Axl felt slightly lonely as he stood off by himself on the deck, just gazing at the stars. Lots of people would tell him that he actually didn't feel anything, but that he had feelings implanted in him. But he didn't believe that, the scientists that created him put a real human soul in him, he was certain of that. And he was certain that right now he was lonely, for the rest of the recruits had gone off by themselves after being briefly introduced and moved in. No one stayed to get to know each other, or talk, they just dropped their stuff and left. Of course he knew that this wasn't a social trip, but still, Axl would have liked maybe build some relationships. But no, the others had things they felt had to be done. But not Axl. Axl just wandered around aimlessly on the ship, wondering what he himself could do, until he came to the viewing deck, where the magnificence of space had captured him.<br/><br/>After a while he pulled himself away from his trance, and decided to just examine the passengers. As he watched he could see many different types of people, from every country and upbringing. From the formally dressed to the shifty-handed, he spotted many people. He even saw a few of his kind: Androids and Casts, artificial humans that were so realistic and varied, that only the trained eye of a fellow robotic human could pick them out from a crowd. Many of them noticed him as well, and each one that looked his way gave a small smile and a nod. But other than that, no one really noticed the teenaged looking Android. So with a sigh he started to again prowl the deck of the vessel. As he walked, he couldn't help but remember the preparations right before he had boarded this ship...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Upgrades?" Axl looked at Dr. Morga from atop the platform, pieces of his inner machinery showing through cuts and holes in his artificial skin as other doctors worked on him. "What kinds of upgrades am I getting?" The young doctor adjusted the small glasses on his nose, and smiled, "You'll be getting quite a few new features and improvements. The work that you will be doing on your trip is much different than what we have you do here. You'll need to be prepared for anything. First off we will install a universal translater into your processor, for when you discover an inhabited planet. We must also work on improving you exo-skeletal armor and internal mechanisms to endure varied atmospheres and climates." The doctor working on his right side, Dr. Keikaro-a young and compasionate woman who Axl considered his mother-continued where Morga left off, "We also have to install new and improved weapons for you. You know how to use your interface and weapons system well, plus who knows what kinds of vicious creatures are out there. Axl gave a grin, "But I'm made of metal, not like it's really gonna hurt me." This prompted a slap from the woman, "I don't care if you can't feel it! It will still damage you, and I don't want you getting hurt." Axl laughed, "Ok, ok, I'll be careful." Dr.Morga nodded, "This is gonna be a real dangerous and risky voyage Axl, make sure you do your best to protect everyone. We're all rooting for you." Axl gave a kind grin. "You bet, I won't let you down!"</span><br/><br/>After reminiscing, the android examined his arms. Activating a command to switch to battle mode, his hand was folded up and pulled into the internal mechanisms of his arm. Where the hand was before, the barrel of a shotgun appeared, a gleaming silver cylinder the size of his wrist. Examining how it was much better than the gun he started with, he silently reaffirmed his promise to the scientists. He would most definitely be a valuable asset to the team, and make his nation proud.<br/><br/>As he replaced his hand again, a great blast of light lit up the deck, followed shortly by the ship rumbling and shaking. As he looked up he saw what was most likely an explosion that came from the distant planet. The ship lurched to one side, causing Axl to grab onto the railing to remain balanced. There was soon some screaming and whispering, an obvious panic coming from the passengers. Ignoring the voices, Axl quietly and emotionessly analyzed the scene, trying to understand it and determine the situation. There was no fear in his eyes, no panic. Emotions were built in him to be able to build relationships like a real human, but in this situation, it would only get in the way. After taking in everything that he could about this sudden development, a message came over the speaker,<span style="font-style: italic">"Calling all recruiters on deck immediately."</span><br/><br/>Already on the deck the captain referred to, Axl saw him walking up, and nodded his head to him, "Captain." Moments later he saw Rysantia, the young hunter of Thythania. She did not notice him, so he did not say anything, since it wasn't the time. He stood with his arms crossed, and awaited the others. A depressing thought crossed his mind: No type of tool or weapon he had would help this situation at all.