Episode 132, Moving Forward
14 Dec 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Python Mark 2
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Tara sat with her back straight, one leg draped elegantly over the other like a guest at court. “Looks like all that remains is the Titan and its cohorts. Everything else seems to be aiding in the recovery.”
“Yeah,” I replied, shaking my head slightly. “Not too eager to get mixed up in that mess.”
She nodded slowly, her expression matching my sentiment. “They’re already turning on each other, even with an external threat still looming. Let them feast on their own. We’ve made a mountain of credits and bolstered our reputation in the sector.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Unless there’s another delay, the newest ship rolling out of the factory should be ready tomorrow. It’ll take a bit of trial and error to find the best module configuration for her, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Tara folded her hands neatly, her thoughtful gaze steady. “Do you still plan to streamline your holdings?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “But you raise a good point. There’s a rumor circulating among the engineering crew—something about design specifications for expanding module storage finally being released.”
A small smile curved her lips. “Chief Thompson and Farouk must be thrilled.”
“If it’s true. There are fewer stars than there are rumors.”
Tara shook her head, her gaze locking onto mine. “Funny, considering not too long ago, you were ready to cut all transmissions from the bubble over rumors.”
“Rumors have a life of their own, often contrary to the truth.”
Her smile broadened, a playful glint in her eye. “Truth? Look at you now—a competent alien fighter with your name etched alongside those who helped free Procyon, Epsilon Eridani, Wolf 359, and Wise 1506+7027.”
I shrugged. “I said often, not always. It’s unfortunate they had nothing worth hauling. At least nothing that didn’t try burning its way through my cargo hold.”
Tara tilted her head forward in a playful manner. “Yeah, their caustic resin tends to have that effect.”
I shook my head but couldn’t keep the smile off my face as the communications panel lit up, signaling an incoming message. “Saved by the hell.”
Tara huffed softly, leaning over to glance at the screen as I opened the message window.
It was from the Faulcon DeLacy sales representative. My early-release Cobra Mark V had left the assembly line and was undergoing its final testing.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been staring into nothingness before noticing Tara watching me with a curious gaze. “It’s all moving too fast, isn’t it?”
“Yes and no,” I replied, tapping the multi-function panel.
“Ship, create new message. To Chief Thompson.”
“Ready,” the ship’s automated voice responded smoothly.
“Remove all modules from the Cobra Mark III, Diamondback Explorer, and Krait Phantom. Replace required core modules with original E-rated and prepare for sale. Assign a new hangar for the expected Cobra Mark V arrival. Replace its factory modules with engineered, class-compatible ones from the harvested stock. Sign my name, this time and date. Attach a read-receipt and send.”
“Message sent.”
Tara tilted her head slightly, her familiar gesture of curiosity. “You continue to surprise me. I sense your tension, yet your actions show no hesitation. You were unsure, yet deliberate—decisive without impulsiveness. On the contrary…”
I held up a hand to stop her mid-thought. “Don’t overthink it. It needed to be done. Whatever doubts there were are behind us now.”
I turned back to the navigation console, entering a new destination. The head-up display adjusted as I followed the alignment cues, engaging the jump engines. Glancing at Tara, I allowed a smirk to tug at my lips. “Let’s move forward and see what comes of it.”