#Lopasis Helasce

[spacetrails]

Final Prep

Organizing my room more, I gave one last look around; my bed now looked like a bed, the sheets were fixed, posters set up, knickknacks placed, window to infinite starry abyss cleaned, and table organized. A search around made a wall panel open, revealing a bathroom “Oh, well that’s one question answered.” Closing the panel I looked to the door as my stomach rumbled “I probably should eat.” Words grumbled just as loud as my stomach made my decision.

The door slid open, as I poked my head out; A look down left showed the path leading towards the divide, while the right headed to the middle of the ship, yet it was empty both ways. Muffled sounds silenced as I stepped out, the hum of the ship deafening anything else as another quick scan was made, still no one.

The door closed as I stepped away, walking ahead to what I hoped was a kitchen, the area expanded into a cubed shape; the wide table surrounded with ten chairs sat in the middle of the room, left showed the ship's entrance and right held a circular window. Properly walking into the room my eyes marked the two panels, my translator gave a small blip as muffled sounds picked up behind me, and my hand briefly held the back of a chair turning me as I continued straight towards them.

The first panel itself hung from the wall at waist height, scaling up to chest height, it was blank and seemed to be off; the second was more a window than panel, it was the same height as the first but sunk into the wall by a few inches, split into four compartments, and had a white background.

Unsure what to do I placed my hand on the dark panel, it was cold to the touch and lit up after a few seconds, a small hum sounded as I moved my hand back, the words ‘HELLO USER Lawrence PLEASE SELECT PREFERENCES’ sounded lightly on my translator, as they were typed up on the screen accompanied with various food types.

Glossing through all option I scanned the different species types, each with their own food groups, substitutes, allergies, necessities, and vitamin options to add or remove “Huh, neat.” I quietly called, choosing the human option for now, searching through the many meat choices first “I don’t know whether to be happy or afraid that fast food options are a choice. I’ll just try some lamb, see how it compares.”

Words mumbled out as I clicked on veggies “Get that broc, that pot, that rot, that arti, that coli, that g-been, that fungi, that sweet p, tha-” My hand halted “-Hmmm, that is a lot of food. Is it too much? I should probably cut back. Or, I can keep it, and just get seconds later? Am I allowed seconds?” Questions rambled as I looked about, concerned over my choices, a sigh and grumble as eyes relocked back on the panel “It’s food, on the ship I’m in, for the crew I’m in. I can eat it, the panel told me so.” My hand clicked the parsnip selecting the end of my choice

‘DO YOU CONFIRM?’ Thinking I looked at the second panel, clicking yes as the first panel beeped ‘PLEASE CHOOSE FINAL PREFERENCES.’ Looking at the options I choose thigh cut, seared style, and steamed for all veggies. Stepping over I listened to the second panel hum louder, a few seconds passed before the top compartment rotated, my lamb laid perfectly cooked and steaming as a plate raised, it slid open as I took the plate setting it on the table. Turning back in time for the second compartment to spin, all the veggies laid encircling the other in various cut slices and steaming, a larger plate rose as it opened, once I took it the third compartment spun, showing two sets of forks and knives that I also took.

Placing everything on the table I looked around at the empty room, eyes staring back down to the table “What am I missing? I have the food, and I- Oh right, a no drink.” Words cut off as I turned, tapping the screen as it reopened to a drinks sections “Ah, it’s been human tested. That’s good.” Joking as I thumbed through, glancing at the options from water to fizzy drinks, with various hot and cold weather drinks in between, uncaring I choose water watching the fourth panel turn just a second after. Finally sitting down I took a bite, it tasted generally bland, but still held the fresh meaty texture; the vegetables seemed the same, all bland but still fresh and nice to eat. Sitting around I waited, unsure what to do ‘We are close to landing, so we probably have a protocol? Right?’

Glancing about no sound were made, only the hum of the ship filling the silence between bites; looking out the window stars continued to scatter by, splattered through the voidful oasis ‘Someone’s going to explain something eventually, just have to wait until they step out and give a debriefing? Right?’ drinking my water I waited, half done with most of the food, thinking about where everyone went, and what to do ‘They were out and about just a second ago, well Alto them went to the Activity room? So Kleef and the others went back to the front? So just wait until we land? And then wait until someone says something? And do, the thing, right?’

Poking my food around my thoughts wandered more ‘What even are we going to do there, it has a million-year-old record, and it’s a planet that’s supposed to be weird, with no real terrain knowledge. I know I’m going to leave the ship, but shouldn’t I be doing something to help?’ “Hmm? What would I even help with? I don’t know anything about this place anyways?” Words spoke aloud answering my own questions, deciding to take another bite, going back to my thoughts ‘Well, it’s a planet. So just, walk about, collect things, don’t get lost? I can do that, but so can everyone else. Hmmm?’

Grumbling I poked down, hearing a small tick as my fork hit plate, looking down it seemed I had finished eating “And, there goes that distraction. But at least I’m full, I think?” Looking outside to space a sigh left as I thought about home ‘I just have to not get in the way, just gotta keep alert, and stay foc-' “Hello Lavrence. Enjoying zpace?” Words blipped in my translator startling my thoughts, fighting back a jolt I slowly turned, seeing it was just Lopasis “Oh. Uh? Yea, just thinking about home.” Their leaves shook as they nodded “Reminizcing about home iz quite normal. Had a nice meal?”

Remembering my plates existence was a small surprise “Oh right, I did eat. It was nice, how does it work exactly?” I asked pointing at the panels, not wanting to make it awkward “Oh. Vell, the machine itzelf haz variouz microbez that fuze together zmall particlez of food groupz. From there it reconztructz the dezired output uzing your choicez, and replicatez the matter on hov you zpecify. The utenzilz, and platez are juzt zetz bought vith the machine.” They quickly explained the process, most of it flying over my head “So… it’s a food maker?” “Exactly.” “Oh, Ok. So, what brings you out. And about. In the ship.” The last words fumbled out, still wanting but now making it awkward.

“Vell, I had vanted to check up on equipment. Make zure everything iz tezted before ve land. Vould you vant to come vith? You vould have to do a trial before ve fully land anyvay.” They asked shifting light blue petals, turning as they tapped the screen, and selecting a drink for themselves. ‘Well, good to know that was planned’ “Yea, but where do I put my plates?” I raised both, which they offered to take. “You zimply tap the zcreen, input plate and cup amount, and place. Quick and zimple.” Words beamed in a small blue green glow, as they demonstrated, placing my items inside, all rotating away.

“It’s quite a nice machine. Did you build it?” I asked fully expecting a yes at this point, they only laughed, shaking some petals with a wave “Oh no, thiz vaz bought by Kleef. Though, they did do mozt maintenance on it, so it’z vell kept by our Captain.” Giving a quick hum I rose to my feet “That’s interesting, are these normal on ships, we didn’t have a briefing of it on earth.” Lopasis poured the glass of water on their deep blue face, vibrating as it darkened slightly, before tapping the screen. “Vell, not normal. Vhen Kleef bought it, it vaz a tezter prototype, during that time lezz than 0.1% of zhipz had them. Nov about 3% of zhipz houze theze unitz.”

They placed their cup, giving a turn and walking at the end, quickly following I hummed with a nod, watching the petals shift with each step. “That’s good, it does seem to be quite in depth.” “That vaz vhat Kleef vorked on the hardezt, they zcoured for many modulez CPPZ, the company, made. Zurprizingly humanz vere the hardezt to tune.” “Humans were? Makes sense, we do eat about anything.” “Indeed. Zo many optionz interlinked vith other zpeciez, the amount of timez our Captain had to recheck everything after changing one human item. It vaz quite a fev ztardayz before ve left ztation.” They laughed as I joined in, as we walked past a door. “Yea, that would cause problems, also what is a starday?” “Day relative to clozezt ztar, ve change our clockz vhenever ve land. Zo, ve vill have to come the nev planet.” We stopped at a door one down from the activity room, Lopasis typing in a five-digit passcode, before it slid open.

Entering as the lights turned on, I looked at all the items scattered against the wall, on the floor, shelves or hanging on the wall “Speaking of the new planet, are you worried?” They tapped container against the nearest wall with a key card, as it opened up before quickly taking out two tablets “Vell, of course I am vorried. All planetz and travelz bring vith them potential dizazterz. Mind you, any activity bringz a chance of dizazter, az zuch I keep myself occupied to alvayz check for zuch thingz.” Answer stated as a tablet was handed my way “Thank you? What is this for?” Tapping their blank screen twice Lopasis gave a wave around the room, petals shaking from the motion “Eaziest vay of recording everything, juzt tap tvice and chooze the crate icon. From there enter pazzcode 5173 and you’ll zee my zcreen.” Explanation demonstrated as I executed, being brought to a spreadsheet filled with items.

Giving a nod Lopasis checked over the first crate, pressing everything as they flashed on and off “Everything zhould be regiztered, main thingz are checking if they are ztill here, vhich givez one tick. And checking if they are fully functional, vhich givez tvo tickz. If not here or vorking then give the zame amount of X’z.” More explanations shown as they gave two final ticks, closing the crate; looking down I saw the double ticked tablets, wireless pens, gps scanners, droids, AR and VR goggles, body camera and lights.

Nodding, we looked into the second crate seeing “Polarized gogglez one through five, unpolarized gogglez one through four, zelf trackerz one through ten, wirelezz communicatorz one through six.” All I ticked as they counted off, giving a check over and nod before closing the crate. Lopasis pointed to the shelf above, as I pulled down three different ropes “Zcaling rope, check for kinkz or tearz. Nilon rope, check for vater or veaknezz. Aramid rope, check for cutz or tearz.” Giving a general check of everything I saw nothing wrong, each got two ticks and placed back.

Right beside were two shelves filled with books “Thiz iz more a general item, ve lable them az guidez. They have information on mozt organic and inorganic life, medical aid per zpeciez, terrain landmarkz, galactic diplomatic hiztoriez and changez, galactic languagez and culturez, planetary ecoztudiez.” Leaf green hands pointed to the sectioned areas of both “Huh, that’s a lot of books, do we have to memorize them?” They laughed, waving a hand as their petals shook “Oh no. Mozt itemz vere brought vhen Bett and Lezz joined, after that ve all got in the habit of getting one nev book every rezt ztop.” “Oh? Wait, who’s Lezz?” “Nottalizh, just a small nick name.”

Walking to another area, Lopasis handed me the key card taking out a second for themselves “You have the bazic understanding, so ve vill divide. If you have queztionz I’ll try to have anzverz.” They reassured beaming a light blue green “Alright, I’ll make sure it’s checked over.” Words said as I tapped the crate, we watched it open as they left; looking within I checked over bolts, harnesses, helmets, hexes, nuts, picks, pitons, pullies and slings. Giving both a look and feel before all received two ticks, closing the crate looking over to the one beside it. Tapping I checked over the carbon-fiber plating, first aid kit, medical bags, respiratory masks, resuscitator, pulse oximeter, thermal blanket, trauma blanket, and slings; all were checked and ticked as I looked to Lopasis “Lopa?” “Yez?” “Does it get confusing having two items labelled sling?” Tapping their tablet they walked to the furthest wall “Not really, one zling is by itzelf, the other iz attached to pulliez. Though, Kleef did offer the zame queztion vhen ve firzt made the lizt. Changing might good, if you find any other overlapz do tell.” Checking over items while speaking.

Dark brown chests stacked along the wall, rowing three racks of two. “What are these?” Lopasis looked across to me “Ah, thoze are our perzernal ztorage. Apologize.” They blipped unlabelled on my, as Lopasis tapped their screen “I, per rule, cannot discloze vho iz vhoze. Forgot they vere on that zide.” “Ah. That makes sense. Which is mine?” Lopasis tapped their screen a few times, before a blip of my name appeared by a chest. “Middle right rov. Kindly do not dizcloze thiz information unlezz needed in emergency, thiz iz an agreement of general zafety and security.” “Sir yes sir.” I saluted, getting a head tilt “Oh, humanz actually zay that?” “Well, yea. Half serious half joke, like a real fake.” “A vhat?”

