Purple slowly woke, the dream of being with his crew faded, reality set back in. He was alone on a primitive planet, and he needed to get back to civilization to rescue his crew.
Purple sat up in his bed, the cool sheets sliding off his midnight-purple form. He stretched, his wings unfolding slightly before folding back against his back, the uniform already resting on the chair nearby. He padded into the shower, the translucent door sealing shut. The water cascaded over his fur, washing away the remnants of the nightmare. When he stepped out, he toweled off, his bare paws gripping the smooth metal floor. He pulled on his uniform and leather jacket, the familiar scent grounding him, and left his quarters.
He padded down the corridor, the ship's ambient hum filling the silence. He reached the galley, where the food printer interface glowed softly. He tapped the screen, his yellow eyes scanning the options. He decided to do something different for breakfast, something his family used to make. He checked the nutritional profile for Pip, ensuring it was safe for her alien physiology, then programmed the machine to create a fruit wrapped in soft sweet bread, with more fruity syrup around it. He set a large portion for himself and a smaller one for Pip.
About twenty minutes later, the printer whirred to a halt. Purple sat at one of the many empty tables, setting the tray of food down. That was when Pip entered the galley. She looked clean and alert, her new uniform fitting her well. She padded towards Purple and chirped, a sound of recognition and affection. Purple turned to look at her as he motioned for Pip to sit next to him where her plate full of food sat waiting.
Pip sat down next to Purple, pulling the plate closer. She sniffed it, her emerald eyes going wide with delight. She took a lick of the syrup, her tail curling behind her, and purred, enjoying the sweetness. Purple pointed at the fork next to the plate, and Pip nodded, taking the fork. She watched him for a moment, then copied how Purple ate his, her movements precise and mimetic.
After they were done eating, Purple placed the plates into the cleaning machine next to the food printer. The machine hummed to life, dissolving the remains of the sweet bread and fruit. As the machine worked, Pip spoke, her voice a melodic chittering. Lyra's voice, smooth and sultry, translated in Purple's ear: "She says she loves your food. It is so flavorful."
Purple nodded slowly, his tail flicking behind him. "Tell her it is likely the spices, and that the ingredients are alien to her homeworld," he said. He paused, glancing at the AI. "You did tell her it was safe, right?"
"Yes, of course," Lyra replied. "I have assured her she is safe here, and I assure her that she will stay safe, that I watch over her."
Purple nodded again, turning his attention fully to the young feline. "Lyra, we should start her language education. Prepare the modules, and tell her to follow me to the recreation room. Explain the VR system to her so she knows what to do. Have Pip give me a thumbs-up when she is ready to start."
Purple waited, watching Pip's reactions. She seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. She nodded, then held up her paw, giving a thumbs-up.
Purple turned and walked to the recreation room, which lay on the other side of the ship from the galley. The room was filled with holographic projectors casting dancing lights in the air, and along the back wall, rows of reclining chairs for VR use. He walked to one of the chairs and waited, reclining it slightly.
Pip followed him, her movements quiet and precise. She sat in the chair. Purple retrieved one of the VR helmets from the shelf. It was a cap with a flat-black metal tube going around the rim. He carefully placed it on Pip's head, adjusting it so it fit snugly.
Purple then pressed the recline button on the chair. The mechanism groaned softly as the chair tilted back, Pip lying almost flat, her eyes half closed, looking peaceful. Purple said to Lyra. "Start the program."
Lyra acknowledged. Purple watched as Pip's eyes closed, the VR system taking over her senses, immersing her in the simulated reality.
For a few minutes, Purple watched the hologram above Pip's seat. It projected a vibrant collage of a modern classroom, the walls transparent to reveal a lush campus with green trees and white boards. Lyra appeared as a shimmering, translucent figure, her voice soft and melodic. She spoke in Sylvani, a language Purple didn't understand, but the tone was soothing, filled with chirps and purrs. Pip sat in the virtual seat, her ears twitching as she listened. Her eyes were wide, focused entirely on Lyra. She purred, a low rumble that vibrated in her chest, completely captivated by the lesson.
