With their business on the planet below concluded, Yuri and co were sitting around in the bridge of the FLAKRUNNER. As they waited for the engines to warm up, the crew to get back aboard, and the different departments to check-in... the group was split into two conversations.
Nia and Tatiana were talking about something or another, while Yuri And Ian listened to Torlo speak.
"That Katida sure is a wild one! She just hopped on our ship and never even thought about what kind of trouble she was gonna stir up!"
"True, but I seem to recall you jumping on to the ship in just about the same way, once upon a time." He said with a mischievous smile.
"What? What are you talkin' about my man? At least I can pull my own weight, not like that little girl." He said defensively. "I mean, she doesn't know how to do anything!"
Yuri laughed. It was funny seeing Torlo all worked up about something.
"I know you pull your own weight Torlo. I appreciate everything you do."
"Well, good then. As long as ya get it. That's the important thing." He replied, relaxing a bit.
"But I just don't understand..."Ian said suddenly, staring down with a confused look. "What possible help could Katida be in establishing an agreement between Kalymnos and Nova Nacio? It's not like she could actually take part in negotiations or anything."
He was right though. The group sat in thoughtful silence for a few minutes.
"I wonder. Maybe Mr. Lanco thought a cute young girl would be easier to talk to than some boring old coot." Torlo answered.
"I highly doubt that's the reason."
"Katida said that she asked her grandfather on her own to let her go as a special envoy." Tatiana added. "I think she really just wanted an excuse to travel."
Well whatever the reason, they certainly weren't going to find it by sitting around and discussing it.
And even if they did ask Katida, it really didn't seem like she was about to divulge an answer anyway.
As he finished that thought, Tatiana spoke up from across the room.
"Hey, Nia. I have a question for you. I want to buy some beauty products while we're in the Kashtano sector. My skin is so dry! Do you have any recommendations?"
Nia smiled, and replied with enthusiasm.
"Well, whenever I'm in the Magellanic Stream, I never miss out on the chance to get the full Cosmo Cosmetics line put out by Zefina. I just happen to have a brochure right here..."
It's like we ended up in a commercial... Yuri thought, watching as Nia pulled out a slip of paper.
From where, Yuri wasn't sure... but he certainly wasn't going to ask.
"Wow, look at everything you can get!"
"Their products go on really smooth too."
As the two women talked, Yuri, Torlo and Ian watched from a distance with blank expressions on their faces.
"Kinda hard to jump into the conversation." Torlo said.
Ian nodded in reply. "I know what you mean. But there are a lot of women on our crew. You just have to get used to the idea that those kinds of products are basic necessities to some people."
"Basic necessities, huh?" Yuri asked the boy.
"On long cruises like this, every crew member needs a few pick-me-ups here and there."
"I guess you're right."
He'd never thought of it like that.
"I'm here!" Kira called out, running onto the bridge in a hurry.
"Where were you?"
"Sorry. I was with Miss Nobelo, helping her out with Katida." The green haired teen answered.
Yuri nodded in understanding.
"How is she?"
"Not doing so good. We're trying to make her as comfortable as we can. But without the phermetas... it's not doing anything." The reply wasn't full of good news.
Not that he expected any yet.
"Then let's ship out... The last crew members have just returned. And all departments are good to go." Yuri said, turning to Nia.
Nodding in acknowledgement, Nia turned, facing the viewport.
"Navigation team, chart a course for Strategio!" She ordered firmly. "Helmsman... take us out."
As the power of the engines shifted, and the FLAKRUNNER left the slip and the spaceport behind...
The three other ships followed closely.
Deciding on heading for Subpremi and Zefiro, they stopped at Strategio first. Yuri found himself wandering through the market stalls... sights, sounds, and smells reminding him so much of home.
They stopped at a few of the stalls to take a look at the items for sale, before finding themselves passing a completely white bazaar that looked bigger... more important than the rest.
The merchant: a fat balding man, smiled greedily as he spotted them, standing atop two stumpy legs, and showing them a row of yellow teeth.
"Welcome to the White Bazaar! Can I help you find anything in particular?"
Despite the man's obvious lust for money, they stopped to take a look at what he had to offer. Yuri found himself talking with the man, who frowned at Yuri's question.
"Daily necessities? I have something here I can sell you for 500G" He replied, sifting through the wares behind the rows of tables.
"Sure."
"All right then. Here you go! These are two types of cleaning products. They'll help keep your ship sparkling clean!" He said, pulling out two buckets and placing them atop the table. "But make sure you never, ever mix these two products together!"
"What happens if you do?" He asked curiously.
The merchant's face twisted into a look of revulsion and terror. "Trust me on this one kid... it's best you don't know. Just don't mix them, whatever you do."
Smiling, he gestured around at his wares. "Please, feel free to look around some more. I'll hold onto these two until you're ready."
Despite the uncertainty, and untrustworthy look about him, Yuri found himself doing just that...
The others doing the same.
As they had a look around, not seeing anything else of interest, the merchant approached Yuri once more. "Hey, you look like the type of guy who's popular with the ladies. Breaking hearts wherever you go! Am I right?"
Yuri blushed, unsure of what to say.
"Heh heh. Don't be so modest. I can tell these things you know." The man chuckled. "Just especially for a guy like you, I've got a real bargain today!"
He pulled out a thin plastic box, lifting the lid to inspect what lay inside. It contained a light pinkish dress, complete with red sash.
"Ta da! The perfect gift for that special lady friend, a party dress! Only 1,200G."
As he reached in to feel the dress, an image of a certain woman wearing the dress sprang to mind.
It looks like it would fit Nia perfectly. I wonder if she'll like it?
He blushed. There was no way she'd wear it. Despite this though, Yuri found his mind screaming at him to buy it... and so he did.
"Thank you very much! Thank you very much!" The merchant said, eyes alight at another purchase.
Lifting his head, his eyes locked onto Nia's from across the stall, and she shot him a curious look. Shaking his head in answer, he watched as she shrugged.
Now he just had to find a way to give it to her without getting both arms broken...
And his neck.
"Captain Yuri, this might be a good place right here." Adorinda said suddenly in Yuri's ear.
Dropping his previous train of thought, Yuri instantly knew what the woman was talking about.
"I think you're right."
Turning to face the merchant, Yuri asked a question. "Excuse me. Do you carry phermetas ampules here?"
"Phermetas? Why of course!" He answered, turning to rummage around through boxes and piles. As he continued looking, he called out to them over his shoulder. 'There's nothing that can't be found in this bazaar ya know!"
