The Duj glided into Bay Seven with automated precision. The docking clamps locked onto the hull gently, the ship settling into place like a queen taking her throne. No jarring jolts, no warning alarms—just smooth, seamless efficiency.
“Welcome to Anduril Station,” a voice chimed over the intercom, polished and formal. “A Polaris Dynamics representative will meet you shortly to discuss your service needs. Please disembark at your leisure.”
Clorita smirked. “This is a far cry from Nyxara-8’s scrapyards.”
“Too clean,” Zog said, eyeing the perfectly polished docking bay through the viewport. “It’s suspicious.”
BOB chuckled softly. “Captain, your paranoia is truly impressive. Perhaps you should let me do the talking.”
“Oh no,” Zog said quickly. “That’s how we end up with a massage chair in the cockpit.”
The airlock opened with a soft hiss, revealing a sleek reception hall filled with ambient lighting and elegant music that sounded expensive. Waiting for them was a humanoid figure dressed in a sharply tailored uniform, every detail immaculate. His name tag read, “Lexton: Senior Service Consultant.”
“Ah, the esteemed crew of the Uncertainty Principle, welcome to Anduril Station,” Lexton said, his voice honeyed and precise. He executed a slight bow; his every movement rehearsed to perfection. “We are honoured to host such a distinguished vessel. Polaris Dynamics is at your complete disposal.”
Clorita raised an eyebrow. “Distinguished? Have you seen the hull?”
Lexton didn’t flinch. “Madam, every ship that bears the Polaris mark is a masterpiece, regardless of its current state. May I escort you to our client lounge while we assess your needs?”
“Sure,” Clorita said, elbowing Zog, who looked like he’d rather melt into the floor.
The lounge was pure opulence. Soft seating formed perfect crescents around low tables, and holographic displays floated in the air, showcasing gleaming starships gliding through starlit vistas. A droid appeared instantly, offering refreshments.
“Would you care for a beverage?” Lexton asked, gesturing to the tray of shimmering drinks. “Perhaps our signature Nebula Nectar? Or a cup of Anduril Brew, freshly extracted from micro-roasted Stardust Beans?”
“Uh, just water,” Zog mumbled.
Clorita, lounging in one of the crescent chairs, took a Nebula Nectar without hesitation. “Fancy.”
BOB’s sultry voice echoed softly from a nearby console. “Lexton, I trust you have technicians skilled enough to handle a vessel of this magnitude?”
Lexton straightened. “But of course. Polaris Dynamics employs only the finest engineers. Your ship will receive meticulous care.” He paused, his polite smile deepening. “While you wait, perhaps we could discuss some upgrades?”
Zog groaned softly. “Here it comes.”
Lexton pressed a button on a console, and a hologram of the Duj appeared, rotating gently in midair. As he gestured, parts of the ship were highlighted in glowing colours.
“We noticed a few... opportunities for enhancement,” Lexton began, his tone dripping with subtle persuasion. “For example, your shielding system could benefit greatly from a Polaris-exclusive OverShield Module, rated for plasma and cosmic dust resistance. A mere 3.2 million credits.”
“Just patch the hull,” Zog said quickly.
“And your propulsion system,” Lexton continued, ignoring him, “would soar to new heights with our HyperGleam Thruster Upgrade, reducing drag by 14 per cent and increasing efficiency.”
“Efficiency,” Zog muttered. “That’s sales talk for ‘it’s shiny.’”
“And, if I may suggest,” Lexton added, his tone lowering conspiratorially, “our StellarLux Interior Package would restore the ship’s original luxury appointments. Velvet upholstery, polished chromite fixtures, and—dare I say it—heated control panels.”
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Clorita grinned. “Heated panels, Zog. You’ll never complain about cold buttons again.”
“We’ll think about it,” Zog said quickly, standing up. “Can we just start with the hull repairs?”
“Of course, sir,” Lexton said with an elegant bow. “I’ll prepare the service technicians immediately. Do let me know if you reconsider the upgrades. After all, a vessel like yours deserves nothing less than perfection.”
