Free Jupiter's Reef by Karl Kofoed Page B

Peggy who smiled politely and told them to follow her into the spaceport. She paused briefly to mention that they had already been scanned and found to be free of biological or chemical contamination. “But,” she added before opening the double doors, “immigration procedures still require a medical examination while you’re in customs.”
    “No wonder they gave us these machines,” said Professor Baltadonis as they rolled through the open doors. “This could take all day.”
    When they got inside Alex was relieved to see G-Scooters in use everywhere. It seemed to be a very busy spaceport. He recognized IoCorp and MarsCorp personnel by their uniforms.
    “Yup,” he said. “This is Earth. Every faction under one roof. Only here.”
    Alex stopped his scooter to take in his surroundings. The interior of the spaceport was open all the way up to the dome that covered the complex. Offices, shops and restaurants rose in tiers that hung over the main floor, connected by stairs, elevators and escalators.
    While he stood there, an elderly man with thick glasses and a jolly expression walked over to them. The man wore no mechanical gear so Alex knew he was from Earth. The gentleman carried two fairly large bags, which he put down when he reached them. “Mr. Rose,” he said. “No need to waste your batteries. I’m right here. And I’m used to one gee.”
    “Hello, Professor Stubbs,” said Alex. “Just tell me no one’s showed you my data yet.”
    “It’s your data, Alex,” said Stubbs with a grin. “I assure you that I would only view it in your presence and with your permission. Of course I must confess to having some idea of what it’s about. I can’t pretend to be totally ignorant.” Stubbs laughed and looked at the faces of his guests.
    “Let me see. Professor Johnny Baltadonis. Johnny Appleseed, eh? You look a bit older and a bit taller, for some reason.”
    “Mars, I guess,” said Johnny. “Good to see you, too, Harry. I’d shake hands, but ...”
    “I know,” said Stubbs. “We’ll all shake hands after Customs.”
    Stubbs’ bowed politely to Mary. She smiled awkwardly in return. “I don’t think I could ever get used to this silly machine,” she said with a giggle. “Pleased to meet you, though, Mr Stubbs.” Reflexively she held out her hand and the G-scooter assisted her arm movement with a soft whirring of motors.
    Stubbs looked at Mary’s outstretched hand, then looked at Alex. “What a kissable hand, but I’m told not to touch either of you until you’ve been through customs. Unfortunate, though. I’m missing a golden opportunity to kiss a beautiful lady.”
    Mary laughed and withdrew her hand.
    “So,” continued Stubbs. “Mary Seventeen, Sensor at large, and Alex Rose. The world will one day carve your names into some hallowed hall of science, I’m sure.”
    “Then you’ve seen the data?” asked Alex.
    Stubbs shook his head. “Not at all, Mr. Rose. I know only what Johnny told me in his wire. It was cryptic at best. But I remember your obsession with the Great Red Spot. And judging from the fact that you’ve come all the way to Earth, I can easily guess what it’s about.”
    “Well, I found the reef you said couldn’t be there. I’ve ... we’ve explored it. My data is aboard Diver ,” said Alex. “I brought a disk with me. But the full data is in Diver ’s computer.”
    “ Diver ,” mused Stubbs. “I assume that means that your ship is the one that dove into the spot? And I guess, then, that you’re prepared for some legitimate scientific attention?”
    “You could say that,” said Alex, trying to look casual in his harness.
    “And you stored the data in your ship’s computer? You never downloaded it elsewhere?”
    “Well, with all due respect, sir. I’d rather not say.”
    Alex didn’t like the way the conversation was going. And Mary could feel anxiety grow in him. She moved her G-scooter as near as possible to him but there was nothing else she could