The Full Circle Six by Edward T. Anthony Page A

members of the number thirteen race team once more entered into the warming comfort of the racecraft. Drake immediately started searching for Kraus while Bruvold went to check on Uciferi in the isolation chamber. Bruvold found Priscilla speaking to Ouldsid when he came in, and stormed over to investigate.
    â€œIs not for talking. Is for being trapped,” he warned the medical operator. “You leave now. Is not for pleasures. Is for pain and lonlies.”
    â€œI’ll have you know that I have been able to make many repairs on this racecraft thanks to this man that you say is meant for pain.” Priscilla caught Bruvold’s eye in a fierce glare that forced him back a step. She then left the area and proceeded to the medical quarters to make a few more minor repairs.
    Bruvold glowered through the chamber door at the prisoner. He could see nothing out of place, but still demanded that Uciferi stand back against the wall while he performed a search of the small cell, and the small man. It was a quick and pointless process that left Ouldsid dejected and ashamed. Bruvold had found nothing to warrant any further suspicion, so advanced to the consuming quarters to get food and drink for the incarcerated.
    Drake found Kraus just finishing the last bite of a large chunk of meat wrapped in a cocoon of bread. He nodded to Sammy and Juhaen, who were also just finishing their food, but still savoring the heat of the coffee. Drake indicated to Kraus that he needed to speak with him, and escorted the weapons operator to the main corridor so they would be alone.
    â€œKnow what this is?” The captain could barely contain his excitement as he asked his loyal crewman, holding out the ice capsule.
    â€œLooks like an egg,” Kraus answered. “Maybe from an ice-bird.”
    â€œAmusing, double k,” Drake still couldn’t resist grinning at Kraus as he continued. “It’s an ice capsule. One that Ced Oblize would use.”
    â€œWow, no kidding?” Kraus was now just as elated as Drake. “Now we can have two special weapons, that’s amazing!”
    â€œI’m going to need you and Bruvold to make a cannon to fire it with. I’m sure you won’t have a problem finding materials for an ice cannon,” Drake said, still looking bemused. “You’re also going to have to tell Bruvold about it. Apparently, I cannot get the point across. He keeps telling me the thing will melt.”
    Kraus laughed heartily at this and walked away from Drake to the coffee delivery tube in this overly nice personal space. He was thinking about how brilliant it was that Drake had found such a rare extravagance. He would explain to Bruvold the point, Kraus reassured Drake. Then, thinking of more coffee, he returned to the consuming quarters to get another cup before going back to work liberating the craft.
    At the same time as Bruvold exited the consuming quarters with bread, meat and coffee, Sammy and Juhaen were suiting back up to resume the flame-throwing fun. Kraus had just come back in, and Drake had followed for his own fresh cup. Juhaen, looking at Sammy, thought that he really looked as if he were having a good time. It was not so much fun for the little maintenance and sanitation regulator. The pack was heavy, and holding the tube up was starting to make his arms and shoulders sore. He was determined, however, to finish the job without quitting, like Freddie obviously had. As he thought of Freddie, he realized that he had not seen the E.F.O. since they had all come back inside for the required coffee break that the captain had ordered. Juhaen had been the one to tell Freddie about the break, but had not waited around to see if he actually came back into the ship. It was still very cold out there, even with the protective thermal gear and space suit.
    Juhaen was racing through the loading corridor to catch up with the rest of the fire crew when a vibration shuddered through the racecraft,