"Oh, thank goodness!" Adorinda said with a relieved smile, holding a hand to her chest.
"Yes, now we can finally —"
"Now hold on a moment, if you would. Let's see. I had some right here just recently..." He trailed off in thought. "Hm? Now where did it go? Oh... now I remember."
"Is anything the matter?"
The man looked at them apologetically. "I'm very sorry. I'm afraid I sold my entire supply to the local hospital last month."
Yuri frowned. That's not good.
"Where is this hospital?"
"Oh, it's the hospital just behind this bazaar." He answered, pointing a stubby thumb over his shoulder. "I bet they'd give you a phermetas injection if you asked them to."
"Miss Nobelo!" Yuri said, turning to face her.
"Right! We have to get Miss Lanco to that hospital right away!"
After paying for their items: his purchases coming to a total of 1,700G... Yuri found himself deflecting questions about the latter.
While his friends were persistent, he quickly managed to get their concentration focused on Katida.
The hospital was a big white building just where the merchant had said; located directly behind the bazaar.
After speaking with the reception staff, and an emergency doctor, Yuri found himself organizing Katida's immediate transfer.
With Katida currently resting in bed, and the group all crowded into the small room, Yuri found himself studying the girl's face. The pain was evident, if the laboured breaths and scrunched up features was anything to go by.
As the Doctor came in, he held up the phermetas injection against the light. "And how long has she been like this?"
"About 12... 14 hours now."
The Doctor nodded, adjusting the dosage for the injection.
"I'm tempted to give her a bigger dosage due to her prolonged exposure to space, but I'm not sure how she'll react. Especially being in the state she's in." He explained, mumbling to himself.
Stepping forward, he gently gave Katida the injection, doing the necessary checks before taking a step back. "Her vitals are looking a little weak, so we'll have to ask for her to stay here for a while to assess the situation. We'll let you know if we'll require her presence in this hospital any further."
Nodding politely, he bowed out of the room, leaving the group there.
"Well there's no sense in all of us staying here, is there?" Adorinda asked in general. "Why don't you all go and enjoy your time here... I'll stay with Miss Lanco. If anything changes, I'll let you know."
Yuri nodded in confirmation, as the others slowly left the room. "And we'll come and check up on her later when we've finished."
"Good. Thank you."
Returning to the market, Yuri broke off from the others, heading back to the White Bazaar to thank the man. Yuri didn't like him, but he had led them to the phermetas they'd been looking for.
As he was about to leave, Yuri stopped.
They had been looking for phermetas, which the man had, before selling it... who was to say he didn't have any more medicine.
"Medicine?" He asked, half in confusion. "It's going to cost you 800G."
Handing over the currency card, the man smiled, pocketing it quicker than Yuri could blink. Turning around, the man shuffled through his wares again, before returning with a small crate.
"Here you are then. Creophen." He said, placing a gnarled hand atop the box; flashing Yuri a smile. "It cures most ailments in just one dose! It has a strange bitterness to it, but that's some good medicine."
Yuri thanked him, before organizing for the crate to be delivered to the FLAKRUNNER. Continuing through the market stalls, amazing spicy smells wafting up his nose.
Passing a woman with a high pitched laugh, Yuri caught up with his friends, Ian and Torlo waiting impatiently for the women outside a clothes store. As they continued onwards, Nia pulled Yuri back, trying to coax the teen into revealing his last purchase from the white bazaar.
Yuri stood firm, saying that it wasn't anything important. In the distance, they spotted a big blue bazaar that backed onto a building. The front of the building had bi-folding doors opened all the way. The open market outside the store held racks of clothing, which they all sifted through.
As Yuri looked at some of the sports clothes, he heard the footsteps from the merchant walking over.
"Welcome to the Blue Bazaar!"
The man's familiar voice called out to them in greeting, and Yuri found himself glancing up into Paulo Marjeno's surprised face.
"Huh? It's you people!"
"Oh, hey!" Yuri greeted in surprise.
"You're that merchant we met in that Dodecanese tavern, aren't you?" Torlo asked. He wasn't the best at remembering people or faces.
He flashed them a toothy smile in reply "That's right! I'm Paulo Marjeno. It's nice to see you again."
"Come to think of it." Nia began, taking a step forward with a hand on her chin. "You did mention that you were from Kashtano, didn't you?"
"That's right. After that incident, I decided to give up on trying to sell in Kalymnos and I came back here. It looks like I underestimated how much they dislike Nova Nacions in Kalymnos. But wow! I never expected to meet up with you folks here!" He was surprised, that was for sure.
They all were.
"I've got some wonderful merchandise in stock. Why don't you take a look? And to thank you for saving me that time, I'll give you fifty percent off of anything you'd like!"
"No Paulo... I don't think —"
"Please! I insist." He said, holding up a hand to forestall any arguments. "It's the least I can do. Besides... A Nova Nacion always repays his debts."
Exchanging glances, the group split up to gaze through Marjeno's wares. Yuri made small talk with the merchant, as the latter explained some of his items to the young Captain.
As Yuri began sifting through some things stacked against the back wall, Marjeno followed him over.
"Ah Sports equipment! I've got something really good in stock right now." Turning, he pulled out a brochure from behind the counter as he spoke. "It's regularly 400G, but you can have it for only 200G. What do you say?"
Yuri thought on it for a moment. "Sure!"
"Here you are then." He said, handing Yuri a brochure. "The Deluxe V Rodeo Machine! I've heard it's the best on the market."
Yuri examined the brochure as Marjeno took down his details for delivery.
"Marjeno, do you have any research equipment?" Yuri asked, thinking about the words Aminda Mistika had spoken only a few days prior.
He may not have come across any research facility modules for his R&D team... but he thought that some new research equipment might tie them over in the meantime.
"I can sell you some research equipment for only 500G. What do you say?" Marjeno asked, leading him over to the back corner of the room. Half hidden under a big tarp, still boxed up, was something that caught his eye.
"I've had it sitting here for a while." He explained. "A customer had it ordered in a year ago, but when he finally got the money together to pay for it... well. Circumstances prevented him in taking delivery. He paid the bulk of it though, which was good.
He pulled back the tarp to reveal the equipment beneath, still gleaming white.
Looks like our scientists will have a field day with this.
"All right. Here you go! It's the latest microscope model, a cross-laser type. A Senorian brand. The best."
Yuri nodded as he examined the machine. Before handing over the currency card. While paying for the items he wanted, Yuri found his gaze lingering towards some flower arrangements on the counter.
"You're looking at the flowers, huh? They're beautiful, aren't they? And good for the soul."
