Resisting malice in the maelstrom
19 Jun 2023Xeno Zera
The deafening hum of the FNS Arrowhead's modified engines reverberated through the cockpit as Xeno Zera maneuvered his Federal Assault Ship within the swirling chaos of the Maelstrom Taranis. His mission: to collect valuable titan samples, vital for ongoing research and development in the fight against the Thargoids.As Xeno ventured deeper into the Maelstrom, the swirling clouds of cosmic dust obscured his vision, making navigation a perilous task. The hostile environment was fraught with electromagnetic disturbances and sudden gravitational anomalies that threatened to tear his ship apart. Taranis was notorious for claiming the lives of even the most seasoned pilots who dared to enter.
As Zera deftly navigated through the dense caustic clouds, the occasional crackle of static filled the cockpit, testament to the turbulent environment. Suddenly, his sensors detected an incoming transmission, originating from an Imperial Clipper caught in the tempest. It was a distress signal.
Zera's first instinct was to ignore the transmission and focus on his mission. After all, the Imperials and their policies had long been a thorn in his side. But a flicker of empathy sparked within him, remembering his unwavering commitment to protect humanity, regardless of their affiliations.
Curiosity piqued, Zera hesitated before responding. The voice that crackled through the comm channels was desperate, a mix of panic and fear. It belonged to Captain Aurelia Nevaris, an Imperial officer stranded within the Maelstrom after their FSD malfunctioned.
The turbulent space environment had taken a toll on Aurelia's ship, leaving her powerless and defenseless against the perils of the maelstrom. Despite their differing loyalties, Zera couldn't ignore the fact that they were both humans, facing the same dangers against the thargoids, and Aurelia's hull was being rapidly eaten by the caustic clouds.
Setting aside his personal animosity, Zera made his decision. He expertly guided the FNS Arrowhead toward the crippled Clipper, extending the ship's limpets to secure a connection. With precision and skill, he managed to bring the Imperial vessel alongside his own and secure a connection to the airlock.
As the airlock sealed shut, Zera and Aurelia found themselves face-to-face. There was tension in the air, but the urgency of their situation superseded their differences. Zera wasted no time, providing Aurelia with a protective suit and guiding her to his ship's onboard medical bay for a quick examination.
Aurelia's relief was evident as she removed her helmet, taking in deep breaths of recycled air. "I... I didn't expect this," she stammered, gratitude lacing her words. "Thank you, Commander Zera. By the time I realized the corrosion had gotten through, it was too late."
Xeno nodded, his eyes reflecting a newfound respect. "We may have our differences, Captain, but we are both fighting for humanity's survival. No one deserves to be left to the whims of Taranis."
With Aurelia safely aboard, Xeno turned his attention back to his mission. He explained the importance of the titan samples and how they could help in the fight against the Thargoids. Unsurprisingly, Aurelia, too, recognized the significance of the task at hand and offered her assistance.
Together, they gathered the precious titan samples, their collaboration proving effective even amidst the swarming glaives and scouts. Almost as quickly as they arrived, the FNS Arrowhead's powerful thrusters propelled them out of the Maelstrom, cargo bay full of titan flesh, leaving the tempestuous chaos behind.
Upon reaching safer space, Zera and Aurelia exchanged a brief farewell. The experience had shifted their perspectives, if only slightly, creating a tiny bridge of understanding between their conflicting loyalties.
As Xeno continued his mission, his mind wandered to the encounter with Captain Aurelia. He realized that, in the vastness of the galaxy, alliances could be forged and loyalties tested. And perhaps, just perhaps, in the face of a common enemy, unity could prevail, even among former adversaries.
With the collected titan samples safely stored in the FNS Arrowhead's cargo hold, Xeno Zera set his sights on the Aegis collection system, ready to continue doing his part, forever fueling his desire to know more. But deep within him, a glimmer of hope emerged, a hope that humanity could come together, transcending their differences, for the sake of their very survival.