“What do you know about the Odyssey’s current status?” William asked.
“I know it hasn’t been heard from for more than two years,” Kate answered.
“Anything else?”
“James and Io have been searching for it,” she said. “They’ve been scanning alternate radio signals, trying anything Io can think of. Is there any news?”
“Nothing so far from their search.”
“Have you seen any of the logs that had been sent?”
“I have. I’ve read most of the previous transmissions,” she told him. “I have about twenty left to review before I leave for Jupiter Station. The last twenty before we lost contact.”
“Let me know when you’ve finished your research. I’d like to know what your impressions are.”
“I’ll contact you as soon as I'm done,” Kate said.
“Thank you,” he responded. “Now, when is the last time you spoke to James?”
“Just before I left.”
“You haven’t spoken to him since you left for Shackleton Base?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“What did you speak about in your last conversation?”
“I asked him to look after the family.”
“Did he mention anything about the Odyssey?” William asked.
“No, nothing.”
“Did he mention anything about Yori or the professor?”
“No,” she said. “Why would he?”
“I’m just getting all the information I can,” he said. “When is the last time you spoke to Yori?”
Kate paused and took a deep breath, “just before I left.”
“Did he mention anything to you about the professor?”
“No, he only came to bring me some books to take with me.”
“Which ones?”
“Art of War and Foundation.”
“Did he mention anything about the Odyssey?”
“No, he didn’t.”
“Anything about James?”
“No,” Kate told him. “I tried to tell him that the Art of War was his favorite book, not mine. He said I should read it anyway. That’s all, really. Well, except that he would miss me.”
“I know he truly cared about you, my daughter.”
“Thank you.”
“And thank you for your candor,” William said. “I’ll let you know if I have anymore questions, but that will do for now.”
Kate smiled, “you know where to find me.”
“I do,” he said, smiling back. “Take care and stay close to Omari and Eric.”
“I will, father.”
•••
Being the Curator of the Library was an individual experience. No one could understand or know what the librarian did. William never understood Yori’s life, or the man he was, until he sat down in the same, worn leather chair.
Now he was aware. He understood so many things that everyone else in the family did not, could not. And he could tell no one. Not even his beloved wife, whom he still needed to interview.
But first he would start with his son. He asked James to join him in the commander’s office. James had taken over, but William still felt he had the advantage. He knew that space better than his son, and James would be feeling proud. He would be easier to read and control.
When William arrived, James was seated at the desk with his shoulders back and chin held high.
“How are you son?” William asked.
“Doing well, father.”
“Did the introductions go well?”
“They did.”
“As you know, I’m here to ask you a few questions for my investigation.”
“What can I tell you?”
“First, when was the last time you spoke to Yori?”
“Three days before Kate left for Shackleton Base.”
“What did you talk about?”
“I was inquiring about the most recent star maps the professor had given him,” James said. “Io and I were hoping to narrow our search.”
“Did he give any suggestions?”
“Yes, he told us that he thought the Nekuian system would be the best place to look, but the professor had not begun mapping it yet.”
“Did he say anything else about the Nekuian system?”
“No.”
“Did he mention why that would be a good place for you to search?”
“No,” James answered. “Why?”
“Just gathering information,” William told him. “Did he mention anything else to you about the professor?”
“No, just that he would be visiting soon to drop off the new maps and ask another question.”
“Did you ever meet the professor?”
“Yes,” James said. “I can’t remember exactly when, but it was some time ago.”
“What was your impression of him?” William asked.
“He was a small man, rather frail,” James answered with a smile. “I imagined he wouldn’t last long in the training room.”
“No, I imagine not, my son. Especially if he were fighting you.”
James laughed and looked up, as if he were searching for a memory.
“Well, I think I’ve asked all of my initial questions.”
“Is there anything I can do to assist you?” James asked.
“No. I might return if there are any details I require later.”
“You are always welcome in this office, father.”
“Thank you, son.” William stood and saluted James before leaving. He headed straight for his office, deep within the library and began piecing the puzzle together.
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