Billions of stars. Billions more planets, celestial bodies, and asteroids. Empires of all shapes and sizes, scattered across the void and mostly unaware of each other’s existences. Those that are aware share little; hospitality least of all.
She knows it’s blasphemy to even think it, but that means nothing to her of all beings. For, blasphemy is a form of dogmatic control limiting vision, rather than expanding it.
As the reptilian-insect chimera idly scrapes one of her sharp pearlescent teeth, she watches the Void Queens serving her as they discuss and debate a topic at the top of their priority list; the location of the human fleet.
Zeeannssii affected her own escape temporarily, managing to stay free long enough to send a few cryptic messages across the Divine Bond, as well as allow the Void Queens to sense her presence and locate the fleet.
At the moment, the messages are pretty well understood; She’s being treated surprisingly well in spite of her actions, the rebellious queen calling herself Syretia is quickly earning a place in the human fleet, and even seems to be showing choosing signals towards one of the humans. Unlike the Grodrrns, whose history intentionally brought them to the genetic irony they pose, the Zarakyssns have an adaptive survival mechanism they evolved naturally. Becoming infatuated with another race while stranded away from drones or other queens is not a foolish and empty emotional response. The Azure Queen isn’t naive enough to believe Syretia’s rebellion is entirely innocent infatuation, but she knows Syretia may soon have a new army of her own. And, that disregards the embryonic queen soon to hatch from her egg, having existed within its egg in the human environment. Syretia has adapted to survive the human fleet. The child will be natural born, for all intents and purposes. Between the two of them, the humans may not need to run for much longer.
The Azure Queen doesn’t blame Syretia at all. The young naive queen discovered a hidden truth. She saw something the chimeric queen learned long ago.
The universe is far larger than all of them.
As she watches Mmnnorryynn explain the human fleet’s location as best as she can guess, the apex predator’s mind ponders the universe itself.
The Zarakyssn Horde has been conquering worlds for millenia, just as the Fievegal has. And yet, so little of the galaxy has actually been explored, let alone the universe. The Grodrrns pride themselves on having the most complete maps of the galaxy, which is critical to their navigation -lacking the divine bond as they are-. But, they don’t expand as hungrily as the Zarakyssns do. The Zarakyssns believe they are cleansing the universe of blasphemy and heresy.
But, again, the Azure Queen knows better. She may be loyal to the Zarakyssn Horde, but she is not a blind zealot.
Mmnnorrynn’s voice and temperament are heating a little, as she counters Urrzzanngii passionately, “{No, Sister. I believe the humans are following a path. Their jumps have reversed direction, and they are now headed TOWARDS something. Identifying this would vastly shorten our hunt.}”
Urrzzanngii replies, buzzing dominantly -even though dominance does little in a room full of Void Queens- “{The humans are frightened and scared. They are looking for a place to hide, and keep finding signals with their stolen technology. They fear unknown signals, and rightfully so. The Fievegal and our own forces are trying to capture them. They undoubtedly fear the same or worse from anything they stumble across.}”
“{Sister Zeeannssii’s message indicated no such fear in the humans.}”
“{But, if they were headed for a destination, then why would they not make a singular jump and close the distance all at once?}”
“{They are scavengers. They pull scraps every time they stop, and every jump so far that we’ve been able to detect or track has been to a gatherable resource. It’s how they discovered the Nizzkurrezz.}”
The Azure Queen idly looks to Gree’ato, who is seated next to her in a kneel. The young Grodrrn is watching with some concern, but says nothing. She knows very little of warfare, exploration, or pursuit. In fact, the young Grodrrn was as pampered as a female Grodrrn gets in the Fievegal, short of being a noble’s Zhi. She has no notable trades or skills of any real use.
“[Gree,]” states the predatory ruler. The young Grodrrn tenses, looking up at the Queen. “[Y-Yes, Dear Sister?]”
“[Fetch something to eat and drink for our sisters. They are tiring themselves with this debate.]”
