Читать книгу To The Stars - Назар Валерьевич Валеев - Страница 19

«Looks like your big, bright world isn’t all that welcoming», Kane said thoughtfully as they made their way back to the Armaon. «If even scientists of his caliber would rather hide out in a forsaken hole like this.»

«It’s not just that», Maarv replied. Like the others, he still carried a faint heaviness in his chest – a mix of regret and quiet respect for Krean’s choice. «He understands the risks far better than we do. Going back would mean putting his family in danger – and he’s simply not willing to gamble their safety for the sake of a few questionable values.»

«Speaking of values…» Kane said, pulling the bio-fablet from his pocket and handing it to Maarv. «You’re the one in charge – so you get to decide what we do with this thing.»

«If we ever get the chance to go back to all this», Maarv said, rubbing the back of his neck, «we’ll figure it out together. Though, honestly, I’ve got a feeling things won’t exactly get better after that. We’ll probably end up even bigger outcasts than before.» He gave a short laugh. «So yeah, let’s not forget there’s no smooth road home for us.»

«Yeah, that’s true», Draam said with a thoughtful grunt. «But there’s another tricky question. Do we tell the Vriin Senate we’ve got a ready-to-use System Shield? Or keep it for ourselves?» He paused, tapping a finger against his chin. «If we play it smart, this tech could give us a solid chance against Kvaon. And if we tell the Senate – well, he’s clever enough to put two and two together and figure out where Krean’s hiding.»

«That’s something to think about», Maarv said. «After all, we’re not exactly obliged to report how the Shield ended up in our hands. Or to mention that we ever met Krean. My guess is, Kvaon was after his inventions, not the man himself. He wouldn’t have destroyed him, at least not until he got what he wanted.»

«Well, splendid», John drawled. «So, if we do tell the Senate about the Shield, we can safely assume they’ll rob us first and cut our throats afterward. At last, a clear and comforting prospect! Truly, life never tires of showering us with its generous gifts.»

«That’s only if we actually make it there», Kane said with a grin. «And frankly, I doubt anyone in the whole galaxy would bet even one of Draam’s half-eaten snacks on it. So, our chances of getting robbed seem pretty slim.»

When the friends finally reached the ship, night had already fallen. Maarv suggested they gather in the wardroom. The Armaon’s damages had been repaired, the energy balance restored, and now it was time to devise a strategy for what came next.

Draam brought up the map on the main screens and asked Arma to plot several optimal route options.

«Before we reach the bridge», he said, «I suggest we distribute the generator power evenly between the main weapons and the defense shields. The auxiliary generators we’ll keep in reserve – to be used only if necessary. Who knows what awaits us on the other side…»

«You have to be either shamelessly brave or utterly brainless to stage a diversion next to Ilion», Tarion observed. «I’d give anything to snatch a couple of those Tiavrans and find out who’s really pulling the strings. So, looks like we’re headed for a frontal assault, then?»

«By my calculations», Arma replied, «the odds of a favorable outcome rise markedly with that choice. Our speed and striking power outclass nearly every known vessel.»

«Even without the math», Kane put in, «our options are slim. It’s not like we can just stay here, parked next to Crean’s picturesque farm.»