• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

The ensign responded, and Duffy imagined he could feel the ship rotating as it pivoted on its axis. On the viewscreen, he saw the Tholian battle group hurtling past the point where the da Vinci had been an instant before. Then the image shifted as the ship reoriented itself, and instead of sitting in the path of the menacing energy net, Duffy now had his best shot at the Tholian ships as they overshot their mark.

“Fire!”

Phasers blasted from the da Vinci, catching a Tholian ship square in its propulsion unit. A second ship took a fresh blast from the Defiant, and the energy web sparked once before fading entirely from view.

“That’s it, Duff,” Stevens called out from the science station. “The formation is scattering and the web has deteriorated completely. It looks like the Tholians are retreating.”

Duffy rose from the command chair, his expression one of unmasked pride. They had done it! “Looks like it’s all over except for the bragging. Nice work, people. Open a channel to the Defiant, and let’s see about—”

“Commander,” McAllan said, “one of the Tholian ships has lost all power. It’s heading directly for the rift.” Turning his attention back to the viewer, Duffy saw the lone enemy vessel spinning without control toward the dark area and the chaotic area of space behind it.

“Helm, intercept course,” he ordered. “Mr. McAllan, ready the tractor beam. Lock onto that ship.”

At her station, Corsi made no effort to disguise the shock in her voice. “Commander?”

His attention focused on the viewscreen, Duffy ignored her as the tractor beam enveloped the Tholian ship, instantly stopping its tumbling descent into the rift.

“Got her, Commander,” McAllan reported.

“Pull them out of there, McAllan, nice and slow.” Looking over at Corsi, Duffy added, “And let’s hope somebody’s paying attention.”

Corsi nodded in agreement, the corners of her mouth turning upward as she realized what Duffy was after. No matter what action the Tholians might take against the two Federation ships, it didn’t justify consigning the disabled Tholian ship to the unpleasant fate awaiting them in the depths of interphase.

McAllan looked up from his tactical console. “We’re clear of the rift, sir. We can release her without danger.”

Shaking his head, Duffy instead asked, “What’s the status of the other Tholian ships?”

“The undamaged ships are moving to assist the others,” McAllan replied. “They have broken off their attack.”

“Well, then let’s extend an olive branch,” Duffy said. “Angle the tractor beam to send that ship in their direction. Helm, lay in a course that will back us away from the Tholians and toward the Defiant.” Taking one last look at the viewscreen, he added, “And Mr. McAllan, deactivate all weapons.”

“What?” The single word exploded from Corsi’s mouth, but she must have realized her grievous lapse in protocol because she drew a deep breath before continuing. “Commander, that may not be our best course of action right now.”

Duffy nodded. “I understand your concerns, but somebody has to take a chance here.” On the viewer, he watched as the Tholian ship they had rescued, still guided by the da Vinci’s tractor beam, moved toward its companion vessels. After a moment the beam faded, leaving the damaged ship to move forward under its own momentum.

“One of the other ships is moving toward it, Commander,” McAllan said. “No sign of a regroup for another attack.”

At the communications console, Abramowitz turned in her seat. “Mr. Duffy, we are being hailed by Commander Nostrene.”

Still wary that the Tholian ships might attempt to resume their offensive, Duffy nevertheless knew that he was obligated to pursue a peaceful resolution here. He’d already initiated such an attempt by rescuing the drifting Tholian ship. He wondered now what that action had purchased for them.

“On screen, Carol. Let’s see what the commander has to say.”

The now-familiar image of the Tholian leader appeared on the viewer, the reddish hue of his crystalline body dominating the roiling spectrum of color that filled the picture.

“Federation