Artists on the Galactic Tunnel Network (EarthCent Auxiliaries Book 4) by E. M. Foner

Author:E. M. Foner [Foner, E. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Foner Books
Published: 2022-04-02T06:00:00+00:00

Twelve

“No, I am not an intelligence agent,” Larry repeated for the two Vergallians in an even tone. “I thought the whole point of answering questions in front of a truthsayer was so you’d know whether or not I’m lying. You’ve already asked me the same question three different ways.”

“But you admit to delivering a sealed consignment for—” the woman in the Vergallian Fleet officer’s uniform glanced down at her tab before continuing, “—Next Stop Deliveries.”

“Is that what Flower is calling her package network? I thought she liked using her own name in everything.”

“Don’t you check the cargo manifest when you accept transfer shipments?” the officer asked.

“Not when they’re from Flower,” Larry said. “If she wanted to trick me, she could trick me. She said it was art.”

The Vergallian leaned forward and asked, “But did Flower tell you whose art you were carrying?”

Larry shook his head. “Only that they trusted me and that it had to be here on time.”

“He believes what he’s saying,” the truthsayer confirmed.

“And you had no idea at all that you were working for M793qK,” the officer said, making the question sound like a statement.

“I didn’t even know he was an artist,” Larry said.

Both Vergallians looked at him in disbelief. “How could he not be an artist?” the truthsayer demanded in exasperation. “Mastery of three or more of the Seven Arts of Farling is a requirement to move up in their hierarchy. M793qK is known to have mastered five, and as for the other two, it’s probably just that he hasn’t been caught yet.”

“Let’s take it again from the top,” the Vergallian officer said, redirecting her desk lamp so that the light was shining in Larry’s eyes. “How do you know the Farling?”

“He’s our family doctor,” Larry said in frustration. “He delivered my son.”

“Unbelievable,” the truthsayer said. “The rumors were true.”

“What rumors?” Larry asked, trying to shield his eyes from the light and see his interrogators.

The officer tilted the light back down again and held up a tab with a high-resolution image of John lying dead on a stretcher as he was being loaded into a stasis pod. “Do you know this man?”

“Of course I know him. I was with him at Rendezvous here when he got poisoned, and our wives both work for the Galactic Free Press. We’re all friends,” Larry added.

“Were you aware that he’s a triple agent working for both M793qK and Huktra Intelligence?”

“No, and as a matter of fact, I’m sure he isn’t.”

“He believes what he’s saying,” the truthsayer told the officer.

“What’s this all about?” Larry asked. “Maybe if you explained what you want, I could help.”

“It’s nothing,” the officer said, sounding rather disappointed. “You can go now.”

“That’s it? After having me detained and giving me the third degree about delivering a consignment of artworks for Flower, you aren’t going to explain why?”

“You aren’t an intelligence agent so you wouldn’t understand. As compensation for your inconvenience, I’ll inform the parking authority to give you a twenty-five percent discount.”

“Enjoy your visit to the Aarden Arts Festival,” the truthsayer added.

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