32 "I feel a lot better," North replied, "now
where's that scout?"
33 "I think we've got it," said Firing Control. "There's a radioactive
hot spot on the edge of the system that is either one of those
automatics, or, the scout. There's another object moving towards one of
the bigger chunks of rock out there. Sir, it's spraying radiation all
over everywhere. If it is the scout, they're in a lot of trouble."
34 "Get us in there!" ordered North. "Communications?"
35 "I've got a beam locked on them, sir, but there's no response."
36 "Firing Control, tell number one forward tube I want as tight a beam
as possible. Give them a couple of flashes, and DON'T hit them!"
37 "Yes, sir!" Firing Control replied. The beam of super accelerated
light plasma leaped from the ship's bow. Three times it shot passed the
slow-moving scout. The scout's forward momentum stopped. It turned
around and headed back. It's own single beam tube flashing
rhythmically. "What are they saying?" North asked.
38 "Everybody hurt, but alive," Communications answered. "Everything
out but planetary drive. Don't get too close. Rear section hit. Sure is
nice to see you guys! Ran into a 'nasty' out here. What kept you?"
39 "Tell him we had a 'nasty' too,” North told Communications. "We
can't get near them with the main ship. We'll send out our bus to pick
them up."
40 The Communications Officer began to tap the button on his console
and the ship's deadly weaponry continued to be their only means of
communication with the crippled ship.
41 The message was understood. Three hours later, after working their
way through the rocks, the two ships neared each other. The cruiser's
stern hatch again opened, and its nine passenger bus eased out and
moved toward the crippled scout.
42 Beside North on the command deck his Chief