Note: Alright so this chapter was rather tough to write. To be honest it's been a while since I've seen the show, so I'm planning on going back and watching it again. While I did my best to stay true to the characters, if there's any inconsistency in the Catians or other characters from the show it was unintentional and I apologize. Sorry for the delayed update everyone but I am a busy person and don't have an excessive amount of time to write. Keep in mind writing is not my job and there are no specific deadlines for me to meet when it comes to updates. Thanks to Silver15 for his helpful input. As always, enjoy and review!
Note: I've updated this chapter to correct a few minor spelling mistakes, etc. I hope to have chapter four out soon.
Only a few hours had passed since entering hyperspace, and yet Apocalypse was already about to arrive at its destination. In a few minutes it would decelerate to a cruising speed, dropping back into normal space and rendezvousing with the Catian ship.
In the crew's eyes, the voyage had been like an extravagant dream. Battleships were generally not alluring in the slightest, with the majority of the ship's design based on battle functionality and very little consideration given for the comfort of the crew. However, Apocalypse revolutionized every aspect of this standard. At first glance the ship was just like any other with its dark, metallic blue-grey color that served to make the ship less conspicuous in the darkness of space. One would also notice that there were no laser cannons protruding from every inch of the ship as on previous models. Even on close inspection it could barely be perceived that the plethora of offensive weaponry-in much more abundance than in previous designs-was withdrawn into the exterior of the outer shell, creating a deceptively sleek and vulnerable appearance-much like a typical supply vessel. This served two purposes: to increase maximum cruising speed and to avoid unintentionally provoking conflict with another civilization's military. While the exterior was a point of pride among the crew, the interior was the ship's main attraction. It was grandiose enough to be located in the Senshi royal palace: exquisite paintings adorned the walls, the floors were polished until they shone, the hallways and rooms incredibly spacious. Overall, Apocalypse was more like a luxury liner or royal cruiser than a battleship. Perhaps the only member of the crew not particularly impressed with the layout was Captain Takeda, much to the others' confusion. If anything, the captain seemed angry over being in such a ship. Needless to say, Katsuo was the source of much discussion whenever he was not around.
"Well then, I suspect the crew wants to watch the approach. What do you think, Lieutenant? Should we turn on the hologram projectors?" Katsuo asked with a grin as he sat up in his chair and put down the ship's manual.
"I don't see why not. I assume you know which button turns them on?"
"It's this one...I think."
"You think? You were just reading the manual weren't you?"
"I was skimming over the pages rather than reading. I looked at the control panel diagram briefly, though. I'm positive that this one either turns on the hologram or activates the self-destruct sequence."
"This ship doesn't have a self destruct button" the lieutenant said incredulously.
"No? You think that an experimental prototype wouldn't be able to destroy itself in order to keep it out of an opponent's hands?" Katsuo said as he turned to Hisoka with a serious visage. The captain had a hard time keeping his stern expression as he saw the man sitting next to him lose confidence in what he had just said like water flowing through a drain. How gullible can a guy be? he thought as he silently laughed to himself.
"At any rate, please check the diagram before you press anything" the lieutenant pleaded, stuttering.
Katsuo gave a brief sigh, took a deep breath, and activated the ship's intercom. "Hello, I'm your tour guide Katsuo Takeda and today I will be accompanying you in an exciting excursion into the Milky Way Galaxy." he energetically announced, mimicking the guides back on Senshi. "The hologram projectors will soon be activated to provide you with the best possible viewing experience. Please remember to keep all hands and feet inside the craft at all times, and refrain from feeding any little green men. Thank you for your cooperation." As he finished his sentence, the captain quickly pressed the button in question before Hisoka could offer any resistance. Glancing over, he saw that the lieutenant had his eyes shut tight and was sitting deathly still, his face back to the same pale color it had been before the launch. Katsuo might have though the man was dead if he didn't know better. A brief feeling of pity come over the captain, and he decided that his teasing had went on long enough. "Relax, Hisoka. I was just kidding about the self destruct. Open your eyes and enjoy the view with the rest of us." As the lieutenant opened his eyes to glare at Katsuo, Apocalypse dropped out of normal space and the projectors came to life with the ship's surroundings. "To your left is the blue planet of Neptune. It is the eighth and farthest planet from Earth's Sun, and according to the information we have from Earth it is named from the Roman god of the sea. Next, we have Uranus. It is the seventh planet from the Sun and spins on its axis. Additionally, our sources tell us that Earthlings often mispronounce its name. To your right is Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in Earth's solar system. It is well known for its magnificent bright rings amongst Earthlings. Now we have Jupiter, the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in this solar system. With four large moons and many smaller ones, it is best known for its Great Red Spot: a storm located on the planet that has existed since 17th century Earth. The red planet up ahead is Mars. Earth has sent several probes to the planet, and has discovered that there are large quantities of water ice at the poles." There was a brief pause as Katsuo beheld Apocalypse's target planet. It was beautiful with its deep blue oceans, its green and brown land, and the swirling white clouds. The crew noticed the reverence in the captain's voice as he continued. "We have reached our destination. Earth: the third planet from the Sun, the only planet within this solar system known to harbor life, the..." Katsuo's voice trailed off as he realized he had no decent way to accurately describe the planet. Then he noticed the gleaming white ship orbiting Earth. "At any rate, all hands should ensure they are presentable and report to your stations. We will be meeting with the Catians shortly."
"Shall I send them a transmission?" Hisoka asked.
"I'll do it. I'm sure they already know that we're here, but for courtesy's sake we might as well. Go make sure the crew's presentable, will you?"
"Sure. I'll be back in a minute" the lieutenant said as he rose from his seat and exited the cockpit.
Katsuo opened a secure transmission to the ship ahead. "This is Captain Katsuo Takeda of Senshi. Please identify yourself."
"This is Captain Kuune of Catia. Pleasure to meet you."
"I'm sure you are already aware, but our orders are to escort you until further notice."
"Yes, we've been expecting you. Please feel free to dock and come aboard."
"We will begin the docking sequence immediately. I look forward to meeting you in person." Katsuo closed the transmission with the Catians and opened a new one with Senshi. "Katsuo Takeda to launch control. Do you copy?"
"Launch control to Captain Takeda. We hear you loud and clear. What is your status?"
"We have just arrived at the target and are currently docking alongside the Catian ship. No problems so far."
"Roger that. Apocalypse's designers want to know how she handled."
"Like a dream. It was a smooth ride and the ship is spacious. The crew is impressed with her."
"The designers will be happy to hear that."
"How goes operations near Catia?"
"The stalemate has not yet been broken. However, don't let your guard down."
"We won't. Docking has just been completed by the way."
"Roger that. Give us a report if anything happens."
"Copy that. Captain Takeda, over and out." As he closed communication with Senshi, Katsuo heard Hisoka re-enter the cockpit.
"The crew's presentable and we are ready to board the Catian ship at any time."
"Have them form ranks in front of the entrance. Once I release the airlock I'll join you and we will board." Hisoka nodded and left the room, and the captain proceeded to enter his code into the control panel to undo the main door's seal.
