a nearby cabin. Inside, a mechanical hostess was
thrashing Percy Longville about in a comfy chair,
saying, "All organic lifeforms will report to airlock
five for immediate disposal."
Cyprien burst into the room, fired his rifle,
and destroyed the automaton, knocking it clean
through the window.
I grabbed Percy. "We need to get to the First
Mate and adjust its settings so that it can land the
ship safely!"
All three of us charged for the bridge where
Cyprien blasted open the door with his gun.
"There's the First Mate," Cyprien said, bursting
through. We all hopped in, and the Third Officer
turned towards us.
"Please remain still and prepare for disposal,"
the Third Officer said, trying to wrest the gun
from Cyprien.
The First Mate did not seem to operate in the
same manner as the other automatons, and continued operating the ship as Cyprien fought off
the attacking mechanical mates.
“I am the