(Y/N)
I look at him in utter confusion.
"What about our modifications?" I ask him. "Why wasn't I told this beforehand? What's with the urgency?"
"We received an SOS from the Exploration ship on Earth yesterday. When we tried responding to the message, we lost all communications with them," Xian says, "They could very well be in grave danger right now. It will take at least two weeks for your crew to reach. Nonetheless, we will be sending more experienced personnel for your ship to train your crew as all of you will be leaving at such short notice. Your modifications will be implanted on the ship within two days' time. For now, you have been sent your crew on your PDD. All of you are expected to gather immediately. You will be departing in an hour."
I nod curtly and leave the room. I check my PDD and see that I have indeed been sent a list of nearly 200 crew members. My eyes fall on my supervisor for this voyage. I tap on her profile.
Dorothy. She looks pretty close to retirement. She has white hair and pale skin. Her eyes are a strange shade of red. Half of her face is covered in what looks to be cyber parts.
An accident, perhaps?
I see her credentials and nearly drop my PDD.
She's been the captain of Exploration Ship 0011. The captain of the infamous 'Sister' of our now missing Ship.
And also the only Exploration Ship to return from a massive solar flare. The phenomenon is common in this System, so Exploration Ships were equipped with a couple shields for the sole purpose of avoiding damage from the flares. A massive solar flare generally overpowers the shields and destroys the ship. Dorothy is the legend known for guiding her crew back to Columbis K2B2 by singlehandedly re-establishing contact with the ground force, nearly killing herself in the process. She's currently the most respected leader of all departments.
A hero.
I head to the Bay Area where all spaceships are kept and maintained. It's a room with bright lighting, similar to the medic's office, just larger and brighter. All of my crew members have already gathered. I see a separate gathering of older people being addressed by someone I have now come to recognize as my supervisor. Dorothy.
I head over to my crew and they immediately notice me. They turn around and in one swift motion, gather in front of me in attention. I spot Amit among my crew and the other Year 9's as well. Strangely, I don't feel all that nervous with him around. I've seen him train before, maybe that's why I feel this sense of ease and security.
I'm not at my bravest, but I seek solace in the fact that with Dorothy as my supervisor and Amit by my side, I don't have much to feel other than the relief that sag my shoulders just slightly. I straighten my back and place my arms behind my back.
"At ease, Crew," I say, "I know this is short notice, but I assure you that after reading your profiles, I am confident we can take on this voyage with little to no assistance from our supervisors. This, however, does not mean we will disregard them or refuse to seek help from them. I expect cooperation, trust and loyalty on my ship. You may be the best in your respective departments but only time will tell if you can be a team player. I value this among all else." I look around at their faces. "Can I trust you as your captain?"
They all nod their heads in unison.
"Can I trust you as your junior?"
They nod once more.
"Can I trust you as a friend?"
They don't miss a beat.
I smile a little. "That's great! Any questions?"
They look at each other.
I tilt my head. "Well?"
Amit opens his mouth to speak, but a small yet deep voice cuts him short.
"Can we trust you, captain?"
I look around and see a girl with braided hair and dazzling amber eyes. She has dark skin and a sharp jawline.
I recognize her as Crew Member 14. Zuri.
I smile. "Of course, Zuri."
She seems surprised.
I look away and ask, "Any more questions?"
Silence persists. "Seeing none, you may begin your meeting with your respective supervisors."
They disperse and I slump down on my chair. I look up and see Amit still there, handing me a water bottle.
I gratefully except it and drink a sip.
Amit
She was amazing. It's astounding to think she was one of the youngest to be selected in the Working Sector. She carries a certain grace about her, as she always had. I hope one day I can tell her about our past together.
So she can be my best friend once more.
Eunwoo
(Y/N) really knows what she's doing. I'm not surprised, since she was given the role of leader by the system. Still, it's fascinating to see her capabilities play out in real time, outside the Facility.
She seems to have befriended Amit. That guy is cold as stone, barely ever spoke to anyone back at the Facility. I'd know. Yet he gazes at her with a kind of softness that only comes out of a deep emotional connection forged over years of bonding. I don't know how it could've happened, for they were in different rooms during all trainings except Science and Philosophy.
I can't help but wonder why that is. I look at her closely with that bottle in her hand. That bottle is Amit's. He never leaves it behind, for some reason. To give it to someone else....
Interesting.
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