On board the Naval colonization vessel; the Greater Arc
Despite its status as an experimental anachronism, the interior of the Greater Arc was more similar to one of Iotor's regular naval vessels.
The corridors were all well maintained, as a rolling clean up went through the ship every twenty four hours. The inside was spacious, and somewhat easy to navigate. Its branching and winding halls were simplified with dozens of signs and sparse maps.
If one followed the signs, there were two facilities that offered chow.
There was the Cafeteria, which was a large room stuffed with discount, spartan equipment. Tables were scratched or dented, cutlery was oddly present about the place, and the couches showed disturbingly obvious stains. The atmosphere was friendly, if very boisterous and the food smelled hearty, but was visually unappetizing.
The room next to it was the 'All-Soldiers Galley'. It was just as large as its civilian counterpart, but seemed more spacious and clean. Everything was in pristine condition, and the seating was plentiful and cushioned.
The food looked and smelt good, and the chatter was persistent but not deafening. However, those without a uniform would find themselves at the hostile end of unfriendly glances...Well, except for a few female colonists who had been invited in. But boys would be boys.
Besides the mess halls, there was the 'All-Crew recreation' room, resembling a ill-equipped arcade and gym. The dominant activity was air hockey, but there was also gym equipment and far in the background was a cramped sporting court, with folded basketball hoops and goals.
Finally, in the far bow of the vessel was an observation deck, under the bridge.
The soldiers -while doing their best to avoid being seen- were obviously not trained in the art of being subtle. Even though closed circuit camera's were spread throughout the ship, there was very little attention paid to the new guys. An announcement came over the speakers aboard the Greater Arc to ensure no one thought they had been boarded:
"Attention all, a private cargo vessel has docked with us temporarily. Its crew have been allowed to freely move about the public areas of the ship. That is all"
Sue Ellen reentered the bridge, which was rolling along quite nicely. The Mission Coordinator was waiting for her next to the door.
"What the hell was that?"
He was spoiling her good mood already, and she hadn't even said a word "Business. I'm trying to help the colony"
"By letting a private company -pardon me- a private VESSEL ship...What did you call them? VITAL MATERIALS!"
The entire bridge attempted to keep on task, but with the two highest ranking officers on the vessel on the verge of a power struggle it was hard to focus.
"Risks are a part of business. This deal is going to reduce the time it takes to build this colony by maybe a year!"
"And get you off this ship and on your arse behind a five-star desk right?"
Now he was pushing it "WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING?"
"THAT THIS WHOLE THING IS JUST WAY FOR YOU TO GET OUT OF CAPTAINING"
Sue Ellen rapidly closed the distance between herself and the Mission Coordinator. Their faces were inches apart and her voice strangled his ears "INITIATIVE IS A PART OF BEING AN OFFICER, I SUGGEST YOU LOOK THAT UP IN YOUR TRAINING MANUAL"
"NOW REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU THINK GROUP CAPTAIN, I AM IN CHARGE OF THIS VESSEL AND THE COLONIZATION EFFORTS. IF YOU SLANDER ME ONE MORE TIME, I'LL HAVE YOU REMOVED FROM POST FOR CONTEMPT AGAINST A SUPERIOR OFFICER" She backed off to let him breathe "Do you get me?"
A moment of hesitation and thought.
"I get you ma'am"
