image [https://i.imgur.com/PFwDB1T.jpg]

image [https://i.imgur.com/LbC3TtO.jpg]

The following weeks progressed in a predictable manner.

The Minboa traversed various sectors, periodically exiting slipspace to assess the surrounding systems. Upon detecting any significant finding, they adjusted their trajectory and dispatched reconnaissance teams to the planetary surface as the circumstances allowed.

Life in the galaxy remained rare. The Xeno-Biologists held only modest expectations for discovery.

But they’d underestimated their luck.

Scanner readings revealed indications of activity on not one, but two neighboring celestial bodies.

The first planet was a barren desert and inhospitable for long-term study, yet the team managed to collect numerous specimens, mainly plants and insects. The second had lush jungles, with a high probability of complex, non-sentient life, prompting celebration among the Biologists.

By the end of the mission cycle, they’d completed five surface expeditions and several system surveys.

Low supplies compelled the Minboa to restock at the nearest sector station, a process set to take several days.

The downtime granted the crew a chance to relax, as most sector stations had access to civilian and recreational amenities, thereby affording ample opportunities for leisure and recreation.

Several days passed.

With the resupplying process approaching its conclusion, it became imperative to expedite the proceedings.

*****

While trekking down a station corridor towards the hangar, Kaz and Agozi passed an armed patrol of five Mevik.

Agozi caught sight of the squad just as it passed, and her eyes widened slightly upon sighting the amount of lethal firepower they packed.

It wasn’t that unusual for exploration vessels to have armed security, but this particular squad took it to an entirely new level.

Five Meviks, each one a head taller than the average, made up the group. They sported tritatium armor vests and giant slugthrowers.

Tritatium was impressive stuff, not to mention costly, being both lightweight and durable. Even the Exploration Division with its big budget rarely doled out this kind of gear.

But that wasn't the part that got under her skin.

Slugthrowers were usually under tight control. Seeing them flaunted so openly made Agozi's whiskers twitch in surprise not to mention deep levels of concern.

She abruptly halted her movement.

“What’s the matter?” Kaz asked after noticing Agozi's sudden surprise.

Agozi didn’t respond to Kaz’s question. She flagged down the patrol leader before he could depart. Once she got his attention, she approached him.

“Hey, sorry to bother you, but what's going on here?” she asked, gesturing to the heavy weaponry.

The squad leader's whiskers twitched in confusion.

“You haven't been informed?”

Agozi’s whiskers jerked.

“About what?”

“It's for your protection.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Agozi’s whiskers jerked even more intensely.

“I’m confused,” she said disconcertingly. “Protected from what?”

The squad leader hesitated.

“We were en route to your ship when you hailed us,” he replied eventually. “We assumed you knew.”

Agozi and Kaz exchanged worried glances.

“Any idea what he’s talking about?” Agozi asked.

“I’m just as uninformed.” Although Kaz seemed less concerned than Agozi, there was a hint of unease in his voice. He looked at the squad leader. “Who assigned you to us?”

The squad leader hesitated.

“Sorry, but I am unable to disclose that information.”

Kaz's whiskers twitched in surprise, and Agozi also reacted similarly.

“I’m the Captain,” he said irately. “I have the authority to inquire about any information relating to the ship and its crew.” His tone became more assertive. “I must insist that you tell me.”

The squad leader’s whiskers jerked awkwardly.

“I’m sorry Captain, but I cannot.”

Kaz’s whiskers jerked again but this time it lasted for longer.

The squad leader could tell Kaz wasn’t happy, and hurriedly assured him all would be explained soon.

“All will be explained prior to our departure.” He paused. “Forgive me Captain, but we’re running late.”

Kaz begrudgingly dropped the subject.

“Fine.”

The squad resumed its prior path.

Agozi looked at Kaz, perplexed.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “You didn’t know about any of this?”

“No,” Kaz replied. “But there must be an explanation. The Council wouldn’t assign us security like that without a good reason.”

Agozi shuddered.

