Few Nebula Hopper League craft have as storied or vibrant a history as the Maple Leaf. Under the guidance of Star Captain Kyle Dubas and Master Engineer Sheldon Keefe, the legendary vessel speeds through the galaxy searching for new tales of glory...

Gasping, Kyle forces himself off his ships deck. Standing is all he can accomplish for a dizzying moment but slowly his vision settles and his neurons start firing. He is alive, that much is obvious from how uncomfortable he is. Because Kyle is alive that must mean his ship is intact and, even better, operational. These truths settle in as more contextual memories begin to coalesce. The ship had been using the new engine concept for months. It had been working for the most part, he and Sheldon hadn’t got it tuned perfectly when… Sheldon!!!

“Engine room, this is the bridge, come in engine room!” Kyle doesn’t even try to keep the panic from his tone. “Engine room! Sheldon!”

No answer beyond the faint buzz of the intercom. Without another thought Kyle starts to run toward the door. At least he intends to, as he takes his first step the dizziness returns and before he takes a second step he is back on the deck. It’s cool on the floor and it feels very sturdy. Kyle keeps his eyes closed for three deep breaths then gets back to his feet.

“I’m coming Sheldon.” Kyle says, gripping the bulkhead for support. “Just hang on.”

“Kyle? Oh my head. What happened?” Sheldons voice is soft but clear. “It wasn’t the engine, it was like… something.”

“I’m looking into it. Glad you’re okay, can you check on the food once your head stops spinning.”

“No problem. Glad you’re still alive Kyle.”

“You too, Sheldon.”

Over the next several hours Kyle and Sheldon ran diagnostics on all the systems of the good ship Maple Leaf. When everything came back clear, they ran them again. Despite how shocking and unprecedented the situation, the choice was clear. Kyle and Sheldon would keep going as if whatever happened was over. A dangerous assumption but until there was more information it was the most logical choice. Of course that doesn’t mean the two intrepid adventures would maintain the status quo. These two would never be satisfied with their ship until it was universally recognized as the best.

“I’ve been thinking of a few tweaks we could make to the engine.” Sheldon says. “It’s fast, but it could definitely be faster”

“I was thinking the same thing, I wonder if we could scrub a few ionic fractals from the molecular resonantor, it might allow for…”

“More power in the torsion field!” Sheldon finishes the thought. “Brilliant!”

And so the work begins again, although it never really stopped. Whatever may happen, the Maple Leaf will be ready for the next adventure.