them our expected time of arrival and angle of
approach. Tell them to get word to Commander Morning Star in code, if
they can. Make sure you code it. I don't want anyone else picking it
up."
42 Communications went to work. They barely had time to send the
message before they made the first leap. It went without trouble but
everyone was extremely nervous and every sensor was on the unstable sun
until they got around it and in position for their second leap.
43 This time everything went terribly wrong. As they came out of leap,
North's body exploded with terrible pain. He found himself in total
darkness, fighting the urge to throw up, which he knew he was going to
lose. Something was running down over his mouth and getting in it. He
suddenly realized it was his own blood.
44 He was seized by a sudden terrorizing panic, that only those who had
served on space ships and suddenly been thrust in utter darkness could
understand. He wanted to get up, run, find someplace where there was
light, someplace safe where he could find out what was wrong
with him!
45 But he was in a flying box of steel, surrounded by instant death.
There was no place for him to run. As the sounds of the moans and
choking from those around him began to reach North, his mind began to
fight the panic. His men needed him. The ship needed him. He had to get
his wits back, fight the fear, use his reason. He had been trained how
to function in the dark. He knew where everything was by touch, and he
had emergency lights.
46 Gaining control of himself, North's left hand reached the emergency
compartment in the side of the chair and slid open the panel, feeling
along it until he touched the vomit bag. With trained precision he
yanked the bag out, and with a quick snap, flipped it open.
47 Meanwhile, his right hand went down to his belt buckle, and shoulder
patches. By the time this was done,