Quinn of Cygnus: Escape Velocity: Quantum Fold, #2

By AM Scott

There's no place like home—and sometimes that's a good thing. 

 

When Quinn returned to the Sisters of Cygnus, she didn't plan on staying. But two years later, she's still there—and her enemies are closing in.

 

Desperate to escape, she's offered a job on the high-profile research vessel Quantum Fold. The offer seems too good to be true. And maybe it is—everyone is watching, including those who won't hesitate to sell her out. 

 

Quinn can't run, because her secret abilities could be a game changer for the mission. But if she can't run, and she can't hide, what's left? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lightwave Publishing LLC
• Release date: Dec 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393827269

AM Scott

After twenty years as a US Air Force space operations officer, AM now operates a laptop, trading in real satellites for fictional spaceships. AM is the author of the Folding Space Series, starting with Lightwave: Clocker and the Quantum Fold Series, starting with Quinn of Cygnus: Lift Off.   AM is also a volunteer leader with Team Rubicon: Disasters Are Our Business, Veterans Are Our Passion. If not out adventuring, find AM in all the usual places: Website: www.amscottwrites.com (sign up for my newsletter for exclusive content!) Twitter: @AM_Scottwrites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMScottWrites/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amscottwrites/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/am-scott Email: [e-mail] I love to hear from readers. Please consider leaving a review. I don’t buy a book these days without reading a few reviews, so it’s truly helpful.

Book preview

Chapter One

THE BLUE-GREEN BALL of Cygnus Secundus slowly rotated on the screen. Soon, Q would watch the planet recede for the second and final time. She bit her lip, trying to decide how she felt. Thrilled to be leaving the mud and hard work? Excited to experience new and different things, traveling the universe? A little scared about the future? Q snickered. All of the above and more. Her amusement faded. Especially with Familia searching for her.

Lightwave’s Command Center hatch hissed, announcing Saree and Ruhger’s return from the Cygnus Secundus fold clock. Q still couldn’t quite believe Saree was a human Clocker. A little shiver ran up her spine. Everyone knew the dinosaur-like Sa’sa were the only beings who could maintain and tune clocks to the universal standard. A human clock maintainer and member of the Time Guild just didn’t seem possible. And Saree claimed that Q might be able to tune clocks, too. Simply because Q felt something odd while meditating and felt squeezed during long folds. It was so strange. No, more than that. It was bizarre, unbelievable, and even astonishing.

But more importantly right now, with Saree and Ruhger back onboard, Lightwave could fold out. Q bounced a little in her seat, more than ready to leave. If Familia sent an agent, even a lousy agent like Fabriano, it meant they were pretty sure she was on Cygnus Secundus. Ruth’s capture of Fab gave Q a little extra time but not a lot. She had to get as far away as possible. Plus, the Sisters of Cygnus didn’t need more trouble from Familia; the capture of their young girls was more than anyone should have to deal with. Sure, Q helped get those girls back, but her presence would definitely bring more trouble than she was worth.

Chief asked, Any problems?

Saree’s face was a study in puzzlement. "No, it’s weird. The Secundus clock is in sync and ^timespace^ is perfectly aligned. How is that possible when nine Traveler folders and Lightwave all folded in at the same time in close proximity?"

The Travelers always came in groups, usually five folders or so. But Q hadn’t considered what that could do to a fold clock. Why would she care? It wasn’t her problem. Q didn’t really want to care now, either. She’d rather be a simple net tech, living quietly on a planet or a big fold transport, doing a decent job, and taking vacations like the rest of humanity. Special was overrated—her time on Indomito taught her that.

Chief shrugged. When I asked about the timing and fold points, I was told the Travelers were special, protected by God, and there was nothing to worry about. Since I didn’t want to leave them, I trusted their years of traveling without incident.

Not without bruising your palm, Chief, Grant snickered from his seat on the couch in the back of the compartment next to Loreli.

Chief shot a mock glare over his shoulder. They were right, but it was nerve-racking. Maybe you can get a real answer out of them, Saree. He twirled his wrench around his hand, making Lashtar laugh, which made Q smile. The lines on Lashtar’s milk-pale face had lessened significantly since they left Secundus. Resigning the leadership of the Sisters of Cygnus was good for Lashtar—a single day with Chief Bhoher probably added ten years to her life. Q was sure it helped that the Sisters were in good hands—Nat was perfectly capable of leading them into the future.

