The Long Goodbye, Chapter Two
02 Jan 2018Kyndi the Badass Space Chick
The Asp had been an Explorer variant, one of the first to be equipped with the new frameshift drive technology straight from Lakon’s factories. Like most vessels of its type it was large, with a massive double-level canopy where the pilot and copilot occupied separate decks. On the sides of its hull, Malmoneta could still be barely made out.
Neither time nor fate had been kind to the ship. Its hull was pitted and corroded, canopy glass scuffed from a decade of impacts and neglect. Weapons damage told the story of its final engagement, engines long dead and only darkness visible within the gash where Kumo raiders had forced their way inside.
From the bridge of the Inevitable Betrayal, Kyndi was unable to tear her gaze away from the derelict. She was clad in a spacewalking suit, her helmet slung under one arm. Standing a respectful distance behind her was Matt, clad similarly.
She’s waited over a decade for this moment, he reasoned. A few more minutes won’t hurt.
“It’s not how I pictured it, you know. When I last saw it, it was at port. White, with an orange stripe. New-looking, even after years of use.”
Light glinted from the Asp’s canopy. The stricken vessel was a decidedly grey shade, long-flaking paint visible only in patches. It was impossible to tell whether the dull orange that permated the hull was leftover paint or corrosion.
Kyndi looked down, gently chastising herself.
“Guess I never really thought about what it would look like after all this time.”
Matt looked at his boots, and then up to his partner.
“That ain’t the only thing, darlin’. The power may or may not come back on. And when we’re inside, we might find-”
Kyndi snapped her head to the side. “I know. And if we do, I’ll take care of it. Both of them.”
The hunter nodded. “Fair enough. Now c’mon. This family reunion’s been on hold long enough.”
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