Mind GamesConditioned to enhance an inborn ability to acutely perceive another's emotional state, Klavik, security director of a massive world ruled by the sole monarchy in neohuman interstellar society, investigates the ruler's assassination while on holiday in parsecs-distant Eden, a terraformed pleasure world operated by a distant syndicate peopled by alien exotics. A pair of royal companions force themselves upon Klavik during his sojourn in Eden, where his empathic perception “sixth sense” enables him to fasten on a nervous official as a prime suspect to interrogate, but is frustrated because his energies must be channeled toward protecting his illustrious companions. Eden's planetary director, Shatterhand, ushers the threesome into a “hall of mirrors” where nothing is as it seems. After feints and ploys designed to distract or frighten he and his charges away, Klavik senses “nibblings” at the limbic fringes of his mind, and intuits the the presence of an alien telepath. Sly mental assaults persist until his charges are taken hostage, and the ultimate confrontation erupts in a rapacious battle of wills. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 39
... chair, his aristocratic masculine features and dark, almond-shaped eyes suggested remote Asian ancestry, a second impression quickly dispelled by an unusually high forehead, a crown of helmet-like, wavy platinum hair. For most of a ...
... drooped pensively. “No, Emil; I don't believe that. Didn't you hear what I —?” “Certainly I heard. Stop blathering and let me think.” Seemingly of its own volition, the geriatric chair pivoted, glided MIND GAMES Walling l6.
... chair to the suite's inner wall. Confronting a pointillistic oil portrait of his much younger self, he depressed a switch concealed under the geriatric chair's armrest. The painting slid aside, exposing a flush-mounted wall safe. He ...
... chair all but filling the arched entry, its fastidiously groomed occupant favoring the visitors with a thin smile of welcome. “Good evening,” said the director, his smooth baritone conveying minimal warmth. “I am Planetary Director Emil ...
... chair's armrest. The portal dilated. Framed in the entry was the most exquisite feminine creature Klavik had ever seen. # With a torrent of raven hair spilling about her bare shoulders, her vivid hazel eyes lit with intelligence, the ...