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Not for nothing, he never believed he'd work some gig as a galley cook or delivery crew.
Besides ordering only pizzas—not just for lacking skill—there was only one person he fancied calling Captain, and it wasn't the woman he'd dub Death in yoga pants. That she'd execute such a savage trespass to boot, it'd leave him snaky if not ropeable.
So much to take in then and since, starting from Manhattan curbsides for what'd become his latest shelter; giant tower of iron and cold steel. Such majestic architecture that'd entrance him for eons, least before the boss lady snapped him out.
Too close an encounter to then rend flesh from bone, odours beyond offence as he'd witness, after getting wrenched along, that crab tear metal apart like tissue paper. His promise to hightail it—post-haste, only to himself—after the reveal of being a colleague, by way of rebuke.
"Bet I'm on HIS bad side now, for such inside jobs… Don't be the hero, indeed."
Crossing every digit that 'Johnny' would stay asleep, he'd eventually escape the evening draft, unshoulder his travel bag, and puff it up in searching for a comfy spot, not even bothering to peel his runners off. A real good walk to leave him completely spent; couldn't keep affording cabs, after all.
"A sunset or two, for this latest reset to live out… Lucky man, my Back of Beyond arse."
Such a break to remain elusive; just as he'd get himself settled, a sequence of baby babbles would begin to hum. Ignorable at first, but as volumes gradually rose, he could only growl, clench his teeth and turn away—this latest headache to not take the hint and take a hike.
Moments later, a sudden, intense burn would leap him with a shout, almost a scream; rump roast to be sourced from his own skin. Panicked and pissed off, his eyes soon laid on a familiar presence; furry black, a foot tall and sporting three eyes—one that for the fuzziest reasons, he'd deem utterly unwelcome.
"What gives, you little turd? You really expect an audience after pulling that bullshit on me?"
"Just might leave one of mine in your hand. I only wanted a quick talk, but don't tempt me with your whining."
"Like to see you try once I shove a tube of superglue up there."
"Swear you really beggar such belief," it narrowed eyes, stroked its chin. "I'd be thinking this was great cause for celebration, yet still, you act like you've nothing to live for."
"My oath I didn't, and now I've got certifiable psychopaths calling the shots? If that's worth a toast to you twerps, then we've nothing to—"
"WHO do you think you are, child? Especially to bite everyone's hands, imply you were cheated, and imagine you deserved better without effort?"
"Spare the child crap. I'm a grown man, one whose whole life—"
"Was defined by often quitting, getting blackout drunk, and bathing in vomit? And not always in that order?"
"So to you twisted little freaks, my spiralling to Hell never had a valid reason? 'Cause I damn well know I've got several."
Sensitive subjects for both to enact a rare pause; had to breathe a bit before he could rail off again.
"Second thought, why talk to you? I can't prove it, but I'd lay money that my grand old show of suffering was your entertainment, so much so that you'd time travel to snatch away my finale, and reboot it here."
Creature's eyes to form into nasty slits, as it'd hiss right back with fangs the size of spear tips.
"After all our trouble to rescue YOUR corpse, reset YOUR life, you accuse my brethren of SABOTAGE? Aside from lacking said abilities, you quisquilian buffoon, we've enough reasons to deny the choice if given it."
"Shove ya fancy words, stuffy Oxford prick. Think I'd care for enlightenment from YOUR darkness?"
Grabbed his travel pack and was getting up to leave, only for a hard lump to crack him square on the spine. Knobs of metal or solid wood, to have him bellow, collapse to his front and clutch the tender spot, cursing up a storm.
"Let that strike make clear that I WON'T suffer such accusations again. Right now, I'd suggest that you shut up and listen, unless you'd rather lie there for life… Am I clear, Mister Child?"
Anything to have his glare start firing Huskies, but could only pull his biggest pout yet, give a sullen nod and remain there. Best course of action, not that he had any choice, to get this spiel over with.
"Life's about giving as give does; rumours were you fought for others long before you fought yourself, or for yourself. Don't you think that instead of a disgraced, early, forgotten grave to stay down in, you'd prefer this rematch, this crew in your corner to rise for?"
"Strike a light, how could YOU of all freaks be so blind? Newsflash, I already had one, and surely your lot found the pieces I'd be left in… Are you really gonna delude yourself that I'll ever accept, never mind trust, that cut taipan of a Captain?"
"Judging by the incidents she put aside to bring you in, I'd say no better time than now to start trying."
