The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 20
"Computer, did the Giloppen change course to intercept the Beta ?"
The answer was no. The three Giloppen scout ships just stayed on course to the station. At warp three they would arive at DS2 in two days. So if the major could get home before that, the crew could get ready. Altough the Giloppen sensors must have detected the runabout, they did not make any attempt to go in pursuit. Further more they seem not to have noticed that they had been scanned. As runabout Beta was speeding to DS2 with warp 9.75, the major started to study the sensor logs. There had to be more information about those scout ships in the logs. Interesting design, some kind of plasma weapon, nice shields too. But this would take a few weeks for our engineers to figure out.
"Red Alert !"
"Computer, how can we have a red alert on a runabout with only one person aboard. This is not a starship.", the major was really getting anoyed with computers taking over all of the systems.
"The Giloppen have changed course and are now in pursuit. All three scout ships have increased their speed to overtake the Beta in on hour, sixteen minutes."
Good heavens ! Major Jan increased to maximum warp: 9.85. It was no use. The Giloppen increased speed even more and were now at his tail to catch up with him in fifty two minutes. That was not enough time to get the runabout to DS2, but it was time enough to get himself into DS2 sensor range. If he could send a move code message, at least the station would be warned and the commander could get ready to beat the ...
"Warning structural integrity will be failing in one hour and thirty minutes."
Well ... That would not exactly matter. This runabout was not going to live that long anyway. At least when those Giloppen had their way. But what was their way ? Maybe he should talk to them. Couldn't hurt. If they had something like cutting him to bits in mind, it wouldn't matter. As Jan opened a channel to hail the Giloppen, there was no answer. Nobody home, right. All Jan could say was that he tried. As he rerouted all power to propulsion, standard procedure. Warp 9.89. That was all.
"Warning structural integrity will be failing in one hour and fifteen minutes."
"Computer cancel all warnings about structural integrity until further notice."
As the major programmed the maneuvers, which would make it clear that the enemy was close by, he also looked at the sensor logs again. Maybe he could add a code about the weapons of the scout ships. Apperantly these ships had only one plasma emitter, which could fire only ones in twelve seconds. As he computed his shield capacity to compaire with these weapons, there was only one shot needed to blow his runabout to eternity. Not really a nice prospect. Only a miracle would do the trick. Ten minutes to the DS2 sensor range. Thirty five minutes before the Giloppen would catch up with him. The Major had decided that as soon as he had finished the code moves, he would wait for the Giloppen to hold them up a bit. If he would go down, it would be with style. Memories popped up.
When they all are gone
And only few are left
There is nothing left to fight for
But the battle will be won
Hey ! He knew that song. That was commander Arthur's favorite song. But how...
"Computer, Mark."
"Maneuvers initiated."
That was it. The movements of the runabout followed a certain pattern, which actually formed a message. There was nothing more he could do. Up to DS2. Getting as close as possible. The major had about twenty five minutes. The station would be in the runabout's sensor range by that time. Just enough to have a last look at DS2...