Saree chuckled. I don’t know how that’s possible when I’ve hardly talked to them.

That will probably change, Lashtar said. The Travelers know who you are and what you do. They didn’t look surprised or shocked when you told them, so I’m betting they’d already heard about you. She frowned. They seemed rather dismissive, like your talent was nothing. But anyway, they have unusually good information from all over the universe. I don’t know how they do it; there don’t seem to be enough Traveler clans out there to know as much as they do. Lashtar quirked a brow. One of the mysteries of the universe. She snorted. They do like to play up the mysterious part.

Wasn’t that the truth? Q rolled her eyes. Bothersome flirts.

They must have some reason for their surety, Tyron said. Thinking back, you’re right, Lashtar, they seemed dismissive. With their insistence on folding into Secundus in close proximity and assurances about God taking care of them, perhaps they have their own version of a clock maintainer?

Saree jolted like she’d been shocked. Suns. They must. I wonder if they realize what they are doing, or with their insistence that God protects them, maybe it’s a religious ritual they have no understanding of?

Well, that would explain a lot, Chief said.

Q sniffed. No wonder they acted so mysteriously—they had no idea what they were doing.

Wouldn’t it? Saree asked, staring at nothing then focusing on Ruhger. "What if they weren’t working with the clock at all but somehow settling ^timespace^ as they fold? Re-aligning it with the fundamental frequencies of the universe?"

If they can do that, can you? Ruhger asked.

Good question. Saree plopped into her chair, the central point of Lightwave’s Command Center. "I’ve never been able to tell if I’m adjusting ^timespace^ itself or adjusting the clock to it or both. It always seemed like there must be more to it, that merely adjusting the clock couldn’t do enough to make a difference. And the Sa’sa don’t understand the question. To them, I don’t think there’s a difference. But to the Travelers, maybe the clock is immaterial. They don’t care about it at all. So, that means they manipulate ^timespace^ itself somehow. Which might explain why the Sa’sa haven’t had more problems with the human frontier than they do. She bounced a little in her seat, obviously excited. And the Sa’sa don’t even know they’re doing it. Or do they? She grabbed her head with both hands. This is amazing! And confusing."

Q agreed with the confused part for sure. When the experts are confused, how could someone new to all this, like Q, know anything?

Saree, Ruhger said softly, before you go completely off orbit, why don’t you set up a meeting with the Travelers? Tell them you want to talk to the fold smoothers. Ask what the right name is. Tell them you’d like to learn from them.

And offer to negotiate, value for value, Lashtar said. They’ll want something in return this time.

Saree snorted softly. I bet you’re right. If they’ll tell me anything at all. If it’s a religious thing... She shrugged.

You’ll just have to convert, Grant said. What? he said, grinning at all of them. It’s a logical solution. I’ve done it.

Of course you have. Katryn snickered.

It was for a very good reason, not just to get in someone’s bed. Grant smiled fondly. Although that was a nice bonus.

You’re married? Loreli asked incredulously.

Q shared her disbelief. The man flirted with everyone, regardless of sex or even species.

No. Grant waved a careless hand. I was the second, the best man, the backup. He tilted his head and shrugged one shoulder. But if I hadn’t trusted the groom, I might have been. Grant laughed. Well, actually, I didn’t trust him. The night before the contracting ceremony, I got him drunk and poured him into bed then slept across the entrance to the room. No way I was marrying into that merc company. He shuddered. "Those women were terrifying. And they ran everything. Men were merely ornaments. Grant shook his head. So boring."

When did this happen—you know what? Ruhger said, mock-scowling. It doesn’t matter. Saree, are you messaging the Travelers?

She laughed. Yes, right now.

Well, on that note, Loreli said, levering herself out of the soft seating, I’m off to prepare a meal. It won’t be fancy, but I figure we had plenty of exotic and fancy at the wedding yesterday. Give me at least an hour; I’ll send you a more precise estimate later. Loreli’s whites were surprisingly conservative today. She wore a typical white chef’s jacket, with the double row of buttons down the front, but the material sparkled. She sported shiny white platform boots below an equally white, sparkly, mermaid-style skirt. Her long, white lashes stood out against the dark moon of her round face.

Thanks, Loreli, Q told her. Her mouth was watering already. Breakfast was so good—Lightwave’s crew had no idea how lucky they were.

As Loreli left the Command Center, Saree got a reply. "They’ve invited me to a meeting on the Tobar, their flagship. I can bring one person with me and a guard."

