THE WAGON TRAIN TO THE STARS WAS IN TROUBLE. . . .

“Target our phasers,” Captain Kirk said, “and prepare to fire if that drone fires on us. Chekov, provide pinpoint coordinates to the upper left.”


“Left . . . got it.”


“Spock, are we broadcasting?”


“Yes, sir. The drone is unresponsive. It believes it has found its quarry and won’t release.”


“Boost the signal.”


“Proximity range in thirteen seconds, sir,” Sulu said, tipping his shoulders as he turned the ship. “Drone’s firing on us.” Spock watched his console instead of the gigantic crawling monster on the screen as it approached, then dipped below the ship’s saucer-shaped primary hull. “Drone is tractoring on our engineering section. Five minutes to phaser-critical.”


Tensely Kirk lowered his chin and digested the fact that they were now aboard the powerful drone’s chosen target. “Mr. Sulu, bear off from the Expedition ships. Give us room to maneuver . . .”





D I A N E   C A R E Y

NEW EARTH CONCEPT BY DIANE CAREY AND JOHN ORDOVER



POCKET BOOKS

New York   London   Toronto   Sydney   Singapore   Belle Terre