Patchwork Universe

Karl Groever · Posted: 31 Jan 2004 12:06 pm Post subject: Past Curfew, An Expedition

The Baron's contacts ran deep. Past Curfew on the Lower Storeys, yet armed with a signed missive from Commisson - Leutnant Strom, Groever and Alberny had found little difficulty in getting the men on the main gates to acquiese to their passage. Blackmail, no doubt, lay at the heart of it ; the Baron, a rumoured shareholder in a Sixth Level Den, and Strom, a society pillar, known to be over fond of chewing the Qat.
Out into the Desert, then, at this most irregular of walking hours; out from the encasing confines of the Constant City, and into the surrounding dark. During daylight, Karl had returned home, begun to prepare for the Baron's mission ; stowed torch and compass, rope and pencil into shoulder bag, and swapped City shoes for hard worn boots. The remaining time he had wasted on actions less vital, but more heartfelt ; rereading a favourite text at the Polytechnique Library, saying goodbye to Alex (the latter had not taken long; she was awaiting custom from a secret policeman when he arrived, and had had to cut the farewells short. Karl knew well when to quit ; quality of service alone kept the officer from keeping the brothel under surveillance). Finally, a visit to Quilemont at his offices, a cursory appraisal of health (strictly off record, medical fees charged to the Baron's special account, several remedial drugs left unaccounted for), and then, nursing a coffee in a shabby downStorey diner, waiting for Alberny to arrive, as per the arrangement.
At precisely 12:00, the door to the place swung open, and Alberny straggled in. He didn't look any healthier than Karl felt, his face waxy and his tufty red hair streaked with dried sweat. But in his eyes was the shining light of determination. 'Mr. Groever,' he announced, matter - of - fact, as he ambled to the table side. 'Mr. Alberny,' Karl responded.
'Ready?'
'Always. You ?'
'The same.'
'The Pass ?'
'In my pocket.'
'Good. Good.'
Alberny laughed suddenly and broke the spell of the moment. 'Then let's get going, my friend. For the Citizens sleep, but the Desert is sleepless. And we have an appointment,' and here he lowered his voice to a whisper 'with the Marbled Domes of latter days.'