Aye, aye, Captain, Kitchens responded with delight. He then began to verify the statuses of the launchers and lasers as he had been instructed to do.
The ship turned to its port side with enough force to shove everyone on the bridge as well as on the rest of the ship to the starboard side, except Brown. She was leaning into the turn as she steered the space frigate. Crewmembers all over the ship next had to fight the force of the frigate pushing them towards the aft of the ship, which was below them, as she increased the engines output up to flank speed. Consequently, most of the crewmembers began to re-strap themselves into their chairs and standing harnesses.
What are the burn stats of the new test missile? Masterson asked to any or all of the bridge personnel.
It accelerates up to Alpha four-point-one-six past launch speed and has the maneuverability to make five 360-degree turns per second on its way to the target, Tolanov answered matter-of-factly.
That sounds fairly good. Sounds like they gave it an extra gear. How does that compare to the Abolisher missiles? Masterson queried the scientist without giving a thought to his technically incorrect comment.
The Abolisher accelerates up to Alpha three-point-eight-three past launch speed with enough maneuverability for up to two 360-degree turns per second to the target, Tolanov conveyed the requested information as it appeared in his helmets display.
Sir, I have located the target, Barrett interrupted the statistical lecture. According to its transponder signal it is the transport Golden Ash of the Starlet OHare Transport Corporation. Crud. SOTC is not going to like us blowing away one of their ships, Masterson commented aloud. How long before we reach optimal firing range, Kitchens?
Uh-um, Kitchens cleared his throat before replying. Based upon our acceleration and theirs, about thirteen and a half minutes, Captain, weapons coordinator responded.
Theyre sure to be able to slow down enough to bend out by then, Brown inserted.
Masterson, who agreed with the pilots assessment, turned on the ship-wide com-line. Prepare for booster ignition, he warned the crew and then flipped the ship-wide communication system back off. The few crewmembers that were not already strapped in then did so.
Brown, I want to booster in until we reach twenty kilometers to the targets aft. Then keep us at least ten kilometers away from the Golden Ash at all times, he commanded.
Yes, sir, she acknowledged the order.
He then flipped on the outgoing channel to Harrisburg Station, Come in Harrisburg. This is the Indestructible.
Several seconds later, Rugars Potorian face was on his screen, Thish ish Harrishburg. Howsh sha chashe?
Fine. I need confirmation of the order to destroy the SOTC transport Golden Ash, Masterson quickly responded.
Holj a minushe, Rugar acted as promptly as the slight time delay permitted having noticed the urgency in Mastersons voice. Several seconds later, Vice President Wilcoxs face pushed its way onto the screen.
You have my authority to destroy it at all costs. Immediately, Captain Masterson, the vice president demanded. Wilcox looked very angry now, so Masterson did not wish to remind him of the fact that the transport was owned by HITs good business partner SOTC and not by HIT.
Very well, sir. He then switched off the transmission. If thats what they want, then thats what they get. This saboteur must have done a very good job. I wonder if he planned for the Indestructible?
All sections report they are ready for booster ignition, sir, Barrett informed the captain.
Whether the saboteur has planned for us or not, here we go, Masterson mumbled to himself.
Fire boosters, Brown, he then ordered the young pilot.
The Indestructible lurched forward with tremendous force. The space frigate held that intensity for a long twenty-four seconds. Several crewmembers passed out or allowed breakfast to find its way out by the same path from which it had gone down as the ship shook violently. Barrett became one of the unconscious few in the space frigates crew and the only one on the bridge. Shortly, the boosters cut out and Brown began maneuvering the ship hard to starboard to try to keep the ten-kilometer minimal distance between the Indestructible and the Golden Ash that Masterson had asked of her.
Lock on and fire launcher one, Kitchens, Masterson squirreled out of his mouth as he fought back his morning pastries.
What, sir? Kitchens did not comprehend all of the command.
I said lock on and fire number one launcher! Masterson yelled at the weapons coordinator without turning to face him.
Kitchens fidgeted with his controls for a second and proclaimed, Im having problems with the lock, sir.
Well, hurry up before they get away, Masterson did not have anything very constructive to say at the moment.
Tolanovwho was in a standing harnesspiped up, Captain. Some of the sensors including fire control instruments were pushed out of alignment by the booster ignition, he reported. When he noticed that Barrett had gone unconscious, Tolanov had moved primary sensor control over to his station. Normally, Collins occupied the co-senspec station during this shift, but with the testing, Tolanov had again commandeered it to oversee and analyze the M19822 missile testing.
Crud, was all Masterson could say in reaction to the situation. He figured he would lose the target any second now as he saw the Golden Ash slowing drastically in preparation to activate its bend drive.
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