The Final Frontier

Before Robert could respond to either Mira or M, the robot assistant Mark had appeared, and seemingly not in an entirely pleased mood. His cheeks took a faintly redder tone as the embarrassment of being called out like that set in. "Uhh, sorry about that Mark. I do still need your help actually, why don't you just hang around with me for now and we'll get to work when I head back to maintenance." He smiled politely as he tapped away at the screen that had appeared on Mark. Was a weird set up, but he managed to work his way around it.

Robert looked back to both Mira and M with a smile, returning his attention to his original question. "Well, Techie or not, it's still interesting that you ended up here of all places. And plus, I've worked with people in tech before, they usually... Well, you definitely stand out from them." He chuckled lightly as he finished replying to Mira.

"I do agree with you as well M, we don't seem exactly typical." He said with a shrug as he looked to some of the others. "And as for myself, no point in being vague." Robert pointed to the patch on the upper left breast position of his jacked, where the Langley Industries logo sat. "I'm here as a sort of representative of the family business. Langley Industries has developed some new weapons that they're keen on testing out, and they're entrusting me to take care of that. It's sort of a mix of an invitation from the Blackbird's Cry, and an invitation from Langley Industries. The Blackbird gets some extra weapons and tech, Langley Industries gets some real world testing, and I get a chance to see a bit more of the universe."

There was a pleased smirk that appeared on his face before he finished. "And I suppose I get to be the face of the company out here."

The young man looked behind him for a second to peer at Draka, and after a moment the familiar clicking was at work again.

"I was offered the job, either based on reputation, or someone's recommendation. I accepted because this is the sort of thing I do. Granted, I was expecting less maintenance, but we'll just have to see if I can put the skills of my actual profession to good use." Draka said as he pulled the little cylinder away from his suit and turned to a more relaxed position at the table, having finished injecting all the necessary nutrients into his body.

Nierra gratefully took the bowl of stew from Robert, following him to the table and taking a seat opposite Draka. She appreciated Robert's explanation of some of the various ingredients used in human cuisine, not to mention the unexpected but not unwelcome lecture on some of the history behind it from another crew member.

While those surrounding her shared their respective stories of how they came to serve on the Blackbird's Cry, Nierra contented herself with inspecting the meal set before her. Real vegetables and real meat. The food really did measure up to the same standard as the ship itself. The Alkair reached up to remove the helmet of her voidsuit so she could dig in. A faint hiss sounded as she took it off and set it beside her bowl, revealing a pale face framed with short, snow-white hair. Her eyes were a bright cyan colour, and a cybernetic port could be just about seen in her right temple. After a few mouthfuls of stew - and all the tentative sampling and savouring that entailed - Nierra finally offered her own story to the list.

"Ah, if only my own tale were as glamorous as some of yours. The best and brightest of the Terran corporations on this venture beyond their home star... I am but a mere traveller by comparison, albeit one more familiar with journeys such as these." She paused to take another bite of her stew, her contented smile gradually giving way to a more serious expression. "To travel between the stars is not without risks, of course, and given our Captain's reputation I believe it would be wise for us to prepare accordingly, no?"

Tyson woke up with a start. He found himself stiff in a chair where he had taken an unforeseen nap, having laid his head against the desk in front of him. His passion from earlier lay in a huge mess all around the room...the random medical office he had found that had been big enough for his needs...The memories of what had happened slowly came back to his mind.

"Oh yeah," Tyson murmured to himself, "I remember I was working on you, but then I got bored and fell asleep."

Pieces scattered everywhere, the instruction manual for the medical equipment was on the computer screen before him in a 3-D model. Uncertain where he had stopped, he shrugged and got up, stretching and ruffling his blond hair into a more presentable mess. The bedhead slowly relinquished its grip until, finally, Tyson decided it was good enough.

Changing his clothes into a more relaxed outfit right there in the office, Tyson lazily accessed his mobile computer. He was thinking of retiring to his personal quarters where he could lie down and relax or perhaps find the virtual reality system on the ship, but his body had other plans. His stomach rebelled against him, demanding that he either consume every piece of food this ship had to offer or it would immediately terminate his very existence.

Tyson wisely chose to head for the cafeteria.

Putting his mobile device in front of him, he commanded it to display his favorite show. It was a newer one and, according to the reviews, absolute trash. However, to Tyson, it was a diamond in the rough.

Walking down the halls to the cafeteria, Tyson laughed and quoted the show several times until he realized he should probably put on his headphones out of respect to all those around him. Being such a great show, it could be a huge disturbance. Then, he realized he had missed the turn to the cafeteria...

With his headphones on, Tyson sang the theme song as he entered the cafeteria, his eyes glued to the screen, "Space Man! Space Man! Spaaace Maaaan! Space Man! It's the FINAL frontier! It's the FINAL countdown! It's the FINAL fantasy! Spaaaaaaace!!!!! MAN!" He threw his fist out in front of him as if he were punching with the 'power and might of an entire galaxy', completely absorbed with the show.

