The female Vulcan's heart beat faster and faster. She had known the training would be hard, but not like this.
The Klingon ships were jamming communications, Uhura had made that clear. Saavik did not show her fear. "We're over our heads. Mr. Sulu, get us out of here." Her voice wavered slightly, but only the other Vulcan noticed.
"I'll try, Captain," the pilot replied.
"Klingon torpedoes activated. Alert," came the computer's emotionless notification.Sure enough, the next image on the viewscreen was of a torpedo heading straight for them.
"Evasive action!" the captain commanded, but it was too late.
The torpedo hit the bridge and the female Vulcan stood up as an explosion knocked Sulu out of his seat.
Saavik sat down hard. "Engineering, damage report," she said into the comm.
"Main energizer hit, Captain," Scotty's voice answered.
"Engage auxiliary power. Prepare to return fire."
McCoy, who was standing next to Uhura's station, ran to Sulu's side. Uhura's console exploded in her face as an ensign at the weapons station said, "Shields collapsing, Captain."
Another explosion killed the doctor instantly as he turned away from Sulu.
Saavik ignored McCoy's lifeless body. "Fire all phasers."
"No power to the weapons, Captain," the other Vulcan said as another explosion rocked the ship. Saavik watched, stunned, while the other Vulcan slumped to the floor.
Scotty's voice came in over the comm, "Captain, it's no use. We're dead in space."
"Activate escape pods," she said, looking down at the other Vulcan. "Send out the log buoy. All hands abandon ship; repeat, all hands abandon ship."
She rose from the captain's chair and swallowed hard. "Any suggestions, Admiral?" she asked the silhouette in the doorway.
"Prayer, Mr. Saavik," the silhouette said. "The Klingons don't take prisoners. . . Lights!"
The half-Vulcan flinched as the lights shut off with a bang. She knew immediately who was standing in front of her: Admiral James T. Kirk.