Mirror Space - Marianne de Pierres [28]
Thales! It was as if Bethany was next to him. ‘No wine, thank you, Godhead, and I have recently eaten.’
Tekton was quiet for a moment while he accessed his moud. When he finished, he slapped his thighs. ‘Now, share your concerns with me.’
‘I would ask you to tell me about the substance I brought back from Rho Junction in the canister. In the laboratory, the creature spoke of it as an orbitofrontal cortex modifier. I am learned, as you know, Godhead, but not truly informed on the sciences.’
‘You’re best served to ask Commander Farr, young man. His laboratory has been conducting the analysis.’
‘You indicated that you knew the creator of it.’
‘Delicate information, Thales. Especially without knowing the intent with which it was designed.’ Tekton was mild but definite.
He reminded Thales in some ways of Sophos Mianos, but coated with another layer of manners and sophistication. ‘Perhaps I should take my enquiries elsewhere then?’
‘You are troubled by something, Thales?’
‘As you so aptly put it, Godhead, it’s a delicate matter.’
Tekton’s smile faded.
Thales felt dampness splash onto his hand. He rose to his feet, dabbing at his lip. ‘Please excuse me, sir; I believe I need to attend to my wound.’
‘Yes.’ Tekton stayed where he was. ‘Shame, shame. You were such a fine-looking fellow.’
A wave of resentment surged through Thales. He left before it claimed his caution and he spoke unwisely. He would see Bethany first, and then prepare himself to seek out Lasper Farr.
But when Thales returned to his apartment the Commander was already there with his sister. They were seated, facing each other across the small faux-wood occasional table. Bethany stared down at the alpine landscape images flickering past on the tabletop while Lasper Farr’s gaze fixed on her face. The animosity between the siblings poisoned the air.
Thales let his resentment turn to anger. Farr enjoyed bullying.
He leaned against the inside of the door to keep distance between them.
‘You’ve recovered well, Thales Berniere,’ said Lasper. ‘Intelligent of you not to inject the DNA. Unlikely you would have survived the combination.’
As with Tekton, Thales struggled to find civil words. He felt Bethany’s eyes upon him, urging composure.
‘I would be pleased to know the nature of the sample I brought to you, Commander. As it was destined for my home planet, I have an interest.’
‘Of course you do. It would be natural, but disclosing that information is not part of our agreement.’
‘Agreement?’ Thales’s voice rose. ‘I made no agreement. You took—’
‘Thales!’ Bethany warned.
Thales caught a steadying breath. ‘What progress has been made on Araldis?’
Farr leaned his elbows onto his raised knees and clasped his fingers. He seemed so mild-mannered, to the point of vague at times. How deceptive. Thales remembered the strength in the man’s fingers; the casual and complete callousness with which he dispensed violence.
The memory dried his mouth. How could one person’s physical strength inspire such fear in another? Had humanesques evolved so little past their most primitive state? Thales wondered suddenly about the Extropists. Surely they had left such behaviours behind.
‘The situation on Araldis is complicated. While the Saqr hold Dowl station they control the only means in and out of the system. I cannot even send scouts in,’ said Farr.
‘What of OLOSS?’
‘It seems that the Baronessa has made somewhat of a name for herself; outfacing Stationmaster Landhurst has earned her kudos amongst many supporters of Consilience. Images of her and the incident have been broadcast widely. She is fast becoming a legend.’ Farr seemed amused and faintly annoyed. ‘It also seems her brash . . . break away from her discussion with the OLOSS envoy has stirred the League to hastily investigate the situation.’
‘Investigate?’
‘As we speak, OLOSS has amassed a presence at Intel and Jandowae stations. That has made it more difficult for me to move my own people around.’
Thales frowned, not really understanding the implications. ‘Do you have