“Elvis, what the hell?!” I asked as my seat’s safety harness disengaged. I immediately vomited as I floated up out of the chair. An A-Ganger bot flew over, hissing with puffs of air as it jettisoned out from wherever it was hiding. It beeped and buzzed, obviously irritated, as it cleaned the floating globules of vomit from the air around me, then zipped away back to its hiding spot behind the bulkhead. “Oh God,” I said, groaning. “Does this thing have artificial gravity, or am I going to have to get used to my stomach being in my chest?” I asked.

  “Elvis waiting on order from Captain to initiate artificial gravity systems,” Elvis said. “Yes, turn on the damn gravity,” I said as I began floating upside down. There was a small electrical hum as gravity slowly returned to a close approximation of Earth normal allowing me to gently float back to the floor or “deck” of the bridge.

  “Elvis, I am the captain of this ship now, right?” I asked with irritation.

  “Yes! You are Captain of glorious Blood Hound!” Elvis replied.

  “Then I am giving you a standing order, don’t do anything like that again without, ever,” I said in aggravation. “We have some rules to go over before we get started on anything else. Are we safe now?” I asked both Elvis and Tiff.

  “We should be safe to get situated and acclimate to our new situation,” Tiff said. “This Dungeon is enormous and expected to take a long time, so there is no hurry right now. Elvis was right to get us off the tutorial world. The boss will more than likely re-spawn or be replaced as other participants finish the level, so we did not want to be in the shipyard for that. We have time to figure out everything that needs to be done next. In the meantime, we can check out this Havok battle suit and try to get some information on your class. There will more than likely be some travel time to the next planet once we see the details of Level 1.”

  “Hey, why didn’t you float away when the gravity was gone?” I asked, “You’re physically here, aren’t you?”

  “Yes and no,” Tiff said, “while I do appear as a physical facsimile of my true body, and you can see and touch me, I’m not really completely here. This representation of me can aid you and potentially even assist in combat, but with that being said, if this body dies or takes damage, it will weaken my true body. I am not sure how much you know about quantum computing or existing in a quantum state. Your world has barely begun to scratch the surface of this technology, but I am essentially a being that can exist in a quantum state or be in two places at one time. Let me put this in terms of data,” she said. “Computer data, as you know, speaks in a language of 1’s and 0’s called Binary Code. The language of data consists of billions of combinations of those two numbers to create code. Code is written to create complex algorithms that will then direct programs on what to do. Is this making sense?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I think so,” I replied. “It’s like those Matrix movies: When the guys in the real world look at the computer screen, they see a bunch of green 1s and 0s all over the screen, but inside the program, those 1s and 0s make up people or buildings?”

  “Exactly!” Tiff said, “Before quantum computing, it was assumed that something had to be one or a zero; there was no other option. Quantum computing changed that understanding. A Quantum computer could create something that was both a one and a zero at the same time, existing in both states simultaneously. That is a very simplified explanation of what I am. I am a Quantum AI entity. I exist in both my true body and here at the same time. The decisions and outcomes here also affect my true body. To sum it up: If I die here, I probably die or become seriously injured there,” she explained.

  “This is a lot,” I said, sitting back down in the captain’s chair. “Is Elvis the same kind of AI as you?” I asked.

  “Elvis is ship AI. Elvis live only in ship and make sure ship kill everything,” Elvis said in response.

  “That is correct. Elvis is a localized AI designed for a specific purpose. While he is aware and super intelligent, he cannot exist outside of the confines of this ship,” Tiff explained.

  “Elvis is super intelligent?” I asked, “he doesn’t sound super intelligent.”

  “He has adopted the mannerisms and personality you hear by choice. It’s unclear why he chose to appear less intelligent than he is but be aware that he surpasses any computer or AI your world has ever seen or could likely produce in the next few centuries. He manages an entire ship, executing thousands of procedures and sub-routines every minute. He also simultaneously creates and employs sub-minds to continuously monitor every aspect of the ship. He is likely also programmed with advanced battle strategies for both orbital and deep space engagements, as well as surface operations. I am sure he also oversees the medical bay,” she elaborated.

