The Infinity Mainframe (Tombs Rising Book 3)

by Robert Scott-Norton

  A gentle knock on the door shook Ruby from her thoughts, and she called out for them to enter. A petite man in a slightly crumpled cream linen suit entered and smiled politely at her.

  “Moss Atkins,” he announced. “You can call me Moss.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Ruby Parry.” Ruby stood to greet the newcomer. Moss was holding his hand out expectantly but Ruby hesitated.

  Moss noticed her discomfort then checked himself. “Sorry, habit I’m afraid. It’s rarely a problem with anyone else working here.”

  Ruby relaxed a little and shook the man’s hand. His grip was firm, and she only held it for a moment.

  “Welcome to OsMiTech, Ms Parry. I trust you’ve met Langer already. We’re not all as charming as he is so don’t worry. I’ve been asked to help you get what you need.”

  “You’re my assistant,” she said grinning.

  “Ah, if you like. I’m working with several colleagues at the moment, but I’ll help you where I can.”

  “I’m joking. I don’t need an assistant. What I’d really like now is a cup of tea. Any chance?”

  Moss grinned and showed off a row of pearly white teeth. “I’ll take you down to the atrium.”

  Glad to have an excuse to leave the office, Ruby hurried after her guide into the blue corridor. “What is it with this colour scheme? Doesn’t it drive you all nuts?”

  “On the contrary, the uniformity induces a calming effect.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Not at all. Our research suggests that blue relaxes the parts of the telepath’s brain that can get overstimulated by background thought patterns.”

  “I’m not sure I understand the science.”

  “Few people do. It’s a relatively new finding from our research department. We’ve got the best telepathic researchers on the planet in this building.”

  She followed him along the corridor, back to the lift.

  Moss pressed a button and the lift jerked downward. Seconds later the lift doors opened and Ruby stepped out into the central atrium. The sheen from the polished stone floor hit her eyes and after she’d blinked against the glare, she lifted her head and saw the cavernous space she’d entered.

  A giant cream-coloured statue of Devan Oster rose from the atrium. His arms lifted upwards, welcoming or in some rapturous state. Ruby wondered what kind of ego would go in for such a bold statement. Was the intention to intimidate those that passed beneath his gaze, or to act as a surrogate for Oster himself, a reminder that the father of this organisation was ever present?

  Ruby stared up through the central atrium at the levels rising to the glass roof at the cap of the building. Balconies offered spaces to lean out into the natural light that bounced down the column. Glass walkways crossed the atrium, seeming to sprout from the floors and arch into intricate lattices of light. People strolled across these walkways like aphids meandering along wet leaves.

  Across the atrium, at the far end opposite the Oster statue, the main doors swished open periodically as workers passed through. And there were many people about, more than she would have expected. She guessed at about fifty in the near vicinity.

  There was a cafe at one end of the space and booths with tables along the wall adjacent.

  “What would you like to drink?” Moss asked.

  “Green tea would be nice.”

  “No problem. Grab a seat, I’ll be back in a moment.”

  She took a booth and tucked herself along the seat. Secluded from the natural light of the atrium, these were cosy, comfortable.

  Moments later, Moss returned and placed a cup down in front of Ruby.

  “Not having anything?” she asked.

  Moss shook his head. “I’ve a meeting in five minutes. Hectic day today.”

  “So, what is it you do then when you’re not rushing around helping others find their way to the tea?”

  He grinned. “I’m afraid that most of my work is sensitive. I’m not at liberty to divulge any of it.”

  “How would they know?” Ruby quipped.

  “You realise we’re in a building full of telepaths?”

  “Oh, you mean—” Ruby frowned. “You’re not telling me they scan you.”

  “They’ll scan me later today. Nothing too intrusive. If I’ve done anything I shouldn’t, my guilt will show up like a red flag and the teep will hone in on it. But, don’t worry. I’m not intending to tell you any of our secrets.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially, then just as Ruby began to worry, he burst out laughing.

  “God, you had me going then.”

  Moss was still smiling. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. You seemed so serious.”

  Ruby smiled and sipped at her tea, wondering whether Moss had anyone to go home to at night. His bright blue eyes stared at her and Ruby felt her cheeks warm.

  “What’s it like to work here?”

  “Difficult question.”

  “In what way?”

  “Are you auditing me, Ms Parry? You’re only meant to be auditing our registration process.” He seemed amused by the question so Ruby pressed again.

  “Really, what’s it like? I’m fascinated. Our office is all so dull and mundane. What you’re doing here, well you’re at the centre of the telepath—” she almost said problem but caught herself in time, “movement.”

  “Movement? You make us sound like we have some kind of political motivation.”

  “And don’t you?”

  “I shouldn’t be having to justify our political stance. We are fully behind the BEP and all it stands for.” He said, straightening his shoulders and lifting his head up so he appeared almost regal in his posture.

  Realising that she’d touched on something sensitive she backed off. She really did like the man and didn’t want to annoy him.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just wondered what it’s like to work here, but then that’s just me being nosey. I guess I should get started on the audit.”

  “I’ll get the files sent down to you. You should have them in your office within the hour.”

