A few hours ago...

Dark Matter Bar



The Dark Matter bar, A rather repulsive and polluted environment befitting the polluted atmosphere of the city block and the world with it. Alcohol, soot, and smog could be felt all over the place; while the place had all the makings of your typical late night bar, it seemed to be missing a particular factor...the alcoholics that would be enjoying happy hour on any other planet at this time of night. Instead the only thing filling up the bar space were a bunch of robots, some blatant servant, waitress, and bartender bots, but some were sitting down in the bar, as if mimicking common customers of the establishment. Perhaps they were like that so as to imitate activity so that the more recent, more organic and/or sapient guests would believe it to be more active and open than it really was.

Inside this place, way in the back beside a window that looked out to a dockyard behind it, was a boy, no more than 18 or 19 by the looks of it, rather scrawny in muscular stature, and seemed to be wearing fashion that's...both outdated and unwise in a futuristic time like this. A red velvet overcoat over some black jeans, a white cloth shirt, and even an olden-style captain's hat on his head to boot. He doesn't say anything to you upon arriving, not even seemingly aware of your arrival, instead seemingly focused, almost in awe, of the straw in the shot glass that he was spinning like a top.

Whether it is by going straight towards him, or getting a drink and maybe some food first, he waits patiently for you to arrive, only when you are close does look up towards you, away from the spinning straw in his glass, but still says nothing. He then tilts his head towards the window, as if to say for you to look out into it. What you find there would likely be as unexpected to you as the boy standing there.

A giant, nay colossal ship that seemed to fill up most of the docking area by itself was just outside that area, but it was not like any ordinary ship, not because it was somehow advanced, but because it was somehow...outdated. It looked like a massive sailing ship from Earth's ancient times, right down to having a jolly roger hoisted atop its back sail, that of what appeared to be a black flag comprised only of a white circle protruding white spikes outwards as if to impersonate the glowing ring of an eclipse. It even seemed to be made out of wood with the exception of several metal tubes that seemed to disturb the otherwise classic design into a more steampunk one; it's a wonder how a ship like that can stand the gravitational pressure, or rather lack-thereof of outer space. You look over at the side of the ship and see a name burned into its wood.



"...Aye, Never mind the looks and let it fool you, matey. Tis but a disguise, a shell for protection as well as intimidation. It simply did not feel right whatsoever to have me ship look anything less than the genuine article, a symbol for which we all should stand for. Course, a sea of black and diamonds is a treacherous thing to sail through on a ship of log and iron. Rockets may help it fly above the waters and lands alike but the moment it splashes the stars beyond, it wouldn't be long til sinks to an abyssal grave, and sinking up there's a million times worse than sinking down here...Savvy? ...Here's the real shipception, lad/lass. Not quite me style, but it's the only kind that can sail those black waters, so I can't complain." The boy said to the visitor, speaking in a rather over-the-top British accent to the point of pretentiousness. As he spoke, he held up a hologram device and placed it on the center of the table, activating it to show a hologram of the supposed REAL ship inside that wooden shell, clearly smaller and more reasonable for space-faring in design than the one out there by the docks. ...Though clearly still as unsubtle in its design as its supposed shell, something that might need to be worked on on a later date.



"This is the ship that poster you saw was for. Many came to this planet, but only a select few of you will be able to make it to this Bar. You're one of the lucky ones that me boy Arms filtered out. Seems at least he saw your potential. ...Happy you could come here. I can just tell by looking at you that the poster I distributed was well worth it. ...Oh it's no joke...Well, the name itself is. I had to use a different name to keep the marines and admirals from sailing onto me case. B. Morgan's the name of a poor pirate Captain that's sure to have a bunch of officers knocking on his door right about now. Shame how easy it is to get accused of crimes you don't commit in this galaxy, ain't it? I'm Arron Marshal Falcon, the Captain of the ship you came to hop onto." The boy, Arron, then said. It would be at this time that some of you may think of this as some sort of joke, or a prank. This kid? This pretentious, clearly inexperienced brat, is the Captain you were about to sign yourself to serving? Those who thought all of this as ridiculous would likely be about to leave, but then notice that the robots in this place started acting strange and blocking the door, keeping them from leaving.

"Now now, is that anyway to treat your employer, just walk out on him the moment you notice something off about him? ...Well, I suggest you don't bother lad/lass, this place has quite a strict curfew to it that is currently in effect, and has been for about an hour now. We managed to trick the system to get you in here; getting you out... wee bit more difficult. Cameras and guards are everywhere out there, and they will have you arrested or shot the second you step into their sites. After all, a little birdie told them some rumor about a secret piracy ring going on around this city block, ...don't know why they'd possibly believe such a ridiculous story. I'm betting you're likely an outsider of this planet. So the moment they find out you're not part of their registrations, you get L. Prime's police force hunting you down and arresting you for curfew violation and Conspiracy. ...What's that? Explain what's going on? You can try that, but I don't think they'll believe you...If only you had evidence to prove you came here for legal reasons, oh hold on a second, you did...before you burned it to ashes. ...I know you came here for pirate reasons, which is specifically why me first mate filtered you and others like you, out of all the folk that came a knockin'. You can have them arrest me and me first mate, but they won't be able to catch us, and even if they did, you'd still be in their cross-hairs along with us. From the moment you stepped inside this bar, whatever bridge to a peaceful, law-abiding life, went up in smoke. ...Amazing, isn't it? A piece of legal paper, a right place at a right time, and the choice to follow these things, is all it takes to ruin lives. You likely came here knowing that, but all the same: ...Sorry bout that, matey." Arron explained to them. It would be clear now that this child, still as pretentious and obnoxiousness as he seems, had more to him than one would think. He WAS the one who somehow got an ad for piracy "legally" distributed across the many sectors and systems of the empire. He's clearly implying that he set this whole situation up in such a way that whoever walks in that door like you did would be faced with an ultimatum: Stay and listen, or leave and be labeled a wanted criminal, hunted down the moment you take that first step outside.

