TNS Chapter 37 Preview (Patreon)

Chapter 37

Subject: Captain Wong

Species: Human

"I'm going to die of boredom, Babanin," I said.

"I could give you access to a copy of The Alumari Renegade, sir," Tim chimed in with a literal chiming sound.

"Wasn't talking to you, Tim. And I hate romance novels," I replied tersely.

"Ah, but you know about it. What, read it already or something?"

"Everyone knows about The Alumari Renegade. A trashy smut novel that the author wrote to expand his horizons. It ended up becoming more popular than his more serious works. Every author's worst nightmare," I said with a chuckle. "Now get back to work you bucket of bolts."

"Aye, sir," the AI responded. Then after a second of silence, "I do want to point out that I don't have any buckets or bolts, though."

"Can it."

Lieutenant Babanin chuckled at the exchange and said, "Well, sir, dying of boredom isn't all that bad. It could be worse."

As he said the accursed phrase I watched two enemy destroyers on the tac-map turn to target us directly. I nearly got my mouth open to say something about it when two friendly MAC rounds began sailing toward the enemies at unbelievable speeds. I glared pointedly at Babanin, who saw the exact same thing I did.

"Don't do that again, lieutenant," I said.

"Aye aye, sir," he said with a smile.