String Theory_ Fusion (Book 2) - Kirsten Beyer [23]
As soon as the words “Caretaker” and “exploded” had fallen from the Doctor’s lips, Chakotay’s mind began to automatically render and prioritize possible scenarios that could account for such a thing. As usual, the captain and B’Elanna were also immediately in the hunt. The moment their eyes locked they began to speak in the fragments and clipped sentences that Chakotay had grown accustomed to between these two women whose passion for science was surpassed only by the apparent effortlessness with which they dug their teeth into a complex problem.
“B’Elanna…” Janeway began.
“I’m checking the sensor logs now,” B’Elanna said. After a brief pause, she went on, “The explosion was the result of an internal change in the resonance of the molecular structure of the Caretaker’s remains. The last time we saw something similar to this, the vibrations were created when subspace dissonance waves impacted the molecular bonds, temporarily destabilizing them. We were able to calculate the intensity of the wave force to guide us to the Caretaker’s mate. But even when Suspiria was on board Voyager the vibrations weren’t sufficient to completely break down those bonds.”
The captain studied the display of Voyager’s sensor grid as she added, “None of our sensors are detecting any subspace dissonance waves now.”
“Could the gravimetric interference generated by the singularity be impacting subspace?” B’Elanna posited.
“It’s possible, but you would think whoever designed the stabilization field around the array would have compensated for that,” Janeway replied. “How else would they maintain structural integrity?”
“Maybe they did,” B’Elanna continued, “but only in a highly localized area. The stabilization field surrounding the construct must be strong enough to dampen the intensity of the force generated by the singularity, but only in its immediate vicinity.”
“So at this distance, both space and subspace might be affected, but our sensors wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the effects on each of them,” the captain finished.
There was a brief pause as Chakotay worked diligently to wrap his brain around the nuances of the discussion. As usual, however, Seven was way ahead of him and did not hesitate to join the conversation.
“What you are suggesting could also account for the irregular collapse of the white dwarf,” she said.
Janeway immediately picked up the thread.
“She’s right. Since we didn’t consider any excess gravitational flux in our calculations, we weren’t prepared to see the formation of the microsingularity. The white dwarf acted as a natural barrier between our sensors and this array.”
“It would also explain why the microsingularity is growing at an unexpected rate,” Seven added.
“What?” B’Elanna and Janeway snapped in unison.
“The microsingularity has grown to approximately one hundred times its original size in the last twelve hours,” Seven replied serenely.
Chakotay studied the readouts that Seven had pulled up on her display screen. “It should have taken at least two hundred years for it to reach its current size, and it is continuing to expand at an accelerated rate,” he said tensely. “Captain…”
“I know,” Janeway said wearily. “For the time being, Monorha is safe, but if it continues to expand at the rate we’re seeing that will change in a matter of months.”
“Oh, Captain…” the Doctor interjected.
“I’m on my way, Doctor,” B’Elanna said, receiving a slight nod of approval from the captain. “I want to analyze the debris and confirm our hypothesis.”
“Captain…” Chakotay began.
But before he could continue, the ship buckled beneath their feet. Everyone quickly placed a secure hand on whatever was closest and firmly attached to the deck to avoid landing on the floor.
Naomi sat up straight in her chair as Neelix placed the grilled cheese sandwich garnished with two slices of pickled leola root in front of her.
“And what would you like to drink, my dear?” Neelix asked warmly.
“May I please have a cup of coffee?” she asked.
The faint brown spots that covered her Talaxian