"Was my miracle to survive her once, and that's more than bloody enough, thank you."
"Speaking of survival, please educate me… This 'money over man' thing of yours, how did such roots work in, corrupt you this way?"
"Pink, blue, red, gold or green, those notes would get me what I'd want or need, and that was it. Meanwhile, for mental spikes I couldn't grasp, forget about control, my filthy kind would humiliate, harass and outright hurt me, and THEN they'd cast me out. So you can try shining them up all you like, but I'd sooner watch them burn than be their friends."
"Is that so? Then tell me, why did you volunteer at first, take up those public services straight after?"
"Choices made for me, more or less; need for experience, then to keep my home would see to that."
"Even when you had one?"
To hear such forbidden subjects be spoken of, he would suddenly and completely snap, lunge out while swinging hands. High hopes had for a home run slap, only to find his fingers crunched with another blow. Might've yelled to wake the dead, still, there'd be nothing to soothe that throbbing.
"In scores of your lifetimes, I've seen galaxies form, fought wars lasting eons, and mourned the myriads of worlds lost to them. If you must insist with this idiocy, then I'd consider it a shame to waste you."
That to halt him quick; ancestors wouldn't love the legacy left behind, by any means, so thought it wise to go silent, and just lie back down again.
"Was that lost life really the one you wanted back? Much as you believe otherwise, I see the sitting proof that you can't be bet against. Indeed, I made that mistake—each day you'd survive was another I'd pledge to keep my Feast plate empty. Have you any idea how sick I got of Pizza Bagels, delicious though they are?"
Odd gurgle in his guts, to cast the critter a dirty side-eye, even as it patted him.
"We are not your enemy, and who we allow to discover us, we DON'T take lightly. After all, ours are front-row seats to teachings your world has warred over, since even Christ himself. In exchange, all we care for is that you make them count… Can you, my friend?"
Ten thousand miles and virtually a thousand years, to get nowhere near the welcome change he wanted. Still, by comparison, those potential spills of success had certainly come within reach; right then to sit up and declare his intentions of working for, and willing that, into his life.
"First, we're not friends, let's get that clear. Second, sure as I've been a sarky bastard, it's time I plant these seeds given. Starting today, may I reap the streets and beyond from what I sow."
Heard not a peep in response, but between any begging for sleep, and any grand tours circling in mind, just didn't care enough to question any sudden departure.
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"Master's latest injustice to correct, and right by the Admiral's feet… Be grateful for being damaged goods, for such sympathies may let you survive."
Voice to cleave the air and him like the Reaper's scythe; might've wished for Alaskan winters especially to have no weapon in reach. Memories, dreams and scenarios, both past and present, to pray for a quick ending, only to wake up toward dawning skies and calm gusts.
"Uggghhh, what a night… And what WAS that about damaged goods and Admirals?"
Cracking anything stiff he'd drag himself for the cooler, lacking any real ideas as he fumbled about for cups and nozzles. Eyes to flicker and head to again droop, soon driving that ten-gallon bottle to pour its own ice-cold cupful, and flood him in the face.
"Come on, you kidding me? Is nothing safe from our robot overlords?"
Drying himself with hands and shirt, was then he would decide to start getting his bearings; quick walk down West 57th to come across a closed pizzeria, virtually outside his doorstep. Murmurs of a familiar accent to peep inside, finding speakers on their knees to scrub floors, their jeans or aprons caked with dirt.
Closing his eyes, could remember his own dangled carrots, the even dirtier jobs shoved into his lap.
"Was like a mantra: 'Work hard and you'll win.' A 'wisdom' to take for granted, that'd just be taken advantage of. Why believe things are gonna change, even to grind out the effort?"
But upon their reveal for standing and arguing, any desire of encounters would be killed on the spot. Somehow, the stories of 'villaggios', of ancient Italian lives, had gained such galactic appeal it'd spread to cockroaches close to HIS size.
"Fourth bloody type in two days? What the hell, do I gotta catch 'em all or what?"
Never the three would meet, his promise and prayer, as he'd get away fast and once more cross the gym. Only a gurn and middles flipped for them, that briefest farewell to forget once he stopped off at a different headquarters, right where he assumed was the heart of Manhattan.
"Mom's Friendly Robot Company, huh?" he'd read above the door. "Good grief, must have the monopoly to make this happen."
Couldn't imagine otherwise to get all of King Midas' finest gifts in that high-rise; effect to especially highlight once that sunshine started peeking above. Standing back, he'd admit to thoughts of shaving off dust, just for a little side hustle.
