The Seventh | A Dark Matter Fanfiction | Two (Portia Lin)

Chapter 27

The Raza's bridge was a scene of controlled chaos, the crew on high alert as the ship shook violently.

"I've initiated evasive maneuvers. Shields are holding... for now," the Android reported, her voice steady despite the tension.

Two's eyes darted across the control panels. "Could we outrun them in sublight?"

"The ships maybe, but the missiles? No," the Android replied.

"Then let's shoot back," Three demanded, his frustration palpable.

"We're now out of range," the Android informed him calmly.

"They're shooting at us," Three argued, his voice rising.

"We have rail guns and cannons. They apparently have a full complement of self-guided missiles," the Android explained.

"How come that wasn't on the shopping list?" Three grumbled.

"You can't just buy missiles at the general store," Two snapped.

"We're receiving a message, audio only," the Android announced.

The transmission crackled to life, a cold, authoritative voice filling the bridge. "Raza, this is the FCS Condor. Power down and surrender, or your ship will be destroyed. You have thirty seconds to comply."

Five's face was pale. "What do we do now?"

"What's the status of the FTL drive?" Two asked urgently.

Sparks flew from a nearby console, and the Android's mechanical eyes flickered. "Damage is significant. I estimate repair time to be a minimum of three hours."

Six's expression was grim. "So hypothetically, what do you think happens if we surrender?"

"Probably turn us over to the Galactic Authority," Two replied.

"If we're lucky," Four added darkly.

"This is payback for that mining colony," Seven said, his tone bitter.

"We're receiving another message," Android interrupted.

"Your time is up, Raza. Sorry to have to do this. Damn waste of a fine ship, if you ask me," the voice from the Condor declared.

"They just launched a nuclear missile," Android reported.

One's eyes widened. "What?!"

"Medium payload, 20 megatons," the Android stated.

"But the shields will hold, right?" One asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"No. The shields will not hold. This ship will vaporize upon impact.

"Impact in ninety seconds."

Two's mind raced. "Give me full sublight, maximum acceleration."

"She already said we can't outrun them," Three protested.

"We're not going to. Head straight for the missile," Two ordered.

"Understood," the Android confirmed.

"Whoa, whoa, what are we doing here?!" One shouted.

"You're nuts! She's gonna get us all killed," Three accused.

"Listen, this is our only chance. If we can close the gap fast enough, they'll still be within the blast radius. They'll have to disarm the nuke," Two explained, her voice firm.

"Impact in thirty seconds," the Android intoned.

"Exceed maximum safe, hundred and twenty-five percent" Two commanded.