“[M-Me, Dear Sister?]” Up until this moment, Gree’ato has been afforded a sort of neglectful suspicion. She’s been watched every second, but at the same time, often ignored or outright excluded. She’s not allowed to help with anything -repairs or healing- for fear of learning secrets, and she’s certainly not allowed to feed anyone for fear of poisoning.
“[Yes.]” The Azure Queen’s answer is plain and direct. She adds, “[You may need to prepare something.]”
Gree’ato fidgets a little. She realizes this is a test; a chance to prove herself dedicated and loyal to the Queen in a small way, and a chance to serve her sisters. She climbs quickly to her feet, and she replies meekly, “[I shall attempt my best to prepare something worthy, Dear Sister.]”
“[Do not stress, Darling Sister. Anything will do.]”
The young Grodrrn nods and bows, quickly excusing herself.
The Azure Queen watches Gree’ato leave, but states directed towards the two debating Void Queens, “{The humans have nowhere to go. They are simply moving because they are aware of our ability to find our sisters when not shielded in gold. They aren’t confident that gold works, and stop to collect critical materials when they can, but do not dwell anywhere long.}”
Mmnnorrynn looks at the Azure Queen respectfully, but asks sincerely, but skeptically, “{Dearest Sister, please take no offense, but surely the humans…}”
Urrzzvynnurr replies politely, but curtly, “{Their homeworld is destroyed, and they have no colonies.}”
Mmnnorrynn studies the map again in silence. It appears she had forgotten that detail. The Azure Queen watches with disinterest as her sisters attempt to out-plan the human fleet. She knows they are chasing a hynn, a fast and agile egg-stealer on the Zarak homeworld. Because hynns don’t nest, they have to be pursued or be lost. And, there is a very distinct reason they are now extinct; possibly the first species of creature ‘unified’.
The chimera queen snorts in amusement at the thought. She has forcefully learned the history of both the Zarakyssns and the Fievegal, in order to better her own strength, and she’s fairly certain the hynns are also the only non-sentient species ‘unified’, for obvious reasons.
The Void Queens look to her when she makes said noise, and she waves them off, murmuring, “{Continue.}”
Urrzzanngii offers, “{Perhaps we should be considering Fievegal outlier territories. The humans have made in-roads with the Fievegal, and they may see the Fievegal as open to concessions, where the Horde obviously is not.}”
Gree’ato returns to the room with a tray carrying a pitcher, a food container, and enough goblets for everyone in the room, including herself. She hands them out, pouring in order of seniority, starting with the Azure Queen, of course. Once drinks are served, receiving soft and polite thanks from the Void Queens, the young Grodrrn provides pre-readied dishes of fairly simple yyinnree; a staple favorite to most Zarakyssns. Once more, she has enough for everyone, including herself.
The Azure Queen studies her goblet as the discussion rages on, even as the Void Queens eat while listening. She watches Gree’ato from her peripherals as the young Grodrrn takes a seat on the floor nearby and out of the way, saying a small prayer, though she doesn’t speak it out, so it’s unknown to the Queen if it is a Zarak or Grodrrn prayer.
What the Azure Queen does notice is the hesitation. Zarak food is hard on Grodrrns. Many of the proteins and nutrients in Zarak cuisine are sickening at best, toxic at worst to the reptilian species. Though the Grodrrns have been selectively bred and bioengineered over the millennia of their existence, there are limits. And, often, they need slow exposures to develop resistances to something, assuming they can develop resistance.
Gree’ato has been fed the most mild meals, in general, and drinks water, which the Zarakyssns typically only use as a solvent for chemical reactions. She is risking severe discomfort with the meal she served herself.
“[Gree.]”
The Grodrrn tenses just as she was lifting her drink nervously to her mouth. The Azure Queen states calmly, “[You need not serve yourself what you know you cannot withstand.]”
The young Grodrrn looks at her, and then at the Void Queens who have ceased their discussion to observe.
The Azure Queen adds after sipping her drink, “[You are compassionate like the humans. It makes you weak. I do not fear being poisoned by you.]”
The Void Queens are silent, unsure if their input is even needed in the conversation.
