Transmaniacon Read Free

city-states to insure its survival. Here we see you at a party given by the archduke of Chicago…” The image flickered, a distressingly lucid picture of Rackey speaking to an old woman, and the anger in her eyes.
    The camera follows Rackey as he moves across the room, dropping strategic comments here and there, as a turbulence in the body-language of those he has passed becomes apparent. “Should I turn on the sound, Rackey, so that we can hear you drop corrosive hints and cast doubts as you discredit the host of the party and break up a marriage? ”
    â€œNo.” Ben sighed. “That is plenty, plenty and more than enough, thanks. I get the idea. You’ve got the goods on me.”
    The image dwindled, vanished, and the silhouette spoke: “I will not hesitate to turn this evidence in to the security center of every city-state within the Barrier. If it becomes necessary. They’ve long known that there was a Professional Irritant at work; an undesignated one. It’s remarkable that in acting both as a burglar and an Inciter, you have never been apprehended. Never. You covered your tracks well. Your disguising fronts were perfect. And that is why I need you, and only you, for this…assignment. I made a study of your activities; had you watched by a holodrone. I know nearly everything there is to be known about you, Rackey. I know about your study of the Barrier, your desire to destroy it. You cannot hope to retire. Because I’ll see to it you’re hounded by the authorities and given not a moment of peace.”
    Suddenly, Ben felt tired and heavy. He had counted himself a free man, retired and without cares. And so he had been—for two weeks. “You’ve made your point. What do I steal and when do I start?”
    â€œYour skill, so I understand, is sufficient to overcome even the universally pacifying influence of penetrative muzak?”
    â€œThe euphonium? Yes. If other conditions are favorable, I can incite even in a muzak zone. So?”
    â€œYou will be required to exercise this ability in the Chaldin Palace. You will have to create a diversion that will keep the security drones at bay while you break into Chaldin’s sanctum and obtain for me an object. You will bring back the object and you will be given your freedom. Until I need you again.”
    Until I need you again. Ben could almost hear the axe falling.
    â€œWell, what is the fucking thing?” Ben asked, tensing.
    The dark outline paused, shifted in its seat. Ben wished his eyes would adjust to the light so he could see the man’s face. But the glare from the quarter moon was too bright.
    â€œI have pondered this matter,” the distorted voice croaked. “ Should I tell Rackey what it is? I have decided that your curiosity will not be stilled till you have the answer, and doubtless you would pry at its container to learn its secrets. This could have disastrous results. The object is dangerous and fragile. So I’ll tell you now. It is a device for the augmentation of the telepathic transfer of mania. The Transmaniacon--that is my term for it. Properly…mounted…it seeks out strong, hostile human emotions, amplifies them. It can turn a street-brawl into a raging mob and a border skirmish into a full-scale war. I have a variety of uses for it. I warn you, when you set hands on it, do not attempt to utilize it. You will have your opportunity under controlled conditions at a future date. For now, regard it as lethal and do not attempt to investigate its workings.”
    â€œSuppose I do obtain it. How do I know you won’t kill me anyway? I need some insurance.”
    â€œNo. You have only my word for now. But consider: Why should a canny chess player deprive himself of useful pieces? If I can make use of you once, I can use you again. I would be reluctant to kill a man in possession of such finely honed skills. You are invaluable. I would wish to have you alive; I