MIRA

 

‘Crux!’ exclaimed Tekton from Autonomy, where Lasper Farr’s device rested on his legs like an innocent seemingly benign object. ‘There are ‘casts coming in from Scolar. Oh... my...’

‘Insignia,’ said Mira. ‘Show us.’

A projection appeared above Primo filled with a vision of the Scolar shift sphere, where a Geni-carrier hung at the centre.

‘They’ve tried to close the sphere but it hasn’t completed its shutdown sequence. The Geni-carrier will destroy the whole system,’ said Tekton.

‘Thales!’ cried Mira.

But as they watched the rings of the sphere brightened and began to shrink. The closing sequence appeared to accelerate and the Geni-carrier was caught in the vibration well. In the space of several heartbeats, it disintegrated under the pressure.

Tekton quivered in his seat as the image faded out, his hands fluttering. ‘The Scolar ‘cast is gone but other feeds are coming in. Reports of Geni-carriers imploding across Orion.’

‘Imploding?’

‘Self-destructing. The Saqr craft has been engulfed by Leah. It must have affected the commands sent to all the Geni-carriers. They’re self-immolating. The DSD was correct, Baronessa. There was a way.’ The Lostolian waved his fist in victory.

Nova stared up at her with solemn eyes. Josef has saved us, Mama.

‘Si, Nova,’ she said, bending down to kiss Jo-Jo’s lifeless lips gently. ‘Si.’