In search of a Goddess

[MotokoSusu]

Well it has been several month now and the Shizuha has passed all her shake down flights and I find the call to science even more compelling. I decided it was time to put the Goddess to the task of combing the vastness of space for science. But I was forgetting one thing I was in need of a crew if I was ever to conduct any kind of research. I have ideas abound but no one to help breath life into them. Where does anyone find a crew. do I put ads on the net and hope for the best. Maybe go around and bonk people on the head and kidnap them like the sailors of old had once done in some of books that I had read. Either way I need a crew!!

Several day had pasted and I make my way to the one of bio-domes which have now been cleaned up and groomed to look more like a park then a jungle like earlier. I had a perfect spot that I would go and sit at under one of the trees to think and yes take a nap. As time pasted I had thought all I could on finding the crew that I was going to need and surrendered to a nap under the tree. While napping my mind wondered off without a thought of the current problem I was having, but soon was awaken by the sound of someone calling my name. Who in their right mind would awaken someone that was having the most perfect nap in all the history of napping. I make my way to the sound of the voices in a half woken state that may have looked like I was sleeping off a bottle of imperial sake to anyone that was witnessing my walking. Managing to make my way over I notice three people standing at airlock to the bio-dome. The first thing that comes out my mouth was "How the hell did you get on my ship" the answers "We came through the air lock from Renzu it was open". Clearly I had forgot to shut the fool door when I had made a trip to buy some snacks. So to not look the fool I reply" Oh yes I was waiting for a repairmen to fix some instruments on the bridge but I was not expecting three repairmen". Woohooo I can so think on my feet!! "oh you misunderstand we are not here to fix anything" the one taller man replied. At this point I am becoming a little worried that these three must be the most bold pirates ever. "then what brings you to the Shizuha it is not like it is a vacation hot spot" I say while slowly sliding my hand to the small of my back where I keep my side arm. "oh sorry "the one female says "we are here to offer you a proposition " . Hmm a proposition I think to myself. I reply " I am not a hired gun nor is the Shizuha for sale". "Oh no no you misunderstand we are here to offer you a crew for your fine vessel" the taller man stated. At this point I am more confused then a blind taxi driver. I remove my hands from the small of my back where it had looked like I was standing at parade rest like a cadet.

After a drawn out explanation I find out that my father had some ties to a small research group that had out grown their current facility and was look to expand. They where looking to field 2 -3 mobile research vessels to start. He thought the Shizuha would be perfect for this. They handed me a folder full of names and abilities of possible crew along with a list of upgrades they would be willing to install on the Shizuha if I where to decide to sign with them. I told them I would need a couple of days to look over the proposition and would contact them with a decision.

to be continued

---