“What are you doing?”
Cole said, “Pay attention to the steel block on the right.” Doc looked at the ten foot tall steel block and Cole fired the blaster. A brilliant blue beam lanced out and blew through the force field, surrounding the block as the steel block disappeared. Cole said, “That block is now the size of a water molecule. We are going to use a heavy duty magnet to lift it and place it in a new reactor. Once it reaches fusion temperatures, it will power a force field eighty times stronger than our current fields.”
Doc looked at Cole and said, “Will it handle the needles?”
“According to our readings, it should. However, the reactors won’t be ready for at least four months. In the meantime we’re going to do something else.” Doc stared at Cole and Cole turned and moved the blaster’s barrel toward the second block.
Dee said, “I don’t see a force field around that block.”
Ian said, “It’s there but it’s only a force one force field.”
Doc said, “That’s crazy.”
Cole pulled the trigger on the blaster and a bright blue beam struck the block and was deflected into the atmosphere. Cole smiled, “Not as crazy as you might think.” Doc and Dee stared at the block with open mouths and were rendered speechless.
Ian said, “What do you think?”
Doc shook his head, “I don’t understand.”
Cole looked at them, “Gary is responsible for seeing this technology. What most people don’t understand is that the more power a force field uses, the more irregular its surface will be. You can’t see it without sensitive instruments but the surface is not smooth. Now a force one or two force field’s surface is one of the smoothest surfaces we create. What happens when you shine a powerful light at a mirror?”
Dee said, “It’s reflected but energy beams used in warships will melt any mirror you make.”
Ian said, “Look at this another way; which is stronger; a rock or water?”
Doc said, “Obviously, a rock.”
“But if you throw a rock at a smooth surface of water, what happens?”
Dee said, “It skips along the surface.”
And if you throw it harder?”
Dee smiled, “It skips further.”
Doc stared at Cole, “Are you saying a force one force field will deflect the needles?”
“If it is at the right angle to them, it will.”
Ian smiled, “We’re placing force field projectors around our Sigmas that can be modulated by the navigation computer. It will allow us to attack the new Ship Killers.”
Cole said, “We are then going to modify all the other ships and build this technology into all new ship construction.”
Dee said, “Are you able to do this on all sides of the ship?”
Cole said, “No, we aren’t. You will have to decide how you want to attack. You can either go in head on or broadside to your target. You can’t do both, which means that if you’re going in head on, you better not have one of those ships broadside to you.”
Doc smiled, “I like it!”
Ian said, “The four Sigmas will be modified first. All future ship construction will be Sigmas.”
Dee frowned, “Why is that?”
Cole said, “The larger ships can use the deflection fields but the new force fields and their reactors work best on smaller vessels. There is a smaller area to protect and the field can be much smaller drawing less of the reactor’s power. The existing ships will be modified as quickly as possible and will join you in the Slaver’s space as soon as they are completed. You should be able to leave within ten days.”
Doc looked at the giant hanger and saw hundreds of engineers scrambling on Drey’s hull. He looked at Ian and said, “Now we can make a difference.”
Ian nodded and put his arm around Violet.
Doc stared at them and then quickly looked at Dee. He scowled and suddenly turned and walked away.
Ian looked at Dee, “What’s wrong with him?”
Dee watched him growing smaller in the distance and said, “You need to ask him.” She turned and walked toward the hanger.
Violet said, “He’s not known for his cheery disposition.”
Ian laughed, “Even the first one was somewhat grim.”
Cole shook his head, “Grim is not close to describing it.”
• • •
Dee walked into the hanger and saw Dom and Becky standing outside their ship watching the engineers. She walked up and connected with Dom mentally. After a few moments Dom shared everything with Becky. She looked at Dee, “How do you stand it?”
“It’s not as bad as you think. The man is brilliant. He’s hard but not unyielding.”
Dom tilted his head, “Even so.”
Dee smiled, “I’m serious. He’s taught me a lot. He sees many things the computers and I miss completely. I’m glad he’s on our side in this. I’m better for being with him.”
Becky shook her head, “Better you than me.”
Dee said, “Really, he’s good to fly with.”
