
Subj : New Beginnings
To   : All
From : Skyhawk #1
Date : Sun Jul 09 1995 19:08:14 PST

                            New Beginnings(18)
                          By Daniel C. Harrison(Skyhawk)
       
     Her hands felt sweaty as she finally found the ladder which led to the
bridge. Climbing slowly, she stopped long enough to make sure the tears were
wiped away. It wouldn't do for Henry to see her in this condition. She had lost
enough confidence already. She opened the hatch, banging her head on the top of
it. Damn! She wished for the hundredth time she could see. "Status!" she said
hotly as she closed the hatch and felt for her chair.
     Henry quietly pushed the chair within her reach and turned back to his
console. "Jerry reports, engines are ready. Were running without four and six.
The guidance system is likely to be out for another day or two until he can
give us a full evaluation of the damage. On the plus side, the intertial
dampeners are repaired and seem to be operating about 85% what they were."
     "Small favors." Candar moved the chair to her console. For a moment she
instinctively began to check status but suddenly stopped herself. There was no
chance of that. Hwer hands fell into her lap. "Stand by to transfer power to
sublight engines. What is the status of the colonists?"
     Henry grinned, "Our neighbors are all in cryo. Dr. Grayson reports all the
cryo systems are functioning normally. There should be no problems there."
     "I'll believe that when I see it." she retorted. "Everything else has gone
wrong on this trip so, I want those people watched closely. Have Grayson do a
continual check every half hour if he can."
     Henry finished setting the computer. "He's going to be operating on Kevin
shortly after we go to sublight. He asked me to allocate enough power to the
infirmary for that. I already did. Figured you wouldnt mind."
     Candar nodded, "It'll be good to see Kev on his feet again. He's maybe our
only hope if even he can help. Fire engines...now!"
     The engines power increased now from standby mode to full power. The
Outlander slowly began building in speed. Henry nodded. "The dampeners are
working. Were in buisness."
     Candar smiled, the first one in over a day. "Did you get a good look at
possible worlds we might settle?"
     "I have them here. He moved closer,"The best one is listed as Mirinda III.
it's an earth type world...seems to match in most ways..gravity is a bit
lighter so, we'd have to get used to that. Also, the winters seem very cold.
There is primitive life, but nothing intelligent were likely to horn in on if
we do land."
     "Like Dalazar..." she whispered.
     "Huh?" Henry stared at her. "You were part of that fiasco? God, I didnt
know. I heard there were few survivors but.." he trailed off seeing she was
upset,. "Sorry, Captain, didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
     "No problem." she waved him off. "Let's go through the others.."
     For the next two hours, Candar and Henry went through the lists of
possible worlds to settle. It was a decision not meant for them, and Candar
felt the weight of it. None of the planets met the standards of Hycenda. That
world had been a garden..ready for the taking. Now, they would have to revive
these people and show them...pergatory. Or maybe hell depending on your view.
Candar was pleased that Henry remembered visual navigation techniques. With the
guidance systems down, normal navigation procedures were impossible. This was
"flying by faith" as she had heard so often while in school. It would be some
time before they reached Mirinda III. Unless Kevin came around and performed a
miracle. It would be a long voyage. Time for those out of cryo to become
lifetime friends...or eternal enemies. Enemies...like Delazar. 
     Candar winced. It had been too long since that fateful journey. She had
been one of four survivors...out of a thousand. It was that trip that had led
Earth's governments to agree, no colony ship will land anywhere without that
world being checked out first by a scout. The nightmares still haunted her.
Memories were coming now, unbidden though they were. She cringed...
     "You okay?" Henry's question brought her back from her musings. "Were now
at full power, should reach cruising speed in ten minutes. Why dont you get
some sleep, I can handle things."
     Candar nodded. "I'm going to the infirmary. I'm hoping Kevin will be
alright. I'll also stop by the engine room. Handle things here.." She got up
then suddenly realized, she was handicapped again. Her fist slammed down hard
on the console. She heard him as he sighed. "I'm fine. Don't help me." Pulling
herself forward, she reached the hatch. "Keep me informed."
     "I will." He watched her go then, hit the intercom. "Jerry, this is Henry.
Candar needs your assist. Meet her in the main corridor. She's trying too hard,
again."
     Jerry's swear came back as he responded. "I'll get her. I think it's time
she heard the facts. Get help...or I'll relieve her of command." He cut the
link.
     Henry bowed his head. He had hated her. Or at least, at one time he had.
Now, all he felt was pity..and shame. To see her reduced to this. It was
grossly unfair. Silently he said a prayer that, Grayson would be able to help.
Candar hadn't noticed but, he had. She was becoming irrational. And a ship
under an unfit Captain would never make port.........


