Read Star Trek: The Next Generation - 119 - Armageddon's Arrow for Free Online

and senior staff officers, please report to the bridge. Lieutenant Chen, report to the bridge . ”
    Hearing her name, Chen frowned. “Me?”
    “That is what the commander said,” Taurik replied.
    She tapped her combadge. “Chen to bridge. I’m on my way, Commander.” As Taurik rose from his seat, she added, “I guess I’m on my way to the bridge.”
    “I am going to engineering,” replied the Vulcan.
    As they moved toward the door, falling in with the rest of the officers and other crew members making their way from the lounge to their duty stations, Taurik said, “Perhaps this means the captain will have need of a contact specialist.”
    Forcing a smile, Chen shrugged. “And I was so looking forward to upgrading the shuttlecraft.”

4

    Standing at the center of the Enterprise bridge, his arms folded across his chest, Captain Jean-Luc Picard studied the as yet unidentified object now displayed before him on the main viewscreen. That it was a vessel was obvious, given its smooth surface, straight lines, and sharp angles. Even from this distance, the image—as conveyed by long-range sensors—was clear enough that Picard could see seams where hull plates, shifting in color from gray to varying shades of amethyst, had been joined to the vessel’s enormous frame. Long and narrow, and possessing flared sections of curved hull segments extending outward from its tapered core, it resembled a wedge of sorts. Beginning with a giant, bell-shaped aft section, it narrowed almost to a point at its opposite end. An assortment of ports, hatches, protrusions, and other attachments festooned its hull on all sides. Weapons placements and what likely were maneuvering thrusters also were evident, positioned at regular intervals from bow to stern, including a massive circular port at the very front of the ship. The craft appeared to be devoid of external light sources, its depiction made possible thanks to the Enterprise sensors and the main computer’s imaging software, and it was clear that the gargantuan vessel was adrift.
    “Long-range sensors first detected the vessel less than ten minutes ago,” said Commander Worf from where he stood before his seat next to Picard’s command chair. “We attempted to hail it on all frequencies, but we’ve received no response. No signs of propulsion are evident, and so far we’ve registered no life-form readings.” The first officer paused, and Picard noted the small gleam in the Klingon’s eyes. “I thought you might find it interesting, sir.”
    Picard smiled. “Something of an understatement, Number One.” Returning his gaze to the apparent derelict, he asked, “Have you completed your initial sensor sweep?” His attention now was focused on the numerous scorch marks, impacts, and breaks scattered across the ship’s hull, all evidence that the vessel had seen some form of combat.
    From where she sat at one of the science stations along the bridge’s starboard bulkhead, Lieutenant Dina Elfiki replied, “Yes, sir. Most of our scans are being disrupted, possibly from an unknown substance or material used in the vessel’s construction. The hull plates are a composite of what appears to be neutronium along with several other minerals we’ve never encountered.” After a moment, the science officer added, “We’ll know more after we get closer. For now, though, sensors are still picking up minor power readings. If I had to guess just based on the energy signature, I’d say it’s some form of backup system.”
    “It’s definitely adrift,” said Lieutenant Aneta Šmrhová, the Enterprise ’s chief of security. “I’m not detecting any signs of propulsion.” Standing at her station behind Picard’s left shoulder, she tapped her console several times before adding, “So far, there’s no indication that it’s reacting to our presence.”
    “Conn, adjust our course and speed for intercept,” Picard ordered.
    Seated at the flight controller’s station, Ensign