can I post my stories here?
They're not roleplay inthe strictestsense. In other words, we come together as a group anddevelop astory. It's best to give a few examples:
"Hello,
My name is Commander Zuya Hiyaye. I command the starship AMPETULA and a number of other starships, of which the AMPETULA, a Belugaliner, is the flagship. I had it converted into a research cruiser. But I'd like to hand over the floor to my second pilot, Brittney Sohran."
Saturday 13.06.3311
On board the explorership AMPETULA
second Pilot Brittney Tion Sohran
To me, Zuya Hiyaye is far more than just the commander of our ship. He's like the calm center in this complex system of people, relationships, and duties. I've served under other commanders before,but no one combines as much experience, humanity, and responsibility as he does.
I think analytically.Numbers, patterns, systems – they helpme organize complexity. As apilot and a mother, I'm constantly juggling variables: flight paths, sleep cycles, emotional states. It's not an easy life, especially not with a young child on board. Initially, I was unsure how much space there was here for someone like me. But Zuya Hiyaye never hesitated to take me seriously – as a pilot, as a mother, as a human being. Perhaps it's because he himself is a father and grandfather, or because of the grief that surrounds him. He understands what loss means without saying much about it. Sometimes, just a glance from him is enough to feel that he knows how fragile everything can be – life, happiness, cohesion.
I often work alongside AustinStreif – my partner and firstpilot – and we've become a well-oiled team. But Zuya Hiyaye is the foundation that allows us to function at all. He doesn't intervene unnecessarily, doesn't control every detail. Instead, he trusts our abilities – and it's precisely this trust that keeps the ship running.
What I admire most about him is that he never views responsibility purely technically. For him, it's not just about commands or navigation – but about the people living under his command. He ensures that we function, but also that we don't break under the strain. The fact that my son Maxim and hisgranddaughter Ampetula were able to develop such a close friendshipis also because Zuya Hiyaye runs this ship not like a fortress, but like a movable home.
There isn't a close personal bond between us in the classical sense – and yet, I feel seen and protected. Perhaps also because he has known and trusted Austin, my partner, for years. It helps to know that my life with Maxim by myside is, in a way, under a silent guardianship.
I don't believe Zuya Hiyayeis perfect – who would be, after everything he's been through? But precisely because he doesn't hide his wounds but carries on with them, he is someone I not only can follow, but want to.
Aaltje Valurot is our ship's First Officer – and you notice it immediately. She has this clear, direct manner that leaves no doubt who's in command when it matters. Unlike Zuya Hiyaye, who seems rather calm and contemplative, she radiates an almost rustic zest for life that is sometimes infectious. You can tell she comes from humble beginnings – and that's precisely what gives her that unflappable strength and down-to-earth practicality that's so important on board here.
She tells it like it is,without much fuss, and if necessary, she takes charge without hesitation. "I'll take over" –you hear that from her often, and it's never an empty phrase, but a clear statement that shows how deeply she understands her responsibility. At the same time, she always keeps the big picture in mind without losing sight of the people. When things get dicey, I'm happy to rely on her.
What I particularly appreciate about Miss Valurot is her honesty and practical commonsense. She doesn't take unnecessary detours; instead, she acts purposefully and effectively – and yet, you feel that she also has an open ear for us. She recognizes who's under pressure and who needsa break, and she's not afraid to give praise when someone does a good job. That makes her a leader for me who not only gives orders but also connects people.
There's no big banter between us, but I have great respect for her. If Zuya Hiyaye is the calm center, then Aaltje Valurot is the force that keeps the ship moving. I work a lot with Austin, but when it comes to command, I know: Miss Valurot is someone you can count on.
When I think back to my first weeks on the AMPETULA, I see myself sinking into my pilot's seat whenever Raryn Thol even approached the bridge. It wasn't even fear – more a kind of instinctive respect. Or, to be honest: dread.Raryn is not someone you joke with, and certainly not someone you want to make a mistake around.
She seems like she was born with a wrench in her hand –loud, direct, blustering. And if I'm honest, for a long time I thought she'd rather fix, fly, and commandev erything herself. Sometimes it seems like she's the real commander. Even Zuya Hiyaye occasionally steps back when she gets wound up. Miss Valurot at least meets her eye-to-eye, but everyone else? More like peripheral figures in her technical kingdom.
And yet... behind all the noise and that raw directness is a woman who loves her ship. Not simply as a machine, but as a living being for which she has taken responsibility. I don't think she cares much for interpersonal stuff– but if she once recognizes someone, it's with full conviction.
I'll never forget how she simply replied "Absolutely" to me during our EVA when Zuya Hiyaye asked if she trusted me. No praise, no explanation – just that one word. But it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Since then, I know: Raryn Thol might not seem warm, but if you've earned her trust, she stands behind you. Rock-solid.
Our joint mission was silent, almost mechanically efficient. And yet, I never felt alone. We didn't have to like each other, understand each other, or even know each other well. But we knew what we were doing – and that was enough.
I believe Raryn has added more extras to the AMPETULA than what's in the official ship's log. And sometimes I wonder if the ship isn't more her baby than any of us. But even if she doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve – she protects this ship with everything she has. And perhaps in doing so, she protects us too.
If Zuya Hiyaye is the composer, Aaltje Valurot the conductor, and Raryn Thol the gruff but brilliant sound engineer –then Austin Streif is, without question, the pianist. No, more than that. He is the virtuoso who brings the piece to life.
