Page 86 (1/2)

51

ELDER

THE FREX AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH A SHIP IN REVOLT? IF they’d just listen, we could be discussing preparations for planet-landing Instead, the people see the ship apart at the seams

I storation room first

“Drop the strongest rain program we have,” I order the Shipper on duty, Tearle

“Elder,” Tearle protests “That has the potential to cause minor flash floods on the streets ”

“Do it,” I order

“How long should the rain be?” He sounds reluctant, but he ardless

“I’ll tell you when to stop it ”

I go across the hall to the solar lamp operations The solar laulated by one Shipper, a mousy woman who looks as if she’d be more comfortable on one of the farms Her name is Larin

I take out a floppy and pull up the security vid feeds from around the City The vids show the Food Distro—the rain is flooding it, and the fire is already turning into s ruins I swipe my hand across the screen to vids of the farms, the Greenhouses, thethrough the rain Although there’s no sound on these vids, I don’t need it I knohat a rebellion sounds like

“I want you to cover the solar la for my command

“It’s the middle of the day, Elder!” She looks at me as if I’m crazy

I suppose I am The solar la the ship’s version of night It’s all scheduled, so dark tiht hours and only happens when it’s the proper time Not now

“Cover the laain