Chapter 1 - Alternate *In Progress*
On the bridge of the Ulysses, Captain Ava brushed her hands across a console, acquainting herself with the unfamiliar environment. Scientists occupied the deck, donning lavish woollen coats in deep greens and greys. Their attire reflected their chaotic and unruly dispositions. Some exchanged sharp glances between themselves and their new captain, judging, and condemning. Two of them stood at her flanks, while she maintained a controlled calm, scanning the room.
In stark contrast to the crews’ unrefined demeanour, the bridge was a monument to excess. It was as if aristocracy had become manifest. Its black carbon walls curved seamlessly into the ceiling, both laced with ornate details that Ava found more ostentatious than pleasant. And a singular, large window cut wide, forging a panorama of the Ulysses surface. Coming from the austere functionality of the military, she found this display of extravagance offensive.
She however, had her hair pulled to a bun, and her prim-kept uniform carried her insignia on the collar. Composed, with her shoulders back and hands falling to her sides, she turned to Idris, and asked with authority, “What preparations have been made regarding the cargo?”
Idris raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with sardonic amusement. “As ordered, Captain, it’s been sealed and isolated from all ship’s systems.”
Ava’s jaw tightened, but she maintained her composure. “Good. Keep that machine under control, and you’ll be rid of me soon enough.”
Idris smirked, an unspoken challenge in his eyes. “Oh, we’ll manage, Captain. After all, we’re not the ones who have to prove ourselves to the likes of High Command.”
She stared him down, but refused to play into his game. He wouldn’t be the first person to give her grief, nor would he be the last.
With her old crew she’d had respect. They’d gone through the academy together, and many had served together on the then-new line of ships. They saw that rust bucket through thick and thin. She couldn’t help but recall the way they’d all laugh themselves to hysteria. Perhaps if she’d made better choices, then maybe she’d still be with them now serving on their old ship.
Her gaze drifted to the world beyond, where the Ulysses loomed against the glass window. Its elongated body tapering toward the front and rear, resembling a streamlined arrow. Its sleek grey-black hull featured a distinctive split down the centre, creating a deep recess between two wing-like structures that faced forward. It was nothing like her old ship, the Althakyr. No, she was a blocky mass of function, with guns boring down in every direction. It certainly didn’t have any room for embellishments, like the star-white glowing lines that weaved artsy patterns along the Ulysses surface. But the Althakyr was home.
The Ulysses interior didn’t shy away from modesty either, with the labs alone spanning a spacious three decks. Ava couldn't help but scoff, High Command would never permit the resources to construct such a vessel. What would be the point? It seemed that a ship of this caliber must act as a reward or incentive, sparking competition among divisions, all to curry favour with the government.
Idris broke Ava’s trance. “Captain, we’re receiving a transmission from High Command—delay’s 19 hours”
She turned to him, noticing he’d already began working at the communications systems. “On screen,” she ordered.
The window turned an inky black before the image of a man flashed onto the screen. He wore a uniform similar to her own, red in colour, although his collar had been adorned with an admirals insignia.
The admiral's stern expression filled the screen, his words resolute. “I know you weren’t expecting any further contact before your rendezvous with the escort fleet. However, there’s been a development. One of our stations in the Orias sector has gone dark. You’re being redirected, Captain. Make for the Orias sector, and investigate what happened. But make no mistake; your priority is still the safety of your cargo.”
There was only one reason they’d thrust her—with a minimally armed ship—into an unknown situation. They didn’t have anyone else. Though this kind of mismanagement wasn’t a revelation. She imagined that if she were in their place she’d do a better job. Still, what could be so important that they’d risk the cargo she held? She activated her console. It’s screen burned into existence and lit up with information. She’d just heard most of it, but there were additional details—captain’s eyes only. It turned out the station was a research outpost, with a focus toward weapons development. But weapons were the secondary concern, it was the personnel they wanted to secure.
Before she could finish reading, a scientist interrupted. “This is just great—on our ship for one day, and they think we’re going to abandon our course to go on a wild rescue mission.”
Ava turned to the woman, and said firmly, “We’ll head to the rendezvous after we’ve dealt with the situation.”
“We don’t know anything about the situation!” she retorted.
“Hence the need for an investigation. And you miss, are…?”
Without answering, the woman shook her head, fumbling at her own console before storming out of the room. This is going to be a long day, Ava thought.
Idris leaned in, laughing, “That’s miss Lila Patel. You’ve caught her on one of her better days.”
Ava lifted a hand to her brows, “I suppose you have something to add, Idris?”
“No, no, I’m more than happy to leave this in your capable hands,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Right,” she said dismissively, “lay in a course for the Orias sector.”