"Take us to the anomaly, maximum speed Mister McKinley. Mister Free keep an eye on the long range sensors. Let me know the moment we're detected," barked Captain Evers. He punched the comm button. "Engineering, cut power to all non-essential systems. We need to reduce our sensor signature."
He glanced across the bridge to his executive officer. "Take us to yellow alert Mister Landan."
The Ionstorm's engines propelled the cruiser deep into Directive territory. The crew was anxious Evers knew that some of the crew had never been in a combat situation, something that this course of action could deteriorate into quickly.
"Any contacts on long range Mister Free?"
"No Captain. All clear."
"How long until we reach the anomaly Mister Mckinley?" asked Landan.
"Fourteen minutes, thirty seven seconds."
"Sensors telling us anything new Mister Free?"
"The anomaly measures five thousand cubic meters. Still no idea about what's keeping the tachyons localized."
"The area is roughly the size of a battlecruiser. slightly larger than our own volume Captain," Landan added.
"Or it could be a gateway that a ship our size could pass through," Evers mused aloud.
The Ionstorm plunged deeper into Directive space. The tension on the bridge could be cut with a knife.
"We are within visual distance Captain."
"Put it on the screen Mister Free"
They stared at the viewscreen.
"Nothing. I see nothing," said Landan.
"Increase the magnification," the Captain ordered.
"Still nothing,"Landan grunbled.
"Well sirs, tachyons are invisible to the naked eye. I had hoped there would be some kind of display where the particles interacted with whatever barrier is containing them," Free responded.
"No such luck eh free? Prepare a probe. Let's take a look inside," Evers commanded.
"Captain we have company. Directive vessel bearing 425.369 on an approach vector," Free said.
"Red alert! Battlestations! Tactical, report!" bellowed Landan.
"Directive Heavy Battle Destroyer. Four PPCs, one molecular cutter and heavy shields," responded Tactical Officer Walsh. "Not much of a threat but she could pack a nasty punch. Directive vessel still on approach."
"They have to know they are no match for us and still they come?" Landan observed.
"We have no declared state of hostilities between our governments, plus we're in their yard. They have to get in our face," replied the Captain.
"Communication from the Directive vessel. Commander Volh of HBD 105 demands we withdraw from Directive space immediately"
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