Klaxons rang through Esperanza’s empty control centre and on through deserted corridors. Fans whirred, cooling the processors running hundreds of analyses and forecasts.
The reactor had degraded prematurely. Its output had fallen below tolerance levels.
Esperanza calculated scenario after scenario. Within seconds, it reached its conclusions. Unless it redirected power to the drive, there was a 56.63% ± 11.37% chance of failing to reach its destination. In contrast, the redirection would carry a 34.70% ± 8.80% likelihood of killing the humans in stasis. The decision was straightforward.
While Esperanza's precious cargo floated obliviously in their tanks, the ship redirected power.
