Rhapsody for the Tempest by Marc Stiegler

Author:Marc Stiegler
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9781642020601
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2018-08-21T04:00:00+00:00

Dmitri strolled along the outside walkway of the Dreams, taking in the crisp evening air, just approaching the gangway to the Haven, to his home. He spread his arms wide as if trying to grasp the entire world. He still felt amazed to be alive, even more amazed to still be wealthy, and most amazed of all to still be a member of the BrainTrust. He strove now to be indispensable for the BrainTrusters. His investments covered the gamut of projects on the archipelago. He never would have predicted things could work out this well, given the circumstances he’d found himself in when he first brought his yacht alongside the Elysian Fields.

“Dmitri!” he heard his name called. He turned to see Colin Wheeler jogging toward him.

Dmitri watched him approach, puzzled, but smiling nonetheless. “How can I help you?”

Colin shook his head, “I’m good. Believe it or not, sometimes I don’t come asking favors. Sometimes I even offer them.” He held out a small cardboard box. “A memento.”

Dmitri mechanically accepted the proffered gift. “Thank you, I guess.”

Colin laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “You should definitely look this gift horse in the mouth. But don’t worry. As long as you’re careful with it, it won’t harm you.” And with that Colin jogged cheerily away.

Dmitri took the box up to his dwelling, nodding to Gina as she went out. Gina seemed to have forgiven him, at least sort of, despite her first whispered words to him after his release: “Kidnap anyone again, and I’ll strap you to a rocket engine test stand. Ever seen a steak after being broiled by five million pounds of thrust? I have. That’s you.”

It had occurred to him that the threat was neither idle nor impractical—not at least for Gina—but it didn’t bother him. He believed in loyalty and honor, and he had no intention of doing anything disloyal or dishonorable to the people of the BrainTrust again.

Reaching his desk, he picked up his old Smersh-5 combat knife and sliced the seal on the box. Inside was a dull gray lead vial, diligently sealed, and a simple manila envelope.

He stared at the vial, then picked up the envelope. He used his index finger to reach under the flap and tear it open.

The letter inside the envelope was short.

Dmitri,

Over the years, I have been drawn to the conclusion that we should always keep mementos of our most striking near-death experiences. To keep us appreciative of our second chances, to keep us alert.

We extracted this from your blood. Rhett Woodson on the Chiron can dispose of it for you if you’d prefer. Or you can keep it if you have a safe enough place for it. Your choice.

Dmitri stared again at the vial of polonium. If he had any sense, he would take it directly to Rhett. But… he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with it. So, until he figured it out, he decided to put it in the wall vault behind the bookcase next to his desk.

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