A spaceship sailed soundlessly among a field of asteroids looking for another ship. At the moment the ship was heading away from an asteroid with an unusual shadow. The shadow resembled a large triangular shape with an elongated nose. The shadow belonged to the Nordic Troll.

The Troll’s med bay contained one bed, two rows of cabinets, and just enough space for four people to stand in. Anna Howard lay on the bed, unconscious, while Doc and Gerrin stood over her. “What happened and how bad?” Gerrin asked.

Doc was examining her patient. “Looks like a concussion, among other things.”

“How’d it happen?”

“The cabinet she holding on to wasn’t secured to the deck well enough, and when Loomie made that last turn, the cabinet fell on her.”

“Will she be alright?” Lewis Howard asked from the doorway.

Doc looked at Lewis, then at Gerrin. “It’s too early to tell” she said to Gerrin, her voice low.

Gerrin turned and stepped over to Lewis and knelt down. “Doc’s gonna take care of your mom, Lewis. She’ll be coming around at any time, now. So, why don’t you hang out here until she does?”

Lewis looked at him. “I was working in the engine room.”

“That’s alright, I think you’d do more good here. Jaime and I can cover for you for awhile.”

As if on cue, Aldous called over the intercom “Captain, we have a couple of problems.”

“Now what?” Gerrin grumbled under his breath. Standing and punching a button on the comm box, he answered “On my way.” Turning to Doc, he said “Let me know when she comes around.”

On the other ship Maddox was becoming impatient. “Where are they?”

Pearsoll stared at his own radar, answering “They pulled a Ramius and latched themselves onto an asteroid.”

“So find them.” Maddox insisted. “They’re still out there, shake them loose.”

Pearsoll turned toward