Technos by E. C. Tubb

Author:E. C. Tubb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ace
Published: 1972-05-23T16:00:00+00:00

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The chemist was a round, middle-aged man with tired eyes and manner. He pursed his lips at Dumarest's order. "Something to keep you awake? Sure I can supply it. Have you got an order?"

"No."

The man shook his head. "That makes it difficult. All drugs are under strict control or didn't you know that?"

"Of course I know it. All I want is something to give me a lift." Dumarest lowered his voice. "You're a professional man and I'd appreciate your advice. I've got some important work to do and I was on a binge last night. Didn't get a wink. If I fall asleep on the job I'll get canned for sure." He displayed a folded bill, "It's worth this if you can help."

"Studying, eh? You up for exams?"

"That's right." Dumarest didn't know what the man was talking about but rode along. "It's my last chance and I don't want to spoil it."

"I know how you feel." The chemist was abruptly sympathetic. "I had to sweat to get my degree. We had neighbors, dumb swine who stayed up late and the noise was really something. At times I thought I'd go out of my mind trying to memorize formulas." He reached for a jar and poured tablets into an envelope.

"These should do it. Take three at a time and repeat as you need." He exchanged the envelope for the bill. "Good luck!"

Luck, thought Dumarest as he left the just opened druggist's. How long could it last? He'd had more than his share when he'd met the woman. She had obviously been someone of importance, a member of some high family perhaps, and he had walked from the train under the shield of her authority. An all night restaurant had provided food and shelter, and he'd stayed there until the dawn had awakened Technos to life. Now, armed with the tablets, he faced another day.

He took three with a cup of savory liquid at another restaurant. The fatigue of constant strain was beginning to catch up, but it was important that he stay alert. With care it should be possible to lose himself among the teeming population of the capital.

But how to find Elaine Delmayer?

On a small, primitive world it would have been easy. Everyone would know everyone else. On a medium civilized planet it would have been impossible without the expenditure of money and time. On Technos it shouldn't be hard. A society in which everyone carried identification cards was one in which everyone would be registered in a central index. All he had to do was to find it.

The waitress was young and obviously impressed. She frowned as he asked the question.

"You want to find someone and you don't know her address?"

"That's right." He smiled at her. "An old friend. We lost touch and I'd like to meet her again."

The hint of romance won her cooperation. "I should try the library. It's over in the palace. They should be able to tell you what you want to know."

The

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