STAR HOUNDS -- OMNIBUS Read Online Free PDF Page A

words.”
    “ … flesh pairs, as I said, who found some perverted thrill in that knowledge, and in the concealment of that knowledge from Friends, from the authoritative system that created you,” Chivon Lasster continued stiffly. “And in your perversity you created a rebellious bond, a bond whose value you clearly place far above your duties and fealty sworn to your creators.”
    Laura shrugged. “We’ve done a damned fine job for you, all of you. Our relationship … our love”—she spat the word out spitefully—”for each other has never interfered with performance of what our Aptitude Training Vectors have led us to. Look, Friend Lasster,” she said in a softer voice, “all I ask is for the chance to find Cal, a chance that only someone with my abilities might have.”
    “All we can do now, Laura Shemzak, is to take your request under consideration. Your work has been good and—”
    “Consideration?” Laura almost yelled. “Time is at a premium here! I must do this now. Who knows—”
    A chime sounded, interrupting Laura’s frustrated harangue. They both turned to see a door behind Chivon Lasster’s desk sliding open. This was not the door she had used to come in, Laura realized.
    A man entered the room, wearing a military outfit. His features were sharp, his eyes canny. “Pardon my intrusion, Friend Lasster. But you did say that Citizen Laura Shemzak was due for an audience at this time. And I can see that though I am not prompt, Laura Shemzak is. Good day to you, Laura.”
    Perplexed, Laura nodded.
    “I do believe I can handle this matter, Friend Zarpfrin,” Lasster said testily.
    “You forget, Friend Lasster, that as soon as any matter pertaining to the Jaxdrons leaves human-inhabited space, it enters my domain.” The officer had a high, shiny forehead and a prissy demeanor enhanced by the height at which he held his round nose.
    “How did you learn of this matter?”
    Laura saw the annoyance in Chivon Lasster’s attitude and struck while the iron was hot. “I’m sure that Friend Zarpfrin can read as well as you or I. Now, what I propose, Zarpfrin, is this: you provide me with a blip-ship and I’ll do the rest.”
    “If Zarpfrin can read, he can also hear, and I’m sure he’s been listening to our conversation and knows of your request.”
    Zarpfrin parted with a reassuring smile. “Through the privacy filter, Friend Lasster, as required. Now, as to Cal Shemzak, though … we naturally regret his loss, Laura, but he is expendable. Besides, a venture into Jaxdron-held space, even for a woman with your … odd and unique abilities, even with the use of a blip-ship … why, that would be tantamount to suicide.”
    Laura smiled. “Yeah.”
    “Then what you are suggesting is that we sacrifice one of our top agents, to say nothing of an expensive starship, for the slim chance of retrieving a man we don’t really need?”
    “I have a considerable bank account, as your files will no doubt tell you, Lasster,” said Laura. “How about if I put that up as a deposit against any blip-ship loaned to me?”
    “Ludicrous,” said Lasster.
    The other Friend held up a hand. “Now now, Friend Lasster, I have been taking this matter under heavy consideration and have even discussed it with the Council of Five—”
    “The Five …. You went above my—”
    “Time is of the utmost value here, as I am sure we are all aware. Now, as we have indicated, the Mulliphen incident has already been very costly to us, and the loss of Cal Shemzak is something we were prepared to write off. However, Citizen Shemzak’s brave request alters matters considerably.” He turned limpid eyes back to Laura, and for the first time ever in her dealings with the Friends she saw a speck of kindness. “We would certainly like to see Cal Shemzak returned to his state duties, even though, as you know, we are required to strongly disapprove of the relationship you claim. However, we would also very much like to have a look