The Sixteen Galaxies

by William Drayman

  “I have sent the personnel from the fleet home in the backup ship. I must concentrate on progress with humanity for the foreseeable future. Truly can destroy our current ships with ease, I’m afraid. How do things look at your end?”

  Prestern turned to the huge tank beside him. “I estimate it will be just five cycles until I activate it. That could have been halved, with access to Truly’s design.”

  Kestil bowed his head. “I thought I had her, this time.”

  Prestern waved that off. “I said it was no matter, and I meant it, my dear friend. In just five cycles, we will have an answer to the Sixteen Galaxies that those old fools could never dream of.”

  Kestil frowned. “Are you absolutely sure you can control it? I mean, it won’t be too powerful, will it?”

  Prestern raised his eyebrows. “My dear boy, you thought of it. I have merely provided the science to make it happen. You are well aware there is a risk attached. While the one you make on Earth will be a poor imitation, even that should give Truly something to think about.” He held out a hand to the tank. “This, though, is the real thing. The audacity of it! We will reach for the pinnacle of bio-engineering! Yes, there is a risk, albeit a pretty small one. But, think of the reward, Kestil. Yes, it’s a risk worth taking.”

  Kestil smiled at his friend. “The Sixteen Galaxies won’t know what hit them.”

  Prestern closed the point connection and wandered over to the front of the tank. He gently stroked the surface and watched the readouts respond. He patted the cold plasform. “Nobody will know what hit them, will they, my dear?”