Anthony J Kemp
2018
Chapter 24 - - THE BEST LAID PLANS As Harris squeezed himself out of the docking chamber back into the main link passage of Light Star, he founded it rather crowded. Raftos and Venscottie were still standing there, confronted by a rather agitated Packet. "Am I glad you three are back,” started Packet. "It's Mick – I think he's on the verge of burnout. Since you went he has read all those papers you gave him and others he's asked me to get him. He's taking in sheets of data at a glance and writing lots of stuff – I have no idea what it's about. All the time, he's also been talking to this chap of yours, Venscottie, and seems to have learnt Arolloan as he’s doing it. It's not normal, he's only been drinking that sugary drink and eating fudge bars.” "OK calm down or you'll be doing the same,” said Raftos. "Where is Mick now?” "He's in the control room; he wanted the table to spread out all the papers," said Packet "Harris, you had better get down to him and see what the situation is,” said Raftos. "Will do, but you find Kimlon and tell him to bring two bowls of stew and some of that tea to the control room. Tea not as strong as he usually makes, but more like we had on Sillosees’ ship,” said Harris. "Kuu, can you contact this chap Frank, or whatever his name is, that Mick was talking to, without Mick knowing?” "That should not be a problem, why do you want me to?" said Venscottie. "I want a general round up of their conversation, and what he thinks of Mick and if there were any important conclusions reached in his mind which might have gone over Mick's head,” said Harris. "I think I understand what you mean,” said Venscottie. "Let's get to it,” said Raftos. "Kuu, you go with Packet. I'll make sure everyone keeps clear of the control room for the time being.” Harris made his way through the labyrinth of passages to the control room. Harris was surprised how quickly he had got to know his way around this strange ship. He casually strolled into the control room.
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