I've never seen anyone operate a spaceship as if they were making music. With him, no switch clicks; every movement dances. Where others pound buttons and tense up, Austin simply seems to play– soft, controlled, with an almost uncanny composure. One moment "Adagio sostenuto," gentle and precise, the next "Presto agitato" – lightning-fast, sharp, and masterful. And even if a Thargoid hunter is drilling through the outer hull, he seems to sit inside as if in a concerthall, as if it's all part of a score only he can read.
He doesn't talk much. But when he speaks, every word carries weight – or a quiet, dry wit that you almost miss. I think that's what first fascinated me about him: this silent certainty. This way of not only keeping a clear head in the greatest panic but calmly deciding what comes next – and then simply doing it.
For Maxim, he's long been a father. And that's despite me never having to ask. Austin just does it. When he carries Maxim down the corridor or talks to him about the controls as if the little one will be setting the course tomorrow himself – then I see that you don't need DNA to be a father. Only heart. And Austin has that. Even if he hides it well behind his coold emeanor.
He's not a hero in the classical sense. He doesn't crave attention, he doesn't give speeches, he doesn't pose. But when everything falls apart, he's the one you look up to. The one who doesn't lose control, but takes it. Not because he has to. But because he can.
Sometimes I just watch him –how with a few hand movement she accomplishes more than many otherswith an entire crew. And then I wonder how I deserved this. That this quiet, gifted pilot – this piano virtuoso among the stars – loves me of all people.
And if I admit it to myself: I love him too. Perhaps precisely because he doesn't make a big fuss about it. Because he's just there. In every moment. In every note.
185 meters long, 123 wide,and just under 28 high – with her expansive wings, she looks likean old albatross: a bit cumbersome, but proud. And woe to anyone whounderestimates her.
She's heavy. Over 4,899tons. And you feel it. The 6D powerplant barely delivers 20.76megawatts – completely undersized, the engineers say. But RarynThol just shrugs. "It's enough if youknow how," she says.And somehow, she's right. The 7D thrustersdon't exactly get us to thestarting line first, but then we have the7A frameshift drive: 47.98light-years of jump range – or, if it comes down to it, up to 95.96with injection. In such moments, you feel that under the old metal armor, a heart still beats. RarynThol's handiwork is evident here.
She has eight decks. From bottom to top: lower deck, E-deck, command bridge, crew decks, quarters, labs, greenhouses – and above it all, the research area with multiple scanners and cameras.
I still remember my first day on board. My quarters smelled of machine oil and lavender. Someone –probably Frank Zocheav – had tried to cover up the old smell with scent dispensers. It worked moderately. But somehow, it fits.
She has a spa area, a 400 m³ and 236 m² pool surface, recreation rooms that look more like a thermal bath than a spaceship, and a dining hall where real cutleryis still used. And yet, she is a research vessel through and through. Her labs are sometimes chaotic, but functional. Her instruments aren't always pretty, but they reliably deliver data.
She's still worth 187 million credits – according to the insurance. To us, she's priceless.
The AMPETULA is like us: not perfect, but real. And little by little, we've made her our home –with the help of Rachael Halleé, who, from Raryn Thol's perspective, engaged in completely useless interior design. That even cost her a finger on the circular saw. Nevertheless: everyone – except the newcomers – values their personal touch in interior design and flooring.
Monday 05.11.3308
Every Beginning
Ampetula (Bright Day): "Mommy,Teetonka said if you're in a spaceship thingy,it takes until you're agrandma. He said so."
Wincincala Wi (Girl): "Kids,hurry up or you'll go to bed without dinnertonight."
Ampetula:"Mommy, but you don't becomea grandma, do you?"
Teetonka(Talks a lot): "Oversuper a hundred yearsold."
Ampetula:"Not superat all!"
WincincalaWi:"Kids, stop fighting.Teetonka, you can help me carry thebag."
Teetonka:"Alwaysme!"
WincincalaWi: "No backtalk. And Ampetula,for heaven's sake, watch whereyou're walking. Now your socks arewet."
Ampetula:"Butyou're not gone for a hundredyears in that spaceship thingy. Areyou?"
Teetonka:"Ahundred zillion years. Einsteinsaid so. And Einstein is alwaysright."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"He is too."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"He is too."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"Too!"
The young woman tried her best to maneuver her shopping bags and her two children through the streets. In the city, it wasn't easy at all. Besides the bustling foot traffic of a metropolis, traffic was also an obstacle, whose drivers, even in the 34th century, had not yet learned to adapt to the circumstances. Each one acted as if they had the road to themselves or behaved like her preschool-aged and elementary school-aged children.
Once again, she wished herhusband Singuanaqua had accompanied her. But he had lost his life two years ago on a motorcycle in that very street traffic.
Her children had found another topic.
Ampetula: "When I grow up, I'm gonna fly a super giant spaceship and explore the galaxy and the Milky Way and the Dromedary Nebula and and the whole galaxy like Columbus!"
Teetonka: "But then you'll always be away like Grandpa and won't have anytime."
Ampetula: "Yes, Columbus always has time and appears in holovids and and and he even un-discovered America!"
Teetonka: "No he didn't."
Ampetula:"Yes he diiiid!"
Teetonka: "He didn't."
Ampetula: "Too!"
Teetonka: "And how do you explain that we were already there before?"
Ampetula: "Mommy, we weren't there before. Were we?"
Teetonka: "Yes,our people were in America long before Columbus."
WincincalaWi: "Stop fighting."
Ampetula: "I'll show you how Columbus explored the galaxy!"
Ampetula tried to move forward by hopping on her left leg. Then she switched to her right leg, and then back to her left leg.
Ampetula: Like this! And I jumped to Sirius. And, and, and then to, to, to the North Star. And now I'm jumping to the Dromedary Nebula!
