Main - Chapter 7.2: Neptunia

"The planet can wait, right now I'm taking my two drinks and heading for the 'fresher. I'm not used to wearing this much of the drive and my ears are still ringing from the hits we took while I was below decks."

Hank laughs and replies, "Fair enough! Enjoy your drinks and get cleaned up."

Lt. Paravides considers. "Well, honestly, Captain, I think it's possible, but I think it isn't very likely unless you were to become an ITC military contractor and sign a contract with the Navy." He grins, showing how comfortable he's become with this civilian crew that he can express a bit of snark about the Service. "In my experience, the Navy always wants a commitment of service for any investment it makes."

Hank pipes up, "Do you think we could spin it as a temporary loaner so they don't have to watch us all the time?"

I think I could spin that. To be returned at Altaria when our modifications finish anyway. Mercer nods to himself. No guarantees, but if Douklan can help me talk to the right person.
There's never a guarantee in a conversation, but I can make it appealing.

Personally, I think it's smart.
... We may need some refit work to house them, but the military presence should dissuade more pirates.
We're working at similar purposes anyway.

"I was still angling for the guns, but getting a small squad of marines on board wouldn't hurt. They might even like the change-up and more relaxed atmosphere." He smiles, then looks at and jabs his thumb in the direction of Douklan, and continues, "It's done wonders for him."

Hank pauses for a little bit, then adds, "Besides, it's the future governor he is helping out, not just some random merchant captain."

Douklan quirks a smile at Hank's jab, and replies to the Captain's question. "Yes, sir, I think that they are likely to take you up on that offer, and if that happens, it will be a good argument for the Navy augmenting the CeeVee."

Trade Era 1235, Day 168. 06:02 UTC
Mess hall, Celestial Voyager
The new mess hall of the Celestial Voyager, now affectionately called "The CeeVee" by its crew, was a modest space, more functional than luxurious. The long metal tables and benches were bolted to the floor, a necessity for emergencies, especially when the ship maneuvered through strong gravity wells or turbulence. The overhead lights cast a warm, yellowish glow, giving the room a slightly more welcoming ambiance than the rest of the ship's utilitarian interior. On the far side, a food dispenser hummed softly, churning out a steady supply of rehydrated meals and synthetic beverages.

Hank, Mercer, Corbin, and Gui Wang had gathered around a corner table, each settling into a rare moment of calm after the chaotic events of the past days.

Gui Wang, the quietest of the group, took a seat next to Corbin. He took a sip from his drink, his gaze lingering on Corbin. His boss was an enigma to him. After a moment of consideration, Gui Wang broke the silence. "Corbin, you've been with the CV for a while now, but you've never really talked about what you did before you joined up." He paused, watching Corbin's reaction carefully. "You mentioned being in the military once. Do you ever think about going back? I just received a public electronic message from the ITC military..." he said, his voice carrying a note of apprehension.

"They're looking for volunteers to enlist for work in a new sector they've opened up - Pandora's Veil. They’re offering decent pay and some benefits, but it’s clear they need people willing to handle the risks of working in an unexplored and potentially dangerous region"

---

Pandora's Veil: A New Frontier

Join the Exciting New Initiative in the Newly Opened Sector!

Are you ready for an adventure? Pandora’s Veil is a newly discovered sector full of untapped resources and unexplored worlds. As part of the Interstellar Trade Commission's expansion efforts, we are seeking motivated civilians to join our pioneering efforts.

What We Offer:
- Unique Career Opportunities: Positions available in various fields, including engineering, research, resource extraction, logistics, and colony development.
- Attractive Compensation Packages: Competitive salaries and benefits, including hazard pay and relocation allowances.
- Housing and Support: State-of-the-art living facilities, medical care, and support services for you and your family.
- Adventure and Discovery: Be part of the first wave to explore uncharted territories and make groundbreaking discoveries.

Requirements:
- Eligibility: All interested individuals must be 18 years or older, possess relevant skills or experience, and be willing to undergo a brief training period.
- Commitment: Minimum two-year commitment required. Extended contracts available for those interested in long-term opportunities.

How to Apply:
Contact Us: Visit our recruitment office on Starbase Poseidon, Neptunia, or apply online through our secure portal at PandoraVeilRecruitment.ITC.

Application Deadline: Applications accepted until Trade Era 1235, Day 190.

Be part of something bigger. Embrace the challenge. Discover the unknown.

