Under the steady hands of Lt. Scott, the USS Escort accelerated steadily along its chosen, though somewhat erratic path. The young officer let his eyes drift up from his display
momentarily to ensure the Commander hadn't been injured.
"Sorry, sir", he muttered, returning his gaze to the screen. "Our initial approach was much more complex than I recall."
"I should say", Reed retorted hotly in an effort to cover his embarrassment. "Give us a little warning next time. Someone could have been injured."
"Aye-Aye, sir", Number Two responded characteristically.
Mr. Schultz, though relishing Reed's discomfort, forced himself to turn his attention to the digital readout before him. "Bridge to Mr. Jeffy", he said into his comm-link. "Stand by to activate
Origami Drive."
"Rah-jo, pal", the engineering officer responded excitedly, "standing by."
"Alright", the Huckster continued, a light sheen of sweat adorning his brow, "on the count of three, activate the drive. One..."
"On 'three', or like, 'one, two, three, go'?", Jeffy queried
"Forget it!!", Schultz shouted with uncommon force. "Just press the button...NOW!!"
Reed prayed that the engineering officer was able to grasp Mr. Schultz's techno-babble as he watched the Huckster twist the dial activating the RF Drive. Belatedly, he considered the safety of his precarious
positioning, peering over the science officer's shoulder, and began to edge his way toward his seat.
After several seconds with no seeming effect, the Commander cast a doubtful glance at the Huckster. "Are you sure this is going to work?"
Schultz didn't respond, didn't even move. Nor did anyone else.