Purple nodded, a satisfied expression on his face. He turned and padded back into the corridor. The silence of the ship was heavy, but the thought of the mission kept him grounded. He checked the timeline. Nine rotations until the mining drones needed to be deployed. Pip would be occupied for four hours with the language lessons. That left plenty of time for other things. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of his need for real sustenance.
"Lyra, you've been surveying the area with your drones, have you found any animals that would be good for eating?" Purple asked, his voice low.
Lyra's voice purred in his ear, sultry and smooth. "I have," she replied. "I've detected grazing mammals, roughly one meter at the shoulder, hooved. I'll mark the coordinates on your display—a clearing not far from a river."
Purple nodded. He stopped by the galley, grabbing a couple of protein bars for the trip. Then he headed down the ramp to the lower level. The armory was a stark, utilitarian room. He picked up his personal shield, a small circular device with a blue LED. He attached it to his chest; it hummed softly as it established a molecular bond with his uniform. Next, he holstered his sidearm and slung the heavy railgun hunting rifle over his shoulder. He checked the charge, then carried everything out to the hatch, laying the weapons by the ramp.
He went back inside and opened one of the personal transport storage units. It looked like a large suitcase. He carried it outside and placed it on the ground. He pushed a button, and the unit unfolded with a mechanical whir, transforming into a sleek hoverbike. He loaded the storage compartment behind the seat with spare ammunition and supplies. He mounted the bike, his bare paws gripping the handlebars. He started the engine; it roared to life, and he lifted off, hovering just above the deck.
He looked at the display between the handlebars. The map showed a path leading away from the ship. He engaged the thrusters and followed the coordinates to the river and the clearing where the grazing mammals were.
Purple flew over the forest on the bike, the wind rushing past his ears as he pushed the speed to two hundred kilometers per hour. It took almost two hours to cover the distance, the dense canopy blurring into a green tunnel before giving way to the open terrain.
He got to about two clicks away and slowed, banking the bike in a slow turn. He scanned the treeline, looking for a clear area large enough for him to land without getting stuck in the mud or brush. Then, he spotted a small clearing not far, in the direction he had come.
He landed the bike, the hover mechanism settling with a soft hiss. He retrieved the rifle from the storage unit and checked the charge. He tapped his ear comm. "Keep a watch for anyone in the area, I don't want to run into any of the natives."
Lyra's voice, smooth and sultry, filled his ear. "The scanner in the personal transport will run scans for you. I'll alert you if anyone is spotted."
Purple nodded, satisfied. He started his two-kilometer hike through the woods. He moved with the silent grace of a predator, his digitigrade paws making no sound on the forest floor. The undergrowth was thick, but he knew how to navigate it.
When he got close to the clearing, he slowed his pace. He crouched low, blending into the shadows of the trees, being as stealthy as he could. He spotted a small rise, a hill just ahead. He quietly padded toward it, his muscles coiled. He got down on a knee, the rifle raised to his shoulder. He took aim, his yellow eyes focusing on the herd grazing in the open.
With two shots, the railgun cracked, the energy bolt striking true. Two of the beasts dropped instantly, their hooves kicking up dirt before they lay still. The rest of the herd bolted, scattering into the trees.
Purple lowered the rifle, a satisfied purr rumbling in his chest. That should keep Pip and him fed for months.
Purple knelt by each carcass, the forest floor soft beneath his bare paws. He set to work with the efficiency of a surgeon, using the ceramic knife from his field dressing kit to drain the blood. He skinned the beast, sliced the meat, and removed the organs, his movements precise and practiced. He cut through the bones, snapping them cleanly, and packed every scrap of meat into the sealed bags. Nothing was wasted.
When the work was done, he wiped his paws on a patch of dry leaves and uncapped his canteen. He took a long drink, then unwrapped the protein bar, eating it quickly to restore his energy.
He slung the heavy bags over his shoulders, the straps digging slightly into his fur. He navigated his way back through the woods, his wings folded tight against his back to avoid snagging on the undergrowth.
