Regal's sleek Calinda strained at nearly .72 c, racing for cover of the planetoid cluster ahead. The Yarkine interceptor was ovehauling at .74 c, closing to firing range. The interceptor was intent on its prey. Its commander had no idea that Calinda was easily capable of .8 c. "Yark firing! Beamer, near miss!" The Yark commander was good, to get even a near miss at this range. Regal could feel the tension in his crewmen. This was a serious gamble, allowing a deadly vessel this close. A second salvo flashed Calinda, turning the aft damper a deep purple. A third turned it an angry red. But by now the Calinda had passed the first planetoids -- behind which Regal's fleet hung nestled, waiting and vengeful? |
