Mirror Space - Marianne de Pierres [17]
Or was it ridiculous?
A disturbingly exhibitionistic and egoistic streak ignited in Tekton. After all, his sexual prowess was formidable, even to the likes of the voracious Dieter Miranda Seeward. Legendary even. And perhaps there was potential for this to turn his way. He just had to figure out how best to use it.
He would, however, strangle Fenralia later. Preferably with its own rapacious and bizarrely elongated sexual organ.
But for now . ..
‘Msr?’
Tekton suddenly found himself surrounded by balol soldiers wearing grey uniform. The one with the most stripes stood in front of him. ‘Commander Farr requests the pleasure of your company in his lounge.’
Tekton nodded graciously and gave a little wave to his disappointed audience. ‘Lead on,’ he announced in a cavalier way.
The spectators began to whistle and stamp and then to Tekton’s and the soldiers’ astonishment, they followed them along the dais to a marquee decorated ingeniously with metal and aluminium scraps.
The soldier in charge ushered Tekton inside, then returned to keep the assembled mob in order. The crowd noise continued though, as they called for Tekton to return and deliver autographs.
‘I see you’re acquainted with the very talented Fenralia, Tekton of Lostol,’ said a quiet voice.
Lasper ‘Carnage’ Farr was seated in a formal chair next to a comfortable but luxurious couch.
Tekton approached him and sat on the couch without invitation. He was quite disappointed.
He doesn’t look at all terrifying, free-mind criticised. He’s so thin, and old-looking. Where are his battle scars?
Fool, said logic-mind.
Tekton tended to side with free-mind on this. Of all the humanesques in Orion, Lasper Farr should be immense and impressive, not a lean, gaunt grey-eyed man who had clearly not taken the time to use regular rejuvenation cosmetics.
‘A chance encounter of mine with the artist seems to have whetted its creative muse. I had no knowledge of the sculpture until just a few minutes ago,’ said Tekton blithely.
‘And yet you have already incited a near-riot.’
Tekton waved his hand. ‘Amusing indeed.’
‘Indeed,’ agreed Farr, without the hint of a smile. ‘I believe that you bought my sister passage from Rho Junction. I will arrange for your reimbursement.’
‘Most appreciated, Commander Farr. And how fares the young scholar? Both he and your sister were adamant that you could best treat his condition here, even though we had access to medical help aboard The Last Aesthetic.’
‘It is a rare bacterium, Tekton, and I have a superior laboratory. Some would say the best there is. May I offer you some champagne?’
‘Delighted,’ replied Tekton. Farr might not be impressive but he was refined and mannered enough for a martial type.
They sat in silence while Tekton waited for the glass to be produced and poured and brought to him by a uniformed aide.
‘The young man will recover,’ said Farr as an afterthought. ‘He says that your appearance in the clinic on Rho Junction was providence - some might say a Godsend - if of course you are of a mind to believe in deities, which I am not.’
‘An interesting conversation point, Commander, seeing as I am currently a tyro to one perceived as such.’
He’s a heathen, free-mind sniffed.
He’s playing you, logic-mind warned.
This time Tekton gave logic-mind free rein to give advice. With each quiet word Lasper Farr spoke, Tekton felt less steady. The man’s eyes were as cold and pitiless as Lostol’s ice caps.
‘In my opinion,’ said Lasper, ‘studium academics do not always care about their research topics. The intellectual exercise is enough for them. It also gives them a platform for dissembling and self-aggrandisement. ‘
‘I won’t take offence, Commander, but I would suggest that it is foolish to tar all academics with one brush. We might surprise you.’
Farr leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. ‘Surprise me then, Tekton of Lostol.’
Truth, urged logic-mind. Now.
Obediently, Tekton cut to the chase. ‘I know the creator of the DNA that you sent young Berniere to retrieve. Quite well, as luck