Excerpt: Generic Science Fiction Story/The Long Road Home

“Captain Michaels, the preliminary tests return a verdict of 'go' for the test of the Warp Drive Engine.”

The voice was that of the first officer, Commander Peter Jones. Jones was tall and had a chiseled body, undoubtedly the product of long years spent body building, not to mention excessive amounts of steroids and other growth stimulants. There was something else strange about him, thought Captain Michaels, though he could not put his finger on exactly what that might be.

“Very well, Commander,” replied Captain Michaels. “Lieutenant Commander Erikson, Lieutenant Commander Levinson, is the Warp Drive Engine ready for it's first test?”

Levinson tore his head away from the control console for the Warp Drive Engine to gaze back at Captain Michaels. “It is the strangest thing, Captain. The Warp Drive Engine was working splendidly in the pre launch tests, but now that we have gotten it aboard the Intrepid and lifted off, it does not seem to want to work properly.”

Captain Michaels looked annoyed at Levinson's explanation. “Lieutenant Commander Levinson, we have the entire Fleet Command watching us – every single flag officer of the United Space Fleet is on hand to witness the test. We need that Warp Drive Engine to be tested immediately.”

Lieutenant Commander Levinson looked over at Lieutenant Commander Erikson, who nodded at him, then looked back down at the control console for the Warp Drive Engine.

“Destination is logged in, Captain Michaels. The test of the Warp Drive Engine awaits only your command.”

“Our target destination, Lieutenant Nihalia?”

“Captain, our first destination is the allied planet of Relica,” Lieutenant Nihalia said, pausing for a few seconds before adding, “my home.”

“Very well,” replied Captain Michaels. “Lieutenant Commander Levinson, engage the Warp Drive Engine.”

Lieutenant Commander Levinson nodded at Captain Michaels before pressing the large, glowing red button that engaged the Warp Drive Engine. Time slowed for a few seconds, and then the entire crew of the U.S.F.S. Intrepid blacked out.