Chapter 43: New Recruits.

A shuttle. I was on a shuttle. A ship specifically made to shuttle materials and people. I still found it strange I was on this ship. Even if I considered the reasons for it.

"Dude, do you think the stories are true?"

My best friend asked. He was always hyperactive and had only gotten more energetic when we got to this station.

"What story?" There were a lot of stories about this pirate crew we were heading off to join with.

"That the captain is THE Super Saiyan! I've seen all her fights!"

I almost rolled my eyes at his comment. He has been obsessed with that woman since he saw her figure on an infomercial.

"I'm not sure really. Frankly I'm not even sure their legit."

The pay was too good. Not to mention the number of resources being poured into them. And that they have a super carrier as well? Sounds like a joke. It's probably a trash heap from last century.

"You don't? then why even come?"

"The pay."

Assuming it was real. Already we were closing in on the outer station. The few ports we could see out dashed away some of my misgivings when I saw a massive ship that dwarfed the station.

"Think that's the ship?" My friend pushed past me and slammed his face into the porthole. "I bet it is! I can't wait to see THE Super Saiyan in person!"

I heard a barely hidden scoff from our seatmate. A young woman, her hair in a ponytail.

"Got a problem with that?"

I ask her to stick up for my friend and his weird obsessions. We grew up together. I couldn't just let anyone pick on him.

"No. Well, I just find it hilarious trash like you are even bothering to join up."

I narrowed my eyes as my friend got ready to back me up.

"Oh? Really? And why would you deign to join up yourself then oh great queen."

She actually smiled and I was slightly dazed. She was actually kind of cute when she wasn't constantly pissed off.

"Well, as a matter of fact, the pirate crew is said to have a group of martial masters. I even heard from some acquaintances of mine that they have the power of a true sect. With the captain being comparable to an inner elder. Which is why I'm here answering their call for recruits."

"Sects? Elders?"

She laughed derisively.

"City folk then?" I almost barked out, but my friend inserted himself into the conversation.

"Oh, you mean like in those cultivation stories you read about on the net? With young masters and stuff?"

She gave my friend an appraising look before answering. "Yes. That is the case."

"Those exist?"

I found myself asking.

"Yes, they do. Most sects tend to be relegated in the Unaffiliated systems or abandoned worlds where they pursue their craft."

"Really? And how do you know that?"

"Because I was a candidate for one."

"What happened?" My friend asked in the way only he could. The girl sighed for a moment then decided to answer.

"I apparently upset a relative of an inner disciple and was denied entry. Since then, I've come to learn near every sect is essentially a closed off system where familial relations and who you know are the only way to progress. Which is why when I heard that this pirate crew had a number of capable masters who made a name for themselves all working together, well, obviously I would join."

"And what do you think of the rumors of the captain?"

"Her? Honestly, I bet they are just over exaggerations. I highly doubt she could be as powerful as rumor states. I mean, from what I hear The Super Saiyan barely even beat Arms, and any true cultivator would kick his ass. So, when people tell me she can nearly destroy a capital ship on her own? No way. Not even a sect elder can do that. If anything, only legacy sect elders can replicate such a feat. Such vaunted personages only come from the most remote and hidden sects, places where people such as you and I would never have the honor of seeing."

"Fair point." My friend mutters. "But she's probably amazing right?"

"Heh, if I had so many masters supporting me, I'd be even more amazing."

Of course, I took those words with a grain of salt. She seemed like the kind of person to overestimate herself. It wasn't long before our course altered, our destination. The super carrier.

A voice cracked over the intercom as we got closer to the behemoth. A strange silence fell over everyone. Even the snarky girl at my side had a serious frown on her face.

"Attention recruits. This is the captain of the shuttle speaking. As you know, the station is far too small to deal with so many oncoming trainees. Which is why we will drop you off inside the hangar of the as of yet unnamed ship. From there, a leader of the Silver Suns will meet you outside the shuttle. Do not forget your belongings, you won't get them back."

