E. Tubb: Technos

"You did once," she reminded and paused, musing. "We were like a supersaturated solution, poised and inert. Then you came, a seed crystal, and immediately the pattern was broken. There should be more men like you, Earl. More travelers with fresh ideas."

"Open your landing fields and there will be."

"They'll be open." Keron snapped his fingers. "A moment. I've forgotten something." He turned, moved to where a car stood waiting, returned with a package, "This was found in Ruen's apartments. I think it must belong to you."

Dumarest opened it, fingered the gray plastic material with the protective mesh buried deep. So Cleon was dead, caught by the Cyclan, interrogated, disposed of and his borrowed clothing sent to Ruen as evidence that the man they wanted had to be on Technos.

"There's one other thing," said Elaine quietly. "Someone wants to see you before you leave." She stood in the snow, a vague blur in the shadows, her furs piled high against her cheeks. From reasons of vanity or shyness she had retained her mask. Dumarest was glad of it.

"My lady."

"You call me that, even though you know that I am not what I seem?"

"I remember that you saved my life," said Dumarest. "That you gave me something-" He broke off, knowing better than to arouse painful memories. Mada Grist had acted as she did because of the promptings of her young and virile body. The desire of her flesh overriding the wisdom of her mind.

"Earl," she said. "Earl!" Her hand rose as if to touch his cheek. "Keron found me while I was trying to book passage. He arrested me then released me when the girl persuaded him to act. I was instrumental in proving that you had not lied."

"And now?"

"I will work," she said. "What else? But- you know, Earl. Perhaps you can understand. Do you forgive me?"

"Yes, my lady."

"And shall I ever see you again?"

It was kinder not to lie. "No, my lady. Never again."

He turned and headed to where the ship was waiting. It would carry him to Jalanth where there would be other ships heading for other worlds.

And, soon now, he would find Earth.