Thor’s Hammer

by Martin Calderwood

 

“Sleek!”  said  Ensign Drok, Second Assistant Engineer.  He turned back from the viewport and tried once again to get comfortable in the cramped quarters of a craft made for  beings half his mass and a meter shorter.  Earth shuttles were never intended to accommodate a being with an eight-foot frame that weighed in at just over 320 kg.  His three human companions sat comfortably on the cushioned seats enjoying the ride, while he was forced to sit hunched in the ship’s small cargo space with his back against the bulkhead.  To be honest, he did not mind the discomfort because he was used to dealing with this fragile race and their less than wide-open spaces.  The few minutes he had to spend in transit between Earth and his new assignment was worth any discomfort he had to bear.  Still it would have been so much better if they had not put in so much padding.  Trolls were created to sit on stone not on the soft creations of humans.  Besides all the excess made it hard for him to maintain the feel of the ship as it slid silently toward his new home.   Smiling to himself, he wondered if Fleet Command had granted his request regarding his quarters.   He knew he would find out soon enough.

  He carefully shifted his weight in order to not disturb the pilot, and looked once again at the shining white ship that hung silently against a backdrop of glistening stars.  Her shape resembled that of a 900-meter long manta ray, without the long flexible tail.  The two powerful faster-than-light engines were built into the fine curved sides.   They were separated by a vast detachable cargo pod, and two shuttle bays which could hold up to three shuttles each.  It was toward one of these bays that  his shuttle was now headed.  

A century and a half ago, when humans first ventured into space. They mapped every nook and cranny of their world. The trolls  remained hidden, because it was impossible for even their most sensitive instruments to tell trolls from the stone that surrounded them.   When the first great troll walked into the City of Oslo ninety-eight years ago, one would have thought the world had come to an end.  From out of nowhere, trolls of all sizes came out of hiding saying that humans needed the kind of support and magic only trolls could offer.  As it turned out, they were right.   It took them several years, but the trolls worked diligently until they were able to work alongside their human companions.  It was the trolls, with their instinctive knowledge of the elements rather than scientific, who eventually suggested the use of a certain combination of natural and created crystals that produced the faster-than-light engines needed for deep space exploration. 

As the shuttle was on final approach, Drok read the name emblazoned in apache tear black on the rear of the vessel, and his heart soared.  He could not think of a more appropriate name for the ship that would carry the first troll into deep space.  ‘Thor’s Hammer’ would be a ship that would be remembered forever.  In a few months there would be three more ships just like it, but his was the first. Eventually, the thirty or so sub-light ships of Earth’s fleet would join them,  as each of them would be  refited over the next decade.  Drok did not even stop to calculate the cost, but with the entire Earth peoples working together, it did not seem like much as they began their quest to search the stars for whoever and whatever was out there.

“This is Shuttle 5 requesting docking clearance.”    The pilot’s voice was clear and strong.

“Clearance granted.  Release controls to be tractored in.” was the quick reply.

“Controls released.”

“We have you.   Welcome aboard, enjoy the ride in.  Hammer out.”

 Crewman Jenny Walker stirred and turned back toward her fellow passengers.  Drok turned his head as she spoke, noting her Raven black hair as it fell into place almost perfectly with each movement.

“Almost home boys.” she said with a warm smile in her voice.  “I don’t know about you all but I can’t wait to get going and see what else is out there!”

Beside her Lt. Junior Grade Casey McKennon drew a deep breath and let it out slowly.  “There is a lot more out there than any of us think.”  he said somewhat prophetically.   “My only concern is how they will receive a ‘wet behind the ears’ bunch of free thinkers like we Earthers.”

“Yea, if they have been watching as you think they have, Jenny, why haven’t they made contact with us now that we are going into space.  You would think that if it were a big brotherhood out there of spacefaring races that someone would want to mentor us, give us a hand it.  Then again maybe it’s a survival of the fittest and they are just waiting to come and get us once they know we are here.”

“You are such a pessimist Jackson!” said Jenny.  “With that kind of attitude, it is a wonder that you even decided to join the fleet.”

“Yea, Jackson, why did ye join up?”  asked McKennon putting on his soft Irish brogue as he brushed a stray strand of flaming red hair away from his right eye.

