{"id":327,"date":"2021-10-04T15:57:15","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T19:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=327"},"modified":"2021-10-11T13:16:12","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T17:16:12","slug":"chapter-27","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-27\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 027: What a Piece of Junk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg\" alt=\"Etherno\" class=\"wp-image-52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm-300x113.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chapter 27:<\/strong> What a Piece of Junk<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ryogin_md.png\" alt=\"Ryogin\" class=\"wp-image-332\" width=\"503\" height=\"711\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ryogin_md.png 724w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ryogin_md-212x300.png 212w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai groaned and rolled out of bed. The mattress was as uncomfortable as the neon purple sheets suggested. That, and she\u2019d always slept on her back. Not really an option with wings. She blinked and rubbed her eyes. Saija had already left. Kasai dressed and shuffled to the common room. \u2018Room\u2019 wasn\u2019t really the right word. Perhaps \u2018galley\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija leaned up against the counter in the galley, stirring something in a small metal pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHello.\u201d Saija looked over her shoulder. \u201cOatmeal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe have oatmeal?\u201d Kasai blinked. \u201cI didn\u2019t pack any.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija frowned and looked down at the pot. \u201cWell, I found it in the cupboard. It looks like oatmeal, and kinda tasted like it, so I thought I\u2019d boil it in water and see what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija spooned up a thick brown serving, plopped it in a bowl, and passed it to Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The goop had the consistency of paste. Kasai gave it a cautious sniff. It gave off a faint nutty aroma. Kasai poked at it with her spoon, shrugged and took a small bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s surprisingly good.\u201d She scooped up another spoonful. \u201cTastes like a mix of different nuts with a hint of cinnamon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh good!\u201d Saija plopped a serving into another bowl, sat across from Kasai, and took a bite. \u201cHey, you\u2019re right! Not bad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai dropped her spoon into her bowl. \u201cYou didn\u2019t\u2026You made me\u2026\u201d She took a large breath. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to sample dishes before you serve them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija shrugged. \u201cSorry. Figured if it was nasty it wouldn\u2019t kill the dragon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai blinked back tears and looked down at her porridge. Wasn\u2019t Saija supposed to be her friend? Figures. Everyone really did think she was a freak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija hobbled over and awkwardly patted her on the back. \u201cSorry, I didn\u2019t mean it like that. I was trying to make a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai sniffled. \u201cGuess I\u2019m still a little sensitive about the whole dragon thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai took another bite of food. Was Saija joking or not? It was hard to say. Brother Terrence would tell her to err on the side of forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm.\u201d Saija shifted her weight and avoided eye contact. \u201cSo, uh, Ryogin\u2019s in the engine room. Amaryllis is out replacing the hull plating, and Onin is up in the bridge. You should go see him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked up at Saija. \u201cWhy? Does he need help with something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWow.\u201d Saija looked at her and blinked a few times. \u201cI\u2019m new to this whole friends thing, and I\u2019m gonna screw up a lot, and I\u2019m sorry. But I\u2019m not that dense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai stared at Saija. What on Gesara was she going on about? She ate the last bit of oatmeal, or whatever it was, put her bowl in the cleaner, and headed up to the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Oddly, the stairwell entered the bridge in the front-right corner. The bridge was laid out in a u-shape. The seat at the front with a joystick and a smattering of other buttons, switches, and a few touchscreens must be the pilot\u2019s seat. Kasai wasn\u2019t sure what the other six stations spaced out on either side of the bridge were for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin was seated at the middle starboard station, leaning forward, staring at the console. The screen displayed a mock-up of the bridge, and an animated bright orange chibi cat danced while it explained various functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, hi.\u201d Onin looked up and pointed at the screen. \u201cI found a tutorial on how the ship works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s handy.\u201d Kasai sat in the chair next to him. \u201cGot it figured out yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin shrugged. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to learn, but it looks pretty straightforward. The ship designers did a good job with the layout and ease of use, but there\u2019s practically no security.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI wondered about that.\u201d Kasai tapped a button on the console she sat in front of. It sprang to life and displayed a graph showing the power output of the engine. \u201cSheesh. Even my phone registers my retina scan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai watched the screen for a moment. According to the graph and the captions, power output was steadily rising, and was almost to the safe minimum level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnyway\u2014\u201d Kasai turned away from the screen. \u201cEverybody else seems to be busy, too. Where\u2019s Tannin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cProbably still asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The door to the bridge opened, and Amaryllis tromped up the stairs and collapsed into a chair at the rear port-side bridge station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGot the armor plating finished.