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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... tell the majordomo we are not to be disturbed. Not by staff, retainers, anyone other than the Lord Regent.” “As you wish, sir.” The doddering elder lifted the cut-glass decanter, set it on a silver tray. Kurani watched in heavy-lidded ...
... Tell me, have you adequately researched the hellhole?” On firmer ground, Klavik tempered his response. “Much of it was done for us, Prime Minister. As you may recall, His Omnipotence enjoyed a holiday in Eden almost twenty standard ...
... tell you who they are.” “How can I,” said Shatterhand with no hint of malice, “if you never get around to telling me?” “Royalty!” There was high drama in Buford's declaration. “The heir apparent of those stiff-necked barbarians has come ...
... tell you that in order to avoid embarrassment all androids wear a distinguishing symbol, a small dot like a beauty mark, on the left cheekbone. Most will be self-evident, they are all superb specimens. If there any doubt exists, look ...
... tell you. Planet Kraan happens to be the habitat of a barbaric, exceptionally aggressive neohuman strain. Unfortunately, the sophistication of their weaponry perfectly matches the ferocity, tenacity and élan of their military elite ...