“Nothing to do on Earth.  I need a challenge.” replied Jackson Jensen,  a tall, slender, former college basketball star.  “Anyway, keeping things running is a lot of fun.  “Why’d you sign, Jenny?

“I had no choice.  I’ve wanted to go into space since I read about the first moon landing when I was three.  I used to play Mars Colonist and later Neptune Explorer but then I figured all was done until we started the fleet,  then I put every thing into my grades so I could qualify for the academy.  I have always had a flair for math and I figured even if I stayed on Earth I could do something useful.   I entered the academy as head of my class.”  replied the green-eyed beauty.

“Yer classic over-achiever.” laughed Casey.  “Looks like we’re in.”

The hatch doors slid passed them smoothly as the ship was skillfully guided toward it’s docking berth.

“How ‘bout you Drok?” asked Jackson looking back at his  hulking classmate and fellow Ensign.  “I don’t think I ever asked you.”

Drok shook his head slowly.  “McKennon’s fault.  H’ told me that I should go into space  and  here I am.  Never imagined we’d be shippin’ out same time.”  Drok’s low basso voice rumbled gently inside of the shuttle

“So Lt. McKennon, what’s your story?”  Asked Jackson

           “I have my reasons.  Let’s just say that long ago I felt the pull into space and well when I saw this opportunity I took it.  I waited until I could go FTL to sign up for ship duty.  Do you realize that in less than two days we will be farther out than any Earth ship has ever gone in the old ships?”

The ship shuddered and came to a halt.  No one bothered answering as they waited for the hatch to open which it did as the atmosphere around it balanced.

“Home sweet home.”  exclaimed Jenny stepping out drawing her first lung full of ship’s air.”

“Yea.”  muttered Jackson.  “Yea.”

The next three days were a whirlwind of rapid activity as the crew of 83 made the hundreds of final adjustments to get the ship ready to depart.  For his part Drok found the 10-foot clearance of ceiling adequate and he felt no claustrophobia having grown up in narrower and darker tunnels than these hallways.  He simply did not like the light and he was please that the Fleet had designed his quarters to look cave like giving him a dry, cool and darker climate in which to relax.  The bright artificial light was designed to match the intensity and feel of a sunny day but this too did not bother the Troll because it was not natural even though it met all the technical parameters.  Still even if it did, scientists had found a way to allow Trolls to survive direct sunlight shortly after they had come out of hiding and joined their fellow Earthlings.  A simple enzyme, produced by humans and lacked by Trolls, when taken orally, once a month, provided all the protection Trolls needed to stay out in the sun for several hours at a time.  It was not yet perfected and at least two Trolls had been lost to stone but that was the price they were willing to pay for the added freedom despite their nature.   Drok believed that it was because humans were made of clay and trolls of stone that this separator had occurred.

Drok had very little trouble ‘fitting in’ with the humans who were as open to him as any group could possibly be.  He knew that the primary reason for his acceptance was that he did his job, said little and observed almost compulsively.  Humans, even after so many years, were still as big of a mystery to the Trolls as the Trolls were to them.  It amused Drok, for instance, how much humans either ignored or overlooked as they went about their hectic, rapid fire existence.  The fact this race let the Trolls remain undetected until they chose to reveal themselves, also amused him yet for a race so full of contradictions it was still rewarding to work with them and Drok counted several of the sorter lived race as his friends. 

Drok’s duties included the care and upkeep of the crystals used to run the massive Faster than light (FTL) engines.  His sensitive ears and keen eyesight helped him hear and adjust these ‘pretty rocks’ the humans valued so much.  Drok had watched as Troll scientists or gardeners, as they preferred to be called, had grown the first of these crystals combining elements and facets of diamonds, rubies and silica in a molecular hybrid just over 40 cm long.   The gardeners had nursed and coaxed these unique crystals to polished perfection then had turned their work over to cutters who’s skill in working rocks brought out the final form through which the energy passed to move the ship faster then human physics and science said was possible.   With these crystals human scientists had broken the final barrier to FTL travel and now they going into space.

