12 Requiem by Peter David

Author:Peter David [David, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Space ships, Life on other planets, Calhoun; Mackenzie (Fictitious character)
ISBN: 9780671042387
Publisher: Pocket
Published: 2000-08-25T23:00:00+00:00

"I sense our time together is drawing to a close, Soleta."

It was several days later, and Soleta and Rajari were in the bar where she had first observed him. It seemed an appropriate place for Rajari to broach the subject that they both knew was inevitable.

It was evident to Soleta that Rajari was becoming weaker. Even in the few weeks that she had spent with him, the diminishment in his capabilities was getting evident. He was losing a few steps off his stride, and he seemed to be in pain more than he had been. He would try not to let on, but Soleta was trained as an observer. As a result, even when he thought she wasn't noticing and allowed the strains upon his body to cause him open discomfort, she saw it anyway. And she suspected that he knew that she saw it.

Nevertheless, out of respect for her carefully cultivated obliviousness, she said, "Oh? And why do you think that is, Rajari?"

"Because you are a young and vital woman who must certainly have more interesting things to do than hang about in the presence of a dying man. Because our little chats have provided you very little of use aside from some passing thoughts and an oddity of a relationship. That is why."

"Do we have a relationship?" she asked, eyebrow cocked in curiosity.

"I believe we do, yes. I confess that I am not entirely certain what it is, but it is a relationship nevertheless." He was quiet for a time and then he turned to her. "I know why you came here. But why have you stayed?"

"I have considered"

"No," he silenced her with a raised index finger. "Do not waste your time and mine telling me that I am some sort of scientific experiment. A research project. A study of evil nature versus the capacity for good. Perhaps you have managed to convince yourself of that, but you have not convinced me. Look into your heart, Soleta, or whatever array of circuitry and hardwire passes for a heart within an emotionless race, and tell me tell me truly why you have stayed here."

She opened her mouth to respond in a brisk and straightforward manner, but nothing came out. Finally, she was forced to admit, "I do not know."

He seemed oddly satisfied with the response. "That is good to hear. The first step on the road to knowing everything is admitting that you know nothing."

"I had a philosophy teacher who said something much along the same lines," said Soleta.

"Indeed?"

"Yes. I found her to be equally annoying."

He laughed at that. "I suppose I should be flattered. Or should I?"

"I do not know that, either."

"Excellent. Do you know, Soleta, what the most common element in the universe is?"

"Hydrogen."

"No. Ignorance. Here is to ignorance, then, my scientist," and he raised a glass, "for without ignorance, you would be out of a job."

"That is very true," she concurred, and tapped her glass against his.

"So where will you go upon leaving this less-than-pleasant place? Will you return to your father, Volak?"

"Perhaps.

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