198 The Firing Control Officer nodded. "Then I
suggest, gentlemen," North continued, "that we all return to our
stations and go fishing!"
199 "Permission to remain on the command deck," requested the Doctor.
200 "Permission granted," agreed North, "but drop a safety net. I don't
want you standing loose On the deck."
201 The Doctor obeyed; reaching up to the ceiling, he pulled a lever. A
tiny hatch slid open, and a safety harness dropped down. The Doctor
locked the loose end into the hatch that had opened on the floor, then
climbed into the harness and fastened it. He was now safely restrained, no matter what forces reacted on the ship.
202 The Navigational Officer turned around. "The computer accepts the
maneuver," he announced, "it even recommends a speed at which it will
be most effective."
203 "Good!" snapped North. "Do we have green lights to maneuver?"
204 All the Officers checked their instruments. "Navigation, green!"
205 "Helm, green!"
206 "Firing Control, green!"
207 "Communications, green on internal and short range. Long range
still dead, sir."
208 "Status of Communications acceptable," announced North. "Bring her
around, Helm. Slow planetary drive. Take her to the far edge of the
field. Firing Control, drop the first mine!"
209 Slowly The Lord's Vengeance slipped away. If their attacker was
nearby, he could not detect their movements in the heavy ice on the
Firing Control screen. By North's right hand, the timer ticked off the
seconds until the first mine's detonation. "Take the bait, damn you!"
North kept saying to
himself, "Take the bait. Give us time to get clear."
210 The timer hit zero. They couldn't see or hear the explosion, but it
registered on their instruments. Five