0:30 IST, Fourteenth day, eighth month, 3078 PV | Kalvax System / Risia Orbit / Clak Battleship / Officers' lounge
"I see, you've been thinking quite intensely about this. Gee, if It were me I might've called them right back and impulsively said yes."
"Well, good thing I'm the one making the decisions then. We don't want to be too hasty and make mistakes."
"You're kinda boring though, you always try to think things through fully. As Ma used to say, the best recipe for fun is impulsive decisions."
"I think she forgot to mention that that can also be the recipe for disaster. While it is important to be impulsive on occasion, I think it is important to think through big decisions thoroughly."
"I guess so, you're the Admiral, I'm just a mere captain. So, about your decision. What will we do about Itokin's offer?"
"Well, whaddya expect? Of klacking course I'm going to accept. Not only do we stand to gain untold benefits if I succeed. But I also get to experience this trial of convergence. Even if I don't remember it happening, being able to add the fact that I attempted it to my resume would look great on job applications."
"Yipee! Let's do this thing. Or rather, I suppose it'll be you doing all the work." She says this with wide eyes full of sadness. She must be very sad that I'm the only one that gets to have fun with the trial and such. I wouldn't be surprised if there is also jealousy at me being deemed of potential by Itokin.
Without further hesitation, we depart for the bridge. When we arrive, Beck Flap greets us with much vigor. Most of the other crew have finished up their tasks and have gone on leave to the planet. However, one Arkan stayed behind to repair the damage to the aft of the ship caused by our exit from hyperspace. Poor guy, wonder what bet was lost to be left behind.
Ray and I take our seats as Captain and Admiral of this fine ship. I then initiate my sync and call Liaison once again.
[Conversation over text]"Greetings Contestants Kovon Ducker and Rayleigh Inan. I can only infer that your purpose of message is to accept or decline participation in the trial of convergence, yes?"
Ko:"Yes, I, Kovon Ducker, would be honored to accept Itokin's proposal and will attempt the trial of convergence."
"Wonderful news indeed. I shall make the necessary arrangements for the trial. The trial will occur in two days. At 12:00 IST, Sixteenth day, eighth month, 3078 PV. We shall send a shuttle to pick you up, Kovon Ducker, alone, two hours before the aforementioned time.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make many calls to arrange representatives from all over the universe to witness your trial. More information will be provided on the day of the trial. Try not to die before then, young one."
With that, somewhat ominous parting, the transmission concludes. I turn to Ray and utter, in a very deep tone. "Well, I suppose it is done, In two days my fate shall be decided."
"Did ya really have to do that? It sounds like you're being tried for a capital crime or something."
"It adds atmosphere, this is an important moment after all. It might be recorded in my biography some day."
"Geez, you are truly insufferable. What happened to all the self degradation? As much as I hate it, it's far better than your recent incessant bragging."
"Oooh, do I smell jealousy from Mrs. Genius prodigy with an appetite? I would've thought someone of your abilities would be beyond such emotions. I suppose you are just a normal human girl after all."
"What is that supposed to mean? You are aware I'm only two years older than you. We attended the entirety of school together, well until you dropped out."
"Ah, the good old days. You used to be so fun back then, though you are still fun now of course. Remember that-" before I can continue, she quickly covers my mouth with her hand. It seems her embarrassing past is another weak point of hers. Man, I'm on a roll at discovering ways to toy with her.
"You better shut your mouth right now, remember I have embarrassing stories about you as well."
In response to this, I lick her hand which is still covering my mouth. She quickly retracts her hand and makes a strange look.
"Well, who's to say I am afraid of those stories? Perhaps I wish to build a reputation as the reformed cringy genius. I bet the crew would love to hear about that time in seventh grade when you failed to account for drag while swimming."
"Shut it, go back to your quiet contemplation about the nature of the universe or whatever." She says this in a brave and confrontational tone, but I notice blush making its way up her neck. I appear to have hit a nerve. For now I shall retreat and ready an offensive to make her far happier than she has been in recent days.
3:00 IST, Fourteenth day, eighth month, 3078 PV | Kalvax System / Risia Orbit / Clak Battleship / Hangar
"So, where should we head off to? We could go visit the plains, or the mountains, or even the deserts. I bet we will encounter all sorts of interesting fauna and flora."
"Weve got time, let's visit them all!"
"Sounds like as good a plan as any. Let's head to the forests first. I bet there are some really unique alien trees."
We are currently in the hangar, about to board the Uriel Cruiser in order to head down to Risia for some explorative rest and relaxation. This is also part of my grand plan to make Ray really happy.
We head inside the cruiser and are welcomed by Uri. Ray instructs Uri to take us down to one of the forests on the planet. The cruiser then un-hangars from the battleship for the first time, and we zoom off down to the planet.
As we descend, Ray's excitement only seems to grow. I know from our time in school that she really likes to explore the wilderness. This has gotten us in trouble many times, as we frequently ran away to go explore the forests near our homes.
"Oooh, look, it's a tree. But not a tree? It appears to be a large fungus rather than a tree. How fascinating!" Ray exclaims with a tone filled with joy as she looks out the viewport at the forest that now surrounds us.
We happen to have been taken to a lush mushroom forest. The 'trees' are growing to heights over twenty meters tall, with smaller mushrooms making up the undergrowth.
