Prophet by Mike Resnick Read Free Book Online

“Computer, activate."
    "Activated."
    "Please bring up the last letter I posted from this address."
    "Working ... ‘Tell the Anointed One I accept the assignment, for the usual price.’”
    Lomax frowned. “The Anointed One?"
    "That is correct."
    "What is the address on the letter?"
    "Electronic mailbox #804432J."
    "In whose name is it registered?"
    "Working ... I am unable to retrieve that information, Mr. Cole. The owner of the box has asked that his name be unlisted."
    "Is there any way I can find out who owns it?"
    "If you are a legitimate creditor, you can go to Claims Court and fill out a Form 86-F. After an appropriate investigation, the authorities will release the name to you."
    "There's no faster way?"
    "No, Mr. Cole."
    "Thank you, Computer. Deactivate."
    "The Anointed One?” repeated the Kid as the screen went dark. “You ever hear of anyone with that name?"
    "Never."
    "What about your employer?"
    "He'd have told me if he'd ever come across it."
    There was a momentary silence, which was finally broken by the Silicon Kid.
    "Now we go to the Blue Pavilion?” he asked.
    Lomax nodded his agreement. “Now we go to the Blue Pavilion."
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5.
    The Blue Pavilion was a nightclub atop one of the taller buildings in the city. An enormous glass wall, some forty feet high, afforded a breathtaking view of Mount Olympus; the other three walls were covered with mirrors that reflected the deep blue sky, the mountain, and the huge pool that dominated the middle of the club.
    The pool itself was filled with dozen dolphin-like creatures that had been imported from Sylestria II; they were thought to be sentient, but as yet no common language had been developed, and, in common with all aquatic species, their inability to work with fire had hindered any attempts they might have made to develop a recognizable technology. Still, they were capable of intricate maneuvers that seemed almost like precision dancing, and just about the time the audience was becoming bored or jaded, a dozen nude girls dove into the water, climbed aboard the creatures, and rode them as they performed yet another water ballet.
    There was a long chrome bar on one side of the room, and a number of tables, most of them filled with patrons who were dressed more for show than for comfort. Obviously the Blue Pavilion was a place to see and be seen.
    Waiters and waitresses, all in elegant silken outfits, moved rapidly about the room, filling empty glasses, taking orders, occasionally bringing out dinners as well as drinks. A 6-piece orchestra hovered above the pool, their glittering platform floating in mid-air.
    As Lomax and the Silicon Kid walked up to the entrance, a tall, formally-clad man approached them.
    "May I be of service to you, gentlemen?” he said, his expression displaying his disapproval of their clothing.
    "We'd like a table, please,” said Lomax.
    "I'm afraid we have no available tables this evening."
    "There are five empty tables,” said Lomax.
    "All reserved."
    Lomax pulled out a hundred-credit note. “Not too close to the pool,” he said.
    "I'm afraid it's out of the question,” said the man.
    "Hey, this is the Gravedancer you're talking to!” snapped the Kid.
    "I am aware of his identity,” answered the man calmly. He turned to Lomax. “Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Lomax."
    "Please excuse my friend,” said Lomax, adding two more notes to the original one. “He's new to your world."
    "You really must teach him some manners, Mr. Lomax,” said the man, taking the banknotes and leading them to an empty table near the bar.
    As they were being seated, Lomax laid three more notes on the table.
    "We could use a little information,” he said.
    The man eyed the notes, then bowed deeply. “If it's mine to give."
    "I gather that Jason Cole used to frequent this place."
    "That's correct, sir,” said the man, reaching for the notes.
    Lomax covered the notes with his hand. “I know that,” he said. “I need to