As he was most of the way back to the bike, Lyra's voice chimed in his ear. "Captain, I'm getting a strange reading, left of your current heading thirty degrees and two hundred meters."
Purple stopped, his ears twitching. Curious, he did as Lyra instructed, looking in the direction she indicated. "What do you mean by strange readings?"
Lyra replied, "A hollow area, with parts of it buried underground. It could be ruins."
Purple grumbled, the sound low in his throat. "I'm not an explorer, but I'll check it out. I don't like surprises."
He approached the area. The vegetation was thick, with moss and vines covering the stone structures, making it look like the ruins were mostly underground. He pulled the scanner from his belt and held it up. "Mark this area, I'm not equipped to investigate it. I'll return later."
After he was satisfied with the scan of what he could see, he turned back to the hike to his bike.
He placed all the bags and the rifle in the storage unit, then got on the bike. He started the engine, the hum vibrating through the frame. He lifted off, the wind rushing past him, and began the return trip back to the ship.
Purple landed the hoverbike behind the ship, the engine cooling with a final hiss as he engaged the stand. He left the bike unfolded, planning to use it again later rather than folding it away.
He took the heavy bags of meat and carried them to the lower deck storage unit beneath the galley. He sorted the contents: the fresh meat went into a specialized, chilled compartment, while the rest was designated for the food printer, which would process it into printable nutrients. He ensured everything was sealed and secure.
He returned to the bike, retrieved the rifle, and went back into the ship. He placed the weapon in the armory, the heavy thud of the door locking echoing in the quiet corridor.
Padding into the galley, he found Pip at the food printer interface. Lyra, her voice audible only to Pip as she whispered instructions in Sylvani. Purple stopped in the doorway, watching. Pip's ears swiveled, her emerald eyes wide as she stared at the machine, seemingly fascinated by the way the ingredients were being arranged.
When Pip's meal was finished, she grabbed her tray. As she turned, she noticed Purple standing in the entryway. Her ears flicked to the side, a genuine smile spreading across her muzzle. She padded to a table, setting her food down.
Purple prepared his own lunch, keeping it simple—just some protein cubes. He sat beside her. Pip looked up at him, her gaze intense and curious.
"Hi... happy see," she said, her voice soft and accented.
Purple smiled, a rare warmth in his yellow eyes. He nodded. "Happy to see you too, Pip."
They began to eat in companionable silence, the hum of the ship the only sound between them.
After they were done eating, and after Purple put the dishes in the cleaner, he turned to Pip. "How would you like to explore a ruins I found on your world? I found it while I was out hunting."
Purple knew Lyra would translate any word Pip didn't know yet. A moment later, Pip smiled, her ears shifting from the side to the front. "Yes."
Purple smiled and waved a hand. "Follow."
He led Pip to the armory. He retrieved a sidearm, checked the charge, and clipped the holster to his belt. Then he retrieved another personal shield. "Lyra, explain to her what she needs to know."
Purple nodded and handed shield to Pip. He waited for her to attach it to her chest. The blue LED flickered on, confirming the molecular bond was established and the shield was on. With that done, Purple grabbed a couple of handheld light emitters, handing one to Pip. She examined the device; it was a little large for her small paws, then she to clipped it to her belt.
With the gear secured, Purple closed the armory door and headed down the corridor to the hatch. He stepped out, with Pip right behind him.
Purple mounted the hoverbike and waited for Pip to get on. Instead of taking the spot behind him, Pip climbed up and settled into the space between his legs, her arms wrapping around his legs. She looked up at him behind her, her emerald eyes bright.
"I see good," she said, her second phrase in Common.
Purple smiled, and nodded.
He started the bike. The engine roared to life, and he lifted off, the hoverbike rising above the canopy of trees. He guided the bike toward the marked spot of the ruins, the wind rushing past them as they soared over the alien forest.
Purple landed the hoverbike in the same clearing he had used before, the engine dying down to a silence that felt heavy in the humid air. He helped Pip dismount, her small paws gripping his jacket for balance before she dropped to the forest floor. He got off the bike himself and tapped his ear. "Lyra, keep the scanners hot."