Then, he realized he was in the middle of the cafeteria and there were people all around him...and he was still starving. In his mind, a fight of hunger against embarrassment broke out: leave now and maybe figure out a way to have his food delivered to him or stay and find something to eat with everyone possibly staring at him and asking awkward questions.

"Can I get my food to go?" Tyson asked, looking around desperately to see how someone got food around here...

After Leon gathered his food, he returned to his table and went to eating. While everyone was simply eating, talking and simply just relaxing on their time off. While he enjoyed his stew, his gaze fell upon the most...Interesting sight...It was Tyson seemingly on something going crazy in the middle of the cafeteria.

Leon simply shrugged, whatever he used was his own business. He was just going to eat and play more cards to pass the time.

Lilian nodded, curiosity obviously piqued by the broadcast. "Um... If you've no preference, I'd like to stay at my post until we disembark on Pluto." A frown slowly grew across her face, worry showing as she wondered what was causing Fiora to look so caught off guard.
***

---

M quietly listened to Robert, Draka and Nierra, before quietly responding to Nierra, "Hear, hear. Let's all be prepared in light of our Captain's reputation." Then came the arrival of the singing doctor. The very same doctor who asked the wildly unprofessional question about inter-personnel relationships. As if thats just something you need permission for. They watched him flounder for a bit, obviously caught up in his own world only to find that he was indeed still grounded in reality.

Nothing for it, perhaps his odd behavior would prove beneficial when M inevitably needed a doctor. So they stood up, carrying their bowl of stew over to Tyson and stopping before the odd doctor. "Aren't you a bit too old to be getting caught up watching Space Man still?" M grabbed one of Tyson's wrist and turned his hand palm up, placing their bowl of stew into his hand. "Besides, the newest couple of seasons have been garbage anyways."

"This is Captain Amaya Rose of the Blackbird's Cry," Amaya said, as the video connection was made. "To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

"Hello Captain Rose, this is Admiral Tak'la of the Pluto Colony," the older, black gentlemen said with a warm smile, his black hair and beard cut short but peppered with white specks. "Thank you for taking my call, we have a bit of a problem, you see. To be blunt, we can't allow you to dock here."

Amaya frowned. "What do you mean, Admiral? We are a sanctioned voyage just set out. Everyone docks at Pluto's station before they leave the system. I've never heard of Pluto denying anyone else."

"No, we haven't," Admiral Tak'la said after a brief moment. "It is highly unusual, but actually it's not that complicated. We have a security problem."

"A problem?" Amaya asked, her frown deepening. "Please do elaborate."

"Captain, let's just say I know that you know that your ship is not what it seems," Admiral Tak'la said, his smile not having moved at all during the conversation. "I knew your father, Captain Rose. I am not the only one aboard this station to have made the connection, and I am risking quite a bit simply to say that."

"I... see," Amaya said, after a moment, the anger thick in her voice, her hands clenched at her side. "Then what do you suggest I do with my ship, Admiral?"

"Captain Rose," Admiral Tak'la said gravely, his smile dropping for the first time. "I would suggest you run." The connection abruptly dropped, leaving Amaya staring at the space beyond the windshield for several long seconds. Silently, she returned to her seat, then after a slight pause turned to Fiora.

"Battle stations, Fiora, red alert please," Amaya said, her voice calm but her eyes still retaining all of the fury her words had only moments ago. "We're in for a fight."

***

The blaring of the red alert filled the cafeteria, immediately sending the room into a frenzy as the crew leaped from their seats and began sprinting from the room. Eco stared upwards, mouth agape for a split second, then he too took flight from his seat, sending his chair crashing to the ground as he ran towards the room's exit.

"All officers, get to the bridge!" Eco yelled back at the group sitting at the table while he ran. "To the bridge!"

As the red alert began to blare, Leon immediately knew things were already going dangerous...They should be at Pluto however...Why were they under attack now?...Questions later, action first...Although he was in charge of the cafeteria as the bloody cook...Wait...There was still that in his room. Immediately as crew went to battle stations, Leon vaulted over the table and ran full speed out of the cafeteria and made his way over to his room.

Once there, he opened up his belongings and began to take apart everything he had. Now was a good time as any to at least get suited up for battle...If they were u dear attack there was a good chance there was boarding action...Thankfully, he was not one to simply remain behind the mess hall counter and simply wait there with a ladle as a weapon.

Psykhe was on the last few bites of her stew when the alert blared out. A sound she hated and feared as a thief. She took a breath and with a small salute said. "Well I better be getting to my station."

With that Psykhe would exit the mess and get out of the officer's way. She made her way to her room where she fitted herself into her gear including her wrist computer and her pistol. Dressed and geared she made for her station hoping this was all just some type of drill.

As the alarm blared, the harsh noise resounding through the room, M simply sighed and made their way calmly to her station. "Ms. Sum-" They started to say, but the girl quickly made her way out of the room, headed in the opposite direction as M. "Next time then," They said while turning down the corridor to the Tech Office which was on the same floor as the mess hall.

