Transformation Space - Marianne de Pierres [50]
Mira recognised the Extro Geni-carriers before anyone else did, knew immediately what they meant. But she stayed quiet, listening to the back-and-forth between the scientists as they proffered their theories.
Then the narrator translator began to list details.
More theories bounced between the scientists. What was a Geni-carrier doing in Mintaka? Exploration, thought some. No! Barter? No! An Envoy?
Dolin was less optimistic. ‘Geni-carriers do only one thing: transport intelligent sentient incendiaries.’
Mira wanted to leave the room, to get as far away from the farcast feed as she could, but her feet remained fixed to the spot, and the tightness in her throat wouldn’t ease enough for her to speak. She hugged Nova, waiting, forcing herself to watch.
The images cut to show incendiaries spraying from the Geni-carriers and plunging straight into the atmosphere of one of the outer worlds. A wave swept across the planet, as if the rocky surface was suddenly composed of water. The wave buckled, and it erupted across the equator like a horizontal volcano. Dust and smoke spewed from the sides, and an instant later the planet blew apart.
The biozoon narrator listed the losses in clipped tones: ‘5 billion sentient inhabitants, 3,313 industries, 2,025 service providers, all lost, including an advanced genotyping facility.’
‘Mount Kent,’ said Dolin in shocked tones. He closed his eyes, and the colour drained from his face, leaving him almost as pale as Nova. ‘Our companion lab. We have a mirror facility. We … had a failsafe …’
An ’esque next to him buckled over and fell to his knees, moaning. Some went to give comfort.
But Dolin opened his eyes and looked at Mira. ‘My colleague’s wife,’ he said. ‘She was on transfer there.’
Sophos Kantos reappeared on the screen. ‘This is an attack but, as I said at the beginning of the ’cast, we are not in any immediate danger. Our entire space contingent has been sent to Scolar station as a precautionary measure. It is vital that our ’casts stay operational, so that we may advise the OLOSS forces.’ He cleared his throat again. ‘Many of you will have loved ones, friends and family, on other worlds. I cannot guarantee their safety other than to say that we will be advising their governments.’ He stopped and took a deep breath. ‘There will be regular ’casts from the Sophos over the next few days, to keep you informed.’
Mira. You must leave and bring Nova back to me. I’ve been in contact with the Pod. They are convinced that Scolar will be the next target for the Post-Species invasion force. The Sophos are deluded, believing themselves immune. Our best option is to leave there soon.
Many others will think the same, Insignia. It will be chaotic.
A good reason to be decisive.
How do I get to you from here? They will try to stop me.
There will be much distraction in the wake of this announcement. Use it to your advantage.
As Insignia finished its thought, ’esques began entering the room. And leaving. Someone helped the stricken scientist to his feet. Dolin then activated a com-sole and began talking.
Mira slipped across to the back of the room, near Linnea. The galley supervisor’s lips were pursed, her forehead creased with concern.
‘I need to get back to my ship,’ Mira said.
‘You need to rest.’
Mira shook her head. ‘Terrible things are going to happen to the OLOSS worlds. I might be able to do something to stop it. Please …’
Linnea’s eyes darted around the room. No one was watching them; Dolin was surrounded by anxious colleagues. ‘Quick,’ she said. ‘My transport is on the roof.’
‘You have your own?’ Mira remembered Thales telling her that Scolar restricted ownership of private transport.
‘I’m considered essential services,’ she said. ‘Nuthin’ more essential than getting your baked breakfast on time, or a late supper if you’ve been workin’ through the night. This way!’ She jerked her head and walked straight out the door without looking back.
Mira followed her, holding her breath, waiting for Dolin to shout out, or