  “Elvis smart,” Elvis chimed in.

  “Sorry, buddy, didn’t mean to question your intellect,” I responded.

  “Okay, we need to get settled, and then we can meet in the armory to see what this class has to offer,” I said. “Elvis, I know you’re the C.O.B., but let’s have Tiff take the COB’s quarters since they are located on the bridge along with the captain’s quarters,” I said

  “Let’s take an hour to get cleaned up. Hopefully there are supplies on board because I haven’t eaten in…how long has it been?” I asked.

  “It’s been approximately eight hours local time,” Tiff said.

  “Okay, I’ll get cleaned up, and then we can meet in the Galley,” I said.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Tiff replied.

  “Then we kill!” Elvis chimed in.

  The captain’s quarters were on the left-hand side of the bridge as you exited the elevator, while the COB’s quarters were on the right. I walked toward the door of my new quarters and saw the description on the door: “Captain Dawes” was on the digital placard. I just shook my head and sighed deeply.

  I walked through the automatic door into my new quarters. The doors hissed as they disappeared into the frame. I smiled and fingered the smooth frame in amazement one more time. The room was spacious, a large square room, approximately 25 ft. by 25 ft., again, with grey metallic walls or “bulkheads”, as I had to keep reminding myself. On the right side was a small room, which I guessed was the bathroom and shower area. Sure enough, as I walked toward the room, I saw that I was right as the door slid open, and a very pleasant light slowly illuminated the space. “Okay, at least I can take a shower,” I said, turning around and walking back into the main living space. I stood in the room and took a minute to inspect my surroundings and take stock.

  It was nice. On the far wall, there was a desk/workstation. It had a touch-sensitive top that operated as a computer, I guessed. Two chairs sat opposite the desk. In the back part of the room, there was one more closed-off space that contained my bed. I really wanted to sleep, but unfortunately, that would have to wait until later.

  Near the bathroom, there was a small closet. When I opened it, I saw that it contained five uniforms. They had no military markings. The uniform was charcoal grey, and the jacket was long-sleeved with a zipper on the front. There was a collar of sorts that stuck up about half an inch from the jacket with four yellow stripes embroidered on the left side. “Hey, Elvis. What are these four stripes on the collar of my uniform?” I asked.

  “Stripes signify rank. Four stripes mean you are captain of Bloodhound.” Elvis replied through the comms in my quarters.

  “Fair enough,” I muttered. Looking down at the floor of the closet, I noticed some new black boots and, thankfully, five new pairs of socks.

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  “Elvis, I wasn’t sure about this whole “captain” thing, but the fresh socks sold me. I owe you, buddy,” I said, greedily grabbing a fresh pair of socks. When I picked the socks up, I noticed they were warm. “Elvis, did you warm my socks?”

  “Warm socks make warm hearts. Elvis is COB and must make crew feel at home!” Elvis replied.

  “Remind me to give you top marks on your evaluation then,” I said before

  I moved back to the bathroom and began undressing. I took off my boots and saw the one missing sock. My pants and shirt were caked with blood and dirt, and I realized I left my pack in the cargo bay. I couldn’t see myself needing it or the tire iron again, so I just asked Elvis to have an A-ganger retrieve it and store it for me. I stepped into the small corner shower, mentally preparing myself for the experience. The pressure was perfect, and the water was hot immediately. I hadn’t had a hot shower in three years and took full advantage of this one. There was no soap, I quickly realized, so I called for Elvis once again. “Elvis, can you help me out here? There doesn’t seem to be any soap in the shower,” I said.

  “Just say word and shower will infuse cleaning agent. Elvis chose scent he thought Captain would like.” Elvis replied.

