Children of the Old Star Read Online Free Page A

beginning to sound like one of those communicators who goes around the bend and thinks they're psychic.” She shook her head. “I don't see how this helps your case."
    "I'm not talking about psychic communication,” said Ellis, almost desperately. “I'm talking about emotional sensitivity."
    "What the Hell's the difference?” asked Strauss, her patience reaching an end.
    "My eyes and ears, perhaps even my sense of touch, tell me you're angry. I don't need any special power to know that my career is in jeopardy."
    "You have that right, Mister,” snapped Strauss.
    "Perhaps the Cluster is like that—only more so. Perhaps emotions are their very basis of communication. Couple that with an elaborate holographic technology—not unlike the Rd'dyggians have—and you have something that looks like visions,” Ellis explained. “If the Cluster can sense emotions, I reasoned that they could tell the difference between random signals, so to speak, and those emotions directed at them. As we were approaching the Martha's Vineyard I attempted to project my emotions at the Cluster."
    Strauss threw her hands into the air. “Now I know you've gone around the bend.” She stood and paced behind the desk for several minutes. Finally she stopped and stared at Ellis with Arctic blue eyes. “You are trying to tell me that you tried unauthorized communication with that thing and it responded by destroying the Vineyard ?"
    Ellis looked to the ground. “I suppose I am, ma'am."
    She sat down, leaning across the desk. “Well, get this straight and get it straight right now. You are damned lucky I don't believe you. If I did, you would be facing a court martial board for endangering civilians. Do you understand?"
    "Yes, ma'am.” Ellis’ voice was no more than a whisper.
    She sat back, folding her arms tightly across her stomach. “Look, Mark,” she said, her voice softening slightly. “As far as many of the Admirals here are concerned, the only reason you succeeded at Sufiro was because the leader of one of the warring continents was your grandfather, Ellison Firebrandt.” She measured her words. “They believe you used nepotism to reach an end, even if it was a favorable end. They are worried that you might not be able to solve a crisis where you didn't have such an edge."
    Ellis wrung his hands. He had wondered exactly the same thing numerous times during the return journey.
    "I stuck my neck out for you, Mister. I convinced them you had done a hell of a job.” Again, she shook her head. “Then you had to go on that rescue mission. All you had to do was get the Vineyard behind you and to safety. For the record, there was nothing you could have done if the Cluster was going to attack. But, fainting when they attack is not acceptable, Mister. What happens when you get into a true battle situation? Will you simply faint away and let your XO take your command?"
    "Ma'am,” said Ellis, trying not to sound choked up. “I still think there's a reasonable chance of communication with the Cluster."
    "Stop pursuing this communication nonsense!” Strauss ground her teeth. “You are in danger of a court-martial!” Her voice became a dangerous whisper. “If you shut up now, I am prepared to reinstate you as first lieutenant on a star cruiser. You have a good record. It's possible I might be able to give you another crack at Commander in a couple of years."
    "A demotion,” muttered Ellis, heart-broken. “I'm not sure I can accept that."
    Strauss closed her eyes, her patience taxed to the limit. “Then you had better be prepared to resign your commission."
    Ellis looked up at her, his brown eyes wide, jaw hanging open. He thought for a moment about arguing that the fleet had to do what it could to at least try to communicate with the Cluster before more tragedy struck. The look in her eyes warned him off that path. He sighed, though, knowing he must find the Cluster. He must talk to the Cluster. Somehow, he knew it was the only correct