《Supernova Blitz》


 Prologue and Chapter 1: The Nomad Arc Begins

    Prologue


    Thunder. It rumbles over and over again. It is the percussion of the very Earth. Pop, pop, pop. Then a staccato rolls, consisting of prattling cries.


    It isn¡¯t an orchestra, though. It has no rhythm. It has no tale to be told. It is a mixture of noise. It is chaos.


    Eyes open, and a picture appears. Asphalt stretches out ahead. Heat waves slowly dance with the air. A concrete sidewalk is a little further. A hand is lying closer. It is a left hand, clothed in white leather of some kind. Black burn marks stain the forearm.


    Memories are present, but they seem¡­ blurry. It takes a lot to draw anything out of them. Human. That makes sense. The hand is human in shape. Does it¡­? Yes. It moves on command. The hand definitely belongs to this human.


    What else? Hearing works. The staccato is still prattling away. It sounds familiar, but like the other memories, is blurry.


    Looking around reveals a city street. Buildings are all around. A sudden boom follows a rapid orange bloom ahead. Instinct pulls the arm up to shield. The blast is pretty far away, but seemed startlingly close.


    Something is still being forgotten, though. But, another blast occurs.


    Something changes. Humans flee around the corner ahead. There are many of them, flocking like a herd of animals in a panic. They run in the opposite direction of the human watching them. Streaks rain horizontally to the left, and several of the humans fall. Several more blasts occur.


    Name! I have to remember¡­! What¡¯s my name!? Think! C-¡­ C-Something. C-¡­


    Another blast is much closer, causing disorientation.


    NO! Think! What is it!?


    The screams are audible, while the staccato continues. Booms resound all around. Fires burn in every direction.


    Name! What is my name!? WHO AM I!?


    A blast hits almost straight ahead, causing a ring.


    What¡¯s going on¡­? Wait! No! I was so close! What¡­ is THAT!?


    A large figure storms out into the street ahead, following the humans. This thing is distinctly not human. It has the awkward gait of an upright dog, but it has no fur. Its skin is oily, and has a rather leathery texture. It wears metal armor painted a dark red, and its head looks faintly like a short-muzzled dog, protected by a helmet.


    The creature has the staccato instrument, firing a volley of purplish-red streaks up the street at the fleeing humans. It must not be alone, as similar sounds are echoing from every direction.


    It glances down the street, and its gaze matches that of another nameless human. It pivots in curiosity, stalking forward.


    ********


    ~ Journal Entry: SB-1606:


    This will be this journal¡¯s final entry. I have completed what it is I needed to complete. It seems so long ago that this story started. I didn¡¯t even have a name at the time, and now this fledgling alliance is establishing real roots.


    It¡¯s ironic in a sense. It¡¯s been several hundred years in actuality, but 23 have passed for me. Thanks to this alien device, I don¡¯t age. As my journey here comes to a close, I can¡¯t help but wonder if I am doomed to eternity, or if I will finally be free of the curse bestowed upon me.


    Of course, I know the truth now. I remember what I had forgotten. It¡¯s hard to say goodbye to this world; to the friends I¡¯ve made here. I will carry these adventures with my new companions through eternity.


    May our paths cross on another line.~


    ********


    Chapter 1


    The year is 2031. Human-kind has achieved a goal only dreams devised just two decades ago. The orbital mining operation has been established. A space barge convoy has been put into motion, continuously ferrying whole asteroids back to Earth¡¯s orbit from the Main Belt, a hailstorm of asteroids orbiting between Mars and Jupiter¡¯s orbital paths.


    Scientists and General Space¡¯s planning division both expected there to be iron, nickel, palladium, and various other useful minerals in high abundance. However, what Spacepal¡¯s orbital mining super-satellite found as they ground down the first asteroid astonished them. They found gold-flecked diamonds, which lit a frenzy in the rare-gem market, more than paying for rapid growth. Now, three fully operational superstructures exist with a fourth on the way.


    G.S. Incorporated was founded by an eccentric billionaire afforded great initial wealth by a digital banking system he created. While his business endeavors include many terrestrial businesses, his most successful has been laying claim to the abundant resources in the stars. Luxury flights into space aren¡¯t just dreams anymore. It is one more destination for those with adventure in their hearts.


    With successful manned missions to Mars, G.S. will be establishing real colonization efforts within the next decade. Ships known as ¡®Swans¡¯ to everyone at large are being built in the first ever orbital shipyard, while a ¡®space pier¡¯ is being constructed near the moon. Early ideas for launching objects at the moon using a sort of magnetic cannon were functional, but limited. The high g-forces established excluded even the hardest shuttle riders from the vastly more efficient launcher, and the system could only be fired at the moon during specific windows of time.


    Just one year ago, G.S. Inc. commissioned the world¡¯s first orbital elevator. It used the properties of superconductors to create a ghostly ¡°highway¡± into the sky. Hundreds of rings cooled by liquid nitrogen contain gold coils at obscenely low temperatures. This cold reduced the resistance so low, that the coils become superconductors, and they magically lock into place in a gravity field, held there by counterforces perfectly equaling any small forces applied to the rings. From there, a steady magnetic pull could be established, and similar superconducting ¡®cars¡¯ maintain a fixed speed by the same magnetic locking phenomena that suspends the rings. The highway itself forms a loop, and the cars continuously follow the loop without stopping. The stations both in orbit and on the ground are specially designed with moving platforms to load and unload the cars.


    Specially designed habitable cars can be modularly loaded onto the lift car, allowing human beings all of the luxuries they could need to ride in comfort into the once-inaccessible void. The trip takes about a week, of course, but the orbital elevator has drastically reduced operational costs of space mining, as well as transporting workers and tourists alike.


    Of course, this leaves a juicy target vulnerable to terrorist attack, and a regiment of marines is stationed to guard the orbital elevator night and day. It¡¯s a rather sought-after posting because of the opportunities to ride the luxury cars up to the station built into the inside of an asteroid, as well as the notorious G.S. Inc. founder, Russell Right. The eccentric that he is, he is reported to have given out golden ice, as his fairly unique stones are called, as well as throwing parties on the spot which marines have to ¡®guard¡¯.


    Senior billets are filled to bursting with legendary names in the Corps, while junior billets tend to be split between sons and daughters of wealthy and influential parents and the recruits with outstanding marks during training.


    Private Rex Hancock is neither of those things. He raised his right hand at the right time, cascading to a billet opening the day his orders were processing in boot camp. Luck of the draw found him at Fort Tacoma at the base of one of humanity¡¯s pinnacle technological achievements. The city is a ten minute bus ride from base, where he and his fellow marines have been hanging out at restaurants and sporting centers. It¡¯s not necessarily the marines he expected when he joined, but he¡¯s certainly not going to complain. Life is good in the greatest country in the world.


    Today, he is with a group of his friends at a local sports bar, waiting for the championships to start. Sergeant Alexander Grey is with his girlfriend, Tanya Heindel. Corporal Leo Fisher and Corporal Henry Dumas are already arguing about stats on players, while Lance Corporal Luis Fredericks balances his log book in preparation for bets. A few other groups of marines are mingled into the bar, and even Chief Master Sergeant John Clements is sitting at a booth, sipping a drink with his signature scowl. Many marines fear his presence in the same bar, but the seasoned members assure everyone else that the biggest mistake a marine could make is talking to him about work. They insist that Chief is a teddy bear, but Hancock isn¡¯t about to find out.


    Hancock watches the news indifferently as he awaits his order of wings. He¡¯s on the quieter, more mild-mannered side than most of his compatriots, so he lets Fisher and Dumas argue away.


    The news should seem amazing as it describes G.S. Inc., often called ¡®G-sink¡¯ for short, and their ambitious ¡®Star Angel¡¯ class of ¡®World Liner¡¯ ships they have been boasting. The massive ships are a step toward G-sink¡¯s longer term goal of mobile colonization platforms. A sister ship being built alongside the five massive space cruise ships is a mobile dry-dock capable of handling starship construction and repair, drop-base construction, and temporary orbital elevator substitution. While the fleet looks tiny when backdropped by the moon as the news crew is showing now, Hancock has seen the fleet up close. Each ship is over 3 times larger than a modern aircraft carrier, with a pair of specially designed nuclear reactors. They are even being armed with a complement of artillery batteries intended for emergency incoming object destruction, which is why the news crews aren¡¯t allowed anywhere near the ships.


    Hancock believes their purpose is exactly as advertised. Russell Right is a very devout opponent of the Second Amendment and firearm manufacture in general, dedicating sizable portions of his insane wealth to eradicating firearms from the United States public entirely. He and his allies have made major regulatory steps already, including removal of all semi-automatic weapons ¨Cincluding double-action revolvers- from public hands, and pressing hard on ¡®large caliber rifles¡¯, which envelops just about everything that remains. Even with all of the political clout behind the movement, some diehard politicians loyal to the Constitution have held out against the pressure.


    Hancock isn¡¯t sure what to think. He¡¯s fresh out of high school, shot a gun a few dozen times, and is guarding one of the most heavily protected private installations on Earth, next to the Federal Reserve buildings.


    The news changes to another story. They¡¯re talking about ¡®the Burp¡¯ as the discovering scientists have unceremoniously called it. Apparently, the scientists have picked up a major deep space radio signal that, when the burst is played audibly, sounds unimpressively like a short burp. Hancock would think people would be tired of all of the deep space signals that make the news every few months. Radio antennas have gotten better as scientists try to clear up the picture of the universe around Earth, and in direct proportion, more anomalous radio bursts have been picked up. So far, all of them have been either coronas and flares from stars, massive electrical discharges on planets with semiconductor atmospheres ¨Cwhich act like a laser-, or magnetic bursts or ¡®splashes¡¯ from two supermassive iron-heavy bodies colliding. Each one takes months to investigate, simulate, and ultimately just turn out to be a metaphorical boxing match between celestial bodies.


    The young marine is a little surprised how boring space is. If those are the only events in the whole of space, betting on the game has a much better payout.


    Granted, Hancock also doesn¡¯t own a space mining company that can afford to build its own star fleet from just the accidental byproduct discovered in its target resource. And, since his company is still the biggest thing happening on Earth ¨Cor, rather, OFF of Earth-, Mr. Right pretty much dominates the news in one way or another.


    And, presently, speculations are running wild about ¡®the Burp¡¯. It¡¯s ¡®not quite consistent with past signals¡¯, and ¡®seems like it originated closer than anything on its path¡¯, and ¡®might be intentionally created¡¯. Hancock smirks. Just like all the others, it¡¯ll fizzle out in a couple days, and if it¡¯s mentioned again, will be to say how it was some ¡®gravimetric radio wave from black holes colliding¡¯ or something obscure like that. Aliens have been coming for as long as he can remember. First, it was some cigar-shaped asteroid. Then, it was radio signals. Then, it was ¡®the Twinkling Eclipse¡¯ when an asteroid of nearly pure diamond passed in front of the sun. Some scientist who happened to be staring at the sun through a telescope just happened to see it. And, just as quickly, everyone was certain it was the windows of a ship glistening.


    Hancock sips his soda. He doesn¡¯t envy those scientists at all. They have to chase their tails with national attention only to try to stave off global embarrassment when they try to explain how ¡®this is still so exciting because it¡¯s never before seen¡¯. As if stars burping and farting like space is a regular low-brow dive bar for the millionth time is still exciting. Hancock just has to muster every day, practice drills, and guard space gold.


    Nevertheless, the reporter asks, ¡°Some of our viewers have been chiming in with questions. Do you believe this could be some sort of sonar pulse? General Space has been quiet on whether this phenomena was created by another sentient race.¡±


    Mr. Right smiles and replies warmly, ¡°My science viewers may be perturbed if I don¡¯t point out that it can¡¯t be ¡®sonar¡¯ by definition because sound can¡¯t travel in space. This would equate to more of a radar pulse, but on a larger scale. With that said, we¡¯re not officially ruling anything out yet. Occam¡¯s Razor states that ¡®entities should not be multiplied without necessity¡¯. We are operating on the basic hypothesis that our ¡®Burp¡¯, as everyone¡¯s calling it, has a source. We are employing testing methods to identify that source. My scientists work with open minds. They do not create ad hoc hypotheses to cling to any one working theory. They use the scientific method to prove our basic hypothesis; there is a source; and expand on it by identifying that source. Because there are so many celestial events that are possible, not to mention quantum and temporal events we can barely comprehend -all of which we have only scratched the surface of observing-, we must be looking for anything. The popular public theory is that aliens radar-pulsed the Milky Way. This may be true, but it could be as simple as a star popping like a balloon due to circumstances we¡¯ve yet to predict, or our own astronauts inadvertently sent backward in time sending some form of S.O.S.. Maybe some sort of interdimensional portal was opened, spewing demons into our dimension. Until it is PROVEN, it is all of these things as well as none of them.¡±


    ¡°I see. So, we shouldn¡¯t pack up our aluminum hats just yet?¡±


    Mr. Right chuckles. He replies warmly, ¡°Many organizations are watching the sky. NASA, Roscosmos, CNSA, SETI; all of these entities have the most well-funded ears in the world. If there is something to know, I¡¯ll be the first, and everyone else will be the second.¡±


    Sergeant Grey scoffs. He states sarcastically, ¡°Aliens. Pfft! People really think that, not only are ¡®they¡¯ out there, but after flying a trillion miles for eighty thousand years, they¡¯d want this overpopulated turd ball?¡±


    Tanya giggles, and Fisher jokes, ¡°Maybe that¡¯s the plan. Trash this world, and aliens won¡¯t want it.¡±


    Fredericks chimes in as he keeps writing, ¡°Good thing the Russian spy blocked the G.N.D.¡±


    Sergeant Grey growls, ¡°Don¡¯t bring your liberal shit to my bar table, Fredericks.¡±


    Tanya backhands his chest, retorting, ¡°It¡¯s not ¡®liberal shit¡¯, Alex.¡±


    The Sergeant cocks back in his chair defensively, ¡°Hey now, easy there. Fredericks can be a tax-wasting, big-government liberal all he wants. But, the only politics at THIS table will be jokes. He¡¯s talking about a former Commander in Chief. And, if I can handle being under one of his Presidents and show respect, he DAMN well gonna show respect to mine.¡±


    ¡°¡®Your president¡¯,¡± retorts Fredericks, ¡°Was a felon and got impeached for it. Too bad your crooked Senate¡­¡±


    ¡°What did I just tell you, Lance Corporal!? NO politics. We both win. We both lose. Whatever. Because, I did NOT come here to get started. We¡¯re here to relax. Right, Rookie?¡± Sergeant Grey looks at Hancock.


    Hancock smiles as his wings are delivered. The waitress smiles cutely back at him. Hancock replies warmly, ¡°I¡¯m a marine, Sarge. My job is to agree with the highest ranking person in the room.¡±


    The group chuckles, and the waitress teases softly, ¡°Do civilians outrank marines?¡±


    Hancock smiles and whispers, ¡°In your case; absolutely, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    She giggles again, walking off to maintain her other tables. Grey adds boisterously, ¡°See that? A marine who knows what¡¯s what. I¡¯d give my left arm for ten of him.¡±


    Fisher jokes, ¡°But, what would you jerk off with then, Sarge?¡±


    Just before the sergeant can bellow a fiery retort, Tanya strokes his chest, teasing, ¡°He has me. He¡¯d be fine.¡±


    The marines all cheer in astonishment at her boldness. Hancock knows that boldness is often a strong trait in significant others tolerating their marine counterparts. Sergeant Grey smiles, affectionately taking Tanya¡¯s hand as she sips her drink.


    Normally, the TV doesn¡¯t steal Hancock¡¯s attention from goings on around his friends, but this particular ¡°This just in¡± hooks him for some reason.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The reporter on screen states, ¡°We¡¯ve received preliminary reports of a SECOND ¡®Burp¡¯, the interstellar phenomenon describing a mysterious signal detected by several research facilities.¡± Mr. Right, who is still on set, turns pale as his own assistant whispers something to him.


    The reporter asks eagerly, ¡°Mr. Right, what do you make of this sudden and exciting development?¡±


    Mr. Right stands up grimly. He says nothing as he blankly walks off set. The reporter calls out, ¡°Mr. Right! Mr. Right, wait!¡±


    Hancock¡¯s phone rings sharply. But, as he starts to look at it, he notices many cell phones ringing or buzzing as surprised marines withdraw them to look. Every marine, including the Chief Master Sergeant, is checking their phone.


    Tanya asks cautiously, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve all been recalled.¡±


    The marines dig cash out of their pockets, tossing it haphazardly on the tables. Hancock quickly eats one of his wings as he pays his own tab. He follows the group, but the waitress catches his sleeve, sheepishly asking, ¡°Do you have to go?¡±


    Hancock nods. She shyly hands him a slip of paper, whispering, ¡°For afterwards?¡±


    He smiles, ¡°Count on it.¡±


    She smiles as Fisher barks, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Rookie! Duty van¡¯s here!¡±


    The waitress steals one moment to kiss his cheek, surprising him. He knows her name ¨CKenzie-, and there was a spark for sure, but he didn¡¯t think she was smitten with him, too. He states, ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon, Kenzie.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Rookie.¡± She winks at him, and he smirks, following his comrades.


    Everything seems normal. There are no fleeing mobs. There are no fires billowing smoke into the sky. The traffic lights operate normally. Police cars are parked or driving casually on the streets. It¡¯s eerie to witness. Something is happening with this second signal that has both the military AND Russell Right concerned.


    Dumas jokes as the van creeps in line toward the security gate, ¡°Uh oh, Sarge. Looks like the aliens were listening in.¡±


    Chief Master Sergeant Clements growls in a disinterested, gravelly voice from the rear, ¡°It¡¯s a peace-keeping recall. They¡¯re expecting people to panic.¡±


    Fisher replies respectfully, ¡°You think so, Chief? Over imaginary aliens?¡±


    The senior enlisted man snorts, still staring out the window. ¡°One word. Coronavirus.¡±


    The marines all hand their IDs forward as the van reaches the checkpoint. The MPs on guard check the passengers briefly, returning the IDs and allowing them through.


    Hancock whispers to Sergeant Grey, ¡°Sergeant, what does this mean?¡±


    Grey sighs, retorting, ¡°Means we¡¯re not getting laid tonight, Rookie. Your waitress will have to wait.¡±


    Hancock smirks, but he remains respectful. ¡°Understood, Sergeant. But, what¡­?¡±


    Fisher retorts dryly, ¡°We¡¯re doing a battle drill. Simple as that. Command always decides that anomalies in the world are the best time to double-check readiness. 20 bucks says this is nothing more than a drill.¡±


    Dumas retorts warmly, ¡°I¡¯ll take that action. My money¡¯s on Mr. Right having an all hands call. They did the same thing when the Prez showed up.¡±


    The two chuckle and shake hands, but Sergeant Grey growls, ¡°We¡¯re on duty now, jack-trees. No gambling.¡±


    There¡¯s a disappointed pause.


    Suddenly, the Chief Master Sergeant gruffly growls, ¡°Twenty on drill.¡±


    The whole van looks at him, surprised. He growls more defensively, ¡°I got something in my moustache, marines?¡±


    They whirl, barking, ¡°No sir, Chief!¡±


    Fisher adds, ¡°Chief¡¯s got 20 on drill. 2 to one. Any other takers?¡±


    Sergeant Grey sighs, ¡°Drill.¡±


    Fisher cheers, ¡°Uh oh! 3 to one! Not looking good, Dumas! Freddy, whatcha for?¡±


    Fredericks retorts, ¡°I¡¯ll take VIP visit. Better split two ways than three.¡±


    Fisher looks at Hancock, who is staring at the waitress¡¯s number written on the slip. He¡¯s never had that kind of connection as he did with Kenzie. Fisher asks, ¡°Yo, Rookie. You in? Going with the bosses, or those two?¡±


    Hancock looks up. He replies respectfully, ¡°If I pick aliens, I¡¯d get the pot, right?¡±


    The marines scoff and laugh. Fisher taunts, ¡°You wanna buy my drinks with your 20, be my guest.¡±


    Hancock smirks, replying, ¡°Then it¡¯s a sure-fire investment, Corporal.¡±


    Corporal Fisher scoffs more approvingly this time. ¡°Alright. Rookie for aliens.¡±


    The duty van parks, and the squad mates rush to their respective barracks locations to change into their uniforms. Surprisingly, the base is in stark contrast to the city, with vehicles rushing in all directions, platoons quickly forming up, and fighter jets being stationed at Ready 15, which means they¡¯re standing by to launch.


    Those marines Hancock passes seem to know no more than he does as they make their way to their own muster stations.


    Hancock gets dressed and jogs back down to the assembly area for his squad near the east station access for the orbital elevator. The armory personnel are already handing out rifles as marines file past them to form ranks. It¡¯s a little nerve-wracking for Hancock, but more senior marines have been joking nonstop. ¡°I bet Lieutenant Colonel Brondson got in a bar fight again.¡± ¡°Nah. They want us to help offload a Gi-mungous load of Gold Ice.¡± ¡°In your dreams. Us filthy green shirts ain¡¯t touchin¡¯ that stuff. We¡¯ll be lucky if we see it.¡±


    Hancock joins ranks. He spots Fisher and Dumas in a line nearby his.


    It¡¯s a long wait, with marines all around him speculating and making jokes. It puts him a little more at ease. So far, his military career has been getting yelled at for training, looking nice for inspections, and marching in formation.


    There¡¯s a simple calmness that comes from routine, ESPECIALLY military routine. As long as a person does what the rest of his comrades are doing, he stands the best chance of staying alive and not getting yelled at. And, given that Sergeant Grey is joking at the front of the ranks, it adds even more comfort to the situation.


    So, Hancock finds his heart racing in nervousness when the officers and Master Sergeants finally grimly approach. All jovial and humorous warmth dissolves from the marines standing in ranks. They all sense the same thing.


    Sergeant Grey barks, ¡°Attention!¡±


    The marines snap to crisp attention, but Lieutenant Hornady quickly says, ¡°At ease, marines. Chief Master Sergeant, would you¡­?¡±


    The grizzled senior enlisted man nods. Clements is many things, but even the jaded and weathered marine that was in the van with Hancock¡¯s squad is more grim and serious ¨Csomehow-.


    Chief Master Sergeant Clements calls out, ¡°Listen up, marines! Word¡¯s going to get out fast, so it¡¯s our job to try to keep the facts straight and citizens safe; from themselves most of all. Here are the facts. Fact one; the second interstellar magneto-rad-ion pulse, or ¡®Burp¡¯ as everyone knows it, was much more potent than the first. This means that whatever is causing them is either intensifying or¡­¡± The Chief pauses.


    ¡°Moving closer,¡± adds Lieutenant Colonel Hitch, the senior officer of Hancock¡¯s whole platoon, standing in ranks next to him. The marines shift in surprise, glancing at each other.


    Clements shouts, ¡°Quiet! Fact Two;¡± He takes a deep breath, saying gruffly, ¡°General Space has lost contact with one of their heavy Inhalers¡±


    Lieutenant Hornady corrects, ¡°That¡¯s ¡®Heavy Exhumation Barge¡¯, Chief Master Sergeant.¡± Clements shoots him a brief silent glare.


    It didn¡¯t sink in right away for any marine. Not until Hornady corrected Clements¡¯s terminology. Every marine knows G-sink¡¯s humongous asteroid extraction ships ¨Cmobile mining platforms- as ¡®Inhalers¡¯. But, they¡¯ve held up under unexpected asteroid showers, solar flares, and ¡®Nebula bolts¡¯ -ionic discharges of electricity from remnant nebula clouds drifting through space-. They¡¯re almost undetectable until the hull of a ship starts to glow purple. Then, the next nearby object, planet, or asteroid causes the hull to discharge. The most powerful nebula bolt on record ripped a freight-train-tunnel sized hole into the hull of one of the inhalers as its lost hull plating was electroplated to an asteroid¡­ ten kilometers away across space. The ship lost six crew members, but survived as a whole.


    The phenomena of space continue to multiply the further humankind reaches, but none of them ever caused the hairs on Hancock¡¯s neck to stand on end. At least, not until now.


    Clements quickly adds in a fiery tone, ¡°We are NOT speculating anything yet, marines! General Space is investigating whether the two events are related or not.¡±


    Lt. Col. Hitch adds, ¡°Until we KNOW what¡¯s going on, we¡¯re to guard the fort vaults and the orbital elevator from panic. General Space is preparing a press release. Our responsibility as marines is to keep what you¡¯re all thinking, which is what they¡¯re all likely to think, from destroying this base.¡±


    Clements adds, ¡°As of now, we are at FPCON Red. No one comes or goes until this is sorted. Squads Alpha through India, you have first patrol. Report to duty stations after muster. Squads India through Romeo, you relieve at Zero-Two-Hundred. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Sir, yes sir!¡± shout the marines shakily. There are no more jokes to be made now.


    Hancock makes his way through the crowd to catch up with Fisher and Dumas. They are Squad Romeo, which means they¡¯ll be relieving patrol at two in the morning. But, they¡¯ll be far from relaxing in the meantime. They have to stay in uniform with their rifles slung across their chests.


    Sergeant Grey regroups them a few yards away, saying coldly, ¡°Any questions, marines?¡±


    The squad is silent for a moment. Finally, Fredericks asks cautiously, ¡°Are we¡­ really expected to guard against¡­ civilians?¡±


    Grey growls a little angrily, ¡°This is a military base, Fredericks. Everything on it is a military asset. Our jobs are to protect that. Is that clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, but¡­¡±


    ¡°But WHAT, Lance Corporal!?¡±


    Fredericks flinches for a second. He asks cautiously, ¡°Why do they think¡­ civilians will attack us?¡±


    Sergeant Grey softens a little. His gaze cools and goes distant. He says somewhat quietly as he stares blankly at the horizon, speaking an instinctive, pre-programmed response, ¡°That¡¯s not our problem. We follow orders.¡±


    The marines are silent for a long while.


    Hancock has always been an attentive young man. He has never been the strongest, fastest, or smartest. But, he has always had eagle eyes for subtleties; his mother hiding her drinking while encouraging him to study and strive for success of ANY kind; an extension cord that didn¡¯t look quite right, discovering its insulation melted through before it burned down their home; and dozens of limousines, expensive SUVs, and hauling trucks arriving at a military base, granted access during the highest security protocol possible, and making no delay to the orbital elevator over the hours that pass before and during their patrol.


    However, these are not the stock market rush selling golden ice in an economic panic. In his silent observations, Hancock watches the ore haulers suddenly making unscheduled hauls between the vault fort and the orbital elevator station. And, Hancock knows that none of the inhalers are arriving until the next evening.


    Private Rex Hancock is a good marine. He knows when to ask questions and when to just say ¡®Yes sir¡¯. But, never is his mind complicitly idle, waiting for the next order to mindlessly follow. He sees things and he thinks about them. And, he has watched a LOT of movies and read a LOT of books, with which he fuels his own imagination. And, it doesn¡¯t take a fantasy leap to deduce what the reason is for command to fear the civilian populace.


    The 1% are the ones rushing out of the limousines and SUVs into the orbital elevator station. Hancock recognizes several high up political party members, as well as several prominent billionaires. These are not technical experts nor are they astro- or quantum-physicists. They are insurance, pharmaceutical, and media moguls. And, they don¡¯t have work tools. They have their families and children.


    Hancock thinks on all of the possibilities he can muster as to why this would be happening. Only one springs into his brain immediately, but it¡¯s ludicrous. There must be another explanation. After all, he placed his bet specifically in humor.


    But, none of the other reasons seem good enough. Billionaires and politicians have been hated for over a decade now. There were promises to make everyone equal and fair, but then loopholes started appearing. And then terms started getting extended. And, before long, everyone seems to be sitting close to a quiet simmer on the edge of revolution. It was a kind of tension in the air, floating there. However, the elites have always had protection of some kind, and that has been the way of things. There is no reason to believe, if the Burps are to cause revolution, that they would be any safer in the unknowns of space instead of the luxuries of their secret communities hidden in far away countries.


    So, the working suspicion in Hancock¡¯s mind circles back once more. What he begins to fear, though, is where the line is drawn. How many marines stationed at Fort Tacoma will be allowed on as well? Is there really an expectation of needing to flee? Are the marines really expected to slow down whatever is coming?


    His suspicions start to become confirmed when two things start happening. A loud hum fills the air, announcing the increase in speed of the orbital elevator. Emergency ¡®Ridictacular¡¯ speed, as Mr. Right called it in humor, is a high speed version of the elevator¡¯s trip, allowing the cars to travel from one station to another in about a day. It¡¯s dangerous at every stage, but it allows medical emergencies that can¡¯t be handled in orbit to be sent groundside for the advanced hospitals. Hancock is pretty sure no one is coming down the elevator, though.


    The second thing is a bright sparkling shimmer from the elevator before its entire length becomes highly transparent, almost fully invisible. They¡¯ve activated the elevator¡¯s refractive camouflage field. This allows the elevator to be almost impossible to suicide bomb with airplanes via line of sight alone. It makes the ride up like riding in a pitch-black tunnel illuminated only by the car¡¯s onboard lights, but it is extremely effective.


    Hancock doubts interdimensional demons or time-travelers from the future caused the Burps with every passing second. What he doesn¡¯t doubt so much is the other possibility.


    The young rookie lies awake in his bunk when they finally get time to sleep. He knows what¡¯s going on. What he doesn¡¯t know is what that means for him. What does it mean for Kenzie? Does she know anything? Mr. Right promised to keep the civilians informed, but not even the marines guarding the trickling convoy of party favorites have been told what¡¯s going on for sure.


    Hancock asks softly, ¡°Dumas? You awake?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause from below Hancock. A voice comes back, ¡°Yeah, Rookie.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ What do you think¡¯s going to happen?¡±


    He can hear Dumas roll uncomfortably in the bottom bunk. The corporal replies, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re telling everyone, though, right? I mean, if everyone bands together¡­¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a movie, Rookie. Just¡­ try to sleep.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ if all of the militaries of the world worked together¡­¡±


    Sergeant Grey suddenly snaps from across the aisle in his bunk, ¡°Did you ever stop to think it could just be a frickin¡¯ space manatee cruising by, Rookie? People flock to see the regular stupid sea cows. They¡¯re probably paying millions to go see nothing more than a lumbering herd of space cheeseburgers.¡±


    There¡¯s a few chuckles from marines trying to laugh, but Hancock realizes what¡¯s now apparent. He and Dumas weren¡¯t the only ones failing to sleep. Hancock knows they were whispering quietly enough. Sergeant Grey was already lying awake as well.


    Hancock replies respectfully, ¡°Yes sir. Apologies, sir.¡±


    Grey grunts noncommittally, refraining from further directing frustration at the nervous junior marine.


    The next few days progress similarly, with droves of significantly wealthy or influential people pouring in with entire entourages of people to include spouses and children, by all appearances. Of course, this number is still somewhere below three thousand or so, and Hancock knows the Swan starliners are rated at over 10,000 guests, plus a full complement of 5000 crew. He also knows, though, that there are many more people incoming.


    He has yet to see any civilians come back down.


    Not only that; there haven¡¯t been any rumors of ¡®Space Cheeseburgers¡¯ since Sergeant Grey¡¯s outburst.


    The rumors that ARE circling around are in line with the suspicions Hancock has tried to keep buried. He knows now for certain the lost Inhaler is directly related to the second Burp, and he knows none of that has been released to the public at large. The only reason he knows that is from his silent observations. No news coverage on ANY of the political figures suddenly, in spite of the election for Congress where the conservative party was expected to lose its last few major seats. Instead, the coverage of the second Burp is almost identical to the first, saying a lot of nothing.


    Hancock wonders about Kenzie, and his mother, and his older sister. He imagines them living blissfully unaware of what seems to be bearing down on them. They¡¯ll go on worrying about tomorrow¡¯s dinner, and the month¡¯s electric bill, and the tips ¨Cin Kenzie¡¯s case- that she receives. And then, the moment will abruptly come where all of that ends.


    The young marine quickly pushes those thoughts away. Sergeant Grey¡¯s point wasn¡¯t that it could be space cows. His point was that dwelling on it will only cause the marines to panic themselves. If Hancock fears unkillable aliens before the entity ever arrives ¨Cif it arrives-, he¡¯ll talk himself out of pulling the trigger when he needs it most.


    The marines form up in ranks on the sixth day since recall, mustering for the morning update. It¡¯s not likely they¡¯ll get anything new, but he knows the civilian count sent up the elevator has reached around 5,000; about half of one starliner. The others aren¡¯t finished, but Hancock suspects they¡¯re operational enough. After all, the engines and artillery were the first components sent up back when construction began.


    Chief Master Sergeant Clements begins, ¡°Day six, marines. The rumors are growing. I¡¯m getting tired of reminding you to stop. If any of these rumors leak, we¡¯re looking at mass hysteria.¡±


    Lt. Col. Hitch adds, ¡°We know a lot of questions are being asked, and not a lot of answers are coming back. We get it. We know as much as you know. Right now, we¡¯re still being told that the trajectory of the signal¡¯s origination is being monitored and nothing¡¯s been detected yet.¡±


    Hancock believes that Lt. Col. Hitch is telling the truth as he was told it to be, but he¡¯s fairly confident, given the people going up, that the ¡®truth¡¯ they¡¯re being told is a lie. Russell Right¡¯s custom Italian supercar arrived and went straight into the station, followed closely by his custom electric SUV.


    Hancock isn¡¯t sure whether he should be surprised or not. But, he has been wondering more and more if any thought has been given to the fifteen thousand marines stationed at Fort Tacoma. Especially after the presidential cabinet arrived just a day ago.


    The morning muster ends with very little new information, leaving Hancock¡¯s questions unanswered. The squad meets up not far away, and Sergeant Grey asks calmly, ¡°Any real questions, marines?¡±


    The squad shakes their heads. Grey pulls out a cigar, asking, ¡°Any of you got a light?¡±


    Dumas, the resident electronics ¡®expert¡¯ pulls out a small butane torch used for fast solder jobs.


    Sergeant Grey looks at it in disgust. He retorts coldly, ¡°Seriously?¡±


    Dumas replies half-heartedly defensively, ¡°What? It¡¯s what I got!¡±


    Grey growls. He puts the cigar back in his chest pocket, grumbling, ¡°I ain¡¯t committing no atrocities today.¡±


    Dumas shrugs, replying, ¡°It¡¯s just a cigar, Sarge.¡±


    Grey growls, almost jokingly, ¡°I am disgusted to know you, Corporal. Let¡¯s just shotgun a hundred year whiskey while we¡¯re at it!¡±


    Fisher grunts, ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound so bad to me.¡±


    Fredericks adds, trying to continue the lightening of the mood, ¡°I could go for some special brownies.¡±


    The squad looks at him, and he retorts, ¡°Tanya¡¯s special brownies! Duh! The ones she makes with honey!¡± He shudders warmly.


    Grey growls, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about my lady¡¯s brownies, Fredericks. I¡¯ll rip your spine out and use it to scratch my nuts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, though! Sarge, you gotta ask her to make us some.¡±


    A glimmer in the sky to the west catches Hancock¡¯s attention. It¡¯s fairly directly above the city, for all he can tell, but extremely high up, like a star. But, it¡¯s brighter than a star, given that it¡¯s visible against the morning sunrise.


    It quickly grows a little in size. But then, more appear. Eight such strange stars glow in the morning sky, flickering strangely. They fade for a brief moment.


    Hancock doesn¡¯t have to suppress his suspicions much longer. New glows appear in the form of hot, fiery objects growing from pinpoint sizes to become ever more apparent.


    Just as the bickering between Fredericks and Grey is about to really take off, Hancock asks, ¡°What is that?¡±


    The other squad members look at him and follow his gaze. By all appearances, the entities appear to be objects entering the atmosphere at incredible speed. Fisher pulls up his binoculars, studying the objects for a moment. Grey and Fredericks attempt to use their rifle scopes.


    Fisher says distantly, ¡°It¡¯s something on re-entry ionization. Can¡¯t tell for certain, but it looks metallic.¡±


    Grey urges, ¡°Lemme see.¡± Fisher hands over the binoculars, and Dumas speculates curiously, ¡°Maybe the Inhaler exploded on return, and the debris finally reached us?¡±


    Grey studies for a moment before replying, ¡°Mm¡­ maybe¡­ if they weren¡¯t holding formation.¡±


    ¡°Come again?¡± urges Fisher.


    Grey hands the binoculars back, saying, ¡°THAT, Corporal, is a formation.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 2: Marines Vs. Invaders

    Grey studies for a moment before replying, ¡°Mm¡­ maybe¡­ if they weren¡¯t holding formation.¡±


    ¡°Come again?¡± urges Fisher.


    Grey hands the binoculars back, saying, ¡°THAT, Corporal, is a formation.¡±


    Before Fisher can confirm or deny, the objects divert, losing ionization as they quickly race downwards upon the city. They seemingly streak down in a blur of blood-red metal.


    All nightmares of the last week are confirmed though, when the objects suddenly bank into a sharp plateau, leveling out in a holding pattern directly over the city buildings.


    The entire platoon is aware of the entities. They all watch in astonishment as the strange vessels hover over the city. They aren¡¯t abundantly large; possibly about the size of a navy destroyer. But, troop landing craft are best fast and agile if possible.


    Doors on the strange-looking craft open, and specks rain from the sides toward the ground. Simultaneously, the trance-shattering event occurs; a flash from something beneath one of the craft sends a blue bolt to the ground. A violent and fiery explosion follows. Within seconds, the world falls apart.


    The first blasts reach the marines as a continuous storm of fire pours from the undersides of the crafts. Smaller red flashes follow in greater numbers. And yet, the stunned silence holds the platoon of marines.


    Lieutenant Colonel Hitch can be heard muttering, ¡°Th-this can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    Chief Master Sergeant Clements, a veteran of many middle-eastern conflicts, shouts, ¡°Colonel!¡±


    Hitch shudders back to life, glancing at the senior enlisted man with a deer in the headlights glance. Clements barks, ¡°Recommend counterattack!¡±


    The Lt. Col. Stares at him, blinking twice. Hancock doesn¡¯t want to think about the wavering pitch of noise that could easily be attributed to mass screams of terror, mixed into the distant chaos.


    Hitch stammers softly, ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡±


    Lieutenant Hornady, similarly a combat veteran and a prior enlisted, bellows at the top of his lungs, ¡°LAUNCH COUNTERATTACK MARINES! THOSE ARE AMERICANS! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? GO! GO! GO!¡±


    Hancock follows the voice he is meant to follow; Sergeant Grey calls out, ¡°Romeo! With me! Let¡¯s move!¡±


    The city perimeter is about two miles down a hill, and the marines pile instinctively into transport trucks. They¡¯ve drilled this exercise many times.


    As the trucks race closer down the highways, Hancock is certain of what the scream-like sound is. It will haunt him for the rest of his life. It is exactly what it sounded like.


    Marines pour into the city via trucks, avoiding fleeing civilians and abandoned or occupied vehicles in gridlock. When the trucks can go no further, the infantrymen pour out, storming the opposite direction of the civilians fleeing past them. The blasts from the alien weapons pierce the air shrilly, tingling Hancock to his bones.


    Sergeant Grey leads the squad down an alleyway to avoid pedestrians. But, he suddenly stops. He whispers sharply, ¡°We¡¯re all we got, Marines. We know how this ends. Who¡¯s in the city?¡±


    Dumas replies, ¡°What are you talking¡­?¡±


    ¡°Your FAMILIES,¡± hisses the sergeant. ¡°Tanya¡¯s at the gates. Who do you have that we can save?¡±


    The marines grimly look at each other. Dumas shakes his head, ¡°No one, Sarge.¡±


    Fredericks adds softly, ¡°No one, Sarge.¡± Fisher whispers, ¡°My husband¡¯s a marine, Sarge. Third Platoon.¡±


    Grey nods. He looks at Hancock, ¡°Rookie?¡±


    Hancock stares at him dumbly. Grey urges, ¡°We¡¯re either killing aliens and dying cannon fodder, or we save people we care about. You¡¯re the only one Rookie.¡±


    Hancock is still speechless. What a horrifying choice. None of his family even lives in this state. How is he supposed to answer?


    Fisher says gruffly and confidently, ¡°The waitress.¡±


    Sergeant Grey looks, and then he locks eyes with Hancock. He asks seriously, ¡°C¡¯mon Rookie. Answer me. Anyone else?¡±


    Hancock finally mutters, ¡°No¡­ sir¡­¡±


    Grey sighs and nods. ¡°Tell me you felt a spark, Rookie. Tell me, and we all have a purpose out here today.¡±


    Hancock responds by finally adjusting his gaze to match. Grey pats his shoulder assuringly, saying unusually gently, ¡°We can¡¯t afford to lose everything, Rookie. We¡¯re marines, not gods. We fight for the few, and together, we fight for all.¡±


    The other three cheer softly, ¡°Hoorah.¡±


    Hancock swallows hard. He summons the courage to nod. Grey nods in reply, ¡°Good. Fredericks, lead the way.¡±


    ¡°On it, Sarge.¡± Fredericks takes the lead, and the marines make haste to follow. They alertly stalk down the alleyways.


    Their first encounter isn¡¯t the first of humanity, but it¡¯s far from peaceful. Fredericks peeks around a building corner up the street and quickly recoils. A spray of red and blue bolts storms from left to right. Only a fraction of a second delays before screams and gunfire return from right to left.


    Fredericks calls over the hailstorm passing by, ¡°We can make it if we sprint across!¡±


    Dumas replies, ¡°What about the others!?¡±


    Fredericks shakes his head. ¡°You don¡¯t want to see. You wanna survive, we have to get across.¡±


    ¡°You heard him,¡± growls Grey. ¡°We have our mission. One at a time, we cross full speed. Head down and run!¡±


    He shoves Fisher out of the way and Sergeant Grey takes a deep breath. He sprints in a low run, firing up the street as he sprints to the other alley across the street. Bolts of fire splash the ground, clearly aimed at the sergeant. He calls via radio, ¡°Rookie, you¡¯re next!¡±


    Fisher and Dumas urge Hancock, ¡°Get across to the alley, Rookie.¡±


    Fredericks urges sternly, ¡°Do NOT look up the street, Rookie! You¡¯ll freeze! Run and fire blind if you want to fire!¡±


    Hancock nods.


    Time seems to slow to a painful eternity. His heart races and pounds in his ears. He can see every bolt flashing by and every golden streak returning, forming an impenetrable wall. Sergeant Grey seems to be screaming for him to cross, waving him forward.


    Hancock¡¯s legs wobble. He tries to run, but it feels like he¡¯s falling continuously forward.


    Suddenly, the sun seems to be blotted out to Hancock¡¯s left. He instinctively looks.


    A massive form towers over him. It stands upright, bipedal like a human, but with massive legs as long as Hancock is tall, and as big around as his chest, armored in heavy metal plates. Its legs curve awkwardly, though, like a dog that stands upright. However, its hulking form has a fairly impeccable posture. Its bulky arms are also armored, and its head is obscured in a broad, angular helmet.


    A deep, menacing sound comes from the humongous creature, sounding like a chuckle. This becomes even more likely when it casually levels its strange weapon with the rookie marine. His heart seems to pound in one continuous, tight movement, like it¡¯s trying to squeeze every last drop of blood out of itself to every corner of his body.


    The flash doesn¡¯t come from the alien weapon. It comes from a round object arriving from ahead of Hancock to the spot next to the alien¡¯s left shoulder. It explodes violently, pelting shrapnel across Hancock¡¯s terrified face as the alien stumbles.


    In an astonishing display, a shotgun blast explodes from next to the alien¡¯s shoulder, slamming its helmet as rifle rounds ping and pelt the impressive armor. The alien bellows in surprise, but quickly rights itself. Still, the Sergeant is upon Hancock, firing another blast with his shotgun before pumping another round in and grabbing Hancock¡¯s collar with his left hand.


    The alien towers over both of them, grumbling something in its own unintelligible language that seems almost like a taunt.


    In spite of the hailstorm of firebolts raining around them, though, three more marines charge straight into the fray as Sergeant Grey fires again, dragging Hancock by the collar.


    Fisher launches himself onto the alien¡¯s weapon arm, throwing off its aim as Dumas tries to tackle its waist. The hulking alien stumbles again, but it stays on its feet.


    Fredericks holds just out of arm¡¯s reach, firing into the alien¡¯s torso in controlled bursts. Their weapons seem ineffective against the alien armor, though.


    The hulk pivots violently, launching Fisher from its arm past Grey and Hancock. Fisher smashes through a storefront window, startling screams out of civilians undoubtedly hiding there.


    Dumas abandons his attack, swiftly darting around the alien¡¯s back as he fires at it. Fredericks releases his spent magazine to reload, but the alien lunges one big step and takes hold of the rifle. Thinking blindingly quickly, Fredericks manages to contort himself to save his life. The alien weapon flashes, narrowly missing the marine, but vaporizing the tether binding him to his rifle.


    Fredericks doesn¡¯t hesitate, quickly ripping a grenade off of his belt and pulling the pin. He tosses it over his shoulder as he darts toward the alleyway with Dumas firing over his head.


    Meanwhile, Sergeant Grey has forced the store¡¯s side door open, shouting, ¡°Run! Fisher!¡±


    ¡°Moving!¡± barks the dazed marine. He also barks, ¡°Run! Run people!¡±


    Fredericks¡¯s grenade explodes, dazing the huge alien again and buying the fractions of moments needed for marines up the street to open fire again; this time with heavy machine guns. The alien¡¯s attention turns back to those marines as the heavy weapon fire finally seems to be at least registering to it. However, the alien is taking fire from two distinct weapons, at least, and manages to keep fighting. It jogs back to regroup with its allies.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Grey pulls Hancock, following the panicked civilians as they flee.


    Once it¡¯s momentarily safe, Hancock pants, ¡°S-Sir, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m so so-¡­¡±


    Grey pounds his chest hard, causing the rookie to cough. The sergeant shouts, ¡°Not now! It was coming anyways! Focus up!¡± He then barks, ¡°Fredericks!¡±


    ¡°This way,¡± calls Fredericks, leading the marines ahead. Grey stays alongside Hancock, urging, ¡°Rookie, you HAVE to find your courage. We¡¯re all scared here. Courage is just the faith in what follows your trigger finger. That¡¯s all we got.¡±


    Hancock sniffles as tears uncontrollably flow down his cheeks. He nods, ¡°S-Sir, yes sir.¡±


    ¡°¡®Atta boy.¡±


    The marines work their way deeper into the city, avoiding the countless aliens where they can. Most people are being gunned down, but some, mainly children so far as they¡¯ve seen, are being taken.


    Hancock can¡¯t wrap his head around what¡¯s currently happening, though. There¡¯s no way he can formulate ideas as to why children are being kidnapped.


    The squad reaches the plaza where the sports bar is. It¡¯s their only hope of finding Kenzie. Hancock realizes it was just Grey trying to distract the squad on a MacGuffin chase rather than going toe to toe with the aliens. The marines fighting in formation aren¡¯t faring well at all, and they¡¯ve seen more than one marine with no weapons hiding or fleeing with civilians. Not to mention the corridors of death; streets riddled with the bodies of charred and fallen marines and civilians alike. Even tanks are being quickly melted through and incapacitated by the alien weapons.


    The squad approaches the sports bar. The aliens seem to be focusing on anyone fleeing for now, ignoring the many buildings. Hancock has yet to see a fallen invader ¨Ceven a single one- in exchange for the hundreds or thousands of humans he¡¯s already seen.


    The marines enter the sports bar, which is charred and obscured by smoke. Grey orders quietly, ¡°Caution, marines. Easy on those triggers.¡±


    However, the smell of burnt hair and flesh is amplified by the sight of the bodies littering the restaurant. It appears they were discovered.


    Fisher and Dumas investigate several of the bodies. They were definitely killed by alien weapons, but at least one person seems to have been cleft by some kind of molten blade.


    Fredericks monitors the outside as the squad searches. Grey says quietly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rookie¡­¡±


    Hancock says nothing. He didn¡¯t know Kenzie that well. But, the end of the world seems to amplify even a tiny spark.


    A tiny scuff draws Hancock¡¯s attention, and he snaps his aim in that direction. His rifle quivers from terrified shivering. He whispers, ¡°S-Sir¡­ I heard something¡­¡±


    Grey says sternly, ¡°Contact left. Identify.¡±


    All five marines aim, and a young female voice cries, ¡°W-Wait! H-Human! W-we¡¯re human!¡±


    Grey says more gently, ¡°First Platoon, Romeo Squad, U.S. Marine Corps. It¡¯s safe for now. Come on out.¡± He gestures for the marines to resume defensive posture. Fredericks returns to the door as Fisher and Dumas lower their weapons.


    Hancock¡¯s not a praying man. He doesn¡¯t fantasize of destiny guiding his way, or that he¡¯s in God¡¯s favor. But, in the two hours of hell it took to get there, he never thought relief could feel the way it does.


    The young woman that slowly walks out into the open cautiously is wearing a waitress outfit for the sports bar. She has honey blonde hair, and even though he can¡¯t see them just yet, Hancock knows her eyes are stunningly green. She likes anime, B-monster movies, and all things science fiction. She¡¯s working toward a college degree in digital art animation and writes manga as a hobby. And, her name is Kenzie.


    Hancock almost drops his weapon as he blurts out in disbelief, ¡°Kenzie¡­?¡±


    She looks at him in shock. She chokes, ¡°R-Rex?¡±


    She cautiously approaches, and Hancock notices the much smaller person accompanying her. Grey asks, ¡°Who¡¯s the kid?¡±


    The girl is terrified and covered in blood with clean trails down her cheeks from continuous tears. She clutches firmly to Kenzie¡¯s arm, staring blankly at nothing in particular.


    Kenzie replies, still staring at Rex, who is dumbfounded, ¡°She hasn¡¯t spoken yet. I found her out back when we were first trying to flee. The¡­ They found us. She and I hid¡­ under bodies in the street¡­ We pretended¡­¡± She looks down, tears forming in her own eyes.


    Sergeant Grey says gently, ¡°You saved both of your lives. Good thinking.¡±


    She nods solemnly. Fisher, undoubtedly trying to lighten the mood, says bluntly, ¡°The Rookie realized he¡¯s never been kissed, so he held us at gunpoint until we agreed to come get you.¡±


    Kenzie chokes, looking once more at Hancock. Hancock finally stammers, ¡°K-Kenzie, I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I wanted¡­ If¡­¡±


    She grabs his collar, pulling him into a kiss. When she relaxes, she murmurs tenderly, ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ never had anyone care SO much about me¡­¡±


    Hancock relaxes a little. She then asks nervously, ¡°But¡­ What¡¯s going on?¡± She looks at Grey this time.


    Grey says sourly, ¡°G-sink is loading up their buddies and fleeing Earth.¡± Her jaw drops, and he adds, ¡°Yep. And, we¡¯re getting on one of those ships.¡±


    ¡°We are?¡± asks Dumas, surprised.


    Grey scoffs, ¡°You kidding? Of course. Fort Tack is inaccessible to the fat cats. And, by my count, there¡¯s a lot of damn space left. If I have to fly a Swan myself, Tanya and I ain¡¯t getting mercked by some friggin¡¯ alien.¡±


    Dumas, slightly surprised, asks, ¡°Then¡­ Why¡¯d we¡­?¡±


    Grey growls defensively, ¡°I¡¯m not a coward, marine. But, I refuse to die for no reason. In about two hours, command is going to sound retreat; when the last elitists are on the starliners. And, we¡¯re gonna be at the gates for our turn.¡±


    Fredericks asks from the door, ¡°What if¡­?¡±


    ¡°Stow that talk, marine. This is the end of the world and WE have the guns. We¡¯re getting on those ships.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, but the marines all nod.


    Kenzie whispers as she clutches to the little girl¡¯s hands, ¡°This¡­ is really it¡­ isn¡¯t it? They¡¯re¡­ They¡¯re all gone¡­¡±


    Hancock says gently, ¡°K-Kenzie¡­ I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Her eyes water, but the young woman whimpers, ¡°I¡­ I want to live¡­ W-Will¡­ Will it work?¡± She looks pleadingly at Sergeant Grey. He smirks and says to Hancock, ¡°Tell her, Rookie.¡±


    She looks at Hancock, and he does his best to smile. He replies, ¡°Count on it.¡±


    She manages a smile with a sniffle. Grey kneels down to the girl¡¯s level, and her eyes lock with his. The sergeant says gruffly, ¡°You¡¯re a tough bird too, huh?¡±


    She stares at him blankly. He says gently, ¡°I need your help, Little Bird. I need you to become a marine, okay? Can you do that for me?¡± He takes his uniform cap out of his pocket and unfurls it. He places it on the little girl¡¯s head, adding, ¡°There. I hereby ¨Cuh-¡­ Knight you ¡®Official marine¡¯, bravest warriors in the universe. And, marines protect each other, okay? I protect you, you protect me. We protect the Rookie, here.¡±


    The little girl¡¯s eyes finally water and waver, and she nods. Grey cheers, ¡°That¡¯s my marine. Alright, marine. You ready to beat these alien turds and get outta here?¡± She nods. Just as he¡¯s about to stand, the girl suddenly throws her arms around his neck. She bursts into uncontrollable sobs, wailing in agony as she clutches the senior marine.


    Hancock watches Grey register it a moment. He then smiles, cooing gently, ¡°That¡¯s it, marine. Marines communicate. I wish I had more marines like you.¡±


    The girl hugs him fiercely, and he stands up, saying to Kenzie, ¡°Stick close to Hancock or any of us. We stop, you stop. We go, you go. If we get in a fight, you take Little Bird here and r-uh¡­ Find a tactical marine location.¡± He winks at the young woman, and she nods understandingly.


    Grey says calmly, ¡°Fredericks, get us back to base.¡±


    ¡°Sir, yes sir,¡± says Fredericks calmly.


    The marines move out, cautiously navigating the alleyways and avoiding alien patrols. They¡¯ve begun sweeping buildings. Hancock also suspects the aliens corralled a bulk of the city population using their ships and driving the panicked, fleeing balls of instincts and fear into the center, where the alien soldiers are waiting.


    The small squad is much more cautious about encounters with the bulky aliens. Their armor seems impervious to the human weapons.


    However, ¡®seems¡¯ proves fortunate and correct. The marines happen across the body of one of the bulky aliens, laying right where it fell against a wall. As the marines investigate, though, Hancock¡¯s acute attentiveness kicks back in. The alien collapsed sitting against a concrete wall, and about ten feet above it, there is a crater in the wall where something immensely heavy slammed against it; like the body of an 8 foot tall alien soldier.


    Sergeant Grey keeps his shotgun trained on the alien¡¯s head as he stalks closer. Fisher and Dumas watch the street. Kenzie whispers, ¡°They¡¯re¡­ What are they?¡±


    ¡®Little Bird¡¯, as she¡¯s known for now, whimpers as she looks away in Grey¡¯s arm. Grey asks cautiously, ¡°Dumas, how much do you think those bugs weigh?¡±


    Dumas replies, ¡°250 kilos, easy. Felt like tackling an SUV.¡±


    Grey looks up at the high crater in the wall. He then says, ¡°Fredericks, you mind?¡±


    The lance corporal jogs forward, cautiously approaching the alien to inspect it. He gingerly touches its neck, applying more and more pressure to actually feel for a pulse. He whispers, ¡°I sure hope it¡¯s dead, because I don¡¯t feel anythi-OW!¡± Fredericks recoils in surprise, scrambling back on his backside as all four other marines aim at the alien. Fredericks yelps, ¡°It... It shocked me!¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Kenzie asks, ¡°Do¡­ Do you hear that whine?¡± The marines listen and shake their heads. She says, ¡°It just disappeared! Wait-¡­ It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s back.¡± She looks confused at Hancock and Grey.


    Little Bird murmurs, ¡°I hear it¡­¡±


    ¡°Defibrillator?¡± asks Fisher curiously.


    Grey replies, ¡°Sounds like it. But in their armor?¡±


    Fredericks replies, ¡°That¡¯s its skin, Sarge. Has sweat and everything on it. Reptilian, but a light peach fuzz.¡±


    Grey remarks sarcastically, ¡°Fuzzy crocodiles, huh? Fine. But if its skin is exposed, why the heck are they so hard to kill?¡±


    Before anyone can answer, Little Bird screams. Fisher whirls back up the street, yelling, ¡°CONTACT LEFT!¡±


    The hulking alien bellows its own words. Fisher and Dumas open fire as Grey orders loudly, ¡°Alleyway!¡± He whisks Little Bird into the alley, closely followed by Hancock, Kenzie, and Fredericks. Fredericks covers from the corner as the alien weapon casts firebolts back, narrowly missing the two marines falling back.


    It¡¯s not narrow enough, though. One of the blasts hits Dumas¡¯s left shoulder, whirling him as his shoulder is viciously and instantly blistered from the impact. Fisher instinctively catches him, and Dumas yells in agony. The two more directly flee into the alley.


    Fisher shouts, ¡°It¡¯s pissed, Sarge!¡±


    ¡°MOVE!¡± The sergeant leads down the alleyway, sprinting for the next street. The alien bellows a vociferous taunt at them, and they quickly duck around the corners into the street. More of the hellish blasts race narrowly by.


    Grey shouts, ¡°Which way!?¡±


    Fredericks nods, ¡°Up that way!¡±


    ¡°Lead!¡± The marines sprint after Fredericks as he weaves through destroyed vehicles.


    A new nightmare slides into view ahead. One of the huge alien dropships looms up the street. They don¡¯t have to wait long to find out if it spotted them. Its under-bow turret turns, and a blue firebolt zips directly in front of Fredericks, Dumas, and Fisher, scattering them like ragdolls with a destructive wave. Grey flinches as he stumbles to a stop, instinctively shielding Little Bird as the girl sobs and screams. Kenzie and Hancock huddle together, and they all start to bolt back the way they came to find cover.


    The way they came provides no respite. The alien squeezes out of the alleyway, easily spotting them. Grey thinks fast, ¡°There!¡± He gestures at a restaurant; the windows of which have already been blown out.


    They flee together, but Sergeant Grey suddenly screams out in agony. He falls, and the girl cries as she and he slam into the ground. The sergeant keeps his senses, though, yelling quickly, ¡°Rookie! The girl!¡±


    Hancock¡¯s heart pounds once more in terror, but he is able to cling to the core of his being.


    He is a marine.


    He was given an order.


    The order may not have been spoken overtly, but Hancock can cling to it. He doubles back, staying low behind vehicles so the alien soldier can¡¯t see him. The dropship seems to be holding fire with a friendly down-range. That¡¯s good.


    Hancock grasps the girl, but then Kenzie screams. She scrambles out of the restaurant as a second alien chuckles in its deep, throaty way. It stalks into view, holding what appears to be little more than a big tuning fork, rather than one of the big alien rifles.


    A musical tool, however, it is not. The prongs begin to glow cherry-red, and a purple electrical arc crackles between them. This tiny arc doesn¡¯t stay small, though. It extends out, forming a long, tight, leaf-shaped loop from prong to prong. The crisp, stable loop of energy formed by the weapon wavers a little, similar to a continuous lightning bolt, but it reminds Hancock of¡­ a blade.


    The young marine realizes at once what weapon caused the second type of injuries the marines witnessed in the sports bar. Hancock holds his ground, shakily swinging his rifle between the two extraterrestrial soldiers. The first alien chuckles, placing its ranged weapon on its back and drawing a similar tuning-fork sword.


    Sergeant Grey grunts as he manages to roll over. He thumbs shotgun shells into the weapon, readying for a final ¨Cif futile- stand. Kenzie sinks to her knees with the girl holding her tightly. They both cry helplessly. Hancock shakes uncontrollably. The aliens can be killed, but how?


    Sergeant Grey says, slightly muffled from the unlit cigar in his mouth, ¡°Remind me¡­ to take Dumas¡¯ torch next time.¡±


    The two aliens chuckle menacingly as they stand over the frail humans clinging together. Grey starts to taunt, ¡°You fuzz-crocs want my cold hard twelve? Well come¡­¡±


    A new noise cuts off the sergeant who had resigned himself to a warrior¡¯s death. This sound is strange; familiar and yet, alien. And, it draws the attention of the two invaders in startled unison.


    It is a scream; a wail of agonized death throes as a soul leaves its body.


    But, that soul is not a human soul.


    ***

 Chapter 3: The Stranger

    The three adults look up the street where a third alien collapses from an alleyway. A new, comparatively-tiny figure stumbles out into the open. This figure is almost definitely human, but looks like some kind of comic book superhero. His outfit is white and appears to be armored or padded, and it is trimmed with gold. He has a long, flowing cape, tattered, charred, and stained with many colors. A mask obscures his face; virtually featureless save for 5 slits for each eye, and gold patterns are buried under blood and black scoring.


    The figure staggers like he¡¯s inebriated or dazed. He clutches his head, and Hancock can see the golden gauntlet on his right forearm with strange rings turning around it like clockwork.


    The alien soldiers roar in what¡¯s pretty easy to guess is rage. They bull-rush towards the dazed man. He barely registers their presence until it¡¯s too late. Hancock¡¯s heart tightens on the realization that he was just granted only a few seconds¡¯ respite, and he can¡¯t even look at Kenzie one last time. He simply stares stupidly at the fool about to die instead of the first girl who¡¯s ever kissed him.


    The slaughter that follows, however, is far from an uneventful killing. In a startled glance, the dazed man looks up. The first alien is already swinging its strange sword like a machete. The human contorts back, narrowly avoiding the vicious swing. His arms, on the other hand, do not miss the alien¡¯s bulky tree-trunk of an arm, swooping around the armored limb at the wrist. The wrist is not the intended target, though.


    In a move too quick to fully process, the human wrenches as he pivots under the alien¡¯s arm. He swoops out on the other side as the alien¡¯s momentum carries it a little further in a stumble. In the human¡¯s hands is the strange tuning fork device, but the ¡®blade¡¯ has flickered out. The second alien roars as it stops, viciously swinging downwards at the human.


    He is too quick, feigning left to telegraph the alien that way, before his body catapults right, avoiding the cleaving slash. This puts the human in front of the alien with its head lowered from the power of its swing. The human swings upwards powerfully with a double-axe-handle. The blow shatters the weapon, but the alien¡¯s head flops back, and its whole body lurches back in a topple. The alien crashes calamitously backwards over a car, tumbling out of the fight for at least a moment.


    The alien tuning fork glows from its damage, and the first alien dives away. The human tries to throw the damaged weapon, but it explodes in a fiery blue flash, knocking the mask from his face and shredding his cheek with shrapnel.


    Once again dazed, the human only barely remembers where he¡¯s at, and he dives for cover behind a car. The alien storms up onto the car as the human snatches a human rifle. The mysterious human is fast though, and kicks nimbly into a dive behind the alien as it tries to track. Without even a steady target, the human bursts the rifle, damaging the back of the alien¡¯s armor. Sparks fly, and the alien roars in surprise.


    The superhero-dressed warrior, definitely human by his freshly injured face and red blood, doesn¡¯t revel in the alien¡¯s surprise. Surprise is usually quickly replaced by anger.


    Several bursts of rifle fire erupt from different spots in the street. The three marines, having come to their senses; Fisher, Dumas, and Fredericks, fire in a steady hammering rhythm of shots.


    This time, the alien doesn¡¯t just take it. It howls, instinctively trying to shield its face. The cosplayer scrambles up, ignoring the marines shooting as he leaps up to grab the alien¡¯s ranged weapon. He acrobatically dangles from its firing end, curving his legs up for leverage to rip the weapon away. The strange warrior tumbles free of the alien, toppling on the car and smacking the ground. The alien falls like a cut tree, slamming backwards onto another abandoned car, crumpling its roof.


    The second alien, in the meantime, has recovered to its feet. It does little good, though. The cosplayer manages to fire the alien weapon, belching a scorching firebolt that stumbles the creature. Sergeant Grey, not one to conserve bullets, fires his shotgun as quickly as he can cycle the pump into the alien¡¯s back. The alien cries out, surprisingly pathetically given how sadistic and brutal they could be moments prior.


    The second alien topples, especially after the other three marines join in firing. As the dust settles, the strange human warrior sprawls out on the ground, finally catching his breath. Fredericks, Dumas, and Fisher cautiously circle around him, fresh magazines in their rifles. They hold aim on him. When he notices them, he quickly exclaims, ¡°Don¡¯t shoot! Please!¡±


    ¡°Who are you!?¡± barks Fisher. ¡°How the hell did you know how to kill them!?¡±


    The man replies, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know! I swear!¡±


    ¡°Who are you!?¡± roars the marine.


    ¡°I DON¡¯T know!¡± exclaims the man frantically. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t remember¡­ anything.¡±


    Fisher glances at Dumas, and the two glance back at Sergeant Grey. Hancock knows that many marines are taught, ¡°The enemy of my enemy is only my friend until that enemy is dead.¡± And, too many learned that the hard way.


    Sergeant Grey coughs. He asks, ¡°Whatcha think, Little Bird? Good guy or bad guy?¡± The sniffling girl tries to bury her face in Kenzie¡¯s chest. Grey remarks, ¡°Yeah¡­ I think so too. Help me up, marines. He just killed three of the crocs. I imagine he¡¯d already have been done with us.¡±


    Hancock cautiously helps Sergeant Grey to his feet. The sergeant¡¯s leg took the hit, revealing blistered and charred flesh on his ankle. He says dryly, ¡°Rookie, I get that you¡¯re scared, but your bullets aren¡¯t doing any good weighing your gun down.¡±


    Hancock shamefully murmurs, ¡°I¡­ I know, Sergeant.¡±


    The other three marines regroup with Hancock and Grey. Fisher asks, ¡°Do we keep going?¡±


    Grey nods as he gestures his hand impatiently at Dumas, still chewing on his cigar, ¡°Hell yeah, marine. Me and the Rookie got hot dates tonight. We¡¯re getting off this turd.¡±


    Dumas remarks skeptically, ¡°If this guy CAN kill the aliens, can¡¯t we fight them off?¡±


    ¡°Vanguard,¡± blurts out the mystery man from nearby. ¡°No invasion starts without one.¡±


    ¡°And just how do you know that, Mr. ¡®I can¡¯t remember¡¯?¡± asks Fisher caustically.


    The mystery man fidgets with the strange device on his arm, replying, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know. I just¡­ I do.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°He¡¯s right. They¡¯re testing our defense.¡± He nods at the mysterious man, ¡°Hey Stranger; you¡¯re at least human, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I think so?¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Way I see it, we¡¯re not gonna make it back to our base alive. You get us there, and we¡¯ll all get the heck out of here.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing, Sergeant¡­¡±


    ¡°Killin¡¯ aliens and not killin¡¯ humans. Pretty darn good start to me.¡±


    The mystery man nods. Grey coughs, wincing from his pain. He replies warmly, though, ¡°Good. Let¡¯s move marines. Rookie, carry Little Bird. Stranger,¡± Grey limps to Dumas, the other most injured, and they support each other. Grey finishes, ¡°If you can remember anyone ¨CANYONE-, we¡¯ll go get them.¡±


    The stranger shakes his head. ¡°I can¡¯t explain why, but¡­ I think my family¡­ They¡¯re waiting for me already¡­ All I have left is this.¡± He looks at the golden device on his arm. The rings aren¡¯t moving right now, but he says calmly, ¡°She¡­ whoever she is¡­ is waiting for me.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet, respectful pause. The squad simply moves on, not pressing further for now. They reload weapons and begin navigating the streets and alleys. The chaos is still going on around them, booming in the distance. The screams rise and fall in a tune-less melody, haunting Hancock.


    Little Bird holds him tightly as he carries her. She¡¯s quieter, having lost a lot of her energy, but she¡¯s still crying. He thinks he understands why Sergeant Grey was so adamant about rescuing Kenzie, and by extension, Little Bird. Hancock is terrified, but he¡¯s not alone. If a little girl hasn¡¯t given up, and a waitress hasn¡¯t given up, how can a marine just cower and give up on life?


    As the squad walks, Hancock asks Kenzie softly, ¡°How are you doing?¡±


    She scoffs, staying close to him. Their pace is easy to keep, given Grey¡¯s injury, but they¡¯re moving, which is what matters. The waitress replies, ¡°Good as I can I guess.¡±


    ¡°Right, sorry¡­¡± replies Hancock, feeling like a fool.


    ¡°No, no!¡± She quickly adds gently, ¡°I appreciate you asking¡­¡± She takes a breath and continues, ¡°Rex, I¡­ if you guys¡­¡± She fumbles for words, trying to formulate a full sentence.


    She may never get that chance.


    As the marines are crossing a footbridge over a dry canal, an explosion rattles up from beneath the young marine. The whole bridge shakes, and Little Bird screams as she and Hancock tumble apart. However, the explosion holds no fire; just a burst of rock as if it were smashed upwards.


    Little Bird screams again, but a guttural, eager growl pierces through directly to Hancock¡¯s soul. They held their fire as screaming children were carried away like sacks. The aliens are careful with those they take prisoner, though only barely. Whatever the aliens want with them, they want them alive.


    Hancock glimpses the little girl being snatched down into the collapsed hole extending to the edge of the bridge.


    He sees her face, screaming and reaching back for him; for Hancock.


    Something ignites in Hancock. It¡¯s a fire he didn¡¯t know he had. That little girl¡¯s horrified and desperate and trusting gaze will NOT haunt him forever. He would rather die.


    Hancock screams as he scrambles to the edge, ¡°LITTLE BIRD!¡±


    The alien has just landed on the canal ground. Hancock¡¯s brain is off; at least, the fearful and logical parts. He leaps from the bridge edge without a thought.


    Hancock lands on the surprised hulk, but his ¡®plan¡¯ doesn¡¯t work as he expected. Instead of pancaking the soldier to the ground, Hancock feels rather like he just belly-flopped onto a tree stump. He coughs as Little Bird flails in its big hand. She screams, ¡°REX!¡±


    She¡¯s right there. He can save her. He WILL save her.


    The alien¡¯s otherwise free hand is holding Little Bird, and its sword is ignited. The young marine regains his senses, dedicating his energy to holding onto the staggering behemoth as it stumbles back. He loses grip on his rifle, but hopefully, its sling will hold. In the meantime, he feels for his belt¡¯s dagger holster, yelling frantically. He knows it doesn¡¯t help any, but he doesn¡¯t care. The alien staggers, taking too long to decide which to unhand; the girl or the sword. Hancock gets his dagger, and he makes no hesitation to jam the blade into the alien¡¯s leathery skin visible at its collar.


    The alien howls in sharp pain. Good. They feel pain. Just that notion alone gives Hancock a nudge of hopeful confidence. But, as he withdraws his dagger for a blow towards its spine, he notices, even with the alien bucking frantically, its wound heals almost instantly.


    He doesn¡¯t have long enough to read into it, though. The hulk decides to drop Little Bird. Hancock yells, ¡°Little Bird! Run!¡± The little girl looks up at him in panic. But, his gaze catches the SEVERAL aliens storming across the bridge. Again, though, he is interrupted when the alien grips him and casts him in a tumble across the ground.


    Everything hurts. Everything aches. Something might be broken. But, Little Bird screams again. He¡¯s so close.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The marines position in cover to fire on the aliens pursuing them on the bridge. Kenzie and the mystery man are hiding next to Fisher as Dumas and Grey fire, and Fredericks reloads.


    Sergeant Grey doesn¡¯t know much about extraterrestrials. He¡¯s fought ground wars in deserts most of his life. But, he knows arrogance when he sees it. The aliens know just how tough they are.


    His marines are shaken by this fact. He can¡¯t blame them. They¡¯re running out of ammo. He has half a mind to order the rookie to hand over his magazines and grenade.


    That¡¯s when he finally realizes it. He heard screams. He saw Little Bird get taken. And, he saw Hancock safely on the bridge. Grey desperately looks up the bridge, flinching when a firebolt hits inches ahead of his face.


    The rookie isn¡¯t with the squad, nor is he lifeless on the bridge. Little Bird is the only reason the squad stopped at all. But now¡­


    Gunfire patters away from the canal. Hancock is alive. Grey yells, ¡°ROOKIE!¡± The sergeant ducks just in time not to be shot. He glances at the mystery man. He¡¯s struggling to activate his forearm device. The rings aren¡¯t moving like before, and he doesn¡¯t seem very knowledgeable on its use.


    Grey yells, ¡°WE NEED YOU!¡±


    The stranger calls back, ¡°I KNOW! I¡¯M TRYING!¡±


    The aliens are reaching the end of the bridge. The low walls the marines are hidden behind will be useless in moments.


    A shrill scream fills the air; that of undoubtedly Little Bird. The first alien rounds the walls. Grey¡¯s shotgun clicks ¨Cempty-.


    The stranger isn¡¯t the same though. He stands up fearlessly, lunging to the alien¡¯s proximity. A single punch thunders, and the alien doubles over at the waist, audibly belching and vomiting into its helmet. The stranger grips it and whirls, launching the alien into its comrades, stumbling them all back onto the bridge. His grip, however, retained something from the extraterrestrial warrior; a strange, spiky looking ball. The stranger says seriously and sternly, ¡°Get to your base. I¡¯ll retrieve the other two.¡±


    They all stare at him in disbelief. He booms, ¡°Do not wait! We WILL meet you there!¡±


    With that, he activates the ball, tossing it onto the bridge in front of the dazed and surprised aliens. He casually steps over the edge into the canal as the alien bomb explodes violently, shattering the bridge while the aliens trip over each other to struggle clear. They aren¡¯t able to make it clear, though, before the bridge collapses, dropping them into the canal.


    Fredericks calls, ¡°Sarge! Whadda we do!?¡±


    Grey looks at the bridge. Several more aliens are storming up to the gap. He has to think fast. None of his options are good. The senior marine peeks towards the canal, but his view is blocked.


    The aliens that look into the canal also point up the canal much further. However, their own weapon blasts cause them to duck. Grey smirks. Whoever the stranger is, he is definitely some kind of prototype super-soldier or even possibly an escaped prisoner from the alien mother ship.


    In any case, he is an ally of the marines, and they¡¯re moving away from the bridge, which is why Grey needs to get the others clear too. The Sergeant shouts, ¡°You got lead in your shoes!? Let¡¯s move, marines!¡±


    ¡°Moving!¡± call the marines in reply. They scramble into cover of the buildings, Kenzie close in tow.


    ********


    The stranger appears in a thunderous arrival, startling the alien before several more tumble into the canal. The first alien that had grabbed Little Bird initially has once again snatched the little girl. But, it made a mistake. It paused. Or¡­ perhaps it doesn¡¯t matter. The Stranger has one goal in mind. The alien tries to claim its ranged weapon in exchange for its sword, but the gun is the sole goal of the stranger, given the ferocity with which he targets the weapon. The stranger¡¯s arms fly around the weapon, and he pivots violently. Simultaneously, he kicks the alien in the shin, dropping it to a kneel. Still in a fluid swirl, the stranger catches the girl by her collar, dropped by the alien to catch itself on the ground.


    The stranger pivots the girl away, dangling her like a cat by the scruff of her neck. He levels the alien gun with the hulk¡¯s broad chest. Hancock watches in astonishment as the stranger manages to fire the weapon in rapid succession. The alien howls and flops backwards onto the ground. The stranger pivots again, firing repeatedly at the aliens that fell from the section of bridge collapsing with the explosion.


    Hancock notices what the stranger hasn¡¯t, though. The first alien is recovering somehow. It shifts over to sit up.


    The young marine sees something else, though. It is an innocuous detail he would never think twice about. He sat in cowardice for every firefight so far. But, his mind wasn¡¯t paralyzed entirely. He was still seeing everything. He saw details he will never forget. Alone, the detail he notices on the alien¡¯s back could mean nothing. After all, their skin regenerates in seconds, right?


    Then, why were the marines able to help the stranger kill one of the aliens? The details all collide in Hancock¡¯s mind. The damage the stranger did to that specific alien¡¯s back preceded that fatality. His drill instructor used to say ¡°A marine without a mind is no better than a gun turret. Except, gun turrets don¡¯t need potty breaks.¡± He encouraged the recruits to think outside the box.


    Hancock doesn¡¯t even have to think that hard. The device built into the back of the alien¡¯s armor does the luxury of glowing while it¡¯s active. A red glow makes a juicy target already. But, even better, it takes a monster¡¯s ability to absorb damage like a literal bullet sponge and replaces that with a soldier¡¯s worst enemy; standing in the open as a very mortal duck.


    Hancock grips his rifle, flipping over quickly to aim down his own body. Pain shoots through him, but he pushes past it. He has too many reasons to live right now. And, he knows he needs the stranger to do that.


    The stranger is distracted firing at the bridge now. The alien is regaining its senses. It¡¯s now or never!


    Hancock¡¯s rifle shakes violently in his terrified hands. If he fires, the alien will target him next.


    NO! He can¡¯t think like that. He is a marine! He¡­ just has¡­ to¡­ pull the trigger.


    His hands won¡¯t stop shaking. The alien grips its sword. Hancock closes his eyes as they begin to water. He¡¯s worthless. A coward. Everyone else is fighting SO hard to survive. Even Kenzie and Little Bird, with no experience or training, are clinging to life any way they can.


    If Hancock lets the stranger fall, they all die. He¡¯s the only one that can fight the aliens toe to toe. But, Hancock has it figured out. All he needs is a little strength.


    Little Bird¡¯s horrified gaze finds him in his own mind; that look she gave him as she was being snatched away. Kenzie was going to say something. Sergeant Grey and the others risked everything for him to get this chance. As stupid as it was to do, they did it. They wanted to fight for a purpose.


    Every good soldier needs a purpose. Hancock found his when he dove from the bridge, and she still needs him.


    He opens his eyes, exhaling calmly. He is able to steady his hands to a soft quiver. The alien is pivoting, closing his window of opportunity.


    The rookie marine squeezes the trigger, and one bullet cycles. What it does is outside of his control now. All he can do is pray and find his next target. Sparks explode from the alien¡¯s back, but it doesn¡¯t care. It swings its sword viciously for the stranger. But, the stranger tensed at the shot. With reflexes like omniscience, the stranger leaps back, freeing his hand from the gun and leaving it behind in midair. His hand narrowly avoids being cleft clean off by the purple energy blade. The weapon is not so lucky. And, in the blindingly fast moment, the stranger is already turning, hugging, and diving away by the time the gun explodes violently.


    The stranger lands on his back, protecting the girl from the blast and the impact with his body. His long white cape smolders, and the alien shields its face in surprise for a moment. The stranger is dazed. The alien roars and stomps forward. Hancock fires incessantly, but the alien only flinches a little. It grabs Little Bird again, but the stranger¡¯s hands hold tight around her.


    The alien growls in obvious frustration, rearing its sword. It starts to swing viciously, in spite of the girl, Hancock flinches in horror.


    Once more, though, the stranger proves full of surprises. His right arm, golden bracer on his forearm, snaps up, seemingly in futility to stop the metal-shearing blade. But it stops. A terrifying crackle, like an electrical transformer about to explode, buzzes menacingly. Sparks fly from the bracer, rings around it spinning wildly.


    The stranger powerfully shifts, kicking the alien in the gut, launching it once more onto its back. It was as stunned as Hancock still is. This time, he pounces onto the alien, wrestling to grip its helmet.


    However, several other alien soldiers appear. One grabs Little Bird, and then Hancock is yanked off of the ground by a beastly grip. One of the alien guns is leveled with Hancock¡¯s head just as the stranger slams his alien¡¯s head on the ground. Now free of its helmet, it seems to go unconscious, and he is just about to break its neck, by appearances.


    The alien holding Little Bird booms sternly, ¡°HOOMIN!¡± The stranger halts. So, they DO know English. This means the aliens were already observing Earth in some capacity.


    The stranger steps away from the unconscious alien. He looks slowly at the six standing aliens watching him. Hancock chokes out, ¡°S-Save her¡­!¡±


    The alien holding him snarls viciously in his ear. The invader holding Little Bird grunts out, ¡°How feet?¡± Their English is apparently only a little.


    The stranger¡¯s face is covered in blood. His injuries on his cheek still trickle a little as well. His cape is tattered and soot, dirt, mud, and blood have soiled almost every inch of his armor.


    The stranger scoffs, replying with exhaustion, ¡°I sincerely don¡¯t know.¡±


    This doesn¡¯t make the alien happy. It grunts orders at the other four, whose guns are trained on the stranger. The exhausted amusement dissolves from the human super-soldier. The rings on his gauntlet race up to full speed, whining and screaming with terrifying energy. A powered angle grinder could take a lesson in speed.


    Hancock could believe very easily that he¡¯s dreaming already. He could believe he¡¯s in a pre-death spiral through a fantasy world. Reality isn¡¯t like this. If he awakens from the coma he might be in, he would be relieved and unsurprised.


    Instead, what happens next drives him further into the realm of fantasy. He watches as a red glow fills the strangers eyes, while his blood glows blue in his veins, including the blood staining his face. His face contorts in anger. Of this, Hancock is certain, since the four hostage-free aliens take a startled step back.


    And, in a flash, the stranger snaps his arms up. Six bolts of blue lightning race from his fingertips to every one of the six standing aliens, including the two holding Hancock and Little Bird. No, he saw it; the bolts of lightning came FROM the aliens, and the hellish bolts dance between them. The extraterrestrial soldiers bellow and wail in agony together. Hancock and Little Bird fall to their hands and knees, suddenly freed of the hulking extraterrestrials. The sparks and bolts shriek, pop, and roar just overhead. The aliens howl, helpless against a nerve-shredding pain. The stranger¡¯s hands curl into fists, as if he is gripping the lightning bolts like ropes. He pulls the invisible strings, and the shuddering aliens tense stiffly.


    All at once, their bodies dissolve into ash, disintegrating and dropping the armor plates to the ground. The air falls silent, even as a glowing aura swirls around the stranger briefly. And, then just as quickly, the glow dissolves, and the stranger relaxes. An eerie quiet befalls the canal. The little girl¡¯s sniffles are the most prominent noise as the stranger seems just as astonished at his own actions as Hancock and Little Bird are.


    The stranger clears his daze first, jogging briskly to the two. He asks Hancock, ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    Hancock stares into the stranger¡¯s strange, faintly-blue-glowing eyes. The young marine nods faintly. The stranger nods, cautiously approaching the little girl, who also nervously stares at him. He says gently, ¡°I won¡¯t let any more harm come to you, Little Bird. I promise.¡±


    The girl blinks, sniffles, and her eyes water anew. He cautiously offers her to ride on his back, and she gingerly climbs up, hugging his neck. Just as she stands up, she cries out, ¡°W-Wait! M-M-My¡­ My marine hat!¡±


    The stranger looks around, searching the ground. Thinking quickly as he, too, climbs to his feet, Hancock digs his uniform cover out of his pocket. He unravels it and offers it to the girl. He wonders if she¡¯s just so overloaded with everything that just happened, a triviality is all she can process. He feels like that¡¯s his state of mind right now.


    The little girl gingerly takes the hat, placing it on her head. She squeaks, ¡°Th-Thank you, Rex.¡±


    Something new comes over the rookie marine; something he thought would be purged from him by the events of the day. But, he manages a dash of humor as he replies, ¡°A marine¡¯s first name is their rank, Rookie. We go by last names or nicknames. Call me ¡®Rookie¡¯, Little Bird.¡±


    She sniffles and nods. He says as playfully and ¡®seriously¡¯ as he can muster, ¡°That¡¯s ¡®Yes, Rookie¡¯ to you, marine.¡±


    She quickly squeaks, ¡°Y-Yes R-Rookie!¡±


    He smirks and nods. The two adults walk briskly, searching for a way out of the canal. There¡¯s no telling when the aliens will come looking for their fallen or discover the orbital elevator.


    As the three walk, the little girl summons the courage to ask, ¡°A-Are you an angel?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and the stranger asks, ¡°Who, me?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°How come?¡±


    He chuckles, ¡°I don¡¯t know that either.¡±


    ¡°Do¡­ Do you know what an angel is?¡±


    He gently replies, ¡°Yes. For some reason, I seem to know a lot. I just¡­ I can¡¯t recall anything.¡±


    ¡°Mm...¡±


    After a pause, Little Bird asks, ¡°Doesn¡¯t it¡­ sadden you?¡±


    The man replies distantly, ¡°I can¡¯t miss who I can¡¯t remember.¡± He then perks up a little, saying, ¡°Now, I know you¡¯re a marine, but I¡¯m not. So, I¡¯m allowed to use your name. May I have your real name, Little Bird?¡±


    She lowers her chin onto his shoulder sadly. Hancock suspects she was trying to forget reality and all she lost in it. She says softly, ¡°M-Maya.¡±


    ¡°Maya. That¡¯s a beautiful name.¡±


    She nuzzles his collar quietly, murmuring, ¡°I¡­ I want to be a marine, though¡­¡± Her hands grip the fabric of his collar.


    The stranger smiles gently, ¡°Nothing I say will change the fact; you¡¯re a marine. Saw it myself. But, if ¡®Little Bird¡¯ makes you happy, then ¡®Little Bird¡¯ it is.¡±


    She smiles sheepishly, continuing to fidget with the clasps of his cape.


    The three trek cautiously. The chaos is dying down some. Either the extermination has gone quickly, or people have resorted to hiding. Still, night has fallen, and hellish fires cause a glow on the nighttime sky. Little Bird, exhausted from fear, has managed to fall asleep on the stranger¡¯s collar.


    Hancock whispers, alertly watching for the pinpoint lights on the alien armor, ¡°You¡¯re pretty good with kids.¡±


    The stranger replies quietly, ¡°Thanks. You too.¡±


    Hancock scoffs, ¡°Hardly. I almost got her killed.¡±


    The stranger frowns empathetically. He replies softly, ¡°I¡­ think that makes you better than me, still.¡±


    The rookie marine stays quiet for a moment. He can see the entrance to the military base ahead, crowded with people.


    ***

 Chapter 4: The Last Path To the Sky

    Sergeant Grey leads the marines through the crowd, yelling as he aims his shotgun, ¡°GET OUT OF THE WAY! MOVE!¡±


    He hates this feeling, but he HAS to get his marines through. He also has something he knows the brass will want. Dumas deduced that the back plate armor of the aliens contains some sort of healing device. If they can reverse engineer the technology, they may be able to make leaps and bounds to catching up to these monsters.


    Not to mention, Sergeant Grey has lives he¡¯s personally invested in saving; his own included. Yes, choosing himself over all of these people is disgusting, but someone must. And, he watched the wealthy and influential making that choice BEFORE the chaos started.


    Sergeant Grey has a mission. He HAS to make it to one of the ships; him and his squad. He is thankful for once that civilian weapons were confiscated, or this situation could be much worse. He¡¯s not sure how the aliens haven¡¯t found this base yet, but he¡¯s thankful for that, too.


    It¡¯s partially luck that Sergeant Grey spots Tanya waiting in the crowd, bruised and injured, but mostly okay. Her knuckles are bloody, and that fortunately seems to be the extent. She passionately and desperately kisses him before explaining, ¡°They¡¯ve stopped letting people in!¡±


    Grey licks his teeth. They¡¯re running out of time. He can still hear the hum of the elevator station, but even max speed still takes a day to get into orbit. And, he doubts much control was afforded once the panic started. He replies quietly, ¡°Leave that to us and stay close. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I made the horrible mistake of having a water bottle on me. Should¡¯a just gave it up when the toolbag demanded it. I¡¯m fine.¡± She nods at Kenzie, ¡°She with us?¡±


    Grey glances and nods, ¡°We had to head out for at least a while. Found a reason to come back. Two, actually. Let¡¯s move. I¡¯ll explain.¡±


    The group pushes through the crowd. Grey can hear Fisher barking, ¡°We¡¯re trying to find out! They¡¯ll talk to us!¡± Grey¡¯s glad they¡¯re all wearing their armor. People are throwing bottles, cans, and rocks already. And, they think the line is moving.


    Grey reaches the base security gate, and he leads his group to the control point guards. He shows his ID, even as the guards threaten him to back off. He shouts, ¡°Sergeant Alexander Grey, Third Platoon! Enemy tech capture! Priority Code Romeo-XRay-Tango-Five-Three!¡±


    The control point snaps back, ¡°Sergeant, I have been given strict orders!¡±


    ¡°To hell with your orders, Rookie! We have their tech! LET US THROUGH!¡±


    The guard¡¯s grip tightens on his rifle. Grey thinks quickly, yelling, ¡°You fire on us, and this;¡± He gestures at the people behind him, ¡®waiting their turn¡¯. He continues, ¡°Becomes a stampede. You wanna shoot us, go ahead! Saves us the trouble!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not bluffing, Sergeant! BACK. OFF!¡±


    Marines only have each other at the end of the day. If they can¡¯t trust those at their backs, they have nothing. If one brings their rifle up, they can only hope¡­


    Sergeant Grey¡¯s marines don¡¯t let him down. He snaps his shotgun up at the center guard threatening him. He hears the shuffles and clicks of Fredericks, Dumas, and Fisher taking aim. He also can hear the pistol they gave Kenzie chattering from her shaking. The guards tense and take a step back. Grey taunts menacingly, ¡°We¡¯re going in and nobody dies, or we all shoot, and whoever survives is mauled to death by the crowd behind me. You wanna die a ¡®hero¡¯ getting trampled to death by panicking people, or you wanna¡­¡± Grey deliberately softens his voice so only the guard a barrel¡¯s length away from him can hear; ¡°actually survive this hellstorm?¡±


    The younger marine¡¯s eyes widen in horror. What Grey just said is treacherous, but everyone knows it. Not very many more elevator cars are going up. Dying on the ground won¡¯t make anything better.


    Fortune has a way of finding perfect timing, it seems. Neither marine being posed with a horrible choice actually has to be the first to pull their trigger. A whir zooms in, and just inside the gate in question, a hulking figure slams the ground. A small, helicopter-sized alien craft races off, and Grey can hear more coming. The guards whirl as the crowd screams. They flee in a startled hurry back down the street away from the gate, tripping over and trampling each other.


    Grey and his squad don¡¯t hesitate. He bellows, ¡°OPEN FIRE! CONCENTRATE ON ITS BACK!¡±


    All of the marines present scatter into cover and fire a hailstorm at the extraterrestrial shocktrooper. Its armor is heavier than the others, and it wields two of the alien guns; one in each hand. Sergeant Grey limps quickly behind a parked troop truck, followed closely by Kenzie and Tanya. Fisher and Dumas fire on it from behind a concrete barricade, and Fredericks climbs stealthily into the passenger side of another truck aimed at the gate.


    The truck Fredericks just rigged fires up, and he slams it into gear, nimbly tumbling away as the truck roars toward the gate at full speed. The alien, taunted by the truck fleeing, focuses its attention, firing both weapons at the truck. Grey spots a second alien shocktrooper dropping in outside the gate, lumbering after the crowd fleeing. Then a third joins it.


    This is it. If Grey¡¯s marines can take out the alien attacking them, they can make it to the station with minimal chaos. Fredericks jogs up from his stealthy route, and Grey waves him into the cab of the truck. Fredericks sets to task. Now, Grey has to deal with the alien. His leg burns viciously from his injury, but he¡¯s pretty sure he can run. And, he claimed a couple of the alien grenades when they policed a downed alien¡¯s equipment.


    Sergeant Grey readies his shotgun and a grenade. It¡¯s the size of a tissue box, but the spikes make it easy to grip. He says calmly, ¡°Whatever happens, you two stay with Fredericks. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Alex¡­¡± urges Tanya. He kisses her quickly and bolts up, sprinting as the alien¡¯s attention is successfully drawn by Fisher and Dumas, as well as three of the six guards. Two of the guards are already dead, and a third is wounded.


    Grey doesn¡¯t focus on that, though. He primes the grenade, and it blinks. He hopes that means it¡¯s ready. He fires his shotgun into the alien¡¯s back at point blank range, slamming the grenade into its back. However the grenade sticks with the foam that spurts out, it stays, and Grey stays in a sprint past the alien, diving headfirst over Fisher and Dumas as they duck. He can hear the alien¡¯s surprised, ¡°Hruugh?¡±


    The explosion is more akin to a fast, thunderous clap, but much more potent. Grey isn¡¯t sure shooting the healing unit was necessary, but he didn¡¯t want to take chances. In any case, he turns around to make sure it¡¯s dead.


    The alien¡¯s body is indeed lifeless, and Grey barks, ¡°Move, marines!¡± Fisher helps the guards carry the injured guard after the other two are confirmed dead. They scramble for the truck, which roars to life as Fredericks hotwires it. Grey isn¡¯t sure how warfare would have changed if all vehicles had become electric, but he¡¯s thankful for the big, reliable deuce-and-a-half for always roaring when called upon. At least in combat.


    Everyone piles into the truck, pulling the injured guard in. Fredericks races for the station. Grey orders, ¡°Don¡¯t stop, Fredericks! Drive straight onto whatever car¡¯s on the platform!¡±


    ¡°Aye, sir!¡±


    The sergeant looks behind them. Flashes denote the aliens still slaughtering the crowd of people fleeing. A few people who obviously hid are jogging past the gate.


    His stomach churns, but he¡¯s committed. If he thinks too hard about it, he might try to feel bad for all nine billion people on Earth.


    Luck moves in waves, though. As the truck smashes through the garage door of the loading dock, Fredericks yells, ¡°CRAP! Sarge! It¡¯s a cargo pod!¡±


    Grey curses under his breath. Cargo pods aren¡¯t life-supporting. They hold pressure, but it¡¯s unlikely 10 people will survive a whole day in what amounts to a big conex box before air runs out. Grey thinks fast. His marines aren¡¯t trained on car changes. It¡¯s already risky time-wise whether there are still ships in orbit. Grey orders, ¡°Park in standby!¡± He hops out, wincing from his leg. Fisher and Dumas stay on him. Fredericks drives the truck onto the platform that will stay alongside the next car that comes.


    Sergeant Grey accesses the human machine interface computer, checking the queue of cars behind the one drifting through the station. He sighs relief. He calls out, ¡°Next car is passenger! Be ready, Fredericks!¡±


    ¡°Standing by, Sarge!¡±


    Sergeant Grey opens the intercom interface. He calls, ¡°This is Sergeant Grey. We¡¯re boarding in five. Hostiles advancing on perimeter. Last car.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. A voice calls back, ¡°Sergeant, last car was declared one hour ago. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Grey snaps, ¡°Who is this!? There¡¯s still time! We have hostile technology; repeat, ALIEN technology. We¡¯re coming up. You BETTER be waiting.¡±


    There¡¯s a longer pause. Grey grinds his teeth in frustration. If anyone else captured tech, they¡¯re screwed. But, he doubts it. Most of the marines that rode up probably didn¡¯t lay eyes on any aliens. He expects his enlisted marines will be outnumbered by officers if they make it through this.


    The voice comes back, ¡°Sergeant¡­¡± Grey flips off the camera nearby as he holds up the alien grenade. Dumas holds up the huge alien back plate. Grey growls, ¡°Yeah, you see us, right? You gonna be waiting?¡±


    There¡¯s another pause. During that time, Fisher and Dumas start aiming their rifles at the loading dock they came in by. Grey looks at the startled woman carrying an infant and a young girl. She cries out, ¡°Please! You have to let us come with you!¡±


    Grey nods gently at Fredericks, and the three marines relax. Fisher whispers cautiously, ¡°This car¡¯s gonna fill up fast if more people figure it out.¡±


    Dumas whispers back as the woman cautiously approaches, ¡°We should be trying to save more. We know how to beat them now.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°The frickin¡¯ good you think that will do, marine, when they start dropping heavies or tanks?¡±


    Dumas pales at the thought of a war vehicle proportionally formidable in keeping with their scouts.


    The woman is now close enough on the landing just before the platform. She says softly, ¡°Th-thank you¡­¡±


    The marines glance at each other uneasily. ¡®Thanks¡¯ aren¡¯t very deserved, given the situation.


    Tanya perks up, saying, ¡°You came just in time, Miss. Survival¡¯s the focus now for all of us that can. Come;¡± She approaches the woman and tugs her onto the standby platform, explaining, ¡°We have to jump aboard the car when it gets here.¡±


    The voice on the computer asks, ¡°Wait, you¡¯re bringing more people, Sergeant?¡±


    Grey replies un-movingly, ¡°Whoever¡¯s here to board is coming up. I KNOW there¡¯s room up there. So tell me, will you be waiting for our captured tech or not?¡±


    A familiar voice comes over the radio; ¡°Sergeant Grey, this is Lieutenant Colonel Hitch. You must understand, we¡¯re tempting fate the longer we¡­¡±


    Grey snaps, ¡°YOU DAMNED COWARDLY WEASEL! I didn¡¯t actually say you had already gone up because I thought there was no way. But, there you are; already at the station. Tell me, did you step one foot off base before running to the lift, or did you turn tail the second you shiny pole-smokers sent us all out to die?¡±


    ¡°SERGEANT! Remember¡­!¡±


    ¡°WHO I¡¯M TALKING TO? I THOUGHT I was talking to a brother in arms! Remember this, Hitch; cowards may die a thousand deaths, but they kill others more than that. So think hard before you kill us a second time, HITCH.¡±


    There¡¯s another pause. A few more families arrive. Tanya tries to stay warm and encouraging toward them. She even holds the first woman¡¯s infant to relieve her a moment.


    Fredericks whispers, ¡°Sarge¡­ was that¡­ wise?¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°What should I have said? ¡®Thank you sir for abandoning us to die. May I have another?¡¯¡±


    The lance corporal replies cautiously, ¡°Yeah, but¡­ they¡¯re the go no-go.¡±


    ¡°They were talking themselves into it.¡±


    The woman asks nervously, ¡°W-we¡¯re¡­ we¡¯re leaving, right? Please¡­ Please tell me we¡¯re¡­¡±


    Hitch¡¯s voice says grimly, ¡°We¡¯re waiting. But, Sergeant¡­ If we even suspect there are hostiles onboard¡­¡±


    Sergeant Grey relaxes in deep relief. He finishes for Hitch, ¡°By all means, drop us. But, there won¡¯t be. We know how to kill these grunts. Just a pain in the ¨Cuh¡­ cheeks.¡±


    ¡°Good luck Sergeant,¡± replies Hitch. ¡°And have your passengers ready to run. We¡¯re not staying once you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Got it, sir. Thank you.¡±


    Hitch adds quickly, ¡°Oh, and brace yourselves. They¡¯re dropping all the down-bound cars. It¡¯ll squeeze a little more speed out of the remaining up-cars. It¡¯s a¡­¡± He scoffs. ¡°It¡¯s a ride, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative.¡±


    ¡°Hitch, out.¡±


    Grey shouts, ¡°Alright, everyone! A car¡¯s coming to take us up. You have thirty seconds once the platform we¡¯re on starts moving. You want a chance at living, you get across the yellow line to the car before second thirty. Once the doors close, you¡¯re staying. Is that clear?¡±


    A few heads nod. But, most of the people waiting are weary, scared, and numb to the world. A few more marines have showed up, but Grey doesn¡¯t see Hancock, the stranger or Little Bird yet. He scoffs at the realization that he doesn¡¯t know either Little Bird¡¯s or the Stranger¡¯s names yet. But, he hopes they got here before him. He focuses on his current group. He shouts, ¡°IS THAT CLEAR!?¡±


    Startled, everyone murmurs, ¡°Yes sir¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better. One minute. Be ready.¡± The marines organize all of the refugees into ranks, explaining that all they have to do is file in smoothly, and they¡¯ll be okay. Grey watches the entrances for Hancock and the other two. He¡¯s beginning to worry. Sure, humanity might escape the jaws of these aliens by a shred today, but he worries about the future.


    Fredericks calls out, ¡°Car entering station! Get ready!¡±


    Grey can feel relief washing over him. He smiles at Tanya. But, a horrifying sight and sound snatches it away. A flash and a distinctive energy blast snatches the life of a man that found the loading bay entrance. He drops the little girl and trips the little boy running with him on accident.


    Grey sheds his backpack, tossing it to Tanya as she looks at him in terror. He barks, ¡°Get that to Hitch!¡± He kisses her quickly before bolting for the loading bay. She calls desperately, ¡°ALEX!¡±


    ¡°GO! PLEASE!¡± He storms across the station, his leg throbbing from his injury. But, he¡¯s not about to let his work go to waste. He WILL save Tanya, Kenzie, and his marines at ANY cost; especially himself.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    He yanks the girl to her feet, yelling, ¡°RUN!¡± Just as he turns to shove both kids, Tanya is right behind him, along with Kenzie AND his squad. ¡°What are you doing!?¡± he roars. Tanya scoops the boy up, as Kenzie grabs the girl. She starts to retort sassily, but her face pales in horror.


    Sergeant Grey whirls. The alien shocktrooper lumbers casually around the corner. It chuckles deeply in its menacing voice. However, a mechanical cough precedes an explosion; a grenade launcher. Grey knows it has to have been one of the straggler marines that showed up. The alien stumbles back, surprised. It howls and takes cover around the corner.


    Grey whirls to Tanya, begging, ¡°Please go!¡±


    ¡°What about¡­!?¡±


    ¡°TRUST me!¡± She hesitantly jogs with Kenzie and the children in tow, wrestling to hold the squealing and horrified children. Grey whirls back to task. Dumas is posted around the corner from the alien as Fisher stays low. The alien knows the grenade launcher is the bigger threat. Fredericks and Grey stack close in a crouch. They have to scatter and take out its healing unit. And, failing that, simply distract it enough for the car to leave the station.


    One of the straggler marines calls from the car, ¡°Sergeant! Fall back! I¡¯ve got you covered!¡±


    Grey curses his marines for being so loyal. He knows they won¡¯t make it back to the elevator car before this shock trooper kills several and possibly compromises the elevator car.


    Sergeant Grey makes the call. He barks back, ¡°Falling back!¡±


    He steadies his grip on his shotgun, waiting. Dumas was the only one to glance at him, just to be sure. The split second that seems to last an eternity finally ends just before the marine covering them can call again. The alien shocktrooper whirls skillfully and eagerly around the corner. Dumas springs into an explosive shoulder charge.


    Dumas connects, slamming the alien¡¯s left forearm and causing it to miss its first shot, which misses wide of the car as it cruises along the platform. Grey fires his shotgun straight into the alien¡¯s helmet visor. He already knows it won¡¯t do much beyond blinding it for a brief moment, but those seconds, as tiny as they are, are precious. He¡¯ll trade his life for ten if it¡¯s that simple. But, they have to work harder and more desperately than their lives combined for each one.


    Second One.


    The alien recovers its balance. It launches Dumas off of its arm with a backhand, and he slams the nearby wall. It wasn¡¯t absurd force, so he should be okay. And, his injury was worth another second.


    Second Two.


    Fisher, already in a sprint at the surprised extraterrestrial warrior, spears as hard as he can into the alien¡¯s abdominal region. Again; his possibly-broken collar bone or shoulder is a price paid for the most precious commodity a marine will ever have. It is more precious than gold to anyone who has ever tried to claim even one.


    Second Three.


    Grey fires again, once more battering the alien¡¯s field of view for the briefest of moments as it hits Fisher back with its knee. Fisher expected it and softened the blow by hopping, but it still launches him a few yards away.


    Second Four.


    Fredericks has reached position. He dives around behind the alien, firing a fully automatic burst of rounds into its back. His rifle patters away. Sparks fly. The alien is just leveling its left weapon with Fisher when it realizes what¡¯s happening. It straightens up in surprise.


    Sergeant Grey smirks.


    Second Five.


    Grey fires his shotgun again; this time, deliberately for the alien¡¯s exposed neck. At least some of his pellets hit as the alien cranes to look at Fredericks. He knows this because it howls in agony as it flinches.


    Second Six.


    The alien snaps its right arm up, aiming at Grey. He is only barely fast enough to dive away. Its shot explodes the concrete. It pivots, snarling angrily.


    Second Seven.


    A thunderous collision outside causes both Grey and the alien to pause. It sounds like a train car was just dropped. It dawns on Grey what it was. And, the next one shouldn¡¯t be far behind.


    Second Eight.


    The alien flinches when the Earth shakes from the next impact. It feels to Grey like a giant fist just punched the Earth, but didn¡¯t do enough damage to shockwave.


    The alien seems to realize it¡¯s not specifically in danger, aiming at Grey and Fredericks. Fredericks tosses his rifle aside, empty, and draws his pistol. Grey aims his shaking arms holding the shotgun right back at the hulking shocktrooper.


    The alien taunts menacingly, ¡°Hoomen weak. Pafedeek. {Human weak. Pathetic.}¡±


    This time, the falling car slams the Earth, causing the alien to flinch again. Grey thinks quickly. He taunts, ¡°Not too weak to kick your leathery ass, huh!?¡±


    The alien growls. It glares hatefully at Grey.


    The tense moment ends abruptly. A blur flashes in, and then a purple lightning arc pierces through to crackle and hum as it protrudes from the alien¡¯s abdomen. It coughs, stricken with shock and paralysis. Its arms slump to its sides, and its curved knees buckle. The alien collapses, leaving behind a human form which seems to claw its way out of hell no matter how far in it is dragged. His armor is no longer white, but instead, deep brown, black, and grey with blood, mud, and soot. Dried blood is caked to his cheeks.


    Sergeant Grey has never been so relieved. But, it quickly fizzles when he glances over his shoulder. The car is successfully ascending, and no zealous other marines stayed behind foolishly. This is good, but now the squad is stranded. And, worse than that are the two zealous girlfriends standing by nervously.


    Grey can¡¯t believe it. He can¡¯t form words of anger just now. He knows why they did it, but he can¡¯t believe it.


    But, Hancock jogging in through the door carrying a little girl lifts his spirits some. Like the stranger, both of them look like they¡¯ve crawled through a mud pit, a chimney, and then an actual fire. Dumas is the first to cheer, ¡°Rookie!? Holy crap! Good to see you!¡±


    Hancock scoffs and nods, but he pants, ¡°A-a dr-dropship¡­¡±


    The stranger needs no other cue. He simply hefts one of the shocktrooper¡¯s guns and heads back for the door. Fisher steps out of his way curiously. The stranger posts up on the door, rather than charging out. Fredericks asks Grey, ¡°What¡¯s the plan, Sarge?¡±


    Sergeant Grey makes eye contact with Little Bird. He puts on a brave face for her, and he says as warmly as he can muster, ¡°Hey Little Bird. Good work keeping the Rookie and the Stranger alive. I¡¯m proud of you, marine.¡± He salutes her, and her eyes widen in surprise. The other marines are a little thrown off, but all four, including Hancock, shift to salute her. She buries her face sheepishly into Hancock¡¯s collar.


    Grey answers Fredericks¡¯ question next, ¡°We¡¯re marines. We draw a line and keep the bad guys back. So,¡± He hefts the other alien gun. ¡°Time to take a few yards and draw a line.¡±


    Fisher sighs. He says grimly, ¡°Sarge¡­ How long can we keep this up, though? If the Stranger¡¯s right¡­ what happens when the real invasion shows up?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking too far ahead, marine. We hold this station. If we have to flee, then we flee and hold onto our lives. We do that as many times as we can until our numbers run up, the aliens give up, or we build a damn spaceship of our own. Little Bird, that can be your job. Learn how to build a spaceship. We¡¯ll keep you alive. Right marines?¡±


    Dumas says gently, ¡°Hoorah.¡± Fredericks adds, less enthusiastically, ¡°Hoorah¡­¡± The little girl looks down in disappointment though.


    Fisher stays at it, though, retorting, ¡°But Sarge¡­ We¡¯re beat to stuffing already. And, it¡¯s only been a day.¡±


    Grey scoffs, retorting dryly, ¡°Then why¡¯d you get off the elevator, ya idiots?¡±


    Fisher chuckles and looks down. He replies without looking at Grey, ¡°You ain¡¯t led us astray yet Sarge. Not about to get a new squad leader now.¡±


    Grey chuckles. He then says calmly, ¡°Hancock, you and Little Bird find cover. You¡¯ll be our fallback position. The rest of us will help the Stranger hold them off as long as possible. Hopefully, they¡¯ll give up.¡±


    Hancock asks nervously, ¡°Uh¡­ c-can I borrow a mag or two?¡±


    Grey looks at the rookie, surprised. Hancock replies, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m completely out, Sergeant.¡±


    Grey chuckles and replies, ¡°So, you¡¯re a marine after all, huh? Here;¡± Grey hands the rookie a rifle magazine, left over from his own lost rifle. ¡°Last mag.¡±


    Hancock nods and carefully lets Little Bird reload his rifle, demonstrating that he¡¯s already been doing everything he can to keep the little girl from panicking or shutting down. And she, accepting of her sudden surrogate family, is trying to stay as positive as possible.


    Dumas asks, ¡°Uh¡­ where is the Stranger?¡±


    Grey looks around. With all the noise and chaos still apparent in the distance, no one noticed the mysterious supersoldier disappearing. Did he engage the hostiles? Alone?


    Grey calls out, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± He charges as fast as his injuries will allow, carefully peering around the wall to the outside. Once more, the stranger doesn¡¯t disappoint.


    Walking across a circle of felled aliens, the stranger has a less-armored alien by the collar, dragging it mercilessly. One of the smaller alien craft is parked idle on the ground behind him. This alien, unlike its shocktrooper compatriots, is much smaller by comparison, and it panics, flailing and kicking as the stranger mercilessly drags it toward the marines. He tosses it onto the ground and holds it at sword point.


    The stranger growls, ¡°IFF code.¡±


    The alien glances at the group of humans, saying nervously, ¡°No s-spick hoomen. {No speak human.}¡± It¡¯s strange for Grey to finally see terror on one of the aliens¡¯ faces. It¡¯s also relieving.


    The stranger steps, jabbing the blade into the alien¡¯s armor and touching its skin. It winces from pain.


    Thinking quickly, the rookie marine blurts out something rather surprising. Hancock says, ¡°Wow. I¡¯m just glad he didn¡¯t say ¡®parlay¡¯, right Sarge?¡±


    Grey doesn¡¯t get it right away. It¡¯s so far off topic, he can only stare blankly at the young marine. But, Dumas apparently gets it. He replies, ¡°You¡¯re right, Rookie. If he said that, we¡¯d have to hold back and bring him to our commander. He¡¯d have to decide what to do then.¡±


    Hancock adds, ¡°Yeah. We¡¯d spend all night just trying to get this bug to the command post.¡±


    Fisher chimes in, ¡°Good thing these stupid space gators don¡¯t know anything about our rules of engagement and parlay.¡±


    Grey stares at the marines with a stone like expression. His actual thoughts are that this extraterrestrial warrior, member of a race so advanced, it kicked humanity¡¯s teeth in with just one single attack, couldn¡¯t possibly fall for such a simple ruse. It makes sense what they¡¯re doing, but there¡¯s no¡­


    ¡°P-parr-lay,¡± growls a deep voice with excellent pronunciation, but no human traits to such. Apparently, it WAS that gullible.


    Fredericks growls, ¡°So, you DO understand us fine?¡±


    The alien growls in retort, bearing its teeth in an impudent smirk. It retorts, ¡°Take to leader. Dee code, law.¡±


    ¡°Code?¡± asks Fisher, confused.


    Still surprisingly fast for his youth, Hancock replies, ¡°The pirate code. Our sacred human texts, sir. If¡­ this were a movie.¡±


    The alien furrows its leathery brow, trying to understand. The stranger replies to the invader¡¯s confusion, ¡°We have no such code outside of fiction. This is an active battleground and we have no evidence that we captured to you. You¡¯ll be ¡®just another casualty¡¯. Code to your mother ship. NOW.¡±


    The alien pauses nervously. It starts to reply, ¡°N-No s-spick h-h¡­¡±


    ¡°Take his hands,¡± growls Sergeant Grey. ¡°Life gets hard real quick without hands.¡±


    In a flash, the stranger swings, halting at the alien¡¯s wrist. He snarls, ¡°Last chance. Tell me, or you lose them both.¡±


    The alien stares at him. Its jaw trembles, but it summons the defiance to hiss at him, like an actual alligator would. The stranger says coldly, ¡°Your martyrdom is noted.¡± With that, he swiftly slices off the alien¡¯s hand, and it groans, trying to suppress its screams. It instinctively clutches its wrist. It tries to focus to block out the pain. However, its second wrist is separated from it just as swiftly, and this causes the alien to cry out. It bellows in a growling howl and hiss of agony.


    The stranger steps on its chest to reaffirm his presence, calling out, ¡°Listen! We¡¯ll take you with us, and our scientists will experiment on you for the rest of your life! Which, they will ENSURE is long and painful!¡±


    Grey suddenly realizes something. Why do they even need the codes? Does the stranger somehow know the ship won¡¯t fly without them?


    The alien squirms and groans, hissing in pain as it tenses its arms, trying to stop the pain. The stranger snarls, ¡°Last chance! A lifetime of suffering, or one ship!?¡±


    The alien strains. It finally grunts out, ¡°N-ne-nuhvuur beetree! {N-ne-never betray!}¡±


    The stranger visibly pops his lips at the corner of his mouth, teeth tightly clenched in calm anger. He says coldly, ¡°So be it.¡± He says calmly to Grey, ¡°Sergeant; you and your men clear that craft. I¡¯ll bring our guest.¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°You heard him. Check your corners, marines.¡± The stranger says to the two women and Hancock ¨Cwho still has Little Bird-, ¡°Go with them. Please. It¡¯s safe.¡±


    Hancock nods, following Fisher, Dumas, and Fredericks. Grey watches a moment as Hancock asks, ¡°You remember what I taught you about checking corners?¡±


    The little girl nods wearily, and Kenzie quickly joins them. Tanya hesitates longest. The stranger gestures for her to go using his head. She walks away hesitantly, joining Grey.


    As the two walk, the alien howls in an agonized scream the likes of which had still yet to have been heard by Grey. He knows, because it ALMOST makes him feel bad for the off-worlder. But, only for a fleeting moment.


    <h2>Break 1</h2>


    The alien craft looks and feels as fantastic and science fiction as Grey could imagine, with a huge windowed view of the sky over the top and sides, like the deceptively solid walls of the exterior are transparent one-way mirrors. Further aiding this notion, they can¡¯t see any sort of pixelation, back lighting, or anything else consistent with a computer screen, but the scope feels absurdly impossible. The main bay is roomy by human standards, with huge, simple benches and cargo netting ¨Cthe most familiar part of this alien ship to a marine-. Some sort of control console has a glass-like vertical planning board, but with tiny metal replicas of the ship he¡¯s on moving all on their own. Some sit or drift slowly perfectly on the circular perimeter of the grid, while others drift at different locations between the outside circle and the center, which contains a stationary ship replica.


    Out of curiosity, Grey looks through the wall at the angle that seems to make sense, and sure enough, the tiny ships correspond to actual craft of the invasion force. It is an active GPS of all friendly units, with little metal bearings Grey suspects represent the troopers, given their numbers.


    The cockpit is recognizable in a sense, and it¡¯s in the front of the ship, but the signals, alien words, and strange displays combine into a sensory-overloading swarm of information.


    Most importantly, though, as expected; the ship is clear of hostiles. Fisher checks a ¡®closet¡¯ he found, calling out, ¡°Clear!¡±


    Fredericks drops a deckplate he lifted, calling, ¡°Clear!¡±


    Little Bird, her head peeking into an overhead space with the assistance of Hancock as she stands on his shoulders, calls out from her perch, ¡°C-Clear!¡± Hancock carefully lowers her, and Grey asks pseudo-intensely, ¡°Are you sure, marine? Our lives depend on there being none of the space crocs up there.¡±


    Little Bird nervously nods, fidgeting with Hancock¡¯s collar. Grey retorts gruffly, ¡°I can¡¯t HEAR a nod, marine.¡±


    ¡°S-sir yes sir!¡± She squeaks, imitating what little she knows. He smiles and replies, ¡°Good work, Little Bird.¡± She summons a faint smile, even through all of the fear and surreal despair swirling around them. For better or worse, they are all they have in the world.


    The stranger appears suddenly, tossing the last alien into the ship¡¯s troop bay. Grey quickly realizes everything; the alien is still alive, hissing, growling lowly, and squirming faintly. Additionally, it¡¯s wrists have been cauterized. The stranger intends to keep his threat true.


    The stranger says calmly, ¡°Tend to any of her other injuries. I¡¯ll see if this thing can make me a pilot or I can guess.¡±


    ¡°¡®Her¡¯?¡± asks Dumas skeptically. ¡°How did you divine that?¡±


    ¡°She told me.¡±


    Tanya defensively snaps, ¡°You can¡¯t seriously be still considering torturing HER can you!?¡±


    The stranger glances at her distantly. He says nothing, but his presence seems eerily tranquil and gentle. He simply steps forward into the cockpit. He refuses to answer. Tanya barks, ¡°You can¡¯t do this! He can¡¯t do this! Alex! Please! Don¡¯t let him do this!¡±


    Grey looks at her and then at the alien slipping in and out of consciousness. He glances out at the once-great city being ransacked. He can still hear the screams, though it is finally only the haunting memory instead of ongoing actuality.


    Fredericks offers gently, ¡°She¡¯s right, Sarge. Scientists can study a corpse. We should put it¡­ ¡®her¡¯ out of her misery.¡±


    Dumas growls, ¡°Screw that! Look at our home! OUR home! These¡­ THINGS still have theirs to return to!¡±


    Tanya shouts, ¡°That doesn¡¯t justify torturing her! It wouldn¡¯t justify torturing anyone!¡±


    ¡°Stop treating IT like it¡¯s a person! It¡¯s a monster!¡±


    ¡°SHE is a sentient living thing!¡±


    As Tanya and Dumas descend into heated debate on the morality of their prisoner¡¯s treatment, Grey notices something else. The alien female is staring at Little Bird with watering eyes, and Little Bird, in turn, is matching her gaze. Little Bird is sitting between Kenzie and Hancock on the bench as the two rest their eyes. The little girl climbs down off of the tall seat, and she approaches.


    Grey hopes the alien understands what nightmares will be inflicted in the present if she harms the little girl. After all, the aliens seem cautious about harming children in the first place for some reason. His own curiosity burning, Grey watches closely. Little Bird approaches the alien and studies her closely. Hancock finally notices, but Grey gestures for him to hold. Tanya and Dumas are nearly screaming now, and Grey states, ¡°Quiet.¡± His brain is locked on the little girl and the alien. He yells, ¡°Quiet!¡±


    Everything halts. The ship falls eerily quiet as everyone but Little Bird and the alien look at him.


    Little Bird¡¯s eyes water. She chokes out, ¡°W-Why?¡±


    The alien¡¯s misty eyes avert, and she tries to look away.


    Little Bird presses, asking more passionately, ¡°W-Why did they hurt my mommy and daddy!? Why did your friends hurt US!?¡±


    The alien tries to close her eyes, but tears still escape them.


    The alien chokes out, ¡°Yuu cool heeve been nobuhl. L¡­ like preensense. {You could have been noble. L¡­ Like princess.}¡±


    ¡°Preensense?¡± asks Fisher. ¡°You mean Princess?¡±


    The alien nods reluctantly. Dumas snaps, ¡°HOW!? By exterminating us!? You scale bags worship death!?¡±


    The alien growls, ¡°Not you!¡± Her expression softens, and she nods at Little Bird.


    Kenzie asks, ¡°What did you want with the children?¡±


    The alien looks away, hurt.


    Little Bird squeaks, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be a princess. I just want my mommy and daddy.¡± The young girl quickly dissolves into sobs, and she runs to Sergeant Grey. He reacts quickly enough to scoop her up into a hug. She bawls into his collar.


    The alien looks up at them briefly; longingly. But, she quickly looks away. The reptilian face is surprisingly expressive, and Grey senses there is a far deeper reason behind the motivation than simple galactic conquest.


    Sergeant Grey asks gently, ¡°What happened to your people?¡±


    The alien looks at him square in the eye. Her eyes are a fiery shade of amber, with cat-like-slits for pupils ¨Cbut with one distinction; one is vertical and the other horizontal. She says quietly, ¡°Hoobreece. {Hubris.}¡±


    ********

 Chapter 5: Parlay With The Grodrrns

    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor¡¯Vassa Grrgh Khla¡¯Chn, the highest ranked commander of the vanguard force probing this planet¡¯s defenses, watches the fourth of the human ships leave the cloaking field in orbit. He has no doubt there is a station there, but he is unconcerned with it at this time. The ships have each roughly been the size of a Fievegal Battleship, but vastly under-armed. And, if their defensive capabilities match those of the much larger mining ships the Fievegal recently destroyed, it will be less of a battle and more of a butchering of a slightly resistant livestock. The young officer monitoring the radar calls out, ¡°{Yarjen Craw! Another ship fleeing!}¡±


    His second in command remarks from nearby, ¡°{Their sustainable population grows, Yarjen. I must recommend interception¡­}¡±


    ¡°{No,}¡± grunts Jardzen Khla. ¡°{Interceptors cannot take them alive. The Fievegal shall capture them. Their rulers are undoubtedly onboard.}¡±


    ¡°{If they activate Falight¡­}¡±


    ¡°{IF they had that technology, Neohlate Yarjen, they would not be fleeing at sublight in the first three.}¡±


    Niolajt Jardzen Ghwung¡¯Vrahkh Dzroll Mrff¡¯Chn, second in command of the ship and subsequently the Baskylla, nods civilly. It is his duty to not agree with the Baskylla Jardzen if there are valid concerns. But, Jardzen Khla is not concerned about the few thousand humans fleeing their own homeworld without a whisper of a real fight. He is concerned with what the humans may have left behind in waiting.


    Jardzen Khla turns his seat back to the tactical screen. Something the humans had is actively causing problems. At a glance, there are many of the tiny blue scales representing fallen soldiers. The tiny blue spheres are seemingly scattered about the map, with many more silver scales outnumbering. At a glance, it simply shows the human warriors are lucky if not clever and resourceful. Already 46 of Khla¡¯s 1000 ground soldiers have been eliminated. At a glance, there is no pattern.


    However, he did not achieve his status with glances alone. Khla studies the map. Over half of the blue scales form a loose line. And, that line is consistent with times of death. Something travelled from a point in the human clutsion to a point outside as close to directly as possible. He orders, ¡°{Overlay human fleeing patterns.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡± replies the technical officer. The map changes colors, from grey to increasing intensities of orange. Khla studies the updated map. While many of the humans flocked straight outwards from the city, concentrating on their synthetic pathways ¨Cwhich disadvantaged them to no end-, a noticeable spike in intensity of the color seems to follow the line formed by the deaths. But, the times don¡¯t match. The concentration happened BEFORE the human asset made its way there.


    Be it a massive horde of the mammalian warriors, or some as yet unseen superweapon, the asset AND the majority of the fleeing humans seem to be headed to the same location.


    Suddenly, eight more silver scales turn blue in the span of only a minute. One single scale stays silver. It is at the apparent destination of the line AND the mass fleeing. Khla¡¯s heart tightens and his skin shrinks slightly.


    He was among the last of the Fievegal males to be granted the great honor and privilege of conceiving an egg with Saurmynnyka Reez¡¯Vvonn Shrrgh Nulgh¡¯Chn, ruler of the Fievegal. She graced him with a single egg, which he and his bondmate would raise with honor and distinction.


    Grodrrns pray that their hatchlings are male, as females carry with them a stigma fed by the laws of the Fievegal. However, when Khla discovered that his hatchling was a beautiful green-skinned girl, he forgot all about his fears.


    Then, the assassination of Saurmynnyka Reez¡¯Vvonn by a long range orbital attack shattered the calm day-to-day nature of the Fievegal. The Grodrrns fell into chaos. The military mobilized. Khla was able to bring his hatchling and bondmate on the operation, and during the long voyage, raised his daughter to be a military pilot ¨Ca high honor for any Grodrrn if accepted-. And, she succeeded.


    Now, eight blue scales surround one silver scale from the assault ship Neezha¡¯Dzor Mvon Khla¡¯chn was piloting. A one in nine chance separates his only hatchling from death. Khla is afraid to pull up the details on the survivor. He¡¯s not sure he wants to find out what the muse of the universe chose.


    Khla shifts his mouth and jaw to ensure he doesn¡¯t bite his lips or tongue. He opens the silver scale¡¯s status display.


    A decompressing hiss slips through his throat, undoubtedly audible to those closest to him. His muscles relaxed unnaturally in deep, soul-felt relief. Helmdraavv Neezha¡¯Dzor Mvon Khla¡¯chn; Zhi {daughter} of Baskylla Jardzen Khla. Status; injured, losing blood, conscious, under duress.


    Khla inhales deeply, inadvertently causing a deep growl in his throat, but only Niolajt Jardzen Mrff looks over at him, holding his impeccable -if weathered and slightly stooping- posture. He knows Khla¡¯s current struggle better than Khla himself. Mrff also knows the bad ending.


    But, redirecting assets to her location would jeopardize the gauging of the human forces. It was a crucial mistake Mrff made that cost him many loyal soldiers and his Myzh {son}. He was disgraced and fortunate not to have been exiled. Mrff gives Khla a look that keeps the Jardzen from making rash decisions.


    To his surprise, however, the silver scale and her ship begin moving. Khla calms himself. Even pilots are highly trained soldiers. Perhaps she bested the human asset slaughtering Fievegal soldiers. He is curious to hear her report.


    Khla orders plainly, ¡°{Have Lash Guard close perimeter around the point the humans are fleeing to. Find out why they want to get there so desperately.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    Mrff nods, and Khla continues to watch Neezha¡¯s scale travel in a slow line. It still strikes him as odd, though. Her course is lazily orbiting the location.


    Khla brings up the ship¡¯s status. The speed is full, but he spots it. Her ship is ascending.


    Khla consciously ensures some of his attention goes to the battle. Many things could still happen to wipe out the entire Laczgrrd. This is especially true if the humans have more of the mysterious asset that killed so many already.


    But, his thoughts also dwell on his hatchling. Fleeing battle doesn¡¯t look particularly good, even if she¡¯s injured. But, she may have captured the asset, which would be acceptable to turn over as quickly as possible. The question then shifts to; why not fly directly to the lead vessel? Instead, it¡¯s almost as if she¡¯s following some sort of¡­


    Orbital elevator. THAT¡¯s how the humans fled the surface so quickly. They must have detected the active gravionic wave pulse used to map the solar system and triangulate the human homeworld, as well as any assets they may have already had in space. The pulse detected the station in orbit, but Khla had no idea that a species that had used rockets not long ago and still has divided nations and languages would have managed to construct an orbital elevator. Otherwise, he would have comfortably assumed the humans fleeing on their space-bound vessels would have already been in space at the time, possibly from an orbital place of rulership. Human religion still places a lot of spirituality on the sky, and their ruling classes often seem to have god-complexes.


    His radar officer reports, ¡°{Yarjen! We¡¯re detecting rocket-propelled launches from all over the world!}¡±


    ¡°{Show me!}¡± booms Khla. His display shifts to a larger scope depicting the life-bearing world. Thousands of lines depict the missiles rising from the surface; from oceans to mountains. He starts to order, ¡°{Bolster drone defensive barrier forward and ready defensive fire from all batteries. Damage control¡­}¡± He trails off. The missiles turn, but not towards his ship or the city. At least, not many head toward the city. The vast majority of the missiles begin to arc downwards. They arc more and more as his command staff watches. The minutes tick by quickly. One of the officers asks, ¡°{They strike their own hides?}¡±


    Khla looks at Mrff. The subordinate Jardzen looks back with equal surprise. Khla knew conflict was still prevalent on the human world, but this behavior is baffling. They deployed with the expectation that humans would band together against a common enemy. It should be their only chance of survival at all. Instead, they are attacking themselves?


    Mrff remarks, ¡°{Recommend¡­ monitoring communications, Yarjen. Perhaps there¡­ is some clue to their behavior.}¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°{Make it so. Find us the strongest signal.}¡±


    The communications officer replies, ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    A human voice clicks on, playing on the bridge. It says calmly and proudly in human speech, ¡°Do not fear, fellow citizens. The nasty rumors and misinformation being leaked are untrue. We have withstood the trials of politics, of conservatism, of capitalism. We have shed our shackles of the old, unequal world. Rejoice, for the war is won.¡±


    The voice continues, ¡°Do not let lies and propaganda taint humanity¡¯s new freedom. The world is as it should be; with the worthy in power and our enemies; YOUR enemies; ousted forever. Together, we unite with the world in one unifying display of fireworks like no other. Join us in celebration, citizens of this global union!¡±


    The communications analyst reports, ¡°{Yarjen, it appears to be pre-recorded. Edit stitching and false fades. Voice is female, we¡¯re fairly certain.}¡±


    Khla nods, thinking. The defensive analyst reports, ¡°{Yarjen, we¡¯re detecting a strange signature from the weapon. Radioactive isotopes and gamma decay. But, why would they put radiation in a missile?}¡±


    Khla had many years during the voyage to research the data about the humans. It¡¯s not all-encompassing by any stretch, but fireworks were mentioned; celebratory displays of explosions. However, unless humans have a resilience to radiation that Grodrrns lack, there should be no beneficial outcome to radiation in these displays. In fact, there should be no use in it at¡­


    Khla¡¯s thought is cut off when the first human missile detonates across a narrow section of the ocean from the invasion forces. The tiny speck that was a missile deceived the payload it was carrying. The fireball emitted rapidly expands in a flash, becoming noticeably sized on the radar. Astonished, Khla stands up and looks out the window of his ship. A bright glow, like a surface-bound sun burns brightly on the blue and green world. Within seconds, more stars ignite for brief moments, visible from hundreds of thousands of dunenths. The other officers stand up, amazed by the display.


    The power of these human weapons sinks in quickly. This was NOT in the human encyclopedia entry. Khla quickly takes his seat, ordering, ¡°{Recall all forces at once!}¡± It may already be too late, but he must try. The communication officer scrambles back into her seat, relaying the order. Khla watches the weapon line racing for the city. He let his guard down. And, the denial of intelligence gathering on this world has his eyes tied. A few ships begin ascent, but too many are still gathering troopers.


    Khla looks at the status display of Neezha. Her bleeding has stopped and she¡¯s conscious. And, her ship is nearly in orbit. She should be okay. He looks back at the city, awaiting the impending final moment.


    A flash. Silver scales turn blue in a blink. All of the soldiers near the ground and even up to 15 dunenths suddenly flick to blue. His teeth clench. He can feel his gums being poked from the pressure. Only two ships, aside from Neezha¡¯s, have survived. He orders, ¡°{Relay this new information to the Skoolchvih. I¡¯m headed down the hangar to receive the survivors. Defensive posture.}¡±


    Several voices, including Mrff, reply, ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    Khla storms down to the hangar, arriving just as the first ship is unloading troops and prisoners. He asks, ¡°{Are you okay?}¡± The squad leader replies, shaken, ¡°{Yes, Yarjen!}¡± He salutes by bowing at the waist, covering his right eye ¨Chis vertical pupil-.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Khla inspects the human children captured. There are twelve of them, with varying skin, fur, and eye tones. Their skin looks like it is leaf-soft and easy to tear, and their fur seems to serve little, if any purpose; most prominent only on their heads. Their Grodrrnoid appearances; bipedal with two arms and five-fingered, dexterous hands; are ultimately very tiny and frail. These children are barely larger than a six month old hatchling.


    Khla doesn¡¯t know much about humans, true, but he knows they have binary sexes similar to Grodrrns. But, their children are particularly difficult to distinguish. Especially these twelve. Khla inhales deeply near the cage of whimpering mammals. His eyes snap open. He looks at the squad leader. ¡°{There are no females.}¡±


    Surprised, the squad leader takes off his helmet, exclaiming, ¡°{That¡¯s impossible!}¡± He halts, remembering protocol, and corrects, ¡°{Yarjen, I must disagree. Look, those three are wearing clothing identical to that of females in the archive. They even have more elaborate¡­ H-¡­ Hier¡­ Fur.}¡±


    ¡°{They stink of testosterone like male livestock. If they share that with OUR mammals, then females should smell of estrogen.}¡±


    The squad leader sniffs cautiously. His face sinks. He says apologetically, ¡°{Y-Yarjen¡­ I¡­ I was certain¡­}¡±


    Khla sighs. ¡°{We must pray the other ships have at least one female, then. We NEED both. ESPECIALLY their females.}¡±


    ¡°{My deepest apologies, Yarjen. I¡¯ve failed you.}¡±


    ¡°{We are not lost, yet.}¡±


    ¡°{How many others survived?}¡± asks the squad leader cautiously.


    ¡°{NOT enough.}¡±


    The second ship arrives, but the squad only managed to bring back one male child. Khla silently curses the fates. He would never expect what would be on the third ¨Chis own hatchling¡¯s- ship.


    As Neezha¡¯s ship docks clumsily, Khla realizes something is wrong. His spine crawls when the door to her ship opens.


    Neezha is wearing a Laczgrrd¡¯s torso armor, and her hands are tiny nubs of what they once were. Doubtless, she did not pilot the ship in this condition. What enrages him, tempered only by Neezha¡¯s proximity, is the pathetically small beast standing beside her with one of their own weapons aimed at her ribcage. The squads in the hangar instantly aim at the human, snarling enraged taunts and threats.


    Khla is shocked, enraged, bewildered, and¡­ afraid. He is afraid for Neezha¡¯s life. The gall this human has pales compared to the concern Khla feels for his only hatchling; his truly irreplaceable treasure.


    The human is injured heavily, soaked from head to toe in blood and filth. Its only identifiable feature not obscured by filth are eyes seemingly lacking any color compared to the evidence the archive shows.


    The disgusting mammal orders in its vile, unnaturally silky voice, ¡°Present your commanding officer.¡±


    Khla resumes a semblance of his officer decorum, turning his face to a hateful, but controlled, glare. He snarls in his own tongue, undoubtedly unintelligible to the primitive, ¡°{Helmdraff Craw! Free yourself of the mammal and soldiers; do not waste shots with misses.}¡±


    Neezha suddenly cries out, ¡°{Hul-Yarjen!}¡± She says more somberly, ¡°{The device he wears translates.}¡±


    Khla looks at the human¡¯s forearm. True enough, a metal device with floating rings adorns its scrawny forearm. The human nods an affirmation.


    Khla growls, more openly displaying his anger. He forces out as calmly as he can, ¡°{What do you want, Human?}¡±


    The human replies, still in his own speech, ¡°Your commanding officer. I¡¯m offering a trade.¡±


    Khla licks his teeth, displaying sarcasm. He retorts gruffly, ¡°{I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t speak human speech.}¡±


    The human says bluntly to Neezha, ¡°Tell him.¡±


    Neezha looks down, replying somberly once more, ¡°{He knows we understand, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla stares at the two for a long time. Is this human the mysterious asset? If so, what is his goal?


    Khla finally replies, ¡°{What trade?}¡±


    ¡°Are you the commander?¡±


    Before Khla can answer, Mrff¡¯s gruff voice growls in human speech, ¡°No. I commond. {No. I command.}¡±


    Khla shoots him a glance, but he is met with a brutal backhand before Mrff grips his jaw, yanking him off to the side. Mrff could be ripped limb from limb for such aggressive behavior toward a superior officer. However, Khla realizes what Mrff is doing.


    Mrff snarls at him, ¡°{I was to be informed of ALL hostiles on this ship, Craw! Insubordinate wretch!}¡± He then turns to the human, snarling in the same tone, but in human tongue, ¡°Yuuu darr eenvadd MY sheep!? {You dare invade my ship!?}¡±


    The human retorts, ¡°Yep. And you¡¯re going to help me sabotage it.¡±


    ¡°Een exchangg for seengull soljurr? {In exchange for single soldier?}¡± asks Mrff, surprised. ¡°Keel her. Eez her duutih. {Kill her. Is her duty.}¡±


    Khla growls, but the human retorts, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m done with her. She got me my audience.¡± In a strange turn, the human drops the gun. However, he makes a hand gesture, and suddenly, all of the guns are ripped from their owners¡¯ hands, as if by magnetism with a will of its own. The soldiers cry out in surprise, and in another mind-blowing move, the human shoves Neezha away.


    The human taunts, ¡°You can help me sabotage this ship in a way you can recover, or I destroy this whole ship.¡±


    Khla moves to speak, but Mrff scoffs, growling tauntingly, ¡°Ovur my deed bodih. Yuu wunt my sheep, yuu fass een bottle of onnurr. {Over my dead body. You want my ship, you face in battle of honor.}¡± Mrff smirks. He¡¯s counting on intimidating the tiny human.


    However, Neezha cries out, ¡°{NO! Yarjen Murf! You don¡¯t understand what he is!}¡±


    Mrff scoffs, shedding his officer¡¯s jacket. He flexes his body, relaxing his powerful muscles and loosening his tough skin. The frail human SHOULD be no match for the only undefeated Grodrrn Alpha in Fievegal history. He has never lost a Battle of Honor, evidenced by many scars on his body, head, and arms, but none on his back, as well as his high standing in the Fievegal keeping him from exile.


    The human, surprisingly, sheds his own armored top, revealing a body with the same soft and delicate skin, but with dark welts, bruises, scrapes, and burns. Khla isn¡¯t sure how a fight of honor can be considered so, given how injured the human is, but the tiny being shows no fear. Neezha tries again as Mrff growls eagerly, ¡°{Yarjen, Please! He¡¯s not like¡­}¡± She pauses, suddenly appealing to the human, ¡°Pleez donn keel heem hoomin! Pleez! {Please don¡¯t kill him human!}¡±


    Mrff snarls at her, ¡°{You dare insult me!? Watch and learn, hatchling!}¡±


    Mrff lunges, springing forward viciously with a squeak of his silicone boot treads. He roars a feral, primal roar. The human holds his ground fearlessly. Khla notices Neezha look away. It was almost distracting enough for Khla to miss the whole thing.


    In a bird-like, feather light whirl, the human spins. His foot whirls out after a full circle, and the top of the human¡¯s boot connects with the side of Mrff¡¯s jaw. The human is sprung sideways some, but the real surprise is Mrff, who tumbles in a calamitous fall. Dazed, the Grodrrn warrior collects his senses on his back as the human stands calmly ready.


    Some of the soldiers roar, ¡°{Kill it!}¡± ¡°{Monster!}¡± But, Mrff silences them with a quick snarl. He climbs to his feet, flexing his jaw. He readies his sharp claws. The human may be fast, but one nick from a Grodrrn¡¯s claws will empty his blood in seconds.


    Only one nick. That is what it takes.


    Mrff lunges in, slashing viciously. The human ducks aside effortlessly. Snarling, Mrff swings again, this time more broadly. Still, the human swoops under his arm. A third, double arm swing, but the human slides between Mrff¡¯s legs, stopping behind him. The tiny mammal kicks the Jardzen¡¯s posterior, stumbling him forward.


    The soldiers roar in rage. The human is toying with their respected warrior. It appears the human has no real fight in him; only agility.


    However, as Mrff roars in fury, he spins. The human flows with Mrff¡¯s vicious slash like a tuft of smoke. His hands wrap around Mrff¡¯s wrist as the sharp claws miss the frail-seeming body. As soon as Mrff¡¯s momentum peters, the human wrenches, twisting Mrff¡¯s arm. The large, aged Grodrrn winces, coughing in surprise. In the next moment, the human kicks Mrff¡¯s knee, doing nothing at a glance. However, the third motion sums all of it up. The human pivots his whole body, further wrenching Mrff¡¯s captured arm. The whole move causes Mrff to topple forward like a heavy sack, rolling once more onto his back while the human stands.


    The human says plainly, ¡°The next grapple will kill you, Yarjen.¡±


    Mrff sighs in effort, still in a fury. He climbs to his feet, grunting, ¡°Thar no BEE nuxt! {There no be next!}¡± He starts toward the human, but Neezha darts between them. She screams, ¡°{No! He is NOT bluffing, Yarjen! We MUST yield, or he will kill everyone on the ship!}¡±


    Mrff¡¯s hand flies on its own. Maybe he knows she¡¯ll ultimately be okay with the healing unit healing her. But, more than likely, his aggression has spiked his blood, and he is blinded by fury.


    However, the human stops the claw¡¯s ascent to her face before anyone else can react, appearing in their proximity and holding his arm down with a loud impact clap. Wrist is pressed to wrist, and the two Grodrrns look at the human in genuine surprise. The human says nothing, but he strikes Mrff¡¯s lower torso with his other hand using the heel of his palm. Mrff coughs as he¡¯s launched back several paces. He lands on his hands and knees, retching.


    The human orders, ¡°Yield, Yarjen, and your people live to pillage another day.¡±


    Mrff coughs, grunting, ¡°{I yield to no primitive.}¡±


    In a panic, Neezha whirls and cries out, ¡°{Hulm¡¯hin! (Father!)}¡±


    Khla is now torn. He must choose the honor of his most trusted officer and friend, or the possible wisdom his Zhi {daughter} believes she has. The human is undoubtedly skilled, but surely he can¡¯t defeat a fully crewed recon battleship, can he? And, asking them to willingly sabotage their own ship? Is this human madness that he would believe them to be amenable? What did Neezha see on the surface that makes her so afraid of this relatively primitive being?


    Khla sees it. As Mrff readies once more, the human is unfazed. He is cold and calculating. He has been timing his moves and plotting them carefully. Not to defeat Mrff, but more specifically NOT to kill him. This primitive spared Neezha¡¯s life, even after defeating her squad in an instant. Mrff is no more a threat to this human than a flyk to a mountain Grodrrn. At best, he might briefly inconvenience the tiny being. But, the human is not concerned at all.


    Khla shouts, ¡°{Stand down, Neohlayte Yarjen! It¡¯s not worth your life.}¡±


    Mrff pivots, snarling, ¡°{Honor most CERTAINLY is!}¡± So, he DOES realize it then? He knows he can¡¯t win?


    Khla replies calmly, ¡°{There is no honor in dying in a hopeless fight. Yield, Yarjen. We will negotiate.}¡±


    Mrff growls angrily, rumbling the whole hangar. He growls lowly, ¡°{I am prepared to die for the Fievegal.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯d prefer we live, and actively assist the Fievegal.}¡±


    Neezha relaxes, and she pleads to the human, ¡°{Please show us mercy, human.}¡±


    He replies, ¡°First, we talk. Tell me why you invaded.¡±


    Mrff rises back to his towering height, growling tauntingly, ¡°{Your wretched tribe doomed our race.}¡±


    Confused, the human replies, ¡°How so?¡±


    Khla explains more civilly, ¡°{A long range missile originating from this world assassinated our Saurminnica¡­ Our ruler.}¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I¡¯m suffering from amnesia right now, but humanity doesn¡¯t have that technology; not to pinpoint strike another world.¡±


    ¡°{LIAR!}¡± snarls Mrff. Khla tries to calm him. Part of it is the adrenaline boiling his blood into a fury. Khla replies, ¡°{This missile had some sort of data system onboard. Our scientists were able to extract information about your world, your species, and even your languages.}¡±


    The human chuckles, amazed. ¡°That¡¯s insanity. What idiot would put that on a mi-¡­¡± He halts in mid-thought. He whispers, ¡°Voyager¡­¡±


    Mrff snarls, barely restrained by Khla and Neezha, ¡°SO YUU DUU KNOW UV EET! {So you do know of it!}¡±


    The human doesn¡¯t recoil, but he does reply, ¡°This has been a terrible mistake! That wasn¡¯t a weapon by design. It was supposed to be merely a contact vessel.¡±


    Mrff growls, ¡°THAUGHT DONN RIVEEV OUR SAURMINNICA! {That doesn¡¯t revive our Saurminnica!}¡±


    The human slumps, replying, ¡°I know. But, I can¡¯t let you destroy our people. I saw the blasts. You didn¡¯t kill our world just now, even if you intended to. Don¡¯t pursue us, or this unnecessary war will only worsen.¡±


    ¡°{That may not be an option.}¡± replies Khla distantly. The human looks at him, puzzled. Khla redirects, saying, ¡°{If you are true to your word, human, those interceptors and our radar dome are your only threat until the full Baskylla arrives. The radar dome specifically is how we pulsed your world.}¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± replies the human. ¡°Now, free those children. I¡¯m not letting you keep them.¡± This time, several soldiers growl. But, Khla silences them with a wave of his hand. He replies calmly, ¡°{Take them. For my daughter¡¯s life, my crew¡¯s lives, and my left hand¡¯s life.}¡±


    The human nods. The children are freed, and he ushers them into the ship. Just before he closes the ramp, the human says calmly, ¡°Yarjens; Helmdraff Neezha¡¯Jor M¡¯von Craw¡¯Khn refused to tell me anything or cooperate, forcing me to cut off her hands. She is a proud and loyal soldier. For¡­ whatever that¡¯s worth from me. Helmdraff Craw, I am sincerely sorry it came to that. May we never meet again.¡±


    With that, the ramp closes. The ship takes off, flying out of the ship to the abyss. The battleship shakes, and an alarm sounds. A voice calls over the intercom, ¡°{We¡¯ve taken fire! Radar destroyed!}¡±


    Mrff growls lowly, but much more calmly, ¡°{Letting it go was a mistake.}¡±


    ¡°{Maybe. But I trust what Helmdraff Craw saw on the surface.}¡± He glances at her, and then back at Mrff. ¡°{I don¡¯t think he was bluffing. Or, if he was, it wasn¡¯t worth any more lives.}¡±


    Mrff sighs. He rolls his shoulders, causing his old joints to pop and crack. ¡°{What do we do about our other problem, then?}¡±


    ¡°{If Skulczhwy believes Human younglings are the key, then we will pursue and try to capture them again.}¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen. Permission to retire for the day?}¡±


    Khla chuckles, replying, ¡°{Granted.}¡± He then says to Neezha, ¡°{Helmdraff Craw;}¡± She straightens her posture rigidly, and he orders, ¡°{Make a full report to the intel chief. You¡¯re the only known survivor that dealt with that human.}¡±


    ¡°{Right away, Yarjen!}¡± Just before she turns, Khla hisses, ¡°{Neezha¡­}¡± She halts and looks at him. He whispers softly, ¡°{Thank you.}¡± She smiles softly and nods.


    ********

 Chapter 6: One Hit After Another, Despots Among the Fleet

    The ship is full of chaos. Contrary to the cowardice suspected of the marine officers early on, it turns out many enlisted military, as well as civilians, were crammed onto the last two ships to near-bursting. The starliners are supposed to be self-sufficient for a total of 15,000 people each. But, Lt. Col. Hitch revealed the current ship to be at almost 42,000. People are packed into every open space imaginable. Children cry, men and women embrace each other, and others have quiet panic attacks.


    The military personnel have already started cordoning off military-only areas to try to allow them to keep order. One such area is the hangar bay, where the stranger carefully lands the stolen alien ship. Hitch is startled by the recovered children on board, but he quickly orders, ¡°Get them to someone who¡¯ll look after them, please.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± comes the reply from several marines.


    A young girl cries out from behind Hitch, ¡°You made it!¡±


    The mysterious man smirks at her as he disembarks, beaten and bloodied to the point he almost looks alien himself. Hitch looks to see Sergeant Grey¡¯s squad approaching with two women, and Grey holding a little girl¡¯s hand. Hitch sighs, remarking, ¡°Sergeant, they¡¯re not supposed to be in here.¡±


    Grey replies bluntly, ¡°Who? These three marines, sir? Little Bird here helped the Stranger and Hancock take down two of the crocs.¡±


    Hitch grimaces, but the Stranger adds, ¡°It¡¯s true, Lieutenant Colonel. She¡¯s indispensable to the squad.¡±


    Hitch sighs. ¡°I know the squad. What I don¡¯t know is who YOU are.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ still can¡¯t remember, sir. I just remembered what the Voyager rockets were, but I still have no idea who I am or what this thing is.¡±


    The little girl known as ¡®Little Bird¡¯ hugs the mysterious man as he kneels to hug her. Hitch asks, ¡°She your daughter?¡±


    ¡°No sir.¡±


    Tanya says bluntly, ¡°Alex and I will take care of her. Like he said, she¡¯s an honorary marine. We¡¯re her family now.¡±


    Hitch nods. He then remarks, ¡°So, that leaves you, Mr. ¡®Stranger¡¯.¡±


    The stranger replies, ¡°Car-something is all I¡¯ve got, sir.¡±


    Hancock sternly blurts out, ¡°Uh, Carmine! Carmine Kane. LIEUTENANT Carmine Kane, uh, Sir. I saw it on your belt; an ID badge. Some¡­ research base I didn¡¯t recognize.¡±


    Hitch looks at the rookie marine skeptically. The rookie could be making up that story to protect the Stranger, but he managed to steal an alien ship, among other things that Hitch witnessed himself. With all the chaos, it¡¯s unlikely anyone will be able to verify rank and station officially at this point. This Stranger seems to be respectful and intelligent, and he¡¯s dedicated to humanity. Hitch nods, ¡°Very well, Lieutenant. Welcome to the corps. Or¡­ you know what? Navy. We need Navy friends here.¡±


    The newly officially dubbed Lieutenant Kane nods. Hitch turns to Sergeant Grey and says, ¡°Sergeant¡­¡±


    Grey asks seriously, ¡°What about Little Bird? She¡¯s been saluting you for almost a whole minute.¡±


    Hitch looks at her. The little girl straightens under his gaze, right hand properly pressed to her hat¡¯s brim in a crisp salute. Hitch salutes her, but he says to Grey, ¡°You can¡¯t be serious, Sergeant. I don¡¯t have that kind of authority.¡±


    Grey glares at him lightly. Hitch sighs. He looks at Little Bird again. He says proudly, ¡°Hear ye, all present, that I, Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Hitch name you United States Marine Corps Private Recruit Little Bird; Enlisted rank E-1. From this day forth, uh¡­ you are subject to the Uniformed Code of Military Justice and¡­¡±


    The girl squeaks, ¡°Rookie said I have to say a vow, Sir¡­¡±


    Hitch pauses, surprised. Kane kneels and says softly, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t interrupt, either, though.¡±


    She nods, apologizing, ¡°Sorry, sir.¡±


    Hitch sighs. He replies, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to your squad to swear you in. Sergeant, I¡¯ll sign whatever enlistment paperwork you doctor up for her. Don¡¯t expect it to hold under scrutiny, though. Only reason I¡¯m playing along is the fact that I doubt we¡¯ll be firing any military personnel any time soon.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Hitch turns to Little Bird and salutes, ¡°Thank you for your help, Recruit. Serve the Marine Corps well.¡±


    The girl smiles, ¡°I-I will sir!¡±


    He nods. ¡°Carry on, then.¡± They both lower their hands. Hitch then says to Grey, ¡°Sergeant¡­ A restructure is coming. Just¡­¡± He sighs, ¡°Use your judgment and wisdom.¡±


    Confused, Grey replies, ¡°Sir?¡±


    Hitch says nothing more about the cryptic statement. He instead says, ¡°We¡¯ll be catching up to the other ships soon. Keep everyone calm and things in order. Lieutenant, if you¡¯ll come with me, we¡¯ll be meeting with other officers.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Very well. No time like the present to learn to be a Navy officer, right?¡±


    The two walk off, leaving Grey and his squad. Little Bird asks hopefully, ¡°S-So I¡¯m really a real marine now? Just like you guys?¡±


    Grey smirks, and the weary marines chuckle. The Sergeant replies, ¡°That¡¯s right, little lady. We¡¯ll have to teach you to shoot and get yelled at by officers¡­¡±


    Fredericks adds, ¡°And defuse bombs. We need a good bomb defuser.¡±


    The small girl squeaks, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best!¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°I believe you will, marine.¡±


    She suddenly sniffles, saying as she looks down, ¡°I¡­ I wish Mommy and Daddy¡­¡±


    Grey and Tanya both kneel, and Tanya quickly says, ¡°Maya, it¡¯s okay! I KNOW they¡¯re proud of you.¡±


    Little Bird looks at her with watering eyes, and the woman adds tenderly, ¡°Because WE¡¯RE proud of you. Alex and his boys will make you the best darn marine this corps has ever seen.¡±


    The little girl sniffles, crying as she hugs Tanya.


    The marines get Tanya, Kenzie, and Little Bird situated in a safe corner of the hangar bay, where they¡¯ll camp out. Dumas and Fredericks stay behind to protect them. There is a restlessness in the air, kept at bay by the numerous heavily armed marines who saw hell and are glad only to be alive. True, several marines have been problematic as well, but they were quickly subdued by their squadmates.


    Hancock follows Grey as he leads, with Fisher behind them. Grey limps wearily, only slightly relieved of his leg injury by ointment and gauze. Walking the halls of the ship is a disheartening nightmare. The three marines have to carefully step over legs of civilians as they squeeze through others standing. Children sob endlessly. It¡¯s a miracle Little Bird has held it together so well, but Hancock suspects she¡¯s slipping into denial as well as trying to live up to those she¡¯s clinging to for support; the five marines and two women managing to keep their heads.


    Adults are crying too, making the hallways a disorienting mess of noise and smells. Hancock understands why the marines have sectioned off areas of the ship, but the distribution of space will be painful to fully even out. This is especially true since there are a lot of small families, couples, and single individuals. They ascend stairs to the next level, and Hancock can feel the vertigo from the rotation of the ship, which causes artificial gravity. The marines are being issued magnetic boots, which will allow the ship to function normally, but the command crew is holding off for now until the civilians are squared away. Many of them have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Dogs yap and bark, indicating several couples couldn¡¯t obey and leave their pets behind, but the marines are dealing with the potential mutiny sparks one at a time.


    The three reach the command bridge; their destination. The captain of this particular ship is a former Navy captain hired on by G-sink, and he happened to be onboard at Time Zero. Hancock looks out the windows at the stunning display. The stars are turning slowly due to the ship¡¯s spin; but it¡¯s a beautiful sight. The four starliners maneuver close to each other, as the humongous mobile drydock looms nearby. A few mining barges are also grouped near the starliners.


    Hitch and Kane are already present, as the captain of one of the other three liners shouts via video screen, ¡°You must be out of your mind! We¡¯re ALREADY over capacity!¡±


    A stalwart captain in a more elegant dress uniform replies calmly, ¡°President¡¯s orders, Captain. Our ship needs research space. This voyage will end quickly if the outsiders catch up to us.¡±


    The first captain, with a silver crucifix on her shoulder and the more standard starliner uniform, retorts, ¡°I was there when the Argonaut left dock, CAPTAIN. They have just shy of four thousand hands on board.¡± The captain who has yet to speak on screen squirms nervously. The captain with the crucifix continues, ¡°And you want to offload your military personnel onto us?¡±


    Hancock recognizes the next person to speak as the Madame President of the United States, who steps into view as she says, ¡°Gentlemen, I understand your concerns, but Mr. Right assures me his starliners can house many more than¡­¡±


    The captain with the crucifix shouts, ¡°Eighteen thousand! That is the absolute rated maximum of these ships. We¡¯re at forty one thousand, seven hundred. Andromeda is at forty two thousand, four hundred at final count. Even if we divided our excess across all of the ships here, we¡¯re still looking at massive rationing.¡±


    The President is wholly perturbed, hung up on HOW she was responded to. She says coldly and viciously, ¡°Captain. I am the President. I am the Commander in Chief of EVERYONE on every single one of these ships. YOU would do well to remember that, Captain.¡±


    The brunette woman says nothing. The President continues, ¡°If there is overpopulation, this voyage will end. I recommend a lottery to determine who stays.¡±


    Shocked, the Captain with the crucifix retorts, ¡°And what!? We jettison them!? You CAN¡¯T be serious!¡±


    ¡°This is a time for pragmatism, Captain; not hope in humanity.¡±


    Suddenly, Lieutenant Kane, the mysterious amnesiac stranger -somewhat cleaned up from  his battles- asks coldly, ¡°Was exterminating everyone else with the Football ¡®pragmatic¡¯, Ma¡¯am?¡±


    The President glares. ¡°Captains. You would do well to rein in your men.¡±


    The captain of the Andromeda, the ship Hancock is on, finally speaks, ¡°He brings up a good point, Madame President.¡±


    ¡°This is treacherous talk!¡± snarls one of the admirals behind her. ¡°You will ALL be¡­¡±


    ¡°What, court martialled?¡± asks the female captain with the crucifix. "Name one person on any crew who would act on it.¡±


    ¡°You are out of line!¡± snaps a colonel.


    All four bridges descend into yelling matches. Hancock glances at Sergeant Grey, who pulls his cigar out to chew on it. He grumbles, audible only to Fisher and Hancock, ¡°Frickin¡¯ officers. Drinking the brown punch and spitting at each other like cats.¡±


    A young woman steps forward on the ship with the female captain. She¡¯s not in uniform, but she shares many similarities with the captain. She gets attention through repeated attempts gaining a momentary respite to speak. She says calmly and gently, ¡°Noble Captains, Madame President, other officers, I beg you; focus. We have more than eighty thousand people all scared and homeless now. If they saw you losing control like this, they would rip the ships apart in panic.¡±


    The President sourly says, ¡°Which is why YOUR ships should receive extra military presence. All the better to¡­¡±


    The argument is just about to resume, but the young woman replies, ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ You don¡¯t understand.¡± There¡¯s a pause. She continues, ¡°ANY way you slice it¡­ YOU are outnumbered. Nothing you have is worth anything anymore.¡±


    ¡°How dare you speak to me like that! Captain¡­!¡±


    The captain of the Andromeda says calmly, ¡°You just told dozens of officers and enlisted you¡¯re ready to jettison people on OUR ships so you can offload armed soldiers from yours. You KNOW the situation you¡¯re in. Those are friends and family you¡¯re talking about.¡± The President pales as he calls her out.


    She tries to seize control, growling, ¡°You would threaten this kind of mutiny?¡±


    The female captain retorts, ¡°There is no United States anymore. Mutiny implies you¡¯re part of the chain of command.¡±


    Hancock notices something strange. The admirals and colonels so quick to jump to the President¡¯s aid are silently distancing themselves.


    The woman shrieks, ¡°I am the first woman President of the United States! The FIRST woman Commander in Chief.¡±


    The female captain cuts her off; ¡°But you weren¡¯t. You were the second. Your campaign was all propaganda. On the bright side, though, you ARE the LAST woman President of the United States. Of course, you¡¯re the last Potus in general, as well.¡±


    ¡°THIS IS MUTINY! You¡¯re all traitors! Arrest them!¡±


    The captain of the Andromeda starts coldly, ¡°I, Captain John Reginald Dodge, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the surviving members of humanity against all enemies; foreign and domestic;¡± He pauses when the female captain mimics him, putting her right hand over her heart; ¡°I, Captain Angelica Marie Long, do solemnly swear that I will support¡­¡±


    The third captain, Captain of the Argonaut, catches up to Captain Long, and quickly, enlisted and officers on all three ships join in. The President¡¯s face twists in horror, but she truly pales when voices repeat the first part behind her. Hancock, following Sergeant Grey¡¯s lead, finishes in unison; ¡°Against all enemies, foreign and domestic;¡±


    Captain Dodge continues to lead, rewording the oath carefully on the spot to ensure no twisted logic retains any power with the woman they are declaring the first high profile enemy so soon; ¡°That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;¡± He pauses, and the chorus of voices is as one; powerful and unified as they repeat.


    Captain Dodge continues, ¡°And that I will obey the orders of a body faithful to the same and the orders of the officers appointed over me;¡± He pauses once more, and every military voice seems to be pledging the oath word for word, even excluding the president whom they once swore to.


    Captain Dodge finishes, ¡°According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.¡± The many voices repeat in unison. Hancock watches the President nervously back into a group of Secret Service agents readying to protect her. Hancock wonders if Dodge¡¯s finish was yet another jab at her, as this President was the one who abolished God from any speech or official state material.


    Captain Long says sternly, ¡°Agents of the Secret Service; your loyalty to duty is admirable, but there is NO version where that woman continues to lead. This is an unprecedented situation with atrocities of unimaginable scale on that woman¡¯s hands. We ALL saw the destruction of EARTH. Members of the Andromeda barely escaped it. Why? Afraid memory of this fleet will come back to haunt you? That Earth might¡¯ve survived?¡±


    ¡°LIES!¡± barks the frantic President. ¡°I gave the Football to¡­¡± She halts, realizing that what she just said is also a crime of the highest order, no matter who it might be.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Captain Long says sternly, ¡°As of right now, I propose we declare a modified martial law where the military is the ruling body, helmed by officers not appointed directly by this or any other politician. We NEED to rein this crisis in and solve our priorities, and we can¡¯t do that with an external body slowing things down.¡±


    The captain of the Argonaut, Captain Arnoldo Francisco, replies first, ¡°I concur.¡±


    ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T DO THIS!¡± shrieks the President. Captain Dodge says calmly, ¡°I concur with Captain Long.¡± The three shift gazes, indicating it is the Captain of the Polonia, the ship carrying the President and the other elites. He glances at the President, and then the admirals nearby. The admirals are pale and silent. The President shrieks, ¡°Do NOT give in, Captain! They are traitors of the highest order! They will be shot for this!¡±


    The captain sighs. He says coldly, ¡°Captains¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡± He stammers nervously. He sighs again, ¡°I¡­ already lost everything. Do what you have to.¡± He does something on the command console. An alarm instantly blares; the emergency Zebra lockdown, to shut all airtight doors. The bridge locks, and before anyone can respond, the captain draws a pistol. He is inaudible over the alarms behind him, but his lips read, ¡°{I concur¡­}¡± Long tries to scream, but his pistol fires once. All at once, the camera shakes. Bodies ragdoll across the screen in the direction of his shot as the room explosively decompresses. The noise quickly goes silent. Those few bodies visible flail slowly, trying to regain some semblance of control and save themselves. A couple manage to pull themselves to the door, frost already forming on their skins. But, the door doesn¡¯t budge.


    Captain Long shrieks, ¡°WE HAVE TO GET PEOPLE OVER THERE!¡±


    Lieutenant Kane volunteers, ¡°I¡¯ll pilot the stolen alien craft, ma¡¯am. It has the agility to get in quickly.¡±


    ¡°You can fly it?¡± asks Captain Francisco cautiously.


    Kane nods, ¡°Yes sir. I¡¯m¡­ not sure why.¡±


    Long says, ¡°Do it. Take a squad with you and a shoring crew. Do NOT let anyone force the doors open. You¡¯ll have to EVA in.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Sergeant Grey volunteers, ¡°I volunteer myself, Lieutenant.¡± Fisher and Hancock add, ¡°Us too.¡±


    Long asks, ¡°You¡¯re the squad that captured the hostile technology, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± replies Grey.


    ¡°Good. Resourceful and level-headed. Lieutenant¡­ uh¡­¡± ¡°Kane,¡± replies Kane politely, She continues, ¡°Kane will drop you off in the main hangar. Get to the bridge from inside and ensure no one is damaging the doors. Lieutenant, you and the repair team will seal the hole, and we¡¯ll tell you how to lift the lockdown and repressurize the bridge.¡±


    Kane and Grey both state, ¡°Understood.¡±


    The squad quickly makes their way back to the hangar. Technicians meet up with them with a metal fiber sheet like a tarpaulin and a specialized vacuum ready epoxy that will hold the sheet almost as well as a solid weld, allowing them time to get the ship to the mobile drydock. Hancock has watched from the space station as drills were being run. He knows the breach on the Polonia will be much worse than typical because the windows on the bridge are meant to take SOME impact from the outside, but are extraordinarily brittle from the inside; a trade off in the structure of the panes.


    Sergeant Grey jokes as he instantly sheds his guard belt with his magazine pouches and his boots, ¡°You done EVA training yet, Rookie?¡±


    Hancock replies as he sheds his belt and boots as well, ¡°No sir.¡±


    Fisher chuckles, ¡°You fixin¡¯ to learn today, Rookie!¡±


    Kenzie, Tanya, and Little Bird appear, followed closely by Fredericks and Dumas. Little Bird squeaks, ¡°You¡¯re leaving!?¡±


    Sergeant Grey kneels, replying gently, ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am. One of the other ships needs some help. Nothing scary, this time.¡±


    ¡°Pr-promise?¡±


    He smirks, offering a pinkie. She wraps her own tiny finger around his and he says, ¡°I promise we¡¯ll be just fine. We took on aliens!¡±


    ¡°Ca-can I help?¡±


    ¡°Not this time, marine. I need you to guard Kenzie and Tanya. Fredericks, Dumas, and you are our backup if anything goes wrong. You never put all your eggs in one basket, and you never put all your marines in one spot. Got it?¡±


    She nods, disappointed but complicit. ¡°Good.¡±


    Kenzie asks Hancock, ¡°Everything okay?¡± He smiles and nods. ¡°We¡¯re taking over the other ship. No big deal.¡±


    She looks at him, surprised, and he winks at her.


    Grey ruins the moment, calling out, ¡°Rookie, we ain¡¯t got time to tango. Get your suit on.¡± Hancock realizes he has fallen behind, and he quickly shuffles into the bulky suit. It¡¯s much more maneuverable than old NASA moon suits, but they¡¯re still like putting on a HEAVY set of coveralls over his uniform. Kenzie doesn¡¯t hesitate to step in and help tug the suit up. She helps him get his arms in and zips up the magnetic layered seal on his chest. Just before she puts his helmet on, she kisses his lips quickly. She carefully slides his helmet onto his face, which he¡¯s secretly thankful hides his blush. She teases softly, ¡°Don¡¯t be gone too long, Rookie.¡±


    Fredericks and Dumas chuckle, and Hancock can feel fumbling at his waist. He looks down to find Little Bird trying to lift his heavy belt and wrap it around his waist. Kenzie smiles at him knowingly. He takes one end of the belt from her, holding it so she can walk the whole thing around him. Something nags at the back of his mind, but he¡¯s not sure what.


    Hancock covers the breathe vent of his helmet, which allows him to breathe normally when in an atmosphere. He inhales deeply, feeling his hand suction to the vent. He holds for a moment, making sure the suit sealed correctly. He exhales against his hand for the same check.


    Two things differ with the EVA suits from an SCBA, like what firefighters wear. The first is that even small leaks tend to become visible on an EVA suit, as the moisture in the air escaping freezes and makes a mist. Secondly, once his air is turned on, the helmet controls the air supply with a basic mechanical interlock that supplies air when the suit is under vacuum, but conserves air when the suit is in atmosphere. This allows the suit to enter and exit airlocks for orbital ship workers. The interlock is surprisingly simple and robust, tested by marines at the challenge of Mr. Right, and no marine could get it to fail short of puncturing the seal of the interlock.


    The squad piles into the alien shocktrooper ship. Lieutenant Kane takes the helm, flying it as if it WASN¡¯T alien, but a normal human aircraft. While he¡¯s far from an expert, his ability to pilot a completely foreign craft is astonishing, as if the device on his arm were a gift from the gods.


    Kane flies the ship to the hangar of the Polonia, where Grey and Fisher disembark. Grey orders through the radio, ¡°Rookie, keep with the Stra- uh, Lieutenant ¨CApologies, sir- and make sure nothing happens. That includes any possible survivors.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Yes Sergeant.¡±


    Kane adds humorously, ¡°No hard feelings, Sergeant. I¡¯m a stranger to myself.¡±


    The marines chuckle, and Grey replies, ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Hancock watches as Kane scans for controls. Somehow, he reads the alien glyphs as if he, himself, were an alien. The thought has crossed Hancock¡¯s mind, but Kane bleeds human red, which is good enough for the young marine.


    Kane lands the ship gingerly on the lazily spinning starliner. He activates a control, which causes the ship to lurch a small amount, suddenly locking in place. He jokes, ¡°Huh¡­ look at that. Aliens still use magnetism.¡± Hancock scoffs as the two technicians chuckle.


    He states, ¡°Equalizing.¡± He hits another button, and Hancock can hear all of the air being pulled out of the ship. The ambient noise slowly fades, and Hancock¡¯s suit kicks on, illuminating a small display in his field of view denoting his remaining air. The sound of his regulator feeding him air makes a light hiss every time he inhales, and it is strangely comforting. He can also hear his suit shifting as he moves, and his own heartbeat pulses in his ears.