Drok did not have the knowledge to start the crystal growth process but once in their infancy he could coax them to maturity.  His innate ability and closeness to nature let him feel their progress as they matured.   This familiarity allowed him to sense their ‘life’ within the engines as the power flowed through them in preparation for departure.   Six sets of crystals spaced evenly along a 50-foot length of engine times two performed the miracle that everyone said was impossible.  As Drok felt the engines reach their full state of readiness he gave an almost imperceptible nod and turned away.  Below him the great sub-light engines were coming to life.  He felt the gentle tremble as the ship moved out of its berth.  His sensitive feet felt the deck vibration change as the ship accelerated.  He did not bother to more than glance a the nearest monitor showing the forward scanner point of view.  His two previous trips into space had given him a feel for the varied speeds of sub-light.  The short tests in which he had participated in using the FTL engines provided a guide to the harmonics of the system which he now hoped would become clearer as they traveled away from Earth.  His biggest concern, how the crystals would react to the increased, near continuous, use. 

Gingerly he reached out and touched the engine housing and was reassured as his bodies sensitivities meshed with that of the ships.  He did not have to look at the gauges to know all was well.  Gradually his own system began to adjust to the harmonics around him.

The sudden plunge in his stomach took his breath as the ship leaped into a realm few Earthers had gone.  The crystals hummed imperceptibly as they took on the burden of speed for the ship.  The crystals were happy to be filling the measure of their design as they fed on and enhanced the power passing through and around them.  Drok’s stomach calmed as quickly as it had turned as he glanced at the forward monitor then moved slowly toward the outer end of the engine.  His fingers reached up occasionally and touched the housing until he reached the point it passed through the secondary hull.  The 10-feet between this reinforced hull and the outer plating was the only place he did not have easy access to the engines.  It was in this space that the power of the crystals reached their apogee and erupted from the ship pushing it to a field or corridor of space only a few could explain.  Here the power was at its fullest.  His body, his feet translated the vibrations of these engines in a way no human could imagine as this close to the Earth being literally absorbed his environment.

An hour passed than two as the sleek ship sped away from the planet that gave her birth.  Within the engine room Drok stood silent watch checking and rechecking the tell tales against what he felt within.  He was absorbed in the ship’s mundane vibrations that he barely felt the approaching figures behind him.

“Hello.” he said turning around.

“Hey Drok!” exclaimed Jenny brightly.  “Casey and I were wondering if you wanted to catch a little lunch?”

“Is one running?” asked Drok sounding serious.

“Yea, but if you catch it the chef can roast that hog for you.  We better hurry or the cook will stick it back in the freezer with his friends.” said Casey smiling.

Drok smiled at the humans.  “A hog would be good.”

“Well it ought to hold you till dinner at least.”  added Casey.

Drok nodded.  “Good.”

Acknowledging Casey’s smile Drok looked around until he spotted the Chief Engineer.  Pointing to his mount than to the nearest door he started toward the exit.  The Chief waved and pointed to his watch and held up one finger.  Drok raised his fist and shook it briefly and left with his crewmates.

The mess was typical and stark, a model to military efficiency.  They had not allowed for a Troll so there really was no place for him to sit down which really did not bother Drok at all so long as the food was cooked and he had a place to stand.    Besides Drok only ate one big meal a day and another smaller meal that he usually took in his quarters before he slept.  This habit, that he had gotten into during his training days had served him well and he saw no reason to change it.  To take his main meal with his friends added to his pleasure and the fact they ate in the mess  was of little consequence.  In fact, his only real concern regarding food was that he would not be able to adapt to the ‘off world’ fare that they hoped to find as they traveled.  Humans seemed to have a knack for adapting to their environment but no Troll had ever been out like this so they had stocked the freezers with a wide variety of frozen animals that he could eat along with an abundant supply of bark, berries, nuts and other wild food that Trolls enjoyed.  Today a pig did sound good and since it would only take a quarter hour to prepare Drok had plenty of time to enjoy it.  Any leftovers would be put into the large pot of ‘stew’ in his quarters that he used for his second meal.  Two or three gallons of the mixture would do just fine to help him sleep.

As they waited for their food Drok stood in a darkened alcove he had claimed good naturedly when he had first came aboard.  The ever considerate crew had built a riser on the table within the hour so he did not have to bend to far as he ate and this pleased him more than any Troll could imagine.

As Drok gnawed on the femur of the pig he listened as Casey and Jenny talked about the ship, their duties and how quiet it was.  Casey in particular had feared boredom but at his suggestion the captain had instituted a cross training program for less active crew to take advantage of.  Casey had chosen engineering because he really knew nothing about it. 