Normally, that’s me, Ruhger said. But in this case, I don’t think it’s the best use of personnel. Lashtar, you’ve spent many years meditating. Maybe you’re the best candidate?

Lashtar shook her head. Just because I’ve done it a lot doesn’t mean I’m good at it.

Saree held up a hand. I already know who I’m bringing. Quinn.

Blast. Q didn’t want everyone to know, give them one more reason to watch and worry about her. Saree shot a look at her. Q sighed, resigned. "Okay, fine. I’m seeing something when we meditate with Saree. I’m not sure what it is, and Saree doesn’t see me in her ^timespace^ or the Sa’sa hive mind or whatever. She waved the words away. But there’s something. Maybe the Travelers can help me figure out what it is I see and what I can do with it, if anything."

Lashtar barked a laugh. You are the next to last person I would peg with a meditation-based talent. Guess that’s what I get for making surface-level assumptions. Good for you. Maybe the Travelers can help both of you.

Q mock-scowled at Lashtar.

Saree grimaced. If it’s not tied up with their religion. Look at the Madras. They might have developed something amazing if their fanaticism hadn’t held them back.

What was Saree talking about? Q missed so many references because she didn’t know their history.

Lashtar said, Religious traditions aren’t all bad. They can be misused, obviously. She shrugged, mouth quirked. The Sisters are a prime example, but often, they provide a moral structure and code that might be otherwise missing. I don’t know what religion the Travelers follow. They’re very private about some things. But they seem to follow some sort of deity-based religion with an authoritative figure at the head, probably a human male with their references to God, which is very Old Earth. Hopefully they’re not hiding fanatic tendencies.

We can hope, Sister, Saree said. Anyway, you’re our guard.

Lashtar raised a finger. Just Lashtar, please. I’m no longer an active Sister of Cygnus. I’m not sure what I am, but I’m not that. Not anymore.

Chief whispered something in Lashtar’s ear and she giggled.

Q stared at her. Giggling? Wow. Lashtar had changed—fast.

Ruhger said, Got our fold assignment. We’re going to Fawaris in thirty minutes. Katryn, you’re up for the fold planning. I’ll second you. It’s pretty simple since the Travelers have designated a specific set of coordinates and orbit already.

Grant said, We’ve been there before, but it’s been a while. I’ll look back through my records.

A message chimed, and Saree brought it up. "Got my meeting. Quinn, Lashtar, and I are invited to the Tobar two hours after the fold. Huh, they want Grant to come along too, for his expertise in trade."

This should be entertaining, Grant said with a smirk.

Q frowned at him. He’d be popular for his looks and manner too.

Watch yourself, Grant, Lashtar warned. Don’t mess with the Travelers.

I don’t mess with anyone anymore, Lashtar. Grant scowled at her. Why does everyone insist on treating me like a philandering moron?

Because you used to be a philandering moron? Ruhger said dryly. We folded, fast, out of a lot of systems and skipped out on a lot of bail credits.

Hey, I paid all those back, to the ship and the systems.

But we can’t go back to those systems, Grant, Ruhger said impatiently.

Grant nodded once, sharply. You’re right. But I’ve changed my ways.

Grant did seem different. After Saree and Ruhger’s ceremony, she’d expected to see Grant sweet-talking some of the medico students, but he hadn’t. He was still funny and lighthearted, but there was an undertone of seriousness he hadn’t previously displayed. Q bit her lip. Ruth had disappeared right after Saree and Ruhger’s ceremony. Q thought Ruth was avoiding the whole crew, but something told her it was connected more to Grant than the rest of them. Whatever the reason, Q was grateful. Catching Fabriano early was better for all of them. Keeping him isolated allowed Q to disappear, hopefully avoiding any confrontation with Familia. Space was big; she should be able to hide forever.

We’ve had a lot of change over the last few standards, Chief said. Some of it’s taking a while to settle in my brain. Besides, you’ve tossed enough space junk at all of us, you can take some of it too.

Yeah, who are you to get all offended? Katryn asked archly.

Grant held up both hands. I got it! I’ll shut up now. He turned away, muttering something.

Poor Grant. Q knew how he felt. She couldn’t even get everyone to call her Q rather than Quinn.

Fold in twenty-eight minutes, ten seconds, Katryn announced. Get everything secured and ready in twenty-five.

Q snickered to herself. Loreli wouldn’t be happy.

Acknowledgments sounded from the crew, and Chief departed for engineering.