"Such complete splendour… Just my luck I've got a cranky walking corpse as my boss, instead of her."
But as he started dreaming of golden lives, a series of whirs would startle him awake; glancing above and around, could only gulp and backpedal quick as they all became turrets, as one by one they'd take aim, more than one warning shot to create gravel right before his feet.
A world of wealth far outside his own, one he wasn't sure of wishing for anymore, after he'd escape with a breathless sprint. Grew even further lost while gaining second winds, somehow coming to pass stores that'd boast of fine smokes, forever diamonds, classy suits and exotic pets.
Majority to be closed, outside his league or feel unwelcome in—wasn't sure where to go for downtime, 'till he stood before those sculptured lions…
"I can't believe it, could this be? From not a one within miles, to the Alexandria of all?"
Electricity coursing through his body as he'd take in that marble and stone, remember the tales of legendary collections totalling untold millions; books, music, media, and more beyond conception. The ultimate proof of patience and fortitude paying off, for the careful curation that'd begin in his OWN century.
Rocketing up the stairs and through solid iron doors, his eyes began to sting over those exquisite yet priceless murals, lose themselves among the gilded ceilings, their paintings within, and bursting shelves of rich mahogany. So much to so invigorate him, within this Sistine Chapel for scholars, that he'd just let the tears fall, actually prostrate away from prying eyes.
"My Fortress of Solitude, my College of Winterhold, my thousand years of Christmas… Thank you."
Hankering to have a stable hangout, he'd take some breaths to regroup, retraced his steps to reach the counter, and began applying for a card. Process to remain simple enough, even still; was all but finalised when a casual glance over the clerk's head almost dropped him on his ass.
"Wait a minute lady, is that clock accurate?"
"Nooooo, I set it back so I can stay longer. Here, you'll need this more than I—"
Ripping away that card, almost her hand as well, he'd bolt out the building in several cries of "SHIT!", earning many a sharp rebuke for quiet. Read-out of noon to send alarm bells clanging, to fear a broken phone as he punched in numbers.
"Just had to do a Johnnie, did ya?" he'd slap his head, oblivious to any stares. "Couldn't save any walking for after, ohhh no."
The instant it settled beside, he'd virtually dive inside the cab and callout for HQ in panic, only to end up pinned against the leather seats. A thud into plate glass to really regret this wicked rush; dazed and loopy, would stagger outside only to hear slammed doors and shouts.
"Hey, I'll teach you to stiff me, deadbeat!"
"Ewww, dude, what the—ohhh… Didn't mean to do ya dirty, mate, how much do I owe?"
"Forty-five and I'll let it slide. Weekend rates and 'insurance', you understand."
"Yeah, who's stiffin' who ya fu—Just take it and go away, ain't got the time for this."
Sprinting through the back with heavy huffs, he'd be puffing in panic to be left scurrying about the hangar, clueless as to how he'd meet the Captain. But just as he'd express relief that she forgot, a familiar yell would stiffen his spine.
"Lift in the lobby, idiot, and hurry up!"
His latest in a litany of screw-ups—knew for absolute certain—to face arms folded tight, shoulders pulled straight, an eye that'd bring gold to boil. And much of that to assume she'd actually discount the strange odours, any pools of sweat gathering at his feet.
"Where the HELL have you been?"
"S-Sorry… lady," he'd bow between breaths. "Thought, I'd take, a—"
A poke to perhaps leave a bruise: "LOOK me in the eye, and let me hear the truth."
"Tried a good walk to get my bearings, but lost track of time," he'd shake. "Thought it'd calm me."
"That's your excuse? Waste my time again, kid, and I won't extend any mercy… Got it?"
A gulp and grit of teeth before he'd nod, where a sweep of the arm would begin her tour in earnest.
"Our conference room, for better or worse. All roll calls and business to first commence here; Monday to Friday, 9 o'clock sharp, without exception."
So many miles to meander and stomach to be so empty… Dreams of breakfast and a long shower, only for a thunderous clap to shock him back awake.
"Focus! Now, it's here as well where we'll know of any arrivals, anything to involve package deliveries or personal matters. That's more or less it, any questions before we get to business?"
"Business of what, renting out floor space?" he'd gaze over the railing.
"You're already on atom-thin ice; one more smartass quip outta you…"
"Well, sorry to point out the obvious."
