MY NAME IS FOX GERARD. I WORK FOR THE UNITED NATIONS.
I'm on the bridge of the Regency, with the
captain and first officer, when the call comes in. We'd
recently left Ganymede, bound for Phobos with a cargo of
medical supplies. About four hours out, the computer reports
an incoming laser communique, sent from Phobos. Rogers plays
it to the speaker.
"UNSS Regency, Phobos Center, Captain
Oromaner speaking. Commander Harrison, we have a situation on
Europa that requires immediate attention, and the Regency
is the closest U.N. ship. A U.N. courier, the Oceanedge,
disappeared along with both crewmembers yesterday. She was
inbound to Phobos from the Neptune outpost, stopping to
refuel on Europa. Her commanding officer reported that they
were on final approach to docking platform seven before
contact was lost.
"We've been in contact with the European government
on Europa; they've informed us that the Oceanedge
never actually landed on their spaceport. Of course, we sent
a detective in a courier ship immediately, and then requested
and were granted permission to conduct an investigation of
the spaceport. Unfortunately, the ship won't reach the Jovian
system until next Fiveday evening. You can reach Europa in a
few hours. Unfortunately, your cargo is still needed here on
Phobos, and we can only spare your ship for the few hours
needed to land on Europa and launch again. We have identified
one of your crewmen, Ensign Gerard, who has had some police
training. The U.N. Office of Investigations has designated
him an Agent for this particular case. Ensign Gerard will
begin the investigation. Phobos over."
"You're a policeman?" Harrison asks me.
"No, sir. I'm a spaceship crewman." At least, I
am one for the next few hours.
He smiles and says, "Well, then, make yourself useful
and take us to Europa. Rogers, contact Europa to let them
know we're on our way."