Saree said, Approved. Fold as planned.

Katryn frowned at Saree. Saree raised both brows, staring back. A few moments later, Katryn abruptly nodded and looked away.

Why was Katryn challenging Saree? Saree was the one with a real job, the reason Lightwave was folding around the universe. Saree was the one in charge, and as far as Q could tell, Saree deserved her position. She gave everyone orders, but she wasn’t a dictator. There sure was a lot of underlying tension on Lightwave.

Ruhger said, "Recommend you take Alpha shuttle for your trip to Tobar. Make Grant and Quinn fly. They need the practice."

Yes! A chance to fly. Q grinned. She was never, ever, ever relying on someone else to fly her ever again. The escape from Indomito went well because Ruhger was there. If she’d had to do it herself? Q shivered. So much riskier. Good thing she’d kept studying, even when she had no chance of real space flight with the Sisters. Was combat flying in the vid game Fringe War 300 anything like the real thing?

Saree said, Agreed. Grant, you’ll be pilot in command. Quinn, you’re second. I’ll arrive at Alpha shuttle five minutes before launch, so be sure to give me the estimated time of departure when you’ve got it.

Oh! Guess they’d better start looking at navigation in the Fawaris system.

Grant got up, pausing near her. Let’s go. We’ll fold in the shuttle so we can get the most recent surveillance right after fold.

Q nodded to him and followed him out, up the stairs, and into Alpha shuttle. Wow, this is way nicer than your other shuttle. Alpha shuttle looked more like something a Familia enforcer would use, with high-credit finishes and plush seating.

Grant laughed. It was a reward for good deeds. He sat and strapped in.

Q copied him, strapping into the co-pilot’s seat.

So, take what we have now from Fawaris and the current relative positions of our folders, and plan an initial orbital approach. Obviously, we can’t do real planning until we reach Fawaris and get real surveillance and real positions, but pre-planning will make it faster. Grant winked. Or get us in real trouble with bad assumptions.

Q wrinkled her nose. I want to recalculate from scratch when we get there.

Grant nodded slowly. Excellent plan. His smile grew. Only, do that calculation without the automated navigation orbital program.

What? Why? Do the math herself? Yikes.

He snorted. Because nets fail, processors fail. Your brain doesn’t. Grant poked a finger at his head. Unless you’re dying, of course, which is all the more reason to learn how to do it manually. It may keep you from dying someday. Don’t worry, I’ll do it with the net program and we’ll compare.

Awesome. Q bit her lip but decided she’d better tell him. Um, you know I’ve never flown for real, right? Just simulations?

Grant winked. Yes, I looked at your records on the way here. Terrifyingly little. He chuckled. But doing is the best way to learn. So, get to work.

Okay, boss. Q paid extra attention to the current orbital calculations. At least she’d have some idea of what the correct orbit should look like. With some luck, she’d avoid any black holes waiting to suck her in. While they waited for fold, she ran through a dozen different scenarios, acknowledging Katryn’s countdown calls as they came.

Attention all stations, Katryn announced the final call. Fold in five, four, three, two, fold. We’ve arrived in Fawaris. Perform post-fold checks and report issues.

Q reviewed the active surveillance, watching as the Traveler folders popped in around them. Even with her lack of experience, they seemed far too close. She let the surveillance and navigation refine all the ship, station, and object orbits around Lightwave, grateful Grant didn’t make her calculate those manually too. She could, but it would take forever.

She was buried in math when Grant’s voice made her look up.

Well, whichever it is, I suggest you go get ready, Saree. Since this is your first formal meeting, I recommend you wear your Tazan silk and Time Guild honors. It demonstrates your ranking and your respect for them. Grant poked her in the side. Q, you need to dress up a little too. So do I. So, let’s see those orbits, then we’ll go get pretty.

Now? But...

Now. Trouble doesn’t wait for you. Grant chuckled. Better get faster, quick.

Well, sand and sun. She wasn’t going to pass this test. At least the Travelers wouldn’t make her do math.

Q CHECKED THE SHUTTLE’S net security one more time then joined Lashtar, Grant, and Saree at the airlock hatch. Saree fidgeted a bit, but she wasn’t nearly as nervous as Q would be in her shoes. The dress had to help—the gorgeous Tazan silk dress was its own kind of armor. Dyed in an ombre from scarlet at the top to pale yellow at the bottom, the dress had a wide, flowing skirt, and the material was silky and warm. The flashy rubies of Saree’s Time Guild honors matched the dress perfectly and enhanced the impression of royalty or a vid star.

