The Dying Light by Sean Williams, Shane Dix Page B

anything trying to enter the space where the system had been was forced to emerge at this point—the heart of the system, yet at the same time its edge.
    “They just sat here and waited,” she said. “No matter where we tried to go, this is where we’d end up.”
    “Precisely, Morgan,” said the Box.
    “And the only way to get away from them is outward, away from where the system should be.” She slapped her hand palm down on the side of her chair. “Dammit. We can’t leave now, not until we know what the hell is going on!”
    “I have convinced someone to let you talk,” said the Box. “The AI has put me in direct contact with the officer in command of the primary vessel.”
    Roche took a deep breath. “Open the line.”
    “Ready, Morgan.”
    Roche tried to calm her nerves, then began to speak:
    “This is Morgan Roche of the independent vessel Ana Vereine. We are traveling as a peaceful envoy under the authorization of Page De Bruyn of COE Intelligence. Why are you harassing us, and by whose authority?”
    The moment she finished talking, the automatic broadcast ceased and a Human female voice took its place.
    “COE Intelligence has no jurisdiction here,” said the woman. “I am Commander Bassett of the COE Armada vessel Golden Dawn with orders countersigned by General Ramage. My directive is to prevent all unauthorized vessels from proceeding any further into Palasian System.”
    “Further where ?” Roche shot back. “The system’s gone. And as for authorization, I just gave you mine. We’ve been sent by the head of COE Intelligence Strategy to study the situation here, and to offer what help—”
    The woman broke in firmly: “Your help is not required. Should you not leave immediately, then I have been authorized to use whatever force is necessary to ensure your compliance. You have exactly thirty seconds.”
    The vocal transmission ceased, and was replaced by the automatic recording.
    Roche sat stunned for a moment, unable to believe what she had heard. Treachery she had learned to deal with, but not this blind, military farce.
    “We’ve got confirmation on the ID,” said Haid. “It’s the Golden Dawn, and it’s an Armada vessel as she said. A destroyer, to be exact”
    Not quite a match for the Ana Vereine, Roche thought to herself. But there were three of them.
    “Maii?” she asked. “Can you persuade them to change their minds?”
     The reave’s voice was steeped in apology and confusion.
    Roche rubbed her forehead. On the main screen, the three Armada ships moved into position around the Ana Vereine.
    “All shields to full strength,” she said, sitting upright in her seat. “Uri, how’re those repairs looking?”
    “Almost there,” Kajic replied. “Another two minutes and we’ll be optimal.”
    Roche glanced at the screen. The Golden Dawn’s half-minute deadline had expired twenty seconds ago.
    “They mean it, Morgan,” said Cane, watching the screen with naked fascination. “They’re going to fire.”
    Remembering the uncanny way he had picked the decisive moment during the battle for the Midnight, she didn’t hesitate.
    “Uri, take evasive action. Haid, arm the disrupters. Cane, prepare to return fire on my command.”
    “You’re going to fight?” asked the Box.
    “Do I have any choice?”
    “Of course you do,” the AI said.
    “Well, what ?” Roche snapped.
    “You can turn control of the ship over to me,” said the Box.
    Roche opened her mouth, then closed it again. “Why?” she eventually managed.
    “There is insufficient time to explain, Morgan.”
    “Try me,” she growled.
    “I have deduced the exact nature of both the point-source and the anomaly, and in the process have verified the location of Palasian System. By giving me control of the ship, I can take you there in a matter of minutes.”
    “So tell us where it is and we’ll get ourselves