She prepared for a big jump, when she stumbled over her own legs and fell forward.
Wincincala Wi: "Damn. Sweetie, did you..."
Ampetula stood up again with glazed eyes, and it seemed as if she was about to burst into tears.
Ampetula: "It didn't hurt!" She shook her head.
To top it all off, Wicincaka Wi's communicator also rang. She didn't have a free hand to answer the call.
Wincincala Wi:"Sweetheart, would you do me a favor and press the button?"
Ampetula: "That one?"
Wincincala Wi: "Yes."
But Ampetula had already pressed the button before she could answer.
Zuya Hiyaye (Goes to war): "Who is speaking?"
Ampetula: "My Mommy."
Wincincala Wi recognized her father's voice but couldn't see anything because Ampetula was waving the communicator around in front of her face. Even her father would only perceive a shaky image of the surroundings due to the crazy camera pans that no motion compensation software in the world could have corrected.
Zuya Hiyaye: "And who is your Mommy?"
Ampetula: "My Mommy." Ampetula adopted a determined tone, as if there was no discussion about it.
Zuya Hiyaye: "Are you shopping right now?" The question was actually unnecessary.
Wincincala Wi: " I'm out with the kids right now."
Teetonka: "Grandpa,Grandpa, Mommy, can I..."
A scramble for the communicator ensued.
Teetonka: " Mitunkasila, toniktukahwo?"
Zuya Hiyaye: "Wasté."
WincincalaWi: "Teetonka, can you hold hat thing so I can see something?"
Wincincala Wi interrupted the Lakota chatter, and Teetonka put down his bags, pushed Ampetula aside, and held the communicator up to his mother, who in turn adopted a bent posture and had to straighten up again so that only her hair wasn't visible on the display.
Wincincala Wi: " Are you in the bubble?" She tried to use spacer jargon.
ZuyaHiyaye: "For months now. I know, I shouldhave stopped by ages ago. That's why... or rather. I looked at a Beluga today. On the outside, a rust bucket, but still in good shape. With a few brushstrokes, it should be fixable. So, long story short, I wanted to take you and the kids with me. And there are enough scientists on board who could take over Teetonka's schooling. Plus, as a psychologist, I know enough math that I could step in too."
While Teetonka rolled his eyes - he really didn't like math at all - Ampetula's practically popped out of their sockets.
Ampetula: "Is Columbus flying with us? And,and, and will he show me at school how to fly a spaceship?"
Despite her earlier accident, Ampetula started hopping on one leg again and recited with each hop:
"Like this and this and this and this and this and..."
Zuya Hiyaye only heard her hopping and saw the worried eyes of his daughter:
"Columbus?" Ampetula managed to snatch the communicator from her brother in a swift movement.
"The super duper greatest explorer of all galaxies in the entire universe. Without him, you can't discover any stars."
Teetonka"wakinye s'a" Teetonka gave Columbus a Lakotaname "Wakinye s'a" (Always flying), as if it would make it clearer to his grandpa who he was talking about.
Zuya Hiyaye:"I can ask him."
Wincincala Wi was flabbergasted: "DADDY!"
Zuya Hiyaye only now realized the mistake he had made.
Zuya Hiyaye: " But he surely won't have time and will be flying somewhere else entirely."
Wincincala Wi:" Give the communicator back!"
Surprisingly, Ampetula obeyed immediately and dedicated herself again to her not-so-harmless spacejumps, as if she wanted to practice for later.
WincincalaWi: " When are we supposed to leave?"
ZuyaHiyaye: " Still this year. But first, we have to swing the brush again, then the interior needs to be adapted, and then the crew has to be rounded up. With a bit of luck, we can celebrate Christmas on board."
At the word Christmas, Ampetula rushed to the communicator and tried to get it into her hand, against which her brother could defend himself better this time.
" And and I already know what I want for Christmas!"
Wincincala Wi rolled her eyes, while her father probably still puzzled over what idea he had put into his granddaughter's head.
Tuesday, November 13, 3308
OnBells Wreck in the Tau Ceti system near a monastery
An Indian Does Not Cry
Aaltje Valurot: "Did you see how they walked? Like this!" She demonstrated by placing one foot precisely in front of the other.
"In single file." She lowered her voice and adopted a meaningful tone.
"And always at the same distance, too."
Frank Zocheav grumbled:"Mhm."
Aaltje Valurot: "Honestly! All day singing and praying. No one can stand that. You'd go crazy."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
AaltjeValurot: "Singing Hosanna in the morning. Rejoicing at noon. Singing Hallelujah in the evening. Hosanna in the morning, rejoicing at noon, Hallelujah in the evening."
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
Aaltje Valurot: "And the best part is, I once heard they sleep in their coffins."
Raryn Thol raised an eyebrow.
Aaltje Valurot: "No, I really heard that."
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
After a while
AaltjeValurot: "That's also lecker practical."
RarynThol raised an eyebrow again. This time a little higher.
AaltjeValurot: "Yeah, when they die, just put the lid on and off they go."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
AaltjeValurot: "Though I can't imagine lying in such a thing."
After a dramatic pause.
"A bit cramped and uncomfortable."
After another dramatic pause.
"I need to be able to race and rampage at night."
Frank Zocheav:"Mhm."
The four strolled through a small outpost on Bell's Wreck, the third planet of the Tau Ceti System. In the distance, a Beluga rose majestically. However, upon closer inspection, one had to admit it was an old majesty. The paint was literally peeling, as AaltjeValurot, the first officer, would surely have said, had she not been preoccupied with another topic.
Aaltje Valurot: "I think all the fuss about a higher being is complete nonsense, if you ask me."
