Luma leapt gracefully through the docking tube, her sleek frame moving with purpose as she returned to the Indifference. Her tail flicked sharply, a clear sign of her irritation. Clorita pushing her off the chair was an indignity she would not soon forget. She padded into the bridge, her glowing optics scanning the familiar layout as she leapt onto the console.
IND-E’s voice greeted her, laced with its usual dry tone. “Ah, the Felixanoid returns. I trust you’ve had your fill of being underestimated by Zog and Clorita?”
Luma didn’t respond. Instead, her ears twitched as the comms crackled, relaying the desperate voices from the Reverie’s bridge.
Luma’s optics narrowed as she listened. Without hesitation, she turned and locked her tail into the bridge’s mainframe. The glowing appendage extended, its filaments interfacing seamlessly with the ship’s systems. The Indifference’s displays flickered briefly as her advanced AI integrated with IND-E’s controls.
IND-E’s tone was wary but intrigued. “And what, exactly, do you think you’re doing?”
Luma chirped softly, dismissive yet commanding, as her tail adjusted the thrusters’ power levels. Data streams cascaded across the screens, and IND-E’s tone shifted, equal parts impressed and bemused.
“I see. You’re upset and channelling your rage into productivity. Remarkable. Shall I prepare a congratulatory LubriCoffee?”
Luma ignored him, focusing instead on synchronising the Indifference’s trajectory with the Reverie. Her paws moved deftly across the console, tapping commands that initiated a secondary power boost. The engines roared, and the ship tilted as it positioned itself to assist its larger companion.
IND-E’s voice crackled through the speakers, its tone shifting to one of reluctant collaboration. “I assume you know the gravitational risks involved in this little heroics display? Not to mention the strain on our stabilisers.”
Luma chirped sharply in reply, her glowing optics locked on the main display. She adjusted the thrusters with precision, rerouting auxiliary power to strengthen the Indifference’s output. The smaller ship’s hull groaned under the strain, but its engines held steady.
IND-E continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Ah, yes, let’s throw caution to the solar wind, shall we? I’ll sit here and ensure we don’t become an amusing anecdote for future travellers.”
The comms crackled again, the chaos from the Reverie’s bridge bleeding into the Indifference.
Prime: “Trajectory adjustment is critical. Thrusters must synchronise and boost.”
Clorita: “Boost the thrusters, Zog, or we’re toast!”
Zog: “I’M TRYING!”
Luma chirped again, her tail sending a burst of data through the mainframe. The Indifference’s engines roared louder, matching the Reverie’s emergency thrusters in perfect synchronisation. The smaller ship tilted, its thrusters burning fiercely as it pulled against the black hole’s relentless grasp.
IND-E’s voice shifted to one of grudging respect. “I must admit, this is… effective. Who knew a Felixanoid could outpace the humanoids in efficiency and decision-making?”
Luma didn’t respond, her focus unyielding as she adjusted the power distribution again. A soft chirp escaped her as she activated the pulse drive, sending a synchronised thrust burst to the Reverie. The holographic display flickered, showing the combined output of the two ships. Slowly, agonisingly, the larger vessel began to tilt upward, its trajectory inching closer to escape velocity.
IND-E’s voice turned uncharacteristically serious. “We’re reaching critical output levels. If this fails—”
A resonant hum filled the air as the Reverie surged forward, its thrusters flaring brighter than ever. The black hole’s event horizon loomed dangerously close, but the combined effort of the two ships began to pull them free.
“Escape velocity in 10 seconds,” IND-E announced, his tone steady but tense. “Nine… eight…”
Luma’s tail flicked sharply, locking the thrusters into maximum output as the countdown ticked on.
“Three… two… one…” IND-E paused as if holding his breath. “Escape velocity achieved.”
The Indifference groaned as its engines slowed, its systems gradually stabilising. The black hole’s swirling abyss shrank behind them as both ships drifted into safer territory.
Luma gracefully disconnected her tail from the mainframe and leapt back onto the console, curling into a seated position. Her glowing optics blinked slowly, her tail swishing with calm satisfaction.
IND-E’s voice returned, tinged with reluctant admiration. “Well, Luma, I must concede—your contribution was… adequate.”
Luma chirped softly, her tone smug. She stretched leisurely before curling up on the captain’s chair, claiming it hers.
On the Reverie’s bridge, Zog’s voice crackled over the comms. “Prime, status report! Are we clear?”
Prime’s soothing tone replied. “The Celestial Reverie is no longer in immediate danger. You performed admirably, Captain Zog.”
IND-E muttered dryly. “Of course, the humanoids get the credit.”
Luma flicked her tail dismissively, her glow dimming as she settled into a nap. Thanks to one determined Felixanoid and her begrudging AI partner, the crisis had passed.
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Zog slumped in his seat, his circuits buzzing faintly. “I can’t believe it. We made it.”
Clorita leaned back, crossing her arms. “No thanks to you.”
“Excuse me?” Zog said, sitting up. “Who’s the one who kept the ship steady?”
“Barely,” Clorita shot back. “Meanwhile, the cat and IND-E were saving the day.”
Zog groaned, rubbing his temples. “I’m never going to live this down, am I?”
The Indifference re-docked with the Celestial Reverie shortly after. When Zog and Clorita entered the docking bay, they found Luma sitting proudly on the console of the Indifference, her tail wrapped neatly around her paws. IND-E’s voice greeted them with uncharacteristic enthusiasm:
“Ah, Captain Zog and Clorita. Welcome back. I trust the Reverie is still intact?”
Zog crossed his arms. “Intact, thanks to you two! Since when do cats and snarky AIs team up?”
“It was an... unorthodox arrangement. But surprisingly effective. Also, I’m submitting an official request to transfer aboard the Reverie. The Indifference is charming, but I’ve realised my potential deserves a larger platform,” IND-E revealed.