Doc was standing ten feet away and heard their remarks. He was off to the side behind a wheel strut and they didn’t see him. He turned and moved away. Dee sensed something and saw him. He had to have heard their conversation. She sighed and knew that Doc lived in splendid isolation but she hoped their remarks didn’t hurt his feelings. Then she thought about it and sighed; feelings were not one of his strong suits. He probably didn’t care. But, she didn’t want him hurt needlessly.
• • •
A week later Doc called Dee into an office; she walked in and sat down, “What’s up, Doc?”
“Dee, I’m going to release you to another crew. I need a new partner.”
Dee was stunned at the statement, “What are you talking about? That’s ridiculous.”
“Even so, I’ll find you another good pilot.”
Dee stared at him in shock, “Are you serious? Why?” Doc just stared at her. “Tell me why!”
“I just won’t be as effective if we stay together. Now please leave.”
Dee stared at him, stood, and left the room. Doc sighed and put his head in his hands. Suddenly the door slammed open and Dee said, “You can’t do this.”
Doc looked up and said, “What do you mean can’t?”
“You made a contract with me and you have to keep it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Nowhere in our original agreement did you offer an out for yourself. You only gave me an out if I wanted it. Until I decide to go, you are going to have to honor your agreement.”
Doc looked at Dee and said, “Do you remember saying, ‘Love is highly overrated and gets in the way of doing anything important in life; especially flying a warship.’” Dee stared at Doc with her mouth open and nodded. Doc continued, “You also said that there’s nothing about me that even remotely attracts you. You were disgusted at the idea.” Dee nodded again. Doc sighed and said, “The other day at the firing range I saw Ian put his arm around Violet and I wanted to put my arm around you. That feeling shocked me. I’ve looked at that and have determined that the reason I originally asked you to fly with me was to avoid having someone put on board that would develop a relationship with me. Unfortunately, I never thought in my wildest dreams that it would be me that would develop those feelings. I am being weakened by my close contact with you. We need to separate.”
“You’re saying you have feelings for me?”
“Something like that and remember you said that was a gross thought. I fully understand why you feel that way.”
Dee stared at Doc and shook her head, “Do you really want me to leave?”
Doc took a deep breath and blew it out, “I do.”
Dee shook her head, sat down in a chair, put her feet up on Doc’s desk, and said, “That’s really too bad.”
Doc nodded, “I know.”
“That’s not what I mean.” Doc looked at her, “I’m not leaving.”
“But Dee…”
“No buts in this. Do you also remember my brother saying that no one would have me?” Doc thought a moment and nodded. “He’s right. The longest relationship I’ve ever had before I met you was about eight hours and six of those I wasn’t with him. Do you think another pilot will be able to put up with my mouth?” Doc just stared at her. “Nope, you’re stuck with me.”
“Dee, I just can’t do this.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“A little of both.”
Dee stood up and said, “You have no choice. You’re my pilot. I’m your navigator. You’ll just have to live with it.”
Doc stood and said, “This just won’t work.”
Dee smiled and walked around the desk. She put her arms around Doc’s neck and kissed him on the cheek. After a long moment she leaned back and Dee said, “Now was that so bad? And you can put your arm around me anytime you feel the urge.
Doc sighed, “Maybe this will work.” Dee leaned forward and hugged him. Doc said, “Oh hell, the damage is already done. I wouldn’t be able to get you out of my mind anyway.”
Doc leaned back and Dee said, “We are going to live or die together in this war. We’ll decide after it’s over what to do. Until then, I don’t want anyone else on a ship with me but you.”
Doc smiled and said, “So I’m not that gross?”
“Let’s not get all lovey dovey about this. I need you just as much as you need me. That’s enough. Let’s just say I’ve grown accustomed to you and don’t want to break another pilot in. I really won’t mind if you put your arm around me.”
Doc laughed, “I was wrong.”
“About what?”
“Drey was right; caring about someone else does make you stronger.”
Dee smiled, “Only if it’s with the right person.” Doc nodded and Dee sighed, “I can imagine what Dom is going to say.”
“You don’t have to tell him.”
Dee leaned back and shook her head, “He can see my thoughts!”
“Then he’ll know you won’t be safer anywhere else but with me.”
Dee looked in Doc’s eyes and smiled. That is what made her refuse to leave him. She felt safe with him.
