Chapter Text
~
There's no sound
But the engine's drone
Our minds set free
To roam
Time (Shift, shift)
We discover the entry
To other planes
~
“We are nearly there, Ms. Billie.” Marmota said.
It wasn’t until I could see the ship from up close was when reality began to hit. The Invincible 2. It was right there before my eyes. I could hardly believe it.
“It’s so big.” I commented.
“It’s definitely one of the biggest ships I have ever seen, and I have been doing this shit for a decade now.” Marmota commented.
“That’s saying something.” I said.
The closer we got to the ship, the more my heart raced. I have met with both The Captain and the second in command, Mark Fischbach over a video relay message and they were both super kind and cool, but this will be the first time I have ever met them in person, along with the rest of the crew. Apparently I am the last one to be hired onto the crew, but I know the position had been open for a while. Mark and The Captain were looking for someone that could float around in any department. I applied and got it. I can still feel the same euphoric feeling I felt when I read the acceptance email I had gotten from The Captain. They said that I was the right person for them and they were looking forward to meeting me. Marmota slowly pushed the lever down, inching closer and closer to the ship’s cargo entrance.
“Hope you enjoy your time here.” Marmota told me.
“Thank you, sir.” I thanked him.
Marmota smiled as he parked the ship into the cargo entrance, causing the ship to shake a little as we landed. This still doesn't feel real. It just doesn’t feel real. As I faced the entrance door, I could hear a man’s voice growing closer and closer to the door. He was talking to someone else, must be The Captain, for they are mute and only communicate using sign language. They can hear, but only communicate back with signs. The footsteps stopped at the door.
“Thank you for the lift.” I thanked Marmota.
“You’re welcome, Ms. Billie. And welcome to the Invincible 2.” Marmota said to me as his final say.
I did a friendly nod at him as my final say.
*WHOOSH*
The door suddenly flew open upwards, with Mark and The Captain standing there.
“The infamous Ms. Billie!” Mark greeted me.
I laughed in response, mostly because my nerves were shot.
“Just Billie is fine, Mr. Fischbach.” I greet him.
“Same goes for me as well.” Mark said as he held his hand out.
I shook his hand and realized The Captain was doing the same as well. I shook their hand as well.
“How are you?” I asked The Captain.
Through their mask, I could see their eyes lit up as I signed to them.
“Good.” They signed back.
I know bits and pieces of lots of languages but ASL is what I am most fluent in, besides English of course.
“Well, welcome aboard the Invincible 2, also known as my baby.” Mark introduced me.
“Ah yes, she is very beautiful.” I complimented him.
“Thank you.” Mark thanked me, taking the ego boost, “glad you made it here safely.”
Mark and The Captain turned and began walking and I followed in suit.
“Let me give you the grand tour of the place.” Mark announced as we exited the cargo hold of the ship and into a tiny space.
I felt a nudge from The Captain and turned to them.
“This is the sterilization room. We have to do it everytime we receive cargo.” The Captain explained to me.
“Thank you. Makes sense.” I signed back with Mark watching with slight awe.
“How many languages do you know?” Mark asked.
“I know basic sentences and words from almost every language in the world but I am the most fluent in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.” I answered.
“Just curious why-”
‘Bio-scan.’ A computer voice interrupted Mark as a big white wrap shined on all three of us.
‘Welcome aboard The Captain, head engineer Mark and floating assistant Billie. Prepare for sterilization.’
A bright light shined quickly and left just as it appeared. I felt slight tingles on my body, more than likely from the sterilization. Mark shook his head in response and turned back to me.
“Anyway, as I was saying, why American Sign Language? And I only ask that because you’re the first person I have ever employed that knows The Captain’s language so well. I mean, of course I know quite a bit cause I have to be able to communicate with The Captain, but I’m not fluent like you are.” Mark finished.
The door opened, ending the sterilization sequence. I figured he wanted me to keep going.
“My grandfather was deaf and had been his whole life. It was the only way to communicate with him. He was actually the reason why I want to do what I want to do right now.” I explain to both Mark and The Captain.
I could tell my words resonated with them both.
“You’re a great person, Billie.” Mark told me.
“Yes.” The Captain agreed.
I felt immediately the tears start to fill in my eyes but I immediately wiped them away, to seem more professional. I know they both noticed that, but didn’t say anything. Mark gave me a friendly smile and I did as well, indicating that we were moving on.
“This room here is the main warp core, the heart, soul and power of the ship!” Mark announced as we stepped in.
