Universe

Adventures in time and space transcribed in future In the beginning there was Jordan thinking his lonely thoughts out of the loneliness came a longing out of the longing came a vision out of the dream came a planning and out of a planning came decision Jordan's hand was lifted and the ship was born.

Are you all right? Yes, admit me. What was it? A mutant with a slingshot, I think, a dash down that passageway. You want to go after us? We never catch it, Alan. It's probably 12 decks of blood us by now.

I didn't think they ever came down this far. The trolls usually get them before they reach this level. They get more daring with each generation. This one looked like a female. Male or female, it might have killed us.

I told you this trip was pure foolishness. Climbing 24 deck levels to hear a crazy old man rave. We're almost there now. Compartment X-15 level 24. This is the place. This area smells as if it hadn't been visited by a sanitation crew for generations.

Part of the ship is almost deserted. Yes? This is the compartment of John the Witness. Who are you? My name is Hugh Hoyle, and I'm a cadet from the scientist barrack. This is my friend Alan Mahoney.

What do you want of John the witness? Only to talk. Are you a believer in Jordan? Naturally. I have heard that there are those among the younger scientists who doubt the word of Jordan. To doubt it's death, we're not heretics.

Enter. I have brought a gift of tobacco, grown on the richest level. It smells good. I assure you it's the best. Wait here. What the devil do you think he can tell you? I don't know how, how is she?