Sublight Speed Effect

Sublight Speed Effect

I’m incline to agree to their request, sir, but they have suggested we approach at sublight speed, which I fear poses unnecessary risks, exposing us to danger for a longer period of time. I believe thus we should approach at maximum wrap.

– I think it would be a good idea to resume our regular counselling sessions, if we get away with it, – the doctor said gently.

– Then you should see my assistant about scheduling something during regular office hours, – the captain retorted with a smile.

– You don’t have an assistant, – said the doctor flatly.

– Yes, pity, that, – the captain nodded as he sat forward.

– Most definitely.

Two alien vessels have been sighted and are approaching our position. When the fleet had made their first slipstream jump of any real distance from the Alpha Quadrant to the terminus of the Beta and Delta Quadrants, all vessels had reported the presence of microfractures in the benamite crystals that powered the slipstream drive.

Quirinal’s weren’t initially as severe as some of the others, but their journey deep into the Delta Quadrant had caused the size and quantity of the fractures to increase significantly. They might have to tap their benamite reserves before they rejoined the fleet unless the slipstream specialists could find a solution in the next two weeks. The fellow engineers were focusing on ways to realign the drive to reduce the potential for fractures, and they needed to find a way to reverse the damage.

(Children of the Storm, Kirsten Beyer).

Vision of Mars. Sublight effect as seen when you are on the bridge. Illustration: Copyright © Megan Jorgensen (Elena)