Part 75 (2/2)
And fewer than eighty specimens of Neanderthal Man left of the millions who must have walked Pleistocene Earth!”
”You'd think at least one specimen of Tanu or Firvulag would have turned up,” Hagen protested.
”Anomalies have been found,” Elizabeth told him. ”Many of them. And not only skeletal remains. King Aiken-Lugonn's computer library has admirable references that I've been able to consult over the past few months. But since the atypical finds didn't fit in with more acceptable data, they were dismissed.
Other explanations were put forth to account for the anomalies, so as not to discompose the scientific establishment.” A mischievous expression came over her face. ”It's one of the more tempting motives one could have for returning to the Milieu.
To watch the cat among the paleontological pigeons.”
Cloud was sombre as she returned to the serious matter at hand. ”But we would be punished for helping Felice.”
”The world you wish to enter is very different from the one Marc and his Rebels left. There's still crime and there's still punishment. But for those who are genuinely sorry, the atonement consists largely of reeducation and public service.”
The brother and sister looked at Elizabeth dubiously. Aiken said, ”No statute of limitations? Extenuating circ.u.mstances?
Non compos mentis?”
”It would be up to the forensic redactors to determine individual culpability,” Elizabeth said.
”And they'd know?” asked Hagen.
”Oh, yes,” the Grand Master replied.
”But after we-atoned,” Cioud said. ”Then they'd accept us into the Unity?”
”I'm certain of it,” said Elizabeth.
”There you are, kids!” Aiken vouchsafed the pair a bright smile. ”If we take our licks, we get to join the grownups. Still think it would be worth it?”
Hagen was bland. ”Do you, High King?”
”Who knows what I'll do?” Aiken replied airily. ”You haven't built the time-gate yet, and Night may not fall.”
”And Papa may still figure out some way to use that brainroasting CE rig of his to blast us all to kingdom come,” Hagen said.
Elizabeth's concern embraced the three of them. ”That's why I came here tonight to speak to you. Marc's d-jump faculty now includes the ability to transport significant quant.i.ties of matter in a field generated outside of his cerebroenergetic enhancer.
He's transported a living man without harming him, and before too long he'll be able to do considerably better than that.”
Hagen barked a bitter obscenity and she held up a monitory hand. ”You know that Marc has always maintained his love for you children. He also possesses no malice toward Aiken. He's asked me to act as his emissary and mediator, so that we can resolve the present crisis peaceably. He'd like you to meet with him in my chalet on Black Crag.”
”Not on your life!” Hagen exclaimed. ”We told him once before-he can farspeak any deal he has in mind. I'm not getting within three air kloms or a twenty-power sigma of dear Papa.
No more coercing!”
”He gives his solemn word that he won't try it,” Elizabeth said. ”And he let me probe him, so I know he spoke the truth.
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