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thoughtfully, What Miss Gems says is technically true. But even if we are
being subjected to a similar attack, this is a very different situation! This
complex was once a fort designed to defend a quarter of the continent against
the heaviest of spaceborne weapons. And while the interior fields do not
compare with the external barrier in strength, they are still far denser than
anything that would or could be carried by even the largest exploration ships.
I believe we can depend on the field about this building to protect us while
we consider means to extricate ourselves from the situation. He added, I
feel far more optimistic now! When we have
determined the nature of the attacking entity, we should find a method of
combating it available to us in the Depot. There is no need to appeal to the
authorities for help, as Miss Gems suggested, and thereby have our personal
plans exposed to them which was, of course, what she intended!
Wergard s voice said from the communicator, If you want to continue your
studies, Dr. Hishkan, you ll get the chance immediately! The thing is now
approaching the main building from the north, and it s coming fast.
Dr. Hishkan turned quickly back to the screen controls.
There was a wide square enclosed by large buildings directly north of the main
one. The current of fire was half across the square as it came to view in the
screen. As Wergard had said, it was approaching very swiftly and there was a
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suggestion of purposeful malevolence in that rushing motion which sent a chill
down Danestar s spine. In an instant, it seemed, it reached the main building
and the energy field shielding it; and now, instead of veering off to the side
as it had done before, the tip of the fiery body curved upwards. It flowed
vertically up along the wall of the building, inches away from the flickering
defense field. For seconds, the wall screen showed nothing but pale purple
flame streaming across it.
Then the flame was gone; and the empty square again filled the screen.
From the communicator, Wergard s voice said quickly, It crossed the top of
the building, went down the other side and disappeared below the ground level
surface
The voice broke off. Almost immediately, it resumed. I ve had more luck
keeping it in view than you. It s been half around the Depot by now, and my
impression is it s been looking things over before it makes its next
move whatever that s going to be.
But one thing I ve noticed makes me feel much less secure behind a section
energy field than some of you people think you are. The thing has kept
carefully away from the outer Depot barrier a hundred yards or so at all
times and it cuts its speed down sharply when it gets anywhere near that
limit. On the other hand, as you saw just now, it shows very little respect
for the sectional building fields. I haven t seen it attempt to penetrate one
of them, but it s actually contacted them a number of times without apparent
harm to itself, as it did again in passing over the main building a moment
ago.
Volcheme snapped, What s that supposed to tell us?
I think, Wergard said, that, among other things, our visitor has been
testing the strength of those barriers. I wouldn t care to bet my life on what
it s concluded, as you seem willing to do. Another point it may be developing
a particular interest in the building you re in. I suggest you take a close
look at the square on the north again.
At first glance, the square still seemed empty. Then one noticed that its flat
surface was alive with tiny sparks, with flickers and ripplings of pale light.
The thing was there, almost completely submerged beneath the Depot s ground
level, apparently unmoving.
Tornull said, staring fascinatedly, Perhaps it knows we have that specimen in
here!
Nobody answered. But in the square, as if aware its presence had been
discovered, the fire shape rose slowly to the surface of the ground until it
lay in full view, flat and monstrous, sideways to the main building. The
silence in the office was broken suddenly by a chattering sound. It had not
been a loud noise, but everyone started nervously and looked over at the table
where the pile of instruments had been assembled.
What was that? Volcheme demanded.
My shortcode transmitter, Danestar told him.
It s recorded a message?
Obviously.
From whom?
I m not sure, said Danestar evenly. But let s guess. It s not from outside
the Depot because shortcode won t go through the barrier. It s not from
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