The Unimatrix took up orbit around Velnar 10. Far enough away from the red giant star at the center of the system to observe the unusual flare activity and avoid being caught in the large amounts of radiation it was throwing off with its display. Hunter had the helm circle behind the planet to give the shielding time to recover and keep the crew from becoming exposed. "Keep an eye on the activity, I want to know when the larger flares happen so we can be well protected." He tapped the coms and called to engineering. "We are recording internally and externally. Do you really think there will be a way to use this information to improve our shields, Jack?" " The data was pouring in, layer upon layer of mathematical equations, filling charts on every flat surface in her lab. Scientists and technicians had flooded her lab because it had enough screens and the power supply to keep filing the information to a larger storage. "You have my lab invaded and you want to ask me that' I would have thought a drink would be first, chief." There were a few chuckles around her as Jack kept her hands on her hips moving calmly about. With everyone here it was hard not to be a little twitchy. "The information can't directly impact the shields, but it can give us insight into predicting patterns to help avoid shield abuse. If I'm reading the data right this could be used for multiple systems. I hope no one was planning on having a kid for a while." Glowing green eyes cast to the radiation levels still low enough, but what did she know since she already glowed.

"If we are having issues with the radiation the probes are going to get tossed around like a ship at sea during a storm." Jack looked around as the lights in her lab flickered. Running a hand through her hair and sighing there wasn't much choice in the matter. "We can't stay much longer and if we back off any more there is no way to ensure that I will have the data we need. It is a catch 22 and the power is already having issues here. Chief's choice. Make the call." " " Hunter considered his options, so far the shaking wasn't too bad, they had been through worse in the opening flight with the new engine. "We'll hold a little longer. Perhaps we should send out probes just to give us advance warning on those gravity waves." He turned to the science station. "Make it so." Two probes shot towards the sun. "Set them up halfway between us and the star. That will give us enough warning I believe. Jack, be ready to compensate for some Hunter maneuvers if this starts to go badly." He nearly grinned as he said it, though the slight twitch was misread by everyone on the bridge. ? "Everyone strap down and hold on. If you had lunch be ready to lose it!" Jack called out a crossed her lab watching those with her bracing on whatever was bolted to the floor. She stood in the center of the room watching the data still. Everything was transferring correctly so far, but for how long. "Engineering be ready to give all you have and for the love of dust do not use all the reserve stores. We need this data."

The helm swung the ship about and engaged full reverse, the engines were still working to keep them from moving closer to what had become obvious was a rogue black hole. It explained much about the stars activity. The size of the giant though had been masking the anomaly. The event horizon was becoming visible slowly as it leached away at the red giant. "On your mark Jack." Hunter waited til she was ready, steady, his expression never changing. She may have picked up on the stress in his voice but she had been spending a lot of time with him lately. " "Jettison the container of fuel!" The dark cylinder drifted out in front of them packed with material begging for a match. Jack latched onto a chair bolted to the floor. This was going to hurt, but that just meant extra time in the hot tub. "Go! Keep the engines going and use as much as the reserve leaving only 25%. We should be able to keep systems running on that if it's the worst." " Hunter watched the cylinder as the cannon's targeted it. "Fire!" The explosive wave hit them and pushed them back. Every deck was rocking though despite the added shielding. The engines did finally manage to kick in and keep pulling them slowly from the edge of the anomaly. Still there was smoke rising on some decks and fire control systems were kicking in. The claxxon was roaring out warnings like the Unimatrix had just stumbled into a hostile territory.