He's a wack-job, but it's now clear that, at the very least, he knows what he's doing.

"You probably already figured this out, but I called out as many landlubbers as possible for a job offer...To join me on this ship, be a part of my crew, and take a share of all the loot we shall take together. If you refuse, that's fine. ...You still gotta get on board the ship so that I can smuggle you off the planet to a safer one, but I can guarantee you, you will be missing out on the many things we can plunder together, things that might lead you and others like you to a better life. You can accept my offer by answering a simple question: Why are you here? ...Perhaps that's a bit too bland a question, so let me put this another way: You came here knowing that you are being enlisted to be a terror of the black sea, a pirate. That tells me you came here with something you wish to gain. What is that something? What are you assuming you are going to get out of this...what is it you WANT to get out of this?" Arron asked. After you answer his question, almost immediately, you feel a thin plastic ring pressed against your forehead. It seems Arron took his straw out of the shot glass and has placed it on your forehead, looking through it like a microscope. When asked what he's doing:

"Checking to see if you're lying...My straw's a lie detector. Relax while I look into your brain, or...whatever you have that substitutes a brain." He answered. One would think him bloody insane at this point, but if you were lying, he would most definitely detect it like he claims. Was there something in the straw that could do this, or...was it some kind of ability from the boy himself. Either way, within seconds, he pulled the straw away and put it back in the glass. If you were lying he'd simply ask you to try again and answering honestly this time. But if you were telling the truth...

"Welp, looks like you're telling the truth. Honestly, as long as it was honest, it really doesn't matter to me what your answer was, matey. I need as many hands on me deck as I can get, need they be paragons or scoundrels. ...We don't have a lot of time, so let's cut to the chase: My Ship is currently run by an army of robotic servants, Mites as we call them. They're currently hacking into those robots over there so as to keep them from mouthing a word of what happens here. The Problem is they're basic-AI drones. They understand commands given to them, but don't think like living creatures or even advanced AIs. In trying situations, they're like fish out of water, wiggling desperately til they die; they're not exactly combat bots for that same reason. My ship needs more sapient folk like you and me in order to run it properly. I originally had such a crew but...they're no longer with us. Me an' Arms are the last ones left, and we can't run a ship that big with just two people, mites or no mites. I managed to get here because of my own experience as a Pilot, but the engines are...well, they're shot. I barely managed to get this thing here. It's a good engine that's designed for combat, but I'm no engineer and Arms can't do much on his own. All it needs is a few more engineers to lead the mites and fix it up, and it should be fine until we get to a station for a proper repair. I also have need of a Pilot, as frankly I prefer to take command rather than fly the ship myself. Among other positions that need to be filled. You are here because Arms seems to have decreed you able to do one of the jobs we need. I'm afraid anymore question will have to wait for later though. I've already 'arranged' for our first plunder, and this one-on-one approach of interviewing I'm doing for everyone who walks in that door. Any ship or device you landed here with has already been taken by Arms and the Mites aboard me ship's Cargo Bay, so don't you worry about leaving anything behind. ...All that said, since you answered my question. I welcome you aboard. I'll be staying here until Arms confirms that everyone is present and accounted for, so get on board without me." Arron explained with a smile. As you do as you're told in this...bizarre situation, Arron stops you once, and asks you a question, upon answering, he nods and waves for you to go to the ship and wait for them.

The Question?

"Ah, how rude of me not to ask...What's your name?"

(For your flashback scenes, simply give your first impression, and your answer to both of his questions. If you want to add anymore details, you're free to do so.)

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Present Time

Typhon - Bridge







Once everyone shown their acceptance and reasoning to Arron, and reported to the bridge as told, Arron himself walked into the Bridge with the Alori Gila Monster Arms following behind him as he hops, quite literally into the chair in the center of the Bridge. As if they weren't even there, he simply took a minute or so to relax on the chair giving a sigh of refreshment, before he leaned to face forwards towards his new crew. A bunch of small humanoid red robots, the Captain's "Mites", running around and doing as they are tasked as Arron began to spoke.

"Arr... Everyone present and accounted for...? Good. Welcome aboard me ship, please mind the mess everywhere, She's had her issues, and the mites need an update on their chore procedure. So, there's no sense of telling you what you're here for, so let's skip the occupational introduction to piracy, and get straight to our current situation for...everyone who hasn't been told this already, meaning Arms and me'self are the only ones excluded. There's a Merchant ship up in the atmosphere waiting for us to "escort" them to safety after I warned them about Pirates coming to steal his everything. I neglected to mention that we are the pirates in question, but it doesn't really matter. They'll be waiting for us to follow suit and sail away with them to safer grounds, but in their paranoia, they may leave without us if we hurry up to meet them, so I won't hold you all for too long before we get started. Started on what you ask? ...Most of these new-age lazy-ass landlubbers across the black diamond sea of stars prefer virtual simulations to test your capabilities and wits without that danger to your life. Soldiers of the Empire, planetary police enforcers, even the pirates and mafias these days are all like that. Every virtual test's all programmed, prepared, and never gets that adrenaline of staying alive pumping into ye' veins because all you get by failing is a bloody Game Over Screen. I prefer to do this sort of work with an old-fashioned heart in mind. Real situations, Real quality testing, and more importantly, REAL consequences. I don't want you to show your stuff in a simulation because I don't want some what-if crew that I'm suppose to take word of a computer for the quality of. I want you to show your stuff where it matters most of all, in pure genuine reality where success RIDES entirely on your best efforts...Savvy?" Arron explained. He pushed a few buttons on the arm of his chair, making a few holographic screens pop up in front of him flipping them around so that everyone else can see them.

