Glein
Vaigarin Elder
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2021
- Messages
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Medusa Expanse - 010029:6 (Prazoa, Secunda Major System)
'Fallen Shrine' Cargo Hold
Sophia 'Soap' Brookmire eyed the documents on the clipboard (as archaic as it was, it was still more secure than digital in this line of work) as she reviewed what this latest order came in. "So, you need this item to get there by when again?" She asked, looking up from the clipboard to the man in front of her. All around her cargo of all sorts, all of it above board of course, was being loaded into the hold as she did.
A smuggler she might be, but it didn't always pay the bills. Meaning yes, she did work as a proper merchant ship when there weren't any black jobs coming up. Suffice to say, she wasn't sure where she'd fit in a passenger at the last second, even if they weren't listed on her manifest, much less as a passenger. Her ears twitched while her tails swayed behind her in a slightly agitated fashion.
The Liaison Sighed,the taller thin looking man scratched his chin.” I….well Soap, the order came in for an outer rim town on the other side of the expanse. About two weeks plus refueling if need be. And the ship out date is tomorrow. “ The man rubbed his chin harder, as he leaned closer to almost whisper.” look this job is the jackpot… he is paying 25k...up front. What more do you want from me?” the man leaned back putting his hands on his hips, his coveralls showing the name Leo in What seemed to be neatly stitched letters.
Soap sighed. "I get it. I do. And that's not a small paycheck. But that's 2 weeks off my planned route. Some hotshot ordered the most of this to get into UNS space ASAP. That's 14, almost 15 weeks if I'm willing to push my engine to the limit. So I suppose the important question is, does it have to be in that direction, or would they be willing to settle for one along the way?" She said, having gestured to the various materials surrounding them.
"Besides, it's not like I'm hurting for jobs. Especially since the UNS and NDC are still busy feeling out each other right now." She pointed out.
“Soap, this is scripts in hand….. 50k in total and don't forget, you aren’t hurting for work but those ‘above the table’ jobs take months to pay out sometimes. I've got a lot of pressure on this one,” Leo sighs frustrated,” Ill let you keep 100% of the share. That is how bad I need you to take this job. Thats 50 in YOUR pocket, plus...i'll owe you. But i'm telling you this guy needs off my port.” The thin man obviously seemed stressed about the situation, his eyes began to look around the landing pad and entrance to the Cargo hold.”I know its a lot, but thats all the information I have on the cargo.”
Soap sighed, pinching her nose. "Fine! Fine. Fuck." She said. "Getting favors out of you guys is hard enough on its own. Knowing this guy needs to move that much..." She muttered. "Better hurry. I'm scheduled to be airborne in about 4 hours." She said, turning around and climbing up the ladder braced against the far wall to get into the crew section of the battered and beaten patrol ship turned into a smuggling vessel. Most of its weapons had been yanked when it was decommissioned, but it was sturdier than most cargo haulers and Soap had managed to sink some funds into defenses against the occasional pirate.
For now, she needed to get ready to launch. Meaning doing the pre-launch that go delayed by that lovely little discussion. She could kiss the bonus on the above board job goodbye though. Even if the bonus wasn't nearly as much as this extra job was paying.
Theo arrived an hour after the deal had been made, meeting briefly with the gaunt Leo, before seeing the old patrol ship.” Hello?” a voice rang out into the cargo hold as a long dark haired man, stepped deeper into the Ships hold.” I was told to meet a ‘Soap’ here? If and when anyone has time id like to ensure our business is settled so I may settle in a cabin for this flight.”
The younger looking man adjusted his glasses, his eyes scanning the Hold for any movement. Still calm with an air of slight apprehension. Leaning against a cargo crate, Theo waited patiently.
The intercom crackled to life. "I'm in the bridge. Hurry up and strap in. I don't have time for the tour right now." Soap said, eyes focused on the measure she needed to do to launch the craft. She could at least explain a few things while she did so, since what normally took about 3 people she had to do alone, meaning it took far longer to go through a pre-flight check than it should.
Gods how she wished she could get people to hire on and fucking well stay on her crew. Nope. Most just wanted to pay their way with working for the duration.
As the intercom crackled to life, the woman's voice came as a surprise,"I will be right up Captain."
A few wheezing parts and some clangs echoed around Theo as he moved through the ship to the bridge. It was quick to tell that she was not an engineer or mechanic, since plenty of parts were simply just taped over, or held together with wire. But, it all seemed to be working for the most part.
"I'm impressed this shit is held together the way it is." His words barely q whisper as he continued to the bridge. Finally reaching his destination, The young looking doctor stepped forward." Captain, thank you for taking this job, where would you like me to strap in?" It was clear, the Doctor was calmer than expected. Soft facial features gave an almost air of timidity to the man. His eyes scanned the bridge, it seemed odd there was only one occupant for the size of her ship.
"Found a crash couch. Got plenty up here. Oh, and even after strapping in, you'll want to hold on." She said, gaze firmly focused on the tasks in front of her, getting systems online fully and running through a diagnostic check before flight. "The Fallen Shrine's holding together, but it's not in the best of shape." She said, watching as the latest gauges hit the green for lift off. She wasn't strapped in herself, but it was clear why as she stood up and walked over to a different control set-up and settled into bringing it online and running as well.
The doctor watched as the smuggler seemed to bounce from console to console to make the old ship lift off. " I can see that, however it has a nostalgia, to it, that I find rather homey." He sat down in one of the Ships many chairs, strapping in. Securing it tightly. As he continued to observe Soap's actions. Theo Pulled the fasteners tight. Eager to escape the planet his welcome was quickly becoming overstayed. Knowing the Syndicate would sure begin looking for him.
Soap smiled, with a grin. "Shame I can't keep a crew around to make it feel more so." She said, as she finished up, a few hours later, strapping herself into the pilot's seat, and having the ship lift off the ground, bound for space as they launched.
As the sky darkened, and soon changed from blue to black as they breached the atmosphere, and were now in space. Soap unstrapped and floated over to the engineering console, and tapped away on the console, before getting it a firm smack and a few more taps, whereupon gravity once more clung to their forms as the ship's artificial gravity kicked into being.
"Alright, I've got a course laid into the autopilot, so lemme give you the 10 script tour." She said, stretching and shaking out the stress of the launch from her limbs.
Watching the two break atmosphere, Theo enjoyed the blackness of space. The great void. As the weightlessness occurred, Theo unmatched his restraints. Before the pull of the artificial gravity began to bring him quickly back to the deck, with a loud thud. Slowly scrambling to his feet, The Doctor replied with a sheepish smirk." A tour I think would be lovely. Later on. I will tell you, if you'd like. Anything you'd need or would like to know in regards to this journey." As he spoke, his hands began to rub his arms working out any stress that was creeping down from his shoulders.
Soap snorted. "Bud, you're the goods. I'm not gonn ask your story, because in my line of work, unless I have good reason to ask questions, the less I know, the safer you are." She said, exiting the bridge to the elevator. "Come on." She said, waving Theo into the box, and having it lower to the next deck down, which was the crew deck. "Crew deck." She said, walking forward. "Cabins that are empty, so take your pick. Captains quarters on the left are mine." She stated, gesturing to the rooms in question.
"Got the mess/common room there. Most of the time it'll be fix yourself with what we have. There's some holo's in the computer, not a lot, so you'll have things to watch if you want. Past that is the gangwalk for the missile tubes." She explained, as they stepped into the room in question. It was a large-ish room, with one side having a small serving counter with a fridge and pantry behind it. The rest of the room was occupied by the various tables and chairs, with one corner dominated by a large display with a battered couch in front of it.
At the far end was a heavy duty hatch, with 'MISSILE GANGWAY' marked next to it. Along with a dozen warnings and alert notices pasted onto the hull as well. "Latrines and Showers are quick to find, so you should have to worry about that." She said, stepping back through the hatch towards the elevator.
