The Freedom

By M.A. Wolf

This is the First book in my First Contact series, The Freedom. Terry Williams and his crew take the UEC’s newest and as yet untested warship deep into the unknown reaches of Tymerian space where no free human has gone before. They must stave off the joy of their real first contact with another non-terrestrial race to face the reality of the impending war in front of them. Will Captain Williams and President Avery be able to join forces with this new race and end the Tymerians rule forever?...

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Wolf
• Release date: May 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476429045

M.A. Wolf

I first started writing back in 2003 and published my first book in 2012. I write Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels please enjoy and thank you for reading.

Book preview

The Freedom

First Contact Series

Book One

M.A. Wolf

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012

Smashwords Edition, License Notes.

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Forward

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This book was written for my family and the constant joy they bring me and support they provide every day, even on the long hard dark days when closeness is but a dream. This the first book in the First Contact series and the first book I have published, thank you for your purchase and please enjoy reading.

The Freedom

Introduction

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The years following the third world war in 2020 brought a new found peace to the earth. World economy was stronger than it had ever been and many countries had returned to space travel as a way to compete with one other for shares in the earth’s economy. After many years of research the Americans became the first country to land on mars. A few years later the British managed to send an unmanned probe to several of Jupiter’s moons and after landing, it returned to earth with data and samples to analyze.

In 2040 the U.S. decided in order to speed progress towards long range human space travel they would propose a truce to the other countries space programs and form one organization for the sole purpose of inventing a faster then light drive. In 2048 the newly formed WSA (World Space Administration) succeeded in creating a drive capable of traveling at nine-tenths the speed of light which brought along with the massive problem of relativity. Then finally in 2050 they discovered sub-space a layer below normal space where relativity did not exist and with it they finally broke the light barrier and opened up the solar system to human exploration.

By 2055 the WSA was breaking two times the speed of light and had explored most of the nearby planets. But the ever increasing light speed activity brought an unexpected result, a race known as the Tymerians made first contact with Earth on May twentieth 2055. Similar in body shape to humans except they bore dark green skin, scales, long forked tongues, and a two-meter long lizard like tail. They claimed to be explorers and wanted to meet with the leaders of earth to discuss peaceful relations and trade between their races. Too wrapped up in first contact to analyze the situation fully earth made arraignments to hold a summit in Germany on June eleventh, a day that would be known for all time as The Day Hope Died.

The Tymerians arrived with a Fleet of only three ships, but each one far more advanced than anything Earth had at the time. The smallest of the ships landed outside Germany delivering the Tymerian ambassadors to the summit, plus an unknown assault force.

Earth’s leaders arrived at the summit and the Tymerians made the initial offers of peace and trade while there forces penetrated Earth’s defenses with ease and slipped inside. Then as the President of the United States began his speech the assault force struck and with little resistance from the secret service or military forces assigned to protect the summit they managed to capture or kill every world leader.

During the following negotiations with the Tymerians they sought a complete surrender of Earth. The world leaders who were still alive vowed never to surrender to them and for it were executed publicly at the end of day on June eleventh. In mere months the Tymerians swept through Europe and Russia, enslaving the entire populous, men, women, and children alike to work in their factories and mines which they quickly erected all over the planet draining her resources as fast as she would give them up.

In 2058 they took a small break to commence building a star port in Russia, this star port would give them the final boost in fire power they would have needed to take over the earth.

Utilizing the break in the ongoing war the newly elected President of the United States decided it was time to form a world power once and for all uniting the people of earth. In late 2060 the UEC (United Earth Command) was formed and at the beginning of 2061 the president of the former United States was elected as the new leader of the UEC. President Avery’s first act as the UEC’s leader was to form a bold plan that would either destroy the Tymerians and free earth or send all the people of earth into an eternity of slavery.

In mid 2061 the Tymerians completed their star port and began construction of their new fleet of ships. They resumed their raids on the surrounding countryside and were held at bay for the most part until 2065. In January 2065 the UEC’s spies reported that the new fleet of Tymerian ships would be ready to launch in three months.

It was time for the Presidents bold plan to be executed, he sent one third of the earth’s remaining forces to Germany to destroy the Tymerians communications station. While the rest of their forces were sent to the star port in Russia, to begin the main assault, this group numbered in the millions. The group in Germany managed to draw the Tymerians away from the star port as well as destroy their communications network, enabling the star port raid to commence.

