Forbidden Outpost by Tony Rubolotta

Author:Tony Rubolotta
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0
Publisher: DSC Adventures
Published: 2016-04-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18 You Can't Get There From Here

“Core power at 100 percent.” said Randall. “Life support optimal, gravity at one point zero, auto gravity is engaged.”

“Propulsion driver is coupled, powered and ready sir,” barked Clary from the astro-navigation station, “orbital course is plotted and laid in.”

“Mr. Wallace, sound lift-off alarm.” Adams ordered and was answered by a distinctive klaxon signal of double pulses and double rests. “Crewman Clary, take us into orbit and prepare for evasive manuevers.”

The hum of the propulsion driver increased in volume and frequency as the unit powered up and the ship began to lift from launch pad 8. The challenge from Barnard's Space Port was expected any second now. “Cruiser C-57-D, you are not cleared for take-off. Power down immediately and return to launch pad 8.”

“Elevation and ascent rate?” asked Adams.

“Five meters at zero point 5 meters per second skipper.” came back the response from Wallace.

“Cruiser C-57-D, return to launch pad immediately or we will be forced to fire on you!” came the familiar voice of Ensign Otomi.

“Crewman Clary, full reverse, bank to starboard and commence evasive maneuvers.” Adams ordered.

The cruiser came within a few meters of striking CO-12-G Comstock as the glide path turned sharply to the right and the cruiser banked. Clary straightened the path once the Comstock was between the ship and the space port blaster batteries. The maneuver had been practiced in the computer simulator until Clary could pull it off in his sleep. The ship's rate of ascent decreased as the reverse speed increased. The Comstock, which filled the main view plate, was shrinking rapidly as the ship accelerated away.

“Range to Comstock Mr. Randall?” the commander asked.

Randall replied in precisely timed intervals “Five miles on my mark sir at minus five, four, three, two, one, mark.”

“Get us into orbit Crewman Clary.” came the order from Adams. The rearward motion of the ship reduced drastically as the ascent rate jumped and the ship moved sharply in the vertical direction. From the main view plate, a stream of blaster bolts could be seen in the distance bearing down on the ship, but they would miss by hundreds of meters as the ship streaked toward orbit and outside of blaster range.

The cruiser was soon in geo-synchronous orbit and in communication with Robby on the ground at the Krell outpost. Adams asked for a direct link with Robby and then verified the Krell distress signal had remain unchanged. On cue, Robby gave the Krell language response to the distress signal, and then repeated the response in English. The signal from Robby would be directed to the cruiser and re-transmitted to give the appearance the signal originated from the cruiser.

“Mr. Randall, put the English translation on ships speaker.” said Adams as the com-link indicator signaled the incoming transmission.

“This is Garon space cruiser C-57-D, Commander Julius Martin commanding. Our diplomatic status is emissary ex-officio to the Krell outpost on this moon's surface. Ambassador J. J. Adams heads the delegation to suppress and retrieve Garon violators of the accords for colonial settlements.

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