Peter Hamilton - The Dreaming Void

Dinlay stuck his hand up. 'Sir?

'Ah, my dear boy; sadly I am in something of a rush today. If you could possibly write your question down and submit it to my senior apprentice at the Guild, I'd be most grateful.

'Yes, sir. Dinlay's hand came down and his shoulders slumped with disappointment.

Edeard remained seated as the lawyer walked slowly out of the hall, assisted by two ge-monkeys, wondering what Solarin would actually look like rushing somewhere.

'Olovan's Eagle tonight?

'Huh? Edeard shook himself out of his absurd daydream.

Macsen was standing over his desk, a smug expression on his face. 'Clemensa will be going. Evala said she's been asking about you. A lot!

'Clemensa?

'The one with the dark hair always tied up in a long tail. Big chest. Big legs, too, sadly, but hey, nobody's perfect.

Edeard sighed. It was another of the girls from the dressmaker's. Macsen spent most of his time sweet-talking them or trying to set them up with his friends. Once he even tried to match Kanseen with a carpentry apprentice — he wouldn't be doing that again. 'No. No. I can't. I am so far behind on my law texts, and you heard what Solarin said.

'Remind me.

'There's going to be a test, Edeard said wearily.

'Oh right. It's only the exam at the end which counts. Don't worry. Listen, I've got a friend in the Lawyer's Guild. A couple of gold shillings and he'll gift us the whole Sampsols.

'That's cheating, Dinlay said hotly.

Macsen put on a suitably wounded expression. 'In what respect?

'In all respects!

'Dinlay, he's just winding you up, Kanseen said as she got up to leave.

'I'm being perfectly serious, Macsen said, his face as innocent as a newborn.

'Ignore him, she said, and gave Dinlay's shoulder a gentle shove. 'Come on let's find some lunch before we go out.

Dinlay managed one last scowl before hurrying after Kanseen. He started to ask her something about the residency laws.

'Must be true love, Macsen warbled cheerfully as they turned out of sight.

'You're evil, Edeard decided. 'Pure evil.

'Only thanks to years of practice and dedication.

'You know he's going to be our squad leader, don't you.

'Yes. He'll get his appointment the day after the Eggshaper Guild announces its sculpted a ge-pig that can fly.

'I'm serious. His grades will be way above ours, plus his father and a whole load of family are already constables. Senior ones at that.

'Chae isn't stupid. He knows that'll never work.

Edeard wanted to believe Macsen was right.

'Um, Edeard, are you really not interested in Clemensa? Boyd asked.

'Ho, this is perfect, Macsen said, rubbing his hands together. 'Why, do you fancy your chances?

'Actually, yes, Boyd said with more courage that Edeard had credited him with.

'Good for you. She's a lovely girl. As randy as a drakken in a bloodfrenzy, I just happen to know.

Boyd frowned. 'How do you know?

'Evala told me, Macsen said smoothly. 'Her last boyfriend was dumped for not having enough stamina.

Boyd gave Macsen a suddenly entranced look. 'I'll come with you tonight. But you have to get Evala to put in a good word for me.

'Leave it with me, my fine friend. You're as good as shagged senseless already.

Edeard rolled his eyes and promised the Lady he'd be good for evermore if she'd just stop Macsen from being… well, Macsen. 'Come on, let's get something to eat before the constables grab it all again.

'Oh yes, Boyd said. 'Our helpful and welcoming colleagues. I hate the way they treat us.

'Only for another two months, that's all, Macsen said.

'You really think they'll show us any respect after we qualify. I don't.

'No they won't, Macsen agreed. 'But at least we can shovel shit on to the new probationees. I know it'll make me feel better.

'We're not going to do that, Edeard said. 'We're going to talk to them, help them with problems, and make them feel appreciated.

'Why?

'Because that's what I would have liked to happen with us. That way more people might just be encouraged to join up. Haven't you counted the numbers, not just at this station but citywide? There aren't enough constables in the city. People are starting to organize themselves into street associations to take on the gangs. That's going to undermine the rule of law.

'Great Lady, you really mean it, don't you? Macsen said.

'Yes, Edeard said forcefully, and let them sense his mental tone so they knew he wasn't joking with them. 'I know what happens when civil government means nothing. I've seen the violence that the barbarians use when a society leaves itself open to any bastard who knows how weak it is. And that's not going to happen here. Makkathran can't be allowed to tear itself apart from within.

'I don't know why you're worried about Dinlay being squad leader, Macsen said, equally serious. 'You're the one. Sir!

Edeard was still slightly self-conscious about wearing the constable uniform in public. Only the white epaulettes distinguished probationees from regular constables. The rest of it was actually real as Macsen put it. A smart dark-blue tunic with silver buttons up the front; matching trousers with a wide regulation leather belt containing a truncheon, two pepper-gas phials, a pair of iron handcuffs with a fiendishly tricky six-lever lock that was just about impossible to pick with telekinesis, and a small first aid pack. Under the tunic was a white shirt, that Sergeant Chae made very sure was indeed an unblemished white each morning. Boots were up to an individual, but they had to be black and at least ankle-high (but not over the knee); they also had to shine from polishing. The domed helmet was made from an epoxied drosilk mesh, with padding on the inside to protect the wearer's skull from a physical blow. Like the others, Edeard had bought his own drosilk waistcoat which was supposedly tough enough to resist a bullet. Macsen had gone one further, and bought drosilk shorts.

In theory the cost wasn't too bad. But in practice every constable needed two tunics, and at least three shirts. Then there was a constant supply of flaked soap for the dormitory's ge-chimps to wash everything. Edeard gained considerable kudos when the others found how good he was at instructing the ge-chimps with laundry tasks. After the first week Chae stopped trying to find fault when they turned out in immaculate uniforms each morning.

The daily routine hardly varied. In the morning they would have various physical and telepathic teamwork training sessions, followed by lectures. In the afternoon they would be taken out on patrol under the alarmingly vigilant eye of Chae. Sometimes their division captain, Ronark, would accompany them. Evenings were theoretically all their own. Study was advised at least during the week.

Edeard always hated it when Ronark did come out with them to 'check on progress'. The man was in his eighties, and was never going to rise any higher than his current position. His wife had left him decades ago, his children disowned him. That just left him the constables, which he believed in with a religious fervour. Everything was done according to regulation; variations were not permitted, and such infringements were subject to severe fines, restrictions and demotions. Jeavons station had one of the lowest recruitment rates in the city.

Nobody paid any attention to them when Chae led them out of the station at one o'clock precisely. Ronark was standing at his curving fish-eye window above the big double gate, observing the shift change, clocking the patrols in and out on his ancient pocket watch. Out on the narrow pavement, a squad was double-timing back to the station, its corporal red faced and panting as they tried to minimize their delay. Three ge-dogs scampered along beside them, happy at the run.