Spyder built Dauntless using equal parts reckless optimism, garage-sale electronics, and whatever had survived three moves and a failed attempt at a glying motorcycle. The vessel was, only by the most liberal and forgiving of definitions, a boat. By Spyder’s, it was a cross between a shuttlecraft and a mechanical dare.
The Dauntless—a pontoon boat surgically modified to resemble a Star Trek shuttlecraft—waited in the morning sun. Spyder, hair worn long in pure defiance of protocol, did one last circuit of switches, antennae, and a sticker reading "Don't Panic!" He warmed his hands around a much-abused coffee cup emblazoned with: "Galaxy's OK'est Engineer." The only thing stronger than his coffee was his faith in the next adventure. He grinned at the half-asleep Wayne, who nursed his own caffeine like a relic, and Vanessa, who wore sunglasses indoors and attitude in all weathers.
Wayne says teasingly: "I see you brought your trophy mug."
Spyder responds in a deadpan matter of fact tone: "They gave it to me after I survived the SUNY Binghamton translation from NCP to ARPANET's TCP."
Vanessa: Chimes in "That makes you about five nines reliable, right?"
Spyder: responds as best he can at this point "It’s all about setting expectations."
Ready for launch!
INTERLUDE: SYSTEMS BRIEFING BY ATHENA
Athena announces on the overhead speakers: "Crew credentials accepted under protest. Dauntless systems briefing initiated."
1) Bridge AI: Athena
Voice: British-inflected, Permanently unimpressed
Duties: include Navigation, life support, passive-aggressive commentary
Talents: include Detecting sarcasm, Ignoring sarcasm Performing sarcasm
Athena: "Last diagnostic revealed three logic errors and a coffee stain in core memory"
Comms Console: Vanessa-certified for sarcasm in multiple dimensions.
Athena: "System does not translate banjo. This is deliberate."
Athena (closing): "Proceed only if adventure exceeds survival instinct. Seat cushions are not flotation devices."
Flashback: The Crew Is Recruited, Standards Are Negotiated, and Lowered
Spyder’s ad read:
“Seeking: Crew for adventure. Must be unflappable, inventive, tolerant of bad coffee, odd music, and uncertain plumbing. No boating experience required—lack of it preferred, really. This will not be on the test. Must provide your own hat. Apply in person to 'Starship Dauntless,' dock C. No vampires or banjo players.”
Vanessa, a stunning 6 foot 1 force of nature in her own right, strolled into view wearing an outfit that screamed attitude. Her boots were made for walking into uncharted territories, and her sunglasses shielded eyes that had seen their fair share of cosmic weirdness. Her t-shirt, boldly proclaiming "Try Me," served as a challenge and a promise.
Wayne, ever the pragmatist, offered her a wrench and a mug — the twin tools of their trade — as Vanessa casually asked: “Any Wi-Fi?”
“If you can reboot an army surplus laptop, you’re in,” Wayne said. “Welcome aboard, matey.”
Thus, the crew of the Dauntless was born — a trio of misfits united by their love for adventure and their ability to navigate the strange seas of life with nonchalance and a healthy, possibly inadvisable dash of madness.
