Gareth began his explanation by revealing that the mission was for salvage. From the danger of damaged internal systems to raider attacks, any normal crew would avoid salvage. Gareth caught himself covering the dangers with probabilities and precautions. Words he’d used to justify his decisions to meeting rooms, but that wasn’t right. The crew in front of him would be facing this head on. He needed to hear their opinions. He opened the floor for questions.

Sachi spoke first, “Through Doctor Porter, our client is the Database, yes?” Sachi frowned, sharp eyebrows pointed in. Was it disapproval?

“Yes. This connection is another reason for my interest in this job.” Gareth admitted. Sachi’s arms unfolded and she rested her hands on the table.

“Everyone should be on their best behavior. Every client deserves courtesy. This is given.” Her voice was stern. Her question had been a lesson for everyone. “Keep in mind: this client is even more important than that. Act accordingly.” Her gaze lingered on Leon and Yulia, but she spoke to the table. Yulia gave a nervous laugh while rubbing the back of her head.

“I may have annoyed him, I’ll try to be more careful.” Yulia said, blushing a little. Sachi’s expression warmed.

“Only once you understand, can you improve.” Sachi smiled, patting Yulia’s hand. “I know you will.” The expectations in her voice were a challenge, and Yulia nodded. She was all fired up to try harder. Sachi looked back to Gareth, “Thank you, Captain.” She said with a polite bow of her head. Gareth matched her bow with his own in gratitude.

“Any other questions?” He asked.

“How exactly is this going to go down? You’ve a plan, yeah?” Serge asked. He was mindful of his posture, keeping his back straight, arms crossed. But his eyes gave away his enthusiasm. Gareth touched the controls for the star map, waking the system.

“Let’s continue then.” Gareth pulled up the first jump, and zoomed in on the star system. A weak star with no name but a long GSC designation. It had 4 planets and a very large asteroid belt. “By our agreement with Doctor Porter, we will be stopping in this system to find the TG Lampropeltis.” He opened the unedited schematic of the ship’s model. Quinns perked up, leaning forward to get a better look. The ship was long and imposing. Capable of maintaining a crew into the thousands, it was several times the size of the Helianthus. “It is a repurposed Imperial cruiser, 3rd class.”

“You don’t see one of those up for salvage everyday.” Quinns muttered.

“Yes, with the military behind the cruiser series, such a wreck is exceedingly rare. The researchers, however, were caught unaware.” The room darkened and Gareth’s fingers tightened. He kept his voice steady, focusing on action. “There are two major complications in finding Doctor Porter’s briefcase. One, the provided schematic does not include renovations by the Database. Kurt, soon as we are within range to network, I want you looking for those updates. Include any information you gather on damaged areas as well.”

“You can count on me.” Kurt held his head higher as he spoke.

“Good. The second complication is that we do not have an exact location for the briefcase. Doctor Porter’s assistant, Yamil Dewan, was the last one carrying it. They got separated in the chaos of the attack.”

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“We’re gonna have to search the entire ship?” Serge asked, his shoulders drooping as his enthusiasm from earlier waned. Had he hoped for something more exciting than a scavenger hunt? Gareth had the feeling the man was looking for a fight.

“Not exactly. Doctor Porter has a transmitter in the briefcase that will help us triangulate it’s location. To facilitate this, the boarding party will be organized into two teams. I will be leading one, and Leon will be leading the other.” Gareth said, looking to Leon.

“Have you decided on the teams?” Leon asked. Having learned about the mission beforehand, he moved on without argument. It was Serge who interrupted, placing a firm hand down on the table.

“Not Yulia. She’s not leaving the ship.” Serge said so quickly it seemed like a reflex. His reason for interrupting was no surprise. Yulia smacked his arm.

“Captain has a plan. If he says I go, then I should go.” She said, flashing an apologetic smile at Gareth before turning back to her brother.

“Plans can change -” Serge began with a growl.

“Hold on, both of you.” Gareth’s tone quieted their argument. “First, yes, I have teams in mind. However, Yulia.” He said, and her shoulders deflated a little.

“I can’t help?” She said, drawing circles on the table’s surface with her fingertip. Gareth couldn’t help a small smile at her antics.

“I need you here, on the bridge.” Her finger paused and she met his gaze. Gareth continued. “If we need to evacuate in a hurry, you will be ready to get us out of harm’s way. Sachi will be here to help you manage our guests.”

“If that’s what you need, then I’ll do it.” She smiled. It did little to hide her disappointment, but there was purpose in her eyes again.

“Thank you. As for the teams, Serge and Quinns will be following Leon. Valorie and Kurt will be with me.” Gareth said. The responses were immediate.

“If I may speak,” Kurt began, pausing when Quinns spoke over him.

“What? No. You’re kidding.” Quinns’ complaint was quick. Perhaps he was actually listening this time. Gareth gave Quinns a look, eyebrows raised. Quinns settled down with a grumble. Only then did he notice the attention he had gathered, and sank lower into his seat. Gareth addressed Kurt instead.

“Go ahead, Kurt.”

“Well, I understand how this may sound, but I believe I will be of more help to your search with my rig here on the Helianthus.” He spoke with the authority of someone with logic on their side, but there was something more in his tone. He isn’t explaining, Gareth thought, he is pleading.

“Meaning you would need to remain here.” Gareth said. Kurt relaxed a step, hope in his eyes.

“Yes.” He nearly smiled.

“And physical access to their system is not preferable?” Gareth’s question surprised Kurt, and he looked away.

“Er, not necessarily. The crew is gone, so I will not be up against any overrides.” As Kurt spoke his gaze returned to Gareth. “Doctor Porter’s access data will get me in, from there my rig is more effective.” He spoke with confidence. Gareth rubbed his chin. It was possible Kurt’s set up was better, but it seemed fear was also a factor. The question then became, how far did Gareth want to push a newcomer? Kurt’s confidence deteriorated as he waited for Gareth’s response. “In case there is an issue, I could provide the boarding teams with proxy tools?” He added, his tone swinging into a question at the last moment.

“That would be prudent. Before boarding, you will brief Quinns and me on your specific proxy. Have your explanation prepared before that time. During the mission, you will provide support from here.”

“Yes, Captain – my rig will not fail to impress you.” He kept a serious expression as he spoke, only smiling after the focus moved away from him.

“Does that mean the groups will change?” Leon asked, eyebrows raised.

“No.” Gareth’s answer was final. He heard Quinns huff next to him. “We will have a final briefing in the bay during the docking procedure. Is there any other questions?” Gareth asked, looking to Quinns first. Despite his sour expression, Quinns shook his head. Gareth went down the line, looking to each crew member. Serge seemed as excited as Yulia was down. Sachi waved him on, already focused on her own concerns. Valorie’s gaze was on the table, but she looked up as he reached her and shook her head. No expression, but her eyes fell back to the table. Kurt was still quite happy with himself, and Leon had leaned back into his chair.