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CHAPTER III

Trilobian skin would never be described as a delicate tissue. Not in sight, nor in touch. Dull, darkly colored, flattened scutes covered their bodies, allowing their bright, seemingly glowing eyes to captivate any onlooker. With such a reptilian nature, their appearance was often intimidating to those who’d not yet met their acquaintance. The contrary would provide that most of the aliens were not only peaceful, but incredibly generous as well. Xuvectrin D’Asia, the sole Trilobian stationed aboard ESURTA, bore scutes far lighter than most of her kind.

The alien entered the quiet room with a sophisticated, mechanical apparatus attached comfortably across her brow, and promptly, a protective visor protruded down over her doe-like eyes. All who entered the engine’s maintenance room needed to wear similar safety equipment designed to aid with a multitude of programmable functions. Though because of Xuvectrin’s frequent and unplanned visits to what was essentially her office, she decidedly left the customized apparatus attached indefinitely.

Hot light gleamed from the lone stasis chamber that stood a dozen or so feet from the entrance, massive in scope, and bearing within it ESURTA’s humming energy source: a burning star. As it was, the fiery orb wasn’t to scale with other conflagrant celestial bodies that were abundantly littered throughout the universe. Though it didn’t need to be. At its stunted size, it was still able to effortlessly produce an insurmountable array of perpetual energy, acting as ESURTA’s life blood.

The stasis chamber was forged against a dark network of streamlined mechanisms that impressively formed a highly sophisticated prison for the star. These mechanisms needed constant monitoring and maintenance to ensure not only that ESURTA stayed spry, but also to keep any energy from breaching its chamber to absolute destruction. This would be Xuvectrin’s sole purpose aboard ESURTA, agreed upon unanimously by both the Earth Council and Trilobian alike. She was revered by her people as the inimitable representation of everything an engineer needed to be; recommended to the highest degree. However, Xuvectrin wasn’t a proud individual. She understood her task; and though she performed it with conviction, never would she bring attention to those unrivaled abilities.

Continuously, the star erupted a volley of explosions as the Chief Engineer systematically checked each safety module within the stabilizer matrix, never once being distracted by the enraged flares screaming against the inner walls of the barrier. Her demeanor was obsessively calmed and unnaturally relaxed as she operated the kiosk positioned near the entrance of the room, standing as a statue among the wildly dancing shadows that were relentlessly cast about the stark room.

Beep.

The entrance door retracted with a soft hiss and a tall, broad man entered wearing eye protection. He was neatly dressed in sharp angles and perfectly pressed seams, taking only a few audible steps forward before the door slid back into place. “So you’re the new Chief Engineer, I presume? Xuvectrin D’Easia, is it?” his deep voice echoed in the silence, while hers would echo only within his mind.

It would appear that way, yes. 

The man stepped closer still as he spoke, “Name’s Kovac. I’ll be in command of Tactical.” He folded his worn hands behind his back as he stopped at her side, standing two feet taller and twice the width of the petite alien. “For how volatile its nature, it truly is a beautiful sight.” His bold, dark face, creased with age, was ovular and clean cut. Creasing was further carved as a smile curved his full lips.

Well Commander Kovac, you’re in favorable hands. I assure you, maintaining ESURTA’s integrity is my only priority.

Kovac nodded. “Of course.” He had no doubt that she was in control of the situation and had no intention of implying otherwise. “I’m not sure if you heard, but our Council recently received the resignations of the entire bridge roster earlier this morning. Well, with the exceptions of the captain and the science officer that is. I just felt it was necessary to introduce myself now that we’ll be working together.”

I appreciate that, Commander. It is a pleasure to meet you.

“I don’t know why they decided to leave, but I couldn’t be happier. After serving on Brouva for so many years it’ll be an honor to take this unprecedented step into humanity’s future along side you and your people.”

Xuvectrin’s tapered fingers halted and she slowly turned to the Commander. You fought on Brouva? 

“I did. I served on ESURTA actually. Same title as well. I assume that’s why I was offered the position.”

The alien smiled, turning her attention back to the kiosk. Thank you for everything you did for my people, Commander. She nodded her gratitude. Your valued experience will assuredly be an asset during this expedition. Trilobians hold the crew of ESURTA, those aboard during the war, in the highest regard. You are all heroes to Brouva.

Kovac grinned sheepishly. “Thank you. It’s…That means everything to us. In all honesty, I’m just glad that we could help.” They shared a moment of silence as they viewed the vivacious movements of the sun before them. “And you do realize that the man who commanded ESURTA during the war is the one leading this expedition, right?”

I do. I met him briefly during my orientation. He certainly is a passionate individual.

Kovac laugher burst heartily. “That is probably the nicest description I’ve ever heard of Vaughn.”

Xuvectrin turned again to the Commander. I am pleased to have him as my captain. He, too, will be an asset. Her attention once again fell back to the kiosk. However, Commander Kovac – and it is not my intention to be rude – but I really must be getting back to my work. There are many more module inspections that need to be accomplished before tomorrow’s launch.

“Of course. Of course. Sorry to keep you. Just…keep in mind that some of the crew is getting together for a few drinks on the dock later to let off some steam before the big send off. You’re more than welcome to join us if you get the chance.”

Unfortunately, I’ll likely be here for most of the night. Commander Mayve was adamant about integrating these A.P. codes as soon as possible, and I don’t want to disappoint her. But thank you, I appreciate the invitation.

“Understood.” Kovac nodded a smile as he made his way back to the entrance, stopping at the door as it retracted, glancing back to the busy alien. “Not to overstep my bounds,” he quietly said. “But your voice – it sounds – I’ve never heard anything like it before. It’s so fluent…like a composed melody.”

The alien smiled, diligently focused in the glow of the kiosk. Because the voice of a Trilobian is only realized inside the mind of the listener, it will vary. We can only imprint the words; the sound you hear is unique to your perception of it.

 In our culture, it is widely accepted that the beauty of our inner voice is a direct acknowledgment of our outer appearance. You hear what you see. She turned back to him, blushing if she were able, nodding her gratitude for his compliment.

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