Transformation Space - Marianne de Pierres [27]
Thales told them about Lasper Farr and the DNA.
‘You expect us to believe that we’ve been infected with a virus that affects our desire to question, that softens our intellect.’ Kantos burst into laughter. ‘Of all the preposterous accusations! This one borders on hallucinatory.’
Thales expected the others to share this open scepticism. ‘The virus affects the orbitofrontal cortex, where decision-making occurs. Have you noticed a change in each other? A reluctance to make decisions? A tendency to maintain equilibrium? A fatigue that takes you when deep thought is required?’
The Sophos members exchanged eyebrow-raised glances.
‘There is something else you can check. Fortunately, I chose not to carry the DNA in my bloodstream, as Commander Farr wanted me to. That, coupled with the virus the Commander administered to force me to comply with his wishes, would surely have killed me. As it was, it left its legacy.’ He touched his cheek. ‘Necrosis. The Baronessa’s biozoon has helped the healing.’
‘But surely your HealthWatch would have protected you?’ said Rene.
He stared at her intently. ‘It had been tampered with. Commander Farr scanned me when I returned to Edo. He told me that my most recent update had been sabotaged.’
Rene’s pale face flushed. Her hands flew to her cheeks. ‘Impossible. You used the Sophos clinic.’
‘Someone deliberately interfered with my renewal, Rene Mianos. Scan my immunity and match it to the batch I received.’
A murmur spread along the table. One to the other, they whispered and conferred.
‘Gutnee Paraburd’s premises were in the port terminal. Search his office and question him,’ Thales continued. ‘You shall soon see the veracity of my story.’
‘Who would have created such a virus, and why, Msr Berniere?’ asked Rene. She seemed to struggle to form the simple question.
‘I met the tyro Tekton of Lostol. He was able to trace the chain of business from the laboratory on Rho Junction to the original supplier.’
‘Which was who?’ demanded Lauda. Of all the Sophos, he seemed the sharpest, the most energised.
‘Her name is Miranda Seeward, a dicter of some note and also a tyro on Belle-Monde.’
The Sophos began to murmur among themselves again. Clearly many of them knew of Dicter Seeward.
Finally, Lauda stood up. ‘We shall consider your claims. Withdraw to the anteroom until you are called.’
Thales nodded and followed the Robe out. Was the Baronessa right? Were the Sophos beyond making intelligent or balanced decisions? Were they beyond hope? And how did she fare right now? Had the baby been born? Had it survived? Thales felt weighed down by concerns.
The bond between him and Mira was not romantic, as his feelings had been for Rene. Nor did it resemble the deeply passionate way Fariss moved him. It was more a genuine warmth, and a desire to see things go well for her. Friendship, he thought, one that would grow and endure, given a chance.
He sighed and turned his attention to the two Robes waiting with him. Had the virus affected all walks of Scolar life or merely the philosophers? The politic guards seemed as composed and expressionless as he was accustomed to seeing them, but were they as committed to upholding the law of the Sophos as they had always been? Or had the ennui crept in among them too?
‘You heard my story,’ said Thales. ‘What’s your opinion?’
The guards showed no indication of hearing him.
‘Have you seen a change in the people you serve and protect? Do you see that your world is different?’
This time the guards exchanged glances but didn’t reply.
‘Our Sophos is no longer reliable. Their decision-making has been compromised by a virus. Are you still prepared to blindly follow their edicts, knowing that?’
His statements were inflammatory, treasonous. He knew that and cared not. A sense of urgency had taken hold of him. There was little time to preserve his world.
One of the guards looked as though he might speak, but then he stopped and nodded at an instruction unheard by Thales. He walked to the inner door and opened it. ‘Enter,’ he instructed.
The Robes followed closely behind