consider going with you." Ashian turned the heavy rifle over in his hands. His mind was racing as he looked at its totally alien shape. He must work it so he could show Capac he was worth something. Fate was balanced on a knife edge as the Currach tried in vain to operate the metal contraption. The forest was silent. The fire collapsed as a burning log gave way in a shower of sparks and renewed crackling. Ashian was bemused. No matter how he prodded at the rifle nothing seemed to happen. Capac opened his mouth to criticise but his words did not escape his mouth. Yellow angry fire erupted from the weapon in Ashian's lap. The three natives fell over backwards as the harsh loud chatter echoed through the trees, the leaves above them honeycombed with holes as the uncontrolled muzzle leapt wildly in Ashian's hands. The dirt of the clearing spouted dust as he strove to bring the weapon under control. Suddenly it stopped. Ears rang with newfound silence as battered leaves spun to the ground like soft rain. To Ashian's surprise Capac broke out in laughter. "It looks like we have some talking to do, crusader."
Chapter Three Rumblings.
But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage. William Shakespeare: Henry VI.
The young Sunlord radar controller aboard the Urisa scanned the world below anxiously. The distress message had come from a survey team deep in one of the forests and since then hadn't responded to any calls. The controller tried yet again. "Urisa to Coney Blue. Awaiting transmission and status report." Dread certainty rose within the Sunlord as nothing but static greeting his call. He flicked a switch to interface with Avatar. UI:> Request update on android 39-LX and survey team CB-221. The computer responded instantly. Android code 39-LX off line; last status report 97.540.32.209 Blood rushed to the controllers face. His six fingered hands flew over the specially shaped keyboard. UI:> Display last transmission of 39-LX. The computer responded with something he had never seen before. Access denied; mainframe investigating survey team CB-221. Avatar had refused him access. The controller got the attention of the midshipman, who came stalking over, his large bulk moving easily under the low artificial gravity of the ship. He glanced at the radar controller's monitor. "I picked up a distress call, sir, but Avatar has cut me off." The midshipman grunted. "She has taken over, she knows to do better than you or I." "What will it do? Shouldn't we inform the Admiral?" The midshipman gave him a piecing gaze. "How long have you been in this position?" "I normally work on the flight deck, but I am relieving con-" "Then perhaps you should go back there! I will not have some ignorant frug questioning my authority. You should know that Avatar takes priority. If she thinks the Admiral should know she will tell him." "But what will Avatar do?" "Probably send out a A-squad to investigate. You cannot underestimate the power of the computer, she is the true commander of this vessel. Now get back to your work before I report you for lounging."
Far on the other side of the massive battlecruiser machinery whirred with life. Gurhuin Sicil glanced up at this companion as an alarm rang on the ceiling of the mess room. He put down his nutripaste tube. "Looks like Avatar wants us," he grumbled. "Always when I am having lunch." Jhakl laughed. "Last time I was caught in the Erotocouch. It was a rude awakening." The two Sunlords stood, large muscles bunching beneath tight helicasuits. The helicasuit was a specially designed suit constructed of microscopic interwoven fibres that gave the suit toughness and durability, able to withstand a vacuum and also high pressures. The lightweight helicasuit also shielded the wearer from the sub-zero cold of space and could resist the