Free The Voyage of the Star Wolf by David Gerrold Page A

chief engineer shook his head. Not yet. Give him a chance. Korie nodded.
    At last, HARLIE said, “The situation appears to be quite serious, Mr. Korie. Would you like my appraisal?”
    â€œYes, HARLIE, I would.”
    â€œThe Morthan Solidarity appears to have launched an all-out attack on the Silk Road Convoy. This has occurred despite the repeated warningsof Alliance governors that no interference with Alliance trade would be tolerated, and despite deliberately leaked intelligence that the Alliance was extremely committed to the protection of the Silk Road trade route and would commit a considerable part of fleet strength to ensure the continuity of safe commerce. We may therefore assume that the ruling factors of the Morthan Solidarity have disregarded both the public warnings and the military intelligence, and that a state of war now exists between the Combined Allied Star Forces and the Morthan Solidarity.”
    â€œThat’s a pretty accurate overview, I’d say.” Korie looked to Leen. “Do you agree?”
    â€œI dunno,” said Leen. “If someone punches you in the nose, it doesn’t take too much smarts to guess he’s looking for a fight.”
    â€œPlease bear with me, Chief Leen. I am operating at a disadvantage,” said HARLIE. “To continue, however; we seem to have suffered considerable damage in the attack. Based on autolog records up to the moment at which my memory discontinuity occurred, it is my assumption that we have been brushed by the hyperstate field of a Morthan missile. Allowing for the limitations of my current perception, it appears that the impairment has been severe, but not fatal. Is this correct, Mr. Korie?”
    â€œYes, HARLIE. So far, so good.”
    â€œThank you. I believe you may be experiencing some problems with oxygen regeneration. I am detecting an abnormal carbon dioxide buildup. You may need to cannibalize the liquid oxygen in the torpedo fuel cells to maintain an appropriate mix.”
    Korie suppressed a smile. Leen looked annoyed.
    â€œGo on, HARLIE.”
    â€œCaptain Lowell is in sick bay—” HARLIE hesitated, then came back in a suddenly softer tone. “I’m sorry. May I extend my condolences. Captain Lowell’s situation appears to be quite grave.” And then: “Please forgive me for bringing this up, sir; the question may be inopportune, but may I log you in as acting command?”
    â€œPlease,” said Korie.
    â€œI am dating your command as being operative from the moment of the captain’s injury. It appears to have occurred during the initial attack. Is that correct?”
    â€œYes, HARLIE.”
    â€œYou will need an acting executive officer,” said HARLIE. “Flight Engineer Hodel is next in command. Shall I assign him the appropriate responsibilities?”
    â€œYes, HARLIE. Log it and notify him.”
    HARLIE paused, then spoke quietly. “Mr. Korie, you need to know this. My reaction time is down. I have suffered some damage of my own. I believe the process may still be continuing. Several of my internal units are”—brief pause—“yes, that is correct. Several of my internal units are showing indications of unreliability. This may further damage my confidence rating. I will try to maintain myself as long as possible. You are going to need me.”
    â€œThank you, HARLIE. Please continue your assessment of the situation.”
    â€œYou appear to have rigged passive gravity-wave scanners. Just a moment, I will process the output for greater sensitivity . . . there are no detectable objects moving at significant speed within a radius of twenty-five light hours. There may be debris, and there does seem to be something at eleven hours, but I would need an active scanning lens to be more precise. You are concerned that the Morthan warships may be patrolling the area for injured Alliance vessels, like ourselves; is that