    Kane¡¯s voice comes through the radio, ¡°Huh¡­ Wish I could be more surprised by things I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    Hancock asks, ¡°You think you were an astronaut, sir?¡±


    ¡°I dunno. I just¡­ everything seems to just¡­ happen.¡± He flexes his shoulders, redirecting, ¡°Right then. No time for this. Everyone stay calm, minimize movements, and keep an eye on your inertial compensators. If they run out, any move you make will start a spin if your feet lose hold. Got it?¡±


    All three reply, ¡°Yes sir!¡±


    Kane opens the door, and light from the sun instantly fills the ship. Hancock instinctively shields his eyes, but his helmet instantly compensated. Kane leads slowly and cautiously out onto the hull of the starliner.


    Hancock is swept away by the breath-taking view. He asks through his radio as he looks at the endless void filled with the glimmering speckles of stars, ¡°Where are we?¡± He¡¯s never been able to look in every direction without a station or Earth obscuring much of it. Now, it¡¯s only the starliner and the humongous mobile drydock.


    Kane replies calmly, ¡°We only have as fast as the engines can go, so we¡¯re probably in deadspace a fraction of a percent to Mars¡¯s orbit. Assuming we stayed parallel to the orbital plane.¡±


    ¡°Deadspace?¡± asks Hancock. Kane replies, ¡°Uh¡­ Empty space. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, no! Makes sense. I¡¯m leaning towards astronaut, sir.¡±


    Kane chuckles as he carefully climbs into the bridge. It¡¯s much darker on the bridge, indicating someone must¡¯ve hit the lights in their panicked flailing. Hancock looks quietly at the bodies floating inside. One¡¯s an admiral, his uniform jacket ripped at the right cuff. Another is a Secret Service agent, frozen to the chair he managed to hug for dear life, only to perish shortly after. It¡¯s a grim sight. The last three bodies on the bridge are near the door, one clutching her throat. It¡¯s the President and two of her attach¨¦s, trying to force the door open at their last moments. Her fingernails are bloody, as if she clawed her way across anyone she could reach. It did no good, though. Her face is glassy, and her skin is frosted over.


    Kane asks calmly, ¡°Hancock, you got a flashlight?¡± The young marine shakes his head clear as sparks indicate the technicians are sealing the room via the window they just entered. Or at least, they¡¯re grinding the hole clean first.


    Hancock reaches instinctively to his belt on his right hip, feeling for the thin, elongated rounded pouch of his flashlight. He finds an elongated pouch and slides his hand up for the flap. His hand slips free, never feeling the flap. He tries again to the same result. Kane slowly turns to investigate. Hancock feels up and down. Kane¡¯s chuckle, along with Hancock¡¯s next discovery tells him all he needs to know. His belt is upside down.


    The mysterious stranger asks warmly, ¡°They¡¯re adorable, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Hancock feels his left side for his flashlight pouch, replying calmly as he pulls the light out, ¡°She¡¯s just a kid. Just glad it¡¯s not combat.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°I wasn¡¯t being sarcastic. What you just said proves my point. Can¡¯t stay mad at kids, can we?¡±


    The young marine hands the light over, replying, ¡°Even if I could, sir, Maya¡¯s a marine, right? Can¡¯t stay mad at a sister in arms.¡±


    Kane chuckles as he inspects the panels that control the ship. He remarks, ¡°She¡¯s got a spark in her eyes. I can feel it. She won¡¯t be a Little Bird forever.¡±


    Hancock glances at the President¡¯s body hesitantly. Her glassy eyes stare soullessly into him. He asks grimly, ¡°Sir¡­ does¡­ does it not¡­ bother you?¡±


    Kane looks up at Hancock, and then he follows his gaze. He studies the bodies for a moment in silence. He replies after a long time, ¡°Not really. I mean¡­ I feel bothered, but¡­ By the fact that I¡¯m rather okay with their fates.¡± He scoffs, ¡°Some part of me must¡¯ve remembered her.¡± He resumes work. ¡°She rubbed me the wrong way. Something tells me I¡¯ve done the same.¡±


    Hancock stares at the lieutenant. His aura and movements are calm and collected. He activates some controls, and the lights turn back on in the bridge. He looks at the technicians applying the patch. Sergeant Grey¡¯s voice comes through the radio, ¡°Delta Team to Bravo Team. Door secured. Standing by.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Acknowledged, Delta team. Bridge secured. Finishing shoring.¡±


    The technicians activate the patch, and the gel ignites, sealing the metallic fabric in place. The technicians do some checks afterwards. They give Kane the thumbs up. He nods, announcing, ¡°Pressurizing.¡± He hits some more commands, and the console blinks. Nothing seems to happen right away, but slowly, a low rushing noise slowly grows. With it come the deep hums, low beeps, and pulsing, distant sounds of machinery.


    Suddenly, his regulator clicks off, and the air suddenly tastes more like stale ship air recycled several times. The intent while the starliners were under construction was that their full air reserves would be cycled out after each cruise. However, that wasn¡¯t an option prior to the evacuation, which leaves the air stale and tasting faintly of iron and body odor.


    Kane activates the communications to the other ships. The three captains appear, and the door opens, allowing Grey and Fisher in once the rooms equalize. Captain Long asks, ¡°Can you hear us, Lieutenant?¡±


    He nods, ¡°Loud and clear, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Good. Patch us through the ship¡¯s intercom. We¡¯ll inform EVERYONE of what¡¯s going on.¡± Kane nods and activates some more controls. He replies, ¡°Ready.¡± The technicians move the bodies to a corner out of the way in the meantime.


    Captain Dodge folds his hands behind his back and nods silently. Captain Francisco smiles and nods as well. He looks slightly to the side. Captain Long shifts with a start, gesturing at herself with surprise. The other two captains nod. Captain Long takes a deep breath. She starts her speech calmly.


    ¡°Attention all hands; survivors of humanity. My name is Captain Angelica Long, Commanding Officer of the starliner Honolulu.¡± She pauses, glancing at the other two captains, who nod again. She continues, ¡°The former President of the United States has been declared a traitor to humanity and executed for treason. But, this execution came at a price. The President¡¯s loyalists resisted, and the command crew of the Polonia has been lost. We are reeling from tragedy after tragedy right now, but this is no time to panic or mourn. We must come together as human beings and pool our strengths. Our adversaries will not give up the chase. We all fought to be here. Now, we must fight to keep it. These ships; the four starliners ¨CPolonia, Argonaut, Andromeda, and Honolulu-, the mobile drydock Providence, the mining barges; these are all we have left. We must use what we have and find ways to survive. Most importantly, keep hope alive.¡±


    She sighs silently, continuing, ¡°As of now, the commanding officers of the starliners have agreed the best course of action is to declare martial law, giving the military full control. I realize this is a slippery slope away from democracy, but our priorities MUST come first; survival, advancement, and preparation; in that order. Your cooperation is not optional. If we don¡¯t work together towards these goals, we die. As we establish our path forward, we will keep you up to date. In the name of humanity, I thank you in advance for your cooperation. Let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    Once the speech is done, Kane cuts the intercom. Long sighs, but they all look when a male¡¯s voice says from the door of the Polonia¡¯s bridge, ¡°Huh¡­ So it¡¯s true.¡±


    Hancock¡¯s never met Russell Right himself, but he recognizes him. He has a skinny woman wearing a lab coat with him. She has a notebook, glasses, and a nervous expression. Mr. Right is calm and oddly chipper. He remarks brightly, ¡°Ah! I see the shoring patches work.¡± He points at the screen, remarking, ¡°Captain Long; as beautiful as you sound.¡±


    She remarks coldly, ¡°Mr. Right. I hope I was clear¡­¡±


    He quickly says, ¡°Crystal!¡± He walks to the window, craning to see the alien craft. He whispers, ¡°Amazing¡­¡± He snaps out of it to say to Long, ¡°I get it. Military command is best now. Shame about Linda. But, as you said, humanity depends on what we do now.¡±


    Long explains, ¡°We¡¯re redistributing populations first and foremost. All four starliners will be overcrowded.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    Surprised, she replies, ¡°You¡¯re¡­ not upset?¡±


    ¡°Not at all! You said yourself, we have to come together. And, this is a perfect time for me to ask if I can move my effects to the Providence. It should be a better place for me to reverse engineer that beauty. As well as construct new designs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ an industrial ship,¡± remarks Francisco. ¡°It won¡¯t have the luxuries you¡¯re used to.¡±


    Mr. Right keeps up his chipper demeanor. ¡°As I understand it, this ship won¡¯t be far behind.¡± He suddenly turns serious, replying, ¡°Look, I know this must seem odd to you. I know there are essentially three kinds of people on these ships right now, and two of them are fine with each other and the third equally dislikes both of them. But, I don¡¯t care about any of that. I care about inventing in order to help humanity. Give me my own space to work with ample tools, and I¡¯ll not only stay out of your way, but you can count on my efforts including tools of defense. I¡¯ll even lower myself to working with someone developing tools of war.¡± He looks at Long again, replying, ¡°You do what you gotta do. We brought too many people into space? Then we¡¯ll make room for them. Because, soon enough, we¡¯ll need room for all the kiddos that¡¯re gonna eventually find their way into the world. You can HAVE the leading, as far as I¡¯m concerned. But, don¡¯t forget that life will forge its own path.¡± He pauses when he finally sees the bodies. After a moment, he continues, ¡°I just want to stay among the living right now.¡±


    Captain Long straightens her already-impressive posture, folding her hands behind her back. She replies, ¡°Your request is reasonable, Mr. Right. I vote we grant him residence on the Providence.¡±


    ¡°I concur,¡± replies Francisco. Dodge jokes, ¡°Should I object so it doesn¡¯t look like we¡¯re just agreeing on everything?¡± Long sighs and looks skeptically at him. Dodge chuckles lightly, replying, ¡°I concur.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Very well. Mr. Right, your request is granted. You¡¯ll be transferred to the Providence. Captains, we should also nominate one of the executive officers to take command of the Polonia. Lieutenant Kane, you and your team hold the bridge until relieved. Activate emergency stability procedures so we can start transfers.¡±


    ¡°On it, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Hancock watches as the Captains walk Kane through stabilizing the ship. Grey has his helmet off, chewing on his cigar. Hancock wonders if he has more than one, or if he¡¯s just chewing on the same cigar as before.


    Sergeant Grey suddenly interrupts, growling, ¡°All this is fine and dandy, Captains, but aren¡¯t we also assuming the crocs will be right behind us? What do we plan to do about that?¡±


    Captain Long¡¯s irritation fizzles into a disappointed absence of an answer. There¡¯s a quiet pause. ¡°Space pirates?¡± squeaks a familiar little girl¡¯s voice. Grey¡¯s cigar drops, and Captain Dodge looks over his shoulder.


    Grey barks, ¡°You brought her to the bridge!?¡±


    Hitch sighs as he steps up, holding Little Bird¡¯s hand. Hitch replies calmly, ¡°She wouldn¡¯t stop shrieking. You have a lot to teach her about military courtesy.¡± Hancock notices the pink coloration to Hitch¡¯s left cheek, as if he was slapped lightly.


    Little Bird squeaks, ¡°Y-you know how to fight the monsters, S-Sargen. C-Can¡¯t¡­ Can¡¯t we take more of their things like space pirates and become as strong as the monsters?¡±


    Everyone looks at her, stunned. Hitch smirks, adding, ¡°Also, I think your Little Bird might be a genius.¡±


    Grey scoffs and looks at Hancock. The Rookie says softly, ¡°She did mention some space cartoon she watched when we were walking back to base; her, Kane, and I.¡±


    Hitch says warmly, ¡°Whatever her source, what do the rest of you think?¡±


    Mr. Right is the first to respond excitedly, ¡°Genius!? She¡¯s amazing! Captains, if your forces can capture an alien craft with whatever faster than light methods they have, I guarantee we can slip away from their vicious jaws for good!¡±


    Francisco remarks cautiously, ¡°Do any of our forces have boarding experience?¡± Dodge replies, ¡°Not in this capacity. Those that faced our enemies only barely know what we¡¯re up against.¡±


    Sergeant Grey clears his throat obviously, and then he states, ¡°Standing by.¡±


    Kane adds, ¡°Myself as well. I can communicate some with them if interrogation becomes required.¡±


    Little Bird states proudly, ¡°Standing by.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Absolutely not, Little Bird.¡± She disheartens, but he quickly says, ¡°Ah! None of that. I¡­ uh¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Long says, ¡°We need you here to keep planning for now. This is your plan, Little Bird. If the plan changes, we need your ideas. This is the best way you can help the Sergeant and his squad, and keep them safe.¡± She looks at the screen for reassurance.


    Sergeant Grey lies confidently, but with good reason, ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s what I was going to say. Keep the plans coming, Little Bird. We¡¯re counting on you.¡±


    She blushes and tugs at the waist of her shirt, squirming nervously in place. Lieutenant Colonel Hitch chuckles, saying calmly to Grey, ¡°Sergeant, Lieutenant, ready your squads as soon as you¡¯re relieved. You have top priority on equipment, armor, and weapons.¡±


    Grey smirks, replying, ¡°Sir, yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good luck, team,¡± adds Captain Long.


    ***

 Chapter 7: Plans A, B, and C; Battle for the Right to Escape

    ~Humanity may not have been the first sentient race to ascend to the stars. They¡¯re not even the most advanced race. Desperation drove humanity to flee their homeworld, driven away by ferocious invaders and a devastating scorched earth response intended to reel the invaders back.


    With no solid target worlds available, the human survival fleet of a handful of spaceships stayed together, travelling as a migrant flotilla to pool resources and continue advancing.


    Centuries of society and war have taught humanity many things about itself. Collectively, they make mistakes, but then, they have a more powerful trait; survival. Humanity is intuitive, fierce, and driven, desperate to survive and carry on.


    War and death don¡¯t weaken humanity. They have created something special in a sentient race. They give humanity a higher threshold for survival.~


    One week has passed since the incident on the Polonia. The fleet is flying headlong, attempting to gain distance from the alien fleet while a battle strategy is formulated.


    Russell Right, the creator of G-sink, is working on the alien technology stolen from Earth, doing his best with his team of scientists to reverse engineer the technology. They already have some understanding of the alien power systems, but that¡¯s about it so far.


    Hancock, Kenzie, and Tanya are sitting together in the hangar bay, with Little Bird sitting in Hancock¡¯s lap helping him clean his rifle as he teaches her the parts. Sergeant Grey, Fisher, Fredericks, and Dumas are nearby, gently stretching to help their recovering muscles as they drink coffee.


    So far, the best strategy the marines have, given what¡¯s known about the alien warships, is for the small teams to board the ships, damage life support, and then rupture the hull. The woman that was with Russell Right, Doctor Levine Lopez, has been working tirelessly on intrusion software to identify the ship¡¯s design and potentially allow the human fleet to capture the data they need and send the ¡®captured¡¯ ship into oblivion, drawing the alien fleet on a goose chase.


    The problem is, the assault team will have to fight their way into the heart of an enemy ship AFTER it discovers the fleet. It¡¯s only been a matter of time so far. The marines are waiting in tension for a distant signal warning of a Grim Reaper-like arrival.


    They¡¯re as ready as they can be. Traps are in place. The fleet is moving. All they can do is wait.


    Little bird squeaks, ¡°Rookie¡­ Do you think¡­ any bunnies made it onto the ships?¡±


    ¡°Bunnies?¡± asks Hancock, surprised. She hums and nods, scrubbing the bolt assembly with a toothbrush. Hancock replies, ¡°Huh¡­ that¡¯s a good question. If not, I suppose you and me will have to keep our eyes out for some space bunnies, huh?¡±


    Little Bird looks up at him, asking hopefully, ¡°You really think there are space bunnies?¡±


    Hancock smirks, saying proudly, ¡°I won¡¯t give up looking until we find some.¡± Little Bird relaxes, sitting back against his chest. She asks more grimly, ¡°What if the monsters try to hurt the space bunnies?¡±


    Kenzie offers playfully, ¡°You think these guys will let that happen, Sweetie?¡±


    Little Bird looks up at Hancock, asking, ¡°You¡¯ll protect the space bunnies, Rookie?¡±


    Hancock smiles and nods, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    Tanya teases playfully, ¡°I¡¯m surprised you let a junior marine call you ¡®Rookie¡¯, Rex.¡±


    Hancock smirks, ¡°Who, Little Bird? She¡¯s almost as experienced as me, so it¡¯s fair.¡±


    Tanya and Kenzie giggle. The younger woman remarks gently, ¡°It¡¯s surprising how quiet everything is. Feels like everything else was real, and we¡¯re about to wake up into it again¡­ but also¡­¡±


    Hancock says softly, ¡°The other way around, at the same time. I agree. This time, though, it should stay quiet¡­ if¡­¡±


    ¡°You will,¡± says Kenzie calmly and confidently. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t make Little Bird carry all of the burden, would you?¡± She playfully tickles the now-blushing little girl for a giggle.


    Hancock smirks, ¡°Nah. Once she¡¯s as old as I am, she can.¡±


    ¡°N-Nineteen?¡± squeaks the intelligent girl as she cranes her head to look at him. His smirk becomes even more teasing, retorting, ¡°Nope. When, at that time, we¡¯re the same age.¡±


    Little Bird frowns in confusion, thinking deeply, as Tanya and Kenzie giggle. She suddenly whines, ¡°That¡¯s not fair! That¡¯s impossible!¡± Hancock places his chin on her crown, saying playfully, ¡°Is it? Shucks. Guess we¡¯ll always have to share, huh?¡±


    There¡¯s a brief pause, where the little girl squirms less than he expected. She suddenly asks, ¡°Promise?¡±


    Hancock sighs, asking, ¡°Why do you want to rush, Maya?¡±


    She wrings her hands together sheepishly, mumbling hesitantly.


    Hancock says more gently, ¡°There¡¯ll be plenty for you to do to help, Maya. You already have. And, when you are fully ready, you and me will find space bunnies together and protect everyone we love. And THAT;¡± The young marine offers his pinkie to the young girl. She smiles up at him, wrapping her pinkie around his, just as with Grey. Hancock finishes, ¡°Is a promise.¡±


    Little Bird nuzzles back against his torso, claiming his hand for a bit to hug to herself. She says quietly, ¡°Thank you, Rex.¡±


    Hancock is content to relax a moment. Most of the gear is ready, so it¡¯s all a matter of¡­


    ¡°Attention all hands,¡± states a male voice over the Polonia¡¯s intercom. ¡°Gravimetric pulse detected. Report to stations. Nonessential and civilian personnel, remain confined to quarters. This is not a drill.¡±


    Kenzie and Little Bird gasp together. Hancock squirms free of her as Sergeant Grey rallies the others, ¡°A¡¯ight, Marines. Give your rumps a rest and gear up!¡±


    The four marines chuckle, and Hancock quickly assembles his rifle as he drilled so many times past, earning an astonished, ¡°Whoa¡­¡± squeaked from Little Bird. She quickly pleads though, ¡°B-Be safe!¡±


    Fredericks, Dumas, and Fisher chuckle, and Fisher kneels to fist bump with her. He says warmly, ¡°We¡¯re just gettin¡¯ warmed up, Marine.¡±


    She smiles and nods. Kenzie and Tanya kiss Hancock and Grey briefly, sending a warm surge through the young marine.


    The announcement continues, ¡°Fire teams hold fire until ordered. Damage control teams stand by for EVA and shoring. Boarding teams have permission to launch.¡±


    Lieutenant Kane meets the teams as all of them jog to the alien shuttle. Hancock notices two teams are going with them; a science team of two scientists and another marine squad of six led by a female sergeant.


    Grey instantly barks, ¡°Hell no! What is this!? Doctor Lopez; no way.¡±


    The young woman glares at him silently through her polarized helmet, but it¡¯s actually the slightly older male scientist Hancock doesn¡¯t recognize who replies, ¡°We¡¯re going, Marine. If the virus doesn¡¯t work first try, she may need to adjust. I¡¯ll be joining as well to identify what we MUST take if we¡¯re taking things.¡±


    ¡°And, if you two die!?¡± snaps Grey.


    Kane quickly defuses, saying, ¡°Your jobs are to prevent that, Sergeant. I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have time.¡±


    Grey sighs, ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The group piles into the shuttle and Kane takes off, watching diligently for the aliens¡¯s arrival. If anything more than a single ship arrives, humanity is done for anyways. All the marines can do is try to make the plan work if they get lucky enough.


    The other sergeant says casually, ¡°Staff Sergeant Grey, right? Your squad¡¯s reputation is spreading already.¡±


    Grey scoffs, retorting, ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Tachibana,¡± she replies. She chuckles, adding, ¡°You boys have been on top of everything. How many of the gators you take down?¡±


    Grey replies plainly, ¡°Not enough. You?¡±


    ¡°Just one. And that was AFTER we managed to get an airstrike. Our birds were shot down just after.¡±


    Grey replies informatively, ¡°We¡¯re pretty certain they wear healing units. Smalls of their backs. Precise hits can take it out, or explosives, it seems. Gives them their rapid regen.¡±


    ¡°Regen units!? That explains¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re still tough without, but they die like anything else.¡±


    ¡°Good to know. Anything else you can share?¡±


    The male scientist chimes in; ¡°Allow me. Ironically enough, their DNA IS carbon-based, like ours, so they share a lot of weaknesses as any reptile should; we think. They have both reptilian AND mammalian traits, but are primarily reptilian. Still, they have an oily sweat that seems to resist some burns and dilute toxins.¡±


    Sergeant Tachibana replies, ¡°You got all of that off of the hand we brought you?¡±


    He nods. ¡°They also breathe oxygen like us, which is why they were so comfortable attacking us. But, they seem to live in a higher concentration of gases like argon, CO2, and ozone. So, while they¡¯re actually much more comfortable in our atmosphere;¡±


    Sergeant Tachibana answers, ¡°We¡¯ll be basically dead in theirs.¡±


    He nods, adding, ¡°Not dramatically quickly, but I wouldn¡¯t expect to retire if you lose your helmets today.¡±


    Tachibana nods, ¡°Got it. That clear, marines!?¡±


    Her squad cheers, ¡°Yes, Sergeant!¡±


    Grey, however, teases Fredericks, ¡°Hear that Freddy? The space crocs come from a global WARMED world.¡±


    Fredericks retorts bitterly, ¡°I wonder WHY they left, SARGE.¡±


    Tachibana immediately growls, ¡°Did you just mouth off to your sergeant, Marine?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Relax, Tachibana. He listens when it matters. All I care about.¡±


    She grunts, ¡°It¡¯s not conducive to military order.¡±


    Grey replies confidently, ¡°And yet, he¡¯s said nothing disrespectful to you. I like my marines to trust me so I can trust them. Marines, introduce yourselves.¡±


    Dumas replies, ¡°Corporal Henry Dumas.¡± Fisher adds, ¡°Corporal Leo Fisher, Sergeant.¡± Fredericks adds, ¡°Lance Corporal Luis Fredericks, Sergeant.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Private Rex Hancock, Sergeant.¡±


    Grey adds, ¡°Sergeant Alex Grey. At your service.¡± He winks through his helmet.


    Tachibana sighs, replying, ¡°Staff Sergeant Momoka Tachibana, Second Platoon. Alpha Squad.¡±


    The male marine next to her says proudly, ¡°Petty Officer First Class Erik Brown.¡±


    ¡°Navy?¡± asks Grey surprised. ¡°Corpsman?¡±


    The soldier nods, ¡°Yes Sergeant.¡± Grey nods, satisfied. The next Alpha Squad marine states, ¡°Sergeant Glenn Marvoni, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Andrew Moody.¡±


    The next two marines are both girls, and Hancock picks up their peculiarity instantly; ¡°Private First Class Mina Coulson.¡± ¡°Private First Class Rena Coulson.¡± If Hancock was a gambling man, he¡¯d wager the two young women who sound alike through their helmets aren¡¯t just sisters, but twins no less.


    The last marine is a young man, ¡°Private Mark Pazna.¡±


    The male scientist decides it¡¯s his turn, adding, ¡°Professor Zane Oleander Caldaren. My friends call me ¡®Zock¡¯; not to be confused with ¡®Zack¡¯ or ¡®Sock¡¯.¡± The professor laughs alone at his joke. He clears his throat awkwardly.


    Doctor Lopez says nothing, and Zane says, ¡°My colleague here is Doctor Levine Anna Maria Lopez.¡±


    Sergeant Tachibana remarks, ¡°She doesn¡¯t talk much.¡±


    Hancock notices it. The relatively young woman ¨Cmuch younger than one would expect for a doctor ¨Ctenses ever so slightly. She has her helmet¡¯s visor polarization set to maximum, making her face impossible to see. But, her posture is rigid, and, when Hancock boarded, he turned around to offer her a hand, but she refused. At first, he thought she was just being superior, but his suspicions have since shifted.


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    Zane replies, ¡°She keeps to herself. But, we¡¯re lucky to have her. She¡¯ll get what we¡¯re out here for.¡±


    Grey says bluntly, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have to say a word. Us filthy green shirts will keep her safe.¡±


    Hancock watches her helmet dip a little, and he can almost feel nervousness gripping her now.


    Kane finally steps out of the cockpit, explaining, ¡°Alright team. With introductions done, we have a minute or so left. We¡¯ll be landing on the hull and cutting our way in. From there¡­¡±


    Zane interrupts, ¡°Wait! How do you plan to do that?¡±


    Kane points at a hatch in the floor. ¡°Their troop ships appear to be designed for space battles. That hatch seals to the surface of the target ship. Pretty sure it has a cutting function. Correct, Doctor?¡± He glances at Dr. Lopez. She nods once, stiffly and without a sound.


    Kane adds, ¡°The seal this ship makes will keep hull breach pressure sensors from going off inside their ship. Once inside, we find the first computer terminal we can identify. Dr. Lopez will access the panel, identify whatever possible with her virus, and we move accordingly.¡±


    Sergeant Tachibana asks, ¡°How do we know this virus will work at all? With the utmost respect, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Dr. Lopez glances at her once, but is unable to answer. She fidgets with her hands, confirming Hancock¡¯s suspicion. Kane answers, ¡°Dr. Lopez has officially spent more time inside of THIS ship testing and rewriting her code, Sergeant, than anyone else. But, you¡¯re not wrong to ask, since we don¡¯t know how their systems relate to each other. Worst case scenario, Professor Caldaren will be taking E.M.F. readings and air sample readings to try and identify systems that way. It¡¯ll be crude, but our best chance if Dr. Lopez¡¯s virus can¡¯t access what we need.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    One of the twins, Mina, raises her hand. Kane nods, ¡°Coulson.¡±


    ¡°Sir! What happens if we get separated? When should we meet back at this ship?¡±


    Kane replies plainly, ¡°We won¡¯t.¡± This draws surprise from most of the team, including Professor Caldaren. The only one not surprised seems to be Dr. Lopez. Kane continues, ¡°THAT, Marines, is plan ¡®C¡¯. Dr. Lopez found docking procedures in this ship¡¯s automated functions for a hangar -such as the battleships-, some kind of larger ¡®world ships¡¯, we think, and a smaller ship without a hangar. It looks like a stingray curved a little. The working hypothesis is that this stingray ship HAS FTL capability, which is what we¡¯re specifically after today. And, you can guess why THAT is plan ¡®C¡¯. Or rather, Plans A, B, AND C¡¯s finale.¡±


    Rena states curiously, ¡°You saw one in their hangar?¡±


    Kane grins, ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ Uh¡­ Coulson.¡± Rena states without thinking, ¡°¡®Thing Four¡¯, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Tachibana hisses quietly, ¡°Coulson!¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°It¡¯s alright, Sergeant. If there are nicknames, they¡¯re fine by me. Camaraderie goes a long way. You can call me ¡®Stranger¡¯ if it puts you at ease.¡± He returns to business, ¡°If we are separated and lose comms, we¡¯ll make our way to the hangar one hour after the seal is broken. At one hour thirty minutes, that ship is taking off. If I should be the one to fall, I expect you to do whatever it takes to return to the fleet. Is that understood?¡±


    ¡°Sir, yes-¡± start the marines together, halted when a massive object suddenly blooms like a white star. In the following instant, a massive object looms, blotting out the stars that were distantly visible, including Sol, the sun of Earth. Kane is in the cockpit in a flash, banking the shuttle hard. He instantly pilots towards the slowly drifting hull. Hancock notices the ship seems to be idle, though lights twinkle on its surface. A sudden explosion erupts on the hull with a streamer leading back to behind the shuttle. Hancock¡¯s first fear as he grips his seat is the aliens just fired on the Polonia. But, he quickly realizes a fire is burning on the hull of the alien battleship. Several painful seconds pass, and a second silent explosion flashes against the hull. Shrapnel with smoky tendrils races away. Tachibana shouts, ¡°Are they nuts!?¡±


    Kane calls back, ¡°They¡¯re targeting hardpoints. Specifically, their pulse generator. It¡¯s crucial to a later point of our plan. Also, Grodrrns are predatory. Attacking them should provoke a pride response, rather than a social response. They will take on our ships for glory. I¡¯m counting on it, actually.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Your plan has a lot of moving parts, sir!¡±


    Tachibana glares at him briefly, but she does seem to agree. Kane counters though, ¡°It sounds like it, but incorrect. Our plan has a lot of different routes to our goal. Not least of which is capturing their battleship if the Polonia can disable it. Doubtful, but still possible.¡±


    ¡°Why not go that route? You could probably kill them all.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later. For now, focus!¡± The shuttle lurches as it lands. Kane activates the breaching protocol, calling, ¡°Here we go!¡±


    Marines check their weapons. Most of them confiscated grenade launchers, one of the few weapons marines have capable of stumbling the bulky reptilian bipeds. Grey has his shotgun, as well as one of the alien grenades and guns. Rena, instead of a grenade launcher, has an anti-tank rifle with a recoiling barrel and a CQB scope instead of a typical long range scope. Mina has the strangest equipment. She has a hull technician¡¯s plasma lance; a high temperature cutting tool specifically meant for thick starship plating. While it¡¯s not meant for combat specifically, Hancock wonders how it might work on the alien soldiers.


    The breaching hatch hisses violently as it cuts into the battleship¡¯s hull. Smoke starts to fill the shuttle¡¯s compartment. Kane steps closer, remarking, ¡°Mind how tall they are.¡± The glow ceases, and he steps forward onto the circular cut, driving the slug into the ship as he disappears. A pole lowers from the shuttle, which Tachibana is the first to slide down behind Kane. Grey is right behind her.


    Hancock looks at the two scientists as the sounds of combat fill the hallway below them. Prof. Caldaren actually jumps ahead of the twins, wishing to survey as quickly as possible. Excitement and fear both filled his expression as he passed Hancock.


    But, Hancock focuses on Dr. Lopez. She is trembling as she clutches to her computer. Sergeant Marvoni calls out, ¡°Move it, Doctor! We need to go!¡±


    A sudden thought stops Hancock from his usual diplomatic and gentle approach. He¡¯s scared, so he knows how she feels. However, his thoughts are of what might happen to the shuttle if the aliens realize what it is.


    He realizes it too late. Just as Marvoni steps towards her, the world flashes into motion like they were just thrown into a washing machine at full spin.


    ********


    Not long before, Baskylla Jardzen Nor¡¯ulluch Et Dzor¡¯chn looks at the glowing fires on Baskylla Jardzen Khla¡¯s ship. The battleship is orbiting the blue and green world, though orange glows speckle its surface.


    Jardzen Dzor growls, ¡°{Summon Craw}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen,}¡± replies the communications officer.


    A moment later, Dzor¡¯s counterpart appears. Dzor remarks coolly, ¡°{Yarjen. Is the damage to your ship proportional to your success?}¡±


    Khla sighs, replying solemnly, ¡°{No, Yarjen.}¡±


    Surprised, Dzor retorts, ¡°{No? Surely you managed to capture even a single human youngling.}¡±


    Khla admits, ¡°{They were promptly taken from us, Yarjen.}¡±


    Growing more irritated, Dzor growls, ¡°{You are supposed to be the ¡®best¡¯ commandant in the Fievegal, Craw. Before explaining how captured younglings were taken from you, you might explain how you have not simply sent more forces to their world.}¡± Dzor gestures to the shimmering blue sphere ahead of him, back-dropped by a white satellite moon and a golden, medium small star.


    Khla replies, averting his eyes, ¡°{Look closer, Yarjen. The humans¡­ We underestimated everything about them.}¡±


    Dzor snorts, but he does as requested, zooming in on the landmasses. Every inch, no matter how far he scans, is blackened. Some places are still wavering from heat waves or bubbling pools of molten surface. Dzor¡¯s irritation is partially offset by surprise.


    ¡°{What happened?}¡± asks Dzor more civilly.


    Khla replies, ¡°{The humans launched thousands of rockets all aimed at the surface. But, the payload¡­ Yarjen, it was comparable only to an asteroid fall.}¡±


    Dzor winces. It¡¯s not overly frequent, but Grodurra has been hit by powerful asteroids many times in Grodrrn history. The atmosphere is thin through most of the layers, doing little to dissolve the asteroids before they hit the surface. The force of impact can level cities, crumble mountains, and momentarily dry up small seas. The advantages Grodurra has over this world are its immense size, as well as the dense satellite pair it possesses, which often act to deflect the most devastating asteroids via their gravitational pull. Dzor was in a nearby city for the most recent asteroid impact, and he remembers his whole home shaking like it might fly apart any moment.


    The humans possessing weapon technology of similar power is impressive, considering how otherwise primitive they are. Surely, though, their weapons weren¡¯t THAT thorough. There MUST be survivors.


    Khla answers that building question without being asked, ¡°{My surviving teams are scouring the surface. Many of the survivors found died almost immediately; burns, contaminated water, and ¨Cwe¡¯re fairly certain- radiation poisoning.}¡±


    ¡°{Radiation?}¡± asks Dzor, surprised. ¡°{Their weapons utilized radiation?}¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°{We¡¯re not sure of the reasons yet. Radiation levels are extremely high, though, and the human tolerance seems to be even lower than our own. Ship armor is withstanding so far, but teams are restricted to five minutes on the surface.}¡±


    Dzor stares at his monitors, watching a video feed from one of the ships. He murmurs, ¡°{What savages would do this to themselves?}¡±


    ¡°{We intercepted a fanatical message prior to the self-attack. The motivation is still unclear, since they didn¡¯t even ATTEMPT negotiation as we expected. If any of them believed they would survive, we will keep looking for them.}¡±


    Dzor scratches his chin, thinking as he flexes his neck¡¯s scales. A voice calls over the radio, directed at Khla, ¡°{Yarjen, we found survivors. Located under source of signal as you expected.}¡±


    Khla asks quickly, ¡°{Younglings!?}¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. The voice replies, ¡°{No, Yarjen.}¡±


    Dzor remarks, ¡°{How many? Younglings or no, there must be breedable pairs.}¡±


    Another pause. ¡°{Yarjen,¡­ I ask to be verified, but they all seem like elders.}¡±


    Khla growls lowly, tempering his anger. He orders coldly, ¡°{Bring them. They may prove useful.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    Dzor asks next, ¡°{Remind me why only younglings are suitable, Yarjen Craw.}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{More resilient immune system. They can more easily and readily adapt to our atmosphere, and their bodies may survive the ceremony.}¡±


    ¡°{I was under the impression there is only one chance.}¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°{The ceremony will choose. If we find suitable adult pairs, we have to hope they can survive our conditions. More crucially, now that we don¡¯t know for certain what atmospheric conditions they need.}¡±


    Dzor sighs, growling, ¡°{What other option is there?}¡±


    Khla looks away, and Dzor narrows his eyes. ¡°{Tell me, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla sighs, ¡°{The humans have a fleet of four midsized ships, a handful of mining ships, and an upper-mid-sized mobile assembly ship.}¡±


    Dzor stands up powerfully, his anger returning. ¡°{You didn¡¯t LEAD with this knowledge, Yarjen!?}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{They only seem to have sublight capabilities. I was hoping to complete repairs, and¡­}¡±


    Dzor orders his crew, ¡°{Spool up pulse generator! Solar system scan as soon as you have charge!}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    Khla pleads, ¡°{Dzor, you have no idea¡­}¡±


    ¡°{SILENCE! Your incompetence will NOT be the downfall of the Fievegal. I will retrieve the human fleet and end this silly Rikczy chase.}¡±


    Just before Dzor disconnects, Khla urges, ¡°Do NOT underestimate them, Dzor.¡± Dzor disconnects before Khla can say more. He needs no advice from a commandant who can¡¯t secure one primitive being from a world of billions.


    The pulse thrums through the ship as it¡¯s generated. The tracking officer reports shortly after, ¡°{Yarjen! Primitive ships located!}¡±


    ¡°{Navigator. Make preparations and commence jump.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish Yarjen!}¡±


    The ship quickly readies. Orders are sent out and confirmations received. Dzor glances one last time at Khla¡¯s damaged ship. He murmurs, ¡°{Sorry Craw. The glory will be mine, today.}¡±


    The portal bubble is generated around the ship, and the universe outside turns white. It takes several minutes, during which Dzor thinks about what Khla might have been trying to say. Surely, if the humans had their terrible rockets, they would have done more damage.


    But, that is a problem for later. Their fleet will be easy pickings. At most, he¡¯ll have to disable their engines, and then boarding parties can round up ALL of the younglings on offer. After all, even if Khla finds survivors, it¡¯s unlikely he¡¯ll find enough of them. If these ships are full of evacuees, then the humans would have to be truly insufferably lacking intelligence to not have younglings. Or at the least, fertile females and at least one virile male.


    Space reappears as normal, but it takes a moment for the view-screens to re-energize. However, standard radar has the human ships in the area. One ship is straggling behind the bulk of their fleet.


    ¡°{Yarjen; human ship in range. Reaching range threshold, though.}¡±


    Dzor starts to reply, ¡°{Hold¡­}¡± He is interrupted when the ship is jarred by a heavy impact. An alarm sounds, and a voice calls out, ¡°{Hull rupture detected. Ventral.}¡±


    Dzor chuckles, ¡°{So, this is the fight Craw faced. Very well.}¡± He is a little surprised at how long it takes for a second shot to hit. Either their ships are inadequately armed for battle, or their fire teams are drastically inexperienced.


    The combat officer asks, ¡°{Yarjen, shall we open fire?}¡±


    He replies calmly, even as the announcements continue, ¡°{No. Focus energy to recycling visuals. We shall do what Craw couldn¡¯t, but by capturing ALL of these filthy mammals.}¡±


    A third shot finally hits, and the announcement changes, ¡°{Warning. Gravionic pulse generator has suffered catastrophic failure.}¡±


    His tracking officer reports loudly, ¡°{Yarjen! We¡¯ve lost long range tracking ability!}¡±


    Dzor replies calmly, ¡°{No matter. We won¡¯t allow them to escape.}¡± He ponders though. He suddenly remembers the damage to Khla¡¯s ship. It was on the ventral surface. But, how do these primitives know to target the pulse generator so specifically? It¡¯s not a crippling blow itself, but it explains how they were able to flee.


    Dzor orders, ¡°{Ensure hull recovery active and send recovery teams for personnel just jettisoned.}¡±


    ¡°{Yes Yarjen!}¡±


    The moment finally arrives. The view screens cycle, powering up to show the star field before them. The human ship is flying straight away from them with only a single turret that has available line of sight on his ship. It¡¯s almost laughable how pathetic their escape attempt is. He can also see the other human ships, further ahead, but still cruising at sublight speeds. The entirety of their race, with stunningly small exceptions, is nearly helpless before Dzor¡¯s ship.


    However, it is then he spots something out of place. Like a morzyllk with its body firmly rooted between scales, one of the Fievegal¡¯s own troop transports is unceremoniously attached to the ventral hull of the ship. It hasn¡¯t been long enough for recovery teams to launch yet, which means this ship isn¡¯t one of Dzor¡¯s. Not to mention, its IFF would highlight it red in his heads up display on screen. Instead, this one is highlighted purple, indicating a friendly from another command.


    Dzor pulls up the status page for the transport, and he is instantly met with a litany of blue messages indicating alarms. ¡°{Warning: Improper IFF Check. Warning: IFF disabled. Warning: Status Report ¨C Stolen. Warning: Unlicensed Operator. Alarm: Security Measures Compromised. Alarm: Failed Check In. Alarm: High Value Target. Alarm: Friendly Fire.}¡±


    Dzor reads over the rest of the status. The ship, unsurprisingly, came from Khla¡¯s command. No damage apparent. Deployed to the human world. Improper return. Commanded by¡­


    Dzor pauses, reading intently. ¡°{¡®Neezha¡¯Dzor Mvon Khla¡¯chn?¡¯ Craw¡¯s Hatchling?}¡± muses Dzor. ¡°{Clearly, incompetence IS inherited.}¡±


    Dzor thinks a moment more. Khla wouldn¡¯t have a great reason to send a transport when Dzor is about to claim many more than just a few humans. And, he is certain that ship would neither survive the jump to FTL, nor the EM burst of acceleration. On top of all of that, he would have noticed it before the screens overloaded.


    Constructing his pieces, Dzor is confident the transport landed after they decelerated. And so, the humans have revealed their full teeth. They have only a single boarding operation, effectually possible only via a stolen Grodrrn ship, while the straggling ship of theirs is the only one in range to fight pathetically as if it were a fryfflycz that fell behind its mother.


    Dzor almost has to chuckle at the desperation. Like Fryfflyczy, it¡¯s every individual for themselves. Even a mother will only protect its young if the mother is cornered by the predator. They¡¯re ironically one of the only 3 known creatures that are actually a threat to Grodrrns; female fryfflyczy. Their venom cancels out even the healing capacity of a shock trooper¡¯s armor on a protein level, meaning the ONLY hope is a dose of antivenom before the second stellar day.


    Dzor orders calmly, ¡°{Target the transport on the ventral deck and destroy their escape route. However the humans disable security on it, they will not be escaping our ship.}¡± His crew acknowledges, and the nearest turret pivots and fires.


    The transport ship is shredded in half almost instantly, partially from the shot and partially from the air pressure bursting it open. The two halves collide once, slowing to a lazy spin as the air is vented from the breach point. The doors will undoubtedly lock down, trapping the foolish humans long before their mission even truly begins.


    Dzor smirks. He¡¯s a little surprised that the hallway seems to empty so quickly, but it doesn¡¯t matter. The humans are trapped in a sealed cell of the ship. Dzor orders, ¡°{Send combat teams to that breach point. I want the mammals alive. IF they¡¯re not already dead.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen.}¡±


    Dzor watches with a well-earned smile. Titles always seem to find their way back into worthy hands.


    ********

 Chapter 8: The Alien Battleship Part 1

    Hancock comes to in a weightless drift. It¡¯s surreal, at first, and it takes him several seconds to make sense of his surroundings. He can only hear his regulator and his own body noises. Shrapnel floats in his field of view, and he can see the seats of the cockpit ahead of him.


    However, he is no longer in an enclosed ship. He is partially enclosed, but the hard vacuum of space is nearby. The only reason he is even close to the ship is the fact his boots magnetized to a wall after he was ragdolled. The young marine flexes, checking his aching body carefully for breaks. Fortunately, his suit seems to have held, as well as his bones ¨Cif only barely-.


    Hancock regains his bearings, standing up carefully. He looks around what remains of the ship. Neither Dr. Lopez nor Sergeant Marvoni are in sight. Hancock checks for his rifle. The standard issue assault rifle is nowhere to be found, but he does find his grenade launcher floating lazily against his back. Its sling is still tethering it to him.


    The young marine carefully walks the wall of the lazily spinning wreckage. His magnetized boots and inertial controls are holding up for now, which are good. Once at the opening, he cautiously peers out.


    Hancock recoils instantly from uncontrollable vertigo, as well as a sudden fear of ¡®heights¡¯ as it dawns on him. He is nearly infinitely high up in virtually EVERY possible direction. As in, if he loses his footing and slips free of the wreckage he¡¯s on now, he will float helplessly potentially forever in the unforgivingly dark voids of space. His only respite in that thought is his limited air supply ¨Cor rather, recycling time-, which means he¡¯ll asphyxiate long before eternity.


    Alone.


    In the cold empty void of space.


    Falling endlessly.


    Just before he gives up and slumps against the floor, he spots the other half of the stolen transport ship. In it, he can see two human figures; Sergeant Marvoni, lazily floating and anchored only by his boots, and Dr. Lopez, huddled into a corner with her head tightly to her knees. She¡¯s already at the stage Hancock was just about to enter. Helplessness and fear have taken over.


    Hancock suddenly remembers Little Bird¡¯s terrified expression once more as she was snatched from the bridge. Hancock made one choice that day, which is the only reason he is alive now. He can¡¯t save the whole of humanity. He can barely even protect himself. But, he would rather die trying to help someone else than live with an expression like Little Bird¡¯s burned upon his soul.


    Hancock looks intently at the other wreckage. It¡¯s 100 feet of open space littered with debris. A lot can happen across 100 feet. He¡¯ll be almost helpless the whole time. Many, MANY variables separate him from reaching the other¡­


    Hancock jumps. He¡¯s done thinking so hard. The greatest things to ever happen to him in his life have been on leaps of faith. He tries to steady his breathing, watching carefully ahead for anything that can stop his momentum. A flash below him draws his attention. Another artillery shot fired from the Polonia slams the alien battleship. However, the alien ship doesn¡¯t return fire. In fact, it¡¯s simply turning to align more directly with the Polonia. Hancock turns his attention back on his path. All three of them have only one chance at survival.


    Dr. Lopez nearly springs clear up to the ceiling when a body tumbles suddenly into her half of the ship. Hancock scrambles to magnetize his feet to any surface, managing to grip the ceiling from an awkward crouch. He pants, asking over the short range radio in his helmet, ¡°Can you hear me, Doc?¡±


    She stares at him silently. He asks again, knowing she¡¯s probably hearing him, but scared. ¡°Doc?¡±


    She suddenly shakes her head clear, nodding. He adds, ¡°Good. Your short range radio is activated by an ocular tracker. Simply look at the right side of your screen and blink 3 times quickly.¡± There¡¯s a pause.


    ¡°C¡­ Can you hear me?¡± asks a voice at a near whisper.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. Are you okay?¡±


    She nods nervously. Hancock does his best to keep his shaky voice under control. If she panics, he might too. But, if they work together, they¡¯ll survive. He replies, ¡°Good.¡± He carefully walks over towards Marvoni, pushing off carefully and flipping over to land on the floor. He checks on Marvoni, tapping his helmet to see if he¡¯s unconscious. Hancock knows there¡¯s a vital sign check in his heads up display somewhere, but he can¡¯t remember where to add new squadmates. He can see the rest of his own squad members are alive, though, so that¡¯s good news.


    Hancock warns Lopez, ¡°Sorry in advance.¡± He presses his helmet¡¯s visor to Marvoni¡¯s, listening for a moment while he holds his breath. The great thing about metals; sound travels through them. And, he can hear the faint clicks and hisses of Marvoni¡¯s regulator. He¡¯s alive and breathing. A good start. Hancock keeps their helmets pressed together and yells as loudly as his lungs can muster. Marvoni doesn¡¯t respond.


    Hancock sighs. That complicates his working plan a little, but it¡¯s not unexpected. Fortunately, Lopez is conscious and unhurt. And, given the weightlessness, Marvoni will be easy to move. Hancock takes a few calming breaths. It¡¯s requiring effort for him to stay focused. If he thinks too hard, especially about his odds of success, he¡¯ll shut down, meaning he¡¯s killing two others. And, he will NOT allow that.


    Hancock exhales slowly, which maintains pressure in his helmet, keeping his regulator from cycling. He says calmly, ¡°Okay, Doc. The alien ship is turning to pursue the Polonia, but they haven¡¯t fired yet. Either way, our only chance is to get back to the alien ship.¡±


    Hancock is surprised he can see Lopez trembling, even in her suit. She nervously replies, still quietly, ¡°H-¡­ How¡­?¡±


    Hancock smirks, replying as confidently as he can, ¡°How do you think? We have to jump.¡±


    This time, her voice is more frantic, and she complains, ¡°Are you crazy!? Do you know how many ways it could g-¡­¡± He cuts her off, shouting, ¡°I know!¡± He says more gently, ¡°I know. But we don¡¯t have a lot of options. And, we only need one of us to catch. Three pairs of boots sound like pretty good odds to me.¡±


    Lopez motions to speak out again, but pauses. Instead, she nervously asks, ¡°H-How does he¡­ count?¡±


    ¡°His boots will still be active.¡± Hancock offers his hand. Because they¡¯re weightless, it¡¯s almost a useless gesture. But, not a meaningless one. Lopez hesitates, but she takes his hand, clinging to her computer.


    The young marine pulls a bootlace and his knife out of pouches on his belt. Sergeant Grey is an absolute stickler for his marines carrying bootlaces in their kit. He says the benefits of having even one don¡¯t stop at repairing boots. Hancock is thankful for crazy old marines like Grey.


    Just before he cuts it, though, Lopez squeaks, ¡°Wait!¡± He halts just in time, looking at her. She explains, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know your plan, but if you tie all three of our wrists ¨Cright or left-, you can still use the full length later, right? Plus¡­ Plus both of us can maneuver him.¡± She nods at Marvoni.


    Hancock nods, sheathing his knife. He draws his grenade launcher to his front so it¡¯s ready. He notices Lopez flinching a little. Not surprising, since she¡¯s probably of similar beliefs to Mr. Right.


    The two carefully help each other tie Lopez¡¯s right hand to Hancock¡¯s left, with Marvoni¡¯s left tied in a way that keeps him floating over their shoulders ¨Cafter Hancock remembers to deactivate Marvoni¡¯s boots momentarily-. They move as quickly as possible. Once they jump, they can¡¯t alter speed or course. They MUST get to the alien battleship before it accelerates away.


    The two ready at the edge of the wreckage. The alien ship is almost 500 feet ¡®below¡¯ them, and it is moving toward the Polonia. Hancock points ahead of it a little. This will have the ship move into their path, as well as reduce its relative speed as they reach it. This is still likely to hurt, though.


    They both take a deep breath and exhale. Just before Hancock counts, Lopez¡¯s hand shifts to deliberately hold his. Hancock returns the grip, and he counts, ¡°Three. Two. One. Go!¡±


    The two jump as one. Now, they can only pray.


    ********


    Of the twelve marines, two scientists, and one officer that launched the mission, 20% have already been lost. 3 people at the very beginning of the mission ¨Cone from each squad- have been snuffed out. Sergeant Grey has lost many more at outsets in the past, but never was his mission so vital. And, critical to this vital mission was one of the two scientists, who joined Private Hancock and Sergeant Marvoni in a one way ticket to the void.


    Sergeant Grey fires his alien rifle around a corner as PFC Coulson cuts the next door open. Sergeant Tachibana fires over his head with her own newly acquired alien gun. They quickly found out that the shock troopers can¡¯t hold up under fire from their own weapons, and it doesn¡¯t matter how fast their regenerators work; a dead alien stays dead.


    And, Grey owes God himself a drink for that.


    Lieutenant Kane got separated from the squad when an airlock door closed to isolate the hull breach, with Kane on the other side. HM1 Brown managed to lift one of the deck plates, and the marines hefted it up together. It took a couple tries, but the vacuum sealed the hole most of the way. One of the Coulsons almost joined the other three after losing her footing, nearly pulled out of the breach by the vacuum. But, Fisher managed to snag her, aided by Moody and Fredericks.


    Separated from Kane, the marines pressed on their own path. Staying wasn¡¯t an option, and Prof. Caldaren didn¡¯t hesitate to start his readings. With Lopez gone, they have to resort to plan ¡®B¡¯.


    Grey calls over the radio, ¡°Thing Three!?¡±


    The Coulson with the cutting torch barks back, ¡°Thirty sec¡¯s, Sarge!¡±


    Fredericks, losing his mind to insanity apparently, jokes, ¡°Dirty sex? Now?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Freddy!¡± They all keep firing. Grey notices Caldaren peeking out from his little cubby spot, shaking with the rifle given to him by Moody. Grey snaps, ¡°Professor! If I see your head peek out again, I¡¯LL shoot it off!¡±


    Tachibana shouts back at Grey, ¡°You¡¯re not helping, Sergeant!¡±


    ¡°This mission ends pretty friggin¡¯ quick if we lose BOTH scientists!¡±


    Grey flinches when a blast from incoming fire hits inches from his own face. Tachibana says sassily from behind him, ¡°Ends pretty quick if we all die, too.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Fair!¡± as Tachibana clips an alien trooper, stumbling it out into the walkway. All of the marines defending that direction; Grey, Tachibana, Fisher, and Pazna focus fire on it, dropping it quickly. Fredericks, Dumas, Moody, and rifle-Coulson are firing the other direction. Brown is protecting cutter-Coulson as she works on the door. Rifle-Coulson, Thing Four, fires her rifle intermittently. Its report thunders the hallways. But, it¡¯s wearing out her body with every shot.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Thing Three calls out, ¡°CUT! I need help!¡± She and Brown push with all their might. Fredericks and Dumas quickly join her. The cut piece, about four feet tall and two feet wide in a rough oval, gongs when it hits the floor. ¡°Mind the slag!¡±


    Tachibana barks, ¡°Shooter through first!¡±


    Fredericks reacts. He peeks quickly through, and then squeezes through after. He checks the next hallway at the end of the small hallway he just entered. He calls, ¡°Clear!¡± as Dumas squeezes through next. The marines squeeze through one at a time, ensuring Prof. Caldaren is through when more marines are on the new side than the old. The last two marines defending are Sergeant Tachibana and Sergeant Grey.


    Tachibana orders, ¡°Go! I¡¯ll cover you!¡±


    ¡°You go!¡±


    ¡°THIS IS NO TIME FOR MACHO CRAP, SERGEANT!¡±


    Grey withdraws as she keeps firing. He extracts his prized tool; one of the dodgeball-sized alien grenades. He retorts, ¡°No! But it IS time for this!¡± She glances at it and nods. His plan is sound. She fires a few more times, keeping the aliens back.


    Grey primes the grenade like Kane showed him. He then nods at Tachibana. She fires once more, shouting, ¡°Yours!¡± Grey whirls back around her, lobbing the hefty device as far down the hall as he can. She, in turn, scrambles through the hole, and he dives in behind her. The blast thunders the hallway, and they jog to catch up to the others.


    Zane is reading with his instrument, trying to follow the increasing signals as best as he can guess. Given the ships seem to make their FTL jumps using some kind of electrical-like field, they¡¯re banking on the jump drive being the strongest source of electromagnetic radiation.


    An alien strolls out into the hall ahead of them, seemingly on normal business. Fredericks and Dumas dive to the floor as Fredericks yells, ¡°Thing Four!¡±


    Coulson is already halfway into a kneel, and she plants, aiming quickly. The alien halts at Fredericks¡¯s voice and the sudden movement. It seems surprised to see them.


    Coulson¡¯s rifle thunders, causing Fredericks and Dumas to flinch from the pressure wave. The alien flops back and lands clumsily on the floor. Dumas and Fredericks scramble to their feet, sprinting down the hallway. The alien is recovering from the headshot, but they don¡¯t give it time to regain consciousness. They both fire repeatedly as they get close, finishing it off. They quickly check the way it came from, finding nothing yet.


    The squad catches up, cautiously checking doors and hallways the two sprinted past. A deep growling voice says something over the intercom.


    Fisher asks, ¡°Think that was about us?¡±


    Grey retorts sarcastically, ¡°No, Fisher. I¡¯m sure he said,¡± Grey switches to a deep mocking voice, ¡°¡®Dear crew members. We will be holding an ugly pageant in the cafeteria in one hour. Ice cream and human feet will be served at intermission.¡¯¡±


    Fredericks bursts into laughter, and Thing Three unsuccessfully suppresses giggles, particularly under Tachibana¡¯s stern gaze. Dumas takes a turn, though, saying sternly, ¡°Come on Sarge. Ice cream? In this climate?¡± Fredericks starts gasping as he laughs, leaning against Dumas.


    Sergeant Tachibana snaps at Grey, ¡°THAT IS ENOUGH! HOW CAN YOU ALLOW THIS!? We are on a hostile ALIEN ship in the depths of fricking space, nowhere to run, fighting for the fate of the ENTIRETY of humanity! How can you joke!? Not to mention our own squadmates we lost!¡±


    Grey turns to Zane, who is carefully taking measurements a few feet away. He asks, ¡°Professor?¡±


    Zane replies without looking up, ¡°Just confirming direction, sir. Uh, Sarge! Sorry! Just another moment or so. We¡¯re getting close.¡±


    Grey gestures at Zane as he looks back at Tachibana. ¡°Until he tells us where to go, we¡¯re basically useless to humanity. Two, if you think you¡¯ll survive the next week, let alone years we have left, trying to save the whole of humanity, you¡¯re going to kiss your sidearm goodbye before it sends you off. I¡¯m here to save four marines, the love of my life, and my little fifth marine. Fredericks lost everything. Tell me; when WILL a good time to lighten the mood be?¡±


    Tachibana is silent for a moment. The unintelligible announcement is made again. After another moment, Tachibana says softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Just¡­ make sure you aren¡¯t distracted please.¡±


    Grey nods. He asks calmly, ¡°Fisher; finished policing the body?¡±


    Fisher replies, ¡°He had what we think is a gun, Sarge.¡± Fisher tosses the new device. It shares passing similarities with the shock trooper guns the marines have obtained so far, but is smaller. Grey nods after inspecting it, and he hands it off to Thing Three, who until now, had only conventional weapons. He states, ¡°Coulson.¡±


    She smirks, teasing, ¡°Awe, Sarge! My birthday isn¡¯t until next month!¡±


    He chuckles, retorting, ¡°Don¡¯t tell your sister. I didn¡¯t get her anything.¡±


    Thing Four retorts, ¡°Very funny, Sarge.¡±


    He feigns whispering to Thing Three, ¡°I don¡¯t really like that Mina character.¡± Everyone laughs, before Mina ¨CThing Three and the twin he just gave the alien weapon to- says, ¡°But wait¡­ I¡¯m Mina, Sarge.¡±


    He grins and winks at her. Zane finally says, ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense. We¡¯re on top of it. We should be literally seeing it.¡±


    Grey sighs, wishing he had a case of cigars and whiskey waiting for him. He pulls Zane a few steps away and says calmly, ¡°Coulson?¡±


    Both Coulsons reply, ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°The useful one.¡±


    Again, they both playfully reply, ¡°Yes? What is it Sarge?¡±


    He smirks, pointing at the floor. The twins giggle as Thing Three steps up, priming her cutting torch.


    Tachibana orders, ¡°Alright team, take cover. Mina, head on a swivel. You even think you see movement, take cover. We¡¯ll do our best to clear the halls.¡±


    Thing Three nods, beginning her cut. Tachibana adds loudly, ¡°Same as before, marines. No gators within a hundred meters!¡±


    They all cheer together, ¡°Oorah!¡±


    Mina cuts the floor plating diligently. Even when the shooting starts, she tries to keep her torch to the deckplates. Their position will only get more crowded the longer it takes, and the aliens KNOW they¡¯re not invincible while the marines have the aliens¡¯ own weapons.


    Prof. Caldaren tries to instruct Mina, ¡°If you see any conduits, pleas-¡­¡± He is cut off by a round that skirts past his face, causing him to flinch back. Grey starts to bark, ¡°I FRICKIN¡¯-¡­!¡± He halts when the scientist collapses into Moody¡¯s surprised arms. The superheated bolt definitely singed flesh. Grey booms, ¡°MEDIC! BROWN GET TO ZANE!¡±


    ¡°MOVING SERGEANT!¡± The corpsman scrambles low under everyone¡¯s lines of fire as he makes for Moody and Zane. Grey fires up the hall, keeping the aliens gathering suppressed along with the other marines firing. Rena¡¯s rifle thunders the hall, shattering something glass-like from the percussion. Two aliens collapse from her shot, but she flexes her shoulder. The weapon is taking its toll. There are at least 3 more hostiles down the hall.


    Grey sighs. Where¡¯s his idiot heroic rookie when he needs him? The sergeant dives to the floor next to Rena, ¡°MARINE! TRADE!¡±


    She pauses only a second before fluidly shifting to take his alien blaster while he takes the rifle. She shouts, ¡°FOUR MAG, ONE HOT!¡±


    ¡°FOUR BY ONE! GOT IT! UNKNOWN CHARGE!¡±


    ¡°GOT IT!¡± She instantly starts firing as Grey shoulders the heavy rifle. He trained on heavy rifles in his younger marine days, but he washed out of sniper school. His instructor and Grey had a ¡®disagreement¡¯ about the instructor¡¯s wife, among other things. Grey¡¯s actually rather lucky to still be in the Marine Corps.


    He spots his target, though. One of the aliens is getting clever and is priming a grenade. Grey levels the rifle with where the alien¡¯s chest will be as it turns out of cover to throw.


    A sudden hiss beside him and Rena cursing distracts him at that crucial moment. Just as he realizes his error, the grenade is already airborne with incredible speed.


    Grey yells, ¡°GRENADE!¡±


    None of them can really do anything except dive away. Grey is about to cover his head, but he glances at Mina, still fearlessly cutting. Or rather, she¡¯s pushing through her fear to continue. Her hands are shaking, and the torch is popping and crackling from her trying to move too fast. She¡¯s trying to finish with her last seconds alive.


    Grey closes his eyes, but the blast doesn¡¯t seem to come. He looks up, realizing he had instinctively tried to shield Rena with his body. That pales in comparison to the best discovery to be made.


    Once more, with impeccable timing, the mysterious stranger-turned-officer has appeared. In his hand rests the primed grenade, somehow caught so delicately, it didn¡¯t trigger the fuse. This has the aliens surprised, too, suggesting such a feat shouldn¡¯t be possible. The powerful supersoldier shoves the grenade back the way it came, and it streaks even faster than the alien threw it. The blast causes the crocs to cry out.


    Tachibana squeaks, ¡°L-Lieutenant?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Wait one.¡± He looks down at Grey, ¡°Sergeant, would you?¡±


    Grey snaps out of his surprise. He shoulders the rifle and aims. One of the aliens is dragging its cohort away wearily. Grey finishes it with the shot. He cycles the bolt, and Rena says warmly, ¡°Nice shot, Sarge.¡±


    Grey grumbles as he massages his shoulder. The rifle kicks like an actual kick, and he says, ¡°I¡¯m getting too old for this.¡±


    Kane asks, ¡°Where¡¯s Lopez? And, Marvoni and the Rookie?¡±


    Dumas shakes his head solemnly.


    Kane pauses. He sighs. The lieutenant looks at Caldaren. Rena helps Grey to his feet, as Mina finishes her cut, kicking the slug inwards. The lieutenant remarks, ¡°We¡¯re already down two plans.¡±


    Tachibana replies hopefully, ¡°Plan B still has a chance, sir. Before he was hit, Caldaren found the source of the EMF. It¡¯s through there.¡± She points at the hole.


    Kane replies solemnly, ¡°Yes, but now we don¡¯t have a way to identify the useful information we need. Plan B still relied on either of our two scientists being at normal capacity this far in.¡± He glances at Zane and Brown. The corpsman is doing his best, but Zane will be unconscious for a while, most likely. Assuming his body doesn¡¯t shut down from going into shock.


    Kane says more confidently, ¡°Sergeants, we¡¯re going to plan ¡®C¡¯. You¡¯ll fight your way to the hangar, and I will go down and access their FTL drive.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± asks Grey. ¡°Better yet, why not just cleanse the whole ship?¡±


    Kane sighs. ¡°I can¡¯t. This device,¡± He gestures at his forearm, continuing, ¡°seems to have some semblance of limits¡­ or something. Like it just spontaneously runs out of charge. Without understanding my connection to it, I¡¯d likely only make things much worse. For now, everything I¡¯ve done are basic Mary Sue moments. We can¡¯t rely on them forever.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Fair enough. So why the FT¡­ whatever?¡±


    ¡°FTL. I¡¯m going to send the ship into jump. If the Polonia hit all the hard points designated, this ship should be blind and mute, with exception of GPS. They¡¯ll jump elsewhere. They haven¡¯t been here long, so I¡¯m hoping the rest of their fleet will follow, assuming the first landing was erroneous or caused by some phenomena. Worst case, they won¡¯t know which direction specifically we¡¯re going.¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°Doesn¡¯t this only buy us days at best, sir? The next ship to ping us down will be right back on us.¡±


    Kane smirks, ¡°A problem for tomorrow. We have only this, now. We need-¡­¡±


    A strange voice suddenly crackles into the ship¡¯s intercom, sounding nothing like the growling voice of the aliens. This voice is distinctly male, young, and HUMAN. He says somewhat dryly and mockingly in a deep voice, imitating the stereotypical airplane pilot voice, ¡°Attention all hands, uh, this is the captain speaking. Uh, to any of the, uh, filthy hoomeens out there, we¡¯re holed up in an, uh, escape pod we think, somewhere near the engines. Uh, I mean¡­¡±


    As the voice rambles, Fisher excitedly barks, ¡°That¡¯s Rookie! Sarge, he made it!¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°Frickin¡¯ Rookie.¡±


    Rena remarks, ¡°He said ¡®we¡¯. Does that mean Sergeant Marvoni¡­? And Dr. Lopez¡­?¡±


    Tachibana looks from Rena to Grey, ¡°Engines. That¡¯s this way.¡± She points down the hallway the way they¡¯ve yet to go. ¡°Let¡¯s¡­¡±


    Grey grabs her arm gently, halting her. ¡°Apologies, Sergeant. Our boy¡¯s smarter than that. He¡¯s not at the engine room.¡±


    Kane adds, ¡°He¡¯s right, Sergeant. And, none of the three have a cutting torch.¡±


    Mina asks, ¡°You don¡¯t think they climbed in the hangar, do you, sir? That would be a straight fall.¡±


    Dumas remarks, ¡°Maybe not. It¡¯s definitely a big open door -and probably the only one right now-.¡±


    Tachibana looks at Kane, ¡°So, back to plan A, sir?¡±


    Kane nods. ¡°Most of the troops patrolling the ship aren¡¯t their shock troopers. Expect heavy resistance near the hangar. They likely know it¡¯s our only real exit.¡±


    Hancock¡¯s voice says jokingly over the intercom, ¡°Oh man, trying to sound like these idiot crocs is hard. I MEAN, I¡¯m the captain. Rawr rawr gr-gllr rawr!¡±


    The marines chuckle, excluding Tachibana and Moody. Kane adds, ¡°Get to those three and protect Dr. Lopez at all costs.¡±


    Tachibana replies confidently, ¡°Sir yes sir!¡± She then orders, ¡°Let¡¯s move marines! We can¡¯t lose our squadmates now!¡±


    The marines cheer, ¡°Oorah!¡±


    ********

 Chapter 9: The Alien Battleship Part 2

    Hancock watches Dr. Lopez curiously. She¡¯s finally lightened her visor, since she had to turn her screen¡¯s brightness all the way down to maintain their cover in the dark cubby they found. She¡¯s sitting on his shins facing him with her thighs up to support her computer. Their stunt worked to get them to the ship, but he dislocated his left shoulder and partially cracked his left forearm with their landing.


    Once they entered the top hangar door, they were on a catwalk running just inside the hangar¡¯s upper threshold. From there, they found an electrical panel, which Lopez was able to successfully tap into, and they stashed Marvoni out of sight while they squeezed into the cubby behind the panel.


    The young marine is amused at something he just noticed though. He¡¯s watched a lot of animes. And, in a lot of them, an otherwise unpopular, unremarkable, normal or nerdy guy suddenly becomes popular, specifically with girls, thanks to a sudden shakeup. He knows this isn¡¯t actually a real phenomenon, but many times, he wished it was.


    Now, though, he can¡¯t help but wonder if he¡¯s wrong. Sure, Dr. Lopez isn¡¯t fawning over him like a smitten girl, but she has glanced at him over a dozen times since they squeezed together into the cramped space. He¡¯s not sure if she¡¯s glancing at him because she¡¯s afraid of him, or if she¡¯s worried about his arm, which he¡¯s carefully bracing with his boot lace and parts of Marvoni¡¯s weapons. But, he is amused that she¡¯s so attentive of him instead of her task on her computer.


    She finally asks, her voice soft and nervous, ¡°A-¡­ Are¡­ Is your arm¡­?¡±


    Hancock replies gently, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. You okay?¡±


    She nods without looking at him. There¡¯s another quiet pause. She squeaks, ¡°Th-Thank you¡­ f-for not letting go¡­¡±


    Hancock looks down sheepishly this time. The knot MAY have come loose during their tumble, and Hancock¡¯s boots and desperate, painful grip MAY be all that kept Lopez and Marvoni from drifting into oblivion. He would NEVER hold that over them, though. He¡¯s just glad he did it. This whole week has been full of unthinkable firsts for the young marine. Many of them are even heroic, which surprises no one more than him. Who knew luck was such a heavy portion of heroism? With that, of course, it¡¯s sometimes little more than luck, right place, right time, and having the simple moment of courage to act, or even more simply, not let go.


    Hancock replies softly, ¡°Same to you.¡± Just as important as him hanging on is the fact that Dr. Lopez trusted him and didn¡¯t let go either.


    She tries to bury her face below the edge of her screen, but Hancock can still see her. She glances to make eye contact for a moment and looks back at her screen with a quaint smile.


    She sits up, saying, ¡°I¡¯m in!¡±


    Relieved, Hancock perks up too, asking, ¡°You got access to their main network?¡±


    She nods, checking the plug on her laptop for the fifth or sixth time to ensure it¡¯s not lost now. She explains, ¡°It looks like their encryption isn¡¯t key-based like ours typically is, but¡­ math based. I don¡¯t know an easy way to explain it, but they¡¯re using logarithmic¡­¡±


    Hancock¡¯s ears start to fog as she spirals into something he recognizes as computer talk, but little else. He maintains interest, though. She knows not to expect too much feedback from him on this topic, and so she is more airing her thoughts for her own benefit. He made the observation when she was explaining how she was accessing the intercom that she seems to tune out human presences when she starts talking computers ¨Cor technology in general- and talks a WHOLE lot more. The floodgates are open again, but he doesn¡¯t mind. He¡¯s glad she¡¯s talking. Her voice, wavering as it is from fear, is still gentle but energetic, easy to listen to, and reassuring for Hancock, reminding him that the hope is far from gone. They could easily see the ship Kane mentioned, Lopez is making progress, and they¡¯re still alive. If Dr. Lopez alone makes it back to the Polonia, humanity could still win this.


    Suddenly, his attention is grabbed when Dr. Lopez asks, ¡°Do¡­ I¡¯m talking too much, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Hancock replies genuinely, ¡°Not at all. Whatever you¡¯re saying, you¡¯re in a good mood. So, everything¡¯s going good.¡±


    She smiles and focuses on her screen. She says more normally, ¡°It is. I¡¯ve found ship controls. Their program language and file systems are rather odd, but¡­¡± She stops herself, locking eyes with Hancock for an apologetic gaze. She adds, a little embarrassed, ¡°I¡¯m figuring it out¡­¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Sounds good, Doc.¡±


    She nods and continues.


    Hancock¡¯s job in this little cubby is simple; lookout. Or, as visibly restricted as their position is, he¡¯s listening. He says softly as he hears heavy footfalls approaching slowly, ¡°Cover your head and don¡¯t move, Doc.¡±


    The young woman does as instructed without hesitation, and Hancock¡¯s right hand tightens on his grenade launcher¡¯s grip. The heavy footfalls stomp closer with a purpose.


    Without pause or warning, the electrical panel is yanked open, revealing a particularly large alien. Although, it¡¯s been some time since Hancock saw one this close, so maybe it¡¯s the same. However, he is more surprised by the human being dragged by the leg; Sergeant Marvoni. The senior marine still appears to be unconscious. All of that only really processes as Hancock¡¯s finger crosses the point of no return. His trigger clicks, his launcher coughs, and the alien heaves its torso back in the absolute nick of time. His grenade soars out over the hangar bay, exploding somewhere out of sight of the marine with a distant thump.


    The alien growls, dropping Marvoni¡¯s leg to reach in and grab Hancock¡¯s left arm. The young marine wails in pain, and Lopez tumbles off of him. The hulk drags the weakly resisting soldier out, holding him up to inspect the small specimen.


    The alien chuckles, taunting in its broken English, ¡°Hoomins naught azz cleever azz teenk day arr. {Humans not as clever as they think they are.}¡± It looks at Lopez, taunting extra eagerly, ¡°Feemall? Goo. We haff breed pah-er. {Female? Good. We have breed pair.}¡±


    Sudden movement scuffles below Hancock. Marvoni suddenly coils around the alien¡¯s leg like a python, and he jams a knife into the back of its knee. The alien roars, and its leg buckles, causing it to fall against the handrail. Marvoni uncoils, drawing his pistol. He fires several times as the alien drops Hancock to support itself. Thinking quickly, Hancock snatches the alien¡¯s tuning fork device with his right hand, and he fumbles to activate it.


    The blade ignites with a crackle and a hiss, and the alien tries to swipe at them. But, it¡¯s Hancock¡¯s turn now. He swings in a wide arc, and the alien barely manages to dodge its head out of the way, losing its right arm with little warning but a meaty sizzle. It¡¯s not the only thing the blade cuts, though. Hancock¡¯s momentum made instant work of the railing the heavy alien is leaned against. The railing gives, and the bulky alien wails as it falls over 100 feet to the hangar floor below. Its foot trips the marine though, and Hancock loses the alien sword to barely catch the catwalk edge with his good hand, narrowly clinging to life.


    Dr. Lopez screams, ¡°HANCOCK!¡± She bolts out of the cubby to grab his right arm as she dives to the floor. Marvoni is next to her in an instant, yelling, ¡°Give me your other hand!¡±


    Hancock can¡¯t move it at all. Even trying to shoots pain across his chest. Lopez shouts for him though, ¡°HE CAN¡¯T! HELP ME!¡± She reassures Hancock, even as bolts zip by from alien troopers firing long range shots at them, ¡°I WON¡¯T LET YOU GO!¡±


    Hancock could try to tell her to focus on the mission. He should, even. But he knows it will do no good, and she¡¯ll only get distracted yelling back at him. She¡¯s not a marine. Loyalty to the mission doesn¡¯t carry the weight it does for a marine. And¡­ a shameful part of him doesn¡¯t want to say it because he wants to live.


    Hancock heaves with all his strength, immeasurably aided by Lopez keeping him steady on the floor and helping lift some of his weight. Marvoni leans over her, gripping Hancock¡¯s safety loop on the back of his collar. They manage to get him to where he can get footing, and he springs himself onto the catwalk, diving away from the edge as the other two scramble clear as well. They catch a breather for the briefest of moments, and Hancock pants, ¡°Thank you both.¡±


    Lopez smiles. But, she quickly scrambles back into her cubby. Marvoni helps Hancock to a kneel, and the two ready grenade launchers. Marvoni states, ¡°Thanks to you, too. Last I knew, we were on the transport.¡±


    ¡°Long story, Sergeant.¡±


    He nods, and the two notice Lopez hasn¡¯t crawled back out yet. Marvoni says, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Doctor. We have to move.¡±


    She says nothing. They both look to find her typing away. Hancock says, ¡°Doctor, we need to¡­¡±


    She looks at him to plead, ¡°Please!? I can do this, Hancock. Trust me!¡±


    Marvoni barks, ¡°We don¡¯t have time! They¡¯re coming!¡±


    Her gaze doesn¡¯t leave Hancock. She squeaks desperately, ¡°Please¡­¡±


    Hancock calls out, ¡°Sergeant, she¡¯s already in. We just need to hold a little longer.¡±


    Marvoni is surprised at first. But, they spot a pair of shock troopers ascending a ramp the way they need to go. Marvoni sighs, retorting, ¡°We¡¯re having a talk, marine. Cover! Doc, you have one minute! Maybe!¡±


    She instantly springs to work, typing more furiously than before. Hancock and Marvoni tuck into cover behind wall columns, and they open fire, alternating grenade shots to push the aliens into cover as well.


    The seconds tick by painfully slowly, as the aliens fire back, cautious about being shot, but still aggressively firing their superior firearms. Marvoni yells, ¡°Last shot. DOCTOR!¡±


    She says nothing, whimpering a little as she types faster than Hancock could pound on keys for gibberish.


    Marvoni fires, ¡°Swapping!¡± He trades his grenade launcher for his pistol. Hancock fires his grenade. He states nervously, ¡°Last grenade.¡± He waits a moment, squeezing seconds out for the doctor. He fires, stating, ¡°Out!¡± He swaps to his rifle, and he and Marvoni keep firing. However, the two aliens are realizing the marines¡¯ situation.


    The two hulking shock troopers start to cautiously creep down the catwalk while hugging the wall. Marvoni bellows, ¡°DOCTORRRRR!¡±


    There¡¯s a sudden pop, and then a growing whoosh. An alarm blares in the hangar, and a blue light flashes. Startled aliens glance around from all over the hangar bay. Even the two shock troopers recoil in surprise. The whooshing grows deeper, but also seems to be growing quieter. Hancock can feel his suit shift a little, and he realizes Marvoni looks like a marshmallow man. The air is being pulled out of the hangar.


    Hancock notices crying coming from his radio; soft and relieved sounding. He glances at the two shock troopers, who scramble back toward the ramp.


    Hancock sighs. He climbs partially into the cubby to sit in front of the young woman still typing. She sniffles, unable to wipe her eyes or nose.


    Hancock says tenderly, ¡°Good work, Doc. You saved us.¡±


    She whimpers, ¡°P-please¡­¡±


    ¡°Please ¡®what¡¯?¡± asks the young marine gently.


    She¡¯s barely audible as she whispers, ¡°Please¡­ d-don¡¯t let them make me do this again¡­¡± She chokes out, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t do this¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Hancock squeezes beside her, gingerly hugging her with his right arm. He says softly, ¡°You¡¯re doing awesome, Doc. We¡¯d all be dead without you.¡±


    She whimpers, trying to complete her task. ¡°I just¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m so afraid right now¡­ I¡­ I think¡­ I¡­ um¡­ s-s-s¡­¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯re all okay. And, we¡¯re going to win. You know why?¡± She pauses to look at him. Tears glisten in her amber colored eyes. He finishes, ¡°I trust you.¡±


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Her eyes water more, but her face shifts. She takes a deep breath and focuses. She explains, likely to ease her own nerves, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ trying to bypass what seems to be a firewall now. Everything seems to be on this one network, which is weird. Like¡­ eggs in one basket.¡±


    Hancock knows this one. He jokes, ¡°So, like our networks are becoming?¡±


    Lopez giggles. She replies, ¡°Fair point. I¡¯ve definitely identified their propulsion and the pulse generator ¨Cthe uh¡­ ¡®burper¡¯-¡­¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°NOW you¡¯re speaking my language.¡± He asks sincerely, ¡°What happens if they lock out your computer though? Can¡¯t they¡­ do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no. I¡¯m not ported in like a computer is supposed to be, so they¡¯d have to identify our machine I.D.. I used the transport though to mask our computer like it¡¯s one of theirs, so it won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Sounds good to me. So¡­ you¡¯re a¡­ computer scientist, then?¡±


    Lopez shifts, replying, ¡°Believe it or not¡­ This is a¡­ h-hobby. M-my fields are aerospace engineering a-and¡­ um¡­ a-astrophysics. W-with a minor in¡­ quantum mechanics¡­¡± She sounds almost ashamed.


    Hancock replies playfully, ¡°That¡¯s all? I have a major in ¡®high school diploma¡¯ and forty seven minutes of dive school under MY belt. Go ahead, be amazed.¡±


    Lopez giggles softly. She says solemnly, ¡°P-people are so hard to talk to¡­ I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m good at science¡­ It makes sense¡­¡±


    Hancock jokes, ¡°Huh. I like it. I¡¯m not ¡®people¡¯.¡±


    Lopez looks up at him for a moment. She looks back at her screen, finally waiting while a loading bar progresses. Marvoni asks from outside, ¡°How are we doing? I think the gators are readying EVA teams to come in after us.¡±


    Hancock waits, but Lopez seems afraid to answer. He states, ¡°Downloading now, Sergeant. One minute.¡± He nods and continues lookout.


    She whispers, ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°If¡­ If I could talk¡­ I¡­ M-Mr. Right¡­¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    She relaxes a little. Hancock remarks, ¡°Bet you never thought you¡¯d be talking to a low I.Q. Jarhead like me, huh?¡±


    She looks at him, but then looks down ashamed. She doesn¡¯t know how to answer without being rude.


    Hancock states, ¡°Sorry. Loaded question. I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t MEAN to work your ass off to get where you are while I always knew I was going into the marines.¡±


    She giggles, pouting, ¡°That¡¯s not funny.¡±


    Hancock smirks, but he says sincerely, ¡°Look, I don¡¯t care that we might never have been friends in a million years on Earth. But I¡¯m damn glad you¡¯re here right now. And, I think it¡¯s awesome what you can do. So¡­ let¡¯s save humanity.¡±


    Hancock holds his fist out. Lopez is surprised at first. She remarks, ¡°How¡­ can you just say that so confidently?¡±


    ¡°Eh, I soiled my pants like an hour ago. Figure, at some point, nothin¡¯ to be afraid of after that.¡±


    Lopez scoffs, whimpering, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ I¡­ That¡¯s not funny¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. But, I¡¯m not lying.¡± He says more dryly, ¡°Really starting to chafe, honestly.¡±


    Lopez sniffles. She bumps her fist to his, replying softly, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t let people close, easily, Hancock. Don¡¯t die on me.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    The download finishes, and Lopez adds softly, ¡°I¡­ still only talk to Zane and Mr. Right through message¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ seriously?¡±


    She nods nervously. ¡°I get so nervous. They¡¯re both surrounded by colleagues and businessmen and¡­¡± She trails off.


    Hancock scoffs in amazement, replying, ¡°That¡¯s awesome. You¡¯re SO good at your job, people let you stay silent?¡±


    She looks down sheepishly.


    Just before she unplugs, a static crackle buzzes in the radio. It¡¯s replaced by a gruff, familiar male¡¯s voice. ¡°Rookie! Rookie, you out there? I see your signal. Talk to me, Rookie.¡±


    Hancock replies excitedly, ¡°Holy crap! Sarge!? Is that you?¡±


    ¡°Who else, numb-nuts?¡±


    ¡°I missed you too, Sarge.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on a catwalk overlooking the hangar. We can actually see the ship Lieutenant Kane mentioned. Right now, it¡¯s under vacuum, so the crocs had to fall back.¡±


    ¡°Doc Lopez and Marvoni are with you?¡±


    ¡°Yes Sarge! Dr. Lopez has the data she needs. She also has some limited control of the ship, at least for now.¡± He looks when he realizes she¡¯s tugging on his sleeve.


    Her computer is showing a schematic with glowing blue sections. Words in her interface window indicate, ¡°{Falight Drive Active. Time to jump: 5 Min.}¡±


    He whispers, ¡°You?¡±


    She shakes her head, nervous. Hancock quickly says, ¡°Sarge, there¡¯s a time limit! Five minutes! -Less!- The ship¡¯s going to jump! We have no idea where!¡±


    Tachibana orders, ¡°Repressurize the hangar, Marine!¡±


    ¡°We can force¡­¡±


    ¡°NO! Caldaren¡¯s hit. His suit¡¯s compromised. Re-pressurize NOW.¡±


    Hancock nods at Lopez, and she quickly starts typing. Hancock replies, ¡°Pressurizing Sergeant. We¡¯ll open the door as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re counting on you Marine!¡±


    Hancock scoffs, careful that Tachibana doesn¡¯t hear. Grey¡¯s compliments are typically to the point and well deserved. Rarely does he add pressure by saying something like that.


    Marvoni states, ¡°EVA teams have entered the hangar, Rookie. We need to move.¡±


    Lopez squeaks, ¡°Hancock, are¡­ are all of your boots on?¡±


    Hancock registers it only a second, shouting into the radio, ¡°MARINES! Make sure your boots are on!¡± He then says to Lopez, ¡°Do it.¡±


    Lopez hits enter, and a weird feeling comes over Hancock like he¡¯s falling. She just turned off the ship¡¯s artificial gravity.


    Marvoni states, ¡°Good thinking, Doc. We¡¯ll go down the wall. Let¡¯s move, before they turn it back on.¡±


    Lopez closes her laptop and unplugs, and she helps Hancock out of the cubby. The three run carefully to the end of the catwalk opposite of the ramp, where four shock troopers are ascending more clumsily. They seem more competent in zero gravity than a human would be, but their suits appear to provide no compensation, which makes their movements awkward and dramatic.


    Marvoni aims and attempts to fire, but his pistol¡¯s hammer triggers nothing. Hancock says quickly, ¡°Not enough air, Sergeant.¡±


    He grunts, holstering his pistol. Red bolts zip by, indicating the alien weapons don¡¯t have the same problem. ¡°Time to jump!¡± He grabs Lopez¡¯s safety loop, yanking her back as he pulls both of them over the middle railing of the catwalk. Hancock follows, and they push off, drifting carefully.


    The three land carefully, sprinting for the desired ship. Hancock can hear his footfalls echoing, along with the shrieks of the alien shots. It clicks what that means. He pivots, hip-firing his rifle with his right hand. He hopes it works, because he can¡¯t cycle the bolt carrier if it dry-fires the first shot.


    While quieter and less flashy, his rifle kicks, spitting a round down range. He shouts, ¡°Sergeant!¡± He hands his rifle off to the senior marine, who carefully cycles it, firing bursts at the shock troopers now drifting through the air. While there¡¯s enough air for the rounds to burn and thus fire, the room is still under soft vacuum, and the alien hit bursts air out, rocketing off course suddenly.


    A whistle comes from a door, followed by air rushing. One of the hallway doors opens fully, and thunder fills the hangar. A second alien is thrown like a ragdoll, but with blood spurting out of its suit.


    Alien blaster fire storms from the hallway, but the wielders are much shorter than the original owners. Hancock cheers, ¡°Hooah!¡±


    Sergeant Grey asks casually, ¡°Did somebody call Steve Irwin?¡±


    Fisher retorts, ¡°He captured them humanely, Sarge. He was an animal activist.¡±


    ¡°Screw off Fisher.¡±


    Tachibana orders, ¡°Focus, marines. Get to the ship and secure the area.¡±


    Lopez slams into the ship¡¯s ramp with her hands, moving as quickly as possible. She pries open a small access port with her screwdriver as Grey and Marvoni keep their bodies between her and the hostiles. It only takes a moment for the woman to bypass the door; just enough time for the squad to join them. The ramp opens, and she scrambles inside, wasting no time finding an access point in the cockpit. This time, she struggles and Hancock steps in to add extra force. The panel pops open, and she says quickly, ¡°Thanks!¡± The scientist works quickly to wire her laptop in. Hancock tries to absorb her wisdom, but she moves blindingly fast, fumbling occasionally.


    She whimpers, ¡°T-Tell me nice things again, Hancock¡­ P-Please¡­¡±


    He¡¯s put on the spot, thinking quickly as he glances at the marines fighting. Dr. Caldaren is propped up against a seat, unconscious, as Brown stays close to him.


    Hancock says quickly, ¡°Uh! If this mission ¨Csorry- tonight, when we succeed, I owe you a drink. And, don¡¯t worry, my squad all owes me twenty, so¡­¡±


    Grey barks, ¡°The hell you say, Rookie!?¡±


    ¡°Sarge! We¡¯re working here!¡±


    ¡°Well, look at the Rookie! Mr. Confident after he fights a handful of aliens.¡±


    The young marine ignores the teasing, saying to Lopez, ¡°Sarge likes you, apparently. No easy feat. Oh! Also, since we¡¯re space pirates now, you have to say ¡®Arrrr¡¯.¡±


    She glances at him, surprised. She sheepishly replies as she works, ¡°N-no¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on! You¡¯re a space pirate! Right now! You¡¯re the most badass kind of person in existence. Super scientist AND space pirate.¡±


    The marines in Grey¡¯s squad all cheer, ¡°Arrgh!¡± ¡°Arrr!¡±


    Hancock insists, ¡°Do it! For me?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. The ship suddenly hums to life and powers up. The walls turn transparent, providing full view. The marines pile in, and Hancock asks, ¡°Kane?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°There isn¡¯t time! He¡¯s not in contact! Go! That¡¯s an order! I accept responsibility!¡±


    Lopez hesitates. She squeaks nervously, ¡°Y-Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum¡­¡± She uses her keypad, and the ship lurches, lifting off and banking up towards the hangar door. The marines all cheer; Grey¡¯s squad and the twins with, ¡°ARGH!¡± and Tachibana¡¯s squad with ¡°Oorah!¡±


    Lopez gets comfortable in a secluded corner of the cockpit, deftly piloting the ship out. Hancock stands in the doorway, admiring the view of space once again. It only takes a moment before the blinding white bubble silently envelops the alien battleship, and it disappears with a flash.


    Tachibana remarks solemnly, ¡°Good work team. But¡­ I¡¯m surprised your squad¡­ Sergeant, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    Grey shrugs, ¡°Nah, he¡¯s fine. Rookie, ask the Doc to do a radio scan.¡± Hancock glances at Lopez, who nods. He replies, ¡°She¡¯s on it, Sarge.¡±


    Hancock eases closer to her and asks, ¡°May I?¡±


    Lopez glances up at him and nods. She scoots in her corner to give him more than enough room to ease down beside her. She¡¯s cycling through ship¡¯s functions with her interface program. After a moment, she turns something on and nods. Hancock asks, ¡°Lieutenant?¡±


    Kane¡¯s voice replies in the whole ship, ¡°Hey! You guys made it. Thank goodness. Everyone okay?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°As good as you last saw us, sir. Dr. Caldaren is stable for now.¡±


    ¡°Good. Good. If you can spare a minute, I¡¯m in an escape pod. Uh¡­ We¡¯ll have to figure out what to do without ¡®north¡¯, ¡®south¡¯, ¡®east¡¯, and ¡®west¡¯ now¡­ Starboard? East of the battleship¡¯s heading?¡±


    Lopez gives Hancock a thumbs up, and he looks at her screen. She has a GPS-looking screen up showing a blinking red dot. Hancock says warmly, ¡°We got you sir. On our way.¡±


    Lopez pilots the craft like she¡¯s playing an extremely old video game, cautiously approaching the escape pod with gentle puffs of the engines. She manages to dock the pod, and Dumas calls out, ¡°We got it! Hatch opening.¡±


    Lopez squeaks quietly, ¡°Hancock?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Can¡­ Can I ask you to help me? I-In the future. I-it¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s nice¡­ having¡­¡± She trails off.


    The young marine replies gently, ¡°Of course. Something tells me, civilian or no, you¡¯re going to outrank me anyways.¡±


    Grey peeks into the cockpit, saying gruffly, ¡°Hey, love birds, we got the sir. Let¡¯s get back to the fleet.¡±


    Lopez slinks behind her monitor, nodding silently. Grey asks, ¡°You good, Rookie?¡±


    Hancock replies, gesturing at his broken arm, ¡°This? Yeah, Sarge. God saw fit to grace me with a spare.¡±


    ¡°How bad?¡± asks Grey bluntly.


    Hancock sighs, replying, ¡°Dislocated shoulder and cracked-hng-!¡± As he shifts, the pain intensifies, and he corrects, ¡°Maybe broken- forearm.¡± He relaxes, adding, ¡°It¡¯ll keep to base, Sarge.¡±


    Grey nods contentedly. He adds, calmly, ¡°Good work, marine. You, too, Doctor. You¡¯re not half bad, for a civvie.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sarge,¡± replies Hancock. ¡°And thanks for the save.¡±


    Grey chuckles as he disappears into the cabin, ¡°Other than your sci-boo, the rest of us are even. Whole of humanity should worship her.¡±


    Fisher¡¯s voice comes across the radio, ¡°Our Lopez, who art in the cockpit, hallowed be thy science¡­¡±


    Dumas adds, ¡°Thy big brain come, thy awesome be done, on croc-ships, as it is, we won.¡±


    Tachibana grumbles, ¡°Idiots¡­¡±


    Mina Coulson continues the modified prayer, ¡°Give us this day, our daily science, and forgive us our ignorance, as we are lowly marines hence.¡±


    Lopez whimpers quietly, ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t do anything¡­¡±


    Hancock replies gently, as Dumas continues the joke, ¡°You did exactly what was needed, Doc. And for that, we finally caught a break.¡±


    She glances at him, but quickly returns her focus to the piloting. ¡°You¡¯re close to that girl, aren¡¯t you? The one you were with.¡±


    Hancock is a little surprised, replying, ¡°I¡­ I think so. Everything¡­ kinda happened with the invasion¡­ It all fell together fast. Kinda like us.¡±


    ¡°I-¡­ If you can¡¯t help me¡­ you don¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡°No-No! Of course! I don¡¯t know what you think I can do, but I¡¯ll do whatever I can! For sure. Obviously, we all have to work through surviving this, right Doc?¡±


    Lopez smiles gently. She replies quietly, ¡°Levi¡­ You can call me ¡®Levi¡¯.¡±


    Hancock smiles, ¡°Then you can call me Rex. Or, anything, really.¡±


    She teases, ¡°Minion it is.¡±


    The young marine chuckles, ¡°Minion it is.¡±


    The young scientist is startled, squeaking, ¡°What!? No! You-you were¡­ You¡­ I¡­¡± She whimpers as she slumps into the corner. ¡°I¡¯ll do it¡­ I¡­ I will.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    She glances at him sheepishly, trying to hide her embarrassment by focusing on piloting. She finally jokes softly, ¡°Minion¡­¡±


    ********

 Chapter 10: A Moments Rest

    Shortly before the humans escape, Jardzen Dzor makes it to the bridge. His spine is aching, even with a regenerator on. He had three of the humans in his actual grasp, and they managed to defeat him. Perhaps these mammals truly are more formidable than he gave them credit for.


    However, they are fleeing aboard one of his own shuttles. And, he is finally done playing games. He snarls, ¡°{Ready all cannons. We shall sow the stars with their disgusting fur.}¡± He winces in pain as he tries to climb into his seat.


    His navigation officer cries out, ¡°{Yarjen! The Falight drive! I¡­ I can¡¯t shut it off!}¡±


    ¡°{EXPLAIN!}¡± roars Dzor.


    ¡°{We¡¯re about to jump! Destination unknown!}¡±


    Dzor is stunned for a moment. That moment was a moment too long. Just as he bellows, ¡°{DROP POWER!}¡±, the screens are flooded with white light, going dark as they overload.


    Dzor roars in helpless, enraged fury. Filthy, lesser evolved mammals outwitted him as well? How could this be possible? They still practice government handouts. They have differing languages and nations. They still use rocket fuels and solid projectile ammunition. And, they still reproduce out of control. They are MAMMALS. On Grodurra, they are food. Nothing more. Even on their world, mammals are food.


    Jardzen Dzor slumps into his command chair. The pain in his back doesn¡¯t register a sound from him. He is completely speechless.


    If they kill power now, the ship will disintegrate when the protective bubble dissolves and they impact even photons and space dust at speeds normally impossible for solid matter alone. And sadly, Dzor is still considering it. They wouldn¡¯t even know it had happened, it would be so instantaneous. They would suddenly be nothing more than cosmic dust; a memory in the universe inconsequential to its design and forgotten by all but a few.


    But then, Dzor was a poet as a hatchling. Now, he is a Baskylla Jardzen. His duty is to the Fievegal, and then his crew. If he draws breath, he will serve them before himself. He sits back, meditating silently as they warp across space. Only time will tell where they have been warped to.


    Six hours pass before his crew regains control of his ship¡¯s systems. For six hours, the humans have had control of his ship, without a single one of them even on board. Doors wouldn¡¯t open, rooms wouldn¡¯t pressurize, and the Falight drive wouldn¡¯t decelerate. By now, they¡¯re probably halfway across a second or third solar system beyond the human system.


    The engineering and navigation teams coordinate to initiate proper emergency deceleration, which still carries risks, but much less than the shell dissolving. The ship decelerates, and the virtual field assembles celestial bodies around them while the screens stabilize before recycling. They are inside the heliosphere of a large star, but probably still at the extreme edge of its effective pull, meaning they just ¡®crossed into¡¯ this solar system¡¯s boundary. Still, until visuals are restored and manual navigation can be performed, they are as good as in empty space. The computer navigation relies on the gravionic pulse generator to precisely map celestial bodies prior to a jump, and keeps track of all known celestial bodies by relative travel. However, Falight is not an exact science, and while they are untouched by time dilation and can travel unfathomable distances in reasonable times without hundreds of years passing them by, they also are helpless against quantum slopes, magnetohydrodynamics of the space medium, and singularities, which have the strongest gravitational pull in the known universe. A ¡®perfect¡¯ jump usually drifts from the effects of MHD and quantum slopes by several astronomical units, and so the computer navigation will think they are somewhere much further away than they are. Just travelling to Earth took dozens of stops to remap to ensure they didn¡¯t drift off course by lightyears at a time. So, while the computer is displaying a virtual starmap around them, Dzor¡¯s only accurate indications are the radiation levels consistent with the internals of a heliosphere for a given star, consistent solar wind direction readings, and a light but steady gravitational pull.


    Dzor asks, ¡°{Communication status?}¡±


    His comms officer replies, ¡°{Quantum entanglement still establishing connection, Yarjen.}¡±


    He nods. Grodrrn history describes the initial Falight jumps and how the ship would be dead in space entirely, costing an entire crew. The next versions would be helpless for hours, as they had a second power core that was off, but EVERYTHING about it had to be done manually to resume power to the ship. They¡¯ve come a long way to have virtualizing radar to give them ¡®eyes¡¯ when they drop out of a jump, and shielding to keep the power cores stable, and only minutes of downtime on the visual screens. Perhaps, someday, they¡¯ll even be at full capacity when completing a jump.


    For now, Dzor waits the several minutes. He was so close to unlimited glory and fame. Humility always hits hardest following a defeat.


    Soon enough, everything is back up, and his crew begins mapping. They must use celestial positions, angles, and constellations to try to determine approximately where they are. Once they get closer to other Fievegal ships, they can receive more accurate positional data.


    Khla¡¯s face appears on the communication screen. Dzor¡¯s colleague states civilly, ¡°{Yarjen Jor. Fortune has graced us with your survival.}¡±


    Dzor flexes his lips, irritated by his teeth being clenched. He replies humbly, ¡°{You were right, Craw. I should have heeded your warning.}¡±


    Khla simply nods, remarking, ¡°{What¡¯s the status of the human fleet? Your ship?}¡±


    Dzor puts his chin on his fist, replying disappointedly, ¡°{Their fleet is intact. Minus your transport, plus one of my shuttles. We¡¯re down our pulse generator and crew, primarily. The humans¡­ They were able to hijack our systems, Craw.}¡±


    ¡°{Our sun shines no brighter than yours. We¡¯ve recovered only a handful of humans. Many died immediately from radiation sickness, and many more appear to be elders. We will try to breed them, but we will likely still need the human fleet.}¡±


    Dzor retorts sarcastically, ¡°{There MUST be another species we can use. One less troublesome than these pesky humans.}¡±


    ¡°{Human biology is perfect, unfortunately. Better than our own, even, for our own needs. All other known species can¡¯t adapt or are hostile to our biology.}¡±


    Dzor adds with a huff. ¡°{Incredible that the same filthy aliens potentially destroying our race are also the only ones that can save it.}¡±


    Khla asks, ¡°{Where are the humans now?}¡±


    Dzor replies, looking away, disgusted that he has to answer, ¡°{Within six hours of my last known position, before our jump.}¡±


    Khla shakes his head, ¡°{We have no positional data on you. It¡¯s¡­ scrambled. Like you¡¯re actively jumping to and from every point in the galaxy. Even now.}¡±


    Surprised, Dzor can only put his head back. HOW? How did the humans so thoroughly get the better of him? Of TWO of the greatest commandants in the Fievegal?


    He replies solemnly, ¡°{Is your pulse generator back up?}¡±


    ¡°{No. And, the rest of the Fievegal reinforcements decided to hold off on our reports. They¡¯re somewhere in the [Deneb] solar system.}¡±


    Dzor hisses through his nostrils. He was a week behind Khla due to an engine malfunction. But, they were deployed at the same time. They¡¯re reconnaissance, though. If both of their ships dropped out of contact for more than a week, the fleet would arrive in force. But, Dzor and Khla were expected to succeed without a need for the humans to know what they¡¯re up against.


    Now, they need every possible pulse generator to pinpoint the human fleet. Every second they flee emboldens an already dangerous foe. Dzor looks at the tiny bud of his regenerating hand, growling, ¡°{We need a pulse generator as soon as possible.}¡± He ponders the crafty mammals and their insane-seeming mission. They sacrificed a short range transport for a long range shuttle. Did they know? Was their mission merely to find a way to delay Dzor¡¯s ship? Or¡­


    He growls, ¡°{They have a Falight drive. And, I suspect they know that.}¡±


    Khla nods, replying civilly, ¡°{I suspected that when you said they took a shuttle.}¡±


    ¡°{It should take months, though, yes? For them to reverse engineer it?}¡±


    Khla scratches his chin and neck, thinking. He replies thoughtfully, ¡°{I¡¯m not so sure. I looked through the archives again over this last week. From what we know, the human missile was launched about 20 cycles before it hit. It took us about that to find and reach their world; the bulk of that being the search. From then, until now, we¡¯ve been cataloging what survived, and they¡¯ve made many theoretical leaps in their sciences; leaps that took us decades to achieve each. Their limits seem to be regulatory, primarily; mired by ethics committees and politicians. As the stone rolls, many of the humans we¡¯ve captured were politicians. They started exhaling information the moment we captured them, without any threats or questioning.}¡±


    Dzor scoffs, remarking sarcastically, ¡°{THAT is the human behavior I was expecting. How do such small, frail primitives differ so widely?}¡±


    Khla chuckles, ¡°{Who knows? I¡¯m a little relieved these ones are elders. My teeth curl thinking about the notion of the Saurmynnyka inheriting their personalities.}¡±


    Dzor grunts in disgust, remarking, ¡°{If that¡¯s a concern, we need to be extra diligent.}¡±


    ¡°{Indeed.}¡± Khla receives a report, and he states, ¡°{Our fleet is inbound. Can you navigate back into range?}¡±


    The humbled Jardzen nods, replying, ¡°{We¡¯re manually plotting position now. I¡¯ll alert you before and after we jump.}¡±


    Khla replies with a civil nod, ¡°{Suns keep you warm.}¡±


    ¡°{You too.}¡±


    Khla disconnects, and Dzor watches his crew work. The vector angles and calculations are numerous, and they have to be cross-referenced to the others to ensure the stars being used are what they think. It¡¯s tedious and time consuming, but crucial.


    But, Dzor¡¯s mind is actually on the humans that just bested them. They don¡¯t fight for glory the way Grodrrns do. The humans worked fluidly together to not only fight, but achieve objectives. Grodrrn culture is very ¡®me¡¯-centric in most regards. Every job being performed in front of him now, while serving the Fievegal, is still a chance to better oneself. The human Dzor dragged could have fled when his attention was on the younger male or the female. Their mission was complete, or soon would have been. Instead, he risked his wellbeing to save the younger two.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    It all likely had to go the way it did. The rest of the Fievegal wouldn¡¯t have listened to Khla alone any more attentively than Dzor did. Given what the humans DID do, he is certain he is very fortunate to still have a ship.


    And now, he has better wisdom with which to face this unpredictable adversary. He smirks as he ponders their next meeting. In every failure is a chance for greater glory. And, the humans are proving themselves worthy of elevating those who defeat them to legendary status.


    Baskylla Jardzen Nor¡¯ulluch Et Dzor¡¯chn will NOT miss out on that.


    ********


    Captain Long stands with an envoy as the alien shuttle lands gingerly in the hangar, having gently released the escape pod on the deck first. She left her XO to become Captain of the Honolulu, and then she took command of the Polonia.


    They were standing by to evacuate the Polonia if the pursuers opened fire, but they never did. Their pursuit behavior suggests they intended to capture all of the ships if possible. Instead, a small team may have just saved humanity.


    In the hangar with her are Lieutenant Colonel Hitch, the small girl ¡®Little Bird¡¯ with her guardian Tanya, a young woman named Kenzie, and scores of marines and sailors with tasks assigned as soon as the hatches open. Given the circumstances, the captains agreed that full quarantine measures won¡¯t be necessary, since a week after direct contact yielded no immediate biological hazards. However, to be safe, the ship will be cleansed thoroughly, stripped of all weapons and tools to be studied, and reverse engineered piece by piece, starting with FTL.


    ¡°Angelica,¡± says Mr. Right¡¯s voice warmly as he approaches. ¡°Beautiful as ever.¡±


    She growls coldly without looking at him, ¡°Captain Long.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes of course,¡± he retorts. ¡°On duty and whatnot. How¡¯d we do?¡±


    She replies more civilly, ¡°Preliminary success. It¡¯s up to your teams now, Mr. Right.¡±


    ¡°Mind if I flatter you?¡±


    She sighs, ¡°Fine.¡±


    He smiles and immediately steps forward, yelling, ¡°Listen up, uh, hands! That¡¯s not your dad¡¯s pickup or your girlfriend¡¯s headboard! It is the Ark of the Covenant meets the Mona Lisa meets the Holy Grail meets¡­ A bunch of other impossible to get stuff! If you break something, I MUST know where it was. If you activate something, touch NOTHING else. If you scratch the paint off a bolt, show me. EVERYTHING on that ship is precious, down to the alien¡¯s toenails if there are any. Take this seriously. If you¡¯re not comfortable touching something, DON¡¯T TOUCH IT.¡±


    Mr. Right puts his hands on his hips and says, ¡°There.¡±


    Captain Long asks dryly, ¡°And¡­ How was that supposed to flatter me?¡±


    ¡°Imitation, obviously. You know? Giving a powerful speech to everyone all at once. No?¡±


    She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. Hitch offers in a slightly friendly, but mostly serious tone, ¡°I think you forgot to add ¡®Let¡¯s get to work,¡¯ Sir.¡±


    Mr. Right snaps his fingers, pointing at the Lt. Col. warmly. ¡°You¡¯re right. Apologies, An-I mean- Captain Long.¡±


    She ignores Mr. Right to say to Hitch, ¡°Don¡¯t encourage him, Lieutenant Colonel, please?¡±


    Mr. Right gently pats Hitch¡¯s shoulder, saying brightly, ¡°See that? My charms are working. Professionals always say that when it¡¯s working.¡± He claps his hands before Long can say anything, and he adds, ¡°Now! Show me your goodies.¡±


    Long sighs. She steps forward, her voice projecting more powerfully than Mr. Right¡¯s with seemingly half the effort, ¡°Priority one; medical team! Make a hole. Priority two; gear removal. Priority three; cleaning. Let¡¯s-¡­¡± She halts herself, glancing at Mr. Right and then at Hitch. She states, ¡°Make it happen!¡±


    Mr. Right feigns a dramatic and ecstatic groan as the shuttle doors open. The medical team quickly works with the returning shuttle marines to lower a body. The medical team whisks the injured man away, and Mr. Right asks, ¡°Was that Zock?¡±


    He looks at Hitch, who nods.


    The marines inside begin offloading weapons with those helping with various carts. They¡¯ve returned with an abundance of alien gear still giving off heat waves of heavy use. Captain Long approaches to assist, joining a bucket brigade to pass weapons and armor to carts or out of the way locations.


    Mr. Right inspects one of the carts like a child in a toy store. Sergeant Grey warns from the shuttle, ¡°Careful with that, Mr. Science. We ain¡¯t found the safeties yet.¡±


    Mr. Right turns pale, setting the weapon back down. The marines chuckle.


    Long asks, ¡°You reported two injured, Sergeant.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Rookie¡¯s still in the cockpit with Doc Lopez. She¡¯s downloading everything from the shuttle.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Napping, Ma¡¯am.¡± She glares up at him, and he adds, ¡°He¡¯s the Doc¡¯s button pusher, Ma¡¯am. He insists he can hold out a little longer.¡±


    Long growls sternly, ¡°Tell him I¡¯m ordering him to go to medical RIGHT¡­¡±


    A young woman¡¯s voice says softly, ¡°Big sis¡­¡±


    Captain Long halts and looks at the young auburn haired woman that approached. She asks, ¡°Jessica?¡±


    Jessica says gently, ¡°They all worked very hard for all of us. They still are.¡±


    Captain Long looks at the marines still helping unload the shuttle they commandeered. Their hair is matted with sweat. Their suits are spattered with black scoring and metal dust. Their faces are weary, with dark rings under their eyes. She relaxes when she realizes who she¡¯s looking at. They¡¯re not just soldiers marching in parade or sailors running drills. These are warriors fresh off the battlefield.


    Captain Long has been a career sailor for a long time now. Much of her experience involved basic naval patrols or passive sovereignty denial through presence. She¡¯s never dealt so directly with warfare, nor those facing impossible odds face to face. And, never during such desperate times.


    Captain Long sighs. She says calmly, ¡°I¡¯m getting in the way¡­ Boarding Party!¡± The marines perk up and look up at her. She says more calmly, ¡°Excellent work.¡± She salutes them and then turns crisply to Jessica, saying softly, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Jessica smiles, and the older sister says a little more sternly, ¡°Which is why you¡¯re joining the Navy. We need level headed leaders like you.¡±


    Jessica frowns, replying softly, ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not cut out for¡­¡±


    ¡°Not up for discussion. If you hadn¡¯t come to visit me on your own, you¡¯d be¡­¡± The captain halts, gently gripping the cross on her shoulder. She redirects, saying gently, ¡°I want to do the best I can for you. And¡­ that means pushing you to do something invaluable. You¡¯re better than me at everything when I was your age. And¡­¡± The captain sighs, adding, ¡°You can stop me at any time¡­¡±


    Jessica smiles and replies bluntly, ¡°I know. But it¡¯s nice to see this side of you. Nice to be reminded that you HAVE this side of you.¡± She hugs the surprised captain, saying gently, ¡°I¡¯ll do it, Big Sis. But ME. NOT your reputation.¡±


    Captain Long sighs and embraces her younger sister. She replies gently, ¡°That will be far more than plenty, Cottonpuff.¡±


    The teen growls quietly, ¡°If ONE person calls me that, I WILL tell every marine what everyone always called you, Big Sis.¡±


    The Captain teases softly in return, ¡°I¡¯d hate to court martial you before you even join¡­ Cottonpuff.¡±


    ********


    Hancock listens to Grey and Tachibana as they debrief the marines. Grey says warmly, ¡°Good work staying alive, marines, and taking down as many crocs as we did. I think it¡¯s fair to say we all earned a good rest.¡± The marines chuckle together.


    Tachibana nods and adds warmly, ¡°Agreed. Science teams have the ball now. All we can do is stay ready for our next mission. Hydrate, rest, and muster at oh-seven hundred.¡±


    Lieutenant Kane adds politely, ¡°Couldn¡¯t say it better myself. Thank you all.¡±


    Tachibana nods. ¡°Alpha Squad; Romeo Squad; dis-missed!¡±


    The marines cheer, ¡°Oorah!¡± and disperse.


    Hancock glances at Dr. Lopez as she sits quietly with her laptop folded shut. She¡¯s staring at nothing in particular. He asks gently, ¡°Shall we?¡±


    She looks at him briefly and then back at her point in infinity. She replies softly, ¡°Do¡­ people keep their promises?¡±


    He¡¯s caught off guard by the question. ¡°I¡­ think so? Or, at least, I believe most people do their best to do so.¡±


    ¡°What would you do if someone broke a promise?¡±


    Picking up what he thinks she¡¯s getting at, Hancock replies, ¡°Levi, I¡¯ll keep my promise. If you ask for help, I¡¯ll help.¡±


    She whispers, ¡°I believe you. But, Mr.¡­ ¡± She trails off, losing heart to say whatever she was about to. She instead says, ¡°We should go to medical.¡± She glances apologetically at his injured arm.


    The young marine replies casually, ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll walk it off.¡± She chuckles halfheartedly, still deep in thought.


    After another moment, she finally asks, ¡°Will¡­ she be mad if I walk with you?¡±


    Hancock shrugs as much as one arm allows, replying, ¡°I don¡¯t see her being mad about that. We¡¯re friends, right?¡±


    Lopez nods. ¡°I just¡­ You¡¯re my f-¡­ I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Actually, I could use your help up, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Lopez sits nervously a moment. The subtle cue hits her though, and she quickly scrambles up. She shoulders her laptop¡¯s strap and takes Hancock¡¯s hand. He could probably have gotten up on his own, but he doesn¡¯t mind receiving a hand from time to time. Lopez pulls him to his feet, and they walk together out of the ship, which is already crawling with marines and sailors cleaning.


    Kenzie is waiting, and she helps both of them down. She gingerly hugs Hancock, obviously warned of his injury by one of the squad members. She asks tenderly, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Hancock smiles, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. Won¡¯t be winning any MMA fights any time soon, but I¡¯m hanging in there.¡±


    She giggles softly, ¡°Okay. They said you guys accomplished all of the objectives you set out to. D-¡­ Does this mean¡­?¡±


    ¡°Time will tell. But, this here is Doctor Lopez. She made our mission possible. Doc, this is Kenzie.¡±


    Kenzie replies a little sheepishly, ¡°I thought you looked familiar. THE Doctor Lopez? I¡¯m humbled. Very nice to meet you.¡±


    Lopez fidgets with her hands, glancing up from the floor only once to nod nervously, and then stare at the floor again. Hancock says gently, ¡°Doc¡¯s quiet, but she¡¯s good people.¡±


    Kenzie smiles and nods, replying sincerely, ¡°Thank you for what you¡¯ve done, Doctor. Everyone¡¯s saying we only have a chance thanks to you.¡±


    Lopez whimpers quietly and sheepishly, ¡°Th-That¡¯s not true¡­ W-We all¡­¡± She becomes inaudible as her face turns bright pink.


    Hancock, sensing it¡¯s becoming too much for the shy scientist, feigns a sudden pain like his arm was bumped and grunts lightly, saying, ¡°Egh, okay, hate to interrupt. I need to get to medical. Doc, will you walk with us?¡±


    She glances up at him and nods. She stares quietly at the floor though as they walk. However, medical is surprisingly crowded when they arrive, and Lopez excuses herself by squeaking, ¡°Um¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ll che-check on y-you later, R-um, Hancock. Th-Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, too, Doc. Get some rest, please. You earned it.¡± He offers his hand. She nervously fidgets with her laptop for a moment before finally shaking it. He says warmly, ¡°You ever need anything, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find some way to reach me.¡±


    She smiles softly and nods. She disappears quickly, making a beeline for wherever her lab is.


    Kenzie asks softly as they wait to be seen, ¡°How did you become friends with Mr. Right¡¯s¡­ eh¡­ right hand scientist?¡±


    Hancock jokes, ¡°What can I say? I¡¯m a charmer.¡±


    Kenzie scoffs and replies, ¡°So, you saved her. What happened?¡±


    Hancock replies more genuinely, ¡°I only talked to her. Got her to talk back. Kept us both sane during the mission.¡±


    ¡°I had no idea she was so shy and awkward. Everyone always seems to assume she¡¯s too full of herself to talk, even though she¡¯s so high up the G-sink food chain.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for not being upset or anything. She¡¯s a good person.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Hancock proceeds to tell the story of the mission, often finding himself pausing to convince himself it all really happened. The attack on Earth is one thing, but now, humanity has already struck back, securing hope.


    And, Hancock has watched enough kids movies and animes to know that hope is the deadliest weapon human beings will ever wield against their enemies. If even one human refuses to go down without a fight, the battle can be won.


    Today was the second battle for humanity¡¯s future. Both have only accomplished one thing if only in one young rookie marine. They have hardened his resolve to be that last human fighting, if need be.


    And, he KNOWS he¡¯s not alone.


    ********

 Chapter 11: Science and Training

    ~One of the more inspiring traits of humanity is our ability to finally shed toxins like a blanket when it¡¯s time to band together. Fear can keep a species alive fairly well, but cooperation will always go much further. Fear leaves survival to the fittest or wealthiest -though, even still, the fittest when wealth becomes worthless-. It is a perfect mechanism for animals and oppressive societies alike. The problem is fear is always conquered by compromise.


    I have seen many things. This journal will describe but a fraction. But, even of this fraction, only moments like watching true cooperation blossom into a greater good do I regret being unable to truly capture in words. The most beautiful painting will never be more beautiful than the most beautiful view.


    But, when humanity faces adversity, the lies and corruption dissolve, and we get it done. It always reminds me that I don¡¯t have to do it all.~


    Two weeks pass following the risky boarding mission to capture the enemy¡¯s faster than light technology that allows them to travel so quickly across vast distances of space. It¡¯s almost double the expected time before the next encounter, which only suggests some manner of good fortune is looking after the surviving remnant of humanity. But, the ears are listening for the telltale pulse preceding a grim arrival.


    Between Lieutenant Kane¡¯s brief interactions where his device translated, as well as the surprisingly large data cache Dr. Lopez was able to siphon during her digital search, the fleet has learned a lot about their relentless pursuers. For starters, they call themselves ¡®Grodurns¡¯, hailing from a gigantic world known as ¡®Grodoora¡¯. Their unique world is apparently larger than Jupiter, and it is precariously placed between two relatively small stars that orbit each other. How this planet stays in place AND supports life is unknown, but the Grodurns live in virtually constant sunlight. And, even though their world is larger than Earth by several times over, there is some evidence of population strain, either on resources or livable surface area.


    From Dr. Lopez¡¯s cache comes some of their terminology, which is leading to a rough translation program. Additionally, they¡¯ve learned that Grodurns are experienced interstellar travelers, with many time-hardened operating procedures in place, which is how they so diligently located Earth.


    The mystery that does still burn is how the Voyager rocket that hit their planet, supposedly initiating the conflict inadvertently, reached a world several solar systems away when it only barely left the Sol solar system a few years ago. Some theories include wormholes, time-space being much different beyond the heliosphere, or even that the Grodurns are simply lying and using the Voyager rockets -which they may have found using the first ¡®Burp¡¯- as an excuse, not expecting the humans to make such a realization in time.


    Whatever the case is, the Grodurns still want to enslave or kill the remnant of humanity. So, humanity will do their best to dodge the Grodurns as long as possible.


    And, for starters, while the science teams are hard at work on the mobile drydock, the population has been evenly distributed across the four starliners. Quarters are tight, and there have been grumblings -on the Polonia specifically- about the new distribution. But, for now, everyone has a home while teams of military personnel either patrol or repurpose and/or jettison the lavish and unnecessary luxuries taking up room. MANY cars have been sent to the mobile drydock to feed its reprocessing plant, along with piles of jewelry, precious metals, entertainment systems, and other unnecessary items. Many extremely nice, EXTREMELY expensive hardwood furnishings have been jettisoned into the void of space, serving no purpose but to take up space. What few weren¡¯t jettisoned were stored in the ¡®memorial vault¡¯, a small area set aside to act as sort of a time capsule of history.


    And, one car will survive to see humanity¡¯s journey; Mr. Right¡¯s custom supercar. He pleaded and begged on his actual knees with Captain Long for her to let him keep it. She was adamant that it would NOT take up space for people or function.


    So, now his supercar has the best view on the ship. It is chained to the outside of the Polonia on the top surface at the bow, leading the ship like a true naval figure head. Captain Long warned that if it comes down to needing rubber, leather, carbon fiber, and anything else, the car won¡¯t be spared. To which, the eccentric scientist vowed he would find a suitable world for humanity had he no other reason.


    The rest is fairly standard. The military has priority on almost everything from food to repair items and tools. The four captains of the starliners are in charge. Civilians have muster locations if they¡¯re too far from their quarters in emergencies. What jobs can be done by civilians who are willing are being divided out, with compensation in the form of ¡®service points¡¯, an experimental ¡®currency¡¯ the fleet will be using. What it really equates to is favor, which grants similar privileges to military personnel.


    What did cause a mild stir was the decision to unify the military into one force; the Navy. While the ease of adapting naval terminology to the fleet of spaceships was the most practical decision, many career marines were less pleased. Though many soldier ratings held by marines retain the title of ¡®Marine¡¯, their ranking system has been adapted to the Navy¡¯s. Privates are spacemen -¡®Spacemen¡¯ and ¡®Spacer¡¯ being the replacements for ¡®seamen¡¯ and ¡®sailor¡¯, respectively-, Sergeants have become Petty Officers, and Master Sergeants have become ¡®Chiefs¡¯. Or¡­ something like that.


    What¡¯s probably most disappointing is the fact that this was the chance to go full sci-fi and create a whole new system. Instead, they stuck with unimaginative and boring ¡®Spacemen¡¯.


    Which is what Hancock is now; a ¡®spaceman¡¯. And, what¡¯s worse is the name is almost literally true, since he¡¯s been on lookout patrol on the ship¡¯s hull for extra shifts. With his injuries, he can¡¯t help move gear or run drills, so he watches every single possible direction for any signs of the Grodurns, should they have an ability to arrive without their ¡®Burps¡¯.


    As he walks, he does admire the beauty of space when there¡¯s nothing to obscure it. And, the sun itself still looks about the same size it¡¯s always been. Its light is simply more intense without the atmosphere of Earth.


    But, this job is ultimately boring. It COULD be worse, of course. He could be one of the sixteen stationary lookouts on the Polonia alone. These lookouts have little guard shacks to stand in without needing a suit, but they must stay there all shift and watch the same relatively boring void section of space. Hancock can at least look for the planets on his walks and try to guess which is which. He¡¯s pretty sure he could see Earth, Mars, and Saturn for sure. But naturally, with the exception of Earth, the other two are tiny spots on the vast black canvas of space, and even Earth isn¡¯t that big. Given they¡¯ve been flying almost straight away for 3 weeks, Hancock would¡¯ve expected Earth to be an indistinguishable speck.


    Hancock is a little surprised when another spacer is waiting for him at his checkpoint where he recharges his air recycler. He still has 2 hours left on watch.


    His counterpart says politely, ¡°You Spaceman Hancock?¡±


    Hancock states politely, ¡°Spaceman Hancock.¡± He plugs his recycler in as the other spacer replies, ¡°Message for you.¡±


    Surprised, Hancock takes the note. It¡¯s simplistic, except it bears the seal and signature of Captain Long herself. He reads it;


    [¡°Spaceman Rex Hancock,


    Relieve the watch properly and report to Russel Right on Mobile Drydock Providence, effective immediately.


    Very Respectfully,


    Captain Angelica Long,


    Commanding Officer,


    Starliner Polonia¡±]


    Hancock flips the letter over, inspecting it thoroughly. The other spacer salutes, saying, ¡°Spaceman Apprentice Schwarz. I have reviewed your logs and read your reports. I am ready to relieve you.¡±


    Hancock salutes, ¡°I¡¯m ready to be relieved. Watch path is marked. No anomalies to report.¡±


    ¡°I understand all duties and responsibilities. I relieve you.¡±


    ¡°I am relieved.¡±


    Hancock heads down into the ship and makes his way to the hangar. There, he boards a shuttle, which is waiting for him specifically. He doesn¡¯t think too hard on it. Russel Right is a goofball, and he¡¯s known now for trying to circumvent some of the restrictions on him via junior spacers. Hancock just needs to keep a level head and remember his duties.


    The trip is short, but the Providence is always a sight to behold on approach. The mobile drydock is almost twice as large as a starliner, though it¡¯s also much less bulky with its open portarms, or ¡®piers¡¯.


    Spacers onboard direct him to Mr. Right¡¯s laboratory. The main laboratory is surprisingly neat, even with all of the scientists working on various projects. Everything seems to be in an intended place. Testing is cautious and meticulous.


    Mr. Right is watching as a pair of scientists test some sort of glowing device. The businessman notices Hancock right away, and he asks with a surprised tone, ¡°Oh! What can I do for you, Spacer?¡±


    Hancock replies civilly, but slightly confused, ¡°Uh, Pri-uh-Spaceman Rex Hancock. I was directed to report to you, sir.¡±


    Mr. Right scoffs, replying, ¡°What? I didn¡¯t¡­¡± He pauses, thinking. He finally replies, ¡°Oh, right! I guess I did. Not me. Dr. Lopez requested you specifically. She¡¯s through there, working on the jump drive. You¡¯re experienced in quantum mechanics, spacer?¡± Mr. Right¡¯s tone is genuine and warm, the way he speaks to everyone.


    However, Hancock chuckles nervously, replying, ¡°Not exactly, sir. I just promised I¡¯d help her however I can.¡±


    Mr. Right shrugs, replying, ¡°Fair enough. I don¡¯t deny my stars their requests. Good luck.¡±


    Hancock nods politely. That last statement was slightly cynical. But, the young spacer knows that Lopez hardly speaks to anyone, including Mr. Right. He knocks on the door, knowing he won¡¯t get a response. He then opens it gently and steps inside. For professional courtesy specifically around others, Hancock tries to always refer to her as ¡®Dr. Lopez¡¯. He says calmly, ¡°Dr. Lopez? I¡¯m reporting as requested.¡±


    Her head pops up over the workbench. She swats her hand at him. Confused, Hancock gestures at himself. She shakes her head, pointing specifically at the door. She swats her hand again.


    Hancock nods, finally understanding. He closes the door, and Lopez sighs relief. She sits back down on the floor and grunts wearily, ¡°Lock it, please.


    Again, Hancock is a little surprised, but he obeys. He locks the door and looks around. THIS is the lab he expected. Notes with barely comprehensible scribbles depicting even less-comprehensible scientific math are scattered everywhere. Three marker boards are overflowing with writing. Literally. She taped notes to the sides to continue formulas off of the board. One such extension note is seven sheets of paper taped in a lazily hanging streamer of knowledge. The young soldier can¡¯t wrap his head around how she keeps track of so much information.


    The scientist is just as disheveled as her lab. Her black hair is messy and tangled, and a single hair tie is holding little more than one lock of hair in an uneven, long abandoned attempt to keep her hair in order. Her eyes are bloodshot, and dark circles profoundly outline her eyes at the bottom. She has bandages on more of her fingers than not, as well as grease and carbon stains on her arms, hands, lab coat, and cheeks.


    But the last detail is the most important, trumping all of the others. Tears are slowly trickling down her cheeks as she fidgets with a pen on a notepad, and a small stuffed kitten in the other. The notepad already has a bunch of notes, and she keeps tracing a circle around a strange symbol that doesn¡¯t look English or even Greek. It reminds Hancock of a Kanji-fied triangle, sharing traits with Japanese or Chinese lettering, but more triangle-shaped.


    Hancock looks at the machine on the floor nearby. It¡¯s well above his head, but Lopez wanted him to come. All he can do is what he knows how to do.


    Hancock eases to the floor next to her, mindful of his broken arm. Lopez sniffles, whimpering almost inaudibly, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t do it¡­ Everyone¡¯s counting on me, but¡­ but I can¡¯t do it¡­¡±


    Hancock sighs and replies, ¡°It wasn¡¯t fair of everyone to put so much pressure on you. You¡¯re running on empty right now; past fumes. When¡¯s the last time you slept?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ve dozed off a few times. B-but they¡¯ll catch us¡­!¡±


    Hancock cuts her off, saying, ¡°If our ONLY hope is going to be ONE person for the rest of time, we¡¯re not going to last long. The Captains are navigating the ships far apart, in hopes it¡¯ll fool the first of the next pulses to come. If we have to, we¡¯re ready in boarding parties to take out their ships as they arrive. One-way, probably, but no one¡¯s giving up. You just CAN¡¯T carry this burden alone, because you¡¯re not. Keep working. You WILL succeed and save humanity. And we marines will buy you all the time you need.¡±


    Lopez chokes and starts crying. He gently wraps his good arm around her, gently pulling the young scientist to his collar. He urges, ¡°Rest, Levi. You¡¯ve got enough time. You NEED rest.¡±


    She complains, ¡°But, I don¡¯t know what this symbol means! I can¡¯t break through without it!¡±


    He urges, ¡°Shh¡­ Worry about it after a break. Please.¡±


    She cries a little longer, instinctively curling up against him. He says softly and gently, ¡°You know, Sergeant Grey -or, Chief? Chief Grey?-. Anyways, he tells us that we can¡¯t save the whole world. But, we CAN work to save just one. If enough of us try to save enough ¡®just one¡¯s¡¯, everyone can still be saved.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t say anything, but slowly calms down a little. Hancock holds her gently until she falls asleep. She won¡¯t sleep great, but it¡¯s lavish compared to not sleeping. While she does, he studies the notes he can see, as well as the schematic she pulled from the Grodurn battleship. He can see the design in her much smaller prototype; the central unit and cables connecting the eight extremity little units. Hancock¡¯s no astro-engineer, but he does feel like the design is familiar to him.


    Lopez doesn¡¯t sleep long, and she sits up, rubbing her eyes. She whimpers, ¡°I¡­ I suppose¡­ I need to tell everyone¡­¡±


    ¡°I told you, you have time, Levi.¡±


    ¡°I was supposed to report progress to Captain Murdock yesterday.¡± Hancock knows Murdock to be the Captain of the Providence. He¡¯s a laid back mining captain, more than a military officer. He was probably asked by Long to report, and when Lopez didn¡¯t report to him, he probably defaulted to bureaucratic deflective ¡®she¡¯s working on it¡¯-types of answers.


    Hancock replies playfully, ¡°We both know, Captain Long is who asked, and if you haven¡¯t heard again, Murdock took care of it.¡±


    Lopez smirks half-heartedly. She asks, ¡°What am I supposed to do, though? I¡¯ve been beating my head against this wall for two days. I¡¯ve tried derivations to get around this symbol, but it is core to the operation, and I can¡¯t figure out what it¡¯s supposed to be. It¡¯s the same value on both ships; one, one, nine, three, five, six, eight, one, two, point, six, six, six, three, four. I know that number to my soul now. It will haunt me forever.¡±


    Hancock is quiet for a moment. He remarks, ¡°You know, I just realized what this thing reminds me of. It¡¯s kinda like a car stereo, right? Amp and speakers? See?¡±


    Lopez looks up at him blankly. He realizes he may have just killed her soul a little with his dumb joke. But, that¡¯s who he is.


    However, a spark suddenly seems to jolt Lopez. Her face comes to life, and she murmurs, ¡°Impedance?... No, but something LIKE impedance. It has nothing to do with the mass of the ship like I thought! THAT¡¯S why it¡¯s constant! The other variables! Oh my god!¡± A new life springs into Lopez, and she scrambles to her laptop on the counter. She types furiously, darting around her lab. She mumbles to herself, ¡°That¡¯s wrong, but I¡¯ll fix it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ What a rookie error. Still¡­¡± ¡°Yes¡­ YES! Rex! You¡¯re a genius!¡±


    Hancock has climbed to his feet, and she dives into a hug with him. He grunts from his shoulder spiking pain. But, he chuckles, replying, ¡°¡®Genius¡¯? You flatter me, Doc. I thought I was making a joke.¡±


    She smiles sheepishly as she releases him, ¡°I know¡­ But you¡¯re right! Sort of¡­ I-It¡¯s hard to explain¡­ a-at least¡­¡± She pauses and blushes.


    Hancock smirks, letting her have the light jab. He says warmly, ¡°As long as you can make it work.¡±


    Lopez sniffles happily, ¡°I¡­ I will!¡±


    He smiles, asking, ¡°So then; how can I help?¡±


    ********


    Sergeant Grey. He was an E6 Staff Sergeant. His recent promotion would have made him Gunnery Sergeant. However, under the new Navy rule, he is now a Petty Officer First Class being promoted to Chief Petty Officer, or ¡®Chief¡¯ for short. For a Navy enlisted, it¡¯s a fairly big deal. But for a Marine, he¡¯s hung up on the sudden change. It feels so different; so trivial. He can certainly understand streamlining the chain of command. He just has spent fifteen years trolling Navy guys for being in the Navy to suddenly being a Navy guy himself.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    But, that will NEVER stop him from doing his job. A title is a title, and it¡¯s not worth a whole hell of a lot when less than one percent of humanity remains. Of course, he reminds Fredericks they¡¯re all in ¡®the One Percent¡¯ now, if for no other reason, only to keep spirits up.


    It¡¯s certainly not true. Admirals and Generals have been found hiding in the populace, and they have since been stripped of their rank by the Captains for failing to step up when humanity needed leaders. Even the Captains are sharing quarters with everyone else. Captain Long and her sister, Jessica, are in the same once-luxury suite as Chief Grey, Tanya, and Little Bird. She claims she wants to ensure Grey shows no favoritism to Jessica, who is newly recruited -and mysteriously into Grey¡¯s squad-, but he also suspects the Captain wants to show him favoritism in exchange for keeping her younger sister safe.


    This, of course, is bolstered by Grey¡¯s new ¡®partner¡¯, Chief Tachibana, the other most experienced alien-killing squad leader in the reformed Navy. Grey¡¯s okay with it. Captain Long is an excellent role model for Little Bird, and he knows the Captain will always be professional. She¡¯s just more likely to listen to her ¡®prized¡¯ away team leaders, who now reside in near literal arm¡¯s reach, with Tachibana, her husband and son, and the Coulsons in the next suite. She laid down the rule that she¡¯s a roommate and big sister only when they¡¯re in the suite. Though, Chief Grey will certainly be cautious about this.


    Among other changes are imprisonment and artillery. Imprisonment is using the ship¡¯s brigs, but it¡¯s expected that they¡¯ll be past capacity -three each-, and the artillery has been pooled onto the Polonia, converting it to the first true space warship -for humanity, at least-. Even a tank was smuggled aboard the Andromeda, which has been moved to the hull of the Polonia. It can only fire with special shells, which Providence is producing as quickly as possible, as the vacuum of space makes both the engine and the standard shells useless.


    The Polonia will act as a last ditch warship if the crocs catch up again. Their hope is to slam the croc ship as hard as possible at the outset and keep buying time for the science teams to complete their task.


    For now, Grey is training new and current boarding team members. Fredericks, Moody, Dumas, Fisher, and Marvoni are simulating Grodurns while the Marines practice the swarming strategy that seems to overwhelm the predatory soldiers and grant the marines access to their regenerators. Once a regenerator is gone, even human weapons can take down the lizards.


    Grey would sell his soul for ten more Coulsons. The twins work fluidly in sync, easily baiting their targets so the other can attack. Of course, with the lack of resources and space, the trainees are using brooms as ¡®rifles¡¯ so the real weapons can stay ready near the boarding shuttles. So, a bunch of professional soldiers are running drills with brooms yelling ¡°Bang! Bang!¡±. The Chiefs are acting as judges, and the marines get a one to five rule, where only the fifth consecutive shot hits. Meanwhile, the ¡®Grodurns¡¯ get a one hundred percent hit rate. Ironically, these numbers are virtually reversed, with the marines maintaining high accuracy on the alien troopers, and the aliens missing a bulk of their shots.


    BUT, Grey would rather torture marines in training to teach them to think and move, rather than get in a basic standoff against living tanks.


    Grey watches as Spaceman Long tries to follow the Coulsons. Rena ducks behind a conex box while Mina strafes the other way, firing on the run. Fisher is their target, but he¡¯s already firing at a pair of new recruits. He starts to turn to face Mina and Long directly, and Long stumbles. Mina manages to quickly pull Long to safety, throwing her to the ground. Fisher shouts, ¡°Bang! Bang!¡± somewhat dryly, finding the broom he¡¯s holding ridiculous.


    Grey glances at Tachibana, who calls out, ¡°Coulson! You¡¯re hit!¡±


    Rena pops out from her hiding space, joking, ¡°No I¡¯m not Chief!¡±


    ¡°Can it, Marine!¡±


    Grey calls out, ¡°Thing Three, admirable showmanship.¡± Mina dramatically yells, joking as she slowly and overtly-dramatically sinks to the ground, ¡°I had one more payment¡­ on my¡­ cell phone¡­ bleuggghhhhh¡­.¡±


    Tachibana snarls, ¡°Marine! Take this seriously!¡±


    Like a switch, Mina obediently calls back as Fisher chuckles, ¡°Yes Sar-uh! Chief!¡± She lays out lifelessly.


    Grey shouts, ¡°Long! A squadmate just gave her life for you! What do you do!?¡±


    ¡°Cry¡­¡± taunts one of the bystander recruits who joined with her. ¡°Wanh! Big sis!¡±


    Tachibana is just about to roar, but Grey halts her. Long is losing her grip. He says loudly, ¡°Zone One; Halt exercise.¡± Fisher relaxes as Grey approaches Long. She leans against the box Mina pushed her behind. Mina sits up curiously. Grey asks calmly, but loudly, ¡°Is he right, Marine?¡±


    Long looks away from him. Grey asks louder, ¡°I SAID; ¡®IS HE RIGHT, MARINE¡¯!?¡±


    Long whimpers, ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°LOUDER!¡±


    ¡°NO CHIEF!¡± she squeaks. She¡¯s certainly not her sister.


    Grey booms, ¡°SO WHAT DO YOU DO!?¡±


    ¡°N-No¡­ No marine left behind, Chief¡­¡±


    ¡°WRONG! YOU SOLVE YOUR DAMN PROBLEM. THERE IS AN EIGHT FOOT TALL, SEVEN HUNDRED POUND KILLING MACHINE TEN FEET AWAY. HE JUST GUNNED DOWN YOUR FRIEND! YOUR SISTER! WHAT. DO. YOU. DO!?¡±


    ¡°I-¡­ I don¡¯t know, Chief! H-He¡¯s¡­ r-r-...¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡±


    Long flinches, and Grey leans close to her, shouting, ¡°YOU TELLING ME, WITH A LITERAL KILLING MACHINE SHOOTING AT YOU, YOU CARE WHAT TRASH THINKS!?¡±


    ¡°N-No Chief!¡±


    ¡°THEN WHAT DO YOU DO!?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡­ Ignore him? Chief?¡±


    ¡°IGNORE HIM! KILL HIM! I DON¡¯T CARE! IF HE¡¯S NOT HELPING, SOLVE HIM TOO!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°MOVE MARINE! I AIN¡¯T GOING TO BE AROUND FOREVER TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS! ACT! NOW!¡±


    Long squirms in terror, but snap reacts after only a moment. She aims and yells, ¡°Bang!¡± pointed at the recruit who just taunted her. She yells, ¡°Sh-Shut up or help!¡±


    The recruit retorts, ¡°Like a scared kitten frightens me.¡±


    Grey walks calmly over and asks, ¡°Recruit¡­ Uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Dinkler, Chief.¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. You been shot before, recruit?¡±


    ¡°No Chief.¡±


    ¡°Chief-what?¡± growls Grey.


    The recruit shifts a little uneasily, ¡°Chief Petty Officer?¡±


    ¡°So, recruit. Can you tell me just when the hell a recruit doesn¡¯t snap to attention when being upgraded by a Chief Petty Officer?¡±


    Following his cue, Dinkler snaps crisply to attention, straightening rigidly, ¡°My apologies Chief Petty Officer. I just don¡¯t think Recruit Long should get a pass based on who her sister is.¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°That would be a fair point. My only question to that is, then,¡± Grey takes a breath and yells directly in Dinkler¡¯s face, ¡°WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO HECKLE MY RECRUITS, RECRUIT!? YOU THINK THIS IS SOME LIBERAL-ASS COLLEGE UNIVERSITY WHERE THE ELITES GET TO PRETEND THEY¡¯RE WOKE PROGRESSIVES WHILE BEING TOXIC SCUMBAGS!?¡±


    Dinkler visibly shakes. Grey yells, ¡°I ASKED YOU A QUESTION RECRUIT!¡±


    ¡°N-NO CHIEF PETTY OFFICER!¡±


    ¡°YOU CALLIN¡¯ ME A LIAR NOW!?¡±


    ¡°N-NO CHIEF! I DON¡¯T THINK IT¡¯S A COLLEGE!¡±


    ¡°DIDN¡¯T RECRUIT LONG SHOOT YOU!?¡±


    ¡°NO CHIEF PETTY OFFICER!¡±


    With blinding ferocity, Grey snatches and pulls Dinkler into a powerful knee into his abdomen, causing the young recruit to cough and groan. Grey releases him, saying dryly and loudly, ¡°You must be hard of hearing, then. Never call a Sar-CHIEF a liar.¡± Dinkler clutches his gut, groaning piteously.


    Grey straightens his uniform, when suddenly a recruit scoffs. Without looking up, Grey asks coldly, ¡°Something funny, Recruit?¡±


    ¡°N-No Chief Petty Officer.¡±


    Grey barks, ¡°All you recruits with too much energy, start doing burpees until I relieve you.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Grey snarls, ¡°I need to talk to each one of you!? MOVE, recruits!¡± The observing recruits drop to start the push up-squat-jumps.


    Grey walks back to his spot next to Tachibana, ordering, ¡°Zone One, resume exercise.¡± Mina giggles as she lays back down, feigning death. Long focuses.


    Tachibana says loudly, ¡°Coulson, you¡¯re not quite dead. Cry out for help.¡±


    Mina falls right into character, crying out, ¡°OH THE HUMANITY! My guts! They feel like a chief just knee¡¯d them!¡±


    Fisher laughs, trying to stay in character as he lumbers around Long¡¯s cover the opposite way she ducked. Mina cries out, ¡°Long! Long help me! Please! I¡­ I want to see my wife and kids!¡±


    Long glances at Mina, and then at Grey. Grey yells, ¡°Who the hell you looking at Marine!?¡±


    She flinches, looking back at Mina. She asks, ¡°C-Coulson! Where is it!¡±


    Tachibana states sternly, ¡°You¡¯re delirious!¡±


    Mina stays in character, crying out, ¡°WHAT!? Long, Long I can feel my spleen! I don¡¯t even know what my spleen does!¡±


    Long cautiously peers around her corner. She turns fairly far, still not seeing Fisher. Grey glances at Fisher, about to round the opposite corner to get behind her.


    Rena cries out, ¡°Bang Bang Bang! Bang Bang Bang!¡±


    Tachibana reports, ¡°Regenerator hit.¡± Fisher yelps, stumbling.


    Grey smiles when Long glances only once before bolting around the box out of sight of Fisher. She sprints towards the other two recruits. She shows promise. He can certainly work with promise.


    Of course, Mina cries out, ¡°Long! Don¡¯t leave me! Please! I have so many more stamps to collect! My goldfish will be lonely!¡±


    Rena calls out, ¡°Chief! Can I shoot her!? You know, mercy killing!¡±


    Tachibana barks, ¡°ABSOLUTELY NOT, MARINE!¡±


    Grey whispers to her, ¡°Lay into Long.¡±


    Tachibana shrieks, ¡°AND LONG! How dare you leave a wounded comrade!? Presumed dead is one thing, but she¡¯s crying out for your help!¡±


    Long¡¯s sprint hitches as she stops short of the ¡®low wall¡¯ formed by two overturned carts. Long hesitates. Rena ¡®fires¡¯ again, ¡°Bang Bang Bang!¡± Fisher returns fire from cover, calling, ¡°Bang Bang!¡±


    Grey asks loudly, ¡°Thing four, you hit?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. ¡°No, Chief?¡±


    Fisher shakes his head. Grey nods and head gestures the other way. Fisher pivots and stalks along the box as Long runs for Mina.


    Grey snarls, ¡°The hell you think you¡¯re doing, Long!? You think the alien¡¯s gonna surrender!?¡±


    Long pauses right as she reaches Mina. Grey shouts, ¡°You think you can drag two hundred pounds of Marine fifty yards faster than a croc can walk a box!?¡±


    THAT is what Grey hopes to break in Long; indecisiveness. She could have made either choice initially; save Mina or run. She could have even taken her chances firing on the newly vulnerable enemy. But, she let her own doubts be fueled by two salty old marines yelling at her. The other two recruits will fail based on being almost useless and not moving. He was done yelling at them a while ago.


    Just before Long can decide, Fisher whirls, gripping Long by the collar. She screams, barely holding onto her broom. She focuses, though, aiming her pretend weapon and choking out, ¡°B-Bang! Bang Bang! Bang! Bang!¡±


    Tachibana calls out, ¡°Hit! BUT, Crocs can take MANY hits! A Marine¡¯s best bet is blanket fire where possible.¡± Long squirms, trying to escape Fisher¡¯s grip as he tugs her back.


    Both of the other two recruits, Pratt and French, pop up and open fire, both yelling ¡°Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang!¡± as fast as they can.


    Grey and Tachibana sigh. Grey calls, ¡°Hit! Long, you¡¯re dead.¡± Fisher returns fire on the two marines, yelling ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang Bang!¡± Pratt manages to duck, but French gets called out by Tachibana, ¡°French! You¡¯re dead.¡± Mina jokes to Long, ¡°Hey, Long. Come here often?¡± The young recruit says nothing, solemnly watching. Fisher keeps an eye out, kneeling down to Mina. He unbuckles her boot, and she giggles, ¡°Petty Officer! Now?¡± He pulls her boot free, watching for Rena.


    Fisher smirks. He stands up and lobs it towards Pratt and French. Nothing happens, prompting Tachibana to bark, ¡°WHAT WAS THAT RECRUIT!?¡±


    ¡°I dunno Chief Petty Officer!¡± calls back Pratt.


    ¡°What if it was a grenade!?¡±


    It dawns on the recruit, and he dives forward, scrambling clear of cover. Grey shouts, ¡°You¡¯d leave your brother, Recruit!?¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief Petty Officer!¡± pants out the young man. Grey chuckles. Points for decisiveness, at least. Grey taunts, ¡°Why are you fleeing from a boot!?¡±


    However, Fisher calls out, ¡°Bang! Bang Bang!¡± ¡°Pratt you¡¯re hit!¡± calls out Tachibana.


    About that time is when Hancock is walking up. He is passing close to Pratt. Rena calls out, ¡°Marine! Help! My squad¡¯s down! One croc!¡±


    Fisher glances her way. She¡¯s on the other end of his cover now. Once more, Grey gets to smile.


    Spaceman Recruit Long sits up in surprise as Hancock, injured still from his real mission, snaps into action, grabbing Pratt¡¯s broom with his right hand and ¡®hip-firing¡¯ it at Fisher, ¡°Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang!¡± He sprints to the other conex box. Fisher recoils into cover. Hancock and Rena make eye contact. Hancock tosses his broom up top from his position and uses the crane anchor points on the box to boost himself up onto the box. He opens fire, ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± But, Grey notices it. He¡¯s yelling as loudly as he can possibly muster.


    Fisher stalks towards Rena¡¯s last known location, but she isn¡¯t there. Hancock can see him, though, and he fires, ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± Fisher recoils again, jogging quickly back the other way to find Rena. Still no one. It finally dawns on him when he spots Long looking up with amazement.


    Grey smirks. Rena even feigned reloading while she was up there, and she ¡®empties her magazine¡¯ with a fast, ¡°Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-¡± for several long seconds.


    Tachibana says proudly, ¡°Good work, Coulson, Hancock.¡±


    Grey approaches Mina and Long as Mina playfully cries, ¡°Baby Sis! You¡¯re my hero!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯M older!¡± snaps Rena. ¡°Six and a half minutes says so!¡± She climbs down from her perch. Grey helps Mina to her feet and then offers his hand to Long, but he notices her looking somewhere else. He looks to find Captain Long approaching. The young sister glances up at his hand, and then she says softly, ¡°You don¡¯t have to treat me special, Chief Petty Officer.¡±


    Grey retorts gruffly, ¡°Treating you special would be leaving you down there. Take it.¡±


    She hesitates, but accepts his aid up. He asks calmly, ¡°What¡¯d you do wrong?¡±


    ¡°Panic, I guess¡­¡±


    He nods. However, before he can add anything else, Captain Long asks quickly, ¡°Jessica? You froze up. Why did you second-guess yourself?¡±


    Jessica looking down is all Grey needs. He was given a job; to make this girl a Marine. And, to do so without favoritism.


    Grey bluntly interjects, ¡°Spaceman Long, Captain.¡±


    The older sister looks at him, asking a little crossly, ¡°Beg your pardon?¡±


    Grey straightens up, only intimidated by the imposing and strong aura Captain Long exudes. He replies bluntly, but professionally, ¡°This is a Navy vessel, Captain, and this is a Navy spacer. And, with all due respect, she¡¯s MY trainee. If you wish to undermine me, fire me and then do it.¡± He kept his voice low to minimize witnesses to what he¡¯s saying.


    The captain¡¯s eyes narrow. But, once more, she eases back. He¡¯s not trying to exert undue dominance. He¡¯s ensuring Jessica gets the training she needs without the prejudice imparted by her relations. If she wants to fire him for doing what she wanted -in spirit, anyways- then it¡¯s been a good run. He adds, ¡°You want my squad to do something, Captain, we¡¯ll do it. But, please go through me.¡±


    Long smirks, replying softly, ¡°I¡¯m impressed, Chief. This is the second time you¡¯ve stood up to a superior officer -me specifically- to protect your squad. Please make sure you never cross to the wrong side of the line, Chief.¡±


    He salutes, ¡°Aye, Captain.¡±


    She salutes in return, and all of the others nearby snap to salutes as well. She says more softly to Jessica, ¡°Don¡¯t give up. I¡¯m proud of you. Long.¡±


    Jessica smiles lightly, ¡°Captain Long.¡±


    The captain gestures towards the recruits Grey is still technically upgrading. She states, ¡°Don¡¯t let that become habit either, Chief. My secretary already received a formal complaint.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Yes Captain.¡± As soon as she walks away, he grumbles, ¡°Weasels work fast, don¡¯t they? Fastest he¡¯s probably ever run. And to his mommy.¡± He scoffs. ¡°And right after accusing you of the same.¡±


    Long stammers softly, ¡°Th-Thank you, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Look, if you don¡¯t want to be here, Long¡­¡±


    ¡°I-I do! I just¡­ I was scared¡­ you¡¯d tell her I¡¯m¡­ not cut out for it.¡±


    ¡°No one is this early. But, more importantly, I don¡¯t care if you can run ten miles with an 80 pound pack. I don¡¯t care if you can bypass an electronic circuit. I care about whether or not you¡¯ll pick up a rifle, hold onto a rifle, and empty a magazine into these ugly crocs.¡± He points over his shoulder at Fisher, who whines, ¡°Hey!¡± He grumbles as Grey turns more sincere, ¡°I could be wearing tacky chief¡¯s anchors on my collar¡­¡±


    Long looks down, and Grey adds more sternly, ¡°So shape up! That was pitiful! A darn cripple did better than you!¡±


    Hancock says brightly, ¡°Thanks, Chief!¡±


    ¡°Can it, Rookie! I want you to talk, I¡¯ll work you like a sock puppet!¡±


    The young marine slumps. Fisher teases, ¡°Rookie! Your second mistress finally let you go?¡±


    Hancock retorts, ¡°Hilarious, Petty Officer. I don¡¯t mind of course. She just DOESN¡¯T SLEEP!¡±


    The squad chuckles, and Mina jokes, ¡°Mmm, and you keep up with her? Interesting¡­¡±


    Before he can answer, a voice calls out over the hangar intercom, ¡°Spaceman Rex Hancock, report to Mobile Drydock Providence.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, groaning, ¡°How much science can one woman dooooo!?¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°It¡¯ll get better. That little lady¡¯s our best shot.¡±


    Hancock smirks, ¡°She¡¯s already got it. It¡¯s being installed now.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they going to test it?¡± asks Rena.


    Hancock replies, ¡°Her scale model worked. Or, at least, it shot off into space.¡±


    Fisher remarks dryly, ¡°That¡¯s comforting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just her tool jockey. I can only barely keep up at all.¡±


    Mina giggles, and Tachibana growls, ¡°Coulson¡­¡± Mina straightens instantly. ¡°I remembered a joke, Chief!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask, Coulson. But, since you offered, why don¡¯t you share?¡± Tachibana¡¯s typical sultry voice turned absolutely sinister at the end, and Mina blanches briefly.


    The quick-thinking Thing Three replies, ¡°Uhhh¡­ Knock-knock?¡±


    Fisher asks when no one else does, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Tachibana glares at him, and Mina continues, ¡°Planet.¡±


    There¡¯s another pause, and Grey sighs. ¡°Planet who?¡±


    Coulson grins when the one person Tachibana won¡¯t openly scold plays along. ¡°I didn¡¯t planet to include a punchline.¡±


    Grey states to Hancock, ¡°Rookie. Best not to keep Lopez waiting. Good work jumping into the exercise.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Chief!¡±


    Mina complains, ¡°HEY! Not even a chuckle?¡±


    Hancock makes his way back the way he came with a chuckle, and Grey retorts to Coulson, ¡°This is my ¡®Chief laugh¡¯.¡± He stares at her silently with a grim expression, and Rena bursts into laughter. Grey looks at the younger marines and recruits standing around him. He asks gruffly, ¡°WHATCHU WANT!? A HUG!? Clean up and get ready for the next exercise!¡±


    Everyone springs straight, including Spaceman Long, and they reply together, ¡°Yes Chief Petty Officer!¡±


    ¡®Chief.¡¯ ¡®Gunnery Sergeant.¡¯ Titles don¡¯t really matter. As long as he gets to train and lead humanity¡¯s spear tip, they can call him whatever the Navy likes.


    ¡®Gunnery Sergeant¡¯ did have a nice ring to it, though.


    ********

 Chapter 12: Relentless Pursuers in the Stars

    Captain Long watches from the damage control and crane ops loft that overlooks the hangar. Chief Grey is still running the squad through exercises. Jessica is trying, but it¡¯s obvious that she¡¯s nowhere near the physical readiness Angelica was at her age. The younger sister brings up the rear in most exercises, and Chief Grey or Chief Tachibana spend a healthy amount of time yelling at her.


    The Captain closes her eyes and focuses. She KNOWS the other recruits are getting similar treatments to her little sister. She just notices it more with Jessica because she¡¯s watching more closely.


    Someone enters behind her. Kane¡¯s voice requests, ¡°Permission to speak freely, Captain?¡±


    Long sighs, replying, ¡°Go ahead, Lieutenant.¡±


    Kane steps up beside her to watch the training. He asks warmly, ¡°Buyer¡¯s remorse?¡±


    Long sighs again. She finally steps away from the window, retorting -more displeased with herself than anything-, ¡°No.¡± She softens, reiterating, ¡°No. I couldn¡¯t be more proud of her. And, I couldn¡¯t be more thankful to Chiefs Tachibana and Grey. I just¡­ She¡¯s my little sister. She¡¯s¡­ all I have now. And, I¡¯m all she has. I don¡¯t NOT want to be the ¡®parent¡¯, for her sake, but¡­ I have no idea how to be.¡±


    Kane nods, still watching the training. He remarks, ¡°She¡¯s seventeen, yes? Technically, she¡¯s almost to the point that she doesn¡¯t need a ¡®parent¡¯, legally.¡±


    Long jokes, ¡°Oh, I can have THAT changed, believe you me.¡±


    Kane chuckles and replies, ¡°I believe it. But, the young woman I saw with you during our flight from Earth¡­ I don¡¯t know your full situation, but you¡¯re doing a good job. A GREAT job, just as a big sister. I think that¡¯s enough. Both Grey and Tachibana, as well as their squad mates, are amazing soldiers. They¡¯ll make Spaceman Long an amazing soldier as well. YOU just need to let them handle that, and you help her become an amazing woman. She may not want to walk in your footsteps exactly, but she¡¯ll always know a strong, caring sister who can help her keep her footing when she stumbles.¡±


    Long smiles, and she replies warmly, ¡°I appreciate that. And, I¡¯m trying, of course. I can see why people become corrupt¡­ It¡¯s easy to look after your own interests from a place of power.¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°Tell that to God.¡±


    Long scoffs, replying, ¡°I imagine he knows better than anyone.¡± There¡¯s a pause, and she asks, ¡°Must seem stupid now, more than ever¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± asks Kane politely.


    ¡°Religion. We¡¯re supposed to believe God created us in his image, but¡­ who created the Grodurns then?¡±


    Kane smiles sympathetically. He replies gently, ¡°If I may, Captain. It seems you¡¯re overcompensating with your sister to make up for your shaken faith.¡±


    Long gently clutches the cross on her shoulder, replying softly, ¡°Maybe I am¡­¡±


    Kane continues gently as he looks out over the hangar at nothing in particular, ¡°Forgive me, Captain, but I think it¡¯s rather arrogant to believe ¡®image¡¯ might not have meant ¡®imagination¡¯, or ¡®mental image¡¯.¡±


    Long looks up, surprised. Kane adds politely, gesturing distantly, ¡°People can believe God assembled a whole world, or the solar system -¡®let there be light¡¯-, or the whole universe in a single week. Let¡¯s say he did a world at a time. He has still had an eternity.¡± Kane looks at Long, asking, ¡°Why would God, creator of all things, stop at any one creation?¡±


    Long stares at him for a moment, stunned. Kane adds one more thought, ¡°People too zealously take meaning from translation after translation of the ¡®word of God¡¯, while so quickly losing the core message; be decent. We didn¡¯t have to hate each other, and we don¡¯t have to hate the Grodurns. But, we do have a right to survive, and we have a responsibility to be decent.¡±


    Long finally scoffs, ¡°So you think we¡¯re all just creations of God forgetting to be decent to each other?¡±


    Kane shrugs. ¡°Why not? That was the course of human history for all time. And, that was WHEN the religions believed whole-heartedly that respective deities created all humans. NOW, just because another race ACTUALLY looks completely different FOR ONCE, you question your faith? That which gave you strength?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I guess¡­ But¡­ What if¡­ If that¡¯s true, what if they were SENT to destroy us? What if they are God¡¯s will?¡±


    Kane smirks, replying politely, ¡°I¡¯ll be honest. I¡¯m not strongly faithful myself. But, I believe faith is good. So, let me ask¡­ What does Revelations say in summary?¡±


    Long shrugs, ¡°The trumpets will sound, the Rapture will take the true Christians to heaven, and Earth will be destroyed by war between Jesus and the Antichrist and the legions of the devil.¡±


    ¡°Name one of those things that didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Long narrows her eyes at him skeptically. But, then, her skepticism eases back. She sees what he¡¯s saying. Metaphorically, the trumpets are represented by the ¡®Burps¡¯. The global destruction by the legions of the devil is represented both by human evils and the Grodurns. But, the Rapture is still left out. Or, no one on Earth was worthy.


    Kane spreads his arms, gesturing generally and replying to her building counter, ¡°Welcome to Heaven, Captain Long. What better thing for God to surround himself with than empty space in which to create? The only parts left out are us dying and being free from worry. And streets of gold, I suppose.¡±


    Long stares at him, stunned for a moment. She softens into a warm smile, joking in reply, ¡°I dunno. After what you just said, sounds to me like we just have to find them.¡±


    Kane grins, replying sincerely, ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±


    Long steps back up to the window, staring distantly out over the hangar. She remarks softly, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll start calling the evacuation the Rapture any time soon, Lieutenant. But¡­¡± She looks at him with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re right. We need to keep our strength. Now, more than ever. Thank you, Lieutenant.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Of course, Ma¡¯am. Last thing we need is our Captain giving up.¡±


    Long looks down at her sister. Tachibana is currently yelling at all of the recruits at once, while Grey strips a firearm and tosses pieces at each recruit.


    Captain Long says tenderly, ¡°I can¡¯t teach Jessica what she wants to learn. But, I can protect her my way. And I WILL do that.¡±


    Kane says warmly, ¡°Hooah.¡±


    Surprised, Long looks at him. She asks, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What, Ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°The Navy is ¡®Hooyah¡¯. Marines is ¡®Oorah¡¯. Were¡­ you Air force?¡±


    Kane shakes his head, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t remember, Ma¡¯am¡­ It just¡­ felt like a part of me.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Fair enough.¡± There¡¯s a quiet pause for a moment. Long asks, a little more distantly, ¡°I don¡¯t fully understand your device or the power it gives you, but will¡­ you be able to sustain it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It falters at times, and guides my hand others. I think it¡¯s protecting itself and me as much as I¡¯m using it. I don¡¯t know how to explain it.¡±


    Long nods politely, listening. He adds, ¡°I¡¯ve gotten a feel for some basic parlor tricks, but I can tell this thing is much more powerful than I can comprehend. Which¡­ concerns me.¡±


    ¡°I understand. If there¡¯s any way we can help you, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. If it can be reproduced, it may not be such a bad idea to issue a few more.¡±


    Kane replies distantly, ¡°I¡¯d prefer to wait until we understand the drawbacks. This could have shortened my life by decades, or amnesia is a regular occurrence. Who knows? Maybe I¡¯m the antichrist, and I forgot.¡±


    Long scoffs, adding warmly, ¡°If that¡¯s true, then we need to keep your memories gone.¡±


    The two share a chuckle.


    After another brief quiet, Long asks, ¡°Do¡­ you think Dr. Lopez will finish in time? That we¡¯ll survive?¡±


    Kane softens, saying quietly, ¡°I can¡¯t see the future, Captain. But,¡­ I will give all of my strength to ensure the fleet survives. Even if I have to give my life.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that, though? You can¡¯t even remember anyone you love. What do you owe to us?¡±


    Kane smiles softly, ¡°That¡¯s just it. I don¡¯t have the same things to lose as everyone else. It¡¯s practical.¡±


    Long sighs. ¡°Life isn¡¯t practical, Lieutenant. It doesn¡¯t fit into a neat and tidy box. It is chaos, and irrational.¡±


    Kane smirks. ¡°I think you just answered your own questions, Captain.¡±


    She pauses and sighs with a smile. She says gently, ¡°Just¡­ do try to stay alive, Lieutenant. You¡¯re more useful that way. Practicality and all.¡±


    He chuckles, ¡°Aye, Captain.¡±


    ********


    Jessica lays in her and Angelica¡¯s bed following her alarm. It¡¯s the next morning, and it starts like any other. Her muscles must have gotten stronger over these couple weeks, because they¡¯re less sore than the days when it all began. She¡¯s fortunate Grey isn¡¯t quite running his squad like boot camp, so he won¡¯t burst into her bunk¡¯s curtain to rip her out of bed. In fact, she knows he, Tanya, and Angelica are already awake because she can hear Tanya and Angelica whispering to each other as Grey makes a small breakfast on the hot plate frying pan he acquired. Maya, the little girl adopted by Grey and Tanya, is usually the last to wake up, and Grey usually does it in ¡®Marine fashion¡¯ for the little girl by easing her awake enough to not cry when he barks at her to get out of bed.


    Jessica realizes she may be disadvantaged from typical Marine training where the drill instructors break down the marines through insults and yelling, but Grey does his best to balance that aspect with maintaining a shred of civilian life -a luxury now-. Unlike Earth-trained Marines who only had to survive a few months of emotional abuse and then they could visit home, Jessica is stuck with her ¡®drill instructor¡¯ for the foreseeable future. He can¡¯t afford to make her hate him just as much as he can¡¯t afford to baby her.


    And, she doesn¡¯t hate him. Even when he¡¯s screaming in her face about her slipping up or making a mistake, he¡¯s making sense. The hardest for her, honestly, is when Grey and Tachibana gang up on her and yell conflicting things at her during stressful events, such as with Mina yesterday. Grey explained at dinner that he would have yelled no matter what she did, and the point was for her to make and commit to a decision. And, when she reflected on what happened, even she could see where her indecisiveness caused her problems.


    Her ponderings take longer than usual, and Chief Grey growls out at middle volume, ¡°Up and at ¡®em, Marines. Dead men sleep the day away.¡±


    The metallic toe of Grey¡¯s boot taps the bottom of Jessica¡¯s bed. She can hear the same from the other bed, and the cute yawns of Maya follow.


    Maya squeaks, ¡°Nnn¡­ F-five more minutes, Sargen?...¡±


    Grey growls a little sternly, ¡°You back-talking me, Marine? And it¡¯s Chief, now. I have to tell you again, and you¡¯ll be doing ¡®ABC¡¯s until the sun goes down.¡±


    Maya squeaks, ¡°Y-Yes Sa-um-Chief.¡±


    Jessica rolls out of bed, and she quickly puts her shirt and shorts on. It¡¯s hot in the ships, so Grey hung curtains all over the suite for some semblance of privacy for the women in the room. She steps out into the open and says warmly, ¡°Good morning, Chief.¡±


    Grey looks at her and asks sharply, ¡°Commanding Officer is in the room, and you greet a lowly enlisted first?¡± He smirks, adding, ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± He then says more plainly and genuinely, ¡°Remember, courtesy dictates you address and greet in order of rank. This is a special scenario, so I won¡¯t yell. But, be mindful of it if Captain Long is in uniform.¡±


    Jessica smiles and nods, saying, ¡°Sir yes sir!¡± She looks at Angelica, who sips a coffee as she watches, wearing a tee shirt and shorts as well. Jessica says politely, ¡°Good morning Captain. Good morning Miss Tanya.¡±


    Tanya giggles and teases, ¡°Ooo, good morning to you too, Marine.¡± Angelica smiles and replies, ¡°Good morning, Spaceman Long.¡± She then teases, ¡°Don¡¯t call Chief ¡®sir¡¯. He works for a living.¡±


    Grey scoffs. ¡°Navy logic. You know how many times I heard that as a rookie, Captain?¡±


    Angelica smirks, teasing, ¡°A lot?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. And always from Navy boys.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not JUST a Navy boy, now. You¡¯re a Chief. Get used to it.¡±


    Grey scoffs again, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± He then says to Jessica, ¡°Coffee and pancakes. Help yourself.¡±


    Jessica replies politely, ¡°Thank you, Chief. But, I¡¯ll pass for now.¡±


    Grey scowls at her. He growls softly, ¡°The crocs could arrive any minute, Marine. Who knows when we¡¯ll have time to eat once they attack?¡±


    Jessica wants to object. But, Angelica coos, ¡°He¡¯s right, Jessie. Please try to eat something. You also need to accustom your body to doing physical activity after food where possible, because you never know when things will happen.¡±


    Jessica hesitates, but nods. She takes a couple pancakes and a half cup of coffee and sits down with Angelica and Tanya. Tanya and Angelica look when a small body tumbles out of Grey¡¯s and Tanya¡¯s bed. Maya is dressed in her small-sized uniform, taken in by Kenzie for the little girl¡¯s size. Maya whimpers, ¡°Owie¡­¡±


    Grey asks gruffly, ¡°You okay, Marine?¡±


    Maya pouts, but nods. He says, ¡°Good. Get something to eat. And, wash those hands, first.¡± Maya halts as she was jogging straight for the pancakes excitedly. She begrudgingly jogs to the sink, climbing up onto the counter to reach.


    Grey then says more casually to Angelica, ¡°Any word on the science teams, Cap?¡±


    The woman relaxes as she fidgets with her coffee, ¡°You can call me ¡®Angelica¡¯ out of uniform, Alex.¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°No ma¡¯am. Too easy to flub when it matters. Sorry.¡±


    She smiles, ¡°Very well.¡± Her face turns more plain, replying, ¡°I¡¯ll be receiving the morning report shortly, but¡­ I think Captain Murdock is jerking me around. Which means¡­¡± She trails off, frowning softly.


    Tanya asks, ¡°W-¡­ What happens if¡­?¡±


    Grey instantly interjects, ¡°We fight. Giving up isn¡¯t an option. We fight until Science Team succeeds. Lopez is squirrelly, but she¡¯s as passionate as they come.¡±


    Angelica nods. ¡°We do everything we can. I¡¯m not about to give up either.¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡± squeaks Maya. Grey chuckles and pats her head warmly. He asks, ¡°Where do we aim, Little Bird?¡±


    ¡°Their backs!¡±


    ¡°And what do we do with their guns?¡±


    ¡°Use ¡®em!¡± cheers the little girl, unlikely fully understanding the context.


