The drone flew away, dodging the Xiniti ships by moving into the routes reserved for traffic coming out of the gate.
Even though most ships slowed down before using a gate, they didn’t have to, and could come out at theoretically any speed, so cutting across lanes wasn’t smart.
At the same time, the drone was freakishly fast, accelerating away from our ship in a blur. Continue reading Space Date: Part 9
I rushed into the back of the jet, and put on the Rocket suit. When I got back to the cockpit, I checked the screen I’d been using to read the conversation with the drone.
Nothing had been added. Apparently the AI didn’t feel any pressure to make conversation when it didn’t have anything to say.
I could think of a few people who could stand to learn from its example. Continue reading Space Date: Part 8
“WILL HITCHHIKE. REJOIN TRIBE/CLAN/CIVILIZATION. WE ARE NOMADS.”
So I digested that for a little while, wondering if it was true, or if it skipped a few steps. For example, the step where it turned us over to the civilizations of genetically modified humans who fanatically worshipped the Abominators, and might possibly hold a grudge against us for the way our grandfathers destroyed the last of their masters.
After which, it would go out and be nomadic. Continue reading Space Date: Part 7
After setting a course for Raptor’s position, I clicked through menus on the jet’s computer. I knew Grandpa had mentioned a translation program at some point. I’d never had a reason to use it.
After a few clicks I found it. Continue reading Space Date: Part 6
The League jet had cameras all around the body, allowing me to check out almost the entire hull without leaving the cockpit. I’d always thought that was cool, but as of that moment I could guess at the practical reason why Grandpa had installed them.
A long, black shell clung three quarters of the way down the hull. The fact that it had attached itself said a lot about it.
A depressingly large amount. Continue reading Space Date: Part 5
And then it struck me–the voice sounded familiar. I couldn’t figure out why at first, but his next line brought it back.
“And dammit,” he continued, “please tell me that Alex isn’t on your ship.”
I clicked the comm on speak. “Sorry, no. He’s not.” Continue reading Space Date: Part 4
Arik gave a grunt, and his body fell forward as Gunther stepped to the side, and out of his way.
A great gout of flame erupted from his back where Gunther’s blade slipped through.
The flames around Arik’s body grew higher, and pine needles on the ground around the castle caught fire. Continue reading 1943: Part 6
The armor-piercing bullets didn’t do much more than the normal ones.
They knocked Arik backward, some of them ricocheting off him, ripping his suit jacket around his left shoulder. A little blood dripped into the fabric. A wisp of smoke rose from the wound.
“Gunther,” Joe said. “Fire in the hole.” Continue reading 1943: Part 5
Even with the room’s high ceiling, the man’s head stayed less than an inch away. Slouching, he stepped inside, putting him within arm’s reach.
Joe stepped back. He swung his arm to the left, hoping it would cross the circle. It hit an invisible barrier.
Magic, he thought. Continue reading 1943: Part 4
They’d sent him in because intelligence said the Nazis were building a superweapon. This wasn’t technology. The Nazis were summoning demons. Joe knew he didn’t know anything about magic, and he’d never heard of a Sunday School that went into the specifics of demon summoning.
His hadn’t for sure. Continue reading 1943: Part 3