"Whatever. Next up, as can be seen straight ahead, our kitchen with employee lounge to the side. I'm pretty sure you'll figure those out just fine, for looking at you."
Could only cock an eyebrow: "Figured of all people that YOU'D be above such obvious insults…"
"By all means, you're welcome to say what you were implying…"
Her evil eye to earn yet again; didn't dare betray a word while she'd direct him to the lift and lobby.
"Good choice. Now, this entrance is where we'll enter starting Monday, and just after that, your offices to sort out any paperwork and physicals. That'll be where Hermes, and Zoidberg—"
"Send me to Hay, Hell and Booligal… Zoidberg's our DOCTOR?"
"What, where and who? Never mind, yes he is, as if our careers and lives weren't endangered enough."
"So after you set him up on my behalf and screwed him good, I gotta trust Cthulhu's deadbeat cousin with this?" he'd direct hands to his crotch.
"Whatever's there of that, sure I guess. Now quit the questions, let's move."
Yet another trashing to take a sigh for, as Leela led him through the laboratory; curious piques for beakers, strange suits and giant tarps to go ignored before a finger-snap ordered him through a whole other door.
"Our most valuable room, to freshen up and ready ourselves. Titanium-alloy lockers, classic wooden benches, and the finest-quality unisex showers that money—"
"I really should've laid off the liquor… Unisex showers, as in—"
"Oh I'm sorry, did you believe we slid across tiled floors in pink shirts all day?"
"Of course not. I just figured it meant having a good 'ol root on campus grounds."
Pelvic thrust for emphasis, which'd earn a sharp slap: "Oh grow up! You think I'd entertain that stupid joke?"
"Oww, dammit… Help us both if you'd try. Why must you expect some grizzled veteran outta me?"
"Because you can't just step aside or step out, when things get tough aboard our good ship. Either you keep stepping up, or that abyss beyond will damn you to much worse than ANYTHING I could dish out. Here's your chance to handle the heat first… Get the picture?"
"I s'pose I should, but Gods above, did you walk the second you oozed out your mother?"
Words to regret faster than spoken, to find his body pounded against metal, much of his shirt in her hands.
"Listen buddy, you wanna see out this weekend, or you want what's left of you in a doggie bag?"
Apologies of panic to once again be let go, would then be led to the ship and views beyond. "Where the magic happens, our bread and butter of this business, the Hangar. And that's it, all there is to know about—"
"Wait, weren't we s'posed to—"
"No thanks to you, we'll have to save the ship for tomorrow. So, when shall we see each other then?"
"Same place, your time?"
"And it better not be anytime else… You may go."
Back of her head and a ship length away, to whisper a tirade that would've left him in a matchbox, had she overheard. Knew she'd have no problem going psycho after all, and perhaps, regardless of the violation.
"Brunch, shower, books and a good night's rest, to process all this madness… Sure hope I can."
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"Damaged goods don't belong, never deserve to. Won't stop you from staying, but don't take any sympathies as our blessing to be brave…"
Believing for sure that he wasn't dreaming, he sprang off the couch to rip open the window, only to slap the wall for seeing the culprit wasn't anywhere to be found. Only pained growls to remember them by, as this time he'd lurch for the sink to grab a water, give his face a deep wash.
Yesterday's quiet night at second homes to consider any lessons, among them to treat time like gold.
Certainly planned to make sure of it, for heading out the hole and hitting up new paths; blocks of diners and dine-ins to lace his lips with drool, enough to require the rare suck-in. Beyond those, would spot a couple in Central Park gliding on ice—must've been manmade—landing leaps, spins and leaping spins cleaner than his head.
"Special lady of my life might've loved this," he'd lean over the bridge, resting his chin. "Never have a home without her."
Not the nicest start to wit, and not about to get better for soon sighting those two officers, sipping coffees outside the local station. Old boys in blue, with glints of menace, to always accuse him of filing false reports, promise that keeping up such stubborn imaginations wouldn't end well.
Ultimately, a migraine and descent that taught him to seek his own answers and someday, justice, not that he'd any chance here as this future force would pursue, confront him inside of thirty seconds.
"Yo Smitty, get a load of this jive turkey… Having headaches, and we haven't even brought out the sabers."
"Already doing time as is officers, so what do youse want?"
"70 degrees out here baldy, and you're in winter gear… Think we'd just let you walk on by?"
"Talks dealer to me, awww yeah."
"That's cold where I come from. So if overdressing's a crime, go arrest yourselves."
"Bigger crime talking back to cops. In fact, I think we'll organise a stop-and-search, and I'LL do the frisking."
