Free Star Risk - 02 Scoundrel Worlds by Chris Bunch Page B

guarantee an answer, though."
    "First," von Baldur said, "what is your, and the Universalists', connection with a private security firm called Cerberus Systems?"
    L'Pellerin lifted an eyebrow. "Your intelligence� or, more likely, Reynard's� is superior to what I thought it to be. The retention of Cerberus Systems, while not classified, was not felt worthy of being brought to the attention of the public.
    "Cerberus Systems has operatives here on Tuletia, and a small observation team on the Belfort Worlds. They were retained quite against my�which means the DIB's�wishes, by certain nervous Universalists, to act as an outside oversight group on current events."
    "I was told," von Baldur said bluntly, "they'd been hired to make sure Sufyerd dies."
    "That might be one of their responsibilities."
    "It's my turn to warn you," von Baldur said. "They are less than scrupulous in their methods, and less than honorable in their practices."
    "No doubt," L'Pellerin said, "they would say the same about you. And since when, in the shadow world we both work in, is morality, real morality, ever in play?"
    "A point," von Baldur conceded. "However, Cerberus can be terminally inept in their practices. That, in my view, makes them a risk."
    L'Pellerin inclined his head. "I stand cautioned. You had a second question?"
    "A multiple one. Why are members of what are called the Masked Ones permitted to operate with not only police nonintervention, but with their blessing? I speak from personal observation," von Baldur said.
    "I have heard this," L'Pellerin nodded. "An investigation is under way to see if that is, in fact, the case."
    "How many members of the Dampier Information Bureau also belong to the Masked Ones?"
    For just an instant, L'Pellerin's face twitched. Then he recovered. "None that I'm aware of." He stood. "But if any are unveiled, they shall be dealt with most harshly. Most harshly indeed.
    "Now, I thank you for taking the time to visit with me, and I think�hope, at any rate�we now understand each other better."
    "I am certain that we do," von Baldur said.
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    FIFTEEN � ^ � You're forgiven for the raw beef," Jasmine told Grok, patting her lips with a napkin. "At least this time it was air-dried. Next month, we'll investigate the joys of cooking."
    Grok daubed cheese on the last of his berry tart, and washed it down with a prune liqueur the restaurant's owner had recommended.
    "That is good," he rumbled. "I mean, that you forgive me. The meal as well."
    They'd eaten well: the beef, viande de grisons; then raclette, cheese melted in front of the open fire next to them and spread on baked tubers; then salad and dessert.
    Jasmine suppressed a genteel burp, saw, on the next table, the printout of a holo someone had left, and noted the headline. Curious, she slid it toward her.
    "The Tuletian Pacifist, hmm?"
    Grok was looking away, at a man who came in and went through the restaurant, into the facilities. That was the second time he'd seen the man do that.
    "Condition Yellow," he said quietly, shifting his weight so the holster behind what looked like a sporran was easier at hand.
    Jasmine frowned, then got it, moving her hand closer to her pistol.
    But nothing happened. The man went back out. Jasmine returned to the printout, read an ear beside the masthead. " �Coming soon� Scandalous Details from Inside the Universalist Party on the Connivers of the Capital, Their Loves, Their Secrets. Read the Secret Letters of Premier Ladier. Mysteries of the Innocent Sufyerd, the Stolen Belfort System Plans, and More, More, More.'
    "Perhaps one of us should look up this editor and see if there's anything really there."
    "Perhaps one should put work aside for the moment," Grok said, "and concentrate on digestion, and perhaps a nice walk along the river."
    "Do you expect me to shut off my brain?" Jasmine said.
    "Of course not," the large alien said. "Merely