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systems compromised?”
    The computer replied almost instantly. “All systems are optimal, damage to outer skin does not affect hull integrity.”
    “Captain, they’ve fired again.” Gehlen looked at him with a worried expression. “Another hit like that could do some serious damage.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Gehlen, I’m afraid we can’t avoid it. Carry out the same maneuver as before, but as soon as we take a hit put the ship into orbit over the planet and shut down all but the emergency life support systems. I want you to find some nice chunks of space junk to hide inside.”
    Gehlen looked at him with a dubious expression but after a few moments started to carry out his orders. Blas could feel all eyes on him, he knew they were wondering if he’d taken leave of his senses, if they had made a wrong decision in making him Captain of the Revolution.
    “Captain, I understand what you are doing, but how long can we float above the planet?” Tell asked him, his face showing extreme concern. “We need ships and the only way to get them is to get down on the surface and start taking over the naval shipyards.”
    “I know what we want, Sir. It’s true, we could float undetected amongst the space junk for years, but we’re not going to. We’re landing on the planet’s surface in a few hours time, as soon as these people are convinced that the ship is dead. For now, we’re going to die.”
    The bridge was quiet, Blas noted with amusement that they all looked stunned. “No, I’m not going crazy. Your plan for a simple landing has obviously gone awry, they obviously recognized the ship from a security alert. I assume that we can still count on some support when we get to the surface, Guide Tell?”
    “I believe Sister Serena would be better qualified to answer that. Do you think our people are still safe, Sister?”
    “They are safe, yes. If we can get to the surface they will be able to hide us.”
    “How do you know they are still safe?” Blas asked her.
    She stared at him. “I know.”
    He nodded. “Very well, but I want you to understand that I don’t want them to hide us. We’re going to land, take the planet, and get ourselves a fleet. Can these people fight?”
    She hesitated for a few moments. “Yes, they will fight, they will do what you expect of them.”
    “Of their own free will?”
    “That is not your concern, Captain, but yes, of their own free will. They will fight.”
    He had to accept her word, he knew that. He’d take up the matter of mind control later, it was a two-edged sword. When it came to a fight he wanted soldiers who were committed to battle, men who would fight and die for the flag, not mind-altered zombies whose allegiance could switch depending on who was controlling them at the time.
    The ship lurched again as a pair of hits from the latest salvo struck the hull, this time the hits were almost on top of the main engines. The damage alert siren wailed.
    “Warning, hull integrity breached, main engines damaged, moving to auxiliary power.”
    Blas could almost feel the accusing glances. “Mr. Gehlen, put her on course for planetary orbit and then shut everything down.”
    “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Admiral Rusal snapped. “If they hit us again without shields they’ll destroy the ship.”
    Blas stared him. “Admiral, if I’m right, we’ll soon be in the clear. And if I’m wrong, well, we’ll worry about that when it happens.”
    The ship’s systems started to shut down.
    “Warning, artificial gravity will be lost in four seconds, warning! Defensive shields are now inoperative!”
    “Hold tight everyone, we’re about to go for a ride,” Blas smiled. No one smiled back.
    The overhead lighting went out and the emergency lights flicked on, casting a ghostly glow around the bridge. They could all feel the beginnings of weightlessness and looked for the nearest handholds. The auxiliary power cut out too and the ship was suddenly quiet. They sailed on through