"Then get it over with, Shaft. And how 'bout ya watch where you stick that—AAAYYYEEE!"
Wasn't going to complain about suppositories ever again, as that cold metal up his cavity cut off his voice, vacuumed his lungs of air. Audible groans from both as 'Earl' would confirm him clean, release him while his partner remained suspicious.
Squirming with every step taken, could only hobble for the nearest signed sidewalk; no comfy seat had once he hailed himself a cab, but was rather thankful there'd be no underground diving this time.
"Hey, not that I'm complaining, but when did you guys take out the drills?"
"That's the weekday service, keeps us outta rush hour. Speakin' of which the day's wastin', so where to?"
"Uhhhh, ah crap, that department store… What was it again?"
Clicks of fingers only to lurch backwards, soon rise above the city itself. New New York no longer as big and bad as once believed, for this brand new perspective.
"Alright Mac, here we are, Alien Overlord & Taylor."
"Wait, wait wait wait… How in the friggin' hell did you—"
"You know of any others, bub? Thirty bucks, chop-chop."
Mutters of magic and madness to pay in interest; immediate walk-in to gaze among the world of watches, whatsits and wristamajigs sat behind glass displays. Blue-and-silver analogue—cheapest model by far—to arouse flashes of better days; band to clasp itself over eyerolls as he paid up and took an early return.
Even to clean up, calm down, and stand completely at attention, his Captain to not even care a bit.
"So you're on time, big deal. Save the confetti for something important."
"Yeah, I s'pose that's fair… Whatever, lead on lass."
Her click of keys and hustle up the stairs to reveal a panorama of control panels; true Captain and crew up above to imagine, in inspecting them. Declining invites to remain his biggest regret of several—in particular, those to lounge in leather and trek the stars, discover the any which ways side by side.
"Our bridge, but my command, obviously, at all times. We'll spare a seat for your own safety, but as for interference OR word, I've the only say-so as to when. Ideally, I won't have to discuss what's up this ladder, and finally, 'round the corner's our bathroom. And yes, it's unisex, deal with it. Something to say now?"
"What's this button do? And how 'bout this one? And oooh, lemme look at that—"
Slap of his hand: "No touching! Any poke in the wrong place can have her fall apart."
To the crewman's cabins next, and quizzical eyes to watch her thud against it, spread palms down the door. Didn't know why or for who, and had been ready to ask, only for one finger press to kill such ideas in an instant.
It was a monstrosity to send him rocketing into the wall; waist-high pile of rotten food, spilt drinks, dead skin, dust carpets and daresay, the mess of many a lonely night. Couldn't believe his boss had been so unaware, being generous—his reaction to earn yet another of her infamous eyes.
"There a problem, pal?"
"Permission to say so?"
"Oh sure, why don't you tell me?"
"Well, since you said so… What bloody bushweek is this? Where the hell did you hire such slobby grots from?"
Quick straight right beside his head, to pound his heart: "Next time, you will respect this cabin and the crews who came before you, otherwise you'll get to stay in THE most spotless section of all… One that'll take your breath away, get me?"
Hadn't known a stranger thing to deify, but get her he did as, for running through the rest of top deck, he didn't dare to interrupt.
"Forget this cabin, you'll never be in it. Otherwise, over there's the escape chutes, right here's the vending room, and directly in front, our combination laundromat and brig. Emergency supply box just beside that, and—"
Could only panic for falling behind, and was just his luck that she would look back.
"Was I going too fast for you, fat boy?" she palmed her hips.
"Grant me the serenity, grant me the serenity…"
Open and shut fists as he imagined himself sketching the ship into memory; focus to be so exclusive, he didn't see her disappear down to second deck until he'd almost plunge through himself. Chest could've burst in shock; was left thinking of what numbing agent was around when a hand would halt him.
"For anything within these walls, IF God forbid I send you here, I'll expect your utmost respect. One iota less in our Medbay, and it'll be your pocket or your head."
"Pfft, please… With the way you're going, I'll strip this place clean by next weekend."
"I'm sorry, are you saying you're too soft to stand by me? Then get off my ship and go crumble in Cookieville. You seem to forget these days that putting one's body back together is easy enough. Bringing it back from the depths above, however? Damned impossible."
"First bloody time you told me… What was there to forget again?"
