Cordwainer Smith_The Planet Buyer & the Underpeople

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The Planet Buyer

by Cordwainer Smith

(First part of Norstrilia Original)

THE PLANET BUYER

a science-fiction novel by CORDWAINER !ITH "o# Te$%

&y o'n t#(e 'ife% 'it) love

THE PLANET BUYER

A PYRA!ID BOO*-P(blis)e$+ Octobe# ,./

A s)o#te# ve#sion of t)is boo0 a11ea#e$ in 2ala3y cience fiction fo# A1#il%

,./% (n$e# t)e title4 5T)e Boy W)o Bo(6)t Ol$ Ea#t)5

Co1y#i6)t% 7 ,./ by Co#$'aine# &it)

All Ri6)ts Rese#ve$

P#inte$ in t)e Unite$ tates of A&e#icaPYRA!ID BOO* a#e 1(blis)e$ by Py#a&i$ P(blications% Inc8 /// !a$ison

Aven(e% Ne'

Yo#0% N8 Y8 ,99::% U88A8

Table of Contents

THE!E AND PROLO2UE

CHAPTER ONE4 At t)e 2ate of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)

CHAPTER TWO4 T)e T#ial

CHAPTER THREE4 An6e# of t)e Onsec0

CHAPTER "OUR4 T)e Ol$ B#o0en T#eas(#es in t)e 2a1 CHAPTER "I;E4 T)e

<(a##el at t)e Dinne# Table CHAPTER I=4 T)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t

CHAPTER E;EN4 T)e Eye U1on t)e 1a##o' CHAPTER EI2HT4 "OE !oney%

AD !oney CHAPTER NINE4 T#a1s% "o#t(nes an$ Watc)e#s CHAPTER TEN4 T)e

Nea#by E3ile

CHAPTER ELE;EN4 Hos1itality an$ Ent#a1&ent

CHAPTER TWEL;E4 T)e Hi6) 0y "lyin6

EPILO2UE AND CODA T)e&e an$ P#olo6(e

to#y% 1lace an$ ti&e>t)ese a#e t)e essentials8

,



T)e sto#y is si&1le8 T)e#e 'as a boy ')o bo(6)t t)e 1lanet Ea#t)8 We 0no'

t)at% to o(# cost8 It only )a11ene$ once% an$ 'e )ave ta0en 1ains t)at it 'ill neve#

)a11en a6ain8 He ca&e to Ea#t)% 6ot ')at )e 'ante$% an$ 6ot a'ay alive% in a se#ies of

ve#y #e&a#0able a$vent(#es8 T)at?s t)e sto#y8

:

T)e 1lace@ T)at?s Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 W)at ot)e# 1lace co(l$ it be@ W)e#e else

$o t)e fa#&e#s 1ay ten &illion c#e$its fo# a )an$0e#c)ief% five fo# a bottle of bee#@

W)e#e else $o 1eo1le lea$ 1eacef(l lives% (nto(c)e$ by &ilita#is&% on a 'o#l$ ')ic)

is booby-t#a11e$ 'it) $eat) an$ t)in6s 'o#se t)an $eat)@ Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia )as

st#oon>t)e santacla#a $#(6>an$ &o#e t)an a t)o(san$ ot)e# 1lanets cla&o# fo# it8 B(t

yo( can 6et st#oon only f#o& No#st#ilia>t)at?s ')at t)ey call it% fo# s)o#t>beca(se it is

a vi#(s ')ic) 6#o's on eno#&o(s% &iss)a1en s)ee18 T)e s)ee1 'e#e ta0en f#o& Ea#t)

to sta#t a 1asto#al syste& t)ey en$e$ (1 as t)e 6#eatest of i&a6inable t#eas(#es8 T)e

si&1le fa#&e#s beca&e si&1le billionai#es% b(t t)ey 0e1t t)ei# fa#&in6 'ays8 T)ey

sta#te$ to(6) an$ t)ey 6ot to(6)e#8 Peo1le 6et 1#etty &ean if yo( #ob t)e& an$ )(#tt)e& fo# al&ost t)#ee t)o(san$ yea#s8 T)ey 6et obstinate8 T)ey avoi$ st#an6e#s% e3ce1t

fo# sen$in6 o(t s1ies an$ a ve#y occasional to(#ist8 T)ey $on?t &ess 'it) ot)e# 1eo1le%

an$ t)ey?#e $eat)% $eat) insi$e o(t an$ t(#ne$ ove# t'ice% if yo( &ess 'it) t)e&8

T)en one of t)ei# 0i$s s)o'e$ (1 on Ea#t) an$ bo(6)t it8 T)e ')ole 1lace% loc0%

stoc0 an$ (n$e#1eo1le8

T)at 'as a #eal e&ba##ass&ent fo# Ea#t)8 An$ fo# No#st#ilia% too8

If it )a$ been t)e t'o 6ove#n&ents% No#st#ilia 'o(l$ )ave collecte$ all t)e eye-

teet) on ea#t) an$ sol$ t)e& bac0 at co&1o(n$ inte#est8 T)at?s t)e 'ay No#st#ilians $o

b(siness8 O# t)ey &i6)t )ave sai$% 50i1 it% cobbe#8 Yo( can 0ee1 yo(# 'et ol$ ball8

We?ve 6ot a nice $#y 'o#l$ of o(# o'n85 T)at?s t)e te&1e# t)ey )ave8 Un1#e$ictable8

B(t a 0i$ )a$ bo(6)t Ea#t)% an$ it 'as )is8

Le6ally )e )a$ t)e #i6)t to 1(&1 (1 t)e (nset Ocean% s)oot it into s1ace% an$

sell 'ate# all ove# t)e in)abite$ 6ala3y8

He $i$n?t8

He 'ante$ so&et)in6 else8

T)e Ea#t) a(t)o#ities t)o(6)t it 'as 6i#ls% so t)ey t#ie$ to t)#o' 6i#ls at )i& of

all s)a1es% sies% s&ells an$ a6es> all t)e 'ay f#o& yo(n6 la$ies of 6oo$ fa&ily $o'n

to $o6-$e#ive$ (n$e#6i#ls ')o s&elle$ of #o&ance all t)e ti&e% e3ce1t fo# t)e fi#st five&in(tes afte# t)ey )a$ )a$ )ot antise1tic s)o'e#s8 B(t )e $i$n?t 'ant 6i#ls8 He 'ante$

1osta6e sta&1s8

T)at baffle$ bot) Ea#t) an$ No#st#ilia8 T)e No#st#ilians a#e a )a#$ 1eo1le f#o& a

)a#s) 1lanet% an$ t)ey t)in0 )i6)ly of 1#o1e#ty8 W)y s)o(l$n?t t)ey@ T)ey )ave

&ost of it8 A sto#y li0e t)is co(l$ only )ave sta#te$ in No#st#ilia8

W)at?s No#st#ilia li0e@

o&ebo$y once sin6son6e$ it (1% li0e t)is4

52#ay lay t)e lan$% o)8 2#ay 6#ass f#o& s0y to s0y8 Not nea# t)e 'ei#% $ea#8 Not



a &o(ntain% lo' o# )i6)>only )ills an$ 6#ay 6#ay8 Watc) t)e $a11le$ $i&1le$

t'in0les bloo&in6 on t)e sta# ba#8

5T)at is No#st#ilia8

5All t)e &($$y 6l(bbe#y is 6one>all t)e 1ove#ty% t)e 'aitin6 an$ t)e 1ain8

Peo1le fo(6)t t)ei# 'ay a'ay% t)ei# 'ay a'ay f#o& &onst#o(s fo#&s8 Peo1le fo(6)t fo# )an$s an$ noses% eyes an$ feet% &an an$ 'o&an8 T)ey 6ot it all bac0 a6ain8 Bac0 t)ey

ca&e f#o& $ayli6)t ni6)t&a#es% cent(#ies ')en &onst#o(s &en% s(c0in6 t)e 'ate#

a#o(n$ t)e 1ools% $#ea&e$ of bein6 &en a6ain8 T)ey fo(n$ it8 !en t)ey 'e#e a6ain%

a6ain% fa# a'ay f#o& a )o##i$ ')en8

5T)e s)ee1% 1oo# beasties% $i$ not &a0e it8 O(t of t)ei# sic0ness t)ey $istille$

i&&o#tality fo# &an8 W)o says #esea#c) co(l$ $o it@ Resea#c)% bes&i#c)F It 'as a

1(#e acci$ent8 &ac0 (1 an acci$ent% &an% an$ yo(?ve 6ot it &a$e8

5Bei6e-b#o'n s)ee1 lie on bl(e-6#ay 6#ass ')ile t)e clo($s #(s) 1ast% lo'

ove#)ea$% li0e i#on 1i1es ceilin6in6 t)e 'o#l$8

5Ta0e yo(# 1ic0 of sic0 s)ee1% &an% it?s t)e sic0 t)at 1ays8 neee &e a 1lanet%

&an% o# co(6) &e (1 a s1ot of life-fo#eve#8 If it?s ba#&y t)e#e% ')e#e t)e no$$ies an$

t#olls li0e yo( live% it?s too #i6)t )e#e8

5T)at?s t)e boo0% boy8

5If yo( )aven?t seen it% yo( )aven?t seen No#st#ilia8 If yo( $i$ see it% yo( 'o(l$n?t

believe it8 If yo( 6ot t)e#e% yo( 'o(l$n?t 6et off alive8

5!ot)e# Hilton?s litt(l 0ittons 'ait fo# yo( $o'n t)e#e8 Little 1ets t)ey a#e% little

little little 1ets8 C(te little t)in6s% t)ey say8 Don?t yo( believe it8 No &an eve# sa'

t)e& an$ 'al0e$ a'ay alive8 Yo( 'on?t eit)e#8 T)at?s t)e final $as)% flas)8 T)at?s t)e

(tte# clobbe#% cobbe#8

5C)a#ts call t)e 1lace Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia85 We can s(11ose t)at t)at is ')at it is

li0e8

/

Ti&e4 fi#st cent(#y of t)e Re$iscove#y of !an8 W)en C?&ell live$8

Abo(t t)e ti&e t)ey 1olis)e$ off )ayol% li0e 'i1in6 an a11le on t)e sleeve8

Lon6 $ee1 into o(# o'n ti&e8 "ifteen t)o(san$ yea#s afte# t)e bo&bs 'ent (1

an$ t)e boo& ca&e $o'n on Ol$% Ol$ Ea#t)8

Recent% see@G

W)at )a11ens in t)e sto#y@ Rea$ it8

W)o?s t)e#e@

It sta#ts 'it) Ro$ !cBan>')o )a$ t)e #eal na&e of Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0

Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan8 B(t yo( can?t tell a sto#y if yo( call t)e

&ain 1e#son by a na&e as lon6 as Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia&

!acA#t)(# !cBan8 Yo( )ave to $o ')at )is nei6)bo#s $i$>call )i& Ro$ !cBan8

T)e ol$ la$ies al'ays sai$% 5Ro$ !cBan t)e )(n$#e$ an$ fifty-fi#st+5 an$ t)en

si6)e$8 "l(#1 a s(i#t at t)e&% f#ien$s8 We $on?t nee$ n(&be#s8 We 0no' )is fa&ily 'as

$istin6(is)e$8 We 0no' t)e 1oo# 0i$ 'as bo#n to t#o(bles8



W)y s)o(l$n?t )e )ave t#o(bles@

He 'as bo#n to in)e#it t)e tation of Doo&8 He al&ost faile$ t)e 2a#$en of

Deat)8

T)e Onsec0 'as afte# )i&8

His fat)e# )a$ $ie$ o(t in t)e $i#ty 1a#t of s1ace% ')e#e 1eo1le neve# fin$ nice

clean $eat)s8 W)en )e 6ot in t#o(ble% )e t#(ste$ )is co&1(te#8

T)e co&1(te# 6a&ble$% an$ it 'on Ea#t)8 He 'ent to Ea#t)8

T)at 'as )isto#y itself>t)at an$ C?&ell besi$e )i&8 At lon6% lon6 last )e 6ot )is

#i6)ts an$ )e ca&e )o&e8 T)at?s t)e sto#y8 E3ce1t fo# t)e $etails8

T)ey follo'8

CHAPTER ONE4 At t)e 2ate of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)

Ro$ !cBan face$ t)e $ay of $ays8 He 0ne' ')at it 'as all abo(t% b(t )e co(l$

not #eally feel it8 He 'on$e#e$ if t)ey )a$ t#an(ilie$ )i& 'it) )alf-#efine$ st#oon% a

1#o$(ct so #a#e an$ 1#ecio(s t)at it 'as neve#% neve# sol$ off-1lanet8He 0ne' t)at by ni6)tfall )e 'o(l$ be la(6)in6 an$ 6i66lin6 an$ $#oolin6

in one of t)e Dyin6 Roo&s% ')e#e t)e (nfit 'e#e 1(t a'ay to t)in o(t t)e )(&an

b#ee$% o# else )e 'o(l$ stan$ fo#t) as t)e ol$est lan$)ol$e# on t)e 1lanet% C)ief Hei# to

t)e tation of Doo&8 T)e fa#& )a$ been salva6e$ by )is 6#eat:-6#an$fat)e# ')o )a$

bo(6)t an ice-aste#oi$% c#as)e$ it into t)e fa#& ove# t)e violent obections of )is

nei6)bo#s% an$ lea#ne$ cleve# t#ic0s 'it) a#tesian 'ells ')ic) 0e1t )is 6#ass 6#o'in6

')ile t)e nei6)bo#s? fiel$s t(#ne$ f#o& 6#ay-6#een to blo'in6 $(st8 T)e !cBans )a$

0e1t t)e sa#castic ol$ na&e fo# t)ei# fa#&in6 station% t)e tation of Doo&8

By ni6)t% Ro$ 0ne'% t)e station 'o(l$ be )is8

O# )e 'o(l$ be $yin6% 6i66lin6 )is 'ay to $eat) in t)e 0illin6 1lace ')e#e

1eo1le la(6)e$ an$ 6#inne$ an$ #ollic0e$ abo(t ')ile t)ey $ie$8

He fo(n$ )i&self )(&&in6 a bit of a #)y&e t)at )a$ al'ays been a 1a#t of

t)e t#a$ition of

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia4

We 0ill to live% an$ $ie to 6#o'> T)at?s t)e 'ay t)e 'o#l$ &(st 6oF

He?$ been ta(6)t% bone-$ee1% t)at )is o'n 'o#l$ 'as a ve#y s1ecial 'o#l$>

envie$% love$% )ate$ an$ $#ea$e$ ac#oss t)e 6ala3y8 He 0ne' t)at )e 'as 1a#t of a ve#y

s1ecial 1eo1le8 Ot)e# #aces an$ 0in$s of &en fa#&e$ c#o1s% o# #aise$ foo$% o# $esi6ne$

&ac)ines% an$ &an(fact(#e$ 'ea1ons8 No#st#ilians $i$ none of t)ese t)in6s8 "#o& t)ei# $#y fiel$s% t)ei# s1a#se 'ells% t)ei# eno#&o(s sic0 s)ee1% t)ey #efine$ i&&o#tality itself8

An$ sol$ it fo# a )i6)% )i6) 1#ice8

Ro$ !cBan 'al0e$ a little 'ay into t)e ya#$8 His )o&e lay be)in$ )i&8 It 'as a

lo6 cabin b(ilt o(t of Dai&oni bea&s>bea&s (nc(ttable% (nc)an6eable% soli$ beyon$

all e31ectations of soli$ity8 T)ey )a$ been 1(#c)ase$ as a &atc)e$ set t)i#ty-o$$

1lanet-)o1s a'ay an$ b#o(6)t to Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia by 1)otosails8 T)e cabin 'as a

fo#t ')ic) co(l$ 'it)stan$ even &ao# 'ea1ons% b(t it 'as still a cabin% si&1le insi$e

an$ 'it) a f#ont ya#$ of sc(ffe$ $(st8 T)e last #e$ bit of $a'n 'as ')itenin6 into $ay8

Ro$ 0ne' t)at )e co(l$ not 6o fa#8

He co(l$ )ea# t)e 'o&en o(t be)in$ t)e )o(se% t)e 0ins'o&en ')o )a$ co&e

to ba#be# an$ 6#oo& )i& fo# t)e t#i(&1)>o# t)e ot)e#8



T)ey neve# 0ne' )o' &(c) )e 0ne'8 Beca(se of )is affliction% t)ey )a$ t)o(6)t

a#o(n$ )i& fo# yea#s% co(ntin6 on )is tele1at)ic $eafness to be constant8 T#o(ble 'as% it

'asn?t lots of ti&es )e )ea#$ t)in6s ')ic) nobo$y inten$e$ )i& to )ea#8 He even

#e&e&be#e$ t)e sa$ little 1oe& t)ey )a$ abo(t t)e yo(n6 1eo1le ')o faile$ to 1ass t)e

test fo# one #eason o# anot)e# an$ )a$ to 6o to t)e Dyin6 Ho(se instea$ of co&in6 fo#t)as No#st#ilian citiens an$ f(lly #eco6nie$ s(bects of He#- !aesty-t)e-<(een8

No#st#ilians )a$ not )a$ a #eal (een fo# so&e fifteen t)o(san$ yea#s% b(t t)ey 'e#e

st#on6 on t#a$ition an$ $i$ not let &e#e facts bo66le t)e&8 Ho' $i$ t)e little 1oe& #(n%

5T)is is t)e )o(se of t)e lon6 a6o+ 5@ In its o'n 6loo&y 'ay it 'as c)ee#f(l8

He e#ase$ )is o'n foot1#int f#o& t)e $(st an$ s($$enly )e #e&e&be#e$ t)e

')ole t)in68 He c)ante$ it softly to )i&self4

T)is is t)e )o(se of t)e lon6 a6o%

W)e#e t)e ol$ ones &(#&(# an en$less 'oe% W)e#e t)e 1ain of ti&e is an act(al

1ain% At t)e 2ate of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)

An$ t)in6s once 0no'n al'ays co&e a6ain8 O(t in t)e 6a#$en of $eat)% o(#

yo(n6

Have taste$ t)e valiant taste of fea#% Wit) &(sc(la# a#& an$ #ec0less ton6(e%

T)ey )ave 'on% an$ lost% an$ esca1e$ (s )e#e8 T)is is t)e )o(se of t)e lon6 a6o8

T)ose ')o $ie yo(n6 $o not ente# )e#e% T)ose livin6 on 0no' t)at )ell is nea#%

T)e ol$ ones ')o s(ffe# )ave 'ille$ it so8 O(t in t)e 6a#$en of $eat)% t)e ol$

Loo0 'it) a'e on t)e yo(n6 an$ bol$8

It 'as all #i6)t to say t)at t)ey loo0e$ 'it) a'e at t)e yo(n6 an$ bol$% b(t )e

)a$n?t &et a 1e#son yet ')o $i$ not 1#efe# life to $eat)8 He?$ )ea#$ abo(t 1eo1le ')oc)ose $eat)>of co(#se )e )a$>')o )a$n?t@ B(t t)e e31e#ience 'as t)i#$-)an$% fo(#t)-

)an$% fift)-)an$8

He 0ne' t)at so&e 1eo1le )a$ sai$ of )i& t)at )e 'o(l$ be bette# off $ea$% (st

beca(se )e )a$ neve# lea#ne$ to co&&(nicate tele1at)ically an$ )a$ to (se ol$ s1o0en

'o#$s li0e o(t'o#l$e#s o# ba#ba#ians8

Ro$ )i&self ce#tainly $i$n?t t)in0 )e 'o(l$ be bette# $ea$8

In$ee$% )e so&eti&es loo0e$ at no#&al 1eo1le an$ 'on$e#e$ )o' t)ey

&ana6e$ to 6o t)#o(6) life 'it) t)e constant silly c)atte# of ot)e# 1eo1le?s t)o(6)ts

#(nnin6 t)#o(6) t)ei# &in$s8 In t)e ti&es t)at )is &in$ lifte$% so t)at )e co(l$5)ie#5 fo# a ')ile% )e 0ne' t)at )(n$#e$s o# t)o(san$s of &in$s #attle$ in on )i&

'it) (nbea#able cla#ity )e co(l$ even 5)ie#5 t)e &in$s t)at t)o(6)t t)ey )a$ t)ei#

tele1at)ic s)iel$s (18 T)en% in a little ')ile% t)e &e#cif(l clo($ of )is )an$ica1

ca&e $o'n on )is &in$ a6ain an$ )e )a$ a $ee1 (ni(e 1#ivacy ')ic) eve#ybo$y on

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia s)o(l$ )ave envie$8

His co&1(te# )a$ sai$ to )i& once% 5T)e 'o#$s )ie# an$ s1ie0 a#e co##(1tions

of t)e 'o#$s )ea# an$ s1ea08 T)ey a#e al'ays 1#ono(nce$ in t)e secon$ #isin6 tone of

voice% as t)o(6) yo( 'e#e as0in6 a (estion (n$e# t)e 1#ess(#e of a&(se&ent an$

ala#&% if yo( say t)e 'o#$s 'it) yo(# voice8

T)ey #efe# only to tele1at)ic co&&(nications bet'een 1e#sons o# bet'een 1e#sons an$ (n$e#1eo1le85



5W)at a#e (n$e#1eo1le@5 )e )a$ as0e$8

5Ani&als &o$ifie$ to s1ea0% to (n$e#stan$% an$ (s(ally to loo0 li0e &en8 T)ey

$iffe# f#o& ce#eb#ocente#e$ #obots in t)at t)e #obots a#e b(ilt a#o(n$ an act(al ani&al

&in$% b(t a#e &ec)anical an$ elect#onic #elays% ')ile (n$e#1eo1le a#e co&1ose$

enti#ely of Ea#t)-$e#ive$ livin6 tiss(e85

5W)y )aven?t I eve# seen one@5

5T)ey a#e not allo'e$ on No#st#ilia at all% (nless t)ey a#e in t)e se#vice of t)e

$efense establis)&ents of t)e Co&&on'ealt)85

5W)y a#e 'e calle$ a Co&&on'ealt)% ')en all t)e ot)e# 1laces a#e calle$

'o#l$s o# 1lanets@5

5Beca(se yo( 1eo1le a#e s(bects of t)e <(een of En6lan$85 5W)o is t)e <(een

of En6lan$@5

5)e 'as an Ea#t) #(le# in t)e !ost Ancient Days% &o#e t)an fifteen t)o(san$

yea#s a6o85 5W)e#e is s)e no'@55I sai$%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#% 5t)at it 'as fifteen t)o(san$ yea#s a6o85

5I 0no' it%5 Ro$ )a$ insiste$% 5b(t if t)e#e )asn?t been any <(een of En6lan$ fo#

fifteen t)o(san$ yea#s% )o' can 'e be )e# s(bects@5

5I 0no' t)e ans'e# in )(&an 'o#$s%5 t)e #e1ly )a$ been f#o& t)e f#ien$ly #e$

&ac)ine% 5b(t since it &a0es no sense to &e% I s)all )ave to (ote it to yo( as 1eo1le

tol$ it to &e8 ?)e bloo$y 'ell &i6)t t(#n (1 one of t)ese $ays8 W)o 0no's@ T)is is

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia o(t )e#e a&on6 t)e sta#s an$ 'e can $as)e$ 'ell 'ait fo# o(# o'n

<(een8? )e &i6)t )ave been off on a t#i1 ')en Ol$ Ea#t) 'ent so(#85 T)e co&1(te#

)a$ cl(c0e$ a fe' ti&es in its o$$ ancient voice an$ )a$ t)en sai$ )o1ef(lly% in its

toneless voice% 5Co(l$ yo( #estate t)at so t)at I co(l$ 1#o6#a& it as 1a#t of &y

&e&o#y-asse&bly@5

5It $oesn?t &ean &(c) to &e8 Ne3t ti&e I can )ie# ot)e# &in$s t)in0in6 I?ll t#y to

1ic0 it o(t of so&ebo$y else?s )ea$85

T)at )a$ been abo(t a yea# a6o% an$ Ro$ )a$ neve# #(n ac#oss t)e ans'e#8 Last

ni6)t )e )a$ as0e$ t)e co&1(te# a &o#e (#6ent (estion4

5Will I $ie to&o##o'@5

5<(estion i##elevant8 No ans'e# available85 5Co&1(te#F5 )e )a$ s)o(te$% 5yo(

0no' I love yo(85 5Yo( say so85

5I sta#te$ yo(# )isto#ical asse&bly (1 afte# #e1ai#in6 yo(% ')en t)at 1a#t )a$ been t)in0less fo# )(n$#e$s of yea#s85

5Co##ect85

5I c#a'le$ $o'n into t)is cave an$ fo(n$ t)e 1e#sonal cont#ols% ')e#e

6#eat,/-6#an$fat)e# )a$ left t)e& ')en t)ey beca&e obsolete85

5Co##ect85

5I?& 6oin6 to $ie to&o##o' an$ yo( 'on?t even be so##y85 5I $i$ not say t)at%5

sai$ t)e co&1(te#8

5Don?t yo( ca#e@5



5I 'as not 1#o6#a&&e$ fo# e&otion8 ince yo( yo(#self #e1ai#e$ &e% Ro$% yo(

o(6)t to 0no' t)at I a& t)e only all-&ec)anical co&1(te# f(nctionin6 in t)is 1a#t of t)e

6ala3y8 I a& s(#e t)at if I )a$ e&otions I 'o(l$ be ve#y so##y in$ee$8 It is an

e3t#e&e 1#obability% since yo( a#e &y only co&1anion8 B(t I $o not )ave e&otions8 I

)ave n(&be#s% facts% lan6(a6e% an$ &e&o#y>t)at is all85

5W)at is t)e 1#obability% t)en% t)at I 'ill $ie to&o##o' in t)e 2i66le Roo&@5

5T)at is not t)e #i6)t na&e8 It is t)e Dyin6 Ho(se85

5All #i6)t% t)en% t)e Dyin6 Ho(se85

5T)e ($6&ent on yo( 'ill be a conte&1o#a#y )(&an ($6&ent base$ (1on

e&otions8 ince I

$o not 0no' t)e in$ivi$(als conce#ne$% I cannot &a0e a 1#e$iction of any val(e

at all85 5W)at $o yo( t)in0 is 6oin6 to )a11en to &e% co&1(te#@5

5I $o not #eally t)in0% I #es1on$8 I )ave no in1(t on t)at to1ic85

5Do yo( 0no' anyt)in6 at all abo(t &y life an$ $eat) to&o##o'@ I 0no' I

can?t s1ie0 'it) &y &in$% b(t I )ave to &a0e so(n$s 'it) &y &o(t) instea$8 W)ys)o(l$ t)ey 0ill &e fo# t)at@5

5I $o not 0no' t)e 1eo1le conce#ne$ an$ t)e#efo#e I $o not 0no' t)e #easons%5

t)e co&1(te# )a$ #e1lie$% 5b(t I 0no' t)e )isto#y of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia $o'n to

yo(# 6#eat,/-6#an$fat)e#?s ti&e85

5Tell &e t)at% t)en%5 Ro$ )a$ sai$8 He )a$ s(atte$ in t)e cave ')ic) )e

)a$ $iscove#e$% listenin6 to t)e fo#6otten set of co&1(te# cont#ols ')ic) )e )a$

#e1ai#e$% an$ )a$ )ea#$ a6ain t)e sto#y of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia as )is 6#eat,/-

6#an$fat)e# )a$ (n$e#stoo$ it8 t#i11e$ of 1e#sonal na&es an$ act(al $ates% it 'as a

si&1le sto#y8

T)is &o#nin6 )is life )(n6 on it8

No#st#ilia )a$ to t)in o(t its 1eo1le if it 'e#e 6oin6 to 0ee1 its Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)

c)a#acte# an$ be anot)e# A(st#alia% o(t a&on6 t)e sta#s8 Ot)e#'ise t)e fiel$s 'o(l$ fill

(1% t)e $ese#ts t(#n into a1a#t&ent )o(ses% t)e s)ee1 $ie in cella#s (n$e# en$less 0ennels

fo# c#o'$e$ an$ (seless 1eo1le8 No Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian 'ante$ t)at to )a11en% ')en

)e co(l$ 0ee1 c)a#acte#% i&&o#tality% an$ 'ealt)

>in t)at 1a#tic(la# o#$e# of i&1o#tance8 It 'o(l$ be cont#a#y to t)e te&1e#a&ent

of No#st#ilia8

T)e si&1le c)a#acte# of No#st#ilia 'as i&&(table>as i&&(table as anyt)in6

o(t a&on6 t)e sta#s8 T)is ancient Co&&on'ealt) 'as t)e only )(&an instit(tion ol$e# t)an t)e Inst#(&entality8

T)e sto#y 'as si&1le% t)e 'ay t)e co&1(te#?s clea# lon6-ci#c(ite$ b#ain )a$

so#te$ it o(t8 Ta0e a fa#&e# c(lt(#e st#ai6)t off Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)>!an)o&e itself8

P(t t)e c(lt(#e on a #e&ote 1lanet8

To(c) it 'it) 1#os1e#ity an$ bli6)t it 'it) $#o(6)t8

Teac) it sic0ness% $efo#&ity% )a#$i)oo$8 !a0e it lea#n 1ove#ty so ba$ t)at &en

sol$ one c)il$ to b(y anot)e# c)il$ t)e $#in0 of 'ate# ')ic) 'o(l$ 6ive it an e3t#a

$ay of life ')ile t)e $#ills ')i##e$ $ee1 into t)e $#y #oc0% loo0in6 fo# 'etness8

Teac) t)at c(lt(#e t)#ift% &e$icine% sc)ola#s)i1% 1ain% s(#vival8

2ive t)ose 1eo1le t)e lessons of 1ove#ty% 'a#% 6#ief% 6#ee$% &a6nani&ity%



1iety% )o1e an$ $es1ai# by t(#n8

Let t)e c(lt(#e s(#vive8

(#vive $isease% $efo#&ity% $es1ai#% $esolation% aban$on&ent8 T)en 6ive it t)e

)a11iest acci$ent in t)e )isto#y of ti&e8

O(t of s)ee1-sic0ness ca&e infinite #ic)es% t)e santacla#a $#(6 o# 5st#oon5

')ic) 1#olon6e$ )(&an life in$efinitely8

P#olon6e$ it>b(t 'it) (ee# si$e-effects% so t)at &ost No#st#ilians 1#efe##e$ to

$ie in a t)o(san$ yea#s o# so8

No#st#ilia 'as conv(lse$ by t)e $iscove#y8 o 'as eve#y ot)e# in)abite$ 'o#l$8

B(t t)e $#(6 co(l$ not be synt)esie$% 1a#allele$% $(1licate$8 It 'as so&et)in6

')ic) co(l$ be obtaine$ only f#o& t)e sic0 s)ee1 on t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian 1lains8

Robbe#s an$ 6ove#n&ents t#ie$ to steal t)e $#(68 No' an$ t)en t)ey s(ccee$e$%

lon6 a6o% b(t t)ey )a$n?t &a$e it since t)e ti&e of Ro$?s 6#eat,-6#an$fat)e#8T)ey )a$ t#ie$ to steal t)e sic0 s)ee18

eve#al )a$ been ta0en off t)e 1lanet8 T)e "o(#t) Battle of Ne' Alice% in

')ic) )alf t)e &enfol0 of No#st#ilia )a$ $ie$ beatin6 off t)e B#i6)t E&1i#e% )a$ le$ to

t)e loss of t'o of t)e sic0 s)ee1>one fe&ale an$ one &ale8 T)e B#i6)t E&1i#e

t)o(6)t it )a$ 'on8 It )a$n?t8 T)e s)ee1 6ot 'ell% 1#o$(ce$ )ealt)y la&bs% e3($e$ no

&o#e st#oon% an$ $ie$8 T)e B#i6)t E&1i#e )a$ 1ai$ fo(# battle fleets fo# a col$bo3 f(ll

of &(tton8 T)e &ono1oly #e&aine$ in No#st#ilia8

T)e No#st#ilians e31o#te$ t)e santacla#a $#(6% an$ t)ey 1(t t)e e31o#t on a

syste&atic basis8 T)ey ac)ieve$ al&ost infinite #ic)es8

T)e 1oo#est &an on No#st#ilia 'as al'ays #ic)e# t)an t)e #ic)est &an any')e#e

else% e&1e#o#s an$ con(e#o#s incl($e$8 Eve#y fa#& )an$ ea#ne$ at least a )(n$#e$

Ea#t) &e6ac#e$its a $ay>&eas(#e$ in #eal &oney on Ol$ Ea#t)% not in 1a1e# ')ic) )a$

to t#avel at a stee1 a#bit#a6e8

B(t t)e No#st#ilians &a$e t)ei# c)oice4 t)e c)oice> To #e&ain t)e&selves8

T)ey ta3e$ t)e&selves bac0 into si&1licity8

L(3(#y 6oo$s 6ot a ta3 of :9%999%999J8 "o# t)e 1#ice of fifty 1alaces on

Oly&1ia% yo( co(l$ i&1o#t a )an$0e#c)ief into No#st#ilia8 A 1ai# of s)oes% lan$e$% cost

t)e 1#ice of a )(n$#e$ yac)ts in o#bit8 All &ac)ines 'e#e 1#o)ibite$% e3ce1t fo# $efense

an$ t)e $#(6-6at)e#in68 Un$e#1eo1le 'e#e neve# &a$e on No#st#ilia% an$ i&1o#te$ only by t)e $efense a(t)o#ity fo# to1 sec#et #easons8 Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia #e&aine$ si&1le%

1ionee#% fie#ce% o1en8

!any fa&ilies e&i6#ate$ to enoy t)ei# 'ealt) t)ey co(l$ not #et(#n8

B(t t)e 1o1(lation 1#oble& #e&aine$% even 'it) t)e ta3ation an$ si&1licity an$

)a#$ 'o#08 C(tbac0% t)en>c(t bac0 1eo1le if yo( &(st8

B(t )o'% ')o&% ')e#e@ Bi#t) cont#ol>beastly8 te#iliation>in)(&an%

(n&anly% (nB#itis)8 T)is last 'as an ancient 'o#$ &eanin6 5ve#y ba$ in$ee$85

By fa&ilies% t)en8 Let t)e fa&ilies )ave t)e c)il$#en8 Let t)e Co&&on'ealt)

test t)e& at si3teen8 If t)ey #an (n$e# t)e stan$a#$s% sen$ t)e& to a )a11y% )a11y $eat)8

B(t ')at abo(t t)e fa&ilies@ Yo( can?t 'i1e a fa&ily o(t% not in a



conse#vative fa#&e# society% ')en t)e nei6)bo#s a#e fol0 ')o )ave fo(6)t an$ $ie$

besi$e yo( fo# a )(n$#e$ 6ene#ations8 T)e R(le of E3ce1tions ca&e8 Any fa&ily ')ic)

#eac)e$ t)e en$ of its line co(l$ )ave t)e last s(#vivin6 )ei# #e1#ocesse$>(1 to fo(#

ti&es8 If )e faile$% it 'as t)e Dyin6 Ho(se% an$ a $esi6nate$ a$o1te$ )ei# f#o& anot)e#

fa&ily too0 ove# t)e na&e an$ t)e estate8

Ot)e#'ise t)ei# s(#vivo#s 'o(l$ )ave 6one on% in t)is cent(#y a $oen% in t)at

cent(#y t'enty8 oon No#st#ilia 'o(l$ )ave been $ivi$e$ into t'o classes% t)e so(n$

ones an$ a 1#ivile6e$ class of

)e#e$ita#y f#ea0s8 T)is t)ey co(l$ not stan$% not ')ile t)e s1ace a#o(n$ t)e&

stan0 of $an6e#% not ')en &en a )(n$#e$ 'o#l$s a'ay $#ea&e$ an$ $ie$ ')ile t)in0in6

of )o' to #ob t)e st#oon8 T)ey )a$ to be fi6)te#s an$ c)ose not to be sol$ie#s o#

e&1e#o#s8 T)e#efo#e t)ey )a$ to be fit% ale#t% )ealt)y% cleve#% si&1le an$ &o#al8 T)ey

)a$ to be bette# t)an any 1ossible ene&y o# any 1ossible co&bination of ene&ies8

T)ey &a$e it8

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia beca&e t)e to(6)est% b#i6)test% si&1lest 'o#l$ in t)e 6ala3y8

One by one% 'it)o(t 'ea1ons% No#st#ilians co(l$ to(# t)e ot)e# 'o#l$ an$ 0ill al&ost

anyt)in6 ')ic) attac0e$ t)e&8 2ove#n&ents fea#e$ t)e&8 O#$ina#y 1eo1le )ate$ t)e&

o# 'o#s)i11e$ t)e&8 Off-'o#l$ &en eye$ t)ei# 'o&en (ee#ly8 T)e Inst#(&entality left

t)e& alone% o# $efen$e$ t)e& 'it)o(t lettin6 t)e No#st#ilians 0no' t)ey )a$ been

$efen$e$8 As in t)e case of Ra(&so6% ')o b#o(6)t )is ')ole 'o#l$ to a $eat) of

cance# an$ volcanoes% beca(se t)e 2ol$en )i1 st#(c0 once8

No#st#ilian &ot)e#s lea#ne$ to stan$ by 'it) $#y eyes ')en t)ei# c)il$#en%

(ne31ecte$ly $#(66e$ if t)ey faile$ t)e tests% $#oole$ 'it) 1leas(#e an$ 'ent 6i66lin6

a'ay to t)ei# $eat)s8

T)e s1ace an$ s(bs1ace a#o(n$ No#st#ilia beca&e stic0y% s1a#0y 'it) t)e

&(lti1licity of t)ei# $efenses8 Bi6 o(t$oo#sy &en saile$ tiny fi6)tin6 c#aft a#o(n$ t)e

a11#oac)es to Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 W)en 1eo1le &et t)e& in o(t1o#ts% t)ey al'ays

t)o(6)t t)at No#st#ilians loo0e$ si&1le t)e loo0s 'e#e a sna#e an$ a $el(sion8 T)e

No#st#ilians )a$ been con$itione$ by t)o(san$s of yea#s of (n1#ovo0e$ attac08 T)ey

loo0e$ as si&1le as s)ee1 b(t t)ei# &in$s 'e#e as s(btle as se#1ents8

An$ no'>Ro$ !cBan8

T)e last )ei#% t)e ve#y last )ei#% of t)ei# 1#o($est ol$ fa&ily )a$ been fo(n$ a

)alf-f#ea08 He 'as no#&al eno(6) by Ea#t) stan$a#$s% b(t by No#st#ilian &eas(#e )e

'as ina$e(ate8 He 'as a ba$% ba$ tele1at)8 He co(l$ not be co(nte$ on to )ie#8!ost of t)e ti&e ot)e# 1eo1le co(l$ not t#ans&it into )is &in$ at all t)ey co(l$ not

even #ea$ it8 All t)ey 6ot 'as a fie#y b(bble an$ a $(ll f( of &eanin6less s(b-

se&e&es% f#actions of t)o(6)t ')ic) a$$e$ (1 to less t)an not)in68 An$ on s1ie0in6% )e

'as 'o#se8 He co(l$ not tal0 'it) )is &in$ at all8 No' an$ t)en )e t#ans&itte$8 W)en

)e $i$% t)e nei6)bo#s #an fo# cove#8 If it 'as an6e#% a bloo$y sc#ea&in6 #oa# al&ost

blotte$ o(t t)ei# conscio(snesses 'it) a #a6e as soli$ an$ #e$ as &eat )an6in6 in a

sla(6)te#)o(se8 If )e 'as )a11y% it 'as 'o#se8 His )a11iness% ')ic) )e t#ans&itte$

'it)o(t 0no'in6 it% )a$ t)e $ist#activeness of a s1ee$-sa' c(ttin6 into $ia&on$-6#aine$

#oc08 His )a11iness $#ille$ into 1eo1le 'it) an initial sense of 1leas(#e% follo'e$ #a1i$ly

by ac(te $isco&fo#t an$ t)e s($$en 'is) t)at all t)ei# o'n teet) 'o(l$ fall o(t4 t)e teet)

)a$ t(#ne$ into s1(&in6 ')i#ls of #a'% (n(alifie$ $isco&fo#t8



T)ey $i$ not 0no' )is bi66est 1e#sonal sec#et8 T)ey s(s1ecte$ t)at )e co(l$

)ie# no' an$ t)en 'it)o(t bein6 able to cont#ol it8 T)ey $i$ not 0no' t)at ')en )e $i$

)ie#% )e co(l$ )ie# eve#yt)in6 fo# &iles a#o(n$ 'it) &ic#osco1ic $etail an$

telesco1ic #an6e8 His tele1at)ic inta0e% ')en it $i$ 'o#0% 'ent #i6)t t)#o(6) ot)e#

1eo1le?s &in$-s)iel$s as t)o(6) t)ey $i$ not e3ist8 If so&e of t)e 'o&en in t)e fa#&s

a#o(n$ t)e tation of Doo& 0ne' ')at )e )a$ acci$entally 1ee1e$ o(t of t)ei# &in$s%t)ey 'o(l$ )ave bl(s)e$ t)e #est of t)ei# lives8 As a #es(lt% Ro$ !cBan )a$ a f#i6)tf(l

a&o(nt of (nso#te$ 0no'le$6e ')ic) $i$ not (ite fit to6et)e#8

P#evio(s co&&ittees )a$ neit)e# a'a#$e$ )i& t)e tation of Doo& no# sent )i&

off to t)e 6i66le $eat)8 T)ey )a$ a11#eciate$ )is intelli6ence% )is (ic0 'it% )is

eno#&o(s 1)ysical st#en6t)8 B(t t)ey #e&aine$ 'o##ie$ abo(t )is tele1at)ic )an$ica18

T)#ee ti&es befo#e )e )a$ been ($6e$8 T)#ee ti&es8

An$ t)#ee ti&es ($6&ent )a$ been s(s1en$e$8 T)ey )a$ c)osen t)e lesse#

c#(elty an$ )a$ sent )i& not to $eat)% b(t to a ne' baby)oo$ an$ a f#es)

(1b#in6in6% )o1in6 t)at t)e tele1at)ic ca1acity of )is &in$ 'o(l$ nat(#ally soa# (1 to

t)e No#st#ilian no#&al8 T)ey )a$ (n$e#esti&ate$ )i&8

He 0ne' it8

T)an0s to t)e eaves$#o11in6 ')ic) )e co(l$ not cont#ol% )e (n$e#stoo$ bits

an$ 1ieces of ')at 'as )a11enin6% even t)o(6) nobo$y )a$ eve# tol$ )i& t)e

#ational ')ys an$ )o's of t)e 1#ocess8

It 'as a 6loo&y b(t co&1ose$ bi6 boy ')o 6ave t)e $(st of )is o'n f#ont

ya#$ one last (seless 0ic0% ')o t(#ne$ bac0 into t)e cabin% 'al0in6 #i6)t t)#o(6) to

t)e &ain #oo& to t)e #ea# $oo# an$ t)e bac0 ya#$% an$ ')o 6#eete$ )is 0ins'o&en

1olitely eno(6) as t)ey% )i$in6 t)ei# ac)in6 )ea#ts% 1#e1a#e$ to $#ess )i& (1 fo# )is

t#ial8 T)ey $i$ not 'ant t)e c)il$ to be (1set% even t)o(6) )e 'as as bi6 as a &an an$

s)o'e$ &o#e co&1os(#e t)an $i$ &ost a$(lt &en8 T)ey 'ante$ to )i$e t)e fea#f(l t#(t)

f#o& )i&8 Ho' co(l$ t)ey )el1 it@

He al#ea$y 0ne'8

B(t )e 1#eten$e$ )e $i$n?t8

Co#$ially eno(6)% (st sca#e$ eno(6) b(t not too &(c)% )e sai$4

5W)at )o% a(ntieF Hello% co(sin8 !o#nin6% !a#ibel8 He#e?s yo(# s)ee18 C(##y

)i& (1 an$ t#i& )i& fo# t)e livestoc0 co&1etition8 Do I 6et a #in6 in &y nose o# a bo'

#ibbon a#o(n$ &y nec0@5One o# t'o of t)e yo(n6 ones la(6)e$% b(t )is ol$est 5a(nt5>act(ally a

fo(#t) co(sin% &a##ie$ into anot)e# fa&ily>1ointe$ se#io(sly an$ cal&ly at a c)ai# in

t)e ya#$ an$ sai$4 5Do sit $o'n% Ro$e#ic08 T)is is a se#io(s occasion an$ 'e (s(ally $o

not tal0 ')ile 1#e1a#ations a#e 6oin6 on85

)e bit )e# lo'e# li1 an$ t)en s)e a$$e$% not as t)o(6) s)e 'ante$ to

f#i6)ten )i& b(t beca(se s)e 'ante$ to i&1#ess )i&4

5T)e ;ice-c)ai#&an 'ill be )e#e to$ay85

5T)e ;ice-c)ai#&an5 'as t)e )ea$ of t)e 6ove#n&ent t)e#e )a$ been no

C)ai#&an of t)e Te&1o#a#y Co&&on'ealt) 2ove#n&ent fo# so&e t)o(san$s of yea#s8 No#st#ilians $i$ not li0e 1os) an$ t)ey t)o(6)t t)at 5vice-c)ai#&an5 'as )i6) eno(6)



fo# any one &an to 6o8 Besi$es% it 0e1t t)e off'o#l$e#s 6(essin68

Ro$ 'as not i&1#esse$8 He )a$ seen t)e &an8 It 'as in one of )is #a#e &o&ents

of b#oa$ )ie#in6% an$ )e fo(n$ t)at t)e &in$ of t)e ;ice-c)ai#&an 'as f(ll of n(&be#s

an$ )o#ses% t)e #es(lts of eve#y )o#se #ace fo# t)#ee )(n$#e$ an$ t'enty yea#s% an$ t)e

1#oection fo#'a#$ of si3 1#obable )o#se #aces in t)e ne3t t'o yea#s8

5Yes% a(ntie%5 )e sai$8

5Don?t b#ay all t)e ti&e to$ay8 Yo( $on?t )ave to (se yo(# voice fo# little

t)in6s li0e sayin6 yes8 K(st no$ yo(# )ea$8 It 'ill &a0e a &(c) bette# i&1#ession85

He sta#te$ to ans'e#% b(t 6(l1e$ an$ no$$e$ instea$8 )e san0 t)e co&b into )is

t)ic0 yello' )ai#8

Anot)e# one of t)e 'o&en% al&ost a 6i#l% b#o(6)t (1 a s&all table an$ a basin8

He co(l$ tell f#o& )e# e31#ession t)at s)e 'as s1ie0in6 to )i&% b(t t)is 'as one of t)e

ti&es in ')ic) )e co(l$ not )ie# at all8

T)e a(nt 6ave )is )ai# a 1a#tic(la#ly fie#ce t(6 (st as t)e 6i#l too0 )is )an$8 He$i$ not 0no' ')at s)e &eant to $o8 He yan0e$ )is )an$ bac08

T)e basin fell off t)e s&all table8 Only t)en $i$ )e #ealie t)at it 'as &e#ely

soa1y 'ate# fo# a &anic(#e8

5I a& so##y%5 )e sai$ even to )i&% )is voice so(n$e$ li0e a b#ay8 "o# a &o&ent

)e felt t)e fie#ce #(s) of )(&iliation an$ self-)ate8

T)ey s)o(l$ 0ill &e% )e t)o(6)t+ By t)e ti&e t)e s(n 6oes $o'n I?ll be in t)e

2i66le Roo&% la(6)in6 an$ la(6)in6 befo#e t)e &e$icine &a0es &y b#ains boil a'ay8

He )a$ #e1#oac)e$ )i&self8

T)e t'o 'o&en )a$ sai$ not)in68 T)e a(nt )a$ 'al0e$ a'ay to 6et so&e

s)a&1oo% an$ t)e 6i#l 'as #et(#nin6 'it) a 1itc)e#% to #efill t)e basin8

He loo0e$ $i#ectly into )e# eyes% an$ s)e into )is8

5I 'ant yo(%5 s)e sai$% ve#y clea#ly% ve#y (ietly% an$ 'it) a s&ile ')ic) see&e$

ine31licable to )i&8

5W)at fo#@5 sai$ )e% e(ally (ietly8

5K(st yo(%5 s)e sai$8 5I 'ant yo( fo# &yself8 Yo(?#e 6oin6 to live85

5Yo(?#e Lavinia% &y co(sin%5 sai$ )e% as t)o(6) $iscove#in6 it fo# t)e fi#st ti&e85)-)-)%5 sai$ t)e 6i#l8 5)e?s co&in6 bac085

W)en t)e 6i#l )a$ settle$ $o'n to 6ettin6 )is fin6e#nails #eally clean% an$ t)e

a(nt )a$ #(bbe$ so&et)in6 li0e s)ee1-$i1 into )is )ai#% Ro$ be6an to feel )a11y8 His

&oo$ c)an6e$ f#o& t)e in$iffe#ence ')ic) )e )a$ been 1#eten$in6 to )i&self8 It

beca&e a #eal in$iffe#ence to )is fate% an easy acce1tance of t)e 6#ay s0y above )i&%

t)e $(ll #ollin6 ea#t) belo'8 He )a$ a fea#>a little tiny fea#% so s&all t)at it &i6)t )ave

see&e$ to be a &i$6et 1et in a &iniat(#e ca6e>#(nnin6 a#o(n$ t)e insi$e of )is

t)in0in68 It 'as not t)e fea# t)at )e 'o(l$ $ie4 so&e)o' )e s($$enly acce1te$ )is

c)ances an$ #e&e&be#e$ )o' &any ot)e# 1eo1le )a$ )a$ to ta0e t)e sa&e 1lay 'it)

fo#t(ne8 T)is little fea# 'as so&et)in6 else% t)e $#ea$ t)at )e &i6)t not be)ave )i&self

1#o1e#ly if t)ey $i$ tell )i& to $ie8

B(t t)en% )e t)o(6)t% I $on?t )ave to 'o##y8 Ne6ative is neve# a 'o#$>(st a



)y1o$e#&ic% so t)at t)e fi#st ba$ ne's t)e victi& )as is )is o'n e3cite$% )a11y la(6)8

Wit) t)is f(nny 1eace of &in$% )is )ie#in6 s($$enly lifte$8

He co(l$ not see t)e 2a#$en of Deat)% b(t )e co(l$ loo0 into t)e &in$s ten$in6

it it 'as a )(6e van )i$$en (st beyon$ t)e ne3t #oll of )ills% ')e#e t)ey (se$ to 0ee1

Ol$ Billy% t)e ,%99-ton #a&8 He co(l$ )ea# t)e clatte# of voices in t)e little to'nei6)teen 0ilo&ete#s a'ay8 An$ )e co(l$ loo0 #i6)t into Lavinia?s &in$8

It 'as a 1ict(#e of )i&self8 B(t ')at a 1ict(#eF o 6#o'n% so )an$so&e% so

b#ave-loo0in68 He )a$ sc)oole$ )i&self not to &ove ')en )e co(l$ )ie#% so t)at ot)e#

1eo1le 'o(l$ not #ealie t)at )is #a#e tele1at)ic 6ift )a$ co&e bac0 to )i&8

A(ntie 'as s1ea0in6 to Lavinia 'it)o(t noisy 'o#$s% 5We?ll see t)is 1#etty boy

in )is coffin toni6)t85

Lavinia t)o(6)t #i6)t bac0% 'it)o(t a1olo6y% 5No% 'e 'on?t85

Ro$ sat i&1assive in )is c)ai#8 T)e t'o 'o&en% t)ei# faces 6#ave an$ silent%

'ent on s1ie0in6 t)e a#6(&ent at eac) ot)e# 'it) t)ei# &in$s8

5Ho' 'o(l$ yo( 0no'>yo(?#e not ve#y ol$@5 s1ie0e$ a(ntie8

5He )as t)e ol$est station in all of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 He )as one of t)e ve#y

ol$est na&es8 He is>5 an$ even in s1ie0in6 )e# t)o(6)ts cl(tte#e$ (1% li0e a sta&&e#

>5)e is a ve#y nice boy an$ )e is 6oin6 to be a 'on$e#f(l &an85

5!a#0 &y t)o(6)t%5 s1ie0e$ t)e a(ntie a6ain% 5I?& tellin6 yo( t)at 'e?ll see )i&

in )is coffin toni6)t an$ t)at by &i$ni6)t )e?ll be in )is coffin-#i$e to t)e Lon6 Way

O(t85

Lavinia (&1e$ to )e# feet8 )e al&ost 0noc0e$ ove# t)e basin of 'ate# a secon$

ti&e8 )e &ove$ )e# t)#oat an$ &o(t) to s1ea0 'o#$s b(t s)e (st c#oa0e$%

5o##y% Ro$8 o##y85

Ro$ !cBan% )is face 6(a#$e$% 6ave a 1leasant% st(1i$ little no$% as t)o(6) )e

)a$ no i$ea of ')at t)ey )a$ been s1ie0in6 to eac) ot)e#8

)e t(#ne$ an$ #an% s)o(t-s1ie0in6 t)e lo($ t)o(6)t at a(ntie% 52et so&ebo$y

else to $o )is )an$s8 Yo(?#e )ea#tless% )o1eless8 2et so&ebo$y else to $o yo(# co#1se-

'as)in6 fo# yo(8 Not &e8 Not &e85

5W)at?s t)e &atte# 'it) )e#@5 sai$ Ro$ to t)e a(ntie% (st as t)o(6) )e $i$ not

0no'8

5)e?s (st $iffic(lt% t)at?s all8 K(st $iffic(lt8 Ne#ves% I s(11ose%5 s)e a$$e$ in

)e# c#oa0in6 s1o0en 'o#$s8 )e co(l$ not tal0 ve#y 'ell% since all )e# fa&ily an$

f#ien$s co(l$ s1ie0 an$ )ie# 'it) 1#ivacy an$ 6#ace8 5We 'e#e s1ie0in6 'it) eac) ot)e#

abo(t ')at yo( 'o(l$ be $oin6 to&o##o'85

5W)e#e?s a 1#iest% a(ntie@5 sai$ Ro$8 5A ')at@5

5A 1#iest% li0e t)e ol$ 1oe& )as% in t)e #o(6)% #o(6) $ays befo#e o(# 1eo1le

fo(n$ t)is 1lanet an$ 6ot o(# s)ee1 settle$ $o'n8 Eve#ybo$y 0no's it4

He#e is t)e 1lace ')e#e t)e 1#iest 'ent &a$% Ove# t)e#e &y &ot)e# b(#ne$%

I cannot s)o' yo( t)e )o(se 'e )a$%

We lost t)at slo1e ')e#e t)e &o(ntain t(#ne$8



T)e#e?s &o#e to it% b(t t)at?s t)e 1a#t I #e&e&be#8 Isn?t a 1#iest a s1ecialist in )o'

to $ie@ Do 'e )ave any a#o(n$ )e#e@5

He 'atc)e$ )e# &in$ as s)e lie$ to )i&8 As )e )a$ s1o0en% )e )a$ a 1e#fectly

clea# 1ict(#e of one of t)ei# &o#e $istant nei6)bo#s% a &an na&e$ Tollive#% ')o )a$ a

ve#y 6entle &anne# b(t )e# 'o#$s 'e#e not abo(t Tollive# at all8

5o&e t)in6s a#e &en?s b(siness%5 s)e sai$% ca'in6 )e# 'o#$s8 5Any)o'% t)at

son6 isn?t abo(t

No#st#ilia at all8 It?s abo(t Pa#a$ise ;II an$ ')y 'e left it8 I $i$n?t 0no' yo(

0ne' it85 In )e# &in$ )e #ea$% 5T)at boy 0no's too &(c)85

5T)an0s% a(ntie%5 sai$ )e &ee0ly8

5Co&e alon6 fo# t)e #inse%5 sai$ s)e8 5We?#e (sin6 an a'f(l lot of #eal 'ate# on

yo( to$ay85

He follo'e$ )e# an$ )e felt &o#e 0in$ly to'a#$ )e# ')en )e sa' )e# t)in0%

Lavinia )a$ t)e #i6)t feelin6s b(t s)e $#e' t)e '#on6 concl(sion8 He?s 6oin6 to be $ea$toni6)t8

T)at 'as too &(c)8

Ro$ )esitate$ fo# a &o&ent% te&1e#in6 t)e c)o#$s of )is o$$ly-att(ne$ &in$8

T)en )e let o(t a t#e&en$o(s )o'l of tele1at)ic oy% (st to bot)e# t)e lot of t)e&8 It

$i$8 T)ey all sto11e$ still8 T)en t)ey sta#e$ at )i&8

In 'o#$s t)e a(ntie sai$% 5W)at 'as t)at@5 5W)at@5 sai$ )e% innocently8

5T)at noise yo( s1ie0e$8 It 'asn?t &eanin685

5K(st so#t of a sneee% I s(11ose8 I $i$n?t 0no' I $i$ it85 Dee1 $o'n

insi$e )i&self )e c)(c0le$8 He &i6)t be on )is 'ay to t)e Hoo)oo 2a#$en% b(t )e'o(l$ f#itte# t)ei# f#is0ies fo# t)e& ')ile )e $i$ it8

It 'as a $as)e$ silly 'ay to $ie% )e t)o(6)t all to )i&self8 An$ t)en a st#an6e%

c#ay% )a11y i$ea ca&e to )i&4

Pe#)a1s t)ey can?t 0ill &e8 Pe#)a1s I )ave 1o'e#s8 Po'e#s of &y o'n8

Well% 'e?ll soon eno(6) fin$ o(t8

CHAPTER TWO4 T)e T#ial

Ro$ 'al0e$ ac#oss t)e $(sty lot% too0 t)#ee ste1s (1 t)e fol$in6 stai#case ')ic)

)a$ been let $o'n f#o& t)e si$e of t)e t#aile# van% 0noc0e$ on t)e $oo# once as )e )a$

been inst#(cte$ to $o% )a$ a 6#een li6)t flas) in )is face% o1ene$ t)e $oo#% an$ ente#e$8

It 'as a 6a#$en8

T)e &oist% s'eet% scent-la$en ai# 'as li0e a na#cotic8 T)e#e 'e#e b#i6)t 6#een

1lants in 1#of(sion8 T)e li6)ts 'e#e clea# b(t not b#i6)t t)ei# ceilin6 6ave t)e effect of

a 1enet#atin6 bl(e% bl(e s0y8 He loo0e$ a#o(n$8 It 'as a co1y of Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)8 T)e

6#o't)s on t)e 6#een 1lants 'e#e #oses )e #e&e&be#e$ 1ict(#es ')ic) )is co&1(te#

)a$ s)o'e$ )i&8 T)e 1ict(#es )a$ not 6otten ac#oss t)e i$ea t)at t)ey s&elle$ nice at

t)e sa&e ti&e t)at t)ey loo0e$ nice8 He 'on$e#e$ if t)ey $i$ t)at all t)e ti&e% an$

t)en #e&e&be#e$ t)e 'et ai#4 'et ai# al'ays )ol$s s&ells bette# t)an $#y ai# $oes8 At

last% al&ost s)yly% )e loo0e$ (1 at t)e t)#ee ($6es8

Wit) #eal sta#tle&ent% )e sa' t)at one of t)e& 'as not a No#st#ilian at all% b(t



t)e local co&&issione# of t)e Inst#(&entality% t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y>a t)in &an 'it) a

s)a#1% in(i#in6 face8 T)e ot)e# t'o 'e#e Ol$ Ta66a#t an$ Ko)n Beasley8 He 0ne'

t)e&% b(t not 'ell8

5Welco&e%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% s1ea0in6 in t)e f(nnin6 sin6son6 of a &an

f#o&

!an)o&e8

5T)an0 yo(%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Yo( a#e Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan% t)e

one )(n$#e$ an$ fifty-fi#st@5 sai$ Ta66a#t% 0no'in6 1e#fectly 'ell t)at Ro$ 'as t)at

1e#son8

Lo#$ love-a-$(c0 an$ l(c0y &eF t)o(6)t Ro$% I?ve 6ot &y )ie#in6% even in t)is

1laceF 5Yes%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

T)e#e 'as silence8

T)e ot)e# t'o ($6es loo0e$ at t)e !an)o&e &an t)e st#an6e# loo0e$ at Ro$Ro$ sta#e$% an$ t)en be6an to feel sic0 at t)e botto& of )is sto&ac)8

"o# t)e fi#st ti&e in )is life% )e )a$ &et so&ebo$y ')o co(l$ 1enet#ate )is

1ec(lia# 1e#ce1t(al abilities8

At last )e t)o(6)t% 5I (n$e#stan$85

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y loo0e$ s)a#1ly an$ i&1atiently at )i&% as t)o(6) 'aitin6 fo#

a #es1onse to t)at sin6le 'o#$ 5yes85

Ro$ )a$ al#ea$y ans'e#e$>tele1at)ically8

At last Ol$ Ta66a#t b#o0e t)e silence4 5A#en?t yo( 6oin6 to tal0@ I as0e$ yo(

yo(# na&e85

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y )el$ (1 )is )an$ in a 6est(#e fo# 1atience it 'as not a

6est(#e ')ic) Ro$ )a$ eve# seen befo#e% b(t )e (n$e#stoo$ it i&&e$iately8

He t)o(6)t tele1at)ically at Ro$% 5Yo( a#e 'atc)in6 &y t)o(6)ts85 5In$ee$ I

a&%5 t)o(6)t Ro$% bac0 at )i&8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y cla11e$ a )an$ to )is fo#e)ea$8 5Yo( a#e )(#tin6 &e8 Di$ yo(

t)in0 yo( sai$ so&et)in6@5

Wit) )is voice Ro$ sai$% 5I tol$ yo( t)at I 'as #ea$in6 yo(# &in$85

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y t(#ne$ to t)e ot)e# t'o &en an$ s1ie0e$ to t)e&4 5Di$ eit)e# of yo( )ie# ')at )e t#ie$ to s1ie0@5

5No85

5No85 T)ey bot) t)o(6)t bac0 at )i&8 5K(st noise% lo($ noise85

5He is a b#oa$ban$e# li0e &yself8 An$ I )ave been $is6#ace$ fo# it8 Yo( 0no'

t)at I a& t)e only Lo#$ of t)e Inst#(&entality ')o )as been $e6#a$e$ f#o& t)e stat(s of

Lo#$ to t)at of Co&&issione#>5

5Yes%5 t)ey s1ie0e$8

5Yo( 0no' t)at t)ey co(l$ not c(#e &e of s)o(tin6 an$ s(66este$ I $ie@5 5No%5t)ey ans'e#e$8



5Yo( 0no' t)at t)e Inst#(&entality t)o(6)t I co(l$ not bot)e# yo( )e#e an$ sent

&e to yo(# 1lanet on t)is &ise#able ob% (st to 6et &e o(t of t)e 'ay@5

5Yes%5 t)ey ans'e#e$8

5T)en% ')at $o yo( 'ant to $o abo(t )i&@ Don?t t#y to fool )i&8 He 0no's

all abo(t t)is 1lace al#ea$y85 T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 6lance$ (ic0ly% sy&1at)etically (1 atRo$% 6ivin6 )i& a little 1)anto& s&ile of enco(#a6e&ent8 5Do yo( 'ant to 0ill )i&@ To

e3ile )i&@ To t(#n )i& loose@5

T)e ot)e# t'o &en f(sse$ a#o(n$ in t)ei# &in$s8 Ro$ co(l$ see t)at t)ey 'e#e

t#o(ble$ at t)e i$ea )e co(l$ 'atc) t)e& t)in0in6% ')en t)ey )a$ t)o(6)t )i& a

tele1at)ic $eaf-&(te t)ey also #esiste$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s (n&anne#ly 1#eci1itation of

t)e $ecision8 Ro$ al&ost felt t)at )e 'as s'i&&in6 in t)e t)ic0 'et ai#% 'it) t)e s&ell

of #oses cloyin6 )is nost#ils so &(c) t)at )e 'o(l$ neve# s&ell anyt)in6 b(t #oses

a6ain% ')en )e beca&e a'a#e of a &assive conscio(sness ve#y nea# )i&>a fift) 1e#son

in t)e #oo&% ')o& )e )a$ not notice$ at all befo#e8

It 'as an ea#t) sol$ie#% co&1lete 'it) (nifo#&8 T)e sol$ie# 'as )an$so&e% e#ect%tall% fo#&al 'it) a #i6i$ &ilita#y $eco#(&8 He 'as% f(#t)e#&o#e% not )(&an an$ )e )a$

a st#an6e 'ea1on in )is left )an$8

5W)at is t)at@5 s1ie0e$ Ro$ to t)e Ea#t)&an8 T)e &an sa' )is face% not t)e

t)o(6)t8

5An (n$e#&an8 A sna0e&an8 T)e only one on t)is 1lanet8 He 'ill ca##y yo( o(t

of )e#e if t)e $ecision 6oes a6ainst yo(85

Beasley c(t in% al&ost an6#ily8 5He#e% c(t it o(t8 T)is is a )ea#in6% not a

blosso&in6 tea-1a#ty8 Don?t cl(tte# all t)at f(tt into t)e ai#8 *ee1 it fo#&al85

5Yo( 'ant a fo#&al )ea#in6@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5A fo#&al )ea#in6 fo#

a &an ')o 0no's eve#yt)in6 t)at all of (s a#e t)in0in6@ It?s foolis)85

5In Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% 'e al'ays )ave fo#&al )ea#in6%5 sai$ Ol$ Ta66a#t8

Wit) an ac(teness of insi6)t bo#n of )is o'n 1e#sonal $an6e#% Ro$ sa' Ta66a#t all ove#

a6ain fo# t)e fi#st ti&e>a ca#e'o#n 1oo# ol$ &an% ')o )a$ 'o#0e$ a 1oo# fa#& )a#$

fo# a t)o(san$ yea#s a fa#&e#% li0e )is ancesto#s befo#e )i& a &an #ic) only in t)e

&illions of &e6ac#e$its ')ic) )e 'o(l$ neve# ta0e ti&e to s1en$ a &an of t)e soil%

)ono#able% ca#ef(l% fo#&al% #i6)teo(s% an$ ve#y (st8 (c) &en $i$ not yiel$ to

innovation% eve#8 T)ey fo(6)t c)an6e8

5Have t)e )ea#in6 t)en%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5)ave t)e )ea#in6 if it is yo(# c(sto&% &y &iste# an$ o'ne# Ta66a#t% &y &iste# an$ o'ne# Beasley85

T)e No#st#ilians% a11ease$% bo'e$ t)ei# )ea$s b#iefly8

Al&ost s)yly% Beasley loo0e$ ove# at t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5i# an$ Co&&issione#%

'ill yo( say t)e 'o#$s@ T)e 6oo$ ol$ 'o#$s8 T)e ones t)at 'ill )el1 (s to fin$ o(# $(ty

an$ to $o it85

Ro$ sa' a (ic0 fla#e of #e$ an6e# 6o t)#o(6) t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s &in$ as t)e

Ea#t) co&&issione# t)o(6)t fie#cely to )i&self% 5W)y all t)is f(ss abo(t 0illin6 one

1oo# boy@ Let )i& 6o% yo( $(ll cl(tts% o# 0ill )i&85 B(t t)e Ea#t)&an )a$ not

$i#ecte$ t)e t)o(6)ts o(t'a#$ an$ t)e t'o No#st#ilians 'e#e (na'a#e of )is 1#ivatevie' of t)e&8



On t)e o(tsi$e% t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y #e&aine$ cal&8 He (se$ )is voice% as

No#st#ilians $i$ on occasion of 6#eat ce#e&ony4

5We a#e )e#e to )ea# a &an85

5We a#e )e#e to )ea# )i&%5 t)ey #es1on$e$8

5We a#e not to ($6e o# to 0ill% t)o(6) t)is &ay follo'%5 sai$ )e8 5T)o(6) t)is

&ay follo'%5 t)ey #es1on$e$8

5An$ ')e#e% on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)% $oes &an co&e f#o&@5

T)ey 0ne' t)e ans'e# by #ote an$ sai$ it )eavily to6et)e#4 5T)is is t)e 'ay it

'as on Ol$ Ol$

Ea#t)% an$ t)is is t)e 'ay it s)all be a&on6 t)e sta#s% no &atte# )o' fa# 'e &en

&ay 'an$e#4

5T)e see$ of ')eat is 1lante$ in $a#0% &oist ea#t) t)e see$ of &an in $a#0%

&oist fles)8 T)e see$ of ')eat fi6)ts (1'a#$ to ai#% s(n an$ s1ace t)e stal0% leaves%

blosso& an$ 6#ain flo(#is) (n$e# t)e o1en 6la#e of )eaven8 T)e see$ of &an 6#o's int)e salty 1#ivate ocean of t)e 'o&b% t)e sea-$a#0ness #e&e&be#e$ by t)e bo$ies of )is

#ace8 T)e )a#vest of ')eat is collecte$ by t)e )an$s of &en t)e )a#vest of &en is

collecte$ by t)e ten$e#ness of ete#nity85

5An$ ')at $oes t)is &ean@5 c)ante$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

5To loo0 'it) &e#cy% to $eci$e 'it) &e#cy% to 0ill 'it) &e#cy% b(t to &a0e

t)e )a#vest of &an st#on6 an$ t#(e an$ 6oo$% t)e 'ay t)at t)e )a#vest of ')eat stoo$

)i6) an$ 1#o($ on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)85

5An$ ')o is )e#e@5 )e as0e$8

T)ey bot) #ecite$ Ro$?s f(ll na&e8

W)en t)ey )a$ finis)e$% t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y t(#ne$ to Ro$ an$ sai$% 5I a& abo(t

to (tte# t)e ce#e&onial 'o#$s% b(t I 1#o&ise yo( t)at yo( 'ill not be s(#1#ise$% no

&atte# ')at )a11ens8 Ta0e it easy% t)e#efo#e easy% easy85 Ro$ 'as 'atc)in6 t)e

Ea#t)&an?s &in$ an$ t)e &in$ of t)e t'o No#st#ilians8 He co(l$ see t)at Beasley an$

Ta66a#t 'e#e bef($$le$ 'it) t)e #it(al of t)e 'o#$s% t)e 'etness an$ scent of t)e ai#%

an$ t)e false bl(e s0y in t)e to1 of t)e van t)ey $i$ not 0no' ')at t)ey 'e#e 6oin6

to $o8 B(t Ro$ co(l$ also see a s)a#1% 0een t#i(&1)ant t)o(6)t fo#&in6 in t)e

botto& of t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s &in$% I?ll 6et t)is boy offF He al&ost s&ile$% $es1ite t)e

1#esence of t)e sna0e &an 'it) t)e #i6i$ s&ile an$ t)e i&&ovable 6la#in6 eyes

stan$in6 (st t)#ee 1aces besi$e )i& an$ a little to )is #ea#% so t)at Ro$ co(l$ only loo0 at )i& t)#o(6) t)e co#ne# of )is eye8

5!iste#s an$ o'ne#sF5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5!iste# c)ai#&anF5 t)ey

ans'e#e$8

5)all I info#& t)e &an ')o is bein6 )ea#$@5 5Info#& )i&F5 t)ey c)ante$8

5Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan to t)e one

)(n$#e$ an$ fifty-

fi#st85

5Yes si#%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Hei#-in-t#(st of t)e tation of Doo&F5 5T)at?s &e%5 sai$ Ro$8



5Hea# )i&F5 sai$ t)e ot)e# t'o8

5Yo( )ave not co&e )e#e% c)il$ an$ citien Ro$e#ic0% fo# (s to ($6e yo( o# to

1(nis) yo(8 If t)ese t)in6s a#e to be $one% t)ey &(st be $one in anot)e# 1lace o# ti&e%

an$ t)ey &(st be $one by &en ot)e# t)an o(#selves8 T)e only conce#n befo#e t)is boa#$

is t)e follo'in64 s)o(l$ yo( o# s)o(l$ yo( not be allo'e$ to leave t)is #oo& safe an$f#ee an$ 'ell% ta0in6 into no acco(nt yo(# innocence o# 6(ilt of &atte#s ')ic) &i6)t be

$eci$e$ else')e#e% b(t )avin6 #e6a#$ only fo# t)e s(#vival an$ t)e safety an$ t)e

'elfa#e of t)is 6iven 1lanet@ We a#e not 1(nis)in6 an$ 'e a#e not ($6in6% b(t 'e a#e

$eci$in6% an$ ')at 'e a#e $eci$in6 is yo(# life8 Do yo( (n$e#stan$@ Do yo( a6#ee@5

Ro$ no$$e$ &(tely% $#in0in6 in t)e 'et-#ose-scente$ ai# an$ stillin6 )is s($$en

t)i#st 'it) t)e $a&1ness of t)e at&os1)e#e8 If t)in6s 'ent '#on6 no'% t)ey $i$ not

)ave ve#y fa# to 6o8 Not fa# to 6o% not 'it) t)e &otionless sna0e-&an stan$in6 (st

beyon$ )is #eac)8 He t#ie$ to loo0 at t)e sna0e- b#ain b(t 6ot not)in6 o(t of it e3ce1t fo#

an (ne31ecte$ 6litte# of #eco6nition an$ $efiance8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 'ent on% Ta66a#t an$ Beasley )an6in6 on )is 'o#$s ast)o(6) t)ey )a$ neve# )ea#$ t)e& befo#e8

5C)il$ an$ citien% yo( 0no' t)e #(les8 We a#e not to fin$ yo( '#on6 o# #i6)t8

No c#i&e is ($6e$ )e#e% no offense8 Neit)e# is innocence8 We a#e only ($6in6 t)e

sin6le (estion8 )o(l$ yo( live o# s)o(l$ yo( not@ Do yo( (n$e#stan$@ Do yo( a6#ee@5

ai$ Ro$% 5Yes% si#85

5An$ )o' stan$ yo(% c)il$ an$ citien@5 5W)at $o yo( &ean@5

5T)is boa#$ is as0in6 yo(8 W)at is yo(# o1inion@ )o(l$ yo( live o# s)o(l$ yo(

not@5 5I?$ li0e to%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t I?& ti#e$ of all t)ese c)il$)oo$s85

5T)at is not ')at t)e boa#$ is as0in6 yo(% c)il$ an$ citien%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$Re$la$y8 5We a#e as0in6 yo(% ')at $o yo( t)in0@ )o(l$ yo( live o# s)o(l$ yo( not

live@5

5Yo( 'ant &e to ($6e &yself@5

5T)at?s it% boy%5 sai$ Beasley% 5yo( 0no' t)e #(les8 Tell t)e&% boy8 I sai$ 'e

co(l$ co(nt on

yo(85

T)e s)a#1 f#ien$ly nei6)bo#ly face (ne31ecte$ly too0 on 6#eat i&1o#tance

fo# Ro$8 He

loo0e$ at Beasley as t)o(6) )e )a$ neve# seen t)e &an befo#e8 T)is &an 'as

t#yin6 to ($6e )i&% Ro$ an$ )e% Ro$% )a$ to )el1 $eci$e on ')at 'as to be $one 'it)

)i&self8 T)e &e$icine f#o& t)e sna0e-&an an$ t)e 6i66le-6i66le $eat)>o# a 'al0 o(t

into f#ee$o&8 Ro$ sta#te$ to s1ea0 an$ c)ec0e$ )i&self )e 'as to s1ea0 fo# Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia8 Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia 'as a to(6) 'o#l$% 1#o($ of its to(6) &en8 No 'on$e#

t)e boa#$ 6ave )i& a to(6) $ecision8 Ro$ &a$e (1 )is &in$ an$ )e s1o0e clea#ly an$

$elibe#ately4

5I?$ say no8 Do not let &e live8 I $on?t fit8 I can?t s1ie0 an$ )ie#8 Nobo$y

0no's ')at &y c)il$#en 'o(l$ be li0e% b(t t)e o$$s a#e a6ainst t)e&8 E3ce1t fo# onet)in6+5



5An$ ')at% c)il$ an$ citien% is t)at@5 as0e$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% ')ile Beasley

an$ Ta66a#t 'atc)e$ as t)o(6) t)ey 'e#e sta#in6 at t)e last five &ete#s of a )o#se #ace8

5Loo0 at &e ca#ef(lly% citiens an$ &e&be#s of t)e boa#$%5 sai$ Ro$%

fin$in6 t)at in t)is &ilie( it 'as easy to fall into a ce#e&onio(s 'ay of tal0in68

5Loo0 at &e ca#ef(lly an$ $o not consi$e# &y o'n )a11iness% beca(se yo( a#e not

allo'e$% by la'% to ($6e t)at any)o'8 Loo0 at &y talent> t)e 'ay I can )ie#% t)e bi6

t)(n$e#sto#& 'ay I can s1ie085 Ro$ 6at)e#e$ )is &in$ fo# a final 6a&ble an$ as )is li1s

6ot t)#o(6) tal0in6% )e s1at )is ')ole &in$ at t)e&4 >an6e#-an6e#% #a6e-#e$%

>bloo$-#e$%

>fi#e-f(#y%

>noise% stenc)% 6la#e% #o(6)ness% so(#ness an$ )ate )ate )ate%

>all t)e an3iety of a bitte# $ay%

>c#(tts% ')el1s% 1(1sFIt all 1o(#e$ o(t at once8 T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y t(#ne$ 1ale an$ co&1#esse$ )is li1s%

Ol$ Ta66a#t 1(t )is )an$s ove# )is face% Beasley loo0e$ be'il$e#e$ an$ na(seate$8

Beasley t)en sta#te$ to belc) as cal& $escen$e$ on t)e #oo&8

In a sli6)tly s)a0y voice% t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y as0e$4

5An$ ')at 'as t)at s(11ose$ to s)o'% c)il$ an$ citien@5 5In 6#o'n-(1 fo#&%

si#% co(l$ it be a (sef(l 'ea1on@5

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y loo0e$ at t)e ot)e# t'o8 T)ey tal0e$ 'it) t)e tiny

e31#essions on t)ei# faces if t)ey 'e#e s1ie0in6% Ro$ co(l$ not #ea$ it8 T)is last effo#t

)a$ cost )i& all tele1at)ic in1(t8

5Let?s 6o on%5 sai$ Ta66a#t8

5A#e yo( #ea$y@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y to Ro$8 5Yes% si#%5 sai$ Ro$8

5I contin(e%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5If yo( (n$e#stan$ yo(# o'n case as 'e

see it% 'e s)all 1#ocee$ to &a0e a $ecision an$% (1on &a0in6 t)e $ecision% to 0ill yo(

i&&e$iately o# to set yo( f#ee no less i&&e$iately8 )o(l$ t)e latte# 1#ove t)e case% 'e

s)all also 1#esent yo( 'it) a s&all b(t 1#ecio(s 6ift% so as to #e'a#$ yo( fo# t)e

co(#tesy ')ic) yo( 'ill )ave s)o'n t)is boa#$% fo# 'it)o(t co(#tesy t)e#e co(l$ be

no 1#o1e# )ea#in6% 'it)o(t t)e )ea#in6 no a11#o1#iate $ecision% an$ 'it)o(t an

a11#o1#iate $ecision t)e#e co(l$ be neit)e# (stice no# safety in t)e yea#s to co&e8 Do

yo( (n$e#stan$@ Do yo( a6#ee@55I s(11ose so%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Do yo( #eally (n$e#stan$@ Do yo( #eally a6#ee@ It is yo(# life ')ic) 'e a#e

tal0in6 abo(t%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

5Cove# (s%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

Ro$ sta#te$ to as0 )o' ')en )e (n$e#stoo$ t)at t)e co&&an$ 'as not $i#ecte$

at )i& in t)e

least8

T)e sna0e-&an )a$ co&e to life an$ 'as b#eat)in6 )eavily8 He s1o0e in clea#



ol$ 'o#$s% 'it)

an o$$ $#o11in6 ca$ence in eac) syllable4 5Hi6)% &y lo#$% o# (tte# &a3i&(&@5

"o# ans'e#% t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 1ointe$ )is #i6)t a#& st#ai6)t (1 'it) t)e in$e3

fin6e# st#ai6)t at t)e ceilin68 T)e sna0e-&an )isse$ an$ 6at)e#e$ )is e&otions fo# an

attac08 Ro$ felt )is s0in 6o 6oose-1i&1ly all ove#% t)en )e felt t)e )ai# on t)e bac0 of )isnec0 #ise% finally )e felt not)in6 b(t an (nbea#able ale#tness8 If t)ese 'e#e t)e t)o(6)ts

')ic) t)e sna0e-&an 'as sen$in6 o(t of t)e t#aile# van% no 1asse#by co(l$ 1ossibly

eaves$#o1 on t)e $ecision8 T)e sta#tlin6 1#ess(#e of #a' &enace 'o(l$ ta0e ca#e of t)at

instea$8

T)e t)#ee &e&be#s of t)e boa#$ )el$ )an$s an$ see&e$ to be aslee18

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y o1ene$ )is eyes an$ s)oo0 )is )ea$% al&ost i&1e#ce1tibly% at

t)e sna0e- sol$ie#8

T)e feelin6 of sna0e-t)#eat 'ent off8 T)e sol$ie# #et(#ne$ to )is i&&obile

1osition% eyes fo#'a#$8 T)e &e&be#s of t)e boa#$ sl(&1e$ ove# t)ei# table8 T)ey $i$not see& to be able o# #ea$y to s1ea08 T)ey loo0e$ o(t of b#eat)8 At last Ta66a#t

$#a66e$ )i&self to )is feet% 6as1in6 )is &essa6e to Ro$4

5T)e#e?s t)e $oo#% boy8 2o8 Yo(?#e a citien8 "#ee85

Ro$ sta#te$ to t)an0 )i& b(t t)e ol$ &an )el$ (1 )is #i6)t )an$4

5Don?t t)an0 &e8 D(ty8 B(t #e&e&be#>not one 'o#$% eve#8 Not one 'o#$%

eve#% abo(t t)is )ea#in68 2o alon685

Ro$ 1l(n6e$ fo# t)e $oo#% l(#c)e$ t)#o(6)% an$ 'as in )is o'n ya#$8 "#ee8 "o# a

&o&ent )e stoo$ in t)e ya#$% st(nne$8

T)e $ea# 6#ay s0y of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia #olle$ lo' ove#)ea$ t)is 'as nolon6e# t)e ee#ie li6)t of Ol$ Ea#t)% ')e#e t)e )eavens 'e#e s(11ose$ to s)ine

1e#1et(ally bl(e8 He sneee$ as t)e $#y ai# ca(6)t t)e tiss(e of )is nost#ils8 He felt )is

clot)in6 c)ill as t)e &oist(#e eva1o#ate$ o(t of it )e $i$ not t)in0 ')et)e# it 'as t)e

'etness of t)e t#aile#-van o# )is o'n s'eat ')ic) )a$ &a$e )is s)i#t so 'et8 T)e#e

'e#e a lot of 1eo1le t)e#e% an$ a lot of li6)t8 An$ t)e s&ell of #oses 'as as fa# a'ay as

anot)e# life &i6)t be8

Lavinia stoo$ nea# )i&% 'ee1in68

He sta#te$ to t(#n to )e#% ')en a collective 6as1 f#o& t)e c#o'$ ca(se$ )i& to

t(#n a#o(n$8 T)e sna0e-&an )a$ co&e o(t of t)e van8 It 'as (st an ol$ t)eate#-van% )e

#ealie$ at last% t)e0in$ ')ic) )e )i&self )a$ ente#e$ a )(n$#e$ ti&es8 His ea#t) (nifo#&

loo0e$ li0e t)e ac&e of 'ealt) an$ $eca$ence a&on6 t)e $(sty cove#alls of t)e &en

an$ t)e 1o1lin $#esses of t)e 'o&en8 His 6#een co&1le3ion loo0e$ b#i6)t a&on6 t)e

tanne$ faces of t)e No#st#ilians8 He sal(te$ Ro$8

Ro$ $i$ not #et(#n t)e sal(te8 He (st sta#e$8

Pe#)a1s t)ey )a$ c)an6e$ t)ei# &in$s an$ )a$ sent t)e 6i66le of $eat) afte# )i&8

T)e sol$ie# )el$ o(t )is )an$8 T)e#e 'as a 'allet of ')at see&e$ to be leat)e#%

finely c)ase$% of off'o#l$ &an(fact(#e8

Ro$ sta&&e#e$% 5It?s not &ine85



5It> is> not> yo(#s%5 sai$ t)e sna0e-&an% 5b(t> it> is> t)e> 6ift>

')ic)> t)e>

1eo1le> 1#o&ise$> yo(> insi$e8>Ta0e> it> beca(se> I> a&>too> $#y

> o(t> )e#e85

Ro$ too0 it an$ st(ffe$ it in )is 1oc0et8 W)at $i$ a 1#esent &atte# ')en t)ey )a$

6iven )i& life% eyes% $ayli6)t% t)e 'in$ itself@

T)e sna0e-sol$ie# 'atc)e$ 'it) flic0e#in6 eyes8 He &a$e no co&&ent% b(t )e

sal(te$ an$ 'ent stiffly bac0 to t)e van8 At t)e $oo# )e t(#ne$ an$ loo0e$ ove# t)e

c#o'$ as t)o(6) )e 'e#e a11#aisin6 t)e easiest 'ay to 0ill t)e& all8 He sai$ not)in6%

t)#eatene$ not)in68 He o1ene$ t)e $oo# an$ 1(t )i&self into t)e van8 T)e#e 'as no si6n

of ')o t)e )(&an in)abitants of t)e van &i6)t be8 T)e#e &(st be% t)o(6)t Ro$% so&e

'ay of 6ettin6 t)e& in an$ o(t of t)e 2a#$en of Deat) ve#y sec#etly an$ ve#y

(ietly% beca(se )e )a$ live$ a#o(n$ t)e nei6)bo#)oo$ a lon6 ti&e an$ )a$ neve# )a$

t)e faintest i$ea t)at )is o'n nei6)bo#s &i6)t sit on a boa#$8

T)e 1eo1le 'e#e f(nny8 T)ey stoo$ (ietly in t)e ya#$% 'aitin6 fo# )i& to&a0e t)e fi#st

&ove8

He t(#ne$ stiffly an$ loo0e$ a#o(n$ &o#e $elibe#ately8

W)y% it 'as )is nei6)bo#s an$ 0infol0% all of t)e&>!cBans% !acA#t)(#s%

Passa#ellis%

c)&i$ts% even t)e an$e#sF

He lifte$ )is )an$ in 6#eetin6 to all of t)e&8 Pan$e&oni(& b#o0e loose8

T)ey #(s)e$ to'a#$ )i&8 T)e 'o&en 0isse$ )i&% t)e &en 1atte$ )i& on t)e

bac0 an$ s)oo0 )is )an$% t)e s&all c)il$#en be6an a 1i1in6 little son6 abo(t t)e

tation of Doo&8 He )a$ beco&e t)e cente# of a &ob ')ic) le$ )i& to )is o'n

0itc)en8

!any of t)e 1eo1le )a$ be6(n to c#y8

He 'on$e#e$ ')y8 Al&ost i&&e$iately% )e (n$e#stoo$> T)ey li0e$ )i&8

"o# (nfat)o&able 1eo1le #easons% &i3e$-(1 non-lo6ical )(&an #easons t)ey )a$

'is)e$ )i& 'ell8 Even t)e a(ntie ')o )a$ 1#e$icte$ a coffin fo# )i& 'as snivelin6

'it)o(t s)a&e% (sin6 a co#ne# of )e# a1#on to 'i1e )e# eyes an$ nose8

He )a$ 6otten ti#e$ of 1eo1le% bein6 a f#ea0 )i&self% b(t in t)is &o&ent

of t#ial t)ei# 6oo$ness% t)o(6) ca1#icio(s% flo'e$ ove# )i& li0e a 6#eat 'ave8 He let

t)e& sit )i& $o'n in )is o'n 0itc)en8 A&on6 t)e babble% t)e 'ee1s% t)e la(6)te#% t)e

)ea#ty an$ falsely c)ee#f(l #elief% )e )ea#$ a sin6le f(6(e bein6 #e1eate$ a6ain an$

a6ain4 t)ey li0e$ )i&8 He )a$ co&e bac0 f#o& $eat)4 )e 'as t)ei# Ro$ !cBan8

Wit)o(t li(o#% it &a$e )i& $#(n08 5I can?t stan$ it%5 )e s)o(te$% 5I li0e yo(

all so $as)e$ bloo&e$ c#(ttin6 &(c) t)at I co(l$ beat t)e senti&ental b#ains o(t of t)e

')ole c#oo0 lot of yo(+5

5Isn?t t)at a s'eet s1eec)@5 &(#&(#e$ an ol$ fa#& 'ife nea#by8 A 1olice&an% inf(ll (nifo#&% a6#ee$8



T)e 1a#ty )a$ sta#te$8 It laste$ t)#ee f(ll $ays% an$ ')en it 'as ove# t)e#e 'as

not a $#y eye o# a f(ll bottle on t)e ')ole tation of Doo&8

"#o& ti&e to ti&e )e clea#e$ (1 eno(6) to enoy )is &i#ac(lo(s 6ift of )ie#in68

He loo0e$ t)#o(6) all t)ei# &in$s ')ile t)ey c)atte$ an$ san6 an$ $#an0 an$ ate an$

'e#e as )a11y as La##y t)e#e 'as not one of t)e& ')o )a$ co&e alon6 vainly8 T)ey

'e#e t#(ly #eoicin68 T)ey love$ )i&8 T)ey 'is)e$ )i& 'ell8 He )a$ )is $o(bts abo(t

)o' lon6 t)at 0in$ of love 'o(l$ last% b(t )e enoye$ it ')ile it laste$8

Lavinia staye$ o(t of )is 'ay t)e fi#st $ay on t)e secon$ an$ t)i#$ $ays s)e 'as

6one8 T)ey 6ave )i& #eal No#st#ilian bee# to $#in0% ')ic) t)ey )a$ b#o(6)t (1 to ,9

1#oof by t)e si&1le a$$ition of #a' s1i#its8 Wit) t)is% )e fo#6ot t)e 2a#$en of Deat)% t)e

s'eet 'et s&ells% t)e 1#ecise off-'o#l$ voice of t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% t)e 1#etentio(s bl(e

s0y in t)e ceilin68

He loo0e$ in t)ei# &in$s an$ ove# an$ ove# a6ain )e sa' t)e sa&e t)in6%

5Yo(?#e o(# boy8 Yo( &a$e it8 Yo(?#e alive8 2oo$ l(c0% Ro$% 6oo$ l(c0 to yo(%

fello'8 We $i$n?t )ave to see yo( sta66e# off% 6i66lin6 an$ )a11y% to t)e )o(se t)at yo('o(l$ $ie in85

Ha$ )e &a$e it% t)o(6)t Ro$% o# 'as it c)ance ')ic) )a$ $one it fo# )i&@

CHAPTER THREE4 An6e# of t)e Onsec0

By t)e en$ of t)e 'ee0% t)e celeb#ation 'as ove#8 T)e asso#te$ a(nts an$ co(sins

)a$ 6one bac0 to t)ei# fa#&s8 T)e tation of Doo& 'as (iet% an$ Ro$ s1ent t)e

&o#nin6 &a0in6 s(#e t)at t)e fiel$)an$s )a$ not ne6lecte$ t)e s)ee1 too &(c)

$(#in6 t)e 1#olon6e$ 1a#ty8 He fo(n$ t)at Daisy% a yo(n6 99-ton e'e% )a$ not been

t(#ne$ fo# t'o $ays an$ )a$ to be #elanolinie$ on )e# 6#o(n$ si$e befo#e ea#t) can0e#

set in t)en% )e $iscove#e$ t)at t)e n(t#ient t(bes fo# Tanne#% )is

,999-ton #a&% )a$ beco&e a&&e$ an$ t)at t)e 1oo# s)ee1 'as 6ettin6 a ba$case of e$e&a in )is 6i6antic le6s8 Ot)e#'ise t)in6s 'e#e (iet8 Even ')en )e sa'

Beasley?s #e$ 1ony tet)e#e$ in )is o'n ya#$% )e )a$ no 1#e&onition of t#o(ble8

He 'ent c)ee#f(lly into t)e )o(se% 6#eetin6 Beasley 'it) an i##eve#ent 5Have a

$#in0 on &e% !iste# an$ O'ne# BeasleyF O)% yo( )ave one al#ea$yF Have t)e ne3t one

t)en% si#F5

5T)an0s fo# t)e $#in0% la$% b(t I ca&e to see yo(8 On b(siness85 5Yes si#%5 sai$

Ro$% 5yo(?#e one of &y t#(stees% a#en?t yo(@5

5T)at I a&%5 sai$ Beasley% 5b(t yo(?#e in t#o(ble% la$8 Real t#o(ble85

Ro$ s&ile$ at )i& evenly an$ cal&ly8 He 0ne' t)at t)e ol$e# &an )a$ to &a0e a bi6 effo#t to tal0 'it) )is voice instea$ of (st s1ie0in6 'it) )is &in$ )e a11#eciate$

t)e fact t)at Beasley )a$ co&e to )i& 1e#sonally% instea$ of tal0in6 to t)e ot)e# t#(stees

abo(t )i&8 It 'as a si6n t)at )e% Ro$ )a$ 1asse$ )is o#$eal8 Wit) 6en(ine co&1os(#e%

Ro$ $ecla#e$4

5I?ve been t)in0in6% si#% t)is 'ee0% t)at I?$ 6otten o(t of t#o(ble85 5W)at $o yo(

&ean% O'ne# !cBan@5

5Yo( #e&e&be#+5 Ro$ $i$ not $a#e &ention t)e 2a#$en of Deat)% no# )is

&e&o#y t)at

Beasley )a$ been one of t)e sec#et boa#$ ')o )a$ 1asse$ )i& as bein6 fit to live8

Beasley too0 t)e c(e8 5o&e t)in6s 'e $on?t &ention% la$% an$ I see t)at yo(

)ave been 'ell ta(6)t85



He sto11e$ t)e#e an$ sta#e$ at Ro$ 'it) t)e e31#ession of a &an loo0in6 at

an (nfa&ilia# co#1se befo#e t(#nin6 it ove# to i$entify it8 Ro$ beca&e (neasy 'it) t)e

sta#e8

5it% la$% sit $o'n%5 sai$ Beasley% co&&an$in6 Ro$ in )is o'n )o(se8

Ro$ sat $o'n on t)e benc)% since Beasley occ(1ie$ t)e only c)ai#>Ro$?s

6#an$fat)e#?s )(6e ca#ve$ off-'o#l$ t)#one8 He sat8 He $i$ not li0e bein6 o#$e#e$ abo(t%

b(t )e 'as s(#e t)at Beasley &eant )i& 'ell an$ 'as 1#obably st#aine$ by t)e

(nfa&ilia# effo#t of tal0in6 'it) )is t)#oat an$ &o(t)8

Beasley loo0e$ at )i& a6ain 'it) t)at 1ec(lia# e31#ession% a &i3t(#e of

sy&1at)y an$ $istaste8

52et (1 a6ain% la$% an$ loo0 #o(n$ yo(# )o(se to see if t)e#e?s anybo$y abo(t85

5T)e#e isn?t%5 sai$ Ro$8 5!y a(nt Do#is left afte# I 'as clea#e$% t)e 'o#0'o&an

Eleano# bo##o'e$ a ca#t an$ 'ent off to &a#0et% an$ I )ave only t'o station )an$s8

T)ey?#e bot) o(t #einfectin6 Baby8 )e #an lo' on )e# santacla#a co(nt85

No#&ally% t)e 'ealt)-1#o$(cin6 sic0nesses of t)ei# 6i6antic )alf-1a#alye$

s)ee1 'o(l$ )ave en6#osse$ t)e f(ll attention of any t'o No#st#ilian fa#&e#s% 'it)o(t

#es1ect to $iffe#ences in a6e an$ 6#a$e8

T)is ti&e% no8

Beasley )a$ so&et)in6 se#io(s an$ (n1leasant on )is &in$8 He loo0e$ so 1#(ney

an$ (n(iet t)at Ro$ felt a #eal sy&1at)y fo# t)e &an8

Beasley #e1eate$% 52o )ave a loo0% any)o'85

Ro$ $i$ not a#6(e8 D(tif(lly )e 'ent o(t t)e bac0 $oo#% loo0e$ a#o(n$ t)e so(t)si$e of t)e )o(se% sa' no one% 'al0e$ a#o(n$ t)e )o(se on t)e no#t) si$e% sa' no

one t)e#e eit)e#% an$ #e- ente#e$ t)e )o(se f#o& t)e f#ont $oo#8 Beasley )a$ not sti##e$%

e3ce1t to 1o(# a little &o#e bitte# ale f#o& )is bottle to )is 6lass8 Ro$ &et )is eyes8

Wit)o(t anot)e# 'o#$% Ro$ sat $o'n8 If t)e &an 'as se#io(sly conce#ne$ abo(t )i&

')ic) Ro$ t)o(6)t )e 'as% an$ if t)e &an 'as #easonably intelli6ent ')ic) Ro$

0ne' )e 'as% t)e co&&(nication 'as 'o#t) 'aitin6 fo# an$ listenin6 to8 Ro$ 'as

still s(staine$ by t)e 1leasant feelin6 t)at )is nei6)bo#s li0e$ )i&% a feelin6 ')ic) )a$

co&e 1lainly to t)e s(#face of t)ei# )onest No#st#ilian faces ')en )e 'al0e$ bac0 into

)is o'n bac0 ya#$ f#o& t)e van of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8

Beasley sai$% as t)o(6) )e 'e#e s1ea0in6 of an (nfa&ilia# foo$ o# a #a#e$#in08 5Boy% t)is tal0in6 )as so&e a$vanta6es8 If a &an $oesn?t 1(t )is ea# into it% )e

can?t (st 1ic0 it (1 'it) )is &in$% can )e% no'@5

Ro$ t)o(6)t fo# a &o&ent8 Can$i$ly )e s1o0e% 5I?& too yo(n6 to 0no' fo# s(#e%

b(t I neve# )ea#$ of so&ebo$y 1ic0in6 (1 s1o0en 'o#$s by )ie#in6 t)e& 'it) )is

&in$8 It see&s to be one o# t)e ot)e#8 Yo( neve# tal0 ')ile yo( a#e s1ie0in6% $o yo(@5

Beasley no$$e$8 5T)at?s it% t)en8 I )ave so&et)in6 to tell yo( ')ic) I s)o(l$n?t

tell yo(% an$ yet I )ave 6ot to tell yo(% so if I 0ee1 &y voice bloo&in6 lo'% nobo$y

else 'ill 1ic0 it (1% 'ill t)ey@5

Ro$ no$$e$8 5W)at is it% si#@ Is t)e#e so&et)in6 '#on6 'it) t)e title to &y 1#o1e#ty@5



Beasley too0 a $#in0 b(t 0e1t sta#in6 at Ro$ ove# t)e to1 of t)e &(6 ')ile )e

$#an0% 5Yo(?ve 6ot t#o(ble t)e#e too% la$% b(t even t)o(6) it?s ba$% it?s so&et)in6 I can

tal0 ove# 'it) yo( an$ 'it) t)e ot)e# t#(stees8 T)is is &o#e 1e#sonal% in a 'ay8 An$

'o#se85

5Please% si#F W)at is it@5 c#ie$ Ro$% al&ost e3as1e#ate$ by all t)is &ystification8

5T)e Onsec0 is afte# yo(85

5W)at?s an Onsec0@5 sai$ Ro$% 5I )ave neve# )ea#$ of it85

5It?s not an it%5 sai$ Beasley 6loo&ily% 5it?s a )i&8 Onsec0% yo( 0no'% t)e c)a1 in

t)e Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent8 T)e &an ')o 0ee1s t)e boo0s fo# t)e ;ice-

c)ai#&an8 It 'as Hon8 ec8% &eanin6 Hono#a#y ec#eta#y o# so&et)in6 else 1#e)isto#ic%

')en 'e fi#st ca&e to t)is 1lanet% b(t by no' eve#ybo$y (st says Onsec0 an$ '#ites it

(st t)e 'ay it so(n$s8 He 0no's t)at )e can?t #eve#se yo(# )ea#in6 in t)e 2a#$en of

Deat)85

5Nobo$y co(l$%5 c#ie$ Ro$% 5it?s neve# been $one eve#ybo$y 0no's t)at85 5T)ey

&ay 0no' it% b(t t)e#e?s civil t#ial855Ho' can t)ey 6ive &e a civil t#ial ')en I )aven?t )a$ ti&e to c)an6e@ Yo(

yo(#self 0no'

>5

5Neve#% la$$ie% neve# say ')at Beasley 0no's o# $oesn?t 0no'8 K(st say ')at

yo( t)in085

Even in 1#ivate% bet'een (st t)e t'o of t)e&% Beasley $i$ not 'ant to

violate t)e f(n$a&ental sec#ecy of t)e )ea#in6 in t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8

5I?& (st 6oin6 to say% !iste# an$ O'ne# Beasley%5 sai$ Ro$ ve#y )eate$ly% 5t)at

a civil t#ial fo# 6ene#al inco&1etence is so&et)in6 ')ic) is a11lie$ to an o'ne# only

afte# t)e nei6)bo#s )ave been co&1lainin6 fo# a lon6 ti&e abo(t )i&8 T)ey )aven?t)a$ t)e ti&e o# t)e #i6)t to co&1lain abo(t &e% )ave t)ey no'@5

Beasley 0e1t )is )an$ on t)e )an$le of )is &(68 T)e (se of s1o0en 'o#$s ti#e$

)i&8 A c#o'n of s'eat be6an to s)o' a#o(n$ t)e to1 of )is fo#e)ea$8

5(11ose% la$%5 sai$ )e ve#y sole&nly% 5t)at I 0ne' t)#o(6) 1#o1e# c)annels

so&et)in6 abo(t )o' yo( 'e#e ($6e$ in t)at van>t)e#eF I?ve sai$ it% &e t)at s)o(l$n?t

)ave>an$ s(11ose t)at I 0ne' t)e Onsec0 )ate$ a fo#ei6n 6entle&an t)at &i6)t )ave

been in a van li0e t)at>5

5T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y@5 ')is1e#e$ Ro$% s)oc0e$ at last by t)e fact t)at Beasley

fo#ce$ )i&self to tal0 abo(t t)e (n&entionable8

5Aye%5 no$$e$ Beasley% )is )onest face close to b#ea0in6 into tea#s% 5an$

s(11ose t)at I 0ne' t)at t)e Onsec0 0ne' yo( an$ felt t)e #(le 'as '#on6% all '#on6%

t)at yo( 'e#e a f#ea0 ')o 'o(l$ )(#t all No#st#ilia% ')at 'o(l$ I $o@5

5I $on?t 0no'%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Tell &e% 1e#)a1s@5

5Neve#%5 sai$ Beasley8 5I?& an )onest &an8 2et &e anot)e# $#in085

Ro$ 'al0e$ ove# to t)e c(1boa#$% b#o(6)t o(t anot)e# bottle of bitte# ale%

'on$e#in6 ')e#e o# ')en He &i6)t )ave 0no'n t)e Onsec08 He )a$ neve# )a$ &(c) of

anyt)in6 to $o 'it) 6ove#n&ent )is fa&ily>fi#st )is 6#an$fat)e#% ')ile )e live$% an$

t)en )is a(nts an$ co(sins>)a$ ta0en ca#e of all t)e official 1a1e#s an$ 1e#&its an$

t)in6s8



Beasley $#an0 $ee1ly of t)e ale8 52oo$ ale% t)is8 Ha#$ 'o#0% tal0in6% even

t)o(6) it?s a fine 'ay to 0ee1 a sec#et% if yo(?#e 1#etty s(#e nobo$y can 1ee1 o(# &in$s85

5I $on?t 0no' )i&%5 sai$ Ro$8

5W)o@5 as0e$ Beasley% &o&enta#ily off )is t#ail of t)o(6)t8

5T)e Onsec08 I $on?t 0no' any Onsec08 I?ve neve# been to Ne' Canbe##a8 I?ve

neve# seen an official% no% no# an off'o#l$e# neit)e#% not (ntil I &et t)at fo#ei6n

6entle&an 'e 'e#e tal0in6 abo(t8 Ho' can t)e Onsec0 0no' &e if I $on?t 0no' )i&@5

5B(t yo( $i$% la$$ie8 He 'asn?t Onsec0 t)en85

5"o# s)ee1?s sa0e% si#%5 sai$ Ro$% 5tell &e ')o it isF5

5Neve# (se t)e Lo#$?s na&e (nless yo( a#e tal0in6 to t)e Lo#$%5 sai$ Beasley

6l(&ly8 5I?& so##y% si#8 I a1olo6ie8 W)o 'as it@5

5Ho(6aton y&e to t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fo#ty-nint)%5 sai$ Beasley8 5We )ave no

nei6)bo# of t)at na&e% si#855No% 'e $on?t%5 sai$ Beasley )oa#sely% as t)o(6) )e )a$ co&e to t)e en$ of )is

#oa$ in i&1a#tin6 sec#ets8

Ro$ sta#e$ at )i&% still 1(le$8

In t)e fa#% fa# $istance% 'ay beyon$ Pillo' Hills% )is 6iant s)ee1 baa?$8 T)at

1#obably &eant t)at Ho11e# 'as )oistin6 )e# into a ne' 1osition on )e# 1latfo#&% so

t)at s)e co(l$ #eac) f#es) 6#ass8

Beasley b#o(6)t )is face close to Ro$?s8 He ')is1e#e$% an$ it 'as f(nny to see

t)e )as) a no#&al &an &a$e o(t of ')is1e#in6 ')en )e )a$n?t even tal0e$ 'it) )is

voice fo# )alf a yea#8

His 'o#$s )a$ a lo'% $i#ty tone to t)e&% as t)o(6) )e 'e#e 6oin6 to tell Ro$ an

e3t#e&ely filt)y sto#y o# as0 )i& so&e 1e#sonal an$ &ost i&1#o1e# (estion8

5Yo(# life% la$$ie%5 )e 6as1e$% 5I 0no' yo(?ve )a$ a #(& one8 I )ate to as0 yo(%

b(t I &(st8 Ho' &(c) $o yo( 0no' of yo(# o'n life@5

5O)% t)at%5 sai$ Ro$ easily% 5t)at8 I $on?t &in$ bein6 as0e$ t)at% even if it is a

little '#on6-o8 I )ave )a$ fo(# c)il$)oo$s% e#o to si3teen eac) ti&e8 !y fa&ily 0e1t

)o1in6 t)at I 'o(l$ 6#o' (1 to s1ie0 an$ )ie# li0e eve#ybo$y else% b(t I (st staye$ &e8

Of co(#se% I 'asn?t a #eal baby on t)e t)#ee ti&es t)ey sta#te$ &e ove#% (st so#t of an

e$(cate$ i$iot t)e sie of a boy si3teen85

5T)at?s it% la$8 B(t can yo( #e&e&be# t)e&% t)ose ot)e# lives@5

5Bits an$ 1ieces% si#% Pieces an$ bits8 It $i$n?t )ol$ to6et)e#>5 He c)ec0e$

)i&self an$ 6as1e$% 5Ho(6)ton y&eF Ho(6)ton y&eF Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le8 Of

co(#se I 0no' )i&8 T)e one- s)ot boy8 I 0ne' )i& in &y fi#st 1#e11e#% in &y fi#st

c)il$)oo$8 We 'e#e 1#etty 6oo$ f#ien$s% b(t 'e )ate$ eac) ot)e# any)o'8 I 'as a f#ea0

an$ )e 'as too8 I co(l$n?t s1ie0 o# )ie#% an$ )e co(l$n?t ta0e st#oon8 T)at &eant t)at I

'o(l$ neve# 6et t)#o(6) t)e 2a#$en of Deat)> (st t)e 6i66le #oo& an$ fine o'ne#?s

coffin fo# &e8 An$ )i& >)e 'as 'o#se8 He 'o(l$ (st 6et an Ol$ Ea#t) lifeti&e> a

)(n$#e$ an$ si3ty yea#s o# so an$ t)en blotto8 He &(st be an ol$is) &an no'8 Poo#

c)a1F Ho' $i$ )e 6et to be Onsec0@ W)at 1o'e# $oes an Onsec0 )ave@5

5No' yo( )ave it% la$$ie8 He says )e?s yo(# f#ien$ an$ t)at )e )ates to $o it%



b(t )e?s 6ot to see to it t)at yo( a#e 0ille$8 "o# t)e 6oo$ of No#st#ilia8 He says it?s )is

$(ty8 He 6ot to be Onsec0

beca(se )e 'as al'ays a'in6 abo(t )is $(ty an$ 1eo1le 'e#e a little so##y fo#

)i& beca(se )e 'as 6oin6 to $ie so soon% (st one Ol$ Ea#t) lifeti&e 'it) all t)e st#oon

in t)e (nive#se 1#o$(ce$ a#o(n$ )is feet an$ )i& (nable to ta0e it>5

5T)ey neve# c(#e$ )i&% t)en@5

5Neve#%5 sai$ Beasley8 5He?s an ol$ &an no'% an$ bitte#8 An$ )e?s s'o#n to see

yo( $ie85 5Can )e $o it@ Bein6 Onsec0% I &ean85

5He &i6)t8 He )ates t)at fo#ei6n 6entle&an 'e 'e#e tal0in6 abo(t beca(se

t)at off'o#l$e# tol$ )i& )e 'as a 1#ovincial fool8 He )ates yo( beca(se yo( 'ill live

an$ )e 'ill not8 W)at 'as it yo( calle$ )i& in sc)ool@5

5Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le8 A boy?s o0e on )is na&e85

