Umbra is not an easy man to find.
I shouldn't be surprised; he is a spy, after all. I can understand why he'd be reluctant to leave a forwarding address.
The creepy thing about him is he's aware of everything that happens on Requiem. I briefly entertained the idea of shouting out his name and asking for a chat, hoping whatever surveillance devices he employs would get the message to him.
Instead, I opted for something more uncomfortable; I contacted Donovan. His obvious joy at hearing my voice quickly evaporated when I told him the purpose of my call. To his credit, he was a gentleman and graciously set up a meeting, but he made it clear it was the last favour he'd do for me. I almost believe he meant it, too.
The way things turned out between us is unfortunate; I like him and wouldn't have minded continuing a casual friends-with-benefits relationship. He wanted something more, however, which just doesn't work for me.
I requested Umbra meet me at a popular cafe on the mall. Arriving early, I've finished three cups of coffee while I wait, which hasn't done anything to keep me calm. Compulsively, I check the time and cast furtive glances about the room. In my paranoia, I'm convinced Umbra is monitoring me and knows what I intend to ask him; that’s the reason I requested a meeting in a public place. If he's going to murder me, I want some witnesses.
When he finally arrives in the doorway, my heart leaps to my throat, and every doubt I've entertained about my plan comes flooding into the forefront of my thoughts.
Umbra spots me and approaches casually. He appears relaxed and smiles pleasantly as he takes his seat.
"Melanie," he says by way of greeting.
"Thanks for coming. Can I order you something?"
His eyes fall on my half empty cup. "How is the coffee here? I'm afraid drinking the stuff Chambers gave me spoiled my palette for the local brew."
Trying to overcome my nerves, I smile. "It's drinkable."
I flag the waiter and request two more.
We exchange small talk for the few minutes it takes for the drinks to arrive. After savouring his first sip, Umbra places the mug on the table and cups it in his hands.
"Mister Donovan mentioned you wish to ask me something."
I take a slurp of coffee and try to act casual. "Yes; I did some digging..." I lower my voice "...regarding my treatment options for Chloe."
He smiles. "And?"
Pissed off by his condescending attitude, my nervousness evaporates. "I keep coming across papers by one author bearing a remarkably close line of research to mine. I'd like to contact the researcher to compare notes, but I can't locate him."
He raises an eyebrow. "Why are you asking me?"
"Well, I must speak with him, but I can't find him. There is a significant chance his work can provide an insight to deactivate the nanites, and I'd hoped your connections could find him for me."
Umbra considers my words, and when I'm finished, he sits back and smiles like he's about to offer me a valuable gift. "I'm happy to assist you. What is this scientist's name?"
"Ephram Corvis."
A frown creases his brow, and he shakes his head. "I'm not familiar with him, but then I don't move in the same circles as you science types. I'll inquire through my network, but I can't promise anything."
I nod and produce a data pad from my pocket. I show him a biographical photo of Corvis. "This is his picture, if it helps."
He only glances at it but betrays no flicker of recognition. "Forward it to me. Is there anything else?"
I was fully prepared for his response, but I'm still disappointed. It means either Willis lied to me, or Umbra is; if so, he's very accomplished at it, because I can't pick up any kind of tell from him. There is one final test, though, before I rule on that.
"Nancy Chambers. You promised us information about her. Do you have anything?"
He shakes his head, and my heart falls into my stomach. Still grasping for anything to redeem him in my eyes, I give him one more chance and foolishly ask, "Are you sure?"
He frowns. "Of course I am."
"Sorry," I say quickly. "I don't think we've ever shown you her photo."
I fumble with the data pad to locate it.
"Melanie, this isn't necessary. I'm aware of her appearance."
"Here it is." I find the cropped image from Willis's file with the ID tags removed. Practically shoving the picture in his face, I study his reaction.
What I see is subtle, something easily missed if I was not watching for it: his pupils dilate, and he pauses just a little too long.
"Yes," he says as he gently pushes the pad away from his face, "that is Nancy Chambers. This image appears recent. Where did you find it?"
"My AI is scouring the Omni-net for clues of her whereabouts. This one turned up recently, but the location and date are missing."
"Ah, yes; I thought I recognized it from her file. I didn't bring it to your attention because of the very reason we can't verify its provenance."
"But why didn't you show it to us? Roy would appreciate proof that his sister is still alive—or was when this was taken."
"I didn't wish to give Captain Chambers false hope without harder evidence as to her fate. I'm sure you can understand."
I nod and return the pad to my pocket. "Of course; how very compassionate of you. I'm certain if you had verifiable information you'd provide it to us, wouldn't you?"
"Naturally."
"Can you identify the man she's speaking to in the picture?"
He betrays no further tells; he's on his guard with me.
"No, I can't. I'm sorry."
Why he is lying about Corvis makes sense, given what I learned about him, but Umbra's reason for hiding information about Nancy is total bullshit.
He finishes his coffee and promises to contact me if he uncovers anything.
After he departs, I realize a disturbing fact: Willis told me the truth.
All of it means a very difficult decision must be made.
