Deep Space Odysse Volume 1

Chapter 5 Clarisse

The San Juan Mountain Sanatorium was set amidst picturesque surroundings, with a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere.

In front of Reynolds' small courtyard lay a serene lake, its shores embraced by dense coniferous woods.

Reynolds found this place to his liking.

Seated on the veranda, holding a cup of Tenisi in hand, he gazed at the lake in the fading glow of the sunset. The shimmering water reflected the fish that leapt joyfully from the surface, while lively squirrels hopped about in the trees. A fox, moving stealthily, emerged from the forest and sat by the lake.

It looked up at Reynolds on the veranda, its eyes bright and piercing.

Reynolds raised his glass to the fox, then downed his drink.

"His name is Jerry," a melodic voice called out from the side.

Reynolds turned to see a young woman standing on the neighboring balcony.

Her short blue hair framed a calm yet slightly languid expression, as though she had just woken from an incomplete afternoon nap, still longing for the warmth of her bed. She wore a black, backless dress, adding to her allure.

"Sorry... were you referring to the fox?" Reynolds asked, glancing at the creature with a hint of confusion.

The woman shrugged. "Well, you're not Jerry, are you?"

Reynolds chuckled. "Johnny Reynolds, at your service. Commander of the Second Mecha Battalion aboard the Aphrodite, flagship of the Seventh Fleet in the Redwood Sector—and acting captain of the Aphrodite."

"Clarisse Austin, environmental surveyor from Hastings, here to conduct environmental assessments," she replied, pausing before her eyes lit up with curiosity, her brows arching as though she'd stumbled upon an exciting discovery. "You said you're a mecha commander but also a temporary captain? I've never heard of a mecha commander filling that role. What put you in such a position?"

Reynolds pondered for a moment. "Fate."

She laughed.

"Seeing as you're still standing here, I assume you didn't sink the ship?" she teased.

"Piloting a starship is rather simple, actually. You aim in the right direction, hit the accelerator, and the ship practically flies itself home. The most amusing part? All you need to do is issue commands—your officers handle the rest. In some ways, a starship captain can be the one person aboard who understands the least about flying it," Reynolds said.

"Like how a president can run everything precisely because they know nothing at all!" she quipped.

They shared a glance, bursting into laughter. It was a playful jab at the government, a popular jest among the people.

Clearly, Reynolds' attempt at humor hadn't slipped past Clarisse.

Before he could respond, Clarisse suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no, time's running out!"

Then, to his surprise, she hitched up her dress and began scaling the wall.

Startled, Reynolds called out, "Miss Austin, what are you doing?"

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine!" Clarisse was already perched on a ledge, inching her way upward like a Spiderman who had just come from a formal event, still dressed in evening attire.

Reynolds watched her ascent, muttering, "Damn it," as he activated his wristwatch.

A black liquid oozed from the watch, covering him like a thin, dark film. In an instant, Reynolds' entire body was cloaked, resembling a figure clad in a sleek, black stealth suit.

With a swift movement, Reynolds vaulted from the veranda. As he fell, his palms pressed against the wall, and he adhered to it, rapidly climbing toward her.

A gust of wind stirred Clarisse's gown, causing her to sway precariously. For a moment, she faltered, her foot slipping as her body tilted dangerously.

"Ah!" she screamed in terror.

Just as she was about to plummet, a strong hand gripped her waist and steadied her back against the wall.

"Hold on tight," Reynolds said, appearing behind her, a reassuring presence like a solid wall.

Clarisse exhaled deeply. "Alright, I admit, that was reckless of me. But time is short—can you help me get to the top?"

"Of course," Reynolds replied, "hold onto me."

Clarisse turned, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

Face to face, their proximity was so close that Reynolds could feel her warm, intoxicating breath.

Then, securing himself to the wall, he began the climb, with Clarisse in tow.

She gazed at him, her eyes full of allure. "What are you wearing, and how can you climb like this?"

"Reclas II standard protective membrane, designed for starship crew. Not much use in combat, but it's excellent for climbing, insulation, and cushioning impacts. Starships are vast, and during battle, a roll could feel like falling from a ten-story building. Plus, the gravity systems can get compromised, so the adhesion helps us operate in zero-gravity situations. And when temperatures get extreme, the insulation can save our lives... and sometimes, it doubles as a Spider-Man costume."

"Aren't those supposed to be surrendered when you leave the ship?"

"Being a temporary captain has its perks," he grinned.

Clarisse smiled. "Your perks just saved my life."

In no time, they reached the rooftop terrace.

Reynolds gently set Clarisse down.

She rushed to a corner of the terrace, where a telescope stood waiting.

"Just in time!" Clarisse cheered.

Reynolds, bewildered, asked, "You risked your life climbing up here just to stargaze?"

"No, to see a frigate," she corrected, adjusting the telescope. "The Lacrazov ground frigate. Every day at this time, it begins its low-altitude patrol, turning on all its lights. It's the only time we can glimpse it through the clouds from down here."

"Someone you know aboard that frigate?" Reynolds asked.

"My husband," Clarisse replied.