“Yea,” Casey boasted, “I will become so valuable I’ll be a Captain in no time.”

Jenny  laughed and muttered under her breath. “Yea, they will have you swabbing the grease while the engineers did the real work 

Drok’s eyes widened when he heard Jenny’s utterance and he smiled and spoke slower than normal.  “Casey be good at clean up.”

Casey had muttered something about being underappreciated before all three began to laugh just as Jackson sauntered up to the table.

“Hey guys.”  said the lanky Ensign as he sat his wiry frame down next to them.  Didja hear the latest?  The Earth Only crowd is marching on Washington, Berlin and London.  They don’t want any more ships to go out until all Earth’s problems are solved.”

 “They can’t seem to  catch onto the fact that the money spent to get us out here will be returned a million fold with what we learn and who we contact out here.  Some of Earth’s problems can only be solved out here.” said Casey softly as he took a sip from his cup.

“Still Earth gambled a lot to get us out here and we really can only hope that will be worth it despite the optimists.”  said Jenny standing.   “Still, they do have some valid points.”  She added stretching.  “Oh well, back to work.”

“You mean you agree with them?” asked Jackson.

“Well, they have some good points if you stop to listen.”

“So why are you here and not home with them.” asked Jackson teasingly.

“I can make a bigger difference here, it’s as simple as that.”  said Jenny with a smile.  “Now let me get to work,  will you?”

“Oh Jenny, I almost forgot.  You got mail.” exclaimed Jackson tossing her a disk less than two inches in diameter.”

She caught it deftly.  “Thanks.” she added flashing a bright smile as she tucked it into her pocket.  “Laters!”

The excitement as the ship passed into ‘unknown’ space was as tangible as the gentle vibrations of the powerful engines but it was all but lost on Drok because after the first day out he was farther away from home than any Troll had ever gone before.  He stilled paused and listened as the cheers and celebration rolled through the ship and while he personally was quite ambivalent about it all he knew how important this was for his fellow crew and he quietly rejoiced for them.

On the fourth morning the ship slipped back into ‘real space’ for what the captain called a ‘stop and catch our breath’ exercise.  The purpose was to go over each system to see how they were holding up under the stress.  From the recycle units to each crystal in the engine system the crew would take another three days to dissect the ship and reassemble it while floating in space.  They would also check their bearings and take steps to refine the inexact science of ‘faster than light’ travel.  When they found they were only two thirds of a degree off from their intended coordinates the scientists were all ecstatic.  As the data was reviewed and the ship was put back together hours of recorded information was put on a shuttle and shipped back with three crew.  Drok included a thirty-word message to his clan and could not believe how wordy he had been.  He chalked it up to the excitement of the moment.

 The next step was to travel straight for four days and ‘rest’ for five.  If something went wrong now they would not get back in Drok’s lifetime but perhaps his grand nephew would be there to receive his stony remains.  If all went as well as the first leg of the journey the ship would increase the number of days it would travel and shorten the ‘rests’.  After a month they would turn around and test just how accurate Einstein was as they took the ship back to Earth.   If all went as planned when they returned the next generation of ships would be ready to go especially if the data sent from each stop reached Earth safely. 

Drok was only concerned with the ‘here and now’ and he kept busy tending the beautiful crystals that were so vital to the engine.  With the care of a master gardener he saw to the growth and repair of each crystal in the series.  Cuts and facets were placed just so in order to increase the efficiency of the ship’s most critical system.   He realized, of course, that he was part of a team but somehow the crystals spoke to him as only one so attuned to nature could understand.  The humans on the team, where they appreciated the crystals, could not feel their individuality as he could.  Their soft voices told him more than any gauge or meter could record but he learned to use these manmade tools to enhance his own analysis of the artificial environment around him.

In his off hours he found himself in the observation chambers looking out at the stars which moved like streaking lightening bugs on a warm summer night passed the sleek ship.  His nature enhanced eyes seemed to see more in these flashing stars than those of his human counterparts and he recorded these observations which the scientists on the ship found matched the sophisticated sensor readings.  Soon he was dividing his time between the engine room and the science observation lounge.  When the ship stopped on its second ‘rest and repair’ time he was given an opportunity to use the ships telescope and make observations unimpeded by the ship’s speed.  Every observation from the difference in the red/blue shift of the distant stars to the emitted spectrum of the stars was recorded by the eager humans.  In turn he learned the joy of discovery and science but still he loved the crystals and it was there he spent the bulk of his time.

