Telos IV: The Beginning
Lor chuckled. "It's just a simple flight to orbit, but if you are uncomfortable doing it, I am a capable pilot." It didn't take long to get off the ground. The old gentleman did not speak much more on the way up, except when they got within view of their destination. "There she is." Lor pointed out the viewscreen. "The Wayworn. She's not much to look at," Lor admitted--it was after all just a sphere with a glaringly empty hole, undoubtedly where the Oculus docked . "But it works for our purposes. It uses both sensor jammers and visually cloaking optical shields to conceal itself so we can stay concealed while gathering information over a planet, to avoid hostile reactions from unknown lifeforms or primitive cultures," Lor explained. As they approached the larger ship, Lor reoriented the Oculus so that it was facing away from the Wayworn and then docked backwards.
As the pair exited the landing sphere, a young Human girl was waiting for them in the hallway, leaning casually against a bulkhead. She had long dark hair and typical scouting attire, except for the tank top she wore, her scout jacket or cloak probably shed because she was inside . "Well, it looks like it'll make a decent bodyguard," the girl said critically.
Lor gave a small sigh and then made introductions. "HK-13 this is my granddaughter, Elna Echols. Elna, this is HK-13."
"Hmph," was all she could manage before she noticed HK's weapon. "Grandpa, a concussion rifle, really?"
"It wasn't my choice it was his," Lor said placatingly. When Elna gave him a skeptical look, Lor added, "You can ask him yourself."
Elna turned to HK-13. "Did you really pick that on your own?" she asked. "Or did my grandfather influence your decision because of his silly beliefs?"