Vortag’s ship, a hulking monstrosity of jagged metal and pulsating energy, materialized from the asteroid field like a predator emerging from the shadows. Its cloaking device flickered, revealing glimpses of its terrifying form before snapping back into invisibility. The attack came without warning.

  "Incoming!" Veeva yelled, her hands a blur on the controls as she juked the SS Obselete to avoid a blast that scorched the asteroid beside them. The ship shuddered under the impact.

  "Sparks, unleash the… uh… the thing!" Zero shouted, his voice strained.

  "The 'space-eel intestine contraption' is online, Captain!" Sparks replied, his face illuminated by the glowing panels of his bizarre weapon. With a deafening roar, the device unleashed a torrent of shimmering, iridescent energy, striking Vortag's ship with surprising accuracy.

  The cloaking device faltered again, revealing a bright flash of damage across Vortag’s hull. It wasn't enough to disable him, but it clearly bought them some time.

  "Veeva, we need to use the asteroids for cover!" Zero yelled.

  Veeva, a master of chaotic maneuvering, threaded the SS Obselete through the deadly maze of space rocks, utilizing their uneven surfaces for protection. The ship bounced and swayed, almost tipping over several times, a testament to her incredible skill. Zero felt a jolt of pride; her piloting was phenomenal.

  "Zero, look out!" Luna shouted, pointing to a large rock heading straight for them.

  Zero reacted instinctively, pulling back on the stick. The SS Obselete veered sharply, missing the asteroid by a hair’s breadth. His reflexes were sharper than ever before, a definite improvement. He actually wasn't sure he could have pulled that off just a few days ago.

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  Vortag, infuriated by their resilience, unleashed another wave of energy blasts. Sparks's modified weaponry retaliated, creating a dazzling light show amidst the asteroids. The iridescent energy beams danced and weaved, hitting Vortag’s ship repeatedly, causing more damage and forcing him to constantly adjust his position. The space-eel intestine contraption was definitely a game-changer.

  Grizzle, ever optimistic, yelled, "Looks like your 'intestine' is doing the business, Sparks! Though I still wouldn't eat anything that comes out of that thing!"

  "Thanks, Grizzle," Sparks replied, adjusting a dial on his creation. "Though I'd appreciate it if you'd stop calling it that, my latest invention deserves more respect."

  Suddenly, Vortag’s ship emerged from behind a large asteroid, its cloaking system failing completely. He fired a massive energy blast, a final, desperate attempt to destroy the SS Obselete.

  Zero, anticipating the attack, ordered, "Zero-G maneuver, Veeva!"

  Veeva, without hesitation, executed a daring, almost suicidal, maneuver. She plunged the SS Obselete into a near-zero gravity zone nestled between two asteroids. The resulting gravitational pull shifted the trajectory of Vortag's blast, sending it careening harmlessly past them. It was reckless, brilliant, and completely unexpected.

  "That was… impressive," Grizzle muttered, his usual bravado slightly muted by the near-miss. Even Luna, typically stoic, let out a small gasp. This wasn't just pure luck; Zero’s call and Veeva’s execution showcased a level of coordination and bravery that was remarkable.

  Vortag, frustrated by his failure, attempted another attack. But with the advantage Sparks' weapon offered, and with Veeva's skillful piloting, the SS Obselete managed to evade the blasts, leaving a trail of shimmering energy in their wake.

  "We're getting away!" Luna shouted, her voice filled with relief. Vortag's pursuit, however, was relentless. He continued to fire blasts, chasing them through the asteroid field, but his shots were becoming increasingly wild and inaccurate.

  Sparks's weapon, though sputtering and emitting strange noises, continued to provide cover fire, its strange, iridescent beams a mesmerizing distraction. The space-eel intestine contraption, despite its dubious name, proved to be the key to their survival, adding a crucial advantage to their underdog situation.

  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they escaped Vortag's grasp. The hulking ship, visibly damaged and smoking, was left far behind, disappearing into the swirling dust of the asteroid field. They'd won this round, narrowly, but decisively.

  Exhaustion hung heavy in the air, but a palpable sense of relief and exhilaration settled over the crew. They'd faced Vortag, the Unkillable, and lived to tell the tale. And they did it together. Their combined skills, ingenuity, and a healthy dose of luck had saved them. Even Zeno-9000, still spinning in circles, seemed to register their victory, with its light patterns flashing a rather celebratory sequence. It was a testament to their team work. A testament to their grit. A testament to the fact that even a SS Obselete could sometimes outsmart a mighty foe. And somehow, that made the win all the more sweet.