Theo followed, lost in thought as the two came to the Cabins. Stepping out he quickly set one of two bags into an empty room as they continued. His eyes followed Soaps words as she explained where everything was located. "Thank you for the tour, and yes I may be Cargo...but I feel it imperative that you understand the level of severity this 'Cargo' brings. If we are on auto pilot, I'd like to discuss this here in the Mess, or on the bridge. Whichever you'd prefer. I myself attempt to provide as much transparency since my last occupation."
His expression hardened a moment, before fiddling with the bag he had, still slung around his shoulder. Pulling a seemingly old bottle of brown liquid. The label, a browning paper that was long bleached of any dark lettering. Covered with wax over the cork that kept its contents inside. "I will not willingly be a hassle for you, but this is something I'd wish to share. If you'd indulge me?" His hand extended, clasped tight around the opaque bottle, shaking it to make a satisfying slosh.
Soap eyed the bottle, and keyed the control to return them to the bridge. "We are, till we reach the wormhole going your way." She said, walking to the captains chair and settling into it. "I'll pass on the hooch though. 'Least till we hit the jump." She said. "And if you want to spill your guts, go ahead. But don't assume that it's gonna make me sympathetic to you or offer a discount. I'm already gonna be in enough hot water as it is with the goods I have legitimately in the hold being 2 weeks late."
The Doctor chuckled,"Hooch this is not. This bottle is one of a few left from before my people took the journey to colonize new planets. As for a discount or sympathy, I ask for neither. It is more informative than anything." Theo seemed to relax slightly, the bag still never leaving his side. His hands gripped around the waxy covering before a distinct Crack was followed by a satisfying pop of a cork. The sweet strong smelling liquid ended up in a blue metal cup, that had been pulled from the bag as well. Before he sat down Theo took a sip, making a slight face as the liquor went down smooth but felt like a warm blast of octane had erupted from his stomach after." This outer rim is run by the local Syndicate. I was a member, a doctor as I am now…" He took another sip." However I'm not a regular doctor, I am a pharmacist. My task was to create a lot of the drugs you see in circulation in this system and in a few neighboring systems." Theo quickly poured himself another glass sipping again." I couldn't keep that up. So I...requisitions my recipes and my allotted money from such ventures and am relocating to a quieter locale."
Soap rolled her eyes. "A lot of which were the combat drugs we got pumped full of back during the war." She said, letting that hang. "As well as all the drugs they pumped into us genemods." She continued, finally turning to look at him. "What, thought I wasn't from Haran? Sorry, vat born and bred I am. Meant for the last great war, got shoved in an ice box after being made ready for deployment, and then woke up here without a war to fight." She said, sounding completely uncaring at how callously her life had been prepared and then discarded, much less prepared to be discarded more so.
"Like I said, not gonna get much sympathy from me. I'm just doing a job. I couldn't care less if you were a fucking drug den boss who pissed off the local noble's retinue and had to run to avoid getting hung off the spire." She said, returning her gaze to the view outside of the windows of the patrol ship, letting her head rest against the worn down headrest of her chair. "Fuck knows I got shit when they woke me up and told me 'Oh hey, war's over, you're a free person now. Oh, but we're not gonna do shit for you to help transition.'" she said aloud, just so this doc understood why she really didn't care. Sure, she didn't blame him for what he did. She wasn't heartless, but everything about her? She was practically purposeless outside of this work she did.
"How long you think you got till that syndicate decides they want your ass back, either working again, or just so they can hang your head on a pike outside the door?" She asked, glancing over at Theo.
Theo's eyes widened with surprise. Before relaxing again." I've seen a lot of you that came from before the wars end. I understand your Apathy and anger after being made for a purpose you'd never have. I'm sure you are content with transport. But I feel you might be searching for more. If not now, then down the road." His brow furrowed once again, now in thought. "The Syndicate will surely want me dead, after the destruction of their manufacturing facility and half of their money gone. But i suspect it will take them years to recover." His words trailed off with a slight smirk before looking out into the void."Those combat and gene therapy serums, were one of many, It's not often two relics from a forgotten war meet, especially in such a haphazard fashion. I know you do not wish for my sympathy, so I do not wish to come off as patronizing. But does it ever get lonely on these jobs?" His subject change would hopefully buffer the weight of their current conversation.
"Always. I've never had a full crew last longer than a single job. Most times, they're just paying their way to their destination by helping me run the ship if they've got the skills to do it." Soap said, shrugging. "Most the time I've only got one or two others to help run things. Hell, flying this heap wasn't even what I'd been made for. I was meant to do recon." She said, watching as the void begun to be sprinkled with stars as they fully left the protective sphere of the planet behind them, and the light of the stars so distant began to reach them fully.
"I can imagine, feeling out of place in this new world. Tell you what, I'll triple your payment, fix the ship up. And I'm sure at that point, a well put together ship with a good medical officer, might attract a few more?" His offer had rushed out of his mouth, mostlikely account of the alcohol and lack of food since their departure. But now, the cards were on the table. And Theo couldn't help but chuckle at himself."There are plenty of places between here and Sirrus II we could stop to do so. I would offer a new ship but I feel like there is an attachment to this old bird. And if she flies this steady in this condition? I can only imagine at its full potential." His eyes trailed the faint stars, as the bottle tipped once again into the cup. With another chuckle Theo exhaled, his cheeks now flushed, as his body began to relax.
Soap snorted, before looking at Theo. "And what do you get out of it? Not to sound like an absolute bitch, but most folks I've met look at me, see how I'm a combat built creature, and just 'nope' as soon as they can. And you're sitting there, offering to stay on as a permanent crew, and help with funding the repairs for this ship?" She asked, not really believing just how freely he was offering what he was.
Theo rubbed his chin in thought, a moment passed by in silence before he spooked again to the stars." Something it seems we either both need, or want in some way. Whether it's a fresh start, or companionship. Either or seem to work in this scenario. Plus if I'm always on the move, the Mindweavers will have a harder time finding me. Not to mention. I can assist both with medical issues and any additional after effects of your Gene therapy." He sighed briefly setting his cup on one of the flat consoles." That...you won't find anywhere." His gaze then flashed from the stars to the young woman.
Soap blinked, snorted, and couldn't help but start laughing. "Oooh, that's rich. That's bloody fucking rich." She said, shaking her head as she tried to get her amusement under control. "I'm not some poor sap juiced up and left to rot. I was lab made. Start to finish. Sure, it's flawed, but hells, I'm still around, and while it sucks fucking ass, I'm proud of it." She continued.
"And one of the few 'good' things the people waking me up did was turn off the fucking timebomb in my genes that'd kill me after so long of active use. Guess being 'free' in their minds was just being thrown into the wild and expected to sink or swim on your own, not have it taken away from you at the whim of some fucked up asshole in a fancy suit with too many damned ribbons." she finished, finally getting her laughter under control.
Theos eyes Narrowed," I'm glad you find my proposal entertaining, I do see this as an opportunity to bring in crew that might stay, even if you aren't 'all juiced up' as you say. None of us could predict long term effects for Genemods. The research was never fully complete. Despite that fact however, I'm fully aware you are not just a toy, you do not have to so brazenly explain what is obvious." The Doctor lifted the cup to sip again from its contents. A chuckle began to well within himself, more-so in disbelief than anything else." Im giving you an in. And a fresh start. I don't expect sympathy, nor do I normally give it. To assume it is because of a sob story is hilarious in its own right." Theos tone changed ever so slightly, as he sippet yet again from the near empty cup.