"Well... "
I probably shouldn't spend too much money. He thought. I've spent quite a bit of money at these markets already.
"No thanks. I'd better not." He said finally.
The man nodded. "No? That's okay. I understand. You've got to use your money wisely, right?"
"Well I'm not arguing with that."
They shared a laugh, and soon, after saying their goodbyes with their friend; were walking out of the shop...
Leaving the Blue Bazaar behind.
Marjeno watched them leave with a small smile. They were good people, and he didn't feel bad in the least in the offer he'd made.
Though thinking on it now, he didn't think that half-price purchases were going to be enough to repay the debt.
As another customer entered the store, he planted a smile on his face...
Time to get back to work.
With a stop at the tavern for a meal, Karlo had revealed that his father had sold weapons in the Magellanic Stream. He had also admitted that he was high up in the rankings, though not as high as Yuri.
Karlo had told them that his father had always been bothered by how the SMC couldn't compare to that of the LMC. He had said that someday, he hoped to see the technology of the SMC rise to rival, or surpass that of the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Some time later, and Yuri found himself entering Katida's hospital room. Greeting Adorinda, the two talked for a time, before Katida shifted slightly. She let out a groan, before her pained face changed into a calm one, going back to sleep.
"Miss Lanco is doing so much better now." Adorinda said.
"It looks like the injection they gave her is really working. What a relief!" Yuri added.
"Yes, she seems to be stable now. I'll stay behind here with Miss Lanco. Thank you for all you've done Captain." Not sure how to thank him, and not really being much of a people person anyway, Adorinda settled on a handshake.
"No problem Miss Nobelo. I know she's in good hands with you."
Leaving Strategio behind them, they continued on to the next stop in their journey: Subpremi.
Once their feet had hit the firm ground below, Yuri and Nia broke off for the Guild, and upon entering the Guild Hall, they were nearly sent back the way they came... almost overpowered by the crowd, and the stench of smoke.
As per usual, they spent some time in the entry room, going through the list of people within. Even though they knew who they were looking for, Yuri's eyes scanned the crowd, and landed on the man with the turned up chin. His battered old hat was at a slant, covering the top left side of his face. His grey and tan bodysuit bulged in both the right, and wrong places.
Fingering the shaft of the pipe, he held it aloft as he opened his mouth to speak... smoke billowing forth like a ghost.
"Nichjo Lotuso's the name. I'm an artillery expert." He told them in a serious, nasally drawl. "For only 100G, I could whip one of your people into shape on the subject."
"All right, yes." Yuri replied, pulling out a currency card.
"Good. Who needs my help then?" He asked, taking a puff.
"Let's see..." Taking a look at Nia, he wondered who, out of the two of them, would benefit the most.
Locking eyes with Nia, Yuri nodded at her, who stepped forward.
"Right then. I'm gonna tell you this once, so listen up!" He warned.
The lecture didn't take as long as expected, and soon, he was done... letting out a quick sigh. "Phew. Well, that should just about cover it. I think you just might have some promise in you yet!"
Nia stepped back with a frown, giving Yuri a knowing look.
"Thank you for that Nichjo Lotuso. I'd be happy if you could join my crew." Yuri added.
Looking at Yuri, he let out a small crooked smile; revealing a row of jagged yellow teeth. "So you're the Captain eh? Lemme see your phenomena log. I wanna see what you can do."
"Oh, okay."
Skimming through the log with a veteran's trained eyes, Lotuso revealed nothing, only a small nod as he replied. "Hey, not bad. Not bad at all. What do you say? For only 1,000G, I could be part of your crew."
What should I do? He thought.
In his head, there was only one answer.
"Definitely!" Yuri said with a smile, offering his hand to seal the deal.
"Good then. Nice to be aboard, Captain!"
Exchanging ship details and slip numbers, Yuri told him to report to the spaceport by no later than 1700 hours. Grunting seriously in confirmation, he blew another cloud of smoke, before walking off slowly.
Turning around, Yuri and Nia made their way through several long conversations with people, all who didn't fit the bill...
Soon though, Nia pointed out their target: a man with a wild hairstyle.
If the hair wasn't a dead standout, then his red jacket was, glowing like a beacon through the sea of bodies and noise.
"Hey kid. My name's Johano Sceptro. I've really gotta tell ya, you seriously ain't gonna find a better pilot than me." He told them confidently. "For the price of a drink, I'll share my piloting skills with ya. So whaddya say?"
Well, let's see...
"I say yes."
"All right! Here's a guy who seriously knows how to put his money where his mouth is!" He said aloud, smile growing wider. "I like you man! I'm gonna give you a lesson you'll never forget. Okay, who gets the lesson?"
Knowing Nia's piloting skills, among the many that she had... it was more than obvious who would make better use of the lesson.
Rubbing his hands together, Johano nodded, leading them over as he spoke. "Okay, we're gonna use that simulator there and have ourselves a little mock battle."
Taking positions on either side, Johano and Nia's lesson drew a crowd, who cheered for either person. During the lesson, and despite Nia's skill, Johano constantly shouted advice at her.
With the lesson over, they received congratulations, and Nia beamed at Yuri, as Johano smiled excitedly.
"See? It's too good to be true, right? Look how much ya learned."
As they continued talking, Johano cut in suddenly. "Hey, can I take a look at your phenomena log?"
"Okay, sure. Here you go."
After a time, Johano let out a laugh. "Well, it looks like you seriously got the adventuring spirit, that's for sure! And you're so young too." In saying that, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Hey, listen. I've been having a tough time finding myself a job. What say you hire me? Only 1,200G and I'm yours!"
They may not have had a carrier, or any fighters, but he was sure that this man's skills would come in useful.
"Okay!"
"All right! We got a deal then! I'll work my butt off for ya. Seriously! You won't be sorry Captain!"
Taking a quick look around, Yuri knew there wasn't anyone else left they wanted to recruit. And so, with their newest crewmember in tow, left the Guild Hall behind.
While only a short stop on Subpremi, it was a worthwhile one.
They had received two crewmembers in the process.
A win in Yuri's book.
As with every new member, Yuri assessed their skills and talents, to assign them to the best possible role.
Lotuso was an artillery expert, and someone who Yuri could see, in being a valuable member of the crew. Despite that, Yuri wasn't sure that he was the right person for the position of Artillery Chief, currently held by Rhea.
On one hand, his experience and knowledge in the field made him a sure-fire candidate, on the other, he wasn't sure if the man's serious, no nonsense attitude would stick.
