Inside the engine room of Continuum-5, Tier-1 Engineer Ivan and his Tier-2 assistant Hans were doing some tests. These tests were boring but essential. After all, those on board of the Continuum-5 were the last of humanity. At least, this was what being told to Ivan, who was born on the Interstellar Generation Ship – "Ark" Continuum-5.
Enhanced human nominally lives for a hundred and twenty years, but that was still too short for the interstellar. Speeding up the journey that span over two thousand years was the priority for Ivan. If he could halve the travel time, he would be promoted to a Tier-0 personnel, standing at the top of the Ark.
“Warp drive initiating in three, two, one...”Ivan focused at the panel. “Warp drive initiated.”
“Output level normal, system normal. Test twenty six thousand, three hundred and twelve is a success.”Hans spoke in a cool tone.
“Of course it’s a success, I designed the engine.” Ivan smiled with confidence. “When the tests are over, I will be promoted to Tier-0, and you will be Tier-1.”
Hans packed up like usual, and spoke with the same cool tone, “So, how much longer would it be?”
Although Ivan was still smiling with confidence, but anyone could hear the blues, “Ten more years, perhaps. Although it has been proven by “Kozak”, but we must be careful with the Ark.”
Ivan glanced at the engine, the working desk and went for the exit.
“Skipping work again?” Hans asked in his usual cool tone.
“This is work. Testing the “Kozak” is an important part of it.” Ivan made up his usual excuse.
“Oh really.” Hans didn’t bother looking at him and kept tidying things up.
“Thanks mate.” Ivan left the engine room cheerfully. “Just leave as you are done and get some rest.”
Hans just raised his hand without turning around for goodbye. For them, this was just another day in the office. Work inside the engine room was boring, Ivan kept piles of personal item inside to boost morale, but nothing beats leaving early for a ride. Hans, on the other hand, worked around six or seven hours a day under Ivan. This was really good as other Tier-2 personnel often work ten hours if not more.