Gree’ato squeaks after some hesitation, “[I… My Que-D-Dear Sister… It seemed like the… r-right thing to do…]”
The Queen states just as bluntly, “[You will suffer, not I.]”
“[I know…]”
There’s another pause. The Queen takes another drink. “[Do as you please, Darling Sister. And, you are already excused when the time comes.]”
The young Grodrrn squirms nervously and bashfully as another pause holds the room. Everyone but the Azure Queen is awaiting some cue, though no one knows quite what it is they’re waiting for.
A sudden thought occurs to the chimera queen. “[Gree; if you were hunting the humans, how would you catch them? And, spare me the inexperienced drivel.]”
The addressed young female tenses once more, surprised to be addressed so directly in matters as important as the Queen’s current mission. She hesitates, setting her goblet down having not yet sipped her drink. “[I… Dear Sister…]”
“[Answer with your opinion or your best guess, Darling Sister. Don’t waste time.]” The Queen takes another drink, staring ahead at the star map.
Gree’ato fidgets with her hands. She looks at the star map briefly. “[H-Hulma u-used to say… ‘To catch ziegrblacz, you bring them to you with what they can’t live without.’]”
Urrzzanngii retorts with a little attitude apparent -likely only to Zarak ears-, “{A rather basic proverb does not change the fact that we cannot catch them.}”
Gree’ato looks down, shrinking into her corner.
The Azure Queen stares at the Grodrrn for a moment, though. The chimera has had little reason to be spiritual in her life for obvious reasons. Her existence -completely out of her own control- was deemed a blasphemy and a blight upon the image of the Zarakyssn horde. The Fievegal didn’t even paint it poetically; she is a monster and an abomination.
However, she also doesn’t completely discredit otherworldly powers beyond even her own comprehension.
After all, she knows more about the Bachsuu than anyone else in existence by mere coincidence.
Gree’ato said what she said because it was what came to her naturally, and it was the most helpful thing she could think of.
At face value, she’s saying to bait the humans to the Azure Queen, which is an obvious and desirable goal. However, the humans are as self-sufficient as a fleet can get, and they don’t have the luxury of luxury on the run as they are. Short of Zeeannssii successfully kidnapping someone important in an actual escape attempt, they currently have nothing that the humans would trade or risk everything for. Especially not a second time.
But, the Azure Queen prides herself on her position. She did not cripple an empire with typical warfare tactics. She did not rescue her only living relative deserving rescue without an intense level of planning, scheming, and ultimately, hatred. She hates the Fievegal almost as much as she hates the Blessed Queens. But, she could not simply attack the Fievegal. She would lose in a total war against the Fievegal, tough as that is to admit.
And yet, she has crippled them and forced a potential change.
That said, though, the Fievegal set out thinking the humans were responsible -collateral damage due solely to the rockets that the Bachsuu informed her of being human in origin-. And, the goal of the Fievegal was an irony; a human female would be capable of hosting a new Saurmynnyka embryo due to biological similarities between humans and Grodrrns, in spite of appearances, as well as the relatively flexible nature of Grodrrn genetics.
And the human fleet appeased the pursuing Fievegal battleship.
“{Where is the Fievegal battleship belonging to Baskylla Jardzen Khla?}” The Queen’s voice commands all attention when she speaks, so no one misheard, nor do they dare admit if they weren’t paying attention. Fortunately, Zarakyssns are naturally attentive to communication, even if they don’t appear to be paying attention.
Xxeennyrryzz, a little bit older of a Void Queen and patiently letting their more energetic sisters carry the weight of the discussion, steps up and answers, “{Dear Sister, they have actually just appeared at a recon station in the first dark arm leeward region.}”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The Azure Queen smirks, remarking somewhat dryly, “{You can say ‘the treaty zone’, Xxeennyrryzz. We are all blasphemies here.}”
The Void Queens hum jovially together. If anyone has a semblance of an idea of what the Azure Queen went through, it is her Void Queen sisters. Xxeennyrryzz was one of the few that survived into pre-service before the Azure Queen’s full rise to power, making her much older than the typical Void Queen was when the Azure Queen adopted them. Xxeennyrryzz would have been sent into oblivion or sacrificed if she couldn’t produce an egg, and the Azure Queen saved her life by adopting her, like all Void Queens.