It wasn't long before Mira showed up in the Tech Office. "Summers." It was a simple acknowledgement of another person arriving, M already had a phone in her hand. "Yes, this is M and I need to contact Captain Rose. No. No. No, this is an emergency and I need to be patched in now." M grabs a small tablet and stylus, balancing the phone between her ear and shoulder, while writing out a quick message before showing it to Mira.

It read: 'Ms. Summers, I will be petitioning for your immediate promotion to Junior Tech Officer. I will not be taking no for an answer. Congratulations.'

---

Lilian frowned a the obvious oddity in the Captain's communication, already at her station, the alert meant little to her other than a cause of worry. They hadn't even left the system yet, so why we're they already under attack? "Um... Amaya? What did he mean?"

"We're aboard the most advanced starship ever built in this star system, Lilian," Amaya replied, choosing not to correct her navigation officer's lack of title in addressing her. "More than that, we are not affiliated with any syndicate. But that won't stop them from forcing us into a 'contract.'" Amaya smiled grimly. "Admiral Tak'la was simply reminding me that the Blackbird's Cry has few allies in the solar system."

"Captain!" Derek said, turning to face Amaya. "Multiple starships are approaching. Two dreadnaughts and a cruiser."

"They're hailing," Fiora said, wincing through her headset. "It's the Caravan. They're ordering us to power down and prepare to be boarded."

"Do not respond," Amaya said calmly, her eyes hard. "Make for the jump point, Derek."

"Fighters launching," Melanie said, stress evident in her voice. "They'll catch us before we make it."

"Let's show them what we've got," Amaya said softly, turning to the elevator doors in anticipation of her officers arriving.

How quick they already got into trouble...Seems the rumors had a bit of truth to them, the ships captain seemed to attract trouble that’s for sure. However even though he was the ships chef, like hell he was simply gonna remain on standby while they were attacked. He did not go into battlefields and go through ship boarding action to let it go to waste, soon enough he was halfway done with assembling his armor. Time was the essence and he was working quickly but carefully.

He was of course unaware what was going on, besides the alarms there was no status report at the moment. So he was not sure if they were getting bombarded to enemy ships were preparing boarding action.

Robert froze as the alarms blared, before turning to look at the fellow crew members with him. Was this... A drill? Before docking with Pluto? As Eco bolted from the room, commanding them all to head to the bridge, he realized this definitely wasn't going to be a drill. Robert gave a serious nod to Draka and Nierra. "Looks like we've got trouble. I'm going to get some things together and head to the bridge." He stood up quickly and began to make his way out, waving a hand to Mark. "Mark, if you've got some communications system built in, contact Matias, I need access to the armory ASAP. And come with me too, if this is going to get violent, we might as well have everyone and everything on board ready to fight."

The young man rushed out, with Mark in tow. Moments later he was back in his workstation, cracking open a crate and pulling pieces of armor out. He quickly pulled off his jacket and started to suit up in a lightweight, white battle armor from Langley Industries. He would have preferred his battle suit, but it wasn't ready yet, and a battle on board the ship wouldn't really allow for it.

He turned to Mark next. "Alright, we need to get something pulled together for you next..."



Draka watched as Robert ran off, then looked to Nierra next. "Looks like I'll get to do my real job after all." His voice emanated robotically. Standing up, he gave a polite nod to Nierra and made his way out, heading towards the armory. Draka had no need for additional armor at this point, he was wearing everything he needed. It was his weapons he was really after, as he contemplated which ones would be best for the occasion...

Mark said nothing as he followed Robert to his workstation, the alarm blaring loudly throughout the ship as it had come under assault. As Robert made his request, Mark emitted a beeping noise in ackowledgment.

"Security Officer Kingsbury. Clearance requested from Engineer Langley to access the armory. As soon as possible, I am told. Presumably he does not want to be a bullet riddled corpse," The machine relayed through the communications network.

"Engineer Langley, this is perhaps unorthodox..." Mark continuing, words lingerimg as much as they could when spoken through vocal emitters. "Regarding this unit's upgrades...I have several suggestions."

With the ship on red alert, Nierra immediately donned her helmet, her stew left forgotten on the table. With the very real possibility of the ship being boarded at the forefront of her mind, she rushed after Draka as he left the room.

"It may not be my place to accompany you, but if the worst comes to pass then I would be more useful in repelling the enemy," the Alkair said to him over the blaring of the shipwide alarms.

Nierra's hand delved into the confines of her duster, pulling out a strange, sleek-looking sidearm. She held it at the ready as she and Draka proceeded to the armoury, remaining vigilant all the while.

Robert looked over to Mark with a slight grin from the robot's response. "Alright then Mark, I'm all ears. What did you have in mind?"



Draka nodded at Nierra as his fingers clicked away at his voice device. "You seem capable, perhaps you and I would be better suited to do the repelling than the officers and shipmates." Before too long, the two engineers reached the armory, already unlocked and doors opened. Draka went deeper into the back of the armory, searching for where his weapons had been placed.

The large man soon returned to where Nierra was, a Plutonian Assault Rifle in hand. The hefty looking piece of artillery could cause a decent amount of damage, but Draka was more than well acquainted with how to use it properly. Or in other words, safely.