Last Chapter Recap: "These three are permanent deck members and my closest aides. From the left, Lt. Laura, our communications officer," Selana said to Adam, gesturing toward the woman standing at the far left.
NOW
'Exotic beauty… and those Breasts… they must be the biggest among the crew. Dear lord, I want to squeeze and fondle them badly.' Adam can't control himself.
"Nice to meet you, Ensign. I hope we'll get along," Laura said with a smile, her tone friendly and welcoming.
"Laura operates all codes in use for the Space Titans, including three deciphered code languages of Neo Terran, plus 21 languages of Old Earth," Selana said, clearly proud of her communications officer's impressive skills.
"That's actually amazing! You must have a great memory, Lieutenant," Adam said in a surprised tone, genuinely impressed by Laura's abilities.
"No, that's only expected of a proper communications officer, and I picked most of it up while traveling," Laura said modestly.
"To the right, Lt. Brody, our navigator," Selana said, gesturing toward the man standing on the opposite side of the deck.
'Hm, compared to that engineer guy, this one seems more friendly.' Adam thought
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ensign. I hope you'll cause less trouble for our captain than your predecessor," Brody said to Adam with a smirk, his tone light but with a touch of seriousness.
"I don't want to be thrown off the ship during a hyperjump, so I'll do my best," Adam said with a joke, trying to ease the tension with a lighthearted comment.
"Ha ha, so you've heard that story? Don't worry, our captain isn't so evil to try something like that. She only kept him in the toilet with only water to drink for a week," Brody said with a smile, clearly enjoying the chance to joke around.
"Uh-huh," Adam replied, raising an eyebrow, clearly unsure whether to laugh or be concerned.
"Very funny," Selana said with a slight smile before continuing, "Finally, to my left, Commander Heidi, my second in command. Any order you hear from her you can treat as my own."
Heidi stood confidently, her posture exuding authority.
'Yet another smothering beauty. What proportions! Plus, this hair and eye color… it almost screams Aquatic. Greatest prostitute planet in the universe.'
"That's right, I'll work you to the bone, so you better be prepared, Ensign," Heidi said with a smirk, her tone light but carrying an undertone of seriousness.
"Please spare me, Commander, I am still learning the ropes," Adam said to Heidi, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"You'll have to learn fast then. I expect a top graduate from the academy to know most of the Space Titans' standard systems by heart at this point," Selana said in a serious tone.
"That's right! You're already lucky the port crew did pre-launch maintenance for you," Heidi said with a smile.
"It couldn't be helped; we are on a tight schedule. However, from now on, we'll depend on you, Ensign. Don't disappoint us," Brody said, his tone steady but carrying an air of expectation.
"I won't, Lieutenant, Commander. I chose to serve on Goliath fully aware of what is required of me," Adam said, his voice steady and determined.
"Well said," Brody said, nodding in approval.
"Captain, it's almost time to begin the launch procedure," Heidi said, turning to Selana.
"It's that late already? Laura, open comms with the port. Heidi, notify the crew. Brody—" before Selana could finish, Brody interrupted.
"Our route is already prepared, Captain," he said.
"Is that so? In that case, be so kind and show Ensign to his new room," Selana turned to Adam said with smile. "Ensign, get a good rest. It might be your last."
Adam "…"
"Come on, don't scare the Ensign on his first mission," Brody turned to Adam and said "Don't worry, Heidi has never made the tiniest mistake during the launch procedure."
"Those are your new rooms," Brody said, pointing ahead. "Mine are further down the corridor. Other officers are housed in the left wing." After walking for a while, he stopped and explained further.
"Got it," Adam said.
"What are your first impressions? You like our goddess?" Brody asked.
"Honestly? I feel a little overwhelmed. Everyone seems like top-notch specialists," Adam replied.
"Yeah, that's the vibe around here. Goliath's not a ship for amateurs. But don't worry, you'll get used to it. We all had to start somewhere." Brody nodded and said, "Now, I'll leave you with your matters. Any questions?"
"None, Lieutenant Brody," Adam replied.
"Good. In that case... sweet dreams," Brody said, walking away.
"Phew..." Adam muttered to himself.