Last Chapter Recap: "Is that all?" Selana asked, her tone sharp. She studied Adam for a moment before continuing, "I see you have confidence in your skills. Good. But remember, I do not tolerate any mistakes."
Now
'From what I heard, she nearly tossed the previous intelligence officer out during a hyperjump, just because he made a stupid mistake...' Adam thought, He gulped, 'I better be careful.'
"Now, since we're on short notice, I'll briefly introduce you to the rest of the deck crew," Selana said, her tone direct. "We have no choice but to rely on each other, so please make sure to maintain a good relationship with every one of them."
(A/N: Deck Crew refers to the members of the ship's crew who are responsible for the ship's deck operation, navigation, maintenance etc.,)
"Yes, ma'am!" Adam replied, snapping a sharp salute.
"Good, then follow me," Selana said with a smile.
"Goliath is one of the newest cruisers in the Space Titans, built just three years before the Battle of Platinum," Selana said as she walked, her voice carrying an informative tone. "As such, it's equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and systems. Do you know how many crew members are needed to operate it?" She glanced back at Adam, waiting for his response.
"Thirty-six, including pilots, Captain," Adam said immediately.
'Thanks to developments in AI, the Alliance government was able to reduce crew numbers to the bare minimum.' Adam thought, processing the information. 'Out of those, thirty people are needed to operate the ensigns and the main battery. Four are pilots, which means the main deck is staffed with only ten people.'
"I see you've done your lesson, despite the short notice," Selana said with a smile, clearly impressed by Adam's quick recall.
"Yes, ma'am!" Adam replied, standing tall and maintaining his focus, ready for whatever came next.
"Let us continue," Selana said as she walked.
"This is the ship's infirmary," Selana said as we reached the room.
"Hello, Captain. Is that the new officer the Space Titans HQ sent us?" a woman said, standing up from her chair. She was dressed in a medical uniform, her expression warm but professional as she sized up Adam.
(A/N: HQ means Head Quarters)
'Another refined beauty.' Adam thought, 'His gaze briefly drifting. The tight uniform neatly underlines her hourglass figure.'
"That's right. This is Ensign Adam Black, our new intelligence officer," Selana said, gesturing toward Adam. "Ensign, meet Lieutenant Ivanna, our ship's doctor." She gave a slight nod toward Ivanna.
"My pleasure, ma'am," Adam said, nodding respectfully toward Dr. Ivanna.
"I hope we'll get along, Ensign," Dr. Ivanna said to Adam, her tone professional but welcoming. "Much of my equipment requires careful maintenance."
'In the cosmic era, most treatments are automatized, with medical systems handling day-to-day care. The ship's doctor's role is reduced to monitoring the situation, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and stepping in to call the shots only in critical moments.'
'However, this woman isn't a mere doctor. Known as the 'God of Hand,' she has saved countless lives, particularly during the infamous Battle of Arcane Gold. Her reputation is legendary, not just for her unparalleled skills in surgery and emergency care, but also for her vast knowledge across numerous scientific disciplines.'
'In other words, she's at the top of her field—a figure that young medical officers across the galaxy look up to.' Adam thoughts.
"I can see to it right away, ma'am," Adam replied.
"Not today, Ensign," Selana said.
"I normally don't wish people to visit me often," Ivanna said to Adam, her voice soft but sincere, "but please do stop by from time to time."
"I'll make sure to, ma'am," he replied. "I'll take you up on that."
"Is the ensign's stimulant ready?" Selana asked as she turned to Dr. Ivanna.
'Alliance soldiers receive stimulants to enhance their performance during battle.' Adam thought, his mind racing as he processed the conversation. 'But I'm merely an intelligence officer, and battle is far away from me. I didn't hear of any drugs being served during standby.'
"It was such short notice I'm still revising the formula... I'm sorry, Captain, but it might take a little longer," Ivanna replied to Selana.
"Excuse me, Doctor, Captain," Adam interrupted, his voice a mix of confusion, "but what are you talking about? What stimulant?"
"Were you not informed, Ensign?" Selana replied, "All crew members of the Goliath are required to be injected with an antiviral vaccine."
"That's right," Ivanna continued, "Neo-Terrans have devised many nasty viruses, some of which could even brainwash your mind. We wouldn't like for one of our comrades to go rogue during battle, would we?"
"I see," Adam thought to himself, "So it's another measure prepared by the Alliance government's counterintelligence... They really stepped their game up recently. A virus that brainwashes the brain... What a nasty invention."
"I see," Adam said quietly, "I was tested in the Academy, but I understand this was an insufficient measure."
"Don't worry, Ensign," Ivanna said, offering a reassuring smile. "My stimulant has no side effects. For patriotic soldiers of the Alliance, it's better to be safe than sorry."
"Ahaa," Adam exhaled, "I get it, Doctor."
"I will be counting on you then," Selana said, turning to Adam with a firm, "Let us continue our tour, Ensign. After me."