Interstellar Trade Commission - Your Gateway to the Stars

---

Trade Era 1235, Day 168. 06:00 UTC
Starbase Poseidon, Neptunia
The docking bay of Starbase Poseidon hummed with life, with the Celestial Voyager settled into its assigned berth. While the crew relaxed in the mess hall, Douklan was alone in the corridor.

The door to the docking bay hissed open, and Douklan stepped out onto the metal deck. Military ships and starbases were familiar to him—the cold efficiency of their corridors, the smell of the air and the slightly metallic taste of the water, from the recyclers and reclamation systems, plus the constant hum of the fusion cores that powered the entire facility. It was as much a home as he had known in the past few years. Technicians and deckhands bustled around, performing routine checks and maintenance on the newly arrived ships. A few gave him nods of recognition, not necessarily to him as an individual, but rather to his uniform and rank. Most were too engrossed in their tasks to notice the lone officer walking through the controlled chaos.

He made his way toward the Admiralty offices, the letter from Admiral Wainwright weighing heavily in his mind. As he walked, he couldn't help but replay the offer in his mind. Command of a planetary garrison was a significant step up—a chance to lead, to make a mark, to shape the future of a new world. Yet, it also meant a commitment, a binding contract. On the other hand, he could choose to be honorably discharged now that he was at the end of his tour. Valeria had offered him a job more than once as part of the VC crew. It would mean more freedom and the possibility of joining other ships and free traders in the future.

He arrived at the Admiralty offices, a massive structure of steel and glass overlooking the docking bay. As he entered, the receptionist, a young ensign with tired eyes, glanced up.

"Lt. Paravides, here to see Admiral Wainwright," Douklan said.

The ensign nodded and gestured to a seat. "She's expecting you, sir. Please wait here for a moment."

Douklan sat down, his gaze drifting to the viewport overlooking Neptunia. The planet’s endless ocean spread out beneath him, a tranquil sea hiding untold depths and secrets. He wondered if the garrison he was meant to lead would find anything as well - ancient ruins, lost technology, or perhaps just the quiet solitude of a world left behind.

"Lieutenant, the Admiral will see you now," the ensign interrupted his thoughts.

Douklan stood and made his way to the office door, which slid open with a soft chime. Admiral Celia Wainwright was seated behind her desk, reviewing a series of holo-screens displaying reports and star charts. She looked up as he entered, her expression warm but serious.

"Lieutenant Paravides," she greeted, rising to offer a handshake. "Please, have a seat."

He took the offered chair, his back straight, hands resting on his knees. Wainwright studied him for a moment, as if assessing his readiness for the conversation ahead.

"You've had a long tour, Lieutenant," she began. "Your service record speaks for itself, and your recent performance on the Sentinel and with the Celestial Voyager has been exemplary. The Admiralty is impressed."

"Thank you, Admiral," Douklan replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil of thoughts within.

Wainwright leaned back, her gaze never leaving his face. "I understand you have a decision to make."

Corbin ponders the question for a moment. Smiling he looks at Gui, "I didn't so much as leave the military as I didn't make the cut. The soldiering bit was simple and I was good at that, but they expect more people skills. I have a knack for saying the wrong thing when it matters. Didn't work out well in their program. Works out better here, I grew up in a ship, mining rocks in space. Fact, my time in the Military was the longest stretch planet side. In my whole life. As to Pandora's Veil, unless you quit the CV, you're going to the Veil. You'd even have the option to stay, once they dismantle the CV into the settlement. I'm not sure what benefits they're offering, but anyone who stays out there is going to be there a couple years. Pretty much all in the same boat. Anything goes wrong, Civilian or Military, you'd be months or years away from help."

Corbin takes a long pull off of his drink. "Not trying to scare you, but getting off the ship on a colony world is the bigger decision than going there as a civilian or military person."

Hank adds in, "You work for the ITC, you start at the bottom. You will never even be seen by anyone with real authority. If you work on this ship, you're working for the future civilian leader of the primary world in the effort. Stay here, and you get the chance to personally impress the future governor."

I'd say it is an impressive opportunity, but there is something to be said about building up the connections and resources we have here. Something you'd have to start over if you went to Pandora's Veil.
If enough people in this crew, or people I knew in general, were interested, and the compensation was really good, I would strongly consider it.
But the opportunity to be part ownerin a trading ship is a rare opportunity too. One that I can capitalize on better. ...
Marcer took a moment of thought.
"Though the opportunity to trade with the new settlements in Pandora's Veil is an opportunity we should consider in the future. "

Trade Era 1235, Day 168. 06:08 UTC
Mess hall, Celestial Voyager
Gui Wang shifted awkwardly in his seat, feeling the weight of the responses from Corbin, Hank, and Mercer. It was clear that none of them were jumping at the idea of joining the military, and their responses—especially Corbin's frank warning—made him realize how out of place his question had been. He cleared his throat, his usual quiet demeanor slipping as he tried to recover from the awkwardness.

