THE PLANET THAT LOVED PEOPLE (standard:science fiction, 1297 words) [13/15] show all parts
Author: Danny Raven	Added: Mar 10 2016	Views/Reads: 1914/1398	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
PART 2 - CH 13

THIRTEEN 

Two days later after travelling at maximum speed they were finally
approaching the Black Hole. On the Bridge, Kane was dozing on the couch 
and Muslik woke him. 

“We're there,” he said, nodding at the Observation Screen. 

Kane rubbed the sleep from his eyes and ran his hand through his black
hair. He sat up on the couch and looked at the Screen. 

In the centre of it, gigantic wreaths of pinkish nebulae floated around
and behind them the Hole was a jet black, malevolent stain against the 
velvety blue of space. At this range there was nothing to suggest the 
awesome power or the danger. 

“It's about ten space miles away,” Muslik told him. 

“Is this the closest picture we can get?” 

Muslik nodded. “Looks innocent enough from here, doesn't it?” 

“That'll soon change,” Kane replied. 

“It could be interesting though,” Muslik remarked, smiling as he stared
at the Screen. 

Blaze wandered over for a closer look. “So we're going into that!?” he
exclaimed. “That big black thing?” 

“Yes, that big black thing,” Muslik said, ruffling his hair. 

“Wow!” said an excited Blaze. 

Kane shook his head. “Connect me with Tyler,” he ordered the Android. 

A couple of minutes later Tyler appeared on the Earth Monitor. 

“We've arrived,” Kane told him, jerking his thumb at the Observation
Screen. 

In his secret room, Tyler looked at the picture he was receiving from
their Screen on one of his monitors and smiled. “The Black Hole!” he 
said, a touch of surprise in his voce. “Well, congratulations. I really 
didn't think you'd make it.” 

“Thanks a lot,” Kane replied. “We're all really humbled by your praise.
It's made the whole mission worthwhile.” 

Tyler ignored the sarcasm. “How soon till you're at the edge of its
gravity field?” 

“About an hour. We're going to sit here while we recharge everything for
the Corridor.” Although he already knew that Muslik had the 
co-ordinates for the Corridor, he played Tyler along. “When does the 
Android deliver the co-ordinates?” he asked. 

“Just before you reach the edge. Not before. She'll punch them in
herself.” 

“Okay,” said Kane. “We'll be in touch before we start going through the
Corridor.” 

He flicked off the Monitor and strolled over to join Muslik who was
still staring intently at the main Screen with Blaze and Corthan. 

“There's something strange about this picture,” Muslik muttered. 

Kane glanced at the Screen. The wreaths of pinkish nebulae were still
drifting around with the jet black Hole behind them. A few far off 
stars twinkled. There was nothing else. 

“I don't see anything,” said Kane. “What's bothering you?” 

Muslik frowned. “I don't know. It just doesn't seem right somehow.” 


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