A great pulse of destruction moved through space at
the speed of light. Although it was not strong enough to harm
spacecraft, the microwave probes were no match for its power. As the
pulse swept past the probes, they winked out in flashes of golden light.
On the master screen aboard the Tempest and in Richard Starlight's
office, viewers watched the golden net disappear. Although it was past
midnight, Richard and John Rwakatare were wide awake with their eyes
glued to the screen. From the center where the asteroid was indicated,
an expanding circle of darkness went forth, gradually swallowing up all
the probes. It was obvious to Richard that the microwave net was doomed.
"Computer," he said in a dull voice. "How much longer until the net
disappears?"
"Four minutes, twelve seconds," came the mellow voice.
"The eighteen ships are adrift," Richard said. "We can't lose them. But
if this asteroid is maneuverable, as it must be, Zimbardo can speed up,
slow down, or change course and avoid our attack. He can disappear."
Richard's body tensed and he raised his voice. "How did he know about
the probes?!" he exclaimed, with exasperation.
"The spy," responded John Rwakatare.
Aboard the pirates' asteroid, power was returning. An emergency backup
system had kicked in, causing the lights to flicker back on and the
atmosphere recycler to hum quietly back into efficiency.
Pages:
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225