got some ice fields and I just might be able to
calculate a course that will put us in reach of our planetary engine.
It's going to be close, though."
21 North put his hand on the controls, then took it away. "I.S." he
ordered, "pilot the ship according to the Officer's instructions."
22 For several tense minutes the droid steered the ship using the last
of its power. When it was finally gone, the Firing control Officer let
out a sigh. "We've got a good trajectory," he announced, "I think we'll
go into a fair orbit, even without using our planetary engines. Two
days, five hours. We'll just have to drift in.
23 "I.S." ordered North, "I can guide myself to the conference room.
You go back and render the Engineer whatever assistance you can. As
soon as he is free, I want him in the conference room for a report."
24 The droid hurried off. North went to the conference room and
strapped himself to one of its cots. He could only stay out of the way,
now. His blindness would only get in the way as his crew tried to bring
life back to their desperately wounded ship.
25 He wasn't aware of going to sleep, but eight hours later the
Doctor's gentle hands washing his face woke him. "Just relax," she
ordered, as his hands reached for the straps. "The other Officers will
be here in a few minutes. I want you presentable. I'll have to
compliment that
droid! He's a pretty good Medic!"
26 "Casualties?" asked North.
27 "Eight dead," the Doctor answered, "a couple of pretty bad ones in
sickbay but they'll make it. I've got four broken legs, three broken
arms, a fractured skull, the rest are all cuts and bruises. " She undid
the straps and helped North sit up. "Get that jacket off," she ordered,
"I got a fresh one from your quarters."
28 When he was in the fresh jacket the Doctor