Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [11]
On the screen, one of the ships, now engulfed by one of the fiery tendrils, exploded into a brilliant starburst. All on the Enterprise bridge fell silent as the starburst dimmed and dissolved into hurtling shards of debris.
How many people were on that ship? Chekov asked, aghast; it was not his place to speak out, to put such a pointed question, which should have belonged to the ships captain. But in the horror of the moment, no one seemed to care or noticecertainly not Harriman, who stared, eyes wide and lips parted, at the screen.
Two hundred sixty-five, Demora said softly.
Two pairs of shoulders sagged ever so faintly under the weight of that answerone pair belonging to Harriman, the other to Kirk.
The devil with politeness, Kirk told himself. Two hundred sixty-five … I know the hell he is going through, but I cant sit by and watch it happen again. If he doesnt ask, by God, Ill tell him …
Demora spoke again, her tone more urgent. The Lakuls hull integrity is down to twelve percent, sir.
Harriman swiveled slowly and met Kirks anxious gaze. Uncertainty flickered over the younger captains face. Kirk understood; Harriman did not wish to seem incapable in front of his crewand the now very silent reporters. But here was experienced help, and there were another two hundred-odd lives at stake …
Captain Kirk, Harriman said, with admirable dignity and humility, I would appreciate any suggestions you might have.
The words triggered an amazing reaction within Kirk. It was the same sensation he had had in the dream the night before: free fall, the way he had felt in Yosemite, falling from E1 Capitan, the way he had felt orbital skydiving only the day before. Yet this time he experienced the intense exhilaration he had sought in those adventures, and never foundbecause this time, he was making a difference.
He shot out of his chair like a cork from a champagne bottle, and was beside Harriman in less than a second, with a look that he hoped conveyed his gratitude and respect.
First, he said, in a voice so low only the younger captain could hear, move us within transporter range and beam those people to the Enterprise.
Harriman gazed up at him with unmasked surprise. But what about the gravimetric distortions? Theyll tear us apart.
Kirk put a hand on his shoulder and said, very softly and without reproach, Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair.
Harriman wavered only for an instantthen squared his shoulders and turned grimly toward the image on the screen. Helm, he ordered, close to within transporter range.
Kirk squinted at the sudden glare, and glanced up to see the cameraman moving in on the command chair for a close-up. And second, he snapped, making sure his voice carried over the entire bridge, turn that damned thing off.
The cameraman hesitated only for an instant; the scowls on the two captains faces apparently convinced him. He turned the camera off and joined the other silent reporters.
The Enterprise eased forward; on the viewscreen, the streak of deadly energy loomed closer, closer … until, unexpectedly, it lashed out at the Enterprise, barely missing it. Kirk let out a mental sigh and directed silent thanks to Sulu for passing on his skill at the helm.
Were within range, sir, Demora said.
Harriman kept his pale eyes focused on the screen.
Beam them directly to sickbay.
Directly? Kirk almost saidintraship beaming was risky business, at bestbut before he could utter a sound, Harriman glanced up at him, apparently reading his thoughts; had the situation not been so critical, he might have smiled.
Its all right, Captain. As I said, the new ships got some amazing new capabilities.
Brow furrowed with concern, Chekov stepped forward and bent beside Harrimans chair. Sir. How big is your medical staff?.
Harrimans momentary flicker of pride turned to embarrassment. The medical staff doesnt arrive until Tuesday.
Chekov wasted no time in questioning it; he rose and pointed at two reporters watching nearby. You and you. Youve just become nurses. Lets go.