"Some new tech, Sucker?" Captain Uwu's voice sounded strained. He was probably shitting bricks just like the rest of us, but he had to keep his cool and get our asses to safety.
"Must be, Captain. That's how the Strikers got the sneak on us too. Some strange new signals that are blocking out our usual sensors. I'd love to get some more samples to study and figure out what algorithm they're using."
"I'd like to as well, but not now, Sucker. We're out of here."
The ship jolted forward and I slammed back into my seat. My head jerked back and slammed into the chair before settling down again. FTL travel was always a kick in the pants, and if you weren't buckled down, well, you'd probably get a lobotomy. Then Walter would have to scoop your brains up off the floor.
"No more strange signals, Cap."
"Good. Get a work on analyzing what data we have on that signal. I don't need any more Gellicals sneaking up on us and slipping into our butt cracks uninvited." There was a slight pause. "Walter, check up on the cargo bay please. Make sure our goods are still secure."
Walter, Walter Beemus if you were classy enough to use his full name, was the Janitor. And the Cook. And the Cargo Officer. And pretty much everything else you could think of that the rest of us didn't, or wouldn't, do. You could easily tell him apart on coms from his harsh, gravelly voice.
"Yup, everything's fine on my end Cap'n. Cargos secured and ready to be delivered. I'm ready for that payday."
"Aren't we all. Alright everybody. Back to your duties. Speck, I need to see you on the bridge."
Oh shit. Speck was going to get a reaming that I would love to see in person, but the Captain's talks were always private. He knew better than to call someone out in front of the whole crew. He was just so cool like that. And my head just felt like someone sucker punched me in the back of the dome.
I was rubbing it down as Mama turned to get up from her chair. "Oh, darling, did you get the love-tap from FTL again? You really need to be more careful."