  “Later this morning will be fine.” And truth be told, Ruby wasn’t looking forward to starting this audit. She’d heard Nikoli often express his frustration about the Registration Act audits. Much of his frustration came down to OsMiTech being deliberately obstructive in their cooperation. This was another reason she didn’t want to upset Moss. More unnecessary obstructions were not wanted.

  “I’ve got to get back to work,” Moss said. “Do you need me to show you back to your office?”

  “I think I can make it,” she replied.

  “If there’s anything I can do to help, you can get me on the internal network.”

  “I’m not sure I’ve been given access yet.”

  Moss tapped his HALO and an access point appeared on the table. He tapped away on the table top before asking Ruby to place her HALO in a ring of light. She did so and the circle glowed brightly before fading away.

  “There. All done.” He passed the ring back and she slipped it on her finger.

  “Thank you.”

  Then Moss left the booth and Ruby sat alone with her thoughts. She’d wanted to get inside this building for years, but now that she was here all her instincts were screaming at her to leave. Despite the light and space of the atrium, it felt like she was being pressed down into something. Her claustrophobia shouldn’t be triggered by this openness but the tightness in her chest was there all the same.

  8:24 AM

  “Is this seat taken?” Candice was standing at the end of the booth. Ruby hadn’t heard her approach. Had she known she was coming? Had she been watching her? It had been a week since she’d last seen the telepath and the strain of that conversation came back to her now.

  “It’s all yours.”

  When she sat down, Ruby noted the way her shoulders drooped, the hollow smile.

  “How have things been?” Ruby asked.

  “Tiring. Long nights.”

  “OsMiTech keep
ing you busy?”

  “Something like that.”

  Candice had her hands in front of her, clasped gently, but Ruby saw the bitten nails and chipped nail polish. Her hair had been pulled back into a ponytail and that partly hid the fact it didn’t look like it had been washed for a couple of days. And it might just have been a trick of the low lighting in the booth, but the skin around her eyes looked puffy.

  Ruby sipped at her tea, allowing time for Candice to elaborate. She was surprised how good the green liquid tasted and tried to put out of her mind the thought that just one month ago, Nikoli might have been sat here, drinking his tea, pondering his own situation.

  A line had formed at the counter. The barista began to pick up the pace.

  Candice jumped in her seat and her eyes darted to look across when something dropped in the kitchen.

  Ruby almost put her hands out to touch Candice’s, to reassure her that everything was OK, but she caught herself in time and tapped the table gently with her finger instead.

  “You know, things get better. I miss the cranky sod as well.”

  A fragment of a smile appeared then sunk into the depths again. “He was never cranky with me,” she said softly.

  “And that, is something I can’t believe.”

  Candice’s mouth twitched. “Well, not often,” she conceded.

  “How did you know I’d be here?” Ruby asked.

  “Devan told all his assistants a new DRT rep would be starting today. I checked through the visitor’s log and saw your name.”

  “And you knew I’d be here?”

  “There aren’t many places you could be. I checked your office already.” Candice’s forehead creased. “Is there a problem?”

  Ruby wasn’t sure if it was a problem or not. What she said sounded plausible but it didn’t explain why she’d bother to seek her out at all. The pair of them had only met a couple of times and were hardly friends. Ruby shook her head. “Of course it’s not a problem. I’m glad to see a friendly face. This is all very—” she looked around her, noting the Devan sculpture again, “—grand. But I reckon I’ll still be spending most of my time sat in the office looking at records.”

  “You must have been here before.”

  “Only for my teep screening, but I didn’t get the grand tour. It was very much in and out.”

  “Let me take you around instead.”

  “No, it’s OK. I’m sure you’re busy.”

  “I could do with a break.”

  Ruby smiled, and they left the booth behind and stepped back into the atrium. It seemed no less busy now than earlier, and it might have been her own paranoia but she noticed more glances in her direction than earlier. Candice led them to a staircase leading up to one of the atrium’s glass walkways. It positioned them closer to Devan’s sculpture. The workmanship was easier to appreciate this close.

  “It’s quite something isn’t it?” Candice murmured beside her.

  “The man likes to be noticed doesn’t he?”

  “It’s what got him where he is today.” Candice turned her back on the sculpture and leant back on the handrail looking across to the main entrance at the head of the atrium.

  “How are things going with your investigation?”

  Ruby cleared her throat. “Excuse me?”

  “I know you’ve been investigating the tombs.”

  “How would you know that?”

  “You’re DRT and you were Nikoli’s friend. Of course you are.” She smiled and Ruby forced a laugh.

  “And you’re sure you’re not scanning me?”

  “Class two remember.”

  Ruby remembered, but it wasn’t any more comforting. She thought about the remaining supply of the blocking stim she had at home and wished she’d brought it with her today. If they were going to try to scan her, today would be the day to do so. But Ruby hadn’t brought it. Her supply was extremely limited, and she wanted to get a feel for what the daily security procedures were like first.

  “I’ve not had the opportunity to do any investigating. And besides, it wouldn’t be proper. Nikoli’s death is a police matter. They’re the best people to deal with it.”