    He coos warmly, though, ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    Jessica starts to ask, ¡°Angie¡­?¡±


    Angelica smiles at her, ¡°Yes, Jessie?¡±


    ¡°Why did you¡­?¡± A voice comes over the intercom suddenly, ¡°Gravimetric Pulse detected. Contact imminent.¡±


    Everyone turns pale. Angelica jumps to the emergency phone, calling in, ¡°This is the Captain! General Quarters! Make sure the other ships know!¡±


    A moment later, the foreboding gonging of the ship¡¯s alarm sounds off, followed by, ¡°General Quarters, General Quarters! All hands, man your battlestations! The route of travel is forward and up to starboard, down and aft to port. Set material condition ¡®Zebra¡¯ throughout the ship. Damage control lockers make all reports to Damage Control Central. Away teams stand by to launch.¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Grey is already half way through shoving a pancake into his mouth as he storms out the door. He instantly shouts up the hall, ¡°LET¡¯S GO MARINES! WITCHING HOUR IS HERE! TIME TO MAKE US SOME NEW BOOTS AND BELTS!¡±


    The marines in the hall roar, ¡°OORAH!¡± as they stampede for their stations.


    Grey hesitates to say, though, ¡°Captain, no matter what; the second the switch is ready, flip it.¡±


    Angelica pauses in the middle of tying her boots. Jessica¡¯s stomach twists as everything starts to float from the ship ceasing its rotation to simulate gravity.


    Angelica starts to object, but Grey growls, ¡°Not an option, Captain. I¡¯LL deny the enemy their goal if I have to, but you deny them the fleet. End of discussion.¡±


    Maya starts to say, ¡°I¡¯ll help!¡± She jogs to the door, but Grey booms, ¡°NO. Stay with Tanya.¡± Tanya grabs her and hugs her as the girl whimpers. Jessica has her boots tied, but Grey asks, ¡°And where do you think YOU¡¯RE going, Long?¡±


    Jessica halts. She squeaks, ¡°I-¡­ I¡¯m¡­ part of your¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not ready for this. Stay with them.¡±


    Jessica is stunned and hurt, but Grey says nothing further. He simply steps into a drifting dive forward up the hall with the other Marines storming to stations.


    Jessica looks at Angelica, who is a little flustered at the coming battle. The older sister says softly, ¡°Stay safe, Cottonpuff.¡± She kisses Jessica¡¯s head and then jumps into the river of people racing by.


    Jessica looks at Tanya, who coos, ¡°He¡¯s just trying to protect you, Jess.¡±


    The young woman stares at the hall, listening as Maya whimpers, ¡°B-but, we can help!¡±


    ¡°I know, Sweetie. But, some of us need lots more training.¡±


    Jessica would have killed for her own parents to show so much concern for her. They disowned Angelica because she joined the Navy instead of following her mother¡¯s footsteps as a politician and noblewoman. The falling-out was far less clean than it sounds. They wanted to dictate where Angelica could go to school, whom she could date, when she would marry -too quickly for Angelica¡¯s tastes- and whom she could be friends with and what she did for fun. Angelica finally back-lashed and snapped¡­ during an important dinner party with all of their mother¡¯s influential friends and colleagues. She went on a wild temper-tantrum and absolutely embarrassed their mother before announcing to everyone she was enlisting. She commissioned quickly, and then she ascended to where she is now, ALL on her own.


    Alone under their parents, Jessica was mostly ignored. She was treated almost the opposite of Angelica. After all, Jessica¡¯s role in the political marriage was just being born after their mother was over 50. But, even 12 years apart, Angelica was always Jessica¡¯s loving big sister. They even had a secret code they wrote in to each other as children, which continued well into Angelica¡¯s naval career.


    Now, the closest thing Jessica¡¯s ever gotten to a father figure and her beloved sister are both going to fight. For humanity, for revenge¡­ no. For her. Her and all of their loved ones.


    Grey spent every day of the last two weeks trying to teach Jessica one thing. She listened well. But, now, she has to decide.


    ********


    Not long before, Baskylla Khlychlln Gorrvv¡¯rllk Zhrr Zhynnyz¡¯chn, Commander of the multiple exploratory baskyllas and main combat baskylla, glares at Jardzens Khla and Dzor on screen, as well as their heavily damaged battleships. Two recon units have conquered worlds before, as well as annihilated them. However, it is extraordinarily rare that the duo fails to achieve the primary objective.


    Khla and Dzor have both had their eyes forcefully opened to the underlying problem. They both realize this. But, that is part of the current problem.


    Grodrrns have become so used to dominance and easy victory, they cannot comprehend the only threat that endangers their entire race; a worthy foe. They had become complacent, and in that complacency, two battleships, the likes of which have wiped out Earth equivalents before, were defeated by poorly armed, armored, and crewed ships.


    Khla also acknowledges something Dzor didn¡¯t seem to witness; the powerful human -the human magician-. Khla is comfortably certain that human was not bluffing. Dzor¡¯s report indicates the same human, or a very similar one, led the assault on Dzor¡¯s ship. He¡¯s also comfortably certain Helmdraav Khla, the Jardzen¡¯s own hatchling, is the only reason the human spared any of them. He could have reversed the deceleration sequence and vaporized Dzor¡¯s ship, but he didn¡¯t. Though, Dzor¡¯s report also suggests it was a young pair of humans who seized control of his ship¡¯s control network. So, either humans are inherently compassionate, or the pair was under orders. Either way, both Dzor and Khla are lucky to still have ships and crews, let alone their own lives.


    Zhynnyz growls coldly, but anger is apparent behind his calm exterior demeanor, ¡°[Explain it to me like I¡¯m a mammal. How did two of the most highly decorated and accomplished Baskilla Yarjens in Fievegal history fail like this was their first Nolzhyeer?]¡±


    Both Dzor and Khla MUST remain civil. They¡¯re already in deep disgrace. Dzor made his intentions to stay spitefully silent clear. Khla can¡¯t blame him. If the full baskylla succeeds, which they will, then Khla and Dzor are looking at banishment, if not execution. Best case, they get dumped on one of the three habitable colonial worlds with an indigenous race that hates Grodrrns and is ruled by petty and spiteful Makczi. Worst case, he is fed to the parasitic unglulk. Khla would rather jettison himself into space, personally.


    Dzor believes and he¡¯s probably not far off, that their best chance is to let the Fievegal go in and find out the hard way. After all, there¡¯s no way the Khlychlln will heed their warnings until after they¡¯re already well-past executed. And then, he¡¯ll just blame them posthumously.


    Instead, they stick to their reports. If done well, the facts will serve as warning, which Zhynnyz will likely ignore, and he will use them for the onslaught as expendable cannon fodder. BUT, if they all survive, the Fievegal will investigate and see the warning in the facts reported by both Khla and Dzor. It¡¯s still a long shot, but it¡¯s all they have.


    Khla says politely, ¡°[Crih-huln, our reports are as extensive and clear as possible.]¡±


    The Khlychlln snorts, retorting tauntingly, ¡°[You don¡¯t wish to defend your incompetence? Good.]¡± Khla notices Dzor¡¯s jaw tighten. He prays to the spirits that Dzor says nothing detrimental. Khla¡¯s counterpart stays quiet, and Zhynnyz adds, ¡°[What an irony. I had to bail the last failures out as well.]¡± He turns serious, ordering, ¡°[Your ships will lead the vanguard flank and absorb any of the devastating shots the humans can muster while MY baskylla jumps to strategic locations to surround the mammals.]¡±


    He then orders to all ships, ¡°[All ships, set weapon intensity to lowest setting. We will attempt to take out any defensive hardpoints without detonating their magazines. Commence gravionic pulse.]¡±


    Officers confirm, and the pulse bursts out, imperceptible except for the instruments.


    Khlychlln Zhynnyz¡¯s communication officer reports, ¡°[Human fleet located, Crihhuln!]¡±


    He growls at Dzor and Khla, ¡°[Go. Commence attack. And, do NOT get in my way.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Crihhuln,]¡± reply both Dzor and Khla together. They log off. Khla orders, ¡°[Jump to assigned coordinates.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Yarjen!]¡± Khla watches the ship¡¯s bubble form. The screens all flicker out. The humans haven¡¯t gotten far with only sub-light engines, so the jump only lasts a moment. The human ships appear on his virtual display. They are in a tight formation with only one ship at the tail of the formation; one of their high population ships.


    Khla glances to his right. A virtual representation of Dzor¡¯s ship is displayed in red, and his counterpart¡¯s hangar is opening. Khla states, ¡°[Establish communication as quickly as possible and scramble fit fighters. Boarding teams away. Forward batteries, prioritize targets to weapon emplacements only and commence bombardment.]¡±


    The first reply is from the fire control officer, who replies, ¡°[Yarjen! Batteries reporting all detected armaments are on ONE vessel only. The rear vessel.]¡±


    Confused, Khla ponders a moment. His ship shakes from an incoming barrage of multiple hits. The damage control officer cries out, ¡°[Yarjen! Multiple hits! Hull breaches detected!]¡±


    Khla orders, ¡°[Engage shoring procedures! Batteries! Fire on all weapon emplacements!]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen!]¡±


    Khla scratches his chin. His XO, Mrff, grunts out, ¡°[The humans are crafty, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla nods. He¡¯s not as surprised this time, but Dzor¡¯s report and this new development suggest the humans have rapidly converted four lightly armed ships to one moderately armed ship. They¡¯ve compiled all of their weapons into one location to make one sacrificial heavy hitter, if need be.


    A new voice calls out from launch control, ¡°[Yarjen! Helmdraav Craw requests permission to launch!]¡±


    ¡°[Denied,]¡± grunts out Khla almost immediately. She¡¯s not medically cleared for duty yet. Of course, a Jardzen can supersede that clearance, but¡­ He glances at Mrff, who looks at him only once, but says nothing. Mrff will say nothing. He understands Khla plenty. His hatchling¡¯s hands may be usable again, but they are not at the reflexes she had yet, which could cost a pilot as they are now. And¡­ Khla has a decent idea how this battle is going to end, no matter how many ships the Fievegal sends. This craftiness in the humans is only the egg tooth to their desperation to survive. No, not desperation. Animals and cowards get desperate. Khla can truly say of the humans that this is a PASSION for life. They are highly motivated and focused on survival, using absolutely everything they can come up with.


    If the humans succeed, and Khla suspects they will, anyone near their ships are going to be dragged to whichever random point in space the humans choose. The Fievegal IS starting to get desperate, though, with an animalistic hunger. The very beings that caused the biggest crisis in Fievegal -even Grodrrn- history are also the ones who can undo the damage of even what the Grodrrns intentionally inflicted upon themselves so long ago, begging for this exact scenario.


    The Saurmynnyka was a goddess¡­ right up until she died.


    Now, because the humans snap-reacted to Khla¡¯s initial strike -which he wanted to recommend against, but didn¡¯t- , the Fievegal will be forced to pursue the humans to the ends of the universe.


    Khla will try to fulfill his duty, of course, but he will not be¡­


    ¡°[Yarjen!] snaps a familiar voice as she storms into the bridge. It is Helmdraav Khla, his hatchling. She snarls, ¡°[I am fit for duty! I beg of you! Let me redeem myself!]¡±


    While Khla has often scolded his inferiors for outbursts like this, he rarely exercises his authority to execute insubordinates. For other Jardzens, it¡¯s not uncommon. He often finds himself secretly thankful that the Fievegal put her under his command.


    Jardzen Khla growls, ¡°[Helmdraaff!...]¡±


    Before he can go further, she begs, ¡°[Please! I disgraced myself and my family name! I will succeed or die trying! For the Fievegal!]¡± ¡°[NO!]¡± roars Khla.


    The bridge quiets. Khla looks around, flexing his jaw a little to relax it from clenching. This isn¡¯t a discussion to be had on the bridge. He stands up, growling, ¡°[Yarjen Murf has command.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Yarjen!]¡± reply his officers.


    Mrff nods civilly, taking the Jardzen¡¯s chair as Khla drags the young female out by her arm. He shoves her into his private quarters, glancing up and down the hallway for eavesdroppers. He slams the door behind him and snarls, ¡°[WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? If communications had been active, they would banish us both!]¡±


    ¡°[Yarjen, I¡­]¡±


    Khla cuts her off loudly, ¡°[I¡¯M NOT DENYING AS THE YARJEN!]¡± There¡¯s a silent pause, and he growls out almost imperceptibly, ¡°[I denied you as your Hulm¡¯hin.]¡± A volley from the humans shakes the ship.


    Neezha¡¯s face softens. Khla continues, ¡°[Do not ask me to risk your safety again so soon, my Zhi.]¡±


    ¡°[Hulma¡­]¡± She stares at him a while longer. She whispers, ¡°[O-¡­ Okay, Hulm¡¯hin.]¡±


    Khla sighs. ¡°[Thank you, Zhi. Let us survive today, and worry about our name tomorrow.]¡±


    She nods her understanding. Khla gently strokes the top of her head in appreciative affection. He then heads back to the bridge. Another volley rumbles the ship, even with the battleship firing back.


    Khla asks as Mrff stands up to turn over with him, ¡°[Status?]¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°[Boarding craft have deployed as well as fighters. The forward batteries are having trouble hitting the enemy ship.]¡±


    Khla asks surprised, ¡°[Tracking resolution is too small to target their cannons¡­?]¡± Khla hears himself as he replays Mrff¡¯s words. He corrects, ¡°[Did you say the ship?]¡±


    Mrff nods. Khla is confused. He has seen the issue he was originally asking about, where the turrets of enemy ships, stations, or surface installations are too small or have weird shapes or angles, causing the computers to be unable to target them. But, he has yet to see a ship the firing batteries have trouble hitting. Not this size, at least.


    Khla runs through his head all known factors affecting their weaponized beta pulse bolts. Being a concentrated ¡®bolt¡¯ of high energy electrons, the shots travel extremely quickly, have excellent range in vacuum, and are relatively unaffected by planetary, solar, and shipboard artificial gravity, which the humans don¡¯t even seem to use.


    But, Khla knows their biggest weakness; magnetic fields. Depending on the polarity of the field, the electrons can be attracted or repelled. Khla shouts, ¡°[Polarity spectrum scan!]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish Yarjen!]¡± The primary screen switches to a rainbow of color, which very clearly shows a concentration of purple to blue -the highest intensity- on the human ships, specifically the back end of their ships. Could it be their engines? Could it be something intentional? With the humans, either option is possible, and Khla accepts it. In fact, he¡¯s ready for it.


    More Fievegal ships begin to arrive, but they are at further range than Khla or Dzor. They will have an even harder time hitting the human ships. Dzor¡¯s ship accelerates, suggesting he realized the flaw too.


    Khla orders, ¡°[To all batteries, switch to posi-beta bolt shot.]¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and his fire control officer finally says, ¡°[Yarjen! To do that, all batteries will have to be powered down, de-polarized, and then charged back up!]¡±


    The commanding officer replies calmly, ¡°[I¡¯m aware. Order stands.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Yarjen!]¡±


    ¡°[Temporarily divert excess power to shoring systems and take us Z-negative. The bulk of their fire is coming from the ventral surface.]¡±


    Steering announces, ¡°[Z-negative at three degrees, Yarjen! Standing by for updates!]¡±


    Damage control announces, ¡°[Shoring systems optimized, Yarjen! Hull integrity average, eighty nine percent! Climbing!]¡±


    Another volley from the human ship slams closer this time, rattling the bridge. Some officers grunt or cry out in surprise, but they stay on task.


    Launch control announces, ¡°[Last transport away, Yarjen!]¡±


    Khla nods, but pauses. He growls, ¡°[What?]¡±


    ¡°[Last transport away, Y-]¡± ¡°[WHO IS PILOTING!?]¡±


    Startled, the launch officer replies, ¡°[H-Helmdravv¡­ Craw¡­ Yarjen¡­]¡±


    Khla¡¯s jaw tightens and his blood chills. The launch officer quickly explains, ¡°[S-She had a valid authorization code, Yarjen! I-I¡¯m¡­]¡±


    Khla booms, ¡°[Accelerate to maximum velocity now! Prepare for emergency jump!]¡±


    Mrff steps up this time, saying quietly, ¡°[Yarjen, emergency jump will risk destroying life support. Let our compensators recharge.]¡±


    Khla snarls, ¡°[WE won¡¯t be making the jump.] He nods at the human ships.


    Mrff sighs. ¡°[She disobeyed orders, Yarjen¡­ Sometimes¡­]¡±


    Khla growls, ¡°[I know what you¡¯re going to say. So, either relieve me, or follow my orders.]¡±


    There¡¯s a silent pause. The whole bridge silently awaits Niolayt Jardzen Mrff¡¯s decision. One being on the ship has the authority to declare the Baskylla Jardzen unfit and have him removed from command; the Niolayt Jardzen. Mrff would have to be transferred to a new ship as second in command if he did so, and Khla would be even more strictly evaluated following the other incidents. But, this scenario is one of many as to why Niolayt Jardzens have that authority.


    Mrff looks around the bridge, still deliberating intensely. Khla knows he put Mrff in a terrible position, but he stands by it. Neezha¡¯s transport doesn¡¯t have a jump drive. If she gets caught in the human¡¯s jump, she¡¯ll be lost to oblivion. This is true of all the ships in proximity to the human jump ship, which they seem to understand. Their formation is tight and organized.


    The electronic systems affected by Khla¡¯s ship¡¯s jump clear, and the view screens depict the battle raging ahead. Smoke trails from the human combat ship as it fires volleys at Khla¡¯s and Dzor¡¯s ships. Impacts have hit the ship, but many are grazing blows, even with the hailstorm raining inwards on them from every direction.


    Explosions speckle the space around them, though. The zoom screen shows tiny rocket flares pouring off of the hull, exploding harmlessly or successfully, deterring the transport ships. Closer inspection reveals the sources to be¡­ foot soldiers. Human foot soldiers are on their hull, defending the ship. Some vanish in the few beta blasts that hit, but many are fearlessly holding their ground with nothing but EVA equipment to protect them from the vacuum of space.


    Another flash also denotes something surprising. A lone human heavy tracked vehicle is on the hull, firing its turret at any target that presents itself.


    Khla¡¯s suspicion is confirmed. The humans are indeed not desperate. They are ferociously passionate about surviving, to the last if need be. Nothing is being overlooked as a defensive option. Crates are being shoved in the path behind their ships, wooden furnishings, bombs, and shrapnel. Every weapon that fires is being fired.


    Mrff finally growls at the silent stares, ¡°[You have your orders. Make them so.]¡± He crosses his arms, nodding civilly at Khla. Relief washes over the Baskylla Jardzen. Steering announces, ¡°[Accelerating, Yarjens!]¡±


    Damage control announces, ¡°[Relieving excess power to the engines, Yarjen!]¡± Steering adds, ¡°[Correcting course for interception!]¡±


    Just before Khla can speak further, the faces of Dzor and Zhynnyz appear, and Zhynnyz growls angrily, ¡°[Craw! Why has your ship stopped firing!]¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°[Strategy adjust, Crihhuln. We¡­]¡± Dzor¡¯s image flickers a weird pattern of lines for a moment, which distracts Khla. Something crawls under his front scales. Something just went very wrong.


    Zhynnyz doesn¡¯t seem to notice, snarling, ¡°[Explain! How are the humans shielding themselves!? How do you plan to defeat it!? Prox¡­!?]¡±


    Zhynnyz doesn¡¯t finish. Dzor¡¯s guns suddenly stop firing. They turn at full radial speed to target ships around them, including the transports and fighters. His ship opens up full-bore, firing in virtually every possible direction. His heavy cannons pound the Fievegal battleships, causing Zhynnyz¡¯s fleet to suddenly break formation to try to avoid Dzor¡¯s barrage.


    Meanwhile, Dzor¡¯s image is screaming at the video and his officers in a panic, but he is completely silent. Zhynnyz snarls, ¡°[TRAITOR!]¡±


    Khla cries out, ¡°[NO! Crihhuln! His ship systems were compromised by the humans! They must have left a way in!]¡±


    Zhynnyz roars, ¡°[TARGET HARD POINTS ON DZOR¡¯S SHIP! ALL SHIPS! FIRE ON HIS WEAPONS NOW! CRAW! WHY ISN¡¯T HE FIRING ON YOU!?]¡±


    ¡°[Unclear!]¡± retorts Khla. He suspects it¡¯s because his is the only ship not firing.


    Zhynnyz bellows, ¡°[DO NOT LET THE HUMANS GET AWAY, CRAW! EVEN IF HIS SHIP FIRES ON YOU!]¡±


    Khla nods. Dzor is still a good bit ahead of him, but was running at normal full speed. Khla can catch him.


    However, he suddenly realizes,¡­ Khla yells, ¡°[Recall all transports now! Tell them to swing wide of us. ALL friendly transports!]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Yarjen!]¡±


    Khla¡¯s heart is pounding. This is more chaos, there are more variables, and more dangers than he¡¯s ever faced before. EVERYTHING is on the line now. He pulls status on Neezha¡¯s ship. She¡¯s still flying, avoiding human rockets and missiles, but Dzor hasn¡¯t targeted her yet. The tempo of everything has increased.


    Khla should have stood up to Zhynnyz when he had the chance. He should have fought to explain the true power of the humans, the true danger they pose. The Fievegal cannot treat them like ANY other race they¡¯ve ever battled. Maybe, though, it¡¯ll finally sink in. All Khla can really think about now is saving his precious Zhi.


    The tempo increases further when Mrff whispers, ¡°[Yarjen¡­]¡± He points to the screen. Khla watches carefully. A white flicker sparkles ahead of the human fleet. It¡¯s brief, but it was there. It feels like Khla¡¯s blood just drained from his body.


    The humans are at the cusp. If they understand the technology and what they have to do, their jump bubble will be larger than their fleet. And, Dzor¡¯s ship is creeping into that threshold.


    It¡¯s all falling apart. Khla can see it playing out already. Dzor¡¯s ship is being inadvertently devastated by the incoming fire as his ship continues to fire. Several of Zhynnyz¡¯s ships are already crippled; broadside being the deadliest a Fievegal ship can be.


    Dzor¡¯s face is distraught as he barks out orders. His scales have lost much of their vibrancy. Khla booms over Zhynnyz, ¡°[DZOR! Dzor, divert course!]¡± He yells, ¡°[Get the transports out of there, NOW!]¡±


    He tries Dzor again, waving at his counterpart, ¡°[Dzor! They¡¯re about to jump!]¡±


    The Jardzen notices him, watching in flustered bewilderment as Khla waves and tries to signal him to break off his attack. All Dzor can do, when he does finally respond, is shake his head solemnly. Khla slumps back into his chair as Mrff bellows, ¡°[HARD LEFT DIVERGE! SIGNAL FLASHES IF THEIR COMMS ARE DOWN!]¡±


    Khla interjects, ¡°[HARD RIGHT DIVERGE! RAM DZOR¡¯S SHIP!]¡±


    Mrff retorts, ¡°[Yarjen!]¡±


    ¡°[WE CAN SAVE THEM! RAM THEIR SHIP CLEAR!]¡±


    ¡°[DISREGARD THAT! Yarjen, it¡¯s¡­]¡±


    ¡°[DO IT!]¡± Khla jumps to his feet. ¡°[It¡¯s their only cha-]¡± A powerful right hook slams Khla, crumpling him back into his chair. Mrff growls more calmly, ¡°[It¡¯s TOO late.]¡± He points at the screen. Khla¡¯s own color drains from his body, undoubtedly. Dzor looks up away from the camera. A strange calm comes over his face as his bridge starts to brighten. Dzor¡¯s posture straightens. The fear and anxiety roll away. And, he raises his hand to cradle the sun. He is picturesque, -the epitome of calm-.


    Khla slowly stands up, raising his hand to cradle the sun as well. Mrff does the same. It¡¯s all they can do at this point.


    ********

 Chapter 13: Salvage and Rescue

    The Grodrrns have been firing since the moment they landed. Either they¡¯re trash gunners, or God is still looking after the human fleet. Sergeant Grey doesn¡¯t know or care. All he cares about is taking out these two battleships any way he can.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Marines! Our pants shouldn¡¯t have twisted our ankles! Get the lead out!¡±


    It¡¯s the same team he boarded with last time, minus Hancock and the two scientists. They scramble into EVA suits as the ship quakes from the few shots the Grodrrns land, reminding Grey that if God IS protecting them, he has no intention of doing ALL of the work.


    Other squads are also boarding makeshift landing craft made out of the smaller mining ships, escape pods, and whatever else they can find.


    Tachibana gives a more grim speech, ¡°Hell is a one way ticket, Marines! And we¡¯re going to see these walnut-brains to the elevator!¡±


    The marines cheer, ¡°OO-RAH!¡±


    His team piles into the mining shuttle. Not one of his new recruits passed this test, but that¡¯s okay. They¡¯ll be around to pass another day.


    However, when Grey looks, he spots a young woman fumbling with an EVA suit as she runs toward him. He smirks. He stands corrected.


    Spaceman Long gets her suit sealed, minus her helmet, and she says shakily, but sternly, ¡°Ch-Chief! I¡¯m going with you!¡±


    Grey hesitates only a moment. He says calmly, ¡°You¡¯re still not ready.¡± He offers his hand, adding, ¡°Neither am I.¡±


    Long¡¯s eyes water, and she shoves her helmet on. She takes his hand. Grey pulls her into the shuttle and closes the hatch. He calls up, ¡°Ready!¡±


    ¡°Ready, Aye!¡± calls back the pilot. Grey shouts, ¡°Coulson. Check Long over.¡±


    Both Coulson¡¯s confirm, ¡°Yes, Chief!¡± They check Long¡¯s seals and adjust anything needing adjustment. Grey listens to the pilot call on the radio, ¡°Control, Alpha team, ready to launch.¡±


    ¡°Stand by Alpha team. More hostiles arriving.¡±


    ¡°More?¡± asks Tachibana, surprised. ¡°What do we do? Do we split up more?¡±


    ¡°Away teams. Prioritize targets based on proximity. You have permission to¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± cries a young man¡¯s voice into the radio channel. ¡°This is Spaceman Hancock. Dr. Lopez has it working! I repeat, the jump drive is working! She¡¯s calibrating parameters. PLEASE, keep everyone onboard!¡±


    The other voice growls, ¡°Spaceman, this is a mission channel.¡±


    Hancock cries out, ¡°Please! I¡¯m serious. Captain Long, please, I know you can hear me! Dr. Lopez can do it. Please buy us just a little longer WITHOUT sending anyone off of the ship! Please!¡±


    There¡¯s a pause.


    A long pause.


    The silence is starting to become unnerving.


    Tachibana finally sighs, grumbling, ¡°I better get promoted for this¡­¡± She barks into the radio, ¡°Executive decision! Away teams, we will NOT launch! Bolster defensive ranks on the hull! Priority one is denial of enemy objective!¡±


    There¡¯s another pause. Captain Long¡¯s voice comes over the radio this time, ¡°Chief Tachibana has my support. Away teams, join defensive forces and provide all available combat ability to defense. God¡¯s speed, Marines.¡±


    Grey chuckles, ordering, ¡°You heard the ladies, Marines! Ain¡¯t the first time orders change!¡± He opens the hatch and waves the marines out, stopping Tachibana to say, ¡°Chief¡­ Thank you.¡±


    She smirks and nods, whispering only to him, ¡°I¡¯d have done it, but I¡¯m not keen on being the gators¡¯ experiment. I can die up here just as well, thank you.¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°Oo-rah.¡± He hops down from the shuttle and spots Long inspecting several weapons. He realizes she hadn¡¯t grabbed one initially. The Chief approaches, handing her his alien blaster. ¡°Bigger the better, today, Marine.¡±


    She takes it, admitting softly, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m scared, Chief. B-but, y-you can count on me!¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°We¡¯re all scared. Keep your sights down range and squeeze the trigger ¡®till they stop shooting back. Do that for me, and your twenty-first birthday is on me.¡±


    Long scoffs and nods, ¡°Deal, Chief.¡±


    They jog behind the rest of the away teams as they file through the ship. The zero gravity is awkward, but their suits make it bearable at least.


    The marines pack into each of the six airlocks, 20 at a time, to cycle through to the outside. Grey stays close to Long, just in case the twins missed something on her suit. It¡¯s a thin layer of material between a marine and a gruesome death.


    Her suit holds, and she follows the rest of the team as they jog out to find positions to fire from.


    Grey almost thinks he stepped into a laser light show. Bright colors streak by in every direction. Flashes cast eerie shadows all over the place. The only indication of war audibly is the rumbling of the Polonia¡¯s artillery cannons turning and firing, which quakes through Grey¡¯s boots.


    The short wave radio open frequency is alive with marines calling out targets and directions, as well as screams of brothers and sisters falling in battle. But, just as quickly as Grodrrn shock troops are landing on the hull, marines are unloading on them. The transports and shuttles are the bigger threat as they swoop by, but the marines have prepared as much as possible for this day.


    Rocket volleys race into the void, virtually trapping the shuttles and transports and detonating them. Captured Grodrrn blasters fire at them as well, chewing through the armor plating and keeping the dropships from easily unloading boarders.


    But, the silence is so eerie. Grey is a seasoned soldier. He has seen combat from deserts to seas and every environment in between. During all of it, this much chaos would be pounding on his nerves directly via his eardrums. Instead, it¡¯s flashes, brief fireballs, and lasers.


    Grey grabs Long¡¯s shoulder and taps his helmet¡¯s ear position. She nods, and they both switch to their boarding team¡¯s private channel. Tachibana is already calling out, ¡°Brown, Moody! Focus on air contacts! Pazna, covering fire! Thing Three, look out for Thing Four! Fisher, Dumas; finish off anything Thing Four hits! Fredericks, alternate fire with Thing Four!¡±


    They cheer, ¡°OORAH!¡±, continuing to fire seemingly in a full hemisphere around themselves. Grey says to Long, ¡°Take position with Thing Three and do what she says. Otherwise, shoot at anything alien.¡±


    Long squeaks as loudly and confidently as her young fearful voice can muster, ¡°Yes Chief!¡±


    Tachibana reports as Grey joins her in firing into the flying craft, ¡°Similar to ground assault, Chief! Basic drop and shock!¡±


    ¡°Good! I like predictable targets!¡±


    She cheers in agreement, ¡°Oorah, Chief!¡±


    The minutes tick by slowly. The Polonia isn¡¯t giving up without a fight, even as cannons are whittled away, venting precious oxygen with every hit that punctures. Still, only two of the ships are actively approaching, and Grey notices something new. One of them has stopped firing. The paint scheme on it isn¡¯t as familiar as its partner battleship, but the damage to its pulse generator is.


    Captain Long¡¯s voice breaks through static, calling out, ¡°No one panic! Dr. Lopez just successfully accessed one of the hostile battleships; the mission zero one. Stand by!¡±


    A few more chaotic moments pass, but the partner battleship, the one Chief Grey and his expanded team boarded, suddenly stops firing as well. However, not for long. Bolts suddenly rain in every possible direction from the enemy ship. Its targets are a new shot of adrenaline for the marines. The hacked alien ship fires relentlessly on its own allies, excluding only the battleship next to it. Its broadside barrages hammer mercilessly on the battleships further out, while lighter guns add a new hailstorm for the transports and shuttles to dodge, with several very quickly succumbing to the combined firepower.


    Grey chuckles when Long cheers excitedly with the other marines. It¡¯s exciting indeed, but the battle isn¡¯t over. Tachibana calls out, ¡°Stay hot Marines! We¡¯re not out yet!¡±


    The firefight continues.


    Captain Long announces, ¡°All hands! Hang tight! Commencing jump!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± cries out Kane¡¯s voice just as a white flash illuminates everyone brightly from the Polonia¡¯s front, or even further than that. Hancock replies, ¡°Sir! We¡¯re ready! Dr. Lopez is¡­¡±


    Kane yells, ¡°GET EVERYONE BELOW DECKS NOW! NO ONE CAN LOOK AT THE LIGHT!¡±


    Captain Long only pauses a fraction of a second before yelling, ¡°MOVE! INSIDE MARINES! EVERYONE AWAY FROM WINDOWS!¡±


    Fisher groans dramatically, ¡°Go here! Go there!¡±


    Tachibana orders, ¡°Back below, Marines!¡±


    Dumas jokes as they fire on the run, ¡°At least it¡¯s zero-g cardio!¡±


    Rena adds playfully, ¡°Then I must be REALLY out of shape to be sweatin¡¯ this much.¡±


    Just as Mina starts to speak, a bolt hits the hull next to her, rupturing the deck. Grey jumps without thinking, realizing she¡¯s headed helplessly to the void otherwise, and she was ahead of him. But, he didn¡¯t think about one thing; that he¡¯s not coming back down either.


    A young voice cries, ¡°CHIEF!¡± His ankle is snagged just as he grips Mina¡¯s wrist. Mina¡¯s screams soften into panicked panting, and Grey glances. Long had tossed her blaster to hug his leg tightly, but her boots are slipping. It¡¯s only a second longer though before she¡¯s tackled in a group hug, halting her slide.


    The marines scramble to pull Grey and Mina quickly back down, easing them both back onto the hull. Mina cries out, ¡°My leg!¡±


    Without hesitation, Grey hoists her onto his back -weightlessness making it easy- and he shouts, ¡°Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll kiss you all inside!¡±


    The marines follow their comrades, quickly piling in as many marines as can fit in each airlock to cycle through faster. One of the first through overrides the hallways and airlock to let everyone pile inside without cycling the airlocks. They can always repressurize later.


    Once the last marines are inside, Grey closes the outer hatch. Several Grodrrn shock troops are lumbering towards them, but he yells, ¡°GO! ALL ABOARD CAPTAIN! OR ACCOUNTED FOR!¡±


    Long orders, ¡°Lopez! Now or never!¡±


    Grey looks at the young woman sticking to his side. She¡¯s staring outside. It only barely registers to him before he reacts. His right eye glimpsed white as it filled the void around them while he grabs and covers Long¡¯s face. Even with his eyes closed, he knows at once he¡¯ll never see out of his right eye again.


    ******


    Helmdravv Khla finally sees the blinkers on her Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s battleship. She¡¯s being signaled back. However, she also notices the flash just before her screens overload.


    It¡¯s already too late.


    Khla banks hard back into the core of the human fleet, using her memory alone. Her transport has no jump capability of its own, and so, it is not shielded the same way. Her instruments all lose power. She is at the mercy of the human¡¯s jump now, and wherever in the universe it takes them.


    Khla releases her controls and sits back, trying to relax. She can hear the last whirls of the life support system coast down. Alone in her ship as she is, she has about 8 hours of air if she stays calm. More if she can ease herself to sleep.


    She lays her head back, wondering what Jardzen Khla is going to do. He¡¯s very professional about the fact that his own hatchling serves under him. In fact, what happened just before she used her emergency authorization codes to sneak off the ship was the first time he has ever let their relationship come before duty. He undoubtedly knows she¡¯s gone. And, he¡¯ll quickly figure out that her ship isn¡¯t among the wrecks. She hopes he keeps his head. If she survives at all, it will only be through biding her time and patience. And, she must come to grips quickly with the very real and very probable chance that she¡¯ll never see her Chulm¡¯chn again.


    She won¡¯t dishonor her family further, though. She is still alive, which means she can still take as many humans with her as possible. Fewer soldiers means the Fievegal might still succeed¡­ If they can find the human fleet again.


    Helmdravv Khla gently and calmly grips her sidearm, cradling it in her lap as she waits. It¡¯s all she can do right now. Wait and hope.


    Her mind drifts into quiet. Her biology lets her maintain a minute awareness, even as she drifts deeper to sleep. It lets her process noises in a simple capacity. She¡¯s not conscious, per se, but she can make sense of the few noises in her ship to decide when to wake up. Her people evolved from ambush predators, so energy conservation and awareness are crucial.


    Something clinks against her ship only once. A light, grazing impact. Probably one of the human ammunition cartridges or a piece of shrapnel.


    Dreams aren¡¯t impossible in the sleep state Khla is in, but they typically don¡¯t happen. Then again, lack of oxygen tends to fire off neurons more randomly, meaning her brain is less focused.


    And, the dream she has, unsurprisingly, is about the last person she was thinking about; her Chulm¡¯chn. Her dream is little more than still frame scenes, but she can feel the emotions she felt at those times. He taught her to walk and how to speak. He mended her injuries and clothes. He fed her and raised her.


    She glimpses her Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s bondmate as well, Czill¡¯grrk, but she was always a lesser role in Neezha¡¯s life. Female Grodrrns generally are. They are laborers or soldiers before anything else. Though, the occasional dual female bonded pair is allowed to adopt a hatchling whose biological Chulm¡¯chn is killed. But, it¡¯s generally after the hatchling is born, and imprinting doesn¡¯t take place, making the familial bond much weaker.


    Another, deeper clonk penetrates to Neezha¡¯s limited fractionally conscious state. Again, it¡¯s singular, and it didn¡¯t jar her body. It could have been a fallen soldier¡¯s body adrift in the jump bubble. Again, it comes and goes, meaning it¡¯s not a threat. They¡¯re likely still in the jump.


    Neezha didn¡¯t hate her Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s bondmate, but she was at work when Neezha hatched. Imprinting is crucial to a Grodrrn¡¯s development, as it implants inherent trust in the hatchling¡¯s family. This, in turn, lets the guardians more easily teach the hatchling without aggression getting in the way. As such, hatchlings without a Chulm¡¯chn almost exclusively grow up to be sociopathic murderers. Likewise, abusive or aggressive Chulm¡¯chns are also not tolerated.


    But, Jardzen Khla was at every event in Neezha¡¯s life, from hatching and entrance to the hatchling academy, to her rites of passage and her commissioning as a pilot.


    A cool tickle slides gingerly down her cheek. She can tell the air temperature is dropping, but this is different. She realizes it¡¯s a tear.


    Jardzen Khla was in pain when he was telling her not to go. She didn¡¯t notice it at the time, but her mental image of him now; was there a glisten in his eyes?


    A deep thud hits the ship. It¡¯s followed by multiple clonks and metallic noises. Khla would gamble her next ten meals that she¡¯s hearing metallic boots and rigging gear. She heard the humans have been stealing EVERYTHING they can get away with, including the long range transport from which it¡¯s believed they developed their own jump drive. It¡¯s good warfare sense, especially with the humans¡¯ newly limited resources. And, it¡¯s also why Khla isn¡¯t surprised.


    Khla opens her eyes calmly. Her vision is blurry, her breaths are creating clouds, and her body feels much heavier, even though her ship¡¯s artificial gravity systems failed with her ship¡¯s power. The air is stale and thin, like grease and ozone mixed with her own odors. She must¡¯ve been asleep for hours. She may even be at the limits of her oxygen supply. But, she can take at least a few¡­


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Khla opens her eyes again, realizing she passed out. She must stay focused. She must retain consciousness. There¡¯s no telling how much time she lost. She slowly aims her sidearm at the hatch. It takes an immense amount of strength for such a simple motion. Her eyelids grow heavier and heavier. She tries to focus. The noises are muffled now, but still present. She¡¯s certain her ship is being towed.


    Khla jolts awake when a much deeper thud shakes her whole ship. She lost consciousness again. She¡¯s also breathing quicker. The air is almost un-breathable. She has maybe a minute left.


    A deep hiss sizzles and pops. Someone¡¯s cutting in. Khla squeezes her weapon. She¡¯s not even certain she has the strength to pull the trigger, but she has to try. For the Fievegal, for her family, for her Hulma¡­


    Light floods into the dark cockpit as the back hatch is ripped away. It floats lazily in the air. Only a moment passes before the alien smells find her nose and¡­ warmth. Warm, taste-filled air swirls around her, replacing the chilled and expended air of her ship. A small shadow looms at the door. For a moment, Khla HAD forgotten how small her adversaries actually are.


    She closes her eyes, trying to focus her vision as she calms her breathing. She can hear footsteps approaching. Two pairs of footsteps.


    She snaps her eyes open, glaring down at¡­ two humans; an adult -male, she¡¯s fairly certain-, and a small female youngling. She would never have forgotten their eyes, though; metallic grey, and shimmery green. The little female is holding the adult¡¯s hand, and she looks up at him. His lips curve with the corners slightly higher than the middle.


    The adult says calmly in human, ¡°Surrender, Helmdraaff Claw. We won¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    Khla tries to tighten her grip, but suddenly lets go of her weapon. It drifts away as she falls unconscious. As her mind is drifting into static, she can hear the word, ¡°Mehdyk!¡± being shouted by the human.


    ******


    Marines carefully drift the reptilian alien out of the ship, led by Lieutenant Kane. The ship is still in chaos from the fleet-wide losses of power and vital systems, and communications have still yet to be recovered. But, one of the mining barges, as well as the captured alien long range ship -the ¡®Sting Ray¡¯ as everyone¡¯s calling it, were able to start up. Captain Long decided captured Grodurns may prove useful alive more than dead, and ordered recovery as quickly as possible.


    The fleet is dead in space for the moment. They survived 9 hours in the strange jump bubble, but not without losses. Aside from those confirmed lost in combat prior to the jump, early reports suggest citizens aboard the Polonia suddenly fell out, killed on the spot for no apparent reason.


    The theories so far tie all of the effects to a large EMP generated by the jump field, with the field only sustaining by capacitors Dr. Lopez installed just in case. Her installation actually performs the same deceleration and dissolution of the bubble over time based on power in the capacitor, which undoubtedly saved the fleet as a whole.


    But, at least one of the larger mining vessels has been lost. After power was lost, it drifted to the edge of the bubble, so it¡¯s suspected, and vanished. Only speculation suggests what happened after.


    Fortunately, the human ships were designed with EMP¡¯s in mind -from terrorists and space EMPs, like a nebula bolt¡¯s burst-, but EMPs no less. The main reactors on the Polonia are already heating back up, and power should resume in minutes.


    Grey, of course, is one of the living victims. Not everyone heeded Kane¡¯s and Long¡¯s warnings, and too many on the Polonia alone lost either all or half of their eyesight. Grey¡¯s right eye is already milky grey, which he has hidden from everyone but Tachibana so far by keeping his helmet polarized. He suspects Fisher picked up on him fumbling with the right side of his belt, but the petty officer hasn¡¯t said anything yet.


    Grey studies the alien pilot as it¡¯s eased out by the group, with Little Bird floating along with Kane by his belt. Little Bird asks softly, ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to her now?¡±


    Kane replies gently, ¡°We¡¯ll hold her prisoner until we can talk to her. She¡¯s stuck with us for now. Hopefully, she understands what that means.¡± Kane orders the team, ¡°Make sure you secure her like I told you. There¡¯s no telling how strong a panicked Grodurn is. Or an enraged one.¡±


    ¡°Sir, yes sir!¡± replies HM1 Brown as he leads. Kane makes his way over to Grey with Little Bird.


    The young girl asks, ¡°Are you okay, Cheep?¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°Chief. With an ¡®F¡¯. And, yep yep. Doing good.¡±


    She smiles. She adds, ¡°That¡¯s the same girl alien we met on Earth!¡±


    ¡°So I hear. Would¡¯a been nice if she left us alone.¡±


    ¡°Stranger thinks we might be able to talk to her, though, and understand the Gr-Grodinns better. Th-then maybe we can be friends.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see¡­¡± replies Grey skeptically.


    Kane adds warmly, ¡°In any case, we bought ourselves a lot of time. We can finally get a real breather and sort everything out.¡±


    ¡°Oorah, sir,¡± replies Grey calmly.


    The overhead lights click back on, though some are burned out now. A deep chorus of whirs winds up to life, and Grey can tell the air is moving again.


    An announcement starts, ¡°Testing 1MC. Test complete. All hands, this is Captain Long. Emergency power has been restored. Please refrain from attempting to energize hotel services until power grid is fully restored. We¡¯re working on communications with the other ships. There have been losses, but we¡¯ve escaped. Memorial and prayer services will be held once ship safety has been fully recovered. Nonessential personnel, please remain confined to quarters. Thank you everyone for your continued support. Captain out.¡±


    Kane sighs, ¡°Good news. Let¡¯s hope it keeps coming. Chief, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯m going to¡­¡±


    Captain Long¡¯s voice comes over the announcement again. ¡°Lieutenant Kane; if possible, the bridge of one of the alien battleships is still intact. Please investigate.¡±


    Kane calls to a Marine, ¡°Petty Officer, please report to bridge, Kane en route to battleship.¡±


    ¡°Aye, sir!¡± replies the soldier as he jogs to a phone. Kane replies to Grey, ¡°Duty calls.¡±


    ¡°Call if you need backup, Sir.¡±


    Kane smirks, cheering, ¡°Hooah.¡± He gives Little Bird a high five.


    Grey walks with his magnetized boots, holding Little Bird¡¯s hand to pull her through the air. She playfully swings from his arm, happy just to be alive and still have her new friends and family.


    She asks curiously, though, ¡°How come you¡¯re still wearing your helmet, Cheep?¡±


    Grey winces. It¡¯ll come out soon enough, but he has no idea how he¡¯s supposed to explain it to Tanya. Or, Spaceman Long, for that matter. Grey thinks for a moment. He buys himself a moment by retorting gruffly, ¡°How come you keep calling me cheap? I look inexpensive to you, Marine?¡±


    Little Bird blushes, saying cutely in her defense, ¡°Birdies say ¡®cheep cheep¡¯¡­ um, Chief.¡±


    Grey chuckles and replies, ¡°Well, Navy Marines say ¡®Yes, Chief¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡± she says excitedly. She then stares expectantly for her answer.


    Grey sighs as he slows to a stop. He takes his helmet off, holding his eyes closed a moment longer. He looks at Little Bird. He can feel both of his eyes moving, but he can only see her through his left. He¡¯s still not completely used to it.


    Little Bird doesn¡¯t gasp or gag. She gently drifts herself up to his level, gingerly touching his cheek and around his eye, possibly looking for a mask. She asks cautiously, ¡°D-¡­ Does it hurt?¡±


    Excruciatingly so. His eye feels like it¡¯s full of glass needles dancing around to rave music. He replies calmly, though, ¡°No.¡±


    Little Bird waves off to the side, testing if he can see her hand. He replies gingerly, ¡°I can¡¯t see with it.¡±


    The girl winces. She frowns empathetically, unsure of how she can help. She asks cautiously, ¡°Will it¡­ heal?¡±


    Grey replies optimistically, though he knows the truth, ¡°Probably someday. For now, I¡¯ll have to use my God-given spare.¡± He winks his left eye.


    Little Bird smiles partially, still empathetic to him. She pulls herself close and kisses his right cheek, saying gently, ¡°Mommy used to say kisses help¡­¡±


    Grey smiles and nods, ¡°Thanks, Little Bird. I needed that.¡±


    She smiles warmly, happy to help someone so special to her. He keeps walking with her, a little less concerned with his eye than he was. He can make up a little white lie about WHEN it happened, so Long doesn¡¯t beat herself up. After all, they were in the jump bubble for nine hours.


    And, hopefully, there won¡¯t be much need for soldiers anymore anyways. As long as they stay out of reach of the Grodurn fleet, they should be smoothly sailing until they find whatever they¡¯re looking for now.


    ********


    Ensign. From Private, to Spaceman, and then all the way to O-1 Officer rank, Rex Hancock has suddenly gone from a lucky gun-toting nobody to number one henchman of potentially the most important woman in the fleet. The irony, of course, is that said irreplaceable person wants as few people as possible to know she exists.


    It¡¯s Hancock¡¯s first day as an Ensign since the promotion ceremony. It was a little affair with all five Captains of the main ships remotely logged in, other than Long, who performed the ceremony. Additionally, Dr. Lopez, Mr. Right, Prof. Caldaren, and Alpha Team were present, as well as Kenzie, Tanya, and Little Bird.


    Hancock was suddenly promoted at Mr. Right¡¯s request, Captain Long¡¯s approval, and the Council of Captains¡¯ additional support for his heroism protecting Lopez, as well as her insistence of having him specifically help her.


    It¡¯s a weird feeling already outranking his squadmates, but even Chief Grey was happy for him. Hancock¡¯s authority and position as Lopez¡¯s minion gives him rather free reign to work and serve as he sees fit. Or rather, as Lopez sees fit. He¡¯s her exclusive guinea pig, assistant, eyes and ears if field operations happen, and otherwise servant to her every need. It¡¯s a lot of standing around and VERY basic tasks while talking to Dr. Lopez, but it works well with his arm still in a sling as it is.


    Kenzie buttons his uniform jacket buttons for him, smiling warmly. She teases, ¡°I kinda like you like this.¡±


    ¡°What, an officer?¡± asks Hancock, equally warmly.


    She retorts playfully, ¡°No. Broken. Keeps you at my mercy.¡± She giggles deviously.


    He scoffs and hums dryly, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    Kenzie has been granted duties as a ward room caterer, which basically means she¡¯s still a waitress, but under the current system, she¡¯s effectively much better compensated. Plus, serving in the ward rooms, which are reserved for military personnel -officer or enlisted-, she¡¯s serving a lot fewer people. She also gets to hear a little more about the current situation, so she knew about the mission¡¯s success before the ship came out of the FTL jump.


    Astronomers are still trying to figure out where they ended up based on the narrow perspective of the universe humans have always had. The handful of Grodrrns captured, including the female Hancock¡¯s squad encountered on Earth and the BIG male that almost captured Hancock, Lopez, and Marvoni on the boarding mission, have remained silent and uncooperative, if they¡¯ve regained consciousness. But, then, no one¡¯s tried talking to them much except to verify they¡¯ll survive. It¡¯s been about 3 days since the jump, and the big male, specifically, is still unconscious.


    For now, the humans are celebrating a little, but staying diligent. Of course, today is a meeting day. Everything is as normal as possible, with power restored, repairs in progress, and the drydock¡¯s 3D printers working at capacity to produce the parts Lopez and the other scientists need. Everything is eerily calm and quiet.


    Kenzie asks, ¡°Does the new position mean you¡¯ll be safer?¡±


    Hancock scoffs, replying warmly, ¡°I think the jump did that. But¡­¡± Kenzie¡¯s face softens a little in disappointment. He continues gently, ¡°My job is to learn anything Dr. Lopez invents, field test it, and then train everyone else. So¡­¡±


    She sighs, ¡°If it¡¯s a gun, you have to use it.¡±


    He nods affirmatively, but gently.


    Kenzie sighs again, asking more chipperly, ¡°So, what about the captured aliens?¡±


    The young officer chuckles and replies, ¡°Marvoni wanted to stick them in a box in pairs and taunt them about breeding, but Kane is pushing for diplomacy. He wants to understand them better. They clearly know their way around the universe much better than we do.¡±


    ¡°What does your overlord think?¡±


    He scoffs, replying, ¡°Dr. Lopez doesn¡¯t talk about them at all. Anything she¡¯s afraid of, she doesn¡¯t talk about.¡±


    The two start walking towards the meeting, where further fleet affairs are to be discussed. They¡¯ll be planning out the next steps forward and the priorities of the fleet. Because Kenzie will either hear about it in the ward room or the fact that it won¡¯t be a classified discussion, she¡¯s being allowed to accompany him.


    Two months ago, Hancock would have been astonished by the hodgepodge group of military and civilian personnel gathering at the meeting. No one would ever assume normally that any of these people have anything to say to each other. But, they are quickly becoming the de facto ¡®core group¡¯.


    All four other captains are remotely logged in, as usual, with Long hosting the meeting on the Polonia. Mr. Right, Dr. Lopez, and Professor Caldaren are all present, though Lopez makes a point of sitting next to Hancock, opposite Kenzie. Chiefs Grey and Tachibana have their squads gathered, present as the most experienced combat teams available. And, of course, Lieutenant Kane and Commander Hitch are at the meeting as well. The other ships also have similar teams gathered, further bolstering the brain pool.


    Long greets them politely, ¡°Thank you all for attending. Our continued cooperation is our strongest chance at survival.¡±


    Captain Dodge jokes warmly, ¡°We had a choice?¡±


    Long smirks at him dryly, continuing, ¡°We need to lay out priorities. Military response is going nowhere. We cannot afford to assume the Grodurns have lost our trail. Nor can we assume they¡¯re the only potentially hostile race out there. Staying in space isn¡¯t an option, and we don¡¯t have the means to terraform. That means exploration. So, first priority, on all fronts, likely needs to be equipment.¡±


    Mr. Right raises his hand politely for a turn. She nods at him, and he stands up, saying, ¡°Hey everyone. I¡¯m sure most of you know me. Mr. Right of ol¡¯ G-sink. Or, should I say G-sunk?¡±


    He gets a few chuckles, and even a small amused snort from Captain Long. Pleased, the eccentric businessman says a little more seriously, ¡°Right, so, I don¡¯t necessarily disagree with Cap¡¯n Long. But, I think higher priority than that is water. And, by extension, oxygen. We CAN try to keep recycling¡­ uh¡­ black water, but we¡¯re rolling the dice as is. All it takes is one sanitizer to go down, and we lose a whole ship in a week. Same with air. And, over-capacity as we are, something will break with as hard as the equipment is running.¡±


    Captain Long nods, understanding of his point. She asks, ¡°What do you suggest, Mr. Right?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t even joke the suggestion made¡­ in poor taste at the beginning of this voyage. But, we have a lot of people. And, some on the way, not to mention our¡­ ¡®guests¡¯. Either way, we want more people, not fewer. And, that¡¯s where my colleagues on the Providence come in. Professor?¡±


    From the Providence¡¯s screen, an official looking businesswoman steps up. She introduces herself, ¡°Professor Kelly Morton, head of operations for the Providence. Truth is, we have four main assembly lines, each possessing machinery perfectly capable of tackling our needs. But, that means dedication. One line should be dedicated to new ship construction. No negotiation. I¡¯d push for two, but you¡¯ll see why I¡¯m not in a second. Second line is repair parts. No surprise, we got a lot of repairs already, and the ships are all brand new. Third line needs to be dedicated to research and development on the new ship¡¯s systems, which use complex metallurgy and techniques we can only barely imitate.¡±


    Captain Long asks, ¡°But you still have line four for military needs, yes?¡±


    Morton scrunches her face uneasily, replying, ¡°Weeeellllll... not exactly. At least, not full capacity. We still need to build more assembly machines, as well as beef up our processing capacity, which means more machines as well.¡±


    Confused, Long asks, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you have many machines on each line? Why can¡¯t you produce new armaments alongside everything else?¡±


    Mr. Right steps in to absorb Captain Long¡¯s frustration if there is any, ¡°Allow me, M¡¯lady. It comes down to resource feed. The Providence doesn¡¯t have an abundance of space for incoming materials at the front of the assembly lines. Increasing material variety increases material moves, which in turn, slows down the whole process.¡±


    Captain Dodge asks to clarify, ¡°So, fewer things getting done at a time?¡±


    Mr. Right nods at the screen, ¡°Correct.¡±


    Captain Long sighs and nods, ¡°Alright. Produce everything you can as quickly as you can.¡±


    Mr. Right clears his throat, and she growls calmly, ¡°What is it?¡±


    The businessman adds, ¡°Weeee are going to need to start collecting raw materials in the immediate-term. Not least of which is water.¡±


    ¡°Water?¡± replies Captain Francisco. ¡°The Reprocessors are working. I think we have higher priorities.¡±


    ¡°And, how long do you think people will tolerate drinking recycled urine? Truth is, we¡¯re going to lose water through vapor form as air leaks start to happen. The Polonia is already Swiss cheese in that regard. From water, we can replenish both oxygen and hydrogen for various purposes. Huh¡­ SWISS cheese¡­ won¡¯t be a thing anymore, huh?...¡±


    ¡°Focus, Mr. Right,¡± states Captain Long. ¡°How do you propose we find these resources?¡±


    He smiles, ¡°Same way the Grodurns do. We pulse them down. Even this solar system or the adjacent one should have something to start with.¡±


    Chief Grey gruffly asks, ¡°I assume Doc Lopez is on it?¡±


    She jumps with a start, only noticed by Hancock. Mr. Right answers, ¡°Yes-um-sir. And, we¡¯ll need the combat teams ready to explore.¡±


    Grey scoffs and crosses his arms, retorting smugly, ¡°Sure. Why the heck not?¡±


    Mr. Right nods. He adds, ¡°And, it goes without saying, hopefully, that ALL raw materials are the hot commodities. Iron, lead, uranium; anything is useful, save basic dirt for now. But, I envision a nice garden on the main¡­¡±


    ¡°Mr. Right¡­¡± growls Captain Long warningly. He replies quickly, ¡°Right. Sorry.¡±


    Grey then asks bluntly, ¡°So, what about the crocs, then?¡± Tachibana nudges him sourly, but he adds defensively, ¡°I¡¯m serious. We¡¯re tight on food, water, AND space. The hell we keeping those big mouths around to feed?¡±


    Captain Long replies sternly, ¡°They are prisoners of war. More importantly, we will not shed our humanity. Not now.¡±


    ¡°Look, if it¡¯s a moral issue, Captain, look the other way, and¡­¡±


    ¡°CHIEF PETTY OFFICER!¡± snaps Tachibana. ¡°That is enough!¡±


    Grey suddenly snaps though, losing all of the composure he¡¯s held through all of it, like the dam finally gave way. He slaps the table, shouting, ¡°No, it¡¯s not enough! Those damn things took our homes, our families, everything! We¡¯re nomads scrounging for crumbs to make it to tomorrow! Those freaks don¡¯t have civil rights anymore! But, I¡¯ll do them the favor of being merciful!¡±


    It becomes clear that Chief Grey isn¡¯t alone in his thinking. The tension in the air is becoming palpable.


    Kane says calmly, ¡°They¡¯re soldiers.¡± The tension eases some, and the mysterious supersoldier adds, ¡°They¡¯re following orders. Same as any of us. Killing them won¡¯t restore anything, but we might yet learn why they¡¯re so desperate to capture us.¡±


    Grey retorts more calmly, ¡°Sir, that sounds very noble and whatnot. But, why should I have to worry while pounding dirt on alien worlds whether or not those burly lizards are pillaging our ships? We fought too damn hard to risk them escaping and killing everyone.¡±


    Captain Long replies gently, ¡°We hear you, Chief. Truly. But, Lieutenant Kane is right. For now, they¡¯re more useful alive. Right now, our survival relies on THEIR technology. If even ONE of the twenty Grodurns we took prisoner helps us, our survival chances go up profoundly.¡±


    Grey sighs. He growls, ¡°I ain¡¯t holdin¡¯ fire if they get loose. But, I¡¯ll at least wait on the ¡®I told you so¡¯.¡±


    Long scoffs, retorting, ¡°Noted Chief.¡±


    Mr. Right remarks, ¡°Am I to understand only the biggest one is still unconscious? Have the others said anything?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Yes, and they have not. But, I also have asked that we let them rest first. Most of them were at their limits for breathing.¡±


    One of Mr. Right¡¯s companions introduces herself, ¡°Dr. Catherine Ripley, bio-sciences. From what we can tell, Lieutenant Kane is right. The Grodurns have a more robust biology than we do, but their tolerance for O2 concentration is actually lower. Interestingly, though, in the case of¡­ uh¡­¡±


    Kane fills in, ¡°Helmdraff Claw.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. With Helmdraff Claw, she was found in a state of short-term hibernation, from what was seen from the outside. This bought her the time necessary. We¡¯re comfortable assuming the others did as well.¡±


    Rena Coulson jokes, ¡°Napping on the job? Must be nice.¡±


    Tachibana glares at her. Kane replies patiently, though, ¡°They share a lot with Earth reptiles. But, a biological response like that is quite handy.¡±


    Rena, playing it off like a normal conversation, replies, ¡°Yes sir. Think they can teach it to us, sir?¡±


    Most of the marines chuckle, as well as Captain Dodge, Mr. Right, and Lieutenant Kane. Kane replies, ¡°Unlikely. But, I¡¯ll be sure to ask.¡±


    Mr. Right says eagerly, ¡°I think the real question is; when do we start asking? First known alien contact in history; I¡¯m excited to learn about ¡®em!¡±


    Captain Long replies sternly, ¡°THAT is in Lieutenant Kane¡¯s hands. He¡¯s the only one who can understand what they say in their tongue. Lieutenant, make sure you gather every linguist and cryptotech the fleet has when you start the questioning. I want their language cataloged as quickly as possible.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°As you wish, Captain.¡±


    ********

 Chapter 14: Prisoner, But Still Alive

    Dzor snaps his eyes open. His gaze clears and falls on a blue-painted surface with trapezoidal waves in its surface. The structure and paint are alien to him. It¡¯s certainly far from the sleek and elegant surfaces of his or any other Fievegal warship.


    He instantly looks around. He¡¯s in an enclosure with no apparent openings or viewports. He isn¡¯t alone, though. Khla¡¯s hatchling is sitting against a wall across the length from him. She¡¯s calm and collected, but he notices her ankles and wrists are bound together.


    Dzor looks at his own wrists and ankles. Strange, metal loops interlinking each other are wrapped around his wrists and ankles, same as hers, but his are also anchored to the floor. Additionally, insulated cables snake their way up the links, connecting to fabric pads at his shoulders and hips.


    The technology of his captivity COULD suggest a few known races, but the pungent odor surrounding everything like a thick moss fog is unmistakably mammalian. And, given recent events, it is a scent that will always raise his blood pressure.


    Dzor growls, ¡°[Craw, are you awake?]¡±


    She opens her eyes and smiles gently. She replies warmly, ¡°[Yarjen, you¡¯re okay. I¡¯m relieved.]¡±


    ¡°[Relieved?]¡± he growls. ¡°[We are captives! How long?]¡±


    ¡°[Three days, Yarjen. According to the humans.]¡±


    He grumbles angrily, ¡°[It¡¯s likely a trick. We must try to collect our senses.]¡±


    Khla replies hesitantly, ¡°[I¡­ don¡¯t think they intend to deceive us, Yarjen. They haven¡¯t interrogated anyone, as far as I know.]¡±


    ¡°[There are others!? How many!? We may yet flense these pathetic¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Yarjen!]¡± urges Khla desperately. He halts long enough for her to say cautiously, ¡°[At least one human can understand our speech. But, more importantly, they saved us from our doomed wrecks.]¡±


    The Baskylla Jardzen growls, ¡°[I don¡¯t care if they birth the next Saurmynnyka of their own free will. They are beasts, livestock. The fact we had to stoop as low as attempting to harvest viable children from this race of ALL the races in the universe disgusts me. I REFUSE to be their captive.]¡±


    Dzor yanks to rip his pathetic shackles from their anchors with ease. ¡®Clink!¡¯


    The metal links jingle, but the anchors hold. Surprised, Baskylla Jardzen Dzor flexes his well-rested muscles. Perhaps this task won¡¯t be QUITE as easy as he thought. He shifts his body, readying all of the strength of his back to pull.


    ¡®Thump-creak!¡¯ The linked metal loops still won¡¯t give, nor the anchors. Only Dzor¡¯s buttocks armor on the floor screeches lightly as he slides.


    Dzor is baffled. These filthy apes should have no idea how strong he is. Khla urges, ¡°[Yarjen¡­!]¡±


    He roars, ¡°[Silence!]¡± Dzor begins to thrash, snarling and growling as his frustration grows. He will not be captive, slave, or livestock to these barbaric, hairy animals. He flops and writhes, making calamitous noise as he tries every angle he can get on the bindings.


    Metal screeches. Dzor halts long enough to inspect his shackles and his surroundings. In that time, he sees the wall to their enclosure seemingly open like a hinged door. Dzor realizes that this low-tech box is simplistic, but does contain a way out. Excellent.


    Three humans are standing at the opening, casting shadows against the bright light beyond. Dzor waits for the center human to step inside. The tiny mammal takes a few steps, inspecting both Grodrrns.


    In a blindingly fast ambush movement, using all of his power, Dzor launches his jaws at the human¡¯s pathetic head. His jaws snap shut with a thunderous pound of his teeth. The two flanking humans, one armed with a Grodrrn blaster and the other carrying little more than a small stick and white leafing, fall as they leap back in surprise.


    However, Dzor¡¯s jaws did not close flat through a human skull. The center human stands a scale¡¯s-breadth out of reach of the superior being¡¯s jaws. It didn¡¯t even flinch.


    The human says in its weak, liquid voice, ¡°You¡¯re awake I see. Good. I¡¯d like you to answer some questions. I understand you¡¯re the commanding officer.¡±


    Enraged, Dzor relaxes just enough back as he tensions his jaws again. He loosens his muscles and tries to position his joints for maximum reach. He roars ferociously as he leaps his whole body against his bindings, forcing his jaws out as far as he can, even through pain in his joints. His jaws snap shut. Nothing. He chomps again and again, trying to wriggle even that tiny bit of extra distance.


    The human with the weapon fearfully aims, but it holds fire. The center human still doesn¡¯t flinch or yield. It is calm and confident the primitive bindings will hold.


    Dzor pants as his energy gives, and he glares hatefully at the mammal. It introduces itself, ¡°My name is Lieutenant Carmine Kane of the Starliner Polonia. To my left is Ensign Rex Hancock, and to my right is Doctor Levine Lopez. I have already met Helmdraff Claw, and I understand you are¡­ a Yarjen, correct?¡±


    Dzor simply snorts.


    Kane replies, ¡°Very well. Yarjen, I¡¯d like to explain your situation. We captured you after the front half of your ship joined us in our escape. We rescued as many of your cosmonauts as we could, including Helmdraff Claw. But, many, we couldn¡¯t reach quickly enough. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Dzor doesn¡¯t respond. Kane continues, ¡°As you undoubtedly know, we¡¯re overloaded as is, but we don¡¯t want to jettison anyone. That includes you and your crew. However, if we¡¯re all going to survive, I¡¯d like to ask you and your crew for help.¡±


    This time, Dzor scoffs. The human would have to be delusional to believe Dzor would allow such an affront.


    But, Kane keeps going, ¡°We¡¯re obviously aware of the EMP now. We¡¯re working on that. Dr. Lopez is also figuring out your gravimetric pulse generator. But, how do you actually navigate? Do you have star maps? How do you identify resources from range?¡±


    Dzor smugly says nothing. Let the humans suffer. Let them know a sunless night.


    Again, though, Kane speaks, ¡°Yarjen, is everything I¡¯ve said making sense? I can clarify acronyms if you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Dzor repositions himself to a seated position that still makes him taller than all three humans. He growls amusedly, ¡°Whut ayy no oonderstond, is how yuu conveensed ayy teel yuu onnytheeng. [What I no understand, is how you convinced I tell you anything.]¡±


    Kane replies, his voice unchanged, ¡°I¡¯m convinced you want to survive as well.¡±


    ¡°Deeth for feevgahll prifeered. [Death for Fievegal preferred.]¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t choose to be your enemies, Jor. And now, we just want to survive. Without us, you die in the vacuum of space, too. Without you, we lose too many of our people.¡±


    ¡°Yuu mooss theenk ayy stuhpeed, hoomin. Ayy noteess yuu pair ayy weeth feemahl. Yuu hope yuu breed ooss leek leevstuck. Juke on me. [You must think I stupid, human. I notice you pair I with female. You hope you breed us like livestock. Joke on me.]¡± Dzor fakes a slow, deep laugh, mocking the primitive mammals.


    The human¡¯s face twists. Dzor hopes it¡¯s rage. He dares this pathetic primitive to challenge him.


    However, Kane replies, still very little change in its voice, ¡°¡®Joke¡¯s on you¡¯, is how you should have said it. You¡¯re making fun of ME.¡±


    Dzor snorts in disgust.


    Kane continues, ¡°However, Yarjen; I believe I have gathered enough knowledge from brief conversations to know it would do no good, would it? If I¡¯ve gathered correctly, your race, or at least most of the Grodurns, are sterile.¡±


    Dzor narrows his eyes in a glare. This human knows a little too much. Did either Khla give up the primary weakness of the Grodrrns?


    Kane continues on a different thought, ¡°Actually, Helmdraff Claw was the only one of the other survivors who didn¡¯t want to kill you.¡±


    Surprised, this time, Dzor looks at the young female pilot. She nods uneasily, giving truth to the human¡¯s claim. But, it¡¯s impossible. How could his entire crew -the survivors- want him dead?


    Kane adds, ¡°We needed to double you all up for space, and we were going to have to put you with who we believe was your navigator, as his death threats were the most¡­ mild. Claw volunteered.¡±


    ¡°KRAW,¡± growls out Dzor. ¡°Yuu prenonce leek hotchleeng feen, boot yuu WEEL prenonce nom currick. [You pronounce like hatchling fine, but you WILL pronounce name correct.]¡±


    Kane pauses. He looks at Khla and replies, ¡°Helmdraff Kraw, my sincerest apologies. I mixed up spelling and pronunciation.¡±


    Dzor frowns when Khla smiles softly, and she replies, ¡°Zjur-zja. F-fur-geev. [Zsur¡¯zsa. F-for-give.]¡±


    Kane answers, ¡°Thank you. Yarjen, I¡¯m not here to torture you. I¡¯m not going to manipulate or extort you. We need to know how¡­¡±


    Dzor, having had a moment to ponder his resentful crew and the young female who stood up for him in spite of everything, cuts Kane off, ¡°Teel heem. [Tell him.]¡± He looks at Khla.


    She¡¯s surprised, and understandably so. For her, playing dumb or subordinate is an acceptable position. If the humans don¡¯t already know how to navigate, it means even Khla said nothing.


    Dzor says in the Grodrrn tongue, ¡°[The human¡¯s right. Cooperation will keep us alive. Perhaps we can find a crack in this shell.]¡± He then looks at Kane, adding deliberately, ¡°[I will not be your prisoner forever, hoomin.]¡±


    The human¡¯s face twists to the same expression as before. No, it¡¯s definitely not rage. It must be some form of pleasure, perverse or otherwise. He replies, ¡°I¡¯m hoping not, Yarjen.¡± He then turns to the unarmed human, saying, ¡°Doctor, ready?¡±


    The ¡®Doctor¡¯ nods, handing something to the armed human. The armed human, Hancock; reads, ¡°Do you have a¡­ navigational constant you use? If so, what value?¡±


    Khla answers, glancing at Dzor to ensure it¡¯s okay. ¡°Nuu. Moost tree-an-a-lot poozeeshen frawm knoon stahr. [No. Must triangulate position from known star.]¡±


    ¡°Tree-an-a-lot?¡± asks Hancock. Dr. Lopez tries to whisper, but it¡¯s easily audible to Dzor in the enclosed space, ¡°Triangulate.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± replies Hancock. Lopez scribbles on her leafings, showing Hancock. Hancock adds, ¡°How, Helmdraff? Or¡­¡± He watches the smallest human scribble more. He continues, ¡°Or, what if there are no stars you can identify?¡±


    Dzor scoffs, muttering, ¡°Nuu ritorn hoommm. [No return home.]¡± He chuckles.


    Khla nods uneasily. Kane adds with his amused look, ¡°Fortunately, that wasn¡¯t in our plans.¡±


    Khla adds, ¡°Stahrz keen bee eedinteefid bih seensour, speecifeek, poolss. [Stars can be identified by sensor, specifical(ly), pulse.]¡±


    Hancock remarks, ¡°You mean the gravimetric pulse?¡± His question halts Lopez in her scribbling possibly for the same question.


    Dzor growls before Khla can respond, ¡°Graav-ee-aw-neek, yuu sawveej. [Gravionic, you savage.]¡± He scoffs, asking, ¡°[How did these primitives get this far?]¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Kane replies to Dzor¡¯s Grodrrn and rhetorical question, ¡°By refusing to simply give up. We want to live. Same as you. You haven¡¯t demanded we swap Kraw for any of your other crew yet.¡±


    Dzor looks away from the human. Being patronized by a primitive; this truly is the lowest point of Dzor¡¯s life.


    Khla explains, ¡°Grahv-ee-awnik poolse yuuz grahv-ee-metrik ond bee-pawlor ee-awnik ryauctshoons tuu deeturmeen deestance, cawmpoozeeshoon, ond seeze. [Gravionic pulse use(s) gravimetric and bipolar ionic reactions to determine distance, composition, and size.]¡±


    The most primitive of the three, Hancock, objects, ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. Ions can¡¯t travel that fast.¡±


    Just before Khla can reply, Lopez murmurs, ¡°The ions don¡¯t travel, Hancock. The gravimetric wave must induce the reactions. But, the ionic reactions then likely distort and reflect the gravimetric wave.¡± She scribbles and whispers, ¡°Ask her which ions they target.¡±


    Dzor growls in Grodrrn, ¡°[Can the small one not simply ask the questions? My last scale will come if not.]¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Do you have somewhere to be, Yarjen?¡±


    Dzor glares at the human for a moment. But, resigned to his current situation, the big Grodrrn sighs and lays his head back, listening passively as Khla answers the small human¡¯s questions, transmitted via the armed human¡¯s mouth.


    The humans may stink, have primitive means, and radiate arrogance now that they have the momentary upper hand, but at least their fragile voices are easy enough to tune out.


    Nevertheless, Dzor will need to bide his time and ready his strength.


    ********


    Captain Long is waiting for Lieutenant Kane outside of the secure zone formed by a refurbished stargazer deck where the conex boxes containing the Grodrrns have been placed. No unauthorized personnel are allowed inside the stargazer deck to ensure the reptilian aliens don¡¯t overhear any important conversations.


    He salutes her as he exits, and she returns the salute, saying, ¡°At ease, Lieutenant. Did he believe you?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Yes Captain. I think Grodurns tend to be more honest and direct than us. Helmdraff Kraw nodded in confirmation on her own, and that was it.¡±


    ¡°You sure he¡¯s not just playing along?¡± she asks. ¡°We¡¯re gambling a lot on them cooperating.¡±


    ¡°Helmdraff Kraw will. I¡¯m confident of that. And, I think Yarjen Jor is honest as well. He was rather candid and disrespectful once he started talking. He doesn¡¯t seem afraid of death, but he doesn¡¯t want to die. I think he wants us to squirm while he tries to escape and fight.¡±


    ¡°Should we increase security?¡± asks the Captain cautiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary, Captain. He might break his chains and escape the box, but he¡¯s not a bullet sponge right now. He won¡¯t be that reckless.¡±


    Long crosses her arms as she smirks at him. ¡°You want to try to win them over, don¡¯t you? Make them a part of the crew?¡±


    Kane scoffs, ¡°God willing, yes. They know the stars. We don¡¯t. And, Jor himself found Marvoni, Lopez, and Hancock during Mission Zero. I think that particular seven hundred pounds of muscle might be willing, if not itching, to face real danger. And, Grodurn shock troops are clearly trained for new world drops.¡±


    Captain Long giggles, teasing, ¡°Quite the pitch, Lieutenant. Honestly, I¡¯m cautiously optimistic if you are. But, we¡¯re a long way from me being comfortable with your seven hundred pounds of muscle roaming free. For now, keep questioning them as much as they¡¯ll answer.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Ma¡¯am. And, I¡¯ve confirmed a working hypothesis.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Most of the Grodurn race, if not all, are sterile.¡±


    Surprised, Long asks, ¡°So, they¡¯re,¡­ what? Like a beehive?¡±


    ¡°Still working on it, but I think so.¡±


    ¡°What higher lifeform would function that way?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­ it was intentional. Again, still gathering tidbits, Captain, but Kraw hinted when we met that ¡®hubris¡¯ is responsible for the state of their race, as well as their desperation to succeed in their mission.¡±


    ¡°What mission, though?¡± asks Long with frustration. It¡¯s still difficult to understand the motivations.


    Kane replies, unsure, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Somehow, they seem to believe our children are the key to undoing whatever it is.¡±


    ¡°What, like they grow up into scientists for them?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°That¡¯s the most sensible goal.¡±


    Frustrated and a little angry, Long asks, ¡°But, why not our adult scientists? The ones ACTUALLY capable of¡­ virology, or genetics, or whatever?¡±


    ¡°It could be darker, Captain. They could believe that eating our children will have some sort of religious or spiritual affect. Jor wasn¡¯t happy when I determined his race is sterile. They refuse to answer any direct questions about it, including Kraw.¡±


    ¡°What if we offered to help them willingly?¡±


    Kane shakes his head, ¡°Tried it. Either they didn¡¯t trust me, or their pride won¡¯t allow it at this point. Jor, especially, is extremely prideful.¡±


    Long gently massages her temple, remarking, ¡°I don¡¯t understand them. They attack us, try to kidnap us, cost us our home¡­ all supposedly to save their race, but refuse us trying to understand?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re lesser beings to them, Ma¡¯am. They clearly thought their mission would be easier than it was. I suspect we¡¯re not the first race they¡¯ve attempted to conquer. And, I imagine we might be the first to escape.¡±


    Long scoffs, replying dryly, ¡°Happy to do my part.¡± It¡¯s still bittersweet with so much lost only right behind them. She sighs, though, and says more warmly, ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s keep our momentum. Lieutenant, find us a planet to start. I¡¯ll go see to our repairs.¡±


    Kane salutes again, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ********


    ¡°[Krih¡¯huln, this is an unfortunate lack of superiority. Not only has the Fievegal lost three battleships to a race of monkeys, but you have failed to capture even a single useful human.]¡±


    Niolayt Jardzen Mrff watches the Baskylla Khlychlln shrink a little under the Sun Rokynn¡¯s stern words. But, Zhynnyz tries to defend himself, ¡°[Suun Rokinn, two of the battleships were destroyed by¡­]¡±


    Sun Rokynn Vurd¡¯chlok Chull Brrd¡¯chn growls, ¡°[Silence, Krih¡¯huln! Were you not bondmate to a Haeroshaw, you would already be on your way to a primitive world.]¡± Brrd flexes his jaw, recovering posture of the left side. His jaw¡¯s left side was long ago paralyzed by the Mureeks, an aquatic race conquered by the Grodrrns for the healing properties of one of the herbs there. Brrd¡¯s jaw was paralyzed permanently by the venom the Mureeks use in their weapons, and now it often misaligns as he talks.


    Brrd asks Mrff, ¡°[NONE of the humans your crew captured can reproduce, Neolate Yarjen?]¡±


    Mrff stands tall, replying honestly, ¡°[Not so far, Suun Rokinn. And, not for lack of trying. Some of the captured females insist they are still capable of bearing, but our experts are rather confident we have only captured parasites.]¡±


    The Sun Rokynn replies calmly, ¡°[Be that the case, do not discard all of them, Neolate Yarjen. They may yet yield secrets useful to us.]¡±


    ¡°[Of course, Suun Rokinn. If they do not yield results in a standard breeding cycle, we were going to weed them out by incentive. These humans were very quick to turn on their own for self-gain, including those imprisoned with them.]¡±


    Brrd replies calmly, ¡°[Make it so, Neolate Yarjen.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Suun Rokinn.]¡±


    ¡°[Also, Neolate Yarjen, what is the status of Baskilla Yarjen Craw?]¡±


    Mrff pauses. Khla said nothing following the jump. Both Dzor¡¯s disappearance and his Zhi¡¯s were devastating for him. It¡¯s one thing for a Grodrrn to die in combat. It¡¯s an honor. But, to be so helpless to avoid oblivion¡­ No race deserves that. Even harder is being the one to watch it happen, also helpless to save friends and family.


    Mrff replies calmly and gently, ¡°[Baskilla Yarjen Craw has retired to his quarters, Suun Rokinn. He has not come out since.]¡±


    Brrd nods. ¡°[Very well. If he still has his teeth, inform him that he is under probation. No restrictions.]¡±


    Mrff¡¯s own spirit rises a little at that declaration. That means the Fievegal command has reviewed the battle reports and concluded Khla, at the very least, was not at fault, and his reports were not heeded as the warnings they should have been. Additionally, ¡°Probation, no restrictions¡± simply means he has a blue flag on his profile, mandating closer inspection if he sustains another catastrophic defeat, looking for a history of recklessness. While the Fievegal won¡¯t broadcast it to the lesser Yarjens, Khlychlln Zhynnyz will be lucky if he gets no restrictions on his probation, even with his bondmate being a Haerroczaa, one of the highest Grodrrns in the Fievegal under the Saurmynnyka herself.


    Mrff replies calmly, ¡°[I will inform him, Suun Rokinn.]¡±


    Brrd nods, and Mrff disconnects. He turns to find one of the young orderlies waiting for him. ¡°[What is it?]¡± asks Mrff.


    ¡°[Neolate Yarjen, it¡¯s the Baskilla Yarjen. He won¡¯t respond. I¡¯ve tried to give him second meal, but he won¡¯t eat. This is four in a row.]¡±


    Mrff nods. He makes his way to Khla¡¯s quarters. The room is unsurprisingly locked. Mrff pounds on the door, growling, ¡°[Kraw! Open up. It¡¯s Murf.]¡±


    No response.


    ¡°[Kraw, as Duty Yarjen, I¡¯m enacting life safety protocol. Open up or I¡¯m opening it.]¡±


    Still nothing. What Mrff is about to do is frowned upon, as he could hurt himself and damage the ship. But, no Niolayt Jardzen has ever been punished under this kind of circumstance.


    Mrff growls, ¡°[Stand back,]¡± to the orderly. She quickly takes a few steps back. He flexes his shoulders, loosening up as he readies himself. Like Dzor, Mrff is an impressive specimen of size and strength. Not many Grodrrns can force a locked air-tight door open. Mrff has done it once before.


    The Niolayt Jardzen grips the door and surges all of his strength. His blood pressure skyrockets. A bone could break, his spine could pop, or a blood vessel could burst. All of which are why he only gets one shot before they have to cut the door off.


    A loud pop fires off like a gunshot, startling the orderly. A piece of the lock ricochets up the hall. The door slams open into its cutout, revealing Khla¡¯s destroyed quarters inside. Mrff relaxes, feeling his arms soften near instantly to seaweed-like consistency. But, the door is open.


    The orderly tries to briskly make her way inside to check on Khla, but Mrff puts his noodly arm up to stop her. The room isn¡¯t destroyed because of the battle. It has been clawed apart by an enraged Grodrrn.


    Mrff spots Khla in a seated position, clutching something. The Niolayt Jardzen slowly walks in, cautiously approaching the quiet Baskylla Jardzen.


    Once close enough, Mrff can see that Khla is holding a tiny jewel of resin, and he knows instantly what is cast inside. It¡¯s a tiny tooth. Khla is staring at it distantly and silently.


    Many Grodrrn Chulm¡¯chns keep the egg tooth of their hatchlings, a tribute to the tiny Grodrrn¡¯s first trial; entering the world. It serves as both a point of pride for the Chulm¡¯chn, who successfully kept the egg safe through to hatching, and for the hatchling, who proved capable of solving the first test all Grodrrns must pass on their own. Plenty of Chulm¡¯chns helped their hatchlings open their shells, which was never illegal, but dangerous to the hatchling. But, never is a Chulm¡¯chn more proud than one who watches the hatchling successfully crack open and poke through their shell on their own, looking up at their Chulm¡¯chn for the first time with big, bright eyes.


    Khla growls distantly and coldly, ¡°[Leave me, Murf. I¡¯m done.]¡±


    Mrff stands by in a show of respectful, but defiant protest.


    Khla adds, slightly more angrily, ¡°[Did you hear me? It¡¯s gone. My drive is gone. Go away.]¡±


    Mrff grunts bluntly, ¡°[No.]¡±


    Khla explodes to his feet, snarling, ¡°[THERE¡¯S NOTHING LEFT FOR ME! I DON¡¯T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO TELL ME! THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS GONE!]¡±


    This is why Mrff stopped the orderly. Khla lowers himself as he growls a primal, furious growl. Khla snarls, ¡°[Nothing to lose but life¡­]¡±


    Mrff¡¯s posture doesn¡¯t start as combative, but he was ready. Khla lunges at him, blinded by the fury still racing in his veins. Mrff dodges to the side, parrying a vicious following claw. He knees Khla in the chest, avoiding another attack right after.


    Mrff could kill Khla right now and assume command. MANY Niolayt Jardzens have moved up that way. Or, he could have left Khla in the wallowing mess he found him in. Khla would¡¯ve eventually done the hard part himself.


    But, Mrff knows. He knows there are much worse things than staying subordinate to an otherwise excellent Baskylla Jardzen. He knows other officers would respect him for the wrong reasons; because he would be just like too many of them. And, he knows exactly what Khla is feeling.


    Mrff may have just broken a door Grodrrns aren¡¯t supposed to be able to break, but Khla is on 4 missed meals and no sleep. The Niolayt Jardzen trades only a few successful blows before he shoves Khla hard, slamming him against the wall next to the door, startling the orderly again. Her job is difficult because she must stand by and bear witness.


    Mrff kicks Khla in the chest before the ferocious Jardzen can claw back to his feet. Khla coughs, panting hard from his rage, but struggling to catch his breath and rise. He slowly slumps, calming down. Mrff towers over him, ready to continue, if Khla can¡¯t calm himself. A claw mark on Mrff¡¯s chin drips blood, while Khla¡¯s shoulder trickles some of his own.


    Khla finally pants out a sane question, ¡°[What¡­ What am I supposed to do?]¡±


    Mrff looks at the orderly, growling, ¡°[Leave us.]¡±


    ¡°[Y-Yarjen, I¡­]¡±


    Mrff storms toward her, chasing her out of the room. He finds more orderlies and officers in the hallway, nervously eavesdropping and gawking.


    Mrff booms, ¡°[LEAVE!]¡±


    The hallway scrambles clear of Grodrrns, and Mrff walks back in, closing the door. He says gruffly, but calmly, ¡°[Same as I did. Find her.]¡±


    Khla shakes his head, clutching his precious Zhi¡¯s encased egg tooth, ¡°[She¡¯s gone, Murf. There¡¯s nothing to find¡­]¡±


    Mrff takes a seat next to Khla, replying, ¡°[Didn¡¯t stop me. I had to KNOW. Sure, I found him dead, but my Myzh died a warrior. I could live with that. Find her. KNOW what became of her.]¡±


    Khla puts his head down in his hands, ¡°[I don¡¯t know if I ca-can handle finding her d-¡­ d-¡­]¡± He can¡¯t finish the thought.


    Mrff scoffs, laughing. Khla looks up at him, distraught. But, Mrff remarks, ¡°[The humans spared her once.]¡±


    ¡°[There¡¯s no way¡­ They don¡¯t have the technology to survive the jump.]¡±


    Mrff laughs again, remarking warmly, ¡°[After the hell those tiny scaleless put us through, you actually believe that?]¡±


    Khla¡¯s eyes widen. He asks, ¡°[W-¡­ Would they really keep¡­ Neezha? Sh-she¡¯s¡­]¡±


    Mrff replies bluntly, ¡°[Only one way to find out, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla looks at the tiny tooth again. The powerful human looked him in the eyes and gave his Zhi back without any real demands. Why her of all the troops sent to Earth?


    Khla¡¯s not overly spiritual himself, but he has a new spirit as he wearily climbs to his feet. He asks, ¡°[Am I relieved of Yarjen?]¡±


    Mrff jokes, ¡°[Unfortunately; no, Yarjen. No Makczi status for you.]¡±


    Khla sighs contentedly. He remarks softly, ¡°[You¡¯ve stood up to me twice already. Do I still hold your respect?]¡±


    Mrff flexes as he stands up. ¡°[We would each be dead long ago in any other company, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla nods in agreement. ¡°[Thank you, Neolate Yarjen.]¡±


    Mrff simply and respectfully nods.


    ********

 Chapter 15: Scouting The Iceteroid

    Chief Grey looks at the distant floating object ahead of the fleet. It¡¯s a lazily floating white asteroid drifting among hundreds of thousands of smaller brown asteroids in the solar system they escaped the Grodurns in. Rather than risk another jump so soon, they simply flew to the belt once the Grodurn Transport pulsed the solar system -the maximum range of the transport-.


    Grey asks skeptically, ¡°You sure, Cap?¡±


    Captain Long says calmly from her command chair, ¡°Yes, Chief. Dr. Lopez operated the ship while Helmdraff Craw consulted.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an ice ball,¡± states Grey gruffly.


    Captain Long smirks, and Lieutenant Kane replies, ¡°Which is why we want it, Chief.¡±


    Grey turns and retorts, ¡°All well and mighty fine, Sir, but I¡¯m not seein¡¯ why me and my marines need to land on an ice ball in an asteroid belt.¡±


    Mr. Right speaks this time, ¡°According to the pulse sensor on the transport, there¡¯s a high probability of life based on the readings. And, we will NOT be wiping out a sentient race on my watch. I won¡¯t allow it.¡±


    Grey asks skeptically, ¡°On an ice ball?¡± He gestures toward the icy object, adding, ¡°Does it even have an atmosphere?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Externally, no. But, there are definitely gas pockets below the surface.¡±


    ¡°Lemme just get my ice shaver, Sir.¡±


    Long scoffs, and Mr. Right retorts, ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke, sir. If there is life on that object, and the miners hit it, we risk killing them all.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯d rather risk us getting smashed by asteroids than killing some frosty aliens? They live on ice. They¡¯re evil.¡±


    Long giggles, but she retorts, ¡°Chief, we¡¯re -I¡¯m- only asking you to check. If the life turns out to be bacteria at most, the miners will be on it in the hour. But, if there¡¯s sentient life, we leave. We have the luxury of time, but not much.


    Kane adds, ¡°It¡¯ll be quite a few squads searching, not just yours. We¡¯ll set up some depth finders and see what the inside looks like.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°If some frosty bug attaches to my face, sir, I¡¯m fighting someone in this room.¡±


    Long giggles again, ¡°Deal, Chief. Ready away teams. The sooner we get through this, the sooner we can keep moving.¡±


    Grey salutes a little dryly, replying, ¡°Aye aye, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Just as he turns to leave, Captain Long adds gently, ¡°Chief¡­ Safety is still a priority.¡±


    He smirks more warmly, adding, ¡°Aye, Captain.¡±


    Chief Grey walks towards the exit, where the cooperative croc, ¡®Craw¡¯, is standing with an armed escort. Her voice is deep and growling, but Craw says to Grey, ¡°Hoomin, chonce strung leef eess boctureee. [Human, chance (is) strong life is bacteria.]¡±


    Grey retorts sarcastically, ¡°Until we met you, chances were strong we were the only sentient life in the universe.¡±


    ¡°Een mih esh-pee-ronce, sunchee leef oon een tuuteen sohlarr sihsteems. [In my experience, sentient life one in two-ten solar systems.]¡±


    Grey sighs, ¡°Twelve or twenty?¡±


    Craw thinks for a moment. She replies, ¡°Doobul teen. T-tuu-uhn-tee?¡±


    Grey nods curtly. ¡°Thanks. I feel all fuzzy inside.¡± He leaves just as curtly. Craw may be helping, but he doesn¡¯t like the crocs. It¡¯s going to be a long while before he can forget what they did.


    Chief Grey meets up with Chief Tachibana as she musters the squad. Everyone is present, including Spaceman Long, suited up in EVA suits minus their helmets as they await orders.


    Grey explains, ¡°Listen up marines! Bridge found an ice ball they want to harvest, as well as a bunch of other asteroids. Problem is, the croc sensors think there¡¯s life on the ice ball and we¡¯re scared of it being a higher life-form, so we no kill. In order to confirm, we have to put marine boots on the ice and check.¡±


    Rena Coulson remarks playfully, ¡°An ice-teroid? Sounds cool Chief!¡±


    Grey glares at her, growling, ¡°You¡¯re dead to me, Thing Four.¡±


    ¡°Wait! What? What¡¯d I do?¡±


    Before Grey can retort, Tachibana redirects the conversation, ¡°No telling what the surface is like, Marines. Slow and careful.¡±


    Moody asks sincerely, ¡°So, if we¡¯re not allowed to just harvest this thing, are we allowed to defend ourselves?¡±


    Tachibana starts to answer by the regulations, ¡°We will assess the situation if aggression¡­¡±


    Grey cuts her off, saying, ¡°Yes, Moody. If a frosty bug is coming to kill you, you kill it.¡±


    Fredericks remarks dryly, ¡°And, then, if we kill all of them, the asteroid will be free of life, so we can harvest.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Can it, Freddy. Unless space liberalism and progressivism will keep us from starving to death, dying of dehydration, or suffocating to death on long-winded b.s.¡±


    Dumas states bluntly, ¡°Chief, if an icy bug tries to attach to my face, I¡¯m fighting someone.¡±


    Tachibana scoffs, replying, ¡°Chief Grey just said the same thing on the bridge.¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°I give you permission. You can fight Thing Four.¡±


    Rena whines, ¡°What¡¯d I do Chief!?¡±


    Grey growls as he narrows his eyes at her, ¡°Thinking ice is cool¡­ Making puns¡­ Terrorist¡­¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°Chief? What do we do if we find something?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Report it. We¡¯ll have to find a way to determine intelligence. And, if it¡¯s an animal, we have to decide what to do. Our instructions regarded bacteria and sentients.¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°Yes Chief! Thank you Chief!¡±


    Grey adds, ¡°There will be a bunch more squads dropping with us this time, so hopefully, we see no action. Ready to load up. We drop in fifteen.¡±


    Ensign Hancock approaches, and Grey semi-sarcastically salutes, ¡°Sir.¡±


    Hancock returns the salute, replying, ¡°I¡¯ll never be used to that, Chief.¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°I know. What can we do for you?¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°I¡¯m going with you, I guess. Science team wants a first-hand look, and I¡¯m testing an instrument for Dr. Caldaren. Some drop probe for remote sampling.¡±


    Grey teases, ¡°I¡¯m surprised either of your mistresses allowed that.¡±


    Hancock scoffs. ¡°Hilarious Chief. Dr. Lopez is refining the jump drive and also checking on work on the EMP shielding device. She doesn¡¯t need me at the moment.¡±


    Grey pats Hancock¡¯s chest warmly, replying, ¡°Hey, I never turn down another set of hands on a gun. Shoot first, ask questions later. Oh, but check friendlies.¡±


    Tachibana already has her helmet on and replies dryly, ¡°Glad you caught that, Chief.¡±


    Grey winks his grey eye with a smirk, retorting, ¡°It¡¯d just be Navy boys anyways. No big loss.¡±


    Mina calls from nearby, ¡°YOU¡¯RE a Navy boy, Chief!¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Long! Kill either or both Coulsons for me.¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°N-No can do, Chief! She¡¯s tagged friendly.¡±


    Grey chuckles. ¡°Good answer.¡± He puts his helmet on, saying, ¡°A¡¯ight, Marines. Let¡¯s go to hell.¡±


    The squad loads into the mining shuttle they¡¯ll be using to land. The pilot flies them to the small icy planetoid, along with about a dozen more shuttles. Kane¡¯s voice says over the radio, ¡°Stay frosty Marines.¡±


    Both Coulsons laugh as other Marines chuckle, and Grey glares at Rena. Grey growls over the radio, ¡°Formality on comms, Sir.¡±


    Kane chuckles back, replying, ¡°Dislike the cold, Chief?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. I was HOPING for a little global warming back home.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll try to pick a warm planet next, Chief.¡±


    The Marines chuckle, and Grey replies, ¡°Ten-four, Sir.¡±


    The landing goes smoothly, and Marines disembark on the planetoid, careful of their movements. The low gravity will reduce the severity of a fall, but it won¡¯t stop them from reaction-springing themselves into space either.


    Hancock says calmly, ¡°Gravity is extremely low. Less than space elevator. Maybe, point zero five gee¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± growls Grey.


    Hancock replies, ¡°Science team asked me to narrate so they can¡­¡±


    Fisher teases, ¡°You got calibrated eardrums for measuring gee-force now, Rookie?¡±


    Dumas pats Fisher¡¯s chest lightly, retorting, ¡°That¡¯s Rookie-SIR to you, Marine.¡±


    Chief Tachibana growls, ¡°Knock it off, Marines.¡±


    Fisher and Dumas groan, ¡°Yes Chief.¡±


    The Marines spread out slowly, treading carefully. Hancock continues quieter, ¡°Surface is primarily ice, but gritty, like gravel. Additionally, minerals appear to be present, adding some color.¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°Rookies¡­¡±


    Tachibana says quietly, ¡°At least he¡¯s taking his job seriously, Chief.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°I served a tour in the arctic circle, Tachi. Sorry if freezing to death isn¡¯t on my bucket list.¡±


    She replies more gently, ¡°This isn¡¯t Operation Atlas Lift. Our safety lines are right there.¡± She points at the fleet.


    Grey sighs and nods.


    Grey notices Hancock kneeling, swishing his hand low to the surface. He calls out, ¡°Marines! Check this out! I¡­ I think this planet has a tiny atmosphere!¡±


    Grey looks down. True enough, a fine layer of gossamer mist, almost transparent, is drifting and swirling around his boots.


    Mina asks as Rena lays her head down to look closer, ¡°What constitutes an atmosphere?¡±


    Fisher replies jokingly, ¡°Fourteen pounds.¡±


    ¡°Fourteen and a half, idiot,¡± retorts Dumas with a quickness.


    ¡°Fourteen point six nine five nine,¡± squeaks Long. She suddenly adds, ¡°Sorry Petty Officer!¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°Don¡¯t be, Long. Serves him right.¡±


    ¡°Noted, Chief. Noted,¡± replies Dumas.


    Hancock replies, ¡°Dr. Lopez just messaged me that its loosest definition is at least one sustained layer of gas or vapor separating the surface from hard vacuum.¡±


    Moody asks, ¡°How¡¯s it sustaining, then? Why doesn¡¯t the vapor get sucked to space? It¡¯s 8 inches thick.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Hancock replies, ¡°Uh¡­ Working theory; vapor cohesion, where the vapor molecules attract to each other, along with help from gravity, to stay close to the surface. Liquid cohesion is why liquids blob in zero gravity.¡±


    Moody scoffs, ¡°Thanks Doc Lopez.¡±


    Rena stands up, her face-shield frosted over, and she remarks, ¡°Well, it¡¯s definitely cold.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Thank you for that development, Coulson.¡±


    Both Coulsons reply, ¡°You¡¯re welcome Chief!¡± as Mina draws a smiley face in the frost on Rena¡¯s visor. They giggle together.


    Long asks curiously, ¡°What keeps the water vapor from freezing again?¡±


    Hancock again replies after a short delay, ¡°Solar radiation. Some keeps the vapor layer, but the vapor layer shields the surface from melting and vaporizing more.¡±


    Frederics asks, ¡°So, where are the puddles in between, then?¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Theory two. Heat vents produce the vapor. It freezes when it¡¯s still.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Heat vents? Then this planet has a warm core? We getting anything on the sensors Lieutenant?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Movement. Something is moving quickly under the ice. Headed your way.¡±


    Grey orders, ¡°Lock and load Marines!¡±


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Tachibana adds, ¡°Heads on a swivel! Corpsman Brown is noon!¡±


    The Marines call back, ¡°Aye, Chief!¡± as they draw weapons. They scan carefully.


    Long squeaks out, ¡°O-over-uh Si-Si-Foh-¡­¡±


    Grey barks, ¡°POINT MARINE!¡±


    Long points. Sure enough, an elongated figure, about the thickness of a pencil, is swaying gently as it inspects the marines. It has no immediately apparent eyes, like it¡¯s some kind of worm. But, its upright swaying, watching the marines, is more snake-like.


    Rena mutters, ¡°Oh my god¡­ It¡¯s an alien wiener eel.¡±


    Mina nudges Rena, urging, ¡°Go touch it.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy!? I¡¯ve seen this movie!¡±


    Fisher asks, ¡°Do¡­ we kill it? It¡¯s kinda creepy how it¡¯s¡­ staring at us.¡±


    Moody mutters, ¡°I vote we kill it.¡±


    Fredericks complains, ¡°It¡¯s not doing anything. We can¡¯t kill it.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°If that thing¡¯s dumb, oh yes we can.¡±


    Rena asks, ¡°Chief! How do I determine if it¡¯s smart or not!? It¡¯s got no eyes!¡±


    The alien creature starts wiggling more spasmodically. Tachibana asks sharply, ¡°What¡¯s it doing?¡±


    Grey starts to answer, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s suffocating. Head¡¯s above the clouds.¡±


    Rena giggles, ¡°Good one, Chief.¡±


    Grey taunts, ¡°Suck up to someone else, Dead-to-me.¡±


    Rena starts to turn, but the creature springs out of the hole towards her. Grey yells, ¡°FIRE!¡±


    All of the marines present fire as Rena backpedals instinctively, slipping on the ice. She ¡®falls¡¯ in a slow drift backwards, as the serpentine creature deftly coils through the air, using its worm-like, flexible body as a sort of gyroscopic apparatus to control its direction rather skillfully.


    Grey notices something though. The leading part of the creature has no discernible features. But, the opposite end does. It has a toothy, circular mouth like a lamprey and eight beady, neon-yellow eyes.


    Thinking fast -or not at all, with what he does-, Grey lunges forward, snatching the end he suspects is the head from low near the ¡®atmosphere¡¯. He grips tight, like he would a snake to keep its toothy jaws under control. The tail end whips at Rena, missing her as she bounces on the icy ground. Bullets zip by Grey as the Marines narrowly pull their shots or stop firing.


    Having missed Rena, the creature instantly coils around Grey¡¯s arm. It tries to squeeze and pull its head free, but it doesn¡¯t have the strength, not with Grey¡¯s tight grip. He holds its head well above the vapor barrier forming this planet¡¯s atmosphere. It writhes and wrenches as powerfully as its threadlike body can manage against Grey¡¯s arm. Its circular jaw flexes in futility.


    Tachibana calls into the radio, ¡°ALL SQUADS! The worm-like creatures can spring from the ice! Don¡¯t let them puncture your suits!¡±


    Kane and the other squad leaders confirm. Kane asks, ¡°Any signs of sentience?¡±


    Tachibana glances at Grey. The worm is still struggling, and he shakes his head. She replies, ¡°No, sir. Basically just a flying lamprey by the looks of it.¡±


    Mina, Pazna, and Long help Rena up and check over her suit for punctures. Grey remarks dryly, ¡°Little bootlace sure can squirm with no air, am I right?¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Amazing that it¡¯s not even tired yet.¡±


    Fisher jokes, ¡°At least it doesn¡¯t spit¡­¡± Dumas backhands Fisher¡¯s helmet, growling, ¡°Are you stupid!? Don¡¯t jinx us!¡±


    Grey asks, ¡°Coulson, you okay?¡±


    Rena nods quietly, ¡°Yes, Chief.¡±


    He nods as well. ¡°Good. Second to Long, I hate you the least in this squad.¡±


    Fisher and Dumas put their hands up, grumbling, ¡°What¡¯s up with that?¡± Rena coos, ¡°Awe! Chief!¡± She giggles.


    Grey then says, ¡°Well, time to deal with this.¡± He swaps to his pistol in his left hand, and he aims it at the alien¡¯s head from point blank. It still squirms and clenches on his arm.


    Hancock blurts out, ¡°Wait! Chief! What if that thing has acid for blood!?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a movie, Rookie. That¡¯s already been done. If anything, this thing has tobacco for blood, and I¡¯mm¡¯a dry his carcass out and smoke him.¡±


    The Coulsons, Long, Moody, Pazna, Fisher, and Dumas all chuckle, and even Tachibana scoffs. Hancock moves to say something, but hesitates.


    Grey pulls the trigger and his pistol clicks, doing nothing. The worm continues to squirm.


    Mina remarks, ¡°You forgot your pistol requires oxygen, hu-¡° ¡°Quiet Coulson¡­,¡± growls Grey semi-dryly. He puts his pistol away. ¡°Tachi?¡±


    Chief Tachibana nods and steps up with her Grodrrn sidearm. She takes aim as Grey holds his hand out at a safe margin. The worm continues to struggle.


    Tachibana hesitates. She asks, ¡°Chief Grey, is it hurting you?¡±


    He shakes his head, ¡°No. But, if I let go of his head, his teeth are going through my suit.¡±


    Tachibana nods, ¡°True. But, if you¡¯ve got it, it might be better to capture it. Its biology is holding up under vacuum.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So¡­¡± starts Tachibana as she relaxes her blaster. ¡°What if¡­ ugh¡­ these¡­ ¡®Wiener eels¡¯¡­ are useful? Like for suit leather or something.¡± Rena cheers, ¡°I got to name it!?¡± She giggles.


    Fredericks whines, ¡°You CAN¡¯T be serious Chief! You¡¯re supposed to be the GOOD Chief!¡±


    ¡°Be realistic, Fredericks. We¡¯re short on materials. Its skin isn¡¯t even freezing. Until we find space rubber trees, space eel leather will have to do.¡±


    Dumas teases, ¡°Freddy¡¯s a fruititarian, Chief. We can¡¯t harvest space rubber either because it would hurt the space trees.¡±


    Fredericks snarls, ¡°I wish your mother used a rubber!¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Simmer down, Marines. Chief Tachibana is right. Alien life is useful to us as much as materials. Science team can worry about the moral dilemma. That, or we kill this fricking thing anyways, ¡®cause I ain¡¯t letting go of it alive.¡±


    Fredericks growls, ¡°And, who¡¯re the monsters?¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Save it for later, Fredericks.¡±


    Long finally squeaks, ¡°Um, Chiefs?¡± Both Chiefs look at her.


    Long nervously says, ¡°S-so¡­ Living things develop biological responses for a reason, d-don¡¯t they? Why would the¡­ eel do that?¡± Grey and Tachibana glance at each other.


    Mina states like a documentary, ¡°Wiener eels are ambush predators. They find prey via sound on the ice, and quickly swim to a hole.¡± Rena snickers, while Fisher adds, ¡°If enticement doesn¡¯t lure prey, the wiener eel springs through the hole to¡­¡±


    Tachibana growls, ¡°That¡¯s enough. Good point, Long. Let¡¯s not be ON the ice to meet whatever these things eat.¡±


    Moody growls, ¡°Great. So that means we¡¯ll have to wait around for one to show up so we can assess its intelligence.¡±


    Fredericks replies sourly, ¡°Maybe we can make boots out of them, too.¡±


    Grey retorts brutally, ¡°God-willing , Marine, if it gives us better gear.¡± He adds, ¡°If it were up to me, our croc ¡®pals¡¯ would be half way to warming up my toes already.¡± He then says, ¡°Brown. Where you at on the sensor?¡±


    ¡°All set, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Good. Are we done here in hell¡¯s septic tank?¡±


    Tachibana nods, explaining the discovery over the radio and the accomplishment of the basic mission. Grey states, ¡°Rookie, scoop some air into a jar for this thing. Better yet, a bucket of their water.¡±


    Hancock replies uneasily, ¡°I don¡¯t have a jar or a bucket, Chief.¡±


    Grey grumbles, ¡°Some science lackey¡­¡± He states, ¡°Thing Four! Give me your helmet!¡±


    Rena whines, ¡°B-But Chief! I thought you hated me second least!¡±


    ¡°Yep! Now stay in my almost-good graces and¡­¡±


    Long offers, ¡°Ch-Chief¡­ I have an¡­ ammo can in my bag.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, before Moody shouts, ¡°How and WHY do you have an ammo can!?¡±


    Long pouts timidly, ¡°I¡­ I was hoping to¡­ collect any pretty rocks I find¡­¡±


    Grey breaks the silence, saying, ¡°Mm-hmm! That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. That¡¯s a Marine. You mind, Long? Fill it up with water and we¡¯ll go.¡±


    She squeaks brightly, ¡°Yes, Chief!¡± She jogs to the hole as she retrieves the roughly gallon-sized ammo can from her backpack. She scoops water in with her hand as Fisher and Mina watch over her. Rena pouts, ¡°No fair, Chief! She cheated!¡±


    Grey retorts smugly, ¡°Sorry, Thing Four. You want to be my favorite, you gotta have what I want before I even know I want it.¡±


    Fredericks grumbles, ¡°So, a single gallon of water is supposed to keep that thing alive?¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Until the miners can harvest more, yes, Freddy. Something tells me our friend here is really good at holding his breath.¡± Grey holds his arm out, demonstrating that the worm-like creature has still not relented its panicked squirms.


    Tachibana warns, ¡°Long, if you see movement, you back away. Let Fisher and Coulson deal with it.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡± confirms Long as she scoops.


    Satisfied, Grey¡¯s and Tachibana¡¯s team heads back to their ship with creature and water in tow. They maintain vacuum in the airlock while Grey and Tachibana stay, just to make sure human-safe air won¡¯t kill the resilient little creature.


    Fortunately, it¡¯s not too long of a trip. Grey and Tachibana disembark on the outside of the Polonia, where they will walk to an airlock. There, a quarantine team will take custody of the creature and the water.


    Fortunately, the little worm is finally showing signs of fatigue, though Grey is still steadfast on his grip. Even if he can be quickly saved from vacuum now, if even one single alien microbe gets on him, it could mean death, which is why they¡¯re being particularly cautious.


    As Grey enters the airlock, he holds the creature up towards the camera, saying jokingly, ¡°You got lucky, Captain. THIS close to a fight.¡±


    Her voice comes back, equally amused, ¡°It¡¯s not contained yet, Chief.¡±


    He scoffs, ¡°Fair point, Cap.¡± The scientists use a layered Kevlar glove and a heavy leather outer gauntlet to grab the creature''s head, carefully seizing its cookie-cutter jaws. Tachibana remarks, ¡°Are we not worried our fabrics might be toxic to it?¡±


    The lead scientist replies, ¡°Nothing we can do, Marine. Better than it contaminating us or you.¡±


    Grey replies jokingly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry Tachi. We¡¯ll send the Coulsons out to lure ¡®em, and I¡¯ll grab ¡®em.¡±


    Rena whines over the radio, ¡°I heard that, Chief!¡±


    ¡°Whaaat? We make a great team!¡±


    Mina retorts, ¡°¡®Bait¡¯ is not a team position!¡±


    ¡°Sure it is! Sometimes, it¡¯s called ¡®decoy¡¯ and others, ¡®suppression specialist¡¯.¡±


    Rena retorts, ¡°I hope Weenie eats your face, Chief!¡±


    Tachibana growls, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± The two Chiefs help wrestle the clingy worm off of Grey¡¯s arm onto the leather gauntlet, which the scientist sheds into a containment box. The lead scientist replies, ¡°Yes, a brilliant specimen. Good work, Marines. I think we¡¯ll call it, ¡®the comet worm¡¯.¡±


    Grey glances at Tachibana, who doesn¡¯t object. Air starts filling the room. Grey replies bluntly, ¡°No can do, Sir. The creatures already have a name.¡±


    Tachibana backhands his chest lightly, but he bats her arm. He growls, ¡°No! How can YOU stand idly? She¡¯s YOUR Marine. I¡¯m not letting some egg-head steal her credit.¡±


    The scientist tries to defuse, saying, ¡°I meant no disrespect, Marine, but an official name should reflect¡­¡±


    Grey rips his helmet off so he can yell more potently and so the whole radio network doesn¡¯t hear him, ¡°An official name is given by its discoverer! Priv-ugh Petty Officer Rena Coulson made the first observation and declared its name. The LEAST you could do is ask her!¡±


    The scientists recoil, even though Grey is only yelling so far. Though, it only now dons on him the bacteriological concerns the wiener eel represents. But, he¡¯s committed now.


    Still, the lead scientist retorts, ¡°Oh?¡± He looks at Tachibana. She finally sighs and admits, ¡°One of our squad did declare a name.¡± She adds more to Grey, though, ¡°But, it was a name made in jest.¡±


    The scientist asks, ¡°And, what, pray tell, was it?¡±


    Grey glares at Tachibana, and she sighs. She replies, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Wiener¡­ eel¡­¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and the scientists burst into laughter. Grey growls, ¡°Something funny, egghead?¡±


    The scientist replies jovially, ¡°We¡¯re not naming the first discovered interstellar creature that. It¡¯s ridiculous.¡±


    Grey snarls calmly, ¡°Oh yes we are.¡±


    The door opens just as the scientist retorts, ¡°You forget your place, Marine¡­¡±


    Grey spear tackles the scientist to the hallway wall, scattering the startled spectators there. Grey barks as he pins the scientist to the wall, ¡°YOU had nothing to do with its discovery or capture. In fact, you had almost nothing to do with this whole mission!¡±


    The other two scientists carefully set the box in the corner so it won¡¯t float and struggle to pull Chief Grey off of their lead. A month in low gravity softens bodies quickly, though, where the marines have trained near continuously.


    Tachibana swoops in, holding Grey¡¯s right fist from striking. He can¡¯t really see her well, but he knows it¡¯s her by the hand lock she wrenches his hand into. He snarls, ¡°And you! How could you let them trample YOUR squad¡¯s rights! Mina¡¯s and Rena¡¯s names should be plastered all over this thing¡¯s discovery! And you¡¯d let these clowns just rename it!?¡±


    Tachibana snaps back, ¡°Why does it matter!? It¡¯s a worm! I doubt Coulson cares!¡±


    ¡°NO ONE ASKED HER!¡± snarls Grey. ¡°I did NOT go to hell over and over to get treated like a coffee intern! At least Hancock was WITH us! And Lopez and Caldaren. But these smug turds? No!¡±


    Captain Long¡¯s voice finally booms as she and Alpha Team push through the crowd, ¡°WHAT¡¯S GOING ON HERE! CHIEF GREY! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?¡±


    Grey tightens his pin of the scientist¡¯s chest, ¡°No Ma¡¯am. Just disagreeing about the name of Rena¡¯s discovery.¡±


    The scientist cries out, ¡°This barbarian assaulted me! AND broke quarantine! He¡¯s completely out of¡­!¡±


    ¡°THAT¡¯S ENOUGH!¡± booms Long. ¡°Chief Grey! This behavior is unacceptable, ESPECIALLY for a Chief Petty Officer. Stand Down.¡±


    Grey hesitates, fuming. He realizes he lost his temper, but he¡¯s had enough of being treated like dirt and go-fers. That was Earth crap. If his lot in life now is going to be landing on every new hell-hole they find, he and his marines will be getting real recognition for a change. Or at least, the pride of naming the creatures and places they discover. And, certainly so if the alternative is some beaker-filler that stays on the ship.


    Grey shoves off of the scientist, causing him to cough. He growls, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡± Tachibana and the two scientists relax off of him. Captain Long looks around, disappointed. She says sternly, ¡°Chief Grey, I¡¯m hereby ordering you confined to quarters pending disciplinary review. Chief Tachibana will inherit your responsibilities for the time being.¡± Grey winces.


    He caustically retorts, ¡°Sorry Tachi. I forgot the civvy elites still run the show.¡±


    Long growls, ¡°Not another word, Chief. Please. You two, escort him to a quarantine shower.¡± She points at two marines nearby who are distinctly NOT from Grey¡¯s team. Grey grits his teeth, but he walks quietly, followed closely by the two petty officers. She then orders clean up of the area.


    Grey fumes in the stateroom for a while after going through quarantine. Tanya and Little Bird are likely milling around the ship somewhere or helping out where they can. Which, of course, is good, since Long would likely send them away in just one¡­


    The door whooshes open and shut, and Long screams, ¡°WHAT WERE YOU THINKING GREY!?¡±


    He scoffs, only glancing at her from his bed. ¡°Wasn¡¯t, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    She storms over to him and snarls, ¡°Not good enough! Answer me!¡±


    Grey rolls over away from her, and he retorts, ¡°What for? Will it do any¡­¡± He grunts in surprise when she yanks him out of his bed. The artificial gravity doesn¡¯t make him fall hard, but the move startles him.


    Long growls, ¡°I told you, the second that door closes, I¡¯m not the Captain. So, tell me now; you want your fight? Is that what this is? A little testosterone overdose?? Well, here it is! Get up and fight!¡±


    Stunned, Grey finally replies, ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡±


    ¡°THEN WHAT!? I TRUSTED YOU! I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THAT! DO YOU KNOW HOW DISGUSTING IT IS TO FEEL SO BETRAYED!?¡±


    ¡°YOU!?¡± snaps Grey. ¡°What about us!? You know how many times soldier discoveries and inventions were simply stolen by elites for their own gain? A LOT!¡± Grey shifts to sit up, growling, ¡°The military is supposed to be in charge, but these civvy jerkoffs are still pulling the same crap.¡±


    ¡°So, you wanted a little more authority, is that¡­?¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± barks Grey. ¡°No. I just¡­¡± The grizzled marine sighs. ¡°I wanted what we do to mean something for a change. To really have a deserving name on it. Lopez saved us with the Grodurns, no doubt about that. But¡­ RENA named that stupid thing. Her boots were on the ice.¡±


    Long breathes deep and sighs. She sits down on the edge of the bed next to him. She takes her turn, ¡°Chief Tachibana pulled me aside after you left. She regrets that she wasn¡¯t going to stand up for Coulson like you did. Truly. She explained why you were so upset; not that you marines liked¡­ the name, but that it was her name to give. I get that. Truly. I will not allow it to be called¡­ the ¡®wiener eel¡¯ on official reports, but the official name is going to Rena. We gave her a week to think of a name before it¡¯s called the ¡®Coulson eel¡¯, for simplicity.¡±


    Grey sighs and nods. He says quietly, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Long leans back on the bed, saying, ¡°Chief¡­ Alex¡­ I know there¡¯s a lot of pressure on what I¡¯m asking you to do. You and your marines¡­ No one will ever fully appreciate you as much as you deserve, but¡­ please know I need you. This belt is ours for now; no sentients. That¡¯s thanks to you marines checking and bringing back a specimen and samples.¡±


    Grey asks, ¡°Did you talk to Jessica about¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And we found the creatures.¡± She jokes, ¡°We¡¯re waiting on a name for them too. ¡®Butt frog¡¯ won¡¯t do either.¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°Butt frog?¡±


    Long giggles, ¡°Mm-hmm. Ugly as sin. But, frog-like in some ways, including how they hop from asteroid to asteroid. About the size of a cow, hairy, and tough skin. Now we¡¯re scanning the belt for what they eat, as well as the stomach contents when we get the chance.¡±


    Grey nods, replying, ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    Long adds, ¡°BUT¡­ The original given names will be recorded¡­ for posterity.¡±


    Grey smirks lightly. He replies softly, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Long nods. There¡¯s a quiet pause for a moment.


    After a while, Long finally says, ¡°I have to mast you, Chief. I can¡¯t tolerate¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. For what it¡¯s worth,¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I should¡¯ve pushed the issue directly to you¡­¡±


    She gently puts her hand on his head. Surprisingly, as she scratches gently in his stubbly hair, it puts him at ease, rather than irks him. She adds gently, ¡°We¡¯re getting there. First priority is space. And, we have lots of material, hopefully. Bear with me, please. For what it¡¯s worth, I appreciate you.¡±


    Grey sighs. ¡°Aye, Cap. Won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± She stands up and says sternly to him, ¡°Be sure your dress uniform is squared away, Chief. I HATE wrinkles on dress uniforms.¡± She pauses, realizing he probably doesn¡¯t have one. ¡°Make your best uniform presentable. Your review board will be tomorrow, captain¡¯s mast the day after. Clear?¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    She relaxes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ Thank you¡­¡±


    Grey nods again.


    ********

 Chapter 16: Captain Angelica Long and Baskylla Jardzen Dzor

    Dzor watches the door open to his containment box before Khla is led back in. She brings two meals, and the humans lock the door behind her.


    The surprisingly trusting humans don¡¯t even bind Khla¡¯s hands anymore, allowing her free reign of the containment box. For the last few meal cycles, she has been feeding Dzor so he doesn¡¯t have to eat off of the serving dish like an animal, as the humans have -rather wisely- expressed that his hands are unlikely to be unbound anytime soon. What they don¡¯t know is the full capacity of their captives.


    Khla approaches Dzor. Once again, the meals are EXTREMELY basic, with a very bland and plain meat, and some kind of repulsive plant-based meat substitute. But, between the two items, the meal barely touches Dzor¡¯s building hunger, which is why he¡¯s careful about his temper tantrums now. The electrical component of his bindings, which he learned of the hard way, sap his strength and paralyze him briefly when activated. The humans use it on him only when he struggles most ferociously.


    Dzor is now carefully biding his time, ensuring to employ his most extensive technique; a technique he knows will work in time. He¡¯s seen it in action.


    Dzor accepts the food Khla feeds him, and only a moment passes before his is gone. Khla has even less, undoubtedly a cruel prioritization by the humans based on her size, even though she tirelessly helps them.


    As Khla relaxes to eat her meal, Dzor growls, ¡°[Even appeasement still leaves you prisoner.]¡±


    Khla pauses, but she says nothing. She keeps nibbling on her meager portions. Dzor grumbles, ¡°[You¡¯d think they could reward you even a little.]¡±


    Again, Khla pauses. She says softly, ¡°[You don¡¯t understand, Yarjen¡­]¡±


    He replies bluntly, ¡°[I understand a false domicile. They have convinced you that this meager tiding is all you deserve. They fear your strength, and so¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Their entire fleet is rationing, Yarjen.]¡± retorts Khla bluntly. ¡°[I have seen it. They have barely enough to feed their people. They over-populated these ships. Frustration and anger are simmering, abated only by a lack of energy.]¡±


    Dzor scoffs, ¡°[Their soldiers don¡¯t seem to be lacking.]¡±


    Khla sets her plate down with one small piece remaining. She seems to have lost some of her color. She asks softly, ¡°[Who do you think has been sharing with us, Yarjen?]¡±


    Dzor¡¯s face twists in confusion. He replies, ¡°[We are useful prisoners of war. Of course they¡­]¡±


    ¡°[They don¡¯t, though. They asked for volunteers because they know they don¡¯t have enough. Their¡­ soldiers¡­ Even after everything. SOLDIERS came forward to spare a little for each of us¡­ Otherwise, they could o-only¡­ feed¡­]¡± She trails off.


    Dzor is silent for a long time. He is humbled, truly. He is more prone to believe it precisely because the humans have given him no signs of their struggles, nor do they seem to tell Khla anything directly. Khla fidgets with the remnants of her meal.


    Dzor jokes, ¡°[Worst case arises, I¡¯m sure humans are edible.]¡± However, this only causes Khla to sink a little more.


    Dzor looks at an arbitrary corner away from her, saying more gently, ¡°[Eat your meal, Craw. Worse than the situation itself would be to waste their¡­ kindness.]¡± He can¡¯t believe he¡¯s using that word, but¡­ even he is realizing the humans aren¡¯t as simple or barbaric as he once believed. He still intends to free himself at all costs, but¡­ There are worse captors in the universe.


    Khla looks at him, a little surprised. Dzor growls, ¡°[My scales turn blue, Helmdraff?]¡±


    She looks sheepishly away, squeaking, ¡°[No Yarjen! Apologies!]¡±


    Dzor lays his head back to rest once Khla finishes her meal. His chance is coming. Let her do what she¡¯s doing. She¡¯s keeping more than herself alive, which is admirable. They also don¡¯t appear to be manipulating Khla. They only ask for her help in a field she¡¯s rather skilled in, surprisingly.


    With each following day after, Dzor takes a brief moment to smell the food before Khla feeds it to him. Some of the human scents are familiar. At least one of them was on his ship, maybe even a few of them. That part is even more strange to him. Not only are soldiers sacrificing meals for him and the other Grodrrns, but ones who have fought against them more than once.


    Dzor has read that humans experience guilt rather easily. Perhaps the mammals feel guilty for the Grodrrns? A foolish belief with no place in war. Enemies are enemies. No exceptions. When you stop treating them as such, you risk hesitating when they won¡¯t.


    But, Dzor is honorable. If he crosses paths with these humans, he will give them the sporting chance to flee from him. Not too long, of course. The humans are too crafty to give too much time to strategize. But, some, at least.


    For now, Dzor keeps his mind on his own task. Not even Khla knows what Baskylla Jardzens are taught. It is risky, brazen, and painful, but has a high success rate nonetheless. Still, he cannot include her. If she knows, and he fails, she likely won¡¯t be spared.


    He¡¯s still a ways off anyways. It takes time. And, captivity affords him nothing but time.


    ********


    ¡°Cheers!¡± states Mr. Right jovially as he pops the cork of what was once simply a very expensive wine worth over $1000 a bottle. Now, he is popping open an irreplaceable commodity. And, he¡¯s doing so on the Polonia¡¯s command bridge.


    Captain Long looks at him in exasperation and sarcasm as he pours a glass. She¡¯s sitting in her chair with her hand on her cheek.


    Ensign Hancock asks innocently as Dr. Lopez keeps her face buried in her laptop, ¡°What¡¯s the occasion, Sir?¡±


    Mr. Right replies jovially, ¡°You mean aside from finding Dr. Lopez here?¡±


    She looks away from him. It¡¯s been about two weeks since the discovery mission on the ice planetoid and the subsequent surveys of the full belt. The mining barges have been hard at work, finally resuming their designed purpose. While the ¡®spring eel¡¯ and the ¡®hollows hopper¡¯ are far from edible livestock, their blood and hides are being studied for suit enhancements. Both are plentiful in the belt as a whole.


    Mr. Right adds proudly, ¡°The keel is laid for our next starship! Our journey is well on its way!¡± He offers the glass to Captain Long. She glances at it and then at him, fully perturbed. She growls, ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡±


    Mr. Right feigns offense, saying, ¡°MADAME! You wound me! One does not simply ¡®drink¡¯ fine wine. One ENJOYS fine wine.¡±


    Long growls brutally, ¡°One will be ¡®enjoying¡¯ fine wine in Yarjen Dzor¡¯s containment unit if one doesn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay! Geez!¡± Mr. Right backs off. He states quietly, ¡°More for me, then, I guess¡­¡±


    Long asks skeptically, ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re getting ahead of yourself as well? Construction will take years.¡±


    ¡°MONTHS,¡± corrects Mr. Right with a smirk. ¡°My baby Providence works from all angles simultaneously. Not to mention the lack of bureaucracy. If this takes more than six months,¡± He announces to everyone, ¡°Bear witness, everyone! If this new ship takes more than six months,¡± He says more charmingly, ¡°I will give you what is most precious to me.¡±


    Long only notices because Hancock looked. What he looked at was Lopez, who silently glares away from Mr. Right. Captain Long doesn¡¯t care how or why, but she does like Dr. Lopez a fair amount more than Mr. Right.


    Long retorts to Mr. Right bluntly to off balance him, ¡°You have nothing I want.¡±


    Mr. Right tries to reply suavely, ¡°What about the sexiest sports car ever built?¡±


    Long smirks, countering smugly, ¡°Actually, that WOULD be great. I could finally scrap that hood ornament.¡±


    Mr. Right recoils with a dramatic gasp as he clutches his heart. He replies, ¡°You fiend!¡± Still refusing to give up, though, he replies warmly, ¡°Beautiful, strong-willed, and fierce! You, M¡¯lady, are worth the fight.¡±


    She interjects, ¡°No I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°But you are! One day, I will prove my love for you!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not in question.¡±


    ¡°Then I will earn¡­¡±


    ¡°Mr. Right.¡± He halts, and she continues, ¡°As you saw when you walked in, I was being briefed by Dr. Lopez about her progress on several technologies. As you surely know, that will not continue with too many people in the room. Please celebrate the new keel in non-military zones as is laid out in our policy. Once the ship is complete in six months or less, I will then celebrate with you. Not before the eggs are even laid.¡±


    Mr. Right grins, ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that, my Captain.¡±


    She waves him away. Mr. Right exits cheerfully, dancing goofily as he walks.


    Once he exits, Dr. Lopez squeaks sheepishly, ¡°A-Actually, Captain,¡­ I¡­ finished m-my brief¡­¡±


    Long smirks, ¡°I know. But YOU don¡¯t annoy me. You¡¯re welcome here for work any time.¡±


    Lopez blushes and tries to shrink behind her screen a little more. She squeaks, ¡°Th-thank you, Captain.¡±


    Long nods. She then asks Hancock, ¡°Hancock, please use your head when Mr. Right asks anything of you.¡±


    Hancock smirks and nods, replying respectfully, ¡°Always do, Ma¡¯am. I officially answer to Doc Lopez, and only her.¡±


    Long smiles when Lopez squirms sheepishly again. Long is thankful to Lopez for everything the deceptively young genius has accomplished, but she¡¯s more thankful she has Hancock. Worse than losing Lopez in battle would be losing her to depression.


    Long nods, ¡°Good. If you ever need anything, let me know.¡± Long ensures to lock eye contact when the scientist glances at her. Long adds sincerely, ¡°Anything.¡±


    Lopez looks down. Whatever her issues with Mr. Right, she¡¯ll deal with them her own way eventually. Long just hopes it¡¯s a proper way.


    There¡¯s a quiet pause. Long smiles gently, starting to turn. But, Lopez catches everyone by surprise when she blurts out, ¡°Um!¡±


    Long looks back at her, asking, ¡°Yes?¡±


    Lopez hesitates, fidgeting with her hands at the top of her laptop screen. She nervously fidgets in silence for a long time. Long asks gently, ¡°Would you like to talk in private, Doctor?¡±


    Lopez nods. Long says, ¡°Let¡¯s step in the back room. Warmer in there anyways.¡±


    Lopez follows Long but hesitates, glancing back at Hancock. He gestures at himself, and she nods subtly. Hancock follows as well.


    Long closes the door behind them, urging gently, ¡°Take your time, Doctor. You can tell me anything here. Won¡¯t leave this room by me.¡±


    Hancock confirms, ¡°Me either, of course.¡±


    Lopez nods. She fidgets a long time again. But, finally, she asks quietly, ¡°Do¡­ you have family onboard, Captain?¡±


    Long nods gently, replying, ¡°Only my sister, Jessica.¡± There¡¯s a pause after Lopez nods quietly. Long asks gently, ¡°How¡­ about you, Doctor?¡±


    Lopez nods, but doesn¡¯t say who. Thinking, Long says gently, ¡°I miss my parents, even though I didn¡¯t get along with them. I thank God every day that Jessica came to live with me when she did.¡±


    Lopez murmurs distantly, ¡°¡®God¡¯¡­ I don¡¯t believe in God¡­ M-Maybe that¡¯s why¡­¡±


    ¡°NO.¡± states Long sternly. ¡°I believe in God. But, God is not spiteful. Faith is what you need it to be, but the world happens as it does. WE must live in it.¡±


    Lopez¡¯s eyes water, and Long winces. Maybe she was too preachy. Jessica always hated if Angelica got preachy about right and wrong, even if Angelica tried to be fairly neutral.


    But, Lopez whimpers, ¡°He was supposed to bring her¡­ He promised me¡­¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asks Long.


    Lopez cries out, ¡°Mama!¡± before she slips into uncontrollable sobs. Long fumbles movements, unsure what to do. She glances at Hancock, who is also hesitant.


    Captain Angelica Long has never been a mother. At this point, she¡¯s unsure if she¡¯ll ever be. But, she IS a big sister, and every fiber of her being compels her to do one thing.


    Long hugs Dr. Lopez, holding firmly to the young woman. Lopez sobs into Long¡¯s collar, crying more than anyone thought she had in her. Lopez has always been rather quiet and guarded with her emotions. But now,¡­


    Lopez¡¯s knees slowly give way, and Long eases both of them to their knees gently. The auburn-haired captain urges tenderly, ¡°Let it out, Lopez. Talk to me. Tell me what happened.¡±


    Lopez sobs. She chokes out, ¡°H-He pr-promised¡­ he was sending¡­ a jet for her!¡±


    ¡°Who promised? Mr. Right?¡±


    Lopez sobs uncontrollably, unable to answer. Long glances at Hancock, who whispers silently, ¡°[I think so¡­]¡±


    Long strokes Lopez¡¯s back, holding firmly. She says sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Doctor. I¡¯ll summon him back up here and¡­¡±


    ¡°N-No!¡± cries out Lopez. She chokes and gasps through trying to calm her breathing enough to say, ¡°H-He¡¯s a-a-all I have left¡­ P-P-Please¡­ I¡­ I just¡­¡± She winces as she tries to hold back new tears.


    Long smiles gently and sighs. ¡°Very well¡­ Cry all you need, Doctor. We¡¯re here.¡±


    Lopez whimpers as she holds Long¡¯s uniform shirt tightly, ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    Long replies tenderly though, ¡°Don¡¯t be. Don¡¯t know why on Earth you¡¯d choose me, but¡­ I¡¯m happy to help. I don¡¯t know much outside of the military, but I do think I¡¯m a pretty good big sister.¡±


    Lopez relaxes a little, nodding in agreement. ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. If¡­ you don¡¯t mind, tell me your mother¡¯s name.¡±


    Lopez softens, whimpering, ¡°Please don¡¯t¡­¡±


    Long gently strokes the black-haired scientist¡¯s back. ¡°I won¡¯t today, Doctor. But, he¡¯s going to finish the ship on time. Let me sour any smugness he might¡­¡±


    Long softens. She realizes what¡¯s wrong with the whole idea. She whispers, ¡°Forgive me, Doctor. I¡­ I can¡¯t believe I wanted to¡­¡± Long swallows hard, ¡°I¡¯d like to know her name, truly, but I will NOT use her name for petty revenge. I¡¯m sorry. I know another way I can smack down Russell.¡±


    Lopez pauses. She whispers softly, ¡°Anna Maria. Anna Maria Francesca Lopez¡­¡±


    Long smiles, replying tenderly, ¡°That¡¯s a beautiful name.¡±


    Lopez whispers, ¡°I miss her so much¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡± replies Long gently. ¡°There are too many people I miss too. All we can do for them now is to keep going. I believe we¡¯ll meet back up with them all too soon, but for now, we have a purpose. Chief to that is keeping our loved ones alive in memory, if nothing else.¡±


    Lopez nods softly. ¡°Thank you, Captain Long¡­¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Any time, Doctor.¡±


    The two sit together for a long moment. Lopez murmurs a little sourly, ¡°I¡­ at least wish he valued me as much as that dumb car¡­¡±


    Long replies as she gently strokes Lopez¡¯s hair, ¡°Leave the car to me, Doctor. But, I do think he values you. He¡¯s just an idiot at showing it.¡±


    Lopez looks away briefly, prompting Long to add, ¡°Either way; I value you.¡±


    Lopez blushes, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    It takes a little longer before Lopez is ready to return to her work. She occupies a small corner of the bridge, huddling on the floor.


    Long doesn¡¯t mind her presence one bit. Better here than on the Providence where Long¡¯s valid concerns get deflected. Although, she¡¯d likely have done the same if she were in Murdock¡¯s position.


    It worked out for now. But, as she looks out the window at the dark void speckled with light, she wonders just what other challenges -or enemies- are in store for them all.


    ********


    ~An irony of space is that life -and even sentient life- was not as difficult to find as we as a species once thought. And, perhaps hoped. I don¡¯t think it could or even should have gone differently. So many variables change with each and every ¡®what if¡¯. The full consequences would be impossible to predict.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    What is important is how we live our lives in the now. It took a long time for my past to finally restore to me, but I sustained myself in this life by living in the now. That¡¯s all my fellow soldiers had, so it was fair that it was all I knew as well. The only real difference of course was how many times I¡¯ve found myself in the Navy. Made it easy to remember, of course.


    But, I will always understand WHY Chief Grey snapped the way he did. The creation of the T.E.A.U. was a time of NEW. New discoveries, new opportunities, and, of course, new dangers. Not everyone can face those new things face to face. And, it¡¯s something else to achieve that kind of achievement.~


    Captain Long watches the Drydock Providence as it floats, dead. She¡¯s not panicking. Captain Murdock called ahead to inform the other Captains he was about to do it. They¡¯re running a ¡®dead in space¡¯ drill.


    Of course, this dead in space drill comes two weeks before the deadline Mr. Right set on completion of the newest ship. The new starliner is impressive, of course. It has dedicated artillery turrets, as well as upscaled Grodurn laser turrets. Dzor was unimpressed, which means the real Grodurn weapons have better ability, but Dr. Lopez hasn¡¯t disappointed Long in the least.


    And, of course, the drill may be occurring to aid Captain Long¡¯s odds at a running bet. Captain Murdock puts up with Mr. Right, but he was happy to participate in this particular mischief. Mr. Right can be charming, but he lays it on too thick, trying to get what he wants. He seems to think flattery has replaced money, and he tries to grease wheels and palms with empty words.


    Fortunately, his lack of respect for procedure works well against him. Mr. Right rarely communicates his schedule up the chain, suddenly loading the electrical grid with the new ship¡¯s heavy loads or testing weaponry without warning. So, when the Providence does Navy drills ¡®conveniently¡¯ during the new ship¡¯s service water pressurization, and is set behind more than a day, Mr. Right can fume all he wants, but, he can prove nothing. He passes nothing up, so nothing gets passed down to him.


    Long is grateful the ship is almost complete, though. While the human fleet lost hundreds due to the EMP of the jump, many infants were on the way and have been born. And, life will undoubtedly progress anyways.


    The auburn haired Captain turns to the computer screen and presses ¡®[connect]¡¯. The picture lights up with Jardzen Dzor¡¯s cell, and the large reptilian is sitting alone. Helmdravv Khla is teaching pilots how to pilot the Grodurn light shuttles.


    Over the last few months, Captain Long has been visiting with Dzor to extend an olive branch of respect to the captured ship commander. Like Long, he is a high ranking officer, and he could very likely teach her things only he knows. The captive Grodurns are very quiet about their physiology, including their longevity, but many of the humans documenting as much as possible have come to independent conclusions. Everyone agrees that Dzor is at least 100 years old, and he isn¡¯t the oldest captive. Khla on the other hand, seems to have the personal and moral flexibility of a teenager, though her age may be mid thirties to mid forties or so.


    Dzor often talks at least a little with Captain Long, if only out of boredom. He¡¯s abrasive and intentionally calls her ¡®hoomin¡¯, even though she has introduced herself multiple times. But, he at least talks, which counts for something.


    As usual, he is in his deep slumber to conserve energy. Captain Long attempts the greeting Khla taught her, ¡°Jinntarick, mm-mrrullk, Yarjen Jor. [Warm breezes today, Jardzen Dzor.]¡± Captain Long stammered the second word. The deeper sounds Grodurns can make are extremely difficult to emulate. It took her dozens of tries with Khla to get even close.


    Dzor replies, indicating his sleep wasn¡¯t so deep today, ¡°Yoor veess hozz no reenj. Ond yuu preenonce leek hotchleeng. [Your voice has no range. And you pronounce like hatchling.]¡±


    Long smirks, retorting, ¡°Be nice, Yarjen. I give you a lot on your pronunciations.¡±


    Dzor snorts. He doesn¡¯t say anything, but she suspects it may actually be somewhat approving when he snorts like that. If he¡¯s offended, he growls, which can be chilling to hear. He opens one eye to look at the screen showing her face to him.


    Long asks, ¡°Did you read the instructions for chess like I asked, Yarjen?¡± She can just see the corner of the large sheets taped to the wall in the camera¡¯s field of view.


    The reptile closes his eye and snorts again. ¡°I hoff bitter theengs tuu duu thonn rid obot hoomin strotigee geems forr offspreeng. [I have better things to do than read about human strategy games for offspring.]¡±


    Long smirks. She intentionally didn¡¯t tell Dzor what chess was to catch him just like this. True, he could continue sleeping his days away, but she suspects even that is getting to someone like him. She can tell he¡¯s intelligent, which means his mind craves stimulation. He doesn¡¯t have to sleep or hibernate to survive right now. Plus, talking lets him learn about the humans, too, which she KNOWS he¡¯s interested in.


    Long replies warmly, ¡°Good! I¡¯m glad you read them. We¡¯re going to play and talk today.¡±


    Dzor rolls his jaw from side to side once. From what she knows, this is his slightly annoyed gesture. She¡¯s okay for now. Long picks up the game set, crafted with foam set pieces with small magnets in the base. The guards photograph and inventory every piece carefully. Everyone knows Dzor, of all of the captive Grodurns, is the highest escape risk. But, he¡¯s also rather honorable, it seems.


    Long is escorted into Dzor¡¯s containment box, and she sits down. A line of tape on the floor shows where Dzor¡¯s longest reach ends. She feels a little bad that he has nothing in his cell except the vacuum tube for his waste functions. But, he is incredibly strong and dangerous. Just what he could throw could kill a person.


    Dzor growls deeply, reminding Long of an alligator. It¡¯s deep and rumbling, and she can hear the guard¡¯s hands tighten on his weapon behind her. But, Long calls his bluff. He won¡¯t hurt her. Not while he¡¯s chained up and not while a dozen armed soldiers are right outside.


    Long straightens the pieces out and turns the white to Dzor. She states, ¡°I taught my sister how to play when I was still living at home. I¡¯m no champion or anything, but I¡¯m pretty good. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡± She makes her first move by moving the pawn in front of her left bishop one space forward. She slides the board into more comfortable reach for him.


    Dzor looks at the board with only his vertical-pupil eye open, and then at Long. He says in a low voice, ¡°Yuu already lohze, hoomin. Fooleesh mohve. [You already lose, human. Foolish move.]¡±


    Long scoffs and replies humorously, ¡°The first move is rather early to decide that, Yarjen. But, psyching out your opponent CAN work. Nice effort.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s growl this time is more of a typical, impotent frustration. It doesn¡¯t rumble Long¡¯s chest like his aggressive growl. He finally reaches his bound hands over and moves his left knight out in front of his left bishop¡¯s pawn. He states calmly, ¡°Yoor geem eez seempull, hoomin. Yuu see soon. [Your game is simple, human. You see soon.]¡±


    ¡°Maybe. But, until then, it¡¯s either of our game.¡± Long moves her right knight¡¯s pawn forward one space. But, just as she¡¯s about to withdraw her hands, Dzor¡¯s massive hand eclipses hers, and his index finger and thumb capture her wrist -delicately, for now-. If he applies any pressure, his sharp nail would puncture many vital components of her forearm, not least of which is an artery which would see her dead in seconds. Dzor may or may not know this, but her heart tightens for a second.


    Long can¡¯t stop her adrenaline from kicking in. Time seems to slow as she makes the crucial decision between fight or flight.


    No.


    She will not panic. He is making a point. She looks up at Dzor¡¯s eyes. Both of which are open now with fire in them. Among the many grievous things he could do right now, pulling her to him and his sharp-toothed jaws is but one. He has his teeth bared, though it is hard to call it a smile. Dzor does often mock human behaviors, though, when he¡¯s being sarcastic or demeaning.


    He growls menacingly, ¡°I heer yoor harrt. Eet rassess een feerr. [I hear your heart. It races in fear.]¡±


    Long can hear the guard shuffle to aim, yelling, ¡°Captain!¡±


    Long sternly orders, ¡°Hold fire!¡± She says as calmly as she can to Dzor, ¡°You¡¯re right. I tried to show you trust, and now you stand at the line of betraying that trust. You call me a primitive every day, but I¡¯M the one extending you trust and compassion from a position of power. To us, you¡¯re the savages.¡±


    The room rumbles from the soul-shaking growl that emanates from the large reptilian. Long¡¯s own courage is slipping, but she keeps her body under control. He won¡¯t fail her. She winces from the pain sharpening ever-so-slightly in her wrist.


    Dzor growls out, ¡°Yuu hovv noo eedaya whot loorks een starrz. Meersih eez weekniss. [You have no idea what lurks in (the) stars. Mercy is a weakness.]¡±


    The pain is approaching unbearable, and Long grits her teeth. She grunts out, ¡°Mercy¡­ is the only reason¡­ we had the forces to¡­ beat you¡­¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet as Long¡¯s efforts to suppress whimpers deteriorate. A single whimper of pain slips through her throat, even with all of her effort to withstand.


    The guard cries out, ¡°CAPTAIN!¡±


    Long yells, ¡°HOLD! I¡¯M FINE!¡± She locks eyes with Dzor. Her eyes are watering from the pain of his nails pinching her tendons, but a fire of her own is awakened. She says sternly to him, ¡°MERCY is a STRENGTH when it helps the weak AND strong come together to be stronger still. We both just¡­ want to live. T-Together, we¡­¡± Long shrieks the last word as Dzor¡¯s grip tightens just a touch more, ¡°CAN!¡± she cries out. The pain is tearing into her.


    Just as suddenly, though, the pressure disappears. Long gasps, reclaiming her hand and recoiling it to her chest. She looks at Dzor. His hand is still extended, but his expression is much more distant. He sits that way for a long time. Finally, his eyes, one with a vertical pupil, the other horizontal, pivot slightly to look at her. A strange feeling fills her. It¡¯s not fear or disgust. Dzor¡¯s intensely deep gaze isn¡¯t one of hate or disrespect.


    He looks down, still having said nothing. He relaxes back and crosses his arms. His gaze chills back to his normal steely expression, and he grunts, ¡°Steel yoor torn. [Still your turn.]¡±


    Long looks at her wrist. For as much as it hurt, she has only two small pinpricks of blood that have escaped her skin. The guard cautiously approaches, weapon still on Dzor, ¡°Captain?¡±


    Long takes a deep breath and exhales. She replies, ¡°Trust exercise, Marine. I told you, I¡¯m fine. Return to your position.¡± Long moves her piece on the chess board using her left hand. Her right tendon aches, but she flexes her fingers carefully to ensure they still work. She¡¯s fairly confident she¡¯s okay.


    Dzor states gruffly as he moves a pawn forward, ¡°Theess geem pontliss. Roolarrs haff no pleess onn bottlefeld. [This game (is) pointless. Rulers have no place on (the) battlefield.]¡±


    As Long takes her turn, she asks, ¡°Why do you say that? Some of the most successful rulers in our history were warriors at the same time. Their soldiers respected them more.¡±


    ¡°Rispeect shood bee oonconndeeshnoll. Oonqueeshnoll. Saurmynnyka NEVER see bottle, or deefinz falloors. [Respect should be unconditional. Unquestionable. Saurmynnyka NEVER see battle, or defense (defenders) failures.]¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, in a way. I take it, your ¡®Saurminnicka¡¯ is your ruler?¡±


    Dzor nods, but snorts, grunting, ¡°Woz.¡±


    ¡°Right. Sorry. We¡¯ve pieced together that you blame us for her death, but we have no idea how. The rocket was an expeditionary rocket. It was barely outside of our own solar system the year we think you believe it hit you.¡±


    Dzor growls softly, still taking his turns. He retorts, ¡°Eet how we now yoor longweej. [It(¡®s) how we know your language.]¡±


    Long corrects, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What I mean is, I believe the Voyager hit your planet. What I¡¯m saying is, we have no idea how it¡¯s possible. There are no planets close enough to us. And, you¡¯ve seen our technology in action.¡±


    Dzor says nothing. He simply studies the board for a moment. After he moves, he asks quietly, ¡°Wot eez seestor?¡±


    ¡°Sister?¡± asks Long. Without looking at her, he nods. Long explains, ¡°She¡¯s my sibling. She and I are family. We both have the same mother and father.¡±


    Dzor snorts, ¡°Thoz wurds meen nohtheeng. [Those words mean nothing.]¡±


    Long replies, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Uh¡­ how about¡­ sisters are two female¡­ uh¡­ offspring of the same¡­ breeding pair?¡±


    This time, Dzor looks at her, surprised. Long adds, ¡°But, family is different. It¡¯s spiritual. We all feel a connection to each other¡­ Er, usually. I¡¯m supposed to love my¡­ uh¡­ egh, breeding pair who birthed me, but¡­ I don¡¯t. BUT, I love my sister very much.¡±


    ¡°Loff?¡± asks Dzor, confused.


    Also confused, Long replies, ¡°Do¡­ Grodurns not feel loyalty to specific individuals? A loyalty that you would kill or die for?¡±


    Dzor¡¯s eyes widen only momentarily, but he quickly buries it again. He states, ¡°Hoomin peers hoff moor thonn seengull offspreeng? [Human pairs have more than single offspring?]¡±


    Long nods, a little disappointed that he didn¡¯t answer, but suspecting his lack of an answer was a confirmation that they do have ¡®love¡¯, but call it something else. She replies, ¡°Sometimes, families have only one child, we call them, and sometimes they have many. Some families even have more than one child at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Leek leetor? [Like litter?]¡± he asks, surprised.


    Long giggles, ¡°We don¡¯t call it that, typically, but yes. My sister and I share both of our parents, but we were born some time apart.¡±


    Dzor scratches his chin, seemingly intentionally flexing the wide belly scales of his chin. Maybe they itch if they¡¯re idle too long, or it helps him think. But, he replies, ¡°How yoor sohseetih not uvurpoplot? How offort to bwi reets tuu morr thon oon offspreeng? [How your society not overpopulate(d)? How afford to buy rights to more than one offspring?]¡±


    Long giggles again, replying, ¡°Slow down, please, Yarjen. I¡¯ll do my best, but I¡¯m still building an ear for your pronunciations. For overpopulate, we were getting up there. Some societies have tried laws discouraging more than one. Others tried implying it was simply evil because the world was going to end in 12 years. But, we adapted as long as we could. There was still enough, even when your first ship showed up. But, obviously, that matters far less now. Of course, our hope is to build fast enough to keep up with our population now, but we¡¯re mindful of how tight things are.¡±


    Long scratches her own head as she ponders her next move. Whether Dzor knows it or not, he¡¯s tightening his pieces around Long¡¯s rather successfully. She continues, ¡°As for rights, with the exceptions of countries with those kinds of laws, only the support of the children was the parents¡¯ responsibility. Er, sort of. Our working class bought food, clothes, and toys for themselves and children from their wages. Non-working class individuals could receive money from the government based on how many children they had.¡±


    Surprised, Dzor asks, ¡°Wot eenseenteeff eez tuu bee wurkeeng closs? [What incentive is to be working class?]¡±


    Long scoffs, replying distantly, ¡°People were starting to figure that out, I think. Too late, of course.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause as Long moves a piece finally. Dzor asks, ¡°Yuu hoff offspreeng? [You have offspring?]¡±


    Long replies softly, ¡°Not yet. Someday, I hope. How about you?¡±


    Dzor winces slightly. He replies as he looks down, ¡°Not yet ither. O-¡­ Oppleecashn¡­ joost¡­ opproff beefoor¡­ [Not yet either. A-¡­ Application¡­ just¡­ approve(d) before¡­]¡± Dzor trails off, staring distantly at the board.


    Long says softly and tenderly, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Jor.¡± This time, when he reaches for his piece, she takes hold of his finger with her right hand. It aches, but she¡¯s okay. And, his finger is almost as big around as her wrist. But, the message is sent. Dzor is too fearless to flinch, but his heart isn¡¯t made of stone. She can tell when he doesn¡¯t growl at her. Instead, he stares at her hand. She says tenderly, ¡°I wish your people had asked us to help. But¡­ let us¡­ Let me help you now.¡±


    Dzor doesn¡¯t move. He doesn¡¯t speak or growl. He doesn¡¯t even blink. He just stares at her hand, which has a small trickle of blood staining it, as she holds gently to his finger. The finger that drew that blood.


    Again, his composure eventually returns, and he growls, ¡°Duu wot yuu wont, hoomin. I need nohtheen fromm yuu. [Do what you want, human. I need nothing from you.]¡± He makes his move, even with her holding him. She releases as he leans back. He crosses his arms and waits patiently.


    Long sighs. She smiles softly, saying, ¡°Very well, I will. But, now it¡¯s my turn to ask. How old are you?¡±


    Dzor grunts, ¡°I don now foctor. [I don¡¯t know factor.]¡±


    ¡°Okay. How long have you been with us?¡±


    Dzor curls his left side of his lip -his equivalent to a smirk-. He retorts, ¡°I omm preeznor. Duu not now. [I am prisoner. Do not know.]¡±


    Long smirks in return, ¡°Very well. Someday, you WILL tell me, Yarjen. So, how about the¡­ Fievegal? Your society. Are there other races in it? Other species, I mean.¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°Oll conckert bih Fievegal surf Fievegal. Thouw forbeed tuu leef word. [All conquered by Fievegal serve Fievegal. Though, forbid(den) to leave world.]¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, why was your population being controlled if you were successfully conquering worlds?¡±


    ¡°I don now. [I don¡¯t know.]¡±


    Surprisingly, Long believes he genuinely doesn¡¯t. Maybe it started even before his lifetime.


    Dzor says though, ¡°Ai and Yarjen Craw concker sevurl words beefoor arff. Onlih monteeneeng fork left beeheend. [I and Yarjen Khla conquer several worlds before Earth. Only maintaining force left behind.]¡±


    ¡°¡®Yarjen¡¯ Craw?¡± asks Long surprised. ¡°She¡¯s the same rank as you?¡±


    Dzor shakes his head. ¡°Not hor. Hor Hulm-hin.¡±


    ¡°Her what?¡±


    Dzor flexes his jaw. He replies, ¡°Hulm-hin¡­¡± He thinks, adding, ¡°Agg-corrier.¡±


    Long asks, ¡°Her mother?¡±


    Dzor nods. Confused, Long remarks, ¡°I was under the impression almost all of your females are sterile.¡±


    Now confused himself, Dzor asks, ¡°Moth-ur eez feemahl? [Mother is female?]¡±


    Long nods. He corrects, ¡°Theen, not mothur. Hulm-hin eez mahl. Mahl opplih foor offspreeng reets, sihr offspreeng weeth Saur-¡­ [Then, not mother. Chulm¡¯chn is male. Male apply for offspring rights, sire offspring with Saur-¡­]¡± Dzor halts, realizing that he said more than he ever meant to.


    Long fills in cautiously, ¡°The Saurminicka?¡±


    Dzor growls. He moves his remaining knight and grunts, ¡°Chuck-mot. Yuu lohz, hoomin. [Checkmate. You lose, human.]¡±


    Long tenses with a start. She looks at her king. She knows Dzor was getting close to boxing her in, but she thought she still had options.


    She does find a move, though. She checks and triple-checks. Did Dzor just bluff again? He was obviously trying to deflect, and he almost succeeded. She moves her remaining bishop to take his knight, and she replies, ¡°Under tournament rules, you could lose, falsely calling checkmate like that, Jor.¡±


    The reptilian growls, but it¡¯s not a full-aggression growl. Just his normal grumpy one. At first, she wonders if she offended him by using his name. But, he grumbles in his own tongue as he studies the board, scratching his chin again. He grumbles, ¡°Reelintliss hoomin¡­ [Relentless human¡­]¡±


    Long says tenderly, ¡°Thank you, Jor.¡± He looks at her, surprised. She adds, ¡°Thank you for taking this game seriously and for talking with me.¡±


    He snorts and looks back at the board. He grunts out a Grodurn word she doesn¡¯t recognize at all, ¡°Yukonja¡­¡±


    Long asks, doubting she¡¯ll get an answer, ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Dzor takes a deep breath and grunts out, ¡°Thot I sholl eenjoh feest onn yoor bonns.¡±


    ¡°Feast on my buns?¡± asks Long, a little surprised. ¡°Grodurns use euphemisms?¡±


    Dzor growls, bearing his teeth a little. Long smirks, realizing she accidentally trolled him, but owning it. She¡¯s made a lot of progress today. She states calmly, ¡°I won¡¯t pressure you to answer or tell me about your people, Jor. But, I¡¯m genuinely curious. Not for warfare reasons, but because you fascinate me. Please realize I could have anyone question you. And, many of them would use methods to get those answers. I mean it when I say, in spite of what your people did to mine, I would like to help you.¡± She says as she takes her king to move, ¡°If I¡¯ve gathered correctly, a hullmin is a Grodurn father, and the fathers carry the eggs to hatching. That¡¯s very interesting to me. It must take a lot of dedication.¡± She places her king and says, ¡°Sorry, Jor. Stalemate. We both lose.¡± She looks up, adding sincerely, ¡°Or, just maybe, we both won today.¡±


    Dzor studies the board silently. He looks for a long time for a move. Long awaits him patiently. He crosses his arms and leans back, snorting. He grumbles, ¡°Offspreeng geem.¡±


    Long says warmly, ¡°I¡¯ll bring it again tomorrow.¡±


    Dzor closes his eyes, grunting, ¡°Duu azz yuu weesh, Yukonja.¡±


    His eyes snap open when she places a palm on his forearm, having approached him fully across the line. The guard complains, ¡°Captainnnn¡­¡±


    The auburn-haired Captain says tenderly, ¡°Thank you again, Yarjen Jor.¡±


    This time, he simply grunts, closing his eyes again. Long smiles, gingerly stroking his arm a couple times before making her way back out. She needs to remember to ask Khla what¡­


    ¡°Yukonja,¡± growls Dzor¡¯s deep voice just as she¡¯s passing through the door. Long stops and faces him. ¡°Yes?¡±


    Dzor pauses. He asks, guarded, ¡°Wheech hoomins haff bin feedeeng ooss?¡±


    Long smiles gently, relaxing her posture. She replies, ¡°Believe it or not, the team that boarded your ship. Including the young ¡®breeding pair¡¯ you almost captured.¡±


    Surprised, the big lizard man cocks his head. ¡°Whih?¡±


    Long smiles, replying, ¡°Why? You¡¯ll have to ask them. There are others, too. But, Chief Grey was the first to offer. No one else hesitated.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Deciding he probably doesn¡¯t want to respond, Long starts to turn again, but he grunts out, ¡°Arr yuu?¡±


    Long pauses. She doesn¡¯t look at him right away. She replies softly, ¡°No.¡±


    There¡¯s another pause, and Dzor growls, ¡°Yuu lih.¡±


    Long¡¯s heart skips a beat. She looks at him in surprise. Trying to save face, she pretends not to understand, ¡°¡®Lih¡¯? I¡­ What is ¡®lih¡¯?¡±


    Dzor¡¯s growl rumbles the container. Long admits, ¡°Fine! Yes! But¡­ How¡­?¡±


    Dzor growls, ¡°Yuu brack eee contock wheen yuu lih.¡±


    Long slumps and sighs. She says softly, ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to know. Not me. I want to earn your trust. Not by bribing you, but by earning it.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s lip curls into his smirk, and he says calmly, ¡°I bloof, Yukonja. Thot eez oll.¡± He puts his head back and closes his eyes, and Long stands dumbfounded as her heart races. She¡¯s not afraid. If anything, she¡¯s embarrassed. After all that, he still got the better of her.


    She lets it go, though. She sighs contentedly. ¡°Good night, Jor. Jinntarrick mmrulk.¡±


    Dzor glances at her with one eye, trying to be sneaky about it. But, she saw, in spite of him trying to close his eye again and maintain his hard outer shell.


    Long exits the container rather content. She massages her right wrist, though. It still aches a little. The guard says, ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ He could have killed you. You know how many bullets they can take, right?¡±


    Long nods. She replies, ¡°I wasn¡¯t afraid he would kill me, per se. I was afraid I was wrong about him.¡± She ponders the feel of his leathery skin when she touched both his finger and then his forearm. In spite of the toughness of their skin and hides, he was rather surprisingly soft. And, he felt rather warm. She smiles, adding, ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡±


    ********

 Chapter 17: Training and Tracking

    Chief Grey yells, ¡°LONG! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?¡± The young marine cries back, ¡°Crawling, Chief!¡±


    Grey crosses his arms. His once-golden anchor on his shoulder is now red, indicating his precarious status. He was granted a held-demotion at his Captain¡¯s mast, meaning he¡¯s still a Chief for now, but if he acts out again, he¡¯ll be demoted two ranks below Chief, as if he was already demoted.


    Of course, he doesn¡¯t really care all that much. They¡¯re not being paid anymore, and he still intends to do his job. If his real loss is responsibility, then so be it.


    Then again, he does actually appreciate being the most knowledgeable person in the room sometimes. And, rather fairly respected. Grey barks, ¡°You not notice the trip wire, Marine?¡±


    ¡°Tr-trip wire?¡± squeaks Long. Grey nods, and Petty Officer Fisher dumps a bucket of water on her, Mina, Rena, Pazna, and the other two rookies, Pratt and French.


    Mina cries out, ¡°Long! You¡¯ve killed us all! Blegh¡­¡± Mina feigns death, and Rena cries out, ¡°Every marine for herself!¡±


    Long whines, ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Grey approaches, walking casually through the ¡®wire field¡¯ made of ropes, cables, and duct tape -almost literally ANYTHING they could find-. Grey takes a seat on one of the 5 gallon buckets serving as a post. The marines slump.


    Grey growls, ¡°EVERY enemy is different. Some use booby traps. Some use ambushes. Some will flood their sewers. Try to use your imagination and notice EVERYTHING out of place.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡±


    ¡°It could be a loose deckplate, a missing bolt hole with a laser beam behind it, or a damn hole in the ground with spikes in it. I can¡¯t prepare you for every alien threat we might meet. Hell, I can¡¯t even prepare you for every human enemy there was. But, I can try to make you paranoid enough to hopefully save your life someday.¡±


    Long shouts, ¡°I¡¯m grateful Chief!¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me, Marine. Get back to the beginning and try again.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡± Long leads the rest of the way under the wire field, jogging back around to the beginning. Her seniors are less enthusiastic about the exercise, but Grey can always rely on them to put pressure on the rookies, if nothing else.


    Grey asks gruffly, ¡°Pazna, how many pounds of force does it take to trigger a Grodurn claymore?¡±


    The rookie nervously replies, ¡°Uh¡­ Uh¡­ Twelve, Chief?¡±


    ¡°WRONG! Twelve pushups right now! Go!¡± He shouts, ¡°French! Your turn!¡±


    ¡°Three pounds, Chief!¡± replies the rookie.


    ¡°Wrong! And nice try. Thirty six pushups for you. Go!¡± The rookie groans and begins.


    Rena replies excitedly, ¡°Ooo! Ooo Chief pick me! I know!¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Nice try, Thing Four. Classic ¡®he won¡¯t pick me if I pretend I know¡¯. Twenty pushups. Go.¡±


    Rena groans, ¡°Aww!¡± and Mina laughs. Grey instantly barks, ¡°Thing Three, you join her.¡±


    Rena, as she starts her pushups, laughs at her sister.


    Grey asks, ¡°Pratt? Anything useful to say?¡±


    ¡°T-¡­ Te-uh¡­ Ten¡­ Chief?¡±


    ¡°Twenty pushups for asking instead of telling. Go.¡± Grey looks at Long, who tenses a little nervously. He asks gruffly, ¡°Long? Any guesses?¡±


    The young teen squeaks, ¡°U-um¡­ D-Do¡­ Do Grodurns even use claymores, Chief?¡±


    ¡°You tell me,¡± growls Grey. He won¡¯t tell her yet, but he always appreciates where her head is at.


    Long squeaks, ¡°Um¡­ I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s seen one, s-so¡­ if we suspect¡­ w-we should assume anything and fail safe, if p-possible.¡±


    Grey smirks, especially as she crawls over the same trip wire again while she¡¯s answering. He replies proudly, ¡°Excellent answer, Marine! So tell me why you crawled over the same tripwire again.¡±


    Long¡¯s instant excited smile is quickly snuffed out as she looks around. She spots it this time, still touching her shins. She slumps in disappointment, groaning as well.


    She tenses when Dumas dumps his bucket of water on her. She lays defeated for a moment. But, Grey encourages them all, ¡°It¡¯s one thing to know the answer. It¡¯s another for it to save your life. So we¡¯ll keep practicing. Long, circle around to lane three.¡±


    The young auburn haired teen replies, still slumped on the hangar floor, ¡°Yess Chief¡­¡±


    Chief Tachibana approaches along with Commander Hitch. Grey jokes, ¡°Commander Hitch? You still work here?¡±


    The officer smirks, replying, ¡°You know I¡¯ve been on the Andromeda, Chief Grey. How are you?¡±


    ¡°Good, sir.¡± Grey shakes both of their hands. Hitch remarks, ¡°Honestly, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.¡±


    Tachibana clears her throat, replying, ¡°Sir,¡­ We haven¡¯t been briefed yet.¡±


    Hitch chuckles, waving it off. ¡°Bah, it¡¯s not a secret, Chief. You heard of the TEAU yet?¡±


    Grey shakes his head. Even though he¡¯s facing left from the wire field now, he bluffs, growling, ¡°Long, is that a tripwire you¡¯re on?¡±


    He can hear her gasp and shuffle as she desperately looks around. She squeaks, ¡°N-No Chief! B-But I see it! H-How do I cross it?¡±


    ¡°You tell me, Marine!¡± He lets her think on it a moment as he asks Hitch, ¡°What¡¯s a toe? Like a big toe? Pinky toe?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Tactical Exploration and Assault Unit. What we did on the iceteroid, but official.¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°So, nothing new but a name, huh?¡±


    Hitch smiles, ¡°Not exactly. There will still be the marines, but the TEAU forces are the vanguard and/or the cavalry, depending on the world. Special equipment, best weapons, and dedicated drop ships.¡±


    Grey smirks, crossing his arms. ¡°And, I assume we¡¯re being volun-told for this great honor?¡±


    Hitch smiles, ¡°Nope. This time, it¡¯s up to you. TEAU will be strictly voluntary. Any number of traumas and horrors could be awaiting the TEAU. But, if successful, it will unlock access to worlds with atmospheres.¡±


    ¡°Ones that might be occupied,¡± states Grey, knowing there is a catch.


    Hitch nods, ¡°The Captains have decided to fail as safe as possible. No more assuming it¡¯s just bacteria. We¡¯re running with a model based on Grodurns, and will adjust as necessary.¡±


    Grey sighs, ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±


    Surprised, Tachibana says, ¡°Chief,¡­ No one¡¯s being forced into it. In fact, no one¡¯s volunteered yet. This is still in planning¡­¡±


    Grey looks at Hitch, saying coldly, ¡°I¡¯m a coward, sir. I ran my last mission on Earth in what I thought would be the safest way possible. It wasn¡¯t, but I hoped we could lay low and then sneak onto the elevator. Many others died trying to hold the line, but I thought of myself and my marines first. I will die with that on my conscience.¡± He looks at Tachibana, adding, ¡°I won¡¯t die to hold a line already lost. But, I WILL die in pursuit of a home.¡± He then says to Hitch, ¡°If my recommendation holds any weight, sir, Chief Tachibana should continue to lead our squad. She¡­¡± Grey is cut off when the female non-commissioned officer punches him in the chest specifically to halt him.


    Tachibana growls, ¡°Don¡¯t be such a martyr, Grey. I was thinking of volunteering, but certain I would if you did. It¡¯ll be an honor to conquer the unknown with you.¡± She offers another handshake. Grey gratefully shakes her hand.


    Hitch adds, ¡°I don¡¯t know that there are many on any of these ships that are immune from being called, ¡®cowards¡¯, Chief. What matters now though is the fact none of us gave up yet.¡±


    Grey nods.


    A young voice squeaks, ¡°C-Count me in too, Chief.¡± Grey turns to find Long, standing near him holding his FM radio-disguised ¡®claymore¡¯ with a pin holding the trigger. She presents it to him with a smile.


    Grey replies gruffly, ¡°You can¡¯t, Long. The regular marine corps is¡­¡±


    Her eyes water a little, and she says sourly, ¡°No.¡±


    Grey turns stern, asking coarsely, ¡°What¡¯d you just say to me?¡±


    Long replies, ¡°I heard Commander Hitch say it¡¯s voluntary. I volunteer.¡±


    Grey raises his voice, ¡°You have NO idea what to expect.¡±


    ¡°NEITHER DO YOU! FOR ONCE, WE¡¯RE IN THE SAME BOAT!¡±


    ¡°NOT ON YOUR LIFE, MARINE! YOU¡¯VE NEVER BEEN SCARED OUT OF YOUR MIND, HOLED UP IN AN OUTHOUSE HOLE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED! YOU¡¯VE NEVER BEEN ALL ALONE IN A ROOM FULL OF CHARLIE WAITING TO CUT YOUR HEAD OFF! YOU¡¯VE NEVER WATCHED A TIGER MAUL SOMEONE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU WHILE YOUR RIFLE¡¯S JAMMED!¡±


    Long sniffles, whimpering as tears trickle down her cheeks, ¡°I just want to help you. I can¡¯t lose you.¡±


    ¡°Your time will come,¡± replies Grey more calmly.


