Scientific Curiosity

[Groshyr]

The small size of the ship, the CPR Larionov, allowed it to remain hidden from local factions under the cover of icy asteroids. Originally designed as a Q-Ship by the Zoners to protect their convoys, it had been transformed into a mobile interstellar mapping center. It was acquired through the connections of Kocsis, a former member of the Zoners of Edge Worlds, specifically Phoenix, whose engineers aided in maintaining the ship. The Larionov's true purpose was carefully concealed as it was being built, but now it was leaving the Coalition due to concerns about the sanity of its leaders.

* * *

A blond-haired man wearing a simple uniform entered the office after completing multiple security checks. Despite the complicated bureaucracy of the massive Coalition, the local procedures seemed relatively straightforward to him. As he sat down at the table, he noticed two glasses and a bottle of ale. He privately thought to himself that the officials must think he and his companions were the same kind of drunks as those in the current administration, but he maintained a straight face and said, "Not at all. I understand that you need to ensure that we are trustworthy and our intentions are pure, which I respect. In these times, you can't take anyone at their word."