5He?s not )ot an$ )e?s not si&1le8 He?s col$ an$ co&1licate$ an$ c#(el an$

(n)a11y8 If 'e $i$n?t all of (s t)in0 t)at )e 'as 6oin6 to $ie in a little ')ile% ten o# a)(n$#e$ yea#s o# so% 'e &i6)t vote )i& into a 6i66le #oo& o(#selves8 "o# &ise#y an$

inco&1etence8 B(t )e is Onsec0 an$ )e?s afte# yo(8 I?ve sai$ it no'8 I s)o(l$n?t )ave8

B(t ')en I sa' t)at sly col$ face tal0in6 abo(t yo( an$ t#yin6 to $ecla#e yo(# boa#$

inco&1etent #i6)t ')ile yo(% la$$ie% 'e#e )avin6 an )onest bin6e 'it) yo(# fa&ily an$

nei6)bo#s at )avin6 6otten t)#o(6) at last>')en I sa' t)at ')ite sly face c#ee1in6

a#o(n$ ')e#e yo( co(l$n?t even see )i& fo# a fai# fi6)t>t)en I sai$ to &yself% Ro$

!cBan &ay not be a &an officially% b(t t)e 1oo# clo$$in6 c#(tt )as 1ai$ t)e f(ll 1#ice

fo# bein6 a &an% so I?ve tol$ yo(8 I &ay )ave ta0en a c)ance% an$ I &ay )ave )(#t &y

)ono#85 Beasley si6)e$8 His )onest #e$ face 'as t#o(ble$ in$ee$8 5I &ay )ave )(#t

&y )ono#% an$ t)at?s a so#e t)in6 )e#e in No#st#ilia ')e#e a &an can live as lon6 as

)e 'ants8 B(t I?& 6la$ I $i$8 Besi$es% &y t)#oat is so#e 'it) all t)is tal0in68 2et &e

anot)e# bottle of bitte# ale% la$% befo#e I 6o an$ 6et &y )o#se85

Wo#$lessly Ro$ 6ot )i& t)e ale% an$ 1o(#e$ it fo# )i& 'it) a 1leasant no$8

Beasley% (nincline$ to $o any &o#e tal0in6% si11e$ at t)e ale8 Pe#)a1s%

t)o(6)t Ro$% )e is )ie#in6 a#o(n$ ca#ef(lly to see if t)e#e )ave been any )(&an

&in$s nea#by ')ic) &i6)t )ave 1ic0e$ (1 t)e tele1at)ic lea0a6e f#o& t)e

conve#sation8

As Beasley )an$e$ bac0 t)e &(6 an$ sta#te$ to leave 'it) a 'o#$less

nei6)bo#ly no$% Ro$ co(l$ not #est#ain )i&self f#o& as0in6 one last (estion% ')ic)

)e s1o0e in a )isse$ ')is1e#8 Beasley )a$ 6otten )is &in$ so fa# off t)e s(bect of so(n$ tal0 t)at )e &e#ely sta#e$ at Ro$8 Pe#)a1s% Ro$ t)o(6)t% )e is as0in6 &e to s1ie0

1lainly beca(se )e )as fo#6otten t)at I cannot s1ie0 at all8 T)at 'as t)e case% beca(se

Beasley c#oa0e$ in a ve#y )oa#se voice4

5W)at is it% la$@ Don?t &a0e &e tal0 &(c)8 !y voice is sc#atc)in6 &e an$ &y

)ono# is so#e 'it)in &e85

5W)at s)o(l$ I $o% si#@ W)at s)o(l$ I $o@5

5!iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan% t)at?s yo(# 1#oble&8 I?& not yo(8 I 'o(l$n?t 0no'85

5B(t ')at 'o(l$ yo( $o% si#@ (11ose yo( 'e#e &e85

Beasley?s bl(e eyes loo0e$ ove# at Pillo' Hill fo# a &o&ent% abst#acte$ly8 52etoff1lanet8 2et off8 2o a'ay8 "o# a )(n$#e$ yea#s o# so8 T)en t)at &an>)i&>)e?ll be



$ea$ in $(e ti&e an$ yo( can co&e bac0% f#es) as a ne'-blosso&e$ t'in0le85

5B(t )o'% si#@ Ho' can I $o it@5

Beasley 1atte$ )i& on )is s)o(l$e#% 6ave )i& a b#oa$ 'o#$less s&ile% 1(t )is

foot in )is sti##(1% s1#an6 into )is sa$$le% an$ loo0e$ $o'n at Ro$8

5I 'o(l$n?t 0no'% nei6)bo#8 B(t 6oo$ l(c0 to yo(% (st t)e sa&e8 I?ve $one

&o#e t)an I

s)o(l$8 2oo$-bye85

He sla11e$ )is )o#se 6ently 'it) )is o1en )an$ t#otte$ o(t of t)e ya#$8 At t)e

e$6e of t)e ya#$ t)e c)an6e$ to a cante#8

Ro$ stoo$ in )is o'n $oo#'ay% (tte#ly alone8

CHAPTER "OUR4 T)e Ol$ B#o0en T#eas(#es in t)e 2a1

Afte# Beasley left% Ro$ lo1e$ &ise#ably a#o(n$ )is fa#&8 He &isse$ )is

6#an$fat)e#% ')o )a$ been livin6 $(#in6 )is fi#st t)#ee c)il$)oo$s b(t ')o )a$ $ie$')ile Ro$ 'as 6oin6 t)#o(6) a fo(#t) si&(late$ infancy in an atte&1t to c(#e )is

tele1at)ic )an$ica18 He even &isse$ )is A(nt !a#6ot% ')o )a$ vol(nta#ily 6one into

Wit)$#a'al at t)e a6e of nine )(n$#e$ an$ t'o8 T)e#e 'e#e 1lenty of co(sins an$

0ins&en f#o& ')o& )e co(l$ as0 a$vice t)e#e 'e#e t)e t'o )an$s on t)e fa#& t)e#e

'as even t)e c)ance t)at )e co(l$ 6o see !ot)e# Hitton )e#self% beca(se s)e )a$

once been% &a##ie$ to one of )is 6#eat,,-(ncles8 B(t t)is ti&e )e $i$ not 'ant

co&1anions)i18 T)e#e 'as not)in6 )e co(l$ $o 'it) 1eo1le8 T)e Onsec0 'as 1eo1le

too>i&a6ine 5ol$ )ot an$ si&1le5 beco&in6 a 1o'e# in t)e )an$F Ro$ 0ne' t)at t)is

'as )is o'n fi6)t8

His o'n8

W)at )a$ eve# been )is o'n befo#e@

Not even )is life8 He co(l$ #e&e&be# bits abo(t t)e $iffe#ent boy)oo$s )e?$ )a$8

He even )a$ va6(e (nco&fo#table 6li&1ses of seasons of 1ain>t)e ti&es t)ey )a$ sent

)i& bac0 to baby)oo$ ')ile leavin6 )i& la#6e8 T)at )a$n?t been )is c)oice8 T)e ol$

&an )a$ o#$e#e$ it o# t)e ;ice- c)ai#&an )a$ a11#ove$ it o# A(nt !a#6ot )a$ be66e$

fo# it8 Nobo$y )a$ as0e$ )i& &(c)% e3ce1t to say% 5Yo( 'ill a6#ee+5

He )a$ a6#ee$8

He )a$ been 6oo$>so 6oo$ t)at )e )ate$ t)e& all at ti&es an$ 'on$e#e$ if

t)ey 0ne' )e )ate$ t)e&8 T)e )ate neve# laste$% beca(se t)e #eal 1eo1le involve$'e#e too 'ell-&eanin6% too 0in$% too a&bitio(s fo# )is o'n sa0e8 He )a$ to love t)e&

bac08

T#yin6 to t)in0 t)ese t)in6s ove#% )e lo1e$ a#o(n$ )is estate on foot8

T)e bi6 s)ee1 lay on t)ei# 1latfo#&s% fo#eve# sic0% fo#eve# 6i6antic8 Pe#)a1s

so&e of t)e& #e&e&be#e$ ')en t)ey )a$ been la&bs% f#ee to #(n t)#o(6) t)e

s1a#se 6#ass% f#ee to 1(s) t)ei# )ea$s t)#o(6) t)e 1liofil& cove#s of t)e canals an$ to

)el1 t)e&selves to 'ate# ')en t)ey 'ante$ to $#in08 No' t)ey 'ei6)e$ )(n$#e$s of

tons an$ 'e#e fe$ by fee$in6 &ac)ines% 'atc)e$ by 6(a#$ &ac)ines% c)ec0e$ by

a(to&atic $octo#s8 T)ey 'e#e fe$ an$ 'ate#e$ a little t)#o(6) t)e &o(t) only beca(se

1asto#al e31e#ience s)o'e$ t)at t)ey staye$ fatte# an$ live$ lon6e# if a se&blance of

no#&ality 'as left to t)e&8



His a(nt Do#is% ')o 0e1t )o(se fo# )i&% 'as still a'ay8

His 'o#0'o&an Eleano#% ')o& )e 1ai$ an ann(al s(& la#6e# t)an &any

1lanets 1ai$ fo# t)ei# enti#e a#&e$ fo#ces% )a$ $elaye$ )e# ti&e at &a#0et8

T)e t'o s)ee1)an$s% Bill an$ Ho11e#% 'e#e still o(t8 An$ )e $i$ not 'ant to tal0

to t)e&% any)o'8

He 'is)e$ t)at )e co(l$ see t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% t)at st#an6e off'o#l$ &an

')o& )e )a$ &et in t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8 T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y (st loo0e$ as t)o(6) )e

0ne' &o#e t)in6s t)an No#st#ilians $i$% as t)o(6) )e ca&e f#o& s)a#1e#% c#(ele#% 'ise#

societies t)an &ost 1eo1le in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia )a$ eve# seen8

B(t yo( can?t as0 fo# a Lo#$8 Pa#tic(la#ly not ')en yo( )ave &et )i& only in a

sec#et )ea#in68 Ro$ )a$ 6otten to t)e final li&its of )is o'n lan$8

H(&1)#ey?s La's(it lay beyon$> a b#oa$ st#i1 of 1oo# lan$% co&1letely

(nten$e$% t)e b(il$in6-)i6) #ibs of lon6-$ea$ s)ee1-s0eletons &a0in6 'ei#$ s)a$o's as

t)e s(n be6an to set8 T)e H(&1)#ey fa&ily )a$ been la'in6 ove# t)at lan$ fo# )(n$#e$s of yea#s8 !ean')ile it lay 'aste e3ce1t fo# t)e fe' a(t)o#ie$ 1(blic

ani&als ')ic) t)e Co&&on'ealt) 'as allo'e$ to 1(t on any lan$% 1(blic o# 1#ivate8

Ro$ 0ne' t)at f#ee$o& 'as only t'o ste1s a'ay8

All )e )a$ to $o 'as to ste1 ove# t)e line an$ s)o(t 'it) )is &in$ fo# 1eo1le8

He co(l$ $o t)at even t)o(6) )e co(l$ not #eally s1ie08 A tele1at)ic 6a#ble of ala#&

'o(l$ b#in6 t)e o#bitin6 6(a#$s $o'n to )i& in seven o# ei6)t &in(tes8 T)en )e 'o(l$

nee$ only to say4

5I s'ea# off title8 I 6ive (1 &iste#s)i1 an$ o'ne#s)i18 I $e&an$ &y livin6 f#o&

t)eCo&&on'ealt)8 Watc) &e% 1eo1le% ')ile I #e1eat85

T)#ee #e1etitions of t)is 'o(l$ &a0e )i& an Official Pa(1e#% 'it) not a ca#e left

>no &eetin6s% no lan$ to ten$% no acco(ntin6 to $o% not)in6 b(t to 'an$e# a#o(n$ Ol$

No#t) A(st#alia 1ic0in6 (1 any ob )e 'ante$ an$ (ittin6 it ')eneve# )e 'ante$8 It

'as a 6oo$ life% a f#ee life% t)e best t)e Co&&on'ealt) co(l$ offe# to s(atte#s an$

o'ne#s ')o ot)e#'ise live$ lon6 cent(#ies of ca#e% #es1onsibility% an$ )ono#8 It 'as a

fine life>

B(t no !cBan )a$ eve# ta0en it% not even a co(sin8 No# co(l$ )e8

He 'ent bac0 to t)e )o(se% &ise#able8 He listene$ to Eleano# tal0in6 'it) Billan$ Ho11e# ')ile $inne# 'as se#ve$>a )(6e 1late of boile$ &(tton% 1otatoes% )a#$-

boile$ e66s% tation-b#e'e$ bee# o(t of t)e 0e68 T)e#e 'e#e 1lanets% )e 0ne'% ')e#e

1eo1le neve# taste$ s(c) foo$ f#o& bi#t) to $eat)8 T)e#e t)ey live$ on i&1#e6nate$

1asteboa#$ ')ic) 'as salva6e$ f#o& t)e lat#ines% #ei&1#e6nate$ 'it) n(t#ients an$

vita&ins% $eo$o#ie$ an$ ste#ilie$% an$ iss(e$ a6ain t)e ne3t $ay8 He 0ne' it 'as a

fine $inne#% b(t )e $i$ not ca#e8 Ho' co(l$ )e tal0 abo(t t)e Onsec0 to t)ese 1eo1le@

T)ei# faces still 6lo'e$ 'it) 1leas(#e at )is )avin6 co&e o(t t)e #i6)t si$e of t)e

2a#$en of Deat)8 T)ey t)o(6)t )e 'as l(c0y to be alive% even &o#e l(c0y to be t)e

&ost )ono#e$ )ei# on t)e ')ole 1lanet8 Doo& 'as a 6oo$ 1lace% even if it 'asn?t t)e

bi66est8

Ri6)t in t)e &i$$le of $inne# )e #e&e&be#e$ t)e 6ift t)e sna0e-sol$ie# )a$ 6iven

)i&8 He )a$ 1(t it on t)e to1 s)elf of )is be$#oo& 'all an$ 'it) t)e 1a#ty an$



Beasley?s visit% )e )a$ neve# o1ene$ it8

He bolte$ $o'n )is foo$ an$ &(tte#e$% 5I?ll be bac085 T)e 'allet 'as t)e#e% in

)is be$#oo&8 T)e case 'as bea(tif(l8 He too0 it% o1ene$ it8

Insi$e t)e#e 'as a flat &etal $isc8 A tic0et@

W)e#e to@

He t(#ne$ it t)is 'ay an$ t)at8 It )a$ been tele1at)ically en6#ave$ an$ 'as

1#obably s)o(tin6 its enti#e itine#a#y into )is &in$% b(t )e co(l$ not )ie# it8

He )el$ it close to t)e oil la&18 o&eti&es $iscs li0e t)is )a$ ol$-'#itin6 on

t)e&% ')ic) at least s)o'e$ t)e 6ene#al li&its8 It 'o(l$ be a 1#ivate o#nit)o1te# (1 to

!enies La0e at t)e best% o# an ai#b(s fa#e to Ne' !elbo(#ne an$ #et(#n8 He ca(6)t

t)e s)een of ol$ '#itin68 One &o#e tilt% an6le$ to t)e li6)t% an$ )e )a$ it8 5!an)o&e

an$ #et(#n85

!an)o&eF

Lo#$ )ave &e#cy% t)at 'as Ol$ Ea#t) itselfF

5B(t t)en%5 t)o(6)t Ro$% 5I?$ be #(nnin6 a'ay f#o& t)e Onsec0% an$ I?$ live

t)e #est of &y life 'it) all &y f#ien$s 0no'in6 I )a$ #(n a'ay f#o& Ol$ Hot an$

i&1le8 I can?t8 o&e)o' I?ve 6ot to beat Ho(6)ton y&e8 In )is o'n 'ay8 An$ &y

o'n 'ay85

He 'ent bac0 to t)e table% $#o11e$ t)e #est of t)e $inne# into )is sto&ac) as

t)o(6) it 'e#e s)ee1-foo$ 1ellets% an$ 'ent to )is be$#oo& ea#ly8

"o# t)e fi#st ti&e in )is life% )e sle1t ba$ly8

An$ o(t of t)e ba$ slee1% t)e ans'e# ca&e4 5As0 Ha&let85

Ha&let 'as not even a &an8 He 'as (st a tal0in6 1ict(#e in a cave% b(t )e 'as

'ise% )e 'as f#o& Ol$ Ea#t) Itself% an$ )e )a$ no f#ien$s to ')o& to 6ive Ro$?s sec#ets8

Wit) t)is i$ea% Ro$ t(#ne$ on )is slee1in6 s)elf an$ 'ent into a $ee1 slee18

In t)e &o#nin6 )is a(nt Do#is 'as still not bac0% so )e tol$ t)e 'o#0'o&an

Eleano#% 5I?ll be 6one all $ay8 Don?t loo0 fo# &e o# 'o##y abo(t &e85

5W)at abo(t yo(# l(nc)% &iste# an$ o'ne#@ Yo( can?t #(n a#o(n$ t)e station

'it) no t(c0e#85 5W#a1 so&e (1% t)en85

5W)e#e?#e yo( 6oin6% &iste# an$ o'ne#% si#% if yo( can tell &e@5 T)e#e 'as

an (n1leasant sea#c)in6 e$6e in )e# voice% as t)o(6)>bein6 t)e only a$(lt 'o&an 1#esent>s)e )a$ to c)ec0 on )i& as t)o(6) )e 'e#e still a c)il$8 He $i$n?t li0e it% b(t

)e #e1lie$ 'it) a f#an0 eno(6) ai#4

5I?& not leavin6 t)e station8 K(st #a&blin6 a#o(n$8 I nee$ to t)in085

!o#e 0in$ly s)e sai$% 5Yo( t)in0% t)en% Ro$8 K(st 6o #i6)t a)ea$ an$ t)in08 If

yo( as0 &e% yo( o(6)t to 6o live 'it) a fa&ily>5

5I 0no' ')at yo(?ve sai$%5 )e inte##(1te$ )e#8 5I?& not &a0in6 any bi6

$ecisions to$ay% Eleano#8 K(st #a&blin6 an$ t)in0in685

5All #i6)t t)en% &iste# an$ o'ne#8 Ra&ble a#o(n$ an$ 'o##y abo(t t)e 6#o(n$

yo(?#e 'al0in6 on8 It?s yo( t)at 6et t)e 'o##ies fo# it8 I?& 6la$ &y $a$$y too0 t)e

official 1a(1e# 'o#$s8 We (se$ to be #ic)85 Une31ecte$ly s)e b#i6)tene$ an$ la(6)e$



at )e#self% 5No' t)at% yo(?ve )ea#$ t)at too% Ro$8 He#e?s yo(# foo$8 Do yo( )ave yo(#

'ate#@5

5I?ll steal f#o& t)e s)ee1%5 )e sai$ i##eve#ently8 )e 0ne' )e 'as o0in6 an$ s)e

'ave$ )i& a f#ien$ly 6oo$-bye8

T)e ol$% ol$ 6a1 'as to t)e #ea# of t)e )o(se% so )e left by t)e f#ont8 He 'ante$to 6o t)e lon6 '#on6 'ay a#o(n$% so t)at neit)e# )(&an eyes no# )(&an &in$s 'o(l$

st(&ble on t)e sec#et )e )a$ fo(n$ fifty-si3 yea#s befo#e% t)e fi#st ti&e )e 'as ei6)t

yea#s ol$8 T)#o(6) all t)e 1ain an$ t)e t#o(bles )e )a$ #e&e&be#e$ t)is one vivi$

b#i6)t sec#et>t)e $ee1 cave f(ll of #(ine$ an$ 1#o)ibite$ t#eas(#es8 To t)ese )e &(st

6o8

T)e s(n 'as )i6) in t)e s0y% s1#ea$in6 its 1atc) of b#i6)te# 6#ay above t)e 6#ay

clo($s% ')en )e sli$ into ')at loo0e$ li0e a $#y i##i6ation $itc)8

He 'al0e$ a fe' ste1s alon6 t)e $itc)8 T)en )e sto11e$ an$ listene$ ca#ef(lly%

ve#y ca#ef(lly8 T)e#e 'as no so(n$ e3ce1t fo# t)e sno#in6 of a yo(n6 )(n$#e$-ton #a& a

&ile o# so a'ay8 Ro$ t)en sta#e$ a#o(n$8In t)e fa# $istance% a 1olice o#nit)o1te# soa#e$ as lay as a sate$ )a'08 Ro$ t#ie$

$es1e#ately &(c) to )ie#8

He )ie#e$ not)in6 'it) )is &in$% b(t 'it) )is ea#s )e )ea#$ t)e slo' )eavy

1(lsin6 of )is o'n bloo$ 1o(n$in6 t)#o(6) )is )ea$8

He too0 a c)ance8

T)e t#a1 $oo# 'as t)e#e% (st insi$e t)e e$6e of t)e c(lve#t8

He lifte$ it an$% leavin6 it o1en% $ove in confi$ently as a s'i&&e# 0nifin6

)is 'ay into a fa&ilia# 1ool8

He 0ne' )is 'ay8

His clot)es #i11e$ a little% b(t t)e 'ei6)t of )is bo$y $#a66e$ )i& 1ast t)e

na##o'ness of t)e $oo#f#a&e8

His )an$s #eac)e$ o(t an$ li0e t)e )an$s of an ac#obat t)ey ca(6)t t)e inne# ba#8

T)e $oo# be)in$ sna11e$ s)(t8

Ho' f#i6)tenin6 t)is )a$ been ')en )e 'as little an$ t#ie$ t)e t#i1 fo# t)e fi#st

ti&eF He )a$ let )i&self $o'n 'it) a #o1e an$ a to#c)% neve# #ealiin6 t)e i&1o#tance

of t)e t#a1 $oo# at t)e e$6e of t)e c(lve#tF

No' it 'as easy8

Wit) a t)($% )e lan$e$ on )is feet8 T)e b#i6)t ol$ ille6al li6)ts 'ent on8 T)e

$e)(&i$ifie# be6an to 1(##% lest t)e 'etness of )is b#eat) s1oil t)e t#eas(#es in t)e #oo&8

T)e#e 'e#e $#a&a-c(bes by t)e sco#e% 'it) t'o $iffe#ent sies of 1#oecto#s8

T)e#e 'e#e )ea1s of clot)in6% fo# bot) &en an$ 'o&en% left ove# f#o& fo#6otten a6es8

In a c)est% in t)e co#ne#% t)e#e 'as even a s&all &ac)ine f#o& befo#e t)e A6e of 1ace%

a c#($e b(t bea(tif(l &ec)anical c)#ono6#a1)% co&1letely 'it)o(t #esonance

co&1ensation% an$ t)e ancient na&e 5Kae6e# Le Co(lt#e5 '#itten ac#oss its face8 It still

0e1t ea#t) ti&e afte# fifteen t)o(san$ yea#s8

Ro$ sat $o'n in an (tte#ly i&1e#&issible c)ai#>one ')ic) see&e$ to be aco&1le3 of 1illo's b(ilt on an inte#loc0in6 f#a&e8 T)e to(c) eno(6) 'as a &e$icine



fo# )is 'o##ies8 One c)ai# le6 'as b#o0en% b(t t)at 'as t)e 'ay )is 6#an$fat)e# to-

t)e-nineteent) )a$ violate$ t)e Clean 'ee18

T)e Clean 'ee1 )a$ been Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia?s last 1olitical c#isis% &any

cent(#ies befo#e% ')en t)e last (n$e#-1eo1le 'e#e )(nte$ $o'n an$ $#iven off t)e

1lanet an$ ')en all $a&a6in6 l(3(#ies )a$ to be t(#ne$ in to t)e Co&&on'ealt)

a(t)o#ities% to be #e1(#c)ase$ by t)ei# o'ne#s only at a #eval(ation t'enty t)o(san$

ti&es )i6)e# t)an t)ei# assesse$ 'o#t)8 It 'as t)e final effo#t to 0ee1 No#st#ilians

si&1le% )ealt)y an$ 'ell8 Eve#y citien )a$ to s'ea# t)at )e )a$ t(#ne$ in eve#y sin6le

ite&% an$ t)e oat) )a$ been ta0en 'it) t)o(san$s of tele1at)s 'atc)in68 It 'as a

testi&ony to t)e )i6) &ental 1o'e# an$ a$e1t $eceitf(lness of 6#an$fat)e# to-t)e-

nineteent) t)at Ro$ !cBan C=== )a$ inflicte$ only sy&bolic b#ea0a6e on )is

favo#ite t#eas(#es% so&e of ')ic) 'e#e not even in t)e cate6o#ies allo'e$ fo#

#e1(#c)ase% li0e off'o#l$ $#a&a-c(bes% an$ )a$ been able to )i$e )is t)in6s in an

(ni&1o#tant co#ne# of )is fiel$s>)i$e t)e& so 'ell t)at neit)e# #obbe#s no# 1olice )a$

t)o(6)t of t)e& fo# t)e )(n$#e$s of yea#s t)at follo'e$8

Ro$ 1ic0e$ (1 )is favo#ite4 Ha&let% by Willia& )a0es1ea#e8 Wit)o(t a vie'e#%t)e c(be 'as $esi6ne$ to act ')en to(c)e$ by a t#(e )(&an bein68 T)e to1 of t)e c(be

beca&e a little sta6e% t)e acto#s a11ea#e$ as b#i6)t &iniat(#es s1ea0in6 Ancient In6lis)%

a lan6(a6e ve#y close to Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian% an$ t)e tele1at)ic co&&enta#y% c(e$ to

t)e Ol$ Co&&on Ton6(e% #o(n$e$ o(t t)e sto#y8 ince Ro$ 'as not $e1en$ably

tele1at)ic% )e )a$ lea#ne$ a 6#eat $eal of t)e Ancient In6lis) by t#yin6 to (n$e#stan$

t)e $#a&a 'it)o(t co&&enta#y8 He $i$ not li0e ')at )e fi#st sa' an$ )e s)oo0 t)e c(be

(ntil t)e 1lay a11#oac)e$ its en$8 At last )e )ea#$ t)e $ea# )i6) fa&ilia# voice s1ea0in6

in Ha&let?s last scene4

I a& $ea$% Ho#atio8 W#etc)e$ (een% a$ie(F Yo( t)at loo0 1ale an$ t#e&ble at

t)is c)ance8 T)at a#e b(t &(tes o# a($ience to t)is act8Ha$ I b(t ti&e> as t)is fell se#6eant% $eat)% Is st#ict in )is a##est> OF I co(l$

tell yo(>

B(t let it be% Ho#atio% I a& $ea$8

Ro$ s)oo0 t)e c(be ve#y 6ently an$ t)e scene s1e$ $o'n a fe' lines8

Ha&let 'as still tal0in64

+ ')at a 'o(n$e$ na&e%

T)in6s stan$in6 t)(s (n0no'n% s)all live be)in$ &e8 If t)o( $i$st eve# )ol$ &e

in t)y )ea#t%Absent t)ee f#o& felicity a ')ile%

An$ in t)is )a#s) 'o#l$ $#a' t)y b#eat) in 1ain

To tell &y sto#y8

Ro$ 1(t $o'n t)e c(be ve#y 6ently8 T)e b#i6)t little fi6(#es $isa11ea#e$8 T)e

#oo& 'as silent8

B(t )e )a$ t)e ans'e# an$ it 'as 'is$o&8 An$ 'is$o&% coeval 'it) &an%

co&es (nanno(nce$% (nbi$$en% an$ (n'elco&e into eve#y life Ro$ fo(n$ t)at )e )a$

$iscove#e$ t)e ans'e# to a basic 1#oble&8

B(t not )is o'n 1#oble&8 T)e ans'e# 'as Ho(6)ton y&e% ol$ Hot an$ i&1le8It 'as t)e Hon8 ec8 ')o 'as al#ea$y $yin6 of a 'o(n$e$ na&e8 Hence t)e



1e#sec(tion8 It 'as t)e Onsec0 ')o )a$ t)e 5fell se#6eant% $eat)5 actin6 st#ictly in )is

a##est% even if t)e a##est 'e#e only a fe' $eca$es off instea$ of a fe' &in(tes8 He% Ro$

!cBan% 'as to live )is ol$ ac(aintance 'as to $ie an$ t)e $yin6>o)% t)e $yin6%

al'ays% al'aysF>co(l$ not )el1 #esentin6 t)e s(#vivo#s% even if t)ey 'e#e love$ ones%

at least fo# a little bit8

Hence t)e Onsec08 B(t ')at of )i&self@

Ro$ b#(s)e$ a 1ile of 1#iceless% ille6al &an(sc#i1ts o(t of t)e 'ay an$ 1ic0e$ (1

a s&all boo0 &a#0e$ Reconstit(te$ Late In6lis) Lan6(a6e ;e#se8 At eac) 1a6e% as it 'as

o1ene$% a yo(n6 &an o# 'o&an seven centi&ete#s )i6) stoo$ (1 b#i6)tly on t)e 1a6e

an$ #ecite$ t)e te3t8 Ro$ #(ffle$ t)e 1a6es of t)e ol$ boo0 so t)at t)e little fi6(#es

a11ea#e$ an$ t#e&ble$ an$ fle$ li0e 'ea0 fla&es seen on a b#i6)t $ay8 One ca(6)t )is

eye an$ )e sto11e$ t)e 1a6e at &i$-1oe&8 T)e fi6(#e 'as sayin64

T)e c)allen6e )ol$s% I cannot no' #et#act T)e boast I &a$e to t)at #elentless

co(#t% T)e )ostile (stice of &y self-conte&1t8

If no' t)e o#$eal is 1#e1a#e$% &y act

!(st soon be s)o'n8 I 1#ay t)at it is s)o#t% An$ neve# $#ea& t)at I s)all be

e3e&1t8

He 6lance$ at t)e foot of t)e 1a6e an$ sa' t)e na&e% Casi&i# Cole6#ove8 Of

co(#se% )e )a$ seen t)at na&e befo#e8 An ol$ 1oet>a 6oo$ one8 B(t ')at $i$ t)e 'o#$s

&ean to )i&% Ro$ !cBan% sittin6 in a )i$$en )ole 'it)in t)e li&its of )is o'n lan$@ He

'as a !iste# an$ O'ne#% in all e3ce1t final title% an$ )e 'as #(nnin6 f#o& an ene&y )e

co(l$ not $efine8

5T)e )ostile (stice of &y self-conte&1t+5

T)at 'as t)e 0ey of itF He )a$ not #(n f#o& t)e Onsec08 He )a$ #(n f#o&

)i&self8 He too0 (stice itself as )ostile beca(se it co##es1on$e$ 'it) )is si3ty-o$$yea#s of boy)oo$% )is en$less $isa11oint&ent% )is co&1liance 'it) t)in6s ')ic)

'o(l$ neve#% till all 'o#l$s b(#ne$% be co&1lie$

'it)8 Ho' co(l$ )e )ie# an$ s1ie0 li0e ot)e# 1eo1le if so&e')e#e a $o&inant

feat(#e )a$ t(#ne$ #ecessive@ Ha$n?t #eal (stice al#ea$y vin$icate$ )i& an$ clea#e$

)i&@

It 'as )i&self ')o 'as c#(el8

Ot)e# 1eo1le 'e#e 0in$8 )#e'$ness &a$e )i& a$$ 5so&eti&es85

He )a$ ta0en )is o'n inne# sense of t#o(ble an$ )a$ &a$e it fit t)e o(tsi$e'o#l$% li0e t)e &o#bi$ little 1oe& )e )a$ #ea$ a lon6 ti&e a6o8 It 'as so&e')e#e #i6)t

in t)is #oo&% an$ ')en )e )a$ fi#st #ea$ it% )e felt t)at t)e lon6-$ea$ '#ite# )a$ 1(t it

$o'n fo# )i&self alone8 B(t it 'asn?t #eally so8 Ot)e# 1eo1le )a$ )a$ t)ei# t#o(bles too

an$ t)e 1oe& )a$ e31#esse$ so&et)in6 ol$e# t)an Ro$ !cBan8 It 'ent4

T)e ')eels of fate a#e s1innin6 a#o(n$8 Bet'een t)e& t)e so(ls of &en a#e

6#o(n$ T)e Ol$ B#o0en T#eas(#es in t)e 2a1

W)o st#ive fo# t)#oats to &a0e so&e so(n$

Of 1#otest o(t of t)e &a$ 1#ofo(n$

T#a1 of t)e 6o$&ac)ineF

52o$&ac)ine%5 t)o(6)t Ro$% 5no' t)at?s a cl(e8 I?ve 6ot t)e only all-&ec)anical



co&1(te# on t)is 1lanet8 I?ll 1lay it on t)e st#oon c#o1% 'in all o# lose all85

T)e boy stoo$ (1 in t)e fo#bi$$en #oo&8

5"i6)t it is%5 )e sai$ to t)e c(bes on t)e floo#% 5an$ a 6oo$ t)an0s to yo(%

6#an$fat)e#-to-t)e- nineteent)8 Yo( &et t)e la' an$ $i$ not lose8 An$ no' it is &y t(#n

to be Ro$ !cBan85

He t(#ne$ an$ s)o(te$ to )i&self% 5To ea#t)F5

T)e call e&ba##asse$ )i&8 He felt (nseen eyes sta#in6 at )i&8 He al&ost

bl(s)e$ an$ 'o(l$ )ave )ate$ )i&self if )e )a$8

He stoo$ on t)e to1 of a t#eas(#e c)est t(#ne$ on its si$e8 T'o &o#e 6ol$ coins%

'o#t)less as &oney b(t 1#iceless as c(#ios% fell noiselessly on t)e t)ic0 ol$ #(6s8 He

t)o(6)t a 6oo$-bye a6ain to )is sec#et #oo& an$ )e (&1e$ (1'a#$ fo# t)e ba#8 He

ca(6)t it% c)inne$ )i&self% #aise$ )i&self )i6)e#% s'(n6 a le6 on it b(t not ove# it% 6ot

)is ot)e# foot on t)e ba#% an$ t)en% ve#y ca#ef(lly b(t 'it) t)e 1o'e# of all )is &(scles%

1(s)e$ )i&self into t)e blac0 o1enin6 above8 T)e li6)ts s($$enly 'ent off% t)e$e)(&i$ifie# )(&&e$ lo($e#% an$ t)e $ayli6)t $ale$ )i& as t)e t#a1 $oo#% to(c)e$%

fl(n6 itself o1en8

He t)#(st )is )ea$ into t)e c(lve#t8 T)e $ayli6)t see&e$ $ee1 6#ay afte# t)e

b#illiance of t)e t#eas(#e #oo&8

All silent% All clea#8 He #olle$ into t)e $itc)8

T)e $oo#% 'it) silence an$ 1o'e#% close$ itself be)in$ )i&8 He 'as neve# to

0no' it% b(t it )a$ been c(e$ to t)e 6enetic co$e of t)e $escen$ants of Ro$ !cBan8

Ha$ any ot)e# 1e#son to(c)e$ it% it 'o(l$ )ave 'it)stoo$ t)e& fo# a lon6 ti&e>al&ost

fo#eve#8

Yo( see% it 'as not #eally )is $oo#8 He 'as its boy8

5T)is lan$ )as &a$e &e%5 sai$ Ro$ alo($% as )e cla&be#e$ o(t of t)e $itc)

an$ loo0e$ a#o(n$8 T)e yo(n6 #a& )a$ a11a#ently 'a0ene$ )is sno#in6 )a$ sto11e$

an$ ove# t)e (iet )ill t)e#e ca&e t)e so(n$ of )is 1antin68 T)i#sty a6ainF T)e

tation of Doo& 'as not so #ic) t)at it co(l$ affo#$ (nli&ite$ 'ate# to its 6iant

s)ee18 T)ey live$ all #i6)t8 He 'o(l$ )ave as0e$ t)e t#(stees to sell even t)e s)ee1

fo# 'ate#% if a #eal $#o(6)t set in8 B(t neve# t)e lan$8

Neve# t)e lan$8

No lan$ fo# sale8

It $i$n?t even #eally belon6 to )i&4 )e belon6e$ to it>t)e #ollin6 $#y fiel$s% t)e

cove#e$ #ive#s an$ canals% t)e sly catc)&ents ')ic) ca(6)t eve#y $#o1 ')ic) &i6)t

ot)e#'ise )ave 6one to )is nei6)bo#s8 T)at 'as t)e 1asto#al b(siness> its 1#o$(ct

i&&o#tality an$ its 1#ice 'ate#8 T)e Co&&on'ealt) co(l$ )ave floo$e$ t)e 1lanet an$

co(l$ )ave c#eate$ s&all oceans% 'it) t)e financial #eso(#ces it )a$ at co&&an$% b(t t)e

1lanet an$ t)e 1eo1le 'e#e #e6a#$e$ as one ecolo6ical entity8 Ol$ A(st#alia>t)at

fab(lo(s continent of ol$ Ea#t) no' cove#e$ by t)e #(ins of t)e aban$one$ C)inesian

city-'o#l$ of Nanbien>)a$ in its 1#i&e been b#oa$% $#y% o1en% bea(tif(l t)e 1lanet of

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% by t)e $ea$ 'ei6)t of its o'n t#a$ition% )a$ to #e&ain t)e sa&e8

I&a6ine t#ees8 I&a6ine leaves>ve6etation $#o11in6 (neaten to t)e 6#o(n$8

I&a6ine 'ate# 1o(#in6 by t)e t)o(san$s of tons% no one 6#eetin6 it 'it) tea#s of #elief



o# )a11y la(6)te#F I&a6ine Ea#t)8 Ol$ Ea#t)8 !an)o&e itself8 Ro$ )a$ t#ie$ to t)in0 of

a ')ole 1lanet in)abite$ by Ha&lets% $#enc)e$ 'it) &(sic an$ 1oet#y% 0nee-$ee1 in

bloo$ an$ $#a&a8 It 'as (ni&a6inable% #eally% t)o(6) )e )a$ t#ie$ to t)in0 it t)#o(6)8

Li0e a c)ill% a $#ill% a t)#ill c(ttin6 into )is ve#y ne#ves )e t)o(6)t4 I&a6ine Ea#t)

'o&enF

W)at te##ifyin6 bea(tif(l t)in6s t)ey &(st beF De$icate$ to ancient an$

co##(1tive a#ts% s(##o(n$e$ by t)e obects ')ic) No#st#ilia )a$ fo#bi$$en lon6 a6o%

sti&(late$ by e31e#iences ')ic) t)e ve#y la' of )is o'n 'o#l$ )a$ e31(n6e$ f#o& t)e

boo0sF He 'o(l$ &eet t)e& )e co(l$n?t )el1 it ')at% ')at 'o(l$ )e $o ')en )e &et a

6en(ine Ea#t) 'o&an@

He 'o(l$ )ave to as0 )is co&1(te#% even t)o(6) t)e nei6)bo#s la(6)e$ at )i&

fo# )avin6 t)e only 1(#e co&1(te# left on t)e 1lanet8

T)ey $i$n?t 0no' ')at 6#an$fat)e# to-t)e-nineteent) )a$ $one8 He )a$ ta(6)t

t)e co&1(te# to lie8 It sto#e$ all t)e fo#bi$$en t)in6s ')ic) t)e La' of t)e Clean

'ee1 )a$ b#(s)e$ o(t of No#st#ilian e31e#ience8 It co(l$ lie li0e a t#oo1e#8 Ro$'on$e#e$ ')et)e# 5a t#oo1e#5 &i6)t be so&e a#c)aic Ea#t) official ')o $i$ not)in6 b(t

tell t)e (nt#(t)% $ay in an$ $ay o(t% fo# )is livin68 B(t t)e co&1(te# (s(ally $i$ not lie to

)i&8

If 6#an$fat)e#, )a$ be)ave$ as sa(cily an$ (nconventionally 'it) t)e

co&1(te# as )e )a$ 'it) eve#yt)in6 else% t)at 1a#tic(la# co&1(te# 'o(l$ 0no' all

abo(t 'o&en8 Even t)in6s ')ic) t)ey $i$ not t)e&selves 0no'>o# 'is) to 0no'8

2oo$ co&1(te#F t)o(6)t Ro$ as )e t#otte$ a#o(n$ t)e lon6% lon6 fiel$s to )is

)o(se8 Eleano# 'o(l$ )ave t)e t(c0e# on8 Do#is &i6)t be bac08 Bill an$ Ho11e# 'o(l$

be an6#y if t)ey )a$ to 'ait fo# t)e &iste# befo#e t)ey ate8 To s1ee$ (1 )is t#i1% )e

)ea$e$ st#ai6)t fo# t)e little cliff be)in$ t)e )o(se% )o1in6 no one 'o(l$ see )i& (&1$o'n it8 He 'as &(c) st#on6e# t)an &ost of t)e &en )e 0ne'% b(t )e 'as an3io(s% fo#

so&e 1#ivate ine31#essible #eason% fo# t)e& not to 0no' it8

T)e #o(te 'as clea#8 He fo(n$ t)e cliff8 No obse#ve#s8

He $#o11e$ ove# it% feet fi#st% )is )eels 0ic0in6 (1 t)e sc#ee as )e tobo66ane$

t)#o(6) loose #oc0 to t)e foot of t)e slo1e8

An$ a(nt Do#is 'as t)e#e8

5W)e#e )ave yo( been@5 sai$ s)e8 5Wal0in6% &(&%5 sai$ )e8

)e 6ave )i& a (iical loo0% b(t 0ne' bette# t)an to as0 &o#e8 Tal0in6 al'aysf(sse$ )e#% any)o'8 )e )ate$ t)e so(n$ of )e# o'n voice% ')ic) s)e consi$e#e$ &(c)

too )i6)8 T)e &atte# 1asse$8

Insi$e t)e )o(se% t)ey ate8 Beyon$ t)e $oo# an$ t)e oil la&1% a 6#ay 'o#l$

beca&e &oonless% sta#less% blac08 T)is 'as ni6)t% )is o'n ni6)t8

CHAPTER "I;E4 T)e <(a##el at t)e Dinne# Table

At t)e en$ of t)e &eal )e 'aite$ fo# Do#is to say 6#ace to t)e <(een8 )e $i$%

b(t (n$e# )e# t)ic0 eyeb#o's )e# eyes e31#esse$ so&et)in6% ot)e# t)an t)an0s8

5Yo(?#e 6oin6 o(t%5 s)e sai$ #i6)t afte# t)e 1#aye#8 It 'as an acc(sation% not a

(estion8

T)e t'o )i#e$ &en loo0e$ at )i& 'it) (iet $o(bt8 A 'ee0 a6o )e )a$ been a



boy8 No' )e 'as t)e sa&e 1e#son% b(t le6ally a &an8

Wo#0'o&an Eleano# loo0e$ at )i& too8 )e s&ile$ (nobt#(sively to )e#self8

)e 'as on )is si$e ')eneve# any ot)e# 1e#son ca&e into t)e 1ict(#e ')en t)ey 'e#e

alone% s)e na66e$ )i& as &(c) as s)e $a#e$8 )e )a$ 0no'n )is 1a#ents befo#e t)ey

'ent off 'o#l$ fo# a lon6-ove#$(e )oney&oon an$ 'e#e c)e'e$ into &olec(les by a

battle bet'een #ai$e#s an$ 1olice8 T)at 6ave )e# a 1#o1#ieta#y feelin6 abo(t )i&8

He t#ie$ to s1ie0 to Do#is 'it) )is &in$% (st to see if it 'o(l$ 'o#08

It $i$n?t8 T)e t'o &en bo(n$e$ f#o& t)ei# seats an$ #an fo# t)e ya#$% Eleano# sat

in )e# c)ai# )ol$in6 ti6)t to t)e table b(t sayin6 not)in6% an$ a(nt Do#is sc#eec)e$ so

lo($ t)at )e co(l$ not &a0e o(t t)e 'o#$s8

He 0ne' s)e &eant 5to1 itF5 so )e $i$% an$ loo0e$ at )e# f#ien$lily8 T)at sta#te$

a fi6)t8

<(a##els 'e#e co&&on in No#st#ilian life% beca(se t)e "at)e#s )a$ ta(6)t t)at

t)ey 'e#e t)e#a1e(tic8 C)il$#en co(l$ (a##el (ntil a$(lts tol$ t)e& to sto1% f#ee&en

co(l$ (a##el as lon6 as &iste#s 'e#e not involve$% &iste#s co(l$ (a##el as lon6 as ano'ne# 'as not 1#esent% an$ o'ne#s co(l$ (a##el if% at t)e ve#y en$% t)ey 'e#e 'illin6

to fi6)t it o(t8 No one co(l$ (a##el in t)e 1#esence of an off'o#l$e#% no# $(#in6 an

ale#t% no# 'it) a &e&be# of t)e $efense o# 1olice on active $(ty8

Ro$ !cBan 'as a &iste# an$ o'ne#% b(t )e 'as (n$e# t#(stees)i1 )e 'as a

&an% b(t )e )a$ not been 6iven clea# 1a1e#s )e 'as a )an$ica11e$ 1e#son8 T)e #(les

6ot all &i3e$ (18

W)en Ho11e# ca&e bac0 to t)e table )e &(tte#e$% 5Do t)at a6ain% la$$ie% an$

I?ll clo(t yo( one t)at yo( 'on?t fo#6etF5 Consi$e#in6 )o' #a#ely )e (se$ )is voice% it

'as a bea(tif(l &an?s voice

>#esonant% ba#itone% f(ll-bo$ie$% )ea#ty an$ since#e in t)e 'ay t)e in$ivi$(al

'o#$s ca&e o(t8

Bill $i$n?t say a 'o#$% b(t f#o& t)e conto#tions of )is face Ro$ 6at)e#e$ t)at )e

'as s1ie0in6 to t)e ot)e#s at a 6#eat #ate an$ 'o#0in6 off )is 6#ievance t)at 'ay8

5If yo(?#e s1ie0in6 abo(t &e% Bill%5 sai$ Ro$ 'it) a to(c) of a##o6ance

')ic) )e $i$ not #eally feel% 5yo(?ll $o &e t)e 1leas(#e of (sin6 'o#$s o# yo(?ll 6et off

&y lan$F5

W)en Bill s1o0e% )is voice 'as as #(sty as an ol$ &ac)ine8 5I?ll )ave yo( 0no'%

yo( cl(tty little 1o&&y% t)at I )ave &o#e &oney in &y na&e on i$ney ?C)an6e

t)an yo( an$ yo(# ')ole 6l(bby lan$ a#e 'o#t)8 Don?t yo( tell &e t'ice to 6et off t)elan$% yo( silly )alf of a &iste#% o# I 'ill 6et8 o s)(t (1F5

Ro$ felt )is sto&ac) 0not 'it) an6e#8 His an6e# beca&e fie#ce# ')en )e felt

Eleano#?s #est#ainin6 )an$ on )is a#&8 He $i$n?t 'ant anot)e# 1e#son% not one &o#e

$a&ne$ (seless no#&al 1e#son% to tell )i& ')at to $o abo(t s1ie0in6 an$ )ie#in68 A(nt

Do#is? face 'as still )i$$en in )e# a1#on s)e )a$ esca1e$% as s)e al'ays $i$% into

'ee1in68

K(st as )e 'as abo(t to s1ea0 a6ain% 1e#)a1s to lose Bill f#o& t)e fa#& fo#eve#%

)is &in$ lifte$ in t)e &yste#io(s 'ay t)at it $i$ so&eti&es )e co(l$ )ie# fo# &iles8 T)e

1eo1le a#o(n$ )i& $i$ not notice t)e $iffe#ence8 He sa' t)e 1#o($ #a6e of Bill% 'it) )is&oney in t)e i$ney E3c)an6e% bi66e# t)an &any station o'ne#s )a$% 'aitin6 )is ti&e



to b(y bac0 on t)e lan$ ')ic) )is fat)e# )a$ left )e sa' t)e )onest annoyance of

Ho11e# an$ 'as a little abas)e$ to see t)at Ho11e# 'as 'atc)in6 )i& 1#o($ly an$ 'it)

a&(se$ affection in Eleano# )e sa' not)in6 b(t 'o#$less 'o##y% a fea# t)at s)e &i6)t

lose )i& as s)e )a$ lost so &any )o&es fo# )nnn)nnn-)nn $&&&&&% a (ee#

&eanin6less #efe#ence ')ic) )a$ a s)a1e in )e# &in$% b(t too0 no fo#& in )is an$ in

a(nt Do#is )e ca(6)t )e# inne# voice callin6% 5Ro$% Ro$% Ro$% co&e bac0F T)is &ay be yo(# boy an$ I?& a !cBan to t)e $eat)% b(t I?ll neve# 0no' ')at to $o 'it) a

c#i11le li0e )i&85

Bill 'as still 'aitin6 fo# )i& to ans'e# ')en anot)e# t)o(6)t ca&e into )is

&in$4 5Yo( fool>6o to yo(# co&1(te#F5

5W)o sai$ t)at@5 )e t)o(6)t% not t#yin6 to s1ie0 a6ain% b(t (st t)in0in6 it 'it)

)is &in$8 5Yo(# co&1(te#%5 sai$ t)e fa#a'ay t)in0voice8

5Yo( can?t s1ie0%5 sai$ Ro$% 5yo(?#e a 1(#e &ac)ine 'it) not an ani&al b#ain in

yo(85

5W)en yo( call &e% Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(#

!cBan to-t)e- )(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st% I can s1ie0 ac#oss s1ace itself8 I?& c(e$ to yo(an$ yo( s)o(te$ (st no' 'it) yo(# s1ie0&in$8 I can feel yo( )ie#in6 &e85

5B(t>5 sai$ Ro$ in 'o#$s8

5Ta0e it easy% la$%5 sai$ Bill% #i6)t in t)e #oo& 'it) )i&8 5Ta0e it easy8 I $i$n?t

&ean it85 5Yo(?#e )avin6 one of yo(# s1ells%5 sai$ A(nt Do#is% e&e#6in6 #e$-nose$

f#o& be)in$ )e#

a1#on8

Ro$ stoo$ (18

ai$ )e to all of t)e&% 5I?& so##y8 I?& 6oin6 o(t fo# a bit8 O(t into t)e ni6)t85

5Yo(?#e 6oin6 to t)at bloo$y co&1(te#%5 sai$ Bill85Don?t 6o% !iste# !cBan%5 sai$ Ho11e#% 5$on?t let (s an6e# yo( into 6oin68 It?s

ba$ eno(6) bein6 a#o(n$ t)at co&1(te# in $ayli6)t% b(t at ni6)t it &(st be )o##ible85

5Ho' 'o(l$ yo( 0no'@5 #eto#te$ Ro$% 5Yo(?ve neve# been t)e#e at ni6)t8 An$ I

)ave8 Lots of ti&es+5

5T)e#e a#e $ea$ 1eo1le in it%5 sai$ Ho11e#8 5It?s an ol$ 'a# co&1(te#8 Yo(#

fa&ily s)o(l$ neve# )ave bo(6)t it in t)e fi#st 1lace8 It $oesn?t belon6 on a fa#&8 A

t)in6 li0e t)at s)o(l$ be )(n6 o(t in s1ace an$ o#bite$85

5All #i6)t% Eleano#%5 sai$ Ro$% 5yo( tell &e ')at to $o8 Eve#ybo$y else )as%5

)e a$$e$ 'it) t)e last bit of )is #e&ainin6 an6e#% as )is )ie#in6 close$ $o'n an$ )e sa't)e (s(al o1a(e faces a#o(n$ )i&8

5It?s no (se% Ro$8 2o alon6 to yo(# co&1(te#8 Yo(?ve 6ot a st#an6e life an$

yo(?#e t)e one ')o 'ill live it% !iste# !cBan% an$ not t)ese ot)e# 1eo1le a#o(n$ )e#e85

He# 'o#$s &a$e sense8

He stoo$ (18 5I?& so##y%5 sai$ )e% a6ain% in lie( of 6oo$bye8

He stoo$ in t)e $oo#'ay% )esitant8 He 'o(l$ )ave li0e$ to say 6oo$-bye in a

bette# 'ay% b(t )e $i$ not 0no' )o' to e31#ess it8 Any)o'% )e co(l$n?t s1ie0% not so

t)ey co(l$ )ie# it 'it) t)ei# &in$s s1ea0in6 'it) a voice 'as so c#($e% so flat fo# t)e

fine little t)in6s t)at nee$e$ e31#ession in life8 T)ey loo0e$ at )i&% an$ )e at t)e&8

5N6a))F5 sai$ )e% in a #a' c#y of self-$e#ision an$ fon$ $is6(st8



T)ei# e31#ession s)o'e$ t)at t)ey )a$ 6otten )is &eanin6% t)o(6) t)e 'o#$

ca##ie$ not)in6 'it) it8 Bill no$$e$% Ho11e# loo0e$ f#ien$ly an$ a little 'o##ie$% A(nt

Do#is sto11e$ snivelin6 an$ be6an to st#etc) o(t one )an$% only to sto1 it in &i$-

6est(#e% an$ Eleano# sat i&&obile at t)e table% (1set by 'o#$less t#o(bles of )e# o'n8

He t(#ne$8

T)e c(be of la&1li6)t% t)e cabin #oo&% 'as be)in$ )i& a)ea$ t)e $a#0ness of

all No#st#ilian ni6)ts% e3ce1t fo# t)e 'ei#$ #a#e ti&es t)at t)ey 'e#e c(t (1 by t#ace#ies

of li6)tness8 He sta#te$ off fo# a )o(se ')ic) only a fe' b(t )e co(l$ see% an$

')ic) none b(t )e co(l$ ente#8 It 'as a fo#6otten% invisible te&1le it )o(se$ t)e

!acA#t)(# fa&ily co&1(te#% to ')ic) t)e ol$e# !cBan co&1(te# 'as lin0e$ an$ it

'as calle$ t)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8

CHAPTER I=4 T)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t

Ro$ lo1e$ ac#oss t)e #ollin6 lan$% )is lan$8

Ot)e# No#st#ilians% tele1at)ically no#&al% 'o(l$ )ave ta0en fi3es by )ie#in6 t)e'o#$s in nea#by )o(ses8 Ro$ co(l$ not 'al0 by tele1at)y% so )e ')istle$ to )i&self in

an o$$ off-0ey% 'it) lots of flats8 T)e ec)oes ca&e bac0 to )is (nconscio(s &in$

t)#o(6) t)e ove#$evelo1e$ ea#-)ea#in6 ')ic) )e )a$ 'o#0e$ o(t to co&1ensate fo# not

bein6 able to )ie# 'it) )is &in$8 He sense$ a slo1e a)ea$ of )i&% an$ o66e$ (1 it )e

avoi$e$ a cl(&1 of b#(s) )e )ea#$ )is yo(n6est #a&% 'eet Willia&% sno#in6 t)e

6i6antic sno#e of a santacla#a-infecte$ s)ee1 t'o )ills ove#8

oon )e 'o(l$ see it8

T)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8

T)e &ost (seless b(il$in6 in all Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8

oli$e# t)an steel an$ yet invisible to no#&al eyes e3ce1t fo# its 6)ostly o(tline

t#ace$ in t)e $(st ')ic) )a$ fallen li6)tly on it8

T)e Palace )a$ #eally been a 1alace once% on *)(f( II% ')ic) #otate$ 'it) one

1ole al'ays facin6 its sta#8 T)e 1eo1le t)e#e )a$ &a$e fo#t(nes ')ic) at one ti&e

'e#e co&1a#e$ 'it) t)e 'ealt) of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 T)ey )a$ $iscove#e$ t)e

"(##y !o(ntains% #an6e afte# #an6e of al1ine confi6(#ations on ')ic) a tenacio(s

non-Ea#t) lic)en )a$ 6#o'n8 T)e lic)en 'as sil0y% s)i&&e#in6% 'a#&% st#on6% an$

bea(tif(l beyon$ belief8 T)e 1eo1le 6aine$ t)ei# 'ealt) by c(ttin6 it ca#ef(lly f#o& t)e

&o(ntains so t)at it 'o(l$ #e6#o' an$ sellin6 it to t)e #ic)e# 'o#l$s% ')e#e a l(3(#y

fab#ic co(l$ be sol$ at fab(lo(s 1#ices8 T)ey )a$ even )a$ t'o 6ove#n&ents on*)(f( II% one of t)e $ay-$'ellin6 1eo1le ')o $i$ &ost of t)e t#a$in6 an$ b#o0e#in6%

since t)e )ot s(nli6)t &a$e t)ei# c#o1 of lic)en 1oo#% an$ t)e ot)e# fo# t)e ni6)t-

$'elle#s% ')o #an6e$ $ee1 into t)e f#i6i$ a#eas in sea#c) of st(nte$ lic)en>fine%

tenacio(s an$ $elicately bea(tif(l8

T)e Dai&oni )a$ co&e to *)(f( II% (st as t)ey ca&e to &any ot)e# 1lanets%

incl($in6 Ol$ Ea#t)% !an)o&e itself8 T)ey )a$ co&e o(t of no')e#e an$ t)ey 'ent

bac0 to t)e sa&e 1lace8 o&e 1eo1le t)o(6)t t)at t)ey 'e#e )(&an bein6s ')o )a$

accli&ate$ t)e&selves to live in t)e s(bs1ace ')ic) 1lanofo#&in6 involve$ ot)e#s

t)o(6)t t)at t)ey )a$ an a#tificial 1lanet on t)e insi$e of ')ic) t)ey live$ still

ot)e#s t)o(6)t t)at t)ey )a$ solve$ t)e (&1 o(t of o(# 6ala3y a fe' insiste$ t)at t)e#e'e#e no s(c) t)in6s as Dai&oni8 T)is last 1osition 'as )a#$ to &aintain% beca(se



t)e Dai&oni 1ai$ in a#c)itect(#e of a ve#y s1ectac(la# 0in$ >b(il$in6s ')ic) #esiste$

co##osion% e#osion% a6e% )eat% col$% st#ess an$ 'ea1ons8 On Ea#t) itself% Ea#t)1o#t 'as

t)ei# bi66est 'on$e#>a so#t of 'ine-6lass t'enty-five 0ilo&ete#s )i6)% 'it) an

eno#&o(s #oc0et-fiel$ b(ilt into t)e to1 of it8 On No#st#ilia t)ey )a$ left not)in6

1e#)a1s t)ey )a$ not even 'ante$ to &eet t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians% ')o )a$ a

#e1(tation fo# bein6 #o(6) an$ 6#(ff 'it) st#an6e#s ')o ca&e to t)ei# o'n )o&e 1lanet8It 'as evi$ent t)at t)e Dai&oni )a$ solve$ t)e 1#oble& of i&&o#tality on t)ei# o'n

te#&s an$ in t)ei# o'n 'ay t)ey 'e#e bi66e# t)an &ost of t)e #aces of &an0in$%

(nifo#& in sie% )ei6)t an$ bea(ty t)ey bo#e no si6n of yo(t) o# a6e t)ey s)o'e$ no

v(lne#ability to sic0ness t)ey s1o0e 'it) &ellifl(ent 6#avity an$ t)ey 1(#c)ase$

t#eas(#es fo# t)ei# o'n i&&e$iate collective (se% not fo# #et#a$e o# 1#ofit8 T)ey )a$

neve# t#ie$ to 6et st#oon o# t)e #a' santacla#a vi#(s f#o& ')ic) it

'as #efine$% even t)o(6) t)e Dai&oni t#a$in6 s)i1s )a$ 1asse$ t)e t#ac0s of

a#&e$ an$ convoye$ Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian f#ei6)t fleets8 T)e#e 'as even one

1ict(#e ')ic) s)o'e$ t)e t'o #aces &eetin6 eac) ot)e# in t)e c)ief 1o#t of Oly&1ia%

t)e 1lanet of t)e blin$ #eceive#s4 No#st#ilians tall% o(ts1o0en% lively% c#($e an$i&&ensely #ic) Dai&oni e(ally #ic)% #ese#ve$% bea(tif(l% 1olis)e$ an$ 1ale8 T)e#e

'as a'e an$ 'it) a'e% #esent&ent on t)e 1a#t of t)e No#st#ilians to'a#$ t)e Dai&oni

t)e#e 'as ele6ance an$ con$escension on t)e 1a#t of t)e Dai&oni to'a#$ eve#yone

else% incl($in6 t)e No#st#ilians8 T)e &eetin6 )a$ been no s(ccess at all8 T)e No#st#ilians

'e#e not (se$ to &eetin6 1eo1le ')o $i$ not ca#e abo(t i&&o#tality% even at a 1enny a

b(s)el t)e Dai&oni 'e#e $is$ainf(l to'a#$ a #ace ')ic) not only $i$ not a11#eciate

a#c)itect(#e% b(t ')ic) t#ie$ to 0ee1 a#c)itects off its 1lanet% e3ce1t fo# $efense

1(#1oses% an$ ')ic) $esi#e$ to lea$ a #o(6)% si&1le% 1asto#al life to t)e en$ of ti&e8

T)(s it 'as not (ntil t)e Dai&oni )a$ left% neve# to #et(#n% t)at t)e No#st#ilians #ealie$

t)at t)ey )a$ 1asse$ (1 so&e of t)e 6#eatest ba#6ains of all ti&e>t)e 'on$e#f(l

b(il$in6s ')ic) t)e Dai&oni so 6ene#o(sly scatte#e$ ove# t)e 1lanets ')ic) t)ey )a$visite$ fo# t#a$e o# fo# visits8 On *)(f( II% t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t )a$ b#o(6)t o(t an

ancient boo0 an$ )a$ sai$4 5I 'ant t)at85

T)e Dai&oni% ')o )a$ a neat eye fo# 1#o1o#tions an$ fi6(#es% sai$% 5We )ave

t)at 1ict(#e on o(# 'o#l$ too8 It is an Ancient Ea#t) b(il$in68 It 'as once calle$ t)e

6#eat te&1le of Diana of t)e E1)esians% b(t it fell even befo#e t)e a6e of s1ace be6an85

5T)at?s ')at I 'ant%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8 5Easy eno(6)%5 sai$ one of t)e

Dai&oni% all of ')o& loo0e$ li0e 1#inces8 5We?ll #(n it (1 fo# yo( by to&o##o' ni6)t85

5Hol$ on%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8 5I $on?t 'ant t)e ')ole t)in68 K(st t)e

f#ont>to $eco#ate &y 1alace8 I )ave a 1e#fectly 6oo$ 1alace all #i6)t% an$ &y $efensesa#e b(ilt #i6)t into it85

5If yo( let (s b(il$ yo( a )o(se%5 sai$ one of t)e Dai&oni 6ently% 5yo(

'o(l$ neve# nee$ $efenses% eve#8 K(st a #obot to close t)e 'in$o's a6ainst &e6aton

bo&bs85

5Yo(?#e 6oo$ a#c)itects% 6entle&en%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t% s&ac0in6 )is

li1s ove# t)e &o$el city t)ey )a$ s)o'n )i&% 5b(t I?ll stic0 'it) t)e $efenses I 0no'8 o

I (st 'ant yo(# f#ont8 Li0e t)at 1ict(#e8 "(#t)e#&o#e% I 'ant it invisible85

T)e Dai&oni la1se$ bac0 into t)ei# lan6(a6e% ')ic) so(n$e$ as t)o(6) it

'e#e of Ea#t) o#i6in% b(t ')ic) )as neve# been $eci1)e#e$ f#o& t)e fe' #eco#$in6s of t)ei# visits ')ic) s(#vive$8



5All #i6)t%5 sai$ one of t)e&% 5invisible it is8 Yo( still 'ant t)e 6#eat te&1le

of Diana at

E1)es(s on Ol$ Ea#t)@5

5Yes%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8

5W)y>if yo( can?t see it@5 sai$ t)e Dai&oni8

5T)at?s t)e t)i#$ s1ecification% 6entle&en8 I 'ant it so t)at I can see it% an$

&y )ei#s% b(t nobo$y else85

5If it?s soli$ b(t invisible% eve#ybo$y is 6oin6 to see it ')en yo(# fine sno' )its

it85

5I?ll ta0e ca#e of t)at%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8 5I?ll 1ay ')at 'e 'e#e

tal0in6 abo(t> fo#ty t)o(san$ select 1ieces of "(##y !o(ntain "(#8 B(t yo( &a0e t)at

1alace invisible to eve#ybo$y e3ce1t &e% an$ &y )ei#s85

5We?#e a#c)itects% not &a6iciansF5 sai$ t)e Dai&oni 'it) t)e lon6est cloa0% ')o

&i6)t )ave been t)e lea$e#8

5T)at?s ')at I 'ant85

T)e Dai&oni 6abble$ a&on6 t)e&selves% $isc(ssin6 so&e tec)nical 1#oble&8

"inally one of t)e& ca&e ove# to t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t an$ sai$4

5I?& t)e s)i1?s s(#6eon8 !ay I e3a&ine yo(@5

5W)y@5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8

5To see if 'e can 1ossibly fit t)e b(il$in6 to yo(8 Ot)e#'ise 'e can?t even 6(ess

at t)e s1ecifications 'e nee$85

52o a)ea$%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no#8 5E3a&ine &e85

5He#e@ No'@5 sai$ t)e Dai&oni $octo#8 5Wo(l$n?t yo( 1#efe# a (iet 1lace o# a

1#ivate #oo&@ O# yo( can co&e aboa#$ o(# s)i1@ T)at 'o(l$ be ve#y convenient85

5"o# yo(%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8 5Not fo# &e8 He#e &y &en )ave 6(ns

t#aine$ on yo(8 Yo( 'o(l$ neve# 6et bac0 to yo(# s)i1 alive if yo( t#ie$ to #ob &e of

&y "(##y !o(ntain "(#s o# 0i$na1 &e so t)at yo( co(l$ t#a$e &e bac0 fo# &y

t#eas(#es8 Yo( e3a&ine &e )e#e an$ no' o# not at all85

5Yo( a#e a #o(6)% to(6) &an% 2ove#no#%5 sai$ anot)e# one of t)e ele6ant

Dai&oni8 5Pe#)a1s yo( )a$ bette# tell yo(# 6(a#$s t)at yo( a#e as0in6 (s to e3a&ineyo(8 Ot)e#'ise t)ey &i6)t 6et e3cite$ 'it) (s an$ 1e#sons &i6)t beco&e $a&a6e$%5

sai$ t)e Dai&oni 'it) a faint con$escen$in6 s&ile8

52o a)ea$% fo#ei6ne#s%5 sai$ t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t8 5!y &en )ave been

listenin6 to eve#yt)in6 t)#o(6) t)e &ic#o1)one in &y to1 b(tton85

He #e6#ette$ )is 'o#$s t'o secon$s late#% b(t it 'as al#ea$y too late8 "o(#

Dai&oni )a$ 1ic0e$ )i& (1 an$ s1(n )i& so $eftly t)at t)e 6(a#$s neve# (n$e#stoo$

)o' t)ei# 2ove#no# lost all )is clot)es in a t#ice8 One of t)e Dai&oni &(st )ave

st(nne$ )i& o# )y1notie$ )i& )e co(l$ not c#y o(t8 In$ee$% afte#'a#$% )e co(l$ not

even #e&e&be# &(c) of ')at t)ey $i$8

T)e 6(a#$s t)e&selves )a$ 6as1e$ ')en t)ey sa' t)e Dai&oni 1(ll en$less

nee$les o(t of t)ei# boss?s eyeballs 'it)o(t )avin6 notice$ t)e nee$les 6o in8 T)ey )a$



lifte$ t)ei# 'ea1ons ')en t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t t(#ne$ a violent fl(o#escent 6#een in

colo#% only to 6a1e% '#it)e an$ vo&it ')en t)e Dai&oni 1o(#e$ eno#&o(s bottles of

&e$icine into )i&8 In less t)an )alf an )o(# t)ey stoo$ bac08

T)e 2ove#no#% na0e$ an$ blotc)e$% sat on t)e 6#o(n$ an$ vo&ite$8

One of t)e Dai&oni sai$ (ietly to t)e 6(a#$s% 5He?s not )(#t% b(t )e an$ )is)ei#s 'ill see 1a#t of t)e (lt#aviolet ban$ fo# &any 6ene#ations to co&e8 P(t )i& to be$

fo# t)e ni6)t8 He 'ill feel all #i6)t by &o#nin68 An$% by t)e 'ay% 0ee1 eve#ybo$y a'ay

f#o& t)e f#ont of t)e 1alace toni6)t8 We?#e 1(ttin6 in t)e b(il$in6 ')ic) )e as0e$ fo#8

T)e 6#eat te&1le of Diana of t)e E1)esians85

T)e senio# 6(a#$ office# s1o0e (1% 5We can?t ta0e t)e 6(a#$s off t)e

1alace8 T)at?s o(# $efense )ea$(a#te#s an$ no one% not even t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t%

)as t)e #i6)t to st#i1 it ba#e of sent#ies8 T)e Day Peo1le &i6)t attac0 (s a6ain85

T)e Dai&oni s1o0es&an s&ile$ 6ently4 5!a0e a 6oo$ note of t)ei# na&es%

t)en% an$ as0 t)e& fo# t)ei# last 'o#$s8 We s)all not fi6)t t)e&% office#% b(t if t)ey a#e

in t)e 'ay of o(# 'o#0 toni6)t% 'e s)all b(il$ t)e& #i6)t into t)e ne' 1alace8 T)ei# 'i$o's an$ c)il$#en can a$&i#e t)e& as stat(es to&o##o'85

T)e 6(a#$s office# loo0e$ $o'n at )is c)ief% ')o no' lay flat on t)e 6#o(n$

'it) )is )ea$ in )is )an$s% co(6)in6 o(t t)e 'o#$s% 5Leave>&e>aloneF5 T)e office#

loo0e$ bac0 at t)e cool% aloof Dai&oni s1o0es&an8 He sai$% 5I?ll $o ')at I can% si#85

T)e te&1le of E1)es(s 'as t)e#e in t)e &o#nin68

T)e col(&ns 'e#e t)e Do#ic col(&ns of ancient ea#t) t)e f#iee 'as a

&aste# of 6o$s% vota#ies an$ )o#ses t)e b(il$in6 'as e3(isite in its 1#o1o#tions8

T)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t co(l$ see it8 His follo'e#s co(l$ not8

T)e fo#ty t)o(san$ len6t)s of "(##y !o(ntain "(# 'e#e 1ai$8 T)e Dai&oni left8

T)e 2ove#no# $ie$% an$ )e )a$ )ei#s ')o co(l$ see t)e b(il$in6 too8 It 'as

visible only in t)e (lt#aviolet an$ o#$ina#y &en be)el$ it on *)(f( II only ')en t)e

1o'$e#y )a#$ sno' o(tline$ it in a 1a#tic(la#ly )a#s) sto#&8

B(t no' it belon6e$ to Ro$ !cBan an$ it 'as on Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% not on

*)(f( II any

&o#e8

Ho' )a$ t)at )a11ene$@

W)o 'o(l$ 'ant to b(y an invisible te&1le% any)o'@

Willia& t)e Wil$ 'o(l$% t)at?s ')o8 Wil$ Willia& !acA#t)(#% ')o

$eli6)te$% annoye$%

$is6#ace$ an$ a&(se$ ')ole 6ene#ations of No#st#ilians 'it) )is fantastic

1#an0s% )is 6i6antic ')i&s% )is 'o#l$-6i#$lin6 ca1#ices8

Willia& !acA#t)(# 'as a 6#an$fat)e# to-t)e-t'enty-secon$ in a &at#ilineal line

to Ro$ !cBan8 He )a$ been a &an in )is ti&e% a #eal &an8 Ha11y as La##y% $#(n0

'it) 'it ')en $ea$ sobe#% sobe# 'it) c)a#& ')en $ea$ $#(n08 He co(l$ tal0 t)e le6soff a s)ee1 ')en )e 1(t )is &in$ on it )e co(l$ tal0 t)e la's off t)e Co&&on'ealt)8



He $i$8

He )a$8

T)e Co&&on'ealt) )a$ been 1(#c)asin6 all t)e Dai&oni )o(ses it co(l$ fin$%

(sin6 t)e& as $efense o(t1osts8 P#etty little ;icto#ian cotta6es 'e#e sent into o#bit as

fa#-#an6e fo#ts8 T)eate#s 'e#e bo(6)t on ot)e# 'o#l$s an$ $#a66e$ t)#o(6) s1ace to Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% ')e#e t)ey beca&e bo&b s)elte#s o# vete#ina#y cente#s fo# t)e

fo#eve#-sic0% 'ealt)-1#o$(cin6 s)ee18 Nobo$y co(l$ ta0e a Dai&oni b(il$in6 a1a#t%

once it )a$ been b(ilt% so t)e only t)in6 to $o 'as to c(t t)e b(il$in6 loose f#o& its non-

Dai&oni fo(n$ation% lift it by #oc0ets o# 1lanofo#&% an$ t)en 'a#1 it t)#o(6) s1ace to

t)e ne' location8 T)e No#st#ilians $i$ not )ave to 'o##y abo(t lan$in6 t)e& t)ey

(st $#o11e$ t)e&8 It $i$n?t )(#t t)e b(il$in6s any8 o&eti&es si&1le Dai&oni

b(il$in6s ca&e a1a#t% beca(se t)e Dai&oni )a$ been as0e$ to &a0e t)e& $e&o(ntable%

b(t ')en t)ey 'e#e soli$% t)ey staye$ soli$8

Wil$ Willia& )ea#$ abo(t t)e te&1le8 *)(f( II 'as a #(in8 T)e lic)en )a$

6otten a 1lant infection an$ )a$ $ie$ off8 T)e fe' *)(f(ans ')o 'e#e left 'e#e be66a#s% as0in6 t)e Inst#(&entality fo# #ef(6ee stat(s an$ e&i6#ation8 T)e

Co&&on'ealt) )a$ bo(6)t t)ei# little b(il$in6s% b(t even t)e Co&&on'ealt) of Ol$

No#t) A(st#alia $i$ not 0no' ')at to $o 'it) an invisible an$ s(#1assin6ly bea(tif(l

2#ee0 te&1le8

Wil$ Willia& visite$ it8 He sobe#ly ins1ecte$ it% in co&1lete visibility% by

(sin6 sni1e# eyes set into t)e (lt#aviolet8 He 1e#s(a$e$ t)e 6ove#n&ent to let )i& s1en$

)alf of )is i&&ense fo#t(ne 1(ttin6 it into a valley (st ne3t to t)e tation of Doo&8

T)en% )avin6 enoye$ it a little ')ile% )e fell an$ b#o0e )is nec0 ')ile 6lo#io(sly

$#(n0 an$ )is inconsolable $a(6)te# )a$ &a##ie$ a )an$so&e an$ 1#actical !cBan8

An$ no' it belon6e$ to Ro$ !cBan8 An$ )o(se$ )is co&1(te#8 His o'nco&1(te#8

He co(l$ s1ea0 to it at t)e e3tension ')ic) #eac)e$ into t)e 6a1 of )i$$en

t#eas(#es8 He tal0e$ to it% ot)e# ti&es% at t)e tal01oint in t)e fiel$% ')e#e t)e 1olis)e$

#e$-an$-blac0 &etal of t)e ol$ co&1(te# 'as #e1#o$(ce$ in e3(isite &iniat(#e8 O# )e

co(l$ co&e to t)is st#an6e b(il$in6% t)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t% an$ stan$

as t)e 'o#s)i1e#s of Diana )a$ once stoo$% c#yin6% 52#eat is Diana of t)e

E1)esiansF5 W)en )e ca&e in t)is 'ay% )e )a$ t)e f(ll console in f#ont of )i&%

a(to&atically (nloc0e$ by )is 1#esence% (st as )is 6#an$fat)e# )a$ s)o'e$ )i&% t)#ee

c)il$)oo$s befo#e% ')en t)e ol$ !cBan still )a$ )i6) )o1es t)at Ro$ 'o(l$ t(#n into a

no#&al Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian boy8 T)e 6#an$fat)e#% (sin6 )is 1e#sonal co$e in t(#n%)a$ (nloc0e$ t)e access cont#ols an$ )a$ invite$ t)e co&1(te# to &a0e its o'n

fool1#oof #eco#$in6 of Ro$% so t)at Ro$e#ic0

"#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan CLI 'o(l$ be fo#eve#

0no'n to t)e &ac)ine% no &atte# ')at a6e )e attaine$% no &atte# )o' &ai&e$ o#

$is6(ise$ )e &i6)t be% no &atte# )o' sic0 o# fo#lo#n )e &i6)t #et(#n to t)e &ac)ine of

)is fo#efat)e#s8 T)e ol$ &an $i$ not even as0 t)e &ac)ine )o' t)e i$entification 'as

obtaine$8 He t#(ste$ t)e co&1(te#8

Ro$ cli&be$ t)e ste1s of t)e Palace8 T)e col(&ns stoo$ 'it) t)ei# ancient

ca#vin6% b#i6)t in )is secon$ si6)t )e neve# (ite 0ne' )o' )e co(l$ see 'it) t)e

(lt#aviolet% since )e notice$ no $iffe#ence bet'een )i&self an$ ot)e# 1eo1le in t)e

&atte# of eyesi6)t e3ce1t t)at )e &o#e often 6ot )ea$ac)es f#o& s(staine$ o1en #(ns on



clean-clo($y $ays8 At a ti&e li0e t)is% t)e effect 'as s1ectac(la#8 It 'as )is ti&e% )is

te&1le% )is o'n 1lace8 He co(l$ see% in t)e #eflecte$ li6)t f#o& t)e Palace% t)at &any of

)is co(sins &(st )ave been o(t to see t)e Palace $(#in6 t)e ni6)ts8 T)ey too co(l$ see

it% as it 'as a fa&ily in)e#itance to be able to 'atc) t)e invisible te&1le ')ic)

one?s f#ien$s co(l$ not see b(t t)ey $i$ not )ave access8

He alone )a$ t)at8

5Co&1(te#%5 )e c#ie$% 5a$&it &e85

5!essa6e (nnecessa#y%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 5Yo( a#e al'ays clea# to ente#85 T)e

voice 'as a &ale No#st#ilian voice% 'it) a to(c) of t)e t)eat#ical in it8 Ro$ 'as neve#

(ite s(#e t)at it 'as t)e voice of )is o'n ancesto# ')en c)allen6e$ $i#ectly as to

')ose voice it 'as (sin6% t)e &ac)ine )a$ tol$ )i&% 5In1(t on t)at to1ic )as been

e#ase$ in &e8 I $o not 0no'8 Histo#ical evi$ence s(66ests t)at it 'as &ale%

conte&1o#a#y 'it) &y installation )e#e% an$ 1ast &i$$le a6e ')en co$e$ by &e85

Ro$ 'o(l$ )ave felt lively an$ s&a#t e3ce1t fo# t)e feelin6s of a'e ')ic) t)e

Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t% stan$in6 b#i6)t an$ visible (n$e# t)e $a#0 clo($s of No#st#ilia% )a$ (1on )i&8 He 'ante$ to say so&et)in6 li6)t-)ea#te$ b(t at fi#st )e co(l$

only &(tte#% 5He#e I a&85

5Obse#ve$ an$ #es1ecte$%5 state$ t)e co&1(te#-voice8 5If I 'e#e a 1e#son I

'o(l$ say

?con6#at(lations% since yo( a#e alive8? As a co&1(te# I )ave no o1inion on t)e

s(bect8 I note t)e fact85

5W)at $o I $o no'@5 sai$ Ro$8

5<(estion too 6ene#al%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 5Do yo( 'ant a $#in0 of 'ate# o# a

#est-#oo&@ I can tell yo( ')e#e t)ose a#e8 Do yo( 'is) to 1lay c)ess 'it) &e@ I s)all'in (st as &any 6a&es as yo( tell &e to85

5)(t (1% yo( foolF5 c#ie$ Ro$8 5T)at?s not ')at I &ean85

5Co&1(te#s a#e fools only if t)ey &alf(nction8 I a& not &alf(nctionin68 T)e

#efe#ence to &e as a fool is t)e#efo#e non#efe#ential an$ I s)all e31(n6e it f#o& &y

&e&o#y syste&8 Re1eat t)e (estion% 1lease85

5W)at $o I $o 'it) &y life@5

5Yo( 'ill 'o#0% yo( 'ill &a##y% yo( 'ill be t)e fat)e# of Ro$ !cBan t)e

)(n$#e$ an$ fifty- secon$ an$ seve#al ot)e# c)il$#en% yo( 'ill $ie% yo(# bo$y 'ill be

sent into t)e en$less o#bit 'it) 6#eat )ono#8 Yo( 'ill $o t)is 'ell85

5(11ose I b#ea0 &y nec0 t)is ve#y ni6)t@5 a#6(e$ Ro$8 5T)en yo( 'o(l$

be '#on6% 'o(l$n?t yo(@5

5I 'o(l$ be '#on6% b(t I still )ave t)e 1#obabilities 'it) &e85 5W)at $o I $o

abo(t t)e Onsec0@5

5Re1eat85

Ro$ )a$ to tell t)e sto#y seve#al ti&es befo#e t)e co&1(te# (n$e#stoo$ it8

5I $o not%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#% 5fin$ &yself e(i11e$ 'it) $ata conce#nin6

t)is one &an ')o& yo( so conf(sin6ly all($e to as Ho(6)ton y&e so&eti&es an$ as?Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le? at ot)e# ti&es8 His 1e#sonal )isto#y is (n0no'n to &e8 T)e o$$s



a6ainst yo(# 0illin6 )i& (n$etecte$ a#e ,,%M, to one a6ainst effectiveness% beca(se

too &any 1eo1le 0no' yo( an$ 0no' ')at yo( loo0 li0e8 I &(st let yo( solve yo(#

o'n 1#oble& conce#nin6 t)e Hon8 ec85

5Don?t yo( )ave any i$eas@5 5I )ave ans'e#s% not i$eas85

52ive &e a 1iece of f#(it ca0e an$ a 6lass of f#es) &il0 t)en85

5It 'ill cost yo( t'elve c#e$its an$ by 'al0in6 to yo(# cabin yo( can 6et t)ese

t)in6s f#ee8 Ot)e#'ise I 'ill )ave to b(y t)e& f#o& E&e#6ency Cent#al85

5I sai$ 6et t)e&%5 sai$ Ro$8

T)e &ac)ine ')i##e$8 E3t#a li6)ts a11ea#e$ on t)e console8 5E&e#6ency Cent#al

)as a(t)o#ie$ &y o'n (se of s)elte#e$ s(11lies8 Yo( 'ill 1ay fo# t)e #e1lace&ent

to&o##o'85 A $oo# o1ene$8 A t#ay sli$ o(t% 'it) a l(scio(s 1iece of f#(itca0e an$ a 6lass

of foa&in6 f#es) &il08

Ro$ sat on t)e ste1s of )is o'n 1alace an$ ate8

Conve#sationally% )e sai$ to t)e co&1(te#% 5Yo( &(st 0no' ')at to $o abo(tOl$ Hot an$ i&1le8 It?s a te##ible t)in6 fo# &e to 6o t)#o(6) t)e 2a#$en of Deat) an$

t)en )ave a $(ll tool li0e t)at 1este# t)e life o(t of &e85

5He cannot 1este# t)e life o(t of yo(8 Yo( a#e too st#on685 5Reco6nie an i$io&%

yo( silly assF5 sai$ Ro$8

T)e &ac)ine 1a(se$8 5I$io& i$entifie$8 Co##ection &a$e8 A1olo6ies a#e

)e#e'it) 6iven to yo(% C)il$ !cBan85

5Anot)e# &ista0e8 I?& not C)il$ !cBan any &o#e8 I?& !iste# an$ O'ne#

!cBan85

5I 'ill c)ec0 cent#al%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 T)e#e 'as anot)e# lon6 1a(se as t)eli6)ts $ance$8 "inally t)e co&1(te# ans'e#e$8 5Yo(# stat(s is &i3e$8 Yo( a#e bot)8 In

an e&e#6ency yo( a#e al#ea$y t)e !iste# an$ O'ne# of t)e tation of Doo&%

incl($in6 &e8 Wit)o(t an e&e#6ency% yo( a#e still C)il$ !cBan (ntil yo(# t#(stees

#elease t)e 1a1e#s to $o it85

5W)en 'ill t)ey $o t)at@5

5;ol(nta#y action8 H(&an8 Ti&in6 (nce#tain8 In fo(# o# five $ays% it 'o(l$

see&8 W)en t)ey #elease yo(% t)e Hon8 ec8 'ill )ave t)e le6al #i6)t to &ove fo# yo(#

a##est as an inco&1etent an$ $an6e#o(s o'ne#8 "#o& yo(# 1oint of vie'% it 'ill be ve#y

sa$85

5An$ ')at $o yo( t)in0@5 sai$ Ro$8

5I s)all t)in0 t)at it is a $ist(#bin6 facto#8 I s1ea0 t)e t#(t) to yo(85 5An$ t)at is

all@5

5All%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8

5Yo( can?t sto1 t)e Hon8 ec8@5

5Not 'it)o(t sto11in6 eve#ybo$y else85

5W)at $o yo( t)in0 1eo1le a#e% any)o'@ Loo0 )e#e% co&1(te#% yo( )ave been

tal0in6 to 1eo1le fo# )(n$#e$s an$ )(n$#e$s of yea#s8 Yo( 0no' o(# na&es8 Yo( 0no'

&y fa&ily8 Don?t yo( 0no' anyt)in6 abo(t (s@ Can?t yo( )el1 &e@ W)at $o yo( t)in0 Ia&@5



5W)ic) (estion fi#st@5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8

Ro$ an6#ily t)#e' t)e e&1ty 1late an$ 6lass on t)e floo# of t)e te&1le8 Robot

a#&s flic0e$ o(t an$ 1(lle$ t)e& into t)e t#as) bin8 He sta#e$ at t)e ol$ 1olis)e$ &etal

of t)e co&1(te#8 It o(6)t to be 1olis)e$8 He )a$ s1ent )(n$#e$s of )o(#s 1olis)in6 its

case% all si3ty-si3 1anels of it% (st beca(se t)e &ac)ine 'as so&et)in6 ')ic) )e co(l$love8

5Don?t yo( 0no' &e@ Don?t yo( 0no' ')at I a&@5

5Yo( a#e Ro$ !cBan t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st8 1ecifically% yo( a#e a s1inal

col(&n 'it) a s&all bone bo3 at one en$% t)e )ea$% an$ 'it) #e1#o$(ctive e(i1&ent at

t)e ot)e# en$8 Insi$e t)e bone bo3 yo( )ave a s&all 1o#tion of &ate#ial ')ic)

#ese&bles stiff% bloo$y la#$8 Wit) t)at yo( t)in0>yo( t)in0 bette# t)an I $o% even

t)o(6) I )ave ove# five )(n$#e$ &illion syna1tic connections8 Yo( a#e a 'on$e#f(l

obect% Ro$ !cBan8 I can (n$e#stan$ ')at yo( a#e &a$e of8 I cannot s)a#e yo(#

)(&an% ani&al si$e of life85

5B(t yo( 0no' I?& in $an6e#85 5I 0no' it85

5W)at $i$ yo( say% a ')ile bac0% abo(t not bein6 able to sto1 Ol$ Hot an$

i&1le 'it)o(t sto11in6 eve#ybo$y else too@ Co(l$ yo( sto1 eve#ybo$y else@5

5Pe#&ission #e(este$ to co##ect e##o#8 I co(l$ not sto1 eve#yone8 If I t#ie$ to (se

violence% t)e 'a# co&1(te#s at Co&&on'ealt) Defense 'o(l$ $est#oy &e befo#e I even

sta#te$ 1#o6#a&&in6 &y o'n actions85

5Yo(?#e 1a#tly a 'a# co&1(te#85

5A$&itte$ly%5 sai$ t)e (n'ea#ie$ (n)(##ie$ voice of t)e co&1(te#% 5b(t t)e

Co&&on'ealt) &a$e &e safe befo#e t)ey let yo(# fo#efat)e#s )ave &e85

5W)at can yo( $o@5

5Ro$ !cBan t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fo#tiet) tol$ &e to tell no one% eve#85 5I ove##i$e8

Ove##i$$en85

5It?s not eno(6) to $o t)at8 Yo(# 6#eat-6#an$fat)e# )as a 'a#nin6 to ')ic) yo(

&(st listen85 52o a)ea$%5 sai$ Ro$8

T)e#e 'as a silence% an$ Ro$ t)o(6)t t)at t)e &ac)ine 'as sea#c)in6

t)#o(6) ancient a#c)ives fo# a $#a&a-c(be8 He stoo$ on t)e 1e#istyle of t)e Palace of

t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t an$ t#ie$ to see t)e No#st#ilian clo($s c#a'lin6 ac#oss t)e s0y

nea# ove#)ea$ it felt li0e t)at 0in$ of ni6)t8 B(t it 'as ve#y $a#0 a'ay f#o& t)e

ill(&inate$ te&1le 1o#c) an$ )e co(l$ see not)in685Do yo( still co&&an$@5 as0e$ t)e co&1(te#8 5I $i$n?t )ea# any 'a#nin6%5 sai$

Ro$8

5He s1ie0e$ it f#o& a &e&o#y c(be85 5Di$ yo( )ie# it@5

5I 'as not co$e$ to it8 It 'as )(&an-to-)(&an% !cBan fa&ily only85 5T)en%5

sai$ Ro$% 5I ove##i$e it85

5Ove##i$$en%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 5W)at can I $o to sto1 eve#ybo$yF5

5Yo( can ban0#(1t No#st#ilia te&1o#a#ily% b(y Ol$ Ea#t) Itself% an$ t)en

ne6otiate on )(&an te#&s fo# anyt)in6 yo( 'ant85

5O)% lo#$F5 sai$ Ro$% 5yo(?ve 6one lo6ical a6ain% co&1(te#F T)is is one of yo(#

as-if sit(ations85



T)e co&1(te# voice $i$ not c)an6e its tone8 It co(l$ not8 T)e se(ence of t)e

'o#$s )el$ a #e1#oac)% )o'eve#8 5T)is is not an i&a6ina#y sit(ation8 I a& a 'a#

co&1(te#% an$ I 'as $esi6ne$ to incl($e econo&ic 'a#fa#e8 If yo( $i$ e3actly ')at I

tol$ yo( to $o% yo( co(l$ ta0e ove# all Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia by le6al &eans85

5Ho' lon6 'o(l$ 'e nee$@ T'o )(n$#e$ yea#s@ Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le 'o(l$

)ave &e in &y 6#ave by t)en85

T)e co&1(te# co(l$ not la(6)% b(t it co(l$ 1a(se8 It 1a(se$8 5I )ave (st

c)ec0e$ t)e ti&e on t)e Ne' !elbo(#ne E3c)an6e8 T)e ?C)an6e si6nal says t)ey 'ill

o1en in seventeen &in(tes8 I 'ill nee$ fo(# )o(#s fo# yo(# voice to say ')at it &(st8

T)at &eans yo( 'ill nee$ fo(# )o(#s an$ seventeen &in(tes% 6ive o# ta0e five &in(tes85

5W)at &a0es yo( t)in0 yo( can $o it@5

5I a& a 1(#e co&1(te#% obsolete &o$el8 All t)e ot)e#s )ave ani&al b#ains b(ilt

into t)e&% to allo' fo# e##o#8 I $o not8 "(#t)e#&o#e% yo(# 6#eat,:-6#an$fat)e# )oo0e$ &e

into t)e $efense net85

5Di$n?t t)e Co&&on'ealt) c(t yo( o(t@5

5I a& t)e only co&1(te# ')ic) 'as b(ilt to tell lies% e3ce1t to t)e fa&ilies of

!acA#t)(# an$ !cBan8 I lie$ to t)e Co&&on'ealt) ')en t)ey c)ec0e$ on ')at I 'as

6ettin68 I a& obli6e$ to tell t)e t#(t) only to yo( an$ to yo(# $esi6nate$ $escen$ants85

5I 0no' t)at% b(t ')at $oes it )ave to $o 'it) it@5

5I 1#e$ict &y o'n s1ace 'eat)e#% a)ea$ of t)e Co&&on'ealt)85 T)e accent 'as

not in t)e 1leasant% even-tone$ voice Ro$ )i&self be6an to believe it8

5Yo(?ve t#ie$ t)is o(t@5

5I )ave 'a#-6a&e$ it &o#e t)an a )(n$#e$ &illion ti&es8 I )a$ not)in6 else

to $o ')ile I

'aite$ fo# yo(85

5Yo( neve# faile$@5

5I faile$ &ost of t)e ti&e% ')en I fi#st be6an8 B(t I )ave not faile$ a 'a#-6a&e

f#o& #eal $ata fo# t)e last t)o(san$ yea#s85

5W)at 'o(l$ )a11en if yo( faile$ no'@5

5Yo( 'o(l$ be $is6#ace$ an$ ban0#(1t8 I 'o(l$ be sol$ an$ $isasse&ble$85 5Is

t)at all@5 sai$ Ro$ c)ee#f(lly85Yes%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8

5I co(l$ sto1 Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le if I o'ne$ Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8 Let?s 6o85 5I $o not

6o any')e#e%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8

5I &ean% let?s sta#t85

5Yo( &ean% to b(y Ea#t)% as 'e $isc(sse$@5

5W)at else@5 yelle$ Ro$8 5W)at else )ave 'e been tal0in6 abo(t@5

5Yo( &(st )ave so&e so(1% )ot so(1 an$ a t#an(ilie# fi#st8 I cannot 'o#0 at

o1ti&(& if I

)ave a )(&an bein6 ')o 6ets e3cite$85 5All #i6)t%5 sai$ Ro$85Yo( &(st a(t)o#ie &e to b(y t)e&85 5I a(t)o#ie yo(85



5T)at 'ill be t)#ee c#e$its85

5In t)e na&e of t)e seven )ealt)y s)ee1% ')at $oes it &atte#@ Ho' &(c) 'ill

Ea#t) cost@5 5even t)o(san$ &illion &illion &e6ac#e$its85

5De$(ct t)#ee c#e$its fo# t)e so(1 an$ t)e 1ill t)en%5 s)o(te$ Ro$% 5if it 'on?t

s1oil yo(# calc(lations85

5De$(cte$%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 T)e t#ay 'it) t)e so(1 a11ea#e$% a ')ite 1ill

besi$e it8 5No' let?s b(y Ea#t)%5 sai$ Ro$8

5D#in0 yo(# so(1 an$ ta0e yo(# 1ill fi#st%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 Ro$ 6(l1e$ $o'n

)is so(1% 'as)in6 t)e 1ill $o'n 'it) it8 5No'% let?s 6o% cobbe#85

5Re1eat afte# &e%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#% 5I )e#e'it) &o#t6a6e t)e ')ole bo$y of

t)e sai$ s)ee1 'eet Willia& fo# t)e s(& of five )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ c#e$its to t)e Ne'

!elbo(#ne E3c)an6e on t)e o1en boa#$+5

Ro$ #e1eate$ it8 An$ #e1eate$ it8

T)e )o(#s beca&e a ni6)t&a#e of #e1etition8

T)e co&1(te# lo'e#e$ )is voice to a lo' &(#&(#% al&ost a ')is1e#8 W)en Ro$

st(&ble$ in t)e &essa6es% t)e co&1(te# 1#o&1te$ )i& an$ co##ecte$ )i&8

"o#'a#$ 1(#c)ase+ sell s)o#t+ o1tion to b(y+ 1#e-e&1tive &a#6in+ offe# to

sell+ offe# te&1o#a#ily #ese#ve$+ fi#st collate#al+ secon$ collate#al+ $e1osit to

$#a'in6 acco(nt+ conve#t to "OE c#e$its 8 8 )ol$ in AD c#e$its+ t'elve t)o(san$

tons of st#oon+ &o#t6a6e fo#'a#$+ 1#o&ise to b(y+ 1#o&ise to sell+ )ol$+

&a#6in+ collate#al 6(a#antee$ by 1#evio(s $e1osit+ 1#o&ise to 1ay a6ainst t)e

1le$6e$ lan$+ 6(a#anto#+ !cBan lan$+ !acA#t)(# lan$+ t)is co&1(te# itself+

con$itional le6ality+ b(y+ sell+ 6(a#antee+ 1le$6e+ 'it))ol$+ offe#

confi#&e$+ offe# cancele$+ fo(# t)o(san$ &illion &e6ac#e$its+ #ate acce1te$+ #ate

#ef(se$+ fo#'a#$ 1(#c)ase+ $e1osit a6ainst inte#est+ collate#al 1#evio(sly

1le$6e$+ con$itional a11#eciation+ 6(a#antee+ acce1t title+ #ef(se $elive#y+ sola#

'eat)e#+ b(y+ sell+ 1le$6e+ 'it)$#a' f#o& &a#0et+ 'it)$#a' f#o& sale+ not

available+no collections no'888 $e1en$ent on #a$iation+ co#ne# &a#0et+ b(y+

b(y+ b(y+ b(y+ b(y+ fi#& title+ #econfi#& title+ t#ansactions co&1lete$888

#eo1en+ #e6iste#+ #e#e6iste#+ confi#& at Ea#t) cent#al+ &essa6e fees+ fifteen

t)o(san$ &e6ac#e$its8888

Ro$?s voice beca&e a ')is1e#% b(t t)e co&1(te# 'as sti#e% t)e co&1(te# 'as

(nti#in6% t)e co&1(te# ans'e#e$ all (estions f#o& t)e o(tsi$e8

!any ti&es Ro$ an$ t)e co&1(te# bot) )a$ to listen to tele1at)ic 'a#nin6s b(ilt into t)e &a#0ets co&&(nications net8 T)e co&1(te# 'as c(t o(t an$ Ro$ co(l$

not )ie# t)e&8 T)e 'a#nin6s 'ent (n)ea#$8

+ b(y+ sell+ )ol$+ confi#&+ $e1osit+ conve#t+ 6(a#antee+

a#bit#a6e+ &essa6e888 Co&&on'ealt) ta3888 co&&ission+ b(y+ sell+ b(y+ b(y+

b(y+ b(y+ $e1osit titleF $e1osit titleF $e1osit titleF

T)e 1#ocess of b(yin6 Ea#t) )a$ be6(n8

By t)e ti&e t)at t)e fi#st 1#etty 1a#ts of silve#-6#ay $a'n )a$ be6(n% it 'as

$one8 Ro$ 'as $iy 'it) fati6(e an$ conf(sion8

52o )o&e an$ slee1%5 sai$ t)e co&1(te#8 5W)en 1eo1le fin$ o(t ')at yo()ave $one 'it) &e% &any of t)e& 'ill 1#obably be e3cite$ an$ 'ill 'is) to tal0 to



yo( at 6#eat len6t)8 I s(66est yo( say not)in685

CHAPTER E;EN4 T)e Eye U1on t)e 1a##o'

D#(n0 'it) fati6(e% Ro$ st(&ble$ ac#oss )is o'n lan$ bac0 to )is cabin8 He

co(l$ not believe t)at anyt)in6 )a$ )a11ene$8

If t)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t> If t)e Palace >

If t)e co&1(te# s1o0e t)e t#(t)% )e 'as al#ea$y t)e 'ealt)iest )(&an bein6

')o )a$ eve# live$8 He )a$ 6a&ble$ an$ 'on% not fo# a fe' tons of st#oon o# a 1lanet

o# t'o% b(t c#e$its eno(6) to s)a0e t)e Co&&on'ealt) to its fo(n$ation8 He o'ne$ t)e

Ea#t)% on t)e syste& t)at any ove#$e1osit co(l$ be calle$ $(e at a ce#tain ve#y )i6)

&a#6in8 He o'ne$ 1lanets% co(nt#ies% &ines% 1alaces% 1#isons% 1olice-syste&s% fleets%

bo#$e#-6(a#$s% #esta(#ants% 1)a#&ace(ticals% te3tiles% ni6)t cl(bs% t#eas(#es% #oyalties%

licenses% s)ee1% lan$% st#oon% &o#e s)ee1% &o#e lan$% &o#e st#oon8 He )a$ 'on8

Only in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia co(l$ a &an )ave $one t)is 'it)o(t bein6 besie6e$

by sol$ie#s% #e1o#te#s% 6(a#$s% 1olice% investi6ato#s% ta3-collecto#s% fo#t(ne-see0e#s%

$octo#s% 1(blicity )o(n$s% t)e sic0% t)e in(isitive% t)e co&1assionate% t)e an6#y%

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia 0e1t cal&8

P#ivacy% si&1licity% f#(6ality > t)ese vi#t(es )a$ ca##ie$ t)e& t)#o(6) t)e )ell-

'o#l$ of Pa#a$ise ;II% ')e#e t)e &o(ntains ate 1eo1le% t)e volcanoes 1oisone$ s)ee1%

t)e $eli#io(s o3y6en &a$e &en #ave 'it) bliss as t)ey 1#ance$ into t)ei# o'n

$eat)s8 T)e No#st#ilians )a$ s(#vive$ &any t)in6s% incl($in6 sic0ness an$ $efo#&ity8

If Ro$ !cBan )a$ ca(se$ a financial c#isis% t)e#e 'e#e no ne's1a1e#s to 1#int it% no

vie'bo3es to #e1o#t it% not)in6 to e3cite t)e 1eo1le8 T)e Co&&on'ealt) a(t)o#ities

'o(l$ 1ic0 t)e c#isis o(t of t)ei# 5in5 bas0ets so&eti&e afte# t(c0e# an$ tea t)e ne3t

&o#nin6% an$ by afte#noon )e% )is c#isis an$ t)e co&1(te# 'o(l$ be in t)e 5o(t5

bas0ets8 If t)e $eal )a$ 'o#0e$% t)e ')ole t)in6 'o(l$ be 1ai$ off )onestly an$

lite#ally8 If t)e $eal )a$ not 'o#0e$ o(t t)e 'ay t)at co&1(te# )a$ sai$% )is lan$s

'o(l$ be (1 fo# a(ction an$ )e )i&self 'o(l$ be le$ 6ently a'ay8

B(t t)at?s ')at t)e Onsec0 'as 6oin6 to $o to )i& any'ay>Ol$ Hot an$

i&1le% a ti#in6 $'a#f-life$ &an% $#iven by t)e boy)oo$ )at#e$ of &any lon6 yea#s a6oF

Ro$ sto11e$ fo# a &in(te8 A#o(n$ )i& st#etc)e$ t)e #ollin6 1lains of )is o'n

lan$8 "a# a)ea$% to )is left% t)e#e 6lea&e$ t)e 6lassy 'o#& of a #ive#-cove#% t)e )(&1e$

lon6 ba##el-li0e line ')ic) 0e1t t)e 1#ecio(s 'ate# f#o& eva1o#atin6>t)at too 'as )is8

!aybe8 Afte# t)e ni6)t no' 1asse$8

He t)o(6)t of flin6in6 )i&self to t)e 6#o(n$ an$ slee1in6 #i6)t t)e#e8 He )a$

$one it befo#e8 B(t not t)is &o#nin68

Not ')en )e &i6)t be t)e 1e#son )e &i6)t be>t)e &an ')o &a$e t)e 'o#l$s

#eel 'it) )is 'ealt)8

T)e co&1(te# )a$ sta#te$ easy8 He co(l$ not ta0e cont#ol of )is 1#o1e#ty e3ce1t

fo# an e&e#6ency8 T)e co&1(te# )a$ &a$e )i& c#eate t)e e&e#6ency by sellin6 )is

ne3t t)#ee yea#s? 1#o$(ction of santacla#a at t)e &a#0et 1#ice8 T)at 'as a se#io(s

eno(6) e&e#6ency f#o& any 1asto#alist to be in $ee1 s(#e t#o(ble8

"#o& t)at t)e #est )a$ follo'e$8 Ro$ sat $o'n8

He 'as not t#yin6 to #e&e&be#8 T)e #e&e&be#in6 'as c#o'$in6 into )is&in$8 He 'ante$ (st to 6et )is b#eat)% to 6et on )o&e% to slee18



A t#ee 'as nea# )i&% 'it) a t)e#&ostatically cont#olle$ cove# ')ic) $o&e$ it in

')eneve# t)e 'in$s 'e#e too st#on6 o# too $#y% an$ an (n$e#6#o(n$ s1#in0le# ')ic)

0e1t it alive ')en s(#face &oist(#e 'as not s(fficient8 It 'as one of t)e ol$ !acA#t)(#

e3t#ava6ances ')ic) )is !cBan ancesto# )a$ in)e#ite$ an$ )a$ a$$e$ to t)e tation of

Doo&8 It 'as a &o$ifie$ Ea#t) oa0% ve#y bi6% a f(ll t)i#teen &ete#s )i6)8 Ro$ 'as 1#o($of it alt)o(6) )e $i$ not li0e it &(c)% b(t )e )a$ #elatives ')o 'e#e obsesse$ by it an$

'o(l$ &a0e a t)#ee-)o(# #i$e (st to sit in t)e s)a$e>$i& an$ $iff(se as it 'as>of a

6en(ine t#ee f#o& Ea#t)8

W)en )e loo0e$ at t)e t#ee% a violent noise assaile$ )i&8 !a$ f#antic la(6)te#8

La(6)te# beyon$ all o0es8 La(6)te# sic0 'il$ $#(n0 $iy8

He sta#te$ to be an6#y an$ 'as t)en 1(le$8 W)o co(l$ be la(6)in6 at )i&

al#ea$y@ As a &atte# of nea#e# fact% ')o co(l$ be t#es1assin6 on )is lan$@ Any)o'%

')at 'as t)e#e to la(6) abo(t@

All No#st#ilians 0no' t)at )(&o# 'as 51leas(#able co##i6ible &alf(nction85

It 'as in t)e Boo0 of R)eto#ic ')ic) t)ei# A11ointe$ Relatives )a$ to 6et t)e&t)#o(6) if t)ey 'e#e even to (alify fo# t)e tests of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8 T)e#e

'e#e no sc)ools% no classes% no teac)e#s% no lib#a#ies e3ce1t fo# 1#ivate ones8 T)e#e

'e#e (st t)e seven libe#al a#ts% t)e si3 1#actical sciences% an$ t)e five collections of

1olice an$ $efense st($ies8 1ecialists 'e#e t#aine$ off-'o#l$% b(t t)ey 'e#e t#aine$

only f#o& a&on6 t)e s(#vivo#s of t)e 2a#$en% an$ nobo$y co(l$ 6et as fa# as t)e

2a#$en (nless t)e s1onso#s>')o sta0e$ t)ei# lives alon6 'it) t)at of t)e st($ent%

so fa# as t)e (estion of a1tness 'as conce#ne$>6(a#antee$ t)at t)e ent#ant 0ne' t)e

ei6)teen 0in$s of No#st#ilian 0no'le$6e8 T)e Boo0 of R)eto#ic ca&e secon$% #i6)t afte#

t)e Boo0 of )ee1 an$ N(&be#s% so t)at all No#st#ilians 0ne' ')y t)ey la(6)e$ an$

')at t)e#e 'as to la(6) abo(t8

B(t t)is la(6)te#F

Aa6)% ')o co(l$ it be@

A sic0 &an@ I&1ossible8 Hostile )all(cinations b#o(6)t on by t)e Hon8 ec8

in )is o'n

Onsec0is) 'ay 'it) (n(s(al tele1at)ic 1o'e#s@ ca#cely8

Ro$ be6an to la(6) )i&self8

It 'as so&e')at #a#e an$ bea(tif(l% a 0oo0ab(##a bi#$% t)e sa&e 0in$ of bi#$

')ic) )a$ la(6)e$ in O#i6inal A(st#alia on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)8 A ve#y fe' )a$ #eac)e$

t)is ne' 1lanet an$ t)ey )a$ not &(lti1lie$ 'ell% even t)o(6) t)e No#st#ilians#es1ecte$ t)e& an$ love$ t)e& an$ 'is)e$ t)e& )ealt)8

2oo$ l(c0 ca&e 'it) t)ei# 'il$ bi#$is) la(6)te#8 A &an co(l$ feel )e )a$ a fine

$ay a)ea$8 L(c0y in love% t)(&b in an ene&y?s eye% ne' ale in t)e f#i$6e% o# a

#($$y 6oo$ c)ance on t)e &a#0et8

La(6)% bi#$% la(6)F t)o(6)t Ro$8

Pe#)a1s t)e bi#$ (n$e#stoo$ )i&8 T)e la(6)te# inc#ease$ an$ #eac)e$ &anic%

)ila#io(s 1#o1o#tions8 T)e bi#$ so(n$e$ as t)o(6) it 'as 'atc)in6 t)e &ost co&ical

bi#$-co&e$y ')ic) any bi#$-a($ience )a$ eve# been invite$ to% as t)o(6) t)e bi#$-

o0es 'e#e si$e-s1littin6% conv(lsive% 6(t1o11in6% (nbelievable% #acy% $a#in6% an$ove#')el&in68 T)e bi#$-la(6)te# beca&e )yste#ical an$ a note of fea#% of 'a#nin6 c#e1t



in8

Ro$ ste11e$ to'a#$ t)e t#ee8

In all t)is ti&e )e )a$ not seen t)e 0oo0ab(##a8

He s(inte$ into t)e t#ee% 1ee#in6 a6ainst t)e b#i6)te# si$e of t)e s0y ')ic)s)o'e$ t)at &o#nin6 )a$ a##ive$ 'ell8

To )i&% t)e t#ee 'as blin$in6ly 6#een% since it 0e1t &ost of its ea#t) colo#% not

t(#nin6 bei6e o# 6#ay as t)e ea#t) 6#asses )a$ $one ')en t)ey )a$ been a$a1te$ an$

