CHAPTER 9Orme delivered the ships an hour before the deadline; the Keil incomplete, the Dalio incorporating all Varl had ordered. Inspecting it was like stepping into a dream; one with solid walls and compartments, turrets and passages, all empty of life now but thronged with ghosts and memories.
“You’ll notice improvements,” said Orme. “The Odile was good but this is better.”
Incorporating data won from his raving delirium when he had refought the aliens in mental turmoil. Kalif had been clever and must have ordered their construction without delay. Utilising the information to make the new vessels the most potent instruments of destruction in space.
But ships were only as good as their crews and Edallia listened to Varl’s orders with mounting anger.
“Not going? You’re leaving me behi
