[Untitled]

[Mao]

II

The Saint was a restaurant located five streets away from the Campus. Golan, in his white car, was looking for a parking spot. The restaurant was crowded, too crowded for his taste. He found a spot, parked his car and headed towards the entrance when he realized he forgot to lock it. He took out his datapad from one of the pockets and activated the locks and the voice recognition program. "That should be enough", he thought. His car was an old model of a very popular sport designer. He received it as a birthday present from his grandfather, so the vehicle had some sentimental meaning for him, apart from the great looks and performances.

It was unexpected how easy he found Kate's table. It was the closest one to the entrance and she was already waiting, alone.

- Ah, you're prompt. I wasn't expecting that from a student.
- It's one of my... good parts.
- So, you came alone?
- Well, I was meeting you so I don't think that bringing someone with me would have been, eh, diplomatic.
- Good point. I'm sure you wonder where's Pelorat, right?
- Yea, I was thinking you two will come together, but I see...
- There's nothing between us, just so you know.
- Good... I mean, good to know.
- Ha ha, gotcha, Golan! You like me! There he is.

A short man, around 50 years old, or maybe more, wearing a grey coat and a black hat approached them.

- Good evening, kids. You must be Trevize, or should I call you Golan? How do you prefer?
- Golan is fine, said the student while shaking hands with the older man.
- Good, good. How's it going, my young cherry? he asked the girl while taking off his coat and dragging a chair and taking a sit.
- It's great. Working at the Library really gave me new opportunities.
- Like? Meeting this guy?
- Yep...
- I see. She likes you. Make sure you like her back or you'll have a hard life.

Trevize tried to answer but Kate rushed with another idea, hoping to change the subject.

- I already know he likes me. Anyway, I guess you two have something to discuss. Go ahead, Trev, ask him.
- Right, I need to find some articles written by Michael Henry Anderton. He lived on Sol, long before the Wars.
- Knowing the title of his work will also help. Any ideas?
- Yes, sure. The article was about the "Theory for Gravitic Propulsion".
- That sounds weird. Anyway... I don't have what you need. I don't hold such things. All I can do is point you in the right direction.
- I'm listening.
- Well, Golan, there's a big ship in Baffin, or at least that's the last location I know. This ship is filled with ancient documents, older than anything they have in state archives, in any of the houses. You should contact the Librarian. He's some old guy, wearing God knows what type of life support system. It is said that he's 800 years old and lived the last part of the Sol War. Of course, that's garbage but he might have what you need. Just be careful when you talk to him... he doesn't really enjoys talking to other people, especially Bretonians.
- So, how should he contact this guy? Kate asked.
- It's not that simple. Best idea would be to broadcast a transmission all over Baffin but that would probably be too expensive if you send it from here. You should go to Baffin and send the message for free. Of course, you could contact the TAZ but they might not know. That guy is using some stealthy systems and stays away from traffic. He's a strange guy but he's your only chance.
- So, it seams I have to leave the planet after all, Trevize said.
- Why is that a problem?
- I'm kinda broke. I used my last funds to...

A waiter came to the table and asked if they're ready to order. Pelorat requested some weird food, something that Trevize never heard of. Kate ordered some rheinland specialty Trevize requested a steak in blood. Tha was the only traditional food that was gonna be served at that table. And also, it was the cheapest.

- A steak, eh? asked Kate.
- Alright, Mr. Golan Trevize, I get it you're broke. Now, what would I get if I take you to Baffin?
- You'd get his gratitude, Pel, joked Kate.
- Ha ha, I guess I'm good with that.
- Really, will you take me there? asked Trevize, visibly excited.
- Yes, you'll have to find a way to come back tho, my trip ends in Omicron Theta, hardly a place for a bretonian student, unless you want to become one of us.
- I guess I'll try the bretonian way of life, first. Especially if I will get rich by selling the projects of this engine.
The ordered foods arrived and the waiter brought some drinks, beers he said, but without alcohol. Pelorat finished his meal first:
- Boys and girls, I'll have to leave you, now. Trevize, I will got your contact details and you got mine. We will discuss on th neural net the exat departing time and all that. Most probably, my transport will be ready in two days.
- Got it. Thanks for everything.
- Whatever... Kate, see you soon!

Before leaving, Pelorat talked to the waiter and gave him more money that should cover the consummation of his "kids".

- Now that he's gone and you're all set, how about we two have some fun, Trev?
- Fun? Like what? I'm not the type that visits night clubs or other places like that...
- No, silly, I meant you come with me, at my place, and we continue the dinner there. answered the girl and winked.
- Tempting... let me just pay the dinner and we can go, alright?
- Sure, if you think you have the money to cover my specialty, go ahead...
- How expensive could it be? I mean, come on, it's just food.

Trevize called the waiter and asked for the note but he was told the dinner is "from the house".

- That's... good, I guess. Or the food was expired.

The girl started laughing and took his arm and headed towards the exit.

- Which one is yours? Kate asked when they got to the parking lot.
- That one, the white Cupra.
- Wow! OZ-129? That's one of the best cars made by Cupra! Let's go! Show me what she can.
- Alright, please...

Trevize opened the door so that Kate could sit in the passenger's seat and then he deactivated the voice recognision lock. When the engine started, a fine tremor went through their bodies. Trevize never had the chance to move the vehicle. Kate came over his seat and started kissing him with passion. They arrived at her house, three hours after that. The route should have taken a little over fourty minutes.

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