Читать книгу To The Stars - Назар Валерьевич Валеев - Страница 14

Nearly two weeks of flight were behind them, and the Armaon was approaching the nearest known wormhole leading into the Andromeda Galaxy. All members of the crew had kept themselves busy and made good use of their time throughout the journey – so much so that they had hardly seen one another, crossing paths only at mealtimes. Fortunately, those shared meals were strictly scheduled by Arma herself, giving the friends a chance to exchange news and impressions.

Kane spent his days in the gym, training from morning till night under conditions of increased gravity – sometimes together with Draam, who, after the recent incident, had decided it wouldn’t hurt to shed a few dozen kilos. In turn, Draam taught Kane various combat tactics, defensive maneuvers, and the handling of every known and available type of weapon and armor. Kane absorbed everything instantly, as if merely recalling something long forgotten – a fact that openly astonished his alien mentor.

John was deeply absorbed in studying the scientific achievements of various galactic civilizations across multiple fields, and lately he looked as though he’d been regularly subjected to electric shocks for an extended period of time. From time to time, he joined Maarv, who was conducting experiments with the fragment of the Ticket they had obtained. Maarv tried to identify its constituent elements, but in vain: the Armaon’s substance analyzer failed to find any matches in any known periodic systems.

He carried out a series of tests involving synthesis and laser cutting, but after he had broken three of the ship’s hardest and most expensive drills, Arma promptly locked him out of part of the laboratory’s storage bay.

Thus, for the second week in a row, lunch and dinner followed a familiar pattern: Maarv and John would sit across from each other at the table, and at first glance, it looked as if they were engaged in a lively exchange – talking, sharing, discussing their ideas. But if one listened closely, it became clear that neither was really paying attention to the other; each was entirely absorbed in his own thoughts and theories. Kane laughed himself breathless listening to those hilarious «scientific dialogues» between his two friends.

One evening, Arma summoned everyone urgently to the mess hall. On the screen of the information panel appeared the worried, slightly gaunt face of Abuun.

«Don’t be alarmed, that’s his usual condition», Maarv whispered, trying to calm not so much his friends as himself. He knew all too well that nothing good ever followed such an introduction.

«You’ve ventured quite far», Abuun said deliberately. «We barely managed to synchronize the signal for this transmission. So, I’ll get straight to the point – the news I have is far from encouraging. The first stage of the Genomode on the Blue Planet has already begun, which means you don’t have much time.»

He looked intently at the alarmed faces of John and Kane.

«You must always remember», Abuun went on, addressing the Earthmen, «that you have a chance not merely to set things right, but to bring about an unprecedented breakthrough in your human history – to lead your people into space. As for the Genomode…» he paused, forcing himself to continue. «Let’s say that, at this stage, it may even prove to be for the best.»

It was clear that such a train of thought did not come easily to Abuun.

«By the way», he said after a long pause, «we’re aware of your encounter with those beast-like creatures on Omera. And you might be interested to know that behind it all stands Kvaon.»

At the mention of the name, Maarv and Draam exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. Kvaon was not merely a member of the Vriinian Council – he was the gray eminence of Vriin itself, born into one of its most powerful clans. For several centuries, his family had owned vast mining operations spread across their entire star system.

Kvaon invested astronomical sums in the discovery and development of new worlds, sponsoring major expeditions into the most distant corners of the known universe in search of unclaimed, habitable planets. Had he been content with his enviable position as one of the system’s leading magnates, few outside a narrow circle of insiders would have even known his name. But Kvaon craved power. He was relentless in advancing himself and his allies within the governmental hierarchy of Vriin, and everyone understood that he would never stop until he reached the very top.

Ever since a small Vriinian research vessel had accidentally stumbled upon the Blue Planet in the distant Solar System, Kvaon had known no peace. He was obsessed with the thought of turning that beautiful, resource-rich world into his personal domain. What infuriated him most was the fact that the planet was densely populated, and that its inhabitants were slowly but surely destroying that rare, wondrous world, one that deserved far better and far worthier masters.

So, when a relatively obscure scientist from the orbital observation group on Fraal proposed immediate intervention in the planet’s climate systems to prevent an impending catastrophe and even suggested establishing open contact, it was Kvaon who used all his influence in the Vriinian Senate to ensure it happened.

From that point, he believed, swift and decisive action was required. And, of course, the humanitarian goals and scientific ideals of the researchers had never been part of his agenda. He had his own, very different vision of what should be done.

«It came to light quite by accident», Abuun said, his tone measured but weary. «Not long ago, we intercepted an attempt by two high-ranking Vriinians from Kvaon’s personal guard to infiltrate our flagship cruiser. Given the circumstances, we had no choice but to use a mind scanner. That’s how we learned that Kvaon himself and his men were responsible for deploying the Genomode on the Blue Planet.»

He paused briefly, as if weighing his next words. «He’s aware of our mission to save the Earthlings, and he’s using every resource he has to stop you from reaching the Galactic Council.» His expression tightened for a moment, betraying both anger and concern. «Your remarkable will to survive, which has already begun to irritate certain powerful figures, may well prove crucial to the success of this mission.»

Abuun looked at each of them once more, as if trying to pass on some invisible strength and reassurance, and in that look was everything he could not put into words.

He stood, straightened his uniform, and approached the transmitter. «I trust your next steps will be just as precise and deliberate. Good luck to us all», he said quietly. After a brief nod to the crew, he cut the transmission.

Arma brought up on the screens all the information she had managed to gather about Kvaon.

«It’s always wiser to understand what stands against you», she said in a didactic tone.

«Better not to know the likes of him at all», Kane muttered, growing weary of staring at the images of a prosperous-looking Vriinian, perfectly content with his life, whose deep-set golden eyes gleamed with a probing, foreboding light. «Mr. I-Have-Everything, huh? Now he wants a whole planet to add to his collection.»

Irritation and anger were rising in him, steadily pushing aside the earlier unease and fear at the sheer scale of this powerful adversary. «Just wait till I get my hands on him», he growled, shaking his fist at the image on the screen.

Draam burst into loud laughter, throwing his head back.

«I’m sure the moment he hears about it, he’ll bolt as far from you as he possibly can! Oh, Kane – the terror of the galaxies!» Then, his tone shifting to a sudden seriousness, he added, «Still, I doubt there’s a single Vriinian in our entire system more heavily guarded than that high-ranking bastard. Don’t be fooled by that polished face they print on political pamphlets for sentimental housewives. He’s far from harmless.»

His voice dropped lower, heavy with resolve. «But you’re right about one thing. Until we deal with him, he won’t leave us in peace.»

«I’ve got a few ideas about that», said Maarv. «We just need to live long enough to try them.»

«Attention», came Arma’s voice through the speakers. «We are beginning our entry into the wormhole zone. Prepare for the jump – I’m ready to accelerate.»

«Well then – full speed ahead!» Maarv commanded. The cruiser surged into the wormhole under the full power of its mighty hyperdrives, accelerating to superluminal speed.