A Wizard in Bedlam

Начало книги

Engines bellowed, and the stubby cargo boat wallowed up out of the blastpit. It hesitated for a moment, feeling for balance, then shot up into the sky, roaring like an angry aurochs.

It cleared atmosphere and slewed into orbit, chasing the great globe of the mother ship down the ellipse.

In the control blister, the pilot slapped his board to automatic and looked up at Domigny. “Secure for coasting, Captain—reeling down the umbilicus. About half an hour till we head back into the womb.”

Domigny winced. “I’ve heard of extended metaphors, Lieutenant, but you stretched that one so far that it snapped back.”

“Really, sir?” The navigator looked up in feigned surprise. “I was about to compliment him on his knack for colorful language.” He was black-haired and lean, with a look of wiry strength to him—almost the pilot’s double. Not as close as twins, closer than brothers—but they weren’t related. Not technically, anyway.

Читать дальше →