He was joined there from time to time by Casey who seemed to truly understand the Troll or at least made allowances for the differences in a way most humans could not.  

The two would talk as they worked and they were occasionally joined by Jenny or Jackson.  Jenny seemed to have a real thirst for knowledge about the crystals and how they worked and she hoped someday to expand her duties on the ship to include more work with this incredible system.   Jackson liked getting his hands into the mix of the dirtier parts of the process and the operation of the crystals and ion streams were only parts to be understood in order for him to do his job.  He came for the physical outlet and for a human he was very strong.  Casey was more a theorist and asked question after question on the whys and wherefores of the systems operation.  Twice his superior had to come drag him away from engineering so he could go on shift and once he was written up for being late for a shift.  Casey, however, did not seem to mind as long as he was learning something new.

The microcosm of life called Thor’s Hammer sped on into the unknown.  They ran silent not wanting to attract attention from whoever or whatever was out here.  This was a human decision which Drok did not agree with because now that his race had come out of hiding they wanted to be part of the bigger picture of the universe.  Casey too did not agree but he realized that a ship of this nature could not defend itself or out run an enemy and right now the gathering of knowledge meant power in the future when they would be prepared to meet others on an even field.

Days were long and nights were sweet as Drok withdrew from his labors.  His quarters, built to look like a cave were serene and peaceful and filled with some of the only nonsynthetic things on the ship.  Of course there was a small price to pay for these home like comforts as each day Drok had to be poked and checked by the ships physicians to see how one of ‘his type’ held up in the vast unknowns of space.  Once this was accomplished he would return to his quarters and then often he would go to the observation ports where he could relax and ponder life. 

It was more of a sense of disquiet that brought Drok out of his reverence than anything tangible.  With a deliberate sense of trepidation Drok stood and walked to the nearby com switch

“This is Drok.”  Human speech patterns were more complicated than he liked but it would take less time to communicate with the overly complex thinkers.  “Is anything wrong?   I feel something is wrong and I don’t know why.”  

On the bridge Captain Alexander C.. Berntson stepped to the com.  “We are reading nothing up here.  What do you feel Drok?”

“A shift in the vibration frequency of the deck.  Request permission to go to my station.”

“I am sure things are fine but go ahead.  Report to me anything you find.  Bridge out.”

Drok turned just as the ship shuddered.

The right side, it came from the right side!   He began to run. 

All over the ship alarms began to sound.  Drok felt the ship began to pull as the engine began to falter giving the ship a surge that, unchecked,  would tear it apart in a matter of minutes.

‘Why don’t they shut down the left?’ he wondered as he burst into a full run.

The ship began to sputter and pull as forces beyond comprehension warred in the two dynamically opposed engines.  On sputtered and was fighting to hold on while the other seemed unable to shut down its headlong thrust.  Inside the humans were tossed like dolls if they were not secure while others clung to whatever they could.  Drok’s weight and balance allowed him to move forward often extending both arms to wedge himself into the corridors.  In his mind he could hear the crystals cry as unknown powers forced them into patterns unknown.   They were aching and he was still so far away.  Fighting for every step but making steady progress Drok ignored the injured and perhaps dead of his fellow crew as he struggled with each step.  The klaxons cut out leaving only the ominous sound of a ship being torn apart.  Around him he could sense the failure of systems as heat began to build in the halls.  His own weight became a hindrance then suddenly he was free.  Using powerful arms he shot forward only to crash to the ground a score yards later as the systems adjusted but he was at the doors or engineering.  Doors that refused to open. 

By now the cries of the crystals were beyond comprehension as even they seemed to sense their doom.  In anger Drok roared and formed a massive fist which slammed incessantly into the door until it buckled inward from the might impact.  His sense told him that the problem lay in the crystals between the primary and secondary hull, the one place he relied on humans to care for his precious charges.  The heat of the room would have stunned or killed a human but having been deep in the core of caves he adjusted and moved forward toward the outer wall where the great engine protruded into space.  His trained eye saw why the other side would not shut off.  What had once been controls panels were now misshaped lumps of plasticine and metal.  Beside it lay a partially concealed body.  Drok did not pause to look as he raced toward the rear of the ship but he was certain that he recognized the long legs sticking out.

