Ethan stood in the cockpit, the dim light of the control panel casting shadows on his face. The crash had rattled him, but he was determined to get a grip on his situation. He needed to familiarize himself with the ship which was his only refuge in this unfamiliar world.
"Iris, what should I inspect first?" he asked, glancing around at the sleek, futuristic interface.
"Begin with the control systems, Captain Ethan. Familiarizing yourself with these is essential for effective operation," Iris replied in her calm, mechanical tone.
Ethan nodded, moving to the console. The array of buttons and screens felt intimidating, yet he was driven by an unexpected sense of urgency. His fingers brushed over the interface, and Iris's voice guided him through the basic controls.
"The primary controls include the throttle, navigation, and communication systems. The throttle regulates speed and direction, while navigation helps plot courses through space. Communication allows contact with other ships and stations. Each function is vital for safe travel."
Ethan absorbed the information, impressed by his ability to process it all with clarity. It felt almost instinctual, as if he had tapped into some deeper reservoir of knowledge. He wondered if this newfound capacity stemmed from his unique circumstances, but he quickly dismissed the thought. No need to complicate things further.
"Next, inspect the energy shields and hull armor," Iris instructed. "These systems are crucial for your safety. The shields absorb incoming energy from weapon fire or cosmic debris, while the hull armor protects against physical damage."
Ethan moved to a screen displaying the ship's schematic. The energy shield flickered in a diagram, and he felt a surge of appreciation for the technology at his disposal. "How do I recharge the shields?"
"The shields recharge automatically when the ship is in motion and drawing energy from the engines. However, they can also be manually activated to provide an immediate defense. Keep in mind that constant use will drain your energy reserves."
"Got it," he said, feeling a sense of reassurance. "What about the FTL drive? How does it work?"
"The Faster-Than-Light drive allows for interstellar travel by creating a bubble in space-time, enabling the ship to move faster than light. It requires a considerable amount of energy and is not functional until repairs are made. You will need to acquire a power source to restore functionality."
Ethan took a deep breath, absorbing the gravity of that information. It was clear he had a long way to go before he could navigate this universe safely.
"Understood. Is there anything else I should know?" he asked, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities settling on his shoulders.
"You should also familiarize yourself with the ship's living quarters. Understanding your environment is vital for survival," Iris replied.
Ethan followed the AI's suggestion, stepping through the small hallway that connected the cockpit to the living area. The living quarters were surprisingly well-designed, with sleek, minimalist aesthetics that felt both advanced and comfortable. A small sleeping pod nestled against one wall, equipped with a simple control panel for adjusting settings. He noted the compact kitchen area, stocked with basic supplies, and a small washroom in the corner.
Despite the limited space, everything was functional, and he felt a sense of gratitude for the ship's amenities. It was worlds apart from the cramped apartments he had lived in during his time in Tokyo. Here, he could at least enjoy some level of privacy and comfort.
"Let's check for supplies," he said, moving to the storage compartments beneath the kitchen counter. After opening one, he found a stash of nutrient capsules, some bottled water, and emergency medical kits. He also discovered a set of basic clothes which was a low-quality, utilitarian outfit that would serve him better than his salary man attire.
"Change into those clothes, Captain Ethan. They will allow you to blend in better when you venture outside," Iris advised, her tone steady and practical.
Ethan hesitated for a moment, glancing at his old clothes. They felt like a remnant of a life he no longer belonged to. He quickly changed, putting on the mercenary outfit. It was rugged and functional, allowing for freedom of movement. Looking at his reflection in a metallic surface, he felt a shift within himself. Perhaps this was the first step in shedding his past.
"Now, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the Galactic Network," Iris said. "It will provide vital information about your new surroundings, including local customs, history, and geography."
"Where do I access that?" Ethan asked, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"There is a standard information tablet in the cockpit. It is linked to the Galactic Network and can help you understand the intricacies of life in the Orion Federation."
Ethan returned to the cockpit and located the tablet nestled among the controls. He powered it on, and the screen lit up with an array of options. As he navigated through the interface, he found sections dedicated to various topics, from the history of Kynara to local factions and commerce.
He was captivated, diving into the information. The more he read, the more he realized how much he needed to know. The complexity of life here was staggering, but with each new fact, he felt his confidence grow. The reality of his situation was settling in: he was a newcomer in a foreign land, and he would have to adapt quickly.
One week passed as Ethan immersed himself in the workings of the ship and the vast expanse of information available. The more he learned, the more he marveled at his enhanced cognitive abilities. Concepts that would have taken him days to grasp in his old life now unfolded in his mind with startling clarity.
Ethan closed the tablet, feeling a sense of accomplishment. His mind was sharper, and he could understand how to navigate this universe. Yet, he remained aware of the shadows lurking in the unknown. The mercenary guild was calling, a beacon of opportunity and danger that promised to shape his new life.
He took a moment to collect his thoughts, the reality of his circumstances weighing heavily on him. A small smile crept across his face as he thought about the possibilities. He might not know what awaited him outside, but he was ready to embrace whatever came next.
With a newfound resolve, Ethan prepared to leave the safety of his ship. This was just the beginning, and he was determined to carve out a place for himself in this vast, unpredictable universe.