The core roared with power and light, with many staff surrounding it and doing work.
“We are still discovering its power and what it is capable of so it’s very sensitive. If there is an issue, please let me know.” Mark told me.
I nodded in response as I looked up to see the core’s beam shooting straight up, possibly to the ceiling but it was so powerful I couldn’t tell.
“And yes it has passed safety inspection both times-”
Both? What does he mean by that?
“-so we are hoping my baby will live up to its name.”
Interesting. I am really curious as to what he meant by that.
“But just in case,” Mark continued as we left the core room and started down a hallway, “I have built in a special precaution. In case the core decided to detonate on itself-”
Excuse me?
“-I have implanted these explosives that will separate the core side from the ship so we would be safe and intact.”
I know he was informing me for my own good but it lowkey made me nervous. The Captain nudged me again.
“I was here when it happened last time. We didn’t lose anyone and everyone made it out in one piece. Mark knows what he is doing. But I understand. I was nervous too at first.”
I felt so much relief hearing The Captain reassure me.
“I appreciate it, Captain. Thank you.” I said back.
“You’re welcome.” The Captain said back.
As we continued down the hall, I could see where the explosives were in place. They did a steady continuous beep, a beep every two seconds, which indicates that it would be a push of a button to detonate the explosives. I hope it didn’t come to that.
“I haven’t had a problem with the explosives but that is when you come in, Billie. Since you are a floater in the crew, I will have to pull you in many different positions to do many different tasks. I assume you are capable of doing such?” Mark asked me.
“Yes I am.” I answer.
“Good, good. You will be very viable in this crew.” Mark said as we reached the end of the hallway.
Another door automatically opened, a blue glow greeting us. We stepped into the room.
“This is the cryo room. This is where we would be at once we got on route to the new planet. We already have the colonists asleep and we would wake them up once we reach the planet.” Mark explained to me.
I knew about this already.
“How long do you estimate us being on route?” I asked.
“We plan on getting set up for the next thirty to forty days but when we enter cryo it will feel like a few days while we are asleep, but it will be about a year and a half's time in reality” Mark answered as we peered down the long, stretched out hallway were the many pods were at.
I knew I would be in a deep sleep, but I couldn't help but feel claustrophobic seeing them.
“Gives you some time to get to know the crew.” Mark playfully hit my arm as he said that.
“Very true.” I said.
Both Mark and The Captain have some weird sixth sense going on because they seem to know when my nervousness would be showing, but it’s causing me to be more careful of showing it. Suddenly the window of the hallway slammed shut. I turned to find a woman with a big white coat and Mark bickering. Suddenly The Captain stood in front of me, separating me from the two of them.
“They argue..a lot.” The Captain explained to me.
“ Oh. I see. Creative differences?” I ask.
“ Basically.”
I was about to say something else when both Mark and the coat lady turned back to us. Mark sighed in annoyance as they did so.
“Billie, this is CC. She is in charge of-”
“I got this, asshat.” The lady interrupted Mark as she stepped forward.
Damn. She seems fun.
“Ms. Billie. I am CC and I am in charge of all things cryo here as well making sure all of the colonists are safe and stable.” The lady introduced herself with a smug smile on her face.
I smiled in response as a way to remain professional as she turned to The Captain.
“Captain, all 100,000 colonists are safe and stable. Let’s hope we get en route soon so we can give them a new life.” CC explained to The Captain, while also eyeing Mark at the same time.
The Captain nodded in response towards CC’s information. I hope I don’t have to be here often, not just cause of CC but on account it is freezing cold.
“Oh don’t worry,” Mark butted in, “before they know it, they’re gonna wake up to the sight of a brand new planet. With a fresh cup of coffee in their hands.”
I could tell they bicker a lot by the way Mark was acting. I just got here so I can’t really judge too much.
“Why don’t you give them more windows to look out from?” CC fired back with.
If they are asleep, then what’s the point of the windows? Unless she is trying to be dominant over Mark, which I get. I guess?
“Well then maybe I will!” Mark fired back as CC walked off.
Mark rolled his eyes as he approached the door, indicating we were leaving. Both The Captain and I followed close by as we exited the cryo room. I could hear Mark grumbling under his breath as we went down the hallway where many, many crew members were at. Whether they were talking, hanging out, or doing something of the sorts with the ship. Any that looked my way gave me a smile or wave.
“Uh sorry about her.” Mark apologized on her behalf.
“It’s alright. Can’t get along with everyone I suppose.” I commented.