She didn't wait for an answer.
"Just my opinion. The A l m i g h t y."
she recited with significant emphasis.
Aaltje Valurot: "No, honestly. If there were such a thing as an almighty higher being, could it create a planet with such high gravity that it itself couldn't stand on it? Tell me!"
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
RarynThol: "Um..."
Aaltje Valurot: "No, no, no, honestly. Tell me! Tell me!"
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
RarynThol shook her head
Zuya Hiyaye, who considered himself a spiritual and religious person – in several respects – now also doubted that there could be a higher being that would bring his first officer's torrent of words to a halt.
We have to go there. Zuya Hiya pointed the direction.
Internally, he tried to calculate how much a new coat of paint would cost him, but dismissed the thought again, partly because he really shouldn't have to worry about money now, and partly because he had no idea how much paint would actually be needed.
In front of them, the elevator was marked, granting them access to the ship.
A guard in front oftheship checked their documents and did not show the otherwise expressionless, serious face of the other brothers in faith, but even smiled kindly after the procedure.
Guard: "I hope you find what you're looking for."
Zuya Hiyaye: "Ibought the ship and now I want to take possession of it."
Aaltje Valurot turning to the guard: "I have aquestion."
Zuya Hiyaye sternly: "No, not now."
Guard: "I wish you good luck."
Joking
"I assume you don't want to take off immediately. Or do you?"
Zuya Hiyaye shook his head with a smile: "We will be arriving with a larger maintenance crew in the near future."
The guard nodded and saluted as the group turned towards the elevator.
Aaltje Valurot: "I hope the life support inside is switched on. I need to get out of this spacesuit. The helmet visor is fogged up, and I'm really sweating."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
As the group had ascended to the bridge deck and the doors opened, it hit Zuya Hiyaye like a blow.
Raryn Thol turned on her heel: "I have to get out!"
Frank Zocheav followed her.
Zuya Hiyaye was alone with his first officer and looked around in horror as they continued towards the bridge. Aaltje Valurot didn't even attempt to remove her helmet. It was impossible to describe what met their gaze. First, the emptiness stood out. The sight was best described as shortly after a space battle where all parts of the ship had been blown apart. The outer impression that the ship was only slightly scratched was deceptive. Or rather, the interior did not live up to the external appearance. But the seinternal damages could not have originated from a space battle. It looked more like the ship had been given over to a horde of Germanic tribes for plunder.
Aaltje Valurot: "I think we can take off our helmets."
Zuya Hiyaye nodded. But both kept their helmets on. The mere sight had triggered a gag reflex in Raryn Thol. The two entered the bridge, and Zuya Hiyaye switched the bridge controls to on. Either they were undamaged, or Raryn Thol had already begun repairs.
Zuya Hiyaye was worried:"Raryn?"
Raryn Thol: "Yes?"
ZuyaHiyaye: "Is everything alright?"
Raryn Thol wasted no thought on her personal feelings. It was also the first time Zuya Hiyaye had perceived his first engineer with a rather female reaction:
"It doesn't look much different down here. The ship's basic functions are 'ten-eight'."
"And..." Zuya Hiyaye tried to ask, but Raryn Thol cut him off:
"The damage is too complex to make a diagnosis."
Zuya Hiyaye: "Thankyou."
He feared that sounded insincere. He noticed that his first officer had been silent for some time now. He looked at her.
"They swindled you.", she said in a troubled voice.
She had finally removed her space helmet, and her facial expression seemingly suggested the olfactory attacks she had been subjected to. She shook her head:
"It only looks that way. The air is breathable."
Zuya Hiyaye now also took off his space helmet and wondered how he should tell his daughter and grandchildren about this.
He had planned to take them with him today, but Wicincala Wi wanted to go to the doctor with the two for necessary vaccinations.
A launch by Christmas now seemed a distant possibility. At least with this ship.
AaltjeValurot: "I see it this way." She paused for effect.
"A Beluga is only 10% a spaceship."
ZuyaHiyaye: "And?"
AaltjeValurot: "And 90% it's a luxury hotel.
And that's exactly what they thoroughly gutted."
Zuya Hiyaye: That means we'd just have to furnish it. Raryn?
Raryn Thol: "It's not that simple."
It sounded as if she had already said everything with that.
Zuya Hiyaye:"And?"
RarynThol: "For example, life support isn't just a module you slide in somewhere, but a complex system of water, air, dust filters with regeneration modules that run throughout the entire ship and endup in sinks, toilets, showers, airconditioners, food replicators,etc. Not to mention aroma additives, air and lightdesign."
Aaltje Valurot: "You want to offer people something, after all."
Raryn Thol:"And as everywhere, if a few want it very comfortable, many others have to work really hard to keep everything running."
Aaltje Valurot: "And on this ship, everything was only the best."
Raryn Thol:"Right."
Aaltje Valurot: "And that's exactly what has all been removed."
Zuya Hiyaye wanted to ask how long it would take to restore the ship to a reasonably usable condition, but bit his tongue. Perhaps it would be easier to scrap the ship and have a completely new one built.
Instead, Raryn Thol asked Frank Zocheav:
"Do you think you can get this done in the next few weeks?"
Frank Zocheav answered for his standards with an entire novel:
"It's doable!"
Zuya Hiyaye nodded: "We've seen enough for today.", he decided. It seemed he had to fight back his tears.
They're not roleplay inthe strictestsense. In other words, we come together as a group anddevelop astory. It's best to give a few examples:
"Hello,
My name is Commander Zuya Hiyaye. I command the starship AMPETULA and a number of other starships, of which the AMPETULA, a Belugaliner, is the flagship. I had it converted into a research cruiser. But I'd like to hand over the floor to my second pilot, Brittney Sohran."
