Keep the story going...

[kwthom]

...the droid that provides 'service', for those travelers among us who need that occasionally. This is in conjunction with the REM cycles that humans need.

***

Fully recharged after two REM cycles, the droid also became awake.

"Welcome back, human", the droid purred,as they.....

[Delicate Snowflake]

... tickled gently the hairs they could see, on...

[LadyDraco]

His head ! Before the droid placed the commanders hat on it .. And it was off........

[kwthom]

...at the same moment in time that a faint shudder rattled the POD and the rest of the vessel.

"So much for 'relaxation mode', I suppose it's time to arise and find out just what the hell was that!"

With a flick of the button, the door.....

[Delicate Snowflake]

... the door opened, revealing the space-harley's had returned, complete with...

[kwthom]

.....their famous turbo-encabulators attached.

[kwthom]

Okay, here we go...

The captain cursed under his breath. Another malfunction. He glanced at the droid, Valkyrie, who seemed unperturbed by the ship's tremor. Her synthetic eyes held a knowing glint. "You're thinking it too," he said, "Those space-harleys have found something."

He pulled on his commander's hat, the worn leather a comforting touch against his brow. A quick scan of the ship's systems confirmed his suspicions. An energy signature, unlike anything they'd encountered, was pulsing through the ship's hull. It was strong, almost alive.

"Valkyrie, prep the phase-shifter. We're going to need all the protection we can get."

[Delicate Snowflake]

"yes sir, captain", she replied, reaching into her pocket to retrieve...

[kwthom]

....a small, pulsating orb. "Phase-shifter core online and ready."

The captain nodded, his eyes never leaving the ship's diagnostics. "Good. And the weapons?"

Valkyrie's tone was flat, devoid of emotion. "Fully charged and operational, Captain. All systems nominal."

A flicker of a smile crossed the captain's weathered face. "Then let's give these....

[campfire]

"little spammers a taste of Da Boss's power!"

[Delicate Snowflake]

'ka plow-ee'

and everyone ducked, re-emerging to see...

[kwthom]

...a glowing blue light in the distance.

[Delicate Snowflake]

... which slowly grew closer, causing the group to...

[campfire]

... dive into the pool of decontamination plasma and wash themselves before they.............

[kwthom]

...retired to the comfort of the rejuvenation pod.

[Delicate Snowflake]

Meanwhile, off in the distance & approaching rapidly, they heard a group of...

[arcticdude]

State Vice Police running up to the pod

[kwthom]

One of the three cops had an item in their hand.