"So consider this your employment field test. As I said before, the Merchant is armed to the bloody teeth with his merchandise, and will fire up his cannons on our scurvy asses the second we start boarding them. But that's not all there is to it... We're violating the Planetary curfew of Lancelot Prime by being here at this time o' night. Normally, visitors aren't allowed to land here on Curfew, and the ones that were visiting are forced to either leave the planet before the curfew is up, or spend their night on the planet. Merchants are an exception, but even their escorts has to be from off the planet and awaiting them there. Fortunately for us, this was a new crew of Rookie merchants unfamiliar with Lancelot Prime's rules, so my little white lie drilled right into their skulls without resistance. Unfortunately, what I told you all about the strict ideals that'll get you arrested the second you're spotted apply to this ship as well. Oh, but you don't have to worry, because they won't arrest us if we fail...mostly because in about...oh...2 minutes or so, they'll be given orders straight from L. Prime's governor to shoot us dead the second we're in their sights. ...Arms was getting hungry, so I arranged to invite the Governor's beloved pet for dinner. Said pet should be heading straight for the Governor's desk in a box as we speak...a wee-bit skinnier then when said governor last saw him, and with a picture of this very ship to remember us by. So, we're about to be on L Prime's most wanted list and hunted down by the planetary forces very soon. What's more of a problem that I sort of forgot to mention to you all: The Hyperdrive should be fine, but the engine has seen better days. It endured some battle damage; the mites are trying to maintain it, but there's only so much the drones are able to do without more...educated minds guiding them. ...In other words, from the second we set sail from L. Prime, We are inches from the Maw of Davy Jones' Locker! Your test is to pull us OUT of that ever gaping abyss, and Sail to calmer seas with Merchant's treasures in tow! We succeed and you shall prove to be the greatest crew I could ever hope to sail with. Fail and we ALL walk the plank!" Arron then said, showing a picture of the skeletal remains of the Governor's pet. Arms couldn't help but sigh, pinching the top of his reptilian muzzle as Arron started arranging hologram screens with the pictures of everyone on board. As Arron organized those pictures, Arms stepped up from behind Arron and looked at everyone.

"For those of you who couldn't understand a damn thing our Captain just said with all that olden lingo rambling, here's a more basic translation: Our engines are damaged, our merchant targets are going to defend themselves from us, and the Planetary imperials will want us dead the second we show our face. In other words, the moment this ship starts flying, we're fucked. We'll be put into a very bad situation, and your job is to get us all out of it in one piece with what we pillaged in tow. We get through this: you're hired. You fail: we all die." Said the Gila Monster Alori, as Arron finishes organizing the crew to their specific jobs.

"...That's exactly what I just said! ...Anyways, mateys, I've had the lot of you scanned and organized into your roles on this ship, based on your qualities and backgrounds. Each set or single one of you will each have a task. The Majority of you lot will serve as the Boarding party, and miscellaneous deckhands whenever we're not doing any missions. All of your objectives are simple enough: Serve, Knight, Fae, Rain, Con, Rom, and Snake, the Boarding party, are to board the Merchant Ship and take every bit of loot off them that you can find. In addition, if possible, I want you to capture and bring back the crew of that ship to this one alive. Chef and Doc, you guys are to join the Boarding party take whatever medical supply and food you feel you need to properly do your jobs. The Boarding party's secondary objective is to escort and safeguard them while they do this. Scrap, Rogue, and Jar will be in the Engine room of the ship, doing whatever they have to fix the Engine, or at least make sure it doesn't blow up in your faces before the day is done. The Mites will help you in maintenance, but make sue you give them specific orders of what to do, as they're not capable of thinking outside the box like you three are. Hook and Scots are to take control of the two Computers behind you all on both sides of the windshield, with Pain in the center area to evade any and all attacks that'll be thrown at us." Arron explained to them, pointing to each member when saying their nicknames so as to tell them that those names are referring to them. He then looked at Arms who nodded back, extending his hands outward as a light turned on in both palms, combining together to form a holographic replication of the Ship.

