Vindril trailed back and forth inside the small room he had learned to recognize as the palm of his hand. He was restless. That much was obvious. But why? Had something happened? Well, not exactly.

He couldn’t clearly point out exactly when or where that thought had started to rummage inside his skull. Maybe it was after that visit he had done at the Hangar, with its chaotic and yet beautiful working place full of metal and life. But once it did, it never went away. And the more time passed, the more that crazy idea took shape, turning into something that was strange indeed, but also damned seductive.

A crew. That was what was making him restless. Or better, the intention to form one. Though the people he intended to recruit were the ones giving him such trouble times, to be exact. The first person he had in mind was obviously the walking armor. Even if he had not seen them in a combat situation, he was sure they weren’t going to disappoint him. The little incursion they had done together some time before was proof enough of their ability. One doesn’t simply sneak into a monitored room wearing an armor without proper skills. Problem was, even if he really wanted them to join with him on his conquest of the galaxy’s unknowns, he didn’t even know their name. How the hell was he supposed to convince them? Well, he was going to find a way. Even if he had to do the unthinkable, he would convince them. Of that, he had no doubt.

Then a short figure came next. It was Sully, the bartender.

While he didn’t have any indications to assume that the half man was as good with kitchen duties as he was with his drinks, he certainly couldn’t pass up the idea of asking him if he wanted to leave that sand rock of a planet behind him. And even if he was indeed not fir for that particular task, as far as kitchen mastery was concerned, than he could simply provide them with his vast expertise with anything alcoholic. It wasn’t a necessity on space travels, but it sure provided the crew with some well-deserved rest and incentives to work hard.

He also had to consider if that giant, who was a sort of bodyguard for the bar, was going to follow Sully. He didn’t know for sure, as he had never seen that gigantic example of a man talk more than strictly necessary, but he was under the impression the two shared a friendship. Only time would tell him if he was right.

The next position he wanted to fill out, of course, was certainly the one of the mechanics. Without the shadow of a doubt, that just had to go to Warbren. Sure, they had their little scuffle all those weeks ago, but that was water under the bridge to both of them. Now Vindril respected him for his vast knowledge and know how on anything even remotely related to the mechanical field of expertise. He had to join up. He was just too knowledgeable to waste his life away as the Academy’s mechanic. He deserved better. And Vindril was going to provide him with that chance. He didn’t know he would do it, but he simply would.

Problem was, as far as he could tell, he didn’t know if Warbren was even remotely interested in that idea. No matter how much Vindril could have convinced himself that taking flight into the open and limitless space of the galaxy on board of his personal ship was the kind of chance that couldn’t be passed out, he had to admit that such course of action was full to the brim with giant unknowns that wouldn’t have helped in convincing…well, anyone. It wouldn’t have been strange if Warbren was going to flatly refuse.

He sighed. Of course bringing in a crew wasn’t going to be easy. Especially on the dusty and scorching hot surface of Keelo Prime. Almost nothing ever was.

Speaking of things that were surely going to be complicated, if not outright impossible, his mind drifted to a particular person: Ar. That was the nickname he had oh so kindly affixed to the mercenary that always hid their identity behind their metallic armor. Truth to be told, Vindril would have preferred to just call them by their names. It was way easier and less cringe than coming up with nicknames that were surely hated by the unfortunate persons that were subjected to them. He even had tried, during a night were they had met up to discuss some things, to ask them their name. Obviously, silence had been the only thing that had met him. Not that he had expected anything different.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a frustrated sigh coming from the right. That had to be his companion. They weren’t exactly the best of friends, but they got along pretty good, all things considered.

“If you don’t stop pacing back and forth like a mindless animal, I’m going to hit you.” said the light skinned man, who was lazily laying on the messy bed with his legs entertained and an arm ducked under his pillow. “I’m trying to relax here, you know?”

His idea of relaxing was pretty simple. Laying his back as he casually read all the latest light novels he could find on the limitless catalogue available on the galaxy digital market. By the way his eyes almost seemed to be glued to the semi-transparent projection that was coming from his ringer, it was evident he was reading one right now.

Vindril stopped right where he was and turned around to face him. Sorin could be a real pain in the ass when he decided to, especially when he was reading those damned things he liked so much. But he also guessed he was kind of intruding into his own personal space, however little that was given the circumstances, so he remained calmed and composed.

“Why? What’s the problem? Keep on reading that if you like it that much.”

“Well, I would, if only you’ll stop distracting me.”

“Distracting you? By walking?”

“No. Not walking. Pacing. There’s a difference.”

Vindril scoffed. He could really be insufferable at times. A pity. Most of the time he was a perfectly likably guy.

“Oh yeah. Big fucking difference.” he rolled his eyes. “Anyway, I can’t understand how I could possibly distract you. I think you’re over exaggerating.”

“Well, I for once am not going to waste my relaxing time by arguing with you. Just know I’m going to hit you if you keep going back and forth like that. Truth to be told, it’s fucking maddening.”

