Far From Home: The Complete Second Series (Far From Home 13-15) by Tony Healey

Author:Tony Healey [Healey, Tony]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fringe Scientist Books
Published: 2014-05-05T07:00:00+00:00

22.

The image of the Defiant flickered momentarily, then disappeared on the holodisplay. Yet there could be no mistaking their present location.

"Gelvin, take us closer toward the comet's nucleus," Cessqa ordered.

Risa arrived on the command deck. "I thought I might be of help up here. The drones are doing all they can. We have limited energy shielding, which I've assigned to the front of the ship."

"A good plan," Cessqa said. She eyed the giant blade at Risa's hip. "And you have come prepared."

Risa nodded slowly, her hand falling to the hilt of the weapon. "I thought it prudent, considering we are nearing the end of this matter."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean to say that, given your tactics, you mean to either completely destroy them or cripple them so they have no choice but to surrender," Risa posited.

"Perhaps I mean to take them by force."

"And not offer a chance at surrender?" Risa asked, her face lit with amusement.

"Only the weak surrender, Risa. I do not think this Captain King will ever succumb to my demands. She is surprisingly resilient. No, she will have to die first. Then her crew," Cessqa said. "One by one."

*

Banks took the Defiant ahead of the comet, using every ounce of available energy to pump extra thrust from the engines. He ran a hand over his face, dried his palms on his trousers, then set to pivoting the Defiant about.

Jessica didn't need to tell him he would only have seconds to perform the manoeuvre before the comet caught up with them, smashing them to smithereens.

"Okay . . ." he said, not entirely full of optimism.

Damn him, Jessica thought.

They all watched the viewscreen, collectively holding their breaths as the Defiant lurched to the right. Banks threw the engines into full reverse, to give himself additional seconds to complete the turn. There before them, the comet rushed to meet the Defiant and directly ahead lay the hole that gave the ball of ice its donut appearance.

Lieutenant Banks accelerated again. They closed in on the hole, the sides rushing past at incredible speed.

"Activating external illumination," Chang said.

Search lights along the Defiant's exteriour came to life, showing the sides of the tunnel in stark relief. Lieutenant Banks made minor adjustments to their course as they barrelled through it.

A sharp outcropping appeared ahead of them, but the helmsman reacted quickly, yawing the Defiant to avoid it. There was clearance of less than two metres, but they made it past.

"That was too close," Greene said.

Light showed at the end of the tunnel and the Defiant was soon racing to meet it, leaving the insides of the comet behind.

*

The image of the ship flashed rapidly, seemingly out of nowhere. Cessqa barely registered that it was headed straight for them. Gelvin, luckily for her, did. He attempted to steer away, though it was futile.

How did they get around that thing so fast? Cessqa asked herself. It's impossible.

"We can lock weapons," Risa said next to her. "We should take the opportunity."

"Do it," Cessqa said coolly.

"Locked. Shall I fire on them?"

"Yes.

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