Page 77 - Psychoceramics and the Test of Fire

Ark Two

He blinked, proving closure possible somewhere facially. “The—
the what? No, no: is that something I should know about?”
“Should?” I shrugged with a smile. “It’s a private organization.
Many of the members are rather well-known in the upper echelons of
multinational corporations, and they would rather stay out of the
limelight for obvious reasons. It is a common misconception that all
such people are indifferent or hostile to the environment, its
defenders and prophets of doom. They are, in fact, quite accustomed
to hedging their bets and can afford to play both sides. In short, they
have agreed to create a pool of funds from which to make awards to
visionaries with practical responses to worst-case scenarios. I have
the honor of presenting you one of those prizes.”
Vosky fell back against his stool, steadying himself against that
physical shock, as well. “I don’t believe it,” he finally gasped, reaching
in his pocket. “You had better leave right now. All I have to do is
press this button on my cell phone and the police will be here in less
than five minutes: we’ve had vandals and pranksters before, but no
hoaxers.”
I was ready. “Here’s my card. And here’s a brochure with the
Extrapolators’ mission statement. It doesn’t mention the prize,
because we don’t want to attract every nutcase in the country with a
harebrained scheme to save the planet from itself. Please take it, read
it and call me. I have no desire to antagonize you, Mr. Vosky, and I
apologize for misrepresenting myself at first. Obviously you would
not have been as generous with your plans had you initially thought
me an impostor. I will go quietly now. Thanks for your time—
speaking of which, I will need to hear from you within three days to
keep your name as the winner of this year’s prize. If you are going to
investigate us, I advise you to do so without much delay. I presume
the perimeter gate will open automatically as I approach it from
within.”
And I exited smiling encouragement and praise. Vosky continued
to rest against his stool, pole-axed. I wasn’t surprised, nor had I any
doubt that whatever method of search he attempted—short of hiring
professional investigators—would confirm the existence of the highly
private but extremely well-endowed organization I purported to
represent. Again, Al Magnus had put at my disposal some of the
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