It was a circular vault, its door sealed with a cog-and-skull lock. Korr spent six hours communing with the machine-spirit before it hissed open. Inside, the air was warm. And it was breathing.
The brain’s optic lens pulsed. “I can build you a ship. I have the schematics. I have the forges. They are dormant, but I can wake them. In exchange, you will take me with you.” stranded on santa astarta
“Negative, Captain,” Korr’s voice crackled. “The launch bay is compromised. The only remaining atmospheric craft is Cargo Hauler Seven. It is… sub-optimal.” It was a circular vault, its door sealed
“I am the sum total of a world’s knowledge. I am the ghost of a forge that once built gods. And I am lonely.” And it was breathing
“No,” Valerius said. “We’re going home.”
On the day of launch, Valerius stood on the bridge. The brain, now housed in a small, portable sarcophagus, sat beside the command throne.