“Don’t go any farther, Drok.”

The familiar voice brought him up short.  Slowly he turned and faced the speaker.

“I did not think anyone would get this far.”  said the women waving what was commonly referred to as a ‘blaster pistol’.

“Why Jenny?”

“Because there are too many problems on Earth and we do not have the money to waste sending us out into space to find nothing.” said the raven haired women somberly.

“I not understand.” said Drok reverting to his simpler language.  “You love space.”

“Yea and that is why I am out here.  No one else wanted to go.  At least I fulfilled my

dream to get out here while I am still serving the greater good.”

Drok shook his head sadly then turned and stepped to the inner hull.  With a powerful hammer like fist he slammed into the reinforced steel.  The clang of rock against metal reverberated through the room. 

“Stop or I will shoot.”

“They will send more.  You not want to destroy us.” said Drok softly not turning around.

“And they will be destroyed too.  Now get away or I will kill you.”

Ignoring her Drok slammed the wall again trying to get to the suffering crystals.  He knew if he could readjust the crystal or take it from its berth he could shut down the one side and the safeties might shut down the other.  Again he slammed the wall which shuddered noticeably.  

A beam of heat and light stuck him in the lower left side.  Fire and ice raced through his system causing him to wince and bellow like a great animal.  A second beam missed striking the wall leaving a ghastly burn mark.  Instinctively he grabbed for the nearest loose object,.  Finding nothing he ripped a coolant conduit from above and flung it at his attacker.  The reinforced plastic pipe spun madly before striking its target in the lower left leg.  The leg buckled causing the next shot to go wide.  Looking stunned  at the accuracy of the throw she could not have deflected, Jenny fell hard to her deck dropping her weapon.   Drok turned and slammed his fist again into the stubborn wall.  Again it shuddered but would not give. 

With a controlled rage that had evolved over the ages and with the strength granted his forefathers by the great god Thor, Drok put every ounce of power he could muster into the next blow.  The beleaguered metal exploded with a crash that was heard from stem to stern of the great starship.  Ignoring all else Drok began to tear the hole wider so he could get into the cramped space.  With reckless abandon he tore a reinforcing beam from its moorings and tossed it aside like a toy.  A second one followed than a third and he was in but his progress was halted as a beam tore into his back.  In anger and frustration he spun to glare at someone he thought was a friend, it did not help to notice that her eyes appeared to be clouded with tears. 

Through blurred, pain stricken eyes he thought he saw her mouth the word ‘sorry’ as she extended her hand to fire.  In defiance he opened those eyes wide to greet death with all the fierceness he could muster but the flash that blinded him momentarily did not come from her weapon.  In horror his still blurred eyes watched as a gaping hole appeared in the side of her head before she crumbled like a discarded rag doll.   

“Go!” shouted a familiar voice.

Drok glanced back and saw Casey sprinting recklessly into the room.  Without a second thought the troll turned and grabbed the panel and ripped the plasteel trying to enlarge the area to make entry easier.  The wall gave and tore with a sudden jerk that sent a shaft of pain lancing through his back.  Fighting the wound that would have killed another being Drok shifted arms and continued to demolish the wall but he could feel his strength sinking.

“I...Pain...Great.” he said sagging into the wall.

Casey seemed to materialize by his side.  “Can you tell me what to do?”

A shudder raced through the ship.

“The energy inside will kill you, soft flesh.” said Drok a thin smile crossing his lips.   I will do what is needed, you check crew.”

Casey nodded and struggled away without a word.

 Drok struggled for a moment and rose to his feet and pushed through the hole he’d created.  Leaning on the outer hull he squeezed forward removing any obstacle in his way more out of instinct than clear thinking.  The ships designers had never envisioned a Troll in this small area but somehow one managed to get so that he could see the crystals glowing and approaching the point of shattering but the saboteur had done her job well adjusting everything so that the crystal would stay intact long enough for the rest of the system to overload and destroy itself.   The amplified energy that when controlled seemed miraculous to all but a handful now focused and built within the single largest crystal in the system looking to exploit its every weakness.  From the smallest to the largest crystal the cavalcade of energy and excited light seemed to warp or disrupt the very fabric of space creating an immeasurable force that pushed the ship at speeds beyond the imagination of scientists just a few decades ago. 

