Dae points their comm unit at the ysoki. "Looks like he got a charge out of that. But the engine's fine now! I knew he could do it!" Then the pahtra looks for a video pickup. "Ah, Captain Concierge--which way to the missile launcher?"
“Ooh, shocking!” the hologram comments unhelpfully as Tick-Tick gets zapped by the engine. "The missile launcher is upstairs."
"Depends on what you need to do to fix it, I guess. Not my field. If computers could fix it, though, I'd bet they already would've done it from the bridge."
"Well, let's go see."
The central cargo hold is mostly clear, with the bulk of the cargo stored in the adjoining port and starboard holds. A catwalk with metal guardrails is raised 15 feet above the floor and accessible via ladder. The port stairs lead to the upper deck, and have an industrial, open design and metal guardrail.
There is a small opening to the southwest and a wall with many gaps to the east.
As the team moves out of the medbay, the ship is hit again, and a pipe bursts, shooting steam into the room behind them.
The eastern room is filled with containers of various sorts. Food, ammunition, medical gear. Nothing innately valuable, but all the sorts of things you need to have a successful expedition.
"I see only one set of doors to check before we follow the rat's advice and go up." Dae heads west to the double doors and prepares to open them.
This room has windows overlooking the ship’s aft and camera displays that monitor the exterior. You can control the exterior cargo crane or extend and retract the accordion gangways on the upper hold. The starboard forward missile launcher is jammed but could be repaired by someone standing on the starboard external bridgeway.
"It is time to press the attack. We can search every cot and space-head after we've gotten control of the ship, and the Corpse Fleet isn't trying to atomize us. I say we storm the bridge," Obozaya opines. "Unless we still wanted to try and recruit more allies, like whoever - or whatever - Polly is?"
"We should get the missile launcher back on line, though, so we don't get pounded apart while we're taking the bridge."
Obozaya nods agreement with Zlee, and then hoists her machine gun. "Come, Dae. Let's give your viewers something bell-ringing worthy!"
Obozaya grabs Dae's recorder, looks right into the lens, and says, "Hey Daedreamers - subscribe to this!" before releasing it and stomping off towards the bridge.
The team ascends to the upper deck. There is an airlock leading to the west and a doorway to the east that appears to lead to another cargo hold.
The upper cargo hold is empty, with metal grating for a floor. A small, winged creature is on the opposite side, checking something on the doorway further east.
Obozaya looks at the winged thing, makes a face, and then turns around to ask Brinn, or Captain Concierge, "which way to the Bridge?
Dae follows, pointing their comm unit camera around.
There’s no oxygen or gravity on the external bridgeways. Without environmental protections, you cannot safely breathe in a vacuum. There is a guardrail on the opposite side from the hull and a cable attached to the hull for movement.
The missile launcher is at the front of the ship. It can be repaired with Acrobatics, Athletics or Crafting - though getting in position to make the checks may be a challenge on its own.
Dae looks over the airlock area for conveniently-placed magboot storage.
There's a rope and a guardrail! What more could safety inspectors want?
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Zlee has no skill at mechanical type tasks , and he has generally avoided strenuous activity, the kind that develops sensor-motor skills . He watches and recommends making sure whoever goes out has zir environmental support feature in zir armor activated and perhaps clip a caliper to the support cable.
Obozaya nods, as she grips and ties the other end to herself, anchoring the line.
Tick-Tick and Obozaya walk carefully along the bridgeway, being sure to grip the rope and railing tightly. Once they reach the missile launcher, Obo anchors Tick-Tick, who begins repairs. At first, the mechanic has trouble figuring out what needs to be done, but with some extra effort, he manages to clear the jam, increasing the ship's defensive capabilities.
Obozaya nods in satisfaction seeing Tick-Tick clear the obstruction. "Well done, Tick-Tick! Damoritosh smiles on those who facilitate the delivery of heavy ordnance," she says with a vesk grin within her fishbowl helmet.
"Bridge, or that strange bird-thing next? I vote Bridge - the longer these idiots are in control of the ship, the more likely they are to get us all killed against the undead."
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Tick-Tick comms back as he pulls himself to the vesk, "Thanks Obo! Ya'know, that is one thing I appreciate about the vesk and Damaritosh and such, y'all have some pretty good taste when it comes to explosives." His tail is active in this environment, making both large and small swoops to keep him in ideal orientation. Often it would grab or press carefully against the attached cable. Based on his actions, these tail movements seem more unconscious than conscious, almost completely muscle memory.
"I'm down to go bridge. Fixing explosives isn't as satisfying as setting them off."
There is one small problem with going to the bridge next - the only ways to reach it are through the cargo bay or by breaching the hull.
Obozaya looks to Zlee. "Do we try and talk to the bird beast on our way to the Bridge, or shall I take the lead?" she says while hefting her machine gun, making very clear her intentions.
"Oh, let's talk to it. If it's an enemy, better to fight it before we get to the bridge."
The team enters the cargo bay. The creature looks up at them as soon as they do. It moves closer and sneers at Dae, who seems to be leading the
group.
"You don't look like Corpse Fleet or any of the Captain's crew. Suppose you broke out of the brig? No surprise, with Brinn in charge. Don't worry, you'll be back as soon as we handle the problem outside the hull."
Dae's whiskers twitch, but the pahtra quickly regains their self-control. "We--well, Tick-Tick there did the hands-on work--repaired your drive and got your missile launcher back on line. Who's doing a better job of handling 'the problem outside the hull,' us or the Captain? Stand aside and let us show you!"