Everyone on the deck froze as the voice of their captain filled the silent void. As one, all eyes turned to the figure standing at attention on the upper gantry way. Corvus had been watching the entire time as things played out below. Beside him, his constant companion and best friend, the captain stood wearily holding onto the railing of the platform. Greasy, long hair hanging in front of his face, only allowing one brown eye to look between the stands.

Corvus enjoyed the look of shock that had spread across the crew before they hid it behind masks of disinterest and respect. No matter how many times he witnessed this first hand, he never got tired of it. The anticipation that something new might happen always had his blood pumping. The captain personally picking the latest shipwright was always something to see, and this one was very important. Corvus could see that the young man stared straight at the captain without breaking eye contact like everyone else normally did.

“Corvus, I remember use talking about this moment all those years ago. Does this mean it is time?”

Sighing, Corvus knew he had a part to play in all this. This path had been set a long time ago. The captain looked terribly tired today, it was clear to see his oldest friend was feeling his age. Drawing in a deep breath, Corvus projected the joy he was feeling in this moment in time with his voice.

“Oh captain, yes. This is that day we talked about so many years ago. The entire universe felt this moment. As soon as your ship entered the atmosphere of this world there was a blast wave that washed across the planet, and will ripple across the known universe.”

Corvus could almost feel the captain’s heart beating from several inches away. It was clear after all these years to see that the captain was both excited and afraid. The pregnant silence standing between then held so much that was not being said as they locked eyes.

“So, it is to be that day is it…? Make sure that new shipwright does not cross into the forward decks until I say it is time. You hear me you bastard? I worked long and hard for this day to never happen, and yet here you are smiling at me like it was destined.”

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Bowing low, Corvus swept one arm out wide as he swept his other hand across his chest in respect. Bent in half, without moving an eye, Corvus smiled as he said. “Oh captain, do not worry. I will not allow him to get into too much trouble before the time is right. Do not worry, I have a feeling the new shipwright and I will be the best of friends, much like you and I are sir.”

Corvus waited long moments. He could almost hear the caustic comments the captain wanted to say after all these years. But as always, the captain pushed away from the railing and walked away to the back of the ship. As soon as the hydraulics on the door opened and closed, did Corvus allow himself to straighten up. Running a hand back to sweep his hair back into place, he turned to look down at the newest shipwright. Glancing at Gizmo, Corvus could not help but smile when he addressed the man.

“Mr. Gizmo, please take our esteemed new shipwright to go see Doc. I fear our newest member of our crew has a dislocated shoulder, and a broken ankle if memory serves.”

Hearing the big man cough, Corvus swung his eyes to the large cyborg. Waiting patiently, Corvus waited for the big man to make his next move so Corvus could follow up this pattern between the two of them.

“Sir.” Seeing Mr. Gizmo salute was always an interesting prospect. He did not need to salute any more than Corvus needed to use respectful terms for the cyborg, but that is always as it had been and formality breaded comfort, as they say. “You know you do not need to call me Mr. Gizmo, don’t you, sir? I mean, it is just a nickname. If you wanted to call me by my last name, you would just call me- “

“Hold your tongue, Mr. Gizmo. While I am sure we all appreciate your pleasantries, our newest shipwright needs medical attention sooner than later, please. I think the captain might notice if you were to screw this one up, so let’s make sure that does not happen. Will that work for you?”

Seeing the swift salute, Corvus spun on his heel to follow the path that the captain had followed. Unable to contain himself, Corvus steepled his fingers as he walked. So much was about to happen. It was always thrilling to see things come together like this. The door opened before Corvus was close enough to touch it. As he stepped past the threshold, the door closed by its self with eerie silence.