Chapter 43
2876, Terran Expedition, Australia
The mood in the conference room was like ice. No one moved, all frozen in place by Muriel’s words. Helen breathed in, let it out, and breathed in again.
War.
Wasn’t humanity past war by now? After the Diaspora, populating the worlds of the solar system, hadn’t they moved past that sort of thing? The solar system offered so many worlds, so many resources, and then when contact was made, and the STC drive opened up the wider galaxy, what reason was there for conflict anymore?
Clay laughed, shattering the ice that held them all. “Interstellar war? You’ve got to be kidding! What’s the sense in that?”
Blackstone held up a hand and Clay slumped back in his seat. “Muriel, go on.”
Helen studied Muriel’s face. She looked young, although with the
