EPISODE CCV - VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RANCID PUSTULE OF COMMUNISM




Consoles flared to life aboard the bridge of the USS Escort, and though still disoriented from hitting his head, he celebrated the small victory by sharing a lively "high five" with Number Two.

"Time to get this ship up and operational, people", Reed announced, seating himself behind the command console.

Schultz looked up from his display.  "Sir, sensory systems are on line and detect no threats", he informed his superior, "except, of course, for Lt. Krashaki", he added as another burst of energy slammed into the ship.

With a death grip on the arm of his chair, Reed keyed his comm-link.  "Cease fire!", he screamed into the device.  "I repeat, cease fire!!"

"Rah-joe", Krashaki responded casually, "ceasing fire."  The ship stabilized as Krashaki piloted his vessel toward the main docking bay.

"Good work, Lieutenant", Reed remarked, hoping his voice didn't betray his true feelings.

"No problem whatsoever", Krash called back.  "Do I get a medal or something?"

"Or something", the commander replied offhandedly.  He turned to the rest of his crew.  "Damage report?"

Schultz spoke first.  "Sir, there is minor damage to the outer plating near the enlisted quarters."  He shrugged.  "Nothing life threatening, but it will need to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Schultz", Reed replied.  "Any other problems."

"Not really, sir", Number Two affirmed.  "In fact, we are in surprisingly good shape for the ordeal we've been through."

"Excellent", the commander breathed.  "Reed to engineering!"

"Go, Commander", Jeffy said enthusiastically.

"What's our status?"

"We're back on line, sir", the engineering officer informed him.  "We'll be up to full power within thirty minutes."

"And what about the Origami Drive?"

"The Mercurion source has been broken down and reformed", Jeffy explained.  "Theoretically, it should function properly."

"Very well, Mr. Jeffy", Reed replied pleasantly.  "Let me know when we can proceed."

"Aye-aye, sir."

Reed turned to Lt. Scott.  "Get a crew working on that damaged plating ASAP, Number Two", he instructed.  "I want to get out of this place and time as soon as possible."