Soap smiled. "Sure. I can accept that. Just so long you don't mind any eccentricities I've picked up in my decade after being thawed out of the freezer." She said, gesturing to the ship around them. "After all, I play at being a Kitsune with a ship for a shrine when needs must." She stated with a big smile. "Welcome aboard I suppose, though we kind of did that whole bit before." She said, before the pilot's console beeped. "Aaaaand that's the wormhole notice. Better strap in, the A-Grav fails every time cause this hunk of metal was never made with NDC FTL in mind. Still not sure where the yard got it, but damned if it hasn't been good for me." She instructed, as she moved to the pilot's seat and took her own advice, tapping away at the controls and readying the 'Fallen Shrine' to jump into the NDC's version of faster than light travel.
Theo stood with a chuckle to himself” I am sure I can handle the break in A gravity-” his sentence was cut short as the artificial gravity cut abruptly causing a violent ejection of the doctor before returning him horizontally in front of his seat, the bottle still in one piece held above his body now face down on the cold metal of the deck.” Very well captain...I-I stand corrected.” his words came out slowly as he peeled himself from the deck securing his body to the seat, his nose slightly bloody from the fall.
Soap glanced behind herself, and chuckled as the Doctor 'swam' back to the chair. "Yup. And it'll kick back on once we drop out of the wormhole." She said, unable to stop the chuckle from escaping her throat. "I can show you medical now since we're in jump for about 12 hours. Make sure to use the hand holds. Not gonna try and fish you if you get stuck mid hall." She said, undoing her straps and using the handholds on the chair to get her moving in the right direction.
The Doctor nodded, before unbuckling, catching the handholds of the chair to follow suit. “I don't believe you ned to worry about fishing me out of the hall, I believe I can ...now that i've learned… follow instructions,” stopping his sentence Theo thought to himself for a brief moment.” Captain, will we be nearing your previous objective flight? If So I could accompany you to the port where we ,might be able to procure some medical supplies, so we may keep a fresh stock.”: his thought possibly coming far too late since their jump had already commenced.
Soap shrugged. "Honestly, we're travelling about two weeks completely perpendicular to the course I should be taking to drop off the goods in the hold, meaning I'm adding two weeks travel to the 14 week trip." She said, tails curling and coiling behind her as she moved. "That said, hope you got some experience with PTSD. Because if you do, expect more than a few visits." She said, solemnly. Reaching the elevator, she grabbed ahold of the bars on the interior of it, while awaiting the doc to enter. "It's on the same floor as engineering, armory, weapons control, and the hold. So at least if shit goes sideways, injuries are quick to reach you." She said once he was inside and she hit the button to lower them the two decks down.
“I am rather familiar with multiple forms of the disorder, of both combat and non combat variations of the Disorder. And can be of help." Theo, Sighed as the conversation only became more morose in nature. Holding the bar, to ensure a repeat of mishap on the bridge.” Do you expect firefights? Im not adverse to combat, however a lower profile would most certainly be a boon.” Theo chuckled to himself as the elevator began to slow, his demeanor slightly changing on account of his opaque bottle sticking out of his now floating bag.
Soap shook her head. "It's more for me. I've, still got nightmares from the War, despite not deploying." She said simply, floating out of the elevator once it stopped, using the handholds spaced through the hall to propel herself down the hallway at a controlled speed, before stopping in front of a room labeled 'Medical Bay', which lay across the hall from a door that bore no label. "I'm FAC, but no doctor. So if you see we're short or missing anything truly critical in triage, lemme know, and we'll try and get ahold of it when we can." She said, letting him enter to see what was available in the room.
Theodore frowned for a brief moment." You don't have to justify why you have the nightmares, I understand plenty." His arm extended grasping the bar, pulling himself into the small medical bay. A singular chair that folded into a bed sat in the middle of the off white room. Theo began his inspection, cabinet by Cabinet." I see there is a need for updated Saline bags, pain medications and transfusion equipment. It seems we could also use nanomachine treatment systems. For both clearing and repairing. Otherwise, basic needs seem to be met. I'll continue my cataloging of the Medical bay. Oh...and….Captain? If you'd like to talk about your nightmares. I'll begin a profile and chart for you whenever you'd like."
Soap smiled. "Thanks. Affording someone to talk to who isn't gonna look at me like I'm some bug in a jar to be examined isn't easy, so you might be able to help." She said, morose as she thought about what those nightmares came with every time. "And most of that shouldn't be hard to get. Sans the nanomachine treatments. I don't think the UNS use nano's much, so it'd have to be something we pick up when we get back to NDC space. Which might be a while. Hopefully we don't get too shot up along the way." She said, finishing almost absent-mindedly.
"I'll try and give you a buzz when we're getting ready to drop out of the jump. It'll take us about an hour after to find the next one for the next jump." She said, preparing to throw herself towards the elevator once more.
"Understood Soap, would you prefer that drink now? And if you'd like to take shifts in regards to a sleep schedule I think it might help." His smile was Genuine, as he pushed off, tussling Soaps hair as he passed by, stopping at the entrance of the medical bay.
Soap chuckled. "Sure. Since the thing works mostly on auto since I'm not an expert at this kind of thing." She said, figuring getting a good sleep would be nice, instead of having to have a 'down time' between jumps in some odd spot just so she didn't burn herself out. "It's mostly just pointing this thing in the right way." She smiling. "And we'll find a time for that first crack at my head."
"I am sure we will Captain, but let's head back to the galley, for that drink. Then I'll take the helm, it's the least I can do." Theo smed again pushing out into the corridor, shaking the bottle in his bag.
Soap smirked. "Sure. I suppose having a stiff drink before conking out would be good." She said, leading the way to the galley. She actually seemed to be more relaxed right now, more so than she had when they'd met. She clearly went from being fully on edge and tense, ready to deal with problems. Now, with the clear rapor the pair apparently had, she was much more calm and ready to actually talk. To be herself.
With a slight smile and a nod from Theo, he followed his small, bushytailee Captain into the galley, again pulling the opaque bottle of brown liquor from his bag." Would you like a cup as well captain?" His question, was playful yet also genuine. Meeting someone who he had(even if not directly) affected so poorly by his research. Seemed to do little in ways of emotion. Yet an obligation seemed to appear in its stead.
Soap smirked and nodded. "Sure. Imagine what you got burns a bit more than most of the stuff I get in port. Not point burning my gut with the whole bottle on my own." She replied, settling into a chair and leaning back. "Ya know, I always wondered what the naval genemods felt cooped up on a ship like this... Was there a kind of comradery, or were they like us Army genemods? Thrown into live fire training until only the most effective, or luckiest, of us were left?" She mused aloud. It was one of those things she'd pondered before, but now she had a chance to ask someone who might have an idea about it.
-Theo set two cups down pouring two stiff drinks, in preparation for the conversation. Taking a deep sigh, he took his sip first." Most Genemods were utilized as Frontline troops. The Navy variants had a similar training, if they were marine forces or pilot's. The others, were more so preprogrammed for ship duties. They only knew life aboard the ship's they were on. If that helps to clarify." His words were not harsh, but matter of fact. Discussing them as any good scientist or doctor does, to separate themselves from their work.
Soap snorted, but it wasn't in dismissal, but in acceptance. "Shit, we really were so disposable weren't we?" She complained, taking a hard swallow of the drink, coughing only slightly at the unfamiliar burn of it. "Good shit." She said, lifting the 2/3rd remaining pour of her cup.
Theo sighed, the macabre nature of their existence did not detract from their importance, in his mind." You all were our hope, our future and the last light in that awful war. I remember before the war, where people didn't live in constant fear of another shelling. Or another wave of soldiers crashing into your city, all modified to not feel pain. Watching the world burn did something to us. It killed our hope, our lives were advanced, focused on how to better eachother. How to improve life spans and ensure colonization of the system went without a hitch." He took a big gulp from his cup, the burn only numbing his want to stop."you Genemods weren't designed for war, not at first. I designed genemods to adapt to any environment, to overcome and endure. My original intent was for space travel. And assistance with terraforming and colonization. But…...instead, the project took an abysmal turn." Theo sighed, seemingly able to get something three hundred years brewing off his chest..
