Alberto remained calmed after Harabero’s apparent friendlier response. Considering the thirsty desires of his companions, Cruz tried to get focus on what became relevant:
“I already ate and drank some, I’ll pass. Also, I don’t think that we can delay it any further. Just carry some drinks from a stand nearby and let’s go quickly. See you in space, hermanos!”
Without wasting any more time, Cruz left the members and moved to the hangar bay, while re-checking what was written in the comm-pad. A new ship for himself? He did not expect such appreciation from the organization towards him, perhaps he did not pay the clear amount of attention to their brethren, after all. Searching for the right hangar bay, he found it: A pristine and new Carabela fighter, Conquistador series. Alberto read the registration protocols before entering the bay and the console on the wall confirmed it, he was the owner of the ship.
Cruz felt humbled but also worried about what this gift would entail. Maybe Alpha Command was expecting more from him, higher responsibilities in the future, besides the current one. He was not a combatant person; he approved the corresponding courses and he knows how to control a ship of this type, as any Outcast that dares to go beyond the boundaries of the planet; but he expected to maintain his current job as transporter for a long time. The sudden change of circumstances gave him hope and despair on the same time, as he felt impotent for the new mandatory path towards danger, even if he was making progress in Malta Hyperspace Starfleet.
Hesitating to enter the cockpit carelessly, he contemplated the ship one more time, circling around it. The silhouette of the vessel was remarked by the lights and Cruz checked every external component for any “structural discrepancy”. No marks or scratches of any type, only the shiny Maltese symbols stand out in comparison to the dark and dingy look. Alone and ready to start, Cruz suited up and occupied the pilot’s seat.
A sensation that remained hidden for a long time emerged, as the docking bay doors opened, as the adventure called. Fueled by adrenaline and apprehension, Alberto Cruz pushed forward into the green nebula, waiting for the rest to come.
![[Image: 0WfuF9g.png]](https://i.imgur.com/0WfuF9g.png)