Model Of The Stars

Episode 33: Baton Pass

*Starting Scene*

Virago speeds through space as it's being chased by multiple ships belonging to the Lacertas, although are unable to reach the brown vessel because of how much faster it is. Meanwhile, another batch of enemy crafts are displayed towards the right at a substantial range from the Victress' machine and each deliver a storm of shots at Virago, causing it to swerve wildly in avoidance.

The crew and guests tightly grip onto whatever they can to withstand Virago's haphazard mobility while Doyenne shouts in a commanding tone, "Time left 'til we get to Earth 03?!"

Zhi promptly answers with her focus glued to her screen. "Approximately 20 minutes!"

Kelly suddenly blurts from her post, fear emitted, "We're running low on power though!"

Eve angrily glares at Kelly. "Tell someone to resupply it!"

Tessa retorts towards Eve with equal ferocity. "Don't you think that would've already been done by now?! When was the last time we took a pitstop, huh?! Our resources must've depleted!" She concentrates upon the main monitor. If we take into account what Virago's tolerated lately, it's not much of a surprise!" 

Doyenne issues a few glances at Eve and Tessa via turning her head eastward. "No bickering!" The pale woman shifts her sight to the rest of her friends. "Transfer every bit of energy to the engines to make sure we arrive!"

Marie urgently chimes in Spanish as she interacts with her station's keys, "Voy!" The female grows scared prior to applying her gaze towards Doyenne, switching to English in the process. "We got a problem! Lacey says that the thrusters are still a little messed up from the previous damage, despite the repairs! Apparently, it's wasting power!"

Doyenne specifies her attention to Marie, quite agitated. "Crap! That's obviously something we can't cut back on at the moment!"

Harper instantly obtains Doyenne's vision through temporarily gesturing his left hand at her before firmly inquiring, "When will Virago shutdown?"

Doyenne portrays mild curiosity while calming her tone and then looks over her left shoulder to depict Kelly. "Well?"

Kelly hesitantly rebuttals. "Um... Currently, it won't last more than 10 minutes. If we put everything to the engines, saved for the Bridge's power, it can be stretched out to 15."

Lita joins the conversation, eyeing Doyenne, with seriousness established. "Cutting the Bridge's would be too risky, so let's not even consider it."

Doyenne watches Lita. "I wasn't. We need to be able to navigate." The brunette views her allies, increasing her voice's volume with intensity reflected. "Unless anybody's willing to gamble that we don't bump into additional Lacertas and go it blind?!"

No response is issued by any of the Victress members, informing Doyenne of what they would prefer.

Harper regains Doyenne's focus to explain the reason he delivered that question in the first place. "Listen. If we are at the very least able to make it Earth 03's orbit, it's gravitational pull will do the rest of the work."

Doyenne narrows her eyes from faint criticism. "Are you ignoring that we'd be without control of our landing at that point? It does nothing if we crash and die."

Harper sternly utters, "Unfortunately, that was going to be a problem either way. Nonetheless, it's our best option. I believe it's better than being annihilated by the Lacertas."

Oxford abruptly stands up from her seat and comments with tenacity brimming, "We don't need to fret over that! We possess some incredibly reliable companions!"