Nobody grumbled, instead, all I could hear was heavy breathing. Even my friend seemed to have his eyes stuck looking out the porthole his eyes wide.

"Now, some of you may be sensing it already, others maybe not so, but the pressure your feeling is apparently coming from their captain who is currently training inside the centermost point in the ship."

"That's bullshit." The girl hissed through grit teeth. "It feels like there's primeval beast in there."

A primeval beast?

"Bro, what's your opinion on that?" I asked my friend who hasn't moved.

"Bro?" I asked again in concern, putting my hand on his shoulder. He looks at me, his eyes wide, a smile threatening to split his face.

"DUDE…" He somehow manages to be loud and quiet at the same time. "I can feel it. It's gotta be her!" He's lost it. The announcer continues.

"Now, when we land and open the hatch that pressure will multiply. You will vomit, you will want to cry for your momma or whatever alien equivalent you may have. You will also most likely shit yourselves. This is fairly normal. Rather, if you do, don't be ashamed. I mean, even we did it the first few times we landed, and I mean, it never gets easier."

They have to be bullshitting us.

"That have to be keeping some kind of giant monster inside that ship. That's the only explanation. I've only ever felt this level of energy when the Sect guardian flared out his ki briefly during the sect trials to weed out the weak."

Nobody else spoke. Even now I could feel an odd pressure building as our shuttle descended into the hangar of the ship. Hands tensed and muffled cries filled the cabin with how quiet it was. Chairs creaked as people tried to keep themselves calm as we landed. The air was still, as if we truly were in the belly of a beast. Terrified of attracting its attention.

"Aight, opening the doors. Good Luck. If you pass out, well, you likely won't be recruited."

His voice, I could almost feel the pity he felt for us as it opened. The fear. The moment I heard the loud hiss of the landing bay ramps open. Hell broke loose. People cried and broke down. Hardened veterans cried for their mothers. Even I felt it, like being stared at by an apex predator, like those tales I had heard from people who dwell in the darkest of streets. I couldn't move. What broke the spell holding me was my best friend whispering in my ear, yet, his words seemed to carry with it just how absurd everything truly was.

"Dude, I shit myself!" He sounded so excited, and his words seemed to wake me up as I breathed. My lungs burned as I caught my breath. I didn't know what to say, but the girl began laughing. Loud and unhinged.

"I think we should get moving, don't you?" I had no idea who spoke. Whose words echoed out.

She turned to look at us and said, a twinkle in her eyes.

"Ah, yeah. Sounds good." I said lamely, but I didn't know what else to say as I stood. Only, I think I may have pissed myself a little. Outside we walked. A grizzly man was standing before us. He looked us over and seemed to count the seconds. Over time more people crawled out of the shuttle, less than half showed up.

"I think that's about all we are going to get this time." The man grumbles.

"People call me Boarder. I'm the head guy for all boarding activities against hostile ships or derelicts. I'm here because I lost a bet with the other leaders and also because I am a veteran. First thing you need to know, that pressure in the air? That hair tingling, oh shit Imma die that's ringing in your head? All our captain.

Doc says it's because she ain't capable of reeling in her bloodlust or whatever with her training. Well, honestly, it makes for a good method of weeding out the trash from the good. And makes you guys easier to deal with so, good for her. Now follow me and I'll take you on the tour."

We followed mutely as he took us to an elevator that took us down.

"This is the fabrication floor and maintenance floor. We work and maintain the various ships throughout the fleet here and also fabricate whatever we need from here. The armory is just over yonder where you can requisition special supplies or whatever you may need."

We walked around, taking in what we could. He led us through multiple locations, taking us to the crew quarters next.

"Now, I understand some of you may have had an accident, yes? If so, feel free to wipe down and change, clothes inside are one size fits all. Those are your uniform when out on official business."

We were led to our shared rooms. By happenstance I ended up sharing a room with the girl and my friend. The three of us taking the chance to shower and change. At least the showers were separated by gender. The clothes though… Skintight white uniforms, Skinsuits I believe. It looked like something an infant would wear, but it stretched to fit. It even came with a helmet, but I didn't wear it, none of us did.