Saturday 13.06.3311
On board the explorership AMPETULA
second Pilot Brittney Tion Sohran
ZuyaHiyaye
To me, Zuya Hiyaye is far more than just the commander of our ship. He's like the calm center in this complex system of people, relationships, and duties. I've served under other commanders before,but no one combines as much experience, humanity, and responsibility as he does.
I think analytically.Numbers, patterns, systems – they helpme organize complexity. As apilot and a mother, I'm constantly juggling variables: flight paths, sleep cycles, emotional states. It's not an easy life, especially not with a young child on board. Initially, I was unsure how much space there was here for someone like me. But Zuya Hiyaye never hesitated to take me seriously – as a pilot, as a mother, as a human being. Perhaps it's because he himself is a father and grandfather, or because of the grief that surrounds him. He understands what loss means without saying much about it. Sometimes, just a glance from him is enough to feel that he knows how fragile everything can be – life, happiness, cohesion.
I often work alongside AustinStreif – my partner and firstpilot – and we've become a well-oiled team. But Zuya Hiyaye is the foundation that allows us to function at all. He doesn't intervene unnecessarily, doesn't control every detail. Instead, he trusts our abilities – and it's precisely this trust that keeps the ship running.
What I admire most about him is that he never views responsibility purely technically. For him, it's not just about commands or navigation – but about the people living under his command. He ensures that we function, but also that we don't break under the strain. The fact that my son Maxim and hisgranddaughter Ampetula were able to develop such a close friendshipis also because Zuya Hiyaye runs this ship not like a fortress, but like a movable home.
There isn't a close personal bond between us in the classical sense – and yet, I feel seen and protected. Perhaps also because he has known and trusted Austin, my partner, for years. It helps to know that my life with Maxim by myside is, in a way, under a silent guardianship.
I don't believe Zuya Hiyayeis perfect – who would be, after everything he's been through? But precisely because he doesn't hide his wounds but carries on with them, he is someone I not only can follow, but want to.
AaltjeValurot
Aaltje Valurot is our ship's First Officer – and you notice it immediately. She has this clear, direct manner that leaves no doubt who's in command when it matters. Unlike Zuya Hiyaye, who seems rather calm and contemplative, she radiates an almost rustic zest for life that is sometimes infectious. You can tell she comes from humble beginnings – and that's precisely what gives her that unflappable strength and down-to-earth practicality that's so important on board here.
She tells it like it is,without much fuss, and if necessary, she takes charge without hesitation. "I'll take over" –you hear that from her often, and it's never an empty phrase, but a clear statement that shows how deeply she understands her responsibility. At the same time, she always keeps the big picture in mind without losing sight of the people. When things get dicey, I'm happy to rely on her.
What I particularly appreciate about Miss Valurot is her honesty and practical commonsense. She doesn't take unnecessary detours; instead, she acts purposefully and effectively – and yet, you feel that she also has an open ear for us. She recognizes who's under pressure and who needsa break, and she's not afraid to give praise when someone does a good job. That makes her a leader for me who not only gives orders but also connects people.
There's no big banter between us, but I have great respect for her. If Zuya Hiyaye is the calm center, then Aaltje Valurot is the force that keeps the ship moving. I work a lot with Austin, but when it comes to command, I know: Miss Valurot is someone you can count on.
RarynThol
When I think back to my first weeks on the AMPETULA, I see myself sinking into my pilot's seat whenever Raryn Thol even approached the bridge. It wasn't even fear – more a kind of instinctive respect. Or, to be honest: dread.Raryn is not someone you joke with, and certainly not someone you want to make a mistake around.
She seems like she was born with a wrench in her hand –loud, direct, blustering. And if I'm honest, for a long time I thought she'd rather fix, fly, and commandev erything herself. Sometimes it seems like she's the real commander. Even Zuya Hiyaye occasionally steps back when she gets wound up. Miss Valurot at least meets her eye-to-eye, but everyone else? More like peripheral figures in her technical kingdom.
And yet... behind all the noise and that raw directness is a woman who loves her ship. Not simply as a machine, but as a living being for which she has taken responsibility. I don't think she cares much for interpersonal stuff– but if she once recognizes someone, it's with full conviction.
I'll never forget how she simply replied "Absolutely" to me during our EVA when Zuya Hiyaye asked if she trusted me. No praise, no explanation – just that one word. But it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Since then, I know: Raryn Thol might not seem warm, but if you've earned her trust, she stands behind you. Rock-solid.
Our joint mission was silent, almost mechanically efficient. And yet, I never felt alone. We didn't have to like each other, understand each other, or even know each other well. But we knew what we were doing – and that was enough.
I believe Raryn has added more extras to the AMPETULA than what's in the official ship's log. And sometimes I wonder if the ship isn't more her baby than any of us. But even if she doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve – she protects this ship with everything she has. And perhaps in doing so, she protects us too.
AustinStreif
If Zuya Hiyaye is the composer, Aaltje Valurot the conductor, and Raryn Thol the gruff but brilliant sound engineer –then Austin Streif is, without question, the pianist. No, more than that. He is the virtuoso who brings the piece to life.
I've never seen anyone operate a spaceship as if they were making music. With him, no switch clicks; every movement dances. Where others pound buttons and tense up, Austin simply seems to play– soft, controlled, with an almost uncanny composure. One moment "Adagio sostenuto," gentle and precise, the next "Presto agitato" – lightning-fast, sharp, and masterful. And even if a Thargoid hunter is drilling through the outer hull, he seems to sit inside as if in a concerthall, as if it's all part of a score only he can read.
