Analog SFF, September 2010 Read Online Free Page B

suspicious look, Dr. Sasaki said, “News you will be only too happy to spread, I'm sure. There is only one Leviathan, and Harry Malan is her prophet."
    My jaw dropped. “What?"
    "That's where this is headed, isn't it?” he said. “You go out and talk to Leviathan, then come back with some ‘revelation’ from—"
    "No!” I stood up. “Absolutely not. I believe my own religion and have no intention of becoming Leviathan's prophet. All I want is for the swales in my branch to be free from harassment. You're just jealous because I got handed the information you've been bumbling about trying to find."
    He shot to his feet, but before he could say anything, Dr. Merced said, “Stop it, both of you."
    Dr. Sasaki and I stood silent, glaring at each other.
    "Taro,” said Dr. Merced, “I think you're being unfair to Mr. Malan. I truly believe he's just trying to do what is best for his congregants."
    I gave her a grateful look.
    "Even if he is misguided,” she added. “As for you, Mr. Malan, there is no reason to insult Dr. Sasaki."
    With a bow of my head, I said, “I apologize, Dr. Sasaki."
    "Apology accepted,” he said.
    I noticed he did not apologize to me, but after a moment that didn't matter because Dr. Merced said, “Now that we're all friends again . . . Taro, will you let us preempt your next expedition in the shuttle to go talk to Leviathan?"
    * * * *
    With the shuttle flight arranged for the next day, I returned to my quarters to work out other details. My Earth-based manager at CitiAmerica granted my request for two days’ vacation time.
    Then I dialed Neuter Kimball's comm.
    "Hello, President Malan,” it said.
    "Hello, Neuter Kimball. You remember our discussion the other day about whether swales should be allowed to force sexual conduct on each other?"
    "Of course."
    "Well, I've spoken with Leviathan about it, and she has requested that we go to see her."
    Neuter Kimball did not reply.
    "Are you still there?” I said.
    "You . . . told Leviathan about me?” it said. It might just have been the voice synthesis, but there seemed to be fear in its tone.
    "I did not mention you by name,” I said, glad I'd managed to avoid slipping up. “But she requested that I bring you to her. I think this is a chance to convince a swale with real authority to do something to stop sexual assault."
    After a short pause, Neuter Kimball said, “Why do you say Leviathan has real authority?"
    "She told me she is the first and greatest of all swales. Isn't that true?” I asked, suddenly worried that I'd been taken in by a swale con artist.
    "She told you?” Neuter Kimball said. “We are not supposed to talk of it to humans, but if she has revealed herself as a god to you, then that is her choice."
    "A god? Leviathan is not a god. She's just . . .” I stopped. What was I going to say: an ancient immortal being who created an entire race of intelligent beings? If that didn't fit the definition of a god, it was pretty close. “Neuter Kimball, if you believe Leviathan to be a god, why did you join the Church?"
    "Because I do not want her as my god."
    "Why not?"
    Another long pause. “I probably should not have said anything about her."
    Going to see Leviathan to plead the case for Neuter Kimball had seemed like a great opportunity. Now I wasn't so sure. “If you think you will be in any danger from Leviathan, you don't have to go."
    "Do you believe God is greater than Leviathan?” Its alto voice was plaintive.
    "Yes, I do,” I said.
    "Then I will have faith in God and go with you."
    * * * *
    Unlike the much larger solar shuttle that had brought me to Sol Central Station, the observation shuttle had room for only two people. I strapped into the copilot's seat next to Dr. Merced, although we were both essentially passengers because the shuttle's computer would do the actual piloting.
    After getting clearance from Traffic Control, the computer spun up the superconducting magnets for the Heim drive and we left the