Free Quest for the Conestoga (Colony Ship Conestoga Book 1) by John Thornton Page A

Paul’s face, he did not need more stress added to him.
     
    Cammarry pondered for a brief moment, but decided she must relate more, since she had broached the topic.  She gave a concise overview of what Michael had told her, but left out the coercion regarding Jamie.  She was concerned that Paul would be anxious about being sent out on a solo mission as well.   Then Cammarry said, “They are not even waiting to see how the first solo mission goes, but just sent those missions out to other domes.  I am not sure I would volunteer to be alone on a mission.”  Cammarry shuddered in only partially mock fear.
     
    “Wonderful.  No contact back to Dome 17, and no help from someone along with you?  Sure that is a great idea,” Paul said, his words laden with sarcasm.  “I am going back to the apartment.”  Paul stood and walked away. 
     
    “Thanks for the information. Something is happening, and it gives me pause.  I wish we knew more.”  Gretchen’s face was a bit tense, but her smile was genuine.
     
    “I will keep my ears open and let you know what I hear,” Cammarry said.  She did not tell Gretchen of her AI troubles, nor of her doubts about hearing anything before anyone else did.  She stood and watched as Gretchen led Paul toward the recreation area.  ‘Paul seems better than I thought,’ Cammarry said to herself.  ‘I really doubt that Winchell was accurately reporting that Paul was refusing visitors.’
     
    Cammarry walked about and checked several other places, but did not see Jamie anywhere.  She spoke to some other people, but no one had any additional information, and a few of the adventurers were hesitant and withdrawn when she spoke to them.  Apparently, the Committee’s actions, at least those of Jubal and Murial, had caused some of the adventurers to distance themselves from Cammarry. 
     
    On her way to Jamie’s apartment, Winchell delivered a message, “Cammarry?  The Committee has issued a message.  I am allowed to play it for you, but only if you and Jerome are in your apartment.”
     
    “Oh bother,” Cammarry blew out her breath.  “How juvenile of Jubal to further restrict my AI.  I am walking back to the apartment now.”
     
    Several people who were from the general population heard her express her feelings about Jubal.  They hurriedly walked away. 
     
    “Jerome?  What is this about some message?”  Cammarry asked as she entered their apartment.
     
    “The one that can only be played when we are together in here?”  Jerome replied with a smirk.  “I see you heard about it as well.”
     
    “It must be about the briefing on that Dome 3 fiasco and Karen’s death.  My guess is it will also have the overdue briefing about Dome 9 where Hobart, Ken, and Beth found that radioactive crater.”
     
    “You are probably correct, but the way Faraday has been responding and how restricted it is, I would not be surprised if this was just some minor matter,” Jerome said.  “Faraday refused to play the message until you returned.  My own AI is not even my own anymore.”
     
    “Winchell?  Are you allowed to play this all important message for me now?”  Cammarry asked. 
     
    “Sarcasm will not free me from the restraints placed upon my operations,” Winchell replied.  “Faraday and I received the same message under the same restrictions.  We will display it for you both now.  The Committee will be notified you have received this message.”
     
    Cammarry seethed, but did not respond.  She folded up a chair from the floor and sat down heavily.  Jerome sat on the corner of the bed.
     
    A three dimensional image appeared in the air in front of them.
     
     
    "Special message for Cammarry and Jerome.  The following message has been sent to all other adventurers, and they all have received it.  Since they have reviewed the message it can now be displayed for you. 
     
    Dome 17 Committee Only Memorandum on Colony Ship Recovery.
     
    In light of