Aboard The Argo
Quarters A
A large room, lined with bunk areas where up to 2 people can sleep. The bunk areas can be sealed for privacy, as well as in case of emergency. Beneath each bunk are key-coded storage units for personal items. Dotted around the floor space are comfy chairs, sofas, and tables for relaxation. At the end of the room are computer systems, which can be accessed for information regarding The Argo's current status.
Pace woke up and leisurely walked over to his cousin's bunk area. "Good morning, Toya!"
Toya hissed irritably in response.
"Or not,"
Pace said.
Marcus woke and gave his cheeks a few slaps to help him feel more compus mentus. He let the shutters of his bunk open and stood up, before taking a vapour pipe from a pocket and took a few puffs on the device. He banged on his niece's bunk's shutters, although little sound would travel in. He wandered over to Pace and Toya. "Hello, you two. What are you up to today?"
Nytera was already awake by the time people started getting up. She lay still staring at the door, watching the red forms emerge from their compartments and walk around. She was still getting used being able to see through the walls like this and she, once again, felt a pang of disappointment that only one of her eyes had finished being modded. She was just getting ready to come out when her lip curled in disgust as she noticed one of the red forms approaching her compartment and the sound of pounding faintly vibrated through the small space. "Go to hell, Marcus!" She snapped irritably knowing he probably couldn't hear her. She settled down comfortably and turned away, any thoughts of emerging from her refuge now completely gone.
"Making plans for breakfast."
Pace smiled at Marcus.
"Meh."
Toya grunted in greeting as she sat up and began combing out her hair. "Not much to plan. Is the brat coming out anytime soon?"
Marcus grunted at Toya's use of the word 'brat', but let it slide - Nytera hadn't done herself many favours with her attitude. "She'll be up when she's good and ready. Hopefully not too long now or she's going to be eating alone." He scratched at his scalp beneath his white hair. "Fruit salad for me, today, I think."
"Let her eat alone. She's obviously not interested in any company."
Toya said as she reached down to grab a mouthwash tablet.
"Can I borrow one?"
Pace asked.
"No. It's not like you're going to give it back."
Toya popped the tablet into her mouth. "You should've gotten your own before you woke me up with this 'morning' nonsense."
"Ugh... Just leave already."
Nytera muttered as she turned to glance through her door and noticed the people hadn't left yet. She was getting impatient as she waited, not to mention she was kinda getting bored staying in, what was basically a metal coffin. She flexed her metal hand and watched lengthen and twist into a clawed limb that gleamed in the faint light. It was as if the jagged limb gave her the boost she needed to push the button to open the compartment door. As it slid open she swung her legs over and climbed out, she wanted to talk to someone, she was tired of alienating herself, unfortunately, her mind immediately squashed the traitorous thought as she shot a glare at her uncle. "I don't suppose we're there yet?" She asked sarcastically, repeating the same question she asked every day.
"Try again in about thirteen years."
Toya sneered back.
"Be nice, cousin."
Pace murmured.
Marcus faced Nytera, his arms folded. "So, you decided to join the living. Are you going to be any use today or are you going to be eyeing up the young men in engineering?"
The ship's internal intercoms boomed out Alec's voice: "This is Pilot Alec Polansk. All crew members, please report to the mess hall. Repeat, all crew members report to the mess hall."
Some crew members who had been in the process of waking up started making their way towards the mess room.
"I actually quite enjoy sitting around, I mean it's not like there's actually a point to me even being on this trip."
Nytera answered with a smile as sweet as acid. Even with her bitchy comment her cheeks flushed as she realized that her antics had been noticed. Of course, it wasn't
her fault that those guys had been working there. She'd gotten there first, when they showed up she'd been polite by not leaving. She'd never confess that she was getting so starved for social interaction with someone her age that she'd gone there purposely hoping someone would try to talk to her... Even though she knew she'd rebuff them. As it was she became acutely aware of her flaming cheeks and scowled bitterly as she listened to the captain speak. "Maybe he's going to tell us we're turning this heap around." She quipped before ducking her head and making her way to the
Argo: Entertainment & Mess Room grateful for the excuse and excited, although she'd never admit it about getting some news.