"This ship has eighteen revolving pulse cannon barrels, three barrels on six turrets rotating on three rings, two turrets per ring. Normally the rings rotate the turrets around and the turrets themselves can rotate, so that we can fire from all directions. However, they're currently positioned to fire off the sides of the outer shell's port and starboard area and are locked in place, so there's no need to worry about advance movement controls on the guns for now. Instead you have to work together with Telasie, and Telasie with you, since they're locked to the sides of the ship and so can only fired in their respective directions. Therefore, Pain will have to move the ship into positions where the cannons can be fired from the left and right of the ship. Asugan will take the left half, and Vescalla will take the right. I've designed the OS on the gun programs myself, the push of a button can fire a single turret. Nine buttons for nine turrets, organized from back to front. (Meaning: Left-to-right for the left side and right-to-left for the right side.) Once we're in a position where we can unlock movement controls I'll guide you both through that, but for now, just focus on the nine buttons in front of you. The three of you will have to work together if you want to get anything blown up as things are. As for you, Telasie, much to the Captain's...arrogance, the pilot area consists of two step panels for acceleration and breaks, two control panels for the more advanced commands such as the use of the hyperdrive...and that big wheel beside the panels for steering the ship. ...Thankfully the Captain explained to me how it works, and its...disturbingly simple. Spin the wheel in a direction to make the ship go that direction, and the more you spin, the harder the turn. Apparently it's designed for maneuverability." Arms explained to the three.

"This is normally the part where I ask if you have any questions. But given our current predicament, we don't have much time left. We don't leave soon, and the planetary forces will likely find this ship and kill everyone in it. So any questions you have for me and Arms, I suggest saving for later, or answering on your own as we go about this. With that, Introductions are over mateys. The Engineering room's in the back of the ship, follow the signs, you can't miss it. The Boarding area's the way you came into the ship from. Don't worry about room arrangements for now, your stuff's been escorted to the cargo area and will stay there until this whole thing is said and done. It'll all burn and freeze along with us if we fail anyways. The Chef, Doc, and Boarding Party, get to the Boarding area. Engineers move to the Engine room, and the Gunners and Pilot stays here to get the cannons online. the Mite over there will fly us up to the Merchant ship, then will give the wheel over to Pain. Arms will be your support on the bridge." Arron said. As soon as he finished, he gave a nod to the Mite who has the wheel, and the ships rockets started igniting as the ship started to move out of the docks, curving upwards towards the skies and rocketing towards the merchant ship in question. As if on cue, the alarms would be heard blaring across Lancelot Prime, waking up several factory workers, and making active the planetary forces.

They got closer and closer to the Merchant ship until eventually getting close enough to their side. While they were getting ready then to take off, suddenly both ships would see laser fire from the planet, as fighters started climbing up the atmosphere to meet them.

"Right on Schedule..." Arron thought. While everyone is likely distressed from getting fired on, the captain simply smiled as he pressed his hands into a ball in front of his face.

"Alright everyone, Get into positions now!" He yelled. With the slamming of his fist on to the arm of his chair, the side rear of the Typhon's outer shell opened up, revealing a giant tube of some sorts that shot itself onto the door of the merchant ship, an electrical field then pulsates through the tube from the Typhon's end to the opposite end, causing the door to malfunction and open up. From inside the tube, as the electrical pulse disappeared to make it safe for the Boarding party to enter, you could hear loud voices from the other side of the door, as the door seems to glitch out, trying to close but ultimately failing every time. The merchant ship immediately began to fire on the Typhon, but the wood on the outer shell was surprisingly durable despite the plasma being fired. As soon as the Boarding party moves into the merchant ship, however, the door closes and the tube disconnects, reeling back into the Typhon and allowing for Telasie to freely move the ship.

"Alright, this is it. Show me what you've got mateys...THE ECLIPSE PIRATES SHALL RIDE AGAIN!"

The introduction to the captain didn't impress Varrus in any manner, nor did the 'dramatic' reveal of the ships appearance. Varrus simply waiting for the captain's speech to be over during the meet at the bar. He looked back on it. The boys speech was long and drawn out. Half the crew probably figured the boy was nothing short of arrogant. The ship was decent considering it was in the hands of a pirate. However, it wasn't anything Varrus was impressed with. Varrus was a doctor on planets torn by wat. The juggernaut class ships there would probably tear this ship a new asshole if it got into range of the guns. During the interview, Varrus noticed several things of interest. One, the boys lie detector functioned for species that relied on vocal communication and while it did scan his brain, it couldn't scan psionic communication. Even if the captain scanned his own brain receiving the message, the machine most likely would have difficulty considering it was scanning thoughts that didn't belong to his own brain. Though Varrus had no intention to lie as nothing was brought up concerning his past. Varrus simply told the captain that he needed work and his name was Varrus. Those answers were vague enough to hide ones true intention but did not qualify as lies in any regard since Varrus did not seek to be unemployed. Varrus stood on the bridge when he was briefed about the merchant ship that they were to 'escort'. Noting the engine problem and fight to take place were nothing that Varrus cared for as he did not meet the requirements. This lead him to be confused when the captain told him to move into position. He was a doctor and his position had little to do with combat AS it was in a medical facility. Thus he did not join the boarding party and simply grabbed his bags of equipment and began to search for the medical facility aboard the Typhon. If anyone would yo need medical treatment then they knew where Varrus would be.

The captain seemed odd to Traveler. His outfit seemed out of place relative to what the other humans tend to wear in the area. He appeared too small to garner any respect from normal pirates. And to top it off, an unusual fascination with what appeared to be a straw.

The first question, what was Traveler here for? Traveler was silent for a moment, using the vocals of this shell was something it did not do often. ”I do not seek material wealth. I do not seek infamy. Neither interests me. Instead all I need is sustenance from other lifeforms to nourish me and comradery.”

