The Devil's Heart - Carmen Carter [91]
“Evasive maneuvers,” ordered Picard.
The Enterprise responded with quicksilver movements under the helm’s control, yet the Romulan pilot was equally adept. The two ships twirled through space, paired like dancers who never pulled too far apart.
Warbirds were not known for their grace, but this ship was different, realized Riker, and the difference could be deadly.
“Deflector power down to fifty-seven percent,” called out Ensign Taylor from the aft deck.
Again and again, Riker was tossed and shaken as the Romulan phasers pounded against the starship’s shields. Worf scored as many hits on the warbird, but only a scattered few actually touched the warbird’s hull.
“Minor damage to their starboard wing,” said the Klingon.
However, his announcement was quickly followed by another damage report from the ensign.
“Shield failure imminent in Engineering, Sector 52.”
“Auxiliary power supplies are almost depleted.” Geordi’s intercom voice barely cut through the battle’s thunder. “We can’t increase shield strength without compromising life support.”
“Shields gone on Primary Hull, Sector 36.”
As the damage reports flooded in from all decks, Riker saw a pattern emerge. The ship was being attacked in noncritical areas where the deflector shielding was most vulnerable to strong blows.
“What are they doing?” cried Riker. “Taking us apart bolt by bolt?”
“They’re trying to cripple us,” said Picard, “so they can recover the Heart intact.”
The Enterprise was rocked by yet another hit. Worf’s counter charge hit the attacker broadside, but its main shields were still holding.
Although warbirds were the most formidable vessels of their class, built solely for combat, the Enterprise should have proved to be a strong opponent. However, this particular Romulan ship was tougher than most.
“Hull breach on Deck 38!”
“Shield failure imminent in Engineering, Sector 59.”
“We could use a miracle right about now,” said Riker through gritted teeth.
“If we cannot win this battle,” said Picard, “then we must lose it completely; the Romulans must never be allowed to gain possession of the Heart.” Drawing a deep breath, he said, “Number One, prepare for initiation of a self-destruct—” “Captain,” called out Data. “Sensors detect a gap in their deflectors … a forward shield has collapsed.”
Riker jumped to his feet. “Worf! Aim for that—” But the Klingon needed no urging. With the swift instincts of a born warrior, he had already seized the advantage.
A single arrow of phaser fire flew straight through the chink in the Romulan ship’s defenses and drilled a white hot hole through its hull to the center of the warp drive engines.
“Got them!” exclaimed the security chief with an intimidating display of pointed teeth.
The warbird shuddered, then bucked, as a chain reaction of internal explosions ripped through the length of its frame. A spidery web of cracks radiated across its hull and licking flames laced with roiling black smoke streamed from the breaches.
“You were saying, Captain?” asked Riker.
“I can’t recall.” Picard rose to stand beside his first officer. As they stared at the ruined carcass of their defeated enemy, he said, “You’re the one who asked for a miracle, Number One.”
“I’ll just have to remember to ask sooner, next time.” And yet Riker couldn’t help wondering if any of the dead soldiers that once walked the decks of the warbird had also prayed, in vain, for a miracle.
CHAPTER 25
Beverly Crusher was the last of the senior officers to slip into place around the conference table but the first to be fixed with Picard’s intense questioning gaze.
“Doctor?”
Although she had brought a medical padd with her, the report it contained was still fresh in her mind.
She recited the statistics to a somber audience.
“Reports of minor injuries are still filtering in from all decks, but the current count of notable casualties is thirty-five. Intensive care has two crewmen who are in critical condition and another five in serious condition; twelve