As Drok in his mind plodded toward the unit he became dimly aware of the ‘abandon ship’ sirens inside engineering.  Drok wanted to shout that at this speed the bubble like pods would either be torn to atoms or if they did survive be scattered over such a great distance that they would never find each other.  Reaching deep into his heart he grabbed the final obstacle between him and the crystal chamber and snapped it through like a brittle tree on the edge of the deepest forests of the North. 

“Casey.” he roared at the top of his lungs hoping his friend would hear.  “Hold ‘abandon ship’!”

His already narrow eyes focused through the heat and now constant shuddering of the ship toward the housing that surrounded the final and largest crystal in the system.   His mind raced over schematics as a plan formed in his exhausted mind.  The housing, meant to protect the crystal from the dangers of the environment now acted as an amplifying containment field for the reaction within.  He suddenly realized what he had to do.   Satisfied he took three steps and was almost thrown to the deck as external fittings began to give.

With a last desperate lunge he shoved his great fist through the thin housing with the force of a thousand hammers.  His hand struck the forward end of the crystal knocking it from its finally adjusted mount.  In so doing his hand breached the energy flow.  The runaway stream struck the stonelike hand penetrating it to the smallest molecule.  With limited options the  energy exploded outwardly tearing at physical laws and  taking hand and arm with it scattering pieces  through metal and crystal alike including everything used to sabotage they system.  Failsafes, so carefully bypassed, kicked in with a shock wave down the system to be dispelled by even more precautions and protective devices. 

Drok crashed to the deck and rolled instinctively away from the point of explosion.  As fast as it had happened it was over and the ship began to slow as the heroic crew regained control of the runaway vessel.  Powerful thrusters were brought up that in a matter of had brought the ship to a halt.  Drok tried to rise but could not.  He was dimly aware of Casey trying to move his bulky body without success.  He could not feel anything and his mind was foggy but he was calm and knew that he had done his job.  Now everything was up to nature.  With this limited amount of focus a smile passed over his lips and slowly his eyes fell dark.

*****

The atmosphere around him was cool and moist like the inside of a deep cavern beneath the ice chilled from above yet heated from below.  Beneath him he could feel the pressure of a solid, inflexible surface that allowed his frame the comfort of natural contact.  His thoughts, though hazy, were of peace and separate from all else yet part of a great, united hole.  He was one with the stone.  Gingerly he stretched forth his sense, he knew he could no longer see as he once had but he knew that his other senses would unite with the ebb and flow of life around him.  His body began to match the vibrations of life around him.  The ship became the first thing of focus so attuned was he to its every whim. They were standing still now, probably the crew was frantically making repairs to save the nearly doomed vessel.  The sense of life, the individual heartbeats added to the rhythm of nature even in these confined quarters.  He listened intently, content and at peace.  Gradually, however some of the feelings and sounds began to fade as the strong beat of a heart nearby overshadowed all the rest.

“Drok?”

Voices?  Not in any afterlife he’d ever imagined.

Drok, try to open your eyes.”

Eyes?  Stones did not have eyes.  His scale like eyelids fluttered.

“Good Drok.  Keep trying.  You need to move.  You are a hero Drok and the Captain does not want any dead heros.”

Captain?   His eyelids fluttered again this time absorbing a bit of his surroundings.  Blinding pain shot through his head as the bright light penetrated deep into it.  His lids clamped shut.

“It’s only one torch worth of light.  Try again.” 

This time the voice sounded familiar.

“I know you can hear me.  It’s Casey.  Just try to open your eyes.  You are not dead.  It is time to return to us.”

Drok could feel his jaws begin to move as a half formed thought flowed out.  “Long?”

“About two weeks.  You are mostly regenerated.  Maybe a few more centimeters on your fingers and toes and your right ear is still not fully shaped but then again it was blown off along with your arm.  We were not sure if you would make it after I had you moved here.   I had read about the regenerative power of trolls but you were pretty far gone.  I guess troll bodies don’t hold energy any better than they absorb it”

Drok squeezed his eyes than opened them slowly.  To his left, his heart still beating fast for a human, squatted Casey McKennon, his hand resting on the torso like a feather. 

The room, his quarters, was completely dark except for one torch like light across the room.  Drok blinked then slowly willed his head to turn toward his friend. 

“Thanks” was all he could mutter.  “Food.”