Shattered Skies Book 1: Embers (WIP)

Ch. 10: The Raptor's Tallon

Date: 3/27/2159

Location: Eden's Gate, Docking Port A-239

Current Perspective: Walker Risan

The hull of the Raptor's Tallon comes into view through the external window as the tram slows to a stop in front of the airlock. The sleek, rounded arrowhead design stands in stark contrast to the clear signs of damage and ad hoc repair across its hull as well as several components simply jutting out from the hull like boxy, mechanical blemishes. Once upon a time this was clearly a stunning luxury stellar ferry. But time and extensive modification has made it a shadow of its former self. A mix of aesthetic slopes and utilitarian panels.

"Where in the world did you find a luxury interstellar transport?" Walker asks.

"She was in an orbital scrapyard. Long past her prime. We nabbed it and gave her an overhaul. She's sturdier than she looks. Saved our sorry butts many times." Rick replies. The three of them unbuckle and from the tram seats. Walker hands the driver a credit chip as he pushes off and over to the airlock door, followed shortly by Rick and Jurril.

"What kinds of weapons you got on her?" Walker asks quietly once he's positive he's out of earshot of the tram driver.

"A basic laser point defense system and four small pulse turrets. We'd add more but we're already taxing the reactor as is."

"So basically anything short of a handful of corvettes will flatten us."

"In my experience the RAE keeps their patrols light. Besides. We're fast enough to run if we have to." The airlock opens with a hiss, letting the three of them pass through. The Talon's artificial gravity takes hold, pulling the three of them back down to the floor. After a short airlock cycle the second set of doors open to reveal a large, open room roughly sectioned off by welded in steel walls. What was once a reception area was converted into a staging area, likely for deploying troops if need be. The gentle curves of the interior walls are muddied with dirt, dust, and grime, the soothing original white and goldenrod colors struggling to show through. Multiple wall panels appear to have been removed, revealing exposed electronic components and hydraulic systems for the doors. The lights are dim with a number of the fixtures not working or flickering intermittently. Two of the crewmen approach them, dressed in modified, thickly-woven engineering uniforms and cargo pants.

"Commander Urando! Welcome back." One of them calls out, standing at attention and giving him a salute.

"At ease." Rick replies. It's almost surreal to hear such formalities again after so long. Dare he say almost... nostalgic. "Get me the analysts. We have the data they're looking for."

"Right away sir!" The crewmate quickly departs, heading down one of the halls. Other members of the crew glare at Walker and Jurril. Many can't hide their disgust very well. Likely from her presence.

"I would like to leave to someplace more secluded." Jurril says in her forever monotone voice. "Where is the least populated part of the ship?"
"The second deck quarters are mostly vacant. Should be easy to find an empty room to camp out in."
"Are their locks sturdy? I do not wish to harm one of your colleagues because they wished to break into my living arrangements."

"Relax. You'll be fine. There should be a lift down the hall on the left. It'll take you straight there." Without so much as a nod she departs, disappearing as she rounds the corner. "Talk about ungrateful..." Rick mutters quietly.

The crewman slips into view and walks their way flanked by two others.

"You called for us, sir?" One of the newcomers asks.