09:00 IST, Tenth day, Eighth month, 3078 PV | Alpha Centauri IEC Megastation / Uriel Luxury Cruiser / Bridge
"So, in total we ended up receiving twenty one orbs. Twelve from the Arkan, six from the Velz, two from the Pota, and one from the Itokin. Given the nature of the Itokin's interaction, we can suppose that it contains far more importance than the others."
"Sounds about right, I'm kinda jealous Ko, the Itokin seem to be really influential, and they picked you as the only recipient of an orb. They must see your overwhelming genius that far surpasses mine."
"Ive told you this before, you are far more gifted than I am. Maybe Itokin just like to take risky gambles on the underdog. In that way they are just like you. I'm sure we will get along nicely with them."
"How many times do I gotta smack you before you get it into your head that you aren't a worthless piece of trash? You have a tendency to be socially inept, can be quite rude, inconsiderate of others and can seemingly seclude yourself into your own world for hours at a time. But overall you aren't that bad. Jerk sure. Major Idiot, check. But I don't think that means you should constantly undervalue your own skills."
"Alright Mrs. High and mighty genius, prestigious child of Mars. Regardless of your beliefs, I am just a worthless piece of trash. How many times are you going to smack me before you start to realize that?"
"Ok, that statement did make you sound like a bit of a worthless piece of trash NEET that is freeloading off your father's fortune. But still, have a little bit of confidence. You were at least recognized as one of humanity's greatest."
"Without knowing the criteria for selection, I would be perfectly logical to assume that they picked me to use as a comedy gag, not for any talent I may have. Anyway, enough of this insulting spree against me. Let's start examining these orbs and see what they contain."
"Sure thing, Mr. Jerk, let's start with the Arkan orbs, as those are the ones that are most plentiful."
We pour through the data contained within the Arkan, Velz and Potaian orbs. As expected, it contains a vast quantity of data about the representatives themselves, contact info for various interested people and various technological information and universe map data.
In summary, they have given us various greetings that say they are willing to sponsor us. They provided some preliminary data as a token of good faith.
Next up is the orb from the mysterious Itokin. When we insert it into the reading table, it takes significantly longer to extract and display the data.
This is because inside contains far more information than all the other orbs combined. It seems that the entirety of the Itokin race has chosen to sponsor me. Lil ol' me, the worthless piece of trash.
Within the information is contact info for many high-level liaisons within their government. In addition, there is an astounding amount of information regarding their ship types, purposes, functions etc.. In addition to other various technologies including how antimatter-based fuel and propulsion systems work.
It seems Itokin has noticed something in me. Otherwise this level of information and upfront trust in me (and Ray due to our clear alliance) would be ridiculously reckless.
Over the next few days I will gradually transcribe this information into my codex for ease of access. However, this is going to be a massive task. Many of these devices and concepts are extraordinarily advanced and involved.
"So… it seems that both the Itokin and the Arkan have strong support for the two of us. Which means that we have access to information from one race that specializes in arcane technology. As well as the species that is known for building spaceships."
"It does appear that way Ko. It seems that this trial is just starting to show its true scope and nature. We won't be competing just with our own abilities, but other species will be assisting us out of mutual interest."
"Correct, it seems the scope of what we thought the trials would be was a massive underestimation. I mean, it makes sense. These trials are meant to test our worthiness as an entire species. Part of that evaluation would be our ability to adapt and work with other species in the universe."
"True, it is natural that diplomacy with other species would be a part of the trial. But it seems we will be closely working with representatives of these species against the other contestants."
"Well, good thing we have Mrs. Genius, a popular prodigy, on our side. With your talents we should be set on the diplomacy front."
"Ko, don't forget your own abilities. You excel at taking unfamiliar concepts and quickly gaining an understanding of them. With all these new terms and concepts flying about, that will be a very important skill."
"I suppose so, perhaps we have a fairly balanced alliance here. I still think that it could be a good idea to make friends with a couple other contestants. Any information or advantage we can get will be invaluable."
By the way, when we got back from the gala last night, we received an interesting piece of information. The next time we are required to be somewhere is on the sixth day of the first month of 3079 PV.
This means that we have about two weeks of free time. We have also been given clearance to travel anywhere that we have knowledge of within the milky way galaxy. Given we have the methods of transportation.
Given the fact that our cruisers are only meant for travelling to nearby star systems, we need a bigger ship. Some would say, a battleship.
"So, about our next steps. Given what we heard earlier, it seems we are expected to venture out through the milky way to meet up with our contacts. The problem is, our cruisers aren't really fit for the task of galactic travel."
"True, while it could be fun to take a nice joyride through the galaxy in our cruisers, I don't think we would have enough fuel or resources between destinations. We should probably make contact with one of our sponsors at the Arkan shipbuilding association. I bet they would be willing to help us get a battleship."
"True, they would probably be able to help. However, we have another problem. Battleships are too large for the two of us and the ship AI to handle by ourselves. Typically battleships have crews of around a dozen personnel. However, we do not have any personnel nor know-how to acquire some."
"I think that our best bet for finding a crew would be to get in contact with the Velzian's pilots academy. It just so happens that one of the orbs we received was from one of the best pilot academies in the universe."
"Sounds like a plan then, we can acquire a battleship from the Arkan and crew from the Velz. If we find issues in securing provisions, the Pota would be the perfect place to turn. We also have the Itokin, who would easily be able to supply the antimatter fuel cells (AFCs)."