\u201d Amaryllis let go of her staff, slumped back in the chair, and closed her eyes. Her staff hovered upright an inch or so off the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis looked horrible. Her eyes were baggy and she labored to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Kasai asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Amaryllis answered without moving. \u201cUsed a lot of energy. Just need some food and sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai frowned. She knew what energy depletion looked like, but she\u2019d never seen it that bad. Perhaps Ryogin had thought to bring some of that energy drink with him. She turned to go look for him when the bridge door opened again, and the sound of footsteps echoed up the stairwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin stumbled over, eyes half-closed, and plopped into the chair on the other side of Onin. The door opened again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, come on!\u201d Saija\u2019s voice came from the stairwell. \u201cWho the\u2014\u201d A bridge console beeped loudly. \u201c\u2014puts steps up to the bridge and no elevator? The only dumber thing would be to have an elevator and no stairs!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The sound of a crutch slipping on a step reverberated through the bridge, followed by a loud and long string of curses. Kasai ducked her head. Growing up among the monks of Ard, she\u2019d never been exposed to much cursing. Except when she was being chased by townsfolk convinced that she was a monster. Saija knew more four-letter words than Kasai and the townsfolk together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A portal opened in the ceiling and Saija dropped through it down to the deck. She stomped over and slammed her butt into the first chair on the port side. Kasai hid a smile. It was no small feat to stomp with crutches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Moments later Cerina entered the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She stopped short and stared at Tannin. \u201cWhat the heck are you wearing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai turned from Cerina to Tannin. He wore jeans and a red t-shirt that said \u2018Metal Shroom!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Tannin looked down at his shirt, furrowed his brow, and looked back up at Cerina. \u201cIt\u2019s one of my favorite bands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina glared at him. \u201cRight. Sure it is. I think you\u2019re taking this whole mushroom thing to an unhealthy level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh let it go.\u201d Onin waved for Cerina to have a seat. \u201cHe\u2019s not hurting anyone, and it really is a band. If you like metal, they\u2019re not bad, either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai glanced at Onin, shocked. She didn\u2019t know he liked metal music. Then, with Tannin as his roommate, he\u2019d probably heard a lot of it if Tannin liked it. What other kinds of music did he like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEngine room to bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai glanced up to the ceiling at the sound of Ryogin\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin reached over and pressed a button on the console behind Kasai. \u201cBridge here, go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEverything checks out down here. We\u2019ll be ready for lift-off in about five minutes. I\u2019d like to stay down here and keep an eye on everything. Did you find the tutorial program?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup, I did.\u201d Onin winked at Kasai. \u201cEverything seems super easy to use.\u201d He sighed and glared at the console. \u201cWhat\u2019s a ship like this doing in the middle of what looked like a military fight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeats me.\u201d Kasai could hear the frustration in Ryogin\u2019s tight tone. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of weird stuff about this ship, but it\u2019s in one piece. Anyway, I\u2019d suggest someone run through the pilot training. Once we\u2019re in orbit, I\u2019ll come up and we\u2019ll see if we can figure out where that Natas went.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The speaker turned off with a soft click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked over at Onin. \u201cSo, who do you think should pilot?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEasy.\u201d Onin swiveled in his chair. \u201cTannin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat!\u201d Cerina shot to her feet. \u201cYou\u2019re not seriously suggesting we let that idiot fly the ship?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Onin grinned. \u201cSure, Tannin\u2019s not terribly book smart\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHey!\u201d Tannin opened his eyes and sat up in his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cBut he does party and play games all day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, yeah. Way to sell him.\u201d Saija snickered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin furrowed his brow. \u201cWhat I\u2019m trying to say is Tannin has an ace rating in C.G. Flight-sim plus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">That name sounded familiar. Kasai tried to remember where she\u2019d heard it before. \u201cWait, isn\u2019t that the game that the Dabrath news ran a story on a few months back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Onin nodded. \u201cThe military and the space program both use it to train their pilots.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh.\u201d Cerina sank into her chair. \u201cI do recall seeing that. Didn\u2019t one of the military pilots admit to crashing a jet a few times in the game?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Tannin grinned. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve got ace status on three different aircraft, and the lunar shuttle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin strode forward to the pilot\u2019s seat and brought up the training program. He read a few screens, then the front window flashed and displayed a grassy field with \u2018SIMULATION\u2019 superimposed over it. The same orange chibi cat from the tutorial Onin ran earlier waddled onto the screen, and started explaining various controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWha?\u201d Cerina leaned forward. \u201cWhy is it all in Gesaran? If this is an alien ship shou\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija clapped a hand over her mouth. \u201cFor the love of all that\u2019s holy, don\u2019t finish that sentence! I don\u2019t want to spend months and pages and pages learning a new language! Just shut up and be grateful that we can understand it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. Kasai suppressed a giggle. It was convenient to have everything in an understandable language, but it was weird at the same time. Probably best not to think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">It only took Tannin a few more minutes to finish the tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPiece of cake.\u201d Tannin leaned back in the chair. \u201cThis thing was designed to be easy to fly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija leaned around Cerina. \u201cSo we won\u2019t die on lift-off?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin shrugged. \u201cNot due to pilot error, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, that\u2019s reassuring.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai frowned. Cerina always found the worst in every situation. Kasai looked over the console she was seated at while she waited for lift-off. The physical controls looked the same as the other stations. A horizontal touchscreen with a double-row of buttons above it, and a vertical display set into the wall. Each of the stations displayed different graphics, though. Kasai started going through the tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A few minutes later Ryogin\u2019s voice came over the speaker again. \u201cEngines are good to go. We\u2019re as ready to leave as we\u2019ll ever be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll right!\u201d Tannin cracked his knuckles and punched a series of buttons. \u201cEveryone buckle up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai pulled the seat restraint across her lap and latched it into place. Tannin punched buttons and flicked switches rapidly without hesitation. He either knew what he was doing, or was good at faking it. Kasai frowned. The pilot\u2019s station seemed to have a fair number more physical controls than the other stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The ship shuddered and Kasai\u2019s stomach lurched as the ship rose straight up. They paused for a second, then Tannin flipped another switch, pulled back on the yoke, and pushed a lever on his right side forward. The ship roared, and they shot forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEasy, there.\u201d Onin gripped the armrests of his chair. \u201cWe probably don\u2019t want to push too hard on our first flight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI gotta see what she can do!\u201d Tannin grinned. \u201cKidding. I\u2019ve always wanted to say that. I\u2019m only at a quarter throttle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The ship continued forward, but they didn\u2019t gain much altitude. Tannin pushed the throttle further forward, and they climbed higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAh, I got it.\u201d Tannin scrolled through the small screen set in the center of the pilot\u2019s console. \u201cThis baby has multiple modes, and auto-transitions between them. Right now, we\u2019re in atmospheric mode, so we\u2019re on anti-grav generators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGreat.\u201d Cerina sneered at Tannin. \u201cSo do you know how to get to orbit?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Tannin kept poking at his screen. \u201cJust gotta point up and keep giving her more throttle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The ship\u2019s engines kept rumbling, and the clouds dropped below them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOoo!\u201d Saija pointed out the front window. \u201cThe sky\u2019s turning from blue to black.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The flight smoothed out as the sky grew darker. Kasai turned around. The curve of the moon\u2019s surface became visible behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin peered at a read-out. \u201cAlmost to a low orbit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The chibi cat from the tutorial popped up in the middle of the front window display. \u201cHi! I\u2019m Chibi-chan, your friendly artificial intelligence, nyan! I see you\u2019re almost in orbit, nyan. Would you like me to help with that, nyan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGah!\u201d Tannin dropped the controls and jumped backward over the pilot\u2019s chair. \u201cWhat the shroom is that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(\uff9f\u0434\uff9f\uff1b) I\u2019m Chibi-chan, nyan. I\u2019m here to help, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina leaned forward and buried her face in her hands. \u201cKill me now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think it\u2019s the ship\u2019s computer.\u201d Onin cocked his head to the side. \u201cIt said it was an A.I.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(\uffe3\u25bc\uffe3) That\u2019s right, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re doomed.\u201d Cerina murmured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai blinked. Alien or not, this was the weirdest ship she\u2019d ever heard of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She looked back out the rear window. \u201cUm, shouldn\u2019t we establish an orbit before we go off into the unknown?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, yeah.\u201d Onin poked Tannin. \u201cCan you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin nodded. He reached forward and poked a button, never taking his eyes off the cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(^-^)\u309dWe\u2019ve entered orbit, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, why are you just now talking to us?