When Arron used his ‘lie detector’ on Traveler, it felt an unusual sensation. Arron was interfering with its very being, nearly disrupting its disguise (never mind the feeling that Arron was probably seeing past it with whatever he was doing). In addition, it detected genetic material it never felt before. While it partially comprised of Human material, the rest was completely foreign to it. While the contact was too brief to extract much information, it was enough to indicate alteration of unknown extent.

Second question, what is its name? It never had a name, nor were any Q’lyar given names, only designations. Is this something to tell Arron? Should it make something up? After a few more silent moments, It decided to partially reveal itself, Arron might have figured it out already anyhow. ”I have no name. As you may have formulated, I am not Human like I appear. This is just a shell that I use to disguise my nature. In truth, I am Q’lyar. The race with no form, for they do not need them. Instead, they adopt forms. Neither do they have names. You can refer to me… this cell, by its designation Traveler-59, or just Traveler"

Arron did not seem to be surprised at the revelation, though admittedly, Traveler has little experience with inferring meaning from facial expressions. When it got to the part where it was with the other recruits, it took the opportunity to look at the others. Most of the races were unknown to it, but several (especially the other Humans) were familiar. Most were wholly organic (or at least, mostly) but some had exterior carapace, likely the front-liners.

And now the point came where Traveler, or Snake as the captain calls it, would feel combat again. It hopes it would have the opportunity to consume a combatant for sustenance, one missing is unlikely to be noticed (especially after a fight).

Conrad was sitting in a booth by himself with his arms crossed as the boy who apparently would be their captain asked them why they were here. Conrad sighed as the Captain came over to him and put the straw to his forehead, "Well I got nothing to lie about, I'm just here to get rich and maybe find me a lady to grow old with.

He expected to feel something from the straw but he felt nothing. Maybe it was because he had told the truth or because the straw really didn't have anything special about it. He watched as the Captain went through the remaining crew members before he asked a second question. The process started all over again which bored Conrad to death. Although there was interesting individual who apparently had no form. When he got back to Conrad for the second time Conrad answered flatly, "The names Conrad Pak but you can just call me Conrad. Or well you can really call me whatever the hell you want as long as I get paid."

After the "name ceremony" was done the Captain basically explained to them they were basically screwed and their chances of death were incredibly likely. He didn't say anything though, there was no time for complaints there were at the point of no return. He was happy when he was assigned to boarding crew as he would likely get to see some action. After the Captain rambled on about some more nothingness the huge lizard man that seamed to be the first mate lead the boarding party to the boarding area where they were to wait. Conrad looked around at the crew, the boarding party member who stood next to him looked to be a knight of some sorts that was armed with a sword and looked almost impenetrable, 'Why couldn't I be behind him?' Conrad thought to himself and he heard the ship preparing to engage the merchant vessel and the shit storm about to go down.

Reina's arrival to the planets surface was... eventful, to say the least. Or as much as a semi-controlled crash landing in a fighter that has been shot to pieces is eventful. Authorities immediately swarmed the crash site, but she was able to get away in the confusion as the fighter's already damaged engine detonated. On this happening, she made her way to the Dark Matter Bar, where she met the Captain, and approached him immediately. She would stand close to the table, in a posture that would seem relaxed, had she not been standing perfectly still, and still covered in her battle armor, which is scarred from her recent descent and ensuing crash.

When asked about her reason for coming to join, she says, in an almost deadpan voice, "My mother told me to come here to meet my new boss."

The straw device would see that she is clearly an Android, and would detect no untruth from her, and seemingly also little capacity for untruth in her.

In responce to the Captain's question of her name, she says, "My official designation is New Lancelot Mafia Prototype Combat Android X-02. My mother calls me Reina"

She also does not seem to care about the Captain's eccentricities or age, simply that he be competent.

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Present Day:
During the briefing, Reina stood still and relaxed, listening intently. upon description of objectives and dismissal, she made her way down to the staging area, making her way to the front of the group with a gait that portrayed a confidence gained through many actions, stopping just behind and to the left of the First Mate. Her armor has somewhat scarred markings that read "NLM SX-02" on the back, and "SX-02" on the left shoulder. Anyone familiar with the criminal underworld of the Lancelot System would immediately recognize them as markings of the New Lancelot Mafia, who's ruling family, the Santobello, were recently hunted down by the Empire.

Ranna showed open wonder and interest at everything this young man said and studied the holograms with fascinated eyes. It was all so different to what she had come to expect from most encounters. Heh terran’s really where a funny people she mused while listening to the young captain talk, and the way he expressed himself was just adorable.
"hmm why am I here?" she said focusing on his question. "I’m looking for an adventure" It was the truth in its simplest form and would have to do for now. She wasn’t sure beyond that what she was doing here either.
When Arron placed the straw on her forehead after her answer. Ranna look up at it with a silent oh on her face. Could this be anything but interesting?...

As time went and the woman found herself on the ship she finally got to see the rest of the recruited crew. And interesting odd bunch with many around her height or above. It was nice to around a group again. She thought as the captain once more began talking.
Then it was time to act and they moved to prepare for boarding. At this moment, she took her time to get her armor that smoothly opened and then enclosed her body wrapping up her long hair in a protective layer of special polymer. She joined behind the one with the markings NLM SX-02 on her back. “well this will be interesting I’m not used to being on a big hunt so soon after forming a party.