He doesn't talk much. But when he speaks, every word carries weight – or a quiet, dry wit that you almost miss. I think that's what first fascinated me about him: this silent certainty. This way of not only keeping a clear head in the greatest panic but calmly deciding what comes next – and then simply doing it.
For Maxim, he's long been a father. And that's despite me never having to ask. Austin just does it. When he carries Maxim down the corridor or talks to him about the controls as if the little one will be setting the course tomorrow himself – then I see that you don't need DNA to be a father. Only heart. And Austin has that. Even if he hides it well behind his coold emeanor.
He's not a hero in the classical sense. He doesn't crave attention, he doesn't give speeches, he doesn't pose. But when everything falls apart, he's the one you look up to. The one who doesn't lose control, but takes it. Not because he has to. But because he can.
Sometimes I just watch him –how with a few hand movement she accomplishes more than many otherswith an entire crew. And then I wonder how I deserved this. That this quiet, gifted pilot – this piano virtuoso among the stars – loves me of all people.
And if I admit it to myself: I love him too. Perhaps precisely because he doesn't make a big fuss about it. Because he's just there. In every moment. In every note.
The AMPETULA
The AMPETULA isn't a ship.She's a character. An ancient lady with posture, a will of her own,and quite a few quirks. ZuyaHiyaye pulled her from the scrapyard wheneveryone else had longwritten her off. A luxury liner converted intoa research vessel –that sounds more elegant than she sometimeslooks, but it's accurate.Beneath her faded hull, her former splendoroccasionally glimmers through.185 meters long, 123 wide,and just under 28 high – with her expansive wings, she looks likean old albatross: a bit cumbersome, but proud. And woe to anyone whounderestimates her.
She's heavy. Over 4,899tons. And you feel it. The 6D powerplant barely delivers 20.76megawatts – completely undersized, the engineers say. But RarynThol just shrugs. "It's enough if youknow how," she says.And somehow, she's right. The 7D thrustersdon't exactly get us to thestarting line first, but then we have the7A frameshift drive: 47.98light-years of jump range – or, if it comes down to it, up to 95.96with injection. In such moments, you feel that under the old metal armor, a heart still beats. RarynThol's handiwork is evident here.
She has eight decks. From bottom to top: lower deck, E-deck, command bridge, crew decks, quarters, labs, greenhouses – and above it all, the research area with multiple scanners and cameras.
I still remember my first day on board. My quarters smelled of machine oil and lavender. Someone –probably Frank Zocheav – had tried to cover up the old smell with scent dispensers. It worked moderately. But somehow, it fits.
She has a spa area, a 400 m³ and 236 m² pool surface, recreation rooms that look more like a thermal bath than a spaceship, and a dining hall where real cutleryis still used. And yet, she is a research vessel through and through. Her labs are sometimes chaotic, but functional. Her instruments aren't always pretty, but they reliably deliver data.
She's still worth 187 million credits – according to the insurance. To us, she's priceless.
The AMPETULA is like us: not perfect, but real. And little by little, we've made her our home –with the help of Rachael Halleé, who, from Raryn Thol's perspective, engaged in completely useless interior design. That even cost her a finger on the circular saw. Nevertheless: everyone – except the newcomers – values their personal touch in interior design and flooring.
Monday 05.11.3308
Every Beginning
Ampetula (Bright Day): "Mommy,Teetonka said if you're in a spaceship thingy,it takes until you're agrandma. He said so."
Wincincala Wi (Girl): "Kids,hurry up or you'll go to bed without dinnertonight."
Ampetula:"Mommy, but you don't becomea grandma, do you?"
Teetonka(Talks a lot): "Oversuper a hundred yearsold."
Ampetula:"Not superat all!"
WincincalaWi:"Kids, stop fighting.Teetonka, you can help me carry thebag."
Teetonka:"Alwaysme!"
WincincalaWi: "No backtalk. And Ampetula,for heaven's sake, watch whereyou're walking. Now your socks arewet."
Ampetula:"Butyou're not gone for a hundredyears in that spaceship thingy. Areyou?"
Teetonka:"Ahundred zillion years. Einsteinsaid so. And Einstein is alwaysright."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"He is too."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"He is too."
Ampetula:"He is not."
Teetonka:"Too!"
The young woman tried her best to maneuver her shopping bags and her two children through the streets. In the city, it wasn't easy at all. Besides the bustling foot traffic of a metropolis, traffic was also an obstacle, whose drivers, even in the 34th century, had not yet learned to adapt to the circumstances. Each one acted as if they had the road to themselves or behaved like her preschool-aged and elementary school-aged children.
Once again, she wished herhusband Singuanaqua had accompanied her. But he had lost his life two years ago on a motorcycle in that very street traffic.
Her children had found another topic.
Ampetula: "When I grow up, I'm gonna fly a super giant spaceship and explore the galaxy and the Milky Way and the Dromedary Nebula and and the whole galaxy like Columbus!"
Teetonka: "But then you'll always be away like Grandpa and won't have anytime."
Ampetula: "Yes, Columbus always has time and appears in holovids and and and he even un-discovered America!"
Teetonka: "No he didn't."
Ampetula:"Yes he diiiid!"
Teetonka: "He didn't."
Ampetula: "Too!"
Teetonka: "And how do you explain that we were already there before?"
Ampetula: "Mommy, we weren't there before. Were we?"
Teetonka: "Yes,our people were in America long before Columbus."
WincincalaWi: "Stop fighting."
Ampetula: "I'll show you how Columbus explored the galaxy!"
Ampetula tried to move forward by hopping on her left leg. Then she switched to her right leg, and then back to her left leg.
