Dark Foundations by Chris Walley Read Free Book Online Page A

data from the Farholme Gate in the minutes before it exploded. That data has been analyzed. The consensus of the experts is—let me quote from memory—the situation it reveals ‘could not have occurred naturally, but is, in all probability, the product of sabotage.’ I can also reveal that they have identified a sabotage method and last week tested it on an old Gate near Eridani. They got within thirty seconds of a class four failure. So, Eliza, you are right; it is not just Verofaza’s report.”
    â€œEeth,” Eliza said, “the sentinels have looked at this backward, forward, and sideways. We really believe this is genuine. Verofaza Laertes Enand was the sentinel sent to Farholme, because our man there felt there was a threat. But . . .”
    â€œYou have doubts?”
    She shrugged. “Verofaza—I only briefly met him—is bright and skeptical. But we would like more information than we have. As would you.” She hesitated and seemed to stare into the distance, before looking back at Ethan. “Try and see this from our point of view. If this alarm is right, then the sentinels have justified their existence. At last, we did what Moshe Adlen created us for. We sounded an alarm. But otherwise . . .”
    â€œYes. I know,” said Andreas. “Otherwise. That is, if this is some mistake or hoax, then the sentinels are finished. You will be closed down.”
    For a poet and a theologian, his words can be cutting.
    â€œBe closed down?” Eliza shook her head. “No, we will close ourselves down. But, Eeth, listen to me. We believe that there is a genuine peril, and we still believe that the recommendations are, sadly, necessary.”
    â€œI am reassured. But no further ideas where this evil is from?”
    â€œSome, but nothing firm. There’s no mention of aliens, only ‘modified humans.’ That ‘superior technology’ comment implies habitable worlds.”
    â€œTrue,” Ethan added. “Or something like our cities-in-space. But, most likely, worlds. That’s why there is a science team scanning with the best scopes we have for habitable worlds beyond Farholme. We have rushed a scope out to Bannermene. We’re checking for oxygen, water, the right orbit, right sun type, and signs of civilization, such as electromagnetic radiation emissions. That sort of thing.”
    â€œAnd so far?” Andreas asked, although his attention seemed to be elsewhere, his eyes apparently following a large butterfly.
    â€œToo early to say. The science team has only just started and all we can say is that there are possibilities. They may just be slime worlds: worlds with no more than bacteria or algae. But what we can say—I think—is that if there are any civilizations around, they are at least as far away from Farholme as we are. Say, three hundred light-years. But, Eliza, any other thoughts from your people?”
    â€œOnly one more. And it’s an odd one. We are wondering if anything survived the Rebellion.”
    â€œSurely not,” Andreas said, turning his eyes quickly to her. “Evil was purged then. Nothing could have survived. Could it, Ethan?”
    â€œAndreas, we have also considered it as a possibility. But a massive weapon was used then. Even today, the debris at Centauri is highly radioactive. Nothing could have survived.”
    Andreas grunted softly. “It was spiritual surgery of the toughest sort.”
    Eliza frowned. “Andreas, it was all done very quickly.” She exhaled heavily. “In hindsight, possibly too quickly. Anyway, we are looking at it again—reading all the old data, searching files that have not been opened for centuries. It’s ongoing.” She looked away, as if staring at something beyond the trees.
    â€œHow interesting,” Andreas replied.
    â€œNow, Professor Andreas, can you add anything from the Custodians of the Faith? I read your report, of