Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye by Alex White

Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye by Alex White

Author:Alex White [WHITE, ALEX]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 2024-12-03T00:00:00+00:00


“Ardent Violet,” a stilted, English-speaking voice says over the room speakers, “you have a visitor. Do you accept?”

“Yes.”

Giant eyes appear in front of Ardent, and they yelp. It takes them a moment to recognize the bridge of Redeemer’s nose. The massive construct shrinks until its crown just barely touches the ceiling. Five eyes blaze down at Ardent, each wrapped in silver filigree. Cracks and scars pit its face.

“Hello, Ardent Violet.”

“What is with Vanguards doing that?” Ardent straightens their robe’s cuffs on instinct—can’t be slouchy in front of the alien mecha president.

“I hope you’re being treated well.”

“I’m not in any pain,” they say. “Not hungry.”

“With luck, we can resolve all of this, and you can be released.”

Ardent balls their fists. “Where’s the signature file?”

“It has been given to me, where it will remain in my personal care until this business between August Kitko and the Pictorans is settled.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Nor should you. A creature from another galaxy holds the keys to your species’ salvation.” Redeemer’s eyes narrow. “The situation is suboptimal for humanity.”

“Thanks for pointing that out.”

“Truth is the cornerstone of lasting diplomacy. If need be, I can use the file on your behalf and write potent code. I can interoperate with any style of computing, even human.”

“And what will that do, ‘Great Translator’?”

“I will be able to manipulate Infinite directly.”

“Have you told Gus and Nisha? About capturing me? About the signature file? About… about Hjalmar?”

“I have informed the United Worlds.”

“And Gus and Nisha?”

“Only if their Vanguards have told them.”

“So why are you here, then?”

“I need you to be part of a team.”

“What kind?”

“The kind with a Dark Drive, the signature file, and a plan.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I can fix this, but it’s going to require a lot of cooperation.” Redeemer inclines its head. “Cooperation that, I’m afraid, hasn’t been forthcoming inside the Coalition.”

“You all seemed pretty united to me.”

“We are using a lot of resources to defend your species on faith. I believe you have something to offer us, but I can’t prove it.”

“Is that the only reason the Coalition is saving humanity?” Ardent asks. “Because we have something to offer?”

“Nothing is free, Ardent Violet. There are many things we wish to learn from you. Are there not Coalition technologies you crave?”

“Sure. Probably.”

“Then we must make this partnership last. I have a plan to do exactly that.”

“And are we worried about people overhearing this plan? This cell is probably wiretapped.”

“You’re a political prisoner and I’m the chancellor. The call between us is privileged. If someone is recording us now, they’re threatening their own freedom in the extreme.”

“Okay, fine. Tell me your plan.”

“First, I’ll have you transferred to a room with a view. You deserve better.”

Ardent rolls their eyes. “And what’s that going to do?”

“It was Falchion’s request.”

Ardent grimaces. “Really?”

“I’m taking the signature file to Titan. August Kitko and Scent of Rot need some guidance. With all of that sorted, you and August Kitko will meet at a prearranged location to build something for me.”

“Oh, I’m just going to pop out and do your bidding?”

“You absolutely are.



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