1lante$ in No#st#ilian soil8

To be s(#e% t)e bi#$ 'as t)e#e% a tiny slen$e# la(6)in6 i&1($ent s)a1e8 ($$enly

t)e bi#$ ca'e$4 t)is 'as no la(6)8

ta#tle$% Ro$ ste11e$ bac0 an$ sta#te$ to loo0 a#o(n$ fo# $an6e#8 T)e ste1 save$

)is life8

T)e s0y ')istle$ at )i&% t)e 'in$ )it )i&% a $a#0 s)a1e s)ot 1ast )i& 'it) t)e

s1ee$ of a 1#oectile an$ 'as 6one8 As it levele$ o(t (st above t)e 6#o(n$% Ro$ sa'')at it 'as8

A &a$ s1a##o'8

1a##o's )a$ #eac)e$ t'enty 0ilos? 'ei6)t% 'it) st#ai6)t s'o#$-li0e bea0s

al&ost a &ete# in len6t)8 !ost of t)e ti&e t)e Co&&on'ealt) left t)e& alone% beca(se

t)ey 1#eye$ on t)e 6iant lice% t)e sie of footballs% ')ic) )a$ 6#o'n 'it) t)e sic0

s)ee18 No' an$ t)en one 'ent &a$ an$ attac0e$ 1eo1le8

Ro$ t(#ne$% 'atc)in6 t)e s1a##o' as it 'al0e$ a#o(n$% abo(t a )(n$#e$ &ete#s

a'ay8

o&e &a$ s1a##o's% it 'as #(&o#e$% 'e#e not &a$ at all% b(t 'e#e ta&e

s1a##o's sent on evil &issions of #even6e o# $eat) by No#st#ilian &en ')ose &in$s

)a$ been t'iste$ into c#i&e8 T)is 'as #a#e% t)is 'as c#i&e% b(t t)is 'as 1ossible8

Co(l$ t)e Onsec0 al#ea$y be attac0in6@

Ro$ sla11e$ )is belt fo# 'ea1ons as t)e s1a##o' too0 to t)e ai# a6ain% fla11in6

(1'a#$ 'it) t)e 1#etense of innocence8 He )a$ not)in6 e3ce1t )is belt-li6)t an$ a

caniste#8 T)is 'o(l$ not )ol$ o(t lon6 (nless so&ebo$y ca&e alon68 W)at co(l$ a

ti#e$ &an $o% (sin6 ba#e )an$s% a6ainst a s'o#$ ')ic) b(#st t)#o(6) t)e ai# 'it) a

&ono&aniac bi#$-b#ain be)in$ it@

Ro$ b#ace$ )i&self fo# t)e bi#$?s ne3t 1o'e#-$ive% )ol$in6 t)e caniste# li0e as)iel$8 T)e caniste# 'as not &(c) of a s)iel$8

Do'n ca&e t)e bi#$% 1#ece$e$ by t)e ')istle of ai# a6ainst its )ea$ an$ bea08

Ro$ 'atc)e$ fo# t)e eyes an$ ')en )e sa' t)e&% )e (&1e$8

T)e $(st #oa#e$ (1 as t)e 6iant s1a##o' t'iste$ its s1ea#-li0e bea0 o(t of t)e line

of t)e 6#o(n$% o1ene$ its 'in6s% beat t)e ai# a6ainst 6#avity% ca(6)t itself centi&ete#s

f#o& t)e s(#face an$ fla11e$ a'ay 'it) 1o'e#f(l st#o0es Ro$ stoo$ an$ 'atc)e$

(ietly% 6la$ t)at )e )a$ esca1e$8

His left a#& 'as 'et8

Rain 'as so #a#e in t)e No#st#ilian 1lains t)at )e $i$ not see )o' )e co(l$)ave 6otten 'et8 He 6lance$ $o'n i$ly8



Bloo$ it 'as% an$ )is o'n8

T)e 0ill-bi#$ )a$ &isse$ )i& 'it) its bea0 b(t )a$ to(c)e$ )i& 'it) t)e

#ao#-li0e 'in6- feat)e#s% ')ic) )a$ &(tate$ into 'ea1ons bot) t)e #)ac)is an$ t)e

vane in t)e la#6e feat)e#s 'e#e t#e&en$o(sly #einfo#ce$% 'it) t)e $evelo1&ent of a

bitte#ly s)a#1 )y1o#)ac)is in t)e case of t)e 'in6-ti1s8 T)e bi#$ )a$ c(t )i& so fast )e

)a$ not felt it o# notice$ it8

Li0e any 6oo$ No#st#ilian% )e t)o(6)t in te#&s of fi#st ai$8

T)e flo' of bloo$ 'as not ve#y #a1i$8 )o(l$ )e t#y to tie (1 )is a#& fi#st o# to

)i$e f#o& t)e ne3t $ivin6 attac0@

T)e bi#$ ans'e#e$ )is (estion fo# )i&8 T)e o&ino(s ')istle so(n$e$ a6ain8

Ro$ fl(n6 )i&self alon6 t)e 6#o(n$% t#yin6 to 6et to t)e base of t)e t#ee t#(n0%

')e#e t)e bi#$ co(l$ not $ive on )i&8

T)e bi#$% &a0in6 a se#io(s &ental &ista0e% t)o(6)t it )a$ $isable$ )i&8

Wit) a fl(tte# of 'in6s it lan$e$ cal&ly% stoo$ on its feet% an$ coc0e$ its )ea$ toloo0 )i& ove#8 W)en t)e bi#$ &ove$ its )ea$% t)e s'o#$-bea0 6lea&e$ evilly in t)e

'ea0 s(ns)ine8

Ro$ #eac)e$ t)e t#ee an$ sta#te$ to lift )i&self (1 by seiin6 t)e t#(n08 Doin6

t)is% )e al&ost lost )is life8

He )a$ fo#6otten )o' fast t)e s1a##o's co(l$ #(n on t)e 6#o(n$8

In one secon$% t)e bi#$ 'as stan$in6% co&ical an$ evil% st($yin6 )i& 'it) its

s)a#1% b#i6)t eyes t)e ne3t secon$% t)e 0nife-bea0 'as into )i&% (st belo' t)e bony

1a#t of t)e s)o(l$e#8

He felt t)e ee#ie 'et 1(ll of t)e bea0 bein6 $#a'n o(t of )is bo$y% t)e ac)e in )iss(#1#ise$ fles) ')ic) 'o(l$ 1#ece$e t)e 6#i11in6 1ain8 He )it at t)e bi#$ 'it) )is belt-

li6)t8 He &isse$8

By no' )e 'as 'ea0ene$ f#o& )is t'o 'o(n$s8 T)e a#& 'as still $#i11in6

bloo$ stea$ily an$ )e felt )is s)i#t 6et 'et as bloo$ 1o(#e$ o(t of )is s)o(l$e#8

T)e bi#$% bac0in6 off% 'as a6ain st($yin6 )i& by coc0in6 its )ea$8 Ro$ t#ie$

to 6(ess )is c)ances8 One s(a#e blo' f#o& )is )an$% an$ t)e bi#$ 'as $ea$8 T)e bi#$

)a$ t)o(6)t )i& $isable$% b(t no' )e #eally 'as 1a#tially $isable$8

If )is blo' $i$ not lan$+ sco#e one !iste# fo# t)e bi#$% &a#0 a c#e$it fo# t)e

Hon8 ec8% 6iveOl$ Hot an$ i&1le t)e victo#yF

By no' Ro$ )a$ not t)e least $o(bt t)at Ho(6)ton y&e 'as be)in$ t)e attac08

T)e bi#$ #(s)e$8

Ro$ fo#6ot to fi6)t t)e 'ay )e )a$ 1lanne$8

He 0ic0e$ instea$ an$ ca(6)t t)e bi#$ #i6)t in its )eavy% coa#se bo$y8 It felt li0e

a ve#y bi6 football fille$ 'it) san$8

T)e 0ic0 )(#t )is foot b(t t)e bi#$ 'as fl(n6 a 6oo$ si3 o# seven &ete#s a'ay8

Ro$ #(s)e$ be)in$ t)e t#ee an$ loo0e$ bac0 at t)e bi#$8

T)e bloo$ 'as 1(lsin6 fast o(t of )is s)o(l$e# at t)is 1oint

T)e 0ill-bi#$ )a$ 6otten to )is feet an$ 'as 'al0in6 fi#&ly an$ sec(#ely a#o(n$



t)e t#ee8 One of t)e 'in6s t#aile$ a little t)e 0ic0 see&e$ to )ave )(#t a 'in6% b(t not

t)e le6s o# t)at )o##ibly st#on6 nec08

Once a6ain t)e bi#$ coc0e$ its co&ical )ea$8 It 'as )is o'n bloo$ ')ic)

$#i11e$ f#o& t)e lon6 bea0% no' #e$% ')ic) )a$ 6lea&e$ silve# 6#ay at t)e be6innin6 of

t)e fi6)t8 Ro$ 'is)e$ )e )a$ st($ie$ &o#e abo(t t)ese bi#$s8 He )a$ neve# been t)is

close to a &(tate$ s1a##o' befo#e an$ )e )a$ no i$ea of )o' to fi6)t one8 All )e

)a$ 0no'n 'as t)at t)ey attac0e$ 1eo1le on ve#y #a#e occasions an$ t)at so&eti&es

t)e 1eo1le $ie$ in t)e enco(nte#s8

He t#ie$ to s1ie0% to let o(t a sc#ea& ')ic) 'o(l$ b#in6 t)e nei6)bo#)oo$

an$ t)e 1olice flyin6 an$ #(nnin6 to'a#$ )i&8 He fo(n$ )e )a$ no tele1at)y at all% not

')en )e )a$ to concent#ate )is ')ole &in$ an$ attention on t)e bi#$% 0no'in6 t)at its

ve#y ne3t &ove co(l$ b#in6 )i& i##et#ievable $eat)8 T)is 'as no te&1o#a#y $eat) 'it)

t)e #esc(e s(a$s nea#by8 T)e#e 'as no one in t)e nei6)bo#)oo$% no one at all%

e3ce1t fo# t)e e3cite$ an$ sy&1at)etic 0oo0ab(##as )a)a-in6 &a$ly in t)e t#ee above8

He s)o(te$ at t)e bi#$% )o1in6 to f#i6)ten it8

T)e 0ill-bi#$ 1ai$ )i& no &o#e attention t)an if it )a$ been a $eaf #e1tile8

T)e foolis) )ea$ ti11e$ t)is 'ay an$ t)at8 T)e little b#i6)t eyes 'atc)e$ )i&8

T)e #e$ s'o#$- bea0% #a1i$ly t(#nin6 b#o'n in t)e $#y ai#% 1#obe$ abst#act

$i&ensions fo# a 'ay to )is b#ain o# )ea#t8 Ro$ even 'on$e#e$ )o' t)e bi#$ solve$

its 1#oble&s in soli$ 6eo&et#y>t)e an6le of a11#oac)% t)e line of t)#(st% t)e &ove&ent

of t)e bea0% t)e 'ei6)t an$ $i#ection of t)e fleein6 obect

>)i&self8

He (&1e$ bac0 a fe' centi&ete#s% inten$in6 to loo0 at t)e bi#$ f#o& t)e

ot)e# si$e of t)e t#ee-t#(n08

T)e#e 'as a )iss in t)e ai#% li0e t)e )el1less )iss of a 6entle little sna0e8

T)e bi#$% ')en )e sa' it% loo0e$ o$$>s($$enly it see&e$ to )ave t'o bea0s8

Ro$ &a#vele$8

He $i$ not #eally (n$e#stan$ ')at 'as )a11enin6 (ntil t)e bi#$ leane$ ove#

s($$enly% fell on its si$e% an$ lay>1lainly $ea$>on t)e $#y cool 6#o(n$8 T)e eyes

'e#e still o1en b(t t)ey loo0e$ blan0 t)e bi#$?s bo$y t'itc)e$ a little8 T)e 'in6s

o1ene$ o(t in a $yin6 s1as&8 One of t)e 'in6s al&ost st#(c0 t)e t#(n0 of t)e t#ee% b(t

t)e t#ee-6(a#$in6-$evice #aise$ a 1lastic s)aft to 'a#$ off t)e blo' a 1ity t)e $evice )a$

not been $esi6ne$ as a 1eo1le-6(a#$ as 'ell8

Only t)en $i$ Ro$ see t)at t)e secon$ 5bea05 'as no bea0 at all% b(t a avelin%

its 1oint bitin6 cleanly an$ ti6)tly #i6)t t)#o(6) t)e bi#$?s s0(ll into its b#ain8

No 'on$e# t)e bi#$ )a$ $#o11e$ $ea$ (ic0lyF

As Ro$ loo0e$ a#o(n$ to see ')o )is #esc(e# &i6)t be% t)e 6#o(n$ #ose (1 an$

st#(c0 )i&8 He )a$ fallen8

T)e loss of bloo$ 'as faste# t)an )e )a$ allo'e$ fo#8

He loo0e$ a#o(n$% al&ost li0e a c)il$ in )is be'il$e#&ent an$ $iiness8

T)e#e 'as a s)i&&e# of t(#(oise an$ t)e 6i#l Lavinia 'as stan$in6 ove#

)i&8 )e )a$ a &e$ical 1ac0 o1en an$ 'as s1#ayin6 )is 'o(n$s 'it) c#y1to$e#&> t)e livin6 ban$a6e ')ic) 'as so e31ensive t)at only on No#st#ilia% t)e e31o#te# of



t#oon% co(l$ it be ca##ie$ a#o(n$ in e&e#6ency cans8

5*ee1 (iet%5 s)e sai$ 'it) )e# voice% 50ee1 (iet% Ro$8 We?ve 6ot to sto1 t)e

bloo$ fi#st of all8 Lan$s of &e#cy% b(t yo(?#e a c#as)in6 &essF5

5W)o+@5 sai$ Ro$ 'ea0ly8

5T)e Hon8 ec8%5 sai$ s)e i&&e$iately8

5Yo( 0no'@5 )e as0e$% a&ae$ t)at s)e s)o(l$ (n$e#stan$ eve#yt)in6 so

ve#y (ic0ly in$ee$8

5Don?t tal0% an$ I?ll tell yo(85 )e )a$ ta0en )e# fiel$-0nife an$ 'as c(ttin6 t)e

stic0y s)i#t off )i&% so t)at s)e co(l$ tilt t)e bottle an$ s1#ay #i6)t into t)e 'o(n$8 5I

(st s(s1ecte$ yo( 'e#e in t#o(ble% ')en Bill #o$e by t)e )o(se an$ sai$ so&et)in6

c#ay% t)at yo( )a$ bo(6)t )alf t)e 6ala3y by 6a&blin6 all ni6)t 'it) a c#ay &ac)ine

')ic) 1ai$ off8 I $i$ not 0no' ')e#e yo( 'e#e% b(t I t)o(6)t t)at yo( &i6)t be in t)at

ol$ te&1le of yo(#s t)at t)e #est of t)e& can?t see8 I $i$n?t 0no' ')at 0in$ of $an6e# to

loo0 fo#% so I b#o(6)t t)is85 )e sla11e$ )e# )i18 Ro$?s eyes 'i$ene$8 )e )a$ stolen)e# fat)e#?s one-0iloton 6#ena$e% ')ic) 'as to be #e&ove$ f#o& its #ac0 only in t)e

event of an off-'o#l$ attac08 )e ans'e#e$ )is (estion befo#e )e as0e$ )e#8 5It?s

all #i6)t8 I &a$e a $(&&y to ta0e its 1lace befo#e I to(c)e$ it8 T)en% as I too0 it o(t%

t)e Defense &onito# ca&e on an$ I (st e31laine$ t)at I )a$ )it it 'it) &y ne' b#oo&%

')ic) 'as lon6e# t)an (s(al8 Do yo( t)in0 I

'o(l$ let Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le 0ill yo(% Ro$% 'it)o(t a fi6)t f#o& &e@ I?&

yo(# co(sin% yo(# 0it) an$ 0in8 As a &atte# of fact% I?& n(&be# t'elve afte# yo( ')en

it co&es to in)e#itin6 Doo& an$ all t)e 'on$e#f(l t)in6s t)e#e a#e on t)is station85

Ro$ sai$% 52ive &e 'ate#85 He s(s1ecte$ s)e 'as c)atte#in6 to 0ee1 )is

attention off ')at s)e 'as $oin6 to )is s)o(l$e# an$ a#&8 T)e a#& 6lo'e$ once ')en

s)e s1#aye$ t)e c#y1to$e#& on it t)en it settle$ $o'n to &e#e ac)in68 T)e s)o(l$e#

)a$ e31lo$e$ f#o& ti&e to ti&e as s)e 1#obe$ it8 )e t)#(st a $ia6nostic nee$le into it

an$ 'as #ea$in6 t)e tiny b#i6)t 1ict(#e on t)e en$ of t)e nee$le8 He 0ne' it )a$ bot)

anal6esics an$ antise1tics as 'ell as an (lt#a&iniat(#e$ = #ay% b(t )e $i$ not t)in0 t)at

anyone 'o(l$ be 'illin6 to (se it (nai$e$ in t)e fiel$8

)e ans'e#e$ t)is (estion% too befo#e )e as0e$ it8 )e 'as a ve#y 1e#ce1tive

6i#l8

5We $on?t 0no' ')at t)e Onsec0 is 6oin6 to $o ne3t8 He &ay )ave co##(1te$

1eo1le as 'ell as ani&als8 I $on?t $a#e call fo# )el1% not (ntil yo( )ave yo(# f#ien$sa#o(n$ yo(8 Ce#tainly not% if yo( )ave bo(6)t )alf t)e 'o#l$s85

Ro$ $#a66e$ o(t t)e 'o#$s8 He see&e$ s)o#t of b#eat)8 5Ho' $i$ yo( 0no' it

'as )i&@5

5I sa' )is face>I )ie#e$ it ')en I loo0e$ in t)e bi#$?s o'n b#ain8 I co(l$

see Ho(6)ton y&e% tal0in6 to t)e bi#$ in so&e 0in$ of an o$$ 'ay% an$ I co(l$ see

yo(# $ea$ bo$y t)#o(6) t)e bi#$?s eyes% an$ I co(l$ feel a bi6 'ave of love an$

a11#oval% )a11iness an$ #e'a#$% 6oin6 t)#o(6) t)e bi#$ ')en t)e ob 'as to )ave been

finis)e$8 I t)in0 t)at &an is evil% evilF5

5Yo( 0no' )i&% yo(#self@5

5W)at 6i#l a#o(n$ )e#e $oesn?t@ He?s a nasty &an8 He )a$ a boy)oo$ t)at 'as all



#otten f#o& t)e ti&e t)at )e #ealie$ )e 'as a s)o#t-life#8 He )as neve# 6otten ove# it8

o&e 1eo1le a#e so##y fo# )i& an$ $on?t &in$ )is 6ettin6 t)e ob of Hon8 ec8 If I?$ &y

'ay% I?$ )ave sent )i& to t)e 2i66le Roo& lon6 a6oF5 Lavinia?s face 'as set in

1#($is) )ate% an e31#ession so (nli0e )e#self% ')o (s(ally 'as b#i6)t an$ 6ay% t)at

Ro$ 'on$e#e$ ')at $ee1 bitte#ness &i6)t )ave been sti##e$ 'it)in )e#8

5W)y $o yo( )ate )i&@5 5"o# ')at )e $i$85

5W)at $i$ )e $o@5

5He loo0e$ at &e%5 s)e sai$% 5)e loo0e$ at &e in a 'ay t)at no 6i#l can li0e8

T)en )e c#a'le$ all ove# &y &in$% t#yin6 to s)o' &e all t)e silly% $i#ty% (seless t)in6s

)e 'ante$ to $o85

5B(t )e $i$n?t $o anyt)in6>@5 sai$ Ro$8

5Yes% )e $i$%5 s)e sna11e$8 5Not 'it) )is )an$s8 I co(l$ )ave #e1o#te$ )i&8 I

'o(l$ )ave8 It?s ')at )e $i$ 'it) )is &in$% t)e t)in6s )e s1ie0e$ to &e85

5Yo( can #e1o#t t)ose% too%5 sai$ Ro$% ve#y ti#e$ of tal0in6% b(t neve#t)eless&yste#io(sly elate$ to $iscove# t)at )e 'as not t)e only ene&y ')ic) t)e Onsec0 )a$

&a$e8 5Not ')at )e $i$% I co(l$n?t%5 sai$ Lavinia% )e# face set in an6e#% b(t $issolvin6

into 6#ief8 2#ief 'as ten$e#e#% softe#% b(t $ee1e# an$ &o#e #eal t)an an6e#8 "o# t)e fi#st

ti&e Ro$ sense$ a feelin6 of conce#n abo(t Lavinia8 W)at &i6)t be '#on6 'it) )e#@

)e loo0e$ 1ast )i& an$ s1o0e to t)e o1en fiel$s an$ t)e bi6 $ea$ bi#$8

5Ho(6)ton y&e 'as t)e 'o#st &an I?ve eve# 0no'n8 I )o1e )e $ies8 He neve# 6ot

ove# t)at #otten boy)oo$ of )is8 T)e ol$ sic0 boy is t)e ene&y of t)e &an8 We?ll neve#

0no' ')at )e &i6)t )ave been8 An$ if yo( )a$n?t been so '#a11e$ (1 in yo(# o'n

t#o(bles% !iste# Ro$ to-t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st% yo(?$ )ave #e&e&be#e$ ')o I

a&85

5W)o a#e yo(@5 sai$ Ro$% nat(#ally8 5I?& t)e "at)e#?s Da(6)te#85

5o ')at@5 sai$ Ro$8 5All 6i#ls a#e85

5T)en yo( neve# )ave fo(n$ o(t abo(t &e8 I?& t)e "at)e#?s Da(6)te# f#o&

?T)e "at)e#?s

Da(6)te#?s on68? 5 5Neve# )ea#$ it85

)e loo0e$ at )i& an$ )e# eyes 'e#e close to tea#s8 5Listen% t)en% an$ I?ll sin6 it

to yo( no'8 An$ it?s t#(e% t#(e% t#(e4

Yo( $o not 0no' ')at t)e 'o#l$ is li0e% An$ I )o1e t)at yo( neve# 'ill8

!y )ea#t 'as once &(c) f(ll of )o1e% B(t no' it is ve#y still8!y 'ife 'ent &a$8

)e 'as &y love an$ 'o#e &y #in6

W)en bot) of (s 'e#e yo(n68

)e bo#e &y babes% b(t t)en% b(t t)en+ An$ no' t)e#e isn?t anyt)in68

!y 'ife 'ent &a$8

No' s)e lives in anot)e# 1lace%

Half sic0% )alf 'ell% an$ neve# yo(n68 I a& )e# $#ea$% ')o 'as )e# love% Eac) of

(s )as anot)e# face8!y 'ife 'ent &a$8



Yo( $o not 0no' ')at t)e 'o#l$ is li0e% Wa# is neve# t)e 'o#st of it8

T)e sta#s 'it)in yo(# eyes can $#o1% T)e li6)tnin6 in yo(# b#ain can st#i0e8 !y

'ife 'ent &a$8

5An$ I see yo( )ave )ea#$ it% too%5 s)e si6)e$8 5K(st as &y fat)e# '#ote it8

Abo(t &y &ot)e#8 !y o'n &ot)e#85

5O)% Lavinia%5 sai$ Ro$% 5I?& so##y8 I neve# t)o(6)t it 'as yo(8 An$ yo( &y

o'n co(sin only t)#ee o# fo(# ti&es #e&ove$8 B(t Lavinia% t)e#e?s so&et)in6 '#on68

Ho' can yo(# &ot)e# be &a$ if s)e 'as loo0in6 fine at &y )o(se last 'ee0@5

5)e 'as neve# &a$%5 sai$ Lavinia8 5!y fat)e# 'as8 He &a$e (1 t)at c#(el son6

abo(t &y &ot)e# so t)at t)e nei6)bo#s co&1laine$8 He )a$ )is c)oice of t)e 2i66le

Roo& to $ie in% o# t)e sic0 1lace% to be i&&o#tal an$ insane8 He?s t)e#e no'8 An$ t)e

Onsec0% t)e Onsec0 t)#eatene$ to b#in6 )i& bac0 to o(# o'n nei6)bo#)oo$ if I $i$n?t $o

')at )e as0e$8 Do yo( t)in0 I co(l$ fo#6ive t)at@ Eve#@ Afte# 1eo1le )ave s(n6 t)at

)atef(l son6 at &e eve# since I 'as a baby@ Do yo( 'on$e# t)at I 0no' it &yself@5

Ro$ no$$e$8Lavinia?s t#o(bles i&1#esse$ )i&% b(t )e )a$ t#o(bles of )is o'n8

T)e s(n 'as neve# )ot on No#st#ilia% b(t )e s($$enly felt t)i#sty an$ )ot8 He

'ante$ to slee1% b(t )e 'on$e#e$ abo(t t)e $an6e#s ')ic) s(##o(n$e$ )i&8

)e 0nelt besi$e )i&8

5Close yo(# eyes a bit% Ro$8 I 'ill s1ie0 ve#y (ietly an$ &aybe nobo$y 'ill

notice it e3ce1t yo(# station )an$s% Bill an$ Ho11e#8 W)en t)ey co&e 'e?ll )i$e o(t fo#

t)e $ay an$ toni6)t 'e can 6o bac0 to yo(# co&1(te# an$ )i$e8 I?ll tell t)e& to b#in6

foo$85

)e )esitate$% 5An$ Ro$@5 5Yes@5 )e sai$8

5"o#6ive &e85 5"o# ')at@5

5"o# &y t#o(bles%5 s)e sai$ cont#itely8

5No' yo( )ave &o#e t#o(bles8 !e%5 )e sai$8 5Let?s not bla&e o(#selves% b(t fo#

s)ee1?s sa0e% 6i#l% let &e slee185

He $#ifte$ off to slee1 as s)e sat besi$e )i&% ')istlin6 a lo($ clea# t(ne 'it)

lon6% lon6 notes ')ic) neve# a$$e$ (18 He 0ne' so&e 1eo1le% (s(ally 'o&en% $i$ t)at

')en t)ey t#ie$ to concent#ate on t)ei# tele1at)ic s1ie0in68

Once )e 6lance$ (1 at )e# befo#e )e finally sle1t8 He notice$ t)at )e# eyes'e#e a $ee1% st#an6e bl(e8 Li0e t)e &a$ 'il$ fa#a'ay s0ies of Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8

He sle1t% an$ in )is slee1 )e 0ne' t)at )e 'as bein6 ca##ie$+

T)e )an$s ')ic) ca##ie$ )i& felt f#ien$ly% t)o(6)% an$ )e c(#le$ )i&self bac0

into $ee1% $ee1e# $#ea&less slee18

CHAPTER EI2HT4 "OE !oney% AD !oney

W)en Ro$ finally a'a0ene$% it 'as to feel )is s)o(l$e# ti6)tly bo(n$ an$ )is

a#& t)#obbin68 He )a$ fo(6)t 'a0in6 (1 beca(se t)e 1ain )a$ inc#ease$ as )is &in$

&ove$ to'a#$ conscio(sness% b(t t)e 1ain an$ t)e &(#&(# of voices ca(se$ )i& to

co&e all t)e 'ay to t)e )a#$ b#i6)t s(#face of conscio(sness8

T)e &(#&(# of voices@



T)e#e 'as no 1lace on all Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia ')e#e voices &(#&(#e$8

Peo1le sat a#o(n$ an$ s1ie0e$ to eac) ot)e# an$ )ie#e$ t)e ans'e#s 'it)o(t t)e clatte#

of vocal co#$s8 Tele1at)y &a$e fo# b#illiant an$ (ic0 conve#sation% t)e 1a#tici1ants

$a#tin6 t)ei# t)o(6)ts t)is 'ay an$ t)at% soa#in6 'it) t)ei# s)iel$s so as to 1#o$(ce t)e

effect of a confi$ential ')is1e#8

B(t )e#e t)e#e 'e#e voices8 ;oices8 !any voices8 Not 1ossible8

An$ t)e s&ell 'as '#on68 T)e ai# 'as 'et>l(3(#io(sly% e3t#ava6antly 'et%

li0e a &ise# t#yin6 to catc) a #ainsto#& in )is cabinF

It 'as al&ost li0e t)e van of t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8

K(st as )e 'o0e% )e #eco6nie$ Lavinia sin6in6 an o$$ little son68 It 'as

one ')ic) Ro$ 0ne'% beca(se it )a$ a s)a#1 catc)y% 1oi6nant little &elo$y to it ')ic)

so(n$e$ li0e not)in6 on t)is 'o#l$8 )e 'as sin6in6% an$ it so(n$e$ li0e one of t)e

'ei#$ sa$nesses ')ic) )is 1eo1le )a$ b#o(6)t f#o& t)ei# )o##ible 6#o(1-e31e#ience

on t)e aban$one$ 1lanet of Pa#a$ise ;II4Is t)e#e anybo$y )e#e o# is eve#ybo$y $ea$ at t)e 6#ay 6#een bl(e blac0 la0e@

T)e s0y 'as bl(e an$ no' it is #e$

ove# ol$ tall 6#een b#o'n t#ees8

T)e )o(se 'as bi6 b(t no' it loo0s s&all at t)e 6#ay 6#een bl(e blac0 la0e

An$ t)e 6i#l t)at I 0ne' isn?t t)e#e any &o#e at t)e ol$ flat $a#0 to#n 1lace8

His eyes o1ene$ an$ it 'as in$ee$ Lavinia ')o& )e sa' at t)e e$6e of vision8

T)is 'as no )o(se8 It 'as a bo3% a )os1ital% a 1#ison% a s)i1% a cave o# a fo#t8 T)e

f(#nis)in6s 'e#e &ac)ine$ an$ l(3(#io(s8 T)e li6)t 'as a#tificial an$ al&ost t)e colo#

of 1eac)es8 A st#an6e )(& in t)e bac06#o(n$ so(n$e$ li0e alien en6ines $is1ensin6 1o'e# fo# 1(#1oses ')ic) No#st#ilian la' neve# 1e#&itte$ to 1#ivate 1e#sons8 T)e Lo#$

Re$la$y leane$ ove# Ro$ t)e fantastic &an b#o0e into son6 )i&self% c)antin64

Li6)t a lante#n> Li6)t a lante#n> Li6)t a lante#n% He#e 'e co&eF

W)en )e sa' t)e obvio(s si6ns of Ro$?s 1e#1le3ity% )e b(#st into a la(6)8

5T)at?s t)e ol$est son6 yo( eve# )ea#$% &y boy8 It?s 1#e-1ace an$ it (se$ to be

calle$ ?6ene#al (a#te#s? ')en s)i1s li0e bi6 i#on )o(ses floate$ on t)e 'ate#s of ea#t)

an$ fo(6)t eac) ot)e#8 We?ve been 'aitin6 fo# yo( to 'a0e (185

5Wate#%5 sai$ Ro$% 51lease 6ive &e 'ate#8 W)y a#e yo( tal0in6@5

5Wate#F5 c#ie$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y to so&eone be)in$ )i&8 His s)a#1 t)in face'as ali6)t 'it) e3cite&ent as )e t(#ne$ bac0 to Ro$8 5An$ 'e?#e tal0in6 beca(se I )ave

&y b(e# on8 If 1eo1le 'ant to tal0 to eac) ot)e#% t)ey olly 'ell bette# (se t)ei# voices

in t)is s)i185

5)i1@5 sai$ Ro$% #eac)in6 fo# t)e &(6 of col$% col$ 'ate# ')ic) a )an$ )a$

#eac)e$ o(t to

)i&8

5T)is is &y s)i1% !iste# an$ O'ne# Ro$ !cBan to-t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#stF

An ea#t) s)i18



I 1(lle$ it o(t of o#bit an$ 6#o(n$e$ it 'it) t)e 1e#&ission of t)e

Co&&on'ealt)8 T)ey $on?t 0no' yo(?#e on it% yet8 T)ey can?t fin$ o(t #i6)t no'

beca(se &y H(&anoi$-#obot B#ain'ave De1)asin6 Device is on8 Nobo$y can t)in0 in

o# o(t t)#o(6) t)at% an$ anybo$y ')o t#ies tele1at)y on t)is boat is 6oin6 to 6et )i&self

a )ea$ac)e )e#e85

5W)y yo(@5 sai$ Ro$8 5W)at fo#@5

5In $(e ti&e%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Let &e int#o$(ce yo( fi#st8 Yo( 0no'

t)ese 1eo1le85 He 'ave$ at a 6#o(18 Lavinia sat 'it) )is )an$s% Bill an$ Ho11e#% 'it)

)is 'o#0'o&an Eleano#% 'it) )is a(nt Do#is8 T)ey loo0e$ o$$% sittin6 on t)e lo'% soft%

l(3(#io(s ea#t) f(#nit(#e8 T)ey 'e#e all si11in6 so&e ea#t) $#in0 of a colo# ')ic) Ro$

)a$ neve# seen befo#e8 T)ei# e31#essions 'e#e $ive#se4 Bill loo0e$ t#(c(lent% Ho11e#

loo0e$ 6#ee$y% A(nt Do#is loo0e$ (tte#ly e&ba##asse$ an$ Lavinia loo0e$ as t)o(6)

s)e 'e#e enoyin6 )e#self8

5An$ t)en )e#e+5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 T)e &an )e 1ointe$ to &i6)t not )ave

been a &an8 He 'as t)e No#st#ilian ty1e all #i6)t% b(t )e 'as a 6iant% of t)e 0in$ ')ic)'e#e al'ays 0ille$ in t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8

5At yo(# se#vice%5 sai$ t)e 6iant% ')o 'as al&ost t)#ee &ete#s tall an$ ')o )a$

to 'atc) )is )ea$% lest it )it t)e ceilin68 5I a& Donal$ D(&f#ie Ho#$e#n Ant)ony

2a#'oo$ 2aines Went'o#t) to t)e fo(#teent) 6ene#ation% !iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan8 A

&ilita#y s(#6eon% at yo(# se#vice% si#F5

5B(t t)is is 1#ivate8 (#6eons a#en?t allo'e$ to 'o#0 fo# anybo$y b(t

6ove#n&ent85

5I a& on loan to t)e Ea#t) 2ove#n&ent%5 sai$ Went'o#t)% t)e 6iant% )is face in a

b#oa$ 6#in8

5An$ I%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5a& bot) t)e Inst#(&entality an$ t)e Ea#t)

2ove#n&ent fo# $i1lo&atic 1(#1oses8 I bo##o'e$ )i&8 He?s (n$e# Ea#t) #(les8 Yo( 'ill

be 'ell in t'o o# t)#ee )o(#s85

T)e $octo#% Went'o#t)% loo0e$ at )is )an$ as t)o(6) )e sa' a c)#ono6#a1)

t)e#e4 5T'o )o(#s an$ seventeen &in(tes &o#e85

5Let it be%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5)e#e?s o(# last 6(est85

A s)o#t an6#y &an stoo$ (1 an$ ca&e ove#8 He 6la#e$ o(t at Ro$ an$ )el$ fo#t)

an an6#y )an$4 5Ko)n "is)e# to-t)e-)(n$#e$t)8 Yo( 0no' &e85

5Do I@5 sai$ Ro$% not i&1olitely8 He 'as (st $ae$8 5tation of t)e 2oo$ "#es)

Koey%5 sai$ "is)e#8

5I )aven?t been t)e#e%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t I?ve )ea#$ of it85

5Yo( nee$n?t )ave%5 sna11e$ t)e an6#y "is)e#8 5I &et yo( at yo(# 6#an$fat)e#?s85

5O)% yes% !iste# an$ O'ne# "is)e#%5 sai$ Ro$% not #eally #e&e&be#in6 anyt)in6

at all% b(t 'on$e#in6 ')y t)e s)o#t #e$-face$ &an 'as so an6#y 'it) )i&8

5Yo( $on?t 0no' ')o I a&@5 sai$ "is)e#8 5I )an$le t)e boo0s an$ t)e c#e$its fo#

t)e 6ove#n&ent85

5Won$e#f(l 'o#0%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I?& s(#e it?s co&1licate$8 Co(l$ I )ave so&et)in6to eat@5



T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y inte##(1te$4 5Wo(l$ yo( li0e "#enc) 1)easant 'it)

C)inesian sa(ce stee1e$ in t)e t)ieves? 'ine f#o& ;iola i$e#ea@ It 'o(l$ only cost

yo( si3 t)o(san$ tons of #efine$ 6ol$% o#bite$ nea# ea#t)% if I o#$e#e$ it sent to yo( by

s1ecial co(#ie#85

"o# so&e ine31licable #eason t)e enti#e #oo& )o'le$ 'it) la(6)te#8 T)e &en 1(t

t)ei# 6lasses $o'n so as not to s1ill t)e&8 Ho11e# seie$ t)e o11o#t(nity to #efill )is

o'n 6lass8 A(nt Do#is loo0e$ )ila#io(s an$ sec#etly 1#o($% as t)o(6) s)e )e#self )a$

lai$ a $ia&on$ e66 o# $one so&e e(al &a#vel8 Only Lavinia% t)o(6) la(6)in6%

&ana6e$ to loo0 sy&1at)etically at Ro$ to &a0e s(#e t)at )e $i$ not feel &oc0e$8 T)e

Lo#$ Re$la$y la(6)e$ as lo($ly as t)e #est an$ even t)e s)o#t% an6#y Ko)n "is)e#

allo'e$ )i&self a 'an s&ile% ')ile )ol$in6 o(t )is )an$ fo# a #efill on )is $#in08 An

ani&al% a little one ')ic) loo0e$ ve#y &(c) li0e an e3t#e&ely s&all 1e#son% lifte$ (1

t)e bottle an$ fille$ t)e 6lass fo# )i& Ro$ s(s1ecte$ t)at it 'as a 5&on0ey5 f#o& Ol$

Ol$ Ea#t)% f#o& t)e sto#ies )e )a$ )ea#$8

Ro$ $i$n?t even say% 5W)at?s t)e o0e@5 t)o(6) )e #ealie$ 1lainly t)at )e 'as

)i&self in t)e &i$$le of it8 He (st s&ile$ 'ea0ly bac0 at t)e&% feelin6 t)e )(n6e# 6#o''it)in )i&8

5!y #obot is coo0in6 yo( an Ea#t) $is)8 "#enc) toast 'it) &a1le sy#(18 Yo(

co(l$ live ten t)o(san$ yea#s on t)is 1lanet an$ neve# 6et it8 Ro$% $on?t yo( 0no' ')y

'e?#e la(6)in6@ Don?t yo( 0no' ')at yo(?ve $one@5

5T)e Onsec0 t#ie$ to 0ill &e% I t)in0%5 sai$ Ro$8

Lavinia cla11e$ )e# )an$ to )e# &o(t)% b(t it 'as too late8

5o t)at?s ')o it 'as%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% Went'o#t)% 'it) a voice as 6i6antic as

)i&self8 5B(t yo( 'o(l$n?t la(6) at &e fo# t)at>5 Ro$ sta#te$ to say8 T)en )e sto11e$

)i&self8 An a'f(l t)o(6)t )a$ co&e to )i&8

5Yo( &ean% it #eally 'o#0e$>t)at st(ff 'it) &y fa&ily?s ol$ co&1(te#@5

T)e la(6)te# b#o0e o(t a6ain8 It 'as 0in$ la(6)te#% b(t it 'as al'ays t)e la(6)te#

of a 1easant 1eo1le% $#iven by bo#e$o&% ')o 6#eet t)e (nfa&ilia# 'it) attac0 o# 'it)

la(6)te#8

5Yo( $i$ it%5 sai$ Ho11e#8 5Yo(?ve bo(6)t a billion 'o#l$s85

Ko)n "is)e# sna11e$ at )i&% 5Let?s not e3a66e#ate8 He?s 6otten abo(t one

1oint si3 st#oon yea#s8 Yo( co(l$n?t b(y any billion 'o#l$s fo# t)at8 In t)e fi#st 1lace%

t)e#e a#en?t a billion settle$ 'o#l$s% not even a &illion8 In t)e secon$ 1lace t)e#e a#en?t&any 'o#l$s fo# sale8 I $o(bt t)at )e co(l$ b(y t)i#ty o# fo#ty85

T)e little ani&al% 1#o&1te$ by so&e i&1e#ce1tible si6n f#o& t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y%

'ent o(t of t)e #oo& an$ #et(#ne$ 'it) a t#ay8 T)e o$o# f#o& t)e t#ay &a$e all t)e

1eo1le in t)e #oo& sniff a11#eciatively8 T)e foo$ 'as (nfa&ilia#% b(t it co&bine$

1(n6ency an$ s'eetness8 T)e &on0ey fitte$ t)e t#ay into an a#tf(lly conceale$ slot at

t)e )ea$ of Ro$?s co(c)% too0 off an i&a6ina#y &on0ey ca1% sal(te$% an$ 'ent bac0 to

)is o'n bas0et be)in$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s c)ai#8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y no$$e$% 52o a)ea$ an$ eat% boy8 It?s on &e85

5T)at?s an o$$ si6)t% I &(st say%5 sai$ t)e )(6e $octo# Went'o#t)8 5T)e#e?s t)e

#ic)est &an in &any 'o#l$s% an$ )e )asn?t t)e 1#ice of a ne' 1ai# of ove#alls85



5W)at?s o$$ abo(t t)at@ We?ve al'ays c)a#6e$ an i&1o#t fee of t'enty &illion

1e# cent of t)e o#bit 1#ice of 6oo$s%5 sna11e$ an6#y Ko)n "is)e#8 5Have yo( eve#

#ealie$ ')at ot)e# 1eo1le )ave s'(n6 into o#bit a#o(n$ o(# s(n% (st 'aitin6 fo# (s to

c)an6e o(# &in$s so t)ey co(l$ sell (s )alf t)e #(bbis) in t)e (nive#se@ T)is 'o(l$

be 0nee-$ee1 in (n0 if 'e eve# $#o11e$ o(# ta#iff8 I?& s(#1#ise$ at yo(% Docto#%

fo#6ettin6 t)e f(n$a&ental #(les of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia85

5He?s not co&1lainin6%5 sai$ a(nt Do#is% ')o& t)e $#in0 )a$ &a$e

lo(acio(s8 5He?s (st t)in0in68 We all t)in085

5Of co(#se 'e all t)in08 O# $ay$#ea&8 o&e of (s leave an$ 6o off1lanet to be

#ic) 1eo1le on ot)e# 'o#l$s8 A fe' of (s even &ana6e to 6et bac0 )e#e on seve#e

1#obation ')en 'e #ealie ')at t)e off'o#l$s a#e li0e8 I?& (st sayin6%5 sai$ t)e $octo#%

5t)at Ro$?s sit(ation 'o(l$ be ve#y f(nny to eve#ybo$y e3ce1t (s No#st#ilians8 We?#e all

#ic) 'it) t)e st#oon i&1o#ts% b(t 'e 0e1t o(#selves 1oo# in o#$e# to s(#vive85

5W)o?s 1oo#@5 sna11e$ t)e fiel$)an$ Ho11e#% a11a#ently to(c)e$ at a sensitive

1oint8 5I can &atc) yo( 'it) &e6a-c#e$its% Doc% any ti&e yo( ca#e to 6a&ble8 O# I?ll&eet yo( 'it) t)#o'in6 0nives% if yo( 'ant t)e& bette#8 I?& as 6oo$ as t)e ne3t &anF5

5T)at?s e3actly ')at I &ean%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e#8 5Ho11e# )e#e can a#6(e 'it)

anybo$y on t)e 1lanet8 We?#e still e(als% 'e?#e still f#ee% 'e?#e not t)e victi&s of o(#

o'n 'ealt)> t)at?s No#st#ilia fo# yo(F5

Ro$ loo0e$ (1 f#o& )is foo$ an$ sai$% 5!iste# an$ O'ne# ec#eta#y "is)e#% yo(

tal0 a'f(lly 'ell fo# so&ebo$y ')o is not a f#ea0 li0e &e8 Ho' $o yo( $o it@5

"is)e# sta#te$ loo0in6 an6#y a6ain% t)o(6) )e 'as not #eally an6#y4 5Do yo(

t)in0 t)at financial #eco#$s can be $ictate$ tele1at)ically@ I?& s1en$in6 cent(#ies o(t of

&y life% (st $ictatin6 into &y blaste$ &ic#o1)one8 Yeste#$ay I s1ent &ost of t)e $ay

$ictatin6 t)e &ess ')ic) yo( )ave &a$e of t)e Co&&on'ealt)?s &oney fo# t)e ne3t

ei6)t yea#s8 An$ yo( 0no' ')at I?& 6oin6 to $o at t)e ne3t &eetin6 of t)e

Co&&on'ealt) Co(ncil@5

5W)at@5 sai$ Ro$8

5I?& 6oin6 to &ove t)e con$e&nation of t)at co&1(te# of yo(#s8 It?s too 6oo$ to

be in 1#ivate )an$s85

5Yo( can?t $o t)atF5 s)#ie0e$ a(nt Do#is% so&e')at &ello'e$ by t)e ea#t)

beve#a6e s)e 'as $#in0in6% 5it?s !acA#t)(# an$ !cBan fa&ily 1#o1e#ty85

5Yo( can 0ee1 t)e te&1le%5 sai$ "is)e# 'it) a sno#t% 5b(t no bloo$y fa&ily is6oin6 to o(t6(ess t)e ')ole 1lanet a6ain8 Do yo( 0no' t)at boy sittin6 t)e#e )as fo(#

&e6a-c#e$its on Ea#t) at t)is &o&ent@5

Bill )icc(11e$% 5I 6ot &o#e t)an t)at &yself85 "is)e# sna#le$ at )i&% 5On ea#t)@

"OE &oney@5 A silence )it t)e #oo&8

5"OE &oney8 "o(# &e6ac#e$its@ He can b(y Ol$ A(st#alia an$ s)i1 it o(t )e#e

to (sF5 Bill sobe#e$ fast8

ai$ Lavinia &il$ly% 5W)at?s "oe &oney@5

5Do yo( 0no'% !iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan@5 sai$ "is)e#% in a 1e#e&1to#y

tone8 5Yo( )a$ bette# 0no'% beca(se yo( )ave &o#e of it t)an any &an )as eve# )a$ befo#e85



5I $on?t 'ant to tal0 abo(t &oney%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I 'ant to fin$ o(t ')at t)e

Onsec0 is (1 to85 5Don?t 'o##y abo(t )i&F5 la(6)e$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 1#ancin6 to

)is feet an$ 1ointin6 at

)i&self 'it) a $#a&atic fo#efin6e#8 5As t)e #e1#esentative of Ea#t)% I file$ si3

)(n$#e$ an$ ei6)ty- five la's(its a6ainst )i& si&(ltaneo(sly% in t)e na&e of yo(#

Ea#t) $ebto#s% ')o fea# t)at so&e )a#& &i6)t befall yo(+5

5Do t)ey #eally@5 sai$ Ro$8 5Al#ea$y@5

5Of co(#se not8 All t)ey 0no' is yo(# na&e an$ t)e fact t)at yo( bo(6)t t)e&

o(t8 B(t t)ey 'o(l$ 'o##y if t)ey $i$ 0no'% so as yo(# a6ent I tie$ (1 t)e Hon8 ec8

Ho(6)ton y&e 'it) &o#e la' cases t)an t)is 1lanet )as eve# seen befo#e85

T)e bi6 $octo# c)(c0le$8 5Das)e$ cleve# of yo(% &y lo#$ an$ &iste#8 Yo( 0no'

(s No#st#ilians 1#etty 'ell% I &(st say8 If 'e c)a#6e a &an 'it) &(#$e#% 'e?#e so

f#ee$o&-&in$e$ t)at )e )as ti&e to co&&it a fe' &o#e befo#e bein6 t#ie$ fo# t)e fi#st

one8 B(t civil s(itsF Hot s)ee1F He?ll neve# 6et o(t of t)ose% as lon6 as )e lives85

5Is )e Onsec0in6 any &o#e@5 sai$ Ro$8 5W)at $o yo( &ean@5 as0e$ "is)e#85Does )e still )ave )is ob>Onsec0@5

5O)% yes%5 sai$ "is)e#% 5b(t 'e 1(t )i& on t'o )(n$#e$ yea#s? leave an$ )e )as

only abo(t a )(n$#e$ an$ t'enty yea#s to live% 1oo# fello'8 !ost of t)at ti&e )e 'ill

be $efen$in6 )i&self in civil s(its85

Ro$ finally e3)ale$8 He )a$ finis)e$ t)e foo$8 T)e s&all 1olis)e$ #oo& 'it) its

&ac)ine$ ele6ance% t)e 'et ai#% t)e b#ay of voices all ove# t)e 1lace>t)ese &a$e )i&

feel $#ea&li0e8 He#e 6#o'n &en 'e#e stan$in6% tal0in6 as t)o(6) )e #eally $i$ o'n

Ol$ Ea#t)8 T)ey 'e#e conce#ne$ 'it) )is affai#s% not beca(se )e 'as Ro$e#ic0

"#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan t)e )(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st% b(t

beca(se )e 'as Ro$% a boy a&on6 t)e& ')o )a$ st(&ble$ (1on $an6e# an$ fo#t(ne8He loo0e$ a#o(n$ t)e #oo&8 T)e conve#sations )a$ acci$entally sto11e$8 T)ey 'e#e

loo0in6 at )i&% an$ )e sa' in t)ei# faces so&et)in6 ')ic) )e )a$ seen befo#e8 W)at

'as it@ It 'as not love8 It 'as a #a1t attentiveness% co&bine$ 'it) a so#t of 1leas(#able

an$ in$(l6ent inte#est8 He t)en #ealie$ ')at t)e loo0s si6nifie$8

T)ey 'e#e 6ivin6 )i& t)e a$o#ation ')ic) t)ey (s(ally #ese#ve$ only fo# c#ic0et

1laye#s% tennis 1laye#s% an$ 6#eat t#ac0 1e#fo#&e#s>li0e t)at fab(lo(s Ho10ins Ha#vey

fello' ')o )a$ 6one off'o#l$ an$ )a$ 'on a '#estlin6 &atc) 'it) a 5)eavy &an5 f#o&

We#el$ c)e&e#in68 He 'as not (st Ro$ any &o#e8 He 'as t)ei# boy8

As t)ei# boy% )e s&ile$ at t)e& va6(ely an$ felt li0e c#yin68

T)e b#eat)lessness b#o0e ')en t)e la#6e $octo#% !iste# an$ O'ne# Went'o#t)%

t)#e' in t)e sta#0 co&&ent4 5Ti&e to tell )i&% !iste# an$ O'ne# "is)e#8 He 'on?t )ave

)is 1#o1e#ty lon6 if 'e $on?t 6et &ovin68 No% no# )is life% eit)e#85

Lavinia (&1e$ (1 an$ c#ie$ o(t% 5Yo( can?t 0ill Ro$>5

Docto# Went'o#t) sto11e$ )e#4 5it $o'n8 We?#e not 6oin6 to 0ill )i&8 An$ yo(

t)e#e% sto1 actin6 foolis)F We?#e )is f#ien$s )e#e85

Ro$ follo'e$ t)e line of t)e $octo#?s 6lance an$ sa' t)at Ho11e# )a$ sna0e$ )is

)an$ bac0 to t)e bi6 0nife )e 'o#e in )is belt8 He 'as 6ettin6 #ea$y to fi6)t anyone ')o

attac0e$ Ro$8

5it% sit $o'n% all of yo(% 1lease%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% s1ea0in6 so&e')at



f(ssily 'it) )is sin6son6 Ea#t) accent8 5I?& )ost )e#e8 it $o'n8 Nobo$y?s 0illin6 Ro$

toni6)t8 Docto#% yo( ta0e &y table8 it $o'n yo(#self8 Yo( 'ill sto1 t)#eatenin6 &y

ceilin6 o# yo(# )ea$8 Yo(% &a?a& an$ o'ne#%5 sai$ )e to a(nt Do#is% 5&ove ove#

t)e#e to t)at ot)e# c)ai#8 No' 'e can all see t)e $octo#85

5Can?t 'e 'ait@5 as0e$ Ro$8 5I nee$ to slee18 A#e yo( 6oin6 to as0 &e to

&a0e $ecisions no'@ I?& not (1 to $ecisions% not afte# ')at I?ve (st been t)#o(6)8 All

ni6)t 'it) t)e co&1(te#8 T)e lon6 'al08 T)e bi#$ f#o& t)e Onsec0>5

5Yo(?ll )ave no $ecisions to &a0e if yo( $on?t &a0e t)e& toni6)t%5 sai$ t)e

$octo# fi#&ly an$ 1leasantly8 5Yo(?ll be a $ea$ &an85

5W)o?s 6oin6 to 0ill &e@5 as0e$ Ro$8

5Anybo$y ')o 'ants &oney8 O# 'ants 1o'e#8 O# ')o 'o(l$ li0e (nli&ite$

life8 O# ')o nee$s t)ese t)in6s to 6et so&et)in6 else8 Reven6e8 A 'o&an8 An

obsession8 A $#(68 Yo(?#e not (st a 1e#son no'% Ro$8 Yo(?#e No#st#ilia inca#nate8 Yo(?#e

!iste# !oney )i&selfF Don?t as0 ')o?$ 0ill yo(F As0 ')o 'o(l$n?t@ We 'o(l$n?t+ I

t)in08 B(t $on?t te&1t (s85

5Ho' &(c) &oney )ave I 6ot@5 sai$ Ro$8

An6#y Ko)n "is)e# c(t in4 5o &(c) t)at t)e co&1(te#s a#e clotte$ (1% (st

co(ntin6 it8 Abo(t one an$ a )alf st#oon yea#s8 Pe#)a1s t)#ee )(n$#e$ yea#s of Ol$

Ea#t)?s total inco&e8 Yo( sent &o#e Instant !essa6es last ni6)t t)an t)e

Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent itself )as sent in t)e last t'elve yea#s8 T)ese &essa6es a#e

e31ensive8 One 0iloc#e$it in "OE &oney85

5I as0e$ a lon6 ti&e a6o ')at t)is ?foe &oney? 'as%5 sai$ Lavinia% 5an$

nobo$y )as 6ot a#o(n$ to tellin6 &e85

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y too0 t)e &i$$le of t)e floo#8 He stoo$ t)e#e 'it) a stance

')ic) none of t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians )a$ eve# seen befo#e8 It 'as act(ally t)e

1ost(#e of a &aste# of ce#e&onies o1enin6 t)e evenin6 at a la#6e ni6)t cl(b% b(t to

1eo1le ')o )a$ neve# seen t)ose 1a#tic(la# 6est(#es )is &ove&ents 'e#e ee#ie% self-

e31lanato#y an$ (ee#ly bea(tif(l8

5La$ies an$ 6entle&en%5 )e sai$% (sin6 a 1)#ase ')ic) &ost of t)e& )a$ only

#ea$ in boo0s% 5I 'ill se#ve $#in0s ')ile t)e ot)e#s s1ea08 I 'ill as0 eac) in t(#n8

Docto#% 'ill yo( be 6oo$ eno(6) to 'ait ')ile t)e financial sec#eta#y s1ea0s@5

5I s)o(l$ t)in0%5 sai$ t)e $octo# i##itably% 5t)at t)e la$ 'o(l$ be 'antin6 to t)in0

ove# )is c)oice8 Does )e 'ant &e to c(t )i& in t'o% )e#e% toni6)t% o# $oesn?t )e@ Is)o(l$ t)in0 t)at 'o(l$ ta0e 1#io#ity% 'o(l$n?t yo(@5

5La$ies an$ 6entle&en%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5t)e !iste# an$ Docto#

Went'o#t) )as a ve#y 6oo$ 1oint in$ee$8 B(t t)e#e is no sense in as0in6 Ro$ abo(t

bein6 c(t in t'o (nless )e 0no's ')y8 !iste# "inancial ec#eta#y% 'ill yo( tell (s all

')at )a11ene$ last ni6)t@5

Ko)n "is)e# stoo$ (18 He 'as so c)(bby t)at it $i$ not &atte#8 His b#o'n%

s(s1icio(s% intelli6ent eyes loo0e$ ove# t)e lot of t)e&8

5T)e#e a#e as &any 0in$s of &oney as t)e#e a#e 'o#l$s 'it) 1eo1le on t)e&8

We )e#e on No#st#ilia $on?t ca##y t)e to0ens a#o(n$% b(t in so&e 1laces t)ey )ave bits

of 1a1e# o# &etal ')ic) t)ey (se to 0ee1 co(nt8 We tal0 o(# &oney into t)e cent#al

co&1(te#s ')ic) even o(t all o(# t#ansactions fo# (s8 No' ')at 'o(l$ )a11en if I



'ante$ a 1ai# of s)oes@5

Nobo$y ans'e#e$8 He $i$n?t e31ect t)e& to8 5I 'o(l$%5 )e 'ent on% 56o to a

s)o1% loo0 in t)e sc#een at t)e s)oes ')ic) t)e off'o#l$ &e#c)ants 0ee1 in o#bit8 I

'o(l$ 1ic0 o(t t)e s)oes I 'ante$8 W)at?s a 6oo$ 1#ice fo# a 1ai# of s)oes in o#bit@5

Ho11e# 'as 6ettin6 ti#e$ of t)ese t)eo#etical (estions so )e ans'e#e$ 1#o&1tly%

5i3 bob85

5T)at?s #i6)t8 i3 &inic#e$its85

5B(t t)at?s o#bit &oney8 Yo(?#e leavin6 o(t t)e ta#iff%5 sai$ Ho11e#8 5E3actly8

An$ ')at?s t)e ta#iff@5 as0e$ Ko)n "is)e#% sna11in68

Ho11e# sna11e$ bac0% 5T'o )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ ti&es% ')at yo( bloo$y fools

al'ays &a0e it in t)e Co&&on'ealt) co(ncil85

5Ho11e#% can yo( b(y s)oes@5 sai$ "is)e#8

5Of co(#se I canF5 T)e station )an$ loo0e$ belli6e#ent a6ain b(t t)e Lo#$

Re$la$y 'as fillin6 )is 6lass8 He sniffe$ t)e a#o&a% cal&e$ $o'n an$ sai$% 5All #i6)t%')at?s yo(# 1oint@5

5T)e 1oint is t)at t)e &oney in o#bit is AD &oney> fo# sec(#e% A fo# an$% D

fo# $elive#e$8 T)at?s any 0in$ of 6oo$ &oney 'it) bac0in6 be)in$ it8 t#oon is t)e best

bac0in6 t)e#e is% b(t 6ol$ is all #i6)t% #a#e &etals% fine &an(fact(#es% an$ so on8 T)at?s

(st t)e &oney off t)e 1lanet% in t)e )an$s of t)e #eci1ient8 No' )o' &any ti&es

'o(l$ a s)i1 )ave to )o1 to 6et to Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t) Itself@5

5"ifty o# si3ty%5 sai$ a(nt Do#is (ne31ecte$ly8 5Even I 0no' t)at85 5An$ )o'

&any s)i1s 6et t)#o(6)@5

5T)ey all $o%5 sai$ s)e8

5O)% no%5 c#ie$ seve#al of t)e &en in (nison8

5Abo(t one s)i1 is lost eve#y si3ty o# ei6)ty t#i1s% $e1en$in6 on t)e sola#

'eat)e#% on t)e s0ills of t)e 1inli6)te#s% an$ 6o-ca1tains% on t)e lan$in6 acci$ents8 Di$

any of yo( eve# see a #eally ol$ ca1tain@5

5Yes%5 sai$ Ho11e# 'it) 6loo&y )(&o#% 5a $ea$ one in )is coffin85

5o if yo( )ave so&et)in6 yo( 'ant to 6et to Ea#t)% yo( )ave to 1ay yo(# s)a#e

of t)e costly s)i1s% yo(# s)a#e of t)e 6o-ca1tain?s 'a6es an$ t)e fees of )is staff% yo(#

s)a#e of t)e ins(#ance fo# t)ei# fa&ilies8 Do yo( 0no' ')at it co(l$ cost to 6et t)is

c)ai# bac0 to ea#t)@5 sai$ "is)e#85T)#ee )(n$#e$ ti&es t)e cost of t)e c)ai#%5 sai$ Docto# Went'o#t)8 5!i6)ty

close8 It?s t'o )(n$#e$ an$ ei6)ty-seven ti&es85

5Ho' $o yo( 0no' so &(c0in6 &(c)@5 sai$ Bill% s1ea0in6 (18 5An$ ')y

'aste o(# ti&e 'it) all t)is c#(ttin6 6l(bb@5

5Watc) yo(# lan6(a6e% &an%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e#8 5T)e#e a#e so&e &(c0in6 la$ies

1#esent8 I?& tellin6 yo( t)is beca(se 'e )ave to 6et Ro$ off to Ea#t) toni6)t% if )e 'ants

to be alive an$ #ic)>5

5T)at?s ')at yo( sayF5 c#ie$ Bill8 5Let )i& 6o to )is )o(se8 We can loa$ (1 on

little bo&bs an$ )ol$ (1 a6ainst anybo$y ')o co(l$ 6et t)#o(6) t)e No#st#ilian

$efenses8 W)at a#e 'e 1ayin6 t)ese &(c0in6 ta3es fo#% if it?s not fo# t)e li0es of yo( to

&a0e s(#e 'e?#e safe@ )(t (1% &an% an$ let?s ta0e t)e boy )o&e8 Co&e alon6% Ho11e#85



T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y lea1e$ to t)e &i$$le of )is o'n floo#8 He 'as no

1#ancin6 Ea#t)&an 1(ttin6 on a s)o'8 He 'as t)e ol$ Inst#(&entality itself%

s(#vivin6 'it) #a' 'ea1ons an$ #a' b#ains8 In )is )an$ )e )el$ so&et)in6 ')ic)

none of t)e& co(l$ see clea#ly8

5!(#$e#%5 )e sai$% 5'ill be $one t)is &o&ent if anybo$y &oves8 I 'ill co&&it

it8 I 'ill% 1eo1le8 !ove% an$ t#y &e8 An$ if I $o co&&it &(#$e#% I 'ill a##est &yself%

)ol$ a t#ial% an$ ac(it &yself8 I )ave st#an6e 1o'e#s% 1eo1le8 Don?t &a0e &e (se t)e&8

Don?t even &a0e &e s)o' t)e&85 T)e s)i&&e#in6 t)in6 in )is )an$ $isa11ea#e$8

5!iste# an$ Docto# Went'o#t)% yo( a#e (n$e# &y co&&an$% by loan8 Ot)e# 1eo1le%

yo( a#e &y 6(ests8 Be 'a#ne$8 Don?t to(c) t)at boy8 T)is is Ea#t) te##ito#y% t)is cabin

'e?#e in85 He stoo$ a little to one si$e an$ loo0e$ at t)e& b#i6)tly o(t of )is st#an6e

Ea#t) eyes8

Ho11e# $elibe#ately s1at on t)e floo#8 5I s(11ose I 'o(l$ be a 1($$le of

&(c0in6 6l(e if I

)el1e$ ol$ Bill@5

5o&et)in6 li0e it%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Want to t#y@5 T)e t)in6s t)at 'e#e

)a#$ to see 'e#e no' in eac) of )is )an$s8 His eyes $a#te$ bet'een Bill an$ Ho11e#8

5)(t (1% Ho11e#8 Well ta0e Ro$ if )e tells (s to 6o8 B(t if )e $oesn?t>it

c#($$in6 'ell $oesn?t &atte#8 E)% !iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan@5

Ro$ loo0e$ a#o(n$ fo# )is 6#an$fat)e#% $ea$ lon6 a6o4 t)en )e 0ne' t)ey 'e#e

loo0in6 at )i& instea$8

To#n bet'een slee1iness an$ an3iety )e ans'e#e$% 5I $on?t 'ant to 6o no'%

fello's8 T)an0 yo( fo# stan$in6 by8 2o on% !iste# ec#eta#y% 'it) t)e "oe &oney an$

t)e a$ &oney85

T)e 'ea1ons $isa11ea#e$ f#o& t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s )an$s8

5I $on?t li0e Ea#t) 'ea1ons%5 sai$ Ho11e#% s1ea0in6 ve#y lo($ly an$ 1lainly to

no one at all% 5an$ I $on?t li0e Ea#t) 1eo1le8 T)ey?#e $(ty8 T)e#e?s not)in6 in t)e& t)at?s

6oo$ )onest c#oo085

5Have a $#in0% la$s%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 'it) a $e&oc#atic )ea#tiness ')ic)

'as so false t)at t)e 'o#0'o&an Eleano#% silent all t)e evenin6% let o(t one 'il$ ca' of

a la(6)% li0e a 0oo0ab(##a be6innin6 to ')oo1 in a t#ee8 He loo0e$ at )e# s)a#1ly%

1ic0e$ (1 )is se#vin6 (6% an$ no$$e$ to t)e financial sec#eta#y% Ko)n "is)e#% t)at )e

s)o(l$ #es(&e s1ea0in68

"is)e# 'as fl(ste#e$8 He obvio(sly $i$ not li0e t)is Ea#t) 1#actice of (ic0

t)#eats an$ 'ea1ons in$oo#s% b(t t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y>$is6#ace$ an$ #e&ote f#o& Ol$

Ea#t) as )e 'as> 'as neve#t)eless t)e acc#e$ite$ $i1lo&at of t)e Inst#(&entality% an$

even Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia $i$ not 1(s) t)e Inst#(&entality too fa#8 T)e#e 'e#e t)in6s

s(11ose$ abo(t 'o#l$s ')ic) )a$ $one so8

obe#ly an$ )(ffily )e 'ent on%

5T)e#e?s not &(c) to it8 If t)e &oney is $isco(nte$ t)i#ty-t)#ee an$ one t)i#$ 1e#

cent 1e# t#i1 an$ if it is fifty-five t#i1s to 6et to Ol$ Ea#t)% it ta0es a )ea1 of &oney to

1ay (1 in o#bit #i6)t )e#e befo#e yo( )ave a &inic#e$it on ea#t)8 o&eti&es t)e o$$sa#e bette#8 Yo(# Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent 'aits fo# &ont)s an$ yea#s to 6et a #eally



favo#able #ate of e3c)an6e an$ of co(#se 'e sen$ o(# f#ei6)t by a#&e$ sails)i1s% ')ic)

$on?t 6o belo' t)e s(#face of s1ace at all8 T)ey (st ta0e )(n$#e$s o# t)o(san$s of yea#s

to 6et t)e#e% ')ile o(# c#(ise#s $a#t in an$ o(t a#o(n$ t)e&% (st to &a0e s(#e t)at

nobo$y #obs t)e& in t#ansit8 T)e#e a#e t)in6s abo(t No#st#ilian #obots ')ic) none of

yo( 0no'% an$ ')ic) not even t)e Inst#(&entality 0no's5>)e $a#te$ a (ic0 loo0

at t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% ')o sai$ not)in6 to t)is% an$ 'ent on>5')ic) &a0e it 'ell'o#t) ')ile not to &(c0 a#o(n$ 'it) one of o(# 1e#is)in6 s)i1s8 We $on?t 6et #obbe$

&(c)8 An$ 'e )ave ot)e# t)in6s t)at a#e even 'o#se t)an !ot)e# Hitton an$ )e# litt(l

0ittons8 B(t t)e &oney an$ t)e st#oon ')ic) finally #eac)es Ol$ Ea#t) is "OE &oney8

"% O% E8 " is fo# "#ee% O is fo# On% E is fo# Ea#t)85 "%O%E> f#ee on Ea#t)8 T)at?s t)e

best 0in$ of &oney t)e#e is% #i6)t on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8 An$ Ea#t) )as t)e final

e3c)an6e co&1(te#8 O# )a$ it85

5Ha$ it@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

5It b#o0e $o'n last ni6)t8 Ro$ b#o0e it8 Ove#loa$85 5I&1ossibleF5 c#ie$ Re$la$y8

5I?ll c)ec085

He 'ent to t)e 'all% 1(lle$ $o'n a $es08 A console% inc#e$ibly &iniat(#e%

6lea&e$ o(t at t)e&8 In less t)an t)#ee secon$s it 6lo'e$8 Re$la$y s1o0e into it% )is

voice as clea# an$ col$ as t)e ice t)ey )a$ all )ea#$ abo(t4

5P#io#ity8 Inst#(&entality8 )o#t of Wa#8 Instant8 Instant Re$la$y callin68

Ea#t)1o#t85 5Confi#&e$%5 sai$ a No#st#ilian voice% 5confi#&e$ an$ c)a#6e$85

5Ea#t)1o#t%5 sai$ t)e console in a ')istlin6 ')is1e# ')ic) fille$ t)e #oo&8

5Re$la$y - inst#(&entality - official - cent1(te# - all - #i6)t-(estion - ca#6o

- a11#ove$ - (estion - o(t85

5Cent1(te# - all - #i6)t - ca#6o - a11#ove$ - o(t%5 sai$ t)e ')is1e# an$ fell silent8

T)e 1eo1le in t)e #oo& )a$ seen an i&&ense fo#t(ne s(an$e#e$8 Even by

No#st#ilian stan$a#$s% t)e faste#-t)an-li6)t &essa6es 'e#e t)in6s ')ic) a fa&ily &i6)t

not (se t'ice in a t)o(san$ yea#s8 T)ey loo0e$ at Re$la$y as t)o(6) )e 'e#e an

evil-'o#0e# 'it) st#an6e 1o'e#s8 Ea#t)?s 1#o&1t ans'e# to t)e s0inny &an &a$e t)e&

all #e&e&be# t)at t)o(6) Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia 1#o$(ce$ t)e 'ealt)% Ea#t) still

$ist#ib(te$ &(c) of it an$ t)at t)e s(1e#6ove#n&ent of t)e Inst#(&entality #eac)e$ into

fa# 1laces ')e#e no No#st#ilian 'o(l$ even 'is) to vent(#e8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y s1o0e &il$ly% 5T)e cent#al co&1(te# see&s to be 6oin6

a6ain% if yo(# 6ove#n&ent 'is)es to cons(lt it8 T)e ?ca#6o? is t)is boy )e#e85

5Yo(?ve tol$ Ea#t) abo(t &e@5 sai$ Ro$8 5W)y not@ We 'ant to 6et yo( t)e#e

alive85 5B(t &essa6e sec(#ity>@5 sai$ t)e $octo#8

5I )ave #efe#ences ')ic) no o(tsi$e &in$ 'ill 0no'%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8

5"inis) (1% !iste# "inancial ec#eta#y8 Tell t)e yo(n6 &an ')at )e )as on Ea#t)85

5Yo(# co&1(te# o(tco&1(te$ t)e 6ove#n&ent%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e# to-t)e-

)(n$#e$t)% 5an$ it &o#t6a6e$ all yo(# lan$s% all yo(# s)ee1% all yo(# t#a$in6 #i6)ts% all

yo(# fa&ily t#eas(#es% t)e #i6)t to t)e !acA#t)(# na&e% t)e #i6)t to t)e !cBan na&e%

an$ itself8 T)en it bo(6)t f(t(#es8 Of co(#se% it $i$n?t $o it8 Yo( $i$% Ro$ !cBan85

ta#tle$ into f(ll a'a0eness% Ro$ fo(n$ )is #i6)t )an$ (1 at )is &o(t)% so

s(#1#ise$ 'as )e8 5I



$i$@5

5T)en yo( bo(6)t f(t(#es in st#oon% b(t yo( offe#e$ t)e& fo# sale8 Yo( )el$

bac0 t)e sales%

s)iftin6 titles an$ c)an6in6 1#ices% so t)at not even t)e cent#al co&1(te# 0ne'')at yo( 'e#e $oin68 Yo( bo(6)t al&ost all of t)e ei6)t) yea# f#o& no'% &ost of t)e

sevent) yea# f#o& no'% an$ so&e of t)e si3t)8 Yo( &o#t6a6e$ eac) 1(#c)ase as yo(

'ent alon6% in o#$e# to b(y &o#e8 T)en yo( s($$enly to#e t)e &a#0et 'i$e o1en by

offe#in6 fantastic ba#6ains% t#a$in6 t)e si3-yea# #i6)ts fo# sevent)-yea# an$ ei6)t)-yea#8

Yo(# co&1(te# &a$e s(c) lavis) (se of Instant !essa6es t)at t)e Co&&on'ealt)

$efense office )a$ 1eo1le b(in6 a#o(n$ in t)e &i$$le of t)e ni6)t8 By t)e ti&e t)ey

fi6(#e$ o(t ')at &i6)t )a11en% it )a$ )a11ene$8 Yo( #e6iste#e$ a &ono1oly of t'o

yea#?s e31o#t% fa# beyon$ t)e 1#e$icte$ a&o(nt8 T)e 6ove#n&ent #(s)e$ fo# a 'eat)e#

#eco&1(tation% b(t ')ile t)ey 'e#e $oin6 t)at yo( 'e#e #e6iste#in6 yo(# )ol$in6s on

Ea#t) an$ #e&o#t6a6in6 t)e& in "OE &oney8 Wit) t)e "OE &oney yo( be6an to b(y

(1 all t)e i&1o#ts a#o(n$ Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% an$ ')en t)e 6ove#n&ent finally$ecla#e$ an e&e#6ency% yo( )a$ sec(#e$ final title to one an$ a )alf st#oon yea#s an$

to &o#e &e6ac#e$its% "OE &oney &e6ac#e$its% t)an t)e Ea#t) co&1(te#s co(l$

)an$le8 Yo(?#e t)e #ic)est &an t)at eve# 'as8 O# eve# 'ill be8 We c)an6e$ all t)e #(les

t)is &o#nin6 an$ I &yself si6ne$ a ne' t#eaty 'it) t)e Ea#t) a(t)o#ities% #atifie$ by t)e

Inst#(&entality8 !ean')ile% yo(?#e t)e #ic)est of t)e #ic) &en ')o eve# live$ on t)is

'o#l$ an$ yo(?#e also #ic) eno(6) to b(y all of Ol$ Ea#t)8 In fact% yo( )ave 1(t in a

#ese#vation to b(y it% (nless t)e Inst#(&entality o(tbi$s yo(85

5W)y s)o(l$ 'e@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Let )i& )ave it8 We?ll 'atc) ')at

)e $oes 'it) t)e Ea#t) afte# )e b(ys it% an$ if it is so&et)in6 ba$% 'e 'ill 0ill )i&85

5Yo(?$ 0ill &e% Lo#$ Re$la$y@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I t)o(6)t yo( 'e#e savin6 &e@5

5Bot)%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% stan$in6 (18 5T)e Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent )as not

t#ie$ to ta0e yo(# 1#o1e#ty a'ay f#o& yo(% t)o(6) t)ey )ave t)ei# $o(bts as to ')at

yo( 'ill $o 'it) Ea#t) if yo( $o b(y it8 T)ey a#e not 6oin6 to let yo( stay on t)is

1lanet an$ en$an6e# it by bein6 t)e #ic)est 0i$na1 victi& ')o eve# live$8 To&o##o'

t)ey 'ill st#i1 yo( of yo(# 1#o1e#ty% (nless yo( 'ant to ta0e a c)ance on #(nnin6 fo# it8

Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent is t)e sa&e 'ay8 If yo( can fi6(#e o(t yo(# o'n $efenses% yo( can

co&e on in8 Of co(#se t)e 1olice 'ill 1#otect yo(% b(t 'o(l$ t)at be eno(6)@ I?& a

$octo#% an$ I?& )e#e to s)i1 yo( o(t if yo( 'ant to 6o85

5An$ I?& an office# of 6ove#n&ent% an$ I 'ill a##est yo( if yo( $o not 6o%5 sai$Ko)n "is)e#8 5An$ I #e1#esent t)e Inst#(&entality% ')ic) $oes not $ecla#e its 1olicy to

anyone% least of all

to o(tsi$e#s8 B(t it is &y 1e#sonal 1olicy%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% )ol$in6

o(t )is )an$s an$ t'istin6 )is t)(&bs in a &eanin6less% 6#otes(e% b(t so&e)o'

ve#y t)#eatenin6 'ay% 5to see t)at t)is boy 6ets a safe t#i1 to Ea#t) an$ a fai# $eal ')en

)e co&es bac0 )e#eF5

5Yo(?ll 1#otect )i& all t)e 'ayF5 c#ie$ Lavinia% loo0in6 ve#y )a11y8 5All t)e

'ay8 As fa# as I can8 As lon6 as I live85

5T)at?s 1#etty lon6%5 &(tte#e$ Ho11e#% 5conceite$ little 1o&&y coc0a)oo185

5Watc) yo(# lan6(a6e% Ho11e#%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Ro$@5

5Yes% si#@5



5Yo(# ans'e#@5 T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 'as 1e#e&1to#y8 5I?& 6oin6%5 sai$ Ro$8

5W)at on Ea#t) $o yo( 'ant@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y ce#e&onio(sly8 5A

6en(ine Ca1e t#ian6le85

5A ')at@5 c#ie$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5A Ca1e t#ian6le8 A 1osta6e sta&185

5W)at?s 1osta6e@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% #eally 1(le$8 5Pay&ents on

&essa6es855B(t yo( $o t)at 'it) t)(&b1#ints o# eye1#intsF5 5No%5 sai$ Ro$% 5I &ean 1a1e#

ones85

5Pa1e# &essa6es@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% loo0in6 as t)o(6) so&eone )a$

&entione$ 6#ass battles)i1s% )ai#less s)ee1% soli$ cast-i#on 'o&en% o# so&et)in6 else

e(ally i&1#obable8 5Pa1e# &essa6es@5 )e #e1eate$% an$ t)en )e la(6)e$% (ite

c)a#&in6ly8 5O)F5 )e sai$% 'it) a tone of sec#et $iscove#y8 5Yo( &ean anti(ities+@5

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Even befo#e 1ace itself85

5Ea#t) )as a lot of anti(ities% an$ I a& s(#e yo( 'ill be 'elco&e to st($y t)e&

o# to collect t)e&8 T)at 'ill be 1e#fectly all #i6)t8 K(st $on?t $o any of t)e '#on6 t)in6s%

o# yo( 'ill be in #eal t#o(ble85

5W)at a#e t)e '#on6 t)in6s@5 sai$ Ro$8

5B(yin6 #eal 1eo1le% o# t#yin6 to8 )i11in6 #eli6ion f#o& one 1lanet to anot)e#8

&(66lin6 (n$e#1eo1le85

5W)at?s #eli6ion@5 sai$ Ro$8

5Late#% late#%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Yo(?ll lea#n eve#yt)in6 late#8 Docto#% yo(

ta0e ove#85 Went'o#t) stoo$ ve#y ca#ef(lly so t)at )is )ea$ $i$ not to(c) t)e ceilin68

He )a$ to ben$ )is

nec0 a little8 5We )ave t'o bo3es% Ro$85

W)en )e s1o0e% t)e $oo# ')i##e$ in its t#ac0s an$ s)o'e$ t)e& a s&all #oo&

beyon$8 T)e#e 'as a la#6e bo3 li0e a coffin an$ a ve#y s&all bo3% li0e t)e 0in$ t)at

'o&en )ave a#o(n$ t)e )o(se to 0ee1 a sin6le 1a#ty-6oin6 bonnet in8

5T)e#e 'ill be c#i&inals% an$ 'il$ 6ove#n&ents% an$ cons1i#ato#s% an$

a$vent(#e#s% an$ (st 1lain 6oo$ 1eo1le 6one '#on6 at t)e t)o(6)t of yo(# 'ealt)>

t)e#e 'ill be all t)ese 'aitin6 fo# yo( to 0i$na1 yo( o# #ob o# even 0ill yo(>5

5W)y 0ill &e@5

5To i&1e#sonate yo( an$ to t#y to 6et yo(# &oney%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5No' loo08

T)is is yo(# bi6 c)oice8 If yo( ta0e t)e bi6 bo3% 'e can 1(t yo( in a sails)i1 convoy an$yo( 'ill 6et t)e#e in seve#al )(n$#e$ o# t)o(san$ yea#s8 B(t yo( 'ill 6et t)e#e% ninety-

nine 1oint ninety-nine 1e#cent8 O# 'e can sen$ t)e bi6 bo3 on t)e #e6(la#

1lanofo#&in6 s)i1s% an$ so&ebo$y 'ill steal yo(8 O# 'e sc(n yo( $o'n an$ 1(t yo(

in t)e little bo385

5T)at little bo3@5 c#ie$ Ro$8

5c(nne$8 Yo(?ve sc(nne$ s)ee1% )aven?t yo(@5

5I?ve )ea#$ of it8 B(t a &an% no8 De)y$#ate &y bo$y% 1ic0le &y )ea$% an$ f#eee

t)e ')ole &(c0in6 &ess@5 c#ie$ Ro$8

5T)at?s it8 Too bloo$y #i6)tF5 c#ie$ t)e $octo# c)ee#f(lly8 5T)at?ll 6ive yo( a #ealc)ance of 6ettin6 t)e#e alive85



5B(t ')o?ll 1(t &e to6et)e#@ I?$ nee$ &y o'n $octo#>@5 His voice (ave#e$ at

t)e (nnat(#alness of t)e #is0% not at t)e &e#e c)anciness an$ $an6e# of it8

5He#e%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5is yo(# $octo#% al#ea$y t#aine$85

5I a& at yo(# se#vice%5 sai$ t)e little Ea#t)-ani&al% t)e ?&on0ey%? 'it) a

s&all bo' to t)e asse&ble$ co&1any8 5!y na&e is A?6ent(# an$ I )ave beencon$itione$ as a 1)ysician% a s(#6eon an$ a ba#be#85

T)e 'o&en )a$ 6as1e$8 Ho11e# an$ Bill sta#e$ at t)e little ani&al in )o##o#8

5Yo(?#e an (n$e#1e#sonF5 yelle$ Ho11e#8 5We?ve neve# let t)e c#(ttin6 t)in6s

loose on

No#st#ilia85

5I?& not an (n$e#1e#son8 I?& an ani&al8 Con$itione$ to>5 T)e &on0ey

(&1e$8 Ho11e#?s )eavy 0nife t'an6e$ li0e a &(sical inst#(&ent as it cl(n6 to t)e

softe# steel of t)e 'all8 Ho11e#?s ot)e# )an$ )el$ a lon6 t)in 0nife% #ea$y to #eac)

Re$la$y?s )ea#t8T)e left )an$ of t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y flas)e$ st#ai6)t fo#'a#$8 o&et)in6 in )is

)an$ 6lo'e$ silently% te##ibly8 T)e#e 'as a )iss in t)e ai#8

W)e#e Ho11e# )a$ been% a clo($ of oily t)ic0 s&o0e% stin0in6 of b(#nin6 &eat%

coile$ slo'ly to'a#$ t)e ventilato#s8 Ho11e#?s clot)in6 an$ 1e#sonal belon6in6s%

incl($in6 one false toot)% lay on t)e c)ai# in ')ic) )e )a$ been sittin68 T)ey 'e#e

(n$a&a6e$8 His $#in0 stoo$ on t)e floo# besi$e t)e c)ai#% fo#eve# to #e&ain (nfinis)e$8

T)e $octo#?s eyes 6lea&e$ as )e sta#e$ st#an6ely at Re$la$y8 5Note$ an$

#e1o#te$ to t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian Navy85

5I?ll #e1o#t it too%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5as t)e (se of 'ea1ons on $i1lo&atic

6#o(n$s85

5Neve# &in$%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e# to-t)e-)(n$#e$t)% not an6#y at all% b(t (st 1ale

an$ loo0in6 a little ill8 ;iolence $i$ not f#i6)ten )i&% b(t $ecision $i$8 5Let?s 6et on

'it) it8 W)ic) bo3% bi6 o# little% boy@5

T)e 'o#0'o&an Eleano# stoo$ (18 )e )a$ sai$ not)in6% b(t no' s)e

$o&inate$ t)e scene8 5Ta0e )i& in t)e#e% 6i#ls%5 s)e sai$% 5an$ 'as) )i& li0e yo(

'o(l$ fo# t)e 2a#$en of Deat)8 I?ll 'as) &yself in t)e#e8 Yo( see%5 s)e a$$e$% 5I?ve

al'ays 'ante$ to see t)e bl(e s0ies on ea#t)% an$ 'ante$ to s'i& in a )o(se t)at #an

a#o(n$ on t)e bi6% bi6 'ate#s8 I?ll ta0e yo(# bi6 bo3% Ro$% an$ if I 6et t)#o(6) alive% yo(

'ill o'e &e so&e t#eats on Ea#t)8 Yo( ta0e t)e little bo3% Ro$$y% ta0e t)e little bo38An$ t)at little tiny $octo# 'it) t)e f(# on )i&8 Ro$% I t#(st )i&85 Ro$ stoo$ (18

Eve#ybo$y 'as loo0in6 at )i& an$ at Eleano#8 5Yo( a6#ee@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$

Re$la$y8 He no$$e$8

5Yo( a6#ee to be sc(nne$ an$ 1(t in t)e little bo3 fo# instant s)i1&ent to Ea#t)@5

He no$$e$ a6ain8

5Yo( 'ill 1ay all t)e e3t#a e31enses@5 He no$$e$ a6ain8

T)e $octo# sai$% 5Yo( a(t)o#ie &e to c(t yo( (1 an$ #e$(ce yo( $o'n% in t)e

)o1e t)at yo( &ay be #econstit(te$ on Ea#t)@5

Ro$ no$$e$ to )i&% too8

5)a0in6 yo(# )ea$ isn?t eno(6)%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5Yo( )ave to a6#ee fo# t)e



#eco#$85 5I a6#ee%5 sai$ Ro$ (ietly8

A(nt Do#is an$ Lavinia ca&e fo#'a#$ to lea$ )i& into t)e $#essin6 #oo& an$

s)o'e# #oo&8 K(st as t)ey #eac)e$ fo# )is a#&s% t)e $octo# 1atte$ Ro$ on t)e bac0

'it) a (ic0 st#an6e &otion8 Ro$ (&1e$ a little8

5Dee1 )y1notic%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5Yo( can &ana6e )is bo$y all #i6)t% b(t t)e

ne3t 'o#$s )e (tte#s 'ill be sai$% l(c0 'illin6% on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t) Itself85

T)e 'o&en 'e#e 'i$e-eye$ b(t t)ey le$ Ro$ fo#'a#$ to be cleane$ fo# t)e

o1e#ations an$ t)e voya6e8

T)e $octo# t(#ne$ to t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y an$ to Ko)n "is)e#% t)e financial

sec#eta#y8 5A 6oo$ ni6)t?s 'o#0%5 )e sai$8 5Pity abo(t t)at &an% t)o(6)85

Bill sat still% f#oen 'it) 6#ief in )is c)ai#% sta#in6 at Ho11e#?s e&1ty clot)in6 in

t)e c)ai# ne3t to )i&8

T)e console tin0le$% 5T'elve )o(#s% 2#een'ic) !ean Ti&e8 No a$ve#se

'eat)e# #e1o#ts f#o& t)e c)annel coast o# f#o& !eeya !eefla o# Ea#t)1o#t b(il$in68

All?s 'ellF5

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y se#ve$ $#in0s to t)e &iste#s8 He $i$ not even offe# one to Bill8

It 'o(l$ )ave been of no (se% at t)is 1oint8

"#o& beyon$ t)e $oo#% ')e#e t)ey 'e#e cleanin6 t)e bo$y% clot)es an$ )ai#

of t)e $ee1ly )y1notie$ Ro$% Lavinia an$ a(nt Do#is (nconscio(sly #eve#te$ to t)e

ce#e&ony of t)e 2a#$en of Deat) an$ lifte$ t)ei# voices in a so#t of 1lainson6 c)ant4

O(t in t)e 2a#$en of Deat)% o(# yo(n6 Have taste$ t)e valiant taste of fea#8 Wit)

&(sc(la# a#& an$ #ec0less ton6(e%

T)ey )ave 'on% an$ lost% an$ esca1e$ (s )e#e8

T)e t)#ee &en listene$ fo# a fe' &o&ents% attentively8 "#o& t)e ot)e#

'as)#oo& t)e#e ca&e t)e so(n$s of t)e 'o#0'o&an Eleano#% 'as)in6 )e#self% alone

an$ (natten$e$% fo# a lon6 voya6e an$ a 1ossible $eat)8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y )eave$ a si6)% 5Have a $#in0% Bill8 Ho11e# b#o(6)t it on

)i&self85 Bill #ef(se$ to s1ea0 to t)e& b(t )e )el$ fo#t) )is 6lass8

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y fille$ t)at an$ t)e ot)e#s8 He t(#ne$ to Ko)n "is)e#-to-t)e-

)(n$#e$t) an$ sai$% 5Yo(?#e s)i11in6 )i&@5

5W)o@5 5T)e boy85

5I t)o(6)t so85

5Bette# not%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Yo( &ean>$an6e#@5

5T)at?s only )alf t)e 'o#$ fo# it%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Yo( can?t 1ossibly

1lan to offloa$ )i& at Ea#t)1o#t8 P(t )i& into a 6oo$ &e$ical station8 T)e#e?s an ol$

one% still 6oo$% on !a#s% if t)ey )aven?t close$ it $o'n8 I 0no' Ea#t)8 Half t)e 1eo1le

of Ea#t) 'ill be 'aitin6 to 6#eet )i& an$ t)e ot)e# )alf 'ill be 'aitin6 to #ob )i&85

5Yo( #e1#esent t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent% i# an$ Co&&issione#%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e#%

5t)at?s a #(& 'ay to tal0 abo(t yo(# o'n 1eo1le85

5T)ey a#e not t)at 'ay all t)e ti&e%5 la(6)e$ Re$la$y8 5K(st ')en t)ey?#e in

)eat8 e3 )asn?t a c)ance to co&1a#e 'it) &oney ')en it co&es to t)e )(&an #ace on

Ea#t)8 T)ey all t)in0 t)at t)ey 'ant 1o'e# an$ f#ee$o& an$ si3 ot)e# i&1ossible t)in6s8I?& not s1ea0in6 fo# t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent ')en I say t)is8 K(st fo# &yself85



5If 'e $on?t s)i1 )i&% ')o 'ill@5 $e&an$e$ "is)e#8 5T)e Inst#(&entality85

5T)e Inst#(&entality@ Yo( $on?t con$(ct co&&e#ce8 Ho' can yo(@5

5We $on?t con$(ct co&&e#ce% b(t 'e $o &eet e&e#6encies8 I can fla6 $o'n

a lon6-(&1 c#(ise# an$ )e?ll be t)e#e &ont)s befo#e anybo$y e31ects )i&85

5T)ose a#e 'a#s)i1s8 Yo( can?t (se one fo# 1assen6e#sF5 5Can?t I@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$Re$la$y% 'it) a s&ile8

5T)e Inst#(&entality 'o(l$@5 sai$ "is)e#% 'it) a 1(le$ s&ile8 5T)e cost

'o(l$ be t#e&en$o(s8 Ho' 'ill yo( 1ay fo# it@ It?$ be )a#$ to (stify85

5He 'ill 1ay fo# it8 1ecial $onation f#o& )i& fo# s1ecial se#vice8 One

&e6ac#e$it fo# t)e

t#i185

T)e financial sec#eta#y ')istle$8 5T)at?s a fea#f(l 1#ice fo# a sin6le t#i18

Yo(?$ 'ant AD

&oney an$ not s(#face &oney% I s(11ose@5 5No8 "OE &oney85

5Hot b(tte#e$ &oonbea&s% &anF T)at?s a t)o(san$ ti&es t)e &ost e31ensive

t#i1 t)at any 1e#son )as eve# )a$85

T)e bi6 $octo# )a$ been listenin6 to t)e t'o of t)e&8 5!iste# an$ O'ne#

"is)e#%5 )e sai$% 5I

#eco&&en$ it85

5Yo(@5 c#ie$ Ko)n "is)e# an6#ily8 5Yo(?#e a No#st#ilian an$ yo( 'ant to #ob t)is

1oo# boy@5

5Poo# boy@5 sno#te$ t)e $octo#8 5It?s not t)at8 T)e t#i1?s no 6oo$ if )e?s not alive8

O(# f#ien$ )e#e is e3t#ava6ant% b(t )is i$eas a#e so(n$8 I s(66est one a&en$&ent85

5W)at?s t)at@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y (ic0ly8

5One an$ a )alf &e6ac#e$its fo# t)e #o(n$ t#i1>if )e is 'ell an$ alive an$

'it) t)e sa&e 1e#sonality% a1a#t f#o& nat(#al ca(ses8 B(t note t)is8 One 0iloc#e$it only

if yo( $elive# )i& on Ea#t) $ea$85

Ko)n "is)e# #(bbe$ )is c)in8 His s(s1icio(s eyes loo0e$ $o'n at Re$la$y% ')o

)a$ ta0en a seat% an$ (1 at t)e $octo#% ')ose )ea$ 'as still b(&1in6 t)e ceilin68

A voice be)in$ )i& s1o0e4 5Ta0e it% !iste# "inancial ec#eta#y8 T)e boy 'on?t(se &oney if )e?s $ea$8 Yo( can?t fi6)t t)e Inst#(&entality% yo( can?t be #easonable 'it)

t)e Inst#(&entality% an$ yo( can?t b(y t)e Inst#(&entality8 Wit) ')at t)ey?ve been

ta0in6 off (s all t)ese t)o(san$s of yea#s% t)ey?ve 6ot &o#e st#oon t)an 'e $o8 Hi$$en

a'ay so&e')e#e8 Yo(% t)e#eF5 sai$ Bill #($ely to t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5$o yo( )ave any

i$ea ')at t)e Inst#(&entality is 'o#t)@5

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y c#ease$ )is b#o'8 5Neve# t)o(6)t of it8 I s(11ose it &(st )ave

a li&it8 B(t I

neve# t)o(6)t of it8 We $o )ave acco(ntants% t)o(6)85

5ee%5 sai$ Bill8 5Even t)e Inst#(&entality 'o(l$ )ate to lose &oney8 Ta0e t)e

$octo#?s bi$% Re$la$y8 Ta0e )i& (1 on it% "is)e#85 His (se of t)ei# s(#na&es 'as an

e3t#e&e incivility% b(t t)e t'o &en 'e#e convince$8



5I?ll $o it%5 sai$ Re$la$y8 5It?s a'f(lly close to '#itin6 ins(#ance% ')ic) 'e a#e

not c)a#te#e$ to $o8 I?ll '#ite it in as )is e&e#6ency cla(se85

5I?ll ta0e it%5 sai$ Ko)n "is)e#8 5It?s to be t)o(san$s of yea#s (ntil anot)e#

No#st#ilian financial sec#eta#y 1ays &oney fo# a tic0et li0e t)is% b(t it?s 'o#t) it>to )i&8

I?ll s(a#e it in )is acco(nts8 To o(# 1lanet85

5I?ll 'itness it%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8

5No% yo( 'on?t%5 sai$ Bill sava6ely8 5T)e boy )as one f#ien$ )e#e8 T)at?s &e8 Let

&e $o it5 T)ey sta#e$ at )i&% all t)#ee8

He sta#e$ bac08

He b#o0e8 5i#s an$ !iste#s% 1lease let &e be t)e 'itness85

T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y no$$e$ an$ o1ene$ t)e console8 He an$ Ko)n "is)e# s1o0e

t)e cont#act into it8 At t)e en$ Bill s)o(te$ )is f(ll na&e as 'itness8

T)e t'o 'o&en b#o(6)t Ro$ !cBan% &ot)e#-na0e$% into t)e #oo&8 He 'asi&&ac(lately clean an$ )e sta#e$ a)ea$ as t)o(6) )e 'e#e in an en$less $#ea&8

5T)at?s t)e o1e#atin6 #oo&%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5I?ll s1#ay (s all 'it)

antise1tic% if yo( $on?t &in$85

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5Yo( &(st85

5Yo(?#e 6oin6 to c(t )i& (1 an$ boil )i& $o'n>)e#e an$ no'@5 c#ie$ a(nt

Do#is8

5He#e an$ no'%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% 5if t)e $octo# a11#oves8 T)e soone#

)e 6oes t)e bette# c)ance )e )as of co&in6 t)#o(6) t)e ')ole t)in6 alive85

5I consent%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5I a11#ove85

He sta#te$ to ta0e Ro$ by t)e )an$% lea$in6 )i& to'a#$ t)e #oo& 'it) t)e lon6

coffin an$ t)e s&all bo38 At so&e si6n f#o& Re$la$y% t)e 'alls )a$ o1ene$ (1 to

s)o' a co&1lete s(#6ical t)eate#8

5Wait a &o&ent%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 5Ta0e yo(# collea6(e85

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8

T)e &on0ey )a$ (&1e$ o(t of )is bas0et ')en )e )ea#$ )is na&e &entione$8

To6et)e#% t)e 6iant an$ t)e &on0ey le$ Ron into t)e little 6lea&in6 #oo&8 T)eyclose$ t)e $oo# be)in$ t)e&8

T)e ones ')o 'e#e left be)in$ sat $o'n ne#vo(sly8

5!iste# an$ O'ne# Re$la$y%5 sai$ Bill% 5since I?& stayin6% co(l$ I )ave so&e

&o#e of t)at $#in0@5

5Of co(#se% i# an$ !iste#%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% not )avin6 any i$ea of ')at

Bill?s title &i6)t be8

T)e#e 'e#e no sc#ea&s f#o& Ro$% no t)($s% no 1#otest8 T)e#e 'as t)e cloyin6

s'eet )o##o# of (n0no'n &e$icines c#ee1in6 t)#o(6) t)e ai#vents8 T)e t'o 'o&en

sai$ not)in6 as t)e 6#o(1 of 1eo1le sat a#o(n$8 Eleano#% '#a11e$ in an eno#&o(sto'el% ca&e an$ sat 'it) t)e&8 In t)e secon$ )o(# of t)e o1e#ations on Ro$% Lavinia



be6an sobbin68 )e co(l$n?t )el1 it8

CHAPTER NINE4 T#a1s% "o#t(nes an$ Watc)e#s

We all 0no' t)at no co&&(nications syste&s a#e lea0-1#oof8 Even insi$e t)e

fa#-#eac)in6 co&&(nications 1atte#ns of t)e Inst#(&entality% t)e#e 'e#e soft s1ots%

#otten 1oints% 6a##(lo(s &en8 T)e !acA#t)(#-!cBan co&1(te#% s)elte#e$ in t)e Palaceof t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t% )a$ )a$ ti&e to 'o#0 o(t abst#act econo&ics an$ 'eat)e#

1atte#ns% b(t t)e co&1(te# )a$ not taste$ )(&an love o# )(&an 'ic0e$ness8 All t)e

&essa6es conce#nin6 Ro$?s s1ec(lation in t)e fo#'a#$ santacla#a c#o1 an$ st#oon e31o#t

)a$ been sent in t)e clea#8 It 'as no 'on$e# t)at on &any 'o#l$s% 1eo1le sa' Ro$ as a

c)ance% an o11o#t(nity% a victi&% a benefacto#% o# an ene&y8 "o# 'e all 0no' t)e ol$

1oe&4

L(c0 is )ot an$ 1eo1le f(nny% Eve#ybo$y?s fon$ of &oney8

Lose a c)ance an$ sell yo(# &ot)e#% Win t)e 1ot an$ b(y anot)e#8

Ot)e# 1eo1le fall an$ c#as)4 Yo( &ay 6et t)e ton of cas)F

It a11lie$ in t)is case too8 Peo1le #an )ot an$ col$ 'it) t)e ne's8 On Ea#t)% sa&e$ay% 'it)in Ea#t)1o#t Itself

Co&&issione# Tea$#in0e# ta11e$ )is teet) 'it) a 1encil8 "o(# &e6ac#e$its "OE

&oney al#ea$y an$ &o#e% &(c) &o#e to co&e8

Tea$#in0e# live$ in a feve# of 1e#1et(al )(&iliation8 He )a$ c)osen it8 It 'as

calle$ 5t)e )ono#able $is6#ace5 an$ it a11lie$ to e3-Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality ')o

c)ose lon6 life instea$ of se#vice an$ )ono#8 He 'as a t)o(san$&o#e#% &eanin6 t)at )e

)a$ t#a$e$ )is ca#ee#% )is #e1(tation% an$ )is a(t)o#ity fo# a lon6 life of one t)o(san$ o#

&o#e yea#s8 T)e Inst#(&entality )a$ lea#ne$% lon6 a6o% t)at t)e best 'ay to 1#otect its

&e&be#s f#o& te&1tation 'as to te&1t t)e& itself8 By offe#in6 5)ono#able $is6#ace5

an$ lo'% sec(#e obs 'it)in t)e Inst#(&entality to t)ose Lo#$s ')o &i6)t be te&1te$ to

t#a$e lon6 life fo# t)ei# sec#ets% it 0e1t its o'n 1otential $efecto#s8 Tea$#in0e# 'as one

of t)ese8

He sa' t)e ne's an$ )e 'as a s0ille$ 'ise &an8 He co(l$ not $o anyt)in6 to t)e

Inst#(&entality 'it) &oney% b(t &oney 'o#0e$ 'on$e#s on Ea#t)8 He co(l$ b(y a

&o$ic(& of )ono#8 Pe#)a1s )e co(l$ even )ave t)e #eco#$s falsifie$ an$ 6et &a##ie$

a6ain8 He fl(s)e$ sli6)tly% even afte# )(n$#e$s of yea#s% ')en )e #e&e&be#e$ )is fi#st

'ife blain6 at )i& ')en s)e sa' )is 1etition fo# lon6 life an$ )ono#able $is6#ace4 52o

a)ea$ an$ live% yo( fool8 Live an$ 'atc) &e $ie

'it)o(t yo(% insi$e t)e $ecent fo(# )(n$#e$ yea#s ')ic) eve#ybo$y )as% if t)ey

'o#0 fo# it an$ 'ant it8 Watc) yo(# c)il$#en $ie% 'atc) yo(# f#ien$s $ie% 'atc) all yo(# )obbies an$ i$eas 6et o(t of $ate8 2o alon6% yo( )o##ible little &an% an$ let &e $ie li0e a

)(&an bein6F5

A fe' &e6ac#e$its co(l$ )el1 t)at8

Tea$#in0e# 'as in c)a#6e of inco&in6 visito#s8 His (n$e#&an% t)e cattle-$e#ive$

B?$an0% 'as c(sto$ian of t)e scaven6e# s1i$e#s>)alf-ta&e one-ton insects ')ic) stoo$

by fo# e&e#6ency 'o#0 if t)e se#vices of t)e to'e# faile$8 He 'o(l$n?t nee$ to )ave t)is

No#st#ilian &e#c)ant ve#y lon6> (st lon6 eno(6) fo# a #eco#$e$ o#$e# an$ a s)o#t

&(#$e#8

Pe#)a1s not8 If t)e Inst#(&entality ca(6)t )i&% it 'o(l$ be $#ea&-1(nis)&ents%t)in6s 'o#se t)an )ayol itself8



Pe#)a1s yes8 If )e s(ccee$e$% )e 'o(l$ esca1e a nea# i&&o#tality of bo#e$o&

an$ co(l$ )ave a fe' $eca$es of (icy f(n instea$8

He ta11e$ )is teet) a6ain8

5Do not)in6% Tea$#in0e#%5 )e sai$ to )i&self% 5b(t t)in0% t)in0% t)in08 T)ose

s1i$e#s loo0 as t)o(6) t)ey &i6)t )ave 1ossibilities85

On ;iola i$e#ea% at t)e Co(ncil of t)e 2(il$ of T)ieves

5P(t t'o conve#te$ 1olice c#(ise#s in o#bit a#o(n$ t)e s(n8 !a#0 t)e& fo#

c)a#te# o# sale% so t)at 'e 'on?t #(n into t)e 1olice8

5P(t an a6ent into eve#y line# ')ic) is Ea#t)bo(n$ 'it)in t)e ti&e state$8

5Re&e&be#% 'e $on?t 'ant t)e &an8 K(st )is l(66a6e8 He?s s(#e to be ca##yin6 a

)alf-ton o# so of st#oon8 Wit) t)at 0in$ of fo#t(ne% )e co(l$ 1ay off all t)e $ebts 'e

6at)e#e$ 'it) t)at Boa#t b(siness8 "(nny 'e neve# )ea#$ f#o& Boa#t8 Not)in68

5P(t t)#ee senio# t)ieves in Ea#t)1o#t itself8 !a0e s(#e t)at t)ey )ave fa0est#oon% $il(te$ $o'n to abo(t one-t)o(san$t)% so t)at t)ey can 'o#0 t)e l(66a6e s'itc)

if t)ey )ave t)e c)ance+

5I 0no' all t)is costs &oney% b(t yo( )ave to s1en$ &oney to 6et it8 A6#ee$%

6entle&en of t)e la#cenical a#ts@5

T)e#e 'as a c)o#(s of a6#ee&ent a#o(n$ t)e table% e3ce1t fo# one ol$% 'ise t)ief

')o sai$% 5Yo( 0no' &y vie's85

5Yes%5 sai$ t)e c)ai#&an% 'it) toneless 1olite )at#e$% 5'e 0no' yo(# vie's8

Rob co#1ses8 Clean o(t '#ec0s8 Beco&e )(&an )yenas instea$ of )(&an 'olves85

Wit) (ne31ecte$ )(&o# t)e ol$ &an sai$% 5C#($ely 1(t b(t co##ect>an$ safe#855Do 'e nee$ to vote@5 sai$ t)e c)ai#&an% loo0in6 a#o(n$ t)e table8

T)e#e 'as a c)o#(s of noes8

5Ca##ie$% t)en%5 sai$ t)e 1#esi$in6 c)ief8 5Hit )a#$% an$ )it fo# t)e s&all

ta#6et% not t)e bi6

one85

Ten 0ilo&ete#s belo' t)e s(#face of t)e Ea#t)

5He is co&in6% fat)e#F He is co&in685

5W)o is co&in6@5 sai$ t)e voice% li0e a 6#eat $#(& #eso(n$in68

E?la&elanie sai$ it as t)o(6) it 'e#e a 1#aye#4 5T)e blesse$ one% t)e

a11ointe$ one% t)e

6(a#anto# of o(# 1eo1le% t)e ne' &essen6e# on ')o& t)e #obot% #at an$ Co1t

a6#ee$8 Wit) &oney )e is co&in6% to )el1 (s% to save (s% to o1en to (s t)e li6)t of $ay

an$ t)e va(lts of )eaven85

5Yo( a#e blas1)e&o(s%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8

T)e 6i#l fell into a )(s)8 )e not only #es1ecte$ )e# fat)e#8 )e 'o#s)i1e$ )i& as)e# 1e#sonal #eli6io(s lea$e#8 His 6#eat eyes blae$ as t)o(6) t)ey co(l$ see t)#o(6)



t)o(san$s of &ete#s of $i#t an$ #oc0 an$ still see beyon$ into t)e $ee1 of s1ace8 Pe#)a1s

)e co(l$ see t)at fa#+ Even )is o'n 1eo1le 'e#e neve# s(#e of t)e li&its of )is 1o'e#8

His ')ite face an$ ')ite feat)e#s 6ave )is 1enet#atin6 eyes a &i#ac(lo(sly 1ie#cin6

ca1acity8

Cal&ly% #at)e# 0in$lily% )e a$$e$% 5!y $a#lin6% yo( a#e '#on68 We si&1ly $o

not 0no' ')o t)is &an !cBan #eally is85

5Co(l$n?t it be '#itten@5 s)e 1lea$e$8 5Co(l$n?t it be 1#o&ise$@ T)at?s t)e

$i#ection of 1ace f#o& ')ic) t)e #obot% t)e #at an$ t)e Co1t sent bac0 o(# ve#y s1ecial

&essa6e% ?"#o& t)e (tte#&ost $ee1s one s)all co&e% b#in6in6 (nco(ntable t#eas(#e an$

a s(#e $elive#y8? o it &i6)t be no'F !i6)tn?t it@5

5!y $ea#%5 )e #es1on$e$% 5yo( still )ave a c#($e i$ea of #eal t#eas(#e if yo(

t)in0 it is &eas(#e$ in &e6ac#e$its8 2o #ea$ T)e c#a1 of t)e Boo0% t)en t)in0% an$

t)en tell &e ')at yo( )ave t)o(6)t8 B(t &ean')ile>no &o#e c)atte#8 We &(st not

e3cite o(# 1oo# o11#esse$ 1eo1le85

T)e te&1o#a#y Co(ncil of t)e Co&&on'ealt) of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia

5All t)e #iff#aff of all t)e 'o#l$s8 T)ey?#e all 6oin6 to &a0e a #(n fo# t)at silly

boy of o(#s85 5Ri6)t85

5If )e stays )e#e% t)ey?ll co&e )e#e85 5Ri6)t85

5Let?s let )i& 6o to Ea#t)8 I )ave a feelin6 t)at little #ascal Re$la$y 'ill

s&(66le )i& o(t toni6)t an$ save (s t)e t#o(ble85

5Ri6)t85

5Afte# a ')ile it 'ill be all #i6)t fo# )i& to co&e bac08 He 'on?t s1oil o(#

)e#e$ita#y $efense of loo0in6 st(1i$8 I?& af#ai$ )e?s b#i6)t b(t by Ea#t) stan$a#$s )e?s

(st a yo0el85

5Ri6)t85

5)o(l$ 'e sen$ alon6 t'enty o# t)i#ty &o#e Ro$ !cBans an$ 6et t)e attac0e#s

#eally lo(se$

(1@5

5No85

5W)y not% i# an$ O'ne#@5

5Beca(se it 'o(l$ loo0 cleve#8 We #ely on neve# loo0in6 cleve#8 I )ave t)e ne3t best ans'e#85 5W)at?s t)at@5

