Next Colony: The Rise of Jack Steel Chapter 5, Page 5

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Science Officer's Log Stardate 97240.94 - Starbase Genesis1

The science team is euphoric after the announcement from Ambassador Deliah' of Cruq'al. New technologies have been issued that allow us to further improve our Depots' capacities to protect more of our resources. The thing that excites me the most as a Science Officer, is that these enhancements require the Phasing Up of our Research Centers, which everyone knows is my second home. With this news, it should be easy to convince the Commodore to reroute more resources to our Research Facilities. The subspace chatter has also indicated that the Interstellar Research Community may have more plans for the Center in the future.

Unfortunately, my number one volunteer, Jack Steel, is not feeling the euphoria of my team, due to the disappointment he experienced at the Shipyard. Hopefully, I may be able to change his mood today with some training in the flight simulator over at the Research Center. May our day go well!

End Science Officer's Log

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Nearly 10 hours had passed, and Jack Steel was still in the flight simulator testing all kinds of battle scenarios. Despite the Science Officer's insistence that he take a break, Jack refused and continued the training. Perhaps, in his own way, this was a therapy to vent his anger. Apart from this, however, the energized Steel genuinely enjoyed piloting, and seemed naturally adept at aerial navigation. As Officer Brady monitored Jack's progress, he heard Lieutenant Maxwell walk up from behind.

How's it going, Chief?

  • Chief?!

Just kidding, Officer. As you may know, I spoke with Mr. Steel the other day and offered him an assignment.

  • I'm very aware of the situation, Lieutenant. Mr. Steel has been venting his anger all day in the flight simulator.

Anger?

  • Yes Lieutenant. Jack was not at all happy with what he found at the Shipyard.

I expected that. Who wouldn't be disappointed! How's Mr. Steel's training going?

  • Well, I have some bad news for you, Sir. He's beaten all of your records!

That's certainly not bad news, Officer! Being number one gets boring after a while; if records are not broken, it means we are not progressing.

  • I like your reasoning, Sir. Perhaps you should go have a word with Mr. Steel. He hasn't taken a break all day, and I'm starting to worry.

Of course, Officer.

As the Lieutenant made his way down to the lower level, he considered what words to use to help calm Jack's anger. Deep down, he knew that he should have given him more information about the assignment. Outside of the flight simulator the Lieutenant tapped on the console, entering his authorization codes to halt the simulations. As the machine powered down, a side door opened and out came Jack covered in sweat.

  • Jack! Good to see you! So you're the new flight champion?!

You could have told me about the Ghostyard, Lieutenant!

  • Is that what they're calling it these days... in any case, you're right, Jack. I should have been more open about the assignment. The problem is, I really didn't know what the real scope of the assignment was. And to be perfectly honest, I still have no clue as to what will come of this mission that I have given you. Please accept my apologies; my intentions were not bad.

I know, Lieutenant. I'm not really angry with you, but rather with the situation. Our Cadets should not be wasting their days playing sports and losing morale. They are there to build ships, and to fly them on missions.

  • I agree Jack, but we're grossly outnumbered. The reason the Shipyard was reopened in the first place was to reduce the amount of resources pirated away. But now that the Depots are being enhanced, there's less need to use that tactic.

Tactic? It was just a tactic, and not a plan to get us out of these circumstances?

  • Unfortunately, that's the truth Jack.

Well it's wrong!

  • What do you suggest?

Build ships anyway. You can't just allow our Cadets to be demoralized each day that goes by.

  • Actually, that was the very same argument that Captain Davis used to convince the Commodore to reopen the Shipyard and Mission Control.

Well then we should get back to building ships and sending out missions.

  • I agree, Jack. How about you organize something with the Cadets in the coming days?

But I'm not an Officer, Sir.

  • Doesn't matter; you have my support. I see that you have good intentions, and my crewmen will also see it.

Okay Lieutenant, I'll see what I can come up with. But promise me that you'll be more straight forward with me in the future?

  • Agreed, Jack! Thank you!

As the Lieutenant walked away, Jack saw the Science Officer approach with a tall, cold glass of beer. Jack smiled, grabbed the drink and knocked it down as if in the middle of a scorching desert. The two men remained in silence, leaning against the flight simulator. Officer Brady was content to see that Jack was no longer angry, and hence, there was no need for words. Only time for action!

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It is very entertaining to read your writing @famigliacurione, you do a good job.

Here's another !BEER for jack.

Thanks Bro! That's very kind of you! I really enjoy creating the story, as well. And it's even more fun to write and play at the same time. Jack thanks you for the BEER!!! He needs it for the many challenges ahead! I'll try to write you later about that graphics idea! Thanks again!

It doesn't seem to be working on the beer, sorry.

It's the thought that counts!!! ;D

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