Chapter 44: This. Is! SPARTA!
After a few days in Alcubierre space, yet another term liable to make scientists have a conniption, considering that it was not, in fact, some kind of alternate dimension where distances were shorter, it was instead simply a warped version of the regular universe, the Dragonfly dropped out into normal reality, only to find herself face to face with … a naked guy?
Well, if the man had ony any clothing other than the Corinthian helmet on this head, it was hidden behind the large round shield with a massive lambda splashed across it covering most of his torso from view.
And then, the man spoke with an accent that would have been expected in the previous system, not here.
“Howdy folks, quick question, those magic shells you’re lugging around, you aren’t planning on using those here, are you? Also … you seem awfully heavily armed for a freighter. What are you here for?”
Apparently, Derek had been decidedly wrong about Earth being the only place having those aboard would cause an issue. Also, that guy was a good ten light seconds away, how the hell could they hear him, ability to speak in a vacuum or not? Also, did he even have the capability to understand a radio message?
But not replying was hardly an option, so Derek tapped the transmit button.
“This is the independent exploration vessel Dragonfly, we figured we’d have one final stop in civilized space before going out into the unknown was a good idea. We also brought trade items from Freedom.”
A few seconds later, soon enough to make it abundantly clear the man had heard the transmission before it could have reached him, limited by lightspeed as it was, he shrugged.
“I guess that just leaves the question of what you’re planning on doing here. ‘Final stops’ can end in a merchant’s office, the drunk tank, or … “