Dark Constellation by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Several more explosions tremored the hull of the ship within the next few seconds, and then silence returned, and Madison quickly checked with damage control. No damage had been sustained, and Madison knew that at the speed they were travelling, the explosions were caused by detonations taking place almost in another time era. It was obvious that the Deorcans would have prepared static devices to trap any approaching alien ship, and with their skill and advanced technology they would allow for such speeds as Madison’s ship was capable of.

Laban came through on the communicator, and the Chief Engineer reported that there was no exterior damage to the ship.

“I increased the power to the deflector shields, Captain,” Laban said. “I think we can take care of anything the Deorcans throw at us while we’re travelling at this speed. But what will happen when we move into a parking orbit about Deorca is another matter.”

“With main dive cut you’ll be able to divert much more power to our defences,” Madison said instantly.

“That’s true, but we have been losing ships to the aliens, and they’ve been every bit as powerful as us. I can’t give you any guarantee of safety, Captain.”

“I’m not asking for guarantees, Jonas,” Madison retorted. “I think we all know the risks that are entailed in this mission.”

“Have you given any thought to using missiles to devastate the surface of the planet before moving in to plant the big bomb?” Laban demanded.

“We’ll be holding another conference to decide tactics,” Madison replied. “You can raise that point then, Jonas.”

The Chief Engineer chuckled and cut the line, and Madison shook his head slowly as he realised that his subconscious mind was not giving him any peace. Deep down inside he was mentally wrestling with the problems as he saw them, and it did not seem that he was making any progress.

There were other explosions around the ship as they sped on through dark space, and Madison half expected that each incident would prove to be the final one. But they weathered the trouble and sped on. He was satisfied that no alien ships were involved, but he supposed that any explosion in static defensive positions would record itself on Deorcan registers somewhere. The aliens would be aware that a hostile ship was approaching their planet.

Madison checked their course, and summoned Professor Hadleigh to recheck their position and course. The professor was satisfied that they were following the right procedure, and Madison was content to rely upon his chief scientist.

“My readings of the constellation are getting better all the time, Captain,” Hadleigh admitted. “I think we are going to run right in there and do what is necessary. We are moving in along a tremendous curve, and these explosions we are passing through must either be remotely controlled or arranged to be triggered off by our speeding mass. I should think that we are fairly safe from detection. If our mass and speed are responsible for the explosions, then any cosmic body

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