Chapter 1: Sleep eludes (Final)

Torin wrestles with her blanket as she rolls over for what seems like the 50th time in mere minutes; sleep was not coming easily to her tonight. She was aware of everything around her, the bubbling of the filter on her aquarium, the feel of the sheets against her bare legs and arms, even the silence of the ship was plausible. Throwing off the blankets she let out a deep sigh and resigned to just let herself stare up at the stars. Torin loved watching the stars. No matter where she was, or what she was doing, she knew she could look up and find them. The constellations were always different, but the sight was always amazing. Back on Earth many say space is a cold and unforgiving place; and that a spacer is just the same. Torin didn't mind the life of a spacer, she found pride in being part of a military lineage that dated back more then 9 generations. The military and the stars, the two constants in Torin's life.

"EDI, how long 'til we reach the Tereshkova System?"

"At our current speed we will reach Tereshkova within 4 hours," the computerized voice answered with her matter-of-fact tone. She then added,humor coloring her voice,"Unless we are pulled away by other duties, of course."

Torin found herself amused by this new inflection to EDI's voice. It seemed that having a body had allowed the AI to start to grow beyond her programming. No longer just a holographic sphere confined to the ship, she now was a person, a living being. EDI insisted on being treated as a part of the crew, including going on missions and fighting side-by-side with them. When she wasn't out fighting she was found around Joker as a co-pilot of sorts, and thus often is exposed to Joker's unique scene of humor and love/hate relationship of authority figures.

Will EDI really get to enjoy this new freedom? Will she be able to really explore her relationship with Joker or will the next invasion…Torin stopped her thought before it could go any further. Thoughts like this were why she couldn't sleep; she didn't need to add another.

"Good one, EDI." She made sure to keep her tone light so not to give hint to the thoughts plaguing her

"Thank you, Commander," her voice still had a sentient ring to it, more than just programming.

"EDI, please advise the crew I'm not to be disturbed unless it is urgent."

"Yes Commander," EDI intoned, voice matter-of-fact again.

Torin swung her feet over the side of the bed and sat up, letting herself stretch. A few muscles were resistant to the movement but quickly gave in and allowed the stretch to works out the knots. She knew she could just ask Dr Chakwas to modify her implants' settings, but she didn't want to deal with the calibrations nor did she want to let go any more of her natural bodies working. She didn't mind implants, or the technology behind them; she knew they were the reason she was alive and able to carry on, but she still wanted to feel more human then tech,and thus just dealt with the knots.

She found that the glow from the fish aquarium wall illuminated the quarters with enough light to make her way around. She pressed a button on the wall and flakes of food begin to float in the tank, the fish instantly taking notice. She watched them as they carelessly swam, enjoying their meal.

The simple things,she thought to herself as she took the few steps that lead from her sleeping area to her small office space.

Few things in her life were simple. She tried oh so hard to keep things uncomplicated, but it just never seemed to stay that way for very long. Torin liked black and white, yes and no type of situations. Feed the fish, don't fee the fish, These were the types of choices she would rather have to deal with instead of: kill the enemy, don't kill the enemy.