Telasie stared blankly at the child playing dress up. She stared for a long while, even when he asked her a question. She hated children, they were loud and ungrateful and terribly messy. She managed to form an answer after a minute of silence. "I want to pilot." Was all she offered. She had to admit this kid had her cornered, though she was already a wanted criminal, and getting shot at would do nothing. After years and years of continuously getting shot she actually began to build up an immunity to plasma. It was still painful and left her wounded, but unless they got her head or upper torso, she would live. The straw left her head and she narrowed her harsh eyes at it, almost hatefully before looking back at her new boss. "My name is Telasie Banthur, not Telzi Bant, like the wanted posters say." She sneered.

Later on board, she scoffed at her own nickname, openly displeased. However, when she saw what she was steering with, she looked Arms dead in the eyes and glared. It wasn't until the attack began before she stopped looking so cross. As soon as her palms laid to the wheel, she began to grin. Just like the rest of her, the grin was harsh and rude. "This will be fun." She looked to the gunners for only a moment before she gripped the wheel tightly and began to maneuver it.

Telasie had a talent. Piloting was a part of it, but her real talent lied in that her movements were unreadable and unpredictable. Most people moved in patterns that others and algorithms could catch onto, but she wasn't even aware of where and how she would move the ship next. It was pleasantly responsive and shockingly agile compared to what she expected. Telasie watched the ship and from the planet, maneuvering the ship for minimal damage.

Rama sat at the bar listening to what the raving captain was saying, if only the captain could remember him and the fact that he once knew Rama's master and teacher. Maybe if he saw the crest...or could wait, might be awkward with all these people around here, I'll just mention his name and see if the captain can remember. He thought to himself as he stood up as the man came to him and asked him the first question.

"Like my former master the Metabaron, I have come to seek glory and destruction to those that would get in my way, gold and material items are nice but over time they fade, I die and it goes to another. But watching the lights go out of a ship before it finally implodes or seeing the eyes of my enemies realizing who they are going against and seeing their end to my hands is my true joy." He told the captain, he then felt the "lie detector" wave over him, he felt it's effects check his statement and acknowledged that what he said was true.

"My name is Rama Gildar, my mech suit sitting in the back is Meta and for the time being our services are yours to command." He said as he placed his right arm over his chest and headed towards the ship.

Present Day

Rama listened to the captain and the one called Arms in the explanation of what was happening and what needed to be done. Him being part of the boarding party would be simple which for the time being would be what he needed for a first mission.

"Meta, did you get all that? I will be heading to the back and prep for boarding, I need you to be ready when I get there. I don't think this time around we will be going in together, we are being attacked so they will be ready for a boarding party. I'll stay behind you as long as I can and bombard them with explosives to give us an edge." He said in an internal comm. that is linked directly to the mech.

"Yes Rama, I heard what they said and am prepping for boarding as we speak, should only be a few minutes. I agree, our percentages will increase that way and you'll be able to break off and make your way to the bridge easier that way." Meta responded.

Rama then looked back at the rest of the crew that was boarding with him.

"Alright everyone, they are going to know that we are boarding them, we need our strongest and most protected at the front, followed by our strikers, my plan is to break off from the group and head to the bridge and cut the head off of their captain, causing confusion and further chaos which will only aid in our chances. Who would like to join me?" He asked the others as he began to place his mask on his face and headed to the boarding room.

William went straight to the captain when he entered the Bar, not wanting to waste anytime at all with the interview, he took off his helmet and bowed to Arron, like a true gentleman, he didn't attempt to leave at all, he had no reason to leave, he knew that if he left he'd be killed even if Arron didn't set a trap for him, the polished suit he wore was stolen and it's owner would likely try to take the suit back and William's head aswell.

Oddly enough, William didn't find the Captain to be weird at all, mostly because he was insane himself and because William didn't care unless Arron was incomptent, when Arron placed the straw against William's head, William immediately confessed as he had nothing to hide By the will of my father, The Empire is rightfully mine. I seek to use this job as tool to achieve that goal after all William has never told a lie in his life and he wasn't going to stop now.

My name is Sir William Snow The First, future Emperor of Brittania he introduced himself with pride and shook Arron's hand, William smiled under his helmet, he knew that he was getting closer to the honor and glory he deserved.

2 hours later

William couldn't help but feel bad about the Governor's pet, he sighed, he hated how the captain had simply betrayed the Merchant's he was soon to kill, he felt sick to his stomach at the very thought of betraying someone he was working with, William pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and thought of the bigger picture.

When Arron told everyone how screwed the crew was, he simply laughed and exclaimed Is that all? William felt relieved when he prepared to board, @Kessir Tarkin Count me in comrade William Spoke as he drew his sword and shield.

Alexandra was muttering to herself how horrible the dark matter bar looked like and was rather annoyed about going to the interview. She almost left, until the captain told her that she could die. She then stopped, and then turned around.

When the captain asked her why she was here, she simply said the obvious; "I'm here for the the money to save my family and myself from debt." When the captain put the weird straw on her head. After that, she finally concluded that he was insane.

When the captain asked what her name was, she said that her name was Alexandra Hall, while silently taking the bartender's key.

In the present:
While Alexandra tuned out most of what the captain said, until she heard him talk about the engineering room, and then headed out. "Well, this is going to be an eventful adventure." Alexandra murmured to herself.