In the end, Yuri decided to give him the role of Artillery Officer, and had asked Rhea to report on the man's ability and effectiveness... as well as his personal likeability and social interaction with his co-workers.
What this meant, was that it left Gadina without a post. Pulling her aside along with Johano, Yuri explained to them the situation.
While Gadina had been more than a little miffed at Yuri's choosing of Barberis over her, Yuri had told her that it had nothing to do with her skills in that area.
He had explained that, while her skills in artillery was greater than Barberis's, her skill in piloting was much more important. He had told the two that, when he could get his hands on some fighters, that they would be working closely together.
He had explained to the two that he wanted them to get to know each other better, both professionally, and personally. This was so that, when the time came for them to lead fighter squadrons together, they would be more effective in battle.
Assigning Gadina the post of Helmsman, and Johano the post of Chart Officer, he added that neither of them held a higher rank then the other. That they were to work together, and take orders directly from Nia, or himself.
Glad that he had managed to explain the situation, and walk away without bruises, he just hoped that his plan would pay off; and not backfire in future.
Docking in the Zefiro spaceport was almost as easy as the other three planets in the sector, and soon, Yuri found himself riding the orbital elevators side by side with his closest friends...
And greeted by a most breathtaking sight.
"Wow, it's beautiful!" Tatiana exclaimed, face pressed against the glass of the orbital elevator as it plummeted towards the ground.
"What makes it look like that?" Torlo asked Ian.
It was funny how the two played off each other, despite their public dislike of one another.
"According to the guidebook, when the magma from volcano eruptions was cooled suddenly by the thin atmosphere, this caused some of it to turn into tiny tourmaline crystals. That's what's covering the ground and giving it that appearance."
"Huh. I don't really get all that. All I know is, it sure is pretty." Cico added.
"Isn't it, though?" Kira said from beside him
Looking at Kira next to him, Cico almost groaned. Glancing at Yuri, he wondered why in the Grus he couldn't just agree to let him take Kira to the scenic tower.
Watching as Yuri and Nia talked and teased one another, Cico had a sudden thought.
Ah! So That's why!
Once planetside, they all headed over to the Scenic Tower, and as they entered, Yuri felt a hand on his arm...
And a voice in his ear.
"Pssst! Hey, Yuri."
With the others walking on ahead, Yuri felt Cico's arm over his shoulders, as the other boy steered him off in another direction.
"What? You want to talk in private?"
"Yeah. About something important. but first, I got a question for ya." He said with a nod, taking a look around to see if any of the crew were listening in. "You and Kira are just, you know, brother and sister, right?"
"What else would we be?" Yuri asked in confusion.
He knew where Cico was headed, and quite frankly, he wasn't certain he could hold himself back if someone else said they were anything but siblings one more time.
"Okay good. Then you won't mind if I ask her out, would ya?"
"Of course not —" Yuri began, before seeing the big smile on Cico's face, and he realized. "Hey, wait a minute!"
He spoke a little loudly than he intended... and the people closest to them glanced over.
"Shh! Keep it down!"
Yuri winced. "Oh. Sorry. But are you really serious about this?"
Cico shot him a look, before speaking.
"You bet! I liked her from the first time I saw her. I don't like loud, aggressive women. Kira's just perfect. That's the kinda girl I'd like to marry someday."
Yuri almost laughed. Kira may not be loud, but she can get angry and aggressive at times. Argun knows... if you can find what's left.
"M-Marry?! You've got to be kidding me! She's way too young for that!" Yuri said, surprised at the answer.
Cico held up his hands to placate Yuri. "I know, I know! I just said someday, didn't I? Anyway, that's what's up bro. Ya think you and the rest of the crew could kind of get lost? Leave the two of us alone? The view here's pretty sweet. It's the perfect date spot, ya know?"
Yuri mulled it over for a second in his mind first.
"No way!"
"Why not? I mean, she's your sister man! Don't tell me you —"
"Hey, don't get any weird ideas! It's not like that." Yuri growled.
"Then why the Grus not? C'mon, I'm begging you!" Cico pleaded.
Didn't he understand the meaning of the word. "I said no!"
Yuri and Cico watched each other in silence, before Cico raised an eyebrow.
"C'mon. Whaddya say?" He asked again.
"I said no, didn't I?!"
Yuri was honestly getting annoyed at Cico's persistence. To be honest, he was reminded of himself...
And that annoyed and scared him.
Cico stared at him some more, before crossing his arms over his chest, as if to say: I can do this all day.
The longer they stood there, the more annoyed Yuri got.
He didn't have time to stand here forever... he had things to do.
Besides... what harm can one little date do anyway? He found himself thinking.
Yuri groaned.
"All right, fine. I give up! But if she wants to come back, you bring her back right away!" He warned Cico. "And don't stay out too late. You got it?"
Cico's smile grew so wide that he could barely speak. "I got it. Don't worry man. I keep my promises."
As he watched Cico walk off with a confident swagger, Yuri groaned, massaging his temples with his fingers.
"Oh boy."
Coming over to join the rest of the crew, Yuri slowly started to pull them away, earning glances from Cico.
Soon though, after many glances, Yuri followed his crew out of the tower, glancing back as Cico threw him a thumbs up.
He sure hoped he didn't regret this.
Walking around the edges of the tower, Kira began to notice that she couldn't see any of the crew... only Cico behind her.
"Huh? Where's Yuri and the others?"
"Oh, they had something to do back on the ship." Cico said quickly.
Kira frowned. "In that case, I'd better get back too."
Cico almost panicked, but he was good at thinking on his feet. "No, they said you should just take your time and enjoy the scenery. It's not like you get the chance to check out an awesome place like this every day!"
"I suppose..."
She still wasn't sure, he could tell.
All he needed was one more push to get her to stay..
"Aw, don't worry about it Kira!" He said with wave of his hand. "If Yuri needs you, he's gonna get in touch!"
"Oh. Okay. I guess you're right." She agreed.
Cico cheered internally, as they made their way around the tower, chatting as they went...
Score!
"Welcome! What can I get for you!" The bartender asked with a smile.
"Hold on. I got a question for ya first." Nia cut in, holding up a hand. "They're holdin' a big convention on this planet now, right? Can ya tell me where it is?"
The second they had left the Scenic Tower, Yuri's crew had scattered into smaller groups. With this, Yuri found himself being dragged along with Nia.
Asking her multiple times where they were going, all he got back was a, you'll see.
"Oh, you mean the trade convention? I think they're having it at the Trade Hall in the centre of the dome." The bartender frowned, thinking hard on what he knew. "There are supposed to be all kinds of VIPs coming. Security's really been ramped up. They won't let regular folk like us anywhere near the place."
