Lacuna: The Spectre of Oblivion Read Free Page B

heart as I work to repay my debt.”]
    “And once your debt is repaid, you’ll return to your people?”
    Saara gave Liao a long, unreadable look which created an uncomfortable silence in the court room. Liao did not know how she would answer. [“I am uncertain at this time, but currently, I do not believe I shall.”]
    “Would you consider enlisting in the People’s Republican Army Navy?”
    [“Liao’s grace in battle and her ability to make accurate, timely decisions with limited and imperfect information is one of the cornerstones of her success. If I was inclined to serve in the military once again, I would consider a posting under Liao’s command… Although, I am uncertain of the formal requirements for enlistment.”]
    “So you believe Liao to be a competent commander, one who treats her crew well and not only achieves the objectives set out for her by her superiors, but who enjoys great success against targets of opportunity when they appear?”
    [“That would be an accurate assessment of her skills, yes.”]
    Martin’s voice softened slightly. “And you still feel this way after the destruction of the Velsharn research colony, after Liao allowed the construct known as Ben to interface with her ship’s systems? Were they not Telvan, like you?”
    Saara’s features clouded. [“The Toralii are hardened against suffering, Lawyer-man. I weep for the loss of my fellows, but I harbour no resentment towards her for the tragedy, because the events that transpired were not her fault. Liao trusted the construct you know as Ben, and it betrayed that trust. Any commanding officer would have done the same, if they had the courage.”]
    “Can you elaborate on that?”
    [“Your species lives in dark times, Lawyer-man. The iron fist of the Toralii Alliance fleet hovers over your species, waiting for an opportunity to crush you all. Our most rigid, inflexible law is that no other species can possess the voidwarp technology—the technological marvel you call a jump drive. The destruction of your cities pales in comparison to what the Toralii Alliance has done in the past, and will do again if you continue to defy them. Every single woman and man who dons a uniform to fight the Alliance risks death every single day, but truth be told, the battlefield stretches beyond those brave souls. Your entire species is the price you will forfeit if you fail, if the Toralii Alliance gains the opportunity strike at Earth. There are no civilians, no noncombatants, no parties who will be spared the wrath of the Alliance if and when they come for you. The construct warned you of this, and yet Liao remains ready to stand against the Toralii. Despite her mistakes, despite her pregnancy, despite her losses… she remains ready to fight.”]
    “I see.”
    Saara kept her eyes focused on Martin. [”This, in my mind, shows her courage. Courage will be in short supply for your species in those dark times, so I suggest you take whatever you can get.”]
    Martin inclined his head. “No further questions, and you are excused. Thank you for your time.”
     
    *****
    Liao had begged Summer Rowe, her eccentric genius engineer, to wear suitable clothes to court. Smart and business-like, she had said, like you were going to a job interview.
    Apparently, in Australia, businesswomen wore jeans and a baggy, over-sized black shirt that read I EAT EVERYTHING I FUCK in white lettering to court. Liao was amazed the fiery redhead was not held in contempt.
    “Please state your name for the court records.”
    “Summer Katelyn Rowe, Your Grace.”
    The judge frowned slightly. “Thank you, but I’m not a king just yet. ‘Your Honour’ will suffice for now, Miss Rowe.”
    “Right-o then, Your Honour.”
    Did she think the court proceedings were a joke? Liao stared daggers across the court room, willing Summer to treat the court seriously.
    Fang stood to address her. “Miss Rowe, you are currently the chief of engineering aboard the Beijing , are you