ISS Artemis 24 at jump point 115d from planet 6 system 612-744

Date 1184-268 Imperial Standard

Time 0707 Shipboard

The crew of Artemis all sat in their stations on the bridge. An observer could feel the tension leaking away that the four had held for the last two and a half days. Elli's Chance still haunted their dreams but they were finally ready to leave it behind. They took comfort in a well practiced routine.

"Navigation," Ishyn called out, "Jump route plotted and locked."

"Pilot confirms, jump route plotted and locked."

"Engineering has green board," Vrain called from his station.

"We are go, start jump initiation clock, T-100, mark."

"Jump clock running, T-98 and counting."

"Dammit, I have a yellow," Vrain growled.

"Abort or hold," Val questioned, "i'm at eight meters per second, T-77."

"Pilot continue count. Mel run back, givr the regulator a kick."

Mel unstrapped and sprinted off the bridge to engineering.

Val gave updates, "T-50... T-40... T-30, talk to me engineering."

"We're good, keep the count," Vrain barked. "C'mon Mel, do it girl," he added quietly.

"T-20..."

The board turned green, "That's my girl. Engineering is green, ready to jump."

"Prepare for jump transition, T-10..9..8..7..6.."

Vrain's board changed one meter to red, "Abort, abort, damn all," he shouted. The bridge suddenly was engulfed in darkness as every monitor went black.

"Engineering," Ishyn shouted, "what in the name of the maker of stars just happened?"

"Not sure why we are black. The jump regulator turned red on me but that should not have shut us down." He activated his comm, "Engineer Coburtan, talk to me. We are dark."

"I pulled the plug boss," came the reply. "The worthless regulator popped so I killed the powerplant to make sure we didn't jump."

"Killing the plant was a bit much," Ishyn joined in, "but good call. Give us power back so we can figure out what happened. Val, as soon as we are back on line bring us to zero relative velocity. Vrain head back and see what is wrong and how to fix it. Your next report should start by saying my ship can move."