The ESS Argo was not what André had expected. He had always envisioned serving on a battle cruiser, or at least a destroyer. The ship he stood in front of was barely worthy of being called a sloop. Leena slapped him hard on the back.
“Yeah, she’s a beauty. But you don’t have to look so gobsmacked.” The force of her blow sent him reeling into the hull of the vessel. “Hey!” A sharp bite replaced the jolly bounce of his new captain’s voice. “You better not scratch my baby.” She stepped forwards and gave the bodywork an affectionate pat. “She likes to be treated gently.” André’s brow wrinkled as she leant forward and kissed her ship. “Did the big nasty man hurt you baby?” She stroked it as she crooned. He stared in disbelief. Her eyes snapped back at him. A heavy scowl darkened her features. She brought her hand slowly to her face, pointed into her eyes, and then at him, before disappearing inside.
He stood, semi dazed. Was that a joke, or was his captain insane? Stepping back, he took another look at the Argo. It certainly was beautiful. He could tell it had been built for stealth. The shining black paint of its exterior plating stood out brilliantly against the silver steel jungle of Deucalion’s port. That same colour would make it almost invisible against the void of space. Its name cut through the paintwork of its bow in brilliant white lettering. ESS Argo. Proudly displayed down either side of the nose cone. He ran his hand across the metal as he made his way to the door. Pure Cosmonium. No expense had been spared when this ship had been built. André smiled. Perhaps he wouldn’t need a battle cruiser after all.
The Argo’s cargo bay Would have made a small freighter jealous. It took up at least half the volume of the ship. Sloops were built for speed and manoeuvrability. Used for scouting and exploration. A hold of such magnitude seemed extravagant. André stood, at the centre of the vast cavity, in Awe. What on Earth… or beyond… were they expecting to transport?
“What do you think?” Leena’s voice echoed around the empty room. “She’s state of the art. The best of the best, with a few extra modifications to suit our unique requirements.” She began stroking the wall again “My perfect little baby.” André looked up. It was a highly impressive ship, but there was one detail that worried him.
“If the hold’s this big, there can’t be much space inside the crew quarters.” Leena smiled. Something about her expression made André shiver. “What?” He couldn’t mask the tremble in his voice. “What aren’t you telling me?” Leena turned a walked through the door to the rest of the ship.
“Why don’t you come and see?” She said, as she exited.
André followed her into the ship’s living area. He had expected a bit more noise. Some sort of activity. Admiral Fabio had said they would be heading out the next morning. There would normally be much more of a buzz around a ship that close to launching.
“Where are the rest of the crew?” The question caught in his throat slightly as he asked it. Leena turned and he waited, dreading the response.
“What’d you mean?” she said, a mock innocence dancing in her voice. “The Argo is a two-person ship.” A sly glimmer flashed inside her eyes. “You’ll have plenty of space to do whatever you want.” André’s face flushed bright red. His head dropped and he stared at the floor. Leena smirked. “Don’t worry, I won’t judge.” She turned and sprinted down the corridor. “Come on, your room’s this way. I can’t wait to see my little commander in his new uniform.” André closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and breathed in deeply through his nose. If this was any indication of what was to come, ESS Argo might just turn out to be ESS Hell.