“Yes, of course. ”
“So what I’m about to tell you, it’s like that. It’s to be kept quiet. You may already know about it, but either way, I think it’s important because it concerns a lot of us, the way things are heading.”
Alastair was intrigued. “Please, I will keep what you say in confidence.”
Chester took his last bite of sandwich and finished it off. Alastair waited patiently as he swallowed and wiped his hands one more time on the dirty napkin.
“Did you hear about the bike tower run several weeks back? The one where Bartz wanted it super-sized?”
“The one where the wrench was injured? Newton, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, well a smaller group from that run also went and got lots of Old World tech from a site south of Richmond. They said it was for the trains but I saw the stuff and it wasn’t like that. It was lots of computers, generators and other stuff.”
“South of Richmond?” It was a tough area to get to. You had to skirt the fever lands and risk running into large bandit tribes. But computers? Novation alarm bells rang in his brain. It was completely counter to the Credo.
“Three died,” Chester added, “and just as well could have been the lot of us.”
Alastair had long suspected that Bartz was gathering up Old World tech beyond what he needed for railroad operations. He hoped that Bartz was using the right precautions—that he was smart enough to not fall prey to the seductions of obsession or recklessness. They had just completed two more Faraday cage bunkers at the Barnyard, so this news made some sense. But the three deaths were more troubling, especially given that Alastair had heard nothing about it. It suggested imprudence. It suggested recklessness.
“Were the right precautions not being taken?”
“Well, I can’t say what the right precautions are, but if you go raiding bandit territories you’re bound to get into trouble.”
“Was it anyone I know?”
“One mule, one railroad grunt and a kid in trade school named Owen. You wouldn’t know them.”
Owen’s spotted face flashed in his mind. He remembered Owen’s exhausting tale of the SLS fight and run from the satellite. Alastair considered mentioning that he knew Owen, but Bartz had been so adamant about keeping the whole thing a secret, and the council of lords had agreed, so he couldn’t betray their trust.
“Those three deaths didn’t stop them from doing other sorties to similar places, some of which I’ve been on. They’re being more careful now—or at least seem to be. They go out in greater numbers and bring more firepower. Also, they seem to find things real easy and can get in and out quick. Not sure how they can scout these locations, but it’s amazing they haven’t been picked over. Still, we lost two more mules the other day.”
“What kind of Old World tech are they bringing back?”
“Like I said, lots of computer stuff, generators, wire—even a couple robot–looking things. Some machines I couldn’t figure out. Lots of the stuff I’ve never even seen in books before, and they don’t like us asking about it.”
If true, it was the most significant breach of the Credo in his lifetime, and it validated the concerns he wrote about in his letter to Duncan. Unfortunately Alastair would have limited power to stop them. Only a few aspects of the Credo were written into law.
“And that’s just the sorties outside of Spoke territory,” Chester continued. “Lots going on near town too. There’s the machine they’re building at the observatory and then at the stadium as well. Lots of mules hauling up that way every day. Again, all secret-like. I’m not one to be superstitious, but it all seems a little too fast and a little too secretive. I worry they aren’t hammering all the nails in before they move on to the next project, if you know what I mean.”
It was yet another concerning report about these construction projects. The railroads had done wonders for business and travel, but this was something different. It sounded like a clear desecration. “What is it they’re building at the observatory?”
Chester just shrugged. “Something with lots of metal and wires. Something big.”
“And the stadium?”
Chester shrugged again.
“You were right to tell me about this, Chester. Much of it I didn’t know.”
“Not surprised,” Chester said. “Now you do.”
“So nothing illegal is going on, as far as you know?”
Chester sat back in his chair and looked to the side, mulling over the question. It took him a considerable amount of time to weed through a response. “You know, out there, in the fever lands, there’s a different kind of law. Seems to be a kind of law these railroad folks don’t understand. But as Seeville laws go, I can’t think of any they’ve broken, at least far as I can tell. But laws are your domain. Mine is platforms and pedals and keepin’ it between the ditches.”
Alastair responded thoughtfully. “Well if there’s no direct evidence of unlawfulness, unfortunately there’s not much I can do right now, Chester, other than to keep a close eye on Bartz in the council, and maybe ask around.”
“Well, I guess that’s something,” Chester said, but he grimaced. He didn’t look at all satisfied.
“You know Chester, your intuition is in the right place here,” Alastair reassured him, “and I don’t want to impose upon you, but have you thought about joining the Adherents, or even visiting the temple? These concerns you have, they’re very much in line with our faith. Some communing could bring you peace. It is said that the temple is but the first step on the way to the sanctuary.”
“Sir, I don’t know. I respect the Credo and all, but I’m not much one for communing with anything. Please don’t take that as a sign of disrespect.”
Alastair could tell Chester was feeling squeamish. He didn’t want to lose his ally by pushing his Adherent agenda. “I understand and respect that, Chester.”
Chester looked relieved. “Thank you, sir.”
“I have to go now,” Alastair said, looking down at his ticking watch, “but let’s meet here again next week. I want to hear more about what they’re building in the city. Maybe if we can uncover more details, I can better help you.”
It seemed to appease Chester somewhat. “Okay, let’s do that.”
“Thanks again for reaching out. May your day be free of obsession.” Alastair extended his hand as he stood up from his chair.
Chester stood as well, taking his hand with a firm grip. So firm, in fact, that he wouldn’t let go. Chester had been calm, even aloof, but now there was more energy in his eyes. “I’m worried about more mules getting put in harm’s way, sir.”
“I know. I know you are, Chester. This has gained my attention, I assure you,” Alastair said, but Chester still didn’t let go of his hand.
“And no word of this conversation.”
“No word,” Alastair confirmed.
Chester finally let go of his hand, nodded and sat back down.
Alastair walked through the back door and then out the front to his parked bike.
He rode down Water Street, cutting through the downtown mall on the way to the courthouse. He pedaled fast to make up lost time, and just as well to combat the chill that had infiltrated his limbs during his outdoor conversation with Chester.
The conversation was more than concerning, confirming many of his suspicions. He’d heard stories about Bartz and his crew and their aggressive business dealings, but he never had any verified accounts of foul play. Here was finally a clear witness to something highly nefarious. What’s more, Chester didn’t seem to be the type to arbitrarily complain, and Alastair guessed there was much more he wasn’t being told.
The mention of Owen’s death also alarmed him. It was one more connection to the ill-fated satellite expedition. Just the other day Alastair had heard that Cecile had somehow returned to the north. Why would she leave without talking with him or the other lords? Why would she leave without finishing her work in the Hall of Records?