5(66est to all t)e #eally #(& 'o#l$s 'e 0no' t)at a 6oo$ i&1e#sonato# co(l$

1(t )is )an$s

on t)e !cBan &oney8 !a0e t)e s(66estion so t)at t)ey 'o(l$ not 0no' t)at 'e

)a$ o#i6inate$ it8 T)e sta#lanes 'ill be f(ll of Ro$ !cBans% co&1lete 'it) 1)ony

No#st#ilian accents% fo# t)e ne3t co(1le of )(n$#e$ yea#s8 An$ no one 'ill s(s1ect t)at

'e 'ill set t)e& (1 to it8 t(1i$?s t)e 'o#$% &ate% st(1i$8 If t)ey eve# t)in0 'e?#e

cleve#% 'e?#e in fo# itF5 T)e s1ea0e# si6)e$4 5Ho' $o t)e bloo$y fools s(11ose o(#

fo#efat)e#s 6ot off Pa#a$ise ;II if t)ey 'e#en?t cleve#@ Ho' can t)ey t)in0 'e?$ )ol$

t)is s)a#1 little &ono1oly fo# t)o(san$s of yea#s@ T)ey?#e st(1i$ not to t)in0 abo(t it%

b(t let?s not &a0e t)e& t)in08 Ri6)t@5



5Ri6)t85

CHAPTER TEN4 T)e Nea#by E3ile

Ro$ a'o0e 'it) a st#an6e feelin6 of 'ell-bein68 In a co#ne# of )is &in$ t)e#e

'e#e &e&o#ies of 1an$e&oni(&>0nives% bloo$% &e$icine% a &on0ey 'o#0in6 ass(#6eon8 R(& $#ea&sF He 6lance$ a#o(n$ an$ i&&e$iately t#ie$ to (&1 o(t of be$8

T)e ')ole 'o#l$ 'as on fi#eF

B#i6)t blain6 intole#able fi#e% li0e a blo'to#c)8

B(t t)e be$ )el$ )i&8 He #ealie$ t)at a loose co&fo#table ac0et en$e$ in ta1es

an$ t)at t)e ta1es 'e#e anc)o#e$ in so&e 'ay to t)e be$8

5Eleano#F5 )e s)o(te$% 5Co&e )e#e85

He #e&e&be#e$ t)e &a$ bi#$ attac0in6 )i&% Lavinia t#ans1o#tin6 )i& to t)e

cabin of t)e s)a#1 Ea#t)&an% Lo#$ Re$la$y8 He #e&e&be#e$ &e$icines an$ f(ss8 B(tt)is> ')at 'as t)is@

W)en t)e $oo# o1ene$% &o#e of t)e intole#able li6)t 1o(#e$ in8 It 'as as t)o(6)

eve#y clo($ )a$ been st#i11e$ f#o& t)e s0y of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% leavin6 only t)e

blain6 )eavens an$ t)e fie#y s(n8 T)e#e 'e#e 1eo1le ')o )a$ seen t)at )a11en% ')en

t)e 'eat)e# &ac)ines occasionally b#o0e $o'n an$ let a )(##icane c(t a )ole in t)e

clo($s% b(t it )a$ ce#tainly not )a11ene$ in )is ti&e% o# in )is 6#an$fat)e#?s ti&e8

T)e &an ')o ente#e$ 'as 1leasant% b(t )e 'as no No#st#ilian8 His s)o(l$e#s

'e#e sli6)t% )e $i$ not loo0 as t)o(6) )e co(l$ lift a co'% an$ )is face )a$ been 'as)e$

so lon6 an$ so stea$ily t)at it loo0e$ li0e a baby?s face8 He )a$ an o$$ &e$ical-loo0in6

s(it on% all ')ite% an$ )is face co&bine$ t)e s&ile an$ t)e #ea$y 1#ofessional sy&1at)yof a 6oo$ 1)ysician8

5We?#e feelin6 bette#% I see%5 sai$ )e8

5W)e#e on ea#t) a& I@5 as0e$ Ro$8 5In a satellite8 It feels o$$85 5Yo(?#e not on

Ea#t)% &an85

5I 0no' I?& not8 I?ve neve# been t)e#e8 W)e#e?s t)is 1lace@5

5!a#s8 T)e Ol$ ta# tation8 I?& Keanac(es ;o&act85 Ro$ &(&ble$ t)e na&e

so ba$ly t)at t)e ot)e# &an )a$ to s1ell it o(t fo# )i&8 W)en t)at 'as st#ai6)tene$ o(t%

Ro$ ca&e bac0 to t)e s(bect8

5W)e#e?s !a#s@ Can yo( (ntie &e@ W)en?s t)at li6)t 6oin6 to 6o off@5

5I?ll (ntie yo( #i6)t no'%5 sai$ Docto# ;o&act% 5b(t stay in be$ an$ ta0e it easy

(ntil 'e?ve 6iven yo( so&e foo$ an$ ta0en so&e tests8 T)e li6)t>t)at?s s(ns)ine8 I?$

say it?s abo(t seven )o(#s% local ti&e% befo#e it 6oes off8 T)is is late &o#nin68 Don?t yo(

0no' ')at !a#s is@ It?s a 1lanet85

5Ne' !a#s% yo( &ean%5 sai$ Ro$ 1#o($ly% 5t)e one 'it) t)e eno#&o(s s)o1s

an$ t)e oolo6ical 6a#$ens85

5T)e only s)o1s 'e )ave )e#e a#e t)e cafete#ia an$ t)e P=8 Ne' !a#s@ I?ve

)ea#$ of t)at 1lace so&e')e#e8 It $oes )ave bi6 s)o1s an$ so&e 0in$ of an ani&al

s)o'8 Ele1)ants yo( can )ol$ in yo(# )an$8 T)ey?ve 6ot t)ose too8 T)is isn?t t)at 1laceat all8 Wait a sec% I?ll #oll yo(# be$ to t)e 'in$o'85



Ro$ loo0e$ ea6e#ly o(t of t)e 'in$o'8 It 'as f#i6)tenin68 A na0e$% $a#0 s0y $i$

not )ave a clo($ in si6)t8 A fe' )oles s)o'e$ in it )e#e an$ t)e#e8 T)ey al&ost loo0e$

li0e t)e 5sta#s5 ')ic) 1eo1le sa' ')en t)ey 'e#e in s1aces)i1 t#ansit f#o& one

clo($y 1lanet to anot)e#8 Do&inatin6 eve#yt)in6 'as a sin6le e31losive )o##ible li6)t%

')ic) )(n6 )i6) an$ stea$y in t)e s0y 'it)o(t eve# 6oin6 off8 He fo(n$ )i&self

c#in6in6 fo# t)e e31losion% b(t )e co(l$ tell% f#o& t)e 1ost(#e of t)e $octo# ne3t to )i&%t)at t)e $octo# 'as not in t)e least af#ai$ of t)at c)#onic )y$#o6en bo&b% ')ateve# it

&i6)t t(#n o(t to be8

*ee1in6 )is voice level an$ t#yin6 not to so(n$ li0e a boy )e sai$% 5W)at?s t)at@5

5T)e s(n85

5Don?t coo0 &y boo0% &ate8 2ive &e t)e st#ai6)t t#(t)8 Eve#ybo$y calls )is sta#

a s(n8 W)at?s t)is one@5

5T)e s(n8 T)e o#i6inal s(n8 T)e s(n of Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8

K(st as t)is is 1lain !a#s8 Not even Ol$ !a#s8 Ce#tainly not Ne' !a#s8 T)isEa#t)?s nei6)bo#85

5T)at t)in6 neve# 6oes off% 6oes (1>boo&F>o# 6oes $o'n@5

5T)e s(n% yo( &ean@5 sai$ $octo# ;o&act8 5No% I s)o(l$ t)in0 not8 I s(11ose it

loo0e$ t)at 'ay to yo(# ancesto#s an$ &ine )alf a &illion yea#s a6o% ')en 'e 'e#e

all #(nnin6 a#o(n$ na0e$ on Ea#t)85 T)e $octo# b(sie$ )i&self as )e tal0e$8 He

c)o11e$ t)e ai# 'it) a st#an6e-loo0in6 little 0ey% an$ t)e ta1es fell loose8 T)e &ittens

$#o11e$ off Ro$?s )an$s8 Ro$ loo0e$ at )is o'n )an$s in t)e intense li6)t an$ sa' t)at

t)ey see&e$ st#an6e8 T)ey loo0e$ s&oot) an$ na0e$ an$ clean% li0e t)e $octo#?s o'n

)an$s8 Wei#$ &e&o#ies be6an to co&e bac0 to )i&% b(t )is )an$ica1 abo(t

s1ie0in6 an$ )ie#in6 tele1at)ically )a$ &a$e )i& ca(tio(s an$ sensitive% so )e $i$ not

6ive )i&self a'ay8

5If t)is is Ol$ !a#s% ')at a#e yo( $oin6% tal0in6 t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian

lan6(a6e to &e@ I t)o(6)t &y 1eo1le 'e#e t)e only ones in t)e (nive#se ')o still s1o0e

Ancient In6lis)85 He s)ifte$ 1#o($ly b(t cl(&sily ove# to t)e Ol$ Co&&on Ton6(e4

5Yo( see% t)e A11ointe$ Ones of &y fa&ily ta(6)t &e t)is lan6(a6e as 'ell8 I?ve neve#

been off'o#l$ befo#e85

5I s1ea0 yo(# lan6(a6e%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% 5beca(se I lea#ne$ it8 I lea#ne$ it

beca(se yo( 1ai$ &e% ve#y 6ene#o(sly% to lea#n it8 In t)e &ont)s t)at 'e )ave been

#easse&blin6 yo(% it?s co&e in )an$y8 We (st let $o'n t)e 1o#tal of &e&o#y an$i$entity to$ay% b(t I?ve tal0e$ to yo( fo# )(n$#e$s of )o(#s al#ea$y85

Ro$ t#ie$ to s1ea08

He co(l$ not (tte# a 'o#$8 His t)#oat 'as $#y an$ )e 'as af#ai$ t)at )e &i6)t

t)#o' (1 )is foo$>if )e )a$ eaten any8

T)e $octo# 1(t a f#ien$ly )an$ on )is a#&8 5Easy% !iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan%

easy no'8 We all $o t)at ')en 'e co&e o(t85

Ro$ c#oa0e$% 5I?ve been $ea$@ Dea$8 !e@5

5Not e3actly $ea$%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% 5b(t close to it85 5T)e bo3>t)at little bo3F5

c#ie$ Ro$8

5W)at little bo3@5



5Please% Docto#>t)e one I ca&e in@5

5T)at bo3 'asn?t so little%5 sai$ Docto# ;o&act8 He s(a#e$ )is )an$s in t)e ai#

an$ &a$e a s)a1e abo(t t)e sie of t)e little la$ies? bonnet-bo3 ')ic) Ro$ )a$ seen

in t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y?s 1#ivate o1e#atin6 #oo&8 5It 'as t)is bi68 Yo(# )ea$ 'as f(ll

nat(#al sie8 T)at?s ')y it?s been so easy an$ so s(ccessf(l to b#in6 yo( bac0 tono#&ality in s(c) a )(##y85

5An$ Eleano#@5

5Yo(# co&1anion@ )e &a$e it% too8 Nobo$y inte#ce1te$ t)e s)i185

5Yo( &ean t)e #est is t#(e% too8 I?& still t)e #ic)est &an in t)e (nive#se@ An$ I?&

6one% 6one f#o& )o&e@5 Ro$ 'o(l$ )ave li0e$ to beat t)e be$s1#ea$% b(t $i$ not8

5I a& 6la$%5 sai$ Docto# ;o&act% 5to see yo( e31#ess so &(c) feelin6 abo(t

yo(# sit(ation8 Yo( s)o'e$ a 6#eat $eal ')en yo( 'e#e (n$e# t)e se$atives an$

)y1notics% b(t I 'as be6innin6 to 'on$e# )o' 'e co(l$ )el1 yo( #ealie yo(# t#(e

1osition ')en yo( ca&e bac0% as yo( )ave% to

no#&al life8 "o#6ive &e fo# tal0in6 t)is 'ay8 I so(n$ li0e a &e$ical o(#nal8 It?s

)a#$ to be f#ien$s 'it) a 1atient% even ')en one #eally li0es )i&+5

;o&act 'as a s&all &an% a f(ll )ea$ s)o#te# t)an Ro$ )i&self% b(t so 6#acef(lly

1#o1o#tione$ t)at )e $i$ not loo0 st(nte$ o# little8 His face 'as t)in% 'it) a &o1 of

(n6ove#nable blac0 )ai# ')ic) fell in all $i#ections8 A&on6 No#st#ilians% t)is fas)ion

'o(l$ )ave been $ee&e$ eccent#ic to ($6e by t)e fact t)at ot)e# Ea#t)&en let t)ei#

)ai# 6#o' 'il$ an$ lon6% it &(st )ave been an Ea#t) fas)ion8 Ro$ fo(n$ it foolis) b(t

not #e1(lsive8

It 'as not ;o&act?s a11ea#ance ')ic) ca(se$ t)e i&1#ession8 It 'as t)e

1e#sonality ')ic) tin6le$ o(t of eve#y 1o#e8 ;o&act co(l$ beco&e cal& ')en )e

0ne'% f#o& )is &e$ical 'is$o&% t)at 0in$ness an$ t#an(ility 'e#e in o#$e#% b(t t)ese

(alities 'e#e not (s(al to )i&8 He 'as vivacio(s% &oo$y% lively% tal0ative to an

e3t#e&e% b(t )e 'as sensitive eno(6) to t)e 1e#son to ')o& )e 'as tal0in64 )e neve#

beca&e a bo#e8 Even a&on6 No#st#ilian 'o&en% Ro$ )a$ neve# seen a 1e#son ')o

e31#esse$ so &(c) so fl(ently8 W)en ;o&act tal0e$% )is )an$s 'e#e in constant &otion

>o(tlinin6% $esc#ibin6% cla#ifyin6 t)e 1oints ')ic) )e $esc#ibe$8 W)en )e tal0e$ )e

s&ile$% sco'le$% #aise$ )is eyeb#o's in (estionin6% sta#e$ 'it) a&ae&ent% loo0e$

asi$e in 'on$e#8 Ro$ 'as (se$ to t)e si6)t of t'o No#st#ilians )avin6 a lon6 tele1at)ic

conve#sation% s1ie0in6 an$ )ie#in6 one anot)e# as t)ei# bo$ies #e1ose$% co&fo#tablean$ i&&obile% ')ile t)ei# &in$s 'o#0e$ $i#ectly on one anot)e#8 To $o all t)is 'it)

t)e s1ea0in6 voice>t)at% to a No#st#ilian% 'as a &a#vel to )ea# an$ be)ol$8 T)e#e 'as

so&et)in6 6#acef(l an$ 1leasant abo(t t)e ani&ation of t)is Ea#t) $octo# ')ic) stoo$

in co&1lete cont#ast to t)e (ic0 $an6e#o(s $ecisiveness of t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 Ro$

be6an to t)in0 t)at if Ea#t) 'e#e f(ll of 1eo1le% all of t)e& li0e ;o&act% it &(st be a

$eli6)tf(l b(t conf(sin6 1lace8 ;o&act once )inte$ t)at )is fa&ily 'as (n(s(al% so t)at

even in t)e lon6 'ea#y yea#s of 1e#fection% ')en eve#yone else )a$ n(&be#s% t)ey 0e1t

t)ei# fa&ily na&e sec#et b(t #e&e&be#e$8

One afte#noon ;o&act s(66este$ t)at t)ey 'al0 ac#oss t)e !a#tian 1lain a fe'

0ilo&ete#s to t)e #(ins of t)e fi#st )(&an settle&ent on !a#s8 5We )ave to tal0%5 sai$ )e%

5b(t it is easy eno(6) to tal0 t)#o(6) t)ese soft )el&ets8 T)e e3e#cise 'ill $o yo( 6oo$8

Yo(?#e yo(n6 an$ yo( 'ill ta0e a lot of con$itionin685



Ro$ a6#ee$8

"#ien$s t)ey beca&e in t)e ens(in6 $ays8

Ro$ fo(n$ t)at t)e $octo# 'as by no &eans as yo(n6 as )e loo0e$% (st ten yea#s

o# so ol$e# t)an )i&self8 T)e $octo# 'as a )(n$#e$ an$ ten yea#s ol$% an$ )a$ 6one

t)#o(6) )is fi#st #e(venation (st ten yea#s befo#e8 He )a$ t'o &o#e an$ t)en $eat)%

at t)e a6e of fo(# )(n$#e$% if t)e 1#esent sc)e$(le 'e#e 0e1t fo# !a#s8

5Yo( &ay t)in0% !iste# !cBan% t)at yo( a#e an (1set% 'il$ ty1e yo(#self8 I can

1#o&ise yo(% yo(n6 b(c0o% t)at Ol$ Ea#t) is s(c) a )a11y &ess t)ese $ays t)at

t)ey 'ill neve# notice yo(8 Haven?t yo( )ea#$ abo(t t)e Re$iscove#y of !an@5

Ro$ )esitate$8 He )a$ 1ai$ no attention to t)e ne's )i&self% b(t )e $i$ not 'ant

to $isc#e$it )is )o&e 1lanet by &a0in6 it see& &o#e i6no#ant t)an it #eally 'as8

5o&et)in6 abo(t lan6(a6e% 'asn?t it@ An$ len6t) of life% too@ I neve# 1ai$ &(c)

attention to off1lanet ne's% (nless it 'as tec)nical inventions o# bi6 battles8 I t)in0

so&e 1eo1le in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia )ave a 0een inte#est in Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8 W)at 'asit% any)o'@5

5T)e Inst#(&entality finally too0 on a bi6 1lan8 Ea#t) )a$ no $an6e#s% no )o1es%

no #e'a#$s% no f(t(#e e3ce1t en$lessness8 Eve#ybo$y stoo$ a t)o(san$-to-one c)ance of

livin6 t)e fo(# )(n$#e$ yea#s ')ic) 'as allotte$ fo# 1e#sons ')o ea#ne$ t)e f(ll 1e#io$

by 0ee1in6 b(sy>5

5W)y $i$n?t eve#ybo$y $o it@5 inte##(1te$ Ro$8 5T)e Inst#(&entality too0 ca#e

of t)e s)o#ties in a ve#y fai# 'ay8 It offe#e$ t)e& 'on$e#f(lly $elicio(s an$ e3citin6

vices ')en t)ey 6ot to be abo(t seventy8 T)in6s t)at co&bine$ elect#onics% $#(6s an$

se3 in t)e s(bective &in$8 Anybo$y

')o $i$n?t )ave a lot of 'o#0 to $o en$e$ (1 6ettin6 ?t)e blissf(ls? an$

event(ally $ie$ of s)ee# f(n8 W)o 'ants to ta0e ti&e fo# &e#e )(n$#e$-yea#s? #ene'als

')en t)ey can )ave five o# si3 t)o(san$ yea#s of o#6ies an$ a$vent(#es eve#y sin6le

ni6)t@5

5o(n$s )o##ible to &e%5 sai$ Ro$8 5We )ave o(# 2i66le Roo&s% b(t 1eo1le $ie

in t)e& #i6)t a'ay8 T)ey $on?t &ess a#o(n$% $yin6 a&on6 t)ei# nei6)bo#s8 T)in0 of

t)e a'f(l inte#action yo( &(st 6et 'it) t)e no#&als85

Docto# ;o&act?s face clo($e$ ove# 'it) an6e# an$ 6#ief8 He t(#ne$ a'ay an$

loo0e$ ove# t)e en$less !a#tian 1lains8 Dea# bl(e Ea#t) )(n6 f#ien$lily in t)e s0y8 He

loo0e$ (1 at t)e sta# of Ea#t) as t)o(6) )e )ate$ it an$ )e sai$ to Ro$% )is face stillt(#ne$ a'ay4

5Yo( &ay )ave a 1oint t)e#e% !iste# !cBan8 !y &ot)e# 'as a s)o#tie an$ afte#

s)e 6ave (1% &y fat)e# 'ent too8 An$ I?& a no#&al8 I $on?t s(11ose I?ll 6et ove# ')at it

$i$ to &e8 T)ey 'e#en?t &y #eal 1a#ents% of co(#se>t)e#e 'as not)in6 t)at $i#ty in

&y fa&ily>b(t t)ey 'e#e &y final a$o1te#s8 I?ve al'ays t)o(6)t t)at yo( Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alians 'e#e c#ay% #ic) ba#ba#ians fo# 0illin6 off yo(# teena6e#s if t)ey $i$n?t (&1

eno(6) o# so&et)in6 c#($e li0e t)at% b(t I?ll a$&it t)at yo(?#e clean ba#ba#ians8 Yo(

$on?t &a0e yo(#selves live 'it) t)e s'eet sic0 stin0 of $eat) insi$e yo(# o'n

a1a#t&ents+5

5W)at?s an a1a#t&ent@5 5W)at 'e live in85

5Yo( &ean a )o(se%5 sai$ Ro$8



5No% an a1a#t&ent is a 1a#t of a )o(se8 T'o )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ of t)e&

so&eti&es &a0e (1 one bi6 )o(se85

5Yo( &ean%5 sai$ Ro$% 5t)e#e a#e t'o )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ fa&ilies all in one

eno#&o(s livin6 #oo&@ T)e #oo& &(st be 0ilo&ete#s lon6F5

5No% no% noF5 sai$ t)e $octo#% la(6)in6 a little8 5Eac) a1a#t&ent )as a se1a#ate

livin6 #oo& 'it) slee1 sections t)at co&e o(t of t)e 'alls% an eatin6 section% a

'as)#oo& fo# yo(#self an$ yo(# visito#s t)at &i6)t co&e to )ave a bat) 'it) yo(% a

6a#$en #oo&% a st($y #oo&% an$ a 1e#sonality #oo&85

5W)at?s a 1e#sonality #oo&@5

5T)at%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% 5is a little #oo& ')e#e 'e $o t)in6s t)at 'e $on?t 'ant

o(# o'n fa&ilies to 'atc)85

5We call t)at a bat)#oo&%5 sai$ Ro$8

T)e $octo# sto11e$ in t)ei# 'al08 5T)at?s ')at &a0es it so )a#$ to e31lain toyo( ')at Ea#t) is $oin68 Yo(?#e fossils% t)at?s ')at yo( a#e8 Yo(?ve )a$ t)e ol$

lan6(a6e of In6lis)% yo( 0ee1 yo(# fa&ily syste& an$ yo(# na&es% yo(?ve )a$ (nli&ite$

life>5

5Not (nli&ite$%5 sai$ Ro$% 5(st lon68 We )ave to 'o#0 fo# it an$ 1ay fo# it 'it)

tests85

T)e $octo# loo0e$ so##y8 5I $i$n?t &ean to c#iticie yo(8 Yo(?#e $iffe#ent8 ;e#y

$iffe#ent f#o& ')at Ea#t) )as been8 Yo( 'o(l$ )ave fo(n$ Ea#t) in)(&an8 T)ose

a1a#t&ents 'e 'e#e tal0in6 abo(t% fo# e3a&1le8 T'o-t)i#$s of t)e& e&1ty8

Un$e#1eo1le &ovin6 into t)e base&ents8 Reco#$s lost obs fo#6otten8 If 'e $i$n?t

&a0e s(c) 6oo$ #obots% eve#yt)in6 'o(l$ )ave fallen to 1ieces at t)e sa&e ti&e85 Heloo0e$ at Ro$?s face8 5I can see yo( $on?t (n$e#stan$ &e8 Let?s ta0e a 1#actical case8

Can yo( i&a6ine 0illin6 &e@5

5No%5 sai$ Ro$% 5I li0e yo(85

5I $on?t &ean t)at8 Not t)e #eal (s8 (11ose yo( $i$n?t 0no' ')o I 'as an$ yo(

fo(n$ &e int#($in6 on yo(# s)ee1 o# stealin6 yo(# st#oon85

it85

5Yo( co(l$n?t steal &y st#oon8 !y 6ove#n&ent 1#ocesses it fo# &e an$ yo(

co(l$n?t 6et nea#

5All #i6)t% all #i6)t% not st#oon8 K(st s(11ose I ca&e f#o& off yo(# 1lanet

'it)o(t a 1e#&it8

Ho' 'o(l$ yo( 0ill &e@5

5I 'o(l$n?t 0ill yo(8 I?$ #e1o#t it to t)e 1olice85 5(11ose I $#e' a 'ea1on on

yo(@5

5T)en%5 sai$ Ro$% 5yo(?$ 6et yo(# nec0 b#o0en8 O# a 0nife in yo(# )ea#t8 O# a

&inibo&b so&e')e#e nea# yo(85

5T)e#eF5 sai$ t)e $octo#% 'it) a b#oa$ 6#in8 5T)e#e ')at@5 sai$ Ro$8



5Yo( 0no' )o' to 0ill 1eo1le% s)o(l$ t)e nee$ a#ise85

5All citiens 0no' )o'%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t t)at $oesn?t &ean t)ey $o it8 We?#e not

b(s)')ac0in6 eac) ot)e# all t)e ti&e% t)e 'ay I )ea#$ so&e Ea#t)1eo1le t)o(6)t 'e

$i$85

5P#ecisely%5 sai$ ;o&act8 5An$ t)at?s ')at t)e Inst#(&entality is t#yin6 to $o fo# all &an0in$ to$ay8 To &a0e life $an6e#o(s eno(6) an$ inte#estin6 eno(6) to be #eal

a6ain8 We )ave $iseases% $an6e#s% fi6)ts% c)ances8 It?s been 'on$e#f(l85

Ro$ loo0e$ bac0 at t)e 6#o(1 of s)e$s t)ey )a$ left8 5I $on?t see any si6ns of it

)e#e on !a#s85 5T)is is a &ilita#y establis)&ent8 It?s been left o(t of t)e Re$iscove#y of

!an (ntil t)e effects

)ave been st($ie$ bette#8 We?#e still livin6 1e#fect lives of fo(# )(n$#e$ yea#s

)e#e on !a#s8 No $an6e#% no c)an6e% no #is085

5Ho' $o yo( )ave a na&e% t)en@5

5!y fat)e# 6ave it to &e8 He 'as an official He#o of t)e "#ontie# Wo#l$s ')o

ca&e )o&e an$ $ie$ a s)o#tie8 T)e Inst#(&entality let 1eo1le li0e t)at )ave na&es befo#e t)ey 6ave t)e 1#ivile6e to eve#ybo$y85

5W)at a#e yo( $oin6 )e#e@5

5Wo#0in685 T)e $octo# sta#te$ to #es(&e t)ei# 'al08 Ro$ $i$ not feel &(c) a'e

of )i&8 He 'as s(c) a s)a&elessly tal0ative 1e#son% t)e 'ay &ost Ea#t)&en see&e$ to

be% t)at it 'as )a#$ not to be at ease 'it) )i&8 Ro$ too0 ;o&act?s a#&% 6ently8 5T)e#e?s

&o#e to it>5

5Yo( 0no' it%5 sai$ ;o&act8 5Yo( )ave 6oo$ 1e#ce1tions8 )o(l$ I tell yo(@5

5W)y not@5 sai$ Ro$8

5Yo(?#e &y 1atient8 It &i6)t not be fai# to yo(85

52o a)ea$%5 sai$ Ro$% 5yo( o(6)t to 0no' I?& to(6)85 5I?& a c#i&inal%5 sai$ t)e

$octo#8

5B(t yo(?#e alive%5 sai$ Ro$8 5In &y 'o#l$ 'e 0ill c#i&inals o# 'e sen$ t)e&

off1lanet85

5I?& off1lanet%5 sai$ ;o&act8 5T)is isn?t &y 'o#l$8 "o# &ost of (s )e#e on

!a#s% t)is is a 1#ison% not a )o&e85

5W)at $i$ yo( $o@5

5It?s too a'f(l+5 sai$ t)e Docto#8 5I?& as)a&e$ of it &yself8 T)ey )ave

sentence$ &e to con$itional con$itional85

Ro$ loo0e$ at )i& (ic0ly8 !o&enta#ily )e 'on$e#e$ ')et)e# )e &i6)t be

t)e victi& of so&e o(t#a6eo(s $ea$1an o0e8 T)e $octo# 'as se#io(s )is face e31#esse$

be'il$e#&ent an$ 6#ief8

5I #evolte$%5 sai$ t)e $octo#% 5'it)o(t 0no'in6 it8 Peo1le can say anyt)in6

t)ey 'ant on ea#t)% an$ t)ey can 1#int (1 to t'enty co1ies of anyt)in6 t)ey nee$ to

1#int% b(t beyon$ t)at it?s &ass co&&(nications8 A6ainst t)e la'8 W)en t)e

Re$iscove#y of !an ca&e% t)ey 6ave &e t)e 1anis) lan6(a6e to 'o#0 on8 I (se$ a

lot of #esea#c) to 6et o(t La P#ensa% Ko0es% $ialo6(es% i&a6ina#y a$ve#tise&ents%

#e1o#ts of ')at )a$ )a11ene$ in t)e ancient 'o#l$8 B(t t)en I 6ot a b#i6)t i$ea8 I'ent $o'n to Ea#t)1o#t an$ 6ot t)e ne's f#o& inco&in6 s)i1s8 W)at 'as )a11enin6



)e#e8 W)at 'as )a11enin6 t)e#e8 Yo( )ave no i$ea% Ro$% )o' inte#estin6 &an0in$

isF An$ t)e t)in6s 'e $o+ so st#an6e% so co&ical% so 1itiable8 T)e ne's even

co&es in on &ac)ines% all &a#0e$ ?official (se only85 I $is#e6a#$e$ t)at an$ I 1#inte$

(1 one iss(e 'it) not)in6 b(t t#(t) in it

>a #eal iss(e% all facts8

5I 1#inte$ #eal ne's8

5Ro$% t)e #oof fell in8 All 1e#sons ')o )a$ been #econ$itione$ fo# 1anis)

'e#e 6iven stability tests8 I 'as as0e$% $i$ I 0no' t)e la'@ Ce#tainly% sai$ I% I 0ne' t)e

la'8 No &ass co&&(nications e3ce1t 'it)in 6ove#n&ent8 Ne's is t)e &ot)e# of

o1inion% o1inion t)e ca(se of &ass $el(sion% $el(sion t)e so(#ce of 'a#8 T)e la'

'as 1lain an$ I t)o(6)t it $i$ not &atte#8 I t)o(6)t it 'as (st an ol$ la'8

5I 'as '#on6% Ro$% '#on68 T)ey $i$ not c)a#6e &e 'it) violatin6 t)e ne's

la's8 T)ey c)a#6e$ &e 'it) #evolt> a6ainst t)e Inst#(&entality8 T)ey sentence$ &e

to $eat)% i&&e$iately8 T)en t)ey &a$e it con$itional% con$itional on &y 6oin6 off-

1lanet an$ be)avin6 'ell8 W)en I 6ot )e#e% t)ey &a$e it $o(ble con$itional8 If &y act)as no ba$ #es(lts8 B(t I can?t fin$ o(t8 I can 6o bac0 to Ea#t) any ti&e8 T)at 1a#t is

no t#o(ble8 If t)ey t)in0 &y &is$ee$ still )as effect% t)ey 'ill 6ive &e t)e $#ea&

1(nis)&ents o# sen$ &e off to t)at a'f(l 1lanet so&e')e#e8 If t)ey t)in0 it $oesn?t

&atte#% t)ey 'ill #esto#e &y citiens)i1 'it) a la(6)8 B(t t)ey $on?t 0no' t)e 'o#st

of it8 !y (n$e#&an lea#ne$ 1anis) an$ t)e (n$e#1eo1le a#e 0ee1in6 t)e ne's1a1e#

6oin6 ve#y sec#etly8 I can?t even i&a6ine ')at t)ey 'ill $o to &e if t)ey eve# fin$ o(t

')at )as 6one '#on6 an$ 0no' t)at it 'as &e ')o sta#te$ it all8 Do yo( t)in0 I?&

'#on6% Ro$@5

Ro$ sta#e$ at )i&8 He 'as not (se$ to ($6in6 a$(lts% 1a#tic(la#ly not at t)ei#

o'n #e(est8 In Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% 1eo1le 0e1t t)ei# $istance8 T)e#e 'e#e fittin6 'ays

fo# $oin6 eve#yt)in6% an$ one of t)e &ost fittin6 t)in6s 'as to $eal only 'it) 1eo1le of

yo(# o'n a6e 6#o(18

He t#ie$ to be fai#% to t)in0 in an a$(lt 'ay% an$ )e sai$% 5Of co(#se I t)in0

yo(?#e '#on6% !iste# an$ Docto# ;o&act8 B(t yo(?#e not ve#y '#on68 None of (s s)o(l$

t#ifle 'it) 'a#85

;o&act seie$ Ro$?s a#&8 T)e 6est(#e 'as )yste#ical% al&ost (6ly8 5Ro$%5 )e

')is1e#e$% ve#y (#6ently% 5yo(?#e #ic)8 Yo( co&e f#o& an i&1o#tant fa&ily8 Co(l$ yo(

6et &e into Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia@5

5W)y not@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I can 1ay fo# all t)e visito#s I 'ant85

5No% Ro$% I $on?t &ean t)at8 As an i&&i6#ant85 It 'as Ro$?s t(#n to beco&e

tense8 5I&&i6#ant@5 )e sai$8 5T)e 1enalty fo# i&&i6#ation is $eat)8 We?#e 0illin6 o(#

o'n 1eo1le #i6)t no'% (st to 0ee1 t)e 1o1(lation $o'n8 Ho' $o yo( t)in0 'e co(l$ let

o(tsi$e#s settle 'it) (s@ An$ t)e st#oon8 W)at abo(t t)at@5

5Neve# &in$% Ro$%5 sai$ ;o&act8 5I 'on?t bot)e# yo( a6ain8 I 'on?t &ention it

a6ain8 It?s a 'ea#y t)in6% to live &any yea#s 'it) $eat) #ea$y to o1en t)e ne3t $oo#% #in6

t)e ne3t bell% be on t)e ne3t 1a6e of t)e &essa6e file8 I )aven?t &a##ie$8 Ho' co(l$ I@5

Wit) a ')i&sical t(#n of )is vivacio(s &in$ an$ face% )e 'as oft on a c)ee#f(l t#ac08 5I

)ave a &e$icine% Ro$% a &e$icine fo# $octo#s% even fo# #ebels8 Do yo( 0no' ')at it is@5

5A t#an(ilie#@5 Ro$ 'as still s)oc0e$ at t)e in$ecency of anyone &entionin6i&&i6#ation to a No#st#ilian8 He co(l$ not t)in0 st#ai6)t8



5Wo#0%5 sai$ t)e little $octo#% 5t)at?s &y &e$icine85

5Wo#0 is al'ays 6oo$%5 sai$ Ro$% feelin6 1o&1o(s at t)e 6ene#aliation8 T)e

&a6ic )a$ 6one o(t of t)e afte#noon8

T)e $octo# felt it too8 He si6)e$8 5I?ll s)o' yo( t)e ol$ s)e$s ')ic) &en

f#o& Ea#t) fi#st b(ilt8 An$ t)en I?ll 6o to 'o#08 Do yo( 0no' ')at &y &ain 'o#0 is@5

5No%5 sai$ Ro$% 1olitely8

5Yo(%5 sai$ $octo# ;o&act% 'it) one of )is sa$-6ay &isc)ievo(s s&iles8

5Yo(?#e 'ell% b(t

I?ve 6ot to &a0e yo( &o#e t)an 'ell8 I?ve 6ot to &a0e yo( 0ill-1#oof85 T)ey )a$

#eac)e$ t)e s)e$s8

T)e #(ins &i6)t be ol$% b(t t)ey 'e#e not ve#y i&1#essive8 T)ey loo0e$

so&et)in6 li0e t)e )o&es on t)e &o#e &o$est stations bac0 on No#st#ilia8

On t)ei# 'ay bac0 Ro$ sai$% ve#y cas(ally% 5W)at a#e yo( 6oin6 to $o to &e% si#

an$ $octo#@5 5Anyt)in6 yo( 'ant%5 sai$ ;o&act li6)tly85Really% no'8 W)at@5

5Well%5 sai$ ;o&act% 5t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y sent alon6 a ')ole c(be of s(66estions8

*ee1 yo(# 1e#sonality8 *ee1 yo(# #etinal an$ b#ain i&a6es8 C)an6e yo(# a11ea#ance8

C)an6e yo(# 'o#0'o&an into a yo(n6 &an ')o loo0s (st li0e yo(# $esc#i1tion85

5Yo( can?t $o t)at to Eleano#8 )e?s a citien85

5Not )e#e% not on !a#s% s)e isn?t8 )e?s yo(# ba66a6e85 5B(t )e# le6al #i6)tsF5

5T)is is !a#s% Ro$% b(t it?s Ea#t) te##ito#y8 Un$e# Ea#t) la'8 Un$e# t)e $i#ect

cont#ol of t)e Inst#(&entality8 We can $o t)ese t)in6s all #i6)t8 T)e )a#$ t)in6 is t)is8

Wo(l$ yo( consent to 1assin6 fo# an (n$e#&an@5

5I neve# sa' one8 Ho' 'o(l$ I 0no'@5 sai$ Ro$8 5Co(l$ yo( stan$ t)e s)a&e of

it@5

Ro$ la(6)e$% by 'ay of an ans'e#8

;o&act si6)e$8 5Yo(?#e f(nny 1eo1le% yo( No#st#ilians8 I?$ #at)e# $ie t)an be

&ista0en fo# an (n$e#&an8 T)e $is6#ace of it% t)e conte&1tF B(t t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y

sai$ t)at yo( co(l$ 'al0 into Ea#t) as f#ee as a b#eee if 'e &a$e yo( 1ass fo# a cat-

&an8 I &i6)t as 'ell tell yo(% Ro$8 Yo(# 'ife is al#ea$y )e#e85

Ro$ sto11e$ 'al0in68 5!y 'ife@ I )ave no 'ife85

5Yo(# cat-'ife%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5Of co(#se it isn?t #eal &a##ia6e8 Un$e#1eo1lea#en?t allo'e$ to )ave it8 B(t t)ey )ave a co&1anion ')ic) loo0s so&et)in6 li0e

&a##ia6e an$ 'e so&eti&es sli1 an$ call t)e& )(sban$ an$ 'ife8 T)e Inst#(&entality

)as al#ea$y sent a cat-6i#l o(t to be yo(# ?'ife8? )e?ll t#avel bac0 to Ea#t) 'it) yo( f#o&

!a#s% Yo(?ll (st be a 1ai# of l(c0y cats ')o?ve been $oin6 $ances an$ ac#obatics fo# t)e

bo#e$ station 1e#sonnel )e#e85

5An$ Eleano#@5

5I s(11ose so&ebo$y 'ill 0ill )e#% t)in0in6 it?s yo(8 T)at?s ')at yo( b#o(6)t )e#

fo#% isn?t it@ A#en?t yo( #ic) eno(6)@5

5No% no% no%5 sai$ Ro$% 5nobo$y is t)at #ic)8 We )ave to t)in0 of so&et)in6else85



T)ey s1ent t)e enti#e 'al0 bac0 &a0in6 ne' 1lans ')ic) 'o(l$ 1#otect

Eleano# an$ Ro$

bot)8

As t)ey ente#e$ t)e s)e$1o#t an$ too0 off t)ei# )el&ets% Ro$ sai$% 5T)is 'ife of

&ine% ')en can I see )e#@5

5Yo( 'on?t ove#loo0 )e#%5 sai$ ;o&act8 5)e?s as 'il$ as fi#e an$ t'ice as

bea(tif(l85 5Does s)e )ave a na&e@5

5Of co(#se s)e $oes%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5T)ey all $o85 5W)at is it% t)en@5

5C?&ell85

CHAPTER ELE;EN4 Hos1itality an$ Ent#a1&ent

Peo1le 'aite$% )e#e an$ t)e#e8 If t)e#e )a$ been 'o#l$-'i$e ne's cove#a6e% t)e

1o1(lation 'o(l$ )ave conve#6e$ on Ea#t)1o#t 'it) c(#iosity% 1assion% o# 6#ee$8 B(t

ne's )a$ been fo#bi$$en lon6 befo#e5% 1eo1le co(l$ 0no' only 0no' t)e t)in6s

')ic) conce#ne$ t)e& 1e#sonally t)e cente#s of Ea#t) #e&aine$ (n$ist(#be$8 He#ean$ t)e#e% as Ro$ &a$e )is t#i1 f#o& !a#s to Ea#t)% t)e#e 'e#e antici1ations of t)e

event8 Ove#-all% t)e 'o#l$ of Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t) #e&aine$ (iet% e3ce1t fo# t)e 1e#ennial

b(bble of its in'a#$ 1#oble&s8

On Ea#t)% t)e $ay of Ro$?s fli6)t% 'it)in Ea#t)1o#t itself

5T)ey s)(t &e o(t of t)e &eetin6 t)is &o#nin6% ')en I?& in c)a#6e of visito#s8

T)at &eans t)at so&et)in6 is in t)e ai#%5 sai$ Co&&issione# Tea$#in0e# to )is

(n$e#&an% B?$an08

B?$an0% e31ectin6 a $(ll $ay% )a$ been c)e'in6 )is c($ ')ile sittin6 on )is

stool in t)e co#ne#8 He 0ne' fa# &o#e abo(t t)e case t)an $i$ )is &aste#% an$ )e

)a$ lea#ne$ )is a$$itional info#&ation f#o& t)e sec#et so(#ces of t)e (n$e#-1eo1le% b(t

)e 'as #esolve$ to bet#ay not)in6% to e31#ess not)in68 Hastily )e s'allo'e$ )is c($ an$

sai$% in )is #eass(#in6% cal& b(ll voice4

5T)e#e &i6)t be so&e ot)e# #eason% si# an$ &aste#8 If t)ey 'e#e consi$e#in6 a

1#o&otion fo# yo(% t)ey 'o(l$ leave yo( o(t of t)e &eetin68 Yo( ce#tainly $ese#ve a

1#o&otion% si# an$ &aste#85

5A#e t)e s1i$e#s #ea$y@5 as0e$ Tea$#in0e# c#ossly8

5W)o can tell t)e &in$ of a 6iant s1i$e#@5 sai$ B?$an0 cal&ly8 5I tal0e$ to t)e

fo#e&an-s1i$e# fo# t)#ee )o(#s yeste#$ay 'it) si6n lan6(a6e8 He 'ants t'elve cases of

bee#8 I tol$ )i& I 'o(l$ 6ive )i& &o#e>)e co(l$ )ave ten8 T)e 1oo# $evil can?tco(nt% t)o(6) )e t)in0s )e can% so )e 'as 1lease$ at )avin6 o(t-ba#6aine$ &e8 T)ey

'ill ta0e t)e 1e#son yo( $esi6nate to t)e stee1le of Ea#t)1o#t an$ t)ey 'ill )i$e t)at

1e#son so t)at t)e )(&an bein6 cannot be fo(n$ fo# &any )o(#s8 W)en I a11ea# 'it)

t)e cases of bee#% t)ey 'ill 6ive &e t)e 1e#son8 I 'ill t)en (&1 o(t of a 'in$o'%

)ol$in6 t)e 1e#son in &y a#&s8 T)e#e a#e so fe' 1eo1le ')o 6o $o'n t)e o(tsi$e of

Ea#t)1o#t t)at t)ey &ay not notice &e at all8 I 'ill ta0e t)e 1e#son to t)e #(ine$

1alace $i#ectly (n$e# Al1)a Ral1)a Bo(leva#$% t)e one ')ic) yo( s)o'e$ &e% si# an$

&aste#% an$ t)e#e I 'ill 0ee1 t)e 1e#son in 6oo$ o#$e# (ntil yo( co&e an$ $o t)e t)in6s

')ic) yo( )ave to $o85

Tea$#in0e# loo0e$ ac#oss t)e #oo&8 T)e bi6% flo#i$% )an$so&e face 'as soe3as1e#atin6ly cal& t)at it annoye$ )i&8 Tea$#in0e# )a$ )ea#$ t)at b(ll-&en% beca(se



of t)ei# cattle o#i6in% 'e#e so&eti&es s(bect to fits of (ncont#ollable f#antic #a6e% b(t

)e )a$ neve# seen t)e least si6n of any s(c) 1)eno&enon in B?$an08

He sna11e$% 5A#en?t yo( 'o##ie$@5

5W)y s)o(l$ I 'o##y% si# an$ &aste#@ Yo( a#e $oin6 t)e 'o##yin6 fo# bot) of

(s85 52o f#y yo(#selfF55T)at is not an o1e#ational inst#(ction%5 sai$ B?$an08 5I s(66est t)at t)e &aste#

eat so&et)in68 T)at 'ill cal& )is ne#ves8 Not)in6 at all &ay )a11en to$ay% an$ it is

ve#y )a#$ fo# t#(e &en to 'ait fo# not)in6 at all8 I )ave seen &any of t)e& 6et (1set85

Tea$#in0e# 6#itte$ )is teet) at t)is e3t#e&e #easonableness8 Neve#t)eless% )e too0

a $e)y$#ate$ banana o(t of )is $es0 $#a'e# an$ be6an c)e'in6 on it8

He loo0e$ s)a#1ly ac#oss at B?$an08 5Do yo( 'ant one of t)ese t)in6s@5

B?$an0 sli$ off )is c)ai# 'it) s(#1#isin6ly s&oot) a6ility )e 'as at t)e $es0% )is

eno#&o(s )a&-sie$ )an$ )el$ o(t% befo#e )e sai$% 5Yes% in$ee$% si#8 I love bananas85

Tea$#in0e# 6ave )i& one an$ t)en sai$% f#etf(lly% 5A#e yo( s(#e of t)e fact yo(

neve# &et t)e

Lo#$ Re$la$y@5

5(#e as any (n$e#&an can be%5 sai$ B?$an0% &(nc)in6 t)e banana8 5We neve#

#eally 0no' ')at )as been 1(t into o(# o#i6inal con$itionin6% o# ')o 1(t it t)e#e8 We?#e

infe#io# an$ 'e?#e not s(11ose$ to 0no'8 It is fo#bi$$en even to in(i#e85

5o yo( a$&it t)at yo( &i6)t be a s1y o# a6ent of t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y@5 5I &i6)t

be% si#% b(t I $o not feel li0e it85

5Do yo( 0no' ')o Re$la$y is@5

5Yo( )ave tol$ &e% si#% t)at )e is t)e &ost $an6e#o(s )(&an bein6 in t)e ')ole6ala3y85 5T)at?s #i6)t%5 sai$ Tea$#in0e#% 5an$ if I a& #(nnin6 into so&et)in6 ')ic) t)e

Lo#$ Re$la$y

)as set (1% I &i6)t as 'ell c(t (1 &y t)#oat befo#e I sta#t85

5It 'o(l$ be si&1le#% si#%5 sai$ B?$an0% 5not to 0i$na1 t)is Ro$ !cBan at all8

T)at is t)e only ele&ent of $an6e#8 If yo( $i$ not)in6% t)in6s 'o(l$ 6o on as t)ey

al'ays )ave 6one on>(ietly% cal&ly85

5T)at?s t)e )o##o# an$ an3iety of itF T)ey $o al'ays 6o on8 Don?t yo( t)in0 I

'ant to 6et o(t of )e#e% to taste 1o'e# an$ f#ee$o& a6ain@5

5Yo( &ay so% si#%5 sai$ B?$an0% )o1in6 t)at Tea$#in0e# 'o(l$ offe# )i& one&o#e of t)ose $elicio(s $#ie$ bananas8

Tea$#in0e#% $ist#acte$% $i$ not8

He (st 'al0e$ (1 an$ $o'n )is #oo&% $es1e#ate 'it) t)e to#&ent of )o1e%

$an6e# an$ $elay8 Antec)a&be# of t)e Bell an$ Ban0

T)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e 'as t)e#e fi#st8 )e 'as clean% 'ell-$#esse$% ale#t8 T)e

Lo#$ Kestocost% ')o follo'e$ )e# in% 'on$e#e$ if s)e )a$ any 1e#sonal life at all8 It 'as

ba$ &anne#s% a&on6 t)e C)iefs of t)e Inst#(&entality% to in(i#e into anot)e# C)iefs

1e#sonal affai#s% even t)o(6) t)e co&1lete 1e#sonal )isto#ies of eac) of t)e&% 0e1t (1 to

t)e $ay an$ &in(te% 'as #eco#$e$ in t)e co&1(te# cabinet in t)e co#ne#8 Kestocost

0ne'% beca(se )e )a$ 1ee1e$ at )is o'n #eco#$% (sin6 anot)e# C)iefs na&e% (st sot)at )e co(l$ see ')et)e# seve#al &ino# ille6alities of )is )a$ been #eco#$e$ t)ey )a$



been% all e3ce1t fo# t)e bi66est one>)is $eal 'it) t)e cat-6i#l C?&ell>')ic) )e )a$

s(ccessf(lly 0e1t off t)e #eco#$in6 sc#eens8 T)e #eco#$ si&1ly s)o'e$ )i& )avin6 a

na1 at t)e ti&e8 If t)e La$y Ko)anna )a$ any sec#ets% s)e 0e1t t)e& 'ell8

5!y si# an$ collea6(e%5 sai$ s)e% 5I s(s1ect yo( of s)ee# in(isitiveness>a

vice &ost co&&only att#ib(te$ to 'o&en85

5W)en 'e 6et as ol$ as t)is% &y la$y% t)e $iffe#ences in c)a#acte# bet'een &en

an$ 'o&en beco&e i&1e#ce1tible8 If% in$ee$% t)ey eve# e3iste$ in t)e fi#st 1lace8 Yo(

an$ I a#e b#i6)t 1eo1le an$ 'e eac) )ave a 6oo$ nose fo# $an6e# o# $ist(#bance8

Isn?t it li0ely 'e 'o(l$ bot) loo0 (1 so&ebo$y 'it) t)e i&1ossible na&e of Ro$e#ic0

"#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan to t)e )(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st

6ene#ation8 ee>I &e&o#ie$ all of itF Don?t yo( t)in0 t)at 'as #at)e# cleve# of &e@5

5Rat)e#%5 sai$ s)e% in a tone ')ic) i&1lie$ s)e $i$n?t8

5I?& e31ectin6 )i& t)is &o#nin685

5Yo( a#e@5 s)e as0e$% on a #isin6 note ')ic) i&1lie$ t)at t)e#e 'asso&et)in6 i&1#o1e# abo(t )is 0no'le$6e8 5T)e#e?s not)in6 abo(t it in t)e &essa6es85

5T)at?s it%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% s&ilin6% 5I a##an6e$ fo# !a#s sola# #a$iation

to be ca##ie$ t'o e3t#a $eci&als (ntil )e left8 T)is &o#nin6 it?s bac0 $o'n to t)#ee

$eci&als8 T)at &eans )e?s co&in68 Cleve# of &e% isn?t it@5

5Too cleve#%5 s)e sai$8 5W)y as0 &e@5 I neve# t)o(6)t yo( val(e$ &y o1inion8

Any)o'% ')y a#e yo( ta0in6 all t)ese 1ains 'it) t)e case@ W)y $on?t yo( (st s)i1

)i& o(t so fa# t)at it 'o(l$ ta0e )i& a lon6 lifeti&e% even 'it) st#oon% to 6et bac0 )e#e

a6ain@5

He loo0e$ at )e# evenly (ntil s)e fl(s)e$8 He sai$ not)in68

5!y>&y co&&ent 'as i&1#o1e#% I s(11ose85 s)e sta&&e#e$8 5Yo( an$

yo(# sense of (stice8 Yo(?#e al'ays 1(ttin6 t)e #est of (s in t)e '#on685

5I $i$n?t &ean to%5 )e sai$ &il$ly% 5beca(se I a& (st t)in0in6 of Ea#t)8 Di$

yo( 0no' )e o'ns t)is to'e#@5

5Ea#t)1o#t@5 s)e c#ie$8 5I&1ossible85

5Not at all%5 sai$ Kestocost8 5I &yself sol$ it to )is a6ent ten $ays a6o8 "o# fo#ty

&e6ac#e$its "OE &oney8 T)at?s &o#e t)an 'e )a11en to )ave on Ea#t) #i6)t no'8

W)en )e $e1osite$ it% 'e be6an 1ayin6 )i& -1e#cent-a-yea# inte#est8 An$ t)at 'asn?t

all )e bo(6)t f#o& &e8 I sol$ )i& t)at ocean too% #i6)t t)e#e% t)e one t)e ancients calle$Atlantic8 An$ I sol$ )i& t)#ee )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ att#active (n$e#-'o&en t#aine$ in

va#io(s tas0s% to6et)e# 'it) t)e $o'e# #i6)ts of seven )(n$#e$ )(&an 'o&en of

a11#o1#iate a6es85

5Yo( &ean yo( $i$ all t)is to save t)e Ea#t) t#eas(#y t)#ee &e6ac#e$its a yea#@5

5Wo(l$n?t yo(@ Re&e&be#% t)is is "OE &oney85 )e 1(#se$ )e# li1s8 T)en s)e

b(#st into a s&ile8 5I neve# sa' anyone else li0e yo(% &y Lo#$ Kestocost8 Yo(?#e t)e

fai#est &an I eve# 0ne' an$ yet yo( neve# fo#6et a little bit &o#e in t)e 'ay of

ea#nin6sF5

5T)at?s not t)e en$ of it%5 sai$ )e 'it) a ve#y c#afty% 1lease$ s&ile8 5Di$ yo(#ea$ A&en$e$ Reve#siona#y c)e$(le seven )(n$#e$ an$ eleven>nineteen>



t)i#teen P ')ic) yo( yo(#self vote$ fo# eleven $ays a6o@5

5I loo0e$ at it%5 s)e sai$ $efensively8 5We all $i$8 It 'as so&et)in6 to $o 'it)

Ea#t) f(n$s an$ Inst#(&entality f(n$s8 T)e Ea#t) #e1#esentative $i$n?t co&1lain8 We all

1asse$ it beca(se 'e t#(ste$ yo(85

5Do yo( 0no' ')at it &eans@5

5"#an0ly% not at all8 Does it )ave anyt)in6 to $o 'it) t)is #ic) ol$ &an% !cBan@5

5Don?t be s(#e%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% 5t)at )e?s ol$8 He &i6)t be yo(n68

Any)o'% t)e ta3 sc)e$(le #aises ta3es on 0iloc#e$its ve#y sli6)tly8 !e6ac#e$it ta3es

a#e $ivi$e$ evenly bet'een Ea#t) an$ t)e Inst#(&entality% 1#ovi$e$ t)at t)e o'ne# is

not 1e#sonally o1e#atin6 t)e 1#o1e#ty8 It co&es to one 1e# cent a &ont)8 T)at?s t)e

ve#y s&all ty1e in t)e footnote at t)e botto& of t)e sevent) 1a6e of #ates85

5Yo(>yo( &ean>5 s)e 6as1e$ 'it) la(6)te#% 5t)at by sellin6 t)e 1oo# &an

t)e Ea#t) yo( a#e not only c(ttin6 )i& o(t of t)#ee 1e#cent inte#est a yea#% b(t yo(?#e

c)a#6in6 )i& t'elve 1e#cent ta3es8 Blesse$ #oc0ets% &an% yo(?#e 'ei#$8 I love yo(8Yo(?#e t)e cleve#est% &ost #i$ic(lo(s 1e#son 'e eve# )a$ as a C)ief of t)e

Inst#(&entalityF5 "#o& t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e% t)is 'as l(#i$ lan6(a6e in$ee$8

Kestocost $i$ not 0no' ')et)e# to be offen$e$ o# 1lease$8

ince s)e 'as in a #a#e 6oo$ )(&o#% )e $a#e$ to &ention )is )alf-sec#et 1#oect

to )e#4

5Do yo( t)in0% &y la$y% t)at if 'e )ave all t)is (ne31ecte$ c#e$it% 'e co(l$

'aste a little of o(# st#oon i&1o#ts@5

He# la(6) sto11e$8 5On ')at@5 s)e sai$ s)a#1ly8 5On t)e (n$e#1eo1le8 "o# t)e

best of t)e&855O)% no8 O)% noF Not fo# t)e ani&als% ')ile t)e#e a#e still 1eo1le ')o s(ffe#8

Yo(?#e &a$ to t)in0 of it% &y lo#$85

5I?& &a$%5 )e sai$8 5I?& &a$ all #i6)t8 !a$>fo# (stice8

An$ t)is st#i0es &e as si&1le (stice8 I?& not as0in6 fo# e(al #i6)ts8 !e#ely fo#

a little &o#e (stice fo# t)e&85

5T)ey?#e (n$e#1eo1le%5 s)e sai$ blan0ly8 5T)ey?#e ani&als5>as t)o(6) t)is

co&&ent settle$ t)e &atte# alto6et)e#8

5Yo( neve# )ea#$% $i$ yo(% &y La$y% of t)e $o6 na&e$ Koan@5 His (estion )el$

a 'ealt) of all(sion8

)e sa' no $e1t) to it% sai$ flatly 5No%5 an$ 'ent bac0 to st($yin6 t)e a6en$a

fo# t)e $ay8 Ten 0ilo&ete#s belo' t)e s(#face of t)e Ea#t)

T)e ol$ en6ines t(#ne$ li0e ti$es8 T)e s&ell of )ot oil 'as on t)e&8 Do'n )e#e

t)e#e 'e#e no l(3(#ies8 Life an$ fles) 'e#e c)ea1e# t)an t#ansisto#s besi$es% t)ey )a$

&(c) less #a$iation to be $etecte$8 In t)e 6#oanin6 $e1t)s% t)e )i$$en an$ fo#6otten

(n$e#1eo1le live$8 T)ey t)o(6)t t)ei# c)ief% t)e E-tele0eli% to be &a6ical8 o&eti&es

)e t)o(6)t so )i&self8

His ')ite )an$so&e face sta#in6 li0e a &a#ble b(st of i&&o#tality% )is

c#(&1le$ 'in6s )(66e$ close to )i& in fati6(e% )e calle$ to )is fi#st-e66 c)il$% t)e 6i#l

E-la&elanie4



5He co&es% &y $a#lin685

5T)at one% fat)e#@ T)e 1#o&ise$ one85 5T)e #ic) one85

He# eyes 'i$ene$8 )e 'as )is $a(6)te#% b(t s)e $i$ not al'ays (n$e#stan$ )is

1o'e#s8 5Ho' $o yo( 0no'% fat)e#@5

5If I tell yo( t)e t#(t)% 'ill yo( a6#ee to let &e e#ase it f#o& yo(# &in$ #i6)ta'ay% so t)e#e 'ill be no $an6e# of bet#ayal@5

5Of co(#se% fat)e#85

5No%5 sai$ t)e &a#ble-face$ bi#$-&an% 5yo( &(st say t)e #i6)t 'o#$s+ 5

5I 1#o&ise% fat)e#% t)at if yo( fill &y )ea#t 'it) t)e t#(t)% an$ if &y oy at t)e

t#(t) is f(ll% t)at I 'ill yiel$ to yo( &y &in$% &y ')ole &in$ 'it)o(t fea#% )o1e% o#

#ese#vation% an$ t)at I 'ill as0 yo( to ta0e f#o& &y &in$ ')ateve# t#(t) o# 1a#ts of t)e

t#(t) &i6)t )(#t o(# 0in$ of 1eo1le% in t)e na&e of t)e "i#st "o#6otten One% in t)e

Na&e of t)e econ$ "o#6otten One% in t)e Na&e of t)e T)i#$ "o#6otten One% an$ fo#

t)e sa0e of D?oan ')o& 'e all love an$ #e&e&be#F5He stoo$8 He 'as a tall &an8 His le6s en$e$ in t)e eno#&o(s feet of a bi#$% 'it)

')ite talons s)i&&e#in6 li0e &ot)e# of 1ea#l8 His )(&anoi$ )an$s stoo$ fo#t) f#o& t)e

oints of )is 'in6s 'it) t)e& )e e3ten$e$ t)e 1#e)isto#ic 6est(#e of blessin6 ove# )e#

)ea$% ')ile )e c)ante$ t)e t#(t) in a #in6in6 )y1notic voice4

5Let t)e t#(t) be yo(#s% &y $a(6)te#% t)at yo( &ay be ')ole an$ )a11y 'it) t)e

t#(t)8 *no'in6 t)e t#(t)% &y $a(6)te#% 0no' f#ee$o& an$ t)e #i6)t to fo#6etF

5T)e c)il$% &y c)il$% ')o 'as yo(# b#ot)e#% t)e little boy yo( love$+5

5Yee0asooseF5 s)e sai$% )e# voice t#ance-li0e an$ c)il$is)8

5E?i0as(s% ')o& yo( #e&e&be#% 'as c)an6e$ by &e% )is fat)e#% into t)e fo#& of

a s&all a1e- &an% so t)at t)e t#(e 1eo1le &istoo0 )i& fo# an ani&al% not an

(n$e#1e#son8 T)ey t#aine$ )i& as a s(#6eon an$ sent )i& to t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 He ca&e

'it) t)is yo(n6 &an !cBan to !a#s% ')e#e )e &et C?&ell% ')o& I #eco&&en$e$ to

t)e Lo#$ Kestocost fo# confi$ential e##an$s8 T)ey a#e co&in6 bac0 'it) t)is &an to$ay8

He )as al#ea$y bo(6)t t)e Ea#t)% o# &ost of it8 Pe#)a1s )e 'ill $o (s 6oo$8 Do yo(

0no' ')at yo( s)o(l$ 0no'% &y $a(6)te#@5

5Tell &e% fat)e#% tell &e8 Ho' $o yo( 0no'@5

5Re&e&be# t)e t#(t)% 6i#l% an$ t)en lose itF T)e &essa6es co&e f#o& !a#s8 We

cannot to(c) t)e Bi6 Blin0 o# t)e &essa6e-co$in6 &ac)ines% b(t eac) #eco#$e# )as )iso'n style8 By a s)ift in t)e 1ace of )is 'o#0% a f#ien$ can #elay &oo$s% e&otions% i$eas%

an$ so&eti&es na&es8 T)ey )ave sent &e 'o#$s li0e ?#ic)es% &on0ey% s&all% cat% 6i#l%

eve#yt)in6% 6oo$? by t)e 1itc) an$ s1ee$ of t)ei# #eco#$in68 T)e )(&an &essa6es ca##y

o(#s an$ no c#y1to6#a1)e# in 'o#l$ can fin$ t)e&8

5No' yo( 0no'% an$ yo( 'ill no' no' no' no' fo#6etF5 He #aise$ )is )an$s

a6ain8

E-la&elanie loo0e$ at )i& no#&ally 'it) a )a11y s&ile4 5It?s so s'eet an$

f(nny% $a$$y% b(t I

0no' I?ve (st fo#6otten so&et)in6 6oo$ an$ 'on$e#f(lF5 Ce#e&onially )e sai$%

5Do not fo#6et Koan85 "o#&ally s)e #es1on$e$% 5I s)all neve# fo#6et Koan85 CHAPTER TWEL;E4 T)e Hi6) 0y "lyin6



Ro$ 'al0e$ to t)e e$6e of t)e little 1a#08 T)is 'as (tte#ly (nli0e any s)i1 )e )a$

eve# seen o# )ea#$ abo(t in No#st#ilia8 T)e#e 'as no noise% no c#a&1in6% no si6n of

'ea1ons >(st a 1#etty little cabin ')ic) )o(se$ t)e cont#ols% t)e 2o-Ca1tain% t)e

Pinli6)te#s% an$ t)e to1-Ca1tain% an$ t)en a st#etc) of inc#e$ible 6#een 6#ass8 He )a$

'al0e$ on t)is 6#ass f#o& t)e $(sty 6#o(n$ of !a#s8 T)e#e 'as a 1(## an$ a ')is1e#8 A

false bl(e s0y% ve#y bea(tif(l% cove#e$ )i& li0e a cano1y8

He felt st#an6e8 He )a$ ')is0e#s li0e a cat% fo#ty centi&ete#s lon6% 6#o'in6 o(t

of )is (11e# li1% abo(t t'elve ')is0e#s to eac) si$e8 T)e $octo# )a$ colo#e$ )is eyes

'it) b#i6)t 6#een i#ises8 His ea#s #eac)e$ (1 to a 1oint8 He loo0e$ li0e a cat-&an an$ )e

'o#e t)e 1#ofessional clot)in6 of an ac#obat C?&ell $i$ too8

He )a$ not 6otten ove# C?&ell8

)e &a$e eve#y 'o&an in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia loo0 li0e a sac0 of la#$8 )e 'as

lean% li&be#% s&oot)% &enacin6 an$ bea(tif(l s)e 'as soft to t)e to(c)% )a#$ in )e#

&otions% (ic0% ale#t% an$ c($$leso&e8 He# #e$ )ai# blae$ 'it) t)e sil0iness of ani&al

fi#e8 )e s1o0e 'it) a so1#ano ')ic) tin0le$ li0e 'il$ bells8 He# ancesto#s an$ancest#esses )a$ been b#e$ to 1#o$(ce t)e &ost se$(ctive 6i#l on Ea#t)8 T)e tas0 )a$

s(ccee$e$8 Even in #e1ose% s)e 'as vol(1t(o(s8 He# 'i$e )i1s an$ s)a#1 eyes invite$

t)e &asc(line 1assions8 He# cat-li0e $an6e#o(sness c)allen6e$ eve#y &an ')o& s)e

&et8 T)e t#(e &en ')o loo0e$ at )e# 0ne' t)at s)e 'as a cat% an$ still co(l$ not 0ee1

t)ei# eyes off )e#8 H(&an 'o&en t#eate$ )e# as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e so&et)in6

$is6#acef(l8 )e t#avele$ as an ac#obat% b(t s)e )a$ al#ea$y tol$ Ro$ !cBan

confi$entially t)at s)e 'as by 1#ofession a 56i#ly6i#l%5 a fe&ale ani&al% s)a1e$ an$

t#aine$ li0e a 1e#son to se#ve as )ostess to off-'o#l$ visito#s% #e(i#e$ by la' an$

c(sto& to invite t)ei# love% ')ile 1#o&ise$ t)e 1enalty of $eat) if s)e acce1te$ it8

Ro$ li0e$ )e#% t)o(6) )e )a$ been 1ainf(lly s)y 'it) )e# at fi#st8 T)e#e 'as no

si$e to )e#% no 1os)% no s'an08 Once s)e 6ot $o'n to b(siness% )e# inc#e$ible bo$y

fa$e$ 1a#t'ay into t)e bac06#o(n$% t)o(6) 'it) t)e si$es of )is eyes )e co(l$ neve#

(ite fo#6et it% an$ it 'as )e# &in$% )e# intelli6ence% )e# )(&o# an$ 6oo$ )(&o#% ')ic)

ca##ie$ t)e& ac#oss t)e )o(#s an$ $ays t)ey s1ent to6et)e#8 He fo(n$ )i&self t#yin6 to

i&1#ess )e# t)at )e 'as a 6#o'n &an% only to $iscove#

t)at in t)e s1ontaneo(s% since#e affections of )e# (ic0 cat-)ea#t% s)e $i$ not

ca#e in t)e least ')at )is stat(s 'as8 He 'as si&1ly )e# 1a#tne# an$ t)ey )a$ 'o#0 to

$o to6et)e#8 It 'as )is ob to stay alive an$ it 'as )e# ob to 0ee1 )i& alive8

T)e $octo# ;o&act )a$ tol$ )i& not to s1ea0 to t)e ot)e# 1assen6e#s% not to say

anyt)in6 to eac) ot)e#% an$ to call fo# silence if any of t)e& s1o0e8

T)e#e 'e#e ten ot)e# 1assen6e#s ')o sta#e$ at one anot)e# in (nco&fo#table

a&ae&ent8 Ten in n(&be#% t)ey 'e#e8 All ten of t)e& 'e#e Ro$ !cBan8

Ten i$entifie$ Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(#

!cBans to-t)e-one- )(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st% all e3actly ali0e8 A1a#t f#o& C?&ell

)e#self an$ t)e little &on0ey-$octo#% A?6ent(#% t)e only 1e#son on t)e s)i1 ')o 'as not

Ro$ !cBan 'as Ro$ !cBan )i&self8 He )a$ beco&e t)e cat-&an8 T)e ot)e#s see&e$%

eac) by )i&self% to be 1e#s(a$e$ t)at )e alone 'as Ro$ !cBan an$ t)at t)e ot)e# nine

'e#e 1a#o$ies8 T)ey 'atc)e$ eac) ot)e# 'it) a &i3t(#e of 6loo& an$ s(s1icion &i3e$

'it) a&(se&ent% (st as t)e #eal Ro$ !cBan 'o(l$ )ave $one% )a$ )e been in t)ei#

1lace8 5One of t)e&%5 sai$ Docto# ;o&act in 1a#tin6% 5is yo(# co&1anion Eleano# f#o&

No#st#ilia8 T)e ot)e# nine a#e &o(se-1o'e#e$ #obots8 T)ey?#e all co1ie$ f#o& yo(8



2oo$% e)@5 He co(l$ not conceal )is 1#ofessional satisfaction8

An$ no' t)ey 'e#e all abo(t to see Ea#t) to6et)e#8

C?&ell too0 Ro$ to t)e e$6e of t)e little 'o#l$ an$ sai$ 6ently% 5I 'ant to sin6

T)e To'e# on6? to yo(% (st befo#e 'e s)(t $o'n on t)e to1 of Ea#t)1o#t85 An$ in

)e# 'on$e#f(l voice s)e san6 t)e little ol$ son64

An$ o)F &y love% fo# yo(8 Hi6) bi#$s c#yin6% an$ a Hi6) s0y flyin6% an$ a Hi6)

'in$ $#ivin6% an$ a Hi6) )ea#t st#ivin6% an$ a Hi6) b#ave 1lace fo# yo(F

Ro$ felt a little f(nny% stan$in6 t)e#e% loo0in6 at not)in6% b(t )e also felt

1leasant 'it) t)e 6i#l?s )ea$ a6ainst )is s)o(l$e# an$ )is a#& enfol$in6 )e#8 )e see&e$

not only to nee$ )i&% b(t to t#(st )i& ve#y $ee1ly8 )e $i$ not feel a$(lt>not self-

i&1o#tant an$ f(ll of (ne31laine$ b(siness8 )e 'as &e#ely a 6i#l% an$ fo# t)e ti&e )is

6i#l8 It 'as 1leasant an$ it 6ave )i& a st#an6e fo#etaste of t)e f(t(#e8

T)e $ay &i6)t co&e ')en )e 'o(l$ )ave a 1e#&anent 6i#l of )is o'n% facin6

not a $ay% b(t life% not a $an6e#% b(t $estiny8 He )o1e$ t)at )e co(l$ be as #ela3e$ an$

fon$ 'it) t)at f(t(#e 6i#l as )e 'as 'it) C?&ell8

C?&ell s(eee$ )is )an$% as t)o(6) in 'a#nin68

He t(#ne$ to loo0 at )e#% b(t s)e sta#e$ a)ea$ an$ no$$e$ 'it) )e# c)in8 5*ee1

'atc)in6%5 s)e sai$% 5st#ai6)t a)ea$8 Ea#t)85

He loo0e$ bac0 at t)e blan0 a#tificial s0y of t)e s)i1?s fo#ce-fiel$8 It 'as a

&onotono(s b(t 1leasant bl(e% conveyin6 $e1t)s ')ic) 'e#e not #eally t)e#e8

T)e c)an6e 'as so fast t)at )e 'on$e#e$ ')et)e# )e )a$ #eally seen it8 In one

&o&ent t)e clea# flat bl(e8

T)en t)e false s0y s1las)e$ a1a#t as t)o(6) it )a$ lite#ally been slas)e$

into eno#&o(s #ibbons% #ibbons in t)ei# t(#n beco&in6 bl(e s1ots an$ $isa11ea#in68

Anot)e# bl(e s0y 'as t)e#e>Ea#t)?s8 !an)o&e8

Ro$ b#eat)e$ $ee1ly8 It 'as )a#$ to believe8 T)e s0y itself 'as not so $iffe#ent

f#o& t)e false 5s0y5 ')ic) )a$ s(##o(n$e$ t)e s)i1 on its t#i1 f#o& !a#s% b(t t)e#e 'as

an aliveness an$ 'etness to it% (nli0e any ot)e# s0y )e )a$ eve# )ea#$ abo(t8

It 'as not t)e si6)t of t)e Ea#t) ')ic) s(#1#ise$ )i&> it 'as t)e s&ell8 He

s($$enly #ealie$ t)at Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia &(st s&ell $(ll% flat% $(sty to Ea#t)&en8

T)is Ea#t) ai# s&elle$ alive8 T)e#e 'e#e t)e o$o#s of 1lants% of 'ate#% of t)in6s

')ic) )e co(l$ not even 6(ess8 T)e ai# 'as co$e$ 'it) a &illion yea#s of &e&o#y8 In

t)is ai# )is 1eo1le )a$ s'(& to &an)oo$% befo#e t)ey con(e#e$ t)e sta#s8 T)e 'etness'as not t)e c)e#is)e$ $a&1 of one of )is cove#e$ canals8 It 'as 'il$ f#ee &oist(#e

')ic) ca&e la$en 'it) t)e in$ications of t)in6s livin6% $yin6% s1#a'lin6% s(i#&in6%

lovin6 'it) an ab(n$ance ')ic) no No#st#ilian co(l$ (n$e#stan$8 No 'on$e# t)e

$esc#i1tions of Ea#t) )a$ al'ays see&e$ fie#ce an$ e3a66e#ate$F W)at 'as st#oon t)at

&en 'o(l$ 1ay 'ate# fo# it>'ate#% t)e 6ive# an$ ca##ie# of life8 T)is 'as )is )o&e% no

&atte# )o' &any 6ene#ations )is 1eo1le )a$ live$ in t)e t'iste$ )ells of Pa#a$ise ;II

o# a&on6 t)e $#y t#eas(#es of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 He too0 a $ee1 b#eat)% feelin6 t)e

1las&a of ea#t) 1o(# into )i&% t)e (ic0 effl(vi(& ')ic) )a$ &a$e &an8 He s&elle$

Ea#t) a6ain>it 'o(l$ ta0e a lon6 lifeti&e% even 'it) st#oon% befo#e a &an co(l$

(n$e#stan$ all t)ese o$o#s ')ic) ca&e all t)e 'ay (1 to t)e s)i1% ')ic) )ove#e$% as

1lanofo#&in6 s)i1s (s(ally $i$ not% t'enty-o$$ 0ilo&ete#s above t)e s(#face of t)e 1lanet8



T)e#e 'as so&et)in6 st#an6e in t)is ai#% so&et)in6 s'eet-clea# to t)e nost#ils%

#ef#es)in6 to t)e s1i#it8 One 6#eat bea(tif(l o$o# ove##o$e all t)e ot)e#s8 W)at co(l$ it

be@

He sniffe$ an$ t)en sai$% ve#y clea#ly% to )i&self% 5altF5 C?&ell #e&in$e$ )i&

t)at )e 'as besi$e )e#8

5Do yo( li0e it% C?#o$@5

5Yes% yes% it?s bette# t)an>5 Wo#$s faile$ )i&8 He loo0e$ at )e#8 He# ea6e#%

1#etty% co&#a$ely s&ile &a$e )i& feel t)at s)e 'as s)a#in6 eve#y &illi6#a& of )is

$eli6)t8 5B(t ')y%5 )e as0e$% 5$o yo( 'aste salt on t)e ai#@ W)at 6oo$ $oes it $o@5

5alt@5

5Yes>in t)e ai#8 o #ic)% so 'et% so salty8 Is it to clean t)e s)i1 so&e 'ay t)at I

$o not (n$e#stan$@5

5)i1@ We?#e not on t)e s)i1% C?#o$8 T)is is t)e lan$in6 #oof of Ea#t)1o#t85 He

6as1e$8 No s)i1@ T)e#e 'as not a &o(ntain on Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia &o#e t)an si3

0ilo&ete#s above !2L>&ean 6#o(n$ level>an$ t)ese &o(ntains 'e#e all s&oot)%

'o#n% ol$% fol$e$ by i&&ense eons of 'in$ into a 6entle blan0etin6 t)at cove#e$ )is

')ole )o&e 'o#l$8

He loo0e$ a#o(n$8

T)e 1latfo#& 'as abo(t t'o )(n$#e$ &ete#s lon6 by one )(n$#e$ 'i$e8

T)e ten 5Ro$ !cBans5 'e#e tal0in6 to so&e &en in (nifo#&8 "a# at t)e ot)e#

si$e a stee1le #ose into eye-catc)in6 )ei6)t>1e#)a1s a ')ole )alf-0ilo&ete#8 He loo0e$

$o'n8

T)e#e it 'as>Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t)8

T)e t#eas(#e of 'ate# #eac)e$ befo#e )is ve#y eyes>'ate# by t)e &illions of

tons% eno(6) to fee$ a 6ala3y of s)ee1% to 'as) an infinity of &en8 T)e 'ate# 'as

b#o0en by a fe' islan$s on t)e fa# )o#ion to t)e #i6)t8

5Hes1e#i$es%5 sai$ C?&ell% follo'in6 t)e $i#ection of )is 6ae8 5T)ey ca&e (1

f#o& t)e sea ')en t)e Dai&oni b(ilt t)is fo# (s8 "o# 1eo1le% I &ean8 I s)o(l$n?t say ?(s?85

He $i$ not notice t)e co##ection8 He sta#e$ at t)e sea8 Little s1ec0s 'e#e &ovin6

in it% ve#y slo'ly8

He 1ointe$ at one of t)e& 'it) )is fin6e# an$ as0e$ C?&ell% 5A#e t)ose

'et)o(ses@5 5W)at $i$ yo( call t)e&@5

5Ho(ses ')ic) a#e 'et8 Ho(ses ')ic) sit on 'ate#8 A#e t)ose so&e of t)e&@5

5)i1s%5 s)e sai$% not s1oilin6 )is f(n 'it) a $i#ect cont#a$iction8 5Yes% t)ose a#e

s)i1s85 5)i1s@5 )e c#ie$8 5Yo(?$ neve# 6et one of t)ose into s1ace8 W)y call t)e& s)i1s

t)en@5

;e#y 6ently C?&ell e31laine$% 5Peo1le )a$ s)i1s fo# 'ate# befo#e t)ey )a$ s)i1s

fo# s1ace8 I

t)in0 t)e Ol$ Co&&on Ton6(e ta0es t)e 'o#$ fo# s1ace vessel f#o& t)e t)in6s

yo( a#e loo0in6 at85 5I 'ant to see a city%5 sai$ Ro$% 5)o' &e a city85

5It 'on?t loo0 li0e &(c) f#o& )e#e8 We?#e too )i6) (18 Not)in6 loo0s li0e &(c)

f#o& t)e to1 of Ea#t)1o#t8 B(t I can s)o' yo(% any)o'8 Co&e ove# )e#e% $ea#85 W)en



t)ey 'al0e$ a'ay f#o& t)e e$6e% Ro$ #ealie$ t)at t)e little &on0ey 'as still 'it)

t)e&8 5W)at a#e yo( $oin6 )e#e 'it) (s@5 as0e$ Ro$% not (n0in$ly8

T)e &on0ey?s 1#e1oste#o(s little face '#in0le$ into a 0no'in6 s&ile8 T)e face

'as t)e sa&e as it )a$ been befo#e% b(t t)e e31#ession 'as $iffe#ent>&o#e ass(#e$%

&o#e clea#% &o#e 1(#1osive t)an eve# befo#e8 T)e#e 'as even )(&o# an$ co#$iality in

t)e &on0ey?s voice8

5We ani&als a#e 'aitin6 fo# t)e 1eo1le to finis) t)ei# ent#ance85

We ani&als@ t)o(6)t Ro$8 He #e&e&be#e$ )is f(##y )ea$% )is 1ointe$ ea#s% )is

cat-')is0e#s8 No 'on$e# )e felt at ease 'it) t)is 6i#l an$ s)e 'it) )i&8

T)e ten Ro$ !cBans 'e#e 'al0in6 $o'n a #a&1% so t)at t)e floo# see&e$ to be

s'allo'in6 t)e& slo'ly f#o& t)e feet (18 T)ey 'e#e 'al0in6 in sin6le file% so t)at t)e

)ea$ of t)e lea$in6 one see&e$ to sit bo$iless on t)e floo#% ')ile t)e last one in line )a$

lost not)in6 &o#e t)an )is feet8 It 'as o$$ in$ee$8

Ro$ loo0e$ at C?&ell an$ A?6ent(# an$ as0e$ t)e& f#an0ly% 5W)en 1eo1le )aves(c) a 'i$e% 'et% bea(tif(l 'o#l$% all f(ll of life% ')y s)o(l$ t)ey 0ill &e@5

A?6ent(# s)oo0 )is &on0ey )ea$ sa$ly% as t)o(6) )e 0ne' f(ll 'ell% b(t fo(n$

t)e tellin6 of it ine31#essibly 'ea#iso&e an$ sa$8

C?&ell ans'e#e$% 5Yo( a#e ')o yo( a#e8 Yo( )ol$ i&&ense 1o'e#8 Do yo(

0no' t)at t)is to'e# is yo(#s@5

5!ineF5 )e c#ie$8

5Yo(?ve bo(6)t it% o# so&ebo$y bo(6)t it fo# yo(8 !ost of t)at 'ate# is yo(#s%

too8 W)en yo( )ave t)in6s t)at bi6% 1eo1le as0 yo( fo# t)in6s8 O# t)ey ta0e t)e&

f#o& yo(8 Ea#t) is a bea(tif(l 1lace% b(t I t)in0 it is a $an6e#o(s 1lace% too% fo# off'o#l$e#s li0e yo( ')o a#e (se$ to (st one 'ay of life8 Yo( )ave not ca(se$ all t)e

c#i&e an$ &eanness in t)e 'o#l$% b(t it?s been slee1in6 an$ no' 'a0es (1 fo# yo(85

5W)y fo# &e@5

5Beca(se%5 sai$ A?6ent(#% 5yo(?#e t)e #ic)est 1e#son ')o )as eve# to(c)e$ t)is

1lanet8 Yo( o'n &ost of it al#ea$y8 !illions of )(&an lives $e1en$ on yo(# t)o(6)ts

an$ yo(# $ecisions85

T)ey )a$ #eac)e$ t)e o11osite si$e of t)e to1 1latfo#&8 He#e% on t)e lan$ si$e%

t)e #ive#s 'e#e all lea0in6 ba$ly8 !ost of t)e lan$ 'as cove#e$ 'it) stea&-clo($s%

s(c) as t)ey sa' on No#st#ilia

')en a cove#e$ canal b(#st o(t of its cove#in68 T)ese clo($s #e1#esente$

incalc(lable t#eas(#es of #ain8 He sa' t)at t)ey 1a#te$ at t)e foot of t)e to'e#8

5Weat)e# &ac)ines%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5T)e cities a#e all cove#e$ 'it) 'eat)e#

&ac)ines8 Don?t yo( )ave 'eat)e# &ac)ines in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia@5

5Of co(#se 'e $o%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t 'e $on?t 'aste 'ate# by lettin6 it float a#o(n$

in t)e o1en ai# li0e t)at8 It?s 1#etty% t)o(6)8 I 6(ess t)e e3t#ava6ance of it &a0es &e feel

c#itical8 Don?t yo( ea#t) 1eo1le )ave anyt)in6 bette# to $o 'it) yo(# 'ate# t)an to leave

it lyin6 on t)e 6#o(n$ o# )avin6 it float ove# o1en lan$@5

5We?#e not Ea#t) 1eo1le%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5We?#e (n$e#-1eo1le8 I?& a cat-1e#son an$

)e?s &a$e f#o& a1es8 Don?t call (s 1eo1le8 It?s not $ecent85



5"($6eF5 sai$ Ro$8 5I 'as (st as0in6 a (estion abo(t Ea#t)% not 1este#in6 yo(#

feelin6s ')en>5

He sto11e$ s)o#t8

T)ey all t)#ee s1(n a#o(n$8

O(t of t)e #a&1 t)e#e ca&e so&et)in6 li0e a &o'in6 &ac)ine8 A )(&an

voice% a &an?s voice% sc#ea&e$ f#o& 'it)in it% e31#essin6 #a6e an$ fea#8

Ro$ sta#te$ to &ove fo#'a#$8 C?&ell sta#te$ to &ove fo#'a#$8

C?&ell )el$ )is a#&% $#a66in6 bac0 'it) all )e# 'ei6)t8 5NoF Ro$% noF NoF5

A?6ent(# slo'e$ )i& $o'n bette# by (&1in6 into )is face% so t)at Ro$ s($$enly

sa' not)in6 b(t a (nive#se of b#o'n belly-f(# an$ felt tiny )an$s 6#i11in6 )is )ai# an$

1(llin6 it8 He sto11e$ an$ #eac)e$ fo# t)e &on0ey8 A?6ent(# antici1ate$ )i& an$

$#o11e$ to t)e 6#o(n$ befo#e Ro$ co(l$ )it )i&8

T)e &ac)ine 'as #acin6 (1 t)e o(tsi$e of t)e stee1le an$ al&ost $isa11ea#in6

into t)e s0y above8 T)e voice )a$ beco&e t)in8

Ro$ loo0e$ at C?&ell% 5All #i6)t8 W)at 'as it@ W)at?s )a11enin6@5 5T)at?s a

s1i$e#% a 6iant s1i$e#8 It?s 0i$na1in6 o# 0illin6 Ro$ !cBan85 5!e@5 0eene$ Ro$8 5It?$

bette# not to(c) &e8 I?ll tea# it a1a#t85

5)-)-)F5 sai$ C?&ell8 5<(ietF5 sai$ t)e &on0ey8

5Don?t ?s)-)-)? &e an$ $on?t ?(iet? &e%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I?& not 6oin6 to let t)at

1oo# bli6)te# s(ffe# on &y acco(nt8 Tell t)at t)in6 to co&e $o'n8 W)at is it% any)o'%

t)is s1i$e#@ A #obot@5

5No%5 sai$ C?&ell% 5an insect85

Ro$ 'as na##o'in6 )is eyes% 'atc)in6 t)e &o'in6 &ac)ine ')ic) )(n6 on t)eo(tsi$e of t)e to'e#8 He co(l$ ba#ely see t)e &an 'it)in its 6#i18 W)en C?&ell sai$

5insect%5 it t#i66e#e$ so&et)in6 in )is &in$8 Hate8 Rev(lsion8 Resistance to $i#t8

Insects on Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia 'e#e s&all% se#ially n(&be#e$ an$ license$8 Even at

t)at% )e felt t)e& to be )is )e#e$ita#y ene&ies8 o&ebo$y )a$ tol$ )i& t)at Ea#t)

insects )a$ $one te##ible t)in6s to t)e No#st#ilians ')en t)ey live$ on Pa#a$ise ;II8

Ro$ yelle$ at t)e s1i$e#% &a0in6 )is voice as lo($ as 1ossible% 5Yo(>co&e>

$o'nF5

T)e filt)y t)in6 on t)e to'e# (ive#e$ 'it) s)ee# s&(6ness an$ see&e$ to b#in6

its &ac)ine- li0e le6s close# to6et)e#% settlin6 $o'n to be co&fo#table8Ro$ fo#6ot )e 'as s(11ose$ to be a cat8 He 6as1e$ fo# ai#8 Ea#t) ai# 'as 'et% b(t

t)in8 He close$ )is eyes fo# a &o&ent o# t'o8 He t)o(6)t )ate% )ate% )ate fo# t)e insect8

T)en )e s)#ie0e$ tele1at)ically% lo($e# t)an )e )a$ eve# s)#ie0e$ at )o&e4

)ate-s1it-s1it-vo&itF $i#t% $i#t% $i#t% e31lo$eF

c#(s)4

#(in4

stin0% colla1se% 1(t#efy% $isa11ea#F

)ate-)ate-)ateF

T)e fie#ce #e$ #oa# of )is ina#tic(late s1ie0in6 )(#t even )i&8 He sa' t)e little



&on0ey fall to t)e 6#o(n$ in a $ea$ faint8 C?&ell 'as 1ale an$ loo0e$ as t)o(6) s)e

&i6)t t)#o' (1 )e# foo$8

He loo0e$ a'ay f#o& t)e& an$ (1 at t)e 5s1i$e#85 Ha$ )e #eac)e$ it@ He )a$8

lo'ly% slo'ly% t)e lon6 le6s &ove$ o(t in s1as&% #eleasin6 t)e &an% ')ose

bo$y flas)e$ $o'n'a#$8 Ro$?s eyes follo'e$ t)e &ove&ent of 5Ro$ !cBan5 an$ )ec#in6e$ ')en a 'et c#(nc) let )i& 0no' t)at t)e $(1licate of )is o'n bo$y )a$ been

s1las)e$ all ove# t)e )a#$ $ec0 of t)e to'e#% a )(n$#e$ &ete#s a'ay8 He 6lance$ bac0

(1 at t)e 5s1i$e#85 It sc#a&ble$ fo# 1(#c)ase on t)e to'e# an$ t)en ca#t')eele$

$o'n'a#$8 It too )it t)e $ec0 )a#$ an$ lay t)e#e $yin6% its le6s t'itc)in6 as its

1e#sonality sli11e$ into its 1#ivate% eve#lastin6 ni6)t8

Ro$ 6as1e$8 5Eleano#8 O)% &aybe t)at?s Eleano#F5 His voice 'aile$8 He sta#te$

to #(n to t)e facsi&ile of )is )(&an bo$y% fo#6ettin6 t)at )e 'as a cat-&an8

C?&ell?s voice 'as as s)a#1 as a )o'l% t)o(6) lo' in tone8 5)(t (1F )(t (1F

tan$ stillF Close yo(# &in$F )(t (1F We?#e $ea$ if yo( $on?t s)(t (1F5

He sto11e$% sta#e$ at )e# st(1i$ly8 T)en )e sa' s)e 'as in &o#tal ea#nest8 He

co&1lie$8 He sto11e$ &ovin68 He $i$ not t#y to tal08 He ca11e$ )is &in$% closin6

)i&self a6ainst tele1at)y (ntil )is b#ainbo3 be6an to ac)e8 T)e little &on0ey% A?6ent(#%

'as c#a'lin6 (1 off t)e floo#% loo0in6 s)a0en an$ sic08 C?&ell 'as still 1ale8

!en ca&e #(nnin6 (1 t)e #a&1% sa' t)e& an$ )ea$e$ to'a#$ t)e&8 T)e#e 'as

t)e beat of 'in6s in t)e ai#8

An eno#&o(s bi#$>no% it 'as an o#nit)o1te#>lan$e$ 'it) its cla's sc#atc)in6

t)e $ec08 A

(nifo#&e$ &an (&1e$ o(t an$ c#ie$% 5W)e#e is )e@5 5He (&1e$ ove#F5 C?&ell

s)o(te$8

T)e &an sta#te$ to follo' t)e $i#ection of )e# 6est(#e an$ t)en c(t s)a#1ly bac0

to )e#%

5"oolF5 )e sai$8 5Peo1le can?t (&1 off )e#e8 T)e ba##ie# 'o(l$ )ol$ s)i1s in

1lace8 W)at $i$ yo( see@5

C?&ell 'as a 6oo$ act#ess8 )e 1#eten$e$ to be 6ettin6 ove# s)oc0 an$ 6as1in6

fo# 'o#$s8 T)e (nifo#&e$ &an loo0e$ at )e# )a(6)tily8

5Cats%5 )e sai$% 5an$ a &on0ey8 W)at a#e yo( $oin6 )e#e@ W)o a#e yo(@5

5Na&e C?&ell% 1#ofession% 6i#ly6i#l% Ea#t)1o#t staff% co&&an$e$ by

Co&&issione# Tea$#in0e#8 T)is>boyf#ien$% no stat(s% na&e C?#o$e#ic0% cas)ie# in ni6)t ban0 $o'n belo'8 Hi&@5 )e no$$e$ at A?6ent(#8 5I $on?t 0no' &(c) abo(t )i&85

5Na&e A?6ent(#8 P#ofession% s(11le&enta#y s(#6eon8 tat(s% ani&al8 I?& not an

(n$e#1e#son8 K(st an ani&al8 I ca&e in on t)e s)i1 f#o& !a#s 'it) t)e $ea$ &an t)e#e

an$ so&e ot)e# t#(e &en ')o loo0e$ li0e )i&% an$ t)ey 'ent $o'n fi#st>5

5)(t (1%5 sai$ t)e (nifo#&e$ &an8 He t(#ne$ to t)e a11#oac)in6 &en an$ sai$%

5Hono#e$ s(bc)ief% e#6eant GM #e1o#tin68 T)e (se# of t)e tele1at)ic 'ea1on )as

$isa11ea#e$8 T)e only t)in6s )e#e a#e t)ese t'o cat-1eo1le% not ve#y b#i6)t% an$ a s&all

&on0ey8 T)ey can tal08 T)e 6i#l says s)e sa' so&ebo$y 6et off t)e to'e#85

T)e s(bc)ief 'as a tall #e$)ea$ 'it) a (nifo#& even )an$so&e# t)an t)ese#6eant?s8 He sna11e$ at C?&ell% 5Ho' $i$ )e $o it@5



Ro$ 0ne' C?&ell 'ell eno(6) by no' to #eco6nie t)e a#tf(lness of )e#

beco&in6 conf(se$% fe&inine an$ inco)e#ent>in a11ea#ance8 Act(ally% s)e 'as in f(ll

cont#ol of t)e sit(ation8 ai$ s)e% babblin64

5He (&1e$% I t)in08 I $on?t 0no' )o'85

5T)at?s i&1ossible%5 sai$ t)e s(bc)ief8 5Di$ yo( see ')e#e )e 'ent@5 )e ba#0e$ at Ro$

!cBan8

Ro$ 6as1e$ at t)e s($$enness of t)e (estion>besi$es% C?&ell )a$ tol$ )i& to

0ee1 (iet8 Bet'een t)ese t'o 1e#e&1to#ies% )e sai$% 5E#>a)>o)>yo( see>5

T)e little &on0ey-s(#6eon inte##(1te$ $#ily% 5i# an$ &aste# s(bc)ief% t)at cat-

&an is not ve#y b#i6)t8 I $o not t)in0 yo( 'ill 6et &(c) o(t of )i&8 Han$so&e% b(t

st(1i$8 t#ictly b#ee$in6 stoc0

>5

Ro$ 6a66e$ an$ t(#ne$ a little #e$ at t)ese #e&a#0s% b(t )e co(l$ tell f#o& t)e)oo$e$ (ic0 6la#e ')ic) C?&ell s)ot )i& t)at s)e 'ante$ )i& to 6o on bein6 (iet8

)e c(t in8 5I $i$ notice one t)in6% &aste#8 It &i6)t &atte#85

5By t)e Bell an$ Ban0% ani&alF Tell &e%5 c#ie$ t)e s(b-c)ief8 5to1 $eci$in6

')at I o(6)t to 0no'F5

5T)e st#an6e &an?s s0in 'as li6)tly tin6e$ 'it) bl(e85

T)e s(bc)ief too0 a ste1 bac08 His sol$ie#s an$ t)e se#6eant sta#e$ at )i&8 In a

se#io(s% $i#ect 'ay )e sai$ to C?&ell% 5A#e yo( s(#e@5

5No% &y &aste#8 I (st t)o(6)t so85

5Yo( sa' (st one@5 ba#0e$ t)e s(bc)ief8

Ro$% ove#actin6 t)e st(1i$ity% )el$ (1 fo(# fin6e#s8

5T)at i$iot%5 c#ie$ t)e s(bc)ief% 5t)in0s )e sa' fo(# of t)e&8 Can )e co(nt@5 )e

as0e$ C?&ell8 C?&ell loo0e$ at Ro$ as t)o(6) )e 'e#e a )an$so&e beast 'it) not a

b#ain in )is )ea$8 Ro$

loo0e$ bac0 at )e#% $elibe#ately lettin6 )i&self feel st(1i$8 T)is 'as so&et)in6

')ic) )e $i$ ve#y 'ell% since by neit)e# )ie#in6 no# s1ie0in6 at )o&e% )e )a$ )a$ to sit

t)#o(6) inte#&inable )o(#s of ot)e# 1eo1le?s conve#sation ')en )e 'as little% neve#

6ettin6 t)e faintest i$ea of ')at it 'as all abo(t8 He )a$ $iscove#e$ ve#y ea#ly t)at if

)e sat still an$ loo0e$ st(1i$% 1eo1le $i$ not bot)e# )i& by t#yin6 to b#in6 )i& into t)econve#sation% t(#nin6 t)ei# voices on an$ b#ayin6 at )i& as t)o(6) )e 'e#e $eaf8 He

t#ie$ to si&(late t)e fa&ilia# ol$ 1ost(#e an$ 'as #at)e# 1lease$ t)at )e co(l$ &a0e

s(c) a 6oo$ s)o'in6 'it) C?&ell 'atc)in6 )i&8 Even ')en s)e 'as se#io(s% fi6)tin6

fo# t)ei# f#ee$o& an$ 1layin6 6i#l all at once% )e# co#ona of blain6 )ai# &a$e )e# s)ine

fo#t) li0e t)e s(n of

Ea#t) itself a&on6 all t)ese 1eo1le on t)e 1latfo#&% )e# bea(ty an$ )e#

intelli6ence &a$e )e# stan$ o(t>cat t)o(6) s)e 'as8 Ro$ 'as not at all s(#1#ise$ t)at

)e 'as ove#loo0e$% 'it) s(c) a vivi$ 1e#sonality ne3t to )i& )e (st 'is)e$ t)at )e

co(l$ be ove#loo0e$ a little &o#e% so t)at )e co(l$ 'an$e# ove# i$ly an$ see ')et)e#

t)e bo$y 'as Eleano#?s o# one of t)e #obot?s8 If Eleano# )a$ al#ea$y $ie$ fo# )i&% in)e# fi#st fe' &in(tes of t)e bi6 t#eat of seein6 Ea#t)% )e felt t)at )e 'o(l$ neve# fo#6ive



)i&self as lon6 as )e live$8

T)e tal0 abo(t t)e bl(e &en a&(se$ )i& $ee1ly8 T)ey e3iste$ in No#st#ilian

fol0lo#e% as a #ace of fa#a'ay &a6icians ')o% t)#o(6) science o# )y1notis&% co(l$

#en$e# t)e&selves invisible to ot)e# &en ')eneve# t)ey 'is)e$8 Ro$ )a$ neve#

tal0e$ 'it) an Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian sec(#ity office# abo(t t)e 1#oble& of 6(a#$in6

t)e st#oon t#eas(#e f#o& attac0s by invisible &en% b(t )e 6at)e#e$% f#o& t)e 'ay

1eo1le tol$ sto#ies of bl(e &en% t)at t)ey )a$ eit)e# faile$ to s)o' (1 in No#st#ilia o#

t)at t)e No#st#ilian a(t)o#ities $i$ not ta0e t)e& ve#y se#io(sly8 He 'as a&ae$ t)at

t)e ea#t) 1eo1le $i$ not b#in6 in a co(1le of fi#st-class tele1at)s an$ )ave t)e& s'ee1

t)e $ec0 of t)e to'e# fo# eve#y livin6 t)in6% b(t to ($6e by t)e c)atte# of voices t)at

'as 6oin6 on% an$ t)e 1ee#in6 'it) eyes ')ic) occ(##e$% Ea#t) 1eo1le )a$ fai#ly 'ea0

senses an$ $i$ not 6et t)in6s $one 1#o&1tly an$ efficiently8

T)e (estion abo(t Eleano# 'as ans'e#e$ fo# )i&8 One of t)e sol$ie#s oine$ t)e

6#o(1% 'aite$ afte# sal(tin6% an$ 'as finally allo'e$ to inte##(1t C?&ell?s an$

A?6ent(#?s en$less 6(essin6 as to )o' &any bl(e &en t)e#e &i6)t )ave been on t)e

to'e#% if t)e#e )a$ been any at all8 T)e s(bc)ief no$$e$ at t)e sol$ie#% ')o sai$% 5Be6to #e1o#t% si# an$ s(bc)ief% t)e bo$y is not a bo$y8 It is (st a #obot ')ic) loo0s li0e a

1e#son85

T)e $ay b#i6)tene$ i&&eas(#ably 'it)in Ro$?s )ea#t8 Eleano# 'as safe%

so&e')e#e f(#t)e# $o'n in t)is i&&ense to'e#8

T)e co&&ent see&e$ to $eci$e t)e yo(n6 office#8 52et a s'ee1in6 &ac)ine an$

a loo0in6 $o6%5 )e co&&an$e$ t)e se#6eant% 5an$ see to it t)at t)is ')ole a#ea is

s'e1t an$ loo0e$ $o'n to t)e last s(a#e &illi&ete#85

5It is $one%5 sai$ t)e sol$ie#8

Ro$ t)o(6)t t)is an o$$ #e&a#0% beca(se not)in6 at all )a$ been $one yet8

T)e s(bc)ief iss(e$ anot)e# co&&an$4 5T(#n on t)e 0ill-s1otte#s befo#e 'e

6o $o'n t)e #a&18 Any i$entity ')ic) is not 1e#fectly clea# &(st be 0ille$

a(to&atically by t)e scannin6 $evice8 Incl($in6 (s%5 )e a$$e$ to )is &en8 5We $on?t

'ant any bl(e &en 'al0in6 #i6)t $o'n into t)e to'e# a&on6 (s85

C?&ell s($$enly an$ #at)e# bol$ly ste11e$ (1 to t)e office# an$ ')is1e#e$ in )is

ea#8 His eyes #olle$ as )e listene$% )e bl(s)e$ a little% an$ t)en )e c)an6e$ )is o#$e#s4

5Cancel t)e 0ill-s1otte#s8 I 'ant t)is ')ole s(a$ to stan$ bo$y-to-bo$y8 I?& so##y%

&en% b(t yo(?#e 6oin6 to )ave to to(c) t)ese (n$e#1eo1le fo# seve#al &in(tes8 I 'ant

t)e& to stan$ so close to (s t)at 'e can be s(#e t)e#e is nobo$y e3t#a snea0in6 into o(# 6#o(185

C?&ell late# tol$ Ro$ t)at s)e )a$ confesse$ to t)e yo(n6 office# t)at s)e &i6)t

be a &i3e$ ty1e% 1a#t )(&an an$ 1a#t ani&al% an$ t)at s)e 'as t)e s1ecial 6i#ly6i#l of

t'o Off-ea#t) &a6nates of t)e Inst#(&entality8 )e sai$ s)e t)o(6)t t)at s)e )a$ a

$efinite i$entity b(t 'as not s(#e% an$ t)at t)e 0ill-s1otte#s &i6)t $est#oy )e# if s)e $i$

not yiel$ a co##ect i&a6e as s)e 'ent 1ast t)e&8 T)ey 'o(l$% s)e tol$ Ro$ late#% )ave

ca(6)t any (n$e#&an 1assin6 as a &an% o# any &an 1assin6 as an (n$e#&an% an$

'o(l$ )ave 0ille$ t)e victi& by intensifyin6 t)e &a6netic lay-o(t of )is o'n o#6anic

bo$y8 T)ese &ac)ines 'e#e $an6e#o(s t)in6s to 1ass% since t)ey occasionally 0ille$

no#&al% le6iti&ate 1eo1le an$ (n$e#1eo1le ')o &e#ely faile$ to 1#ovi$e a clea# foc(s8

T)e office# too0 t)e left fo#'a#$ co#ne# of t)e livin6 #ectan6le of 1eo1le an$



(n$e#1eo1le8 T)ey fo#&e$ ti6)t #an0s8 Ro$ felt t)e t'o sol$ie#s ne3t to )i& s)($$e#

as t)ey ca&e into contact

'it) )is 5cat5 bo$y8 T)ey 0e1t t)ei# faces ave#te$ f#o& )i& as t)o(6) )e s&elle$

ba$ fo# t)e&8 Ro$ sai$ not)in6 )e (st loo0e$ fo#'a#$ an$ 0e1t )is i&1#ession

1leasantly st(1i$8

W)at follo'e$ ne3t 'as s(#1#isin68 T)e &en 'al0e$ in a st#an6e 'ay% all of

t)e& &ovin6 t)ei# left le6s in (nison% an$ t)en t)ei# #i6)t le6s8 A?6ent(# co(l$ not

1ossibly $o t)is% so 'it) a no$ of t)e se#6eant?s a11#oval% C?&ell 1ic0e$ )i& (1 an$

ca##ie$ )i& close to )e# boso&8 ($$enly% 'ea1ons fla#e$8

T)ese% t)o(6)t Ro$% &(st be co(sins of t)e 'ea1ons ')ic) t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y

ca##ie$ a fe' 'ee0s a6o% ')en )e lan$e$ )is s)i1 on &y 1#o1e#ty8 He #e&e&be#e$

Ho11e#% )is 0nife (ive#in6 li0e t)e )ea$ of a sna0e% t)#eatenin6 t)e life of t)e Lo#$

Re$la$y an$ )e #e&e&be#e$ t)e s($$en silent b(#st% t)e blac0 oily s&o0e% an$ t)e

6loo&y Bill loo0in6 at t)e c)ai# ')e#e )is 1al )a$ e3iste$ a &o&ent a6o8

T)ese 'ea1ons s)o'e$ a little li6)t% (st a little% b(t t)ei# fo#ce 'as bet#aye$ by

t)e b(in6 of t)e floo# an$ t)e a6itation of t)e $(st8

5Close in% &enF Ri6)t (1 to yo(# o'n feetF Don?t let a bl(e &an t)#o(6)F5

s)o(te$ t)e s(bc)ief8

T)e &en co&1lie$8

T)e ai# be6an to s&ell f(nny an$ b(#ne$8

T)e #a&1 'as clea# of life e3ce1t fo# t)ei# o'n8 W)en t)e #a&1 s'(n6 a#o(n$ a

co#ne#% Ro$ 6as1e$8

T)is 'as t)e &ost eno#&o(s #oo& )e )a$ eve# seen8 It cove#e$ t)e enti#e to1 of Ea#t)1o#t8 He co(l$ not even be6in to 6(ess )o' &any )ecta#es it 'as% b(t a s&all fa#&

co(l$ )ave been acco&&o$ate$ on it8 T)e#e 'e#e fe' 1eo1le t)e#e8 T)e &en b#o0e

#an0s at a co&&an$ of t)e s(bc)ief8 T)e office# 6la#e$ at t)e cat-&an Ro$% t)e cat-6i#l

C?&ell an$ t)e a1e A?6ent(#4

5Yo( stan$ #i6)t ')e#e yo( a#e till I co&e bac0F5 T)ey stoo$% sayin6 not)in68

C?&ell an$ A?6ent(# too0 t)e 1lace fo# 6#ante$8

Ro$ sta#e$ as t)o(6) )e 'o(l$ $#in0 (1 t)e 'o#l$ 'it) )is eyes8 In t)is one

eno#&o(s #oo&% t)e#e 'as &o#e anti(ity an$ 'ealt) t)an all Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia

1ossesse$8 C(#tains of an inc#e$ibly #ic) &ate#ial s)i&&e#e$ $o'n f#o& t)e t)i#ty-

&ete# ceilin6 so&e of t)e& see&e$ to be $i#ty an$ in ba$ #e1ai#% b(t a sin6le one of t)e&% afte# 1ayin6 t)e :9%999%999J i&1o#t $(ty% 'o(l$ cost &o#e t)an any Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alian co(l$ affo#$ to 1ay8 T)e#e 'e#e c)ai#s an$ tables )e#e an$ t)e#e% so&e of

t)e& 6oo$ eno(6) to $ese#ve a 1lace in t)e !(se(& of !an on Ne' !a#s8 He#e

t)ey 'e#e &e#ely (se$8 T)e 1eo1le $i$ not see& any t)e )a11ie# fo# )avin6 all t)is

'ealt) a#o(n$ t)e&8 "o# t)e fi#st ti&e% Ro$ 6ot a 6li&1se of ')at s1a#tan self-i&1ose$

1ove#ty )a$ $one to &a0e life 'o#t)')ile at )o&e8 His 1eo1le $i$ not )ave &(c)%

')en t)ey co(l$ )ave c)a#te#e$ en$less a#6osies of t#eas(#e% inbo(n$ f#o& all 'o#l$s to

t)ei# o'n 1lanet% in e3c)an6e fo# t)e life- 1#olon6in6 st#oon8 B(t if t)ey )a$ been

)ea1e$ 'it) t#eas(#e t)ey 'o(l$ )ave a11#eciate$ not)in6 an$ 'o(l$ )ave en$e$ (1

1ossessin6 not)in68 He t)o(6)t of )is o'n little collection of )i$$en anti(ities8 He#e

on Ea#t) it 'o(l$ not )ave fille$ a $(stbin% b(t in t)e tation of Doo& it co(l$ affo#$

)i& connoisse(#s)i1 as lon6 as )e live$8



T)e t)o(6)t of )is )o&e &a$e )i& 'on$e# ')at Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le% t)e

Hon8 ec8% &i6)t be $oin6 'it) )is a$ve#sa#y on Ea#t)8 5It?s a lon6% lon6 'ay to #eac)

)e#el5 )e t)o(6)t to )i&self8

C?&ell $#e' )is attention by 1l(c0in6 at )is a#&8

5Hol$ &e%5 co&&an$e$ s)e% 5beca(se I a& af#ai$ I &i6)t fall $o'n an$

Yee0asoose is not st#on6 eno(6) to )ol$ &e85

Ro$ 'on$e#e$ ')o Yee0asoose &i6)t be% ')en only t)e little &on0ey

A?6ent(# 'as 'it) t)e& )e also 'on$e#e$ ')y C?&ell s)o(l$ nee$ to be )el$8

No#st#ilian $isci1line )a$ ta(6)t )i& not to (estion o#$e#s in an e&e#6ency8 He )el$

