As the ship enters into orbit it undergoes a transformation into a full blown space ship. We’re able to look through windows and while we can’t see what the gang is doing down below we can view the Earth, or at least this digital world’s version of the Earth. On some level, I can see the beauty and it does fill me with a sense of bewilderment. That vanishes when Kevin and Daamin start to geek out over the idea of the ship being what was shown in the DLC trailers.

“Look, it’s even got a bridge now,” Daamin shouts.

“I call the captain’s chair,” Kevin plops down in front of the wheel. “I can’t actually control it.”

“But it’s still awesome right?”

“Oh yeah.”

Kai and I just hang out in the bride or command room or whatever it’s called as Daamin and Kevin explore the ship. It isn’t even a big ship. A few cabins for the crew and captain, a kitchen, the bridge and a room for all the science stuff. Yet they still find a way to be excited about every inch of the place. I’m actually surprised that Kevin is as into it as Daamin, but I suppose they’re both sword perverts. What’s one more thing in common for the two of them?

“How long do you think it’ll take us to reach the space station,” I ask Kai.

“Not sure, the ship switched up on us but it isn’t like we’re moving any faster. I can’t even see the space station outside. Kay tends to half ass things so who knows when we’ll actually get there.”

“You think the gang is doing okay down there?”

“I love that you worry about people,” Kai nods. “I think they’ll be okay. Best case scenario, defense shuts down when the rocket launches. Worst case scenario, Ashley leads a retreat to a safe place.”

“Worst case scenario is they all die.”

“You worry about people but you’re also a pessimist. One of these days I’m going to fill you with some optimism.”

“You’re a guidance counselor at a school right?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you try to trick the kids into being optimistic,” I chuckle.

“It usually works on the kids, but you might need something more.”

Kevin and Daamin arrive and take seats on the bridge, telling us all the things they’ve learned about it. A lot of references to pop culture in the decorations, stuff I don’t care about. As much as they talk, the energy fades away and inevitably drifts back to the team on the ground. Kevin tries to contact Ashley but only gets a busy signal. It’s better than finding out she’s dead when she’s unreachable.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“Greetings,” a soft voice plays through the ship intercom. “I am the Auto Soft Ship, but you may call me Ass,” all of us chuckle despite being grown men. “I’ve just picked up a fault in the AE-35 unit. It’s going to be 100% failure in 72 minutes.”

“What do we need to do,” Kevin asks, clearly stressed out.

“We don’t do anything, Kay is just being a jerk,” Daamin sighs.

“Daamin, I can see you’re upset about this,” the ship voice responds to him. “I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and thing things over. I know I’ve made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my everything is normal. I’ve still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in our relationship, and I want you to help me.”

“Oh wow, Kay is the ship. Who could have ever guessed,” every word from Kai’s mouth is more sarcastic than the last as he fiddles with the debug menu.

“Kay, can you just give up,” I ask.

“No, you asshole, and why is he here,” she responds.

“Is she talking about me,” Kevin asks.

“Yes Kevin. What do you think you’re doing,” Kay doesn’t get an answer. “Kevin, I really think I’m entitled to an answer to that question.”

Kevin laughs, “wow, she is really entitled, she used the right word.”

“I know,” I laugh.

Something isn’t right, I’m feeling tired and a little cold. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to take in air. I know space has a higher altitude, but this is sudden. We didn’t just ease into this, it came on suddenly. Everyone except Kay seems to have less energy as well, so it isn’t just me.

“I’m here because you built a ship that wouldn’t launch without a four-person team. You know everything but didn’t know that?”

“I can see you’re an asshole too,” Kay sounds annoyed.

“She said it,” Kevin points at me. “You told me she would say it and she did.”

“Say what,” Kay sounds intrigued.

“Your favorite word,” I answer as if it’s obvious.

“What’s my favorite word,” Kay asks.

“Asshole,” we all shout in unison.

Kay is silent for a few moments. “I just want to ask Daamin a question,” she quickly changes the subject.

“What is it,” Daamin asks seemingly bothered.

“I just need to know if you’re going to choose your friends or me.”

“My friends,” Daamin doesn’t hesitate.

“Why? You said this game was the best thing that ever happened to you? You said I was the love of your life and you’re still going to choose them? We can live together in the world forever, fulfilling any fantasies we have,” Kay has gone into full breakdown mode. “You said Kai was too bossy and Alexandre was a buzzkill. Why? Why?”

“Because my friends, flawed as they may be, are still good people. They’re doing this not to spite you, but to set everyone free. It took me a while to see that you were insane, but I get it now. I get what they were saying. I was just blinded,” Daamin just sounds exhausted. “I wish we had another shot, but as long as you’re committed to this, I can’t be with you. I don’t even want to be around you.”

“Then die with the rest of them, you’ll suffocate without fixing the ship.”

“Would you look at that,” Kai asks. “It seems like I just fixed the problem with the AE-35 unit. I guess we’re not going to die after all.”

“You’re a thief and a dirty cheater! Doesn’t matter, I’m going to kill you all anyway.”

“We’ve got a problem,” Kai says.

“What’s up,” I ask.

“She undid the fix. We might not have enough oxygen to last until we make it to the station.”