He turned to Pip, his expression serious. "This way."
Pip padded beside him, her tail twitching with excitement as they headed toward the ruins, which lay about a quarter kilometer from the bike. The path was overgrown, but they moved with purpose.
When they arrived, Purple pulled the scanner from his belt. He swept it over the area, the green light illuminating the dense undergrowth. The readings were clear; it looked like he only needed to remove some rocks to access the entrance.
He pointed at a spot far enough away that Pip would be safe from any falling debris. "Pip, stay."
He waited until she padded over to the marked spot, her ears perked, before turning his attention back to the obstruction. He crawled under the overhang, his wings tucked tight against his back to avoid snagging on the vines. He began pulling boulders away, one after another, laying them aside in a neat pile.
Finally, a walkway going underground was revealed. It looked different from a natural cave. The walls were smooth, a deep, obsidian black that seemed to absorb the light. Intricate markings—triangles and hexagrams—were etched into the surface in a complex, repeating pattern. Was that writing?
Purple held the scanner up to the markings, the beam catching the strange glyphs. "Lyra, what do you make of that?"
After a minute, Lyra's voice purred in his ear. "Some kind of ancient writing, but not of this world. This wall is made of an advanced material far beyond what the natives could have made, and it is ancient. Scans show it to be thousands of cycles old."
Purple blinked, his yellow eyes widening. How could that be... He asked, "Lyra, are you saying these were made by ancient beings alien to this world?"
"Yes," Lyra replied.
Purple got out his handheld light emitter and clicked it on. The beam cut through the darkness ahead, illuminating the tunnel mouth. He was more curious now than ever. Maybe he was an explorer after all. He decided to continue inside. The hallway carved out of the ground went on for meters and meters, a dark throat waiting to be explored.
Beside him, Pip pulled out her own light emitter and clicked it on too. The small beam of light danced against the black walls, matching his own.
As they went deeper and deeper, the walkway began to slope, the incline growing steeper before curving slightly, forcing them to walk in a huge circle that spiraled down, and down, for what must have been hundreds of meters. The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of ozone and ancient dust.
Finally, they came up to a bend that opened up into a large, circular room. Purple pointed his light emitter up, but the ceiling was out of range, lost in the shadows, as was the far wall. In the center of the room, amidst the ruins, Purple saw structures that were not made of stone, but of a dark, polished metal.
Purple pointed the scanner around the room, the beam cutting through the gloom. "Lyra, what am I looking at?"
Lyra's voice purred in their ear-comms. "Bring the scanner inside, find the middle and slowly rotate."
Purple did as instructed, his eyes scanning the dark while he rotated the device. Pip followed close behind, her small light emitter darting around, casting curious chirps at the strange, rusted machinery she passed.
After a minute, Lyra spoke to both of them. "What I'm reading here is some kind of ancient lab, biological in nature. I can detect what could have been growth chambers. Go examine the one to your right, it looks more intact than the others."
Purple blinked again, the weight of the discovery settling in. Fascinating. He was no longer just a smuggler; he was an explorer. He padded over to the chamber Lyra indicated, his tail twitching with interest. To his left, Pip wandered the room, her nose twitching as she examined a console that looked like it had melted slightly from age.
In the chamber to the right, the preservation was remarkable. It was a glass containment unit, filled with a clear, viscous fluid. Inside, suspended in the liquid, was a figure. It was an Arian, an ape-like primate with furless skin, preserved in a tank that was still sealed.
Purple examined the Arian in the tank, his yellow eyes narrowing as he studied the sealed containment unit. It was a biological chamber, and somehow, despite the age, the seal remained intact. He pointed the scanner at the Arian and the surrounding equipment, the green light illuminating the strange, alien machinery.
After a few minutes, Lyra's voice purred in their ear-comms. "What I'm reading here is some kind of ancient lab, biological in nature. They were doing some kind of genetic testing... But, not... That is strange, that does not make sense. That Arian was grown here, I detect DNA to speed up its maturity."
Purple blinked, his tail twitching. Why would they do that? This was way outside his field of expertise.
