Rhythm of the Imperium by Nye Jody Lynn

Author:Nye, Jody Lynn [Nye, Jody Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction, General, Space Opera, Action & Adventure, Fiction
ISBN: 9781476780917
Publisher: Baen
Published: 2015-12-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

The tiny pod in which Parsons lay concealed occupied a precarious position at the aft lip of the belt containing the exterior drives of the Whiskerchin. Maneuvering the unpowered glider there had taken several hours since the launcher he had used to travel from the Jaunter had fallen away. He was now ensconced in between an emitter for the shielding system and an exhaust port for noxious gases. If he had been able to smell in space, the round valve would have made his eyes water from the stink. Such a fate would be far better than if the emitter suddenly came to life. If it detected any incoming particles that might endanger the ship’s skin, the blast coming from the round tip of the stalk would destroy his pod and kill him instantly. It was one of the few positions, however, where he could tether himself without being seen by any of the cameras or maintenance hull-crawlers. He needed to survive.

The outside of the little vehicle was covered by a skin of microplates that could imitate any color or texture. As soon as it had adhered to the hull of the Whiskerchin, it began to take on local characteristics. In moments, it had gone from a sleek . . . greenish-black ovoid to a dun, matte lump on a dun, matte vessel. It was unlikely that anyone observing it would find it to be out of place. It had no outward lights, relying instead upon sensors and infrared imaging to steer.

The inside of the pod allowed him very little room to move. Its all-enveloping life-support cocoon was made of soft white fibers that sustained his body temperature while wicking away unnecessary moisture. The makers had created it so it could be used by a number of different species of sizes ranging from that of a small child to a full-grown Solinian. As a result, Parsons felt as though he had been rolled in an enormous and very thick quilt made of loose strands. They were not contained in any way, so he constantly had to spit out the fibers near his face that had been made to surround and support an Uctu mandible or a Croctoid snout. His knees were drawn up close to his chest in a near-embryonic pose. His hands were free to move and operate controls, but his legs and feet were mired in more of the white insulation. No easy emergence from the pod was possible. He had to rely upon it absolutely to conceal and convey him safely from and return him to his point of origin.

The heads-up display, however, could not be bettered. He was surrounded by scopes and screens of the very latest designs. He could pick up life signs and the complex electrical signals that indicated AIs, as well as ship’s systems, weaponry and security systems. With a nod of his head against a forehead control, he activated a device that would seek out a single life form aboard the Whiskerchin.

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