Eclipse-C-017, a cold, modest room adorned with hints of advanced, complex technology.
Leisurely reclining into a softly cushioned sofa chair, Johann sipped on a cup of black tea. It was one of the few things that had made it into his luggage. The bitter, malty pleasure was something he'd grown to enjoy, a reminder of the last things he had from his mother before everything was lost. He had grown to like the taste.
Hmmm, I need to socialize with other volunteers. This would help me in figuring out the situation on the planet… Nobody would want to be on a potentially dangerous world where everything was unknown. Oh, and of course, dinner… Johann quickly planned what he would do for the next couple of hours.
After finishing his cup of tea, he stood and walked to his closet with an automated door and fingerprint scan. Placing his thumb on the scan, the doors slid open, and he retrieved a black trench coat to wear over his slacks and white button-down.
C-Class ships weren't colony ships, so they didn't the largest boarding capacity. Zayne Rhys, Captain of the Eclipse, had estimated the crew and volunteers on board to be around 10,000, having experienced seventeen successful expeditions with only four failures.
The ship offered every necessity for human life in generous proportions. At set times, buffets with foods from various cultures were available. These were open at breakfast, lunch, and dinner (9:00-11:00 AM, 2:00-4:00 PM, and 7:00-9:00 PM).
Johann was quite pleased with the schedule. Especially because it was a buffet, allowing him stuff himself. The food on the ship during the journey was different from the food provided to adventurers exploring the planet. Sigh, when the hell are we going to get more information on the planet? It's been a long, boring two weeks. Johann complained inwardly, upset with himself for not trying to communicate with others earlier.
During dinner, he decided to head to the buffet serving Asian delicacies. The Earth continent had long been uninhabited and toxic, but the food and traditions that originated there had stayed with humans. Many people of Asian heritage still roamed the stars, even as Earth's ruins were abandoned. The various aromas of the foods quickly overwhelmed Johann's senses, and he eagerly inhaled them.
He stacked a few plates with food. His first plate held sushi rolls, Peking duck wraps, gyoza, and rice. His second plate had butter chicken, beef bulgogi, sweet and sour pork, and spring rolls. Lastly, he grabbed a bowl of tom yum soup and miso soup. A man had to eat his fill, especially with a spread like this. Johann received many stares, but he didn't mind—after all, it was only natural with the mountain of food at his table. I've never had this much food before… Maybe the 1,000 Credis I paid was worth it!
After finishing most of his meal—only leaving a left over spring roll and bowl of miso soup—Johann stood up, feeling ready to head to Cosmic Oasis, one of the many bars on the Eclipse. He chose it for its proximity.
Entering the bar with a full stomach, he sat down and lightly tapped on the counter. "Let me get some Hops and Barley, put it on my tab. The name's Johann."
The female bartender, busy with someone else, gave him a quick glance. He was confident she heard him. A minute later, the bartender raised her brows at him and asked, "Johann? We don't have Hops and Barley. That's mostly found on Korrath." Her tone was curt, but not unkind.
He nodded slowly before saying, "I'll get something malty and bland, then. Oh, and do you know anything about our destination?"
She rolled her eyes slightly, then forcing a polite smile, she said, "I'm Amara. Forge Ale, coming right up."
Johann's face twitched before he calmed himself. The bartender had just ignored his question.
Hmmm, Amara is her name. She probably knows something of interest, but she doesn't seem special, uh, not that I'm any better. He silently criticized her but quickly stopped himself. After Johann received his beer, he stood. He wanted to walk around and find a suitable person to inquiry. The bartender clearly wasn't interested in sharing anything. What a secretive gal… my life's at stake here, you know?
…
Elias watched as a tall man wearing a black trench coat surveyed the bar, his eyes scanning the room as if searching fot someone. Looking down at his plate, he picked up his knife and fork, cutting a piece of medium-rare steak and savoring the tender texture. Man, this place never fails in making some good steak. They never have good alcohol though…
After indulging in his meal for a minute and a half, Elias glanced up to and saw the mysterious man in the trench coat approach. The man offered a sly smile as he sat across from him, staring at him for a few seconds before extending his hand in greeting.
As they shook hands, a deep male voice spoke. "You seem to be like me. Someone who has to do what they have to whether they like it or not, you know? I'm saying you probably know how to survive. Haha, that's besides the point. I'm here to ask about Erevos.
"Do you know anything about the planet? We can exchange information."
Elias blinked in surprise, still trying to read the man across from him. There was something elusive about him. No real opening, no clue about his intentions.
He's asking about Erevos, too? Lyn warmed me it was dangerous—very high chances of death for those adventuring. He had been informed by a good friend of his a while back. Elias, however, didn't ponder on the matter for too long and went to the bar to distract himself, but now, days later, someone was asking about the very same planet!
He went back to his steak, cutting another bite, the tender meat melting in his mouth. After a few moments of chewing, he smacked his lips and finally looked up at the man.
"I don't know much, but what can you give me in return for the information? Regardless of what I tell you or how valuable it is, you must pay up somehow."
Elias felt confident. The man had sought him out for a reason, and it felt like the upper hand was his. But to his surprise, the man across from him simply nodded slowly.
"Good. I'm Elias. A good friend of mine told me a few days ago that Erevos is extremely dangerous. If there were any requirements in order to volunteer, then you would need at least five years of military service.
"Heh, I hope this is enough. How will you be paying me?"
Five years? Johann thought, his mind in turmoil. We're all fucking dead then, aren't we? Why not tell anyone? How does he know this? Who is his friend? His chest tightened, his worries about his debt and safety flooding his thoughts. I'm dead if he turns me down… but then again, I'm dead anyway.
With a nervous chuckle, Johann leaned forward. "I'll pay you with my name and my residence. I'd like to form a partnership with you—maybe even bring your friend in, too. This way we can ensure our safety and make money simultaneously. Of course, the former takes priority."
"I'm Johann Freyy," he added, his voice steadying despite the diabolical storm brewing in his chest.
I need to survive… Perhaps, this wasn't as good of an idea as I thought…
To his surprise, Elias agreed to his proposal. He inwardly sighed from relief before immediately standing up and leaving the bar.