Day 53.
First officers log.
Our Captain got permission to fly from the psychologists. I'm not sure how he pulled it together. I would be a mess in his shoes.
I'm glad to have him on board again, the crew seem to like him. Hope we can now have some normalcy around here.
- J. Hoss -
The bridge
"Take her out". Cook said. The space stations docking port was slowly exchanged for the freedom of the stars. "Set course for our given destination, Stick".
"Aye, captain".
Cook waited for his ship to be well on its way before he asked to speak to the crew.
"This is your captain. As you well know, I have been experiencing some stress lately. I'm touched for all your concern. I hope we can now get back to our bread and butter and put this issue behind us once and for all.
We are now leaving for the outskirts of known space. Let us do some exploring, people. That is what we are all here for. Captain out".
"Quite a speech" Jane said.
"She is all ready for you." Shift change comes fast when your enjoying it.
"Go get some sleep, will you?" he heard when the elevator doors closed behind him. Food first, then sleep.
The mess hall
Food in the mess hall had tasted good for once. He felt bold enough to taste their coffee. Max took a green bigger mug, filled it with black coffee, two sugars and cream, and headed for the scenery.
Cook drank his coffee standing near the window. Space looked good, the never ending stream of stars filling his view. Talk about never ending possibilities. More stars than you could count, more planets than you could visit, in a lifetime.
"Nice view, captain?" a liutenant asked walking by. Max agreed.
The captains quarters
Max had layed in bed for more than an hour before he had finally dozed of. He was sleeping like a baby when the whole ship shook and took a sharp turn to the right. "What the..." he quickly was on his feet, putting his clothes on, and contacted the bridge "Jane, what is going on?"
"Just some asteroids". Why on earth would anyone fly a starship near some asteroids? What was she doing?
"Asteroids?" he echoed. "I'll be there in three".
The bridge
Max almost tumbled out of the elevator when the ship turned again to the right.
"Captain on the bridge".
"Report". Max said while on approach to his chair.
"Massive asteroid belt." Pilot said.
"Why are we in it?" Cook asked.
"It is the steering, sir. It will not turn to the left".
"That's a first". Max said and contacted engineering. "Bridge to engineering, report".
"A part broke in half and the pieces are now stuck, blocking steering."
"Get 'em out of there!" Cook commanded.
"We are trying." came the respons.
The ship shook again. "Damage report" Cook said.
"Minor hull damage." the science officer reported. The ship turned right.
"Go up". Max said.
"Trying. There's rocks everywhere". Pilot said concentrating.
"How big is this belt?" Cook asked.
"It's big". Jane said and showed a pad with data.