Tipping Point in the Alliance War Read Online Free Page B

materialize.  Just keep doing it until we
run out of enemies.”
    ***
    Empty Space 3

 
    “’Real-space,
sir,” reports the Helm.  “ at the programmed
coordinates.”
    “I see
fire at both of our previous locations,” announces the First Officer.
    “Good
news.” says the Captain.  “But the remaining ships are not following as
quickly.  They must be learning from their experiences.” 
    “Helm,
they may be planning something, so we may need to move faster.  Prepare
for warp and keep your finger on the warp switch.  And if we are in a
firefight, try to turn the port side away from the enemy, until we can get
those shields repaired.”
    “Aye
sir.”
    The Captain
continues the battle dialog:  “Tactical, you may only get one quick
shot.  Fire at will and make it count.”
    “Aye
sir.   Ships materializing!  Four ships emerging -
trying to surround us.” exclaims Tactical!
    “Warp,
Helm!” the Captain says emphatically. 
    ……………  
“We made it out, Captain,” declares the Helm Officer.  “But just
barely.  The gravity-well was approaching critical.  We almost
couldn’t warp out.  …………….…. 6 minutes until
real-space.”
    “We can
continue this process as long as we need to,” states Captain Niles.  “We
get a free shot at one enemy vessel each time, before we enter warp.  They
can’t fire weapons and their shields aren’t UP, until they have completely
emerged into real-space.  Even with their new technology, which enables
them to follow us in warp, we still have the advantage.  
    Navigation,
in your spare time, feed the Helm some more empty-space coordinates and make
sure that you don’t become predictable.”
    “Aye
sir,” Navigation answers.
    “Sir,
damage report:  The Damage Control Team reports at least 9 personnel were
lost to open space, during the hull breach.  In addition, there are
approximately 30 injured – some seriously.  Weapons
Systems reports one rail gun and one laser canon out on the port side.  
Engineering reports no damage but says that we need to take longer warp jumps,
because the warp drive is overheating.  They recommend jumps at least 15
minutes in duration.  Or alternatively, spend more time at the real-space
position,” says the Logistics Officer.
    The
Captain is thinking aloud: “That could be a problem.  We know that the
Confederation ships have faster warp drives.  I wonder if they can catch
us in warp-space.  That would certainly change space warfare.  ……… ……
…….  Ask Engineering how long we can continue at
the current duty cycle, without damage to the warp drive.” he orders.
    “Aye
sir,” Logistics, responds.
    “Warp
exit in 15 seconds,” announces the Helm. 
    ***
    Empty Space 4

 
    “Real-space,
sir.   At the programmed location,” reports the Helm.
    “I see
fire at the first two locations but nothing at the third,” announces the First
Officer.  “There may be a fire there, but we may have warped so far that
the light hasn’t reached us yet.”
    “If
they try to surround us again, I might want to charge the closest ship at full
speed.  Tactical and Helm, be prepared for an assault like that,” the
Captain declares.
     “If
one of them emerges close enough to us, we can destroy the ship as it
emerges.  Then we can keep on accelerating away from the others, until we
can warp out.  They won’t have time for rail guns or missiles.  They
will only have time to hit us with laser cannons, and I believe that our
shields will hold against that – even from a number of ships,” the Captain shared. 
    (He is
thinking out loud, but he is also hoping for some correction from the Bridge
Crew, in case there is some glaring oversight in his logic.)
    “Four
emerging vessels.   Closer in this time,” announces
Tactical.
    “Good,”
says the Captain.  “Helm, full-flank speed past the one
emerging off our bow.   Pass about 10 klicks off of our starboard
side.   Engage when