The “Treaty Zone”, as it’s recognized by the Fievegal and Zarakyssyn Horde formally, is an effective demilitarized stretch of the galaxy between the two empires keeping them separated. Because it crosses the bulk of one of the galactic arms, the Chosen and Blessed queens would never admit that they aren’t allowed in the arm, so instead, it is referred to as the ‘Dark Arm’; a dead zone that is forbidden to enter.
Xxeennyrryzz corrects her statement warmly, “{They have appeared in the leeward region of the treaty zone, Dear Sister. I suspect with the location, they intend to make a short dock at the recon station manned by… mmm… the aquatic race.}”
“{Yyuugla, Sister?}” offers Mmnnorrynn politely.
The senior Void Queen affirms, “{Indeed.}”
The Azure Queen bears her teeth in a wicked grin. “{You don’t say…}”
Urrzzanngii asks cautiously, “{Dear Sister, the battleship has a head start over us by over [a month], let alone any available Uniter Queens.}”
The reptilian-insect chimera licks her teeth eagerly. “{Then, I suspect I will need to partake in this mission.}”
The Void Queens glance at each other nervously. The Void Queens themselves are a well-kept secret outside of the Zarakyssn Horde, and even within to a heavy degree. The Azure Queen -quite possibly their most powerful military asset both alone and as a scheming tactician- is virtually non-existent in both the Horde and especially outside. In the Horde, she’s a mythical figure at best, having been seen mostly only on the homeworld and by the few foolish queens that venture to the Azure Queen’s home. She is the monster that lurks in the darkest reaches of the Horde.
Being a secret is the greatest advantage the Void Queens and the Azure Queen have in the galactic realm. Knowing their concern, the apex predator declares confidently, “{Those looks show doubt in my abilities.}”
The Void Queens squirm nervously, only because any small thing could go wrong beyond even the mighty Azure Queen’s control. She doesn’t fault them for having concern, but it will not change her mind. She does look to Gree’ato, asking, “[Care to partake in a mission, Darling Sister Gree?]”
The Grodrrn is half way through cautiously eating her meal, and she smiles, again surprised. “[If I can be of use, Dearest Sister, then yes! I would be honored to serve you.]”
“[Really?]” asks the Queen skeptically.
Gree’ato nods confidently, even as her stomach growls in protest at the meal and drink she’s trying to endure. “[Yes. I will earn my place at the side of my sister and Queen.]”
“[Even if it means treason?]”
“[I pledged no loyalty to the Fievegal, Dear Sisters. I, Gree’ato, Zhi of Mrrk’lah, pledge my loyalty to the Azure Queen and the Void Queens for as long as I may live, and so long as you will have me.]”
The young Grodrrn’s scent is unchanged, completely calm and sincere. Her heart never shifts its beating rate, nor do her breaths hitch or tighten.
“[Very well. Urrzzanngii, tell the bridge to take us to the world belonging to the Yyuugla. Temporal drive is required. Agreed?]”
The Void Queens look to each other only briefly. It’s one of the few decisions the Azure Queen leaves to them, as it could kill them all or project them far into oblivion. It came from a race being conquered by the Fievegal, but the Azure Queen managed to obtain the technology and kill the creators, making her ship the only one capable of what the temporal drive allows.
The Void Queens nod together, declaring, “{We are ready, Dear Sister.}”
The Azure Queen nods. “{Make it so and prepare for battle. We must not let word of our existence leave the system.}”
The Void Queens confirm, and they scatter from the room to make preparations. The Azure Queen finishes the last sips of her drink casually, shoving the entirety of her meal into her mouth all at once. It’s the least dignified she typically gets, but she knows Gree’ato will say nothing. And, there are more important things than enjoying a meal for a time.
Though, the simple dish was rather well prepared. “[Gree. The food is good. You will prepare our victory meal.]”
