Chroniech! by Doug Farren Read Free Book Online

completely new branch of mathematics called continuum calculus had been created because the existing mathematical systems of the time were unworkable. No Human, other than perhaps Kauffman himself, had ever understood even a fraction of the equations. He had just been within a few meters of someone whom he would have to describe as a super-genius.
    "You're right," Doug said after a moment of reflection. "Why would they send her all the way out here to investigate a derelict ship unless they already knew what it might contain. It also explains the large amount of firepower they are sending our way. I'm worried now."
    "Me to Doug. To be honest with you, I think Falnath knows a lot more than she's want us to believe."
    "How's that?"
    "Somebody had to analyze the data we sent to Sector Command to determine what we may have found. I think Falnath just happened to be on Almaranus and they took advantage of her expertise and asked her opinion of what should be done. She probably took some of that data and plugged it into one of those ungodly equations she likes to play with and out popped a surprising answer. Now she's here, in person, to verify whatever it is that she thinks might be on that ship."
    "Whatever it is, I'm sure I probably won't like it. Care to join me for a quick drink captain?"
    Stricklen considered his schedule for a moment then replied, "I think I will pass. I want to go over and personally take a look at this alien machine. Would you like to go?"
    "I think I'll stay here," Doug replied turning toward the door. "I need to make sure I'm available in case the science team needs some assistance. I guess that drink can wait a while longer."
    Stricklen rode over to the derelict with a group of marines on one of the Dragon's small shuttles. An airlock had been installed and portions of the ship were being re-pressurized. Temporary lighting and heating had already been set up along the major passageways but the temperature was not yet warm enough for an unsuited person.
    An engineering team had gone over the ship's major systems and had determined that its artificial gravity generator could be repaired. The engineers thought it best not to attempt to restart any of the ancient fusion reactors so a power cable was being strung from the Dragon . A power converter was under construction. If all went well, the relic from the past would soon have an up and a down.
    Ken found his way to the cargo bay, slowly approached the open doorway, and stepped inside. It was even more spectacular in person. His attention was immediately drawn toward the sparkling ball of energy at one end of the chamber. It crackled slightly, sounding like the rustle of dry leaves on pavement. Threads of multicolored energy danced across its surface.
    Ken forced his eyes away from the hypnotic effects of the unknown device and took in the rest of the room. The various machines and devices all appeared to be functional and in pristine condition. He would never have guessed that this equipment had been in operation for the last 40,000 years. It was if he had walked into some sort of high tech Alliance laboratory.
    Stricklen slowly walked around the room trying to identify some of the alien equipment. He stopped at the control console and looked at the bewildering array of controls, indicators, lights, and buttons. Most of the controls consisted of touch sensitive computer interfaces, much like those found on his own ship. Although everything was labeled, the language was unknown and thus a complete mystery.
    He completed his slow tour then walked over and stood in front of the shifting ball of energy. His suit's external sensors did not even register the existence of the energy field and Ken wondered if something was wrong with the sensors.
    A large figure approached and stood next to him. He turned to see who it was and discovered Falnath standing next to him. "Fascinating, isn't it?" she asked through her suit radio.
    "Something must be wrong with my