Gurnes lay sprawled on his back in the cramped confines of the Stardancer's engine room, tools scattered across the cold metal floor. The ship, his constant companion through the cosmos, was in need of some tender care.

"Alright, girl, let's get you patched up," he murmured, running his hands over the ship's battered hull. "No shortcuts this time, we're going for a complete overhaul."

As he tinkered with the ship's systems, Gurnes spoke to it like an old friend, addressing it as if it were a living being. The hum of the engine seemed to respond, a comforting melody to his ears..

Focused on his repairs, Gurnes didn't notice Jax approaching from behind. With a gentle tap on Gurnes's shoulder, she said, "were ready for you up there, Captain."

Gurnes, caught off guard, jolted upward, colliding with the ship's bulkhead. "Ouch! Ok be there soon, this girl is giving me a little trouble anrt you honey.",

She chuckled. "Talking to your ship again, Gurnes?"

He smirked, rubbing his head. "You know how it is, Jax. The Stardancer and I have an understanding."

Jax raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just make sure your understanding includes not giving yourself a concussion."

As she turned to leave. she asked, "You alright, Captain?"

Gurnes winced as he rubbed his head. "Just a bruise, Jax. Nothing I can't handle."

"That's not what I was talking about," Jax said, concern etched on her face.

Gurnes waved her away. "I'm fine, Jax. Don't worry about it."

As she turned to leave, Gurnes remained on his back, tools in hand, contemplating the vastness of space above him. The memory of a cold, hard room flooded his mind—a room devoid of any warmth or comfort. In the fragmented recollection, he saw himself as a little boy, lying on a frigid floor. A blurred figure from the Yerl Faction stood over him, pushing his unconscious sister aside. The room's coldness seemed to seep into his bones.

The flashback dissolved, leaving Gurnes lying beneath his ship, a chill in his bones. He shook off the memories, returning to his repairs with a practiced hand before rolling out fro under the Stardancer and shighing. 

"Well girl, see you later" he patted his ship and headed put the door.