Soap nodded. "No surprise there." She said, swirling the drink around. "Seemed like we weren't always meant to be cannon fodder after all. But, fuck, I was just a corked out scout. Not my job to think about that kind of thing. Wonder how many of them realized we weren't as brain dead as they thought we were?"
Theo chuckled to himself, at Soaps question." We knew all along you weren't brain dead. That you had thoughts and feelings, that you were individuals. Critical thinking can only be done with a certain level of intellect. As dark as that may be, your skills, your ears, your tails. All assisted you in your purpose. You have an incredible level of mental endurance, and your decision making is proven that you having that mind was worth it after the war. I refused to change that."
Soap snorted. "Some of the officers sure as hell didn't act it. Who know, maybe if most of us had been brain dead, the war would have been even worse, or maybe not as bad. Fucked if I know. All I have to go by is the records." She replied, referring to the records and such left by others from the conflict who most assuredly were injecting their own biases, knowingly or not, into the histories being written about the war.
She took another drink of the booze, and leaned back, looking up. "Heard some genemods got their sterility reversed after the war, which is just weird to me. Just, the idea of us having children is strange. But, I'm also probably still in a bit of the mindset of being that ignorant grunt being prepared for war still about it."
Theo sighed again, looking up at the cold metallic bulkhead."I know its hard to not think about your directives. And stay in the mindset. Life stays a bit easier, if little changes. Or that's how we perceive it anyway." Looking back he took another gulp of the volatile brown liquid, making a slight face." This was my favorite drink before the war. It's not like the so called Scotch you find in the colonies. This… was made with a certain type of peat-moss that is smoked, that gives it such a distinct flavor, despite its age." The Doctor sighed heavily." You know, life has many challenges, as you know. But the hardest for me, is knowing that the only contribution I will be remembered for. Is being the'Tyrant' who created the Gene Mod programme, and then supplied the outer rims with combat stims and zipdangerous gene therapy." His words trailed off, as his realization set in. Laughing for a moment he rubbed his cheek, in thought.
Soap shrugged. "We all got our demons. That much I know. Question is, you gonna let it control you, or you gonna accept it and control it that way?" She asked. "Not my place to tell you what to do on that front. Just that you're gonna hafta make that choice. Or the choice will make it for you." She said. Yes, she could be surprisingly deep when the moment calls for it. Didn't come out often, but she could. "So, you gonna be 'The Tyrant', or you gonna be 'Theo'?" She asked, finishing off the last of the pour in her cup, and setting the glass down on the table.
Doctor Tibault finished his cup, pouring another for the two with a smile." You see, Sophia, no matter what occurs, I will always be Dr. Theodore Tibault. However, the Exodus has given me a fresh start. Like many of us, you included. My past will come back to find me, but for now. I'll live my life as a ship doctor, and see where it takes me." As he finished speaking, Theo let his fingers fall around the tin cup once more, raising it from the table. "To a fresh start Captain."
Soap chuckled and clicked the cup against his own. "Captain huh? Gods, that's gonna be such a weird thing to hear me called instead of just 'Soap' or 'Hey Bitch!'." She said, mimicking how she was often called out to by some of those she did business with. "But yes, to fresh starts. We all got them, wanted or not." She said, taking a drink of the whiskey.
Laughter erupted the the man, as he set his tin down for a moment," you wouldn't be hungry would you Captain?.Theodore stood up from his seat, and began rummaging through the cabinets in the Galley, looking for items to possibly cook."A good meal accompanied by good drink and company is a great way to end one's evening, don't you think?" His question did not wait too long for a response, as the Doctor continued to rifle through the freeze dried goods and rations.
"A touch, running a ship this size solo's busy work, leaving less time for food than the worst training cycle I ever experienced. Some Genies I've talked with relate it to combat deployments where food was 'eat it as you find time'." Soap replied, grinning. "Sadly, all rations or freeze dried. Gods, I'd love to have a proper hydroponics for fresh veggies."
Theo chuckled, pulling out a few C rations." This ship, unless we connect to the water treatment system… you'd be better off using aeroponics if you wanted fresh vegetables. But for now, these rations will have to do. Once we get done with these two jobs, as a thank you Captain. I'd like to treat you to a fancy meal. What do you say? Life can't always be just about work." His smile never left, especially at the thought of a good meal. Opening up the ration he chuckled, unwrapping one of the bars before taking a bite, then a sip of his scotch.
"I'll take that offer. Anything better than a bloody eat and run." Soap said, nodding. "And hey, if we can find a decent engineer, who knows, we might get such a thing done. Course, finding a place to set such a thing up is always the biggest bitch." She commenting with a grin as she did. "Heck, who knows, maybe we get enough of a crew, might have to find you a nurse to help. Who knows, maybe they help with morale too." She joked, not at all intending such a thing. Just one of those old traits of finding ways to improve morale.
Theo chuckled enjoying the simplicity of the meal." Keep it up and what I'll find is a nurses outfit for you." He chuckled treating in jest before taking another bite." Speaking of clothes we will look for a nice dress for you, for the meal. I'd hate for you to not enjoy the full experience, of a nice place."
"Oh god, me in a dress. That's an image I'll never be able to imagine." She remarked. "As for the nurse's outfit, I've done it once or twice. Weird jobs is all I'll say." She said, laughing, between bites. "Burned it after the second time though. Various reasons, some of it personal, most of it biological." She explained, before he could ask if she still had it.
The Doctor choked on his food, coughing hard before the masticated mess was finally able to dislodge itself from his throat." I have to say, I was not expecting that response… I assure you it was meant as a joke. As for the dress. I think it would do you some good to be dressed up at least once, you never know who you'll meet."
Soap laughed. "Do what I gotta do to pay the bills. And hey, it helped me get this ship." She said. "So it wasn't all bad. But it wasn't all good either. Some of the colonies are... pretty damned loose it seems on some NDC laws. Oh sure, they have all the big ones, but the littler ones? Ehh." She said, shrugging before taking a big bite of her food to take a swig of scotch with. "So yeah. That's a thing. Not sure what the Marquis is like on the world you picked, but I've heard things. Practical slavery for one thing." She said, shrugging.
Theo looked carefully at the young Captain, quiet in thought. His tone seemed to change." Are those rumors you've heard, or is he truly that bad I wonder?" Continuing to enjoy his meal, Theo finished the last of it, quickly cleaning up the mess of wrappers." Are you finished Soap? Or would you like more time to enjoy your meal?"
Soap handed over her empty tin. "Mix. A couple of folks who left the world and had no desire to go back, but mostly rumor from those in the colony around his." She said, finishing off her drink. "You're the first to want to go there, that I know of at least. The majority of official infonet material paints the place as quite nice. But I'm leery of official infonet material most of the time. Could be the cynic in me."
"It is in your nature to be cynical of propaganda, however if I can find a place away from the mindweavers, and we can make more money. We can fix this ship up and get her a decent crew." He spoke in earnest as he grabbed the additional rubbish, running it to the older incinerator adjacent to the pantry." It's just lawless enough we can be free, but structured that the Syndicate can't extend too far without causing a ruckus."
Soap nodded. "Sounds solid enough a plan to me. Heck, UNS has a fairly open door policy that I've seen. Hell, somehow I've seen ads for Nexus Impact the last few times I was there. I swear, the characters looked like they were part of that merc company... Nexus Security Services I think? So there's at least some kind of exchange of materials between the NDC and UNS." She said, chuckling. "I think games and music are some of the few things that are practically universal."
Theodore raised an eyebrow at the idea of a universal gatcha game taking the system by storm. "I'm not terribly sure I like that, however I feel moreso indifferent on the music spreading. For now, you might want to go rest, it's important to take a long rest where you can after all." He spoke with a genuine smile, heading back to the hatch leading from the mess hall. "But of course your orders are what we will follow."
Soap smirked. "Fine. I'll get some sleep. Don't wreck us ya hear?" She said, smiling and giving him a wave of her hand as she stepped out of the mess hall towards her cabin.