The girl, no, woman that rode with us. I couldn't take my eyes off her. It also made me painfully aware of my own lack of muscles. She looked at me with a smirk that had me embarrassed and looking forward to the supposed training.

"Looking good. Also, the helmets are for protecting your identities during missions. They come equipped with an IFF to let you know allies from enemies, along with a host of useful tools and assists. Now follow me to the next location."

We were then led to the upper floors where there was a full greenhouse.

"We grow our food here and recycle oxygen using the flora and fauna here. A ship this size is a hell of a thing to maintain as it is, and any attempt to reduce the overhead is welcome."

I had to agree with this as we went further up to a large scale mecha bay.

"This is the mecha bay and deployment section. Here we build, maintain, and deploy mecha for engagement purposes. The upper ramps lead to the hull of the ship."

He didn't need to say that as we continued the tour. We stopped just as our feet began aching.

"This is the mess hall."

Mess hall? It was a damn mall!? It was huge, shops and various places with essentially everything on sale. From weapons to media, even pirated movies.

"Feel free to get some lunch and we'll reconvene."

He then rushed off somewhere. Our little group was still together, the woman deciding to stick with us for unfathomable reasons. My friend was shaking in his boots from excitement. None of us spoke, but almost by a shared sentiment we ended up following the leader. When we did, we found him walking away from a small counter for a food shop while looking around as if afraid he'd be mugged. Is that a problem here?

We shared a look before stepping up to the counter. A strange alien was on the other side.

"Food, yes?"

Uh… "Sure?"

"Good. I made a lot today. Here, here." And hands me a plate of food, same as my friend and the woman. I needed to ask her name. We all shared a confused look before my friend took the plunge to eat it. He moaned loudly and almost fell to his knees. His hands clutching the plate like his life depended on it.

"Can we get more!" He begs, his eyes bloodshot like a drug addict.

"No, one plate each."

I ended up sharing another look with the woman as we stared at my friend devouring his food, all the while moaning. It sent chills up my spine, especially when he shot my plate a hungry gaze. Hiding it from him I take a quick bite. My tongue explodes. The flavor almost shorts out my brain as I freeze, my instincts though, force me to eat the food shoveling it down as I feel my friend's hungry gaze. Once I finish, the woman finishes too with a satisfied burp.

"The best food I've ever had…" she says wistfully.

"Yes, I am personal chef of captain. My wish is to practice my craft, improve, and become the best chef in universe. Her needs are many. Eat lots, especially when training. Must train more, cook more. Means I have much food to give, but only so much."

"What do we owe you?"

"Price of ingredients. Amount is not much. Taken from future wages."

I found this acceptable. Even if it means starving the rest of the month.

"I'm fine with that." The three of us agree as we find unprecedented clarity.

"Good. Hopefully you make it to shop again."

I almost asked why, until I heard the oncoming stampede. The woman grabbed my arm and threw me back as a wall of bodies slammed in barking and yelling. A literal brawl breaks out as the various pirates fight for even a single chance of tasting such godly food. The three of us just watched in stunned silence.

"Dude, I'm joining the brawl next lunch period."

"Count me in."

The woman says with a fierce glint. I opened my mouth to ridicule them, but…

"Me too…" I couldn't. Shortly after the lunch period ended, we were led once more to the front part of the ship where most of the training halls were located. We were shown the training machines and sparring areas. Eventually leading us to where our actually training would be. Waiting inside was a younger man radiating energy. The woman upon seeing him immediately fell to her knees and slammed her head into the ground.

"This one is not worthy to learn under such a prestige individual!"

She yelled out. The man laughed.

"Now, now, I get just as much from training you guys as you do from me. Plus, I do owe the Instructor and the Captain for this opportunity."

He had a fatherly smile. His features relaxed. For a moment I thought of him as a saint. In truth he was a demon.

"PUNCH!"

"HA!"

"HARDER!"

"HA!"

