Ende Sakura's Story

As the connection was made, and the handshakes authenticated across the vast subspace network the Aschen called the 'Datalink' the blue, feminine visage of the AI hologram EVE flickered into view. Along with her face, a three-dimensional holographic projection of the Molecay system flickered into view across a large round table that was situated in the center of the Indefatigable's CIC.

"Ad Victoriam, Commander Ruben, and welcome back." EVE reported, her soft voice resonating through the speakers integrated into the console.

"Receiving new orders!" The AI Added. "Your ship has been assigned to Classis II, Molecay Fleet, under the command of Admiral Clegg, Flagship designation: Imperious Class Command Carrier, Keeper of Abassid. Location: Epsilon Eridani, Provincia Yellowstone."

Pausing a moment, the three-dimensional holographic projection zoomed out, panning to a view of the galaxy, Aschen space highlighted in green, and the region of Aschen space they were to report, highlighted in blue, with FTL Coordinates displayed.

"Commander, During your shore leave, several key systems have been refitted, and upgraded, as well as a new version of the Command Interface, would you like to test the calibrations prior to departure?" The AI added.

"Test the calibrations EVE." Marcus replied.

The AI Nodded in affirmation, and the field began to light up with both green icons, yellow icons, and red icons in the three-dimensional battlespace.

"Friendly vessels are highlighted in green, unidentified vessels are highlighted in yellow, confirmed enemy vessels are highlighted in red." The AI explained. "You can maneuver this ship, and give directions to allied commanders through the interface by double tapping the respective icons, you can also issue attack commands by tapping allied icons, and dragging them to the enemy warships, move commands can also be issued in this manner."

The center icon expanded, and represented a full three-dimensional view of the Indefatigable, along with shield strength, operational weapons turrets, and relative deck integrity. All highlighted in various shades of green, or blue.

"When all ships are linked through this interface, commands can be issued in a streamlined fashion from the command ships. All systems have been calibrated, Spin-sync drivers report green, coordinates have been computed, locked in, and the FTL is spooling now." The AI reported.

"Status reports arriving. Reactors, online. Sensors, Online. Shields, online. Weapons, online. All systems report nominal."

EVE offered a soft smile.

"We may depart on your command, and remember, you may trust me implicitly. Always."

Something about the way EVE always said she could be trusted implicitly had always rubbed Marcus the wrong way. Nevertheless she was a major asset to the Aschen Imperial Navy and Marcus planned to make use of the streamlined interface when the time came for split second decisions. However, now was not one of those times.

"Engage the FTL, Captain. Take us to Epsilon Eridani, Yellowstone. Manually."

"Aye, Commander." Captain Amorra replied. "Proceeding to Yellowstone."

The navigation officer worked their console with a few short strokes and then the Indefatigable lurched to life and was gone.