Contents
CHAPTER 21
Overview
Ravna learns the OOB’s descent is slowed by Zone turbulence and uncertain ultradrive damage, stretching arrival to roughly 120–200 days. To help Jefri’s allies before landing, she proposes remotely jump-starting Tine technology via the ship’s library. Pham briefly emerges from withdrawal to endorse a focused strategy: guns and radios.
Summary
On the bridge, Ravna presses Blueshell for a firm arrival time, worried that Jefri is stranded with only primitive defenses against looming attackers. Blueshell and Greenstalk explain that shifting Zone boundaries are worsening transit times and that their ultradrive spines, damaged during the escape from Relay, limit safe jump rates.
They estimate arrival in about 120 days if conditions stabilize, possibly longer if repairs are needed. Confronted with the delay, Ravna pivots to a new goal: helping the Tines win before the OOB arrives.
Ravna proposes using continuous communication and the OOB’s library to fast-track specific inventions, bypassing centuries of blind experimentation. She argues they can prune dead ends and focus on technologies that directly counter the invaders threatening Jefri’s hosts.
As Blueshell and Greenstalk consider the plan, Pham Nuwen finally speaks for the first time since Relay, endorsing a minimal, high-impact toolkit: “Guns and radios,” noting it worked on Canberra. Before Ravna can draw him further out, Pham withdraws again into silence, leaving the crew to begin the targeted library search.
Who Appears
- RavnaUrgently seeks arrival estimates; conceives a plan to remotely bootstrap Tine tech using the ship’s library.
- BlueshellExplains Zone turbulence and drive uncertainties; estimates extended travel time; cautious technical voice.
- GreenstalkClarifies the severity of Zone shifts; supports estimating timeline; considers the feasibility of guided tech uplift.
- Pham NuwenLargely withdrawn but briefly reengages, advocating a focused approach: introduce guns and radios.