Void Wraith by Fox Chris

Author:Fox, Chris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-06-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 33- Derinia

"Primo library, this is Captain Nolan of the UFC Johnston," Nolan began, licking his lips before continuing. "We request permission to approach, and I have to stress that circumstances are urgent. I'm broadcasting footage of the debris field in the Enduria system, where your library used to be. Four other libraries have been confirmed destroyed, and an attack could begin here any minute."

Nolan folded his arms, watching the holographic display that showed the library. It grew larger as they inched closer, waiting for an answer. The crew nervously avoided glancing at each other, as if that might jinx the response from the Primo.

This library was quiet, unlike the last one they'd seen. It bristled with plasma cannons, and a thick blue shield obscured the city-sized structure. Fluted towers rose around a central platform, topped with a dome of shimmering energy the could shelter several primo carriers. It dwarfed a Tigris orbital defense platform, making this thing the toughest known battle station in existence.

"Such an assertion is ludicrous. Your entire race couldn't damage this library," a flat voice answered. "Yet the laws of hospitality say we must at least hear your baseless tales. Keep your weapons powered down or be destroyed. Make your way to the indicated docking clamp, or be destroyed. Do not deviate from your present course for any reason, or--"

"Be destroyed, yeah we got it," Nolan interrupted. "Listen, I know you're a patient people. I respect that. But you have to be aware of what happened at your conclave. You've probably heard about the other libraries."

There was no answer. Seconds became minutes, but the silence didn't lift. The library grew larger, until it dwarfed the vessel itself. They were getting close.

"Captain Nolan, I will meet you at the airlock door," a second Primo voice said. This one had a different cadence. It was somehow both cultured and weary. "Under the circumstances, you are permitted to bring any armament you may possess."

By the time Nolan's vessel had docked with the station, everyone had gathered at the airlock door. Lena, Hannan, and Annie stood in a little trio surrounding Edwards, who leaned against the wall next to the airlock, trying to pretend he wasn't a twelve-foot-tall robot of death. Seeing them made Nolan miss Izzy, and even Fizgig. Leaving them behind had been tougher than he'd expected. He'd really become fond of Izzy's playfulness, and Fizgig's stern tutelage.

A low hum washed over the ship, and a tingle passed through Nolan's body. Lena giggled, a very odd sound from the Tigris. "We've just passed through the library's protective field. This one was constructed many centuries after the first library we visited, the one the Void Wraith spies blew up. This one is much tougher, which is probably why the Void Wraith haven't tried a direct assault yet."

"Let's hope it's tough enough," Nolan said, glancing at the airlock button as it turned green, indicating a seal had been established on the other side. He tapped it, and the door slid open.

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