In a massive coordination between the military and slaves both at the star port and mines surrounding the star port, they managed to kill or capture every Tymerian and take the star port. The newly freed slaves worked with the military to complete the starships in a record-breaking month. The Tymerian forces holding Germany believing the newly launched ships where there to help, were caught off guard and decimated. After a long space battle between the Tymerian fleet plus some new arrivals, the new UEC ships emerged victorious.

Using the remaining Tymerian ships and new ones being built in Russia it took the UEC less than a month to wipe out or capture the remaining Tymerian forces. They imprisoned the captured forces in the old moon station created during the WSA era. Forced to work in inhospitable mines on the moon’s surface with no means of transport off the moon they were isolated from Earth and it was hoped they would never return.

As the president began to restore world order and economic success to the people of earth, the Tymerian War Counsel tried to contact their people to check on the status of Earths conquest. It was decided that the president would use a newly created holographic disguise to talk to the Tymerians posing as their commander on Earth. The Tymerian War counsel fell for the trick and was more than pleased to hear of Earths conquest.

Since a single commander who took orders directly from the War Counsel controlled each planet taken over by the Tymerians it was easy to keep the ruse going. Earth being far from the main Tymerian systems was not often visited by Tymerian ships. When they did stop by they only wanted fuel and supplies, which were provided to them from earths, automated orbital supply station. A few ships discovered the moon base but were captured or destroyed soon after words.

In the end it was the Tymerians arrogance that caused their downfall, they believed that a small group of three starships could hold an entire planet of technologically inferior beings. They would have succeeded though if it had not been for the enduring determination and desire earth’s people had showed in their time of greatest need. For the whole world to set aside their differences and finally work together was in the end the greatest accomplishment the human race had ever known.

During this time of relative peace President Avery and the UEC Senate funded a program to design the most advanced starships that would ensure earths victory in any future war with the Tymerians. Design began in 2068 on the first of the new super dreadnaught class starships. Meanwhile a massive base was being built under the surface of mars to conceal the construction of the new fleet. The base was completed in May 2070 and construction of the new ships commenced in June of that year.

The first ship being built was the Freedom, a massive super dreadnaught measuring over twenty one hundred feet in length. She would become the flagship of the entire UEC Fleet. Her mission was a bold one, she would be sent out to find new races and recruit them to help in the war.

The first entirely human designed starship in the UEC fleet she incorporated a powerful energy shielding system as well as massive weaponry far superior to their Tymerian counterparts. The increase in firepower required duel antimatter reactors, one for normal operations and one used strictly for battle.

Thanks to the technology introduced by the Tymerians the science of converting antimatter energy into a massive spatial wave front that could propel a starship through subspace was finally fully mastered. Through research and determination the UEC scientists incorporated this technology into the Freedom allowing her to travel at one thousand times the speed of light. The original Ion drives and subspace generators used in the WSA era to travel at one and two times the speed of light were improved and incorporated as the sub light drives for the freedom with the exception of the generators which were scrapped. The Ion drives were a vast improvement over the gas powered rockets the Tymerians used for sub light travel. Although the Ion drives were capable of pushing the Freedom to light speed it would take far too long to do so and the time dilation due to the theory of relativity made it useless.

During initial construction of the Freedom in October 2070 a Fast Tymerian scout ship stopped by Earth’s refueling station. After fueling they wished to speak with the High Commander (AKA President Avery), during this conversation they wished to visit earth. There request was of course denied which prompted them to scan both Earth and the moon. Immediately discovering the truth they made preparations to enter subspace and report their findings. Like the many times before, earth activated there communications and wave suppressors located throughout the solar system. Halting there escape and calls for help, but not missing a beat the Tymerian scout ship activated it’s sub-light drives and tried to outrun the interceptors. The scout ship managed to reach the edge of the Comm. suppression field and transmitted a message to the Tymerian War Counsel.

The scout ship was about to make the jump to subspace when the UES (United Earth Ship) Eagle commanded by Captain Terry Williams moved in. The Eagle quickly captured the scout ship but the damage was already done. Not even a year later the Tymerian War Counsel sent in the first wave of attack ships. As the first of many battles raged on, the crew on Mars station continued with the construction of the Freedom.

