9.

Marten hit upon the daring idea because he couldn’t think of anything else that would give him a reasonable chance of quick success. So the next time he came upon a police sweep, he halted them and snatched the hand computer from the sergeant. Then he punched in Molly Tan’s name. A few seconds scan and it gave her occupation as secretary to Highborn Government. Surprised, Marten noted her work place. It was very near the FEC barracks. How had Molly been able to enter government work? She hadn’t been a hall, block or ward leader, or…

A troubled feeling spread in Marten’s stomach.

“What’s wrong?” asked the police sergeant. He was the one Marten had taken the hand monitor from.

“What? Oh.” Marten thrust the computer back. “I must report to Highborn HQ.”

That shook the three policemen, who had turned suspicious. They hurried from the man that dared go to the bastion of Highborn power.

Marten made his way up the various levels, wondering what he would do if Molly were living with Quirn. That was the only possible explanation for Molly getting a secretary’s job in the new Highborn government. As he walked, he thought about all the times they’d enjoyed together, how he’d wanted to marry her. He’d never taken her to bed. In retrospect he wondered if that had been a mistake. He kept telling himself that it was impossible she’d shacked up with Quirn. Blake would have brayed at him, he knew. Good old Blake the disembodied brain. He wondered if Tunnel Crawler Six was still operational. Blake had always told him, “Women follow the power, Marten.”

In his daze and without being accosted, Marten made it near the surface levels. The data had said Government House Three. He lowered his helmet’s dark visor, drew the shock baton and patrolled in front of the government house. He periodically spoke into his sleeve as if making reports and he watched the arrogant, giant Highborn enter and leave the pseudo-marble building. Tanks were parked in front. Fortunately, the Highborn Military Police ignored him as beneath their notice. They tramped around in their bulky powered armor, immune to everyone.

What kind of future did he have under the Highborn?

Marten shrugged, and prowled. Two hours later, he saw Quirn. The former hall leader still wore a military cap, but he’d shed his block leader cape. He wore a black uniform and limped with his old arrogance. On his arm chatted Molly, just as she used to chat with him as they’d ridden the conveyers. She wore a business suit and a military style cap similar to Quirn’s.

Marten stared, transfixed as they strolled near. He heard Molly say, “And then I told him, ‘but we must have the pits processing by nine tomorrow.’”

“Maybe they’ll send criminals to work the pits,” said Quirn.

“Quirn,” chided Molly, “that’s careless talk.”

“Yes, you’re right.” Quirn gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Then he looked up to see a black-visored policeman staring at him.

The former hall leader stopped. Molly did too, also looking up.

“Trouble, officer?” asked Quirn.

Marten simply stared at him, his fingers squeezing his shock rod so hard that his hand hurt. He wanted to beat Quirn to death. Then, minutely, he shifted his gaze to Molly.

“Do I know you?” asked Molly.

Marten had no idea what to say. He slowly shook his head.

“You seem familiar,” she said.

“Humph!” said Quirn. “Come, Molly, we don’t want to be late for tonight’s meeting.”

Molly agreed, and they moved on, although Molly looked back once with a worried frown.

Marten wanted to howl, to beat his head against a wall. Molly… despair filled him. How could she? Marten finally swallowed the lump out of his throat. What was left? Nothing in Greater Sydney. He stood there for five minutes, rooted. Then he turned abruptly and headed for the FEC barracks. He was going to slip back among his friends.