Spirit of Serina
Chapter 1: Spirit of Serina
Chapter 1: Spirit of Serina
The emerald ball called Harvest hung brightly beneath them. Ellen Anders replaced a stray strand of hair behind her ear, staring intently as the computer screen became awash with the alien symbols she had observed at the relic. She cupped her face in her hands- massaging her tense muscles.“I don’t know why you choose my observation deck as your lab” Captain James Gregory Cutter stepped onto the refurbished observation deck, now cluttered with a variety of computer systems and equipment- some resembling terminals he remembered from his years at the academy, but most he didn’t have a hope in hell of knowing how to use.
“I like the view, it adds perspective…..to my work” Ellen adjusted the computer screen, resolving into a string of the alien symbols they had witnessed from the relic.
“I’m afraid that Sergeant Forge doesn’t think it’s safe. He was very insistent”
Ellen simply smirked as she continued her work “Well I can be insistent too”
The Captain had to concede, changing the topic. “What do you think is down there?” The Captain stared below his feet to the harsh ball of ice of the Harvest polar region. Beneath that beautifully alluring sheet of ice hid a potential array of alien artefacts which could be utilized to end their futile resistance before it could gain any potential for momentum.
“Right now its all speculation” she continued to scan across the computer, transferring all of her notes into a portable storage unit sitting beside her left foot. She reviewed the system, ensuring she had collected everything she required. “I’ll know more once I get down there” she rose onto her feet, collecting up the storage unit and deactivating her terminal behind a wall of security software.
She rose too her feet, falling directly into the Captain’s outstretched arm- his hand clasped tightly around her shoulder. “I’m approving the mission- but the slightest sign of trouble and I’m pulling you out. Is that clear?”
Ellen felt slightly distraught- but she sometimes just had to except the Captain’s father role to his crew “Yes Captain” She gave him a mock salute.
The Captain accepted the salute and left the sanctuary of experimental technology for the bridge, the last bastion of proper soldiering on the ship. Anders took one last look around her temporary lab, ensuring that she had not left anything of importance behind
“You know the Captain is right professor” Serina materialized ontop of the projector, staring with intent eyes. “The observation desk is a rather strange place too select as your laboratory. Considering your importance in this mission I would suggest moving your lab to a more secure location”
“And like I told the Captain I enjoy the view too much to be trapped behind a mile of durasteel plating. I guess as an AI you don’t have the luxury of appreciating that”
“That is not true ma’am. I am merely looking out for your best interests, as my makers programmed me too do”
Ellen stepped over to her desk, opening the draw she retrieved a pistol given to her by Sergeant Forge, for her own protection. He insisted that she keep the weapon on her at all times- even while aboard the Spirit of Fire.
She released the clip from its hold-checking to ensure it was loaded she slammed it back into place. “Thanks Serina- but I can handle myself”