Chapter 14. Task Force CXM-25, Aboard StarFleet ship the Tucana, 0.41 Jero Time.
"Emergency astern," said Subcommander Jurusha Sanas.
The emergency telegraph sound pierced the skybridge of the Tucana. The ghost ship continued in its path toward the Tucana.
"Captain Jem, we're not detecting any readings. Should I cancel the flank bell?"
"Hold steady," said the Captain.
The alarm stopped and the ship began to move astern. The ghost ship loomed in the viewer. It glowed faintly, but transparently, like it was there, but not there, almost if floating in a parallel reality.
"It's going to hit," said the ship's pilot.
The viewer was filled with shimmering light. The ghost ship began to merge with the Tucana. Then it suddenly became brighter in the bridge and an electrical charge filled the air. Sparks leapt from the walls and consoles.
"Captain," said Subcom Sanas, "The automatons . . ."
Aboard the skybridge of the Prinz, all eyes were on the phenomenon of the merged and entangled ships.
"Captain Jem, statrep," said Captain Jose Promis.
"They don't seem to be reading us," said Xan.
"How soon before we can bump off?"
"We need at least another thirty minutes."
"I'll give you fifteen. Then inform the rest of the convoy to start the synchronicity countdown."
"What about the Tucana?"
"Fifteen minutes, Mr. Xan. Fifteen minutes."
Aboard the Eridanus, Egon followed Chef Enzo, Isla, and Ezio to the elevator, where they again engaged in a debate as to who should enter first and decided upon to resolve the dilemma with another round of janken pon.
Egon stepped off of the elevator only to overhear the three again debating who should step out first.
"Saisho wa guu," said Chef Enzo."
"Jan-ken-pon."
They tied. Each held a fist.
770Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUhwn4jsIK
"Jan-ken-pon."
They tied. Each held an open palm.
"Jan-ken-pon."
"Wait," said Egon. "I've had enough. From now on, we'll go alphabetically, and I'll lead the way."
"Of course," said Isla as she stepped out of the elevator.
"By all means," said Chef Enzo and he tipped his toque at Egon.
"Follow me," said Egon and lead the group down the hallway.
"Attention, this is Subcom Mauve. Prepare for synchronicity countdown in T minus 30 minutes. Repeat, prepare for synchronicity countdown in T minus 30 minutes."
"Oh, my," said Chef Enzo, "It looks like instant jambalaya, again."
"Bisher? Where are you?" It was the voice of CPO Modine.
"Still on my way to the galley."
"Meet me in the sky-bridge when you're done."
In five minutes Egon was on the deck of the skybridge. He spotted Modine in the pilot's chair. Everyone else on the skybridge were seated doing their system pre-flights.
"Bisher, reporting"
"Great, have a seat, here, Specialist Bisher" said Modine. "Ever made a jump before through the Higgs Glebe?"
"Negatory on that."
"Ready to run some synchronicity checks on the transducers?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," said Egon as he sat down. "What are these red warning indicators?"
"Captain wants to jump in fifteen minutes. When the Captain says jump, we say, 'how high?' Your're not in school anymore. Welcome to the real world, Bisher."
To be continued . . .
ns 15.158.61.48da2
