Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 35

As we walk through the town of Piata, I can't help but wonder what my professors will say about my extended absence once I finally get back to my normal classes. We enter the front doors to the hallways of learning, and make our way to TECH LAB 01.

There is a massive workbench wrapping around three of the walls, with students of all grades working on small objects. In the center of the room is a massive object, hidden under a large tarp. It appears to have a shape similar to a chemistry flask knocked on its side, with fins on either side. Ray starts to lift the cloth, but Etirn stops him. Don't touch it yet.

I was curious how this thing will be taking us beyond the sky.

I don't know if it will, yet. Besides, the propulsion system is classified information.

This brings up a question I've had almost since I first met Etirn. Why is everything secret in here?

Etirn nods. Good question. The reason varies quite a bit, but for most things, it's partly because professors can be power hungry bastards, partly because some of this stuff can be used to hurt a lot of people really easily, and partly because, well, we just consider anything we don't really yet know as classified. That way, people don't realize we're really idiots in lab coats.

Bay! A professor had walked up. I recognize him as the person who suggested Etirn to be sent to Zema.

Sparky?

What happened to doing an atmospheric test first?

Etirn shrugs. Long story short, I have an urgent need to get to Dezolis as soon as possible. The formulae I sent to the Math Department shouldn't have any holes, unless I'm mistaken.

I realize the professor looked a bit upset. That's beside the point! You are risking your life, the lives of your team, a substantial portion of campus resources, and even my reputation as a professor! I insist you return to the original plan!

Etirn looks him in the eye. I have my reasons, and I don't have to tell them to you. If you continue to question my good judgment, I have enough shit on my plate that I can pull myself from this project, and still be busy. Etirn must be crazy, standing up to a professor like that!

Surprisingly, the man backs down. I can only hope you know what you are doing. That design you had for safety suits has proven impossible to make with our current knowledge of materials.

Is everything else ready? I want everything ready today, so we can stand the capsule at T minus one hour without issues.

The professor shakes his head. Yes, all the tests in the lab are done. We just need to move it outside and stand it up. Have you decided on the other passengers?

Etirn motions at Ray and me. This is Hunter Blades, who believes he owes me for something, and you've already met Sophmore Ashley, during a meeting with the principal.

I see. Could you two follow me? They need your measurements for the supplies. The next few hours go by in a flurry of going through a complete physical, and taste testing what I can only assume to have once been food. I wind up sleeping on the lab floor instead of going back to my dorm.

Next chapter

Join Phantasy Star Cave discord server and hang out with other RPG buffs. It’s free. Let’s beat quarantine boredom together!