Pegasus in Flight by Anne McCaffrey Read Free Book Online Page A

minders. We’ve been excluded from far more sessions than we ought to be—sessions that have been attended by some of the most antagonistic Right Mutes that have ever been lined up against Talents. And when you think that I helped him develop his shields against unauthorized peeking, I could spit! The nerve of him closing me out!
    One of the more sensitive professions open to empathic Talents was that of “minding” vulnerable top-ranking officials. Terrorism was still a fact of political life, and although the problem of the displaced and the minorities had been somewhat eased by the mass resettlements and the institution of the Linear developments near every major urban area, and the incidence of assassinations had been drastically reduced, empaths were still employed to “mind” those officials who might be targets for the fanatics who still occasionally emerged.
    Rhyssa could hear the hurt in Johnny’s voice that Vernon Altenbach had been shielding his thoughts from his minder, especially since Johnny was also Vernon’s best friend, as well as his brother-in-law. In his official capacity, Johnny served as under secretary in the Space Secretariat. Prior to that he had been a trained etop—earth-to-platform—pilot with twenty successful launches . . . until the twenty-first had grounded him forever. His Talent had saved his crew from death but not himself from losing both left leg and arm. Despite state-of-the-art prostheses, a new career had seemed advisable. So far Johnny had already prevented four attempts to kill or kidnap Secretary of Space Altenbach.
    Johnny:
I shoulda been included in these latest talks, but I wasn’t.
    Rhyssa:
Which means that Talent was being discussed. Barchenka and Duoml want more kinetics on the platform in the worst way. I’m doing my best to help . . .
    Johnny, in an uncompromising tone:
Anyone thought of telling Barchenka that she’s the reason why Talents won’t work up there?
    Rhyssa:
Lance Baden did. He thinks she has selective amnesia. Can’t even get her replaced, not with the performance record she’s got!
    Vernon’s tried! She’s so bloody good at what she does—it’s only how she does it. I’ll keep in touch, but we felt you ought to be forewarned.
There was a hint of criticism in his voice.
    Nothing has come up with any precog, Johnny.
    I know, I know. That worries me as much. This thing could be very very big, and not even Mallie’s got a whiff!
    Rhyssa:
Then obviously the matter is solved before it reaches critical.
She tried to sound firmly optimistic even as a little shudder rippled down her backbone. Someone should have been sensing something! Mallie Vaden was one of the most sensitive precogs the Center had ever produced, and her lack of foresight—if Johnny’s reading of the situation was correct—was surprising.
    I’ll be in touch,
Johnny assured her.
I’ll even see what the ghosts think. You know how they’d like to see our Talented noses out of joint.
    I think I’ll try a frontal attack,
Rhyssa said.
Might jog a few brain cells loose.
    When’ll I see you then?
Johnny asked, his tone brightening.
    If possible, today. Run me through Vernon’s schedule.
When Johnny did, Rhyssa stopped him at the lunchtime engagement.
I like the food there. I’ll just drop in!
     
    Rhyssa always experienced a mild shock when she encountered Johnny in the flesh, for the light tenor of his mental voice was at variance with his strong physical appearance. Medium tall, he kept himself physically trim, and one would never guess his serious injuries from seeing him walk or manage eating utensils. Some latent kinetic ability had proved to be an asset with his prosthetic limbs. He rose as he spotted Rhyssa approaching the table where he, Secretary of Space Vernon Altenbach, Exalted Engineer Ludmilla Barchenka, and Padrugoi Personnel Manager Per Duoml were seated. Johnny’s broad smile welcomed her, and they exchanged touch and a kiss.
    Would you have dared look so