The Hyperion Cantos 4-Book Bundle (117 page)

Brawne stares at Johnny. Without volition, she sends her thoughts his way:

—
Jesus, Johnny, we didn’t come all this way to listen to a fucking Delphic oracle. We can get double-talk by accessing human politicians via the All Thing
.

[Kwatz!]

The universe of their megalith shakes with laughter-spasms again.

—
Was I a swordsman then?
sends Johnny.
Or a poet?

[Yes
There is never one without the other]

—
Did they kill me because of what I knew?

[Because of what you might become/inherit/submit to]

—
Was I a threat to some element of the Core?

[Yes]

—
Am I a threat now?

[No]

—
Then I no longer have to die?

[You must/will/shall]

Brawne can see Johnny stiffen. She touches him with both hands. Blinks in the direction of the megalith AI.

—
Can you tell us who wants to murder him?

[Of course
It is the same source who arranged for your father’s murder
Who sent forth the scourge you call the Shrike
Who even now murders the Hegemony of Man
Do you wish to listen/learn/release against your heart these things]

Johnny and Brawne answer at the same instant:

—Yes!

Ummon’s bulk seems to shift. The black egg expands, then contracts, then grows darker until the megasphere beyond is no more. Terrible energies glow deep in the AI.

[A lesser light asks Ummon

What are the activities of a sramana>

Ummon answers

I have not the slightest idea

The dim light then says

Why haven’t you any idea>

Ummon replies