Prologue: Blissfully Unaware

Beginning transmission from the USG Victis to the Sprawl.

Caller: Eli Murdoch

Reciever: Gabe and Lexine Weller

"Signal's boosting up." Eli said to himself as he paitiently waited for an answer, "Video feed is working, and. . ."

His sister's face appeared, smiling "Hey Eli! About time you bloody called!" Lexine greeted her little brother as the images became clearer.

"Yeah well, I've been busy and all thanks to being 3rd Class system engineer!" Eli exclaimed joyfully, "I've finally passed the tests."

Lexine replied, "Aw that's great! Well I have good news that Gabe and I have been itching to tell you. . . You're gonna be an Uncle!"

"For real!? Oh congratulations you two. Is Gabe in or is he on his usual duties?" Eli asked, hoping to see his brother in law.

A voice chimed from behind Lexine, "Trust me, the Sprawl's always on the go." Gabe moved beside Lexine, still wearing his security RIG. "Well done on getting your job lad."

"Thanks Gabe. Listen, we're gonna lose signal in about a few seconds but I'll try and contact you once I'm back from Abraxas Eight."

Lexine responded quickly, "O-Okay Eli. *Static* We'll speak soon brother, we love you! *Static*"

That would be the last message they ever sent.

The Sprawl was destroyed in a horrific terrorist attack, and when Eli retrieved news of the destruction. . . He quickly searched for his sister and his brother in-law within the obituaries released by Earthgov. Only Gabe Weller was confirmed killed in action. Lexine however was listed as missing. . .

Two years later. . .

Eli stared into the deep vast emptiness of space, his messy black hair with little greys on the sides, his face unshaven. He had spent most of the time in focusing on working with CEC, doing both small ships and bigger ships. Everyday he would keep his eye on any update on his sister's dissapearence. Despite the length of time, he still held on to some fragment of hope that Lexine was alive, alongside her two year old child.

Aboard the USG Victis, Eli sat with his fellow crew, his mentor and head engineer; Sean Felton, and CEC security duo named Sam Heston and Kenneth Morgan. As the hyperdrive finished, the group had arrived within a new sector.

"Welcome to Belial Four folks." Sean stated as the ship carefully navigated through debris. "Planet is rich in cobalt, titanium, and is overgrown with unusual flora. The colony itself has over five thousand folks working together as their proud ship watches from above."

"Any sign of this proud ship boss?" Eli asked, "Heard this one is a Planet Cracker." He added.

Sean kept his eyes out, and spotted the ship in all its glory. "Visual confirmation on the USG Tanimura. Originally made in tribute to the USG Ishimura, but now a proud planet cracking ship that surpasses the original."

Eli could see the ship and noticed the lights were running. "So let me get this right, we're gonna stay and monitor the ship before they pop the cork? Repair whatever needs repairing for the next month?" He asked.

Sean turned around and nodded, "This is your time to show what I've taught you Eli. You'll also get your own little place on the ship, and recieve the benefits that the crew have themselves."

Sam Heston began to input the codes to hail the ship and spoke, "USG Tanimura, this is the USG Victis, do you copy?"

An answer came quickly, "This is the USG Tanimura, we hear you USG Victis and you're right on time. You have permission to board where we'll have P-Sec security come and greet you alongside the captain, over."

Sam replied, "Acknowledged USG Tanimura, thank you. Over and out." The call was finished. "Guess security will want to inspect our ship. They don't want another Ishimura attack." She added.

Sean agreed, "Standard procedure these days Sam. They'd rather inspect every nook and cranny than leave anything to chance. P-Sec's only gotten more tougher as time has passed and they won't hesitate."

Once the ship had landed safely, Sean led the crew out onto the docking area. Eli took in his surroundings, watching the many workers go about their daily routine. He continued to follow his crew, keeping his helmet off out of manners. The armed security approached with their scanners, armed with pulse rifles. The Victis crew stopped in their tracks, letting the officers commence their scan. After two minutes, the head of security approached the crew.

