The Dreaming Void Read Online Free PDF Page B

to go ahead. Ethan no longer cared that their reasons were probably the antithesis of his own or whether they regarded him as a simple political tool, not that he would ever know. Pilgrimage was what mattered, delivering the faithful to their promised universe—all that mattered, in fact. He did not care if he assisted someone else’s political goal as long as it did not interfere with his own.
    â€œOf course not.” Marius grinned as if they were sharing a private joke about how stupid the rest of humanity was compared with themselves. “If that was the case, then those already in the Void would have triggered that event.”
    â€œPeople need to be educated. I would appreciate your help with that.”
    â€œWe will do what we can, of course. However, we are both working against a considerable amount of mental inertia, not to mention prejudice.”
    â€œI am very conscious of that. The Pilgrimage will polarize opinion across the Greater Commonwealth.”
    â€œNot just that of humans. There are a number of species who are showing an interest in this development.”
    â€œThe Ocisen Empire.” Ethan spit it out with as much contempt as possible.
    â€œNot to be entirely underestimated,” Marius said. It wasn’t quite chiding.
    â€œThe only ones I concern myself with are the Raiel. They have publicly stated their opposition to anyone trying to enter the Void.”
    â€œWhich is of course where our assistance will be most beneficial to you. Our original offer still stands; we will supply ultradrives for your Pilgrimage ships.”
    Ethan, a scholar of ancient history, guessed this was what the old religious icon Adam had felt when offered the apple. “And in return?”
    â€œThe status quo which currently reigns in the Greater Commonwealth will be over.”
    â€œAnd that benefits you how?”
    â€œSpecies survival. Evolution requires progression or extinction.”
    â€œI thought you would be aiming for transcendence,” Phelim said flatly.
    Marius did not look in his direction; his eyes remained fixed on Ethan. “And that isn’t evolution?”
    â€œIt’s a very drastic evolution,” Ethan said.
    â€œNot unlike your hopes of Pilgrimage.”
    â€œSo why not join us?”
    Marius answered with a mirthless smile. “Join
us,
Conservator.”
    Ethan sighed. “We’ve dreamed what awaits us.”
    â€œAh, so it boils down to the old human problem. Risk the unknown or go with the comfortable.”
    â€œI think the phrase you want is ‘better the devil you know.’ ”
    â€œWhatever. Your Eminence, we still offer you the ultradrive.”
    â€œWhich no one has ever really seen. You just hint at it.”
    â€œANA tends to be somewhat protective toward its advanced technologies. However, I assure you it is real. Ultradrive is at least equal to the drive used by the Raiel, if not superior.”
    Ethan tried not to smile at the arrogance.
    â€œOh, I assure you, Conservator,” Marius said. “ANA does not make that boast lightly.”
    â€œI’m sure it doesn’t. So when can you supply them?”
    â€œWhen your Pilgrimage ships are ready, the drives will be here.”
    â€œAnd the rest of ANA—the factions which don’t agree with you—they’ll just stand by and quietly let you hand over this supertechnology?”
    â€œEffectively, yes. Do not concern yourself with our internal debates.”
    â€œVery well, I accept your most generous offer. Please don’t be offended, but we will also be building our own more mundane drive units for the ships just in case.”
    â€œWe expected nothing else.” Marius bowed again and left the room.
    Phelim let out a soft whistle of relief. “So that’s it; we’re just a trigger factor in their political wars.”
    Ethan tried to sound blasé. “If it gets us what we want, I can live with