“Not now,” John cut him off.
Tan vacated his chair. John tookit and began overriding McReidy’s lock. Within a minute, the computer recognisedand acknowledged him, reinstating his access. His communicator switched on,the homing beacon activated, and he switched it off.
He flicked the intercom. “Madison to crew. All departments report your current status.”
Confirmations came in that alldepartments were operational. Some were not as fully manned as they shouldhave been. Engineering had the least personnel. Not surprising consideringhalf the engineers were in sick bay.
He was tempted to send Gillespiedown there, but his lack of faith in the man meant he wanted him on the bridgewhere he could keep an eye on him.
Short of running into any majorproblems, the remaining staff would have to handle it. Although the firstperson to complain about working overtime would have more trouble than theycould handle.
Giacomo finally had his way. John really didn’t have the time or the inclination to listen. He also knewGiacomo was tearing himself up with guilt, and called him into the office tosave the poor man the embarrassment of exploding in front of the others.
The door had barely closed andGiacomo’s mouth was open. “Sir, I’m sorry.”
John had only just made it to hisdesk. He turned around and sat against the edge of it, his hands in his lap. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”
He looked up into Giacomo’sanxious face, hoping his quiet words would ease the guilt.
“But I shot you!”
“I’m well aware of that.”
“I… I could have killed you.” That was Giacomo’s greatest fear. The knowledge that he was capable of thatscared him more than anything.
“But you didn’t.” It was notsomething John cared to be reminded of. He also knew that nothing he saidwould have the slightest impact. He decided to try a different line. “Giacomo, before you say anything else, I think there’s someone you shouldsee.”
“Who?”
John raised a hand and touched aforefinger to his own cheekbone.
Giacomo’s black eye was beginningto fade. He frowned reluctantly.
“The sooner the better,” Johnadvised.
“I’m still on duty,” Giacomoreminded, almost a little too quickly.
“Don’t come back until you’vesorted yourself out.”
Although given in an advisorytone, it couldn’t have been regarded as more of an order if it had been issuedwith the proper formality. Giacomo wasn’t willing to debate or disobey.
* * *
As Giacomo made his way toLorraine’s quarters, he wondered what he would say to her. His mind was ablank; he had no idea.
Helen answered the door. Atleast he didn’t have to worry about it being slammed in his face.
“Is Lorraine in?” he askedpolitely. “I need to speak to her.”
I’ve been ordered to speak toher, was what he felt like saying. She couldn’t say no to that.
“Of course she is.” Helengrabbed him by the arm and dragged him in. “Lorraine, someone to see you,” shecalled over her shoulder.
“I’m really not in the mood to –”Lorraine began as she turned her head and looked over the back of the lounge. She froze in midsentence when she saw her guest. “Giacomo,” she whispered.
Helen broke the awkward silenceas Giacomo and Lorraine could do little else but stare at each other. “Comeon, Anna,” she grabbed Anna’s arm, hauled her out of the chair and tried todrag her to the door. “We’ve got a prior engagement.”
“No, I haven’t.” Anna was unableto take the hint.
“Yes, we have,” Helen insisted,accompanying the words with a sharp elbow in the ribs.
Anna looked blankly at Helen,then to Giacomo and Lorraine. The penny dropped. “Oh… um… yes, we do. Thanksfor the coffee. Love to stay and chat…”
Helen had her out the door. Giacomo turned slightly and smiled a thank you to Helen. For someone who had abig mouth, she also knew when to keep it shut.
He heard the door close behindhim as he turned back to Lorraine. She seemed to have gotten over her initialshock and rose to her feet.
“Giacomo, I’m so sorry.”
He stepped forward and took herin his arms. He felt her tremble as she buried her head into his shoulder.
“Ssh,” he comforted her. “You’vegot nothing to be sorry about.” He was surprised to find himself using John’swords.
She looked up at him, her facewas wet and she gently brushed his cheekbone with her fingertips. “I don’tknow what came over me. I’d never hurt you intentionally.”
“I know that,” he whispered,holding her tighter.
He didn’t blame her foranything. Whatever had happened wasn’t her fault. As far as he was concerned,it was over. He smiled to himself as he realised that was what the commanderhad sent him down there to discover.
Lorraine pulled away. She wipedher eyes with her hands and attempted to regain her composure. “Shouldn’t yoube at work?”
“I’ve got some time.”
He had as long as he wanted, buthe gave Lorraine a reason to throw him out. She was still tense, her gazelingering on his cheek when she tried to make eye contact and she looked aroundthe room for a distraction.
“Could you give me a handstudying? The exam’s in a fortnight. If I miss it now, I won’t be able to sitit for another six months.”
Giacomo beamed. “You get thebooks, I’ll clear the table.” Any excuse was good enough for him.
* * *
McReidy opened her eyes. Theceiling lights glared down at her and she turned her head to the side. Thebeds were full, the staff wandering around in their duties and the sting ofantiseptic hit the back of her throat.
Sick bay – but she had no ideahow she got there, or why. The last thing she remembered was being on thebridge. Arguing with John about… something or other. She couldn’t quiterecall.
“You’re awake again,” Kat smiled.
“How did I get here?” McReidy’svoice wavered.
“You were unconscious. The commanderbrought you down here.”
Great, McReidy flinched, her palmraising and pressing against her forehead. Another thing to add to the list ofwhat he would use against her.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes… fine.” Surprisingly, shewas. Her head was clearing, her memory a little hazy – the most recent eventsa complete blank.
“Doctor,” Kat called.
Dunlop looked up from hishorizontal patient, spoke to Gunston and made his way to McReidy.
“You’re looking better,” he toldher.
Were his lies always so obvious?she wondered. Although “better” and “normal” were two completely differentthings.
“I’ve got to get back to