• • •
The Admiral’s alarms went off on his ship and the Hub Computer broke into his communication circuit, “A giant Black Ship has emerged close to one of our main planets.”
“Get the Ship Killers moving and send me the coordinates, now!”
A hundred Slave Ship Killers arrived and began hitting the giant ship with needles. The Black Ship shrugged off most of them but some of them went through the force field and hit the giant ship’s hull. The hits were not slowing the giant ship down. It began firing its massive beams as the Ship Killers began exploding.
• • •
“Doc, one of the scanners has a Black Ship attacking one of the Slaver’s main planets.”
Doc jumped up and yelled, “We can’t allow that ship to escape. We’ve got to go hit it now!”
“Why?”
“Ian, if that ship goes back to Andromeda, the Black Ships will come in force.”
“Cole, are the Sigmas ready?”
“We need to run a few more trials.”
“We’re taking them now. A Black Ship has entered the Slavers territory.”
“I’ll notify Gary and Dom. Get moving!”
• • •
The four Sigmas lifted from the hangar floor and started moving out. They cleared the doors and accelerated at high speed into the atmosphere. Doc said, “Moe, what’s happening?”
“The Slaver Ships are hitting the Black Ship with some needles but they’re not doing enough damage to stop it.”
Doc said, “We better hope this deflection field works. We’re going in head on and hit that Black Ship with every Higgs Blaster we have. Aim for the reactors and spread out.”
The four emerald colored ships disappeared from normal space and entered above the Slaver Main Planet. Doc said, “Dee what do you have?”
“The reactors are located in eight locations. I’ve sent two of them to Ian, Gary, and Dom. We’re going after the two in the center.”
Doc said, “Activate the deflection fields and go to full thrusters on my mark…ready…mark.”
• • •
The Admiral watched the Black Ship blasting the Ship Killers and knew that he was not going to stop the giant ship from destroying the planet. Suddenly, four green ships appeared and roared in on the giant vessel at an extreme velocity. He shook his head and saw the Black Ship fire massive beams at the Green Ships which were deflected away as the four ships moved in closer. The Black Ship shifted its fire from the Ship Killers to focus on the green ships roaring in on it. Needles began hitting the giant ship as the green ships fired eight brilliant blue beams at the intruder. The Black Ship was hanging in space one moment and the next it blew up in a massive explosion. The surviving Slaver Ships rushed in toward the Green Ships and the Admiral yelled, “Hold your fire. Do not fire on those Green ships.”
The Four Sigmas had stopped when the Black Ship exploded and found themselves surrounded by fifty Ship Killers. Doc looked at Dee, “Can we jump before they hit us?” Dee looked at him and shook her head. Doc sighed and said, “Just when I was getting to know you…”
The speaker on the wall came on and they heard, “I never had the opportunity to thank you for saving me when we escaped that other galaxy.”
Ian looked at Violet and said, “The same condition exists here now. We couldn’t allow this ship to escape with our location.”
“Actually, it was our location, not yours.”
“Yes, but if they came, it would only be a matter of time until they found us.”
The Admiral thought a moment and heard the Hub Computer say, “What are you going to do?”
The Admiral stared at the four ships on his display and said, “The right thing.” He pressed his communicator and said, “You are free to jump away.”
Ian looked at violet and said, “I’m surprised you’re allowing us to leave.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend. You’ve saved me twice now. You are free to leave.”
“You know they’ll be coming back when this ship doesn’t report in.”
“I do and I’m hoping we can discuss what we should do about it. I’m sending you coordinates of where you can communicate with my leader and perhaps you’ll come and discuss it with him. We owe you for saving this planet.”
“Consider us even; we’ve destroyed two of your planets. You don’t owe us anything. I’ll discuss this with my leadership and we’ll see what he thinks.”
The Ship Killers moved away from the Sigmas and the four Green Ships disappeared. The Hub Computer said, “Was that wise?”
“I don’t know. It’s not like I’m giving up our location to them. The fact that they came here so quickly after the arrival of the Black Ship tells me that they are watching us at every planet. They can kill those ships; we aren’t capable of doing that. If they can kill a Black Ship, our new ships are vulnerable to them. Perhaps it’s time to talk with them.”