Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I Page 5

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  "Master, the direct mind link obstructs my work."

  "In what way?"

  "It tells me the lord seeks the impossible. I know it is incorrect. I can vision it, but in the link, I know the vision is incorrect. I ask to use the physical station. I cannot override the computational limits while the matrices hold my mind."

  "The link has been known to limit creativity. I will put your request to the lord."

  "Thank you, Master Demisk."

  "He is pleased with you. Your sweep of the combats has made him the envy of his peers. They have requested you be provided at tonight's banquet. Entertain them well. Go to the preparation chamber. The attendants await you. Now, boy!"

  "Yes, Master."

  He ran to the chamber. He'd hesitated. That kind of mistake could cost him his life. "Entertain them" meant Rorisk was coming. He was so close to the answer. He had to get out of the link. He didn't intend his master to have what he would build. Or, not all of what he would build. The link would give him away, note the discrepancy in his request. She had come again and told him to build the twelve plus one. The plus-one was to be his. The attendants prepared him and he learned he had been right. Rorisk was at the banquet.

  "He doesn't respond as well."

  "Rorisk, he was fresh stimmed. Although, it may be the link. It is draining."

  "Better. It just took a bit. How much time does he spend in it?"

  "Twenty-two per day."

  "That's twice recommended!"

  "Yes, but other than slowing his response, it's had no ill effects. I have him on project three. I expect results within a twelveday."

  "If you get them, you'll get a ministry."

  "I'd get one eventually without it. I'm more interested in the project itself. I need a very rare element to complete it. I wish an interview with your uncle."

  "The emperor?! You must be very sure you'll succeed."

  "This one is. Aren't you, boy."

  "Yes, Lord Master."

  "Hensk, project three is a dream. No one really expects it to be completed. The tools don't exist."

  "You are touching the tool I created to build it. His mind is like no other. Before the stim, he was over the tenth rank of intelligence."

  "OVER! Impossible! Nothing in existence is over the tenth rank."

  "He is. On both scales, physical and mental. Unique in the universe. Are you pleased to know that, boy?"

  "No, Lord Master."

  "Why not?"

  "It means I am alone."

  "Very good. Yes, without another of your kind, but I shall solve that for you. I'm having females of your species prepared. You wish to speak?"

  "Yes, Lord Master."

  "Speak."

  "There are no females of my species. My Lord Master has told me I am unique."

  "Very good. Very good. Consider yourself as being bred to another species."

  "Yes, Lord Master."