“Yeah, I guess.” Mark agreed as we stepped into an elevator which was to the left from the big hallway.
The doors closed and Mark pushed the down button. The elevator descended down for a few seconds before stopping.
‘Dorm room floor.’ The computer announced.
The doors opened, revealing a long corridor of shut doors.
“This is the dorm area where you will rest when your body needs it.” Mark announced as we walked down the hall.
We eventually stopped at a door that had my name on it.
“This is your room. You open it with your handprint here.” Mark motioned me towards the hand print barcode next to the door.
I placed my hand on it, the barcode read my handprint and my door flew open. The room was bigger than I expected it to be. A bed in the left corner, with a matching dresser presumably full of gear and clothes. As well as a desk and chair that sat against the wall in between the bed and dresser.
“It’s nice.” I thanked them.
The walls were a pretty teal blue accompanied by a light brown flooring and white ceiling. It will definitely be cozy here for when I need to rest. The Captain nudged me.
“ It was my design.” The Captain told me.
“ Great job.” I told them.
Through their mask, I could tell they smiled at my compliment. Feeling as though the tour isn’t over yet, I placed my hand back on the print and shut the door.
“Where to now, Mark?” I ask.
Mark pondered for a second and his face lit up.
“Ah yes! I forgot about the most important room in the entire ship. The main reactor room. It is probably the room you will be in the most.” Mark mentioned.
“Why’s that?” I ask as we made our way back into the elevator.
“Let’s just say if the reactor blows up, we blow up with it. If the core shuts off, we would stay airborne and be out of power. But the reactor is much, much more powerful. It takes a lot of crew members to keep it intact.” Mark explained to me as he pushed the button and the elevator made its way back up to the main floor.
“Ah, that makes sense. So if there is a problem, they need all of the people they can to fix it quickly.” I add.
“ Exactly. ” The Captain said.
The doors opened and Mark ushered quickly to the reactor room. The doors opened immediately, an orange glow greeting us immediately.
“And the reactor room! I can’t believe I nearly forgot about this room.” Mark announced as we entered the room.
Off to the side, I could see two people working on something but I was immediately distracted by the powerful reactor of the ship, humming with life. It was so big. If you stepped in there, it would probably be equivalent to stepping into lava.
“Are you Billie?” A young voice came from behind.
I turned to find an average height young woman. The first thing I noticed about her was her jet black shortish hair pulled back in a ponytail.
“Yes I am. And you are?” I ask.
“Oh, duh. I’m Kaydence, but you can just call me Kay for short.” The young woman greeted me, sticking her hand out for a handshake.
I shook her hand happily. She was an adult but definitely younger than all of us here. But if she is here in the reactor room doing work here, then I am sure she is exceptional.
“I hope to find you here often, you seem cool. My bestie and I here would love the help.” Kay told me.
I heard a grumble come from the guy that was across the room. That must be her bestie.
“Bestie huh?” I say.
I could hear The Captain and Mark chuckle in response. The guy finally quit with whatever he was working on and came up to-
Holy shit he is fucking tall.
He towered over both Kay and I, despite both of us being average height for our gender. Hell, he was taller than both Mark and The Captain! He has to be the tallest person here in the crew, no doubt about it. Not only was he freakishly tall, but he also bore a mustache on his face, very similar to the character Doctor Eggman or Robotnik depending what country you are in. Despite being tall, I could see his bright emerald green eyes. He was also heavyset but I could already feel his demeanor of him being a gentle giant. The man finally gazed his eyes over to me.
*bumpbumpbumpbumpbump*
Why did my heart just start racing?
“Billie. Burt.” The man greeted himself.
Not a big talker huh?
“Nice to meet you, Burt.”
*BUMPBUMP BUMPBUMP BUM-
“There’s a chance you will be in here a lot, just to warn you.” Burt told me.
“Yeah, Mark told me. But I am sure we will all get along here.” I said.
Burt did a half smile.
“Say, I’m curious how tall you are?” I ask.
“6’5.”
“Shit.” I mumbled, causing everyone in the room to laugh.
“Yeah,” Mark started as he approached Burt from the side, “Burt here is not only our main reactor worker, but also our tallest crew member.”
“I figured as much, damn.” I said.
“I have to stand on my tippy toes to talk to him.” Kay said, adding more laughter into the mix as she stood on her very tippy toes next to Burt.
She made it just barely above his shoulder as she did that. Burt rolled his eyes at her antic. I could tell he wanted to laugh but his lips remained shut.
