Read Tales of the Citadel # 32 - Core Charge for Free Online Page A

bond.”

    “How intense?”

    “The connection will go both ways. With Mirin, I felt what she felt and the same for her. It is a joining beyond the genetic.”

    “So, you don’t want to do this?”

    He smiled. “You know better than that. I told you that I felt the connection with you the moment I saw you pinned in that web of wiring.”

    “Speak to Dr. Nywyn. I will be in my room.” She smiled and got to her feet.

    “I will let you know what he says.”

    She smiled and inclined her head, leaving him alone and exiting his quarters with her mind spinning. Again.

    In her quarters, she paced and her hands clenched and relaxed in a slow rhythm. She wanted to play an instrument, but there was none to be had.

    She sat at the desk and turned on the com unit. If shopping was possible, she would try to locate something to play with to blank her mind. Until her talent bloomed, her life on Resicor had consisted of playing with a variety of bands and orchestras around the country. Not having an instrument nearby caused an ache in her.

    “How do I get money?” she bit her lip. A music shop in the nearby village had a selection of instruments, and she could see a few stringed items. Now that she had control of her talent, she wanted to try to play again and see if she could find the same peace that she remembered.

    She worked her fingers over the keyboard and nodded when she found Relay’s contact information. She put a call in.

    “Hello, Gwiette. What can I do for you?”

    “I was wondering how I can lay hands on some funds.”

    “What for?”

    “I want to buy a harp.”

    Relay chuckled. “Go and see Fixer. She will make one for you and alter it until it is perfect.”

    “She can do that? She can make a harp?”

    “She can do just about anything. I will send her the request, and you can head off to her workshop. She doesn’t have any deadlines right now.”

    “Just like that? I can just go and ask for a harp?”

    “Just like that.” Relay’s voice was amused. “Fixer likes to do things a little different now and then. This is the perfect opportunity.”

    “Um, thank you.”

    “Any time. I mean it. Call me anytime. Effin is used to it.”

    “Thank you again. I might take you up on it.”

    “Have a good day, Gwiette.” Relay disconnected the call.

    Dismissed, she got to her feet and headed for the workshop. She couldn’t find any chronometers around and had to depend on her stomach or the sun in the sky to let her know what time it was. Since her talent had risen, timepieces had not enjoyed her company.

    She smiled as she entered the workshop because the sounds Fixer was making led clearly to her location. “Um, Fixer?”

    The butt that faced her tensed, and the thud that came from inside the cupboard was distinctive.

    “Oh, Gwiette, I had hoped to find this before you got here.” She got out, rubbing her head and brandishing a case with elaborate seals on it.

    Fixer was covered with grime, but there was a triumphant gleam in her eyes. “I have been wanting to find a project worthy of this. It was a gift from a world with sentient trees.”

    Gwiette followed her to a pristinely arranged counter top. “What is it?”

    “Wood, of a sort. How large do you want the harp?”

    Gwiette spanned the size with her hands and Fixer took measurements while bringing up a schematic on a large screen. The design was that of a harp in a classic style with double strings and detailed carving running around it.

    “It is lovely.”

    “Your harp will be a little different, but I needed to work on dimensions and string placement. Since I am aware of your talent, this will be customised with your energy pattern in mind. Oh, if this works, will you teach the kids here? Isabi plays lute, but the girls’ arms are too short still.”

    “Um, sure. Do you need me here for this?”

    Fixer smiled. “Of course, but since this is fairly involved, could you go to the dining hall and say you need a