Thanking the man for his time, and flicking him a currency card, Nia motioned for Yuri to follow.
"Why all these questions about this Trade Hall Nia?" Yuri asked.
"Oh no big deal, just scoping out what we'll be up against." She answered.
Yuri frowned. What we'll be up against? What in Grus is she talking about?
"Anyway, let's just go check out this Trade Hall." Nia called back to him.
Honestly, he wasn't even phased at this point. This sounded like a typical Nia plan.
"I don't know how close we'll be able to get." He wondered aloud.
"True, but we need to at least go do some recon in any case, right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." He replied, following Nia up the sidewalk, as she hailed a ride for them.
Some time later, Yuri found himself watching the dome in the distance, and inside, an impressive building. He could see a great number of guards positioned all around the perimeter.
An imposing display of security.
"They're never going to just let us walk in there."
"Shh. Look. Someone's going to the entrance." Nia replied.
Pulling out from between some bushes they were using as cover, Yuri followed Nia's nod, as an air car pulled up to the gate. Exiting the car, he could barely make out the forms of a man and a woman; both dressed in formal attire.
Speaking briefly with the guards, he saw their hands move, before the smiling couple stepped past, and into the building.
Nia grunted, earning a look from the young Captain. "Huh. So they're checking ID's, are they? I guess ya really gotta be a big shot to get into a place like that."
"Well, that leaves us out."
"Yeah, I guess it does. And it looks like there's a dress code too. It must be some kind of shi-shi party." She replied, looking down at their clothes. "We'd never get in dressed like this, even if we were somebody."
As he followed Nia back the way they came... Yuri found himself reluctantly agreeing with her.
"I could look at this view forever." Cico found himself saying.
They'd been here a while. He was sure that Kira was having just as good a time as he was.
"Um... I think we'd better be getting back. It's getting kind of late." She pointed out.
He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped; noticing that they were the only ones left.
"Oh, right."
"Shall we go then?" She asked with a smile.
Before he answered, he found himself wondering...
There's no one around. Ain't no better time to ask her.
"Okay." He replied, taking short steps. "But can we talk a little bit first? There's something I wanna ask you Kira."
"Hm? What's that?" Her curiosity winning out.
"I don't like to mince words, so I'll just get straight to the point."
"O-Okay."
One second, she was waiting for him to speak, the next, he'd stopped her, each hand gripping her upper arms. His face was serious, and she leant back as much as she could... arms in front of her.
"I like you, Kira. I want you to have my children someday." He finally admitted.
"What?! Uh... Gah..."
"Not just one or two or anything like that. I'm talking lots and lots of babies." He continued. "Like maybe ten, or even more! Whaddya say Kira? Are you game?"
He smiled internally. All in all, he thought he'd done pretty good.
She stayed silent for a moment in shock, before her face turned serious.
"Are... are... are you kidding me?!"
Hauling herself out of his grip, she slapped him hard, before stalking off, leaving Cico's cheek stinging... and himself wondering.
"Hey, wait!..." He called out to her disappearing form. "What did I say?"
"Hee, hee, hee! A tender, heartbreaking scene. I feel for you boy. I really do. But now that you're alone, it looks like your luck is about to get even worse."
The voice scared him half to Grus, and he found himself jumping in surprise as he searched for the owner.
"Huh? Who the Grus are you?" He demanded.
If Pipra looked ancient, then this man looked like he'd died, been buried, and woken up half a year later. His hair was long, thin and the dullest orange Cico had ever seen.
He wore a dull greenish bodysuit, with tan patterns, and a cape so bright purple that he had to squint.
But what made it worse was the face. A creepy, half-crooked smile; and beady red eyes that made him shiver.
His smile grew wider, revealing a mouth half full of teeth. "My name is Oisin. And I'm here to take your life."
Take my life? Cico asked himself. Whatever he's doing, makes him sound as stupid as he looks.
"Huuuuuh?!" He let out. It was probably the most confused he'd ever been. "You show up out of nowhere, spouting garbage... What are ya, off your rocker, you freak?"
"Hee, hee, hee. Yes, yes. I might not be entirely right in the head." He started, his left arm twitching. "But there's nothing wrong with my arm!"
The creepy laugh distracted Cico just long enough for Oisin to pull his sword free, using it to slice open his shirt.
"Huh?!"
Looking down, he could see how his shirt had been cut open, revealing the tattoo underneath... and the small hint of blood.
Rubbing his face, he began thinking what a long day it was.
Between Cico and Kira's date, and his and Nia's scouting of the Trade Hall, he began to think that they'd never get off Zefiro. His conversation with Nia on entering the Trade Hall hadn't brought up any ideas, and after a two hour discussion, he found himself heading for the FLAKRUNNER's bridge.
Behind him, he heard footsteps, then his name being called. "You're shipping out already? But Kira isn't back yet!"
"She's not?" He asked, confusion showing. "Look how late it is!"
"Cico isn't here, either. Do you think something happened to them?" Tatiana asked worriedly..
"Why that little..." He began, grumbling several words under his breath. "Aw, I'll go get them myself. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about!"
As he walked off, Tatiana watched him from behind "Huh?"
Flagging an aircar, he asked the driver to take him to the Scenic Tower. Once at his destination, he payed the man, before heading inside.
Stalking through the hallways, Yuri was mad... no, that probably wasn't the right word.
*Damn that Cico! Doesn't he have any idea what time it is?! I'm really going to let him have a piece of my mind!*Yuri's brain kept spinning in anger, and he huffed.
The closer he got to the top, the more he could hear sounds echoing down to him.
At first, he wasn't sure what they were, but then, he could hear the unmistakable sounds of fighting. Metal grinding on metal... shouts and grunts of pain...
A sneer graced his lips; then he paled.
"Huh? What's going on?"
He could hear distant voices, and a cry of pain, which sounded like Cico.
He didn't even think about what he was doing... he ran. The blood in his veins turned to ice, and his mind began running through the worst case scenarios.
Soon though, a laugh broke him from his thoughts, though he didn't slow down.
"Hee, hee, hee! That tattoo on your chest! It's just as I suspected!" The unknown voice said in glee.
Cico's voice spoke next, laced in confusion. "Huh?! If you know this mark, then that must mean you're... no way!"
He definitely wasn't talking to Kira. So who in Grus was he talking to.
He was almost there now. Just another few steps to go.
