(eng) Mack Reynolds - Lagrange 01 by Five Way Secret Agent

Author:Five Way Secret Agent [Agent, Five Way Secret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

V

In a little more than a month, Rex Bader took a shuttle-copter out to the international jetport, twenty miles off Long Beach and there took the Supersonic to the Eastern Mediterranean jetport floating some fifteen miles off Cannes and Nice. From there he took a shuttle to Genoa, and from there an electro-steamer limousine to Prague. He had never ridden in such swank transport in his life but that was part of his new image.

He had spent a bit more than two weeks of the preceding period boning up on the material that Francis Roget wanted to be sure he understood. The communications magnate continued playing his cards very close to chest. Temple Norman handled most of the details of Rex Bader's studies, giving him lists of books, classified ICI publications, clippings and articles. On three occasions Rex was turned over to others for specialized briefing. They were never introduced by name but all were experts on some phase of international political or economic affairs.

He had gotten a clearer picture of what Roget's group wanted. Rex Bader was to be the first to make contact with Roget's equal numbers in the Soviet Complex. After this very elementary touching of minds, the exchanges would become more thorough, a modus operandi for more sophisticated exchange of ideas decided upon.

Rex Bader wasn't being fooled. Roget was playing it very cool indeed. Rex was expendable. They were throwing him in at these preliminary stages to feel out what dangers might exist. He was undoubtedly going to earn his high pay.

He was with Roget and Temple Norman when the latter handed him an International Credit Card to supplement his ordinary pocket phone cum credit and identity card.

Rex said, "Just how far does this expense account of mine stretch?"

The ICI magnate said, "It is completely elastic, my dear Bader. The elements which you are expected to contact exist on the highest planes in the Soviet Complex. You could hardly go in as a tourist traveling Thrift Class. You will conduct yourself as a wealthy Ameri-can, staying at the best hotels, eating in the best restaurants, taking the advice of the sommeliers on the best vintages."

"O.K. It sounds great," Rex said. "However, how did I achieve this opulence so quickly? If your opponents have the same ability to delve into my dossier as you seem to have, then they'll find that my income usually consists of Negative Income Tax."

"We have gotten around that. A large amount has been deposited to your account. Supposedly, a legacy from your father, the late Professor Bader."

Rex said dryly, "My father left me a few hundred books, two or three family heirlooms and some used clothing. Dad had a predeliction for donating his all to lost causes. When he died, he was strapped. I sold the books to help my way through school."

Temple Norman put in, "It was not difficult to arrange. Supposedly it was a trust fund which you were unable to touch until you reached your present age. For all practical purposes, you have unlimited funds.

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