She started obliquely. “You know, in my reality, things like antigravity and faster-than-light travel are impossible. They just can’t be done. Are you sure that—?”
“The fundamental laws of physics differ from reality to reality,” Ddwng said. “We have known that, and understand that there are realities in which our science is inoperative, but where magic is operative, or psionic powers. Darius comes from a reality with magic, and his companion Provos appears to remember the future. That, to us, is paradoxical.”
“She knows the future?” Despite herself, Colene got distracted. “I was with her only briefly, before she was matter-mitted to the ship to rejoin Darius, but it was my impression that even if we had spoken a common language, we wouldn’t have gotten far. She seemed to know what we were about to do, but not what had just happened.”
“We are studying her. We find it interesting that her ability does appear to operate in this reality. That suggests that the fundamental laws may not be what they seem.”
Was there a chance that Darius could do magic here? That he could conjure them both away? That seemed too wonderful to be believed!
If she knows the future here, she knows what is to become of us, Seqiro thought.
But Colene was determined not to just let the future happen. She wanted to do whatever was in her power to make it the right future.
She smiled most innocently at Ddwng. “Maybe you should ask her about your own future. I mean, about getting the Chip.”
“You do not want me to have it?”
“I didn’t say that!”
I am getting a bit, Seqiro thought. He knows you are trying to deceive him.
“You do wish me to have it?” Ddwng asked, amused.
“I didn’t say that either,” she said ruefully.
I am finding an avenue. It is very narrow, but I am attuning. He is fascinated by you, but not as a woman. He is intrigued by the challenge of fathoming your motives.
“Perhaps it would be best if you were open with me,” Ddwng said.
“I’m afraid you’re going to rape me,” she said, her deathwish causing her to tread the brink.
He guffawed. For that the sound was direct rather than through the translation ball. “I have no interest in taking any woman involuntarily. I have any I want, either null or human. Set aside your fear.”
“Rape can be more than physical. What do you want with my mind?”
He studied her for a long moment before responding.
There is something horrible, Seqiro thought. Maintain the dialogue, if you can.
“There are three things I want of you,” Ddwng said. “I want the information you possess about the neighboring realities, so that at such time as I enter them, I am aware of their assets and their pitfalls.”
True.
“That’s okay by me,” she said.
“I want you to persuade Darius to guide me to the Chip.”
True.
“I guess that’s up to him,” she said guardedly. “I don’t see why I should try to influence him.”
“Perhaps you will change your mind when you know more of my rationale.”
There is something devious here.
“What’s the third thing you want of me?” Trying to be nonchalant, she took a sip of her alien fizz-drink. It wasn’t alcoholic; she would have gotten sick if it was. Ever since the rape scene, she had detested alcohol.
“I want you to be my consort.”
Colene choked, dribbling liquid on her gown. Immediately, Ewe was there, with sponges, efficiently cleaning her up. But at least the delay gave her a chance to commune with Seqiro before replying.
This is not an evil thing. It is innocent. Something else is evil.
Innocent? That’s marriage!
No, this is form only. You can agree without compromise.
You had better be right, Seqiro! Darius is the only man I—But that remained a complex emotional mess too.
Her seizure had concluded. “I thought you had no such interest.”
“I see you misunderstand. I have many consorts. All are attractive women. Most are mistresses. Their proximity to me gives them unique authority, for it is known that I do not like to embarrass them. I sometimes use them as emissaries. I would like to have you with me as I make a business trip this coming period, and the proper format for this is as consort.”
True. But there is something else. You have his attention; question him.
Colene leaned forward, evincing the appropriate amount of suspicion as well as presenting a bit more of the flesh of her bosom for inspection. “You mean I should go traveling with you, and everyone will think I’m having sex with you, but it won’t be true?”
“Correct, if that is the way you wish it.”
True.
“And maybe I’ll have to do some public task for you, the way Darius is with that far-flung mission?”
“Correct. You should find it interesting.”
True.
“And this is the way things are done in the Empire, so it’s okay and won’t sully my reputation?”
“Correct.”
True.
“And somewhere along the way I should talk Darius into giving you the Chip?”
“Correct. I believe your word will influence him.”
True.
“Though he thinks I’m having sex with you?” she asked sweetly.
He is receiving information. I think you are under constant surveillance, and he knows your heart rate and muscle tension. He knows you are hiding something, and wants to know what it is, but he can not read minds so must persuade you to cooperate. He is enjoying the challenge.
“I see that this would be disruptive,” Ddwng said. “But there is no problem. Darius will be informed of the nature of the relationship, if you wish.”
Now Colene took a long moment, gazing at him. She was not considering her answer; she was focusing on Seqiro’s thoughts.
All that he has told you is true. But there is something he knows would distress you greatly, that he hides. It ties in with Darius. That is what you must ascertain.
“Ddwng, I don’t know what’s going on in your mind,” she said in what she judged was a three-quarter truth. “And you don’t know what’s going on in mine.” Another three-quarter truth. “You’re playing these little games with me, wasting your time, when all you have to do is drug me and make me do anything. It doesn’t make sense.”
“You are perceptive. But it does make sense.”
He is playing with you as a cat does with a mouse.
“I’ll make you this deal, Ddwng: I’ll do all those things you are asking me to do, if you will tell me exactly what your real game is.”
Ddwng smiled. “Then the game will be over.”
Now he is thinking of it. I have it! Agree to everything. I will cover this with you later.
Colene trusted Seqiro. But she didn’t like to capitulate readily, as a matter of obscure principle. “Then maybe I’ll just do none of those things. What do you say to that?”
“I would not recommend such a course.”
There is something else. He is grim.
“So what would you do about it?” she demanded, treading the brink again.
“I would have your horse vivisected.”