Lacuna: The Sands of Karathi by David Adams Read Free Book Online

how long do you expect our good fortune to hold out? Can we continue to hide in the cradle of our solar system, our mines and missile batteries protecting us forever? You don’t think that they’ll get tired of playing that game?”
    “I think it’s entirely possible,” Liao admitted, her hands resting comfortably on the desk. “But from what we’ve learned of our galaxy, there’s a fair number of jump-capable species around, most of whom have some kind of quarrel with the Toralii, and it’s almost exclusively over possession of jump drive capability. The universe is a strange and wondrous place, Commander,and we’re only just starting to see what’s out there.”
    The Iranian nodded, putting down his sheet of paper. “That is why we need allies. To go out into this vast ocean by ourselves, Captain, is folly. We need places where our ships can dock, friends who will resupply us, societies we can trade with. We need to acquire materials, intelligence on the Toralii, technology which we can use to make weapons, armour, medicines. The benefit to humanity, civilian and military, would be immense .”
    Liao spent a moment pondering the man’s words. “I suppose,” she admitted, “but so far our track record with first contacts hasn’t been that good.”
    Kamal chuckled. “Has anyone’s? Look back at the great powers of Earth: the French, English, Portuguese, Americans. Every time they meddled, every time they interfered, it didn’t end well for the people they came across. All we can do is try to learn what we can, living with our eyes on the horizon ahead of us, not on our footsteps behind.”
    Liao admired the sentiment. “Let’s do that, then.” She reached for another stack of messages, scanning them briefly. “You know, Sheng really didn’t know who he was talking to. This person, whoever he was, never really gave much away. Says they’re in need of assistance, that they’ll help anyone who opposes the Toralii. He promises Sheng technology, information, power. No wonder Sheng was miffed when I got command.”
    Kamal nodded. “That also explains why he was so opposed to attacking the Toralii scout vessel. It would have meant he wouldn’t have had a chance to reach his contact. And it also goes a long way towards explaining why he tried to take the Tehran .”
    “It all makes sense now, I suppose,” Liao admitted, sighing. “Strange how these things look so clear in hindsight.”
    Iraj glanced to the stack of printouts. “They do.”
    Liao inclined her head, pursing her lips. “Well, some things, at least. But these printouts are only partof the truth. I want to find this unnamed contact myself. I have a lot of questions for him.”
    Kamal raised an eyebrow. “You intend to use Summer’s jump coordinates?”
    “As soon as the ship’s ready, yes.”
    The Iranian winced. “It’s a blind jump. We have no idea where those coordinates go, if it’s a trap, somewhere we can’t jump out of, or…”
    “Acceptable risks, I think. This contact of Sheng’s was willing to help him, willing to give him whatever he wanted in exchange for an audience. You don’t beg for assistance from a stranger then attack your rescuer.To my mind, if he was willing to help Sheng, then he’d be willing to help us.”
    “You hope.”
    Liao chuckled mirthlessly. “I hope, yes.” She hoped for a lot of things.
    “Do you think it’s worth getting in contact with them before we jump straight into it?”
    Liao mused for a second, tapping one of the printouts with a finger. “I’ve thought about it, but… no. If it’s a trap, then there’s no sense in letting them know we’re coming. If they really are desperate and in need of help, then they won’t mind a little surprise visit. It seems as though there’s not much to gain by warning them and a lot to lose if this turns out to be a bad lead.”
    Kamal paused for a moment, then nodded. “I agree. Let’s make it happen.”
    Liao started to speak, but her