Assassin's War by Gregg Vann

Author:Gregg Vann [Vann, Gregg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silver Rocket Press

Chapter Nineteen

The tranquil, turquoise ball grew larger as we swept around the last of Obas’ eight moons, diving steeply toward the thick atmosphere ahead. According to the sensor readings we took as we flew by, some of the planet’s moons were habitable—even if only marginally so—but the lone signs of settlement were extensive scanning arrays pointing out in all directions; it was as if the Obas were watching the entire galaxy to make sure it didn’t intrude on their solitude.

What were they so afraid of? I wondered.

The flight console beeped for attention, warning us that four ships were rising up from the surface on an intercept trajectory; they reached orbit at the same time we did, and took up positions around all four sides of the Brenin ship.

The newly arrived Obas craft were impressive—larger than Boe’s ship had been, but covered with similar markings. Most notably, these vessels bore many more guns. As they drew in closer, tightening up their escort positions, I got a better look at their full complement of weapons.

For their size, the ships were immensely over-gunned, almost ridiculously so. I saw energy cannons, ion arrays, and obvious missile tubes with unknown tools of destruction hidden behind them. The ships bristled with so many armaments that I wondered if there was any room left inside for a crew. Seeris made a similar assessment.

{Peaceful isolationists? They’ve fooled you all, Udek}

Maybe, Seeris. But it will be interesting to see what effect those weapons have on the Brenin when they arrive.

{None at all in my estimation, even if they do manage to breach the shield. And despite the information you’ve obtained, I highly doubt they’ll find a way through it. And even if they did, our hulls are designed to be incredibly resilient. I scanned this Obas ‘Secret Fleet’ myself, Udek; I know its capabilities. They will be lucky to present even a minor impediment to our armada, certainly no real danger. Regardless, I suggest we drop our passenger off with the stolen information and leave for Bodhi Prime—so we can straighten out our own peculiar situation. You’ve met your obligation to that misguided monk, Brother Dyson. Bodhi Prime is safe…for now}

You seem to forget, Seeris, if we can’t stop the Brenin, regaining my own body, and Dasi, will do me little good. Where could we go with your people destroying everything in sight? My future depends on stopping the Brenin. And now that I know more about your race, about how you view the universe and your place in it, I’m even more convinced of that than ever.

{Then we will all die in this futile pursuit of yours}

Maybe. Do all of you Brenin believe yourselves so infallible?

{Our successes speak for us. I see no reason to think otherwise}

“We are preparing to descend,” Boe announced.

He and Uli took the two chairs, while I grabbed a ceiling mounted handgrip, leaning forward to get a better view out of the forward window. Soon, we were dropping through the moisture-laden clouds of the lower atmosphere; our passage buffeted the ship slightly, causing it to gently sway side to side.

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