[b]XEON III - Command Center[/b] The captain of the expedition vessel looked out of the view port, the vast expanse of space greeted him back with a bleak expression. "How long before we come in range of the [i]Fish Tail[/i] comet?" He asked his navigator who only once glanced up from his monitor. "We will be approaching the comet in approximately 22 hours. Its a pretty sizable one too so it won't be too long before we actually get in visible range." The last bit was not necessary but a nice touch none-the-less. "We are on schedule then. When we are 4 hours out I want to send our security forces ahead to inspect the Comet and the surrounding area before our arrival. We never know what kind of trick those space pirates will try, so we must be cautious." The captain stared at the view port a while longer before averting his eyes. "Let's hope this missions turns out to be a profitable one." The vessel continued its trek through space as everyone made sure they were ready to divulge the comet's most minute secrets. [b]XEON III - Mess Hall[/b] The ship's mess hall was quite small, certainly not large enough to accommodate the whole crew but this was by design. The ship was made to be quite efficient in its use of space and so non-essential areas, like the kitchen and somewhat unfortunately the bathrooms, were spartan and compact. Still it at least had some space and a view port for looking out at the stars; also while the kitchen itself was small as well, attached to the mess hall as it was, it still had all the necessary equipment to make a variety of meals and was decently stocked. Marsha walked up to the kitchen 'window' toward the ship's resident chef, Trip Walker. "Salutations Ms. Wells." The chef said in a cheerful voice, "here for a little pick-me-up?" Marsha blew away a lock of hair that had fallen onto her forehead before replying, "I suppose you could say that. I'll have a vegi-burger, something quick to make and tasty." Trip gave a small chuckle as he gave a 'right away' gesture and turned to find the ingredients. "You know I haven't met too many 'strict' vegetarians in my time. Sure meat isn't the most plentiful commodity in space but not many go out of their way to avoid it." Trip noted, making light conversation with the red-head. Marsha smiled slightly, "Well meat is inefficient and despite what people think there are plenty of ways to get enough protein without devouring the flesh of another being. Besides, not like anyone should complain, just means more for them." "Well that may all be true," Trip said as he finished preparing the burger buns and started to stack on the ingredients, "but I feel like you're missing out of some of my best prepared meals. Here you go, one vegi-burger with that 'griller' patty you like over a hamburger." He pushed the vegi-burger out on a plate for her which she took gratefully. "Also apart from the burger, do you happen to have my equipment?" Marsha asked the man who winked back. "Yep, got it all right here." He reached into a compartment and brought out a half-finished canvas, with what looked like a vividly colored nebula, along with brushes and paints, plus a few other tools. "Tell you what, I know you'll want that spot near the window so you can get inspiration so why don't I just set up your stuff while you eat that little vegi-beauty?" "Thank you, that is most appreciated." Marsha nodded and headed over to her seat near the window. She started to eat her burger as she watched Trip set up her painting equipment. She did not usually paint in the mess hall, her quarters usually sufficed and was less noisy, but occasionally she just wanted to look out at the stars while she painted. Having something to look besides the dull interior of the ship was quite helpful for the inquisitive mind. She set her burger down after her first bite, there was something missing, something quite vital to the integrity of the burger. "Trip could you get me some mustard as soon as possible? This burger is parched like the sunny-side of mercury." "Sure thing."