The Game, part 3

Two days ago, we saw Rome instruct Junior, the baby starship, in the art of deceit in order to gain a tactical advantage over Captain Keller and the other would-be Ark Lords. She needs the time to figure out how to rescue Aason and Binoda who have been kidnapped by the Darwin people. Today she executes the final element in her elaborate yet necessary plan to fool Keller:

     A whining sound erupted from the back of the ship as the PPT generators came on line. In front of them, a large black circle appeared, obscuring both Deucado and Tau Ceti and letting the star field behind it shine through. When Rome was certain the tunnel was wide enough, she released the button and activated the plasma thrusters. Keller was shoved back into his chair. Ionelli nearly fell over, grabbing the back of Rome’s seat just in time.
     The little starship entered the tunnel and as soon as it was through, Rome released the plasma jets.
     “How did we do?” Rome asked.
     “We went too far,” Junior whined. “I’m sorry.”
     “What?” shouted Keller. “How far?”
     Rome looked over the front display. “Oh dear,” she said. “We overshot by several light minutes.”
     “Hell,” said Keller, slamming his armrest.
     “Junior, have your PPT generators ever been calibrated?” Rome asked innocently.
     “No, Auntie Rome,” replied the spaceship. “That was something that Dad and I were going to do in a few weeks.” There was a little catch to his voice.
     “All right, then, dear,” Rome said. She turned to Keller. “I think you are better off using plasma thrusters for the final leg. It would seem to be the safest.”
     “How long will that take?” Keller asked.
     “Just a few hours,” Rome said. “I can lay in a course, set the thrusters on auto and we’ll be there soon enough.”
     “OK, do it,” Keller said grumpily.
     Rome’s hands flew over the console. When she was satisfied that all was in the ready, she pressed the icon to engage and the plasma thrusters kicked in.
     “There,” Rome said. “All set.”
     “Get her out of here,” Keller said to Ionelli. “Bring her back when I tell you.”

Rome has him all set up. She has turned to game to her advantage. As it turns out, she needs to be in normal space to reach out to her son. That was the whole reason behind this elaborate charade. Tomorrow, Rome makes contact with Aason.