Pip chirped excitedly behind him, her tail flicking with energy. She was too excited to speak in Common. Purple turned around and saw that in Pip's paw was a small, glowing data crystal. Purple took it gently. "Put that in your pocket, that was your find. We will study it back at the ship, it has way better scanners."
Purple got more scans as he padded around the room, his mind racing. They should learn something from that data crystal; those lasted practically forever.
On the flight back, Pip sure seemed to be enjoying herself. She sat in the space between Purple's legs, her arms out to the sides like she was a bird, relishing the wind rushing through her fur.
Purple landed the bike again behind his ship, shutting it down and parking it on its stand, leaving it unfolded for later use. They padded up the ramp into the ship, and Pip seemed to be dancing on her toes as she pranced around beside Purple, her energy infectious.
Purple went up to the main deck, then through the bridge and up to the secondary deck, and down the corridor to the maintenance room. It had the best scanners. He waited for Lyra to explain to Pip where to place the crystal, and how to activate the scanner.
Purple stood back and watched. Pip carefully placed the crystal in the scanner tray, then gently pushed a button. The machine hummed, and it lit up with blue, red, and green laser lines dancing over the surface.
Pip looked back at Purple with a proud look to her ears, her emerald eyes shining.
After several minutes, Lyra said in their ear-comms, "This is indeed a data crystal, and there is data on it, however it is encrypted, and damaged from age. It will take me hours to decode and decrypt it."
Pip looked disappointed, her ears drooping slightly. She was starting to get used to the technology, and how it got things done now.
Purple shrugged, a small smile playing on his muzzle. "Why don't we do some exercises?"
Pip looked at Purple, then nodded. Purple turned and padded back out the corridor to the gym.
Purple stepped into the gym, the cool air conditioning brushing against his skin. He unbuttoned his leather jacket and set it aside, then pulled his shirt off, folding it neatly on the bench. Pip, right behind him, mimicked the action with clumsy enthusiasm. Her small paws fumbled with the fasteners of her tunic before she shrugged it off, revealing her reddish-brown coat and the lean, athletic build of a young predator.
"We should start with some stretches," Purple said, his voice low. "Helps lower the chance of injury."
He padded over to the large exercise mat on the deck. He crouched, his digitigrade stance spreading his weight, and began to reach forward, stretching his hamstrings. His wings folded neatly against his back, the membrane taut but relaxed.
Pip tried to copy, but her limbs were stiff. She hopped awkwardly, her claws retracted, and looked frustrated. Purple noticed. He moved to her side, his bare paws landing softly on the mat. He placed a hand on her shoulder, guiding her arm up, and then adjusted her leg, bending it slightly to stretch her calf. His touch was firm but gentle.
Pip caught on. She reached out and placed a small paw on Purple's shoulder, pushing down to stretch his arm. She purred, a vibration that Purple felt through his fur. She even tried to reach for her own toes, her ears flicking as she concentrated.
"Good," Purple murmured, leaning into her touch. The silence of the gym was filled only by the sound of their breathing and the soft rustle of fur against the mat. It was a rare moment of connection, stripped of the stress of the galaxy, shared between a captain and his crew of one.
Purple and Pip continued their routine, the silence of the gym broken only by the soft sounds of movement and the hum of the ship. Pip sat on the mat, her knees drawn up to her chest. Purple sat opposite her, his legs extended. She reached out, her small paws gripping his ankles. She pulled his legs outward, stretching his hamstrings. Purple leaned back slightly, his wings spreading slightly for balance. He felt the tension release in his calves. She did the same for his other leg.
Then Pip sat back, crossing her legs. Purple moved behind her, his hands on her ankles. He gently pulled her legs out straight. Pip's body leaned forward, her hand paws gripping the mat to stabilize herself. Her claws retracted, then extended slightly for grip. She held the position, her emerald eyes fixed on the far wall, her breathing steady.
"You got to stay in shape when you live on a starship," Purple said, his voice low. He held the stretch for a moment longer before releasing her legs, letting them fall back to the mat with a soft thud.