As they returned to the ship, Zog sighed heavily. “Why do I feel like I just agreed to sell my soul?”
“Because you’re allergic to spending money,” Clorita said, patting his shoulder. “Relax. We’ll just get the basics done unless you want those heated panels.”
BOB chimed in. “Captain, I must admit, the StellarLux package does sound appealing.”
“Not you, too,” Zog groaned. “Maniacs surround me.”
Clorita laughed, leaning against the console. “Welcome to high society, Captain Common.”
As Zog slouched back into the Duj, muttering something about “overpriced upholstery,” Clorita hesitated at the airlock, her eyes darting toward the lounge. With a sly smile, she turned back, patting her holster as if to reassure herself she was armed with charm and wit.
“Be right back,” she called over her shoulder. “Forgot something.”
Zog waved a hand distractedly. “Yeah, yeah, don’t bankrupt us.”
She strolled back into the pristine client lounge, immediately spotting Lexton overseeing a holographic projection of the Duj’s repair diagnostics. His polished demeanour didn’t waver as Clorita approached, casually picking up another glass of Nebula Nectar from a passing droid.
“Miss Clorita,” Lexton said smoothly, inclining his head. “How may I assist you further?”
Before leaning on the console, Clorita sipped the vibrant drink, savouring the sweetness. “Look, I’m going to make this simple. Do the whole shebang—everything you pitched and then some. OverShield Modules, HyperGleam Thrusters, StellarLux Package, whatever you think this ship needs to shine like it’s fresh off the production line.”
Lexton raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, his composure remaining impeccable. “A bold choice. May I assume the captain has approved this generous upgrade?”
Clorita grinned, swirling her drink. “Let’s just say... he trusts me to handle the details. But there’s one condition.”
“Of course,” Lexton said smoothly. “Polaris Dynamics is nothing if not accommodating.”
“You throw in two top-of-the-line captain’s chairs for free,” Clorita said, fixing him with a steady gaze. “The kind that adjusts to every angle and has enough built-in tech to launch a starfighter. I want one for me and one for the Captain.”
Lexton hesitated for the briefest of moments before offering a slight, approving nod. “A reasonable request. I’ll ensure the chairs will be installed as part of the refurbishment.”
“And one more thing,” Clorita added, her tone dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. “Zog doesn’t need to know about any of this. Tell him it’s all covered under warranty.”
Lexton smiled faintly, his professionalism unshaken. “I take it, then, that you would prefer the invoice to be sent discreetly?”
“Exactly,” Clorita said, raising her glass in a toast. “You’re getting the hang of this.”
As Clorita finished her drink, Lexton pressed a few buttons on his tablet, locking in the upgrades. The Duj's hologram glimmered with gold highlights, showcasing its soon-to-be-transformed state.
“Your specifications will be followed to the letter,” Lexton assured her. “And, of course, the entire process will remain... confidential.”
“Good,” Clorita said, setting her empty glass on a passing tray. “Now, excuse me, I have a captain to babysit.”
“Miss Clorita,” Lexton said as she turned to leave, “it has been a pleasure conducting business with someone of your... initiative.”
She smirked over her shoulder. “Likewise. And don’t forget those chairs.”
Clorita returned to find Zog in his usual state of mild panic, pacing the cockpit while sipping his LubriCoffee like it might be his last.
“You’ve been gone a while,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “What were you up to?”
“Just making sure everything’s running smoothly,” Clorita said breezily, slipping into her chair. “Don’t worry. They’re professionals.”
“Professionals who charge an arm and a leg,” Zog muttered. “I told BOB to monitor the repair log. If anything looks suspicious, I’ll—”
BOB’s voice chimed in smoothly. “Captain, you’ll be pleased that Polaris Dynamics has assured me everything is being handled under warranty. No charges beyond standard protocol.”
Zog blinked. “Really?”
Clorita bit back a grin, turning to adjust a console. “See? I told you it’s all fine.”
Zog seemed to relax for a moment, sipping his coffee with a sigh. “Finally, something is going right for a change.”
Clorita leaned back, watching him with a faint smirk. “Enjoy it, Captain. You deserve it.”