第91节

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-Shita 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 rushing 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 grass out

there."

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

'More trees, more grass, 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.

'That's tough, because neither of us have any choice in the matter."

He looked down at the baby. 'Hey, you! Small fry!

Don't just lie there. Talk some sense into your mother."

He laid Sand-Wolf in Clearwater's arms.

'Are you pleased to have a son?"

'I think so. To tell you the truth, I'm still getting used to the

idea. Y'know - the two of us making a human being.

I grew up believing that the President-General was the creator of All

Life."

'And now you know it isn't true."