Ampetula: Like this! And I jumped to Sirius. And, and, and then to, to, to the North Star. And now I'm jumping to the Dromedary Nebula!
She prepared for a big jump, when she stumbled over her own legs and fell forward.
Wincincala Wi: "Damn. Sweetie, did you..."
Ampetula stood up again with glazed eyes, and it seemed as if she was about to burst into tears.
Ampetula: "It didn't hurt!" She shook her head.
To top it all off, Wicincaka Wi's communicator also rang. She didn't have a free hand to answer the call.
Wincincala Wi:"Sweetheart, would you do me a favor and press the button?"
Ampetula: "That one?"
Wincincala Wi: "Yes."
But Ampetula had already pressed the button before she could answer.
Zuya Hiyaye (Goes to war): "Who is speaking?"
Ampetula: "My Mommy."
Wincincala Wi recognized her father's voice but couldn't see anything because Ampetula was waving the communicator around in front of her face. Even her father would only perceive a shaky image of the surroundings due to the crazy camera pans that no motion compensation software in the world could have corrected.
Zuya Hiyaye: "And who is your Mommy?"
Ampetula: "My Mommy." Ampetula adopted a determined tone, as if there was no discussion about it.
Zuya Hiyaye: "Are you shopping right now?" The question was actually unnecessary.
Wincincala Wi: " I'm out with the kids right now."
Teetonka: "Grandpa,Grandpa, Mommy, can I..."
A scramble for the communicator ensued.
Teetonka: " Mitunkasila, toniktukahwo?"
Zuya Hiyaye: "Wasté."
WincincalaWi: "Teetonka, can you hold hat thing so I can see something?"
Wincincala Wi interrupted the Lakota chatter, and Teetonka put down his bags, pushed Ampetula aside, and held the communicator up to his mother, who in turn adopted a bent posture and had to straighten up again so that only her hair wasn't visible on the display.
Wincincala Wi: " Are you in the bubble?" She tried to use spacer jargon.
ZuyaHiyaye: "For months now. I know, I shouldhave stopped by ages ago. That's why... or rather. I looked at a Beluga today. On the outside, a rust bucket, but still in good shape. With a few brushstrokes, it should be fixable. So, long story short, I wanted to take you and the kids with me. And there are enough scientists on board who could take over Teetonka's schooling. Plus, as a psychologist, I know enough math that I could step in too."
While Teetonka rolled his eyes - he really didn't like math at all - Ampetula's practically popped out of their sockets.
Ampetula: "Is Columbus flying with us? And,and, and will he show me at school how to fly a spaceship?"
Despite her earlier accident, Ampetula started hopping on one leg again and recited with each hop:
"Like this and this and this and this and this and..."
Zuya Hiyaye only heard her hopping and saw the worried eyes of his daughter:
"Columbus?" Ampetula managed to snatch the communicator from her brother in a swift movement.
"The super duper greatest explorer of all galaxies in the entire universe. Without him, you can't discover any stars."
Teetonka"wakinye s'a" Teetonka gave Columbus a Lakotaname "Wakinye s'a" (Always flying), as if it would make it clearer to his grandpa who he was talking about.
Zuya Hiyaye:"I can ask him."
Wincincala Wi was flabbergasted: "DADDY!"
Zuya Hiyaye only now realized the mistake he had made.
Zuya Hiyaye: " But he surely won't have time and will be flying somewhere else entirely."
Wincincala Wi:" Give the communicator back!"
Surprisingly, Ampetula obeyed immediately and dedicated herself again to her not-so-harmless spacejumps, as if she wanted to practice for later.
WincincalaWi: " When are we supposed to leave?"
ZuyaHiyaye: " Still this year. But first, we have to swing the brush again, then the interior needs to be adapted, and then the crew has to be rounded up. With a bit of luck, we can celebrate Christmas on board."
At the word Christmas, Ampetula rushed to the communicator and tried to get it into her hand, against which her brother could defend himself better this time.
" And and I already know what I want for Christmas!"
Wincincala Wi rolled her eyes, while her father probably still puzzled over what idea he had put into his granddaughter's head.
Tuesday, November 13, 3308
OnBells Wreck in the Tau Ceti system near a monastery
An Indian Does Not Cry
Aaltje Valurot: "Did you see how they walked? Like this!" She demonstrated by placing one foot precisely in front of the other.
"In single file." She lowered her voice and adopted a meaningful tone.
"And always at the same distance, too."
Frank Zocheav grumbled:"Mhm."
Aaltje Valurot: "Honestly! All day singing and praying. No one can stand that. You'd go crazy."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
AaltjeValurot: "Singing Hosanna in the morning. Rejoicing at noon. Singing Hallelujah in the evening. Hosanna in the morning, rejoicing at noon, Hallelujah in the evening."
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
Aaltje Valurot: "And the best part is, I once heard they sleep in their coffins."
Raryn Thol raised an eyebrow.
Aaltje Valurot: "No, I really heard that."
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
After a while
AaltjeValurot: "That's also lecker practical."
RarynThol raised an eyebrow again. This time a little higher.
AaltjeValurot: "Yeah, when they die, just put the lid on and off they go."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
AaltjeValurot: "Though I can't imagine lying in such a thing."
After a dramatic pause.
"A bit cramped and uncomfortable."
After another dramatic pause.
"I need to be able to race and rampage at night."
Frank Zocheav:"Mhm."
The four strolled through a small outpost on Bell's Wreck, the third planet of the Tau Ceti System. In the distance, a Beluga rose majestically. However, upon closer inspection, one had to admit it was an old majesty. The paint was literally peeling, as AaltjeValurot, the first officer, would surely have said, had she not been preoccupied with another topic.