"I'm Head Security Officer Jared Allen. . ." He spoke with a rough English accent that equally matched his rough and aged face. "Captain Ezra is currently on the bridge in a very important meeting, she has instructed me to ensure you're all comfortable."

Sean responded, "Seems like everyone's getting prepped for something. I take it everything's getting prepped down at the colony?" He asked, The officer nodded as they all walked into the flight deck lobby.

"It'll be another two weeks before the Captain commences the operation. The climate on the planet is surpisingly inhabitable despite it being an overgrown mega forest. The water is safe to drink and the flora have so far been useful to the hydroponics division."

Eli chimed in, "Any dangers we need to know of? Judging by the security, you guys seem to be on a tight scheduel."

The Officer let out a deep chuckle, "Only thing you guys to need worry about is how cold the showers are. I assure you every officer is on a strict leash." After passing another security scan, they were escorted to the tram station. "This is where I leave you and your crew Mister Felton, just get to the crew deck, and ask for Doctor Richard Grey."

Sean shook Jared's hand, "Thanks for the escort Head Officer." He said as he lead his crew away. Upon entering the tram, he muttered to Eli, "Kind of a prick isn't he?" His apprentice suppressed the urge to laugh.

Once arriving at the crew deck, Eli's first thought was a good drink. But of course knowing his mentor, he'd rather follow the procedure. They approached the aforementioned Doctor Grey. He was an elderly looking fellow, the usual widow's peak hairstyle, the small circular glasses, pretty much the stereotypical old man.

Sean approached first, "Doctor Grey I presume?" He was met with a glare, but with a playful smirk.

"Ah yes! Sean Felton and the crew of the USG Victis. I've been told to give you a tour of the facilities before you get settled." Grey spoke with a light dutch accent, "Come along now, there's much to see." He beckoned the group to follow.

As they followed, Eli was in awe of the vast areas within. From the recreational bar and pool tables, the zero G basketball court, and to top it off, a gym facility complete with a swimming pool. This was clearly the successor to the Ishimura's layout, expanding to hold at least four thousand crew members, each with their own specialties. Once the tour concluded, Eli was given some down time. Keeping his engineering RIG on he ventured into the bar area, scanning the area carefully. Taking a seat, he took a moment to look at the chalkboard menu, grinning at the old school choices.

A barman greeted him, baring a necklace. "What can I get you?" He asked, and Eli looked at the necklace, noticing the all too familiar design.

"Another marker head. . ." He thought, but kept a friendly smile out of politeness. "I'll have the special with a blueberry soda please."

The barman smiled back and nodded, "Coming right up. Say, you must be that Felton's apprentice right? Heard you're one of the best."

Eli was surprised that word had spread so swiftly, but then again he was specifically picked by Sean during the tests he went through many years ago. "I doubt I'm the best, I just do my job. I make sure that if I can help in anyway, then at least I know I'm doing something right."

The barman grinned, "I respect that. You're not doing it for yourself, but for those who need help. Gotta say it's a nice change from Edgar's group."

"Edgar?"

"Let's just say they're almost fanatical marker lovers. I just wear the necklace just to keep em' off my back. Luckily the unitology crew here are a very small minority."

Eli chuckled, "Good to know. I didn't catch your name, I'm Eli Murdoch." He offered a friendly gestured hand.

"I'm Terry. Terry Pritchard." He returned the handshake, "Both a barman and hydroponics professor."

"Never judge a book by its cover. . . Heh. Lexine was right." Eli's inner thoughts reminded him of his sister, he still clung on to hope that he would find her. . .

End of Prologue

Author's Notes:

With Dead Space being one of my most beloved games and its brand new remake being a massive hit. I've written an original story that takes place after DS1 and 2, but DS3 doesn't take place. Bretheren Moons will play a part in a sequel story if I complete this one, alongside the original black marker which could potentially be the cause of everything that happens.