June 28, 1373


Once the ship decelerates again you are greeted with the sight of a yellow white star blazing brightly dead ahead. Almost lost in the glare is another space station, once again a maze of tubes and nodes.

"This is the star system of Alpha Circini," says Steve Jobs. "We are 53 light years from Alpha Centauri."

As the ship circles the space station you can see that it is much better shape than the military installation in the Toliman system.

Zanax tries to contact Steve Jobs via his new implants, "Steve Jobs, please scan for life forms."

"There are life forms within the station," replies Steve Jobs.

"Steve Jobs, identify life forms and give their location on the screen."

"They range from microscopic in size up to somewhat larger than you, Zanax."

The station appears in silhouette on the screen...lit up in places by glowing red dots.

Zanax sighs, "Please eliminate any microscopic lifeforms from the screen."

"Can you identify any of the lifeforms that are greater than microscopic in size?"

"Not from here," Steve Jobs replies, "And I have already screened out the smallest life forms."

Zanax asks, "Can you send something around the base to explore for you?"

"I cannot," replies the ship. "I can create drones, but none small enough to explore the interior of a space station."

Zanax sighs, "OK, is there breathable air in the station?"

Zanax scrutinizes the map and tries to figure out where the larger life forms are.

"It appears to have a breathable atmosphere."

Zanax checks that his blaster and shield belt are fully charged and then turns invisible.

"Track my location and let me know if any of those life forms are approaching me or if I am getting close to a life form."

"Would you like me to dock, first?"

Zanax pauses, "Ummm...yes, please."

The ship moves towards an opening in the side of the space station, similar to the docking bay on Amalda.

Suddenly a strange voice echoes inside Zanax's head.

"ATTENTION STRANGE SHIP. THIS IS MILITARY DOCKING CONTROL. GIVE THE PASSWORD OF THE DAY OR STAND BY TO BE DESTROYED. YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS."

Zanax immediately contacts Steve Jobs mentally. "Do you know the password? If not, get us out of here immediately!"

"I do not know it," replies the ship. "Retreating..."

On the screen you see the station drop out of sight as the Steve Jobs veers away and accelerates.

Suddenly there is a flash and a jolt. Black-eye squawks as the lights dim, then brighten again.

"Shields damaged, now at 55% efficiency," says Steve Jobs. "Velocity 0.5c."

Then there is another flash and a second jolt, though not as severe as the first.

"Shields at 42% efficiency," reports Steve Jobs. "Velocity 0.8c."

You see the familiar tunnel vision effect appearing on the viewer as the ship closes in on the speed of light.

Then there is another jolt, weaker still.

An instant later the ship shudders, then steadies.


Next day...

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