Theyre why,Paul thought, staring straight ahead at the approaching harbinger of death. They must have a new weapon that can cripple us without having to blow us full of holes first. And the screen came up just now because theywanted us to see whatevers going to happen next.
“Charlie, he said aloud as renewed determination and plain, old-fashioned anger stiffened his spine. The Horizonwas both his home and his livelihood, and he wasnt going to give up either without one hell of a fight. “Were going to have to get clever with these guys.
I.K.S. MupchIch
“The remote system is working flawlessly so far, Commander, Centurion TVak said, his gaze still riveted on the broad bank of gauges and indicators that stretched across three bridge workstations.
Of course, the still experimental arrenhehwiuatelecapture weapon had worked somewhat less than flawlessly during its initial outings, Commander TVoras recalled; still, it had enabled the capture of the klivamcruiser he was currently using as the systems test bed, and had done so in fairly short order. And thanks to the Romulan Star Empires long and acrimonious association with the Klingon Empire, the translation device that the chief technologists office had integrated into the prototype had succeeded in transmitting a convincingly barbaric-sounding klivamhail.
It was a pity that it couldnt also do something about the lingering stench of the hirsute, overly armored animals that had once infested this otherwise adequate vessel.
“We have achieved complete control over the Terran freighters propulsion, navigation, and life-support systems, the centurion said as he entered a few adjustments into the system interface.
“Very good, Centurion, TVoras said. “Admiral Valdore and Chief Technologist Nijil will both be pleased indeed. I shall not neglect to mention your diligence to them.
The centurion immediately stood at attention and offered the traditional salute, his clenched right fist raised to high chest level just below the left shoulder, his bent elbow positioned precisely above the lower abdominal ribs that protected his heart. “You do me honor, Commander, the junior officer said.
Let us hope that this device will prove as effective against Terran military vessels,TVoras thought, as it has thus far against their civilian freighters and theklivam warship that now carries us.
An ominous blood-green light on the devices central console suddenly began flashing rhythmically, matching the staccato wail of a klaxon. The centurion immediately returned his full attention to his readouts.
“The freighter crew is attempting to bypass both its primary and secondary systems, he said, sounding surprised at his opponents apparent ingenuity.
TVoras nodded, taking the revelation in stride. “Theyre no doubt trying some novel method of recovering their console functions. Respond accordingly, Centurion, and maintain control.
The centurions brow ridge crumpled with concern, as though hed suddenly become worried that the commendation he had been expecting earlier might suddenly metamorphose into a reprimand. Or perhaps something far worse.
TVoras placed a hand gently on the hilt of his razor-sharp datheanofv-sen,his Honor Blade. That shall be entirely up to him,he thought.
E.C.S. Horizon
“Damn it! Nora shouted.
“Whats wrong? Paul said. Apart from the obvious.
“Almost had helm control rerouted and recovered. Then I lost it again. Its like the Klingons have found a way to monitor everything we try to do, using our own systems against us.
Paul nodded. That was no doubt exactlywhat they were doing, though he was completely at a loss as to how to explain it. Fear gnawed at his insides, like an animal trying to escape.
But he was no less determined to get his crewhis familyout of this mess.
“You and Juan keep at it, Paul said, trying his best to conceal his steadily increasing desperation. “Charliejust keep pushing those buttons.
I.K.S. MupchIch
“Control recovered, Centurion TVak said, looking intensely relieved after several siureof genuine uncertainty.
After the struggle hed just witnessed, TVoras wasnt entirely certain that the centurions renewed confidence was justified. But he was nevertheless satisfied that todays activities had garnered enough operational data to produce real, substantive refinements to the equipment. And he knew it would not do to linger here any longer than necessary, lest any transient vessel from Vulcan, Andoria, Tellar, or even Earth discover anything about the operation being conducted here todayor even begin asking questions about what a Klingon vessel might be doing so far from home.
“Is the test data safely recorded, Centurion? TVoras asked.
“It is, Commander.
“Very well, TVoras said. “Dispose of any evidence that we were ever here. Including the small distress beacon the freighter launched.
“Immediately, Commander. TVoras watched as the centurion deftly entered a series of commands into his primary board.
TVoras turned toward the young female decurion who was serving at the communications station.
“Get me Admiral Valdore on a secure frequency, he said.
E.C.S. Horizon
The deck plates shuddered even more violently than before, signaling further acceleration. The engine noise continued to increase along with it, rising to a nearly ear-splitting roar.
“I dunno how, but were stillgathering delta vee, Charlie said. “Warp three point two and steadily climbing. Didnt think this tub could gothis fast.
“I noticed, Paul said. “Whats our heading?
Charlie turned toward the center of the bridge. The harsh, ruddy-tinted shadows that fell across his face did nothing to soften the terror Paul saw etched across his usually placid features.
“Were locked on a ballistic course directly for Sigma Iotia! he shouted, his voice nearly drowned out by the ever-escalating whine of the engines.
Sigma Iotia. The primary star of the world the Horizonhad just departed.
Paul Mayweather turned and saw Rianna Mayweather standing by his side. He could see from the haunted look in his mothers brown eyes that engine control was a lost cause. There was no point in asking whether a warp-core jettison was even possible. Besides, the din of the engines had become so loud as to make conversation essentially impossible except in the form of top-of-the-lungs shouts. He took both of her hands between his own as he looked at the forward viewer.
The dazzling golden-orange brilliance of Sigma Iotia overwhelmed the screen, prompting the automatic imaging system to damp the light down to a tolerable level. Paul imagined he could already feel the searing heat of the photosphere toward which the Horizonwas falling at multiwarp speed. Time seemed to stretch, and he truly didnt want to know precisely how many seconds remained to him and his crew.
His family. Paul Mayweather gently put his arm around his mothers shoulders. She had brought him into the world. Protected him from the occasional teasing of his older brother Travis. Taught him how to fly a ship. Comforted him after Jaliye had left him for another pilot.