Q wiped her palms on her brand-new shipsuit. It might not be Tazan silk, but it was a smooth, soft, stretchy material in a medium gray, with dark purple stripes down the outside of the arms and legs. She looked like part of the team and was starting to feel like a real member too.

The hatch opened, and they stepped into the folder. What a beautiful ship. Something poked Q hard, making her jump. Yikes. She copied Grant, bowing to the three men and three women standing in front of them. Guards watched from both sides of the group, armed with thick, tall staffs. Q covertly surveyed the guards; they paid little attention to her. She could disarm at least one of them, maybe both, before they recovered from the shock of being attacked by a little girl.

"Welcome to Tobar, Clutch Leader Saree, Purser Grant Lowe, Sister Lashtar, and net expert Quinn of Cygnus, one of the men said. Please join us, and we’ll introduce everyone shortly." He motioned to Q’s left. Saree followed the guard down the passageway, the rest of them trailing behind.

Q couldn’t help but stare. Containers of colorful flowers and various vegetables lined the corridor. The ceiling was painted to look like a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds; the walls like a forest. So beautiful! Too bad the red and yellow emergency warnings were so bright; they kind of ruined the effect. Better safe than sorry, though.

They turned to the right through a hatch and into a large compartment. The walls were decorated with cute, folksy scenes of people traveling in odd, brightly-painted wagons pulled by herd animals. Tables, chairs, and couches in a bewildering number of styles and colors were placed in conversational groups for two to eight people. This compartment was the poor relation’s version of Justice Fatima’s receiving room on Indomito.

Q liked this one a whole lot better—for one, she wasn’t a captive.

The guard led them to the back of the room and a group of low, brightly flowered couches around a long, short table. A silver tea service waited, the pot gently steaming, surrounded by small plates of cookies, cakes, and fruit. No other Travelers waited, but two more guards stood in the corners of the compartment.

One of the women said, Please, take a seat.

Saree didn’t hesitate, rounding the table to sit on the couch so she’d face the hatches. Quinn followed Saree, Grant behind her. Lashtar stood beside Saree, clearly indicating her intention to remain on guard. The role reversal was odd—usually, Q was the one standing, not Lashtar. A fierce-looking Lashtar wearing black soft armor and weapons like a second skin was even stranger. The lack of her brown robe made it easier to leave off the title of Sister.

The Travelers took seats on the opposite couch while the two guards walked away, standing in front of the now-closed hatches. Two of the Travelers seemed to be about Q’s age, a third was wizened and tiny, and the rest were middle-aged if they weren’t body modded. Q was pretty sure they didn’t have credits to spend on unnecessary things—they always seemed on the verge of financial ruin. But maybe that was part of their culture, a cover making them unattractive to pirates?

They all wore bright colors, two of the women and one of the men wearing so much gold jewelry Q was amazed they could stand, let alone walk. One of the women wore layered skirts in various vibrant shades of red and pink. Q would love to have skirts like those, no matter how impractical they might be. The rest wore shipsuits, but nothing boring like Lightwave’s. One man wore a crazy mix of neon colors like buckets of paint had spilled and swirled on the fabric.

The oldest man, sitting to her left, said, "Welcome to Tobar, a clan home of the Travelers. I am Kem, the speaker for the ship. To my left is Camlo, speaker for the people, and beyond him is Durriken, speaker for the future."

Camlo was the youngest man and Durriken was the middle-aged man in the crazy-colored shipsuit. The titles were interesting—what did they really mean?

The woman next to Durriken, draped with gold chains and wearing a sapphire and scarlet shipsuit, said, I’m Dika, speaker for the infinite road. She motioned to the woman on her left, the youngest. This is Lillai, my apprentice. And finally, we have Vai, also a speaker for the people. Vai was the woman dressed in the elaborate skirts and gold adornments. Seated together, they were dazzling.

Saree said, Thank you for the welcome. You already know our names and professions. Do you have any immediate questions?

Vai said, We will talk, but first, tea. She elbowed Lillai, who seemed enthralled by Grant. Q held back a smirk; Grant was a good-looking guy, tall, blond and graceful, and his Lightwave Clutch shipsuit fit him like a glove. Lillai jumped, frowned at Vai, then picked up the heavy-looking silver teapot and poured them all tea. The cups were small, in a variety of flowered patterns, and seemed very old and delicate. Lillai served all of them first, Lashtar waving the offer away. Then Lillai served the other Travelers.