“Human joke, don’t worry.” Chuckling I opened the chest, with all my knickknacks still there. “Hmm, might change up the room when we get back from the planet.” Quickly taking out a framed picture and chain. “Zpeaking of, hov are you enjoying the room?” “It’s spacious, I can pace, lay down, or watch the stars stream by. So, quite lovely actually, I’ve always wanted to do this.” Lopasis shimmered, moving to another section. “I’m ecztatic hearing that, you’ve alzo bonded vith the crev zo zvell in just four and half hourz.” “Huh? It’s been that long? Or is that short, hmmm. Time didn’t flow for me, especially since there’s no sun. No wait, suns are stars. Wow this a lot.”

Lopasis put down their tablet stepping close “Are you alright?” “Yea? Just, been thinking a lot. And a lot happened, and there’s a lot of people, or aliens? Species? Look, I’m alright.” I tried to finalize, as Lopasis’ eyes sprouted. “Have you had a rezt today?” “Well, kinda? Every now and then nothing would happen, then something. But, it wasn’t a lot or anything, so it’s fine.” “Had zomething happened today?” “What? No. Well, nothing but just me thinking and I guess overthinking. I don’t know situations are awkward sometimes.” “Zituationz? Lopasis echoed.

“Well, I make things awkward, and I don’t know I think about it, and try not to make it more awkward and then I think it works out, but then I think about that. And I don’t know, I’m worried if I offended them.” “Offended vho?” Rolling my hands I tried to think specifically “Someone, anyone. You say I bonded well, but I just tried to follow what they were doing, and even at first with Nottalish I thought he hated me, but he’s super nice.” “That iz a fair primary and zecondary interaction with Lezz.” Lopasis added. “And Rousptera…” Lopasis squinted “Did zomething happen vith you tvo?” “Well. No, but I think I thought something might? And made them worried they did something. And maybe caused Kleef to say something to them. And maybe I won’t be able to be friends with them.” I rambled as my hands whirled, only slowing down at the end.

“O…Oh?” Lopasis glowed with the word “I zee nov, vell, vhile I don’t knov vhat happened that doez explain Kleef zeeming different after a zhip zcan.” My face paled “So he did see us? Oh no, do you know what he said. Was he angry?” My panic rising “Angry? No, maybe upzet. But-” They added stopping my reply “-Kleef had talked vith, and underztood Rouzptera’z zide. The manner I do not knov, but haz calmed him.” “O…Oh, alright. Thank you.” I calmed down, still rushing from panic “Um, did Rousptera say anything to you?” Lopasis closed their eyes. “Well, Rouzptera did vant me to check on you. But, mainly mentioned you valking into a panel, and an apology. I think I underztand the latter part nov.” “Yea, I did walk into a panel. I was trying to make the situation unawkward, it. Yea.”

“Do you need medical aide?” “Nah, it wasn’t that serious. Just the old noggin taking a hit. I’ve been through worse.” I laughed but Lopasis didn’t join in. “Lavrence, I do not underztand theze human jokez. Are they all thiz oddly roundabout?” “Not all, a lot of mine are. But then I just mash different joke genres together, see how they get lost from my brain to my mouth, and let it play.” Lopasis tried to laugh. “That vaz a good one.” “That wasn’t a joke, that was a genuine explanation.” “Ah, I can zee vhy you bonded so vell vith everyone.” Lopasis lightly glowed “Why?” “You’re quite eazy to talk to, I enjoy vhen you let yourzelf talk. It addz to any conversation.” I didn’t reply.

After a few second of staring Lopasis’ glow began to fade “Are you alright Lavrence?” “Yea. You just gave such a genuine complement I needed a few seconds to factory reset and process it. But thank you, that means a lot.” Lopasis spot lighted the room, receeding back to a dim oceanic blur. “Of courze. I vill alvayz be genuine and honest, it iz proven to be mozt helpful in many cazez.” “Wow a complement dispenser, and fusion cell collector. What can’t you do.” Lopasis hummed, turning to grab their tablet “I cannot vorry about my crev, and the zhip at the zame time. You are alvayz firzt priority.” They blipped a few more items “Alzo, az ve don’t have much itemz left, juzt to confirm. You are alright.” “Correct.” “Nothing iz ailing you?” “Nope.” “Iz there anything you vant to talk about, even vith Rouzptera.”

Focusing on the day, I tried to find more questions “Nothing really? Um, did you suspect Rousptera did something, or think it was more serious?” “Oh, no. No, no no. Rouzptera is the gentlezt of crevmatez you could find. He lovez to learn and inveztigate, but iz quite avare of boundariez and limitz. Hiz speciez, zimilar to mine, can feel the zhift in chemicalz and changez in frequenciez through the air around uz.” “Oh, that makes sense for you guys. Wait you can tell when I’m anxious?” I focused at the end “In a zenze, yez. Though, you’ve been anxiouz all day, zo it’z been quite muddled. I perzonally haven’t been focuzed on it, just noted itz prezence and zhiftz. Rouzptera is zlightly lezz zensitive with zcentz, but better in temperature and frequency fluctuationz.” Sighing I slumped against a shelf “How nice to know my anxiety was known all day.” Lopasis checked more items off “Vell, did you expect to be calm? You vere put vith a nev zhip, crev, outfit, tazkz and responzibilitiez. Did you expect to be relaxed in your firzt hourz?”

“Yea? Well, no. But, I didn’t want to make anyone worried, so I tried to just keep at it?” Lopasis rounded closer to my side “Vell, everyone iz going to be vorried about you. Ve vorry about each other all the time, that’z vhat being a crev iz. Making zure everyone iz alright, zo they don’t have to be vorried alone.” “Yea. But, like. I don’t know, I was overthinking a lot.” “You did indeed zay that. Then may I remove a vorry?” “Sure?” Lopasis clicked through the last items, waving for me to follow to the front “You didn’t make anything avkvard, everyone’s been talking about your achievementz and hov much they enjoyed interacting vith you.” “But, I didn’t do anything yet, I just got here.” “Exactly, you’ve just gotten here. Imagine vhat ztoriez you’ll create vhen you do zomething.”

Lopasis glimmered, tapping the container and placing their tablet inside. I stood there, letting the words sink in ‘I’ve done nothing, everyone has been here so long. And now I get to be here with them, I get to go on adventures and do whatever I want.’ The excitement whelmed within “Alright, thank you. That did help a lot.” “I can tell. Quite poverful joy you’ve got there.” Lopasis joked, taking my tablet. “What, this old thing? Nah, I bet you say that to all the serotonin you meet.” I fanned my cheeks, faking embarrassment as Lopasis laughed louder. “Vho knovs, thiz type iz quite zoothing, I rather enjoy it.” “O…Oh?” True embarrassment flushed up, Lopasis leaves tilting in response “Oh, zomething nev?” “Uhhhhhhhhhh, hey when do we land by the way?” I desperately tried to change the subject.

“Hmmm? I think three more hourz until landing. You really zhould rezt before though Lavrence.” “Yea, maybe. I just keep learning so much from everyone, so it’s hard to keep still.” “What did you learn from me?” Petals pointed up “You are way more observant than you let on. I am rethinking so much situations right now.” Lopasis bloomed, pressing a panel to open the door “Of courze, I am the navigator and field medic. Vell, Zecond field medic Notalizh iz primary.” We stepped out, into the still empty corridor “So there are sectioned roles?” “More zpecialized, a preference. You can learn all, but mainly a captian needz to. For crev it’z zimpler zticking to tvo or three. Alto iz zpecialized in all five.” “I am not surprised by that.”

“They are quite good at mozt anything. Eazily picking up and adapting to mozt zituationz.” “Yea, they did win the Rock-Paper-Scissors game.” “Indeed, their ability to overcome limitationz iz their mozt valuable trait.” Lopasis turned, making way to the kitchen, as I followed “Huh, interesting. So what are all the specialization?” Mumbling words Lopasis tapped their leaves a few times “I think the order iz field medic, explorer, engineer, navigator, and armz zpecializt. In terms of what iz trained firzt.” We stopped by the table “Oh, so field medic training is also storage training?” “In a zenze, the bezt vay of learning hov to aide. Iz knoving vhat iz available, and keeping important itemz ztocked. But, thiz izn’t a training zezzion, juzt debriefing.” Lopasis stepped over, dispensing another cup of water from the panels.

Placing my chain and picture on the table, then looking out the window to spacy abyss I thought on everything “So. Would I be trained for explorer when we land?” “Potentially. Or any of the otherz, I zimply lizted the recommended order ve zet, if you feel ready to learn one primarily, that iz alzo up to you.” “Huh, you know it’s a lot less imposing now that I know what to expect.” Lopasis paused their water pour, tilting to look at me “Did your planet not inform you of the zpecializationz for thiz zhip?” I gave a shrug and head shake “So far, everyone knows more than me about what I should know. I didn’t even get a translator until I stepped on board.” “Your zpeciez becomez increazingly alarming vith each added information.” Lopasis poured their drink, tapping for another.

“Yea. That’s humans, the more you learn about us. The more you wish you didn’t know. Like our oceans.” “Vhat about your oceanz?” “Do you really want to test your hubris again? Have you not learned from actions passed?” “…Vaz that a human joke?” Laughing I walked beside Lopasis to the panel, tapping for my own drink “I’ll let you decide that yourself.” Grabbing my cup, I sat back in my original spot.

Lopasis hummed for a second “Vell, thiz haz been quite an informative interaction. I can zee vhat you mean by learning a lot from everyone.” “Oh yea, what did you learn about me?” I excitedly pointed to myself. “You're unique. I cannot quite explain it, but. I am alvayz learning zomething about you, and I never knov vhat vill come next. Maybe interezting might be a better vord?” Slightly dejected I settled back in my seat “Ah, so still just unique and interesting. Yippie.” I twirled a finger with the word.

“Apologiez, did I offend you?” Lopasis worried. “No. I just always got told I was unique, interesting and special all my life. It never really meant anything growing up, and I never understood why it was all I got. It’s not offensive, just thought I was something more than, the different kid.” Honest words pushed past, as I looked to the framed picture. “I didn’t knov. I’m zorry, I can think of better vordz.” Waving the matter off I sat properly in the seat again. “Nah. You literally couldn’t have known. And besides, what I learned about you wasn’t much of anything. So just even assessments of first few talks.”

Lopasis gave another long hum “You alvayz find the vordz to zettle a matter. Then I zhall vorry no longer, but vhen I do find proper vordz I vill tell you vhat I learned.” They pressed the screen, making a panel turn, depositing their cup. “I’ll take that offer. And when I can, I’ll do the same. Watch, I’ll out observe you.” Lopasis gave a wave and laugh “I don’t knov, I might have an advantage with my eyez and senzez. You might be learned firzt.” Their five eyes grew at the mention. “Oh yea? I’ll hyper analyze you until you get stuck in my mind. Then, I’ll have the advantage of only thinking about you.” I pointed to them feeling triumphant, taking a sip of my drink.

Lopasis froze for a moment, eyes glued to me “I didn’t expect you to go that far for me. Zurely there are other thingz that dezerve your full attention.” Confused I replayed the conversation, trying to understand the reaction ‘It’s just hyper fixating? Little brain rot on Lopasis only…’ “Ohhhhh. I didn’t think my words through.” I admitted out loud, getting more laughter from Lopasis “Even though it’s not the best vord. I ztill think interezting fitz for right nov, talking vith you is alvayz great fun.” My mind stuttered at the complement “Why are your words so genuine and nice. I can’t handle such positivity so close, I might barf out sunshine soon.” I tried to hide by taking another drink.

“Alright, I zhall contain my honezty for nov. I must return to the helm, and make zure everything there iz recorded. Do try to rezt before ve land, a lot haz happened today, giving your body a moment of break vould help.” Lopasis nudged out, closing their eyes. “I will. I mainly came out here to eat earlier, so resting should be easy. Oh-" I called out as they turned away “-Thank you again. For everything today, it was also nice talking about my worries.” Lopasis gave a curtsy, beaming bright “I am happy to have aided you. And never feel like you can’t come to me. I’ll alvayz be here to talk and lizten.” With a final wave they turned, walking into the next corridor.