"Im not exactly sure how such an ecosystem survives, but it sure is interesting. I would love to do some research into the local ecology, or rather fungcology(?)."
"Booo, no boring scientific research in our grand exploration. Hurry up, let's go outside and take a closer look!"
We exit the Uriel and proceed to spend around an hour walking around the mushroom forest. There are hundreds of varieties of fungus. We also notice some cool looking birds with rainbow colored feathers.
After we are done exploring the mushroom forest, we reboard the Uriel. We then instruct Uri to take us to the nearest plains type area. We take off once again and travel for about five minutes before arriving at our destination.
"Ko! Look! Those things are massive. And there are soooooo many. There must be tens of thousands of them." Ray says as she looks out the window at a giant herd of elephant-sized creatures. They appear to function similar to bison, but much larger.
"The universe sure is interesting, imagine what other strange creatures are hiding waiting to be discovered."
"You and your discoveries, why dontcha stop and just enjoy the view of cool stuff, instead of thinking about what may be. Live in the moment a little more."
"Sorry Mrs. Genius prodigy with an appetite. I simply cannot help but entertain my deep curiosity for all the things the universe has to offer.
We then proceed to spend hours flying around and observing the bison. We also notice a large pack of wolf-like creatures that hover near the edge of the herd. They are probably looking for a nice piece of prey to snatch up. Such is the natural course of life.
Due to the danger of wildlife, we decided it was best to observe from the air. Which honestly might've given us a better view, from down on the ground all we would've seen was bison.
Next up, we go visit the mountains. The highest peaks appear to be about 12km high.
"Look! Those goat-like creatures are balancing perfectly on the sheer side of that mountain. I wish we could do that." She says as she points to an animal that appears very similar to a mountain goat.
"I mean, with these augmentation kits, we probably could do that. Do you want to go give it a try?"
"Of course, Uri, take us down to a good place to go mountain climbing."
Uri does as instructed and lands us in a place that we can easily climb with just our kits and exosuits.
Uri:"Please be warned, the atmosphere here does not contain enough oxygen, your helmets will be required."
"Good to know Uri, thanks for the heads up." I say as Ray and I activate our helmets and depart from the cruiser.
We then proceed to scale the sheer face of the cliff, which is about four hundred meters high. Thanks to our augmentation kits, this previously inhuman feat is now easily completed.
Once we reach the top, Ray lets out an exclamation of triumph. "Huzzah! I bet we are the first humans to scale a mountain cliff on an alien world. Quick, be sure to take a picture of this moment, it shall go down in history for sure."
I then proceed to deploy the picto-drone that I brought with us. We then move in close together and give big smiles, and a picture is taken. Now this moment can forever be preserved in the history books.
It is now that I activate my super duper plan for universal peace.
"Ray, guess what!"
"What is it this time?"
"I have brought something special along."
At these words, a drone from the cruiser arrives on the plateau. It is carrying a picnic basket, loaded with delicious food! It also contains an oxygen bubble generator (so we can remove our helmets) and picnic blanket.
"Wow, a picnic. The classic activity for the top of an alien mountain. How original." She says with a tone of sarcasm, however I can tell that she is also excited to see the food I made. "Still though, this is a perfect vantage point! You sure are a genius aren't ya."
"Nah, I'm just a freeloading worthless piece of junk NEET that happens to know how to cook. And is trying to manipulate you with delicious food in strange locations in order to establish peace across the universe.
"Geez, you really can't just take a compliment. I hit you with a minor buff and you go straight for the death blow, on yourself!."
"The day that I would admit I am not a worthless piece of junk is the day I would get married. So, never *somber laugh*."
With this comment, the air goes dead. A few seconds later, Ray recovers and starts to lay out the picnic. The spread is quite advanced if I do say so myself. Firstly, we have some chickenlike bird/algae bread sandwiches (which are a martian classic). Next, we have a salad made of the finest Potanian vegetables. We also have several strange looking fruits of unknown origin. Lastly, the center piece, we have a cheesecake. Made out of the finest Velzian dairy products.
Now, this cheesecake was very difficult to make, even with the chef's assistance, it took me four hours to construct. Thankfully, Ray seems to be really excited about it, thus making the time investment worth it.
"Ooo, cheesecake, it's been ages since I've had any. You can bake too! Your skills seem to improve massively any time you cook." She says as she struggles to speak through a mouthful of various foods.
"I'm glad you're happy, I think this is a good step towards universal peace. After all, a happy diplomat is a great way to ensure peace."
"Of course this is a part of some grand plan. But if your grand plans involve me eating delicious food, feel free to include me whenever you want."
"I shall be sure to take your preference into account in my future plans, don't you worry. There is plenty more delicious food to come."
"Yipee, I can't wait." She once again says as she has a mouth full of food.
With my plan for universal peace now making steady progress, I suppose our little adventure will soon come to an end. Next up, we have to return to our primary journey. Which means it will be time for me to undergo the big bad trial of convergence.
Whatever the Itokin has to throw at me, I'm sure I can handle it. So, bring it on.
End of Chapter 15
A/N: Hiya dear reader. Author here once again to fulfill the space designed for rambling. I hope you enjoyed this chapter that started off serious but quickly devolved into shenanigans, as things often do when Ray and Ko are together.
If you have been enjoying the series up to this point, comments/follows/favourites/fun jokes are always appreciated. Until next time, o great and dear reader.
Cathrix