Xeno Core

Upon being safely ensconced in my socket on the command deck, I am once again able to access the sensor readings. They require much more interpretation than usual to make sense, thanks to the growing stellar interference. Still, a vast improvement over my previous near blindness.

The system's primary has begun intermittently emitting massive plumes of hot coronal mass into space. As a result, strange visual artifacts have begun to appear on routine sensor sweeps and several of the smaller comets and asteroids are moving in ways that the locals are having a hard time explaining, if the staticky fragments of radio chatter I'm receiving are any indication.

As a result of the stellar storm, all planetary craft have been grounded for the duration. We don't expect the crew to return until an all clear has been declared. Hopefully soon, the crew has leave coming and many are anxious for a chance to stand under a sky again.

Increasing power to the energy shields should be enough to keep the crew safe for the duration of this stellar event. The brilliant aurora created as the untamed energies react to the stabilizing effect of the protective field covering the Selberclaw provides free entertainment.

If a crew member has free time between duties they tend to congregate around one of the viewports looking out over the exhibition of lights.

"It's just like the borealis back home," comments Tonn Rojer to the happy young lady he's trying to impress. "We used to spend autumn evenings out back of the old mill, watching as the colors in the sky would dance and twist."

Currently they stand together in front of a viewscreen set up against the outermost accessible wall on the forward end of the ship.

She smiles dreamily up at him from his side before looking back at the viewport. "It's beautiful, Tonn," she purrs back. "I could watch it all night, if I were left alone."

They have this particular spot all to themselves, most of the others able to watch do so from the lounge. Tulson Rah had started down this way not long ago, though she had turned around quickly when she saw the area was already occupied, chuckling softly and shaking her head.

Truthfully, any screen could give them this same view but they like to pretend that being closer to the vacuum that cradles us gives them an experience that is somehow truer.

"My folks would stripe me raw for leaving such a lovely young lady alone with her thoughts on a night like this," Tonn protests as he slips an arm around her uniformed waist and pulls her closer. She leans her head against his shoulder and makes a happy noise.

"I'm jealous, actually, of the people down there. With three moons up there for light to reflect off of the show must be much better," she says wistfully, eyes locked onto the viewscreen.

"Not me," responds the young doctor. "The show is only as much fun as those you watch it with."

Am I watching a courtship ritual? Best give them some privacy.

In the mess hall an entirely different scene is playing out.

"You fat gauw, get your heaving lumps over here and say that again," shouts Bella Tropp, practically green in her rage. Her short crest of charcoal grey hair standing nearly erect, aggression radiates from her in almost palpable waves.

The target of her outburst grips his tray harder and circles around the mess tables to her left.

"You're overdrawn. No. I won't give you another," defiantly responds the large man. He's normally very quiet. Supply-Chief Mar Lummer is easy to overlook on the command deck, despite his bulk.

"My credit should be as good as anyone else's. Just give me the meatblock and we can both get on with our day," she blusters. "Or is this something we can solve on the mat?"

"Three times I've beaten you. We can make it four," he says calmly as he puts his tray down, the meatblock upon it untouched. "What's in it for me, when I pin you this time?"

Bella reaches into the pouch at her waist and pulls out a small silver device. Patterns of energy are held securely within it, though its design isn't stored in any of my files. She smirks knowingly as his eyes widen upon seeing the bit-long metallic tube.

"Is that what I think it is," Mar asks, brown eyes gleaming with avarice.

"Beat me and find out, if you think you can," she taunts before turning on her heel and heading to the area set aside for physical training. "I've been practicing."

Mar follows her and the two step upon opposite ends of a large padded mat. The red fabric it is made from clearly delineates the area of the bout. Empty, except for the two of them, there will be plenty of room.

My people would require a judge be present, so despite not being of that caste I shall fill that role tonight. Duv caste are rarely sent to the front lines, so I am well familiar with the duty. Officers spending far too much time together often come to blows, and the ritual often helps to cool tempers before things are taken too far.

Activating the speakers in the training room, I attempt a solemn tone.

"Stakes of blood are wagered. You are now to discover here through strength and skill which of you shall yield to the other. You are witnessed, begin." My voice startles them as I intone the ancient ritual of the honor duel, used by my people for countless generations. Though this ritual is unknown to them they recognize the usefulness of formality and nod to each other respectfully.

They begin circling each other, moving in tandem. Several quick jabs and short kicks are sent out; probing actions meant only to test reflexes and reach. Though they are familiar with each other's fighting styles, still they treat this as deadly serious.

Bella makes the first real move, giving her opponent a tempting opening by pretending to slip when drawing back from one of his lunges.

A blur of rapid movement and Mar sends himself flying forward onto Bella, hoping to end this quickly. He's used this trick before, for she steps aside at the last moment and brings her long arms down together to drive both fists into the small of his back.

Mar crashes to the mat, the air forced out of him by her blow. He rolls to the left just as her boot comes down where he just was even as his vision starts to fade. He gasps powerfully, forcing air back into his tortured lungs just as another blow lands hard in his right ribs. Once more Mar is without breath but he still has a determined look on his broad face.

Not without mercy, Bella allows him to recover enough to stand before rushing at him to renew her assault. Without his full balance he's unable to avoid her, and chooses to wrap his arms tightly around her as she takes him back to the ground with the force of her charge.

Loud grunts issue from both combatants when they impact the padded surface, though Mar seems to have taken the worst of it. They roll around a bit as Bella struggles to get loose, but Mar's face sets in hard lines as he squeezes her with all his remaining strength. A wet popping noise is immediately followed by a hiss of pain from Bella, perhaps a broken rib?

Unable to move her arms and with little time left before another rib gives in, she bellows angrily before slamming her knee up into his belly again and again until he releases his hold upon her.

She climbs unsteadily back to her feet but Mar only rolls weakly to his side, panting heavily, snot running down his face and onto the mat. He tries to stand but falls, barely catching himself on one knee and both hands. Bella watches, ready for a new trick.

"Enough, Bella. Enjoy your meatblock," he wheezes out. "Who have you been practicing with? You've gotten better."

Her victory acknowledged she helps the battered officer to his feet. She grabs a towel before turning towards the mess hall, calling back over her shoulder to answer him.

"Jim's been giving me pointers," she laughingly shouts as she walks away. "Catch." She throws the small silver object to Lummer.

"Thanks, I've been dying to see the latest episode. They ended the last one right when it was getting good," he complains before staggering off to his own bunk.