With Raevis and her engineering team handling the final calibrations, Ethan steps aboard the Obsidian Wraith, eager to inspect his newly upgraded vessel. The moment he crosses the threshold, the ship's systems hum to life, and soft ambient lighting flickers on, illuminating the sleek corridors.
A smooth, digitized voice echoes through the cabin.
"Welcome aboard, Captain Walker. Initiating full systems briefing."
Ethan smirks. "Good to hear your voice again, Iris. Let's see what kind of upgrades Raevis and her team cooked up for me."
Iris, the ship's advanced AI, activates seamlessly, her voice calm and precise. A holographic interface flickers into existence beside him, displaying real-time diagnostics and a full overview of the ship's enhancements.
"Of course, Captain. Your vessel has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, enhancing both comfort and combat efficiency. Would you like a full tour?"
Ethan nods, stepping forward as the doors slide open with a quiet hiss. "Lead the way."
As Ethan moves through the corridors, Iris provides a detailed tour of the living quarters and key facilities, ensuring his long-haul space travel is as comfortable as possible.
Ethan steps into his cabin, glancing around the sleek yet functional space.
"Your sleeping quarters have been optimized for both comfort and productivity," Iris explains. "The bed is equipped with an adaptive memory-foam mattress, capable of adjusting to your preferred firmness level. It also features an integrated climate-control system to regulate body temperature during rest."
Ethan runs a hand along the edge of the bed. "Not bad. And the desk?"
A panel lights up, revealing a work desk with an integrated holo-terminal.
"The terminal is linked to the ship's core systems, allowing you to monitor diagnostics, review star charts, and communicate securely. The storage compartments have been optimized for space efficiency, ensuring easy access without clutter."
He taps the terminal, watching a holographic starmap flicker to life. "Yeah… this will do just fine."
Moving further in, Ethan steps into a compact yet well-designed kitchenette. His eyes land on a sleek automatic cooker.
"The galley is equipped with a state-of-the-art automated cooking system," Iris continues. "It utilizes prefabricated meal pods tailored to your dietary needs and preferences. Simply select your meal, and it will be constructed within minutes. You also have access to an instant beverage dispenser with adjustable temperature controls."
Ethan raises a brow. "So… I just tell you what I want to eat, and it's ready?"
"That is correct. The system ensures complete nutritional balance, factoring in caloric intake and vitamin requirements. Additionally, all meals are free of contaminants and toxins."
He smirks. "Well, that sure beats eating cheap nutrient capsules."
"Your enjoyment is a priority, Captain."
A high-efficiency dishwasher is built into the wall, barely noticeable at first glance. Next to it, a small yet comfortable dining area is set up, complete with an expandable holo-table that can double as a workstation.
Ethan enters a well-lit chamber featuring sleek adaptive resistance equipment and a gravity-adjustable treadmill. He whistles, stepping inside.
"To maintain peak physical condition during extended space travel, your training room has been upgraded with a fully adaptive workout system," Iris states. "The resistance machines can simulate real-world weight and muscle tension adjustments, while the treadmill can alter gravitational pull to simulate different planetary conditions."
Ethan places a hand on the control panel. "So if I wanted to train like I was on a high-G planet?"
"The system can simulate up to 2.5 times Earth's gravity. However, prolonged exposure beyond recommended limits may cause unnecessary strain on your body."
He grins. "I'll keep that in mind."
The door to the medical bay slides open, revealing a fully equipped medical pod with an advanced scanning and treatment system. Ethan steps inside, examining the sleek design.
"This medical pod is designed for emergency treatment and long-term health maintenance," Iris explains. "It is capable of conducting automated diagnostics, accelerated wound regeneration, and toxin neutralization. The onboard database is regularly updated with medical protocols, including emergency surgical procedures."
Ethan crosses his arms. "How extensive is the regen process?"
"Standard wounds, such as cuts and burns, can be healed in minutes. More severe injuries, including fractures, can be stabilized and healed within hours. However, full organ regeneration is outside the system's current capabilities."
"Still," Ethan mutters, "it's far better than what i expected."
The next stop is a compact but efficient bathroom area, complete with a shower, toilet, and high-efficiency washing machine.
"Your hygiene facilities have been upgraded for long-term travel," Iris states. "The shower system includes water-recycling technology, ensuring minimal resource consumption. The sink features an integrated mirror with a built-in display for status reports or entertainment feeds."
Ethan chuckles. "Entertainment feeds, huh? So I can check bounty alerts while brushing my teeth?"
"Efficiency is key, Captain."
Ethan steps into the cargo bay, where ammunition crates and missile racks are secured. The automated storage system hums softly as it adjusts the load.
"Your cargo hold has been reinforced and optimized for better weight distribution," Iris informs him. "The ammunition reserves and modular missile racks have been reorganized for faster retrieval and reloading by drones during combat situations."
Ethan nods approvingly. "Good. I don't want the small drones to be fumbling for ammo in the middle of a fight."
