Firestorm by Craig Robertson

Author:Craig Robertson [Robertson, Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-17T07:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-THREE

“I’m sitting back down and listening to your proposals, Harhoff. I have three conditions. One, I want to know exactly what you can do to help me rescue the Deft kids. They are who I was trying to free on Excess of Nothing. Two, if I’m going to be the iconic rallying point that you desire more than wealth or power, I want to know precisely what you expect of me. Three,” I held up the empty bottle of musto, “you’ll need to produce about three more of these before we begin.”

Harhoff angled his head and gave a throaty whine. “That third one may be the hardest. I’m afraid musto is hard to come by. My betters consider intoxicants unacceptable. They dull the mind and one’s ability to serve the empire.”

I made a show of folding my arms and looking resolute.

He left the room and returned with one bottle. “This is honestly all I have. I was saving it for a special occasion—one that involves a bitch, not another male.” He bit the cork and spat it to the floor. Gazing at the bottle, he said, “Alas, my native wit and charm will have to suffice when the opportunity presents itself.” He poured two full glasses.

“I’ll give you lessons, and you’ll be fine.”

“I doubt your techniques and insights would work with Adamant females.”

“My style works on all the ladies,” I scoffed back. I took a big swig of musto.

“As to your first condition, I don’t know really.”

“How very unencouraging and non-inspirational. You really should avoid careers in politics or door-to-door sales, my friend.”

“I’m not saying I can’t be very helpful, only that I don’t know how specifically. We need to discuss at length what you know and what costs you are willing to pay.”

“Do you have allies—like-minded Adamant—who can help?”

“Yes and no.”

“Again, less than reassuring. Do you guys have life coaches you can consult?”

“I mean to say I know a few and they know a few. Our points of view are most lethal if exposed.”

“So, you have small cells. The cell members only know each other. Only one of you need know someone higher up in the chain, to prevent the total collapse of the subversives if anyone is captured.”

“Basically. You are familiar with such a structure?”

“Yeah. Pretty basic clandestine operating procedure. So, all in all, how many freethinkers like you are there?”

“Obviously, I don’t know. I’d estimate maybe half a percent of the Adamant. So, there are a lot, but we are massively outnumbered.”

“Hmm. Interesting. Are there pacifists in the highest ranks? How about the emperor’s inner circle?”

“That I do not know. I’m only a mid-level individual. High ranking subversives, sure, there must be some. As to the emperor’s court, it would be less likely. His contacts are closely vetted and monitored.”

“Are you guys willing to die for your cause?” I fixed my attention on his eyes.

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. “We all understand what’s at stake, both in terms or risks and benefits.”

“That’s something. What about what you expect of me?”

“There I can be more specific.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.