Aaltje Valurot: "I think all the fuss about a higher being is complete nonsense, if you ask me."
She didn't wait for an answer.
"Just my opinion. The A l m i g h t y."
she recited with significant emphasis.
Aaltje Valurot: "No, honestly. If there were such a thing as an almighty higher being, could it create a planet with such high gravity that it itself couldn't stand on it? Tell me!"
Frank Zocheav: "Mhm."
RarynThol: "Um..."
Aaltje Valurot: "No, no, no, honestly. Tell me! Tell me!"
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
RarynThol shook her head
Zuya Hiyaye, who considered himself a spiritual and religious person – in several respects – now also doubted that there could be a higher being that would bring his first officer's torrent of words to a halt.
We have to go there. Zuya Hiya pointed the direction.
Internally, he tried to calculate how much a new coat of paint would cost him, but dismissed the thought again, partly because he really shouldn't have to worry about money now, and partly because he had no idea how much paint would actually be needed.
In front of them, the elevator was marked, granting them access to the ship.
A guard in front oftheship checked their documents and did not show the otherwise expressionless, serious face of the other brothers in faith, but even smiled kindly after the procedure.
Guard: "I hope you find what you're looking for."
Zuya Hiyaye: "Ibought the ship and now I want to take possession of it."
Aaltje Valurot turning to the guard: "I have aquestion."
Zuya Hiyaye sternly: "No, not now."
Guard: "I wish you good luck."
Joking
"I assume you don't want to take off immediately. Or do you?"
Zuya Hiyaye shook his head with a smile: "We will be arriving with a larger maintenance crew in the near future."
The guard nodded and saluted as the group turned towards the elevator.
Aaltje Valurot: "I hope the life support inside is switched on. I need to get out of this spacesuit. The helmet visor is fogged up, and I'm really sweating."
FrankZocheav: "Mhm."
As the group had ascended to the bridge deck and the doors opened, it hit Zuya Hiyaye like a blow.
Raryn Thol turned on her heel: "I have to get out!"
Frank Zocheav followed her.
Zuya Hiyaye was alone with his first officer and looked around in horror as they continued towards the bridge. Aaltje Valurot didn't even attempt to remove her helmet. It was impossible to describe what met their gaze. First, the emptiness stood out. The sight was best described as shortly after a space battle where all parts of the ship had been blown apart. The outer impression that the ship was only slightly scratched was deceptive. Or rather, the interior did not live up to the external appearance. But the seinternal damages could not have originated from a space battle. It looked more like the ship had been given over to a horde of Germanic tribes for plunder.
Aaltje Valurot: "I think we can take off our helmets."
Zuya Hiyaye nodded. But both kept their helmets on. The mere sight had triggered a gag reflex in Raryn Thol. The two entered the bridge, and Zuya Hiyaye switched the bridge controls to on. Either they were undamaged, or Raryn Thol had already begun repairs.
Zuya Hiyaye was worried:"Raryn?"
Raryn Thol: "Yes?"
ZuyaHiyaye: "Is everything alright?"
Raryn Thol wasted no thought on her personal feelings. It was also the first time Zuya Hiyaye had perceived his first engineer with a rather female reaction:
"It doesn't look much different down here. The ship's basic functions are 'ten-eight'."
"And..." Zuya Hiyaye tried to ask, but Raryn Thol cut him off:
"The damage is too complex to make a diagnosis."
Zuya Hiyaye: "Thankyou."
He feared that sounded insincere. He noticed that his first officer had been silent for some time now. He looked at her.
"They swindled you.", she said in a troubled voice.
She had finally removed her space helmet, and her facial expression seemingly suggested the olfactory attacks she had been subjected to. She shook her head:
"It only looks that way. The air is breathable."
Zuya Hiyaye now also took off his space helmet and wondered how he should tell his daughter and grandchildren about this.
He had planned to take them with him today, but Wicincala Wi wanted to go to the doctor with the two for necessary vaccinations.
A launch by Christmas now seemed a distant possibility. At least with this ship.
AaltjeValurot: "I see it this way." She paused for effect.
"A Beluga is only 10% a spaceship."
ZuyaHiyaye: "And?"
AaltjeValurot: "And 90% it's a luxury hotel.
And that's exactly what they thoroughly gutted."
Zuya Hiyaye: That means we'd just have to furnish it. Raryn?
Raryn Thol: "It's not that simple."
It sounded as if she had already said everything with that.
Zuya Hiyaye:"And?"
RarynThol: "For example, life support isn't just a module you slide in somewhere, but a complex system of water, air, dust filters with regeneration modules that run throughout the entire ship and endup in sinks, toilets, showers, airconditioners, food replicators,etc. Not to mention aroma additives, air and lightdesign."
Aaltje Valurot: "You want to offer people something, after all."
Raryn Thol:"And as everywhere, if a few want it very comfortable, many others have to work really hard to keep everything running."
Aaltje Valurot: "And on this ship, everything was only the best."
Raryn Thol:"Right."
Aaltje Valurot: "And that's exactly what has all been removed."
Zuya Hiyaye wanted to ask how long it would take to restore the ship to a reasonably usable condition, but bit his tongue. Perhaps it would be easier to scrap the ship and have a completely new one built.
Instead, Raryn Thol asked Frank Zocheav:
"Do you think you can get this done in the next few weeks?"
Frank Zocheav answered for his standards with an entire novel:
"It's doable!"
Zuya Hiyaye nodded: "We've seen enough for today.", he decided. It seemed he had to fight back his tears.
Last edited:
