Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [10]
Harriman turned toward the helm. Can you locate them?
Almost before the question was out of Harrimans mouth, Demora responded calmly, The ships are bearing at three one zero mark two one five. Distance: three light-years.
Signal the nearest starship, Harriman ordered. Were in no condition to mount a rescue. We dont even have a full crew aboard.
The navigator checked his console and half turned toward his captain. Were the only one in range, sir.
Harriman let go a small, perplexed sigh just as the camera light was turned on him. Another second passed, leaving Kirk fidgeting on the edge of his seat, drumming his fingers on his thighs, ready to rise and commandeer the vessel if the younger captain did not take swift action. At last, Harriman drew in a breath and straightened his tunic.
Well, then … I guess its up to us. He swiveled toward Demora. Helm, lay in an intercept course and engage at maximum warp.
Kirk released a silent sigh, then tensed, startled as Scott leaned in toward him and said softly, with a glint of amusement in his eye, Something wrong with your chair, Captain?
Kirk shot him a sour look as the Enterprise leapt into warp.
Within a minute, Demora glanced up from her console. Were within visual range of the energy distortion, Captain.
On screen, Harriman said.
All eyes focused on the main viewscreen, which revealed a bizarre sight: stars and space dissected by a writhing, crackling lash of pure energy, hot white shot with streaks of violet, blue, gold. To Kirk, it seemed alive, angry.
What the hell is that? Chekov whispered.
Ive found the transport ships, Demora reported. The view shifted slightly to reveal two buffeted transport vessels, trapped like struggling insects in a violent, pulsing spider web. Their hulls are starting to buckle under the stress. They wont survive much longer.
She hung on to her console as the Enterprise-B suddenly lurched, throwing Kirk against Chekov.
Were encountering severe gravimetric distortions from the energy ribbon, the navigator said.
Clutching the arms of his chair, Harriman ordered, Well have to keep our distance. We dont want to get pulled in, too. He frowned at the screen, clearly pondering his next move.
To Kirk, the solution seemed obvious; he gave Harriman another two seconds, then blurted out, Tractor beam …
Scott immediately directed a well-aimed elbow at his former captains rib. Kirk fell silent at once; he knew that this was Harrimans ship, not his. Yet the situation was quickly growing desperate …
Harriman glanced over his shoulder with a glum expression that was free from annoyance. Either he was too gracious to register the insult, or was genuinely grateful for any help. We dont have a tractor beam.
Kirk made no effort to hide his indignant reaction.
You left spacedock without a tractor beam?
It wont be installed until Tuesday, Harriman replied matter-of-factly. He turned back toward the helm. Ensign Sulutry generating a subspace field around the ships. That might break them free.
Aye, sir. Demora bent over her console.
No, Kirk wanted to say, but before he had a chance for another outburst, Demora shook her head and glanced up. Theres too much quantum interference, Captain.
Once again, Harriman squinted at the lashing streaks of energy on the viewscreen and frowned. Kirk had nothing but sympathy for the young captain, whose first day in command was turning into something of a nightmare on a ship that was undermanned and ill prepared. But if Harriman failed to come up with another plan, sympathy or not
What about venting plasma from the warp nacelles? Harriman asked no one in particular. That might disrupt the ribbons hold on the ships.
Aye, sir, the navigator replied. Releasing drive plasma …
Harriman visibly held his breath for a moment, then glanced back at Kirk, who gave him a pained, encouraging smile.
Its not having any effect, sir, the navigator said. I think
Sir! Demora cried. The