COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 12.04.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
The lights flickered on and off in the Columbiad due to the strain. The ship vibrated as if it was experiencing minor tremors before some massive earthquake.
Captain Dounia sat in her command chair, tension filling her body. A red and yellow scarf was pulled around her head so that only her face was showing. The calm Captain knew that this was Columbiad’s first real challenge since it left Terra Reserve for deep space. She would not let its mission end so early. The people of Terra Reserve were counting on her. Her crew was counting on her. Captain Dounia would find a way.
“Mister Octo, report.”
The seven foot tall humanoid octopus stared into the metallic binoculars attached to his Science Station with his strange, alien eyes. His many tentacles explored the air around him as if they had a life of their own. And with his hyper accelerated genetics, perhaps they did.
“The Wide Cannon is charging for another burst. Blasts thus far have been ineffective for the most part. The Star Lamprey is still breaking through our Fifth Shield. Once it reaches the ship, it will begin to consume us. The Monster is highly resistant to Phaser fire. Our Photon Torpedoes are not capable of targeting it due to its current location. I am gathering further data using our Laboratories.”
The Star Lamprey, Captain Adeena Dounia thought to herself. The creature that might devour her ship and its crew. The beast possesses a natural ability to camouflage against the stars. The Columbiad did not detect it until it was too late. The Star Lamprey attached itself to one of Columbiad’s Shields and began slowly eating through it. All attempts to force the creature away have failed. But there must be a way…
“The crew and I are relying on you, Mister Octo. I am fully confident in your knowledge and expertise.”
Two white dots slowly moved the center to the outer edges on a display right underneath the main View Screen on the Columbiad’s Bridge.
Captain Dounia pushed a button to connect the Intercom to Engineering.
“Argus, divert all power to the Shields. Use Reserve Power to boost the reinforcement.”
“Yes Ma’am!” the old Greek Shipwright replied. His shiny bald head was lined with sweat. “The ship’s buckling from that beastie’s biting and pulling. The Warp Engines are running red hot. We can’t keep us this strain forever.”
“I am aware of that, Argus,” Captain Dounia said in a calm voice. “Don’t worry, my friend. Even now, Mister Octo is gathering important data on the creature that will aid us in repelling it. Together, we will succeed.”
“Together, we will succeed,” Argus answered back before closing the Intercom.
“Oy, purhaps we can lure the Lamprey ‘way wid food?” the handsome, young Australian Navigator suggested while staring at the stars on the View Screen.
“We are the food, Mister Wallabig,” Mister Octo replied coldly as he continued his work. The genetically modified Octopus was focused and determined. Three of his tentacles pushed various buttons on his Work Station. As a result, various beeps and flashing lights responded like a thing alive.
Captain Dounia watched the interaction between Mister Octo and her Navigator carefully. There was a short period of silence afterward. The Bridge Crew began to wonder if their lives would soon be forfeit.
“Captain, may I make a suggestion?”
Captain Dounia turned around to face her Communications Officer. She was surprised by her request.
“Of course, Liling. Please, share with us your thoughts.”
“Walker’s suggestion about food got me thinking. The Star Lamprey must sense something it wants on the Columbiad. I am guessing that thing is power. I doubt it just wants to eat our metallic hull.”
Captain Dounia nodded in agreement. “I have thought about the same thing, Ms. Zhao. But we cannot shut off the power that runs the ship. We would lose the very Shields that protect us if we did.”
“Well,” Liling Zhao continued, her eyes looking off as she imagined the possibilities. “What if there was another power source that distracted the Star Lamprey and lured it away from the Columbiad? Like one of our Shuttles.”
Captain Dounia looked at her Science Officer. Mister Octo stared back with his inhuman eyes.
“Captain, it could work. At least for a few moments. During that time, we could lock onto the Star Lamprey with our Photon Torpedoes and kill it. But we would only get one chance, otherwise the Star Lamprey would devour the Shuttle and then return to finish the Columbiad. We cannot miss.”
“I won’t miss,” Makeba Impi stated confidently in a grim tone. The Master Gunner was anxious to kill the Monster that was threatening all of their lives. “Captain, just give me one shot.”
Captain Dounia thought to herself. She knew she had to make a quick decision. Time was running out. “Whoever pilots the Shuttle will be in grave danger. If the Star Lamprey catches up to them, they will surely die.”
“Captain, let me pilot the Shuttle,” Aine O’Clery blurted out without hesitation. The Irish Helmsman with blonde hair and green eyes was dead serious. She knew her life was at stake. “Walker can cover my Station until I return. I’m the best Pilot you’ve got. I’ll draw the Star Lamprey right in front of the Columbiad so Makeba will get a clear shot at it. Please, Captain, I want to do this.”
Captain Dounia went quiet as she considered losing Aine O’Clery. There was no one aboard Columbiad who could match her skill at the Helm. Losing her would be a fatal blow to their mission of exploration. But she was the best one suited to this task. She gave the Columbiad the highest chance for success. And the lives of the rest of the crew were at stake…
“Ms. O’Clery, proceed to the Shuttle Bay. Makeba, prepare to fire Photon Torpedoes.”
LET’S SLAY THIS BEAST SO IT NEVER THREATENS ANYONE ELSE AGAIN.
