93. Tack

93. Tack

Tack: to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as before

"Can we outrun them?!" McCoy looked calmer than the quaver in his voice suggested as he clung to the seat of their transporter with white knuckles.

Jim and Spock exchanged a look as they tried to maneuver the alien vessel. "Them? Yeah, most likely. The shock-waves when that tower comes down? Not so much." The young captain didn't sound much calmer as he looked desperately at his second in command. "Tell me you have a plan?"

"I will once one comes to mind." The vulcan frowned at the readings in front of him while McCoy closed his eyes tightly as the ship rocked violently.

Jim gritted his teeth as he lurched forward with the impact. "Left side of the ship's been compromised. Another hit could prove... problematic."

"Lord, get us out of this one and I will try my hardest not to listen to the half-brained schemes these two come up with..."

"That's the spirit, Bones."

Spock swerved the vehicle as they were fired upon again. "We are getting closer to the edge of the estimated blast range. If we can avoid-"

The sound was closer to a non-sound. It was a feeling that shot through them as the loud, deep noise of absolute destruction swelled over them. McCoy looked out one of the rear view-screens and swallowed hard. "J-Jim? Spock?"

The massive towering fortress had collapsed, the heavy structure caving in on itself and sending out a shock wave that could be visibly seen as dust and rubble shot through the air. Jim tried not to look at the buildings and ships that were crushed and sent flying. "Spock, tell me we're out of range."

"We will be in roughly three minutes but the wave is traveling..." The vulcan cut off and began to alter the course. "I believe the shields, coupled with the distance we've already traveled. Captain, when I signal, tack to the right."

"Spock?"

"Now!"

The ship veered to the right as the wave hit them and Spock pushed the thrusters forward. The ship shot forward, carried on by the extra force and flew well out the the range of destruction. As the ship crashed heavily the three men inside braced themselves.

The silence was deafening as they caught their breath. McCoy recovered first. "What the hell was that about?"

"I was certain we could ride the wave out with some added power but the left side of the ship was so compromised that if the impact had hit us dead on we-"

"No, no!" McCoy waved his hand as Spock righted himself and raised an eyebrow at the interruption. "What the hell was that whole 'tack' thing about? Who says that? What if he didn't know what to do?!"

Jim was still sprawled in his seat and grinning up at them. "Why would I not know what to do?"

"No, of course not. Because everyone understands ancient Terran sailing terminology."

Jim smiled even wider and nodded while Spock gave him a look that quite clearly stated 'are you operating at full capacity?'.

"I'm transferring to a different ship."

"That's the spirit Bones."