Pa'an

A tall black man, likely Nigerian, dressed in a white uniform stepped onto the salon deck. His arm patch bore a pyramid with the all-seeing eye on top, the same image as appears on US currency. His head was shaved bald and he pushed a wheel chair. In the chair was a wrinkled, ancient man with enormous white bushy eyebrows surmounting eyes that missed nothing. From somewhere under his blanket he produced a large sealed courier’s envelope with the same logo as his attendant wore. His voice was a whisper, forcing Jag to lean forward to hear him. “Jaeger, my friend, this is your next assignment.”

“Thank you, Mentor.” But when Jaeger started to unseal the package, the Ancient waved his hand and nodded, “No.” “Wait a while, we have to talk a bit and perhaps share some refreshment?”

Refreshment was the least thing on Jag’s mind. For one thing, he knew the assignment was yet another test. They were all tests. The last one was so distasteful he had little stomach for more. Every test seemed designed to deliberately destroy some aspect of his humanity. The Ancient watched him squirm with barely concealed delight. Nevertheless, “Please tell Ogu what you require. My diet is only for a fragile old man, not a strapping fellow such as yourself, Jaeger.”

“Perhaps a cheese plate and some French bread, and a glass of wine, or a convenient sandwich, Ogu?” Jag requested. Ogu nodded and disappeared through the sliding glass doors. Jag noted the pyramid logo etched on them as well.

“A modest request, Jaeger. You are not yet comfortable with the wealth and luxury at our command?”

“Mentor, perhaps it is just that anticipation of a new assignment does nothing good for my digestion.” He could feel the weight of those hooded eyes studying him.

“You are moving up the ranks, Jaeger. You would be well advised to take the rewards we offer for the service you are obliged to give.”

“Of course. Where are you sending me this time?”

“To Cambridge, Massachusetts. You are our appointed chairman at Ultradata. They are in a position to impact a major industry, and they possess a very capable AI. Those are resources we want you to secure for our purposes and none other.”

Jaeger was somewhat relieved. It certainly did not seem like a problem or a conflict he could not handle. Perhaps he could eat something now. But no: Mentor frowned and shook his head.

“Jaeger, your attachments compromise your position and reflect poorly on your attitude.” Ogu handed him his harmless little dog, squealing and barking, tied in a gunny sack.