CHAPTER I
Captain Rem Nilan stared at the video screen without saying a word. He knew the figure on the ship's screen was waiting for a response, but he just didn't have one yet.
His executive officer, Commander Frederick Yeager, was staring at the screen from behind him. This time, unlike the countless situations in the past, he did not have a word to say.
"What do you suggest?" said Captain Nilan in almost a whisper.
Yeager looked away from the screen. There was no way of knowing whether or not the Empire admiral was able to read lips. He didn't want to risk it just in case he was.
"I suggest you answer his hail for communications," said Yeager.
Nilan turned to his communications officer, a young female ensign. "Patch me in with the Promenade."
"Yes, sir," she said.
Seconds later, the communications light turned-on indicating Captain Nilan was in communication with the commander of the Promenade.
"This is Captain Rem Nilan of the Eden System Vessel Thurston Seven. You are entering Fleet territory. Please identify yourself."
The face of the figure on the video screen displayed a smile. "This is Admiral David Stewart of the Empire Vessel Promenade. You are ordered to surrender your vessel to me."
Captain Nilan thought to himself for a couple of seconds before he turned back to Yeager. "By how much does he outgun us?"
"Seven to one, sir."
"Can we make a run?"
"Negative, sir. Their missiles would destroy us long before we could get any distance between us."
"How many shots can we take from their weapons?"
Yeager thought quickly. "Without shields, we might be able to take two missiles or four laser blasts."
"And with our shields?"
"Four or five missiles before our shields become defective. Then, we'll be down to just our armor."
"How many blasts can we take from their lasers?"
"Unlimited," he replied. "Their lasers cannot shoot through our shields."
"That might be useful," said Captain Nilan as he turned back to the video screen. "Admiral Stewart?"
The figure looked up. "Are you ready to surrender, Captain Nilan?"
"I would like to discuss the terms for our surrender," he said.
"You are wasting my time," said Admiral Stewart.
Captain Nilan turned back to Yeager. "Can we at least reach light speed before they fire at us?"
Yeager shook his head no. "We won't make it, sir."
"Damn," he said. "I can't believe it's going to end like this."
"Sir, might I make a suggestion?"
"Of course."
"Have you considered surrendering?"
"Never," said Captain Nilan. "We are the only ship blocking the Empire from crossing into Eden."
The communications officer was trying to flag down Captain Nilan. "Sir, we have a scrambled message from Eden Fleet Headquarters."
"Put it on the screen," said Captain Nilan before a smile crossed his face. He realized the Promenade's admiral was still on the screen. "Rescind that order."
