A Glimpse of Infinity: The Realms of Tartarus, Book Three by Brian Stableford

Author:Brian Stableford [Stableford, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: science fiction, aliens, adventure, realms of tartarus, sci-fi
ISBN: 9781434443595
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2013-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

PART 4

30.

While Enzo Ulicon, Clea Aron, Abram Ravelvent, and Joachim Casorati supervised the attempt to awaken Joth Magner’s latent telepathic ability, Rafael Heres was once again confronting Sisyr. Luel Dascon was with him.

“We have come to a decision,” said Heres.

The word “we” was, in fact, empty of meaning. The only mind involved in the decision was Heres’ own. Even Dascon had been excluded, and Dascon did not know what had been decided. In fact, Dascon was almost afraid of what Heres might have decided to do.

“What have you decided?” asked Sisyr, responding smoothly to Heres’ obvious expectation.

“You must leave Earth,” said the Hegemon. “You must leave and never return. Whatever your interests here, they are at an end. I do not profess to understand your actions during the time you have spent here, but the outcome of what you have done is intolerable. In the beginning, our predecessors asked you for help, and for this reason only we do not regard what you have done as completely hostile. But you cannot stay.”

Sisyr’s blue eyes stared first at Heres, and then moved to Dascon. Dascon felt their pressure, and was compelled to speak.

“It is best,” he said.

“I will go,” said the alien. “I will need time to prepare.”

“You have twenty-four hours,” said Heres.

“I need more,” replied Sisyr.

“Why?”

“I am a long way from my home. I will have to make preparations for the journey. Interstellar journeys are measured in centuries, not in days. My ship has to be supplied, fueled, tested. It has been a long time.”

“Very well,” said Heres. “But you will understand that this work must be supervised.”

“I do not understand,” said Sisyr, flatly.

“We must be certain that there is no further interference,” said Heres. “Your house is being searched. All records you have kept and all property which you have accumulated are being confiscated. We are not yet acquainted with the full range of your activities here, nor are we certain of their purpose, but no further activity must take place. You must make such preparations as are necessary, and depart with all due speed.”

Sisyr said nothing, but gave a slight bow. There was no way of knowing whether this signaled acquiescence, or whether some irony was intended.

“Call in the police guard,” said Heres, this time to Dascon.

Dascon opened the door. There were four policemen waiting outside. With them were a captain of police and Thorold Warnet. Dascon’s eyes met Warnet’s, and the recognition struck him cold. He felt the shock in his heart, a sharp, small pain that died quickly as he realized how little it meant.

Dascon stepped aside, holding the door wide for Warnet to enter the room.

Heres was still facing Sisyr, and he did not turn instantly. It was only when the silence went on too long that he finally turned.

“Rafael Heres,” said Warnet, almost lightly, “Luel Dascon. You’re both under arrest.”

The color drained from the Hegemon’s face. He tried to speak, but the words simply would not come.

Warnet watched the effort which Heres put into trying to speak, and thought it very strange that there was real pain written in the other’s face.

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