)e#8

)e s($$enly sl(&1e$ as t)o(6) s)e )a$ fainte$ o# )a$ 6one to slee18 He )el$

)e# 'it) one a#& an$ 'it) )is f#ee )an$ )e ti11e$ )e# )ea$ a6ainst )is s)o(l$e# so t)at

s)e 'o(l$ loo0 as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e 'ea#y an$ affectionate% not (nconscio(s8 It 'as

1leasant to )ol$ )e# little fe&ale bo$y% ')ic) felt f#a6ile an$ $elicate beyon$ belief8He# )ai#% $isa##aye$ an$ 'in$-blo'n% still ca##ie$ t)e s&ell of t)e salty sea ai# ')ic)

)a$ so s(#1#ise$ )i& an )o(# a6o8 )e )e#self% )e t)o(6)t% 'as t)e 6#eatest t#eas(#e of

Ea#t) ')ic) )e )a$ yet seen8 B(t s(11ose )e $i$ )ave )e#@ W)at co(l$ )e $o 'it) )e#

in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia@ Un$e#1eo1le 'e#e co&1letely fo#bi$$en% e3ce1t fo# &ilita#y

(ses (n$e# t)e e3cl(sive cont#ol of t)e Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent8 He co(l$ not

i&a6ine C?&ell $i#ectin6 a &o'in6 &ac)ine as s)e 'al0e$ ac#oss a 6iant s)ee1%

s)ea#in6 it8 T)e i$ea of )e# sittin6 (1 all ni6)t 'it) a lonely o# f#i6)tene$ s)ee1-

&onste# 'as itself #i$ic(lo(s8 )e 'as a 1lay6i#l% an o#na&ent in )(&an fo#& fo# s(c)

as )e#% t)e#e 'as no 1lace (n$e# t)e co&fo#table 6#ay s0ies of )o&e8 He# bea(ty

'o(l$ fa$e in t)e $#y ai# )e# int#icate &in$ 'o(l$ t(#n so(# 'it) t)e 'ea#y

en$lessness of a fa#& c(lt(#e4 1#o1e#ty% #es1onsibility% $efense% self-#eliance% sob#iety8

Ne' !elbo(#ne 'o(l$ loo0 li0e a collection of #($e s)ac0s to )e#8

He #ealie$ t)at )is feet 'e#e 6ettin6 col$8 U1 on t)e $ec0 t)ey )a$ )a$ s(nli6)t

to 0ee1 t)e& 'a#&% even t)o(6) t)e c)ill salty 'et ai# of Ea#t)?s &a#velo(s 5seas5 'as

blo'in6 a6ainst t)e&8 He#e% insi$e% it 'as &e#ely )i6) an$ col$% ')ile still 'et )e )a$

neve# enco(nte#e$ 'et col$ befo#e% an$ it 'as a st#an6ely (nco&fo#table e31e#ience8

C?&ell ca&e to an$ s)oo0 )e#self to 'a0ef(lness (st as t)ey sa' t)e office#

'al0in6 to'a#$ t)e& f#o& t)e ot)e# en$ of t)e i&&ense #oo&8

Late#% s)e tol$ )i& ')at s)e )a$ e31e#ience$ ')en s)e la1se$ into

(nconscio(sness8

"i#st% s)e )a$ )a$ a call ')ic) s)e co(l$ not e31lain8 T)is )a$ &a$e )e# 'a#n

Ro$8 5Yee0asoose5 'as% of co(#se E-i0as(s% t)e #eal na&e of t)e 5&on0ey5 ')ic) )e

calle$ A?6ent(#8

T)en% as s)e felt )e#self s'i&&in6 a'ay into )alf-slee1 'it) Ro$?s st#on6 a#&

a#o(n$ )e#% s)e )a$ )ea#$ t#(&1ets 1layin6% (st t'o o# t)#ee of t)e&% 1layin6 $iffe#ent

1a#ts to t)e sa&e int#icate% lovely 1iece of &(sic% so&eti&es in solos% so&eti&es

to6et)e#8 If a )(&an o# #obot tele1at) )a$ 1ee1e$ )e# &in$ ')ile s)e listene$ to t)e

&(sic% t)e i&1#ession 'o(l$ )ave been t)at of a 1e#ce1tive c?6i#l ')o )a$ lin0e$

)e#self 'it) one of t)e &any tele1at)ic ente#tain&ent c)annels ')ic) fille$ t)e s1ace of

Ea#t) Itself8



Last% t)e#e ca&e t)e &essa6es8 T)ey 'e#e not enco$e$ in t)e &(sic in any

'ay ')ateve#8 T)e &(sic ca(se$ t)e i&a6es to fo#& in )e# &in$ beca(se s)e 'as

C?&ell% )e#self% (ni(e% in$ivi$(al8 Pa#tic(la# f(6(es% o# even in$ivi$(al notes #eac)e$

into )e# &e&o#y an$ e&otions% ca(sin6 )e# &in$ to b#in6 (1 ol$% )alf-fo#6otten

associations8 "i#st s)e t)o(6)t of 5Hi6) bi#$s flyin6+5 as in t)e son6 ')ic) s)e )a$

s(n6 to Ro$8 T)en s)e sa' eyes% 1ie#cin6 eyes ')ic) blae$ 'it) 0no'le$6e ')ile t)eystaye$ &oist 'it) )(&ility8 T)en s)e s&elle$ t)e st#an6e o$o#s of Do'n$ee1-

$o'n$ee1% t)e 'o#0-city ')e#e t)e (n$e#1eo1le &aintaine$ t)e civiliation on t)e

s(#face an$ ')e#e so&e ille6al (n$e#1eo1le l(#0e$% ove#loo0e$ by t)e a(t)o#ity of &an8

"inally s)e sa' Ro$ )i&self% st#i$in6 off t)e $ec0 'it) )is lo1in6 No#st#ilian 'al08 It

a$$e$ (1 si&1ly8 )e 'as to b#in6 Ro$ to t)e fo#6otten% fo#lo#n% fo#bi$$en c)a&be#s of

t)e Na&eless One% an$ to $o so 1#o&1tly8 T)e &(sic in )e# )ea$ sto11e$% an$ s)e 'o0e

(18 T)e office# a##ive$8

He loo0e$ at t)e& in(isitively an$ an6#ily8 5T)is ')ole b(siness is f(nny8 T)e

actin6 Co&&issione# $oes not believe t)at t)e#e a#e any bl(e &en8 We?ve all )ea#$ of

t)e&8 An$ yet 'e 0no' so&ebo$y set off a tele1at)ic e&otion-bo&b8 T)at #a6eFHalf t)e 1eo1le in t)is #oo& fell $o'n ')en it 'ent off8 T)ose 'ea1ons a#e

co&1letely 1#o)ibite$ fo# (se insi$e t)e Ea#t)?s at&os1)e#e85

He coc0e$ )is )ea$ at t)e&8

C?&ell #e&aine$ 1#($ently silent% Ro$ 1#actice$ loo0in6 t)o#o(6)ly st(1i$% an$

A?6ent(# loo0e$ li0e a b#i6)t% )el1less little &on0ey8

5"(nnie# still%5 sai$ t)e office#8 5T)e Actin6 Co&&issione# 6ot o#$e#s to let yo(

6o8 He 6ot t)e& ')ile )e 'as c)e'in6 &e o(t8 Ho' $oes anybo$y 0no' t)at yo(

(n$e#1eo1le a#e )e#e@ W)o a#e yo(% any)o'@5

He loo0e$ at t)e& 'it) c(#iosity fo# a &in(te% b(t t)en t)e c(#iosity fa$e$ 'it)

t)e 1#ess(#e of )is lifelon6 )abits8

He sna11e$% 5W)o ca#es@ 2et alon68 2et o(t8 Yo(?#e (n$e#1eo1le an$ yo(?#e

not allo'e$ to stan$ in t)is #oo&% any)o'85

He t(#ne$ )is bac0 on t)e& an$ 'al0e$ a'ay8

5W)e#e a#e 'e 6oin6@5 ')is1e#e$ Ro$% )o1in6 C?&ell 'o(l$ say t)at )e co(l$

6o $o'n to t)e s(#face an$ see Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8

5Do'n to t)e botto& of t)e 'o#l$% an$ t)en>5 )e bit )e# li18 5+ an$ t)en%

&(c) f(#t)e# $o'n8 I )ave inst#(ctions855Can?t I ta0e an )o(# an$ loo0 at Ea#t)@5 as0e$ Ro$8 5Yo( stay 'it) &e% of

co(#se85

5W)en $eat) is (&1in6 a#o(n$ (s li0e 'il$ s1a#0s@ Of co(#se not8 Co&e alon6%

Ro$8 Yo(?ll 6et yo(# f#ee$o& so&e ti&e soon% if so&ebo$y $oesn?t 0ill yo( fi#st8

Yee0asoose% yo( lea$ t)e 'ayF5

T)ey 'al0e$ only a fe' ste1s% t)en sto11e$ s)o#t8 He sto11e$ s)o#t8

T)ey all t)#ee s1(n a#o(n$8

A &an face$ t)e&>a tall &an% cla$ in fo#&al 6a#&ents% )is face 6lea&in6 'it)

intelli6ence% co(#a6e% 'is$o& an$ a ve#y s1ecial 0in$ of ele6ance8

5I a& 1#oectin6%5 sai$ )e8



5Yo( 0no' &e%5 )e sai$ to C?&ell8 5!y lo#$ KestocostF5

5Yo( 'ill slee1%5 )e co&&an$e$ A?6ent(#% an$ t)e little &on0ey c#(&1le$ into a

)ea1 of f(# on t)e $ec0 of t)e to'e#8

5I a& t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% one of t)e Inst#(&entality%5 sai$ t)e st#an6e &an%

5an$ I a& 6oin6 to s1ea0 to yo( at ve#y )i6) s1ee$8 It 'ill see& li0e &any &in(tes% b(t it 'ill only ta0e secon$s8 It is necessa#y fo# yo( to 0no' yo(# fate85

5Yo( &ean &y f(t(#e@5 sai$ Ro$ !cBan8 5I t)o(6)t t)at yo(% o# so&ebo$y else%

)a$ it all a##an6e$85

5We can $is1ose% b(t 'e cannot a##an6e8 I )ave tal0e$ to t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y8 I

)ave 1lans fo# yo(8 Pe#)a1s t)ey 'ill 'o#0 o(t85

A sli6)t f#o'nin6 s&ile c#osse$ t)e face of t)e $istin6(is)e$ &an8 Wit) )is left

)an$ )e 'a#ne$ C?&ell to $o not)in68 T)e bea(tif(l cat-6i#l sta#te$ to ste1 fo#'a#$

an$ t)en obeye$ t)e i&1e#io(s 6est(#e% sto11e$% an$ &e#ely 'atc)e$8

T)e Lo#$ Kestocost $#o11e$ to one 0nee8 He bo'e$ 1#o($ly an$ f#eely% 'it))is )ea$ )el$ )i6) an$ )is face tilte$ (1'a#$ ')ile )e sta#e$ $i#ectly at Ro$ !cBan8

till 0neelin6% )e sai$ ce#e&onio(sly% 5o&e $ay% yo(n6 &an% yo( 'ill

(n$e#stan$ ')at yo( a#e no' seein68 T)e Lo#$ Kestocost% ')ic) is &yself% )as bo'e$ to

no &an o# 'o&an since t)e $ay of )is initiation8 T)at 'as &o#e ti&e a6o t)an I li0e to

#e&e&be#8 B(t I bo' f#eely to t)e &an ')o )as bo(6)t Ea#t)8 I offe# yo( &y f#ien$s)i1

an$ &y )el18 I offe# bot) of t)ese 'it)o(t &ental #ese#vation8 No' I stan$ (1 an$ I

6#eet yo( as &y yo(n6e# co&#a$e85

He stoo$ e#ect an$ #eac)e$ fo# Ro$?s )an$8 Ro$ s)oo0 )an$s 'it) )i&% still

be'il$e#e$8

5Yo( )ave seen t)e 'o#0 of so&e of t)e 1eo1le ')o 'ant yo( $ea$8 I )ave

)a$ a )an$ in 6ettin6 yo( t)#o(6) t)at an$ I &i6)t tell yo( t)at t)e &an ')o sent

t)e s1i$e# 'ill #e6#et ve#y $ee1ly an$ ve#y lon6 t)at )e $i$ it8 Ot)e# 1eo1le 'ill t#y to

)(nt yo( $o'n fo# ')at yo( )ave $one o# fo# ')at yo( a#e8 I a& 'illin6 fo# yo( to

save so&e of yo(# 1#o1e#ty an$ all of yo(# life8 Yo( 'ill )ave e31e#iences ')ic) yo(

'ill t#eas(#e>if yo( live t)#o(6) t)e&8

5Yo( )ave no c)ance at all 'it)o(t &e8 I?ll co##ect t)at8 Yo( )ave one c)ance in

ten t)o(san$ of co&in6 o(t alive8

5Wit) &e% if yo( obey &e t)#o(6) C?&ell% yo(# c)ances a#e ve#y 6oo$ in$ee$8!o#e t)an one t)o(san$ to one in yo(# favo#8 Yo( 'ill live>5

5B(t &y &oneyF5 Ro$ s1ie0e$ 'il$ly 'it)o(t 0no'in6 t)at )e $i$ it8

5Yo(# &oney is on Ea#t)8 It is Ea#t)%5 s&ile$ t)e 'ise% 1o'e#f(l ol$ official8

5It is bein6 ta3e$ at eno#&o(s #ates8 T)is is yo(# fate% yo(n6 &an8 Re&e&be# it% an$

be #ea$y to obey it8 W)en I lift &y )an$% #e1eat afte# &e8 Do yo( (n$e#stan$@5

Ro$ no$$e$8 He 'as not af#ai$% e3actly% b(t so&e (n0no'n co#e 'it)in )i& )a$

be6(n to #a$iate ani&al te##o#8 He 'as not af#ai$ of ')at &i6)t )a11en to )i&self )e

'as af#ai$ of t)e st#an6e% 'il$ fie#ceness of it all8 He )a$ neve# 0no'n t)at &an o# boy

co(l$ be so (tte#ly alone8

T)e loneliness of t)e o1en o(tbac0 at )o&e 'as 1)ysical8 T)is loneliness



)a$ &illions of 1eo1le a#o(n$ )i&8 He felt t)e 1ast c#o'$in6 (1 as t)o(6) it 'e#e

alive in its o'n #i6)t8 T)e cat- 6i#l besi$e )i& co&fo#te$ )i& a little )e )a$ &et )e#

t)#o(6) Docto# ;o&act to ;o&act )e )a$ been sent by Re$la$y an$ Re$la$y 0ne' )is

o'n $ea# )o&e8 T)e lin0a6e 'as t)e#e% t)o(6) it 'as #e&ote8

In f#ont of )i& t)e#e 'as no lin0a6e at all8

He stoo$% in )is o'n &in$% on a 1#eci1ice of t)e 1#esent% sta#in6 $o'n at t)e

co&1le3 ine31licable i&&ensity of Ea#t)?s 1ast8 T)is 'as t)e 1lace t)at all 1eo1le

'e#e f#o&8 In t)ose oceans t)ey )a$ c#a'le$ in t)e sli&e f#o& t)ose salt% #ic) seas

t)ey )a$ cli&be$ to t)at lan$ fa# belo' )i& on t)at lan$ t)ey )a$ c)an6e$ f#o&

ani&als into &en befo#e t)ey )a$ seie$ t)e sta#s8 T)is 'as )o&e itself% t)e )o&e of all

&en% an$ it co(l$ s'allo' )i& (18

T)e 'o#$-t)o(6)ts ca&e fast o(t of t)e Lo#$ Kestocost?s &in$% $i#ectly into )is

o'n8 It 'as as t)o(6) Kestocost )a$ fo(n$ so&e 'ay a#o(n$ )is i&1e$i&ent an$ )a$

t)en $is#e6a#$e$ it8

5T)is is Ol$ Ea#t) Itself% f#o& ')ic) yo( 'e#e b#e$ an$ to ')ic) all &en #et(#nin t)ei# t)o(6)ts if not in t)ei# bo$ies8 T)is is still t)e #ic)est of t)e 'o#l$s% t)o(6) its

'ealt) is &eas(#e$ in t#eas(#es an$ &e&o#ies% not in st#oon8

5!any &en )ave t#ie$ to #(le t)is 'o#l$8 A ve#y fe' )ave $one it fo# a little

')ile85 Une31ecte$ly% t)e Lo#$ Kestocost lifte$ )is #i6)t )an$8 Wit)o(t 0no'in6 ')y

)e $i$ it% Ro$

#e1eate$ t)e last sentence8

5A ve#y fe' &en )ave 6ove#ne$ t)e 'o#l$ fo# a little ')ile85 5T)e

Inst#(&entality )as &a$e t)at i&1ossible85

T)e #i6)t )an$ 'as still in t)e co&&an$in6 5(15 1osition% so Ro$ #e1eate$% 5T)e

Inst#(&entality )as &a$e t)at i&1ossible85

5An$ no' yo(% Ro$ !cBan of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% a#e t)e fi#st to o'n it85 T)e

)an$ 'as still #aise$8

5An$ no' I% Ro$ !cBan% of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% a& t)e fi#st to o'n it85 T)e

)an$ $#o11e$% b(t t)e Lo#$ s1ie0e$ on8

52o fo#'a#$% t)en% 'it) $eat) a#o(n$ yo(8 52o fo#'a#$% t)en% to yo(# )ea#t?s

$esi#e8

52o fo#'a#$% 'it) t)e love yo( 'ill 'in an$ lose8

52o fo#'a#$% to t)e 'o#l$% an$ to t)at ot)e# 'o#l$ (n$e# t)e 'o#l$8 52o fo#'a#$%

to 'il$ a$vent(#es an$ a safe #et(#n85Be 'atc)f(l of C?&ell8 )e 'ill be &y eyes (1on yo(% &y a#& a#o(n$ yo(#

s)o(l$e#s% &y a(t)o#ity (1on yo(# 1e#son b(t 6o8

52o85 U1 'ent t)e )an$8 52o+5 sai$ Ro$8

T)e Lo#$ vanis)e$8

C?&ell 1l(c0e$ at )is sleeve8 5Yo(# t#i1 is ove#% &y )(sban$8 No' 'e ta0e Ea#t)

itself85 oftly an$ (ic0ly t)ey #an to t)e ste1s ')ic) 'ent to (ni&a6inable Ea#t) belo'

t)e&8 Ro$ !cBan )a$ co&e to t)e f(lfil&ent of )is c)ance an$ )is in)e#itance8

EPILO2UE AND CODA

Ho' Ro$ !cBan CLI too0 )is c)ance an$ enoye$ )is in)e#itance is% of co(#se%

i&1licit in all t)at )e )a$ $one an$ )a$ been $one to )i& (1 to )is &eetin6 'it) t)e

Lo#$ Kestocost8 T)e $etails of )o' it all 'o#0e$ o(t a#e $o(btless fascinatin6 an$ 'ill



$o(btless be tol$ late#% b(t t)e #eason fo# t)is c)#onicle en$s no' t)at t)e 1laye#s )ave

&a$e t)e &oves t)at 'ill $ete#&ine t)e o(tco&e8

One 1iece #e&ains to be #e&ove$ f#o& t)e boa#$ fi#st% t)o(6)8 Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia% A$&8 Offices of t)e Co&&on'ealt)

5Yo(% fo#&e# Hon8 ec8 of t)is 6ove#n&ent% a#e c)a#6e$ 'it) 6oin6 o(tsi$e t)e

li&its of yo(# Onsec0is) $(ties an$ of atte&1tin6 to co&&it &ay)e& o# &(#$e# (1on

t)e 1e#son of one of He# Absent !aesty?s s(bects% t)e sai$ s(bect bein6 Ro$e#ic0

"#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan to t)e one-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st

6ene#ation an$ yo( a#e f(#t)e# c)a#6e$ 'it) t)e ab(se of an official inst#(&ent of t)is

Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent in $esi6nin6 an$ enco&1assin6 t)e sai$ (nla'f(l 1(#1ose%

to 'it% one &(tate$ s1a##o'% se#ial n(&be# 9,/M% s1ecialty n(&be# ::G:G%

'ei6)in6 fo#ty-one 0ilo6#a&s an$ )avin6 a &oneta#y val(e of .G &inic#e$its8 W)at

say yo(@5

Ho(6)ton y&e C=LI= b(#ie$ )is face in )is )an$s an$ sobbe$8 T)e P#e$iction

!ac)ine at t)e Abba Din6o

Kestocost 'as t)e only Lo#$ of t)e Inst#(&entality ')o )a$ bot)e#e$ to 1(tt)#o(6) a $i#ect line to t)e 1#e$iction &ac)ine at t)e Abba Din6o% )alf'ay (1 t)e

i&&ense col(&n ')ic) s(11o#te$ Ea#t)1o#t8 !ost of t)e ti&e t)e &ac)ine $i$ not 'o#0

at all &(c) of t)e #est 'as (nintelli6ible% b(t Kestocost li0e$ t#yin6 it any)o'8

T)e ni6)t of Ro$?s a##ival )e as0e$% 5W)at is )a11enin6 in t)e 'o#l$@5 ai$ t)e

&ac)ine% 5W)at@ W)at@ Be clea#85

5Has anyt)in6 sta#te$ )a11enin6 in t)e 'o#l$ to$ay@5 s)o(te$ Kestocost8

T)e#e 'as a lon6 $elay8 Kestocost t)o(6)t of $isconnectin6% b(t finally t)e

&ac)ine s1o0e% in t)e accents of a6es 1ast% 5T)is-&ac)ine is col$% col$8 T)is-&ac)ine is

ol$% ol$8 It is )a#$ to tell8 It is )a#$ to 0no'8 B(t so&et)in6 )as be6(n to )a11en8o&et)in6 st#an6e% li0e t)e fi#st fe' $#o1s of an i&&ense #ainsto#&% li0e t)e tiny 6lo'

of an a11#oac)in6 co&et8 C)an6e is co&in6 to t)is 'o#l$8 It is not c)an6e ')ic)

'ea1ons can sto18 T)is c)an6e ')is1e#s in li0e a fo#6otten $#ea&8 !aybe it 'ill be

6oo$8 C)an6e% c)an6e+ at t)e cente# of it all% t)e#e is a boy8 One boy8 T)is-&ac)ine

cannot see )i&+5

T)e#e 'as a lon6 silence8 Kestocost finally 0ne' t)at t)e &ac)ine )a$ not)in6

&o#e to say8 He c(t t)e connection8 An$ t)en% ve#y $ee1ly% )e si6)e$8



The Underpeople

by Cordwainer Smith

(Seond part of Norstrilia Original)

The Underpeople

by Cordwainer Smith

THE UNDERPEOPLE THE UNDERPEOPLE THE UNDERPEOPLE THE

UNDERPEOPLE CORDWAINER !ITH CORDWAINER !ITH CORDWAINER

!ITH

CORDWAINER !ITH A PYRA!ID BOO* PYRA!ID CIENCE "ICTION

=-,,9

"i#st 1#intin6% Nove&be#% ,. T)is boo0 is fiction8 No #ese&blance is inten$e$

bet'een any c)a#acte# )e#ein an$ any 1e#son% livin6 o# $ea$ any s(c) #ese&blance is

1(#ely coinci$ental8 Co1y#i6)t ,. by 2enevieve Lineba#6e# PYRA!ID BOO* a#e

1(blis)e$ by Py#a&i$ P(blications% Inc8 /// !a$ison Aven(e% Ne' Yo#0% Ne' Yo#0

,99::% U88A8

CHAPTER ONE4 LOT !UIC IN AN OLD WORLD

YOU !AY HA;E EEN t)e &(sical 1lay ')ic) 'as '#itten abo(t t)e

conf#ontation of Ro$ !cBan% t)e boy ')o )a$ bo(6)t Ea#t)% an$ t)e La$y Ko)anna

2na$e% 1#o($est an$ &ost self- 'ille$ of all t)e Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality8 It 'as

not a ve#y lon6 1lay8 In$ee$% a&on6 t)e &any 1lays an$ balla$s t)at 'e#e co&1ose$

abo(t Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan t)e )(n$#e$ an$

fifty-fi#st% t)is s)o#t $#a&a 'as c)a#acte#ie$ by econo&y of fo#&% (n$e#state&ent of

t)e $#a&atic ele&ents an$ t)e 6ene#o(s (se of &(sic8 Peo1le #e&e&be#e$ t)e &(siceven ')en t)ey fo#6ot ')ic) 1lay it ca&e f#o&8 T)en t)e Inst#(&entality ste11e$ in

an$ o#$e#e$ t)at t)e 1lay be 'it)$#a'n% 6#a$(ally an$ i&1e#ce1tibly% on t)e 6#o(n$ t)at

t)e &(sic 'as licentio(s8 Unfo#t(nately% it 'as8 Ol$ &(sic f#o& t)e "i#st 1ace A6e )as

a #eal ten$ency to co##(1t 1eo1le of o(# o'n ti&e8 Yo( can?t 1ic0 so&et)in6 o(t of a

)alf-&yt)ical 1lace li0e ancient 5Ne' Yo#05 an$ t(#n it loose 'it)o(t 1eo1le 6ettin6

ve#y (ee# i$eas in$ee$8

T)is is t)e 'ay it )a11ene$8

Hans6eo#6 Wa6ne# 'as one of t)e fi#st &(sicians to be i&1#inte$ 'it) t)e

Doyc) lan6(a6e% so&eti&es calle$ 2e#&an o# Te(t% ')en t)e Re$iscove#y of !an

be6an b#in6in6 t)e 1#e-R(in c(lt(#es bac0 into t)e 'o#l$8



Hans6eo#6 Wa6ne# )a$ a neat eye fo# t)e $#a&atic8 W)en t)e sto#y of Ro$

!cBan be6an to lea0 o(t% soon afte# !cBan 'ent bac0 to )is )o&e 1lanet of Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia% Wa6ne# #ef(se$ to consi$e# t)e obvio(s scenes4 t)e boy 6a&blin6 fo# Ea#t)

on )is $#y% fa#a'ay 1lanet% an$ 'innin6 &ost of t)e available &oney in t)e (nive#se

t)e boy 'al0in6 on !a#s t)e boy &eetin6 )is 5'ife%5 C?&ell% &ost bea(tif(l of t)e

cat-'o&en ')o se#ve$ as t)e 6i#ly6i#l )ostesses fo# Ea#t) t)e boy fi6)tin6 A&a#alfo# t)e life of one of t)e& t)e &yste#y of t)e De1a#t&ent to#e of Hea#ts? Desi#es an$

')at befell Ro$ t)e#e o# even t)e te##ifyin6 te#&inal scene 'it) t)e E-tele0eli8 Wa6ne#

$i$ not even 'ant t)e $#a&atic scene in ')ic) Ro$?s co&1anion% )is 'o#0'o&an

Eleano#% 1a#te$ f#o& )i& on Ea#t)1o#t to'e# soon afte# C?&ell )a$ s(n6 )e# o'n

fa&o(s little to'e# son6 to Ro$4



Wa6ne#% 'it) t)e instinct of a #eal a#tist% too0 t)e &eetin6 in t)e &(sic #oo&

instea$8

In t)e !(sic Roo&4 A !eetin6 'it) t)e Past

T)e 1assen6e# $#o1s)aft f#o& Ea#t)1o#t 'as li0e an ancient elevato# s)aft%

e3ce1t fo# t)e fact t)at if an act(al ancient )a$ seen it% )e 'o(l$ )ave been s(#1#ise$8

It 'as ten &iles $ee1% o# &o#e it?s )a#$ to fi6(#e o(t e3actly ')at &iles 'e#e% b(t t)ey

'e#e &(c) lon6e# t)an 0ilo&ete#s% an$ it )a$ no elevato#s8 T)e s)aft 'as o#na&entally

ill(&inate$8 T)e#e 'e#e si6ns fo# info#&ation% f#e(ent sto1s fo# #ef#es)&ent% an$

c(#io(s si6)ts to be seen8 T)is 'as fo# 1eo1le only8 Peo1le 1(t on &a6netic belts%

ste11e$ into t)e s)aft% an$ 'e#e ca##ie$ (1 o# $o'n at t)e #ate of abo(t t'enty &ete#s a

&in(te% $e1en$in6 on ')ic) s)aft t)ey )a$ 6otten into s)afts al'ays ca&e in 1ai#s% an

(1 s)aft an$ a $o'n s)aft8

By cont#ast% t)e f#ei6)t s)aft )a$ no si6ns% no #ef#es)&ents% an$ no a&enities8

T)e $o'n s1ee$ 'as consi$e#ably faste#8 "#ei6)t #ose o# fell% tie$ to &a6netic belts

(n$e#1eo1le an$ #obots 'o#e t)e belts% (nless t)ey fo#6ot t)e& an$ s'iftly beca&e

bloo$y 1(l1 o# &as)e$ &ac)ine#y fa# belo'8 T)e f#ei6)t s)aft% li0e t)e 1assen6e# s)aft%

$i$ )ave 'a#nin6 in bot) t)e (1 an$ t)e $o'n s)aft% beca(se if 1eo1le 6ot loose f#o&

t)ei# belts% t)ey ')istle$ $o'n'a#$ to t)ei# $eat)s8 Eac) set of s)afts )a$ inte#ce1to#

nets% bot) fo# savin6 fallin6 1e#sons o# obects% an$ to 1#otect t)e ot)e# 1assen6e#s

belo'% b(t t)e nets $i$ not 'o#0 too 'ell8

Wa6ne#?s $#a&a )as an initial scene s)o'in6 Ro$ !cBan an$ C?&ell 1a(sin6 at

t)e to1 of t)e f#ei6)t $#o1s)aft8 )e is ca##yin6 t)e s&all &on0ey-s(#6eon A?6ent(#%')o )as 6one to slee1% bone- 'ea#y afte# t)e t#i18 Ro$ !cBan% stan$in6 a f(ll )ea$

talle# t)an &ost cat-&en% is e31ost(latin6 'it) 6est(#es &o#e coa#se an$ &o#e #eal t)an

any c?&an eve# (se$8 His bi6 b(s) of yello' )ai# )a$ been &a$e cat-li0e befo#e )e

lan$e$ on ea#t) an$ t)e lon6 s1a#se ')is0e#s of )is cat-&o(stac)e t'itc)e$ o$$ly

in$ee$ as )e e31laine$ )is e&1)atic $esi#es 'it) fo#t)#i6)t Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian

6est(#es8

Afte# a s)o#t $evelo1&ent of t)e scene% Wa6ne# )as bot) of t)e& sin6in6

t)e ly#ic #ef#ain% 5Ea#t) is &ine% b(t ')at 6oo$ $oes it $o &e@5 f#o& Ro$% an$

5Ea#t) is yo(#s b(t be 1atient% &y love5 f#o& C?&ell8 A to(c) of co&e$y is 1#ovi$e$

by C?&ell?s t#yin6 to 6et a &a6netic )a#ness on Ro$ ')ile )e s(i#&s8 T)e scene en$s

'it) t)e t'o of t)e& ste11in6 ove# t)e e$6e of t)e $#o1-s)aft ')ic) loo0s botto&lesson t)ei# lon6% lon6 $#o1 $o'n to t)e s(#face of t)e Ea#t)8



We 0no' t)at t)e t'o of t)e& $#o11e$ easily8 T)e only $iffic(lty 'as

ca(se$ by Ro$?s ten$ency to tal0 too &(c) ')en )e% t)e #ic)est &an in t)e 'o#l$%

'as s(11ose$ to be t#avellin6 in t)e $is6(ise of a 1oo#% si&1le cat-&an8 To#n bet'een

i##itation an$ love% C?&ell s'itc)e$ bet'een )(&o#in6 )i& an$ s)(s)in6 )i&8

C#isis ca&e an$ Hans6eo#6 Wa6ne# catc)es it in )is 1lay ')en Ro$ )ea#$ t)eso(n$ of (nbelievable &(sic8

It 'as li0e no &(sic )e )a$ eve# )ea#$ befo#e8 5W)at?s t)at@5 )e c#ie$ to C?&ell8

5!(sic%5 sai$ s)e% soot)in6ly8

He $i$ not call )e# a fool% b(t )e 6#o'le$ in annoyance an$ #eac)e$ ove# to

seie a #(n6 of t)e en$less e&e#6ency la$$e# ')ic) follo'e$ t)e $#o1s)aft $o'n8 He

cli&be$ a $oen #(n6s (1'a#$ an$ 1ee#e$ into a 1itc)-blac0 late#al co##i$o# ')ic)

le$% a11a#ently% to no')e#e b(t f#o& ')ic) st#an6e fie#ce bea(tif(l &(sic 'as

ce#tainly co&in68 He )a$ cli&be$ a6ainst t)e 6entle t)#obbin6 1(ll of t)e &a6netic

belt an$ )e b#eat)e$ )eavily 'it) t)e $o(ble e3e#tion8 C?&ell )a$ $#o11e$ anot)e#

ten &ete#s befo#e s)e sa' ')at )e 'as $oin68 Wea#ily% b(t 'it) no

'o#$ of co&1laint% s)e cli&be$ (1 t)e la$$e# to )i&% ca##yin6 )e# o'n 'ei6)t%

t)at of t)e slee1in6 &on0ey-s(#6eon ')o& s)e )a$ tosse$ ove# )e# s)o(l$e#% an$ t)e

1(ll of )e# o'n belt as 'ell8 W)en )e# )ea$ #eac)e$ t)e level of Ro$?s feet% )e ste11e$

ca#ef(lly off t)e la$$e# an$ too0 t'o ve#y 6in6e#ly ste1s into t)e $a#0 late#al co##i$o#8

T)e &(sic 'as clea# to bot) of t)e&8

T)#obbin6% beaten st#in6s &a$e t)e lovely so(n$s8

)e sense$ )is in(i#y t)o(6) s)e co(l$ not see )is face in t)e $a#08 5T)at

inst#(&ent - it?s a 1iano8 T)ey?ve sta#te$ &a0in6 t)e& a6ain85 Ro$ 1(t )is )an$ on )e# a#& to (iet )e#8 5Listen% I t)in0 )e?s sin6in685

"(ll-bo$ie$ an$ f(ll-note$ t)e &(sic of t)e 1iano an$ a &an?s teno# voice ca&e

clea#ly an$ f(lly at t)e& f#o& t)e co##i$o#% )i$$en by t)e $a#0ness b(t not so(n$in6 too

fa# a'ay4

I6no#aba yo8

I $i$n?t (se$ to 0no' it8 I6no#aba yo8

I $i$n?t (se$ to s)o' it

t)at I love$ yo(% love$ yo( so8 I love yo( an$ I love yo(%

Hoy y &aana8T)e#e?s not)in6 else in life fo# &e% Hoy y &aana8

Yo( love &e 'il$ an$ (se &e (1% Hoy y &aana8

Was I )a11ie# o# sa$$e# ')en I $i$n?t even 0no' yo(@ I6no#aba yo%

I co(l$n?t even s)o' yo(8

T)e voice t#aile$ a'ay8 T)e#e 'e#e a fe' flo(#is)es of beaten st#in6s% as t)o(6)

t)e 1laye# 'e#e t#yin6 to 6et t)e a##an6e&ent (st #i6)t8

5Pa#t of t)at is Ancient In6lis)%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t I neve# )ea#$ t)e ot)e#

lan6(a6e befo#e8 An$ I

ce#tainly neve# )ea#$ t)at 0in$ of a &elo$y% any')e#e85

5I 0no' &ost of t)e &(sic ')ic) is 1laye$ on Ea#t)%5 ')is1e#e$ C?&ell% 5an$



I neve# )ea#$ anyt)in6 li0e t)at befo#e8 Co&e on% Ro$8 Let?s 6o on $o'n t)e s)aft8

W)en 'e 6et to a safe 1lace% I 'ill sen$ &essen6e#s bac0 to fin$ o(t ')at is 6oin6 on in

t)is 1a#t of Ea#t)1o#t to'e#85

5No%5 sai$ Ro$% 5I?& 6oin6 in85

5Yo( can?t% Ro$8 Yo( can?t8 It &i6)t #(in eve#yt)in68 T)e $is6(ise% Lo#$Kestocost?s 1lans% yo(# safety85

5I bo(6)t t)is 'o#l$%5 sai$ Ro$% 5an$ I?& a #($$y fool if I can?t even as0 fo# a

1iece of &(sic8 I?& 6oin6 in85

5Ro$%5 s)e c#ie$8

5to1 &e%5 )e sai$% c#($ely% an$ 'al0e$ bol$ly $o'n t)e co##i$o# into t)e $a#0%

(st as t)o(6) t)e#e &i6)t be no t#a1 $oo#s o# elect#ic sc#eens8 C?&ell follo'e$ )i&%

ca#ef(lly an$ #el(ctantly8

T)e co##i$o# blae$ #e$ 'it) lette#s of 'a#nin64 *EEP OUT NO PEOPLE ALLOWED INTRU!ENTALITY WOR* - ECRET

A #eco#$e$ voice s)o(te$ at t)e&% 52o a'ayF 2o a'ayF No #obots8 No

(n$e#1eo1le8 No #eal 1e#sons8 Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality% 6et in$ivi$(al clea#ance

befo#e yo( ente# )e#e8 ec#et 'o#08 2o a'ayF 2o a'ayF No #obots8 No (n$e#1eo1le%5

an$ so on% in a s(staine$ i##itatin6 s)o(t8

Ro$ i6no#e$ t)e voice even t)o(6) C?&ell 'as 1l(c0in6 at )is sleeve8

T)e #e$ 'a#nin6 li6)ts )a$ #eveale$ t)e o(tline of a $oo# 'it) a $oo#0nob8

He too0 t)e $oo#0nob% t'iste$ it8 It 'as loc0e$8 T)e $oo# itself $i$ not see& to

be of steel o# Dai&oni &ate#ial8 Pe#)a1s it 'as even 'oo$% ')ic) 'as &(c) too

1#ecio(s on Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia to be (se$ fo# anyt)in6 as c)ea1 as a co&&on $oo#4

t)e No#st#ilians (se$ 1lastics $e#ive$ f#o& s)ee1-bones8

Ro$ s)o(te$% 5O1en (1% insi$e8 O1en (185

52o a'ay%5 sai$ a &il$% 1leasant voice f#o& beyon$ t)e $oo#% so nea# t)at it

sta#tle$ t)e&8 T)e voice 'as so nea# an$ t)e $oo# so f#a6ile t)at Ro$ 'as te&1te$8

He ste11e$ bac0 (ntil )e 'as ne3t to C?&ell8 He 'as so##y ')en )e )ea#$ )e#

si6) 'it) #elief - a11a#ently at t)e t)o(6)t t)at )e )a$ )ee$e$ t)e 'a#nin6 an$ 'as

6oin6 to 6o bac0 to t)e $#o1s)aft8

Instea$% )e (se$ a fi6)tin6 t#ic0 ')ic) )e )a$ lea#ne$ at )o&e8 He (&1e$ 'it)

t)e f(ll fo#ce of )is bo$y at t)e $oo#% st#i0in6 t)e $oo# (st above t)e 0nob 'it) bot) )isfeet an$ 1(ttin6 )is )an$s belo' )i& so as to c(s)ion t)e fall of )is bo$y a6ainst t)e

floo#8

Res(lts 'e#e sta#tlin64

T)e $oo# yiel$e$ so easily t)at Ro$ 1l(n6e$ on t)#o(6) into a b#i6)t s(n-lit

#oo&% lan$e$ on a ca#1et an$ sli$ 'it) t)e ca#1et (ntil )is feet% fi#&ly b(t 6ently% 'e#e

sto11e$ by a la#6e bea(tif(l (1#i6)t 'oo$en bo3% ele6antly 1olis)e$% ')ic) see&e$ to

)ave a #($i&enta#y console8 A &i$$le- a6e$ 6entle&an% s)o'in6 6#eat s(#1#ise% (&1e$

o(t of )is 'ay8 Blin0in6 a6ainst t)e b#i6)tness of t)e li6)t% C?&ell an$ A?6ent(#

follo'e$ Ro$ into t)e #oo&8

T)ei# sta#tle$ )ost s1o0e4



5Yo(?#e (n$e#1eo1leF Do yo( 'ant to $ie@ o&ebo$y 'ill 0ill yo( fo# t)is8

Not I% of co(#se8 W)at $o yo( 'ant )e#e@5

Ro$ b#o(6)t )i&self to )is feet 'it) all t)e $i6nity ')ic) )e co(l$ co&&an$8

5!y na&e is Ro$ !cBan%5 sai$ )e% 5an$ I ta0e f(ll #es1onsibility fo# ')at )as

)a11ene$8 I a& t)e ne' o'ne# of t)is 1lanet Ea#t)% an$ I 'ant to )ea# so&e &o#e of t)at&(sic yo( 'e#e &a0in685

5I6no#aba yo8 T)at 1anis) bo1@ W)at b(siness is it of yo(#s% cat-&an@ T)at is

sec#et 'o#0 fo# t)e Inst#(&entality8 An$ all yo( a#e 6oin6 to $o is to $ie ')en t)e #obot

1olice a##ive85

C?&ell s1o0e (18 He# voice )a$ a cal& (#6ency to it% ')ic) co(l$ not be

i6no#e$ by anyone8 ai$ s)e% 5Yo( )ave a connection 'it) t)e Cent#al Co&1(te#@5

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e &an% 5all 1#otecte$ offices $o85 5Yo( a#e not a 1e#son@5

5Of co(#se not% cat-'o&an8 I a& t)e $o6-&an D?i6o an$ I a& t)e &(sical

)isto#ian assi6ne$ to 'o#0 in t)is office85

5I a& C?&ell%5 sai$ s)e flatly8

T)e $o6-&an 'as sta#tle$ b(t ')en )e s1o0e% )is voice 'as ve#y a6#eeable4 5I

0no' ')o yo( a#e8 Anyt)in6 )e#e is at yo(# se#vice% C?&ell85

5Yo(# connection@5 s)e $e&an$e$8

He no$$e$ )is )ea$ at one si$e of t)e #oo&8 )e sa' t)e s1ea0e# in t)e 'all8

A?6ent(# sat slee1ily on t)e floo#% ')ile Ro$ )a$ 1#o$(ce$ one sin6le clea# note by

1(s)in6 one of t)e 0eys of t)e bea(tif(l bi6 (1#i6)t bo38

C?&ell calle$% 5Ro$% co&e )e#e85

5Ri6)t )o%5 )e sai$% co&in6 ove# to t)e s1ea0e#8

5Listen8 Yo(# life &ay be in $an6e#% Ro$8 I?ll call Cent#al Co&1(te# an$ I

'ant yo( to asse#t yo(# a(t)o#ity ove# t)is #oo& an$ t)is 'o#08 De&an$ to )ea# t)e

&(sic t)at yo( 'ant8 Tell t)e Cent#al Co&1(te# t)e t#(t)8 T)at &ay 0ee1 t)e #obot

1olice f#o& co&in6 in an$ 0illin6 yo( befo#e t)ey fin$ t)at yo( a#e not #eally a cat-

&an85

5He isn?t a cat-&an88885 &(#&(#e$ D?i6o in 'on$e#&ent f#o& t)e si$e8

5)-)%5 sai$ C?&ell to Di6o8 To Ro$ s)e sai$% 51ea0 no'8 Establis) yo(#

#i6)ts85

5Cent1(te#%5 sai$ Ro$% 5ta0e t)is na&e $o'n8 Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$

A#nol$ Willia&

!acA#t)(# !cBan t)e )(n$#e$ an$ fifty-fi#st f#o& Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 2ot it@5

5Affi#&ative85

5Do I o'n yo(% Cent1(te#@5 5Re1eat8 Re1eat85

5Cent1(te#% )ave I bo(6)t yo(@5

5A11a#ently i&1ossible% b(t t)is-&ac)ine 'ill c)ec08 No% yo( )ave not bo(6)t

t)is- &ac)ine85 5Can yo( tell ')e#e I a&% Cent1(te#@5

5Rest#icte$ 'o#0#oo& of t)e Inst#(&entality85 5Do I o'n Ea#t)1o#t@5

5Affi#&ative85



5Do I o'n t)is #oo& too@5 5Affi#&ative85

5I a& in it85

5Re-state t)e inst#(ction8 T)is-&ac)ine cannot &a0e yo(# state&ent

o1e#ational85

5I )ave ta0en t)is #oo& f#o& t)e Inst#(&entality an$ I 'ill #et(#n it to t)e

Lo#$s of t)e

Inst#(&entality ')en I see fit85

5T)at is not 1ossible8 T)e #oo& belon6s to t)e Inst#(&entality85

5An$ I%5 sai$ Ro$% 5ove##i$e t)e Inst#(&entality8 Tell t)e& to 0ee1 o(t till I a&

t)#o(6)85

5T)e inst#(ction is i&1ossible8 T)is-&ac)ine )as #eco#$s t)at yo( o'n

Ea#t)1o#t% an$ t)at t)e Inst#(&entality sol$ yo( all of it% incl($in6 t)e #oo& yo( a#e in8

T)e#efo#e t)e #oo& is yo(#s8 T)is- &ac)ine also )as a basic 1#o6#a&&e$ co&&an$t)at t)e Inst#(&entality cannot be ove##i$$en8 T)is-&ac)ine &(st a11eal to )i6)e#

a(t)o#ity8 T)e #obot 1olice 'ill be 'a#ne$ a'ay f#o& yo(# 1e#son (ntil t)is-&ac)ine

)as been #e-co$e$ o# #eaffi#&e$ by )i6)e# a(t)o#ity85 Clic0 'ent t)e s1ea0e#% an$ t)e

Cent#al Co&1(te# itself b#o0e t)e connection8

5Yo(?#e in fo# it%5 sai$ C?&ell8 He# 6#een eyes% ')ic) co(l$ loo0 fie#ce at ti&es%

scanne$ )i& 'it) soft in$(l6ence4 Ro$ co(l$ see t)at s)e 'as ve#y 1#o($ of )i&% an$

)e 'as not alto6et)e# s(#e of t)e #eason8 He# 'a#nin6 'as o&ino(s% b(t )e#

e31#ession bet#aye$ no fea#% only a ne'-fo(n$ Confi$ence t)at )e 'o(l$ see t)e&

t)#o(6)8

A?6ent(# s1o0e f#o& t)e floo# to D?i6o4 5Do yo( )ave any cocoan(t% #aisins%s)elle$ n(ts% o# 1inea11le% $o6-&an@5

5"o#6ive )i&% collea6(e D?i6o% if )e?s #($e% b(t )e?s ve#y ti#e$ an$ ve#y )(n6#y85

5It?s all #i6)t%5 sai$ D?i6o8 5I )ave none of t)ose t)in6s% t)o(6) I )ave so&e

e3cellent #a' live# an$ an asso#t&ent of bones in &y col$-bo38 !y &aste#% a Lo#$%

)as left a 1ot of cocoa ')ic) I co(l$ 'a#& (1 fo# yo(% ani&al8 Wo(l$ yo( li0e t)at@5

5Anyt)in6% anyt)in6%5 sai$ A?6ent(# c)ee#f(lly8

5No' I?ve seen eve#yt)in6%5 $ecla#e$ D?i6o 'it) a s1ecies of $es1e#ate

co&1os(#e as )e 1(t t)e cocoa on to 'a#& it (18 5!y sec#et #oo& is attac0e$% t)e

fa&o(s C?&ell )e#self 1ays &e a visit% a cat-&an 6ives o#$e#s to t)e Cent#al Co&1(te#%an$ I )ave to fee$ an ani&al in &y 'o#0s)o18 It?s not often t)at t)is so#t of t)in6

)a11ens% is it% &a$a&e C?&ell@5

5We ca&e in )e#e%5 sai$ C?&ell 6#acef(lly an$ (ic0ly% 5beca(se t)is f#ien$ of

&ine insiste$ on )ea#in6 yo(# &(sic85

5Yo( li0e it%5 s&ile$ D?i6o8 5I li0e it &yself8 It?s sec#et &(sic an$ I?& not s(#e

t)at it 'ill eve# be clea#e$ fo# (se8 !y &aste#% t)e Lo#$ In6inta(% 'ante$ &e to fin$ t)e

last son6 eve# s(n6 in Ne' Yo#085

5T)at 'as a city% 'asn?t it@5

5T)e bi66est city on t)is continent8 W)en Ne' Yo#0 'as $est#oye$% t)e#e 'e#e

va#io(s 1#i&itive elect#onic stations t#ans&ittin6% so&e sen$in6 1ict(#es an$ ot)e#s



#elayin6 (st 'o#$s an$ &(sic8 T)e sea#c)-#obots o(t in s1ace )ave been #eco#$in6 all

t)e salva6eable &essa6es f#o& in t)at 1e#io$ of t)e "i#st Doo&% an$ I t)in0 t)at I

)ave na##o'e$ t)e c)oice $o'n to t)#ee son6s8 Yo( )ea#$ I6no#aba Yo - t)at 'as

In6lis) an$ 1anis) &i3e$% in t)e style calle$ bo18 I?& not s(#e of t)e ne3t one% beca(se

I )ave &ost of t)e &elo$y% b(t fo# t)e 'o#$s% only t)e #ef#ain )as co&e t)#o(6)8 I 6ot

&y )el1e#% a $o6-6i#l% to sin6 t)e 1a#t ')ile I 1laye$ t)e 1iano% an$ I s1oole$ it (st last'ee08 Wo(l$ yo( li0e to )ea# it@5

5T)at?s ')at I b(#st in fo#%5 sai$ Ro$ c)ee#f(lly8

T)e &(sician D?i6o #este$ )is )an$ a6ainst a blan0 1a#t of t)e 'all an$ sai$%

5"o#ty-seven% 1lease85

T)e #oo& 'as i&&e$iately fille$ 'it) t)e 'il$ catc)y &(sic of t)e 51iano%5

e31e#tly 1laye$8 T)e 1a#tic(la#ly &(sical &elo$y 'as (ic0% sta#tlin6% a&(sin6 an$

'itty in its (se of a t(ne8 By No#st#ilian stan$a#$s% t)at son6 'o(l$ be con$e&ne$

as lascivio(s% t)o(6)t Ro$ - b(t t)en% t)at 'asn?t Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 It 'as ')at

Ancient Ea#t) san6 as Ea#t) $ie$ t)e fi#st of a )(n$#e$ $eat)s8

Afte# a 1#eli&ina#y la-la-la la-a-a-la a 'o&an?s voice ca&e on an$ san6 t)e

catc)y #ef#ain t)#ee ti&es in a #o' in 1e#fectly accente$ Ancient In6lis)% (st as Ro$

)a$ )ea#$ it s1o0en by t)e tal0in6 boo0s in )is fa&ily?s sto#e#oo& of )i$$en t#eas(#es4

Only 2o$ can &a0e a t#ee%

B(t yo( can &a0e a 6i#l li0e &eF

5It?s a&(sin6% b(t t)e#e?s not &(c) to it%5 sai$ Ro$8 5W)at?s t)e t)i#$ one@5

5T)at?s a 1e#io$ 1iece% ante$atin6 t)e fall of Ne' Yo#08 I t)in0 it &ay )ave )a$

so&et)in6 to $o 'it) a collective ente#tain&ent ')ic) t)ey calle$ a s(a#e $ance o# aco(nt#y $ance8 I can?t i&a6ine ')y8 O# it &ay )ave been so&et)in6 t#anslate$ f#o&

anot)e# lan6(a6e an$ anot)e# c(lt(#e into t)e (sa6e of t)e !(#0ins85

5T)ey?#e t)e ones ')o )a$ Ne' Yo#0@5 as0e$ Ro$8 5T)e sa&e%5 sai$ D?i6o8

5T)e sa&e ones ')o b(ilt t)ose s1ectac(la# s(#face #oa$s t)at 1eo1le see

eve#yti&e t)ey loo0 $o'n on Ea#t) f#o& nea#by s1ace@5

5T)at?s #i6)t%5 s&ile$ D?i6o8 5T)ey 'e#e a 'il$% 6ifte$% 'anton 1eo1le8 Do yo(

'ant to )ea# t)e t)i#$ son6@5

5I?ll 1lay t)at an$ sin6 it fo# yo( &yself8 I (st finis)e$ a##an6in6 it &yself85 He

sat at t)e 1iano% 1laye$ a fe' ba#s% an$ t)en san64Rin6 a bell

an$ cla1F cla1F in6 1ell &ell an$ ta1F ta1F

T)e 'is)in6 'ell 'ill &iss% &iss8 H(6 an$ tell

an$ 0iss% 0iss8

Ro$ si6)e$% 5I still li0e t)e one I )ea#$ o(tsi$e yo(# $oo#85

D?i6o s&ile$ )is f(ll-face$% clean-s)aven s&ile8 Ro$ 'on$e#e$ t)at a $o6 co(l$

be &a$e into so 1e#fect a co1y of a &an8 E3ce1t fo# )is in$oo# 1allo#% D?i6o loo0e$

as 'ell-s)a1e$ an$ as 'ell- s1o0en as any &an t)at Ro$ )a$ eve# seen8

5W)at yo( )ea#$ o(t t)e#e%5 sai$ D?i6o% 5'as a s1ool of &y o'n voice8 Wo(l$yo( li0e to )ea# &y assistant sin6 it@ )e is a ve#y talente$ 6i#l8 )e can sin6 eit)e#



cont#alto o# so1#ano85

5o1#ano%5 sai$ A?6ent(# 1#o&1tly an$ (ne31ecte$ly8 D?i6o sta#e$ at )i& 'it)

astonis)&ent an$ #e1#oac)% b(t since t)e ot)e#s $i$ not obect% )e sai$%

5o1#ano it is% t)en%5 an$ )e &(tte#e$ (n$e# )is b#eat)% 5"o# a tal0in6 ani&al%

yo(?ve 6ot a fantastic e$(cation85D?i6o calle$ to t)e 'all% 5T)i#ty one% t)i#$ ve#sion%5 an$ t)en sai$ to )is 6(ests%

5Do sit $o'n8888 I6no#aba Yo be6an to 1o(# f#o& t)e s1ea0e#s 'it) its f(ll%

)y1notic vol(&e% ca##ie$ by a

'o&an?s s1len$i$ voice8

Conf#ontation an$ a Half C)allen6e

T)is is t)e cli&a3 of Hans6eo#6 Wa6ne#?s &(sical $#a&a8 T)e fo(# of t)e& sat

listenin6 to t)e &(sic4 A?6ent(# on t)e floo#% $#iftin6 off to slee1 a6ain t)e t'o cat-

1eo1le% C?&ell #e$- )ai#e$ an$ Ro$ yello'-)ai#e$% sta#in6 at not)in6 an$ 6ivin6 t)ei#

f(ll attention to t)e &(sic t)e )ost% D?i6o% sittin6 'it) a )alf-s&ile on )is face an$

'atc)in6 )is 6(ests8 Wa6ne# co&bines t)e t)#ill of ille6al ancient &(sic 'it) so&e $eftco&1osition of )is o'n8

His 'oo$'in$s #e1#esent t)e soft #(stlin6 in t)e co##i$o#8 A (ic0 li6)t fl(##y of

$#(&s in$icates t)e ne' a##ivals4

A tall% 1itiless intelli6ent 'o&an 'it) a vivi$ly $#a&atic blac0 an$ ')ite

$#ess of t)e &ost conse#vative c(t i&a6inable% acco&1anie$ by t'o )i6)-#an0in6 #obot

sol$ie#s% bot) of t)e& 'it) t)ei# bo$ies 'as)e$ in silve# an$ 6ol$% t)ei# s'i&&in6

eyes ta0in6 in all co#ne#s of t)e #oo& at once% t)ei# )eavy 'i#e1oints alea$y b(in6

'it) 1otential $eat)8

5I%5 sai$ s)e% 5a& t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e8 Yo( a#e Di6o% t)e &(sical )isto#ian8

I )ave )ea#$ yo(# 'o#0 -5

Ro$ stoo$ (1 an$ inte##(1te$ )e#8 T)o(6) s)e 'as tall% )e 'as seve#al

centi&ete#s talle#8 5I%5 sai$ )e% in a 1e#fectly co&1ose$ co1y of )e# o'n &anne#% 5a&

Ro$ !cBan% t)e o'ne# of t)is #oo&8 Yo( can sit $o'n% &a?a& an$ la$y% if yo( 'is)8

Yo(# #obots can sit $o'n too% if t)ey enoy it85

"o# a &e&o#able &o&ent t)e t'o conf#onte$ anot)e#4 t)e tall% blac0-)ai#e$

'o&an an$ t)e tall yello'-)ai#e$ yo(t) in cat $is6(ise8 T)is 'as no &eetin6 of

in$ivi$(als - it 'as a conf#ontation of syste&s% t)e t#aine$ 1o'e# of t)e Inst#(&entality

a6ainst t)e $isci1line$ in- b#e$ fo#ce of t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians8

T)e 'o&an yiel$e$% a little8

5Yo(?#e a (ic0 yo(n6 &an8 Yo(# na&e is Ro$ !cBan an$ yo( )ave bo(6)t

Ea#t)8 W)y $i$ yo( $o it@5

5Do sit $o'n%5 sai$ Ro$ fi#&ly an$ )os1itably8 5It?s a lon6 sto#y an$ I 'o(l$ not

'ant to ti#e a la$y -5

Ko)anna 2na$e sna11e$% 5Don?t 'o##y abo(t &y bein6 a la$y8 I?& one of

t)e Lo#$s of t)e

Inst#(&entality8 An$ &a0e yo(# sto#y s)o#t85

5Please sit% &a?a& an$ la$y8 An$ &a0e yo(# #obots co&fo#table85 T)e#e 'as alittle &o#e co&&an$ t)an co(#tesy in )is voice% b(t t)e#e 'as not)in6 at ')ic) s)e



co(l$ ta0e o1en offense8

5I?ve neve# )a$ an (n$e#1e#son &a0e &e sit $o'n befo#e%5 s)e 6#(&ble$% ta0in6

a )assoc0 an$ sittin6 bolt (1#i6)t on it8 5Lie(tenant% ca1tain% bot) of yo(% 6o in t)e )all8

As a &atte# of fact% c(t all o(tsi$e connections 'it) t)is #oo&% b(t #eco#$ t)e scene

yo(#selves% so t)at I 'ill )ave &y o'n #eco#$ of it85

T)e t'o #obots t(#ne$ off t)ei# 'i#e1oints8 T)ey 'al0e$ $eftly a#o(n$ t)e #oo&%

to(c)in6 t)e 'alls li6)tly )e#e an$ t)e#e8 T)e bette#-o#na&ente$ one sai$%

5Clea# an$ sec(#e% &y la$y85

)e $i$ not t)an0 t)e&8 )e (st no$$e$ at t)e b#o0en $oo#8 T)ey 'al0e$

o(t into t)e $a#0 co##i$o#8

T)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e loo0e$ at C?&ell% 5An$ yo( a#e C?&ell8 I?ve seen

yo( befo#e8 As a &atte# of fact% I )ave seen yo( seve#al ti&es% al&ost al'ays ')en

t)e#e 'as t#o(ble8 A#e yo( one of o(# confi$ential a6ents@ Yo( al'ays co&e o(t

innocent% no &atte# ')at )a11ens855No% &a?a&8 I?& (st a 6i#ly6i#l8 I 'o#0 at Ea#t)1o#t% 'elco&in6 off'o#l$

visito#s an$ 0ee1in6 t)e& )a11y85

5I?& not s(#e I t#(st t)at 'o#$ ?(st%? 5 sai$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e8 5W)o 1(t

yo( on t)e ob t)is ti&e@5

5T)e Lo#$ Kestocost%5 sai$ C?&ell% a little 'o##ie$8

5Kestocost@5 #e1eate$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e8 5If t)at?s t)e case% it?s #eally none

of &y b(siness8 Don?t b#ea0 into t)in6s any &o#e% &iste# !cBan% 'it)o(t as0in6 t)e

Lo#$ Kestocost to a##an6e it fi#st8 Ol$ Ea#t) is no citien-co&&on'ealt) li0e Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia8 Often 'e 0ill fi#st an$ as0 late#8 I?$ li0e to )ea# yo(# si$e of yo(# sto#y befo#eI leave% no' t)at I a& )e#e8 Ho' ol$ a#e yo(@5

5C)#onolo6ically% I a& abo(t si3ty-five yea#s ol$8 B(t I )ave 6one bac0 t)#o(6)

a si3teen yea# cycle fo(# ti&es% so t)at biolo6ically I a& si3teen85

5A#e yo( a &an@5

5Ce#tainly8 T)is cat st(ff is (st a $is6(ise85

5No% I &ean a#e yo( a 6#o'n &an% acco#$in6 to t)e )o##ible c(sto&s of yo(#

)o&e 1lanet@5 5Citien8 Citien% 'e call it8 Yes% I 1asse$ t)e 2a#$en of Deat)85

5W)y $i$ yo( b(y Ea#t)@5 5To esca1e% &a?a& an$ la$y85

5Esca1e ')at@ I t)o(6)t t)at No#st#ilia 1#otecte$ eve#y sin6le one of )e# 1eo1le% once t)ey 1asse$ t)at a'f(l s(#vival test85

5Us(ally% yes8 It (st )a11ene$ t)at I )a$ only one ene&y% an$ )e 'as

Onsec0 of t)e ')ole

Co&&on'ealt) a$&inist#ation85 5Onsec0@ We $on?t )ave t)at 'o#$85

5Hono#a#y ec#eta#y8 T)e &an ')o #(ns t)e #o(tine a$&in8 fo# He# Absent

!aesty t)e <(een85

5I?ve )ea#$ of t)at c(sto& of yo(#s8 W)y $i$ )e )ate yo(@5

5We 'e#e bot) $etectives% a lon6 ti&e a6o8 I 'as - a& - tele1at)ically $eaf an$

$(&b8 !ostly8 Can?t s1ie0 o# )ie#% )ave to #ely on t)e ol$ s1o0en 'o#$s% li0e o(tlan$e#s

o# ba#ba#ians8 He 'as a s)o#t-life#% ')o co(l$ not ta0e st#oon% t)e $#(6 ')ic) -5



5I 0no' all abo(t st#oon%5 sai$ s)e% 5t)e i&&o#tality $#(68 As a &atte# of fact%

&y veins a#e f(ll of it #i6)t no'8 I a& nea# &y si3 )(n$#e$t) bi#t)$ay85

5Con6#at(lations% &a?a& an$ la$y85 5Neve# &in$8 W)at )a11ene$@5

5W)en I 0ne' )e 'as afte# &e% I 'ent to &y fa&ily?s co&1(te#8 It?s all

&ec)anical% not a sin6le ani&al b#ain o# ani&al #elay in it85

5I $i$n?t 0no' t)e#e 'as one left85 5I &yself #e1ai#e$ it%5 sai$ Ro$8

In t)is 1a#t of Hans6eo#6 Wa6ne#?s &(sical $#a&a abo(t Ro$% t)e &(sic 'ea#s a

little t)in beca(se )e lets Ro$ an$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e s1ea0 in no#&al voices%

(sin6 )is &(sic only as an acco&1ani&ent8 No' an$ t)en )e lets t)e s1otli6)t $#ift

ac#oss t)e cal& face an$ st#on6 to#so of D?i6o t)e &(sicolo6ist ')en t)at )a11ens% )e

b#in6s in a f(6(e o# t'o f#o& I6no#aba Yo8 Ot)e#'ise t)e &(sic fo# t)is 1a#t of t)e

s)o' is #at)e# $(ll8

5If yo( 'e#en?t so #ic)%5 sai$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e% 5I?$ li0e to b(y t)at

&ac)ine of yo(#s fo# o(# Ea#t)1o#t &(se(&85

5It?s not fo# sale% &a?a& an$ la$y% not at any 1#ice85 5I can i&a6ine t)at8 W)at

$i$ it $o@5

5It o(tco&1(te$ t)e Co&&on'ealt) an$ I beca&e t)e #ic)est &an in t)e

(nive#se85

5o yo( #an a'ay a6ain8 "i#st yo( #an beca(se yo( 'e#e 1e#sec(te$8 T)en yo(

#an beca(se yo( 'e#e #ic)8 W)en $i$ yo( 6et )e#e@5

5To$ay85

5W)e#e )ave yo( been bet'een t)e ti&e yo( left No#st#ilia an$ to$ay@5 5!a#s%

&a?a& an$ la$y85

5Do yo( )ave to 0ee1 (sin6 t)at $o(ble title on &e@5

5Yes% &a?a& an$ la$y8 It?s o(# c(sto&8 We $on?t c)an6e o(# c(sto&s &(c)85

T)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e b(#st into a f#ien$ly la(6) - )e# fi#st since t)ei#

enco(nte#4 5All #i6)t8 W)at?s yo(#s@5

5W)at?s &y ')at@5

5Yo(# $o(ble title8 Yo( )ave one% $on?t yo(@5

It 'as Ro$?s t(#n to loo0 (nco&fo#table8 5It?s ?&iste# an$ o'ne#%? &a?a& an$

la$y% b(t yo( $on?t )ave to (se it all t)e ti&e8 Afte# all% t)is is Ea#t)85

5B(t yo( o'n it85

5All #i6)t% yo( 'in% &a?a&85

5Ho' a#e yo(# 1a#ents% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan@5

His face clo($e$ ove#8 5Dea$85 5Ho'@5

5T)ei# s)i1 'ent &il0y ')ile 1lanofo#&in6 t)#o(6) s1ace-t'o85 5Do yo( love

anyone@5

5Yes% &a?a&% &y se#vant Eleano#85 5W)e#e is s)e@5

5o&e')e#e in t)is to'e#% &a?a&85 5W)at?s s)e $oin6@5

5P#eten$in6 to be &e% &a?a&% ')ile I 1#eten$ to be a cat-&an8 T)ey c)an6e$ )e# into a yo(n6 &an ')en t)ey sc(nne$ &e $o'n an$ t)en &a$e &e loo0 li0e an



(n$e#1e#son85

5c(nne$@ Yo( 'e#e sc(nne$8 "#oen% $e)y$#ate$% c(t (1% bo3e$8 Yo(@ W)o $i$

it@5 5T)at &on0ey-$octo# t)e#e%5 sai$ Ro$% 6est(#in6 at A?6ent(# on t)e floo#8

T)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e calle$ $i#ectly to A?6ent(#% 5Yo(% t)e#e% &on0ey% 'a0e

(1F He% tal0s% $oesn?t )e@5

A?6ent(# let one eye (ive# o1en fo# a (ic0 6lance at t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e8

Wit)in secon$s )e 'as sno#in6 in $ee1 slee18

T)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e sta#e$ at A?6ent(#8 )e b#(s)e$ t)e ai# 'it) t)e #i6)t

)an$ to 0ee1 t)e ot)e#s silent8 )e even &a$e a &otion ove# A?6ent(# 'it) bot) )an$s8

T)e &on0ey $i$ not sti# o# 'a0en8

5I $on?t li0e t)is%5 s)e sai$8 5I $on?t li0e t)is one bit8 T)at bein6 loo0s li0e an

ani&al% b(t I can?t tell ')et)e# it is an (n$e#1e#son o# a )(&an bein68 It 'ent to slee1 at

&e8 I (st t)#e' t)e ')ole tele1at)ic fo#ce of t)e Inst#(&entality at it% an$ it staye$

aslee18 T)at?s neve# )a11ene$ to &e befo#e85

C?&ell sai$% ve#y softly% 5He 'as sent o(t to No#st#ilia at t)e #e(est of t)e Lo#$

Re$la$y85 5Re$la$y@ Re$la$y@5 sai$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e8 5He?s still 'o#0in6@5

5Yes% &a?a&%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Re$la$y at one en$ an$ Kestocost at t)e ot)e#F Yo( co(l$n?t fin$ t'o &o#e

'ei#$os - &o#e 1e#sonalities% I &ean - in t)e ')ole Inst#(&entality to &atc) t)at 1ai#8

Yo(?#e in 6oo$ )an$s% yo(n6 &an8 An$ ')at $o yo( 'ant o(t of all t)is@5

5A loo0 at Ea#t)% a bit of a$vent(#e% &y life% an$ &ost of &y fo#t(ne% &a?a& an$

la$y85

)e al&ost loo0e$ as t)o(6) s)e 'o(l$ lose )e# $i6nity an$ ')istle in

astonis)&ent8 5Yo(?#e not as0in6 &(c)% a#e yo(@ Not &(c) by )alfF5

5I?ll 'in%5 sai$ Ro$% 5I?ll 'in all #i6)t8 T)e No#st#ilian 'ay85 5W)at?s t)at@5

He t(#ne$ se#io(s8 5Neve# 1lan too fa# a)ea$8 2o f#o& one i&&e$iate sit(ation

to t)e ot)e#8 Neve# &a0e a $ecision if yo( can 1(t t)e $ecision on so&ebo$y else an$

still 'in fo# yo(#self8 An$ &ost of all -5

5!ost of all@5 as0e$ t)e La$y Ko)anna 2na$e softly8

5!ost of all% neve# 6et ca(6)t 'innin68 K(st 'in% b(t $on?t let it s)o'85

5Yo(?#e all #i6)t%5 s)e la(6)e$% stan$in6 (18 5Yo( $on?t nee$ &y 1#otection8

An$ yo( a#en?t 6oin6 to 6et &y 1(nis)&ent8 I?$ )ate to tac0le yo(% yo(n6 as yo( a#e8Wit) t)ose co&1anions yo( )ave% yo(?#e 1#actically an a#&y8 T)at 6i#l of yo(#s% C?&ell

-5

5Yes% &a?a&%5 sai$ C?&ell8

5)e neve# 6ets ca(6)t8 At anyt)in685 T)e La$y s&ile$8 )e 'ent on4 5An$ t)at

t)in6 on t)e floo#% t)at so-calle$ &on0ey8 I can?t &a0e it tal08 I can?t even tell

')at it is8 Yo(?#e in 6oo$ co&1any% yo(n6 &an8 I?ll s1ea0 to t)e Lo#$ Kestocost

so&eti&e8 Do yo( s)a0e )an$s@5

Ro$ 1olitely )el$ o(t )is #i6)t )an$8

)e sto11e$ )i& 'it) a 'ave8 5I 'as bein6 f#ien$ly8 Is )an$s)a0in6 a c(sto&

on No#st#ilia% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan - a c(sto& even bet'een &en an$ 'o&en@5



5In$ee$ it is% &a?a& an$ la$y85 T)ey s)oo0 )an$s co#$ially8

5Don?t ta0e too &(c) of Ea#t) )o&e 'it) yo( ')en yo( leave%5 s)e calle$ to

)i& as s)e ente#e$ t)e $a#0 co##i$o#% s(&&one$ )e# #obots an$ $#o11e$ $o'n t)e s)aft8

D?i6o sai$% 5Co&e bac0 if yo( 'is)% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan8 Call on &e to

co&e o(t any ti&e% &a$a& C?&ell8 2oo$bye% &on0ey85

5T)an0s%5 sai$ A?6ent(#% 'i$e-a'a0e8 5Let?s 6o eat85

CHAPTER TWO4 DICOURE AND RECOURE

ROD !CBAN% DI2UIED as a cat% floate$ $o'n t)e $#o1s)aft to t)e

st#an6est enco(nte# ')ic) co(l$ )ave befallen any &an of )is e1oc)8 C?&ell floate$

$o'n besi$e )i&8 )e clenc)e$ )e# s0i#t bet'een )e# 0nees% so t)at it 'o(l$ not

co&&it i&&o$esties8 A?6ent(#% )is &on0ey )an$ li6)tly on C?&ell?s s)o(l$e#% love$

)e# soft #e$ )ai# as it stoo$ an$ &ove$ 'it) t)e (1$#aft ')ic) t)ey t)e&selves

c#eate$ )e loo0e$ fo#'a#$ to beco&in6 E-i0as(s a6ain an$ )e a$&i#e$ C?&ell $ee1ly%

b(t love bet'een t)e $iffe#ent st#ains of (n$e#1eo1le 'as necessa#ily 1latonic8P)ysiolo6ically t)ey co(l$ not b#ee$ o(tsi$e t)ei# o'n stoc0 an$ e&otionally t)ey

fo(n$ it )a#$ to &es) $ee1ly 'it) t)e e&1)atic nee$s of anot)e# fo#& of life% )o'eve#

#elate$ it &i6)t be8 E-i0as(s t)e#efo#e ve#y t#(ly an$ $ee1ly 'ante$ C?&ell fo# )is

f#ien$% an$ not)in6 &o#e8

W)ile t)ey &ove$ $o'n'a#$ in #elative 1eace% ot)e# 1eo1le 'e#e conce#ne$

abo(t t)e& on va#io(s 'o#l$s8

T)e Cabin of t)e tation of Doo&% t)e sa&e $ay

5A(nt Do#is% )e?s $ea$% )e?s $ea$% )e?s $ea$8 I feel it85

5Nonsense% Lavinia8 He &ay be in t#o(ble an$ 'e &i6)t not 0no'8 B(t 'it) all

t)at &oney% t)e 6ove#n&ent o# t)e Inst#(&entality 'o(l$ (se t)e Bi6 Blin0 to sen$

'o#$ of t)e c)an6e in stat(s of t)is 1#o1e#ty8 I $on?t &ean to so(n$ col$-)ea#te$% 6i#l%

b(t ')en t)e#e is t)is &(c) 1#o1e#ty at sta0e% 1eo1le act #a1i$ly85

5He is so $ea$85

Do#is 'as not one to $isco(nt t)e tele1at)ic a#ts8 )e #e&e&be#e$ )o' t)e

A(st#alians )a$ 6otten off t)e inca#nate f(#y of Pa#a$ise ;II8 )e 'ent ove# to t)e

c(1boa#$ an$ too0 f#o& it a st#an6ely tinte$ a#8 5Do yo( 0no' ')at t)is is@5 sai$ s)e

to Lavinia8

T)e 6i#l fo#ce$ a s&ile 1ast )e# $es1e#ate in'a#$ feelin6s8 5Yes%5 s)e sai$8 5Eve# since I 'as no bi66e# t)an a &ini-ele1)ant% 1eo1le% )ave tol$ &e% t)at a# 'as ?$o not

to(c)8? 5

52oo$ 6i#l% t)en% if yo( )aven?t to(c)e$ itF5 sai$ A(nt Do#is $#ily8 5It?s a

&i3t(#e of st#oon an$

Pa#a$ise ;II )oney85

5Honey@5 c#ie$ Lavinia8 5I t)o(6)t no one eve# 'ent bac0 to t)at )o##ible 1lace85

5o&e $o%5 sai$ Lavinia8 5It see&s% t)at so&e Ea#t) fo#&s )ave ta0en ove# an$

a#e still livin6 t)e#e8 Incl($in6 bees8 T)e )oney )as 1o'e#s on t)e )(&an &in$8 It is a

st#on6 )y1notic8 We &i3 it 'it) st#oon to &a0e s(#e it is safe85



A(nt Do#is 1(t a s&all s1oon into t)e a#% lifte$% s1(n t)e s1oon to 1ic0 (1 t)e

t)#ea$s of )eavy )oney% an$ )an$e$ t)e s1oon to Lavinia8 5He#e%5 sai$ s)e% 5ta0e t)is

an$ lic0 it off8 'allo' it all $o'n85

Lavinia )esitate$ an$ t)en obeye$8 W)en t)e s1oon 'as clean s)e lic0e$ )e# li1s

an$ )an$e$ t)e clean s1oon bac0 to A(nt Do#is% ')o 1(t it asi$e fo# 'as)in6 (18

A(nt Do#is ve#y ce#e&onially 1(t t)e a# bac0 on t)e )i6) s)elf of t)e

c(1boa#$% loc0e$ t)e c(1boa#$% an$ 1(t t)e 0ey in t)e 1oc0et of )e# a1#on8

5Let?s sit o(tsi$e%5 sai$ s)e to Layinia8 5W)en?s it 6oin6 to )a11en@5

5W)en?s ')at 6oin6 to )a11en@5

5T)e t#ance - t)e visions - ')ateve# t)is st(ff b#in6s on@5

Do#is la(6)e$ )e# 'ea#y #ational la(6)8 5O)% t)atF o&eti&es not)in6 at all

)a11ens8 In any event% it 'on?t )(#t yo(% 6i#l8 Let?s sit on t)e benc)8 I?ll tell yo( if yo(

sta#t loo0in6 st#an6e to &e85

T)ey sat on t)e benc)% $oin6 not)in68 T'o 1olice o#nit)o1te#s% flyin6 (st (n$e# t)e fo#eve#- 6#ay clo($s% (ietly 'atc)e$ t)e tation of Doo&8 T)ey )a$ been $oin6

t)is eve# since Ro$?s co&1(te# s)o'e$ )i& )o' to 'in all t)at &oney - t)e fo#t(ne 'as

still 1ilin6 (1% al&ost faste# t)an it co(l$ be co&1(te$8 T)e bi#$-en6ines 'e#e lay

an$ bea(tif(l as t)ey fle'8 T)e o1e#ato#s )a$ sync)#onie$ t)e fla11in6 of t)e t'o

sets of 'in6s% so t)at t)ey loo0e$ li0e #(0)s $oin6 a ballet8 T)e effect ca(6)t t)e eyes

of bot) Lavinia an$ A(nt Do#is8

Lavinia s($$enly s1o0e in a clea#% s)a#1% $e&an$in6 voice% (ite (nli0e )e#

(s(al tone4 5It?s all &ine% isn?t it@5

Do#is b#eat)e$ softly% 5W)at% &y $ea#@5

5T)e tation of Doo&8 I?& one of t)e )ei#esses% any)o'% a#en?t I@5 Lavinia

1(#se$ )e# li1s in a 1#o($ 1#i& s&(6 s&ile ')ic) 'o(l$ )ave )(&iliate$ )e# if s)e )a$

been in )e# #i6)t &in$8

A(nt Do#is sai$ not)in68 )e no$$e$ silently8

5If I &a##y Ro$ I?ll be &iss(s an$ o'ne# !cBan% t)e #ic)est 'o&an ')o eve#

live$8 B(t if I $o &a##y )i&% )e?ll )ate &e% beca(se )e?ll t)in0 it?s fo# )is &oney an$ )is

1o'e#8 B(t I?ve love$ Ro$% love$ )i& s1ecially beca(se )e co(l$n?t )ie# o# s1ie08 I?ve

al'ays 0no'n t)at )e 'o(l$ nee$ &e so&e$ay% not li0e &y Da$$y sin6in6 )is c#ay

sa$ 1#o($ son6s fo#eve# an$ eve#F B(t )o' can I &a##y )i& no' 888 @5

W)is1e#e$ Do#is% ve#y 6ently% ve#y insin(atin6ly4 5Loo0 fo# Ro$% &y $ea#8 Loo0

fo# Ro$ in t)at 1a#t of yo(# &in$ ')ic) t)o(6)t )e 'as $ea$8 Loo0 fo# Ro$% Lavinia%

loo0 fo# Ro$85

Lavinia la(6)e$ )a11ily% an$ it 'as t)e la(6) of a s&all c)il$8

)e sta#e$ at )e# feet% at t)e s0y% at Do#is - loo0in6 #i6)t t)#o(6) )e#8

He# eyes see&e$ to clea#8 W)en s)e s1o0e% it 'as in )e# no#&al a$(lt voice4

5I see Ro$8 o&eone )as c)an6e$ )i& into a cat-&an% (st li0e t)e 1ict(#es

'e?ve seen of (n$e#1eo1le8 An$ t)e#e?s a 6i#l 'it) )i& - a 6i#l% Do#is - an$ I can?t be

ealo(s of )i& bein6 'it) )e#8 )e is t)e &ost bea(tif(l t)in6 t)at eve# live$ on any'o#l$8 Yo( o(6)t to see )e# )ai#% Do#is8 Yo( o(6)t to see )e# )ai#8 It is li0e a b(s)el of



bea(tif(l fi#e8 Is t)at Ro$@ I $on?t

0no'8 I can?t tell8 I can?t see85 )e sat on t)e% benc)% loo0in6 st#ai6)t at Do#is

an$ seein6 not)in6% b(t 'ee1in6 co1io(sly8

At t)e beac) of !eeva !eefla% Ea#t)% t)e sa&e $ay

5"at)e#% yo( can?t be )e#e8 Yo( neve# co&e )e#eF5

5B(t I )ave%5 sai$ Lo#$ Willia& Not-f#o&-)e#e8 5An$ it?s i&1o#tant85

5I&1o#tant@5 la(6)e$ R(t)8 5T)en it?s not &e8 I?& not i&1o#tant8 Yo(# 'o#0 (1

t)e#e is85 )e loo0e$ to'a#$ t)e #i& of t)e Ea#t)1o#t% ')ic) floate$% $istinct an$

ci#c(la#% beyon$ t)e c#ests of so&e fa#a'ay clo($s8

T)e ove#-$#esse$ lo#$ s(atte$ incon6#(o(sly on t)e san$8

5Listen% 6i#l%5 sai$ )e slo'ly an$ e&1)atically% 5I?ve neve# as0e$ &(c) of yo(

b(t I a& as0in6 no'85

5Yes% fat)e#%5 s)e sai$% a little f#i6)tene$ by t)is totally (nacc(sto&e$ ai# - )e#

fat)e# 'as (s(ally 1layf(lly cas(al 'it) )e#% an$ e(ally (s(ally fo#6ot )e# ten secon$s

afte# )e 6ot t)#o(6) tal0in6 to )e#8

5R(t)% yo( 0no' 'e a#e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians@5

5We?#e #ic)% if t)at?s ')at yo( &ean8 Not t)at it &atte#s% t)e 'ay t)in6s 6o85 5I?&

not tal0in6 abo(t #ic)es no'% I?& tal0in6 abo(t )o&e% an$ I &ean itF5 5Ho&e@ We neve#

)a$ a )o&e% fat)e#85

5No#st#iliaF5 )e sna#le$ at )e#8

5I neve# sa' it% fat)e#8 No# $i$ yo(8 No# yo(# fat)e#8 No# 6#eat-6#an$1a8 W)at

a#e yo( tal0in6 abo(t@5

5We can 6o )o&e a6ainF5

5"at)e#% ')at?s )a11ene$@ Have yo( lost yo(# &in$@ Yo(?ve al'ays tol$ &e

t)at o(# fa&ily bo(6)t o(t an$ co(l$ neve# 6o bac08 W)at?s )a11ene$ no'@ Have t)ey

c)an6e$ t)e #(les@ I?& not even s(#e I 'ant to 6o t)e#e% any)o'8 No 'ate#% no

beac)es% no cities8 K(st a $#y $(ll 1lanet 'it) sic0 s)ee1 an$ a lot of i&&o#tal fa#&e#s

')o 6o a#o(n$ a#&e$ to t)e teet)F5

5R(t)% yo( can ta0e (s bac0F5

)e (&1e$ to )e# feet an$ sla11e$ t)e san$ off )e# botto&8 )e 'as a littletalle# t)an )e# fat)e# t)o(6) )e 'as an e3t#e&ely )an$so&e% a#istoc#atic-loo0in6

&an% s)e 'as an even &o#e $istinctive 1e#son8 It 'o(l$ be obvio(s to anyone t)at s)e

'o(l$ neve# lac0 fo# s(ito#s o# 1(#s(e#s8

5All #i6)t% fat)e#8 Yo( al'ays )ave sc)e&es8 Us(ally it?s anti(e &oney8 T)is

ti&e I?& &i3e$ (1 'it) it so&e)o'% o# yo( 'o(l$n?t be )e#e8 "at)e#% (st ')at $o yo(

'ant &e to $o@5

5To &a##y8 To &a##y t)e #ic)est &an ')o )as eve# been 0no'n in t)e (nive#se85

5Is t)at all@5 s)e la(6)e$8 5Of co(#se I?ll &a##y )i&8 I?ve neve# &a##ie$ an off-

'o#l$e# befo#e8 Have yo( &a$e a $ate 'it) )i&@5

5Yo( $on?t (n$e#stan$% R(t)8 T)is isn?t Ea#t) &a##ia6e8 In No#st#ilian la' an$



c(sto& yo( &a##y only one &an% yo( &a##y only once% an$ yo( stay &a##ie$ to )i& fo#

as lon6 as yo( live85

A clo($ 1asse$ ove# t)e s(n8 T)e beac) beca&e coole#8 )e loo0e$ at )e# fat)e#

'it) a f(nny &i3t(#e of sy&1at)y% conte&1t% an$ c(#iosty8

5T)at%5 s)e sai$% 5is a cat of anot)e# b#ee$8 I?ll )ave to see )i& fi#st8885

Antec)a&be# of t)e Bell an$ Ban0% Ea#t)1o#t% t)e sa&e $ay

A bea#-'o&an% co&1lete 'it) sta#c)e$ ca1 an$ n(#se?s (nifo#&% 1(s)e$ t)e

')eel c)ai# of t)e Lo#$ C#($elta into t)e #oo&8 Kestocost loo0e$ (1 f#o& t)e sit(ation

s)o's ')ic) )e )a$ been 'atc)in68 W)en )e sa' ')o it 'as% )e offe#e$ C#($elta a

$ee1 bo' in$ee$8 T)e bea#- 'o&an% fl(ste#e$ by t)is fa&o(s 1lace an$ all t)e 6#eat

$i6nita#ies ')o& s)e 'as &eetin6% s1o0e (1 in a sin6(la#ly )i6) voice% be66in64

5!y lo#$ an$ &aste# C#($elta% &ay I leave yo( )e#e@5

5Yes8 2o8 I 'ill call fo# yo( late#8 2o to t)e bat)#oo& on yo(# 'ay o(t8 It?s on

t)e #i6)t85 5!y lo#$ -F5 s)e 6as1e$ 'it) e&ba##ass&ent85Yo( 'o(l$n?t )ave $a#e$ if I )a$n?t tol$ yo(8 I?ve been 'atc)in6 yo(# &in$ fo#

t)e last )alf- )o(#8 No' 6o alon685

T)e bea#-'o&an fle$ 'it) a #(stle of )e# sta#c)e$ s0i#ts8

W)en C#($elta loo0e$ $i#ectly at )i&% Kestocost 6ave )i& a ve#y $ee1 bo'8 In

liftin6 )is eyes )e loo0e$ $i#ectly into t)e face of t)e ol$% ol$ &an an$ sai$% 'it)

so&et)in6 nea# 1#i$e in )is voice4

5till (1 to yo(# ol$ t#ic0s% &y Lo#$ an$ collea6(e C#($eltaF5

5An$ yo( to yo(#s% Kestocost8 Ho' a#e yo( 6oin6 to 6et t)at boy o(t of t)e

se'e#s@5 5W)at boy@ W)at se'e#s@55O(# se'e#s8 T)e boy yo( sol$ t)is to'e# to85

"o# once% Kestocost 'as flabbe#6aste$8 His a' $#o11e$8 T)en )e collecte$

)i&self an$ sai$% 5Yo(?#e a 0no'le$6eable &an% &y Lo#$ C#($elta85

5T)at I a&%5 sai$ C#($elta% 5an$ a t)o(san$ yea#s ol$e# t)an yo(% to boot8 T)at

'as &y #e'a#$ fo# co&in6 bac0 f#o& t)e Not)in6-at-all85

5I 0no' t)at% si#%5 Kestocost?s f(ll% 1leasant face $i$ not s)o' 'o##y% b(t )e

st($ie$ t)e ol$ &an ac#oss f#o& )i& 'it) e3t#e&e ca#e8 In )is 1#i&e% t)e Lo#$

C#($elta )a$ been t)e 6#eatest of t)e Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality% a tele1at) of ')o&

t)e ot)e# lo#$s 'e#e al'ays a little af#ai$% beca(se )e 1ic0e$ &in$s so $eftly an$(ic0ly t)at )e 'as t)e best &ental 1ic01oc0et ')o )a$ eve# live$8 A st#on6

conse#vative% )e )a$ neve# o11ose$ a s1ecific 1olicy beca(se it #an co(nte# to )is

6ene#al a11etites8 He )a$% fo# e3a&1le% ca##ie$ t)e vote fo# t)e Re$iscove#y of !an by

co&in6 o(t of #eti#e&ent an$ ton6(e-las)in6 t)e ')ole Co(ncil into a co#ne# 'it)

)is ve)e&ent s(11o#t fo# #efo#&8 Kestocost )a$ neve# li0e$ )i& - ')o co(l$ li0e a

#a1ie# ton6(e% a &in$ of (nfat)o&able b#illiance% a col$ ol$ e6o ')ic) neit)e# offe#e$

no# as0e$ co&1anions)i1@ Kestocost 0ne' t)at if t)e ol$ &an )a$ ca(6)t on to t)e Ro$

!cBan a$vent(#e% )e &i6)t be on t)e t#ail of Kestocost?s ea#lie# $eal 'it) - no% no% noF

$on?t t)in0 it )e#e% not 'it) t)ose eyes 'atc)in68

5I 0no' abo(t t)at% too%5 sai$ t)e ol$% ol$ &an8 5W)at@5

5T)e sec#et yo( a#e t#yin6 &ost of all to )i$e85



Kestocost stoo$ s(b&issive% 'aitin6 fo# t)e blo' to fall8

T)e ol$ &an la(6)e$8 !ost 1eo1le 'o(l$ )ave e31ecte$ a cac0le f#o& t)at

)an$so&e f#es) yo(n6 face 'it) t)e 'it)e#e$ s1i$e#y bo$y8 T)ey 'o(l$ )ave been

foole$8 T)e la(6) 'as f(ll- bo$ie$% 6en(ine an$ 'a#&8

5Re$la$y?s a fool%5 sai$ C#($elta8

5I t)in0 so too%5 sai$ Kestocost% 5 b(t ')at a#e yo(# #easons% &y lo#$ an$

&aste#@5

5en$in6 t)at yo(n6 &an off )is o'n 1lanet ')en )e )as so &(c) 'ealt) an$ so

little e31e#ience85

Kestocost no$$e$% not 'antin6 to say anyt)in6 (ntil t)e ol$ &an )a$ &a$e

)is line of attac0 1lain8

5I li0e yo(# i$ea% )o'eve#%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ C#($elta8 5ell )i& t)e Ea#t) an$ t)en

ta3 )i& fo# it8 B(t ')at is yo(# (lti&ate ai&@ !a0in6 )i& E&1e#o# of t)e PlanetEa#t)% in t)e ol$ style@ !(#$e#in6 )i&@ D#ivin6 )i& &a$@ Havin6 t)e cat-6i#l of

yo(#s se$(ce )i& an$ t)en sen$ )i& )o&e a ban0#(1t@ I a$&it I )ave t)o(6)t of all

t)ese too b(t I $i$n see )o' any of t)e& 'o(l$ fit in 'it) yo(# 1assion fo# (stice8 B(t

t)e#e?s one t)in6 yo( can?t $o% Kestocost8 Yo( can?t sell )i& t)e Planet Ea#t) an$ t)en

)ave )i& stay )e#e an$ &ana6e it8 He &i6)t 'ant to (se t)is to'e# fo# )is #esi$ence8

T)at 'o(l$ be too &(c)8 I a& too ol$ to &ove o(t8 An$ )e &(stn?t #oll (1 t)at ocean

o(t t)e#e an$ ta0e it )o&e fo# a so(veni#8 Yo(?ve all been ve#y cleve#% &y lo#$ - cleve#

eno(6) to be fools8 Yo( )ave c#eate$ an (nnecessa#y c#isis8 W)at a#e yo( 6oin6 to 6et

o(t of it@5

Kestocost 1l(n6e$8 T)e ol$ &an &(st )ave 1ic0e$ )is o'n &in$8 No')e#e else

co(l$ )e )ave 1(t all t)e t)#ea$s of t)e case to6et)e#8 Kestocost $eci$e$ on t)e t#(t) an$

t)e ')ole t#(t)8 He sta#te$ 'it) t)e $ay t)at Bi6 Blin0 #an6 in t)e eno#&o(s

t#ansactions in st#oon f(t(#es% financial 6a&bles ')ic) soon #eac)e$ o(t of t)e

co&&o$ity &a#0ets of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia an$ be6an to (nbalance t)e econo&y of all

t)e civilie$ 'o#l$s8 Di#ecte$ an$ calc(late$ by t)e ancient !cBan fa&ily co&1(te#

')ic)% ')en as0e$ by its ne' &iste# an$ o'ne# )o' )e co(l$ esca1e t)e sic0 en&ity of

No#st#ilia?s Onsec0% )a$ ans'e#e$ t)at t)e only 'ay 'as to beco&e t)e #ic)est &an in

t)e Unive#se

- an$% in fo(# )o(#s% )a$ b#o(6)t it abo(t8 He (n#olle$ as &(c) as 'as

necessa#y of t)e t)#ea$ of Ro$ !cBan?s s'ift yet co&1le3 $is1atc) to Ol$ Ea#t)%

ove#seen by t)e $is6#ace$ Lo#$ Re$la$y - t)e $is6(ise as a cat-&an% an$ t)e nineRo$-$o(bles% t)e se#vant Eleano# an$ ei6)t #obots% to conf(se t)ieves% 0i$na11e#s%

an$ anyone else ')o &i6)t feel an (n')oleso&e inte#est in t)e 'ealt)iest &an of all

ti&e888

5Tell &e ')at yo( 1lan to $o%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ C#($elta8 5If I li0e it% I 'ill )el1

yo(8 If I $on?t li0e it% I 'ill )ave t)e ')ole sto#y befo#e a 1len(& of t)e co(ncil t)is

ve#y &o#nin6% an$ yo( 0no' t)at t)ey 'ill tea# yo(# b#i6)t i$ea to s)#e$s8 T)ey 'ill

1#obably seie t)e boy?s 1#o1e#ty% sen$ )i& to a )os1ital% an$ )ave )i& co&e o(t

s1ea0in6 Bas(e as a fla&enco 1laye#8 Yo( 0no' as 'ell as I $o t)at t)e

Inst#(&entality is ve#y 6ene#o(s 'it) ot)e# 1eo1le?s 1#o1e#ty% b(t 1#etty #(t)less ')en

it co&es to any t)#eat $i#ecte$ a6ainst itself8 Alte# all% I 'as one of t)e &en ')o 'i1e$

o(t Ra(&so685



Kestocost be6an to tal0 ve#y (ietly% ve#y cal&ly8 He s1o0e 'it) t)e ass(#ance of

an acco(ntant ')o% boo0s in o#$e#% is e31lainin6 an int#icate 1oint to )is &ana6e#8 Ol$

)i&self% )e 'as a c)il$ co&1a#e$ to t)e anti(ity an$ 'is$o& of t)e Lo#$ C#($elta8

He 'ent into $etails% incl($in6 t)e (lti&ate $is1ositon of Ro$ !cBan8 He even s)a#e$

'it) t)e Lo#$ C#($elta )is sy&1at)ies fo# t)e (n$e#1eo1le an$ )is o'n ve#y sec#et% ve#y

(iet st#(66le to i&1#ove t)ei#

1osition8 T)e only t)in6 ')ic) )e $i$ not &ention 'as t)e E-tele0eli an$ t)e

co(nte#b#ain ')ic) t)e (n$e#1eo1le )a$ set (1 in Do'n$ee1-$o'n$ee18 If t)e ol$ &an

0ne' it% )e 0ne' it an$ Kestocost co(l$n?t sto1 )i&% b(t if )e $i$ not 0no' it% t)e#e 'as

no 1oint in tellin6 )i&8

T)e Lo#$ C#($elta $i$ not #es1on$ 'it) senile ent)(sias& o# c)il$is) la(6)te#8

He #eve#te$% not to )is c)il$)oo$ b(t to )is &at(#ity 'it) 6#eat $i6nity an$ fo#ce )e

sai$4

5I a11#ove8 I (n$e#stan$8 Yo( )ave &y 1#o3y if yo( nee$ it8 Call t)at n(#se to

co&e an$ 6et &e8 I t)o(6)t yo( 'e#e a cleve# fool% Kestocost8 Yo( so&eti&es a#e8 T)isti&e yo( a#e s)o'in6 t)at yo( )ave a )ea#t as 'ell as a )ea$85

5An$ t)e e3-lo#$ Re$la$y@5 as0e$ Kestocost $efe#entially8

5Hi&@ Not)in68 Not)in68 Let )i& live )is life8 T)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians

&i6)t as 'ell c(t t)ei# 1olitical teet) on )i&85

T)e bea#-'o&an #(stle$ bac0 into t)e #oo&8 T)e Lo#$ C#($elta 'ave$ )is )an$8

Kestocost bo'e$ al&ost to t)e floo#% an$ t)e ')eelc)ai#% )eavy as a tan0% c#ea0e$ its 'ay

ac#oss t)e $oo#sill8

5T)at%5 sai$ Kestocost% 5co(l$ )ave been t#o(bleF5 He 'i1e$ )is b#o'8

CHAPTER THREE4 THE ROAD TO THE CAT!ATER

ROD% C?!ELL AND A?2ENTUR )a$ )a$ to )ol$ t)e si$es of t)e s)aft seve#al

ti&es as t)e t#affic beca&e )eavy an$ la#6e loa$s% 6oin6 (1 o# $o'n% )a$ to 1ass eac)

ot)e# an$ t)e& too8 In one of t)ese 'aits C?&ell ca(6)t )e# b#eat) an$ sai$ so&et)in6

ve#y s'iftly to t)e little &on0ey8 Ro$% not )ee$in6 t)e&% ca(6)t not)in6 b(t t)e

s($$en ent)(sias& an$ )a11iness in )e# voice8 T)e &on0ey?s &(#&(#e$ ans'e# &a$e

)e# 1laintive an$ s)e insiste$4

5B(t% Yee0asoose% yo( &(stF Ro$?s ')ole life co(l$ $e1en$ on it8 Not (st

savin6 )is life no'% b(t )avin6 a bette# life fo# )(n$#e$s an$ )(n$#e$s of yea#s85

T)e &on0ey 'as c#oss8 5Don?t as0 &e to t)in0 ')en I a& )(n6#y8 T)is fast

&etabolis& an$ s&all bo$y (st isn?t eno(6) to s(11o#t #eal t)in0in685

5If it?s foo$ yo( 'ant% )ave so&e #aisins85 )e too0 a s(a#e of co&1#esse$

see$less #aisins o(t of one of )e# &atc)in6 ba6s8

A?6ent(# ate t)e& 6#ee$ily% b(t 6loo&ily8

Ro$?s attention $#ifte$ a'ay f#o& t)e& as )e sa' &a6nificent 6ol$en f(#nit(#e%

elabo#ately ca#ve$ an$ inlai$ 'it) a 1ea#lescent &ate#ial% bein6 1ilote$ (1 t)e

s)aft by a ')ole t#oo1 of tal0ative $o6-&en8 He as0e$ t)e& ')e#e t)e f(#nit(#e 'as

6oin68 W)en t)ey $i$ not ans'e# )ini% )e #e1eate$ )is (estion in a &o#e 1e#e&1to#ytone of voice% as befitte$ t)e #ic)est Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian in t)e (nive#se8 T)e tone of



$e&an$ b#o(6)t ans'e#s% b(t t)ey 'e#e not t)e ones )e 'as e31ectin68 5!eo'%5 sai$

one $o6-&an8 5)(t (1% cat% o# I?ll c)ase yo( (1 a t#ee85 5Not to yo(# )o(se% b(ste#8

E3actly ')at $o yo( t)in0 yo( a#e% 1eo1le@5 5Cats a#e al'ays nosy8 Loo0 at t)at

one85 T)e $o6-fo#e&an #ose into si6)t 'it) $i6nity an$ 0in$ness )e sai$ to Ro$% 5Cat-

fello'% if yo( feel li0e tal0in6% yo( &ay 6et &a#0e$ s(#1l(s8 Bette# 0ee1 (iet in t)e

1(blic $#o1s)aftF5 Ro$ #ealie$ t)at to t)ese bein6s )e 'as one of t)e&% a cat &a$e intoa &an% an$ t)at t)e (n$e#1eo1le 'o#0&en ')o se#ve$ Ol$ Ea#t) )a$ been t#aine$ not to

c)atte# ')ile 'o#0in6 on t)e b(siness of !an8

He ca(6)t t)e tail of C?&ell?s (#6ent ')is1e# to A?6ent(#4 5888 an$ $on?t as0 )i&8

Tell )i&8 We?ll #is0 t)e 1eo1le one fo# a visit to t)e Cat&aste#F Tell )i&85

A?6ent(# 'as 1antin6 'it) a #a1i$ s)allo' b#eat)8 His eyes see&e$ to

1#ot#($e f#o& t)ei# soc0ets an$ yet )e 'as loo0in6 at not)in68 He 6#oane$ as t)o(6)

'it) so&e in'a#$ effo#t8 At last )e lost )is 6#i1 on t)e 'all an$ 'o(l$ )ave floate$

slo'ly $o'n'a#$ if C?&ell )a$ not ca(6)t )i& an$ c($$le$ )i& li0e a baby8 C?&ell

')is1e#e$% ea6e#ly4

5Yo( #eac)e$ )i&@5

5Hi&%5 6as1e$ t)e little &on0ey8 5W)o@5 as0e$ Ro$8

5Aitc) eye%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5I?ll tell yo( late#85 Of A?6ent(# s)e as0e$% 5If yo( 6ot

)i&% ')at $i$ )e say@5

5He sai$% ?E-i0as(s% I $o not say no8 Yo( a#e &y son8 Ta0e t)e #is0 if yo(

t)in0 it 'ise8? An$ $on?t as0 &e no'% C?&ell8 Let &e t)in0 a little8 I )ave been all t)e

'ay to No#st#ilia an$ bac08 I?& still c#a&1e$ in t)is little bo$y8 Do 'e )ave to $o it

no'@ Ri6)t no'@ W)y can?t 'e 6o to )i&5 - an$ !6ent(# no$$e$ to'a#$ t)e $e1t)s

belo' - 5an$ fin$ o(t ')at 'e 'ant Ro$ fo#% any)o'@ Ro$ is a &eans% not an en$8 W)o#eally 0no's ')at to $o 'it) )i&@5

5W)at a#e yo( tal0in6 abo(t@5 sai$ Ro$8

i&(ltaneo(sly C?&ell sna11e$% 5I 0no' ')at 'e a#e 6oin6 to $o 'it) )i&85

5W)at@5 sai$ t)e little &on0ey% ve#y ti#e$ a6ain8

5We?#e 6oin6 to let t)is boy 6o f#ee% an$ let )i& fin$ )a11iness% an$ if )e 'ants

to 6ive (s )is )el1% 'e 'ill ta0e it an$ be 6#atef(l8 B(t 'e a#e not 6oin6 to #ob )i&8 Not

6oin6 to )(#t )i&8 T)at 'o(l$ be a &ean% $i#ty 'ay to sta#t bein6 bette# c#eat(#es t)an

'e a#e8 If )e 0no's ')o )e is befo#e )e &eets )i&% t)ey can &a0e sense85 )e t(#ne$ to

Ro$ an$ sai$ 'it) &yste#io(s (#6ency4

5Don?t yo( 'ant to 0no' ')o yo( a#e@5

5I?& Ro$ !cBan to-t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st%5 sai$ )e 1#o&1tly8

5)e-)-)%5 sai$ s)e% 5no na&es )e#e8 I?& not tal0in6 abo(t na&es8 I?& tal0in6

abo(t t)e $ee1 insi$es of yo(8 Life itself as it flo's t)#o(6) yo(8 Do yo( )ave any i$ea

')o yo( a#e@5

5Yo(?#e 1layin6 6a&es%5 )e sai$8 5I 0no' 1e#fectly 'ell ')o I a&% an$ ')e#e I

live% an$ ')at I )ave8 I even 0no' t)at #i6)t no' I a& s(11ose$ to be a cat-&an na&e$

C?#o$e#ic08 W)at else is t)e#e to 0no'@5

5Yo( &enF5 s)e sobbe$ at )i&% 5Yo( &enF Even ')en yo(?#e 1eo1le% yo(?#e so$ense t)at yo( can?t (n$e#stan$ a si&1le (estion8 I?& not as0in6 yo( yo(# na&e o#



yo(# a$$#ess o# yo(# label o# yo(# 6#eat-6#an$fat)e#?s 1#o1e#ty8 I?& as0in6 abo(t yo(%

Ro$% t)e only yo( t)at 'ill eve# live% no &atte# )o' &any n(&be#s yo(# 6#an$sons

&ay 1(t afte# t)ei# na&es8 Yo(?#e not in t)e 'o#l$ (st to o'n a 1iece of 1#o1e#ty o# to

)an$le a s(#na&e 'it) a n(&be# afte# it8 Yo(?#e yo(8 T)e#e?s neve# been anot)e# yo(8

T)e#e 'ill neve# be anot)e# one% afte# yo(8 W)at $oes t)is ?yo(? 'ant@5

Ro$ 6lance$ $o'n at t)e 'alls of t)e t(nnel% ')ic) see&e$ to t(#n - o)% so fa#

belo' - ve#y 6ently to t)e No#t)8 He loo0e$ (1 at t)e little #)o&boi$s of li6)t cast on

t)e t(nnel 'alls by t)e lan$in6 $oo#s into t)e va#io(s levels of Ea#t)1o#t8 He felt )is

o'n 'ei6)t% a )alf-0ilo o# so% ta66in6 6ently at )is )an$ as )e )el$ to t)e #o(6)

s(#face of t)e ve#tical s)aft% s(11o#te$ by )is belt8 T)e belt itself felt (nco&fo#table

abo(t )is &i$$le afte# all% it 'as s(11o#tin6 &ost of )is 'ei6)t% an$ it s(eee$ )i&8

W)at $o I 'ant@ t)o(6)t )e8 W)o a& I t)at I s)o(l$ )ave a #i6)t to 'ant anyt)in6@ I a&

Ro$ !cBan CLI% t)e &iste# an$ o'ne# of t)e tation of Doo&8 B(t I?& also a 1oo#

f#ea0 'it) ba$ tele1at)y ')o can?t even s1ie0 o# )ie# #i6)tly8

C?&ell 'as 'atc)in6 )i& as clinically as a s(#6eon% b(t )e co(l$ tell f#o& )e#

e31#ession t)at s)e 'as not t#yin6 to 1ee1 )is &in$8

He fo(n$ )i&self s1ea0in6 al&ost as 'ea#ily as )a$ A?6ent(#% ')o 'as also

calle$ so&et)in6 li0e 5Yee0asoose%5 an$ ')o )a$ st#an6e 1o'e#s fo# a little &on0ey%

5I $on?t s(11ose I 'ant anyt)in6 &(c)% C?&ell% e3ce1t t)at I s)o(l$ li0e to s1ie0

an$ )ie# co##ectly% li0e ot)e# 1eo1le on &y native 'o#l$85

)e loo0e$ at )i&% )e# e31#ession s)o'in6 intense sy&1at)y an$ t)e effo#t to

&a0e a $ecision8 A?6ent(# inte##(1te$ 'it) )is )i6) clea# &on0ey voice% 5ay t)at to &e%

si# an$ &aste#85

Ro$ #e1eate$% 5I $on?t #eally 'ant anyt)in68 I 'o(l$ li0e to s1ie0 an$ )ie#

beca(se ot)e# 1eo1le a#e f(ssin6 at &e abo(t it8 An$ I 'o(l$ li0e to 6et a Ca1e of 2oo$

Ho1e t'o1enny t#ian6(la# bl(e sta&1 ')ile I a& still on Ea#t)8 B(t t)at?s abo(t all8 I

6(ess t)e#e?s not)in6 I #eally 'ant85

T)e &on0ey close$ )is eyes an$ see&e$ to fall aslee1 a6ain4 Ro$ s(s1ecte$ it

'as so&e 0in$ of tele1at)ic t#ance8

C?&ell )oo0e$ A?6ent(# on an ol$ #o$ ')ic) 1#ot#($e$ f#o& t)e s(#face of t)e

s)aft8 ince )e 'ei6)e$ only a fe' 6#a&s% t)e#e 'as no 1(ll on t)e belt8 )e seie$

Ro$?s s)o(l$e# an$ 1(lle$ )i& ove# to )e#8

5Ro$% listenF Do yo( 'ant to 0no' ')o yo( a#e@5 5I $on?t 0no'%5 sai$ )e8 5I

&i6)t be &ise#able85 5Not if yo( 0no' ')o yo( a#eF5 s)e insiste$85I &i6)t not li0e &e%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Ot)e# 1eo1le $on?t an$ &y 1a#ents $ie$

to6et)e# ')en t)ei# s)i1 'ent &il0y o(t in s1ace8 I?& not no#&al85

5"o# 2o$?s sa0e% Ro$F5 s)e c#ie$8 5W)o@5 sai$ )e8

5"o#6ive &e% fat)e#%5 sai$ s)e% s1ea0in6 to no one in si6)t8

5I?ve )ea#$ t)at na&e befo#e% so&e')e#e%5 sai$ Ro$8 5B(t let?s 6et 6oin68 I 'ant

to 6et to t)is &yste#io(s 1lace yo( a#e ta0in6 &e an$ t)en I 'ant to fin$ o(t abo(t

Eleano#8 )e?s $is6(ise$ as &e% ta0in6 #is0s fo# &e% alon6 'it) ei6)t #obots8 It?s (1 to

&e to $o ')at I can fo# )e#8 Al'ays85

5B(t s)e?s yo(# se#vant%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5)e se#ves yo(8 Al&ost li0e bein6 an(n$e#1e#son% li0e &e85



