The Deep Link (The Ascendancy Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

parasitism of other sentients, they are deemed deconstructive and are contained—decimated and isolated to their system of origin, their
technological capabilities reduced to pre-spaceflight and their development
closely monitored thereafter.
    The Totorkha are one of the oldest deconstructive races in
the Grand Helix, and among the deadliest. This complicates Amharr's assessment,
presenting a serious problem if the neophytes collaborate with the Totorkha.
But more immediate concerns come first: the Kolsamal.
    Amharr summons Gra'Ylgam through the vessel's Onrysses.
    While he waits, he wonders if the neophyte sustained
serious damage, if its neutral integrity is maintained after the link .
He feels himself drifting into its mind as soon as he thinks of it, and must
force himself to stop. Luckily, he doesn't have to wait long for the Kolsamal
elder.
    Amharr assumes a conversational posture as the crux wall
opens and Gra'Ylgam steps through. The Kolsamal doesn't miss the gesture.
Amharr's hands are visibly relaxed against the front of his robe, and his two
powerful hind legs bent back up against his back, weight resting equally on
both longer hind and shorter fore legs—leaving him standing lower than the
Kolsamal.
    Gra'Ylgam responds with the customary retraction for a
Kolsamal. The capillary autotrophs retreat from his face, the ones covering his
body remaining unchanged. His bare skin is exposed, filamentary nervures and
pores forming a spongy, vulnerable surface. What was originally a gesture of
resignation among the Kolsamal has become a display of readiness for open
conversation with an Emranti.
    But as things now stand the gesture makes Amharr
uncomfortable. He beckons the Kolsamal to approach. "Speak of the
neophyte," he demands in the Kolsamal tongue.
    "She has been confined and is convalescing,"
Gra'Ylgam replies. "She is passive and cooperative, physically unharmed
beyond superficial damage."
    "Any demands?"
    "None, Dominant. I do not think she is aware of her
new position."
    "But you are." Amharr scrutinizes the
Kolsamal's face. "Do you intend to make any demands?"
    "No."
    Amharr pauses. Considers. But nothing in the elder's
demeanor betrays mischief. Amharr is increasingly disquieted by the discrepancy
between his expectations of these interactions and the reality of them. Anxiety
almost paralyzes him. Gra'Ylgam's bioluminescent eyes flicker for an instant.
    Amharr shudders, releasing some of the tension into the
greedy floor. "I will ask you again: Do you intend to use this knowledge
to your advantage, Siaaw ?"
    But the derogatory slave-name for the Kolsamal doesn't
provoke Gra'Ylgam the way Amharr was hoping it would. "I will not divulge
it," Gra'Ylgam says. "This matter is personal to you. I have no say
in it."
    "You choose not to exploit it?" Amharr asks,
taken aback.
    "When we were contained by the Ascendancy, our elders
pledged to serve our Dominants. In exchange for assurances of... continuity. It
is not my place to break the contract of my ancestors. However much
circumstance might tempt me. I value your life above my own, just like any
Kolsamal elder must value his Dominant before himself."
    "Loyalty, then," Amharr scoffs.
    "Tradition," Gra'Ylgam replies. "I also
treasure your rule of my caste aboard this vessel. You are just and consistent,
and we move freely aboard the Undawan . More than we are entitled to. I
see no reason to upset this state of mutually beneficial stability."
    Amharr allows himself to relax. "You will not speak
of this to anyone?"
    "You have my word."
    Amharr lets out a deep breath, and advances toward the
Kolsamal, studying his exposed face. Gra'Ylgam doesn't move, ready to face the
inquiry with dignity.
    Amharr stops an arm's length before him. He can be sure of
the elder's intentions with a single touch. But the awareness of his own
deplorable state is still painful. He refrains from the inquiry and makes do
with observation instead. Amharr inspects the Kolsamal through