Lancelot prime truly was something else. Just weeks ago Asugan had fled from the barren tundras of his homeland and now he was trekking down the narrow and polluted streets of Lancelot Prime. Asugan entered the Dark Matter Bar where a boy was sitting in the back. This boy happened to be Asugan’s future captain. Asugan was proper surprised by Arron. He wasn’t exactly expecting someone ‘normal’ but this boy just looked ridiculous. And the way he spoke, like some old english pirate, was… let’s just say that Asugan doubted his abilities. Asugan was about to turn around and walk out but it seemed that Arron actually knew what he was doing. He asked what Asugan’s motive for being here was. “Right now, I need credits more than anything else." Arron then asked for his name. “I am Asugan Bugudai.”

Soon enough the whole crew was assembled and briefed on the Typhon’s bridge. Asugan looked at the people that he would have to work together with. One was a human, another gunner. She looked reasonably competent. It would be interesting to see what she was capable of. The other one was a Denar. The scars on her body made her look more like a warrior than a pilot but he didn’t notice anything off putting about her. As they approached their target Asugan focused. He studied the ship closely looking for any exploitable weakness.

Scrap

Scrap wasn't phased at all by the strange guy in old-fashioned clothing. In fact she was antsy. Her hands were behind her back as she listened to the guy speak. Her real hand playing with the crooks and rickets of the mechanical one. They guy didn't look all that much older than her, but the atmosphere around him was something someone that young could never give off. At the question of what she wanted to get out of the offer, Scrap cringed at the memories of the last few days she's had. Escaping the Junkyard Ravagers wasn't easy, it was barely manageable but where she went from there was life-or-death. But for years she was treated like nothing more than a tool, a slave. Whatever happens now would be 100x better than living in the Junkyards. She looked at her new Captain straight in the eyes and raised her mechanical arm in front of her, clenching it into a fist. And with the confidence of a politician she calmly states -
"I don't know."

After another weird interaction involving a straw, Scrap sighs in relief at the fact of being accepted. She starts to walk off towards the ship before the captain asks her for her name. It was an opportunity to re-name herself other than the name thrown at her from the gang members for convenience. But after a mere second of thinking it over she gives her name- "My name is Scrap: S-C-R-A-P. It's the only thing I know how to spell sir." She turns away quickly to avoid looking at his reaction and runs out the door ready to start her new life.

-Present day-
Scrap shrunk at the presence of others. Many of whom towered over the 5'2 girl. She stayed in the back while the captain briefed them on what was happening. It was all a fast explanation but she got the gist of it - survive.
As soon as everyone started moving, Scrap was already headed to the engine room. She had never fixed the engine of the ship. It was mostly robotic parts and prosthetics. Thankfully there were going to be 2 others in there, so how hard could it be?

The bar was dark and dirty and filled with the pollutants of the atmosphere outside. None of these things seemed to bother either him or this captain. A strange fellow this captain, outdated attire and a fancy way of speaking made victor a bit suspicious but otherwise sound. His questions was quick and to the point, “Material wise I need metal as well as any opportunity to look over any tech we find that could be made useful. Second is the chance to destroy or damage any part of this great empire.” he made sure his answer was also to the point even if this captain had a strange lie detector.

The captain had simply one more question before he stepped out, his name. “My designation is Victor -103” his blue LED eyes looked toward the man only for a moment longer before turning to the ship. “Sara scan the ship” a blue and red light projected itself from Victors shoulder as it ran across the ship. He had started his scan of his new home, a ship this size would take a little while to fully scan, but after words would have a full schematic and damage report.

--------------------------------
Present.

The ship was rather large but at least the bulkheads were rather tall, in his opinion there were not enough of them. The bulk heads were meant to secure sections of the ship from venting atmosphere after something punctures the hull, also good at slowing down invaders. Sometimes made it a bit of a pain to get through some ships in a hurry. He paused when he came to a cross section.

His hesitation lasted until the familiar female voice of Sara with the Irish accent entered his mind, “Boss I'm detecting radiation leaking from the main reactor” a low computer generated sigh escaped the mechanical suit. Trouble some, first day on a new ship feels like a trial by fire, “Are the projectors working on the drones yet?” a short pause, “One is working somewhat boss, the others still need some time” another short pause the man started down toward the engineering room, “Release that drone and guide it to the command deck with the others have it sit somewhere out of the way and project my image, at least then they will know we tried to be there.”

A small blue sphere dropped out of a small dispenser from his left waist. Before it hit the ground a flat ring stuck out from around it and started spinning with a blue hue while emitting a quiet whine. This gave the small sphere the ability to fly, and fly it did. Around Victor a few times before disappearing down a corridor heading for the command deck. The humming bird multipurpose drones, he had four of them and currently it was the only one fitted with a hologram projector.

The drone made it into the command deck and found its perch on a command console near the view screen and began to project victor standing at the back of this rather rag tag group. Victor was able to hear what was being said as well as his new designation, “Jar?” he thought, “well boss at least its simple” Sara chimed in. that small meeting was all he needed to know that this was a trial by fire. “Sara start integrating yourself with the ship and its consoles, if there's an A.I. in here make sure you let it know what we are doing so it doesn't shut you out” a small indication sound was all he needed to hear.

The engineering bay was massive three engine cores mounted at the back of the room with the main hyper drive and reactor for the ship enter twined into one big power source. The large open space was exactly what Victor wanted, all he had to do was kill the artificial gravity in here and have some fun. However, first things first, “Sara deploy the repair drones to fix the crack in the radiation case around the reactor and begin venting the radiation” one thing he truly enjoyed about working with A.I. or V.I. they always listened and remembered their job.

