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25 Dec 2023Ryuko Ntsikana
Part Thirty
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Jason observed from the command center as Zooey strolled along the various landing pads, pausing before each of the different types of landed ships. She examined them all with a purpose that remained a mystery to him. If she had explained her intentions, Jason knew he wouldn't have understood any better. Her previous whispered conversations with herself had ceased, and her demeanor had transformed into one of focused determination, reflected in her distant gaze.
No words or curses were exchanged as the pirates in the command center worked on a shared objective. Walking between the various stations, the larger picture of their efforts began to take shape, and Jason's eyes widened in realization. These pirates were skilled at raiding ships and the occasional planetary outpost, but targeting a fleet carrier was an unprecedented challenge. The firepower possessed by such a vessel was enough to take on an orbital station. A fleet of ships, no matter how well-engineered would not stand a chance against it.
The ships themselves each had a portion of what she required, but not any singular one contained all. She would need to take from all to construct the one required but needed each in their current configuration. That was not the only issue she faced. Each of the pirate ships had a warrant on it, and mixing and mashing different ships would not erase the warrants. The answer to the problem was simple. The timescale required was not. That reduced everything to a singular point, as Zooey looked across the pads at the small Diamondback Explorer ship.
Monty’s head rolled from side to side as the sea of faces in his dream began to melt and morph, forming into one. There was a sense of panic and horror, as his eyes flashed open. The screams faded with the dream.
“Contacting Avery,” the symbiote spoke, as the communication screen opened, showing an incoming message from Avery.