Buck and Wilma entered Buck's cabin and noticed the Video Communications screen was signaling a new message
"That's odd who would be trying to contact me?" he mused
"One of your old girlfriends?" asked Wilma
"Well, she's out of luck if it is" he replied. Buck walked over the screen and tapped to retrieve the waiting message.
Dr Huer appeared on the screen.
"Buck Rodgers, I hope you are well. I am sure you will forgive me for contacting you, but a situation as arisen here that we need your assistance with. I cannot give you all of the particulars now but will contact you again in 12 hours from now. I hope to speak with you then. Huer out" and the screen went blank.
"Now what in the world would be so important that they are contacting me now all the way out here?"
"I have no idea. I guess you will have to wait until he contacts you again to find out" Wilma replied.
Buck was in the living area of his cabin, Wilma in the small kitchen area when the second call came in. Buck activated the viewer and Dr Huer in his office in New Chicago appeared.
"Hey Doc, good to see you again. You said you needed my help"?
"Good to see you also Captain Rodgers. Yes, I must admit this is an unusual request, but Emperor Drago is coming to New Chicago to open negotiations for access to Terrain air space. He is bringing a fairly large entourage that includes his daughter Ardala." Huer paused. "And she has specifically requested your attendance at the opening gala" he finished with a spurt.
Wilma in the kitchen area turned to see the vid screen, she didn't say anything but was intently watching and listening.
Buck glanced at Wilma then said "Sorry to disappoint Ardala but I am very comfortable here on the Searcher and while I would be happy to support the Federation in their negotiations, I don't see how my presence helps"
Wilma entered the vid screen frame and asked "why is Drago looking to gain access to Terrain airspace and why is he coming in person? He normally would send a subordinate like Kane to do his bidding?"
"You are correct, in the past it was always a subordinate who would do any negotiations We have no idea why he is coming or why the access to our air space is so important to him. Needless to say, we suspect some type of trick on the part of the Dragonians. That's one of the reasons the directorate feels that it is important for Captain Rodgers to be here. It is felt that he would be able to keep an eye on Ardala and through Ardala, her father." Said Huer.
Buck looked over at Wilma. She was wearing what he called her Diplomat face. It gave away nothing. "I can sympathize with your situation, but I don't see how I can help, and I really would prefer to avoid the Princess." He said.
Huer sighed, shook his head, and said "I am not sure I understand your reluctance. You are leaving us no choice but to recall Col. Derring to the Federation"
Buck turned to Wilma "can they do that?"
"Yes, they can. But Dr Huer why recall me when Ardala wants Buck to be present"
"I am reasonably certain that where you go Col. Derring Captain Rodgers follows. I suggest you discuss this, and I will contact you again in 2 hours. Huer out" and he disappeared from the screen.
Buck and Wilma had bickered and argued during their entire acquaintanceship. But this was something totally different. The argument was heated, and Buck felt that Wilma was being irrational. If she were forced to return to New Chicago of course he would go with her. Wilma on the other hand was adamant that Buck does not return to New Chicago. Finally, Buck blurted out "So I guess you just don't trust me!"
"I do not trust Ardala."
"Do you think she has a magic wand or pixie dust or something that will make me go off with her?"
Wilma wasn't sure what pixie dust was, but she understood the idea. "I have no idea what she uses but she seems to always pull you in"
"And you don't recognize that everything is different now!" Buck said. "And I don't understand how you can turn your back on everyone in New Chicago!"
Wilma sighed heavily and turned away from Buck, he had poked at a sore spot. She had been conditioned for so long that duty was important and now she felt that she was shirking a duty. She was arguing with herself as much as Buck. He walked over to Wilma and gently turned her to face him.
"Look we have to face reality. What other options are there. The only way around going back is to run away is that what you want to do?" he asked.
Wilma just shook her head.
"I didn't think so. You have no choice but to return and as Huer said I go where you go so, I have no other choice either. I figure we go back get the lay of the land. If we can help the Federation great. There is nothing to say that if we are in New Chicago that I have to attend this stupid gala is there? "
"No, I guess not" she replied.
"Okay so we go to New Chicago, help them out if we can then come back to the Searcher. Right?"
Wilma paused; she knew he was right. She trusted him so what was she worry about. She sighed again and briefly closed her eyes.
"Okay we go back to New Chicago. Huer will be contacting us here while you are on duty. I will have him to make the arrangements. He will need to contact the Admiral etc."