"Feh. Since when did she count as part of the crew?"
Toya said as she stretched before heading for the
Argo: Entertainment & Mess Room herself.
Pace scratched his jaw. "Guess they just aren't morning people." He mused to Marcus.
Marcus raised his hands in an exaggerated shrug. "My friend, not many of us are." He put his bands behind his back and also made his way to
Argo: Entertainment & Mess Room.
Pace chuckled as he followed Marcus to
Argo: Entertainment & Mess Room.
A good while later, the elevator opened and
Marcus stepped out. He went to the compartment beneath his bunk and retrieved a lacquered wooden box. He took it to one of the tables scattered about the room and opened it out to reveal a chess board and the pieces required to play. He started setting out these pieces on the board with loving care.
"Which color do you prefer to take?"
Pace asked as he observed Marcus. It seemed like his friend prized the pieces, and he did not want to get in the way.
"Black,"
Marcus said as he finished placing the pieces out and turned the board so that the darker pieces were on his side of it. "I prefer to react."
"A wise approach."
Pace nodded before moving his first pawn.
Marcus spent a moment analysing the board, considering all the possible moves that Pace might make from that first move. He selected one of his own pawns across from the line of white pieces and moved it one space forward.
Pace blinked at the pieces on the board and had a thoughtful expression for a few moments before making his next move.
Quickly moving a knight out into the centre of the board,
Marcus smiled. "Now this is how to spend a day on a spaceship," he mused.
"Quiet and peaceful."
Pace mused as he moved a pawn. "It's nice."
Moving another of his own pawns to stand in the way of Pace's,
Marcus smiled despite his concentration. He found chess to be a relaxing way to unwind his nerves, which were usually taut from Nytera's sulking.
Pace debated to himself silently before moving a bishop.
Marcus checked his options before moving one of his own bishop's out to protect his already exposed knight.
Pace smiled lightly as he moved his first pawn again.
Rubbing his chin in thought,
Marcus's hand hovered over his pieces before moving another pawn, knowingly placing it in an exposed position.
Pace moved a knight, seemingly ignoring the exposed position.
Marcus breathed out in a long sigh. "Definitely more of a challenge than Tarke," he murmured. He sat back and tapped his lips with a finger as he observed the board. He eventually leant forward and moved the guarding bishop back to the line of pawns.
"Thank you."
Pace grinned as he made a move. "I admit, this is much more interesting than playing B.S. or poker with Toya." He scowled slightly. "She's not the luckiest gambler, but the only thing I ever get trying to call her bluffs is a headache..."
Marcus smiled at Pace in return. "If you ever need an extra hand in one of your games, let me know. Hell, maybe even Nytera would enjoy playing cards!"
Pace perked up at the idea. "Yeah! It might get the two socializing with people."
Marcus chuckled and shook his head at the idea. "Or get them fighting! I'll remember to wear protective gear if we do have them involved." He laughed again before taking one of Pace's pawns with his bishop.
Alec's voice was amplified through the ship's intercom: "The unknown vessel we were heading for is within camera range. Please report to the cockpit if you wish to see it. Alec out."
"Well, we shall have to return to this,"
Marcus said as he stood. "I think it is important to see this other ship."
"Like one of those pillow-suits people who train police dogs used to wear?"
Pace chuckled as he took one of Marcus's pawns with one of his own. He paused when he heard the announcement. "Agreed. More eyes might notice something missed by our pilot alone."
"That, and I have to admit I'm curious,"
Marcus said as he walked to the ladder set in the corner and climbed down to
Argo: Quarters B.
"Then here's hoping that the sight will answer more questions than it generates."
Pace said as he climbed down the ladder to
Argo: Quarters B.
Accessible locations from here:
Argo: Quarters B (accessed via elevator or ladder)
Argo: Computer Hub (accessed via elevator or ladder)
Argo: Entertainment & Mess Room (accessed via stairs next to elevator)
Argo: Meat Lab (accessed via elevator)
Argo: Horticultural (accessed via elevator)
Argo: Docking Bay (accessed via elevator)
Argo: Garage (accessed via elevator)
* Aboard The Argo * Argo: Start * Argo Characters * Argo Rules* 
Stumble!