James P. Hogan Read Online Free PDF Page B

Masumichi replied. He was referring to the remote-directed surveyors put down at out-of-the-way spots on the surface for various reasons, so called on account of their all-terrain articulated legs and manipulators. They were also equipped to support two-way visual conversations between the operators aboard Aurora and anyone of interest who might be encountered. “His name is Korshak. He has set himself an intriguing and difficult task of extricating the lady he’s decided he loves from an impossible situation. If he pulls it off, he’ll have proved himself.”
    “What is he, in that horse and cart? Some kind of trader?” Iver asked.
    “A traveling illusionist. Intelligent, imaginative, innovative, and eager to learn. One who sees what others don’t see, with a unique perspective on everything. I got him accepted as ideal for the kind of mix that we need.”
    Iver nodded and returned a faint smile. “He sounds as if he could bring us some entertaining moments,” he agreed.
    “More than just entertainment, I would hope,” Masumichi replied vaguely.
    One of the reasons why Masumichi had gotten involved in recruitment was that it gave him access to the people in charge of Sofi’s limited fleet of aircraft, which typically numbered one to two hundred machines. With nowhere else to fly regular services to, its only needs were for travel within Sofi and occasional special-purpose missions farther abroad. Sometimes, individuals destined to join Aurora were flown from inaccessible faraway locations to Sofi, to be shuttled up to the ship. That was what interested Masumichi.
    Not all of the various political, military, and other interests coming together in some shape or form around the world were happy about the Aurora venture. In particular, those who were themselves at various stages of technological rediscovery, and harboring ambitions of dominance, were infuriated at losing the best of their innovators to Sofi. The rulers of Masumichi’s original island homeland off the east of Asia had promised him wealth and prestige if he agreed to stay put. When he refused, things had turned ugly, with intimations that members of his family might not fare so well if he didn’t change his mind. His inclination in response was to bring the closer of them with him. But even though his father had been one of the pioneer figures in the Aurora project, understandable constraints made it difficult to justify such requests beyond immediate spouses and children.
    He looked again at the image of the red wagon in the stable yard, still frozen on the screen. If Korshak pulled it off, he and his companions would still face a long and perilous journey to reach Sofi. And time was getting short. Aurora was scheduled to lift out of Earth orbit in a little over two months. Four places were allotted to them, which in all probability would never be used. But as of the moment, Masumichi had no clear idea how he intended exploiting the situation.
     

FIVE
    Korshak’s performance was given in a large salon opening off from the palace banqueting hall. It was typically used for assembling and entertaining guests prior to a major function, or as a sitting room when dances were held. Double doors from the main hall opened through to the rear of the salon’s major part, which was where the audience was seated. This included Shandrahl and his consort, Doriet, along with a retinue of nobles and ladies from their court; Prince Zileg with staff officers and officials who had accompanied him from Urst; and an assortment of palace functionaries and other notables invited for the occasion. Vaydien sat beside Zileg as his bride-to-be. Her younger half-sister, Leetha, was with her mother. The hall behind the doors at the rear was undergoing finishing touches for the banquet that would follow.
    At the other end of the salon, in front of the audience, a smaller space defined by two sections of wall projecting a short distance inward provided a convenient proscenium.