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Vathral
was her friend. He would only get serious about catching them if under intense
pressure. Which she realized could very well be the case. Conndra had informed
them Vathral was still captain of The
Apoxis , which is the warship her
mother had sent looking for them. Although slower than The Reliant , it carried much heavier armament. It would never keep
up with them under normal circumstances. If Vathral was trying to catch them in
earnest, then this could be a trap.
    Sighing wearily Cali said, “I don’t know how Vathral could’ve gotten
ahead of us, but we need to set course for the location of the distress signal.
If it’s not Vathral we might do some good for whoever is transmitting the
signal. If it’s a trap—” she let her voice trail off.
    “I agree with setting course for
the signal.” Vareen’s brow furrowed. “It’s not logical that The Apoxis could get ahead of us. I don’t think it’s Vathral.”
    “Open command channel, ” Cali
ordered the computer. “Navigation set
course for the distress signal CD-six, and inform me if any other ships appear
on our radar,” she called to the bridge.
      “Course set.” The navigation
officer spoke over the intercom, “We’ll arrive in sixty-five minutes.”
    “Understood and clear,” Cali called and tapped hercommbadge. They were
once again speaking privately. “Well, it seems we have sixty-five minutes until
we know if Vathral has caught us.”
    “It would be the only way.” Nellia was biting her lip. “ The Reliant is too fast for them to
catch us any other way.”
    “Vathral wouldn’t act in that way, ”
Diandra spoke up. When all eyes swung to her she blushed becomingly. “I mean to
say…”
    Not for the first time Cali wished her mother had left well enough alone.
Her betrothal to Vathral had to be causing Diandra so much pain.
    “Diandra…”
    Avoiding her eyes and hurriedly standing her friend said, “We should be
going.”
    Everyone followed suit and stood to leave. Cali pursed her lips and made
a mental note to talk with Diandra.
    “Everyone to their stations then.” Cali stood and walked to the door.
“This might get interesting.”

Chapter Seven
    Cali’s apprehension grew as they approached the designated coordinates of the distress signal.
    “Scan for any additional energy signatures,” she ordered Vareen.
    “No other ships detected,” Vareen answered.
    “Forward scanners on visual,” Cali requested and waited to see what they
were coming up on.
    “ What is it ?” she whispered to
herself. Whatever was sending the signal was small. Not a ship but not debris
either. It was cylindrical and if she had to guess was only about seven to
eight feet in length.
    “It’s some type of pod,” Vareen called out. “The materials are unknown. I’m
reading one life sign, however, something is hindering our scanners. I’m unable
to tell if the life sign is weak due to injury, or if the signal is weak due to
shielding.”
    “Medical, meet me at the docking bay. We have found one escape pod with a
weak life sign. Unknown origin.” Cali was moving toward the doors as she gave
commands. “Navigation you have command. Science Officer Nas, you’re with me.”
    “Copy that captain. I’m heading for the docking bay now.” Nellia answered
over the intercom. Her friend was the ship's doctor and the unknown condition of the being in the pod made this a potential
medical emergency. Nellia might be needed.
    She entered the lift with Vareen, “Level six.” They each remained silent
as the lift descended the five levels. Upon exiting, they were facing the docking bay doors with halls running left and right to
other areas of the docking deck.
    She walked forward, toward the main docking doors and they opened
automatically. There was a force field between her and the incoming pod so she
went with Vareen to stand and wait. She barely registered when Nellia took up
position by her side, her gaze was so intent on the arriving