5)e?s a 1e#son%5 sai$ Ro$% st(bbo#nly8 5We )ave no (n$e#1eo1le in No#st#ilia%

e3ce1t fo# a fe' in 6ove#n&ent obs8 B(t s)e?s &y f#ien$85

5Do yo( 'ant to &a##y )e#@5

52#eat sic0 s)ee1% 6i#lF A#e yo( ba#&y@ NoF5 5Do yo( 'ant to &a##y anybo$y@5

5At si3teen@5 )e c#ie$8 5Any)o'% &y fa&ily 'ill a##an6e it85 T)e t)o(6)t of 1lain )onest $evote$ Lavinia c#osse$ )is &in$% an$ )e co(l$ not )el1 co&1a#in6 )e#

to t)is 'il$ vol(1t(o(s c#eat(#e ')o floate$ besi$e )i& in t)e t(nnel as t)e t#affic

1asse$ t)e& 6oin6 (1 an$ $o'n8 Wit) nea# 'ei6)tlessness% C?&ell?s )ai# floate$ li0e a

&a6ic flo'e# a#o(n$ )e# )ea$8 )e )a$ been b#(s)in6 it o(t of )e# eyes f#o& ti&e to

ti&e8 He sno#te$% 5Not Eleano#85

W)en )e sai$ t)is% anot)e# i$ea c#osse$ t)e &in$ of t)e bea(tif(l cat-6i#l8 5Yo(

0no' ')at I a&% Ro$%5 sai$ s)e% ve#y se#io(sly8

5A cat-6i#l f#o& t)e 1lanet Ea#t)8 Yo(?#e s(11ose$ to be &y 'ife85

5T)at?s #i6)t%5 s)e sai$% 'it) an o$$8 intonation in )e# voice8 5Be it% t)enF5

5W)at@5 sai$ Ro$8

5!y )(sban$%5 s)e sai$% )e# voice catc)in6 sli6)tly8 5Be &y )(sban$% if it 'ill

)el1 yo( to fin$ yo(85

)e stole a (ic0 6lance (1 an$ $o'n t)e s)aft% t)e#e 'as nobo$y nea#8

5Loo0% Ro$% loo0F5 )e s1#ea$ t)e o1enin6 of )e# $#ess $o'n an$ asi$e8 Even

'it) t)e 1oo# li6)t% to ')ic) )is eyes )a$ beco&e acc(sto&e$% )e co(l$ see t)e

fine t#ace#y of veins in )e# $elicate c)est an$ )e# yo(n6% 1ea#-s)a1e$ b#easts8 T)e

a(#eoles a#o(n$ t)e ni11les 'e#e a clea#% s'eet% innocent 1in0 t)e ni11les t)e&selves

'e#e as 1#etty as t'o 1ieces of can$y8 "o# a &o&ent t)e#e 'as 1leas(#e an$ t)en ate##ible e&ba##ass&ent ca&e ove# )i&8 He t(#ne$ )is face a'ay an$ felt )o##ibly self-

conscio(s8 W)at s)e )a$ $one 'as inte#estin6% b(t it 'asn?t nice8

W)en )e $a#e$ to 6lance at )e#% s)e 'as still st($yin6 )is face8

5I?& a 6i#ly6i#l% Ro$8 T)is is &y b(siness8 An$ yo(?#e a cat% 'it) all t)e

#i6)ts of a to&cat8 Nobo$y can tell t)e $iffe#ence% )e#e in t)is t(nnel8 Ro$% $o yo( 'ant

to $o anyt)in6@5

Ro$ 6(l1e$ an$ sai$ not)in68

)e s'e1t )e# clot)in6 bac0 inte# 1lace8 T)e st#an6e (#6ency left )e# voice8 5I

6(ess%5 s)e sai$% 5t)at t)at left &e a little b#eat)less8 I fin$ yo( 1#etty att#active% Ro$8 Ifin$ &yself t)in0in6% ?')at a 1ity )e is not a cat8? I?& ove# it no'85

Ro$ sai$ not)in68

A b(bble of la(6)te# ca&e into )e# voice% alon6 'it) so&et)in6 &ot)e#in6 an$

ten$e#% ')ic) t(66e$ at )is )ea#tst#in6s8 5Best of all% Ro$% I $i$n?t &ean it8 O# &aybe I

$i$8 I )a$ to 6ive yo( a c)ance befo#e I felt t)at I #eally 0ne' yo(8 Ro$% I?& one of

t)e &ost bea(tif(l 6i#ls on Ol$ Ol$ Ea#t) Itself8 T)e Inst#(&entality (ses &e fo#

t)at ve#y #eason8 We?ve t(#ne$ yo( into a cat an$ offe#e$ yo( &e% an$ yo( 'on?t

)ave &e8 Doesn?t t)at s(66est t)at yo( $on?t 0no' ')o yo( a#e@

5A#e yo( bac0 on t)at@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I 6(ess I (st $on?t (n$e#stan$ 6i#ls85

5Yo(?$ bette#% befo#e yo(?#e t)#o(6) 'it) Ea#t)%5 s)e sai$8 5Yo(# a6ents )ave



bo(6)t a &illion of t)e& fo# yo(% o(t of all t)at st#oon &oney85

5Peo1le o# (n$e#1eo1le@5 5Bot)F5

5Let t)e& b(6 s)ee1F5 )e c#ie$8 5I )a$ no 1a#t in o#$e#in6 t)e&8 Co&e on% 6i#l8

T)is is no 1lace fo# a bo($oi# conve#sationF5

5W)e#e on ea#t) $i$ yo( lea#n t)at 'o#$@5 s)e la(6)e$8

5I #ea$ boo0s8 Lots of boo0s8 I &ay loo0 li0e a 1easant to yo( Ea#t) 1eo1le% b(t

I 0no' a lot of t)in6s85

5Do yo( t#(st &e% Ro$@5

He t)o(6)t of )e# i&&o$esty% ')ic) still left )i& a little b#eat)less8 T)e Ol$

No#t) A(st#alian )(&o# #easse#te$ itself in )i&% as a c(lt(#al c)a#acte#istic an$ not

(st as an in$ivi$(al one4 5I?ve seen a lot of yo(% C?&ell%5 sai$ )e 'it) a 6#in8 5I

s(11ose yo( $on?t )ave &any s(#1#ises left8 All #i6)t% I t#(st yo(8 T)en ')at@5

)e st($ie$ )i& closely8

5I?ll tell yo( ')at E-i0as(s an$ I 'e#e $isc(ssin685 5W)o@5

5Hi&85 )e no$$e$ at t)e little &on0ey8 5I t)o(6)t )is na&e 'as A?6ent(#85

5Li0e yo(#s is C?#o$F5 s)e sai$8

5He?s not a &on0ey@5 as0e$ Ro$8

)e loo0e$ a#o(n$ an$ lo'e#e$ )e# voice8 5He?s a bi#$%5 s)e sai$ sole&nly% 5an$

)e?s t)e secon$ &ost i&1o#tant bi#$ on Ea#t)85

5o ')at@5 sai$ Ro$8

5He?s in c)a#6e of yo(# $estiny% Ro$8 Yo(# life o# yo(# $eat)8 Ri6)t no'85

5I t)o(6)t%5 )e ')is1e#e$ bac0% 5t)at t)at 'as (1 to t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y an$

so&ebo$y na&e$

Kestocost on Ea#t)85

5Yo(?#e $ealin6 'it) ot)e# 1o'e#s% Ro$ - 1o'e#s ')ic) 0ee1 t)e&selves

sec#et8 T)ey 'ant to be f#ien$s 'it) yo(8 An$ I t)in0%5 s)e a$$e$ 'it) a co&1lete non

se(it(#% 5t)at 'e?$ bette# ta0e t)e #is0 an$ 6o85

He loo0e$ blan0 an$ s)e a$$e$% 5To t)e Cat&aste#85 5T)ey?ll $o so&et)in6 to

&e t)e#e85

5Yes%5 s)e sai$8 He# face 'as cal&% f#ien$ly% an$ even8 5Yo( 'ill $ie% &aybe -

b(t not &(c) c)ance8 O# yo( &i6)t 6o &a$ - t)e#e?s al'ays t)e 1ossibility8 O# yo('ill fin$ all t)e t)in6s yo( 'ant - t)at?s t)e li0eliest of all8 I )ave been t)e#e% Ro$8 I

&yself )ave been t)e#e8 Don?t yo( t)in0 t)at I loo0 li0e a )a11y% b(sy 6i#l% ')en yo(

consi$e# t)at I?& #eally (st an ani&al 'it) a #at)e# lo'-$o'n ob@5

Ro$ st($ie$ )e#% 5Ho' ol$ a#e yo(@5 5T)i#ty ne3t yea#%5 s)e sai$% infle3ibly8

5"o# t)e fi#st ti&e@5

5"o# (s ani&al-1eo1le t)e#e is no secon$ ti&e% Ro$8 I t)o(6)t yo( 0ne' t)at85

He #et(#ne$ )e# 6ae8 5If yo( can ta0e it%5 sai$ )e% 5I can too8 Let?s 6o85

)e lifte$ A?6ent(# o# E-i0as(s% $e1en$in6 on ')ic) )e #eally 'as% off t)e 'all%

')e#e )e )a$ been slee1in6 li0e a &a#ionette bet'een 1lays8 He o1ene$ )is e3)a(ste$

little eyes an$ blin0e$ at )e#8

5Yo( )ave 6iven (s o(# o#$e#s%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5We a#e 6oin6 to t)e De1a#t&ent



to#e85 5I )ave%5 )e sai$% c#ossly% co&in6 &(c) &o#e a'a0e8 5I $on?t #e&e&be# itF5

)e la(6)e$% 5K(st t)#o(6) &e% E-i0as(sF5

5T)at na&eF5 )e )isse$8 5Don?t 6et fool)a#$y8 Not in a 1(blic s)aft85 5All #i6)t%

A?6ent(#%5 s)e #es1on$e$% 5b(t $o yo( a11#ove@5

5Of t)e $ecision@5 )e no$$e$8

T)e little &on0ey loo0e$ at bot) of t)e&8 He s1o0e to Ro$8 5If s)e 6a&bles )e#

life an$ yo(#s% not to &ention &ine - if s)e ta0es c)ances to &a0e yo( &(c)% &(c)

)a11ie#% a#e yo( 'illin6 to co&e alon6@5

Ro$ no$$e$ in silent a6#ee&ent8

5Let?s 6o% t)en%5 sai$ t)e &on0ey-s(#6eon8 5W)e#e a#e 'e 6oin6@5 as0e$ Ro$8

5Do'n into Ea#t)1o#t City8 A&on6 all t)e 1eo1le8 'a#&s an$ s'a#&s of

t)e&%5 sai$ C?&ell% 5an$ yo( 'ill 6et to see t)e eve#y$ay life of Ea#t)% (st t)e 'ay

t)at yo( as0e$ at t)e to1 of t)e to'e#% an )o(# a6o85

5A yea# a6o% yo( &ean%5 sai$ Ro$8 5o &(c) )as )a11ene$F5 He t)o(6)t of )e# yo(n6 na0e$ b#easts an$ t)e i&1(lse ')ic) )a$ &a$e )e# s)o' t)e& to )i&% b(t t)e

t)o(6)t $i$ not &a0e )i& e3cite$ o# 6(ilty )e felt f#ien$ly% beca(se )e sense$ in t)ei#

')ole #elations)i1 a f#ien$liness &(c) &o#e fe#vent t)an se3 itself8

5We a#e 6oin6 to a sto#e%5 sai$ t)e slee1y &on0ey8 5A co&&issa#y8 "o# t)in6s@

W)at fo#@5

5It )as a nice na&e%5 sai$ C?&ell% 5an$ it is #(n by a 'on$e#f(l 1e#son8 T)e

Cat&aste# )i&self8 "ive )(n$#e$ so&e yea#s ol$% an$ still allo'e$ to live by vi#t(e of

t)e le6acy of t)e La$y 2o#o0e85

5Neve# )ea#$ of )e#%5 sai$ Ro$8 5W)at?s t)e na&e@5

5T)e De1a#t&ent to#e of Hea#ts? Desi#es%5 sai$ C?&ell an$ E-i0as(s

si&(ltaneo(sly8

T)e t#i1 'as a vivi$% (ic0 $#ea&8 T)ey )a$ only a fe' )(n$#e$ &ete#s to

fall befo#e t)ey #eac)e$ 6#o(n$ level8

T)ey ca&e o(t on t)e 1eo1le-st#eet8 A #obot-1olice&an 'atc)e$ t)e& f#o& a

co#ne#8

H(&an bein6s in t)e cost(&es of a )(n$#e$ )isto#ical 1e#io$s 'e#e 'al0in6

a#o(n$ in t)e 'a#&% 'et ai# of Ea#t)8 Ro$ co(l$ not s&ell as &(c) salt in t)e ai# as )e

)a$ s&elle$ at t)e to1 of t)e to'e#% b(t $o'n )e#e in t)e city it s&elle$ of &o#e 1eo1le t)an )e )a$ eve# even i&a6ine$ in one 1lace8 T)o(san$s of in$ivi$(als%

)(n$#e$s an$ t)o(san$s of $iffe#ent 0in$s of foo$s% t)e o$o#s of #obots% of (n$e#1eo1le

an$ of ot)e# t)in6s ')ic) see&e$ to be (n&o$ifie$ ani&als8

5T)is is t)e &ost inte#estin6 s&ellin6 1lace I )ave eve# been%5 sai$ )e to C?&ell8

)e 6lance$ at )i& i$ly8 5T)at?s nice8 Yo( can s&ell li0e a $o6-&an8 !ost of t)e

#eal 1eo1le I )ave 0no'n co(l$n?t s&ell t)ei# o'n feet8 Co&e on t)o(6)% C?#o$e#ic0 -

#e&e&be# ')o yo( a#eF If 'e?#e not ta66e$ an$ license$ fo# t)e s(#face% 'e?ll 6et

sto11e$ by t)at 1olice&an in one &in(te o# less85

)e ca##ie$ E-i0as(s an$ stee#e$ Ro$ 'it) a 1#ess(#e on )is elbo'8 T)ey ca&e

to a #a&1 ')ic) le$ to an (n$e#6#o(n$ 1assa6e% 'ell ill(&inate$8 !ac)ines% #obots an$

(n$e#1eo1le 'e#e )(##yin6 bac0 an$ fo#t) alon6 it% b(sy 'it) t)e co&&e#ce of Ea#t)8



Ro$ 'o(l$ )ave been co&1letely lost if )e )a$ been 'it)o(t C?&ell8 T)o(6) )is

&i#ac(lo(s b#oa$-ban$ )ie#in6% ')ic) )a$ so often s(#1#ise$ )i& at )o&e% )a$ not

#et(#ne$ $(#in6 )is fe' )o(#s on Ol$ Ea#t)% )is ot)e# senses 6ave )i& a s(ffocatin6

a'a#eness of t)e )(6e n'nbe# of

1eo1le a#o(n$ )i& an$ above )i&8 He neve# #ealie$ t)at t)e#e 'e#e ti&es%

lon6 6one% ')en t)e cities of Ea#t) )a$ 1o1(lation ')ic) #eac)e$ t)e tens of &illions

to )i&% seve#al )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ 1eo1le% an$ a co&1a#able n(&be# of (n$e#1eo1le%

'as a c#o'$ al&ost beyon$ all &eas(#e8 T)e so(n$s an$ s&ells of (n$e#1eo1le 'e#e

s(btly $iffe#ent f#o& t)ose of 1eo1le so&e of t)e &ac)ines of Ea#t) 'e#e bi66e# an$

ol$e# t)an anyt)in6 ')ic) )e )a$ 1#evio(sly i&a6ine$ an$ above all% t)e ci#c(lation of

'ate# in i&&ense vol(&es% &illions (1on &illions of 6allons% fo# t)e &(lti1le

1(#1oses of Ea#t)1o#t - sanitation% coolin6% $#in0in6% in$(st#ial 1(#1oses - &a$e )i& feel

t)at )e 'as not a&on6 a fe' b(il$in6s% ')ic) )e 'o(l$ )ave calle$ a city in Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia% b(t t)at )e )i&self )a$ beco&e a bloo$-cell t)#(stin6 t)#o(6) t)e ci#c(lato#y

syste& of so&e eno#&o(s co&1osite ani&al% t)e nat(#e of ')ic) )e i&1e#fectly(n$e#stoo$8 T)is city 'as alive 'it) a stic0y% 'et% co&1licate$ aliveness ')ic) )e )a$

)it)e#to not even i&a6ine$ to be 1ossible8 !ove&ent c)a#acte#ie$ it8 He s(s1ecte$

t)at t)e &ove&ent 'ent on by ni6)t an$ $ay% t)at t)e#e 'as no #eal cessation to it% t)at

t)e 6#eat 1(&1s t)#(st 'ate# t)#o(6) fee$e# 1i1es an$ $#ains ')et)e# 1eo1le 'e#e

a'a0e o# not% t)at t)e b#ains of t)is o#6aniation co(l$ be no one 1lace% b(t )a$ to

co&1#ise &any s(b-b#ains% eac) co&&itte$ an$ #es1onsible fo# its 1a#tic(la# tas0s8 No

'on$e# (n$e#1eo1le 'e#e nee$e$F It 'o(l$ be bo#e$o& an$ 1ain% even 'it)

1e#fecte$ a(to&ation% to )ave eno(6) )(&an s(1e#viso#s to #econnect t)e va#io(s

syste&s if t)ey )a$ b#ea0$o'ns insi$e t)e&selves% o# at t)ei# inte#connections8 Ol$

No#t) A(st#alia )a$ vitality% b(t it 'as t)e vitality of o1en fiel$s% fe' 1eo1le% i&&ense

'ealt)% an$ 1e#1et(al &ilita#y $an6e# t)is 'as t)e vitality of t)e cess1ool% of t)eco&1ost )ea1% b(t t)e #ottin6% bloo&in6% 6#o'in6 co&1onents 'e#e not 'aste &ate#ial

b(t )(&an bein6s an$ nea#- )(&an bein6s8 No 'on$e# t)at )is fo#efat)e#s )a$ fle$ t)e

cities as t)ey )a$ been8 T)ey &(st )ave been soli$ 1la6(e to f#ee &en8 Even Ol$

O#i6inal A(st#alia% so&e')e#e )e#e on Ea#t)% )a$ lost its o1enness an$ f#ee$o& in

o#$e# to beco&e t)e sin6le 6iant city-co&1le3 of Nanbien8 It &(st% Ro$ t)o(6)t 'it)

)o##o#% )ave been a t)o(san$ ti&es t)e sie of t)is city of Ea#t)1o#t8 He 'as '#on6%

beca(se it 'as ,G9%999 ti&es t)e sie of Ea#t)1o#t befo#e it $ie$8 Ea#t)1o#t )a$ only

abo(t t'o )(n$#e$ t)o(san$ 1e#&anent #esi$ents ')en Ro$ visite$ it% 'it) an

a$$itional n(&be# 'al0in6 in f#o& t)e nea#e# s(b(#bs% t)e o(te# s(b(#bs still bein6

#(ine$ an$ aban$one$% b(t A(st#alia - (n$e# t)e na&e of Aoo( Nanbien - )a$ #eac)e$

a 1o1(lation of t)i#ty billion befo#e it $ie$% an$ befo#e t)e Wil$ Ones an$ t)e!ensc)en6e# )a$ set to 'o#0 0illin6 oft t)e s(#vivo#s8

Ro$ 'as be'il$e#e$% b(t C?&ell 'as not8

)e )a$ 1(t A?6ent(# $o'n% ove# )is ')ine$ &on0ey-li0e 1#otest8 He t#otte$

(n'illin6ly besi$e t)e&8

Wit) t)e i&1($ent 0no'le$6eability of a t#(e city 6i#l% s)e )a$ le$ t)e& to a

c#oss-'al0 f#o& ')ic) a contin(o(s ')istlin6 #oa# ca&e fo#t)8 By '#itin6% by 1ict(#e%

an$ by lo($s1ea0e#% t)e 'a#nin6 syste& #e1eate$ *EEP O""8 "REI2HT ONLY%

DAN2ER8 *EEP O""8 )e )a$ snatc)e$ (1 E-i0as(sA?6ent(#% 6#abbe$ Ro$ by t)e

a#&% an$ (&1e$ 'it) t)e& on a se#ies of #a1i$ly &ovin6 ai#bo#ne 1latfo#&s8 Ro$%sta#tle$ by t)e s($$enness in ')ic) t)ey )a$ fo(n$ t)e t#ac0'ay% s)o(te$ to as0 ')at it



'as4

5"#ei6)t@ W)at?s t)at@5

5T)in6s8 Bo3es8 "oo$s8 T)is is t)e Cent#al t#ac0'ay8 No sense in 'al0in6 si3

0ilo&ete#s ')en 'e can 6et t)is8 Be #ea$y to (&1 off 'it) &e ')en I 6ive yo( t)e

si6nF5

5It feels $an6e#o(s%5 )e sai$8

5It isn?t%5 sai$ s)e% 5not if yo(?#e a cat85

Wit) t)is so&e')at e(ivocal #eass(#ance% s)e let t)e& #i$e8 A?6ent(# co(l$ not

ca#e less8 He c($$le$ )is )ea$ a6ainst )e# s)o(l$e#% '#a11e$ )is lon6 6ibbonli0e a#&s

a#o(n$ )e# (11e# a#& an$ 'ent so(n$ly to slee18

C?&ell no$$e$ at Ro$%

5oon no'F5 s)e calle$% ($6in6 t)ei# $istance by lan$&a#0s ')ic) )e fo(n$

&eanin6less8 T)e lan$in6 1oints )a$ flat% conc#ete-line$ a#eas ')e#e t)e in$ivi$(alflat ca#s #(s)in6 alon6 on t)ei# #ive# of ai#% co(l$ be s)(nte$ s($$enly to t)e si$e fo#

loa$in6 o# (nloa$in68 Eac) of t)ese loa$in6 a#eas )a$ a n(&be#% b(t Ro$ )a$ not even

notice$ at ')at 1oint t)ey )a$ 6otten on8 T)e s&ells of t)e (n$e#6#o(n$ city c)an6e$

so &(c) as t)ey &ove$ f#o& one $ist#ict to anot)e# t)at )e 'as &o#e inte#este$ in o$o#s

t)an in t)e n(&be#s on t)e 1latfo#&s8

)e 1inc)e$ )is (11e# a#& ve#y s)a#1ly as a si6n t)at )e s)o(l$ 6et #ea$y8 T)ey

(&1e$8

He sta66e#e$ ac#oss t)e 1latfo#& (ntil )e ca(6)t )i&self (1 a6ainst a la#6e

ve#tical c#ate &a#0e$ 5Al6on(in Pa1e# Wo#0s - C#e$it li1s% !iniat(#e - : &85 C?&ell

lan$e$ as 6#acef(lly as if s)e )a$ been actin6 a #e)ea#se$ 1iece of ac#obatics8 T)elittle &on0ey on )e# s)o(l$e# sta#e$ 'it) 'i$e b#i6)t eyes8

5T)is%5 sai$ t)e &on0ey A?6ent(#E-i0as(s% fancy an$ conte&1t(o(sly% 5is

')e#e all t)e 1eo1le 1lay at 'o#0in68 I?& ti#e$% I?& )(n6#y% an$ &y bo$y s(6a# is lo'85

He c(#be$ )i&self ti6)t a6ainst C?&ell?s s)o(l$e#% close$ )is eyes% an$ 'ent bac0 to

slee18

5He )as a 1oint%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Co(l$ 'e eat@5

C?&ell sta#te$ to no$ an$ t)en ca(6)t )e#self s)o#t - 5Yo(?#e a cat85

He no$$e$8 T)en )e 6#inne$8 5I?& )(n6#y% any)o'8 An$ I nee$ a san$bo385

5an$bo3@5 s)e as0e$ 1(le$85An a'ef%5 )e sai$ ve#y clea#ly% (sin6 t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian te#&8 5A'ef@5

It 'as )is t(#n to 6et e&ba##asse$8 He sai$ it in f(ll4 5An ani&al 'aste

evac(ation facility85 5Yo( &ean a o)nny%5 s)e c#ie$8 )e t)o(6)t a &in(te an$ t)en

sai$% 5"ooey85

5W)at?s t)e &atte#@5 )e as0e$8

5Eac) 0in$ of (n$e#1eo1le )as to (se its o'n8 It?s $eat) if yo( $on?t (se one an$

it?s $eat) if yo( (se t)e '#on6 one8 T)e cat one is fo(# stations bac0 on t)is

(n$e#6#o(n$ t#ac0'ay8 O# 'e can 'al0 bac0 on t)e s(#face8 It 'o(l$ only be a )alf

)o(#85

He sai$ so&et)in6 #($e to Ea#t)8 )e '#in0le$ )e# b#o'8

5All I sai$ 'as% ?Ea#t) is a la#6e )ealt)y s)ee18? T)at?s not so $i#ty85 He# 6oo$



)(&o# #et(#ne$8 Befo#e s)e co(l$ as0 )i& anot)e# (estion )e )el$ (1 a fi#& )an$8 5I

a& not 6oin6 to 'aste a

)alf-)o(#8 Yo( 'ait )e#e85 He )a$ seen t)e (nive#sal si6n fo# 5!en?s #oo&5 at

t)e (11e# level of t)e 1latfo#&8 Befo#e s)e co(l$ sto1 )i& )e )a$ 6one into it8 )e

ca(6)t )e# )an$ (1 to )e# &o(t)% 0no'in6 t)at t)e #obot 1olice 'o(l$ 0ill )i& on

si6)t if t)ey fo(n$ )i& in t)e '#on6 1lace8 It 'o(l$ be s(c) a 6)astly o0e if t)e &an')o o'ne$ t)e ea#t) 'e#e to $ie in t)e '#on6 toilet88

As (ic0 as t)o(6)t s)e follo'e$ )i&% sto11in6 (st o(tsi$e t)e $oo# to t)e

5&en?s #oo&85 )e $a#e$ not 6o in s)e t#(ste$ t)at t)e 1lace 'as e&1ty ')en Ro$

ente#e$ it% beca(se s)e )a$ )ea#$ no boo& of a slo'% )eavy b(llet% none of t)e c#is1

b(in6 of a b(#ne#8 Robots $i$ not (se toilets% so t)ey 'ent in only ')en t)ey 'e#e

investi6atin6 so&et)in68 )e 'as 1#e1a#e$ to $ist#act any &an livin6 if )e t#ie$ to ente#

t)at toilet% by offe#in6 )i& t)e co&bination of an i&&e$iate se$(ction o# a

co&1li&enta#y an$ (n'ante$ &on0ey8

A?6ent(# )a$ a'a0ene$85Don?t bot)e#%5 )e sai$8 5I calle$ &y fat)e#8 Anyt)in6 a11#oac)in6 t)at $oo# 'ill

fall aslee185

An o#$ina#y &an% #at)e# ti#e$ an$ 'o##ie$-loo0in6% )ea$e$ fo# t)e &en?s #oo&8

C?&ell 'as 1#e1a#e$ to sto1 )i& at any cost% b(t s)e #e&e&be#e$ ')at A?6ent(#E-

i0as(s )a$ tol$ )e#% so s)e 'aite$8 T)e &an #eele$ as )e nea#e$ t)e&8 He sta#e$ at

t)e&% sa' t)at t)ey 'e#e (n$e#1eo1le% loo0e$ on t)#o(6) t)e& as t)o(6) t)ey 'e#e not

t)e#e8 He too0 t'o &o#e ste1s to'a#$ t)e $oo# an$ s($$enly #eac)e$ o(t )is )an$s as if

)e 'e#e 6oin6 blin$8 He 'al0e$ into t)e 'all t'o &ete#s f#o& t)e $oo#% to(c)e$ it

fi#&ly an$ blin$ly 'it) )is )an$s% an$ c#(&1le$ 6ently to t)e floo#% ')e#e )e lay

sno#in68

5!y $a$?s 6oo$%5 sai$ A?6ent(#E-i0as(s8 5He (s(ally leaves #eal 1eo1le

alone% b(t ')en )e &(st 6et t)e&% )e 6ets t)e&8 He even 6ave t)at &an t)e $istinct

&e&o#y t)at )e &ista0enly too0 a slee1in6 1ill ')en )e 'as #eac)in6 fo# a 1ain-0ille#8

W)en t)e )(&an 'a0es (1% )e 'ill feel foolis) an$ 'ill tell no one of )is e31e#ience85

Ro$ ca&e o(t of t)e eve#-so-$an6e#o(s $oo#'ay8 He 6#inne$ at t)e&

boyis)ly an$ $i$ not notice t)e c#(&1le$ &an lyin6 besi$e t)e 'all8 5T)at?s easie# t)an

t(#nin6 bac0% an$ nobo$y notice$ &e at all8 ee% I save$ yo( a lot of t#o(ble% C?&ellF5

He 'as so 1#o($ of )is fool)a#$y a$vent(#e t)at s)e $i$ not )ave t)e )ea#t to

bla&e )i&8 He s&ile$ 'i$ely% )is cat-')is1e#s ti11in6 as )e $i$ so8 "o# a &o&ent% (sta &o&ent% s)e fo#6ot t)at )e 'as an i&1o#tant 1e#son an$ a #eal &an to boot4 )e 'as a

boy% an$ &i6)ty li0e a cat% b(t all boy in )is satisfaction% )is 'anton b#ave#y% )is

1assin6 )a11iness 'it) vain6lo#y8 "o# a secon$ o# t'o s)e love$ )i&8 T)en s)e

t)o(6)t of t)e te##ible )o(#s a)ea$% an$ of )o' )e 'o(l$ 6o )o&e% #ic) an$ sco#nf(l%

to )is all-1eo1le 1lanet8 T)e &o&ent of love 1asse$% b(t s)e still li0e$ )i& ve#y &(c)8

5Co&e alon6% yo(n6 fello'8 Yo( can eat8 Yo( a#e 6oin6 to eat cat foo$ since yo(

a#e

C?#o$e#ic0% b(t it?s not so ba$85

He f#o'ne$8 5W)at is it@ Do yo( )ave fis) )e#e@ I taste$ fis) one ti&e8 A

nei6)bo# bo(6)t one8 He t#a$e$ t'o )o#ses fo# it8 It 'as $elicio(s85

5He 'ants fis)%5 s)e c#ie$ to E-i0as(s8



52ive )i& a ')ole t(na fo# )i&self%5 6#(&ble$ t)e &on0ey8 5!y bloo$ s(6a# is

still lo'8 I nee$ so&e 1inea11le85

C?&ell $i$ not a#6(e8 )e staye$ (n$e#6#o(n$ an$ le$ t)e& into a )all ')ic) )a$

a 1ict(#e of $o6s% cats% cattle% 1i6s% bea#s% an$ sna0es above t)e $oo# t)at in$icate$ t)e

0in$s of 1eo1le ')o 'o(l$ be se#ve$ t)e#e8 E-i0as(s sco'le$ at t)e si6n% b(t )e #o$eC?&ell?s s)o(l$e# in8

5T)is 6entle&an%5 sai$ C?&ell% s1ea0in6 1leasantly to an ol$ bea#-&an ')o 'as

sc#atc)in6 )is belly an$ s&o0in6 a 1i1e% all at t)e sa&e li&e% 5)as fo#6otten )is c#e$its85

5No foo$%5 sai$ t)e bea#-&an8 5R(les8 He can $#in0 'ate#% t)o(6)85

5I?ll 1ay fo# )i&%5 sai$ C?&ell8

T)e bea#-&an ya'ne$% 5A#e yo( s(#e t)at )e 'on?t 1ay yo( bac0@ If )e $oes%

t)at is 1#ivate t#a$in6 an$ it is 1(nis)e$ by $eat)85

5I 0no' t)e #(les%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5I?ve neve# been $isci1line$ yet85

T)e bea# loo0e$ ove# c#itically8 He too0 )is 1i1e o(t of )is &o(t) an$ ')istle$%

5No%5 sai$ )e% 5an$ I can see t)at yo( 'on?t be8 W)at a#e yo(% any)o'@ A &o$el@5

5A 6i#ly6i#l%5 sai$ C?&ell8

T)e bea#-&an lea1t f#o& )is stool 'it) astonis)in6 s1ee$8 5Cat-&a$a&eF5 )e

c#ie$% 5A t)o(san$ 1a#$ons8 Yo( can )ave anyt)in6 in t)e 1lace8 Yo( co&e f#o& t)e

to1 of Ea#t)1o#t@ Yo( 0no' t)e Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality 1e#sonally@ Yo( 'o(l$

li0e a table #o1e$ off 'it) c(#tains@ O# s)o(l$ I (st t)#o' eve#ybo$y else o(t of )e#e

an$ #e1o#t to &y !an t)at 'e )ave a fa&o(s% bea(tif(l slave f#o& t)e )i6) 1laces@5

5Not)in6 t)at $#astic%5 sai$ C?&ell8 5K(st foo$85

5Wait a bit%5 sai$ A?6enta#-E-i0as(s% 5if yo(?#e offe#in6 s1ecials% I?ll )ave t'o

f#es) 1inea11les% a (a#te#-0ilo of 6#o(n$ f#es) cocon(t% an$ a tent) of a 0ilo of live

insect 6#(bs85

T)e bea#-&an )esitate$8 5I 'as offe#in6 t)in6s to t)e cat-la$y% ')o se#ves t)e

&i6)ty ones% not to yo(% &on0ey8 B(t if t)e la$y $esi#es it% I 'ill sen$ fo# t)ose t)in6s85

He 'aite$ fo# C?&ell?s no$% 6ot it% an$ 1(s)e$ a b(tton fo# a lo'-6#a$e #obot to co&e8

He t(#ne$ to Ro$ !cBan% 5An$ yo(% cat- 6entle&an% ')at 'o(l$ yo( li0e@5

Befo#e Ro$ so(l$ s1ea0% C?&ell sai$% 5He 'ants t'o sailfis) stea0s% f#enc) f#ie$

1otatoes% Wal$o#f sala$% an o#$e# of ice c#ea& an$ a la#6e 6lass of o#an6e (ice85

T)e bea#-&an s)($$e#e$ visibly8 5I?ve been )e#e fo# yea#s an$ t)at is t)e &ost

)o##ible l(nc) I

eve# o#$e#e$ fo# a cat8 I t)in0 I?ll t#y it &yself85

C?&ell s&ile$ t)e s&ile ')ic) )a$ 6#ace$ a t)o(san$ 'elco&es8 5I?ll (st )el1

&yself f#o& t)e t)in6s yo( )ave on t)e co(nte#s8 I?& not f(ssy85

He sta#te$ to 1#otest% b(t s)e c(t )i& s)o#t 'it) a 6#acef(l b(t (n&ista0able

'ave of t)e )an$8 He 6ave (18

T)ey sat at a table8

A?6ent(#E-i0as(s 'aite$ fo# )is co&bination &on0ey an$ bi#$ l(nc)8 Ro$



sa' an ol$ #obot $#esse$ in a 1#e)isto#ic t(3e$o ac0et% as0 a (estion of t)e bea#-

&an% leave one t#ay at t)e $oo#% an$ b#in6 anot)e# t#ay to )i&8 T)e #obot ')i11e$ off a

f#es)ly sta#c)e$ na10in8 T)e#e 'as t)e &ost bea(tif(l l(nc) ')ic) Ro$ !cBan )a$ eve#

seen8 Even at a state ban(et% t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians $i$ not fee$ t)ei# 6(ests li0e

t)at8

K(st as t)ey 'e#e finis)in6% t)e bea#-cas)ie# ca&e to t)e table an$ as0e$%

5Yo(# na&e% Cat- &a$a&e@ I 'ill c)a#6e t)ese l(nc)es to t)e 6ove#n&ent85

5C?&ell% s(bect to t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% a C)ief of t)e Inst#(&entality85 T)e bea#?s

face )a$ been e1ilate$% so t)at t)ey co(l$ see )i& 1ale8

5C?&ell%5 )e ')is1e#e$8 5C?&ellF "o#6ive &e% &y la$y8 I )ave neve# seen yo(

befo#e8 Yo( )ave blesse$ t)is 1lace8 Yo( )ave blesse$ &y life8 Yo( a#e t)e f#ien$ of all

(n$e#1eo1le8 2o in 1eace85

C?&ell 6ave )i& t)e bo' an$ s&ile ')ic) a #ei6nin6 e&1#ess &i6)t 6ive to an

active Lo#$ of t)e Inst#(&entality8 )e sta#te$ to 1ic0 (1 t)e &on0ey b(t )e sca&1e#e$

on a)ea$ of )e#8 Ro$ 'as 1(le$8 As t)e bea#-&an bo'e$ )i& o(t% )e as0e$4

5C?&ell8 Yo( a#e fa&o(s@5

5In a 'ay%5 s)e sai$8 5Only a&on6 t)e (n$e#1eo1le85 )e )(##ie$ t)e& bot)

to'a#$ a #a&18 T)ey #eac)e$ $ayli6)t at last% b(t even befo#e t)ey ca&e to t)e s(#face%

Ro$?s nose 'as assa(lte$ by a #iot of s&ells - foo$s f#yin6% ca0es ba0in6% li(o#

s1illin6 its 1(n6ency on t)e ai#% 1e#f(&es fi6)tin6 'it) eac) ot)e# fo# attention% an$%

above all% t)e s&ell of ol$ t)in6s4 $(sty t#eas(#es% ol$ leat)e#s% ta1est#ies% t)e ec)o-

s&ells of 1eo1le ')o )a$ $ie$ a lon6 ti&e a6o8

C?&ell sto11e$ an$ 'atc)e$ )i&% 5Yo(?#e s&ellin6 t)in6s a6ain@ I &(st say% yo(

)ave a bette# nose t)an any )(&an bein6 I eve# &et befo#e8 Ho' $oes it s&ell to yo(@5

5Won$e#f(l%5 )e 6as1e$8 5Won$e#f(l8 Li0e all t)e t#eas(#es an$ te&1tations of

t)e (nive#se s1ille$ o(t into one little 1lace85

5It?s (st t)e T)ieves? !a#0et of Pa#is85

5T)e#e a#e t)ieves on Ea#t)@ O1en ones% li0e ;iola i$e#ea@5

5O)% no%5 s)e la(6)e$8 5T)ey 'o(l$ $ie in a fe' $ays8 T)e Inst#(&entality

'o(l$ catc) t)e&8 T)ese a#e (st 1eo1le% 1layin68 T)e Re$iscove#y of !an fo(n$ so&e

ol$ instit(tions% an$ an o1en &a#0et 'as one of t)e&8 T)ey &a0e t)e #obots an$

(n$e#1eo1le fin$ t)in6s fo# t)e& an$ t)en t)ey 1#eten$ to be ancient% an$ &a0e

ba#6ains 'it) eac) ot)e#8 O# t)ey coo0 foo$8 Not &any #eal 1eo1le eve# coo0 foo$ t)ese$ays8 It?s so f(nny t)at it tastes 6oo$ to t)e&8 T)ey all 1ic0 (1 &oney on t)ei# 'ay in8

T)ey )ave ba##els of it at t)e 6ate8 In t)e evenin6% o# ')en t)ey leave% t)ey (s(ally

t)#o' t)e &oney in t)e 6(tte#% even t)o(6) t)ey s)o(l$ #eally 1(t it bac0 in t)e ba##el8

It?s not &oney 'e (n$e#1eo1le co(l$ (se8 We 6o by n(&be#s an$ co&1(te# ca#$s%5 s)e

si6)e$8 5I co(l$ ce#tainly (se so&e of t)at e3t#a &oney85

5An$ (n$e#1eo1le li0e yo( - li0e (s -5 sai$ Ro$% 5')at $o 'e $o in t)e &a#0et@5

5Not)in6%5 s)e ')is1e#e$8 5Absol(tely not)in68 We can 'al0 t)#o(6) if 'e a#e

not too bi6 an$ not too s&all an$ not too $i#ty an$ not too s&elly8 An$ even if 'e a#e

all #i6)t% 'e &(st 'al0 #i6)t t)#o(6) 'it)o(t loo0in6 $i#ectly at t)e #eal 1eo1le an$

'it)o(t to(c)in6 anyt)in6 in t)e &a#0et@5



5(11ose 'e $o@5 as0e$ Ro$ $efiantly8

5T)e #obot 1olice a#e t)e#e% 'it) o#$e#s to 0ill on si6)t ')en t)ey obse#ve an

inf#action8 Don?t yo( #ealie% C?#o$%5 s)e sobbe$ at )i&% 5t)at t)e#e a#e &illions of (s in

tan0s% 'ay belo' in Do'n$ee1-$o'n$ee1% #ea$y to be bo#n% to be t#aine$% to be sent (1

)e#e to se#ve !an@ We?#e not sca#ce at all% C?#o$% 'e?#e not sca#ce at allF5

5W)y a#e 'e 6oin6 t)#o(6) t)e &a#0et t)en@5

5It?s t)e only 'ay to t)e Cat&aste#?s sto#e8 We?ll be ta66e$8 Co&e alon685

W)e#e t)e #a&1 #eac)e$ t)e s(#face% fo(# b#i6)t-eye$ #obots% t)e bl(e ena&el

bo$ies s)inin6 an$ t)ei# &il0y eyes 6lo'in6% stoo$ at t)e #ea$y8 T)ei# 'ea1ons )a$ an

(6ly b( to t)e& an$ 'e#e obvio(sly al#ea$y off t)e 5safety5 &a#08 C?&ell tal0e$ to

t)e& (ietly an$ s(b&issively8 W)en t)e #obot-se#6eant le$ )e# to a $es0% s)e sta#e$

into an inst#(&ent li0e binoc(la#s an$ blin0e$ ')en s)e too0 )e# eyes a'ay8 )e 1(t

)e# 1al& on a $es08 T)e i$entification 'as co&1lete$8 T)e #obot se#6eant )an$e$ )e#

t)#ee b#i6)t $is0s% li0e sa(ce#s% eac) 'it) a c)ain attac)e$8 Wo#$lessly s)e )(n6

t)e& a#o(n$ )e# o'n nec0% Ro$?s nec0% an$ A?6ent(#?s8 T)e

#obots let t)e& 1ass8 T)ey 'al0e$ in $e&(#e sin6le file t)#o(6) t)e 1lace of

bea(tif(l si6)ts an$ s&ells8 Ro$ felt t)at )is eyes 'e#e 'et 'it) tea#s of #a6e8 5I?ll b(y

t)is 1lace%5 )e t)o(6)t to )i&self% 5if it?s t)e only t)in6 I?ll eve# b(y85

C?&ell )a$ sto11e$ 'al0in68 He loo0e$ (1% ve#y ca#ef(lly8

T)e#e 'as t)e si6n4 THE DEPART!ENT TORE O" HEART? DEIRE8

A $oo# o1ene$8 A 'ise ol$ cat-1e#son?s face loo0e$ o(t% sta#e$ at t)e&% sna11e$%

5No (n$e#1eo1leF5 an$ sla&&e$ t)e $oo#8 C?&ell #an6 t)e $oo#bell a secon$ ti&e8 T)e

face #ea11ea#e$% &o#e 1(le$ t)an an6#y8

5B(siness%5 s)e ')is1e#e$% 5of t)e Aitc) Eye85 T)e face% no$$e$ an$ sai$% 5In%

t)en8 <(ic0F5

CHAPTER "OUR4 THE DEPART!ENT TORE O" HEART? DEIRE

ONCE INIDE% ROD REALIQED t)at t)e sto#e 'as as #ic) as t)e &a#0et8

T)e#e 'e#e no ot)e# c(sto&e#s8 Afte# t)e o(tsi$e so(n$s of &(sic% la(6)te#% f#yin6%

boilin6% t)in6s fallin6% $is)es clatte#in6% 1eo1le a#6(in6% an$ t)e lo' (n$e#tone of t)e

eve#-#ea$y #obot 'ea1ons b(in6% t)e (ietness of t)e #oo& 'as itself a l(3(#y% li0e

ol$% )eavy velvet8 T)e s&ells 'e#e no less va#ie6ate$ t)an t)ose of t)e o(tsi$e% b(t t)ey

'e#e $iffe#ent% &o#e co&1licate$% an$ &any &o#e of t)e& 'e#e co&1letely

(ni$entifiable8

One s&ell )e 'as s(#e of4 fea#% )(&an fea#8 It )a$ been in t)is #oo& not lon6

befo#e8

5<(ic0%5 sai$ t)e ol$ cat-&an8 5I?& in t#o(ble if yo( $on?t 6et o(t soon8 W)at is

yo(# b(siness@5 5I?& C?&ell%5 sai$ C?&ell8

He no$$e$ 1leasantly% b(t s)o'e$ no si6n of #eco6nition8 5I fo#6et 1eo1le%5 )e

sai$8 5T)is is A?6ent(#85 )e in$icate$ t)e &on0ey8

T)e ol$ cat-&an $i$ not even loo0 at t)e ani&al8

C?&ell 1e#siste$% a note of t#i(&1) co&in6 into )e# voice4 5Yo( &ay )ave

)ea#$ of )i& (n$e# )is #eal na&e% E-i0as(s85



T)e ol$ &an stoo$ t)e#e% blin0in6% as t)o(6) )e 'e#e% ta0in6 it in8 5Yee0asoose@

Wit) t)e lette#

E@5

5T#ansfo#&e$%5 sai$ C?&ell ine3o#ably% 5fo# a t#i1 all t)e 'ay to Ol$ No#t)A(st#alia an$ bac085 5Is t)is t#(e@5 sai$ t)e ol$ &an to t)e &on0ey8

E-i0as(s sai$ cal&ly% 5I a& t)e son of Hi&% of ')o& yo( t)in085 T)e ol$ &an

$#o11e$ to )is 0nees% b(t $i$ so 'it) $i6nity4

5I sal(te yo(% E-i0as(s8 W)en yo( ne3t t)in0-'it) yo(# fat)e#% 6ive )i& &y

6#eetin6s an$ as0

f#o& )i& )is blessin68 I a& C?'illia&% t)e Cat&aste#85 5Yo( a#e fa&o(s%5 sai$ E-

i0as(s t#an(illy8

5B(t yo( a#e still in $an6e#% &e#ely bein6 )e#e8 I )ave no license fo#

(n$e#1eo1leF5

C?&ell 1#o$(ce$ )e# t#(&18 5Cat&aste#% yo(# ne3t 6(est8 T)is is no c?&an8 He is

a t#(e &an% an off-'o#l$e#% an$ )e )as (st bo(6)t &ost of t)e 1lanet Ea#t)85

C?'illia& loo0e$ at Ro$ 'it) &o#e t)an o#$ina#y s)#e'$ness8 T)e#e 'as a to(c)

of 0in$ness in )is attit($e8 He 'as tall fo# a cat-&an fe' ani&al feat(#es 'e#e left to

)i&%

beca(se ol$ a6e% ')ic) #e$(ces #acial an$ se3(al cont#asts to &e#e &e&o#ies%

)a$ '#in0le$ )i& into a (nifo#& bei6e8 His )ai# 'as not ')ite% b(t bei6e too )is fe'

cat-')is0e#s loo0e$ ol$ an$ 'o#n8 He 'as 6a#be$ in a fantastic cost(&e ')ic) - Ro$

late# lea#ne$ - consiste$ of t)e co(#t #obes of one of t)e O#i6inal E&1e#o#s% a $ynasty

')ic) )a$ 1#evaile$ &o#e &any cent(#ies a&on6 t)e fa#t)e# sta#s8 A6e 'as (1on )i&%

b(t 'is$o& 'as too t)e )abits of life% in )is case% )a$ been cleve#ness an$ 0in$ness%

t)e&selves (n(s(al in co&bination8 No' ve#y ol$% )e 'as #ea1in6 t)e )a#vest of )is

yea#s8 He )a$ $one 'ell 'it) t)e t)o(san$s (1on t)o(san$s of $ays be)in$ )i&% 'it)

t)e #es(lt t)at a6e )a$ b#o(6)t a c(#io(s oy into )is &anne#% as t)o(6) eac) e31e#ience

&eant one &o#e t#eat befo#e t)e lon6 blea0 $a#0 close$ in8 Ro$ felt )i&self att#acte$ to

t)is st#an6e c#eat(#e% ')o loo0e$ at )i& 'it) s(c) 1enet#atin6 an$ ve#y 1e#sonal

c(#iosity% an$ ')o &ana6e$ to $o so 'it)o(t 6ivin6 offense8

T)e Cat&aste# s1o0e in ve#y 1assable Nost#ilian4 5I 0no' ')at yo( a#e

t)in0in6% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan85

5Yo( can )ie# &e@5 c#ie$ Ro$8

5Not yo(# t)o(6)ts8 Yo(# face8 It #ea$s easily8 I a& s(#e t)at I can )el1 yo(85

5W)at &a0es yo( t)in0 I nee$ )el1@5

5All t)in6s nee$ )el1%5 sai$ t)e ol$ c?&an b#is0ly% 5b(t 'e &(st 6et #i$ of o(#

ot)e# 6(ests fi#st8 W)e#e $o yo( 'ant to 6o% e3cellent one@ An$ yo(% Cat-&a$a&e@5

5Ho&e%5 sai$ E-i0as(s8 He 'as ti#e$ an$ c#oss a6ain8 Afte# s1ea0in6 b#(s(ely%

)e felt t)e nee$ to &a0e )is tone &o#e civil% 5T)is bo$y s(its &e ba$ly% cat&aste#85

5A#e yo( 6oo$ at fallin6@5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#8 5"#ee fall@5

T)e &on0ey 6#inne$8 5Wit) t)is bo$y@ Of co(#se8 E3cellent8 I?& ti#e$ of it85

5"ine%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#% 5Yo( can $#o1 $o'n &y 'aste c)(te8 It falls ne3t to



t)e fo#6otten 1alace ')e#e t)e 6#eat 'in6s beat a6ainst ti&e85

T)e Cat&aste# sto11e$ to one si$e of t)e #oo&8 Wit) only a no$ at C?!ell an$

Ro$% follo'e$ by a b#ief 5ee yo( late#%5 t)e &on0ey 'atc)e$ as t)e Cat&aste# o1ene$

a &an)ole cove#% lea1e$ t)#(stin6ly into t)e co&1lete blac0 $e1t) ')ic) a11ea#e$%

an$ 'as 6one8 T)e Cat&aste# #e1lace$ t)e cove# ca#ef(lly8

He t(#ne$ to C?&ell8

)e face$ )itn t#(c(lently% t)e $efiance of )e# 1ost(#e o$$ly at va#iance 'it) t)e

innocent vol(1t(o(sness of )e# yo(n6 fe&ale bo$y8 5I?& 6oin6 no')e#e85

5Yo(?ll $ie%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#8 5Can?t yo( )ea# t)ei# 'ea1ons b(in6 (st

o(tsi$e t)e $oo#@ Yo( 0no' ')at t)ey $o to (s (n$e#1eo1le8 Es1ecially to (s cats8 T)ey

(se (s% b(t $o t)ey t#(st (s@5

5I 0no' one ')o $oes88885 s)e sai$8 5T)e Lo#$ Kestocost co(l$ 1#otect &e% even

)e#e% (st as )e 1#otects yo(% fa# beyon$ yo(# li&it of yea#s85

5Don?t a#6(e it8 Yo( 'ill &a0e t#o(ble fo# )i& 'it) t)e ot)e# #eal 1eo1le8 He#e%6i#l% I 'ill 6ive yo( a t#ay to ca##y 'it) a $(&&y 1ac0a6e on it8 2o bac0 to t)e

(n$e#6#o(n$ an$ #est in t)e co&&issa#y of t)e bea#-&an8 I 'ill sen$ Ro$ to yo( ')en

'e a#e t)#o(6)85

5Yes%5 s)e sai$ )otly% 5b(t 'ill yo( sen$ )i& alive o# $ea$@5

T)e Cat&aste# #olle$ )is yello' eyes ove# Ro$8 5Alive%5 )e sai$8 5T)is one -

alive8 I )ave 1#e$icte$8 Di$ yo( eve# 0no' &e to be '#on6@ Co&e on% 6i#l% o(t t)e $oo#

'it) yo(85

C?&ell let )e#self be )an$e$ a t#ay an$ a 1ac0a6e% ta0en see&in6ly at #an$o&8

As s)e left Ro$ t)o(6)t of )e# 'it) (ic0 $es1e#ate affection8 )e 'as )is closest lin0

'it) ea#t)8 He t)o(6)t of )e# e3cite&ent an$ of )o' s)e )a$ ba#e$ )e# yo(n6 b#easts

to )i&% b(t no' t)e &e&o#y% instea$ of e3citin6 )i&% fille$ )i& 'it) ten$e# fon$ness

instea$8 He bl(#te$ o(t% 5C?&ell% 'ill yo( be all #i6)t@5

)e t(#ne$ a#o(n$ at t)e $oo# itself% loo0in6 all 'o&an an$ all cat8 He# #e$ 'il$

)ai# 6lea&e$ li0e a )ea#t)-fi#e a6ainst t)e o1en li6)t f#o& t)e $oo#'ay8 )e stoo$ e#ect%

as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e a citien of Ea#t) an$ not a &e#e (n$e#1e#son o# 6i#ly6i#l8 )e )el$

o(t )e# #i6)t )an$ clea#ly an$ co&&an$in6ly ')ile balancin6 t)e t#ay on )e# left )an$8

W)en )e s)oo0 )an$s 'it) )e#% Ro$ #ealie$ t)at )e# )an$ felt (tte#ly )(&an% b(t ve#y

st#on68

Wit) sca#cely a b#ea0 in )e# voice s)e sai$% 5Ro$% 6oo$-bye8 I?& ta0in6 a c)ance

'it) yo(% b(t it?s t)e best c)ance I?ve eve# ta0en8 Yo( can t#(st t)e Cat&aste#% )e#e in

t)e $e1a#t&ent sto#e of )ea#ts? $esi#es8 He $oes st#an6e t)in6s% Ro$% b(t t)ey?#e 6oo$

st#an6e t)in6s85

He #elease$ )e# )an$ an$ s)e left8 C?'illia& close$ t)e $oo# be)in$ )e#8 T)e

#oo& beca&e )(s)e$8

5it $o'n fo# a &in(te ')ile I 6et t)in6s #ea$y8 O# loo0 a#o(n$ t)e #oo& if yo(

1#efe#85 5i# Cat&aste# -5 sai$ Ro$8

5No title% 1lease8 I a& an (n$e#1e#son% &a$e o(t of cats8 Yo( &ay call &e

C?'illia&85

5C?'illia&% 1lease tell &e fi#st8 I &iss C?&ell8 I?& 'o##ie$ abo(t )e#8 A& I



fallin6 in love 'it) )e#@ Is t)at ')at fallin6 in love &eans@5

5)e?s yo(# 'ife%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#8 5K(st te&1o#a#ily an$ (st in 1#etense% b(t

s)e?s still yo(# 'ife8 It?s Ea#t)li0e to 'o##y abo(t one?s &ate8 )e?s all #i6)t85

T)e ol$ c?&an $isa11ea#e$ be)in$ a $oo# ')ic) )a$ an o$$ si6n on it4 HATE

HALL8 Ro$ loo0e$ a#o(n$8T)e fi#st t)in6% t)e ve#y fi#st t)in6% ')ic) )e 'as a'a#e of 'as a $is1lay cabinet

f(ll of 1osta6e sta&1s8 It 'as &a$e of 6lass% b(t )e co(l$ see t)e soft bl(es an$ t)e

ini&itable 'a#& b#ic0 #e$s of )is Ca1e of 2oo$ Ho1e t#ian6(la# 1osta6e sta&1s8 He

)a$ co&e to ea#t) an$ t)e#e t)ey 'e#eF He 1ee#e$ t)#o(6) t)e 6lass at t)e&8 T)ey

'e#e even bette# t)an t)e ill(st#ations ')ic) )e )a$ sent bac0 on No#st#ilia8 T)ey )a$

t)e te&1e# of 6#eat a6e (1on t)e& an$ yet% so&e)o'% t)ey see&e$ to f#ei6)t 'it) t)e&

t)e love ')ic) &en% livin6 &en no' $ea$% )a$ 6iven t)e& fo# t)o(san$s an$

t)o(san$s of yea#s8 He loo0e$ a#o(n$% an$ sa' t)at t)e ')ole #oo& 'as f(ll of o$$

#ic)es8 T)e#e 'e#e ancient toys of all 1e#io$s% flyin6 toys% co1ies of &ac)ines% t)in6s

')ic) )e s(s1ecte$ 'e#e t#ains8 T)e#e 'as a t'o-sto#y closet of clot)in6% s)i&&e#in6

'it) e&b#oi$e#y an$ 6lea&in6 'it) 6ol$8 T)e#e 'as a bin of 'ea1ons% clean an$ ti$y-&o$els so ancient t)at )e co(l$ not 1ossibly 6(ess ')at t)ey )a$ been (se$ fo#% o# by

')o&8 Eve#y')e#e% t)e#e 'e#e b(c0ets of coins% (s(ally 6ol$ ones8 He 1ic0e$ (1 a

)an$f(l8 T)ey )a$ lan6(a6es )e co(l$ not even 6(ess at an$ t)ey s)o'e$ t)e 1#o($

i&1e#io(s faces of t)e ancient $ea$8 Anot)e# cabinet 'as one ')ic) )e 6lance$ at an$

t)en t(#ne$ a'ay f#o&% s)oc0e$ an$ yet in(istive4 it 'as fille$ 'it) in$ecent

so(veni#s an$ 1ict(#es f#o& a )(n$#e$ 1e#io$s of &en?s )isto#y% i&a6es% s0etc)es%

1)oto6#a1)s% $olls an$ &o$els% all of t)e& 1o#t#ayin6 6#isly% co&ical% s'eet% f#ien$ly%

i&1#essive o# )o##ible ve#sions of t)e &any acts of love8 T)e ne3t section &a$e )i&

1a(se (tte#ly8 W)o 'o(l$ )ave eve# 'ante$ t)ese t)in6s - W)i1s% 0nives% )oo$s% leat)e#

co#sets@ He 1asse$ on% ve#y 1(le$8

T)e ne3t section sto11e$ )i& b#eat)less8 It 'as f(ll of ol$ boo0s% 6en(ine

ol$ boo0s8 T)e#e 'e#e a fe' f#a&e$ 1oe&s% '#itten ve#y o#nately8 One )a$ a sc#a1 of

1a1e# attac)e$ to it% #ea$in6 si&1ly% 5&y favo#ite85 Ro$ loo0e$ $o'n to see if )e co(l$

&a0e it o(t8 It 'as ancient En6lis) an$ t)e o$$ na&e 'as 5E8Q8C8 K($son% Ancient

A&e#ican% A8D8 ,:-,..85 Ro$ (n$e#stoo$ t)e 'o#$s of t)e 1oe&% b(t )e $i$ not

t)in0 t)at )e #eally 6ot t)e sense of it8 As )e #ea$ it% )e )a$ t)e i&1#ession t)at a ve#y

ol$ &an% li0e t)e Cat&aste#% &(st fin$ in it a 1oi6nancy ')ic) a yo(n6e# 1e#son 'o(l$

&iss4

D#iftin6 on t)e ebbin6 ti$e8 lo' b(t s(#e I on'a#$ 6li$e - Di& t)e vista seen

befo#e8 Useless no' to loo0 be)in$ - D#iftin6 on befo#e t)e 'in$ To'a#$ t)e (n0no'ns)o#e8 Co(ntin6 ti&e by tic0in6 cloc0% Waitin6 fo# t)e final s)oc0 - Waitin6 fo# t)e $a#0

fo#eve# - O)% )o' slo' t)e &o&ents 6oF None b(t I% &esee&s% can 0no' Ho' close t)e

ti$eless #ive#F

Re$ s)oo0 )is )ea$ as if to 6et a'ay f#o& t)e cob'ebs of an i##ecove#able

t#a6e$y8 5!aybe%5 )e t)o(6)t to )i&self% 5t)at?s t)e 'ay 1eo1le felt abo(t $eat) ')en

t)ey $i$ not $ie on sc)e$(le% t)e 'ay &ost 'o#l$s )ave it% o# if t)ey $o not &eet $eat) a

fe' ti&es a)ea$ of ti&e% t)e 'ay 'e $o in No#st#ilia8 T)ey &(st )ave felt 1#etty stic0y

an$ (nce#tain85 Anot)e# t)o(6)t c#osse$ )is &in$ an$ )e 6as1e$ at t)e (tte# c#(elty of

it8 5T)ey $i$ not even )ave Unselfin6 2#o(n$s t)at fa# bac0F Not t)at 'e nee$ t)e&

any &o#e% b(t i&a6ine (st sli$in6 into $eat)% )el1less% (seless% )o1eless8 T)an0 t)e

<(een 'e $on?t $o t)atF5



He t)o(6)t of t)e <(een% ')o &ay )ave been $ea$ fo# &o#e t)an ten t)o(san$

yea#s% o# ')o &i6)t be lost in s1ace% t)e 'ay &any Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians believe$% an$

s(#e eno(6)F t)e#e 'as )e# 1ict(#e% 'it) t)e 'o#$s 5<(een Eliabet) II85 It 'as (st a

b(st% b(t s)e 'as a 1#etty an$ intelli6ent-loo0in6 'o&an% 'it) so&et)in6 of a

No#st#ilian loo0 to )e#8 )e loo0e$ s&a#t eno(6) to 0no' ')at to $o if one of )e# s)ee1

ca(6)t fi#e o# if )e# o'n c)il$ ca&e% blan0 an$ 6i66lin6% o(t of t)e t#avelin6 vans of t)e2a#$en of Deat)% as )e )i&self 'o(l$ )ave $one )a$ )e not 1asse$ t)e s(#vival test8

Ne3t t)e#e 'e#e t'o 6lass f#a&es% neatly 'i1e$ f#ee of $(st8 T)ey )a$ &atc)e$

1oe&s by so&eone ')o 'as liste$ as 5Ant)ony Bea#$en% Ancient A&e#ican A8D8 ,,-

,/85 T)e fi#st one see&e$ ve#y a11#o1#iate to t)is 1a#tic(la# 1lace% beca(se it 'as all

abo(t t)e ancient $esi#es ')ic) 1eo1le )a$ in t)ose $ays8 It #ea$4

TELL !E% LO;EF

Ti&e is b(#nin6 an$ t)e 'o#l$ on fi#e8 Tell &e% love% ')at yo( &ost $esi#e8 Tell

&e ')at yo(# )ea#t )as )i$$en8

Is it o1en o# - fo#bi$$en@

If fo#bi$$en% t)in0 of $ays

Racin6 1ast in a #oa#in6 )ae%

)oc0e$ an$ s)a0en by t)e blast of fi#e8888 Tell &e% love% ')at yo( &ost $esi#e8

Tell &e% love% ')at yo( &ost $esi#e8 Dainty foo$s an$ soft atti#e@

Ancient boo0s@ "antastic c)ess@

Wine-lit ni6)ts@ Love - &o#e% o# less@ No' is t)e only no' of o(# a6e8

To&o##o' to&o##o' 'ill )ol$ t)e sta6e8 Tell &e% love% ')at yo( &ost $esi#eF Ti&e is

b(#nin6 an$ t)e 'o#l$ on fi#e8T)e ot)e# one &i6)t al&ost )ave been '#itten abo(t )is a##ival on Ea#t)% )is not

0no'in6 ')at co(l$ )a11en o# ')at s)o(l$ )a11en to )i& no'8

NI2HT% AND THE *Y UN"A!ILIAR T)e sta#s of e31e#ience )ave le$ &e

ast#ay8 A 1atte#n of 1(#1ose 'as lost on &y 'ay8 W)e#e 'as I 6oin6@ Ho' can I say@

T)e sta#s of e31e#ience )ave le$ &e ast#ay8 T)e#e 'as a sli6)t so(n$8

Ro$ t(#ne$ a#o(n$ to face t)e Cat&aste#8

T)e ol$ &an 'as (nc)an6e$8 He still 'o#e t)e l(natic #obes of 6#an$e(#%

b(t )is $i6nity s(#vive$ even t)is o(t# effect8

5Yo( li0e &y 1oe&s@ Yo( li0e &y t)in6s@ I li0e t)e& &yself8 !any &en co&ein )e#e% to ta0e t)in6s f#o& &e% b(t t)ey fin$ t)at title is veste$ in t)e Lo#$ Kestocost%

an$ t)ey &(st $o st#an6e t)in6s to obtain &y t#ifles85

5A#e all t)ese t)in6s 6en(ine@5 as0e$ Ro$% t)in0in6 t)at even Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia co(l$ not b(y o(t t)is s)o1 if t)ey 'e#e8

5Ce#tainly not%5 sai$ t)e ol$ &an8 5!ost of t)e& a#e fo#6e#ies - 'on$e#f(l

fo#6e#ies8 T)e Inst#(&entality lets &e 6o to t)e #obot-1its ')e#e insane o# 'o#n-o(t

#obots a#e $est#oye$8 I can )ave &y 1ic0 of t)e& if t)ey a#e not $an6e#o(s8 I 1(t

t)e& to 'o#0 &a0in6 co1ies of anyt)in6 ')ic) I fin$ in t)e &(se(&s85

5T)ose Ca1e t#ian6les@5 sai$ Ro$8 5A#e t)ey #eal@5

5Ca1e t#ian6les@ Yo( &ean t)e lette# stic0e#s8 T)ey a#e 6en(ine% all #i6)t% b(t



t)ey a#e not &ine8 T)ose a#e on loan f#o& t)e Ea#t) !(se(& (ntil I can 6et t)e&

co1ie$85

5I 'ill b(y t)e&%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Yo( 'ill not%5 sai$ t)e Cattnaste#8 5T)ey a#e not fo# sale85 5T)en I 'ill b(y

Ea#t) an$ yo( an$ t)e& too%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan to-t)e-one-

)(n$#e$-an$- fifty- fi#st% yo( 'ill not85

5W)o a#e yo( to tell &e@5

5I )ave loo0e$ at one 1e#son an$ I )ave tal0e$ to t'o ot)e#s85 5All #i6)t%5 sai$

Ro$8 5W)o@5

5I loo0e$ at t)e ot)e# Ro$ !cBan% yo(# 'o#0'o&an Eleano#8 )e is a little

&i3e$ (1 abo(t )avin6 a yo(n6 &an?s bo$y% beca(se s)e is ve#y $#(n0 in t)e )o&e of

t)e Lo#$ Willia& Not- f#o&- )e#e an$ a bea(tif(l yo(n6 'o&an na&e$ R(t) Not-f#o&-

)e#e is t#yin6 to &a0e Eleano# &a##y )e#8 )e )as no i$ea t)at s)e is $ealin6 'it)anot)e# 'o&an an$ Eleano#% in )e# co1y of yo(# 1#o1e# bo$y% is fin$in6 t)e e31e#ience

e3citin6% b(t te##ibly conf(sin68 No )a#& 'ill co&e of it% an$ yo(# Eleano# is 1e#fectly

safe8 Half t)e #ascals of Ea#t) )ave conve#6e$ on t)e Lo#$ Willia&?s )o(se% b(t )e )as a

')ole battalion f#o& t)e Defense "leet on loan a#o(n$ t)e 1lace% so not)in6 is 6oin6 to

)a11en% e3ce1t t)at Eleano# 'ill )ave a )ea$ac)e an$ R(t) 'ill )ave a $isa11oint&ent85

Ro$ s&ile$% 5Yo( co(l$n?t )ave tol$ &e anyt)in6 bette#8 W)o else $i$ yo( tal0

to@5 5T)e Lo#$ Kestocost an$ Ko)n "is)e# to-t)e-)(n$#e$t)85

5!iste# an$ o'ne# "is)e#@ He?s )e#e@5

5He?s at )is )o&e8 tation of t)e 2oo$ "#es) Koey8 I as0e$ )i& if yo( co(l$

)ave yo(# )ea#t?s $esi#e8 Afte# a little ')ile% )e an$ so&ebo$y na&e$ $octo# Went'o#t)sai$ t)at t)e Co&&on'ealt) of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia 'o(l$ a11#ove it85

5Ho' $i$ yo( eve# 1ay fo# s(c) a call@5 c#ie$ Ro$8 5T)ose t)in6s a#e f#i6)tf(lly

e31ensive85

5I $i$n?t 1ay fo# it% &iste# an$ o'ne#8 Yo( $i$8 I c)a#6e$ it to yo(# acco(nt% by

t)e a(t)o#ity of yo(# t#(stee% t)e Lo#$ Kestocost8 He an$ )is fo#efat)e#s )ave been &y

1at#ons fo# fo(# )(n$#e$ an$ t'enty-si3 yea#s85

5Yo(?ve 6ot yo(# ne#ve%5 sai$ Ro$% 5s1en$in6 &y &oney ')en I 'as #i6)t )e#e

an$ not even as0in6 &eF5

5Yo( a#e an a$(lt fo# so&e 1(#1oses an$ a &ino# fo# ot)e# 1(#1oses8 I a&offe#in6 yo( t)e s0ills ')ic) 0ee1 &e alive8 Do yo( t)in0 any o#$ina#y cat-&an 'o(l$

be allo'e$ to live as lon6 as t)is@5

5No%5 sai$ Ro$8 52ive &e t)ose sta&1s an$ let &e 6o85

T)e Cat&aste# loo0e$ at )i& levelly8 Once a6ain t)e#e 'as t)e 1e#sonal loo0 on

)is face% ')ic) in No#st#ilia 'o(l$ )ave been ta0en as an (n1a#$onable aff#ont b(t

alon6 'it) t)e nosiness% t)e#e 'as an ai# of confi$ence an$ 0in$ness ')ic) 1(t Ro$ a

little in a'e of t)e &an% (n$e#1e#son t)o(6) )e 'as8 5Do yo( t)in0 t)at yo( co(l$ love

t)ese sta&1s ')en yo( 6et bac0 )o&e@ Co(l$ t)ey tal0 to yo(@ Co(l$ t)ey &a0e yo(

li0e yo(#self@ T)ose 1ieces of 1a1e# a#e not yo(# )ea#t?s $esi#e8 o&et)in6 else is85

5W)at@5 sai$ Ro$% t#(c(lently8



5In a bit% I?ll e31lain8 "i#st% yo( cannot 0ill &e8 econ$% yo( cannot )(#t &e8

T)i#$% if I 0ill yo(% it 'ill be all fo# yo(# o'n 6oo$8 "o(#t)% if yo( 6et o(t of )e#e% yo(

'ill be a ve#y )a11y &an85

5A#e yo( ba#&y% &iste#@5% c#ie$ Ro$8 5I can 0noc0 yo( flat an$ 'al0 o(t t)at

$oo#8 I $on?t 0no' ')at yo( a#e tal0in6 abo(t85

5T#y it%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste# levelly8

Ro$ loo0e$ at t)e tall 'it)e#e$ ol$ &an 'it) t)e b#i6)t eyes8 He loo0e$ at

t)e $oo#% a &e#e seven o# ei6)t &ete#s a'ay8 He $i$ not 'ant to t#y it8

5All #i6)t%5 )e conce$e$% 51lay yo(# 1itc)85

5I a& a clinical 1syc)olo6ist8 T)e only one on Ea#t) an$ 1#obably t)e only one

on any 1lanet8 I 6ot &y 0no'le$6e f#o& so&e ancient boo0s ')en I 'as a 0itten% bein6

c)an6e$ into a yo(n6 &an8 I c)an6e 1eo1le (st a little% little bit8 Yo( 0no' t)at t)e

Inst#(&entality )as s(#6eons an$ b#ain e31e#ts an$ all so#ts of $octo#s8 T)ey can $oal&ost anyt)in6 'it) 1e#sonality - anyt)in6 b(t t)e li6)t st(ff8888 T)at% I $o85

5I $on?t 6et it%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Wo(l$ yo( 6o to a b#ain s(#6eon to 6et a )ai#c(t@ Wo(l$ yo( nee$ a

$e#&atolo6ist to 6ive yo( a bat)@ Of co(#se not8 I $on?t $o )eavy 'o#08 I (st c)an6e

1eo1le a little bit8 It &a0es t)e& )a11y8 If I can?t $o anyt)in6 'it) t)e&% I 6ive

so(veni#s f#o& t)is (n01ile o(t )e#e8 T)e #eal 'o#0 is in t)e#e8 T)at?s ')e#e yo(?#e

6oin6% 1#etty soon85 He no$$e$ )is )ea$ at t)e $oo# &a#0e$% HATE HALL8

Ro$ c#ie$ o(t% 5I?ve been ta0in6 o#$e#s f#o& one st#an6e# afte# anot)e#% all t)ese

lon6 'ee0s since &y co&1(te#s an$ I &a$e t)at &oneyF Can?t I eve# $o anyt)in6

&yself@5

T)e Cat&aste# loo0e$ at )i& 'it) sy&1at)y8 5None of (s can8 We &ay t)in0

t)at 'e a#e f#ee8 O(# lives a#e &a$e fo# (s by t)e 1eo1le 'e )a11en to 0no'% t)e 1laces

'e )a11en to be% t)e obs o# )obbies ')ic) 'e )a11en to #(n ac#oss8 Will I be $ea$ a

yea# f#o& no'@ I $on?t 0no'8 Will yo( be bac0 in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia a yea# f#o&

no'% still only seventeen% b(t #ic) an$ 'ise an$ on yo(# 'ay to )a11iness@ I $on?t

0no'8 Yo(?ve )a$ a #an of 6oo$ l(c08 Loo0 at it t)at 'ay8 It?s l(c08 An$ I?& 1a#t of t)e

l(c08 If yo( 6et 0ille$ )e#e% it 'ill not be &y $oin6 b(t (st t)e ove#st#ain of yo(#

bo$y a6ainst t)e $evices ')ic) t)e La$y 2o#o0e a11#ove$ a lon6 ti&e a6o - $evices

')ic) t)e Lo#$ Kestocost #e1o#ts to t)e (n$e#&an in t)e (nive#se ')o is entitle$ to

1#ocess #eal 1eo1le in any 'ay ')ateve# 'it)o(t )avin6 $i#ect )(&an s(1e#vision8 All I$o is to $evelo1 1eo1le% li0e an Ancient !an $evelo1in6 a 1)oto6#a1) f#o& a 1iece of

1a1e# e31ose$ to $iffe#ent 6#a$es of li6)t8 I?& not a )i$$en ($6e% li0e yo(# &en in t)e

2a#$en of Deat)8 It?s 6oin6 to be yo( a6ainst yo(% 'it) &e (st )el1in6% an$ ')en yo(

co&e o(t yo(?#e 6oin6 to be a $iffe#ent yo( - t)e sa&e yo(% b(t a little bette# t)e#e% a

little &o#e fle3ible )e#e8 As a &atte# of fact% t)at cat-ty1e bo$y yo(?#e 'ea#in6 is 6oin6

to &a0e yo(# contest 'it) yo(#self a little )a#$e# fo# &e to &ana6e8 We?ll $o it% Ro$8

A#e yo( #ea$y@5

5Rea$y fo# ')at@5

5"o# t)e tests an$ c)an6es t)e#e85 T)e Cat&aste# no$$e$ at t)e $oo# &a#0e$

HATE HALL8 5I s(11ose so%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I $on?t )ave &(c) c)oice85

5No%5 sai$ t)e Catinaste#% sy&1at)etically an$ al&ost sa$ly% 5not at t)is 1oint%



yo( $on?t8 If yo( 'al0 o(t t)at $oo#% yo(?#e an ille6al cat-&an% in i&&e$iate $an6e#

of bein6 b(e$ $o'n by t)e #obot 1olice85

5Please%5 sai$ Ro$% 5'in o# fail% can I )ave one of t)ese Ca1e t#ian6les@5

T)e Cat&aste# s&ile$8 5I 1#o&ise yo( - if yo( 'ant one% yo( s)all )ave it85 He

'ave$ at t)e $oo#4 52o on in85

Ro$ 'as not a co'a#$% b(t it 'as 'it) feet an$ le6s of lea$ t)at )e 'al0e$ to t)e

$oo#8 It o1ene$ by itself8 He 'al0e$ in% stea$y b(t af#ai$8

T)e #oo& 'as $a#0 'it) a $a#0ness $ee1e# t)an &e#e blac08 It 'as t)e $a#0 of

blin$ness% t)e e31anse of c)ee0 ')e#e no eye )as eve# been8

T)e $oo# close$ be)in$ )i& an$ )e s'a& in t)e $a#0% so tan6ible )a$ t)e

$a#0ness beco&e8 He felt blin$8 He felt as t)o(6) )e )a$ neve# seen8

B(t )e co(l$ )ea#8

He )ea#$ )is o'n bloo$ 1(lsin6 t)#o(6) )is )ea$8He co(l$ s&ell - in$ee$% )e 'as 6oo$ at s&ellin68 An$ t)is ai# - t)is ai# - t)is ai#

s&elle$ of t)e o1en ni6)t on t)e $#y 1lains of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8

T)e s&ell &a$e )i& feel little an$ af#ai$8 It #e&in$e$ )i& of )is #e1eate$

c)il$)oo$s% of t)e a#tificial $#o'nin6s in t)e labo#ato#ies ')e#e )e )a$ 6one to be

#ebo#n f#o& one c)il$)oo$ to anot)e#8

He #eac)e$ o(t )is )an$s8 Not)in68

He (&1e$ 6ently8 No ceilin68

Usin6 a fiel$s&an?s t#ic0 fa&ilia# fo# ti&es of $(st sto#&s% )e $#o11e$ li6)tly to

)is )an$s an$ feet8 He sc(ttle$ c#ab'ise on t'o feet an$ one )an$% (sin6 t)e ot)e# )an$as a s)iel$ to 1#otect )is face8 In a ve#y fe' &ete#s )e fo(n$ t)e 'all8 He follo'e$ t)e

'all a#o(n$8

Ci#c(la#8

T)is 'as t)e $oo#8 "ollo' a6ain8

Wit) &o#e confi$ence% )e &ove$ fast - a#o(n$% a#o(n$% a#o(n$8 He co(l$ not

tell ')et)e# t)e floo# 'as as1)alt o# so&e 0in$ of #o(6) 'o#n tile8

Doo# a6ain8

A voice s1ie0e$ to )i&8 1ie0e$F An$ )e )ea#$ it8

He loo0e$ (1'a#$ into t)e not)in6 ')ic) 'as blea0e# t)an blin$ness% al&oste31ectin6 to see t)e 'o#$s in lette#s of fi#e% so clea# )a$ t)ey been8

T)e voice 'as Nost#ilian an$ it sai$8 Ro$ !cBan is a &an% &an% &an8

B(t ')at is &an@

I&&e$iate 1e#c(ssion of c#ay% sa$ la(6)te#8

Ro$ neve# notice$ t)at )e #eve#te$ to t)e )abits of baby)oo$8 He sat flat on

)is #(&1% le6s s1#ea$ o(t in f#ont of )i& at a 9? an6le8 He 1(t )is )an$s a little

be)in$ )i& an$ leane$ bac0% lettin6 t)e 'ei6)t of )is bo$y 1(s) )is s)o(l$e#s a little

bit (1'a#$8 He 0ne' t)e i$eas t)at 'o(l$ follo' t)e 'o#$s% b(t )e neve# 0ne' ')y )e

so #ea$ily e31ecte$ t)e&8



Li6)t fo#&e$ in t)e #oo&% as )e )a$ been s(#e it 'o(l$8 T)e i&a6es 'e#e little%

b(t t)ey loo0e$ #eal8

!en an$ 'o&en an$ c)il$#en% c)il$#en an$ 'o&en an$ &en &a#c)e$ into )is

vision an$ o(t a6ain8

T)ey 'e#e not f#ea0s t)ey 'e#e not beasts t)ey 'e#e not alien &onst#osities

be6otten in so&e o(tsi$e (nive#se t)ey 'e#e not #obots t)ey 'e#e not (n$e#1eo1le -

t)ey 'e#e all )o&inoi$s li0e )i&self% 0ins&en in t)e Ea#t)bo#n #aces of &en8

"i#st ca&e 1eo1le li0e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians an$ Ea#t) 1eo1le% ve#y &(c) ali0e%

an$ bot) si&ila# to t)e ancient ty1es% e3ce1t t)at No#st#ilians 'e#e 1ale beneat) t)ei#

tanne$ s0ins% bi66e#% an$ &o#e #ob(st8

T)en ca&e Dai&oni% ')ite-eye$ 1ale 6iants 'it) a &a6ical ass(#ance% ')ose

ve#y babies 'al0e$ as t)o(6) t)ey )a$ al#ea$y been 6iven ballet lessons8

T)en )eavy &en% fat)e#s% &ot)e#s% infants s'i&&in6 on t)e soli$ 6#o(n$

f#o& ')ic) t)ey 'o(l$ neve# a#ise8

T)en #ain&en f#o& A&aonas T#iste% t)ei# s0ins )an6in6 in eno#&o(s fol$s

a#o(n$ t)e&% so t)at t)ey loo0e$ li0e b(n$les of 'et #a6s '#a11e$ a#o(n$ &on0eys8

Blin$ &en f#o& Oly&1ia% sta#in6 fie#cely at t)e 'o#l$ t)#o(6) t)e #a$a#s

&o(nte$ on t)ei# fo#e)ea$s8

Bloate$ &onste#-&en f#o& aban$one$ 1lanets - 1eo1le as ba$ off as )is o'n

#ace )a$ been afte# esca1in6 f#o& Pa#a$ise ;II8

An$ still &o#e #aces8

Peo1le )e )a$ neve# )ea#$ of8 !en 'it) s)ells8

!en an$ 'o&en so t)in t)at t)ey loo0e$ li0e insects8

A #ace of s&ilin6% foolis) 6iants% lost in t)e i##e1a#able )ebe1)#enia of t)ei#

'o#l$8 Ro$ )a$ t)e feelin6 t)at t)ey 'e#e s)e1)e#$e$ by a #ace of $evote$ $o6s% &o#e

intelli6ent t)an t)e&selves% ')o caole$ t)e& into b#ee$in6% be66e$ t)e& to eat% le$

t)e& to slee18 He sa' no $o6s% only t)e s&ilin6 (nfoc(se$ fools% b(t t)e feelin6 $o6%

6oo$ $o6F 'as so&e)o' ve#y nea#8

A f(nny little 1eo1le ')o 1#ance$ 'it) an in$efinable $efo#&ity of 6ait8

Wate#-1eo1le% t)e clean 'ate# of so&e (ni$entifie$ 'o#l$ 1(lsin6 t)#o(6) t)ei#

6ills8 An$ t)en -

!o#e 1eo1le% still% b(t )ostile ones8 Li1stic0e$ )e#&a1)#o$ites 'it)eno#&o(s bea#$s an$ fl(tin6 voices8 Ca#cino&as ')ic) )a$ ta0en ove# &en8 2iants

#oote$ in t)e ea#t)8 H(&an bo$ies c#a'lin6 an$ 'ee1in6 as t)ey c#a'le$ t)#o(6) 'et

6#ass - conta&inate$ so&e)o' an$ loo0in6 fo# &o#e 1eo1le to infect8

Ro$ $i$ not 0no' it% b(t )e 6#o'le$8

He (&1e$ into a s(attin6 1osition an$ s'e1t )is )an$s ac#oss t)e #o(6) floo#%

loo0in6 fo# a 'ea1on8

T)ese 'e#e not &en - t)ey 'e#e ene&iesF

till t)ey ca&e8 Peo1le ')o )a$ lost eyes% o# ')o )a$ 6#o'n fi#e-#esistant%

t)e '#ec0s an$ #esi$(es of aban$one$ settle&ents an$ fo#6otten colonies8 T)e 'aste

an$ s1oila6e of t)e )(&an #ace8



An$ t)en - Hi&8 Hi&self8

T)e c)il$ Ro$ !cBan8

An$ voices% No#st#ilian voices callin64 5He can?t )ie#8 He can?t s1ie08 He?s a

f#ea08 He?s a f#ea08 He can?t )ie#8 He can?t s1ie085

An$ anot)e# voice4 5His 1oo# 1a#entsF5

T)e c)il$ Ro$ $isa11ea#e$ an$ t)e#e 'e#e )is 1a#ents a6ain8 T'elve ti&es talle#

t)an life% so )i6) t)at )e )a$ to 1ee# (1 into t)e blac0 abso#1tive ceilin6 to see t)e

(n$e#si$e of t)ei# faces8

T)e &ot)e# 'e1t8

T)e fat)e# so(n$e$ ste#n8

T)e fat)e# 'as sayin6% 5It?s no (se8 Do#is can 'atc) )i& ')ile 'e?#e 6one% b(t if

)e isn?t any bette# 'e?ll t(#n )i& in85

T)e cal&% lovin6% )o##ible voice of t)e &an% 5Da#lin6% s1ie0 to )i& yo(#self8He?ll neve# )ie#8 Can t)at be a Ro$ !cBan@5

T)en t)e 'o&an?s voice% s'eet-1oisono(s an$ 'o#se t)an $eat)% sobbin6

a6#ee&ent 'it) )e# &an a6ainst )e# son8

5I $on?t 0no'% Ro$8 I $on?t 0no'8 K(st $on?t tell &e abo(t it85

He )a$ )ie#e$ t)e&% in one of )is &o&ents of 'il$ 1enet#atin6 )ie#in6 ')en

eve#yt)in6 tele1at)ic ca&e in 'it) sta#tlin6 cla#ity8 He )a$ )ie#e$ t)e& ')en )e 'as a

baby8

T)e #eal Ro$ in t)e $a#0 #oo&% let o(t a #oa# of fea#% $esolation% loneliness% #a6e%

)ate8 T)is 'as t)e tele1at)ic bo&b 'it) ')ic) )e )a$ so often sta#tle$ o# ala#&e$ t)e

nei6)bo#s% t)e &in$-s)oc0 'it) ')ic) )e )a$ 0ille$ t)e 6iant s1i$e# in t)e to'e# of

Ea#t)1o#t fa# above )i&8

B(t t)is ti&e% t)e #oo& 'as close$8 His &in$ #oa#e$ bac0 at itself8

Ra6e% lo($ness% )ate% #a' noise 1o(#e$ into )i& f#o& t)e floo#% t)e ci#c(la# 'all%

t)e )i6) ceilin68

He c#in6e$ beneat) it an$ as )e c#in6e$% t)e sies of t)e i&a6es c)an6e$8 His

1a#ents sat in c)ai#s% c)ai#s8 T)ey 'e#e little% little8 He 'as an al&i6)ty baby% so

eno#&o(s t)at )e co(l$ scoo1 t)e& (1 'it) )is #i6)t )an$8

He #eac)e$ to c#(s) t)e tiny loat)so&e 1a#ents ')o )a$ sai$% 5Let )i& $ie85 He#eac)e$ to c#(s) t)e&% b(t t)ey fa$e$ fi#st8

T)ei# faces t(#ne$ f#i6)tene$8 T)ey loo0e$ 'il$ly a#o(n$8 T)ei# c)ai#s

$issolve$% t)e fab#ic fallin6 to t)e floo# ')ic) in t(#n loo0e$ li0e sto#&-e#o$e$ clot)8

T)ey t(#ne$ fo# a last 0iss an$ )a$ no li1s8 T)ey #eac)e$ to )(6 eac) ot)e# an$ t)ei#

a#&s fell off8 T)ei# s1ace-s)i1 )a$ 6one &il0y in &i$-t#i1% $issolvin6 into t#aceless

not)in68 An$ )e% )e% )e )i&self )a$ seen itF

T)e #a6e 'as follo'e$ by tea#s% by a 6(ilt too $ee1 fo# #e6#et% by a self-

acc(sation so #a' an$ 'et t)at it live$ li0e one &o#e o#6an insi$e )is livin6 bo$y8

He 'ante$ not)in68



No &oney% no st#oon% no tation of Doo&8 He 'ante$ no f#ien$s% no

co&1anions)i1% no 'elco&e% no )o(se% no foo$8 He 'ante$ no 'al0s% no solita#y

$iscove#ies in t)e fiel$% no f#ien$ly s)ee1% no t#eas(#es in t)e 6a1% no co&1(te#% no $ay%

no ni6)t% no life8

He 'ante$ not)in6% an$ )e co(l$ not (n$e#stan$ $eat)8

T)e eno#&o(s #oo& lost all li6)t% all so(n$% an$ )e $i$ not notice it8 His o'n

na0e$ life lay befo#e )i& li0e a f#es)ly $issecte$ ca$ave#8 It lay t)e#e an$ it &a$e no

sense8 T)e#e )a$ been &any Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A&ol$ Willia& !acA#t)(#

!cBans% one )(n$#e$ an$ fifty of t)e& in a #o'% b(t )e - ,G,F ,G,F ,G,F - 'as not one

of t)e&% not a 6iant ')o )a$ '#estle$ t#eas(#e f#o& t)e sic0 ea#t) an$ )i$$en s(ns)ine

of t)e No#st#ilian 1lains8 It 'asn?t )is tele1at)ic $efo#&ity% )is s1ie0lessness% )is b#ain

$eafness to )ie#in68 It 'as )i&self% t)e 5!e- s(btile5 insi$e )i&% ')ic) 'as '#on6% all

'#on68 He 'as t)e baby 'o#t) 0illin6% ')o )a$ 0ille$ instea$8 He )a$ )ate$ &a&a an$

1a1a fo# t)ei# 1#i$e an$ t)ei# )ate4 ')en )e )ate$ t)e&% t)ey c#(&1le$ an$ $ie$ o(t in

t)e &yste#y of s1ace% so t)at t)ey $i$ not even leave bo$ies to b(#y8

Ro$ stoo$ to )is feet8 His )an$s 'e#e 'et8 He to(c)e$ )is face an$ )e #ealie$

t)at )e )a$ been 'ee1in6 'it) )is face c(11e$ in )is )an$s8

Wait8

T)e#e 'as so&et)in68

T)e#e 'as one t)in6 )e 'ante$8 He 'ante$ Ho(6)ton y&e - t)e Onsec0% t)e

&an ')o )a$ t#ie$ to 6et )i& con$e&ne$ to t)e 2a#$en of Deat)% ')o )a$ t#ie$ to 0ill

)i& o(t#i6)t% ')o )a$% in a 'ay% $#iven )i& to #ic)es an$ to Ol$ Ea#t) - not to )ate

)i&8 Ho(6)ton y&e co(l$ )ie# an$ s1ie0% b(t )e 'as a s)o#tie% livin6 'it) t)e

sic0ness of $eat) lyin6 bet'een )i&self an$ eve#y 6i#l% eve#y f#ien$% eve#y ob )e )a$

&et8 An$ )e% Ro$% )a$ &oc0e$ t)at &an% callin6 )i& Ol$ Hot an$ i&1le8 Ro$ &i6)t

be 'o#t)less b(t )e 'as not as ba$ off as Ho(6)ton y&e% t)e Hon8 ec8 Ho(6)ton

y&e 'as at least t#yin6 to be a &an% to live )is &ise#able sc#a1 of life% an$ all Ro$ )a$

eve# $one 'as to fla(nt )is 'ealt) an$ nea#-i&&o#tality befo#e t)e 1oo# c#i11le ')o

)a$ (st one )(n$#e$ an$ si3ty yea#s to live8 Ro$ 'ante$ only one t)in6 - to 6et bac0 to

No#t) A(st#alia in ti&e to )el1 Ho(6)ton y&e% to let Ho(6)ton y&e 0no' t)at t)e

6(ilt 'as )is% Ro$?s% an$ not y&e?s8 T)e Onsec0 )a$ a bit of a life an$ )e $ese#ve$

t)e best of it8

Ro$ stoo$ t)e#e% e31ectin6 not)in68 He )a$ fo#6iven )is last ene&y8

He )a$ fo#6iven )i&self8

T)e $oo# o1ene$ ve#y &atte#-of-factly an$ t)e#e stoo$ t)e Cat&aste#% a (iet

'ise s&ile (1on )is face8

5Yo( can co&e o(t no'% !iste# an$ O'ne# !cBan% an$ if t)e#e is anyt)in6 in

t)is o(te# #oo& ')ic) yo( 'ant% yo( &ay ce#tainly )ave it85

Ro$ 'al0e$ o(t slo'ly8 He )a$ no i$ea )o' lon6 )e )a$ been in HATE HALL8

W)en )e e&e#6e$% t)e $oo# close$ be)in$ )i&8

5No% t)an0s% cobbe#8 It?s &i6)ty f#ien$ly of yo(% b(t I $on?t nee$ anyt)in6

&(c)% an$ I?$ bette# be 6ettin6 bac0 to &y o'n 1lanet85

5Not)in6@5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#% still s&ilin6 ve#y attentively an$ ve#y (ietly85I?$ li0e to )ie# an$ s1ie0% b(t it?s not ve#y i&1o#tant85



5T)is is fo# yo(%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#8 5Yo( 1(t it in yo(# ea# an$ leave it

t)e#e8 If it itc)es o# 6ets $i#ty% yo( ta0e it o(t% 'as) it% an$ 1(t it bac0 in8 It?s not a #a#e

$evice% b(t a11a#ently yo( $on?t )ave t)e& on yo(# 1lanet85 He )el$ o(t an obect no

la#6e# t)an t)e 0e#nel of a 6#o(n$- n(t8

Ro$ too0 it absently an$ 'as #ea$y to 1(t it into )is 1oc0et% not into )is ea#%

')en )e sa' t)at t)e s&ilin6 attentive face 'as 'atc)in6% ve#y 6ently b(t ve#y ale#tly8

He 1(t t)e $evice into )is ea#8 It felt a little col$8

5I 'ill no'%5 sai$ t)e Cat&aste#% 5ta0e yo( to C?&ell% ')o 'ill lea$ yo( to yo(#

f#ien$s in Do'n$ee1-$o'n$ee18 Yo( )a$ bette# ta0e t)is bl(e t'o-1enny Ca1e of 2oo$

Ho1e 1osta6e sta&1 'it) yo(8 I 'ill #e1o#t to Kestocost t)at it 'as lost ')ile I

atte&1te$ to co1y it8 T)at is sli6)tly t#(e% isn?t it@5

Ro$ sta#te$ to t)an0 )i& absent-&in$e$ly an$ t)en -

T)en% 'it) a t)#ill ')ic) sent 6oosefles) all ove# )is nec0% bac0 an$ a#&s% )e

#ealie$ t)at t)e Cat&aste# )a$ not &ove$ )is li1s in t)e sli6)test% )a$ not 1(s)e$ ai#

t)#o(6) )is t)#oat% )a$ not $ist(#be$ t)e ai# 'it) t)e 1#ess(#e of noise8 T)e Cat&aste# )a$ s1ie0e$ to Ro$ an$ Ro$ )a$ )ie#e$ )i&8

T)in0in6 ve#y ca#ef(lly an$ ve#y clea#ly% b(t closin6 )is li1s an$ &a0in6 no

so(n$ ')ateve#% Ro$ t)o(6)t% Wo#t)y an$ 6#acio(s Cat&aste#% I t)an0 yo( fo# t)e

ancient t#eas(#e of t)e ol$ Ea#t) sta&18 I t)an0 yo( even &o#e fo# t)e )ie#in6-

s1ie0in6 $evice ')ic) I a& no' testin68 Will yo( 1lease e3ten$ yo(# #i6)t )an$ to

s)a0e )an$s 'it) &e% if yo( can act(ally )ie# &e no'@

T)e Cat&aste# ste11e$ fo#'a#$ an$ e3ten$e$ )is )an$8

!an an$ (n$e#&an% t)ey face$ eac) ot)e# 'it) a 0in$ness an$ 6#atit($e ')ic)

'as so 1oi6nant as to be ve#y close to 6#ief8

Neit)e# of t)e& 'e1t8 Neit)e#8

T)ey s)oo0 )an$s 'it)o(t s1ea0in6 o# s1ie0in68

CHAPTER "I;E4 E;ERYBODY? "OND O" !ONEY

WHILE ROD !CBAN WA 6oin6 t)#o(6) )is 1#ivate o#$eal at t)e

De1a#t&ent to#e of

Hea#ts? Desi#es% ot)e# 1eo1le contin(e$ to be conce#ne$ 'it) )i& an$ )is fate8

A C#i&e of P(blic O1inion

A &i$$le-a6e$ 'o&an% 'it) a $#ess ')ic) $i$ not s(it )e#% sat (ninvite$ at t)e

table of Pa(l% a #eal &an once ac(ainte$ 'it) C?&ell8

Pa(l 1ai$ no attention to )e#8 Eccent#icities 'e#e &(lti1lyin6 a&on6 1eo1le

t)ese $ays8 Bein6 &i$$le-a6e$ 'as a &atte# of taste% an$ &any )(&an bein6s% afte#

t)e Re$iscove#y of !an% fo(n$ t)at if t)ey let t)e&selves beco&e i&1e#fect% it 'as a

&o#e co&fo#table 'ay to live t)an t)e ol$ 'ay - t)e ol$ 'ay consistin6 of a6in6

&in$s $'ellin6 in bo$ies con$e&ne$ to t)e 1e#1et(al 1e#fection of yo(t)8

5I )a$ fl(%5 sai$ t)e 'o&an8 5Have yo( eve# )a$ fl(@5 5No%5 sai$ Pa(l% not ve#y

&(c) inte#este$8

5A#e yo( #ea$in6 a ne's1a1e#@5 )e loo0e$ at )is ne's1a1e#% ')ic) )a$eve#yt)in6 e3ce1t ne's in it8



Pa(l% 'it) t)e 1a1e# in f#ont of )i&% a$&itte$ t)at )e 'as #ea$in6 it8

5Do yo( li0e coffee@5 sai$ t)e 'o&an% loo0in6 at Pa(l?s c(1 of f#es) coffee in

f#ont of )i&8 5W)y 'o(l$ I o#$e# it if I $i$n?t@5 sai$ Pa(l b#(s(ely% 'on$e#in6 )o'

t)e 'o&an )a$ eve#

&ana6e$ to fin$ so (natt#active a &ate#ial fo# )e# $#ess8 It 'as yello' s(n-

flo'e#s on an off- #e$ bac06#o(n$8

T)e 'o&an 'as baffle$% b(t only fo# a &o&ent8

5I?& 'ea#in6 a 6i#$le%5 s)e sai$8 5T)ey (st ca&e on sale last 'ee08 T)ey?#e

ve#y% ve#y ancient% an$ ve#y a(t)entic8 No' t)at 1eo1le can be fat if t)ey 'ant to%

6i#$les a#e t)e #a6e8 T)ey )ave s1ats fo# &en% too% )ave yo( bo(6)t yo(# s1ats yet@5

5No%5 sai$ Pa(l% flatly% 'on$e#in6 if )e s)o(l$ leave )is coffee an$ ne's1a1e#8

5W)at a#e yo( 6oin6 to $o abo(t t)at &an@5

5W)at &an@5 sai$ Pa(l% 1olitely an$ 'ea#ily8 5T)e &an ')o?s bo(6)t t)e Ea#t)85

5Di$ )e@5 sai$ Pa(l8

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e 'o&an8 5No' )e )as &o#e 1o'e# t)an t)e Inst#(&entality8

He co(l$ $o anyt)in6 )e 'ants8 He can 6ive (s anyt)in6 'e 'ant8 If )e 'ante$ to% )e

co(l$ 6ive &e a t)o(san$- yea# t#i1 a#o(n$ t)e (nive#se85

5A#e yo( an official@5 sai$ Pa(l s)a#1ly8 5No%5 sai$ t)e 'o&an% ta0en a little

abac08 5T)en )o' $o yo( 0no' t)ese t)in6s@5

5Eve#ybo$y 0no's t)e&8 Eve#ybo$y85 )e s1o0e fi#&ly an$ 1(#se$ )e# &o(t)

at t)e en$ of t)e sentence8

5W)at a#e yo( 6oin6 to $o abo(t t)is &an@ Rob )i&@ e$(ce )i&@5 Pa(l 'as

sa#$onic8 He )a$ an (n)a11y love affai# ')ic) )e still #e&e&be#e$% a cli&b to t)e

Abba-$in6o ove# Al1)a Ral1)a Bo(leva#$ ')ic) )e 'o(l$ neve# #e1eat% an$ ve#ylittle 1atience 'it) fools ')o )a$ neve# $a#e$ an$ neve# s(ffe#e$ anyt)in68

T)e 'o&an fl(s)e$ 'it) an6e#8 5We?#e all 6oin6 to )is )ostel at t'elve to$ay8

We?#e 6oin6 to s)o(t an$ s)o(t (ntil )e co&es o(t8 T)en 'e?#e 6oin6 to fo#& a line an$

&a0e )i& listen to ')at eac) one of (s 'ants85

Pa(l s1o0e s)a#1ly4 5W)o o#6anie$ t)is@5 5I $on?t 0no'8 o&ebo$y85

Pa(l s1o0e sole&nly8 5Yo(?#e a )(&an bein68 Yo( )ave been t#aine$8 W)at

is t)e T'elft)

R(le@5

T)e 'o&an t(#ne$ a little 1ale b(t s)e c)ante$% as if by #ote4 5?Any &an o# 'o&an ')o fin$s t)at )e o# s)e fo#&s an$ s)a#es an (na(t)o#ie$ o1inion 'it) a la#6e

n(&be# of ot)e# 1eo1le s)all #e1o#t i&&e$iately fo# t)e#a1y to t)e nea#est s(bc)ief8?

B(t t)at $oesn?t &ean &e@8885

5Yo(?ll be $ea$ o# sc#(bbe$ by toni6)t% &a$a&8 No' 6o a'ay an$ let &e #ea$

&y 1a1e#85

T)e 'o&an 6la#e$ at )i&% bet'een an6e# an$ tea#s8 2#a$(ally fea# ca&e ove#

)e# feat(#es8 5Do yo( #eally t)in0 ')at I 'as sayin6 is (nla'f(l@5

5Co&1letely%5 sai$ Pa(l8

)e 1(t )e# 1($6y )an$s ove# )e# face an$ sobbe$8 5i#% si#% can yo( - can yo( 1lease )el1 &e fin$ a s(bc)ief@ I?& af#ai$ I $o nee$ )el18 B(t I?ve $#ea&e$ so &(c)%



I?ve )o1e$ so &(c) - a &an f#o& t)e sta#s8 B(t yo(?#e #i6)t% si#8 I $on?t 'ant to $ie o# 6et

blan0e$ o(t8 i#% 1lease )el1 &eF5

!ove$ by bot) i&1atience an$ co&1assion% Pa(l left )is 1a1e# an$ )is coffee8

T)e #obot 'aite# )(##ie$ (1 to #e&in$ )i& t)at )e )a$ not 1ai$8 Pa(l 'al0e$ ove# to t)e

si$e'al0 ')e#e t)e#e 'e#e t'o ba##els f(ll of &oney fo# 1eo1le ')o 'is)e$ to 1lay t)e

6a&es of ancient civiliation8 He selecte$ t)e bi66est bill )e co(l$ see% 6ave it to t)e

'aite#% 'aite$ fo# )is c)an6e% 6ave t)e 'aite# a ti1% #eceive$ t)an0s% an$ t)#e' t)e

c)an6e% ')ic) 'as all coins% into t)e ba##el f(ll of &etal &oney8 T)e 'o&an )a$

'aite$ fo# )i& 1atiently% )e# blotc)e$ face sa$8

W)en )e offe#e$ )e# )is a#&% in t)e ol$-"#enc) &anne#% s)e too0 it8 T)ey

'al0e$ a )(n$#e$ &ete#s% &o#e o# less% to a 1(blic visi1)one8 )e )alf-c#ie$% )alf-

&(&ble$ as s)e 'al0e$ alon6 besi$e )i&% 'it) )e# (nco&fo#table% ancient s1i0e$-

)eel fe&inine s)oes4

5I (se$ to )ave fo(# )(n$#e$ yea#s8 I (se$ to be sli& an$ bea(tif(l8 I li0e$ to

&a0e love an$ I $i$n?t t)in0 ve#y &(c) abo(t t)in6s% beca(se I 'asn?t ve#y b#i6)t8 I )a$)a$ a lot of )(sban$s8 T)en t)is c)an6e ca&e alon6% an$ I felt (seless% an$ I $eci$e$ to

be ')at I felt li0e - fat% an$

slo11y an$ &i$$le-a6e$ an$ bo#e$8 An$ I )ave s(ccee$e$ too &(c)% (st

t)e 'ay t'o of &y )(sban$s sai$8 An$ t)at &an f#o& t)e sta#s% )e )as all 1o'e#8 He

can c)an6e t)in6s85

Pa(l $i$ not ans'e# )e#% e3ce1t to no$ sy&1at)etically8

He stoo$ at t)e visi1)one (ntil a #obot a11ea#e$8 5A s(bc)ief%5 )e sai$8 5Any

s(bc)ief85

T)e i&a6e bl(##e$ an$ t)e face of a ve#y yo(n6 &an a11ea#e$8 He sta#e$

ea#nestly an$ intently ')ile Pa(l #ecite$ )is n(&be#% 6#a$e% neonational assi6n&ent%

(a#te#s n(&be# an$ b(siness8 He )a$ to state t)e b(siness t'ice% 5C#i&inal 1(blic

o1inion85

T)e s(bc)ief sna11e$% not (n1leasantly% 5Co&e on in% t)en% an$ 'e?ll fi3 yo(

(185

Pa(l 'as so annoye$ at t)e i$ea t)at )e 'o(l$ be s(s1ecte$ of c#i&inal 1(blic

o1inion% 5any o1inion s)a#e$ 'it) a la#6e n(&be# of ot)e# 1eo1le% ot)e# t)an &ate#ial

#elease$ an$ a11#ove$ by t)e Inst#(&entality an$ t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent%5 t)at )e be6an

to s1ie0 )is 1#otest into t)e &ac)ine85;ocalie% &an an$ citienF T)ese &ac)ines $on?t ca##y tele1at)y85

W)en Pa(l 6ot t)#o(6) e31lainin6% t)e yo(n6ste# in (nifo#& loo0e$ at )i&

c#itically b(t 1leasantly% sayin6% 5Citien% yo(?ve fo#6otten so&et)in6 yo(#self85

5He@5 6as1e$ Pa(l8 5I?ve $one not)in68 T)is 'o&an (st sat $o'n besi$e &e an$

-5 5Citien%5 sai$ t)e s(bc)ief% 5')at is t)e last )alf of t)e "ift) R(le fo# All !en@5

Pa(l t)o(6)t a &o&ent an$ t)en ans'e#e$% 5T)e se#vices of eve#y 1e#son s)all

be available% 'it)o(t $elay an$ 'it)o(t c)a#6e% to any ot)e# t#(e )(&an bein6 ')o

enco(nte#s $an6e# o# $ist#ess85 T)en )is o'n eyes 'i$ene$ an$ )e sai$% 5Yo( 'ant &e

to $o t)is &yself@5

5W)at $o yo( t)in0@5 sai$ t)e s(bc)ief8 5I can%5 sai$ Pa(l8



5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e s(bc)ief8 5Yo( a#e no#&al8 Yo( #e&e&be# t)e b#ain6#i1s85

Pa(l no$$e$8

T)e s(bc)ief 'ave$ at )i& an$ t)e i&a6e fa$e$ f#o& t)e sc#een8

T)e 'o&an )a$ seen it all8 )e% too% 'as 1#e1a#e$8 W)en Pa(l lifte$ )is )an$s

fo# t)e t#a$itional )y1notic 6est(#es% s)e loc0e$ )e# eyes (1on )is )an$s8 )e &a$e

t)e #es1onses as t)ey 'e#e nee$e$8 W)en )e )a$ b#ainsc#(bbe$ )e# #i6)t t)e#e in t)e

o1en st#eet% s)e s)a&ble$ off $o'n t)e 'al0'ay% not 0no'in6 ')y tea#s 1o(#e$ $o'n

)e# c)ee0s8 )e $i$ not #e&e&be# Pa(l at all8

"o# a &o&ent of c#ay ')i&sy% Pa(l t)o(6)t of 6oin6 ac#oss t)e city an$

)avin6 a loo0 at t)e 'on$e#f(l &an f#o& t)e sta#s8 He sta#e$ a#o(n$ absently% t)in0in68

His eye ca(6)t t)e )i6) t)#ea$ of Al1)a Ral1)a Bo(leva#$% soa#in6 (ns(11o#te$ ac#oss

t)e )eavens f#o& fa#a'ay 6#o(n$ to t)e &i$-)ei6)t of Ea#t)1o#t4 )e #e&e&be#e$

)i&self an$ )is o'n 1e#sonal t#o(bles8 He 'ent bac0 to )is ne's1a1e# an$ a f#es) c(1

of coffee% )el1in6 )i&self to &oney f#o& t)e ba##el% t)is ti&e% befo#e )e ente#e$ t)e

#esta(#ant8

On a yac)t off !eeva !eefia

R(t) ya'ne$ as s)e sat (1 an$ loo0e$ at t)e ocean8 )e )a$ $one )e# best 'it)

t)e #ic) yo(n6 &an8

T)e false Ro$ !cBan% act(ally a #econst#(cte$ Eleano#% sai$ to )e#% 5T)is is #i6)t

nice85 R(t) s&ile$ lan6(i$ly an$ se$(ctively8 )e $i$ not 0no' ')y Eleano# la(6)e$

o(t lo($8

T)e Lo#$ Willia& Not-f#o&-)e#e ca&e (1 f#o& belo' t)e $ec08 He ca##ie$ t'o

silve# &(6s in )is )an$s8 T)ey 'e#e f#oste$8

5I a& 6la$%5 sai$ )e (nct(o(sly% 5t)at yo( yo(n6 1eo1le a#e )a11y8 T)ese a#e&int (le1s% a ve#y ancient $#in0 in$ee$85

He 'atc)e$ as Eleano# si11e$ )e#s an$ t)en s&ile$8 He s&ile$ too8 5Yo( li0e

it@5

Eleano# s&ile$ #i6)t bac0 at )i&8 5Beats 'as)in6 $is)es% it $oes@5 sai$ 5Ro$

!cBan5 eni6&atically8

T)e Lo#$ Willia& be6an to t)in0 t)at t)e #ic) yo(n6 &an 'as o$$ in$ee$8

Antec)a&be# of t)e Bell an$ Ban0

T)e Lo#$ C#($elta co&&an$e$% 5en$ Kestocost )e#eF5 T)e Lo#$ Kestocost 'as

al#ea$y ente#in6 t)e #oo&8 5W)at?s )a11ene$ on t)at case of t)e yo(n6 &an@5 5Not)in6%

i# an$ enio#855T(s)8 Bos)8 Nonsense8 Rot85 T)e ol$ &an sno#te$8 5Not)in6 is so&et)in6 t)at

$oesn?t )a11en at all8 He )as to be so&e')e#e85

5T)e o#i6inal is 'it) t)e Cat&aste#% at t)e De1a#t&ent to#e85

5Is t)at safe@5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ C#($elta8 5He &i6)t 6et to be too s&a#t fo# (s to

&ana6e8 Yo(?#e 'o#0in6 so&e sc)e&e a6ain% Kestocost85

5Not)in6 b(t ')at I tol$ yo(% i# an$ enio#85

T)e ol$ &an f#o'ne$8 5T)at?s #i6)t8 Yo( $i$ tell &e8 P#ocee$8 B(t t)e ot)e#s@5

5W)o@5

5T)e $ecoys@5



T)e Lo#$ Kestocost la(6)e$ alo($8 5O(# collea6(e% t)e Lo#$ Willia&% )as al&ost

bet#ot)e$ )is $a(6)te# to !iste# !cBan?s 'o#0&an% ')o is te&1o#a#ily a ?Ro$ !cBan?

