17
On the Hunter ’s bridge Jim watched the tactical overlay that was being shown on the viewscreen. The distance to the leading edge of the plasma storm was decreasing, as was the distance to the Dinok. As soon as they reached the leading edge of the storm Jim gave the order.
“Helm, set a course for Deep Space 9, warp 7. Engage!”
The Hunter streaked forward into warp igniting a blazing trail of super-charged plasma in her wake. The conflagration engulfed the Dinok as she charged after quarry and totally destroyed it. There wasn’t even any debris left to mark the spot where the Galor-class vessel had once been.
On the Hunter there was a moment of panic as the viewscreen showed the flames from the ignited plasma licking up the sides of the ship. Fortunately the ablative armour handled the worst of it. This protective skin was designed to vaporise and detach from the surface of the ship if weapons fire overwhelmed the primary energy shields. As the flames attacked the Hunter the ablative armour took the brunt of the impact and, as its designers intended, it detached from the ship taking the attached plasma with it leaving the ship relatively unscathed. She flew on unhindered to the Bajoran system and the Federation station Deep Space 9. Six hours later she arrived at the station to a hero’s welcome. It was probably the only piece of good news to have reached the Federation since the disastrous attempt to reinforce the Chin’Toka system against the Dominion.
Most of the crew received medals for bravery. Jim was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and was offered the position of First Officer of the USS Agamemnon.
"With all due respect, Admiral, I'd prefer to remain with the Hunter."
"I thought you'd say that! Very well Commander, report back to the Hunter as XO. Congratulations!"
The End
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