[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

The cable of the human-constructed hologram projector merges in a gooey lump
into the organic power constructs of the main structure. The connection
between the two worlds was once a colonial marine, but now serves a higher
purpose for its new masters.
On semiorganic screens around the perimeter, the better brains of the Zerg
discuss what they have seen.
They are morphic constructs, bred only to think and direct. They too serve
their higher purpose within the
Zerg hive.
In the projection room a hand reaches up and touches the rewind button. The
hand was once human, but is now transformed, the product of the Zerg s
mutagenic capabilities. The flesh of the hand is green and dotted with
chitin-like extrusions. Beneath the surface of the skin strange ichors and new
organs twist and slide. Once she was human, but she has been transformed and
now serves a higher purpose. She
was once called Sarah, but now is known as the Queen of Blades.
The other organic minds, leaders of the Zerg, make noise in the background.
Kerrigan ignores them, for they say nothing, at least nothing that matters.
Instead she leans forward to study the weathered face in the holo, the face
with the deep transfixing eyes. Deep within her restructured heart something
stirs, a ghost of a memory of a feeling for this man. And for other men. For
those who would sacrifice all for their humanity.
As opposed to merely sacrificing their humanity itself.
Kerrigan shudders for a moment as the old feeling washes over her, that
now-alien feeling of her once-human nature. Yet as quickly as it appears, the
emotion is suppressed, so that none of the other
Zerg notice it. At least that s what Kerrigan assumes.
Kerrigan nods. She blames the reporter s words for the uncomfortable emotion.
It has to be the report itself, not the memories it brings, that disturbs her.
Michael Liberty always was a master of words. He could make even a queen long
for her days as a simple pawn.
Still, there is much in Michael Liberty s broadcast, and much that is not
realized by the nonhuman minds that are now her compatriots. There is much
valuable data here. Much that can be divined from Michael
Liberty s words. What he says and how he says it.
The projector chimes, signaling the rewind complete, and the inhuman hand
presses the play button, then raises a finger to her very wide lips.
Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades, permits herself a small smile and concentrates
on the man wrapped in light. She wants to see what else she can learn from her
new enemies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Grubb writes novels, designs games, and creates worlds. He lives in
Seattle.
Page 95 [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]