He was a demon. A slavedriver. Pushing us above and beyond. When it stopped, we fell gasping in a pile. Only struggling up as we heard the words dinner. We practically ran to the mess hall, without thought, joining the massive brawl outside that strange alien's shop. We were beat casually, but what truly terrified us as we settled for some other mediocre place… was that our instructor was fighting with his life on the line for the food as well.

"It tastes like shit…"

The woman of our group said after a moment. Each of us silently agreeing. All these fancy food places, filled with chefs who pour their heart and soul into their food. I wonder how it must feel to have to compete with that alien and his godly food.

We began to do everything together. Train, eat, sleep. It was what most of our life revolved around. We woke up in the morning to rush to the mess hall and fight for a chance at food. At first, we failed miserably. Finding ourselves beat into the ground by our seniors. Yet, as we worked out and trained it became easier and easier to win.

It also became apparent as we fought that there was a special caste. The true masters would be able to access the shop with barely a word. People moving out of the way to let them pass without challenge.

"Dude."

My friend said, gripping my shoulder.

"Are you sure?" I asked. 

"Yes. This food is worth fighting for." My friend replied back with the face of a true martyr.

 I can't believe I cared so much about this. So much so that I was willing to put my life at risk. The reason, I couldn't fathom, but even Zhi believed it was worth it. "The food is filled with ki." She said once, I had no idea what she meant, but I understood one thing. Food tastes best when spiced with our sweat and blood!

I looked over to her, our eyes met. A spark. Together, we three would fight!

That day, we broke convention. Like a gunshot firing off, signaling the beginning of a fight. Or like the bell rung for dinner. We all lurched at the master trying to get food. That day, we truly understood the depths of the teacher's powers as they laid us low. Yet, as we left. The teacher stopped. Their face hidden under a robe, but their words echoed.

"Strange… It tastes even better now?" She mumbled unsure. I felt a grin on my face, through the blood and pain I stood. My eyes roving to the leftover meals. Sharing glances with my friends, and my colleagues. Our stomachs rumbling in unison.

"FIGHT!" We charged battling once more.

This tradition continued. Days passed as we found ourselves laid out on the ground passed out. We would drag ourselves to another restaurant to eat. This continued until we began winning through the ups and downs. Coalitions formed and fell. Alliances formed and fell. Even then, as time passed the pressure, we felt on our shoulders seemed to fade until the day we got our ki awakened by the master. Zhi wept openly as we gawked at the newfound power.

Once day, we managed to fight one of our teachers evenly. Nearly beating them. We were fools… We had thought we were beginning to understand the depths of their power, the depths of what the captain could be. The whole crew began to feel that way.

Perhaps that's why, when we heard word of our next assignment, our next mission. Why we gathered in the forbidden corridor leading to the captain's training area. Word was, that beyond that massive vault door was where the captain trained. Nobody knew what would come out as we waited. Yet, we all heard it. The sound of it opening as the vault unlatched. As if echoing throughout the ship.

The second it peeked open, the weaker fainted on the spot frothing from the mouth. A single hand propped out, slamming the slowly opening vault door open. My mouth was open as I stared at the woman stepping out. She wore the white skinsuit we all wore. It stuck to her frame, emphasizing every curve and muscle of her perfect body. My friend giving a dying squeal as he saw his idol.

Her hair short yet sticking up strangely. Her face had a permanent scowl on it, as if eternally pissed off as she looked us over like a predator looking over its meals. She stepped, her boots making no sound, on the corridor floor as she stepped out. Yet, that step was like a planet falling on our heads as we bowed under the pressure.

She looked us over, and for a moment I believed her gaze stopped on us, our little group, before beginning to walk. Curiosity filled us as we turned to look at the interior of the training room. It was bare, simple. Weights were strewn about and bent metal bars, but what took our breaths away was every surface was covered in dried blood. The place reeked of death.

"She's a monster…"

Zhi whispered and every person here had to agree. We stood dumb. Our mind unwilling to understand what we just saw. Eventually though, we all came to the same conclusion. Thank all that be, that she is our captain.