    Long sniffles and shakes her head. ¡°Do-Don¡¯t ma-make me be reckless, Ch-Chief. PLEASE let me join you, or¡­ Or I¡¯ll join my own squad.¡±


    Grey takes a deep breath and sighs, ¡°Can we discuss this later?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°You weren¡¯t going to discuss it with me. So it¡¯s not a discussion. I¡¯m volunteering. With or without your approval.¡±


    Grey sighs again. He glances partially at Tachibana and growls softly, ¡°Were we this hard-headed as teenagers?¡±


    Tachibana scoffs. She replies, ¡°I can¡¯t say for you, but I definitely was. How do you think I survived the Marines?¡±


    Grey looks at Long and points at her, ¡°No more of this in the field. If I give you an order, including abandoning me, you will follow it. Understood?¡±


    Long hesitates. He growls, ¡°Understood, Marine?¡±


    Long straightens, squeaking, ¡°Y-Yes Chief, but¡­!¡±


    ¡°No buts.¡± He adds, ¡°I need you to trust me so we don¡¯t ALL die.¡±


    Long sighs, ¡°Y-¡­ Yes Chief.¡±


    He nods. ¡°Very well. I guess we make three.¡±


    ¡°Four!¡± states Rena proudly. She grins at Mina. Mina retorts, ¡°What¡¯re you looking at me for? You people are crazy.¡± Rena scowls at her, and Mina grins, ¡°Kidding. Five.¡±


    Brown adds, ¡°Six.¡± ¡°Seven,¡± states Fisher soon after.


    Soon enough, the whole team, including Pazna, Pratt, and French volunteer with them.


    Grey scoffs, ¡°You bunch¡¯a clowns.¡±


    Rena says cheekily, ¡°We¡¯re YOUR clowns, Ring-master! Heeheeheehee!¡±


    Grey smirks. He asks Hitch, ¡°So, when¡¯s the first circus?¡±


    Hitch smiles. ¡°We¡¯ll be jumping, soon. Shortly after that, I believe.¡±


    Grey nods. He notices Captain Long halt just as she notices them. She disheartens slightly, and she turns around just as suddenly. Grey says, ¡°Chief, get these clowns cleaning up please. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    He jogs after the Captain. She still feels guilt following his Captain¡¯s Mast, in spite of attempts for him to reassure her that she did the right thing. He manages to catch her in the hallway. ¡°Cap!¡±


    Long halts and hesitates, turning to face him after a moment. She states calmly, ¡°Chief Grey.¡±


    Grey asks, ¡°Everything okay, Ma¡¯am?¡±


    She nods curtly, ¡°Yes, Chief. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯d you turn away, then?¡±


    She winces, clearly wishing he hadn¡¯t noticed. She asks, ¡°Did Commander Hitch tell you what I suspect?¡±


    ¡°About pinky toes?¡±


    She scoffs, but grumbles, ¡°I thought so.¡±


    Grey remarks, ¡°I¡¯m volunteering. Whole squad is, actually.¡±


    She smiles half-heartedly, ¡°I suspected you would.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    She softens, replying, ¡°I had hoped to be the one to tell you, so¡­ you didn¡¯t think I was¡­ avoiding you or anything, and so I could hear what you have to say about it.¡±


    Grey crosses his arms, retorting dryly, ¡°So, you accomplish that by avoiding us and not talking about it, Ma¡¯am?¡±


    She slumps, but he adds, ¡°I¡¯m sorry you felt there was a need to. It was nice to see Hitch, and I¡¯m guessing he¡¯ll be the TEAU Commander, but your sister is still my responsibility, in spite of my best efforts to dissuade her. Don¡¯t think for a second I feel any differently about either of you, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    The Captain softens, replying, ¡°Thank you, Chief. If¡­ you would¡­ don¡¯t let her lead out front¡­¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°Done. But, for the record, she can handle it. She learns fast.¡±


    Long smiles. She then asks, ¡°Did he tell you we¡¯re jumping?¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°And, did he tell you why?¡±


    Grey pauses. He shakes his head. He has instant suspicions.


    It must show on his face, because she nods. He asks, ¡°Are we shielded?¡±


    Long replies, ¡°Better than we were, but not what we were hoping for. The engineering teams are installing some kind of¡­ energy absorption battery to try to shunt the EMP energy away from the electronics so we can jump further. But, we obviously have to leave quickly.¡±


    ¡°Any idea how close?¡±


    ¡°Not sure. Craw picked up on why we would ask instantly. She won¡¯t answer at all. Not a lie or truth. I don¡¯t think she wants to betray either us or them.¡±


    ¡°Sooner the better, Captain. We¡¯ll be ready.¡± He whispers, ¡°Just in case.¡±


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    She nods. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ********


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla studies the human captives in his ward. It took the science division several days to find the right mixture of air to keep the mammals alive. Many already had complications related to age, and Grodrrn-safe air, while close to the humans¡¯, proved deadly to many. Many of those who have survived now have irrevocable lung damage, but it keeps them lethargic and docile. Fortunately, Grodrrn cuisine has proven safe for them, though the culinary division is taking extra precautions for sanitation.


    There is some SLIGHTLY hopeful news, though. Of the 100 or so humans surviving so far, two of the females have finally been impregnated. One of them has been nothing but medical complications near continuously. It reminds Khla of every Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s dreaded horror story; when the egg is prematurely cracked. Nothing is more painful to a Chulm¡¯chn than trying to desperately keep the shell intact, and hearing the agonized cries of the embryo inside as it is prematurely exposed to sunlight, cold, or bacteria before its tiny body can handle them.


    There are, as one might expect, things a Chulm¡¯chn can attempt to protect a cracked egg and increase the chances of survival. Some are padded cases, though moving the egg is strictly discouraged at that point. Others claim a shell adhesive can help, but the chemicals involved have unconfirmed side effects. Some doctors will attempt vaccination or antibiotics as needed through the cracks in the shell. And, on the complete reverse side, some Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s claim they¡¯ve seen a shell with a whole chunk lost inside, and the hatchling still managed to grow to term. Fortunately, Khla was very careful with Neezha, and she hatched healthy, vocal, and colorful; all good signs both long and short term.


    Now, of course, Khla is watching Grodrrn medical officers fawn over a particularly weak human in similarly desperate attempts to preserve a particularly weak embryo. The other human female, the slightly younger of the two, is trying to simply carry to term with as minimal interaction with the Grodrrns as possible. Khla expects she might actually yield a child. She remains calm, asks only to be left alone and provided necessities. She¡¯s treated almost like royalty, compared to most Grodrrns especially. And, if she does bear a child successfully, especially a female, that child will almost certainly be as close to a Saurmynnyka as ANYONE could get, Grodrrn included. Nine and a half cycles for her body to mature fully is a short time to wait by Grodrrn standards.


    Then again, he tempers his expectations. Not all eggs hatch, and there are no do-overs. Khla will count his blessings AFTER the fact, if either of these children are born. They have an abundance of apparently virile males, while only thirteen females of those not killed by atmospheric complications early on still had the ability to ovulate at all, let alone still were. Many of the aged female humans, and even the few youngest captured, had procedures done making them sterile. Interestingly, some of these were apparent attempts at gender swap, but using only basic barbaric practices that only created the illusion of swap. Neither the males trying to be female nor the females trying to be males could produce children.


    Still, Khla has two optimistic chances, with others still presenting possibility.


    Something dawns on him though. Even the science officers fawning over the sickly female call her ¡®human¡¯ and ¡®mammal¡¯. He looks at the healthy mother sitting in her own cell, quietly practicing the Grodrrn alphabet for mental stimulation. In all this time so far, no one even asked their names. These two humans, particularly, are near-spiritesses to the Grodrrns. They are hope incarnate. And yet, no one even cared to treat them as such.


    Khla approaches and enters the cell of the healthy mother. She glances up at him only once, but says nothing.


    Khla asks as gently as he can, ¡°Commforrbull?¡± He knows even his softest voice might be unnerving for a creature so small.


    She replies coldly, ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    Surprised, Khla realizes it¡¯s worse than he thought. It¡¯s his burden to bear, too. He gave the humans little thought as they searched for signs of the human fleet. Currently, they¡¯re jumping to a pulse detected a few hours from the last wreck discovered. It¡¯s like a simple game of Nyrrklyn. They simply must work from beginning to end, and they will reach their goal.


    Khla takes a seat on the solid floor in front of the human. He replies, ¡°Mih saurry. Ai feex. [My sorry. I fix.]¡±


    She doesn¡¯t look at him, simply continuing to scribble shapes on the electronic pad with her finger. Sensing the silence building, Khla states, ¡°Ai Baskihllah Yarjen Jor¡¯Vahssah Gurrhh Craw¡¯hin. You coll Craw.¡±


    She grunts out softly, ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    After another pause, he takes a deep breath and sighs. He asks, ¡°Yuu not weeleeng, wor yuu? [You not willing, were you.]¡±


    This time, her face responds and her teeth flash in a small gap in her lips. She asks caustically, ¡°You care, suddenly?¡±


    Khla nods sincerely. ¡°Yuss. Deefeecoolt tuu oondurstond, boot, yuu haff mih¡­ deepess grotitood. [Yes. Difficult to understand, but you have my¡­ deepest gratitude.]¡±


    ¡°Gratitude!?¡± snaps the tiny being. She surprisingly quickly springs to her feet. ¡°Gratitude!? You destroy my world, take me prisoner, and breed me like some¡­ cow, and that¡¯s gratitude!?¡±


    Khla sighs. ¡°I neegleect. Heer nau. Teel how shau groteetood. [I neglect. Here now. Tell how show gratitude.]¡±


    The woman scoffs in disgust. She retorts bitterly, ¡°Oh! I don¡¯t know! How about a big ol¡¯ ice cream. Or, maybe a feather pillow.¡± She snaps her fingers, snarling, ¡°Better yet! How about you gimme my world back!? That¡¯s right! You can¡¯t!¡±


    This female is being surprisingly candid. But then, Khla is thankful for it. Either the science division talks TO her too little, or she¡¯s had no interest in talking to them.


    Khla replies patiently, ¡°Ai did not destroh word. Coom tuu concker. [I did not destroy world. Come(came) to conquer.]¡±


    The woman softens a little. She replies more distantly, ¡°I¡­ know¡­ Why is that¡­ WOMAN still alive?¡±


    ¡°Wheech woomon?¡± asks Khla.


    The woman growls, ¡°The secretary of state. ¡®The leader¡¯ you picked up with us. Because she¡¯s the highest ranking human left alive?¡±


    Khla knows one of the females is claiming that status. It started bickering among the humans over their status. But, it¡¯s meaningless. Few of them know anything at all useful. It was one of the humans that revealed the safe air mixture for Khla¡¯s science division, undoubtedly saving lives. Which one was instantly forgotten.


    But, Khla replies bluntly and honestly, ¡°Not eenfeertul. [Not infertile.]¡±


    The woman thinks on his words a moment, making sense of his pronunciation. When it clicks, she slows her pacing and fuming. Khla adds, ¡°Ozz for ozz ai consorn, yuu ond othur prignont feemahl hee-ist ronking hoomins oleeff. [As far as I concern(ed), you and other pregnant female highest ranking humans alive.]¡±


    She finally looks into his eyes, and he adds, ¡°Seechwayshun torreebul foor oll. Boot, yuu chooz sorveevv ond haff offspreeng.¡± Khla removes his Zhi¡¯s resin-encased eggtooth from his belt pouch, showing it to the human. She cautiously takes it to inspect it as he explains, ¡°Thot eeg-toovv uvv mih offspreeng. Mih Zshee. She mih word. EENTARR word. YOOR offspreeng, eespishallih eef feemahl, weel be eentarr word tuu oll uvv Fievegal. She weel be preencess, thun kween oonteel Saurminicka eez boorn. Ond, yuu weel bee eentarr word tuu hor. [That egg-tooth of my offspring. My Zhi. She my world. ENTIRE world. YOUR offspring, especially if female, will be entire world to all of Fievegal. She will be princess, then queen until Saurmynnyka is born. And, you will be entire world to her.]¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes water, and she whimpers, ¡°Sh-she¡¯ll just be a slave! Like the rest of us!¡±


    Khla shakes his head, ¡°She weel haff oon dutih een eentarr leef, ond thun free tuu duu ozz pleez. [She will have one duty in entire life, and then free to do as please.]¡±


    The woman sinks to her knees, accusingly choking out, ¡°Breeding livestock is NOT a duty OR a life! It¡¯s cruel!¡±


    Khla scratches his chin, replying, ¡°Yuu no oondurstond. NOT leevstock.¡± The Jardzen tries to summon the full extent of his human vocabulary. There must be a specific word or phrase. He states, reaching it, ¡°Preensiss-moothur. Tuu onlih oon preensiss.¡± He indicates one finger. ¡°Onlih oon.¡±


    The woman looks at him, but she replies, ¡°But¡­ You¡¯ll still be forcing her. That¡¯s what YOU don¡¯t understand. You¡¯ve FORCED us into this situation, and you intend to force my daughter -if I have one- to¡­ carry your queen?¡±


    Khla exhales slowly. He can see the perspective she¡¯s posing, but it¡¯s the only reason she¡¯s alive. He replies, ¡°Ai oonderstond porspeekteeff, boot, eez how eet eez tuu bee. Ootherweez, yuu alreedih deed. [I understand perspective, but is how it is to be. Otherwise, you already dead.]¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re monsters! You know that!?¡±


    ¡°Tuu yuu, yuss. Tuu ooss, yuu arr monstors.¡± Khla stands up, towering over her. He says more normally, ¡°Duu NOT forget, YUU occeept torms oovv sorveeval. Ai con pot yuu out oovv meezurih unny teem yuu weesh. Boot, ai duu not lih. Preensiss wood be preensiss. [Do NOT forget, you accept terms of survival. I can put you out of misery any time you wish. But, I do not lie. Princess would be princess.]¡±


    Just before he leaves, the human squeaks, ¡°Wait!¡± Khla looks down at her. She asks softly, ¡°Your daughter¡­ Your¡­ Zhie¡­ Would you let her do it?¡±


    Khla fully faces her again. He nods, ¡°Yuss. Eef cood.¡±


    ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t want it?¡±


    Khla crosses his arms, replying, ¡°Ai wood lit hor deeseed thot, troo. Boot, ai omm confeeden she wood be prod ond ickseeted. [I would let her decide that, true. But, I am confident she would be proud and excited.]¡±


    The human¡¯s hand gingerly gravitates to her abdomen. She says distantly, ¡°Promise me she¡¯ll have a choice. Swear on your honor, if you have even an ounce of it, everything you said is true and that she¡¯ll have a choice. Swear it, and I¡¯ll cooperate.¡±


    Dzor straightens his posture, cradling the sun as he says proudly and gently, ¡°Ai swarr onn thee wormth ovv the soons, the Bachsoo, ond onn mih nom that yoor dottor weel be hoppy ond prod, list mih home freeze ond mih scalls torn blue. [I swear on the warmth of the suns, the Bachsoo, and on my name that your daughter will be happy and proud, lest my home freeze and my scales turn blue.]¡±


    The human sniffles and wipes water from her eyes. She replies softly, ¡°I¡­ I accept. Thank you¡­¡±


    Khla nods. The woman adds something surprising though, shattering the hypothetical. She states, ¡°I think I¡¯m carrying a girl. A¡­ female. The¡­ um¡­ man that did the ultrasound recently seemed¡­ extra excited. They told her she was carrying a boy, but he wouldn¡¯t tell me what he saw.¡±


    Surprised, Khla asks, ¡°Sorten? [Certain?]¡±


    She nods.


    The room rumbles from Khla¡¯s growl. She quivers in fear, but the human has nothing to be afraid of. He believes her.


    Khla turns and growls, ¡°[Science Norjen Sollih¡¯hin. Report.]¡±


    Another Grodrrn quickly enters the cell. ¡°[Yes Yarjen!]¡±


    Khla turns to face him. He glares at the window, nodding. There¡¯s only a moment¡¯s pause, and the door audibly bolts shut with the locks. This startles Solly, and he glances at the door, and then at Khla. He whimpers, ¡°[Yarjen?]¡±


    Khla asks coldly, ¡°[Any information from the internal scans?]¡±


    Solly tenses. He starts, ¡°[H-healthy and growing, Yarjen.]¡±


    ¡°[Gender?]¡±


    He tries to hide it, but Khla can hear the Nordzen¡¯s heart. Grodrrns have naturally slow heartbeats at rest, especially compared to humans. Solly¡¯s heart noticeably speeds up. Khla narrows his eyes.


    Solly replies, ¡°[W-we believe male, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla growls deeply, ¡°[Who have you told before me?]¡±


    There¡¯s a pause as Solly slowly backs toward the door. He activates his own emergency unlock function, which opens the door. Just as he tries to flee, though, he turns to find the largest Grodrrn on Khla¡¯s ship; Niolayt Jardzen Mrff.


    Solly slinks back into the cell as Mrff ducks under the doorway to enter. Khla asks menacingly, ¡°[Why flee, Norjen? Something to hide?]¡±


    ¡°[Y-Yarjen! You must understand! I-If a f-female is obtained¡­]¡±


    Khla snatches the neck collar garment Solly is wearing, pulling him close. Khla growls, ¡°[WHO did you tell?]¡±


    ¡°[N-Noone Yarjen! I-I wanted to con-confirm, before raising all our hopes!]¡±


    Khla growls deeply, rumbling the room. He would rip Solly¡¯s throat out right now, but his conscience stops him. Solly and many others may see a bargaining chip for status and fortune for themselves. But, Khla sees something else.


    He sees a fellow Chulm¡¯chn, desperate to protect the future offspring they tirelessly carry. He looks at the human. Her face, smell, and heartbeat are distressed. Grodrrn embryos are heavily influenced by the emotional atmosphere surrounding their shell. He can only imagine the effects when that embryo is directly attached to the one experiencing the emotional outside world.


    Solly likely believes he could steal the child to his own ends. It¡¯s widely known that a few small factions in the Fievegal seek the downfall of the Fievegal as a whole. Some have attempted to assassinate the Saurmynnyka long before the humans came along. Others would see themselves the Saurmynnyka¡¯s ¡®Chulm¡¯chn¡¯, which would make her loyal to that individual. But, that would require surgery on the human girl, and she would likely be discarded.


    In any case, Khla¡¯s focus is the present. This human Chulm¡¯chn is in distress. It is time to end this moment.


    Khla releases Solly, ordering Mrff, ¡°[Take him to a cell and scan all of his communications. We¡¯ll deal with him l-¡­]¡± He reacts only barely quickly enough.


    Solly whips a blade out of his robe, slashing at Khla viciously. Khla manages to hop back, but he quickly realizes he wasn¡¯t Solly¡¯s real goal. Solly bolts towards the human.


    The Nordzen reaches for her to take her hostage, but Khla is once more thankful for Mrff being the Grodrrn he is. The large Niolayt Jardzen is right behind Solly, swatting his hand away from the terrified woman and tackling him thunderously against the wall. The woman screams, but she is quickly drowned out by vicious snarls and growls.


    Solly¡¯s and Mrff¡¯s clawed hands and heavy boots squirm and flip towards the comparatively frail and small little being too startled to move. Khla throws himself in a dive, blocking the other two from hitting her. A sharp pain bites his shoulder, but he carefully shields her.


    Mrff manages to launch Solly across the cell, slamming him into the wall of the door. Mrff growls deeply, warning Solly not to rise without words.


    Khla growls once he sees Solly yield, ¡°[Get him out of here. NOW.]¡±


    Two guards open the door and drag Solly out, restraining him. Mrff turns to face Khla. He says calmly, ¡°[Yarjen?]¡±


    Khla sits up, inspecting the woman. She¡¯s shaking and afraid, but otherwise unharmed. Her eyes widen when she looks at his shoulder. Khla glances, but it¡¯s too far back to see. He reaches to where the pain is. There, he finds Solly¡¯s knife. It has a hooked tip, which makes them challenging to pull out.


    Khla asks, ¡°[Yarjen, would you?]¡±


    Mrff nods. He steps forward and grips the hilt carefully. There¡¯s an art to pulling this kind of knife out without causing more damage, but it still hurts. Mrff angles the knife, causing Khla to wince in pain, but he holds back any noise. Mrff extracts the blade, causing a sharp burn in Khla¡¯s shoulder, but not tearing further.


    The human gasps and whimpers. Mrff licks the blade tip and spits. He clacks his tongue a couple times, spitting again. He states, ¡°[No poison, Yarjen. Should be safe.]¡±


    Khla nods. He then looks at the terrified human. He states softly to Mrff, ¡°Breeng overihtheeng soff wee hoff. Theess hoomin eez Hulm¡¯hin tuu preensiss. Fromm theese pont farword, she eez mih onnor guist. [Bring everything soft we have. This human is Chulm¡¯chn to princess. From this point forward, she is my honor(ed) guest.]¡±


    Mrff is understandably surprised, but quickly understands. He replies, ¡°Yuss, Yarjen. Onitheen ulss? [Yes Yarjen. Anything else?]¡±


    ¡°Onnih ond oll hoomin moteerolls solvijed. Onny untertannmen she deesarrs. [Any and all human materials salvaged. Any entertainment she desires.]¡±


    Mrff nods, ¡°Ozz yuu weesh, Yarjen.¡±


    Khla asks the woman as Mrff exits, ¡°Yuu oonharm? [You unharm(ed)?]¡±


    She nods nervously. She states, ¡°H-he tried to k-kill you¡­¡±


    ¡°Polleeteeks. Weel be deelt weeth lottor. [Politics. Will be dealt with later.]¡±


    ¡°B-But¡­ you protected me? Why?¡±


    Khla replies sincerely, ¡°I look farword tuu sorveeng preensiss. Yuu hoff word, ai proteek leek she mih own Zshee. [I look forward to serving princess. You have word, I protect like she my own Zhi.]¡±


    The small creature chokes, and she cries. But this time, she whimpers, ¡°Th-Thank you¡­¡±


    Khla nods. He says calmly, ¡°Trih tuu reelocks. No forthor harm weel comm tuu yuu. Troosted gords weel be wotching nau. Eef problem, ai feex. [Try to relax. No further harm will come to you. Trusted guards will be watching now. If problem, I fix.]¡±


    She nods. Khla states, ¡°Ai weel leeve yuu tuu reest. Weel veeseet oftin. [I will leave you to rest. Will visit often.]¡± He adds, ¡°Goodbih, hoomin-Hulm¡¯hin.¡±


    Just as he turns, the woman squeaks, ¡°Laurel. M-My name is Laurel.¡± She offers Khla his Zhi¡¯s egg-tooth back. Surprised he had forgotten it, he gently receives it. Khla does his best to repeat, ¡°L-Lorill?¡± She nods. Khla nods as well. He states, ¡°Craw.¡±


    ¡°G-Good day, Craw.¡± He nods approvingly and exits.


    Mrff reports outside of the cell, ¡°[Sollih did not communicate the news to anyone. His chambermaid did express that he was studying starmaps and refreshing ship operations, though.]¡±


    Khla asks, ¡°[I¡¯m glad you and I both know. How many others?]¡±


    ¡°[Only the duty brigsmen, two, and a science orderly.]¡±


    Khla thinks for a moment. He nods, replying, ¡°[Good. We keep the number minimal. Execute Sollih for attempted treason. I suspect he was serving to overthrow the Fievegal.]¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°[And the others?]¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°[Make it clear it is the OTHER human carrying a female child and the hope, but guard it like it¡¯s still a secret. Sollih tried to kill Laurel because she is carrying a male.]¡±


    ¡°[Won¡¯t potential traitors see through the ruse?]¡±


    ¡°[Perhaps, which is why Laurel will be moved to your quarters in secret while the other is moved to mine. Your door still locks, after all.]¡±


    Mrff scoffs. He then turns colder, ¡°[I¡¯ll do as you ask. I will house her and keep her safe, but¡­ Aren¡¯t you treating this pr-¡­ human a little too much like a Grodrrn? She is still a human.]¡±


    ¡°[So will her Zhi. But, that human offspring is to be Chulm¡¯chn to the next Saurmynnyka. And, I intend to ensure SHE is. Not a Grodrrn.]¡±


    ¡°[To what end? They live a fraction of our lifespans. Both this human and her offspring will be dead before the Saurmynnyka¡¯s body is even fully matured.]¡±


    ¡°[We are easily prepared for our Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s deaths, Murf. What I don¡¯t want is another five thousand years of politicians and Haerroczaa¡¯s swaying the mind of the Saurmynnyka. Humans have NEW thoughts. NEW perspectives. And¡­ Our curse is idiotic to them.]¡± Khla looks at Mrff. He adds, ¡°[I want Laurel to give birth to a healthy princess. Then, I want that princess to grow up with morals; human AND Grodrrn. And, I want the Saurmynnyka to grow up just like her, loyal to new ideas, not the old.]¡±


    Mrff smirks, saying softly, ¡°[You could find your own home in ice with talk like that, Yarjen.]¡±


    ¡°[Maybe. But, there¡¯s still a long time before I could ever act on it.]¡±


    Mrff sighs, ¡°[I will protect Laurel and her offspring. But forgive me if I do not yet see her as a Chulm¡¯chn.]¡±


    Khla nods.


    An intercom call goes throughout the ship. ¡°[Jump complete. Yarjen Craw or Yarjen Murf, request your presence on the bridge.]¡±


    Khla calls on his portable communicator in his wrist gauntlet, ¡°[Bridge, Baskilla Yarjen. Spool up pulse generator and scan, same as before. Once visuals return, send recovery teams to salvage.]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen! As you wish!]¡±


    The two Jardzens make their way back to the bridge while Khla heals himself with a healing salve. He can hear the pulse generator pulse.


    Just as they enter, though, the bridge is alive. Officers are crowded around the pulse readout.


    The navigator notices them, exclaiming, ¡°[Yarjen! It¡¯s the fleet! It¡¯s the human fleet!]¡±


    He and Mrff glance at each other. They both quickly crowd in, looking as well. Sure enough, detection size, resolution, and quantity is a CLOSE match for the human fleet.


    Mrff states, ¡°[They¡¯ll know we¡¯ve detected them. We should prepare to¡­]¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°[No. Send a scout ship to determine direction only.]¡±


    Everyone on the bridge is shocked. Mrff stares at him for a long time. Khla¡¯s not sure how to justify his reservations fully. A battle will stress Laurel, and he wants to believe she is all they¡¯ll need.


    Mrff surprises Khla, though, by saying more pointedly, ¡°[An excellent thought, Yarjen. The humans will likely jump anyways before we arrive. If we can determine approximately where they land, perhaps we can catch them during a faulty move.]¡±


    Khla nods, still surprised.


    Mrff orders, ¡°[You heard the Yarjen! Scramble the scout transport.]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen!]¡±


    Mrff looks at Khla and whispers, ¡°[Do not forget who we still have yet to find, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°[I know. But¡­ I can feel it¡­ She¡¯s alive¡­ We will not succeed pursuing the humans like predators. And, we¡¯d only lose the hope we have with¡­]¡± He shrugs.


    Mrff nods. ¡°[Should the transport try to join their bubble?]¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°[If they can. But, ONLY to report landing location and retreat. No heroics, and ensure it¡¯s our best standalone navigator.]¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°[Consider it done, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla looks at the dots representing the human fleet. He is being cautious for Laurel, true, but he also knows better this time. The direct route will not work on the humans.


    But, his Zhi will do what she must. She will be there for him to save. He knows it. He believes it.


    He hopes it.


    ********

 Chapter 18: Intercepting the Hunters

    The announcement starts. ¡°All hands, we will be commencing jump. Non-essential personnel should remain confined to quarters. For your safety, do not look out any window, door, porthole, or any other viewing access to the outside. Instant blindness will occur. Once the jump commences, we have no way of communicating with the other ships. Do not attempt to establish communications. If anyone has a heart condition during the jump, report to medical immediately. We will be in jump for twenty four hours. God¡¯s speed.¡±


    Captain Long looks at the metal container containing Khla and Dzor. She enters and greets them, ¡°Yarjen Jor. Helmdraff Craw. Good afternoon, again.¡±


    Dzor taunts, ¡°Theess joomp seem sooden. [This jump seem(s) sudden.]¡± He grins a toothy grin.


    Long smirks. ¡°Nothing slips by you, Yarjen. Any advice for a fellow ship captain before we jump?¡±


    Dzor replies bluntly, ¡°We tolk eenoof todaye. [We talk enough today.]¡± He crosses his arms and closes his eyes, ¡°Wack me eef we don dee. [Wake me if we don¡¯t die.]¡±


    Long puts her hands on her hips, teasing, ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll whack you. Gladly. But, please? You were so pleasant earlier today.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Khla asks gently, ¡°Yarjen?¡±


    Dzor grunts, ¡°Fievegal rorly mock fleet joomps. Boot, wheen deed, use cobbles.¡±


    ¡°Cobbles?¡± repeats Long. She quickly realizes, ¡°Cables! You strung cables between your ships?¡±


    Dzor opens one eye to look at her. He replies, ¡°Yuss.¡±


    ¡°What about the EMP? It¡¯d fry the electronics we have.¡±


    ¡°NOT eleektreecall condookshun. Sohneek. Sond condookshun. Eevonchooll oopgrod tuu hihdrawleek. Hihdrawleek bottor condooktor thon meetol. [Not electrical conduction. Sonic. Sound conduction. Eventually, upgrade to hydraulic. Hydraulic better conductor than metal.]¡±


    Long envisions the ships as cans and the cables as strings. It instantly makes sense. It¡¯s low tech, but when it¡¯s their only option, it makes total sense. She starts toward the door, but she stops. She turns and bows to Dzor, saying extremely gratefully, ¡°Jor¡­ Thank you so much. Truly.¡± Khla tenses a tiny bit when Long uses his name, but relaxes when he doesn¡¯t growl.


    But, he does reply bluntly, ¡°Hoomin, eef sheep boarded bih Grodurns, I om leeveeng. Far worneeng. [Human, if ship boarded by Grodrrns, I am leaving. Fair warning.]¡±


    Long¡¯s smile disheartens, but she maintains her smile. She replies, ¡°May you be safe, Yarjen.¡± She turns and jogs out, ordering the cables used for towing the starliners to be strung between the ships. Hammers will be used for Morse code.


    She returns to and watches progress from the bridge. She wants to try to pick Dzor¡¯s brain more, but he knows the jump is because of the Grodurns pursuing them. She¡¯s honestly surprised he gave them this. It amazes her that it didn¡¯t dawn on anyone sooner, for how simple it is. The winches allow them to keep a floating tension, as well as keep the ships from drifting apart.


    The clock is ticking though. The ships are ready to jump the moment the cosmonauts maneuvering the cables can get back inside.


    ¡°CAPTAIN!¡± cries an ensign on the bridge. She looks where he points. She activates the radio, announcing, ¡°Contact! Bearing two-fifty flat! All batteries align and fire! Boatswains! Emergency recall cable teams! Set General Quarters!¡±


    The bridge springs to life, engaging all facets of combat. The Andromeda is first to fire, either thanks to Lieutenant Kane¡¯s premonitions or Captain Dodge already having his guns aimed as spread as he could. Only the single white entity lit, signifying an arrival, but no battleships are visible. Still, all of the ships fire their newly installed artillery pieces. The Polonia still has the most, but Mr. Right at least came through on prioritizing armament of ALL ships.


    The ships fire volley after volley as the cable teams are violently reeled in by the zip winches.


    Combat Control announces, ¡°Captain! All defensive teams standing by to repel boarders!¡±


    She replies sharply, ¡°Aye! Cable teams!?¡±


    The deck officer replies, ¡°Not yet Captain!¡±


    ¡°To Providence! Ready jump drive!¡±


    ¡°Jump drive ready Captain!¡± replies the comms officer.


    ¡°To Providence, come to one three zero for jump!¡±


    Confused, the comms officer replies, ¡°Captain?¡±


    ¡°Do it! All fire teams! They sent a scout! It MUST not report our direction or follow us! Report all hits!¡±


    The artillery fires continuously as the Providence slowly banks. The deck officer shouts, ¡°All cable teams retrieved!¡±


    ¡°Aye! Batteries! Find that ship and destroy it!¡±


    ¡°Contact spotted two four three and closing fast!¡±


    Long tries to think. Worse than it knowing their direction is staying in the jump bubble and reaching their actual destination. But, if they can¡¯t kill it, there won¡¯t be long before the Grodrrns scan them down again.


    She whispers when she closes her eyes, ¡°Heavenly Father, please watch over us. Please give me the wisdom to protect this fleet. Please¡­¡± She flashes back to her chess game with Dzor. ¡°Yuu alreedy lohze, hoomin. Fooleesh mohve.¡±


    Dzor could have psyched her out, causing her to make bad moves in the beginning, but it was THE beginning. They have 24 hours from when they land for the Grodrrns to catch up even if they ping them right away. That¡¯s enough time to adjust and jump again in a new direction. Perhaps for even longer. And, right back past where they just left. This is the first move. She shouts, ¡°MAKE THE JUMP! NOW!¡±


    The comms officer relays, and she shouts, ¡°Everyone avert your eyes!¡±


    The white flash occurs. Lights click and blink. Fans audibly trip out. Long silently prays the reactors stay up though. They can hopefully restart everything else without issue. The guns stop firing.


    Someone announces, ¡°The reactor¡¯s live! We still have power!¡±


    Long sighs, nodding. Her bridge officers carefully block the windows so they can continue to work. Long asks skeptically, ¡°Any word from our strings?¡±


    The sound powered phone operator asks. A moment later, she says, ¡°Reports coming in, Captain. Providence has heard from¡­¡± She pauses, listening. She sighs, finishing, ¡°All ships.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ It¡¯s working?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    Long sighs contentedly. She owes Dzor something nice for that. She grumbles dryly, ¡°Someone remind me to order machine gun turrets next.¡±


    A few of the crew chuckle. One replies, ¡°Aye, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    She says more seriously, ¡°To Providence, direct to all ships, enemy contact still unaccounted for. Assume inside jump bubble.¡±


    ¡°Aye ma¡¯am!¡±


    Long scratches her wrist bandage gently, thinking. She and the others have 24 hours to figure out how to deal with the Grodurn scout if it made it into the bubble. She wonders if any of the Grodurns would have any guidance, though she expects they¡¯re all aware of what¡¯s going on by now.


    As she thinks though, something sends a small chill up her spine. She almost missed it. With everything going on, it was buried in the noise of the ship, the talking on the bridge, and Captain Long¡¯s own thoughts. But, it was there. She doesn¡¯t doubt it for a second. There was an anomalous noise that passed through the hull of the ship.


    Long instinctively grips the announcing circuit¡¯s microphone, nearly shouting, ¡°All hands! Report source and location of¡­¡± She trails off. The intercom isn¡¯t working. The ship may have power and sound powered phones are working, but sensitive electronics are having trouble.


    The chill in her body grows colder. ¡®Hoomin, eef sheep boarded bih Grodurns, I om leeveeng. Far worneeng.¡¯


    Long tenses. She has to stop him. She jumps up, calling out, ¡°Gator has the Conn! Commence counter-boarding, NOW! I have to go!¡± She bolts toward the hallway. The navigator asks, ¡°C-Captain?¡±


    ¡°DON¡¯T QUESTION! DO! BOARDERS ARE ONBOARD!¡±


    Long bolts for the containment area. She orders as she approaches, ¡°Defensive posture now! Open the door!¡±


    ¡°Captain?¡± asks the guards.


    Long takes a Grodurn sidearm from the rack. She says, ¡°Boarders! And, the captives are a risk as well. I need to stop Dzor!¡±


    ¡°M-Ma¡¯am, he¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°I KNOW! JUST OPEN IT!¡±


    The guards let her through the airlock door to the observation deck. Long storms to the conex box containing Khla and Dzor. She pauses. She prays there¡¯s time.


    She lifts the latch and opens the door. She aims the sidearm, unsure if she¡¯s capable of pulling the trigger. But, she presses the button that starts the priming circuit. She does take a moment to thank God for Grey showing her how.


    Khla is kneeling next to Dzor. She¡¯s the only Grodurn not typically restrained. Dzor and Khla both look at Long. The large male curls his mouth into his reptilian smirk. He growls menacingly, ¡°Three veezeet een oon dah? [Three visit in one day?]¡±


    Long orders, ¡°Step away from him, Craw. No one¡¯s leaving.¡±


    Dzor growls, ¡°I worn, hoomin. Yuu hurd tuu, deed yuu? [I warn, human. You heard too, did you?]¡±


    ¡°Counter-boarding is already in progress. You, of all people, Jor, MUST realize I cannot let that ship leave.¡±


    Dzor flexes his shoulders growling mercilessly as he stands up, ¡°Yuu assoom yuu hoff cheece, hoomin.¡±


    Long¡¯s knees tremble a little, but she holds her ground. ¡°Don¡¯t make me do it, Jor. I don¡¯t want to kill you. I want to return you to your people. WHEN we know how to protect ourselves more effectively. PLEASE.¡±


    Dzor takes a step towards her, and she tenses. He growls, ¡°Stond aseed, hoomin. I leeve weeth or weethott keel yuu. [Stand aside, human. I leave with or without kill you.]¡±


    Long replies, fear starting to grip her, ¡°No. I KNOW you¡¯re honorable, Jor. Please! Don¡¯t do this!¡±


    Dzor grips the sidearm, but he doesn¡¯t move it yet. Long thought she¡¯d have the strength to do what she needed. But¡­


    Dzor growls, ¡°Brov. Fooleesh, boot brov, hoomin. Leeve NOW, or I tock weeth ooss bock tuu Fievegal. [Brave. Foolish, but brave, human. Leave NOW, or I take with us back to Fievegal.]¡±


    Long¡¯s grip shakes on the sidearm. The huge reptile could easily rip it away from her at any moment. Tears start to well in her eyes. She was truly hoping she could trust him. She chokes out, ¡°Why?¡±


    Confused, Dzor asks, ¡°Whut?¡±


    Long releases the weapon, solemnly gripping the cross on her shoulder. She whimpers, ¡°You want to destroy us. Why bother? I thought¡­ I thought you understood my position¡­ But¡­ You¡¯re just a m-monster, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Dzor looks at the weapon in his hand now. He growls, ¡°Yuu osk me tuu reemann preeznor. How deeferunt thon I tock yuu? [You ask me to remain prisoner. How different than I take you?]¡±


    Long looks down to the side, she says softly, ¡°I want to help you, Jor. Truly. But, if your Fievegal keeps trying to hurt us, we will be forced to fight. We both want families of our own, Jor. WHY won¡¯t you just trust me?¡±


    There¡¯s a long pause. Dzor stares down at the tiny human female standing in his way. Khla says nothing. She doesn¡¯t want to choose a side in this case.


    Dzor growls finally, ¡°HOW.¡±


    Long looks up at him, her eyes shimmering from building tears. She¡¯s surprised. She states, ¡°W-whatever will work, if you cooperate. We need to know what plagues your people. But, I¡¯m confident, if you let us, we can undo it. PLEASE. I¡¯m begging you.¡± She sinks to her knees, adding, ¡°I¡¯ll do anything to protect BOTH of our peoples. Please¡­ Please¡­¡±


    Dzor stares down at her for a long time. It¡¯s impossible to know what he¡¯s thinking for sure, but he IS thinking.


    A deep rumble suddenly fills the air, and Khla cowers to the back of the box. Dzor¡¯s growl shakes Long to her very bones. The air feels suddenly cold.


    Long closes her eyes.


    ¡°STOND!¡± snarls the big alien towering over her. When she looks up at him in surprise, he roars, ¡°STOND, HOOMIN!¡±


    She is startled back onto her butt, surprised by the terrifyingly large alien threatening her. He snarls, ¡°WEEK! Yuu arr week ond afrod! How sovv two rosses!? Tuu week. [Weak! You are weak and afraid! How save two races!? Too weak.]¡±


    Long scrambles to her feet, crying out, ¡°That¡¯s not true! What we lack in strength, we make up for in mind! Passion! Dedication!¡±


    ¡°Feemahls sturill, hoomin. How solve? How reploss Saurmynnyka? [Females sterile, human. How solve? How replace Saurmynnyka?]¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± She slumps, ¡°I don¡¯t know right now.¡± The captain sparks back to her passion, though, ¡°But, we can figure it out! If it¡¯s genetic, maybe we can supplement the ovum your females don¡¯t have. If it¡¯s biological, maybe we can clone or engineer. These things aren¡¯t outside our abilities! Just give us that chance! I¡¯ll take responsibility! ME! If we can¡¯t, I¡¯ll willingly let you take me for whatever strategy you planned on using! All I¡¯m asking for is a chance to try it our way¡­ the compassionate way¡­¡±


    ¡°Commposshun week¡­¡±


    ¡°I KNOW how you feel, Jor. But you¡¯re wrong. Trust me a little longer, and I¡¯ll show you.¡± She gently extends her hand, reaching to touch his chest. His breathing is still heavy and angered, but he doesn¡¯t resist.


    He just starts to relax when the announcing circuit comes to life, ¡°All hands, this is the bridge. Boarding action has been stopped. Repeat, boarding action has been stopped. Oh-nine level frames one-three-zero to one-eight-zero isolated. Please use lower decks for travel. Again, boarding action has been stopped. No casualties. Electronic systems are still being restored.¡±


    Dzor snorts, and he mutters, ¡°Hoomins¡­¡± He locks eyes with Long, finally relaxing fully. The big lizard drops the sidearm and growls, ¡°Yuu ween tuudah, hoomin. Boot, I weel not wott foreevor. [You win today, Human. But, I will not wait forever.]¡± He walks calmly back to his spot and sits down. He adds, ¡°Neecks teem, yuu bottor keel me. [Next time, you better kill me.]¡±


    Long sighs, relieved. She says as confidently as she can, ¡°There won¡¯t be a need. We finally know where to start looking to help you. I¡¯ll¡­ try to make sure your meals don¡¯t get any smaller, Jor. Thank you.¡±


    Khla sighs as well. She looks at Long apologetically, but says nothing. Long takes a deep breath and starts, ¡°Craw¡­¡± Khla tenses, but Long relaxes. She says gently, ¡°Thank you, Craw, for not taking a side.¡± Long picks up the sidearm and starts to walk out. The female Grodurn calls out, ¡°Copton?¡±


    Long turns, ¡°Yes?¡±


    Khla looks down and adds, ¡°Th-Thonk yuu¡­¡±


    Long nods with a smile. Khla quickly adds, ¡°E-Eef mih bodih con hilp, Ih voloontur. [If my body can help, I volunteer.]¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll need to study your reproductive organs, to start. We falsely assumed it affected both genders.¡±


    Khla looks at Dzor. Dzor snorts, grumbling something in Grodurn.


    Khla nods and says to Long, ¡°Whin feemahl discovered een eegg, tompurture conntrolt tuu steerlihz. E-Eef furtull feemahl born, keeled. Onlih Saurmynnyka mah lee eeggs een Fievegal. Hee-ist ovv deeveen reets for Saurmynnyka onlih. [When female discovered in egg, temperature controlled to sterilize. If fertile female born, killed. Only Saurmynnyka may lay eggs in Fievegal. Highest of divine rights for Saurmynnyka only.]¡±


    ¡°I have lots of questions, but later. To confirm, it¡¯s not a matter of fertility down the line, it¡¯s a matter of fertility only right now; you have no one currently?¡±


    Khla nods. Dzor adds, even as he sits with his eyes closed, ¡°Soom Baskylla¡¯s hoont rumored furtull eescoppees, boot sceeunteests deescovor how closs hoomins arr beeohlogeeck. Seengull Saurmynnyka embrihoh een¡­ stossees. Needs Chulm¡¯chn -corrier-. [Some baskylla¡¯s hunt rumored fertile escapees, but scientists discover how close humans are biologic(ally). Single Saurmynnyka embryo in¡­ stasis. Needs Chulm¡¯chn -carrier-.]¡±


    Long replies, ¡°I see¡­ Truly, thank you both. I¡¯ll pass this on to our science teams and we¡¯ll work on it.¡± She bows and makes her way out.


    Out in the hall, Long leans against the wall, finally panting and letting tears of relief flow out of her eyes. One of the guards respectfully retrieves the sidearm from her, leaving her be to de-stress. She straightens when squads of marines arrive, escorting newly captured Grodurns. Marines and Grodurns alike are injured, but supposedly, there were no casualties.


    Jessica is helping Chief Grey as he limps, though, and the two make their way towards Angelica as Tachibana orders, ¡°Two per cell, same setup as the others. Don¡¯t underestimate any of them.¡±


    Captain Long doesn¡¯t often break formality in public, but with the stress her heart was just under, she melts instantly. She hugs Grey and Jessica without thinking before Grey can make whatever joke he was about to.


    Long specifically kisses her sister¡¯s cheeks, so relieved to still have the opportunity to do so. Jessica squirms a little, whispering, ¡°An-C-Captain? W-What are you doing!?¡±


    Angelica sighs. She replies tenderly, still hugging them both, ¡°Y-Yarjen Jor¡­ considered e-escaping¡­ I¡­ He listened to me, but¡­ I¡­ I was so scared¡­¡±


    Grey replies bluntly, ¡°Well, we brought him some new buddies. Hopefully, they¡¯ll eat each other.¡±


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Captain Long asks, giggling a little, ¡°What happened to you, Chief? Are you okay?¡±


    He chuckles and replies, ¡°Yeah. Just hit my knee on the bulkhead when one of these crocs shoved me off of him.¡± He nudges Jessica, saying softly, ¡°You¡¯d be proud of this little tigress.¡±


    Jessica instantly blushes, whimpering, ¡°Ch-Chief! You promised you wouldn¡¯t say anything!¡±


    Angelica releases them to ask, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Jessica pouts, still blushing. Tachibana explains as she salutes, ¡°She managed to steal their tracking unit, Captain.¡± Long salutes, and both lower their arms. Tachibana adds, ¡°We think it¡¯s keyed to either something subdermal or the like on our captives. They were bee-lining straight for ¡®em. During a firefight, Spaceman Long¡­¡± Jessica whimpers, glancing at Angelica and then pleadingly at Tachibana.


    Angelica smiles and sighs. She says tenderly, ¡°I get it. WHATEVER you did, Cottonpuff, I¡¯m proud of you. And, I¡¯m thankful you¡¯re all okay. Did my message reach you in time?¡± She looks at the Chiefs.


    Tachibana nods, replying, ¡°Barely. Messenger told us, but we almost missed the crocs. If they had gotten here before we encountered them¡­"


    The captain nods. She then asks, ¡°How¡¯d you defeat them without casualties?¡±


    Grey jokes gruffly, ¡°Well, we did our darnedest not to get shot, Ma¡¯am¡­¡±


    She smirks dryly at him. Tachibana replies, ¡°Firehoses, believe it or not ma¡¯am. They HATE the cold. Less than a minute¡¯s jet saps their strength fast.¡±


    Jessica squeaks, ¡°We noticed they weren¡¯t wearing EVA suits. Just their armor. So¡­ we tried it¡­ C-Captain!¡±


    The captain smiles and tenderly strokes the teen¡¯s cheek. ¡°Well done. All of you. I think the Grodurns will let us help them.¡±


    Grey asks bluntly, ¡°Still think it¡¯s worth it, Cap? They don¡¯t seem keen on diplomacy if they have the upper-hand.¡±


    ¡°True, but I convinced Jor to let us try. If diplomacy stands a chance, I wanna take it. If, for no other reason, than to get them off our tails.¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°I¡¯ll allow that.¡±


    Long adds, ¡°They finally gave us something to work with, so we will. But, first, we need to double-check that we¡¯re in the clear so we can make our second jump immediately. Chief Tachibana, please order a full sweep of the ship. We can inspect exterior surfaces when we drop out. Jess-sorry- Spaceman Long, escort Chief Grey to Medical.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°I¡¯m fine, Cap. I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°No. We have lots of marines onboard. We all need to be ready. Chief Tachibana, make sure we know where the boarding ship is attached. I doubt the pilot was part of the boarding team itself.¡±


    Tachibana replies firmly, ¡°Already on it, Captain. We identified the frames, but Fisher, Dumas, and Marvoni are preparing a strategy to disable the ship so it can¡¯t uncouple, or if it does, it won¡¯t go far.¡±


    ¡°What kind of strategy?¡± asks Long, semi-worried for their safety, more than anything.


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Apologies, Captain. I left it up to Marvoni. They¡¯re engaging on site.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Back them up, ay-sap. Ensure everyone in that zone is in EVA, and if the shuttle detaches,¡­ Try not to look outside.¡± She glances uneasily at Grey.


    Grey adds, ¡°Could try welding goggles. Already heavily polarized.¡±


    The auburn-haired captain replies, ¡°Russell¡¯s team have sensors in place right now for this jump to determine light output. Better to wait if we can.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Aye, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Jessica asks softly, ¡°W-What will you do, Captain?¡±


    The older sister smiles, replying gently, ¡°Finally stop micromanaging and go back to the bridge where I belong. Inform me if there are any issues, please.¡±


    All three reply, ¡°Yes Captain.¡±


    Captain Long makes her way slowly back to the bridge. She ponders her conversation with Dzor, particularly. She knows her initial visit for the day, as well as the other times she¡¯s talked to him before, are the only reason he didn¡¯t fight. He WANTS to see if Long and the humans can succeed. He WANTS the same outcome. Even if he won¡¯t admit it. Otherwise, he would have fought ferociously to escape or die trying.


    She ensures to repeat every detail he told her; only female Grodurns are sterile, it¡¯s done intentionally while the fetus is growing in the egg, it¡¯s not genetic, and humans are biologically close enough to Grodurns to be compatible in some way.


    It¡¯s all a huge leap forward, and she writes it down as quickly as she can when she reaches the bridge. Once full communications are restored, she can get any medical science teams not already tending to emergent work to start studying the female Grodurn physiology and go from there.


    She finally relaxes, especially once Marvoni¡¯s team reports capture of the boarding shuttle¡¯s pilot. This pilot is also female, though Long is confident that it¡¯s only a coincidence. Both Khla and Dzor have indicated a high level of equal gender mobility in the Fievegal, with only the Saurmynnyka being a definite gender-specific role.


    Among things to ask is the obvious; what makes a Saurmynnyka special? And, why did they go to that system?


    But, she¡¯ll ask them another day. For now, she just wants to make sure they see the next one.


    ********


    Several solar days [~1.5 weeks] have passed since the scout ship was deployed. All possibilities are on the table, of course. They could have been shot down immediately, just as they could have rushed to ensure they made it into the fleet¡¯s bubble. The latter possibility means they will be silent until the human fleet drops out of falight travel, which could be any moment or months from now. The Humans are bold enough, making either option plausible.


    Niolayt Jardzen Mrff is hoping it is NOT months. He¡¯s already tired of the smell of humans, let alone sharing his private quarters with one. The air smells and feels dry, just to be suitable for the tiny mammals. Her body stinks of hormones, and her body¡¯s waste could serve as biological warfare. At least, so it seems to the Grodrrn Executive Officer¡¯s sensitive nose.


    Mrff sits on his stateroom¡¯s floor, meditating quietly. Mrff was born when spiritual teachings were still prominent in the Fievegal¡¯s middle and lower classes. Though, they were phased out of the Fievegal as a whole, many Grodrrn households still practiced the meditation techniques to clear the mind, and they still prayed to the Bachsu for good fortune in all endeavors.


    Mrff returned to his upbringing after the tragedy in his life. He began praying to the Bachsu again and meditating to try to relieve his pain. And, it all helped. The Fievegal has tried to replace spirituality with laws and medicines, but for Mrff, taking control of his own mind and spirit were the only ways he could keep functioning.


    Thankfully, he has one of the only superiors in the Fievegal who allows the old ways to still be practiced. But then, it¡¯s the same Baskylla Jardzen who asked him to house a primitive in his quarters. The human female is supposedly pregnant with a female offspring, and she''s named ¡®Laurel¡¯.


    Laurel is currently sitting on her new bed, about half the size of Mrff¡¯s, and much softer. She is idly entertaining herself on an electronic tablet that would be small for a Grodrrn, but seems to work for her.


    Her voice pricks at Mrff¡¯s concentration, ¡°Um¡­ Y-Yarjen¡­ Um¡­ Is that your name, or¡­¡±


    ¡°Whut?¡± growls Mrff curtly. Khla may treasure this human suddenly for almost no reason, but Mrff doesn¡¯t see it. She¡¯s frail, weak, and impudent most of the time. She also has no respect for meditation, apparently.


    The woman speaks, ¡°Th-Thank you for sharing your space¡­¡±


    Mrff sighs and nods without opening either eye.


    She squeaks again, ¡°Um¡­ Y-Yarjen?¡±


    A little more perturbed, Mrff asks again, ¡°Whut?¡±


    ¡°A-Are you a¡­ H-hull-min, too?¡±


    Mrff rolls his jaw, finally opening one eye. He states calmly, ¡°Hullm-hin. Hullm¡¯hin.¡±


    ¡°Hulm-¡­ hin,¡± repeats the human female. ¡°W-Were you?¡±


    Mrff nods, ¡°Wuzz.¡±


    ¡°¡®Was¡¯?¡± repeats the woman nervously. ¡°W-What happened to your¡­ um¡­ Z-Zhi?¡±


    Mrff can give her some credit for TRYING to use Grodrrn terms, but she still has no understanding at all. He states calmly and bluntly, ¡°Myzh. Feemahl eez Zshee.¡±


    ¡°Oh! M-Myz. Myz is son¡­ Okay. So¡­?¡±


    Mrff retorts, ¡°Dead. Keelt een bottle. [Dead. Killed in battle.]¡±


    Laurel asks quietly, ¡°Against us?¡±


    ¡°No. Zarrakyssns. Chonj soobjickt NOW. [No. Zarrakyssns. Change subject NOW.]¡±


    The human pauses and quiets down. She sits idly for a while. Mrff closes his eyes, attempting to delve back into his meditation.


    ¡°Um, Yarjen¡­?¡±


    The large Grodrrn sighs. He grunts, ¡°Whut?¡±


    ¡°Do¡­ Do you hate me?¡±


    Mrff pauses. He remains silent for a while. He finally replies calmly, ¡°Duu not flattor silf. Yarjen Craw bihleev yuu arr hopp, I weel follauw ordors. I hoff no feeleengs on you. [Do not flatter self. Jardzen Khla believe(s) you are hope, I will follow orders. I have no feelings on(for) you.]¡±


    There¡¯s another pause. She softly says, ¡°Thank you for protecting me, Yarjen.¡±


    Mrff grunts, ¡°Stopp thonkeeng. Orders. [Stop thanking. Orders.]¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I know. But, y-you¡­ You didn¡¯t hesitate. A-and you¡­¡±


    ¡°Stopp. I duu nott vee ozz Hulm¡¯hin. Yuu arr preemeeteev. Oneemahl. Yarjen Craw ordor proteck, I proteck. Nautheeng more. [Stop I do not view as Chulm¡¯chn. You are primitive . Animal. Jardzen Khla order protect. I protect. Nothing more.]¡±


    The woman smiles softly. She replies, ¡°No matter the reason, Yarjen, I am thankful. Every day since Yarjen Craw spoke to me, I feel a little better about all of this.¡±


    Mrff grunts noncommittally. The humans seem satisfied as long as their words are acknowledged. Most of the time.


    The speaker in Mrff¡¯s room says quietly, ¡°[Yarjen, your presence is requested in the bridge.]¡±


    Mrff sighs and stands up. The world is set on interrupting his meditations today it seems. He points at the human, grunting, ¡°I leeve. Duu nott hort silf. [I leave. Do not hurt self.]¡±


    She nods, smiling suspiciously quaintly. She replies, ¡°Yes, Yarjen. Thank you for caring about me.¡±


    Mrff doesn¡¯t respond. He simply walks out.


    On the bridge, the communications team draws his attention. He approaches them calmly, asking, ¡°[What is it?]¡± As the duty Jardzen for the evening, he can make most decisions for the ship, save going into battle.


    The head communication Nordzen replies, ¡°[Yarjen, we¡¯ve received telemetry on our scout ship, but no communications. They¡¯re about a single solar¡¯s jump.]¡±


    ¡°[Any signal at all?]¡±


    ¡°[No, Yarjen. Their locator beacon just suddenly started transmitting. Telemetry could be inaccurate, though, if it¡¯s going off only the automated location.]¡±


    Mrff nods, scratching his chin. The Nordzen remarks, ¡°[The Niodzen who discovered it already attempted a remote command, but the ship is unresponsive. If it is as close as suspected, though, a mid-range ping from the pulse generator SHOULD detect it and the human fleet.]¡±


    Mrff nods again, ¡°[We may have to, but let¡¯s try to hold off. If the humans detect our pulse, they¡¯ll just jump again. Their short jumps likely aren¡¯t as draining as a standard long jump.]¡±


    The navigator adds thoughtfully, ¡°[Yarjen, is attrition an option? Our ships self-sustain, but our intel suggests the humans are far from this point.]¡±


    Mrff shakes his head, replying, ¡°[There¡¯s no telling how long that could take, though. Yes, we could force them to stay on the move, but if they ARE self-sustaining, they¡¯ll either draw us outside of Fievegal or neutral territory, or they¡¯ll draw us into a trap. These aren¡¯t the Myrneans.]¡±


    ¡°[Of course, Yarjen. Good points.]¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°[Jump in as close to the marked telemetry as possible. From there, we shall attempt more passive detection and attempt to sneak up on them. If the humans are still in the area.]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen!]¡± is the unanimous reply. One of the housekeeping orderlies asks, ¡°[Yarjen, should I awaken the Baskylla Yarjen?]¡±


    He looks at her thinking genuinely. Mrff replies calmly, ¡°[Not yet, thank you. Let him sleep. If we detect the humans, we will awaken him.]¡±


    ¡°[As you wish, Yarjen.]¡±


    He then says, ¡°[Please allow me to meditate for the jump, but do not hesitate if I am needed.]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen!]¡± comes the reply. He takes a seat on the floor beside the command chair. It¡¯s quite surprisingly easy to find his center, in spite of the noise. Who would expect he would have more trouble in his own quarters than on the noisy command bridge? But then, it was the curious little mammal that kept drawing his attention specifically.


    As requested, the crew leaves Mrff alone. Khla is the one who rouses him, stating, ¡°[Yarjen Mrff, we are arriving.]¡±


    Mrff¡¯s eyes open. He was conscious, so there is no grogginess, but he is still a little surprised. He states, ¡°[Yarjen? I expected you would rest longer than was needed for this jump.]¡±


    Khla smirks and nods, ¡°[I expected so. But, I wasn¡¯t resting well. The crew caught me up. Any profound enlightenings from the Bachsoo, Yarjen?]¡±


    Never once has Khla been condescending or mocking when he asks that. He accepts wisdom and ideas no matter how they were inspired. Mrff doesn¡¯t have prophetic visions or dreams when he meditates. Instead, it¡¯s more akin to a whisper he heard once, and only just recalled. Sometimes, it¡¯s as direct and obvious as a sudden idea, and others it¡¯s obscure and metaphorical at best.


    Mrff replies, ¡°[Not profound, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla chuckles, ¡°[Let¡¯s not forget what you said the day we met the humans, Mrff.]¡±


    Mrff sighs. That day, he had the instinct or whisper for the phrase, ¡°[Not all leaves burn in a forest fire.]¡± There¡¯s always room for interpretation, and Khla took that one to foreshadow the humans¡¯ escape -after pondering the phrase following their escape-.


    Mrff suspects this time, Khla hopes to take it more seriously, and in so doing, avoid another embarrassing blunder. That kind of thinking gets dangerous VERY quickly, as even Mrff knows the vagueness can be double-edged. Not to mention, even he doesn¡¯t believe it¡¯s necessarily divine guidance, so much as a thought that suddenly comes to him and sticks in his brain. And, he certainly doesn¡¯t believe himself to be a Bachsu.


    Still, Mrff¡¯s superior asked him a question. He said the same phrase on that day was not profound. Perhaps, today¡¯s will also provide wisdom to those who interpret it wisely.


    Mrff states calmly, ¡°[Blood does not exclude Nynczyk.]¡± Khla scratches his neck scales in thought.


    The navigator announces, ¡°[Stand by for arrival.]¡±


    Both Jardzens Khla and Mrff state, ¡°[Acknowledged.]¡±


    Mrff stands up, while Khla continues pondering. The Baskylla Jardzen wonders out loud, ¡°[Perhaps it is warning us that continued aggression isn¡¯t the way?]¡±


    Mrff states calmly, ¡°[Perhaps it is a sentence I heard long ago. Street prophets were quite common when I was a hatchling.]¡±


    Khla replies as the digital displays build the environment around them, ¡°[Maybe¡­ but you recalled it specifically now.]¡±


    ¡°[There is a reason street prophets are outlawed, Yarjen. Their ¡®wisdom¡¯ is often misleading or dissenting.]¡±


    ¡°[What was legal once is now illegal. And what was immoral and unlawful once is now the norm. Let me think¡­]¡±


    The scanning crew replies, ¡°[Yarjen, we¡¯re about [10,000 km] from the signal source.]¡±


    Khla scoffs, ¡°[Not quite worth a jump, but a bit long to cruise. Can the ship be remotely accessed from here?]¡±


    ¡°[Negative Yarjen.]¡±


    He nods. He repeats softly as he thinks, ¡°[Blood does not exclude Nynczyk¡­ Nynzcyk has many meanings¡­ cautioned kindness¡­ fair warning¡­ divine judgement, in old¡­ interesting¡­]¡±


    Mrff says calmly, ¡°[Yarjen¡­]¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°[Short range pulse and charge falight drive again. If we detect the fleet, we¡¯ll attempt to intercept.]¡± He pauses as confirmations come back. He quickly changes, ¡°[Wait!]¡± Mrff looks at him, surprised. Khla says, ¡°[Cancel that. Perform pulse. If they are present, we will attempt communication from here.]¡± Khla looks at Mrff, stating, ¡°[Just in case we¡¯re being warned of aggression.]¡±


    ¡°[Regardless of source, I do agree, Yarjen. But, if they escape¡­]¡±


    ¡°[If they escape, I shall blame you.]¡± Mrff looks at his superior, who smirks.


    The pulse goes out, and the scanning Nordzen remarks, ¡°[Yarjen, only one ship within [0.37 AU]. Grodrrn lighthelm scout ship.]¡±


    Mrff states, ¡°[The one we deployed.]¡±


    Khla stands up from his chair, saying, ¡°[I¡¯ll take a scout ship and jump there to investigate. I wish to see with my own eyes. Yarjen Mrff, you have command.]¡±


    Mrff growls, ¡°[Yarjen, this stinks of a trap.]¡±


    ¡°[Which is why the battleship won¡¯t be approaching. But, my gut is telling me to go.]¡±


    ¡°[Your gut is for determining hunger,]¡± growls Mrff.


    ¡°[I didn¡¯t trust my instincts on the invasion, Mrff. I HAVE to trust them now.]¡±


    There¡¯s a tense pause as the bridge awaits Mrff¡¯s response. Somehow, it so often comes down to him, as if he is the Baskylla Jardzen and Khla is his junior in rank in addition to age. But, Mrff knows better than to offer he go. Khla thinks Neezha is somehow involved, or he¡¯s hoping so. His judgement may be off, but Mrff may be able to offset that.


    The Niolayt Jardzen states sternly, ¡°[Very well. BUT you WILL take an advance vanguard team. Their explosives and trap detection skills are highest.]¡±


    Khla sighs and nods, ¡°[Agreed.]¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°[I have command.]¡± He helps Khla don his combat armor and then watches from the command chair¡¯s console. Khla¡¯s helmet is recording all he sees.


    The scout ship is derelict. Its main power is shut down. It drifts lazily, pinging its location occasionally. The away team manages to dock safely to the ship, and the vanguard cautiously scans the ship from the outside by walking the hull.


    The squad leader reports, ¡°[No explosives detected, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla acknowledges, ¡°[Good. Open the door manually and slowly.]¡±


    Mrff warns over the radio, ¡°[Yarjen, that ship may still have falight capabilities. If it powers up, your team needs to evacuate immediately. Remember what the humans did to Dzor.]¡±


    Khla replies calmly, ¡°[Agreed. We¡¯ll be careful.]¡±


    Mrff still doesn¡¯t like it. There¡¯s still too much that can go wrong if the humans spring whatever trap they¡¯ve set. He just hopes Khla can be fast and wise enough to avoid it.


    The squad equalizes the atmospheres of the ships. The derelict scout ship still had most of its pressure, so the team can rather easily open it.


    The ship is almost empty. There are no bodies or weapons. The main computer has been taken, as well as the pilot¡¯s seat. Khla remarks, ¡°[Tenacious little scavengers, aren¡¯t they?]¡±


    Mrff hums thoughtfully. Every second that passes, the humans become more dangerous. Without Grodrrn technology, this bunch outwitted dozens of the highest Fievegal Jardzens in service, as well as the Khlychlln.


    A light flashes and Mrff¡¯s gaze snaps to the screen. The vanguards and Khla have dived away from a distinctly non-Grodrrn device sitting on the floor. However, it appears to be no more than a human computer.


    The surprise doesn¡¯t stop there. The main wall of the ship energizes, displaying a Grodrrn female¡¯s face. There is no doubt in Mrff¡¯s mind that Khla recognizes the face. Mrff easily recognizes her, and he isn¡¯t her Chulm¡¯chn.


    Khla murmurs, ¡°[Mrff, are you recording?]¡±


    ¡°[Yes Yarjen.]¡±


    ¡°[A-Are you sure?]¡±


    Mrff scoffs, ¡°[Yes, Yarjen.]¡±


    Khla whispers, ¡°[Neezha¡­?]¡±


    The image starts talking though, indicating it¡¯s prerecorded. She says calmly, ¡°[My name is Helmdravv Neezha¡¯Dzor Mvon Khla¡¯chn. This is a message meant for Baskylla Yarjen Khla.]¡± She pauses a moment, breathing. Jardzen Khla¡¯s hand gravitates to her image. She looks unharmed, if a little thinner than she was.


    ¡°[Yarjen,]¡± continues Neezha. ¡°[The humans know you are still pursuing. They hope to ease your mind by showing you my face. I don¡¯t expect you to believe it, and they don¡¯t either, but I¡¯m not scripted. So¡­ Um¡­ First of all, I¡¯m okay. The humans have treated all of us as well as they can, given the circumstances.]¡±


    One of the vanguards asks excitedly, ¡°[¡®All of us¡¯?]¡± Khla hisses to silence them.


    Neezha continues, ¡°[Severe rationing is taking place in their entire fleet. They¡¯re doing their best to catch up, but if I look skinnier, that¡¯s why. However¡­]¡± She smiles faintly, ¡°[The humans have actually tightened their own rations to feed all of us, including the scout team you just sent. The scout team suffered no casualties, by the way. Before them, there were only twenty survivors, myself and nineteen others mostly from Baskylla Yarjen Jor¡¯s ship, including Yarjen Jor himself.]¡± Cheers resound on the bridge, and Mrff growls, ¡°[Quiet!]¡±


    Neezha nervously fidgets with her hands. She says softly, ¡°[Actually, the only thing the humans asked me not to say because they know what it means is this; I¡¯ve¡­ been assisting the humans. I¡¯ve taught them what I could about navigating and scanning, and¡­ I¡¯ve been teaching them to fly¡­ I hope you can understand¡­ I want¡­ I want to help them survive because¡­ because they¡¯re helping all of us survive.]¡± She looks truly nervous and afraid, not of the humans, but of what she just said and its consequences.


    She adds more proudly, though, ¡°[Because I¡¯ve cooperated, as well as Yarjen Jor¡¯s passiveness, the humans made us a vow. You don¡¯t have to believe it, because we¡¯re still skeptical too. But¡­ they want to¡­ undo the cur-¡­ um¡­ sterilization on us. So¡­ t-take your time finding us, Yarjen. Truly. Because, if you do¡­]¡± She smiles softly, replying, ¡°[M-Maybe I can make up for what I¡¯ve done to our name by helping all Grodrrns. Also, the humans say a ¡®daughter¡¯, which is like a ¡®Zhi¡¯, would normally ask for her father¡¯s -that would be you- blessing in choosing a mate in some of their cultures, and I thought that was charming. Unfortunately, I won¡¯t be able to ask for your blessing in advance, but I hope, if the humans succeed, that I can have your blessing to choose Yarjen Jor for the test. If it works, we won¡¯t need the humans anymore, and they¡¯ll give us all back, no questions, as long as the Fievegal forgets all about them.]¡±


    She smiles more happily, adding, ¡°[Sorry, I know I¡¯m getting ahead of myself. As you¡¯ve probably realized, the humans baited you to the location of this message and made another jump. I know I haven¡¯t been the ideal prisoner of war, and I understand my fate may be better in the humans¡¯ hands now, but if you DO keep looking for us, please know I am the only one openly cooperating with the humans. But, we¡¯re alive and will stay that way for the foreseeable future. So personally or professionally, please continue your search slowly and carefully. The humans have been preparing every day for an eventual future encounter.]¡±


    Neezha wipes tears from her eyes, saying tenderly, ¡°[We¡¯ll meet again, Yarjen. I promise.]¡± She smiles and presses a button, ending the message.


    Mrff¡¯s brain goes straight to tactical analysis of the message. The humans are rationing? Good. Maybe it¡¯ll weaken their troops. They¡¯ve been preparing? Interesting. He wonders if she secretly cued how and to what extent. They¡¯ll have to review the video thoroughly. Dzor¡¯s alive? Undoubtedly, he can be counted on if he can be¡­


    Mrff¡¯s mind slows down when he notices Khla still touching the screen where his precious Zhi¡¯s face just was. He seems to be frozen. It dawns on Mrff that Khla hasn¡¯t been separated from her for more than a few days since she hatched. Even this current deployment, which took years to reach Earth, is an exception because she was brought along as a child and grew into the pilot she is during the trip. She¡¯s seen almost equal amounts of time in space as she ever saw of Grodurra. She wasn¡¯t the only hatchling to accompany battleships, but she is now among the youngest Grodrrns in existence.


    Mrff relaxes. This wasn¡¯t a military move to stay hot on the humans¡¯ trail. Khla knew what message was waiting, just as the humans knew which Grodrrn ship pursued them. Like Khla, Mrff isn¡¯t convinced the humans are as savage as they set out on deployment believing. Perhaps rather than a taunt, the message truly is an ungloved hand of peace.


    But, they are a Fievegal battleship with a duty to uphold. Mrff asks cautiously, ¡°[Yarjen?]¡±


    Khla finally turns away from the screen, saying, ¡°[We¡¯ll recover the ship and see if anything of use is left. Yarjen Murf, deploy jump forensics team. Perhaps they can discern the human fleet¡¯s direction. During that time, we¡¯ll scout our vicinity and determine if we need any resources around us. Additionally, if what Helmdraff Craw said is true, have the analysts compile the expected needs of the human fleet. We may be able to narrow our search if we can identify what they want.]¡±


    Mrff smiles. The Baskylla Jardzen is back in form, revitalized and refocused. He replies proudly, ¡°[As you wish Yarjen, it shall be done.]¡±


    Mrff relays his orders. He doesn¡¯t trust the humans the way Khla seems to, but he¡¯s glad Khla can focus again. If the human Laurel works out, fine. If what Helmdravv Khla said works out, good. But in any case, if the battleship catches up to the human fleet, even better. They¡¯ll have both methods at their disposal.


    Mrff watches the crew ready the derelict scout ship to be brought back via a jump using the scout ship they¡¯re piloting, which can jump both ships. The recovery goes smoothly, and the forensics teams deploy on the two remaining operable scout ships to begin scanning, the first being used by Khla joining them soon after.


    Forensics teams have found trails before, but it is a highly precise art. All they can do for now though is search. Because the humans are carefully listening for the pulses now, they¡¯ll have to find a new way to hunt them.


    Fortunately, it seems time is on everyone¡¯s side this time.


    ********

 Chapter 19: To Some, Crumbs, To Us, A Feast

    ~Had I not the memories I have now, I know I¡¯d find myself wondering what humanity imagined to find in the stars. When we left Earth, that was virtually all I knew; we were under attack and fleeing. I don¡¯t know how many little boys dreamed of tasting the cheese of the moon, nor how many little girls dreamed of beautiful, unearthly flowers and songs of amazing colors and sounds. I had no idea how many adults dreamed of encounters with the unknown, from the adventurous to the deviant. I had no idea how many of my fellow humans there once were.


    I know now that the Grodurns shattered an illusion of superiority; an illusion that stated humankind was the most advanced and likely ONLY sentient life in the universe. Of course, we all know better now, but the day before the Grodurns arrived, those who believed there was other sentient life that we¡¯d someday meet were in the VAST minority, including of those reaching for the stars.


    What the commissioning of and deployment of the Tactical Exploration and Assault Unit showed us was a new and humbling lesson. Sentient life is NOT as hard to find as we imagined. Our deep-seated na?vet¨¦ of the universe overlooked one fact obvious in hindsight; many of the ingredients to life, -and by extension, sentient life- are the same necessities we needed to find. The more we found in one place, the more likely an encounter was¡­~


    Five moderately armed starliners and the mobile drydock Providence. The completed starliner has all of its own Grodurn-inspired, integrated equipment, such as artificial gravity, a jump drive, and beta cannons.


    There was one hitch, though. Construction wrapped up three days late. Three days late AFTER the grace time granted from the jump. The best part is, it was Mr. Right¡¯s own fault. He got so far ahead of himself in pride and preemptive celebration thinking he completed a week early, he completely forgot to have the water systems properly purged, filled, and pressurized, as well as to charge and unlock the reactor startup and buffer capacitor banks. As soon as they jettisoned drydock power, the ship shutdown instantly. Both tasks took days each to perform, as well as the reactor startup.


    So, even in spite of Captain Murdock¡¯s best subtle efforts, Mr. Right ended up costing himself the bet. His prized and priceless supercar is now Captain Long¡¯s. The eccentric businessman has been uncharacteristically scarce since the final commissioning, having yet to turn over the keys to the car.


    Long doesn¡¯t really care right now. He IS a good organizer, but she¡¯s content with him being quiet. More important than the car is getting everyone divided out to be sent to the new ship; crew, civilians, and resources alike. MOST of the self-sustaining equipment is up and running at full capacity, but some of it still requires workers. Then comes the new ration calculations and construction setup for the next ship. This one, dubbed the Gaia, after the spirit of the Earth, will certainly be an ease on the burden, but is still far from ¡®enough¡¯.


    More important even than the crewing of the Gaia, though, is the mission about to launch. The fleet is in orbit over a planet with moderately high radiation readings compared to Earth, but still within acceptable mission limits. Its climate appears to be close to desert climate, though there are distinct climate zones like Earth, or should be. Scans and images from orbit suggest much of the planet¡¯s surface is desolate, in spite of distinctly different temperature, humidity, and precipitation areas.


    The planet is of interest for a few reasons. There is an abundance of water, especially in aquifers below the surface, scans are picking up a lot of iron, nickel, and chromium, and there appears to be some form of plant life in or around the aquifers. Most importantly, though, at least one of the aquifers appears to be a nitrogen vent. Nitrogen is almost as crucial as oxygen for humans for many reasons, not least of which is diluting oxygen to a nice, safe ~21% zone to prevent spontaneous fires and explosions.


    With as much nitrogen as is coming out of the vent, it¡¯s possible that the specific plant life there generates nitrogen somehow, or there is a subterranean pocket of gaseous or in-solution nitrogen that is slowly venting. Whatever the case, the fleet is very interested in obtaining this nitrogen.


    Other than that, though, the planet is useless long-term. Its ground-level atmosphere is highly toxic, containing high levels of xenon, fourine, and helium, and moderate levels of oxygen, nitrogen, and silicone-oxide vapor. The fluorine, existing in several stable gaseous compounds, should be tolerable for equipment to work in, but the crew is being cautious.


    Captain Long makes her way to the hangar. There, the TEAU teams, consisting of Grey and Tachibana¡¯s team as ¡®A¡¯ team, and a team being led by newly-promoted Chief Marvoni as ¡®B¡¯ team. ¡®C¡¯ team, standing by on the ship, is being led by Lieutenant Kane, and their job is emergency at-all-costs evacuation of teams ¡®A¡¯ and ¡®B¡¯.


    Ensign Hancock says goodbye to his girlfriend, Kenzie, as Little Bird helps Jessica suit up ¨Cwith close supervision from Grey-. Grey notices Captain Long first, starting, ¡°A-¡­¡±


    ¡°At ease!¡± calls out Long quickly. She says warmly, ¡°Focus on preps. Where are you at?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Craw¡¯s inside, talking the pilots through entry. We¡¯ve got ¡®standard¡¯ gear; hybrid ¡®mass accelerator cyclers¡¯, courtesy of our egg-heads, for everyone, two multi-grenade launchers, two SMAWS with vacuum-ready rockets, gas and LEL analyzers, one anti-tank rifle, one Grodurn blaster, and a Grodurn sword, because Fisher thought it was shiny.¡±


    Captain Long giggles. ¡°I see. You sound quite well-prepared.¡±


    ¡°Hoping so, Cap. Oh! And, I¡¯m lending Spaceman Long here my trusty shotgun.¡±


    Jessica smiles up and nods at Angelica, saying warmly, ¡°Captain.¡±


    Angelica crosses her arms with a smirk, asking softly, ¡°Any way I can talk you out of going?¡±


    Jessica replies respectfully, ¡°You can order me, Captain, but, don¡¯t expect me to speak to you ever again.¡±


    ¡°When I wanted you to join, this isn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± interrupts the younger sister. ¡°But, this is my calling. This is my way to make a difference. You and Chief Grey¡­¡± She smiles at each of them. ¡°You¡¯re letting me stand on my own and walk my own path. I can¡¯t possibly express how much that means.¡±


    Grey retorts gruffly, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. All I do is yell at fool rookies ¡®till they survive enough times to stop being rookies. Ain¡¯t that right, Rookie?¡± Grey smirks at Hancock.


    The young ensign replies casually, ¡°You still owe me twenty bucks, Chief.¡±


    Grey starts laughing.


    Captain Long turns to Tachibana, asking, ¡°Chief? Strategy?¡±


    Tachibana replies politely, ¡°Same as the iceball, Captain. We¡¯ll go in, set some scanners, identify any lifeforms ¨Cif any-; hopefully not¡­ and, then, we¡¯ll scan the vent. If entry is possible and safe, we¡¯ll explore the vent with Bravo team holding at the entrance. We¡¯ve all got scoring stones for mapping the cave walls, flares for marking intersections, and intrinsically safe lanterns if flammable gas is too high. And, if all else fails, we call in Lieutenant Kane¡¯s team who can hopefully dig straight down and extract us. Goal is surveying and mapping, but we¡¯ll stay alert for life. Any hiccups, we regroup at the entrance and reassess.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Stay in communication with each other. We currently only have long range communication ability with the drop ship.¡±


    Hancock jokes, ¡°It¡¯s number seven hundred and nine on Lopez¡¯s list. She¡¯s getting there.¡±


    Long smirks, replying, ¡°Yes, well I HOPE I have more than one scientist working on these things.¡±


    Mina states as she approaches, ¡°Captain, Chief and I agree, our warning still stands. If something tries to eat our faces, we¡¯re fighting someone.¡±


    ¡°I give you permission to fight Yarjen Jor. I think he¡¯d enjoy the exercise.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Mina then suddenly declares, ¡°Yep. Whatever it is can just eat my face.¡±


    Everyone chuckles, and the auburn-haired captain replies warmly, ¡°I thought you might agree.¡± She then adds, ¡°And, if any of you are so possessed to name anything down there, keep it a LITTLE professional, please.¡±


    The marines chuckle again, and reply together, ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    Long smiles and adds warmly, ¡°Good luck and be safe.¡±


    The marines cheer, ¡°Oo-rah!¡±


    The Captain returns to the bridge. She¡¯s done all she can really do for this mission; encourage the troops and make sure they have a home to come back to. It¡¯s up to them to find out what¡¯s on this planet¡¯s surface.


    ***


    Ensign Hancock holds firmly to his seat¡¯s harness. The ship is one of the Grodurn shuttles, so entry isn¡¯t necessarily the concern, but it¡¯s been heavily modified to suit the much smaller humans. This is always the hardest part for a marine; the ride in. At least, so Chief Grey says. Their lives are in the hands of the pilots, as well as the winds pushing incoming fire off target. Hopefully, only the former is a factor on this trip.


    Hancock is simply nervous. He didn¡¯t get much time in flight, having been stationed at the elevator on Earth. And, unlike Earth, this world is full of completely new unknowns. He is happy to still have Chief Grey though. Even if Hancock outranks Grey in title, they are both content with Chiefs Grey and Tachibana running the show. The two combined have decades of widespread knowledge and experience. Grey may be rougher around the edges, but Tachibana has her fair share of war stories prior to the invasion. She¡¯s as icy-calm as Grey, though the latter is heckling their remote piloting tutor.


    Helmdravv Khla, the friendly female Grodurn cooperating with the fleet, has gained a lot in speaking English, having spent every day working with spacers and marines. Her voice is still deeper and more rumbly than most mens¡¯, but she is much easier to understand. Her voice says as gently as she can muster as the shuttle approaches the planet. ¡°Atmosphere intry about adapt. Ionization detectors till if hull too hot. Gyro till if drifting in roll or pitch. All easy if done slow and attentioned.¡±


    Grey scoffs, retorting, ¡°If it¡¯s so easy, why not autopilot it with a computer?¡±


    Khla replies politely, ¡°Computers still have trouble weeth judgement. Even Grodurn computers. Compensate when pilot would simply stay on course.¡±


    ¡°Easy to say from the spectator¡¯s seat.¡±


    Tachibana says quietly, ¡°Leave her alone, Chief. She¡¯s just helping.¡±


    Grey scoffs. He grumbles, ¡°Fine¡­¡±


    Rena asks curiously, ¡°Craw, how many planetary landings have you done?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Khla finally answers, ¡°I trained for years on simulated intry, but¡­ Earth was my only practical.¡±


    Grey laughs, and Tachibana sighs. Rena, still politely curious, asks, ¡°So, you¡¯re fairly young, then, right? I mean, compared to the others.¡±


    Khla replies quietly, ¡°Yes¡­ I was one of the last hatchleengs. If¡­ my number correct, I am twenty seven human years in age. I am still hatchling in many eyes. Very young for position. My Hulm-¡­ urr, father provide wonderful opportunities, but ensure I earn. I¡­ do wish I was on ship with one of teams¡­¡±


    Fisher retorts warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We appreciate the remote help. So, how long do Grodurns live normally?¡±


    Khla answers uneasily, ¡°Now is not best time¡­¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°She¡¯s right. Craw, focus on the pilots, please. We¡¯ll remain respectfully quiet. Right marines?¡±


    The marines reply, ¡°Yes Chief¡­¡±


    Hancock is quietly disappointed. The banter was distracting him from his nerves. He tries to listen to Khla instruct the pilots, but very little of it makes sense to him. He tries to lay his head back to relax.


    The young officer is jolted awake by Spaceman Long nudging his shoulder. She¡¯s standing in front of him, geared up. Grey asks over the radio, ¡°You okay, Rookie?¡±


    Hancock nods, fumbling to climb out of his seat, ¡°Yes, Chief.¡±


    Tachibana warns, ¡°Stand up slowly, sir. Gravity¡¯s higher here. Craw says it¡¯s about double Earth by the numbers on the instruments. So, everything¡¯s twice as heavy.¡±


    Hancock can feel it already. He does as instructed, rising slowly from his seat with Long¡¯s help. Grey adds, ¡°No parkour today, marines. Slow and steady. If you need a break, say so. No shame in getting winded going down stairs on a world like this.¡±


    The marines chuckle, gearing up carefully. Anything dropped is twice as likely to break. Any slips or falls are twice as likely to be lethal. And, any bend at the waist is going to be exhausting.


    The marines take turns relieving themselves in the small cramped lavatory on the ship. Due to the size of the vent, they will attempt to pilot the ship inside if the marines deem it safe, and they¡¯ll camp on the ship. But, until then, restroom breaks won¡¯t be an option. The marines then open the door.


    HM1 Brown¡¯s Geiger counter chatters as he reads the radiation levels. He says calmly, ¡°A little higher than expected, but mostly alpha and beta radiation. Our suits shield us from that. About¡­ one point two rads of gamma and netron, looks like. Should be about an even one Rem/hour after our suits.¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°Safe to proceed?¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief. Shouldn¡¯t have to say we shouldn¡¯t live here, of course.¡±


    She scoffs, ¡°Noted.¡±


    Dumas adds, ¡°Assuming this flammability sorcery-mabob works, nothing at explosive levels. Open flame might get hot though. A few flammables present, but minimal oxygen.¡±


    Tachibana nods, ¡°Good. Monitor those closely. Any noticeable changes, let us know.¡±


    Both reply, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    Tachibana then says, ¡°Moody, take point, Grodurn blaster. Thing Four, you¡¯re in middle with the rifle. Everyone else fall in as you go.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡±


    The marines disembark the shuttle carefully. Hancock steps down behind Long with her help, and he turns to aid Mina down. EVERYTHING is heavy. Footfalls crunch in the sharp and loose gravel littering the ground. The distant blue star casts an eerie light on everything. And, the air feels heavy as it presses in on his suit.


    It¡¯s about a kilometer to the edge of the vent, and the marines scan carefully as they walk. Rena remarks, ¡°Weird the gravel is so sharp, isn¡¯t it? Must not be a lot of wind here.¡±


    ¡°That, or dust storms are less common,¡± replies Fisher. ¡°Too heavy to lift the dust with a normal wind.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense.¡±


    Given how heavy their gear is, the marines are making decent time. Hancock looks at the vast, craggy surface extending out as far as the eye can see. Distant mountains carve a horizon in the eerie purple sky, and plumes of fog or smoke rise out of the vents. The world feels almost primordial, except it¡¯s less swampy than Hancock would think. It¡¯s like a dull, grey-brown gravelly desert.


    He BARELY stops in time, ramming into Spaceman Long but managing to catch her. She halted without warning. Hancock quickly says, ¡°H-Hold up! Long? You okay?¡±


    She squeaks, ¡°Y-Yes sir. Sorry. I just¡­¡± She points at the ground. ¡°Look¡­¡±


    Hancock looks down. At first, he sees rocks, rocks, and a few rocks, and¡­


    How she spotted it on the move, he¡¯ll never know. But, what Long is pointing at is a thin brownish-black line sticking up out of the gravel. An even shorter, curved nub is sticking off of the side about halfway up its shaft.


    It doesn¡¯t perfectly resemble anything from Earth, but the tiny little thing certainly looks a lot like a dried out plant stem.


    Grey asks as he approaches, ¡°Whatcha got, Marines?¡±


    Long points, saying, ¡°It looks like a plant, Chief.¡±


    Grey looks where she¡¯s pointing. Without hesitation, he kneels down, and his armored knee thuds the gravel. He plucks the stem, pulling it up with ease. He grunts as he tries to stand back up, and Long and Hancock both quickly help him up. Grey inspects the tiny stem, indeed including yellowed and sickly roots. He states, ¡°Jar.¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Mina presents a jar, already open. She grins through her helmet, saying glibly, ¡°I gotcha covered, Chief. Please praise me.¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°You are praised.¡± He drops the stem in, and Fisher states, ¡°Doesn¡¯t look alive.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°How could you say that? With all this abundance of lively foliage around us.¡±


    Fredericks asks curiously, ¡°If there were plants up here, I wonder what killed them all.¡±


    Grey instantly taunts, ¡°Geez, Freddy! Fine! Climate change is real! Happy now? It goes around annihilating everything! Earth, this world, the Grodurns¡­¡±


    Fredericks retorts dryly, ¡°Woke off, Chief.¡±


    Dumas jokes, ¡°We didn¡¯t land on Earth, did we?¡±


    The marines chuckle, and Tachibana replies, ¡°I think the lack of our moon and an orange sun exclude that.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, fair point, Chief.¡±


    She adds, ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving. The mysteries of the surface can come later. We have to secure a hole in the ground.¡±


    The marines fall back in, and Mina hands Long the jar, saying warmly, ¡°Congratulations, Long! You get to name the first space weed.¡±


    Long giggles, ¡°Thank you.¡± Mina winks and falls back to the rear where she was, alongside Chief Grey.


    Moody announces, ¡°We¡¯re here. Squad halt.¡±


    The marines come to a stop, investigating the edge of the vent. It shares some traits with a sinkhole, with steep edges most of the way around and a heavy fog slowly rising out. But, it¡¯s also got a deep overhang on the far side from them, like a cave that goes much further than just straight down.


    A sloped path leads in from the left, where a ravine or trench has formed. The marines make their way to the trench as Fredericks places seismic sensors to map the ground and determine if the Bravo team shuttle can land.


    The trench has fairly easy-sloping walls and a glisten flickers in its bed. The glisten is quickly determined to to be water or liquid, trickling in a steady stream into the cavernous vent, forming the slope.


    Rena jokes, ¡°Anyone thirsty?¡±


    Mina whines, ¡°Awe! I left my swimsuit at home.¡±


    Grey states gruffly, ¡°Shut up and climb down. Mind the gravel. Fisher, anchor a rope.¡±


    Fisher nods, ¡°On it, Chief.¡± He does as instructed as Moody carefully leads down the slope of the bank. The liquid isn¡¯t deep, and it trickles like a simple, babbling brook. Brown steps up and probes the water with the radiac, measuring radiation levels. He states, ¡°About the same as atmospheric.¡±


    Tachibana nods. She states, ¡°Take a sample, Mina. Monitor for reaction before stowing it.¡±


    Mina steps up, affirming, ¡°Aye Chief!¡± She takes a sample of the liquid in a test tube, studying it for a moment before stowing it in a shock-resistant case. The marines then continue toward the vent. Fisher jokes as they walk, ¡°Watch this be a nitroglycerine creek.¡±


    Mina replies, ¡°Sounds like a blast to me.¡±


    Rena instantly retorts, ¡°Boo! Nerd!¡± Even as everyone else chuckles.


    The marines follow the creek, descending deep into the large vent. Brown reports, ¡°Huh, radiation¡¯s a bit lower down here.¡±


    Fisher replies, ¡°Huh, with a radioactive creek dumping all this liquid down here, you¡¯d think it¡¯d be concentrated, higher.¡±


    Brown answers, ¡°Well, I¡¯m no expert on radioactivity, but maybe my sensor was picking up background radiation in the liquid. Maybe the creek¡¯s not radioactive after all.¡±


    Moody says calmly, ¡°That¡¯d be a nice twist. Especially if it¡¯s water.¡±


    Tachibana says, ¡°H-M-One, take another probe down here.¡±


    ¡°Just thinking the same thing, Chief,¡± he replies, as he carefully kneels to probe the liquid. After a moment, he reports, ¡°Not zero, but pretty low. Interesting.¡±


    Hancock remarks, ¡°So, that should mean the surface itself isn¡¯t radioactive gravel, but some other source exists, right?¡±


    Dumas teases, ¡°You¡¯re the science officer, sir. Shouldn¡¯t YOU know?¡±


    ¡°Funny, Dumas. But, I¡¯m cut off from my brain right now.¡±


    Fisher jokes, ¡°Oof. I bet she¡¯s lonely up there without you.¡±


    Grey, surprisingly, interrupts, ¡°Knock it off, morons. Rookie¡¯s probably right. If the surface radiation isn¡¯t part of the environment itself, it must either be airborne or a massive source further away, or we¡¯d see more of it in the water. Dumas, how we looking on gases?¡± Dumas studies his device for a moment.


    The marine replies, ¡°Almost nothing flammable, looks like. Oxygen is a little higher, but still too low for us. Sixteen percent. LOT of nitrogen.¡±


    ¡°Anything toxic?¡± asks Tachibana.


    ¡°Hard to say for sure, Chief. Dr. Caldaren said it¡¯s not a full spectrograph, so it can¡¯t identify everything. But, compared to the readings up top, I¡¯d wager you¡¯d die of too little oxygen first.¡±


    Brown remarks, ¡°Sixteen percent isn¡¯t bad. Lethargy and headache would probably be the worst. Heck, submarines were allowed as low as eighteen percent and still considered safe.¡±


    Dumas replies, ¡°Either way, probably best to keep our helmets on. Gas content doesn¡¯t account for any viruses, bacterias, molds, or fungi down here.¡±


    Moody suddenly holds a fist up, saying, ¡°Hold up.¡± The squad comes to a halt. Moody clicks his light on.


    Moody¡¯s light illuminates a strange sight ahead of them. True, everything on this world can be considered strange, but this seems especially out of place, given what they¡¯ve seen so far. Amid a bank of alien moss-like plant material lies a suit of armor.


    Moody whispers instinctively, even though their helmets contain their voices, ¡°Possible contact. Please advise.¡±


    Chief Grey orders, ¡°All marines, turn on night vision. Heads on a swivel. Spread out.¡±


    Tachibana adds, ¡°Moody, Brown, Dumas, with me. The rest of you, cover us from here. I¡¯ll take point.¡±


    Tachibana stalks towards the suit, weapon glued on it as the three ordered follow her. Long asks softly, ¡°Chief Grey? What are we looking for, specifically?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Bodies, eyes, or metal. Anything that stands out and looks like it isn¡¯t part of the landscape. This is homefield for somebody. Any of us take a hit, you fire the way it came and fall back.¡±


    Fredericks grumbles, ¡°Frickin caves. That better not be an armored bat. All I¡¯m sayin¡¯.¡±


    Tachibana states, ¡°It¡¯s dead. Move up carefully.¡±


    The squad regroups around what is actually an armored body, dead for quite some time. It¡¯s ALMOST bipedal, in that it stands upright like a human, but the wearer of the armor has four legs instead of two, a thorax, and many other features associated with insects. Its head is uncovered, and it shares features with a lady bug in the big black eyes, wide mandibles, and a reddish hue to its chitinous plates. Its armor is matte, and seems to be colored using some kind of metal dyeing process, making it appear semi-reflective, but not really. A hole is pierced through its chest, stopping only at its back armor plate. Greenish brown liquid is splattered from the wound, indicating its blood is not red like a human¡¯s or Grodurn¡¯s. There¡¯s no trace of the weapon that killed it though.


    HM1 Brown inspects the body, carefully. He summarizes, ¡°Chest wound looks like it killed it, though it¡¯s impossible to know for sure without a full autopsy. Insectoid. Armor is separate, definitely indicates sentience. Body¡¯s stiff, plant life growth around it. Hard to say, obviously, but probably been dead a minimum of a few years. Brittleness in its limbs suggests longterm insectoid decay.¡±


    Rena grimaces, saying drearily, ¡°You mean, this is a five foot tall cockroach¡­ one that could try to flush US down the toilet?¡±


    Brown chuckles and stands up. ¡°Appears that way. Better question is, what killed him?¡± Brown jerks with a start, saying, ¡°Moody! Your light!¡±


    Moody looks where his flashlight is pointed. The alien moss is shriveling and smoking a little. He quickly turns his light off. ¡°Just space moss.¡±


    Brown replies, ¡°This is an ecosystem. And, one with seemingly sentient life. Best not to disrupt it too badly. For all we know, that space moss is making the nitrogen.¡±


    Mina says warmly, ¡°Aaannnd, sampled!¡± She seals the sample box and tucks it back into her backpack. Grey remarks, ¡°Good call. Hate to say it, but if Roachie here was abandoned for years, we may want to take him back too. See what we learn.¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Agreed. But, first, we have to secure this area and make sure the surface zone we marked can support Bravo team¡¯s shuttle. Let¡¯s look around and make sure this body is alone.¡±


    ¡°Aye Chief.¡± The squad spreads out, carefully scanning the large chamber they¡¯re in.


    The cave is beautiful by any stretch of the word. The surfaces are smooth and shimmery, like marbled granite, and a vast aquifer extends out under the overhang. Narrow strips of solid ground weave across the aquifer at varying heights, and it¡¯s clear the cave goes very deep underground, especially via the water.


    Moss isn¡¯t the only plant life, either. Broad-leafed plants grow out of cracks in the walls, and a strange, stringy plant dangles from the stalactites to very near the water¡¯s surface. There is even some kind of fruit-bearing plant similar to a cross between a strawberry, a carrot, and a tomato. The fruit is roughly the size of a forearm, but surprisingly light, considering the increased gravity. Mina collects samples of what she can, joking, ¡°Is it me, or do these things look yummy?¡±


    Fisher replies, ¡°I¡¯ll try it if you do.¡±


    ¡°Deal!¡±


    ¡°NO,¡± growls Tachibana definitively, earning giggles. Satisfied with the area, Tachibana asks, ¡°Bravo team, Alpha team, do you copy?¡±


    ¡°Copy Alpha team. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Bravo team, marked landing zone is secure. Can hold weight. Free to land.¡±


    ¡°Free to land, aye, Chief. On our way.¡±


    Tachibana orders the squad, ¡°Alpha squad, radar the ground on this level. We¡¯ll attempt to bring our shuttle in.¡±


    Fredericks places more probes as Brown and Dumas survey the hazard qualities of the air and water. Grey continues to inspect the armored body, while Long and Hancock stand with him.


    Hancock asks, ¡°Think they live under ground, Chief?¡±


    Grey gently touches tab-like notches around the neck of the armor. He mumbles, ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± asks Long curiously.


    Grey looks up, replying, ¡°Either way we slice it, SOMETHING that is or was in this cave killed him. And, I don¡¯t think it was a stalagmite.¡±


    Long corrects, ¡°Stalactite, Chief. Stalagmites stick up.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Maybe I was assuming he tripped and fell on a stalagmite, Marine. Think of that?¡±


    She looks down, squeaking, ¡°No¡­ Chief¡­¡±


    Grey stands up, saying, ¡°Wound reminds me of a spear or arrow. Sharp cuts, and a lot of force behind it.¡±


    Hancock asks, ¡°Does that tell us anything?¡±


    Grey chuckles and puts his hand on Hancock¡¯s shoulder. He says warmly, ¡°YOU¡¯RE the officer, Rookie. You¡¯re supposed to make up an answer to sound smart.¡±


    The young ensign sighs, and Grey adds more sincerely, ¡°It tells us not to get shot by these arrows. They punch through armor.¡± Grey walks towards the water, and the two younger squad members follow. The chief petty officer studies the ceiling, which is littered with dangling plants and water condensation.


    Hancock asks, ¡°Do you think it¡¯s a resource war, Chief? How come we¡¯re not seeing more bodies, or vehicles, or¡­¡±


    Grey cuts him off, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Rookie. I¡¯m new to this new worlds crap, same as you. But, I do know this; see everything to be seen. It¡¯ll make sense later.¡±


    ¡°What if later is too late?¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°Welcome to being a marine, Rookie.¡±


    Hancock groans, retorting, ¡°When are you gonna stop calling me ¡®Rookie¡¯, Chief? Long¡¯s newer than I am.¡±


    Grey looks at Long, and then back at Hancock. He replies plainly, ¡°You were Rookie first. If I call her ¡®Rookie¡¯, too, how will you know who I¡¯m talking to?¡±


    ¡°Right, so just call HER Rookie then, and me Hancock.¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just being RIDICULOUS, Rookie. One does not simply cease to be the Rookie. C¡¯mon. I¡¯m gonna throw rocks in the water. Watch for movement you two.¡±


    Grey tosses a rock, and it splashes with a deep ¡®bloop!¡¯, but doesn¡¯t splash very high. Someone barks, ¡°Contact-!¡± ¡°Stand down!¡± calls out Grey. ¡°That was me.¡±


    Tachibana scolds, ¡°A little warning next time, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Everyone was quiet, so I figured you heard.¡± He asks, ¡°You two see anything happen?¡±


    Long and Hancock both respond, ¡°No Chief.¡±


    ¡°A place to start. Brown, Dumas, anything of note?¡±


    Brown replies, ¡°Deeper in seems cleaner, Chief. The water ahead of you is clear of radioactivity.¡±


    ¡°Temperature?¡±


    ¡°Uh? Cold, Chief? About fifty Fahrenheit, I think.¡±


    Rena teases, ¡°Thinking about a dip, Chief? I¡¯m wearing MY swimsuit. Wink!¡± She giggles.


    Grey scoffs, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll race you to the bottom.¡±


    Fisher jokes, ¡°You never know. The higher gravity might make us MORE buoyant.¡±


    Tachibana cuts them off once more, saying, ¡°Can we worry more about the shuttle, please. Where are we at?¡±


    Fredericks replies, ¡°Ground¡¯s solid below us. Center of that area should be perfect.¡±


    Tachibana nods, saying, ¡°Twins, Moody, Fisher, and Fredericks, form a perimeter to guide them down. Alpha shuttle, Alpha team. We¡¯re ready for approach.¡±


    The pilot replies, ¡°On our way, Chief. Stand by.¡±


    Tachibana adds, ¡°Keep external light to a minimum. The environment is highly reactive to light.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Chief.¡±


    The marines guide the shuttle in to ease down onto the cave floor. The surface fogs up somewhat on the shuttle, but the pilots are able to land safely.


    Tachibana states, ¡°Alright. Break time, marines. We¡¯ll refresh, refill, and rest for a few hours on the shuttle.¡±


    The marines cheer. They load the alien corpse and a few more fruits first and then board the shuttle. Once safely decontaminated and airlocked into the shuttle, the marines shed much of their gear to breathe as their suits recharge the air recyclers. Tachibana states, ¡°We¡¯re vulnerable, marines, so eyes glued on the outside. We¡¯ll take short naps in shifts. Shuttle gravity is compensating, so be careful. Your movements are lighter now.¡±


    Marines sprawl out where they can. Mina and Rena lay down under some of the seats, while Moody sits down to journal the events. Brown and Grey divvy out snacks, and Long and Hancock take seats against the airlock door on the floor. Fisher and Dumas nap in chairs, and Fredericks quietly listens to music.


    Grey hands Long and Hancock ration bars, saying softly, ¡°Get some rest, you two. We¡¯ll be trekking longer tomorrow.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Yes, Chief.¡± He takes a seat beside them, saying, ¡°You did good today. Good questions. Keep your mind thinking. It¡¯ll save your life.¡±


    She squeaks, ¡°Thank you, Chief.¡±


    He nods, laying his head back. He murmurs, ¡°Let¡¯s pray whatever killed Roachie is long dead too.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Amen, Chief.¡±


    Long nods as she eats, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    Hancock lays his head back as well, eating as he rests his eyes. The ration is bland and chewy, but well appreciated after the heavy trek they just took. Hopefully, the next part will be easy, too.


    ***


    ¡°God, grant me the serenity to accept my sister¡¯s goals in life, and please protect her and watch over her as she explores the unknowns laid before us in your infinite wisdom and grace. I ask that you give us a chance to make this endeavor work and that Jessica will be safe and happy to see it. In your blessed name, I pray, Amen.¡±


    Captain Long looks up to the window looking out over the hangar bay. The observation room is usually empty, and it brings her peace to be here. In the reflection of the window, she sees Kane standing behind her. She turns, ¡°Lieutenant. Need something?¡±


    Kane smiles gently, replying, ¡°No Captain. Sorry to intrude. I just noticed you up here again.¡±


    She nods and turns back to the window. She says calmly, ¡°Just¡­ Doing my best to give Jessica her space. It¡¯s strange, you know? I left home, not a penny to my name, and struck out without a single thought. I was alone in the world, and it made me who I am. And, I¡¯m proud of that. I should be encouraging her to do the same. Instead, every impulse in my body screams to protect her. To baby her. And, so, when I do let her do¡­ this, I stir in silent panic. Will she be okay? Will she do what¡¯s needed of her to keep everyone alive? Will she kill anyone? How¡­¡±


    ¡°Captain?¡± interrupts Kane gently. She halts and sighs. She says, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m just worried.¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying, ¡°I get that. And, for what it¡¯s worth, you¡¯re doing the right thing. Independence goes a long way. Just a warm welcome home does, too.¡±


    She smiles and nods. After a moment, the auburn-haired captain asks, ¡°Do you get scared? Everything you¡¯ve done so far¡­ I was terrified every day until we made this last jump.¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°Could¡¯ve fooled everyone forever, if you wanted. But, no. I wish I felt fear. But, I don¡¯t. It feels like¡­ like I trust everyone, if that makes sense. Even in battle, I just KNEW something would work out. And, I trust the ground team most of all. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll live forever, but I¡¯m fairly confident they won¡¯t die today.¡±


    Long smirks. ¡°I wish I had that confidence. I trust them too, but¡­ the death of one terrifies me.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Kane says softly, ¡°Say the word, and I¡¯ll retrieve her, Captain. Right now.¡±


    She looks at him, surprised. His expression is calm and sincere. He¡¯s being serious.


    But¡­


    Captain Long smiles. She replies softly, ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I won¡¯t take this away from her. She deserves to forge her own path.¡±


    Kane¡¯s voice is warmer when he says, ¡°I agree, Captain.¡±


    Before he leaves, Kane reports, ¡°Alpha team is currently resting. First part of the mission is successful. They¡¯ve collected some souvenirs.¡±


    ¡°Souvenirs?¡± asks Long curiously.


    Kane nods, ¡°Not sure what in total, yet. But, this planet was a good stop.¡±


    ¡°Well, we can thank Craw for slowing down the Grodurn ship following us. She says there are ways to track a ship across space without the pulse, but it¡¯s slow. She¡¯s also more confident they¡¯ll go that route. They KNOW we¡¯re listening for them.¡±


    ¡°Have you talked to Jor anymore? He seems to respond well to you.¡±


    The captain scoffs. ¡°I¡¯ve been nervous. I delayed him long enough during the boarding, but¡­ He¡¯s going to ask about the promise I made, and it¡¯s too early. The lab only JUST took some blood and tissue samples from Craw and the female refusing to give us a name.¡±


    ¡°So? It seems, if ANYONE can talk to him and tell him the truth, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I just¡­ didn¡¯t want him to know how slow we are. It¡¯s a priority, but¡­ so is everything right now.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t pressure you, Captain. YOU¡¯RE the Captain. If you¡¯d like me to tell him, I can after the survey is complete.¡±


    Long sighs, ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him. Truth is, I like talking to him. His culture is interesting, if stoic and a little too socialist for my tastes. You believe they have to have permission from the government just to have kids?¡±


    Kane chuckles, remarking, ¡°No easier way to control that than have the only fertile female of the species in government. That¡¯s a socialism¡¯s wet dream. They can filter traits, race, culture, politics, all by who can have children and who can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Ugh. Disgusting. I thought our government was bad with the whole globalism b.s.¡± Long adds, ¡°And, you know the worst part? The Grodurns seem content. Like it was a true priviledge to¡­ oh god¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± asks Kane, worried.


    ¡°I just realized¡­ One Saurmynnyka at a time¡­ ughhh¡­¡± She leans against the window sill, a little nauseus.


    Kane says calmly, ¡°They don¡¯t view things as we do, Captain. Their culture is like a beehive, in a sense.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Egh¡­ Don¡¯t they¡­ have to worry about¡­ genes or anything?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, maybe not. In any case, it¡¯s worked for them for thousands of years.¡±


    She sighs, putting her head on the cool glass for comfort. ¡°Ugh¡­ I know you¡¯re right, I just¡­ NOW I¡¯m worried about Craw.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°That she¡¯ll be ¡®the one¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Someday, if we succeed, we¡¯ll need to confront how far we want to go to interfere in Grodurn affairs. Their society is otherwise stable. Should we disrupt that for what we perceive as in-born rights?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°The consequences of our actions can ripple for hundreds of years to them. I think reversing the sterility is the right move, but I believe in the same inherent rights as you. But, even many humans are happy to give up rights to government control. It may do more harm than good trying to impose our values on the Grodurns.¡±


    ¡°I guess I can see that. I¡¯ll try to see what our guests think. AND ensure Craw understands what¡¯s probably in store for her.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°I think that¡¯s the best thing to do for now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lieutenant. Once again, you¡¯ve helped me clarify perspective.¡±


    Kane smiles, ¡°Repayment, Captain. A small token of appreciation for your outstanding judgment getting us this far. Stay strong. Spaceman Long will be fine.¡± He salutes, adding, ¡°I should get back. Alpha team will be mobilizing again soon.¡±


    Captain Long salutes, saying, ¡°Carry on, Lieutenant. Thank you.¡±


    He nods and exits. Captain Long looks at the third shuttle, a human-designed prototype. It, like many other things, represents months of tireless work from hundreds of people. Humanity may be on the virtual brink of extinction, but they won¡¯t go quietly.


    And, neither will Jessica.


    ***

 Chapter 20: The Cave Queen

    Spaceman Long follows Chief Grey as the team marches carefully across the last subterranean lake via one of the narrow slivers that occasionally peaks high and then dips as low as a foot below the water. The water itself is extremely deep, measured by Rena tossing a rope with a stone tied to it, and not finding bottom beyond the drop off, which is about three feet out on each side.


    Long has Chief Grey¡¯s shotgun cradled firmly to her chest, ready to use to the best of her ability at a moment¡¯s notice. She cherished his faith and guidance, both of which give her hope that she¡¯ll live up to her duty. She could never imagine doing something as dangerous and knowledgeable as exploring a far away world when she was still living with her parents. They treated her better than Angelica, but they still sheltered her.


    Grey and Angelica are protective, but more like mother bears; close by to fight, but not preventing her from experiencing the world herself. Now, she¡¯s in a low-oxygen cave on an alien world exploring entirely new things as a marine. She is scared, nervous, and a little overwhelmed, but she is proud to be a part of it.


    Mina asks from the rear, ¡°How far are we planning on going Chief? This aquifer alone is huge.¡±


    Tachibana replies from close to the front, ¡°Hopefully, another stable zone exists on the far side. But, if we reach an hour fifteen, we turn back.¡±


    Rena teases, ¡°Ensign Hancock, request number seven hundred and ten; more than 3 hours air.¡±


    Hancock scoffs, ¡°What am I? The wishlist for Doc Lopez?¡±


    All of the senior marines reply, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Noted.¡±


    The marines press forward. They are deep under the roof of the cave, now, and a haze lays heavy in the air. Liquid drips around them, echoing long and deep from the size of the cave.


    Moody stops and kneels, inspecting something on the path. The squad comes to a halt. Tachibana asks, ¡°Moody? What is it?¡±


    Moody picks up the object, saying, ¡°Metal. Armor plate, looks like. And¡­ a regulator? Helmet piece?¡± He hands the piece over to Chief Tachibana. She inspects it, rotating it over.


    She remarks, ¡°Could be. Cracked wide open if it was.¡±


    Dumas asks, ¡°Think it belonged to our pal back there?¡±


    Tachibana passes it back to Grey, replying, ¡°Him or one of his kind seems to be a fair thought to me.¡±


    Grey inspects it, holding it at a better angle when he spots Long trying to peek. He says, handing it off to the young marine, ¡°Same material, at least. Question is, why would they need it?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Long asks, ¡°You¡­ think this isn¡¯t their world?¡±


    Grey replies as he looks up, ¡°Be pretty rough if most of your world was unlivable. Doesn¡¯t make sense how a race could make it through the primitive stages to the point of breathing protection without succumbing to famine in these holes. And, something nagged at me from the moment we landed.¡± He looks at Fredericks, saying, ¡°We joked earlier, but¡­ what if this world suffered the same fate as Earth?¡±


    Tachibana, surprised, replies, ¡°WHAT!? Earth was destroyed by OUR rulers. You think¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was natural, whatever the case may be. I think the roaches invaded, lost a few, took what they came for, and bounced.¡±


    Fredericks counters, ¡°If that¡¯s true, then where are the structures? Where are the bodies of the natives? Someone must¡¯ve killed Roachie back there.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Could still be a stalagmite.¡±


    Long murmurs, ¡°Stalactite, Chief¡­¡±


    Grey smirks at her, barely visible through his visor, and continues, ¡°Or, a beastie like our iceteroid friends.¡±


    Mina groans, shaking. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me, Chief.¡±


    Rena teases, ¡°Weenie just wanted to say hi to us.¡±


    Tachibana states, realizing they¡¯ve paused long enough, ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving. We can talk on the move.¡±


    The marines continue forward, and Brown says, ¡°So, Chief, let¡¯s say the bugs did nuke this world clean, what were they after? Water and air useless to them?¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°Dunno why you all think I know anything. I¡¯m just guessin¡¯. But, I can tell you, one man can live on peanut butter when another man would die from it. More we imagine, the more we¡¯re ready for.¡±


    Long smiles. She admires Chief Grey for many reasons, but none more so than how his mind is always looking at angles, finding perspectives. Probably everyone would come to the same conclusions he did about this world, but he looked at each piece instantly as part of the puzzle. He uses his experience with other cultures ¨Cfighting them primarily- as well as the Grodurns, and creatively assumes a tactical perspective to every little thing. He¡¯s not the most educated or refined person to ever live, by far, but on an unexplored frontier, he IS the expert. All she can hope for is to be half as capable of seeing the universe as clearly as Chief Grey does.


    Moody states grimly and cynically, ¡°Well, on the bright side, if the bugs already wiped out life on this world, at least we don¡¯t have to feel bad about mining it. Nice of ¡®em to leave us so much of what we need.¡±


    Rena replies, ¡°I just hope they¡¯re gone-gone. Last thing we need is another fleet of bloodthirsty conquerors chasing us. And, how are there so many freakin¡¯ intelligent races in this universe!? Huh!? This isn¡¯t some sci-fi movie is it? Am I an actor and no one told me?¡±


    Fisher scoffs, replying, ¡°If it is, I want my agent. AND my lawyer.¡±


    The marines share a chuckle before trekking in quiet for a bit. They soon cross over the first hour mark, meaning they have 15 minutes before they need to head back. If they can¡¯t reach another flat zone like where their shuttle is now, they may have to risk cruising slowly through the cave to try to explore. Otherwise, they¡¯ll need to think of a way to extend their air time.


    Relief comes at the 1:05 mark though. Through the haze, the marines can see the path widening exponentially. Moody calls back, ¡°We have a shoreline ahead.¡±


    Tachibana sighs, replying, ¡°Thank goodness. I¡¯d hate to putter around here blind.¡±


    Mina teases, ¡°Seven-eleven, sir. Drones to scout for us.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, replying, ¡°Matter of fact, one of Lopez¡¯s colleagues was testing a drone yesterday. Still working on making it ready for varying gravity and intrinisically safe, though.¡±


    The young woman pouts, ¡°Can¡¯t we just NOT choose planets with flammable atmospheres?¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°We don¡¯t pick the planets, Marine. We just look for facemunchers.¡± She scoffs and giggles at him in reply.


    The marines pick up the pace a little. Just because they found another wide spot doesn¡¯t mean it can hold the shuttle, so they need to verify. They should have just enough time, and if it checks out, they can relax.


    As the marines march, though, Long¡¯s peripherals draw her attention to the right. There¡¯s nothing, but she would swear she saw motion at the water''s surface. There aren¡¯t even any rings or ripples. Something that moved would have disturbed the surface, wouldn¡¯t it? Should she tell Chief Grey? The marines got really tense when he simply threw a stone in the water. And, all of them will hear via the radio if she asks, ¡®Did anyone see that?¡¯


    The teen grapples with these questions for a few feet. She¡¯s not as experienced as anyone else, and she¡¯s VERY nervous. It¡¯s easier to believe she imagined it from her own tense nerves. After all, there was no sound or disruption of the water¡¯s surface.


    Then again, if Chief Grey is trying to teach her anything, it¡¯s the lesson he just pointed out a little bit ago. ¡®The more we imagine, the more we¡¯re ready for.¡¯ Right now, Long is imagining some kind of alien ninja, so in tune with this world, it knows how to see without being seen. It knows how to move silently. And, it knows how to not leave a trace on the water.


    Long decides. She squeaks, ¡°Um! Chief!¡±


    Grey looks over his shoulder, asking, ¡°What is it, Long?¡±


    The teen never gets the chance. Mina yelps, before a deep thud comes from the rear and the marine grunts. As everyone starts to turn, scraping and splashing fills the air as Mina¡¯s screams fill their helmets.


    Grey roars over her, ¡°CONTACT REAR!¡±


    Just as suddenly, though, Mina is gone, though her screams still fill the radio. All of the marines whirl, weapons aimed for where Mina was pulled in.


    Tachibana asks over Mina¡¯s screams, ¡°Did you see it!?¡±


    ¡°Not well! MINA! MINA WHERE ARE YOU! TALK TO US THING FOUR!¡±


    Dumas and brown barely restrain Rena from diving in after her sister as she screams as well, ¡°Mina! MINAAA! LET ME GO!¡±


    Mina¡¯s screams are starting to crackle, but she does manage to cry out, ¡°P-PULLING ¨CAHHH!- PULLING ME *crackle* ton *crackle*.¡±


    Rena cries out, ¡°TON!? She¡¯s being pulled own! She¡¯s being¡­!¡±


    Tachibana snaps, ¡°QUIET! WE CAN¡¯T¡­!¡±


    Long¡¯s heart is racing. If she had said something sooner, Mina would have a chance. But¡­


    A splash startles her, but this time, it¡¯s Chief Grey jumping in. Tachibana snarls, ¡°GREY!¡±


    However, a rope is leading back to a surprised Rena. Everyone grabs onto it, but are quickly surprised to find Chief Grey pop back up to the surface like a fishing bobber. He grunts, ¡°Grah¡­ Bouyant!¡± He does his best to keep his head under the surface, searching for signs of Mina.


    Something else catches Long¡¯s eyes. It¡¯s a glimmer. It wavers and moves, suddenly bobbing to the surface. It projects a beam of light towards the ceiling, and it bobs slowly about ? of the way to the far right wall.


    This time, Long doesn¡¯t hesitate. She yelps, ¡°CHIEF! OVER THERE!¡± Everyone looks as Mina¡¯s voice dissolves completely from the radio channel.


    Grey says softly, ¡°That¡¯a girl, Mina. Get the dropship over here now!¡± He starts swimming towards the light.


    Tachibana snarls, ¡°Not without me, Grey! Moody, you¡¯re in charge! Establish a landing zone and call in Charlie team as soon as you can.¡±


    Rena barks, ¡°I¡¯m going too!¡±


    Long doesn¡¯t say anything. She simply jumps in to follow Grey before anyone can object. Hancock¡¯s voice quickly says, ¡°I should go too. First contact¡­¡±


    Tachibana shouts, ¡°Just shut up and go! Moody, Brown, Fisher, Dumas, hold this zone at ALL costs. Tell Bravo team our situation. We won¡¯t have much air if we make it back.¡±


    The four reply, ¡°Yes Chief! Good luck!¡±


    Grey has a head start, but everyone that follows him keeps pace well. It¡¯s weird to Long being able to swim so easily with so much gear, but she can feel her suit bulging at the back a little. It¡¯s undoubtedly because of air in their suits that they¡¯re so buoyant.


    Grey reaches the flashlight, momentarily using it to scan the water below him. This gives Long time to catch him. She retrieves her light, also scanning the aquifer floor. Even more foliage fills the floor of the body of water. Fortunately, there doesn¡¯t seem to be any aquatic creatures living in the aquifer aside from whatever took Mina.


    Grey says, ¡°Nothing on the floor. Must be at the wall. Let¡¯s move.¡± He starts swimming for the wall, and Long follows. Grey growls as he swims, ¡°Oh, and Long.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Remind me to run you around the hangar until the brink of death for following me.¡±


    ¡°Ch-Chief?¡± squeaks Long.


    Tachibana growls, ¡°Shut up, Grey. You¡¯re glad she¡¯s here.¡±


    Grey grunts. They reach the wall, and Grey whispers, ¡°Listen.¡±


    The five listen carefully. Hancock murmurs, ¡°Sounds like¡­ static?¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°Not far now. Mina, if you can hear us, we¡¯re coming. Try to stay calm.¡±


    Rena says desperately, ¡°Chief! Tunnel!¡± She tries to dive, but the inherent buoyancy of their suits keeps her at the surface. She grunts in frustration, complaining, ¡°Why¡­ can¡¯t I¡­!?¡±


    Hancock says after briefly looking around, ¡°The wall! Pull yourself down using the wall.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Nice thinking Rookie. Let¡¯s move!¡±


    The five scale down the wall into the water, which hugs firmer to them the deeper they go. Their suits hold for now, but Long wonders if they¡¯d survive much deeper.


    Fortunately, they reach the small inlet, which is plenty big enough for them, and they crawl along the roof.


    The sounds they heard over the radio clear up. It sounds like distant scuffling and grunting, but Mina isn¡¯t screaming. Rena whimpers, ¡°M-Mina? Mina we¡¯re coming! Hang on!¡±


    The team moves as quickly as possible. Long¡¯s heart is pounding. She dreads what could be happening to Mina. It¡¯s all her fault.


    Grey¡¯s voice growls, ¡°Calm your breathing, Long. You¡¯re burning through your air. We¡¯ll get her back. I promise.¡±


    She knows deep down that his promise is impractical and impossible for him to actually keep of his own power. But, he sounds so confident. It helps ease her nerves a little. She focuses on steadying her breaths. She¡¯s no good to Mina dead. She NEEDS to make up for her hesitation.


    The five reach a mouth, and Grey searches the cavity ahead. It¡¯s not nearly as large as the room they came from, but the water wraps around a central island or peninsula. Grey says quietly, ¡°Tachi, you and Rena take left, Long, Hancock, right, and I¡¯ll go up straight. Hit this thing with light right off. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡± reply the other four. He holds back while they crawl along the wall carefully. Hancock says softly, ¡°It¡¯ll be okay Long. We got this. Grey knows what he¡¯s doing.¡±


    ¡°W-What if¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t think like that. Let¡¯s just get up there and go from there.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    Grey shoves straight across, managing to grab the wall of the island before he surfaces. He readies his hybrid rifle and springs up, quickly climbing ashore.


    Long and Hancock spring across to the island as well, and they climb ashore along with Tachibana and Rena.


    The island is occupied primarily by what looks like an INTENTIONALLY cultivated garden. There are rows of the fruit-bearing plants staggered through stages of growth, as well as a few other plant species. A carefully tended path is maintained, and a small land bridge connects to another ¡®landlocked¡¯ body of water, like a lagoon. There are noises coming from the lagoon.


    The marines storm closer, and Tachibana says sharply, ¡°Look! Mina¡¯s helmet!¡±


    Rena cries out, ¡°Mina! Say something! We¡¯re here!¡±


    There¡¯s a faint, muffled cry and a splash to the left. The squad snaps their lights and weapons to that direction.


    Mina winces from the light, but something has a hold of her. It looks like an octopus¡¯s tentacle in a lot of ways. It¡¯s wrapped around Mina¡¯s mouth.


    Long¡¯s had a rough time on this particular mission, but she trusts her instincts without hesitation this time. She snaps the shotgun and her light to the right.


    The thing she illuminates almost 15 feet away from Mina shrieks just as it looses something. A near ballistic projectile launches narrowly past the marines with a crunching noise, and the creature dives backwards into the lagoon. Mina cries out, still muffled as it pulls her. Rena cries, ¡°MINA!¡±


    Grey sprints past Long, yelling, ¡°DON¡¯T LET IT ESCAPE! SPREAD OUT!¡±


    The marines sprint to corner the creature before it can scramble over the shoreline separating lagoon from the aquifer.


    Startled, the creature backs itself to the far shoreline, submerging itself and holding Mina in front of it.


    Rena snarls, ¡°GIVE HER BACK YOU MONSTER!¡±


    Long can tell Mina is very weak right now, most likely due to the low oxygen. It¡¯s tentacle moves from her mouth to around her forehead and temples. Mina whimpers, ¡°Ch-Chief¡­ I-¡­ I don¡¯t want to die¡­ please¡­¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s dying, Thing Four,¡± states Tachibana confidently.


    Mina suddenly says coldly, ¡°Leave this place.¡± A second later, she whines, ¡°Th-That wasn¡¯t me!¡±


    Grey and Tachibana glance at each other. Grey asks towards Mina and the creature, ¡°Was that you? You talked through my marine?¡±


    Mina whimpers, ¡°What? Chief, what are-¡­¡± She suddenly turns cold and more bland, ¡°Leave this place. This marine is mine now.¡±


    Rena snarls, ¡°SHE¡¯S NOT YOURS! I¡¯LL KILL YOU!¡±


    Tachibana yells, ¡°Coulson! Calm down!¡±


    Grey states, ¡°Not an option, but let¡¯s talk. What do you want?¡±


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The creature responds through Mina, more angrily this time, ¡°My marine has a duty to our people. I will NOT release her. LEAVE.¡±


    Mina whines, ¡°Chief, I-I¡¯m not¡­ That¡¯s not me. I¡­¡±


    Tachibana says calmly, ¡°We know, Coulson. We¡¯re not going anywhere.¡± She says sternly, ¡°Look, she¡¯s our sister. We cannot leave her. Talk to us. In fact, we¡¯re going to shut off our lights. Just know we can still see in the dark.¡± She says to the squad, ¡°Do it.¡± She shuts her flashlight off. The others join. With the room dark, only nightvision shows the green shapes of Mina, partially submerged, and the creature. Tachibana asks, ¡°What duty do you want our sister to fulfill?¡±


    Mina cries out, ¡°It has more arr-¡­¡±


    Grey cuts her off, ¡°We know. But our new acquaintance isn¡¯t going to attack because it¡¯s the only way it lives. Isn¡¯t that right, Acquaintance?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause before Mina hums in disapproval. She says coldly, ¡°This one is a suitable host. Her body will bear my spawn and save our people. THAT is why I CANNOT release her.¡± Mina then cries, ¡°WHAT!?¡±


    Rena growls, ¡°This again!? Listen! The last alien crap-stains-¡° ¡°ENOUGH!¡± barks Tachibana. She then says, ¡°That won¡¯t work. We¡¯re not the same species as you. No matter how hard you try, you will fail.¡±


    Mina growls, ¡°Not true. My species is¡­ symbiotic. We require hosts to carry our eggs. In exchange for hosts, we traded with the surface dwellers plants from the¡­ aquifer floor. The deep water. The host need only have a suitable, warm body cavity to carry young. But, the surface dwellers have betrayed me. They no longer trade. They have abandoned me to die.¡± Another tentacle surprisingly gently curls around Mina¡¯s torso, and Mina says softly, ¡°But, now I have hope. Together, we will restore our people.¡±


    Mina whimpers, ¡°P-Please¡­ D-Don¡¯t¡­ s-so-someone do something¡­¡±


    Tachibana starts to explain, ¡°The surface dwellers are all¡­¡± But, Chief Grey stops her. He asks, ¡°How do you know the surface dwellers didn¡¯t just get tired of being killed by your eggs?¡±


    Mina snaps defensively, ¡°Our symbiosis is NOT harmful! Hatchlings often hatch at night, and will seek out shelter before daybreak by finding aquifers. NEVER has a hatching harmed a host.¡±


    Mina herself asks, ¡°Chief! What are you doing!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Thing Four. We¡¯re staying calm and talking calmly. What do we call you?¡±


    Mina says more calmly, ¡°Call?... Our people don¡¯t¡­ use identifiers. We are often solitary, except for spawning. But, until this one arrived¡­¡± The creature surprisingly affectionately cuddles Mina, who winces uneasily.


    Grey nods at Tachibana. She explains, ¡°The surface dwellers of this world are completely wiped out. We believe they suffered some sort of nuclear attack. The surface is desolate.¡±


    The creature rears back in surprise. Mina says, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ How is that possible? The surface dwellers numbered MANY. Surely you missed some in their structures.¡±


    Tachibana says tenderly, ¡°There was nothing left. We thought it was a lifeless world when we landed.¡±


    Mina¡¯s tone hardens a little, ¡°So, you came from the sky as well? The last surface dwellers that visited me made mention of some form of people from the sky. Then, some of them ventured down into my aquifer, destroying the plants with their metal tools. Were my nest not secluded, I would have lost everything.¡±


    ¡°So, you killed the other sky people?¡± asks Hancock. ¡°Why not abduct them?¡±


    The creature looks at him, answering through Mina, ¡°The surface dwellers had not yet betrayed me, and the sky people were destroying my home. I do not WISH to take unwilling hosts, but I MUST spawn. It has been too long. Our people are sensitive to disease, and so, a balance MUST be maintained. I¡­¡±


    The alien¡¯s eyes avert in horror. ¡°Am¡­ I the last of my kind? This is the largest aquifer on this world, and I only barely survived. D-Did your people find more!? More like me!?¡±


    Grey answers gently, ¡°Afraid not. We just started searching, but this aquifer was the only one venting the air you¡¯re breathing. Almost everywhere else is a completely different mix.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true then¡­ I am the last¡­¡± The alien¡¯s tentacles snug a little around Mina¡¯s abdomen.


    The alien¡¯s head sinks below the water, and it lies flat and motionless on the lagoon bottom. Mina looks down at it quietly. Still looking down at the alien, Mina says softly, ¡°Maybe this is meant to be then. You were sent to finish me off; to send me to my people.¡±


    Mina then says, ¡°She¡¯s¡­ sad¡­ b-but! Th-this isn¡¯t right! I-¡­ I don¡¯t want¡­ I¡­!¡± Her tone switches to solemn, ¡°What is the purpose? There is nowhere for our spawn to go. You would carry doomed children for nothing.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause. Chief Grey sighs and lowers his weapon. He says calmly, ¡°Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. I, for one, am glad we talked.¡±


    Surprised, everyone looks at him. Grey looks at Tachibana, saying, ¡°We¡¯re not going to be like the Grodurns, right?¡± He looks at Mina, saying, ¡°Alright, Cave Queen. Listen and listen well. If you¡¯re unsurprised by us coming from the sky, then you must understand we have a LOT of technology.¡±


    Mina says coldly, ¡°What is the point of this conversation? Do what you came to do. Kill the monster and free your sister.¡±


    Grey takes a seat on the ground, putting his boots in the lagoon. He says, ¡°The POINT is both of us getting what we want. We won¡¯t give you hosts, per se, BUT what if we could incubate your eggs? Would this satisfy you?¡±


    The ¡®Cave Queen¡¯ stirs a little. She asks through Mina, ¡°Why would you offer that? What do you want in trade?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°I can¡¯t officially negotiate on behalf of humanity. But, we DO probably owe you for damaging your garden with our lights.¡± He points over his shoulder. He then continues, ¡°BUT, you¡¯re obviously rather intelligent. You¡¯ve survived two off-world invaders and survived isolated on a now-hostile world. And, you did so with what seemed to be a bow and arrow. Maybe you won¡¯t be particularly useful to us, but you¡¯re useless to us living alone on this dead and decaying world. We came for resources, which we can¡¯t harvest if it¡¯ll kill any sentients like you. Far as I can tell, though, you are the ruler of a society of one. So, we can offer you our lifestyle, relative safety, not ending your species, and maybe a new world to fill with your¡­ uh¡­ children.¡±


    The Cave Queen¡¯s head emerges from the water beside Mina. ¡°Wh-¡­ What are you saying?¡± says Mina¡¯s voice. Mina then whines, ¡°Chief¡­ can¡¯t someone else be her puppet? I¡¯m cold.¡±


    The alien looks up at her, and then at Chief Grey. Grey replies to the Cave Queen, ¡°I¡¯m offering for you to join our fleet. We¡¯ll scavenge what we can and evacuate before our enemies catch up to us ¨Cwhich, is a fair reason for you to say ¡®no¡¯-, and we¡¯ll use science to keep you from going extinct. It¡¯ll take some getting used to, but friends, food, and safety for your children.¡±


    Mina¡¯s voice asks, ¡°You would take me to the sky?¡±


    Rena whispers, ¡°You can¡¯t be serious, Chief.¡±


    ¡°I am serious. And, you¡¯re correct, Cave Queen. It¡¯ll take a little time, but we¡¯ll get you all set up on one of our ships, and you can live a comfortable life without having to worry so much about starving to death.¡±


    Rena scoffs, ¡°A little less¡­¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°We¡¯re getting there.¡±


    The Cave Queen accuses through Mina, ¡°What if this is a trick?¡± Her tendrils snug around Mina, and she continues, ¡°This could all be a lie. If¡­ If I release this one, you¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°You¡¯re right. Which is why I¡¯ll stay in exchange. I¡¯ll be collateral until our scientists can whip something up. Of course, I¡¯ll need food and water run to me, so it¡¯ll be best if we camp out in the main aquifer where you snatched Mina. You can keep an arrow on me or whatever, as long as you agree. Also, you¡¯ll talk through me. Sound reasonable?¡±


    Tachibana growls, ¡°Grey, this is too risky. If she decides to kill you, we won¡¯t have time to¡­¡±


    ¡°I know that. But, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Hancock suddenly says, ¡°I¡¯ll stay too.¡± He looks at Grey, saying, ¡°Easiest way to shift Someone¡¯s priority.¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°Fine.¡±


    Just before Long blurts out the same thing, Grey snarls, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it, Long. AT BEST, you can be a supply runner.¡±


    Long pauses. But, she smiles and sighs. ¡°Chief, if you¡¯ll be camping on the shuttle, there¡¯s no reason I can¡¯t stay. R-Respectfully, of course, Chief.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing so many laps when we get back¡­¡± grumbles Grey quietly.


    Tachibana asks, ¡°So, Cave Queen? Do you agree?¡±


    The Cave Queen replies through Mina, ¡°I do not see other options. But¡­ If what you do say is true,¡­¡± The alien looks up in thought. She looks at the squad again, saying, ¡°I will agree. I beg you not to betray my trust.¡±


    Grey replies kindly, ¡°Same to you.¡±


    Mina¡¯s voice says softly, ¡°Do not be alarmed. I will now approach.¡± Mina whines, ¡°What¡¯s that mean!? You agreed! Let go¡­¡± Mina halts as the cave Queen ascends out of the water.


    Long¡¯s grip tightens on the shotgun, but Grey never flinches, which cues her to stay calm. Hancock, Rena, and Tachibana take a step back.


    The Cave Queen is certainly a majestic sight to behold. Though her skin and tentacles ¨Cnumbering fourteen in total- seem soft and flexible like an octopus, she rises from the water with ten of her tentacles supporting her at distinct, jointed angles like crab¡¯s legs. The two holding Mina come out at roughly ¡®shoulder¡¯ level, as well as two more holding the curious weapon she uses with a projectile at the ready. It looks like two shell-like boards with a round case that she holds with one arm and a handle at the back of the two boards. How it works makes no sense, as it seems more akin to an overly-complex nutcracker than a projectile launcher.


    The Cave Queen¡¯s torso is also something to behold. She has a gravidly distended belly faintly glowing light yellow and purple from the eggs within and the transluscence of her skin. Her ¡®upper torso¡¯ is also broad, but not because of any humanoid features. She is, however, oddly attractive to look at. Her most ¡®humanoid¡¯ traits are her head and neck. Her face has two eyes, a slightly protruded nose, a mouth, and a hair-shaped fleshy fin or other appendage hanging down her head, which could easily be mistaken for hair at a quick glance in a dark place the way it hangs past her upper torso. Her eyes are black with white-looking pupils, and her mouth doesn¡¯t have teeth like a human, but more like one broad ¡®tooth¡¯ per jaw that has two points that overlap her bottom ¡®lip¡¯ and three points on her bottom ¡®tooth¡¯.


    Standing as she is, even with her tentacles bent, she stands almost twelve feet tall, with each tentacle having a full reach of almost 15 feet. And, while her head is proportionately larger than a human¡¯s with her slightly larger upper torso, her lower abdomen, full to near-bursting as it is, is nearly the size of a large beach ball.


    The alien slowly walks closer, cautiously easing an equally-stunned Mina to the shore.


    She releases Mina, hesitating momentarily the last couple of inches on Mina¡¯s waist. Rena runs to her sister, saying desperately, ¡°Mina! Are you okay!?¡± She hugs Mina.


    Mina replies softly, hugging Rena, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ tired. And cold¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll warm you up. Where¡¯s her helmet!?¡±


    Hancock, having jogged to pick it up, returns it to her. Mina says solemnly, ¡°Will it matter? What if I get sick? We haven¡¯t discovered space penecilin yet.¡±


    Grey puts a hand on her shoulder, saying, ¡°I think you¡¯ll be okay. She said she¡¯s highly susceptible to disease, right? We might be risking her more. Regardless, you¡¯re going straight to medical for antibiotics and monitoring.¡±


    Tachibana says warmly, ¡°Good job with the flashlight, Coulson. We might¡¯ve been too late without it.¡±


    Mina sighs, putting her helmet back on. Grey asks the Cave Queen, ¡°Can you give us a hand getting back? It¡¯ll be faster that way, I suspect.¡±


    However, she stares curiously at him. Confused, Grey asks, ¡°Do you understand me?¡±


    The Cave Queen chatters something in a soft, delicate voice. She gently touches her forehead with a tentacle. She then points at Grey¡¯s head.


    Hancock remarks, ¡°It must¡¯ve been two-way. She needed the connection to speak, but also to understand. I wonder if she¡¯s somehow linking with her subject¡¯s Broca¡¯s area and Wernicke¡¯s area of the brain.¡±


    ¡°Like telepathy?¡± asks Long curiously.


    Hancock replies, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Might be much more simplistic, and possibly more specific.¡±


    Tachibana growls, ¡°Let¡¯s talk at the shuttle. Air time?¡±


    Grey nods. He demonstrates his goal, pointing at the Cave Queen, and then grabbing Hancock and pulling him a short distance, pointing the way they came. She cocks her head, looking.


    Mina softly whimpers, ¡°Lemme guess. I¡¯m going to need to¡­¡±


    The Queen chatters softly again, crawling past them. She crosses her garden island quickly, descending into the water. Rena grumbles, ¡°Great. She¡¯s going to grab the others. Great work Chief.¡±


    Grey smirks when she stops and looks at them, clearly waiting patiently. He asks, ¡°You were saying?¡±


    Rena retorts, ¡°For an alien hunter, Chief, you sure get along with them.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°She could¡¯ve grabbed and killed us all at any time, but instead took one hostage. Temporarily, most likely. I¡¯ve never wanted to kill the innocent. She¡¯s scared.¡±


    The Queen chatters softly again, seemingly confused why they¡¯re pausing. Grey starts toward her, saying, ¡°We¡¯re coming. We¡¯re coming.¡± He adds, ¡°She¡¯s also obviously crazy strong to drag Mina here so quickly. Imagine if she¡¯s willing to help us physically in some way.¡±


    The six ease themselves into the water, and the Cave Queen gently takes their hands. She whisks them through the aquifer in only a moment, helping them up onto shore.


    Fisher, Dumas, Moody, Fredericks, Brown, and the rookies, Pazna, Pratt, and French, all approach as the second shuttle is easing down next to the first. Brown asks, ¡°Mina! You oka-¡­¡± They start to aim, but Grey orders, ¡°Stay those weapons, Marines. There was a misunderstanding. She¡¯s interested in an alliance.¡±


    Mina grumbles, ¡°Speak for yourself Chief.¡±


    Lieutenant Kane jogs up, asking, ¡°Alpha team! Everything okay?¡±


    Tachibana salutes, followed by the others, as she replies, ¡°Sir! The contact behind us startled our team and tried to take Mina Coulson. We¡¯ve worked it out, though. Mina needs to be taken back to medical for possible infection."


    Kane sighs. ¡°You okay, Coulson?¡±


    Mina nods, ¡°Yes, sir. Mostly. Almost became an alien squid¡¯s broodmother, but great otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Charlie shuttle will take you back. Head aboard.¡± She nods, and Rena goes with her.


    Kane then asks as he studies the towering form behind the three, ¡°You were able to communicate?¡±


    Grey nudges Hancock, and the young Ensign explains, ¡°Uh, yes, Lieutenant! We think it¡¯s similar to a practical telepathy of some kind. She has to be in contact, but she can speak and comprehend through whoever she is holding by the head.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Interesting. And, you¡¯re sure she¡¯s friendly?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir. She only took Mina instead of harming any of us. And, she insists,¡­ what she was planning to do is not physically harmful.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯d you negotiate?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°A home on our ship and a way to incubate her eggs. She¡¯s apparently parasitic; her eggs need to be laid in a host. But, she wasn¡¯t too concerned about us being offworlders.¡±


    ¡°How did she word it?¡±


    Everyone looks at each other. Long squeaks, ¡°Um, she said she needed a warm body cavity, Sir.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Very well. Anything else?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°I¡¯m staying here as collateral until we can get an incubator to show her we can do so.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s rather bold, Chief. That could take time.¡±


    Grey shrugs, ¡°I don¡¯t imagine that much. Eggs shouldn¡¯t need external nutrients, right? And if they do, it should be fine to add them to the fluid.¡±


    Kane studies the Cave Queen a moment. He asks, ¡°So, do you plan to communicate further?¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°Yep. I have my suspicions that her environment is fairly sterile, and the air mixture down here doesn¡¯t appear to be toxic. Low oxygen, but I don¡¯t intend to fight her.¡±


    Kane bows politely to her, which surprises and confuses her. Kane says gently, ¡°Please express that I¡¯m pleased to meet her. I¡¯ll escort Coulson back and get something started for the deal you made. Chief Grey, I authorize ONLY you to remove your helmet. I suspect you might be right, but better safe than sorry. We¡¯ll analyze the air content as soon as we can get another team down here.¡±


    ¡°I was hoping to use the shuttle, Sir. Let her rest in comfort and air conditioning for once.¡±


    ¡°Give me an hour or so to send analysis team, Chief. If she¡¯s like the Grodurns, our air could be better, but it could also be the opposite.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Sounds good, Sir.¡± He takes his helmet off, holding his breath for a moment and relaxing. He breathes normally, and says, ¡°Alright, Cave Queen.¡± He taps his temple gently.


    She¡¯s surprised at first, but reaches cautiously. She glances at each of the humans around her cautiously, ensuring not to startle them. Her tendril gently wraps around Grey¡¯s head. He asks, ¡°Okay, so you can understand us now, right?¡± He says in a cautious tone, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Grey chuckles, remarking, ¡°That¡¯s interesting. I can¡¯t even tell she¡¯s doing it. I just hear my own voice say things.¡±


    Kane says, ¡°A pleasure to meet you, Cave Queen. Chief Grey informed me of the agreement. As long as you¡¯re passive, you¡¯re welcome in our presence. I¡¯m going to get the incubators started.¡±


    The Cave Queen replies through Grey, making his voice uncharacteristically tender, ¡°Thank you. I do not fully understand, but I trust your people. I MUST.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°No, you must¡¯nt. I¡¯m glad we¡¯re working together, but you¡¯re right to be cautious. Please excuse me for now, though. I need to get Coulson back to the fleet.¡± Kane bows again, and he quickly jogs toward Charlie shuttle.


    Grey asks, ¡°What is a ¡®Chief Grey¡¯?¡± Realizing it¡¯s her asking, Tachibana giggles, replying, ¡°It¡¯s one of the names for the man you¡¯re communicating through. He¡¯s Chief Grey, I¡¯m Chief Tachibana. This is Spaceman Long, and that¡¯s Ensign Hancock.¡±


    ¡°Are you not of the same species?¡±


    ¡°We are. But we have individual names. With how many other humans we talk to, we have to distinguish which one we¡¯re talking to for clarity.¡±


    Grey adds, ¡°Humans are what we are, our species.¡± His voice then says, ¡°I see.¡±


    Hancock asks, ¡°Do you mind that we refer to you as ¡®Cave Queen¡¯? We could give you a name as well.¡±


    Grey says, ¡°These words mean very little to my kind. But, if it aids your communication, I will respond to Cave Queen.¡±


    Fisher asks, ¡°So, uh¡­ New friend?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Right! These boys. Fisher, Dumas, Brown, Fredericks, Moody, Pazna, Pratt, and French. Squad, meet the Cave Queen. Last of her species and probably last on this planet.¡±


    The alien looks down. Grey gently elbows her, and Tachibana looks up, quickly saying, ¡°S-Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it like¡­ yeah, sorry.¡±


    Dumas remarks dryly, ¡°Looks, uh¡­ like she might not be the last long, huh?¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°That¡¯s the goal, marine. Say, she needs a nice warm host to lay them in. Wanna offer your rear to the cause?¡±


    Dumas retorts, ¡°What!? No!¡±


    Long watches in awe as the Cave Queen gingerly touches her swollen abdomen. The teen asks, ¡°C-Can I feel, um, C-Cave Queen?¡±


    The alien looks at her, surprised. The others glance at her, and then the tall alien. Grey says softly, ¡°If¡­ you wish¡­¡±


    Long cautiously approaches, and the towering alien eases herself down to rest on the ground. Long kneels in front of her, gently touching her gloved hand to the swollen mass. Though her gloves dull the sensation some, the Queen¡¯s abdomen is surprisingly soft, like a velvety leather. And, even the slightest pressure causes the eggs within to shift a little. Long says tenderly, ¡°You¡¯re so soft¡­ and, your eggs are too¡­¡±


    The Queen says tenderly through Grey, ¡°Thank you.¡± One of her tentacles gently touches Long¡¯s hand. Grey¡¯s voice says, ¡°You¡­ humans wear an outer shell that is removable, but¡­ It hides your warmth and softness.¡±


    Hancock replies warmly, ¡°That¡¯s kinda the point. To protect our squishy bodies as much as we can.¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°What happens after this clutch is laid? Was there a male to visit you?¡±


    The Queen looks at Tachibana, surprised. ¡°Visit?¡± asks Grey¡¯s voice. ¡°No. Our males bond to us for life.¡± She gestures at something on her backside. It looks little more than a large skin tag, but on closer inspection, does seem to have some of the features of the Cave Queen, including black and white spots that could be eyes.


    Long has read that angler fish are similar in this regard. Because of restricted resources, such as food primarily, males are much smaller and tend to permanently fuse to the female as a sort of parasitic symbiote. This ensures the pair doesn¡¯t have to hunt for a mate, and the male¡¯s minimal size prevents a high metabolism requiring food.


    Tachibana jokes dryly, ¡°Huh. My kind of man.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°I¡¯m telling your husband you said that.¡±


    ¡°What? He knows.¡±


    Grey then says more solemnly, ¡°I produce spawn continuously, but without a host, I have had to discard many.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause, and Long says tenderly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry that happened. It must hurt doing so. BUT! Lieutenant Kane is very kind and smart, and he¡¯ll get the smartest people we have to help you.¡±


    ¡°I hope you are right,¡­ Spaceman Long.¡±


    Long giggles, replying, ¡°You can just call me Long. Or, Jessica, if you want. Jessica is the name friends call me.¡±


    Fisher¡¯s voice asks only over the radio, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Long be careful? If¡­ this thing took Mina for¡­ uh¡­ yeah; isn¡¯t it risky for Long to be too friendly?¡±


    Tachibana says softly, ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, Long.¡±


    Long says audibly to everyone, ¡°Chief Grey was right. If she really wanted to hurt us, she could have.¡±


    Grey says softly, ¡°I understand your mistrust of me, truly. But, I was afraid of discarding more children without even a chance. If even one more of my daughters survives, I will be forever grateful to you, humans.¡±


    There¡¯s another awkward pause, and Tachibana groans, ¡°Fine. Way to make me feel guilty. Let¡¯s¡­ just hope this plan works.¡±


    The squad rests as they await the analysis team. True to the agreement, the water queen is quite passive and friendly, letting the marines probe her about the aquifer and life before her world died. She knows the aquifer is devoid of other creatures, as well as where the source of the vent is. She demonstrates her weapon, which launches the arrow-like projectile by pulling the two flat-ish pieces back through the barrel-shaped piece, crushing down on the back of the arrow, which somehow launches it with surprising force. She¡¯s not quite sure how it actually works, only that it requires a special hard-leafed plant that grows in the deepest parts of the aquifer. She offers to retrieve some if the humans prove their trustworthiness.


    As for the planet, she knows the surface dwelling race and animals were quite numerous. And, though her own people were once predatory night-kidnappers, her people shifted to voluntary hosts to prevent extinction, as the surface dwellers began killing the hosts to stop the reproduction of the Cave Queen¡¯s species. Some of those Queens pleaded and begged with the surface dwellers, offering riches from the depths only the Queens could obtain. The surface dwellers reluctantly agreed, and the Queens stayed true to their vow. During a war, the Cave Queens earned a stronger favor by defending the society that had thus-far been working with them.


    The current Cave Queen has virtually no concept of time, not knowing her own age, the length of time since the last interstellar visitors came, or the length of time a host would be carrying her spawn. She becomes tired when Bravo team reports the sun is at about a 3:00 PM ¨C 5:00 PM position, though this planet¡¯s days seem to be a fair bit longer, estimated around 48 hours. The air analysis approves the human air quality safe for her breathing, so the marines invite her to sleep in the shuttle. She¡¯s wary at first, but finds the warm air quite comfortable. They quickly discover that she needs some moisture, though, and the marines take turns misting her occasionally.


    When asked for clarification for needs of the incubators, the Cave Queen believes it only to be warm and moist, though she doesn¡¯t know if attempts to lay in a suitable non-biological environment have been attempted.


    Long enjoys the Cave Queen¡¯s company. She has surprisingly many stories to tell, and everything about her is new and fascinating. She reveals that, even though a male is attached to her, she identifies herself still as singular, and the plural ¡®our people¡¯ was because they would have been Mina¡¯s children and people as well, in her eyes. Though, Cave Queens aren¡¯t very social with each other or the surface dwellers, they are inherently grateful to their hosts, and this Cave Queen seems saddened as the fate of the surface dwellers once again sinks in.


    Rena reports back once Mina is confirmed safe, though medical keeps Mina behind for further monitoring. While Rena is bitter at first, even she begins asking curious questions of the Cave Queen. The Queen is happy to share, though Grey jokes occasionally about the tones his voice produces as a result.


    Kane eventually reveals a plan in progress, and the science teams are constructing them, but it¡¯ll take a couple of days. The marines make ready for the wait, though they¡¯ve been fortunate that they can stay in the shuttle most of time.


    Long wonders if there are more aliens they¡¯re going to meet like the Cave Queen. But, for that, only time will tell.


    ***

 Chapter 21: The Cave Queen Part 2

    The spatial forensics team carefully pores over every speck of space around where the derelict shuttle was found. Sometimes, ions with opposing spins can be detected, which is one clue as to the rough direction of the jump. While one group searches for that, another group carefully analyzes radio spectrometry of the stars around them. The energy burst forth by a jump is long gone seconds after, but it ripples out in a wave with a distorted shape, elongated to a point in the direction of travel due to the motion of the jump bubble. By diligently analyzing the faint distortions of the signals coming from the stars around them, and the refraction shape formed by the wave, the forensics team can piece together the full wave shape and find both the epicenter and the fairly close direction of the jump. From the epicenter, the team then looks for the exact direction by ¡®tunnelling¡¯ the point; lining up the distortions so that the undistorted path of jump is visible, ¡®cleared¡¯ of distortion by the jump bubble.


    If those two methods turn up nothing, then the final method is to use a different kind of pulse that detects the landing bubble¡¯s dispersion energy. But, because the humans have been able to detect the gravionic pulse so reliably, this method is much less preferable.


    But, if the second method can find the tunnel, then a shuttle can be sent on the same path, and the forensics team can determine the human fleet¡¯s landing distance based on the shuttle passing the ¡®end¡¯ of the tunnel into distortion. This has an accuracy of [~1 AU] and a success rate of about 20%. Factors that jeapordize this method include time since the jump, any intense spatial phenomena, such as a solar collision, nebula storms, and a black hole crossing the path.


    So far, the forensics team is making headway on method two, so Baskylla Jardzen Khla doesn¡¯t pry. Worst case, they can always pulse the humans again and try forensic analysis from the new point.


    Khla sits in his chair, fidgeting with Neezha¡¯s egg tooth. What could he do better? Could he try to get a message to the humans? How would they react if he told them of the pregnant human female he has onboard? Would they attack? Would they negotiate? If the human plan succeeds, Laurel becomes obsolete. If something happens to Laurel, he has nothing.


    He almost snapped and killed the other one. She snuck out of Khla¡¯s quarters in an attempt to meet up with someone. However, on her way, she tripped and fell, and her body miscarried the next day. Khla has not had her questioned yet. She will reveal who she was meeting, and that individual will pay. One life for another.


    Khla knew there were risks if breeding humans was successful. Many Grodrrns lost out on the chance to have hatchlings of their own. Now, being Chulm¡¯chn to a Saurmynnyka is in reach. Khla also knew Grodrrns would kill for such a once-in-an-eternity chance, but he had no idea so many self-serving traitors were on his ship. He¡¯s still formulating how to lure them all out. Even since the Nordzen¡¯s discovered betrayal, two more ranking Grodrrn officers have been caught. And, in only a few days. One was caught sneaking into Khla¡¯s room, which is a punishable offense on its own, and his excuse was that he only wished to gaze on the hope for Grodurra. Khla, of course, replied that a good place to start was asking permission before he executed him.


    The second traitor since Solly was a more junior officer, and tricked an orderly into opening Mrff¡¯s quarters in an attempt to take Laurel. What he didn¡¯t know is that, in spite of his more typical bias towards the humans, Mrff has been escorting Laurel on walks through the ship, especially to the observation and recreation decks. The orderly, more loyal to Mrff and Khla than most probably are, locked the traitor in Mrff¡¯s room when she realized he was looking for Laurel, and she called the bridge after.


    But now, the other female, whose name Khla no longer cares about, has jeapordized Laurel¡¯s safety. The Baskylla Jardzen knows he won¡¯t be able to simply lure out all traitors on his ship, but he also knows he MUST take extra care to protect Laurel, which will only serve to make it more obvious what¡¯s special about her. It¡¯s quite the conundrum.


    It does also cross Khla¡¯s mind to wonder what his own motivations are. He certainly wouldn¡¯t object to being the first thing the next Saurmynnyka sees, but he also would prefer it to be Laurel¡¯s daughter, the Saurmynnyka¡¯s rightful Chulm¡¯chn. But, if he protects Laurel and her daughter through to that point, what becomes of him? Can he simply return to the baskylla? Would his subordinates respect him? Would he be seen as Zhynnycz is? Positional authority only because of his connections?


    And, what of his own Zhi? What if the humans are successful and Neezha becomes eligible to be a Saurmynnyka? Would that become her life? Would the Fievegal pin that heavy burden upon Neezha¡¯s shoulders? Attempted assassinations, political relationships, worthless wealth. And, she¡¯d never be able to fly again. Would the Fievegal look at the humans¡¯ potential success as a cure, or as one single fluke to be forgotten?


    Many questions swirl in Khla¡¯s head, keeping him deep in thought.


    ¡°{Yarjen! Report from forensics ion team. Estimated direction Z, Y, Forty one, Twenty two relative.}¡±


    Khla looks at the updated tactical screen now showing a pathway estimate in green. Something seems wrong with the direction though. The stars around the screen are telling him something.


    It dawns on him what it might be. He growls, ¡°{Set a range of 1.5 Solars with a five percent window and plot all probable landing zones on that trajectory.}¡±


    Confused, the navigator replies, ¡°{Yarjen, that¡¯s¡­ much too wide of an area to search without a pulse.}¡±


    ¡°{I don¡¯t care. Tell me what¡¯s at the end of that path.}¡±


    The navigation team plots the coordinates as requested. Khla didn¡¯t give it much thought any sooner than now because it was supposed to be a non-issue. But, the Fievegal knew what was precariously close to Earth in the grand scheme of the universe. Given another couple generations, and Earth might¡¯ve been consumed.


    Khla¡¯s scales tighten. He can¡¯t believe he didn¡¯t think of it sooner. Alone, even a Fievegal battleship stands little chance.


    The navigator¡¯s scales noticeably dull in color. Khla closes his eyes. He knew it. The navigator quietly reports, ¡°{M-More than¡­ half of the estimate crosses the threshold, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla nods, still keeping his eyes closed. If the human fleet flew any longer than the last jump, they are already deep within.


    The navigator says uneasily, ¡°{P-Perhaps¡­ perhaps we could send a message. They have several of our ships. We could warn them¡­}¡±


    Khla replies coldly, ¡°{No. It¡¯d only alert¡­ THEM.}¡±


    The communications officer adds grimly, ¡°{Assuming they haven¡¯t already been found.}¡±


    The navigator starts, ¡°{But Yarjen¡­!}¡±


    ¡°{I know.}¡±


    ¡°{If they¡­}¡±


    ¡°{I KNOW.}¡±


    The bridge is silent for a long time. The combat officer asks cautiously, ¡°{Are reinforcements an option?}¡±


    Khla shakes his head. ¡°{No. If the Fievegal learns where the human fleet is, they will declare them a lost cause, or¡­ attempt to trade.}¡±


    Again, silence.


    Khla stands up slowly, saying, ¡°{I need to think. Navigator, take command. Do NOT proceed beyond direction determination until I return.}¡±


    The navigator nods, ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla slowly walks off the bridge. He has no destination. At least, not a physical one. He cannot be mad at the humans. They have no idea what the universe holds. He could have been more tactful about trying to chase the humans any other direction. But, there was no plan for the humans fleeing Earth. They didn¡¯t have the technology to escape. Everything until now has been reactionary. Grodrrns aren¡¯t hunters. They¡¯re overwhelming predators. Ambush, numbers, technology; they use surprise and overwhelming strength to win.


    The one glimmer of hope Neezha¡¯s message provided has been shattered. Not to mention, now, Grodurra¡¯s fate may very well fall to the tiny handful of humans on Khla¡¯s ship. Which, of course, at this point seems to be only Laurel.


    Dumb luck intersects Khla¡¯s path with that of Laurel and Mrff. The human says gently, ¡°Oh! Yarjen Craw!¡± She grunts awkwardly, which she¡¯s said is her clearing her throat, and says in passable Grodrrn, ¡°{Jinntarrick mmrulk, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla nods, grunting quietly, ¡°{Twin suns¡­}¡±


    Mrff asks, ¡°{What is it?}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{A worst case we didn¡¯t even consider. The humans appear to have jumped into¡­ into¡­}¡± This is possibly the most shaken Khla has ever been.


    Mrff finishes, ¡°{Zarrakyssns.}¡±


    Khla nods. He feels sick hearing that name.


    Mrff thinks silently for a moment. Laurel asks gently, ¡°What is it? What¡¯s wrong? D-Did I do something?¡±


    Mrff replies to her, ¡°No. Sommtheeng ilse.¡±


    She looks at Mrff, and then at Khla. She asks softly, ¡°Your Zhi?¡±


    Khla looks away. His body is pressurizing. He feels helpless all over again.


    Laurel presses, though, ¡°What happened to her? Please tell me.¡±


    Khla snarls, ¡°Whih!? Whot weezdomm haff hoomins!?¡±


    Laurel shrinks a little, but she replies, ¡°Yesterday, you were so happy she¡¯s alive. You¡¯d give up on her, just like that?¡±


    ¡°NIVOR!¡± roars Khla. ¡°BOTT, YUU NO OONDERSTOND!¡±


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He paces in a circle as he snarls, enraged to think about losing his Zhi again. A subconscious, rational part of his mind notices and is thankful when Mrff puts himself between Khla and Laurel.


    But, Mrff adds, ¡°{She¡¯s right, Yarjen. Not to mention the human fleet. No matter the reason, we cannot afford to lose them to the Zarrakyssns.}¡±


    Khla growls, struggling to hold back his rage, ¡°{It¡¯s too late.}¡±


    ¡°{No, it isn¡¯t. The Zarrakyssns are no better off than we were. Stop underestimating these mammals.}¡±


    ¡°{If we try to communicate, they¡¯ll be found. If we try to pulse them, they¡¯ll be found.}¡±


    Laurel offers, ¡°No matter what, she¡¯s your daughter. Your Zhi. You clearly care about her. Save her.¡±


    Khla growls, ¡°Eef we go, we cood lohze thim ond yuu.¡±


    ¡°You gave me real hope saying there was a chance for peace between my people and yours. I want us to go as much as I KNOW you want to.¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°The theengs loorkeeng tharr¡­ they are nott leek ooss.¡±


    Laurel scoffs. She replies, ¡°If you want to prove to me that you can protect MY baby, you should start by protecting yours. I trust you. It¡¯s clear Yarjen Murf trusts you. There MUST be a way to help them.¡±


    Khla is silent for a moment. A long moment.


    Mrff asks, ¡°{Do we think the humans are at the end of this jump?}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{Split. If Neezha is the only one talking, she wouldn¡¯t know about the forensics team. That¡¯s not to say the humans wouldn¡¯t have expected it, though. Dzor knows the far stars better than either of us, though. If he¡¯s been anywhere near a window, he might realize it as I did.}¡±


    Mrff replies optimistically, ¡°{Then, if the humans expect forensics and jumped again, there¡¯s a chance they jumped back out.}¡±


    Khla nods, but counters, ¡°{Meaning we need to run forensics at their landing site.}¡±


    Mrff replies with a smirk, ¡°{All the more reason to still send the shuttle, but with a message to be delivered manually.}¡±


    Surprised, Khla replies, ¡°{Are you suggesting we sacrifice another shuttle?}¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°{Either with a message to the humans, or to bait the Zarrakyssns while scaring the humans somehow.}¡±


    ¡°{The latter would be certain suicide!}¡±


    Mrff nods, ¡°{Which is why I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ve evaded them before.}¡±


    Khla hisses, ¡°{Unacceptable! If even ONE of their interdictors¡­}¡±


    Mrff chuckles and replies, ¡°{Give me some credit, Yarjen. I can¡¯t prove it, but I think I know how they work. I don¡¯t often talk about it, but¡­ I WAS interdicted. Let me test my theory, save the foolish humans and our own, or die a glorious death trying.}¡±


    Khla can¡¯t think. He can¡¯t allow this. Too many times, Mrff has been his extra tail for balance. He has vast wisdom. To lose him would be a profound waste. It would be devastating to Khla¡¯s baskylla.


    Khla replies, ¡°{No. There¡¯s too much that can go wrong.}¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°{I will not fail, Yarjen.}¡±


    The confidence Mrff expresses now is stifling. It¡¯s nearly impossible to simply refuse.


    An idea hits Khla. ¡°{You can go, but first, you will identify all planet-bearing solar systems and asteroid belts around you and make note of their coordinates. Then, return. With that, we will have a list of things to search.}¡±


    Mrff thinks carefully. He scratches his neck scales and nods, ¡°{Yes, yes. That could work. It¡¯d take time, but we¡¯d be less likely to run into the Zarrakyssns. Agreed, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla looks at Laurel, saying, ¡°We hoff plonn. Thonk yuu, Laurill.¡±


    She smiles, saying warmly, ¡°I believe in you.¡±


    ***


    Spaceman Long wakes up on the shuttle. She stretches and yawns. She quickly realizes the Cave Queen is no longer on the shuttle. It¡¯s an impressive feat that Long slept through the airlock cycling, but she was pretty tired. She relieves herself in the restroom and suits up. If she stays on the shuttle, she¡¯ll only end up disturbing the others. So, she quietly cycles the airlock. She realizes it¡¯s actually pretty quiet going out, which makes sense, since the external pressure is higher, meaning the external pump is the one that runs.


    Long stretches, curiously looking around with her night vision. Fisher is on watch, patrolling casually around the island. The pilot is using a bucket and sponge to clean off some rather beautiful stones she gathered.


    The teen spots the Cave Queen next to the water¡¯s edge, sitting on the bank. Long wonders if she should leave the Queen alone, as it could be how she does her business. But then, the other times she did in the last day or so, the Queen returned to her hideaway.


    Curiosity getting the better of the young woman, she approaches the amphibious Queen. The Queen is alone, and Long¡¯s helmet picks up the soft, delicate and slow chatter of the Queen¡¯s speech.


    Once close enough, Long can see the Queen is cradling something in two of her ¡®arm¡¯ tentacles. It looks like a spherical gummy candy, with a different colored filling. And, due to the night vision, it looks like it¡¯s glowing.


    Just as the Queen starts to lower it into the water, it dawns on Long what it is. The teen quickly yelps, ¡°WAIT!¡± She runs closer to the Queen. The tall alien halts, looking at Long with watering eyes.


    Long¡¯s heart wrenches, and she gently takes the Cave Queen¡¯s arms away from the water. The Queen chatters delicately at her, and Long can¡¯t help but feel pain in her voice.


    The gelatinous mass certainly doesn¡¯t look like much more than a gummy candy. But, the filling shows the faintest squiggles and circles of something taking shape. Long thinks quickly. Maybe it¡¯s already too late. But, what if¡­?


    Thinking quickly, the young marine urges, ¡°Stay right there!¡± She sheds her backpack and retrieves her water bottle. Her working hope is that the egg is already cold inside the Queen¡¯s body, and it would have to warm up when laid. If so, Long¡¯s luke-warm water bottle, once warmed up, MIGHT work. And, it¡¯s worth a try for just one. The science team is close to emulating human body conditions as well as a few variations. But, Long just wants to save this one if she can.


    Long takes the lid off of her bottle and offers it to the Queen. The alien looks at her, confused and surprised. Growing impatient, the teen glances around. Fisher is on the far side, the pilot is distracted, and no one else is around. She quickly takes her helmet off, takes one of the Queen¡¯s free arms, and she brings it to her forehead. Long says, ¡°If it¡¯s not too late, let me try. Please? Nothing to lose, right?¡±


    Still stunned, the Cave Queen finally looks at the tiny egg. It¡¯s about the size of a golf ball, and certainly seems surprising that its passenger could grow into the being before Long.


    The Cave Queen gently drops the egg in the water bottle. Just as Grey said, words emit from Long¡¯s mouth. She can feel her jaw move, her tongue flex, and her vocal chords vibrate, but she doesn¡¯t feel the command the Queen is transmitting to her brain. She blurts out, ¡°Why, though? What is one today? If your people don¡¯t finish, there will be another tomorrow.¡±


    Long¡¯s heart aches for her, but she smiles tenderly, asking, ¡°Then why were you talking to it?¡±


    The Queen looks away, and Long adds as she holds up her bottle, ¡°If we¡¯re not done tomorrow, I¡¯ve got a little more room here. If it works, you¡¯ll have two more cuties!¡± Long grins, admiring the purple glowing jelly ball in the bottle.


    The Queen says through Long, ¡°They need warmth. That I know for certain.¡±


    Long nods, humming, ¡°Mm-hmm!¡± She adds brightly as she opens the front of her armor suit, shoving the capped bottle inside. She replies, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to keep him or her warm, clean, and safe! You can count on me!¡±


    The Queen stares at her a moment. She replies, ¡°Her.¡±


    Surprised, Long asks, ¡°Really? How can you tell?¡±


    ¡°That color egg is female. The other color is male.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s cool! Why would your species have that trait though?¡±


    The Queen thinks. She replies softly, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But, during times when there are more females than males, I have intentionally laid more males than females.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°I see! That actually makes a lot of sense.¡± Long takes a seat more comfortably next to the Cave Queen. She asks gently, ¡°When you took Mina¡­ Did you plan on giving her back?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Queen swirls the water with her tentacle, continuing, ¡°I lost control of myself. Your allies had every right to kill me, even under my people¡¯s own laws.¡± She idly strokes her abdomen with another tentacle, adding tenderly, ¡°Even the most compassionate on this world have never been so forgiving¡­ and so generous.¡±


    ¡°You understand what it means if you do come with us, right? You¡¯ll never see this world again.¡±


    The Queen looks up at the ceiling, saying distantly, ¡°There IS nothing to see on this world. I knew the air outside had become toxic for me, but I had no idea the surface dwellers were gone. I used to be able to gaze upon the stars at night, the beautiful structures the surface dwellers built, and¡­ my mother. All I had left until your people came was this cave and my nest.¡±


    The alien then looks at Long, adding through the teen, ¡°When you approached me, I was praying. I was praying that kind hands would embrace her, and that she would sleep. But, I was also praying your humans can do what they¡¯ve said. That they can give my people a chance to live again. And, I was praying¡­ to waste time¡­ in hopes your allies would arrive with your machines in time for her. Now,¡­¡± She gingerly touches where Long tucked her water bottle. ¡°I pray your compassion is not wasted.¡±


    Long smiles. She replies, ¡°Me too.¡±


    Long¡¯s heart skips a beat when Chief Grey¡¯s gruff voice asks from behind her, ¡°Beautiful morning, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Long jumps with a start, scrambling for her helmet. Just as she grabs it, though, he adds, ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I already knew you had it off.¡±


    Long slumps. She looks apologetically at him, though she can barely see him in the dark. She says softly, ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Chief¡­¡±


    He replies plainly, ¡°Not yet, you¡¯re not. The Stranger just radioed. Incubators will be here in two hours.¡±


    Long says excitedly, ¡°Really!?¡± She looks at the Queen, who withdrew her arm. Long takes it gently and puts it back to her head. She exclaims, ¡°The incubators are on the way!¡±


    The alien smiles, replying gently, ¡°I vowed I would get excited only when I see them.¡±


    Long grins, ¡°Fair!¡±


    Long suddenly says, ¡°Chief Grey, this one stopped me from¡­¡± Long realizes she still has control of her hands, and she covers her mouth. When the Queen stops trying to talk, Long says herself, ¡°Hey! No need to tell him. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    Grey replies dryly, ¡°Well, now I¡¯m curious. Long, I order you to tell me.¡±


    Long winces. She replies, ¡°Ch-Chief¡­ I¡­ I just stopped her from crying is all. We kept each other company.¡±


    Grey replies skeptically, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, Chief! And, I wanted to talk to her, more. I accept responsibility for my actions.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°One day, responsibility for your actions is going to mean death. For you or someone you care about. That¡¯s why following orders is important.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief¡­¡±


    He then says, ¡°Cave Queen, we¡¯re going to ready the landing zone with some lights to make sure they land with enough room to unload the incubators. They shouldn¡¯t be too bright, but please be aware of them. I need Long to help set up. If you need anything, please approach me.¡±


    Long¡¯s voice says, ¡°I understand. But, this one truly did comfort me. I would be grateful to talk to her again.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°We¡¯ll see. We¡¯ll talk in a bit. Will you be okay for now?¡±


    The alien nods, and Long¡¯s voice says, ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡± She releases Long, and the teen feels a little lonely. It doesn¡¯t feel forced, but like the touch the Queen gives is just comforting.


    Long puts her helmet back on and joins the others aligning the lights and clearing the landing zone of large debris. The auburn haired teen is mindful of her water bottle, jostling around against her space suit and her compression shirt. She tries to hopefully not jostle it too much. She also hopes her suit thinks the bottle is part of her body, and automatically regulates it back up to normal body temperature.


    The time passes fairly quickly, and the Charlie shuttle slowly appears in the mouth of the cave. It carefully hovers, disappearing briefly in the distant dark and haze before reappearing with the deep hum of its engines.


    The shuttle carefully lands in the designated zone, touching down gently and shutting down its engines.


    Long learns quickly why the landing positon was so crucial. The incubators are assembled onto a rack of 3 strange, transparent pods filled with pinkish liquid and a faintly glowing light in the base. A control console seems to maintain each rack, of which there are two. There¡¯s also a dozen more marines with Lieutenant Kane, and he says, ¡°Alright, everyone. We¡¯ll need to team lift. Alpha team, can we get some assistance?¡±


    All of Alpha team, including Long, proudly replies, ¡°Sir yes sir!¡± The marines climb in, each taking hold of the first rack.


    ***

 Chapter 22: The Cave Queen Part 3

    The rack is stupendously heavy, even with everyone helping. The high gravity is certainly a major culprit. But, the marines are carefully able to offload the first rack, relaxing, stretching, and flexing before moving the second.


    Dr. Caldaren, who was helping at the back, then explains, ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s get this fired up.¡± He starts working on the first rack¡¯s console, explaining to no one in particular, ¡°We set variants on each pod, to hopefully find the right niche. The embryos will be monitored closely. Any showing better development, we¡¯ll dial the other incubators to those. We can try as many or as few as the Queen is comfortable with. There are obvious risks with this method, but I imagine, so too with a host, hmm? So, where is our royal majesty?¡± He looks around.


    Long is briefly startled a little when the Queen¡¯s head appears in her peripherals right next to Long. The large alien mother chatters delicately as she curiously looks at the machines.


    Caldaren excitedly says, ¡°Ah! Cave Queen! My, you are a thing of beauty, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Grey growls as he approaches Long and the Queen, ¡°She can¡¯t understand you yet, Doc.¡± The chief takes off his helmet, drawing the Queen¡¯s attention. She gingerly touches his head, and he says to her, ¡°This is Doc Caldaren. He¡¯s the field operator for the incubators, I guess. He¡¯s going to guide you through how to use them.¡±


    Caldaren says warmly, ¡°A pleasure to meet you, your Highness.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°She doesn¡¯t call herself a queen. We call her that.¡±


    ¡°I know! But, she truly is, is she not?¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice softens to wonder, remarking, ¡°Th-These¡­ are the things you spoke of?¡±


    Caldaren is caught off guard, but he snaps back into it, ¡°Yes, they are! We¡¯ve done our best to emulate our biology, as well as one estimated from the blood sample we took from you. Your DNA is carbon-based, but structured differently from anything on our world. Still! We tried to emulate a womb based on that. And, if any are working better than the others, we will change the others to match. Now, obviously, there is a HIGH risk of failure until we find what works for certain. You may lay as many or few as you are comfortable with.¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice replies calmly and a little distantly. ¡°There is always risk. I am accustomed to being detached once their fates are outside of my control.¡±


    Caldaren replies sympathetically, ¡°I understand. Regardless, we¡¯ll do our best for one hundred percent success, if we can.¡±


    The alien Queen nods. There¡¯s a pause, and Caldaren says, ¡°Feel free to inspect them. Touch, poke; whatever makes you comfortable that they¡¯ll work. If they feel too hot or cold to you, let us know, and I can adjust. Once set, the conditions will stay.¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice says softly, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a little bright.¡±


    ¡°Say no more!¡± Caldaren hits some buttons on each console, and the lights deactivate.


    The Queen looks down at Long, and the teen smiles through her helmet. But, the Queen seems to want something.


    Grey growls gruffly, ¡°Go ahead. Long, hold her hand if she wants.¡±


    The Queen glances at him and then at Long. Long smiles warmly again, offering her hand. She says gently, ¡°I¡¯d like to look, too.¡±


    One of the Queen¡¯s tentacles gingerly wraps around Long¡¯s whole forearm, but the point is the same. Dumas jokes, ¡°Chief, the Queen doesn¡¯t have hands.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Keep it up, and neither will you.¡±


    The Queen steps forward, and Caldaren welcomes her to look, prod, and touch as she sees fit. Long mimics her, and they touch the surface of the first pod. The material is some kind of thick, rubbery material. Caldaren explains, ¡°We used clear silicone to make the pods flexible, in case the eggs expand at all. We weren¡¯t sure how many there¡¯d be.¡±


    The Queen sighs, her grip on Long¡¯s arm tightening a little. Grey¡¯s voice asks, ¡°Where do I¡­?¡± She is searching for a word.


    Caldaren snaps his fingers, replying warmly, ¡°Ah! Yep! In the top, here. This ring is a partial iris, to seal the uh¡­ pod. It should allow insertion easily enough, and I can reduce pressure as needed.¡±


    ¡°Would the hatchlings have to claw their way out? Normally, the hosts give live birth to the hatchlings. It¡¯s supposed to be rather painless. But, this material is quite thick.¡±


    The doctor replies, ¡°Nope! Nice part about this is, we can open it in the lab and extract any hatchlings carefully, leaving the rest to keep incubating.¡±


    The Queen strokes the object affectionately. Caldaren offers, ¡°We can open it enough for you to touch the liquid if you wish. Most of them are a nutrient bath of extremely basic amino acids, and one is just pure water. You can feel the temperature, too, though.¡±


    The Queen nods. She seems rather stunned that the humans made something so amazing so quickly. It¡¯s clear that, while very hopeful, the Queen was worried it was all an impossible dream. She inspects all six pods, asking for only one of them to be cooled down. Her comfort zone seems to be between eighty degrees and one hundred degrees, though she admits she¡¯s been less picky before.


    The laying process is something else to behold. Plenty of the marines lost interest or were uncomfortable watching, and went elsewhere. But, Long found it strangely fascinating. And, she enjoyed seeing the gummy orbs with tiny lives forming within more clearly.


    The Queen gambled her whole clutch, though. While she knows she¡¯ll have plenty more soon enough, she seems more at peace with the risks her brood faces as long as they are intentionally placed. It¡¯s as if, instinctively, she¡¯s okay with the risks as long as there¡¯s a chance, as opposed to the simple discarding of so many unlaid eggs.


    The Queen admittedly looks much more slender almost instantly after, indicating her abdominal tissues are extremely elastic, and her organs can shift in her torso some. Relieved of the fear and desperation, the alien relaxes profoundly more, and she expresses countless thanks to the marines.


    Kane then says, ¡°Now, then, Cave Queen. We can teach you how to use this device if you prefer to stay on this world, but my understanding is that you weren¡¯t opposed to being uplifted.¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice replies gently, ¡°You proved yourselves truthful. And, there appears to be nothing else for me on this world but awaiting death. I would be grateful to join you in the sky.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? We haven¡¯t hatched any yet. And, we can¡¯t stay long enough to ensure they will. If you come with us, we most likely won¡¯t be able to bring you back.¡±


    The Queen smiles, tenderly touching Chief Grey with another tentacle, and then Long with a third. ¡°You have given me more now than I¡¯ve ever had, humans. If you¡¯ll have me, I am certain my place is in the sky with you. That is the reason I alone survived. I MUST trust this sign.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°I understand. We¡¯ll gather what we can to ensure you have food and whatever else you need.¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice says, ¡°I was told you seek the materials of this cave, yes? You have my full cooperation.¡±


    Kane nods. ¡°Thank you. But, focus on gathering anything and everything you need or want; medicines, food, tools, and ESPECIALLY any seeds and mud you grow plants in, as well as breeding pairs of any animals, if any, that you eat. Anything you consider treasure. We¡¯ll bring some crates down and try to bring it all. We¡¯ll also make sure we can keep the plants alive before we leave, if we can.¡±


    The Queen asks through Grey, ¡°You believe you are being pursued by enemy sky people?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    Tachibana says, ¡°We¡¯re still new to space travel, ourselves. So, we haven¡¯t figured out how to lose them for good yet. We can usually only squeeze a few weeks or months out of a stop.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long that is, but I understand. My decision stands. I am your ally, if you will still have me.¡±


    Kane offers his hand, saying warmly, ¡°Welcome aboard.¡±


    The Queen looks at his hand, and then at Long. Long says kindly, ¡°You wrap your arm around his hand and shake gently.¡±


    She does as instructed, following Kane¡¯s lead once she wraps her tentacle around his hand. The Queen says through Grey, ¡°Welcome aboard.¡±


    The marines chuckle, and Grey says gently back to her, ¡°Close enough, Cave Queen.¡±


    The first mining ships start on metals on the surface while the marines work to make the Queen ready to depart. Kane returns to the fleet once more to ready living quarters suitable for a creature of perpetual darkness.


    Long noticed that Chief Grey made no mention of Long removing her helmet. But, she¡¯s afraid to say anything about it. He may still be planning punishment of some kind, not least of which is telling Angelica.


    For now, Long stays focused on her tasks. She¡¯s helping pack crates with the goods the Queen brings them, from baskets of seeds and powder, to small trinkets and her strange weapon. She even brings seeds and ¡®leaves¡¯ that provide the material for her weapon, the ¡®leaves¡¯ are more like porcelain plates in feel and brittleness, but she claims they grow on the aquifer bed as simply as anything else.


    The auburn-haired teen is also careful with her own tiny passenger. She¡¯s not certain how she¡¯ll keep it up, now that she¡¯s thinking about it, but she¡¯s determined to try. If six variations of methods are good, one more shouldn¡¯t hurt.


    Once her chosen belongings are sent into orbit, the Queen stands at the island¡¯s edge. She looks out at the waters she¡¯s probably known all of her life. Long stands with her. The tall alien quietly chatters something, which Long doesn¡¯t understand. But, the teen has some idea what the Queen is saying. She¡¯s saying goodbye, perhaps even praying for luck, for the fallen inhabitants of her world, and for her children who never got a chance. She¡¯s promising to do her best, to keep fighting, and to hold them all close in her heart and in stories she¡¯ll tell generations to come.


    Long wishes she could take her helmet off, to hear what it is the Queen is actually saying, but she doesn¡¯t. Chief Grey was right, in a way, but if this world was so dangerous, he and Mina would already be lost.


    Long gently touches the Queen¡¯s arm. The alien mother looks down, smiling softly.


    Chief Grey¡¯s voice comes over the radio, ¡°Long, bring the Queen. We¡¯re ready to head out. Miners will be coming in next.¡±


    Long replies, ¡°Yes Chief.¡± She looks up into the Queens eyes and points to the ship with a smile. The Queen nods, taking one last moment to seemingly kiss her tentacle and then touch the water¡¯s surface.


    The two walk together back towards the shuttles, and Chief Grey says, ¡°Long, you and I will ride with the Queen in Charlie shuttle. Everyone else will ride in Alpha shuttle.¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°You sure, Chief? It¡¯s going to be cramped in Charlie.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Yes, Chief. Long¡¯s been connecting really well with the Queen. Should help ease the transition.¡±


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll come help unload as soon as we clear quarantine.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative. We¡¯ll get the Queen to her quarters first.¡±


    Long and the Queen join Grey at Charlie shuttle, finding room between the crates to ride. Grey ends up against the cockpit door, and Long sits in what would be the Queen¡¯s ¡®lap¡¯. Just like every other part of her, the Queen is soft and gentle.


    Once the shuttle takes off, Grey takes his helmet off. He says gruffly, ¡°Good. We¡¯ll have to go through a separate quarantine with the Queen.¡±


    Surprised, Long asks, ¡°Wait¡­ W-What do you mean, Chief?¡±


    He sucks his teeth, retorting, ¡°Tch! Rookies. One of these days, though, you need to listen to orders.¡±


    Long is surprised. He¡¯s covering for her? But, he¡¯s right. She replies softly, ¡°I know¡­¡±


    Grey lays back, crossing his arms. He adds, ¡°Let me see it.¡±


    Long pauses. She knows exactly what, but how does he know? How does he notice something she was so careful about? She¡¯s amazed at how he never misses anything.


    But, maybe he¡¯s talking about something else. Long tests the water, asking innocently, ¡°S-See what, Chief?¡±


    Grey smirks dryly. He replies, ¡°The potentially dangerous lifeform you have hidden at your left kidney.¡±


    Long tenses. He even knows where her bottle ended up? How? She squeaks, ¡°H-How¡­?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. Show me.¡±


    Long cautiously unbuckles and unzips her armor, whimpering, ¡°Sh-She¡¯s not dangerous, Chief.¡± She presents her water bottle with a glowing purple gummy inside.


    Grey takes it gently, inspecting the bottle. He asks skeptically, ¡°Planning to tell anyone you had this?¡±


    Long whimpers, ¡°Chief, I¡­ I¡­ I just¡­¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Might not even survive. Could be too late. If it was in the incubators like it¡¯s supposed to be,¡­¡±


    ¡°Sh-She was going to discard her, Chief. She was¡­ too many. Too early.¡±


    Grey studies the contents quietly, giving no indication of his thoughts. He hands the bottle back, saying sternly, ¡°That¡¯s not a stray cat on your porch step or a chicken egg. That¡¯s a child. You understand that, right?¡±


    Long protectively holds the bottle, replying, ¡°I know that!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll require constant care. An entire laboratory is dedicated to the incubators.¡±


    Long replies, ¡°But, she¡¯s only one. I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°You think you can outdo professionally designed incubators with your water bottle?¡±


    Long nods nervously, ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll keep the water clean, and I¡¯ll warm it with my body. I won¡¯t let her out of my sight until she hatches.¡±


    ¡°How will you know it¡¯s working?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know. B-But, if I didn¡¯t take her when I did¡­¡± Long looks down at the precious cargo in her bottle. She whimpers, ¡°What¡¯s one more strategy, Chief? Especially if it means one more success?¡±


    Grey is silent for a moment. Long looks up with watering eyes, doing her best to force a smile. She says tenderly, ¡°I-If it means anything, Ch-Chief. I didn¡¯t hesitate¡­¡±


    Grey scoffs and smiles gently. He puts his head back and closes his eyes. He says gruffly, ¡°Fine. But, I¡¯d figure out a way to explain it to the overlord, and explain it as soon as possible. That¡¯s not something you can hide forever.¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Long smiles at the Queen when she gently touches the bottle and chatters softly. The teen replies to Grey, ¡°How did you know, Chief?¡±


    The aging marine retorts, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t bend at the waist after your conversation alone with her. I knew you didn¡¯t do anything TOO crazy out in the open, but you were hiding something. Stewed on it all day until I figured out what.¡±


    ¡°D-Do you think¡­ An-um-Captain Long will be mad?¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°You tell me. You attempted to prevent a needless death. And, being the little teenage dummy you are, you instantly got sentimental.¡±


    Long tucks her bottle back into her suit and zips up. She replies warmly, ¡°I¡¯m learning from the best, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Hilarious. Now shut up and let me nap.¡±


    Long giggles, ¡°Yes Chief. But, um¡­ c-can I take¡­ my h-¡­¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s only an hour. You¡¯ll survive.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± pouts the teen.


    The shuttle is dark and fairly quiet. But, the Cave Queen idly fidgets with Long¡¯s armor and hands, as well as touching things in the ship. They can¡¯t see outside, as everything that emits light is covered or powered down to protect the Queen¡¯s sensitive eyes and skin. The young marine hopes they found some way to give the Queen more than an empty conex box like the Grodurn prisoners have. The Queen is their guest, not a prisoner.


    What surprises Long, though, is when the Queen starts making a continuous noise. It¡¯s not her talking in her own language, nor crying or laughing. Instead, it has a melody. Long¡¯s first instinct associates it with a cicada, almost, but it¡¯s sweeter and softer, like a child humming. And, the melody is also unlike a cicada, but melodious and changing like a songbird.


    Long can see that Grey has his good eye open, also surprised. The weathered soldier¡¯s expression relaxes, and he listens peacefully as he closes his eye. The song is comforting and delicate, like the way the Queen speaks and touches things. One would never guess how strong she actually is at a glance.


    After a while, the pilot reports over the shuttle intercom, ¡°We¡¯re docking at an exterior airlock, Chief. Polonia is reporting your path is marked and lights taken care of. Lieutenant Kane and Commander Hitch are waiting to guide you.¡±


    Grey presses the intercom button near him, replying, ¡°Affirmative. Give us the go ahead when we can open the door.¡±


    The ship quakes as it connects, and Long is a little surprised when the Queen hugs her in surprise. For a species that customarily lives alone, the Cave Queen is rather sociable. At least, that¡¯s how Long sees it so far. Long gently strokes the Queen¡¯s arm, trying to comfort the alien. Long understands. The teen was terrified the day Angelica dragged her to the space elevator. The only reason Jessica held it together at all was her big sister¡¯s firm grip on her hand.


    The pilot announces, ¡°Docking complete. Green light Chief. You know, metaphorically this time.¡±


    Grey chuckles and stands up. He replies, pressing the button, ¡°Thank you. Opening our outer door now.¡±


    The three cycle through the airlock, which is thankfully controlled from the inside. The path is a tight fit for the Queen, but she is able to fold her ¡®legs¡¯ with more ¡®joints¡¯, still maintaining rigidity, but giving her closer movement. She gently holds Grey¡¯s head as he leads.


    The Polonia¡¯s inner door opens, and it, too, is pitch black, as if the whole ship lost power. Commander Hitch, the commanding officer of the TEAU marines, and Lieutenant Kane are waiting in suits.


    Hitch remarks, ¡°Wow¡­ she IS big.¡±


    Grey replies warmly, ¡°A lot friendlier than the crocs, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard she can be a little¡­ too friendly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. But, it¡¯s been sorted out.¡±


    Hitch nods, ¡°Coulson reported that she understands, but she was nervous about rejoining the mission.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°No complaints. I expect I¡¯ve got a fight coming though.¡±


    Long giggles. Hitch then says, ¡°Madame Cave Queen, my name is Hitch. I understand you know Kane. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Grey¡¯s tone softens, and his voice says, ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Hitch chuckles, remarking warmly, ¡°I was ready for it, and it still got me.¡± He then explains, ¡°Alright. Reason this tub is here on the floor is so we can rinse you all down thoroughly and try to minimize contamination. Long, Chief, you¡¯ll come through first, and then we¡¯ll all gently scrub down the Queen with brushes.¡±


    ¡°Scrub¡­ down?¡± asks Grey¡¯s voice. He turns, replying himself to her, ¡°We¡¯re cleaning all the mud, dirt, and germs off.¡±


    He then says, ¡°I see¡­ please¡­ be delicate.¡±


    Grey nods and steps up onto the grate. Hitch sprays him with a sprayer while Kane scrubs with a large brush. Once finished, they wave Long forward. She steps up, and they do the same with her.


    Once complete, the four humans gesture for the Queen to step up, and they wash her gently, gingerly ensuring to clean around all of her tentacles. She recoils a little, making a chirping-like noise that causes them all to halt. But, Long knows this face to be jovial. She says to the others, ¡°I¡­ think she¡¯s ticklish.¡±


    The other three chuckle, and Kane replies, ¡°Well, well, well. That¡¯s neat.¡±


    Hitch replies, ¡°Let¡¯s hope she¡¯s okay with that.¡± They gently resume. Grey asks, ¡°Stranger, do you understand what she¡¯s saying like the Grodurns?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°She hasn¡¯t said much in her own tongue yet. Took a few phrases before I could understand the Grodurns. And most of those were violent threats and taunts.¡±


    Long wants to bring up the singing, but she decides not to. She¡¯s the most junior person present, and isn¡¯t quite on a friendly basis with Kane and Hitch, kind and friendly as they seem to be.


    The Queen chirps playfully a few more times, but doesn¡¯t stop the group from cleaning her. Once satisfied, they help her down, and Grey brings one of her arms to his head. He asks warmly, ¡°Enjoy that, did you?¡±


    His voice says more jovially, ¡°Admittedly, yes. I¡¯ve never known such a feeling.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°We call that ¡®ticklish¡¯.¡±


    Hitch adds, ¡°We were worried we hurt you.¡±


    The Queen replies through Grey, ¡°Not at all. It was quite pleasant.¡±


    ¡°Good. You¡¯re welcome to bathe regularly in your quarters.¡±


    ¡°What is quarters?¡± asks the alien curiously via Grey.


    Grey replies, ¡°It¡¯s your new nest on our ship. Where you¡¯ll live.¡±


    Kane adds, ¡°For now, it¡¯s smaller than your previous home, but we should be able to fit your bedding location, a pool, and a garden, with larger ones being maintained by our crew.¡±


    Hitch adds, ¡°We converted the pool deck. THANKFULLY, Russel finished the Gaia, which gave us the space we needed. So, let¡¯s head there. If you¡¯ll follow us. Chief, please be careful.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± growls the soldier.


    The five make their way down the hallway at the Queen¡¯s pace. She¡¯s a little awkward, and even remarks through Grey, ¡°I feel¡­ as though we¡¯re about to float.¡±


    Hitch replies, ¡°Sorry about that. We have lower gravity where we come from, and did our best to copy that in the ship. It¡¯s about two thirds of our own gravity, which is about one third of yours. So, you are much lighter here than on your world.¡±


    ¡°Will it go away?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it. But, we¡¯re also learning more about the technology to generate it, so when we get that far, we may be able to get closer to your world, if you wish.¡±


    ¡°This is okay,¡± admits the Queen. ¡°Just strange.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Just wait.¡±


    An airlock has been set up at the entrance to the pool deck, but this airlock doesn¡¯t pressurize. The doors are windowless, allowing no light into the pool deck. However, that¡¯s not to say there is no light in the pool deck.


    Somehow, the pool deck is letting light from all of the surrounding stars above the deck into the room while simultaneously polarizing the solar system¡¯s sun down to an equally comfortable level.


    The Queen¡¯s ¡®legs¡¯ give out, and she sinks to the floor. Hitch quickly asks, ¡°Are you alright? We can close the light out entirely.¡±


    The Queen¡¯s arm slowly sunk off of Grey¡¯s head, and she chirps softly and tenderly, staring directly at the sky. Long knows she¡¯s not being hurt by the light, or she would be screaming. Instead, she is transfixed on the stars. Long¡¯s curious how they did it. She too is bewildered.


    Grey gently takes the Queen¡¯s arm and puts it back to his own forehead, asking, ¡°You okay, Cave Queen?¡±


    ¡°Th-these are¡­ the stars¡­¡± murmurs the soldier distantly and in awe, undoubtedly from the Queen.


    Kane replies softly, ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice asks, ¡°Is¡­ Is this an illusion?¡±


    Hitch chuckles, ¡°In a way, yes. Obviously, we know too much light hurts you, but this room was MEANT to always see outside. There are plenty of stars that are too bright for us, too, so this room can polarize the light coming in to an equal level. We just set that level to what compared to the lights the TEAU teams used for landing Charlie shuttle.¡±


    Grey adds warmly, ¡°You get the best view on the ship.¡±


    The Queen crawls forward by somewhat shuffling her noodly tendrils, turning in a full circle. Grey¡¯s voice says tenderly, ¡°I¡­ I haven¡¯t seen stars since¡­ since the last sky people came¡­ a-and¡­ that¡¯s the sun?¡± She points at the severely dimmed, humongous light source in view.


    Kane replies warmly, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. Dimmed way down. You¡¯re seeing it at a fraction of a percent of its full brightness.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡± murmurs Grey¡¯s voice softly.


    Hitch jokes, ¡°God, can we have her swap to Long? Grey¡¯s voice is killing me.¡± He suppresses chuckles.


    Grey looks at him, retorting, ¡°Hey, sir, I didn¡¯t even know I could sound like that.¡±


    Grey then says more softly, ¡°Apologies¡­¡±


    Grey¡¯s tone warms, and he replies, ¡°No need! It¡¯s just humorous to us. But, I¡¯m not against swapping, either.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°I can¡¯t make that call on the ship.¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°I-I wouldn¡¯t mind sir! Really! The Queen is very kind!¡±


    Hitch replies, ¡°It¡¯s a quarantine issue, Long. N-Not to mention¡­ the other factor¡­¡±


    Long replies, ¡°Because of my sister?¡±


    Hitch looks away, uncomfortable audibly confirming but doing so regardless.


    However, Grey replies, ¡°You said Coulson is clean, correct? She was exposed to standing water in the Queen¡¯s nest. Plus, you just washed us all down. I think companion detail to our guest is more suited to a spaceman than a chief, anyways, now that we know she¡¯s not hostile. If Mina didn¡¯t get sick, I don¡¯t think any of us will.¡±


    Hitch remarks, ¡°Pretty blunt to try to dump the responsibility on a junior, Chief.¡±


    Grey replies sincerely, ¡°I¡¯ll do it, but Long¡¯s smarter and friendlier than I am. And, she doesn¡¯t have leadership duties.¡±


    Hitch asks, ¡°Are you comfortable with this, Long?¡±


    The teen smiles and nods, ¡°Yes Sir! I¡¯d be honored.¡± She notices Kane has been quiet though. Does he realize what Grey knows?


    Hitch asks, ¡°How about you, Madame Cave Queen?¡±


    The Queen bows, seemingly imitating Kane from before, and Grey¡¯s voice says gently, ¡°I am grateful to you all, but I AM admittedly most trusting of this one Long.¡±


    Hitch sighs. He says softly, ¡°I still think the captain will have something to say.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°The Captain vowed to respect positional authority decisions involving Spaceman Long. If you have oversight on quarantine, final say is yours.¡±


    Hitch grumbles, ¡°Literally anyone else, I¡¯d agree with you, Chief. But¡­¡±


    Kane finally speaks, ¡°Chief, didn¡¯t you tell me one of the Queen¡¯s terms for coming with us was a speaker of her choice? I must¡¯ve forgotten to mention that to Command.¡± He adds to Hitch, ¡°My apologies, Commander.¡±


    Hitch growls, ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing, Lieutenant.¡±


    Kane replies calmly, ¡°But do you want to prove it? If the Queen is comfortable with a less intimidating speaker, then shouldn¡¯t we keep her comfortable? After all, Grey¡¯s right. If there was anything to catch, Coulson would have it.¡±


    Hitch growls, ¡°Fine. Long, I¡¯m assigning you to the Queen¡¯s companion detail. We¡¯ll find volunteers for other shifts, I guess. But, you WILL scrub down and get antibiotics regularly, understood?¡±


    Long replies warmly, ¡°Y-yes sir!¡±


    Hitch adds, ¡°Go ahead and swap.¡±


    Long takes her helmet off, as Hitch grumbles, ¡°Captain¡¯s going to kill me.¡±


    Grey replies as the Queen warmly chirps while she swaps her arm to Long, ¡°It¡¯ll be fine, sir. There are far worse things our young spacer here could be doing.¡±


    The four marines show the Queen around the deck. The water in the pool has been replaced with water from the Queen¡¯s lagoon, which contained some interesting concentrations of various minerals and salts, ironically close to what Earth¡¯s dead sea contained. The base even has some of the sand and mud as well. A small patch of dirt has already been transplanted with several of the plants from her nest¡¯s garden, and an actual bed, mostly consisting of a bunch of simple comforters, is tucked near the pool¡¯s island fountain, which is currently off. They show her how to close down the polarization to pitch black using a computer console. They have to demonstrate when she both is and isn¡¯t holding Long, as the words make sense to her when she¡¯s touching Long, being translated through Long¡¯s mind the way speech has been. But, once she lets go, the letters and numbers become gibberish. Her ability clearly bypasses communication barriers, but it doesn¡¯t replace learning a language.


    The Queen, however, quickly proves herself fully capable when she chirps out a soft and delicate, ¡°Y-Yaenk y-you.¡± It takes a few moments when she says it for anyone to realize she was saying something to them. Grey repeats, ¡°Yaynk you?¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°Thank you! Sh-she¡¯s saying thank you, Chief!¡±


    The four humans chuckle together, and they reply, ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Cave Queen.¡±


    The Queen grins, showing her two sharp, multi-pointed teeth. She might not understand, but she knows. Long takes her arm gently, putting it back on her temple to say excitedly, ¡°Miss Queen! That¡¯s amazing! You¡¯re already learning our words!?¡±


    Long¡¯s voice turns soft, replying, ¡°I¡­ I will try. Please show me patience¡­¡±


    Hitch chuckles, ¡°Of course! You certainly don¡¯t have to, but it¡¯ll make all of our lives that much easier, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    The rest of the time is spent moving the rest of the Queen¡¯s belongings to her new space. Grey orders Long to stay with the Queen as everyone else retrieves crates. She is to answer the Queen¡¯s questions or ask for help the Queen might need. And, of course, while the others bring the Queen¡¯s belongings, Long helps the Queen place them or stack the crates out of the way for later. It¡¯s laborious work, but Long enjoys it. It¡¯s certainly nice that no one had to die on this mission, AND they made a friend in an intelligent, interesting, and kind lifeform.


    Armored bodies come and go for several hours, to the point that Long loses track of who¡¯s who. She focuses on helping the Queen sort things. She¡¯d never have noticed the who that approaches her.


    Long nearly whirls and smacks straight into a person that appeared suddenly behind her. The woman she discovers causes all color to drain from Long¡¯s body. Fortunately, the room is dark.


    Captain Angelica Long stands with her arms crossed, looking seriously at Jessica. The young teen nervously fumbles, finally managing to salute and say ¡°C-Captain.¡±


    It finally dawns on Jessica, though, that her elder sister isn¡¯t wearing a helmet. Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean Jessica is in the clear yet.


    Angelica asks stoically, ¡°Any issues, Spaceman Long?¡±


    The younger sister squeaks, ¡°N-No, Captain.¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve met our guest.¡± That one was definitely sarcasm, even though Angelica¡¯s tone was plain.


    Jessica looks down, ¡°Um, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m on companion duty. I-I speak for Miss Cave Queen, and I mo-monitor her for¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Jessica silences. Angelica breathes deep and sighs. The elder sister says softly, ¡°I hope you aren¡¯t making your decisions based on whether or not I¡¯ll say ¡®no¡¯.¡±


    Jessica replies softly, ¡°I¡¯m not. But, I¡­ I dunno. I found her fascinating. And, she¡¯s very kind.¡±


    ¡°Kindness won¡¯t prevent a viral or bacterial outbreak, Jessica. We¡¯ve gotten lucky so far.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ But, someone had to so we could¡­¡±


    ¡°Chief Grey had permission. But, it should have never gotten even THAT far. We¡¯re still working on solid first contact plans.¡±


    ¡°I get that, but¡­ we knew Mina was okay.¡±


    ¡°For the time being. What if the infection has a long incubation time? All I¡¯m saying is¡­¡± She sighs again, finishing, ¡°Just, stop being so gung ho, please? It¡¯s hard enough for me that you¡¯re a soldier. I¡¯m already proud, though. You don¡¯t have to be a hero.¡±


    Jessica smiles. She replies, ¡°I¡¯m just doing what I can, Big Sis. Please don¡¯t worry so much.¡±


    Angelica smirks. She then says, ¡°Alright. Introduce me to our guest, please.¡±


    Jessica smiles and nods, escorting Angelica closer to the alien quietly watching them. The teen smiles when the Queen reaches gently, though she motions as if to touch Angelica as well. But, the Captain doesn¡¯t flinch.


    Once touching Jessica, the Queen says through her, ¡°You are both so¡­ similar.¡±


    Angelica chuckles, replying, ¡°Thank you. We¡¯re sisters. I¡¯m also Captain of this ship. Captain Angelica Long. I¡¯m responsible for everyone on board.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure to meet you. I am grateful for this new home. It is luxurious. Much like the surface dwellers of my world.¡±


    Jessica replies, ¡°The ship is like a big moving building. We have lots of people onboard.¡±


    The Queen nods. Angelica then says, ¡°We¡¯ll do everything we can for you, but please understand, we¡¯re trying to catch up to ourselves. I must thank you, though, for granting us access to the aquifer. It¡¯ll help immensely.¡±


    The Queen smiles, and Jessica¡¯s voice says softly, ¡°What helps one can help two.¡±


    The captain smiles, ¡°Couldn¡¯t agree more. Additionally, you are not a prisoner, so your doors won¡¯t be locked if you need to evacuate this room. But, I have to leave the lights on for everyone else. We will try to make you something as quickly as possible.¡±


    The Queen replies through Jessica, ¡°I have a nest, my children are being given a chance, and I can see the stars. I have plenty.¡±


    The auburn-haired Captain smiles, asking warmly, ¡°Do you wish to see your children? We can try to schedule a dark time to take you to the lab.¡±


    Surprised, the Queen replies, ¡°I¡­ I would be grateful.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done. Once we get you your own suit, you can visit on your own time. Please be patient. We¡¯re tackling many problems.¡±


    The Queen replies humbly, ¡°Of course.¡±


    Angelica then says politely, ¡°Also, please continue to be kind to my sister. She¡¯s all I have.¡±


    The Queen again replies softly, ¡°She has extended me far greater kindness.¡±


    Jessica blushes, even as the Queen is still talking through her, taking the instant chance she can to complain, ¡°Stop! I¡¯m right there!¡±


    Angelica giggles warmly. The Captain then states, ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I wanted to check in, and now I have a few more stops to make. Have a wonderful day, Cave Queen. Spaceman Long.¡±


    Jessica replies, ¡°Thank you, Captain.¡±


    The Cave Queen nods and chirps her own, ¡°Yaenk you¡­¡±


    Captain Long smiles warmly, replying, ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± The Captain makes her way through the darkness to the airlock.


    The Queen murmurs through Spaceman Long, ¡°Humans stay in social contact with siblings¡­¡±


    The teen smiles gently, ¡°Mm-hmm. Angelica¡¯s amazing. She¡¯s just trying to be protective of me though.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    Long spends the better part of the rest of her day helping the Queen make her new nest more comfortable. She keeps it a little warmer than the cave, but not much, and she stops frequently to admire the stars.


    The young spacer is happy things turned out like they did. The fleet needs all of the help they can get, and the Queen needed help too. And, it helps make the ship feel less small.


    Hope warms Long¡¯s spirit. The universe is so big, and she¡¯s getting to see it first hand. She¡¯ll treasure moments like this day forever.


    ***

 Chapter 23: Yukonja

    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor watches the human female Captain let herself into his cell. Once more, she is carrying the chess set she insists on playing. She mocks him with it. Every game they play ends differently. Sometimes they draw, sometimes she wins, and other times he wins.


    Clearly, she is controlling the outcome. She knows the game¡¯s every possible pattern and just toys with him. That¡¯s all it is. A game meant for children is nothing in comparison to true combat. Dzor has conquered worlds. He¡¯s faced off against dangerous odds. He¡¯s lead ground battles. This game is not strategy. It is a puzzle. A simple puzzle with a finite number of solutions which can be memorized. One day, he will smash it to bits before her eyes.


    The comparatively tiny human greets him, ¡°Good afternoon, Yarjen. Did you miss me?¡±


    The grodrrn grunts, ¡°No.¡±


    She smiles though, accusing, ¡°Liar.¡±


    Dzor growls as angrily as he can, but this only amuses her more. Wretched human. As if he could feel anything but contempt for his captor. If he were to miss her, it would only be because he is ready to kill her, and she is not present.


    Then again, why DOESN¡¯T he feel the urge to kill her now? She is insolent and arrogant to think she is his equal. The primitives may have defeated him and captured him, but they are NOT his equals.


    Perhaps this is part of her strategy, though. She extends friendship to attempt to erode Dzor¡¯s guard. He¡¯s certainly learned a lot about the humans and one of their highest leaders of her own choice.


    He is not ready to free himself, though. He grows even closer, but his secret techniques take time.


    Long sets the chess board up, placing the pieces. He watches closely. Every now and then, she attempts to cheat by swapping piece positions.


    Today is one such day. Dzor growls, and she looks up at him. She asks with her quaint smile, ¡°Oh? What is it, now?¡±


    Dzor grunts, ¡°Beeshop and rock.¡±


    The human looks directly at the two pieces in question without scanning. It was CLEARLY deliberate. She cannot fool him.


    Long corrects their positions, saying brightly, ¡°Silly me. My mistake.¡±


    Dzor accuses, ¡°Eet wozz deleeborate. {It was deliberate.}¡±


    This only makes her smile more, and she teases, ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t care about this game.¡±


    Dzor glares at her. She dares assume he cares about this pathetic game? Never. He retorts, ¡°Ai do not. Boot, eef we arr tuu ply, Ai weel NOT be cheat. {I do not. But, if we are to play, I will NOT be cheat(ed).}¡±


    She replies simply, ¡°Very well.¡± She then adds, ¡°You¡¯re first today.¡±


    Dzor studies the board. Surely, if she has memorized the strategies, then there must be those that are harder to remember. Perhaps he can attempt a game of attrition, to draw out as many moves as possible. He starts by moving his king¡¯s pawn one space forward.


    Long thinks for a moment. She remarks as she does, ¡°We discovered a new sentient race. Or rather, the last member of a sentient race.¡±


    Dzor grunts out as she too moves a pawn, but her king¡¯s rook¡¯s pawn one space, ¡°Lost mimbor eez rarlih lost. {Last member is rarely last.}¡± There are always hold outs on a world. Many Grodrrns have fallen for that line from nearly-extinct worlds or newly colonized ones. With colonies comes a retaliatory force.


    But, Long remarks as Dzor moves another pawn, ¡°We¡¯re pretty sure she is. At least, until some of her eggs hatch. We can¡¯t find ANY other life on the world.¡±


    The humans are at least smart enough to verify. That¡¯s acceptable. He asks, ¡°Did yuu conckor? {Did you conquer?}¡±


    Long giggles, ¡°I mean, I suppose you could say we did. She tried to kidnap one of our marines, but wasn¡¯t outright hostile, so we negotiated. She chose to join our fleet.¡±


    Dzor scoffs, grunting, ¡°Minny rasses ¡®chooz¡¯ to join Fievegal. Lock oov oothor choses. {Many races ¡®choose¡¯ to join Fievegal. Lack of other choices.}¡±


    Long replies gently, ¡°Her world was already dead, but we by no means forced her. She had no idea. She could have self-sustained where we found her, but she¡¯d have been alone.¡±


    ¡°Whih keednop moreen? {Why kidnap marine?}¡±


    ¡°She wanted a host for her eggs.¡±


    ¡°Nnn¡­ Poraseet. Donjeroos. Poraseets rarlih regord haust seeftih. {Nnn¡­ Parasite. Dangerous. Parasites rarely regard host safety.}¡± Dzor makes a move, adding, ¡°Seefer to mock ixteenct. {Safer to make extinct.}¡±


    Long has moved a bishop out into play, and she replies, ¡°You¡¯re probably right. But, we¡¯re operating under the assumption NO other sentient race has any regard for our safety. However, we also refuse to be conquerors and exterminators. So, we¡¯ll extend a hand of peace first, if we can.¡±


    Dzor snorts. He retorts, ¡°Grodurns reegord seeftih. HOOMINS mod ivireetheeng panful. {Grodrrns regard safety. HUMANS made everything painful.}¡±


    Long frowns, retorting, ¡°Your troops attacked on landing. You spared SOME children that you were trying to kidnap, but everyone else was being wiped out.¡±


    They¡¯ve argued this before. While the Grodrrn strategy has a high success rate, it can¡¯t account for the race being conquered obliterating themselves. True, the first settlement is always attacked heavily, but it tends to pacify races much quicker when the Grodrrns relax the attack to begin negotiation. And, given the circumstances around the Saurmynnyka¡¯s death, MANY in the Fievegal wanted retaliation.


    Unlike the humans, though, Grodrrns still have a homeworld and a sizeable population. The humans are clinging to survival like a rikczy clinging to a rock in a stormy sea. Their tenacity truly is to be admired as well.


    Dzor says gently, ¡°Ai know.¡±


    Long sighs. She still harbors bitterness to the situation, but she has done her best to forgive, and even try to understand. The humans certainly didn¡¯t have to save the Grodrrns that are captive now.


    Long says gently, ¡°Let¡¯s change subjects. I was told today the lab for testing Craw and the others and working on the infertility is finally set up. Sorry it took so long.¡±


    Dzor scoffs, ¡°Yuu arr onn teem leemeet, not me, hoomin. Ai told yuu, nixt chonce ai git, ai leev. {You are on time limit, not me, human. I told you, next chance I get, I leave.}¡±


    Long smirks. ¡°I remember. But, until then, I intend to torture you every day with chess. You¡¯re good, but you lack creativity.¡±


    Dzor growls, ¡°Theess eez poozul geem. Notheeng morr. Yuu mimoreez solooshuns. {This is puzzle game. Nothing more. You memorize solutions.}¡±


    The human giggles, ¡°Nope. Besides, there are millions of combinations of moves. How could someone memorize them all?¡±


    Dzor grumbles nothing in particular. That is an admittedly fair argument, but he won¡¯t admit it to HER. He¡¯d rather lose a thousand times.


    Long asks suddenly, ¡°Would you like to meet my sister, Jor?¡±


    The Grodrrn Jardzen is taken back. It¡¯s a rather surprising question, but he replies casually, ¡°No.¡±


    The human seems to ignore him, saying calmly, ¡°You probably wouldn¡¯t like her much. She¡¯s WAY more compassionate than I am. But, she¡¯s adventurous. AND, she¡¯s dedicated. No matter how many times she falls, she tries again until she succeeds. She¡¯d try to get to where she can hug you.¡±


    ¡°Sonds oggreevotteeng, {Sounds aggravating,}¡± grunts Dzor bluntly.


    Long giggles, ¡°To you, maybe. I can¡¯t not adore her. It¡¯s scary though. She¡¯s growing up so fast. I feel like I¡¯m missing so much.¡±


    Dzor is quiet for a moment as he thinks. He says after a short while, ¡°Hulm¡¯hins sah thot even oftor hundred yars. {Chulm¡¯chns say that even after hundred years.}¡±


    The human smiles gently, ¡°I can understand that. It¡¯s easy to long for the days when they¡¯re adorable little ones again.¡±


    Dzor scoffs, grunting, ¡°Hoomins con ipparintlih joost hov inothor. {Humans can apparently just have another.}¡±


    Long smiles gently. She replies, ¡°In some cases, I suppose so. But, it¡¯s not about replacing that feeling. It¡¯s about moments you can adore forever.¡±


    Dzor grunts noncommittally, making another move.


    The human keeps going though, asking cautiously, ¡°Does¡­ it never cross your mind¡­ how all Grodrrns are¡­¡± She pauses for a long while.


    Dzor grunts impatiently, ¡°Whut, hoomin?¡±


    She finishes, somewhat seemingly disappointed, ¡°Related?¡±


    Dzor snorts. He would think such an obvious fact would go without saying, but he retorts, ¡°We arr oon spissies. Ov course rilatted. {We are one species. Of course related.}¡±


    ¡°No! I mean¡­ ugh¡­ that you all share¡­ a mother, basically.¡±


    Dzor is admittedly confused for amoment. But, he realizes who the Captain is calling his mother. He asks, ¡°Yuu minn Saurmynnyka?¡±


    Long nods. Dzor scratches his chin, thinking. She¡¯s right, but it never really crossed his mind. It doesn¡¯t really EVER get talked about. The Saurmynnyka is the Saurmynnyka, and a Grodrrn is raised by their Chulm¡¯chn and their Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s bondmate. Personal ties are only to the individuals present when the hatchling lays eyes on them the moment they hatch. This is almost always the Chulm¡¯chn, and sometimes the bondmate. The Saurmynnyka is a social loyalty. She is the supreme Grodrrn. Only those loyal to her make it on Grodurra. But, it¡¯s not like the humans and their mothers.


    The Baskylla Jardzen replies, ¡°No. How eets alwihs been, thow. It list, long teem now. {No. How it¡¯s always been, though. At least, long time now.}¡±


    Long nods thoughtfully. She replies cautiously, ¡°If you had a choice, would you want it to stay that way, or your hatchlings come from the person you choose?¡±


    Dzor growls, startling her a little. He accuses, ¡°Yuu darr trih trizzonis tropp? Ai omm loyill tuu Fievegal. The Saurmynnyka¡­ {You dare try treasonous trap? I am loyal to Fievegal. The Saurmynnyka¡­}¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to entrap you, Jor. You act like your people would believe any evidence I send them of your treason. I¡¯m just talking hypothetically. One friend to another. What you tell me won¡¯t leave this room.¡±


    Dzor stares at the female human for a long time. She¡¯s honest, sincere, and compassionate to a fault. It will undoubtedly get her killed one day.


    Dzor finally says distantly, ¡°Ai now Grodurns ¨Cnot me- hoo bileevv the Fievegal¡¯s mindatt tuu stirileez feemahls een agg eez oonfarr ond crool, ond thee seesteem fohr ippliheeng fohr agg reets eez beeissed ond eenvissive. {I know Grodrrns ¨Cnot me- who believe the Fievegal¡¯s mandate to sterilize females in egg is unfair and cruel, and the system for applying for egg rights is biased and invasive.}¡± He adds sternly, ¡°AI duu NOT bileevv theess.¡±


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The human smirks, replying, ¡°You don¡¯t believe such things. Got it. But, biased? How so?¡±


    Dzor pauses, wondering how much he should say. Jardzen Khla may be the only one who thinks he might¡¯ve survived, thanks only to Helmdraavv Khla¡¯s message. And though, Khla took full blame for the aid the humans have gotten, Dzor knows no review panel in any sect of the Fievegal would give that claim any credibility. Not from an impressionable youngling like Khla. Not to mention, Dzor isn¡¯t even certain anymore that he could ALLOW Khla to take all of the blame. Not only could he have killed her in order to stop her, but the human supersoldier even admitted that SHE alone is the only reason any of the Grodrrns were saved, including and especially the boarding party, whom she revealed a non-lethal way to incapacitate them. Dzor didn¡¯t think about it at the time, but the humans KNEW how to kill Grodrrns already, and the boarding party was only a handful. They probably weren¡¯t actually supposed to board, but did so out of seeming opportunity.


    In any case, Khla has served Grodrrns before anything else, even if she helps the humans. And, for that, Dzor is uncertain if he could let her stand alone.


    The Jardzen replies calmly, ¡°Deesseedints, oovv coorss. Ovirlih oggreeseevv Grodurns. Ribil sympeetheezors. Non-complance weeth new pawlissihs. Eendeeveejools weeth hurns. Blue scawls. Consporeessih clammers. Dool jindors. Tox eevidors. Ond, hovveeng convorseeshin leek theess. {Dissidents, of course. Overly aggressive Grodrrns. Rebel sympathizers. Non-compliance with new policies. Individuals with horns. Blue scales. Conspiracy claimers. Dual genders. Tax evaders. And having conversation like this.}¡± Dzor looks at Long, adding, ¡°Theess offinssis, eef not sivir enoof tuu be pooneeshed bih deeth, arr autimotteek exclusions to agg reets. {These offenses, if not severe enough to be punished by death, are automatic exclusions to egg rights.}¡±


    Confused, Long asks, ¡°How is it a ¡®right¡¯ then? It sounds more like a priviledge.¡±


    ¡°Eet eez, {It is,}¡± replies Dzor.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s not a right. A RIGHT means you can¡¯t be simply excluded from it.¡±


    Dzor thinks about it a moment. The human did say the humans as a whole don¡¯t have to have permission to have offspring, and they can do so with a partner of their choosing. Is that what it means for it to be a right?


    Long asks, ¡°What did you mean ¡®horns¡¯ and ¡®blue scales¡¯?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Mootahshins. Eef born weeth hurns on hid or blue scawls, not allow to poss tratts on. {Mutations. If born with horns on head or blue scales, not allow(ed) to pass traits on.}¡±


    ¡°What!? Why?¡±


    Dzor grunts, ¡°Ai don¡¯t know. Thot¡¯s how eet eez. {I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s how it is.}¡±


    Long sighs. She asks, ¡°What about ¡®dual genders¡¯? You have individuals who transition?¡±


    ¡°Tronseeshin? Soom, ai soopozz. Boot, REAL dool jindor. {Transition? Some, I suppose. But, REAL dual gender.}¡± He thinsk a moment. He adds, ¡°Borr weeth bawth mahl ond feemahl orgins. Oozshuallih storileezed ozz eef feemahl, boot EEF steel forteel ozz mahl, not allod tuu poss tratt. {Born with both male and female organs. Usually sterilized as if female, but IF still fertile as male, not allowed to pass trait.}¡±


    ¡°That makes me sad for your people, Jor. We thought that might be the case, but I was kinda hoping that was wrong.¡±


    Dzor says nothing this time. He¡¯s not sure what to say. He watches Long move a piece, and he begins to wonder if she¡¯s making intentionally reserved moves to drag the game out as well.


    A few silent moves go by, and Dzor asks, ¡°Whih osk? {Why ask?}¡±


    Long¡¯s expression softens, and she replies, ¡°For Craw, honestly. I don¡¯t necessarily want her to get sucked into being the permanent brood mother to all Grodurns for the rest of her life. I can¡¯t imagine what that would do to her or her father, how it would radically change their lives. I just wanted to know if maybe the Grodurns were more open to the idea of everyone having their own families. Sounds like, maybe they are.¡±


    Dzor snorts, replying amusedly, ¡°Insissant Yukonja.¡±


    This causes her to smile, and she teases, ¡°Someday, in addition to how old you are, you WILL tell me what that means.¡±


    ¡°I weel injoh feest on your b-¡­¡± He pauses, remembering how she teased him. He attempts to pronounce it carefully, ¡°B-Bah-B¡­¡± The Jardzen growls, silencing.


    Long simply giggles, replying, ¡°It must be some form of respectful. You don¡¯t say it when others are around.¡±


    Dzor growls, ¡°Free mih honds oggin, and we see rispickt ai show. {Free my hands again, and we see respect I show.}¡±


    She states bluntly, ¡°I respect you, Dzor. You¡¯ve had many chances to kill me and haven¡¯t. You see reason, you use logic, and, though many of the captives dislike you, Craw speaks very highly of your reputation as a Baskylla Yarjen. And, knowing how far I¡¯ve had to come as a ship captain, I can only imagine the road you¡¯ve travelled to reach Yarjen. You¡¯ve seen things I may never see. You are full of wisdom, which I expect you¡¯ll continue to keep. You¡¯re fearless and strong. Honestly, if you were human, I would have a hard time not being at least a little smitten with you. I don¡¯t care if you disrespect me or look down on us humans. One positive word will always outweigh a thousand negatives.¡±


    Once more, Dzor is silent, for lack of what to say. As usual, her sincerity isn¡¯t in question. He simply doesn¡¯t understand it. This human primitive, after having taken a ruthless conqueror captive, still talks and treats him like an equal. She doesn¡¯t denigrate him or insult him. She comes, they talk, some of it is banter and harmless teasing, and then she comes back the next day. Dzor¡¯s own bondmate, still on Grodurra, talked to him less than this strange human does. And, Dzor has confirmed that Long has spared meals for the Grodrrns. Some of hers gets given to Craw, and other times he smells it in passing to the other cells. And, once or twice, his meals have her distinctive scent.


    Dzor wants to escape. He¡¯s still certain of that. But, he¡¯s not sure what he¡¯d do after. He SHOULD be able to say that he would capture as many humans as possible, even the whole fleet if he could, and kill ANYONE who stands in his way. But, for some reason, he can¡¯t envision it the way he used to.


    Dzor says quietly. ¡°Tuu hoondrid, forrtih three.¡±


    The curious human looks up at him, slightly confused. He looks up and away, stating, ¡°Een your teem. Tuu hoondrid, forrtih three.¡±


    Surprised, Long confirms, ¡°You¡¯re two hundred and forty three Earth years old?¡±


    Dzor nods, and she adds warmly, ¡°You don¡¯t look a day over one-fifty.¡±


    The Jardzen snarls, ¡°Ai steel young, hoomin! {I still young, human!}¡±


    This only causes her to giggle, though, and she replies warmly, ¡°I know. Thank you. I¡¯m thirty two years old. I¡¯m semi-young.¡±


    Dzor snorts noncommittally. Humans apparently mature VERY quickly, though. Long is older than Helmdraavv Khla, but carries the emotional weight of a Grodrrn Dzor¡¯s age. Not himself, of course, but Grodrrn¡¯s he¡¯s known.


    Dzor asks more gently, ¡°Yukonja¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± She replies as if it¡¯s her name, flattered even though she has no idea what it means.


    Dzor asks, ¡°Whih no offspreeng?¡±


    Surprised, her grin disappears. Her gaze goes more distant. She says softly, ¡°I dunno. I guess I focused on my career the most. Guys I work with are intimidated by me or not attracted to me. Most others just wanted to leech off of my paycheck. Not to mention, every day, our politicians were starting race riots or pandemics for political moves. I kinda didn¡¯t see much hope for the future my kids would inherit. Nobody but the politicians would really enjoy life under the government they wanted. They¡¯d have just been alive as long as they can work.¡±


    Dzor ponders that statement. Thinking about it, that doesn¡¯t sound very different than the Fievegal. He asks, ¡°Whih not bee pawleeteeshin, thin? {Why not be politician, then?}¡±


    The human chuckles, though less emphatically than usual. She replies, ¡°It¡¯s usually not that simple. You have to know somebody.¡± She scoffs, ¡°There was a time. I could have, though, if I did everything my parents wanted. They were pretty high up the political food chain. And, they were on the ¡®right¡¯ side.¡± She turns a little more grim, though, saying softly, ¡°Not high enough, ironically, to end up here.¡±


    Dzor is quiet for a minute as Long stares distantly at the chess board. He asks, trying to drift away from that, ¡°Eef mahls eeteemeedott, whih not ordor to geevv offspreeng? {If males intimidate(d), why not order to give offspring?}¡±


    Long smirks. She replies softly, ¡°That¡¯s not how it works for us. Why? Could you?¡±


    Dzor chuckles for once, replying, ¡°Whut wood bee pont? {What would be point?}¡±


    Long giggles, and the Jardzen adds, ¡°Boot, Saurmynnyka cood ordor matt eef dezarred. {But, Saurmynnyka could order mate if desired.}¡±


    ¡°Really? For what purpose? Desireable traits? What would those be?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°No porpiss. Onny rizzon Saurmynnyka chooz. Ottrockshin, he around whin Saurmynnyka arozzed, she dizzarr one dah for fontossy ond chooz moss lijindarrih hurro aleev. {No purpose. Any reason Saurmynnyka choose. Attraction, he around when Saurmynnyka aroused, she desire one day for fantasy and choose most legendary hero alive.}¡±


    Long remarks, ¡°Sounds to me like the Saurmynnyka can do just about anything she wants at all.¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°She eez hee-ist Grodurn. She creott pawlissih, declarr war, lah aggs, deseed deeth for onnyoon. {She is highest Grodrrn. She create(s) policy, declare war, lay eggs, decide death for anyone.}¡±


    ¡°She could name people for death? Like anyone, for no reason?¡±


    The Jardzen nods, ¡°Eef dezarred, yuss.¡±


    ¡°How many Grodurns are there?¡± asks the human with surprise.


    Dzor glares lightly at her, and she defensively adds, ¡°What!? Oh, come on! I just mean, you have to pay AND be allowed to have children. NOT TO MENTION, the ¡®clients¡¯ visit her. And, even then, even WITH your extended longevity, how do you maintain your population?¡±


    Dzor stares at her this time with a blank expression. Why must the human¡¯s mind puzzle around such specific questions? After all, he never had the chance to even receive an egg. And, here she is trying to correlate meeting time, laying time, and population change.


    What troubles him most, though, is that, like most things recently, she has a point. There are MANY Grodurns, and there always have been. And, there were always many hatchlings. Now that Dzor is thinking about it specifically, he does recall at least three Chulm¡¯chns receiving their eggs on the same day, just that he personally knows. And, Khla was one of them. If Dzor¡¯s mind is following the same logic he suspects Long¡¯s is, then he¡¯s beginning to wonder the unthinkable: is a Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s egg even their own?


    Once granted an egg, a chulm¡¯chn¡¯s entire focus in life becomes the egg. Many forget to eat for the first few weeks, so preoccupied are they with the delicate casing housing a fragile life. The priviledge to carry an egg is among the highest any Grodrrn can achieve, normally. It is more precious than solar stones, cobalt, or even makynn combined. No Grodrrn, even the most skeptical of those loyal to the Fievegal, dares question anything about the nature of the process around the egg. They gratefully accept the priviledge. After all, hatchlings imprint on the first beings they see upon hatching. Virtually nothing else factors in, and certainly not biological relation.


    Dzor KNOWS he shouldn¡¯t want the answers. These questions, this line of thought, they¡¯re beyond treacherous. They prod at a secret deeply rooted in the heart of the Fievegal.


    Baskylla Jardzen Nor¡¯ulluch Et Dzor¡¯chn is a good soldier and a good Jardzen. He is loyal to the Fievegal, and he would die to protect it. But, his higher duty is to Grodurra and all other Grodrrns. There is no Fievegal without Grodrrns.


    In just a few visits, this tiny human female has twisted and opened everything Dzor thought he never needed to know. She has awakened something dangerous in the Baskylla Jardzen.


    She has awakened his curiousity.


    Dzor sighs, grunting, ¡°Eensissont Yukonja.¡± He smirks at her, replying, ¡°Ai ixpeect onsorrs tuu booth arr kwissions weel be onsorr eef work weeth Craw eez froofull. {I expect answers to both our questions will be answer(ed) if work with Khla is fruitful.}¡±


    Long smiles, nodding in agreement. She then asks, as this game gets closer to an end, ¡°So¡­ how many worlds have you conquered? YOU specifically. And, how do you declare a world ¡®conquered¡¯?¡±


    Dzor answers simply, ¡°How ilse? Whin popoolahshin oksipt Grodurn Zshon¡¯huln. {How else? When population accept Grodrrn Zhon¡¯chlln.}¡± He pauses, clarifying, ¡°Goovornor. Istobleesh resorrss tockses. Deesmontle onny spasscroft. {Governor. Establish resource taxes. Dismantle any spacecraft.}¡± He scratches his chin, asking as he thinks, ¡°How minny?¡± He¡¯s been at various ranks for at least a couple dozen. He replies, fairly confident, ¡°Fohr, mobby feeve ozz preemarry Yarjen. Thrih ozz sicondarry. Morr thon tin ozz othor ronks ond rolls. {Four, maybe five as primary Jardzen. Three as secondary. More than ten as other ranks and roles.}¡±


    ¡°Wow! That many? We always assumed there would NEVER be so many sentient races, if any at all.¡±


    ¡°Not oll deeforint rass. Oonss word lost, rass trih tuu bolster deefinss oof oothor words. Ooshilih tuu lott eef we begeen conquist. We preparred for compann. {Not all different race(s). Once world lost, race try to bolster defense(s) of other worlds. Usually too late if we begin conquest. We prepared for campaign.}¡± Dzor pauses, smirking at the human commandant who bested him, adding, ¡°Ooshilih. {Usually.}¡±


    Long smiles in return. She remarks dryly, ¡°Well, I guess, if the hysterians taking over our world had a silver lining, it was that ¡®crisis response¡¯ is what we do every couple years. Usually, it was a wild goose chase or chasing our tails before ¡®it kills us all¡¯, but we managed something when it actually mattered for once.¡±


    Dzor nods. Long moves her bishop and declares, ¡°Checkmate, Jor. Sorry, but I win today.¡±


    The Baskylla Jardzen studies the board for a time. True enough, despite his best efforts to protect his king and drag the match out, she managed to box him in. He is less convinced that she memorized the moves, though. He displayed no outward tactic but moving forward. And, he was only a couple moves from victory himself. But, humans seem to take everything on in the moment. Yes, she plans ahead, but she also adapts.


    Dzor isn¡¯t angry. A temper tantrum is just a waste of energy. But, he isn¡¯t sure how to describe what he¡¯s feeling right now. It¡¯s a strange form of peace, contentment, even.


    He displays indifference though, crossing his arms and grunting, ¡°Offspreeng geem.¡±


    Long giggles as she cleans up. She teases, ¡°You¡¯ll have to teach yours when the time comes.¡± She smiles up at him.


    The Jardzen scoffs, grunting, ¡°Yukonja¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±


    Dzor looks away. How can she so readily accept the name when she has no idea what it means? It could be a horrible insult. It could be derogatory. Does she truly have faith that it¡¯s affectionate?


    Once more, she steps across the ¡®safe¡¯ line and touches his arm. He could crush her with any movement he chooses. He could even bite her head clean off. He should. He senses much of the humans¡¯ organization flows through her. It would cripple their ability to fight.


    She says warmly, ¡°Jinntarick mrulk, Jor.¡±


    Dzor doesn¡¯t respond. She eventually walks away from him. Just as she¡¯s about to exit though, an out of control impulse compels him to blurt out, ¡°Yukonja!¡± Long stops and turns. What was he, a once powerful military conqueror, going to tell this primitive? She smiles expectantly, replying, ¡°Yes?¡±


    The Baskylla Jardzen looks down, caught on the spot. What was he thinking? What should he say now that he got himself into this?


    Dzor finally says hesitantly, ¡°Y-Yorr pronoonseeahshin eemproovs.¡±


    She smiles, replying, ¡°Thank you. Same to you. Have a good day.¡±


    He looks away, saying nothing further. He needs to escape soon. His captivity is having an affect on who he was ¨CIS. On who he IS.-


    He must NOT forget who and what he is.


    ***

 Chapter 24: The Master Pilot

    Petty Officer Third Class Mina Coulson was fairly new to the marines back on Earth. Like most of the others, she lucked into a station on Fort Tacoma guarding the orbital elevator because her father was an influential scientist in Mr. Right¡¯s company. He¡¯s now, ironically, one of the team monitoring the health of alien embryos in extremely fancy jars.


    Mina and Rena have a close relationship with their father, especially since their mother left for the east coast with a wealthy celebrity when the twins were very young. Both their father and stepmother are fairly laid back, but they work hard, and they both encourage the twins for their triumphs.


    Heloise, their stepmother, made the ¡®cut¡¯ for the ship only because she was married to Craig, their dad. Heloise was a police officer on Earth in the town they lived in. Because the marines have been policing the ships, she was assigned basic kitchen and custodial duties. But, Mina made a request, and now Heloise is ¡®caretaker¡¯ for the alien broodmother the fleet picked up. The former police officer does almost anything a butler would do, including cleaning and tending the Queen¡¯s garden for edible fruits. But, she¡¯s different from ¡®companion¡¯ detail in that she never has to come in contact with the Queen if she chooses not to. It¡¯s still a few big steps down from police officer, but it¡¯s something.


    And, unlike kitchen duty, Heloise counts as security, so she is once more allowed to serve as a defender and carry one of the new hybrid sidearms. Though, the intent is that she defends the Queen and her brood.


    Still, EVERYONE: Craig, Heloise, and even Rena, have warmed up to the octopus-like alien like she¡¯s a new neighbor up the street. Rena even took companion detail and is standing by as the Queen fawns over the capsules stuffed with her offspring. Heloise is talking cordially to them, and Craig is sampling the liquids in the capsules. The offspring are doing quite well already, and it¡¯s only been a little over a week since. The variations haven¡¯t revealed a difference yet, but apparently all of the embryos are developing.


    Mina isn¡¯t sure what to feel. She was scared to death when the Queen grabbed her, and she was terrified when they learned what was intended for her body. But, she also, like everyone else, quickly understood what drove the Queen to such desperately aggressive action.


    And, she isn¡¯t mad at Grey for using her to talk to the Queen once the Queen had removed Mina¡¯s helmet. He was the first one in the water after her, and he may have led the negotiation, but she KNOWS he¡¯d be the first to pull the trigger, too.


    Mina¡¯s helmet is another thing. Given the ferocity and speed of Mina being snatched, even she was surprised when the Queen had her alone. The alien was incredibly delicate about figuring out how to remove Mina¡¯s helmet. She, of course, didn¡¯t know how dangerous that could be to her prospective ¡®host¡¯, but she didn¡¯t really hurt Mina at all, even inadvertently.


    A morbid curiousity has consumed Mina¡¯s thoughts, the last couple of days especially. Her mind wonders what might¡¯ve happened. Would SHE be stuffed full of all of those alien eggs, unable to walk, but¡­ being doted on by someone as affectionate as the Queen?


    The Queen claims her species is solitary, which may be true out of necessity, but she is extremely affectionate to inanimate objects, touching and hugging them and¡­ singing, all because they hold her spawn.


    Mina¡¯s had weird thoughts in her life, but this isn¡¯t the same. She¡¯s envying inanimate objects because of the attention they¡¯re receiving and because it could have been her. Her eyeline happens to notice the Queen¡¯s abdomen. It already has a purplish glowing orb faintly visible inside; her body still ceaselessly producing offspring. Will the fleet try to address that? Their mortality rate won¡¯t be nearly as high as their own world, meaning their population can QUICKLY explode from even one fertile individual.


    Mina tries to convince herself that such a thought is her ONLY interest in the visible egg, but¡­


    She shakes her head to try to clear it. She decides it¡¯s time to leave the area. She carefully navigates the darkened hallway to the zebra doors meant to protect the ship if any room is breached to space. The hallway is sectioned with a ¡®light lock¡¯ room between dark and light.


    From there, Mina makes her way to the hangar, where Chief Grey is cleaning his weapons and drilling rookies ¨Cincluding Long- on the same. Mina checks out her hybrid rifle to join them.


    Grey is just finishing asking, ¡°What¡¯s the most dangerous thing taking this apart, Pratt?¡±


    Pratt, the rookie, replies, ¡°Th-the capacitor, Chief Petty Officer. It can store a lethal charge.¡±


    Before Grey can confirm, Mina jokes, ¡°The trigger, rookie. It¡¯s still a gun.¡±


    The Chief chuckles, replying, ¡°I won¡¯t say that¡¯s wrong, Thing Three. Both right. Keep that in mind, too, recruit, but the capacitor is right. It¡¯s sending your bullets down range with a packet of excited electrons. That¡¯s a lot of energy. The terminals are recessed, but they¡¯re there.¡±


    Pratt replies, ¡°Yes Chief Petty Officer!¡±


    Grey asks as he scrubs the receiver of his rifle with a toothbrush, ¡°So, what caused the great and mighty Thing Three to grace us with her presence?¡±


    Mina smirks as she clears her weapon and begins disassembly, ¡°Very funny, Chief. But, your sarcasm is thin. We all know the truth.¡±


    He scoffs, and she replies, ¡°Everyone I¡¯d rather be talking to is doting on the squid.¡±


    Grey teases, ¡°Uh oh. I sense a little jealousy.¡±


    ¡°Call it what you want, Chief. I call it boredom and nothing more.¡± Mina notices Long fidgeting with something in her uniform, but ignores it. If she¡¯s like Rena, it¡¯s a videogame or snacks she¡¯s hiding from Grey.


    Chief Grey replies, ¡°A¡¯ight, Petty Officer. Welcome to the party.¡±


    She scoffs, continuing to work on her weapon. Her thoughts still dwell on the Cave Queen, though, and she boils over into blurting out, ¡°I mean, she¡¯s an absolute primitive. Why does everyone think she¡¯s so special? The crocs at least have tech for us to steal. The squid¡¯s just a parasite. Literally.¡±


    Chief Grey sets his brush and receiver down. He asks calmly, ¡°What is tow¡¯s first policy?¡±


    Mina snorts, huffing, ¡°Appease aliens.¡±


    Grey growls quietly, ¡°Long?¡±


    The teen snaps her attention back to the group, replying, ¡°Chief! The Tactical Exploration and Assault Unit¡¯s first policy is to preserve sentient life where possible. This could mean non-interference, negotiation, or upliftment, as the case may permit, Chief.¡±


    Grey nods. He says equally calmly, ¡°If I was ten seconds later finding you, it likely would have been different. And, you can bet your rear I¡¯d have pulled the trigger to protect your life. The Cave Queen praises you, specifically, for saving her race, solely for the fact that you didn¡¯t ask to leave her behind. If you fought, we would have. So why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Mina sucks her teeth, ¡°Tch!¡± She retorts, ¡°Great question. I¡­¡± She pauses, straining to think of a snarky response.


    Instead, her honesty seeps out of her. ¡°I felt pity for her. Doesn¡¯t mean I have to like her.¡±


    Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°And here we are. We have a croc pilot instructor, the Captain plays chess with the croc captain, and a parasitic squid Queen is a welcome guest. If this isn¡¯t some TV-grade crap, I don¡¯t know what is. Oh, and let¡¯s not forget our buddies from the iceteroid.¡±


    Mina scoffs. She places her chin on her hand, mumbling, ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡±


    Long offers gently, ¡°She is sorry she scared you, Coulson. She was desperate.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Would she have been if she got to do what she wanted?¡±


    The teen nods, ¡°Mm-hmm. I believe so. She liked how things were on her planet. Before the roaches arrived.¡±


    Mina crosses her arms, saying sourly, ¡°Maybe I should see how sorry she is. I think I¡¯ll volunteer for companion duty.¡±


    Long says warmly, ¡°She¡¯ll be very thankful if you forgive her, Coulson.¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s being forgiven yet. This will just let me know more.¡± She wants to know. But, what concerns her is her subconscious motivation. She''ll keep herself in check, though. Military duty is no place for personal curiosities.


    Grey replies as he picks up his rifle barrel and starts cleaning it, ¡°You sure, Coulson? You realize you¡¯ll be alone with her for hours on end sometimes. And, any time she needs to talk, she has to be in physical contact with you. You sure you¡¯ll be comfortable with that?¡±


    Mina hesitates. Comfort is what¡¯s concerning her. But, she has some curiosities with the Queen. She needs to focus on, well, not those either, but ensuring the Queen can be trusted. That¡¯s it. She¡¯s the most objective about the Queen. Only SHE can determine if the Queen is dangerous for certain. Or something.


    The young Petty Officer replies, ¡°I can handle it, Chief.¡±


    Grey shrugs, ¡°Suit yourself. I¡¯ll add you to the watch rotation. Might wanna go nap. I think the next watch that would be Long¡¯s is tomorrow midnight to four.¡±


    Long adds, ¡°It also lines up with this world¡¯s mid-day time, which is when she sleeps anyways, usually.¡±


    Mina nods. She says to Grey, ¡°I¡¯ll do that then. Thanks. Midnight to four.¡± Mina finishes cleaning her weapon more hastily, reassembling it and returning it to the armory. She heads to her room to sleep. She has some trouble drifting off at first, as she wonders what she¡¯s going to ask the alien Queen. Eventually, though, she is able to fall asleep for her nap.


    ***


    Niolayt Jardzen Mrff makes his shuttle ready to fly. He had everything unnevessarry to this mission pulled from the hull, which includes landing supplies, EVA suits, weapons ¨Cboth infantry and ship-, and the backup life support for the shuttle. If his mission is to fail, it¡¯s not going to be because of running out of air.


    His preflight checks are going smooth, and the navigations team is doing their best to ensure an immediate escape coordinate is prepared for him. Mrff himself isn¡¯t sure how he escaped the Zarrak interdictor the time he did, which is why he never claimed he did before. The Fievegal would demand to know how, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to answer. He doubts he¡¯d be a Niolayt Jardzen, though. Or, alive for that matter.


    But, he has his suspicions. He¡¯s given much thought to his escape. Usually, to leave an encounter with the Zarrakyssns, a Fievegal Baskylla or larger battlegroups even, must hold their ground and fight to the last. The Zarrakyssns utilize numbers and little else. No one in the Fievegal is certain how they obtained their interdiction technology, and few have seen it used and survived.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Technically, the Fievegal and the Zarrakyssns have a territorial truce. While the Zarrakyssns consume everything as they slowly expand outward, they do not expand very hastily towards sovereign Fievegal territory. The Fievegal is the only force capable of driving back the Zarrak fleets with devastating losses. A single Fievegal battleship is worth twenty Zarrak horde ships; their equivalent. Because Zarrakyssns favor boarding and capturing their opponents to be enslaved briefly before consumption, their ships are geared for boarding operations. And, on many races, their tactic is extremely effective.


    However, Grodrrns individually are worth 100 or more Zarrak soldiers, meaning the Zarrakyssns have better odds ship-to-ship than onboard a Fievegal battleship.


    That¡¯s certainly not to say the Fievegal is eager to fight the Zarrakyssns and conquer them. Battles against them are fought to escape. If a battle starts, a signal goes out, and the longer it takes, the more Zarrak ships arrive. They have numbers to account for how fragile they are. Mrff believes the humans might survive a small skirmish and escape, but even he is certain they¡¯d quickly be overwhelmed.


    Khla¡¯s face appears on screen, asking, ¡°{Are you still certain, Yarjen? There may be other options.}¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°{This is the best. If the human fleet is undiscovered, this ensures they stay that way.}¡±


    Khla nods. Mrff is just about to close up the ship when boots thud on board. The Niolayt Jardzen whirls in anger, and a young Helmdraavv halts, saluting as he announces, ¡°{Niolayt Yarjen! Helmdraavv Grrgyllyn¡¯hrrch Zharr Dzhonn¡¯chn, present for your command.}¡±


    Mrff growls, ¡°{I didn¡¯t summon you. Get off this ship.}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{I¡¯m sending him, Murf. Consider him backup, your disciple, or simply a comfort to me. He will run any secondary functions ¨Cspecifically the location plotting- once you arrive so you can focus on piloting.}¡±


    ¡°{I don¡¯t need him, Yarjen. One more body if I fail.}¡±


    ¡°{The only reason you¡¯re going is because you gave your word you wouldn¡¯t fail, Yarjen. Dzhonn will be a boon. I can sense it.}¡±


    Mrff stares at Khla¡¯s face. He finally concedes, grunting, ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen. Helmdraff, take copilot and prepare for takeoff.}¡±


    Dzhonn stows his gear, quickly taking his position. He states, ¡°{All systems green, Yarjen!}¡±


    Mrff glances at Khla skeptically, grunting with a hint of exasperation, ¡°{I know¡­}¡±


    Khla says calmly, ¡°{May the suns¡¯ warmth reach your mission.}¡±


    Mrff nods. He states, ¡°{Taking off.}¡± The Niolayt Jardzen eases the ship out of the battleship¡¯s hangar, and he pilots it to the launch point. He aligns with the coordinates plotted by the forensics team. He asks dryly, ¡°{Ready to die, Helmdraff?}¡±


    The young pilot replies with only a hint of nervousness, ¡°{If need be, yes, Yarjen.}¡±


    Mrff scoffs, replying, ¡°{Good.}¡±


    Suddenly, the human female voice of Laurel says from the computer screen, ¡°Be careful, Murf. Come back safe, please.¡±


    Mrff nods. He activates the shuttle¡¯s jump drive, and the screens go dark. With the shuttle well on its way, Mrff says plainly, ¡°{Jump is estimated to be a little over one and a half stellar. Entertain yourself quietly until then.}¡± Mrff takes a seat on the floor in a corner, beginning a meditation session.


    Dzhonn is quiet and respectful of Mrff, and the Jardzen easily tunes out his subtle noises. He descends into the quiet, clearing his mind of all thoughts.


    {One who fights is free.}


    Mrff doesn¡¯t ponder the thought just yet. It feels like more is coming. Time is an illusion when he is meditating. He is well-trained to achieve his desired time in meditation, so no matter how long it appears to take for a thought to form, it¡¯s rare that he¡¯s actually interrupted before the full thought forms.


    {One who is bound is not dead.}


    Still, it seems like there¡¯s more. Mrff relaxes in the inner depths of his mind. It is quite peaceful; a testament to how long he¡¯s spent training himself to shed anxieties and fears.


    {One who chooses to live free can never truly die.}


    Mrff¡¯s eyes open. Now, he ponders the message of his meditation. Was it referring to someone specific? Speaking of freedom MUST be in regards to the Zarrakyssns. They¡¯re widely identified as slavers, so it could be a warning to fight to the death, even if captured. Zarrakyssns have difficulty capturing Grodrrns alive, as Grodrrns are several times bigger and stronger than the Zarrakyssns.


    It¡¯s not much for wisdom this time, as Mrff intended to do so anyways. But, before that, the Zarrakyssns would have to catch him.


    They may just get their chance, though. As the shuttle drops out of jump, Mrff finds himself more surprised than he probably should be. A sizable fleet of Zarak horde ships and many more smaller ships are scattered around the landing site. Mrff estimates quickly more than 50 horde ships and at least ten smaller ships per horde ship.


    However, just before he kicks into survival mode, he notices what there REALLY is to see.


    Over half of the ships are destroyed. They are mangled beyond repair, venting atmosphere, or simply shredded to pieces in an outward direction from a central point. The ships that aren¡¯t mangled are salvaging and rescuing from the destroyed ships.


    A single, humongous explosion did this. Mrff is certain of it. Assuming he is in the right location, he has to wonder if the humans did this. And, if so, was the trap intended for the Grodrrns, or have the humans already encountered the Zarak fleet?


    His curiosity will have to wait, though. He orders quickly, ¡°{Concentrate on identifying where we are precisely. Let the computer map determine what¡¯s close.}¡± He accelerates, knowing by the fighters turning that he¡¯s already spotted.


    Dzhonn replies, ¡°{Yes, Yarjen!}¡± He works his calculations and star I.D.s as quickly as possible. Mrff prays it¡¯s quick enough.


    The Niolayt Jardzen watches the flagship ¨Cthe largest of the horde ships- closely. He¡¯s almost certain the interdiction is on the flag ships. It requires an immense amount of power in order to counter a jump-bubble. Mrff¡¯s theory is that it actually ¡®pops¡¯ the bubble, so to speak, which tricks the target ship into thinking it¡¯s already in jump. But, with no bubble to move, the ship stays where it was with no engines. In order to undo this, the ship would have to be powered all the way down and started back up. And then, the ¡®jump power lost¡¯ alarms have to be overridden because the ship will think it¡¯s jump drive is faulty.


    Like the Grodrrns, the Zarak ships use energy weapons. However, theirs are always set to disable a ship, and they will hammer the hull seemingly harmlessly with micro-EMPs until the ship shuts down. Their fighters are fairly quick, but not very agile, and their horde ships have large anti-capital ship cannons. Because of these two things, a master pilot in an unladen shuttle stands a chance of out-flying the Zarrakyssns long enough to escape. Mrff just hopes he hasn¡¯t lost his teeth.


    Before he starts zipping through the swarms of meteor-like fighters, Mrff must confirm what he suspects. He activates the falight drive¡¯s charging sequence. The ship hums as it readies to generate the bubble.


    Dzhonn asks, ¡°{Yarjen, is there no interdictor among them?}¡±


    Mrff ignores him. He must focus on the whole of the flagship. It¡¯s there. It must be. Even the virtual display will catch it.


    ¡°{Yarjen¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Shut up and focus!}¡±


    THERE! He almost missed it, but a tiny glint catches his eye. He zooms in quickly. With no warning, he yanks the controls, jerking the shuttle in a hard turn. Flashes illuminate the rear screens, but none of the Zarrak fighters hit.


    Mrff makes another sudden bank the other way, zipping over another swarm of fighters that adjusted. The shuttle groans from strain.


    Mrff slams the throttle full, sprinting towards the flag ship. The screens finally clear, but he¡¯s no longer a tactician. He is an Ynnkcza. His wings are powerful, his mind is clear, and his heart is racing as fast as it can go. Mrff is the most alive he¡¯s ever been.


    Mrff banks hard again, rolling at high speed to make a tight downward corkscrew turn. The shuttle shakes, and Dzhonn groans as he tries to hold his seat.


    The swarms catch back up, but Mrff is far from captured. He cuts the throttle, spinning the ship 180 degrees on its vertical axis and slamming the throttle full again. Dzonn catches himself with his forearm before his head slams his console. The young Helmdraaff yells as the hull of the shuttle groans and creaks in dire protest, but the fighters zip by harmlessly, ¡°{Yarjen! This shuttle can¡¯t handle these maneuvers!}¡±


    Mrff laughs, banking the shuttle back to resume his course. Several hapless Zarrak fighters collided in that moment, and they are scattering debris as they explode. Mrff shouts, ¡°{SHUT UP AND CALCULATE! AND THEN, WATCH HOW A MASTER DIES!}¡±


    Two anti-fighter corvettes are drifting close to the flag ship, and they attempt to blanket barrage towards the shuttle. But, Dzor¡¯s eyes are still perfect, it seems. They might as well shoot the opposite way. He weaves the shuttle straight into the rainstorm of energy bolts being fired from his front. He dips, swoops, rolls, and loops to narrowly skim through. The shuttle lurches from one shot hitting them, but so long as he has power, he won¡¯t stop.


    Mrff roars in exhilaration. He asks sharply, ¡°{Do you have our location!?}¡±


    Dzhonn quickly replies, ¡°{Yes, Yarjen! Plus or minus¡­}¡±


    ¡°{NO PLUS OR MINUS!} snarls Mrff. He banks hard, yelling, ¡°{EXACT OR NOTHING!}¡±


    Mrff dives to the ventral surface of the flag ship. He scans, confirming his working theory.


    As he zips the shuttle under the flag ship, another corvette appears as it tries to get a line on him and trap him. However, he has an abundance of missiles following RIGHT on his tail.


    Mrff pulls up, threading the shuttle through a stupendously close gap between corvette and flagship. His rearview screen flashes with several explosions of fighters that thought they could match him, or, as much as a Zarrakyssn can think. He laughs boisterously, banking hard over the top of the flag ship. He skims low along the hull, counting his suspected targets. Even if he were armed, it¡¯d be too much to handle with a single shuttle, but the objects ARE definitely tracking him. He¡¯s almost certain it¡¯s what he thinks.


    Dzhonn finally announces, ¡°{Got it! Current system!}¡±


    ¡°{You¡¯re sure!?}¡± snaps back Mrff. ¡°{We fail if you¡¯re not exact!}¡±


    ¡°{I used a different set of stars. Worked out perfect!}¡±


    ¡°{Very well! Flash the hull white! Max brightness! NOW!}¡±


    Startled, Dzhonn scans quickly. Mrff dodges more shots skillfully. The young Helmdraavv finds and sets the function, and he activates it. A different whine indicates the hull¡¯s camouflage charging. It discharges bright white light.


    An instant later, the shuttle lurches hard from a thunderous impact, much like a lightning bolt, from all sides. Power instantly dies.


    However, the power blinks back on quickly. Mrff doesn¡¯t need flight controls or visuals to reboot, though. His falight drive is already charged.


    Mrff activates the falight jump drive, and the white bubble forms around them. Soon after, it blinks them out of the system.


    Both Grodrrns pant heavily. Mrff hasn¡¯t been this exhilarated in a long time. He was promoted shortly after his last escape, and he has been a Baskylla officer ever since.


    Dzhonn grunts out humorously, ¡°{I-¡­ I thought¡­ we were really going to die.}¡±


    Mrff chuckles. He pants out, ¡°{Seems I¡¯m still a master pilot.}¡± When the youngling looks at him, still breathing heavily, Mrff adds, ¡°{A master dies in his bed of old age.}¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause filled with only their labored breathing. Suddenly, both Grodrrns laugh heartily.


    Once they settle in for the rest of the jump, Mrff asks sternly, ¡°{You¡¯re CERTAIN you have the proper coordinates? The fate of the Fievegal may hinge on it.}¡±


    Dzhonn nods. ¡°{Yes, Yarjen. As I said, the second set of stars I chose calculated perfect. The location is just inside the threshold by our intelligence. The humans may have trouble finding anything of use.}¡±


    Mrff sighs relief. He replies, ¡°{There aren¡¯t that many, relatively speaking. And, they¡¯re staying on the move. They don¡¯t need much. Even the scraps left by the Zarrakyssns may be enough. Eat something and rest. This is the easy leg of the trip.}¡±


    Dzhonn chuckles, replying, ¡°{Yes, Yarjen.}¡±


    The two eat their meals, celebrating the small victory. Dzhonn asks, ¡°{Yarjen, how did you know?}¡±


    ¡°{About the interdiction?}¡±


    ¡°{Yes, Yarjen.}¡±


    ¡°{Instinct. Or, maybe a subconscious wisdom. When I escaped interdiction on my last combat flight, I started and stopped jump myself. I only barely saw a friendly ship limping away from the battle in time. I was hit by something similar then that killed power for a blink. On the virtual screens, I saw the friendly ship explode, and I was able to jump ¨Cwithout being interdicted, which I feared would still get me-.}¡±


    ¡°{Why didn¡¯t it? Then or now?}¡±


    ¡°{My current hypothesis is that their interdiction technology disrupts the jump bubble with some sort of directed energy blast. But, it must take an immense amount of power. What we just tested was whether or not there is a delay between firings. By all appearances, there is.}¡±


    ¡°{I see. The window must be small, though. Whole fleets have been interdicted.}¡±


    ¡°{That¡¯s also why I stayed so close to the flagship¡¯s hull. It¡¯s possible ALL hordeships have the ability, and if it¡¯s a turret-based weapon, they¡¯d risk hitting the flagship.}¡±


    Dzhonn chuckles again, remarking warmly, ¡°{That¡¯s amazing, Yarjen. Who knew the Zarakyssns have such a glaring weakness?}¡±


    ¡°{It¡¯s not that glaring. It¡¯s unlikely one of our battleships could pull the same stunts we needed to succeed. It¡¯s also unlikely our flash trick will work so easily again, either.}¡±


    ¡°{Maybe so, Yarjen. But, it¡¯s something.}¡±


    Mrff nods, continuing on his meal. Afterwards, this time, he sleeps instead of meditates. Though, his mind does still scratch at the thought of what his last meditation was telling him. His plan went according to plan.


    Perhaps, and this thought is always present in his mind, his meditations are simply his own subconscious thoughts and NOT truly messages from either the Bachsu or the universe nor premonitions of future events.


    But, if they are, what IS it trying to tell him?


    He¡¯ll have to give it more thought.


    ***

 Chapter 25: Thing Three on Companion Duty

    Spaceman Long carefully cuddles with her water bottle in bed, sleeping in. It¡¯s her day off, or ¡®holiday routine¡¯; an Earth Navy tradition the Captains have shown no desire to stop. For almost 24 hours, she¡¯s free to do whatever she wants with her time. And, sleeping in is the biggest bonus.


    However, it serves another purpose. It¡¯s been tricky hiding the contents of her water bottle, as well as the fact she¡¯s been religiously carrying it close to her body. She and Angelica are still sharing a bed, and Little Bird can be incessantly curious if she spots something.


    Fortunately, Chief Grey hasn¡¯t even hinted at its existence since he confronted the teen, though, his very sight makes her feel guilty. She WILL tell Angelica, but she¡¯s trying to figure out how. As Captain, her older sister is often quite busy. More than that, though, Jessica is afraid Angelica will order her to turn the egg over to the scientists.


    But, she can¡¯t do it. The tiny little creature inside is showing signs of development. She¡¯s growing into the little princess she¡¯s destined to be. And, it¡¯s thanks to Long¡¯s hard work. She¡¯s successfully doing as well as the incubators. Her embryo still looks like a jelly bean, mostly, like the others, but it¡¯s come a ways since being an amorphous jelly filling.


    Once the suite is clear of everyone else, Jessica starts her day. She eats the toast Grey left out for her, carrying her precious cargo at her lower chest all the while. She hums warmly, trying to match the tune of the Queen¡¯s song, even though her pitch is totally different.


    Later, Jessica watches the basic broadcasting channel on the suite television. Someone managed to bring a harddrive onto the ship loaded with pirated movies. The irony is, the few hundred movies that person brought may be the only surviving movies in existence. So, the ships each have a small server running a scheduled loop of some movies, which will rotate weekly.


    The teen finds it humorous that the one positive of everything is that she can finally watch movies for free without any advertising. The hardest part, though, is the lack of snacks. Or rather, the severe rationing on ¡®non-essential foods¡¯. But, the gardens are catching up a little. Already, with just the addition of the Gaia, the meal rations have increased by almost a fifth. And, construction of another starliner is already well under way.


    Long laughs while watching the currently-playing romantic comedy. She cradles her bottle as she giggles, still focused enough to keep it warm. She won¡¯t let her princess or the Queen down.


    As the movie changes to a kid¡¯s movie, Long mostly ignores it, saying to the bottle, ¡°You know, I should probably think of a name, huh? Is it too early? Nah! Look at you! You¡¯re doing great! Little cutie!¡±


    The little jelly bean is rather uneventful. And, it¡¯s not much to look at. But, it makes Jessica smile anyways. Someday, she¡¯ll be an adorable little alien with an intelligent mind, boundless curiosity, and a lovely singing tone.


    The door whooshes open, and Jessica instinctively covers herself ¨Cand the bottle- to hide. She squeaks, ¡°Sorry! I¡¯ll make myself decent!¡±


    No one replies at first. Instead, something flops onto the bed next to her. She peeks out from the cover. It¡¯s Chief Grey.


    What he tossed onto the bed looks like an under-arm holster for a gun, but instead, more simply a rigid-framed pouch of some kind. It has bands to sling across the chest and hold its cargo at the ribs under the wearer¡¯s arm. When she looks back at him, Grey growls, ¡°You waiting for it to hatch before you tell you-know-who?¡±


    Long pouts, looking down, ¡°I thought about it, Chief¡­¡±


    ¡°You tell her today, and you can have that.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Far sight better than a water bottle. Easier to protect and conceal, and it won¡¯t hinder your movements so much.¡±


    Long inspects the small pouch. Sure enough, it¡¯s a liquid-tight container with plenty of room for even a second egg, if she had one. It¡¯s already filled with clear liquid, though it seems slightly thicker than water.


    Grey answers her thought, ¡°It¡¯s a syrup additive for water, basically. The thicker consistency should absorb shock on the¡­ cargo. It¡¯s made from a sugar in the Queen¡¯s fruit, so it should be plenty safe.¡±


    ¡°Y-You made this? For me?¡±


    Grey scoffs, retorting, ¡°No. Technically, Lopez did. She has an assembly line dedicated to anything she asks for, and I told her it was for sample collection. She ordered a handful. That¡¯s the first.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say¡­ Chief, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Start with saying, ¡®Captain, I have to tell you something¡¯.¡±


    Long looks down. She¡¯s terrified of talking to Angelica about this. It¡¯s one more thing she didn¡¯t technically have permission to do.


    But, Grey adds, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you. I knew about it and said nothin¡¯ either.¡±


    Surprised, the teen locks eyes with him. He growls, ¡°Just remember, one day, you won¡¯t have anyone to help you. You need to be ready.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Y-Yes, Chief. Th-Thank you!¡±


    He nods, adding, ¡°Get dressed. You can swap the candy ball over on the way.¡±


    Long nods. She quickly and carefully scrambles into her uniform as Grey waits in the common area. She washes her hands, and they start walking. Jessica carefully maneuvers her water bottle so she can fish the egg carefully out and quickly put it into the pouch Grey just gave her. She notices during the swap that the tiny being inside squirms a little. She prays she didn¡¯t harm the little one. Once safely in its new home for the forseeable future, Long hugs the pouch to her torso to keep it warm.


    Grey asks curiously, ¡°What exactly made you want to take responsibility for that, anyways? I don¡¯t know if you noticed, but the Queen doesn¡¯t seem as concerned with the fate of her eggs, as long as one hatches.¡±


    Long replies softly, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sure, Chief¡­ Angelica once told me that our mother had¡­ um¡­ an abortion, about three years before I was born. It wasn¡¯t convenient at the time, and, she still somehow turned it into an act of heroism. She had me for a similar act of heroism.¡± The teen smiles, continuing, ¡°Angie found God in the Navy, because the day our mother told her that the little brother she was expecting was an inconvenience, she was devastated.¡± Long looks into Grey¡¯s eyes, finishing, ¡°When¡­ I saw the Queen, she was crying. She may be able to let go quickly, but she TRULY wanted her baby to have a chance.¡± She hugs the pouch with misty eyes, saying confidently, ¡°I can do that. I can give her a chance.¡±


    Grey is quiet for a few steps. He finally replies, ¡°I think that¡¯s the most words you¡¯ve ever said to me.¡± He chuckles, adding, ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re cut out to be a Marine, Long, but¡­¡± He adds sincerely, ¡°You damn well better keep trying. We aren¡¯t killers by desire. We have to want to protect something.¡±


    Long asks gently, ¡°Is¡­ that why you spared the Queen? You wanted to protect her? A-And the Grodurns? Why you feed them part of your meals?¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t a racist, alien or otherwise.¡± He turns more grim, adding, ¡°I¡¯ve killed my fair share of desperate fighters trying to defend only themselves or their family. Not a great feeling. We had already beaten the Grodurns. While I¡¯d be okay with killing them, and I even pushed for it initially, I believe all living beings deserve a chance. With the Queen, we invaded HER home. And, she still didn¡¯t try very hard to kill us. She could¡¯a whipped us with those tentacles of hers and we¡¯d be pink goo. Her weapon requires a stupefying amount of strength to use. Like, high-end hydraulics level.¡±


    Long smiles, ¡°I admire how quickly you assess things like that, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Like I said. Killing those who don¡¯t deserve it sucks. And, if you don¡¯t figure out during, you can¡¯t undo it after.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Understood, Chief.¡±


    The pair find Captain Long speaking with Commander Hitch. The Commander notices them, saying, ¡°Uh oh! Family meeting? I better bounce.¡±


    Grey jokes, ¡°I dunno, sir. I might need a witness after the Captain murders me.¡±


    Captain Long scoffs, and Hitch chuckles. He says warmly to Long, ¡°I¡¯ll get you an answer as soon as I can, Cap. Have a nice day.¡± He salutes, and she reciprocates, replying, ¡°Thank you, Commander.¡±


    Grey and Long salute as well, and Grey jokes, ¡°Asking him for his secret cookie recipe, Captain?¡±


    She smirks, replying calmly, ¡°Quarantine S.O.P. write-ups, actually, Chief.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Gotcha. Got a minute, then?¡±


    She nods. There¡¯s a pause, and Grey gently nudges Jessica. Startled, the teen sheepishly says, ¡°C-Captain! W-We-¡­ um¡­ I have so-something I need to tell you.¡±


    Angelica¡¯s face turns serious and worried. Jessica wonders what horrifying thoughts immediately sprung into the Captain¡¯s brain.


    Jessica tries to speed it along, but she¡¯s terrifyingly nervous. She squeaks, ¡°U-Um¡­ o-on the s-surface, um¡­ w-with the C-Cave Queen, I¡­ um¡­¡±


    Angelica¡¯s face softens a little, and she asks, ¡°You took your helmet off?¡±


    Jessica looks down, squeaking, ¡°W-Well, yes, but, um, there was¡­ a reason¡­¡±


    ¡°What reason?¡± asks Angelica fairly neutrally. She glances at Grey, but the Chief says nothing. Jessica squeaks, ¡°Um¡­¡±


    Unable to form the words, she simply presents the egg in her new pouch.


    Angelica stares at it for a long moment. She then asks sharply, ¡°You stole an egg!? Jessica! What were you thinking!? Do you know¡­!?¡± As Jessica starts to shrink beneath Angelica¡¯s scolding questions, Chief Grey finally responds. He doesn¡¯t say anything, but he successfully interrupts the auburn-haired Captain by distinctly and intentionally clearing his throat.


    Angelica halts, shooting him a quick glare. But, she softens, looking at Jessica more gently for a moment. Seeing Jessica losing what courage it took to get this far, the older sister looks away, exhaling in a controlled stream. Angelica then says more calmly, ¡°Tell me what I¡¯m seeing, Jessie. Please.¡±


    Jessica looks at her pouch as she hugs it to her chest. It takes a moment for her to even glance at Angelica. The Captain says even more gently, ¡°I¡¯ll hear what you have to say. Take your time.¡±


    The teen glances up at Grey, and he nods with a gentle smile.


    Jessica takes a deep breath and exhales. She says softly, ¡°The Queen had too many eggs when we met her. Her body was forcing her to lay them, with or without a host. A-And¡­ when I found her, she was holding this one o-over the water, a-and¡­ sh-she was crying.¡± Jessica sniffles, whimpering, ¡°I-I just w-wanted to h-help¡­ and, holding her, and carrying her¡­ it just¡­ it makes me so h-happy¡­¡±


    Angelica is quiet for a long moment. She finally asks Grey sternly, ¡°How long have you known?¡±


    Grey replies calmly, ¡°Almost the whole time.¡±


    The Captain sucks her teeth in slight irritation. But, she turns to Jessica, saying, ¡°You did the right thing protecting another life-to-be, Jess. But, you may have endangered it by not turning it over to the science team. They have controlled environments and a full staff to take care of the embryos.¡±


    Jessica looks down silently. The tiny little jelly bean squirms a little, but it¡¯s so very peaceful. It¡¯s not just a jelly bean. It¡¯s HER jelly bean. She protests, ¡°We don¡¯t even know if the equipment will work! Not for certain. What¡¯s one more different way to try?¡±


    ¡°Jess¡­¡±


    ¡°No! The Queen entrusted this princess to me alone, and I WILL protect her. Please, I¡­ I have to¡­¡±


    Angelica sighs deeply, thinking quietly for a moment.


    Grey offers, ¡°Egg was already exposed to air. No telling if there¡¯s contaminants on it that could harm the others now. And, truth told, might not even matter. Queen wasn¡¯t particularly worried about what form her hosts take, as long as they¡¯re warm-blooded.¡±


    Angelica growls, ¡°Chief, you are on very thin ice for keeping this from me this long. This isn¡¯t easy to process.¡± The Captain sighs, explaining, ¡°Jess, this¡­ It¡¯s as if you¡¯re getting knocked up in high school. Of course I¡¯m happy you¡¯re choosing to accept responsibility, but¡­ You¡¯re too young to care for a little one. Not when proper facilities are readily available.¡±


    ¡°But, I ALREADY care for her,¡± protests the teen. ¡°I was there for a reason. She¡¯s my little princess. PLEASE don¡¯t make me give her up.¡±


    The Captain turns away for a moment, massaging her temples. It¡¯s an understandably difficult position to be in. Grey again gently offers widom, ¡°Queen indicated her¡­ hatchlings? Newborns? Whichever, are highly precocial at birth. Shouldn¡¯t be as much of a problem as a human baby.¡±


    Angelica looks at him sternly again. She retorts, ¡°And, if one instinctively darts off and finds its way into the water system? It¡¯d be dead and rotting before we find it.¡±


    ¡°SHE isn¡¯t going to,¡± counters Jessica. ¡°When she hatches, I¡¯ll keep her safe until she stops trying to run.¡±


    Angelica sighs again. She pinches the bridge of her nose, asking, ¡°Any other secrets you two?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°No Cap.¡± Jessica adds, ¡°No Captain. I¡¯m¡­ sorry I didn¡¯t tell you sooner.¡±


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    The Captain warns sternly, ¡°Jessica, this is the final straw. Pull anything else like this, and I¡¯m discharging you and putting a security detail on you. Am I clear?¡±


    Jessica nods solemnly. Angelica then says to Grey, ¡°And YOU. I doubt firing you would do any good, so don¡¯t make me demote you.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°My apologies, Captain. Won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°See that it doesn¡¯t.¡± She then sighs, asking Jessica more calmly, ¡°So why ¡®her¡¯. How do you know it¡¯s a girl?¡±


    Jessica replies more brightly, ¡°The Queen says purple eggs are girls, and the yellow ones are boys. See? Purple.¡±


    Angelica looks closer. She replies, ¡°Interesting¡­ Any thoughts on names yet?¡±


    The teen smiles, ¡°Still thinking on it. I¡¯m more focused on making sure she¡¯ll be needing one.¡±


    The Captain nods with a chuckle. ¡°You aren¡¯t worried that carrying her around might harm her? Not to mention hindering you.¡±


    ¡°Chief Grey put a thicker gel in, so it should protect her better. And, she needs warmth. I have to carry her.¡±


    Grey adds warmly, ¡°I also am fairly certain she¡¯s not going to gain fifty pounds of belly with this little one.¡±


    Both women giggle, and Angelica replies, ¡°Very well. Don¡¯t take this lightly, you two. That is a very big responsibility.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± replies Jessica. ¡°I¡¯ll make you proud.¡±


    Angelica smirks, replying as she gently cups Jessica¡¯s cheek, ¡°Too late. I already am.¡±


    ***


    Mina watches the Cave Queen sleep. The irony of her accepting the watch she did is that it somehow has lined up with the Queen¡¯s sleep every time, so she hasn¡¯t had a chance to talk to the alien yet. The rotation has enough volunteers for two full days, which covers the span of the world being harvested. And, although several of the other watchstanders claim the Queen is adjusting her sleep schedule, as well as working on teaching herself English, Mina has yet to see it.


    It does, of course, cross the young woman¡¯s mind that the Queen might be doing it on purpose. Given their meeting, the Queen might be afraid of how she needs to act around Mina. She might be afraid the reaction Mina might have, and its consequences.


    As if Mina could do anything truly spiteful. She¡¯s not heartless. She¡¯d never be able to do anything as despicable as harming the eggs or the Queen. At most, she¡¯d be snotty or passive aggressive. But, having watched the Queen sleep so peacefully for several days now, Mina doesn¡¯t even really care about that anymore. If anything, she¡¯s just bored. At least hull watch, she had a view. The Queen turns off her star view when she¡¯s sleeping. So, Mina is watching a giant squid alien sleep partially submerged in the pool in a room full of inanimate objects. At most, Heloise might pass through to check on the Queen¡¯s food, replenish water, and bring clean bedding, but she usually doesn¡¯t.


    If Mina had known this watch would be MORE boring than hull watch, she might not have volunteered.


    In an attempt to entertain herself, she starts humming. At first, she¡¯s just making soft noise, but soon she finds herself humming a melody. The melody is gentle, like the woman who taught it to her and Rena. Heloise can be fearless, stoic, and stern when need be, but with the twins, she was always gentle and nurturing.


    The melody Mina hums was a lullaby, and while Heloise claims it has a long family history, Mina¡¯s never seen evidence for or against that. In any case, though, it has two generations, now.


    Mina hums for a long while, looping the melody continuously as she relaxes.


    She doesn¡¯t notice it right away, but a noise joins her soft humming. No, it¡¯s not just a noise. It is a melody. Another voice is gently and tenderly humming in tune.


    Mina pauses, and the soft hum continues a few moments longer. It¡¯s from a source that¡¯s rather high-pitched, but far from shrill. It¡¯s gentle and liquid, landing somewhere between a song-bird whistling and a child singing tones.


    The Queen¡¯s singing is very nearly hypnotic, and puts Mina at instant ease. Just as the Queen¡¯s singing starts to soften in discouragement, Mina starts humming again in tune with her.


    The Queen stirs slowly, renewing the warmth she sings with as she gently sits up.


    Mina hums as the Queen sings, both in tune with each other. Given all of the insanity since the fleet fled Earth, this is by far the most Mina has been at peace. She easily loses any remaining spitefulness she might¡¯ve had for the Queen, at least for now. Together, the two relax to a melody of their own creation.


    When they finally subside, the Queen¡¯s bird-like voice softly mewls, ¡°Beanteefill.¡±


    Mina smiles, ¡°Beautiful¡­ I agree.¡±


    The Queen smiles, partially revealing her unique singular teeth for her top and bottom jaw. In the wrong light, she¡¯d look like a vampire grinning wickedly, but in the dark room, her pointy smile is actually rather soft, ironically.


    The Queen chirps something in her own language, gesturing with her arms towards Mina. But, she seems hesitant to make a move. Mina¡¯s best guess is that the Queen wants to talk, but is afraid to approach Mina.


    Mina sighs. She chose this, and the Queen certainly doesn¡¯t seem bad at all. The young woman stands up and approaches the Queen. She takes her helmet off and sets it on the pool¡¯s edge. She smiles at the Queen, saying, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    The alien gently reaches for Mina¡¯s head, gingerly wrapping her ¡®hand¡¯ around. Mina says first, ¡°I want you to know, I¡­ I don¡¯t hold what you did against you. I just¡­ C-Can¡­ Can you tell me¡­ why you didn¡¯t ASK?¡±


    The Queen¡¯s expression disheartens, and Mina¡¯s own voice replies, ¡°I am sorry¡­ It¡­ had been so long since my last clutch,¡­ The swelling¡­ addled my mind. Some of the humans think I¡¯m rather heartless because I don¡¯t worry about the eggs I¡¯ve laid. It¡¯s not that I feel nothing, but¡­ as long as they get a CHANCE, my duty is complete. In my addled state, I was desperate that they get a chance¡­¡± The Queen uses another tentacle to gently touch Mina¡¯s cheek. She adds, ¡°I know what your mercy, specifically, has granted me. I will NEVER forget, Mina. I am forever in your debt.¡±


    Mina blushes. Chief Grey and Long mentioned the Queen felt this way, but Mina didn¡¯t expect it to be so sincere. She replies sheepishly, ¡°I-It¡¯s fine. I just¡­ I¡¯m glad you¡¯re not a threat¡­ Part of me wanted to dislike you. But,¡­ I see why everyone else warmed up to you.¡±


    The Queen straightens up curiously. Mina adds, ¡°You¡¯re very kind and gentle.¡±


    The alien shrinks a little sheepishly with a quaint smile. She replies through Mina, ¡°Th-Thank you¡­ I-It means so much to me that you feel that way¡­¡± She gingerly fidgets with the hair-shaped shroud hanging from the back of her head. She adds softly, ¡°I feared¡­ when you started c-companion for me, that you¡­ you wanted to hurt me¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to admit, it crossed my mind. BUT, I¡¯ve thought a LOT about you and how you¡¯ve acted with everyone else. And,¡­¡± Mina sighs, ¡°Some part of me was curious.¡±


    Surprised, the Queen replies, ¡°Curious?¡±


    Mina scoffs and nods. ¡°Mmhmm.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause. It¡¯s a little weird for Mina to focus so intently on her own voice when the Queen is ¡®talking¡¯. But, it¡¯s easy enough.


    The Marine finally breaks the silence, ¡°I¡­ uh, noticed you¡¯ve already got a few more eggs.¡±


    The Queen looks down at her abdomen and smiles. She replies softly, ¡°Yes. To my knowledge, my kind is fertile the rest of our lives, and our fertility increases with age. When I was young, I produced one single egg in what the surface dwellers called a¡­ full orbit. Then, one per season, then one per work cycle. Right now, I produce a new egg every other, um, day, it seems. Um¡­ my days, not  yours.¡±


    ¡°Yet,¡± adds Mina. They both giggle. Mina then asks, ¡°So¡­ you laid over a hundred eggs recently, right? Has¡­ anyone thought about¡­ longer term?¡±


    The Queen nods. ¡°I¡¯ve only ever known a small percentage of eggs to hatch in a given clutch. And, many hatchlings die quickly. But, the ¡®scientists¡¯? They believe they might be able to hatch almost all of the eggs. I¡­ don¡¯t know what that will mean, but¡­ they wish to reduce my fertility if possible. After all, the swelling I last had stretched my body, meaning¡­ I will likely have room for many more¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you okay with that? Reducing fertility, that is.¡±


    The Queen nods. ¡°If it must be done, it must be done. I don¡¯t fully understand everything humans are capable of, but I wish to live and journey as a part of this new life.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m getting too personal with my questions.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I have no secrets. Though, there is much I can¡¯t answer for lack of knowing.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Mina fidgets with her fingers, wanting to ask another question. However, this question is her morbid curiosity. She shouldn¡¯t ask. It¡¯ll only open a door she may be better off leaving closed.


    But then, Mina is a Marine. Adventure is part of her job now, and that means learning new things.


    The Marine blurts out her question, ¡°What¡¯s it like?¡±


    Confused, the Queen asks through Mina with her alien head cocked curiously, ¡°What do you ask about?¡±


    Mina breathes deep, a blush dying her cheeks pink. ¡°Um¡­ the host¡­ Wh-What do they experience?¡±


    The Queen smiles, replying, ¡°I don¡¯t know first hand, of course. But, it depends on the host, I¡¯m sure. Many enjoyed the whole process, and a few couldn¡¯t stand more than one egg. Some returned, others did not. I always hope it¡¯s pleasurable, because it is for me.¡±


    Mina swallows hard. She breathes deep, clearing her mind. She¡¯s ONLY curious. JUST curious. She asks cautiously, ¡°So¡­ When you had me,¡­ did you intend to try to¡­ ¡®give me all of them?¡¯¡±


    The Queen looks away, and her grip on Mina¡¯s head shifts slightly. Mina¡¯s voice says quietly, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know¡­ Just one or two wouldn¡¯t have been enough, but¡­ I realize how much smaller your body is than any one of the incubators. I wish¡­ I wish I was clear of mind then. I regret losing control. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Mina smiles softly, saying it officially, ¡°I forgive you. Thank you for your honesty.¡±


    The Queen whimpers adoringly, and her own voice chirps out, ¡°Yaenk you¡­¡±


    Mina smiles and replies, ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    The Queen then says through Mina, ¡°With the surface dwellers, at least, I know my body instinctually knows some limit. The eggs are also extremely flexible, allowing them to survive the host¡¯s movements and body size.¡±


    ¡°What were the surface dwellers of your world like? Were they bigger than us? Smaller?¡±


    The Queen thinks for a moment. She replies, ¡°Bigger, for certain. Not quite as big as the non-human I¡¯ve seen in the lab, but closer to its size than yours. More massive, though. If one fell, they tended to almost roll, rather than fall. But, their flesh was tough, and not very flexible. Humans are very soft and flexible by comparison.¡± The Queen smiles sheepishly, admitting, ¡°Part of me wishes¡­ But, no matter. Their bodies were warmer than mine, but cooler than yours.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t worried our bodies would be too hot for your young?¡±


    The Queen shakes her head, ¡°No. They liked to warm themselves, so our eggs survive much hotter. But, given a choice, your bodies are actually most pleasant. I am optimistic with the consistent warmth.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ As for the fleet, what role do you see you and your daughters playing?¡±


    ¡°I cannot plot the course of my daughters¡¯ lives. But, I will fill any role I am suited for learning. My kind was the strongest on our world, but we aren¡¯t the most proficient warriors. However, Captain¡­ Long, sister of Jessica Long, asked if I would be willing to aid in ship construction. It sounds quite intriguing.¡±


    Mina giggles, ¡°All your arms? Sounds perfect.¡±


    ¡°I am not wise like the scientists, nor brave like you soldiers. But, I am grateful for this opportunity, and I will earn my keep.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡±


    There¡¯s a moment¡¯s quiet, and the Queen asks through Mina, ¡°Would it be okay if I eat now?¡±


    Mina giggles, ¡°Of course! I¡¯m sorry for holding you up. Do¡­ you normally eat here?¡±


    The Queen nods. ¡°Items from my garden, usually.¡± She climbs out of the pool, rising to her massive height. Mina knows that all of the Queen¡¯s tentacles can coil just like an octopus¡¯s, but it¡¯s something else to see her stand. The science team believes that her ¡®arms¡¯ and ¡®legs¡¯ contain a sort of cartilage-based muscle fiber that can be made rigid at will, allowing her to suspend her body off of the sharp gravel of her world.


    The Queen and Mina walk to her small garden, and the Queen peruses for fresh fruit or vegetables native to her world. She remarks through Mina, ¡°I was truly impressed when your people were able to move so many plants close to bearing without the plants dying.¡±


    Mina replies, ¡°We had space travel in mind before we were forced off of our world. And, even on our world, transplanting crops was often necessary.¡±


    The Queen hums in approval, selecting something that looks like a cross between a potato and a raspberry, with the bunch of orbs like a raspberry, but with a leathery brown skin like a potato. The second item she takes is a single from a bunch of a fruit or vegetable that the individual ¡®bananas¡¯ actually look more like squash or zucchini than bananas. She carries both back to the pool and rinses them off.


    Each has a smell from the moment they¡¯re picked, much like many Earth plants. A tiny amount of plant juice dribbled out of the severed stems. The squash made a sweet smell, almost like buttered bread, while the ¡®raspotato¡¯, on the other hand, reminds Mina of breakfast, but not for hashbrowns. In spite of its looks, the raspotato smells like frying bacon. Mina would never be ashamed to admit her mouth started watering the moment the Queen plucked it.


    Once clean, the Queen eats the individual orbs one at a time, plucking them and biting sections with her sharp teeth. She notices Mina staring at the delicious-smelling vegetable. The Queen breaks one off and offers it to Mina.


    The young Marine accepts the fairly large, potato-like vegetable piece. Just feeling it, though, Mina instantly understands why the Queen¡¯s two teeth are so sharp and rigid. The skin feels closer to stone than leather, though it does have some flex.


    It also dawns on Mina that she¡¯s not supposed to eat anything from other worlds. It¡¯s a true shame, too, because her palette is dying to try this delicious bacon-y smelling potato, even if she might not be able to bite through it.


    Still, Mina says with disappointment, ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, my Queen. I can¡¯t. We don¡¯t know if they¡¯re poisonous to us or not.¡± She offers it back, adding, ¡°BUT, the second it¡¯s deemed allowed, I¡¯m coming back. That smells amazing.¡±


    The Queen stares at her a moment, surprised by something. But, she smiles and replies through Mina, ¡°I understand. The same is true of your food for me.¡± The Queen takes it back and munches on it without issue. She asks through Mina, even as she eats, ¡°What did you mean, ¡®my Queen¡¯?¡±


    Mina halts all thoughts. She replays her words. Did she really say ¡®my Queen¡¯? It was automatic. Mina¡¯s never known a real queen, and the Cave Queen is only called that because she was a ruler of a kingdom of one. It¡¯s kinda mocking in a sense, but because it has no meaning to her, it doesn¡¯t bother her.


    Mina blushes, fumbling for an answer. She finally replies, ¡°I-It¡¯s a figure of speech¡­ a way to address a Queen.¡±


    ¡°¡®My¡¯ denotes possession, does it not? And ¡®Queen¡¯ is a ruler?¡±


    Mina jumps up, saying nervously, ¡°It¡¯s nothing! I just said it! It¡¯s just respectful! That¡¯s all!¡±


    The Queen giggles, continuing to eat. She finally replies softly through Mina, ¡°I am no ruler. My people don¡¯t socialize enough to have one, though we agreed with the wisdom of the few who negotiated with the surface dwellers. I respond to ¡®Cave Queen¡¯ because it is how your people identify me; ruler of a cave, which is true, I suppose. Or, WAS. As a passenger, I don¡¯t know that I¡¯m even that, anymore. Certainly not a true ruler.¡±


    Mina notices that the Queen is at peace with that thought. She doesn¡¯t seem to care profoundly about much of anything, save the adventure of surviving with the humans. She¡¯s not completely uncaring, but she¡¯s quite laid back. While no one¡¯s tried pushing her buttons, yet, she doesn¡¯t seem to have much that could frustrate her.


    Mina smiles, joking in reply, ¡°Perhaps ¡®Pool Queen¡¯? You are the only one on any of our ships with a functioning pool.¡±


    The Queen giggles, replying, ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause as the Queen bites off pieces of the ¡®squash¡¯. Her teeth are obviously razor sharp and very strong, crunching as they slice into the vegetable. She doesn¡¯t chew with molars, by appearances. Instead, she seems to simply dice the portion in her mouth using her teeth. She doesn¡¯t have an articulated tongue like a human, which is why she can¡¯t pronounce ¡®t¡¯s¡¯ ¨Cor so it seems-. But, it also probably keeps her from accidentally biting her own tongue off. Assuming that isn¡¯t why her tongue is so simplistic now¡­


    Mina asks gently, ¡°Did¡­ you ever get lonely in your cave?¡±


    The Queen halts mid-bite. She looks down, resuming eating as Mina¡¯s voice answers, ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause, and the Queen continues, ¡°It was rare that my kind could be together. It was necessary for us to limit ourselves. But, when surface dwellers came, they could bring new food, new stories, and new things. I learned of the outside world mainly through the eyes of surface dwellers. And¡­ it was always pleasurable to share their warmth¡­¡±


    Mina smiles, replying softly, ¡°I understand.¡± She then asks, ¡°So, you¡¯re comfortable with us? With how many of us there are?¡±


    The Queen smiles and nods. ¡°A crude, primal part of my brain sees an abundance of hosts,¡­¡± Mina cringes slightly at the revelation, but the Queen adds, ¡°BUT, more importantly, your people have been mostly kind.¡±


    ¡°Mostly?¡± asks Mina surprised.


    ¡°Yes. Some of the humans I¡¯ve passed glare at me. I¡­ also overheard conversation of humans protesting my presence¡­¡±


    Mina is stunned. She hadn¡¯t heard yet. Tensions are still high in the fleet, but no one¡¯s expressed it physically yet. Usually, people complain about food, space, or comfort¡­


    The young Marine realizes at least one of the causes of potential animosity for the Queen; space. The Queen gets a lot of it. So do the Grodurns, for that matter. Space for storage, recreation, or even hydroponic gardens could go in the spaces dedicated to aliens. One such alien race being the reason times are tough as they are.


    Most civilians in the fleet aren¡¯t fully appraised of everything. But, the Captains have agreed to share as much as possible, so it IS common knowledge that the Queen was brought onboard, but not as a prisoner. With the Gaia alleviating some pressure, the addition of the Queen seems to undo that alleviation.


    Mina says softly, ¡°For what it¡¯s worth¡­ I¡¯m not displeased with your presence anymore.¡±


    The Queen smiles, saying herself, ¡°Yaenk you.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 26: The Rescue In the Storm

    ~Sometimes, when caught in the middle, the smallest need only duck.~


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla ponders everything Mrff just told him. The Zarrakyssn interdictors can be defeated. Perhaps not easily, but it can be done. And, the humans have either quickly become paranoid, or they are receiving counsel from certain prisoners.


    Both revelations give Khla a boost of confidence that both his Zhi and Dzor are alive and well, as well as the semi-official ability to counter one of the Zarrakyssn¡¯s most deadly and effective technologies. Mrff¡¯s method is limited to the best pilots in the lightest ships the Fievegal has, but it highlights how the technology actually works. It was widely believed that the weapon was some kind of hull-blast or EMP, or a continuous field like a powerful gravity well or nuclear particle barrage. Instead, if Mrff is correct, it¡¯s closer to being a turret-based weapon, with a limited fire rate and operated by a crew.


    He also looks over the location calculated by Helmdraavv Dzhonn. There aren¡¯t many worlds within a short jump range from the location. The Fievegal also doesn¡¯t have the best maps of areas around Zarrakyssn territory. They control an ever-growing empire of consumption, and they are consequently the only known threat to the Fievegal¡¯s superiority.


    It just dawns on Khla like a writer having a sudden idea, that there is more than one reason to not let the Zarrakyssns capture the humans. If the ruthless annihilators find out the Fievegal is without a Saurmynnyka, they would be FOOLS not to launch a campaign against the Fievegal. And, though there aren¡¯t many tactical minds amongst the Zarrakyssns, they would quickly come to such a basic conclusion if they find out.


    Laurel asks suddenly, ripping him out of his thought, ¡°Are those the possible places my people went?¡±


    Khla looks at her as she studies the starmap. He glances up at Mrff, who is nearby. Laurel isn¡¯t forbidden from the bridge, so long as she is carrying hope. Khla meant it when he said he sees her as royalty. But, he is no less surprised by the suddenness. He finally manages to reply to her, ¡°Yuss. Billivv so.¡±


    Another realization. This is perfect. Who better to think like the humans than another human? She doesn¡¯t need the extra weight of the decision Khla was just pondering, but she may be far more useful to him than he ever imagined. He says brightly, ¡°Hoomin Lorrill! Porfict teemeeng. Need yuu.¡±


    Surprised, the female mammal replies, ¡°N-Need me? F-For what?¡±


    Khla quickly steps out of his command chair, helping/pushing Laurel up into it. He explains, ¡°Hoomin Baskylla lond here:¡± He points to the landing dot, depicted as a red dot. He continues, ¡°Theess oll known words een short joomp ronj froom tharr. Need yuu tell wheech word eez moss leekly targit. {These all known worlds in short jump range from there. Need you tell which world is most likely target.}¡±


    Still surprised, or even more so, Laurel retorts, ¡°M-Me!? H-How should I know?¡±


    ¡°Moturls hoomins need sorveev. Oll theess words had wator lost we know. Need narrow down. {Materials humans need survive. All these worlds had water last we know. Need narrow down.}¡±


    Khla¡¯s navigator, Nordzen Dzudich¡¯chn, says respectfully, ¡°Eef mah, Yarjen, Hoomin. Mooss be theess word. See? Goll. Loss goll. Hoomins need goll for sorveev, yiss? {If may, Jardzen, Human. Must be this world. See? Gold. Lots gold. Humans need gold for survive, yes?}¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°Mmm, yuss. Yuu hovv pont. Hoomins horde goll, war, ond trod weeth high volloo. {Mmm, yes. You have point. Humans horde gold, war, and trade with high valve.}¡± He adds, ¡°Leekly dih weethout. {Likely die without.}¡±


    Khla halts when Laurel suddenly bursts out laughing. Dzudich asks, surprised, ¡°Whih eez foony, Hoomin? Wee see heestoree. Hoomins war for goll nurr-constont. {What is funny, Human? We see history. Humans war for gold near-constant(ly).}¡±


    Mrff says nothing, but he does smirk at Khla. Perhaps there¡¯s a reason he didn¡¯t suggest anything. Laurel replies when she calms herself, ¡°Apologies, but¡­ We don¡¯t need gold to survive. It¡¯s precious to us because it¡¯s shiny and rare-ish. That¡¯s about it. If the fleet IS being run by a Navy Captain, and they¡¯re more focused on survival, Gold is almost out of the question. Though, it¡¯s not useless. I think it¡¯s a good conductor or something.¡± The tiny being studies the map, which is labeled only in Grodrrn. But, she¡¯s picked up quite a bit, reading-wise. She points, asking, ¡°What¡¯s this word?¡±


    Mrff looks along her arm, replying after, ¡°Gig-hurl. What yuu coll pot-sum. {Gyghrll. What you call pot-sum.}¡±


    ¡°Pot-sum?¡± asks Laurel confused. ¡°Potassium?¡±


    Mrff nods. She adds warmly, ¡°That¡¯s a contender. What else? How about this world?¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°Hee carbonn continn. Coul ronj froom plonts ond coal to patrolum ond deemons. {High carbon content. Could range from plants and coal to petroleum and diamonds.}¡±


    ¡°Diamonds?¡± Khla nods. Laurel nods, saying, ¡°Not bad. I don¡¯t think the space ships need petroleum or coal. How about this?¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°Neetroos.¡±


    ¡°Neetroos¡­ Nitrous?¡±


    Mrff repeats, ¡°N-Nyee-troos. Yuss. Metolls ond carbon, tuu. Mooch liss oboondinn. {N-Ni-trous. Yes. Metals and carbon, too. Much less abundant.}¡±


    Dzudich adds, ¡°Wuzz eenhobittid. Eef Zarrakyssns reach, not eenhobbittid now. {Was inhabited. If the Zarrakyssns reach(ed), not inhabited now.}¡±


    ¡°And what resources they had would be gone¡­ Plus, it¡¯s the furthest away from the landing point.¡±


    The Nordzen nods. Laurel thinks for a moment. She replies, ¡°If potassium is present on that first world, it probably has other minerals and salts, right? I think that¡¯s where they¡¯d start.¡±


    ¡°Theenk?¡± growls Dzudich. ¡°The Zarrakyssns dohn occeept apoloj. Leekly onlih woon chonce. {The Zarrakyssns don¡¯t accept apology(ies). Likely only one chance.}¡±


    Khla growls in their own tongue, ¡°{There are no absolutes, Nordzen. Not this far out in space.}¡±


    ¡°{All the more reason we must be more precise. If ¡®think¡¯ is acceptable, then I think the gold planet is a safer bet. Zarrakyssns NEVER take gold. They might not have even stripped the planet. There¡¯s likely other trace elements like potassium and carbon there than the other worlds.}¡±


    Khla replies calmly, ¡°{You¡¯re not entirely wrong, but nor are you entirely right. The human fleet is small. They don¡¯t need much from a world. Priority can therefore outweigh abundance.}¡±


    Mrff adds, ¡°{A planet with that much gold is also going to have a high gravity and strong magnetic fields. Not many pilots can successfully land on a world changing pull every few seconds. I don¡¯t think either Helmdraavv the humans captured could handle it. Honor to both, of course, Jardzen.}¡±


    Khla nods civilly, asking, ¡°{What do you think, Mrff? Is Laurel correct?}¡±


    Mrff thinks for a moment. He replies, ¡°{She isn¡¯t sure. She wasn¡¯t military and didn¡¯t spend any time in the fleet. It¡¯s impossible to know the priorities of your counterpart on species need alone. That said, it¡¯s the best we have now.}¡±


    Khla nods. He replies to Dzudich, ¡°{We¡¯ll send a recon probe and scan that planet once we¡¯re in system. The world we KNOW the Zarrakyssns have stripped is safer than the one they might not have.}¡±


    Dzudich nods, ¡°{As you wish, Jardzen.}¡± He turns and heads to his station.


    Laurel asks quietly, ¡°Was¡­ that about me?¡±


    Khla looks at her and smiles. He replies, ¡°Onlih abott deeforinss in sortan vorse theenk. No sortan here. {Only about difference in certain(ty) verse think. No certain(ty) here.}¡± The Baskylla Jardzen adds reverently, ¡°Hopefullih, we bawth reooneetid soon. {Hopefully, we both reunited, soon.}¡±


    Khla watches the bridge crew as preparations are made for the jump. Optimism isn¡¯t a Grodrrn¡¯s defining trait, but he is rather optimistic. This whole voyage has had numerous ups and downs. With luck, life can finally go back to normal.


    ***


    ¡°WE HAVE THREE LEFT!¡± booms Captain Angelica Long¡¯s voice, filling the lab. Chief Grey stands by with Little Bird holding his hand. The small girl studies the three gelatinous orbs sitting all alone in each of three of the incubating pods. Long emphasizes, ¡°THREE! Out of, what, two hundred plus!?¡±


    Dr. Craig Coulson replies, as scientists frantically test EVERYTHING, searching for answers, ¡°We¡¯re sorry Captain! Th-They started dying suddenly and without warning. Each batch has its own equipment and we sample regularly. As far as we can tell, nothing changed from when they were healthy and growing to now.¡±


    Long growls, ¡°What are we supposed to tell the Cave Queen? Huh? That we¡¯re not nearly as smart as we thought we were?¡±


    Dr. Coulson replies as calmly as he can, ¡°Captain, it¡¯s alien biology we¡¯re dealing with. Clearly there are factors we¡¯re missing. If the Queen knew more about her hosts¡­¡±


    ¡°WE promised her an alternative. This was supposed to be the simplest of our outstanding challenges.¡±


    Dr. Coulson stays respectful, replying, ¡°We¡¯re doing our best, Captain.¡±


    She takes a deep breath and sighs. ¡°I know. I¡¯m sorry. But, I NEED you to do better. Try something. ANYTHING.¡±


    He nods, excusing himself to join his team. Long turns to face Chief Grey. She asks dryly, ¡°Ask me how the rest of my day is going.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Don¡¯t need to, Cap. Anything I can do?¡±


    She scoffs, replying, ¡°Whiskey¡­¡±


    Grey chuckles, whispering, ¡°What¡¯s it worth to you?¡±


    Long chuckles and sighs. Little Bird asks, ¡°These are all of the Queen¡¯s babies left?¡±


    The Captain glances at Grey. She replies, ¡°Mm-hmm. For now.¡±


    ¡°Did aliens hurt them, too?¡±


    Long kneels to her level. She replies softly, ¡°No. We did. We promised we could help, but we don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    Little Bird is quiet for a moment as she watches the closest occupied pod. Lieutenant Kane enters the lab, saying, ¡°I¡¯m afraid the Queen doesn¡¯t know anything more, Captain. Tried asking everything I could think of. She understands, though. I just hope we can figure something out. She¡¯s, uh, getting rather large again.¡±


    Long sighs, ¡°Great. It doesn¡¯t make sense. What could be missing?¡±


    Little Bird asks suddenly, ¡°Could they be lonely?¡±


    Long smiles at her gently, replying, ¡°No, Sweetie. They¡¯re too little in their eggs to know.¡±


    The tiny girl says softly, ¡°She looks so sad, though.¡±


    Everyone looks. The embryo looks tiny and underformed. Two dark spots indicate eyes, but not much else suggests any kind of expression.


    Dr. Coulson replies, ¡°These three aren¡¯t in pain, thank goodness. That much we can determine. Other than that, their brain activity is minimal, so it must just be how they look at this age.¡±


    The little girl is quiet again. Lieutenant Kane is as well. Long pulls Grey aside and whispers, ¡°Is Jessie¡¯s still¡­?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°And is it¡­?¡±


    ¡°Three times that size. Squirms constantly. She bursts out laughing from it tickling her.¡±


    ¡°HER,¡± whispers Long with a smirk. ¡°¡®It¡¯ is a ¡®she¡¯.¡±


    Grey scoffs. Long murmurs, ¡°How can that be, though? She¡¯s barely upgraded from a water bottle. How can hers be doing so much better?¡±


    Grey shakes his head. ¡°Dunno. Cap. Moving around, maybe? Spaceman Long stays active, with a little caution of course.¡±


    The auburn-haired Captain nods, ¡°Maybe. Eliminates gravity as a possibility.¡± She turns and speaks up, ¡°Doctor Coulson, have you tried agitating the pods gently? Simulate a host walking and moving.¡±


    The scientists all halt and look at each other. Dr. Coulson replies, ¡°No, but we¡¯ll begin immediately, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Good. Try to match walking primarily. Update me as soon as you can.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Captain!¡±


    She sighs and looks at Grey, ¡°Let¡¯s hope that¡¯s one snag resolved.¡±


    Kane says warmly as he approaches, ¡°That¡¯s good thinking, Captain; the movement. So what¡¯s snag two?¡±


    Long frowns, replying, ¡°Several mining craft are grounded on the surface while a storm blows through. It¡¯s big, and it has a lot of electrical discharge. Not safe to fly, but now Captain¡¯s Francisco and Murdock are asking us to consider¡­ contingencies.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°What ¡®contingencies¡¯, exactly?¡± She shoots him a light glare. He knows exactly which ones.


    Kane replies, ¡°Not an option, Captain. If we leave mining crews behind, we fail twice. Once for giving the Grodurns their version of what they want, and once for the lack of mining volunteers if being abandoned at the first sign of trouble is in the job description.¡±


    Long urges, ¡°I agree, but they¡¯re not wrong, either. We MIGHT be able to take a battleship ship to ship, but we don¡¯t have the numbers to risk in fights.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Then the mission should have been recalled as soon as the weather started to shift. Do we suddenly not have eyes in space for weather?¡±


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Long replies, ¡°That¡¯s getting addressed, I promise, Chief. But, what should we do right now if hostile ships jump in?¡±


    Grey replies without hesitation, ¡°Sleep in our bed. We fight to the death this time and not make this mistake again.¡±


    Long looks down, and Kane adds, ¡°There is a less severe option. We do have at least two pilots who might be able to pilot properly equipped ships to extract the crews, one of whom would likely help.¡±


    ¡°You mean Craw?¡± asks Long.


    Grey chuckles, ¡°From invader to savior. THAT¡¯LL silence the complaints.¡±


    Kane counters, ¡°Craw isn¡¯t experienced, but she¡¯s well-trained on xeno-atmospheric entries, even in hostile weather.¡±


    Grey asks, ¡°And, if she takes her newly ¡®rescued¡¯ humans and jumps back to her fleet? Or, simply plays keep away until they arrive?¡±


    Long replies softly, ¡°I don¡¯t think Craw would do that. Jor, maybe, but not Craw. She¡¯s optimistic about our project on her. Remember, the Grodurns have about as much likelihood of success with their plan as we had going in blind on the Queen¡¯s eggs. Capable is not the same as prepared. And, I think Craw and Jor have both thought about that a lot.¡±


    Long looks at each of them, adding, ¡°You¡¯re both frontline soldiers. What do you think? Should we retrieve the crews now, just in case?¡±


    Grey replies first, ¡°I¡¯m not in charge of the big picture. If the crocs arrive in the next five minutes, I¡¯m ready to fight while they¡¯re retrieved. Beyond that, the ¡®metrics¡¯ and all that bureaucracy is out of my hands.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°I agree with Chief Grey, Captain. But, I believe we should retrieve the crews now, just in case. We¡¯ll survive lost extraction time.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Very well. You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll notify Helmdraff Craw. Lieutenant Kane, to ease the Chief¡¯s concerns, would you accompany her on extraction?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Of course, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Good. Meet Craw in the hangar. You¡¯ll be taking Stingray One.¡±


    ¡°Stingray One, aye, Captain.¡±


    She thanks both of them and departs. Chief Grey looks at Little Bird, who seems to be softly talking to the pod. Grey says, ¡°A¡¯ight, Marine. Let¡¯s head to the ready room in case something happens.¡±


    The tiny girl perks up, whirling to face him. She says brightly, ¡°Okay, Chief!¡± She quickly says to the pod, ¡°I have to go! Please hang in there, baby!¡± She waves at the pod and jogs to catch up to Grey.


    Lieutenant Kane doesn¡¯t watch them, however. He is a man of instincts. He has to be. Given his total amnesia, automatic instincts for the strange, unremovable device on his arm are the only reason he¡¯s alive. And, although he can¡¯t remember anything specific, he catches glimpses of what seem to be a past life or lives. Deep down, he feels like he has been at least one other person, and not in the reincarnation sense. Somehow, the device is involved.


    And, in at least one of those lives, he must have been a parent. He¡¯s certain of it. Because, his gaze doesn¡¯t track to scientists rocking the pods manually while jabbering about how best to simulate. His gaze drew to a single computer monitor with three graphs. Each graph shows a jagged line that barely leaves flat, except one. For the last several minutes, and ending seconds ago, one of the graphs was showing increased activity.


    Those three graphs are each a brain activity monitor.


    ***


    Helmdravv Khla patiently performs her preflight checks. The human Lieutenant Kane aids her from the copilot seat. She knows why he¡¯s really there. He¡¯s present to stop her if she goes rogue. And, she¡¯s okay with it. The humans have shown profoundly more trust in her than the Grodrrns would for one of them. She can venture the ship, under guard of course, discuss tactical plans and Grodrrn shuttle operation ¨Cthough shuttles only-. She helps with the maintenance and repairs of the shuttles, as well as the human-friendly modifications.


    Most exciting to her, though, is that she¡¯s overheard talks of extending Jardzen Dzor similar escorted walks. He hasn¡¯t been outside of the containment area at all. However, Captain Long is optimistic that Dzor is more friendly than he lets on, as well as she is very grateful to both his blessings of Khla¡¯s cooperation and his approval of the fertility project.


    The humans have had setbacks with the alien they call the ¡®Cave Queen¡¯. Or rather, with her offspring. Unlike Khla and the Grodrrns, this alien has an abundance of offspring to spawn, but it takes circumstances the humans are struggling to replicate. Khla is admittedly envious, though. However, if all goes well for the Grodrrns, Khla may very well be the lucky first Grodrrn female to lay eggs who isn¡¯t a Saurmynnyka in millennia.


    So far, it¡¯s been lots of blood tests, with samples taken from all of the Grodrrns so the humans can try to baseline varying traits between males and females, such as hormones, sickness, and DNA. From Khla¡¯s limited understanding, the DNA is key, because ¨Csupposedly- if the Grodrrns are biologically similar to males and females of almost every species of Earth, then the male Grodrrns contain a sample of healthy female DNA to which a sterilized female can be compared to genetic damage. Longer term, the humans are hoping to apparently grow replacement organs for Khla, though they seem to think DNA damage is the underlying factor, or the Grodrrn healing units should have repaired Khla¡¯s organs long ago. The problem is whether or not they can viably make at least Khla¡¯s organs useable.


    In any case, the humans are optimistic, still. And, Khla¡¯s only input is her body for now, so she returns her mind to the task at hand. In exchange for their work, they have given her many luxuries in order for her to serve as a pilot for them. So, she can understand Kane¡¯s presence. After all, he¡¯s always been pleasant to her, save his orginal self defense.


    She runs some calibrations on the shuttle¡¯s systems and glances into the crew bay when footsteps approach. Captain Long and the young male Human Ensign Hancock, enter the ship. Hancock is wearing his EVA suit, and he has a device on his back with a satellite dish pointed up.


    Captain Long asks, ¡°Room for one more?¡±


    Kane asks, ¡°Testing something for Lopez?¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°Yes sir. Long range robust comms. It¡¯s a narrow beam, but Le-uh, Dr. Lopez believes this should be able to cut into the caverns better, as well as the storm, obviously.¡±


    ¡°Good. Helmdraff? Will the ship be okay with one more person?¡±


    Khla jumps with a small start, surprised to be given a voice. On a Grodrrn crew, the pilots usually aren¡¯t that high ranking. But here, she¡¯s still getting used to how often her input is requested on missions and the authority she has. She nods, ¡°Yess. I may have to adjoost compensation once onn surface, but non-issue. Given numbers, Humans much less weighted than Grodurns.¡±


    The three humans nod, and Kane says warmly, ¡°Strap in, Ensign.¡±


    Captain Long says warmly, ¡°Nothing fancy. Go down, retrieve personell only, and return. We¡¯ll retrieve the ships if we can once the storm¡¯s gone.¡±


    Kane and Hancock reply, ¡°Aye, Captain.¡± Khla mimics, ¡°Aye, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± The Captain leaves the ship.


    Once prepared, Khla squeaks, ¡°L-Lieutenant?¡±


    ¡°Yes Helmdraff?¡±


    ¡°Am¡­ I permitted to wear EVA? Grodrrn S.O.P. for xenoatmospheric¡­¡± Kane doesn¡¯t even let her finish. He replies, ¡°Of course. I¡¯m sorry, I should¡¯ve realized. I should get mine too. Hang tight.¡± The Lieutenant jogs out quickly. He returns with a cart behind him carrying a Grodrrn EVA suit and his own. He says calmly, ¡°I¡¯ll take us out while you don yours, and we¡¯ll swap. Sound good?¡±


    The surprised pilot nods. Kane takes control of the ship as Khla starts putting the space-safe suit on. The humans always find new ways to surprise her. Under Grodrrn leadership, if it wasn¡¯t supplied, it wasn¡¯t necessary. The S.O.P. for landing on alien worlds only says to wear EVA suits in case the hull gets a leak or they need to open hatches to fight and clear a landing zone. Earth was different because probes indicated it was safe.


    Kane says into the communicator, ¡°Flight control, this is Stingray One. Flight preparations complete. Requesting permission and takeoff vector.¡±


    A voice comes back, ¡°Affirmative, Stingray One. Stand by.¡± There¡¯s a pause, and the voice says, ¡°Stingray one, Flight Control, permission granted. Take off vector four by seventeen. You may launch.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative Flight Control. Vector four by seventeen. Stingray One taking off.¡± The Lieutenant applies throttle to the engines slowly, and the shuttle slowly drifts out of the hangar. Once in space, Kane accelerates gently toward the planet on the given course, which is plotted near the fleet to ensure small ships flying around don¡¯t intersect and collide.


    Once Khla is ready, she takes her seat and says, ¡°Lieutenant, I¡¯m ready.¡±


    Kane nods. He says calmly, ¡°Vector¡¯s five by fourteen. Ahead one-third. Once we¡¯re clear of fleet perimeter, you¡¯re free to adjust as necessary. Helm is yours.¡±


    She takes control and replies, ¡°I have helm.¡± The human smiles and nods at her. He then steps into the back to don his EVA suit.


    As she flies, though, Khla notices strange readings on one of her instruments. It¡¯s a field strength graph that¡¯s circular in shape, and it shows strange warbles from the left side. Usually, a battleship has a team dedicated to determining and eliminating noise in the instruments. From there, that information is relayed to all smaller vessels. However, this signal isn¡¯t in any of the typical noise bands for field and signal detection. It¡¯s just above the allowable noise zeroing threshold, and has a distinct field distortion instead of a signal waveform.


    Khla asks politely, ¡°Lieutenant?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can we ask Ensign Hancock to disable his device. I¡¯m seeing something.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°It¡¯s not on, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Kane steps forward, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Khla points to her screen. ¡°I detecting some kind of field distershin. Could indicate a lot of things. In this case, I would relay to battlesheep and let they decide what is.¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°I see the problem¡­¡± He studies the signal. He asks, ¡°Any idea what it is?¡±


    ¡°No. Not specific. Many stars have fairly unique signatures, and could cause. Certain celestial bodies collision. I sorry. I do not possess enough wisdom.¡±


    Kane replies gently, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Keep an eye on it as we go. If it strengthens or anything, we¡¯ll flee the area to be safe. Let¡¯s focus on getting the miners.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Khla pilots the shuttle deftly, aligning with the planet. Kane takes his seat. Khla activates the ship¡¯s entry systems, which will automatically account for temperature and pressure changes while she navigates the storm.


    Hancock says from the back, ¡°Helmdraff¡­ Lopez is asking what the signal looks like. Does it look like a gravimetric pulse or its echo?¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°No. Gravionic pulse creates sweep. This is directional.¡±


    Kane whispers, ¡°This is why I wanted to wait. That girl does enough. It¡¯s a wonder she finishes anything.¡±


    Hancock replies politely, ¡°She usually doesn¡¯t . Other team members take over when she¡¯s pulled to something else. Sometimes, they get it, sometimes, she has to come back. And no one¡¯s useless, of course. Doc Lopez just has ALL the right creds.¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying, ¡°Poor thing.¡±


    Hancock adds, ¡°Uh, she¡¯s asking if it¡¯s growing in magnitude or has a consistent¡­ heartbeat?¡±


    Kane nods. ¡°She¡¯s asking the same questions we have; does it appear to be synthetic? Tell her no, for now. Signal¡¯s not steady or pulsing rhythmically, and it¡¯s not growing.¡±


    A moment later, Hancock asks, ¡°Direction?¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°Our left.¡±


    Kane adds, ¡°About two ninety to three ten degrees.¡±


    ¡°Yes Sir, Ma¡¯am.¡± After sending his response, he says, ¡°Captain Long is having it looked at.¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°Apologies for trouble.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Safely involved, no such thing.¡±


    As the shuttle descends, Khla speaks up, ¡°Both strap in? Storm could be rough.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°I¡¯m strapped in.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°I¡¯m in. You need my help, just say what.¡± She nods gratefully.


    The shuttle starts to rumble as the three brace themselves against the surface storm. The wind howls, whipping viciously against the hull as Khla deftly keeps the shuttle on course with large and small steering movements. Kane monitors readouts and altitudes.


    The shuttle lurches as a flash whites out the screens, before the viewscreens all turn dark. An instant later, the screens flicker to life with virtual readout.


    Hancock asks nervously, ¡°Is it supposed to do that?¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°No. Is storm. To worry not. Grodurn shuttle still fly.¡±


    ¡°What if there¡¯s another?¡±


    Kane teases humorously, ¡°Afraid to die all of a sudden, Hancock? The Grodrrns seem to have their ships set up to sacrifice visuals under intense EMP. Why, I¡¯m not sure, but it works for them.¡±


    Hancock retorts dryly, ¡°Sounds like a great way to run into a mountain, Sir.¡±


    Khla explains as she pilots, ¡°My Hulm¡¯hin¡¯s second in command once told, visuals lost because harder to shield. Too many direct line to hull.¡±


    The shuttle suddenly drops rapidly, the result of losing lift. This usually occurs when a sort of ¡®bubble of emptiness¡¯ has formed in the atmosphere. There¡¯s nothing for the hull to generate lift against. Fortunately, the bubbles are usually small. Each atmosphere is different, and what causes it could be some kind of chemical reaction catalyzed by lightning, or even the ionization of the ship¡¯s hull. The gas that was present suddenly collapses inward on itself as it flash-condenses, and thicker atmospheres react slower to the change.


    It¡¯s still usually only for a moment. And, sure enough, the shuttle lurches with a ''Whoomp!'' as the air around them races in. The hull groans from the strain, and Hancock nervously shifts. Khla can hear his heart racing, barely audible over the noise.


    Khla says calmly, ¡°Be calm, In-sinn. Shuttle armored for entry.¡±


    Hancock chuckles nervously, replying, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Khla checks her various altitude sensors. One uses the planet¡¯s gravity and atmosphere densities for a rough estimate. Another uses a sound wave echo. A third uses a radiowave echo, for when there¡¯s no atmosphere. And, if all else fails, each shuttle has a drop probe that uses a subatomic energy transfer that ignores virtually all matter and can tell the shuttle distance from the probe exactly. The disadvantage is that it¡¯s basically like dropping a bomb, so it¡¯s frowned upon on potentially or confirmed inhabited worlds, and it can sink in some liquids. Lastly, the drop probe then has to be retrieved, which can be an endeavor of its own.


    Fortunately, Khla¡¯s X.A.E training quite adequately covered her being the pilot analyzing her three readouts and averaging the distance based on the core factors of signal propagation, which was arguably a course unto itself, teaching her how vapors, precipitation, temperatures, solids, and semi-solids, radiation, electromagnetic interference, gravimetric distortions, and ions all affect each of the three readings and how to estimate what¡¯s between her and the ground, and adjust her ¡®real¡¯ distance in her head.


    The radio sensor is rather erratic, which is to be expected with the nature of this storm. The echo sensor is also struggling to hold a trending value, due to the turbulence. The density altimeter is typically unreliable as is, and it¡¯s even worse now.


    But, Helmdravv Khla is prepared. She ensured to review the recorded distances the humans measured during all of the other landings. With that, she knows that the echo and radio are both intermittently detecting distances that make sense. She also knows the fixed orbit height of the fleet, and her ship is tracking that distance as well, though via a human instrument. The irony of Khla¡¯s ¡®captivity¡¯ is not lost on her. She and Dzor have each learned more in a few short months than the Fievegal knew from 20 years of studying the ¡®Voyager¡¯ rocket.


    She knows Dzor would never admit it, but he does appreciate Captain Long¡¯s visits. She keeps him from going stir-crazy, and from becoming depressed. She stokes his pride as a Jardzen, a position he worked longer than Long has been alive to achieve. It was a position he and Jardzen Khla dominated in, until Earth.


    But, the interactions with the humans have opened the eyes of all of the Grodrrns. The humans can be profoundly compassionate, even when they are struggling. They can be brave and strong, especially together. Their short lifespans have only driven them harder to succeed. They adapt to change, they perservere, and they ponder a new future, always.


    Most Grodrrns are given a lot in life, and they perform their duties. That¡¯s it. They know when they will even be allowed to consider applying for an egg. They know when they will be allowed to apply for a new home. They know when their mandatory military service will end¡­ assuming they live.


    Baskylla Jardzen is a rank attained after obligatory service, almost exclusively. And, Helmdravv Khla has a long way to go before she finishes obligatory service, and she hasn¡¯t thought much of it as a result. Her Chulm¡¯chn encouraged her to start her service as early as possible and get it out of the way so she could focus on new things from a more universal perspective.


    Now, Khla is piloting a mission to rescue humans from a storm-battered planet surface in case her own people catch up to them. She¡¯s doing so because there is hope for a new future for all Grodrrns in her very reach. It is change; change she can contribute to. And, in so doing, it is a freedom she might be able to give to all, with help of course.


    So let the shuttle shake and rattle. Let the hull squeak and groan. Let the visuals flicker. Khla once aspired to an old saying she heard Jardzen Mrff say. ¡°{A master dies in his bed of old age.}¡± The best pilots in Fievegal history get to claim that seemingly innocuous statement.


    The young pilot grips her controls more firmly. She is the best pilot in this fleet. Of that, she has no doubt. She will EARN the humans¡¯ respect, and in time, their medical efforts already given.


    The ground approaches rapidly, but Khla is calm. She can hear Hancock talk quietly into his device, ¡°I don¡¯t know. We¡¯re still flying. I can hear you good, though.¡±


    She could probably hear the person on the other end if she desired. But, she stays focused on her task. Her visuals ¨Cwhile useless from clouds- have rebooted.


    Kane says politely, ¡°Helmdraff, we¡¯re picking up the GPS of the mining shuttles. Twenty degrees right and six degrees down.¡±


    Khla smiles. Of course, she¡¯s learned her sharp-toothed smile can pretty easily intimidate humans, but Kane has never once been intimidated. She stays on course, though, acknowledging him, ¡°Understood.¡±


    Khla finally eases the throttle down and slows the ship¡¯s descent. Even at lower level, the storm is raging. But, she¡¯s clearly close to the ground. The pinging and constant scraping on the hull indicates they are being pelted continuously by gravel.


    Khla descends lower confidently, though, and soon the heaviest of the barrage subsides while the miniscule light darkens even more. The pilot flips the shuttle¡¯s lights on, illuminating the deep dark tunnel with infrared lightning, which Khla¡¯s eyes can see well in. Similarly, the humans¡¯ helmets pick up the infrared light well, and Hancock muses in awe, ¡°Whoa¡­ How¡­ did you find the entrance so easily? You¡¯ve never even flown here.¡±


    Khla keeps her eyes on her flight concerns; path, instruments, and power. She can¡¯t afford to relax now. She does reply though, ¡°I wish become and die a master pilot.¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying, ¡°Hooah,¡± as Hancock replies, ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± He scoffs, joking, ¡°What can¡¯t you do?¡±


    Khla replies warmly, ¡°Eez said, master pilot can dash a gap by Grodurn hair, wash hull at water in full speed, shood down ten griggs, and return to dock with nothing more than engine and rudder¡­ een same fly.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Kane jokes, ¡°Wait a minute¡­ You don¡¯t have hair.¡±


    Khla hums ¨Csomething that sounds more like a giggle than the deep noise she makes if she pulses her lungs the way humans do to laugh and giggle-. She replies warmly, ¡°Hence, ¡®master¡¯, and I not.¡±


    Both humans laugh briefly, and Hancock asks, ¡°So what¡¯s a grigg, then?¡±


    Khla thinks for a minute. She¡¯s not sure if human has a word for it. She replies, ¡°Just word for enemy fighters.¡±


    The young human replies, ¡°Ah! So, like our ¡®bogey¡¯, gotcha.¡±


    Khla nods. She assumes he must be right. She of course has no idea what a bogey is.


    Regardless, it¡¯s only a short way through the hazy tunnel before they can see the lights of the mining crews parked on the first stable ground. Khla carefully and slowly eases the shuttle in closer, and the surprised humans on the ground guide her into place.


    Once landed, the Grodrrn pilot opens the hatch. She nods at Kane.


    The Lieutenant says, ¡°Alright, good work Craw. I¡¯ll go get everyone ready to board, Hancock, do your tests for Lopez. Craw, please keep the shuttle ready for takeoff.¡±


    The pilot nods, ¡°Of course.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 27: The Mysterious Grodrrn

    Khla has just landed the shuttle near the mining crew for the rescue. Hancock unbuckles himself and follows Kane, talking into his communicator. The Lieutenant finds the foreman standing in a group. There, two workers are lying prone with bandages on their heads, torsos, and arms. Kane asks, ¡°What happened?¡±


    The foreman replies, ¡°Particularly bad lightning bolt shook the cave. These two fell hard. With the double gravity¡­¡±


    ¡°Got it. They stable?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s get them aboard the shuttle. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    The workers, who all look exhausted, nervously shift. The foreman replies softly, ¡°Sir¡­ We struggled just to get them this far. None of us have the strength left. I¡¯m sorry. I-If you brought a team¡­¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°We¡¯ll handle it.¡± He calls over the short range communicator, ¡°Helmdraff, can I get your help a moment please? We have some downed miners and could use some help carrying them.¡±


    As Kane waits, the foreman asks, ¡°Helmdraff? That¡¯s a navy rank?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Is now.¡±


    ¡°What rank is-¡­¡± The foreman¡¯s thought screeches to a halt and his eyes widen.


    Khla deals primarily only with military personnel. And, ironically, most of those same soldiers and officers treat her with some level of benign neglect up through actual respect, even for a prisoner. They¡¯re rather kind to her, even aside from sharing rations.


    What didn¡¯t really occur to her is that not all humans performing work for the fleet are actually members of their military. Many jobs are being done by what humans call ¡°Civilians¡±, or non-military personnel. Khla¡¯s interaction with civilians is extremely limited, and there¡¯s a reason why. She halts when the man Kane is talking to snatches a pistol out of his hip holster, aiming directly at her. A second human follows suit, and Kane says sternly, ¡°Stow those weapons, gentlemen.¡±


    Khla can hear Hancock¡¯s conversation halt abruptly near her, and he nervously pulls his rifle up. The first man to draw shouts, ¡°You brought one of those¡­ THINGS!?¡±


    The civilians of the human fleet have been put out in more ways than one by the Grodrrns, let alone the captives. Protests over the Grodrrns receiving precious food and water have become almost daily, though they are kept out of the military-only areas of the ship. The few times Khla has passed civilians, they cursed and threw things at her.


    Her best option, now, as then, is to stand calmly. Her voice, her appearance, and her size are all intimidating. Her best bet is to allow Kane and Hancock to either defuse the situation or force the miners to back down. And, Kane¡¯s mysterious forearm device has already clicked to life, rings rotating slowly.


    The human supersoldier growls more sternly, ¡°Lower your weapons, now.¡±


    ¡°No no no. Not with one of those monsters here. It¡¯s just waiting for the right time. They may have you military dogs fooled, but not me. I was in Seattle. I saw.¡±


    ¡°SHE,¡± emphasizes Kane, ¡°Is the only one who can fly through the storm to rescue you and your teams. And, SHE was willing to do so.¡±


    ¡°You think that makes up for anything!? One alien beast decides to have five minutes of penance, and we¡¯re supposed to trust it? Why should we even trust any of you? Some protection the military provided.¡±


    ¡°The clock has to start somewhere. And, if you don¡¯t want to be left behind if another fleet arrives, you will bite your tongue and get on the ship. AFTER you hand over your weapons.¡±


    ¡°No chance. You may be stupid, but I ain¡¯t trusting that thing.¡±


    Though it¡¯s impossible to detect outwardly, Kane is losing his patience quickly. He growls coldly, ¡°I¡¯m giving you until the count of three to lower your weapon before I take it from you. With or without your hand.¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of quiet tension. The foreman glances from Khla to Kane and back. The miners are scared. Khla still isn¡¯t a friend to the humans, and she can understand. She¡¯s not afraid though. Kane and Hancock are on her side.


    Kane starts counting, ¡°One.¡± The other miners glance at everyone nervously, ¡°Two.¡± The second man with a gun noticeably starts to lower and shake.


    The human supersoldier starts to say, ¡°Thr-¡­¡±, and both miners with guns drop them to the ground. Plastic chips from one of the weapons due to the heavy gravity. Hancock relaxes his posture, and Kane says gently, ¡°Hancock, their weapons.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The young ensign walks briskly to each weapon, collecting it cautiously and carefully.


    Kane asks, ¡°Anyone else? We¡¯re here to retrieve you. All three of us are. Anyone of you can pilot through that, and we¡¯ll turn right around. Otherwise, shut up and get in the ship.¡±


    The miners glance at each other. Without further argument, they quietly walk with their heads down. Kane waves Khla over, and they each take an end of the makeshift stretcher for the first injured miner. Kane says gently, ¡°Please stay calm, we¡¯ll have you out of here in no time.¡±


    The miner nervously glances at Khla and whispers to Kane, not knowing she can hear him perfectly, ¡°Are you sure, officer?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Positive.¡±


    Hancock is sticking close to them with his rifle still ready. He says into the radio, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Doc, I can¡¯t talk. Small dispute.¡±


    Kane and Khla work together easily hefting the miner up and carrying him. The miner is admittedly heavy to Khla, but they only have to carry two of them a short ways.


    The two make quick work of moving the injured. The miners are all quiet, nervously watching the Grodrrn. Even as a young female, Khla towers over even the tallest of humans. Of course, she also knows the average human height in the fleet has decreased now with the loss of Earth.


    Once everyone is loaded onto the shuttle, they secure the two injured miners to the floor as best as they can. Kane says calmly, as if none of what occurred had, ¡°Strap yourselves in. The storm is no joke. We¡¯ll come back for the mining shuttles if we can.¡±


    Khla buckles in and checks the shuttle¡¯s readouts. Satisfied, she gently navigates out of the cave. As she approaches the entrance, she eyes the gravel storm ripping across the surface. She says to Kane, ¡°Lieutenant, I think we¡¯ll need to exit at full throttle. The gust will be too much change at low speed.¡± If the wind catches them hard enough, it could shove them into the cave mouth. Full throttle lets her get far enough out to hopefully recover angle.


    Kane replies, ¡°You¡¯re the expert. Makes sense.¡±


    The down side of this plan is the fact that she has to accelerate now and pitch at exactly the right moment in order to thread through the entrance.


    Kane jokes, ¡°Try not to scratch the paint, though.¡±


    Khla gets that one. She¡¯s discovered, human jokes usually go over her head because she takes too long to mentally translate, and the context is lost once translated. But, this one, she gets. She does her best to chuckle softly. Grodrrns don¡¯t laugh the way humans do. If something is humorous, they usually only grin. If something is absolutely hilarious, a tingle in their spine causes them to stamp their feet. A three hundred pound Grodrrn, small for their species, stamping her feet with teeth bare would frighten most humans.


    Still, she does find Kane¡¯s joke amusing, especially so because she understood it. She makes the lighting adjustments and shifts in her seat. She¡¯ll only get one shot. If she fails, and they don¡¯t die, it¡¯s unlikely anyone else will risk the storm. She says over her shoulder, ¡°Hold. We going.¡±


    She throws the throttle full, instantly gripping the steering with both hands. The shuttle pitches and quickly races up to speed. Many things are about to happen all at once.


    The humans compare Grodrrn controls to a piano, each finger having a distinct function on the control grip. This way, she can brace tightly in her seat for high-G maneuvers in high gravity environments without giving herself whiplash or a concussion.


    Khla pitches the ship back hard. Immense pressure squeezes down on her as the shuttle shifts directions violently. Miners groan and yell out, but they¡¯ll survive. Humans are tough little mammals.


    Wind slams the hull, and the ship lurches sideways. It¡¯s all Khla can do to compensate, while the hull screeches and roars from the sudden barrage. It¡¯s no worse than when they entered, thankfully, but it startles some of the miners.


    No matter. Khla keeps her fingers tight to her controls, making adjustments with sliding motions. The ship wobbles as it fights the surging wind, but Khla manages to guide it upwards.


    The ship steadies out some, now that they¡¯re ascending somewhat with the wind.


    Hancock jokes, ¡°At least the hull will be polished nicely¡­¡±


    Kane chuckles. ¡°I dunno. Sounded like it was pretty coarse.¡±


    Khla smiles softly. With only the storm to deal with, she needs only be steady and attentive. The rest of the flight should go smoothly.


    ***


    ¡°{HOW COULD THEY BE AT NEITHER LOCATION!?}¡±


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla¡¯s voice thunders the command bridge. The planet they¡¯re orbiting has the scarce minerals they expected; potassium, some nitrogen, sodium, and a few other minerals deemed necessary for life. The Zarakyssns aren¡¯t completely thorough in harvesting a planet. Stories suggest, even long before the Fievegal was founded, the Zarakyssns completely harvested worlds into oblivion. If that is true, they have since stopped.


    Khla knows only through Mrff that the Zarakyssns are rumored to take a religious stance on the issue. The origins of such a religion suddenly stopping their Zyuudronn-inspired consumption of the universe around them may forever be a mystery, but Mrff, and others like him, convincingly believe that the Zarrakyssns view the universe as a sort of time-keeping apparatus. Because everything both the Zarakyssns and the Grodrrns know seem to agree that nothing can exist in nothingness, time is no more immaterial than matter, at the end of the equation. Time does not seem to exist without energy. Energy does not exist without even the tiniest amount of matter. Matter and energy cannot change forms without time. These concepts are so deeply entwined with one another, they cannot exist alone. Time causes energy to convert to matter. Time causes matter to come together. Matter coming together collects energy. Matter and energy feed back on time, causing time dilation.


    That last part being central to the supposed Zarak religion. If those who believe as Mrff does are correct, then the Zarakyssns are afraid of drastically altering the mass in a specific locale. Doing so would shift the time dilation of that area, which may or may not affect gravitational pull. But, more and possibly most importantly, it would offset the balance of the great timekeeper, and doing so too heavily could stop time¡¯s forward march. And, according to that belief, the instant time ceases, life ceases.


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    True, the Zarakyssns are merciless conquerors. But, they undisputedly value life in a macabre way. While the location is unknown, Fievegal intelligence is fairly confident that no species conquered by the Zarakyssns truly goes extinct. All that are biologically compatible with Zarakyssn biology are cultivated to feed the Zarak hordes. Many Zarak soldiers have died taking first bites of a new species, but typically, their palettes are quite sturdy. For those not compatible, they are often experimented on or used as labor. And, for those not suited to labor or eating, a handful are frozen in cryogenic stasis and the rest are hunted for sport or used in war training.


    With all of that in mind, Khla knows this world serves a second purpose; bait. Humans are not the first new species taking to the stars, and they won¡¯t be the last. Whether or not the religion is real, the Zarakyssns patrol their harvested worlds for fledgeling fleets, just like the humans.


    His scales are tight and unusually dry. The humans have been out of reach for [over a month] now. A lot can happen in that timeframe as it stands. If the humans haven¡¯t been discovered by now, it¡¯s only a matter of time before a Zarak patrol stumbles over them without warning.


    He finds himself silently praying that Dzor lends all of his expertise. Cooperation with the humans in that regard would easily be forgivable. Khla would make sure of it.


    He feels so ineffectual and helpless. Grodrrns aren¡¯t supposed to be helpless. They¡¯re top five in the list of physically known strongest sentient lifeforms in the galaxy. Even the Zarakyssns, an empire of slavers, have trouble keeping a Grodrrn captive. If Dzor figures it out, if he leads the humans to safety, Khla will gladly pursue them to the bitter ends of the universe, so long as his precious Zhi doesn¡¯t end up the food or plaything of those despicable tiny beasts.


    He notices how silent everything has been since his outburst a moment ago. No one has or had a good answer, and his question is unlikely to be satisfied anyways, leaving silence as the best option. Fortunately, it seems no one took it too personally, including the small human female Laurel. She is watching him nervously from her chair, installed near his for when she chooses to be on the bridge.


    Mrff is the first to speak. He commands calmly, ¡°{Your Baskylla Yarjen asked a question, hatchlings. Let us not rest idly without answers. Seek an answer. Start by ensuring the humans were not here. Search for rubbish and other debris. Forensics, begin basic jump identification protocols. Navigation, begin running through every planet again. Include all known asteroid belts. Lastly, communications. See if there are any Zarak communications to intercept. Whatever your reasons for aiding this pursuit, renew them and get to work.}¡±


    The bridge is stunned only for a moment longer. The various officers snap to, though, and they begin delegating tasks. Niolajt Jardzen Mrff turns to Khla, saying, ¡°{I, too, will seek answers, Yarjen. Excuse me.}¡±


    Khla observed the speech patiently, scratching his chin deep in thought. He says just as Mrff turns, ¡°{Wait.}¡± The bridge comes to a halt once more. He says calmly, ¡°{Do not launch any ships. Align us to the furthest planet we identified and charge falight drive. Then, commence Gravionic pulse.}¡±


    The pulse control officer protests, ¡°{Yarjen! That will give us away instantly!}¡±


    Mrff adds in a low voice, ¡°{And the human fleet will surely flee, likely deeper into Zarak space.}¡±


    Khla retorts instantly to Mrff, ¡°{If they CAN flee, so the better. It means we have time. May they be listening intently.}¡± He then adds to the crew, ¡°{Scan for any fleet matching their size.}¡±


    The officers adjust their orders, and Mrff urges softly, ¡°{I must recommend against this rashness.}¡±


    ¡°{You must, and you have, old friend. But¡­ the humans will not likely detect a Zarak patrol. Not unless Jor is aiding them. These two planets weren¡¯t right. Now, we charge ahead or fall back. And Grodrrns never charge ahead.}¡±


    ¡°{But¡­}¡±


    ¡°{BUT,}¡± interrupts Khla. ¡°{Humans do. We can neither catch nor protect them our way. We must attempt to coopt their way.}¡±


    Mrff sighs. ¡°{As you wish. Regardless, I will tackle this problem fom my end as well. Summon me if I am needed, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla nods. Mrff exits, and the Baskylla Jardzen monitors progress. Laurel remarks softly, ¡°That didn¡¯t sound good.¡±


    Khla does his best to soften his expression, and he replies to her, ¡°We sconn for fleet. Boot, preeparr joomp. Zarroksinns weel deetick sconn. {We scan for fleet, but prepare jump. Zarakyssns will detect scan.}¡±


    ¡°But¡­ won¡¯t that give away the fleet, too? I only know a little, but sonar, on Earth, reflects off of targets in all directions, so¡­¡±


    He gently cuts her off, replying, ¡°Theess eez troo, boot, Zarrokssinns weel need deetormeen wharr tharr sheeps are tuu ileemeenott. Een thot teem, hoomins sholl flee. {This is true, but, Zarakyssns will need (to) determine where their ships are to eliminate. In that time, humans should flee.}¡±


    Laurel sits quietly for a moment. She replies, ¡°And¡­ you¡¯re sure this is the best way?¡±


    ¡°No. Boot, eef wee trih tuu sorch, wee mitt lond een Zarok bottol formott. Ond, Zarok¡­ hmm¡­ interpshun weepon ockteevott mooch foster thonn we conn recharge, ond we tropped. {No. But, if we try to search, we might land in Zarak battle formation. And, Zarak¡­ hmm¡­ interruption (he means interdictor) weapon activate(s) much faster than we can recharge, and we trapped.}¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± The human looks distantly out at the stars. The view is currently pivoting as the ship aligns for the coming jump.


    Grodrrns are not nearly as social as the humans. There are plenty of Grodrrns who go weeks at a time without saying a word, and they are just as content and well-adjusted as a Chulm¡¯chn-to-be who just left the Saurmynnyka¡¯s bed chamber. In fact, Khla and Dzor stumbled across a marooned Grodrrn pilot who had survived total isolation on a near-habitable world populated with hostile beings. He actually had trouble speaking because he hadn¡¯t said more than a few words ¨Cmostly curses under his breath lest he be hunted- for [147 years]. Beyond having to relearn his own language, he was completely sane and functional, and he still serves to this day as a Niolajt Jardzen on another ship.


    Humans are nothing like Grodrrns in this respect. Khla has quickly learned that Laurel becomes depressed if she isn¡¯t engaged in conversation almost daily. There are times she can barely stand minutes of silence. The other humans on his ship, of course, have the luxury of being in cells together. Laurel is surrounded by a language she still has much of to grasp, speaking of military matters of which she has no counterpart experience as a human.


    ¡°How eez hulth?¡± asks the Jardzen as gently as he can muster.


    Surprised, Laurel glances at him. ¡°Me?¡± Khla nods. ¡°H-Who¡¯s health? Mine or the baby¡¯s?¡±


    Khla smirks. Yet another contrast. Grodrrns almost always assume self when being asked something like that. He replies, ¡°Both, trooful. {Both, truthfull(y).}¡±


    Laurel smiles softly, ¡°Um, I¡¯m doing okay. I-¡­ I¡¯ve been puking a lot.¡±


    ¡°Eez food?¡± asks Khla, growing ready to discipline someone.


    The small human quickly replies, ¡°N-no, no! Er, I don¡¯t think so. I think it¡¯s just morning sickness¡­ My silly human hormones going crazy.¡±


    Khla relaxes. He says warmly, ¡°Good. Ai hot jettican chef. New food alwihs flawverluss. {Good. I hate jettican (he means jettison and can, mixing up the expressions) chef. New food always flavorless.}¡±


    Laurel blinks at him a few times before a smile spreads across her lips. She then starts laughing. She replies jovially, ¡°Yes, please don¡¯t jettycan the chef. I¡¯m fine. Just nature running its course.¡±


    Khla nods. He waits expectantly for his other answer. Laurel says tenderly, ¡°Definitely a she¡­ and the doctors say she¡¯s healthy. I just want her out so I don¡¯t have to pee as much.¡±


    Khla does his best to chuckle. It¡¯s funny, but he must show his enjoyment differently. The human woman smiles softly. She adds, ¡°Thank you for asking.¡±


    Khla nods. The scanning officer announces, ¡°{Yarjen! Pulse primed and ready.}¡±


    Navigation adds, ¡°{Aligned to coordinates and jump distance set. Standing by.}¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°{Fire gravionic pulse.}¡±


    ¡°{Firing, Yarjen!}¡±


    The ship thrums deeply with an electronic groan, and the lights flicker. The scanner starts showing blips in seconds, identifying planets, asteroids, and ships.


    Ten ships are on the edge of the solar system they¡¯re in. Fifty ships in three groups two solar systems out. Four hundred plus ships. One thousand. As the pulse penetrates deep into Zarak territory, countless blips are returned. Fighters are rarely picked up, meaning each of these is a fighter-killer class or larger. While Khla¡¯s battleship is much larger than any one Zarak counterpart, it is not a match for so many.


    Khla quickly says, ¡°{Mark all data and attempt to identify the human fleet. They had 5 large ships, last we knew, with a sixth possibly complete. Navigator, commence jump.}¡±


    The two addressed Nordzens reply together, ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡± They coordinate the efforts, and the screens black out as the jump bubble forms.


    Meanwhile, Mrff pores over the flight logs from his recent mission. His instincts are nagging at him. He listens to the recorded audio as he pages through the command-line-like flight changes and computer entries. Not many know about the change log, which can show all of the shuttle¡¯s user inputs for a flight. It¡¯s useless gibberish to an untrained eye, but Mrff has been on both ends of investigations where such data is used. Most assume it¡¯s just a camera watching them, but this records far deeper.


    Mrff is far from being a young Grodrrn. He has many cycles left in him, but he is not easy to fool. He has been on MANY missions in many different verczii. The Niolajt Jardzen has calculated and verified routes and locations hundreds of times.


    As he listens to the playback, he notices what should have sprung out of the water at him; the time stamps.


    Individual stars were searched for within seconds of Mrff ordering it, like they were already known. The calculations that followed were marginalized, as if a location was being extrapolated from a different known location. At a glance, this looks and sounds right, but it isn¡¯t. Using the stars, it¡¯s supposed to be basic triangulation several times over to find an intersecting point. There is no adjusting from another position, especially not this quickly.


    Mrff additionally could chalk it all up to the incompetence of a novice. He didn¡¯t want Dzhonn there, and having him there made Mrff complacent. Maybe he would have died instead, but his ship would be in a better position than now.


    Mrff is not a Baskylla Jardzen for many reasons. Not least of those reasons is the fact that he is often quite impartial on matters of politics. This matters because he tends to be far more forgiving of mistakes of subordinates, often choosing the benefit of the doubt instead of the assurance of execution. The dead never make further mistakes.


    So, Mrff would gladly accept incompetence and tackle their current problems from a different perspective. After all, he¡¯d like the chance to make a few more of his own mistakes.


    What this log shows is a different story.


    Dzhonn deleted one triangulation calculation and only one, before using the exact same planets again. Unsurprisingly, his math was perfect ¨Cboth times- and he got the exact same coordinates.


    Mrff can¡¯t fault a lie if the alleged liar doesn¡¯t know they¡¯re lying. The wrong truth is still a truth to someone. It¡¯s merely wrong.


    What Mrff doesn¡¯t like is the ¡®recalculation¡¯. Dzhonn didn¡¯t even try another set of stars. No pilot makes it far with that level of negligence.


    His evidence is shaky, though. Dzhonn could easily plead incompetence, and even Mrff would be hard-pressed not to believe him. But, his gut doesn¡¯t believe that. His instincts tingle with danger.


    Mrff hates these games of espionage and sabotage. He is a battler, not a Rop. He doesn¡¯t latch onto a host and poison from within, and he loathes rooting them out. They¡¯re always deeply anchored, with a dozen ¡®friends¡¯ who will vouch for their trustworthiness, unwittingly being fooled themselves.


    First and foremost is to catch Khla up to speed. No matter what, he needs to know of the error in location, if nothing else.


    Mrff jogs back to the bridge. Khla is resting his head in his left hand, thinking. The Niolajt Jardzen says, ¡°{Jardzen, I have an important update. Our location was all wrong. We picked the wrong planet.}¡±


    ¡°{Location?}¡± asks Khla, surprised. ¡°{What do you mean?}¡±


    Mrff takes a deep breath. He replies, ¡°{I believe Dzhonn has betrayed us. His calculations appear to have been intentionally wrong. There¡¯s no telling how far off he put us.}¡±


    Khla shakes his head in frustration. He retorts, ¡°{Wait, bow back a step. What¡¯s this?}¡±


    ¡°{Helmdraff Jon! He calculated the wrong-¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Who?}¡± asks Khla in genuine surprise.


    The authenticity of that surprise halts Mrff in his thought. Can he truly be serious? Of course, Khla is always serious in task, at least for official business. But, how could he not know the pilot HE assigned? Confused and surprised, Mrff replies, ¡°{Helmdraff Jon? He was the co-pilot YOU assigned to the recon mission I just flew. You PERSONALLY assigned him.}¡±


    Once more, genuine confusion is plaguing Khla as well. The superior officer asks cautiously, ¡°{Niolayt Yarjen¡­ Are you feeling well?}¡±


    Mrff growls as calmly as he can, ¡°{How do you mean, Yarjen?}¡±


    Khla sighs. ¡°{It¡¯s not uncommon, Murf. There are treatments. Relax, and take a few calm breaths.}¡±


    Treatments!? Treatments for what? Reality? Mrff tries to remain calm, but he growls out chillingly, ¡°{Treatments, Yarjen?}¡±


    Khla nods. He says apologetically, ¡°{If the stress has been getting to you that badly, I wish you would have spoken. But, we¡¯ll evac you as soon as we land.}¡±


    Mrff holds his posture, but his fingernails are digging into his palms. Khla thinks Mrff imagined Dzhonn¡¯s existence? How coult that be? True, Grodrrns have reportedly had stress fractures of the mind, -or at least, that was their defense when caught in extraordinarily compromising situations-, and in those situations, they went to their graves claiming others were responsible.


    But, how can that be true now? Mrff intended to try, but he sincerely doubts he could have actually calculated the location AND piloted as he needed to in order to survive. So how could Khla, of all people, forget Dzhonn? If Khla was the only one who knew of him, then Dzonn could vanish if the Baskylla Jardzen somehow forgot him. But how? Is Khla suffering from his stress?


    It¡¯s about this time that Mrff notices something. He looks around to be sure. Khla and Mrff agreed to trust three and only three Grodrrns fully enough for this task; themselves and one female orderly. And, that orderly is serving water to the Firing Nordzen.


    That leaves one very important question. And, though he doesn¡¯t know how yet, it has happened. He suspects he knows the answer when he asks.


    Mrff looks directly at Khla, asking coolly, ¡°{Where is Human Laurel?}¡±


    Once more, genuine surprise and confusion twist Khla¡¯s expression, and he asks, ¡°{Who?}¡±


    ***

 Chapter 28: Chaos on the Polonia

    ¡°Hell no! Aliens go! Hell no! Aliens go!¡± Voices repeat the chant angrily, echoing up the hall leading to the main hangar as the shuttle is touching down. Marines are gathered in a protest circle at the entrance, keeping the protest from spilling into the hangar.


    This isn¡¯t the first such demonstration, and it¡¯s unlikely to be the last. But, the size has grown considerably. Almost four hundred people are crowded into the hallway. And, though the marines are able to hold them back by presence for now, the last few decades on Earth showed just how gullible, self-centered, and hateful protestors can be when led by hateful, violent upstarts.


    Chief Grey holds his trusty shotgun with what few non-lethal beanbag rounds he could find loaded inside. He knows most of the marines are carrying lethal ammunition simply because they aren¡¯t prepared for domestic riot control. And, come what may, no marine is simply going to watch as fellow marines are beaten to death by closed-minded, ignorant protestors.


    Grey listens as Tachibana tries talking over protestors, along with several other chiefs and officers. They¡¯re trying to reason with a mob; a mob fueled by inactivity, twisted half-truths, and simple mob-mentality. The chants just get yelled louder as the marine leaders talk.


    ¡°No one is getting ejected! No one!¡± Tachibana¡¯s voice is starting to break, slipping into hoarseness. This particular protest is over six hours now, having started in the civilian quarters of the ship and slowly marched to the hangar bay.


    ¡°You¡¯re useless!¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Navy pigs!¡± ¡°Monster lovers!¡± As the repetitive chant continues, many of the protestors hurl insults at the marines. Nothing about it all is particularly surprising. The ships are powder kegs, with everyone locked in together for months now.


    Some of the frustrated marines grumble to each other, mocking the protestors, ¡°We¡¯re useless?¡± ¡°Right? They¡¯re ones to talk.¡±


    A marine next to Grey says dryly, ¡°Weren¡¯t most of the civilians that made it onboard liberals?¡± Another replies, ¡°Yeah.¡± The first adds as if realizing something, ¡°Oh, right. I forgot. They only preach unity when they¡¯re getting what they want. Any other time, it¡¯s hate and division.¡± ¡°Yep.¡±


    Grey rolls his eyes. He can¡¯t honestly say he disagrees with the two marines, but it¡¯s not the time for it. A seven foot tall alien is about to exit out into the open and there are hundreds of protestors waiting. If they rush the hangar, it only takes one of them getting hold of a gun to endanger their most experienced pilot, whether any human wants to admit it or not. Additionally, if they instead go after the prisoners or¡­


    Grey glances around. There are only three routes in and out of the hangar, excluding the hangar bay doors to space. Two of them, only a few yards apart, are packed full of protestors. The third door is an escape scuttle, and it isn¡¯t very easy to navigate.


    Grey himself is guilty of overlooking something highly important, just as many of the navy personnel seemed to have. Khla, of course, is not the only alien on the ship. Though the navy has tried to keep her existence and even moreso, her eggs, as quiet as possible, military people talk. They tell family members. Family tells friends. And, before anyone knows it, the wrong people have the information.


    The protest grows to a discombobulating uproar of taunts, insults, and other hateful speech, startling Grey. Marines shield themselves as objects are lobbed into their ranks by protestors. He glances towards the shuttle. Kane is standing protectively in defense of Khla, as she looks around with jaded eyes. It doesn¡¯t matter that she just helped rescue a bunch of civilian miners. The protestors have been riled up with hate.


    The marines keep shouting, ¡°This is a restricted area! Get back!¡± But their orders are doing no good. No one wants to be the first to fire, but chaos is quickly taking over.


    Grey shoves through the marines, grabbing Fisher¡¯s shoulder, he hands Fisher his shotgun, nearly shouting directly into Fisher¡¯s ear, ¡°You know what to do! I¡¯m going to the Queen!¡±


    Fisher turns just as pale as Grey did a moment ago when he realizes the same thing. Fisher shouts to Mina and Pratt right in front of him, ¡°Mina! Pratt! Go with Chief Grey! Now!¡±


    The two whirl. They glance at Fisher and Grey in surprise, but follow without significant hesitation. The three jog to the maintenance scuttle. They need to get around the protestors.


    A shotgun blast thunders into the air, momentarily silencing the hangar. Grey waves Mina and Pratt through the scuttle, glancing at Fisher. Fisher booms, ¡°YOU WANT HER!? COME AND GET HER!¡± Fisher deliberately racks the shotgun pump slide as dramatically as he can. He adds, ¡°CRAW IS PART OF THE CREW! YOU THREATEN HER, YOU¡¯RE NOT!¡±


    The chaos returns, though many of the protestors scatter with wails of terror. Grey follows Mina and Pratt into the maintenance corridor and closes the door.


    Mina asks when it¡¯s quiet, ¡°Chief? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Grey squeezes across them to lead, replying, ¡°There isn¡¯t normally this many protestors. And, we don¡¯t normally have to put much security on the prisoners or¡­¡±


    ¡°The Cave Queen¡­¡± murmurs Mina. Grey nods.


    Grey adds, ¡°We assume civilians are sheep, but there are always shepherds.¡±


    Mina frantically urges, ¡°We have to hurry!¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°I know.¡±


    ***


    Spaceman Long giggles as the Queen¡¯s grip gently squirms across different parts of her, including one tentacle on her arm, another around her back, and the one on her head. The squid-like alien chirps and clicks her teeth giddily as she watches the treasure in Jessica¡¯s arms.


    Inside the protective hip case, squirming seemingly playfully against the membrane of her egg and the membrane of the case, is the tiny, fragile-seeming alien infant. The small creature is about the size of a child¡¯s hand, squirming inside as if trying to escape.


    Long gently tickles the case, which prods back at the tiny little alien girl to be. This causes the embryo to squirm even more, and the Queen makes astoundingly giddy chirps and squeaks reminiscent of an extremely happy mouse.


    The tiny creature¡¯s face is mostly developed. And, in the dim glow of her egg, her own expression appears to be just as giddy and excited as the Queen. Long teases playfully, ¡°Nowhere to go now, cutie! Heeheehee!¡±


    The Queen chatters warmly, gently prodding the case with her own tentacle. Once more, Jessica isn¡¯t particularly convinced that the Cave Queen¡¯s species is entirely anti-social. They can clearly survive alone for long periods of time out of necessity, but if afforded the opportunity, they are almost cartoonishly affectionate.


    The young woman¡¯s own voice says tenderly, ¡°It has been so long¡­ I do not know what you have done, but I truly treasure you, Jessica Long. Our future¡­ so tiny¡­ so perfect¡­¡±


    Long smiles and hums warmly. ¡°I don¡¯t know either¡­. I just¡­ Keep her with me¡­ I sing to her¡­ I talk to her¡­ I dunno. It surprises me, too. Um¡­¡± Long hesitates quietly, asking softly, ¡°Does¡­ It bother you? Um¡­ Th-The others¡­¡±


    The Queen¡¯s grip loosens a little. But, she replies through Jessica, ¡°A part of me wishes every egg I¡¯ve ever laid would hatch. But, that was never the case, even with a planet of willing hosts¡­ After long enough, though, we learn to¡­ detach. And, now¡­ I know expecting them all to hatch is impractical.¡± She gingerly strokes the case with a tentacle, chirping in her own voice. She adds via the teen, ¡°But rarely¡­ do we get to see¡­¡± She trails off, and the Queen¡¯s chirping becomes a tender and reverent hum.


    Jessica smiles. She teases playfully, ¡°Between me and Mina taking all of the companion watches, you must be getting tired of us.¡±


    The Queen practices English often, and she knows a lot. Though she doesn¡¯t know all of the mechanisms of her ability to communicate beyond language barriers, she does seem to be able to use it to learn words and phrases by the humans, but she must work to teach her mouth and short tongue to form the words. She murmurs softly in her own, birdlike voice, ¡°Meena¡­ No. I¡­ I¡­ ehh¡­ nidd you.¡±


    Jessica says softly, ¡°Need.¡±


    ¡°Need. Cave Queen need Meena and Jeckika.¡± The Queen struggles with T¡¯s, S¡¯s and any other pronunciation that¡¯s heavy on the tip of the tongue. Most of her own sounds are produced in her throat, and she has astonishing control of her vocal cords. She often clicks when it¡¯s a syllable she can¡¯t pronounce, as with Jessica¡¯s name, to make the syllable understandable and thus, a similar word.


    Jessica gently touches the Queen¡¯s tentacle affectionately and idly touching the case. She replies softly, ¡°Need¡¯s a kinda strong word, isn¡¯t it? I mean¡­ You lived for so long alone. I can¡¯t imagine the strength it takes to survive that.¡±


    The Queen starts to try to reply herself, but it¡¯s clearly going to be too long when Jessica¡¯s mouth starts talking by the unfelt commands, ¡°Even when my world was populated, my kind lived alone, waiting. It is a balance to maintain our dens. Some of my kind had to trade with surface dwellers. My den was large enough to support me without outside contact, and it had resources the surface dwellers wanted, so we traded. Without humans though, I would die, and my children would be gone.¡±


    ¡°So, you need humanity in general, not just me and Mina.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± chirps the Queen¡¯s voice. She continues with Jessica¡¯s, ¡°Mina and Jessica¡­ This¡­ metal cave¡­ ship¡­ I am only able to stay calm because of my treasured ones. Everything is strange. Alien. I do not venture the tunnels for fear of getting lost. I am at the mercy of you humans now, and I am content with that. Many of your kind are merciful.¡±


    The auburn haired teen smiles. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that. Truly, if there is ever anything you need, please tell me.¡±


    The Queen gently hugs the young marine, replying tenderly in her own chirping voice, ¡°Yame kuu you. {Same to you}¡±


    Only a few idle moments pass before the door opens, and three marines storm inside, weapons ready. It startles both of them, and even moreso when Long is suddenly pulled in a fast motion. When she makes sense of it, she realizes the Queen instinctively placed herself between the intruders and Long, but also carried them both as far away from the door as possible while she grabbed her ¡°cruncher¡± as it¡¯s been nicknamed. Though its mechanisms for firing the coral arrows it shoots is fascinating, it¡¯s actually extraordinarily inefficient. The Queen is the only one strong enough to operate it, apparently, and it doesn¡¯t deliver much more force than a standard anti-tank rifle, which is a lot, but considering how big it is and how much force it takes to operate, it¡¯s not practical as it is for the fleet. With that said, of course, Dr. Lopez was the first one to remark that it can probably work as is in virtually any environment, including underwater and in the vacuum of space. This is an advantage over any human weapon so far, as they all require specific rounds tailored to the environment of use. Similarly, the Grodrrn weapons don¡¯t work in water and can¡¯t even be brought into some environments because of the ever-present electrical arcs within them.


    In the moment, though, the Queen is defensive only. And, Grey¡¯s voice calls out, ¡°LONG! You all okay?¡±


    Surprised, Long replies, ¡°Y-Yes Chief!¡±


    ¡°Anyone try to get in?¡± Once they¡¯re close, Long can tell that Mina and Pratt are the two with him.


    Still trying to understand the urgency in his voice, Jessica replies nervously, ¡°N-No, Chief. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Now, Grey¡¯s posture signals that he¡¯s a little surprised. He glances at Mina. Mina replies, ¡°Good way to be wrong in my book, Chief.¡±


    Pratt tries to joke, ¡°Yeah. Only other option is the eggs.¡±


    Everyone looks at him. He shifts, asking, ¡°Uh¡­ What did I say?¡±


    Grey immediately shouts, ¡°Long, get your weapon and seal the door behind us. No one in or out. NO ONE. Coulson, Pratt, Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jessica squeaks, ¡°Wait! What is it, Chief?¡±


    ¡°Protestors. A lot of them.¡±


    The teen¡¯s tone shifts coldly and calmly, ¡°It is already too late. Your¡­ ¡®protestors¡¯ have already reached the lab.¡± The Queen has relaxed her guard, saying softly through Jessica, ¡°Maybe it is for the best.¡±


    Mina barks passionately, ¡°It¡¯s not for the best! Chief!¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Maybe there¡¯s time. Move, marines!¡± He says to Long, ¡°No one in or out.¡±


    She nods nervously, watching as they storm away. She looks up at the Queen, silently wondering how she knows the protestors are there. She does have a camera feed to the lab, but she wasn¡¯t using it.


    Now might not be the best time to ask, though.


    ***


    The three marines burst into the lab, weapons ready. It¡¯s immediately reminiscent of a warzone. Everything is a mess. Beakers and test tubes are smashed. Liquids of all colors are spilled on counters and floors. One of the incubator rigs is completely tipped over on its side with the fluids dumped on the floor. The other one looks like one of the pods was cut open with a knife and the motion system destroyed.


    Only one of the scientists are present, Dr. Coulson. He¡¯s sitting on the floor with his head in his hands. One of his sleeves is ripped and stained with a little blood, and he coughs.


    Mina yelps, ¡°Dad!¡± She runs to his aid, and he looks up, revealing his black eye and several cuts on his forehead and cheeks. She instantly snaps, ¡°WHO DID THIS!? Dad, who hurt you!?¡±


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    He grunts in pain as she helps him up, and he replies, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sure. I-It happened s-so fast¡­ SO fast¡­¡± He looks at Grey pleadingly, saying, ¡°We did everything we could! You have to believe me! I-I tried to protect¡­¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Doctor. Where are the eggs?¡±


    Dr. Coulson points to a spot on the floor, saying with obvious distaste and horror, ¡°T-Two of them are over there¡­¡±


    ¡°Two?¡± asks Grey cautiously. He doesn¡¯t need to inspect the jelly-like mess on the floor where Coulson indicated.


    Coulson replies even more down-hearted, ¡°We were launching a search¡­ F-For the third when they arrived¡­ It was already missing¡­¡±


    ¡°Missing?¡± repeats Grey. ¡°How could one go missing? This lab is always occupied, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Coulson nods. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know¡­ Heloise noticed it during her walkthrough.¡±


    ¡°Mom?¡± asks Mina surprised. ¡°Where is she now?¡±


    ¡°Looking for marines¡­¡± replies Dr. Coulson. ¡°After she escorted those of us who wanted back to their rooms, just a few minutes ago.¡± He adds, ¡°I¡¯ve looked everywhere. I¡­ I don¡¯t know what could have happened¡­¡±


    Mina asks, ¡°Chief, What do we do? They killed three innocent lives, they beat up my dad¡­ I-¡­ I don¡¯t think¡­ I want them hurt. Badly. I¡­¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°We have to find them first. Any security cameras in here, or¡­¡±


    A new voice says calmly, ¡°I don¡¯t think that will be necessary.¡± They all look to find Lieutenant Kane. With him are Heloise, Khla, and Hancock. He says confidently, ¡°We will find them. But, it¡¯s two lives, Petty Officer. Not three.¡±


    She starts to protest, ¡°But, sir!...¡±


    He presents a much smaller incubator; likely the prototype for the larger ones. It¡¯s about the size of an icecream bucket, and it has enough room for about three to five eggs. Inside it is the missing third egg. He explains, ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to ask permission. I¡¯m sorry. I wanted to get her set up before the flight this morning.  I have a music player playing soft music intermittently with talking. It seems mental stimulation is the biggest factor we missed. The embryos clearly rely on activity around them to develop. This one¡¯s E.E.G. readings haven¡¯t dropped below the previously recorded peaks since this morning. I only regret I didn¡¯t take all three.¡± He hands the incubator to Dr. Coulson for inspection. He then adds politely, ¡°As for the assailants;¡­¡± He gestures to a specific area of the lab and says, ¡°Craw, if you would, please.¡±


    The Grodrrn pilot nods and steps forward. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply through her nose. She¡¯s clearly focused on divining a scent trail.


    Surprised, Dr. Coulson says, ¡°How is she supposed to exclude everyone else? There¡¯s nothing with an exclusive scent.¡±


    Khla replies gently, ¡°Hooman smell strong. Varying. Clothes too. Lootenn Kane say scienteests all wear lobb coats, yuss?¡±


    Dr. Coulson replies, ¡°Uh-w-yes?¡± He seems to get Khla¡¯s point, but is surprised that she seems so confident that she can sense them.


    Khla explains as she absorbs the scents, ¡°Morr experience Grodurns, sooch as Yarjen Jor conn determine how many beings have been in room in day, what food they ate, ond, even wheech ships being on. I conn at least find clothes not lobb coat or marine suits.¡±


    Coulson says softly, ¡°That¡¯s incredible.¡±


    She inhales one more time, exhaling calmly through her mouth. She states calmly, ¡°I have the smell.¡±


    Kane asks, ¡°Chief, you comfortable following the trail with Craw? I¡¯m going to secure the embryo in my cabin and then make sure the hangar hasn¡¯t gotten any worse.¡±


    The chief nods, ¡°Sir, yes sir.¡±


    Kane nods. ¡°Good. Then this is where my cognizance ends. Be careful everyone.¡± With that, he takes the small incubator and leaves.


    Grey asks Heloise, ¡°Sherriff? You mind watching over the lab?¡±


    Heloise scoffs, retorting, ¡°I wasn¡¯t a sherriff. Just Heloise is fine. And, yes Chief. Not that there¡¯s much left to protect.¡±


    Dr. Coulson sighs, saying, ¡°There, we have some good news. The preliminary diploid stem cells we engineered from Craw and patients two and three are safe in that back room. We were going to test immunosuppressants this weekend, and could see implantation in the next month. Khla¡¯s, maybe sooner. She¡¯s showing low rejection.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Great news, Doc, but off topic. Still, you two try to get this lab straightened up. Any bodies you need, let us know. We¡¯ll get it done as soon as this protest is under control. See if the incubators are still working. The Queen isn¡¯t getting any smaller. We¡¯ll deal with your assailants.¡±


    Coulson and Heloise nod. Grey then asks, ¡°You coming with us, Rookie?¡±


    Surprised, Hancock says, ¡°Oh, uh, I was supposed to get this equipment back to Lopez, but if you think you need me¡­¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°You¡¯re the officer, Rookie. That¡¯s kinda your call.¡±


    It¡¯s easy to see why Hancock hesitates. It¡¯s not a stretch to take Grey¡¯s reply as passive aggressive. Realizing this, Grey adds warmly, ¡°For the record, SIR, not only does Dr. Lopez outrank everyone, anyways, whatever she¡¯s working on is bound to be a priority. Plus, we shouldn¡¯t need you. Thanks, though.¡±


    Hancock sighs and replies, ¡°Thank you, Chief. Hopefully, I can get a ride over there.¡±


    Grey then gestures to Pratt and Mina, ¡°Let¡¯s move marines. Craw, lead the way.¡±


    The Grodrrn nods, leading out of the lab. As they walk, she asks, ¡°Chief?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± he grunts.


    ¡°What did Doctor Coulson mean? About¡­ stem cells and rejickshun?¡±


    Grey scoffs, ¡°I¡¯m not the one to ask. But, whatever it was, it sounded promising.¡±


    She turns quiet, seemingly unsure what to say. Mina remarks, ¡°Don¡¯t hold your breath, though. You see the luck we¡¯re having with the Cave Queen¡¯s eggs.¡±


    Khla¡¯s answer surprises the three humans, ¡°Some hope better thonn none at all.¡±


    They walk in quiet for a bit after that. Khla¡¯s nose leads them to the civilian berthing areas, which she¡¯s never been in before. Her very presence frightens the humans who may not have even known she was on the ship, let alone those who did. She towers over adults, and she could quickly kill almost anyone with her strong body and sharp claws and teeth. Parents pull their children into their room, and men and women quickly disappear or silently watch them. Outwardly, Khla makes no indication of even noticing any of it. She simply follows the invisible trail.


    Grey gets it though. As a marine, he¡¯s received this kind of response in virtually every country on Earth, including his own. Just doing his job, people treated him like he was personally going to murder them and everyone they knew. Sure, plenty of people thanked him all the time for his service and bought him meals and such, but many more made him feel like some sort of abominable alien invader without ever saying a word. He learned to wear that same stony expression, but it never did not hurt.


    Khla doesn¡¯t necessarily want the approval of the entire human race, since she understands what she represents. But, at the same time, she is thankful for her tenuous status as part of the crew. It¡¯s not only improving her own life, but improving that of the other Grodrrns. Captain Long has approved brief recreation for the Grodrrns, one at a time of course, to walk around, stretch, see the stars, and otherwise be out of their cells. And, though Captain Long is rather fond of the relationship she¡¯s building with Dzor, he¡¯s not allowed out of his cell without at least ten highly experienced marines available to contain him, and he¡¯s not allowed near any windows, walls, or doors. He essentially just paces around the open area of the containment deck with a circle of guards around him, and then goes back to his cell.


    Though Dzor won¡¯t admit it to anyone, Khla believes he is thankful, as he has quietly praised her for being professional with the humans without fully appeasing. Likewise, the humans do their best not to pry on intelligence matters to keep Khla¡¯s relationship with Dzor ¨Cand thus the human relationship to Dzor- as positive as possible.


    Khla¡¯s nose doesn¡¯t disappoint, either. The first place they find has a young man boasting about how ¡°They were all crying, ¡®Oh! Stop! Please!¡¯ So pathetic. Disgusting fish eggs. I think my shoes are gonna reek of fish forever.¡±


    His companions at the break area tables, where civilians can gather outside of their rooms, noticed primarily Khla long before he does, and their subtle attempts to signal him were in vain.


    Chief Grey says plainly, ¡°Darn things are disgusting, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    The guy scoffs in agreement, turning to approve, ¡°Yeah-¡­¡± he halts as his eyes widen.


    Grey instantly grips him before he can flee, and he drags the young man out of the chair aggressively,  kneeing him in the abdomen to quash any resistance. The man coughs, and Mina yells, ¡°Those babies were innocent, you monster!¡± She starts to try to attack him, but Grey calmly blocks her, saying, ¡°Stay calm. We got him. Anyone else, Helmdraff?¡±


    Someone nearby flees, and Grey states, ¡°Pratt.¡±


    Pratt; quiet, reserved, less disciplined and competent than some; is far from being a worthless recruit. He instantly sprints the person down ¨Cand Pratt is a FAST runner-. Catching the fleeing suspect with ease, he tackles the suspect against the wall, restraining him as he was taught.


    Khla replies, ¡°I sensed more than two, boot, I do not know how many. I sorry.¡±


    Grey replies calmly as Pratt drags the squirming suspect back to them, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Looks to me like we got two singers right here.¡±


    The one Pratt apprehended spits and snarls, ¡°I ain¡¯t telling you croc-lovers a single thing! You can¡¯t hurt me! I have rights!¡±


    Mina snarls right back, ¡°So did the babies you killed!¡±


    ¡°The fish!? Ha! They¡¯re just fish, you traitor!¡±


    ¡°Traitor!? I-¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± says Grey sternly, cutting off Mina. ¡°Brig¡¯s full. But, I think there are some open slots in the Garden.¡±


    Mina thinks for a moment, realizing the ¡®Garden¡¯ is what used to be an observation deck and now houses conex containers that have been retrofitted into prison cells. She starts laughing deviously.


    Suddenly terrified, the man asks, ¡°Wait, Garden? What¡¯s the Garden? It¡¯s not the real Garden, right? You¡¯re being a jerk, right? What is it? You have to tell me. I DEMAND you tell me! You work for me, pigs!¡±


    The first suspect coughs again. He groans out, ¡°The Garden¡­ is the croc prison¡­¡±


    Grey taunts, ¡°Hey! Give this guy a gold star. Heck, make it two. People like him love gold stars.¡±


    As the two are being pulled away by the marines, the second screams, ¡°You can¡¯t do this! You can¡¯t keep treating animals better than us! This will end! Your elitist reign will end!¡±


    Grey retorts dryly, ¡°Give it a rest, idiot. There¡¯s no media anymore to give you attention.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them do this to us! We outnumber them! Stand up! Don¡¯t let beasts take priority!¡±


    Pratt retorts, ¡°We¡¯re not. We¡¯re herding you to a nice cozy pen where you belong.¡±


    The man writhes against the rookie marine, but his grip doesn¡¯t yield. Chief Grey chuckles, ¡°Well said, Pratt. Well said.¡± They lead the two away. Both are combative, but the second screams until his voice gives out, receiving no aid from anyone they pass.


    It¡¯s when the door opens to the Garden, and the two men see Baskylla Jardzen Dzor for the first time, the Grodrrn enjoying his recreational time with a dozen armed guards, that it truly sinks in. Chief Grey wasn¡¯t exaggerating.


    The two instantly start begging for it to be a joke. They plead with Chief Grey. They try to sink to their knees.


    Then comes the blame. They metaphorically trip over each other, trying to pin the blame on one another. They apologize in typical desperate and insincere fashion. They say ¡®sorry¡¯, but won¡¯t elaborate what they are sorry for. Then they claim fear and hunger and restlessness.


    Chief Alexander Grey has been shot, burned, bludgeoned, and lost the use of one of his eyes. And, in all that suffering, he¡¯s become the worst nightmare of these two entitled individuals. He is jaded.


    Chief ¨Cthen, Sargeant- Grey was shot for asking a man¡¯s wife if he was involved in the terrorist activities they were investigating. Not for the question, but because he talked to the wife; ¡®property¡¯ of the man in question, without his permission. He was burned protecting a child from a blast. He was bludgeoned for wearing his uniform to a restaurant. And, he lost his eye shielding a fellow marine.


    He has NO sympathy for the consequences of wrong doing.


    Just as they are passing the Jardzen, who watches curiously and cleanly over the heads of the marines, the two suspects start adding names. Chief Grey halts the group, saying gruffly, ¡°Go on¡­¡±


    ¡°Yo-you gotta promise to let us go! You can¡¯t make us stay here!¡±


    Grey, without hesitation, replies, ¡°Names, and I can arrange that.¡±


    The second man spits out instantly, ¡°Cynthia Brock! She organized everything! She told us when to hit the lab!¡±


    ¡°And Jordan Greb-¡­ Gurb¡­ ¡®G-something¡¯! He let us in!¡±


    Khla surprises the marines when she asks, ¡°Doctor Grenbullchiff?¡±


    The man nods fervently, and Khla explains to the surprised looks, ¡°He is doctor working on my¡­¡± She halts.


    Mina quickly turns to Grey, ¡°Chief!¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± He nods her on. ¡°Be careful!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief!¡±


    Mina sprints back to the lab, praying it¡¯s not too late. The labs, including Khla¡¯s stem cells, are almost completely empty, now. ALMOST. Those who are there are two thirds of Mina¡¯s family. She pushes herself even harder.


    She quickly posts on the door, opening it quickly. She scans frantically from corner to corner. No signs of anyone. She calls out, ¡°Mom? You here?¡±


    Silence. Mina¡¯s heart thunders continuously.


    ¡°Mom? Dad?¡± Her tone grows more urgent.


    She hears grunting in the other room. She quickly posts off to the side of the door, whirling in quickly.


    She finds HM1 Brown holding a still-struggling scientist in a sleeper as her father, Dr. Coulson, and her stepmother, Heloise, nurse their ears.


    Mina freezes when a pistol presses to the back of her head. Her heart stops.


    Chief Tachibana¡¯s voice yells unnaturally loudly, ¡°YOU DIDN¡¯T CLEAR YOUR CORNERS, COULSON!¡±


    Relieved and surprised, Mina turns, ¡°Chief? What happened?¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± shouts Tachibana. It¡¯s not a shout of offense. It¡¯s a shout of someone who can¡¯t hear.


    Mina¡¯s pause cues Tachibana to speak. The female chief tries to tone it down, but she still speaks obnoxiously loudly, ¡°There wasn¡¯t time to think. Brown tossed a flashbang. You¡¯re lucky I could tell it was you.¡±


    Mina nods. She says slowly and loudly, ¡°Is everyone okay?¡±


    Tachibana nods, ¡°Barely. Caretaker Coulson had him at gunpoint, but he was opening the chamber anyways.¡±


    ¡°How did you know to come here?¡±


    Tachibana must not have heard everything by the way she pauses, but she replies, ¡°How? Hangar cleared up. Fisher and Marvoni took the rest of A-team to the Queen¡¯s nest, looking for Grey. We came here to check.¡±


    Mina sighs. She replies softly, ¡°Thank you, Chief.¡±


    The Chief may or may not have heard, but she orders, ¡°Coulson, help Brown secure the assailant. We need to figure out how deep this goes.¡±


    Mina nods, knowing Tachibana probably won¡¯t hear a confirmation anyways.


    Back with Chief Grey, he asks, ¡°Where do we find this Cynthia Brock?¡±


    ¡°I-¡­ I don¡¯t know, honest. She found us.¡± The other man nods in confirmation.


    ¡°Ship¡¯s not THAT big. You¡¯ve never run into her anywhere else?¡±


    Both shake their heads. Grey sighs, ¡°Of course. Well then, I guess we¡¯re done with you two.¡±


    Relieved, the first suspect, named Brian, asks, ¡°You¡¯re letting us go?¡±


    Timothy, the other sighs out, ¡°Oh thank god¡­¡±


    Grey snorts and then laughs. ¡°Are you serious? You apologized and repented for protesting during these already-stressful times. You¡¯re still murderers, and you disrespected a valued crewmember in Craw. Up to me, I¡¯d jettison you into space. But it ain¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°B-But you promised!¡± they both exclaim.


    ¡°I did no such thing,¡± retorts Grey facetiously. ¡°I said it CAN be arranged. And, it certainly can. But, it also ain¡¯t. Don¡¯t look that one in the eyes.¡± He points at Dzor, shoving the two into the custody of the guards.


    Grey then turns to Khla, saying warmly, ¡°Thank you for your help, Craw.  You can either turn in, or Pratt can escort you back to your normal post. Your choice. Pratt, you get that?¡±


    Pratt nods, ¡°Yes Chief.¡±


    Grey starts to leave, but Khla says gently, ¡°Chief Grey.¡±


    He stops and turns. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Did¡­ You and¡­ Fisher mean it?¡±


    Grey nods without hesitation. He asks, ¡°You a member of our crew, Helmdraff?¡±


    She looks at Dzor, who heard the whole part with Grey. The Baskylla Jardzen says nothing. He doesn¡¯t even make any gestures. He simply looks on.


    Khla tries to stick with her neutral answer, ¡°I serve the needs of the humans to serve the needs of¡­¡±


    Dzor is the first to chuckle deeply, turning and walking towards his cell. Khla stares at him, confused. Grey replies quietly, ¡°Even he knows what we know. We¡¯re not each other¡¯s enemies.¡± Grey gently pats her arm as he would anyone else. He adds, ¡°You looked after members of this fleet today. Thank you.¡±


    She nods. ¡°Thank you as well.¡±


    Grey smirks and nods.


    ***

 Chapter 29: The Master Pilot Pursues the Traitor

    ¡°HOW CAN YOU DO THIS!? THIS IS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR OWN PEOPLE!¡± Laurel squirms against her bindings. The Grodrrn who took her, Dzhonn, has said nothing since. He¡¯s simply maneuvered carefully through the ship, using his strange device as he goes if they encounter anyone. Laurel was never big into sci-fi movies, but it¡¯s the first thing she thinks of when he uses it. It stops whoever they encounter dead in their tracks with a blank expression.


    Now, Dzhonn is prepping a ship to take off. The woman keeps hoping someone will figure him out, but it¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t exist. He even killed one of his fellow Grodrrns without a thought. She doesn¡¯t get it, though. To her knowledge, the Grodrrn race will die out if things don¡¯t happen as Jardzen Khla explained. But, maybe that¡¯s why she¡¯s still alive. Dzhonn wants to be Chulm¡¯chn to the next Saurmynnyka.


    Still, she tries to distract him or irritate him into making mistakes, ¡°Are you deaf!? I said MY belly is carrying YOUR future!¡±


    Dzhonn ignores her. She knows nothing about piloting, and even more solidly nothing about piloting Grodrrn ships, but he just started the engines. They must be close to takeoff.


    Laurel screams, ¡°I¡¯m talking to you!¡±


    Dzhonn finally acknowledges her by turning around, but he simply stares at her. She asks sternly again, ¡°Do you really want to jeapordize the future of your-¡­¡±


    What Dzhonn does to interrupt her surprises her more than when he tried his device on her. He states in a deep, but flawless voice, ¡°You¡¯re not. You are nothing. Your child is nothing. That child¡¯s child is nothing. You know nothing of the situation you¡¯re in, human. And, you know nothing of even your own future.¡± He turns calmly back around, finishing his preparations. He also seems to send a message, but it¡¯s not even in Grodrrn, from what few characters she can see.


    Laurel is stunned for a long moment. She looks around desperately. She cries out, knowing Grodrrns have superior hearing, ¡°Someone help! HELLLLLLP! Please! ANYONE!¡± She screams as loudly as she can. Her only hope now is that someone hears. She¡¯s running out of time.


    Dzhonn lifts the ship off of the deck with a whirr of the engines. This is it. It has to be. Someone will shut down the ship remotely, or jump onboard the outside. It can¡¯t end like this.


    He turns the ship towards the hangar exit. So, this must be it. The doors will snap closed.


    He accelerates out into the void of space.


    It dawns on Laurel. What if Dzhonn¡¯s device really does work as she expects? What if it really does make someone cease to exist in everyone else¡¯s minds?


    That means¡­


    Dzhonn aligns, and he activates the jump drive. The visual monitors all turn black.


    Laurel can only stare at the lifeless screens. Her hope has, all at once, fizzled out.


    The trip is silent. Dzhonn says nothing to Laurel. He doesn¡¯t taunt her. He doesn¡¯t try to rationalize. He doesn¡¯t elaborate his plan. He simply rests in the pilot¡¯s seat.


    Laurel doesn¡¯t say anything either. Fear is gripping her, and she feels like it¡¯s still at that surreal time of the situation where, if, just maybe, she doesn¡¯t acknowledge it, it won¡¯t be real. If she says nothing, reality can¡¯t rush back in.


    It doesn¡¯t go away, though, either. Ultimately, she knows. She¡¯s just letting the silence help her deny reality. But, it can only be denied for so long.


    She has no idea how long the jump was. She only knows it is over when they drop out of the bubble and the virtual screens reboot.


    Again, Laurel knows almost nothing. But, she recognizes the shapes of asteroids forming a belt on screen. And, amidst that belt are several large-looking blue outlines. And, those blue outlines look nothing like the Grodrrn ships she¡¯s seen so far.


    It also takes a moment for Laurel to remember that blue and red are the opposite for Grodrrns as humans, meaning blue is the signal for enemy ships.


    Laurel can only watch helplessly. She has no idea why Dzhonn flew to a location with presumably enemy ships. But, he seems calm, and the enemies haven¡¯t opened fire yet.


    Just as Dzhonn is preparing to fly, he glances right. He double-takes, and in an instant reaction, he guns the throttle and pulls the ship up hard, causing immense weight to press down on Laurel. The screens chirp twice.


    Dzhonn snarls as he glares at the object on screen.


    A red object.


    The Grodrrn craft on screen is clearly not part of Dzhonn¡¯s plans.


    Though irritated, Dzhonn stays in control, instantly flowing into a flight away from the newcomer as much as possible while making headway toward the enemy fleet.


    Dzhonn¡¯s monitors show virtually 360 degrees of the ship in every direction, which can be disorienting to look at. But, Laurel can see the red ship in the rear. The screens flash and chirp while Dzhonn whips the shuttle in zig-zags. Each chirp seems to indicate the other shuttle firing at them.


    Dzhonn pilots expertly, dodging shots as they race for the asteroid belt. Once there, he unleashes further daring maneuvers to line up his own guns with the newcomer.


    The shuttle rumbles as it fires, shrieking with each individual shot that races off into silent oblivion towards the other ship. The other pilot is clearly skilled as well, deftly rolling and weaving through gaps in the asteroids while avoiding fire.


    One of the other shuttle¡¯s shots hit Dzhonn¡¯s shuttle. It doesn¡¯t cause any explosions or shakes. It simply causes the lights to flicker.


    A tingle crawls up Laurel¡¯s spine. Whoever it is knows. They know she¡¯s alive. They know she¡¯s onboard. She wasn¡¯t forgotten.


    The two Grodrrn pilots dart around asteroids, trading shots that miss. Dzhonn growls, once more surprisingly in English, ¡°Motherless, egg-sucking parasite.¡± Something seems very wrong about Dzhonn. But, Laurel is too focused on silently rooting for her prospective rescuer. She¡¯s not a fan of being a damsel in distress, but she¡¯s truly grateful to whoever that other pilot is. It never even dawns on her what could come of that pilot¡¯s motivations for pursuing them.


    Dzhonn muses, ¡°Ah, here¡¯s something.¡± He weaves into a near-literal hailstorm of oncoming fighter craft that seemingly flow around his shuttle, targeting the other.


    The other is not easily taken down though. It is forced to break off pursuit, but it¡¯s immediately clear that the blue-marked pilots are not anywhere close to the caliber of these two Grodrrn pilots.


    Just as Dzhonn is settling into his flight towards the enemy battleships or carriers, the lights flicker again, and the engines sputter this time. The red craft darts by, followed by a swarm of blue.


    ¡°Just give up¡­¡± groans Dzhonn. ¡°You won¡¯t escape this time, even if you win.¡± His screens reboot to full color as he flies.


    Dzhonn banks into evasive maneuvers again. It delays his rendezvous with his contacts, but he can¡¯t risk losing power to the newcomer¡¯s shots.


    The newcomer is relentless, though. Even dodging and fighting off the enemy swarm, he is managing strafing runs on Dzhonn.


    The sudden moves sway the pregnant woman all over her seat. Her nausea is out of control, but she keeps it internalized for now. She tries to focus on her rescuer.


    Then, the worst happens. Just as he¡¯s swooping around a big asteroid to dodge enemy fighters, Dzhonn fires with a triumphant roar. Blue-green metal shrapnel explodes from the impact, and nothing but debris floats in the void of space.


    Once more, the small ember of hope flickers out. Dzhonn sighs as he relaxes in his seat. He grunts out, ¡°Finally. Fricking idiot.¡± Laurel watches the shard of metal from her failed rescuer¡¯s ship. The enemy fighters swarm around them, but they idly let Dzhonn fly undisturbed. He calmly pilots towards one of the big ships.


    As they get closer, he passes a humongous asteroid with a tunnel deep within. It looks like a bullet passed through with how relatively straight the hole goes.


    Everything powers down. The ship goes completely dark with only static-sounding puffs hitting the hull. Dzhonn is startled, cursing instantly.


    He is just standing up from his seat to do something when the shuttle lurches violently from a thunderous impact. The side of the shuttle is bowed in, and Laurel thinks she can hear air hissing now. Dzhonn is thrown to the deck, and he doesn¡¯t move for some time.


    Laurel hopes he¡¯s dead. But, she checks herself for injuries. She seems miraculously okay. The hairs raise up on her neck, even as she tries to calm herself. It¡¯s a static tingle that tickles her skin and straightens her hair outwards.


    And then, it¡¯s a long, suspenseful wait.


    ***


    Niolajt Jardzen Mrff watches his surviving screens. Both ships, his and Dzhonn¡¯s, are being towed out of the asteroid by the salvage team. Neither shuttle is flyable for the time being, as Murf¡¯s maneuver crippled them both.


    But, he successfully pushed Dzhonn¡¯s shuttle into the big asteroid¡¯s hole, shielding them from Zarakyssn interdiction ¨Cbarely-. The jump bubble captured a sizeable portion of the asteroid interior and brought it with them. Much more, and the jump bubble would have been exposed to the interdiction weapons. Instead, Mrff hollowed out a massive asteroid.


    What he did was extremely dangerous in at least several ways. Obviously, the collision could have destroyed both shuttles and killed everyone onboard. Less obviously, objects keep their momentum when captured in a jump bubble. If it were smaller asteroids, they could have drifted into either ship, destroying them or pushing them out of the bubble into instant obliteration. Likewise, this asteroid could have simply carried both shuttles into annihilation.


    Fortunately, they made it back to the battleship. But, they will need to evacuate quickly. Zarakyssns are not shy about scanning their territory, and they know Fievegal ships are involved now. With in-fighting occurring, no less. If Zarakyssns get excited, this would certainly be one of those times.


    Additionally, Mrff is lucky Khla trusts him as much as he does. Even in the strange state of events as they were, Khla allowed Mrff to chase his phantom and, because he caught the ship, no disappearing act Dzhonn tries to pull can hide him from the shuttle¡¯s flight log, which is the first thing the salvage team downloads.


    Mrff just hopes Laurel is okay. After all this headache, she better be, with a healthy child still growing inside her. He simply waits.


    His orders ¨Cbeing upheld by Khla- are to quarantine Dzhonn¡¯s shuttle with a full guard. Mrff has heard rumors that build his suspicions, but he hopes it won¡¯t go that far.


    Still, he readies his mind with a quiet meditation. A serenity from deep within settles upon him. He will do what he can. Any more is not his doing.


    He can hear in his meditation that the hull is being cut open to his ship.


    So far, no wisdom.


    He can hear metal groan.


    Still nothing.


    Just as boots are approaching to disturb him; The past is a shield.


    Mrff opens his eyes. This one, he understands immediately. He quickly climbs to his feet, storming out of his shuttle.


    The salvage crews are just cutting the other shuttle open. Khla approaches, saying quietly, ¡°{If this Dzhonn IS onboard, Murf, how could this happen?}¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°{I only have rumors, Yarjen. Forgive me.}¡±


    The section is pulled away, and the salvage team carries it quickly to the side.


    The lead soldier announces, ¡°{Come out quietly! Your ship is surrounded!}¡±


    Mrff waits patiently. He watches the hole for his friend, Vrrd¡¯kllk, and his pet Drrnycz, Mykmyk. Vrrd¡¯kllk saved Mrff¡¯s life many cycles ago, and he¡¯s never had the chance to repay it.


    There! Mrff easily recognizes¡­


    The Grodrrn shocktroopers around Mrff seem confused, lost even. Something just happened. He looks at Khla. Khla¡¯s gaze is empty and distant, like his mind is off.


    A Grodrrn is walking away from a destroyed shuttle in the hangar with a pregnant human female. He has her mouth covered as he walks.


    How, he doesn¡¯t know. Why, he doesn¡¯t know. But, the last thing Mrff does remember is his meditation. The past is a shield. He instantly recalls the goal of his plan. It must¡¯ve worked, but he has to wonder who he chose.


    No matter. Mrff shakes his head clear and draws his sidearm. He approaches his first prospective bondmate, Khczii, and her mynn, Braaczin. Mrff was a young Helmdraavv recruit when he met them, and they were very close. But, he ultimately met his true bondmate shortly after, and he and Khczii were better friends. He¡¯ll never forget her kindness, though.


    Mrff aims the sidearm. He wishes that last sentiment were truly true. But, he needs to feel it. Or, it won¡¯t work. He could pick a thousand expendable names, but only a handful will protect him.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Mrff says sternly, ¡°{Let her go, now.}¡±


    Braaczin halts. It¡¯s who he is. Mrff believes it. He must believe it. Khczii is equally surprised. He lets his residual compassion for her return. Braaczin retrieves something from his belt. He says coldly, ¡°How are you so tenacious?¡± Human? He¡¯s speaking¡­


    Mrff is standing in the hangar. He looks around. Shocktroopers are talking. Khla is inspecting a destroyed shuttle.


    Mrff¡¯s heart feels a little cold, perhaps empty. But, he shakes it off. A traitor is in their midst. The past is a shield.


    The Niolajt Jardzen instantly recalls his planned strategy. He has no way of knowing how many times he¡¯s already shielded himself, but he digs deep for the next pair of friends close to him whom he can afford to let go. He¡¯ll get no answers while this traitor is alive, clearly. It¡¯s too risky with whatever is causing this. If Mrff slips up, he loses everything about this traitor.


    Mrff spots his flight instructor, retired Niolajt Jardzen Hyllk¡¯aanz, carrying¡­ some sort of creature? No, it¡¯s an albino child, obviously, named¡­ Glyggynn. Hyllk¡¯aanz is lowering the boarding ramp of the last operational shuttle.


    Mrff sprints across the hangar, gripping his sidearm firmly. Hyllk¡¯aanz spots him. Hyllk¡¯aanz taught Mrff the most valuable lesson he ever learned; to aspire to die like a master. Mrff never once beat Hyllk¡¯aanz in a dogfight.


    Hyllk¡¯aanz growls in a strange language, ¡°What the hell!?¡± He reaches for something on his belt.


    Mrff truly respects Hyllk¡¯aanz. The master pilot could do anything, and Mrff was lost for a long time after he heard.


    He squeezes the trigger multiple times as quickly as he can¡­


    Niolajt Jardzen Mrff is standing in the hangar looking at a shuttle. Shocktroopers are all around him shouting. Laying next to the shuttle is a Grodrrn in Helmdraavv uniform, shot dead with multiple hits. Mrff is holding his sidearm. And, a small creature is clutching his waist, sobbing. He has no idea what this creature is.


    He does know her name is Laurel, though.


    And, he knows the Grodrrn on the ground is named Dzhonn, and he was a traitor. The past is a shield.


    Mrff knows instantly what he was doing, and he knows pretty well why he felt he had to do it. He has no way of knowing who he chose from his past, who they were to him, or why. He only knows what he planned, and anyone he chose would likely understand his sacrifice. After all, he won¡¯t need to recognize them anymore. They had to be important to him, or it might not have protected him. But clearly, they don¡¯t need to be alive, as he intended.


    He¡¯s not relieved to have forgotten those he cared about and lost, but he knows they would understand. If there is a beyond, he hopes they earn glory and peace having helped the living even in death.


    Mrff drops his weapon. Khla steps forward, saying calmly, ¡°{Stand down. This is Murf we¡¯re dealing with. We all know well enough to know something¡¯s going on. For instance, does anyone know that Grodrrn?}¡±


    Laurel says desperately with mucus choking her nose, ¡°H-His name¡¯s J-Jon o-or Zjonn, a-and h-he tried to kidnap me and t-take me to enemy ships!¡±


    Surprised, Khla states, ¡°{A human? A pregnant human? What¡¯s¡­}¡±


    She whines, ¡°I don¡¯t speak Grodrrn yet! Please, listen! Zjonn has a device that seems to erase memories! B-But only Grodurns! It¡¯s that thing in his hand.¡±


    Khla asks Mrff, ¡°{Is this how you would tell it, Niolayt Yarjen?}¡±


    Mrff nods, ¡°{Flight logs should confirm where those two shuttles have been and who flew them. And, as always, this is my inexperienced hypothesis, but I believe the device in question erases individuals, based on recognition, from one¡¯s memories.}¡±


    Khla nods. One of the shocktroopers carefully brings the device for inspection, and the Baskylla Jardzen turns it over in his hand to look it over intently. Mrff can feel Laurel flinch when Khla crushes the device in his hand with blinding suddenness. A couple of the inferior officers and shocktroopers flinch in surprise as well. A Nordzen even remarks, astonished, ¡°{Baskylla Yarjen!? How will we know how it works!?}¡±


    Khla hands the thoroughly destroyed device back to the trooper who gave it to him. He replies calmly, ¡°{By the grace of the Saurmynnyka, that was the only one of its kind. Be it not, may we all possess Murf¡¯s wisdom and fortitude to overcome.}¡±


    ¡°{Perhaps defenses could have been¡­}¡±


    ¡°{That device was too risky to leave intact. Not with things the way they are.}¡±


    A voice draws their attention; ¡°{He¡¯s still breathing!}¡± They all look at where Dzhonn fell. A shocktrooper is checking vitals.


    Khla looks at Mrff. The Niolajt Jardzen says nothing. He¡¯s not sure what to say. If his plan had gone any differently, he wouldn¡¯t even know he shot Dzhonn, let alone if he intended to incapacitate or kill.


    Dzhonn coughs. He groans out, ¡°Jeen Jynnyk dohsh kyrrffynn¡¯lah¡­¡± Surprised, the Grodrrns all look at each other. Khla asks, ¡°{He¡¯s a colonist?}¡±


    Mrff shakes his head. ¡°{No. He doesn¡¯t have a colonial accent OR dialect. That was something else.}¡±


    Laurel asks, ¡°What is it? What¡¯d he say?¡±


    Khla looks at her, and then Mrff. He then replies to her, ¡°We donn nau, hoomin. Seems leek deeforent longweej. {We don¡¯t know, human. Seems like different language.}¡±


    The shocktrooper asks in Grodrrn, ¡°{Do you understand us?}¡± Dzhonn stares up at him blankly. He asks something again in his strange language, but it¡¯s unintelligible. It has all of the pronunciations of the Grodrrn language. But, the words are alien, and what few words do seem to be are in no sensible structure of Grodrrn speech.


    Laurel asks accusingly, ¡°What about human? Do you speak human?¡±


    The sentence Dzhonn utters next seems to almost make sense, ¡°{That what are creat-ster?}¡± Seems to be what he¡¯s saying or asking. Laurel asks, ¡°What¡¯d he say?¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°Sond leek¡­ He osk whut yuu arr. {Sound(ed) like¡­ He ask what you are.}¡±


    Dzhonn coughs again, clutching his injures. He grumbles something else, but it¡¯s unintelligible. One of the Nordzens asks, ¡°{Should we take him into custody, Yarjen?}¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°{Yes. His device didn¡¯t do this to him.}¡±


    ¡°{As you¡­}¡± before the Nordzen can even finish nor the shocktroopers move in closer, Dzhonn starts screaming. His body tenses and his back arches. The wail leaving his body startles everyone, even Mrff. No Grodrrn has ever heard the terrible, horrifying noise leaving Dzhonn¡¯s throat. It is something one would NEVER be able to forget. Hearing it is frightening, and those closest to Dzhonn back away as he flops and screams on the floor.


    The Grodrrn officers glance at each other in desperate need of guidance. One of the youngest officers asks pleadingly, ¡°{What do we do!?}¡±


    Khla and Mrff share a glance. It sounds like Dzhonn¡¯s actual living soul, his spirit, his lifeforce, or something is trying to rip its way out of his body in a way that¡¯s soul-twistingly painful to observe, let alone what he must be feeling. No one, not even traitors, deserve this.


    Khla and Mrff both draw their sidearms and aim at him. But, before they can fire, Dzhonn tenses one last time, before his body glows light blue. A moment later, the glow ceases, and his body is silent and ashen, before it dissolves into a whispy pile of dust.


    All of the color has drained from the scales ¨Cor skin- of every observer. When words can finally be uttered, it is Khla who says with a suddenly dry throat, ¡°{G-Get medical set up¡­ I want everyone here quarantined¡­ A-And get hazops down here to clean up¡­}¡±


    The Nordzen responsible for relaying Khla¡¯s orders gags, managing to choke out, ¡°{Y-yes Yarjen¡­}¡±


    Khla swallows hard, adding hoarsely, ¡°{Shocktroopers, turn over all r-recordings¡­ We need to find out what he said¡­ Someone must know his language¡­}¡±


    One of the shocktroopers, who was swaying already, collapses. Others scramble away from him in a panic, but Mrff booms, ¡°{Calm down! That was shock. No one leaves this area. If you try to, I¡¯ll gun you down. Understood?}¡± Everyone nods in agreement.


    Laurel presses her forehead to Mrff¡¯s abdomen, crying softly, ¡°I¡­ I want to go back to your room¡­ p-please? I¡­ I can¡¯t deal with this¡­¡±


    Mrff replies, ¡°We go to kwarteen. Sorry. {We go to quarantine. Sorry.}¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ This is too much stress¡­¡±


    Khla says softly, ¡°{Take her. I don¡¯t know why, but I feel the need to protect her. I suspect I knew her well before.}¡±


    Mrff nods. ¡°{You did. She is carrying a child to carry the Saurmynnyka.}¡±


    Khla chuckles warmly, ¡°{By her grace¡­ I suspect you¡¯re right. Go. Quarantine where we keep her.}¡±


    ¡°{My quarters, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla nods. Mrff escorts the human woman back, and she instantly lays down to sleep. Before she does fall asleep, she chokes out softly, ¡°Th-thank you¡­ F-For saving me, Yarjen Murf¡­¡±


    He replies plainly, ¡°My dutih. Notheeng more. {My duty. Nothing more.}¡± She needs not know what it cost him. It was his choice, and his burden to bear.


    She does ask though, ¡°How¡­ Did you do that though? You didn¡¯t¡­ forget us¡­?¡±


    Mrff thinks a moment. He replies plainly, ¡°Mihnd. Took chonce. Won. {Mind. Took chance. Won.}¡±


    ¡°Thank you again¡­¡± Laurel¡¯s voice is soft and meek. Mrff nods, settling into his chair to await the hazardous operations and medical teams to tend to them. It could be a while.


    ***


    Hancock follows Dr. Lopez. He¡¯s carrying the helmet and suit built for the Cave Queen. While Lopez herself didn¡¯t have much input on it, she used it as an excuse to get away from Mr. Right, who was fairly innocently just being playful and attentive to her, which makes the shy young woman uncomfortable. Mr. Right has lots of scientists at his disposal, but he insistently goes to Lopez for everything.


    The other science team members are quietly grateful when Lopez vanishes. She¡¯s well liked herself because, in spite of often being the smartest person in any room, she¡¯s extremely humble about her intelligence, answering questions to the best of her ability with no undertones of superiority. But, her presence means Mr. Right will likely show up. His own intelligence isn¡¯t particularly lacking, but he prides himself on his namesake, which becomes riskier when his backup knowledge bank is nowhere to be found. Rather than risk being asked a question he can¡¯t answer, Mr. Right will make use of himself in the manufacturing areas, where he plans jobs and encourages the workers. What Mr. Right lacks in humility, he makes up for in his ability to keep the big picture in focus, which is why no one ¨Cincluding Captain Long- has strangled him yet.


    Lopez, of course, has very little intent to approach the Queen or even enter her chambers. She has her laptop handy if she needs to adjust the automatic polarization parameters on the helmet, but she intends, as usual, to communicate via Hancock.


    He could care less. It may not be what he envisioned when he joined the marines, but his tasks couldn¡¯t be more specific or unique. And, testing her inventions is an adventure where all of humanity ISN¡¯T wiped out if it fails. It¡¯s just trying something new. He doesn¡¯t see himself filling Chief Grey¡¯s shoes; a grizzled soldier weathered by years of real combat. He¡¯s not sure what he sees, but he doesn¡¯t have the constitution Grey does. Grey can handle anything, it seems like. Faces down an invincible living tank; kills it. Sees a subordinate floating helplessly away; jumps. Loses use of an eye, doesn¡¯t bat the other. Hancock still wakes up in a cold sweat at night over Earth, and Kenzie manages to comfort him.


    It¡¯s been about a week since the protests, and the marines are quietly looking for Cynthia Brock. She''s the primary threat from within, if she is allowed to rally more dissidents. But, those are military concerns for the moment.


    They reach the light lock separating normal hallway from the Queen¡¯s chamber. Lopez turns to Hancock and asks, ¡°What¡¯s she like?¡±


    Surprised, Hancock replies, ¡°Who? The Queen?¡±


    Lopez nods. Hancock knows trying to convince the scientist to simply step inside and find out won¡¯t work. While everyone who knows about the Queen has a pretty good idea of what her ability is when touching someone, no one quite has a grasp on how it works. Presumably, it can work on any sentient species, and quite possibly non-sentient animals. But, this implies an evolutionary level of adaptation to unknowable brain structures to still force a communication. This factor leads many to feel that it¡¯s more likely the blind luck making the Queen, Grodrrns, and humans so similar in the grand scheme of universal variables is the reason it works on humans, and thus, likely Grodrrns, but it wouldn¡¯t work on a being that doesn¡¯t have a brain the way the known beings do. This cumulative unknown, combined with Lopez¡¯s social fears anyway, are why she likely won¡¯t enter.


    Regardless, Hancock replies warmly, ¡°She¡¯s surprisingly gentle, given her size. And soft. I think she¡¯s also a lot smarter than she lets on.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± asks Lopez quietly.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t like the noise coming out of the air conditioner for her space. The ticket got put in, but no one knows who fixed it. The Queen is playing dumb.¡±


    A little more cautious, Lopez asks, ¡°Why would she hide it if it¡¯s her?¡±


    ¡°There are lots of mundane reasons that I think. She might be scared the HVAC guys would be offended ¨Cshe worries about offending people-, she doesn¡¯t want anyone to think she¡¯s talented and ask for help on something she can¡¯t handle, she did it in her sleep¡­ Maybe she didn¡¯t do it. If you met her, you¡¯d realize why it¡¯s difficult to believe she has any shady intent.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replies Lopez plainly. She presses the buzzer on the door as she hugs her laptop to her chest. Stunned, Hancock asks, ¡°Wait, just like that? YOU want to meet her?¡±


    Lopez nods, asking, ¡°Why? Sh-should I not?¡±


    Hancock replies cautiously, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t normally. I thought you were afraid of our non-human passengers.¡±


    Lopez quietly replies, ¡°No¡­ the Grodurns scare me¡­ The big one especially¡­¡± Hancock knows she¡¯s talking about Dzor. No one¡¯s checked for certain, but it¡¯s pretty widely believed that Dzor is the largest Grodrrn onboard by almost 80 pounds, and two full inches in height. The next largest was a shocktrooper. And, Khla, being the youngest, is the smallest, at a whopping 285 pounds and six feet and nine inches tall.


    The Cave Queen, volume-wise, looks much bigger than even Dzor. Her long tentacles can support her like crab legs, and standing as tall as possible with her ¡®legs¡¯ almost straight, she can stand up to twenty feet or more. She usually squats like a crab or spider, though, which gives her stupendous agility and keeps her body off of the ground, a necessity on her world. This spreads out her profile considerably, actually serving to make her appear larger. As for her torso and head she is about the size of an extremely large human, but with a slender figure ¨Cwhen she¡¯s not carrying 100+ eggs-. Now, it¡¯s estimated that she¡¯s at about 100 eggs, which has caused her abdomen to swell to about the size of a yoga ball.


    Her abdomen being the purpose of the suit Hancock is carrying. It¡¯s closer to a romper or an apron, because the Queen¡¯s many limbs make it difficult to form a useful outerwear, but they wanted to ensure to protect her eggs from light. It¡¯s expected, though unknown at the moment, that the Queen is almost transparent, having almost never been exposed to any light. With that said, though, the biologists are pretty sure her limbs and body won¡¯t be adversely affected by exposure to the ship¡¯s L.E.D. lights, and the apron is needed only to protect the embryos inside her. But, it¡¯s also why they¡¯ll be testing it in the Queen¡¯s quarters, where they can slowly increase the light inside.


    Lopez adds softly, ¡°My¡­ favorite animal on earth was the octopus¡­ I¡­ They¡¯re one of the smartest animals ever, and they can problem solve and squeeze their bodies through tiny holes¡­ and they¡¯re super strong¡­¡±


    Hancock is astonished with how much she just said. He¡¯s also surprised at such an innocent reason to want to meet the Queen herself. Though, maybe the Queen resonates with Lopez on some level; unlike anyone else in existence, solitary and quiet, not wanting to be alone, but accustomed to solitude. Perhaps the two are kindred spirits.


    Petty Officer Rena or Mina Coulson¡¯s voice answers on the intercom finally, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Ensign Hancock and Doctor Lopez.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha. Come on in, Sir.¡±


    Hancock waits while Lopez opens the door by swinging the dogging handle. It''s similar to an Earth navy ship, but much more elegant looking. Most people don¡¯t deal with them much because a lot of the airtight doors are always open, and they have robust actuators to jam them closed quickly if the space on either side is ruptured. The doors themselves actually slide into place rather than swing, to ensure the actuator can get it closed against vacuum, which would be much more difficult on a swing door.


    Once both are inside the darkness of the light lock, Lopez dogs the door closed and leads to the inner door. She knocks, per protocol, to alert the Queen that the door is opening, in case anything with lights was forgotten.


    The two walk carefully into the room. Lopez isn¡¯t wearing a helmet, and she probably didn¡¯t realize how truly dark the Queen¡¯s chamber is. There is ¡®light¡¯ present from the stars being allowed in, but they¡¯re imperceptible to the naked eye. The Queen, however, can see anything and everything in the room as clear as a human can see in day, maybe even better.


    Hancock says gently, ¡°Coulson? We¡¯re inside. Door¡¯s closed.¡±


    Coulson replies, ¡°We¡¯re over at the art station.¡±


    That explains why they¡¯re not immediately visible to him. There¡¯s a stack of crates with planters full of the Queen¡¯s plants that block a hefty corner of the large space. The two make their way over, with Lopez holding Hancock¡¯s forearm for guidance. Once there, the young officer can see the easel the Queen is drawing on using either a piece of charcoal or a large pencil. In either case, the contrast works to make the image visible to his nightvision.


    Hancock went to an art museum once back on Earth. He saw abstract art, impressionism, realism, paint splatters¡­ many forms of art he can barely describe. And yet, there is something strangely breathtaking about the scene the Cave Queen drew with only one color. It¡¯s difficult to describe, but it explains quite possibly how the Queen sees the world.


    There is very little white on her drawing. But, her delicacy for achieving shades , coupled with her precise line work, all topped with a careful balance of inverse shading of specific areas and strategically planned white spots, have come together to form an image stunningly placed between an almost child-like cartoon and photographic realism. It¡¯s not quite like an Earth manga or anime, which is in that similar zone of realistic cartoons. Her picture captures the realistic aspects of the objects in the image, but the expressive detail of light, bands of what appear to be vapors or fog, and otherwise things no one would notice or even be able to see reach a fantasy-like look.


    The objects in the image appear to be structures of some kind, presumably built by her planet¡¯s now-extinct surface dwellers.


    ***

 Chapter 30: Sudden Attack

    Hancock says in amazement as he studies the Cave Queen¡¯s artwork, ¡°This is incredible! It¡¯s like a photograph!¡±


    The Queen chirps, and Lopez jumps, not expecting the direction of the Queen to be almost behind her, ¡°Yaenk you.¡±


    Lopez whispers, ¡°Sh-She¡¯s here?¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°It is her home now.¡±


    ¡°W-Where¡­? I¡­ was hoping I could see¡­¡±


    Hancock asks, ¡°You want my helmet? She¡¯s right in front of you.¡±


    Lopez squeaks, ¡°C-Cave Queen?¡±


    The large alien chirps warmly in her own voice, ¡°Yeck?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ M-My name is Levi¡­ Um¡­ You¡¯re a lot like¡­ um¡­ my favorite creature on Earth. And¡­ I, um¡­ just wanted to meet you¡­ F-For a little bit¡­ I¡¯m sorry if that sounds dumb.¡±


    The Cave Queen replies, ¡°Kay koo much. Me-I, yearn.¡±


    Coulson ¨CRena, specifically- explains, ¡°She can¡¯t pronounce some syllables, and she can only handle so much, sorry, Doc.¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s okay¡­¡±


    The Queen says warmly though, ¡°I meek. Cave Quee. Nyike kuu meek you, Yevi.¡± Hancock sees it coming, but Lopez doesn¡¯t. The Queen gently touches Lopez¡¯s hand, and the young woman jumps. She squeaks quickly though, ¡°S-Sorry! I-um, I don¡¯t mind¡­ I just wasn¡¯t prepared¡­¡±


    The Queen cautiously touches her again, and Rena giggles, ¡°She likes how warm we are. Be careful, Doc. You may never leave.¡±


    Lopez chuckles nervously. Hancock watches as Lopez grins sheeplishly, though, idly playing with the Queen¡¯s touch as much as the Queen is idly touching her. Lopez says softly to Hancock, ¡°She¡¯s so soft¡­¡±


    He chuckles, replying, ¡°She¡¯s also the size of a car.¡±


    Lopez¡¯s eyes widen, more clearly trying to picture the being in front of her. He sets the suit and helmet down, taking his own off to hand it to Lopez. He states, ¡°It¡¯s pretty clean. Take a look.¡±


    She puts his helmet on without much hesitation, and she gasps when she undoubtedly lays eyes on the Queen, needing to look up to see the Queen¡¯s face. The Queen giggles warmly, saying brightly, ¡°You not avraid?¡±


    Lopez mutters, ¡°No¡­ Y-¡­ You¡¯re beautiful¡­ I¡­¡± She sniffles, ¡°I never got to see or touch a real¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t compare you¡­ I just¡­ um¡­¡± Lopez looks down sheepishly, unsure what else to say.


    The Queen states warmly, ¡°Yaenk you, Yevi. You beankeeful, koo.¡±


    Lopez laughs in disbelief. Hancock is just enjoying the show. It¡¯s not often Lopez shows joy or happiness in such a way, even with him. She truly is fascinated by the Queen, and she begins asking many of the questions everyone asks the Queen; how old she is, what her world was like, if she¡¯s doing okay in space. She answers as best as she can every time, seemingly possessing no capacity for frustration or boredom.


    After a little while, Hancock finally jumps in to add, ¡°By the way, Cave Queen, we brought you a small gift. It¡¯s a helmet and skirt to protect your eyes and your eggs.¡±


    Lopez squeaks, suddenly remembering, ¡°Yes! That! Um.. It¡¯s auto-polarizing, like this room, so you should be able to see safely anywhere. B-But, if it¡¯s okay, I¡¯d like you to wear it while we brighten this room to test its function.¡±


    Rena cautions, ¡°If I may, Doctor. Light harms the plants, too. Might be better to take her into the light lock and start with a flashlight.¡±


    Lopez nods fervently, ¡°Oh my gosh, yes! Sorry! I didn¡¯t even remember or think of the plants!¡±


    The Queen smiles warmly, asking through Rena, ¡°This will allow me to travel to the lab on my own?¡±


    Lopez nods, ¡°Yes. Th-though, I¡¯m not military, s-so I can¡¯t speak for escorts or not.¡±


    The Queen nods. They help her put on the skirt and helmet. The skirt looks kind of awkward and restricts the Queen¡¯s ¡®legs¡¯ some, but she is able to adjust quickly. She fidgets more with the helmet, which seems to be uncomfortable on the Queen¡¯s two ball-like protrusions on the top of her head or the shroud that hangs down from her head. The team that modeled the helmet tried to be mindful of leaving space, but clearly, the appendages are more sensitive than even the Queen realized. Captain Long limits scientific research on the Queen, so it¡¯s only hypothesized currently that the two orbs on her head are her ears, similar to a 3-dimensional frog¡¯s ears. Coupled with her ability to ¡®view¡¯ her surroundings perfectly even in true total darkness, they believe her ears act as sonar, though she doesn¡¯t chirp continuously like a bat, meaning her ears probably use ambient noise to clarify what her eyes see.


    Looking at the helmet now, it¡¯s obvious covering her ears won¡¯t work very well. But, for a temporary solution, the helmet and skirt will give a free member of the fleet more freedom. And, Lopez will turn over her observations for improvements to be made. Of that, Hancock has no doubt.


    They lead her into the light lock, and Hancock pulls out his flashlight. He asks, ¡°Ready?¡±


    The Queen replies, ¡°Yeck.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Here goes.¡± He aims the light away from her and turns it on. Lopez quickly asks, ¡°Anything?¡±


    The Queen says with some surprise via Rena, ¡°The helmet adjusted, but now I have trouble seeing anything but a circle.¡± Rena¡¯s voice is loud, implying the Queen¡¯s ears also let her adjust the voices of her vocal host.


    Lopez is quick to open her laptop, but Hancock gently stops her. ¡°I think it¡¯s working, Doc. She¡¯s probably seeing what we see, now. In a lit up hallway, it won¡¯t be an issue.¡±


    Lopez stares for a second, realizing she¡¯s letting her emotions take over. She nods, ¡°Right. Um¡­ Does anything feel tingly or burning, Cave Queen?¡±


    The alien studies her body for a moment. Just in the reflected light, she¡¯s more visible. She replies through Rena, ¡°Nothing, I think.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay. Rex, go slow.¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am. He gently turns the light towards the Queen. She gently tightens on Rena, apparently a little nervous herself, but she stands by patiently. The beam of the flashlight is about to touch her, and he asks, ¡°Still okay?¡±


    She nods, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Hancock slowly turns the light onto her ¡®legs¡¯, several of the ones out in front of her. He holds the beam on them.


    True to suspicions, the Queen appears to be transluscent; not quite see-through, but Hancock can make out what look like muscle fibers, twitching a little as they support her weight. He can also see purplish lines spidering across her tentacles. He would guess that these are her blood vessels.


    Lopez asks, ¡°Any change?¡±


    The Queen shakes her head. ¡°None yet.¡±


    Hancock slowly works the light towards her center of mass, up her torso, and to the helmet. Thankfully, both pieces seem to be working well. Lopez checks to make sure she isn¡¯t trying to tought it out, but it seems the Queen¡¯s eyes are the most sensitive part as far as light.


    Next is the real test, though. They¡¯ll be turning on the lights in the hallway ¡°light lock¡± they¡¯re in.


    The Queen readies to shield herself with a blanket Rena brought. Hancock is ready on the light switch. Lopez says, ¡°Three seconds, Rex. Turn them off after¡­¡±


    He nods. He turns the lights on, counts to three, and then turns them off. The Queen looks at them curiously. She states, ¡°It¡­ Didn¡¯t hurt at all.¡±


    Rena asks, ¡°Ready for longer, then?¡±


    The alien nods.


    Hancock turns the lights on, keeping his hand by the switch just in case.


    Lopez is awestruck once more. The Queen¡¯s whole body is a cloudy pinkish-bluish mix, with many of her organs visible as slightly darker colored shapes. Her lungs seem to be working opposite of each other, constantly pumping air in even as air is going out, and she has what appear to be four lungs, working in two opposing pairs. Her vocal cords are visible, and they seem to flutter occasionally like she¡¯s about to chirp or purring or something, but it isn¡¯t audible. Most fascinating, though, is the long, coiled organ in her lower torso, just above where her skirt starts and would be her swollen abdomen. The organ looks kind of like a croissant, but it seems to squish itself by twisting at one end, cascading the squeeze along its full coiled length, and relaxing just about one inch or so after the squeeze. Before any one pinch has cascated to the end, another one is starting.


    Lopez asks softly, ¡°Is that your heart?¡±


    The Queen looks down at her torso. She replies, ¡°I don¡¯t know..¡±


    Hancock looks at the much larger lines leaving the organ, spidering off into the much smaller blood vessels. Hancock replies, ¡°I would guess so, but¡­ seems a little inefficient, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Rena replies warmly, ¡°Could be why she¡¯s so silent when she¡¯s standing still though.¡±


    Lopez adds, ¡°It¡¯s like a pinch pump. Short of something with an impeller, it would let her keep a steady, continuous flow of blood. And, with more muscle groups, it¡¯s possible she ¨Cher species- don¡¯t experience fibrillations without being able to keep blood flowing. If a group stops, the other groups can still move blood.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ Weird that we can make these observations just¡­ you know¡­ looking at it.¡±


    The Queen chirps a giggle, replying, ¡°Your hearts are very noisy. I asked Mina what the noise in your bodies was, and she said hearts. You MUST hear when you try to sleep, yes?¡±


    Hancock chuckles, and Rena replies warmly, ¡°It¡¯s not often we hear our own. And it¡¯s usually not bothersome.¡±


    Hancock remarks, ¡°My question is, if the Queen¡¯s species evolved to be so totally silent, making them the perfect ambush predators, is there something you used to hunt on your world? Animals you eat?¡±


    The Queen looks down, and then away. She replies softly, ¡°I have a story in my memories, but I don¡¯t know who told it or when. The story told of the beautiful world, the stars in the sky, the rain, snow, leaves, rocks, and creatures of all media¡­ things I¡¯ve never experienced¡­¡±


    ¡°Because you couldn¡¯t go outside¡­¡± murmurs Lopez, seemingly following.


    The Queen nods, adding quietly through Rena, ¡°I don¡¯t remember much else, but¡­ I¡¯ve always wondered why it was. I then¡­ overheard a surface dweller claim a Queen bigger than me had to be¡­ killed¡­ for stealing¡­¡± Rena¡¯s voice pauses as the Queen seems to be searching for a word. Strangely enough, however her telepathic translation works, it¡¯s rare that the correct words don¡¯t come out of the host''s mouth. She doesn¡¯t seem to be able to force her words out, either. Her own voice chirps out a word as close to human syllables as she can get, meaning it¡¯s not pronounced at all like a human; ¡°Yee-kik-rr-oooo-rrr,¡± The R¡¯s and ¡®oo¡¯ roll more like a bird warbling, but it¡¯s clear she¡¯s doing her best. Rena¡¯s voice adds, ¡°Living creature, but not¡­ easy to communicate with. Host must be intelligent; communicate with. Otherwise, eggs at even greater risk.¡±


    Hancock says, ¡°Sounds like livestock, then. You think that Queen was stealing them for food?¡±


    The Queen looks at him, saying calmly through Rena, ¡°I never thought it until I learned of you and the Grodurns. I had no idea why, but I never once thought living beings would eat others.¡±


    ¡°N-not all of us do!¡± squeaks Lopez. Hancock knows she does, but he also would bet she¡¯d stop if it bothers her new favorite friend onboard. ¡°Sorry¡­ i-if it bothers you¡­¡±


    The Queen smiles, replying, ¡°We eat what is available, and what is necessary, and then what we want if we can. I do not fault you. I simply never knew it was a concept.¡±


    Lopez sighs. He¡¯s in agreement. Space frog isn¡¯t the best thing he¡¯s ever had, but it beats bread and water alone. There are also some other livestock on the ships for much longer journeys, but the rationing on them is intense, thanks to their own high intake of grains. Ironically, the lobster population is flourishing. They make good disposal ¨Cor recycling- of biological material of livestock ¨Cand for those who¡¯ve signed off on it- deceased humans. While it¡¯s not a lobster¡¯s ideal diet, Hancock has heard they¡¯ve been doing well from Kenzie, which is why lobster comes up rather surprisingly often. Quite often, Hancock forgets these ships were built as self-sustaining luxury cruise ships.


    The Queen studies the room with the lights on, saying, ¡°This is quite incredible, Levi. Thank you.¡±


    Lopez blushes and fidgets. She replies softly, ¡°I can¡¯t take credit for this one, b-but if you need anything at all, someone can reach me.¡±


    The Queen nods. They show her how to recharge the helmet, how to open and close the doors more properly, and the route to the lab, though there¡¯s only one of her laid eggs surviving, and it¡¯s in Lieutenant Kane¡¯s care now ¨Cprimarily to let the protestors think they¡¯ve won until the instigators can be rooted out-. Plus, unlikely anywhere is safer than the care of a mysterious supersoldier.


    And with that, Lopez reluctantly leaves. Hancock is just glad this task was more like a vacation for her, from how much enjoyment she got out of it. No one deserves it more.


    He follows her. His job as her assistant only ends when she¡¯s done for the day. And, that¡¯s too often a rare occurrence.


    ***


    Helmdraav Khla walks through the security checkpoint to the holding area housing mostly Grodrrns. She was offered an upgrade to a real room and bed for her service, but she politely refused. She is thankful, but she doesn¡¯t want to be uplifted if none of the others have been. And, though his situation has improved, it¡¯s unlikely Jardzen Dzor is going to be offered much anytime soon. Maybe a bed, but Khla suspects the humans are intentionally trying to keep him a little weaker. If he escapes, they¡¯ll have no way of stopping him short of killing him. He knows about their water hoses, their shock weapons, and their gas weapons. Dzor was a soldier long ago and faced much worse. Khla only knows this because her Chulm¡¯chn was defending Dzor to his bondmate. She was afraid Dzor would get Jardzen Khla killed, but Khla insisted Dzor was a war hero.


    Neezha has trouble believing it. She has no doubt Dzor was mighty as a soldier, but he¡¯s aggressive and mean, and he¡¯s had an ingrown scale about something BEFORE the humans. Khla knows Jardzen is about as high as normal Grodrrns can elevate to without knowing someone close to the Haeroczaas or the Saurmynnyka herself. And, Jardzens get a lot of autonomy to keep them content. Rebelious Jardzens are easy for the Fievegal to deal with, but they still don¡¯t want to. The only other sort of promotion would be to settle down on a world and govern, but even Khla doubts Dzor wants that. He likes being mobile and superior in more ways than just title.


    But, he is at least not putting up a fight every chance he gets. He knows, if he is to escape, he only gets one shot, and Khla believes he doesn¡¯t have a full plan yet. Especially because the captured Grodrrn ships could be anywhere in the fleet at any given time, depending on what they¡¯re being used for.


    And today, Khla has news that might just keep him mild mannered. She walks briskly to hers and Dzor¡¯s cell box. She¡¯s allowed to come and go pretty freely, but must be escorted once she leaves the holding area. Even with Dzor, as long as the guards signal she¡¯s allowed, she can let herself in and out of her cell. Dzor just has to be seated in his usual spot. If he does decide to rebel and won¡¯t sit, Khla can¡¯t open the door. Fortunately, it¡¯s rare he tries to flex his muscles and scales. The humans are easily intimidated, but this only makes them more defensive ¨Cand likely to shoot-.


    Khla is buzzed in, and she walks excitedly into the cell. Dzor is laying down and has his eyes closed, but he knows she¡¯s there. He can usually hear her footsteps before even reaching the door to the holding area itself, though he¡¯s been fooled by the other Grodrrns coming and going for lab work.


    Surprisingly, Dzor contributed to the ongoing experiment taking place on Khla without much questioning or objection. He knows what¡¯s being attempted, and he¡¯s curious to see where it goes¡­ If the humans can complete it before he is free.


    Which excites Khla at the thought. She says warmly, ¡°Yarjen Jor?¡±


    He grunts at her, acknowledging her. He may have been napping before she arrived. But, she doesn¡¯t care. Not with this.


    ¡°They¡¯ve done it!¡± She grins warmly.


    ¡°Doon whut?¡± asks Dzor gruffly. He often seems like he¡¯s making a point of staying difficult to understand. This, of course, hasn¡¯t fazed Captain Long.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Khla sits down beside him, showing him the electronic tablet she was given. She can¡¯t keep it long, and at no time can Dzor touch it, but he¡¯s allowed to look.


    The screen shows a time-lapsed video of a yellowish goo shifting. Dzor watches with one eye open. It¡¯s then shifting to a darker picture as the camera navigates through a twisting and winding organ. The goo is then deposited. Next are brief snips of similar locale, but the goo has started taking form, rounding off, gaining a solid outer¡­ shell.


    Dzor¡¯s eyes are wide open now, and he watches as what is definitely an egg is taking shape.


    The Jardzen is stunned. He¡¯s not sure what to say at first. When his usual demeanor returns, he says gruffly, ¡°{That could be a human.}¡±


    Khla smiles, saying in English, ¡°The last image is from today, Yarjen. They successfully got embryo to start, and decided to see eef my body could do what needed. Eet eez. Shell only start though. Not very theeck yet.¡±


    Dzor stares at the image a moment longer in stunned silence. He looks away and growls, ¡°{Still a long way from hatching.}¡±


    She replies softly, ¡°You are still Baskylla Yarjen. I will not dispute. But, I thought you should see, Yarjen.¡±


    She stands up to move away from him, but he suddenly asks, ¡°You okye weeth theess? Weeth my¡­ {You okay with this? With my¡­}¡± He trails off.


    Khla smiles, replying softly, ¡°I would not volunteer otherwise. Am thankful you accept, too. Eez compleecated situation. But, I will be Chulm¡¯chn eef you not w-¡­¡±


    Dzor quickly spits out, ¡°{I¡­!}¡± He pauses, adding more solemnly, ¡°Omm preeznor. Hov no sah. {Am prisoner. (I) have no say.}¡±


    Khla is touched. It¡¯s not for her sake, but he does care. The speed of his initial start is clear evidence he wants to be a Chulm¡¯chn. His tone shifted to truly sad when he said he won¡¯t have a say.


    Khla smiles, replying, ¡°{We will figure it out, Yarjen.}¡± She takes a seat, adding, ¡°I was exceeted to tell you, but I¡¯m sorry eef unprofessional.¡±


    The large Grodrrn snorts in amusement. He replies, ¡°{It¡¯s okay. As you say, the situation is complex.}¡± He scoffs, adding, ¡°{Seems unreal¡­}¡±


    ¡°{I know. I bit my tongue earlier when they showed me¡­ was bleeding whole time in the meeting.}¡±


    ¡°{Meeting?}¡± asks Dzor deviously. There are some meetings, not many, but some, that Khla has asked him not to pry on. She would tell him, but it would destroy everything she¡¯s worked for. He¡¯s kidding now, knowing that the meetings she is allowed to talk about are meaningless or mundane.


    Surprisingly, though, she answers, ¡°Was meeting about signal anomaly. Seence planetary recovery I fly, we detect signal. Strange though, because never grow stronger or weaker.¡±


    The Baskylla Jardzen scoffs again, joking, ¡°{Humans are new to the universe. Many signals to learn.}¡±


    ¡°I know. But, this one was on shuttle, and only one direction. And, eet pulsed just a leetle.¡±


    At ¡®pulsed¡¯, Dzor¡¯s smirk dissolves. The humans know the gravionic pulse very well now. And, it tends to ¡®splash¡¯ across signal detection with a heavy wave, showing some signal in all directions. The other means Grodrrns have of tracking are similar in that they grow or shrink on distance, and echo a lot, making a portion of the signal seem omni-directional.


    Dzor isn¡¯t old by Grodrrn standards in any stretch, but he¡¯s undeniably mature. He¡¯s been in one of the infrequent skirmishes with the few rival sovereignties to the Fievegal. Only one of them has an interstellar detection system comparable to the Fievegal¡¯s gravionic pulse.


    And, that system is completely undetectable on a device that can detect the gravionic pulse, which is the only interstellar signal the humans know to listen for with certainty.


    Dzor¡¯s scales tighten. This foreboding realization is almost as bad as the moment his ship reached the human fleet¡¯s threshold; when he was certain he was about to die.


    Death with what¡¯s coming would be a luxury by comparison.


    Dzor is on his feet in an instant. He roars, ¡°{GO! FIND YU-CAPTAIN LONG! WE MUST LEAVE THIS PLACE!}¡± Khla is startled back to her feet, and she nervously looks up at him.


    Dzor says quickly, ¡°{YOU MUST GO! NO TIME!}¡±


    ¡°Y-Yarjen¡­?¡±


    Dzor paces. Helpless is not a suit he has ever worn. It doesn¡¯t fit him. He wants to tear it off, but it¡¯s strangling him. He knows he¡¯s scaring her, but he doesn¡¯t have time. He turns to the camera, snarling, ¡°HOOMINS! WE MOOST LEEV! TILL COPTON LONG! Z-ZARAKSINS! FLEET COMING! HURRY!¡±


    The human voice comes across in the cell, ¡°Settle down, Yarjen. You¡¯re not making sense.¡±


    Dzor roars furiously, ¡°TILL HER TUU LEEV! NOW!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not warning you again, Yarjen. Calm-¡­¡±


    Dzor roars thunderously at the wall. The whole box shakes. And, just as suddenly, he stops. He is as silent as a moon.


    Khla¡¯s heart is racing and her body feels cold. She stares at Dzor with wide eyes. He stands eerily silently, given what just happened.


    He then murmurs, ¡°{I see¡­ It¡¯s already been too long.}¡±


    Khla realizes he¡¯s listening now. Listening intently, she hears something strange. A metal on metal ¡®clonk¡¯ that touches the whole ship, but not violently so.


    A moment later, a deep gonging fills the ship.


    ¡°General Quarters, General Quarters. All hands, man your battlestations!¡±


    ***


    ~There¡¯s something strangely poetic about a battle in the stars. No matter the size of the battlefield or the scope of the units in play, the grandest of battles are infinitesimally small compared to the void surrounding them. There are only flashes of light and drifting destruction.


    It never really occurs to anyone how truly silent space is. Not until everything is powered down. No birds cawing, no waves crashing, and no screams. There are no sharks to claim the bodies lost to the void. No water to dilute the blood. You don¡¯t hear the reports of cannon fire. And, if your enemy knows what they¡¯re doing better than you do, you never know they¡¯re coming.~


    No warning. Metal impacts started tapping the hull, and then General Quarters sounded. The announcement repeats as Chief Grey navigates the crowds moving in every direction.


    ¡°General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands man your battlestations! Combat teams repel boarders! Repeat; Combat teams, repel boarders! This is not a drill!¡±


    Captain Long¡¯s voice comes next, ¡°This is the Captain! Providence jump was interrupted by enemy vessels! Give no quarter and defend this ship! We MUST protect the Providence!¡±


    Grey looks outside when he passes a viewport. It¡¯s certainly not the Grodrrns this time. The enemy fleet is over 50 strong in cruiser-class to carrier-class ships alone, it looks like. The largest ship is about the size of the Grodrrn battleships, which makes it larger than the Polonia, but it¡¯s completely different. It looks like a gyroscope almost, but with ships extending out of the three standard axes for omnidirectional combat focus, it seems. The rings attaching the ¡®bows¡¯ of each ¡®ship¡¯-point are also robust and wide. Its orb-shaped profile is large, and from it, a swarm of small dots are racing toward the fleet. Bright whitish purple beams of energy streak into the human fleet from the enemy ships, though Grey can¡¯t feel any distinct impacts.


    Regardless, he continues jogging. It doesn¡¯t take him long to find his first skirmish. Smoke has filled the hall where the boarding craft bored into the ship, but the figures are roughly human-height. Marines trade fire with them, keeping to cover as best as possible.


    Grey kneels with Mina, Fisher, and Brown, asking over the gunfire, ¡°Everyone else!?¡±


    Fisher replies, ¡°No idea, Chief! These guys cut us off.¡±


    Several of the hostiles have fallen already, and the rest are holding cover inside their boarding craft, with several leaning over each other to fire. Mina carefully aims as the others keep them suppressed.


    With careful headshots, Mina is able to put them down one at a time. One of the other marines with them is hit by the aliens. Several manage to pull him to safety, but not before one is hit in the shoulder doing so. He falls and begins seizing like he was just hit with a taser. Grey notices one of the aliens adjust something on its weapon.


    Not if he can help it. Whatever death ray weapon the alien is tuning, it won¡¯t serve any good. He storms the gap as he tosses his rifle aside to draw his shotgun. One alien springs out to fire on him, but a quick shotgun blast tosses it onto its back. Grey pumps the next round in, slowing as he reaches the door. He blasts an alien firing on marines or civilians up the other way. Its back armor ruptures, and gas spews out. But, Grey is already whirling into the doorway to fire round three. He whirls back as several inside try to spray him with fire, but Fisher is already swooping low in a deep lunge. The petty officer fires two bursts of his rifle and dives across the doorway to the other side.


    Grey pins a grenade and holds the spoon. It¡¯s the last one he could find. They aren¡¯t making more for now for obvious reasons. But, Grey¡¯s used a lot of grenades in his life. Given the size of the boarding craft, it won¡¯t rupture. He releases the spoon as squeaky, buzzy noises are chattered at him from inside.


    Grey taunts as he cooks the grenade, ¡°Sugar? You got it.¡± He tosses the grenade into the boarding craft. Half a second later, a deep whump and a blast of fire and metal erupts from the craft with high pitch humming squeals.


    Grey and Fisher nod at each other, and Mina places a hand on Grey¡¯s back, letting him know she¡¯s right behind him. Grey and Fisher whirl in, Grey low and Fisher high.


    The remaining hostiles are down. Grey says calmly, ¡°Make sure they¡¯re all dead.¡±


    With the current moment under control, the marines survey their enemy. It doesn¡¯t take but one good look to recognize their new adversary.


    Mina, wearing only a teeshirt and shorts with her boots, remarks dryly, ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t our ol¡¯ pals back from whatever toilet they got flushed down.¡±


    Fisher adds, ¡°I already hate the roachies more than the crocs.¡±


    Grey turns to the two marines hit. He asks, ¡°Dead?¡±


    ¡°No Chief!¡± calls back Brown. ¡°Unconscious.¡±


    ¡°Both?¡±


    ¡°Burn marks, but yeah. Chief, they look okay otherwise.¡±


    Mina asks, ¡°They want us alive?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Maybe. Doesn¡¯t change how I want ¡®em. Alright marines! We have to take control of the hangar. It¡¯s where the bulk of our gear is! Brown, take a few marines and get them somewhere safe. If you have to sneak, disguise, or kill your way to the hangar, do it. I suspect we¡¯ll have the advantage in numbers.¡±


    The marines cheer, ¡°Oo-rah!¡± while the Navy fighters cheer, ¡°Hoo-yah!¡±


    The aliens become more numerous with every passing minute, though. Grey¡¯s group just arrives when one boarding craft that was attached now detatches, leaving behind an airlocking door. Moments later, another boarding craft docks at the same spot, unloading 20 more of the insectoid invaders.


    Several more marines go down in the skirmish that follows. All of them are incapacitated by the alien blasters, but none of them have anything more serious than burns. Given the aggression the bugs are showing, Grey doesn¡¯t expect their desire for unharmed humans has anything benign about the intent.


    The Polonia¡¯s artillery finally thunders in reply to the enemy ships, but it¡¯s not the full arsenal. It¡¯s quite possible the bugs have disabled or captured several sections of the ship already. They¡¯re moving fast and there¡¯s a lot of them.


    The damage control¡¯s voice comes over the intercom, with some static garbling it, ¡°Fire fire fire. Class alpha fire reported three-tack-three-seven-seven-tack-three, starboard engine room. Away, Flying Squad, away.¡±


    Fisher calls over the gunfire, ¡°Alpha!? What¡¯s there to burn alpha in the engine rooms!?¡±


    Grey shouts, ¡°Shut up and focus!¡±


    Mina calls out, ¡°Isn¡¯t the oh-two garden back there?¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can do! Keep-¡­!¡± Grey is cut off by Fisher taking a shot from the bugs meant for Grey. Fisher collapses seemingly lifelessly, and Grey curses under his breath. Mina manages to snipe the one that just shot Fisher, but ten more are present and firing at them.


    Grey manages to pull Fisher into the room at his back and checks Fisher¡¯s vitals. He¡¯s alive, but unconscious. Grey tries slapping Fisher¡¯s cheek just in case, but to no avail. The Chief rejoins the firefight. Two more marines have already collapsed from the alien weapon fire.


    The DCO adds over the announcing circuit, ¡°Hull pressurization lost in compartment oh-nine-tack-two-one-tack-twelve; Zebra is set; shoring team access rupture from outer hull.¡±


    Mina cries out, ¡°Are they nuts!? Spacewalk in this weather!?¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°I don¡¯t know! One o¡¯clock!¡±


    ¡°Got him!¡± Mina fires just as a bug is charging to the next closest room. It collapses against the wall, spewing foggy gas into the hall. Mina yells, ¡°And why are these things breathing farts!?¡±


    ¡°KEEP FIRING!¡±


    One of the marines near Grey collapses, and another cries out, ¡°Contacts rear!¡±


    It¡¯s every soldier¡¯s nightmare. They were barely holding as it was. Now, they¡¯re being attacked from both sides and outnumbered. Mina scrambles across the hall they¡¯re in, as the wall cubby she was using for cover guarded her only from the front hostiles. Grey pulls her shirt collar to help her, narrowly avoiding a shot himself. He feels the static tingle on his blindside cheek. He snaps out, ¡°Anyone know where the Stranger is!?¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant Kane!?¡± asks another. ¡°I think I heard he was on the Andromeda!¡±


    ¡°They better be doing better than we are, then!¡±


    Shouting comes up the hall from the front group. Gunfire startles them and makes short of the aliens there.


    A male voice yells, ¡°CHECK HALL!¡±


    ¡°CLEAR!¡± yell the marines with the first voice.


    He yells, ¡°FIRE!¡±


    A thunderous barrage of bullets roars up the hall, and those aliens at the rear that don¡¯t fall immediately flee down a side hall.


    The new marines jog up, led by Chief Marvoni. Marvoni orders, ¡°Seal this door for now! Who¡¯s in charge?¡±


    Grey stands up with Mina, asking, ¡°Marvoni?¡±


    Marvoni turns, relieved. ¡°Chief Grey? Glad you made it. We cleared here to berthing. Tachi took a team to clear to the hangar, but¡­¡±


    Grey finishes the thought undoubtedly about to come out, ¡°The roaches keep pouring in. Got it.¡± Grey spots Long standing timidly in the middle of the group. Marvoni replies, ¡°That¡¯s right, Chief. Full volleys seem to scare them though. At least for now. You good?¡±


    ¡°Fisher and two others went down here. Brown¡¯s tending to two more back a ways, but¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate to say it Chief, but I think we need to regroup. The bugs appear to be using non-lethals. If¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ It¡¯s crossed my mind, too.¡±


    Mina is stunned. She shouts, ¡°You two CAN¡¯T be serious! We are NOT leaving them behind! Not like this!¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°They¡¯re not dying. If we don¡¯t move fast though, they¡¯ll surround us again. And if we all get hit, we lose. We need to get to a defensible position fast.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe YOU TWO of all people¡­!¡± Mina is cut off by, ¡°CONTACTS FORWARD!¡± ¡°¡­REAR!¡± finishes another voice simultaneously. The bugs coordinated a new flank.


    Marvoni yells, ¡°COVER! OPEN FIRE!¡±


    The marines scramble out of the hall. Ten of the twenty or so fall in just that short time.


    Grey yells, ¡°KARMA! I GOT IT! TO HELL WITH THESE DAMN BUGS!¡± He keeps firing, kneeling to pick up a second rifle. He can¡¯t even see down one of the guns, but he doesn¡¯t care. He uses both at the same time to spray bullets down the hall in blind hope.


    Marvoni tries to give orders and coordinate defense, but he takes a hit. He¡¯s not unconscious instantly, but he sinks helplessly to a seated position.


    Mina notices Long flinching more than firing. She quickly darts over to the teen, squeezing in beside her. The auburn haired teen, in her armor thankfully, for what little good it may be doing, jumps briefly. Mina says as calmly as she can, ¡°Breathe, Long! You¡¯re gonna be fine! We all are! Take your time, aim, and shoot.¡± Mina fires a few times, taking out two bugs.


    ¡°W-What are they planning¡­?¡± whimpers Long. Mina cuts her off though, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t think about it! Don¡¯t ask questions! We¡¯re soldiers. All we have to do is follow orders. And your orders are to aim and shoot.¡±


    Long nods, trying to steady herself. She manages to join Mina, firing several bursts up the hall. Long doesn¡¯t hit anything, but her bullets keep bug heads in cover instead of shooting back.


    Mina encourages her, ¡°We got this! Keep fighting!¡±


    Grey shouts across the hall as conscious marines are dwindling, ¡°Long, you have the little one!?¡±


    She nods nervously.


    ¡°Then protect her! Be ferocious!¡±


    Long nods. She breathes deeply several times. She fires several more times. Still no hits, but Mina drops another.


    Mina asks, ¡°What little one!?¡±


    Grey calls out, ¡°She¡¯ll tell you later! But Coulson, we¡¯re losing this hall!¡±


    ¡°I know Chief! I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t wrong, but it didn¡¯t matter! Now it does! Behind me and one door down is an escape scuttle to the maintenance corridor! I WILL get you two to that corridor! You will not stop! You will not ask questions! You WILL regroup at the hangar! Got it!?¡±


    ¡°B-But-¡­¡± ¡°NO BUTS! READY!? GO! GO! GO!¡± Chief Alexander Grey, former United States Marine Corps First Sergeant-turned-Remnant Navy Chief Petty Officer, does the unthinkable. He whirls out into the hallway and fires at the behind group of aliens. Mina and Long have maybe a second. Mina has enough presence of mind to pull Long, and they run with their heads down to the cubby containing the escape scuttle. It¡¯s a tight fit, but Mina wings the door open quickly. An automatic Zebra door closes the threshold to the hall if anything happens, but this door has the airtight dogs as well.


    Mina orders Long through, whirling to signal Grey. Miraculously, he¡¯s still standing as alien bullets zip by him. Mina calls, ¡°Chief! Come on!¡± She already noticed and put it out of her mind that she, Long, and Grey are the only ones left standing in the hallway.


    Grey smiles at her. He has one of his rifles aimed vertically up, and he is looking at her with his blind eye. He says calmly, ¡°Karma.¡± As if his protective barrier suddenly vanished, a dozen of the alien blasts hit him, and his body tenses. In so doing, his ready trigger finger on the vertical rifle squeezes, and the weapon fires into the overhead. Before Mina can even blink, a metal door slams across in front of her, isolating the hallway. The escape scuttle is silent for only a moment.


    When the shock wears off, Mina screams, ¡°CHIEF! CHIEF!¡± She pounds on the door. ¡°CHIEF GREY!¡± She pounds on the door for a moment. Long stares in horror.


    The announcement over the intercom is sickening for more reasons than one, ¡°Hull pressurization lost in corridor second deck frames one-three-zero to one-four-zero, port side. Shoring team not responding. All hands avoid port second deck corridor frames one-three-zero to one-four-zero.¡±


    Mina doesn¡¯t even have to look. She knows what frames she¡¯s at, roughly. She sinks to her knees and tries to process.


    She doesn¡¯t feel the fire as much anymore. If the marines are going down this quickly, how are civilians faring? What IS being done to anyone incapacitated? Are the bugs dragging them onto the boarding craft?


    Mina collects herself as much as she can and stands up. She has a job to do, and only doing it has a chance of saving anyone. She climbs into the maintenance corridor and dogs the hatch behind her. She says to Long, ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving. We need reinforcements.¡±


    ¡°W-What about¡­¡± Long trails off for a moment. She starts to whimper, ¡°H-He can¡¯t be dead¡­ Can he? Ch-Chief Grey w-wouldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think like that. Clear your mind. If we focus on what an idiot he is, we¡¯ll get distracted. We need to find Chief Tachibana, or another squad, and start¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s so many!¡±


    Mina whirls to face the teen. ¡°We both signed up to be marines, right? We can¡¯t pick our enemies, we can¡¯t pick our battlefields, and we certainly can¡¯t pick when we relax. All we can do is keep going. We¡¯re trapped out here, and either we win, or we lose. That¡¯s it.¡±


    Long seems a little more disheartened. Mina sighs, saying, ¡°What¡¯s this ¡®little one¡¯? A doll?¡±


    Long hesitates. She pulls her EVA suit open enough to reveal the special holster holding a very distinctive and easily recognizable egg, but with a nearly fully-formed embryo inside. ¡°You have Kane¡¯s egg!?¡± asks Mina in surprise.


    Long shakes her head. ¡°Th-The Queen gave this one to me when we met her. Sh-she was going to discard it because she had too many¡­¡±


    Mina relaxes. Seeing the tiny life in Long¡¯s care is breathtakingly beautiful, and it¡¯s also a little re-invigorating. She says softly, ¡°For this little one.¡± She puts her fist out. Long looks at it confused for a moment. Mina adds, ¡°For the future of this little one, for Chiefs Grey and Marvoni, for Fisher, for everyone. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    ¡°W-What will we¡­?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Stay alive? Fight? Both? As long as we¡¯re free and killing bugs, we win. So let¡¯s do it.¡±


    Long puts her fist to Mina¡¯s, ¡°O-okay!¡±


    They both say together, ¡°Oo-rah!¡±


    ***

 Chapter 31: Battle Against the Zarakyssns Part 1

    Captain Long looks at the chaos going on both beyond the bridge windows and on the bridge itself. Damage Control Central is being raided by the sounds of it, meaning the ship is about to fall to total chaos, even if everyone started calling into the bridge instead, or either reactor control plant, as they''re supposed to. One engine room was on fire, at least two spaces are ruptured, and the announcing circuit is finally gone.


    Outside, the Honolulu almost rammed the Gaia. Just from what she can see, it looks like a boarding craft hit their bridge, a curse the Polonia has been spared for now. The Providence is still stationary. After the bubble collapsed, they seem incapable of moving. What guns they have are firing, but its hull is littered with the parasitic boarding craft.


    The Argonaut seems to have lost all power and is drifting helplessly. Their only hope is to jump out, which any one of the five starliners can do now, but with whatever weapon the enemy has, they can''t risk disabling any more ships.


    Long says as calmly as she can, "Keep us orbiting Providence at this distance. Have gunnery keep working up in ship class. Maybe if we can reduce their heavies enough, we''ll catch a break."


    "Aye Captain!"


    Long is trying to stay outwardly composed. But, no captain is prepared for a siege like this. They can''t run. Even if the starliners tried to scatter and jump, there''s no guarantee that any of them would get away, and if they did, they''d be completely on their own.


    That doesn''t stop one of the captains from trying, though. The Argonaut flashes white, and Long has only enough time to cry out, "WHAT IS HE...!? NO!"


    The bubble forms, but the ship is too far from all but part of the Honolulu. The windows polarize in time, but the bubble forms almost instantly. A large portion of the Honolulu''s back end is obscured by the bubble. And, no sooner does the bubble form, does it suddenly vanish, with the Argonaut still in the same place. The windows depolarize, but it''s impossible to know which of the enemy ships fired on the bubble to disable it.


    Right now, though, Long is simply praying the Honolulu is still intact. Her stomach drops, though. The Honolulu''s engines cease glowing. Within a minute, a gap is forming between two massive chunks of the ship where the atmosphere likely pushed them apart.


    Captain Long didn''t have really any combat time in the U.S. sea-Navy. When she became Captain of the Andromeda originally, she took it because it was the next step up in ship class from her sea destroyer, and it was a chance at something new. Technically, she became a civilian captain, similar to the Merchant Marines, because the starliners were pretty much cruise lines. But, once the admirals and politicians started coming aboard during the fall of Earth, she was suddenly a Navy captain again.


    And even then, their ship-to-ship skirmishes have been complex and risky hail Mary maneuvers because they didn''t have the means to fight conventionally. Now, they have the means to shoot at heavy ships and tiny fighters, but they were still naively far from ready for a large scale battle.


    The picture is suddenly much fuller in scope for Captain Long, though. Three fifths of humanity are sitting dead in space, basically; one of those three possibly having killed the entire crew of another. Long can''t really consider Captain Francisco a coward, though. This section of humanity only survived this far because they fled when the worst was occurring.


    Some small part of Long thought, with all this distance they''ve gone, with how quiet and careful they were trying to be, that their luck was a sign that they were doing the right things. Should they have limited their time at this world more? What should their cutoff have been? Is this the origin of the signal Khla detected?


    The answers seem obvious now as she watches the ongoing battle in horror. It''s all a reminder of how small they really are in a universe that''s really big. And, that universe is less scarcely populated than they thought ¨Cand hoped-.


    The Honolulu''s artillery continues firing, regardless of its current state. Their crew; some portion at least, is still fighting to survive.


    Two of the enemy ships explode after the collective volleys from the human ships. But, with dozens more, it''s not looking hopeful.


    Long is seriously pondering jumping. One ship surviving is all it takes. But, does the preservation of the species outweight the preservation of humanity, her own included? She gently clutches the silver cross on her shoulder. She would never pray audibly in front of her crew, if only to show confidence outwardly, but she needs a push.


    Silence fills her mind though. She doesn''t believe God abandoned her just yet, but she''s not so sure he''s wholly present, either. Not like she once was.


    This decision weighs heavily on her own shoulders, and she makes it. All doubt dissolves from her mind. It''s time to commit and do whatever they can.


    "Ahead flank. Come right to one four zero and up to zero three." When the helmsman and Leehelm look at her, Long adds firmly, "We need to close distance on those capitals and hammer them harder. This isn''t doing enough damage."


    The two enlisted watchstanders cautiously acknowledge, relaying orders and adjusting speed and course.


    Long understands. They''re afraid. She is, too. But, they need to do something. The ship is infected with boarders, with swarms more swirling the void around them. But, the ship itself can do nothing about those boarders. She must rely on bodies onboard to fight off the infection. During that time, they need to break enemy morale. If they can cripple enough of the enemy ships, they may flee. And, the enemy ship cannons don''t seem to be affecting the ship''s structure. Some electronic systems have failed, but the humans ¨Cas demonstrated several times just using the jump bubble- have hardened against some of the most powerful electromagnetic pulses the universe can produce ¨Cso far-. Those systems that can''t take EMPs aren''t necessary for combat. They just boost combat efficiency of data.


    This leads Long to believe that the enemies aren''t trying to damage the ships; merely disable them with EMP shots. But, they''ll need more power if that''s the case. Long''s weapons, on the other hand, have two settings; artillery and hybrid. Both of which are lethal.


    Long has abandoned hopes of a lucky jump, though. It''s not only morally wrong to abandon so many lives, it''s not practical long term. They were barely suriving with the labor teams taking turns on the Providence full time to build the Gaia. Now, one of their ships is cut in half, essentially.


    But, those are now problems outside of the visible future. Long can only sail for the horizon. And this horizon is blockaded by alien insects she suspects she knows the names of.


    If she''s not wrong, they are the Zarakyssns.


    ***


    Dr. Lopez clutches her laptop to her thighs as she tries to access the Providence''s systems. Because there wasn''t time to fully understand the technology, she merely copied the setup the Grodrrns use, down to the programming it uses in their language. She has to translate everything through the app she has, but it''s a work in progress as is. Additionally she doesn''t know what''s actually locking up the navigation and propulsion systems. She only knows the ship has been locked in place by the engines not turning on nor the jump drive activating since the bubble was interrupted.


    She''s hidden in a cupboard under the counter in her lab. Most of the scientists fled to their quarters to be with their families and lock themselves down. It won''t do any good though. Captain Murdock announced boarders are onboard. She''s trying not to calculate the odds of any of the scientists making it to their quarters. They''re low.


    Lopez isn''t sure what she''s hoping for, but she messaged Hancock''s helmet. In fact, she''s going to again. She sends him a new message, "{Emergency hiding spot 6}". She looks at the long chat history of fif-sixteen messages that all say the same thing. He hasn''t responded by text, but he usually doesn''t. And, Lopez has all sound disabled on her computer.


    Her heart is racing, and it''s taking half of her focus just to control her rapid breathing below panting. She''s not sure how Dzor found her that day on his ship, but she knows her breathing isn''t helping. She''s just praying her hiding spot buys her enough time for Hancock to reach her. He''ll know what to do or where to go. He''s much more calm in situations like this than she is.


    She hears her lab door open forcibly. Hancock has a key, but he might not bother using it. Lopez''s lab door is just a regular man door, not an airtight one, so it would be easy for one of proper physique to kick it open. She doesn''t move or say anything, though. Hancock knows the secret. And, even if he didn''t use it, he''d call out to her.


    This is not Hancock. She can hear some sort of fast-paced clicking or chattering. Then, the whir of some sort of device. It could be anything, but the intervals of off and on seem to support a breathing unit. The footsteps are solid, but sound rather light. Or, maybe they''re small. It''s not a Grodrrn then. Grodrrns stomp heavily. Especially their soldiers.


    Lopez listens silently, her heart and lungs burning from exertion.


    She can''t stop her task, though. If she fails and everyone else fails, they''re all doomed. Every second that passes, more people die. When her father asked her to pursue her passion for science, develop her mind, and her mother encouraged her, Lopez did it. But, she never, ever could have expected the burden she would hold in her hands; the sheer responsibility she has for life or death of humanity. And now, the Cave Queen, too.


    She does her best to type slowly and silently. Her keyboard isn''t mechanical, thankfully, but it can still make noise. Namely, her fingers can make noise slapping keys at full speed.


    She hasn''t found the lockout yet in the jump drive itself, though it seems to think it''s in mid-jump. She''ll have to address that later, though. She needs to get the engines working again. That, or get the jump drive recharging. Maybe...


    A cupboard door is ripped open, startling Lopez. She managed not to jump more than a twitch, but a squeak almost escaped her lips. It''s not her cupboard, but it was nearby.


    The being''s chatter is throaty, clicking, and seems distorted by a speaker or something. She hopes it''s not literally a cyborg bug. She hates bugs already. Last thing they need is to be overpowered.


    She listens with bated breath. She''s not sure what to do. Even if she had the courage to swing her laptop, she can''t afford to. If it breaks, too much would be lost. Not that it''ll matter if she gets kidnapped or murdered with it.


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    A familiar feeling of terror starts to fill her body again, same as when a massive Grodrrn found her and Hancock in an alien electronic cubby. She couldn''t do anything, not even scream. She could feel her body draining. She feels it now.


    The cupboard door opens. She''s met with a mechanical face ¨Ca helmet on better glance- with space for moderate-sized mandibles and humongous eyes. It has two legs and two arms, but they''re super thin, like broom handles. It has a weapon at its side in its right, pincher-like three-pronged hand, and is holding the cupboard door open with its left. It studies her for only a moment, chattering something.


    Lopez starts to shake. She hugs her laptop for nothing other than emotional security, like a blanket during her last moments of life or freedom. A tiny whimper hums in her throat. The alien steps back and aims its weapon at Lopez. A warm sensation spreads across the lower parts of her body, but it is far from comforting.


    Something flashes in and slams the weapon, and the startled alien discharges it at a wall harmlessly. The interloper doesn''t hesitate, though, and they manage to hit the alien several more times, causing it to fall on its back. It seems to wail as it tries to guard itself, making a long squealing sound before the newcomer pummels it some more with their weapon. Lopez hears a crunch, air escaping something, and the alien wails again, even more desperately. But, its voice starts to slip and fade, and soon becomes quiet as a foul smell fills the air. Lopez has dabbled in chemistry, and she recognizes sulfur in the smell.


    Panting, the newcomer steps back and crouches to check on Lopez. Ten minutes ago, Lopez could have been content never seeing this face again. Lopez wouldn''t know where to even start in a romantic relationship, but she has a silent rivalry with the one person closer to Lopez''s own closest companion than her.


    She''s never hated Kenzie, since she''s extremely nice and kind. Now, she doesn''t care if Kenzie marries Hancock. Lopez could never be happier to see her than now. The scientist sniffles and cries, whimpering, "K-Kenzie? Y-You saved me..."


    The young waitress smiles gently, relaxing the serious face she had. "Of course. It was just the one that I saw. Room for one more?"


    Lopez starts to warn against, but Kenzie squeezes into the cupboard with her. She says nothing about their conditions. She instead whispers, "You okay?"


    Lopez shakes her head solemnly. Who could be okay at a time like this? Kenzie adds, though, "I get it, but I mean; are you hurt?"


    Lopez replies quietly, "No."


    "Good. Good." The two sit in quiet for a moment. Lopez listens carefully before whispering, "W-... um... What made you... c-come...?"


    "Here?" finishes Kenzie. She turns a little more disheartened. "I think you know why."


    Lopez is stunned. She has no idea. She''s usually rather cold to Kenzie. She shakes her head in genuine ignorance.


    Kenzie sighs. She replies in a whisper, "Because... You know... Hancock will try to come for both of us, but... He''ll have to choose. And... Well, you''re... you. You''re not expendable."


    Lopez protests louder than she should, "You''re not expendable! No one is."


    Kenzie smirks. She retorts softly, "I''m a waitress. I don''t have any college degrees or training or technical expertise... Just waitressing. I can''t save humanity."


    Lopez whispers distantly as she continues typing, "If I''m supposed to be who you''re comparing yourself to, then you did save humanity. But, that assumes I can." She types the message, "{Kenzie''s with me. Emergency hiding spot 6. Bring...}" She meant to delete the last word, but hit enter instead. It ended up being too embarrassing to finish, and she decides not to acknowledge it. Instead, she resumes her attempts at removing the interlock stranding them.


    Kenzie adds to their brief conversation, "In any case, I figured, either Rex will come, or other marines will come to wherever you are, so it would be the safest place to be. I wasn''t totally right, but..."


    "Thank you..." mewls Lopez.


    Kenzie pauses. "Don''t mention it. I owe you plenty already."


    Lopez works diligently. Kenzie''s presence alone, like Hancock''s often is, is enough to comfort her some. She does ask softly, "W-... Would you be comfortable... with its weapon?"


    Kenzie shakes her head. "I''m scared I''ll shoot a friendly person. But, even if I weren''t, it looks like it''s bolted to its arm."


    Lopez gets a grim picture, until Kenzie adds, "Or, at least to its armor."


    The scientist nods. She''s searching through the logic on the navigation systems, trying to find the interlock. Of course, ''logic'' is a misnomer for Grodrrn systems. If Lopez had to describe the programming she''s siphoning through, which is mostly Grodrrn in design, it''s like each functional block was written by a different person in a different language. There is no consistent coding commands or functions. Their equivalent of an ''if, then'' programming segment in one section is replaced by their equivalent of vectored lookups in matrices with several times the length that it should have. And, that''s just one example she just came across. Their "ladder logic" for discrete inputs and outputs, like switches and digital inputs, and which should be broken down in a way that each ''ladder rung'' or set of such inputs that work together, and should be discrete and specific in function, are more like the spans of a spider web in comparison. Inputs and outputs that should have little to do with each other, if aligned in the right combinations, can actually bypass other inputs and outputs that should be able to interrupt certain things no matter what.


    Lopez understands. Supposedly, Grodrrns are extremely long-lived. And, they seem to run their entire culture on the philosophy of "If it ain''t broke, don''t fix it." Between those two factors, it''s very possible their actual dialect evolved between changes to their programs, and rather than upgrade the whole system, they only modified what needed modified to make it work.


    She realizes she''s possibly looking at centuries worth of slow and lazy technological development. But, it would also be awe-inspiring as well, since it''s centuries worth of apparently quite successful space navigation and dominance... if it weren''t for the fact that she now has to navigate this colossal spiderweb wrapped around a haystack to find one little needle. And, the young scientist doesn''t even want to think about the Grodrrn naming conventions. "Propulsion systems", "Propulsion drives", "Forward engagement", "Primary accelerators", "thrusters", "Navigation core" ¨Cnot to be confused with "Core navigation"-, and "Primary engines" are just SOME of the names for the main engines IN THE PROGRAM, all translated from Grodrrn of course. Searching for the functional groups she wants is proving to be the biggest part of the challenge.


    Lopez wonders if Grodrrns can even repair their own ships, or if they simply copy and paste everything and simply build new ships when one breaks. There''s no way a Grodrrn technician or engineer could look at any of what Lopez is sifting through and not want to throw themselves out an airlock.


    A white beam of light flashes across the crack of the door. More relief swells into Lopez. Her intial observation is that the aliens don''t need flashlights. How doesn''t matter right now, but seeing light means it''s most likely a human. Of course, Lopez set the protocol for her hiding spots. Hancock forgot that once, and even though she knew it was him, she never broke protocol. He never forgot the codephrase again.


    A long moment passes, though. Maybe she was wrong. Which is exactly why she doesn''t break protocol.


    There''s suddenly a calamitous scuffle and rumble of noise from the overhead. It sounds like a wrestling match is taking place in the ceiling. Lopez and Kenzie both listen silently.


    A male''s voice yelps out, "Aaa-ugh!", grunting deeply as he apparently falls with metal clanging about and what remaining glass there is shattering. Just before Lopez makes the decision to check, the telltale "Squeee!" joins the man grunting and straining.


    The distinctive thunder claps of three human weapon shots tear into their ears, startling Lopez even in her hiding space. The squealing stops, and a body collapses. The foul smell of rotten eggs from the sulfur renews in the room.


    One of the two bodies stands up, distinguishable from glass crunching. It sounds like the human as he breathes heavily. He climbs up onto the lab work bench he likely tumbled off of as he fell.


    Lopez peeks. It''s definitely a marine in EVA uniform, and he''s inspecting the ventilation duct with a flashlight. Satisfied, he climbs painstakingly down from the table and says, "My shirt has six too many flowers on it to be Hawaiian."


    Lopez scoffs in relief and amusement. Hancock really is the best. She climbs out of the cupboard with Kenzie right behind her. The two help each other up, but Hancock quickly asks, "Who''s hurt? I brought a first aid kit."


    Confused, Lopez looks at him. He adds, "You said ''bring'', but didn''t finish. I have a defibrillator, too. Is everyone okay?"


    Realizing what he''s referring to, she squeaks, "Oh! Um... N-no... It was... W-We''re both unharmed... I-I think. I-I never asked. I''m sorry." She looks at Kenzie sheepishly.


    Kenzie smiles. "I''m fine. Glad to see you''re okay, too."


    "If it wasn''t first aid, then what?" Kenzie looks at Lopez, but there''s no way she can say it now.


    However, in a surprise move, Kenzie says, "I was hoping you''d bring a change of clothes. I... kinda... slipped..."


    Lopez is frozen. Kenzie noticed? But why would she...?


    Hancock replies, "We can try, but these things are everywhere."


    Kenzie asks, "You won''t get in trouble leaving... other marines fighting?"


    Hancock''s face softens, "Haven''t found any yet. Any time I moved towards gunfire in hopes of safety in numbers, I arrived to find the roaches dragging people off. Been trying to stay alive since so I could get to you two. I''m so thankful you''re both okay." He turns to Lopez, saying, "Any ideas how to stop these things? Shipwide EMP? Open all the airlocks?"


    Lopez shakes her head, "Too risky. I''m just trying to figure out why the ship can''t move."


    "Won''t matter now. Bridge is captured. It''s where I snuck into the vents."


    Lopez thinks for a moment. She replies, "We can activate everything if I can figure out what''s locking it out. The real problem is the interdiction. Something stopped us from jumping."


    Kenzie urges, "Think and type, Levi, please."


    Lopez nods in agreement. She takes a seat on the floor, partially paying attention as Kenzie asks Hancock, "So, what do WE do? If she''s doing this, we need to be stationary and safe."


    "Agreed. I think this lab is as good as it''s going to get. The hallways are crawling with roaches. But, the lab is pretty central in the ship. They won''t come in through the bulkheads, the only two ways in are the vents and the front door. Problem is, that works against us if they come in force. I can handle one or two at a time, but more than that, or if I run out of ammo, and... well..."


    "Right... IS anywhere safer?"


    "Grand scheme? No. Unless we can get to a shuttle and flee, but the bugs dragging people were headed the general direction of the hangar bay. I don''t think their boarding craft can hold very many. They must be bringing bigger ships in that way."


    "Tell me what to do, Rex. We''ll hold this room."


    Hancock hands her his sidearm. He says softly, "Until something changes..."


    She nods.


    ***


    Rena Coulson had to dismiss herself when the chaos began. She told the Cave Queen to lock her door and absolutely defend herself by any means. This is not a pretend exercise, but true battle.


    She can hear it all around her. Sounds pound the ship. Electric tingles pulse in the air. Screams, cries, and panic echo.


    She clutches her weapon carefully. It''s slow compared to the weapons of the marines or the enemies, but it is what she knows. It''s not often in her life that she''s had to fight. She''s defended her nest a few times, but beyond that, she tries to never be seen.


    This marvelous machine, though, is filling with enemies quickly. She''s heard many stories of war and battle on her world, but she never quite imagined this. The weapons boom like thunder or shriek like stones striking, but faster and harder.


    She is the only being on the ship that can''t see in full light, and there''s no way she can fight with the helmet on. She needs her ears to be more efficient. She can see, but she can be snuck up on. If she can hear, she can still ''see''.


    She stays low in her pool, ready to fire one of her arrows if she identifies a non-human entering the room. True, there are Grodrrns that are supposedly allies, but the Queen doesn''t know them. Therefore, she doesn''t trust or owe the Grodrrns the same loyalty she bestows upon the humans. The humans are flawed, of that there is no doubt. But, then, that simply makes them one of every species she knows of, her own included. Where the humans stand out is their courage in the face of danger to extend a hand instead of simply death. They are small and seemingly delicate, but they rush to the aid of others. They share all they have and more, and they stop at nothing to charge forward and aid an alien race they didn''t know existed shortly before. The surface dwellers were often mild-mannered and kind, but not like humans. And, humans do something else; they play. They make otherwise mundane activities enjoyable; more enjoyable than she''s ever known.


    For all of her life, she did what her species does. She survived in her nest until surface dwellers came to trade. And that was it. In no time at all, she''s seen the sun, stars, true play, love and affection, and friendship.


    She adores the humans, especially those closest to her. And, she especially adores Mina for being the decision that gave her all of this.


    She closes her eyes, listening. She can tell the direction of every sound. She knows the ship turned and accelerated, and it is firing its humongous marine weapons. She wonders where her beloved humans are. They are surely fighting, but where?


    It crosses her mind that she could help. The humans said they don''t want her in danger because for now, she''s the last of her species. And more specifically, the last fertile member of her species. But, that does not make her incapable. She owes her life to the humans. She would gladly let her species slip into oblivion for the humans. She loves them.


    One of two invisible arms tighten, and her eyes snap open, looking in the direction of the pull.


    The humans one-sidedly protecting her is over.


    ***

 Chapter 32: Battle Against the Zarakyssns Part 2

    Mina and Long have navigated through the service tunnels. They both gunned down a single bug that was exploring the tunnels and quickly fled down a connecting tunnel. Mina knows they don''t have many bullets left between them. She has maybe a whole magazine left ¨Cabout 50 bullets for her hybrid rifle- and she suspects Long has two spares, but isn''t sure.


    The two are following Grey''s plan as it was for now. If all of the marines are headed to the hangar for the same victory by numbers ideal, then maybe they stand a chance. The roaches aren''t altogether tough, even with their armor. There''s just a LOT of them. And, reinforcements never seem to end.


    The two young marines have to improvise as to how they''re going to get there. This maintenance tunnel ends, and the hallways have a steady stream of bug traffic. The hangar bay is also about another hundred feet from where they are.


    It''s then that both the best and worst kind of terrible event occurs. The bugs are dragging humans by the door the girls are peeking out of.


    One of those humans is Chief Petty Officer Alexander Grey.


    The fact that he''s alive alone is spirit lifting. Both girls were convinced that he explosively decompressed the room he was in by shooting through the hull. Instead, he must''ve shot the pressure sensor used to detect a hull rupture and slam doors shut around it. Next follows Fisher and the other marines that were with them.


    Normally, Mina would never think of taking this chance. There are fourteen aliens, one to each marine that was there when Grey fell, minus Mina and Long. She doesn''t have the ammo to simply spray and hope she hits them all, and she can''t rely on Long. Long''s not totally useless, but her hit ratio is not high. However, the aliens are distracted and marching along.


    Her decision is reinforced when a VERY familiar female voice yells from up the hall ahead of them, "Let them go you disgusting bugs!"


    Mina and Long both yelp, "Rena!?"


    All three female marines whirl into the hall in near perfect sync. The bugs are genuinely startled that they''re now surrounded. The three marines ¨CLong following Mina''s lead nicely- stay low and fire upwards, so that their friends are as safe as possible, given the hybrid rounds don''t ricochet well.


    Rena and Mina have always shared nearly one mind. They''re twins. And, though they often see it as mundane and just another thing, their synchronicity is truly a gift at times. Now, they both instinctively start from their own left, firing on aliens in controlled bursts one at a time. Long''s bursts are less seemingly choreographed, but aliens shot by neither twin fall alongside the others. Several aliens squeeze off muscle reflex shots, while only three of them are able to try and aim, but they all aimed at Rena, giving Mina and Long ample opening. Rena was smart enough to dive back into her cover.


    With all hostiles down, the three regroup. Rena excitedly says, "How did you know I was here!?"


    "Me? We were on our way to the hangar. How did YOU know WE were here?"


    Rena replies smugly, "Pfft! ''Cause I''m a geniues, duh." Coincidence it was, then.


    Rena asks Long, "You okay, Jess?"


    Long nods nervously. She was present on the hull during humanity''s first jump, but she didn''t get a lot of time to shoot anything. It''s easy to forget that this is her only real combat experience. Granted, the twins don''t have much more, but they do, and they also have a lot more training.


    Mina checks vitals on Grey, remarking quickly, "Good, he''s alive. Let''s try to get them all somewhere safe."


    Rena asks, "You want to drag them all?"


    "We can''t leave them here."


    "I know that, but there''s no way we can carry everyone here."


    Long interjects sheepishly, "Um... H-How come their eyes are open?"


    The twins halt their debate and look. As Long said, the eyes of every single incapacitated marine are open about 50%ish, it seems, and they''re watering. Rena remarks in horror, "Don''t tell me they''re still conscious..."


    Long drops to her knees, saying desperately, "Chief! Chief Grey! All of you! We''re here! We''ll get all of you out of here! Stay with us!"


    Mina asks rhetorically, "Why go to this trouble? How did they have such specific weapons to disable us while conscious?"


    Rena murmurs, "I don''t..." Before she can finish, a blast zips in, and Rena halts. She sinks to her knees, collapsing into Mina''s arms. Mina screams, "RENA! CONTACT FORWARD!" Mina prays multiple shots aren''t lethal or damaging. She doesn''t mean to use Rena as a shield, but she prioritizes her weapon first, firing up the hall. With Rena laying on her, she''s stuck, and though Rena''s body takes several hits meant for Mina, it can only last so long.


    Mina manages to gun down one alien and wing another. But, the inevitable occurs. She feels like a bat just hit her spine, even from the shot being in front of her. Her every nerve ending from the tips of her toes to the roots of her teeth tingle with a profound, dominant, and unyielding force to it. She almost feels like her whole body is numb from falling asleep, but also an ominous numbness like she''s being stepped on. Her vision flickers only the once, and she can feel vertigo as her body falls backwards, though crouching saved her head. Once she''s laying on the deck, she can''t move or speak, but she can see Long in her current eyeline. The teen manages to narrowly avoid a shot, whimpering as she scoots back into the maintenance doorway on her backside. But, the door has a knee-knocker, about 3 inches of wall coming up from the floor to ensure the door seals. It''s not nearly as tall as those on modern sea ships, but it''s enough to halt Long''s backwards scuttle.


    Mina doubts Long was trying to abandon them. She just knows she needs to funnel the enemies. They were on both sides of her and have her definitely outnumbered. And, either way, if Mina could say anything, she would tell her to run. Long can''t win. Not alone. No one could. And, she has one of the only surviving eggs of the Cave Queen. The timid young teen is curled against the corner, shielding something under her suit with her body as she shakily aims her rifle.


    Mina watches helplessly ¨Cuselessly- as the insectoid aliens stop at the corners, readying to attack Long. Mina can only see their feet, but they are stacking up by how the two she can see are positioning themselves.


    The helplessness is the worst part. She''s watching as a good friend fearfully stands alone.


    Until a crunch follows a loud clap that startles the bugs and pierces Mina''s ears painfully. She can hear nothing but a ring now, and she''s unable to even wince, let alone cover or nurse her ears. Her ear against the deck hears something strange though; the clap muffled somewhat and not deafening her ear entirely. She hears a shrill whine and a multitudinous drumbeat of something like footsteps, but more numerous than anyone else. Whatever the cause, the first pair of legs Mina could see collapse out of her view. Long is nervous, as she likely can''t see anything either.


    Mina''s muffled ear to the deck can JUST make out shrieks of two different types of beings, calamitous thuds, the shrill blasts of the bugs'' weapons, and crunching.


    When the sounds finally subside is when Mina''s hearing is just about recovered in her upward ear. She can hear a fairly familiar chirping-like noise. Long gasps in surprise, and Mina ¨Cwho is startled but still can''t do anything- feels her body lurch as it''s suddenly wrapped by something long and slender, and then she''s lifted effortlessly off of the deck. Their ''reinforcements'' are instead a singular reinforcement ¨Cthe Cave Queen-.


    The squid-like alien turns Mina around, seemingly inspecting her, but her eyes are covered by a cloth. She presses Mina''s chest gingerly to the two bulbous protrusions on her head for a moment. The Queen then relaxes, gently wrapping a tentacle around Mina''s head.


    Nothing happens for a moment, and the Queen chitters in confusion. Long approaches, tears streaming down her cheeks, "You saved us! Th-Thank you!"


    The Queen smiles at Long, replying in her own voice, "Yeen. Buck,... Mina..." Long takes her helmet off, checking the area quickly before taking the Queen''s ''hand'' and placing it on her forehead. The Queen''s tentacle almost instinctively coils Long''s head, and Long says, "I... I think they''re all okay... Um, mostly. They''re alive, at least."


    Long''s tone shifts, and she says, "These weapons. I felt them before. These ones came to my world... before the solitude."


    Long nods, "We think so, too. They look like the one we found."


    "We must retreat. More are coming."


    "C-Can we really hide forever, though? Th-this isn''t your old nest."


    "Not forever. We hide our allies, and then we repel nest pillagers."


    The Queen releases Long, and with all but four of her tentacles, she lifts the marines ¨Call but Long- to carry them. True, the ship is at a lower gravity, but Mina wouldn''t be surprised if the Queen could lift them all on her own world, given the ease with which she lifts them now.


    In any case, the Queen carefully carries everyone, squished together to fit down the hall. She has her Piezo weapon and carefully scans both directions. She doesn''t work her way back to the nest, though. Instead, she navigates to the ship''s reactor auxiliaries rooms, where they find startled watchstanders, civilians, and Navy spacers hiding out. They''re surprised when they see the Queen, but none of them are armed. Likewise, Long and Mina are surprised to see so many people untouched. Long squeaks, "They... haven''t found you?"


    One of the spacers replies, "No. We don''t know where else to go."


    The Cave Queen says through Long, "The nest pillagers are avoiding this room. It is the only one that does not smell of them. And, I can hear them travel around it."


    Surprised, Long asks, "You can hear that?"


    The Queen nods, "Your metal carries noise well, and the air carries vibrations. We shall wait here and protect these ones." She sets the marines down gently out of the way, adding, "You should check them for injuries."


    Long replies, "Right!" She''s not skilled, but she checks everyone''s pulses and looks for obvious wounds on them. She reassures each marine she checks on, clearly relieved and thankful for the Queen''s presence.


    Many thoughts occupy Mina''s helplessly idle mind. Is the Queen immune to the alien weapons? How did she know to help them? Is the paralysis temporary?


    One of Mina''s questions is answered after what feels like an eternity ¨Cbut is probably only a few minutes-. Fisher coughs. He then rasps out with a dry throat, "Dear God in heaven..." He then manages to joke, "Good news, everyone. Seems to be temporary... Still... Still can''t move, but getting there."


    Long instantly drops to his side, exclaiming, "Fisher! Oh thank God! I''m so happy you''re okay! I-I''m sorry we left you! We wanted to..."


    Fisher''s raspy voice coughs and croaks out, "Don''t worry about it, Long. ''No man left behind'' doesn''t quite work well with ''no man left standing''. Damn glad you showed up, though. You too, Cave Queen. Thank you."


    The Queen smiles and nods. Soon enough, the downed marines are regaining control of their bodies. Mina, of course, is the last to recover, and Grey rasps out while she''s still helpless, "I specifically told you two to keep moving."


    Long squeaks, "We did, Chief! W-We stumbled across you."


    He coughs hoarsely, retorting, "You interrupted my plan."


    Fisher counters, catching his breath on his feet finally, "Your plan to be bug food?"


    "To infiltrate their ship, obviously."


    Fisher scoffs. Grey then smirks at Long, replying more gently, "Thanks for the save."


    Long blushes, "I... I didn''t do anything. M-Mina, Rena, and th-the Queen..."


    Grey pats her shoulder, replying, "You did good. You fired at the bad guys. All I ask for." He then adds, "Hydrate, marines. We ain''t in the clear yet."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    One of the hiding spacers asks, "You-you''re not going back out there, are you?"


    Grey replies sternly, "You think you can survive forever in here? Bugs ain''t losing interest in the ships any time soon. Humanity as a whole has never had to fight or die before this year. It won''t stop until we have a real military presence again. I''m not asking you to fight or die, but you better choose soon. Bug''s are keen on taking that choice from us all."


    The Queen says grimly through Long, "They will harvest all. They have no mercy."


    Fisher checks his pistol, since their rifles were left behind by the roaches. He says darkly, "I got their mercy right here." He shoves the magazine back into the pistol as if to exemplify his point.


    Long asks softly, "Is... the hangar bay still our plan, Chief?"


    Grey nods, "Unless anyone has one better. And no, here is not. This will be our fallback. If bugs are avoiding here, it may be the only plan ''B'' we''re gonna get."


    Some of the watchstanders and spacers step up, asking nervously, but with determination, "How can we help, Chief?"


    ***


    Captain Angelica Long yells over gunfire, "TURRET ONE! TRANSFER MAGAZINE TO TURRETS TWO AND THREE!"


    "Aye ma''am!" comes back. Everyone on the bridge is doing their best to keep the ship fighting as efficiently as possible, but the inevitable occurred. The door to the hallway is cut open, and the Zarakyssns are in a firefight with the handful of marines defending the bridge, which includes Dumas and the rookie French, who hoped Grey''s team were headed to the bridge. Unfortunately, boarding repulsion ¨Cif anyone is left- has been in chaos. No one even knows if there are marines still fighting outside of the bridge. The guns are still firing, implying those positions are being held for now, but for all anyone knows, the Zarakyssns couldn''t find the door.


    Long peeks over the station edge of the terminal she''s hiding behind. She quickly ducks back down as alien EMP-like shots zip by. She orders, "Come right Zero-Fife degrees! Hold angle!"


    The Leehelm, now controlling both stations because the helmsman took a hit, calls back, "Y-Yes Captain!" The young man looks at the marine crouching with him. The marine is panting, but he nods.


    The marine whirls up, firing bursts at the hallway. The Leehelm frantically darts around the panel to adjust steering quickly and dart back. The marine''s weapon, of all things, takes a hit, and he''s forced to toss it when it shocks him. He ducks in cover, drawing his pistol.


    The ship rumbles with a deep, distant ''whoom''. Another space just vented. It''s impossible to say if it''s combat damage, or if marines are improvising to clear areas of the enemy boarders. All Long hears either way, though, is another hour''s air supply vanishing in an instant. The plants on board can clean CO2-filled air and make it oxygen rich again, but they can''t pressurize the ship. If they lose too much air, they won''t be able to self-sustain anymore.


    Of course, self-sustaining isn''t looking very viable anymore. At this point, Long''s just trying to keep humanity alive and out of the claws of yet another hostile conqueror.


    It''s all they can do just to do anything at all, though. The Zarakyssns have them trapped in the bridge, and they''re slowly pressing in. They seem to have very little regard for their fallen, and they seem to move as one at times, reacting the exact same way to things such as explosions, ship tremors, and a marine popping up to fire. They jump, duck, and pivot sometimes so in sync, machines would be envious.


    And, making matters as grim as they are, there are five marines on the bridge taking turns firing up the hall from behind panels and cabinets. That is, until Dumas takes a hit while he''s reloading, sinking to the deck near-lifelessly. Someone calls out, "MAN DOWN!"


    "I-I can''t do this anymore! I can''t!"


    "Stow it, marine! You will!"


    A singular gunshot precedes a scream, and Long winces. The third marine to speak, a Master Chief Petty Officer, spits, cursing, "Damn it!" Long doesn''t need to look around. She knows. She calls out, "STAY ON TASK! WE NEED TO KEEP GOING!" It''s as much for her as the young man screaming. But, like her, it doesn''t really help him any. He keeps screaming in terror. A moment later, his voice croaks from tensing up, and he collapses.


    Long looks at Dumas'' gun. It''s about ten feet from her, and sitting uselessly on the deck. She''s not a soldier like the marines. Tactics are supposed to be her focus, confidence her foundation, and the enlisted around her, her sword and shield.


    But, all she can think about are ancient sailing ships right now. Every last sailor was expected to swing a sword if it meant saving the ship, from the greenest of recruits to the saltiest of Captains. It wasn''t pride or macho-dominance. It was necessity.


    The Captain takes a deep breath. It''s her last moment of pseudo-safety. She will resist to her dying breath, even if this very one is it.


    The auburn-haired spacer dives from her cover, scrambling low on her stomach to Dumas'' weapon. She grips it firmly, squirming into the cover he was using. She checks the weapon''s breach for a round and turns, firing. She doesn''t see what happens because her eyes close from the startlingly loud weapon report. But, there doesn''t seem to be any fewer invaders. It''s hard to tell, of course, with how many there are, as well as how many of their bodies already litter the floor.


    And, Long has only fired a rifle in training. Her shot now was partially panic, partially intentional. She tries to focus better, firing in short bursts to conserve ammo. That bit she remembers. What she forgot was how much the barrel kicks up.


    Meanwhile, a pair of Zarakyssns duck into the bridge, taking cover on opposite sides. One is right across the panel from the Leehelm.


    Long focuses, waiting. As soon as that specific alien pops up, she squeezes the trigger. It throws itself back, but it''s already too late. It collapses in a heap.


    However, four active guns thundering rounds, dwindling ammo to dangerous levels, are not much by way of defense. Two more Zarakyssns tactfully press into the bridge, taking cover. Then three more. Master Chief calls out, "I''m out!"


    French yelps back, "Me too!"


    Long searches Dumas for a magazine. She finds one, calling, "Master Chief!" She tosses it to him. Just as he reaches to catch it, though, a golden bolt hits the back of his hand, and his hand balls into a fist, deflecting the magazine somewhere. He collapses like the others. Long winces.


    French cries out, "No! No plea-ergh!" A shot incapacitates him as a Zarakyssn storms his position. It now can see Long as well. She quickly dives towards the front of the bridge to scramble to new cover.


    Suddenly, a weight pins her leg painfully with a thud. She can still move, though, and thinking quickly, she lunges her full weight. She pulls the trigger almost without aiming. Her knee pops from her twisting against it. But, her shot wasn''t completely off. She hit the alien''s rifle, disabling it. The Zarakyssn glances at its weapon, which won''t fire.


    But, it is undeterred. If anything, it''s angry. It shakes the weapon slightly, and a blade pops out. At least, Long HOPES it''s only a blade. The Zarakyssn soldier standing on her leg spears the blade down through Long''s left bicep, and she screams in pain. She tries to think, but she can''t do anything. It has her pinned.


    The bridge fills with other screams as metal is ripped apart. It sounds like the Zarakyssns have forced open the escape corridor. A singular thought crosses Long''s mind. Is this the end?


    All at once, she''s freed when the Zarakyssn backs off of her. She rolls over, trying to scoot backwards as she watches its next move.


    It''s posture suggests terror ¨Cgenuine, soul-crushing terror-. Long''s back bumps something sooner than she thought. When she looks up, an instant fear grips her. It is an appropriate form for death to take; massive, looming, cold, calculating, and unyielding. Death is the most powerful force in the universe, and right now, this being radiates raw, untempered power. Blood of two different colors paints the image, some oozing from wounds that did nothing to slow him down. Metal shackles dangle from his wrists with wholly unholy strong chains discolored from strain where only one link of each yielded. One eye has a vertical pupil, and the other horizontal.


    And even the Zarakyssns fear him.


    ***


    Earlier, Dzor and Khla listen to the sounds. Dzor knows them very well. The Zarakyssn boarding ships are latching onto the human ship. They cut into the hull and leave behind a plasma door for other boarding vessels to follow more efficiently. Everything about the repulsive insectoid conquerors is swarm-mentality. They barrage the enemy with bodies until they are victorious. And, Zarakyssns have many bodies.


    Dzor has battled the Zarakyssns several times during a territorial dispute. A fugitive from the Fievegal stole a ship full of colonists, and he fled to what was supposed to be neutral space. But, the Zarakyssns were harvesting the world already. Normally, the Fievegal would abandon the colonists. One small colony seed is rarely worth a fleet recovery. Though of course, Hearozhaas and their children get involved at times on their whims, changing the rules. This time, though, it was a tactical decision. The Fievegal''s biggest advantage against the Zarakyssns is the fact that no Grodrrn has ever been captured by them. Zarakyssns aren''t particularly good at espionage, but they are excellent at torture. Conversely, a legendary Grodrrn hero has stood at the back of the Zarakyssn''s Queen of Queens with a blade to her neck, forcing her to declare and accept the truce with the Fievegal.


    Stories of Mrrk''lah, the Siege-breaker, are what inspired a youthful Dzor to join the military.


    Of course, the only reason Dzor knows the story to this day is because he begged his Chulm''chn to repeat it often. And, over the course of his life, Dzor witnessed something only Long''s mind has opened him to.


    The story of Mrrk''lah changed. The Fievegal''s written history says that Mrrk''lah was always a Hearoczhaa all along, and never in the military. Few Grodrrns idolized him as Dzor did, so he accepted that he must''ve heard a skewed version, and he settled into his military career as it was. But, he still sometimes dreamt of more.


    But, Captain Long, the tiny frail mammal, has described things that were taking place on Earth. These things involve the destruction or rewriting of history, the division of humans by subtleties to distract them, and strangely strict responses to ''crises'' that didn''t warrant the heaviest possible response when an appropriate response existed.


    And, it all resonates with the tiny doubt ever-present in any Grodrrn''s ¨Cand in this case, Dzor''s- mind. Grodrrns do not ask why about their orders. They do not question the events out of sight. They carry out their duties. Period.


    Dzor''s ship is destroyed. His crew has spiritually turned against him. He is a prisoner to a race of galactic newcomers. And, the ship he is on ¨Cthe whole fleet in actuality- is now under attack by one of the most experienced races in the galaxy.


    Dzor has no duties to the Fievegal right now. He is undoubtedly dead to them. Even if Khla is still hunting, he''s after the humans, not the shipwrecked Grodrrns captured by the humans out of some strange sense of mercy. He has no duties to his traitorous crew who wishes him dead. He has no duty to help his captors.


    But one other Grodrrn had no duties when he did what he did.


    Mrrk''lah, the mutineer who ended a war.


    Dzor knows what he has to do if he wants to survive and return to his life. And, no human will stop him.


    Dzor says calmly, "{Free the others.}"


    Khla looks at him, surprised. He adds, "{I will NOT become the Zarakyssn''s prisoner.}"


    With that, Dzor unleashes the culmination of his captivity. He roars, gripping the chains binding his hands. He pulls ferociously. He roars louder and pulls harder. He can feel the shackles digging into his skin. He doesn''t yield. He pushes himself fiercely. A high-pitched shriek fills the room as metals made to never break stretch. And soon after, a thunderous pop startles Khla. Two severed chains dangle from Dzor''s wrists as he relaxes. His bicep bone in his right arm cracked, but is holding.


    For months ¨Cin human time-, he has been flexing his muscles to their limits. His body can be nudged to direct all the fat in his body and any unnecessary muscles to the ones he micro-trains. Over time, his muscles harden into immensely strong fibers. It''s a secret shared only among Jardzens and above, in case lesser beings are captured. So, their expected threshold is much lower than what a Grodrrn can do. It takes an immense level of mental clarity, dedication, and focus to perform, as only those wise to the methodology can guide their internal energies to focus their calories to where they''re needed.


    Dzor exhales as Khla watches in stunned silence. He can hear the human guards panic, "DZOR''S LOOSE!" "HOW!?" "HE JUST FREED HIMSELF!" "READY UP!" "WAIT! CONTACTS REAR!"


    Yes. It is definitely the Zarakyssns. Their blaster weapons firing are unmistakeable. He rolls his shoulders, pulling his leg shackles apart. He can hear the soldiers outside fighting, but they''re quickly losing their numbers. Good. Human weapons can kill him.


    Dzor steps past Khla, repeating, "{Free the others. Leave the humans to me. Otherwise, do as you wish.}"


    With that, he shoves the bolted door of the conex box off of its hinges with little more effort than if he were opening it normally. His strength won''t last forever. The exertion of his muscles will wring them out, and the acids that form around them could calcify, deadening his arms for the rest of his life. There are treatments on Grodurra, but first he has to get there.


    The huge Grodrrn dwarfs humans and Zarakyssns alike. Zarakyssn soldiers lead quick lives, much like humans. They don''t have the time to grow to size.


    And, all of both races present; the few humans cornered with their hands up and about to be shot anyways by merciless insects, and the insects themselves; all halt to gaze upon the mountain of muscle and tough, nearly-armored skin and basic clothing.


    Dzor grins.


    Every Zarakyssn drops what they''re doing to aim at him as some wail desperately, "{GRODRRN!? HERE!? FIRE FIRE FIRE!}"


    He is already among them in a single bound. His claws are tougher than their metal. His muscles are stronger than their exoskeletons. His mercy is less than theirs.


    Dzor swings a back hand, swatting two into the wall like ragdolls. One''s body crunches against the wall instantly. The other doesn''t get up either. He steps once, clawing through one''s armor and reaching crunchy, disgusting tissue. He kicks the next, sending it flying. A fourth surrenders its arm and weapon ¨Cagainst its will of course-. The weapon makes a fine projectile when thrown, smashing two more.


    Several burns bite Dzor, but they set their weapons for their targets so they don''t kill them. And, a Grodrrn is NOT a human. Additionally, he isn''t giving them any time to process and decide to up the output of their weapons. Zarakyssn soldiers are not creative. If he''s fast enough, the War Queen undoubtedly present somewhere might not know he''s here.


    Dzor can feel and hear the human artillery firing. He never told Long about the War Queens of the Zarakyssns. Assuming the human fleet can figure out the fact that the Zarakyssns can interdict them, it''s unlikely they''ll realize step one is to target the biggest ships ¨Cthe War Queen ships-. Dzor will take it to his death, but Long is undeniably intelligent. And, though that''s true, she''s also grossly na?ve and new to the galaxy.


    Several of the Zarak soldiers try their blades on Dzor. He may not have a regenerator, but their tiny scratches do little more than enrage him.


    In mere moments, a deathly rotten stench holds the air, and Dzor is dripping with yellowish blood. He pants heavily, unfazed by the putrid odor, ensuring he didn''t miss a single Zarakyssn. He spits the partial helmet and tissue out of his mouth. A foul taste lingers on his tongue, but it did the job.


    He can hear their hearts racing, fingers clutching sidearms tightly, ready to draw. Horror will prevent them from doing so. They are tiny and frail, unlike the soldiers who invaded his ship. They are not cowards, but they fear him. As they should.


    Dzor simply walks out of the holding area, though, not acknowledging them or Khla. He has interest in only one human. And she is right where he wants her; the ship''s bridge.


    Dzor has to duck under most doorways and slouch in the hallways. The human ship is aggravatingly small. Fortunately, when he needs to fight, he''s pretty low anyways, so it doesn''t hinder him ripping his enemies to shreds. He carves a path of carnage and death on his way to the bridge. He needs only follow her scent.


    The foolish humans are so na?ve and trusting. Many watch as he shreds the Zarakyssns in his way, and not one of them shoots at him. Some even cheer. They cheer and stand idle as a prisoner marches freely and violently among their ship. One even has the gall to ask him what they should do next.


    Dzor says nothing, though. He doesn''t even acknowledge them. The ship is becoming foul with Zarak atmosphere from their suits. The humans are fighting with every ounce of their tenacity.


    But, Dzor doesn''t care about them. He is interested in only one human. And, her scent grows ever stronger.


    Metal doors block his way, but Dzor knows better. He''s on a spaceship, not a building. If there''s vacuum across the door, then his mission ends instantly. Instead, he follows his nose to one of the much smaller passageways. He growls in disgust at its size.


    ***

 Chapter 33: Battle Against the Zarakyssns Part 3

    The Grodrrn Baskylla Jardzen, a reputable ship commander with many honorable commendations, crawls like a worm through the tiny passageway. Even humans would have to move at a crouch in this hallway. What unevolved creature concocts something so foolish?


    At the end of his tunnel, he smells a familiar smell. He looks at one of the marines cradling another obviously hit by Zarak fire. This human, a female around Captain Long''s age maybe ¨Che has no idea, honestly- has a horrified expression. She''s the only one mobile, and her uniform reads, "Tachibana". Dzor''s not sure he''s met her, but at least one of her meals made it to his mouth.


    The Baskylla Jardzen says simply, "Hongor." He then turns and continues on his way, ignoring when she tries to call out for him. The incessant human jogs after him, chattering, "Hey! Dzor! Stop!"


    Dzor ignores her. He has interest in only one human. Tachibana barks, "Hunger!? What do you mean!? Stop! I''m warning you!"


    Dzor halts, whirling to put his broad head inches from her helmet. She recoils in surprise. She doesn''t have her weapon. Foolish humans.


    He growls, "No, Hongor. Sheeps. They come tharr." He storms onward once more. This time, she doesn''t follow.


    Dzor finds more Zarakyssns trying to cut into the bridge through a metal door. He can hear battle from one of the other doors already.


    He can also hear her voice; distinct, commanding, dominant. He smirks. The Zarakyssns will not stand in the way of his goal.


    The lookouts spot him and squeal, but Dzor bounds in three huge steps to reach them, instantly clapping them together. His hands sting from his palms slamming together so hard, as well as from minor cuts from the Zarak metal. But, he''s a big Grodrrn. He''ll cry later. When something actually warrants him crying.


    The burns of Zarak blasters hit his skin as the others fire on him. The shots numb his skin, but it''s not overloading his nervous system yet. One soldier does start adjusting its weapon, but the soldier is instantly eliminated by the body of another hurled with effortless force by the Baskylla Jardzen. Both bodies crunch against the door and collapse lifelessly.


    Dzor grips the last one by the torso, lifting it off the ground. It''s a Zarak squad leader, who acts as a conduit to the War Queen''s more direct subordinates. In human terms, it''s their chief or sergeant. And, Dzor loves to watch Zarakyssns squirm. The Zarakyssn tries to pry Dzor''s grip clear, and even jab his bicep with its blade, but it doesn''t have good leverage. Its feet kick in futility.


    A sudden scream ¨Cher scream- halts Dzor. It is one of pure agony and pain. When he looks back down at the Zarakyssn, he finds his fist closed, and the lifeless squad leader''s remains stick to his fist. Dzor blinks once before discarding the remains thoughtlessly. He then slams his forearm against the door, breaking much of its supporting structure instantly. He doesn''t hesitate for this door because he can hear the other side of it, meaning there''s still pressure. He shoves the door out of the way and marches in. Ironically, the bridge is JUST tall enough for him to stand at almost full height.


    He instantly spots Captain Long being pinned by the leg and stabbed in the arm. She is his only interest. The Zarakyssns all step back in terror, and Long instantly rolls over to scurry backwards. Dzor steps forward calmly into the room, stopping in time for Long to bump his leg.


    She looks up at him in fear and surprise. She''s the only one responding reasonably to the humans'' most dangerous prisoner walking free at the worst possible time. Dzor''s gaze is locked with hers for a long-seeming moment. He gives her nothing in that gaze. Not a single thought. He takes a deep, calm breath. The Zarakyssns, for their part, are afraid to react first, knowing even Grodrrn-level shots might not work. And, their commands are to target the humans, no doubt.


    Dzor has a secret, though. It''s not a profound secret, but it''s unknown to everyone on the bridge right now, including the one being it affects.


    Captain Long, the human female Jardzen Dzor swore to kidnap and take to the Fievegal if he ever escaped again, has nothing to fear. Not of that threat, not of the Zarakyssns, and not of Dzor. The Zarakyssns, on the other hand... One of them stabbed Captain Long.


    Dzor roars his mightiest battle cry. The whole room tremors lightly, and what glass is present ¨Cseeing aids of a few of the humans and some of the electronic screens- cracks or shatters. Many of the Zarakyssns clutch their helmets helplessly, while others cower back several more steps. The Fievegal may avoid conflicts with the Zarakyssn horde where possible, but there''s a reason the Zarakyssns don''t try to invade the Fievegal as well.


    The squad leader, who had Long pinned, wails out, "{FIRE!}" Dzor swings his claws in a flat hand like a blade, and the squad leader''s weapon drops. The Jardzen is far from done with it, though. He snatches the squad leader and carries it around as he lunges between the soldiers. He throws soldiers at their comrades, kicks them into walls, claws them, and simply crushes them. All but the squad leader.


    Human gunfire booms loudly, and Dzor looks. Long managed to fire on one attempting to flank him. He knew it was there, but she helped. He''ll accept that. One other marine joins her in firing on the Zarakyssns further from him. The Zarakyssns make indecisive movements, unsure who to target. Dzor is very decisive. He moves one by one to each next closest one, taking out others with bodies or debris. All but the squad leader.


    The last soldier falls to gunfire, just before Dzor lunged to it. He pants heavily, looking around to ensure he got all of them. He then looks the squad leader in the eyes. It''s still trying to pry itself free, but is helpless in his grip. Unlike the Grodrrns, who do their best to learn an enemy''s language, the Zarakyssns believe the whip is the universal language, and there''s no need to debase themselves with those of other species. So, Dzor can understand them fine, but it won''t understand his words.


    That doesn''t matter, though. He pivots it so its gaze is forced to Long. She''s still lying on her back, panting heavily as blood stains her holy symbol. Grodrrns don''t have a formal religion, but some still practice the beliefs in the Bachsuu, so Dzor has an idea of why Long believes in a higher power. She is not blindly led by her faith, but seeks wisdom and hope from it when her own falters. Dzor keeps the squad leader''s gaze on long for a long time. It will be all of the rest of its life. He then pulls its arms off, causing it to wail and scream. Still, he forces its gaze to her. He then opens his jaws wide, its big radial eyes easily able to see him and her. And, with one vicous crunch, Dzor ends it.


    It is said War Queens feel every death under them, which is why dzor does what he does. The more suffering he can cause, fear included, the better.


    He spits out the metal and foul flesh, and then spits again. Though too much Zarak atmosphere is toxic, their flesh fortunately is not. At least to a Grodrrn. But, he would NEVER eat them. Of that, he is certain.


    Dzor then stomps over to Long, towering over her prone form. He reaches down and grips her torso. She winces a little, but never fires her weapon. Foolishly na?ve.


    But, not needed. Not with him. He sets her on her feet, surprising even her with his gentleness and even supporting her while she tests her injured leg. Zarakyssns aren''t heavy by even human standards, but they are surprisingly strong, and they can grip the floor or anything else with their pincher feet.


    Able to stand, Long looks up at him, still surprised. She starts to say something, but Dzor cuts her off. There isn''t time for her human platitudes or desire for answers. He says sternly, "Lorjist sheep eez hee-ist priortih. Destroy. Zarakyssn Heeve Meend. Weel disornt. {Largest ship is highest priority. Destroy. Zarakyssn hive mind. Will disorient.}"


    Long blinks. It''s clear she wants to say something, but she returns to the battle. She nods. She turns and orders, "Fire control?"


    "H-Here, M-Ma''am."


    "To all batteries, fire on the largest ship." Dzor starts to leave, and she says quickly, "Wait! Jor; Yarjen. Please, you know them. Please, command this battle. We''ll obey."


    Dzor shakes his head. He states, "Hongor."


    "You''re... leaving?"


    He shakes his head with a smirk. "No. Zarakyssns breeng hiv haulor for copchoors. I ripil boarders. Yuu commond. {No. Zarakyssns bring heavy haulers for captures. I repel boarders. You command.}" Dzor then turns and marches out. She is safe and informed. He can now direct his energy on his enemies.


    The Zarakyssns know he''s on board now. Many of them see him coming and flee up the hall. It makes him smile. Humans fall back to regroup. Zarakyssns flee to flee.


    The Zarakyssns will try to make a stand in the human hangar bay, but it will do no good. Zarakyssns do not leave empty-handed. Which means Dzor has a singular target once more.


    He manages to catch up to the Zarakyssns at a metal door. They seem to have yet to figure out how to open the human airtight doors, which the humans close as soon as they go to battlestations. They have automatic doors as backup, but the foresight of having everything compartmentalized already is surprisingly clever.


    Dzor simply shoulder-charges into the squad of insects, crushing them mercilessly against each other in spite of the shots that are fired at him. He stumbled once, but his momentum easily thumps the door with their bodies. He then scrapes them out of the way to open the door. This is his first time opening one, too, but he knows how the humans set up their doors. He turns the broad handle left and the door pops free, swinging open easily. He has to squeeze through, but he manages fine. He then closes the door behind him.


    The Baskylla Jardzen follows his new path to the hangar bay. It''s not difficult to navigate the human ship. There are signs with arrows guiding the way. Not to mention the congregation of smells, most notably, Grodrrn fuel rods. He could easily take a shuttle, slip past the Zarakyssns, and jump to safety.


    But, he didn''t forget to tell his crew this. He didn''t tell them because it''s not his plan.


    He turns a corner and finds a strange sight. A female marine is shouting, "Get a hold of yourself! We''re going in there!"


    "B-But Chief-..."


    "No buts! Cut this door open! They need our help!"


    One of the other marines yells, "CONTACT REAR!" Several snap weapons up, aiming at Dzor. The female ''Chief'' quickly yells, "HOLD FIRE! FRIENDLY!"


    "Are you kidding, Chief!? That''s JOR!"


    She yells even louder, "I SOUND LIKE A JOKER TO YOU, MARINE!? LOWER YOUR WEAPONS AND CUT THIS DOOR!"


    Dzor approaches calmly. A few of the marines hold their weapons ready, watching him nervously. Tachibana, the Chief from earlier, says calmly, "I don''t know your plans, but you''re covered in bug blood. Good enough for me. Bugs jammed the door, so it needs cut out of-..." Dzor steps into a powerful kick, caving the door in almost completely with metal squeals and groans. There are now gaps in the door, and he grips them to twist it ferociously, snapping the rest of the supports. He ducks through, tossing the ruined door aside. He doesn''t wait for the humans to process. He simply keeps going. He is not their ally.


    But, he is not their enemy, either.


    The hangar bay is huge, and it is full of chaos. Shots are being fired in every direction. If nothing else, the human valiance has halted the loading operation, and the Zarakyssns will take a long time to decide to leave with what they have. After all, only the War Queen can make such a decision, and she''s about to have her jaws tied shut in a moment.


    The human artillery thunders away, and Dzor smiles. He murmurs, "Incessant Yukonja."


    Dzor flexes his muscles as he walks past a group of marines holding cover behind crates. He rolls his joints to loosen up.


    One of the humans closest to him now holds up a Grodrrn rifle, offering it to him. Dzor takes it without thought. He will gladly become even deadlier.


    The Baskylla Jardzen stops in the open and takes a deep breath. He roars again, but this one is much more casual. He only wants his presence to be known this time. The Zarakyssns already fear him.


    He continues walking towards the four large hauling ships parked in the hangar bay, at the expense of the human mining shuttles and one of the Grodrrn shuttles rammed carelessly by the Zarak ships. The haulers are large, bulky, modular ships that have adjustable racks in the cargo hold for the Zarakyssn plunder, no matter the size. Today''s plunder, being rolled into the racks in tight margins, are human beings.


    Dzor fires rather arbitrarily, but he doesn''t miss. Zarakyssns at range fall even faster now with a proper wielder using a Grodrrn rifle. As he gets closer to the first hauler, he picks up his pace, stepping into a jog, and then a run, and finally, a full force charge. He rams the hauler violently, shaking it. Not succeeding, though, he plants his feet and lifts the edge. He heaves with all his might, and the ship''s edge rises. He walks under as he lifts, rolling the ship until it rumbles the whole hangar deck by falling onto its side.


    He flexes, making sure he didn''t hurt himself. The telltale whoosh of one of the other haulers igniting its engines sounds off. Dzor doesn''t hesitate. He kicks off of the flipped hauler and launches himself over a squad of Zarakyssns towards the hauler. He slashes his claws down, spearing into the engine for a grip. From there, he ferociously punches the engine, and it belches fire and smoke, shutting down soon after. He wastes no time dropping to the deck to roll this one over next. He fires his blaster at the cockpit of the next one, but then focuses on rolling the second hauler.


