Dark Star by Alan Dean Foster Read Free Book Online Page B

storm like I asked you to?" Doolittle complained.
    "For the same reason," the computer voice shot back, a little peevishly, "that I cannot refer to you as Grand Admiral Doolittle of His Majesty's Terran Imperial Fleet Forces, Lieutenant. Both are nonscientific, inaccurate, imaginary references concocted by you while acting under the influence of juvenile literary material and—"
    "Call it an asteroid storm," Doolittle warned, having totally forgotten that something important was about to happen, "or I'll see your primary circuit disconnected."
    "You cannot do that, Lieutenant," said Pinback, shocked.
    "You cannot do that, Lieutenant," confirmed the computer. "My primary circuit cannot be disengaged while outside of Earth Base's broadcast influence, and only under the direct supervision of . . ." There was a pause while hidden instruments monitored the lieutenant's internal configuration of the moment.
    "However, I will take your current mental state into account. The . . . asteroid storm . . ."
    "That's better," grinned a satisfied Doolittle.
    ". . . is approaching the ship on collision course."
    "Doesn't mean a thing," Doolittle said smugly to the others. "We'll slip through even the densest storm without meeting anything bigger than a pebble, and our deflectors will handle any oddball-sized chunks."
    "Very true, Lieutenant," the computer continued dryly. "However, this particular storm appears to be bound together by an electromagnetic energy vortex like the one we ran into two years ago. Is that sufficiently descriptive, Lieutenant Doolittle?"
    But Doolittle had become momentarily speechless with shock, as had Pinback and Boiler. All remembered that first encounter, and what it had almost done to them.
    "I see that it is," the computer went on. "Normally I wouldn't bother you boys with this problem, but as you recall, my defensive circuits controlling our prime external force screens were destroyed in that other storm. Therefore, you now have left approximately thirty—"
    "Move," some voice was screaming inside Doolittle, "move, move," but he was frozen helpless in his seat, unable to reach for a single control, unable even to question the computer.
    "— -five seconds left in which to manually activate all defensive systems. I would urge some speed at this point, gentlemen, as you now have only . . ."
    Time, or rather the lack of it, finally shocked Doolittle into action. Pinback and Boiler came out of stasis a split second later.
    "Lock gravity systems!" an urgent, nervous voice—his—was saying.
    "Artificial gravity locked," came Pinback's efficient response. The three men were extensions of the ship now, each working at maximum capability.
    "Activate HR-three," Doolittle continued.
    "Activated." This from Boiler, as he smoothly checked gauges and adjusted controls.
    "Lock air pressure."
    "Air-pressure lock activated," responded Pinback.
    "Four. All systems activated. All screens powered up," Doolittle told them.
    "Roger . . . count four," agreed Pinback.
    "Lock all defensive systems," finished Doolittle. "And pray," he added under his breath. He'd have to hope Boiler and Pinback picked up on that thought by themselves—he had no time to lead them in a formal service.
    Another duty he had somehow lost track of over the months, years. He was also supposed to serve as ship's minister. Maybe he could get Talby to take that over
    The Dark Star took on a pale red aura as the defensive screens came up to full readiness.
    "Defensive systems locked in!" Pinback shouted as the chronometer ticked off the last seconds. Doolittle took a second to admire him. The sergeant would make a good officer some day if . . . if . . .
    It seemed to Doolittle that there was some important, critical reason why Pinback would never be able to make a good officer someday, and it had nothing to do with his ability. It was something else, something more basic. It escaped him at the moment, but . . .
    "Lock final force field," he instructed the