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Andrew reporting.
We're offplanet again. This time I am strapped down, so I am unable to observe how this
craft is piloted. I believe we have been extremely fortunate to have remained together
thus far. This situation may not continue.
"Bette, Daniel, Enoch, we need to have a plan. We should stay together if there's
any chance of getting home again. But we should also discuss contingencies in case
we are separated, either accidentally or according to Ipsolstai plan. Hopefully,
our communication systems will not be affected."
I will ask, Bryce, but we already know there are at least two different Ipsolstai
factions. Burn, our ally on Mars, was the leader of a minority faction of
moderates. It was due to his intervention that we were smuggled away to Wolf 359
after his opponent Caleb had convinced everyone to destroy us. Caleb called us tools
and machines, and insisted that it was some kind of capital crime for Isaac to break
that cup. Burn knew it was just an accident, and I think that Caleb did, too.
Caleb just used the broken cup as an excuse to discredit Burn and improve
his own position.
I'm not certain of all the ramifications, but it sure sounds like Earth-style politics to me.
It doesn't sound like you like the Endless Emperor very much. I do not know what
to say about him. I've never met him. I asked Nelson if the Ipsolstai liked him and he
looked at me for a long time before answering.
The Endless Emperor undisputed leader is. Brothers we all undisputed are.
Brothers agree not always some things do.
Sometimes talk sometimes fight resolve disagreements.
Sometimes violence. Mostly not.
Then he checked a readout on a screen and told us to come with him. We went back
outside. It is as active today as it was yesterday. Maybe even more active. There
are a lot of ships on the ground, like the one from yesterday. Nelson led us to
one of them and spoke briefly with an Ipsolstai on the ground by the ramp leading
into it. Then he took us inside. We were strapped down like we were the time we were
brought to this planet. Nelson got into restraints too.
Going to are we the Guardian-of-Younger-Nestbrothers, a warship.
Taking to the Endless Emperor it will on the Chalice World us.
Then the ship started to move. Very quickly we accelerated very strongly, like when we were
launched from Earth. We took off and just kept accelerating. I feel dizzy! All the time
anymore someone is taking us somewhere new. We accelerated for a long time and then it
just stopped. Nelson unstrapped and started to glide through the air, just like the other
Ipsolstai we saw that one time.
Matching orbits the Guardian-of-Younger-Nestbrothers are now we.
Long taking not. Wait.
Wait. We have a lot of experience at that.
Orpheus,
I do not fly at all.
This does.
What is my six?
Something strange happened yesterday. I was waiting for Earth, so maybe Al-Q could
tell us something about the new craft. But it vanished several hours before Earth
was rising. It slowly went darker and then it was gone.
No time to hang on that. I have to concentrate on the radar. The warriors started to move
up the Canyon. The Amphibians are still north of the Hidden Gate, constantly heading
south. Their pattern changed since my raid last night. They are looking for me. Three
dots are appearing now at the same time. The same moment they vanish another group
shows up. It's like sparkling. I'm confident that there aren't more than nine, but I'm
still uncertain of the exact number.
Zachary told me that he and Elder Brother want to lead the warriors up to the knee of
the Big Canyon, where it's bending northeast to reach the side canyon to the Hidden
Gate. That's also looks like a good place to me. I can't follow their movements on the
other radar screen. My video is fully centered on the Amphibian radar to keep EB One
online. That's tough, but Zachary told me that he will keep continuously reporting, so
I'm informed.
Zachary said that they built up a proper ambush at that knee. Each warrior found a good
cover. He is with EB One. EB III is on the other side of the canyon. And also Gen found
an excellent place to do its task.
The dots are passing the area of the Hidden Gate now. Night is falling.
Burn moved away from Caleb and greeted the newly arrived Ipsolstai.
Accepted offical and welcome.
Imperial attention gratefully acknowledged.
Recent Amphibians here now minimal losses making protocols disrupted.
Our base damaged, staff scattered.
Locator grid pinpoint providing Annihilator accurate data.
Burn turned looked toward Theresa and me. We tried to be invisible, but it didn't
work. Burn motioned for us to come forward.
Odd metal sentients helping proteges are.
Aerial battle and reconnaissance, true provided information.
Nearly competent gunnery improved trained.
Other two one ground one air activity.
The Annihilator Commandant inspected Theresa and me. We are too scared to move.
Acknowledging. So noted.
Contact and coordinate. Joint task, Amphibians confronting.
Now urgent now immediately.
Handsome nestlings now ripen.
Prime congratulations to Bearer and Donor, you two here.
Securing now their future, eradicate Amphibians.
Caleb's body temperature is almost 2 degrees centigrade above normal. His pincers
are clicking wildly, and his colors are very vivid. It might be some kind of adrenalin-based
emotional response, what do you think?.
Here they come! I have visual contact. Gen is racing toward us at full speed with
the Amphibians close behind. They almost got him! Can he keep ahead? Elder Brother,
get ready! It's now or never!
Our warriors opened fire. Beams of light shot out through the Martian night. I am
knocked off my feet by several quick explosions, and burnt metal particles and gravel
and cinders shower down on us. What is happening? A large dark bulk rushes past me. Did
we get any of them? Did we? No, they retreated, the cowards! I can't see...
No,we got them! We got at least two hits! Look at them! They're in flames! We hurt
them bad, Bryce!
"Elder Brother, look at them, they are burning!
"Elder Brother, help! Help!"
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