In Along the Spur: Machines 1 by R. Bert Kenn, machines in various configurations cruise across the galactic spur. Using the ship only as a means of containment for its digital synapses, they invade unprepared planetary defenses and leave destroyed worlds and shattered civilizations in their wake.
Deep in the circuitry are data links to an inhabited world in an outer Dowpe-Currian spur of the galaxy.
A formidable obstacle in their way is Tyn Dalum, an exotic female from the Galactic Patrol Service Diplomatic Corps, and the sole survivor of a brief encounter with a machine…
Excerpt from Along the Spur: Machines 1 by R. Bert Kenn:
Jeff watched Tyn send and receive data with KSha’s CnC, all the while adjusting thrusters in preparation to dock, her frustration level mounting every minute.
It seemed that every time she sent data, a query: unknown: verify, filled her comm screen. Tyn ignored all of it, insisting on audio transmission.
The NavComm pinged, and the voice of a very by-the-book deck officer acknowledged her request. Tyn began a loud and pointed conversation, switching to her earpiece/mic. Jeff heard only one side of the conversation.
‘Of course I’m a qualified pilot, how do you think I got here? No . . . No transponder . . . Yes, GPS Tequa. No, we’re not dead, just look out your viewport. Dalum, T, Arbiter, GPS / IA, Check your Blue data Lt.’Â
Tyn toggled her talk button, ‘Green fragging protocol,’ she said under her breath giving Jeff a look that needed no words. Tyn continued her conversation with KSha.
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