A giant, three-dimensional hologram of known space sat in the middle of the dimly lit astrometrics room.
"Let's get started then, Kaya." Celia's calm voice floated down from the ceiling. "We are currently docked inside Tami Star Fortress, which orbits the first planet of the Tami system. Our objective is a star system near Anisa, and is about 30 light years outside of the Empire's sphere of influence." As she spoke, the two star systems in question blinked to gain Kaya's attention.
(Click here to see the map)
"We will conduct a hyperspace fold to the Anisa system, and then use the Continuum Distortion Drive to proceed to the objective system. Once you have finished plotting out our course, report to the bridge. Taisho Chen is eager to begin our mission."
Henry nodded to Motoyama, and glanced at the silver haired neko standing near him. "You'll have to excuse our first officer. She's probably talking to someone else right now. Anyway, Taii Kaori, that..." he gestured to the station on the right side of the bridge, "is the tactical station. Its controls are fairly simple and intuitive, so I'll let you get acquainted with it in your own time. During combat situations, the pilots will be in a much better position than you to make use of the ship's weapons. It will be your responsibility to keep an eye on the weapons systems, and to alert me to emergencies such as system failures. That, however, will be a relatively minor part of your job. Your main responsibility is this..."
Henry turned to face the main view screen, while his fingers typed a few commands into his terminal. The blank view screen sprang to life, showing what appeared to be surveillance footage of the ship's cafeteria. Quite a few people were in the cafeteria, wearing Star Army uniforms of various colors. Most of them were enjoying either a light snack or a beverage, probably to calm their nerves before the mission.
"As you probably know, Taii Kaori, the Third Expeditionary is an exploration fleet. While our comrades take the fight to the enemy, we seek to expand our Empire's territory and to forge new alliances. As a consequence, you and I share this ship with the some of the most talented scientists, doctors, engineers, and diplomats that the Empire can offer. As this ship's tactical officer, Taii Kaori, it is partially your responsibility to keep these people alive. You share this responsibility with this man..."
The view screen changed to show surveillance footage of another room on the ship. A massive, 11 feet tall, rock-golem-like troll was directing Geshrins, nekos, and other trolls in installing some equipment into the room. Several chairs were already installed into the floor. Over some of the chairs hanged goggled helmets, sensor gloves, and other VR equipment. Over the other chairs hanged sinister-looking tubes and plugs.
"He is First Sergeant Pansarkedja Wikkedson, and he's in charge of the security sentries on this ship. Like you, he's a professional soldier, which is more than I can say for some of the grunts around here. Unlike you, he's been here long enough to earn the trust and respect of his subordinates. You've only just arrived. He is your only link to the security sentries down the chain of command, so treat the man with a little dignity." The main view screen faded to black.
Again, Henry gestured to the tactical station. "So, have a seat, Taii Kaori. We begin our next mission as soon as our navigator has finished plotting the course."