Lillai said, There is sugar, honey, and milk here if you like. Please help yourselves to the sweets. She picked up her cup and sipped, rather loudly. The others copied her and sipped as well but quietly. Q picked hers up and hoped she didn’t burn her tongue. Wow, that’s strong. Q carefully set the cup back down and added milk and sugar. 

Grant offered Quinn one of the sweets which she gratefully accepted. The layered cookie looked delicious. Grant also offered one to Saree but she shook her head. He smiled, put two on his plate, and said, Good, more for me. Q held back a laugh.

A couple of the Travelers also nibbled while sipping their tea. Camlo smiled at her, obviously trying to flirt, and Q sighed internally, looking away. Here we go again. But they ate and drank in silence. When they finished their first cup, Lillai served them all seconds without asking.

Dika took a sip from her second cup and set it down with a small click. I understand you have questions about how we smooth the infinite road.

Saree raised both brows. Smooth the infinite road? She leaned forward a little. "Ah, I think I see. What the Sa’sa and I call ^timespace^ you refer to as the infinite road?"

Q set down her cup and turned slightly, so she could see Saree’s expressions and the Travelers.

Dika nodded, smoothing her skirts. I believe so. When we fold, it wrinkles the infinite road that provides us freedom. To ensure our freedom, we smooth the road, returning it to its previous state. She shrugged. Sometimes better than its previous state. That way, none can fault us or follow us.

I see, Saree said. That is a wonderful talent.

When we left Old Earth for the airless, infinite road, Durriken broke in, God gave us a gift. He knew how we’d been persecuted on Earth for our wandering ways, so he gave us a way to hide our travel. We can slip in and out of systems without leaving a ripple on the infinite road, and we cannot be tied down. The speakers for the road ensure we can travel anywhere at any time we choose.

Quinn realized that’s why they could fold with multiple folders in close proximity when no one else could. One mystery of the Travelers solved.

Of course, this doesn’t prevent us from being seen by surveillance, Kem said dryly. Or targeted by weapons.

But we can fold out, leaving the road wrinkled, and smooth it for the next system, Dika said.

Saree said, So you are in contact with the infinite road during fold?

Dika's brow wrinkled. Yes, of course. How else to smooth the road we’ve already traveled?

"Interesting. The Sa’sa told me to never stay in ^timespace^ during fold, that it would be too much for my mind."

We don’t smooth the road alone, Dika said. It takes many of us, working together, tied together by the grace of God. She nodded decisively. I can see how looking out on the infinite road, all alone as it folds, would be terrifying. But when we are all together, anchored to each other and God, then there is nothing to fear.

Saree seemed confused. "I look out into ^timespace^ alone without any problems. Well, except when I started training. Then I could lose myself in the... she paused for a moment, clearly trying to figure out how to describe the sensation, beauty and peace, but once I learned to find the fundamental frequencies of the universe, I could get in, do my job, and get out. I’ve recently figured out how to communicate with the Sa’sa in ^timespace^, but it’s exhausting. Have you encountered them on your road?"

Dika shook her head. "This ^timespace^ you speak of might not be the infinite road. I don’t believe we’ve ever seen anyone on it, just the road and how it wrinkles. Her nose wrinkled too. And even then, we don’t see the road with our eyes. It’s a feeling. A feeling of chaos and twisting. Then, as we pray, the twisting goes away."

Now that sounded familiar. Q felt something like that when the Travelers folded into Secundus during their mediation, a twisting wave that smoothed out. She didn’t see what Saree described—she didn’t see anything at all.

Saree asked, Have you ever folded close to another group of speakers for the road?

Dika shrugged. Of course. Often. Why?

Do you see them?

Of course. They are smoothing the same road behind them. Then, when they fold, they are gone, unless we are folding to the same system with them. She shrugged. But if we were doing that, we would anchor and fold together.

Interesting.

Reviews for Quinn of Cygnus

[Robert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

AM Scott’s latest book takes Quinn on a new path away from the previous story line with the Lightwave crew. She is heading out into the black with some new and some old characters.

Quinn is finally getting her chance to be a net expert on her own, but Familia is getting in the way.

This is a must read for fans of folding space. It’s full of interesting dialogue and new ideas about the smoothing stones. AM’s characters are real people with lots of challenging situations that I’m sure you will want to explore.

Don’t miss out on a great read. Get this book.