Read Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I Page 43

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  "It's all here, Lane. Everything. Specs, power requirements, circuit diagrams. Everything. Some things we won't be able to use. They tap a source of energy that doesn't exist in this universe."

  "Not so, Dutch. We'll tap through the doorway. He'll know it's us. We have to be able to travel. Too much depends on it. I remember us doing it."

  "This is going to take work. And we'll have to do it all ourselves. We'll build inside Lissa's shell. Start with the dimensional matrix. Give us room to work. Need things. Hmm... One of the nonaligned worlds as base. That means we'll need credits."

  "We'll do runs as a courier in the Amarri system."

  "Oh, brother! Lane, that is one hot war you want to put us in the middle of. Blockade runners have a short life expectancy."

  "He's right, Lane. The pay is high because so few live to collect it."

  "I know, Clete, but we need the credit."

  "There's more to it than that. I can feel it."

  "That's the problem with having an empath around. All right. It's iffy. I've got multiple images of the future. The packets and passenger we carry could end that war. If we get through. Getting through will depend on the shields. Ending the war will depend on you."

  "Uh, oh, Clete, I think you're in trouble. Even I could feel the worry in that statement."

  "Yes. Let's get to work on the shields. We'll need them to present ourselves for employment."

  "Lane, you haven't told me what I'm supposed to do yet. You dread telling me. I'm not moving til I know."

  "Dutch, get started. We'll be with you in a few minutes."

  "Now, wait a minute!"

  "Dutch, if he doesn't kill me, we'll be there."

  "Oh. All right. Clete, remember, he knows how it turns out. He can't help it. Count to ten thousand. I don't think ten will be enough."