The stranger's laugh echoed again, before he spoke. "That's right, my dear. I am
your —"
Yuri flung himself into the room, stopping in his tracks with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
He could see Cico facing down an unknown man... sword raised.
Kira nowhere in sight.
"Cico!"
"Oh, Yuri!" Cico said in surprise.
Seemingly annoyed at the interruption, the man looked between the two teens. "Tut, tut! Just when this was starting to get fun. Let's settle this some other time, shall we Cico?"
He finished with a mocking bow, before turning and running away. Yuri was so confused, that he didn't put up a fight, and let the man run straight past him.
"Hey! Grus! He got away." Cico exclaimed in annoyance.
"Who was that?!"
"Uh, I dunno." Cico said, obviously holding something back. "Just some weirdo passing by."
He didn't believe him though, but chose not to push the issue. He trusted Cico.
In the spot where the mysterious man had been standing, Yuri spotted a scrap of black paper lying on the ground.
"Hey, what's this?" Taking a few steps forward, he leaned down to pick it up.
"He must've dropped it. Finders keepers, huh?" Cico added, examining the paper from beside him.
Choosing to leave it for now, he put the scrap of paper away in his pocket, before remembering exactly why he had came here.
"Hey, wait a minute. Where's my sister?"
"Uh..." Cico muttered, not able to come up with anything.
I guess being distracted while fighting for my life won't cut it? He thought.
"Hey, come on Cico! Don't mess around!" Yuri said forcefully, taking a step forward.
"Well... she went back without me." He finally answered reluctantly.
"She went back without you? What do you mean?"
Cico groaned. It was humiliating enough that she'd run away, and that she had slapped him too.
What was worse though, was having to explain this to her brother.
"I told her how I felt about her, told her I wanted her to have my children someday, all that sorta stuff..." He replied. "And then I dunno what happened, but I kinda think that maybe she got scared off."
Yuri stared at him for a second as if he'd grown a second head.
And with Cico's massive ego, he wouldn't have been surprised if it had happened.
"Uh, that would be enough to scare anybody off, springing that on her out of the blue like that!"
Really? He wondered. What a weird place.
"Huh? Where I'm from, that's just what a guy says when he tells a girl he likes her."
Descending into an awkward silence that seemed to stretch on forever, they both thought of ways to break the silence; Yuri speaking the first thing that came into his head.
"You know, I've been meaning to ask you something. Where exactly are you from anyway?" He asked.
"Eh, I'll tell ya someday. Not now though." He shrugged in reply.
"Oh. Okay, whatever."
While not the answer he'd been looking for, it was the answer he'd got.
*Cico sure likes to play things close to the chest.*
Slapping Yuri on the back, Cico motioned with a nod of his head. "I guess we'd better head back."
"Yeah, all right."
Following Cico, Yuri watched his back, suddenly feeling as if this was all a bad idea.
"Oh!"
Sitting up in bed, with the blankets bunched around her waist, Katida seemed to be laughing happily with Adorinda Nobelo. She spotted him as he approached, smiling widely.
"Yuri, you came to see me! Oh good. I was getting bored."
"It looks like you're feeling a lot better. You've got some colour in your cheeks. That's good." He noticed.
"Yes. Miss Nobelo was just telling me how you really went above and beyond to rescue me. Thank you." She said kindly. "I'll have to have Grandpa give you a really nice reward. If you'd like, I could have him give you a job at his company too."
"Gee, uh... thanks."
Adorinda then turned to face Yuri. "I'd really like to take Miss Lanco home right away, but she insists that she not go back just yet. In any case, I suppose we'll be staying here until she fully recovers." She said with a shrug. "But when it is time for her to go home, can I count on you to make sure she's delivered safely? You're the only one I can trust."
"Of course you can. I feel like it's my duty." He responded.
Funny how things change once you get to know someone. He thought, remembering their first meeting.
He turned then to face Katida, a frown on his face. "But what were you doing stowing away on my ship anyway? If you'd gone with Ensign Pappas, you would have been home a long time ago."
She frowned back at him. "But I wanted you to take me home. That's why I got on your ship in the first place. But then you started travelling all over the place. I couldn't believe it!"
Yuri couldn't understand. She believed she hadn't done anything wrong.
"But I like you Yuri. I don't mind travelling around for a little while, if it means I get to stay by your side." She said suddenly, a smile now on her face.
Yuri had had enough of her. She was a spoilt brat that didn't have a clue about the consequences of her actions.
She just didn't see the trouble she was causing.
Leaning forward, Yuri lifted his arms, gripping Katida's shoulders as she gasped in shock.
"What are you talking about?! You just don't get it, do you?!"
"Wh-What? I was just —" She stammered... more than a little confused.
"After you got kidnapped, Nova Nacio and Kalymnos stopped talking to each other! It almost came to an all-out war! Don't you get any of that?! How could you do something so reckless?!"
"But none of that is my fault!" She defended.
She still wasn't listening. Doesn't she understand how important she is.
"Katida, you're not just anybody you know. Depending on what you do or don't do, you can be the bridge between two nations." He tried telling her. "And then there's your health to think about! You can't just do any old selfish, stupid thing that just pops into your head!"
"But... that's not fair!"
"NOT FAIR?!"
"That's right! You get to travel the sea of stars! You get to go wherever you want! Why should I have to stay at home, bored out of my skull all the time? Just because I have some stupid disease?" Katida's faced scrunched into an angry frown. "Just because I was born into the Lanco family? I didn't choose all that! how come I have to stay tied to the ground, never going anywhere, never having any fun?! Why can't I have a little bit of adventure in my life too?!"
This girl. Honestly.
"Don't you realize how dangerous the universe can be?!" He asked, gripping her shoulders tighter.
"Excuse me?!"
Yuri kept his voice deadly calm, keeping the anger down. "Lots of people, much stronger and more competent than me, die every single day out here. Commander Silas Ioannou was murdered when he tried to save you! You should really treat your life with a little more respect."
"But..."
He was sick of arguing with this girl. He was done with this conversation.
"As soon as you're better, I'm taking you straight to your grandfather! Have you got that?" He asked firmly.
Katida sat in shock, before Yuri's words seemed to click, and she let loose.
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING! I HATE YOU YURI! I HOPE YOU GET KNOCKED INTO GRUS AND DIE!"
Turning his back on the two women and heading for the door, Yuri left Katida's yelling behind him.
Huffing angrily as he stalked down the corridor.
Well, that could have gone better.
Still huffing angrily at Katida's reaction, Yuri found himself pacing outside the hospital entrance.
He sighed, lifting his gaze up to the window of Katida's room.
