Page 69 of Lhora
“Yes, Sarpi.”
“More Tra’Mell?” Pra inquired.
Sov nodded. “They’re establishing a base at both poles. How far is the frigate from us?”
“Sixty-four huares and closing.”
“Open frequency. Duren! Divert course two six point eighteen degrees! Do you hear me? Divert course two six point eighteen degrees and pass us on our starboard side. Lower your mizzen sails if you’re unable to answer via your communications.”
More static.
“Sarpi?” Diad sat up straighter. “Sarpi, the frigate’s speed is increasing!”
“Is it diverting course?”
“No, Sarpi! It’s heading…right for us!”
“It’s going to ram us!” Pra yelled.
“Why? Why, why, why?” Sov whirled around. “Arm cannons and bring them up!”
“Arming cannons!”
“Uhhh, Sarpi?” Diad raised a hand for Sov’s attention. “Sarpi!”
“What?”
“Didn’t you say we were supposed to be backed by sixteen Tra’Mellian war craft?”
“Yes. What of it?”
“There’s nine hovering south of us, and nine more north. That’s eighteen.”
“So they sent more vessels than they’d originally promised. What’s the problem?”
“Sarpi?” Pra stared at his console. “I’m reading additional craft in the area.”
“From the west?”
“No. From—”
There was the sound of a muffled explosion. The ship went out from under them and began falling through the upper atmosphere toward the planet until Pra managed to get their engines started again. Sov grabbed the railing leading up to the forecastle as his feet went out from under him.
“Deploying all solar sails!” Pra cried out.
“What hit us?” Sov yelled. “Who’s attacking us?”
“We were hit with—”
Another blast rocked them. TheCleedatilted until it was almost standing on its beak. Those on the bridge seated remained at their stations only because of the harnesses that buckled them in. Sov wrapped his arms around the balustrade. The smell of smoke began to fill the deck.
“Who’s firing on us? Return fire! Return fire! All ships! Fire at will!”
“Firing!” Flind responded.
“Who’s firing on us?” Sov demanded again.
“We don’t know!”
