==== USS Gott, Bridge ==== Susan was astonished. It was a very risky Idea indeed, to leave a crewman on the chimera even if he was from the future. There was every chance that he would not return to his own timeline, but simply die in the explosion. The was also the possibility that he could be transported further back in time, which would have catastrophic consequences. {Although he my find the experience enjoyable, he could stand on the grassy noel in Dallas and shout ‘Duck!’} Susan almost laughed, but she managed to keep her composer. Commander Guzman turned to Susan, “Cadet. Inform the Lieutenant we are releasing the ship.” It may have been risky but it was the safest option, “Aye Sir,” replied Susan uneasily. +Taps+ Lieutenant Stephens, we about to release to the chimera.” +Taps+ +Taps+ Understood, see you soon. +Taps+ The Gott started its approach on the XO’s Command. Susan looked at her monitor, she had to release the chimera at the correct moment. Too soon and the chimera would have to far to travel under her own damaged engines, too late and it would be very difficult for the lieutenant to make and course adjustments when he entered the atmosphere. “Releasing tractor beam in 3….2….1….” Susan hit the tractor release, “Chimera away.” Soon the chimera was on the main view screen at the request of the General, the bridge crew watched mainly in silence. The Chimera was battered a beaten, {I hope it survives re-entry,} if it did not they would be back to square one but only with one less ship and one less officer. Within moments the Gott was ‘limping’ away from the planet at warp three, a dismal pace compared to when Susan had first joined the crew of the Gott several months ago, how much had changed, {the Crew are dead for a start,} again Susan almost started laughing, in fact she had to bite her lip to stop herself. It was strange, anytime she thought of any of the crew she could not help but laugh, every since she had seen the mess after, the explosion in the ‘last stand’ against the X’chi. “Detonation in twenty seconds.” Susan watched the crippled ship from her monitor enter the atmosphere of the planet. “5….4….3….2….1…” The chimera exploded on queue, a flash lit up the planet like some strange festive decoration. The on duty science officer spoke up first, ““The planet seems completely destroyed!” The science officer called out again, “Sir. I am reading a Shock wave heading for us, fast.” Susan looked at it on her monitor, it was a shock wave alright… it was one hell of a big shock wave. The General stood up and turned to Susan, “Can we outrun it?” Once, not so long ago the Gott would have been able to out run it, but in the ships current condition… no chance. “No sir, it is traveling too fast.” Pointing at Susan the General Commanded, “Yellow alert! Brace for collision!” Susan’s hands shot across the consol, raising the shields. +Taps+ All hands, brace for Collision! This is not a drill! Repeat, all Hands…. +Taps+ = = = = 12 minutes later = = = = “Sir! A federation beacon! I found a federation Beacon!” Called out the science officer. After prompting the science officer continued, “Sir if my calculations are correct we are 4 hours and 30 minutes after the chimera first spotted the Gott.” The General Looked over to Susan, “Any idea where we are.” Susan tapped on the consol, within moment the computer chartered what stars and recognisable space features were around them. “Sir. We appear to be on the outer edge of the marsh, only 30 light years from the taurus dark cloud.” “Mister Harker. Get us out of the marsh as quickly as possible. Then once out set a course to Starbase 485 near Gama Tauri, best possible speed.” “Well it certainly has been an eventful Cadet cruise,” said Susan thinking out aloud. ===== End Log ===== Cadet Susan C’el Assistant Tactical Officer USS Gott, (Soon to be Chimera-A???) _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/