    Once it''s done, the third and fourth haulers ignite their engines. This War Queen is unusually attentive, apparently, or more confident than she should be that the humans are no threat to her. Or, perhaps it''s the opposite. Perhaps fear IS factoring into her decisions.


    Regardless, it will do no good. Dzor throws his blaster with full force, and the delicate core inside the weapon ignites when it breaks. The explosion ruptures the cockpit, and the ship instantly slumps, losing power. Dzor''s a little impressed that his move worked.


    For the other shuttle, he sprints to it, leaping on board just as it''s taking off. He climbs swiftly to the engine and rips plating out of his way. He reaches in and grips a bundle of the strange electrochemical tubes the Zarakyssns use in place of wires on much of their technology. He pulls ferociously, and the liquid burns his arm and hand where it touches. But, the engine burps and flickers out, and the hauler rolls in the air. Dzor falls to the deck, landing on his feet. He almost loses his footing when the ship slams and dents the deck, though, even as low as the humans have their artificial gravity.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Dzor walks to the door of the closest hauler''s cargo bay. He ignores the battle raging around him. He rips the cargo bay door open, inspecting for Zarakyssns. The air is already stale with the smell of humans, who scream and cry. Many of these must be their non-military personnel, though he''s seeing their military personnel succumb to the stress as well. He leaves the humans be. They can escape if they want. Either way, the haulers won''t be leaving. He goes to each hauler, ripping the doors open. He doesn''t care about the humans. Only one interests him. But, he''s already here.


    He rips the last shuttle''s doors off, and a woman screams from Dzor, not the situation. She tightly holds a small female, crying out, "D-Don''t let go, Little Bird!"


    The girl is calm, though. She looks up at Dzor with wide, strangely trusting green eyes. Dzor knows that name, too. Khla has spoken of this child. This small na?ve child convinced soldiers to spare Khla, and by extension, set the precedent for rescuing the rest of the Grodrrns captured, attempt to cure the sterility of the females, and even try to take diplomatic approaches with their enemies.


    Dzor nods at the tiny human, stepping clear of the wreckage. With that task complete, he can focus on the Zarakyssns. If Long can coordinate the human fleet and take out the War Queen''s ship ¨Cwhich, thankfully, he only saw one-, then even the haulers on the other ships will go nowhere.


    Tachibana calls out, "Jor!" He glances, and she tosses a sidearm as hard as she can, which isn''t much, compared to his explosive throw moments ago. But, it reaches him, and he snatches it out of the air, instantly joining ranged combat. He makes his way to Tachibana''s position with no real urgency, but he does stumble from one of the shots. His whole body is starting to feel numb. It was good to stretch and flex his muscles for a change, but now he needs to not succumb to Zarakyssn weapons.


    The Grodrrn warrior crouches behind the conex box Tachibana is standing behind. She and another marine fire around its corners, and then she asks, "How are you doing, Yarjen? You need medical attention?"


    Dzor replies, "Feen. Zarak horde weel yild eef Copton Long defeat War Quinn. We mock joomp thinn. {Fine. Zarak horde will yield if Captain Long defeats (the) War Queen. We make jump then.}"


    "What about the boarding ships? Who knows how many of ours they took..."


    Dzor retorts, "More War Queens come." She slumps, but he adds, "Zarakyssns only ploondor weeth howlers. Ozz Long ozz howlers duu not leev, no hoomins lost. Othor sheeps, howlers weel not leev oonteel fool. {Zarakyssns only plunder with haulers. As long as haulers do not leave, no humans lost. Other ships will not leave until full.}"


    "How can you be so certain?"


    "No Grodurns," replies the Jardzen bluntly. "We-..." He halts, listening intently.


    "Zjeekha! Zjeekha! Zjeekha!" The translation of the chant has been debated in the Fievegal since the first days of Zarakyssn encounter. But, it''s meaning has always been clear.


    A chill crawls through Dzor''s scales, and they feel suddenly tighter. He scans the hangar, but all of the surviving Zarakyssns are chanting. It''s the closest the Fievegal knows of for Zarakyssn excitement, and it''s the one thing that halts all other priorities.


    Dzor spots the one. A Zarakyssn soldier ¨Cuntil this day, another meaningless warrior in an endless horde- is being shoved into the open against its will. It tries to resist, but it is the chosen one.


    The soldier is not being presented to Dzor as a sacrifice to appease him. He bolts upright, firing his sidearm as fast as possible. A hapless soldier steps in his way, -perhaps not randomly at all-. Then another. The Zarak squad leader withdraws the stinger ¨Ca literal poisonous stinger from a creature presumed to reside deep within Zarak space-. The chosen soldier panics and squirms even more, as the other soldiers chant "Zjeekha! Zjeekha! Zjeekha!"


    Dzor''s sidearm overheats, and he tosses it aside, sprinting for the Zarakyssn gathering. He cannot let it happen. The squad leader cheers, "Zjeekhalla-tee-onn-nonn!"


    The soldiers roar in their buzzing tone, and the leader jabs the stinger into the chosen soldier''s chest.


    Dzor slams multiple soldiers out of his way, clawing clean through two more, desperate to barrel through the crowd. He practically has to swim through the insects seemingly thoughtlessly crowding before him. He lunges one final step, clawing brutally downwards at his target.


    His claw halts at the wrist. All at once, another arm grips his throat. Four arms, instead of two, now protrude through the Zarakyssn''s protective gear. Sulfur-reeking air oozes out. Each arm is over 5 times its original size, and still growing. The soldier''s body twitches and pulses as it swells. Its eyes fill with poisonous black hatred, and its exoskeleton cracks and crunches away, followed by its helmet and armor.


    Dzor tries to pry its grip free, kicking his feet in futility as it lifts him off of the deck.


    ''Zjeekha'' is a rare priviledge to the Zarakyssns, and even rarer to the Fievegal. Dzor was a young soldier when he last saw a stinger used. And, he watched the moons and suns trade day and night.


    The soldier''s new shriek ¨Cor wailing roar- nearly ices over Dzor''s scales. He can''t imagine he has much color left, as his feet dangle off of the floor.


    Known only as a ''Zjeekha'' by the Fievegal, this thing is now a Zarakyssn berserker.


    ***


    Chief Grey narrowly dives clear as seven hundred pounds of muscle rockets by him. Thunder rumbles from the brutal impact that body has with a conex box, which Tachibana and another marine were hiding behind. The conex box lurches so much, it throws the two marines to the ground. Its entire side is caved in. No human could survive that, of that he''s certain.


    The thrower, a nightmarish beast that seems to have exploded out of one of the roaches like an elephant out of a human skin suit, bellows a loud, humming wail that doesn''t rumble quite the way Dzor''s roar did, but certainly sends chills up Grey''s spine. The giant roach twitches over-excitedly, psychotically. A blood-thirsty aura surrounds it. It steps on injured roaches like they''re nothing more than leaves.


    Fortunately, the body launched at the conex box was not human. Baskylla Jardzen Dzor, of all of the crocs to help, manages to stumble out of the heap of twisted metal. He drops to a knee, though, and coughs. But, as soon as the bug giant leaps for Tachibana, who is fleeing to new cover, Dzor springs through the air powerfully, tackling the brutal alien invader. The two tumble hard across the floor, narrowly avoiding killing Tachibana anyways with merely their momentum. She slides on her hip into cover behind a row of crates and takes aim. But, the Zarakyssns haven''t forgotten about the battle, and they open fire.


    Grey grumbles, "Damn CGI battles..." He yells out, "MARINES! FOCUS ON MINIES! DZOR HAS THE GIANT!" He fires his pistol at roaches while working his way to the toppled weapon stockpile.


    Long asks from right behind him, "Ch-Chief? Do you really think he can handle it?"


    Grey glances. Dzor''s technique is excellent, using some form of Grodrrn martial art, apparently. He jabs the pointy ends of his claws, slashes with knife-hands, and parries the giant bug''s own blade-like attacks rather than attempt to block them. Both slash so quickly, though, Grey can barely see the movements. And, Dzor is landing hits, but so is the roach. Long asks, "Sh-should we help?"


    "Can''t. They''re moving around too fast. We''re more likely to hit Jor. We''re better off mopping up the roaches." Grey likes the feel of that word. The numbers really are dwindling now.


    A tiny female voice squeaks, "Can I help, Cheep?"


    Grey halts in his tracks. He looks down at the tiny little girl. He wants to scream at her, but he snaps back to enough presence of mind to pull her and Long into cover. Grey asks quickly, "Where''s Tanya!?"


    Little Bird replies, "She ran with the others, but I wanted to help! I''m a marine too!"


    "THESE ARE MONSTERS, MAYA!" He knows Tanya wouldn''t run without Little Bird. More likely, the small girl slipped away when Tanya was caught in the crowd. Dzor surprisingly freed all of the human captives. Little Bird points at Dzor, saying, "B-But he needs help! He saved me! And... And I have to return the favor, right?"


    "NOT RIGHT NOW YOU DON''T!" He pulls her head down out of the way of fire, shielding her with his body.


    She surprises him by hugging him. She whimpers, "I-I''m really scared... B-But... I-... I don''t want us to lose. Angelica said on the speakies that we all have to help."


    Grey looks at her. He could send Long to take her out of the hangar, but it''s almost as risky as them staying. He sighs. He says sternly, "I have one good eye, right? I need you to tell me if enemies are coming behind us, okay? Can you do that?"


    Little Bird nods. She''s worried, but unbelievably brave right now. Maybe the fall of Earth broke her fear response. Grey''s certainly done things he would never do.


    The three move across the hangar, and Grey shoots several roaches while Long keeps a close eye on Little Bird. He''s fine with that. The roaches are focused mostly near the hangar doors, where Dzor disabled their landing craft.


    Little Bird cries out, "Cheep! Cheep! He needs help!" Grey looks at her, and then the two titans. The bug has Dzor in a grapple, and it has forced the Grodrrn to his knees. Dzor is clearly struggling to hold even that much.


    Grey spots a rocket launcher laying on the floor. It''s a SMAW, specifically, and the anti-vehicle weapons are forbidden for use in the ship interior, because a missed shot could be catastrophic.


    Grey sighs in disgust. He''ll do his best not to miss. He sprints towards the weapon, and the bug forces Dzor onto his posterior, which, gives it enough leverage to push him down to his back.


    Grey drops his rifle, grabbing the launcher on the run. He carefully checks it loaded. He clearly wasn''t the first marine today planning on trying not to miss. Whoever it was, he''s thankful. He sprints with the long tubular weapon straight up to Dzor and the bug. All Dzor has to do is survive. He''s already keeping it still.


    Grey taunts, "CHEESE!" as he presses the weapon mouth to the creature''s lower chest. He squeezes the trigger and lets fate once more have its way with him.


    The launcher coughs, and when Grey regains his senses, he''s face down on the deck with cracks in his helmet''s visor and numerous shrapnel lacerations all over his body. His arms burn from cuts, blunt trauma, and actual burns. He struggles just to lift his head to look around.


    Dzor is near him, coughing as he, too, tries to rise. The giant roach''s shriek draws Grey''s eyeline. While its torso was obviously ruptured like a watermelon hit with a SMAW, the beast is still alive. And, it''s quickly recovering ¨Ceven more quickly than a Grodrrn with a regenerator-.


    Grey halts. That''s it. That''s what Dzor needs. He looks around. His SMAW looks like it exploded in a cartoon-fashion, splitting like a banana. It won''t be of any further use, but Grey doesn''t care. There! One of the stowed Grodrrn regenerators. He winces when the roaches blade like claw hand spears the deck beside him, deflected only by inches by the particularly large Grodrrn in the hangar. Dzor pants as he holds the arm, quickly swatting the bug back with a brutal backhand. Once more, Dzor is in heated combat with the bug.


    Grey scrambles to his feet, sprinting for the regenerator. He glances to find Long and Little Bird following him from a ways behind. He glimpses the roach leap clear to the hangar ceiling, holding there for a moment before springing back down at Dzor. The Grodrrn was far from idle, though. He springs into the air and slams the bug with both fists, dropping them both like ragdolls from the impact.


    Grey rips the lid off of the crate and heaves the armor piece out. It''s two-part, though; front and back. And, it''s extremely heavy. He can carry one piece, but someone else will have to carry the other. And, Long and Little Bird won''t be able to lift it.


    Fredericks startles Grey when he suddenly stops at the crate, asking, "Whatcha got, Chief!?"


    "Jesus Freddy! Good, help me get this on Dzor."


    Fredericks chuckles, "Sure, why not?" The two waddle towards Dzor with the unwieldy armor. The Grodrrn commandant tumbles across the ground from a brutal hit. His claws scrape the deck to stop him, and he springs up to smash the bug with a right hook.


    Fredericks has to dive out of the way, dropping his piece. Nevertheless, he is kicked accidentally by the bug, and he slides helplessly across the floor. Grey calls, "FREDDY!" He grunts though, narrowly moving himself clear of the pair tumbling by. Grey chases after them. Maybe he can give one piece to Dzor during a lull and retrieve the other.


    Grey ducks, injuring his knee from the weight, but avoiding a decapitating swing of the bug''s hand. Though Dzor isn''t specifically acknowledging his presence, he seems to be aware of Grey.


    Grey struggles back up to his feet. The bug swats Dzor''s arms viciously, splattering blood across Grey''s helmet. He can see enough, though. He has to double back as Dzor is knocked down to his knees. The Grodrrn manages to grip the bug''s claws again, narrowly holding the vicious, psychotic insect back. Their momentum slides Dzor back, but he stays mostly upright. He is losing strength quickly, though. Grey hobbles into position, glancing over his shoulder for a miracle.


    That miracle''s name is Petty Officer Leo Fisher, and the marine sprints from Little Bird, who points at the armor piece, to the armor itself. Fisher manages to heft the armor more easily than Grey or Fredericks, and he runs quickly to Grey. Grey doesn''t wait. He shoves the armor onto Dzor''s back, even as the bug roars ferociously at him.


    Dzor starts to snarl, "HOOMIN! GIT CLARR...!" when Fisher slides in under his arms, shoving the armor piece in place. The two armor halves interlock automatically, and the marines don''t wait for something to happen. Both Grey and Fisher pull their signal flares and ignite them. The red flame pouring red smoke burns at several hundred degrees even in vacuum. They''re also a big no-no in the ship because of how much oxygen they can use. Chief Grey will write himself up and file his own Captain''s Mast if they survive and escape this nightmare. Both marines jam their flares into the bug''s shoulders, and it shrieks in agony and rage as it recoils blindingly quickly. Just as it turns to shred Grey and Fisher to pieces, a shotgun blast stumbles it. Then another. And another. Spaceman Long, wobbly in the knees and pale in the face, manages to march forward, cycling round after round through a shotgun she must''ve found.


    Moments later, burst fire from a hybrid rifle joins her as Tachibana marches in. The bug tries to shield itself from the pain, but it regenerates too quickly. Once it realizes the weapons are essentially ineffective, pain will no longer deter it.


    But, two more marines join in; Mina and Rena Coulson. They''re supposed to be with the Cave Queen, meaning she must be finished. Otherwise, Grey will kick their butts later. The combined gunfire is keeping the mega-bug disoriented. Soon, even more marines join them, including HM1 Brown, Moody ¨Cwho was captured early on-, Marvoni, French, Pratt, and others from other teams.


    The bug finally roars, ignoring the hailstorm of bullets whittling away its flesh only superficially, as it heals just as quickly. Grey is wondering how Dzor intends to kill it.


    All that matters now is the deep, foreboding growl that rumbles behind the marines. Grey looks. A new fire is lit in the eyes of an already stronger-looking Dzor. His wounds continue to close, and his body seems to be relaxing some, if only to allow greater mobility. Where once-unhideable pain stained even the mighty and fearless croc''s face, now only anger and confidence remain. Grey is truly thankful he is not the current object of that anger.


    Grey yells, "Move!" as he pulls Long out of the way. The marines scatter as a ferocious roar bellows from Dzor, and a similarly wicked wail emanates from the bug. The two titans charge each other, and this time, Dzor hits the bug with a brutal hit that tumbles it.


    Grey looks for Little Bird in the brief moment he can. She''s helping marines carry magazines to encamped marines keeping the surviving roaches suppressed in cover. For once since this all started, it seems the marines have equal footing. And, he leaves Little Bird be. Carrying magazines through cover and away from the two heavies duking it out is about as safe as she can get today.


    Grey pats Long''s shoulder and says, "Keep your head down! I''m getting a weapon. Tachi! Don''t let that thing overtake him!"


    Tachibana retorts, "Agreed! Hold for openings, Marines! Do NOT hit friendly!"


    "Aye Chief!"


    Grey jogs for a weapon, limping each time his weight hits his knee. He''ll chalk this one up to getting old. He never did expect to hit civilian retirement age. Little Bird meets him on her round, offering him two rifle magazings, "Mags, Cheep?"


    Grey scoffs, "Chief. And I don''t have a rifle. Take those to Cartwright over there." The grizzled marine points to a first class firing his rifle from a makeshift plate shield, which absorbs alien blasts like static sparks. He''s using it to cover marines evacuating fallen marines. Grey has worked with Cartwright in the past. And, more importantly, he''s further away from Dzor and mega-bug.


    Grey then digs another treasure out of the stockpile; a Grodrrn sword. He clips it to his belt and picks up two Grodrrn rifles. He straps one across his back and readies to use the other. He then charges back towards the fight. Long is staying close to Tachibana, and the marines are firing bursts when the two titans separate.


    Maybe no one else notices it, but Dzor is hesitating until the bug looks at any human. The moment its attention leaves him, the big croc lunges in and slams it with a brutal hit.


    He''s cooperating.


    Grey tries to get close, calling, "Yarjen! How do we kill it!?"


    Dzor stays focused on the bug. But, he grunts out an answer, "SORVEEV!"


    Grey''s not sure he understands. Remembering the sword and rifle, though, he says, "Sword or gun, Yarjen! Take your pick!"


    He grunts, avoiding a pounce from the bug. He snorts, "Swo-ord!" Grey unclips the sword, taking a breather quickly. He watches Dzor''s right hand, waiting for an opening. He just needs to put a sword in a hand. Not even a sword. Just the hilt. Plan small, one call. Ready, GO!


    Grey pushes through his own pain, sprinting in close. He narrowly ducks between the two, meeting Dzor''s broad right hand as the Jardzen comes to a stop from a hit that stumbled mega-bug. Grey shoves the sword hilt into Dzor''s palm on the run, ducking out of the way.


    A growl rumbles from Dzor, but it''s not a particularly angry-sounding growl. In fact, it sounds almost amused. The tell-tale crackle of the sword igniting snaps the air, and marines cheer, "KILL HIM JOR!" "Take him down Yarjen!"


    Grey''s leg gives out, and he tumbles to the floor just shy of the crates he was attempting to gain cover behind. Long is by his side almost instantly, asking, "Chief!? Are you okay!?"


    Grey grunts, "Crazy. You?"


    She scoffs nervously, retorting, "Not funny."


    "Eyes out, Marine. We''re not done yet." She glances at them, then quickly pulls Grey into cover. She helps him sit up and draw the rifle, so he can fight if need be.


    Dzor suddenly roars in a more agonized rage, recoiling. The bug just managed to sever his left hand. It''ll regrow as long as he''s wearing the regenerator, but it took Khla''s hands about an hour to get to about ? of normal size with a regenerator ¨Cwith no other injuries-. Dzor manages to still swing his sword, but the new pain is addling his movements.


    Grey strains to get to where he can lay across the crate and aim. Dzor is back on the defensive, and he''s the only one who can hold this thing at bay.


    ***

 Chapter 34: Baskylla Jardzen Dzor vs the Terrifying Zjeekha

    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor knows only rumors. He''s never fought a Zjeekha like this before. In fact, no Grodrrn has ever faced one alone and lived. It''s taking all he can muster just to keep it at bay with strikes. It''s faster than him, so trying to bait it is out of the question. It''s stronger than him in his current state, which is on the downslope of his surge. His muscles ache and burn now, even with the regenerator repairing some of the damage. Its healing output is divided across his muscles, his skin, and now his left hand.


    A Grodrrn soldier in training has to cut of his or her own finger while wearing a regenerator. The exercise serves two purposes; mind over matter for the Grodrrn to accept pain willingly, and so that they experience a severing and the continuous pain while it regenerates.


    A hand is unbelievably more painful. Dzor''s been shot many times, but those injuries heal quickly. His hand is screaming pain through his nerves. It''s starting to distract him.


    Every cut with his sword severs flesh from the bug, but it regrows in seconds.


    No Grodrrn alone has ever survived against a Zjeekha this long. And Dzor is no exception.


    He has no idea why the humans respect him. He has no idea why they trust him. He will never understand why they can look past what he helped do to them and what, for all they know, he still plans to do to them. He is their enemy in any conventional sense of the word.


    And, he is humbled and grateful for their aid on this day.


    The regenerator, volleys of fire to cause the Zjeekha to hitch its movements, the sword. He has survived this long only thanks to the humans, foolish as they are. Their tenacity and loyalty knowing bounds. If humans were his size, they would be mightier than a thousand Zjeekha. But, perhaps it is their size for which their spirit compensates.


    Dzor could have fled a long time ago. He could have boarded the shuttle and jumped out long before the Zarak fleet knew it was occurring.


    And, so could the humans. Surely cowards exist among them.


    But, Dzor did not join the Fievegal military to live. He joined to stand in the sunlight as a mighty warrior of honor. And, on this day, he is doing everything he can to live up to the honor of the warriors around him.


    What a backwards universe this is.


    Dzor manages to avoid several more vicious attacks. He''s forced to grip the Zjeekha''s arm and pull it back when one of the humans runs out of cover to avoid being crushed. The Zjeekha swiftly jabs his chest and then kicks him, tumbling Dzor back. His wrist hits the deck, and Dzor nearly falls from the pain. He kicks into a forward roll, barely escaping a vertical drop-kick from the Zjeekha.


    Human weapons thunder a volley in the opening. The Zjeekha barely flinches, but it looks at the human male who brought Dzor the regenerator.


    The Baskylla Jardzen explodes to his feet, slashing a sizeable portion of the Zjeekha''s twitching head off. But, it quickly regenerates. Dzor isn''t a humorous individual, and he certainly didn''t start when he said ''survive''.


    The Zjeekha whirls, kicking Dzor again. He slides across the deck, barreling through several marines before coming to a stop against one of the wrecked haulers. His consciousness nearly faulters, and fog has filled his mind. He tries to regain his senses. He just glimpses the Zjeekha''s feet stop, and then another of it picking something up off of the body it''s standing on. A Zarakyssn squad leader body.


    It all happens at once. Sharp claws embrace Dzor like a blade-suit hug, and he barely has the strength to spring to his feet to free his hand. He grips the claw coming down at the last second, using his injured forearm to brace his good arm. He must sacrifice every other defense, no matter the cost, to stop this one attack.


    The poison stinger touches his chest above the collar of his armor, but hasn''t pierced his skin yet. The Zjeekha claws at his torso, punches his abdomen, and tries to wrench the stinger closer. Dzor is losing blood and strength faster than the regenerator can restore it. But, he cannot let the stinger pierce his skin.


    No one in the Fievegal knows what would happen if a Grodrrn is stung by the stinger. If stung, protocol is to execute oneself immediately. Because the end result for the individual stung is the same. There is a good reason the Zarakyssns fear being chosen.


    The Zjeekha is not a new life. It is a curse. The effect lasts minutes, differing based on the individual, but never more than what humans count as seventeen. Dzor is pretty sure, though he has no way of knowing, that he''s at around twelve.


    If he''s lucky, the sting would only kill him. If he''s unlucky, he will join the Zjeekhas in a race to a brutal and hated death.


    Dzor stumbles, trying to balance as he holds the stinger at bay. His gaze meets the Zjeekha''s as it is rearing its head back, opening its mandibles wide. Dzor can do nothing. He must hold the stinger back. He closes his eyes, steeling his mind for what''s to come. Human weapons thunder, but he knows it won''t help.


    Pain rips through Dzor''s face in searing agony. He can feel his left eye moving in ways it shouldn''t. The mandible scrapes against his skull until it hooks, and Dzor roars in agony as he hears the ominous cracking of his own skull. Relief comes in the form of less pain when the Zjeekha recoils again.


    He will not survive this next bite. Dzor readies himself to release the stinger and try to fight it in the time he''d have left. Some distant part of him hears the humans evacuating the hangar. It''s for the best.


    A thunder clap precedes a crunch, just as Dzor was about to shift, and gooey tissues splash his injured face. Was that one of the humans'' anti-vehicle weapons? It''s about time.


    But instead, a huge form drops over them, and a single, whip-like strike severs the arm with the stinger, causing Dzor to spring it away from him. The towering, net-like figure pulls the Zjeekha off rather forcefully with a shrill chatter.


    When Dzor looks, it is an extremely tall, tentacle alien being. Dzor would bet confidently that it''s the parasite the humans found. Khla described her abdomen being perpetually full of glowing eggs, but Dzor doesn''t see them. The only thing the alien is wearing, surprisingly, is a blindfold. Still, she doesn''t miss a strike as she grapples the Zjeekha by all of its limbs.


    The violent insect is still far from subdued, though. It rips its arms clear for a moment, and the ''Cave Queen'', as Khla called her, nimbly twists out of the way. Just as the Zjeekha is to jump and tackle her, Dzor snatches its leg, causing the Zjeekha to fall. It kicks him violently off, but one of the vine-like tentacles catches the Grodrrn, setting him down before the Queen snaps another in to ''punch'' or ''kick'' ¨Cdepending on the limb- the Zjeekha with stupefying force. The Zjeekha actually doubles over as its innards rupture through its back.


    Dzor takes a few breaths, wiping blood clear of his good eye. Dzor spots Khla shoving conex boxes. Why, he isn''t sure, until he looks past them to the hangar door. Would the humans truly be so daring?


    Dzor manages to smirk. Yes. Of course they are. Dzor jogs in to help the Cave Queen. She can hit harder than him, but one hit has already injured her heavily, and she is holding back. Dzor just needs to keep the Zjeekha occupied a little longer.


    It only takes another moment. Every marine yells, "BRACE! BRACE! BRACE!"


    Dzor has no idea what''s supposed to be done now. The door cracks and an alarm sounds, but air exploding towards the door is all that can be heard. A fleshy whip grips Dzor before he''s pulled off of his feet, and he realizes the artificial gravity is gone too. He looks at the Cave Queen, who is holding him with one of her arms and anchoring them both to one of the deck tie-downs.


    She winces in pain though. Her long, vine-like tentacles reach far, and the Zjeekha refuses to go quietly.


    Dzor glances at the Queen and then the Zjeekha.


    He did not join the military to live the longest.


    Dzor pulls his feet up, kicking away from the Queen as he pries her grip free. He twists in air and drives both of his boots into the Zjeekha''s chest. The two tumble calamitously and helplessly. They both claw for the deck in last ditch efforts to survive, and Dzor has it just long enough to see the Zjeekha catch. He releases instantly, once more, and for certain this time, ENSURING the Zjeekha departs the ship to the great void.


    Dzor can quickly feel ice hardening his skin, but he watches with his good eye in triumph. The Zjeekha''s body breaks as it tries to flail against the ice forming and freezing its limbs. Its own strength is destroying it. Dzor can''t help but smile. He ¨Cand the others- defeated a Zjeekha.


    Death is a welcome rest.


    ***


    Grey yells, "SOMEONE GET OUT THERE! DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF HIM!" Long calls out, "I see him, Chief!" He breathes heavily from the severely thin air.


    Khla is already sprinting onto a shuttle. Grey calls out to Long, "Go with her! Get him back on the double!" Grey limps closer to the Zarakyssn plasma door they used to get their haulers in. He never lets his singular-eyed gaze leave the two drifting bodies. The shuttle roars to life and races over his head. They are right on track. He ensures they reach him before he''ll turn away.


    Satisfied, Grey pivots. Mina is nursing the Queen''s injuries. She took some serious hits and can barely move now, coupled with her usage of energy. But, she bought them the time they needed when they needed it most.


    Grey looks outside. Roach ships burn and smolder as the Polonia''s artillery fires in smaller bursts. The biggest roach ship is trying to flee, but the human artillery has no real range, per se. Their shells will fly through space until they hit something. The bug boarding ships are swarming around the vessel, trying to intercept shots. But, the hybrid rounds travel at mach 7, meaning they have too much energy to stop so simply. The standard artillery shells are slower, but much heavier, meaning they will just keep going as well. True, some of the shots are being deflected or absorbed, but dozens of the boarding craft explode after each such hit. And, the Polonia is not their only threat. The Gaia and Andromeda both fire mercilessly as the three mobile vessels retreat to the Providence''s proximity.


    Soon enough, the vessel explodes, just before the smaller battleships could move to block. The marines cheer excitedly, moreso when the shuttle returns. Grey orders, "Get some heating units and blankets, now! Clear us a path to medical!"


    The marines spread out, carrying out his orders. Some ready to help carry the hulking warrior. Grey limps to the hatch as Khla opens it. Long is bandaging Dzor''s severed hand and cradling his head in her thighs. She''s not an expert, but she''s doing well enough. Khla says, "He need warm NOW. We fast enough, but he die oov hipotherm if we do not warm."


    Grey replies, "On the way."


    Long says softly, "I don''t understand, Chief... He''s smiling..."


    Grey looks. Sure enough, a tranquil and proud, even statuesque smile is spread across his reptilian mug. Grey smirks. He replies warmly, "He won. And he knew it. Best smile a soldier ever wears."


    The marines bundle Dzor with chemical heating packs and blankets, working together to carry him to medical. Long asks Grey, "Um, Chief? A-Are you okay?"


    He smiles, "We get out of here, I will be."


    She nods. He asks, "Little one?"


    Long replies softly, "She''s scared, but, I think she understands when I try to calm her. She''s doing okay now."


    "Good."


    Fredericks calls, "Chieeeeeefff!"


    Grey and Long move quickly to the plasma door again to look. Grey''s first fear is that the megabug learned to fly in space.


    Instead, it''s far worse.


    Four more fleets of equal size to the first just jumped in. Each has one of the capital ships. They landed in north-direction orbit distance from the planet, the same distance the humans have now. Grey growls, "They frickin'' hydra roaches? Can''t flush ''em. Can''t nuke ''em. And, now we can''t cut their heads off?"


    Fredericks asks, "Is it too late to stay on Earth, Chief?"


    Long asks, "W-What do we do?"


    Grey sighs. He says calmly, "What else? We reload."


    As they start to turn away, a new flash catches Grey''s eye. One more ship just jumped in, but this one is not of roach design. It has a paint job unique to its crew, as all others of their kind. It has superficial damage where repairs were made to vital systems. And, it has the most persistent hunter in the universe commanding it, apparently.


    Grey calls out, "CRAW!" She turns in surprise, jogging over. She looks where Grey points, and she shudders.


    A soft and tender word slips out of her mouth, "Hulma..."


    Jardzen Khla''s ship instantly opens fire, hammering the roach fleets without delay or mercy. They, in turn, open fire on his ship.


    Grey is no expert, but he suspects dumb luck leading to the humans hardening against electrical disturbances saved them from both the Grodrrns and the roaches. Khla''s ship may have more millennia behind its development, but he knows from Lopez that the Grodrrn ships are sensitive to continuous EMP discharges.


    Where the shots were virtually harmless to the human fleet, Khla''s ship is already losing lights and turrets.


    ***


    Captain Long watches in disbelief as Khla''s ship, easily identifiable by its markings, fearlessly battles FOUR fleets. They move into the ranks of ships, which spread out to surround him.


    A message comes through. The video is garbled gibberish, but the voice is mostly clear. It''s deep and rumbling, and sounds very much like a Grodrrn. "Flee, hoomins! We bih teem! {Flee humans! We buy time!}" The picture flickers clear for a moment. It''s definitely a Grodrrn, around Dzor''s age. Judging by the bridge, she suspects, it''s Khla himself.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Long looks at the two Grodrrns standing nearby. They''re watching in disbelief and surprise as well. Up to now, since Dzor effected their escape, the Grodrrns have been clearing the ship of Zarakyssns. At least one has been taken down by Zarakyssn weapons, but they were undoubtedly a big help in clearing the ship after Long and the others pushed the capital ship onto the defensive.


    No one seems to want to die to the Zarakyssns, or worse, become their slaves. The mere fact that Khla came to help, or even that Dzor cleared the Polonia''s bridge, speaks to the strangely human nature, as a human would call it, that Grodrrns express in the more grey confines of war. Whatever the reason for Khla''s arrival, or what motivations he has, it is not a simple choice for Long.


    Given that 3 of her fleet''s ships are disabled, it''s even more difficult.


    Kane''s voice comes over the radio next, saying, "Captain Long? You there?"


    She quickly says, "Y-Yes! I''m here Lieutenant!"


    "Thank God. Look, I took over as acting Captain of the Andromeda. Long story. But, I need you to receive my evacuees. I''m going to ram the Andromeda into their ships. That''ll put me in their midst, and maybe I can..."


    "NO," replies Long sternly. While he was speaking, she was looking at the Polonia''s turrets. They have two modes. Both of them lethal.


    The hybrid rounds use an energy jacket designed from Grodrrn weapons. The shots are extremely fast and hit hard. But, like Grodrrn weapons, they can lose energy and are heavily affected by magnetic fields and atmosphere; two things a large, once life-sustaining world has in abundance. As long as the Zarakyssn weapons don''t find an Achilles tendon, and the Zarakyssns don''t adapt ''Kamikaze'' into their vocabulary, the human ships stand a chance.


    She finishes her answer to Kane, "Lieutenant, we NEED our ships. I have a better idea. If you want to help, follow my lead."


    Kane nods, "Yes Ma''am. Just,... Don''t forget my idea... if we need it."


    "I won''t." She tries the announcing circuit. It''s patchy, but functional. She says to her crew, "All hands, this is the Captain. The fight''s not over. But, we are close to getting away. To do that, we need to hit the Zarakyssns fast and hard and break their lines. I know the horizon is terrifying right now. But, I WILL get us through this. WE will get us through this. I need your help. All hands able, report to and man up all starboard artillery batteries. I say again, all hands able, report to and man up all starboard ¨Cright of forward- artillery batteries. Port batteries, load and standby at two seventy." She glances at the Grodrrns. They look at her expectantly. She adds, "If you need ammunition, help, or manning, the Grodrrns are on their way. Grodrrns ARE friendlies. Work together. God''s speed to us all."


    The male shock trooper and the female pilot nod, jogging out. She imagines they''ll find their way.


    Captain Angelica Long takes a deep breath. She says to the Leehelm, "Come to heading three five five by nine-three up. Ahead flank two hundred."


    The Leehelm collects her bearings, replying, "Three five five by nine-three, aye Captain." The Leehelm turns the wheel and also adjusts the bell order telegraph. She adds, "Ahead flank, two hundred Captain."


    Kane says calmly, "I''ll be right behind you, Captain."


    "We won''t be slowing down, Lieutenant."


    "Understood."


    The two ships turn and accelerate towards the raging battle. Captain Francisco comes on next, asking, "Where the hell are you going!?"


    Captain Long replies sternly, "No one left behind." She then orders, "Port batteries stand to and fire when you bear."


    The fire control officer relays it, replying. "Acknowledged Ma''am."


    The Andromeda is about three kilometers back and one kilometer up higher. Long says to Kane, "Andromeda, I need you to decay your orbit more for my plan to work. We''ll be broadsiding in a dangerous orbit."


    Kane looks at her ship, judging by the angle he looks, and he replies, "Understood, Polonia. A bit lower, and we can compensate with mains at 90 degrees."


    Long envisions his suggestion. She nods, "Perfect. Ready."


    Long''s fire control officer asks, "What if they don''t follow, Captain?"


    She smirks. "They''ll follow. We''re trying to escape."


    The Polonia races forward towards the 4 fleets trading fire with Khla''s ship. Golden beams streak from the Zarak ships. But, unlike the artillery they had been using, these lasers cut into the armor of Khla''s ship, causing fire and gas ejection with every hit in brutal gashes on the hull. One of the officers cries out, "Captain! They''re firing damaging weapons!"


    "Keep going! Too late to stop now!"


    The Polonia''s artillery fires, and blasts light up on several of the dozens of Zarakyssn ships.


    Near instantly, the smaller ships and two of the larger ships begin turning and accelerating, though in opposite directions. One of the capital ships and some of the smaller ships are headed toward the human fleet, and one of the capitals and the bulk of the smaller ships pursue the Polonia and the Andromeda. It''s not perfect, but it''s within Long''s mental expectations.


    Once the pursuers are locked in and firing, Long orders, "Roll to two-seventy!"


    "Roll to two seventy aye!" The Leehelm turns the roll wheel counterclockwise, and the ship starts to roll its left side toward the planet. Long feels herself leaning and realizes it''s the planet''s gravity starting to affect them. She orders, "To all hands, find a seat and brace." The Lieutenant replies, "Aye, Ma''am," and she orders, "Come to heading Nine Zero." The Leehelm turns, confirming, "Come to heading nine zero, aye Captain."


    The ship pivots, and the bridge feels like it''s sloped steeply toward the back. Water bottles, bodies, and bullet casings slide across the floor as Long feels some weight pulling her into her chair. She adds, "All stop."


    "All stop aye!" replies the Leehelm.


    The ship is rocketing across the sky of the world below, its momentum still at full speed. But now, they''re facing vertical with the right side of the ship facing the fleet pursuing them.


    Long''s mind hasn''t been idle. She''s not a soldier. She''s not a pilot or an explorer. She''s a navy ship captain commanding a modified starliner; a ship intended and designed to visit other worlds. She''ll never be Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz nor Rear Admiral David Farragut. She is Captain Angelica Long. And, she has spent the last four years learning everything she needs to know about gravity and atmospheres to keep her ship in orbit instead of making its one and only landing.


    She''s not an astrophysicist. She doesn''t know all of the mechanics of a world or the infinite varieties of conceivable atmospheres. But, she knows a four hundred thousand ton ship ¨Cand by extension, any heavier ones- are not escaping a world''s gravity if they get too low with only basic pitch maneuvers. It''s a spaceship, not an airplane.


    She also knows her momentum will drop some as they skim the upper atmosphere, but the ship will also want to turn, meaning when they accelerate again, it''ll hold orbit and recover velocity.


    And, true to her hopes, the EMP shots aren''t even reaching them. The pursuing ships are forced to lower their altitude to shorten their pursuit radius with the world.


    Meanwhile, Long orders, "Have all gunnery crews add a..." She finishes her calculation, given their estimated altitude, gravity, and range. "Plus five degree incline to their shots using counter clockwise rotation. Adjust as necessary."


    The fire control officer relays the order. Long waits a little longer. The damage control supervisor, normally Long''s relay to the damage control officer, calls out, "Hull ionization, Captain. Five megajoules and counting."


    The energy of ionization helps the Captain determine effects on hull integrity, and in some situations, can actually be wired in to charge batteries. It''s also directly proportional to air resistance, and to a lesser degree, true altitude. It''s great information for that emergency landing each ship is rated for. It''s even better information for a Captain baiting dozens of ships into a trap. They slowly gain on the two human vessels. Long orders, "Starboard batteries fire."


    Fire control relays, "Starboard batteries fire!"


    Some of the small ships succumb instantly to the mightiest hammers of humankind thundering a new mercato of deadly fire and metal. They plummet into the atmosphere or explode violently. Those that explode rain shrapnel and debris upon their allies, damaging hulls or startling some of the ships off course slightly. The capital ship looms behind them, struggling even more to keep up. Radar announces, "Boarders inbound!"


    Long picks up the announcing microphone, saying, "All hands, boarders inbound. Establish defensive positions and repel boarders."


    Several on the bridge gasp as a golden flicker beams past the view screen. The Zarakyssns just fired the same cutting laser weapon as they did at Khla''s ship. Much of the beam disintegrated into lightning-bolt like scattering tendrils, but it doesn''t mean any of those are harmless.


    A second shot hits hull, and the ship rumbles. Damage control reports, "We''re losing pressure in oh-nine-tack-three-zero-tack-zero, forward cargo."


    Long sighs. That''s where the Grodrrns would normally be. She feels some relief they escaped and are helping. A part of her is mindful, though, that they aren''t the most friendly forced allies. Especially now that a Grodrrn vessel is in the mix, which means there''s hope for return to their own ranks. But, Long will rescue Khla, if only to capture him and stop his pursuit.


    That is a problem that may never arise, though. Right now, she has far more pressing matters. She announces, "Hull rupture in compartment oh-nine-tack-three-zero-tack-zero, ''The Garden''. Any shoring team available, commence shoring from internal. Hull is inaccessible."


    Damage control then announces, "Hull ionization, six-eight megajoules, Captain."


    "Aye. All ahead standard."


    "All ahead standard, aye!" replies the Leehelm. The ship is shaking some, and the nose is slowly tipping counterclockwise. Long adds, "Come right slow. Keep us vertical."


    "Aye Captain! Come right slow!" The Leehelm turns the wheel, keeping the ship''s nose pointed away from the planet.


    Fire control calls out, "Captain, batteries request clockwise roll. They''re having trouble hitting the capital ship."


    Long nods, "Slow roll, plus ten degrees."


    Leehelm replies, "Aye Captain, plus ten roll." The ship only gets a couple degrees before a nearly-full volley thunders together, shaking the ship. Explosions ripple across the capital ship. More of the beams flicker by, and a few hit. The ship rumbles, and glowing gashes are left in the armor, but damage control reports, "No ruptures, Captain!"


    Long nods. The fiery glow of the hull ionization from the atmosphere is wicked-looking, but it''s actually helping more than hurting. It''s not harmless, though. One of the Andromeda''s engines belches fire, and Kane appears on screen, "Polonia, I have to shut down number two main engine. I need to go to full."


    Long looks at the enemy ships. Hull ionization is glowing about a third of the way up the hull of the capital ship. Long would like more, but it''ll have to do. If she''s lucky, she can coax a little more with the Polonia.


    Captain Long listens to the volleys and the roar of the ionization licking at the bridge. Kane says suddenly, "Watch your armor, Polonia. We''re seeing some breakage."


    Long looks down at damage control. The supervisor replies, "No ruptures yet, Captain, but we''re at one four eight megajoules."


    Long orders, "Ahead flank, two hundred. All batteries, focus on the capital."


    Both stations confirm and relay. After a moment, and another volley, damage control reports nervously, "Hull ionization one six one megajoules."


    Long replies confidently, "We''ll make it." She''s confident, though she knows actual celestial physics differ very much from basic physics ¨Cnow more than ever-. While a planet''s gravity, atmosphere, magnetism, and radiation are all typically treated as point sources from a fictional central point of the planet, in actuality, those things are still functions of nature. Gravity is not precisely equal for distance from the center of a planet, as mass and density become more prominent the higher they are and the more localized they are. Magnetism moves in waves as is, given a spinning core. The atmosphere is bound to have swells and dips in its effective volume from pressure changes, gravitational and electromagnetic effects, and the very nature of being gaseous. And, strong radiation can affect ionization, especially in an atmosphere already high in ambient radiation. While the changes are most noticeably negligible in the grand scheme of things, the Polonia is dealing with forces of nature it''s designed to deal with only once before never flying again. At their altitude, the ship only weighs maybe one tenth of its Earth-adjusted weight, but forty thousand tons is still not easy to stop and then move in any opposite direction.


    "One seventy, Captain," urges the damage control supervisor.


    Long repeats, "We''ll make it." There''s not a whole lot else they can do. Either the ship pulls out, or they attempt an emergency landing. And, if it comes to that, Long''s probably better off nose-diving the ship to spare everyone onboard from being captured to unknowable ends. She watches another Zarakyssn light cruiser succumb to artillery fire and erupt flames as it sinks. Golden lightning bolts slam the Polonia''s hull. She also glances the direction they''re moving. The speed they achieved prior to this orbital broadside means they should complete a full orbit in just a couple more minutes. The other ships aren''t visible yet, but they won''t have much time to enact her next stage once they are.


    "One eighty five, Captain! Still climbing!"


    One silly thought hits her mind of a picture of the Iowa-class battleships of the old Navy. Those vessels used artillery cannons with a sixteen and a half inch bore ¨Cthe width of the bullets-. Similar to a tank firing, those cannons could move the ship a small amount. If they all fired at once...


    It''s an insane idea with insane odds, but Long rationalizes this very day as insane or die. She orders quickly, "To all batteries port and starboard, aim one eight zero true and coordinate fire of all bores."


    The fire control officer stares at her, and she booms, "DO IT! NOW!"


    The officer quickly relays, but it becomes quickly clear the turret operators aren''t in agreement. Captain Long takes the announcing circuit microphone, saying into it, "All hands, this is the Captain. I pulled a risky maneuver and we''re sinking into the atmosphere of the planet below us. We need a kick. All batteries, please do as instructed."


    There''s a pause, and Long watches nervously.


    One by one, the turrets swing downwards, aiming at the back end of the ship ¨Cor more accurately, the planet-. Captain Long announces, "ALL HANDS! BRACE!"


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Explosions erupt from the hull of the Polonia in one synchronous, violent blast. Several of the turrets are launched into the sky, causing her to wince. But, she feels pressure in her seat. Shudders and metal groans rumble through the hull ominously.


    A tense moment later, damage control reports excitedly, "One fifty! O-one fourty! We''re picking up speed Captain!"


    Long relaxes as the bridge cheers. She nods, adding, "Surviving turrets, pick off any Zarakyssn ship that escapes the pull." She says dryly, "I''m hoping none..."


    Fire control relays the order, and the starboard turrets slowly turn to resume their siege. Long watches the Zarakyssn ships. The smaller ships more obviously pitch fairly quickly. But, only the highest few manage to gain altitude. The pitch of the capital ship becomes more apparent, but for every degree of pitch, it loses a kilometer of altitude. Some of the cruisers are crushed by its inability to slow its descent.


    Some of the turrets fire down on the capital ship, ensuring it doesn''t recover. Others fire at the cruisers gaining altitude. The Andromeda is up at stable orbit, but is also firing down at the cruisers.


    Long looks. The Providence and Khla''s battleship are visible as tiny specks, but growing quickly. Long orders, "Come left slow to three two five degrees and report."


    "Come left to three two five, aye, Captain!" The Leehelm turns the ship slowly, which is allowing them to gain altitude still. They''re not in the clear yet. She orders, "All batteries in waiting, align to forward and prepare to make targets."


    Fire control repeats and relays the order, and the Leehelm announces, "Heading three two five, Captain!"


    "Aye. Roll right nine zero."


    "Roll right nine zero, Aye! Rolling right!" The Leehelm rolls the ship, twisting it counterclockwise. Captain Long now can not see the ships, but that''s okay. She orders, "All batteries align forward and prepare to make targets. Permission to fire on acquisition granted."


    "Aye Captain!" replies fire control. The Andromeda is a little ahead of the Polonia now due to Kane leveling them out during the Polonia''s escape. He asks Long, "I take it we''re not stopping this time either, Captain?"


    She smirks, "Try not to get into a fender bender, Lieutenant. I don''t think Russel has insurance."


    Kane chuckles, "Aye, Ma''am. We''ll hit them first. Good luck, and God''s speed."


    "Amen."


    The Andromeda''s engines glow brighter. With 3 of the engines, it can still get close to top speed, which is upwards of 20,000 miles per hour in no friction. It''ll take the Polonia time to recover speed after the time spent in the friction of the uppermost atmosphere of the planet. She orders, "Pitch negative ten degrees."


    "Pitch negative ten, aye, Captain!" The nose slowly swings down, but they''re still at an incline. She can''t level off too early, though, or they''ll lose altitude again.


    Fire control announces, "We still have one pursuer, Captain."


    Long looks behind them. One Zarakyssn cruiser is holding altitude and speed with a steep angle, but it''s not gaining altitude by the looks of it. The fiery glow of ionization coats its hull.


    Long orders, "Aftmost turrets, turn to aft and make target. Prepare to..." She doesn''t get to finish. The ship''s engines flare brightly, and all at once, a bright beam like a laser seems to flash forward. In the instant following, as everyone recoils, it turns into a fiery explosion of debris racing into the oblivion of space, while a massive shockwave rips outwards from where the ship was. Most of the visible shockwave races downwards, but a ''splash'' of fiery atmosphere shoots outwards following the obliterated wreckage. The Polonia quakes from a pressure wave, though it''s far less than that of the shockwave cascading destructively deep into the atmosphere like an atomic explosion.


    The damage control supervisor cries out, "Jesus! What was that!?"


    Long studies the trail of smoke and debris streaming deep into the distance. She knows from how the Zarakyssns arrived that their FTL technology does not employ a bubble the way the Grodrrn technology does. Many theoretical technologies, both fictional and hypothetical, existed on Earth for the purpose of faster than light travel. Some involved tunneling into different dimensions as a ''shortcut'' of sorts, wormholes to link two places in space, teleportation, special speed settings. Humanity had dabbled in long range communication using quantum entanglement, which is similar in a sense to teleporting information, but they weren''t at FTL yet when the Grodrrns arrived. It stands to reason, though, there are many ways to sail the stars, and the Zarakyssn cruiser just attempted theirs.


    Long makes a mental note of something she suspected; FTL travel out of an atmosphere might not be the best idea. Though, the Grodrrn technology might be somewhat safe due to the bubble.


    She returns her attention forward, though. They still have a battle to win. She checks their altitude and orders, "Pitch negative three five degrees."


    "Aye Captain! Pitch negative three five!" The Leehelm angles the ship down more. They are now nearly perfectly in line with the battle. The Andromeda is just entering firing range, and flashes flicker on its hull.


    Long notices another beautiful sight, though. The Providence is accelerating towards the Honolulu. She smiles. She has very little doubt Lopez is the one to thank, and she intends to do so.


    ***

 Chapter 35: Engines Locked; Hard Reset Required

    Hancock checks the hallway carefully. It''s been a while since he''s seen or heard any signs of the roaches. He''s had to kill a few that investigated the lab, but so far, Kenzie hasn''t had to shoot. He walks back to the corner where Lopez is working. Kenzie is kneeling with her, standing by to protect the young scientist.


    Hancock says calmly, "It''s surprisingly clear out there."


    Kenzie replies thankfully, "Good. So... We''re winning?"


    "I don''t know. I haven''t seen marines yet, either, or any of the workers."


    Lopez replies, "Someone closed the hangar doors. I can''t open them from here."


    Confused, Hancock asks, "Why does that matter?"


    She looks up at him, replying, "The hangar doors are never closed. Not on Providence. They were shut AFTER these things arrived."


    Kenzie asks, "Roaches keeping us in?"


    Lopez shakes her head, returning to her task. She replies, "Requires special authority, plus you have to be local. Captain Murdock, Mr. Right, Commander Hitch; only they can close the doors without zebra switches."


    Hancock remarks, "So then... keeping the bugs in, then?"


    Lopez nods, "I think so. I saw throttle commands changing a while ago, too. Like, just a couple minutes ago. We''re not alone."


    "So, we need to head to the power plant, then? You think someone''s there?"


    "They''re there, but it''s not where we need to go." Lopez turns her laptop, showing Hancock and Kenzie the PLC logic and a small ship''s map. "I think this is it. It''s a single line of code. It looks to be a relic safety in the Grodrrn ships. Its purpose is done elsewhere or not useful, because it looks like it used to shut down the engines AND the jump drive if they were in some kind of energy field. But now, between all the added features, bypasses, and other safeties, it seems to lock in a safety used to shut off the main engines while in jump, probably so the ship doesn''t accidentally accelerate out of the bubble."


    Kenzie, trying to follow, asks, "And, that''s what has our engines shut off now?"


    Lopez nods. "It also locks out the jump drive ignition preparation circuit; not needed after the drive starts spooling up, and cleared when the ship finishes a jump."


    Hancock states, "All I care about right now is whether or not you can clear it."


    Lopez chews lightly on her thumb, thinking. She replies, "Easiest way I saw would be to power down the whole ship. It should clear this bit."


    "And leave us even more helpless. And, with no safety doors or air."


    She nods. "Reactors would take too long to shutdown and start back up. And, that assumes there are enough crew members to do it. BUT,..." She tugs at her suit''s chest nervously. "I can reset the bit... locally."


    "Why not remotely?"


    She sighs, saying disappointedly, "Because I co-opted Grodrrn programming, and their programs don''t talk to each other very well, let alone mine. I''m interfacing through a back door into the main engines software, accessing a node address that only the main engines can access, to a logic host on..."


    Hancock cuts her off, saying, "I got it, I got it. You''re doing fine, Levi. So tell me, where is ''locally''?"


    Lopez frowns more. She points at the front end of the Providence. It''s about the furthest point away, extending up and out of the port dock arm and overlooking the construction zone, which has the skeletal frame of another starliner in progress. Hancock knows the room she''s talking about. He asks coldly, "Why is it there?"


    Lopez whines, "It''s how the Grodurns designed it! This interlock is in the jump drive resonator''s control, and passes to..."


    "But why THERE specifically?"


    "I think it makes the bubble more stable having the resonator..." Hancock stares at her skeptically, and she whines more irritated, "It''s how the Grodrrns designed it!"


    Hancock sighs. "Fine. Let''s move." Hancock jogs to the door. Lopez locks gazes with Kenzie, repeating grumpily, "It''s how they designed it."


    Kenzie smiles softly. She says warmly, "I believe you." She helps Lopez up to her feet, and they join Hancock in a brisk jog up the hallway. They''re basically in the center of the core part of the Providence, below the main bridge. It''s almost a mile total of distance they need to trek, with an unknown number of the insectoid invaders prowling around.


    The halls of the Providence are eerily empty, though. Every now and then, the ship rumbles from artillery fire, implying some humans still roam free, but there are usually many more people in the halls. Granted, the Providence is typically far less populated than the starliners, but 5,000 people should still be pretty hard to hide. A sneaking fear of Hancock''s is that those captured by the roaches are no longer on the ship.


    But, they pass empty boarding ships and plasma doors, and still no living roaches yet. Kenzie asks quietly, "That smell... Are we gonna die anyways?"


    Lope replies quietly, "Humans can tolerate some sulfur. No telling what else is in it, but we have to worry about that later."


    Hancock jokes, "Be a pretty ironic way to go, huh? Fight off two superior alien attacks, choke to death on farts."


    Kenzie growls, "That''s not funny, Rex."


    He shrugs, replying, "Sorry. Slow down and be quiet. I''ll check the corner." He jogs quietly ahead, peeking around the turn. It''s clear to the stairwell about 200 feet down which leads up to the main deck tying all of the prominent areas together. He waves them close and continues forward.


    Hancock climbs up the stairs, peeking both ways out of the door at the top. He halts when he sees a squad of roaches searching in the way they need to go. He hides, taking a breather and carefully and quietly checking his ammo count. He slowly aims his rifle around the corner at them.


    The roaches haven''t spotted him yet, and they seem to be searching the rooms. Their mood and posture are strange, though. It''s not like when they first boarded. They''re being more careful now.


    Hancock aims at the left most one. He''ll have to be quick and precise. If they land a hit on him, it''s over.


    Instead, though, their weapons ¨Cbolted to their arms- lurch all of the eleven roaches haplessly to the left wall at a small point, crowding them together. They wail in their cricket-like cry, tugging on their arms. But, the magic hold claiming their weapons doesn''t yield. The lights in the hallway also buzz and hum, dimming deeply to almost full darkness.


    A man jogs out of a room the bugs looked in. He laughs triumphantly and hits a button on the right wall. The emergency zebra door closes, isolating the four humans present from the roaches. The man with a very familiar voice taunts, "Ha! Get out of that, stupids!"


    "Mr. Right?" asks Hancock in surprise.


    Russell Right whirls with a start. He exclaims, "Heck-fire, Rex! You almost scared what posterior solids I have left right out of me!"


    Hancock steps into the hall, approaching the eccentric former buisinessman. Mr. Right sees Lopez and exclaims warmly, "Ah! Doctor Lopez! I was worried sick! Glad to see my best Sci-gal still kicking."


    Lopez intentionally stares at the wall, and she growls almost inaudibly, "What are you doing here?"


    Mr. Right, seemingly oblivious to her tone and well-accustomed to the notorious low-talker, replies warmly, "Believe it or not, helping the marines! That''s right; billionaire, philanthropist, inventor, scientist, astronaut, soldier; I''m filling up my resum¨¦, huh?" He nudges Hancock warmly. "Come on, I''ll explain on the way." He jogs back towards the aft end of the ship, but Hancock replies, "On the way where, Sir? We have to get forward."


    Mr. Right chuckles unfittingly, replying, "Not that way, you''re not. Whole port dock arm is crawling with those things. We''re on our way to detach it."


    Lopez cries out, "YOU CAN''T!" Mr. Right looks at her in surprise. It''s probably the first time she''s raised her voice above a whisper around him. He snaps out of it though, reassuring her, "Don''t worry, Doc! We evacuated it! Helped sweep it myself while baiting those plug-uglies." He then explains to Kenzie excitedly, "Wound an electromagnet on the fly. Still got the ol'' science in me, I tell you w-..."


    "You KNOW the jump resonator is in the port arm!" snaps Lopez. "If we lose it and get separated, we can''t jump!"


    Mr. Right stares at her a moment. He asks plainly, "What''s it doing there?" Before he can even finish, Lopez shrieks, "BECAUSE IT''S HOW THE GRODURNS DESIGNED IT!" She clears her throat, saying more coldly, "It''s how they designed the system."


    Mr. Right tries to defuse, replying, "Alright! Alright! But, I don''t know what to tell you. The port arm is almost FULL of the boarders. Marines on the other decks should have it completely sealed off by now. Waitin'' on me."


    Kenzie asks, "Wouldn''t detatching it at least free up the engines so we can gather with the other ships?"


    Lopez replies calmly, "No. The engine PLC would reference saved states. It''s in case of EMP or ship damage. We would HAVE to shut down and restart then."


    Mr. Right complains, "I told that feces-brained Captain to do it the moment it happened, but he didn''t listen. Turn it off and turn it back on is always step one."


    "It''s not that simple!" shouts Lopez.


    Kenzie steps in verbally, saying, "Okay, okay! If we can''t detach it, how do we get to this razornator... thing?"


    Mr. Right corrects, "Resonator." Lopez glares daggers at him, and Hancock suggests, "We could space walk. We have to get there."


    Mr. Right shakes his finger thoughtfully, replying, "I think I''ve got one better. Follow me to the hangar. You''ll need an airlock anyways, right?"


    Lopez growls, "I don''t have enough CPU to keep this ready and fly a ship."


    He replies, "Just come on. Have I ever been wrong before?"


    Lopez replies snappily quickly, "Yes," just as he tries to add, "I AM Russell..." He trails off, finishing less arrogantly, "Right."


    Kenzie and Hancock look at Lopez, and she sighs, "What choice do we have?"


    The three follow Mr. Right to the hangar bay, where five massive alien vessels are parked, having pushed the Grodrrn shuttle and conex boxes out of the way. The hangar doors are shut, and the hangar is pressurized, which is rare. Marines and workers are tending to the injured and those still seized up by the alien weapons. She sees several marines have one of the insectoid soldiers pinned to the ground and are trying to figure out how to incapacitate it alive.


    Mr. Right leads them to the jet shop, saying, "Alright, Rex, put that suit on." Kenzie helps Hancock strip his current EVA suit for the one Mr. Right indicates as the former billionaire pulls something out of a test crate. He explains, "I was gonna ask Doctor Lopez to have you field test this in a week or so anyways, but no time like the present."


    Hancock visually inspects the device as he suits up. It''s a metal backpack with special locking clamps to hook to the now-explained metal backplate with similar interlocking clamps on the back of the suit. The backpack has hollow metal cones on the lower corners, each of the two possessing swivel joints. Kenzie asks nervously, "Is... that a jetpack?"


    Mr. Right laughs, saying, "My dear, of course not. A jetpack would require far too much fuel per flight. THIS is the electro-ionic repelling-impulse propulsion entropy system, or, uh... EE-erpees... huh... terrible name..." Kenzie stares at him with annoyance, and he groans, "Fine! In less scientific terms, yes. It functions like a jet pack." He hooks it onto Hancock''s back, explaining warmly, "Actually uses the skin oils from the spring eels, and..."


    "How do I fly it?" asks Hancock. Mr. Right nods, "Controls in the left hand activate and control thrust. Wrist rolls and flexes control angles and roll. Be careful. It''s... touchy."


    Kenzie urges, "Rex, you don''t have to do this."


    Hancock replies, "Couldn''t''a said that before I had a jetpack on?" He says more seriously, "I''m going. And, more importantly, I''m coming back." She nods, gently touching his chest.


    It''s at this time, Mr. Right notices that Lopez has an EVA suit half way on. He asks sternly, "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Lopez says nothing. She keeps looking away from him and donning the suit. He says even more sternly as he puts his forearm up to block her from grabbing a helmet, "You''re NOT going."


    Lopez growls in her usual low tone, "Don''t be ridiculous."


    Mr. Right growls in retort, "Rex can handle it. He''s a soldier. Tell him what to do, and let him do it."


    She asks caustically, "What if it''s different than planned? What if adaptations need to be made?"


    "He''ll be on radio."


    "It''ll be easier..."


    "I''M NOT LETTING YOU GO!" shouts Mr. Right. Lopez stares at him in disbelief. Her brow furrows in anger. He starts to add, as if to rationalize, "One person risked is already too-..."


    Lopez full hand slaps Mr. Right HARD. The resulting clap is audible apparently across the hangar bay. Mr. Right is frozen in surprise. It solidifies when she then screams, "YOU''RE NOT MY MASTER, AND YOU''RE NOT MY FATHER! I''M GOING! I CAN''T RISK BEING WRONG AND NOT BEING THERE!"


    Mr. Right doesn''t move or speak. When he does, he only lowers his arm. Lopez grabs a helmet and shoves it on, checking her seal. She grabs her laptop and says, "Come on, Rex. We''re wasting too much time."


    They jog for the nearest airlock. Hancock glances at Mr. Right. The unusually quiet man is watching them ¨Cher- go.


    Lopez explains as the air is being pulled out of the airlock, "I think... if I hold your front, I''ll interfere the least. Go slow for now."


    Hancock nods. His thoughts are still on the scene he just witnessed. But, he also is able to pay attention to her and their goal. The construction bridge is about five-sixths of a mile away from their current position. They only need momentum, though. Just like the raid on Dzor''s ship.


    The young ensign looks down at his left hand, inspecting the curious controls. His fingers all have contact pads, and similar pads are on the heel of his hand, past where his fingers would curl in a natural fist. Similarly, his thumb has a receiving contact on his left index knuckle. The thumb contacts say ''on'', and the digits on his heel say ''speed'' with ''+0.5'', ''+1.0'', ''+1.5'', ''+2.0'' on the contacts on his heel.


    Lopez says quietly, "Just go slow. I trust you."


    Hancock smiles and nods.


    Once the airlock opens, Lopez ties her laptop between them by its handle and wraps her arms around his neck. She says softly, "Ready."


    Hancock says nervously, "Here goes." He steps into a drift out over the ship''s hull. The artificial gravity of the Providence lightly affects them still, so they slowly drift towards a lower portion of the dock, where the new ship under construction is. He clicks his thumb to its contact, and he can feel a click and a hum in his back. He touches his index finger briefly to his ''+0.5'' position. The sound only travels through the metal pack, but it''s a quick, energetic and electronic burp, similar to the lights humming from a brown out. The pack also pushed upwards on his back for the briefest of moments, but hasn''t noticeably altered their course.


    It''s clear the contacts have to be held. Hancock readies himself, focusing on his movements. He clicks the ''+0.5'' button again, and the pack hums more vigorously, pulling them upwards surprisingly quickly. They speed almost straight away from the ship, and Hancock realizes he''s doing everything he can just to keep the button pushed, which is unnecessary. He flexes his hand forward at the wrist. He''s startled into letting go when they suddenly turn downwards. Lopez winces, tightening her grip. He says, "Sorry. I''m figuring it out."


    "Just be careful..." murmurs Lopez. He chuckles, replying, "No promises."


    With clumsy turns and swings of his whole body, coupled with short bursts of the thruster, Hancock is able to speed them towards the dock bridge.


    They could chance going through the airlock, but it takes about a whole minute. Instead, he spots one of the roach plasma doors, which maintains ship pressure, but allows them to board quickly. The humans obviously haven''t had time to study them yet, but Hancock grew up on sci-fi. He knows some methods of separating space from people areas include using seemingly magic doors of energy or plasma that allow objects through, but not air. One such plasma door looks like it''s in the hall right outside the room they need.


    Hancock steers them toward the plasma door, saying to Lopez, "Hang on." Her grip tightens a little. Hancock rolls them over with a rotating motion of his arms, aiming their feet in and down to try to soften their landing, since he didn''t really know how to slow down. He tries puffing the pack a few times, and can feel the tug slowing them some, but too much is pulling them up.


    The two spear into the plasma door much faster than Hancock realized. He feels a stinging tingle in his skin as they zip across the door threshold, but it''s the least of their worries now. The hallway is not unoccupied.


    Hancock''s landing has his feet on the floor, which swings their torsos. The ensign''s back ends up in the lead, but the impact with the wall is softened by the body of a roach soldier, catching everyone by surprise. Hancock and Lopez tumble to the floor hard as roaches wail in surprise. Keeping his bearings, Hancock scrambles to shove himself up and away from Lopez while he draws his rifle, firing a long burst as quickly as he can get his finger on the trigger. His rifle spits rounds quickly, and one roach dives away too late, whirling in a dead twist as a second stumbles back, shaking from each of several shots.


    Hancock barely stops himself from bumping a fourth, which is still figuring out what''s happening. The two process each others'' existences simultaneously. The roach tries to aim its weapon, but Hancock leaps into a quick and powerful drop-kick with both feet. His kick launches the insectoid soldier out the plasma door, and its suit pops in the vacuum, obscuring it with a yellowish-white cloud.


    Hancock aims his rifle both ways in the hall, verifying all enemies are down. Satisfied, he climbs to his feet, favoring his aching body. He helps Lopez to her feet, and she asks softly, "When... Did you become so... heroic?"


    Hancock looks at his most recent feat. He says, a bit surprised himself, "I dunno. Didn''t have much of a choice. Didn''t expect them to be here."


    She murmurs, "He did say they locked a bunch of them in this arm."


    "True. You okay?"


    She nods, asking, "You?"


    Hancock exercises his left arm, replying, "Yeah. Think I tested my fracture, though."


    "Sorry..."


    He chuckles, "Not your fault. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Ready?"


    She nods. Hancock reloads and opens the airtight door to the dock bridge. Inside, the room is heavy with smoke, but he doesn''t see signs of the roaches. Lopez warns, "Electrical fire... be careful."


    Hancock nods. They stalk through the room towards the resonator. Hancock does find two roaches, but they''re not specifically a threat to him. Their bodies smolder where one appears to have stepped on an exposed wire, and another tried to free it. The wire sparks a startling warning at the two humans, and Lopez nudges closer to Hancock''s back.


    They find the resonator, which at least has control power still. Lopez hooks into it, logging back into the PLC to enact her fix. Hancock watches the area around them carefully.


    There''s a metal groan, and both halt. Lopez asks quietly, "Did you close the door behind us?"


    "I didn''t dog it. I didn''t figure it would stop them."


    Lopez groans softly. She says disappointedly, "I don''t think they''ve figured it out yet. They keep cutting doors."


    "Well, how was I...?" Hancock ducks, narrowly avoiding the eyeline of a roach that walks in. They both stay silent as the insect inspects the bridge. The cricket-like chatter of another one joins it, and they seem to be exchanging words quietly. Several more join them, and they begin spreading out.


    Lopez whispers through the radio, "Emergency hiding spot forty one."


    Hancock had to create a cheat sheet for all of Lopez''s emergency hiding spots. She typically uses the single digit ones, but she has almost fifty scattered throughout the Providence, as well as five or six on any of the other ships ¨Cone of which is the Polonia''s bridge-. He has no idea how she remembers them all, let alone expects him to remember where they all are.


    But, he can sometimes remember where one is if he''s already in a room. He looks around quietly. He remembers it suddenly. The one on the dock bridge is just a few yards away. It''s behind the crane operation panel against the windows. She likely won''t use it ever again, since Mr. Right spotted her there from the actual construction area. By the time he made it up to the bridge, she and Hancock were gone.


    He notices the wires dangling down over top of it. He whispers back, "Live wires. We can''t-..."


    "They don''t know that."


    Hancock nods. He looks for something to throw. He picks up a nearby hairclip someone must have lost. It should be heavy enough, though. He quickly has to pull back into his cover though when one of the roaches rounds a corner. It doesn''t chatter excitedly, though, so it must not have spotted him.


    He carefully tosses the hairclip, low, hitting the window. The roaches all whirl to face it and aim. One of them, the first one, chatters out what seem like orders. The closest soldier walks cautiously towards the noise, weapon trained on the location. It jumps nimbly up onto the crane control panel, balancing effortlessly. Its attempted surprise attack finds nothing. It carefully walks, scanning the window area. It brushes the dangling materials away with its forearm.


    Big mistake. It completes a circuit, and a hellish buzz and popping drowns out its own wails of agony as its body flashes blinding lights. Its body convulses as smoke billows out of its forearm and feet, and the other insects panic. They rush to investigate, and one reaches up to help, despite the protests of the leader. The leader''s protests were heard, but the soldier touched the one being electrocuted only once. The second one crumples to the floor, twitching its legs and arms.


    The leader shrieks as it waves two more soldiers back, and they all take aim. They fire on the possessed soldier repeatedly, maybe to end its suffering, maybe to try to save it. Either way, their shots eventually knock it free, and it rigidly falls to the floor, smoking intensely.


    The trio of survivors are just about to resume investigating when one of the soldiers backs into the two from earlier. New popping, hissing, crackling, and screaming fills the air, and the leader and one soldier instantly turn and fire repeatedly on their comrade. It collapses, and the leader chirps and buzzes out orders quickly. Those two and two more that were at the door cautiously exit the room, leaving Lopez and Hancock alone for the time being.


    Hancock jokes quietly, "I''m never changing a lightbulb again."


    Lopez scoffs, saying finally, "Okay, I cleared the safety and reset the engines. Now we just..."


    The bugs return, but with more of them this time. They chatter seemingly about the deceased. Hancock and Lopez are silent once more.


    A male voice suddenly comes over the crane controls, "Hey! Stupids! Get off of my ship!" It''s Mr. Right''s voice, and the insects aim at the console. They investigate cautiously. Mr. Right adds, "That''s right. Look at me. I''m not racist enough to be a liberal. I''m not even a progressive. But, you wanna know why humans are the best?" He gives the roaches a chance to discuss the voice, before he answers, "We don''t stop at ''good enough''." He suddenly yells, "Levi! Hang on!"


    Hancock and Lopez share a glance. Deep in the floor, they can hear a powerful winch motor activate. The roaches look down at the floor in confusion. Hanock''s gut turns, and he senses something foreboding is afoot. He dives across the floor to Lopez in spite of the enemy soldiers nearby.


    The only thing Hancock can compare to what comes next would be the very Earth opening up and dropping out from beneath them.


    The whole bridge lurches downwards as the furthest overlook end of it tilts violently toward the construction dock below. Lopez and Hancock both cry out, and the roaches chatter furiously as well. Gravity still attracts them toward the floor, so a strange sense of vertigo sets in for a moment as they look ''straight ahead'' at something vertically below them


    And, the motor hasn''t stopped. The metal groans from whatever is still connected, and Hancock grabs Lopez. He closes his full left hand, aiming his backpack for the door. The force of takeoff nearly causes him to black out and drop Lopez, but his hand came undone, and it ends up being just a burst that has them sailing across the bridge. The roaches wail at them, surprised to see them.


    The bridge snaps free and lurches toward the dock, pulling almost all of the bridge out from under Hancock. They end up almost back where they started, but the roaches were helplessly hurled to the back of the bridge as it accelerated downwards. And now, there''s no gravity.


    They have maybe seconds. Hancock grips Lopez tightly, and she clutches his arm desperately with her laptop hugged firmly to her chest. He blasts the jetpack again, launching them to the doorway. He feels dizzy, but he shakes it off when his feet hit the wall that is now down. He kicks into another quick burst towards the plasma door, carefully threading them both through the air tight door to the hallway. Lopez yelps from her knee hitting the doorway, and Hancock yells, "Sorry!"


    She nods against his chest, clutching firmly to him. He steps twice only from his momentum, leaning to grab the first thing he can and whip them out of the plasma door.


    They thud to a floor in surprise. Rather than drifting through the inky void of space, they''re in a cramped compartment with dim orange lights. The sounds of a roach chattering away draw their attention further in.


    In a strange harness, one of the roach soldiers is making strange gestures as it chatters in what sounds like panic. Doors close, separating Hancock and Lopez from the derelict bridge. The boarding craft shudders with a metallic clonk, and it feels like it''s accelerating and turning.


    Hancock quietly peeks into the cockpit. There are no windows, and the apparent pilot is wearing a full-face helmet. It doesn''t seem like it has noticed them yet. Hancock quietly whispers, "Do you think you can hijack this thing?"


    Lopez whimpers, "Do I have a choice?"


    Hancock whispers, "I can kill him, and we radio and hope for help."


    Lopez crawls close, watching the bug''s movements. She carefully looks for an access panel. She inspects several wires and cables, particularly those coming from the bug''s harness and helmet, which seem to be how it sees and steers.


    She calls back to Hancock, "These aren''t wires."


    "Come again?" asks Hancock.


    "I can''t tie in anywhere. They''re not wires. They''re tubes. That''s fluid inside them."


    Hancock looks closer. Sure enough, a sickly greenish yellow liquid bubbles inside the tubes, surging and slacking in the tubes. There doesn''t seem to be flow, but there is a faint glow that brightens and dims intermittently.


    "W-Should we try the harness?" whispers Lopez.


    Hancock knows they''d never figure it out in time. Their suits have limited air, the battle could end in a jump any minute, and the bug could be flying back to his mother ship. But, he has a couple ideas.


    He taps the bug''s shoulder. It chitters angrily, but doesn''t do anything. He taps again. This time, the bug snarls in its chirpy, buzzing tone. It turns to face Hancock, and a viewscreen illuminates like windows of the cockpit. The view is distorted, and clearly suited to compound eyes. The helmet turns transparent, revealing the bug''s face and letting it see him.


    Hancock presses his rifle barrel to its forehead, and it recoils and chirps in surprise. The rookie officer taunts, "Yeah, you know what this is, don''t you?"


    The bug chatters and buzzes at him. Hancock growls, "Shut up." He points to the left screen where the Providence''s hangar bay is slowly shrinking. Hancock points at the bug and then specifically the hangar doors. The roach looks at it and then him. Unlike the Grodrrns, the roaches don''t have any expressions, seemingly. It''s impossible for Hancock to know if it''s understanding him.


    The bug seems to decide to fly, but it doesn''t alter course. Hancock forcefully shoves its shoulder, saying, "Hey! I''ll do it!"


    The bug glances at him. It suddenly rolls the ship hard, which knocks Lopez down. Hancock manages to jump with the roll, hitting his shoulder hard but staying on his feet. He growls, "That does it."


    Hancock slams the butt of his rifle into the bug''s helmet, and it wails in response. Hancock yells, "Think I''m stupid!?" He kicks its torso as it tries to shield its face. "Last chance!" The bug''s flailing is causing the ship to weave through space drunkenly. Still, it tries to stay on course.


    "I warned you," growls Hancock. He fires into its back. It wails in agony, but seems to heroically insist on making it back to its own ship, which appears to be attacking a Grodrrn battleship.


    When did a Grodrrn battleship arrive?


    Hancock aims and fires for its head this time, and the engines power down as the bug slumps. Hancock says, "Welp. So much for plan ''A''. You still have the Grodrrn piloting program, right?" He helps Lopez up. She nods, asking, "Why?"


    He points, saying, "Plan ''B'' involves us getting to their ship and stealing a shuttle. It''s too far to the Providence now."


    Lopez murmurs, "That''s Craw''s ship..."


    "Craw? You mean... our Craw''s dad?"


    She nods. She murmurs, "If he detected us, wouldn''t he have detected the bugs, too?"


    "Maybe he was already on his way. They sure aren''t friendly." Hancock can make out damage from golden beams on the hull of the battle ship.


    "Do you wonder..." starts Lopez softly. "If any part of it... is for his daughter?"


    Hancock smiles gently. He points at the besieged battleship and replies, "That right there. One hundred percent of it is. Otherwise, he''d run."


    Lopez looks down. She is silent for a moment. Hancock has a pretty good idea what''s on her mind. Or at least, the subject. But, she returns to task, saying, "Get us over there. I have a plan to help him help us."


    "Really?" asks the ensign surprised.


    She nods. "Same as the Honolulu."


    "I don''t... the Honolulu is scrapped."


    She nods. She points at Khla''s battleship, replying, "Looks at their spacing. It''s just about right for a jump bubble."


    "Won''t the roaches just pop it?"


    "Not in time," replies Lopez.


    Hancock thinks about it. There''s not a lot to lose, and Lopez knows how to free up the engines now. He replies, "Let''s do it."


    ***

 Chapter 36: Supernova Blitz

    Baskylla Jardzen Khla booms, ¡°{Shut down all auxiliary systems and overdrive power to the hull repair! Get teams staging pressurization blocks!¡± Another beam rumbles the hull, causing him to flinch. The Hull Nordzen starts to report a rupture, but Khla continues, ¡°{Isolate decks Urd and Shkaa, and pitch down to maximize all incoming on the ventral hull!¡±


    His battleship¡¯s cannons fire in every direction. Zarakyssns are easy to lure, but difficult to defeat. Only two of the human ships fled in orbit around the planet, racing by at impressive speeds. But, they fired shots which triggered the Zarakyssns to divide forces. His ship is surrounded, now, though. He would have to ram cruisers just to escape, and they would do serious damage to his weakening hull.


    Some of the view screens flicker as the ship rumbles again. Some of the cells black out, but redundant cells take their place. The advantage to his bridge being in the center of the ship is that it¡¯s typically the last hardpoint to go, allowing his command crew to command until the bitter end. But, the disadvantage is that it relies entirely on the remote video systems. Square-on EMP shots from the Zarakyssns can disable the video sensors, let alone their destructive weapons.


    One of the Niodzens calls out, ¡°{Yarjen! The science team is begging us to reconsider! The humans-¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Will die faster if our ship fractures!}¡± booms Khla. He¡¯s not worried about the others as much. He sent Laurel ¨Cwhom he¡¯s starting to remember more clearly- with Mrff. Mrff was far from pleased, but Laurel is possibly the fulfillment of their real mission. If anything happens, Mrff is to return her to the Fievegal. Khla is now out to protect his Zhi, as well as his comrades, from the Zarakyssns. And, he¡¯s starting to believe ¡®his comrades¡¯ includes another race.


    Besides, he had the Grodrrn backup life support shut down several minutes ago. The humans use far less air than Grodrrns. They¡¯ll make it through the battle.


    The human construction ship has a piece break off, which catches his eye, but its engines ignite. Perhaps it was interdicted and the humans JUST recovered. It makes sense. The humans wouldn¡¯t dare fight if they can escape. They¡¯ve suffered several tragedies to their tiny, nomadic fleet that likely edangers their entire population. They had only barely defeated the Zarak hive ship. Grodrrn battle protocol dictates targeting the hive ships first. They¡¯re the ships that house the Zarak War Queens. If they can be killed, usually the Grodrrns can retreat. Hive ships aren¡¯t the only interdictors, but the War Queens are the tactical minds of the Zarak fleets.


    Of course, the Zarakyssn horde will declare sanctions against the Fievegal, even though their War Queens are replaced almost as quickly as their soldiers. Even the Queen of Queens, the supreme ruler of the colossal empire of the Zarakyssn horde, is easily replaced by a senior War or Peace Queen, depending on factors only the Queens know.


    Khla has read as much as the Fievegal has on the Zarakyssn Queens, especially the Queen of Queens. He¡¯s always been curious about them. Not much is known, of course, but the Fievegal has pictures of the 3 different known types of Queen. The War Queens are smallest, and though size doesn¡¯t dictate authority, it¡¯s unclear what significant differences there are. The War Queens still live as absolute royalty, they simply travel in hive ships and conquer the front lines. Peace Queens are much bigger ¨Cestimated by soldiers in the images-. They wear much more varying outfits than the War Queens, like dresses and robes, but made of every material imaginable ¨Cso the stories go-. They¡¯re said to have been witnessed wearing the skin of one of the known unnamed races conquered by the Zarakyssns, jewels, fabrics from animal hair ¨Cincluding their own soft fuz-, and even foliage. But, not many have truly witnessed Peace Queens ¨Cnot near as many who claim it-, so some of the materials are conjectured. The only image of the Queen of Queens is actually a painting found on a destroyed Zarak bulkhead. Like the Saurmynnyka, the Queen of Queens is revered in an almost holy fashion. But, Khla often wondered ¨Cprivately of course- if the Saurmynnyka envied the Zarakyssn Queens.


    But, that¡¯s for another time. He has two War Queens attacking him and one attacking the human ships with the last pursuing the other two human ships. He may find the War Queens strangely attractive, but they are his enemy. And, their brutality to captives is reason enough to kill them.


    ¡°{Yarjen! Forward Tsall Quadrant shoring system is overheating!}¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°{Shut it down. Isolate all outer and sub-outer decks on that quadrant. Send engineering to cool down that unit and hold fire on that quadrant¡¯s turrets. Perhaps they¡¯ll spare it more damage. Turn the ship to angle the Tsall away from the hive ships.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen!}¡±


    ¡°{Yarjen! We¡¯re getting a report from hangar two! Unauthorized boarding!}¡±


    Khla scoffs. Usually, Zarakyssns are wary of boarding Grodrrn ships. Grodrrns are resistant to their standard slaver weapons, and in combat, even a Grodrrn hatchling is worth thirty Zarak soldiers. And, that¡¯s not being arrogant. The soldiers themselves are possibly more fragile than humans, and they¡¯re far less crafty or intelligent. He replies, ¡°{Repel boarders. Let no Zarakyssn-¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Apparently they¡¯re human, Yarjen.}¡± Khla looks at the Nordzen reporting it with heavy skepticism. He replies, ¡°{Take them to¡­}¡± He halts. If these humans are from the fleet, do they have a message for him? Did they want to hijack his ship like Dzor¡¯s? He says calmly, ¡°{Bring them to me.}¡±


    ***


    Hancock and Lopez stand with their hands up. Twenty shocktroopers have weapons trained on them. They don¡¯t seem to believe Hancock that they¡¯re actually onboard to help. One even snarled that they need no help from ¡®stonky mommols¡¯.


    One of the shocktroopers approaches. It takes Hancock¡¯s rifle off of his back and passes it to another. It inspects the jetpack with a tug, but doesn¡¯t rip it off. It then tries to take Lopez¡¯s laptop. She instantly clutches it to her chest, whining, ¡°Y-You can¡¯t! Please! It¡¯s not a weapon!¡±


    Hancock scoffs quietly. In her hands, it¡¯s the deadliest superweapon in the universe. The Grodrrn snarls at her, but she pleads, ¡°Don¡¯t! Please! I¡¯m begging you!¡± It manages to pry it away from her, inspecting it. She pleads, ¡°Be careful! Please!¡±


    Another Grodrrn suddenly barks in their tongue, and it halts them all. He says something to the others, seemingly relaying something from a communicator. The one that has Lopez¡¯s laptop points at her, and the other Grodrrn says one word with what Hancock recognizes as the Grodrrn nod. The Grodrrn with Lopez¡¯s laptop grunts something to the others and starts walking away. Another one steps up behind Lopez and Hancock, shoving them hard and growling, ¡°Move, Mommols.¡±


    Hancock says as they follow the one with the laptop, ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if you don¡¯t let us help, we¡¯re all going to die. Us, you, all of us.¡±


    The Grodrrn behind scoffs. Hancock adds, ¡°We just want to talk to Baskylla Yarjen Craw. We have a battle plan that could shorten this battle greatly.¡±


    The one behind growls, ¡°Tolk too mooch.¡±


    ¡°Damn right! I¡¯m trying to save both of our fleets-¡­¡± ¡°We tack too Yarjen,¡± growls the one up front with Lopez¡¯s laptop. ¡°Yarjen deemond we breeng.¡±


    Hancock relaxes, ¡°Oh¡­ Thank you.¡±


    The Grodrrns lead deep into the innards of the ship. Each hit still quakes the ship, sometimes violently, but the cannon fire is quieter. If he didn¡¯t know better, though, Hancock would believe they were being taken to the brig.


    Grodrrns jog by in battle armor, not unlike the human ships. Helmdraavvs like Khla stand by to board fighters or shuttles, though Jardzen Khla seems to be withholding them for now. Female Grodrrns seem to hold many roles as well, from soldiers and pilots to medics and orderlies. Some have armor on, while others have cloth-only outfits.


    The bridge is a sight to behold. Like the shuttles, every inch of wall, ceiling, and floor is video screen showing the outside. Some splotches of black exist, like those cameras are lost, but it¡¯s a nearly-full view of the outside, minus the consoles and Grodrrns working.


    The leading Grodrrn comes to a stop, handing Lopez¡¯s laptop to another one in a chair. The one in the chair would be rather unassuming to the human eye. He¡¯s a male, but he¡¯s not particularly big like Dzor is. His outfit is pretty standard-looking Grodrrn military. He accepts Lopez¡¯s laptop with his left hand, inspecting it, as he turns a resin-ball in his right fingers. Inside the resin ball appears to be a tiny pointed bone.


    Grodrrns appear to be a heavily military society, or at the very least, their military seems to be pretty similar to the human ideals of professionalism. But, Grodrrns don¡¯t seem to have many greetings or courtesies. If this is the bridge, none of the shocktroopers saluted or spoke in any way to indicate officers present. Hancock only catches the word ¡®Yarjen¡¯ from the Grodrrn who led them here because he was listening for it.


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla is not much, if anything, like Dzor. He¡¯s calm and serious, but doesn¡¯t exude a particularly aggressive atmosphere. In fact, the shocktroopers around them are more ominous. Khla is not the biggest or oldest Grodrrn present, as indicated by the coloring and sheen of his scales. The Grodrrn giving orders near the front of the room could more easily pass for Khla than Khla himself. As the Grodrrns talk, Lopez¡¯s hand gently finds and grips Hancock¡¯s. He squeezes it gently in return. Hancock asks, ¡°Baskylla Yarjen Craw?¡±


    The shocktrooper and the presumed Khla both look at him. Khla replies, ¡°Forgeev. Hoomin coostooms steel alleen to mih. Preeznors spick on your sheep? {Forgive. Human customs still alien to me. Prisoners speak on  your ship?}¡±


    Hancock replies in a friendly tone, ¡°Yarjen Jor never stops talking. Always talking about how inferior we are. How he¡¯d crush our bones given the chance¡­¡± A few of the Grodrrns snort their equivalents of chuckles. Hancock adds, ¡°We let him talk. It lets him vent. Same with the others.¡± Hancock then says more seriously, ¡°Look, it¡¯s clear we all hate the roaches. And, it¡¯s clearer we all need to get out of here. Let us help you beat these two capital ships, and in turn, you help us get away from the roaches at least. None of us win if they win.¡±


    One of the other bridge Grodrrns taunts, ¡°How yuu preepozz? Speel meelk on them? {How you propose? Spill milk on them?}¡± Several more, including the shocktroopers, growl joyously as they stamp their feet. Hancock¡¯s gaze never leaves Khla. Khla says something quickly and casually to the others, and they settle down. He then says to Hancock, ¡°We feet Zarakyssns many of hoomin leefteems. Hoomins sacrifick half oov fleet for oon patrol. {We fight Zarakyssns many of human lifetimes. Hoomins sacrifice half of fleet for one patrol.}¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°True, we¡¯re new to the universe. But, we intend to live. If you use your jump bubble now, the range their capitals are at should sever them.¡±


    Another bridge Grodrrn retorts, ¡°They deesroopt, hoomin.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°We know. And, we know it disables the engines. But, Lopez can reset them without cycling power to the ship. We literally JUST did it on one of ours.¡±


    Khla, curious to see where the plan is going, asks, ¡°What eez outcoom?¡±


    Hancock looks at Lopez. She finally squeaks, ¡°The jump bubbles isolate the interior quantity of space from the exterior quantity of space and shuttle the interior to a new location using temporodynamism to generate motion via the egg-shape of the bubble. Because atoms actually have a lot of space between them, any matter on the inside of the bubble is isolated from its counterpart on the outside, without regard to any structural properties of the material. Doing so instantly severs the two pieces, and we want to do it to the¡­ um¡­ Zarakyssn ships. Um, Y-Yarjen.¡± It¡¯s clear Lopez rattled off every ounce of her knowledge about the jump drive ¨Cseemingly, anyways- to distract herself from her fear.


    It worked, too. She looks around nervously as every Grodrrn around stares at her similarly to how humans stare at her.


    One of the Grodrrns asks another something, and he replies. A third asks, ¡°Eez right?¡±


    Lopez squeaks defensively, ¡°I-I¡¯m still studying it, b-but¡­¡±


    Khla bursts into Grodrrn laughter, stomping his feet as he roars jovially at the ceiling. The other Grodrrns watch, confused. Khla says rather warmly, ¡°We boot hoomble soldiers, hoomin. Boot; {We but humble soldiers, human. But;}¡± Khla leans forward and hands Lopez her laptop. He adds warmly, ¡°Sonds sond to mih urrs. {Sounds sound to my ears.}¡± He speaks in Grodrrn for a moment. The other Grodrrns look at each other. It seems to be about how the Grodrrn situation is indeed more dire than the shocktroopers let on. The bridge Grodrrns nod, replying something with ¡®Yarjen¡¯ in it.


    Khla looks at them and says calmly, ¡°Whut we do, feemahl hoomin?¡±


    ***


    ¡°{Queens of the sky shine. Never alone, twinkling forever. Daughters of the Divine Queen roam. Blessed are we who stand together in their light. May we shine as they when we join the Divine Queen¡¯s embrace. Together, forever.}¡±


    The proverb has existed since the dawn of time. So sayeth the Stones. Proverbs and prophecies have guided the Path into the great home of the Queens Before. They have foretold many truths of the cosmos, guided many into joining a divine place among the Infinite Sisters.


    When she was just a larva, she was told many stories. It was her window into the universe until she was able to see it for herself. From the moment she was born, like her sisters, like her mothers before and daughters to be, she was destined to this moment, as all moments. All is within and without her control. It is her path.


    So sayeth the Stones.


    She shall not kill. Death must come on its own for the soul to join her star when the time comes. The brightness of all stars is determined by the souls they united. She must hold them, study them, tame them, and rule them until their time comes.


    So sayeth the Stones.


    All must join. For the Divine Queen to once more show herself to her glorious Shining Daughters, all must become one. Many resist, but their understanding is lacking. They have been led astray, and blasphemy and doubt have dimmed the Divine Queen¡¯s light.


    So sayeth the Stones.


    None will go to waste. She will harvest what is needed, but never all. A world once of life may once more reseed when the time comes. And, on this world, all sins and blasphemy will be cleansed away. One by one, she will cleanse until she joins her foremothers and sisters, or the Divine Queen reveals herself.


    So sayeth the Stones.


    Blessed is the heart held pure and absent all questions.


    Why say they no questions?


    Her vision starts to clear. Her body feeds her feeling once more. She is floating weightlessly. She can hear again. Alarms chirp subtly around her. They need not be loud. If they are audible, then she knows they are there. That is all. Lost communication. Air burden high. Damage detected.


    She rubs excess moisture from her eyes. Why do these beings resist so fervently? Do they not understand what awaits them? What guides their path?


    She looks around. She¡¯s in one of the boarding vessels. She can feel only one.


    The vessel¡¯s pilot looks back at her. At once, she knows her situation. Her ship is destroyed by the strange fleet. She doesn¡¯t remember an abundant amount after her Zziiku was hit by the Nizzkurrezz ¨Ca survivor of a previously-believed united race-. The pain the Zziiku experienced transferred, and coupled with her falling soldiers, nearly killed her then.


    These beings are not Fievegalizz, the blaspheming race that have never had a single unified member. The soldier-sized beings are the only other race the Fievegal seems to be ALLOWING to command ships with the Fievegalizz jump technology. All whom the Fievegallizz conquer are enslaved, bred in continuing societies, but kept as little more than fodder for their armies.


    This new race, though, has never been encountered, and that terrifies her. Their technology looked cobbled together in ways even she would never allow. They fought to the last in many of the skirmishes. If these beings are more numerous, or if they gain better technology, they might stand with the Fievegallizz as opposition.


    And yet, she can¡¯t help but wonder WHY. Why do races resist to their very deaths? If they feel they are being forced, is her path truly a pure one?


    Pain shoots through her head briefly. She touches the location lightly, wincing at a burn. She is wounded, likely by shrapnel. But, someone patched her injury. She looks more around her surroundings. Fourteen of her guard are strapped into the seats, each with their own blade driven up through their heads. Sadness and emptiness surround her. She knows at once from the pilot why they did it. It is to conserve air for her. Behind her, packed in with her, is an atmospheric conditioning unit, but it requires more power than a boarding craft can muster. There is also her emergency sealed combat suit.


    The pilot somehow knows, so now she knows, most of the haulers are intact. If she can get to one, she can survive long enough in space for the fleet that just arrived to rescue her.


    More fleets have arrived? Which of her sisters might it be? Any she knows?


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Something else strange nags at her, though. A Fievegallizz battleship came in right behind the four Queens that came, and chaos has ensued.


    But, war does not strike shocking to her. Again, this strange, reslilient race does. How is it the Fievegallizz have come to aid a race unlike any other they¡¯ve conquered? Do they trade? If so, the Fievegallizz trade their military technology?


    But wait, the Fievegallizz on the ship where they seem to be focused were not in any combat gear. So what is the nature of their relationship?


    For now, she continues to gather her senses, relaxing to the floor of the ship. In her unconsciousness, she laid an egg. But, it will not survive without being tended to. She sets it carefully aside, in case she survives.


    What else is strange are her soldiers. It is said, few soldiers reach natural longevity, but those that do gain wisdom over their years, and in rare cases, enough to operate independently. One of her guards must have had the foresight and mental independence to have her taken to a boarding shuttle to escape, and when the time was running out for air because of her size, that soldier made the last decision for his or her Queen.


    Not unlike these new aliens or the Fievegallizz who aided them on their ship. Is this what disjointed minds fight for? Independence? Wisdom? Choice?


    Choice¡­


    All of her life has been planned, structured, taught, and progressed. She doesn¡¯t crave wanton freedom like some of her peers did in youth, but she does take interest in the concept of choice.


    She is a Vss¡¯ssrn¡¯nrr, one of the roaming Queens responsible for uniting races with hers. Her specialty, chosen for her based on the day she was born, is xenomedicine, or accommodating the needs of newly united races to keep them alive until as natural of a passing as possible occurs. After her care, she turns them over to a Vss¡¯riilii¡¯nrr to be educated on the Path and the Divine Queen. They rarely leave the united territory. It is the duty of her sisters, the Vss¡¯hhuonnshii¡¯nrr, to explore and unite beyond the united territory. To heal, she must learn. To learn, she must study or observe. And, there is nothing to study on this race.


    Observation will be difficult, though. They are now hostile, and she has a single pilot harnessed into this ship and an egg. And, without a drone, there won¡¯t be many to follow it. She¡¯s likely to be on her own.


    She is trained for survival, though. Her kit is not ideal, but the atmospheric conditioner will keep her alive for a time. If she can make a sturdy power source on one of the haulers, perhaps she can follow or observe the new race.


    The boarding craft could try to reach the other Queens, but Fievegallizz ships are as unbelievably combat effective as their soldiers. She¡¯d likely be shot down or potentially killed on the other Queen¡¯s ship.


    And, for some strange reason, she¡¯s not even hearing the bustling, low roar of mental chatter from the other Queens, even the Gkuriinu¡¯nrr. It¡¯s quiet, and though she feels rather empty, she also feels rather serene. So, even if she boarded another Queen¡¯s ship, she might not be recognized by the soldiers and killed on the spot as a Nrronn. Nrronn are near-braindead after a few days, so they¡¯re not tolerated. They¡¯re simply put out of their misery and recycled.


    Plus, it¡¯s kinda nice not having the thoughts of the other Queens influencing her thoughts. She feels clear. She¡¯s disappointed with her defeat, but she is still alive. Her destiny is so. And, her heart is telling her to go the route of curiosity. She will either die a complete death, or she will learn something as yet unlearned.


    She instructs, ¡°{Take us to the closest operable hauler.}¡± The pilot affirms, flying the ship more directly than his slow arc. The Queen looks through his eyes one last time at her fleet. It took many walks on the Path with many elder drones to achieve her army and earn the right to better drones through victory. She learned through her medical instructor that Queens tend to have better success when their body is in an elated state, which is why there are often surges in a Queen¡¯s population ¨Cand thus, status- after major victories, prophetic signs, and births of future Queens under such prophetic signs.


    Needless to say, her status is about as low as it can get. The pilot cannot exit the boarding craft, meaning she effectively has just the egg. Oh, how she loathes tending larvae again. But, survival is work. If she didn¡¯t have to work for a living, she¡¯d be a Zvunezz¡¯nrr. She gently holds the egg up to her cheek, feeling its temperature. Okay for now. Just thirteen to twenty two more steps. She cradles the egg in her arm, inspecting her kit. Thankfully, her savior brought anything at all. She has about nine steps of food rations, which she can stretch longer, plus as undesireable as it is, the bodies of her guards, the atmospheric conditioner, which has about two, maybe three days on its own, and virtually indefinitely if she can tie into a hauler. There¡¯s a medical kit with self-sterilizing tools, magnification lenses, some antibacterial medicines effective on all bacteria, but they tend to wreak havoc on species that have symbiotic bacteria, a torch with cutting and cauterizing settings, with fine adjusts for species, nine steps of fluids for her, and a ¡®Queen¡¯s shot¡¯, a weapon meant for her to defend herself. It fires a large, very lethal spread as a way to let her escape, and she has several shots for it.


    The pilot informs her, ¡°{Arriving, my Queen. May you find safety on your path to brightness.}¡±


    She replies kindly, ¡°{Thank you for everything.}¡± The vessel docks, and the Queen puts her helmet and suit on. She peeks out into the corridor. The vessel is well-lit, but smoke and yellowish haze fill the halls. She¡¯s fortunately not a fully-grown Queen, or she wouldn¡¯t fit in these corridors. She¡¯s about half-again taller than a soldier, and her abdomen and thorax are suited to one of her highest duties, so a good bit more robust than a soldier. She pulls the A.C. and her survival kit behind her, listening diligently for signs of her new foe. She¡¯s a short ways from the hangar where her haulers landed. She sneaks carefully and quickly.


    She reaches the hangar. Something even the Fievegalizz don¡¯t know is that a Queen ¨Cespecially a younger Queen like her- can handle the neural load of deceased soldiers for the brief while that they still have impulses. So, when the big male opened the alien door, she was able to witness and learn. She opens the door blocking her way to the hangar, checking alertly and slipping inside. She sees some aliens laying out their own as many cry and others yell. They don¡¯t notice her, so she quickly moves to the hauler out of sight. But, as she does, she notices it.


    One of the new aliens is sitting against the wall, tucked out of the way and its legs crushed by a metal crate. She looks around. The others don¡¯t seem to know this one is here. It¡¯s a secluded area.


    A dilemma forms. A dilemma that would be solved almost instantly if she could congress with the other Queens. But, for possibly the first time, she¡¯s completely on her own.


    Does she attempt to help the creature? If it draws attention to her before she can hide, she¡¯s doomed. But, it looks unconscious ¨Cassuming it isn¡¯t dead-.


    But, this race is resisting unification. This makes them blasphemers, and thereby subject to no kindness. So sayeth the Stones.


    So what is this feeling holding her in this moment? With so much noise in her head normally, she¡¯s never noticed or felt anything like this. And, if she did, it was quickly reconciled by consensus.


    The feeling is compelling her to help. Or rather, it¡¯s compelling her against walking away. What should she choose?


    Deciding her heart has gotten her here, she chooses to follow it now. She sets her kit down, ensuring her egg is safe from the alien air, and she retrieves her medical supplies. She leans down, listening for signs of life. It breathes with cycling lungs. Two, it sounds like. Pulsating heart. Is that four stages per cycle? It¡¯s fast, but it sounds like four. Blood is red. Iron content? Sounds right. Amount lost to body volume; ratio dangerous. Will likely need a transfusion. For now, focus on crush damage and stopping further bleeding.


    She steadies herself. There is no data on this species, but she intends to try. No better way to learn than on the run. She hopes they¡¯re similar to the warm-blooded avian cadaver she trained on. She gives herself an injection to speed up all of her neural responses, which seems to slow down time for her.


    With swift and practiced hands, she lays out her tools; cutter, surgical tools, antibiotic ¨Cwhich should be safe for sterilizing the immediate area long enough for her to work-, metal bone brackets, and stapler.


    She hefts the crate quietly away, but quickly. She cinches her binders around the creature¡¯s legs. And, with merciless diligence and speed, she amputates.


    ***


    Russel Right hears a strange whine, like an old cathode ray tube in a TV or old computer monitor. It stands out because it wasn¡¯t present a moment ago. He¡¯d been sitting on the floor, wanting desperately for a radio signal from Levi. It didn¡¯t really occur to him back when he sent her to Dzor¡¯s ship that she would be in danger. He inherently believed so much in her abilities, danger never occurred to him. She didn¡¯t disappoint, of course, but he just ripped the port dock bridge off with its own underslung crane with his stupid attempt to save her life. He only meant to shake them. Instead, he probably killed her.


    He¡¯s trying to put that dark thought out of his mind, though. She¡¯s the best. She¡¯s resourceful. And, more than once, Hancock was there to save her in the few ways she couldn¡¯t save herself. Together, they¡¯re invincible. That has to be right. Two young people; a genius scientist and a bright and brave soldier; they can take on the universe.


    Kenzie, Hancock¡¯s girlfriend, seems to notice Mr. Right notice the sound. But, then she seems to hear it, too. She asks, ¡°You hear that too?¡±


    ¡°Whine with bacon sizzle?¡±


    She nods. He asks, ¡°Do¡­ we investigate?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I dunno¡­ Maybe we should tell the marines?¡±


    He nods in agreement. But, many of them won¡¯t give him the time of day, so to speak. They¡¯re busy tending to injuries, air lock-ejecting bug bodies, and patching holes. He shrugs, walking towards the noise. Kenzie jogs after him, whispering, ¡°What if it¡¯s one of those things?¡±


    He replies quietly, ¡°Life is risk. Happiness is bigger risk. And, success is putting everything on the line.¡±


    She tugs at his arm, urging, ¡°Be serious, Sir! Please! We¡­¡±


    ¡°If it fires at us, the marines will know instantly. If we scream, they¡¯ll know instantly. I¡¯m not the bravest man alive by far. But, a man who can scream like an infant can still be useful.¡± He smirks and winks at her, jogging stealthily closer as he more precisely locates the source behind some crates.


    When he can see, he is stunned in fear. Kenzie was right. It is a roach, and a big one. He is unable to scream instantly, which actually works out. He gets a chance to see what¡¯s going on. Moving with blinding speed, the creature seems to have disassembled a marine¡¯s legs and is reassembling the amputated shins like a jigsaw puzzle.


    He has just enough time to snatch Kenzie¡¯s head and cover her mouth, whispering, ¡°Wait! Watch.¡±


    The two watch as the roach reattaches each leg, using what looks like a laser combined with a soldering iron to attach everything vital at a microscopic level, as if it¡¯s gluing his legs back on. What¡¯s more, the amputation was below the knee, meaning if it gets the nerves right, he¡¯ll be able to walk again.


    Mr. Right has stood on asteroids and the moon. He¡¯s orbited mars, played golf off of Mount Everest, fought a kangaroo ¨Cor more accurately, had his butt royally kicked-, eaten monkey brains, seen the Mariana Trench with his own eyes, and he¡¯s an untold number of lightyears away from Earth. It¡¯s not often his breath is taken away, but he just watched a surgery take place in a couple of minutes. He pulls Kenzie out of sight when the alien stands up. He can hear it scuttle further, towards one of the haulers. He glances to see the patient still lying there just in time for an object to roll in. It looks like a metal canister with a grenade-¡°BANG!¡± A bright white light and loud bang disorient Mr. Right, and marines shout, ¡°SHOTS FIRED! SECURE THE AREA!¡± Marines storm toward them, and Mr. Right finally releases Kenzie, who slaps him. She screams, ¡°ARE YOU CRAZY!?¡±


    Mr. Right says to the marines, ¡°Bright bang-no¡­- FLASH bomb went off. Man down.¡±


    The marines frantically swarm around, repeating, ¡°MAN DOWN!¡±


    ¡°Get him over to triage, now!¡±


    Kenzie yells, ¡°WHAT ABOUT THE BUG!?¡±


    The marines halt, and they all look at them. Some instantly start scanning the area thoroughly. Mr. Right winces. He says, ¡°Promise you won¡¯t get mad?¡±


    One of the more senior marines grips his collar, yelling, ¡°ZERO PATIENCE, RIGHT! WHERE IS IT!?¡±


    ¡°It healed him!¡± shouts Mr. Right. ¡°Or, it tried. That¡¯s why his legs look like that. This one isn¡¯t like the others.¡±


    ¡°TELL US WHERE IT IS!¡± The marine booms, ¡°FIND IT!¡±


    Mr. Right says calmly, ¡°You kill this thing, and we lose out on an opportunity. I¡¯ll help you capture it. ALIVE. Stays that way.¡±


    ¡°YOU will help us find it, and I won¡¯t turn you in to Captain Murdock.¡±


    Murdock¡¯s voice says gruffly from nearby, ¡°Capture it. That¡¯s an order.¡±


    ¡°Captain?¡± asks the marine, surprised.


    Captain Murdock is usually laid back, and he¡¯s wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt over his mandatory Navy uniform. He was a civilian Captain before the fall of Earth, and he¡¯s resisted Navy total control to some degree. He continues, ¡°You know me, I¡¯m the first to screw with Russell if the opportunity arises, but he¡¯s right. If we got one cornered, we¡¯re better off catchin¡¯ it. We get Kane over here to talk with it, try to figure out at least what they want, we¡¯ll get pretty far.¡±


    The marine sighs. ¡°Yes sir. All marines! We corner and capture! We get one of their blasters unbolted? It work?¡±


    ¡°Yes Senior Chief!¡±


    ¡°Good work! Let¡¯s move!¡±


    Mr. Right leads them around the corner with Kenzie close by him. They stalk around behind the haulers until they run into marines circling from the other side. The Senior Chief asks, ¡°Anyone see it?¡±


    ¡°No Senior Chief!¡±


    ¡°The hell¡¯d it go!?¡±


    Kenzie tugs Mr. Right¡¯s sleeve, asking, ¡°No one pulled these racks out, did they?¡± He looks at where she points. Metal racks are stacked rather neatly against the wall. They¡¯re not human in design, based on the way the joints are formed, as well as the pattern of the ribs and cross-ties.


    The Senior Chief cautiously approaches the ship. He whispers, ¡°Something¡¯s running inside.¡±


    ***


    Pounding on the hauler¡¯s hull startles her. Has she been discovered? The creatures speak loudly, pounding on the hull again. What should she do? She won¡¯t likely get far, even with her Queen¡¯s Shot. She has no idea how to communicate with them to ask for mercy, so they¡¯ll likely shoot her as a soldier and nothing more.


    Something kept her from fleeing, though. Curiosity? Fear? The fact that the engines have all been damaged? She could likely fix or compensate for the engines, but she didn¡¯t.


    She wants to understand how and why these creatures are the way they are. She wants to believe diplomacy can work for once. If not to unify, then to understand. She never had the quiet in her mind to wonder things like this. It was always judgement, competition, duty, unify, blasphemers¡­ So much noise.


    She doesn¡¯t want them to cut open or blow up the ship. She only has the one atmospheric conditioner, and their air is toxic to her. She puts her helmet back on, turns on the plasma door, and lowers the ramp.


    The ship is surrounded by the alien soldiers. No Fievegallizz, though. She¡¯s thankful. It seems they¡¯re only on the one ship, other than the battleship. The creatures shout at her, but she doesn¡¯t understand any of it. ¡°{Hands up! Don¡¯t move!}¡± Some start towards the plasma door. Thinking quickly, she chirps frantically, waving her hands at them.


    They all tense. ¡°{I said don¡¯t move!}¡±


    One of the creatures with a strange, colorful outer garment on its torso, speaks more calmly, seemingly to the others, ¡°{Easy, marines. She doesn¡¯t understand. This is why we need Kane. Try to sign to it to sit tight, or we¡¯ll kill it.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯ll try, Captain.}¡± That one steps forward. She tries to wave it off, but it stops before the plasma door on its own, showing her its hands as it sets its weapon down. It points calmly at her with its finger. Is it trying to communicate with her? It points at her again, and then traces a line towards the floor at the plasma door. It points at her once more, and then at the floor inside the hauler. Does it want her to lay down? Sit? Or simply stay inside? Trying to clarify, she gestures at herself, and then traces the whole floor of the ship. The creature responds with a new expression, glaincing at the others who slap their own hands together. ¡°{That wasn¡¯t so bad.}¡±


    ¡°{Make sure it understands not to leave. Signal it exiting and a gun; inside, no gun.}¡±


    ¡°{Gotcha, Captain.}¡± The one communicating with her gestures at her, and then thinks for a moment. It steps suddenly to the plasma door, startling her, but stopping in time and turning around and walking down the ramp. One of the other creatures steps up and stops it, aiming its weapon at its own comrade. They make a gesture with some sounds, and the one communicating collapses. She¡¯s a little confused. Did it just die?


    It gets back up, pointing at her and then the ramp, and it picks up its gun. It points at her and then the inside, putting the gun down. It seems to now be waiting for her approval. She thinks she gets it. It seems, even if she doesn¡¯t, they¡¯re content to leave her inside, which is good. She points at herself, traces the inside, and sits down. Maybe that¡¯ll make sense to them.


    The creatures as a whole relax some. Good. They seem to be in agreement. She can study them from inside the ship, if by no other way than how they treat her.


    Suddenly, a bright white light flashes around the Fievegal battleship. It¡¯s trying to jump. The creatures seem surprised, ¡°{Khla¡¯s jumping!}¡± ¡°{Damn! No way we can handle-¡­}¡± The bubble vanishes, and the ship is still present. It¡¯s been interdicted successfully. The Fievegallizz are the most formidable foes the Queen has, but they still don¡¯t know how the interdiction technology works. Their jumps are not fast enough to avoid it. Especially not with potentially four Queen ships around it to¡­


    She watches in astonishment. Those two Queen ships in view drift apart in four total pieces, two each. Explosions flash from the apostle ships exploding from similar damage. And just as quickly, two flashes dart by with streams of cannon fire. The two Queen ships explode. Seconds later, the Fievegal battleship¡¯s engines glow, and it turns to fire on the apostle ships remaining.


    She can¡¯t believe it. Not only did the Fievegallizz sacrifice its jump, it was able to recover its engines seconds later. The Fievegal¡¯s most brutal flaw is that an attempted jump locked up their engines. It¡¯s been that way for hundreds of walks. Since the Fievegal was encountered. The Fievegal learned not to jump until they defeated all ships, and to flee as soon as they had a window.


    A small part of her wonders if her sisters survived. A much bigger part of her wonders how the Fievegallizz learned this all of a sudden. And, she has a working theory on that.


    ***


    Captain Long yells, ¡°HANG ON!¡± The Polonia and Andromeda are speeding through orbit at comparable speeds to the International Space Station. In the grand scheme of space, it doesn¡¯t feel like much, but they¡¯re going to blow by the skirmish by hundreds of miles, firing on the run.


    She yells, ¡°FIRE ALL! KEEP FIRING UNTIL WE PASS!¡± She¡¯s feeling a rush. They can win this. For humanity, for the Grodrrns, and for the Cave Queen. They¡¯re so close.


    Suddenly, as the cannons thunder, a white flash ignites around Khla¡¯s battleship. Her navigator yells, ¡°JESUS GOD! HE¡¯S JUMPING OUT!¡±


    ¡°WE NEED TO TURN!¡± screams someone else.


    ¡°NO CHANCE! BRACE!¡±


    Only God knows what the consequences of flying through an active bubble would be. They barely know what happens with being inside one. It¡¯s too late, though. They¡¯re seconds from impact.


    The bubble vanishes just as quickly, and Khla¡¯s ship is still present. Long has just enough time to see the Zarakyssn ships splitting in two, just like the Honolulu. She can¡¯t believe it. Khla sacrificed his jump to cripple the Zarakyssn War Queens.


    They rip by the ships, just underneath. The Polonia fired volley after volley at the one, and the Andromeda fired at the other. Long spins, jogging to the window. Fiery explosions rip the ships to shreds, and they both explode. Their artillery rounds at normal speeds are good. Accelerated above mach 15 or so in vacuum; nothing made simply of metal is surviving. The bridge cheers, and Long silently prays for Khla, that none of the collateral costs him any further.


    As the ships shrink into the distance, she can already see Khla¡¯s ship firing bright bolts of blue and green fire at the last remaining Zarakyssn capital ship.


    Long takes a breather, saying, ¡°Bring us about. Engines all stop. Begin deceleration.¡± ¡°Aye, Captain,¡± replies the Leehelm, just as relieved as the auburn-haired Captain.


    By the time they reach the fleet again, the Providence has towed the Honolulu and Argonaut into proximity with Khla¡¯s ship, and the Polonia and Andromeda join them. The captains and Khla all join a video conference. Long asks, ¡°Everyone we care about in range?¡± They all nod. ¡°Good. Providence, commence jump.¡±


    Murdock replies, ¡°No can do, Cap. Lost our, uh¡­ I dunno. Something makes it work. Sorry.¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°Richorging. Meenutes. Mibih, four. {Recharging. Minutes. Maybe four.}¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°We got it. Jumping now. Everyone hang on.¡± The bubble ignites, and a sense of comfort lost in moments finally starts to touch Long again. She sits down in her chair and exhales. She says softly, ¡°Good work, everyone. Good work.¡± She sniffles, letting herself cry tears of joy and relief. It was long fought, terrifying, and is finally over. Though, Khla is still an unknown factor, Long chooses to have hope. They¡¯ve made it this far.


    ***

 Chapter 37: Red in the Stars

    ~What were we to do? Where were we to go? Do we press forward? Go back? Are we at war, or are we escaping extermination?


    I didn¡¯t tell anyone. Not right away. I wasn¡¯t sure whose voice I was hearing ANSWER those questions. It was someone who lived this life before; standing on the side of the space between shadows and death, and something far greater.


    Hope.


    But, as I started to FEEL what it was that this person experienced, I realized something else. The answers to all of those questions is simply yes.


    As long as we do something, we have not lost. As long as we go somewhere, we are alive and free. Forward or backward are merely directions, and we must only move. We are at war against one true enemy only; Death. His face changes, our desire to live does not.


    So why didn¡¯t I leave as I started to remember? Simple. The journey.~


    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor stands atop a mountain of bodies; Zjeekha, War Queens, the Brruukhal, and many other large or otherwise legendary creatues he has faced. Far below him is the capital city of Grodurra with all of the Grodrrns in history. And, none of them even look.


    He looks straight ahead. Standing atop a similar mountain of defeated legends is a face Dzor could never forget. Mrrk¡¯lah, the mutineer who ended a war. The near-mythical Grodrrn looks at Dzor. He says cryptically, ¡°{Lonely, is it not?}¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°{I do not understand. We¡¯ve defeated foes Chulm¡¯chns warn their hatchlings of. How can we be alone?}¡±


    Mrrk¡¯lah looks down at the crowds minding their business, ignoring the towering monuments of victories.


    Suddenly, the two are at ground level, standing before the monument to Mrrk¡¯lah. A plaque reads, ¡°{Miigynn¡¯zyk Gll Mrrk¡¯lah¡¯chn: Soldier    Mutineer    Haeroczhaa}¡± Dzor stares at the scratched out titles in a moment of silence. Mrrk¡¯lah then points. Dzor looks to his own mountain of slain foes. ¡°{Nor¡¯ulluch Et Dzor¡¯chn: Baskylla Jardzen   Prisoner of War    Traitor}¡±


    Pure anger fills Dzor¡¯s soul, but he loses that fire just as quickly when he realizes any perception of his his deeds held by the Fievegal will have him aiding the humans. So¡­ Why doesn¡¯t he regret it?


    Mrrk¡¯lah says calmly, ¡°{The Fievegal will write any story they wish of those like us. And, if we live, we are convinced to agree.}¡± Dzor stares at his plaque for a long time.


    Suddenly, human voices surround him. ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°Take him down!¡± ¡°Move!¡± He looks quickly. The marines, many marines, surround him. But, they are not armed. They are cheering. The words continue, ¡°Cover him!¡± ¡°Get him backup!¡± ¡°Baskylla Yarjen.¡± ¡°Yarjen.¡± ¡°Hey! Yarjen!¡± ¡°Thank you, Yarjen.¡±


    He is at a loss for words. An even more familiar female human voice says, ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, Jor.¡± He whirls, Captain Long is cradling a newly hatched Grodrrn female in her arms. Helmdraavv Khla is kneeling beside Long with a warm smile. Dzor utters without a thought, ¡°Yukonja?¡±


    Mrrk¡¯lah¡¯s voice says from nearby as he stands behind young Grodrrns pretending they are the mutineer himself, ¡°{It¡¯s not the feats that matter when everyone is just trying to survive together. The Fievegal is full of politics. The humans, too. But, they also don¡¯t care about one dead Zarakyssn.}¡±


    Dzor looks again at Long. She smiles softly, asking, ¡°Are you okay, Dzor?¡± Everything fades away.


    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor opens his eyes wearily. His surroundings are strange. Dim, red-colored lights shine down on him. They are not stars in the void of space nor the lights in his conex box. Electronic beeps chirp around him. He shifts minutely to look around. He¡¯s in a human compartment, of this he¡¯s certain. Various machines blink lines of jagged shapes, and they display numbers. A bag hangs near him containing something called ¡®Saline¡¯. It has an abundance of other language on it, but he ignores it.


    A tiny mammalian hand is resting on his left, with their forearms laying together. Attached to said arm is none other than Captain Long. She is bruised, and her uniform shoulder, the one with her holy symbol, is stained with blood, and the hole reveals blood-stained medical wraps. She is reading a book with numbers before each paragraph.


    How is he alive? Is he alive? Or is this a near-death surge of endorphins as his body dies in space? He looks closely at his hand. It¡¯s almost fully healed, but a ring of temporary scar tissue circles his wrist. He closes his hand gently, touching Long¡¯s hand with his index finger. She jumps with a start, sitting up. He now suspects she was asleep. She whirls desperately to face him, looking at his face. She sighs in profound relief. She says tenderly, ¡°Nee-uh, Neelana K-Kurvyll.¡±


    Dzor scoffs weakly. He feels like he has no energy. But, he replies, ¡°Yukonja.¡±


    She smiles warmly. Dzor asks, ¡°Deed¡­ they tich you¡­ what minns? {Did.. .they teach you¡­ what (that) means?}¡±


    Long smirks, replying, ¡°I HOPE it means ¡®welcome back¡¯ or ¡®welcome awake¡¯, or¡­¡±


    ¡°Wilcome H-Home,¡± states Dzor. He flexes his jaw. He can see out of both eyes, and his jaw is only sore. Long¡¯s hand never leaves his, even as she blushes, replying, ¡°I knew it¡­¡±


    Dzor replies with weary amusement, ¡°Craw treek you?¡± He hums in approval.


    She laughs sarcastically, ¡°Yep. Laugh it up.¡±


    ¡°Thonk¡­ you¡­¡± replies Dzor quietly. This prompts her to put both hands on his. She adds sincerely, ¡°No, Dzor. Thank YOU. So, SO much.¡±


    Dzor looks up at the ceiling awkwardly. All hopes of escaping this woman are gone. He doesn¡¯t even want to anymore. He replies, ¡°I keel oon Zarakyssn. You obvious save sheep.¡±


    She scoffs, ¡°So much went on¡­ Everyone worked together¡­¡±


    Dzor nods in agreement. She then sits up to ask, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Dzor replies dryly, ¡°Clear bitter thonn wuz.¡±


    She chuckles, replying, ¡°Fair. But, next time, be a little more careful, please? We don¡¯t know how to recharge your power cells yet, and so, we had to swap regenerators three times on you.¡± She adds more quietly, ¡°You had me worried sick.¡±


    ¡°Thonk you¡­¡± replies Dzor. She looks away, saying somewhat sourly, ¡°You¡¯re supposed to say you¡¯re sorry.¡±


    The Grodrrn shakes his head, ¡°Thonk you¡­ for¡­ saving¡­¡± He¡¯s struggling to pronounce her words deliberately and correctly.


    She looks at him again. She smiles and nods sincerely.


    He then relaxes, asking more coldly, ¡°Omm preeznor again?¡±


    She replies, ¡°You¡¯re going to call me silly and na?ve, but¡­ no.¡± He looks at her in shock. Now that she mentions it, there is no posted guard in the room, which has other humans on beds like his with machines. But, no guards. Long adds, ¡°If¡­ if you¡­ um¡­¡± She sighs. ¡°I¡¯m asking you not to do anything, Jor. But¡­ you¡¯re free. From now on.¡±


    Dzor chuckles. ¡°You correct. Virr na-eeve.¡±


    She smirks, replying, ¡°If you think that¡¯s na?ve, wait until you see who wants to see you in the hangar.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asks the Jardzen. Former Jardzen? Whatever he is.


    She teases, ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    He grunts. Yep. His feet work. He sits up suddenly, startling her to a standing position. She cries out, ¡°No! Dzor, wait! You¡¯re too weak!¡±


    He growls deeply and menacingly, startling her a little. He states gravely, ¡°Nivor call weak again.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean! You need rest.¡±


    Dzor grunts, pulling the wires and tubes off of him. He retorts, ¡°I omm Grodrrn. I weel die on feet.¡±


    She barks, ¡°You won¡¯t die at all if you stay in bed!¡±


    He walks wearily out of his medical room into the main bay. Long follows closely, her objections unheeded.


    Dzor stumbles and nearly falls. The female human is there, catching his shoulder. But, she groans with strain. Other humans jog towards them, but he stands, and Long complains, ¡°If you really fall, I don¡¯t think I can catch you!¡±


    Dzor snaps back, ¡°I not fake to test you!¡±


    She looks at him, confused, asking, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He continues toward the hangar. She stays by his side. She says more sternly, ¡°Dzor, I¡¯m serious. Rest. The surprise can wait.¡±


    ¡°I omm Baskylla Yarjen Jor. Only sooprise I wait for eez death.¡±


    She tries to push his torso, but even in his current state, he is far stronger than her. He does slow to a stop, though. She relaxes, saying, ¡°Please, Jor. For me.¡±


    He replies, ¡°Riginorator more efficteev weeth hee-er blood flow. Sit een bed slow.¡± That¡¯s a lie, but he hopes she doesn¡¯t know better. Grodrrns do tend to heal more noticeably on their feet, and they are notoriously easily driven stir-crazy as prisoners, especially after finally being granted freedom after months of being one.


    He continues on his way to the hangar. He is actually testing her. She¡¯ll either let him go, or she¡¯ll order him detained. Instead, she simply follows him. Humans duck out of his way in the hallways, not necessarily in fear, but because of his size. Some, mostly marines, greet him a little nervously, ¡°Yarjen Jor.¡±


    He glances at them, but doesn¡¯t say anything. Grodrrns greet the individual they intend to speak to. Such greetings of passing seem unnecessary, and yet¡­ Dzor will figure out his thoughts later. He wishes to know if this ¡®surprise¡¯ is Helmdraavv Khla or the marines who helped him defeat the Zjeekha.


    Long keeps up with Dzor, saying warmly to those in passing, ¡°Good afternoon. Please excuse us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain,¡± comes many of the replies.


    Dzor doesn¡¯t look at her, but he is paying attention. It is curious, watching the commander of this ship interact with even her most inferior subordinates so casually. The humans are working diligently to rebuild the ship. He passes some with tools, others working in teams to move plating or other materials.


    And, as they reach the hangar entrance, he notices something else. True to her word, not a single armed soldier is following them. He could do anything in the time it would take them to react. Not even Long is armed.


    As he plots what all he could do, though, he spots the surprise more easily than a Zjeekha wearing a flashing suit.


    Helmdraavv Khla is present, speaking with her very own Chulm¡¯chn, Baskylla Jardzen Khla. For months, Khla¡¯s battleship has pursued the human fleet. Now, he and his shocktroopers, as well as Niolajt Jardzen Mrff, are standing in the hangar bay as honored guests.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Khla spots Dzor, and he smiles warmly. He walks briskly over with a warm growl, and Dzor feels a warm pride and energy fill him. He walks more briskly towards Khla.


    Just as they¡¯re about to collide, though, Long darts between them holding her hands up to halt them. She shouts, ¡°Not so fast!¡± Both Grodrrn Baskylla Jardzens manage to halt in surprise, and the auburn-haired human says more calmly to Khla, ¡°Headbutting your own daughter was one thing, Baskylla Yarjen, but Baskylla Yarjen Jor is still recovering. Please, not right now.¡±


    Khla looks at her and then at Dzor. Dzor doesn¡¯t make eye contact, but he nods subtly. Khla smiles, replying to her, ¡°Understood, hoomin Copton.¡± He nods at her, and then he says warmly to Dzor, ¡°{Jor! It¡¯s so good to see you alive. When Neezha left the message, it was a great relief.}¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°{Indeed so. Thank you. I am surprised to see you here, now.}¡±


    Khla smirks, replying, ¡°{The humans are graciously repairing our ship.}¡± He gestures, and Dzor looks out the window to see Khla¡¯s battleship being worked on in the mobile drydock ship known to the humans as ¡®Providence¡¯. On either side of the port arm are two of the smaller human ships being repaired as well.


    Dzor starts to tease in Grodrrn, ¡°{You¡¯re not worried¡­}¡± He stops when he notices Long step politely over to the side, saying nothing about the discussion going on essentially literally over her head, as well as figuratively. She folds her hands together patiently behind her back and watches idly. Without much thought, Dzor switches to human, ¡°You not worrid hoomins steal ticknology?¡±


    Khla glances at Long, and then Dzor. Long is surprised at Dzor, but with a pleasant expression. He replies, ¡°No. Hoomin Feemahl Sceeunteest Lopiz have much alread on compootor. Ond, she oonderstond bitter thonn most of ooss.¡±


    Dzor chuckles, ¡°Becooz oof my sheep¡­¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°Regardless, we all enemies oov Zarakyssns. Temporarih truce benefeets all.¡±


    ¡°Temporarih?¡± asks Dzor.


    Khla hums affirmation. ¡°Een ixchonge for Grodurn preeznors ond reparr aid, we release hoomin preeznors recovered on Earth, ozz well ozz allow retreat. Neezha, unfortunately, weel be staying preeznor.¡± Khla looks at Long. She fills in, ¡°We¡¯re worried about how the Fievegal will respond to Helmdraav Craw¡¯s pregnancy, as well as her ability to continue to reproduce.¡±


    Khla adds, ¡°Addeshunal, hoomins prepared to make medeecal adjoostmints for ixperiments ond ensure seeftee oov Neezha.¡± Dzor looks at Helmdraav Khla, who nods with a smile.


    Jardzen Khla then adds, ¡°Our riport descreebs jointed iffort to eescopp mooltiple teems, eencluding stolinn secoorit foot-¡­ foot-¡­ data showing your hostill to hoomin persons. We pritict ond see you re-eenstot-¡­¡± ¡°No,¡± says Dzor bluntly and sternly.


    Both Khla and Long look at Dzor in surprise. He looks away from them both. Dzor says finally, ¡°I omm preeznor. I-¡­¡±


    Long whispers sharply, ¡°Dzor!¡± He looks at her, and she shakes her head. He can hear her heart just started racing, though, and her expression isn¡¯t cautious or afraid; it¡¯s saddened.


    Dzor straightens his posture as much as his achy muscles will allow. He says sternly, ¡°I omm stay.¡±


    Khla growls, ¡°Theess eez not joke, Yarjen. You can coom bock to Fievegal weeth honor. I see to eet pers-¡­¡± ¡°NO,¡± repeats Dzor stoically.


    Long snaps, ¡°ARE YOU CRAZY!?¡±


    Dzor booms at her, ¡°I HAVE DECEEDED, YUKONJ-¡­¡± He stops, realizing the other Grodrrns know that word well.


    She turns, saying to Khla, ¡°Can we have a moment, Yarjen?¡±


    Khla looks at Dzor, and then at Long. He nods, smiling civilly. He turns and walks back to Mrff and Neezha, who are speaking to Laurel.


    Long says softly to Dzor, ¡°Jor, please¡­ This¡­ This is hard enough for me... But, this is your life; your career. Everything you worked for. You can be Baskylla Yarjen for the Fievegal once more. You can-¡­¡±


    Dzor cuts her off with, ¡°I have deceeded, Yukonja. The Fievegal doesn¡¯t care about oon more dead Zarakyssyn, no more thon eet does oon more dead Yarjen.¡±


    Long replies, ¡°But¡­ What about your home? Your¡­ bondmate?¡±


    Dzor looks away from the human. Why must her mind consider so much? He says quietly, ¡°She weel move on.¡± Their bond isn¡¯t as close as it once was, and made even weaker after the Saurmynnyka died. The last message his bondmate sent said that the Fievegal even went out of the way to send a notification that their egg rights application was denied by reason of the Saurmynnyka¡¯s assassination. As if any Grodrrn was unaware.


    Long asks, now holding the cross on her shoulder, ¡°How can you-¡­?¡± ¡°We dreeft apart long teem, now.¡±


    She looks down, ¡°A few months ago, you were ready to fight to the death to escape and return. Where¡¯re the insults? The threats?¡±


    Dzor is surprised. He would, in Long¡¯s position, not even question if she wanted to stay as his prisoner. He decides to try a different tactic. He crosses his arms, saying proudly, ¡°Real rizzon? Hoomins are weak. Grodurn ond Hotchleeng should not be geeven less thonn Grodurn protickshun.¡±


    Long chuckles, which is what he wants, but her mood doesn¡¯t improve. Dzor tries to think. He¡¯s not even sure, himself, how to put it into words. In his dream, it felt so clear and simple. But, then, humans often communicate even the clear and simple.


    Dzor painstakingly sinks to a kneel before Captain Long, clutching his abdomen. She looks at him with surprise. Their gazes are level now. He says gently, ¡°For long teem, I feet bleend. I slay enemies of the Fievegal, but I nivor feel preed. Tallist montans oov glorih ond victory are onlih lonely place for die. For first teem¡­ I feel preed. Ond¡­ no more lonely¡­¡± Dzor looks at Khla and his Zhi. They are talking jovially. He looks at the humans. Some are working, some are eating, some are resting. Almost all of them are doing so with others.


    He finally feels like he KNOWS why Grodrrns desire to become Chulm¡¯chns, deep in their cores. A Zhi or a Myzh is the ONLY Grodrrn in the Fievegal who doesn¡¯t see anything political or opportunistic in the Chulm¡¯chn. It¡¯s a bond that can¡¯t be broken. Even if Neezha stays, Jardzen Khla will be bound to her, and she to him. No distance, perceived treachery, or even death will affect their core feelings for each other.


    Dzor looks Long in the eyes, saying softly, ¡°I OSK to stay.¡±


    Long slides her hand up to clutch her holy symbol, a gesture she makes when she¡¯s trying to comfort herself or reconcile her thoughts. She asks, ¡°But¡­ don¡¯t you get it? We¡¯re still not allies of the Fievegal. YOU can go, right now. No hard feelings. If you stay, there are NO guarantees. What we just escaped¡­ We have no way of knowing what¡¯s next. We have to stay on the run until we can solve our endless problems. And then, it¡¯s just new problems. Do you really want that?¡±


    Dzor nods. He says softly, ¡°Stroogle togethor eez bittor thonn any glorih alone.¡±


    ¡°If¡­¡± She struggles for words. She settles on, ¡°There may be no going back. I-If you do this¡­ the Fievegal¡­¡±


    Dzor says more proudly, ¡°All oov problems seem mean fleet could use greatest warrior on sheep stay. Fievegal did not come for me. Craw deed. Ond, not even for me specifeek. Hoomins reesk lives to aid. I weel feet for future. Oov hoomins, oov Craw ond her hotchleengs, ond even bravv poraseet queen. No more discussion. I stay.¡±


    Long sighs. After a moment, she nods, finally smiling softly. She takes a breath and says proudly and fearlessly to Baskylla Jardzen Khla, ¡°Baskylla Yardzen Craw. I must refuse to relinquish custody of Baskylla Yarjen Jor. The nature of his participation ¨Cvoluntarily or involuntarily- in our experiments requires his input as a control. If we relinquish him now, much of our work-¡± A Grodrrn shocktrooper snarls at her, ¡°YOU INFERIOR MOMMOL! YOU DARR SPICK TO BAS-¡±


    ¡°{Enough,}¡± grunts Khla, halting the shocktrooper. He smiles cryptically, asking, ¡°Con I do notheeng to chonj meend?¡±


    He appears to be asking Long, but his gaze is with Dzor. Long looks back at Dzor, who shakes his head subtly. She replies to Khla respectfully, ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, Yarjen.¡±


    Khla approaches them, and Dzor stands back up. Though both Grodrrns tower over her, she stands unintimidated. Khla stares into Dzor¡¯s eyes, and then down into Long¡¯s. He smiles and replies, ¡°Baskylla Yarjen Jor¡­ Protect mih Zhi. Someday, I eentind to see again.¡±


    Dzor nods.


    Khla then says, ¡°Hoomin Copton Long. Walk.¡± Khla whirls and starts walking. She glances at Dzor, and he nods her to follow. She jogs into step with the Baskylla Jardzen. Khla walks to the Zarakyssn plasma door, looking at an angle at his own ship. Long stops beside him.


    The Grodrrn commandant turns his head to look at her. He asks softly, ¡°You treat ozz own?¡±


    Long smiles, replying warmly, ¡°Helmdraaff Craw, yes. Him, I intend to give the biggest gun we can find.¡±


    Khla snorts. He requests, ¡°Take care of. They deserve honor.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°I will.¡±


    Khla then faces her fully, raising his hand to cradle the sun. He says proudly, ¡°Verr well, Hoomin Copton Long. I conseedor equal.¡±


    Long glances at Dzor, and he subtly raises his hand in the salute, and she takes the cue to raise her hand. She copies Khla, replying, ¡°Thank you, Baskylla Yarjen Craw.¡± He smiles and nods. She then asks, ¡°Take good care of Laurel, too, please.¡±


    Khla nods. He then announces, ¡°After mooch pursuit, we were able to recover all boot two oov our own. We moost retorn to Fievegal space to resupply.¡±


    Another Helmdraav, captured by the humans, steps forward. She¡¯s older than Neezha, but similar in size. She states, ¡°Baskylla Yarjen! I riquist¡­ err¡­ uh¡­ the hoom ixpareemint¡­ I¡­ I was to be next, Yarjen.¡±


    Khla cocks his head in surprise. Before he can ask, several more Grodrrns, two males and the last female captured, step forward. Again, just before he can respond, a male helmdraav and a male shocktrooper step forward.


    Khla simply laughs, tapping his foot jovially. He looks at Mrff, asking, ¡°{Thoughts?}¡±


    Mrff looks at the former captives apparently wanting to stay. He thinks silently and expressionlessly for a moment. After, he states, ¡°I beelivv hoomin fleet destroy een Zarakyssn battle. We rescue only seengle shootle oov sorvivors, who managed to copture one hoomin;¡± He gestures at Laurel. ¡°Should benefit all.¡±


    Khla nods. He¡¯s not particularly worried about his other subordinates confessing the truth because the Fievegal still will get what it wants, and they¡¯ll all be treated as heroes.


    Khla then announces in Grodrrn, ¡°{We will leave when my battleship is finished. Know where to be on that day.}¡±


    Long walks back over to Dzor with a content smile. She asks, though, ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡±


    He snorts, insisting bluntly, ¡°Discussion over.¡±


    Long chuckles, replying warmly, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ You¡¯re unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°I hovv yit to lie to you.¡± Maybe just the one little one, but technically, it¡¯s true.


    ¡°I know. I mean¡­ You surprised me.¡± She then teases, ¡°And, you know, if you stay, you can¡¯t make good on your threat.¡±


    ¡°What threat?¡±


    ¡°To steal a ship and drag me back to Grodurra.¡±


    Dzor thinks back. He doesn¡¯t recall explicitly saying that. Technically, she offered herself in trade for him to let her attempt to cure Khla¡¯s sterility. He replies, ¡°Thot was your promeess eef fail.¡±


    She frowns, ¡°Hmm¡­ Right.¡±


    Dzor stands straight, though, stating, ¡°If teem allows, I keep promeess.¡±


    Long smirks in surprise. She asks, ¡°Really?¡±


    The Grodrrn scoffs, ¡°Incissant Yukonja.¡±


    A male human voice calls out, ¡°Long! Bring those rifles over here! Stack them. We need to check for damage.¡±


    Dzor looks. A marine seems to have called out, but no one is looking their way. He asks, ¡°Soomwoon call for you?¡±


    Long looks, ¡°Hm? Oh! No. That¡¯s Chief Grey. He must¡¯ve been calling my sister.¡±


    Dzor instantly walks towards them, and Captain Long calls out, ¡°Wait!¡± as she jogs after him.


    Chief Grey is on crutches with his leg in a cast, watching and organizing weapons, including Grodrrn and Zarakyssn weapons. Grey and the female Chief Tachibana both look, saluting as they say, ¡°Captain. Yarjen.¡± Long salutes them back, saying, ¡°At ease.¡±


    Grey then adds, ¡°Looking fit, Yarjen. Glad to see it.¡±


    Dzor nods. He asks, ¡°You recover?¡±


    Grey chuckles, ¡°In time, unfortunately. I¡¯ll have to go back to working.¡±


    Tachibana and Long chuckle. A younger female human with the same hair color as Long approaches, stacking rifles. Without a word, Dzor steps past the Chiefs to stand before the young human. She jumps with a start. Her scent places her as the female who covered Grey and his companion first when they fitted Dzor with a regenerator. She says nervously, ¡°B-Baskylla Yarjen J-Jor, right? I¡¯m happy you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Dzor nods. He says gruffly, ¡°YOU are Copton Long¡¯s seestor?¡±


    She nods, squeaking, ¡°Ye-yes.¡± She glances at her three seniors, who are watching. Dzor replies, ¡°She discreeb kind girl. I think you weak.¡±


    The girl frowns, saying softly, ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Captain Long steps up, saying, ¡°He means ¡®thought¡¯, Jess. He THOUGHT you were weak. Right Jor?¡±


    Dzor nods in agreement, clarifying, ¡°Oonteel hilp feet Zjeekha.¡±


    The teen blushes, replying sheepishly, ¡°Oh! Um th-thank you, Yarjen. B-But you did all the real fighting. Th-Thank you¡­ especially for protecting Angelica. Um! The Captain.¡±


    Dzor looks at Captain Long, who explains, ¡°Angelica is my personal name. Long is our shared family name. This is Jessica. My younger sister.¡±


    Dzor nods at Jessica. He catches an even stranger smell, though. He smells traces of the parasite queen, but also a stronger scent like her. He sniffs Jessica more closely, and she tenses up. The Jardzen states bluntly, ¡°You carry an egg of-¡­¡± Captain Long elbows him, and he winces in surprise. He growls, but she explains, ¡°Sorry. But, it¡¯s not common knowledge, Yarjen.¡±


    Jessica asks, ¡°Um, i-if I may, Yarjen¡­ You could tell just by smelling?¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°Sootle odor. Like Poraseet Queen.¡±


    Tachibana corrects, ¡°We call her the Cave Queen, Yarjen.¡±


    ¡°Not her name?¡± asks Dzor curiously.


    Tachibana shakes her head. ¡°Her kind don¡¯t use names. She¡¯s content with and answers to Cave Queen.¡±


    ¡°Does your hand hurt Yarjen?¡± asks Jessica. Dzor looks down at her, and then it. He replies, ¡°No longer.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Um¡­ So¡­ You¡¯re staying¡­ with us?¡±


    Dzor nods.


    Jessica smiles. ¡°Angie-um-Captain Long might not say it, Yarjen, but¡­¡± Captain Long clears her throat sternly, but the younger sister finishes, ¡°She¡¯s very happy.¡±


    Dzor looks down at the elder sister, who now won¡¯t make eye contact with him as she growls impotently at Jessica.


    Chief Grey chuckles, replying, ¡°Damn! Called RIGHT out.¡±


    Angelica growls to Grey, ¡°As soon as you¡¯re healed, you¡¯re on toilet duty forever.¡±


    He chuckles, replying, ¡°Yes Captain.¡±


    Dzor has a lot to learn about the friendly aspects of human behavior. But, he is determined to learn for once. Did he make the right choice?


    Discussion over.


    ***

 Chapter 38: The Captured War Queen

    Ensign Hancock says good night to Lopez at her room and starts making his way back to his own. He doesn¡¯t make it far before a middle-aged man steps out of an intersection beside him. Hancock turns, and Mr. Right finally says, ¡°Rex.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Mr. Right? Looking for Dr. Lopez?¡±


    ¡°Actually, no. I was hoping to catch you alone. Mind walking with me for a bit?¡± Mr. Right is lacking his typical eccentricity, which usually precedes the requests of his which Hancock has to refuse. Typically, though, he at least hears him out. The information itself might be useful, such as when he wanted Hancock to sign off on increasing electrical loading. He told Lopez about it, and she sent over some suggested cutbacks in design that would buy the drydock more electrical loading to help speed up production a little. What Mr. Right usually wants is rarely useless. He¡¯s just lazy about the proper channels, or is afraid they¡¯ll stonewall him for other priorities.


    Hancock replies, ¡°I can spare a few minutes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Come with me, please.¡±


    Mr. Right was given a choice between his stateroom and his office on the Providence, so the other space could be used. Somewhat surprisingly, he chose his office, which is right next to the technology lab. He leads Hancock to his office.


    The normally-eccentric former businessman asks, ¡°How¡­ much has Doctor Lopez told you?¡±


    ¡°In regard to what, sir?¡± asks Hancock innocently. With Mr. Right and Dr. Lopez, it could be almost literally anything.


    Mr. Right takes his seat, replying, ¡°Specifically, her mother.¡±


    Hancock tenses a little. According to Lopez, Mr. Right promised to send a private plane to retrieve the scientist¡¯s mother, a humble DMV worker in a small town in Texas. Whatever course of events occurred, Anna Lopez didn¡¯t make it onto any of the starliners.


    Hancock replies as neutrally as he can, ¡°She told me¡­ enough, Sir.¡±


    Mr. Right nods, ¡°She¡¯s right, you know. I did promise to send a plane, and Anna Maria Francesca Lopez is not on any of our ships. My promise wasn¡¯t kept.¡± He pauses, gingerly pinching his temples. He adds, ¡°I took it as a blessing she¡¯s kept going this long, that she even acknowledges my existence.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Respectfully, Sir, she doesn¡¯t know any other option.¡±


    Mr. Right says coldly, ¡°We ALL know one. But¡­ she hasn¡¯t sunk to that point yet.¡± He sighs, adding, ¡°I¡­ am thankful¡­ to you. She¡­ obviously didn¡¯t have many friends¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this about, Sir?¡± asks Hancock cautiously.


    Mr. Right hits the spacebar on his laptop. There¡¯s a short pause, and then a voice starts ¨CMr. Right¡¯s voice- ¡°Hello!? Air Traffic Control!? I¡¯m being told you grounded my plane! What the hell is going on!?¡±


    ¡°Sir, Sir, calm down. For inquiries-¡­¡±


    ¡°Private Flight Six One Six to Seattle-Tacoma. Departure time six P.M. That was TWO hours ago! It¡¯s a private plane!¡±


    ¡°Sir, calm down. This is Air Traffic Control, not a complaint-¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯M NOT FILING A COMPLAINT! I WANT THAT AIRPLANE IN THE SKY NOW! THE HELL I PAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR ALL THE DAMN LICENSES FOR!? MY AMUSEMENT!?¡±


    ¡°Sir, you do not possess authorization to call this-¡­¡±


    ¡°AUTHORIZATION!? YOU WANT AUTHORIZATION!? I AM RUSSELL RIGHT! I¡¯M THE REASON YOUR AIRPORT IS EVEN OPEN! Yes! Captain Murphy! Look, I¡¯m on with them right now.¡±


    In the background, the ATC is trying to get his attention, but he continues, ¡°I don¡¯t care, Murphy! Is she on the plane? Is Anna on the plane? Yes? Okay, good! Listen, let me worry about Air Traffic. Look both ways and take off.¡±


    SIR! YOU CANNOT ORDER A PILOT TO-¡­¡± ¡°SHUT UP! I¡¯LL DEAL WITH YOU IN A MINUTE! Murphy, take off. That¡¯s an order. A billion dollars Murphy! Get Anna here NOW! I¡¯m serious! I will pay you anything! Just get that plane in the air!¡±


    ¡°SIR! That is a federal offense! The F.A.A.-¡­¡± "LADY! YOU CAN SEND THE GOD-DAMNED F.B.I. TO ARREST ME RIGHT THE HELL NOW. BUT THAT PLANE IS TAKING OFF. Murphy, do it. If she¡¯s not here in 3 hours, I will destroy you. Clear? Good.¡±


    ¡°Sir, Sir, I¡¯ve contacted the F.A.A. They have instructed me to warn you; final warning, that flight is NOT to attempt departure. Please, sir, call off your pilot. Sir, sir, your pilot is disobeying Air Traffic-¡­¡±


    ¡°GOOD! He¡¯s earning his pay! Unlike some people. You¡¯ll be hearing from my lawyers AND every news crew I can find.¡±


    ¡°SIR! ALL FLIGHTS ARE GROUNDED! CALL OFF YOUR PILOT, NOW! PLEASE! SIR-¡­¡± A shrieking blast-like noice overloads the ATC¡¯s sound track, while a similar burst is heard on Mr. Right¡¯s side as he yells, ¡°Gah! Murphy? Murphy!? You there!? WHAT¡¯S-¡­!?¡±


    The phone hangs up. Mr. Right turns his laptop to show Hancock the screen. The picture shows a satellite image, zoomed way in, on a private leerjet blasted to pieces by an explosion.


    Mr. Right says grimly, ¡°Do you know WHY all flights were grounded?¡±


    Hancock shakes his head. He notices Mr. Right¡¯s eyes are watering, though. A rare sight on the charismatic buisinessman. He replies, ¡°Executive order¡­ So government officials and super donators could fly.¡±


    Mr. Right swallows hard. He chokes out, ¡°I haven¡¯t told Levi, yet. I didn¡¯t want to risk her functioning. I just¡­ I need someone to understand¡­ I loved Anna once¡­ I¡­ I thought about crashing the starliners down¡­ right there¡­ on that very tarmac¡­¡± He leaps to his feet, yelling, ¡°WHERE THAT GOD-DAMNED LOCAL HERO KILLED THE ONE THING LEVI¡¯S EVER ASKED FOR HERSELF!¡± He clutches his head, venting furiously. He slowly simmers down. Hancock knows Mr. Right isn¡¯t above a performance to achieve his goals, but this¡­ this is genuine. Plus, not even Mr. Right would lie about this.


    Hancock replies softly, ¡°I¡¯m very sorry, Sir¡­¡±


    Mr. Right nods. ¡°I tell myself over and over, everyone¡¯s lost somebody. And, I can handle Levi thinking I¡¯m an idiot or a clown¡­ but...¡± He sighs. ¡°More than anything, I just want her safe. More and more every day.¡±


    Hancock, building a clear suspicion even before today, asks cautiously, ¡°Sir¡­ What is Lopez to you?¡±


    Mr. Right looks at him. He replies, ¡°She doesn¡¯t actually know. Anna¡¯s and my romance was short-lived. She thought I was an idiot, too. Found out about¡­ four, maybe five years later. When I asked Anna why she never told me or tried to extort me, she told me, ¡®I want my Levine to be humble. To know her true blood.¡¯ I was never more touched than by that woman¡¯s integrity. She raised Levi on a county salary, occasional boyfriends that rarely worked. I begged her, though, to let me pay for school, for school supplies, all of it. When Anna asked if she could encourage Levi to excel, my heart nearly burst. She thought I meant easy rich kid schools. So, she pushed Levi to advanced classes. Grants, projects, technical schools, apprenticeships, college¡­ all in high school. And, to my word, I had to stay out of Levi¡¯s life otherwise. And, I did. She excelled at everything ¨Cexcept sports, but whatever-. How Anna did it, I don¡¯t know. She told Levi the money was coming from grants she applied for on Levi¡¯s behalf, which was true. And, by twenty two, she had a doctorate in astromechanics. And, guess who was hiring an astromechanic with computer programming experience and an in-progress degree in electronics engineering?¡± He smiles.


    Hancock, only really looking for a simple answer, replies, ¡°So you ARE her father.¡±


    Mr. Right counters politely, ¡°By blood alone. Like I said, she has no idea. When I hired her, I treated her like any employee. Her skill let her climb the ladder to my right hand on her own. As a billionaire, I can play favorites, and otherwise, she didn¡¯t know me. But, when I gave her a lab that was out of the way and secluded, sorcery came out of it. If you did the same tomorrow, I¡¯d give you anything you wanted, too. All the while, I got to sit back and just¡­ be so stupendously proud.¡±


    ¡°Why not tell her, then? She thinks you let her mother die. She thinks she has no family.¡±


    Mr. Right sighs, replying, ¡°I DID get her mother killed. If I had been patient, or simply called Murphy first¡­ They might have made it. Maybe I could have even called the F.A.A¡­. Instead, I tried to be a billionaire.¡± He turns the laptop around and closes it. He adds, ¡°You also seem to think she would believe me. I made a promise. I failed. She¡¯d just see it as me trying to deflect or something.¡±


    Hancock retorts, ¡°You seem to think the girl you apparently spent a billion dollars educating can¡¯t accept something as straightforward as the truth.¡±


    Mr. Right says bluntly, ¡°Nine hundred and twenty seven million.¡± Hancock cocks his head in disbelief, but Mr. Right replies to the statement, ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right¡­ I just¡­ Things work as they are¡­¡±


    Hancock sighs. He says bluntly, ¡°Sir, like you said. We¡¯ve all lost someone. Lots of someones or everyone in some cases. Not many get the chance to gain someone.¡±


    Mr. Right takes a deep breath and sighs. He replies, ¡°I appreciate it, Rex. If you can, just¡­ Try to make sure Levi is doing okay. I¡¯ll tell her when the time is right. Until then, just keep being her friend, please.¡±


    Hancock smiles, ¡°Try and stop me, Sir.¡±


    Mr. Right smiles and nods. ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s all I wanted this time. Good night, Rex.¡±


    ¡°Good night, Mr. Right.¡±


    Hancock walks with swirling thoughts. He enters his and Kenzie¡¯s room, and she¡¯s already sitting in bed. She greets him, ¡°Welcome back, Rex. Levi doing okay?¡±


    He nods. ¡°Hey, lemme ask you something. This might sound crazy, but what if I thought Mr. Right was Levi¡¯s dad? Would you call me-¡­¡±


    ¡°He is,¡± replies Kenzie directly. She is knitting, one of the few hobbies she could pick up on the ship since paper is out of the question for drawing, things like tablet computers are low priority for manufacturing, and most other crafts or simple hobbies are also limited. Plus, it lets her make something she can give to people, including Hancock, and feel at least a little special.


    Hancock chuckles as he sits on the edge of the bed to take his boots off, ¡°That was fast.¡±


    She scoffs, replying, ¡°I mean, come on, Rex. It¡¯s obvious. He¡¯s two different people when she is or isn¡¯t near. She shows up, no one else exists most of the time. Plus, he was a wreck after the crane incident.¡±


    Hancock chuckles again, replying, ¡°That WAS pretty intense.¡±


    She nods in agreement. ¡°I don¡¯t want to just think you¡¯ll always escape things like that, but, not gonna lie, I like it that you do¡­¡± He smiles and walks over to kiss her, joking, ¡°Me, too.¡± He then asks, ¡°You really think it¡¯s that obvious though?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm. Definitely.¡±


    ¡°You think she knows?¡±


    Kenzie shrugs, rocking her head neutrally, ¡°Ehh, I don¡¯t know. Levi¡¯s smart, but¡­ I dunno, she exists in her own little world sometimes. Something like that might slip right by her. Why? She feel bad about yelling at Mr. Right?¡±


    The Ensign shakes his head. ¡°Actually, Mr. Right caught me on my way here and told me. Not so directly.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± asks Kenzie surprised.


    ¡°Well¡­ He wanted someone to know the truth about Levi¡¯s mother.¡±


    ¡°And you trust him?¡±


    ¡°Usually, no. But¡­ this was¡­ different. It explains a lot about them both. And, why he wasn¡¯t too traumatized when the original Captain of the Polonia¡­ did away with the politicians.¡±


    Kenzie scoffs, ¡°I¡¯m sure something you saw makes sense.¡± She then pats his side, saying, ¡°Hurry up and go shower so you can rub my feet.¡± He scoffs, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    He can¡¯t help but wonder if Mr. Right confided in him for a reason though.


    ***


    Repairs continue on every ship. Some volunteers took a chance and ate foods from both the Grodrrns and the Cave Queen. While some of the Cave Queen¡¯s flora proved to be poisonous to humans, which was determined quickly enough to counteract, most is edible. Likewise, the Cave Queen has sampled small doses of human foods, and she¡¯s had no adverse reactions. The fortunate ability to share meals across the three present species means they can more evenly spread resources.


    Khla¡¯s battleship has traded some of the strange ¡®pressurization blocks¡¯, which are supposedly a solid block of almost pure oxygen. Mrff, the second in command on Khla¡¯s ship and a little older and wiser, explained that it¡¯s made possible by the foil-like wrapping, as the compression to a solid block has more to do with stripping electrons and forcing some kind of non-reactive nuclear bond or attraction ¨Cit doesn¡¯t translate well-. But, simply puncturing a hole in the foil starts the rebalance of the oxygen¡¯s electrons, forcing them to repel each other more normally. The subsequent release of normal oxygen allows one block to fill a space the size of the hangar bay to one Grodrrn atmosphere, which is about 11-12 pounds. They also trade stored meats, shoring fabrics ¨Csimilar to the human temporary patches, but more versatile with what surfaces they can attach to-, and any salvaged Zarakyssn equipment in exchange for, surprisingly, water ¨Csince Khla¡¯s storage tanks were hit-, a full ship¡¯s service distilling and reverse osmosis combo unit for purifying water, and two of the three captured Grodrrn shuttles, as well as a couple of the meteor eels and frogs the humans have captured.


    The truce fleet is in orbit near an asteroid belt somewhere in deadspace. Both Khla and Dzor confirm their location is neither Zarakyssn nor Fievegal territory ¨Cafter about four hours of essentially little more than space-sextant measurements, triangulation-like calculations, and another hour bickering over their precise coordinates in the range of a fraction of an astronomical unit. Mrff performed the same calculations independently, and his result sparked a new argument about whose was truly right. Khla accused them both of using red stars, which supposedly have less pinpoint accuracy because of gravitational refraction, while Dzor argued that ultraviolets, which Grodrrns can apparently detect to some degree, can have false amplification from something like laminar flow of the high-energy photons, making the star in question appear to be a different star than it is.


    Mrff did his best to translate as they argued, indicating such passionate debates ¨Cwhich he did nothing to stop- were not only a common occurrence, but therapeutic to the two Baskylla Jardzens. And, because they were essentially arguing inches in the ocean, Captain Long only stepped in when the two were pressing their foreheads together in their boisterous debate. Dzor was mostly healed at the time, but she gets nervous when two beings each over 500 pounds start hitting each other.


    And, at Captain Long¡¯s request, Dzor has been returning to Medical to rest so they can observe his recovery. He made the small mistake of telling her that regenerators can cause complications due to the rapid recovery, such as fusing shrapnel to bones, supercharging cancerous growths, and masking symptoms of bacterial or fungal infections, which is partially why Grodrrns who desire military service in the Fievegal are screened for genetic markers signifying enhanced immunity and disease resistance. If they do get an alien infection on a distant world, their immune systems tend to overtake it. So, Captain Long has been certain to ensure Dzor is under observation as he sleeps.


    It¡¯s been a long road to where they are at this moment, and it¡¯s far from over. Captain Long leans on the railing looking out of one of the plasma doors. Rather than try to dismantle them, the humans are incorporating them. They¡¯ve rigged power from the captured Zarakyssn ships, which use a fluid instead of electrical wires. Until the science teams can piece together the functions of the devices, they¡¯re stuck with the Zarakyssn designs. The fluid of which is extremely caustic to biological materials.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Heavy footsteps slow to a stop behind her. She turns and smiles. Baskylla Jardzen Dzor was in medical for what was expected to be the last day. She asks expectantly, ¡°Well?¡±


    The Grodrrn replies, ¡°I threatened I pull off arms. They clear.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. Very funny, Jor.¡± He¡¯s a master of keeping a straight face, but she knows he wouldn¡¯t. Everyone¡¯s still nervous around him, save the handful who saw him in action PROTECTING human lives. She turns, and they start walking as she asks, ¡°So, ready for one more surprise?¡±


    He snorts in amusement, asking, ¡°Een hangor?¡±


    ¡°Not this time. You¡¯ll have to follow at my pace.¡±


    He states in a slight groan, seemingly disappointed, ¡°Very well.¡± She smirks up at him, though. He doesn¡¯t try to rush her or anything because he clearly isn¡¯t bothered.


    As they walk, they pass marines and civilians. Many of them greet both of them, and Long returns the greetings. Almost all of the humans call him by his title, in spite of the current circumstances.


    Dzor asks, ¡°Copton. Why hoomins call me by teetle?¡±


    Long looks up at him, as if she hadn¡¯t noticed. ¡°Hm? It is your title, correct? If you¡¯d prefer the more formal Bask-¡­¡± ¡°No. Eez not that. Eez that I omm ¨Cwas- preeznor. Yet hoomins treat ozz eef actual Yarjen.¡±


    Long smiles. ¡°Well, even with prisoners, we try to respect titles. It¡¯s a courtesy to your position, regardless of your deeds. And, you never got formally disowned by the Fievegal. We¡¯re still discussing the ifs, hows, buts, and whens of incorporating you and your crewmates to our crew, formally, but the expectation is that we¡¯ll try to honor your ranks and titles. Just because you¡¯re serving our military ¨Cif you do- doesn¡¯t mean you have to stop being Grodurn military.¡±


    Dzor says bluntly, ¡°Fievegal not Grodurn military.¡±


    Surprised, Long replies, ¡°Oh! Sorry! I just figured the Fievegal is the official government of Grodurra, so its military was too.¡±


    Dzor replies somewhat distantly, ¡°Eet eez. Fievegal Military eez offeshul on all words conquered by Fievegal. Boot, all words steel possess own military een ceremonih. First word Grodurns conquer ozz Fievegal was Grodurra.¡±


    Long nods sympathetically. She says softly, ¡°That makes sense¡­ How long has the Fievegal been around?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Seex thousand, seven hoondrid, thirty one solar sickles. Mmm¡­ Eleven thousand, neen hoondrid, ond¡­ seex or seven years een hoomin teem.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s an incredibly long time.¡±


    The Jardzen nods. ¡°Chulm¡¯chn een Grodurn Jibrak. Mm¡­ Royal Army. Oother yoongleengs deesrespict her. I deesrespict her¡­¡± The Jardzen trails off.


    Long asks softly, ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°Grick¡­ {Sorry¡­}¡±


    Long knows ¡®Gryk¡¯. Neezha would say it when she fumbled something or bumped someone. It means ¡®sorry¡¯, but in a more humble way. She isn¡¯t sure if he¡¯s apologizing, or if it¡¯s what his Chulm¡¯chn said. Instead, Dzor takes a breath, saying as if nothing happened, ¡°I sooprise you not sooprise I, oov all Grodurn, have feemahl Chulm¡¯chn.¡±


    Long smiles softly. Maybe it was nothing. The Grodrrns are rather blunt. She replies, ¡°A little. Is¡­ She waiting for you on Grodurra?¡±


    Dzor shakes his head. ¡°Grick lost word she ever say to me. Keel een bomb attock on paradd een honor oov Saurmynnyka.¡±


    The color drains from Long¡¯s face. The way Dzor described the Fievegal until now made them seem above things like parade bombings. But, even more importantly, his mother ¨Ca rarity in Grodrrn culture- was killed in one.


    Dzor looks at her, asking bluntly, ¡°Why quiet?¡±


    Long looks down, replying, ¡°Sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have pried. I¡¯m very sorry for your loss, Dzor.¡±


    ¡°I blame self for long teem. Boot, I know, deep down, she know I was fooleesh yoongleeng. Eez bond. Nothing like. Whin peer say eet was blesseeng, I put his head through stone wall. Fined mooch, ond deesqualifee from joining Jibrak.¡±


    Surprised, Long remarks, ¡°You were going to honor her¡­¡± He nods.


    Dzor looks up, saying, ¡°They say Yeerkyzz ¨Corphan- grow ogrissive. Donjeroos. Oonloyal.¡± He snorts, looking at Long. ¡°I guess eez correct.¡±


    ¡°Who can blame you? You lost the person you loved most. But, you channeled it into something constructive; a career worthy of you.¡±


    He snorts again, saying dryly, ¡°Trizzon.¡±


    ¡°I believe we all have a higher purpose, Jor. Why do you think your Hulm¡¯hin chose to wake up everyday to be a loyal member of the Jibrak? It was her calling. It undoubtedly gave her pride. And, she believed in what she was doing. You stood against monsters for a race you once swore as enemies because you chose to fight for what you believed.¡±


    The Grodrrn scoffs, saying quietly, ¡°Incissant Yukonja.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky Craw won¡¯t tell me what that means, Jor. But, she laughs warmly, so it must be a kind word.¡±


    ¡°Belive what you want.¡± He then asks, ¡°What eez sooprise?¡±


    Long smiles, replying, ¡°This.¡± She points at a door. She leads to it and opens it. It¡¯s a fairly small room, all things considered, with enough room for a Grodrrn-sized bed on each side, a desk for each side, and an enlarged shower and¡­ Dzor looks at her in surprise.


    She smiles, replying, ¡°Sorry it¡¯s a little small, but¡­ It¡¯s yours. You DO have to share it with Craw, still. I hope that¡¯s okay. We¡¯re tight on sleeping space, which is at least good population-wise, but-¡­¡±


    Dzor puffs air down the back of her head and neck, startling her a little and messing up her ponytail a little. She squeaks in startled surprise, ¡°What was that!?¡±


    ¡°Grodurn thonk you.¡±


    ¡°R-Really?¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°Thonk you¡­¡± He looks at the room. It¡¯s not much, but he¡¯s seen how many humans can crowd the halls during the busiest of times. She adds, ¡°There¡¯s a ration card for you on your bed, as well as an extra blanket if you get cold, some extra clothes¡­ Sorry everything¡¯s¡­ you know¡­ just big human things. We WANT to get the fleet a little more¡­ normal for everyone, but¡­¡± Dzor interrupts her by puffing air on her neck again. She yelps, ¡°Hey!¡± Her face turns pink, and she scolds, ¡°You¡¯re making fun of me, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Dzor shakes his head sincerely. ¡°Eez more thonn I ixpict. Thonk you. No need to talk so much.¡±


    She relaxes, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No need. Ration card. Does not look like food.¡± He inspects the plastic card on his bed.


    Long chuckles, ¡°It¡¯s not, itself. You show that to the cafeterias or ward rooms, they¡¯ll scan it, and they¡¯ll give you your meal for each meal time. Your ration is a little more than when you were a prisoner. As soon as we can catch up, we¡¯ll raise everyone¡¯s.¡±


    Dzor asks, ¡°So, eef I keel ond take oothor ration cards, I git more food?¡±


    She glares at him playfully, retorting, ¡°Very funny, Jor. Behave, please.¡±


    He crosses his arms, standing as tall as he can, which touches his head and collar to the ceiling. He asks arrogantly, ¡°Who going to make?¡±


    Long crosses her arms, unintimidated. ¡°If I have to, me.¡±


    Dzor snorts in amusement, turning away to inspect the bathroom. He says dryly, ¡°Not so long ago, you tremble een my presence.¡±


    She smiles warmly, replying, ¡°Not so long ago, I didn¡¯t know anything about you.¡±


    ¡°Steel know little.¡± He looks at her.


    She replies sincerely, ¡°I know that. But, I intend to keep learning. I honestly hope you¡¯ll command a ship. With your experience, it¡¯s a no-brainer. BUT, the Marines are hoping you¡¯ll don shocktrooper armor and join them on the next exploration or assault. I know enough about you to know¡­ Your choice isn¡¯t likely going to be what I hope.¡±


    ¡°Eef duties demand experience, then demand.¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to stand alone on one of our bridges questioning your life or pride again. I want you to find and do what gives you meaning. If it¡¯s on the ground, that¡¯s okay. If you want to learn to be a pilot, or even just to cook,¡± She scoffs, imagining Dzor serving food to everyone, ¡°Then, that is your choice. I often suspected, though, when we talked, you like to fight. You just know to direct it the right ways. I admire that.¡±


    Dzor thinks a moment without much expression. There are times his thoughts play out on his face, but more often, he is hard to read. She doubts it¡¯s a stressed or scheming thought in his mind, though. He¡¯s likely just pondering the notion of having a real choice for once.


    He finally asks, ¡°Teem to consider?¡±


    She nods, ¡°Of course. And, we won¡¯t be too strict if you change your mind. But, I ask that you give us time to replace your first chosen role if you change your mind.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Thonk you.¡±


    She then hesitantly makes to leave. She stops, though, saying without looking at him, ¡°I am¡­ happy, Jor. That you decided to stay.¡± She looks at him, adding warmly, ¡°I enjoy talking to you. We¡¯ll continue our chess games soon.¡±


    Dzor hums. He says simply, ¡°Incissant Yukonja.¡±


    She smiles, adding, ¡°If you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. I¡¯ll see you later.¡± She starts to walk away, knowing he¡¯s hit or miss on farewells.


    Instead, once more, hot air blasts her neck and messes with her hair, startling her with a shiver the length of her spine. She whirls, yelping, ¡°Hey!¡± He had silently lunged across his new quarters to do so, and he rears back to a smug stance. She blushes, asking hotly, ¡°Are you lying about teasing me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t tease. Goodb-¡­¡± He halts, sniffing the air. His expression turns cold, and his whole presence darkens with aggression. Without a word, he storms past her. Long yelps, ¡°Jor!? What¡¯s wrong!?¡± She has to run to catch up with him.


    She asks again, ¡°What is it!?¡±


    Dzor finally answers, pausing at intersections to follow his nose, ¡°One leeves.¡±


    ¡°One what?¡± Some of the Marines notice, asking, ¡°Captain!? Something going on?¡±


    She replies, ¡°I don¡¯t know! Yarjen, what leaves?¡±


    He snorts, replying, ¡°Lee-lives. War Queen on sheep.¡±


    Long stumbles, asking, ¡°You can smell her?¡± She rams into his back when he halts on a dime, and the Marines jogging after them barely stop in time. Long nurses her nose, which thankfully isn¡¯t bleeding, as Dzor spins, growling deeply, ¡°Ixplain.¡±


    Long replies, a little irritated, ¡°Providence captured a large Zarakyssn. It locked itself in one of the haulers for atmosphere. We think it escaped the destruction of the first ship, but we haven¡¯t been able to communicate with it. Lieutenant Kane¡¯s device locked up after the battle, and he collapsed.¡±


    Dzor snarls, ¡°Eet MOOST be keeled. NOW.¡±


    ¡°Dzor, it¡¯s a prisoner. And, it was seen HEALING our troops. We want to know why.¡±


    ¡°Then eez medical War Queen. Keel now!¡± He starts scanning the air again.


