Front Runner

2356 AD

Aboard Invictus

The next day, Rosco made his way to Invictus’ observation deck where he had made plans to see Amadeus. The sprawling view of the stars beyond the ship’s glass walls stretched endlessly into the distance, a constant reminder of how far they still had to go. However, despite this there was something calming about it—the way the stars seemed static, unchanging, like pinpricks of eternity.

Amadeus was already there, leaning against the railing, gazing out into the void. He straightened up when he saw Rosco approaching and greeted him with a casual grin.

"Morning, Rosco. Enjoy your first day?" Amadeus asked, his voice as easygoing as ever, though a touch of anxiety lurked behind his smile.

Rosco shrugged, taking a spot next to him at the railing. "Yeah, it was fine. Lots of technical stuff. What about you?"

Amadeus sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Well, looks like I’ll be working with the humanoid bots to build habitation units at the first rally point. They’ve got us paired up with them—robots do the heavy lifting, we handle the logistics. Apparently, I’m supposed to help oversee them, but I gotta admit… I don’t know jack shit about construction."

Rosco smirked. "You’ll figure it out. Besides, that’s what the bots are for, right?"

"Hope so." Amadeus replied with a half-hearted laugh. "So, what’s your assignment?"

"Calculations Division." Rosco said. "We’re responsible for making sure the fleet hits the rendezvous points at the right time and place. A lot of it’s math, obviously, but it’s more about double-checking the work of the Intelligence Protocols. Still, it’s not a bad job, I think it’s a good fit for me."

Amadeus gave him a sideways glance, impressed. "Damn. Sounds like you’re gonna be keeping the whole show running."

"I wouldn’t go that far." Rosco replied modestly.

Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice in the distance. Rosco turned to see one of the women from his team, Inez Costa, standing on the opposite side of the observation deck, her sharp features highlighted by the starlight. She was laughing, her body language relaxed, though Rosco noticed that the man she was talking to—Roland McAdams—looked visibly uncomfortable. She seemed to be teasing him, her tone light, but with an edge.

"Those two are in the same team as me." Rosco commented offhandedly, nodding toward them.

Before Rosco could stop him, Amadeus cupped his hands and called out across the deck. "Hey! You guys want to join us over here?"

Rosco’s face flushed with embarrassment. He hadn’t exactly been looking to make a scene, but Amadeus’ carefree nature had other plans.

Inez turned, looking surprised for a moment, then smiled and motioned for Roland to follow her. Rosco watched as they approached, mentally cursing his friend for putting him on the spot.

When they reached them, Inez extended her hand first. "Inez Costa, Calculations Division." She said, shaking Rosco’s hand firmly. "I saw you yesterday in the briefing, we’re in the same assignment, right?"

"Yeah." Rosco replied, shaking her hand. "Rosco Vern."

"Amadeus." His friend chimed in, offering his own handshake, though he looked slightly more nervous than before.

Roland stood stiffly beside her, his handshake quick and perfunctory. "Roland McAdams." He said, his voice clipped. He barely spared a glance at Amadeus, his attention clearly on Rosco.

As they settled into conversation, Rosco couldn’t help but notice how Roland stood slightly apart from the group, his posture rigid and formal. Meanwhile, Inez leaned casually against the railing, her demeanor almost the exact opposite of Roland’s.

"So," Amadeus began, trying to keep things light. "What do you think of the ship?"

"Invictus is impressive," Inez said with a grin. "A bit of a maze though, right? I’m still getting lost trying to find my way around."

Rosco nodded in agreement. "Takes some getting used to. But the view makes up for it."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, before Roland broke in, his gaze narrowing slightly as he addressed Inez. "You’ve got an accent. Jovian, isn’t it?"

The mood shifted. Inez’s smile faltered, and her eyes hardened. "Europa," she corrected, her tone firm. "But I’m not a spy, if that’s what you’re implying."

Roland raised his hands defensively. "I didn’t say that. Just making an observation."

Inez’s jaw clenched, and she crossed her arms, clearly bristling at the implication. "I was born on Europa. My parents were diplomats. We were in Union space when Europa was destroyed. After that, all transportation to and from Jovian Alliance space was severed, so we stayed in Union territory. I’ve been on Mars ever since."

There was a tension in the air now, thick and heavy. Rosco could feel it creeping into his chest as Roland’s expression remained unreadable, his gaze unwavering.

"I didn’t mean anything by it," Roland said, though his tone carried an undercurrent of distrust. "It’s just… well, you understand how people might be cautious."

Before the situation could escalate, Amadeus jumped in, his voice light but firm. "Come on, man. She’s here for the same reason we all are.. Let’s not turn this into something it doesn’t need to be."

Roland shot him a sharp look. "And what exactly is it that you do on this ship, anyway?"

"I’m in construction." Amadeus replied, the edge of his smile faltering.

"Construction, huh?" Roland said with a condescending smirk. "Sounds perfect for someone like you."

Amadeus’ face reddened, and Rosco could see the anger building behind his eyes. Roland had pushed the wrong button, and before anyone could stop him, Amadeus lunged forward, fists clenched.

Rosco reacted quickly, stepping between them and holding Amadeus back. "Amadeus, stop!"

Amadeus struggled for a moment before backing off, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. "I’ve had enough of this smug prick!"

"Violence isn’t the answer." Rosco said firmly, his voice sharp.

Amadeus glared at Roland for a second longer before finally relenting, stepping back. "Fine," he muttered, his anger cooling. "But he deserved it."

Inez, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke up, her eyes fixed on Roland. "You think you’re so much better than everyone, Roland?"

Roland’s face tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and stalked away, muttering under his breath that he’d done nothing wrong.

As he disappeared from sight, Inez exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Thanks, Amadeus. I appreciate you looking out for me."

"Anytime." Amadeus replied, though his eyes lingered on Rosco, a trace of disappointment evident in his expression.

Rosco felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He hadn’t done anything to help, and now he felt caught between wanting to be the mediator and wondering if his inaction had made things worse. He had tried to keep the peace, but now it felt like he had let both Inez and Amadeus down.

Before he could dwell on it further, a sharp sound pierced the tense air.

It was an alarm.

The observation deck’s calm was shattered by flashing red lights and the distant echo of footsteps rushing down the corridors.

A sudden ping hit all of their Links simultaneously.

Rosco’s heart raced as the message scrolled across his vision:

Emergency:

Invictus has been breached and boarded by armed assailants.

Evacuate to crew quarters immediately. Seal quarters shut until further instructions are provided.

Rosco exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Inez and Amadeus.

The quiet unease from moments before dissolved, replaced by cold, sharp fear.

"Shit…" Amadeus muttered, his voice barely audible over the siren’s wail.

Rosco’s mind whirled. This wasn’t a drill.

※※※