As phase three proceeds we have shifted the majority of our Leiko forces into plan variant 41-F-Moderate. Naval salvage efforts are proceeding apace, with at least three-hundred recovered Safid ensouled. Approximately half of these have been transferred to our affinity managent specialists for retention exercises (per 50-A-Aggressive), the remainder will be officially reported as prisoners of war.
An analysis of ndians performance is attached following the main report, with a revised table of promising technology acquisition targets. The punitive expedition has returned to Goitxea via expected routes.
Sever remains problematic even with Stellars departure from the theatre, particularly in light of his successes against the Azim Alsu outer lines. A scenario where he or the Swordsn interact directly with the civilian population of Azim Alsu is to be avoided at all costs; given the increased ndiko scrutiny of the front the probability of intervention in that case is unacceptably high.
Severs excesses also have raised the prospect of counterattack by Sustains primary force. This is not necessarily a negative if it can be used to reposition rogue forces and curb their premature advance on Azim Alsu without invoking a serious opinion managent action against Sever. Special precaution should be taken to avoid any mismanaged intelligence assets falling into Safid hands in this event, as the Swordsn are notably lax where information security is concerned.
- Institute Circular #3412, 12 Bounty 693.
True to her words, Clair had them on the road just as the suns first rays struck the nearby peaks. It was pleasantly cool; Michael had not felt such brisk air since before he left to live with Jeorg. The thought drew a lancholy sort of smile from him, one he wore as they picked their way across the worn wheel-ruts and toward the road to Leik.
Their group strayed wide of the still-smoldering city this ti, their course swinging north toward the foothills. What chill had remained from the morning quickly fled, and despite Stefans soul Michael was soon unpleasantly warm. He was secretly glad of it; the sweat staining his shirt helped to mask his lack of exertion.
A shimr at the corner of Michaels vision hitched his step, but he was at least learning not to imdiately look at Sobriquet when it appeared. How far away from the safehouse can you appear? Michael asked. Were well past Leik by now.
I wonder, Sobriquet replied, amusent evident in its voice. Perhaps farther than Ive let on. Perhaps not. I find that ambiguity adds so spice to an otherwise dull day.
Michael snorted. Ive been finding the taste of my days to be a bit strong as of late, he said, noticing peripherally that the others in the group had not acknowledged their conversation; Sobriquet evidently wanted this to stay between them. Was there sothing you wanted to discuss, or were you rely bored?
I am much too delightful to ever be bored, Sobriquet said. No, I rely thought we could indulge in so idle conversation, since your life seems to be terribly interesting. What was it like to be kidnapped?
A breath caught in Michaels throat, and he coughed. Youve been researching ? he asked.
Michael, Sobriquet said reproachfully. Please, neither of us should pretend to be things we are not. I made inquiries imdiately, of course. Your disappearance seems to have caused quite the furore in Calmharbor.
It was easier for Michael to keep his voice even, now that the initial surprise had subsided. I can imagine it did, he said. It was very dramatic.
And then after such an exit, I could find no ntion of your whereabouts until you washed up on our shore. Sobriquets voice took on an amused tone. What were you up to for those missing months, I wonder, and with whom? Certainly not the Institute, given all the efforts they made to locate you.
Michaels heart began to beat faster; Sobriquet had learned more than he had expected in such a short ti. Are you asking to reveal my secrets now? he asked. That is not how I rember the terms of our deal.
rely wondering aloud, Sobriquet said. I find myself lost in speculation quite often these days. It is odd that the Institute was so driven in pursuing you. Their business is first and foremost that of the soul. Is the soul of a spector that remarkable?
A stray drop of sweat traced down from Michaels brow; for once it had nothing to do with the heat. Perhaps you should ask them, he said, placing his words carefully to avoid unnecessary lies - or truths. They would know better than I what their motivations were.
They would at that, Sobriquet murmured. Unfortunately, extracting secrets from the Institute is infamously difficult. I find them rather admirable in that one particular regard. I have far better luck when I attempt to work with people tangential to their operations rather than those directly involved. Are you a durens?
It was only his elevated guard around Sobriquet that kept him from startling at the unexpected question. I am a spector, he said. Didnt we have this conversation before?
Sobriquet humd. That we did, it said. Yet you continue to seem so very much like a durens. I have never seen you tire, even when exerting yourself. Your appetite is rather prodigious as well.
Proper exercise and nutrition are essential, Michael said. It was becoming a strain to walk the line of noncommittal answers, and he suspected Sobriquet was thoroughly enjoying itself. Whats your relationship with Clair?
A buzzing laugh rippled through the air. Shes a stray cat Ive adopted, it said. Was that statent true or false? Have you been hiding that youre a verifex?
Im sure that would make dealing with you easier. Michael raised an eyebrow. You realize youre suggesting sothing that flies in the face of modern science.
Sobriquet shifted to hover upside-down over Vernons balding head; none of the others gave any sign that they saw the apparition. Yes, it said. Im sure that such a thing would overturn many dearly-held maxims of anitry. I can only imagine how fascinated the Institute would be to observe such a person.
The blur disappeared, and Michael felt a prickling close to his ear. They would spare no effort to hunt him, Sobriquet whispered. To capture him, hold him close for study.
Michael felt a chill that stemd from more than just Sobriquets proximity. He had thought himself clever enough to walk the knife edge of conversation, but this was too close to the truth. His perhaps-ally either knew more than it was letting on or was gleaning more from his answers than he assud; either way, he had to end this conversation before more damage was done.
He turned and looked directly at Sobriquet, fighting to keep his eyes from twitching as the middle of his vision turned to sparkling chaos. I will neither confirm nor deny any details of those months youre so curious about, he said. They are part of our bargain. Do you an to renege?
I would never, Sobriquet purred. But it is no fault of mine if you choose to fulfill your obligations in advance. Are you so cross to have been tested, even though you surrendered nothing?
Michael snorted at the obvious bait; he would not allow himself to be roped back into talking about his secrets. I would prefer that you find other ways to amuse yourself, he said. We have discussed the conditions under which my business becos yours. Right now, it remains mine.
Another faint laugh ca from the blur. Dont forget that I can see the scope of that secret you carry, it said. Your business concerns everyone, and that concerns . The edges of the apparition flexed once, then began to fade. I will respect your wishes, however. The front will demand your full attention. Keep your guard up and return alive.
Im sure that concern has nothing to do with the secrets I owe you, Michael said.
It is a factor, Sobriquet acknowledged faintly. And not a small one. But in the end we are all more than just our soul. Id rather you not die, Michael Baumgart. The haze paused in its diffusion. Youre far too interesting.
Then it was gone, and Michael was left with only a headache.
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