Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:24 pm by neuromancer
Sorry about the wait, but here's chapter 23, with a splash of Tabasco.
Chapter 23
The Order ships emerged through the Dom'Kavash jump gate hovering high over the Dyson Sphere and made their way to the vast opening leading into the massive structure. They could see the Dom'Kavash vessel in the distance, hovering over the entrance.
During the journey, Trent had entered the mind of the Dom'Kavash and sensed a great amount of fear in the alien. It was apparent that the Dom'Kavash still feared their old adversaries, even though the Dom'Kavash seemed superior to them. Trent tried to pry a little further into the consciousness of the Dom'Kavash, but the attempt jolted him back into his own mind with a splitting headache. Some time later, the Dom'Kavash contacted Trent and informed him that he should not try to contact them as his mind was not prepared. Trent couldn't help but wonder if the Dom'Kavash knew about his previous entries into its mind.
Trent gazed at the massive structure before him and thought back to the last time he had been here, nearly two years ago. Back then they had not known what they were about to face. Now, they knew exactly what awaited them inside, and the apprehension he felt was nearly overwhelming.
His thoughts were interrupted as Orillion's voice came over the comm system.
"Trent, any contact from the Dom'Kavash?"
"Negative...wait a minute...okay, they want us to take up a position next to their vessel. Once we are in position they're going to open the entrance."
"Roger that. Orillion to all Order vessels, move into formation around the Dom'Kavash vessel. We're going into the sphere."
"Angels and ministers of grace, defend us," King muttered.
"What?" Trent said.
"Nothing, just a quote I heard once."
Trent positioned his Eagle alongside the Isis, which had taken up station next to the Dom'Kavash vessel. The Isis, Trent observed, looked pretty insignificant next to this behemoth.
"Are you prepared, human?" the Dom'Kavash asked.
"As ready as we'll ever be," he replied.
Trent watched as the massive entranceway into the sphere opened. He tigtened his grip on the control stick as the armada of ships moved through the massive opening ready to face...
...nothing.
The interior of the Dyson Sphere was completely empty. Trent scanned his eyes over the interior of the massive structure in absolute disbelief.
"Will somebody please tell me what the hell is going on?" King asked.
Trent quickly made his way into the mind of the Dom'Kavash.
"My lord, there is no sign of them."
"Excellent. Everything is proceeding as planned. It is only a matter of time before our old home is cleansed and ready for our return."
Trent withdrew himself back into his own mind. He fumbled for his comm switch.
"Orillion, this is Trent. We've been had. We need to get out of here now."
"What do you mean?"
"I just poked around in our 'friend's' head and what I heard is not good. I'm telling you, we need to go now."
"Very well. All Order ships, flank speed for the opening."
The Order fleet turned and engaged their cruise engines and headed for the opening. Trent could see the massive opening start to close up.
"Oh, crap. Move!"
The last of the Order fighters slipped through just as the giant aperture slammed shut.
"Orillion to all ships, head back to Toledo." He paused to gather his thoughts. "Well, Trent, what do we do now?"
"We wait until they call me back. Then it will really hit the fan."
*** Do not interfere in the affairs of Corsairs, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Edited by - neuromancer on 7/11/2005 7:06:29 PM
