nitrogen removal to their emergency systems. We
may have to run cables, get out all the tools we need , disconnect our
emergency bottles.
77 Let's move, gentlemen, move! Move! Also gear up our med com. I got a
feeling we're going to need it. Which one of you has the highest grades
in Medical Service?"
78 "I do," announced Thundering River.
79 "Then I'm designating you Medical Officer," North ordered. "The rest
will follow your lead."
80 By the time they dropped from light speed and approached the
crippled freighter, they had done all they could to be ready.
81 When they saw the wreck, Little Star let out a sigh. "What a mess!
All but one pod is gone. The command deck is gone. She's half bent
over, and, rotating. This is going to be no easy dock."
82 "Surprisingly, though," remarked North, "many of the forward
sections are still intact. The worst damage is near the command deck
and where she bent. I'd better take her in. I've had more experience
with tricky dockings."
83 It took North several frustrating minutes to match the wreck's
rotation, but finally the solid metal click was heard, as their left
side dock made contact with the Engineering dock of the cripple.
84 The seal was perfect, and they opened the hatch. North was the first
to drop through. An Engineering Officer was waiting for them, his head
wrapped in a rough bandage and bandages on both hands. The man saluted.
"Chief Engineer Half Moon," he groaned, "respectfully requesting sir,
you take command of vessel."
85 With this the man's knees buckled, and he started to topple to the
floor. North grabbed him quickly, and held him up until the others got
down. High River checked him over. "Nothing too bad, sir," he announced,