Choice of the Cat by E. E. Knight

Author:E. E. Knight
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: valentine, Vampires, speculative fiction, fiction, Science Fiction, american, future in literature, adventure, david (fictitious character), military, human-alien encounters, general, horror fiction, horror tales
ISBN: 9780451459732
Publisher: RoC
Published: 2004-05-04T00:00:00+00:00

“How do they get around, truck or train?”

“We know they use trains,” she answered, “disguised to look like ordinary freight cars. The last solid information we have is that1 they were in Oklahoma in March. Headed north, we believe. No information on trucks.”

“Hmmm, I’ve not heard anything about a ‘General’ from the Kansas Society. You never learned where they were going?”

“No,” Valentine chipped in, wishing to contribute to the conversation.

“How large? Do they have enough men and equipment to make a try to conquer, say, Denver?”

Duvalier shrugged. “We just don’t know. It can’t be too large an army. Anything bigger than a couple of regiments, and some of the other Cats would have picked it up and brought it to Southern Command’s attention.”

Victor’s jaw worked as he stared at the ceiling in thought. “I know there’s a new line being driven west into Colorado. First new construction in that direction I’ve heard about in ages; our venerable Masters don’t go in for civic improvement. You do know that they’re also putting in new lines on your western border, right?”

“We’ve had some word. Southern Command isn’t taking it seriously,” Valentine said. “They think it’s just another rail corridor to make defending the border easier.”

Victor brushed out his sideburns with the backs of his hands. “I wouldn’t be seen around where they are building.

They’ll either shoot on sight or impress you. Best case is you’ll be cutting embankments and driving spikes for a daily issue of corn bread for what’s left of your future. But you could ask my man out there. I’ve got an agent that does an occasional run into the Denver Zone. He sometimes comes back with word of what’s going on in the mountains.”

Duvalier brightened. “How do we get there?”

“I’ll put in a word with the East-West Line Chief, and that’ll get you as far as the high plains. I’d recommend horses once you’re out there. I’ll give you a letter of introduction to Cortez. He’ll get you supplies and mounts if you want to head west from there. He might even agree to guide you.”

A gentle knock at the back door announced the arrival of another visitor.

“It never rains; it just pours,” Victor quoted. “Last week I sat and twiddled my thumbs, but today you’re my fourth caller. You will stay the night, of course.”

Victor told his visitor that he would be just a few minutes, and introduced the Cats to a combed, pressed, and manicured servant named Iban. He charged Iban with preparing meals and bedrooms for the pair, and returned to the door to greet his latest arrival, a dust-covered man with a hat so wide it was just short of a sombrero.

The well-tended rooms, rugs, and furnishings made Valentine long for a bath more than for a meal. Iban somehow telepafhically picked up on his desire and suggested, “If you want to wash up before you eat, there is fresh soap and towels in the first-floor bathroom.”

“Dibs,” Duvalier said quickly. “Victor’s bathrooms are incredible. Hot running water at the twist of a knob, and a razor so sharp, you can shave with its shadow.

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