The emptiness between
worlds within the Sol solar system, that was the cold vacuousness of
the interplanetary medium, heaved invisibly as the fleet of orbitals
emerged from folded space. The auto-settings clicked into
deceleration mode as the hulking vessels slowed to sub-light speed.
The crew quarters, each housing hibernation chambers for the two-week
journey, came to life. Fresh air was routed to the rooms, temperature
was raised and gravity was returned to the upper levels. One by one
the crew members were awakened, and one by one each of them prepared
themselves to return to their duties. Within an hour the ships had
been set to rendezvous with Wyrme and seek high orbital trajectories,
which the fleet would attain in only a day's time.
In the main tower
control-room of the orbital command ship Danival had only one thing
on his mind, and he sat and watched intently as the tiny reddish
planet grew larger in the view-screen. His second in command
approached, making his duty rounds, finding his commander there
locked in concentration and peered questionably at the small ruddy
world himself.
“It's rather
unimpressive looking sir—considering,” said Sargarius Tyrnea, but
then quickly reassessed his opinion when seeing Danival's reflection
glaring back at him on the screen. “Though I guess one might find
something ominous about it. Yes, a very ominous little planet I'd
say!”
“Well, I wouldn't
want to be disappointed,” said Danival grinning. “But we'll know
soon enough what is there. Begin the sensor sweeps when we're within
maximum range. I want full topographicals and life-form analysis
reports completed by the time we're in orbit. Coordinate the work
among the crews of every ship and cross-check the results for
irregularities or discrepancies. I need this done right and fast, not
slow and sloppy. Got it?”
“Right away sir!”
I hope that I can finish the book in a few more months and then begin the editing process and get it completed.
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