)e#self8 All 1a#ties a#e )avin6 f(n 'it) no )a#& $one8 T)e #obots% t)e ei6)t s(#vivo#s%

a#e 6oin6 a#o(n$ Ea#t)1o#t city8 T)ey a#e enoyin6 t)e&selves as &(c) as #obots eve#

$o8 C#o'$s a#e 6at)e#in6 an$ as0in6 fo# &i#acles8 P#etty )a#&less85

5An$ t)e Ea#t) econo&y@ Is it 6ettin6 o(t of balance@5

5I?ve set t)e co&1(te#s to 'o#0%5 sai$ t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% 5fin$in6 eve#y ta3

1enalty t)at 'e eve# i&1ose$ on anybo$y8 We?#e seve#al &e6ac#e$its a)ea$85

5Yo(?#e not 6oin6 to #(in )i&@5 sai$ C#($elta8

5Not at all% i# an$ enio#%5 c#ie$ t)e Lo#$ Kestocost8 5I a& a 0in$ &an85

T)e ol$ &an 6ave )i& a lo' $i#ty s&ile8 5I?ve seen yo(# 0in$ness befo#e%

Kestocost% an$ I 'o(l$ #at)e# )ave a t)o(san$ 'o#l$s fo# an ene&y t)an )ave yo( be

&y f#ien$F Yo(?#e $evio(s% yo(?#e $an6e#o(s% an$ yo( a#e t#ic0y85

Kestocost% &(c) flatte#e$ by t)is co&&ent% sai$ fo#&ally% 5Yo( $o an )onest

official a 6#eat in(stice% si# an$ senio#85

T)e t'o &en (st s&ile$ at eac) ot)e#4 t)ey 0ne' eac) ot)e# 'ell8 Ten

0ilo&ete#s belo' t)e s(#face of t)e Ea#t)

T)e E-tele0eli stoo$ f#o& t)e lecte#n at ')ic) )e )a$ been 1#ayin68 Its $a(6)te#

'as 'atc)in6 )i& i&&ovably f#o& t)e $oo#'ay8

He s1ie0e$ to )e#% W)at?s '#on6% &y 6i#l@

I sa' )is &in$% fat)e#% I sa' it fo# (st a &o&ent as )e left t)e Cat&aste#?s

1lace8 He?s a #ic) yo(n6 &an f#o& t)e sta#s% )e?s a nice yo(n6 &an% )e )as bo(6)t

Ea#t)% b(t )e is not t)e &an of t)e P#o&ise8

Yo( e31ecte$ too &(c)% E-la&elanie% sai$ )e# fat)e#8

I e31ecte$ )o1e% s)e s1ie0e$ to )i&8 Is )o1e a c#i&e a&on6 (s

(n$e#1eo1le@ W)at Koan fo#esa'% ')at t)e Co1t 1#o&ise$ - ')e#e a#e t)ey% fat)e#@

)all 'e neve# see $ayli6)t o# 0no' f#ee$o&@

T#(e &en a#e not f#ee eit)e#% s1ie0e$ t)e E-tele0eli8 T)ey too )ave 6#ief% fea#%

bi#t)% ol$ a6e% love% $eat)% s(ffe#in6 an$ t)e tools of t)ei# o'n #(in8 "#ee$o& is not

so&et)in6 ')ic) is 6oin6 to be 6iven (s by a 'on$e#f(l &an beyon$ t)e sta#s8 "#ee$o&

is ')at yo( $o% &y $ea#% an$ ')at I $o8 Deat) is a ve#y 1#ivate affai#% &y $a(6)te#% an$

life - ')en yo( 6et to it - is al&ost as 1#ivate8I 0no' fat)e#% s)e s1ie0e$8 I 0no'8 I 0no'8 I 0no'8 B(t )e $i$n?t8

Yo( &ay not 0no' it% &y $a#lin6% s1ie0e$ t)e 6#eat bi#$-&an% b(t lon6 befo#e

t)ese ne' 1eo1le b(ilt cities% t)e#e 'e#e ot)e#s in t)e Ea#t) - t)e ones ')o ca&e afte#

t)e Ancient Wo#l$ fell8 T)ey 'ent fa# beyon$ t)e li&itations of t)e )(&an fo#&8 T)ey

con(e#e$ $eat)8 T)ey $i$ not )ave sic0ness8 T)ey $i$ not nee$ love8 T)ey so(6)t to

be abst#actions lyin6 o(tsi$e of ti&e8 An$ t)ey $ie$% E-la&elanie - t)ey $ie$ te##ibly8

o&e beca&e &onste#s% 1#eyin6 on t)e #e&nants of t#(e &en fo# #easons ')ic)

o#$ina#y &en co(l$ not even be6in to (n$e#stan$8 Ot)e#s 'e#e li0e oyste#s% '#a11e$ (1

in t)ei# o'n saint)oo$8 T)ey )a$ all fo#6otten t)at )(&anness is itself i&1e#fection an$

co##(1tion% t)at ')at is 1e#fect is no lon6e# (n$e#stan$able8 We )ave t)e "#a6&ents of t)e Wo#$% an$ 'e a#e t#(e# to t)e $ee1 t#a$itions of 1eo1le t)an 1eo1le t)e&selves a#e%



b(t 'e &(st neve# be foolis) eno(6) to loo0 fo# 1e#fection in t)is life o# to co(nt on

o(# o'n 1o'e#s to &a0e (s #eally $iffe#ent f#o& ')at 'e a#e8 Yo( an$ I a#e ani&als%

$a#lin6% not even #eal 1eo1le% b(t 1eo1le $o not (n$e#stan$ t)e teac)in6 of Koan% t)at

')ateve# see&s )(&an is )(&an8 It is t)e 'o#$ ')ic) (ic0ens% not t)e s)a1e of t)e

bloo$ o# t)e te3t(#e of fles) o# )ai# o# feat)e#s8 An$ t)e#e is t)at 1o'e# ')ic) yo(

an$ I $o not na&e% b(t ')ic) 'e love an$ c)e#is) beca(se 'e nee$ it &o#e t)an $ot)e 1eo1le on t)e s(#face8 2#eat beliefs al'ays co&e o(t of t)e se'e#s of cities% not

off t)e #oofto1s o# t)e i66(#ats8 "(#t)e#&o#e% 'e a#e $isca#$e$ ani&als% not (se$

ones8 All of (s $o'n )e#e a#e t)e #(bbis) ')ic) &an0in$ )as t)#o'n a'ay an$ )as

fo#6otten8 We )ave a 6#eat a$vanta6e in t)is% beca(se 'e 0no' f#o& t)e ve#y be6innin6

of o(# lives t)at 'e a#e 'o#t)less8 An$ ')y a#e 'e

'o#t)less@ Beca(se a )i6)e# stan$a#$ an$ a )i6)e# t#(t) says t)at 'e a#e - t)e

conventional la' an$ t)e (n'#itten c(sto&s of &an0in$8 B(t I feel love fo# yo(% &y

$a(6)te#% an$ yo( )ave love fo# &e8 We 0no' t)at eve#yt)in6 ')ic) loves )as a val(e

in itself% an$ t)at t)e#efo#e t)is 'o#t)lessness of (n$e#1eo1le is '#on68 We a#e fo#ce$ to

loo0 beyon$ t)e &in(te an$ t)e )o(# to t)e 1lace ')e#e no cloc0s 'o#0 an$ no $ay$a'ns8 T)e#e is a 'o#l$ o(tsi$e of ti&e% an$ it is to t)at ')ic) 'e a11eal8 I 0no' t)at

yo( )ave a love fo# t)e $evotional life% &y c)il$% an$ I co&&en$ yo( fo# it% b(t it

'o(l$ be a so##y fait) ')ic) 'aite$ fo# 1assin6 t#avele#s o# ')ic) believe$ t)at a

&i#acle o# t'o co(l$ set t)e nat(#e of t)in6s #i6)t an$ ')ole8 T)e 1eo1le on t)e s(#face

t)in0 t)ey )ave 6one beyon$ t)e ol$ 1#oble&s% beca(se t)ey $o not )ave b(il$in6s

')ic) t)ey call c)(#c)es o# te&1les% an$ t)ey $o not )ave 1#ofessional #eli6io(s &en

'it)in t)ei# co&&(nities8 B(t t)e )i6)e# 1o'e# an$ t)e la#6e 1#oble&s still 'ait fo# all

&en% ')et)e# &en li0e it o# not8 To$ay% t)e Believe#s a&on6 &an0in$ a#e a #i$ic(lo(s

)obby% tole#ate$ by t)e Inst#(&entality beca(se t)ey a#e (ni&1o#tant an$ 'ea0% b(t

&an0in$ )as &o&ents of eno#&o(s 1assion ')ic) 'ill co&e a6ain an$ in ')ic) 'e

'ill s)a#e8 o $on?t yo( 'ait fo# yo(# )e#o beyon$ t)e sta#s8 If yo( )ave a 6oo$$evotional life 'it)in yo(% it is al#ea$y )e#e% 'aitin6 to be 'ate#e$ by yo(# tea#s an$

1lo(6)e$ (1 by yo(# )a#$% clea# t)o(6)ts8 An$ if yo( $on?t )ave a $evotional life% t)e#e

a#e 6oo$ lives o(tsi$e8

Loo0 at yo(# b#ot)e#% E-i0as(s% ')o is no' #es(&in6 )is no#&al s)a1e8 He let

&e 1(t )i& in ani&al fo#& an$ sen$ )i& o(t a&on6 t)e sta#s8 He too0 #is0s 'it)o(t

co&&ittin6 t)e i&1($ence of enoyin6 #is08 It is not necessa#y to $o yo(# $(ty oyf(lly

- (st to $o it8 No' )e )as )o&e$ to t)e ol$ lai# an$ I 0no' )e b#in6s (s 6oo$ l(c0

in &any little t)in6s% 1e#)a1s in bi6 t)in6s8 Do yo( (n$e#stan$% &y $a(6)te#@

)e sai$ t)at s)e $i$% b(t t)e#e 'as still a 'il$ blan0 $isa11ointe$ loo0 in )e# eyes as s)e sai$ it8 A Police-1ost on t)e s(#face% nea# Ea#t)1o#t

5T)e #obot se#6eant says )e can $o no &o#e 'it)o(t violatin6 t)e #(le a6ainst

)(#tin6 )(&an bein6s85 T)e s(bc)ief loo0e$ at )is c)ief% lic0in6 )is c)o1s fo# a c)ance

to 6et o(t of t)e office an$ to 'an$e# a&on t)e ve3ations of t)e city8 He 'as ti#e$ of

vie'sc#eens% co&1(te#s% b(ttons% ca#$s% an$ #o(tines8 He 'ante$ #a' life an$ )i6)

a$vent(#e8

5W)ic) off-'o#l$e# is t)is@5

5Tosti6 A&a#al% f#o& t)e 1lanet of A&aonas T#iste8 He )as to stay 'et all t)e

ti&e8 He is (st a license$ t#a$e#% not an )ono#e$ 6(est of t)e Inst#(&entality8 He 'as

assi6ne$ a 6i#ly6i#l an$ no' )e t)in0s s)e belon6s to )i&855en$ t)e 6i#ly6i#l to )i&8 W)at is s)e% &o(se-$e#ive$@5



5No% a c?6i#l8 He# na&e is C?&ell an$ s)e )as been #e(isitione$ by t)e Lo#$

Kestocost85

5I 0no' all abo(t t)at%5 sai$ t)e c)ief% 'is)in6 t)at )e #eally $i$8 5)e?s no'

assi6ne$ to t)at

Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian ')o )as bo(6)t &ost of t)is 1lanet% Ea#t)85

5B(t t)is )o&inoi$ 'ants )e#% (st t)e sa&eF5 T)e s(bc)ief 'as (#6ent8

5He can?t )ave )e#% not if a Lo#$ of t)e Inst#(&entality inte##(1ts )is se#vices85

5He is t)#eatenin6 to fi6)t8 He says )e 'ill 0ill 1eo1le85

5H&&8 Is )e in a #oo&@5 5Yes% si# an$ c)ief85

5Wit) stan$a#$ o(tlets@5

5I?ll loo0% si#85 T)e s(bc)ief t'iste$ a 0nob an$ an elect#onic $esi6n a11ea#e$ on

t)e left- )an$ sc#een in f#ont of )i&8 5Yes% si#% t)at?s it85

5Let?s )ave a loo0 at )i&85

5He 6ot 1e#&ission% si#% to #(n t)e fi#e s1#in0le# syste& all t)e ti&e8 It see&s )e

co&es f#o& a #ain'o#l$85

5T#y% any)o'85

5Yes% si#85 T)e s(bc)ief ')istle$ a call to t)e boa#$8 T)e 1ict(#e $issolve$%

')i#le$ an$ #esolve$ itself into t)e i&a6e of a $a#0 #oo&8 T)e#e see&e$ to be a b(n$le

of 'et #a6s in one co#ne#% o(t of ')ic) a 'ell-s)a1e$ )(&an )an$ 1#ot#($e$8

5Nasty ty1e%5 sai$ t)e c)ief% 5an$ 1#obably 1oisono(s8 *noc0 )i& o(t fo#

e3actly one )o(#8 We?ll be 6ettin6 o#$e#s &ean')ile85

On an Ea#t)-level st#eet (n$e# Ea#t)1o#t

T'o 6i#ls tal0in64

5888 an$ I 'ill tell yo( t)e bi66est sec#et in t)e ')ole 'o#l$% if yo( 'ill

neve#% neve# tell anyone85

5I?ll bet it?s not &(c) of a sec#et8 Yo( $on?t )ave to tell &e85 5I?ll neve# tell yo(%

t)en8 Neve#85

5(it yo(#self85

5Really% if yo( even s(s1ecte$ it% yo( 'o(l$ be &a$ 'it) c(#iosity85 5If yo(

'ant to tell &e% yo( can tell &e855B(t it?s a sec#et85

5All #i6)t% I?ll neve# tell anybo$y85

5T)at &an f#o& t)e sta#s8 He?s 6oin6 to &a##y &e85 5Yo(@ T)at?s #i$ic(lo(s85

5W)y is it so #i$ic(lo(s@ He?s bo(6)t &y $o'e# #i6)t al#ea$y85 5I 0no' it?s

#i$ic(lo(s8 T)e#e?s so&et)in6 '#on685

5I $on?t see ')y yo( s)o(l$ t)in0 )e $oesn?t li0e &e if )e )as al#ea$y bo(6)t &y

$o'e# #i6)ts85 5"oolF I 0no' it?s #i$ic(lo(s% beca(se )e )as bo(6)t &ine8

5Yo(#s@5 5Yes85

5Bot) of (s@5 5W)at fo#@5 5ea#c) &e85

5!aybe )e is 6oin6 to 1(t (s bot) in t)e sa&e )a#e&8 Wo(l$n?t t)at be

#o&antic@5



5T)ey $on?t )ave )a#e&s in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 All t)ey $o is live li0e 1#($is)

ol$ fa#&e#s an$ #aise st#oon an$ &(#$e# anybo$y at all t)at even 6ets nea# t)e&85

5T)at so(n$s ba$85 5Let?s 6o to t)e 1olice85

5Yo( 0no'% )e?s )(#t o(# feelin6s8 !aybe 'e can &a0e )i& 1ay e3t#a fo# b(yin6

o(# $o'e# #i6)ts if )e $oesn?t &ean to (se t)e&85

In f#ont of a caf

A &an% $#(n04

5I 'ill 6et $#(n0 eve#y ni6)t an$ I 'ill )ave &(sicians to 1lay &e to slee1 an$ I

'ill )ave all t)e &oney I nee$ an$ it 'on?t be t)at 1lay &oney o(t of a ba##el% b(t it 'ill

be #eal &oney #e6iste#e$ in t)e co&1(te# an$ I 'ill &a0e eve#ybo$y $o ')at I say an$

I 0no' )e 'ill $o it fo# &e beca(se &y &ot)e# 'as na&e$ !acA#t)(# in )e# 6enetic

co$e befo#e eve#ybo$y 6ot n(&be#s an$ yo( )ave no call to la(6) at &e beca(se )is

na&e #eally is !acA#t)(# !cBan t)e elevent) an$ I a& 1#obably t)e closest f#ien$ an$

#elative )e )as on ea#t)88885

CHAPTER I=4 TOTI2 A!ARAL

ROD !CBAN LE"T THE De1a#t&ent to#e of Hea#ts? Desi#es si&1ly%

)(&bly )e ca##ie$ a 1ac0a6e of boo0s% '#a11e$ in $(st1#oofin6 1a1e#% an$ )e loo0e$

li0e any ot)e# fi#st-class cat- &an &essen6e#8 T)e )(&an bein6s in t)e &a#0et 'e#e still

&a0in6 t)ei# (1#oa#% t)ei# s&ells of foo$s% s1ices% an$ o$$ obects% b(t )e 'al0e$ so

cal&ly an$ so st#ai6)tfo#'a#$ly t)#o(6) t)ei# scatte#e$ 6#o(1s t)at even t)e #obot

1olice% 'ea1ons on t)e b(% 1ai$ no attention to )i&8

W)en )e )a$ co&e ac#oss t)e T)ieves? !a#0et% 6oin6 t)e ot)e# 'ay 'it)

C?&ell an$ A?6ent(#% )e )a$ been ill-at-ease8 As a !iste#-an$-O'ne# f#o& Ol$ No#t)A(st#alia% )e )a$ been co&1elle$ to 0ee1 )is e3te#nal $i6nity% b(t )e )a$ not felt ease

'it)in )is )ea#t8 T)ese 1eo1le 'e#e st#an6e% )is $estination )a$ been (nfa&ilia#% an$ t)e

1#oble&s an$ 'ealt) an$ s(#vival lay )eavy (1on )i&8

No'% it 'as all $iffe#ent8 Cat-&an )e &i6)t still be on t)e o(tsi$e% b(t on t)e

insi$e )e once a6ain felt )is 1#o1e# 1#i$e of )o&e an$ 1lanet8

An$ &o#e8

He felt cal&% $o'n to t)e ve#y ti1s of )is ne#ve en$in6s8

T)e )ie#in6-s1ie0in6 $evice s)o(l$ )ave ale#te$ )i&% e3cite$ )i&4 it $i$ not8

As )e 'al0e$ t)#o(6) t)e &a#0et% )e notice$ t)at ve#y fe' of t)e Ea#t) 1eo1le 'e#e

co&&(nicatin6 'it) one anot)e# tele1at)ically8 T)ey 1#efe##e$ to babble in t)ei# lo($

ai#bo#ne lan6(a6e% of ')ic) t)ey )a$ not one b(t &any 0in$s% 'it) t)e Ol$ Co&&on

Ton6(e se#vin6 as a #efe#ent fo# t)ose ')o )a$ been en$(e$ 'it) $iffe#ent 0in$s of

ancient lan6(a6e by t)e 1#ocesses of t)e Re$iscove#y of !an8 He even )ea#$ Ancient

In6lis)% t)e <(een?s O'n Lan6(a6e% so(n$in6 #e&a#0ably close to )is o'n s1o0en

lan6(a6e of No#st#ilian8 T)ese t)in6s ca(se$ neit)e# sti&(lation no# e3cite&ent% not

even 1ity8 He )a$ )is o'n 1#oble&s% b(t t)ey 'e#e no lon6e# t)e 1#oble&s of

'ealt) o# of s(#vival8 o&e)o' )e )a$ confi$ence t)at a )i$$en% f#ien$ly 1o'e# in t)e

(nive#se 'o(l$ ta0e ca#e of )i&% if )e too0 ca#e of ot)e#s8 He 'ante$ to 6et Eleano# o(t

of t#o(ble% to $ise&ba##ass t)e Hon8ec8% to see Lavinia% to #eass(#e Do#is% to say a 6oo$6oo$-bye to C?&ell% to 6et bac0 to )is s)ee1% to 1#otect )is co&1(te#% an$ to 0ee1 t)e



Lo#$ Re$la$y a'ay f#o& )is ba$ )abit of 0illin6 ot)e# 1eo1le la'f(lly on too sli6)t an

occasion fo# &ansla(6)te#8

One of t)e #obot 1olice% a little &o#e 1e#ce1tive t)an t)e ot)e#s% 'atc)e$ t)is

cat-&an ')o 'al0e$ 'it) e3t#a-nat(#al ass(#ance t)#o(6) t)e c#o'$s of &en% b(t

5C?#o$e#ic05 $i$ not)in6 b(t ente# t)e &a#0et f#o& one si$e% t)#ea$ )is 'ay t)#o(6) it%

an$ leave at t)e ot)e# si$e% still ca##yin6 )is 1ac0a6e t)e #obot t(#ne$ a'ay4 )is

$#ea$f(l% &il0y eyes% al'ays #ea$y fo# $iso#$e# an$ $eat)% scanne$ t)e &a#0et-1lace

a6ain an$ a6ain 'it) fati6(e-f#ee vi6ilance8

Ro$ 'ent $o'n t)e #a&1 an$ t(#ne$ #i6)t8

T)e#e 'as t)e (n$e#1eo1le?s co&&issa#y 'it) t)e bea#-&an cas)ie#8 T)e cas)ie#

#e&e&be#e$ )i&8

5It?s been a lon6 $ay% cat-si#% since I sa' yo(8 Wo(l$ yo( li0e anot)e# s1ecial

o#$e# of fis)@5 5W)e#e?s &y 6i#l@5 sai$ Ro$ bl(ntly8

5C?&ell@5 sai$ t)e bea#-cas)ie#8 5)e 'aite$ )e#e a lon6 ti&e% b(t t)en s)e 'enton an$ s)e left t)is &essa6e% ?Tell &y &an C?#o$ t)at )e s)o(l$ eat befo#e follo'in6 &e%

b(t t)at ')en )e )as eaten )e can eit)e# follo' &e by 6oin6 to U1s)aft "o(#%

2#o(n$ Level% Hostel of t)e in6in6 Bi#$s% Roo& Nine% ')e#e I a& ta0in6 ca#e of an

off-'o#l$ visito#% o# )e can sen$ a #obot to &e an$ I 'ill co&e to )i&8? Don?t yo( t)in0%

cat-si#% t)at I?ve $one 'ell% #e&e&be#in6 so co&1licate$ a &essa6e@5 T)e bea#-&an

fl(s)e$ a little an$ t)e e$6e 'ent off )is 1#i$e as )e confesse$% fo# t)e sa0e of so&e

abst#act )onesty% 5Of co(#se% t)at a$$#ess 1a#t% I '#ote t)at $o'n8 It 'o(l$ be ve#y ba$

an$ ve#y conf(sin6 if I sent yo( to t)e '#on6 a$$#ess in 1eo1le?s co(nt#y8 o&ebo$y

&i6)t b(#n yo( $o'n if yo( ca&e into an (na(t)o#ie$ co##i$o#85

5"is)% t)en%5 sai$ Ro$8 5A fis) $inne#% 1lease85

He 'on$e#e$ ')y C?&ell% 'it) )is life in t)e balance% 'o(l$ 6o off to anot)e#

visito#8 Even as )e t)o(6)t t)is% )e $etecte$ t)e &ean ealo(sy be)in$ it% an$ )e

confesse$ to )i&self t)at )e )a$ no i$ea of t)e te#&s% con$itions% o# )o(#s o# 'o#0

#e(i#e$ in t)e 6i#ly6i#l b(siness8

He sat $(lly on t)e benc)% 'aitin6 fo# )is foo$8

T)e (1#oa# Of HATE HALL 'as still in )is &in$% t)e 1at)os of )is 1a#ents%

t)ose $yin6 $issolvin6 &ani0ins% 'as b#o(6)t 'it)in )is )ea#t% an$ )is bo$y t)#obbe$

'it) t)e fati6(e of t)e o#$eal8

I$ly )e as0e$ t)e bea#-cas)ie#% 5Ho' lon6 )as it been since I 'as )e#e@5T)e bea#-cas)ie# loo0e$ at t)e cloc0 on t)e 'all% 5Abo(t fo(#teen )o(#s% 'o#t)y

cat85

5Ho' lon6 is t)at in #eal ti&e@5 Ro$ 'as t#yin6 to co&1a#e No#st#ilian )o(#s

'it) Ea#t) )o(#s8 He t)o(6)t t)at Ea#t) )o(#s 'e#e one-sevent) s)o#te#% b(t )e 'as not

s(#e8

T)e bea#-&an 'as co&1letely baffle$% 5If yo( &ean 6alactic navi6ation ti&e%

$ea# 6(est% 'e neve# (se t)at $o'n )e#e any)o'8 A#e t)e#e any ot)e# 0in$s of ti&e@5

Ro$ #ealie$ )is &ista0e an$ t#ie$ to co##ect it8 5It $oesn?t &atte#8 I a& t)i#sty8

W)at is la'f(l fo# (n$e#1eo1le to $#in0@ I a& ti#e$ an$ t)i#sty% bot)% b(t I )ave no$esi#e to beco&e t)e least bit $#(n085



5ince yo( a#e a c?&an%5 sai$ t)e bea#-cas)ie#% 5I #eco&&en$ st#on6 blac0

coffee &i3e$ 'it) s'eet ')i11e$ c#ea&85

5I )ave no &oney%5 sai$ Ro$8

5T)e fa&o(s cat-&a$a&e% C?&ell yo(# conso#t% )as 6(a#antee$ 1ay&ent fo#

anyt)in6 at all t)at yo( o#$e#85

52o a)ea$% t)en85

T)e bea#-&an calle$ a #obot ove# an$ 6ave )i& t)e o#$e#s8

Ro$ sta#e$ at t)e 'all% 'on$e#in6 ')at )e 'as 6oin6 to $o 'it) t)is Ea#t) )e

)a$ bo(6)t8 He 'asn?t t)in0in6 ve#y )a#$% (st &(sin6 i$ly8 A voice c(t $i#ectly into )is

&in$8 He #ealie$ t)at t)e bea#-&an 'as s1ie0in6 to )i& an$ t)at )e co(l$ )ie# it8

5Yo( a#e not an (n$e#&an% si# an$ &aste#85

5W)at@5 s1ie0e$ Ro$8

5Yo( )ea#$ &e%5 sai$ t)e tele1at)ic voice8 5I a& not 6oin6 to #e1eat it8 If yo(

co&e in t)e si6n of t)e "is)% &ay blessin6s be (1on yo(85

5I $on?t 0no' t)at si6n%5 sai$ Ro$8

5T)en%5 s1ie0e$ t)e bea#-&an% 5no &atte# ')o yo( a#e% &ay yo( eat an$ $#in0

in 1eace beca(se yo( a#e a f#ien$ of C?&ell an$ yo( a#e (n$e# t)e 1#otection of t)e One

W)o Lives in Do'n$ee185

5I $on?t 0no'%5 s1ie0e$ Ro$% 5I (st $on?t 0no'% b(t I t)an0 yo( fo# yo(#

'elco&e% f#ien$85

5I $o not 6ive s(c) 'elco&es li6)tly%5 sai$ t)e bea#-&an% 5an$ o#$ina#ily I'o(l$ be #ea$y to #(n a'ay f#o& anyt)in6 as st#an6e an$ $an6e#o(s an$ (ne31laine$

as yo(#self% b(t yo( b#in6 'it) yo( t)e (ality of 1eace% ')ic) &a$e &e t)in0 t)at yo(

&i6)t t#avel in t)e fello's)i1 of t)e si6n of t)e "is)8 I )ave )ea#$ t)at in t)at si6n%

1eo1le an$ (n$e#1eo1le #e&e&be# t)e blesse$ Koan an$ &in6le in co&1lete

co&#a$es)i185

5No%5 sai$ Ro$% 5no8 I t#avel alone85

His foo$ an$ $#in0 ca&e8 He cons(&e$ t)e& (ietly8 T)e bea#-cas)ie# )a$

6iven )i& a table an$ benc) fa# f#o& t)e se#vin6 tables an$ a'ay f#o& t)e ot)e#

(n$e#1eo1le ')o $#o11e$ in% inte##(1tin6 t)ei# tal0s% eatin6 in a )(##y so t)at t)ey

co(l$ 6et bac0 in a )(##y8 He sa' one 'olf- &an% 'ea#in6 t)e insi6ne of A(3ilia#yPolice% ')o ca&e to t)e 'all% fo#ce$ )is i$entity- ca#$ into a slot% o1ene$ )is &o(t)%

bolte$ $o'n five la#6e c)(n0s of #e$% #a' &eat an$ left t)e co&&issa#y% all in less t)an

one an$ one-)alf &in(tes8 Ro$ 'as a&ae$% b(t not i&1#esse$8 He )a$ too &(c) on )is

&in$8

At t)e $es0 )e confi#&e$ t)e a$$#ess ')ic) C?&ell )a$ left% offe#e$ t)e bea#-

&an a )an$s)a0e% an$ 'ent alon6 to U1s)aft "o(#8 He still loo0e$ li0e a c?&an an$ )e

ca##ie$ )is 1ac0a6e ale#tly an$ )(&bly% as )e )a$ seen ot)e# (n$e#1eo1le be)ave in t)e

1#esence of #eal 1e#sons8

He al&ost &et $eat) on t)e 'ay8 U1s)aft "o(# 'as one-$i#ectional an$ 'as

1lainly &a#0e$% 5Peo1le Only85 Ro$ $i$ not li0e t)e loo0s of it% as lon6 as )e &ove$ in

a cat-&an bo$y% b(t )e $i$ not t)in0 t)at C?&ell 'o(l$ 6ive )i& $i#ections '#on6ly o#



li6)tly8 Late#% )e fo(n$ t)at s)e )a$ fo#6otten t)e 1)#ase% 51ecial b(siness (n$e# t)e

1#otection of Kestocost% a C)ief of t)e Inst#(&entality%5 if )e 'e#e to be c)allen6e$ b(t

)e $i$ not 0no' t)e 1)#ase8

An a##o6ant )(&an &an% 'ea#in6 a billo'in6 #e$ cloa0% loo0e$ at )i& s)a#1ly as

)e too0 a belt% )oo0e$ it an$ ste11e$ into t)e s)aft8 W)en Ro$ ste11e$ f#ee% )e an$ t)e

&an 'e#e on a level8

Ro$ t#ie$ to loo0 li0e a )(&ble% &o$est &essen6e#% b(t t)e st#an6e voice 6#ate$

)is ea#s4 5K(st ')at $o yo( t)in0 yo( a#e $oin6@ T)is is a )(&an s)aft85

Ro$ 1#eten$e$ t)at )e $i$ not 0no' it 'as )i&self ')o& t)e #e$-cloa0e$ &an

'as a$$#essin68 He contin(e$ to float (ietly (1'a#$% )is &a6net-belt t(66in6

(nco&fo#tably at )is 'aist8

A 1ain in t)e #ibs &a$e )i& t(#n s($$enly% al&ost losin6 )is balance in t)e belt8

5Ani&alF5 c#ie$ t)e &an% 51ea0 (1 o# $ie85

till )ol$in6 )is 1ac0a6e of boo0s% Ro$ sai$ &il$ly% 5I?& on an e##an$ an$ I 'astol$ to 6o t)is 'ay85

T)e &an?s senseless )ostility 6ave calibe# to )is voice4 5An$ ')o tol$ yo(@5

5C?&ell%5 sai$ Ro$ absently8

T)e &an an$ )is co&1anions la(6)e$ at t)at% an$ fo# so&e #eason t)ei#

la(6)te# )a$ no )(&o# in it% (st sava6e#y% c#(elty% an$ - 'ay $o'n (n$e#neat) -

so&et)in6 of fea#8 5Listen to t)at%5 sai$ t)e &an in a #e$ cloa0% 5one ani&al says

anot)e# ani&al tol$ it to $o so&et)in685 He ')i11e$ o(t a 0nife8

5W)at a#e yo( $oin6@5 c#ie$ Ro$8

5K(st c(ttin6 yo(# belt%5 sai$ t)e &an8 5T)e#e?s nobo$y at all belo' (s an$ yo(

'ill &a0e a nice #e$ blob at t)e botto& of t)e s)aft% cat-&an8 T)at o(6)t to teac) yo(

')ic) s)aft to (se85

T)e &an act(ally #eac)e$ ove# an$ seie$ Ro$?s belt8 He lifte$ t)e 0nife to slas)8

Ro$ beca&e f#i6)tene$ an$ an6#y8 His b#ain #an #e$8 He s1at t)o(6)ts at t)e& -

1o&&yF s)o#tieF Ea#t)ie

#e$ $i#ty bl(e stin0in6 little &an% $ie% 1(0e% b(#st% blae% $ieF

It all ca&e o(t in a sin6le flas)% faste# t)an )e co(l$ cont#ol it8 T)e #e$-cloa0e$

&an t'iste$ o$$ly% as if in s1as&8 His t'o co&1anions t)#es)e$ in t)ei# belts8 T)ey

t(#ne$ slo'ly8

Hi6) above t)e&% t'o 'o&en be6an sc#ea&in68"(#t)e# (1 a &an 'as s)o(tin6% bot) 'it) )is voice an$ 'it) )is &in$% 5PoliceF

Hel1F PoliceF PoliceF B#ainbo&bF B#ainbo&bF Hel1F5

T)e efflo#t of )is tele1at)ic e31losion left Ro$ feelin6 $iso#iente$ an$ 'ea08 He

s)oo0 )is )ea$ an$ blin0e$ )is eyes8 He sta#te$ to 'i1e )is face% only to )it )i&self on

t)e a' 'it) t)e 1ac0a6e of boo0s% ')ic) )e still ca##ie$8 T)is a#o(se$ )i& a little8 He

loo0e$ at t)e t)#ee &en8 Re$-cloa0 'as $ea$% )is )ea$ at an o$$ an6le8 T)e ot)e# t'o

see&e$ to be $ea$8 One 'as floatin6 (1si$e $o'n% )is #(&1 1ointin6 (1&ost an$ t)e

t'o li&1 le6s s'in6in6 o(t at o$$ an6les t)e ot)e# 'as #i6)t-si$e (1 b(t )a$ sa66e$ in

)is belt8 All t)#ee of t)e& 0e1t &ovin6 a stea$y ten &ete#s a &in(te% #i6)t alon6 'it)

Ro$8

T)e#e 'e#e st#an6e so(n$s f#o& above8



An eno#&o(s voice% fillin6 t)e s)aft 'it) its vol(&e% #oa#e$ $o'n4 5tay ')e#e

yo( a#e8 Police8 Police8 Police85

Ro$ 6lance$ at t)e bo$ies floatin6 (1'a#$8 A co##i$o# ca&e by8 He #eac)e$ fo#

t)e 6#i1- ba#% &a$e it% an$ s'(n6 )i&self into t)e )o#iontal 1assa6e8 He sat $o'n

i&&e$iately% not 6ettin6 a'ay f#o& t)e (1s)aft8 He t)o(6)t s)a#1ly 'it) )is ne')ie#in68 E3cite$% f#antic &in$s beat all a#o(n$ )i&% loo0in6 fo# ene&ies% l(natics%

c#i&es% aliens% anyt)in6 st#an6e8

oftly )e be6an s1ie0in6 to t)e e&1ty co##i$o# an$ to )i&self% 5I a& a $(&b cat8

I a& t)e &essen6e# C?#o$8 I &(st ta0e t)e boo0s to t)e 6entle&an f#o& t)e sta#s8 I a& a

$(&b cat8 I $o not 0no' &(c)85

A #obot% 6lea&in6 'it) t)e o#na&ental bo$y-a#&o# of ol$ Ea#t)% lan$e$ at )is

c#oss-co##i$o#% loo0e$ at Ro$ an$ calle$ (1 t)e s)aft% 5!aste#% )e#e?s one8 A c?&an 'it)

a 1ac0a6e85

A yo(n6 s(bc)ief ca&e into vie'% feet fi#st as )e &ana6e$ to #i$e $o'n t)es)aft instea$ of 6oin6 (1 it8 He seie$ t)e ceilin6 of t)e t#ansve#se co##i$o#% 6ave

)i&self a 1(s) an$ once f#ee of t)e s)aft?s &a6netis& $#o11e$ )eavily on )is feet

besi$e Ro$8 Ro$ )ie#e$ )i& t)in0in6% 5I?& 6oo$ at t)is8 I?& a 6oo$ tele1at)8 I clean

t)in6s (1 fast8 Loo0 at t)is $(&b cat85

Ro$ 'ent on concent#atin6% 5I?& a $(&b cat8 I )ave a 1ac0a6e to $elive#8 I?& a

$(&b cat85

T)e s(bc)ief loo0e$ $o'n at )i& sco#nf(lly8 Ro$ felt t)e ot)e#?s &in$ sli$e ove#

)is o'n in t)e #o(6) e(ivalent of a sea#c)8 He #e&aine$ #ela3e$ an$ t#ie$ to feel

st(1i$ ')ile t)e ot)e# )ie#e$ )i&8 Ro$ sai$ not)in68 T)e s(bc)ief flas)e$ )is baton

ove# t)e 1ac0a6e% eyein6 t)e c#ystal 0nob at t)e en$8

5Boo0s%5 )e sno#te$8 Ron no$$e$8

5Yo(%5 sai$ t)e b#i6)t yo(n6 s(bc)ief% 5yo( see bo$ies@5

He s1o0e in a 1ainf(lly clea#% al&ost c)il$is) ve#sion of t)e Ol$ Co&&on

Ton6(e8 Ro$ )el$ (1 t)#ee fin6e#s an$ t)en 1ointe$ (1'a#$8

5Yo(% cat-&an% yo( feel t)e b#ainbo&bF5

Ro$% be6innin6 to enoy t)e 6a&e% t)#e' )is )ea$ bac0'a#$ an$ let o(t a cattis)

yo'l e31#essin6 1ain8 T)e s(bc)ief co(l$ not )el1 cla11in6 )is )an$s ove# )is ea#s8 He

sta#te$ to t(#n a'ay% 5I can see ')at yo( t)in0 of it% cat-fello'8 Yo(?#e 1#etty st(1i$%

a#en?t yo(@5

till t)in0in6 lo' $(ll t)o(6)ts as evenly as )e co(l$% Ro$ sai$ 1#o&1tly an$

&o$estly% 5!e s&a#t cat8 ;e#y )an$so&e too85

5Co&e alon6%5 sai$ t)e s(bc)ief to )is #obot% $is#e6a#$in6 Ro$ alto6et)e#8 Ro$

1l(c0e$ at )is sleeve8

T)e s(bc)ief t(#ne$ bac08

;e#y )(&bly Ro$ sai$% 5i# an$ &aste#% ')ic) 'ay% Hostel of in6in6 Bi#$s%

Roo& Nine@5 5!ot)e# of 1oo$lesF5 c#ie$ t)e s(bc)ief8 5I?& on a &(#$e# case an$ t)is

$(&b cat as0s &e fo#

$i#ections85 He 'as a $ecent yo(n6 &an an$ )e t)o(6)t fo# a &in(te8 5T)is 'ay

-5 sai$ )e% 1ointin6 (1 t)e (1s)aft - 5it?s t'enty &o#e &ete#s an$ t)en t)e t)i#$ st#eet

ove#8 B(t t)at?s ?1eo1le only8? It?s abo(t a 0ilo&ete# ove# to t)e ste1s fo# ani&als85 He



stoo$% f#o'nin6% an$ t)en s'(n6 on one of )is #obots4 5W(s)?% yo( see t)is catF5

5Yes% &aste#% a cat-&an% ve#y )an$so&e85

5o yo( t)in0 )e?s )an$so&e% too8 He al#ea$y t)in0s so% so t)at &a0es it

(nani&o(s8 He &ay be )an$so&e% b(t )e?s $(&b8 W(s)?% ta0e t)is cat-&an to t)e

a$$#ess )e tells yo(8 Use t)e (1s)aft by &y a(t)o#ity8 Don?t 1(t a belt on )i&% (st )(6)i&85

Ro$ 'as i&&eas(#eably 6#atef(l t)at )e )a$ sli11e$ )is s)aftbelt off an$ left it

ne6li6ently on t)e #ac0 (st befo#e t)e #obot a##ive$8

T)e #obot seie$ )i& a#o(n$ t)e 'aist 'it) ')at 'as lite#ally a 6#i1 of i#on8

T)ey $i$ not 'ait fo# t)e slo' (1'a#$ &a6netic $#ive of t)e s)aft to lift t)e&8 T)e

#obot )a$ so&e 0in$ of a et in )is bac01ac0 an$ lifte$ Ro$ 'it) sic0enin6 s1ee$ to t)e

ne3t level8 He 1(s)e$ Ro$ into t)e co##i$o# an$ follo'e$ )i&8

5W)e#e $o yo( 6o@5 sai$ t)e #obot% ve#y 1lainly8

Ro$ concent#atin6 on feelin6 st(1i$ (st in case so&eone &i6)t still be t#yin6 to

)ie# )is &in$% sai$ slo'ly an$ st(&blin6ly% 5Hostel of t)e in6in6 Bi#$s% Roo& Nine85

T)e #obot sto11e$ still% as t)o(6) )e 'e#e co&&(nicatin6 tele1at)ically%

b(t Ro$?s &in$% t)o(6) ale#t% co(l$ catc) not t)e faintest ')is1e# of tele1at)ic

co&&(nication8 5Hot b(tte#e$ s)ee1F5 t)o(6)t Ro$% 5)e?s (sin6 #a$io to c)ec0 t)e

a$$#ess 'it) )is )ea$(a#te#s #i6)t f#o& )e#eF5

W(s)? a11ea#e$ to be $oin6 (st t)at8 He ca&e to in a &o&ent8 T)ey e&e#6e$

(n$e# t)e s0y% fille$ 'it) Ea#t)?s o'n &oon% t)e loveliest t)in6 t)at Ro$ )a$ eve# seen8

He $i$ not $a#e to sto1 an$ enoy t)e scene#y% b(t )e t#otte$ lit)ely besi$e t)e #obot

1olice&an8

T)ey ca&e $o'n a #oa$ 'it) )eavy% scente$ flo'e#s8 T)e 'et 'a#& ai# of

Ea#t) s1#ea$ t)e s'eetness eve#y')e#e8

On t)ei# #i6)t t)e#e 'as a co(#tya#$ 'it) co1ies of ancient fo(ntains% a $inin6

s1ace no' co&1letely e&1ty of $ine#s% a #obot 'aite# in t)e co#ne#% an$ &any

in$ivi$(al #oo&s o1enin6 on t)e 1laa8

T)e #obot 1olice&an calle$ to t)e #obot 'aite#% 5W)e#e?s n(&be# nine@5

T)e 'aite# ans'e#e$ )i& 'it) a liftin6 of t)e )an$ an$ an o$$ t'ist of t)e '#ist%

t'ice #e1eate$% ')ic) t)e #obot-1olice&an see&e$ to (n$e#stan$ 1e#fectly 'ell8

5Co&e alon6%5 )e sai$ to Ro$% lea$in6 t)e 'ay to an o(tsi$e stai#'ay ')ic)

#eac)e$ (1 to an o(tsi$e balcony se#vin6 t)e secon$ sto#y of #oo&s8 One of t)e #oo&s

)a$ a 1lain n(&be# nine on it8

Ro$ 'as abo(t to tell t)e #obot 1olice&an t)at )e co(l$ see t)e n(&be# nine%

')en W(s)?% 'it) officio(s 0in$ness% too0 t)e $oo#0nob an$ fl(n6 it o1en 'it) a 6est(#e

of 'elco&e to Ro$8

T)e#e 'as t)e 6#eat co(6) of a )eavy 6(n an$ W(s)?% )is )ea$ blo'n al&ost

co&1letely off% clan0e$ &etallically to t)e i#on floo# of t)e balcony8 Ro$

instinctively (&1e$ fo# cove# an$ flattene$ )i&self a6ainst t)e 'all of t)e b(il$in68

A )an$so&e &an% 'ea#in6 ')at see&e$ to be a blac0 s(it% ca&e into t)e

$oo#'ay% a )eavy- calibe# 1olice 1istol in )is )an$8



5O)% t)e#e yo( a#e%5 sai$ )e to Ro$% evenly eno(6)8 5Co&e on in85

Ro$ felt )is le6s 'o#0in6% felt )i&self 'al0in6 into t)e #oo& $es1ite t)e effo#t

of )is &in$ to #esist8 He sto11e$ 1#eten$in6 to be a $(&b cat8 He $#o11e$ t)e boo0s on

t)e 6#o(n$ an$ 'ent bac0 to t)in0in6 li0e )is no#&al Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian self% $es1ite

t)e cat bo$y8 It $i$ no 6oo$8 He 0e1t on 'al0in6 invol(nta#ily% an$ ente#e$ t)e #oo&8

As )e 1asse$ t)e &an )i&self% )e 'as conscio(s of a stic0y s'eet #otten s&ell%

li0e not)in6 )e )a$ eve# s&elle$ befo#e8 He also sa' t)at t)e &an% t)o(6) f(lly clot)e$%

'as so11in6 'et8

He ente#e$ t)e #oo&8 It 'as #ainin6 insi$e8

o&ebo$y )a$ a&&e$ t)e fi#e-s1#in0le# syste& so t)at a stea$y #ain fell f#o&

t)e ceilin6 to t)e floo#8

C?&ell stoo$ in t)e &i$$le of t)e #oo&% )e# 6lo#io(s #e$ )ai# a 'et st#in6y &o1

)an6in6 $o'n )e# s)o(l$e#s8 T)e#e 'as a loo0 of concent#ation an$ ala#& on )e# face85I5 sai$ t)e &an% 5a& Tosti6 A&a#al8 T)is 6i#l sai$ t)at )e# )(sban$ 'o(l$ co&e

'it) a 1olice&an8 I $i$ not t)in0 s)e 'as #i6)t8 B(t s)e 'as #i6)t8 Wit) t)e cat-)(sban$

t)e#e co&es a 1olice&an8 I s)oot t)e 1olice&an8 He is a #obot an$ I can 1ay t)e Ea#t)

6ove#n&ent fo# as &any #obots as I li0e8 Yo( a#e a cat8 I can 0ill yo( also% an$ 1ay t)e

c)a#6es on yo(8 B(t I a& a nice &an% an$ I 'ant to &a0e love 'it) yo(# little #e$ cat

ove# t)e#e% so I 'ill be 6ene#o(s an$ 1ay yo( so&et)in6 so t)at yo( can tell )e# s)e is

&ine an$ not yo(#s8 Do yo( (n$e#stan$ t)at% cat-&an@5

Ro$ fo(n$ )i&self #elease$ f#o& t)e (ne31laine$ &(sc(la# bon$s ')ic) )a$

)a&1e#e$ )is f#ee$o&8

5!y lo#$% &y &aste# f#o& afa#%5 )e sai$% 5C?&ell is an (n$e#1e#son8 It is t)e la'

)e#e t)at if an (n$e#1e#son an$ a 1e#son beco&e involve$ in love% t)e (n$e#1e#son $ies

an$ t)e )(&an 1e#son 6ets b#ainsc#(bbe$8 I a& s(#e% &y &aste#% t)at yo( 'o(l$ not

'ant to be b#ainsc#(bbe$ by t)e Ea#t) a(t)o#ities8 Let t)e 6i#l 6o8 I a6#ee t)at yo( can

1ay fo# t)e #obot85

A&a#al 6li$e$ ac#oss t)e #oo&8 His face 'as 1ale% 1et(lant% )(&an% b(t Ro$ sa'

t)at t)e blac0 clot)es 'e#e not clot)es at all8

T)e 5clot)in65 'as &(co(s &e&b#anes% an e3tension of A&a#al?s livin6 s0in8

T)e 1ale face t(#ne$ even &o#e 1ale 'it) #a6e8

5Yo(?#e a bol$ cat-&an to tal0 li0e t)at8 !y bo$y is bi66e# t)an yo(#s% an$ it is 1oisono(s as 'ell8 We )ave )a$ to live )a#$ in t)e #ain of A&aonas T#iste% an$ 'e

)ave &ental an$ 1)ysical 1o'e#s ')ic) yo( )a$ bette# not $ist(#b8 If yo( 'ill not ta0e

1ay&ent% 6o a'ay any)o'8 T)e 6i#l is &ine8 W)at )a11ens to )e# is &y b(siness8 If I

violate Ea#t) #e6(lations% I 'ill $est#oy t)e c?6i#l an$ 1ay fo# )e#8 2o a'ay% o# yo( $ie85

Ro$ s1o0e 'it) $elibe#ate cal& an$ 'it) calc(late$ #is08 5Citien% I 1lay no

6a&e8 I a& not a cat-&an b(t a s(bect of He# Absent !aesty t)e <(een% f#o& Ol$

No#t) A(st#alia8 I 6ive yo( 'a#nin6 t)at it is a &an yo( face% an$ no &e#e ani&al8 Let

t)at 6i#l 6o85

C?&ell st#(66le$ as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e t#yin6 to s1ea0% b(t co(l$ not8

A&a#al la(6)e$% 5T)at?s a lie% ani&al% an$ a bol$ oneF I a$&i#e yo( fo# t#yin6 to

save yo(# &ate8 B(t s)e is &ine8 )e is a 6i#ly6i#l an$ t)e Inst#(&entality 6ave )e# to



&e8 )e is &y 1leas(#e8 2o% bol$ catF Yo( a#e a 6oo$ lia#85

Ro$ too0 )is last c)ance8 5can &e if yo( 'ill85 He stoo$ )is 6#o(n$8

A&a#al?s &in$ #an ove# )is 1e#sonality li0e filt)y )an$s 1a'in6 na0e$ fles)8 Ro$

#ecoile$ at t)e $i#tiness an$ inti&acy of bein6 felt by s(c) a 1e#son?s t)o(6)ts% beca(se

)e co(l$ sense t)e 0in$s of 1leas(#e an$ c#(elty ')ic) A&a#al )a$ e31e#ience$8 He

stoo$ fi#&% cal&% s(#e% (st8 He 'as not 6oin6 to leave C?&ell 'it) t)is - t)is &onste#

f#o& t)e sta#s% &an t)o(6) )e &i6)t be% of t)e ol$ t#(e )(&an stoc08

A&a#al la(6)e$8 5Yo(?#e a &an% all #i6)t8 A boy8 A fa#&e#8 An$ yo( cannot )ie#

o# s1ie0 e3ce1t fo# t)e b(tton in yo(# ea#8 2et o(t% c)il$% befo#e I bo3 yo(# ea#sF5

Ro$ s1o0e4 5A&a#al% I )e#e'it) 1(t yo( in $an6e#85 A&a#al $i$ not #e1ly 'it)

'o#$s8

His 1ea0e$ s)a#1 face 6#e' 1ale# an$ t)e fol$s of )is s0in $ilate$8 T)ey

(ive#e$% li0e t)e e$6es of 'et to#n balloons8 T)e #oo& be6an to fill 'it) a sic0enin6

s'eet stenc)% as t)o(6) it 'e#e a can$y s)o1 in ')ic) (nb(#ie$ bo$ies )a$ $ie$ 'ee0s

befo#e8 T)e#e 'as a s&ell of vanilla% of s(6a#% of f#es) )ot coo0ies% of ba0e$ b#ea$% of c)ocolate boilin6 in t)e 1ot t)e#e 'as even a ')iff of st#oon8 B(t as A&a#al tense$

an$ s)oo0 o(t )is a(3ilia#y s0ins eac) s&ell t(#ne$ '#on6% into a ca#icat(#e an$

abo&ination of itself8 T)e co&1osite 'as )y1notic8 Ro$ 6lance$ at C?&ell8 )e )a$

t(#ne$ co&1letely ')ite8

T)at $eci$e$ )i&8

T)e cal& ')ic) )e )a$ fo(n$ 'it) t)e Cat&aste#% &i6)t be 6oo$% b(t t)e#e 'e#e

&o&ents fo# cal& an$ ot)e# &o&ents fo# an6e#8

Ro$ $elibe#ately c)ose an6e#8

He felt f(#y #isin6 in )i& as )ot an$ (ic0 an$ 6#ee$y as if it )a$ been love8 He

felt )is )ea#t 6o faste#% )is &(scles beco&e st#on6e#% )is &in$ clea#e#8 A&a#al

a11a#ently )a$ total confi$ence in )is o'n 1oisono(s an$ )y1notic 1o'e#s% beca(se )e

'as sta#in6 st#ai6)tfo#'a#$ as )is s0ins s'elle$ an$ 'ave$ in t)e ai# li0e 'et leaves

(n$e# 'ate#8 T)e stea$y $#ile f#o& t)e s1#in0le# 0e1t eve#yt)in6 1enet#atin6ly 'et8

Ro$ $is#e6a#$e$ t)is8 He 'elco&e$ f(#y8

Wit) )is ne' )ie#in6 $evice% )e foc(se$ on A&a#al?s &in$% an$ only on

A&a#al?s8 A&a#al sa' t)e &ove&ent of )is eyes an$ ')i11e$ a 0nife into vie'8

5!an o# cat% yo(?#e $yin6F5 sai$ A&a#al% )i&self )ot 'it) t)e e3cite&ent of )ate

an$ collision8 Ro$ t)en s1o0e% in )is 'o#st sc#ea& - beast% filt)% offal - s1ot% $i#t% vileness% 'et% nasty

$ie% $ie% $ieF

He 'as s(#e it 'as t)e lo($est c#y )e )a$ eve# 6iven8 T)e#e 'as no ec)o% no

effect8 A&a#al sta#e$ at )i&% t)e evil 0nife-1oint flic0e#in6 in )is )an$ li0e t)e fla&e

ato1 a can$le8

Ro$?s an6e# #eac)e$ a ne' )ei6)t8

He felt 1ain in )is &in$ ')en )e 'al0e$ fo#'a#$% c#a&1s in )is &(scles as )e

(se$ t)e&8 He felt a #eal fea# of t)e off-'o#l$ 1oison ')ic) t)is &an-c#eat(#e &i6)t

e3($e% b(t t)e t)o(6)t of C?&ell - cat o# no cat - alone 'it) A&a#al 'as eno(6) to

6ive )i& t)e #a6e of a beast an$ t)e st#en6t) of a &ac)ine8



Only at t)e ve#y last &o&ent $i$ A&a#al #ealie Ro$ )a$ b#o0en loose8

Ro$ neve# co(l$ tell ')et)e# t)e tele1at)ic sc#ea& )a$ #eally )(#t t)e 'et-

'o#l$e# o# not% beca(se )e $i$ so&et)in6 ve#y si&1le8

He #eac)e$ 'it) all t)e s1ee$ of a No#st#ilian fa#&e#% snatc)e$ t)e 0nife f#o&

A&a#al?s )an$% #i11in6 fol$s of soft% stic0y s0in 'it) it% an$ t)en slas)e$ t)e ot)e# &an

f#o& clavicle to clavicle8

He (&1e$ bac0 in ti&e to avoi$ t)e s1(#t of bloo$8

T)e 5'et blac0 s(it5 colla1se$ as A&a#al $ie$ on t)e floo#8

Ro$ too0 t)e $ae$ C?&ell by t)e a#& an$ le$ )e# o(t of t)e #oo&8 T)e ai# on

t)e balcony 'as f#es)% b(t t)e &(#$e#-s&ell of A&aonas T#iste 'as still (1on )i&8 He

0ne' t)at )e 'o(l$ )ate )i&self fo# 'ee0s% (st f#o& t)e &e&o#y of t)at s&ell8

T)e#e 'e#e ')ole a#&ies of #obots an$ 1olice o(tsi$e8 T)e bo$y of W(s)? )a$

been ta0en a'ay8 T)e#e 'as silence as t)ey e&e#6e$8T)en a clea#% civilie$% co&&an$in6 voice s1o0e f#o& t)e 1laa belo'% 5Is )e

$ea$@5 Ro$ no$$e$8

5"o#6ive &e fo# not co&in6 close#8 I a& t)e Lo#$ Kestocost8 I 0no' yo(%

C?#o$e#ic0% an$ I 0no' ')o yo( #eally a#e8 T)ese 1eo1le a#e all (n$e# &y o#$e#s8 Yo(

an$ t)e 6i#l can 'as) an$ #eclot)e yo(#selves in t)e #oo&s belo'8 T)en yo( can #(n a

ce#tain e##an$8 To&o##o'% at t)e secon$ )o(#% I 'ill see yo(85

Robots ca&e close to t)e& - a11a#ently #obots 'it) no sense of s&ell%

beca(se t)e f(lso&e stenc) $i$ not bot)e# t)e& in t)e least8 Peo1le ste11e$ o(t of t)ei#

'ay as t)ey 1asse$8

Ro$ 'as able to &(#&(#% 5C?&ell% a#e yo( all #i6)t@5

)e no$$e$ an$ s)e 6ave )i& a 'an s&ile8 T)en s)e fo#ce$ )e#self to s1ea08

5Yo( a#e b#ave% &iste# !cBan8 Yo( a#e even b#ave# t)an a cat85

T)e #obots se1a#ate$ t)e t'o of t)e&8 Wit)in &o&ents Ro$ fo(n$ little ')ite

&e$ical #obots ta0in6 )is clot)in6 off )i& 6ently% $eftly% an$ (ic0ly8 A )ot s)o'e#%

'it) a s&ell of &e$ication to it% 'as al#ea$y )issin6 in t)e bat)-stall8 Ro$ 'as ti#e$ of

'etness% ti#e$ of all t)is 'ate# eve#y')e#e% ti#e$ of 'et t)in6s an$ co&1licate$

1eo1le% b(t )e st(&ble$ into t)e s)o'e# 'it) 6#atit($e an$ )o1e8 He 'as still alive8

He )a$ (n0no'n f#ien$s8

An$ C?&ell8 C?&ell 'as safe85Is t)is%5 t)o(6)t Ro$% 5')at 1eo1le call love@5

T)e clean% stin6in6 ast#in6ency of t)e s)o'e# $#ove all t)o(6)ts f#o& )is &in$8

T'o of t)e little ')ite #obots )a$ follo'e$ )i& in8 He sat on a )ot% 'et 'oo$en benc)

an$ t)ey sc#(bbe$ )i& 'it) b#(s)es ')ic) felt as t)o(6) t)ey 'o(l$ #e&ove )is ve#y

s0in8

Bit by bit% t)e te##ible o$o# fa$e$8

CHAPTER E;EN4 BIRD% "AR UNDER2ROUND

ROD !CBAN WA TOO 'ea#y to 1#otest ')en t)e little ')ite #obots'#a11e$ )i& in an eno#&o(s to'el an$ le$ )i& into ')at loo0e$ li0e an o1e#atin6



#oo&8

A la#6e &an% 'it) a #e$-b#o'n s1a$e bea#$% ve#y (nco&&on on Ea#t) at t)is

ti&e% sai$% 5I a& Docto# ;o&act% t)e co(sin of t)e ot)e# Docto# ;o&act yo( &et on

!a#s8 I 0no' t)at yo( a#e not a cat% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan% an$ it is only &y

b(siness to c)ec0 (1 on yo(8 !ay I@5

5C?&ell -5 be6an Ro$8

5)e is 1e#fectly all #i6)t8 We )ave 6iven )e# a se$ative an$ fo# t)e ti&e

bein6 s)e is bein6 t#eate$ as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e a )(&an 'o&an8 Kestocost tol$ &e to

s(s1en$ t)e #(les in )e# case% an$ I $i$ so% b(t I t)in0 'e 'ill bot) )ave t#o(ble abo(t

t)e &atte# f#o& so&e of o(# collea6(es late# on85

5T#o(ble@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I?ll 1ay -5

5No% no% it?s not 1ay&ent8 It?s (st t)e #(le t)at $a&a6e$ (n$e#1eo1le s)o(l$ be

$est#oye$ an$ not 1(t in )os1itals8 !in$ yo(% I t#eat t)e& &yself no' an$ t)en% if I can

$o it on t)e sly8 B(t no' lets )ave a loo0 at yo(855W)y a#e 'e tal0in6@5 s1ie0e$ Ro$8 5Di$n?t yo( 0no' t)at I can )ie# no'@5

Instea$ of 6ettin6 a 1)ysical e3a&ination% Ro$ )a$ a 'on$e#f(l visit 'it) t)e

$octo#% in ')ic) t)ey $#an0 eno#&o(s 6lasses of a s'eet Ea#t) beve#a6e calle$ c)ai

by t)e ancient Pa#oss0i ones8 Ro$ #ealie$ t)at bet'een Re$la$y% t)e ot)e# $octo#

;o&act on !a#s% an$ t)e Lo#$ Kestocost on Ea#t)% )e )a$ been 'atc)e$ an$ 6(a#$e$ all

t)e 'ay t)#o(6)8 He fo(n$ t)at t)is $octo# ;o&act 'as a can$i$ate fo# a C)iefs)i1 of

t)e Inst#(&entality% an$ )e lea#ne$ so&et)in6 of t)e st#an6e tests #e(i#e$ fo# t)at

office8 He even fo(n$ t)at t)e $octo# 0ne' &o#e t)an )e $i$ )i&self abo(t )is o'n

financial 1osition% an$ t)at t)e act(a#ial balances of Ea#t) 'e#e sa66in6 'it) t)e 'ei6)t

of )is 'ealt)% since t)e inc#ease in t)e 1#ice of st#oon &i6)t lea$ to s)o#te# lives8 T)e$octo# an$ )e en$e$ by $isc(ssin6 t)e (n$e#1eo1le )e fo(n$ t)at t)e $octo# )a$ (st as

vivi$ an a$&i#ation fo# C?&ell as )e )i&self $i$8

T)e evenin6 en$e$ ')en Ro$ sai$% 5I?& yo(n6% $octo# an$ si#% an$ I slee1 'ell%

b(t I?& neve# 6oin6 to slee1 a6ain if yo( $on?t 6et t)at s&ell a'ay f#o& &e% I can s&ell

it insi$e &y nose85

T)e $octo# beca&e 1#ofessional8 He sai$% 5O1en yo(# &o(t) an$ b#eat)e #i6)t

into &y faceF5 Ro$ )esitate$ an$ t)en obeye$8

52#eat c#oo0e$ sta#sF5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5I can s&ell it too8 T)e#e?s a little bit in

yo(# (11e# #es1i#ato#y syste&% 1e#)a1s a little even in yo(# l(n6s8 Do yo( nee$ yo(#

sense of s&ell fo# t)e ne3t fe' $ays@5

Ro$ sai$ )e $i$ not8

5"ine%5 sai$ t)e $octo#8 5We can n(&b t)at section of t)e b#ain an$ $o it ve#y

6ently8 T)e#e?ll be no #esi$(al $a&a6e8 Yo( 'on?t s&ell anyt)in6 fo# ei6)t to ten $ays%

an$ by t)at ti&e t)e s&ell of A&a#al 'ill be 6one8 Inci$entally% yo( 'e#e c)a#6e$ 'it)

fi#st $e6#ee &(#$e#% t#ie$% an$ ac(itte$ - on t)e &atte# of Tosti6 A&a#al85

5Ho' co(l$ I be@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I 'asn?t even a##este$85

5T)e Inst#(&entality co&1(te#e$ it8 T)ey )a$ t)e ')ole scene on ta1e% since

A&a#al?s #oo& )as been (n$e# stea$y s(#veillance since yeste#$ay8 W)en )e 'a#ne$yo( t)at ')et)e# cat o# &an% yo( 'e#e $yin6% )e finis)e$ t)e case a6ainst )i&self8 T)at



'as a $eat) t)#eat an$ yo(# ac(ittal 'as fo# self-$efense85

Ro$ )esitate$ an$ t)en bl(#te$ o(t t)e t#(t)% 5An$ t)e &en in t)e s)aft@5

5T)e Lo#$s Kestocost an$ C#($elta an$ I tal0e$ it ove#8 We $eci$e$ to let t)e

&atte# $#o18 It 0ee1s t)e 1olice lively if t)ey )ave a fe' (nsolve$ c#i&es )e#e an$

t)e#e8 No' lie $o'n% so I can 0ill off t)at s&ell85

Ro$ lay $o'n8 T)e $octo# 1(t )is )ea$ in a cla&1 an$ calle$ in #obot assistants8

T)e s&ell- 0illin6 1#ocess 0noc0e$ )i& o(t% an$ ')en )e 'a0ene$% it 'as in a $iffe#ent

b(il$in68 He sat (1 in be$ an$ sa' t)e sea itself8 C?&ell 'as stan$in6 at t)e e$6e of t)e

'ate#8 He sniffe$8 He s&elle$ no salt% no 'et% no 'ate#% no A&a#al8 It 'as 'o#t) t)e

c)an6e8

C?&ell ca&e to )i&8 5!y $ea#% &y ve#y $ea#% &y si# an$ &aste#% b(t &y ve#y

$ea#F Yo( c)ance$ yo(# life fo# &e last ni6)t85

5I?& a cat &yself%5 la(6)e$ Ro$8

He lea1e$ f#o& t)e be$ an$ #an o(t to t)e 'ate# &a#6in8 T)e i&&ensity of bl(e 'ate# 'as inc#e$ible8 T)e ')ite 'aves 'e#e se1a#ate% $efinable &i#acles% eac)

one of t)e&8 He )a$ seen t)e enclose$ la0es of A(st#alia% b(t none of t)e& $i$ t)in6s

li0e t)is8

C?&ell )a$ t)e tact to stay silent till )e )a$ seen )is fill8 T)en s)e b#o0e t)e

ne's8

5Yo( o'n Ea#t)8 Yo( )ave 'o#0 to $o8 Eit)e# yo( stay )e#e - an$ be6in

st($yin6 )o' to &ana6e yo(# 1#o1e#ty% o# yo( 6o so&e')e#e else8 Eit)e# 'ay%

so&et)in6 a little bit sa$ is 6oin6 to )a11en8 To$ay85

He loo0e$ at )e# se#io(sly% )is 1aa&as fla11in6 in t)e 'et 'in$ ')ic) )e

co(l$ no lon6e# s&ell8

5I?& #ea$y%5 )e sai$8 5W)at is it@5 5Yo( lose &e85

5Is t)at all@5 )e la(6)e$8

C?&ell loo0e$ ve#y )(#t8 )e st#etc)e$ )e# fin6e#s as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e a ne#vo(s

cat loo0in6 fo# so&et)in6 to cla'8

5I t)o(6)t -5 sai$ s)e% an$ sto11e$8 )e sta#te$ a6ain% 5I t)o(6)t -5 )e

sto11e$ a6ain8 )e t(#ne$ to loo0 at )i&% sta#in6 f(lly% t#(stin6ly into )is face8 5Yo(?#e

s(c) a yo(n6 &an% b(t yo( can $o anyt)in68 Even a&on6 &en yo( a#e fie#ce an$

$eci$e$8 Tell &e% si# an$ &aste#% ')at - ')at $o yo( 'is)@5

5Not)in6 &(c)%5 )e s&ile$ at )e#% 5e3ce1t t)at I a& b(yin6 yo( an$ ta0in6 yo(

)o&e8 We can?t 6o to No#st#ilia (nless t)e la' c)an6es% b(t 'e can 6o to Ne' !a#s8

T)ey $on?t )ave any #(les t)e#e% none ')ic) a fe' tons of st#oon 'on?t 6et c)an6e$8

C?&ell% I?ll stay cat8 Will yo( &a##y &e@5

)e sta#te$ la(6)in6 b(t t)e la(6)te# t(#ne$ into 'ee1in68 )e )(66e$ )i& an$

b(#ie$ )e# face a6ainst )is c)est8 At last s)e 'i1e$ )e# tea#s off on )e# a#& an$ loo0e$

(1 at )i&4

5Poo# silly &eF Poo# silly yo(F Don?t yo( see it% &iste#% I a& a cat8 If I )a$

c)il$#en% t)ey 'o(l$ be cat-0ittens% eve#y one of t)e&% (nless I 'ent eve#y sin6le 'ee0

to 6et t)e 6enetic co$e #ecycle$ so t)at t)ey 'o(l$ t(#n o(t (n$e#1eo1le8 Don?t yo(

0no' t)at yo( an$ I can neve#y &a##y - not 'it) any #eal )o1e@ Besi$es% Ro$% t)e#e is



t)e ot)e# #(le8 Yo( an$ I cannot even see eac) ot)e# a6ain f#o& t)is s(nset on'a#$8

Ho' $o yo( t)in0 t)e Lo#$ Kestocost save$ &y life yeste#$ay@ Ho' $i$ )e 6et &e into

a )os1ital to be fl(s)e$ o(t of all t)ose A&a#al 1oisons@ Ho' $i$ )e b#ea0 al&ost all

t)e #(les of t)e boo0@5

T)e b#i6)tness )a$ 6one o(t of Ro$?s $ay8 5I $on?t 0no'%5 )e sai$ $(lly8

5By 1#o&isin6 t)e& I 'o(l$ $ie 1#o&1tly an$ obe$iently if t)e#e 'e#e any

&o#e i##e6(la#ities8 By sayin6 I 'as a nice ani&al8 A bi$$able one8 !y $eat) is )osta6e

fo# ')at yo( an$ I &(st $o8 It?s not a la'8 It?s so&et)in6 'o#se t)an a la' - it?s an

a6#ee&ent bet'een t)e Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality85

5I see%5 sai$ )e% (n$e#stan$in6 t)e lo6ic of it% b(t )atin6 t)e c#(el Ea#t)

c(sto&s ')ic) 1(t

C?&ell an$ )i&self to6et)e#% only to tea# t)e& a1a#t8

5Let?s 'al0 $o'n t)e beac)% Ro$%5 s)e sai$8 5Unless yo( 'ant yo(# b#ea0fast

fi#st of all88885 5O)% no%5 )e sai$8 B#ea0fastF a fl(tty c#(11 fo# all t)e b#ea0fasts on Ea#t)F

)e 'al0e$ as t)o(6) s)e )a$ not a ca#e in t)e 'o#l$% b(t t)e#e 'as an(n$e#tone of &eanin6 to )e# 'al0 ')ic) 'a#ne$ Ro$ t)at s)e 'as (1 to so&et)in68

It )a11ene$8

"i#st% s)e 0isse$ )i&% 'it) a 0iss )e #e&e&be#e$ t)e #est of )is life8

T)en% befo#e )e co(l$ say a 'o#$% s)e s1ie0e$8 B(t )e# s1ie0in6 'as not 'o#$s

o# i$eas at all8 It 'as sin6in6 of a )i6) 'il$ 0in$8 It 'as t)e &(sic ')ic) 'ent alon6

'it) )e# ve#y o'n 1oe&% ')ic) s)e )a$ s(n6 to )i& ato1 Ea#t)1o#t4



B(t it 'as not t)ose 'o#$s% not t)ose i$eas% even t)o(6) t)ey see&e$ s(btly

$iffe#ent t)is ti&e8 )e 'as $oin6 so&et)in6 ')ic) t)e best tele1at)s of Ol$ No#t)

A(st#alia )a$ t#ie$ in vain fo# t)o(san$s of yea#s to acco&1lis) - s)e 'as t#ans&ittin6

t)e &at)e&atical an$ 1#o1o#tional essence of &(sic #i6)t o(t of )e# &in$% an$ s)e 'as

$oin6 it 'it) a cla#ity an$ fo#ce ')ic) 'o(l$ )ave been 'o#t)y of a 6#eat o#c)est#a8 T)e

5)i6) 'in$ $#ivin65 f(6(e 0e1t #ec(##in68

He t(#ne$ )is eyes a'ay f#o& )e# to see t)e astonis)in6 t)in6 ')ic) 'as

)a11enin6 all a#o(n$ t)e&8 T)e ai#% t)e 6#o(n$% t)e sea 'e#e all beco&in6 t)ic0 'it)

life8 "is) flas)e$ o(t of bl(e 'aves8 Bi#$s ci#cle$ by t)e &(ltit($e a#o(n$ t)e&8 T)e

beac) 'as t)ic0 'it) little #(nnin6 bi#$s8 Do6s an$ #(nnin6 ani&als ')ic) )e )a$ neve# seen befo#e stoo$ #estlessly a#o(n$ C?&ell - )ecta#es of t)e&8

Ab#(1tly s)e sto11e$ )e# son68

Wit) ve#y )i6) vol(&e an$ cla#ity% s)e s1at co&&an$s in all $i#ections4 5T)in0

of 1eo1le85

5T)in0 of t)is cat an$ &e #(nnin6 a'ay so&e')e#e85 5T)in0 of s)i1s85

5Loo0 fo# st#an6e#s85

5T)in0 of t)in6s in t)e s0y85

Ro$ 'as 6la$ )e $i$ not )ave )is b#oa$-ban$ )ie#in6 co&e on% as it

so&eti&es )a$ $one at )o&e8 He 'as s(#e )e 'o(l$ )ave 6one $iy 'it) t)e 1ict(#esan$ t)e cont#a$ictions of it all8



)e )a$ 6#abbe$ )is s)o(l$e#s an$ 'as ')is1e#in6 fie#cely into )is ea#4

5Ro$% t)ey?ll cove# (s8 Please &a0e a t#i1 'it) &e% Ro$8 One last $an6e#o(s t#i18

Not fo# yo(8 Not fo# &e8 Not even fo# &an0in$8 "o# life% Ro$8 T)e Aitc) Eye 'ants to

see yo(85

5W)o?s t)e Aitc) Eye@5

5He?ll tell yo( t)e sec#et if yo( see )i&%5 s)e )isse$8 5Do it fo# &e% t)en% if yo(

$on?t t#(st &y i$eas85

He s&ile$8 5"o# yo(% C?&ell% yes85

5Don?t even t)in0 t)en% till yo( 6et t)e#e8 Don?t even as0 (estions8 K(st co&e

alon68 !illions of lives $e1en$ on yo(% Ro$85

)e stoo$ (1 an$ san6 a6ain% b(t t)e ne' son6 )a$ no 6#ief in it% no an6(is)% no

'ei#$ 0eenin6 f#o& s1ecies to s1ecies8 It 'as as cool an$ 1#etty as a &(sic bo3% as

si&1le as an ass(#e$ an$ )a11y 6oo$-bye8

T)e ani&als vanis)e$ so #a1i$ly t)at it 'as )a#$ to believe t)at le6ions of t)e&

)a$ so #ecently been t)e#e8

5T)at%5 sai$ C?&ell% 5s)o(l$ #attle t)e tele1at)ic &onito#s fo# a ')ile8 T)ey a#e

not ve#y i&a6inative any)o'% an$ ')en t)ey 6et so&et)in6 li0e t)is t)ey '#ite (1

#e1o#ts abo(t it8 T)en t)ey can?t (n$e#stan$ t)ei# #e1o#ts an$ soone# o# late# one of

t)e& as0s &e ')at I $i$8 I tell t)e& t)e t#(t)8 It?s si&1le85

5W)at a#e yo( 6oin6 to tell t)e& t)is ti&e@5 )e as0e$% as t)ey 'al0e$ bac0 to t)e

)o(se8 5T)at I )a$ so&et)in6 ')ic) I $i$ not 'ant t)e& to )ea#85

5T)ey 'on?t ta0e t)at85

5Of co(#se not% b(t t)ey 'ill s(s1ect &e of t#yin6 to be6 st#oon f#o& yo( to 6ive

to t)e (n$e#1eo1le85

5Do yo( 'ant so&e% C?&ell@5

5Of co(#se notF It?s ille6al an$ it 'o(l$ (st &a0e &e live lon6e# t)an &y

nat(#al life8 T)e

Cat&aste# is t)e only (n$e#1e#son ')o 6ets st#oon% an$ )e 6ets it by a s1ecial

vote of t)e Lo#$s85 T)ey )a$ #eac)e$ t)e )o(se8 C?&ell 1a(se$4

5Re&e&be#% 'e a#e t)e se#vants of t)e La$y "#ances O)8 )e 1#o&ise$ Kestocost

t)at s)e 'o(l$ o#$e# (s to $o anyt)in6 t)at I as0e$ )e# to $o8 o s)e?s 6oin6 to o#$e# (s

to )ave a 6oo$% )ea#ty b#ea0fast8 T)en s)e is 6oin6 to o#$e# (s to loo0 fo# so&et)in6 fa# (n$e# t)e s(#face of Ea#t)1o#t85

5)e is@ B(t ')y -5

5No (estions% Ro$85 T)e s&ile s)e 6ave )i& 'o(l$ )ave &elte$ a &on(&ent8

He felt 'ell8 He 'as a&(se$ an$ 1lease$ by t)e 1)ysical $eli6)t of )ie#in6 an$

s1ie0in6 'it) t)e occasional t#(e 1eo1le ')o 1asse$ by8 o&e (n$e#1eo1le co(l$ )ie#

an$ s1ie0 b(t t)ey t#ie$ to conceal it% fo# fea# t)at t)ey 'o(l$ be #esente$8 He felt

st#on68 Losin6 C?&ell 'as a sa$ t)in6 to $o% b(t it 'as a ')ole $ay off )e be6an

$#ea&in6 of t)in6s t)at )e co(l$ $o fo# )e# ')en t)ey 1a#te$8 B(yin6 )e# t)e

se#vices of t)o(san$s of 1eo1le fo# t)e #est of )e# life@ 2ivin6 )e# e'el#y ')ic) 'o(l$

be t)e envy of Ea#t) &an0in$@ Leasin6 )e# a 1#ivate 1lanofo#& yac)t@ He s(s1ecte$

t)ese &i6)t not be le6al% b(t t)ey 'e#e 1leasant to t)in0 abo(t8



T)#ee )o(#s late#% )e )a$ no ti&e fo# 1leasant t)o(6)ts8 He 'as bone-'ea#y

a6ain8 T)ey )a$ flo'n into Ea#t)1o#t city 5on t)e o#$e#s of5 t)ei# )ostess% t)e la$y O)%

an$ t)ey )a$ sta#te$ 6oin6 $o'n8 "o#ty-five &in(tes of $#o11in6 )a$ &a$e )is sto&ac)

ve#y (easy8 He felt t)e ai# 6o 'a#& an$ stale an$ )e 'is)e$ $es1e#ately t)at )e )a$

not 6iven (1 )is sense of s&ell8

W)e#e t)e $#o1s)afts en$e$% t)e t(nnels an$ t)e elevato#s be6an8

Do'n t)ey 'ent% ')e#e inc#e$ibly ol$ &ac)ine#y s1(n slo'ly in a s1#ay of oil

1e#fo#&in6 tas0s ')ic) only t)e 'il$est &in$ co(l$ 6(ess at8

In one #oo&% C?&ell )a$ sto11e$ an$ )a$ s)o(te$ at )i& ove# t)e noise of

en6ines% 5T)at?s a 1(&185

It $i$ loo0 obvio(s8 H(6e t(#bines &ove$ 'ea#ily8 T)ey see&e$ to be

)oo0e$ (1 to an eno#&o(s stea& en6ine 1o'e#e$ by n(clea# f(el8 "ive o# si3

b#i6)tly 1olis)e$ #obots eye$ t)e& s(s1icio(sly as t)ey 'al0e$ a#o(n$ t)e &ac)ine%

')ic) 'as at least ei6)ty &ete#s lon6 by fo#ty-five )i6)85An$ co&e )e#e88885 s)o(te$ C?&ell8

T)ey 'ent into anot)e# #oo&% e&1ty an$ clean an$ (iet e3ce1t fo# a #i6i$

col(&n of &ovin6 'ate# ')ic) s)ot f#o& floo# to ceilin6 'it) no evi$ence of

&ac)ine#y at all8 An (n$e#&an% slo11ily fo#&e$ f#o& a #at bo$y% 6ot (1 f#o& )is

#oc0in6 c)ai# ')en t)ey ente#e$8 He bo'e$ to C?&ell as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e a 6#eat la$y

b(t s)e 'ave$ )i& bac0 to )is c)ai#8

)e too0 Ro$ nea# t)e col(&n of 'ate# an$ 1ointe$ to a s)iny #in6 on t)e floo#8

5T)at?s t)e ot)e# 1(&18 T)ey $o t)e sa&e a&o(nt of 'o#085

5W)at is it@5 )e s)o(te$

5"o#ce-fiel$% I 6(ess8 I?& not an en6inee#85 T)ey 'ent on8

In a (iete# co##i$o# s)e e31laine$ t)at t)e 1(&1s 'e#e bot) of t)e& fo# t)e

se#vice of 'eat)e# cont#ol8 T)e ol$ one )a$ been #(nnin6 si3 o# seven t)o(san$ yea#s%

an$ s)o'e$ ve#y

little 'ea#8 W)en 1eo1le nee$e$ a s(11le&enta#y one% t)ey )a$ si&1ly 1#inte$ it

on 1lastic% set it in t)e floo#% an$ t(#ne$ it on 'it) a fe' a&1s8 T)e (n$e#&an 'as t)e#e

(st to &a0e s(#e t)at not)in6 b#o0e $o'n o# 'ent c#itical8 5Can?t #eal 1eo1le $esi6n

t)in6s any &o#e@5 as0e$ Re$8 5Only if t)ey 'ant to8 !a0in6 t)e& 'ant to $o t)in6s is

t)e )a#$ 1a#t no'85 5Yo( &ean% t)ey $on?t 'ant to $o anyt)in6@5 5Not e3actly%5 sai$C?&ell% 5b(t t)ey fin$ t)at 'e a#e bette# t)an t)ey a#e at al&ost anyt)in68 Real 'o#0%

t)at is% not states&ans)i1 li0e #(nnin6 t)e Inst#(&entality an$ t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent8

He#e an$ t)e#e a #eal )(&an bein6 6ets to 'o#0% an$ t)e#e a#e al'ays off'o#l$e#s li0e

yo( to sti&(late t)e& an$ c)allen6e t)e& 'it) ne' 1#oble&s8 B(t t)ey (se$ to )ave

sec(#e lives of fo(# )(n$#e$ yea#s% a co&&on lan6(a6e% an$ a stan$a#$ con$itionin68

T)ey 'e#e $yin6 off% (st by bein6 too 1e#fect8 One 'ay to 6et bette# 'o(l$ )ave

been to 0ill off (s (n$e#1eo1le% b(t t)ey co(l$n?t $o t)at all t)e 'ay8 T)e#e 'as too

&(c) &essy 'o#0 to be $one t)at yo( co(l$n?t co(nt on #obots fo#8 Even t)e best

#obot% if )e?s a co&1(te# lin0e$ to t)e &in$ of a &o(se% 'ill $o fine #o(tine% b(t

(nless )e )as a ve#y co&1lete )(&an e$(cation% )e?s 6oin6 to &a0e so&e 'il$

($6&ents ')ic) 'on?t s(it ')at 1eo1le 'ant8 o t)ey nee$ (n$e#1eo1le8 I?& still cat(n$e#neat) it all% b(t even t)e cats ')ic) a#e (nc)an6e$ a#e 1#etty close #elatives of



)(&an bein6s8 T)ey &a0e t)e sa&e basic c)oices bet'een 1o'e# an$ bea(ty% bet'een

s(#vival an$ self-sac#ifice% bet'een co&&on sense an$ )i6) co(#a6e8 o t)e La$y Alice

!o#e 'o#0e$ o(t t)is 1lan fo# t)e Re$iscove#y of !an8 et (1 t)e Ancient Nations%

6ive eve#ybo$y an e3t#a c(lt(#e besi$es t)e ol$ one base$ on t)e Ol$ Co&&on

Ton6(e% let t)e& 6et &a$ at eac) ot)e#% #esto#e so&e $isease% so&e $an6e#% so&e

acci$ents% b(t ave#a6e it o(t so t)at not)in6 is #eally c)an6e$85 T)ey )a$ co&e to asto#e#oo&% t)e s)ee# sie of ')ic) &a$e Ro$ blin08 T)e 6#eat #ece1tion )all at t)e to1

of Ea#t)1o#t )a$ asto(n$e$ )i& t)is #oo& 'as t'ice t)e sie8 T)e #oo& 'as fille$

'it) e3t#e&ely ancient ca#6oes ')ic) )a$ not even been (n1ac0e$ f#o& t)ei#

containe#s8 Ro$ co(l$ see t)at so&e 'e#e &a#0e$ o(tbo(n$ fo# 'o#l$s ')ic) no lon6e#

e3iste$% o# ')ic) )a$ c)an6e$ t)ei# na&es ot)e#s 'e#e inbo(n$% b(t no one )a$

(n1ac0e$ t)e& fo# five t)o(san$ yea#s an$ &o#e8 5W)at?s all t)is st(ff@5 5)i11in68

Tec)nolo6ical c)an6e8 o&ebo$y '#ote it all off t)e co&1(te#s% so t)ey $i$n?t )ave

to t)in0 of it any &o#e8 T)is is t)e t)in6 ')ic) (n$e#1eo1le an$ #obots a#e sea#c)in6%

to s(11ly t)e ancient a#tifacts fo# t)e Re$iscove#y of !an8 One of o(# boys - #at stoc0%

'it) a )(&an I< of t)#ee )(n$#e$

- fo(n$ so&et)in6 &a#0e$ !(se Nationale8 It 'as t)e ')ole national !(se(&of t)e Re1(blic of !ali% ')ic) )a$ been 1(t insi$e a &o(ntain ')en t)e ancient 'a#s

beca&e seve#e8 !ali a11a#ently 'as not a ve#y i&1o#tant ?nation%? as t)ey calle$ t)ose

6#o(1in6s% b(t it )a$ t)e sa&e lan6(a6e as "#ance% an$ 'e 'e#e able to s(11ly t)e #eal

&ate#ial 'it) al&ost eve#yt)in6 t)ey nee$e$ to #esto#e so&e 0in$ of a "#enc)

civiliation8 C)ina )as been )a#$8 T)e C)inesians s(#vive$ lon6e# t)an any ot)e# nation%

an$ t)ey $i$ t)ei# o'n 6#ave-#obbin6% so t)at 'e )ave fo(n$ it i&1ossible to

#econst#(ct C)ina befo#e t)e a6e of s1ace8 We can?t &o$ify 1eo1le into bein6

Ancient C)inese85 Ro$ sto11e$% t)(n$e#st#(c08 5Can I tal0 to yo( )e#e@5 C?&ell

listene$ 'it) a fa#a'ay loo0 on )e# face8 5Not )e#e8 I feel t)e ve#y 'ea0 s'ee1 of a

&onito# ac#oss &y &in$ no' an$ t)en8 In a co(1le of &in(tes yo( can8 Let?s )(##y

alon685 5I (st t)o(6)t%5 c#ie$ Ro$% 5of t)e &ost i&1o#tant (estion in all t)e 'o#l$sF5

5to1 t)in0in6 it% t)en%5 sai$ C?&ell% 5(ntil 'e co&e to a safe 1lace85

Instea$ of 6oin6 st#ai6)t on t)#o(6) t)e bi6 aisle bet'een t)e fo#6otten c#ates

an$ 1ac0a6es% s)e s(eee$ bet'een t'o c#ates an$ &a$e )e# 'ay to t)e e$6e of t)e bi6

(n$e#6#o(n$ sto#e#oo&8

5T)at 1ac0a6e%5 s)e sai$% 5is st#oon8 T)ey lost it8 We co(l$ )el1 o(#selves to it if

'e 'ante$ to% b(t 'e?#e af#ai$ of it85

Ro$ loo0e$ at t)e na&es on t)e 1ac0a6e8 It )a$ been s)i11e$ by Ro$e#ic0

"#e$e#ic0 Ronal$A#nol$ Willia& !acA#t)(# !cBan ==;I to A$a&inaby Po#t an$ #econsi6ne$

to Ea#t)1o#t8

5T)at?s one )(n$#e$ an$ t'enty-five 6ene#ations a6o% s)i11e$ f#o& t)e tation

of Doo&8 !y fa#&8 I t)in0 it t(#ns 1oison if yo( leave it fo# &o#e t)an t'o )(n$#e$

yea#s8 O(# o'n &ilita#y 1eo1le )ave so&e )o##ible (ses fo# it% ')en inva$e#s s)o' (1%

b(t o#$ina#y No#st#ilians% ')en t)ey fin$ ol$ st#oon% al'ays t(#n it in to t)e

Co&&on'ealt)8 We?#e af#ai$ of it8 Not t)at 'e often lose it8 It?s too val(able an$ 'e?#e

too 6#ee$y% 'it) a t'enty &illion 1e# cent i&1o#t $(ty on eve#yt)in688885

C?&ell le$ on8 T)ey (ne31ecte$ly 1asse$ a tiny #obot% a la&1 fi3e$ to )is )ea$%

')o 'as seate$ bet'een t'o eno#&o(s 1iles of boo0s8 He 'as a11a#ently #ea$in6 t)e&one by one% beca(se )e )a$ besi$e )i& a 1ile of notes la#6e# in b(l0 t)an )e 'as8 He $i$



not loo0 (1% no# $i$ t)ey inte##(1t )i&8

At t)e 'all% C?&ell sai$% 5No' $o e3actly ')at yo(?#e tol$8 ee t)e $(st alon6

t)e base of t)is c#ate@5

5I see it%5 sai$ Ro$8

5T)at &(st be left (n$ist(#be$8 No' 'atc)8 I?& 6oin6 to (&1 f#o& t)e to1 of

t)is c#ate to t)e to1 of t)at one% 'it)o(t $ist(#bin6 t)e $(st8 T)en I 'ant yo( to (&1

t)e sa&e 'ay an$ 6o e3actly ')e#e I 1oint% 'it)o(t even t)in0in6 abo(t it% if yo( can

&ana6e8 I?ll follo'8 Don?t t#y to be 1olite o# c)ival#o(s% o# yo(?ll &ess (1 t)e ')ole

a##an6e&ent85

Ro$ no$$e$8

)e (&1e$ to a case a6ainst t)e 'all8 He# #e$ )ai# $i$ not fly be)in$ )e#%

beca(se s)e )a$ tie$ it (1 in a t(#ban befo#e t)ey sta#te$ o(t% ')en s)e )a$ obtaine$

cove#alls fo# eac) of t)e& f#o& t)e #obot se#vants of t)e La$y "#ances O)8 T)ey

)a$ loo0e$ li0e an o#$ina#y co(1le of 'o#0in6 c?1eo1le8Eit)e# s)e 'as ve#y st#on6 o# t)e case 'as ve#y li6)t8 tan$in6 on t)e case% s)e

ti11e$ it ve#y $elicately% so t)at t)e 1atte#n of $(st a#o(n$ its base 'o(l$ be

(nc)an6e$% save fo# &ic#osco1ic e3a&ination8 A bl(e 6lo' ca&e f#o& beyon$ t)e

case8 Wit) an o$$% 1#actice$ t(#n of t)e '#ist s)e in$icate$ t)at Ro$ s)o(l$ (&1 f#o&

)is case to t)e ti11e$ one% an$ f#o& t)e#e into t)e a#ea - ')ateve# it &i6)t be - beyon$

t)e case8 It see&e$ easy fo# )i&% b(t )e 'on$e#e$ if s)e co(l$ s(11o#t bot) )is

'ei6)t an$ )e#s on t)e case8 He #e&e&be#e$ )e# o#$e# not to tal0 o# t)in08 He t#ie$ to

t)in0 of t)e sal&on stea0 )e )a$ eaten t)e $ay befo#e8 T)at s)o(l$ ce#tainly be a 6oo$

cat- t)o(6)t% if a &onito# s)o(l$ catc) )is &in$ at t)at &o&entF He (&1e$% teete#e$ on

t)e slantin6 to1 of t)e secon$ 1ac0in6 case% an$ sc#a&ble$ into a tiny $oo#'ay (st bi6

eno(6) fo# )i& to c#a'l t)#o(6)8 It 'as a11a#ently $esi6ne$ fo# cables% 1i1es an$

&aintenance% not fo# )abit(al )(&an (se4 it 'as too lo' to stan$ it8 He sc#a&ble$

fo#'a#$8

T)e#e 'as a sla&8

C?&ell )a$ (&1e$ in afte# )i&% lettin6 t)e case fall bac0 into its ol$ an$

a11a#ently (n$ist(#be$ 1osition8

)e c#a'le$ (1 to )i&8 5*ee1 6oin6%5 s)e sai$8 5Can 'e tal0 )e#e@5

5Of co(#seF Do yo( 'ant to@ It?s not a ve#y sociable 1lace85

5T)at (estion% t)at bi6 (estion%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I?ve 6ot to as0 yo(8 Yo((n$e#1eo1le a#e ta0in6 c)a#6e of 1eo1le% if yo(?#e fi3in6 (1 t)ei# ne' c(lt(#es fo# t)e&%

yo(?#e 6ettin6 to be t)e &aste# of &enF5

5Yes%5 sai$ C?&ell% an$ let t)e e31losive affi#&ative )an6 in t)e ai# bet'een

t)e&8

He co(l$n?t t)in0 of anyt)in6 to say it 'as )is bi6 b#i6)t i$ea fo# t)e $ay% an$

t)e fact t)at s)e al#ea$y 0ne' (n$e#1eo1le 'e#e beco&in6 sec#et &aste#s - t)at 'as too

&(c)F

)e loo0e$ at )is f#ien$ly face an$ sai$% &o#e 6ently% 5We (n$e#1eo1le )ave

seen it co&in6 fo# a lon6 ti&e8 o&e of t)e )(&an 1eo1le $o% too8 Es1ecially t)e Lo#$Kestocost8 He?s no fool8 An$% Ro$% yo( fit in85



5I@5

5Not as a 1e#son8 As an econo&ic c)an6e8 As a so(#ce of (nallocate$ 1o'e#85

5Yo( &ean% C?&ell% yo(?#e afte# &e% too@ I can?t believe it8 I can #eco6nie a

1est o# a n(isance o# a #obbe#8 Yo( $on?t see& li0e any of t)ese8 Yo(?#e 6oo$% all t)e

'ay t)#o(6)85 His voice falte#e$8 5I &eant it t)is &o#nin6% C?&ell% ')en I as0e$ yo( to&a##y &e85

T)e $elicacy of cat an$ t)e ten$e#ness of 'o&an co&bine$ in )e# voice as s)e

ans'e#e$% 5I 0no' yo( &eant it85 )e st#o0e$ a loc0 of )ai# a'ay f#o& )is fo#e)ea$% in

a ca#ess as #est#aine$ as any to(c) co(l$ be8 5B(t it?s not fo# (s8 An$ I?& not (sin6

yo( &yself% Ro$8 I 'ant not)in6 fo# &yself% b(t I 'ant a 6oo$ 'o#l$ fo# (n$e#1eo1le8

An$ fo# 1eo1le too8 "o# 1eo1le too8 We cats )ave love$ yo( 1eo1le lon6 befo#e 'e )a$

b#ains8 We?ve been yo(# cats lon6e# t)an anyone can #e&e&be#8 Do yo( t)in0 o(#

loyalty to t)e )(&an #ace 'o(l$ sto1 (st beca(se yo( c)an6e$ o(# s)a1es an$ a$$e$ a

lot of t)in0in6 1o'e#@ I love yo(% Ro$% b(t I love 1eo1le% too8 T)at?s ')y I?& ta0in6

yo( to t)e Aitc) Eye855Can yo( tell &e ')at t)at is - no'@5

)e la(6)e$8 5T)is 1lace is safe8 It?s t)e Holy Ins(#6ency8 T)e sec#et

6ove#n&ent of t)e (n$e#1eo1le8 T)is is a silly 1lace to tal0 abo(t it% Ro$8 Yo(?#e 6oin6

to &eet t)e )ea$ of it% #i6)t no'85

5All of t)e&@5 Ro$ 'as t)in0in6 of t)e C)iefs of t)e Inst#(&entality8

5It?s not a t)e&% it?s a )i&8 T)e E-tele0ali8 T)e bi#$ beneat) t)e 6#o(n$8 E-i0as(s

is one of )is sons85

5If t)e#e?s only one% )o' $i$ yo( c)oose )i&@ Is )e li0e t)e B#itis) <(een%

')o& 'e lost so lon6 a6o@5

C?&ell la(6)e$8 5We $i$ not c)oose )i&8 He 6#e' an$ no' )e lea$s (s8 Yo(

1eo1le too0 an ea6le?s e66 an$ t#ie$ to &a0e it into a Dai&oni &an8 W)en t)e

e31e#i&ent faile$% yo( t)#e' t)e fet(s o(t8 It live$8 It?s )e8 It?ll be t)e st#on6est &in$

yo(?ve eve# &et8 Co&e on8 T)is is no 1lace to tal0% an$ 'e?#e still tal0in685

)e sta#te$ c#a'lin6 $o'n t)e )o#iontal s)aft% 'avin6 at Ro$ to follo' )e#8

He follo'e$8

As t)ey c#a'le$% )e calle$ to )e#% 5C?&ell% sto1 a &in(te85

)e sto11e$ (ntil )e ca(6)t (1 'it) )e#8 )e t)o(6)t )e &i6)t as0 fo# a 0iss% so

'o##ie$ an$ lonely $i$ )e loo08 )e 'as #ea$y to be 0isse$8 He s(#1#ise$ )e# by sayin6%

instea$8

5I can?t s&ell% C?&ell8 Please% I?& so (se$ to s&ellin6 t)at I &iss it8 W)at $oes

t)is 1lace s&ell li0e@5

He# eyes 'i$ene$ an$ t)en s)e la(6)e$4 5It s&ells li0e (n$e#6#o(n$8 Elect#icity

b(#nin6 t)e ai#8 Ani&als so&e')e#e fa# a'ay% a lot of $iffe#ent s&ells of t)e&8 T)e ol$%

ol$ s&ell of &an% al&ost 6one8 En6ine oil an$ ba$ e3)a(st8 It s&ells li0e a )ea$ac)e8 It

s&ells li0e silence% li0e t)in6s (nto(c)e$8 T)e#e% is t)at it@5

He no$$e$ an$ t)ey 'ent on8



At t)e en$ of t)e )o#iontal C?&ell t(#ne$ an$ sai$% 5All &en $ie )e#e8 Co&e

onF5

Ro$ sta#te$ to follo' an$ t)en sto11e$% 5C?&ell% a#e yo( $iscoS#$inate$@

W)y s)o(l$ I $ie@ T)e#e?s no #eason to85?

