Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [49]
But he was no less determined to get his crewhis family out 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 siure of 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 still gathering delta vee, Charlie said. “Warp three point two and steadily climbing. Didnt think this tub could go this 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 Horizon had 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 Horizon was 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.
And now she would die beside him.
He suppressed a morbid laugh as he drew some comfort from a final absurd thought: At least I wont have to fess up to her about giving away that damned book.
NINE
Day Thirty-one, Month of KriBrax The Hall of State, Dartha, Romulus
A DMIRAL V ALDORE FROWNED , his face creasing sharply.
“What do you mean, you believe that it was destroyed? he asked, displeasure fairly dripping from his lips as he spoke.
The holographic image of Commander TVoras didnt blink, though Nijil did note that he cast a sidelong glancepresumably at some unlucky