As the years passed Mars station launched several smaller vessels into the fleet to help with the war but work never stopped on the Freedom. During the over thirty major battles and conflicts between 2070 and 2075 the Eagle and her crew racked up the highest number of victories. The Tymerians even posted a huge reward for the first Captain to destroy the Eagle and her crew. So when the Freedom was completed on June eleventh 2075, exactly twenty years to the day when the Tymerians first set foot on earth. The Captain that had survived every major battle of every Tymerian war and Commanded the Eagle in battle was the obvious choice for the Captains seat on the Freedom.

Besides Captain Williams and his Tactical officer Craig Thompson, the rest of the crew of the Eagle was left on her to continue the ongoing battle with the Tymerians. The remaining crew of the Freedom was handpicked by the Captain and President from the very best the Navy and Marines had to offer.

Terry Williams looked up from his tablet sitting it down as he closed the final personnel file, his first officer Commander Mary Osaka was the hardest of the choices he had to make but he was certain she was what he needed in a first officer.

Just then the shuttle ferrying him from earth touched down on Mars, it was time for him to take command of the Freedom. He was both excited and scared to death at the same time, he loved commanding star ships but this was both a star ship and a death machine all rolled into one, he however knew in his heart this was what earth needed and he would stop at nothing to keep earth free.

Crew biographies located at the end.

Chapter One - Launch day.

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The maglift quietly whisked the Captain to his bridge, he had been in his quarters unpacking the last of his meager possessions from the Eagle which had significantly smaller quarters then the Freedom. But now it was time, time to launch the biggest and most advanced ship that earth had ever known. Captain Williams was nervous to say the least since he had never personally launched a star ship before, he didn’t have the slightest idea what to expect especially as this would be the largest ship launched ever launched from a planet. A twenty one hundred foot long behemoth the Freedom dwarfed any other ship.

The Freedom’s mission was a mystery as well Terry was not thrilled with leaving earth’s defenses to search for other races. If they even found any there was just as likely a chance they would be like the Tymerians as friendly they might not even want to get evolved. These Questions and more raced through his head as the doors shot open and he stepped onto the bridge his bridge.

The crew turned from what they were doing, stood and saluted crisply.

Captain on the bridge! Commander Osaka projected rather loudly.

Carry on. Williams replied as he calmly walked to his chair located on a raised platform in the center of the cavernous bridge. The bridge crew returned to their station’s located along the front of the bridge: Williams sat in his command chair and tried to relax.

Commander Osaka sat next to the Captain, All the preparations for the launching have been completed Captain, all were waiting for now is your order.

Williams frowned as he considered the heavy burden he was about to place on his shoulders as well as the shoulders of every man and woman on this ship, Very well, Ensign Hargrove put me on ship wide announcement circuit 1. Williams said as he stood and took a step forward although completely unnecessary it projected respect and authority to his bridge crew.

Aye Captain, SAC1 active. Hargrove said as he activated the ships public address system.

Williams took a deep breath, Good morning this is Captain Williams, before we launch I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You are all the best the Navy and Marines has to offer and that is what will be required on our mission. We will be stepping into the unknown as we push past the edge of our solar system and into the blackness of space. I don’t know what or who we will encounter as we explore the galaxy in search of people like us who are under the Tymerians thumbs. But I know that through all your skills and team work we will be able to build a better tomorrow and maybe even one day be able to go home in peace. Terry paused as he caught his breath and considered what else to add to his speech, I’m honored to be the Captain of such a fine crew and ship. Now I ask that all of you take a seat and strap yourselves in as we prepare to launch into the unknown.

Williams sat down and pulled his own seat belt across his lap, while Hargrove turned off SAC1. Bring up the holographic system. Williams ordered and Lieutenant Irving activated the system.

Around them the bridge filled with a holographic simulation of the ships surroundings taken from the cameras mounted across the ships hall combined with her sensors. The ship itself was invisible in the simulation which necessitated a set of mounted displays and a separate holo system for the pilot. Above and to the sides high above the decking several view screens appeared floating in thin air detailing schematics as we as the ships status.