Staring at the wall, I waited until the door sounded open then close, before slumping back into my chair ‘That was so nerve wracking. How are they so easy to talk to, yet intimidating at the same time. And their reactions, even when they were concerned. Like, man… But, at least a lot of my stress is gone. And I got answers.’ I gave a long, slow sigh “I’m so tired. Maybe I should sleep, they did keep reminding me.”

With another sigh I arose, finishing my water and sending the cup away. Grabbing the framed photo and chain I returned back, the hallway was still clear with muffled mummers barely picked out behind walls. My room door appearing as I tapped in the code, the sanitized smell unaffecting my nose as I stepped in. Placing the picture and chain on the table, I flopped onto the bed, fixing the sheet atop me. “Alright. I’m tired. So I can’t keep thinking, just gotta drift off to slumber town. Easy, just try to relax, and don’t even think ab-" my words cut out as I fell asleep, thoughts drifting away as my body settled into bed.

[spacetrails]

The Engine Room

Infinite expanses zipped by, the stars along our path glimmering through the purplest of darks, their rays rained by, lighting every corner filling the desolate space. Our ship carried on, journeying through the abyss, furthering our exploration deeper into its mainly unexplored oasis teeming with life.

Kleef hummed reading various things on their tablet “Lopasis-” “Yez.” “-Given that we are closer to our destination would you mind collecting Rousptera?” “Happily.” “Oh, Lawrence-" “Yea?” “You mentioned wanting to see the engine room before, correct?” “Uh, yea? I think so?” “Well, this would be an opportunity to, if you would like of course.” The happy purrs hit the translator as Kleef smiled widely.

Looking over to Lopasis, who waved, I in turn shrugged “It does sound fun.” Standing up Nottalish gave a farewell as I followed Lopasis out. As the doors closed, the sounds of talking got picked up “Who do you think will get first rotation?” “Given. We. Have. A. New. Member. One. Of Us. Is. Guaranteed. To. Step. Off. With. Them.” We could always play a game to settle ‘t" “WHAT! NO! You two always get higher than me and I always lose first.” The exchange halted as we stepped by.

“Hello, all. Vhat might be the problem?” Lopasis started, the others standing around the table looking at the recent report. “I, wanted to know who would touch the planet first.” “As. Such. Scormadol. Proposed. A. Game. And. Alto. Disagreed.” “Only because you guys are better than me and I always lose first.” “T'en learn t’e game, ‘nstead of do'ng t’e same tactics.” “Easy for you to say, you basically own all the board games, and you love playing them.” Alto pointed a wing to Scormadol and Bett. “Can I make a suggestion?” I asked hoping this would help.

The room silenced as all eyes stared at me ‘Maybe letting them argue was for the better?’ Gulping I steeled myself before taking a breath “Back on Earth, we have a game, used to solve a lot of situations like this.” “You do, what is it? How do we play? Wait do we have to install it into the ship?” Alto pipped up, quite ecstatic for the game “OK, so it’s fairly simple. It’s called rock, paper, scissors. You all count the three, and on three you throw out rock, paper or scissors. Also by throw I mean-" I gave a demonstration of each sign and their title “-please don’t actually throw things at each other. Also rock beats scissors, scissors beats Paper and paper beats rock.”

Each one stared, processing the words “So. Like?-” Bett, extended a hand flat out “-Paper?” “Yep, but you don’t have to announce what it is every time you play.” “Are you go'ng to be play'ng as well?” Scormadol questioned, hand shifting between the three playing options “Nah, I think it will be more fun with you three.” “whats that supposed to mean?” Alto asked raising a wing ‘Ahhh. Right no fingers.’

Before I could backtrack Bett announced “Alright. Let’s. Play! Rock!” raising their hand high “Paper!” Scormadol followed also raising their shifting hand “Scissors!” Alto exclaimed happily raising a wing. All three threw down their appendages, two flat hands and one wing, each stared at the other before both looked at Alto. “I? Won?” They questioned golden eyes beaming at me. Before I could answer Scormadol and Bett cheered loudly. “Bestly. Won. Alto. To. Think. You. Would. Predict. Us. Both!” “Truly never m’ss'ng a ‘’nt of movement no matter the game!”

Lopasis clapped making me clap as well “Amazing zhov Alto. Ve muzt tell Rouzptera of zuch a game.” They happily swayed from side to side. Alto looked at everyone as they spoke, settling back to me again “You did amazing, a double win on your first try is a lot of skill.” They jumped happily giving out loud hoof like clicking sounds “I did it I won! I’m the-” their happy flapping stopped as they dropped “-What was the games name again?” “Rock, paper, scissors.” “ROCK, PAPER SCISSORS CHAMPION!” they exclaimed loudly resuming flapping. “You really mastered the game quickly Alto. Quite impressive for a first attempt.” “It sounds much fun is had.” Deep squeaks got picked up as Rousptera approached.

Their black and purple frills freely floated along with each step, stopping they hovered atop their head “That ve are, ve vere also on our vay to zee you.” Lopasis quickly chimed in. Stopping a few feet from all of us they tilted their head, frills dangling yet never fully falling downward “Something wrong?” Their frills shook slightly, seemingly vibrating in reaction “Ah, no. We, well more so me, but I guess Kleef said we could go. So, we, were going to come see you.” “Is that not what Lopa said?” “It.. Is, just more words. But I did want to say nothing was wrong, and kind of forgot to mention that part.” A happy squeak was their response, followed by a few others. “Glad nothing wrong.”

Their frills seemed to relax, shifting slowly laying closer to their head. Silence fell as Rousptera tilted their head again “What game played?” “Oh, rock, paper, scissors. You make a. Hm.” “Hm?” They returned my hum “Sorry, just thinking how to better explain. Ok-” Tapping my fist into my palm I started “-So, your hands.” “Hands” They raised their hands. “Um, so closed hand is rock. Open hand is paper. And two fingers are scissors.” Rousptera stayed silent, slowly moving their hands “I think understand?” “Vould you like to play? Lavernce and I could challenge you.” “You would?” “I would?”

Happy squeaks followed as their frills vibrated quickly and their tail tapped the ground “So, hands. Rock, paper, scissors. Any else?” Their squeaks mixed with laughter blurring the translation slightly “Well when you play, you have one of the three options. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. Say the three things, use one of the options and try to win.” Rousptera stayed silent before nodding “Alright, ready?” “Ready.” “Az am I.”

‘Ok, so up against two different people, aliens? Crewmates.’ “Rock.” ‘And I just have to guess how to win.’ “Paper.” ‘Wait win, do I need to win? It’s just a game, right?’ “Zcizzorz” ‘I’ll just throw something random out then.’ Three hands fell, each one of the options “Who won?” Rousptera asked, as Lopasis looked to me “In situations like this, we don’t have a winner. So, we call it a tie.” “Tie? What now?” “Well, from there we just leave it or keep trying until there is a winner.” They looked to each other then to me “Y-yes?” “Vell, vhy not zay ve all von?” Looking back at both then to Scormadol and the others “I guess? It doesn’t matter who wins here, so sure. We all won.”

“AHA!” Alto yelled jumping atop the table “WE ARE THE UNDEFEATED DOUBLE DOU!” “Quartet?” “QUARTET!” Rousptera aided squeaking happily after “It is fun game. Like much.” “YEA, AND WE’RE THE BEST!” “Nov Alto. I vouldn’t zay bezt. Ve are juzt undefeated.” “WHICH IS BEST FOR ME!” A wing pointed up as they hoof like sounds resounded loudly. “We. Can. Play. Again. To. See. Who. Is. Truly. Undefeated.” “’ see no problem w’t’ t’at. W’at say you Lawrence?” “What?” Alto shrunk slightly “Hmmm, I guess another group game to see who among us are actually undefeated.” “Wait.” “Oh yez, truly it vould be quite fun znipping to the final vinner.” “H-hold on.” A wing raised, this one waving like a flag “I would like a proper match, no holding back.” Rousptera glanced? To me then back to Alto smiling widely showing of the wide rows of teeth once more.

Slowly stepping down from the table Alto looked like a mix of a caught child and a sad puppy “Maybe, just being Undefeated Quartet is good enough.” “Maybe so Alto.” Rousptera chirped happily. “So, was there any else you wanted?” they looked? To our direction “I vas only told to collect you az ve are nearing our destination. You are not immediately needed az of yet.” “Ummmm. I guess I did want to see the engine room?” Rousptera smiled, more so a smile formed as more teeth shown under, various sharp rows of teeth. “Oh! Do come, we must see!” their frills basically vibrated wildly as their tail thumped the ground rapidly “O-oh, like right now?” “Yes. Unless, need something?” “No. Just-” Glancing to my crewmates it felt weird to just go again “-No we can go see it, I’ll catch up again after.” “Catch up? Like that condiment?” “That’s.. That’s ketchup, just take it as we’ll talk more after.” “A’, t’en. ‘ave fun.”

Nodding and waving happily, I followed after Rousptera down the hall. Taking a better view of their build the light grey colour seemed to darken near where suit met skin, while barely taller than me they do seem to be smaller in frame, their tail seemed to hover; never really move or sway. The tail itself was rather interesting, it extended a foot from their spine, reptilian shaped yet kept a general width until rounding at the tip. Looking around the doors and walls passed by as we got to the split, taking the right side we continued downward, following the same path I had. Near the end we came to another turn, this one converged with the two splitting paths, as a door laid in the middle. Rousptera placed their hand against it, as a light flash appeared below it before the door slid open.

Everything looked so foreign and alien, even for a ship I could barely understand what I saw, the normal blue light had been replaced with a dim yellow glow. It felt like standing in an abyss, leading to somewhere else. Stepping in Rousptera quickly stated “Duck low.” “Duck?” my head hit the door frame as I stepped in “Ah, duck low.” The first to piece together was the walls, it felt like the hallway closed inward as we entered limiting our movement, with circuits on either side as we continued in; only to open up into a dome like shape after a few steps.

In the very middle was a spiral shell like engine, its yellow colour both laid and lightly illuminated the dark area. Circling around it, I tried to take note of how it might function. The shell like design was smooth, void of any screens, tables, wires or anything that told how it is used or works. “Ok-" “Ok?” “-Can I ask how it works?” Teeth shown wide and clear, even in the low light of this place, as happy squeaks sounded off “Would love to. What like know?” were barely translated out amidst it all.

Looking around I took in the whole area. “Ok, so this being the engine. is the powerhouse. But how does it make the power?” “Colliders within room are filled with waste like materials, that by themselves do nothing. But hold power within.” The translator prescribed giving a general sense of their words. “Materials are rotated to nine centrifuges, each used to open and store waste, as well as power held.” They walked, going behind a panel? “Follow through.” A tail waved as they continued ‘Cute.’

Following behind, the panels were much less cluttered of wired, now just a smooth enclosure of colours, blipping in and out of existence. “Right step high.” “hi?” my leg barely clipped something moving by, “Left turn, three steps.” “Left?” we turned “Duck." “Goose.” Ducking, I spotted a white blur crawl across the ceiling. Rousptera stopped “Goose?” “Human joke.” “Ah.” They more so squeaked rather than said before continuing. “Now it would be. 2, no 3. Here is problem.” “Problem?” “Left arm Half raised, turn. Hmm.” “Hmm?” I rotated my hand “Ah perfect rotate, 15° by 10°” “Umm? Here?” “Lower 2° and tap wall with pointer holder. Yes perfect.” A drive extended from the wall with a red blip.

“Kindly grab, carefully. Perfect, transfer to right hand. Extend full upward height. Perfect, 32° and Hmmm.” “Hmmm?” “You don’t reach the height yet. Just 7° lower than should be for height.” “Oh? So just-" Raising up I gauged the missing height “-Here right?” “Hmmm, yes perfect. Can be placed there.” The drive slotted and a blipped blue “Overflow slotted, 0.001% increase. Thank you Lawrence, this will help greatly.” “You’re welcome, we actually have a saying for percentages.” “Oh?” They squeaked “Even 1 one-millionth, of a percent, of a chance is still a chance. So why not strive for it.”