'Fallen Shrine' Cargo Hold
Sophia 'Soap' Brookmire eyed the documents on the clipboard (as archaic as it was, it was still more secure than digital in this line of work) as she reviewed what this latest order came in. "So, you need this item to get there by when again?" She asked, looking up from the clipboard to the man in front of her. All around her cargo of all sorts, all of it above board of course, was being loaded into the hold as she did.
A smuggler she might be, but it didn't always pay the bills. Meaning yes, she did work as a proper merchant ship when there weren't any black jobs coming up. Suffice to say, she wasn't sure where she'd fit in a passenger at the last second, even if they weren't listed on her manifest, much less as a passenger. Her ears twitched while her tails swayed behind her in a slightly agitated fashion.
The Liaison Sighed,the taller thin looking man scratched his chin.” I….well Soap, the order came in for an outer rim town on the other side of the expanse. About two weeks plus refueling if need be. And the ship out date is tomorrow. “ The man rubbed his chin harder, as he leaned closer to almost whisper.” look this job is the jackpot… he is paying 25k...up front. What more do you want from me?” the man leaned back putting his hands on his hips, his coveralls showing the name Leo in What seemed to be neatly stitched letters.
Soap sighed. "I get it. I do. And that's not a small paycheck. But that's 2 weeks off my planned route. Some hotshot ordered the most of this to get into UNS space ASAP. That's 14, almost 15 weeks if I'm willing to push my engine to the limit. So I suppose the important question is, does it have to be in that direction, or would they be willing to settle for one along the way?" She said, having gestured to the various materials surrounding them.
"Besides, it's not like I'm hurting for jobs. Especially since the UNS and NDC are still busy feeling out each other right now." She pointed out.
“Soap, this is scripts in hand….. 50k in total and don't forget, you aren’t hurting for work but those ‘above the table’ jobs take months to pay out sometimes. I've got a lot of pressure on this one,” Leo sighs frustrated,” Ill let you keep 100% of the share. That is how bad I need you to take this job. Thats 50 in YOUR pocket, plus...i'll owe you. But i'm telling you this guy needs off my port.” The thin man obviously seemed stressed about the situation, his eyes began to look around the landing pad and entrance to the Cargo hold.”I know its a lot, but thats all the information I have on the cargo.”
Soap sighed, pinching her nose. "Fine! Fine. Fuck." She said. "Getting favors out of you guys is hard enough on its own. Knowing this guy needs to move that much..." She muttered. "Better hurry. I'm scheduled to be airborne in about 4 hours." She said, turning around and climbing up the ladder braced against the far wall to get into the crew section of the battered and beaten patrol ship turned into a smuggling vessel. Most of its weapons had been yanked when it was decommissioned, but it was sturdier than most cargo haulers and Soap had managed to sink some funds into defenses against the occasional pirate.
For now, she needed to get ready to launch. Meaning doing the pre-launch that go delayed by that lovely little discussion. She could kiss the bonus on the above board job goodbye though. Even if the bonus wasn't nearly as much as this extra job was paying.
Theo arrived an hour after the deal had been made, meeting briefly with the gaunt Leo, before seeing the old patrol ship.” Hello?” a voice rang out into the cargo hold as a long dark haired man, stepped deeper into the Ships hold.” I was told to meet a ‘Soap’ here? If and when anyone has time id like to ensure our business is settled so I may settle in a cabin for this flight.”
The younger looking man adjusted his glasses, his eyes scanning the Hold for any movement. Still calm with an air of slight apprehension. Leaning against a cargo crate, Theo waited patiently.
The intercom crackled to life. "I'm in the bridge. Hurry up and strap in. I don't have time for the tour right now." Soap said, eyes focused on the measure she needed to do to launch the craft. She could at least explain a few things while she did so, since what normally took about 3 people she had to do alone, meaning it took far longer to go through a pre-flight check than it should.
Gods how she wished she could get people to hire on and fucking well stay on her crew. Nope. Most just wanted to pay their way with working for the duration.
As the intercom crackled to life, the woman's voice came as a surprise,"I will be right up Captain."
A few wheezing parts and some clangs echoed around Theo as he moved through the ship to the bridge. It was quick to tell that she was not an engineer or mechanic, since plenty of parts were simply just taped over, or held together with wire. But, it all seemed to be working for the most part.
"I'm impressed this shit is held together the way it is." His words barely q whisper as he continued to the bridge. Finally reaching his destination, The young looking doctor stepped forward." Captain, thank you for taking this job, where would you like me to strap in?" It was clear, the Doctor was calmer than expected. Soft facial features gave an almost air of timidity to the man. His eyes scanned the bridge, it seemed odd there was only one occupant for the size of her ship.
"Found a crash couch. Got plenty up here. Oh, and even after strapping in, you'll want to hold on." She said, gaze firmly focused on the tasks in front of her, getting systems online fully and running through a diagnostic check before flight. "The Fallen Shrine's holding together, but it's not in the best of shape." She said, watching as the latest gauges hit the green for lift off. She wasn't strapped in herself, but it was clear why as she stood up and walked over to a different control set-up and settled into bringing it online and running as well.
The doctor watched as the smuggler seemed to bounce from console to console to make the old ship lift off. " I can see that, however it has a nostalgia, to it, that I find rather homey." He sat down in one of the Ships many chairs, strapping in. Securing it tightly. As he continued to observe Soap's actions. Theo Pulled the fasteners tight. Eager to escape the planet his welcome was quickly becoming overstayed. Knowing the Syndicate would sure begin looking for him.
Soap smiled, with a grin. "Shame I can't keep a crew around to make it feel more so." She said, as she finished up, a few hours later, strapping herself into the pilot's seat, and having the ship lift off the ground, bound for space as they launched.
As the sky darkened, and soon changed from blue to black as they breached the atmosphere, and were now in space. Soap unstrapped and floated over to the engineering console, and tapped away on the console, before getting it a firm smack and a few more taps, whereupon gravity once more clung to their forms as the ship's artificial gravity kicked into being.
"Alright, I've got a course laid into the autopilot, so lemme give you the 10 script tour." She said, stretching and shaking out the stress of the launch from her limbs.
Watching the two break atmosphere, Theo enjoyed the blackness of space. The great void. As the weightlessness occurred, Theo unmatched his restraints. Before the pull of the artificial gravity began to bring him quickly back to the deck, with a loud thud. Slowly scrambling to his feet, The Doctor replied with a sheepish smirk." A tour I think would be lovely. Later on. I will tell you, if you'd like. Anything you'd need or would like to know in regards to this journey." As he spoke, his hands began to rub his arms working out any stress that was creeping down from his shoulders.
Soap snorted. "Bud, you're the goods. I'm not gonn ask your story, because in my line of work, unless I have good reason to ask questions, the less I know, the safer you are." She said, exiting the bridge to the elevator. "Come on." She said, waving Theo into the box, and having it lower to the next deck down, which was the crew deck. "Crew deck." She said, walking forward. "Cabins that are empty, so take your pick. Captains quarters on the left are mine." She stated, gesturing to the rooms in question.
"Got the mess/common room there. Most of the time it'll be fix yourself with what we have. There's some holo's in the computer, not a lot, so you'll have things to watch if you want. Past that is the gangwalk for the missile tubes." She explained, as they stepped into the room in question. It was a large-ish room, with one side having a small serving counter with a fridge and pantry behind it. The rest of the room was occupied by the various tables and chairs, with one corner dominated by a large display with a battered couch in front of it.
At the far end was a heavy duty hatch, with 'MISSILE GANGWAY' marked next to it. Along with a dozen warnings and alert notices pasted onto the hull as well. "Latrines and Showers are quick to find, so you should have to worry about that." She said, stepping back through the hatch towards the elevator.
