This is a fan translation of Emperors of Illusions (Императоры иллюзий) by the Russian science fiction and fantasy author Sergei Lukyanenko. The novel is a sequel to Lukyanenko's Line of Dreams (Линия грёз) novel and can be considered a fan fiction of the original Master of Orion game.
Chapter 7
Imperial warships were always built with extreme simplicity of control in mind. Back during the Vague War, there had been times when cruisers were taken into battle with only five or six people on board.
Arthur Curtis thought it was an encouraging fact.
He entered the bridge at exactly 0130 ship's time. The three pilots and the navigator didn't bother Arthur; their sidearm blasters couldn't do serious damage to heavy powered armor. The two guards equipped just like him were a more serious obstacle.
The first shot from the Squall, one of the latest developments of the great Martyzenski, struck the wall between the guards. They were swept aside, and Arthur finished the guards off with two carefully aimed shots. The rapid-fire neutron blaster had the effect of a lightning strike in the confined space.
The pilots weren't about to play hero.
"Alter course," Curtis Jr. said. "We're going to Grail."
"Don't shoot," the navigator implored, trying to make out the face of the attacker through the visor. It seemed that he was the only person present here who didn't have aTan.
"Change course."
Lemak was awoken by the blaring of an alarm. When he opened his eyes and saw the symbol of an armed assault onto the ship on the screen, he thought that events were repeating themselves. Another Red Square, someone was trying to free the detainees. But if last time it had been Kay who was rescuing Arthur, this time…
He touched a button, confirming that he'd received the information. A ship security officer appeared on the screen.
"It's Curtis Jr., Admiral. He killed the guards on the bridge and has forced the pilots to alter course."
"Where are we heading?"
"Grail. We can monitor what's happening, but we haven't yet been able to re-establish control from the auxiliary posts."
"The detainees?"
"Where they're supposed to be."
"I'll be over in two minutes."
Lemak started to hurriedly put on his uniform. What was that kid, who seemed to be betraying everyone these days, planning? Capturing the destroyer by himself was unthinkable, and the other ships of the squadron wouldn't allow him to flee. What was he hoping for?
Could Arthur have gone insane?
"Now lower the hyperfield," Arthur said. "In forty minutes, we need to re-enter real space."
The pilots obeyed. There was no point risking by refusing to obey his demands. Sooner or later, the crew would take over the controls from auxiliary posts, and the main bridge would turn into a trap for the terrorist.
"Don't decelerate," Arthur added. Four confused faces turned to look at him. "I said, don't reduce drive thrust. Only the power of the hyperfield."
"Admiral Lemak wishes to speak with you," one of the pilots informed him.
"Put him on," Curtis Jr. agreed.
On the screen, Lemak seemed almost calm.
"Are you double-dealing now?"
"None of your business, Admiral. My demands—"
"Wake up. You don't have anything to blackmail us with. Your hostages have aTan… it's their job to risk their lives. It's impossible to blow up the ship without knowing the access codes. We're cutting off the main bridge from the controls and are beginning the assault."
"Admiral, look at the indicators. The ship is preparing to exit the jump."
"So what?"
"She's going to drop back into real space at relativistic speeds. You may be able to lock out the bridge, but you won't have time to retake control."
Lemak's face went pale.
"Begin the deceleration, you idiot!"
"So, I was talking about my demands."
"I'm listening," the Admiral surrendered instantly.
"Bring Kay and Tommy to the bridge. In working Seraph heavy armor. I'm giving you ten minutes, Admiral. Otherwise…"
"Everything will be done," there was nothing left in Lemak's eyes but hatred. "You're digging your own grave."
"Don't bother trying to frighten me, Admiral. You should be scared yourself. We'll discuss the procedure when Kay and Tommy are in the lift."