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
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... look at Klavik, who took his cue in stride. Knowing how imperative it would be for the prince and prime minister to remain incognito, he asked how many others in Eden knew of their actual personas. “Only myself,” said Shatterhand, “and ...
... look for the stigmata.” When it became apparent that no comment would be forthcoming Shatterhand depressed a switch on the geriatric chair's armrest. The portal dilated. Framed in the entry was the most exquisite feminine creature ...
... look things over beforehand, Klavik.” “As you wish, sir. “Ramyn,” said Shatterhand, “will be happy to show you the apartments, Mr. Klavik.” In a muttered aside, the PM said, “Don't dawdle.” “I'll return shortly, sir.” Klavik bowed to ...
... look of pure hatred at her former lover. “Once upon a time, Emil, you were still a whole man, and I might have reconsidered. Now you can ring for one of your android sluts. They can 't object.” # Klavik's lifelong habit of sleeping in ...
... look. Fox-faced boys and slim-muscled young men glowed with vital energy. The parade of vacuous, “beauty-marked” faces drew a frown from Klavik. With mounting distaste, he tired of the parade of gender-neutral androids fairly brimming ...