NanoTec: Flight to a Distant Star

NanoTec Shorts 02: Pole

Disclaimer: NanoTec Shorts are meant to be humorous and non-serious. The content here will not affect the main story arc. If by any chance you do not like this kind of content, please proceed to the next chapter. We don't need any spoil sports like you around anyways. XP  

Elleno sat alone on his bed, attempting to finish a report to be submitted to Saegen. He wore multiple layers of his common clothes, including a thick wool coat above the rest. He hugged his legs in fear that they may freeze off. The NNT Rockmage and NNT Petramale were both at the North pole of Sirrea at the orders of Elleno, their commander whom was already regretting his decision. 

The North pole. Cold, frosty, no fat red men riding reindeer and certainly very cold, if I had not mentioned that before. The temperature was always below freezing by at least ten degrees and more most of the time. It was currently about three quarters through the year and that was the worst time to visit.

Elleno reluctantly dragged himself and his wad of insulation to the engineering sector of his ship. The hallways were bathed in a dim red light, signifying the usage of emergency power supplied from the NNT Petramale. Ana was the first person he saw in the dim red hue. She was poking her head through the inactive boilers. Soot and grease covered her arms and face. Elleno continued to shiver. He called out to her.

"Ana?"

"Yeah?"

"How long are you going to spend trying to fix those things? I mean, I'm no engineer but shouldn't it be just like lighting a fire?"

"Well yes... But you try lighting a black block of ice on fire. If only Sir, Saegen, was here... He would'eve shouted at it and it would light immediately!"

Elleno nodded before turning to leave. Maybe he could go over to the NNT Petramale or maybe he was just going there for plot convenience, or maybe because the sister ship's engines were still running. Night was falling and the temperature would plunge. Nobody knew how far though.

The temporary boardwalk across the two ships was frosted over and covered in fluffy white snow. The metal was so slippery, Elleno nearly fell to his death twice, but due to the convenience of a device so powerful, that did not happen. For those who do not know, this device defies all laws of reality and is present in almost any film or cartoon, no matter the language, age or media. This device, both intangible and will never be understood by anyone at all, is known as "Plot Armor".

The entrance bulkhead to the Petramale opened immediately as Elleno stepped on board. Dimitri poked his head out wearing nothing but a thin shirt and shorts all while holding a bottle of vodka and two more stuck down his pants. He spoke in a drunken fashion (no surprise there). The smell of alcohol was noticeable in the air, despite the strong wind.

"Wut you wan?" He blabbed out.

He really is drunk. Elleno thought to himself before shrugging his shoulders and welcomed himself by bowing slightly and walking past the confused Dimitri.

"Yu nd ur giant... Dis not cold, zame wintr' keel ze Germans..."

Dimitri continued to ramble on. Elleno ignored him and made a beeline directly into the ship. He was met with a blast of warm air. The heat resonated within him and he was tempted to just sit down and enjoy it as much as possible. However he had a report to finish and Sir-Caller was the one who withheld the much needed information Elleno needed to complete it.

Suddenly, a loud thud and clank of metal. Elleno instinctively turned behind him and apparently the source of the sound was that of Dimitri collapsing onto the deck. The bottle of vodka was wrapped in his arms so no breakage occurred. Elleno thought of helping him but stopped himself. At that same time, Sir-Caller was heard walking up the stairs and towards the bulkhead.