The Legend of Corinair Read Online Free Page B

answer.”
    “Deliza seemed to know quite a lot about this research,” Vladimir added.
    “Really?” Nathan was a bit surprised to hear that Tug’s teenage daughter was so well versed in the subject.
    “Yes. She is actually a very smart young lady. I do not think she gets out much.”
    “What did she tell you about it?”
    “Only that it is based on the principles of zero-point energy .”
    “Captain,” Abby interrupted. “There are references in the Data Ark to such research. In fact, we were very close to developing something similar on Earth just before the plague struck. It was one of the research and development proposals being considered in the defense of Earth after the Jung threat had been recognized. Had it not been for our accidental discovery of the spatial transition effect, it might even have been pursued.”
    “Would it be something that we could use?”
    “Indeed. A zero-point energy reactor would provide more than enough power to significantly increase our jump range. It might also reduce the recharge time between jumps.”
    “Both of which would be significant tactical advantages,” Jessica pointed out.
    Nathan looked at Cameron. “What do you think, Commander? Does it warrant further investigation?” He knew she could not deny the logic.
    “Of course,” she agreed, frustration still evident in her tone.
    “All right, then. But let’s not forget that our first priority is to make repairs. To that end, Cameron, I’d like you to put together a damage report and a repair plan. You can coordinate with Vlad on that. I think it’s high time we got our repair priorities in order.”
    “Yes sir,” Cameron answered. Despite the fact that she preferred to jump out of the area as soon as possible, she was relieved that Nathan had listened. For once he had considered all the facts before making a decision, even if in the end his decision had remained pretty much the same.
    “Doctor,” Nathan continued, turning his attention toward Abby, “I need you to get your jump drive in as good a state as possible. And when you get the chance, see if you can’t come up with some energy requirements for a super-jump home, just in case that power source happens to fall into our laps.” Nathan looked at Cameron and winked.
    “Vlad, see to it that Abby gets all the help she needs. That jump drive is our only means of FTL travel at the moment, so we have to take care of it.”
    “No problem,” Vladimir assured him.
    “What about me?” Jessica asked, feeling a little left out.
    “You and I have a meeting with Tug and Jalea. It’s about time we got some straight answers about what’s really going on in the Pentaurus cluster.”

    * * *

    “Remember, don’t tell them anything you don’t have to,” Jessica said as they approached the command briefing room.
    “How am I supposed to get them to share intel with us if we don’t share it with them?” It seemed an obvious flaw in her logic to Nathan. But he was beginning to realize that Jessica’s special operations instructors must have programmed her to be suspicious and deceitful by nature.
    “It’s easy. Just let them do all the talking. And only answer direct questions.”
    “Why do I feel like I’m about to go on trial here?”
    “Maybe you should feel that way.” Jessica added. “It might make you think twice before you speak.”
    Nathan recognized the jab. Jessica and Cameron had already become friends over the last week. And Cameron had been admonishing him for acting without thinking the situation through since their first day in the simulator together. But deep down inside, Nathan knew he was the type who preferred to operate on instinct. Information was always helpful, but in the end, he had to follow his gut.
    “Look,” he said, coming to a stop just outside the briefing room, “I appreciate what you’re trying to tell me. But in the end, it’s my responsibility, and I have to do what I think is best.” Nathan looked in