Solbidyum Wars Saga 7: Hunt for the Reduviids Read Online Free Page A

intended to,” I answered.  “I think right now they are using each other, but when the time comes that one of them no longer sees the usefulness of the relationship, the other will be killed.”
    “I wish that day were today; it would make our job easier,” Regeny muttered.
    “I have to agree with you,” I answered.  “Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that day is coming any time soon.”
    When the meeting was over, I decided to visit A’Lappe back on the NEW ORLEANS and find out what he wanted.
    “So, A’Lappe,” I began as I entered his lab, “I understand you wish to see me.”
    “Yes, Tibby.  I’ve been working on a surprise for you for some time now and it’s finally finished.  Come and see,” he said, as he hopped off his stool and led me to one of the hatches leading to the maintenance tunnels located beneath the ship's floors.  Navigating the tunnels was not a new experience for me.  I had been there a number of times.  I knew A’Lappe’s quarters were located here, as well as the hidden hangar that originally housed my personal ship, the ALI, which had since been destroyed in the crash on Desolation.  I also entered the tunnels to search for Ming and his cohorts when they escaped from incarceration during the return from Earth’s Moon.  By the time I descended into the area again to find toddlers Lunnie and Reidecor, who had managed to get themselves lost in this maze a few years later, I knew my way through a great deal of the network by heart.  Even so, negotiating the cables, pipes, electrical switchgear and ductwork was still tricky. 
    As I looked ahead through the narrow passage, I saw the door leading to the secret hangar.  It was a rather small space design to dock only two ships, the ALI and the very tiny ship owned by A’Lappe.  I had never seen the inside of A’Lappe’s ship, as it was too little for me to enter.  I suppose I might be able to crawl inside on hands and knees if I had to, but it would be an extremely tight and uncomfortable fit.  Getting back out would probably require a full blown extrication and, though the idea of really being in that position was one I did not particularly relish, the thought of finding myself in such a pickle made me chuckle. 
    Instead of turning toward his quarters as I had expected, A’Lappe headed straight ahead to the hangar entrance.  When we entered, I was surprised to see two ships docked there – A’Lappe’s ship and another ship slightly smaller than the ALI .
    “What’s this?” I asked.
    “Your new personal ship,” A’Lappe said with a sparkle in his eye.
    “What is it? It looks like some kind of fighter, but much smaller than the fighters we use now.”
    “You have a keen eye, Tibby.  This craft design most certainly incorporates some elements of design from the Mirage fighter, but not those features that have become more or less obsolete.  For instance, the Cantolla Gate system is now a Federation-wide network, so there is no need for smaller ships and fighters to be equipped with quarters.  As you can see, though, there is a small but complete toilet facility onboard.  It’s also equipped with a basic food synthesizer, though it’s highly unlikely to be needed, when almost any destination can be reached in less than a day.  Like the Mirage fighters, flight and operation requires only one person, but seating in this craft accommodates up to five passengers.”
    “So why five seats?  Why not two or even one?” I asked.
    A’Lappe grinned and said in a tone that hinted at a secret behind it, “You never know when you might need them.”
    “What about speed?  Can this thing achieve the speed of the Brotherhood ships?” I asked.
    A’Lappe’s head drooped.  “I’m sorry, Tibby.  I haven’t been able to figure out how they’re accomplishing the speeds they’re demonstrating with the ships, but Cantolla and I are still working on it.” 
    He turned his attention back to the ship.  “If