Lower World by Eloise Hamann

Author:Eloise Hamann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, mystery, science, imaginative, creative fiction, literary drama, general audience, characterdriven science fiction, detective hero, the deep ocean
Publisher: Eloise Hamann

Chapter 32

Once again, Benkon perched in the luxuriously comfortable chair near Kimon's desk in his palatial office.

“How’s it going in DP with the new mix? Keeping up?” Kimon said in an over friendly tone.

“Honestly, no. We’re falling behind a little each dek but it’s adding up. How long is this data mix to continue?”

“I’m not sure. It’s part of a project I want to discuss with you. The new mix is intended to uncover the designs of a group planning to undermine the Alliance.”

“I see,” Benkon said, frowning. “Seems incredible. Nothing has come up in the data stream along those lines.”

“They could be avoiding electronic communication. We discovered the possibility the old-fashioned way. An employee from the Subversives Division overheard a conversation following a couple leaving our building.” He stroked his worry stone as he sat back in his chair.

“So they're Linophryne employees? I assume you’re having them tailed and bugging their homes?”

“The kom heading SD had them killed before we could interrogate them.”

“Oh, Coel.”

“I nearly skinned him over it, but I don’t trust him anymore. You don’t kill perkone until you’ve tortured the ashes out of them for detailed information. That's why I asked for the board to grant me approval to replace him.”

Benkon said nothing while Kimon inspected his face for a reaction. The electrified aquasphere between them continued for an uncomfortably long time while Kimon rubbed his stone between his fingers.

“You know where this conversation is going,” Kimon said, at last.

“Yes, I’ll do whatever serves the Alliance,” he said as stoically as a pastor administering Coel’s last blessing.

“But, it’s not something you relish?”

“With all due respect, no.” He doubted this group’s intentions and couldn’t imagine anyone relishing violence.

“Sometimes the best kom for a job is someone who doesn’t want it.” He planted his elbows on his gleaming desk, splayed his fingers, and pressed them together under his chin.

“I understand, sir.” Benkon said, clenching his fists out of his boss’s sight.

“What’s with the sir?”

“Sorry, sir. I mean sorry, Kimon.”

“I’m not forcing anything on you. We’re friends.”

“Yes, Kimon.” Benkon said in a tone of a kom telling his wife, 'Yes, dear.' ”

Kimon lifted himself from his wide desk, positioned a chair to face his prospect, and leaned forward. “Are you hesitating because of the possibility of more killings?”

“Yes. It’s not the best way to preserve the Alliance in my opinion.”

“But you could give the orders?”

He hated the way Kimon leaned over and examined him. “If absolutely necessary.” He deliberately used a robotic tone.

“Let’s give the idea a little time. I need somebody with a cool head for this job. How about you think about it and we talk over drinks morrowdek after work. That good for you?”

“Yes.” He stood up, nodded at Kimon, and strode from the office feeling like he had been invited to a lifetime of pulverizing rocks.

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