As the sound of his boots clunked against the floor of the bio-engine jet, it looked like a scowl had been permanently painted across the man’s scarred face. Light scarring was visible along his nose bridge and upper lip, adding a light contrast to his tan skin. Along the pilot’s jawline, cutting through his five o’ clock shadow, was another scar. Notably, one of the blood vessels in Nicholas’ eye had popped, giving his eye a red look, while the other still remained neutral. The interior design of the jet was truly something to marvel at for the pilot on the Cerberus Strike Team. He was used to scrapped junk, not military grade aircraft.

“Let’s give this shit-show a test drive.” The twenty-eight year old pilot grumbled beneath his breath, taking a long draw of his cigarette before he moved towards the control panel in the cockpit, curiously gazing over each button, lever, control, switch, and display panel. It wasn’t long until the mechanic and pilot realized he’d be co-piloting with not another human, but a Bio-Engine. Bio-Engines, or Plants, essentially ran the entire ship, and had certain controls over mechanics that he wouldn’t be able to access in the cockpit. To say Nicholas was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.

His calloused fingers ran over the control panel, watching each mechanic and button come to light as the jet turned on at his mere presence. As he turned to look at the crawl space behind the pilot’s chair, he stared at the tunnel that would lead him to the Plant’s Chamber, where the Bio-Engine would reside. Cracking his knuckles, the man plopped down in the cockpit’s chair. The excitement of a child bubbled in his chest, despite his stoic, unamused expression. The mechanics were new, updated, and it looked like evening was in working order. When Nicholas felt a hand pluck his cigarette from his lips, he glowered.

“D’ya mind giving me back my cigarette? Those get more expensive by the day, y’know.” Nicholas grunted out, a look of displeasure evident across his face.