In the Shadow of the Rings by Frank Kennedy (reading list TXT) 📗

every ounce of it in some capacity. We know everything about it, down to the genetic level. What’s to explore?”

Parke smirked. “Nothing in nature is ever known in its entirety.”

“What do you mean, Honored Parke?”

“Al creatures evolve, and not just in terms of their biology.

Breeding habits, for instance.”

“Oh, sure. We can always make more pleasure supplements.”

His smirk disappeared.

“Not my meaning, Young Miss Syung. I was referring to environmental factors. They influence the Kohlna’s lifestyle, which could in turn alter its physiology and reproductive capabilities over time. If we see disruptive trends, we …”

“Disruptive? You mean like growing the annual catch and sending more ships to their breeding grounds during peak season?”

“I believe this is off topic and …”

“But you started the tour by tel ing us about the percentage growth in our product line, and since Kohlna is the primary product, I think any halfway intel igent Hokki could make a leap that …”

“Are you trying to imply …?”

Parke caught himself and raised a stern finger. He turned his attention to the tourists.

“I must confess, I taught Young Miss Syung three years ago during my tenure at the Vox School. She was an impulsive student, but I suppose we need strong heads among our future leaders. Yes, friends, she is a child of Syung-Low. She is going through the process of learning al facets of the business.”

“I am,” Kara said with beaming smile. She turned to the others.

“And I’m learning so much from great men like Honored Parke. Father insisted I shadow him night and day.”

“Very kind,” Parke said, but Kara heard the contempt.

“I have another question. Earlier, you mentioned disruptive trends in the environment as a reason to study the Kohlna. I wonder whether acenomite levels might be a bigger problem than consumption.”

“Acenomite? You mean from the rings?”

“Oh, sure.” She pivoted to the guests. “Everyone knows about it, I trust. The acenomite dust fal ing from the rings, poisoning the land and such? Yes?”

Their confusion and horror did not surprise her but was what she needed. Parke tut-tutted and stepped between Kara and the VIPs.

“I believe Young Miss Syung is having a laugh at your expense.

What’s she referencing is a conspiracy theory on the IntraNex and the Global Wave. No truth to it whatsoever.”

“Real y?” Kara said. “So, you’re tel ing us there hasn’t been a steady erosion of the Kye-Do rings for the past few centuries, and the acenomite dust produced by al that Chancel or mining hasn’t spoiled the planet?”

“You see?” He interjected. “She loves a good laugh. No, Young Miss Syung. I had personal acquaintance with several of the best Chancel or exobiologists and geologists before the Carrier fleet departed. Years of tests proved the acenomite never posed a danger. It’s an insane notion being spread by Freelanders and competitors to The Lagos. Honored guests, if you wil excuse Young Miss Syung and I for a moment.”

He tapped Kara on the shoulder and led her away to a quiet place.

“What are you trying to accomplish? These theories could sabotage your very birthright.”

She shrugged. “People talk. I like to know what people are saying everywhere, not just in Haansu and Nantou. I’m being a critical thinker, Honored Parke. Didn’t you encourage us to be so at Vox?”

He sighed. “I think this tour was a mistake. You’l never be employed in BRED anyway. I understand your Honorable Father and Mother have tapped you for a career in marketing.”

“So they say, but marketing touches al divisions. Yes?”

“Leave the complexities of our industry to your brothers. Lang and Dae are exemplary young men. Everyone who has fol owed Syung-Low understands where the future lies. It is not with you.”

The jab hurt, but Kara needed it.

“Maybe you’re right, Honored Parke. I should leave now. And I don’t require an escort. I know the entire complex.”

He pointed toward the lift, but she faced the opposite direction.

“I also know shortcuts. Goodbye, Honored Parke. I’l leave you to talk more about those pleasure supplements.”

She imagined the blades in his eyes, but he wouldn’t dare complain to her parents. Dr. Parke knew his station in Nantou; any perception of a conflict between him and a child of Syung-Low would not resolve itself in his favor.

Kara did not take a shortcut back to the central offices. Rather, she exited through a nondescript service door, raced down two flights of stairs, passed through a workers Commons, and entered the room where she expected to find her target.

The lighting was dimmed twenty percent, and the air did not smel as fresh. She passed rows of tiny offices – each little more than a cubicle with a ceiling – and heard a puttering of keys, the murky vocals of Puratoon Opera, and the aromatic fragrance of wild quovis flowers. She studied the schematic on her hand-comm and matched it to Office 5399.

Please let it be him.

She reached for the lock pad, but the door slid open before her.

Kara didn’t have to wonder any longer. Suddenly, he was standing before her, a heavy-set man with a forehead scar, gasping.

“Honored Baek,” she said. “I knew I’d find you here.”

Teemo Baek