Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [48]
She stopped abruptly when the forward viewer suddenly winked back to life, displaying an aft view. Looming against the star-bejeweled blackness of deep space, the Klingon battle cruiser was still closing in inexorably on the Horizon s retreating stern.
“Good work, Paul said, thankful for whatever small miracles might appear.
“I didnt do it, Nora said, sounding flummoxed. “I still havent figured out why the hell the lights went out in the first place.
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 they wanted us to see whatevers going to happen next.
“Charlie, he said aloud as renewed determination and plain, old-fashioned anger stiffened his spine. The Horizon was 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 arrenhehwiua telecapture weapon had worked somewhat less than flawlessly during its initial outings, Commander TVoras recalled; still, it had enabled the capture of the klivam cruiser 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 klivam hail.
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 the klivam 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