RAEFF (Jim Able: Offworld Book 6) by Ed Charlton (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

“Ugh!” muttered Tella, clearly displeased by the appearance.

Jim challenged Daum Robertus, pointing to Tella and saying, “This is unnecessary.”

“That a Neraffan-jong is allowed beyond this point is solely out of respect for you. It is here as your adjunct. It will be visible at all times. Please understand the effort required for us to be able to proceed with these minimal arrangements.”

In the silence that followed Daum Robertus’s quiet words, Jim was aware their visit could end there and then. Turning to Tella he said, “Are you okay with this?”

Tella smiled inscrutably and said, “I will follow your decision, of course.”

Jim felt a little queasy with the difficulty of keeping up the pretense that Tella worked for him while he still expected to rely on the Neraffan for instructions.

Jim nodded, but with no enthusiasm said to his host, “Very well.”

Daum Robertus nodded repeatedly and said, “Excellent. Come through to the meeting room, and I’ll introduce you to the team.”

The meeting room was a comfortable, carpeted area with a large round conference table. There was precisely the correct number of seats.

Daum Robertus put Jim and Tella together and sat himself opposite. The others silently filled in the gaps.

“To my right is Brother Amalis.”

Immediately Brother Amalis spoke. “My tasks in this matter have been to discern how our design materials were stolen and to recommend any necessary changes to procedures internally.”

Jim thought Amalis too young for such a responsibility. Perhaps he is on a fast track to promotion.

Daum Robertus said, “To his right is Brother Natran-Tur.”

“My task was to select an independent investigator. It was my recommendation that you be asked to aid us in this matter.”

Jim said, “Thank you.” So, you are the one we really need to befriend to find out how you did your research.

Tella leaned toward Jim and asked quietly, “If I may ask a question?”

Jim said, “Sure.”

Tella spoke up and asked Natran-Tur, “Why was it important to have an independent investigation?”

Natran-Tur looked to Daum Robertus for permission to reply.

“In this matter, we are in dispute with a customer. In all such cases, if no independent arbitration is agreed upon, we feel it best to seek an external view. Our relations with our customers are of the highest importance to us. ‘Fairness in our dealings with all’ is one of our tenets.”

Daum Robertus held up one hand and said, “More of this later. To my left is Brother Tamric.”

Tamric, Jim assessed, was even younger than Amalis. He kept his eyes steady on Jim’s while he said, “My task is to ensure either the return or destruction of any of the design materials that still exist. I will accompany you to Tanna Gul.”

Jim frowned and spoke before he thought. “What if we’d gone straight there?”

“You would have found me waiting for you.”

Jim found the easy smile a little unsettling. It reinforced the feeling that the Praestans Rapax were completely in control of this affair and he and Tella were just along for the ride.

“To Brother Tamric’s left is Brother Huh-Llahn.”

“My tasks are logistical: to ensure your safe passage wherever you need to travel, to arrange such facilities as you will need, and to take care of any other such matters that might arise.”

Jim nodded and asked, “So you’re responsible for the imprisonment of Ernot Dirl Marhan?”

Huh-Llahn frowned and replied, “The Gul’s role in this matter has yet to be verified. Meanwhile, he enjoys a level of safety afforded only to a few.”

Jim smiled. “Of course.” And he can keep enjoying it until he dies in there.

Daum Robertus then introduced the remaining two Brothers.

“On either side of you are your chaperones. They will be with you during your entire visit.”

Jim looked from one to the other. “You haven’t introduced them.”

“That is correct. You will not need to address them. All your interaction will be with us. They are part of our security organization. The small pleasantries of social interaction can be a distraction from their work. Even I do not know their names.”

A bell tolled outside the room, and Jim and Tella both noticed a sudden tension inside. Daum Robertus held up a hand once more and said, “This briefing has been given a dispensation. We may continue without attending our regular offices.”

The tension immediately eased.

Jim said, “What? I don’t understand.”

Daum Robertus shrugged and said, “We are a religious community. At regular intervals during our days and nights, we turn our hearts and minds to prayer. Such a time is upon us.” He paused and smiled at Jim and Tella. “But while we deal with those from outside, who tend to follow different rhythms and perhaps chafe at ‘interruptions’ to their work, we extend the courtesy of continuing until they wish to break.”

“I see,” said Jim, not quite taking it all in. “Thank you.”

“Be sure to let us know when you require rest or refreshment.”

“Thank you, we will. Are the robes just a cultural coincidence? On Earth, we have a monastic religious tradition that calls for similar dress. Do you have Earth connections in your past?”

Daum Robertus shook his head and laughed. “Perhaps that is a topic for you to pursue during your travels with Brother Tamric. We aim for simplicity in all we do. Our robes are functional. What more do we need? Now, with your permission, we will tell you what we know and then present some questions to which you will, perhaps, find the answers.”

“Sure, go right ahead.”

Daum Robertus moved his fingers lightly over a panel at the edge of the table. Immediately the tabletop disappeared, and Jim was looking down into a black chasm. It brought back memories of the stomach-churning days of flight training. Suddenly, in the blackness below, stars were moving quickly toward him.

“The star Tanna is midrange, tending to middle age, a comfortable home for two inhabited planets.”

The stars steadied, and the one in the center grew to a fist-sized ball of fire. Near the edge of the tabletop, two small pebbles swiftly moved around the display.

The