"Yeah, I, uh... wasn't really thinking about joining either," Gui started, his voice a bit hesitant, though he forced a small smile. "Not the military, at least. I just... wanted to see if anyone was considering it, you know? Make sure I wasn't the only one thinking about all this. I mean, it's not every day you hear about a new sector opening up like that and the military opening this much positions. Kinda hard not to wonder what it's all about."

He glanced at Corbin, then Hank, then down at his drink, swirling it in the cup. "But yeah, staying with the CeeVee makes sense. We've got a good thing going here, and like Mercer said... there's potential for us to carve out something bigger in the long run. Trading, maybe a new ship..."

Gui paused, glancing up briefly. "I guess... I just wanted to make sure none of you were about to up and leave for that kind of risk. Not that I blame anyone who would," he added quickly, stumbling over his words. "It's just... it's a lot to think about, right?"

Yeah, I agree. I wouldn't blame anyone who wanted to take advantage of that opportunity. Being the first in a new sector could really be something. Especially for those with the right background.

Hank tries to be reassuring, "No, there is nothing wrong or out of place to think about those things and those opportunities. As you say, things like this don't come around very often and anyone would have to at least think about it. No problem with bringing it up. We're all just giving our perspectives and opinions. You have to do what is right for you."

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 08:49 UTC
Offices, Celestial Voyager
A couple of hours later, the Celestial Voyager was a hive of activity. Docked at Poseidon Base, the cruiser was undergoing quick but essential repairs. The crew was scattered across various parts of the ship and base, some overseeing the repairs, others taking advantage of the brief respite. Hank Heron sat in his modest office, catching up on the usual administrative tasks that had piled up during their last leg of the trip. Across the ship, Mercer was busy in the cargo bay, inspecting the removal of traps.

Hank’s concentration was interrupted by a soft chime from his comms panel.

"Captain Zaytsev to First Officer Heron," Valeria’s voice came through. "We have a new arrival. You’re going to want to see this. Bring Mercer with you."

He straightened, curious. "On my way, Captain."

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 09:01 UTC
Bridge, Celestial Voyager
Hank and Mercer reached the bridge just in time to see the silhouette of the Eternal Wanderer appear on the screen. The sleek frigate was the envy of those watching from Poseidon Base, its dark hull catching the light as it moved gracefully into the parking area. It was an Explorer starship with a rarely seen and fully functional Spike Drive-4 technology, its purpose driven by deep space expeditions and the search for unknown knowledge.

"That's the Eternal Wanderer, right?" Hank asked, eyeing the ship’s advanced hull and systems.

Valeria nodded. "It is. I believe they’re here to see us and bring Mariella."

As if on cue, the comms panel chimed again, this time with a direct transmission from the incoming ship. Hank exchanged a glance with Valeria, and she nodded her permission. He pressed the button to answer and Mariella’s face appeared on the screen, a warm smile on her lips.

"Hank, Mercer, it’s good to see you both," she said, her voice carrying that familiar warmth. "I hope the CeeVee is holding up. The’ve only just arrived for a brief stay and to give me a ride, but VIREN and Dr. Morrow would like to meet with you both. If you have time, they’re extending an invitation for you to come aboard the Eternal Wanderer."

"Personally?" Erin's voice crackled in over Hank’s shoulder. She had entered the bridge, drawn by the incoming transmission. "Didn’t think that AI cared for small talk."

Mariella gave a small smile. "VIREN’s... evolving, I think. It’s not just a matter of ancient protocols anymore. I’m not sure how else to put it, but I think it wants to make amends for some of the misunderstandings. And maybe—just maybe—it’s starting to see the value in forming connections beyond cold logic. Either way, I’d say it’s worth hearing out."

"We’re just wrapping up repairs here," Hank said, glancing at Valeria for confirmation. She gave a slight nod.

"We can manage for a few hours. Go on," Valeria added. "This sounds like something worth following up on."

Mercer raises an eyebrow in surprise at the news. This is interesting, seeing how VIREN has changed. Want to go make friends with an AI? Mercer is curious and ready to make friends with this new, evolved, VIREN.

"Very much so!" Hank replies. "Let's get going." He will grab his datapad on the way out.