the Engineer who began to rapidly throw switches.
"Computer," thought Morn, "track our visitor. Let me know what action
he takes."
67 "Affirmative," the computer replied.
68 "Sir," announced the Engineering Officer, "the air duct droids just
reported they've finished their work. Many of the systems in the lower
part of the pod were undamaged, and made their work easy. The Engineers
also report that the sterile fields are in place."
69 Morn took his battle com and activated the system. "NOW" he snapped,
"Let's see how much fight our friend has! Computer," he thought, "we
are advancing on the intruder. Keep us advised. Keep us advised of any
change in position."
70 "Creature is descending, sir!" the computer responded.
71 "Then it's coming towards us," warned Morn. "How's the humidity in
here?"
72 "Descending," answered the Second Engineer. "We're down to ten
percent and falling rapidly, sir. I don't know if some of our systems
can tolerate zero humidity. They're designed for standard humidity and
temperature."
73 "Keep a close watch on everything," ordered Morn. He motioned his
two companions forward and they advanced on the access tube.
74 The ship's computer spoke over Morn's private channel. "The creature
has turned off, it is entering the upper levels of engineering."
75 Morn tried to think what was in this section of the ship. Then he
realized what the thing was after. There was an auxiliary water tank in
this storage area, an emergency backup for the ship's main tanks. Ahead
of them they heard a loud blast, and the sound of rushing water.
As they entered the compartment, the thing was ahead of them, the last
drops of water from the tank were being drawn up. Floating in the air
before them was a huge ball of ice!