Chapter 1- The Spirit of Serina
The emerald ball that they called Harvest hung brightly beneath them. Ellen Anders replaced a stray strand of hair behind her ear- staring intently as the computer screen became awash with the alien symbols she had observed at the relic. She cupped her face in her hands- massaging her tense muscles. "I don't know why you chose my observation deck as your lab" Captain James Gregory Cutter stepped onto the refurbished observation deck- now cluttered with a variety of computer systems- some resembling terminals he remembered from his years at the academy, but most he didn't have a hope in hell of learning how too use.
"I like the view- it adds perspective too my work" Ellen adjusted the screen- resolving into a string of the alien symbols they had witnessed at the relic.
"I'm afraid that Sergeant Forge doesn't think its safe- he was very insistent"
Ellen simply smirked as she continued about her work "Well I can be insistent too"
The Captain had too concede, changing the topic. "What do you think is down there?" The captain stared below his feet to the harsh ball of ice of the Harvest polar region. Beneath that beautifully alluring sheet of ice below them hid a potential array of alien artefacts which could be utilized to end their futile resistance before it could gain any potential for momentum.
"Right now its all speculation" she continued to scan across the computer- transferring all of her notes into a portable storage unit sitting beside her left foot. She reviewed the system- ensuring she had collected everything. "I'll know more once I get down there" she rose onto her feet- collecting up the storage unit and deactivating her terminal behind a wall of security.
She rose too her feet- falling directly into the Captain's outstretched arm- his hand clasped tightly around her shoulder. "I'm approving the mission- but the slightest sign of trouble and I'm pulling you out. Is that clear?"
Ellen felt slightly distraught- but she sometimes just had to except the Captain's father role to his crew "Yes captain" She gave him a mock salute.
The captain accepted the salute and left the sanctuary of experimental technology for the bridge, the last bastion of proper soldiering on the ship. Anders took one last look around her temporary lab, ensuring that she had not left anything of importance behind
"You know the Captain is right professor" Serina materialized ontop of her projector" Serina materialized ontop of the projector- staring with intent eyes. "The observation desk is a rather area too select as your laboratory- considering your value for this mission I would suggest moving your lab too a more secure location"
"And like I told the captain I enjoy the view too much to be trapped behind a mile of durasteel plating. I guess as an AI you don't have the luxury of appreciating that"
"That is not true ma'am- I am merely looking out for best interests- as my makers programmed me too do"
Ellen stepped over too the desk- opening the draw she retrieved a pistol given to her by Sergeant Forge- for her own protection. He insisted that she keep the weapon on her at all times- even while aboard the Spirit of Fire.
She released the clip from its hold-checking to ensure it was loaded she slammed it back into place. "Thanks Serina- but I can handle myself"