The Denebian Solution

Author : Patricia Stewart, Staff Writer

Earthforce engaged the Denebian fleet in the gap between the asteroid belt and Jupiter. During the battle, a lone Denebian ship broke formation and streaked toward the inner solar system. “Pursue the Denebian ship, warp factor three,” ordered the captain of the Endeavor. “Open a hailing frequency, Lieutenant.” When Lieutenant Smith nodded his head, the captain stood. “Denebian vessel,” he said, “stand down, or be destroyed.”

“No response, Captain” stated the communications officer.

“Fine,” remarked the captain, “Let’s take them out. Release two falcons.”

“Aye, sir,” replied the tactical officer. Two sleek torpedoes exited the forward tubes. Falcons were Earthforce’s most formidable weapon. They were autonomous, warp powered, killing machines. Individually, they could take out a target a dozen different ways. In tandem, they were unstoppable. The bridge crew of the Endeavor watched the forward viewscreen and the falcons streaked toward the Denebian ship. Moments later, two bright flashes appeared. “Captain, both falcons destroyed. No damage to the Denebian ship.”

“Impossible,” whispered the captain. Calmly, he pivoted to plan B. “Helm, overtake them. Warp factor six. Place us between them and the Earth. Put us one thousand kilometers in front of them.” The Endeavor passed the Denebian ship, slid into position, and rotated 180 degrees to face the oncoming ship. “Fire all weapons. If that doesn’t stop them, we’ll ram them. They can’t be permitted to reach the Earth.”

Dozens of singularity mines and cannon blasts erupted in front of the enemy ship, and a steady drone of phaser fire bore down on the ship’s hull. Finally, the Denebian ship veered to port a few degrees. “She’s changing course, sir. It looks like they got the message.”

“Maintain position,” ordered the captain. “Keep the Earth at our stern.”

The Denebian ship arched around the Earth and continued onward, as if it were unable, or unwilling, to return to the fight. “We must have damaged her guidance system,” stated the helmsman, “It’s on a collision course with the sun.”

It wasn’t until a minute later that the captain realized that he may have been outfoxed. He turned toward the helm, “Lay in an intercept course, quickly.”

“It’s too late, sir,” was the solemn reply. “The Denebian ship has already entered the sun’s corona.”

“All sensors on the sun,” said the captain as he collapsed into his command chair and watched the viewscreen. “Let me know if there are any changes,” he added.

For two minutes, there were no changes. Then the science station reported, “Neutrino emissions rising. It’s bad, sir. Three hundred percent and climbing. Damn, the core is beginning to expand. Sir, the sun is going nova.”