Now that we have a plan to acquire a ship, crew and supplies, it is time for us to call up our contacts. We will do this by using the Wormhole Relay Network (WRN). By making use of microwormholes, which are too unstable for anything but information transfer, we are able to call up anyone in the universe, with minimal delay.
The first place we call up is our sponsor within the Arkanian shipbuilding association. We initiate a direct link with the ship, and have Uri initiate the connection. A few minutes later, we got an answer.
"Salutations, contestant Rayleigh Inan and Kovon Ducker. What a pleasure it is to get to speak with yourselves in this manner. My designation is Brik Lodge, and I shall be your liaison with the Arkanian shipbuilding association.
Now that greetings are done with, to what do I owe this communication. Given who you are calling, I can only assume you are in need of a ship of some form."
Rayleigh replies, "Nice to meet you Brik, as you know we are contestants. We have been given the task of travelling the galaxy to meet with various contacts. However, our current cruiser-class ships will not be sufficient. Thus we are in dire need of a battleship. Ideally it would be well suited to long voyages and combat capabilities are not necessary."
"Fine news indeed. The ASA will be happy to supply you with a battleship. This time, our only condition is that you spread word of our organization in your journeys through the universe. I am sending over a prospective vessel's specs right now. Please verify that it will be up to your requirements."
We receive the data transmission and download it. The ship in question is the Ae6-Clak transport battleship. It is a third generation 750m length battleship. It comes with three officers quarters as well as space for twelve crew. It also has an extensive living space and cargo capacity.
It also has enough hangar space for the equivalent of four cruisers. Its primary hyperspace drive is rated for four million times lightspeed travel. While it lacks any offensive weapons, it does have a moderate amount of point defense and shielding. In summary, it is exactly the type of ship we require.
Both Rayleigh and I reach this conclusion at the same time. After a brief nod of consensus, she replies.
"This is a fine ship indeed. Its specs seem more than adequate for our current needs."
"Great news indeed. I am currently sending over the access key. The ship is currently moored near the IEC Megstation you are currently at. Your ship AIs should be able to navigate to it and enter its hangar. We of the ASA appreciate you choosing us to provide you with this craft. I hope we can speak again soon!"
With this brief exchange, we have just been given possession of a battleship-class starship. It seems these sponsors are going to come in very handy indeed.
Next up, we need to call up the Velzian pilot academy to inquire about some crew for our new ship the Clak. I instruct Uri to initiate communication with our contact. After around ten minutes we get a connection.
"Why hello there. Oh my, its contestants! *cough* Oh gosh. Greetings! I am your designated liaison for the Velzian Pilot Academy. Name's Flock Spring, nice to meet you contestants Rayleigh Inan and Kovon Ducker.
If you're in need of highly skilled pilots or other crew you've come to the right place. How may we of the VPA provide assistance to you today?"
Ray replies, "Nice to meet ya Flock Spring. We have recently acquired a ship of the Ac6 transport battleship type. Thus we are in need of a pilot and twelve crew members. We hope that you can assist us in this time of need."
"Certianly, that is well within our capabilities. Please give me a few moments to find some suitable candidates and send the information over to you."
After a few minutes, we receive a transmission containing the information. The pilot that has been recommended to us is a Velz by the name of Beck Flap. She is among the top 5% of the academy's recent graduates.
We also receive a list of crew. In it is; two Arkan mechanics, one Potan chef, one Zekan technology specialist, three Shesah logistics personnel, one Vaux security guard, and four general laborers of inferior species. A pretty balanced crew composition. Ray and I both agree that this shall be suitable and she replies.
"What a stellar crew composition. We think this will be a great crew for our new battleship!."
"Great news, we will inform the crew of their new assignment and they will arrive at the IEC Megastation within one day's time. We hope that this will be a satisfactory timeframe, if you require more immediate crew we could arrange for some temporary crew."
"Nope, one day sounds fine. Thanks for all your help."
"Our pleasure, we at the VPA take pride in providing stellar crewing services. We hope that you will contact us in the future for any crewing needs."
With that, the communication ends and we have successfully acquired a crew for our new battleship. Now all that's left is supplies and fuel.
As opposed to a communication we opt to instead send a mail-type message to our contacts with the Pota and Itokin. As confirmation of the specifics isn't exactly required. Within a few minutes of sending the messages we get back messages saying that both parties will be happy to supply the required resources.
I say, "Now that we've got a battleship, crew, provisions and fuel secured, I suppose all we gotta do is relax and wait for the crew to arrive. We have been given access to more of the IEC station, including several bars. Whaddya say to hitting up a few up while we wait. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun."
"You and your alcohol, you know that stuff is just poison right? But sure, let's go take a sampling of the local bar culture."
With that, we have accomplished our nearterm goal and will now proceed to get blind drunk.
Whatever events shall be coming in the future, I suppose there is nothing better to do than welcome it with open arms. Bring it on.
End of Chapter 9
A/N: Hello dear readers, author once again. Can you believe it's already chapter 9? It feels like the adventures are just flying past. I hope you enjoyed this chapter packed full of dialogue. Not only did we learn about some cool new technologies, but we also got to meet a few important aliens and organizations that will be crucial to Ray and Ko's journey going forth.
If you're still enjoying reading please make sure to leave a comment/review/favourite/follow/fun joke, it's much appreciated. As always, see ya next time dear reader.
Cathrix