Theo followed, lost in thought as the two came to the Cabins. Stepping out he quickly set one of two bags into an empty room as they continued. His eyes followed Soaps words as she explained where everything was located. "Thank you for the tour, and yes I may be Cargo...but I feel it imperative that you understand the level of severity this 'Cargo' brings. If we are on auto pilot, I'd like to discuss this here in the Mess, or on the bridge. Whichever you'd prefer. I myself attempt to provide as much transparency since my last occupation."
His expression hardened a moment, before fiddling with the bag he had, still slung around his shoulder. Pulling a seemingly old bottle of brown liquid. The label, a browning paper that was long bleached of any dark lettering. Covered with wax over the cork that kept its contents inside. "I will not willingly be a hassle for you, but this is something I'd wish to share. If you'd indulge me?" His hand extended, clasped tight around the opaque bottle, shaking it to make a satisfying slosh.
Soap eyed the bottle, and keyed the control to return them to the bridge. "We are, till we reach the wormhole going your way." She said, walking to the captains chair and settling into it. "I'll pass on the hooch though. 'Least till we hit the jump." She said. "And if you want to spill your guts, go ahead. But don't assume that it's gonna make me sympathetic to you or offer a discount. I'm already gonna be in enough hot water as it is with the goods I have legitimately in the hold being 2 weeks late."
The Doctor chuckled,"Hooch this is not. This bottle is one of a few left from before my people took the journey to colonize new planets. As for a discount or sympathy, I ask for neither. It is more informative than anything." Theo seemed to relax slightly, the bag still never leaving his side. His hands gripped around the waxy covering before a distinct Crack was followed by a satisfying pop of a cork. The sweet strong smelling liquid ended up in a blue metal cup, that had been pulled from the bag as well. Before he sat down Theo took a sip, making a slight face as the liquor went down smooth but felt like a warm blast of octane had erupted from his stomach after." This outer rim is run by the local Syndicate. I was a member, a doctor as I am now…" He took another sip." However I'm not a regular doctor, I am a pharmacist. My task was to create a lot of the drugs you see in circulation in this system and in a few neighboring systems." Theo quickly poured himself another glass sipping again." I couldn't keep that up. So I...requisitions my recipes and my allotted money from such ventures and am relocating to a quieter locale."
Soap rolled her eyes. "A lot of which were the combat drugs we got pumped full of back during the war." She said, letting that hang. "As well as all the drugs they pumped into us genemods." She continued, finally turning to look at him. "What, thought I wasn't from Haran? Sorry, vat born and bred I am. Meant for the last great war, got shoved in an ice box after being made ready for deployment, and then woke up here without a war to fight." She said, sounding completely uncaring at how callously her life had been prepared and then discarded, much less prepared to be discarded more so.
"Like I said, not gonna get much sympathy from me. I'm just doing a job. I couldn't care less if you were a fucking drug den boss who pissed off the local noble's retinue and had to run to avoid getting hung off the spire." She said, returning her gaze to the view outside of the windows of the patrol ship, letting her head rest against the worn down headrest of her chair. "Fuck knows I got shit when they woke me up and told me 'Oh hey, war's over, you're a free person now. Oh, but we're not gonna do shit for you to help transition.'" she said aloud, just so this doc understood why she really didn't care. Sure, she didn't blame him for what he did. She wasn't heartless, but everything about her? She was practically purposeless outside of this work she did.
"How long you think you got till that syndicate decides they want your ass back, either working again, or just so they can hang your head on a pike outside the door?" She asked, glancing over at Theo.
Theo's eyes widened with surprise. Before relaxing again." I've seen a lot of you that came from before the wars end. I understand your Apathy and anger after being made for a purpose you'd never have. I'm sure you are content with transport. But I feel you might be searching for more. If not now, then down the road." His brow furrowed once again, now in thought. "The Syndicate will surely want me dead, after the destruction of their manufacturing facility and half of their money gone. But i suspect it will take them years to recover." His words trailed off with a slight smirk before looking out into the void."Those combat and gene therapy serums, were one of many, It's not often two relics from a forgotten war meet, especially in such a haphazard fashion. I know you do not wish for my sympathy, so I do not wish to come off as patronizing. But does it ever get lonely on these jobs?" His subject change would hopefully buffer the weight of their current conversation.
"Always. I've never had a full crew last longer than a single job. Most times, they're just paying their way to their destination by helping me run the ship if they've got the skills to do it." Soap said, shrugging. "Most the time I've only got one or two others to help run things. Hell, flying this heap wasn't even what I'd been made for. I was meant to do recon." She said, watching as the void begun to be sprinkled with stars as they fully left the protective sphere of the planet behind them, and the light of the stars so distant began to reach them fully.
"I can imagine, feeling out of place in this new world. Tell you what, I'll triple your payment, fix the ship up. And I'm sure at that point, a well put together ship with a good medical officer, might attract a few more?" His offer had rushed out of his mouth, mostlikely account of the alcohol and lack of food since their departure. But now, the cards were on the table. And Theo couldn't help but chuckle at himself."There are plenty of places between here and Sirrus II we could stop to do so. I would offer a new ship but I feel like there is an attachment to this old bird. And if she flies this steady in this condition? I can only imagine at its full potential." His eyes trailed the faint stars, as the bottle tipped once again into the cup. With another chuckle Theo exhaled, his cheeks now flushed, as his body began to relax.
Soap snorted, before looking at Theo. "And what do you get out of it? Not to sound like an absolute bitch, but most folks I've met look at me, see how I'm a combat built creature, and just 'nope' as soon as they can. And you're sitting there, offering to stay on as a permanent crew, and help with funding the repairs for this ship?" She asked, not really believing just how freely he was offering what he was.
Theo rubbed his chin in thought, a moment passed by in silence before he spooked again to the stars." Something it seems we either both need, or want in some way. Whether it's a fresh start, or companionship. Either or seem to work in this scenario. Plus if I'm always on the move, the Mindweavers will have a harder time finding me. Not to mention. I can assist both with medical issues and any additional after effects of your Gene therapy." He sighed briefly setting his cup on one of the flat consoles." That...you won't find anywhere." His gaze then flashed from the stars to the young woman.
Soap blinked, snorted, and couldn't help but start laughing. "Oooh, that's rich. That's bloody fucking rich." She said, shaking her head as she tried to get her amusement under control. "I'm not some poor sap juiced up and left to rot. I was lab made. Start to finish. Sure, it's flawed, but hells, I'm still around, and while it sucks fucking ass, I'm proud of it." She continued.
"And one of the few 'good' things the people waking me up did was turn off the fucking timebomb in my genes that'd kill me after so long of active use. Guess being 'free' in their minds was just being thrown into the wild and expected to sink or swim on your own, not have it taken away from you at the whim of some fucked up asshole in a fancy suit with too many damned ribbons." she finished, finally getting her laughter under control.
Theos eyes Narrowed," I'm glad you find my proposal entertaining, I do see this as an opportunity to bring in crew that might stay, even if you aren't 'all juiced up' as you say. None of us could predict long term effects for Genemods. The research was never fully complete. Despite that fact however, I'm fully aware you are not just a toy, you do not have to so brazenly explain what is obvious." The Doctor lifted the cup to sip again from its contents. A chuckle began to well within himself, more-so in disbelief than anything else." Im giving you an in. And a fresh start. I don't expect sympathy, nor do I normally give it. To assume it is because of a sob story is hilarious in its own right." Theos tone changed ever so slightly, as he sippet yet again from the near empty cup.
Soap smiled. "Sure. I can accept that. Just so long you don't mind any eccentricities I've picked up in my decade after being thawed out of the freezer." She said, gesturing to the ship around them. "After all, I play at being a Kitsune with a ship for a shrine when needs must." She stated with a big smile. "Welcome aboard I suppose, though we kind of did that whole bit before." She said, before the pilot's console beeped. "Aaaaand that's the wormhole notice. Better strap in, the A-Grav fails every time cause this hunk of metal was never made with NDC FTL in mind. Still not sure where the yard got it, but damned if it hasn't been good for me." She instructed, as she moved to the pilot's seat and took her own advice, tapping away at the controls and readying the 'Fallen Shrine' to jump into the NDC's version of faster than light travel.
