ESCAPE FROM MASTERMIND

Zulu-1 dodged the oncoming missiles. "Minor structural damage." the
ship's computer reported. "Minor breach in water tank. Engines operating
at 83%." 

Z1 activated the communicator for transmission only, sending the code
string that should activate the generator floating in Jupiter's
atmosphere, and heeled the ship into what would be a suicidal dive if
the generator didn't operate. 

The maneuver caught the pursuing ships by surprise. Z1's prior maneuvers
had drawn them onto the vector he wanted. Only the most maneuverable
ships could pursue, and only at the expense of a great deal of reaction
mass. Of course, Z1 thought, they knew they would be able to refuel on
the other side of the wormhole, he himself would not be so lucky. 

Suddenly, _something_ appeared between Z1's ship and the planet. Z1
nodded, the code string had worked. Now all that remained was to get
through any defenses on the other side of the wormhole. 

Battered by the passage, but still going strong, Z1's ship emerged from
the wormhole. As he had expected, none of the station's weapons were
pointed towards the wormhole, and he immediately set course to avoid the
most likely lines of fire. What Z1 hadn't expected was the total absence
of everything other than the station and the wormhole. The ship's
sensors picked up nothing but darkness, the scanners saw nothing but
empty space. 

Then, three small ships appeared from the wormhole, all that was left of
his pursuit. One ship lagged behind, obviously sending messages to the
base. The other two split, one wasting reaction mass in an attempt to
get as close as possible, the other attempting to match Z1's vector. 

Z1 considers the zero scan results, and concludes that there must be
something around - Otherwise mastermind would not have the base here,
and they could have deceptive radar jammers around, not to mention
distortions from the wormhole. So he just sets the course to most
inconvenient vector for the pursuers with as little reaction mass loss
as possible. 

You get started on repairing the engine. The damage isn't severe, but it
is complicated; too complicated for you to repair in the middle of a
battle. You seal the major leaks, and ready your weapon. 

Just outside the range you had set, the closest pursuing ship's engines
go out. It look like it ran out of reaction mass. You set your ship to
jink as the pursuing ship fires 2, 2, and 1 missiles. You take out the
first missile with one hit, while your second grenade misses. Then, your
launcher jams! You fix the feed just before the ship takes evasive
maneuvers. The missile hits, impacting the hold. Unable to see missiles
3 and 4 you take a quick aim and fire at missile 5. The ship jinks hard,
and the targeting computer tells you that two missiles missed and one
was destroyed. 

Analyzing the radar information reveals that the second pursuing ship is
changing course to match the disabled ship's vector. Apparently they
don't have enough overtake to catch you. However, there are now three
base-mounted missiles coming up on you. A search through the ship's
database reveals that the missiles have fusion warheads and are flying
at full accel. They will be right at the limit of their powered flight
when they catch up to you. 

As the missiles come in range you split your fire between all three.
Your first grenade takes out the first missile's steering. Your second
shot does the same for the second missile. You fire six shots at the
third before the ship's evasive maneuvers prevent you from doing more. 

The ships shudders as something hits it. Wondering what happened, you
find the remains of the last missile in your hold. Your grenades took
out the warhead and the proximity trigger without touching the
targeting, steering or maneuver systems. 

You are down to 17 grenades. The ship has lost most of its armor, and
60% of its hit points. However, the missile that landed in your hold
will give you enough material to completely repair the ship, except for
the armor, with enough left over to keep you well. 

By the time you are sure that Mastermind's forces have lost you, you are
down to 45% reaction mass. You feel certain you could locate the base
again if you needed to.