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Diagnostics came flooding into its processor. Left side arm, repaired. Left side leg, repaired. But damage to its processor unit remained, damage that would require major repairs it doubted even this evidently skilled human could achieve. It could not remain active for very long, so it needed to stick around for till it could find someplace that could repair it fully. It jumped up and faced the human that repaired it. "Diagnostics.... left arm fully operational. Left leg fully operational. Cosmetic damage not repaired but not dangerous. Damage to processor unit remains, unit unable to function for prolonged periods without potentially catastrophic damage to its processor. For the most part, I am repaired." It took a step toward the human. "You have my gratitude and my debt, human. Do you require my services. Is there anyone you would like me to kill?"

Fern Hun explored the ship, especially the research labs he found many useful tools that would help him in many of his studies. He looked out of the giant window down at Wintreath for one last time. This will definetly be one great journey he thought.

Fern Hun then made his way down to his room to get some sleep. After all, 10 straight flights to finally get aboard did wear him out.

"Actually, no. I don't need anyone dead. At least not yet. But seeing as I've somehow gained control of the ship's internal security systems, I could use someone like you on board in case we have boarders that need repelling. And as for your processor, this lab isn't equipped for computer components. I'll need you to come with me to get your CPU fixed." Zerick then started walking to another area of the ship.

It followed, but said "My processor unit requires specialized equipment, otherwise my self destruction protocols will activate and my power unit will detonate with the force of a megaton bomb. The UGC did not want any tampering or, more importantly, anyone to know they built me."

"That requires not just programming but components as well. I can disable that."

"You dont understand. My processors have anti-tampering protocols and hardware locks. If any of those are activated, my self destruction protocols activate. To safely begin repairs to my processor, specialized equipment built by the UGC and available only to a few individuals is required, otherwise you risk the termination of everyone in a wide area."

"HKR, I think I understand perfectly. You need specialized equipment. I can make that specialized equipment. I'm just gonna need time. A lot of it. In the mean time, don't try to do anything too demanding."

"Very well. Though, to be safe, I suggest any repairs to my processor be done in a fortified room with anti-radiation safeguards."

Zerick entered the computer repair room. "All precautions will be taken. But first, let's take a look at how bad the damage is."

"Very well." It followed the human. Before it did, it turned to him and said "before I do, I have 2 queries. First query, what is your name for future reference? Second query, where is my staff?"

"My name is Zerick Chase. My rank aboard this ship is Chief Engineer. You can call me Chief, Zerick, Chase, or Grease Monkey. Take your pick. As for your staff.....I honestly don't know. I didn't keep track of that particular article. I was focused on repairing you. Which is still my focus."

"Very well, Zerick Chase." It walked into the room with the engineer.

Chapter 2

Spoiler

It has been 6 and a half years since they left Wintreath. The Captain periodically checked on the journey to made sure everything was all right. Finally, they reached the outermost outpost, Proxima Penduli. It was a colony with a population of a little bit over 5000. They started a mining and farming operation in the area. Of course there were a few ships guarding the place. A space station was recently built in orbit as well. The planet was earth-like and lush with vegetation. Alexsandr awakened all in stasis.

"Captain, I am pleased to inform you that during the journey we have completed modifications to the FTL drive to allow stable employment of velocities approaching 100x the speed of light now.  We have tested the system a couple of times, and we have determined that the drive is very reliable and safe now.  However, our improvements have come at a cost—most of our metal reserves are depleted, and we will likely require an extended stay at Proxima Penduli as a result.  However, we are gaining capabilities quite quickly, and could also probably return to Wintreath quite soon in the event of any major malfunctions.  I estimate that this will allow us to accelerate the speed of our surveying missions, and the volume of exploration that we are capable of."  Tomalek stated.  He waited for a reply, thinking Considering the fact that this could have been accomplished much more in Wintreath Space Dock, our departure may have been premature.  However, I believe that this early departure has drastically increased the efficiency of the Engineering Department, as well as the other crewmen who weren't put into stasis for the duration of this journey.  So in the end, this might not be a very bad thing.   

"I was planning to stay at Proxima Penduli for a little bit anyways. Open up communications with the Space Station."