Theo stood with a chuckle to himself” I am sure I can handle the break in A gravity-” his sentence was cut short as the artificial gravity cut abruptly causing a violent ejection of the doctor before returning him horizontally in front of his seat, the bottle still in one piece held above his body now face down on the cold metal of the deck.” Very well captain...I-I stand corrected.” his words came out slowly as he peeled himself from the deck securing his body to the seat, his nose slightly bloody from the fall.
Soap glanced behind herself, and chuckled as the Doctor 'swam' back to the chair. "Yup. And it'll kick back on once we drop out of the wormhole." She said, unable to stop the chuckle from escaping her throat. "I can show you medical now since we're in jump for about 12 hours. Make sure to use the hand holds. Not gonna try and fish you if you get stuck mid hall." She said, undoing her straps and using the handholds on the chair to get her moving in the right direction.
The Doctor nodded, before unbuckling, catching the handholds of the chair to follow suit. “I don't believe you ned to worry about fishing me out of the hall, I believe I can ...now that i've learned… follow instructions,” stopping his sentence Theo thought to himself for a brief moment.” Captain, will we be nearing your previous objective flight? If So I could accompany you to the port where we ,might be able to procure some medical supplies, so we may keep a fresh stock.”: his thought possibly coming far too late since their jump had already commenced.
Soap shrugged. "Honestly, we're travelling about two weeks completely perpendicular to the course I should be taking to drop off the goods in the hold, meaning I'm adding two weeks travel to the 14 week trip." She said, tails curling and coiling behind her as she moved. "That said, hope you got some experience with PTSD. Because if you do, expect more than a few visits." She said, solemnly. Reaching the elevator, she grabbed ahold of the bars on the interior of it, while awaiting the doc to enter. "It's on the same floor as engineering, armory, weapons control, and the hold. So at least if shit goes sideways, injuries are quick to reach you." She said once he was inside and she hit the button to lower them the two decks down.
“I am rather familiar with multiple forms of the disorder, of both combat and non combat variations of the Disorder. And can be of help." Theo, Sighed as the conversation only became more morose in nature. Holding the bar, to ensure a repeat of mishap on the bridge.” Do you expect firefights? Im not adverse to combat, however a lower profile would most certainly be a boon.” Theo chuckled to himself as the elevator began to slow, his demeanor slightly changing on account of his opaque bottle sticking out of his now floating bag.
Soap shook her head. "It's more for me. I've, still got nightmares from the War, despite not deploying." She said simply, floating out of the elevator once it stopped, using the handholds spaced through the hall to propel herself down the hallway at a controlled speed, before stopping in front of a room labeled 'Medical Bay', which lay across the hall from a door that bore no label. "I'm FAC, but no doctor. So if you see we're short or missing anything truly critical in triage, lemme know, and we'll try and get ahold of it when we can." She said, letting him enter to see what was available in the room.
Theodore frowned for a brief moment." You don't have to justify why you have the nightmares, I understand plenty." His arm extended grasping the bar, pulling himself into the small medical bay. A singular chair that folded into a bed sat in the middle of the off white room. Theo began his inspection, cabinet by Cabinet." I see there is a need for updated Saline bags, pain medications and transfusion equipment. It seems we could also use nanomachine treatment systems. For both clearing and repairing. Otherwise, basic needs seem to be met. I'll continue my cataloging of the Medical bay. Oh...and….Captain? If you'd like to talk about your nightmares. I'll begin a profile and chart for you whenever you'd like."
Soap smiled. "Thanks. Affording someone to talk to who isn't gonna look at me like I'm some bug in a jar to be examined isn't easy, so you might be able to help." She said, morose as she thought about what those nightmares came with every time. "And most of that shouldn't be hard to get. Sans the nanomachine treatments. I don't think the UNS use nano's much, so it'd have to be something we pick up when we get back to NDC space. Which might be a while. Hopefully we don't get too shot up along the way." She said, finishing almost absent-mindedly.
"I'll try and give you a buzz when we're getting ready to drop out of the jump. It'll take us about an hour after to find the next one for the next jump." She said, preparing to throw herself towards the elevator once more.
"Understood Soap, would you prefer that drink now? And if you'd like to take shifts in regards to a sleep schedule I think it might help." His smile was Genuine, as he pushed off, tussling Soaps hair as he passed by, stopping at the entrance of the medical bay.
Soap chuckled. "Sure. Since the thing works mostly on auto since I'm not an expert at this kind of thing." She said, figuring getting a good sleep would be nice, instead of having to have a 'down time' between jumps in some odd spot just so she didn't burn herself out. "It's mostly just pointing this thing in the right way." She smiling. "And we'll find a time for that first crack at my head."
"I am sure we will Captain, but let's head back to the galley, for that drink. Then I'll take the helm, it's the least I can do." Theo smed again pushing out into the corridor, shaking the bottle in his bag.
Soap smirked. "Sure. I suppose having a stiff drink before conking out would be good." She said, leading the way to the galley. She actually seemed to be more relaxed right now, more so than she had when they'd met. She clearly went from being fully on edge and tense, ready to deal with problems. Now, with the clear rapor the pair apparently had, she was much more calm and ready to actually talk. To be herself.
With a slight smile and a nod from Theo, he followed his small, bushytailee Captain into the galley, again pulling the opaque bottle of brown liquor from his bag." Would you like a cup as well captain?" His question, was playful yet also genuine. Meeting someone who he had(even if not directly) affected so poorly by his research. Seemed to do little in ways of emotion. Yet an obligation seemed to appear in its stead.
Soap smirked and nodded. "Sure. Imagine what you got burns a bit more than most of the stuff I get in port. Not point burning my gut with the whole bottle on my own." She replied, settling into a chair and leaning back. "Ya know, I always wondered what the naval genemods felt cooped up on a ship like this... Was there a kind of comradery, or were they like us Army genemods? Thrown into live fire training until only the most effective, or luckiest, of us were left?" She mused aloud. It was one of those things she'd pondered before, but now she had a chance to ask someone who might have an idea about it.
-Theo set two cups down pouring two stiff drinks, in preparation for the conversation. Taking a deep sigh, he took his sip first." Most Genemods were utilized as Frontline troops. The Navy variants had a similar training, if they were marine forces or pilot's. The others, were more so preprogrammed for ship duties. They only knew life aboard the ship's they were on. If that helps to clarify." His words were not harsh, but matter of fact. Discussing them as any good scientist or doctor does, to separate themselves from their work.
Soap snorted, but it wasn't in dismissal, but in acceptance. "Shit, we really were so disposable weren't we?" She complained, taking a hard swallow of the drink, coughing only slightly at the unfamiliar burn of it. "Good shit." She said, lifting the 2/3rd remaining pour of her cup.
Theo sighed, the macabre nature of their existence did not detract from their importance, in his mind." You all were our hope, our future and the last light in that awful war. I remember before the war, where people didn't live in constant fear of another shelling. Or another wave of soldiers crashing into your city, all modified to not feel pain. Watching the world burn did something to us. It killed our hope, our lives were advanced, focused on how to better eachother. How to improve life spans and ensure colonization of the system went without a hitch." He took a big gulp from his cup, the burn only numbing his want to stop."you Genemods weren't designed for war, not at first. I designed genemods to adapt to any environment, to overcome and endure. My original intent was for space travel. And assistance with terraforming and colonization. But…...instead, the project took an abysmal turn." Theo sighed, seemingly able to get something three hundred years brewing off his chest..
