The Dark Imbalance by Sean Williams, Shane Dix Read Free Book Online
Authors: Sean Williams, Shane Dix
terraforming by a clerical AI.
She moved out of the elevator. “Is this the right level?” she asked.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” Vischilglin stepped up beside Roche. “The waterways erode giant, mazelike circuits around the ship. Given enough time, the Heterodoxies believe they will one day spell out the name of God. Or something like that.” Vischilglin shrugged helplessly. “It all sounds like nonsense to me. Yet I can’t help admiring it whenever I see it.”
She led them through the strange landscape, across modest but elegant bridges and along the narrow valleys. As they climbed over each rise, Roche could clearly discern the curve of the floor beneath them; they were obviously higher along the cone than they had been before.
She realized then that nowhere on their journey had they seen another person.
The head of Maii’s suit rose when she spoke via epsense, uncannily as though she were looking at Roche. The visor was black, however, and the girl had no eyes to see with behind the white bandage she wore across her face; she was using Roche’s eyes to guide herself.
she said,
Maii said.
Roche received a mental impression of many minds congregated in one place, focusing intently on one thing. She couldn’t make out any individuals in that crowd, but she sensed their combined will. the girl went on.
said Roche. They reached a flight of stone steps that twisted and turned around a sharp rise in the landscape like a thread around a screw.
“The place we’re going is known as the fane ,” Vischilglin said, pausing at the base of the steps. “You and I would probably call it the ship’s bridge, but that doesn’t do it justice.” She hesitated for a moment, then went on: “The Heterodox are great believers in ritual. There is some protocol you’ll need to observe. When you reach the nave, in the center of the fane, bow to the Heresiarch—you’ll see me do it ahead of you, so you’ll know who he is. When you’re asked to speak, always address at least part of your reply to him. He may not speak directly to you, but if he does, look him right in the eye. Should you hear bells at any point, be prepared for everything to stop. That means the ship requires his attention.”
Roche nodded her understanding, and Vischilglin began their ascent up the broad and shallow steps. After a while, cloud obscured not only their destination above, but also the area around them. It was composed of thick and surprisingly dry mist that smelled of ozone and left no residue as they passed through it.
Roche followed Maii, allowing the girl to use her eyes to navigate her way up the stairs. With each step the girl took, the suit struck sparks from the stones, but she expressed no discomfort to Roche.
“Not far now,” said Vischilglin.
Roche asked via her implants. he replied,
said Roche.
he replied.
Roche smiled.
She moved out of the elevator. “Is this the right level?” she asked.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” Vischilglin stepped up beside Roche. “The waterways erode giant, mazelike circuits around the ship. Given enough time, the Heterodoxies believe they will one day spell out the name of God. Or something like that.” Vischilglin shrugged helplessly. “It all sounds like nonsense to me. Yet I can’t help admiring it whenever I see it.”
She led them through the strange landscape, across modest but elegant bridges and along the narrow valleys. As they climbed over each rise, Roche could clearly discern the curve of the floor beneath them; they were obviously higher along the cone than they had been before.
She realized then that nowhere on their journey had they seen another person.
The head of Maii’s suit rose when she spoke via epsense, uncannily as though she were looking at Roche. The visor was black, however, and the girl had no eyes to see with behind the white bandage she wore across her face; she was using Roche’s eyes to guide herself.
Roche received a mental impression of many minds congregated in one place, focusing intently on one thing. She couldn’t make out any individuals in that crowd, but she sensed their combined will. the girl went on.
“The place we’re going is known as the fane ,” Vischilglin said, pausing at the base of the steps. “You and I would probably call it the ship’s bridge, but that doesn’t do it justice.” She hesitated for a moment, then went on: “The Heterodox are great believers in ritual. There is some protocol you’ll need to observe. When you reach the nave, in the center of the fane, bow to the Heresiarch—you’ll see me do it ahead of you, so you’ll know who he is. When you’re asked to speak, always address at least part of your reply to him. He may not speak directly to you, but if he does, look him right in the eye. Should you hear bells at any point, be prepared for everything to stop. That means the ship requires his attention.”
Roche nodded her understanding, and Vischilglin began their ascent up the broad and shallow steps. After a while, cloud obscured not only their destination above, but also the area around them. It was composed of thick and surprisingly dry mist that smelled of ozone and left no residue as they passed through it.
Roche followed Maii, allowing the girl to use her eyes to navigate her way up the stairs. With each step the girl took, the suit struck sparks from the stones, but she expressed no discomfort to Roche.
“Not far now,” said Vischilglin.
Roche smiled.
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