For making clear that he'd be no chef, she'd dedicate a quick sentence toward the galley, mess hall and recreation deck, then it was down into the ship's belly to finish the tour. Cargo bay to seem easy enough, once she explained the magnetised cranes and platform operation, and then there was the engine room right beside.
"Mightn't look like much, but this here's a true marvel of the 30th century. Once we light old Bessie's fire up with dark matter… You wanna guess how far we can go in just a week?"
"Errr, 'round trip around the Solar System? Our Milky Way for being generous?"
"Oh Lord, are you actually serious? That'd be kid's stuff maybe last millennium, never mind today."
"Hey, you asked and I answered. And no it wouldn't; for once, I could speak for knowing."
"Suurre you can… Regardless, only numbers we gotta worry about are the dollar amounts and due dates. Y'know, kinda like paying rent and bills?"
"A world I know too well, yet never wanted to. How mine came to be… Never mind."
Down they'd travel upon the platform, reaching the Hangar's ground in moments; he to hear a couple of claps just as he turned to leave.
"Not dodging your duties, are you sport? We're done when I say so."
"Whoops, my mistake. Must've slipped my mind between threats to break my teeth."
"Quit the dumb quips for five minutes, and maybe I won't need to deliver. Anyway, if you'll follow me, here's the only rack a woman's gonna expose for you."
Rolled his eyes to realise that, far from being a forward move, he would confront a rather giant gamut of tools—hundreds of pieces traditional or otherwise to patch up, piece together and polish off their good ship. Really should've known better, and that gut feeling would grow worse when she checked over his palms.
"The only things softer than your gut, who knew? Now, you watch, and you learn."
Knees to buckle so bad it'd force a sit-down, as in mere blinks, she'd stand aboard some black metal and almost disappear above his head. The speed with which she'd cross from side to side, to rise up, plummet down, soar under and over, he just wasn't sure he had the nerve anymore. In fact, by the time she'd get him off the ground, she'd be tapping enough to match a Riverdance troupe.
"Hey, you mind being finished by century's end? I've a lot to get done before then."
"Once my safety's good as guaranteed, sure… And given this wall's only to my ankles, I—"
Small push aside to leave him flailing for balance, and once the floor virtually vanished from sight, was left cowering, holding on for grim death.
"Jesus OSHA-violating Christ, what the HELL'S the matter with you?!"
"Your nonsense, that's what. No longer now that you've nowhere to run."
"Mine? Lady, how 'bout you give YOURS a fuckin' rest, huh?"
Scruff of his neck to feel seized: "First of all, I will NOT tolerate being talked to like that. Second, you'd do well to call me Captain or ma'am inside these walls, or anywhere in that abyss, none of that love or lady bullcrap. I damn sure earned that right, and that's the respect I'll be due."
She to then release him and offer a hand; looking up, a thin yet earnest smile for the first time.
"Third and finally, can you at least try to trust me, understand that I have to harden and prepare you while I can? I've seen my share of cruelty commanding this ship, things I'd never wish on anyone… You'll never be ready, for refusing to give your absolute best."
Figuring she was sincere, he let himself be helped up, let her guidance extend his reach toward that console. The eventual tilts and feedback to think of Analog sticks, and as tempers calmed and controls were played with, he'd find himself exploring just fine; in fact, enough to earn himself a clap on the back.
"Told ya that wasn't so bad. Maybe you've got the heart to survive after all."
"Been broken too long to actually agree…"
"You say something?"
"N-never you mind, what's next?"
"Just one thing in particular, I would think… Anytime we're on a mission, ALWAYS keep it clean and professional with our customers. Lord knows the last thing we need's a bad turn, and right now, I really don't fancy losing my seat… With me?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Any questions before you're dismissed?"
"Yeah, and I've been meaning to ask… What on Earth's eating your sleeve?"
"Oh, this old thing? What hasn't it been's the better question, for having more adventures than I'd care to count… Or remember. Anyway, originally got it from Cardinal Point."
"Didn't dare think my video games would become reality… So, daresay like an old friend, then?"
"You might say that, but for your sake, I'd suggest you don't."
"Really? Okay then… Right on nine's when I'll see you next?"
"Doubt it's a good look taking first days off, don't you think?"
"Point taken. 'Till then, hooroo."
A wave goodbye to watch her leave, before he'd gaze toward that green behemoth and follow her out. Lot of thinking as he'd return to the library, between his visceral weekend dreams, those bizarre messes on board, and his Captain's erratic behaviour.
Catching up on age-old comics, could only wonder of, and worry for, the secrets old Bessie had hidden away.