With the meeting completed and the others scurrying off to their positions the small drone flew to a perch near the pilot and began to project a hologram of the Typhoon. The hologram was blue and translucent, tiles filled the surrounding area displaying energy graphs, temperature bars, shield energy and resistance, as well as any hits and hull punctures. Victors voice then began to project from it, “Pain is it. I'm down here in the engineering bay and I got a quick report for you.” he paused for a moment as he moved to engine core two.

“Engine core 2 is currently the worst off of the three with 25% available power, I'm working on it. engine core 1 and 3 might be able to get up to 55% or more if you push it. the main reactor is still damaged but no longer leaking radiation, Fuel is almost gone so be aware of that. 5 out of the 10 shield generators have shit coils in them and won't hold a charge. We are working with at best 50% shields. Good news is 3 out of those 5 will still help to charge the shields the other two are completely offline. Good luck” with that he stopped transmitting and began to work on engine 2.

@Kessir Tarkin@Warborn123

Upon hearing Rama and Williams intent, Reina would turn to them and say in a business-like, almost monotone tone, "We should do what the Captain ordered and take live prisoners, including the captain." even with the mask of her helmet, it feels like she is staring Rama straight in the eyes.

@ReusableSword @Hazy

"Don't call me that shit." Telasie snapped at him, head whipping in the direction of the voice. She turned her head back to attention. To anyone who wasn't truly paying attention, it would appear that the pilot was outright ignoring him, but in fact she was listening carefully and already beginning to accommodate for the new information. She prioritized the engines over the shields and did take a rather purposeful hit that caused the ship to jolt. She used the sudden movement to angle the ship rather oddly.

Telasie narrowed her eyes at the gunners currently facing the merchant, hoping the saw the massive opportunity she gave them to do major damage to the other ship's thrusters. She glanced idly at the Taghai, mostly wanting to see his abilities. Next, she would give the human a clean shot, so that she could gauge their skills and compensate for any inability they may have. Not without snide comment, of course.

@tal0n @Warborn123 @Kessir Tarkin

Conrad raised an eyebrow as the smaller girl confronted the two huge, armored up boarders about their illogical plan. "Careful now Arms it looks like you have someone with their eye on that first mate seat", Conrad snickered. The big first mate replied with a snort which seamed to mean "as if".

When Conrad turned back the small girl, Reina, was eyeing him. "However I do have to agree with the girl, since were taking prisoners as far as we know the captain is the most valuable person on that ship. Our captain seams to want to keep prisoners for some reason and from my life as a space whaler the captain is just about the only person worth anything on that ship. It would seam pretty counter productive to kill him."

Just as Conrad finished speaking he heard and felt the ship turning to get into position for boarding so he took off his coat and threw it to the side of the boarding party deck and readied his laser rifle. The party was about to start.

@Elevation@tal0n@Kessir Tarkin

William laughed and turned to Conrad I would never settle to be first mate, if there was a position I'm gunning for captain William jokingly replied, truth be told he wouldn't settle to be just a captain, his eyes were already set on his course and if he had his way, he wouldn't just be a captain, he'd be the Captain of all Captains.

I disagree, we shouldn't be slaves to the captain's command, we must think autonomously, if we stop to take prisoner's our enemy might catch up and put a quick end to us, and for all we know. the captain might be incompetent and a lowly crew member might be the true owner of this ship William argued, his jetpack rumbled and turned on, William felt a urge to prove himself in glorious combat, he felt a thirst for blood running through his veins, If we encounter this captain, I shall be the one to fight him, the glory must be mine. he informed the crew, eager to get started.

@Elevation@tal0n@Silvir@Kessir Tarkin@Warborn123

Traveler noted the conversation and felt it necessary to announce his intent, and to note that they might see some... unusual things.

"This cell notes that orders were to loot and 'if possible' capture the crew of the merchant ship. If possible is a modifier of the command and is not a priority. This cell does recognize that capture of their captain would be a notable accomplishment. This cell will attempt to pacify combatants without killing but will use force should resistance prove it preferential. This cell notes that it is shapeless and can change form much as one can change clothes, a tactical advantage as any opening is an entrance provided it is not water-tight. With that in mind, this cell will travel through the ventilation seeking priority targets."

Traveler did intend to incapacitate, but it felt it necessary to kill and absorb a combatant away from the others. It was concerned the others might act negatively despite it being required for sustenance. While looking for priority targets was not a lie, it was not the main reason behind his intent to separate.

@The Jest
Vescallas immediate thoughts of the captain entailed one thing:
Oh dear lord, he's a child.
When he asked why she was there she simply responded;
"My deceased husbands family is a bunch ah weaklings and want meh to get a safe stand up job, so naturally, I'm looking for an extremely dangerous one."
Then Aaron said his straw was a lie detector or whatever and she thought he was completely bonkers.
But then again so was she.
Then the oddly dressed young man (but of course Vescalla thought it was awesome because it was close to steampunk like her), asked her name.
She proudly extended her mechanical arm (which is horrible because it's the left one and no one shakes left handed)
and stated; "Vescalla, Vescalla Vonderbutch."

TO THE SHIP

The sudden jolt made Asugan stumble back a bit But he quickly regained his balance and stepped back to the console where he noticed that this rather awkward position they were in made for an excellent opportunity to cause damage. He calmly pressed the buttons, one after another, and they all landed perfectly in the merchant ship’s thrusters. This should make it easier to board them. He glanced back towards their pilot. It turned out that she knew exactly what she was doing.