Death of a Neutron Star - Eric Kotani [7]
Janeway nodded.
Beside her Paris looked completely confused, and Chakotay was looking puzzled.
"I need more data," Seven said, "but this seems to indicate that the final stage for the neutron stars could come within a matter of days."
Janeway watched as Maalot stared in clear amazement at Seven. Janeway knew how he felt. Seven could do calculations faster than anyone else aboard.
"That's right," Maalot said. "I had only some preliminary data before taking this report to our political leaders, but the timing should be in that approximate range. Maybe even sooner. And, of course, this orbital inclination gives us a great deal of concern for our solar system."
"Why?" Chakotay said.
Dr. Maalot only looked at him with a frown.
"If this follows pattern," Janeway said, "then the less massive secondary neutron star, which is actually larger in diameter than the primary, will start shedding its exterior mass. Or it might have already started. Correct?"
"Correct, Captain," Maalot said.
"So I too do not understand your worry, exactly."
Seven started to speak, but Janeway stopped her. "I want to hear the doctor's theory."
Maalot nodded. "The lesser star will become a mini-supernova."
"Exactly," Seven said.
"I know that," Janeway said. "Go on."
"When that happens to the companion, the more massive star will turn into a runaway object that will fly away at a relativistic speed in the direction it happens to be headed at the time of the explosion."
"Correct," Seven again said.
Maalot went on as if she had not spoken. "The fugitive star will destroy any solar system in its path, although I have not yet been able to figure out which direction it will take."
"It would not be possible to predict exactly, as yet," Seven said.
"And your homeworld is along one possible path," Chakotay said.
"That is correct," Dr. Maalot said.
"Is there more?" Janeway asked. She could tell that Dr. Maalot wasn't telling them everything.
Maalot glanced at the silent Tyla, then went on. "I just fear that the runaway star will hit our system. I fear for my family and our people. All of them."
Janeway wasn't going to get what he was hiding just yet, that much was clear. She glanced around the room. "Well, we're here to see new things. I for one, have never seen a binary neutron star system hi its last days. In fact, I know of no Federation ship that has seen one. Who knows what we might learn."
There were nods throughout the room.
"Mr. Paris, get the coordinates of the binary system from the doctor and set a course. There's no point in us being here when the Qavok return for vengeance."
"Aye, Captain," he said, smiling. He stood, indicating that Dr. Maalot should follow him back to the bridge.
Janeway waited until the two had left the room, then turned to face Tyla directly. "This means we will have no time to take you two back to your homeworld first. However, I promise to do so as soon as we are able to."
"Would it be possible for you to repair my ship and send me on my way?"
Janeway shook her head. "Based on the preliminary assessment of the damage to the yacht, it will take some time to get it back to warp capabilities. We'll do our best, but I'm afraid you're along for the ride at the moment."
Janeway also wanted her chief engineer to have the time to take that yacht apart, so that they would have a reliable appraisal of the Qavok technology in case there should be another armed confrontation with them. It never hurt to be prepared.
Tyla looked almost angry, her green eyes showing her defiance and strong will. "Can we at least attempt to contact my people?"
"Of course," Janeway said. "But I can't imagine them not knowing your leaders have been taken."
Tyla again looked uncomfortable. Janeway waited for a moment, then resigned herself to the fact that she wasn't about to get any more out of Tyla than she had gotten from Maalot. At least not yet.
"Thank you, Captain."