Dark Echoes - Part 17

Getting anywhere near that monster was going to be harder than Aaen thought, watching the tactical highlight outlining the mother ship's hull rapidly fill the viewscreen. The ship started to shake like a 5.0 earthquake. The crew braced for stability as Odyssey drew nearer its destination. 

“What's causing that?” Aaen asked, leaning into his chair.

Jones did a scan, trying to find an explanation. “As best as I can figure, the power output over there is almost equivalent to the energy output of Earth’s sun!” She shouted over the turbulence, pointing at the viewscreen, “That ship is independently mobile because it’s cruising engines appear to be based on an electromagnetically-based propulsion system. The EM field is so massive and so intense that it distorts the space around it within a thousand kilometers! They must have to selectively power down different grid areas to enable ships to dock with it!”

“Hull integrity’s holding! But I wouldn’t recommend getting much closer! Hull pressure’s increasing rapidly!” Connors said.

“As soon as we are in range, phase us over there!” Aaen commanded.

“I think I can get you halfway between their bridge and what looks like a power subjunction!” Connors said, entering the commands and instructions into her computer.

“Away team: on me!” Aaen commanded, walking to the phase pad. The away team stood in formation. Aaen drew his particle sidearm as the hull shuddered.

“Five hundred kilometers!” Jones declared. “It’s now, or never!”

“Roger that!” Connors responded. “Away team: phase in progress!”

In seconds, the away team disappeared from Odyssey.

Smith looked at Connors amid another hull shudder.

Connors nodded, “Phase complete!”

“I’m working with the Valiant’s crew to help them get their ship operational. The Valiant’s powering up as we speak. In theory. .that ship can be operational within the hour, but we aren’t certain about its tactical or strategic capabilities, Commander!” Jorgensen declared.

Great. Smith thought, glaring at the mother ship in the viewscreen and thought, Let’s hope this works. If not. .we’re gonna need all the help we can get. We might need all the help we can get, anyway. 

*****

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