Space Apples

The Stranger, weary from his travels, finally finds the general store on the 5th moon of Saturn. All he needs is a hammer, a hatchet, some rope, and an apple. You know, for sustenance.

Armed with the final tools he needs, the Stranger devours the apple and gives the core to his companion on his shoulder. And asks if it is ready. The tiny creature smirks, and he teleports back to what, at first glance, appears to be a decrepit, alien-infested spaceship.

Ding! "Welcome back, sir! Did you gather what you needed?" The A.I. mentioned as the Stranger turns the lights on in the pristine Star Class Cruiser. I did Leviticus. Would you start the necessary processes and prep my suit for repairs? "Right away, sir." Leviticus quipped. Shall I prepare the fix things playlist? "Do you even have to ask?" The Stranger responded. Some smooth future style jazz-filled funk beats started playing. "Now I can work." The Stranger mumbled.

You see, the Stranger had barely got away from Braychyon-7; no thanks to the companion. That thing on his shoulder that he gave the apple core to? It is highly sought after. Why? After looting the caves on Braychyon-7, he discovered a long-lost secret that would have revealed why the companion was the companion. All this talking to say, something else was there, hunting him. It was 20ft tall, could move as quietly as an earth mouse, was faster than a space mongoose.

So you know, a space mongoose is the fastest space creature in 4 galaxies. Do not mess with a space mongoose. The Stranger snaps back into focus, hoping no space mongoose are waiting on him while he repairs the ship.

An hour or so passes.

Ding! "Sir, preparations are complete. How are the repairs progressing?" Leviticus asked. "Great L. Should be done here in 5 minutes or so". The Stranger responded. "Sir, I prefer you call me Leviticus, not L." "Here we go," The Stranger exasperated. "What was that, sir? You know I can hear your whispers," Leviticus quipped. "Keep it up, and I won't update your memory, L.", The Stranger laughed. Alright, I'm done. Go ahead and test the systems. Let's make sure everything is good before we set off. "I've already tested them, sir. Everything is great. I have the ship on standby. Also, your mother called. You better call her back. Don't want you to forget and have an incident like we had on Atlas-42". Leviticus chuckled, "Let's not."

The Stranger called his mom back because you always call her when she calls. So they talk.

"Mom, I really have to go. I have to get moving. Can I check in with you once I get to where I'm going?" the Stranger asks his mom. "Sure, honey. Would you do me a favor and call as soon as you get to the new system?" his mom asks. "Yes, ma'am!" he responds. "Love you." "I love you too." He hangs up.

The ship begins to power up and reveal a beautiful, matte purple and gray Star Class Cruiser with a name on the side. The Burden.

"One day, we have to change that name, sir. The Burden just sounds like a terrible name for a Star Class Cruiser with a history like ours." So Leviticus says to the Stranger.

"I know. There's a reason for that. One day I'll have to share that with you. Turn on the lightspeed music Leviticus" says the Stranger.

"Of course, you remembered my name! Let's rock." Leviticus happily obliges.

The Stranger turns around, presses a few buttons, and The Burden is gone in the blink of an eye.