enemy, Clavain. We owe her that much, if nothing else.
Note180
They’ve always been out there, hiding in the darkness, watching and waiting. For four centuries we’ve been extremely lucky, stumbling through the night, making noise and light, broadcasting our presence into the galaxy. I think in some ways they must be blind, or that there are certain kinds of signal they filter from their perceptions. They never homed in on our radio or television transmissions, for instance, or else they would have scented us en masse centuries ago. That hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps they are designed only to respond to the unmistakable signs of a starfaring culture, rather than a merely technological one. Speculation, of course, but what else can we do but speculate?
Note181
Because now we can. Nightshade was a prototype for these twelve much larger ships. They have quiet drives. With certain refinements in drive topology we were able to reduce the tau-neutrino flux by two orders of magnitude. Far from perfect, but it should allow us to resume interstellar travel without immediate fear of bringing down the wolves. The technology will, of course, have to remain strictly within Conjoiner control.
Note182
I’m glad you see it that way.
Note183
We’ve done what we can. Closed Council agents have succeeded in regaining control of a number of outlaw vessels. These ships were destroyed, of course: we can’t use them either, and existing drives can’t be safely converted to the stealthed design.
Note184
No.
Note185
Clavain… Clavain. Always so willing to believe in the greater good of humanity. I find your attitude heartening, I really do. But what good would disclosure serve? This information is already too sensitive to share even with the majority of the Conjoined. I daren’t imagine what effect it would have on the rest of humanity.
Note186
As a purely precautionary measure, should we need them.
Note187
Well, there is the small matter of the hell-class weapons. Two of the ships plus the prototype will constitute a taskforce for the recovery operation. They will be armed with the most advanced weapons in our arsenal, and will contain recently developed technologies of a tactically advantageous nature.
Note188
Certain further tests must still be performed, but yes…
Note189
What’s wrong?
Note190
That’s not possible, Clavain. The wall is mildly compacted cometary ice. It would be like cutting yourself on smoke.
Note191
He’s right, Skade,
Note192
It’s not serious. He can fix it when we’re back on the corvette.
Note193
Then fix it.
Note194
Well?
Note195
Clavain… ?
Note196
Do you mind if I ask you something? The Master of Works reported that you had doubts… was that an honest observation, or was the machine confused by the extreme antiquity of your memories?
Note197
Do you appreciate the need to recover the weapons, now? I mean on a visceral level?
Note198
I sense your honesty, Clavain. You do understand, don’t you?
Note199
Clavain…
Note200
Clavain…
Note201
What are you doing here? Who is the Master of Works?
Note202
Your distress message said that three of you came here. Where is the ship that brought you?
Note203
Just tell me.
Note204
Why would he do something like that?
Note205
Let me guess. Closed Council business again.
Note206
Where was he headed with the corvette?
Note207
How long ago was this, exactly?
Note208
He’ll need fewer than three hundred to reach Yellowstone. You didn’t think to alert us sooner?
Note209
Medical crisis?
Note210
Is she alive?
Note211
Skade…
Note212
You are alive. You were injured, but you survived. You are still in need of…
Note213
You still need to be properly healed. But everything can be made good.
Note214
Nothing’s wrong with your implants.
Note215
Skade…
