Gan found himself staring out at the endless black canvas of the cosmos speckled with distant stars, their light taking millennia to reach his awestruck eyes. From the vantage point of the Valtorian, these celestial bodies seemed still, their motions imperceptible over the humanly inconceivable scales of cosmic time. He often wondered about the number of these stars that had long since died, their light persisting as ghostly apparitions on the backdrop of the universe.
Pelve, his AI companion, interrupted his musings. “Gan, you appear to be lost in thought. Is everything alright?”
Gan paused before answering, “I suppose so, Pelve. It’s just... the enormity of it all. The vastness of the universe, our insignificance. Here I am, aboard the Valtorian, scouring this infinite expanse for materials, yet I haven’t come across a single derelict ship or stray meteor to scavenge.”
He trailed off, his voice filled with an emotion Pelve recognized as frustration. The AI took a moment to process his master’s words before replying. “Indeed, Gan. The cosmos is a vast place. But remember, the Valtorian is well equipped to find suitable scavenging sites. We must exercise patience and persistence.”
Gan nodded, taking in Pelve’s words. He knew the AI was right. Yet, the reality of his situation was weighing heavily on him. He was a Scavenger without something to scavenge. And with every passing day, his anxiety was growing, the gnawing feeling of being stuck in a quagmire of ineptitude becoming more pronounced. Had all of his training at the Academy been for naught?
He sighed, running his fingers over the smooth surface of the console. The Valtorian, which he had once considered an underwhelming vessel, now seemed like the only constant in his unpredictable journey. His eyes wandered to the holographic screen showcasing the now inaccessible Scavenger Catalog. Items worth thousands of credits flashed before him, a cruel reminder of his precarious financial situation.
Gan turned away from the screen, feeling a pang of regret. He should have been more cautious, more thoughtful before parting with his ring. Perhaps he could have tried other ways to enhance the capabilities of the Valtorian, but that was all in the past now.
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Despite his regret, Gan knew he couldn’t afford to dwell on his mistakes. He had made his decision, and he needed to make the best of his circumstances. After all, he was a Scavenger, a hopeful explorer of the vast unknown, and resilience was his creed. Something else was bothering him, though.
“Are you processing all the data feeds you provide me?” Gan asked, his gaze fixed on the AI’s holographic interface.
“Yes, Gan. I parse all incoming data for relevance and urgency before displaying it to you,” the AI responded, its voice the soothing melody of synthesized assurance.
“I’ve been going over the logs and reports from my classmates,” Gan began, the tension in his voice betraying his calm exterior. “Most of them seem to be in the same boat as me—still trying to find their footing—but a few... a few have jumped out to a considerable lead.”
Gan stared at the holographic feed Pelve had compiled. His face was drawn into a somber expression as he scrutinized the data about his classmates.
A gentle hum echoed in the cockpit as Pelve processed this. “Indeed, Gan,” came the AI’s calm response. “However, I remind you that a ‘lead’ at this stage is temporary and not indicative of ultimate success.”
Gan sighed, pressing his fingertips against the holographic feed as if trying to touch the frustration he felt. “I understand that, Pelve, but it’s disheartening to see some of them already so far ahead.”
There was a pause before Pelve responded, the AI carefully formulating its words. “Gan, the progress of others does not define your journey. The cosmos does not measure you against them. You are measured by your own perseverance, resourcefulness, and determination.”
The AI’s voice filled the cockpit, echoing around the metal walls. “In addition, this is not a race that will be won in the first few spans of time. It is a marathon of endurance, adaptability, and strategy. Remember, those who have sprinted ahead may not be able to sustain their speed. And more importantly, they have not faced the trials you have. They do not have your resilience.”
Gan sat in silence for a moment, absorbing Pelve’s words. He nodded, managing a small smile. “You’re right, Pelve. This journey is about more than just who can get ahead the fastest. It’s about who can stay the course, face the challenges... It’s about resilience. We’ll continue searching, continue exploring. The universe is vast, and somewhere out there, we’ll find our fortune.”
With renewed vigor, Gan turned back to the console, ready to continue their voyage. As Pelve set a fresh course, Gan couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation, a spark of excitement. This was just the beginning of their journey, and the cosmos was full of possibilities.