Leviathan(72)

“Dr. Hoffman,” Adler replied, “all great science is intimately bound to the fate of great men. To the fate of the entire world, for that matter. Because great science redefines nature as we know it, even changes nature. But this is no time for such a high-minded debate. At this moment there are more pressing issues confronting us.”

Beth stepped into the confrontation, arms crossed. She made it clear by her physical position that she stood behind Hoffman in every way.

“I want to tell you something,” she said, focusing coldly on Adler. And as the older man turned to her, Beth noticed a slight cut beneath the cheek, as if he had been hit.

“Please, Mrs. Connor, I have no time for your—”

“I don't want to hear that garbage,” Beth said, thinking of her son. “And I don't want to hear your pathetic drivel. I'm not here to argue with you, Adler. I came here to tell you something personal. And you're going to hear it.”

Colonel Blake snapped his fingers at the guard, a young man who held the only weapon in the room. “Escort Mrs. Connor back to her room,” he said sternly. “Ensure that she does not disturb us again.”

Paling, the guard stood in place. He cast a quick glance at Beth and she returned it compassionately, knowing that Barley had instructed the man to leave her alone.

Enraged by the soldier's refusal to immediately obey his order, Blake turned forcefully: “That's a direct order, soldier! Colonel Chesterton is very likely dead and that leaves me in command! I do not intend to let this situation deteriorate any further! Now do as you are told!”

Swaying, the guard held his place. “I'm sorry, Colonel,” he replied. “But Colonel Chesterton gave me my last orders to hold all of you here. So you're officially under arrest! And Lieutenant Barley told me not to disturb Mrs. Connor. I've got my orders.”

Blake glared, as if he couldn't comprehend what was happening. He stepped close to the guard. “Soldier,” he said, “we are in a grave situation. And you and I are probably the only military personnel still alive in this installation. So the line of command is clear. I am a colonel! You are a private! I give the orders and you obey them! Do you understand?”

The soldier shifted nervously.

Blake shouted, “Private! Do as you are told! The Army is a machine! And we do as we are told or the machine breaks down!” He paused briefly. “It's true, yes, that Colonel Chesterton suffered a mental breakdown before his death and you cannot be blamed for obeying his orders. Nor will any regulation discipline be initiated against you. But that does not change the fact that Colonel Chesterton is dead and we need to resolve this situation!”

A tense pause. “I'm sorry, sir,” the private finally responded. “I was given my last orders from Colonel Chesterton to secure you. That's the extent of my duty. Mrs. Connor can do whatever she wishes.”

For a long time Blake continued to stare, choked by his wrath. Then he turned away, fists clenched at his sides. Beth was too tired to smile.

“Then I will give you an order, soldier,” Adler turned to the private. “I ultimately control this facility and since we don't know whether Colonel Chesterton is alive or dead we must clearly have someone in command. Please escort Mrs. Connor back to her room.”

“I'm sorry, sir,” the guard replied without any hesitation whatsoever.

Adler's jaw set, and Beth felt a light laugh escape her. It was humorous to see that the authority of a probably dead Chesterton was more powerful than the wrath of a living Blake and Adler combined. She stepped forward, mouth tight. “So, Mr. Adler, you're the one responsible for this?” she asked, her smile twisting into a chilling glare.

“Mrs. Connor,” Adler gestured vaguely, “I do not have time for—”

“Answer my question!”

“Mrs. Connor!” Adler turned fully toward her. “Remember your station! You are only a supervisor of the Ice Station's Communication Center and you deal exclusively with civilian affairs, which means that you have no right to question my orders!” He glared down. “Nor do you have the right to circumvent any security measures! Your attempt to break the security code was a grave – a grave crime.”

“Oh, rest assured,” Beth replied, “I'm still going to smash your security code, Mr. Adler. I'm going to smash it into pieces and then I’m going to shove it down your throat. Because you'll have to kill me before I let you do this to my family.”

Adler stared. “You will never break the security code, Mrs. Connor. You merely boast. Your government's most revered security agency instituted it to prohibit unauthorized use of this system.”