Stardate: 70302:1600
Title: Awakenings (Part 1)
Author: Ensign Andrew Keller
Time: Current
Scene: USS Relentless


Sparks flew from the engineering console and the ship shook violently as another bolt struck home.

Keller's fingers danced over the helm control as he fought to keep the ship on an even keel. The ship responded, but felt sluggish; Keller cursed under his breath.

“Direct hit to the port nacelle, Sir,” advised the Tactical Officer. “Shields at 17%, we cannot sustain another direct strike.”

The Captain looked at his helmsman. “Mr Keller, do what you can to take us out of here.”

“Aye, Sir. Changing course to 257 Mark 121.” Keller laid in the course and the ship slowly peeled away from the battle zone. Another blast rocked the ship but, judging by the vibrations that resonated throughout the ship, the blast had exploded short.

“Bridge to Engineering,” barked the Captain. “Status report.”

The reply came, but it was difficult to hear clearly due to static. It appeared that communications had been damaged during the strike.

[Engineering here. Port nacelle is dead, Sir. We have sustained heavy damage to the primary plasma conduits. Warp core is holding, but anti-matter shield is operating at 41%. We're carrying out repairs now, but impulse power is all I can give you at present]

“Understood. Do what you can. Bridge out.”

Another blast rocked the ship. Sparks flew again, this time from the Tactical station. The Tactical Officer was blown back with force. 

“Report,” screamed the Captain. 

“Shields are down,” came the reply.

“Mr Keller... anything you can do to get us out of firing range would be a good idea.”

“I'm already on it, Sir.” Keller's fingers crossed helm control with blinding speed. The ship veered again, responding to Keller's commands. Another blast rocked the ship and then another.

Time and again, Keller made alterations to the ship's course. The ship groaned, but responded. “She's sluggish, Sir. Helm isn't responding quick enough to evade....”

He never finished the sentence as an explosion raged through the bridge, hurling Keller from his station...

Stunned, he tried to pick himself up. His legs wouldn't move... He tried to roll over, but before he could move, he blacked out...


=================
Ensign Andrew Keller
Helm
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
=================