the star drive engines going, without a system
engine to push us out of orbit, they're useless. The crush line would
kill us!"
35 "Nevertheless," said North, "I want you to start tearing down the
star drive engines and begin repairing the one you can. You'll need
some sort of vehicle to work with in orbit, and seems we have no bus or
scout because we used the bays to carry missile racks, you'll have to
build something."
36 "We never launched the racks!" the Engineer cried. "They're still in
the bays! We simply fired the missiles! They've got four planetary
engines. We can build control cabins and equip them with remote control
arms. They'll make nice little tugs!"
37 "I would suggest," continued North, "you convert one to a bus. We're
going to need it! We may be staying here for some time! Communications,
what's the chance of sending a signal for help?"
38 "Our long range equipment's gone, sir," announced Communications. "I
can have short range working in about twelve hours, but I don't think
there's anybody around to talk to. Estimated time to repair the long
range units….five years!"
39 "Don't waste the effort!" North ordered. "Get what you can going,
then help anybody else you can! Helm?"
40 Five hours, sir, I'll be fully operational. I should be able to
straighten up our orbit a bit as we come in."
41 "Good!" praised North. "Navigation?"
42 "Most of the damage is to my antennas, sensors, and
telescopes.
They're being repaired as fast as they can. I should be functional
about the time we enter orbit. In the meantime, I've patched into
Firing Control's systems. His instruments don't give as much detail,
but I've got a rough idea where we are.