell him he would be released soon. However, it didnt look like that was going to take placenot until Gorvoy and his