Gods of the Greataway by Michael G. Coney

Author:Michael G. Coney [Coney, Michael G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780575129436
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2013-04-22T18:30:00+00:00

ARRIVAL OF THE TRIAD

Selena would never have guessed how lonely Boss Castle would be without Mentor. After she had visited Brutus and found him resting comfortably — although, alarmingly, unable to look her in the face — she returned to her quarters to await the arrival of Zozula. Shortly before noon, following a period during which her imagination had run riot and she had decided that not only Brutus, but Zozula, too, knew about Mentor, she summoned a caracal-girl by the name of Felicity.

“Do you people have regular contact with the baby factory?” she asked.

The girl was lithe and slender. She was pretty, too, but now her face twisted in disgust and she almost spat the words, “Contact with those dumb Specialists? Not us!”

“I think Brutus suspects the existence of Mentor. Could any of you have told him?”

“No. Why should we? You treat us well, and my father told me that we should never speak of what happens inside this place. It was a part of our original contract when our people became your personal attendants.” There was pride in Felicity’s voice. The caracal-people were fierce and clannish, which was why Selena had chosen them for their present duties.

“What about your menfolk?” she asked.

“There are only three. They would die rather than talk to others about Mentor. You ought to know that.”

“Yes, I ought. I’m sorry. It was a bad day yesterday, and today may be worse. Zozula is arriving from Earth.”

“Zozula? He’s the head Cuidador from Dome Azul, isn’t he? What does he want?”

“I wish I knew. He’s bringing a Wild Human and a neotenite.”

“To the People Planet?” Felicity was outraged, her fingers bent clawlike. “It’s an insult to you — to all of us!”

“We must try not to see it like that,” said Selena, and by the time the Triad arrived an hour later, she had been able to compose herself. Felicity brought the three Travelers in, and Selena greeted Zozula calmly.

“Welcome to the People Planet,” she said.

Zozula was shaking water from his cloak. “I’d forgotten what a godforsaken rock this is,” he said sourly. “Does it ever stop raining?”

“I saw our sun for at least three minutes yesterday. Did you have a good journey?”

“Tolerable, although I’d feel a little happier if those vulpids cut out some of the mumbo jumbo. It seems to me that every profession has built up a mystique around itself over the years. I sometimes think the sole purpose is to make it difficult for us True Humans to maintain control. Do you ever have any problems up here?”

Zozula’s question had emerged so naturally out of his remarks that she had to assume there was no ulterior meaning. “Not usually,” she said. “But Brutus’s injury triggered a reaction. Suddenly the Specialists are complaining about everything, and they’ve demanded a formal discussion. We’re meeting later this afternoon.” She went on to describe the circumstances surrounding Brutus’s accident.

The Girl spoke for the first time. She looked even paler than usual. “Brutus sounds like a very good person.

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