Dominions

5-2

Cat waited. Rodin kept his mouth closed. He’d said enough.

“That’s it? The whole of the Dome’s long history summed up in a few terse sentences? No interesting facts? Come, Mister Rodin‌—‌someone as fastidious about research as yourself must have uncovered some fascinating details. I’d venture you know far more about the Dome than many others in the districts. I imagine you’re something of an expert.”

“I focus on my work. The Dome doesn’t feature strongly in the contracts I accept.”

“Quite, quite. And yet you must have other interests. Your life cannot consist solely of your work.”

Rodin snorted. “This morning, someone tried to ensure I never left my room alive. Through my work, I’ve made too many enemies to afford ‘other interests’.” And again, Rodin realised he was being drawn into a discussion.

After a few moments of silence, Cat turned to Genna. “Possibly our friend is correct. But as a leader yourself, what do you think of this perfect society?”

“If the rumours are to be believed, there’s no such thing as violence inside the Dome. I find it hard to imagine how such a thing is possible.”

“Oh, it’s true, believe me. And that is why this contract presents so many unique difficulties. To reach the target, our mercenary must assimilate himself into this society so thoroughly that nobody will suspect him to be anything other than a true citizen of the Dome.”

“And before that, he needs to get across the glass,” Genna said, shaking her head.

“It’s impossible.”

Rodin knew he’d said that too quickly. And from the way Cat smiled, Rodin knew that the man was aware of Rodin’s past. Far more than Genna.

“Apparently so,” Cat said slowly. “And yet, this is what the contract will entail. The target is a man of high standing, a Councillor whose career is rising fast. But this man is becoming a nuisance to those I answer to. He is spreading discontent, upsetting the natural calm within the Dome. Those above me have tried diplomacy, but the time has come for a more permanent solution.”

“So why Rodin?” Genna asked. “Why not find someone in the Dome?”

“Your thoughts on this, Mister Rodin?”

He’s trying to trick me, Rodin thought. So he chose his words with care. “If there’s no violence under the glass, who would they find?”

He’s trying to trick me,“Precisely. Beyond contact sports, any kind of physical aggression is simply not accepted. Those within the Dome are extreme pacifists. And so, the assassin must come from elsewhere.”

“Again, why Rodin? I’ll admit that he’s good, but if there’s no violence in the Dome, what’s to stop even the worst amateur from completing the contract.”

“And here we reach the truly interesting facet of this particular contract. The target’s unorthodox ideas are gaining him a following, and those above me have no wish to turn this Councillor into a martyr. Therefore, the removal must appear natural. There must be no questions of foul play. You see, perhaps, the fascinating challenge this poses?”

Of course Rodin did. And already, his mind was travelling on lines of thought, seeking possibilities. But he couldn’t take this contract.

“And I’m sure whoever you hire will relish it.”

“You still refuse?” Cat shook his head. “That is disappointing. And possibly dangerous.”

Was that a threat? “Dangerous?”

“Dangerous to yourself, yes. Think of what occurred this morning, Mister Rodin. Your room was booby-trapped, and an assassin attempted to end your life. You asked earlier if I was responsible, and maybe I was too hasty in replying in the negative. I didn’t hire the assassin, and I am pleased they failed. But the attempt was intricately entwined with this contract.”

Rodin didn’t like where this was going. “Explain.”

“This Councillor is not without friends, and there are those who wish to protect him. They are aware, in a vague way, of our intentions, and like us they know that you, Mister Rodin, are the ideal candidate for this contract. Where I wish to hire you, those protecting the Councillor are determined to ensure that you can’t take the contract. Ever.”

That made sense. But Rodin saw a way to avoid this. He smiled as he spoke. “So I turn you down, and I’m no longer a threat to this Councillor. I said I’m not interested, and nothing you’ve told me has convinced me otherwise.” He turned to Genna. “I won’t take up any more of your time, Genna. Okay if I see myself out?”

He rose before she answered. But Cat held up a hand.

“Things change, Mister Rodin,” he said. “Just because you refuse this contract now, those who wish to protect the Councillor will still view you as a threat. There is only one way they can be certain you won’t change your mind.”

There was no emotion in the man’s face, and Rodin countered with a straight mouth. “Then I suggest,” he said, moving his lips as little as possible, “that you find someone else for this contract, before Genna’s district becomes overrun with dead assassins.”

He gave Genna a nod, then turned to the door. His hand fell to his hip, to where he should be wearing his blades, and he stepped toward the two guards who blocked the door.

They viewed him dispassionately, then the guard on the right glanced over Rodin’s shoulder. With a nod, he stepped aside, as did his colleague, and the door slid open.

They both followed him down the stairs, though. Not that Rodin minded. At least he was leaving that stranger.

There was no way he could take that contract. Not in the Dome.

Rodin never wanted to set foot under the glass again.