Olympus (SSC) by Martin H. Greenberg (ed.)

Author:Martin H. Greenberg (ed.) [Greenberg, martin H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci Fi Anthology
Publisher: DAW Books, Inc.
Published: 1999-08-12T23:00:00+00:00

Benny had to admit that the guy looked the part of a god—tall, majestic, magnificently broad-shouldered, his face calm and unlined. He wore his white hair and beard long, and arrayed in ringlets; the contrast with his smooth, youthful complexion was striking.

He was dressed in an impeccable gray suit, and filled the conference room doorway quite convincingly, almost hiding another figure who stood just behind him—a shadowy figure, almost as tall. The white-haired man announced, “My brother has chosen to accompany me. I trust you have no objection.”

“Of course not,” Benny said. “We have nothing to hide.” He gestured at the waiting chairs. “Come in and make yourselves comfortable.”

The two men entered and seated themselves, Zeus striding boldly, his dark brother moving silently, almost stealthily. Benny stared at the brother, but seemed unable to see him properly; he got an impression of someone large, dark, and forbidding…

Uncomfortable, he tore his gaze away and looked around the table. “Well, we’re all here,” he said.

Then he noticed that Bambi wasn’t listening. She was staring at the dark figure.

Benny frowned and turned to Zeus. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your brother’s name…?”

“Hades,” Zeus said. “I had thought you would recognize him.”

“Hades?” Benny looked at the dark figure and paled slightly under his tan. Whoever and whatever that guy was, Benny didn’t want anything to do with him.

“If you’re trying to intimidate us, it isn’t going to work,” Bambi snapped. “I’m not scared of him.”

Her voice didn’t sound entirely steady, and Benny glanced at her.

She was still staring at Hades. From her expression, she really wasn’t scared.

That didn’t mean she wasn’t reacting, though.

Benny suppressed a groan; he leaned over and muttered, “Hey, pay attention. We have business to conduct.” Then he leaned closer and whispered, “What is it with you? You have a thing for gods? That guy gives me the creeps! And if you act like a round-heeled slut, it isn’t gonna make my job any easier!” He glanced at the two gods—somehow, here in the room with them, he was having much less difficulty in believing they were indeed gods—and wondered whether Zeus had brought Hades along deliberately, knowing Bambi would find him attractive.

Tall, dark, and handsome, yeah, but still, Benny wondered, what did Bambi see in him?

“Sorry,” Bambi said, turning away from that ominous figure. “Guess maybe I do have a fascination with the divine.” She giggled nervously and stole a quick glance at Hades. “Or maybe a deathwish.”

“Well, whatever it is, it can wait,” Benny said. Then he turned to Zeus and spoke up.

“In your fax you acknowledged impregnating my client,” he said. “May I ask what your intentions are toward the child and mother-to-be?”

“I have no intentions,” Zeus replied. “The child is mine, and will be a mighty hero. When he is grown, he may come to me as a son comes to a father, to be recognized and accorded the treatment he deserves.”

“Hm.” Benny cleared his throat. “I’m afraid that isn’t sufficient. Under the laws of this state

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