The engine room is the beating heart of the ship, filled with glowing conduits and energy regulators. Ethan watches as power fluctuations dance across the core.
"Your propulsion systems have undergone a full overhaul," Iris explains. "Engines now offer increased acceleration, improved fuel efficiency, and a 30% reduction in hyperspace jump calibration times."
Ethan raises a brow. "Thirty percent? That's a pretty sizeable reduction i think."
"It will allow for faster response times in high-threat situations."
"The ship's defensive capabilities have also been significantly upgraded," Iris states. "Your reinforced energy shields are now adaptive, redistributing power to weakened areas during combat."
"Smart," Ethan mutters.
Iris continues, "Weaponry upgrades include modular plasma cannons, a railgun, and an advanced missile guidance system. Your stealth tech has also been enhanced with sensor disruptors and heat-dampening plating."
Ethan smirks. "So I can hit hard and disappear just as fast?"
"Precisely, Captain."
As they reach the main access hatch, Iris adds, "Your ship's security system has been upgraded with biometric and facial recognition locks. Unauthorized access is impossible, and a defensive perimeter shield can be deployed while docked."
Ethan nods, satisfied. "Good. Last thing I need is someone trying to steal my ride."
As Iris concludes the briefing, Ethan takes a deep breath, glancing around his ship.
"This is more than just an upgrade," he mutters. "This is… a masterpiece."
"Your vessel is now fully operational, Captain," Iris confirms.
With the inspection complete, Ethan steps back outside onto the loading platform where Raevis and her engineering team are finishing up the final system checks. The hum of equipment winding down fills the hangar as diagnostic displays flicker off one by one. Despite the exhaustion evident on their faces, grease-smeared, sweat-streaked, and battle-worn. They stand proud, their collective effort culminating in the Obsidian Wraith's transformation into a true powerhouse.
Ethan doesn't hesitate. He strides forward and speaks, his voice firm yet carrying the weight of genuine appreciation.
"Exceptional work." He sweeps his gaze over the gathered crew, making sure to meet their eyes. "This ship wouldn't be what it is without you."
For a moment, silence lingers then grins break out across the team, exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Some chuckle, others exchange knowing looks. A few even nudge each other as if to say, Did you hear that? The usually cold captain actually said something nice.
One of the younger engineers, a wiry kid barely out of training, scratches the back of his head. "Just doing our job, Captain."
Raevis crosses her arms, an amused smirk tugging at her lips. "Some job." She gestures toward the ship behind them. "Took every trick we knew to turn your old ride into this beauty. We even had to invent a few new ones along the way."
Ethan exhales sharply, shaking his head in admiration. "And that's exactly why I owe you all a proper celebration."
The crew perks up at that. Celebration? Their ears practically twitch at the word.
Ethan clasps his hands together. "There's a top-tier restaurant in Valeris. Not the usual backwater dive, not some grimy cantina. I'm talking about real organic food. Something better than nutrient bars and rations. My treat."
The reaction is immediate.
"No way, actual fresh food?" one engineer gasps.
"You mean like… a steak? With actual meat?" another pipes up.
"If they have real bread, I might actually cry," someone mutters.
The crew erupts into excited chatter, already fantasizing about breaking free from the monotony of space station-issued meal packs. The mere thought of eating something that doesn't come vacuum-sealed in a plastifoil pouch is enough to send a wave of energy through the exhausted team.
Raevis, however, arches a skeptical eyebrow at Ethan, arms still folded. "You sure, Captain? A crew this size? That might burn a hole in your pockets."
Ethan grins. "After what you've built for me? Worth every credit."
She watches him for a moment, weighing his sincerity. Then, with a half-laugh, half-scoff, she shrugs. "Alright then." She turns to the security escort that accompanied them from Ashen Prime, giving a quick set of coded hand signals. The guards exchange glances before one gives her a subtle nod.
All clear.
She turns back to Ethan with a rare grin. "We're in."
The cheers that follow are deafening. A few of the younger engineers actually throw their tools into the air, one of which clatters noisily to the ground before someone hastily retrieves it.
"You hear that? We're getting real food!"
"I don't even care if it's expensive since Captain is paying. I'll take the biggest damn plate they have."
Ethan chuckles, watching the infectious excitement ripple through the crew. He knows how grueling this job has been for them. Long hours, sleepless nights, countless recalibrations and redesigns. The least he can do is give them one night where they don't have to think about circuits, fuel ratios, or power core diagnostics.
Before leaving, Ethan turns back one last time, his gaze lingering on the Obsidian Wraith as it sits beneath the glow of the hangar lights.
The ship's darkened, polished hull reflects the starlight, a shadow among the endless cosmos.
It wasn't just a machine, it was a statement. A declaration. A vessel worthy of what he had become.
He exhales, letting the moment settle. Ahead lay the unknown, the dangers, and the mission that awaited.
But now, with the Obsidian Wraith, he was ready for whatever the stars had in store.