Star Trek: Starfleet Academy #2: Aftershock by John Vornholt

Author:John Vornholt [Vornholt, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0-671-00079-9
Publisher: Minstrel Books
Published: 1996-08-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

The next day, everybody in the shuttlebay of the Nightingale looked grim, except McCoy. He had to hide a smile. Owing to ion storms on Playamar, it was decided not to use transporters except in life-or-death emergencies. That meant taking a shuttlecraft down to the surface, which was fine with McCoy.

Lisa stood in front of him and Spock behind him in the waiting room. Through the lone window, they could see the crew loading medical supplies, survival gear, and food into three shuttlecrafts. Gamma team—McCoy, Lisa, and Spock—were scheduled for departure on one of the tiny vessels.

“I’m a little scared,” whispered Lisa.

“You wouldn’t be normal if you weren’t,” answered McCoy. He glanced back at Spock.

“Under the circumstances,” said Spock, “caution is advisable.”

Captain Raelius burst into the waiting room and motioned to them. “Gamma team, you’re next. I’d like a word with you first. Despite the talent you three have, you’re the only team of all new members. So be careful down there. Don’t he heroes, just do your job.”

They answered at once, “Yes, sir.”

Captain Raelius gave them an encouraging smile. “You may be the first team to reach Sunshine Hamlet, but tell them that more will be along. Remember, first you distribute supplies and evacuate as many injured as you can. After that, you check out reports of people trapped.”

“Yes, sir,” answered McCoy.

“If your relief doesn’t come in twenty-four hours, check with me. In an emergency, Command Post Thirty-nine is the closest backup to you.”

She pressed a panel to open the door. “Shuttlecraft Mead is waiting. Happy hunting.”

McCoy led his team out, and they crossed the grooved landing surface to the Mead. When McCoy ducked through the hatch, he saw that it was a personal craft with seating for eight, normally. For this trip, every spare centimeter was piled with boxes, gear, and supplies. They could barely squeeze into their three seats.

The pilot and copilot looked back at them. One was a lizardlike Saurian with a purple beak; the other was a huge Andorian with blue skin and long antennae.

“Welcome aboard,” said the Saurian. “I’ve got the coordinates for Sunshine Hamlet. Does that sound like the right destination?”

McCoy fastened his safety belt. “That’s what we were told.”

“It’s on the main continent.” said the pilot. “where most of the trouble is. Hold on, we’re getting clearance. Bay doors are opening. Prepare for launch.”

A few seconds later. they streaked out of the shuttlebay so fast that McCoy was pinned back in his seat. After they gained some distance. he looked out the window to see the Nightingale for the first time. For a hospital ship. she was surprisingly sleek—with a single broad hull and twin nacelles. Miranda class, if he remembered correctly.

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