The Captain ordered, Good, now open the hanger doors and lift us into launch position I don’t want to be planet side any longer then absolutely necessary.

Ensign Hargrove relayed the commands to hanger control and after a brief pause the main doors slowly slid open above them. After shuddering to a halt the ship began to tilt up into launch position. Several tense minutes later the ship reached its optimal launch angle of seventy degrees. The blast shield could be seen tilting out of the hanger floor behind them.

Terry read and checked the launch procedures floating above his arm rest.

Bring both reactors up to maximum power.

The schematic on the view screen floating just left of the pilots station displayed the reactors changing from a gray color to a bright green as they powered up.

Terry checked off that step and moved on, Alright so far so good, bring the aft Ion drives and thrusters to maximum.

Lieutenant Johnson worked her panel following the Captains orders. The main screen showed the blast shield shuddering violently as the main engines powered up assaulting it with millions of pounds of thrust. The Captain felt the vibrations running through the deck plating as the engines came up to full power.

The Captain closed his checklist and griped his armrests tightly, Here we go, release the magnetic clamps in t-minus ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two…

Everyone except Johnson stiffened waiting for blast off, Johnson a veteran pilot calmly waited with her finger hovering over the button for the magnetic clamps the only thing keeping the ship on the planet.

One! The Captain said through gritted teeth and she jabbed the release.

For what seemed like an eternity the ship remained motionless and then a load bang rang through the ship as the magnetic claps slammed back against the launch ramps. The ship lurched forward as the massive Ion drives strained to push the ship into space. The gravity generators were glowing bright yellow on all of the schematic as they ramped up to suppress the massive G loads. Then like magic the ship cleared the hanger and mars red surface came into view behind them.

A long creak then groaning sound echoed through the ship as the planet’s gravity tried to pull the Freedom back to the surface. But the engines were far too powerful to let that happen and soon the reddish brown atmosphere of mars began to fade into black as they broke into space.

Finally relaxing the Captain ordered, Bring us into a standard orbit Lieutenant.

Yes sir. Stacy Johnson replied as she throttled back the engines and shifted the bow down parallel to the planet. She could have activated the auto pilot now but she delighted in playing with the controls perfecting there orbital course loving the moment of getting the feel of the ship as she called it.

Williams pressed the release on his lap restraint and it retracted back into his chair. He wiped a layer of sweat off his brow and breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the ship rotate until it was perpendicular to the equator. He doubted he would ever get use to that, he would rather they build the orbital assembly yard they were talking about, but of course that would make a prime target for the Tymerians.

The comm. system beeped, Captain we are being hailed by Navy One. Ensign Hargrove stated as he reviewed his comm. panel.

Terry knew who it was, Put the president on screen Ensign. The Captain said as he stood and saluted.

A huge view screen appeared in front of the ship and an image of a gray haired man appeared floating in front of them. The President wasn’t old at only fifty six but the many years of stress and worry had gotten to him.

At ease, Captain. The soft spoken man said as he leaned back in his own seat aboard Navy One.

Captain Williams lowered his arm and relaxed back into his chair.

Good job on the successful launch of the Freedom Captain. President Avery said as his ship pulled alongside the Freedom.

Navy one was an impressive destroyer class ship, the third ship to be launched from mars station she was almost as advanced as the Freedom although only half its size.

Thank you Mr. President, are you ready for your tour? Captain Williams asked.

Please Terry you should know after all these years that you can call me John. The President said jovially.

Terry laughed, Well John, are you ready for your tour? We are planning what should be an impressive test of the new weapons systems.

I believe I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Lieutenant bring us into docking position with the Freedom. The President gave the order to his pilot.

See you in a few minutes John. The Captain said as he pressed the button on his armrest closing the comm. connection. The President nodded before the viewport faded away into nothing.

The Captain stood, Lets head down to the docking level commander and meet the President.

Yes sir. Mary said sharply as she stood and straightened her khaki uniform top.

Captain Williams turned to his old friend, Craig you’re in charge until we return.

Yes sir. The older red haired man responded promptly.

The pair left the bridge and entered the maglift, Main docking level. Williams stated

The doors slid shut and the lift sped down it’s shaft on its way to the docking levels, after reaching the lower level of the command module it shifted into a horizontal tube and worked its way over to the pylon that ran down to the main hall.

