43 If I'm right, we nearly went through the
center of the galaxy! Home may be one-hundred or more leaps away! That
is, if I'm right; there's no guarantee I am!"
44 "Great!" moaned North. "We carry enough crystals for perhaps
twenty-five leaps. I think we're going to come up a little short! All
right, gentlemen, do what you can. Firing Control, what's your weapon
status?"
45 "Everything we've got's fully functional," announced Firing Control.
46 "Well, at least if we're attacked," North continued, "we can fight.
Alright gentlemen, get back to work! I'll address the crew in a few
minutes and tell them everything. Then I've got to think ....I've got
to think HARD. We're not licked yet. We'll get this ship functional and
we'll get home. I don't know how, but we'll do it!"
47 The other Officers departed, only the Doctor remained. "But will we
get back in time?" she questioned.
48 "Time for what?" North asked.
49 "Time to save your vision," the Doctor reminded. "We've only got six
weeks. If we don't get back by then, you're permanently blind!"
50 "Keep that fact to yourself!" North insisted. "That is one thing the
crew does not have to worry about. They have enough problems."
51 "Probably," warned the Doctor, "some of them may have already
guessed. They all heard the news reports about your injuries, and they
have a pretty good idea of how much time you have. I'd hate to
disappoint all those people that are praying so hard for your recovery!"
52 "Neither would I!" agreed North. "But still, let's not burden the
crew with an extra problem right away. They've got enough. I want you
to run full checks on everyone. If half the crew feels like I feel,
there may be some unexpected problems."