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Time to look for the author...*** "Luktra's Return" part three |
part 3:
The journey to the Neutral Zone took 37 hours. Reports had come in that the Hobus star had indeed gone supernova. It was another eight hours before the Romulan senate realized the shock-wave was growing in intensity as it moved out from the star. They put the call out for help.
The three liners from Aster Ships were escorted in by the U.S.S. Excelsior. When they reached the twin planets, there was a "D'deridex-class warbird that was organizing the evacuation process. Luktra wanted to take his liner directly to ch'Rihan (Romulus) but all three ships were ordered to ch'Havran (Remus) to evacuate the inhabitable areas.
"Open a hail to the warbird," Luktra requested.
"No can do, sir," the comm operator responded. "There is so much comm traffic, they aren't accepting any hails except from lead ships. In our case, Excelsior is our lead ship."
"What does the ship traffic over ch.... Romulus look like," Luktra asked, looking over to the sensor operator.
"There are so many ships buzzing up from the planet, down to the planet, and in orbit, sir, it is almost impossible to keep track of them all. It looks like a freaking bee's nest."
Luktra let out a curse in Rihannsu. He studied the viewscreen for a long moment. "Proceed to ... Remus, as ordered," he growled. He said a silent prayer to the Elements that one of those "bees" would be getting his family off ch'Rihan.
It took close to three and a half hours to fill the three liners. And fill them, they did. The only spots not totally occupied (to almost standing room only) with Romulans, was the engine room and the bridge. Every other compartment on the ships were full.
"Captain," called out the comm-officer. "Captain Aster is hailing."
'Put him onscreen."
"Luke, we're full. Hunt has reported he is as well."
"We are also, Jeremy," Luktra told the CEO-turned captain.
"Excelsior has directed us to take the refugees to a processing center near the Benta'kh Colony."
"I know of the colony," Luktra told him.
"Lead the way then old friend. We have a little over an hour to get the heck out of here."
"I shall. Solaere out."
The image of Jeremy Aster was replaced by the curve of ch'Havran. Ships of all shapes and sizes dotted the orbit. Luktra gave the helm the coordinates for the colony. He was certain they would get directions to the processing center once they arrived. As the three liners left Remus's orbit, Luktra asked the sensor officer to put Romulus on the viewer one more time.
The once proud home-world of the Romulan Star Empire appeared on the screen. Luktra tried to hold back the wave of emotion he was feeling. It was always his hope to once again walk on that great planet's surface. Now, he would be denied that forever, and not just by some government decree. He could see the area of the planet where his family estate was located.
"Magnify sector 3f45," the Romulan requested of the sensor officer. The request was carried out, and Luktra's heart leapt. There, in orbit above the planet, amidst all the other ships now trying to get away from the planet, was, clearly, and Intrepid-class ship. The markings, however could not be made out.
"Increase magnification," Luktra ordered.
"I'm sorry, sir," the sensor officer said apologetically. "That IS maximum magnification."
"We're clear ch'Havran's influence, Rekkhai," the helm officer called out. It was Donald Matthews, another long-time friend of Luktra's. He had a fairly good idea of what was going through the ship captain's head and wanted to help smooth things out, if even a little.
"Prepare to go to warp." Luktra ordered. He looked, one more time at his beloved ch'Rihan. "Goodbye," he said just above a whisper.
to be continued...
