The Cyber Chronicles IX - Precipice Read Online Free Page A

they
knew it.
    "Fear," Fairen
murmured. "That's how we rule. Look at them, scuttling like rats
from a light, riddled with guilt. I despise them more and
more."
    "Only the
guilty fear you. The Thaytans love you."
    "True. Thaytans
are good people, contented and peaceful, artistic and gentle. But
if they transgressed and were punished, they would fear us
too."
    "Then they
would have reason to, and good people don't commit crimes."
    Fairen sighed,
nodding. "My visit to Thayta was the first time an Overlord has
gone there."
    "Then you
shouldn't feel bad that Myon Two fears you. They brought it on
themselves."
    "A few of
them."
    "Then they must
police their people better."
    Fairen pulled a
face and turned away. "People are devious. Shrain, summon President
Atrashka, Cyber Host Research Department Head Jorran, and Host
Researcher Rond."
    Shrain nodded,
tapping his com-link. "At once, My Lord."
    "Send for the
enforcer commanders, and Sabre's companions."
    "Yes, My
Lord."
    Fairen stepped
onto the shallow dais and pulled on his veiled hood. Adjusting the
voice distorter in front of his mouth, he sat on his
gold-ornamented onyx throne. Sabre went over to stand next to the
dais, glancing at Vorn, who stood in the shadows behind Fairen. The
four pedestal-mounted torches around the dais burst into flame and
the floating globes and curtain back lighting dimmed, increasing
the echoing chamber’s sinister air.
    Atrashka
arrived first; the guards marched him in and made him stand on one
side of the room, where he fidgeted, tugged at his collar and
sweated. When the six enforcer commanders were brought in, Atrashka
stared at them with wide, horrified eyes. Kole and the two techs
entered next. They approached Sabre, eyeing the Myonars. Finally
Jorran and Rond arrived, looking dishevelled and scared. They were
brought to stand before Fairen, and bowed low, their eyes darting.
Jorran spotted Sabre and gaped at him.
    Fairen sat
motionless for a full two minutes, giving everyone ample time to
absorb the enormity of their crimes and contemplate the possible
consequences. Jorran gulped and sweated, Rond cast pleading looks
at Estrelle and Martis. Atrashka looked sick and the enforcers
stood rigid, their eyes glazed.
    Fairen raised
his head. "Judgement."
    The voice
distorter made his tone low and menacing, and the word boomed
around the room, jerking everyone's attention to him. Atrashka
closed his eyes, looking ready to pass out. Jorran shifted as if he
wanted to bolt. Fairen waved a hand in a slow, graceful gesture,
and Sabre smiled, admiring the boy's poise and sense of the
theatrical.
    "You are here
for judgement," Fairen said. "You have transgressed against me. The
penalty is death. The most senior enforcer commander may
approach."
    A
silver-haired, distinguished-looking man stepped forward and bowed.
"My Lord."
    "Who ordered
you to hunt the cyber you were told was stolen?"
    "Department
Head Jorran, My Lord."
    "The same man
who stands before me now?"
    "Yes, My
Lord."
    Fairen waved a
hand. "Step back." He turned his head. "President Atrashka,
approach."
    Atrashka
tottered closer with jerky steps, his face stiff, and bowed. "My
Lord."
    Fairen stood up
and wandered to the edge of the dais. "You fear me."
    "Last time, you
threatened to destroy Myon Two."
    "I did. I may
do so again, if it pleases me. You object?"
    "No, My
Lord."
    Fairen tilted
his head. "I am an Overlord, Atrashka. Has that fact escaped
you?"
    "No, My
Lord."
    "Yet it seems
to have eluded some of your minions. Did I, or did I not, forbid
you to hunt the former cyber known as Sabre?"
    "You did, My
Lord, and I swear -"
    Fairen raised a
hand. "Do not swear. Your minions disobeyed me. Sabre was captured
and taken to your laboratories, right here on Myon Two. Right under
your nose. You were unaware?"
    "I was,
absolutely!"
    "You are a
pathetic excuse for a president, Atrashka . You are a puppet. You
speak the truth because you are woefully ignorant, which is the way
those who engineered this