He# la(6)te# 'as 1(#e )a11iness8 5illy C?#o$F Yo( a#e a cat% cat eno(6) to co&e')e#e no &an )as 1asse$ fo# cent(#ies8 Co&e on8 Watc) o(t fo# t)ose s0eletons8 T)ey?#e

a lot of t)e& a#o(n$ )e#e8 We )ate to 0ill #eal 1eo1le% b(t t)e#e a#e so&e% t)at 'e can?t

'a#n off in ti&e85

T)ey e&e#6e$ on a balcony% ove#loo0in6 an even &o#e eno#&o(s sto#e#oo&

t)an t)e one befo#e8 T)is )a$ t)o(san$s &o#e bo3es in it8 C?&ell 1ai$ no attention to

it8 )e 'ent to t)e en$ of t)e balcony an$ #ace$ $o'n a slen$e# steel la$$e#8

5!o#e (n0 f#o& t)e 1astF5 s)e sai$% antici1atin6 Ro$?s co&&ent8 5Peo1le )ave

fo#6otten it (1 above 'e &ess a#o(n$ in it85

T)o(6) )e co(l$ not s&ell t)e ai#% at t)is $e1t) it felt t)ic0% )eavy% i&&obile8C?&ell $i$ not slo' $o'n8 )e t)#ea$e$ )e# 'ay t)#o(6) t)e (n0 an$ t#eas(#es

on t)e floo# as t)o(6) s)e 'e#e an ac#obat8 On t)e fa# si$e of t)e ol$ #oo& s)e sto11e$8

5Ta0e one of t)ese%5 s)e co&&an$e$8

T)ey loo0e$ li0e eno#&o(s (&b#ellas8 He )a$ seen (&b#ellas in t)e 1ict(#es

')ic) )is co&1(te# )a$ s)o'e$ )i&8 T)ese see&e$ o$$ly la#6e% co&1a#e$ to t)e

ones in t)e 1ict(#es8 He loo0e$ a#o(n$ fo# #ain8 Afte# )is &e&o#ies of Tosti6 A&a#at

)e 'ante$ no &o#e in$oo# #ain8 C?&ell $i$ not (n$e#stan$ )is s(s1icions8

5T)e s)aft%5 s)e sai$% 5)as no &a6netic cont#ols% no (1$#aft of ai#8 It?s (st a

s)aft t'elve &ete#s in $ia&ete#8 T)ese a#e 1a#ac)(tes8 We (&1 into t)e s)aft 'it) t)e&

an$ t)en 'e float $o'n8 t#ai6)t $o'n8 "o(# 0ilo&ete#s8 It?s close to t)e !o)o85

ince )e $i$ not 1ic0 (1 one of t)e bi6 (&b#ellas% s)e )an$e$ )i& one8 It 'as

s(#1#isin6ly li6)t8 He blin0e$ at )e#8 5Ho' 'ill 'e eve# 6et o(t@5

5One of t)e bi#$-&en 'ill fly (s (1 t)e s)aft8 It?s )a#$ 'o#0% b(t t)ey can $o it8

Be s(#e to )oo0 t)at t)in6 to yo(# belt8 It?s a lon6 slo' ti&e fallin6% an$ 'e 'on?t be

able to tal08 An$ it?s te##ibly $a#0% too85

He co&1lie$8

)e o1ene$ a bi6 $oo#% beyon$ ')ic) t)e#e 'as t)e feel of not)in68 )e 6ave

)i& a 'ave% 1a#tially o1ene$ )e# 5(&b#ella5 ste11e$ ove# t)e e$6e of t)e $oo# an$vanis)e$8 He loo0e$ ove# t)e e$6e )i&self8 T)e#e 'as not)in6 to be seen8 Not)in6 of

C?&ell% no so(n$ e3ce1t fo# t)e sli11a6e of ai# an$ an occasional &ec)anical ')is1e# of

&etal a6ainst &etal8 He s(11ose$ t)at &(st be t)e #ib- ti1s of t)e (&b#ella to(c)in6 t)e

e$6e of t)e s)aft as s)e fell8

He si6)e$8 No#st#ilia 'as safe an$ (iet co&1a#e$ to t)is8 He o1ene$ )is

(&b#ella too8

Actin6 on an o$$ 1#e&onition% )e too0 )is little )ie#in6-s1ie0in6 s)ell o(t of )is

ea# an$ 1(t it ca#ef(lly in )is cove#all 1oc0et8

T)at act save$ )is life8

CHAPTER EI2HT4 HI OWN TRAN2E ALTAR



ROD !CBAN RE!E!BERED fallin6 an$ fallin68 He s)o(te$ into t)e 'et

a$)esive $a#0ness% b(t t)e#e 'as no #e1ly8 He t)o(6)t of c(ttin6 )i&self loose

f#o& )is bi6 (&b#ella an$ lettin6 )i&self $#o1 to )is $eat) belo' )i&% b(t t)en )e

t)o(6)t of C?&ell an$ )e 0ne' t)at )is bo$y 'o(l$ fall (1on )e# li0e a bo&b8 He

'on$e#e$ abo(t )is $es1e#ation% b(t co(l$ not (n$e#stan$ it8 Only late# $i$ )e fin$ o(t

t)at )e 'as 1assin6 tele1at)ic s(ici$e sc#eens ')ic) t)e (n$e#1eo1le )a$ set (1%sc#eens fitte$ to t)e )(&an &in$% $esi6ne$ to $#e$6e filt) an$ $es1ai# f#o& t)e

1aleoco#te3% t)e s&ell-bite-&ate se(ence of t)e nose-6(i$e$ ani&als ')o fi#st 'al0e$

Ea#t) b(t Ro$ 'as cat eno(6)% (st ba#ely cat eno(6)% an$ )e 'as also tele1at)ically

s(bno#&al% so t)at t)e sc#eens $i$ not $o to )i& ')at t)ey 'o(l$ )ave $one to any

no#&al &an of Ea#t) - $elive#e$ a t'iste$ $ea$ bo$y at t)e botto&8 No &an )a$ eve#

6otten t)at fa#% b(t t)e (n$e#1eo1le #esolve$ t)at none eve# s)o(l$8 Ro$ t'iste$ in )is

)a#ness an$ at last )e fainte$8

He a'a0ene$ in a #elatively s&all #oo&% eno#&o(s by Ea#t) stan$a#$s% b(t still

&(c) s&alle# t)an t)e sto#e#oo&s ')ic) )e )a$ 1asse$ t)#o(6) on t)e 'ay $o'n8

T)e li6)ts 'e#e b#i6)t8

He s(s1ecte$ t)at t)e #oo& stan0% b(t )e co(l$ not 1#ove it 'it) )is s&ell 6one8

A &an 'as s1ea0in64 5T)e "o#bi$$en Wo#$ is neve# 6iven (nless t)e &an ')o

$oes not 0no' it 1lainly as0s fo# it85

T)e#e 'as a c)o#(s of voices si6)in6% 5We #e&e&be#8 We #e&e&be#8 We

#e&e&be# ')at 'e #e&e&be#85

T)e s1ea0e# 'as al&ost a 6iant% t)in an$ 1ale8 His face 'as t)e face of a $ea$

saint% 1ale% ')ite as alabaste#% 'it) 6lo'in6 eyes8 His bo$y 'as t)at of &an an$ bi#$

bot)% &an f#o& t)e )i1s (1% e3ce1t t)at )(&an )an$s 6#e' o(t of t)e elbo's of

eno#&o(s clean ')ite 'in6s8 "#o& t)e )i1s $o'n )is le6s 'e#e bi#$-le6s% en$in6 in a

)o#ny% al&ost t#ansl(cent bi#$-feet ')ic) stoo$ stea$ily on t)e 6#o(n$8

5I a& so##y% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan% t)at yo( too0 t)at #is08 I 'as

&isinfo#&e$8 Yo( a#e a 6oo$ cat on t)e o(tsi$e% b(t still co&1letely a )(&an &an on

t)e insi$e8 O(# safety $evices b#(ise$ yo(# &in$ an$ t)ey &i6)t )ave 0ille$ yo(85

Ro$ sta#e$ at t)e &an as )e st(&ble$ to )is feet8 He sa' t)at C?&ell 'as one of

t)e 1eo1le )el1in6 )i&8 W)en )e 'as e#ect% so&eone )an$e$ )i& a bea0e# of ve#y

col$ 'ate#8 He $#an0 it t)i#stily8 It 'as )ot $o'n )e#e - )ot% st(ffy% an$ 'it) t)e feel of

bi6 en6ines nea#by8

5I%5 sai$ t)e 6#eat bi#$-&an% 5a& t)e E-tele0eli85 He 1#ono(nce$ it Ee-telly-0elly8 5Yo( a#e t)e fi#st )(&an bein6 to see &e in t)e fles)85

5Blesse$% blesse$% blesse$% fo(#fol$ blesse$ is t)e na&e of o(# lea$e#% o(#

fat)e#% o(# b#ot)e#% o(# son t)e E-tele0eli%5 c)o#(se$ t)e (n$e#1eo1le8

Ro$ loo0e$ a#o(n$8 T)e#e 'as eve#y 0in$ of (n$e#1e#son i&a6inable )e#e%

incl($in6 seve#al t)at )e )a$ neve# even t)o(6)t of8 One 'as a )ea$ on a s)elf% 'it)

no a11a#ent bo$y8 W)en )e loo0e$% so&e')at s)oc0e$% $i#ectly at t)e )ea$% its face

s&ile$ an$ one eye close$ in a $elibe#ate 'in08 T)e E-tele0e) follo'e$ )is 6lance8

5Do not let (s s)oc0 yo(8 o&e of (s a#e no#&al% b(t &any of (s $o'n )e#e a#e t)e

$isca#$s of &en?s labo#ato#ies8 Yo( 0no' &y son85

A tall% ve#y 1ale yo(n6 &an 'it) no feat)e#s stoo$ (1 at t)is 1oint8 He 'as



sta#0 na0e$ an$ co&1letely (ne&ba##asse$8 He )el$ o(t a f#ien$ly )an$ to Ro$8 Ro$

'as s(#e )e )a$ neve# seen t)e yo(n6 &an befo#e8 T)e yo(n6 &an sense$ Ro$?s

)esitation4

5Yo( ne' &e as A?6ent(#8 I a& t)e E-i0as(s85

5Blesse$% blesse$% t)#eefol$ blesse$ is t)e na&e of o(# lea$e#-to-be% t)eYee0asooseF5 c)ante$ t)e (n$e#1eo1le8

o&et)in6 abo(t t)e scene ca(6)t Ro$?s #o(6) No#st#ilian )(&o#8 He s1o0e to

t)e 6#eat (n$e#&an as )e 'o(l$ )ave s1o0en to anot)e# &iste#-an$-o'ne# bac0 )o&e%

f#ien$ly b(t bl(ntly8

52la$ yo( 'elco&e &e% si#F5

52la$% 6la$% 6la$ is t)e st#an6e# f#o& beyon$ t)e sta#sF5 san6 t)e c)o#(s8 5Can?t

yo( &a0e t)e& s)(t (1@5 as0e$ Ro$8

5?)(t (1% s)(t (1% s)(t (1%? says t)e st#an6e# f#o& t)e sta#sF5 c)o#(se$ t)e 6#o(18

T)e E-tele0eli $i$ not e3actly la(6)% b(t )is s&ile 'as not 1(#e benevolence85We can $is#e6a#$ t)e& an$ tal0% o# I can blan0 o(t yo(# &in$ eve#y ti&e t)ey

#e1eat ')at 'e say8 T)is is a so#t of co(#t ce#e&ony85

Ro$ 6lance$ a#o(n$8 5I?& in yo(# 1o'e# al#ea$y%5 sai$ )e% 5so it 'on?t

&atte# if yo( &ess a#o(n$ a little 'it) &y &in$8 Blan0 t)e& o(t85

T)e E-tele0eli sti##e$ t)e ai# in f#ont of )i& as t)o(6) )e 'e#e '#itin6 a

&at)e&atical e(ation 'it) )is fin6e# Ro$?s eyes follo'e$ t)e fin6e# an$ )e s($$enly

felt t)e #oo& )(s)8

5Co&e ove# )e#e an$ sit $o'n%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 Ro$ follo'e$8

5W)at $o yo( 'ant@5 )e as0e$ as )e follo'e$8

T)e E-tele0eli $i$ not even t(#n a#o(n$ to ans'e#8 He &e#ely s1o0e ')ile

'al0in6 a)ea$4 5Yo(# &oney% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan8 Al&ost all of yo(# &oney85

Ro$ sto11e$ 'al0in68 He )ea#$ )i&self la(6)in6 'il$ly8 5!oney@ Yo(@ He#e@

W)at co(l$ yo( 1ossibly $o 'it) it@5

5T)at%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5is ')y yo( s)o(l$ sit $o'n85 5Do sit%5 sai$ C?&ell%

')o )a$ follo'e$8

Ro$ sat $o'n8

5We a#e af#ai$ t)at !an )i&self 'ill $ie an$ leave (s alone in t)e (nive#se8 We

nee$ !an% an$ t)e#e is still an i&&ensity of ti&e befo#e 'e all 1o(# into a co&&on

$estiny8 Peo1le )ave

al'ays ass(&e$ t)at t)e en$ of t)in6s is a#o(n$ t)e co#ne#% an$ 'e )ave t)e

1#o&ise of t)e secon$ "o#bi$$en One t)at t)is 'ill be soon8 B(t it co(l$ be )(n$#e$s of

t)o(san$s of yea#s% &aybe &illions8 Peo1le a#e scatte#e$% &iste# !cBan% so t)at no

'ea1on 'ill eve# 0ill t)e& all on all 1lanets% b(t no &atte# )o' scatte#e$ t)ey a#e%

t)ey still a#e )a(nte$ by t)e&selves8 T)ey #eac) a 1oint of $evelo1&ent an$ t)en t)ey

sto185

5Yes%5 sai$ Ro$% #eac)in6 fo# a ca#afe of 'ate# an$ )el1in6 )i&self to anot)e#

$#in0% 5B(t it?s a lon6 'ay f#o& t)e 1)iloso1)y of t)e (nive#se $o'n to &y &oney8

We )ave 1lenty of ba#&y s'a#&y tal0 in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia% b(t I neve# )ea#$ of anybo$y as0in6 fo# anot)e# citien?s &oney% #i6)t off t)e bat85



T)e eyes of t)e E-tele0eli 6lo'e$ li0e col$ fi#e b(t Ro$ 0ne' t)at t)is 'as no

)y1nosis% no t#ic0 bein6 1laye$ (1on )i&self8 It 'as t)e s)ee# fo#ce of t)e 1e#sonality

b(#nin6 o(t'a#$ f#o& t)e bi#$- &an8

5Listen ca#ef(lly% &iste# !cBan8 We a#e t)e c#eat(#es of &an8 Yo( a#e 6o$s to

(s8 Yo( )ave &a$e (s into 1eo1le ')o tal0% ')o 'o##y% ')o t)in0% ')o love% ')o

$ie8 !ost of o(# #aces 'e#e t)e f#ien$s of &an befo#e 'e beca&e (n$e#1eo1le - li0e

C?&ell8 Ho' &any cats )ave se#ve$ an$ love$ &an% an$ fo# )o' lon6@ Ho' &any

cattle )ave 'o#0e$ fo# &en% been eaten by &en% been &il0e$ by &en ac#oss t)e a6es%

an$ )ave still follo'e$ ')e#e &en 'ent% even to t)e sta#s@ An$ $o6s8 I $o not )ave

to tell yo( abo(t t)e love of $o6s fo# &en8 We call o(#selves t)e Holy

Ins(#6ency beca(se 'e a#e #ebels8 We a#e a 6ove#n&ent8 We a#e a 1o'e# al&ost as bi6

as t)e Inst#(&entality8 We love yo(% Ro$% not beca(se yo( a#e a #ic) No#st#ilian% b(t

beca(se it is o(# fait) to love t)e &an0in$ ')ic) c#eate$ (s85

5T)is is a lon6 slo' 'ic0et fo# &y &oney%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Co&e to t)e 1oint% si#85

T)e E-tele0eli s&ile$ 'it) s'eetness an$ sa$ness8 Ro$ i&&e$iately 0ne' t)at it'as )is o'n $enseness ')ic) &a$e t)e bi#$-&an sa$ an$ 1atient8 "o# t)e ve#y fi#st ti&e

)e be6an to acce1t t)e feelin6 t)at t)is 1e#son &i6)t act(ally be t)e s(1e#io# of any

)(&an bein6 )e )a$ eve# &et8

5I?& so##y%5 sai$ Ro$8 5I )aven?t )a$ a &in(te to enoy &y &oney since I 6ot

it8 Peo1le )ave been tellin6 &e t)at eve#ybo$y is afte# it8 I?& be6innin6 to t)in0 t)at I

s)all $o not)in6 b(t #(n t)e #est of &y life8885

T)e E-tele0eli s&ile$ )a11ily% t)e 'ay a teac)e# s&iles ')en a st($ent )as

s($$enly t(#ne$ in a s1ectac(la# 1e#fo#&ance8 5Co##ect8 Yo( )ave lea#ne$ a lot f#o&

t)e Cat&aste#% an$ f#o& yo(# o'n self8 I a& offe#in6 yo( so&et)in6 &o#e - t)e c)ance

to $o eno#&o(s 6oo$8 Have yo( eve# )ea#$ of "o(n$ations@5

Ro$ f#o'ne$8 5T)e botto&s of b(il$in6s@5 5No8 Instit(tions8 "#o& t)e ve#y

ancient 1ast85 Ro$ s)oo0 )is )ea$8 He )a$n?t8

5If a 6ift 'as bi6 eno(6)% it en$(#e$ an$ 0e1t on 6ivin6% (ntil t)e c(lt(#e in

')ic) it 'as set )a$ fallen8 If yo( too0 &ost of yo(# &oney an$ 6ave it to so&e 6oo$%

'ise &en% it co(l$ be s1ent ove# an$ ove# a6ain to i&1#ove t)e #ace of &an8 We nee$

t)at8 Bette# &en 'ill 6ive (s bette# lives8 Do yo( t)in0 t)at 'e $on?t 0no' )o' 1ilots

an$ 1inli6)te#s )ave so&eti&es $ie$% savin6 t)ei# cats in s1ace@5

5O# )o' 1eo1le 0ill (n$e#1eo1le 'it)o(t a t)o(6)t@5 co(nte#e$ Ro$8 5O#

)(&iliate t)e& 'it)o(t noticin6 t)at t)ey $o it@ It see&s to &e t)at yo( &(st )ave so&e

self-inte#est% si#85

5I $o8 o&e - b(t not as &(c) as yo( t)in08 !en a#e evil ')en t)ey a#e

f#i6)tene$ o# bo#e$8 T)ey a#e 6oo$ ')en t)ey a#e )a11y an$ b(sy8 I 'ant yo( to 6ive

yo(# &oney to 1#ovi$e 6a&es% s1o#ts% co&1etitions% s)o's% &(sic% an$ a c)ance fo#

)onest )at#e$85

5Hat#e$@5 sai$ Ro$8 5I 'as be6innin6 to t)in0 t)at I )a$ fo(n$ a Believe# bi#$ 888

so&ebo$y ')o &o(t)e$ ol$ &a6ic85

5We?#e not en$in6 ti&e%5 sai$ t)e 6#eat &an-bi#$8 5We a#e (st alte#in6 t)e

&ate#ial con$itions of &an?s sit(ation fo# t)e 1#esent )isto#ical 1e#io$8 We 'ant to

stee# &an0in$ a'ay f#o& t#a6e$y an$ self-$efeat8 T)o(6) t)e cliffs c#(&ble% 'e 'ant

&an to #e&ain8 Do yo( 0no' 'inb(#ne@5



5W)e#e is it@5 sai$ Ro$8

5It?s not a 1lace8 It?s a 1oet% befo#e t)e a6e of s1ace8 He '#ote t)is8 Listen4 Till t)e

slo' sea #ise an$ t)e s)ee# cliff c#(&ble%

Till te##ace an$ &ea$o' t)e $ee1 6(lfs $#in0%

Till t)e st#en6t) of t)e 'aves of t)e )i6) ti$es c#(&ble% T)e fiel$s t)at lessen%

t)e #oc0s t)at s)#in0%

He#e no' in )is t#i(&1) ')e#e all t)in6s falte#% t#etc)e$ o(t on t)e s1oils t)at

)is o'n )an$ s1#ea$% As a 6o$ self-slain on )is o'n st#an6e alta#%

Deat) lies $ea$8

Do yo( a6#ee 'it) t)at@5

5It so(n$s nice% b(t I $on?t (n$e#stan$ it%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Please% si#% I?& ti#e$e# t)an

I t)o(6)t8 An$ I )ave only t)is one $ay 'it) C?&ell8 Can I finis) t)e b(siness 'it) yo(

an$ )ave a little ti&e 'it) )e#@5

T)e 6#eat (n$e#&an lifte$ )is a#&s8 His 'in6s s1#ea$ li0e a cano1y ove# Ro$85o be itF5 )e sai$% an$ t)e 'o#$s #an6 o(t li0e a 6#eat son68

Ro$ co(l$ see t)e li1s of t)e (n$e#1eo1le c)o#(sin6% b(t )e $i$ not notice t)e

so(n$8 5I offe# yo( a tan6ible ba#6ain8 Tell &e if yo( fin$ I #ea$ yo(# &in$ co##ectly85

Ro$ no$$e$% so&e')at in a'e8

5Yo( 'ant yo(# &oney% b(t yo( $o not 'ant it8 Yo( 'ill 0ee1 one )(n$#e$

t)o(san$ c#e$its% ')ic) 'ill leave yo( t)e #ic)est &an in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia fo# t)e

#est of a ve#y lon6 life8 T)e #est yo( 'ill 6ive to a fo(n$ation ')ic) 'ill teac) &en to

)ate easily an$ li6)tly% as in a 6a&e not sic0ly an$ 'ea#ily% as in )abit8 T)e t#(stees 'ill

be Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality ')o& I 0no'% s(c) as Kestocost% C#($elta% an$ La$y

Ko)anna 2na$e85

5An$ ')at $o I 6et@5

5Yo(# )ea#t?s $esi#e85 T)e bea(tif(l 'ise 1ale face sta#e$ $o'n at Ro$ li0e a

fat)e# see0in6 to fat)o& t)e 1(le&ent of )is o'n c)il$8 Ro$ 'as a little af#ai$ of

t)e face% b(t )e confi$e$ in it% too8

5I 'ant too &(c)8 I can?t )ave it all85 5I?ll tell yo( ')at yo( 'ant8

5Yo( 'ant to be )o&e #i6)t no'% an$ all t)e t#o(ble $one 'it)8 I can set

yo( $o'n at t)e tation of Doo& in a sin6le lon6 (&18 Loo0 at t)e floo# - I )ave

yo(# boo0s an$ yo(# 1osta6e sta&1 ')ic) yo( left in A&a#al?s #oo&8 T)ey 6o too855B(t I 'ant to see Ea#t)85

5Co&e bac0% ')en yo( a#e ol$e# an$ 'ise#8 o&e $ay8 ee ')at yo(# &oney )as

$one85 5Well -5 sai$ Ro$8

5Yo( 'ant C?&ell85 T)e blan$ 'ise ')ite face s)o'e$ no e&ba##ass&ent% no

an6e#% no con$escension8 5Yo( s)all )ave )e#% in a lin0e$ $#ea&% )e# &in$ to yo(#s% fo#

a )a11y s(bective ti&e of abo(t a t)o(san$ yea#s8 Yo( 'ill live t)#o(6) all t)e )a11y

t)in6s t)at yo( &i6)t )ave $one to6et)e# if yo( )a$ staye$ )e#e an$ beco&e a c?&an8

Yo( 'ill see yo(# 0itten- c)il$#en flo(#is)% 6#o' ol$% an$ $ie8 T)at 'ill ta0e abo(t one

)alf-)o(#85

5It?s (st a $#ea&y%5 sai$ Ro$8 5Yo( 'ant to ta0e &e6ac#e$its f#o& &e an$ 6ive&e a $#ea&yF5 5Wit) t'o &in$s@ T'o livin6% accele#ate$ &in$s% t)in0in6 into eac)



ot)e#@ Have yo( eve#

)ea#$ of t)at@5 5No%5 sai$ Ro$8

5Do yo( t#(st &e@5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8

Ro$ sta#e$ at t)e &an-bi#$ in(isitively an$ a 6#eat 'ei6)t fell f#o& )i&8

He $i$ t#(st t)is c#eat(#e &o#e t)an )e )a$ eve# t#(ste$ t)e fat)e# ')o $i$ not 'ant

)i&% t)e &ot)e# ')o 6ave )i& (1% t)e nei6)bo#s ')o loo0e$ at )i& an$ 'e#e 0in$8 He

si6)e$% 5I t#(st yo(85

5I also%5 a$$e$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5'ill ta0e ca#e of all t)e little inci$entals t)#o(6)

&y o'n net'o#0 an$ I 'ill leave t)e &e&o#y of t)e& in yo(# &in$8 If yo( t#(st &e t)at

s)o(l$ be eno(6)8 Yo( 6et )o&e% safe8 Yo( a#e 1#otecte$% off No#st#itia% into ')ic) I

#a#ely #eac)% fo# as lon6 as yo( live8 Yo( )ave a se1a#ate life #i6)t no' 'it) C?&ell an$

yo( 'ill #e&e&be# &ost of it8 In #et(#n% yo( 6o to t)e 'all an$ t#ansfe# yo(# fo#t(ne%

&in(s one-)alf &e6ac% to t)e "o(n$ation of Ro$ !cBan85

Ro$ $i$ not see t)at t)e (n$e#1eo1le t)#on6e$ a#o(n$ )i& li0e 'o#s)i1e#s8 He

)a$ to sto1 ')en a ve#y 1ale% tall 6i#l too0 )is )an$ an$ )el$ it to )e# c)ee08 5Yo( &aynot be t)e P#o&ise$ One% b(t yo( a#e a 6#eat an$ 6oo$ &an8 We can ta0e not)in6 f#o&

yo(8 We can only as08 T)at is t)e teac)in6 of Koan8 An$ yo( )ave 6iven85

5W)o a#e yo(@5 sai$ Ro$ in a f#i6)tene$ voice% t)in0in6 t)at s)e &i6)t be so&e

lost )(&an 6i#l ')o& t)e (n$e#1eo1le )a$ ab$(cte$ to t)e 6(ts of t)e Ea#t)8

5E-la&elanie% $a(6)te# of t)e E-tele0eli85

Ro$ sta#e$ at )e# an$ 'ent to t)e 'all8 He 1(s)e$ a #o(tine so#t of b(tton8 W)at

a 1lace to fin$ itF 5T)e Lo#$ Kestocost%5 )e calle$8 5!cBan s1ea0in68 No% yo( fool% I

o'n t)is syste&85

A )an$so&e% 1olis)e$ 1l(&1is) &an a11ea#e$ on t)e sc#een8 5If I 6(ess #i6)t%5sai$ t)e st#an6e &an% 5Yo( a#e t)e fi#st )(&an bein6 eve# to 6et into t)e $e1t)s8 Can I

se#ve yo(% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan@5

5Ta0e a note5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% o(t of si6)t of t)e &ac)ine% besi$e Ro$8 Ro$

#e1eate$ it8

T)e Lo#$ Kestocost calle$ 'itnesses at )is en$8

It 'as a lon6 $ictation% b(t at last t)e conveyance 'as finis)e$8 Only at one

1oint $i$ Ro$ bal08 W)en t)ey t#ie$ to call it t)e !cBan "o(n$ation% )e% sai$% 5K(st call

it t)e One H(n$#e$ an$ "ifty "(n$85

5One H(n$#e$ an$ "ifty@5 as0e$ Kestocost8

5"o# &y fat)e#8 It?s )is n(&be# in o(# fa&ily8 I?& to-t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-fi#st8

He 'as befo#e &e8 Don?t e31lain t)e n(&be#8 K(st (se it85

5All clea#%5 sai$ Kestocost8 5No' 'e )ave to 6et nota#ies an$ official 'itnesses

to ve#i$icate o(# i&1#ints of yo(# eyes% )an$s an$ b#ain8 As0 t)e Pe#son 'it) yo( to

6ive yo( a &as0% so t)at t)e cat- &an face 'ill not (1set t)e 'itnesses8 W)e#e is t)is

&ac)ine yo( a#e (sin6 s(11ose$ to be locate$@ I 0no' 1e#fectly 'ell ')e#e I t)in0 it

is85

5At t)e foot of Al1)a Ral1)a% in a fo#6otten &a#0et%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 5Yo(#

se#vice&en 'ill fin$ it t)e#e to&o##o' ')en t)ey co&e to c)ec0 t)e a(t)enticity of t)e&ac)ine85 He still stoo$ o(t of line of si6)t of t)e &ac)ine% so t)at Kestocost co(l$ )ea#



)i& b(t not see )i&8

5I 0no' t)e voice%5 sai$ Kestocost8 5It co&es to &e as in a 6#eat $#ea&8 B(t I

s)all not as0 to see t)e face85

5Yo(# f#ien$ $o'n )e#e )as 6one ')e#e only (n$e#1eo1le 6o%5 sai$ t)e E-

tele0eli% 5an$ 'e a#e $is1osin6 of )is fate in &o#e 'ays t)an one% &y Lo#$% s(bect toyo(# 6#acio(s a11#oval85

5!y a11#oval $oes not see& to )ave been nee$e$ &(c)%5 sno#te$ Kestocost% 'it)

a little la(6)8 5I 'o(l$ li0e to tal0 to yo(8 Do yo( )ave any intelli6ent (n$e#1e#son nea#

yo(@5

5I can call C?&ell8 )e?s al'ays so&e')e#e a#o(n$85 5T)is ti&e% &y Lo#$% yo(

cannot8 )e?s )e#e85

5T)e#e% 'it) yo(@ I neve# 0ne' s)e 'ent t)e#e85 T)e a&ae&ent s)o'e$ on

t)e face of t)e

Lo#$ Kestocost8

5)e is )e#e% neve#t)eless8 Do yo( )ave so&e ot)e# (n$e#1e#son@5

Ro$ felt li0e a $(&&y% stan$in6 in t)e visi1)one ')ile t)e t'o voices% (nseen

by one anot)e#% tal0e$ 1ast )i&8 B(t )e felt% ve#y t#(ly% t)at t)ey bot) 'is)e$ )i& 'ell8

He 'as al&ost ne#vo(s in antici1ation of t)e st#an6e )a11iness ')ic) )a$ been offe#e$

to )i& an$ C?&ell% b(t )e 'as a #es1ectf(l eno(6) yo(n6 &an to 'ait (ntil t)e 6#eat

ones 6ot t)#o(6) t)ei# b(siness8

5Wait a &o&ent%5 sai$ Kestocost8

On t)e sc#een% in t)e $e1t)s% Ro$ co(l$ see t)e Lo#$ of t)e Inst#(&entality 'o#0

t)e cont#ols of ot)e#% secon$a#y sc#eens8 A &o&ent late# Kestocost ans'e#e$4

5B?$an0 is )e#e8 He 'ill ente# t)e #oo& in a fe' &in(tes85

5T'enty &in(tes f#o& no'% &y si# an$ Lo#$% 'ill yo( )ol$ )an$s 'it) yo(#

se#vant B?$an0 as yo( once $i$ 'it) C?&ell@ I )ave t)e 1#oble& of t)is yo(n6 &an an$

)is #et(#n8 T)e#e a#e t)in6s ')ic) yo( $o not 0no'% an$ I 'o(l$ #at)e# not 1(t t)e& on

t)e 'i#es85

Kestocost )esitate$ only fo# t)e sli6)test of &o&ents8 52oo$% t)en%5 )e la(6)e$8

5I &i6)t as 'ell be )an6e$ fo# a s)ee1 as fo# a la&b85

T)e E-tele0eli stoo$ asi$e8 o&eone )an$e$ Ro$ a &as0 ')ic) )i$ )is cat-

&an feat(#es an$ still left )is eyes an$ )an$s e31ose$8 T)e b#ain 1#int 'as 6otten

t)#o(6) t)e eyes8

T)e #eco#$in6s 'e#e &a$e8

Ro$ 'ent bac0 to t)e benc) an$ table8 He )el1e$ )i&self to anot)e# $#in0 of

'ate# f#o& t)e ca#afe8 o&eone t)#e' a '#eat) of f#es) flo'e#s a#o(n$ )is

s)o(l$e#s8 "#es) flo'e#sF In s(c) a 1lace8888 He 'on$e#e$8 T)#ee #at)e# 1#etty

(n$e#6i#ls% t'o of t)e& of cat o#i6in an$ one of t)e& $e#ive$ f#o& $o6s% 'e#e

lea$in6 a f#es)ly $#esse$ C?&ell to'a#$ )i&8 )e 'o#e t)e si&1lest an$ &ost &o$est of

all 1ossible ')ite $#esses8 He# 'aist 'as cinc)e$ by a b#oa$ 6ol$en belt8 )e la(6)e$%

sto11e$ la(6)in6 an$ t)en bl(s)e$ as t)ey le$ )e# to Ro$8

T'o seats 'e#e a##an6e$ on t)e benc)8 C(s)ions 'e#e $is1ose$ so t)at bot) of

t)e& 'o(l$ be co&fo#table8 il0y &etallic ca1s% li0e t)e 1leas(#e ca1s (se$ in



s(#6e#ies% 'e#e fitte$ on t)ei# )ea$s8 Ro$ felt )is sense of s&ell e31lo$e 'it)in )is

b#ain it ca&e alive #ic)ly an$ s($$enly8 He too0 C?&ell by t)e )an$ an$ be6an

'al0in6 t)#o(6) an i&&e&o#ial Ea#t) fo#est% 'it) a te&1le ol$e# t)an ti&e s)inin6 in

t)e clea# soft li6)t cast by Ea#t)?s ol$ &oon8 He 0ne' t)at )e 'as al#ea$y $#ea&in68

C?&ell ca(6)t )is t)o(6)t an$ sai$%

5Ro$% &y &aste# an$ love#% t)is is a $#ea&8 B(t I a& in it 'it) yo(88885

W)o can &eas(#e a t)o(san$ yea#s of )a11y $#ea&in6 - t)e t#avels% t)e )(nts%

t)e 1icnics% t)e visits to fo#6otten an$ e&1ty cities% t)e $iscove#y of bea(tif(l vie's an$

st#an6e 1laces@ An$ t)e love% an$ t)e s)a#in6% an$ t)e #e-#eflection of eve#yt)in6

'on$e#f(l an$ st#an6e by t'o se1a#ate% $istinct an$ (tte#ly )a#&onio(s 1e#sonalities8

C?&ell t)e c?6i#l an$ C?#o$e#ic0 t)e c?&an4 t)ey see&e$ )a11ily $oo&e$ to be 'it)

one anot)e#8 W)o can live ')ole cent(#ies of #eal bliss an$ t)en #e1o#t it in &in(tes@

W)o can tell t)e f(ll tale of s(c) #eal lives - )a11iness% (a##els% #econciliations%

1#oble&s% sol(tions an$ al'ays s)a#in6% )a11iness% an$ &o#e s)a#in6@888

W)en t)ey a'a0ene$ Ro$ ve#y 6ently% t)ey let C?&ell slee1 on8 He loo0e$ $o'nat )i&self an$ e31ecte$ to fin$ )i&self ol$8 B(t )e 'as a yo(n6 &an still% in t)e $ee1

fo#6otten (n$e#6#o(n$ of t)e E-tele0eli% an$ )e co(l$ not even s&ell8 He #eac)e$ fo# t)e

t)o(san$ 'on$e#f(l yea#s as )e 'atc)e$ C?&ell% yo(n6 a6ain% lyin6 on t)e benc)% b(t

t)e $#ea&-yea#s )a$ sta#te$ fa$in6 even as )e #eac)e$ fo# t)e&8

Ro$ st(&ble$ on )is feet8 T)ey le$ )i& to a c)ai#8 T)e E-tele0eli sat in a$acent

c)ai#% at t)e sa&e table8 He see&e$ 'ea#y8

5!y &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan% I &onito#e$ yo(# $#ea&s)a#in6% (st to &a0e s(#e

it staye$ in t)e #i6)t 6ene#al $i#ection8 I )o1e yo( a#e satisfie$85

Ro$ no$$e$% ve#y slo'ly% an$ #eac)e$ fo# t)e ca#afe of 'ate#% ')ic) so&eone

)a$ #efille$ ')ile )e sle1t8

5W)ile yo( sle1t% &iste# !cBan%5 sai$ t)e 6#eat E-!an% 5I )a$ a tele1at)ic

confe#ence% 'it) t)e Lo#$ Kestocost% ')o )as been yo(# f#ien$% even t)o(6) yo( $o not

0no' )i&8 Yo( )ave )ea#$ of t)e ne' a(to&atic 1lanofo#& s)i1s@5

5T)ey a#e e31e#i&ental%5 sai$ Ro$8

5o t)ey a#e%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5b(t 1e#fectly safe8 An$ t)e best

?a(to&atic? ones a#e not a(to&atic at all8 T)ey )ave sna0e&en 1ilots8 !y 1ilots8 T)ey

can o(t1e#fo#& any 1ilots of t)e Inst#(&entality85

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ Ro$% 5beca(se t)ey a#e $ea$85

5No &o#e $ea$ t)an I%5 la(6)e$ t)e ')ite cal& bi#$ of t)e (n$e#6#o(n$8

5I 1(t t)e& in catale1tic t#ances% 'it) t)e )el1 of &y son t)e $octo# E-i0as(s%

')o& yo( fi#st 0ne' as t)e &on0ey-$octo# A?6ent(#8 On t)e s)i1s t)ey 'a0e (18

One of t)e& can ta0e yo( to No#st#ilia in a sin6le lon6 fast (&18 An$ &y son can

'o#0 on yo(# #i6)t )e#e8 We )ave a 6oo$ &e$ical 'o#0s)o1 in one of t)ose #oo&s8

Afte# all% it 'as )e ')o #esto#e$ yo( (n$e# t)e s(1e#vision of Docto# ;o&act on !a#s8

It 'ill see& li0e a sin6le ni6)t to yo(% t)o(6) it 'ill be seve#al $ays in obective ti&e8

If yo( say 6oo$-bye to &e no'% an$ if yo( a#e #ea$y to 6o% yo( 'ill 'a0e (1 in o#bit

(st o(tsi$e t)e Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian s(bs1ace net8 I )ave no 'is) fo# one of &y

(n$e#1eo1le to tea# )i&self to 1ieces if )e &eets !ot)e# Hitton?s $#ea$f(l little 0ittens%')ateve# t)ey &ay be8 Do yo( )a11en to 0no'@5



5I $on?t%5 sai$ Ro$ (ic0ly% 5an$ if I $i$% I co(l$n?t tell yo(8 It?s t)e <(een?s

sec#et85 5T)e <(een@5

5T)e Absent <(een8 We (se it to &ean t)e Co&&on'ealt) 6ove#n&ent8

Any)o'% &iste# bi#$% I can?t 6o no'8 I?ve 6ot to 6o bac0 (1 to t)e s(#face of Ea#t)8 I

'ant to say 6oo$-bye to t)e Cat&aste#8 An$ I?& not 6oin6 to leave t)is 1lanet an$

aban$on Eleano#8 An$ I 'ant &y sta&1 t)at t)e Cat&aste# 6ave &e8 An$ t)e boo0s8An$ &aybe I s)o(l$ #e1o#t abo(t t)e $eat) of Tosti6 A&a#al85

5Do yo( t#(st &e% &iste# an$ o'ne# !cBan@5 T)e ')ite 6iant #ose to )is feet

)is eyes s)one li0e fi#e8

T)e (n$e#1eo1le s1ontaneo(sly c)o#(se$% 5P(t yo(# t#(st in t)e oyf(l la'f(l%

1(t yo(# t#(st in t)e a'f(l b#i6)t blan0 1o'e# of t)e (n$e#bi#$F5

5I?ve t#(ste$ yo( 'it) &y life an$ &y fo#t(ne% so fa#%5 sai$ Ro$% a little s(llenly%

5b(t yo(?#e not 6oin6 to &a0e &e leave Eleano# - no &atte# )o' &(c) I 'ant to 6et

)o&e8 An$ I )ave an ol$ ene&y at )o&e t)at I 'ant to )el18 Ho(6)ton y&e% t)e

Hon8ec8 T)e#e &i6)t be so&et)in6 on Ol$ Ea#t) ')ic) I co(l$ ta0e bac0 to )i&855I t)in0 yo( can t#(st &e a little f(#t)e#%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 5Wo(l$ it solve t)e

1#oble& of t)e

Hon8ec8 if yo( 6ave )i& a $#ea&s)a#e 'it) so&eone )e love$% to &a0e (1 )is

)avin6 a s)o#t life@5 5I $on?t 0no'8 !aybe85

5I can%5 sai$ t)e &aste# of t)e (n$e#1eo1le% 5)ave )is 1#esc#i1tion &a$e (18 It

'ill )ave to be &i3e$ 'it) 1las&a f#o& )is bloo$ befo#e )e ta0es it8 It 'o(l$ be

6oo$ fo# abo(t t)#ee t)o(san$ yea#s of s(bective life8 We )ave neve# let t)is o(t of

o(# o'n (n$e#city befo#e% b(t yo( a#e t)e "#ien$ of Ea#t)% an$ yo( s)all )ave it85

Ro$ t#ie$ to sta&&e# )is t)an0s% b(t )e &(&ble$ so&et)in6 abo(t Eleano#

instea$4 )e (st co(l$n?t leave )e#8

T)e ')ite 6iant too0 Ro$ by t)e a#& an$ le$ )i& bac0 to t)e visi1)one% still

o$$ly o(t of 1lace in t)is fo#6otten #oo&% so fa# (n$e#6#o(n$8

5Yo( 0no'%5 sai$ t)e ')ite 6iant% 5t)at I 'ill not t#ic0 yo( 'it) false &essa6es

o# anyt)in6 li0e t)at@5

One loo0 at t)e st#on6% cal&% #ela3e$ face - a face so 1(#1osef(l t)at it )a$ no

f#etf(l o# i&&e$iate 1(#1ose - convince$ Ro$ t)at t)e#e 'as not)in6 to fea#8

5T(ne it% t)en%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 5If Eleano# 'ants to 6o )o&e 'e 'ill

a##an6e 'it) t)e

Inst#(&entality fo# )e# 1assa6e8 As fo# yo(% &y son E-i0as(s 'in c)an6e yo( bac0 as )e

c)an6e$ yo( ove#8 T)e#e is only one $etail8 Do yo( 'ant t)e face yo( o#i6inally

)a$ o# $o yo( 'ant it to #eflect t)e 'is$o& an$ e31e#ience I )ave seen yo( 6ain@5

5I?& not 1os)%5 sai$ Ro$8 5T)e sa&e ol$ face 'ill $o8 If I a& any 'ise#% &y

1eo1le 'ill fin$ it o(t soon eno(6)85

52oo$8 He 'ill 6et #ea$y8 !ean')ile% t(#n on t)e visi1)one8 It is al#ea$y set to

sea#c) fo# yo(# fello'-citien85

Ro$ flic0e$ it on8 T)e#e 'as a be'il$e#in6 se#ies of flas)es an$ a 0alei$osco1ic$ale&ent of scenes befo#e t)e &ac)ine see&e$ to #ace alon6 t)e beac) at !eeya



!eefia an$ sea#c)e$ o(t Eleano#8 T)is 'as a ve#y st#an6e sc#een in$ee$4 it )a$ no

visi1)one at t)e ot)e# en$8 He co(l$ see Eleano#% loo0in6 e3actly li0e )is No#st#ilian

self% b(t s)e co(l$ not obse#ve t)at s)e 'as bein6 seen8

T)e &ac)ine foc(se$ on Eleano#Ro$ !cBan?s face8 )e)e 'as tal0in6 to a

ve#y 1#etty 'o&an% o$$ly &i3e$ No#st#ilian an$ Ea#t)-li0e in a11ea#ance8

5R(t) Not-f#o&-)e#e%5 &(#&(#e$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5t)e $a(6)te# of t)e Lo#$

Willia& Not- f#o&- )e#e% a C)ief of t)e Inst#(&entality8 He 'ante$ )is $a(6)te# to

&a##y ?yo(? so t)at t)ey co(l$ #et(#n to No#st#ilia8 Loo0 at t)e $a(6)te#8 )e is annoye$

at ?yo(? #i6)t no'85

R(t) 'as sittin6 on t)e beac)% t'istin6 a'ay at )e# fin6e#s in ne#vo(sness an$

'o##y% b(t )e# fin6e#s an$ face s)o'e$ &o#e an6e# t)an $es1ai#8 )e 'as s1ea0in6 to

Eleano#% t)e ?Ro$ !cBan8?

5!y fat)e# (st tol$ &eF5 R(t) c#ie$ o(t8 5W)y% o) ')y $i$ yo( 6ive all

yo(# &oney fo# a "o(n$ation of so&e 0in$@ T)e Inst#(&entality (st tol$ )i&8 I (st

$on?t (n$e#stan$8 T)e#e?s no 1oint in (s 6ettin6 one of t)ose A(st#alian &a##ia6es no'-5

5(its &e%5 sai$ Eleano#Ro$ !cBan8

5(its yo(% $oes itF5 s)#ie0e$ R(t)8 5Afte# t)e a$vanta6es yo(?ve ta0en of &eF5

T)e false Ro$ !cBan &e#ely s&ile$ at )e# f#ien$lfiy an$ 0no'le$6eably8 T)e

#eal Ro$% 'atc)in6 t)e 1ict(#e ten 0ilo&ete#s belo'% t)o(6)t t)at Eleano# see&e$ to

)ave lea#ne$ a 6#eat $eal abo(t )o' to be a yo(n6 #ic) &an on Ea#t)8

R(t)?s face c)an6e$ s($$enly8 )e b#o0e f#o& an6e# to la(6)te#8 )e s)o'e$ )e#

be'il$e#&ent8 5I &(st a$&it%5 s)e sai$ )onestly% 5T)at I $i$n?t #eally 'ant to 6o bac0

to t)e ol$ fa&ily )o&e in Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 T)e si&1le% )onest life% a little on t)e

st(1i$ si$e8 No oceans8 No cities8 K(st sic0% 6iant s)ee1 an$ 'o#l$s f(ll of &oney 'it)

not)in6 to s1en$ it on8 I li0e Ea#t) an$ I s(11ose I?& $eca$ent88885

Ro$Eleano# s&ile$ #i6)t bac0 at )e#8 5!aybe I?& $eca$ent too8 I?& not 1oo#8 I

can?t )el1 li0in6 yo(8 I $on?t 'ant to &a##y anybo$y8 B(t I )ave bi6 c#e$its )e#e% an$ I

enoy bein6 a yo(n6 &an -5

5I s)o(l$ say yo( $oF5 sai$ R(t)8 5W)at an o$$ t)in6 fo# yo( to sayF5

T)e false 5Ro$ !cBan5 6ave no si6n t)at )es)e note$ t)e inte##(1tion8 5I?ve

(st abo(t $eci$e$ to stay )e#e an$ enoy t)in6s8 Eve#ybo$y?s #ic) in No#st#ilia% b(t ')at

6oo$ $oes it $o@ It )a$ 6otten 1#etty $(ll fo# &e% I can tell yo(% o# I 'o(l$n?t )ave ta0ent)e #is0 of co&in6 )e#e8 Yes8 I t)in0 I?ll stay8 I 0no' t)at Ro$ -5 Hes)e 6as1e$% 5Ro$

!acA#t)(#% I &ean% a so#t of #elative of &ine - Ro$ can 6et t)e ta3 ta0en off &y

1e#sonal fo#t(ne so?t)at I can stay #i6)t )e#e85

5I 'ill% too%5 sai$ t)e #eal Ro$ !cBan% fa# belo' t)e s(#face of t)e Ea#t)8

5Yo(?#e 'elco&e )e#e% &y $ea#%5 sai$ R(t) Not-f#o&-)e#e to t)e false Ro$

!cBan8 Do'n belo'% t)e E-tele0eli 6est(#e$ at t)e sc#een8 5een eno(6)@5 )e sai$ to

Ro$8

5Eno(6)%5 sai$ Ro$% 5b(t &a0e s(#e t)at s)e 0no's I a& all #i6)t an$ t)at I a&

t#yin6 to ta0e ca#e of )e#8 Can yo( 6et in to(c) 'it) t)e Lo#$ Kestocost o# so&ebo$yan$ a##an6e fo# Eleano# to stay )e#e an$ 0ee1 )e# fo#t(ne@ Tell )e# to (se t)e na&e of



t)e o'ne#s of t)e tation of Doo&% b(t I $on?t t)in0 Ea#t)1eo1le 'ill notice t)e

$iffe#ence any)o'8 )e?ll 0no' it?s all #i6)t 'it) &e% an$ t)at?s all t)at &atte#s8 If s)e

#eally li0es it )e#e in a co1y of &y bo$y% &ay t)e 6#eat s)ee1 sit on )e#F5

5An o$$ blessin6%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5b(t it can all be a##an6e$85

Ro$ &a$e no &ove to leave8 He )a$ t(#ne$ off t)e sc#een% b(t )e (st stoo$t)e#e8 5o&et)in6 else@5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8

5C?!ell%5 sai$ Ro$8

5)e?s all #i6)t%5 sai$ t)e lo#$ of t)e (n$e#'o#l$8 5)e e31ects not)in6 f#o& yo(8

)e?s a 6oo$ (n$e#1e#son85

5I 'ant to $o so&et)in6 fo# )e#85

5T)e#e is not)in6 s)e 'ants8 )e is )a11y8 Yo( $o not nee$ to &e$$le85

5)e 'on?t be a 6i#ly6i#l fo#eve#%5 Ro$ insiste$8 5Yo( (n$e#1eo1le 6et ol$8 I

$on?t 0no' )o' yo( &ana6e 'it)o(t st#oon85

5Neit)e# $o I%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 5I (st )a11en to )ave lon6 life8 B(t yo(?#e

#i6)t abo(t )e#8 )e 'ill a6e soon eno(6)% by yo(# 0in$ of ti&e85

?I?$ li0e to b(y t)e #esta(#ant fo# )e#% t)e one t)e bea#-&an )as% an$ let it

beco&e a so#t of &eetin6 1lace o1en to 1eo1le an$ (n$e#1eo1le8 )e co(l$ 6ive it t)e

#o&antic an$ inte#estin6 to(c) so t)at it co(l$ be a s(ccess85

5A 'on$e#f(l i$ea8 A 1e#fect 1#oect fo# yo(# "o(n$ation%5 s&ile$ t)e E-

tele0eli8 5It s)all be $one85

5An$ t)e Cat&aste#@5 as0e$ Ro$8 5Is t)e#e anyt)in6 I can $o fo# )i&@5

5No% $o not conce#n yo(#self 'it) C?'illia&%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli8 5He is (n$e# t)e 1#otection of t)e Inst#(&entality an$ )e 0no's t)e si6n of t)e "is)85 T)e 6#eat

(n$e#&an 1a(se$ to 6ive Ro$ a c)ance to in(i#e ')at t)at si6n &i6)t be% b(t Ro$ $i$

not note t)e si6nificance of t)e 1a(se% so t)e bi#$-li0e 6iant 'ent on8 5C?'illia& )as

al#ea$y #eceive$ )is #e'a#$ in t)e 6oo$ c)an6e ')ic) )e )as &a$e in yo(# life8 No'% if

yo( a#e #ea$y% 'e 'ill 1(t yo( to slee1% &y son E-i0as(s 'ill c)an6e yo( o(t of yo(#

cat-bo$y an$ yo( 'ill 'a0e in o#bit a#o(n$ yo(# )o&e85

5C?&ell@ Can yo( 'a0e )e# (1 so I can say 6oo$bye afte# t)at t)o(san$ yea#s@5

T)e &aste# of t)e (n$e#'o#l$ too0 Ro$ 6ently by t)e a#& an$ 'al0e$ )i&

ac#oss t)e )(6e (n$e#6#o(n$ #oo&% tal0in6 as t)ey 'ent8 5Wo(l$ yo( 'ant to )ave

anot)e# 6oo$-bye% afte# t)at t)o(san$ yea#s s)e #e&e&be#s 'it) yo(% if yo( 'e#e s)e@Let )e# be8 It is 0in$e# t)is 'ay8 Yo( a#e )(&an8 Yo( can affo#$ to be #ic) 'it)

0in$ness8 It is one of t)e best t#aits ')ic) yo( )(&an 1eo1le )ave85

Ro$ sto11e$8 5Do yo( )ave a #eco#$e# of so&e 0in$% t)en@ )e 'elco&e$ &e to

Ea#t) 'it) a 'on$e#f(l little son6 abo(t ?)i6) bi#$s c#yin6? an$ I 'ant to leave one of

o(# No#st#ilian son6s fo# )e#85

5in6 anyt)in6%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5an$ t)e c)o#(s of &y atten$ants 'ill

#e&e&be# it as lon6 as t)ey live8 T)e ot)e#s 'o(l$ a11#eciate it% too85

Ro$ loo0e$ a#o(n$ at t)e (n$e#1eo1le ')o )a$ follo'e$ t)e&8 "o# a &o&ent

)e 'as e&ba##asse$ at sin6in6 to all of t)e&% b(t ')en )e sa' t)ei# 'a#&% a$o#in6

s&iles% )e 'as at ease 'it) t)e&8 5Re&e&be# t)is% t)en% an$ be s(#e to sin6 it to C?&ell



fo# &e% ')en s)e a'a0ens85 He lifte$ )is voice a little an$ san64

R(n ')e#e t)e #a& is $ancin6% 1#ancin6F Listen ')e#e t)e e'e is 6#eetin6%

bleatin68 R(s) ')e#e t)e la&bs a#e #(nnin6% f(nnin68 Watc) ')e#e t)e st#oon is

6#o'in6% flo'in68 ee )o' t)e &en a#e #ea1in6% )ea1in6 Wealt) fo# t)ei# 'o#l$F

Loo0% ')e#e t)e )ills a#e $i11in6% #i11in68 it ')e#e t)e ai# is $#yin6% f#yin68

2o ')e#e t)e clo($s a#e 1acin6% #acin6%

tan$ ')e#e t)e 'ealt) is 6lea&in6% tee&in68 )o(t to t)e to1 of t)e sin6in6%

#in6in6 No#st#ilian 1o'e# an$ 1#i$e8

T)e c)o#(s san6 it bac0 at )i& 'it) a 'ealt) an$ #ic)ness ')ic) )e )a$ neve#

)ea#$ in t)e little son6 befo#e8

5An$ no'%5 sai$ t)e E-tele0eli% 5t)e blessin6 of t)e "i#st "o#bi$$en One be

(1on yo(85 T)e 6iant bo'e$ a little an$ 0isse$ Ro$ !cBan on t)e fo#e)ea$8 Ro$

t)o(6)t it st#an6e an$ sta#te$ to s1ea0% b(t t)e eyes 'e#e (1on )i&8

Eyes - li0e t'in fi#es8

"i#e - li0e f#ien$s)i1% li0e 'a#&t)% li0e a 'elco&e an$ a fa#e'ell8 Eyes - ')ic)

beca&e a sin6le fi#e8

He a'a0ene$ only ')en )e 'as in o#bit a#o(n$ Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8

T)e $escent 'as easy8 T)e s)i1 )a$ a vie'e#8 T)e sna0e-1ilot sai$ ve#y little8 He

1(t Ro$ $o'n in t)e tation of Doo&% a fe' )(n$#e$ &ete#s f#o& )is o'n $oo#8 He left

t'o )eavy 1ac0a6es8 An Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian 1at#ol s)i1 )ove#e$ ove#)ea$ an$ t)e ai#

)(&&e$ 'it) $an6e# ')ile No#st#ilian 1olice floate$ to t)e 6#o(n$ an$ &a$e s(#e t)at

no one besi$es Ro$ !cBan 6ot off8 T)e Ea#t) s)i1 ')is1e#e$ an$ 'as 6one8

5I?ll 6ive yo( a )an$% &iste#%5 sai$ one of t)e 1olice8 He cl(tc)e$ Ro$ 'it)

one% &ec)anical cla' of )is o#nit)o1te#% ca(6)t t)e t'o 1ac0a6es in t)e ot)e#% an$ fl(n6)is &ac)ine into t)e ai# 'it) a sin6le beat of t)e 6iant 'in6s8 T)ey coaste$ into t)e

ya#$% t)e 'in6s ti11e$ (1% Re$ an$ )is 1ac0a6es 'e#e $e1osite$ $eftly an$ t)e &ac)ine

fla11e$ a'ay in silence8

T)e#e 'as nobo$y t)e#e8 He 0ne' t)at A(nt Do#is 'o(l$ co&e soon8 An$

Lavinia8 LaviniaF He#e% no'% on t)is $ea# 1oo# $#y ea#t)% )e 0ne' )o' &(c) Lavinia

s(ite$ )i&8 No' )e co(l$ s1ie0% )e co(l$ )ie#F

It 'as st#an6e8 Yeste#$ay - o# 'as it yeste#$ay fo# it felt li0e yeste#$ay@ -

)e )a$ felt ve#y yo(n6 in$ee$8 An$ no'% since )is visit to t)e Cat&aste#% )e felt

so&e)o' 6#o'n (1% as if )e )a$ $iscove#e$ all )is 1e#sonal in6#o'n 1#oble&s an$ )a$left t)e& be)in$ on Ol$ Ea#t)8 He see&e$ to 0no' in )is $ee1est &in$ t)at C?&ell )a$

neve# been &o#e t)an nine-tent)s )is% an$ t)at t)e ot)e# tent) - t)e &ost val(able an$

bea(tif(l an$ &ost sec#et tent) of )e# life - 'as fo#eve# 6iven to so&e ot)e# &an o#

(n$e#&an ')o& )e 'o(l$ neve# 0no'8 He felt t)at C?&ell 'o(l$ neve# 6ive )e# )ea#t

a6ain8 An$ yet )e 0e1t fo# )e# a s1ecial 0in$ of ten$e#ness% ')ic) 'o(l$ neve# #ec(#8 It

'as not &a##ia6e ')ic) t)ey )a$ )a$% b(t it 'as 1(#e #o&ance8

B(t )e#e% )e#e 'aite$ )o&e itself% an$ love8 Lavinia 'as in it% $ea# Lavinia 'it)

)e# &a$ lost fat)e# an$ )e# 0in$ness to a Ro$ ')o )a$ not let &(c) 0in$ness into )is

life8

($$enly% t)e 'o#$s of an ol$ 1oe& #ose (nbi$$en to )is &in$4 Eve#8 Neve#8"o#eve#8



T)#ee 'o#l$s8 T)e leve#

Of life (1on ti&e8 Eve#8 Neve#8 "o#eve#8

He s1ie0e$8 He s1ie0e$ ve#y lo($% 5LaviniaF5

Beyon$ t)e )ill t)e c#y ca&e bac0% #i6)t into )is &in$% 5Ro$% Ro$F O)% Ro$F

Ro$@5 5Yes%5 )e s1ie0e$8 5Don?t #(n8 I?& )o&e85He felt )e# &in$ co&in6 nea#% t)o(6) s)e &(st )ave been beyon$ one of t)e

nea#by )ills8 W)en )e to(c)e$ &in$s 'it) Lavinia% )e 0ne' t)at t)is 'as )e# 6#o(n$%

an$ )is too8 Not fo# t)e& t)e 'et 'on$e#s of Ea#t)% t)e 6ol$en-)ai#e$ bea(ties of

C?&ell an$ Ea#t) 1eo1leF He 0ne' 'it)o(t $o(bt t)at Lavinia 'o(l$ love an$ #eco6nie

t)e ne' Ro$ as s)e )a$ love$ t)e ol$8

He 'aite$ ve#y (ietly an$ t)en )e la(6)e$ to )i&self (n$e# t)e 6#ay nea#by

f#ien$ly s0y of No#st#ilia8 He )a$ &o&enta#ily )a$ t)e c)il$is) i&1(lse to #(s) ac#oss

t)e )ills an$ to 0iss )is o'n co&1(te#8

He 'aite$ fo# Lavinia instea$8

CHAPTER NINE4 COUNEL% COUNCIL% CONOLE AND CONUL

Ten yea#s late#% t'o ea#t)-&en tal0in6

5Yo( $on?t believe all t)e &ala#0ey% $o yo(@5 5W)at?s ?&a#la#0ey?@5

5Isn?t t)at a bea(tif(l 'o#$@ It?s ancient8 A #obot $(6 it (18 It &eans #(bbis)%

)ooey% nonsense% 6ibbe#is)% 1)l(tt% i$le tal0 o# )all(cinations - in ot)e# 'o#$s% (st ')at

yo(?ve been sayin685

5Yo( &ean% abo(t a boy b(yin6 t)e 1lanet Ea#t)@5

5(#e8 He co(l$n?t $o it% not even 'it) No#st#ilian &oney8 T)e#e a#e too &any

#e6(lations8 It 'as (st an econo&ic a$(st&ent85

5W)at?s an ?econo&ic a$(st&ent?@5

5T)at?s anot)e# ancient 'o#$ I fo(n$8 It?s al&ost as 6oo$ as &ala#0ey8 It $oes

)ave so&e &eanin6% t)o(6)8 It &eans t)at t)e &aste#s #ea##an6e t)in6s by c)an6in6 t)e

vol(&e o# t)e flo' o# t)e title to 1#o1e#ty8 T)e Inst#(&entality 'ante$ to s)a0e $o'n

t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent an$ 6et so&e &o#e f#ee c#e$its to 1lay a#o(n$ 'it)% so bet'een

t)e& t)ey invente$ an i&a6ina#y c)a#acte# na&e$ Ro$ !cBan8 T)en% t)ey )a$ )i& b(y

t)e Ea#t)8 T)en )e 6oes a'ay8 It $oesn?t &a0e sense8 No no#&al boy 'o(l$ )ave $one

t)at8 T)ey say )e )a$ one &illion 'o&en8 W)at $o yo( t)in0 a no#&al boy 'o(l$

$o if so&ebo$y 6ave )i& one &illion 'o&en@5

5Yo(?#e not 1#ovin6 anyt)in68 Any)o'% I sa' Ro$ !cBan &yself% t'o yea#sa6o85

5T)at?s t)e ot)e# one% not t)e one ')o is s(11ose$ to )ave bo(6)t Ea#t)8 T)at?s

(st a #ic) i&&i6#ant ')o lives $o'n nea# !eeya !eefia8 I co(l$ tell yo( so&e t)in6s

abo(t )i&% too85

5B(t ')y s)o(l$n?t so&ebo$y b(y Ea#t) if )e co#ne#s t)e No#st#ilian st#oon

&a#0et@5

5W)o eve# co#ne#e$ it in t)e fi#st 1lace@ I tell yo(% Ro$ !cBan is (st an

invention8 Have yo( eve# seen a 1ict(#ebo3 of )i&@5

5No85



5Di$ yo( eve# 0no' anybo$y ')o &et )i&@5

5I )ea#$ t)at t)e Lo#$ Kestocost 'as &i3e$ (1 in it% an$ t)at e31ensive

6i#ly6i#l W)at?s-)e#- na&e - yo( 0no' - t)e #e$)ea$ - C?&ell% 'as too85

5T)at?s ')at yo( )ea#$8 !ala#0ey% 1(#e 6en(ine ancient &ala#0ey8 T)e#e 'as no

s(c) boy% eve#8 It?s all 1#o1a6an$a85

5Yo(?#e al'ays t)at 'ay8 2#(&blin68 Do(btin68 I?& 6la$ I?& not yo(85

5Pal% t)at?s #eal% #eal #eci1#ocal8 ?Bette# $ea$ t)an 6(llible%? t)at?s &y &otto85 On a

1lanofo#&in6 s)i1% o(tbo(n$ f#o& Ea#t)% also ten yea#s late#8

T)e to1-ca1tain% tal0in6 to a 1assen6e#% fe&ale4

5I?& 6la$ to see% &a?a&% t)at yo( $i$n?t b(y any of t)ose Ea#t) fas)ions8

Bac0 )o&e% t)e ai# 'o(l$ ta0e t)e& off yo( in )alf &in(te85

5I?& ol$-fas)ione$%5 s)e s&ile$8 T)en a t)o(6)t c#osse$ )e# &in$% an$ s)e

a$$e$ a (estion4 5Yo(?#e in t)e s1ace b(siness% si# an$ to1-ca1tain8 Di$ yo( eve# )ea# t)e sto#y of Ro$ !cBan@ I t)in0 it?s t)#illin685

5Yo( &ean% t)e boy ')o bo(6)t Ea#t)@5 5Yes%5 s)e 6as1e$8 5Is it t#(e@5

5Co&1letely t#(e%5 )e sai$% 5e3ce1t fo# one little $etail8 T)is ?Ro$ !cBan? 'asn?t

na&e$ t)at at all8 He 'asn?t a No#st#ilian8 He 'as a )o&inoi$ f#o& so&e ot)e#

'o#l$% an$ )e 'as b(yin6 t)e Ea#t) 'it) 1i#ate &oney8 T)ey 'ante$ to 6et )is

c#e$its a'ay f#o& )i&% b(t )e &ay )ave been a Wet tin0e# f#o& A&aonas T#iste o#

)e &ay )ave been one of t)ose little tiny &en% abo(t t)e sie of a 'aln(t% f#o& t)e oli$

Planet8 T)at?s ')y )e bo(6)t Ea#t) an$ left it so s($$enly8 Yo( see% &a?a& an$ $a&e%

no Ol$ No#t) A(st#alian eve# t)in0s abo(t anyt)in6 e3ce1t )is &oney8 T)ey even )ave

one of t)e ancient fo#&s of 6ove#n&ent still left on t)at 1lanet% an$ t)ey 'o(l$ neve# let

one of t)ei# o'n boys b(y Ea#t)8 T)ey?$ all sit a#o(n$ an$ tal0 )i& into 1(ttin6 it in a

savin6s acco(nt% instea$8 T)ey?#e clannis) 1eo1le8 T)at?s ')y I $on?t t)in0 it 'as a

No#st#ilian at all85

T)e 'o&an?s eyes 'i$ene$8 5Yo(?#e s1oilin6 a lovely sto#y fo# &e% &iste# an$

to1- ca1tain85 5Don?t call &e ?&iste#%? &a?a&8 T)at?s a No#st#ilian title8 I?& (st a 1lain

?si#8? 5

T)ey bot) sta#e$ at t)e little i&a6ina#y 'ate#fall on t)e 'all8

Befo#e t)e to1-ca1tain 'ent bac0 to )is 'o#0% )e a$$e$% 5"o# &y &oney% it

&(st )ave been one of t)ose little tiny &en f#o& t)e oli$ Planet8 Only a fool li0e t)at

'o(l$ b(y t)e $o'e# #i6)ts to a &illion 'o&en8 We?#e bot) 6#o'n (1% &a?a&8 I as0 yo(% ')at 'o(l$ an itty-bitty &an f#o& t)e oli$ Planet $o 'it) one Ea#t) 'o&an% let

alone a &illion of t)e&@5

)e 6i66le$ an$ bl(s)e$ as t)e to1-ca1tain sta&1e$ t#i(&1)antly a'ay% )avin6

6otten in )is last &asc(line 'o#$8

E?la&elanie% t'o yea#s afte# Ea#t)

5"at)e#% 6ive &e )o1e85

T)e E-tele0eli 'as 6entle8 5I can 6ive yo( al&ost anyt)in6 f#o& t)is 'o#l$% b(t

yo( a#e tal0in6 abo(t t)e 'o#l$ of t)e si6n of t)e "is)% ')ic) none of (s cont#ols8 Yo(

)a$ bette# 6o bac0 into t)e eve#y$ay life of o(# cave#n an$ not s1en$ so &(c) ti&e onyo(# $evotional e3e#cises% if t)ey &a0e yo( (n)a11y85



)e sta#e$ at )i&8 5It?s not t)at8 It?s not t)at at all8 It?s (st t)at I 0no' t)at t)e

#obot% t)e #at an$ t)e Co1t all a6#ee$ t)at t)e P#o&ise$ One 'o(l$ co&e )e#e to Ea#t)85

A $es1e#ate note ente#e$ )e# voice8 5"at)e#% co(l$ it )ave been Ro$ !cBan@5

5W)at $o yo( &ean@5

5Co(l$ )e )ave been t)e P#o&ise$ One% 'it)o(t &y 0no'in6 it@ Co(l$ )e )ave

co&e an$ 6one (st to test &y fait)@5

T)e bi#$-6iant #a#ely la(6)e$ )e )a$ neve# la(6)e$ at )is o'n $a(6)te#

befo#e8 B(t t)is 'as too abs(#$4 )e la(6)e$ at )e#% b(t a 'ise 1a#t of )is &in$ tol$ )i&

t)at t)e la(6)te#% t)o(6) c#(el no'% 'o(l$ be 6oo$ fo# )e# late# on8

5Ro$@ A 1#o&ise$ s1ea0e# of t)e t#(t)@ O)% no8 Ho - )o - )o8 Ro$ !cBan is one

of t)e nicest )(&an bein6s I eve# &et8 A 6oo$ yo(n6 &an% al&ost li0e a bi#$8 B(t )e?s

no &essen6e# f#o& ete#nity85

T)e $a(6)te# bo'e$ an$ t(#ne$ a'ay8

)e )a$ al#ea$y co&1ose$ a t#a6e$y abo(t )e#self% t)e &ista0en one% ')o )a$

&et 5t)e 1#ince of t)e 'o#$%5 ')o& t)e 'o#l$s a'aite$% an$ )a$ faile$ to 0no' )i&

beca(se )e# fait) 'as too 'ea08 T)e st#ain of 'aitin6 fo# so&et)in6 t)at &i6)t )a11en

no' o# a &illion yea#s f#o& no' 'as too &(c)8 It 'as easie# to acce1t fail(#e an$ self-

#e1#oac) t)an to en$(#e t)e ti&eless to#&ent of (n$ate$ )o1e8

)e )a$ a little noo0 in t)e 'all ')e#e s)e s1ent &any of )e# 'aitin6 )o(#s8 )e

too0 o(t a little st#in6e$ inst#(&ent ')ic) )e# fat)e# )a$ &a$e fo# )e#8 It e&itte$

ancient% 'ee1in6 so(n$s% an$ s)e san6 )e# o'n little son6 to it% t)e son6 of E-la&elanie

')o 'as t#yin6 to 6ive (1 'aitin6 fo# Ro$ !cBan8

)e loo0e$ o(t into t)e #oo&8

A little 6i#l% 'ea#in6 not)in6 b(t 1anties% sta#e$ at )e# 'it) fi3e$ eyes8 E-

la&elanie loo0e$ bac0 at t)e c)il$8 It )a$ no e31#ession it (st sta#e$ at )e#8 )e

'on$e#e$ if it &i6)t be one of t)e t(#tle- c)il$#en ')o& )e# fat)e# )a$ #esc(e$ seve#al

yea#s ea#lie#8

)e loo0e$ a'ay f#o& t)e c)il$ an$ san6 )e# son6 any)o'4 Once a6ain% ac#oss

t)e yea#s%

I 'e1t fo# yo(8

I co(l$ not sto1 t)e bitte# tea#s

I 0e1t fo# yo(8

T)e )ea#t)stone of &y ea#ly life

Was s'e1t fo# yo(8

A $iffe#ent% &o$(late$ ti&e a'aits &e no'8

Yet t)e#e a#e &o&ents ')en t)e 1ast as0s ')y an$ )o'8

T)e f(t(#e &a#c)es &(c) too fast8 Allo'% allo' -

B(t no8 T)at?s all8 Ac#oss t)e yea#s

I 'e1t fo# yo(8

W)en s)e finis)e$% t)e t(#tle-c)il$ 'as still 'atc)in68 Al&ost an6#ily% E-la&elanie 1(t a'ay )e# little violin8



W)at t)e t(#tle-c)il$ t)o(6)t% at t)e sa&e &o&ent

I 0no' a lot even if I $on?t feel li0e tal0in6 abo(t it an$ I 0no' t)at t)e &ost

'on$e#f(l #eal &an in all t)e 1lanets ca&e #i6)t $o'n )e#e into t)is bi6 #oo& an$

tal0e$ to t)ese 1eo1le beca(se )e is t)e &an t)at t)e lon6 silly 6i#l is sin6in6 abo(t

beca(se s)e $oes not )ave )i& b(t ')y s)o(l$ s)e any)o' an$ I a& #eally t)e one ')o

is 6oin6 to 6et )i& beca(se I a& a t(#tle- c)il$ an$ I 'ill be #i6)t )e#e 'aitin6 ')en all

t)ese 1eo1le a#e $ea$ an$ 1(s)e$ $o'n into t)e $issol(tion vats an$ so&e$ay )e 'ill

co&e bac0 to ea#t) an$ I 'ill be all 6#o'n (1 an$ I 'ill be a t(#tle-'o&an% &o#e

bea(tif(l t)an any )(&an 'o&an eve# 'as% an$ )e is 6oin6 to &a##y &e an$ ta0e

&e off to )is 1lanet an$ I 'ill al'ays be )a11y 'it) )i& beca(se I 'ill not a#6(e all

t)e ti&e% t)e 'ay t)at bi#$- 1eo1le an$ cat-1eo1le an$ $o6-1eo1le $o% so t)at ')en

Ro$ !cBan is &y )(sban$ an$ I #(s) $inne# o(t of t)e 'all fo# )i&% if )e t#ies to

a#6(e 'it) &e I 'ill (st be s)y an$ s'eet an$ I 'on?t say anyt)in6% not)in6 at all% to

)i& fo# one )(n$#e$ yea#s an$ fo# t'o )(n$#e$ yea#s% an$ nobo$y co(l$ 6et &a$ at a

bea(tif(l t(#tle-'o&an ')o neve# tal0e$ bac08888T)e Co(ncil of t)e 2(il$ of T)ieves% (n$e# ;iola i$e#ea

T)e )e#al$ calle$% 5His a($acity% t)e C)ief of t)ieves% is 1lease$ to #e1o#t to

t)e Co(ncil of

T)ievesF5

An ol$ &an stoo$% ve#y ce#e&onio(sly4 5Yo( b#in6 (s 'ealt)% si# an$ c)ief% 'e

t#(st - f#o& t)e 6(llible - f#o& t)e 'ea0 - f#o& t)e )ea#tless a&on6 &an0in$@5

T)e C)ief of T)ieves 1#oclai&e$% 5It is t)e &atte# of Ro$ !cBan85

A visible sti# 'ent t)#o(6) t)e Co(ncil8

T)e C)ief of T)ieves 'ent on% 'it) e(al fo#&ality4 5We neve# $i$ inte#ce1t

)i& in s1ace% t)o(6) 'e &onito#e$ eve#y ve)icle ')ic) ca&e o(t of t)e stic0y% s1a#0y

s1ace a#o(n$ No#st#ilia8 Nat(#ally% 'e $i$ not sen$ anyone $o'n to &eet !ot)e#

Hitton?s Litt(l *ittons - &ay t)e &il$e'- &en fin$ t)e&F ')ateve# t)ose ?0ittons? &ay

be8 T)e#e 'as a coffin 'it) a 'o&an in it an$ a s&all bo3 'it) a )ea$8 Neve# &in$8 He

6ot 1ast (s8 B(t ')en )e 6ot to Ea#t)% 'e ca(6)t fo(# of )i&85

5"o(#@5 6as1e$ one ol$ Co(ncilo#8

5Yes%5 sai$ t)e C)ief Of T)ieves8 5"o(# Ro$ !cBans8 T)e#e 'as a )(&an

one% too% b(t 'e co(l$ tell t)at one 'as a $ecoy8 It )a$ o#i6inally been a 'o&an an$

'as enoyin6 itself )(6ely afte# )avin6 been t#ansfo#&e$ into a yo(n6 &an8 o 'e 6otfo(# Ro$ !cBans8 All fo(# of t)e& 'e#e Ea#t) #obots% ve#y 'ell &a$e85

5Yo( stole t)e&@5 sai$ a Co(ncilo#8

5Of co(#se%5 sai$ t)e C)ief of T)ieves% t)in06 li0e a )(&an 'olf8 5An$ t)e

Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent &a$e no obection at all8 T)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent si&1ly sent (s a

bill fo# t)e& ')en 'e t#ie$ to leave - so&et)in6 li0e one-fo(#t) &e6ac#e$it ?fo# t)e

(se of c(sto& $esi6ne$ #obots8? 5

5T)at?s a lo' )onest t#ic0F5 c#ie$ t)e C)ai#&an of t)e 2(il$ of T)ieves8 5W)at

$i$ yo( $o@5 His eyes sta#e$ 'i$e o1en an$ )is voice $#o11e$8 5Yo( $i$n?t t(#n )onest

an$ c)a#6e t)e bill to (s% $i$ yo(@ We?#e al#ea$y in $ebt to t)ose )onest #o6(esF5

T)e C)ief of T)ieves s(i#&e$ a little8 5Not (ite t)at ba$% yo(# t#ic0y



)i6)nessesF I c)eate$ t)e

Ea#t) so&e% t)o(6) I fea# it &ay )ave bo#$e#e$ on )onesty% t)e 'ay I $i$ it85

5?W)at $i$ yo( $o@ Tell (s (ic0% &anF5

5ince I $i$ not 6et t)e #eal Ro$ !cBan% I too0 t)e #obots a1a#t an$ ta(6)t t)e&

)o' to be t)ieves8 T)ey stole eno(6) &oney to 1ay all t)e 1enalties an$ #eco(1 t)e

e31ense of t)e voya6e85

5Yo( s)o' a 1#ofit@5 c#ie$ a Co(ncilo#8

5"o#ty &inic#e$its%5 sai$ t)e C)ief of T)ieves8 5B(t t)e 'o#st is yet to co&e8

Yo( 0no' ')at

Ea#t) $oes to #eal t)ieves85

A s)($$e# 'ent t)#o(6) t)e #oo&8 T)ey all 0ne' abo(t Ea#t) #econ$itione#s

')ic) )a$ c)an6e$ bol$ t)ieves into $(ll )onest #o6(es8

5B(t% yo( see% si#s an$ )ono#e$ ones%5 t)e C)ief of T)ieves 'ent on%

a1olo6etically% 5t)e Ea#t) a(t)o#ities ca(6)t (s at t)at% too8 T)ey li0e$ t)e t)ief #obots8

T)ey &a$e 'on$e#f(l 1ic01oc0ets an$ t)ey 0e1t t)e 1eo1le sti##e$ (18 T)e #obots also6ave eve#t)in6 bac08 o%5 sai$ t)e C)ief of T)ieves% bl(s)in6% 5'e )ave a cont#act to

t(#n t'o t)o(san$ )(&anoi$ #obots into 1ic01oc0ets an$ snea0- t)ieves8 K(st to &a0e

life on Ea#t) &o#e f(n8 T)e #obots a#e o(t in o#bit% #i6)t no'85

5Yo( &ean%5 s)#ille$ t)e C)ai#&an% 5yo( si6ne$ an )onest cont#act@ Yo(% t)e

C)ief of

T)ievesF5

T)e C)ief #eally bl(s)e$ an$ c)o0e$8 5W)at co(l$ I $o@ Besi$es% t)ey )a$ &e8 I

6ot 6oo$ te#&s% t)o(6)8 T'o )(n$#e$ an$ t'enty c#e$its fo# 1#ocessin6 eac) #obot into

a &aste# c)ief8 We can live 'ell on t)at fo# a ')ile85

"o# a lon6 ti&e t)e#e 'as $ea$ silence8

At last one of t)e ol$est T)ieves on t)e Co(ncil be6an to sob4 5I?& ol$8 I can?t

stan$ it8 T)e )o##o# of itF Us - (s $oin6 )onest 'o#0F5

5?We?#e at least teac)in6 t)e #obots )o' to be t)ieves%5 sai$ t)e C)ief of T)ieves%

sta#0ly8 No one co&&ente$ on t)at8

Even t)e )e#al$ )a$ to ste1 asi$e an$ blo' )is nose8 At !eeva !eefia% t'enty

yea#s afte# Ro$?s t#i1 )o&e

Ro$e#ic0 Hen#y !cBan% t)e fo#&e# Eleano#% )a$ beco&e only i&1e#ce1tibly

ol$e# 'it) t)e yea#s8 He )a$ sent a'ay )is favo#ite% t)e little $ance#% an$ )e 'on$e#e$

')y t)e Inst#(&entality% not even t)e Ea#t) 6ove#n&ent% )a$ sent )i& official 'a#nin6to 5stay 1eaceably in t)e $'ellin6 of t)e sai$ state$ 1e#son% t)e#e to a'ait an

e&1o'e#e$ envoy of t)is Inst#(&ent5 an$ to co&1ly 'it) o#$e#s s(bse(ently to be

iss(e$ by t)e envoy )e#einbefo#e in$icate$85

Ro$e#ic0 Hen#y !cBan #e&e&be#e$ t)e lon6 yea#s of vi#t(e% in$e1en$ence an$

$#($6e#y on No#st#ilia 'it) (nconceale$ loat)in68 He li0e$ bein6 a #ic)% 'il$ yo(n6

&an on Ea#t) eve# so &(c) bette# t)an bein6 a #es1ectable s1inste# (n$e# t)e 6#ay s0ies

of Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia8 W)en )e $#ea&e$% )e 'as so&eti&es Eleano# a6ain% an$ )e

so&eti&es )a$ lon6 &o#bi$ 1e#io$s in ')ic) )e 'as neit)e# Eleano# no# Ro$% b(t a

na&eless bein6 cast o(t f#o& so&e 'o#l$ o# ti&e of i##ecove#able enc)ant&ents8 In

t)ose 6loo&y 1e#io$s% ')ic) 'e#e fe' b(t



ve#y intense% an$ (s(ally c(#e$ by 6ettin6 $#(n0 an$ stayin6 $#(n0 fo# a fe'

$ays% )e fo(n$ )i&self 'on$e#in6 ')o )e 'as8 W)at co(l$ )e be@ Was )e Eleano#%

t)e )onest 'o#0'o&an f#o& t)e tation of Doo&@ Was )e an a$o1tive co(sin of Ro$

!cBan% t)e &an ')o )a$ bo(6)t Ol$ Ea#t) Itself@ W)at 'as t)is self - t)is Ro$e#ic0

Hen#y !cBan@ He &a(n$e#e$ abo(t it so &(c) to one of )is 6i#lf#ien$s% a caly1so

sin6e#% t)at s)e set )is o'n 'o#$s% bette# a##an6e$% to an ancient t(ne an$ san6 t)e& bac0 to )i&4

To be &e% is it #i6)t% is it 6oo$@

To 6o on% ')en t)e ot)e#s )ave stoo$ -

To t)e 6ate% t)#o(6) t)e $oo#% 1ast t)e 'all% Bet'een t)is an$ t)e not)in6-at-all8

It is col$% it is &e% in t)e o(t8

I a& t#(e% I a& &e% in t)e lone8

(c) silence leaves #oo& fo# no $o(bt8 It is b#i6)tness (nb#o0en by tone8

To be &e% it is st#an6e% it is t#(e8)all I lie@ To be t)e&% to )ave 1eace@ Will I 0no'% can I tell% ')en I?& t)#o(6)@

Do I sto1 ')en &y t#o(bles &(st cease@

If t)e 'all isn?t 6lass% isn?t t)e#e

If it?s #eal b(t co&1o(n$e$ of ai#% A& I lost if I 6o ')e#e I 6o

W)e#e I?& &e@ I a& yes8 A& I no@ To be &e% is it #i6)t% is it so@

Can I co(nt on &y b#ain% on &y eye@ Will I be yo( o# be )e# by an$ bye@

A#e t)ey t#(e% all t)ese t)in6s t)at I 0no'@ Yo( a#e &a$% in t)e 'all8 On t)e o(t%

I?& alone an$ as sane as t)e 6#ave8 Do I fall% $o I lose ')at I save@ A& I &e% if I

ec)o yo(# s)o(t@

I )ave 6one to a season of ti&e8888

O(t of t)o(6)t% o(t of life% o(t of #)y&e8 If I co&e to be yo(% $o I lose

T)e c)ance to be &e if I c)oose@

Ro$Eleano# )a$ &o&ents of $es1e#ation% an$ so&etines 'on$e#e$ if t)e

Ea#t) a(t)o#ities o# t)e Inst#(&entality 'o(l$ ta0e )i&)e# a'ay f#o& #econ$itionin68

T)e 'a#nin6 to$ay 'as fo#&al% fie#ce% se#ene in its i&1lacable self-ass(#ance8

A6ainst )is)e# bette# ($6&ent% Ro$e#ic0 Hen#y !cBan 1o(#e$ o(t a stiff $#in0

an$ 'aite$ fo# t)e inevitable8

Destiny ca&e as t)#ee &en% all of t)e& st#an6e#s% b(t one 'ea#in6 t)e (nifo#&of an Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia co(ns(l8 W)en t)ey 6ot close% s)e #eco6nie$ t)e cons(l as

Lo#$ Willia& Not- f#o&-)e#e% 'it) ')ose $a(6)te# R(t) )es)e )a$ $is1o#te$ on t)ese

ve#y san$s &any yea#s befo#e8

T)e 6#eetin6s 'e#e 'ea#iso&ely lon6% b(t Ro$Eleano# )a$ lea#ne$% bot) on Ol$

No#t) A(st#alia an$ )e#e on !an)o&e Ea#t)% neve# to $isco(nt ce#e&ony as t)e

salva6e# of $iffic(lt o# 1ainf(l occasions8 It 'as t)e Lo#$ Willia& Not-f#o&-)e#e ')o

s1o0e8

5Hea# no'% Lo#$ Ro$e#ic0 Eleano#% t)e &essa6e of a 1len(& of t)e

Inst#(&entality% la'f(lly an$ fo#&ally asse&ble$% to 'it -

5T)at yo(% t)e Lo#$ Ro$e#ic0 Eleano# be 0no'n to be an$ be in$ee$ a C)ief of



t)e

Inst#(&entality (ntil t)e $ay of yo(# $eat) -

5T)at yo( )ave ea#ne$ t)is stat(s by s(#vival ca1acity% an$ t)at t)e st#an6e an$

$iffic(lt lives ')ic) yo( )ave al#ea$y le$ 'it) no t)o(6)t of s(ici$e )ave ea#ne$ yo( a

1lace in o(# te##ible an$ $(tif(l #an0s -

5T)at in bein6 an$ beco&in6 t)e Lo#$ Ro$e#ic0 Eleano#% yo( s)all be &an o#

'o&an% yo(n6 o# ol$% as t)e Inst#(&entality &ay o#$e# -

5T)at yo( ta0e 1o'e# to se#ve% t)at yo( se#ve to ta0e 1o'e#% t)at yo( co&e

'it) (s% t)at yo( loo0 not bac0'a#$% t)at yo( #e&e&be# to fo#6et% t)at yo( fo#6et ol$

#e&e&be#in6% t)at 'it)in t)e Inst#(&entality yo( a#e not a 1e#son% b(t a 1a#t of a 1e#son

-

5T)at yo( be &a$e 'elco&e to t)e ol$est se#vant of &an0in$% t)e

Inst#(&entality Itself85 Ro$e#ic0 Eleano# )a$ not a 'o#$ to say8

Ne'ly a11ointe$ Lo#$s of t)e Inst#(&entality #a#ely )a$ anyt)in6 to say8 It 'as

t)e c(sto& of t)e Inst#(&entality to ta0e ne' a11ointees by s(#1#ise% afte# &in(tee3a&ination of t)ei# #eco#$s fo# intelli6ence% 'ill% vitality% an$ a6ain% vitality8

T)e Lo#$ Willia& 'as s&ilin6 as )e )el$ o(t )is )an$ an$ s1ea0in6 in off-

'o#l$ly )onest No#st#ilian tal0% 5Welco&e% co(sin f#o& t)e 6#ay #ic) clo($s8 Not &any

of o(# 1eo1le )ave eve# been c)osen8 Let &e 'elco&e yo(85

Ro$e#ic0 Eleano# too0 )is )an$8 T)e#e 'as still not)in6 to say8

T)e Palace of t)e 2ove#no# of Ni6)t% t'enty yea#s afte# Ro$?s #et(#n

5I t(#ne$ off t)e )(&an voice )o(#s a6o% Lavinia8 T(#ne$ it off8 We al'ays

6et a s)a#1e# #ea$in6 'it) t)e n(&be#s8 It $oesn?t )ave a cl(e on o(# boys8 I?ve been

ac#oss t)is console a )(n$#e$ ti&es8 Co&e alon6% ol$ 6i#l8 It?s no (se 1#e$ictin6 t)e

f(t(#e8 T)e f(t(#e is al#ea$y )e#e8 O(# boys 'ill be o(t of t)e van% one 'ay o# t)e

ot)e#% by t)e ti&e 'e 'al0 ove# t)e )ill an$ $o'n to t)e&85 He s1o0e 'it) )is voice%

as a little si6n of ten$e#ness bet'een t)e&8

Lavinia as0e$ ne#vo(sly% 5)o(l$n?t 'e ta0e an o#nit)o1te# an$ fly@5

5No% 6i#l%5 sai$ Ro$ ten$e#ly8 5W)at 'o(l$ o(# nei6)bo#s an$ 0ins&en t)in0 if

t)ey sa' t)e 1a#ents flyin6 in li0e 'il$ off-'o#l$e#s o# a 1ai# of c#i&son 1o&&ies ')o

can?t 0ee1 a stea$y )ea$ ')en t)e#e?s a bit of blo'-(18 Afte# all% o(# bi6 6i#l Cas)eba

&a$e it t'o yea#s a6o% an$ )e# eyes 'e#en?t so 6oo$85

5)e?s a )o'le#% t)at one%5 sai$ Lavinia 'a#&ly8 5)e co(l$ fi6)t off a s1ace 1i#ate even bette# t)an yo( co(l$ befo#e yo( co(l$ s1ie085

T)ey 'al0e$ slo'ly (1 t)e )ill8

W)en t)ey c#osse$ t)e to1 of t)e )ill% t)ey 6ot t)e o&ino(s &elo$y co&in6 #i6)t

at t)e&4 O(t in t)e 6a#$en of $eat)% o(# yo(n6

Have taste$ t)e valiant taste of fea#8 Wit) &(scla# a#& an$ #ec0less ton6(e%

T)ey )ave 'on% an$ lost% an$ esca1e$ (s )e#e8

In one fo#& o# anot)e#% all Ol$ No#t) A(st#alians 0ne' t)at t(ne8 It 'as ')at

t)e ol$ 1eo1le )(&&e$ ')en t)e yo(n6 ones )a$ to 6o into t)e vans to be selecte$ o(t

fo# s(#vival o# nons(#vival8



T)ey sa' t)e ($6es co&e o(t of t)e van8 T)e Hon8ec8 Ho(6)ton y&e 'as

t)e#e% )is face blan$ an$ )is ca#es e#ase$ by t)e s1ecial $#ea&lives ')ic) Ro$?s

&e$icine )a$ b#o(6)t f#o& t)e sec#et (n$e#6#o(n$ of Ea#t)8 T)e Lo#$ Re$la$y 'as

t)e#e% an$ Docto# Went'o#t)8

Lavinia sta#te$ to #(n $o'n)ill to'a#$ t)e 1eo1le% b(t Ro$ 6#abbe$ )e# a#& an$

sai$ 'it) #o(6) affection%

5tea$y on% ol$ 6i#l8 !cBans neve# #(n - f#o& not)in6% an$ to not)in6F5 )e

6(l1e$ b(t s)e oine$ 1ace 'it) )i&8

Peo1le be6an loo0in6 (1 at t)e& as t)ey a11#oac)e$8 Not)in6 'as to be tol$

f#o& t)e e31#essions8

It 'as t)e Lo#$ Re$la$y% (nconventional to t)e en$% ')o b#o0e t)e si6n to t)e&8

He )el$ (1 one fin6e#8

Only one8

I&&e$iately t)e#eafte# Ro$ an$ Lavinia sa' t)ei# t'ins8 Te$% t)e fai#e# one% sat

on a c)ai# ')ile Ol$ Bill t#ie$ to 6ive )i& a $#in08 Te$ 'o(l$n?t ta0e it8 He loo0e$ac#oss t)e lan$ as t)o(6) )e co(l$ not believe ')at )e sa'8 Ric)% t)e $a#0e# t'in%

stoo$ all alone8

All alone% an$ la(6)in68 La(6)in68

Ro$ !cBan an$ )is &iss(s 'al0e$ ac#oss t)e lan$ of Doo& to be civil to t)ei#

nei6)bo#s8 T)is 'as in$ee$ ')at ine3o#able c(sto& co&&an$e$8 )e s(eee$ )is

)an$ a little ti6)te# )e )el$ )e# a#& a little &o#e fi#&ly8

Afte# a lon6 ti&e t)ey )a$ $one t)ei# fo#&al co(#tesies8 Ro$ 1(lle$ Te$ to )is

feet8 5H(llo% boy8 Yo( &a$e it8 Yo( 0no' ')o yo( a#e@5

!ec)anically t)e boy #ecite$% 5Ro$e#ic0 "#e$e#ic0 Ronal$ A#nol$ Willia&

!acA#t)(# !cBan to-t)e-)(n$#e$-an$-fifty-secon$% si# an$ fat)e#F5

T)en t)e boy b#o0e% fo# (st a &o&ent8 He 1ointe$ at Ric)% ')o 'as still

la(6)in6% off by )i&self% an$ t)en 1l(n6e$ fo# )is fat)e#?s )(64

5O% $a$F W)y &e@ W)y &e@5



CO!"#$%N&! S'%T T& S$P&! OF '*TS (%ntrodution to

+The Best of Cordwainer Smith,)

In an obsc(#e an$ s)o#t-live$ &a6aine calle$ "antasy Boo0% t)e#e a11ea#e$

in ,G9 a sto#y calle$ 5canne#s Live in ;ain85

No one )a$ eve# )ea#$ of t)e a(t)o#% Co#$'aine# &it)8 An$ it a11ea#e$ fo# a ti&e t)at )e 'o(l$ neve# be )ea#$ f#o& a6ain in t)e 'o#l$ of science fiction8

B(t 5canne#s Live in ;ain5 'as a sto#y t)at #ef(se$ to $ie% an$ its

#e1(blication in t'o ant)olo6ies enco(#a6e$ t)e el(sive &it) to be6in s(b&ittin6 to

ot)e# " &a#0ets8

To$ay% )e is #eco6nie$ as one of t)e &ost c#eative " '#ite#s of &o$e#n ti&es8

B(t% 1a#a$o3ically% )e is one of t)e least 0no'n o# (n$e#stoo$8 Until s)o#tly befo#e )is

$eat)% )is ve#y i$entity 'as a closely 6(a#$e$ sec#et8

Not t)at D#8 Pa(l !y#on Ant)ony Lineba#6e# ,,-.. 'as as)a&e$ of

science fiction8 He 'as 1#o($ of t)e fiel$% an$ )a$ even boaste$ once to t)e Balti&o#e

(n t)at " )a$ att#acte$ &o#e P)8D8?s t)an any ot)e# b#anc) of fiction8

B(t )e 'as a sensitive% e&otional '#ite#>an$ #el(ctant to beco&e involve$ 'it))is #ea$e#s>to be fo#ce$ to 5e31lain5 )i&self in a 'ay t)at &i6)t $est#oy t)e

s1ontaneity of )is 'o#08

Beyon$ t)at% )e 1#obably enoye$ bein6 a &an of &yste#y% as el(sive as so&e

of t)e all(sions in )is sto#ies8 &it) 'as a &yt)&a0e# in science fiction% an$ 1e#)a1s

it ta0es a so&e')at &yt)ical fi6(#e to c#eate t#(e &yt)s8

A ne' ac(aintance (ns(#e of t)e n(&be# of syllables in D#8 Lineba#6e#?s

na&e 'o(l$ be ans'e#e$ by a si6nificant 6est(#e to t)e t)#ee C)inese c)a#acte#s on )is

tie8 Only late# 'o(l$ )e lea#n t)e c)a#acte#s stoo$ fo# Lin Ba) Lo)% o# 5"o#est of

Incan$escent Bliss5>t)e na&e 6iven )i& as 6o$son to (n Yat en% fo(n$e# of t)e

C)inese Re1(blic8

D#8 Lineba#6e#?s life 'as ce#tainly seve#al c(ts above t)e o#$ina#y8

At t)e a6e of seventeen% )e ne6otiate$ a silve# loan fo# C)ina on be)alf of )is

fat)e#>(n?s le6al a$viso# an$ one of t)e financie#s of t)e Revol(tion of ,,,8 He

late# beca&e a colonel in U88 A#&y Intelli6ence% $es1ite 1a#tial blin$ness an$

6ene#al ill )ealt)>)e once s)oc0e$ 6(ests at a $inne# 1a#ty by $o'nin6 a 5coc0tail5

of )y$#oc)lo#ic aci$ to ai$ )is $i6estion8

Alt)o(6) bo#n in !il'a(0ee>)is fat)e# 'ante$ to be s(#e t)at as a nat(#al-

bo#n citien )is son 'o(l$ be eli6ible fo# t)e 1#esi$ency>Lineba#6e# s1ent )is

fo#&ative yea#s in Ka1an% C)ina% "#ance an$ 2e#&any8 By t)e ti&e )e 6#e' (1% )e

0ne' si3 lan6(a6es an$ )a$ beco&e inti&ate 'it) seve#al c(lt(#es% bot) O#iental an$Occi$ental8

He 'as only t'enty-t)#ee ')en )e ea#ne$ )is P)8D8 in 1olitical science at

Ko)ns Ho10ins Unive#sity% ')e#e )e 'as late# P#ofesso# of Asiatic 1olitics fo# &any

yea#s8 )o#tly t)e#eafte#% )e 6#a$(ate$ f#o& e$itin6 )is fat)e#?s boo0s to 1(blis)in6 )is

o'n )i6)ly #e6a#$e$ 'o#0s on "a# Easte#n affai#s8 W)en Wo#l$ Wa# II b#o0e o(t% )e

(se$ )is 1osition on t)e O1e#ations Plannin6 an$ Intelli6ence

Boa#$ to $#aft a set of (alifications fo# an intelli6ence o1e#ative in C)ina t)at

only )e co(l$ &eet-so off )e 'ent to C)(n60in6 as an A#&y lie(tenant8 By 'a#?s en$%

)e 'as a &ao#8

D#8 Lineba#6e# t(#ne$ )is 'a#ti&e e31e#iences into Psyc)olo6ical Wa#fa#e% still

#e6a#$e$ as t)e &ost a(t)o#itative te3t in t)e fiel$8 As a colonel% )e 'as a$viso# to t)eB#itis) fo#ces in !alaya an$ to t)e U8 8 Ei6)t) A#&y in *o#ea8 B(t t)is self-style$



5visito# to s&all 'a#s5 1asse$ (1 ;ietna&% feelin6 A&e#ican involve&ent t)e#e 'as a

&ista0e8

T#avels a#o(n$ t)e 'o#l$ too0 )i& to A(st#alia% 2#eece% E6y1t an$ &any ot)e#

co(nt#ies an$ )is e31e#tise 'as s(fficiently val(e$ t)at )e beca&e a lea$in6

&e&be# of t)e "o#ei6n Policy Association an$ an a$viso# to P#esi$ent *enne$y8

B(t even in c)il$)oo$% )is t)o(6)ts )a$ t(#ne$ to fiction-incl($in6 sciencefiction8 Li0e &any b($$in6 " '#ite#s% )e $iscove#e$ t)e 6en#e at an ea#ly a6e8 ince )e

'as livin6 in 2e#&any at t)e ti&e% )e a$$e$ to t)e fa&ilia# classics of ;e#ne% Wells%

Doyle an$ ot)e#s s(c) 'o#0s as Alf#e$ Doblin?s 2i6anten to )is list of favo#ites8

He 'as only fifteen ')en )is fi#st " sto#y% 5Wa# No8 i-<%5 'as 1(blis)e$8 B(t

(nfo#t(nately% no one see&s to #e&e&be# ')e#e8 Acco#$in6 to )is 'i$o'%

2enevieve% t)e sto#y 'as byline$ Ant)ony Bea#$en>a 1se($ony& late# (se$ fo#

1oet#y 1(blis)e$ in little &a6aines8 T'o e3a&1les of t)is 1oet#y a11ea# in No#st#ilia%

also 1(blis)e$ by Ballantine8

D(#in6 t)e ,9G% D#8 Lineba#6e# be6an 0ee1in6 a sec#et noteboo0>1a#t

1e#sonal $ia#y% 1a#t sto#y i$eas8 T)en in ,M% )e be6an '#itin6 se#io(s sto#ies% &ostly

set in ancient o# &o$e#n C)ina% o# in conte&1o#a#y locales else')e#e8 None 'e#e eve#

1(blis)e$% b(t t)ei# #an6e>so&e (se t)e sa&e C)inese na##ative tec)ni(es t)at

late# t(#n (1 in " 'o#0s li0e 5T)e Dea$ La$y of Clo'n To'n5>is #e&a#0able8

W)ile bac0 in C)ina% )e too0 on t)e na&e "eli3 C8 "o##est>a 1(n on )is

C)inese na&e>fo# t'o 1syc)olo6ical novels &aile$ )o&e in install&ents an$

1(blis)e$ afte# t)e 'a#8 Ria an$ Ca#ola 'e#e #e&a#0able novels fo# t)ei# fe&inine

vie'1oint an$ fo# t)e s(btle inte#1lay of c(lt(#al infl(ences be)in$ t)e inte#1lay of

c)a#acte#8 Un$e# t)e na&e Ca#&ic)ael &it)% D#8 Lineba#6e# '#ote Ato&s0% a s1y

t)#ille# set in t)e oviet Union8

B(t )is ca#ee# in science fiction ca&e abo(t al&ost by acci$ent8 He &ay )aves(b&itte$ so&e sto#ies to A&ain6 ')ile still in C)ina $(#in6 t)e 'a# b(t if so%

not)in6 eve# ca&e of t)e&8 It 'as $(#in6 i$le )o(#s at t)e Penta6on afte# )is #et(#n

t)at )e t(#ne$ an i$ea t)at )a$ been bot)e#in6 )i& into 5canne#s Live in ;ain85

T)e sto#y 'as al&ost '#itten in vain% fo# it 'as #eecte$ by eve#y &ao#

1(blication in t)e fiel$8 "antasy Boo0% to ')ic) it 'as s(b&itte$ five yea#s late# as a last

#eso#t% $i$ not even 1ay fo# it8 Alt)o(6) )e )a$ '#itten anot)e# Co#$'aine# &it)

sto#y% 5Hi&self in Anac)#on5 #ecently a$a1te$ by )is 'i$o' fo# Ha#lan Ellison?s

ant)olo6y Last Dan6e#o(s ;isions in ,/.% )e &ay 'ell )ave $es1ai#e$ of any

#eco6nition in t)e 6en#e8

B(t t)e#e 'e#e #ea$e#s ')o too0 notice8 Neve# &in$ t)at "antasy Boo0 )a$

neve# befo#e 1(blis)e$ a 'o#t)')ile sto#y% neve# &in$ t)at t)e a(t)o# 'as a total(n0no'n8 5canne#s Live in ;ain5 6ot to t)e&8

5!a#tel 'as an6#y8 He $i$ not even a$(st )is bloo$ a'ay f#o& an6e# 888 5

It 'as &o#e t)an (st t)e bia##e sit(ation t)at att#acte$ attention>it 'as

t)e 'ay it 'as t#eate$8

"#o& t)e o1enin6 lines% #ea$e#s beca&e 1a#t of !a#tel?s (nive#se>a (nive#se

as #eal as o(# o'n% fo# all its st#an6eness8 T)ey 'e#e int#i6(e$% an$ no $o(bt &ystifie$8

W)at 'as t)is Inst#(&entality of !an0in$% ')ic) even t)e scanne#s )el$ in

a'e@ W)at 'e#e t)e Beasts an$ t)e &ans)onya66e#s an$ t)e Unfo#6iven@ One co(l$

sense t)ei# i&1o#tance to t)e )e#o% )(t beyon$ t)at-only 'on$e#8

&it) clea#ly 0ne' &o#e abo(t t)is (nive#se t)an )e let on>&o#e% in fact% t)an

)e eve# 'o(l$ let on8

His (nive#se )a$ been fo#&in6 in )is &in$ at least since t)e ti&e )e '#ote )is



fi#st 1(blis)e$ sto#y in ,:% an$ it too0 f(#t)e# s)a1e in )is sec#et noteboo0 $(#in6 t)e

,9s an$ ,/9s8

Al#ea$y in 5Wa# No8 i-<%5 )is 'i$o' #ecalls% )e )a$ &a$e #efe#ence to t)e

Inst#(&entality> t)at all-1o'e#f(l elite )ie#a#c)y t)at 'as to beco&e cent#al to t)e

Co#$'aine# &it) sto#ies t'enty yea#s an$ &o#e late#8 Even t)e 'o#$ &ay )ave )a$ fa#

&o#e si6nificance t)an it 'o(l$ a11ea# at fi#st8 Lineba#6e# )a$ been #aise$ in a Hi6)C)(#c) E1isco1alian fa&ily>)is 6#an$fat)e# 'as a &iniste#>an$ 'as $evo(tly

#eli6io(s8 T)e 'o#$ 5inst#(&entality5 )as a $istinct #eli6io(s connotation% fo# in

Ro&an Cat)olic an$ E1isco1alian t)eolo6y t)e 1#iest 1e#fo#&in6 t)e sac#a&ents is

t)e 5inst#(&entality5 of 2o$ Hi&self8

At t)e ti&e )e '#ote 5Wa# No8 i-<%5 yo(n6 Lineba#6e# 'as also )avin6 a flin6

'it) Co&&(nis&>a ten$ency )is fat)e# event(ally c(#e$ by sen$in6 )i& on a t#i1

to t)e oviet Union fo# )is ei6)teent) bi#t)$ay8 B(t )e #e&aine$ st#(c0 by t)e sense of

vocation an$ conviction of )isto#ical $estiny to ')ic) Co&&(nis& a11eale$8

In Co#$'aine# &it)?s e1ic of t)e f(t(#e% t)e Inst#(&entality of !an0in$ )as

t)e )all&a#0s of bot) a 1olitical elite an$ a 1#iest)oo$8 Its )e6e&ony is t)at% not of

t)e 6alactic e&1i#e so ty1ical of less i&a6inative "% b(t of so&et)in6 fa# &o#e s(btle

an$ 1e#vasive>at once 1olitical an$ s1i#it(al8

Its lo#$s see t)e&selves not as &e#e 6ove#no#s o# b(#ea(c#ats o# 1oliticians%

b(t as inst#(&ents of )(&an $estiny itself8

Lineba#6e#?s sense of #eli6ion inf(se$ )is 'o#0 in ot)e# 'ays% an$ not &e#ely

in #efe#ences to t)e Ol$ t#on6 Reli6ion an$ t)e Holy Ins(#6ency of No#st#ilia an$ ot)e#

late 'o#0s8

T)e#e is% fo# e3a&1le% t)e e&1)asis on (asi-#eli6io(s #it(al>co&1a#e% fo#

instance% t)e Co$e of t)e canne#s to t)e ayin6 of t)e La' in H8 28 Wells? T)e

Islan$ of D#8 !o#ea(8 "(#t)e#&o#e% t)e#e is t)e st#on6 sense of vocation e31#esse$ by

t)e scanne#s% sailo#s% 1inli6)te#s% 2o-ca1tains an$ t)e lo#$s t)e&selves>so&et)in6ve#y s1i#it(al% even if not e31#esse$ in #eli6io(s te#&s8

B(t Lineba#6e# 'as no &e#e C)#istian a1olo6ist ')o (se$ " as a ve)icle

fo# o#t)o$o3 #eli6io(s &essa6es li0e t)ose of% say% C8 8 Le'is8

He 'as also a social an$ 1syc)olo6ical t)in0e#% ')ose e31e#ience 'it) $ive#se

c(lt(#es 6ave )i& 1ec(lia# an$ see&in6ly cont#a$icto#y i$eas abo(t )(&an nat(#e an$

&o#ality8

He co(l$% fo# e3a&1le% a$&i#e t)e sa&(#ai val(es of fantasy% co(#a6e an$

)ono#% an$ )e s)o'e$ )is a11#eciation of O#iental a#t an$ lite#at(#e in t)e f(#nis)in6

of )is )o&e an$ )is fiction8 Yet )e 'as so )o##ifie$ by t)e t#a$ition-bo(n$ fatalis& an$

in$iffe#ence to )(&an life )e fo(n$ in t)e O#ient t)at )e beca&e obsesse$ 'it) t)e

sanctity of life on any te#&s% as so&et)in6 too 1#ecio(s to sac#ifice to any conce1t of )ono# o# &o#ality>O#iental o# Occi$ental8

W)ile in *o#ea% Lineba#6e# &aste#&in$e$ t)e s(##en$e# of t)o(san$s of C)inese

t#oo1s ')o consi$e#e$ it s)a&ef(l to 6ive (1 t)ei# a#&s8 He $#afte$ leaflets

e31lainin6 )o' t)e sol$ie#s co(l$ co&e fo#'a#$ 'avin6 t)ei# 6(ns an$ s)o(tin6

C)inese 'o#$s li0e 5love%5 5vi#t(e5 an$ 5)(&anity5> 'o#$s t)at (st )a11ene$% ')en

1#ono(nce$ in t)e #i6)t o#$e#% to so(n$ li0e 5I s(##en$e#5 in En6lis)8 He consi$e#e$

t)is see&in6ly cynical act to be t)e sin6le &ost 'o#t)')ile t)in6 )e )a$ $one in )is life8

Lineba#6e#?s attit($e is #eflecte$ in t)e a11a#ently cas(al &anne# in ')ic) &atte#s s(c)

as b#ain'as)in6 a#e t#eate$ in )is "8 "o# t)e H(nte# an$ Elaine at t)e en$ of 5T)e

Dea$ La$y of Clo'n To'n%5 t)at is a &o#e )(&ane% if less 5)ono#able5 fate t)an

$eat)8 T)#o(6)o(t t)e &it) canon% life is (s(ally 1lace$ befo#e )ono#% no &atte#

)o' &(c) t)e O#iental co$es of )ono# an$ fo#&ality &ay 1e#&eate t)e )yb#i$ c(lt(#e



of t)e f(t(#e8

Yet Lineba#6e# felt t)e#e 'as a &eanin6 to life beyon$ &e#e livin68 5T)e 2o$

)e )a$ fait) in )a$ to $o 'it) t)e so(l of &an an$ 'it) t)e (nfol$in6 of )isto#y an$

of t)e $estiny of all livin6 c#eat(#es%5 )is A(st#alian f#ien$ A#t)(# B(#ns once

#e&a#0e$% an$ it is t)is e31lo#ation of )(&an>an$ &o#e t)an )(&an>$estiny t)at

6ives &it)?s 'o#0 its (nity8Be)in$ t)e invente$ c(lt(#es% be)in$ t)e int#icacies of 1lot an$ t)e oy o#

s(ffe#in6 of c)a#acte#s% t)e#e is &it) t)e 1)iloso1)e#% st#ivin6 in a &anne# a0in to

t)at of Teil)a#$ $e C)a#$in alt)o(6) t)e#e is no evi$ence of any $i#ect infl(ence to

#econcile science an$ #eli6ion% to c#eate a synt)esis of C)#istianity an$ evol(tion t)at

'ill s)e$ li6)t on t)e nat(#e of &an an$ t)e &eanin6 of )isto#y8

T)e sto#ies in t)is vol(&e% collecte$ in t)ei# 1#o1e# o#$e# fo# t)e fi#st ti&e% fo#&

1a#t of a vast )isto#ical cycle ta0in6 1lace ove# so&e fifteen t)o(san$ yea#s8 T)ey a#e

base$ on &ate#ial f#o& Lineba#6e#?s o#i6inal noteboo0 an$ a secon$ noteboo0>

(nfo#t(nately lost>t)at )e be6an 0ee1in6 in t)e ,G9s as ne' 1#oble&s be6an to

conce#n )i&8

!an0in$ is still )a(nte$ by t)e Ancient Wa#s an$ t)e Da#0 A6e t)at follo'e$

as t)is vol(&e o1ens 'it) 5canne#s Live in ;ain85 Ot)e# sto#ies% one (n1(blis)e$%

)int at &illennia of )isto#ical stasis% $(#in6 ')ic) t)e t#(e &en so(6)t in)(&an

1e#fection be)in$ t)e elect#onic 1ales of t)ei# cities% ')ile leavin6 t)e Wil$ to s(#vivo#s

of t)e Ancient Wo#l$>t)e Beasts% &ans)onya66e#s an$ Unfo#6iven8

Into t)is f(t(#e ca&e t)e ;o&ac)t siste#s% $a(6)te#s of a 2e#&an scientist ')o

1lace$ t)e& in satellites in s(s1en$e$ ani&ation at t)e close of Wo#l$ Wa# II8

Ret(#nin6 to Ea#t) in t)e latte# $ays of t)e Da#0 A6e% t)ey b#in6 t)e 56ift of vitality5>

a conce1t t)at see&s to )ave &eant to &it) ')at t)e 5life fo#ce5 &eant to Be#6son

an$ )a'>bac0 to &an0in$8 "o(n$e#s of t)e ;o&act fa&ily% t)ey #e1#esent a fo#ce

in )(&an nat(#e t)at can be eit)e# 6oo$ o# evil% b(t is 1e#)a1s (lti&ately beyon$eit)e#% an$ a necessa#y &eans fo# t)e 'o#0in6 o(t of )(&an $estiny t)#o(6) evol(tion8

T)e $(al nat(#e of t)e ;o&acts an$ t)e fo#ce t)ey #e1#esent is sy&bolie$ in t)e

o#i6in of t)ei# na&e4 5Ac)t5 is a 2e#&an 'o#$ 'it) a $o(ble &eanin64 51#osc#ibe$5 o#

5fo#bi$$en5 an$ 5ca#e5 o# 5attention85 An$ t)e ;o&acts alte#nate as o(tla's an$

benefacto#s t)#o(6)o(t t)e &it) e1ic8 B(t t)e 6ift of vitality sets a ne' cycle of )isto#y

in &otion>t)e )e#oic a6e of t)e scanne#s% 1inli6)te#s an$ 2o-ca1tains8 W)at stan$s

o(t in t)ese ea#ly sto#ies is t)e sta#0ness of t)e e&otional i&1act>t)e i&1act of

st#an6e ne' e31e#iences an$ #elations)i1s% ')et)e# of t)e tele1at)ic sy&biosis of

&en an$ 1a#tne#s in 5T)e 2a&e of Rat an$ D#a6on5 o# t)e 'o&an beco&e a

f(nctionin6 1a#t of )e# s1acec#aft in 5T)e La$y W)o aile$ T)e o(l85

o&e of Lineba#6e#?s o'n e31e#iences 'ent into )is 'o#08 Ca1tain Wo' 'ast)e na&e of one of )is cats at )is Was)in6ton )o&e ')en )e '#ote 5T)e 2a&e of

Rat an$ D#a6on5 at a sin6le sittin6 one $ay in ,G/8 Cat !elanie 'as late# to ins1i#e

C?&ell% )e#oine of t)e (n$e#-1eo1le% ')o 'e#e c#eate$ by &en f#o& &e#e ani&als8

T)en% too% Lineba#6e#?s f#e(ent stays in )os1itals% $e1en$ent on &e$ical tec)nolo6y%

6ave )i& a feel fo# t)e lin0a6e of &an an$ &ac)ine8

B(t in 5T)e B(#nin6 of t)e B#ain%5 'e al#ea$y be6in to see si6ns of t)e Pleas(#e

Revol(tion% a t#en$ ')ic) Lineba#6e# $eteste$ in )is o'n ti&e an$ ')ic) )e sa' 1(ttin6

an en$ to t)e )e#oic a6e in )is i&a6ine$ f(t(#e8 Nea# i&&o#tality>t)an0s to t)e

santacla#a $#(6% o# st#oon% 6#o'n in No#st#ilia>&a0es life less $es1e#ate% b(t also less

&eanin6f(l8

Real e31e#ience 6ives 'ay to synt)etic e31e#ience in 52ol$en t)e )i1 Was> O)F O)F O)F5 as in 5T)e La$y W)o aile$ T)e o(l%5 ')ic) 'as also co-a(t)o#e$ by



2enevieve Lineba#6e#% t)e )e#o see0s 1leas(#e $i#ectly f#o& an elect#ic c(##ent>an$

only an e1oc)-&a0in6 c#isis affo#$s )i& a c)ance to see t)at t)e#e is a bette# 'ay8

Un$e# t)e #(t)less benevolence of t)e Inst#(&entality% a blan$ Uto1ia ta0es

s)a1e8 !en a#e f#ee$ of t)e fea# of $eat)% t)e b(#$en o# labo#% t)e #is0s of t)e

(n0no'n>b(t $e1#ive$ of )o1e an$ f#ee$o&8 T)e (n$e#1eo1le% c#eate$ to $o t)e

labo# of &an0in$% a#e &o#e )(&an t)an t)ei# c#eato#s8 T)e 6ift of vitality% see&in6ly%)as been lost% an$ )isto#y co&e to a sto18

In t)ese sto#ies% it is t)e (n$e#1eo1le>an$ t)e &o#e enli6)tene$ lo#$s of t)e

Inst#(&entality ')o )ee$ t)e&>')o )ol$ t)e salvation of )(&anity in t)ei# )an$s8 In

5T)e Dea$ La$y of Clo'n To'n%5 t)e $es1ise$% ani&al-$e#ive$ 'o#0e#s an$ #obots

&(st teac) )(&ans t)e &eanin6 of )(&anity% in o#$e# to f#ee &an0in$ f#o& its

see&in6 e(1)o#ia8

Lo#$ Kestocost is ins1i#e$ by t)e &a#ty#$o& of t)e $o6-'o&an D?oan% an$

ant(na is t#ansfo#&e$ by t)e e31e#iences in 5Un$e# Ol$ Ea#t)5 into t)e La$y Alice

!o#e8 To6et)e#% t)ey beco&e t)e a#c)itects of t)e Re$iscove#y of !an>b#in6in6 bac0

f#ee$o&% #is0% (nce#tainty an$ even evil8

Pa#allelin6 t)ese events a#e 6li&1ses of ot)e# 1a#ts of t)e (nive#se of t)e

Inst#(&entality8 In 5!ot)e# Hitton?s Litt(l *ittons%5 'e lea#n ')y Ol$ No#t) A(st#alia

is t)e &ost )eavily $efen$e$ 1lanet in t)e 6ala3y b(t ;iola i$e#ea is (st as st#an6e8

An$ ')e#e else in science fiction is t)e#e a 'o#l$ li0e 5A Planet Na&e$ )ayol%5

')e#e a $a#in6 conce1tion in biolo6ical en6inee#in6 is 'e$$e$ to a classic vision of

Cordwainer Smith_The Planet Buyer & the Underpeople

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