The Lotus Eaters

SdL Megalodon, Shimmering Sea

Meg still tracked Charlemagne, which tracking was pulling them further and further from Orca's lonely ordeal. Fortunately, the carrier was both slow moving and zigzagging. On the screen, and barring only the carrier and some of the torpedoes that were still hunting and which, therefore, still had fresh tracks, the other icons had taken on a faded aspect, indicating the lesser degree of certainty as to their locations and other aspects.

Chu shook his head and said, "Okay, enough is enough. We've proved we can get at the best the Taurans have to offer and track them at will without them having a clue. That mission's over. Helm?"

"Aye, skipper."

"Bring us around one eighty, drop below the layer, and head for the last known position for Orca. Make your speed six knots. Maybe we can get there in time to make a difference."

Chu's exec leaned over and whispered to him, "If they do take out Orca, it might be nice to toast that carrier in revenge."

"It's tempting, I agree," Chu answered. "Sadly, it's not our mission. No, that's not strong enough. It would be a violation of our mission."

Chu's exec scowled.

"I couldn't agree more," said the captain. "Even so, we can't do it."

"We're not supposed to do it. Remember what they say about forgiveness and permission."