Chaos Space - Marianne de Pierres [25]
His minds remained quiet, both of them raw and unable to offer elucidation on the experience; bruised like fruit dropped from a crate. The ‘all-knowing’ sense fell quickly away, so incapable was either mind of sustaining the memory or comprehension of such a torrent.
What had Sole wished him to know?
When finally the shock subsided, one overriding thought prevailed. Tekton forced himself to get up and bathe. When he had eaten he sat himself at his bureau.
Moud, what do you know of Rho Junction?
‘That is an exponentially expanding subject, Godhead. Could you be more specific?
Moud, can the contents of our conversations be monitored in any way?
Not that I am aware of, Godhead. Not unless you allow it.
Then I wish you to provide a list of all the manufacturers on Rho Junction.
I am prohibited from actively searching for such information, the moud replied primly.
And what, my incompetent little moud, does actively searching mean? A thick tendril of anger began to uncurl in Tekton’s breast. Had they deliberately engaged the stupidest, most spineless of assistants for him?
Some information is freely available on Studium Net. However, OLOSS has safeguards in place to prevent unverified information about dubious markets from being accessed by just anyone.
Just anyone! Are you implying that I fit that description?
That is their phraseology, Godhead, not mine.
Tekton made an audible clicking noise with his teeth. Hibernate, he ordered the moud.
The faint buzzing sound that signified its presence in his mind fell silent immediately.
Tekton paced the length of his sitting room several times and then ordered honey, bread and mokka to be sent to his quarters. In his present mood he didn’t feel like the company of the other tyros.
Instead he disrobed and climbed into his lotion sack to try and relax while he waited for the light meal to arrive. What he needed was someone outside OLOSS influence to snoop for him. Jo-Jo Rasterovich would have been the perfect solution but Tekton doubted that he could get compliance from the vagabond mineral scout after their previous encounter.
In fact, logic-mind urged again, perhaps he should order his moud to add Rasterovich to his list of potentially dangerous personages whose whereabouts he monitored.
Paranoia! sniffed free-mind. Rasterovich was far too indolent and obtuse to be of any significant threat. And there must be countless Rasterovich types in Orion. Tekton just needed to locate one.
Logic-mind checked back in. He must verify the Pellegrinis’ delivery dates. While Tekton had enjoyed his brief interlude with Marchella Pellegrini on Araldis, he had no doubts about their efficacy when it came to business. Patriarchal caste societies like the Latinos of Araldis generally honoured their agreements, bound as they were by notions of honour and status.
What was it that the woman had negotiated for?
Logic-mind stamped upon his erotic memories and set about reviewing the contents of his negotiation.
Aaaah, yes. That’s right. She wanted a tyro for one of her Kind.
Never! squealed logic-mind. Those Latinos are so socially primitive.
Who cares? free-mind replied. Just ask the question. Be seen to be upholding the agreement.
Tekton saw the sense in free-mind’s suggestion. He slid out of his sack and patted the excess of lotion from his body with an absorbent cloth.
Moud?
The hum returned. Yes, Godhead?
Make an appointment with the Chief Astronemein.
Balbao, the Balol scientific Chief-of-Station and Tekton did not share similar interests, ideals or biorhythms. In their previous two encounters the C-o-S had exhibited little concern for Tekton’s complaints. This would work perfectly in his favour and Tekton approached the meeting confident that Balbao would deny his request instantaneously. He would then be able to relay the difficulties he was having to Marchella Pellegrini on Araldis