“This weapon ...” She sat up on her elbows. “Is that what caused the white light?”
“Yes,” he said, and mounted his dais. “As well as the shock wave that rendered you unconscious. I, too, lost consciousness briefly.” His fingers danced across the control pad as he appeared to check readings. “I’m redirecting all power to the port and starboard shields. But with weaponized energy of that magnitude ....”
Shekalane thought of the ring and sat up the rest of the way, her senses rapidly returning. “Where are we? And how long was I out?”
He took up his oar and placed it in the forcola. “About an hour. You stirred once in response to smelling salts—you must not remember—then fell into a deep sleep.” He turned his mask to face her as he began rowing. “Our charges often haven’t slept for days pri
