At The Edge Of Space (Hanan Rebellion) by C. J. Cherryh Read Free Book Online Page A

long since made up his mind that he had nothing to gain in Nephane by antagonizing Djan. “If Elas will have me, let me go back there.”
    “In a few days I will consider that. I only want you to know your alternatives.”
    “And what until then?”
    “You’re going to learn the nemet language. I have things all ready for you.”
    “No,” he said instantly. “No. I don’t need any mechanical helps.”
    “I am a medic, among other things. I’ve never known the teaching apparatus abused without it doing permanent damage. No. Ruining the mind of the only other human accessible would be a waste. I shall merely allow you access to the apparatus and you may choose your own rate.”
    “Then why do you insist?”
    “Because your objection creates an unnecessary problem for you, which I insist be solved. I am giving you a chance to live outside. So I make it a fair chance, an honest chance; I wish you success. I no longer serve the purposes of the Hanan; I refuse to be programmed into a course of action I do not choose. And likewise, if it becomes clear to me that you are becoming a nuisance to me, don’t think you can plead ignorance and evade the consequences. I am removing your excuses, you see. And if I must, I will call you in or kill you. Don’t doubt it for a moment.”
    “It is,” he said, “a fairer attitude than I would have expected of you. I would be easier in my mind if I understood you.”
    “All my motives are selfish,” she said. “At least in the sense that all I do serves my own purposes. If I once perceive you are working against those purposes, you are done. If I perceive that you are compatible with them, you will find no difficulty. I think that is as clear as I can make it, Mr. Morgan.”

5
    Kta was not in the rhmei as Kurt had expected him to be when he reached the safety of Elas. Hef was, and Mim. Mim scurried upstairs ahead of him to open the window and air the room, and she spun about again when she had done so, her dark eyes shining.
    “We are so happy,” she said, in human speech. The machine’s reflex pained him, punishing understanding.
    It was all Mim had time to say, for there was Kta’s step upon the landing, and Mim bowed and slipped out as Kta came in.
    “Much crying in our house these days,” said Kta, casting a look after Mim’s retreat down the stairs. Then he looked at Kurt, smiled a little. “But no more. Ei Kurt, sit, sit, please. You look like a man three days drowned.”
    Kurt ran his hand through his hair and fell into a chair. His limbs were shaking. His hands were white. “Speak Nechai,” he said. “It’s easier.”
    Kta blinked, looked him over. “How is this?” he asked, and there was unwelcome suspicion in his voice.
    “Trust me,” Kurt said hoarsely. “The Methi has machines that can do this. I would not lie to you.”
    “You are pale,” said Kta. “You are shaking. Are you hurt?”
    “Tired,” he said. “Kta,—thank you, thank you for taking me back.”
    Kta bowed a little. “Even my honored father came and spoke for you, and never in all the years of our house has Elas done such a thing. But you are of Elas. We are glad to receive you.”
    “Thank you.”
    He rose and attempted a bow. He had to catch at the table to avoid losing his balance. He made it to the bed and sprawled. His memory ceased before he had stopped moving.
     
    Something tugged at his ankle. He thought he had fallen into the sea and something was pulling him down. But he could not summon the strength to move.
    Then the ankle came free and cold air hit his foot. He opened his eyes on Mim, who began to remove the other sandal. He was lying on his own bed, fully clothed, and cold. Outside the window it was night. His legs were like ice, his arms likewise.
    Mim’s dark eyes looked up, realized that he was awake. “Kta takes bad care for you,” she said, “leaving you so. You have not moved. You sleep like the dead.”
    “Speak Nechai,” he asked of her. “I have