  I stood under the heavenly jets of hot water, closed my eyes, and said, “Soap.” Like magic, the scent of sandalwood and citrus filled my nostrils. I could feel the soap in the water for a few seconds, and then it was gone, replaced by clean, hot water.

  I finished bathing, soaked up a few more minutes of the heavenly hot shower, and decided it was time to get back to the task at hand. There were no towels, I noticed as I exited the shower. Instead, a blast of concentrated warm air shot down from the overhead and up from a small vent directly in front of the shower. I was completely dry in seconds. “Nice,” I said as I looked around at myself. Walking over to the mirror, I took a few seconds to inspect myself. I hadn’t used a mirror in a long time. One finds that they don’t have much use for mirrors when they are living in the woods without basic amenities such as electricity and running water. I looked older than I remembered, weathered and aged by the last three years. I pushed my wet hair back and ran my fingers through my beard. I considered shaving, but I thought it looked good, and I wasn’t sure if there were shaving supplies anyhow, so I used the toothbrush Elvis had conveniently provided to brush my teeth and headed to get dressed.

  After my shower, it was time to get dressed. First, I put on the warm socks. Elvis was right; I couldn’t explain it, but the warm socks and underwear made me feel like a king. “Ahh, it’s the little things,” I said with a smile. Then, taking a uniform out to see how it fit, I noticed the trousers were perfectly tailored and fit like a glove. I had never worn a uniform, much less a military uniform, but I was happy with the change of clothes. My old clothes had seen better days, and I had forgotten the feeling of putting on new clothes. It’s amazing how you forget the simple things, the things that make you feel good about yourself. I stood up and looked at myself in the wall mirror located just outside the closet, “Okay, Captain Dawes, let’s try to stay alive,” I said to myself.

  I walked out of my quarters and didn’t see Tiff on the bridge, so I entered the elevator and went down to the first deck. I walked out and saw the armory a few doors down on my left.

  “Captain ready to kill?” Elvis asked excitedly.

  “Not quite yet, Elvis. I need to figure out what this class is about first,” I said as Tiff walked through the door. Amazingly, she was also wearing a uniform. Hers had three stripes on the collar. It also fit much, much better than mine.

  “I guess we have uniforms,” I said with a shrug.

  “It’s not uncommon for a ship’s crew to wear uniforms,” she replied, walking ahead of me and toward the console in the armory. As she walked, I couldn’t help but notice that her uniform fit really, really well. She looked back. “Is everything okay, Captain?” she asked.

  “Uhhh, yeah,” I said, coughing into my hand. “Let’s see if we can figure this class out.”

  I walked up to the console to see it automatically light up as I approached. “Where do I get info on my class, Elvis?”

  “I’ll put on console screen for Captain,” he replied.

  I looked around as I waited for the information to be processed. “This room seems really big,” I said to Tiff. She didn’t reply. Instead, she just looked around as if to assess for herself. The console was in the middle front of the room and was accessible immediately upon entering. Open metal lockers lined up on both sides in the room's front half. On the left side, I could see weapons: some rifles and smaller guns, though I couldn’t identify them. When I tried, my interface just said: “Weapons Locker”. On the right side, the lockers were bigger, and there were only five in total. When I tried to identify them, my interface said, “Orbital Drop Armor Locker.”

  In front of the console were five large lanes stretching all the way to the back of the armory. “It’s a shooting range,” I said.

  “Yes, this shooting range for practice killing!” Elvis said.

  As I looked around, I saw it: behind the console and to the left, in front of the shooting range, there was a round, slightly lifted platform, only about 3 feet in diameter. I walked up to the platform to see it spin open, allowing a black suit of armor to rise from below it. I inspected the armor and quickly came to a conclusion…It was completely insane.

  “Experimental Havok Bringer Battle Armor,” my interface read.

  “Woah, is that mine?” I asked.

  “Yes! That is Captain’s armor,” Elvis said, “provided by Havok Bringer class! Havok Bringer armor is made to kill!”