“Oh silly billy, Kay.” Burt said, “go get a snack or something.” Burt told her.
“Oh thank God I am starving!” Kay exclaimed and turned to me, “want to join me? Burt doesn’t like leaving the reactor unattended.”
I could feel the attention all on me as Kay said that. I turned to Mark, seeing if there was anything more he needed from me at the moment.
“We can pick this up later, Billie. No worries at all. At least you know where everything is on the ship.” Mark gave me the go ahead.
“Well thank you and thank you too, Captain. ” I thanked both Mark and The Captain.
“You’re welcome, B-i-l-l-i-e.” The Captain said back.
I gave everyone a friendly nod as both Kay and I left the reactor room.
“Bring me back something!” Burt yelled out.
“Not a chance!” Kay yelled back just as the door shut behind us.
We both laughed at that.
“I’m only kiddin’, I’ll bring something back for him.” Kay giggled and I did as well.
“How long have you been on the crew for?” I ask.
“A couple of months now.”
“That’s awesome, Kay.” I told her and she smiled in response.
“I am happy where I am at right now, but I’m glad another woman is on the crew. You’ll love Burt, he is funny.” Kay told me.
“Are you sure? He doesn’t seem like the talking type.” I mention.
“That’s just how he is at first, but once he opens up he talks a lot.” Kay reassured me.
I nodded in response as we both arrived at the dining area. It was a small area, enough for about fifteen people to sit at and eat. I could tell there were so many rations out the wazoo, enough to feed an entire planet and more. It was simple stuff but still delicious regardless. Kay grabbed two bags of potato chips while I grabbed some fruit.
“I was surprised to find fruit on the ship.” Kay told me, seeing as I grabbed an apple.
“I’m surprised too.” I said as we began our walk back to the reactor room.
As Kay and I talked, I couldn’t help but think about the fact that my heart started racing rapidly when Burt made eye contact with me. Don’t get me wrong, he is very handsome but we just met. There’s no reason to be developing feelings like this already. This is our workplace, it would be the same back on Earth. Kay and I ended up back at the reactor room.
“Special delivery!” Kay announced, holding the bag of chips by her fingertips.
Burt stopped working on whatever he was doing, got up and got the chips from Kay.
“Thank you, Kay.” Burt thanked her.
Kay flashed a big smile at Burt as she stepped off to finish whatever Burt was working on.
“Is she driving you nuts?”
I was surprised to hear Burt say something to me that it almost had taken me aback.
“Nah, she’s a sweetheart.” I said, finishing my fruit.
“I will warn you. You will probably be in here the most.” Burt warned me.
“Yeah, Mark and The Captain already told me that, which is fine. I understand the circumstances.” I reassure him.
Burt nodded in response. We both looked over to Kay who was working and humming to herself. She seemed like a very decent young lady who wants to prove herself to Burt and the rest of the crew.
*bumpbump bumpbump bumpbump*
My heart raced some more as I could feel Burt’s eyes on me. I couldn’t tell if he was staring or admiring me. I didn’t mind that he was, but it did make me nervous. I’ve talked with this man for barely five minutes and I already think he is attractive. There’s nothing wrong with finding someone attractive, but the fact that my body gets stiff and my heart begins racing rapidly just by being near him is concerning. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Mark was handsome as well, but my body didn’t react that way like it is with Burt.
“You’re not bald under that cap are ya?”
Burt quickly looked away as I faced him. He chuckled as I asked that.
“No, no. I’ve got hair under here. It’s just easy to contain under the hat.” Burt answered. “Don’t be fooled by George though. He is the bald one.”
“Which one is he?” I ask.
“He should be around here somewhere, but he is the main ship inspector. Everyday, he goes by every room and department on the ship and makes sure everything is good.” Burt explained to me.
“What does he look like?”
“Tall, like me but not as tall. Slim and a big beard with gray hairs.” Burt explained to me, with a hint of a chuckle there.
Kay is right. He is just reserved with strangers but he is already opening up with me. He definitely has a sense of humor and seems to be fairly chill and cool.
“I’ll keep an eye out for him.” I winked at Burt in which he did his half smile at me.
In that second, Kay had finished what Burt had started. She stared at both of us and sighed contently.
“I think,” She started, “we are all gonna get along just fine.”
“I think so too.” I agreed.
“Yep.” Burt said.
Kay chuckled at his response, which in turn made me chuckle. I already feel at home here.
~