Read Online The Resurrected Man by Sean Williams - Free Book Online Page B

so much trouble to reassure him only to drop a bombshell like that? “I don't understand.”
    â€œNeither do we. That is the purpose of this conversation. I want to ask you questions designed to ascertain the severity of your memory impairment. You may call a halt at any point, but it is my hope that you will persist until we have at least a rough idea of where we stand. Your present state of semiconsciousness will in no way impede the progress your body is making. I will ensure that you do not become unduly fatigued or distressed.”
    â€œYou still haven't answered my question,” Jonah said, fighting the serenity arising within him in response to his increased agitation, realising only then that his mood was being altered by psychopharmaceuticals. “Why are you doing this?”
    â€œTo put it bluntly, Jonah, we need your help.”
    â€œâ€˜Help?’ You must be out of your mind! I want some answers first.”
    â€œJonah, please remain calm. Do you recall a conversation you had with Officer Whitesmith in which you stated that, in exchange for information regarding the crimes you were suspected of committing, you would happily and truthfully answer every question he asked?”
    Jonah's thoughts froze. Yes, he did remember saying something like that; the memory was vague, dreamlike, nightmarish in tone. “I spoke to Mary, too?” he ventured.
    â€œThat's correct; Officer Blaylock was present at your awakening. But it is your comment to Officer Whitesmith with which I am mostconcerned. At the time, neither of you were able to fulfil the other's expectations, so the offer of glasnost was not followed up. Would you be prepared to repeat the offer now, to me? An exchange of information would greatly benefit us both.”
    Jonah fought down the images the woman had raised—of mutilated bodies, of feeling like he was dying, of guilt. “How do I know I can trust you?”
    â€œI have been honest regarding your condition when it would have been much easier to have told you a comforting lie. I can only assure you that I will tell you the truth in every other respect.”
    â€œYou expect me to believe that?”
    â€œThat's up to you, Jonah.”
    â€œI don't even know who you are, or where I am.”
    â€œYou are in the orbital medical research centre of Kudos Technologies Incorporated, otherwise known as KTI, of which company I am an employee. My duties include monitoring d-mat traffic along the KTI network, optimising routes to allow the most efficient transfer of data through the Pool and ensuring that no illegal transfers are attempted. It is in this last capacity that I am currently acting as an adviser to the MIU. Are you familiar with that acronym?”
    â€œWhitesmith used it, but he didn't tell me what it was.” He remembered unfamiliar black and grey uniforms with the insignia of the Earth Justice Commission on the left breast pocket.
    â€œIt stands for Matter-transference Investigative Unit. The MIU exists solely to investigate d-mat-related crime, and operates as an independent agency within guidelines laid down by the EJC. The MIU is funded solely by KTI, and was founded in 2067 to underscore KTI's commitment to preventing d-mat from being used for illegal purposes. As patent-holder of the process, KTI is morally obliged to ensure that no one is harmed by it. I have worked for both companies since—”
    â€œHold on. You said 2067.”
    â€œThat is correct. The current date is June 27, 2069. What date do you think it is?”
    â€œI don't know.” He concentrated, trying his best to recall any date at all. “The last year I remember is ’66.”
    â€œThat concurs with your earlier interviews, and other data we have gathered since.” The woman paused, as though she was considering her options. “No doubt, Jonah, you are as curious as I am as to what has happened in those three years. Can we come to an