field. Our shields developed a wobble, and before
we could stabilize, we were hit bad, two times.
66 Repairs have been successful. The ship is now sound, but we lost too
much atmosphere. It's three days to the nearest planet that has a
breathable atmosphere. The ship is programmed to land there on
automatic, but we'll all be dead long before that. Whoever finds us,
please, please take us home!" The screen went blank and all on the
command deck sat in complete silence.
67 "What could've happened to them?" Firing Control finally stuttered.
68 "Probably," speculated North, "some kind of natural leap, or,
perhaps they were caught and carried along in someone else's wake.
They'd have still made it if it hadn't been for these damned old-style
shields."
69 The communicator on the arm of the command chair buzzed, and North
answered. "Engineer, here," called North's Officer. "I've found why the
ship is still functional. There's about twenty old-style maintenance
droids charging down here! The original compliment must've gathered
material and made extras to maintain the ship. I'm going to see if I
can get some of them working to help me power up."
70 A mechanical voice suddenly spoke. "Orders to power up ship
understood! Units 2, 3 and 6 accompany me in assisting Engineering
Officer."
71 North heard a lot of clanging and banging over the speakers as the
droids moved out. "First Engineering droid, at your service!" the
mechanical voice said again. "Identify."
72 North's Chief Engineer gave his name, rank, and ship. "You are
here," inquired the droid, "to pick up masters?"
73 North pressed the communicator button. "Affirmative," he answered,
"this is Commander Northern Star. I have given my word to your
Commander that I shall