Filter
Top Products
ERIC NYLUND
231
"Sir? The nose?" Cortana paused, then reported, "Intact, sir.
Most of the damage has been to the lateral—"
"Bring us into direct contact with that hunk of metal, Cortana."
"Aye, sir," Cortana replied.
Ascendant Justice accelerated toward the broken Covenant
ship, and then slowed. The two warships touched; there was a
slow grinding noise that echoed along the ship's frame.
"Contact," Cortana reported.
"Perfect," Admiral Whitcomb replied. "New course
three-two-zero by two-two-zero. Flank speed. Lieutenant,
charge any plasma turret we have left. Cortana, get this ship
ready for full reverse power."
Ascendant Justice—Gettysburg turned and moved toward the
Covenant carrier—pushing the broken hull of the other ship be-
fore them.
They accelerated on a collision course.
The turrets on the Covenant carrier heated to white hot—but
they held their fire.
"Eight thousand kilometers to enemy ship," Cortana announced.
"Hold this course, Cortana."
"Six thousand kilometers, sir."
"Stand by," the Admiral ordered and gripped the railing again
with his sweating hands.
"Two thousand kilometers."
"Full reverse power now!"
The engines rumbled, and the hull of Ascendant Justice
shuddered.
The wrecked Covenant ship on their nose screeched as its mo-
mentum carried it along at the faster velocity. It pulled free of
Ascendant Justice ... tumbled directly toward the enemy carrier.
"Mass impact on carrier in four seconds," Cortana said.
"Three seconds."
The carrier fired its plasma at the incoming mass. Flames
heated the wreckage, punched though its armor and hull, and
melted the alloy.
The mass, however, continued forward, shattered and molten—
but its velocity was undiminished.
It crashed into the carrier and sent it spinning to starboard.