  “A Boon and a curse,” Tiff whispered, walking up behind me. “The armor is the Boon; the ship must be the curse; at least, it looked like a curse at first sight, but it really seems to be a good ship. Not every ship has an AI, and I am willing to bet that there is more to this ship than meets the eye. Something doesn’t add up here. This class shouldn’t have this many benefits,” Tiff said.

  I could tell she was trying to figure something out, and that worried me. Tiff was my guardian and was supposed to supply me with intel and aid. If she didn't know anything about my class, it was concerning.

  “Okay, we have some things to figure out,” I said as I walked up to the console. “Elvis, show me the class description.” The console lit up with text:

  Havok Bringer

  Some warriors fight for fortune, some fight for fame. Then there is the Havok Bringer. Utilizing the legacy of the failed Havokium revolution, the Havok Bringer fights for neither fame nor fortune. The Havok Bringer has one goal: to rain death, chaos, and disaster on those who would seek to enslave the masses. The Havok Bringer lives to end the tyranny of the universe, and by selecting this class, you now have the tools to help you succeed where the Havokium Empire failed.

  Class Selected – Havok Bringer

  Equipment Included:

  Blood Hound – Havokium orbital drop and evac ship. (Warning -Ship is in a severe state of disrepair but should function at an acceptable level.)

  Experimental Havok Bringer Battle Suit – While untested, this battle suit was meant to be the ultimate weapon in the battle against the tyrannical Universal Council. Unfortunately, the Havokium rebellion never got the chance to utilize this weapon, as they were eliminated prior to its deployment.

  Optional equipment available due to defeating tutorial boss:

  Black Hole Daggers – no force in the universe exists more powerful than the dreaded Black Hole: a place void of matter and the peril of countless starships. The black hole will aid you in your quest.

  Ability – Black Hole Drain, Black Hole Implosion – upon cutting an enemy, this dagger will drain vital energy with each slice. Upon successfully piercing an enemy with both daggers simultaneously, the Black Hole Implosion will activate, imploding the enemy completely after three consecutive seconds embedded in the body of the enemy.

  Warning: The Rule of Duplicity will apply to this weapon

  Curse Description – Sand Bagger.

  Accept equipment? Y/N

  “This doesn’t make any sense,” Tiff said. “This ship looks terrible from the outside, but it’s well-stocked and even seems to be advanced from the inside. This was made to look like a curse, but it’s obviously not. Someone is helping or trying to stack the deck against the Lacertines at a minimum,” Tiff said.

  “Well, whoever did it, I am not complaining. It’s about time I caught a break. My dad always said, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” and this gift horse has a sock warmer. I replied.

  “Look, I have to decide on the optional equipment I received for killing the Drill Sergeant,” I told Tiff. “The curse is called “Sand Bagger” ...any thoughts on what that means?” I asked.

  “No. It probably means you will take on something that might hold you back in your future missions. Something that drags you down, something that is a pain in your ass. On the plus side, it probably won’t be lethal. Listen, those daggers would be a great primary melee weapon for you, especially with your growing stats and added levels. They have the ability to become your primary melee weapon as you grow stronger. I say you should take them and live with whatever the curse is,” Tiff said.

  “Okay,” I said as I looked at the console and tapped “yes.”

  A form of a human man slowly materialized in front of me. “AAAGGGHHH! AAAGGHH!” The man had his hands on his cheeks, and he was turning red while screaming like a frightened child.

  I grabbed him by the shoulders and gently smacked him in the face to calm him down. “CJ, CJ! Calm down, it’s me, it’s Andrew. You are safe; just calm down.”

  CJ stopped screaming and looked around to see that he was now in a spaceship; his eyes went wide with fear and excitement at the realization. “Is this…a freaking spaceship?!”

  “Yeah, buddy, you missed a few things. I have a spaceship now! Welcome to the Blood Hound,” I said, smiling and patting him on the shoulder.