-=-Party Hard in Hard Vacuum-=-
MEANWHILE, IN SPACE
Part 8
Looking about further, you see innumerable crew working around the bridge. Most are bent in concentration at glowing displays, while others are transferring dataslates or components between consoles. You quickly find the Captain, a competent-looking fellow in mildly extravagant regalia. You briefly consider how his family must have owned this ship for centuries, and must be wealthy beyond your reckoning.
Commissar HalianGood to meet you, Captain. This is a fine ship you have here.
Chartist-Captain MeerThank you, Commissar. It is not often that I carry such prestigious guests as your Lord General. Though I must ask him to reduce the amount of work he is sending back and forth... My astropath is not used to such strain.
You see a hooded figure in the shadows, clutching his head.Chartist-Captain MeerHe says his headache has been getting worse all day , but it's hard to tell with him. You know how they are, putting on airs of superiority and dramatising every ill. But enough about him, what brings you to my bridge? It's not the lance batteries, perchance?
Commissar HalianThat was exactly it, Captain. I'm afraid that the party atmosphere does not suit me at all, and I has a suspicion the best view was from here. It's to clear large objects from the debris belt, in order to minimise any future xeno assaults?
Chartist-Captain MeerThat's essentially it. We pass through many systems on our voyages, but this one in particular stands out. There are many large rock and ice masses in system, all of them potential resources for our foes. It's been cleared for over a century now, but objects are always escaping scanners, as well as occasionally blundering in from out-system or recombining from smaller debris. It entertains the passengers and gives the weapons crew something to practice on, so it's a good exercise by my books.
Commissar HalianA fine use of resources. I must confess I had a slightly ulterior motive for my arrival...
Chartist-Captain MeerYou want to shoot a lance battery, don't you?
Commissar HalianBasically.
Chartist-Captain MeerConsole's over there. Just wait for the techie to finish calibrations and you can start the bombardment.
After what seems like far too long, the calibrations are complete and an invitingly large rock is presented. With a simple press of a rune, you can start the bombardment.