Buttons #Project Constellations

Engage

The decision finally made, we have two days to make our final preparations, and say our farewells.  That done, all hands are ordered on deck. As we prepare to move out, I'm in my usual nook, next to me is Ned, in the cubby where the head pilot usually sits, but the skuz has found himself a station next to Brianna commanding from her usual seat. I'm happy to have Ned next to me anyways, for more reasons than one.  My gaze drifts down to fondly gaze at my newly installed invention.

President Brianna Bendon addresses the bridge, 'OK, team, we've made a big decision.  I hope you've said your goodbyes, because its time to head out and split off.  Thirteen ships will be heading to Alpha Centauri, thirteen are to explore the edges of this solar system and thirteen plus us will be off to TRAPPIST-1.  We have one last challenge together; getting through our solar system's Oort cloud.'

Skuz-breath interrupts Bendon.  'Challenge?  You are exposing us to massive amounts of radiation.  That's killing us, not challenging us.'

The rest of the bridge crew turn to glare at slime ball.  Hands are white from clenching seat rests, and feet are twitching with nerves.  It's clear that the crew are nervous about navigating through the Oort cloud, but they are more upset with sir scum for interrupting our President.  Ned replies, 'Sit down and quiet down, John, no one here has the right to interrupt the Ms. Benden.' My hero.

Ned nods to Brianna, and she continues without acknowledging John-ass, 'While some radiation has been detected, it appears we will be exposed to no more than what we'd experience getting our annual X-rays.  The real challenge here is navigating through this Oort cloud, there are regions of densely packed asteroids.  We have calculated a path, but our ability to detect small asteroids is limited until they are nearly on top of us.  Olive will be piloting us through, being directed by Ned who will made any needed adjustments to our calculated course as we go.  John will be monitoring the effort, calling changes as needed and coordinating with the rest of the fleet.'

John, 'Brianna, I object!  I should be piloting our ship, a fourteen year old girl has no...'

'If you can't even remember President Benden's rank, it's not me who has no right to be here!'  I cry out.  Then immediately turn to Brianna, 'Excuse me Ms President, I know only you have the authority to decide who stays.  But head pilot asshat here is going too far!  Whoops!' I cover my mouth in consternation.  Now I too am guilty of insubordination.

'That is quite enough!'  Brianna barked.  'To your stations, I want you ready to perform the roles I,' here she paused to glance at J-bum, 'have assigned.  Quietly!'

Chastened, we sit quietly and wait for Brianna to finish her speech.

President Benden takes a deep breath, 'This will be a risky task, I need all of you to stay focussed and diligent.  Lives, and perhaps all of humanity, is depending on what we do next.'

Brianna sits and toggles a button, 'Addressing all ships.  We are starting our journey through the Oort cloud.  This will be the final and most dangerous of our tasks as a fleet.  Take care, and good luck.  See you on the other side.  President Benden out.'

'Engage.'