Engines under Ursus Podcast Episode 3 Infestation

In Sandra’s office, Fowler described what he had found to her.  Mezzler shuffled uncomfortably, worried that he was being over-shadowed by Fowler.

 “It’s a very specialised substance.  That’s why we never detected it,” added Mezzler, trying to participate.

Sandra looked annoyed at Mezzler that he had cut across Fowler.  “Get out!” she said to him.  He left the room, head hung low, leaving Fowler to deal with her.

The door closed after Mezzler and Sandra offered Fowler a seat.  When she was sure Mezzler was out of ear shot she spoke up, relaxing a little.  “I already know about the residue.  We’ve had others check out what happened to Walt.  Delcass informed me but we kept Mezzler out of the picture because he didn’t have to know.  Frankly, he’s out of his depth.”

Fowler was still angry. “So why didn’t you tell me?”

Sandra met Fowler’s angry stare.  “Treat it as a test.”

“I don’t like being messed around, Sandra.  We had a deal.”

Sandra sat back into her seat. “Is that all you really want, Fowler?  A one way ticket off Erstol and a glowing job reference?  What about all those years spent in the Tank.  Don’t you want something back for them?  I never had a problem with your NTek experiments but there was nothing I could do once the facts came out.  Don’t you feel the need to show Delcass you were right all along?  He’s the one who set you up three years ago. ”

Fowler grimaced.  “I don’t need to prove a damn thing to Delcass.”

Sandra looked at the picture of her father.  “We all have something to prove Fowler,” she said, looking more vulnerable than he had ever seen her.  She seemed lost inside her own thoughts but then regained her composure.

Fowler began to feel the goal posts moving as Sandra was talking, knowing what an adept deal-maker she was.  He knew she was worried that he might reveal to outsiders what was really going on in Citynet and undermine her perceived ability to control it.  By personalising the problem she might be able to control Fowler and keep him on her side while utilising Delcass’ skills as well.

“I expect you to keep your word.  Delcass is your problem, not mine,” said Fowler bitingly, knowing he had always been after her job.

Sandra smiled in response to the counter. “We both know my word is my bond.  What I’m talking about is offering you an advisory seat on the board.  We need someone with your skills.  This is only the start for you Fowler.  I want you back on my team; that’s why I got you out!  I needed the right reason for the board to sanction it.  All you have to do is find out who is behind this.  Get me some names!  You know as well as I that the other alien co-operatives would love to see human control of Citynet end.  This is one of the only successful human ventures in this sector.  We have enemies in every alien camp who would like to sabotage us.”

“Enemies don’t necessarily have to be aliens,” replied Fowler bitingly.  He recalled the lonely days when no-one would answer his call and others who simply turned their backs on him.  All his so-called friends had disappeared into their offices leaving whisper trails of his demise.  “Before we proceed with all these grand plans, I need to know all you know,” he added.

“You know as much as me now,” she replied.

Fowler knew that Sandra was lying. “Okay then.  I need unhindered access to all the on-line systems and freedom to move about as I like and talk to who I want.  Lose the goons.  Without that, you’re not going to get the answers you’re looking for.”

“Granted,” said Sandra.  She paused thoughtfully. “You knew Walt, do you think he’d sell out?”

“When I knew him, no but people change.”  Fowler paused.  “It all  depends on how they’re treated.”

“Or how they perceive they’re being treated,” Sandra added as a retort.  “Whatever you find out, I want you to tell me first.  Just me.”

Fowler was surprised.  “What about Delcass?”

“You let me worry about Delcass.”  She gave him her personalised call card. “It’s a direct line to my office.  It’s completely secure.”

Fowler took the card and pocketed it.  He turned and left the office.  Outside Mezzler was walking the corridor nervously, his armpits soaked in sweat.

“What’d she say?” asked Mezzler.

Fowler enjoyed watching Mezzler sweat for a change.

“You don’t want to know,” replied Fowler and returned to Systems.

Mezzler wiped his sweaty forehead and began to get a sugar craving. “I’m not getting paid enough to take this crap,” groaned Mezzler.

 

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