Misfits by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller & Steve Miller

Author:Sharon Lee & Steve Miller & Steve Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, weather, liad, sharon lee, korval, steve miller, pinbeam
Publisher: Pinbeam Books

"We had managed," the Delm Lysta said, "to quiet the problems you have caused. We brought you home to the clanhouse, fed you, clothed you, kept you from prying eyes and wagging tongues. You have, in return, tended our inner gardens, and for the most part you have been respectful."

His delm turned on him suddenly. Brunner recognized the play, and the actor whose stance was but poorly emulated.

"Tell me why you thought, what gave you the least reason to assume, that you would be permitted to broadcast your name to the world now? You fall yet short of the ten standards we had agreed to retain you in house for your own protection. Have you no sense of propriety? Is it that you specialize in disasters?"

The delm pounded a key, sweeping the on-hold play from the wall-screen taller than he and replacing it with:

Scouts Confirm Meteorologic Concerns over Blast Aftermath read the teaseline, above a wonderfully colorful and overwrought full motion graphic representation of the beam blast and the resultant dust plume. Below that was his paper, exactly as he had written to yo'Lazne, detailing his concerns regarding trace timonium and other radioactive by-products, the assumptions of dispersal difficulties, the recommendation that nearby residents be tested for pollutants at least and perhaps treated to a prophylactic stay in an autodoc.

There was more. He was quoted from his letters of testimony regarding the investigation into the actions of Phaetera Company in the matter of Klamath, his certifications were listed. As he had given his opinions in his melant'i as a professional and an expert, he was signed as I. Brunner, Master Meteorologist, with neither clan nor even city of residence appended.

His analysis, including jet-stream particulate distribution, fall-out rates, half-lives, everything he'd sent to the Scout, were included by link.

Brunner sighed and turned to his delm.

"By warning the people of Liad of the peculiar nature and dangers of the blast plume, and showing potential areas of concern, I have shamed the house?"

His delm stamped feet, twice. Brunner wasn't certain of the play from which the gesture was borrowed, though the mood he knew far too well. The delm being a forever hopeful playwright, all actions were seen through another author's eyes.

"Ten Standards. Ten Standards you were to remain silent to the world, and then to remove yourself to a quiet occupation. This morning already I have had three comm calls and a piece of mail inquiring if this is the clan home of I. Brunner.

"We have an orderly house." The delm sniffed. "And we will have an orderly house. This--" waving energetically at the wall "--is not a quiet occupation, do you understand? I am willing to acknowledge you ten years a gardener, and to divert a portion of the trust to set you in that service."

Brunner bowed, acknowledging that he'd heard.

The comm line blinked; the delm ignored it in favor of staring toward the door toward the outer halls, where a rarely heard chime echoed discreetly.

"This, if this is more of

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