Bill 2 - on the Planet of Robot Slaves Read Free Page B

Cross benefit.”
    “At least they died doing their duty.”
    “A good way to go.” The technical officer sighed deeply — then looked very suspiciously at Praktis. “How long have you been an admiral, Dr. Mel Praktis?”
    “And what's that to you, Prof. Lubyanka?”
    “Because whoever has got seniority is in command. And I have been an admiral for two years, six months and three days come nine o'clock tonight.”
    “I don't bother keeping track of petty things like that,” Praktis sneered.
    “Which means you're a short-timer, you butchering medical bastard.”
    “Circuit-board wiring dingbat!”
    “Trooper, kill this mutineer.”
    “Is that an order, sir?”
    “It is.”
    Bill grabbed Praktis by the neck and began to throttle him. “Finns!...Uncle!” Praktis gasped and the new CO signaled for his release.
    “Bring that dragon decapitation with you. We have got to tell Fleet HQ what happened. And find out where this attack came from. This sector was supposed to have been pacified long ago.”
    Because of its location, behind the sewage treatment plant and distant from the HQ buildings, the electronic lab was untouched. Admiral Lubyanka's engineers hurried to their master's call and carried the dragon debris away. Praktis and Bill were ignored for the moment and, with true trooper's instincts, they scuttled out of sight.
    “How about you inviting me to the Officer's Club for a conference, sir?” Bill insinuated sanguinely.
    “Why?” Praktis asked suspiciously.
    “Drink,” was the instant reply.
    They were well into their second bottle of Olde Paint Dissolver before the messenger found them.
    “Admiral wants you both in his office instantly if not sooner.”
    “Bowb off!” Dr. Praktis sneered. The messenger drew his gun.
    “I was ordered to shoot you both if you gave me a hard time.”
    The double-time running had sobered them a bit and they stood panting and swaying and holding each other up in front of Lubyanka's desk. He was growling and muttering as he shuffled through the reports before him. He glanced up and shuddered.
    “Sit down before you fall down,” he ordered, then waved a readout at them.
    “SNABU,” he grated through gritted teeth. “Situation normal — all bowbed up. Our satellite stations have managed to get an electronic tracer on the track of the spacer that dumped those dragons on us. It headed off in the direction of Alpha Canis Major, a sector which has, up until now, been neutral. We need to know what is going on — and where this planet Usa is.”
    “Well you are the electronic genius, not me.” Praktis sniffed. “There is no work for a tired old sawbones here.”
    “Oh yes there is. I'm putting you in charge of the pursuit ship.”
    “Why me?”
    “Because you are about the only officer I have left — and rank does have its responsibilities. And this nerd goes with you since we are short of combat-experienced troopers as well. I'll scratch up a crew for you — but I can't promise very much.”
    “Oh thanks a bunch! Any other bad news?”
    “Yes. The attack knocked out every spacer we had. Except for the garbage tug.”
    “I used to work in garbage disposal,” Bill said brightly.
    “Then you will feel right at home. Pack your bags and be back here by 0315 at the latest. That's when I send the assassination squad after you. We'll have the tracking equipment loaded aboard by that time.”
    “Any way we can drop out of this?” Praktis asked gloomily as they picked their way through the rubble-filled base.
    “Not a one. I did the research the first day we got here. Easy enough to get off the base — but no place to go after that. Local plantlife inedible. Ocean all around. No place to hide.”
    “Whee. Then come with me and carry my bags.”
    “You won't need me, sir,” Bill said, pointing behind the doctor's back. “Those three medics should be able to help you.”
    Praktis turned to look and saw nothing. Turned back and saw the same thing. He howled with