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">It was a good question. This ship was so strange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(*^^*) I was damaged in the last Natas attack, nyan. I\u2019ve been healing while you\u2019ve fixed the ship, nyan. Also, I wanted to make sure you weren\u2019t the bad guys, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy does it keep saying \u2018nyan\u2019 so much.\u201d Cerina still had her face in her hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll get over your allergy to cute soon.\u201d Saija patted Cerina on the back. She paused. \u201cEither that or die, in this ship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c\u2661\uff3e_\uff3e\u2661 I now declare you my crew, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, good.\u201d Onin leaned back in his chair. \u201cSo, we\u2019re in charge, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(^_^;) Of course, nyan! I\u2019d never hurt my crew, nyan. That goes against my programming, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin squinted at the cat. \u201cIs it pronouncing emojis?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai mentally reviewed the computer-cat\u2019s speech. \u201cI think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm, could you stop, please?\u201d Tannin asked. \u201cAnd you don\u2019t need to say \u2018nyan\u2019 at the end of every sentence, either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can try, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The cat was much more understandable, but now it\u2019s face was replaced by an emojii whenever it talked. Maybe Tannin was right about the mushrooms. Kasai would wake back up in her dorm, and all of this would just be a bad dream. No Natas, no trippy space ship. She sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked over to her. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah. Just feeling a little overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know the feeling.\u201d Onin turned back to the cat. \u201cI\u2019m Onin, and I\u2019m your new captain. This is Kasai, Tannin, Saija, and Cerina.\u201d He gestured to each of them in turn. \u201cAmaryllis is sleeping in that chair, and Ryogin is in the engine room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNice to meet you, nyan!\u201d The cat\u2019s face changed to a grinning emoji, and it waved a paw. \u201cHave you chosen a name for the ship, nyan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, no, we haven\u2019t.\u201d Onin pulled his mouth to the side and drummed his fingers on the armrest. \u201cSuggestions, everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHope of Gesara?\u201d Kasai winced as soon as she said it. That was lame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNatas fighter?\u201d Saija scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out. \u201cEww. Forget I said that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin\u2019s eyes widened and his face lit up. \u201cI\u2019ve got it! The Iridescent Potato.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai started to groan, then stopped. Oddly, it did fit this particular ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy not.\u201d Cerina sighed and leaned back in her chair, eyes still closed. \u201cWeird ship should get a weird name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin shrugged. \u201cThe Iridescent Potato it is, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Chibi-chan didn\u2019t say anything in reply, but it\u2019s face turned to a sweat-drop emoji.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The door to the bridge opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin ran up the steps. \u201cHey, the weirdest thing just popped up in\u2014\u201d He stopped and swiveled his head to stare at Chibi-chan. \u201cOh. It\u2019s here, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is Chibi-chan.\u201d Onin indicated the cat. \u201cApparently it\u2019s the ship\u2019s A.I.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHuh.\u201d Ryogin stumbled past Onin and sank into the empty chair. \u201cI was not expecting that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow could anyone expect that!\u201d Cerina jabbed a finger at the cat. \u201cA cartoon cat with a speech impediment and the intelligence of a four-year old is definitely not expected on a spaceship!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, we were out of options.\u201d Onin leaned forward in his chair. \u201cThe portal probably closed as soon as we stepped through, and we\u2019d already committed to tracking that Natas down and stopping him. This ship was the only one that was a viable option.\u201d He turned to Ryogin. \u201cWe\u2019ve made it off the surface. What\u2019s our next step?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, I\u2019m not sure.\u201d Ryogin scratched the back of his neck. \u201cI\u2019d hoped we\u2019d catch him. Didn\u2019t really expect him to hop on a ship right away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you looking for a ship, nyan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone turned to face the animated cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes. Do you have a suggestion?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, I do, nyan!\u201d The cat\u2019s face changed to a happy emoji, and it bounced up and down. \u201cYou can use the sensors to search for an exhaust trail, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCool.\u201d Saija looked around the bridge. \u201cUh, how do we do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe sensor station is on the port side in the middle, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina opened her eyes. \u201cUh-oh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou can do it.\u201d Kasai smiled. Hopefully if they gently encouraged Cerina, she\u2019d decide to be helpful. \u201cJust tap the screen to start the tutorial. It\u2019ll walk you right through how to use the console.