6 Billion A.D./The Order Attacks

Chapter 6: ...

Tentative Synopsis: War looms as the Order sets out to unleash havoc on the galaxy.

6.1

"Drink this," he said.

Gulp.

"Now you're immortal."

"What?!"

"Just kidding. We have to process it into an oxide first. But it tastes bitter, doesn't it?"

=

The parties sat down on opposite sides of the table. On each side, behind reflective visors, serious faces looked out at the other side.

=

They stared each other down. Each side had come ready to negotiate. Both sides feared the other.

=

Seeing so much space, she grimaced; he smiled.

=

In one of the seedier parts of the system,

=

Long lines of identical solutions poured out. Equal amounts dispensed into each tube.

=

The workers examined the data sheets. Looked right.

=

"You have one of our agents," said Morp, a representative sitting near the center of the chemists.

"That's what you alleged before," replied Vespa.

Morp choked back a harsh laugh. "We have traces. We want her back."

Vespa ignored the comment. "Your idiotic application of strengthening compounds has leaked throughout the inner star system. We want this cleaned up."

=

Data swept through the room. As the representatives from both sides considered the deal, subclauses were added and removed. Instantly the updated deal propagated to the different representatives' visors.

=

"It's a violation! We can have you arrested."

"You know as well as we do that half the judges use it as well. You'll get laughed out of court."

=

Vespa leaned over to Rigel.

=

Rigel looked in the mirror. Is this what he wanted?

=

"Ah, so the MONDians were right!" he exclaimed.

"What's that?" she asked.

=

The laws had become confused when society spread out into space. Now, several different legal systems applied to different populations -- or at least thought they did.

=

The Thraxans even parlayed this into a profitable enterprise.

=

Both sides agreed to the deal. Visors instantly reflected the agreement, which was also sent back to the political and military headquarters of each side.

=

Morp shook Vespa's hand. She pulled it back in pain.

=

"If she is not returned within twenty orbits, we will start executing prisoners."

Vespa turned around, walking away fast. The rest of her side swept alongside her.

=

Morp walked briskly through the rows of identical lab benches. He seemed to have a different air here than at the negotiating table.

"Doctor, the solution has precipitated. It confirms your theory," said a young chemical technician to Morp. Nodding curtly, he kept on walking.

=

Vespa paced nervously. "If they continue this madness, our entire star system will soon be spoilt."

"Like the star they came from," said Tuner.

"We have to find a way to stop them."

"But how?"

=

6.2

The...

6.3

The... ... ...

6.4

The...

6.5

The...

...

... The screen started to (glitch). Sophiy are you okay? Rigel I need you to deliver a message to (...). Promise me. Yes, yes, I promise. It’s encoded in this transmission. They’re coming for me. I don’t have much time. Loud noises and fire consumed Sophiy’s screen. Rigel I’m so sorry for everything I put you through. “No, it’s fine, every moment with you has been wonderful, even the thoughts of you. Sophiy started to cry, Rigel, know that I do love you. I lov... the screen went black. Sophiy! Sophiy!

Discussion

• The...