They grew silent, frills vibrating rhythmically before they stopped laying flat on their head “What an impressive saying. Quite deserving for such a species.” “Such a species?” “Yes, heard various names. Most common faith defier, or death walker.” “Yea no, that checks out.” “What were talking about?” “My height I think?”

With a quick squeak they nodded “Your height and arms length don’t match, were you perhaps malnourished growing?” “No? Not that I can say, I was rounder when I was younger, but once college came around and I actually wanted to interact with people, I guess the weight dropped. Well I might be skinnier now, after ECLIPSE, it did feel like a boot camp the entire time.” “Hmmm.” “Hmmm?” “If may, might measure?” hands held upwards as the question was asked.

‘Measure?’ “Ummmm, sure?” They stepped closer, hands held out for a moment hanging in the air, before slowly moving to rest on my hips. Stepping back quickly a glare broke free “What are you doing?” “Measuring? It is easier to gauge bipedal height when using pelvic and spinal recording.” They held their own waist, patting up the side briefly “Apologies if cause harm.” “N-no. No harm caused, was just caught off guard.” Relaxing we both stood there in silence.

‘Did I make it awkward? Well technically, but also it was a mutual misunderstanding that made it awkward. Then do I say something, well what would be a thing to-’ “Apologies for distress.” They softly spoke looking away from me. “Oh, no need-” “But is not proper thing after cause of worry?” “Worry? Did you think I was worried?” Tilting their head, a small pip squeak left them. “I had made you feel unsafe and made you require guarding. It was wrong, and I do feel I must apologize for that.” These translations were much clearer as Rousptera spoke quite slow, rather than squeaks it was a low rumbling hum; it felt calm and safe. Smiling I waved a hand “Alright, I very much accept your apology. So please stop apologizing.” Half joking as it was starting to feel a bit one sided.

Happy squeaks filled the room as their tail tapped the ground, black and purple frills vibrated and grew? Seemingly stretching a foot from their scalp almost looking like a fern had grown atop their head. “I am glad to have not caused discomfort.” Were picked out among their happy sounds “Like I said, was just caught off guard. I mean you have surprisingly soft haandss-” The words were said before I could stop myself, as I looked at the smooth face of Rousptera waiting for the words “Soft handss?” ‘Please don’t make me explain this’ “What does that mean?” They followed up with another squeak.

“Oooooook. So to quickly answer, so to not say anymore words. I had thought, a species that, relied on touching and sensing things would have. Rougher hands from. Well, constantly touching things. So, when they were soft I was surprised.” “So softness caused caughting off guard.” “Yes, let’s go with that to end this quicker.” “Ah, would rough-” “Do. We need to discuss. Textures and what might or might not startle me?” Tilting their head squeaking “No, but it is rather funny.” “… Wait did you know about soft hands, or are you just finding this interaction funny?” “Hmmmm, well the interaction is funny. But now I am curious what more there is to know about soft hands?” “Nope.”

Their frills shrunk? While still vibrating “Have I caused a problem?” “Not a problem, I just don’t want to get into soft hands right now.” “Might we talk of them another time?” I looked at Rousptera, ‘Are? Are they messing with me? Is this a thing they will try to discuss later?’ “Sssssssuuurrrre? But don’t randomly ask about it, ok?” “Can I randomly ask about dog people?” “You know what, if it stops whatever this is. Sure.” Squeaking happily before turning and walking they stated “Perfect. I cannot wait.” ‘What?’ “What?” “What?”

I wanted to question what was meant by that, but before I could they turned continuing to walk “Right, colliders and power showing.” Were squeaked out as their pace quickened, our path continued, until it widened slightly “Here is centrifuge-” They tapped a lining of glass that jutted out of the wall, “within materials are held, pressure is applied and released energy is absorbed and stored. From there-" They pointed from the glass upward “Sent to various parts of ship.” “So this ship needs all nine to traverse?”

A flurry of squeaks hit my translator “No, no. Ship much too small to require all nine. Only five get used, others are for reserve. Well, five and main unit in middle that houses its own set of materials and power.” “Wow, this is all really interesting to learn.” “Thank you, was a nice thing to build.” Pausing I looked around “Just. How much did you build?” “Just engine room, ship was mainly carcass when given. So when joined I made in charge of mechanical repairs.” “Oh, so you would be the wrench?” “The what?” “Human joke.”

Pointing down a path they squeaked “Can show other centrifuges, but they all do the same.” “Hmmm.” “Hmmm?” “What were those things crawling about?” “Things? Crawling? Oh, mean helpers?” A hand extended out touching the wall, a few seconds passed before a green outline of their hand appeared “Have called.” Waiting I began taking more note of where we were; it still seemed behind the panel, there were blipping lights of various colours on either side of us, the ceiling held pipes and wires that never intersected, and a small little round ball hit my foot. ‘Wait?’ looking down the ball grew four legs as it scuttered around me and Rousptera.

“These are what you called things crawling. Maintenance helpers I made, they help maintain engine room when gone.” “Quite a fitting name for a fitting job.” “It would seem so.” Happy squeaks followed, as the bot circled around me “curious little thing?” leaning down I patted it absentmindedly “They are, always searching for something different. Like to find and record changes to be made. Gives something to do every time come here.” “Sounds like you always have something new.” “Yes" the frills vibrated and grew with the reply.

“Cute.” “Cute?” “I said that aloud didn’t I?” Nodding, then tilting their head they waited as I stood “Are? Are you wanting an explanation?” “If possible.” “I’ve done this to myself. Alright, you… well your actions are cute, kind of like? A large toy? Or giant dog?” “Is this like-” A beep sounded as the helper skittered up a wall “Oh a distraction.” “Distraction?” “Yep, and speaking of. I’ve been distracting you.” “Distracting me?” “Double yep. Kleef had wanted to see you, and I have been prolonging you.” “Prolonging?” “Triple yep, so let’s go before we keep stalling.” I turned walking directly into a panel, almost stumbling before something soft caught me.

Looking up a grey abyss opened as somewhat reflective teeth shown, squeaks hit my ears as hands refused to move, just holding me in place “Are you alright?” “Yea? Just didn’t think before walking. I think I’m tired of thinking?” “Shall we return to the others?” “I think so?” Standing up I gave a general check of myself ‘Ok, so no blurred vision, or double vision. Not swaying, no pain or adrenaline. So just winded myself.’ “Alright, maybe you should lead again. You did build this place.” Squeaking happily they turned, tail tapping every few steps, “Are you sure alright?” “Yes, I am quite sure, thank you.” The tapping increased in intervals, it was fun to watch on the trip back.

Not even attempting to learn or memorize the area, we reached the entrance or exit in this regard. Stepping through the familiar same old basic hallway, down the same old right path, past the same old doors felt like a journey home; one that was both heightened yet interrupted as various crew mates approached, Kleef leading.

They smiled “Hello, did you get to see the engine room?” The words were friendly, yet the way they purred and the slight deep purple they shown, it felt weird “Yea, was interesting to explore and see everything. Impressed that Rousptera built it.” Smiling wider their colour became lighter blue “Oh, I am exuberated that you saw it. It was quite an impressive feat after they had joined.” “Thank you, captain.” They squeaked causing Kleef to shift slightly to a darker blue. “Rousptera, might I have a word?” The purrs held the tone again, while mixing with their normal friendly one. “Of course, captain.” Nodding to both of us before stepping towards Kleef “Thank you. Might you continue to converse with all, we shall be but a moment.” Smiling brightly Kleef’s colour never shifted, as the two stepped into the activity room.

Looking around no one seemed to react, well at least to them leaving, mainly flocking to me “You tvo vere gone for a vhile. Did you get to explore much?” “I think? We mostly talked?” “Rousptera. Does. Have. That. Tendency. Always. Wanting. To. Learn.” “T’at or teac’. Always test’ng t’’ngs.” “Yea, we walked through the panel.” “Oh, did you see the century fuses?” “Centrifuges? Yea, we made it to about one during all our talking.” “That doez alzo zound like Rouzptera, never one to ztick to one topic.” “Yea, it was nice the entire time, it was a weird place but with them there, it seemed so simple.” “Sometimes the most complex of things, are just many smaller less complex things working together.” Purrs beamed through as Kleef and Rousptera returned.

‘It doesn’t look like there was yelling. Nor any negative- Wait why am I going straight to negative?’ my thoughts got disrupted by my others thoughts “Yea, too much thinking.” “Thinking?” a squeak echoed as they joined beside Lopasis “Are you alright, Laverence?” “Yea… Just, lots of new things. Might need a moment.” “Moment?” They all asked in their own speech “…Yea. Like, just in my room?” “Oh?” various relieved sounds were exchanged in reaction “Of course, you are always free to seek refuge within your room.” Kleef quickly added nodding happily. “Do- do I have to ask before?” “No? Well, unless you want to state that you are moments before needing, a moment.” “Ah, I’ll keep that in mind then, thank you.” They all dispersed, leaving a path to my room with ample space “’f you need moments, no worr’es about tell’ng anyt’’ng.” “Oh, we could make a wave for moments?” “Another. Time. Perhaps.” The trio said, giving their own form of goodbye, returning to the activity room.

Waving I took a step, getting no reaction before taking another, followed by various others heading to my room. Stopping at the door I looked back at those remaining, each already heading their own way. “Um.-” They stopped, turning somewhat at me “-While I did get overwhelmed, I did enjoy everything I learned from everyone today. So thank you, and I am happy to be a part of this crew.” All parts of me screamed to open the room door, but I had to know “I’m quite glad you did.” Kleef started “I vaz alzo vorried ve may have been too forward in velcoming.” “Am glad happy, nice having.” Were barely translated among the vast amount of squeaking. ‘See, you’re welcomed here.’ “Thank you.” The words mumbled out with a nod as my door opened, stopping myself from running inside, I stepped in.

Closing there was a light hiss, silence filled my room as I stood by myself, it felt foreign yet similar; So many items, mixtures of mine, ECLIPSE, and the ship. Stepping from the door, items were slowly pushed to the side of the bed. Sighing as I sat, it comforted me taking some of the weight off “I am so tired.” The words grumbled past palms covering my face “The ship is so large, there’s so much. And everyone is just. So much better, 25k yea right.” Some items fell on the floor from my back hitting the bed “What even am I going to do here? I don’t even know what everyone can do, but it was all so, so much better than what I can even imagine. I can’t hit a target every time, or master tactics, bounce and track like that, or even build an entire engine room. An entire room, really?”

More objects shifted about and off the bed as my body rolled “What am I going to do here? Yea, I have the training. I guess, but it was nothing like that room. Or even had AR like this, even AR to begin with can’t compete to that room. How would I even survive, I don’t even know what we are going into, and yet. All of them are just going into it, just… Just…” The internal and external debate slowed down “Just winging things?” Sitting up slowly my mind started “Ok, so I don’t know anything about anything, yet I can kind of understand enough. So? Just keep winging it until I do?” Seconds passed as I debated the final words.

Deciding the floor was more stable I slid down, resting my back against the frame, my head barely laid at the edge of the bed “And what if I actually don’t know anything, and just put them in danger? My being here could be good or bad, but which one? I guess it’s too late to turn back?” Looking to the wall I remembered the darkened abyss, barely light by twinkling lights “Then if I don’t want to put them in danger, I need to actually learn things. They trust me, and I trust them. And all of them were so kind, but-” A dark thought drifted before being shaken away “-It would be a waste of time to do that, especially in space of all places. So just worry about what I can do to help them and myself.” Taking a few deep breaths my body relaxed, settled by the resolution found “I just need to start with learning what I can, then move forward from there.”

[spacetrails]

Stargazing

The gaming continued as I played a round against each member, having an even four-to-four score against Scormadol and Bett, and recently losing twice in a row to Alto, who beamed getting their revenge. Scormadol taught me the rules for the other battle/strategy board games, letting me have a test round of each to get a general feel for them all “T’ey’re grounded on t’e same points. But eac’ ‘as a tw’st. Makes ‘t ‘nterest’ng w’en play’ng new people.” They whistled out happily putting up the games. “Which is your favorite?” “T’at would be, ‘Scorge of sector N’ne.’ ‘t was one of t’e f’rst few Kleef broug’t, we played ‘t for t’e ent’re tr’p back.” Their eyes trailed around as they tapped the box, lost in thought of the moment..

