Man of Two Worlds by Herbert Frank & Herbert Brian

Author:Herbert, Frank & Herbert, Brian [Herbert, Frank & Herbert, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Philosophy
ISBN: 9780441518579
Amazon: 0441518575
Goodreads: 93440
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Published: 1986-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

Is there native dust on Venus or is it only the substance of God's design?

-- Sermon topic, Venusian archdiocese, Episcopal Church

Roweena Humperman, in remodeled armor, the cut-down lines visible at waist and hips, met them inside the Command Center heatlock with her helmet thrown back and a stiff smile on her lips.

"Colonel Paul is in a little hot water for this, Lutt. Who's this with you?"

As they tipped back their helmets and inhaled air cleaned of armor-recycling odors, Lutt introduced Lorna Subiyama.

"Ain't this the damndest piece of luck?" Subiyama asked.

"We'll see. They're talking about not letting us out of here. Come along. Paul's down this way."

She took one of the camera packs from Lutt and led them through another heatlock where Legion guards examined their passes, then out into another passage lined with glittering red rock of ruby stone darkness and intensity. The floor was large tiles of the same material grouted in white.

Stone benches of the red stone were spaced along the walls near red stone vases holding thick-leaved tropical plants. Walls and ceiling were polished smooth to reflect shadowy images of everything within them.

The decor of this place is no accident, Lutt thought.

What do you mean? Ryll wanted to know.

These dark reflections, there's something ghostlike about them. This is intended to be the nether world with shapes of dead legionnaire heroes all around.

I find the place morbid.

As they went deeper into the command complex, the echoes of voices and footsteps became more attention-demanding -- some distant and small, others immediate and loud.

Very clever design, Lutt thought and was forced to explain the correlation between architecture and psychology he had learned while redesigning the Enquirer Building.

Abruptly, running footsteps sounded behind them. A Legion corporal in secured armor passed them, turned and held a hand for them to stop.

"You the newsies? Yes, I see you are. General says there's some action topside right now. Give you all the drama you want. This way."

Humperman was first to seal her helmet but not before turning a demanding look on Lutt, eyes burning, nostrils flared.

She thinks we're being sent up to be killed, Ryll interpreted.

There was no time to object. The corporal herded them down a side passage and into an elevator.

He waited outside, one hand on the door control.

"This will let you out on Level One C. You'll find a ramp that leads up. Take it to a set of double doors. Show your passes there and follow directions to the surface."

"The surface?" Humperman demanded, voice stricken.

"Wow!" Subiyama said. "One minute we're headed to see the brass, the next minute it's straight into the war."

"Where's Colonel Paul?" Lutt asked.

The corporal spoke as he sealed the door. "Busy fightin' a war, monsieur. This is a full-scale attack. Stay behind the deflectors topside if you can. Very bad there."

Lutt, feeling the adrenaline surge of excitement, silenced Ryll's objections with logic.

If you want us to survive, strengthen me any way you can.

I will idmage a Dreen body or other appropriate guise if you suffer fatal damage, Ryll warned, knowing the threat was false.

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