[Chapter 7] Popeye the Astronaut Man

Now that Popeye has entered the public domain, I am writing a science-fiction story starring the sailor in an entirely new adventure. This story will be told over the next thirteen weeks exclusively available to members. If you’re not a member, now’s a great time to join.

I plan to self-publish the entire work this summer. In the meantime, here’s Chapter Seven: First Contact.

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The vastness of space stretched out before Popeye like an endless, star-studded ocean. He stood on the bridge of the _Space Hag_, gazing out the massive viewport. He felt a sense of awe and wonder washing over him. He'd only been aboard for a few days. He was just starting to settle into the rhythm of shipboard life: learning the intricacies of this futuristic technology and bonding with his fellow crewmates.

As he was taking in this view, a sharp siren suddenly pierced the air. A tense voice issued an explanation over the intercom.

"Attention all crew! Unidentified vessel approaching! Red alert! Red alert!"

Popeye felt a sudden surge of adrenaline. This was it. It was going to be his first encounter with the Ropodas. He gripped the railing, his knuckles turning white, as his eyes remained fixed on the primary viewscreen.

A sleek, menacing vessel, its hull bristling with strange, organic weaponry, materialized from the swirling depths of alphaspace. It was unlike any ship Popeye had ever seen, a grotesque fusion of technology and biology. Its entire hull pulsed with an eerie green light.

"Ropoda scout ship," crackled the voice of Buck Rogers over the intercom. His tone was grim but resolute. "Prepare for evasive maneuvers. Communications officer Felicia, attempt to establish contact."

The Space Hag lurched as it swerved to avoid the ship's erratic movements. On the viewscreen, a holographic representation of the alien vessel flickered with data analysis.

"No response Captain," the Felicia reported. She sounded scared. "They're jamming our signals and ignoring all hails."

Buck Rogers' jaw tightened.

"They aren't interested in diplomacy then. Prepare a boarding party. We need to assess their intentions and gather intelligence."