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina muttered something about cats under her breath, but she did start the tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai and the others waited in silence while Cerina worked. It\u2019d be great if they could track the Natas down right away before it could possess anyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Several minutes later, Cerina leaned back in her chair and frowned at her screen. \u201cIf I\u2019m reading this correctly, there\u2019s at least five trails of higher concentrations of ions and other charged particles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo, five ships, then?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot necessarily.\u201d Ryogin stood and made his way over to look at Cerina\u2019s screen. \u201cThey could be incoming and outgoing trails.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin frowned. \u201cOkay, I\u2019m bad at math, but shouldn\u2019t there be an even number, then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHello?\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes. \u201cDid you see the ship graveyard down there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, yeah!\u201d Tannin furrowed his brow. \u201cSo, which one do we follow, then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone turned to look at Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cUh, I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNone of the rest of us know, either.\u201d Kasai placed her hand on his arm. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a random guess. Someone needs to make that call, and we all decided that someone is you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRight.\u201d Onin frowned at the screen. \u201cDo we have any information on where these trails might lead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDirect data isn\u2019t available, nyan.\u201d Chibi-chan\u2019s face changed to a sad emoji. \u201cNo other systems or waypoints are in range at sublight velocities, nyan. The best estimate is that these trails lead out of the moon-planet gravity well, then the ship that left the trail made a trans-d jump, nyan. I would suggest following a trail, and then attempting to determine a potential trans-d jump destination from the exit angle, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina looked around at everyone. \u201cUm, did anyone else follow that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija shook her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, yeah, easy.\u201d Tannin waved a hand. \u201cIt\u2019s just like in Space Freighter 5: Cargo King. You make hyper jumps from system to system.\u201d He frowned. \u201cI was hoping it worked like the hyper drive in Space Conflict. The gameplay mechanics on that are way better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina leaned toward Onin and put her hand to the side of her mouth. \u201cAre you sure he\u2019s the best choice?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai giggled. Onin wouldn\u2019t trust Tannin with the job if he wasn\u2019t sure Tannin could handle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin sighed. \u201cI\u2019m positive. Tannin, follow trail number three.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin flicked a few switches on the pilot\u2019s console and studied the readout. \u201cAll right, we\u2019re following the trail. Should be about ten minutes to exit the gravity well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The next ten minutes dragged by. Eventually Tannin pushed a few buttons and the ship slowed to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAlright, we\u2019re here.\u201d Tannin leaned back in the pilot\u2019s seat and put his hands behind his head. \u201cLet me know where to go next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai joined the others to lean over Cerina\u2019s shoulder at the middle station at the port side of the bridge. The screen showed a trail of sparkly bits that Kasai assumed was the ion trail. Numbers covered the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Cerina\u2019s brow scrunched up. \u201cSo, uh, that\u2019s a lot of meaningless numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt shows the concentration, nyan.\u201d Chibi-chan popped up on top of the numbers on the sensor screen. \u201cWould you like me to calculate possible jump destinations from the out-bound vector, nyan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked over her shoulder at Onin and smiled. He was even polite to the annoyingly cute A.I..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Chibi-chan disappeared and popped up on the screen of the console to the right. \u201cThe most likely jump point is System 74-b, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A white star popped up on the screen. Kasai frowned. The monitor didn\u2019t show any other information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin leaned in and tapped the screen. \u201cYou don\u2019t have any information on this star system?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c(;^_^) I\u2019m sorry, my databanks don\u2019t have any further information, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin walked back to his chair and sat down. \u201cHmm. Well, we can jump to that system and check it out, or we can check another trail. What do you guys think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina crossed her arms over her chest. \u201cI thought you were in charge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re a team.\u201d Onin glanced at all of them. \u201cSure, we need one person to make the call, but we\u2019re all in this together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai smiled at him. She liked the way he didn\u2019t boss anyone around. \u201cThat\u2019s right. We all need to make this decision. If it\u2019s a trap, we don\u2019t want to be bitter about being dragged into it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf.\u201d Saija snorted. \u201cWith the Natas, it\u2019s always a trap. But hey, why not? We made that call when we stepped through the portal, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Tannin nodded. \u201cBesides, this might be an inbound trail for one of those other ships.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai sighed. He could be right. They might never find the Natas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRight.\u201d Onin gripped the arms of his chair. \u201cIf no one has any objections, I say we check that star system and see what we find.