“Ivan mentioned a recurring image of a bear cub early on, when he’d first finished his transformation. He reminded me of it later, without specifically mentioning details.”

“Red flag, that.”

“Yep. Meant it was important, and he didn’t want any listeners at his end to know. The image was of a bear cub, like I said.”

“A bear cub?” Narang looked perplexed.

“Um. A minor ursa.”

Narang started to laugh. “Ursa Minor? The Little Dipper? It was referring to the constellation?”

“Yes. I think that’s where the computer wants him to direct his communications.”

“Wait, what? Communications? Charlie, you need to back up a few steps.”

Kemp gave Narang an apologetic smile. “Yeah, uh, Ivan is sharing his head with a computer of alien origin, which wants to communicate with its makers somehow.”

“But which star?”

Kemp shrugged. “I don’t think it matters. Or maybe he’ll know more when he’s able to transmit. But in any case, most of them are more than a hundred light years away. This won’t be a quick conversation.”

“Mm.” She thought for a moment. “I guess he can just beam a message to each star in that general direction, then start listening at the appropriate round trip time.”

“Yes. Ivan mentioned at one point that the Makers are very patient. If they’re like Ivan, well, I doubt lifespan is an issue. How long did the nanites live, waiting in the artifact for someone to come along? What does patient mean when you’re immortal, anyway?”

* * *

Money might be the root of all evil—oh, wait, no, it was the love of money. Kemp shook his head, trying to get his thoughts organized. Big mistake, in free fall, even for a veteran of space travel. He gritted his teeth, waiting for the nausea to subside.

But anyway… Based on the offer of a suitable gratuity, the ferry pilot had found it within himself to allow Kemp and Narang to sit in the cramped bridge for the short trip to the Getting Ahead. Jennings’s new ship loomed large in the forward viewport as they approached.

“It’s a beaut!” Narang breathed.

“Sure is!” the pilot enthused. “Looks modified as well. The standard BG-4502 has smaller nacelles. I’m pretty sure this one’s been souped up, maybe with 4600-series parts. The owner seems to know what he’s doing.”

Kemp grinned. “I would have to agree.”

The ferry sidled up and connected to the vessel’s airlock. After completing the transaction with the pilot, Kemp and Narang exited the ferry.

Captain Jennings was waiting on the other side of the boarding connection. He beamed at them, obviously proud to bursting of his new ship. The captain promised a full tour as soon as the ship was underway. Given the destination, though, the sooner they departed the better.