Harbinger by Theresa Beachman

Author:Theresa Beachman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Theresa Beachman

A short distance down a narrow corridor off the bridge, they took a set of stairs to Operations. Cade was waiting, a flexible keyboard snug in his hand. “Ship’s drifting?”

Nik nodded. “DPS is down.”

Cade huffed a breath. “Jesus.”

Regan cranked the door open. Operations was gloomy, the air dry and rubbery smelling, warmed by the hum of the ship’s vast machinery. He hustled down a narrow walkway suspended over the enormous engines that powered and lifted the diving bell, before stopping in front of an unobtrusive floor to ceiling cabinet. He inserted the key and opened the lock then yanked the doors wide to reveal floor-to-ceiling computer systems at least five feet wide.

Hairs on the back of Nik’s neck stiffened. Red lights blazed everywhere.

Holy crap.

Regan dragged a hand over his face, composing himself, his white eyebrows had almost disappeared under the brim of his hat.

Wires were torn from their moorings and scattered on the floor of the unit.

Cade dropped to his knees opening his laptop and immediately plugged it into the wall of computer systems.

Nik kneeled and picked up a wire. It had been snipped clean through. “I take it these should be plugged in somewhere?”

Cade’s mouth was set in a grim line. “Yes. I’ll need to bypass the disabled systems.”

“How long?”

Cade held up one finger, not taking his eyes off his laptop screen.

Nik faced Regan. “Any idea who would do this?”

An abrupt shake of the head. “My crew is not suicidal.”

Of course not. Nik scrubbed a hand across his face. First the quarantine barrier. Now this. Someone was working against them.

Cade got to his feet and gripped a red lever. “When I say now, you both turn the keys.” He indicated to Nik small silver slots for the keys. “After, I’ll kill the system. Five minutes for a reboot.”

Nik widened his stance. The roll of the ship was becoming more pronounced. “Luca, Finn, you copy that. Five minutes for a reboot. How are we doing?”

Luca’s voice was hoarse. “Not fucking good. Get a move on.”

Cade gripped the lever. “On my count. One, two, three, now.”

Nik and Regan turned the keys and Cade levered the handle down. The zoom of power that had thrummed through the ship since they arrived wavered then dropped. It lingered for two beats and then was gone, the ship’s heart silenced. Lights flickered and extinguished. Instantly, the raw strength of waves pounding the hull bombarded through Nik’s boots to the soles of his feet.

Cade bent over the laptop, his face a reflection of scrolling electric-blue numerals.

“This will work, won’t it?” Nik peered over his shoulder.

Cade hammered at the keyboard but didn’t look up, working faster than Nik could track. “I fucking hope so.” After interminable minutes he looked up and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “I think we’re good.”

He grasped the red lever once more, flexing his fingers around the grip. “On my count. Three, two, one.”

Cade nodded in their direction and Nik and Regan turned keys simultaneously. Nik held his breath. Hot blood thrummed in his ears.

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