Test of Magnitude (The Torian Reclamation) Read Online Free PDF Page A

in...” he turned to the governor, “what was it the Sheen referred to us as, the alliance of wisdom?”
    The governor chuckled. “Yes, I believe that was it.”
    “This is the first time I have found myself in a political alignment described in such a manner,” the chancellor continued.  “If the issue ever becomes public, we’ll have to come up with a more humble name for it.”
    “Thank you,” Mip7 said. “It is my honor to assist in whatever the Torian government deems important, even if I don’t understand what I am asked to do.”
    The chancellor laughed.
    “If it makes you feel any better,” the governor said, “neither of us understands what Arkan9 is doing, either. He is certainly compelling, though, and seems to be of the same mind as the chancellor and I on foreign policy. We think it is best to appease him, as he could prove to become an influential ally.”
    Two more bright-skinned Banorians walked into the lobby from behind. One of them spoke.
    “Chancellor, your shuttle is ready when you are.”
    “Yes, yes,” the chancellor said, “we can go.” He turned to the governor, frowned, and pointed back down the hall towards his office. “Perhaps I should take it with me.”
    The governor returned the frown. “If you wish, Chancellor, certainly. However, Mip7 will be at the Science Complex in a few hours, and can deliver it personally. You and I agreed it should be analyzed before presenting it to the High Chancellor, and that can be done thoroughly there, and immediately.”
    The chancellor’s eyes became unfocussed and his head shivered, as if he were breaking himself from a captivating train of thought.
    “Yes—you’re right, of course. Very good, then. I will be in touch about those arrangements.” He bowed and turned to go before the governor and Mip7 could return the salutation.
    They watched him get into the spaceport lift with his assistants. After the lift door closed, Mip7 followed the governor back to his office.
    Mip7 sat down and noticed an odd-shaped object on the governor’s desk. It was a standing square frame made from some kind of rock, or perhaps a rock/metal meld. There were small pieces of polished metal lying on the desk next to it.
    “Have you received any messages directly from Arkan9 or ResearchLab-71?” the governor asked.
    “No,” Mip7 replied without taking his eyes off the strange object.
    “Then you don’t know anything other than your travel arrangements?”
    Mip7 looked at the governor now. “No—and I’m not even sure where Arkan9 is meeting me.”
    “I think it’s safe to assume he will find you if you just go to reception at RL-71. You have been given security clearance for the entire area. However…”
    Mip7 waited while the governor tapped on his lightpad.
    The governor continued. “Assisting Arkan9 may be a more difficult task than he made it sound. The scientists know you are coming, and they have been informed that Chancellor Renal5 has authorized your research assignment on the beings from that planet, but…”
    “But what, sir?” Mip7 was becoming concerned.
    “I don’t think they know your intention is to revive the research subjects.”
    “You think that will present a problem?” Mip7 asked.
    “Scientists don’t like outside interference. I have yet to meet one who is cooperative with suggestions from non-scientists. You may find them to be resistant.”
    Mip7 looked back at the object on the governor’s desk and said, “My assignment, as I understand it, is to be Arkan9’s assistant. I plan on leaving any negotiating with authorities up to him, if that’s okay with you.”
    “It’s a game,” the governor said. He was now looking at the object as well.
    Mip7 cocked his head, uncertain if he understood the governor’s last statement.
    “This,” the governor said, pointing to the object. “It’s a game. A parting gift from the Azaarian ambassador. I had almost forgotten about it. Chancellor Gormin8 and I were just