Read Online The Legacy of Lehr by Katherine Kurtz - Free Book Online Page A

but no further sign following recontact by the Lawry Expedition in A.I. 42. (See Lawry, Sir Gregory . The Imperium Expands: An Account of the First Rediscovery Expeditions in the Former Ferrimeyer Consortium. Menkar: The Imperial Press, A.I. 51. See also Torrell, Vander . Lost Alien Races. Ravanah, Hyadum Primus IV: The Dursah Free University Press, A.I. 92.)
    Mather’s hand hovered over the cancel button as the Torrell citation ticked up the screen, but he restrained the impulse as the reference continued.
    Native life forms originating on Il Nuadi display varying degrees of advanced psychic development in area of empathy, especially among carnivorous species. No known contact between Aludrans and life forms of Il Nuadi until recent times .
    The readout continued, but it soon became clear that the information was becoming more general rather than less. Perplexed, Mather cleared the keyboard and glanced at Wallis, but she had stopped her hair brushing to focus elsewhere, apparently grappling with some nuance of possibility suggested by the reference. After a moment of contemplation, Mather hit the query button again and began tapping out another question.
    Reference, Lehr cats. Are they included in description just given of native life forms of Beta Geminorum III? Respond .
    The response came back at once.
    No further data available on psychic abilities of Lehr cats. Though Lehr cats were first discovered and classified in A.I. 43 by Doctor Samuel Lehr (q.v.), no successful research has been —
    Resignedly, Mather hit the cancel button with his fist and swiveled to glance at Wallis. She had resumed brushing her hair, returned from wherever she had gone on her mind wandering.
    â€œWell, what do you think?” he asked.
    â€œThat the cats are screaming telepathically? It is possible, I suppose. In fact, it would be a handy talent for a predator whose main source of food is other empathic animals. I’ve never gotten any readings that would indicate telepathic sensitivity in the cats, but I wasn’t looking for it, either. There’s a lot we don’t understand about the mechanisms of psychic phenomena.”
    â€œThat much is certain,” Mather agreed, thinking of his own off-again, on-again psychic abilities. “Is there any way we could find out for sure? About the cats, I mean.”
    Wallis thought for a moment, then said, “I could probably rig some kind of testing device and give it a try. We might be able to borrow the necessary equipment from Doctor Shannon. I can’t promise any results, though.”
    â€œThat’s understood.”
    â€œOn the other hand,” Wallis continued, “after so many years of watching your hunches turn out to be correct, I’m definitely inclined to follow up. I’ll get an equipment list to Shannon first thing in the morning.”
    Mather nodded and shut down the console, yawning hugely as he undid the rest of the fastenings on the front of his tunic. “Sounds good to me. Meanwhile, I suppose we ought to get some sleep, while we can. At least we know the cats are secure; and Muon isn’t going anywhere for the rest of the night.”
    Wallis nodded and yawned in response, slipping her arms around his neck from behind to lay her head wearily against his. “That’s the best idea either of us has had all day.”
    â€œDoctor Deller, I think the head steward poisoned me.”
    The voice coming from the treatment room next to Shannon’s office was strident and irritating, making Shannon very glad that it was not her turn to handle sick call this morning. The all too predictable exchange about to run its course in the next room would be good experience for the younger Deller, but Shannon wanted no part of it other than to eavesdrop through the slightly open door, to see how well Deller handled it. She pretended to be absorbed in updating her medical log as Deller murmured some neutral response. The scenario had