Soap nodded. "No surprise there." She said, swirling the drink around. "Seemed like we weren't always meant to be cannon fodder after all. But, fuck, I was just a corked out scout. Not my job to think about that kind of thing. Wonder how many of them realized we weren't as brain dead as they thought we were?"
Theo chuckled to himself, at Soaps question." We knew all along you weren't brain dead. That you had thoughts and feelings, that you were individuals. Critical thinking can only be done with a certain level of intellect. As dark as that may be, your skills, your ears, your tails. All assisted you in your purpose. You have an incredible level of mental endurance, and your decision making is proven that you having that mind was worth it after the war. I refused to change that."
Soap snorted. "Some of the officers sure as hell didn't act it. Who know, maybe if most of us had been brain dead, the war would have been even worse, or maybe not as bad. Fucked if I know. All I have to go by is the records." She replied, referring to the records and such left by others from the conflict who most assuredly were injecting their own biases, knowingly or not, into the histories being written about the war.
She took another drink of the booze, and leaned back, looking up. "Heard some genemods got their sterility reversed after the war, which is just weird to me. Just, the idea of us having children is strange. But, I'm also probably still in a bit of the mindset of being that ignorant grunt being prepared for war still about it."
Theo sighed again, looking up at the cold metallic bulkhead."I know its hard to not think about your directives. And stay in the mindset. Life stays a bit easier, if little changes. Or that's how we perceive it anyway." Looking back he took another gulp of the volatile brown liquid, making a slight face." This was my favorite drink before the war. It's not like the so called Scotch you find in the colonies. This… was made with a certain type of peat-moss that is smoked, that gives it such a distinct flavor, despite its age." The Doctor sighed heavily." You know, life has many challenges, as you know. But the hardest for me, is knowing that the only contribution I will be remembered for. Is being the'Tyrant' who created the Gene Mod programme, and then supplied the outer rims with combat stims and zipdangerous gene therapy." His words trailed off, as his realization set in. Laughing for a moment he rubbed his cheek, in thought.
Soap shrugged. "We all got our demons. That much I know. Question is, you gonna let it control you, or you gonna accept it and control it that way?" She asked. "Not my place to tell you what to do on that front. Just that you're gonna hafta make that choice. Or the choice will make it for you." She said. Yes, she could be surprisingly deep when the moment calls for it. Didn't come out often, but she could. "So, you gonna be 'The Tyrant', or you gonna be 'Theo'?" She asked, finishing off the last of the pour in her cup, and setting the glass down on the table.
Doctor Tibault finished his cup, pouring another for the two with a smile." You see, Sophia, no matter what occurs, I will always be Dr. Theodore Tibault. However, the Exodus has given me a fresh start. Like many of us, you included. My past will come back to find me, but for now. I'll live my life as a ship doctor, and see where it takes me." As he finished speaking, Theo let his fingers fall around the tin cup once more, raising it from the table. "To a fresh start Captain."
Soap chuckled and clicked the cup against his own. "Captain huh? Gods, that's gonna be such a weird thing to hear me called instead of just 'Soap' or 'Hey Bitch!'." She said, mimicking how she was often called out to by some of those she did business with. "But yes, to fresh starts. We all got them, wanted or not." She said, taking a drink of the whiskey.
Laughter erupted the the man, as he set his tin down for a moment," you wouldn't be hungry would you Captain?.Theodore stood up from his seat, and began rummaging through the cabinets in the Galley, looking for items to possibly cook."A good meal accompanied by good drink and company is a great way to end one's evening, don't you think?" His question did not wait too long for a response, as the Doctor continued to rifle through the freeze dried goods and rations.
"A touch, running a ship this size solo's busy work, leaving less time for food than the worst training cycle I ever experienced. Some Genies I've talked with relate it to combat deployments where food was 'eat it as you find time'." Soap replied, grinning. "Sadly, all rations or freeze dried. Gods, I'd love to have a proper hydroponics for fresh veggies."
Theo chuckled, pulling out a few C rations." This ship, unless we connect to the water treatment system… you'd be better off using aeroponics if you wanted fresh vegetables. But for now, these rations will have to do. Once we get done with these two jobs, as a thank you Captain. I'd like to treat you to a fancy meal. What do you say? Life can't always be just about work." His smile never left, especially at the thought of a good meal. Opening up the ration he chuckled, unwrapping one of the bars before taking a bite, then a sip of his scotch.
"I'll take that offer. Anything better than a bloody eat and run." Soap said, nodding. "And hey, if we can find a decent engineer, who knows, we might get such a thing done. Course, finding a place to set such a thing up is always the biggest bitch." She commenting with a grin as she did. "Heck, who knows, maybe we get enough of a crew, might have to find you a nurse to help. Who knows, maybe they help with morale too." She joked, not at all intending such a thing. Just one of those old traits of finding ways to improve morale.
Theo chuckled enjoying the simplicity of the meal." Keep it up and what I'll find is a nurses outfit for you." He chuckled treating in jest before taking another bite." Speaking of clothes we will look for a nice dress for you, for the meal. I'd hate for you to not enjoy the full experience, of a nice place."
"Oh god, me in a dress. That's an image I'll never be able to imagine." She remarked. "As for the nurse's outfit, I've done it once or twice. Weird jobs is all I'll say." She said, laughing, between bites. "Burned it after the second time though. Various reasons, some of it personal, most of it biological." She explained, before he could ask if she still had it.
The Doctor choked on his food, coughing hard before the masticated mess was finally able to dislodge itself from his throat." I have to say, I was not expecting that response… I assure you it was meant as a joke. As for the dress. I think it would do you some good to be dressed up at least once, you never know who you'll meet."
Soap laughed. "Do what I gotta do to pay the bills. And hey, it helped me get this ship." She said. "So it wasn't all bad. But it wasn't all good either. Some of the colonies are... pretty damned loose it seems on some NDC laws. Oh sure, they have all the big ones, but the littler ones? Ehh." She said, shrugging before taking a big bite of her food to take a swig of scotch with. "So yeah. That's a thing. Not sure what the Marquis is like on the world you picked, but I've heard things. Practical slavery for one thing." She said, shrugging.
Theo looked carefully at the young Captain, quiet in thought. His tone seemed to change." Are those rumors you've heard, or is he truly that bad I wonder?" Continuing to enjoy his meal, Theo finished the last of it, quickly cleaning up the mess of wrappers." Are you finished Soap? Or would you like more time to enjoy your meal?"
Soap handed over her empty tin. "Mix. A couple of folks who left the world and had no desire to go back, but mostly rumor from those in the colony around his." She said, finishing off her drink. "You're the first to want to go there, that I know of at least. The majority of official infonet material paints the place as quite nice. But I'm leery of official infonet material most of the time. Could be the cynic in me."
"It is in your nature to be cynical of propaganda, however if I can find a place away from the mindweavers, and we can make more money. We can fix this ship up and get her a decent crew." He spoke in earnest as he grabbed the additional rubbish, running it to the older incinerator adjacent to the pantry." It's just lawless enough we can be free, but structured that the Syndicate can't extend too far without causing a ruckus."
Soap nodded. "Sounds solid enough a plan to me. Heck, UNS has a fairly open door policy that I've seen. Hell, somehow I've seen ads for Nexus Impact the last few times I was there. I swear, the characters looked like they were part of that merc company... Nexus Security Services I think? So there's at least some kind of exchange of materials between the NDC and UNS." She said, chuckling. "I think games and music are some of the few things that are practically universal."
Theodore raised an eyebrow at the idea of a universal gatcha game taking the system by storm. "I'm not terribly sure I like that, however I feel moreso indifferent on the music spreading. For now, you might want to go rest, it's important to take a long rest where you can after all." He spoke with a genuine smile, heading back to the hatch leading from the mess hall. "But of course your orders are what we will follow."
Soap smirked. "Fine. I'll get some sleep. Don't wreck us ya hear?" She said, smiling and giving him a wave of her hand as she stepped out of the mess hall towards her cabin.