Crucible: The Novum Trilogy, Book 1 by Moira Katson

Author:Moira Katson
Language: eng
Format: mobi

Chapter Eight

Vasiliy

“What are the words I can say to make you leave that creature alone and not return?” Rossi’s words were sharp, and Vasiliy clenched his hands behind his back. When he did not answer her eyes narrowed. “That was a question, Commander. I have ordered you to stay away from the brig. I have cautioned you on the consequences of disobeying your superior officers. I have asked you, as an individual, not to go—which I should never have had to do. None of it has worked. So what will?”

Her eyes were shadowed, hair drawn back not in its usual braids but in a plain bun. Vasiliy thought she looked thinner. Her rooms were in disarray—neat, perhaps, by any other standards than hers. A book lay open, a list of names; Vasiliy had squinted at it, but could not think what it might be. A uniform was draped over the end of her couch.

“Well?”

“I’m afraid of what we’re going to find,” Vasiliy burst out at last. She stared at him. “It knows, but it won’t tell me. I think…it really believes that we shouldn’t go find the Henth. It did a terrible thing and it knows that, but it’s not sorry. It’s just scared. I think it knows something we don’t.”

“You think fear is an appropriate reason to neglect our duty?” Rossi asked dangerously. “Is that what I am hearing from you? Chagaev, you swore oaths. You took a vow that your life was devoted to the people of the League, above all else. There is something now that may be a danger to our people. Do we let them wait for it to come upon them, or do we seek it out and learn what we can?”

“What if it starts to hunt us?”

“Better we have an idea, any idea, of what we’re up against.”

“Then why not bring the Susano-o and the Osiris?” he demanded, and Rossi hesitated. It was no more than a split-second, but Vasiliy saw her eyes drift away from his.

“That would be to risk more lives.”

“There’s more to it.”

“And?”

“I want to know what it is.” Her eyes flashed.

“Yes. I have told you all such things in the past. Perhaps that was wrong of me. In this case, there are things only a few may know. You will have to accept that if you ever want to command.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She smiled, but forcedly.

“Trust me, Chagaev. There are reasons.”

“Yes, ma’am. Would you like me to call the staff to clean your rooms?”

“No. Thank you. Dismissed.”

He left and made for his bunk. He had no wish to be in the mess hall, surrounded by laughter and games. The past weeks had seen an explosion of happiness, a shade desperate and altogether too raucous for his tastes. It was relief, he knew that well enough. No one had wanted to come to open battle with the Minerva, and none of them had known what they might find when they came out of hyperspace near Guan-Yu—Sandoval, waiting for them? The fleet

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