There were various light thumps behind me, as I turned around to see Bett throwing one of each dart at their significant board. The most amazing part was watching each hit the center with no deviation from the exact middle “If you’re training to hunt something, please tell me I’m not it.” “What. Was. That?” “I said that out loud didn’t I, those were supposed to be inside words. These aren’t inside words either are they?” I asked aloud once more realizing I was also looking at them. “’ns’de words?” “Are. Those. In. Relation. To. Dog. People?” ‘I am never living that down am I?’ Standing up I pointed to the dart boards “Inside words aren’t like dog people, and I was talking about the dart throwing. You hit perfectly each time.”

A light humming sound came from, Bett? At the words “Thank. You. I. Like. To. Practice. It. Helps. With. Focus.” They also pointed to the boards “If. You. Would. Like. It. Is. Fun.” Seeing no reason to deny I grabbed a few darts standing next to them. “I won’t even try to hit all, but I will go for these two.” I emphasized throwing two darts at where I wanted, watching them land not even close to the wall and bounce off the floor. Another humming sound, this much closer and now sounding like multiple hums resonated next to me “A. Fair. Attempt. I. Also. Used. To. Be. Like. That.” They juggled the eight-remaining darts before tossing them between the two dart boards I just attempted, each one landing with a light thump at each point of the boards. Laughing at the show I began picking up my darts, “I probably won’t be able to hit like you, but I might keep it at. It’s fun.”

Looking over I saw Alto who was basically vibrating “Do you have a game you want to show me?” A flurry of words bombarded me, so much so the translator overloaded and I could only hear their horse hoof like sounds that came from their beak. When they finally stopped I could only give a nod and thumbs up which they thankfully took as agreement, to what I didn’t get a chance to hear. Rebooting my translator I watched as Alto headed into the AR zone, it’s size was much larger than I initially thought. Rather than just limited to the goggles I saw Scormadol wearing the entire room seemed to be AR as the zone expanded showing a wide terrain. It seemed to be a desert like area, with holograms of rocks, trees and bushes. Alto stood extremely still with their eyes closed, glancing over to Scormadol they looked back whispering “Don’t worry, t’ey are just gett’ng ready.”

True to their words Alto sprung up, running straight through the area eyes still closed. Watching as they strode through before bouncing off a rock propelling themselves further forward, before skipping off the ground to the right, they continued running along the holographic landscape rarely stopping. It was confusing trying to figure out what they were looking for until there was a pinging vibration from their very right side. In an instant they dashed to that direction, springing off every rock and narrowly weaving right past bushes, trees and hopping over any hole or divot in the ground. They finally caught up enough for the ping to be seen again, this time as a largish rodent holographic creature scrambled away from Alto. It’s movements were just as sporadic, shifting randomly, taking a turn whenever, hopping into one hole and coming out somewhere slightly different, using it’s body to weave right past a tree. There was no pattern or predictability about it at all, yet Alto had every action followed; it went left Alto was already turning, it tried to fake a turn Alto didn’t even shift, it went underground Alto hopped off a rock before it even peeked out. It felt like watching Alto themselves control the creature, yet I could tell it was trying it’s hardest to shake them.

Alto was closing in and at that point no amount of shifting was slowing them down. In no time they were able to mark it, causing a literal mark to appear where Alto hit it. It’s body tumbling from the momentum before laying still on the ground. Quickly blipping out of existence large numbers appeared where it was ‘7:35:14’ Letting out a loud chirp they fell to the ground “Noooooo, I was a second under from beating it!” They wailed rolling along the now shrinking AR zone.

“Oh, a shame. Though, it was a rather impressive show as always Alto.” A new voice rang in as everyone turned to the door noticing Captain Kleef. Rather than a salute as I expected, everyone gave a wave and greeting, minus Alto who still rolled. “I’m sure you’ll beat your old record next time.” “But, everyone got to show off for Lawrence. And I wanted to beat it and be cool as well. But I almost tripped off the last rock!” They wailed going back to rolling as Kleef could only chuckle.

Pitching in to help I added “I did like watching you. I think only you could beat such an impressive score like that. Just looking at it, I doubt I can jump off rocks and not trip every time.” “You do!? You think my score is impressive!?” They hopped up seeming full of energy again “Yea, so it makes sense why it was so hard for even you to beat.” “That? Right? That’s right! If I beat it now, then I would have to try even harder next time. But because I didn’t beat it, the next I can give it my all!” They cheered flapping a few inches off the ground. ‘Well that’s a good take-away from the experience.’

Looking over at Kleef who was finishing jotting down, something, they spotted my gaze with a wide smile “Might I ask, how is the suit fairing you?” Already recognizing the pattern at play today, with an eye roll I faked scratching at various parts of my body “There is just this tag somewhere, I don’t know what or where it is but it gets caught and causes a weird itch?” “Oh no, if it’s causing a problem you should quickly remove it!” “Yea, I’ll just take the sui-” freezing as the realization of what I was insinuating, and quickly getting myself into, came to mind my hands flew up covering my mouth. An action causing a second realization, and have already gotten myself into, how this must seem.

“Lawrence. Are. You. Alright?” Bett questioned as others stepped away more confused than worried “Did I give you a bug? Oh no, I thought I triple cleaned before we left the last planet. Do we have to go to the medical room? Quick get the suit off!” Alto leapt as I was still trying to process their words, turning around meeting their very close face; only stopped by Scormadol holding them in the air “No jumping at anot’er crewmate wit’out captain permission.” They whistled placing Alto down who mumbled an apology.

“Ok, so before anyone else says something to get themselves in a worse situation, ie. Me.” Pointing to myself, both to get attention and show there is no bug “I was making a joke, and I didn’t think it through, so I shut myself up, but I didn’t think that through too. But the suit is actually quite snug and I like it.” “Oh you like it, how nice I’m so glad!” Kleef cheered before ticking off something on their tablet. ‘Huh, didn’t say anything about the other stuff? Ok.’

“Now, I was just checking in. Happy to see you all connecting, have you had a match with Scormadol? They are quite a tactician when it comes to those games.” “Yea, they’re really good, lost the first game against them.” “Don’t say ‘t l’ke t’at. You were one move from w’n’ng aga’nst me.” Kleef gasped at this, as their navy-blue skin seemed to shift lighter in colour “Euphoric. To get an opponent to a decisive last move choice. Quite a memory making first match.” “’t was t'e’r f’rst game as well.” Scormadol added causing the colour shift to become more apparent, making Kleef almost look sky blue “You almost beat Scormadol on your first try, in your first ever game. What remarkable adaptability.” As they spoke their hands quickly jotted down notes before separating them into folders with our names ‘Well, they don’t hide what they’re doing. And they’re my captain, so sort away.’

Nodding as the screen blipped dark, Kleef gave a quick look around the room. “Seems Rousptera is still working in the engine room. Then it was of course nice seeing you all together, is there anything that would be needed?” There were a few looks but no one spoke up “Then I shall take my leave. Do keep enjoying yourself all, I will of course be in the helm with the others if something does arise.” Everyone gave their goodbyes as I quickly gave my own following after Kleef.

“Wait, I have a question?” “Oh, what would you need?” “Would I be able to see the helm? Or is that higher up stuff?” “Higher… up stuff?” They gave a head tilt at the question “Ok, let’s circle back. Can anyone just see the helm?” “Oh, yes, the helm is always open for crew members as long as there is no emergency currently happening. Please, do follow.”

Walking back through, I took more note of the first area, it was more square in shape than I thought, with a wall panel that seemed to have screens on it. As we were passing I tried to get a look but to no avail as the corridor came up. This one identical to where we just left, but with just six doors and no turns; The sixth and final door, being at the far end, opened with a hiss as we stepped inside. Already taking in the room I saw at the very back of the room, or technically front of the ship; on a lowered platform there were three tables, with lots of buttons and screens, stationed beside each other pressed close to the glass, each with two chairs on either end of them. Right behind was a large circular console that showed a holographic map vast in shape as our ship’s silhouette moved slowly through, and back once more were two tables on either side of it, with the remaining two crew members. To the left was Lopasis typing something into a keyboard, and on the right was Nottalish who switched their gaze from their screen to the map.

As the door closed behind they both looked back, Lopasis giving a wave and going back, with Nottalish staring for a moment before going back. Speaking of staring, It seems during our last conversation I never really looked at them; Their body was mint blue like, they had various burn scars along the left side of their face, neck, arms and legs. The scars were a darker blue discoloration, and the limbs near the scars seemed to be jet black. There was a nudging curiosity to know more ‘Is this how they felt when seeing me? I can understand the survival questions now.’ Keeping my lips pursed shut I let Kleef mostly talk “How are things coming along?” They asked, cat meow like pitch spiking with joy.

Turning back Lopasis gave a nod “We are steadily approaching, the initial time we calculated seemed to have been off by five digits given the recent changes to the engine. So we should thankfully reach there sooner.” “Ecstatic, I am quite happy that Rousptera’s work and dedication is showing so well and quickly.” They beamed jotting down notes the entire time.

It was then I realized something, I still don’t know anything. “Um Kleef?” I slightly hesitantly started, they turned smiling brightly at me “Yes Lawrence, did you have another question?” “Y-yea. Where exactly are we going?” “Oh, well we are making our way to a planet that had recently been deemed inhabitable, but not properly explored. It had seemed the last unit sent there had not returned after sending reports consistently for months prior to, well a stark silence.” “So? We are, going to search and rescue?” Tilting their head they smiled more “In a sense, we are to search yes. If there are those that need rescue, also yes. But our main objective is to respond to the request, take pictures and samples of the generalized area, potentially find intelligent enough life to communicate about the last resident. However, those are all up to when we do get there.”

The answers were sound, and told me everything I wanted, but something was missing. Something that I felt needed to be known at this point “So, this ship. Or crew, what exactly are we?” Looking at me, they seemed to look to the others who also didn’t know how to approach my question “I seem to be lost on the intentions of your question?” “Um, ok. Like, let’s say the ship crew. We are mercenaries? Reconnaissance? Hired general help? Is there a set thing that I am going to expect within this journey along side everyone?” This seemed to get the point across as Kleef beamed overjoyed, opening folders and checking through notes, three different apps spread across the tiny screen “What we are, is similar to what you call reconnaissance, given we take a lot of our orders from the general officers within the space station bureau, who they themselves get their orders from the Intergalactic Species Union. However, besides that we are free to explore the universe to our content. As long as we file and report locations and discoveries. That way, we are allowed freedom and they are able to gather personalized information.”

Nottalish affirmed with a wave “Which is a long-winded way of saying we have no official name, and can basically do whatever we want.” “Within galactic logistics.” Kleef added happily nodding before jotting down some words and closing all the windows.

Taking in the information I gave my own nod, taking a small breath of relief “Alright, I’m glad to have gotten these answers. Thank you.” “Of course, anything else I can do to aid you?” Giving a genuine thought I mulled over everything for a second “Ok, so. What I am getting is, there are assigned parts of the ship but anyone can go anywhere?” “That is correct.” “So, would I just be bounced around different parts?” “Bounced… Around?” “Ok, circle back. I still don’t know what I am supposed to do?”

The words seemed to resonate as a colour shift happened within Kleef, turning to a dark purple before quickly returning to their normal blue “Well, isn’t that what you came here to learn?” Their purr like voice seemed a mixture of practised but rarely said, as they stared at me “…” The wordless answer I couldn’t give seemed enough for Kleef as they nodded “Any other questions?” They smiled ready to help, it felt weirdly too genuine.

“N-no… I think that about answers all of them.” Smiling Kleef stored his tablet away moving to the lower front of the ship, leaving me standing awkwardly by myself ‘What do I do now? I didn’t expect to get this far, do I sit down? Do I follow, am I supposed to leave? Oh no, what if this is apart of the learning!? Like a te-’ A chair squeaked, eyes quickly focusing on the movement taking note that it was Nottalish. They stared for a moment before speaking “Do you not wish to take a seat?” they motioned to the two empty seats, one by them and the other by Lopasis ‘oh no, another choice.’ Not thinking I quickly sat next to Nottalish, realizing the sheer folly of my actions “Oh, I had not expected here. No matter I shall not pass up an opportunity.” “Greeeat.” I slurred out hoping to not be interrogated again.