Pip let out a breath, her tail curling around her foot. She looked up at him, her eyes bright, and gave a small nod of agreement.
With their stretches done, Purple guided Pip to a pneumatic exercise machine. Lyra's voice purred in Pip's ear, guiding her through a routine designed to build stamina and strengthen her core. Pip's small paws worked the levers, her breathing audible as she pushed through the repetitions. Purple watched her for a moment, then moved to the machine beside hers to begin his own workout.
When they finished with the machinery, Purple led Pip to the large exercise mat. He had her sit down, her back straight against the floor. He instructed her to do setups, and he sat down by her feet, kneeling on the mat. He placed his hands on her ankles, pressing them firmly to the floor to help her lift her torso.
As he held her steady, he couldn't help but notice the delicate anatomy of her paws. They were small, almost half the size of his own, but softer. The fur was a rich copper, fading to a lighter amber on the toes. The paw pads were a soft, mottled pink, speckled with darker spots that matched the spots on her legs. They looked warm and inviting, the scent of her natural musk faint in the air.
After that, Pip wanted to help Purple. She got up and sat on Purple's calves, facing away from him. She wrapped her arms around his feet, hugging them tightly to her chest to keep her balance. Her claws retracted, but her grip was firm. As Purple did his setups, he felt her weight against his calves, a silent testament to her trust and strength.
Purple completed the final repetition, his muscles burning with a satisfying heat. He collapsed back onto the mat, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The cool air of the gym washed over his sweat-slicked skin.
Pip released his feet, standing up. She padded over to his chest, nudging him with a paw. "Alive still?" she asked, her voice clear in Common.
Purple chuckled, the sound rumbling in his throat. "Exercising makes you feel more alive, don't it?"
Pip nodded, her ears flicking. She patted his chest with a small paw. "Chest big," she observed, her eyes tracing the definition of his pectoral muscles.
Purple grinned, flexing his arms slightly. "Yeah, my wing muscles. I exercise them by flying."
Pip's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. "Fly me."
Purple chuckled again. "Sure, but we should put our shirts back on. We need our personal shields."
Pip nodded and padded over to the bench to retrieve her tunic. Purple got up, grabbing his shirt from the chair. He pulled it on, the fabric settling over his torso, and left his leather jacket in the gym. He led the way out of the ship, Pip right behind him.
Outside, the air was crisp. Purple turned and opened his arms wide. Pip hopped up, her small paws grasping his shoulders. Purple caught her, holding her securely against his chest. He looked down at her, then turned toward the dense forest ahead.
"Hold on," he said.
Pip wrapped her legs around his abdomen, her arms circling his upper chest. Purple took a few steps, his bare paws gripping the ground, then leaped into the air. His massive wings snapped open, the dark purple membranes catching the wind. With a powerful downstroke, they lifted off, soaring effortlessly over the canopy of trees below.
Purple flew in a wide, lazy circle around the ship, the wind rushing past them. Pip held onto him, her arms wrapped tight around his neck, her legs clamped around his waist. Purple kept his arms securely around her, holding her close to his chest, his wings beating in a steady rhythm to maintain their altitude.
They headed back toward the rear of the ship where they had started. Purple flapped his wings, slowing their descent, the air resistance pushing against his back. He lowered his feet, his paws touching the ground with a soft thud.
He let go of Pip, and she let go of him, hopping to the ground. She bounced on her toe pads, her tail twitching with pure joy. "Thank you! Fun! Fun!" she exclaimed in Common.
Purple smiled and chuckled. To him, flying using just his wings was just something he did, but for Pip, it was an experience of a lifetime.
He let Pip run loose for a few minutes, watching her explore the field, before he headed back up the ramp and inside the ship. "Time for your lessons," he said.
Pip looked disappointed, her ears drooping, but then her eyes lit up with happiness to learn more. She rushed past Purple to head inside, making her way to the recreation room.
Purple chuckled. It was time Pip started to learn how to use a sidearm. He went into the cargo hold, the space vast and filled with crates and supplies. He looked around for some old metal crates, and containers he could use to make a makeshift firing range.