Meanwhile Commander Osaka was busy straitening her uniform and rank insignias along with the various pins which displayed the medals and ribbons she had been awarded over her years of service.

Is there something wrong Commander? Williams asked.

Uh no sir, I’m just a little nervous that’s all. I’ve never met the President before. Mary responded as she slipped her hands into her pockets trying not to fidget.

Don’t worry about it he’s just an ordinary guy once you get to know him. The Captain reassured her.

Well he is the one who saved us from slavery. Mary responded.

That may be, but he still prefers to be treated like a normal man.

Alright I’ll try to keep that in mind. Mary said as she turned to read the display on the lift, ‘only five more decks.’ She thought to herself as the lift slowed down and eventually stopped at the docking level.

They exited the lift and walked down the corridor toward the starboard docking area, but as they came to an intersection the Captain stopped. He looked down the three paths he had to choose from and realized he didn’t know which way to go.

They stood there for a second then Mary asked, What’s wrong Captain?

Williams face grew red with embarrassment, Uh do you remember which way it is to the starboard docking area?

Mary looked down each corridor and to her surprise she couldn’t remember either, Sorry Captain I have never been there.

The Captain walked over to the display mounted on the wall, Computer display floor plan for this level. The computer beeped and after a second, a map of the docking level appeared. It’s to the right then down the corridor to the end and then to the left. The Captain said as he studied the schematic before shutting it off.

They followed the directions and after a few minutes of walking they came to the docking area. It was a relatively small room with a large round door set into the starboard side. Through the windows in the door they could see Navy One closing the distance between their ships. As she reached the proper distance the docking arm extended out of the hall and locked on to Navy One.

Pressurizing docking tube. The computers female voice stated over the hissing sound of oxygen filling the tube. After a second the green light next to the door lit up and the computer announced, Normal atmospheric pressure inside docking tube, exterior door unlocked.

The Captain watched as a small group of marines entered the tube and marched towards the Freedom. As they reached the exterior door the Captain pressed the button on the wall and the door rolled out of the way. The marines marched into the small room and searched the nearby area before lining up across the corridor leading into the docking area. Then the lieutenant leading the group spoke into his communicator which was built into his helmet, Area clear, the President may proceed. The Lieutenant stood at attention as he waited for the president.

After a few minutes a group of black suited Secret Service agents walked into the tube. They marched towards the Freedom three abreast, shoulder to shoulder and as they reached the airlock they scanned the area before stepping inside. After a second they separated and the president stepped through the airlock and walked in between them followed by another group of three Secret Service agents. The last man through the door pressed the button and the door rolled back into place and sealed.

The tiny room was now filled with a combination of armored marines, black suited Secret Service Agents, two navy officers and a short gray haired man in a dark grey suit. Every one of them had either a laser pistol, laser rifle or both including the President. There was enough firepower in that room to decimate a small army.

‘Hopefully none of these guys have an itchy trigger finger.’ The Captain thought as he made a mental note to keep his hand well away from his own laser pistol.

The President stepped forward and extended his hand to the Captain, Good to see you again Terry, it’s been far too long since we last met.

The Captain shook the Presidents hand, Yes three mouths is a long time these days I suppose.

The President smiled, Indeed it is, but I suspect that we won’t see each other in person again for years after today.

The Captain nodded, I’m afraid so, but I think it will be worth it if we can complete our mission.

I know you will. The president stated with confidence as he stepped over to Commander Osaka and extended his hand.

This is my First Officer Commander Mary Osaka. The Captain said as the stunned Mary removed her hand from her forehead and shook the Presidents hand.

Nice to meet you Mary. The President said with a smile.

Nice to meet you too Mr. President. Mary replied a little nervously.

The Captain pressed a button on his wrist mounted computer which was strapped to his wrist like an old wrist watch and said Bridge.

After a short pause Commander Thompson’s voice came back, Bridge here Captain.

The President’s on board Commander, change our call sign to Navy One and release the UES Intrepid.

Yes sir, Commander Thompson out. As he closed the comm. link the airlock light flashed red and the computers voice came on.