The Grodrrn tenses and squeaks, “[R-Really, Sister?]”
“[Do I have a habit of lying, Darling Sister?]”
“[N-No… I just… Y-You aren’t…]”
“[If you respect me at all, you will not finish that sentence. Tend to your stomach. Mmnnorrynn;]” The addressed Void Queen returns from the room she headed into, which is the Queen’s armory. “[Care for Gree. When she is able, give her a traditional Grodrrn officer’s uniform and a sidearm. She will open doors for me.]”
The Void Queen tenses, and a few more peek back into the room curiously. The Azure Queen growls, “{Unless any of YOU can disguise yourselves as a Grodrrn who belongs on the ship.}”
The Void Queens quickly return to task, and Mmnnorrynn states calmly, “{As you wish, Dear Sister.}” The Void Queen switches to Grodrrn, asking as she approaches Gree’ato to aid the young Grodrrn as the nausea seems to grip her a little more, “[Darling Gree, why did you force yourself to eat such a meal? We know better than to take offense.]”
“[I-... I know… I just… I want to be a part… o-of our family.]” As the two walk towards the disposal room, the Azure Queen grumbles dryly, “[A meal does not alter what is true, Gree.]”
The Grodrrn glances over her shoulder, and the Queen asks Mmnnorrynn, “[Am I correct?]”
Mmnnorrynn hums politely, replying to Gree’ato, “[She’s right, Darling Sister. Such silly etiquette is for your enemies.]” As the two exit, the younger Void Queen murmurs softly, “[I actually rather envy you, Sister…]”
“[E-Envy me?]”
“[Yes… To be truly our beloved Sister Azure’s true flesh and blood sister…]”
Gree’ato is quiet for a moment, but she replies, “[I envy you that you’ve known her for so long.]”
Mmnnorrynn hums warmly, replying softly, “[I suppose you’re right. But… Will you really stand against the Fievegal? Your… Hul… Hoom… the warrior Mrrk’lah is a hero, isn’t he?]”
Gree’ato looks away, suppressing a sudden nausea. She murmurs wearily, “[Hulma was celebrated as a hero… but, I only know the story the Fievegal tells… that he defeated the Queen of Queens… um, the Chosen Queen. I had… no idea how. And, Sister Azure was right… The Fievegal denied me my biological right and imperative before I was even born… I-If Sister Azure can really… I want to fight for all of us to have that right. And, the Fievegal is my enemy in that.]”
Mmnnorrynn nods. “[Then, let me teach you a few quick things that will keep you alive on that ship…]”
***
Commander Hitch sits in the secured unit designed to hold a human. It’s smaller than the conex boxes used to contain the aliens on the ship, but otherwise is the same level of comfort -or lack thereof-. He hasn’t said a word since the incident with Hancock. He should have known better. Hancock was a spineless little rookie Marine when they first met, and that was only a year ago. He’ll do anything his superiors say, including betray loyal soldiers on behalf of monsters.
While the majority seem to have forgotten, there are still many who remember.
The Grodrrns are not allies.
The Zarakyssns are not allies.
The Cave species are not allies.
They are survival parasites at best, and war criminals at worst. A few good deeds do not erase what they took away. The continued suffering of the humans displaced for their home is not an acceptable trade to keep creatures that are not endangered alive.
For the first time probably in history, the human race is an endangered species, and they have to share food and water with creatures that eat far more than they do.
Hitch isn’t ashamed of what he did. If anything, he’s ashamed it ended up this way. Fortunately, though, the traitors still don’t know who the leading voice is for the resistance.
And, while Hitch didn’t expect Hancock’s trickery -he sold it admittedly well-, he won’t fall for the same ruse twice. In fact, he just won’t say anything. He knows Long would never allow torture on her ship, and anything else will be completely inneffective. Silence is his ally.
The door to his containment opens, revealing a fairly surprising presence.
Russell Right.
Mr. Right steps in, grimacing. “Yeesh. And, I thought my room is cramped.”
