NPC Vega joins the party
15 Mar 2018Commander-Wingnut
The comms panel on PCS-02 continued to buzz insistently, rousing Wingnut from his light snooze. "HOTBOX, go ahead."The voice that greeted him was machine-precise, clipped, and quite formal. Not a single word was shortened nor wasted.
"Good morning, Commander. My name is Otto Pyle-Lott, and I am from the Telepresence Agency, contracted to the Federal Navy Reserve."
Wingnut sounded that name out in his head and suppressed a dry chuckle. "And what can I do for you, Mr. Pyle-Lott? I hope I'm not being disrespectful -" as they were both aware Otto had not given a rank or title.
"Not at all, Commander. As a sub-contractor, I hold no official rank in the Pilots Federation.
For the sake of efficiency, you may address me by the call-sign, 'Vega.'"
-
The Commander paused for a moment.
Vega's voice was so familiar, and yet he couldn't place it.
"Do you fly a ship of your own, Mister Vega?"
"No, sir. Officially, I am an NPC.
Navy Provisional Crewman
- that is a job title, and not a rank. My suite operates out of the Orbis starport Abraham Lincoln, near Sol."
"Federation territory.
Of course."
"Yes, sir. My role is strictly telepresence.
I can assume direct control of your ship and its functions, but that will not permit me to make command decisions on your behalf.
Though my job is to see your missions run more smoothly, the Serial Peacemaker is still your ship - I will not even be aboard.
You may consider me more of a function of your ship, as opposed to a person, if that would make things easier."
"So in short, that makes you... NPC Otto Pyle-Lott."
"Yes, sir."
Wingnut grimaced.
He was not going to mumble -that- mouthful every time he wanted to talk to a disembodied voice.
"In that case, welcome aboard, Mr. Vega."
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"Thank you, sir.
I believe we will work quite well with one another.
Please do not hesitate to open a link whenever you feel I may be of service."
Vega moved to disconnect the line.
Wingnut held up a hand.
"Before you go, one more thing. Have we spoken before today?
I can swear I've heard you somewhere before."
"No, sir. I have been told the same thing by some of the other Commanders I have worked with.
I suppose I am simply possessed with a very familiar voice."
"Familiar, eh? I'm sure, then, you must know who else you sound like."
"I am sorry, sir. I simply do not have enough data."
Wingnut sat back in his chair, and tugged down the front of his flight suit at the belt.
Something about this, too, quietly bothered him.
"Fair enough, Vega. Thanks for your time."
"Commander."
NPC Vega has joined the party!