Tapping a few buttons the console expanded out as Nottalish pointed upward. “Incase you are curious-” the screen scrolled before stopping on a system; Large sun in the middle, with ten planets encircling it in orbit. “- We are going towards the Gosnue sector, specifically. Now which one was it?” The planets rotated around shifting between each, until it stopped at one with four moons “It was this one correct Kleef?” They looked at the map before checking their tablet “It… Would seem so yes.” “Thank you. Yes, DeJhyeo.”

“DeJhyeo?” “Well, more DeJ-hey-yo.” Nottalish sounded out the words for me which I thanked “Is there anything we would know about this place, you said reports were sent from there?” “That is correct, however we weren’t given the full details of them. We do know, that when the last reconnaissance unit arrived they had found signs of life thriving, as well as an ecosystem growing. The specifics on it are not disclosed to us sadly.” “So a long-winded way of saying its inhabitable.” I mimicked Nottalish earning a chuckle ‘Nice’ “Exactly, what we know is quite limited in this matter, and because of that we are limiting our time there.” “Limiting time?”

Lopasis spoke up “Vhen ve land ve vould normally ztay until ve receive a report back. Hovever, because of lack of knoving vhat may be there ve agreed it vould be zafer for everyone to check in intervals of tvos.” “This would firstly help set timers for various parameters, on and off planet. And secondly ensure that if we do lose contact a distress unit would be sent two days after our last missed check-in.” Kleef finished adding the more technical matters.

“So… There’s a chance we may. Not come back.” Silence, there wasn’t an answer, rather there didn’t need to be one. “Ah, I would take it you’ve finally felt it?” Nottalish chimed on clicking buttons as the console returned back to our position “Felt what?” “The weight of the question asked by all before their first mission.” “Is… Is that really a questions everyone has.” “Hmmm, let me ask you this. Would you rather they not question their own survivability before embarking to other planets?” Taking in the weight behind the words I sat, sinking further into the feeling looking out to the stars, flashing by like raindrops in the wind. Each one a different solar system holding it’s own set of planets full of life.

“The grand vast universe, ever stretching and expanding. Brimming full of life at every corner, and yet even with so many making breakthrough and discoveries, moving at blinding speeds, and using such advanced technology. We’ve barely even explored a singular percentage of it all.” The long string of words came from Kleef, who was also looking absentmindedly towards the stars “Always one to have such words for moments, captain.” Nottalish pitched in, not looking up from their screen “It really was quite great sounding” I added smiling earning one back before Kleef checked their tablet. “Oh, we got new information.”

Lopasis scanned through their screen before tapping something “it seems we do-” they affirmed pulling up the report, it was a simple white page that outlined main things discussed, what stood out was notice of change “Records of age unknown; Last known oldest entity dates back to One Million years old.” Kleef read as I continued to scan “That’s weird, I thought you said it was only recently discovered.” “Discovered to be hospitable to life. Meaning that last time it may not have yielded much life.” “But if that’s so, then why is there so little information? And why is so much of it being given sparsely?” The questions flooded out as I thought aloud trying to piece together any cohesive story.

Nottalish laughed? At the questions “You sure have a lot of questions.” “Oh, sorry” “Don’t apologize, write them down. You never knew, the chances of you finding the answers you want may be quite low, but they rarely are zero.”

[spacetrails]

The Activity Room

Getting things organized took a while, especially since I had no clue what my room would look like; opting to place as much stuff in as many random places, and off the bed, as possible. Donning the suit, I made my way to the mirror “Hmmm. Not bad, it isn’t form fitting but also isn’t tight for no reason.” Examining the suit I took note of the design, it was mostly a dark grey colour with white trim that started near the neck and ended by the feet and wrists, the gloves and shoes also kept this design seemingly to blend in making it look like a full body wear, an emblem resembling a planet with rings was on the left chest, along with the words ‘C200W-749’ and my name laid under it. ‘Honestly, with the various suits and equipment I’ve had to wear before this, I’d put this in my top 3.’ Boredly checking myself out I lost track of time as a knock startled me “Y-Yes?” I responded unsure of who it could be.

“Ah, Hello. It is me Lavrence. Am I coming at a vrong time?” The voice came out slightly muffled by the door ‘Who was it again? The flower head?’ “I can come back another ti-” Their words were cut off as I opened the door confirming “Ah, you’ve vorn the zuit. Hov doez it fit?” Their body shifted trying to get as much of a look while I stood in the door.

“It’s a nice fit. Perfectly sized, and the boots aren’t tight so that’s also great.” I replied slightly awkwardly trying my best to be friendly. They continued to examine me for a bit longer making me more self conscious about putting on the suit “Uh. Was there something that you needed?” The question was more to break the silence than curiosity sake.Their body quickly went upright as they gasped? I think, it was a trill sound so quick I barely noticed “Right right. I vanted to give you this.” They reached into a pack at their side, out came a black box no larger than their palm “It iz a gift, you vould call thiz a velcome gift right?”

Taking it I examined it over, it was rectangular in shape and not that large, opening the latch I was amazed but confused. It looked like a rather large quarts, placed in black velvet “Oh, a gemstone?” I questioned not thinking about it.“Itz not quite that. Itz from my home planet. That iz a cohme loya zhard, it can only be found back home. They are often uzed in conduitz because of their ability to ztore and tranzfer energy. Though, if you vanted they can alzo be zold for quite high pricez.” They beamed at the explanation, like actually started to give off a small glow that was a mix of blues and greens.

“Oh, that’s such a nice gift. Thank you.” Smiling I tried to think of where to put this with the other things in my room while I continued to look at it. “Oh, one more thing. You zhouldn’t let it zee too much light. It lowerz the quality and can make it unztable.” “Unstable? Like, explosive or just breaking?” “Vell, that dependz on the original quality and hov and vhere it vaz produced. That for example, it quite pure zo exploding vould be a proper guezz.” “Ah.” I quickly closed the box. “It really is a very nice gift, thank you so much. A… Um, I don’t think I ever got your name?”

“You vould be correct. Ve never got a proper introduction afterall. I am Lopaziz Helazce. But you may juzt call me Lopa, everyone elze on the zhip doez.” Their deep blue face that was once devoid of features slowly gained eyes, specifically 5 in a semicircular arrangement “Ah, zo that iz vhat you look like.” I took a step back, not out of fear but surprise which they easily noticed “Apologize, I zhould have varned you I can do that. But itz alvayz zo fun the firzt time.” They laughed, which honestly sounded the closest to a human like sound despite how slow it was.

“Ah, so that is a common thing you do.” I laughed back amused by the small prank ‘So this one doesn’t hate me. That’s good.’ “Common izn’t the vord. But I also don’t get a chance to do it often enough to be common. Zo it could be vho knowz.” “Are there any other fun things you can do?” “Vell, vhere vould be the fun in revealing that?” We laughed again before they gave a quick curtsy? Then turned, leaving; shaking my head, I turned to put the box down. “I have no idea how to rate that interaction, but it was surprisingly nice… Now what?” Curious, ok maybe bored, I left the room and started wandering. To the left was what I can assume was the living room, so I of course headed down the right side. Well, to wherever that side led. The corridor was long and spacious with a door on either side every few feet; after passing three rows of doors, near the end there was a single door and another branching path to the left and right. Unsure what to do I choose the right, again, and continued to wander ‘The ship feels like a never-ending hallway, I guess it makes it easy to not get lost?’ Absentmindedly looking about, I kept moving waiting for something new.

“What are you doing?” Jumping slightly, I turned around both scared and confused, only to calm down when I saw it was the pterodactyl owl “Honestly? I’m bored and wanted to walk around.” They looked at me before cocking their head “Is that a normal activity, do humans just walk to engine rooms when bored?” They didn’t sound accusing, just curious.

“So this is where the engine room is? I just don’t know what to do, so I thought just doing nothing would help.” I continued just answering honestly, not like I had anything to hide. “If bored you could go to activity room, it’s safer than the engine room. A lot less wires, gears, and smells. Well Scormadol might smell, and so does Bett sometimes. Wonder if I smell?” Lifting a wing they took a few sniffs “Do I smell? Can’t tell?” They raised a wing but didn’t come closer.

It took me a few seconds to listen to the translator after all their words “Uh, I don’t think so? Well, at least not bad. Everyone here has their smell, I probably smell in terms of scents. Wait did you say activity room?” I was surprised I missed that, actually not really there were a lot of words to remember.

“Yes. We have an activity room, it allows for activities and group bounding. At least that’s what Kleef says. I can show you, unless you want to continue doing nothing?” Moving their wing, they pointed back down the hallway “That would be nice.” I finally closed the distance between us, taking in more of their look. Their main colours were light blue covering most of their body, the wings were white with patches of black, under the raised wing were a few numbers? and their eyes were a deep gold; It felt like a child coloured them. “By the way, I don’t think we got to talk earlier, what was your name?”

“Altobos Syllia. Or just Alto, I’m from Prosutaur and my species are called Phrogus, though I would be called a Phrogousi. Which is an interesting thing when you think of it, almost like how you come from a planet Earth, but your species are Earthlings and you would be called a human. By the way what is earth like, is the ground red like my planet? Is there even a ground, or is it all just water? I’ve heard people call it a mud planet, also what is mud?” Their words kept flowing out one after the other as I stood there waiting for the translator to keep up.

“I… I don’t know how to answer those questions. Actually, I don’t remember the questions. I think I got lost after the word red.” I confusedly replied unsure if I even wanted to hear the words again. They tilted their head again at that “Alto? Do you remember the questions you asked?” “Nope!” They squawked out, I think it was a happy sound “But I am happy you remembered my name, for some reason it takes most three or four times to remember it. I don’t know why myself, maybe they just forgot after asking for it? Or maybe I forgot to tell them the first two times. Unsure about that one because I remember telling them, or I think I remember telling them?” More words were flung at me, and more time was spent waiting on the translator to keep up.

The mass multitude of translated words started overloading my brain as I felt a headache surging on, waving a hand in front of me I held the other to my temple “Wait. Wait. Too much words.” We both stopped talking, standing there in the sweet bliss of silence as I had a moment to think for myself “Ok, the activity room. You were going to lead me there right?” I asked trying to steer the conversation to one topic still grasping my temple.

Another head tilt before they clacked their beak together “Oh right. The activity room. Yea, it’s a really fun place, Bett and Scormadol are there a lot when we are travelling. I can take you if you want.” Nodding quickly, I wished for the conversation to end, or at least to have a conversation without so many words. Turning they led me back down the hall, through the fork and even further back. It was a few doors down from where my room was where we stopped “Is this it?” “Yep, I heard you walking around. Well, I didn’t know it was you, but I heard walking past here and it led me to you.” “Ah, I see.” I honestly answered before most of their words were translated. Opening the door, I was greeted by the space suit full of water again.

“Oh. Hello. I. See. Alto. Brought. Some. One. Back” Their words came in as one but also many, it was still as confusing as before. Stepping back, they showed that Scormadol was indeed in there as they turned and gave a wave, to which I returned “Are. You. Perhaps. Coming. To. Join. Us?” The various voices? Asked. With nothing else to do, and morbid curiosity as to what exactly they were, I couldn’t really pass up this chance “Sure, if you would have me.” This earned confused stares from everyone ‘Right, planetary language barrier.’ “Take it as a long winded yes.”

This seemed to work as they clapped before stepping back further to let me in. Just looking around I was both amazed and confused. The room itself was much larger than mine, seemingly just as big as the living room; there were tables and chairs in various parts each with a board-game of sorts, along the right wall were a wide array of boards and various pointed object ether stuck to or placed under them, the left side was bare but above were lights that I hadn’t seen anywhere else on the ship and on the floor were rolled up mats, where Scormadol was seemed to be an AR zone of sorts near the back end of the room. The entire room had a mix of being bare yet full at the same time. “I see the suit ‘s fitting. Any problems wit’ it?” Scormadol’s gravely voice pitched up.

