-So... What are you supposed to do over there?- asked Lena, the sniper of the crew.
-We have to stop a catastrophe.- said Mercie
-Don't be so dramatic...- said Kufp. We have to speak with representatives from the Seekers and Dein to prevent a war between them both.
Oh, the Seekers... Bunch of idiots...- said Zitze
-You show some respect, soldier.
-Ms. Mercie, calm down. These people are from the same place as you and me, they're here to protect us, we can have a peaceful talk and explain everything we can to them, right?
-...You're right Kufp, sorry.
-Anyways, we haven't formally introduced ourselves, and that's not very polite. My name is Semine Kufp, governor of the Wyre and this lady right here...
-I am Yna Mercie, chairwoman of the Federation's Internal Council. And you are..?
-Lena, professional sniper of the crew! Nice to meet you!
She shakes both Mercies and Kufp's hand in a very enthusiastic way, and they both seem surprised.
-Zitze, warrior.
Kufp realizes that the warrior was not a very friendly guy, so he turns his head to what appears to be two youngsters: a boy and a girl, they were playing videogames.
-What about those two fellas?
-Oh! F and E. They appear young but they're actually very old beings! We don't know where they come from, but we found them in a planet which we freed from a tyrant, and F told us he wanted to join us.
-...F and E? Those names sound odd.
-They do.- said F. My name is Frei, nice to meet you. This girl here is Emilia, or so she says.
-Shut up Frei, it's my real name!
-Oh, I thought E meant idiot!
-That's with an I, not an E you moron!
They start fighting in a very childish way, like it was a game.
-Both of you. Cut it out. Now.
They both stop immediately as Zitze ordered them to, and they go back to their gaming session.
-Ok... What about the Captain?
-Oh, captain Dunn...- Lena said with an excited tone of voice. He's a really brave man! A tough one, but also a smart one. We've never EVER lost a campaign with him commanding us. We all look up to him... well, except Zit here, he's kinda jealous of h-
-Zip it.
-Just kidding! Just kidding.
-Well, we saw him yesterday and he didn't seem interested in the mission.
-Yeah, well... We're used to very dangerous missions, so having to take care of two... uhm...
-Weaklings?
-No, no... Diplomatics. I was going to say Diplomatics. Anyways, that's not our regular type of mission, so it's kinda our first time.
-I must say, his name is kind of familiar to me...- said Mercie, with a suspicious look
-Well, we used to be free-will adventurers, ma'am.-said Zitze. We were adventurers but we didn't follow any legal system, that doesn't mean we were bad people, but... sometimes we did some damage to some cities while defeating evil, so we were all captured and sent to judgement.
-He's right-said Lena. Oh, I know what'll make you remember us! Remember the Siny incident?
-LENA! - shouted Zitze. What have I told you about speaking of that matter!?
Both diplomatics looked at Zitze with fear, Frei and Emilia stopped playing so cheerful, Zitze seemed furious.
-Shit... I-I'm sorry Zitze...
-It's OK. I think I'll go speak with the captain, it was nice to meet you both.
-I'm deeply sorry for Zitze's behaviour ... He hasn't been the same since that mission... happened.
-We understand, right Mercie?
-Yes... We do. I think I'll go talk with the children over there, nice to meet you miss Lena.
-It was a pleasure meeting you miss Mercie!
Mercie moved over to where both Frei and Emilia were, they had stopped playing games and started talking in a weird language. There was an awkward silence between Kufp and Lena, as if no one had nothing to say after the situation.
-Uh, I wanted to talk with the captain. Can I..?
-Yes, you can.
Mercie was guided towards the biggest room in the ship: the control room. There, she saw a man with very formal attire giving orders to another person, one who was sitting.
-... remember, Zitze, the rendezvous point is five systems away. We shall take the longer, safer route to avoid any unnecessary conflict...-
-Yes, Captain. It will take at least a day before we make it there.
Dunn gave Zitze an encouraging pat on the back, one Zitze despised as he believes Dunn to see him in a condescendent way. Dunn turns around and sees an elegant woman witnessing the situation.
-Ah, miss. I did not notice your presence here, your name is..?
-My name is Yna Mercie, Captain. I am a chairwoman of the Federation.
-Ah, my apologies for the rudeness. It is a pleasure to have you both on my ship.
Dunn tries to revere but he's quickly interrupted by her.
-No need to do that, Captain. I need to write down the route we're taking. May I?- said Mercie, while pointing at the holographic map Zitze was looking at.
-Go ahead, my lady.
Mercie had a chat with Zitze while writing down their route and Zitze seemed rather annoyed while talking to her, a trait very commonly seen in him as of late. Dunn sat on his chair, got his radio and started to transmit a message.
-Crew, we are ready for takeoff. Our trip will last for a whole day and will not present any complications. Either way, I want weapons ready just in case. This is a critical mission we're completing, so I expect the best from all of you as usual. Long live the Federation!
"Long live the Federation", shouted everyone.
YOU ARE READING
Memories of Captain Dunn
Science FictionAn old space dog, Dunn sets on another mission not knowing it'd be his last. Everything he held close and dear, everything he though he knew, would crumble as he found out the truth...
