Mass Prism

Revelations

The beautiful galactic map seemed to surround the entire room, giving the impression of being in space itself at some privileged vantage position.

In the darkness a low gruff voice murmured "How are you Letitia?"

The young lady in the chair scanned the darkened room trying to locate the voice "I'm fine. Can you tell me why I've been brought here please?,I have important work to do. Councellor Shan himself requested the research I'm involved in."

"I know" the gravelly voice continued, "You've made quite an impression on our Councellor, it seems that he has great confidence and trust in your abilities." Through the darkness a silhouette gradually became visible to her. He appeared tall and powerful, aTurian. He spoke slowly and decisively and his voice made her feel uneasy, like a breeze before a storm.

She lifted her chin in defiance to hide her nervousness. "I'm good at what I do" she retorted with false confidence. The Turian silhouette remained with his back to her, scanning the radiant images of stars and worlds. After a moment He turned his head towards her and asked "and what is it exactly that you do?"

She paused, wondering where this was going. Then, with a mock irritation in her voice she said "I'm a geneticist, I investigate living cell manipulation."

She stared at the silhouette, trying to observe a reaction. The Turian turned fully toward her now and she could at last make out the reptilian-like features of his long face. His pocked skin glimmered with pronounced implants of machinery. He was heavily endowed with technological features, more than she had ever seen in one being. He took a deep breath and then spoke again, still in a measured and confident way. "Yes, your work is very impressive Latitia. You've already managed to isolate several new gene formations and even mapped sub-genetic particles, very impressive. It's no wonder the Councellor has such confidence in you."

She felt even more uneasy. She felt sure that this was leading to something, that she was being skilfully interrogated. But she pressed on with her oblivious, false confident manner. "Like I said, I'm very good at what I do. Can I go now please?"

"In a moment, Letitia. But first, please tell me about your work done on the side?"

She froze, catching her breath. He knew! She suddenly realized how dangerous this situation could get if she did not answer correctly and with confidence. She decided to bluff her way and hope that he was also bluffing. "I do have some projects away from the lab. I get commissions from some very prominent citizens. They use my skills to help them medically and socially. " That should be enough, she thought.

But the Turian suddenly turned and paced towards her and spoke with a different tone, now menacing and severe. Let's save us both some valuable time Letitia. Actually, that's not your name at all is it? Why don't you tell me your real name?

Now she was scared, her identity had been masked by experts. She had evaded detection for nearly three years and had worked hard to place herself in a position of trust with the Council. If this Turian really knew her identity, it would not only place her in danger but it could threaten the whole cause and the organization she worked for. She realized, with dread, that the outcome of this interrogation would be pivotal and could change the balance of life in the galaxy.