Science Ship One dropped out of the Hyperlane, its speed plummeting as it entered the gravitational field of the [Issam] system.
Welcoming these brave scientists was Issam V, the outermost planet: a barren, dark-red world with faint planetary rings and enormous impact craters covering its surface.
In truth, the scientists had grown terribly bored during their long voyage through space. Their job was to live aboard this Science Ship, endlessly exploring star systems, surveying their interiors, and reporting their findings to the homeworld's data center.
Even when they encountered unusual subjects worth studying, the marshal forbade research. They were only to record them, then continue exploring star systems.
The voyage had been fascinating at first, but after more than six months of nonstop exploration, everyone had grown tired of the endless routine. They had even gotten bored of Minecraft on their computers and were now looking for new ways to entertain themselves.
That weighty responsibility had fallen to the scientist piloting the ship.
At that moment, a crowd of scientists surrounded the pilot, watching as he deftly maneuvered the Science Ship through the rings of Issam V.
"Nice flying!"
As he nimbly dodged another ring, the watching scientists couldn't help cheering.
"I was one hell of a pilot back in the military. Say what you will, flying a Faster-than-Light ship feels amazing. Even at sublight, it's a good deal faster!"
The pilot boasted, and someone soon challenged him. "Oh, please. There's an asteroid belt ahead. Still dare to go any faster?"
"Trust my skills!"
To their surprise, the pilot eagerly swung the bow around and charged toward the asteroid-filled belt.
"Holy shit! Are you fucking insane?"
In a frantic scramble, the group dragged the pilot out of his seat and replaced him with someone more levelheaded.
No doubt this pilot's