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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... unit drawn from the Village labor pool, had the makings of an efficient buffer, but slipped up on occasion. “He says it's terribly urgent.” “What is it, Buford?” “I must see you,” responded a nasal tenor. “Please, Emil.” Minute crow's ...
... unit.” The reply gave rise to a third period of thoughtful silence. “Wheels within wheels, Shattehand? An authentic female posing as an android unit. This poor creature distinguishes a potential advantage in that intriguing concept. It ...
... unit I have in mind.” “Female unit . . ?” “Female indeed, but not a woman strictly speaking. Ramyn, a custom-programmed android unit, has served as personal escort and guide for many prestigious guests. Your other personal servants need ...
... unit” nonplused. He concluded by instructing her to conduct the guests to their suites. Klavik caught the PM's eye. “Sir, it might be prudent for me to inspect our quarters before taking up residence.” “Are they close by?” asked Kurani ...
... unit,” Klavik probed for emotional ripples generated by the response, sensing only minor burbles. “And pleasure boys as well?” he asked. “Naturally,” she was quick to say. “Ingenious mechanical devices also, virtual-reality trance ...