“Did you see those slugthrowers?” Her ears became a bit droopy, and for a moment, she looked visibly uncomfortable. “What exactly are they expecting us to find out there? Giant space scarabs?!”

Scarabs were a particularly nasty predator native to the Mevik homeworld. Agozi struggled to justify so much firepower lest they encounter an upscaled version of such a monstrosity.

“The odds seem rather low,” Kaz replied, as if the question was genuine.

“Well, of course they are!” Agozi replied, whilst mockingly rolling her eyes. “I wasn’t being literal. I was just making a point.”

“Your concerns are valid,” Kaz said. “And I agree. Once we get briefed on our next mission, we’ll have our chance to make inquiries into the matter.”

“Any idea what it’ll be?”

“No.” Kaz paused for a moment and his whiskers fluttered. “Which now when I think about it seems unusual. It’s not customary to assign missions just prior to departure. Nominally, officers are informed a fair bit earlier or at least told on a need-to-know bases. So far I’ve heard nothing.”

“Any idea why they haven’t told us yet?”

“No idea.”

*****

The sliding door whooshed open and the two of them strolled into the bridge area.

As they walked in, Agozi spotted an unfamiliar crew member standing at the viewport with their back facing them.

“Who's that by the viewport?”

Before Kaz could answer, the unknown turned to face them. It moved slowly and carefully, making sure its big skunk-like tail didn't cause any commotion.

Agozi could feel the icy grip of dread taking hold.

Oh, don't tell me... The moment she spotted who—or rather, what—was approaching, she let out a sigh of exasperation, praying its visit had nothing to do with their mission. She leaned closer to Kaz, unsure of what to think. “What’s a Pretenti doing here?” she muttered irritably under her breath.

“I’m unaware,” Kaz replied. “I hadn’t received any prior notification of their presence.”

The Pretenti mattered to the Union, but you'd hardly ever find them on ships. They preferred the comfort of plush offices, preferably city-side. They had that in common with the Langa. But while the Langa at least had a soft spot, the self-centered Pretenti were a whole different ball game.

It addressed them joyfully.

“Ah! At long last, you have graced me with your presence!” the Pretenti said with an air of superiority. It gestured for them to come closer.

They approached.

As they drew nearer, Agozi had to stifle a laugh at its over-the-top getup. It looked tailor-made, a stark contrast to the simple blue uniforms of everyone else. The design was all purple leather and a bunch of other high-end fabrics.

Probably cost more than its manor, she thought.

She didn't actually know, but imagining the snobbish creature living in some massive mansion was too easy.

And it wasn't just the ridiculous outfit. The creature's grooming was spot-on. Its black and white fur looked professionally styled, and Agozi could've sworn she smelled a hint of perfume. It was all so overdone and show-offy, just like the creature itself. Everything about the creature just oozed pretentiousness.

Agozi’s whiskers flickered sneeringly.

The Pretenti took several steps forward and began talking to Kaz in some fancy-schmancy dialect.

“Good evening to the both of you, and most notably to you, my esteemed Captain,” the Pretenti said. “I am Honorary-Lieutenant Snikers, assigned to your service at the behest of the Council.”

The situation didn’t sit well with Agozi.

“Assigned to him for what?” she asked Snikers, her tone laced with accusation.

Snikers looked undeniably smug, his snout twisted in self-satisfaction.

“As is only fitting for one of my esteemed station, the Council has seen fit to bestow upon me the honor of serving as your Captain’s Secondary-Lieutenant,” Snikers replied. “As per the Council’s wishes.”

Agozi needed a moment to process the words before responding.

"The Council sent you to us?" Agozi found it hard to swallow that the Union Council would send Snikers without giving anyone a heads-up.

“So I have stipulated two times as is,” Snikers replied sneeringly. “Must I really repeat myself thrice before the true meaning of my statement can be properly comprehended? I find it most discombobulating.”

Ugh, he's just as terrible as I thought he'd be, Agozi thought. “You'd think the Council would at least have the decency to give us a heads-up.”

Snikers looked taken aback.

“The Council didn't bother to inform you?” He asked, sounding genuinely surprised.