Docking tube decompressing, exterior door lock engaged. The docking tube retracted into the ship as the Intrepid pulled away and fell behind.

The Captain turned back to the President, Would you like a short tour of the ship or are you ready to head to the bridge and see what she can do?

The President grinned, You know me Terry.

The Captain returned the grin, Very well to the Bridge then. With that Captain Williams slipped through the hordes of agents and Marines and walked down the corridor towards the lift.

They began marching down the corridor and the President walked around the agents and marines to follow the Captain.

The head agent rushed to catch up to him, Sir you need to remain behind us. The tall dark haired agent said as he caught up to the President.

The President waved him off, If I followed you three my whole life all I would ever get to see is your backs. Besides this ship was just launched I doubt that the Tymerians have had the chance to invade it just yet. But if I see any tall scaly green or black aliens I’ll be sure to dive behind you. The President said sarcastically.

Terry chuckled, Still the same old John Avery I met all those years ago.

I’m afraid I would keel over if I changed now. John chuckled back.

The trip to the bridge was thankfully uneventful and as the lift doors opened and the group walked onto the bridge, Commander Osaka was sitting in her chair but she stood when she saw them. President on the bridge! Osaka stated abruptly as the rest of the bridge crew snapped too and saluted.

At ease, no need to be formal with me. The President said as he approached the command station, the crew returned to what they were doing although formality increased exponentially.

Here John you can take the Captain’s chair. Williams offered.

No you’re the Captain, I can stand. The President said as he stood next to the Captains chair.

Commander Osaka moved to the open area between the command area and the crew stations, Please take my chair Mr. President I prefer to stand anyway.

Very well Commander, if you insist. The President replied as he sat in her chair.

Osaka informed them of the current ships status, Captain I’ve set a course for the test range, were currently moving at three quarters light.

Good work Commander, sound battle stations. Williams ordered.

Aye sir, BATTLE STATIONS! She commanded and Thompson pressed the battle stations button on his console and as he did the general quarters alarm rang out and the lights flashed red. The siren and the lights kept going for a minute or so then died out and the red battle stations signs were all that remained.

The Comm. Panel beeped, Captain, the Intrepid is asking us to slow down. Apparently she is having some trouble keeping up with us. Hargrove commented with more than a little pride in his voice.

Terry gave the order, Very well, Lieutenant Johnson slow to one half light.

The Lieutenant dragged the speed sliders on her display panel back, Aye Sir. She said with more than a little reluctance.

Several minutes passed before they reached the asteroid belt which had became the UEC test range a couple years ago, a few of the larger asteroids had been fitted with shield generators and drone launchers to aid in testing the new ships that were being built at mars station.

Full stop Lieutenant. Williams ordered as they reached the test area. Launch a few drones, let’s test the laser turrets.

Commander Thompson relayed the order to the drone launchers on the asteroids. The view screens around them changed to their standard battle configuration, on the right an overhead tactical view of the battle area, the left screen remained in schematic mode except for the addition of the laser turrets status.

Alright Commander, fire at will. The Captain ordered.

Yes Sir, engaging auto fire! Thompson responded enthusiastically.

Space lit up around them with streaks of brilliant red lights and explosions as the drones disintegrated. A few seconds passed before the lasers fell silent.

All targets destroyed at ninety percent accuracy.

Terry wasn’t pleased, It could use some improvement, try again but do it manually and teach the learning processors how to track targets properly.

Yes Captain. The Scottish Tactical officer said with just a little trepidation as this was his first time at the controls of a ship with so many turrets. Not to mention it was the first time using a targeting system which used every battle as a learning experience.

The asteroid launched another round of drones and after allowing those to disperse Thompson set about eliminating them. Space was once again lit up and the overhead tactical view showed the drones disappearing as they were destroyed.

All targets destroyed Captain, accuracy reading ninety-nine percent, speed only down by five. Thompson said with pride as he reviewed the report.

Williams knew his tactical officer was the best, Very good commander, now let’s test the main gun.

A small view port taken from the main guns targeting camera appeared in front of the tactical officer depicting the largest of the asteroids, the graphics around the asteroid showed its shields were at one hundred percent. A red ring surrounded the asteroid as the computer acquired a lock.

Main guns charged Captain ready to fire on your order. The red