Both crews waited for the heavy smoke to dissipate so they could see the damage that the Excelsior had done. While the forest was cleared and the ground dug up by the phaser fire, the barrier was only moderately penetrated. It would take significantly more firepower to breach it and expose the Annecta aliens.
“Incoming hail from the Excelsior,” Thorn announced.
“On-screen,” Seth ordered.
“…I think they knew we were coming, Darren,” Santiago said.
“Maybe so.”
“We’re forced to use our standard weapons to try to break through the barrier. My Chief Engineer wasn’t able to complete the entirety of the weapon before the assault, which we needed to punch through this thing. Only Dr. Centress’ part of the weapon, the toxin, will be effective.”
“Our analysis shows that the barrier has thickened by as much as forty-percent since we were last down there. The composition is different, too. We really can’t say any more about it unless we go down there in the flesh – but the bottom line is that the Annecta are determined to keep us out.”
“Well, we can’t stop here.”
“We’ll try to help out. Some of our weapons have a higher explosive yield than standard phasers or photon torpedoes.”
“I’m counting on it,” Santiago said coldly. Once again, Santiago cut off communication.
Seth turned to his Chief of Security, standing high at the top of the bridge arch. “Lieutenant Commander Thorn, target the exposed area of the barrier and hit it hard with a barrage of quantum torpedoes. Let’s see what our next-generation of weapons can do.” He sat back down in the captain’s chair, and readied himself for the attack.
“Target locked,” Thorn said.
This is it, Seth thought. He raised his right hand, and gave Thorn the signal. “…FIRE.”