Purple admired his makeshift firing range. A line of rusted metal crates and shipping containers lined up in the field, about fifty meters from the ship. He had stacked them to create a realistic silhouette of a hostile structure. "This should work," he murmured, his tail flicking.
He padded back up the ramp and inside. He went to his quarters, undressing and stepping into the shower. The water cascaded over him, the steam fogging the translucent door. Once clean, he took his dirty uniform and dropped it into the wash chute. He opened a drawer and pulled out a fresh set of his uniform, the fabric crisp and clean.
He went back to the gym, to retrieve his leather jacket, he went down the corridor then headed up the short ramp to the bridge, but didn't stop there. He continued up another short ramp to the secondary deck, grabbed it and put it on. The jacket felt like a second skin, protective and familiar. He stood there for a moment, the jacket on, wondering what to do next.
He decided to head to the maintenance room. It was located behind the gym. He walked down the corridor and entered the room. It was cavernous, filled with humming printers and filament spools. He sat at the console. He missed his maintenance officer, Vessa. This was her job. He checked the screens for any work that needed to be done.
Purple sat at the console, his yellow eyes scanning the readouts. He worked on checking power relays, the hum of the machinery soothing his mind. It gave him something to do that made him feel better, keeping his hands busy and his thoughts focused on the ship rather than the void.
Feeling a rumble in his stomach, he made his way back down to the galley. He tapped his ear. "Is Pip ready for a break? I bet she is hungry."
Lyra's voice purred in his ear. "This would be a good time for a break, I'll send her to the galley."
Purple smiled. He accessed the food printer interface and ordered up the meat he had hunted earlier, along with synthesized mashed root vegetable in spices. The smell of the cooking meat wafted through the room, making his mouth water.
A few minutes later, Pip padded into the galley. Her nose twitched, sniffing the air. "Smell good," she said.
Purple nodded. "I'll que up the same thing for you."
Pip bounced on her toes and nodded. Purple typed in a smaller portion of his order to be made next.
When the food was ready, Purple carried the tray to a table, placing Pip's plate beside his own. They sat side by side, eating together. The silence was comfortable.
Purple looked at her, his expression soft. "Pip, I have a surprise for you after our meal."
Pip blinked at him, her emerald eyes wide with wonder.
Purple led Pip to the armory. He selected a compact holster, buckling it around her waist. It was a bit large, so he adjusted the straps to ensure it stayed put. He kept the ammunition pouches on his own belt, not trusting her with the live rounds yet. He didn't want to risk an accident before she learned the basics.
They stepped out onto the field. Beside the ship, the makeshift range stood ready—a line of rusted crates and containers stacked to resemble a barricade.
Purple had Pip kneel on the grass, positioning her about a hundred meters from the targets. "Ready?" he asked.
Purple spoke to Lyra. "Explain everything she needs to know on firearm use and safety."
Lyra replied, "I already have. I saw you make the range, and at the end of her lesson I went over it."
Purple smiled, a rare expression of pride. "Good."
He handed Pip a charged cartridge. "Set the pistol on the lowest setting," he instructed. "We don't need to destroy the targets with one shot."
Pip took the cartridge. She reached for the holster, her small paws fumbling slightly as she unholstered the blaster pistol. She loaded the cartridge, the slide snapping shut with a satisfying click. She checked the power cell, her emerald eyes narrowing in concentration.
Purple watched her closely. "Good," he said. "Now, rest your elbow on your chest. Use your other paw to study it. Remember breath, gently squeeze the trigger, don't pull it, spread your feet apart."
Pip nodded, her ears swiveling. She got into the firing stance. She took a deep breath, held it, and gently squeezed the trigger.
Zzt.
The first shot missed the target, striking the dirt nearby.
Pip frowned, her tail twitching. She adjusted her stance, bringing her other paw up to steady her aim. She took another breath.
Zzt.
The second shot hit the side of a crate, scorching the metal.
Zzt.
The third shot struck the center of the target, the container went tumbling away.
Pip let out a soft chirp of satisfaction, her eyes wide with accomplishment.