“I don’t believe you. What you’re suggesting is impossible, even for a man in your position.”
“Agreed. It does seem a touch unlikely. So, here’s what I’ll do. I’ll give you a taste. Let’s see.” He opened the sample already set aside for just such a moment. “This is Halifax R&D’s latest data spool on their trans-wormhole research. They’re close to making a breakthrough. If you have your pom, I’ll gladly transfer it. You can submit it to a more qualified contact inside Black Star or an affiliate. They’ll validate its authenticity.”
Niles opened a zippered pouch and reached inside but withheld his own device.
“What are trans-wormholes?”
“Does it matter?”
“It’s proprietary research. Once it’s on my pom, I can be charged with treason against the Collectorate.”
Thomas nodded.
“Which means I’m guilty of many counts of treason. I confess freely. My motives are none of your concern. If you’re arrested, Niles, you can strike a deal to take me down in exchange for a lighter sentence. See, you have leverage. Open your pom and accept the data spool.”
He retrieved the device but did not flip it open.
“Tell me your terms. Otherwise, I’ll take my chances.”
“It’s simple, Niles. I’ll transfer all my collected data to yours after I receive a guarantee from Black Star. I want half a million UCVs. Well worth it to open every door on Amity.”
“Half a mill. That’s mad.”
“A bargain. Actually. You’ll receive three hundred thousand for your trouble and deposit the remainder into three designated cubes. When it’s done, you leave Amity.”
Niles stifled a laugh.
“All that in six or seven days? Too many things can go wrong.”
“Yes, but you’re going to do it anyway. Niles, this is the score of your life. Before long, your assets will exceed your estranged Earth family. Rub their noses in it. Take charge of your future.”
Niles tapped his pom and triggered the data infusion node. Thomas grabbed the holo with trans-wormhole specifications and tossed it toward Niles, where the pom caught it. Niles flipped it shut.
“I’ll send this off for verification after my shift.”
“Perfect. Make your contacts aware of the timetable. When they realize what they have, they’ll climb the mountain. Their bosses should be in touch within a few days at most. Oh, and one thing: Don’t deviate from your work and leisure schedule. Don’t book a flight.”
Niles shook his head in resignation.
“Let me guess. You’ll be watching.”
“Every minute. Do remember: I have a long history in the art of human subtraction. Yes?”
“Yeah. Right. Take me back to the work site. My foreman is a cunt. She’ll be suspicious if I’m gone any longer.”
“Absolutely, Niles. I’ll offer a heartfelt apology for the disturbance.”
Which he did. The foreman nodded without a noticeable expression.
Yeah, so much for beauty. What a miss!
Thomas pressed down on the navigation arms and flew toward the L-3 shopping district, thinking of a nice lunch at his favorite bistro. He also dreamed of those three off-book financial cubes filling up.
And then, one day soon, a Shadow Gambit profile would uncover those cubes linked to their owner: Gov. Trevor Stallion.
Not much longer now, old friend ...
14
TREVOR STUDIED THE TIME and the wrapped blue gifts on his desk. He wanted the workday to end, but his schedule demanded otherwise. Shouldn’t the most powerful man on Amity tell his Chief of Staff to clear the calendar? Even better: Why didn’t he see it done yesterday?
He couldn’t wait to watch Ana scream and bounce when she opened the little box containing her first pom. Of course, it had to be the latest iteration. With her friends present, she’d want to show it off. Imagine the horror if the Governor’s daughter did not stand out among the eight-year-old set.
Trevor spent extra on the engraving, too. He hoped Ana would treasure the message and keep the pom long after another personal data device superseded it.
She dropped hints in varied messages throughout the week. His girl worked herself into a frenzy, so sure her endless campaigning would produce the ultimate result. Trevor thanked Effie not only for allowing him to buy it but to not present it as a gift from both.
The Stallions were about to make their first appearance at a huge gathering with different escorts. Ana enjoyed Shireena’s company, and Effie worked hard to be cordial toward the woman who’d one day be Ana’s stepmother. Trevor wasn’t naïve; he knew today would be hard on Effie though she’d never show it.
Remember, jackass. It’s all about your girl. Focus on her. The rest is gossip for the guests.
Tongues would surely wag, especially among the diplomatic corps. Only after Trevor took this office did he realize the intensity of the whispers among the administrative class.
“Director Gerte Brauman is here,” Andreas announced, door open. “Should I send her in?”
OK. Back to business. Maybe this will be a good distraction.
Trevor left his desk and intercepted the head of the Amity Housing Authority halfway. A snappily-dressed woman in a grey suit with hair only a touch whiter extended a hand to meet Trevor’s.
