Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure by Kevin Sinclair (early readers .TXT) 📗

called William is flying the other. Apparently, he and his team are very capable. He was highly effective in the battle against the Fystr.”

“Is he from the Thoth? Can’t say I recall the name.”

“Nope, the Seshat, although he begged Acclo to have one of the ships. As far as I can gather, he doesn’t get on with Rufus at all.”

“Hmm, I like him already. So, we need to talk to Wulek then?”

“Yup,” she agreed, and brought Wulek up on the small screen between our chairs.

“Hello, Captain and Ember. What can I do for you both?”

“Hey, Wulek. Is everything okay over there?” Ember asked.

“Yes. Certainly quieter. It will be good to get more crew members on board.”

“Hopefully we can fill your ranks soon. Have you named your ship yet?” I asked.

“Informally, as it’s bad luck to have an unnamed ship. We are calling it the Photia. Two of our Torax members wished to name the ship Fire, predictably. One of our human crew members, Felicity, offered the name Photia, which is fire in an ancient Earth language, apparently. We’ve gone with that. Obviously the choice is yours, Captain.”

“Hell no! I don’t want that responsibility. Photia is fine by me.”

“Then, the Photia we are,” Wulek smiled, and I think they were happier with that result than they let on.

“Next question, Wulek. Has there been any progress with releasing Ogun?” I asked.

“I think we are making progress. There is a plan to release him, but the general consensus is not to bring him out until we are somewhere safe and can transport him to one of the medical bays on the larger ships. None of his wounds have healed. The stasis pod is holding his body in the exact condition it was when they placed him inside.”

“Shit, that’s an evil thing to do. The bastards! I see why you’ve left him. Hopefully we can get this stupid battle over with and get somewhere to free him in safety with the care he needs.”

“Yes, Captain. A sound plan.”

“Okay Wulek, thanks for taking on the Photia. Keep in touch,” I said, before ending the communication.

Looking to Ember, I said, “I can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to getting him outta there. I hope he’s okay, you know, up there,” I tapped my head.

“There’s a good chance he won’t be, Shaun. We don’t know what the hell they’ve done to him, but you know it will be bad.”

Thinking about that depressed the shit out of me; even if we managed to free him, he could be totally fucked. “Let’s just wait and see, shall we? Guessing the worst won’t help anyone,” I sighed.

“Yeah,” replied Ember, “you’re right. Come on. Let’s give this William a call. Introduce ourselves and see if he has a name for his ship.” With a few jabs on the terminal, Ember brought up William’s face. His wild, bright-red hair and beard made him instantly recognizable as the extra-energetic fighter against the Fystr we battled on the last supply station. I had intended to seek him out at some point. Now I didn’t have to.

“Ach, helloo there Cap’n,” he said in a strong Scottish accent, big grin stretching across his face, “A thought I’d never get te speak te the gaffer!”

“Hey, William. It’s nice to meet you, too. I was impressed with your work in our last battle. How are you finding the Hunter ship?”

“Och well, a do like killing Fystr. As for this,” he said, gesturing around him, “aye, it’s a canny wee ship. Got some good folks wi’ me, so it’s no so bad. The food synths are shite! There’s nae even an option for lager or whisky!”

“I mean, should you be drinking when you’re in control of a spacecraft?” I questioned.

“Christ alive! A man has te ‘ave a minute te hisel’, no? It’s no like I’m hammered at the wheel,” he brayed out a raucous laugh. I couldn’t help but grin back. It was hard not to be endeared by him.

“Fucking hell, William. Have you been drinking already?” Ember asked.

“No! Ye daft bugger. I’ve just bloody told ye there’s no drink over here. Anyways, a get all maudlin when ‘ave had a slurp, so ye’d know.”

Ember started laughing her ass off. “Who the hell put you in charge of a ship?”

“Well I’m fucked if ah know! But you’re nae gettin’ it back. This is ma baby now. Named it and everythin’!”

“We’re not taking it off you, William, but I’m very happy to hear you’ve named your baby. What have you called it?” I asked.

“The Flying Scotsman!” He broke into hysterics again.

“Hilarious, William. But seriously, what have you called it?” Ember asked.

“No, really. Any vehicle ah ‘ave, gets called the Flying Scotsman. Every bike, every car, at least 'til ah got banned for life drink drivin’ again. A cannae very well break with tradition now!”

Ember looked at me, as if to say, ‘Are you going to do something about this nutter?’ I just shrugged, “It’s different, I’ll give you that. But you know, if you get a bigger ship in the future, you can’t just rename it right?”

“I’m quite happy with ma baby here,” he said, slapping the unit next to him with a big thud.

“Great. It’s been good to meet you, William. Hopefully, we’ll meet face-to-face soon, after this battle’s over.”

“A look forward tae it, Captain. Thanks for callin’.”

I ended the communication.

“We need to speak to Acclo,” Ember said. “Why the hell have they put him in charge?”

“He’s alright. Might be good to have a different outlook,” I replied.

Ember shook her head, but I could see she was holding back a smile.

“Captain!” Elyek said loudly. “There are more ships arriving. Lots more.”

“Good,” I said. “Hopefully, we can get on with this, so we can get the hell outta here. I’m liking it less and less by the minute.”

“Yes. I hope so too,” Elyek replied.

We watched the ships arrive over the next two days. And still we heard nothing from the Fleet Admiral. Not until the fourth day, when we