They were walking away from the AR zone to one of the tables as I properly stepped in, followed by Alto “It’s a nice fit, not too tight not too loose.” They nodded happily at that “So what are all of these anyways?” I vaguely gestured around the room. They resembled games from back home, yet the names and pieces were all alien in one regard or another.

“Ah. These. Would. Be. Games. Kleef. Bought. Them. During. One. Of. Our. Last. Visits. At. A. Depo. Apparently. Quite. A. Few. Of. These. Were. Popular. On. His. Last. Ship. So. He. Got. Them.” The suit alien? Explained.

“The mats were originally just Lopasis’, but some one.” Alto looked over to Scormadol and gave what I can assume is a giggle “Wanted one of their own, so now we all have. They stay here but we use them for anything.” they pipped in near the end, but by the time the words were translated Scormadol was already talking.

“’s for the boards.” They paused both to point and seemingly to let Alto’s words translate fully “Kleef asked around fo’ human games from t’ere ol’ capt’n, ‘s well ‘s others and apparently they. Or well you, like t’is.” They each explained a section, in an almost trained manner, if you don’t count them talking over the other.

“Well, many humans do like darts, but I don’t think all of them are from earth. Maybe earth inspired?” I took another look at the boards, each one had different shapes, rings, darts and points. The closest to a normal dart board was in the middle, but the darts were more like knives. “They are interesting to look at, makes me wonder which species played the most similar earth like games before we all met. I wonder what sports are universal?”

“Oh. I heard you have Jesinhaks on earth? Do you also play Dipgibsmef, or would it be closer to Scormadol’s Gruskang?” Alto quickly called out, some of the words getting lost in translation. Giving a shrug I didn’t even attempt figuring out the correct words “Um. Based on how I don’t know what those words are. No and or maybe?”  Tilting their head they snapped their beak “Yea, I thought you wouldn’t but it didn’t hurt to ask.” Giving another giggle? At the end.

I tried laughing back, still unsure if they were joking or not. “Well, I guess so.” The words felt as awkward as they sounded, while my eyes wandered not wanting to even look at their reactions. The board games thankfully caught my attention as I tried, and failed, to figure out what they could be.

“Interested?” Scormadol frequencies alerted me before their voice got translated, as my eyes met their green orbs “T’ey’re fun t’ play. I can teach ya a few t’ings if ya want?” Not having any reason to deny I happily sat “Alright, but I will warn you. I am a quick learner.” I joked earning a few laughs. “Oh, t’en maybe ya don’t need me.” “Wait, no please teach me.” Scormadol laughed at that, it sounded like a whistling teapot that went higher and lower in pitch. “Here’s how ya play.”

They placed a few of the games from one table onto ours, explaining that while they are different the premise to understand would be similar. You have your troops, each worth different points and different abilities, as well as deterrents you can place but cannot move. The aim is to attack the enemies wounded captain before losing yours. “Alright, that’s actually pretty straight forwards. I think we had something similar on earth? Though, I never got the chance to play it.”

“T’en call t’is a chance. You’ll be better t’an Alto.” “HEY” “Its. True. They. Have. No. Strategy. Just. Push. Ahead.” “AND IT WORKED.” “T’e first twelve times.” “Now. We. Just. Wait. For. You.” They all joked with one another, Alto snapping at Bett making them jump, making a finn? Barely appear in their visor. “Ya ready to play?” Scormadol’s voice shook me for a second.

“Huh? Oh, yea. Let me just re-look over the units again.” “Take ya time.” Focusing on the game and not what Bett might be. The board was a thickish black metal plate that opened up twice into a long, thinner square on the table, we each got screens that after tapping the metal lit up showing a map and where we could place units; I haphazardly places my deterrents around the front line, forcing small spaces they would have to work around, randomly placed units with high numbers up front and low in the back, and my captain was stationed at the far back right. “Alright I think I’m prepared?” “Good, now we tap again.” Doing so the plate lit up with a much more detailed map, and silhouettes of where we placed our units.

Looking across I noticed that while my units were all stacked together, using half my field, Scormadol’s silhouette’s were more spaced out from each other, their closet one two spaces away from my deterrent. “T’is will be a fun one.” “How so?” I wondered caught off guard “I’ll be ma first game played agains’ ya.” Their words took a second for me to process the depth of.

‘They’re excited to play against me?’ The joy of knowing I was not hated by another crewmate made me want to leap, my years of existence and knowledge of what not to do stopped me from even shuffling my feet. “So, who goes first?” “’t’s often challenger first. But I can go if you want.” “Hmmm, no. I’ll go first.” Thinking carefully I moved the first unit my eyes landed on. Scormadol watched the unit, taking in the entire field before quickly moving a unit.

We both watched where they other played, staring at the spot before making a following move. The game went on rather interestingly at the start. Scormadol found my first deterrent, I found his first instigator. It was when we got halfway through each other’s units did it pick up, or slow down. Now, every turn consisted of 30 seconds of staring and waiting before a move; the mind games of looking at a screen, forgetting what you saw and relooking, shifts in postures, changes in frequencies, tapping of fingers, glints in eyes. Everything told something else. Which lead to the final moments. Both sides down to their last 5 units, three of Scormadol’s never made a move the entire game, their turn. ‘Ok, I remember what those two are. I took out the instigator, they lost their horseman. I just need to remember how many deterrents they placed.’

Looking up I met those eyes again “In t’e final stretch.” “Who do you think will win.” “Hmmm. You are a quick learner.” A unit moved “’s not for me to say who will win. Your turn.” Looking back down I saw that a unit that hadn’t moved before just did ‘It wasn’t a deterrent. But it couldn’t be the captain. What could it be?’ Unable to figure out without trying I sent a unit towards it’s direction. We both watched as one moved closer, until they converged, both the same number, both taken out. Then there were 4.

With the last units left two realizations came to mind ‘I have a 50/50 guess at where their captain is.’ Looking back at my side, my units now hold an advantage. Because of the push, I can potentially slip someone by. ‘However, I only have two units and will probably lose one just getting there. I need to pick a side, left or right?’ Looking back to Scormadol’s side, there was a silhouette on either end, the two units I knew are equal number as mine ‘the moment I start this play I have to see it through.’ Taking a deep breath I calmed myself before making a move.

My units started the push, causing Scormadol to perk up, sending his out in response ‘They sent right first? Are they defending the right, or was it because my farthest unit is on the right? No, can’t let them get in my head, focus.’ The push continued, both sides moving closer to each other until there were two spaces between us, in an act I diverged a unit left, but they kept theirs right. Choosing to commit to the option I pressed on leaving the other; by my second shift left they were on my tail, however I had the advantage of the one block lead, but now I was at a different disadvantage. ‘If I am wrong, the entire game is lost. I have to had picked correctly.’

5 spaces, 4, 3, 2 ‘No movement towards or away. Not a moving unit and may be the captain.’ 1 ‘Final move, nothing else can be done.’ Our pieces met, and a blip appeared followed by a red flash and sigh “Deterrent.” My final attempt, failed. My army, defeated. My captain, alone. “It is my defeat.”

Feeling myself sink into the sadness of loss I was pulled out by the loud cry and flooding of words to be translated “THAT WAS AMAZING! I’VE NEVER SEEN SCORMADOL THAT WORRIED!” ‘Owwww! Wait?’ “Did you say worried?” “Yes. Scormadol. Is. Known. For. Talking. A. Lot. During. These. Games.” “This was first time they were silent for almost a WHOLE game! They must have been guskip guskip focused!”

I waited for the words to translate, mulling over the one that repeated as I looked to Scormadol “Had you worried?” I joked earning a kettle like whistle back “Maybe near t’e end.”

This spurred laughter from, before Alto nudged Scormadol “Play. Play. I want turn.” “Are. You. Going. To. Use. A. Different. Strategy. Than. Running. In?” “Hey, you didn’t say anything when Lawrence did it.” “’t wasn’t their entire plan.” This earned another round of laughter. “Still I want to play, no fun if you beat everyone.”

As Alto and Scormadol switched seats Bett leaned in to whisper “Don’t. Think. You. Should. Hold. Back. Alto. Is. Dangerous. With. A. Lead.” “Heh, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.” They didn’t smile, as I felt a sense of happiness. “What are you two being secret about?” ‘Secret, You heard me walking by, the rooms are basically sound proof. You had to have heard them right?’ Glancing back I looked down to see Alto already had their units set up “Oh, you’re prepared?” “YEP! AND I WILL WIN!” They cheered. “Alright, let’s see then.” I joked picking up my screen and setting things up.

I organized a wall of deterrents with two spaces for my units to move out, set waves of lower ranks mixed in with mid to be funnelled through, kept all high ranks within behind deterrents, and my captain was the far back middle. The first five turns were a series of them running into my deterrents, me sending a troop through the newly made whole to one of their units, and won the game on the sixth turn. “WHAT HOW DID YOU DO THAT!?” They screeched out, as everyone else also stood extremely surprised at the swiftness. “What can I say, I’m a quick learner.”

[spacetrails]

Introductions, Part 1

Stiffening up as the door opened I felt all my fears and anxiety crash into me ‘Alright, it’s happening. I’m going to meet them officially, just breathe… How do I breathe again?’ At once I was hit with so much new sensations; the air smelled of sanitizers with a weird mixture of dirt, a swarm of aliens were standing just a few inches from the door, each giving roars and screeches that hit my ears almost making me jump. Taking a step back Kleef stepped forward holding out a hand “Ah! Hold on all!” Silence quickly fell before everyone ‘spoke,’ in turns. While Kleef spoke in English, everyone else spoke in their own language which gave me a chance to look at them.

The first to catch my eyes was also the tallest, it seemed to be made of rocks? They were a mixture of browns and reds, standing way taller than me or anyone there. Their, I think eyes, were sunken in below the rocks, the only part indicating it was eyes were the somewhat shiny green orbs that would move around. As for a mouth, it moved like a puppet, it opened as ‘words’ came out, words being odd pitches of frequencies overlapped together.

The second to be spotted was a suit… of water? I stared at their face? Trying to find any part that told me more of what they were, yet there was nothing beside their limbs moving indicating they were sentient.

Before I got a chance to look at anyone else Kleef stood in front of everyone, their face a mixture of happy and worried “Apologies, they were more excited than I expected to see you. Apparently they couldn’t wait any longer. I hope you weren’t too spooked by all of them.”

Glancing between everyone I could only let out a small chuckle “Safe to assume they are all dog people?” I joked trying to lighten the air.

I watched as everyone stood there giving their own confused sound and look to each other and Kleef. The rock alien opened its mouth as various sounds came out while everyone else looked to me. A few seconds passed as I kept silent unsure what to say as Kleef chimed in “Lawrence, do you not understand what they have been saying? Have you not been given the proper translators?”

“I actually have not, I was told that my captain- Er, well you. Would have one for me upon my acceptance?” “Is that so? I was given extras when I got everything in order, but to not send one of their own with something? Truly an interesting species.” “Yea… yea, we just wing things a lot, you know?” Shrugging I shift weight between my feet unsure what to do

“Wing things?” Kleef mumbled before turning to the others “Scormadol, if you will. Lawrence doesn’t have a translator. Would you kindly get one for them.” The rock alien, who I can hopefully assume was Scormadol, nodded before heading off. “Regrets to everyone, you will have to wait a bit longer to properly introduce yourself. However, we shouldn’t make him wait out here.”

There was a chorus of sounds before they all moved from the door, the ones with facial features looking somewhat dejected. Stepping in I got a quick glimpse at another alien; They seemed to stand just a bit taller than myself, skin a light grey and almost reptile like, at least at first glance, their face was smooth, devoid of any eyes while the side of their head had frills? I wanted to know more but I didn’t want to stare as I choose to walk in. ‘And now back to the waiting game I guess? But I did get to meet everyone, technically? So, positives and negatives.’