  Candice scrutinised Ruby’s face. How much could she pick up without physical contact? Ruby tried to focus on her blocking patterns.

  “Nikoli had a diary. I thought if you’d been able to find that you’d be a step closer to uncovering what got him killed.”

  Ruby didn’t break eye-contact as she replied. “I’ve not come across one. But I’ll make sure to check his office later.”

  Candice was now the second person to ask about Nikoli’s diary. Whatever he’d been keeping in there must be important.

  “How have you been?” Ruby asked.

  “I wake up and the first thing I want to do is call him, tell him about this bad dream I'm having where my best friend is dead. I don't know who to trust. I have no one I can talk to. A relationship with someone outside OsMiTech is frowned upon, especially if you're living in the compound like I am. And now he's gone, that makes it even harder.”

  “How did you two—”

  “Hook up? I was assigned to help him find his way around when he first came here. Nikoli was so grumpy, so serious, that he intimidated me, to be honest.”

  Ruby knew exactly what Candice meant. It took time to get to know the real person under that icy veneer. “Sounds like our man.”

  “He was kind. Found excuses to get me outside the compound. He seemed to lighten up when he was away from people. Hell, he'd even crack jokes.” Candice smiled at whatever memory she was experiencing and Ruby found herself smiling too.

  “I'm glad.”

  “He didn't tell me he was married. Not at first. I hated myself for that. I never dreamt I'd become somebody’s mistress. It's not like you ever set yourself up with that as a life goal.”

  “It must have been difficult.”

  Candice sniffed, and Ruby realised the conversation was making her upset. She put her hand on top of Candice’s—fleetingly—and said, “We’ll find out who did this.”

  Ruby glanced down at the dining tables and wondered how much of their conversation was being overheard. It might be better to retreat back to her office and continue but her basic paranoia was warning her against that. If Devan wanted to spy on her, it would be far easier for him to bug her office than it would be to listen in in a crowded environment like this. Her stomach rumbled, and she checked the time on her HALO. Still a few hours before lunch. But when she worried, she got hungry.

  As much as she wanted to, Ruby found it difficult to trust Candice, and it wasn’t just because she worked for OsMiTech. The woman had close connections to Devan Oster and despite the best will in the world, they were surrounded by telepaths. The fewer who knew about the diary and the full detail of the Arts Centre recording, the safer she’d feel. Besides, if Nikoli had wanted Candice to know what was in his diary, wouldn't he have just shared it with her? Hell, she was at the InfiniteYou launch as well. He could have passed it onto her if he'd wanted. But he hadn't.

  “I’ll take you on that tour if you like?”

  “Yeah, that would be good.”

  Candice led Ruby around the atrium using the walkway. “Although there are several OsMiTech complexes in the country, none are as large as this one. There’s room here for two thousand people. Each of the major sectors of telepathic industry has its own section in this building.” She pointed up to the third floor. “The police liaisons are run from their sector up there,” and she gestured to the opposite side of the building. “And over here, we’ve got the legal telepaths.”

  “It’s a lot of people to look after. Two thousand.”

  “A lot sleep in the accommodation block. It’s important that telepaths get enough privacy and isolation from others so we can recharge.”

  They continued walking along the perimeter of the atrium until they came to another set of lifts. One arrived promptly and Candice set the destination for level twenty-two. Ruby
kept her gaze out of the glass and watched as levels whizzed by. The atrium continued to level twelve then narrowed until the sides came together to wrap around the lift shaft.

  Ruby noticed Candice had a curious look on her face. Before she could stop her, Candice gripped hold of Ruby’s arm. By the time she’d realised what was happening, it was too late, the damage had been done. Ruby shoved her away and retreated so her back was against the wall, kicking herself for allowing herself to drop her guard.

  “Not keeping anything? I thought we were on the same side,” Candice said, fuming.

  “Scanning me without permission is a serious business. I could get you into a lot of trouble.” Ruby looked around the lift, checking if there were any cameras; she couldn’t see any. How much had she taken in those few seconds? Was it even worth playing dumb, seeing what she had? Or would that just make things worse?

  Candice shrugged. “Do whatever you feel you must. I’m only doing the same.”

  Ruby sighed. “You shouldn’t have done it.”

  “You have Nikoli’s diary.”

  Ruby hesitated. “It’s part of the investigation.”

  “I knew him. I could help.”

  “And you can, but only by becoming involved when I need you to and answering my questions honestly.”

  “You need to be honest with me as well. Who else can you trust in here?”

  Ruby didn’t know how to respond to that. The lift arrived at its floor and they stepped out onto a wide balcony that wrapped around a small corner of the OsMiTech building. The wind blew and Ruby shivered against the breeze but followed Candice to the edge all the same. “It’s quite a view.”

  They were facing towards the Irish Sea. White cuts rolled over the surface.

  “The diary stone’s locked. I can’t get in it.”

  “Bring it to me. I can.”

  “He left it with me. He wanted me to look after it. He knew he was in trouble.”

  “But he didn’t know he was going to die. If he did, he’d have left it with me to safeguard. Bring it to me and I’ll open it.”

  “What’s inside? Why are you so interested?”