"What do you mean?" Servia asked.
"That was a prelim. There wasn't any way we were walking in there and getting permission to see a person who guards his privacy like this one does."
Relm, listening on his comm, asked, "What do we do?"
"We wait for him to come to us. If he doesn't, we're going to need to develop a plan B pretty damn quick."
Chapter Eleven
“Knowledge is all that matters.”
—The Nameless One
Once again, Alistair found himself impressed with Jeeves. The hotel rooms he'd rented for them were set up to allow each of them to sleep alone but also to protect one another if needed. The rooms connected, and security parameters allowed for the touch of a button to alert the others in the party that something was wrong. Also, there was no way to block the connections since doors didn't separate them, just a thin membrane that was easily breached.
On a planet of this size, with this much economic activity, there were hotels for every need, even protection.
Night had come on this world, and it apparently lasted thirty-six hours. The people of the planet usually slept seven to eight standard hours, then went about their business regardless of their star's light level.
Alistair lay on the bed with his eyes open, staring at the ceiling. Obs had curled up between his feet but was also awake, sensing his master's apprehension. Alistair's hands were at his sides, and his Whip rested beneath his right.
He knew they were still being watched. All of them. Perhaps this nameless one even watched him now in this bed, but the answer today hadn't been the truth. That was why the eyes still followed them.
Hours passed, and though sleep beckoned Alistair, he resisted its advances.
When the voice spoke, it was familiar. Not even Obs had heard someone enter, though he stood up immediately, the hair bristling on his spine. His master was calm, so he didn't bark.
"You asked to see me."
Alistair slowly sat up. He kept his hand on the Whip, though he made no sudden moves.
Darkness shrouded the area, but Alistair could make out a bald head and deep-set eyes in a chair across the room. It was the man who had been in the restaurant.
He seemed different. His demeanor was calmer.
"Didn't I already see you today?" Alistair asked.
Obs sat on his haunches, though his hair remained on end.
"Don't worry about what you saw today," the man said. "Worry about what you're seeing now. My associates and I share a certain resemblance, though I promise you we are not the same."
"Okay," Alistair said. "Obs, go to the floor."
The drathe hopped off the bed and stood next to it, not taking his eyes off the newcomer.
The man continued speaking, his voice the same as that of the person from the restaurant, though without the disdain. "You're the reason for the commotion in this part of the universe, am I right? You're the one that ancient civilization is chasing?"
Alistair was surprised. He'd never heard of the Commonwealth referred to as an ancient civilization. Despite this place's majesty, Alistair had no doubt the Commonwealth could lay waste to it if necessary. He didn't bring that up, only said, "It's possible."
The man shrouded in darkness chuckled. "You offered credits today, but a man in my position doesn't need credits. Knowledge is what runs my world, and that is what I trade in, young man. You are the one they call Alistair Kane, and the old woman in the room next to yours is known as the AllMother. For years I have been curious about her, as well as her brother, though my business has never crossed theirs."
A long pause ensued, and since Alistair wasn't quite sure what to say, he kept his mouth shut.
The man spoke again. "You're after one of the AllMother's direct subordinates, or one who was one of hers but is now yours. Best I can tell is you have picked up her mantle as your own, though that reason has been kept from me despite my best efforts. That is why I came here tonight—because there was only one thing I couldn't discover about you. That means you have knowledge I wish to purchase. Tell me, what made you join up with this woman? Why do you lead what she used to?"
Alistair didn't understand, or at least, he didn't think he was hearing clearly. "Hold on. You're saying if I tell you why I'm with her, you'll help me locate my friend? Is that correct?"
There was a slight nod from the other side of the room but nothing else.
"I don't believe you," Alistair said simply.
Another chuckle from the man in the dark. "One doesn't reach my position by lying, at least not to those you're going into business with. You may lie to authorities and the like, yes, but it’s wise to be truthful when it comes to exchanges."
What the hell did it matter? It was a simple thing to tell him and wouldn't hurt Alistair's cause. "My wife. The only chance I have of seeing her again is defeating the Commonwealth."
The man's face didn't betray his thoughts. He was quiet again for a bit and then gave a simple nod. "It’s a long shot."
Alistair shrugged. "All the other options available are no-shots."
The man stood up. "You use standard time, I imagine?"
"For the most part."
"In five standard hours, meet me at the restaurant you went to today. Bring the AllMother and the drathe. I'd like their company. The rest of your party should remain here. Our business doesn't involve them."
"Do you guarantee their safety?" Alistair asked.
When he stood, the man was tall. Not like Alistair, but he easily towered over most people on this planet. He waved the question away as if it were a fly buzzing around his head. "I'm a businessman. What