Maybe I was a little hard on her. I mean, she is still getting over that sickness of hers... He thought with another sigh.
Soon, his feet had carried him towards Marjeno's Blue Bazaar, and he found himself in conversation with the merchant once more.
"So you're looking at the flowers, huh?" He asked, noticing Yuri's gaze drifting.
He stared at the bunch of flowers that Paulo had clutched in his outstretched hands... thinking of Katida.
Hm... I could bring these to her as a get-well present and to tell her I'm sorry.
"I have artificial flowers for sale, but I've got some fresh flowers in right now too. They're hard to come by these days. Which would you like?" Marjeno prompted, pointing at the bunches for each.
"Let's see..." Yuri mumbled, hand hovering over both in indecision.
She had needed to be yelled at, obviously. If he hadn't, he dreaded to think what she'd be like. She was young, yes. But she'd been spoilt all her life... she needed a bit of a wake up call.
On the other hand, Yuri found himself thinking that perhaps he had gone a touch too far.
"I'll take the fresh flowers." He found himself saying.
"All right then. Here they are. Pink helianthus." Marjeno said with a wink.
Taking the offered currency card, Yuri turned to walk off with a wave, before his friend's voice stopped him.
"Hey, hold on a second!"
"Huh?"
Yuri watched Paulo walk around the counter, coming to a stop just in front of him.
"I've been thinking... Just giving you folks a discount is hardly thanks enough for what you did for me." He said.
"There's really no need to thank us."
Why didn't this man understand.
Marjeno smiled. "Remember: A Nova Nacion never forgets a good deed! Take me on as a crew member, and I'll do my best to really repay you!"
Yuri was surprised. He'd never expected this.
Marjeno had definitely hit the right buttons. Yuri wasn't able to turn down new crewmembers.
"Well then Paulo Marjeno..." Yuri began, taking the man's offered hand in a firm handshake. "Welcome to the crew of the FLAKRUNNER."
"Glad to be of service Captain." The man smiled back. "Let me just get my affairs in order; it shouldn't take too long. I just need to let my brothers know that I probably won't be back for a while."
Yuri nodded in understanding. "Of course, no problem. Take your time. I've got something to take care of anyway. Why don't we meet at the spaceport, docking slip 743... say... two hours?"
"What do I say? I say see you soon."
"Yuri!"
Walking back into the hospital room, Yuri's arrival was punctuated by Katida's shout of surprise. Closing the door behind him, he watched as she set aside her cutlery.
It looked like she was enjoying a meal.
"I didn't think you'd come visit me ever again." She said.
"Here. These are for you." He said, handing over the flowers he had bought.
She smiled as she reached out to take her gift; fingers running through the flower petals.
"Oh, they're beautiful! Real, fresh helianthus! I've never seen the real thing before." She cried in excitement, smelling the flowers in her hands.
"They really are beautiful. Wasn't that nice of the Captain, Miss Lanco?" Adorinda asked.
"Yes. You bought these just for me Yuri?" Katida asked.
Yuri shrugged, unsure of how to respond. "Yeah. I think I was a little too hard on you before Katida. I'm sorry about that."
"Oh, that's okay. So does this mean I can keep traveling with you?"
Yuri winced. He sure hoped the conversation ended better this time. "No, not right away. First, I've got to take you back to see your grandfather. Once we've done that, then we can talk. If you still want to come with me then, I'd be happy to have you."
The two exchanged silent stares... neither willing to back down. But then, in a moment of sudden clarity...
Katida sighed.
"You're pretty unbending, aren't you?"
"Sorry." He apologized.
Katida smiled, and he found the answer coming soon enough. "But that's okay. That's one of the things I like about you."
"Um, thanks."
Later, Yuri watched Katida as she cheerfully began to put the flowers into a nice vase she had gotten from the hospital staff.
"I've gotten expensive flowers from lots of people in my life." She explained. "But these are the prettiest I've ever seen!"
"They really are, aren't they? I'm so happy for you!" Nobelo said, glancing at Yuri.
Having completed her task, Katida returned to a sitting position on her bed.
"When we get back, I'm going to make sure that Yuri gets properly rewarded. Just say the word Yuri. I'll get you whatever you want, regardless of price!"
"You don't have to do anything like that." He replied, feeling a little overwhelmed.
"That's right Miss Lanco. Common folk don't know how to react when you say things like that." Adorinda interjected. She threw an apologetic look at Yuri for the insult... who shrugged. "You're embarrassing him. Isn't that right Captain?"
"Uh, yeah. I guess..."
As he watched the two women talk, something seemed to click in his head, and he found himself speaking suddenly.
"Hey, that's right! You're a member of the Lanco family." He exclaimed. "You must have some kind of ID, don't you?"
"ID? What makes you ask me that?" The girl asked.
"Well, there's a trading convention being held in this sector right now, and you need to have an ID to get in." He told them.
If there was anyone that would be able to get he and Nia into the Trade Hall, it was Katida Lanco. He just hoped that she would be willing to help them out.
So he found himself explaining...
"Hm... I think grandpa attended that trade convention once a few years back." Katida said in thought, turning to Adorinda.
The older woman nodded in reply. "Yes, he did. Five years ago, to be exact."
"In that case —" Yuri began excitedly... only to be cut off be Katida.
"Wait a minute. While I do think that a Lanco family ID would guarantee you entry into that convention, I think you might need to have an original ID with you."
"An original ID? What do you mean?"
"I only have a copy of my ID on me right now. I left the real one at home. I didn't want it to get stolen, you know."
"Oh... right." Makes sense.
Seeing the look on Yuri's face, Katida voiced a solution.
"Oh, don't be discouraged Yuri! I bet they'll let us in if I go there in person. I'll just go with you!"
"But you can't go in your condition."
"I'm completely better now! Right Miss Nobelo?" She answered, turning to the older woman.
"Yes, I do agree. And they did give us a several-month supply of ampules, so I think we're all right in that regard." She reassured him.
"Really? Well, in that case..." Yuri said with a small smile.
"I'll go and see with the staff if Katida is allowed to be released..." Nobelo said, standing up. "Would you like to join me Captain?"
"Sure!"
Following the older woman out the door, Yuri found himself in step with Adorinda Nobelo, who had now turned her head to speak with him.
"This whole thing makes me wonder if I really knew Miss Lanco as well as I thought I did." She admitted. "I mean, I had no idea she had such a strong desire to travel the universe!"
Yuri could understand that. He found himself nodding absently.
"Captain, please do look after her." She asked, turning to face him directly.
