Seventeen crew members were dead or missing. A cascade effect in the power systems had rendered the star drive offline, leaving them with minimal impulse power, and intermittent thrusters for manoeuvring. However, Harry Ransome was not dismayed or preoccupied with his perceived control by Drusilla any longer. No. Now he was pissed off. And the conference room knew it.
“I want to know who the fuck just tore a hole through my ship like tissue paper and then boogeyed on out without any more than a light scratch!”
He slammed his fist on the glass table, and the scattered information tablets on the surface jumped in response. Kelly was trying to make sense of the scans she had taken, but as of yet, she could identify no vital systems that could make viable targets should they meet again. They had managed to capture several images of the vessel itself, some of them containing a high level of detail. The ship itself was almost pearlescent. It appeared black, camouflaging against the stars, but when it turned to bank, it shimmered a dark green. The vessel was shaped like an arrowhead, pointed at the front, and sweeping back into two similar points at the rear either side. Below each rear point, was a rectangular engine exhaust, and below the main body of the ship, central to the craft, was a series of disruptor cannons, mounted so closely to the hull that they would not impact the slipstream ability of the vessel at high speed. She was a hunter.
“I’ve managed to analyse the torpedo they hit us with, there were several fragments embedded in the hull around the affected areas on Deck Eight,” Kelly offered. “But you’re not gonna like it Admiral.”
Harry gradually lowered himself into his seat, allowing the other officers around him to breathe a little easier.
“I already don’t like it Commander. We’ve barely been out here a month, and the damage we have sustained may force us to turn back. We were attacked without provocation, by what at this point, seems like pirates. So tell me, what have you found out about this torpedo?”
Kelly took a deep breath.
“It’s transphasic.”
A few gasps around the room from two of the engineers, who sported visible injuries themselves from being thrown around during the attack.
“Are you certain?” Harry asked in a hushed breath.
Kelly simply nodded.
Harry stood up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the stars, but not paying them any attention. A transphasic weapon, on Earth, was experimental and they did not have the technology to create even a concept or prototype. Once fired, it had the ability to transform its molecular structure, allowing it to theoretically pass through any shielding or hull material, before detonating after the point of impact causing maximum damage. In short, it moved through the ship and detonated once inside.
“That would explain the damage to the Odyssey,” volunteered one of the engineers. “A clean hole, right through, and a spread pattern of collateral damage. It’s consistent with an internal explosion.”
Kelly nodded, and brought up an artistic rendition of what the weapon looked like prior to detonation. But Harry wasn’t interested. He was still troubled by the familiarity of the ship. It had to be something he had seen in Drusilla’s mind when the two had shared a telepathic link. He had never laid eyes on a ship like that before, but still, he knew it.
“Estimated time to complete minimum repairs before we head home?” he asked, finally turning away from the window.
“Actually, Admiral, I don’t think we need to head home,” replied Kelly.
“But the damage is…”
“Severe, yes. But most of it is structural. In terms of functionality, star drive power should be back up and running in nine hours, bulkheads have already been sealed on Decks Five through Seven, and any critical systems can be bypassed. I don’t see why we cannot complete the repairs on the move.”
That is why Harry Ransome had chosen Kelly Dresden. He even felt a small smile spread across his face. He wasn’t sure how she had managed it, but if he could continue the mission without turning around, then that was his preferred option. He nodded enthusiastically, the smile growing wider.
“If you can get us ship-shape again Commander without turning this boat around, then get it done.”
Kelly smiled in return.
“Yes Admiral!”
“Dismissed.”
Everyone got up from their chairs and headed for the door, a newfound resilience forming in their minds. Harry held up a hand.
“Oh and Commander?”
Kelly stopped and turned.
“Yes Admiral?”
“Get those weapons increased. We’re going to hunt those bastards down.”