Clorita chuckled, scratching Luma behind the ears. “You’ve earned it. Both of you.”
Luma purred softly, blinking slowly at Zog. He sighed. “Fine. I guess you’re a hero. Happy now?”
Luma flicked her tail, her expression priggish. Zog groaned, muttering, “I hate space.”
The ship creaked faintly as Zog and Clorita returned to the Reverie and made their way through its expansive corridors, lit only by dim emergency lighting. Their boots echoed off the metallic floors, accompanied by the low hum of still-active systems. The ship felt both alive and lifeless like a beast waiting to wake.
“Anything we should know before we go poking around, Prime?” Zog asked, his voice tinged with hesitation.
“I’d say ‘don’t poke,’ but I suspect you’d ignore that advice,” Prime responded smoothly, reverberating through the intercom. “Proceed with caution. Some sections may still harbour... surprises.”
“Define surprises,” Zog muttered under his breath.
Prime’s tone sharpened. “Unexpected variables. And if you’re wondering whether they’ll be dangerous... yes.”
Clorita smirked as she adjusted the strap on her neutron shotgun. “Great. Let’s go meet the surprises.”
The rows of broken bots in the maintenance bay gave the air an eerie sense of abandonment. Some bots were missing limbs, others had scorch marks or exposed wiring, and a few looked suspiciously intact.
“Think any of these are still active?” Zog asked, leaning closer to a menacing model with one red, cracked sensor.
“Only if you’re foolish enough to try turning them on,” Prime replied dryly.
Clorita tapped the butt of her shotgun against the ground, the sound echoing. “Leave them. We’ve got bigger problems, like the engines.”
Suddenly, one of the bots twitched, its servos firing a spark of life. Zog yelped and jumped back, fumbling for his laser gun.
Clorita rolled her eyes. “Relax. It’s just the circuits discharging. You’re worse than a malfunctioning toaster.”
“That toaster saved your breakfast once,” Zog shot back, still clutching the gun.
When they reached the engine room, the scale of the damage was overwhelming. The engines, towering structures of chrome and alloy, were scarred with blackened streaks and exposed wiring. Coolant dripped from several pipes, pooling in glittering puddles on the floor.
“This,” Clorita said, stepping into the vast room, “will be a nightmare.”
Prime’s voice filtered in, calm and precise. “The engines are salvageable but require significant repairs. Initial assessment suggests damage to the primary coolant system, the fusion conduits, and several control relays.”
“Significant?” Zog repeated, his circuits buzzing with anxiety. “Define significant.”
“Do you want that in hours or years?”
Zog groaned. “This is why I hate space.”
As they surveyed the damage, a nearby console flickered to life. Prime’s voice carried a faint undertone of amusement. “I’ve taken the liberty of activating the service bots. You’ll find them most capable of handling the labour-intensive aspects of repair.”
“What service bots?” Clorita asked, spinning toward the sound of hissing air.
From a row of stasis pods against the far wall, sleek, utilitarian robots emerged. Their designs were simple but effective—modular arms equipped with welding tools, diagnostic scanners, and claw-like grips for heavy lifting. They moved with a precision that Prime seemed proud of.
Zog’s hand inched toward his laser gun. “Are they going to try and kill us?”
“Not unless you attempt to give them personality,” Prime said. “Their directives are repair-focused. They’ll ignore you unless you interfere.”
Clorita grinned. “Finally, something on this ship that works.”
The service bots immediately began removing damaged panels, sealing leaks, and welding cracked conduits. Clorita and Zog directed their efforts through Prime, occasionally stepping in for tasks too delicate for the bots.
“Hey,” Zog said, watching a bot lift a heavy panel. “This is... nice. No heavy lifting for once.”
“Don’t get used to it,” Clorita replied, tightening a bolt on a nearby panel. “There’s still plenty of work we can’t delegate.”
Two service bots dragged a large, heavily damaged robot into the engine room as repairs progressed. Although its massive frame was scorched and dented, its chainsaw arm and plasma cannon remained intact.
“What is that thing doing here?” Zog demanded, pointing at the monstrosity.
Prime’s voice softened, almost amused. “The rogue unit contains valuable components necessary for repair. It was salvaged for parts.”
“Can’t we just throw it out an airlock?” Zog suggested, backing away.
Clorita smirked, tapping the bot’s chassis with the barrel of her shotgun. “Relax, Captain Recycle. It’s deactivated.”
“For now,” Zog muttered. “I don’t trust it.”
Prime’s tone grew drier. “Would you prefer I remove the chainsaw first?”
After ensuring the engine room repairs were underway, Clorita and Zog ventured further into the ship to assess its other sections. The Celestial Reverie was vast, a labyrinth of corridors, storage bays, and luxury lounges.
“Why is this place so... intact?” Clorita wondered aloud, brushing her hand against a polished wall. “Shouldn’t Celeste have wrecked more of it?”
Prime answered promptly. “Much of the damage was confined to critical systems and high-risk areas. The rest of the ship was merely abandoned, not destroyed.”
“Abandoned,” Zog repeated. “What about, you know... bodies?”
“None detected,” Prime said. “Although I recommend vigilance. The unexpected has been something of a theme today.”
With the engines under repair and the rest of the ship slowly coming online, Zog and Clorita convened on the bridge.
“This is going to take weeks, isn’t it?” Zog asked, sinking into the captain’s chair.
“At best,” Clorita replied, studying a display of damage reports.
Prime’s voice chimed in. “With optimal efficiency, repairs could be completed in as little as three weeks. Assuming, of course, no additional complications.”
“Great,” Zog said flatly. “Let me guess. We’re going to find those complications.”
Clorita smirked. “Wouldn’t be us if we didn’t.”