The Stellar Odyssey - A PAW Patrol Fanfic

🪐 12 - Pre-Wormhole preparations pt. 2🪐

The second week of training begins with a focused intensity aboard the spacecraft. Each morning, Chase, Everest, and Rocky are up before the ship's artificial dawn, ready to tackle their tasks. As the days unfold, a new layer of challenge is introduced to their regimen, one focused on advanced spacecraft maneuvering. Chase and Everest, eager to test themselves, find themselves in the simulation room with Commander Reeve, preparing to navigate the vessel through a series of controlled turbulence exercises.

The simulation room is dim, save for the glowing, holographic stars outside the "windows." The chairs are rigged to simulate jolts, sudden changes in gravity, and unexpected propulsion shifts, mimicking the unpredictability of deep-space travel. Today, Commander Reeve's focus is on advanced piloting and evasive maneuvers. His gruff demeanor is ever-present as he stands by, evaluating the pups as they strap in and brace for the simulation.

"Alright, cadets," he says, his gaze fixed on the control panel. "This isn't the smooth cruising you're used to. These exercises are meant to show you how unforgiving space can be. You'll face turbulence, extreme pressure changes, and zero-visibility conditions. One mistake in these situations can end it all." He gives each of them a solemn look. "Are we clear?"

Chase, sitting in the pilot's seat, nods eagerly. "Crystal clear, Commander!"

Beside him, Everest secures her harness with quiet focus, her eyes already scanning the unfamiliar controls. Commander Reeve nods approvingly at her composure.

The simulation begins with a low rumble, then the chair vibrates as the "ship" encounters turbulence. Chase grips the controls, ready to tackle whatever comes next. The simulated vessel lurches to the side, throwing them off balance.

"Chase, steady the ship," Reeve instructs.

"Yes, sir!" Chase replies, shifting his weight slightly as he grips the controls. He overcompensates, sending the ship into a sharp left tilt, triggering a warning alarm.

"Adjusting," Chase mutters, trying to correct it. But his movements are too forceful, and the ship begins to wobble, alarms flaring with every shift.

"Chase," Commander Reeve's voice cuts through, "ease up. There's a difference between speed and precision. Out here, precision keeps you alive."

The words hit Chase with a sting of embarrassment, but he pushes down the feeling, nodding in acknowledgment. He takes a deep breath, steadying his paws on the controls, determined to improve.

Meanwhile, Everest is watching closely, her approach starkly different. She studies the controls, her paw movements slow and calculated. She begins taking control over some of the finer adjustments, her actions cautious but precise. When turbulence jolts the simulated ship again, she calmly adjusts the controls with minimal movement, keeping everything steady.

Commander Reeve observes, nodding in approval. "Good, Everest. That's how it's done. Keep those movements fluid."

Chase glances over, noticing her calmness. He sees how her steady, almost meditative approach contrasts with his excitement-driven decisions. For the first time, it dawns on him that speed alone isn't going to keep them safe out here. A spark of respect ignites for Everest's methodical approach, something he hadn't fully appreciated before.

After another set of maneuvers, Reeve signals them to power down the simulation. As they unbuckle, he addresses them. "Both of you have strengths to bring to the table. Chase, your enthusiasm and boldness are assets, but you need to channel them with precision. And Everest, your calmness under pressure is invaluable. You've got the makings of a reliable pilot."

Chase's gaze shifts to Everest, his respect for her solidifying. "I didn't realize how steady you are under pressure, Everest. That was... impressive," he admits, managing a sheepish grin.