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">No one said anything. They were probably all as nervous as Kasai was. The Natas might be at the destination, or dragons, or who knows what else. Well, they wouldn\u2019t get anything accomplished sitting here. She gave Onin a thumbs up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRoger that.\u201d Tannin pressed a sequence of buttons. \u201cBetter strap in. In some games jumps are butter-smooth. In others, they\u2019re pretty rough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina snapped her seat-belt into place and glared at him. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a game, you moron.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin sighed and swiveled his chair around to face her. \u201cLook. I know that. But I can pretend it is, not panic, and have fun getting the job done. The other alternative is to wet myself in terror and cry in a corner.\u201d He pointed to the back of the bridge. \u201cIf you want it that way, there\u2019s the corner.\u201d The side of Tannin\u2019s mouth pulled up in a grin. \u201cMe, I\u2019m gonna enjoy this shroom ride while it lasts.\u201d He spun his chair around to face forward. \u201cHitting the big scary button in three, two, one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin raised his hand, extended his index finger, and jabbed at the console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai\u2019s vision turned pink, and the front of the bridge stretched out in front of her, and started to swirl clockwise. Cracks appeared all over the bridge. Lines every color of the rainbow seeped out of the cracks. The image split into pieces, shuffled around, and melted into a spinning rainbow. Distorted voices cried out around her and bled into twinkling. Kasai tasted purple, and everything went dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai cracked an eyelid open. Where was she? She blinked and the bridge slowly came into focus. That\u2019s right; they made a trans-d jump across space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, was it supposed to do that?\u201d Kasai struggled upright and tried to ignore the pounding in her head. \u201cIs everyone all right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Onin grunted. \u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija rubbed her eyes. \u201cWhat the\u2014\u201d The pilot console beeped. \u201c\u2014was that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina leaned over and vomited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOops! I\u2019ll get that, nyan!\u201d Chibi-chan displayed an emoji that Kasai took to stand for embarrassment. A small door at floor level slid open and a cleaning robot scooted out and got to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis shot straight up in her chair. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d She glanced around the bridge. Her ears flicked back and forth. \u201cI had the weirdest dream!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don\u2019t know the half of it.\u201d Ryogin rubbed at his eyes. \u201cThat was the weirdest trans-d jump\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGuys!\u201d Tannin pointed out the front viewer. \u201cWe\u2019ve got company!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A large gray hull plate filled the front window. From this distance, Kasai couldn\u2019t even guess at the size of the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, if that\u2019s a Natas ship, we might want to turn around,\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">They turned to look at Onin. He nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo go.\u201d Tannin yanked the ships yoke around. \u201cWe\u2019re caught in some kind of tractor beam!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait.\u201d Cerina sat up in her seat. \u201cIsn\u2019t that a line from Space Conflict?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup.\u201d Tannin pressed a few more buttons. \u201cBut I\u2019m still pretty sure we\u2019re in a tractor beam.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh?\u201d Onin tapped the armrest of his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, we\u2019re still moving toward it, and she\u2019s not responding to the controls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe seem to be caught in a tractor beam, nyan.\u201d Chibi-chan frowned. \u201cRecommend reversing course, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina smacked her forehead with her palm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHelpful little thing, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI love to help, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina pinched the bridge of her nose. \u201cThat was sarcasm, you stupid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKnock it off.\u201d Onin came up behind Tannin to peer at the console. \u201cAnyone have any helpful ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou could try calling them, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea.\u201d Kasai stood and hugged Onin\u2019s arm. \u201cAt least we\u2019d know if we need to get ready to fight or not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Onin smiled at her. \u201cEither way, we\u2019ll get more information.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai felt a wave of warmth wash over her. It felt good to be helping instead of running away from her problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo, how do we do that?\u201d Saija peered at her console. \u201cI don\u2019t see anything that looks like comm stuff here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAft port console, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOoo, that\u2019s me!\u201d Amaryllis yawned and poked at her console. \u201cOkay, I think I\u2019ve got it figured out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing happened. Kasai looked over to Onin, who shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 ears flattened back against her skull. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure I hit the right buttons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Chibi-chan popped up on the comm station display. \u201cYou did, nyan. I ran a diagnostic, and everything is working, nyan. They\u2019re just not replying, nyan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGuys?\u201d Tannin thrust his hand in the air and waved it back and forth wildly. \u201cUh, a big hole just opened in the ship, and we\u2019re headed right for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The comm console beeped. Kasai jumped. A line of text had popped up on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAttention unknown vessel,\u201d Amaryllis read. \u201cStand by and prepare to be boarded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, that\u2019s verbose.\u201d Cerina snorted and crossed her arms again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija sighed and leaned back in her chair. \u201cAt least it\u2019s not a Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh?\u201d Onin turned to face Saija. \u201cHow can you tell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEasy.\u201d She jerked her chin toward the ship. \u201cThey bothered to answer, and they\u2019re not shooting at us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood point.\u201d Onin stared out the front window. \u201cWell, might as well get down to the hatch and get ready to be boarded, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina frowned. \u201cSo, we\u2019re just giving up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d Onin looked over his shoulder. \u201cIf they\u2019re enemies of the Natas, then they\u2019re our allies. And if they\u2019re not, then the entry hatch is a better spot to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll right!\u201d Tannin smacked his fist into his palm. \u201cLet\u2019s rock!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, wait!\u201d Amaryllis sat up. \u201cLet me and Ryogin-sama fix Saija\u2019s leg, first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai crossed to the back of the bridge and put a hand on Amaryllis\u2019 shoulder. \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re up to it? You looked pretty awful before you passed out in the chair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Amaryllis smiled. \u201cI had a great nap, and I had a can of Ryogin-sama\u2019s restorative drink. I\u2019m ready for action!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin stepped behind Amaryllis and rubbed her shoulders. \u201cNekotians have a lot of energy, but hardly any stamina. Being half-Gesaran, Amaryllis has more stamina than a Nekotian, but not as much as the average Gesaran. If she says she\u2019s fine, she is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Saija sat sideways in her chair and propped her right leg up over the armrest. \u201cDid you get a chance to look over the plans for this thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI did.\u201d Ryogin motioned to Saija, and Amaryllis held her staff up against the broken end of Saija\u2019s artificial leg. \u201cThis is going to be a little complicated. Amaryllis, I\u2019ll lead. Please provide power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis nodded. Ryogin squatted down and both his hands on either side of the ring on Amaryllis\u2019 staff. A blue-white artifice portal spiraled out. Two more smaller artifice portals swirled out and stacked on top of the first one. For a moment nothing seemed to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai leaned in closer. There appeared to be movement on the end of Saija\u2019s leg, but the glowing artifice portals obscured almost everything. Ryogin started to sweat. His hands inched outward, and Saija\u2019s leg seemed to grow longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, her leg was repaired. The artifice portals spiraled closed. Ryogin sighed and sat down on the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai knelt beside him. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe\u2019s fine.\u201d Amaryllis stretched out her hand and helped him up. \u201cDetailed work. He\u2019ll be fine in a minute. How\u2019s the leg, Saija?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSweet, you even replaced the shoe!\u201d Saija flexed her foot at the ankle and hopped to her feet. \u201cWorks great.\u201d She took a few steps. \u201cI think you even improved the calibration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin grinned. \u201cHappy to help, if you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The deck tremored slightly, and a clang echoed through the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re docked.\u201d Tannin jumped out of the pilot\u2019s seat. \u201cLet\u2019s go see who\u2019s here to greet us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai followed Onin down the staircase out of the bridge and along the hall to the hatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEveryone ready?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo,\u201d Cerina muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija shrugged. Tannin gave Onin a thumbs-up. Everyone else looked around, shrugged, then nodded. Onin took a deep breath and punched the button to open the hatch with his index finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The air-tight door hissed and slid to the side. The hydraulics that controlled the ramp whined as it slowly lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-26\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"319\">&lt;&lt; Previous Chapter<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/table-of-contents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"34\">Contents<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-28\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"336\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/env_sm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" width=\"33\" height=\"20\"> Be notified when the next chapter comes out!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ko-fi.com\/cdn\/widget\/Widget_2.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">kofiwidget2.init('Buy me a cup of tea', '#29abe0', 'V7V05ASUY');kofiwidget2.draw();<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 27: What a Piece of Junk Kasai groaned and rolled out of bed. The mattress was as uncomfortable as the neon purple sheets suggested.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-327","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=327"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":347,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/327\/revisions\/347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}