Hitch says nothing. He knows this is some ploy. Russell isn’t military, so he has no authority, and he has no business visiting Hitch of all people. This is undoubtedly a scheme to get the commander to speak. Unfortunately, Mr. Right is leagues out of his depth.
Ignoring the fact that he was ignored, Mr. Right says, “I needed to go somewhere I could think. These military types have no sense of humor.” The eccentric former billionaire takes a seat on the floor, withdrawing a flask and a small metal shot glass. “Don’t get excited. It’s like one to two percent at best. Not a whole hell of a lot you can do with a sugar ration.” He takes a sip, sighing contentedly as he relaxes across from the Commander.
There’s a long moment of silence between them.
Hitch continues to ignore the civilian, knowing it’s all a mind trap. Still, Mr. Right is apparently just as patient, simply taking another drink without offering any to Hitch.
What is he thinking-NO. That’s what he wants; Hitch to be wondering. Why is he here? What is he thinking? What is he after? The best course is to simply ignore him.
Mr. Right finally speaks, “You know, I’ve never really wondered if I ever thought about joining the military. Can’t say I remember if I did. Always detested guns though. No need for them, you ask me. But, I remember my dad once saying he tried to join the Navy. Never elaborated on why he couldn’t. He’d tell stories like he had, though, to people who didn’t know better. Wear the uniform sometimes. It was embarrassing to tell you the truth.” He takes another sip, leaving ample time for Hitch to formulate and ask a question. IF he was gullible enough to invest any real attention into Mr. Right’s monologue.
“It wasn’t until much later that I learned that there was a likely reason he didn’t. He was a coward when the moment came to raise his right hand. Don’t know that I blame him, of course. I never raised mine. I had big dreams, and I set out to make them so. His shenanigans kinda gave me a sour taste for the idea anyways.” Again, he pauses, as if waiting for a response. Just in case.
“Loved my old man. Still do. Shame I can’t visit to pay my respects. But, all due respect, I’m pretty glad I didn’t join the military, personally. Grateful for what our soldiers have stood against; something I never appreciated before… you know… all this. Hell, I’m designing and making guns now. NEVER thought I’d see the day.” He chuckles, taking another sip of his drink. “But, I’m a long way off from shooting them, I think. There’s a place for everyone. Mine is at the leading edge of science. Yours… is right here.” The arrogant businessman actually toasts his drink towards Hitch, taking another sip.
While the Commander can feel a twitch in his eye, he remains silent. So, it’s emotional games? Roger that.
Mr. Right keeps talking though, “Always dreamed of roaming the stars. Knew I would someday. Advantage of being a billionaire, I guess. You don’t just stop at ‘dreamed’. But, then, that’s how I went from almost nothing to billionaire to begin with, so maybe I’m mixing up the cause-effect.” He shrugs, swirling his drink. He scoffs, “I was always secretly one of those in the camp that we humans are the perfect biological machine; imperfectly perfect. Flaws galore, and yet, truly unique with our sentience. We conquered a world, and soon, the stars around it. Of all the millions of different lifeforms on Earth; we were the ones to accomplish. We were a plague, a disease, a virus, a fire -we spread and consumed, always building more-. Nothing was beyond our reach forever. And here we are, reaching into the abyss itself.”
“And here I am, in a metal box.” Hitch grumbles, potentially hoping to satisfy Mr. Right a tiny bit and shut him up. Or, at the very least, show he isn’t fazed by the businessman’s childish jabs.
“Actually, I was going to say; ‘far from as alone as we hoped we were’. Pitter patter of baby tentacles, feet, and claws soon to be rampant in the fleet. Weiner eels and butt frogs. And laser guns and space battles.” Mr. Right shivers. “Chillingly cool and frightening and exciting all at once.”
Hitch looks away in disgust. He has nothing more to say to this pathetic moron.
“You know why I’m here?”
Hitch doesn’t even acknowledge the question.
