Counter Clock World by Philip K. Dick

Author:Philip K. Dick [Dick Philip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sf

12

We do not know what God is... because He is infinite and therefore objectively unknowable. God Himself does not know what He is because He is not anything.

--Erigena

They faced each other.

"I have a bomb hidden here in the vitarium," Ann said. "So don't try to use that gun on me. And even if you get me out of here, I can still detonate the bomb; I can kill you and Carl Gantrix, and if I do that the Uditi will go after your wife; they'll blame you and they're very vengeful."

He said thoughtfully, "You won't detonate the bomb while you're still here. Because that would kill you, too, and you're too vital, too active, to deliberately die."

"Thank you." She smiled her crinkly smile. "That's flattering."

A tap sounded at the front door.

"It's Mr. Gantrix," Ann said; she moved toward the door. "Shall I let him in?" In answer to her own question s"he said, "Yes, I think it would clear the air to have a third party here. Then you wouldn't be making all sorts of violent threats." She opened the door.

"Wait," he said.

She glanced up questioningly.

"Don't do anything to Lotta," he said, "and I'll let you have the Anarch."

Her eyes ignited, flared violently, triumphantly.

"But I want her back first," he said. "Physically back in my possession, before I give you the Anarch. I don't want your word." To her, words meant nothing.

Pushing the half-open door aside, a sloppily dressed, rather gaunt and tall Negro said tentatively, "Mr. Hermes? Sebastian Hermes?" He peered into the front room of the vitarium. "Good to finally meet you, sir, face to face. Goodbye, Mr. Hermes." He walked toward Sebastian, his hand extended.

"Just a moment, Mr. Gantrix," Sebastian said, ignoring the proffered hand. To Ann he said, "You understand the agreement?" He fixed his gaze on her, trying to read her face; it was impossible to guess what was going on in her mind: he couldn't gauge her response.

"I can see I'm interrupting," Gantrix said, jovially. "I'll go take a seat--" He strode toward one of the chairs. "--and read, until you're finished." He glanced at his wristwatch. "But I do have to meet His Mightiness, Ray Roberts, in an hour."

Ann said, "No one has 'physical possession' of anyone else."

"Words," Sebastian said. "You use them sadistically; you know what I mean. I just want her back, here, not somewhere else like a motel or the Library, but here in the vitarium."

"Is the Anarch Peak on the premises?" Gantrix spoke up. "Could I tiptoe in and have a look at him while you good people carry on your discussion?"

"He's not on the premises," Sebastian said. "We were forced to move him. For purposes of safety."

"But you do have actual and legal custody," Gantrix said.

"Yes," Sebastian said. "I guarantee it."

Ann said, "What makes you think I can deliver Lotta back to you? She left of her own free will. I have no idea where she is, except that somewhere in San--"

"But you will find the motel," he said.

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