Schultz nodded his slightly bulbous head at Lt. Scott, who eased the thruster-arm forward. The ship seemed to hum as the low level vibrations of the NS Drives began to push the
ship through the dark abyss.
Number Two leaned forward, his eyes glued to the display which showed the exact path of their entrance to this place and time. The success of their endeavor rested on his efforts, and his ability to maneuver
the ship precisely along that course. Beads of sweat began to appear on his forehead.
Reed placed a reassuring hand on his protégé's shoulder. "You can do it, son", he affirmed.
"I appreciate your confidence, sir", the lieutenant replied, "but it's difficult to concentrate when someone sneaks up and grabs your shoulder."
"Oh", the Commander muttered awkwardly, releasing his grip on Number Two, "right." He turned and noticed everyone looking his way. "Back to work people", he instructed, tugging at
his shirt in an unsuccessful attempt to disguise his discomfort, "and no touching Lieutenant Scott."
He strolled over to where the science officer was seated. "You can wipe that smug, Huckster grin off your face, Mr. Schultz", he suggested evenly.
"Aye-aye, sir", Schultz responded, donning his usual expression of disinterest. "Don't you think you should have a seat?"
"Why would I, Mr. Schultz?"
"Well, extra-dimensional travel can be quite disconcerting, and there's no way to be certain of our destination", the science officer explained.
"I thought you figured out the coordinates yourself, Mr. Schultz.", Reed countered derisively. "Are you beginning to doubt your keen mathematical skills?"
"Certainly not, sir", the Huckster assured. "However, because of the inconsistencies within the space-time continuum, it is impossible to exactly duplicate the transition between two spatial realities."
Reed was silent.
"Sir, you're drooling again", the science officer advised.
After several seconds, the Commander's eyes regained their fiery focus. "I think I can handle a little turbulence, Mr. Schultz. You forget, I was one of the first officers to ever..."
His words were cut off as the ship lurched and pitched sideways, throwing him inelegantly onto his posterior.
