Chapter 748: Hyperion
The transport ship docked smoothly on the hangar deck of the Hyperion.
The hatch opened, and the air mixed with the smell of sweat, blood, and power armor coolant poured out, forming a sharp contrast with the clean air filtered by the hangar's internal circulation system.
Valerie followed Raynor and the Raiders down the ramp.
Her gaze calmly swept across the warship's hangar: the space was vast, enough to accommodate dozens of various aircraft; several Wraith and Viking fighters were parked neatly on the deck, and ground crews were busy conducting maintenance operations; the lighting system was bright and even, and the piping layout on the bulkheads was orderly—this was a well-maintained, professionally operated warship.
Tychus's blue CMC power armor stepped onto the metal deck with a clatter. He lifted his visor, whistled, and his gruff voice echoed in the hangar: "Whoa, Jimmy, this 'borrowed' ship of yours really ain't bad. A lot better than those tin cans I stayed in at the prison."
Raynor didn't look back, just replying faintly: "Mengsk won't mind us borrowing it for a while."
His voice carried a barely detectable hint of sarcasm.
He turned to Valerie and Tychus, making a simple gesture, "Welcome to the mobile headquarters of the Raiders, the Hyperion."
As he led the group through the hangar, he began introductions: "This is Matt Horner, the captain of the Hyperion, and my most capable right-hand man."
A man in a neat officer's uniform with a steady demeanor stepped forward, nodding to Valerie and Tychus in greeting.
His gaze lingered for a moment on the "Security Consultants" behind Valerie, but quickly returned to professional calmness.
"Matt, this is Valerie, representative of 'Far Star United'," Raynor said. "And this is Tychus Findlay."
"Welcome aboard," Matt's voice was gentle but firm. "I have arranged temporary quarters for everyone. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact the bridge."
"This is Rory Swann, our chief engineer," Raynor pointed to a burly man who was just climbing out of an SCV engineering mech.
Swann, wearing oil-stained overalls and holding a data-slate, looked up upon hearing his name and grinned, revealing a simple, honest smile.
"Hey, boss. Need me to take a look at what you brought back this time?" His gaze was immediately drawn to the box radiating a faint blue glow being carried off by the Raiders.
"Later, Swann," Raynor waved his hand. "Let's make sure everyone gets settled in first."
"And Egon Stetmann, our scientific advisor," Raynor pointed to a tall, thin man in the distance who was buried in front of a console, looking somewhat neurotic.
Stetmann didn't seem to notice the introductions over here. He was muttering to himself at the data on the screen, his fingers flying across the keyboard.
"Dr. Stetmann... is quite focused on his research," Matt added somewhat apologetically.
After the brief introductions, Raynor said to the group: "Alright, everyone is dismissed for now. Free time. Anyone needing medical attention go to the medbay, those who want to rest go to your assigned cabins. We'll have a briefing later."
The crowd began to disperse.
The Raiders supported each other as they walked toward the living quarters, and the ground crew began inspecting the transport ship for damage.
Valerie turned and issued orders to her ten "Security Consultants": "Group A, five of you, stay in the hangar to guard the Thunderhawk, conduct basic maintenance and status checks. Group B, five of you, rest in rotation and remain on standby. Execute according to the standard shift schedule."
"Understood," the lead "Security Consultant" responded in a steady voice.
The five warriors immediately turned and walked toward the Thunderhawk gunship parked in the corner, beginning their system checks.
The other five followed a Raider guide to the temporarily assigned rest area.
Their movements were uniform, silent, and highly efficient, once again drawing sidelong glances from some of the surrounding Raiders.
Tychus watched the "tin cans" walk away, leaned close to Raynor, and lowered his voice: "Jimmy, what's the deal with these guys? I've never seen their equipment before, and the way they fight... is just too damn professional. 'Far Star United'? How come I've never heard of this company?"
"I'm not sure either. They claim to be from the Earth Sphere," Raynor frowned slightly. "But at least they saved a lot of our people just now. Let's observe for now. You go store the 'goods' in a secure location and wait for my word."
"Relax, leave it to me." Tychus patted his chest plate, producing a dull thud, then turned and walked toward the box storing the artifact fragment, directing a few Raiders to carry it away.
Valerie watched Tychus leave, then nodded to Raynor and Matt: "I'm going to familiarize myself with the ship's layout."
"The living quarters are on Deck C; the mess hall and recreational facilities are on Deck D," Matt politely provided the information. "Do you need a guide?"
"No need, I can take a look myself," Valerie replied, then turned and left the hangar following the directional signs.
She walked through the spacious corridors of the ship, her gaze calmly observing the surrounding environment.
The interior design of the Hyperion was practical and minimalist. The bulkheads were a standard metallic gray, the lighting was ample, and various pipes were neatly secured to brackets.
Occasionally, crew members passed by her, casting curious or scrutinizing glances, but they all remained polite.
She first went to the temporary cabin assigned to her.
The room wasn't large but was fully functional: a bed, a small desk, a storage locker, and a basic sanitation unit.
She placed the briefcase she carried on the desk, checked the status of her communication equipment, and confirmed that the encrypted link with the Eternal Seeker remained stable.
Afterward, she left the cabin and began walking around the ship.
She passed through the living quarters and saw some Raiders resting; some were cleaning their weapons, others talking in low voices.
She passed by the engineering bay, hearing the hum of operating machinery and Swann's voice directing the ground crew.
She passed by the research lab and saw Stetmann through the observation window, gesturing wildly and talking to a pile of instruments.
Finally, she arrived at the bar located on Deck D.
The bar was not large, but the atmosphere was relatively relaxed.
A few Raiders were sitting at the bar drinking and chatting in low voices.
The bartender, a middle-aged man with a placid expression, was wiping a glass.
Raynor was sitting alone in a corner booth, a glass of amber liquid in front of him.
He looked somewhat exhausted, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.
Valerie walked up to the bar, ordered a glass of water, and then walked toward Raynor's seat with the glass.
"Mind if I sit here, Mr. Raynor?" she asked.
Raynor looked up, glanced at her, and nodded: "Be my guest."