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. |
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... sound of iron-shod carriage wheels rolling over worn cobblestones. Kurani's only response was a brusque nod of acquiescence. Settling back against the cushions, Klavik retrieved the train of thought derailed by the PM's caustic comments ...
... sound of a flat computer voice. “The endgame's initial moves often invite error on the part of both contestants. The opening gambit we discussed will be exercised. Has all been arranged?” “The stage is set,” replied Shatterhand, “with ...
... sound defensive, he avoided heaping fuel on the PM's mounting fires of indignation. “I imagine it's a matter of protocol, sir. They had no inkling who we . . . No advance notice of our status.” “Protocol . . ? How did the infernal ...
... sound incredulous. “I suppose it could be described . . . that way. My duties call for no input of that type, so I have no basis for —” “How artificial you must feel,” he interrupted, “going through endless pre-programmed motions ...
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