HeartStorm (HeartFast Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

through."
                Hunter remembered how quickly the homing beacon had appeared after they had arrived. He gave the man an inquisitive stare. "How are you able to communicate off-planet when we can't?" he asked. It was difficult to believe that an old tug like the trawler would have better state-of-the-art equipment.
                Toreedus hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "Wooly, our engineer. Kid's a genius when it comes to electronics. He somehow rigged a transponder together from spare parts."
                "Wooly?" Hunter repeated.
                Another man stepped forward and raised his hand. He was short and had a thin face, but his eyes were large and luminous. "That would be me," he volunteered. "Name's Wooly. I'm also the communications officer. I sort of jury rigged the signal."
                "Jury rigged? How so?"
                Toreedus chuckled. "He hooked it up to the engines."
                "Whaaat?" Sender's disbelief echoed his own.
                The slightly-built man blushed. "The comm is being powered through our engines."
                "I thought your engines were off-line," Hunter commented.
                "Oh, they are," Wooly hurried to assure him. "One of them was destroyed in the crash, which is why we're stranded here. But the power cells that feed the engines are still charged." He gave a little, self-deprecating shrug. "I found a way to siphon energy from the cells into the comm links, and thus boost the signal."
                "Smart! But why didn't you do the same for your life support system?"
                "I tried, but the relays were too damaged from the crash. I tried to re-route them, but the storm got too strong before I could finish." He held his hands out at his sides. "The thickest insulation is in this part of the ship. We figured it would be the safest place to camp out and wait for help to arrive."
                Hunter gave the man a wry grin. "Remind me to introduce you to Commander. He's our systems analyst and technical expert. I'm sure he would love to discuss this with you."
                Sender spoke up. "Show me where your comm board is so I can call up to our ship."
                Wooly gestured for her to follow him, and the two exited the small cabin.
                "Where are we in the ship?" Hunter asked Toreedus.
                "The aft cargo bay, near the rear galley. The bridge is another floor up, on the opposite end of the ship. But forget about going up there. It got torn up upon landing. Listen, how soon do you think we can leave here?" Toreedus inquired.  
                "As soon as Sender checks the readouts on the storm. As soon as it's safe enough, I'll take your wounded man back to Three. That way I can provide a duct for Sender to transport the rest of you in my wake."
                "That could be hours."
                Hunter nodded. "It's possible. This storm is moving like a wave. It has its peaks and its troughs. The moment we find the next trough, I'm gone."
                "Hunter?" Sender's voice came through his helmet's internal mic.
                "Yeah?"
                "We got a couple of problems."
                "What kind of problems?"
                "First off, Challenger says we're facing a major crest in this storm. Upward to a thousand urgs and climbing."
                "A thousand urgs?" Hunter repeated.
                "This ship can handle it," Toreedus remarked.
                "What's the other problem?" Hunter continued.
                "Umm...Deceiver contacted the ship. Star's gone into labor."
     

Chapter Five
    Callaura
     
     
                Wooly jumped up from his seat at the comm as Hunter hurried into the cabin. Parking himself in the makeshift