The corridor was generously spaced, given Kleef and myself could walk side by side while the others followed right behind, still conversing with each other. Looking around I took note of everything; The walls were light blue, pipes running along the top of them, there was a humming sound presumably behind the walls, looking up at the also light blue ceiling there were vents, lights and sprinklers, while the floor was an off-white colour of tiles. Further forward was a large circular table adorned with ten chairs of various shapes and sizes tucked under, as we neared it the divide of corridors became noticeable. The left was empty minus the doors that led to places while the other had the rock alien, Scormadol, heading towards us.

Various pitches of sounds left their mouth as their feet thudded against the ground, the speed at which they ran didn’t seem to slow as they got closer to us “Ah yes, thank you Scormadol.” They made sounds in response “That is correct, they should be set properly. Nottalish you checked them as per the request.” An alien that had as many arms and legs as Tok nodded giving their own response. “Thank you, then Lawrence-” Kleef held a hand out to Scormadol with a wide smile “Why don’t you go and properly introduce yourself.”

Within Scormadol’s hand was a long thin black sleeve that had a clear screen on one end, two small ear pieces and a microchip; they seemed to be the near latest model I was taught to use back in training. Taking them, I slid the sleeve up my hand before inserting the chip into the screen, it lit up with user prompts that I quickly skipped through “Yes yes, I am a new user. I accept all, you can have my data.” I mused aloud earning a few small glances at the word choice. Once done I placed each piece within the inner helix of my ear ignoring how cold they felt. A quick beep synced up between both of them as I looked to the screen once more ‘Hello new user. Please select primary speech type.’ Scrolling through I looked at all the alien languages mixed with human ones before finding English ‘English selected. Confirm? English confirmed. Please entire a username… Welcome User LAWRENCE of C200W-749, Kleef unit.’ A ping went off as the screen dimmed. Looking up I met what I assumed were the eyes of Scormadol “Hey there, I’m Lawrence. New crew member, nice to properly talk to you now.”

They smiled? Before opening their mouth “‘s Nice to meet ya as well Lawrence. ‘m Scormadol Baguff. But ya don’t need the full thing.” Their words were rough and gravely, each syllable almost mixing into the other like they were crashing into one another coming out and still kept frequency changes. They held out for a hand shake that I returned “Now t’at we can talk properly. W’at is a dog people?”

“I too would like to know, do you have those that are both dogs and people? Or are they people that are dogs? Do they have their own language system or subsect?’ Turning to the voice I was met with a beak, attached to it was something that looked like a mix of a pterodactyl, barn owl and whatever else mixed in. It’s words came out all at once and I had to wait for the translator to catch up, while the sound was akin to a horse pawing at the ground just in quick repetition.

“Maybe. They. Are. Alien’s. Who. Live. On. Earth! They. Are. Known. To. Have. Weird. And. Interesting. Things.” A mixture of voices hit me from the right, however when I looked it was the suit of what I can only assume was water. They still had no mouth, or a face, or any features that showed they could speak, yet their limbs moved as they came closer “Are. You. A. Dog. Person? Are. There. Any. Other. Types. Of. People?” The words were distorted, like they were underwater. Each word came one after the other with a different yet synchronized tone; but I still  couldn’t see any form of mouth movement.

“Vell that makez no zenze? Vhy vould they be a dog perzon, the file zaid human. Unlezz you are a hybrid in zecret? Don’t vorry Lavrence, ve von’t tell anyone if you are.” Yet another voice resounded, they came from behind. It was a low dragged on voice, almost like they were speaking in half speed. What was even weirder was when I turned around and got a face full of, leaves? Petals? “Ah, zorry. I zhould have expected you to turn around.” They stepped back giving me more of a proper glimpse; Dark blue head with lighter blue petals? Sprouting in a ring around them, lacked facial features, their neck was green and while everyone else had a suit on similar to Kleef theirs had patches that seemed transparent near the shoulders and legs showing more of the green skin.

Every side had a different entity, there was no where to move, the walls felt like it they were closing in, my chest hurt... ‘Was I breathing? How do I breathe again? Oh, wait I’m panicking aren’t I?’ As I felt myself spiral there was a loud sudden clap “Alright! Give him some space, I would rather not lose our newest member so soon!” Kleef’s voice resounded loudly as they clapped again. Each alien backed away with their own version of an apology while my vision slowly went back to normal, sighing Kleef stepped towards the table “I am sure you all have your questions, especially since you can freely speak to one another. But let’s limit it to a few for now.”

[spacetrails]

Introductions, Part 2

A hand raised, it was the eyeless one “May I request first? Ship should be prepped for leave.” “That should be fine Rousptera, we do have somewhere to be. If you are also alright with the continued questions Lawrence?” I nodded before sitting down in one of the normal looking chairs while they went to the other side “Hello, I Rousptera Musnaeav, nice meet you.” Their words felt patchy, as though the translator couldn’t pick up everything, and the sounds were similar to dolphin squeaks but low and deep like a whale, it had a weird, pleasant feeling. “I have no real question but didn’t want leave without welcome.” They paused ‘looking’ down at the table “Do you have questions for me?” They pointed to themselves giving a small head tilt.

Thinking I couldn’t take my eyes off their lack of them “Uh… Can I ask? Do you have eyes?”

There was a moment of silence before they made a sound, it was close to when they speak but higher pitched and quick, a laugh? “No, species don’t. Hands highly sensitive, pick out groves and shifts around environment. We, sense with what you call feelers” They point to the side of their head where the frills were, seeing them up close they looked like Axolotl gills yet more feathery and a near black, purple, they swayed slightly “Way of sense by light and vibrations through hands and feelers. We can’t see, but we see.” They smiled showing just how wide their mouth really was and how much teeth they had.

‘And Kleef said my teeth were sharp? It’s like if a chainsaw had a mouth. Well, that was my biggest question, what do I ask now?’ “Ah, what an interesting way of evolution. So was your species mainly in the dark?” I asked not wanting to just end it there

Their smile widened as did their mouth, it took up most of their lower face, before a loud squeak came out “We did, have heard of Glothera before? Do also have humans in dark?” Their squeaks flew out rapidly as their frill’s vibrated

Shaking my head, I could only chuckle at how cute a reaction they had “No, I actually never heard. But your colour and the way of sensing reminded me of moles and bats. Um, those are animals we have back on earth. Though there are some humans that like the dark more, we don’t mainly live in it.” I smiled back hoping I properly explained things.

“Then I am done, thank for answers and much appreciate to meet. Will search moles and bats after leave orbit.” They got up still smiling widely and happily squeaking in laughter? Giving a wave they turned “I hope we talk more, was nice. But must go start everything. See all after.” Everyone gave their own goodbyes as Rousptera left allowing me to see they had a tail that almost dragged across the ground.

“If there are no objections. Can I go next?” The alien with as many legs as Tok spoke, the others looked to one another before looking to me. ‘Am I the deciding factor? Does it matter who goes next?’ confused I just shrugged, which seemed to be the answer as they walked over choosing not to sit “Well, hello there. My name is Nottalish Chipoda, I’m a Sleghthrakin, same as our captain’s old captain. So technically I outrank him.” They joked giving a quick snort at Kleef’s sigh “I don’t actually outrank him.” “Ah, I see.” “Yes, so if I may. What did you do before coming here?” They seemed to be prodding for a specific question, but it was too early to tell what.

Not wanting to over think in case I was wrong I simply answered, “I trained in a bootcamp like facility for seven months under ECLIPSE.” “Anything else before that?” “I graduated from University under a graphic design degree, didn’t really do much with that except be on teams that worked on signs, posters stuff like that. Kind of hated how we were treated during.” “Interesting, and how had that helped you during survival?” “My? Graphic design degree?” “Yes, is that not what all humans get when they go to. What was it, Universe city?” I opened my mouth trying to figure out what to say, ‘Where do I correct them? Do I correct them? What is the reason for these questions?’ “Uh. No? We don’t all go to university… For Graphic design degrees.”

They looked at me and made a humming sound “Interesting, what exactly do you do to better aid in survival?” “I don-” “I think those questions can be saved for another time, you shouldn’t hog all the questions Nottalish.” Kleef interjected saving me from the bombardment of questions. Nottalish sighed with a wave of three hands “Alright, then whoever is next may go.” Walking away from the table I tried to give a wave back but they kept walking. ‘Why does it feel like I did something wrong? What was I supposed to say?’

Before I could think on it further there was a voice from the walls “Engine check complete. Time to leave now.” “Alright-” Kleef spoke tapping the table “-We are to cut this short, and I know that everyone hasn’t had a chance to introduce themselves we must leave.” Groans hit my translator as I was thankful just to not be asked questions anymore “If you want to converse with Lawrence more you will have to do so after we have left. On their time of course.” Various waves and goodbyes were sent my way as they made to leave, with me and Kleef still at the table. Sighing they rubbed their head “I apologize for Nottalish, I didn’t expect them to ask you such personal questions.” They looked somewhat turquoise, which I assumed was embarrassed.

Giving a laugh I scratched my head “It wasn’t that bad, I was just unsure what to say to them…” I looked to the wall before looking back at Kleef “Um, do they hate me? They seemed angry?” ‘I couldn’t have made someone hate me so quickly right? But they asked so many questions and I couldn’t answer most of them…’

A hand waved in front of my face “-rence? Lawrence? Are you alright?” “Huh? What?” “You went silent after asking, did you per chance not hear?” “Ah, no. Sorry could you repeat it?” Nodding they sat down “Understood, and do not worry. I simply stated that they don’t hate you, Nottalish has a curious mind but doesn’t change how they think when it comes to some things. Which can cause small conflicts, however.” They sighed looking towards one of the corridor “They do care for everyone in this crew, and I hope that this interaction didn’t spoil them for you. I won’t ask that you force yourself to interact with them but do know you aren’t hated by them. No one on this crew hates you.” They smiled warmly at me, it was nice to hear.

“Thank you Kleef, I will remember that.” “Your welcome Lawrence, it is the captain’s duty to aid their crew.” Standing up I sighed ‘I’m not hated, no one hates me. I’m not hated, I haven’t messed up.’ I assured myself “So-” I looked around, the room felt so much emptier now that everyone had left. “-is there anything else I should do?”

Kleef paced around the table for a few rotations before snapping “Ah yes, the most important thing. I have to show you your living quarters. Please do follow me.” They made their way to the left corridor leading the way “We were given your clothing and essentials, as well as personal items that you had. Sadly, we didn’t know where they should go, but thankfully that means you can decorate your room how you want.” Infront of us was a door labled Lawrence, with a numpad on the side “Before I forget, you can put your own password in for your room. The original is 00000, once you enter that you can change it to whatever you want.”

Giving a quick nod I thought about what to make my code ‘I could make something funny, but I should probably take this seriously… But something funny would be amusing as well… But I might have to share it one day and I don’t want to have a conversation about that.’ “Alright, I’ll just make it proper.” Typing in 00000 I watched as the screen shifted before inputting and reinputting my proper password. The door slid upwards opening as a spacious room was before us. Stepping inside there was a deep blue rug on the floor, my bags were on the bed stacked next to each other, on the table beside it there were posters laying on top rolled up, the right wall was bare while the left had hanging shelves, turning I noticed the door near the entrance. “What’s this one?” I asked pointing and walking towards it “That would be your closet, there’s actually a gift in there for you.” “Oh?” Curious and excited I opened it, inside was a suit, it looked like the one everyone else wore.

“I had taken the liberty to have one tailored for you. Using your specification and adjusting slightly larger for potential errors. I wanted to make sure you got settled in easily, so feel free to take your time getting used to the room. We’ll be leaving now, so you won’t have to worry about anyone bothering you while you do.” Smiling Kleef made to leave the room “Before I forget, do not think you have to wear the suit now. If you are more comfortable wearing your clothes you are free to do so, however when we leave the ship you are to wear the suit.”

With that they gave a wave leaving me alone. “Alright, let’s go down the list-” I moved back to the bed with the suit in hand “-Met my captain, met my crew. Technically. Got my room, such a plus, and a personally designed suit, also a plus. I think It’s been a net-gain day despite the hiccups.” Moving everything further to the side of the bed I sat down, basically vibrating “I can’t wait to see what comes next!”