“I think, now, Far and Mor suspected this but were never sure and decided they had better not inquire. He was in a firm that had several times done Earthside work for Fireball, such as enlarging the Australian spaceport, and he had met Guthrie in the course of it. A few times afterward, over the years, Guthrie paid us short visits. That was when he simply happened to be in Sweden. Or so he said. At last I began to wonder. Why should he, a mighty man in the world, countless claims on his attention, why should he remember us? He was no snob, I knew; he had friends in every walk of life; but these far-apart social calls were npt such a relationship. And … when I applied to Fireball, I was admitted for training, although hundreds of those who were turned away must have been at least as qualified.
“Therefore, when I decided to try learning who my real parents were—I have not told Far and Mor, they would be hurt—jo, it was natural to seek a clue in Guthrie. I gave the job to a detective agency, but it was not very difficult. Most of what trouble they had was due to the chaotic conditions in North America, which was where the trail led. A public figure like Guthrie, his whereabouts are always a news item, at least potentially. Afterward the information will lie forgotten in a journalistic database for decades, no reason to wipe it. I knew my year of birth, since I was adopted out immediately, and the birthday we celebrated for me must be approximately correct. Since I was almost certainly illegitimate—Forgive me, M-mother—”
Beynac reached to pat Rydberg’s hand. “Quite all right, you wonderful bastard.”
“Uh-hm! Where was Guthrie and what did he do in the nine months previous? It turned out that six months earlier than that, the local news in a small Pacific Northwest town called Aberdeen reported that once again the community was honored by the distinguished presence of Mr. and Mrs. Anson Guthrie, who were visiting their friends Mr. and Mrs. Sigurd Ebbesen. A detective on site jogged various people’s memories, consulted the database further, and learned that Miss Dagny Ebbesen moved at that time to Quito, Ecuador, under the tutelage of the Guthries, where she was to receive a first-class education in the Fireball school before being offered employment in the company. There was no record in Ecuador of her giving birth, but it would have been easy for them to conceal, and investigation showed she did not enroll in the school until months after she left Aberdeen. The probability seemed high, and your career was a matter of public record. In fact, you are rather famous; I have long heard of you.”
The dry, rapid recital jerked to a halt. Rydberg’s glance had turned from Beynac while he spoke. He sat staring at the wall.
“Were you surprised?” she asked mildly.
“Well,” he said; “I thought … if my mother was a protegee of the Guthries … she would not live in poverty. Otherwise I had no idea about her.”
“Many, children fantasize about real parents who are far more glamorous and important than those they know. I’m afraid I can’t live up to that.”
His head swung back toward her. His right hand clenched on his thigh, the left grabbed at the edge of the couch. “I don’t want anything from you!” he cried. “I don’t need anything! I’m well off!”
She lifted a palm. “Easy, dear,” she said low. “I didn’t mean what you suppose. If you’re a space pilot, sure, you’re highly paid, and your share in the company is appreciating like an avalanche. Nor did I imagine for one second you’ve come sucking after preferment or special privilege. Credit me with that much insight.”
“I am sorry,” he said, contrite. “I am clumsy with words. Will you forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive, darling. You’re pretty well ashiver. Think I’m not? What I meant was just that I’m nothing extraordinary. A wife and mother. Former engineer. They asked me to take over some administrative chores. That was faute de mieux, but gradually the administrating crowded out the engineering. It involved me in politics, because somebody had to speak up for the ordinary resident, buck the assorted governments, try to get taxes and regulations held in some relationship to reality. So now, for my sins, I’m serving a term as mayor here, and I’m afraid there’ll be another term or two before I can locate a suitable successor who can’t run fast enough. That’s all.”