Doorways Chapter 10b

“Vanessa Court.” Netty said angrily.

“Vanessa Court.” Elizabeth nodded.

“Who's ...”

“Hush.” Another glare for Barney.

“I naturally wondered why the concern. Master Hawk does teach my son after all so I thought it my business to poke about a bit myself. What I found was not the vulgar little tart that Vanessa was gossiping about, but probably the most inspirational woman I've ever come across. She's what most women in the Major Sector want to be, and probably the Minor Sector too, if they'd only realise it. She was dumped on from a very great height, Barney, and couldn't do a thing about it. The Boards and Bodies set out to get rid of what they didn't understand and couldn't control, yet again. The Major Sector doesn't need a Hero, you see. That would disrupt the soft cushy life they all have. Vanessa Court's basic, ordinary jealousy over Master Hawk set the snowball rolling and the Boards and Bodies made it avalanche.”

“You jest?” Barney blinked in astonishment. “So she's some sort of celebrity up there? Gerrout!”

“A rather underground celebrity, but yes.” Elizabeth nodded and Netty looked almost as surprised as Barney. “She's wanted back there for so many reasons by so many different people, but the most important one is Master Hawk. The Hero worship means absolutely nothing to him. He's probably not even aware of it.” Netty nodded her confirmation of this. She hadn't been aware of it either.

“Well bugger me stupid.” Barney said in amazement. “I've lifted her since she was ten years old! How she get to be a superstar in the Major Sector? She's car thief and a fence!”

“Oh do be quiet.” Netty snapped. “Did she have a choice down here? You grotty individual. She's a scholar and a trainee engineer. Did she get any thanks for doing those farm turbines? No she did not! Poor lamb. All she wanted to was make everyone happy, and Mater Hawk proud of her. She asked for nothing from no one.”

“No she just probably went out and nicked it.” Barney muttered.

“Not her fault. Slater should have had his wretched plants in a sensible place.” Netty sniffed. “Elizabeth? What do you think will happen when we get back?”

“I've no idea Netty. She'll still be classed as an illegal immigrant until she proves her 'value to society' on paper. What tripe eh?”

“Fine bloody hero.” Barney wriggled himself between two seats for a nap. “Wake me up if anything heroic happens.”

“Why? So you can hide?” Netty said nastily. “Oh go to sleep you snot-bag.” She glowered at Barney, who closed his eyes very quickly. “I'm so worried about her, Elizabeth. I know she's a tough-nut and she can look after herself but it isn't just herself is it? Master Hawk is bloody useless.” Elizabeth snorted a laugh. “Oh he is! He curls up and hides! The man's clueless, Elizabeth, How the Education Board could even hint at misconduct like that is totally beyond me. He wouldn't know where to start!”