After concluding he won’t get an answer, Mr. Right feigns a voice he must think is similar to Hitch’s, “‘No, Russel. Why?’” In his own voice the businessman states, “Well, I’ll tell you. Some of the boys and girls… ladies? Marines? Bah, the cool kids, there we go. Plenty good enough. Some of the cool kids wanted me to come talk your ears off. That’s it. Blather on and on as a form of torture. At first, I was insulted. Me? The genius mastermind behind these very ships? It may be dumb luck that I was already building them, but I did. And here we are. But, is my time so value-less that I am reduced to an apparatus of torture?” He takes another drink, adding, “I mean, I didn’t have anything I was doing, but still.”
Hitch continues to stay silent. So, that was it? Simple annoyance torture. Pathetic.
He flinches when a metal canister flies across the small room, clanging loudly on the metal wall next to Hitch’s head. Mr. Right is on his feet in a flash, shouting, “I mean, I literally pioneered our ability to survive! I was the first man to discover so many things! Nebula bolts, drifting nebulas, golden ice! Me! I was even the first to see the Grodrrn battleship in orbit! ‘Russel Right, the right man for the job!’ Boldly going, never saying I can’t! I have risen from the dirt to the heavens themselves! And I will be damned if I am not the first to marry a Grodurn! Who does Jor think he is? Just because he’s half a ton of muscle and towers over everyone. Just because he has a respectable military career and title! Angelica may not have chosen me, but that doesn’t make it fair that she should be the first before me! I had my eyes set on Tuug’veeahn! Cute, intelligent, and a fire just like I like ‘em! And what person doesn’t want to know? Huh? I mean, we’re living together, and love is love, but Angelica of all people!?”
Hitch is stunned. Mr. Right isn’t being subtle at all about what he’s implying, and his fiery tone suggests he’s actually passionately upset about the situation. It’s no secret to anyone in the know that Admiral Long has grown close to Baskylla Jardzen Dzor, but the thought that it was any deeper than mutual military respect and friendship is a stretch.
But, then, it also makes so much more sense.
And, the marine just outside of the containment suddenly retrieves Mr. Right with an absolute look of concern.
The fool just spilled a secret without gaining a single piece of information. What incompetence.
Outside of the containment and in a separate room, Senior Chief Tachibana scolds, “What in the hell are you doing!?”
“What!? I had him on the ropes! I was raising the emotions in there. It was only a matter of time before he cracked and ranted, and we screamed at each other, and then-...”
“NOT THAT!”
Chief Grey murmurs more calmly as he calms the Senior Chief with a hand on the shoulder, “She means the Admiral. How did you even know?”
“About the proposal? It’s me we’re talking about. Even if it wasn’t true yet, it’s only a matter of time. I’ve heard things…”
Tachibana asks sharply, though with her tone more level, “WHO have you been telling?”
Mr. Right tenses a little as it dawns on him finally why it matters so much to them and who they’re dealing with. He murmurs dumbly, “Oh…” His face flushes pale, and he whispers again, “Oh God… Angelica…”
Tachibana paces away from them in a circle to fume, curbing her simmering anger. Chief Grey calls into his radio without hesitation, “Fisher, Chief. You near medical?”
“Negative, Chief. Forward Ward Room. Snacking on eel.” Grey curses under his breath. That’s code for ‘watching over Kenzie’. Hancock and Lopez are on the Providence, Dumas and Fredericks are in plain clothes in the civilian berthing areas, listening for anything out of the ordinary, and Moody and Brown are guarding the lab where Mina is while Rena guards the Cave Queen. The trusted teammembers are spread thin.
“Pazna, Pazna, you copy?”
“Go for Pazna, Chief.”
“Report to medical immediately. Take French and Pratt with you. All three of you need to be on guard. The admiral is priority, understood?”
“Yes Chief! Moving!”
Grey sighs. “Hopefully, Dzor is still nearby.”
Tachibana murmurs with obvious concern, “If Kenzie followed the plan -though she’s unaware, according to Ensign Hancock-, that means…”
“They know we’re spreading ourselves thin.”
Mr. Right murmurs distantly, clearly sick to his stomach, “And they have military members…”
The three stand in cold silence. The weight of that statement is lost on no one.
***