A Handicapped Monster

[TheKusari]

---

On board the Arcturus, Albert is seen taking a seat in the cafeteria. An area of the ship that's he's unfamiliar with, due to his extremely infrequent visits and Albert's eagerness to keep working despite requiring food and water to survive. One of the other crew members takes notice of Albert's rare situation and positions himself across the table, staring right at him with a confused look. Albert places half a potato down, with the other half being prepared for a permanent visit to his stomach.

Albert: "Yes? What is it?"

Hylan: "I'm wondering something, I ran the numbers on the specifics of this ship."

His sleeve wipes against his mouth, a couple crumbs pressed against his otherwise pristine coat.

Albert: "What did you find?"

Hylan: "Well, the power output on this ship is extremely high."

Albert: "Correct, at 2,287,500 units if I recall correctly."

Hylan: "Right, so the piece of this I'm wondering about is... why don't we use it?"

Albert: "I'll need some elaboration here. It sounds like you're asking me to explain your idea to you. What's your name?"

Hylan: "Sorry, Albert. It's Hylan."

Albert: "Hylan, I'll give you enough time to explain your idea. Once I've heard it in it's entirety, then we return to work. Understood?"

Hylan: "Understood. After running the numbers, I believe we may be able to substitute standard fuel for the power output of the nuclear core. Since the unit itself recharges energy, we would never run out."

Albert: "Is this related to the new equipment we recently had installed?"

Hylan: "That's right. We already don't use offensive arms, so the circuitry of the ship could be reworked to send all power to the "Analyzer"-Class, rather than the tubes from the cargo hold."

Albert: "A shame our test environment has been dismantled. I would have liked to try this out on Starflier Base if we still had our labs."

Hylan: "I know how you feel there. My home was also there."

Albert: "So you have a hypothesis, how do you plan on testing this?"

Hylan: "Asking around, Technocrats are familiar with these devices, are they not?"

Albert: "Unknown, I have never seen them in action from anyone else but Leon's Bustard. Knowing what we do, it's safe to assume as such. We may need to contact them."

Hylan: "What I have right now isn't enough. There's more to do to make sure I have everything I need."

Albert: "Make sure the ship can operate at 100% first before compiling more information."

Hylan: "Will do. May I request a week's leave to work on this project after checking the ship?"

Albert: "Granted. I am interested in this. Please do come back with more information, and a way forward."

Hylan: "Thank you, Albert. You won't be disappointed."

The worker leaves as quickly as he sat down, heading towards the engineering deck.

Albert: "Who will I be referred to during this week for further inquiries about the performance of the Arcturus?"

Before the doors close, Hylan turns around.

Hylan: "James, sir."

The doors slide shut, leaving Albert the only soul amidst a room full of food.

Albert: "James..."

His eye twitches as the words left his mouth. Staring at half a potato, Albert is faced with returning to work or finishing his meal. Making the obvious choice, Albert continues on with his day.

---

---

---

The Starfliers are the best faction.

---