He could see the pleading looking in her eyes, and while she didn't say anything... he knew how much Katida meant to her.
If it was Kira, he'd want the same thing.
"Don't worry, I will." He promised.
He watched Adorinda shoot him a small watery smile, and in a moment of complete surprise to both of them... she reached over to give him a hug.
It was completely unexpected, and even she found herself leaning back in shock afterwards.
Clearing her throat, Adorinda whispered a "Thank you" to the young Captain, before heading off down the hallway.
Yuri watched her disappear, and smiled as she began talking to one of the hospital staff.
"So Kranio first, then Zefiro? Right?"
"Right." Yuri said with a nod.
"So how's Katida? What did the doctors say?" Selenia questioned.
"They gave her an injection of phermetas, and a couple-months worth of ampules. After being in the hospital for a little over a day, they didn't see any other reason to hold her." He explained.
"But she's fine now?"
"Seems to be." He answered.
They talked for a while, Yuri joining in here and there.
He looked over at Cico, still not sure how he felt about him taking Kira on the date to the Scenic Tower. If he had offered any woman to have his child, he was sure they would've slapped him stupid too... just like Kira.
He was proud of her for that.
Although, he still had a bad feeling about that stranger that had managed to get away.
*Who was he? Where did he come from?*Most important of all... Why was he at the Scenic Tower?
It was obvious that it had something to do with Cico, if the battle was any indication, and the conversation too. He was still annoyed at himself for interrupting.
If only I had waited for a bit. He found himself thinking.
Looking back to Ogar and Selenia however, he wasn't sure how to react. They had been spending most of their time together since the latter had joined their crew. They never attended important meetings planetside... only meetings with Yuri's Circle.
But standing here... watching them now... they seemed different.
"I feel bad. You two decided to tag along with me on my travels. But we haven't really had much of a chance to talk." He apologized.
"Oh please, don't apologize Yuri." Selenia replied. "We're not too big in social situations anyway. Right?"
"Exactly. I prefer to work from the background. You young ones can do the talking and negotiating." He explained with a smile. "Besides... I'm not a big fan of governments or the military, if you haven't already noticed. I'll work with 'em when I have to, but that's about it."
"So what have the two of you been up to?" He asked.
They exchanged a look, Ogar seeming to defer to Selenia to answer. "Not much. Mostly we talk and drink. Exchange war stories... not that I have many."
"That's not true..." Ogar said with a frown. "You're been through enough for your age. Not many people would've been able to lead a ragtag group like yours against hardened criminals."
Selenia flashed him a small smile. "Kind of you to say. But still... most of our time is spent listening to Ogar tell stories about his travels, and his time in the military."
"How interesting... you must have quite the collection. I'll have to hear them some day." Yuri commented.
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of footsteps echoed through the docking ramp, and as one, the four turned to the newest arrival.
Paulo Marjeno hurried down the docking ramp, an apologetic look on his face. "Sorry for the delay, I didn't mean to take this long."
Yuri waved his fears away. "No problem. We we're just talking anyway. Paulo, these are some friends. Allow me to introduce..."
Holding out a hand, he pointed at the older veteran, who bowed. "This is Ogar Telegov, Captain of the JUSTICE, and former member of the Central Elgavan Forces."
"This is Selenia Ascia Rataska. The Captain of the MISUNDERSTOOD." Selenia flashed him a smile, letting out a "glad to meet you" returning her greeting with a nod.
"And this is Cico, Captain of the RUDIANOS." Yuri said, introducing him. "He's accompanying us through the Magellanic Stream."
"Everyone. This is Paulo Marjeno. He's a Nova Nacion trader operating out of the Blue Bazaar."
Exchanging looks, the three other Captains disappeared back up the docking tube ramp and towards their own ships.
Glancing at his newest crewmember, Yuri motioned for him to follow, making small talk as they went. With the rest of the crew accounted for, Yuri proceeded to close the docking hatch.
As it shut behind them with a click and a hiss, Yuri activated the panel beside him.
"Nia, we're the last ones aboard. Take us out!" He called out. "I'm just going to show Marjeno to his post and his quarters."
"Gotcha."
Nodding up the hallway, the two made their way up two floors, and appearing at Marjeno's quarters.
"Well... this is your quarters." Yuri said, stepping aside so Paulo could inspect the room for himself. "It's not much, but most of us don't spend much time in our quarters anyway."
"I think it's perfect." He replied with a smile. "Now... where am I working."
"Right this way." He said, leading the man down two floors.
"It's a bit of a trek to the accounting offices though." He told him.
Once at their destination, Yuri punched in the code for the door, making sure Marjeno could see it.
"Each crewmember has a passcard and a code, which restricts, or allows them access to certain areas." He explained, turning the lights on. "You can change your code anytime at the security rooms, so if you forget, just let them know."
Marjeno walked through the office, doing a general inspection as he listened to Yuri speak.
"I've assigned you the role of Supply Officer, and you are officially a part of the ship's management department." Yuri told him. "I've forwarded you several emails containing daily duties and protocols that we have put into effect. It may take some time getting used to, so if you have any questions, then please... feel free to come and speak to me, or Nia."
Paulo frowned. "It doesn't seem that these offices have seen any use."
"No, they haven't." Yuri replied. "I installed them some time ago, but we haven't had anyone with the required skills to make use of them."
"So I have no co-workers then?"
"Not in the sense you're thinking." Yuri began. "While you won't be working with anyone in these offices directly. It is your job, as the Supply Officer, to oversee the supply, and management of our ship's stores."
Yuri briefly wondered if he was placing too much work on the man. "You'll be in constant contact with the departments ship wide. So while you won't have any co-workers yet, there may be some in future."
Paulo nodded, starting to understand his role a little better. "So the workload of my co-workers, am I doing those as well? And what happens with promotions and head positions."
"Well so far, we haven't been transporting any goods, so a regular accountant hasn't been needed. As for promotions and such..." Yuri began. "All head positions stay closed until all of a department's positions are full. I will review all candidates with Nia, my First Officer."
Paulo nodded.
"Even if you are the Head Accountant, as an example, it doesn't mean you'll stay there." Yuri added. "If a new crewmember comes along with better qualifications than you, we'll consider bumping them up... understood?"
"Sounds fair."
"Good." Yuri finished. "Now. As much as I would love to stay and help you get settled in... I've got somewhere to be."
"Of course Captain... don't you worry about me." Paulo reassured him. "I'll be fine."
"I know you will." Yuri said, flashing him a small smile as he disappeared out the door...
Leaving Paulo to get himself settled into his new job.