“Aren’t you also restless at times?”

“Of course I am!” he said, staring at him for the first time since the conversation had started. “Who do you take me for? I’m a not a robot, o-or one of those damned brainwashed workers at the factories. Still, I don’t bother anyone when I’m in that kind of mentality.”

“Yeah, whatever. I’m done with this.”

“Good.”

As the conversation died down, Vindril went briefly towards his bed to take his trusted white jacket. Honestly, he didn’t go anywhere without it. He was so obsessed with it that he would have worn it even if he had to cross a mining operation. And he knew damn well who dusty those places were. But he didn’t care. He was going with it, or he wasn’t going at all. So, after putting it on, he was ready to set out.

However, as a random thought entered his mind, he stopped on his tracks, pausing near the door.

“…Hey Sorin.” Vindril asked. He was pretty sure he wasn’t even going to consider it, but it still was worth a shot.

“…what?”

“Do you remember about the starship? The one I’m getting ready to flight once again?”

“Yes?”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Well, things are proceeding well. Abnormally well. At least to what I’m used to. It is just a matter of weeks before she’s ready to go once again. Problem is, I’m alone. And while she’s equipped to operated even without an operator on board, I clearly need a crew if I’m to achieve anything. So, I’ll get straight to the point. Will you join me?”

“…Even if I had the time to consider your foolish request-” Sorin said as he flipped the book he was reading to the next page. “Which I evidently don’t, what makes you think I’m even interested in soaring the skies with you?”

The silence that followed was louder than a meteoric crash. “Just as I thought. Now, leave me be. I’ve got things to do that are way more important than anything else. Came back when you’ve an answer ready.”

With that, Sorin went back to reading.

…Asshole…

//////

It was around midnight by now, and the few rays of sun that had peeked through the grey clouds that had clocked the sky through the day had since long disappeared. The twin moons that were orbiting around Keelo Prime were nowhere to be seen. The only sources of light on that starless night was coming from the various structures scattered around the Academy’s perimeter. Or from the city’s lights, but those were off in the distance.

At first, Vindril wasn’t bothered by such a gloomy atmosphere. He wasn’t the type of man that would let something as simple and trivial as weather foul his mood. But he had to admit that it was starting to affect him too that night.

To say that the day had not gone like he had expected to would have been an understatement. First Sorin, with his habit of reading novels as soon as he had an opportunity, without caring about anything else. Honestly, when acted that way, he found him a bit bothersome. Not so much about the act of it. Not at all. He just didn’t like how everything seemed to cease to exist the moment Sorin was like that. Then all the tasks he carried out to earn some money had taken up all his time, leaving him with nothing more than a few credits more.

He sighed. That was not how the day was supposed to go. Sure, it was not like he had no more time to address the matter of the crew to those he deemed worthy, but knowing how those things usually went, it was better to directly address the matter at the sooner opportunity. Shit. The more he thought about it all, the more he seemed to get pissed off. Why was everything so complicated all the fucking time?

As soon as money, and an opportunity related to that, came up, he always pushed whatever he was doing to the side. He had to wonder at that point if he even had the right to judge Sorin and his obsession. No. Of course he didn’t. He might be hard-headed, but he wasn’t a hypocrite.

Vindril got up from the metal crate he was using as an improvised chair of sorts. It wasn’t like it was comfortable or anything like that. The backache he was starting to perceive was just a further confirmation of that. It was just one of the many empty ones scattered all around the Academy’s ground that for a reason or another had yet to be reused or thrown inside the metal container to be disposed of.

He had to wonder when his mind had started to be wired that way. It was not like he was willing to do anything for money. For example, there were certain worlds where slavery was legal and was still practiced like it was as natural as drinking a glass of water. Needless to say, he had always stayed clear of those, even if he had heard from some contacts of his that the pay-out for those kinds of things were pretty high. But at what cost?

No. He really didn’t have it in him to deprive an innocent being of his freedom just for purely monetary gains.

It was a different story if violent criminals were concerned. He had no sympathy towards ruthless murderers and slavers. Were it to up to him, he would simply arrest them all and condemn them to a life of forced servitude. Now that was justice. Killing them was just a mercy they didn’t deserve.

“…I see you’ve got things going on in that empty head of yours.” a man’s voice said from behind him.

He didn’t even need to turn around to clearly understand who it was. Sully had that kind of tone that was nor too high, nor too low. However, it somehow fitted him very well.

“…. Is it-” he stretched out, making his bones and tendons relax. Ahhh. Now, that’s better. “That obvious?”

“A bottle of ale for your thoughts?”

Vindril took the warm bottle of ale into his right hand, popping the sealing by using the crate’s edge as a leverage. The all too comforting aroma of the golden-brown liquid stored in there made him think that maybe, just maybe, the day could still be salvaged after all. He took a sip. The slight tingling sensation he got on the top of his tongue made him smile. Even if it was way too hot to taste good, it still was a godsend. And he had to thank that half man for it.

All of that only reaffirmed his belief that the half man in front of him was going to be a perfect fit on his non-existent crew. Problem was, could he really convince him? Could he really muster up the necessary skills to coerce a well-established business man? It was all pointless muttering. And besides, it was Sully who spoke first.

“So…” asked Sully after taking a sip from his own bottle of ale who was already half empty. “What’s on your mind that has gotten you in such a gloomy mood?”

“I wouldn’t say gloomy. I’m just…pondering about things. A lot of things, actually.”

“Well, I’ll be damned.” he smirked. “Who isn’t. Look around you. Most of them are as restless as you. Some even more. It’s just the way it is. Keelo Prime doesn’t offer much in terms of appeasing one concerns after all.”

Before answering, Vindril took another sip from the bottle. He had a habit of taking a sip of whatever he had at his disposal when he was feeling agitated. It was a reflexive movement that somehow managed to calm down his nerves. This time however, it didn’t work. Maybe it was due to how important he perceived the matter to be; or maybe it wasn’t. He still felt agitated, though.

“I…want to ask you something. I don’t know how you’ll react, though.”

Sully arched hi left eyebrow. “Go on.”

“I have a starship. Well, sort of. It’s currently going through some extensive work at Mach I. I’m sure you’ve heard about it.”

“Yeah. How could I not? It’s like the most famous shop on Keelo Prime’s entire surface. As far as starships are concerned.”

“Well, the works are almost done. Dare I say we’re nearing the end. Don’t get me wrong. I’m stoked about it. I can hardly contain my excitement.”

“…But?”

Vindril sighed, trying to catch his breath. It was all in vain of course. He was just too nervous for it to work. “I need a crew. People who I can trust. People who can be of use to the various tasks at hand. People who are ready to set out in the immense vastness of space, ready to face anything in order to take what is rightfully theirs. I want you to join me, Sully. Trust me, you have what it takes for-”

“Alright.”

“C’mon. Don’t be like that. I’m sure we can-”

He stopped the moment he finally understood what Sully had just said. Did he really…? Nah. That couldn’t possibly be true. Surely he must have misunderstood somehow. Right…?

“…What did you say?”

“I’m in.”

“…Just like that?”

“Well, yes.” he said, taking in another sip from the bottle. “Or I can refuse if you like.”

“No, no. I’m happy you’re coming with me! Just…why? Don’t take it the wrong way, but in my experience, nobody does anything for free. There must something you’re after.”

Shit. He just had to speak his mind, didn’t he. He couldn’t just stay silent and accept the fact that not everybody out there is either trying to screw him over or to kill him. No. He had to point his doubts out, didn’t he? Damn it all. He would hate to lose the half man just because he had trust issues deep rooted in him. But he also had to admit he would have hated himself if had stayed silent. At that point, he could only hope for the best.

“Well, I won’t deny I’m after something. However, it’s something completely unrelated to you. I’ve a dream, you know? I want to taste every alcoholic beverage ever created. I want to know how they’re made. And I want to acquire the know how to make them. Basically, I want to take brewing and alcoholic beverages to a new height, creating something new and unique that will capture everyone who taste it. The sole idea of it is enough to give me shivers.”

Vindril smirked. How could he not? He didn’t know if he could put his trust in Sully, but he sure as hell was sure that he was passionate about his creations. Also, if those short times spent together on Keelo Prime were to be taken into account, they were going to get along greatly. Great. One less to convince. At least that was a start.

Happy to have secured what he only hoped to be just the first member, Vindril swirled the bottle around, ready to gulp it down in one go. However, Sully stopped him before he had the chance to do so.

“I have a condition though.”

“Ah! I knew it. Go on. Tell me. What is it?”

“You must also take Luzir with us.”

“Luzir? That giant? Why?”

“…Let’s just say he goes where I go. He’s like a brother to me, you see. We’ve been through a lot of shit together…”

Vindril smiled. It had been obvious, at least to him, that those two shared a bond that was deeper and stronger than simply co-workers. The way they operated together with the precision of a well-oiled machine was proof of that. So he wasn’t surprised by that request. Far from it.

“No problem. If he wants to come too, he’s more than welcome to. Just…tell me if he’s prone to sudden impulses of destruction, alright? I’ve got no intention of destroying what I’m currently restoring.”

“Nah, you’re good. Don’t let his appearance confuse you. He’s the calmest and most collected person I know. Still, don’t mistake his placid character as a weakness. Fighting isn’t a problem for him.”

“Then it’s lucky I’m of a good character, isn’t it?”

“Heh!” smirked Sully. “Cocky bastard.”

To seal this newfound alliance, Vindril and Sully shared a drink, clicking together the half empty bottle they were holding. It would have been wiser to discuss other technical stuff with Sully, just get things straight.

But not right now. He deserved some respite after all the fatigue he had accumulated during the day.