    Long grabs his arm, urging, ¡°Yarjen! Calm down! We¡¯re taking precautions. We disabled the engines, we¡¯re jamming and shielding its signals. If it IS a War Queen, all the better to learn-¡­¡±


    ¡°LEARN NOTHEENG! HEEVE MEEND, REMIMBOR!? Oothor Queens find. Come. Keel her now!¡±


    ¡°Jor, please calm down! I understand your caution, but we need to question her even a little, and to do that, we need Kane-¡­¡± Dzor snorts more angrily, growling, ¡°I quistion. Where!?¡±


    ¡°Dzor, she¡¯s a prisoner. I won¡¯t let you harm her.¡±


    He tenses tightly, which makes Long briefly nervous. But, he relaxes. He says more calmly, ¡°Move fleet today. Move every day.¡±


    ¡°You really think they could find her this far out of their territory?¡±


    Dzor nods affirmatively. ¡°I don¡¯t know, boot, not worth reesk. Eef you weesh hold for now¡­¡± He flexes his jaw, clearly unhappy with the notion, he finishes, ¡°Moost not allow teem to catch ooss.¡±


    She nods. ¡°We can abide that. Thank you Dzor.¡±


    ¡°How you intend to question eef no one speak Zarakyssn?¡±


    Long replies softly, ¡°We¡­ were going to wait until Kane recovers. But¡­ did you really mean you can question her?¡±


    ¡°Leemited. We oonderstond feen, boot, we stroogle to pronounce. Zarak syllbles Grodurns can not prononce.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you understand them? Every word?¡±


    He nods, ¡°Virtual. Words leek Zjeekha have no translation, boot disteenct meaning.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect! Just get her talking. What she talks about will get us started.¡±


    Dzor snorts. He replies, ¡°Rather keel.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ But, please? We¡¯re trying to understand the universe. Not kill everything in it.¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°I know. Your compassion¡­¡± He sighs, finishing softly, ¡°Mooch appreciate¡­¡±


    Long, expecting him to say ¡®weakness¡¯, stares at the Grodrrn in stunned silence for a moment. He states, trying to move past the moment, ¡°We talk to War Queen now. Sooner talk, sooner get her off sheep.¡± He starts walking towards the hangar. He stops a few feet away when Long doesn¡¯t follow. He states, ¡°We talk now, yes?¡±


    She snaps out of it, jogging after him, ¡°Sure! Yes! We can do it now.¡±


    The two walk to the hangar, and they find the hauler ship being chained down. A plasma door separates an un-helmeted War Queen who is casually cleaning some kinds of hand tools. She does tense up when she sees Dzor approaching, though, and slinks to a back corner. It becomes instantly obvious she¡¯s hiding something the way she covers the corner with her body. She whines and chatters, which causes Dzor to snort.


    Long asks, ¡°What¡¯d she say?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Oopset I omm here.¡± Dzor makes some hand gestures at the Zarakyssn War Queen. She answers with a short answer. Dzor states, ¡°She hides something.¡±


    ¡°How much can you communicate with signs?¡±


    ¡°Not mooch. Zarakyssns have no written longweej, nor roboost veesual commoonication. Eef can¡¯t be pointed to, can¡¯t be asked about.¡±


    ¡°Can you ask about her? Who she is, why she¡¯s here?¡±


    ¡°I can osk abott her. Not why.¡± He makes some hand gestures. The War Queen seems to ask something, and Dzor makes one more gesture. She seems disappointed, but starts talking. Dzor translates as she goes, ¡°She say, she ¡®viss-surn-nurr¡¯, War Queen of Healing.¡± He grumbles, ¡°Meesnomer. Torturer ond brain-¡± ¡°Shh,¡± hisses Long. ¡°Focus.¡±


    He continues, ¡°She first War Queen to arrive. Her injuries have¡­ severed ¡®gizz-leh-hih-mrr¡¯¡­ Mmm, ¡®Diveen bond¡¯.¡± Dzor suddenly snarls at her mockingly. He makes hand gestures. The Queen pleads, repeating at least part of what she said. Dzor says dryly, ¡°She claim her heeve-meend ability coot off. She moost theenk we fools.¡±


    ¡°What if it was?¡± asks Captain Long.


    Dzor snorts, ¡°Eez not.¡±


    ¡°But, what if?¡±


    ¡°EEF, then hilpliss boog more hilpliss thonn soldier. Liss leekly to attempt boarding sheep.¡±


    Long nods. The Queen chatters again, insisting. Dzor hand-signals again, and she looks around desperately, still chattering and buzzing. Seemingly disheartening, she pulls something out of the crate she had attempted to hide. The object, which causes Dzor to growl angrily, is about the size of a standard pillow, but round with extended tendrils. It reminds Long of a shark¡¯s egg, which pretty much fills her suspicion, given Dzor¡¯s reaction.


    Long urges, ¡°Yarjen, stay calm. What is it?¡±


    He growls, ¡°Eez eeg! Jittison now!¡± The Queen cradles it protectively, speaking nervously to Dzor. He turns to Long, snarling, ¡°Keel both now, or we be overrun! Feelthy-¡­¡±


    Long touches his chest, saying gently, ¡°Jor¡­ Please calm down. Why did she show us? What did she say?¡±


    Dzor huffs in irritation, but calms slowly. He replies, ¡°You peety her. Geeve een to her lies.¡±


    ¡°She said that?¡±


    ¡°No. She say she want troost. Show ozz sign oov good faith. No secrits or lies.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­ not that convincing to just blindly trust her¡­¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°Agreed. We keel ond jettison now, ond be done.¡±


    She scolds lightly, ¡°Jor, no. Senior Chief? Is the stinger contained?¡±


    A Marine nearby replies, ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Can you have it brough over? I want to see what she¡¯ll tell us about it.¡±


    Dzor asks as the Marine affirms and orders others, ¡°You keep thot-¡­ thot poison?¡±


    Long nods. ¡°We study everything. Understanding its properties could prove useful.¡±


    ¡°Donjeroos. Too donjeroos.¡±


    Long chuckles, ¡°So were you.¡± When the container arrives containing the Zjeekha stinger, Long shows it to the Queen. She asks Dzor, ¡°Can you get her to describe it?¡±


    Dzor nods. He signals at the Queen. The War Queen starts talking, still holding her egg. Dzor translates, ¡°Eez steenger from creature called¡­ ¡®Nurzz¡¯killa¡¯brrk.¡¯ Beeg creature, leek naszhtah.¡± Dzor pauses when he realizes Long will have no idea what that is. He replies, ¡°Beeg eensict. Minny legs. She say eez from world een Zarakyssn space. Steeng makes prey go berserk ond keel all around. Then Nurzz¡¯killa¡¯brrk eat all. Reetual called¡­ Zjheekhalla-tee-onn-nonn. We call joost ¡®Zjheekha¡¯, ofter chanting. She say Zjheekha eez lost rizzort, use when foes too powerful. She say Zarakyssns seek uniting, not keeleeng.¡± He snorts, grumbling in Grodrrn.


    ¡°What does she mean by uniting?¡± asks Long. ¡°Because no one felt particularly politely invited into any alliance.¡±


    ¡°Eez Zarakyssn lies.¡± Dzor hitches his thought, correcting, ¡°Religious beliefs. Fievegal believe Zarakyssn eat oothor races, ond this soomhow unites that race weeth Zarakyssns.¡±


    ¡°Ask her to clarify, please.¡±


    ¡°Cannot. Notheeng to point at.¡±


    Long thinks for a moment. She points at the Queen, and then makes a hand puppet eating motion, and then points at herself and Dzor. The Queen looks at her, confused. The Queen says something, and Dzor states. ¡°She theenk you ask abott hunger ond food. She saying she have rations, ond wants you to geeve her rations from oother coptured vessels.¡±


    ¡°Was she polite about it?¡± Dzor snorts, ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    She nods, ¡°That can be arranged. But, what about ¡®unity¡¯? How do we ask about it?¡±


    ¡°What does eet matter? Zarakyssns eat oother rasses. Theess eez fact.¡±


    ¡°We thought that about the Grodurns at first, too.¡±


    ¡°That eez lie! We discooss theess. Hoomins suitable carrier for Saurmynnyka. Would have become mimbors oov Fievegal after.¡±


    ¡°I know. My point was, we should keep open minds until we know. She hasn¡¯t been aggressive yet, and even saved a fallen Marine¡¯s life with surgery faster than any human could ever do.¡±


    ¡°Joost because alien kind once, do not ixpict not to be enemies. A bondmate can keel as easily as oggressive monstor.¡±


    The auburn-haired Captain smiles softly, ¡°I understand your point, Yarjen. But, if you followed that logic blindly, you¡¯d never have any friends.¡±


    Dzor hums deeply. He doesn¡¯t argue further. He asks, ¡°How hoomins commoonicate weeth pora-er, Cave Queen?¡±


    Long perks up, ¡°Oh my gosh! I¡¯m glad you mentioned her! She¡¯s perfect! She communicates uh¡­ I dunno, magic, as far as I¡¯m concerned. But, her ability negates language barriers. At least, so far. We¡¯ll ask her.¡±


    ¡°Ond, eef she refuse?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find a way. I¡¯ll order the fleet moved tonight, and tomorrow, we¡¯ll ask the Cave Queen for help. Can you tell the War Queen we¡¯ll be back later?¡±


    ¡°Why? She eez enemy. Owe her no onswors.¡±


    ¡°Just do it, please. We¡¯re not the Fievegal.¡±


    Dzor grumbles as he signs to her, ¡°Then she know when escopp, return to horde weeth informigence¡­¡±


    Long chuckles, ¡°Then it¡¯ll be my fault. Until then, she¡¯ll be under guard anyways.¡±


    The Queen replies, and Dzor says, ¡°She acknowledge ond osk you keel her ond jittison.¡±


    ¡°Nice try, Yarjen.¡±


    He snorts in disappointment.


    ***

 Chapter 39: Zarakyssns and their Queens

    The ships enter into a modified lockdown as they prepare for a more leisurely jump. Captain Long scheduled it in concern the Zarakyssns might have a way to track them, so they¡¯re being abundantly cautious. The mining vessels were all recalled from the asteroids, and all external repair crews were brought inside the skins of the ships, and head counts are being performed. It¡¯s a headache for the repair crews especially, because they have to clean up all of their tools, but no one argues. Not a single soul on any of the ships wants a repeat of the first encounter with what the Grodrrns call ¡®the Zarakyssn Horde¡¯.


    Petty Officer Mina Coulson is no exception. She¡¯s finally on break after watches, working parties, and drills broken only by sleep, and only one thing has occupied her mind. The Cave Queen requested the watchstanders not be burdened by companion duty for her, since she was mostly going to be healing, and if she needed anything, would ask Heloise. But, Mina hasn¡¯t had a chance to actually check on the Queen since the battle, during which the second batch of the Queen¡¯s eggs, laid mid-battle in the incubators to unburden her, were lost because the incubators weren¡¯t actually turned on. Something which none of the Marines present at the time knew.


    Twice now, humanity has lost the Queen hundreds of her precious eggs.


    Mina hesitates at the door. Could the Queen not want to see her or anyone else? Is she angry?


    The light lock door opens, allowing Heloise to step out. The former police officer jumps, ¡°Oh! Mina! You scared me. Everything okay?¡±


    Mina nods with a smile. ¡°Mm-hmm. Just fine. I was just¡­ thinking about stuff.¡±


    ¡°Mm, I see.¡± Heloise has some laundry, which is mostly bedding, in a basket. She asks, ¡°You here for me or the Queen, Sweetie?¡±


    The young woman replies playfully, ¡°I always wanna see you, Mom!¡± She hugs the woman, earning a warm chuckle. Heloise teases, ¡°Who are you, and what have you done with the real Mina?¡±


    ¡°Aha! Gotcha! I¡¯m actually Rena! Heeheehee!¡±


    Heloise ruffles Mina¡¯s hair and kisses her forehead. She replies softly, ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten since Hamlet, Sweetie.¡±


    Mina replies tenderly, ¡°I know, Mom¡­¡± During a school play, Mina was playing Laertes, and Heloise kept praising Rena, who was actually a smaller role in the play. Mina snapped and screamed at her on stage, storming off. The former police officer felt terrible, and never let it happen again, something even their own father flubs occasionally at brief glances.


    Heloise says brightly, ¡°So, since it¡¯s the Queen, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be happy to see you. She¡¯s been up and around the last day or so. Her English has gotten pretty good.¡±


    ¡°R-Really?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm. She learned to make a lot of the sounds like a paradise bird. She actually sounds creepily like the Captain.¡±


    Mina chuckles, ¡°Captain Long? Really?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm. You¡¯ll see. I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s mimicking Long¡¯s voice, since she talked so much over the announcing circuit. Or, she thinks she¡¯s mimicking Jessica¡¯s voice. Either way, she has obviously practiced a lot just this week.¡±


    ¡°Is she doing better?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm. Even still producing eggs. Twenty or so of them glowing already.¡±


    Mina sighs. She was worried about the Queen¡¯s injuries ending any chances to try again. Heloise smiles, adding, ¡°Welp, I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°How are you doing, Mom?¡±


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m alright. Not gonna lie, I was pretty scared when the Zar-¡­ roaches grabbed me. It all happened so fast. Next thing I know, we¡¯re all being tossed around like ragdolls, and a GRODURN saves us.¡± She scoffs, ¡°Talk about irony. Rushed back to our room, but everyone was gone. Craig finally showed up, scared out of his wits. Don¡¯t blame him, either¡­ Just tried to calm people down after that.¡±


    Mina nods, ¡°I get you. I¡¯m so glad you both are okay, though.¡±


    ¡°Same to you, Sweetie.¡± She then asks curiously, ¡°Have¡­ you talked to the Grodurns? What are they like?¡±


    Mina scoffs, ¡°Not much. Craw is the only one I¡¯ve dealt with, and she¡¯s¡­ big. And, she¡¯s the smallest of them.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Heloise then smiles, ¡°Well, Sweetie, I should get back to it.¡± She hugs and kisses Mina again, saying, ¡°Have fun with the Queen. I think she¡¯s painting right now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Mom. I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too.¡± Mina watches Heloise walk away a moment before entering the light lock. The mature woman never had a reason to care so deeply for Mina¡¯s family, herself included, but she does. It¡¯s among many things on Mina¡¯s mind, including Jessica¡¯s nearly-ready-to-hatch egg. The baby is huge, stretching the egg to almost half-again larger.


    Mina enters the Queen¡¯s quarters gently, announcing herself, ¡°Um, Cave Queen? It¡¯s me, Mina.¡±


    Heloise was right. The voice that comes back could easily pass for Captain Long, ¡°Mina, over by bench. Come join.¡±


    Mina makes her way through the dark room carefully. She¡¯s in her casual clothes, so she doesn¡¯t have her nightvision in her helmet, but the floor has faintly glowing markers in case a helmet runs out of batteries or breaks. Mina finds the Queen¡¯s large form nestled on her beding. She remarks, ¡°Mina not wearing helmet. See okay?¡±


    The young woman is surprised. The Cave Queen is speaking profoundly well on her own. She replies, ¡°I can, well enough. How are you?¡±


    ¡°Happy we escape. Injuries okay.¡±


    ¡°Good. Good. I¡¯m surprised to hear you speak so well. You sound great.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I practice. Nothing else to do while healing.¡±


    Mina chuckles, ¡°I see! You must¡¯ve been working all day every day on it.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mina chuckles. Not much else to say to that. She speaks slowly, but clearly, and seems to understand quite well. The young woman says more softly, ¡°I¡­ wanted to thank you more properly for saving us. And, for helping Jor.¡±


    ¡°This is our home. Of course I protect.¡±


    It¡¯s not lost on Mina in the slightest how much that statement oversimplifies. Humanity owes the Queen a great deal for helping defeat what Dzor calls the Zjikha. Especially since they haven¡¯t successfully incubated any of her eggs as promised.


    Mina, who was helpless after being hit by the Zarakyssn weapons, owes her everything.


    Mina sighs, asking softly, ¡°Thank you again.¡±


    ¡°No need. I love you.¡±


    Mina is caught completely off-guard by this proclamation. She can barely think. She stammers, ¡°L-Love?¡±


    The Queen pauses, looking at her. ¡°Is that not right? I cherish you. You humans are most precious to me.¡±


    Mina sighs. She replies calmly, ¡°Ah, I see. The WAY you said it is usually reserved for an individual you cherish more than anyone or anything else. A romantic partner, usually.¡±


    The Queen hums in acknowledgment, chirping warmly. She returns once more to her task, saying casually, ¡°Then I still use correctly.¡±


    Heat fills Mina¡¯s face as she stares at the Queen¡¯s form in stupor. If anyone saw her face, it would be the pinkest of pinks on any color wheel. The Queen said it so casually and sincerely, Mina has no idea what to do.


    The Queen offers her a slice of something that smells like cooked bacon. She explains, ¡°I am told humans allowed to try now.¡±


    Mina blinks several times. ¡°Uh¡­ Th-thank you.¡± She nibbles the strange, delicious-smelling vegetable from the Queen¡¯s hand. Inside the skin, the vegetable is apparently much softer, and the Queen has already cooked this piece to a crispiness. Mina never thought she wanted bacon-flavored potato chips, but she¡¯s eating one now, by all sensations. It¡¯s not quite full chip-crispiness, but the Queen is also still experimenting with the hot plate and pan she was given.


    Mina hums, distracting herself from embarrassment by saying, ¡°Mmm! Oh my gosh! That¡¯s sooo gooood!¡±


    The Queen chirps warmly, biting the piece immediately after her. She replies, ¡°I happy. Mina wanted to try, and I fear you would not like.¡±


    Mina replies playfully, ¡°Mina very much enjoys! Thank you!¡± She asks curiously, ¡°You don¡¯t have to ration food? Um, conserve it?¡±


    The Queen smiles, replying, ¡°I ration long before humans. Ness-nec-¡­ Needed for surviving. Angelica allow me to control my own diet as long as I use only my garden here. Rest of brought food is being cultivated as¡­ ehhh¡­ back? Background?¡±


    ¡°Backup.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Queen affectionately touches Mina¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Mina asks, ¡°Your garden is enough?¡±


    The Queen chirps an affirmative, replying, ¡°Yes. Humans give material from ehhh¡­ C.H.T. tanks. When dried, makes plants grow better.¡±


    The young woman¡¯s stomach nearly falls out of her. The CHT tanks, or ¡®Collection, holding, and transfer¡¯ do just that. For waste. She knows, in the harder times, water is recycled from ANY source available, but she never sought or needed to know where solid waste went.


    Ultimately, deep down, she knows survival outweighs anything. But, she can¡¯t help but ponder the item she just ate being grown in one of the most foul substances in existence. The Queen, though, seems happy. And, she¡¯s clearly been doing it for a while now. It¡¯s letting her grow food more efficiently.


    Mina swallows hard when the Queen offers her another slice. This one is fresh off of the frying pan. She doesn¡¯t want to be rude, and it was delicious. She just has an image in her head now. Mina sniffs it carefully for any signs. The Queen watches her curiously.


    Even paranoid, Mina detects no traces of anything foul, and her stomach growls in anticipation, seemingly forgetting just as quickly. Mina comes to a conclusion, though. Dying in the arms of the Queen because of something tasty would be far better than anything the Zarakyssns had planned for her.


    And it was SO tasty.


    Mina takes a more eager bite. This piece is right in the perfect zone; brittle-crispy like perfectly done bacon, rather than chips. It crumbles delectably in her mouth, and her knees melt. The Queen instinctively catches her, chirping worry before asking, ¡°Mina?¡±


    Mina says dreamily, ¡°Perfect¡­ God, I haven¡¯t had anything so good in forever¡­¡±


    The Queen relaxes, easing Mina to a seated position on the bedding. She says warmly, ¡°I am happy.¡±


    Mina replies sheepishly, ¡°Truth told, I was stuck on how you said you grow these in¡­ poo¡­ and¡­¡± She takes a deep breath, redirecting, ¡°But, it¡¯s SO, so good!¡±


    The Queen nods, replying, ¡°I having fun with cooking food. Never cook before. I think surface-dwellers traded some cooked food, but they have different plants.¡±


    Mina nods, replying, ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re enjoying it, because I HAVE been wanting to try.¡±


    The Queen chirps eagerly. She starts preparing some of the others, talking idly with Mina as they normally do.


    Mina essentially asks, ¡°Are¡­ you not¡­ upset about your eggs?¡±


    The Queen gently replies, ¡°Sad, yes. But, we try. Try always better than discard.¡±


    Mina gently touches the Queen¡¯s abdomen, remarking, ¡°I understand. I¡¯m surprised you have so many already.¡±


    The Queen chirps nervously, replying, ¡°I¡­ think rate increase¡­ because of laying. Better diet. Body adjusting to life with humans. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No no! It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s good, I think. It means we can keep trying, right? A-And with Jessica¡¯s and Lieutenant Kane¡¯s¡­ M-Maybe¡­¡±


    The Queen smiles, replying warmly, ¡°Great hope indeed.¡±


    The young woman relaxes. Once more, she worried over nothing. Relaxing with a dear friend, enjoying wonderful food; she can think of no better way to spend her day off.


    ***


    The small mammalian creatures never seem to stop moving. They come and go constantly, in ships, to and from the hangar, and past her hauler which serves now as her prison cell. The Fievegalizz also mill about, talking with the mammals, trading supplies, and otherwise working.


    It¡¯s strange to see the Fievegalizz cooperate with another race. What her kind knows about them is that they are conquerors, taking all they defeat as tribute to their Fievegal. They indefinitely enslave races and use them as cannon fodder in large scale wars.


    It genuinely makes her nervous that the big male Fievegalizz is the one translating for her. She wishes there was a way for her to communicate with the mammals directly. She¡¯s not her sisters. She wants to understand these combative races. If too many races that resist unification band together, they could try to destroy the Shining Daughters. But, if they can learn to understand these races, maybe they can be convinced of the Divine Queen¡¯s existence, as well as the Path.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    She has trouble uniquely identifying the mammals. They all have vastly different physical appearances when their armor is off, and without the bond, there is no distinguishable spiritual difference for her. She can see differences, but it¡¯s like looking at a million fish swirling quickly and trying to identify a specific one.


    However, a mammal and a Fievegalizz approach, followed by the Nizzkurrezz. She understands at once. She remembers discussions of the Nizzkurrezz when they were being unified. One of the younger {Medical Queens} like herself pleaded for them to preserve at least one Nizzkurrezz because of the strange ability they possess. The many-armed aliens, especially adults, can apparently communicate with any species freely. However, it was decided in consensus that they all were to be united all the same. And, when her sister who made the plea was discovered to have been willingly impregnated with the eggs of a lesser alien race, she was sentenced to death by the Chosen Queen and the Blessed Queens. They feared the Nizzkurrezz had brainwashed her, and they would not see the spawn of one born of a Queen¡¯s body.


    This Nizzkurrezz is a midsized adult, likely in the ninety to one-ten walks of the path range (208-254.1 years). It¡¯s a fertile female, though she wonders what is being done with its eggs if it is this minimally burdened currently. This one has a cloth draped over its slightly swollen abdomen, and a cloth blindfold over its eyes, though it can locate its surroundings almost just as well with only its ears. It¡¯s definitely on the healthy side, other than battle-related injuries which are healing well.


    The Nizzkurrezz speaks in the mammal tongue to the mammal, and the Fievegalizz watches with its typical angry expression. It¡¯s clear the Fievegalizz wants her and her sole egg destroyed. But, the mammals have spared her. Perhaps they crave understanding as much as she.


    The Nizzkurrezz reaches close to the plasma door. The Queen urges, ¡°{No! Wait!}¡± as she waves her hands. Anything that reaches through the plasma door will be burned. She searches around the hauler as the three watch her curiously. The Fievegalizz growls something most-likely disparaging, ¡°{Theess waste of teem. War Queen stalleeng. Does not want commooneecate.}¡±


    The mammal replies, ¡°{Let¡¯s see what she does, at least. She probably realizes we have finite patience.}¡±


    She quickly finds what she¡¯s looking for and activates it. She moves it to the plasma door, and the other beings take steps back in caution. The device; a wheel-shaped orifice with a rubbery inner gland seal, springs from her hand once it¡¯s close to the plasma shield, and it locks into place in the plasma field, floating in the thin barrier. The jump startles the three, and the Fievegalizz steps in front of the mammal as it snarls.


    But, she has no tricks. Just truth. She withdraws one of her ration bars and touches it to the plasma, demonstrating how it burns. The mammal says something, ¡°{Ensign Hancock said his suit and Lopez¡¯s got scorched on the outside when they passed through.}¡± She then sticks her whole arm through the orifice, which is a passthrough device. She pulls her arm back, humming warmly. Now the Nizzkurrezz can reach safely through.


    The Nizzkurrezz looks at the mammal, and the mammal speaks ¡°{Go ahead.}¡±


    The Nizzkurrezz reaches cautiously through with one arm. She takes a seat near the orifice so the Nizzkurrezz doesn¡¯t have to reach far inside. The mammal remarks something, ¡°{So¡­ her kind do know about the Cave Queen¡¯s species.}¡± Once the Nizzkurrezz is touching her, the Queen¡¯s voice says on its own, ¡°{I know why you know what I am, but this human wishes to question you. Tell us who you are and why you come.}¡±


    She is instantly relieved. Curiosity is mutual. She replies, knowing the Nizzkurrezz can understand, ¡°{I thank you. I am a Sister of the Shining Daughters, a Uniter Xenomedicine Queen. I humbly thank you for your congress.}¡± All the while she speaks, the Nizzkurrezz writes. Written language has been absent in the Shining Daughters since the days of the Stones. In fact, the Stones are the only written text of the Shining Daughters that remains in existence, and only the eldest of Sisters can read them. Generally, the Sisters don¡¯t need written text, as they can convey thoughts to each other or their soldiers almost instantly. But, she knows many more primitive species, especially, maintain archaic written languages for communication.


    The Nizzkurrezz needs to do so because it understands her fine, but it¡¯s much more difficult to speak in other tongues at the same time. It shows the message to the other two, and the Fievegalizz growls. To her surprise, she understands what it says, ¡°We KNOW theess. She stalls.¡±


    She cries out, ¡°{I do not! Your bias is poisoning everyone else!}¡±


    Before the Nizzkurrezz even finishes writing, the Fievegalizz, who can clearly understand the United language, retorts viciously, ¡°Beeas!? I woonder why! They need no beeas anyway. You attack theess fleet!¡±


    ¡°{Your kind resists! And, you force those you conquer to resist! We want only Unity!}¡±


    ¡°Uneetee!?¡± He huffs, adding, ¡°Where all the uneeted rasses?¡± His words make enough sense, but for whatever reason, they don¡¯t sound entirely right to her. He adds, ¡°Eef you uneet, why they all gone?¡±


    She remains silent for a moment. The brutish Fievegalizz blasphemers could never understand.


    Finally, the mammal speaks, and its voice is much easier to understand through the ears of the Nizzkurrezz, ¡°Calm down, please, Yarjen. Questions, not arguing. Remember?¡± He snorts in disgust, and suddenly, her suspicions on who rules whom in this relationship is changing. The mammal says, ¡°Do this if you understand me.¡± She angles her head up and down. She mimics with ease.


    The mammal continues, ¡°Good. That saves us a step, at least. You¡¯re going to have to explain better, because from where we stand, your soldiers attacked without warning and tried to harvest us like¡­ food animals from a sea. And, nothing has changed that, yet.¡±


    She looks at the Nizzkurrezz. While talented warriors, survivalists, and communicators, the Nizzkurrezz are notoriously unwise about themselves. They don¡¯t know the purpose of the fleshy pouches on their heads, why they¡¯re so sensitive to light, or the fullest extent of their communication ability. She points at the Nizzkurrezz, and then at the human. She says, ¡°{If the Nizzkurrezz links us both, we can communicate better.}¡±


    The Fievegalizz makes a grunting noise that sounds amused, and says when the mammal looks at him, ¡°She wants the Cave Queen to link you. Leek translator.¡± The ¡®Cave Queen¡¯ as they call it, nods its head. The mammal asks, ¡°Is that safe?¡±


    The Uniter Queen replies, ¡°{Yes.}¡± The Nizzkurrezz looks at her and then the mammal, unsure.


    She says more sternly, ¡°{Yes. It is safe. Nizzkurrezz can let go at any time.}¡±


    The Fievegalizz growls, ¡°She will agree, knoweeng her, ond I warn you now, harm either, ond I reep you to pieces slow. We both know theess door not stop me.¡±


    The mammal curves its lips, saying warmly, ¡°You know me so well. Are you okay with trying?¡± It looks up at the Cave Queen.


    The Cave Queen nods and touches the mammal¡¯s head. She states slowly and gently, ¡°{Voices and meanings will disorient a little at first. Focus only on meanings in your mind.}¡±


    The mammal struggles a little, and the Fievegalizz growls. The mammal says sternly, ¡°I¡¯m okay. It¡¯s just¡­ new. I hear her voice and mine and the Cave Queen¡¯s echoing each other. Even when I talk. It¡¯s¡­ just something to get used to. Are you okay, Cave Queen?¡± The Cave Queen nods. Both the mammal¡¯s and her voices say, ¡°{I am okay. Strange, but not hurting,}¡± in their own languages.


    The mammal then says, ¡°Okay. I¡¯m Captain Long. I¡¯m a human. And, I¡¯d like to know what you intended to do. And, don¡¯t just say ¡®Unite¡¯. What does ¡®unite¡¯ mean to you?¡±


    She begins gently, ¡°{Unifcation is the ceremony. The Divine Queen¡¯s light has dimmed due to the rampant spread of heresy and blasphemy. It is our path to journey upon to unite all of the worlds who have strayed from the Divine Queen¡¯s light. And, in so doing, when the time comes, we shall all join our Sisters among the Infinite Sisters spread throughout the cosmos.}¡±


    The Fievegalizz makes a new noise that she understands now as laughter, and he states dryly, ¡°She say that weeth sooch faith. TELL them what the ceremony is.¡±


    She replies, ¡°{It is the joining of our souls to a greater purpose and to brighten our light when we join the Infinite Sisters. It is an end to all doubt and blasphemous thought. It is salvation from lonliness and isolation, from war and famine. It is the preservation of all in the light of the cosmos.}¡±


    The Fievegalizz laughs with more irritation. Captain Long, the human, gestures at him, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± It turns back to her, saying, ¡°He¡¯s right. What does the ceremony entail? Sacrifice? Eating the bodies?¡±


    ¡°{It sounds undesirable in the lens of the Fievegalizz, but you must understand, life is sacred to us, and moreso, the spirits. We prepare all for the Path before they walk, including healing them from wounds of their own resistance.}¡±


    The Fievegalizz snarls, ¡°Resistance!? No one wants be eaten! Not so hard to oondorstond!¡±


    Captain Long asks curtly, ¡°Do you eat the bodies of your prisoners; yes or no?¡±


    She replies, ¡°{Yes. B-But AFTER they pass of the Divine Queen¡¯s own calling. It truly is a blessing to join our Sisterhood to become one of the Infinite Sisters in passing on.}¡±


    The big reptile snorts, ¡°A blesseeng to become feces. Nivor thought of that way.¡±


    She accuses, ¡°{No Fievegalizz has ever been united. He knows not of what he speaks.}¡±


    Captain Long shakes her head, replying, ¡°Gotta agree with him here. It sounds to me like you believe that if you capture and eat enough members of other races, you¡¯ll become a star, and if you eradicate all other races in the process, your goddess star will appear.¡±


    ¡°{You oversimplify as blasphemous races always do. It is a divine ritual, and you let that reptile¡¯s words taint its purity.}¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m listening to you with as open of a mind as I can. But, regardless. We ¨Cthe humans, Cave Queen, and Grodurns- are content with being blasphemers. We won¡¯t go quietly because your beliefs make NO sense to us. If it¡¯s such a blessing, how come you don¡¯t perform the ritual on each other?¡±


    She pauses. She racks her brain for an answer, but she has none. It never crossed her mind before. Of course, if the Queens did Unite each other, they wouldn¡¯t be able to spread as far. But, it even goes deeper than that. Many of the Queens compete using the worlds they unite, often flaunting the size, difficulty, or blasphemous-ness of the race being united.


    The human asks another question, seemingly expecting no answer to the previous, ¡°Are there any living members of the races you ¡®unify¡¯?¡±


    She starts to answer, but halts. To her knowledge, cut off from the other Queens, the answer is no. At least, not for very long. Every member must be Unified. So sayeth the Stones. She replies softly, ¡°{With exceptions like this Nizzkurrezz¡­ no¡­}¡± Captain Long nods.


    ¡°{B-But! My duties are to ensure the United experience as natural of passings as possible, as if they live a natural life.}¡± The Fievegalizz chuckles, but she continues, ¡°{I heal wounds, I study atmospheric, bacteriological, viral, and dietary needs, and I ease suffering if the Uniter Educator Queens exert too much harm.}¡±


    ¡°Harm? The¡­ Educators¡­ They harm prisoners?¡±


    ¡°{Never intentionally! They use tried and tested methods to re-educate the race being United and raise their understanding of the Divine Queen and the Path.}¡±


    This time, the human laughs, remarking, ¡°She had me at ¡®re-educate¡¯. I¡¯ve heard all I need to. We won¡¯t be uniting willingly.¡±


    ¡°{Please! You don¡¯t understand! If you accept the path-¡­}¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t understand. We all, Zarakyssn, Grodurn, Human, Cave Queen; we ALL have a right to live and walk our own paths. If you want to burn ours to the ground, don¡¯t be surprised when some of us start a fire ourselves. You may not see it that way, but you¡¯re conquerors, just like the Yarjen says. Maybe you¡¯re a little more merciful than he describes, but it doesn¡¯t mean you have the right. Every culture tells itself lies. Every single one.}¡±


    ¡°{Please, we only wish to save you from your blasphemy.}¡±


    ¡°Your beliefs are blasphemy to my religion. So, which of us is right? We¡¯ll each chose ourselves. But, my religion doesn¡¯t want me to kill and eat you. Do you see what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    She pauses. This creature doesn¡¯t seem to want to listen. The Path is the only truth. It has been so longer than time. This human sees only herself, not the big picture.


    The human sighs, redirecting, ¡°Fine. We obviously disagree on that. So, tell me, why did you sneak aboard our big ship? Were you hoping you could steal one of these haulers back and fly to your sisters in the other fleets?¡±


    She replies candidly, ¡°{It crossed my mind. But, I CHOSE not to fight to escape. Please consider that. I stay because, here, we have two resistant races, plus the last surviving Nizzkurrezz, cooperating in ways I never see or hear of for both the Fieve-Grodurns or the Nizzkurrezz. I am curious.}¡±


    The Grodrrn takes particular notice of her last statement. Captain Long asks, ¡°{So, you¡¯re spying on us? And, you¡¯re telling me? Why?}¡±


    ¡°{I wish to understand WHY you resist unification. Why you would crave struggle and independence over peace and divinity. I wished to see if diplomacy is an option.}¡±


    ¡°Oh, trust me. Diplomacy is an option. But, we¡¯ll never Unite willingly. Not by your definition. If diplomacy wasn¡¯t an option, my friend here would have jettisoned you long ago.¡± She gestures at the Grodrrn. Captain Long then continues, ¡°He also tells me your kind, the {Shining Daughters}, can communicate over great distances using some form of hive mind bond.¡±


    She turns frustrated, complaining, ¡°{I told him last time, I can¡¯t feel the bond right now. It¡¯s nothing but silence. It¡¯s how I was able to decide to board your vessel, and to heal your fallen member. Whom I did NOT eat.}¡± She glares at the Grodrrn.


    Long redirects, ¡°Why should we believe you? We have no way of detecting your ability.¡±


    ¡°{I swear it¡¯s the truth! By the Divine Queen¡¯s light, may she shun me from the cosmos, I am cut off. Silence. I could be killed for telling you all I have!}¡±


    Long looks over her shoulder at the Grodrrn. He leans close, whispering to her, but the Nizzkurrezz¡¯s connection makes it heard, ¡°Thot I theenk eez true. {Shining Daughters} notoriously secretive. Curiosity also forbeeden.¡±


    ¡°You think she¡¯s telling the truth?¡±


    He looks at her, studying her a moment. He replies to the human, ¡°I THEENK we should not troost. Egg could have bond. Heeden soldier could have bond. Even Fievegal know too little abott {Shining Daughters}.¡±


    She admits, ¡°He¡­ Speaks the truth. At least of my egg. If it is a Queen, the bond would start forming soon. But, for the connection to be strong enough to trace, a Queen must be educated and baptized on-¡­} She halts. It IS absolutely forbidden for her to speak the name of the Shining Daughter¡¯s holy world to outsiders. She finishes, ¡°{Our homeworld.}¡±


    The aggravatingly astute Grodrrn retorts, ¡°{Shining Daughters} nivor speak oov homeworld. Espishally name. Have her name homeworld. Or, bittor, have her geev coordinates. Fievegal records know its location.¡±


    That can¡¯t be true, can it? That would be the grandest blasphemy of all. If an outsider visited their homeworld,¡­ But how could it be possible? She calls his bluff, ¡°{You lie. No outsider ever walk the holy world.}¡±


    ¡°Copton Long right. All cultures lie. To selves most oov all. He stood een your Queen of Queen¡¯s throneroom with a sword to her neck and forced her to call the truce.¡±


    ¡°{N-No! That is a lie! You are a deceptive blasphemer poisoning others with your lies! Th-The truce is because-¡­}¡± She really wishes she COULD congress with the others now more than ever. She knows the truce with the Fievegal exists large scale, but she¡¯s not certain why. It can¡¯t be his reason, though. It can¡¯t.


    It comes back to her, ¡°{Because Chosen Queen see your Saurmynnyka as Queen, too. She is on the Path. That is why.}¡±


    The Grodrrn laughs hysterically, stepping away a moment as he laughs in the boisterous Grodrrn way. She adds defensively, ¡°{I-It¡¯s true!}¡±


    The Grodrrn is indisposed for a long time. Long states, ¡°Just what little I know about BOTH of you, I don¡¯t believe your version is accurate. Whether or not his is, I don¡¯t see your kind seeing everyone as blasphemers and then accepting an outsider as a Queen.¡±


    ¡°{W-Well, if his story is true, th-then the Chosen Queen would have been tainted, a-and she would have to be replaced!}¡±


    The Grodrrn finally says, ¡°Woonhoondred ond three ¡®walks on the Path¡¯ ago.¡±


    She fidgets with her hands. It can¡¯t be true. It must be a lie. That¡¯s about when she was laid, so she wouldn¡¯t know. But, something deep in her subconscious gives her doubt.


    No! She must NOT be swayed by these heretics. They are playing mind games. Elaborate mind games.


    Captain Long breaks the silence, saying, ¡°Look, we have limited options. Our safest route is to jettison you, dead or alive, and let you fend for yourself so we can go back to mining and just generally trying to survive. But, if you truly wanted diplomacy, I wish there was some way we could trust you. But, so far, we can¡¯t. We don¡¯t know how to block your ability, so keeping you is not an option. Anything to say for yourself?¡±


    She thinks long and hard. What can she say? The human isn¡¯t wrong. It refuses to see the logic of the Path, and it¡¯s closer to the Grodrrn than she could ever hope to achieve. She looks at her egg, nestled in the small manger she made for it. It¡¯s the only thing of any value she has; her last shred of status as a Queen. She crawls to it, and the Nizzkurrezz releases her. She carries the egg back, gently setting it on the deck before Captain Long, separated only by the plasma door. She puts the Nizzkurrezz¡¯s arm back on her head, saying softly, ¡°{I offer you the only thing I have. My last egg. Unless I can find a mate, that¡¯s all that remains of my status as Queen.}¡±


    Long again looks to the Grodrrn for guidance. He shakes his head, unsure. She continues, ¡°{I swear it is true. A Queen is only as powerful as her army, and without my bond, I have none. Any surviving soldiers I have now will die before I heal, which I believe I will. But, until then, I only have this egg.¡± She strokes it gently.


    The Grodrrn says quietly, ¡°I not sure what to say. {Shining Daughters} give and trade nothing. Theess¡­ oonprissedent.¡±


    ¡°{You have every right to hate and mistrust me. As blasphemers, that is given. But, I do want to speak while my thoughts are my own, alone. The Grodrrn speaks truth on one account. Curiosity is forbidden. So is giving gifts or status to blasphemers. When my Sisters feel my thoughts again, they will come for me. But, to kill me.}¡±


    Long sighs. She says softly, ¡°I won¡¯t separate you from your child. But, if it gets that far, WE will be educating and raising it. And, as for you¡­ we¡¯ll try to figure something out.¡±


    She stares in silent disbelief. She thought, at best, the human would give her a working ship to flee in. Instead, she can stay? And, she can keep the egg? Is this what binds these strange creatures together? She was raised that the hand of the uniters must be one of resolve. And yet, this creature¡¯s hand is one of compassion. And, two different races go to war for that hand willingly.


    Maybe this was the right choice after all.


    ***

 Chapter 40: Cultural Exchange

    Dr. Levine Lopez is said to be the smartest human being alive, possessing at twenty five more formal education than anyone else on the ship. Her hobbies are also S.T.E.M.-related, with heavy experience in computer programming, programmable logic, and some dabbling in chemistry. There hasn¡¯t been a problem yet she couldn¡¯t solve given enough time, and enough time for her is typically not long at all.


    And, she hates it. A lot of pressure comes with that reputation. When she was just one of Mr. Right¡¯s employees, everything she worked on would be checked ten times, tested five, and monitored in practice. Now, she all-too-regularly makes decisions and implements actions that hold humanity¡¯s fate in the balance. And, most of them are during crises and make or break moments. As such, people celebrate her as a war hero, a super hero, and a genius.


    She liked her quiet lab. She LIKED being the youngest in the room ¨Cno one thought she knew anything since she was younger than them-. And, she liked the apathy of being alone.


    She wouldn¡¯t trade Rex for anything, of course. His friendship is the biggest reason she¡¯s made it this far. He DOESN¡¯T remind her that the fate of everyone is on her shoulders. He¡¯s always right beside her, doing what he can to hold some of the weight.


    So, while today isn¡¯t a crisis, she nevertheless checks her right side to make sure he¡¯s still there. He¡¯s standing patiently, inspecting a Grodrrn autoinjector containing some kind of antivenom or antitoxin that supposedly works like a chelating agent to bind with harmful molecules and deposit them as plaque in the patient¡¯s blood vessels. The Grodrrn shocktrooper explaining it is making idle talk with Hancock, and the shocktroopers are allowed to discuss a list of equipment known to have been seized by the humans, which is almost everything. It¡¯s a sign of good faith that the Grodrrns, at least those on Khla¡¯s battleship, are not enemies of the humans.


    The autoinjector looks more like the Grodrrn sidearm than a human autoinjector. Lopez already knows that it uses some kind of ionic osmosis to create an electrical path for the serum through the skin and into the blood stream without a needle to break, nor risk of an embolism, or air bubble in the blood stream. Hancock asks a few questions, passing the time and respectfully engaging with their Grodrrn escort.


    ¡°So, why plaque? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to send it to the body¡¯s waste system?¡±


    The Grodrrn replies, ¡°Plaque eez foster. Saffer. Liss leekly to trovol.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it clog your arteries over time, though?¡±


    The trooper nods, replying, ¡°Eez bittor thon deeing painfool deeth immidly. Ond, con be treated oftor.¡±


    Hancock nods in agreement. He asks, ¡°No way to make it less painful? A shock seems¡­ overkill.¡±


    The Grodrrn scoffs, retorting, ¡°No sooch theeng. Ond, ozz sid. Steel bittor thon deeth immidly.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, replying, ¡°Fair point.¡± He hands the injector back, noticing Lopez watching him. He says, ¡°Hey! What¡¯s up?¡±


    She squeaks and returns to her task, replying, ¡°Nothing! I just¡­ checking¡­¡±


    Hancock chuckles.


    She doesn¡¯t understand how he can be so calm and casual. They are in a mid-deck space, almost as far away from the shuttle as possible, in a room being held together by fabric currently, and on the Grodrrn battleship of Baskylla Jardzen Khla. He¡¯s armed, but only with his hybrid rifle, which isn¡¯t much better, presumably, at defeating the Grodrrns than the powder-fired assault rifles they started with. He¡¯s told her stories of Earth when he was fighting to escape, not to mention how much punishment Dzor took, surviving even after falling off of the upper deck of the massive Grodrrn hangar. They aren¡¯t the only humans on the ship, as evidenced by the grinding, hammering, welding, and all kinds of other powered work going on to restore the ship. The Grodrrns are working as well, but the Providence is vastly quicker. And, even though the Grodrrns still outnumber humans on the ship, Rex is chatting like this shocktrooper is just another human.


    Levi isn¡¯t upset, of course. Quite the contrary. She¡¯s thankful for his calmness, because it¡¯s comforting her, too. He has an excellent sense for danger, and even the roughest looking Grodrrns simply give the humans a wide berth. Apparently, Khla gave strict orders, and his second in command, Mrff, cracked a skull with a single elbow when someone questioned it. After that, most of them simply avoid the humans if they can.


    Levi checks the connection of the plug to her laptop, uploading the next layer of firmware to the navigation controls of Khla¡¯s battleship. She wrote a program over the last week of repairs that will automatically reset the safety lock the moment the ship attempts to jump. She¡¯s warned every Grodrrn that asks her anything that they CANNOT apply throttles, as the engines will no longer be disabled during the FTL travel. Khla insisted that¡¯s acceptable, but she¡¯s still nervous. The Grodrrns are used to it. Hundreds of years so. She also recommended a manual switch to disable throttles, but it¡¯s not something she can implement, as the thing she is disabling is a bypass, and the only link the falight, throttle control, and engines all have in common. Throttle control itself could be turned off, but again, no switching or relay exists to do so. If the ship is powered on, its throttle control is on. No exception.


    She, of course, installed her update on the Polonia and the Andromeda first. Assuming it works, which there¡¯s no way to be certain without the Zarakyssn¡¯s interdiction technology, they can escape as a whole if either ship can jump. But, Captain Long asked that the truce be as cordial as possible, and requested Lopez install the firmware on Khla¡¯s battleship. To Lopez¡¯s additional surprise, she wasn¡¯t tasked with clandestine deeds while she does it. She wasn¡¯t asked to try to steal more data nor install sabotage programs or viruses. Her biggest fear was being asked to serve a double cross, and that she¡¯d get caught. Instead, she¡¯s simply serving as possibly the most advanced technical support representative in history.


    Heavy footfalls approach, which is nothing unique on a Grodrrn ship. They all stomp around heavily due to their weight, even in gravity lower than Earth¡¯s. But, human boots come to a stop with the Grodrrn footsteps. Lopez looks, checking the connection of her laptop idly. Baskylla Jardzen Khla and Captain Long have approached, and Long asks, ¡°Doctor, is there any reason we won¡¯t be able to jump?¡±


    Lopez¡¯s blood runs cold, but Long adds, ¡°No crisis yet! Sorry. Just moving the fleet again. With the captured War Queen, we¡¯re being strongly advised to stay on the move.¡±


    Lopez relaxes a little, replying in what she feels is her normal voice, but others claim is ¡®low talking¡¯, ¡°Jumping is okay, as long as it¡¯s not this ship. I have maybe twenty more minutes.¡± She doesn¡¯t like talking around big groups, or with certain people present. She especially doesn¡¯t like talking around the Grodrrns, which distresses her that they hear her just fine. Khla replies in his ¡®normal¡¯ tone, which is quite intimidating, ¡°Eez no consurn oov fiddbock or dotta corroopshin, hoomin Sceeunteest Lopiz? {Is no concern of feedback or data corruption, human Scientist Lopez?}¡±


    She squeaks nervously, shaking her head. Hancock swoops to her rescue, explaining calmly, ¡°Forgive me, Baskylla Yarjen, since you asked her, but feedback isn¡¯t a concern because she¡¯s connected in through navigation, which is isolated via control circuits and transformers and some other stuff she knows that I don¡¯t from the jump drive¡¯s¡­ uh¡­ bubble-maker thing. And, your systems are mostly hardened against EMP, especially this deep inside the ship. Worst case, she loses connection and has to start over, but she has a full backup of the old AND her new firmware, so she can restore any programming in the off chance it¡¯s lost.¡± Lopez¡¯s eyes water happily, so very thankful that Hancock pays more attention than he lets on. He claims he¡¯s just a dumb grunt, but it¡¯s never been less true. She nods in agreement.


    Khla says calmly, ¡°I see. Eef no reesk, I hovv no objickshins, hoomin Copton Long. You may joomp whin riddy.¡±


    Long replies calmly, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll radio over to have them commence jump. It¡¯ll be about four hours.¡±


    ¡°F-Four hours?¡± squeaks Lopez.


    Khla nods, once more, hearing her with ease. He replies, ¡°Yuss. Seengul hour put ooss across sohlar seestim. Boot, thott plass ooss een mooch smaller occupied spass. Sherrynn spass, speceeficollih. They¡­ how hoomins deescribb? Scropped?¡±


    ¡°Scrappy?¡± asks Long. ¡°They¡¯re tough fighters?¡±


    He nods. ¡°Yuss. Scroppee. Seemeelar to hoomins. Verr oggreesseeve, though.¡±


    Long asks politely what everyone is thinking, ¡°You haven¡¯t considered conquering them?¡±


    Khla shakes his head. ¡°Too closs to Zarak spass. Too far from Fievegal. Known due to londeen dureen Zarak war.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°So, four hours it is.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re staying onboard, Captain?¡± asks Hancock curiously.


    She nods again, ¡°I am. Have every jump so far. I have crew and fleet members on this ship who aren¡¯t as comfortable with our current arrangements. And, I¡¯m inspecting the conditions Miss Laurel is living in. I will be checking in to make sure everything¡¯s okay.


    Lopez doesn¡¯t like knowing she¡¯s about to be trapped on the Grodrrn battleship for four hours, but she does find comfort in exactly why Long is staying. The Captain trusts the truce she¡¯s primarily spearheaded, and she¡¯s willing to risk herself to prove it. Not that many have any doubts about the risks she¡¯s taken to protect the fleet, but her presence is strong, commanding respect from the mighty and boisterous Grodrrns. Plus, Lopez will have Hancock, so she can find a nice secluded spot on the shuttle and wait out the jump.


    Only a few minutes after Khla and Long leave, the lights flicker ever so briefly. Lopez looks back at her screen, checking the physical connection of her laptop. However, the loading graphic stops, and an error appears. The young scientist whimpers in frustration.


    Hancock is there instantly, kneeling next to her to ask, ¡°Everything okay?¡±


    She pouts softly, ¡°I lost connection¡­¡±


    The shocktrooper growls his toothy, Grodrrn chuckle in amusement, but says nothing. Hancock says warmly, ¡°Ah, at least we have four hours, am I right?¡±


    She pouts as she lightly glares at him. He takes a seat, asking more sincerely, ¡°So, what¡¯s the damage? You have to start from scratch-scrath, or just this upload?¡±


    She looks at her screen. After checking a few points in the logic, she answers, ¡°Just this upload.¡±


    Hancock smiles and replies, ¡°Ah, not so bad. Should be fine to restart, right?¡±


    She nods, restarting the upload. She murmurs, ¡°You didn¡¯t have to stop your conversation¡­¡±


    Hancock replies warmly, ¡°Of course I did. I need to know if I¡¯m gonna have to fight our way outta here. I can take this big guy, probably, but we¡¯d wanna sneak the rest of the way.¡± He gestures with his thumb at the shocktrooper accompanying them.


    Lopez whimpers, trying to shrink behind her laptop, especially when the Grodrrn, who is probably almost three times Hancock¡¯s weight or more, taunts, ¡°Hoomin try. I peek teeth weeth bones.¡±


    The young woman whimpers, ¡°Reeeexxx¡­¡±


    Both he and the Grodrrn chuckle, and Hancock says, ¡°Relax, Doc. Please? Golgurk, here, is good people.¡±


    ¡°You barely know each other¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe. But, he likes martial arts, carves figurines for his, uh, son back home,¡± The Grodrrn inserts, ¡°Myzh.¡± ¡°Right, thank you. Myzh. AND, he thinks what we¡¯re doing for Helmdraaff Craw is pretty cool, if risky ¨Cwhich seems to be the consensus-.¡±


    The shocktrooper confirms, ¡°New Saurmynnyka weethott war would be eedeal. Boot, Fievegal may not see so plain.¡±


    Lopez nods uneasily. She doesn¡¯t understand how Hancock can be so casual about it, but as before, his calmness keeps her calm.


    And then the Grodrrn asks THE question. ¡°Eez Sceeunteest Lopiz your matt, hoomin Hancock?¡±


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Hancock doesn¡¯t tease, even though Lopez¡¯s face turns pink and she whimpers. How can they be so direct? She hasn¡¯t thought about that. Has he? Did he put the trooper up to it?


    Hancock replies politely, ¡°Nah. She could do better. I¡¯d be lucky to be in her harem.¡±


    Lopez tenses. Her heart begins to race even faster. Does he really think that?


    The shocktrooper looks directly at her, and she realizes they can hear almost anything. She whimpers ever so quietly, terrified of what¡¯s about to come next.


    In a surprise move, though, the shocktrooper completely redirects, saying, ¡°We hear tales oov hoomin brovvery ogginst Zjeekha. Stronge, geevin hoomin seeze so smoll. Many Grodurns hovv retreat een fass oov Zjeekha.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, replying, ¡°I¡¯ve only heard stories so far too, and the debrief report. I don¡¯t blame you guys. But, we don¡¯t exactly have the luxury of running. Not once enemies are on our ships. From what I hear, though, Yarjen Jor really gave that thing hell.¡±


    ¡°Zarakyssns weak on own. Boot, Zjeekha eez near eenveenstrooctull. Bittor tuu keep ott ronj ond borroj.¡±


    ¡°No arguments here.¡±


    Lopez finally simmers down, which she wishes would have been faster. It¡¯s for the best. She considers Kenzie a friend, and it isn¡¯t worth risking Hancock¡¯s friendship for anything more. She must become content. After all, she still is the person he spends the most time with.


    The Grodrrn then asks, ¡°Why hoomins call Copton Long ¡®Supernova¡¯ now?¡±


    Hancock and Lopez both glance at each other. They know the reason, and it¡¯s one of the few things that makes the seemingly unbreakable Captain blush. Hancock explains, ¡°The maneuver she led is being called the ¡®Supernova Blitz¡¯.¡± Lopez grumbles, ¡°It¡¯s not a supernova¡­¡±


    Hancock scoffs, continuing, ¡°We call a fast, hard attack like that a blitz. They¡¯re extremely risky, but extremely rewarding. And, I¡¯m guessing ¡®Supernova¡¯ because of the bright glow of ionization.¡±


    The Grodrrn repies, ¡°Oonluss tronslasshin eez bad, otmospherr eeoneezation hozz notheeng to do weeth supernova.¡±


    Lopez adds dryly, ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    Hancock explains, ¡°True, but ¡®Supernova Blitz¡¯ sounds way cooler than ¡®Atmospheric Ionization Blitz¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Stratosphere Blitz, just off the top of my head¡­¡± says Lopez sarcastically. The shocktrooper chuckles, and Hancock replies to her, ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t come up with it. ¡®Supernova Blitz¡¯ is sticking, and good luck getting Marines to change.¡±


    ¡°Hoomin Copton Long leek name ¡®Supernova¡¯?¡± asks Golgrrk.


    Hancock replies instantly, ¡°Yes. Yes, she does.¡±


    ¡°NO,¡± growls Lopez. ¡°It embarrasses her.¡±


    Hancock refutes, ¡°It¡¯s Captain Long. She doesn¡¯t get embarrassed. She burns the paint off of ships and beats fifty to two odds. Supernova-style.¡±


    ¡°Rex,¡± urges Lopez. Still, he continues, ¡°She brings a knife to a gun fight, throws the knife down, burns ¡®em all, and then carries everyone to safety.¡±


    ¡°Reeex¡­¡± Still, she¡¯s unheard. ¡°Ain¡¯t nobody that can¡¯t stop Supernova, and she¡¯ll¡­¡±


    A woman clears her throat, and Hancock halts. The unmistakeable voice asks, ¡°May I speak, Ensign Hancock?¡±


    He whirls, saluting, and he says, ¡°Of course, Captain. Apologies.¡±


    She smirks, saluting him and saying, ¡°At ease.¡± The auburn-haired Captain looks at Lopez and says, ¡°Doctor, I was thinking. Do you understand the jump technology well enough to intentionally weaponize it? It was pretty clever of you during the battle.¡±


    Lopez squeaks, ¡°H-Who told you it was my idea?¡± Even Hancock knows she wanted to remain anonymous.


    Long smiles, ¡°Well, Craw wasn¡¯t here when it happened to the Honolulu, and only two humans boarded his ship. No offense, Ensign, but the technical know-how matched another.¡±


    Hancock says loudly like he¡¯s back in boot camp, ¡°None taken, Captain. I wanted to send them dubstep CDs.¡±


    She scoffs, remarking dryly, ¡°Not a bad alternative.¡± She then says to Lopez, ¡°I¡¯m hoping for something directed and potentially standalone, but uses the same principles as the jump drive.¡±


    Lopez checks her laptop''s connection again. She murmurs, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ still learning it¡­ but I guess¡­ I dunno¡­ Maybe something to make a tunnel instead of a bubble? But¡­ there could be repercussions. That tunnel could travel on its own ¨Cbriefly-. Anything captured inside could be sent with it, and then lose the bubble travelling at above lightspeed. Matter isn¡¯t supposed to travel above lightspeed, but anything hit by even a particle¡­ um¡­ o-or it could cause some sort of backlash of forces¡­ not to mention EMP effects¡­¡±


    Long replies, ¡°Even if you could simply write a program to generate just the bubble and then dissipate it, we could work with that. If you say ¡®no¡¯, then the answer¡¯s no. I¡¯ll be content with that.¡±


    Lopez shrinks behind her laptop as much as possible. She replies, ¡°My answer isn¡¯t ¡®no¡¯, yet, Captain. B-But I don¡¯t want to say ¡®yes¡¯ until we know the technology better.¡±


    Long nods, satisfied. ¡°All I ask. I can¡¯t make it happen, but if you can, it could be a powerful tool to defend ourselves with.¡±


    Lopez nods. ¡°I¡¯ll give it thought, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She then looks at Hancock, still standing by fairly rigidly. She says dryly, ¡°I think the Polonia needs a new coat of paint, Ensign. Don¡¯t make me volunteer you.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Captain!¡±


    She smirks, adding as she winks at Lopez, ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯m flattered. Carry on.¡± She walks away again, and Hancock relaxes. Lopez says dryly, ¡°I tried to warn you.¡±


    He replies playfully, ¡°I regret nothing.¡±


    The shocktrooper remarks, ¡°Hoomins very stronj.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°And, proud of it.¡± Lopez can¡¯t help but smile.


    Maybe she can see in the Grodrrns what the others see.


    ***


    Oblivion.


    That word is echoing somewhere in the darkness. Different voices seem to be saying it. Not all of the whispers are the word oblivion, but it is the most distinct.


    Oblivion.


    Is it their fate? Is it some kind of warning? The word jabs painfully, but it doesn¡¯t instill fear.


    What did you see?


    Everything.


    Flashes keep hitting him. It¡¯s painful, but there is nothing to be done. There is nothing to move or to say. There is simply a pain. And, the voices.


    It feels like you¡¯ve only just begun. You have. And, you haven¡¯t. You can always step off of the road. The question is; what is more painful? Falling for eternity, or walking for eternity? Hint. It doesn¡¯t matter.


    He wants to scream at whoever is talking, but the voice sounds familiar. They know far more than they¡¯re letting on, and they¡¯re taunting him with mystery.


    The question isn¡¯t necessarily what mystery, though. The question is; who is he? Everything is starting to feel surreal, like a dream. And, it¡¯s not just now. Even during the battle reality was starting to feel hazy.


    That isn¡¯t reality leaving you. It¡¯s reality returning to you. Welcome to yet another step on the road of madness.


    Who are you!?


    This time, he was able to subconsciously cry out, to form a thought. And somehow, he knows the other heard him.


    I am but a heartbroken old fool, cast into a hell of his own fabrication made worse by his attempts to change it. But, I can teach you an irony. Would you like to hear it?


    What? No. Why am I here? How do I wake up?


    You will find no escape if you stay or go. This irony, similarly, will find you now or later.


    Fine. What is it?


    There is ONLY one being that truly doesn¡¯t have a choice. Good luck¡­


    The voice fades, and his eyes finally open.


    He finds himself in the medical bay. But, it¡¯s not his ship¡¯s medical bay. It¡¯s¡­ newer, more modern, even futuristic. He also can¡¯t feel the ship rocking. Maybe they¡¯re in port? How did he fall out in the first place?


    He looks to his right and finds a strange capsule on a stand next to him. The first thought that jumps out at him is that it¡¯s a missile hazard, being not-properly tied down.


    But, all at once, it floods back to him. He¡¯s on the former starliner Andromeda, and this capsule contains an embryo-carrying egg of an alien species, with looped recordings of his voice reading childrens books, talking, and looped music.


    He¡¯s not one hundred percent certain what is going on with himself, but he¡¯s glad he remembered who he is in this current place. Whatever is going on, for now, he is Lieutenant Carmine Kane, and that is the focus of his attention.


    He carefully sits up, gently touching the pod. He says softly, ¡°Hey there, little one. Doing okay?¡±


    The embryo squirms lightly. Even though it¡¯s technically the same age as Spaceman Long¡¯s, minus maybe a day or so, this embryo fell far behind due to a secret Long inadvertently discovered and seems to be proving accurate. In theory, the tiny life to be has everything she needs inside her little egg, except one thing. What Kane tested by playing recordings for her when he couldn¡¯t be present is that the Cave Queen¡¯s species needs mental stimulation to help them develop. For a sentient species to be precocial at hatching, there had to be more than just nutrients and temperature. And, even if her tiny movement was or wasn¡¯t a response to him just now, she¡¯s doing better than she was.


    His current concern is whether or not the yolk sustaining her will last, given how delayed her development is. But, the scientists didn¡¯t waste the unfortunately deceased eggs; they studied them. They know the basic makeup of the eggs shares similarities with many eggs of Earth, and one of the hypotheses of keeping this one alive if need be are to attempt yolk injection if she needs longer than Spaceman Long¡¯s. The other option is to prematurely hatch her and attempt premature birth treatments. Both of those options carry irreversible risks, and it¡¯ll come down to Kane to decide, since he won¡¯t allow any other, save the Queen.


    Right now, though, he needs to figure out how long he was out. He sits up fully, searching around his bed for his chart. He may or may not know how to read it, but he should at least be able to find dates. He remembers the fleet was tracking the Earth date still, clinging to some of the basic holidays and such for helping everyone get by. Ironically enough, it¡¯s the fleet¡¯s December twenty fifth; Christmas day. And, it¡¯s been about eight days that he¡¯s been in medical. His body is weak and sore, and the rings on his gauntlet only barely turn. He says softly to the pod, ¡°Merry Christmas, Princess.¡±


    That phrase alone flashes a powerful memory across his mind, causing him to have to halt. He MUST find a way to coexist with his past ¨Cwhatever it was- so he can function in this present. And, given what he just felt, he has a suspicion of how he ended up unconscious. He can¡¯t remember what, exactly, was happening at the end of the battle, and maybe that¡¯s for the best right now. Without being able to remember more than the tidbits he has now, he has no context for why it hurts him so.


    He takes a deep breath and relaxes. He¡¯s alright for now, and it¡¯s time to catch up to what¡¯s going on. Given that he¡¯s safe in medical, he feels it¡¯s a safe assumption that the battle was definitely won. He sits on the edge of his bed, easing to his feet so he can get dressed.


    Once ready, Kane carries the incubator pod with him. He checks out with the medical staff, who are undermanned, but express concern that he¡¯s up and about. Still, they can¡¯t stop him because they have far too many others to worry about.


    Kane makes his way to the bridge. Most likely, it¡¯s where he¡¯ll get answers.


    On his way, fellow spacers salute him proudly, ¡°Lieutenant.¡± ¡°Lieutenant Kane.¡± ¡°Ac-Cap.¡± They treat him like a celebrity, even though he was just one small piece of the puzzle. He could do without it, but he politely thanks them and keeps going.


    Lots of work is being done throughout the ship, and the glimpses he takes of the fleet suggest the same. But, most peculiar, is the full Grodrrn battleship receiving repairs in the Providence dock. He knows Khla¡¯s battleship helped them win, but this suggests some level of alliance or truce he wasn¡¯t expecting.


    Captian Dodge is on the bridge, his head bandaged, but otherwise okay. He smiles, remarking as Kane salutes, ¡°Well well, look who¡¯s finally up, ol¡¯ Ac-Cap Stranger himself.¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying politely, ¡°Captain. Glad you¡¯re doing well.¡±


    Dodge scoffs, replying, ¡°Well and ashamed. I¡¯m gettin'' relieved next week.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± asks Kane in surprise, but Dodge puts his hand up. ¡°My choice, Lieutenant. I cracked. You did the right thing and saved our fleet. And¡­ me.¡±


    Kane¡¯s recalling it, but he puts it out of his mind. He suspects it¡¯s linked to his past. He replies, ¡°I did my job, Captain. I let no one carry any burden alone.¡±


    Dodge sighs, murmuring softly, ¡°Far more than the job description of a Lieutenant.¡± He perks up saying, ¡°So, I¡¯m promoting you. From this day forward, you¡¯re Lieutenant Commander Kane. Already told the others. Who knows, might not be too long before you¡¯re in your proper seat to begin with.¡±


    Kane scoffs, ¡°I¡¯m not the best Captain material, Captain. I¡¯m too ready to sacrifice myself. Captain Long saved the fleet. I just helped.¡±


    Dodge chuckles, ¡°A person who takes command when no one else wants it is the Captain we need. True, Angelica fits that statement, too, but you took command of this ship when it needed someone most. That will never be forgotten.¡±


    Dodge then rolls a pen in his fingers, adding, ¡°Speaking of Long, she asked I send you to the Polonia when you were up and about. Apparently, a Zarak Queen turned itself over? She, the, uh¡­ Squid Queen, and Yarjen Jor interrogated the roach, but Angelica¡¯s hoping you can divine the roach¡¯s motive, or ask the right questions or something. We¡¯ve been jumping every day because of that thing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll report right away, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Supernova this when you see her, but the rest of us Captains have voted, and you have a say too, if you object, since you were an Acting Captain. Long¡¯s getting promoted ¨Cer, elected, I guess- to Admiral. She¡¯ll get final say on all matters. Same as now, basically, but official. Not sure who will be next, but Supernova is a no-brainer.¡±


    ¡°Supernova?¡± asks Kane.


    Dodge smirks, ¡°Your maneuver is now known as ¡®the Supernova Blitz¡¯, and everyone ¨CMarines particularly- started calling Angelica ¡®Supernova¡¯. She loves it.¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying, ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind, Captain. Thank you. And, I agree. Captain Long is a good choice to lead the fleet.¡±


    Dodge nods, ¡°It¡¯ll probably get announced next week or so. Probably after Khla¡¯s ship leaves.¡±


    ¡°Be kinda lonely without any of the Grodrrns over there.¡±


    Dodge chuckles, ¡°Don¡¯t count on that. Officially, Jor, Craw, and a handful of others are staying prisoner. Unofficially, my sources tell me Jor volunteered to stay, followed by the others.¡±


    Kane looks at him, surprised. Dodge nods, ¡°Yep. So, we got the Cave Queen and her little ones, if any hatch, Grodrrns, and a Zarak Queen. What could go wrong?¡±


    The new Lieutenant Commander replies distantly, ¡°Nothing worse than anything else so far.¡±


    ¡°Fair¡­¡±


    Kane then excuses himself, carrying his embryo with him. He says softly to her, ¡°Strange times indeed, huh?¡± He makes his way to a shuttle to take him to the Polonia.


    ***

 Chapter 41: The Zarakyssn Queen Syretia

    Captain Long meets Kane in the hangar bay, and sure enough, the huge Grodrrn is following her. His aura is very different though. Even compared to when he was on his own ship, Dzor is far more relaxed and calm. He doesn¡¯t say much, but it¡¯s clear he¡¯s following Long to protect her from something ¨Cmost likely the Zarakyssn Queen- than as her servant or anything.


    They all exchange greetings and thanks, and Long asks, ¡°How much did Captain Dodge explain?¡±


    ¡°Just that you have the Queen, pretty much. And, that we¡¯re¡­ keeping some of the Grodurns?¡±


    Dzor replies gruffly, ¡°I choose stay. End of discussion.¡±


    Long chuckles, saying gently, ¡°He did. Primarily to protect Craw. He had his chance to betray us, and he hasn¡¯t. I¡¯m thankful.¡± She smiles up at him. The huge reptilian averts his eyes, and Kane watches a silently stunning display. He says nothing, though.


    Long adds, ¡°As for the Zarak Queen, she¡¯s in that hauler over there. She claims they want some sort of spiritual unity with all other beings in the universe, but after some prying, we found out it¡¯s not good for the non-Zarak race. She¡¯s semi-cooperative, but our biggest hurdle is how can we trust her? She turned herself in, essentially, because her hive mind link is gone for now, but we have no way of verifying it. With it, her fellow Queens can silently find her, and they can communicate. For now, we¡¯re jumping daily, but we can¡¯t keep this up. As much as I¡¯d love to learn more, we need to survive first.¡±


    ¡°Any reason to believe she might want to defect?¡±


    Both Dzor and Long look at each other. They shake their heads, and Long replies, ¡°She seems pretty devout in the Zarak belief system. There are some secrets, such as the name of her people¡¯s homeworld, which she guards. She is afraid that her status will be very low in the horde due to losing so many of her soldiers ¨Call of them- because of her injury. She also claims she¡¯s curious, which is why she did it. Last important note, she has an egg. She¡¯s been taking care of it, which pretty much seems to be keeping it clean and rotating it to ensure its temperatures don¡¯t stagnate. She offered it to us as an olive branch. We don¡¯t intend to separate her, but we don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Mind if I try talking with her Captain? Maybe she¡¯s less comfortable with Dzor present.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been hoping you would. But, are you¡¯re sure you¡¯re okay? We can wait.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Captain. Would you please watch the Princess?¡± He offers the incubator to her. However, Dzor reaches over her, taking the capsule surprisingly gently so he can inspect it. He states, ¡°Hoomins hovv eensteencts to protect all offspreeng? Not joost own?¡± He listens closely to the pod.


    Kane replies, ¡°I suppose so, yes. Children can be taught anything. Doesn¡¯t matter what they are. I have no other children at the moment, so why not a princess?¡±


    Dzor adds, ¡°Your voice¡­ Cave Queen spissies need stimoolashin?¡±


    Kane scoffs and nods. ¡°Yes, Yarjen. Wish we figured it out that faster.¡±


    ¡°Seen before, boot wouldn¡¯t hovv nississarily known. I protect Craw egg. Boot, I grateful for hoomin help. I, een turn, hilp.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause. Kane is the most surprised. The last time he specifically spoke to Dzor, the Baskylla Jardzen threatened to use Kane¡¯s spine as a backscratcher. But, that was admittedly a few weeks ago, and he¡¯s not Captain Long.


    Long says softly, ¡°Thank you, Jor.¡±


    He nods at her. Just as Kane¡¯s about to ask if there¡¯s anything else he needs to know, a shrill, buzzing shriek comes from the direction of the hauler.


    Kane runs briskly as the Marines nearby circle up and aim at the Zarak hauler. One barks orders, but unless Kane missed something, the Queen doesn¡¯t understand.


    The insectoid alien is bigger than the soldiers, but not as big as Kane expected. He¡¯s not a fan of insects, typically, but she¡¯s not altogether hideous. She does appear to be panicking, though, standing at the plasma door to her cargo hauler and trying to communicate. She keeps making hand gestures and occasionally paces in a panicked circle.


    Kane asks, ¡°What¡¯s wrong!?¡±


    The Marine trying to calm her retorts, ¡°We don¡¯t know Sir! She just started freaking out.¡± Kane looks at the alien as she desperately pleads, now holding her egg protectively.


    Long asks from nearby, ¡°Jor? What¡¯s she saying?"


    The Grodrrn replies with an amused smirk, ¡°I don¡¯t know. She is crying.¡±


    Kane says, ¡°Yarjen, please! Maybe we can help her. Does she need help with something inside?¡±


    The Grodrrn looks at him coldly. He says, ¡°Problem solve self.¡±


    Long puts a gentle hand on the Grodrrn¡¯s forearm as he holds the incubator gently. She urges, ¡°Jor, we talked about this. Please?¡±


    Kane looks. The Queen is now pleading directly to the Grodrrn commandant. He¡¯s silent for a long time. He finally glances at Long, and then the incubator. He says quietly, ¡°She say sheep power fail. She losing heat. Timporchur floocshooate hurt egg.¡±


    Kane shouts quickly, ¡°Get an electric blanket and extension cords! Captain, I recommend gathering anyone who¡¯s figured out their tech take a look! I¡¯ll go in and try to help.¡±


    ¡°What? How?¡± asks Long, surprised.


    ¡°Trust me. Dzor, ask her how warm it needs to be, please.¡±


    The Grodrrn replies, ¡°Cannot. Notheeng for point at.¡±


    Long explains, ¡°Grodurns understand the Zarakyssns, but they can¡¯t pronounce the language.¡±


    Kane nods. He says, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll just have to try.¡± He jogs to an EVA kit, throwing it on quickly as the Marines bring a heating blanket and an already plugged in extension cord, as well as a portable heater. Long asks, ¡°What do you intend to do?¡±


    ¡°Hopefully, my gauntlet will let me heat the air around me. I¡¯ve done it before, so it shouldn¡¯t be a problem. But, I¡¯m relying on D-¡­ uh¡­ someone to keep the power going.¡±


    Long whispers, ¡°You¡¯re remembering?¡±


    Kane smiles cryptically, replying, ¡°Things.¡± He takes the equipment and jogs towards the plasma door.


    As he approaches, the Queen frantically tries to stop him. Long and Dzor are still close to him, and Dzor states, ¡°She warn door burn.¡±


    Long states, ¡°She¡¯ll have to don her eva suit, and¡­¡±


    Kane states, ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± He places his right palm to the very threshold of the plasma door, and he can feel the static tingle it gives off. He concentrates on the golden device clamped to his arm. He feels for the connection to its power source, somewhere VERY far away. It is powered up, and he is able to draw on it to channel through his gauntlet. The rings scuff a little as they twist under his EVA suit, but the protective barrier generates quickly, and prevents further contact. This barrier is exactly what he needs. He extends it to his hand and around himself, and with it, he is able to open a small hole through the plasma, allowing him to safely step through with the equipment without the two atmospheres ever touching.


    Everyone else is stunned, but he calmly sets up the heater and unfolds the blanket, passing the plugs through. He drapes the blanket over his shoulders, and then gestures for the egg. The insectoid Queen is staring at him in apparent astonishment.


    Kane urges with his hands for the egg, and the Queen reluctantly hands it over. The barrier around him glows again, and he cradles the egg under the blanket. He explains, ¡°I can hold this for a bit. She has the compartment about a hundred ten Fahrenheit. The blanket and heater won¡¯t work.¡± Kane heats himself to 115 degrees Fahrenheit using his gauntlet.


    Captain Long orders for nearby spacers to contact the science team, and the Queen murmurs something softly in her own language.


    Dzor didn¡¯t miss it. He snarls as he storms toward the door. He spits out caustically, ¡°I KNEW was deceit! You shoul be float een void ozz we spick!¡±


    Long quickly confronts Dzor gently, urging, ¡°Calm down, Yarjen! What did she say?¡±


    He snorts, breathing heavily on the plasma barrier. ¡°She say ¡®You actually help?¡¯¡±


    The Queen cowers a little, knowing fully well a Grodrrn will not be deterred by a simple plasma barrier, no matter how much pain it might cause him.


    Kane says gently, ¡°Captain, Yarjen; could I please be left alone with the Queen? She¡¯s afraid. She¡¯s good at hiding it most of the time, but I sensed genuine fear the whole time.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Yes, Lieutenant Commander. Jor, please, let¡¯s leave them alone.¡±


    The big Grodrrn snorts again. He says coldly, ¡°Do not troost, hoomin. She KNOW heeve meend will save her een teem. She WEEL stall.¡±


    Kane nods, replying, ¡°I have to hear what she says first, of course. Thank you both.¡±


    They walk off, and Kane sits idly for a moment. The Queen reaches under the blanket several times, feeling the egg. She doesn¡¯t say anything or panic, so he must be doing okay.


    He can feel it in the back of his mind, though. Like a language he learned forever ago, he can feel it filling his subconscious. His device is downloading the language to his brain. It¡¯s an old one ¨Cvery old-. He¡¯s not certain of how he knows that, but he feels it. He knows the strange artifact on his arm is safe enough, but he doesn¡¯t want to think about its implications, or what that means for both his past and future.


    Instead, he listens intently when the Queen speaks again. And, just as with the Grodrrns, he can understand her already, ¡°{I wish I knew how you do this¡­}¡±


    Kane replies politely, somehow able to make the needed noises ¨Cand instinctively making them-, ¡°{The device on my arm.}¡± She recoils in startled surprise, and he adds, ¡°{If you understood me, then somehow ¨CI¡¯m not sure how- it translates for me.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡­ I understand  you¡­ I cannot believe it. You are not a Shining Daughter, and yet, you speak as if you are.}¡±


    ¡°{Is that offensive to you?}¡± asks Kane cautiously.


    ¡°{Offensive? No! We have spent centuries trying to teach races during unification, and yet so few can muster more than a few words.}¡± She gently prods at Kane¡¯s mouth, inspecting him for some sort of secret.


    The Lieutenant Commander replies, ¡°{It¡¯s strange to me, too. But it should make all our lives easier.}¡± She finally stops prodding him, and he adds, ¡°{I¡¯m told I should avoid talk of unification with you. Apparently, our kinds disagree on what is good and bad inter-cultural behavior.}¡±


    The Queen whines in a surprisingly immature-seeming way, ¡°{It¡¯s not fair! The Fieve-um, ¡®Grodrrn¡¯ can speak your language, and he¡¯s inflicted HIS people¡¯s view on yours. The human Long, she doesn¡¯t understand!}¡±


    Kane poses a thought to the Queen, ¡°{Maybe we don¡¯t. But then, why did you have to wait until your hive-connection was gone to pursue a personal curiosity?}¡±


    The Queen buzzes in surprise, but it¡¯s a meaningless noise. She stares at him, trying to form an answer.


    Kane adds, though, ¡°{I don¡¯t know what all has been said to you already, so I¡¯ll just say this; we WANT to live our own lives. That¡¯s it. Whoever wants to walk beside us can. Whoever tries to kill us or force their ideals on us; we won¡¯t let them. Do you understand?}¡±


    ¡°{What if it meant an eternity of darkness?}¡± asks the Queen.


    ¡°{We would build a light.}¡±


    The Queen buzzes more irritated now, and Kane begins to suspect her race is actually closer to bees than their appearance lets on. True, their bodies are fairly generally insectoid, rather than distinctly bee or anything else, making ¡®roaches¡¯ the easiest names to call them, but her behavior AND noises remind him more of a bee.


    The Queen retorts, ¡°{See, not even you understand. The Divine Queen will ONLY return to the universe when all non-beliefs and blasphemies have been cleansed. We are all wanderers in the dark without her. Your kinds close your eyes and pretend it isn¡¯t dark, and with your heresy, keep darkness around us all.}¡±


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    ¡°{Have you seen the Divine Queen?}¡± asks Kane bluntly.


    ¡°{Of course not! She has been absent our universe for many generations. You THINK such basic logic will trip me up, but I will not be swayed by empty blasphemy. Our most ancient texts speak of the Divine Queen, Long before your world even existed.}¡±


    Kane says bluntly, ¡°{I wasn¡¯t going to say that. I know what you¡¯re calling the ¡®Divine Queen¡¯, and I know it is inevitable. But, it isn¡¯t one of your Queens. It is the engine of the universe. ¡®Queen¡¯s of the sky shine. Never alone, twinkling forever. Daughters of the Divine Queen roam. Blessed are we who stand together in the light. May we shine as they when we join the Divine Queen¡¯s embrace. Together, forever.¡¯}¡± The Queen recoils in shock. Her language is one thing; the proverb is something else entirely. No outsider is taught the proverb. Only Queens know it, and they would never say it aloud to outsiders.


    Kane continues, ¡°{I notice your language uses the same word for two meanings. ¡®Queens¡¯ is interchangeable for your leaders and the solar bodies.}¡±


    The Queen whispers fearfully, ¡°{H-¡­ How do you know those words?}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯m genuinely not sure. I¡¯m sorry. I just¡­ knew to say it, I guess. The point is, the Divine Queen is the crossroads between creation, destruction, life, and death. We ALL meet her when we die. No sooner, and no later.}¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Kane gently inspects the egg in his arms. It¡¯s dark brown, and has an even darker core that only barely seems to have any form.


    The Queen is still spooked, replying, ¡°{This¡­ It¡¯s impossible.}¡±


    ¡°{You think I¡¯m lying?}¡±


    ¡°{I¡­ It¡¯s impossible for you to know the proverb¡­ I don¡¯t know what to think¡­}¡±


    ¡°{I can¡¯t prove what I¡¯m talking about until it¡¯s far too late, but let¡¯s go back. WHY were you curious about us? If you eventually want to kill us all, why save a Marine¡¯s life and hide out in plain sight?}¡±


    ¡°{I told the others. I wish to understand why you resist.}¡±


    Kane shakes his head. ¡°{I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that simple. That¡¯s the excuse you intend to use on your own people. I think you saw three different races cooperating, celebrating each other, helping each other. You couldn¡¯t identify ¡®a¡¯ leader the way you have because we all worked together. You had a clear mind all to yourself, and you wanted to know what it¡¯s like to have your own thoughts on everything. You don¡¯t have to answer. I¡¯m pretty confident I¡¯m not wrong.}¡±


    The Queen stares at him silently for a long time. She then looks down at where her egg is under the blanket with him. She¡¯s silent for several more long moments.


    She finally asks softly, ¡°{Why did you help? When I asked, and the Grodurn translated, you didn¡¯t hesistate, even though we are enemies. Why?}¡±


    Kane smiles. He replies, ¡°{We don¡¯t want to be enemies. We¡¯d love to be friends, actually. We¡¯re just as curious about you.}¡±


    He then asks, ¡°{Will there be more eggs, or just this one?}¡±


    The Queen relaxes a little, replying, ¡°{Not unless I can find a mate. And¡­ because I lost everything¡­ I have to start over with the worst ones¡­}¡± The Queen looks at him, teasing, ¡°{Unless of course, you¡¯re offering.}¡±


    Kane chuckles. He replies, ¡°{That¡¯s rather forward of you. We don¡¯t even know each other¡¯s names yet. I¡¯m Carmine Kane. You can call me either Carmine or Kane.}¡±


    The Queen stares at him blankly. She¡¯s never given it a single thought before. None of her Sisters use a name for her because the way they communicate, they just KNOW who is being spoken to or about. She doesn¡¯t even remember if she was ever given one. In fact, she doesn¡¯t even actually know who laid her. She knows her mother is a Blessed Queen, but she¡¯s not sure they¡¯ve ever crossed paths since being laid. Such is the way of the Shining Daughters. Typically, Blessed Queens have entire armies to tend to their offspring, where as she will be tending her own once more, due to this egg being her last.


    The human asks gently, ¡°{Do you have a name? A way to personally identify you?}¡± She looks at him again. She has no idea what to say.


    Kane continues, ¡°{It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t. It¡¯s just a little surprising. The report I read on the way over here, plus what you said, indicate that you have a personal status based on your offspring count ¨Cliving-, as well as your conquests. It seems strange to me, how hard you must work, to not be identifiable.}¡±


    She looks away. Still, the human presses, ¡°{I think your status is a way to punish failure, short of execution. It also makes you jaded to naivete. I imagine the highest status Queens have the least amount of curiosity and ask the fewest questions. So sayeth the Stones.}¡± The Queen¡¯s gaze snaps to his. She growls quietly, ¡°{You read minds. That is your secret.}¡±


    Kane replies sincerely, ¡°{I do not. I just know what it¡¯s like to have questions. All humans do. We thrive on questions. Just recently, we all asked a big question; ¡®How do we escape the Shining Daughters?¡¯ We kept supplying answers until we did.}¡± He then shifts, saying, ¡°{As for the proverb and the text of the stones, my device was translating that;}¡± Kane points. She follows his finger. On the back wall of the hauler are strange scratches, artistically and smoothly formed. But, they are little more than patterning on the wall of the old hauler. Similar patterns were scattered about her battleship, which was passed to her by a retiring Uniter Queen. Many ships of the Shining Daughters have rich history.


    She retorts to him, ¡°{That is merely texture. I will not fall for your deceits.}¡±


    Kane stands up gently, approaching the wall. He asks, ¡°{Can you truly not read it? It¡¯s everything.}¡± He points, apparently reading as he cradles the egg, ¡°{¡®All must join. For the Divine Queen to once more show herself to her glorious Shining Daughters, all must become one. So sayeth the Stones.¡¯ ¡®Blessed is the heart held pure. So sayeth the Stones.¡¯ See how this part repeats across the text? It¡¯s the phrase ¡®So Sayeth the Stones.¡¯}¡±


    She accuses, ¡°{You omitted some. ¡®All must become one. Many resist, but their understanding is lacking. They have been led astray, and blasphemy and doubt have dimmed the Divine Queen¡¯s light. So sayeth the Stones.¡¯ And ¡®Blessed is the heart held pure and absent all questions. So sayeth the Stones.¡¯}¡±


    Kane replies gently, ¡°{I swear, Noble Queen, it doesn¡¯t say that. See? This here is ¡®all must become one¡¯. Then, ¡®so sayeth the Stones.¡¯ You can even check; see; ¡®Shining¡¯ and ¡®Divine¡¯ share the same root, and ¡®All¡¯ is part of ¡®Daughters¡¯. I don¡¯t think this is a command. It¡¯s a statement. Everyone joins the Divine Queen, which is true. We all become one when we die.}¡±


    She whines, ¡°{You know I cannot read it, so insisting makes no difference.}¡±


    ¡°{I could teach you, Noble Queen. There¡¯s text all over this ship. If I teach you to read, it should all make sense. That will be our proof.}¡±


    ¡°{And why would you do that?}¡± asks the Queen, guarded.


    ¡°{To prove I have one motive; to extend peace. YOU are special, because like each and every one of us, YOU are an individual, with aspirations and desires. You want to learn about things around you, not just conquer them. I just want a chance for you to see what it is we fight for; the chance to be ourselves. Tell me you don¡¯t want to trust me, and that¡¯s it. I won¡¯t bring it up again. But, curiosity is a path best shared by the curious. So, tell me, why did you come to us?}¡±


    The Queen is quiet once more. She¡¯s never been told anything like this. The Queens all praise each other on being Queens, but criticisms are quick to fly as well, and are often harsh. This mammal, so seemingly under-evolved and blasphemous, has yet to throw it in her face that his race defeated hers ¨Cor, at least, her specifically-. Instead, he¡¯s encouraging her to EMBRACE the decisions she made, decisions her sisters would deem risky, foolish, and unnecessary.


    She looks at him, studying his appearance. She finally says softly, ¡°{Teach me, and I will observe you. If you prove yourself, then I will teach you. I will cause no trouble, and I will tell you when my bond returns ¨Cyou will likely know because I will speak differently-. But, I will only help your PEOPLE on one condition; I get to choose my mate.}¡±


    Kane, a little confused, replies, ¡°{Help us? How? Telling us your bond is back?}¡±


    ¡°{No. That is a sign of faith if you are faithful in teaching me the ancient language. I will help your people in battle, in medicine, or construction with my children; but only if I can choose my mate. That is non-negotiable.}¡±


    ¡°{If you can make us trust you, Noble Queen, then that sounds like a good deal. The only problem is, we don¡¯t have the resources to capture one of your males. God willing, we can avoid the Shining Daughters for the rest of our days.}¡±


    ¡°{That won¡¯t be necessary. If and when that time comes I will handle it. Do we have a deal?}¡±


    ¡°{I can garuntee the teaching. I will need permission from¡­ our Queen to make that other agreement. But, I will strongly make your case. I want an arrangement between us.}¡±


    ¡°{Promise.}¡± orders the Queen.


    That word jabs deeply into his memories, but he is able to focus. He replies, ¡°{I, Lieutenant Commander Carmine Kane, promise to broker peace between the human fleet, and this Noble Queen of the Shining Daughters in the pursuit of mutual coexistence and understanding, one part of which is the Queen¡¯s choice of mate.}¡±


    She nods, saying, ¡°{Good. I agree. I can tell I am healing, but there is no connection yet.}¡±


    ¡°{I believe you. So, back to names, then. Do you have one, or would you like one? Or should I continue calling you ¡®Noble Queen¡¯?}¡±


    She never lets on what effect him calling her that is having on her. But, she is curious as to the course of this conversation. She replies, ¡°{Curiosity dictates I try having a name, yes? Who is to choose? You?}¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°{Only if you wish, Noble Queen. You should pick if you want, so it¡¯s a name special to you. If you have trouble, I can pick¡­}¡±


    ¡°{You pick. I am curious what you would call me.}¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°{Very well¡­}¡± He thinks for a moment. He says, ¡°{Syretia is a name for an independent, curious girl. How do you like Syretia? Shining Queen Syretia.}¡±


    The Queen carefully pronounces the name; ¡°Ser-eh-shu?¡± Kane nods.


    The Queen nods. ¡°{From henceforward, you may call me Syretia, and I shall respond.}¡±


    ¡°{It would be my honor, Noble Queen Syretia. Thank you.}¡±


    He has no idea what he¡¯s done. But, she will reveal it in time. For now, she must remain polite. And, anything is better than dealing with a Grodrrn. Overgrown brutes.


    They start the first lessons as the humans work on a rug to heat the ship from their power. Never does the human Lieutenant complain about holding the egg or remaining in her ship. He works with her, teaching her the ¡°letters¡± which are the individual markings on the walls. Combined, they form words, but he¡¯s starting with letters, and quickly, she can see the repeated letters intentionally made, instead of just random texturing. It¡¯s strange, but just one more curiosity for her and Kane to pursue later.


    ***


    Petty Officer Rena Coulson looks around the Alpha team ranks as Chief Grey sits on a crate at the front, and Chief Tachibana reads over her tablet for the day¡¯s information. Grey is chewing on something that looks like it could be jerky while he re-rolls his infamous cigar on his thigh. He swears every day that he¡¯ll finally smoke the cigar one day, especially after so many near misses that would¡¯ve prevented him from doing so, but he never does. He seems to be afraid finally smoking it will be the end, even though every day passed is a day closer that the tobacco gets to going bad.


    Tachibana has mellowed out a lot, too, since the fall of Earth. She¡¯s still far more straight-laced and professional than Grey, but back then, she¡¯d already be calling role call, even though her squad was a handful of people.


    Who Rena isn¡¯t seeing, however, is her own twin sister. Rena and Mina are probably a lot closer than most people, but they aren¡¯t attached at the hip. They stand their own watches, have their own hobbies, and have always had their own friends with overlaps. BUT, what the circumstances have forced upon the twins ¨Cor, at least, they accepted the burden- is that they share a bed. Or, they had been. This was the first night where Mina never returned to the suite followed by not showing up to muster. Watch explains one or the other, but not both. And, her uniform was still in the wardrobe.


    Rena squeaks, ¡°Has anyone seen Thing Three?¡±


    Tachibana replies calmly, ¡°Petty Officer Mina Coulson has been transferred to Biosciences. She reports to them now.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? Is she okay?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°She¡¯s fine, Thing Four.¡±


    ¡°Why so sudden though!? Chief, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Tachibana growls, ¡°Transfers happen, Coulson. Needs of the Navy.¡±


    Grey licks the edge of his cigar paper, finishing his rolling. He adds, ¡°She can tell you all about it, Thing Four. After muster.¡±


    How is she supposed to pay any attention now? She¡¯s distracted the whole time. Something about a handful of Grodrrns staying, something about repair status, and normal watch rotation per the Watchbill. The second they¡¯re dismissed, Rena makes a beeline.


    Rena storms into her father¡¯s office near the lab, screaming, ¡°WHERE IS SHE!?¡± He looks up at her from a fairly distressed position with his forehead in his hands on his desk. Rena¡¯s guard lowers a little, and she worries even more.


    Dr. Coulson sighs. He asks, ¡°Any secrets you wanna tell me, Cupcake?¡±


    ¡°Dad, what? No. What¡¯s going on? Why won¡¯t anyone tell me anything?¡±


    ¡°Mina¡¯s in the lab. Medical bed. Y-¡­ You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Rena bolts out of his office and to the lab. She stumbles through a door, narrowly avoiding ramming through a scientist trying to come through the opposite way. She yells, ¡°MINA! Mina where are you!¡±


    She halts when they make eye contact. Mina is surrounded by scientists and has monitoring equipment on her, but she has a contented smile, if a little embarrassed. Heloise is sitting in a chair next to her, holding her hand.


    Mina says a little awkwardly. ¡°Hey, Baby Sis. Sorry for worrying you¡­¡± Her voice is hoarse and weak as well.


    Rena stumbles forward in disbelief. Mina looks like she gained forty pounds in just her abdomen overnight. Literally. The last time Rena saw her, she was normal-sized, and that was two nights ago as they went to sleep.


    ¡°W-What happened? M-Mina? Are¡­ you okay?¡±


    Mina smiles and nods. She croaks out, ¡°I¡­ volunteered myself. Everything¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand¡­ Did the Queen do this to you?¡±


    ¡°At MY choice. Yes.¡±


    ¡°S-So¡­ You¡¯re carrying¡­?¡±


    Mina nods.


    Rena pulls a stool up next to Heloise, trying to stay out of the way of the scientists. Rena asks, ¡°D-¡­ Does it-¡­ hurt?¡±


    ¡°A little. But, I swear, Baby Sis, I CHOSE this. I knew the risks, and I¡¯m okay. Really.¡±


    ¡°Okay!? You can barely speak!¡±


    Mina blushes, replying softly, ¡°That¡¯s my fault. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Heloise adds, ¡°The doctors are checking for permanent damage, Sweetie. So far, it¡¯s just bruising.¡±


    Rena shouts, ¡°And, you¡¯re okay with this!? Mom! Look at her!¡±


    Heloise sighs, gently stroking Mina¡¯s hand with her fingers. She replies, ¡°It¡¯s not ideal, but then, what in life is? My biggest fear for both of you was always you getting knocked up or abused by some druggie or other lowlife. The Queen may be an alien, but she¡¯s more human than them.¡±


    Rena sighs, fumbling for words, ¡°I just¡­ we¡­ She¡­ Mina-¡­¡± She takes another breath and looks at her sister. She says softly, ¡°I LIKE serving with you, dumb-dumb. We make the Best team. Mom¡¯s right, the Queen¡¯s awesome. I just¡­ never thought¡­¡±


    Mina takes Rena¡¯s hand, whispering as smoothly as her weakened voice will allow, ¡°We ARE the best team, Thing Four. But¡­ I owe the Queen everything. And¡­ when I saw how affectionate she is¡­ A-And how kind and sweet she is¡­ I knew. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t warn you¡­¡±


    The two share a long gaze, and Rena sighs more confidently. She says dryly, ¡°You know, whenever I pondered being an aunty, I thought it¡¯d be to one little critter. Not¡­ How many?¡±


    Mina blushes. ¡°F-Forty seven.¡±


    Rena¡¯s eyes widen. But, she remembers that males of the Queen¡¯s species don¡¯t get much bigger than when they hatch, and they don¡¯t develop sentience. She smiles, though, joking, ¡°I am NOT changing any diapers. Especially forty seven.¡±


    Mina and Heloise giggle, and Rena asks softly, ¡°S-So¡­ Dad?¡±


    Heloise replies, ¡°He¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s a shock. Like me, he¡¯s torn between the excitement of a living subject and host, and the concern that his baby is pregnant.¡± She adds, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ A lot to take in.¡±


    Rena scoffs, teasing, ¡°Tell that to her.¡± Mina whines playfully, ¡°Hey!¡± The unencumbered twin relaxes, asking warmly, ¡°Need anything, Baby Sis?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, Baby Sis. And,¡­ Thank you for understanding.¡±


    ¡°Of course I understand. We¡¯re twins. I¡¯m mad because you beat me to it.¡±


    Heloise groans, ¡°Oh God¡­ Please don¡¯t even joke, Babies.¡±


    The twins laugh together. The three sit together peacefully, Heloise and Rena keeping Mina company while the doctors find new ways to boringly torture her with tests.


    It¡¯s a shock for Rena, too, but her sister seems truly content. And, that alone makes Rena just as happy.


    ***

 Chapter 42: The First Cave Princess

    ¡°Gyeck.¡±


    It was a strange sound, but it found its way through a deep fog of sleep. It takes a moment for the fog to clear, during which the sound repeats, but a little differently. ¡°Geeyeck!¡± It¡¯s a tiny, unassuming sound. The fleet is full of strange sounds from valves opening and closing, the engines speeding up or slowing down, cannon fire ¨Cif cannons are firing-, and now all the way to the many noisy sounds of repair.


    This sound is nothing like those sounds. She isn¡¯t sure why, but she knows it¡¯s not mechanical. ¡°Gyeck! Gyeck!¡± It repeats twice, quickly.


    Jessica rubs her eyes and sits up, listening more intently. Everyone else is sleeping peacefully, including Angelica, who is sharing her bed. Jessica has no idea when Angelica crawled into bed, as the auburn-haired Captain is often quite busy. She¡¯s probably walked the length of every ship multiple times in the last two weeks since the battle with the Zarakyssns and her ¡®Supernova Blitz¡¯, as many Marines are calling it. She¡¯s paid respects to hundreds of fallen soldiers, civilians, and Grodrrns who died in the battle, as well as laid her own eyes upon the damages of the battle and her maneuvers. Jessica worries her beloved older sister is beating herself up, but the Captain insists she¡¯s okay, and is using it as both motivation and learning in order to prevent a repeat.


    Fortunately, the fleet is in a jump right now, hosted by the Argonaut. Nothing can really happen during jumps, so the crews take the time to rest.


    ¡°Gyeck!¡± She looks down at her waist. She can feel squirming in the pouch she carries with her, and the sound definitely emanated from that direction. She carefully opens the protective leather flap and extracts the transparent silicone pouch inside. The tiny being inside of a translucent purple orb seems to be coiling her tiny, thread-like appendages and positioning them. And, all at once, the tiny figure stretches straight with a tiny, adorably, ¡°Gyeck!¡±, flexing the orb into an uneven shape.


    Jessica watches several such movements, with brief pauses in between and squirming and coiling in seeming frustration. The tiny alien has never moved like this before, but then, there was a first time the tiny little being sung a bird-like tune from within her egg, squirmed against Jessica¡¯s abdomen from inside the case, and sucked on the tip or coil of one of her tiny tentacles like a baby sucking its thumb.


    It¡¯s at the moment Jessica really SEES how hard her tiny princess is trying that she understands what¡¯s happening. She murmurs, ¡°Sh-She¡¯s hatching¡­¡± The statement makes it more real, and the teen can¡¯t contain herself. ¡°SHE¡¯S HATCHING! SHE¡¯S HATCHING!¡± This startles the two veterans out of their slumber, while Tanya and Little Bird shift. Grey is the fastest up, looking around before seeing Jessica.


    The teen exclaims, ¡°Chief! She¡¯s hatching!¡±


    Everyone watches the glowing orb distort with ¡°Gyeck!¡± before it sinks in. Little Bird squeaks excitedly, falling cutely out of bed to scramble over and into Jessica¡¯s and Angelica¡¯s. Angelica sits up, her hair messy and face weary, but she manages to smile.


    The two girls cheer, ¡°You can do it, Princess! We¡¯re here!¡±


    The tiny alien strains again, but doesn¡¯t seem to make progress. Chief Grey remarks dryly, ¡°Of course she picks night time.¡±


    Angelica chuckles warmly, saying, ¡°How does she know, though?¡±


    Grey stretches, and Tanya replies playfully, ¡°She gets to sleep all day.¡±


    Jessica squeaks nervously. ¡°She-She¡¯s struggling, though! Sh-Should I help her?¡±


    Grey stands up, limping to the kitchen to get a drink. He growls out, ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°B-But Chief¡­!¡±


    ¡°No buts. Normal circumstances, there would be no helping.¡±


    ¡°But, w-what if she drowns!? H-Her egg¡­ It¡¯s so small!¡±


    Angelica strokes her younger sister¡¯s head, saying, ¡°Alex is right, Cottonpuff. She¡¯s meant to do this. She¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    ¡°B-But human babies¡­¡±


    Tanya suggests, ¡°Give her a chance, Jess. She¡¯s still going at it, right? If she starts to weaken, we can worry.¡±


    Jessica watches diligently, nodding softly. She¡¯s nervous. They watch the tiny alien squirm and fight against her flexible casing. Little Bird urges, ¡°You can do it, Baby.¡±


    Jessica hums in agreement, but gently strokes the case. Grey approaches, handing her a plastic syringe filled with white liquid. He says, ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. She¡¯s a Long, after all.¡±


    Jessica looks up at her sister, who nods.


    They watch as the Princess gives up trying to stretch her surroundings and whirls quickly in seeming frustration. But, seemingly formulating a new strategy, she tries biting the egg. Still, it flexes away from presumably two razor sharp teeth.


    The struggling continues for a long several minutes, and the three adults slowly migrate to the table. Jessica nervously says, ¡°Angelica, she¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± growls Grey sternly.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    She looks pleadingly at her sister. Still, Angelica adds, ¡°She¡¯s going to be okay, Jess. Let her work. She¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Jessica watches diligently. After what feels like an eternity, the swirling mass of threads finally presses four of her tentacles in two parallel lines. This seemingly just stretches a rectangular shape in the skin of the egg, like one more seemingly basic attempt to claw free.


    However, the tiny alien is not, as it seems, the same as any known infant of any other creature. She slowly squeezes her two rolls together, and the egg skin flexes¡­


    Inwards.


    This inward intrusion gives the tiny alien princess enough area to get her mouth around, and she bites. Not much seems to happen, but a short moment later, a tentacle pokes through an imperceptibly small hole.


    Jessica and Maya both gasp in excitement. When Jessica¡¯s beaming eyes look at the adults, they¡¯re all smiling knowingly at her.


    Within moments, the tiny alien forces another tentacle out, and she easily pries the egg skin open, squirming her way out into the syrupy liquid around her egg. She floats lazily, resting a moment before she instinctively swims up to the air bubble gap in the pouch. She wastes no time breathing and then searching for a way out.


    Jessica opens the pouch, gently squeezing it to lift the liquid level up. The tiny alien is startled, but rather than dive, she scrambles out of the pouch.


    Jessica is only barely able to react quickly enough, and she drops the syrupy pouch all over the floor in the process. She cries out, ¡°Wait!¡± as she dives to block the surprisingly-fast little being from darting off of the bed against the wall using her hand. The alien grabs onto her hand, seemingly darting over it, but she doesn¡¯t let go. Instead, the alien princess hides behind Jessica¡¯s hand. Her big-eyed gaze peeks over Jessica¡¯s index finger to study the two girls.


    Jessica quickly coos, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Baby! Stay! Please. It¡¯s me, Mommy.¡± Jessica hums the tune the Queen sings, and which Jessica hums for the Princess almost every day. She can feel the tiny little appendages grip her hand more firmly.


    The tiny alien looks at Little Bird, who squeaks, ¡°H-Hi, Baby.¡± She waves gingerly, which causes the baby to hide. Jessica quickly coos, ¡°No-No! It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay! We won¡¯t hurt you. Mommy¡¯s here. I¡¯m right here.¡±


    The tiny head peeks again, squeaking. Jessica smiles, saying, ¡°That¡¯s right. Mommy. It¡¯s okay.¡± Jessica gently turns her hand to lift the little princess, but the nimble alien stays behind her hand as much as possible. But, even with the teen slowly lifting her, the princess never lets go.


    Maya says softly, ¡°She¡¯s sooo cute.¡±


    Jessica hums, ¡°Mm-hmm. It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. Mommy¡¯s here.¡±


    The little alien lies her head on Jessica¡¯s hand, trying to stay hidden. Or, maybe she likes the warmth.


    And then¡­


    ¡°Hinny.¡± A tiny voice makes a tiny sound. Jessica lifts the princess closer to her face, cooing gently, ¡°Yes, Mommy. I¡¯m here.¡±


    The tiny voice, now just audible, replies, ¡°N-no. H-hungie pwee.¡±


    ¡°Hungie pwee?¡± asks Maya, listening closely.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°H-hungry? You¡¯re hungry? Yo-You can talk?¡±


    The tiny princess insists more softly, ¡°Hungie pwee¡­¡±


    Jessica scrambles with her right hand, saying, ¡°D-Don¡¯t worry! Right-Right here Baby!¡± She finds the syringe on the bed where she dropped it and holds it towards the princess. She says, ¡°N-No biting, okay? It¡¯s milk. It¡¯ll come out liquid.¡±


    At first, Jessica carefully drips a drop into the princess¡¯s mouth, but the second droplet misses because her hand twitches. So, instead, she holds the syringe the other way as the princess cleans herself. Slowly pressing the soy milk up, the princess is able to guide the tip close to her, having crawled out onto Jessica¡¯s palm. She is able to slurp the milk up quickly.


    The tiny voice squeaks once she¡¯s done, ¡°An you, Meemee.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s heart flutters. She coos, ¡°Ooo, you¡¯re SO welcome, Sweetie. See? You can stay with us. We¡¯ll look after you.¡±


    As the princess wipes herself clean, she studies Maya, and Jessica finally has a chance to study her. Like the Queen, the newly-hatched princess has translucent skin and intelligent-looking dark eyes. Her tiny ear-orbs on her head look like twin buns, but the fleshy shroud behind her head stops at the base of her skull, rather than past what would be her shoulder blades. Instead of four ¡®arms¡¯ and ten ¡®legs¡¯, the princess has only two ¡®arms¡¯ and four ¡®legs¡¯ for appendages. Much of their species biology indicates a lot of evolutionary consideration towards available food and calories, causing males to be tiny non-sentient beings and females to grow larger and more fertile only if they manage to live a long time. A part of Jessica wants this little Princess to be the largest Cave Queen to ever exist; a daunting goal given how tiny and fragile this little being is.


    The princess points at Maya, and then looks up at Jessica. Jessica replies, ¡°Little Bird.¡±


    Little Bird crowds in a little closer, barely containing her excitement. She coos softly, though, ¡°Hi Baby! Nice to meet you!¡±


    The princess replies, ¡°H-Hi Beebee. Nie oo mee you.¡±


    Both girls giggle, and Grey jokes from across the room, ¡°Great. Another soft-talker like Lopez.¡±


    Tanya chuckles, and Jessica retorts, ¡°She¡¯s tiny, Chief. She has a tiny voice box.¡± She then says to the princess, ¡°That¡¯s Chief Grey. He acts like a meanie, but he¡¯s the best.¡±


    The princess waves her tiny ¡®hand¡¯. This prompts Angelica to approach and kneel down on the deck. She holds her hand up, saying warmly, ¡°I¡¯m your aunt Angie.¡±


    The princess doesn¡¯t crawl into Angelica¡¯s hand, but she does lock eyes with the Captain and say yet another surprising thing, ¡°We lear. Oo wor, e¡¯eryone. Oo wor.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet pause as everyone is confused. But, Angelica murmurs, ¡°We¡¯re clear. Good work, everyone. Good work.¡± She looks at Jessica, saying, ¡°The last thing I said on the one emm-cee. Does she recognize my voice?¡±


    The princess touches Angelica¡¯s hand and then nuzzles her finger gently, refusing always to fully let go of Jessica. Angelica coos, ¡°Welcome to our family, little Princess.¡±


    The tiny alien girl looks up suddenly at ¡®Princess¡¯, seemingly knowing it means her. Angelica smiles, prompting a big grin from the tiny being. She doesn¡¯t have the same tooth set the Queen possesses. The Princess only has a single sharp point on top and an inverse double point on bottom, like individual, interlocking teeth alone on a gumline. Given what they¡¯re meant to eat, though, they are far from harmless.


    After a few more moments of idle introductions and small talk, the princess gestures towards Jessica¡¯s face. The teen holds her closer, but the princess urges more.


    When Jessica¡¯s palm is nearly to her nose, the princess touches it. And, shortly after, she lays against it. The tiny alien remarks cutely, ¡°Meemee warm.¡±


    The others all chuckle, and Jessica coos, ¡°All yours, my little princess.¡±


    Grey asks as he makes grilled cheese sandwiches, ¡°You settle on a name?¡±


    Jessica smiles as she gingerly touches the princess¡¯s head with her right index finger. The Princess hums a cicada-like hum of approval and cuddles closer to Jessica¡¯s nose. ¡°I have. ¡®Vivi¡¯.¡± She snorts in surprise with a playful giggle when the newly dubbed Vivi¡¯s tentacles curl up into her nostril. Vivi chirps in confusion, and Jessica coos, ¡°That¡¯s my nose, Vivi.¡±


    ¡°Vivi?¡± repeats the tiny being.


    ¡°Mm-hmm. Vivi. That¡¯s your name, okay?¡± She points at Vivi, repeating, ¡°Vivi.¡±


    ¡°Vivi.¡± Repeats the new owner of the name. Jessica smiles, saying, ¡°Yep. You¡¯re Vivi.¡± She then points at each as she says, ¡°Meemee, Little Bird, Angie, Tanya, and Chief.¡±


    Vivi points to herself, saying, ¡°Vivi.¡±


    ¡°Vivi. You got it.¡±


    Vivi grins.


    Grey hands little bird and Jessica each a plate with a sandwich, and says, ¡°Vivi. Good name. Easy to remember.¡±


    Vivi says cutely, ¡°I Vivi.¡±


    Grey smiles and nods, ¡°Yes, you are, Vivi. And when you¡¯re twenty feet tall like your other mother, you can carry Meemee around.¡±


    Everyone chuckles. Jessica carefully takes a bite, cautious of Vivi¡¯s tiny tentacles and body as she continues to lay against her nose. But, the tiny alien crawls across Jessica¡¯s hand, ensuring one of her tentacles always has a grip on one of Jessica¡¯s fingers. She studies the sandwich from above. Noticing this, Jessica moves both hands so she can watch more comfortably as she offers, ¡°Would you like some, Vivi?¡±


    ¡°Foo?¡± asks Vivi.


    Jessica nods while the newborn touches the toasted bread and then prods the semi-cooled melted cheese where Jessica took a bite. The tiny squid-like girl seems to approve, because she nibbles at more of it, in spite of seemingly being satisfied by the milk a little bit ago.


    Jessica and Maya both giggle, and Jessica carefully maneuvers both hands so she can take a bite without interrupting Vivi.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Vivi eats what amounts to a few crumbs of the bread, sitting down heavily on Jessica¡¯s hand. She states adorably, ¡°Vivi no hungie.¡±


    Jessica coos, ¡°That¡¯s good. I¡¯m glad.¡± She lifts Vivi up to her lips, kissing the tiny alien¡¯s head gently. Vivi stares at her, her brain seemingly stopped. The teen asks, ¡°Are¡­ you okay, Vivi? Did I hurt you?¡±


    Vivi fidgets with her ¡®hands¡¯, asking softly, ¡°Meemee do ginn?¡±


    Jessica smiles and lifts Vivi up again, kissing her tiny head gingerly. Vivi hums and chirps giddily, and Jessica says tenderly, ¡°I love you, Vivi.¡±


    Vivi leaps the gap to Jessica¡¯s face without warning, hugging Jessica¡¯s face with her whole body. ¡°Wove Meemee! Wove Meemee!¡±


    Tears uncontrollably well in Jessica¡¯s eyes, and she sniffles. Her cheeks turn hot pink when she looks and realizes Angelica, one of the few people who was on the starliner with her normal gear BEFORE the first burp even, is recording her with her cellphone; useless in almost all other ways now except this. Jessica doesn¡¯t get defensive, though. After all, she¡¯s deeply in love with her little daughter, and profoundly thankful said tiny angel isn¡¯t afraid and fleeing.


    ***


    The day has arrived. Khla¡¯s ship is stable enough to return to the Fievegal and even defend itself if they get into trouble.


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla is hugging Neezha for a long time. A Grodrrn hug, easily passable for something a human might do, is less about the arms and more about the necks. Neezha and her Chulm¡¯chn are each resting their jaw on the right collar of the other and deliberately exhaling calm, hot breaths on each other¡¯s napes. Murf, the quiet, massive executive officer to Khla, explained softly that it¡¯s about sharing one¡¯s own warmth, and is rarely seen in Grodrrn culture, even among Chulm¡¯chn and hatchling.


    Dzor, for his part, has gently butted heads with and exchanged friendly shoulder pats with Mrff in farewell. Dzor even wishes Laurel the best of luck, though a few volunteer humans have opted to join her in the Fievegal. The Captains, Mr. Right, and Kane all discussed the arrangement and decided, given what they know about the Grodrrns now, that they will at least be taken care of. Though many of Khla¡¯s prisoners died initially from complications of the nuclear destruction the human leaders unleashed on Earth, the survivors have actually been cured of ALL ailments thanks to the work of one of Khla¡¯s loyal doctors. Laurel has chosen to accept her role, possibly believing she stands a better chance at surviving with the Grodrrns ¨Cwhich is a fair argument-.


    With a human with a place ¨Cpossibly an important place- in the Fievegal, perhaps relations can be improved to stop their pursuit, especially considering Laurel could prove to be the fulfillment of the Fievegal¡¯s main goal.


    Mrff then turns to Long, emulating a human salute perfectly, if with his left hand instead of his right. Long smiles, and she and the others present salute him in turn. She says warmly, ¡°Good luck, Niolayt Yarjen. Jinntarrick mmrulk.¡±


    Mrff snorts warmly. He replies, ¡°You ozz will, hoomins. Jinntarrick mmrulk.¡±


    Neezha finally turns to Mrff, bidding him farewell similarly to Dzor. Khla says proudly to Dzor, ¡°True sham I no longer hovv competeeshin. I weel hovv to reach meatiest Yarjen alone.¡±


    Dzor scoffs. He replies arrogantly, ¡°I was always meatiest.¡±


    Mrff says bluntly, obviously taunting his two superiors, ¡°Now, Long eez myteest.¡± All three commanding officers look at him.


    Dzor is the first to snort, and then he and Khla both burst into laughter. Long replies warmly, even as they both stamp their feet jovially, ¡°I wish I knew if you Grodrrns were teasing me.¡±


    Khla replies, calming his breath, ¡°Eez true. I oonderesteemott, and you eescopp mih.¡± He then grins wickedly at Dzor, teasing, ¡°Ond, we KNOW first conquist.¡±


    Dzor snarls at Khla, but makes no aggressive moves. Instead, he retorts, ¡°My sheep destroyed by Zhynnycz¡¯s fleet. Not hoomins.¡±


    Mrff says simply, ¡°Lopez.¡±


    Dzor snaps back, ¡°SHE NOT COUNT! She not warrior! She Nyrm! {Sorcerer!}¡±


    The others chuckle, and Long adds, ¡°I¡¯m flattered and honored to be standing here as friends with all of you. Even if it might someday change.¡± She raises her hand, cradling the sun, and says warmly, ¡°Ryka nur¡¯kyngur¡¯onn Hin¡¯gur. {Stars give us home.}¡±


    Dzor starts to correct her softly, but he pauses. He raises his hand to cradle the sun, repeating the exact phrase ¨Cnot a Grodrrn phrase, but a Grodrrn AND human one- as Long. ¡°Ryka nur¡¯kyngur¡¯onn Hin¡¯gur. {Stars give us home.}¡±


    All of the Grodrrns present; Khla, Neezha, Mrff, and a few troopers; join them, saying the same. Before they even finish, the humans present join them all, doing their best to repeat.


    For the briefest moment of time, there are no Grodrrns or humans. There are only travelers of the stars.


    ***


    Uniter Queen Syretia studies the human male as he shows her the human word for ¡®Queen¡¯ alongside the written word in her language, which he says also translates to ¡®star¡¯ in human. Carmine Kane is his name, and it is he who gave her the name Syretia, as well as taught her to read her own language. He claims his arm mounted device is something like magic, and it simply downloaded her language into his brain. And, more importantly, she no longer cares.


    He has spent {hours upon hours} teaching her the written language of the Shining Daughters, as well as his own people¡¯s language. He helped her protect her last living egg, her last surviving offspring. Even now, he is cradling the egg as he instructs, alongside an egg of the Nizzkurezz in a special incubator. He seems to believe the two embryos inside might grow into lifelong companions if they spend their earliest days together.


    All must be united. We walk the Path. Shine with the Divine Queen. Make all others shine as well.


    If I could have MY way, these two will be forever together.


    Walk the righteous Path, Sisters! Gather and prepare! The Path is beautiful, but treacherous! We shall see every step through.


    What is wrong with this? What is wrong with happiness?


    It is dawn, so our prayer goes. Beloved are all, even they who resist. We cleanse what is dirty, Sisters. And, filth has surrounded our sister.


    She looks down.


    I want her to be happy. I want her to feel forever what I felt for a moment. I want her to love and be loved. Forever.


    We will find you, Sister. None of us are ever truly alone. Shine, and we shall shine together. Your defeats open us to many victories.


    She looks at Kane again, interrupting him coldly. ¡°{The prayer just ended. They¡¯re coming.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯m sorry?}¡± replies Kane, looking at her.


    ¡°{I can hear them again. We know where this fleet is. We ¨CTHEY- will be coming for us.}¡± She never realized just how much everything revolves around ¡®we¡¯ with her sisters until now. They can¡¯t control her mind, especially from this far away, but their thoughts can drown out her own until she even believes it¡¯s what she¡¯s thinking. It takes her everything to keep her mind quiet in the congress of the bond. They can¡¯t read her thoughts unless she releases them, but it¡¯s such a natural process for her, it¡¯s now harder to stop.


    She says quietly, ¡°{You must kill me. Give her a chance I beg you. But, to do so, you must kill me.}¡±


    ¡°{Hang on. Your bond is back? How long do we have until they catch us?}¡±


    She¡¯s silent for a long moment. She¡¯s silently listening for something. She whispers, allowing it through, ¡°{They interrogate me, Sisters. Please hurry.}¡±


    Kane surprises her always. He doesn¡¯t sound the alarm or kill her on the spot. He doesn¡¯t threaten her egg or yell at her. He simply waits patiently.


    She replies softly, ¡°{We¡­ I tried not to let it be known, but¡­ they know we keep moving. They¡¯re scattering fleets to shorten distance our arrival will be.}¡±


    ¡°{Is daily enough?}¡±


    ¡°We¡­ We don¡¯t know. W-I¡¯m sorry. Truly. Short jumps frequently make it more difficult, but we are many.}¡±


    ¡°{Why would they go to the trouble?}¡±


    ¡°{I am bonded. If I am tortured, it will hurt all. Not cripplingly so, but enough to warrant recovery or death. Please, we beg you. Kill me now.}¡±


    ¡°{I can¡¯t do that.}¡±


    ¡°{THEN RETRIEVE THE FIEVEGALIZZ! THE GRODRRN! HE WILL SURELY NOT HESITATE!}¡± Her desperation grows. Is she running out of time? Maybe. Especially when her mind constricts from painful distress, and her thoughts begin to slip through. Soon, every one of her sisters will know.


    But her daughter won¡¯t. She can feel it. The first pangs of a bond. Not a soldier¡¯s obedient bond nor a worker¡¯s trusting but thinking bond, but a Queen¡¯s bond. For many walks, she awaited a daughter, one of the brightest achievements a Queen can achieve. And now, having tasted true independence¡­ She wants this daughter to know it.


    She is a Shining Daughter, as are you. We will come. We are inevitable.


    This deepens her pain. They know. So long as she lives¡­


    ¡°{You¡¯ve been with us [several weeks] now, Noble Queen. If you learned anything about us, I would think it would be just one thing.}¡± He stands up, saying in human, ¡°Please ask Commander Hitch and Admiral Long to meet me in Hangar Control. Yarjen Jor as well.¡±


    A reply comes back, ¡°Yes Sir!¡±


    Kane turns to Syretia, saying warmly, ¡°{Do NOT do anything drastic, Noble Queen. We¡¯re galactic adventurers. We won¡¯t settle for the first bad option. We find something crazy to try.}¡±


    ¡°{You¡­ You lack fundamental understanding. Whatever you think you can accomplish, you can¡¯t.}¡±


    ¡°{That¡¯s for us or the Divine to decide, not abdication before even trying.}¡± He then smiles cryptically, saying, ¡°My apologies, {Noble Queen.}¡± As he raises his right hand to her. There¡¯s a sudden flash.


    And then nothing.


    ***


    ¡°If we want to help her, we have to do it now. There MUST be some way to detect and block her bond.¡± Kane has explained everything and made his case. But, it¡¯s a new project during a time of many projects. Research and development is spread thin as it is, just trying to make use of captured Grodrrn equipment, let alone Zarak equipment and furthering defensive programs. One team is even trying to guess ¨Cessentially- at how Zarak interdiction works so they can try to emulate it it and THEN defend against it. Additionally, human armor is being developed with both Grodrrn energy weapons and Zarak stun weapons in mind.


    So, the hesitation at trying to isolate the captured Zarakyssn Queen from her hive mind connection to her people is understandable. Baskylla Jardzen Dzor simply snorts disapproval. Everyone is quite clear on his stance. But, Kane hoped he might have heard of something the Fievegal tried. Anything.


    Long, upon hearing Kane¡¯s initial request to meet, called over to the Providence to have Hancock, Lopez, Mr. Right, and several other science officers ¨Cspecifically astro- and quantum-phycisists to join them. The auburn-haired Admiral asks, ¡°Can she give us anything on the bond itself? Weaknesses? What their empire avoids?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°She didn¡¯t say. And, I¡­ subdued her so I could come talk to you all. She started pleading for for death.¡±


    Dzor chuckles, grumbling, ¡°Even she want¡­ Why debott?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°She doesn¡¯t actually want to die, Yarjen. She wants her egg to live as independently as us. And, I believe her.¡±


    Captain Murdock asks astutely, ¡°How can you be so certain, Lieutenant Commander? I don¡¯t imagine she gives off many facial expressions.¡±


    ¡°Not as we know them, true, but it¡¯s a gut feeling.¡±


    Captain Long replies gently, but stoically, ¡°We are taking a big risk with every day she¡¯s present. We may need to consider ejecting her ship and letting her be recovered by her own. At least then, she¡¯s only disappointed, not dead.¡±


    The others nod in argument, save for Kane and Dzor. Dzor, surprisingly, says quietly, ¡°Yukonja¡­ EEF anitheeng said by Queen true¡­¡± He scratches his neck scales, adding, ¡°I have no problem weeth resoolt, boot,¡­¡± He exhales deeply, looking away. ¡°She better off eef we keel.¡±


    Long watched him the whole time. She asks softly, ¡°The Zarakyssns would kill her? She¡¯s one of their Queens. And, she hasn¡¯t told us really anything yet.¡±


    ¡°She claim she want eendependince for hatchling. She want circumvent societih rules for matt oov choice een ixchonj for hilp. Ond, she occipt personal name. Zarakyssns conform. Different eez bad. Eef sincere, she traitor. Ond, oothor Queens alreadih know.¡± He adds a little defensively, ¡°I no care, boot¡­ you are¡­ compossionate¡­¡±


    Kane asks, ¡°Yarjen, does the Fievegal have any records of defecting Queens? Maybe not to the Fievegal itself, but perhaps rumors of rebellions? Or even attempted assisted coups?¡±


    Dzor crosses his arms and replies, ¡°No. No Yarjen foolish enough to reesk. Would keel on spot.¡±


    ¡°Even if they-¡­¡±


    ¡°Not a mattor oov Queen. Mattor oov Fievegal. Eef soospict Yarjen appease or defect¡­ not worth. Easier to keel.¡±


    ¡°So what about espionage then?¡± asks Mr. Right in his usual curious tone. "Like Carmine said, did you guys try to stir the pot? Start some protests? Get neighbor turned on neighbor?¡±


    Dzor shakes his head, confused. He replies, ¡°No. What eez point? Fievegal would steel have to fight.¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°The idea is to rot their empire from the inside and weaken them as a whole. It was¡­ one strategy on Earth, unfortunately.¡±


    Murdock scoffs, retorting, ¡°That¡¯s an understatement. Might as well have been plan ¡®A¡¯ for overthrowing democracies.¡±


    The Grodrrn commandant scoffs, replying, ¡°Sonds complix. Easier to fight.¡±


    Long chuckles, but stays on task, ¡°So, if she wants us to kill her, her sisters want to kill her; sounds to me like we NEED to cut the link. Doctor Lopez? Anyone? Thoughts?¡±


    Lopez tenses and squeaks, hiding her mouth and nose behind her currently-closed laptop. One of the other scientists, though, replies, ¡°First and foremost would be understanding how this link works, Ma¡¯am. If the other Zarakyssns can pinpoint her across vast swaths of space, our best guess is something quantum. It¡¯s the only way they¡¯d be able to track her real-time. And, I¡¯m afraid, there¡¯s no way to shield against quantum entanglement.¡±


    Mr. Right replies bluntly, ¡°That we know about.¡±


    ¡°Sir, this isn¡¯t formerly-undiscovered asteroids or free-radical ions waiting to discharge. It¡¯s quantum mechanics.¡±


    ¡°And yet, I was accused of fabrications and insurance fraud time and again.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re talking about something many times more complex!¡±


    ¡°I no oondorstond theess argument.¡± Dzor, ever the alien in the room, grunts bluntly. ¡°Quantum entonglemint arrays can be disroopted. Eez first theeng Zarakyssns do, and what Grodrrns do een siege bottles.¡±


    The scientist is silent, and Mr. Right, always the professional, jumps up and exclaims as he points, ¡°HA!¡±


    He sits back down, saying warmly, ¡°Thank you, Jor. I owe you a drink.¡±


    ¡°I omm not thurst.¡±


    Captain Long does her best, but a brief snort of amusement escapes her, along with chuckles from some of the other captains.


    Dzor suddenly looks at Dr. Lopez intently, as if she just spoke out, and she squeaks in surprise, shrinking behind her laptop. Hancock whispers to her, likely asking what she wanted to ask, which itself, indicates she did in fact make a noise. Dzor whispers to Long, his deep voice making noise, but not intelligible as words. Long whispers back to him, and he pauses.


    After hesitating, Dzor rises to his full, proud height -almost, at least, since his head and collar touch the ceiling-, and he says calmly, ¡°Hoomin Doctor Lopiz. For mih ocshuns ond words on mih sheep, I omm apology.¡±


    Lopez¡¯s eyes widen in surprise, and the room is silent. The next noise is the big reptilian taking a deep breath, or maybe a moderate one, and saying equally calmly, though a little more softly, ¡°Do not troost. Eez okay. Boot, osk quistion. Pli¡­ Please.¡±


    Long smiles gently, and she nods at Lopez in approval.


    Lopez asks her question with nervousness, but Kane can barely hear her. ¡°H-How d-does the Fievegal neutralize quantum entanglement, um, Y-Yarjen? Unless I¡¯m mistaken¡­ um¡­ th-the strings connected by entanglement don¡¯t technically pass through any distance. Th-they¡¯re tethered beyond the physical dimensions alone.¡±


    Though everyone strained to listen, all but two heard mostly mumbling; Hancock, and the Baskylla Jardzen. The Grodrrn replies calmly in his normal voice, ¡°True and wrong. I omm not ixpert in commooneecashins. Boot, eenvolves rapid resonant spectroom sweeps using common core materuls, mm¡­ ploteenoom, mm¡­ er, alloy hoomins no hovv¡­ teetanoom ond iridium, I theenk¡­ boot specifeek stroocshure. Eef want bist resoolts, sweep all know bands weeth all know constroocshins. Cause closer entanglement uneet to entangle weeth jammer eenstidd, ond sind datta to ooss. To blonkit disroopt a fleet, we use mithodd oov¡­ mm¡­ uh¡­ beeg splash een water¡­ I theenk. Like¡­ phase sheefting all present strings. Can no longer rizzonatt eef foondamentally off frequency by even fraction oov persint. Theess disable all commoonicashin, though. {True and wrong. I am not expert in communications. But, involves rapid resonant spectrum sweeps using common core materials, mm¡­ platinum, mm¡­ er, alloy humans no have¡­ titanium and iridium, I think¡­ boot specific structure. If want best results, sweep all know(n) bands with all know(n) constructions. Cause closer entanglement unit to entangle with jammer instead, and send data to us. To blanket disrupt a fleet, we use method of¡­ mm¡­ uh¡­ big splash een water¡­ I think. Like¡­ phase-shifting all present strings. Can no longer resonate if fundamentally off frequency by even fraction of percent. This disable all communication, though.}¡±


    Lopez furiously scribbles notes on her pad, especially after the Grodrrn¡¯s splash analogy.


    Dzor explains, ¡°Splash take lot oof inergy. Las few hours. Eef steel hovv data from mih sheep, good to look at.¡± At mention of his battleship, Lopez tenses nervously. She halts writing and won¡¯t look anywhere but her notepad. Long asks cautiously, ¡°Doctor?¡±


    Nothing. Dzor speaks, ¡°Calm, hoomin Doctor Lopiz. No grooj. Only sorveev. USE data. Eez call ¡®Lyrrgullyka Burrsh Mrryaa. Mm¡­ Phase sheeft resonation pulse generator. Sometheeng leek.¡±


    Lopez glances at him and then back down. She nods, scribbles one last thing, and then suddenly gets up and leaves. Hancock pauses, glancing after her, and then his superior officers. He says quickly, ¡°Excuse me.¡± He quickly darts after her. No one says anything for a solid moment.


    Kane, returning to the goal of the meeting, asks calmly, ¡°Is it fair to assume the Queen¡¯s ability is quantum entanglement, then?¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°Eez simplest onswor.¡±


    Captain Murdock replies, ¡°Occam¡¯s razor, sure, but what is our plan to determine if it¡¯s working? You trust the fleet to her word, Lieutenant commander?¡±


    Kane replies simply, ¡°Don¡¯t have to. We just won¡¯t tell her when we turn it on. Her initial reaction should suffice.¡±


    Captain Long asks, ¡°Assuming it works, this won¡¯t kill her, will it? All captured soldiers died during the time her bond was lost.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Captain. Even she indicated during my time with her that Queens can function independently, they just never do.¡±


    Dzor nods in confirmation, ¡°Eez true. Or, believed bih Fievegal. Otherweez, they all die whin Queen of Queens dies. Seemilar, some soldiers leeve eendependently. Unknown how.¡±


    Long nods, satisfied. ¡°Very well. Mr. Right, Captain Murdock; Doctor Lopez gets whatever and whomever she needs. If we can¡¯t jam the Zarak Queen, we¡¯ll have to abandon her, and I¡¯m with Commander Kane. IF she was out for the horde, she had to know Jor alone makes us wise enough to keep moving. Let alone, us leaving her unattended.¡±


    Dzor offers wisdom as if he¡¯s teaching a child, though his tone is unusually far from condescending, ¡°A moon make face ozz soon ozz set.¡±


    Everyone stares at him. He scratches his chin, trying to think of how to reword it. He thought he translated it pretty well. He even pronounced it decently.


    Long offers, ¡°I assume the Yarjen is saying we can¡¯t know for certain what we can¡¯t see, and we can¡¯t see the Queen¡¯s thoughts.¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°Yess.¡± He¡¯s glad someone got it.


    Kane nods, ¡°That said, I think she¡¯s as selfish as Zarakyssn¡¯s get, and that¡¯s the best we could ever hope to meet. I think as long as we keep her content, she can be trusted. Even so much as giving her tasks, if she¡¯s up to them.¡±


    Long says more cautiously, ¡°Leeet¡¯s¡­ get beyond the hill of jamming her ability, first.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°I will lend any aid I can to Doctor Lopez. Excuse me.¡± Kane salutes, and then he makes his way out.


    ***

 Chapter 43: The Wonders of Gold

    Lopez says nothing as she swiftly walks with her laptop and notes. Hancock stays close as she walks swiftly, but not so quickly that he can¡¯t keep up. She¡¯ll head to a hiding spot or the shuttle, depending on where she wants to be.


    Judging by their path, it¡¯s not the shuttle, since she¡¯s headed away from the hangar. But, she¡¯s deep in thought as well, so it could always change. He normally doesn¡¯t try to talk to her when she¡¯s like this, since she needs time to collect her thoughts, or she stresses about losing her train of thought.


    So, Hancock is understandably surprised when he rams into Lopez¡¯s front -especially so, her front- when she whirls in a sudden stop. Hancock manages to catch her as she flinches, clutching only her laptop instead of balancing herself. He steadies them both, only barely starting to say, ¡°Whoa! Are you¡­?¡±


    ¡°WHY WOULD HE SAY THAT!?¡± She looks up at him, straightening her glasses. It¡¯s clear this is what she¡¯s been pondering, which is unusual. She flies under the radar where she can, so many don¡¯t have anything but praise to say about her. But, Lopez¡¯s mind is elaborate. Even with whatever¡¯s bothering her, she¡¯s halfway through her first five hypotheses on her newest project. And, being called a ¡®heroic genius¡¯ is more likely to bother her than ¡®antisocial robot¡¯. Insults, to her, are human. Praise is surprising. But, no one really had a chance to talk to her in the meeting, so who is she talking about?


    ¡°Wait¡­ Who?¡±


    Lopez looks down, whispering, ¡°Yarjen Jor¡­¡±


    Confused, Hancock says, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry, I don¡¯t understand. He answered your questions to the best he could, didn¡¯t-...¡±


    ¡°NO! H-... Why would he apologize to me?... W-... Why wouldn¡¯t he hold a grudge? H-How could¡­?¡±


    She sniffles, rubbing her eyes. She adds softly, ¡°I¡­ I ruined his life¡­ his career¡­ He¡¯s a prisoner because of me¡­¡±


    Hancock pauses. Maybe she doesn¡¯t know. He obviously spends most of his time on the Providence with Lopez almost entirely, but he still gets emails from Fisher, especially, who likes to keep him up to date. And, it¡¯s pretty common knowledge because both Grey and Jessica Long know the details.


    Hancock chuckles, which causes her face to twist slightly, but he quickly adds, ¡°The Yarjen might be a prisoner, but it¡¯s to this thing called ¡®love¡¯.¡±


    Now it¡¯s Lopez¡¯s turn to cock her head to the side in confusion. Hancock nods, ¡°Yep. Supernova was ready to let him go back with Craw. He CHOSE to stay. Forcefully so.¡±


    ¡°B-... But¡­ He didn¡¯t have a choice¡­¡±


    ¡°He did. Craw, I guess, was ready to lie up and down to protect the reputations of all of the prisoners. EVERY Grodrrn on the Polonia CHOSE to stay here. And Jor, not so subtly, because of Supernova. I believe he meant everything he said today. He¡¯s never spared feelings before.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I just¡­ H-How¡­ How could it be so simple for him¡­?¡±


    Hancock smiles, ¡°Would you like to go ask him?¡±


    She quickly shakes her head.


    The young Ensign softens his expression. ¡°We should go talk to him.¡±


    She shakes her head more vigorously.


    He scoffs, adding confidence to his next statement, ¡°We¡¯re talking to him.¡±


    ¡°N-No! Rex, no¡­ I¡­ He¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a soldier, Levi. Didn¡¯t you sense it, though?¡±


    She looks down again, ¡°He¡¯s¡­ different¡­ than then¡­¡±


    He nods, ¡°Mm-hmm. Let¡¯s go find out why.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I¡¯m still¡­ afraid.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s nine feet tall and five hundred pounds of muscle -after losing weight as a prisoner-. I¡¯m nervous, too. But, c¡¯mon. Let¡¯s get past this. You and me. Let¡¯s ask him how he really feels.¡± He offers his hand. He adds, ¡°Plus, I¡¯d wager you have more technical questions for him.¡±


    She blushes. But, she asks cautiously, ¡°W-... What if I make him mad¡­?¡±


    ¡°Then, we fight him off like last time.¡± Hancock says it with a confident smile, but this only makes Lopez uneasy. Marvoni is probably the only reason Dzor was beaten that day, but nevertheless, Hancock takes Lopez¡¯s hand and pulls her back the way they came.


    He¡¯s headed back to the conference room, so it¡¯s only dumb luck that the young ensign notices as they pass medical. Dzor lost his Fievegal uniform during the fight with the Zarakyssns, so now he¡¯s the most distinct Grodrrn for the humongous green tee shirt and form-fitting pants he¡¯s wearing. True, many of the other Grodrrns have been given similar changes of clothes, but most of them wear either the neck collar thing they wear, their military head dressing -more commonly worn by pilots-, or their decorative boots. Dzor is the only one who looks entirely like a giant alien wearing human clothes.


    Hancock pulls the mostly-resistant scientist into medical, following the direction he saw Dzor heading.


    The big Grodrrn commandant is in a small medical bay, doing his best to stay out of the way as a human nurse ultrasounds a much smaller Grodrrn female. Though, Helmdraavv Khla is easily much bigger than Hancock as well.


    Still, Khla is resting contentedly on a medical bed as the nurse explains, ¡°Shell thickness is looking rather consistent and smooth, and we¡¯re seeing good symmetry on all of our scans. All speculation, of course, but we should be seeing the next step in a couple days or so.¡±


    Khla replies softly, ¡°Good. I had no idea of cramps. And bloatedness. Saurmynnyka must be quite miserable always.¡± The nurse chuckles, and Dzor scoffs.


    The nurse continues, ¡°We¡¯re getting a lot of reflection from the shell, but the doctors are rather confident, given the shape, that this shadowing here is the embryo already starting to form.¡±


    Khla smiles, looking up warmly at Dzor. The Jardzen replies quietly, ¡°Far from hotch yet.¡± His gaze shifts though, only barely obscuring his thoughts. He¡¯s excited. He truly is different than he was.


    Khla notices the two first, and she smiles, ¡°Ensign Hancock. Doctor Lopez. Good afternoon.¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°Afternoon, Helmdraavv, Yarjen, Nurse. Apologies for intruding.¡±


    ¡°Not a little. Daily check-on of egg. Exciting time. I am happy to share.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honored, Helmdraavv. If we could, though, we were hoping to talk to the Yarjen briefly.¡±


    Dzor states bluntly, ¡°I omm only donor. Check if Grodrrns safe¡­¡±


    Khla¡¯s eyes narrow, and she shows a surprising level of sass, ¡°We talked about this, Yarjen. This is NOT old way. And¡­¡± She glares at him more skeptically, ¡°You never check on others.¡±


    Dzor snorts, looking away with crossed arms. She grins, adding, ¡°I am honored, Yarjen. Truly. We will make best Chulm¡¯chns ever, especially with human help.¡±


    His mouth twitches in the faintest smile. It¡¯s amusing to watch the guarded Baskylla Jardzen, over two hundred years of aggressive combat experience, independence, and professionalism, worrying about something so innocent, and even seeming excited.


    Dzor looks at Hancock, asking plainly, ¡°What is it, Hoomin?¡±


    Hancock steps so Lopez can no longer hide behind him. She doesn¡¯t give up without a fight, trying to keep his back directly in front of her. He manages to catch her, shoving her gently but forcefully out front. She shakes, clutching her laptop lightly.


    Dzor looks at Lopez, and then at Hancock. He says quietly, ¡°I oonderstond. We talk privately.¡± He looks at Khla and bows his head.


    However, the female Grodrrn says something in their tongue, ¡°{Remember, Yarjen. You are VERY intimidating.}¡±


    The Jardzen nods. He says to Lopez and Hancock, ¡°Come.¡±


    Hancock guides Lopez to follow him. He understands why she¡¯s scared, but she can¡¯t be forever. It¡¯s too important for her to be able to call upon any resource she needs, even the alien conquerors who once terrified them all.


    Dzor leads to a barracks room, and it¡¯s quickly apparent by the other handful of Grodrrns speaking nearby, that this is the section Long set up for them. While it¡¯s a tragedy in and of itself, the lives lost during the battle with the Zarakyssns has freed up room, a fact the Grodrrns purportedly have not overlooked. Though, neither have the protestors onboard.


    Dzor shares his quarters with Khla, given the Helmdraavv uniform on the other bed. The Jardzen steps inside, turns around, and takes a seat on the floor. He states, ¡°You may close or open door. Be calm ond comfort.¡±


    Hancock holds Lopez¡¯s hand, and her grip tightens. He starts off gently, ¡°You¡¯ve known who we are all along, correct, Yarjen?¡±


    The huge reptilian nods. ¡°I find you, hoomin Chief Marvoni, ond hoomin Doctor Lopiz een mih hongor. We were enemies then.¡±


    Hancock nods. He then looks to Lopez, and Dzor¡¯s gaze turns to her as well. The scientist looks down. The young ensign nudges her, and she squeaks.


    Dzor starts to say, ¡°I apology, hoomin Doctor Lopiz. For freeten, for¡­¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± Her tone shifts to a whimper, ¡°No¡­ How can you feel that way? I¡­ I destroyed your life¡­ Me¡­ I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m s-... I¡¯m SORRY!...¡±


    Lopez sinks into sobs, and she slowly lowers to her knees. Her precious laptop falls from her hands, sliding down her thighs to the floor. She buries her face in her hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to! I swear! I¡¯m¡­ I killed¡­ I¡­¡± Her words escape her, and she cries.


    ¡°You do right theeng. Een war, you cannot predik future. You only feet. Fievegal believe our way only way. Boot, we wrong. I see that now. Hoomins praise Doctor Lopiz ozz hero. Above ond beyond. Boot, I see one who do duty to protect. Require of you. Eef you fail, none of ooss be here stroogling boot free¡­ FREE.¡±


    He emphasizes ¡®free¡¯ tenderly, adding, ¡°Free to feet for beliefs. For friends ond family. Same ozz you feeted for.¡±


    Lopez sniffles, still staring down. ¡°B-... Before that day¡­ I had no one left¡­¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°Me ozz well.¡±


    She looks at him, and he looks up, scratching his neck scales gingerly. He adds, ¡°Yarjen Craw rival at best. Deescovered hard way, crew wanted dead. Also, Yarjen Murf¡­ relay message. Bondmate leave¡­ She¡­ disappointed eegg reets¡­ Saurmynnyka gone.¡± He looks at Lopez, adding, ¡°This fleet¡­ blessing¡­¡±


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    He suddenly turns stern, his voice deepening, ¡°No tell Copton Long.¡±


    Lopez squeaks. She shakes her head quickly. The big Grodrrn nods, grunting, ¡°Good.¡±


    Hancock offers gently, ¡°I¡¯m sorry your bondmate left you, Yarjen.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ Was distant alreadih. Not leek hoomin relashins.¡±


    He scratches his chin, saying, ¡°Copton Long no need know. She worrih too much.¡± He then says to Lopez, ¡°I forgeev. Ond, I omm sorry. Lost notheeng boot teetles. Gained much more. Took much more from you.¡±


    Lopez sniffles, and she bows her head humbly, squeaking, ¡°I¡­ I forgive you, Yarjen. I¡­ I want us to work together, too. To- To survive together.¡±


    He nods. ¡°Oggreed.¡±


    She squeaks softly, ¡°But¡­ H-... How is it so simple for you? To forgive me so easily? I¡­ I thought Grodurns are very proud.¡±


    ¡°I osk hoomins that¡­¡±


    He straightens up a little, though, saying, ¡°Pride not opposeet of humility. Grodrrns proud, but must know what comes first.¡±


    He scratches his chin, ¡°Seempul? No. Boot, every day preeznor, I learn. Learn Fievegal nivor reinforce Craw. Learn hoomins rispick enemies, let alone friends. Learn pride does not make life. Eez seemply hope death weel be remembered.¡±


    He looks more directly at Lopez, ¡°You best I een combat because I oonderestimott an enemy prepared to face me. Then, I oonderestimott compossion ond loyalty of my captors. Not seempul. Boot, worth eet.¡±


    Lopez sniffles again. She wipes her eyes, replacing her glasses on her face when her tears are under control. She says softly, ¡°Thank you, Yarjen¡­¡±


    He nods. ¡°You are teemid, boot not coward. No need troost, but you can count on my all.¡±


    The timid scientist collects her thoughts in silence for a moment. She finally asks, ¡°Is¡­ it okay if I ask more about the phase shifter?¡±


    The Grodrrn commandant nods. ¡°I weel onsorr all I can.¡±


    Lopez asks questions, eventually opening her laptop and moving closer to the Jardzen to try to get a better idea of what he¡¯s talking about from his ship¡¯s design, which she has pretty thoroughly translated and cataloged into sections. The Grodrrn, true to his word and showing no signs of irritation, impatience, or inconvenience, answers every question he can to the best of his ability, and even telling her that there are coded technology encyclopedias and tech manuals on all Grodrrn ships for any ship assigned in a fleet, in case one ship¡¯s data storage was wiped or corrupted, they still had copies. He even offers to show her how to access them on the seized shuttle, as he¡¯s confident no human has found the secret connection location or the small storage drive itself.


    Hancock knows Lopez quite well at this point. At least a quarter of her anxiety picking his brain earlier was the fact that she doesn¡¯t do well at all in groups. And, with the air cleared with the Jardzen, she is able to push past her residual nervousness and conduct important business. Dzor is not small. Even sitting, he¡¯s almost as tall as Lopez standing. But, she sits next to him, holding her laptop so he can point or translate as needed. Not every word translates as simply as ¡®A=(Grodrrn A)¡¯ and ¡®B=(Grodrrn B)¡¯, further lending evidence to her biggest frustration with Grodrrn technology; that everything seems to have been developed over generations and kept that way. And, given the ease with which Dzor can read ANY word, even words Lopez thinks are ancient, it seems Grodrrns -gifted linguists at comprehension if nothing else- are content knowing a few more words and their meanings.


    Then, the truth. Not all Grodrrn technology is exclusively Grodrrn. Like the humans, at least one system on Grodrrn ships were developed by races prior to conquest, and they were adapted into the Grodrrn systems, just like the humans did with the Grodrrn FTL; almost exactly as is, language and all. It still feeds Grodrrn pride, since it¡¯s all ¡®technology of the Fievegal¡¯, but Hancock watches the expression on the Jardzen¡¯s face.


    The young human officer is a little surprised and astonished. He¡¯s pretty sure he just watched a small piece of Dzor¡¯s soul withering away. The experienced Grodrrn has formed many new conclusions and come to a new perception of the universe he lives in during just the few months he¡¯s been with the humans. But, some naive remainder of his Grodrrn pride for the Fievegal -supposedly proof that all other races are lesser than Grodrrns- just dissolved away. Or, perhaps it is simple resignation; a quiet, indignant acceptance of what Captain Long worked so diligently to explain to him. He¡¯s not upset she was once again right. He just had it reconfirmed.


    After all, he served the Fievegal for decades, if not a couple centuries. He¡¯s seen things few humans could likely imagine, let alone fully envision. And so, he KNEW no Grodrrn ship is one hundred percent Grodrrn design. And yet, he never really realized it. Long has reported -in limited fashion when he was prisoner- that he and other Grodrrns all are extremely proud, generally of self most of all. So, while they have vast ambitions, they have little concept of the big picture -for the most part-.


    Dzor says distantly, ¡°These words are Kreshgur¡­ The Kreshgurnatari developed the phase shifter¡­¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Hancock asks softly, offering an ear to the Grodrrn, since Lopez is likely too nervous to ask or continue with her current questions, ¡°What¡¯s a Kreshgur¡­ tari?¡±


    ¡°Kreshnurgatari,¡± corrects Dzor softly. ¡°Humans aren¡¯t the first race to assassin a important Grodrrn. Though, was long teem ago. Kreshnurgatari assassin attempt keel Saurmynnyka, boot, keel Haeroshaw instead.¡±


    The Jardzen snorts dryly, instructing, ¡°Eez why Fieve- GRODRRNS learn ALL about conquist targets. Longweej, leaders, ticknology. Embarrassed eef¡­¡±


    The Grodrrn commandant halts himself. He must¡¯ve realized the course of his thought. Instead, he says, ¡°Eeroneek Fievegal nivor translate Kreshgur words¡­ Boot, then, all longweej becoom Fievegal¡¯s.¡±


    Suddenly, a heavy but gentle footstep approaches from behind Hancock. It¡¯s Helmdraavv Khla, and she asks gently, ¡°Am I interrupting?¡±


    Lopez quickly closes her laptop and stands up, saying quickly and nervously, ¡°I have enough for now. My apologies for intruding.¡± She bows at Khla, and then at Dzor.


    The Jardzen says patiently, ¡°No need. I tell you; osk, ond I weel onswor to best of ability.¡±


    The timid scientist nods, whispering, ¡°Thank you¡­ Y-Yarjen.¡±


    He nods. Hancock climbs to his feet, saluting Dzor for an amused snort and dismissing wave. The Jardzen hasn¡¯t been granted a formal rank yet, and he doesn¡¯t seem to concerned about it. He now prides himself on being the strongest warrior on the ship, but also a friend to the humans who aided him in battle. He even partook in a mock battle with the marines as the Grodrrn enemy, though he was FAR more effective than Fisher could have ever hoped to be. A being that can hear heartbeats most of the time is actually incredibly difficult to sneak up on, specifically when he¡¯s not wearing a helmet. Like the Cave Queen, helmets dull a Grodrrn¡¯s keen senses in exchange for protection, and Dzor¡¯s senses are still very keen. His body is a little stiff and slowed; a drawback of the muscular exertion he applied to himself in order to not only affect his own escape, but also defeat the Zjikha. But, he is still a formidable warrior, and he takes great joy in defeating marines in mock battles.


    Either way, the first thing a marine learns in boot camp is that a salute is a show of respect, so no marine shies away from a genuine salute. He then turns to Khla, whose quick thinking during the battle with the Zjikha, among many other instances of honor on her part, have profoundly supported the fleet. He salutes again, and she smiles, returning a practiced and respectful salute of her own.


    Khla says gently as Lopez slips nervously past, ¡°Take care, Doctor Lopez.¡±


    Lopez tenses and halts. She squeaks, ¡°Th-Thank you. You, too.¡±


    As the two humans depart, Khla enters the room, taking a seat on her bed. She says gently, ¡°Thank you, Yarjen.¡±


    He nods civilly. He does notice the golden pendant hanging from a golden chain that she didn¡¯t have before. The pendant is egg-shaped, and engraved with Grodrrn lettering reading ¡®{Khla¡¯chn & Dzor¡¯chn}¡¯. The young pilot notices, and she smiles. ¡°Do you approve, Yarjen? It is a gift from the Marines Grey, Fisher, Tachibana, Long, and the sisters Coulson. Long says it is good luck wish for our hatchling.¡±


    Dzor stares at it, absorbing her words. It still feels surreal so very, very often. He can smell those named ever so faintly, and he can smell one missing name. But, knowing the Long named is the younger sister named Jessica, as well as the general smell, he suspects the Cave Queen hatchling touched it as well. Captain Long mentioned Jessica¡¯s egg hatched, and the hatchling is incredibly precocial at birth, where Grodrrn hatchlings are like human infants, requiring diligent attention and care for the first years of their lives. The pendant is hollow in the middle though, like a void was left for something to be added.


    Khla explains, ¡°Even has place for egg tooth in resin, when time comes.¡± She gingerly strokes it, and Dzor climbs up to a knee to inspect it more closely. He remarks quietly, ¡°Gold? Should hovv hoomins make one for war queen¡­¡± He suddenly halts, and his eyes widen.


    Khla asks cautiously, ¡°Yarjen? What is wrong?¡±


    ¡°Gold¡­¡± he murmurs. ¡°Neewarryk¡­ {Gold¡­}¡±


    A question that never had an answer. A fact that never had a reason. A weakness that didn¡¯t seem to pan out. Grodrrns don¡¯t have much use for gold beyond decoration -typically only on Grodurra-. It¡¯s too soft on its own to serve any real combat purpose, and they have alloys that serve as far better electrical conductors, heat shields, and catalysts than gold. It¡¯s rather abundant on Grodurra and its two moons, but isn¡¯t useful in space. Every Grodrrn officer, of course, is taught in command training about the fact that Zarakyssns HATE gold, but no one can figure out why. They¡¯ve tried gold-tipped weapons, missiles, and armor, but basic contact doesn¡¯t seem to harm the insectoid conquerors. While soldiers will give a golden-armored Grodrrn a wide berth, that¡¯s fairly in-character for Zarakyssn soldiers whether the armor is gold or iron. But, likewise, they will not be deterred from fighting.


    Grodrrns have tried to poison Zarakyssn soldiers and war queens alike with chaff launchers, which explode gold powder across the battle zone. Still no apparent effects. Worlds heavy in gold, however, have often been discovered inside Zarakyssn territory virtually untouched. The gold, especially, remains as it was. It is the only observed pure element Zarakyssns will completely ignore, and even avoid. And, not a single Grodrrn from the most colorless old warriors to the wisest and most learned scholars has any idea why.


    Well, save for one. One Grodrrn does, influenced by a perspective shocked into his system by a tiny, frail-seeming, auburn-haired mammal who never cowered from him, by perspective flooded into him by seemingly unearned loyalty of former enemies in a true fight together or die scenario, and by hope ignited in his soul from the first new Grodrrn eggs soon to be laid since the Saurmynnyka¡¯s passing¡­ All thanks in big part to that same foolish auburn-haired Jukondzia. One Grodrrn has an idea, all his own, as to why Zarakyssns dislike gold. And, like all things worthwhile in his life, he had some help.


    Dzor bolts to his feet, lunging to the door, and he bellows out into the hall, ¡°HOOMINS!¡±


    Understandably, every human for many meters in every direction halts in startled surprised, as well as the Grodrrns nearby, who all look nervously at the source of the powerful, thundering and intimidating voice. Of course, only two specific humans were his intended recipients, and he spots the timid little female scientist clutch her computer tightly to her chest in a terrified jump before she tries to hide behind the young male officer, who more alertly looks at Dzor.


    Dzor thinks quickly. He mimics a human pounding their chest with coughs; what he believes to be a sign of awkwardness-breaking humility. He says, ¡°Apology. Eegnore.¡± He steps broadly towards Hancock and Lopez, keeping his head low to avoid hitting anything.


    Of course, his posture and speed look quite aggressive, but he¡¯s too distracted to realize it until Hancock subtly shields Lopez with his body, guarding with his left arm as he asks, ¡°Problem, Yarjen?¡±


    Dzor slows, finally realizing how he looks. On his own ship, he never gave it thought. He INTENDED to intimidate his subordinates. The humans are different, though. Mutual respect goes very far, and no human -save protestors and their like- are trying to undermine him. He says, ¡°Forgeev. Boot, urgent thought. Gold.¡±


    ¡°Gold?¡± repeats Hancock, confused.


    Dzor nods, ¡°Zarakyssns HATE gold. Boot, Fievegal have no eedea why. Only material they weel NOT harvest.¡±


    Hancock can feel Lopez shift. She murmurs, ¡°The reactor rooms¡­ THAT¡¯S why¡­¡± She peeks over Hancock¡¯s shoulder, saying, ¡°Th-The reactor rooms are shielded by a layer of gold. It helps conduct heat to heat sinks and photoelectric charges to the regen shunts, s-so stray heat and shocks don¡¯t leave the auxiliary rooms.¡±


    Dzor roars jovially, startling the humans nearby. He exclaims, ¡°Eez eet! Eet has to be!¡±


    Hancock cautiously says, ¡°Pretend I¡¯m a dummy. What¡¯s the significance here? Is it poisonous to the bugs?¡±


    Dzor lowers his head level with theirs, saying warmly, ¡°Not een least!¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Lopez murmurs in realization, ¡°It must naturally shield them¡­¡±


    Dzor roars excitedly again, proud to have been the first one to a conclusion having stumped the Fievegal for hundreds of years, as well as the brightest human scientists, for a little longer than him. He exclaims, ¡°YES! Eez seempulist onswor! We have tried weaponizing gold for centures, boot to no effect. Or, no KNOW effect!¡±


    The huge Grodrrn bellows his warmest, proudest laughter.


    Lopez cautiously asks, still hiding behind Hancock, ¡°Can it really be so simple, though? If it cuts off their ability, wouldn¡¯t it have killed the soldiers when you tried?¡±


    ¡°That eez een mih mind, too. Boot, I theenk. Ond, what I theenk eez not coot off, boot dull. Othorweez, we alreadih figure out. Zarakyssns can sorveev gold because they do not lose close war queen. War queen lose bond to queens beyond reach. Mmm¡­ Not at bottle weeth them. Eef true, shield preeznor should coot off froom horde.¡± He scratches his chin, ¡°Enough might even shield close ronj. Only one way to know.¡±


    ¡°How much is enough, though¡­?¡± asks Lopez. ¡°I can kinda see maybe some sort of sink effect based on the presence of an element, but¡­ it shouldn¡¯t be that simple. For them to track her in real time¡­ it HAS to be quantum entanglement. Just placing a brick of gold or even a box can¡¯t interfere with that¡­ can it?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°I can only offer what I know, ond I KNOW Zarakyssns avoid gold. Eet does not poison, eet does not eenhibit healing, eet does not react violently with them¡­ Eez only logical conclusion why entire horde fear. Eet make queens eendependent, ond queens taught fear eendependence, according preeznor. We moost try, BOOT, you MOOST also keep working theess.¡± He points at Lopez¡¯s laptop. ¡°Eez only suspect. Ond, phase sheeft serve many more porpiss.¡±


    He scratches his neck scales, looking up, ¡°Tell I omm wrong how, ond I concede, boot othorweez, good start, yes? Worth try?¡±


    Lopez thinks a moment. She smiles and nods, whispering, ¡°I believe you, Yarjen. And yes, it is worth a try.¡±


    He grins a big, sharp-toothed grin and nods.


    Hancock chuckles, saying, ¡°Whelp, I suppose this means we need to find Supernova again.¡±


    Lopez grumbles softly, ¡°Wasn¡¯t a supernova¡­¡±


    Dzor snorts in amusement, but says plainly, ¡°Follow me.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 44: Vivi the Curious Princess

    Jessica awakens from a good sleep. It¡¯s holiday routine, so she didn¡¯t have an alarm set. Angelica, of course, is long gone, likely working in some capacity. Work still needs done even on days off, and a Captain¡¯s more than most.


    The teen does her routine check nonetheless. She finds Vivi¡¯s pouch and checks inside. The pouch lets Jessica keep the tiny alien close without crushing her if she rolls over. There¡¯s a moistened cloth inside in case Vivi feels dry, but otherwise, it¡¯s not sealed anymore.


    And, to Jessica¡¯s dismay, Vivi is not inside. She sits up quickly, searching all around her. She squeaks frantically, ¡°Vivi!? Sweetie!?¡±


    A crackling crunch comes from the top of Jessica¡¯s head, like a shell being cracked open. It¡¯s now that she feels a strange ¡®knot¡¯ in her hair.


    Jessica asks, ¡°Vivi? Is that you?¡±


    A tiny voice hums an affirmative. The tiny alien¡¯s grip on her hair shifts a little, and the crunch sounds again. Jessica gently lifts her hand, and Vivi crawls onto it holding something. The teen lowers her tiny daughter so she can see, and the squid-like girl is happily munching on a peanut, shell and all.


    Jessica asks, surprised, ¡°Where did you get that, Vivi?¡±


    Vivi squeaks, ¡°Antie¡­¡± She points beyond the curtain. She adds, ¡°Vivi hungie.¡±


    ¡°Awe¡­ I¡¯m sorry. You could have woke me up.¡±


    Vivi smiles, replying, ¡°Vivi okay. Vivi find peanie.¡± Jessica snorts, trying to suppress a laugh. She says, ¡°That word¡­ Um, you might wanna ensure you say ¡®peanut¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Vivi takes another bite, and Jessica realizes what Vivi just said. ¡°Wait, you found it? I thought you said Angie gave it to you.¡±


    The tiny alien swallows and replies, ¡°Mm-hmm. Auntie at table, Meemee. Vivi ask for foo, and Antie give.¡±


    ¡°She heard you?¡±


    Vivi shakes her head, simply standing up and carrying her meal to the edge of the bed. Before Jessica can object, Vivi crawls down the curtain and slips out into the main room. The teen scrambles out of bed and carefully darts out of the curtain, calling, ¡°Vivi!?¡±


    The little alien girl is halfway to the table already, and she halts, looking at Jessica as the teen shields her light-sensitive eyes while they adjust. Vivi, however, seems none-too-bothered by the light in the least.


    Vivi states, ¡°Vivi okay,¡± when Jessica adds nothing. The little princess then proceeds to nimbly crawl up the table with her peanut and join Captain Long at the table. Angelica is in uniform, but she¡¯s sipping a coffee as she reads her tablet computer.


    Jessica cautiously walks towards them as Angelica affectionately pets Vivi¡¯s head for equally affectionate chirps. Angelica says, ¡°Good morning, Cottonpuff.¡±


    The teen replies, ¡°Good morning, Si-um, Captain.¡± She adds, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t understand¡­ Vivi? Isn¡¯t the light hurting your eyes? Or your¡­?¡± Jessica looks. She THOUGHT it was possible, but it seems to be certain. Vivi¡¯s skin is nowhere near as translucent as when she hatched. And, though her eyes are still very dark, her irises, which fill what would be a human¡¯s sclera -or whites- are actually a vivid purple color, with big pupils that seem to have four sections separated only by the faintest line, like cells dividing. Her skin is still a pale color, but has a more bluish-grey appearance now.


    Vivi replies, ¡°No hurt. Meemee okay?¡±


    Jessica sits down at her usual spot, replying, ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    Angelica replies warmly, ¡°Little girl plopped up onto the table and gave me a scare, but she seems fine. Her skin seem darker to you?¡±


    Jessica nods. Angelica replies, ¡°Thought so, too. Dr. Coulson might be able to shed some light, but maybe Vivi¡¯s just getting all of her vitamins.¡± Angelica tickles the tiny princess for gleeful chirps.


    After, Vivi nibbles more on her peanut. She tries not to be wasteful, but they had to teach her to hold onto what she starts eating so she can finish it, rather than put it back. The peanut, like many other things, is much more than she can finish in one sitting, but her metabolism seems to be moderately high, allowing her to eat several times a day, where the Queen¡¯s ¡®days¡¯ are much longer, stretching her ¡®two meals per rotation¡¯ to about one a day. Though Vivi isn¡¯t noticeably any bigger, maybe Angelica¡¯s right. Even the Queen thinks her species traditionally lacks the nutrition to develop any level of light resistance.


    Jessica finally sighs relief. She says warmly, ¡°Well, good. That makes life easier.¡± Vivi keeps munching peanut shell, watching Jessica curiously. The teen decides to have a few herself, and she takes a few from the bowl. Unlike Vivi, she won¡¯t eat the shells, but it all ends up mulched and used to feed the gardens.


    Vivi suddenly looks to the door, not afraid yet, but curious. A knock follows soon after. Jessica hops up, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± She jogs briskly to the door. Not much can prepare someone for opening a door to find a wall of scales, muscle, and teeth blocking almost the entire door, but Jessica only jumps a little. This particular form, terrifying as he could be, is virtually harmless. Specifically, to Jessica and her older sister.


    Jesscia squeaks, ¡°Yarjen Jor! I wasn¡¯t expecting you! Sorry.¡±


    He nods, asking, ¡°May we speak weeth Copton?¡± Jessica looks, noticing Hancock and Lopez with the massive commandant.


    ¡°Oh! Uh, of course! Come on in! Please! Sorry it¡¯ll be a little crowded.¡±


    Jessica steps inside, and Dzor ducks through the door, towering over everyone. Lopez and Hancock squeeze past him and stand behind Jessica¡¯s seat at the table.


    Dzor is just about to speak, but his gaze snaps to the tiny alien on the table. Perhaps at first glimpse, it struck him as a pest or vermin, but he instantly realizes what she is. Vivi sits quietly. Everyone is bigger than her, after all.


    Lopez, however, spots her as well, and she gasps. The timid doctor quickly steps forward, whimpering, ¡°It-It can¡¯t be, can it? Y-You¡¯re¡­ Th-This¡­¡±


    Jessica squeaks as Lopez leans over the table to inspect the tiny girl, ¡°Oh! Right! Um, Doctor Lopez, Ensign Hancock, Yarjen Jor; this is Vivi. Vivi, say hi to Yarjen, Doctor Lopez, and Hancock.¡±


    Levi replies giddily, ¡°L-Levi. Call me Levi.¡±


    Vivi waves a lace-like tentacle and says, ¡°I Vivi. Vivi say hi.¡± Lopez nearly melts into the chair, whimpering, ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡±


    Vivi grins, crawling over to touch Lopez¡¯s hand.


    Meanwhile, Angelica asks with a smile, ¡°What do you need?¡±


    Dzor snaps out of his trance of watching the small alien be cared for indiscriminately by a young human, and he replies, ¡°We theenk. Ond, we have thought.¡±


    Hancock adds, ¡°As you do¡­¡± Angelica scoffs, waiting for Dzor to continue. Dzor, not disrupted in the least, continues, ¡°Zarakyssns hate gold. Fievegal no idea why. Boot, we deescoos. Believe may shield long range Zarak queen heeve meend. Can¡¯t prove, boot best ond seempulist onswor.¡±


    Hancock remarks, ¡°The Yarjen explained the Fievegal weaponized gold in every way they could think of to no effect. But, still Zarakyssns avoid gold on worlds they mine, as well as the shielding in-...¡±


    ¡°The reactor rooms¡­¡± finishes the Admiral.


    Hancock slumps, joking, ¡°Awww, Admiral, I wanted to sound smart.¡±


    She smirks. She asks with interest, though, ¡°You think it¡¯s that¡­ simple? Box her in with gold, and that¡¯s it?¡±


    Lopez offers as she gently holds Vivi in her palm, ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult to quantify for sure why it works, but¡­ in the Yarjen¡¯s own words¡­ It¡¯s the simplest answer as to why.¡± She smiles at Vivi as the tiny being inspects Lopez¡¯s glasses, which she takes off. Vivi is amazed at the magnification effect and flips back and forth, trying to understand the sorcery at work. Lopez¡¯s prescription is fairly mild-to-moderate, so it magnifies a little from the right distance, and doesn¡¯t blur too much else.


    The Admiral says without much doubt or concern, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll contact Providence and see how many doubloons Russell has squirrelled away.¡± She makes a point of winking at Lopez.


    Vivi¡¯s tiny voice squeaks, ¡°Dubwoon?¡±


    Jessica coos, ¡°Yes, Sweetie. Pirate money, Arr.¡±


    Hancock unhesitatingly adds, ¡°Arr.¡±


    Lopez says as well in a tiny voice, ¡°Arr¡­¡±


    The tiny squid girl grins, saying proudly, ¡°Arr!¡±


    The group laughs warmly, and Vivi looks up at Dzor. She states innocently, ¡°I tink you weak. Arr!¡±


    There¡¯s a tense pause as everyone watches the literal giant cock his head. Dzor has a few buttons that people are terrified to push, because his growl alone could nearly kill a person. But, he simply replies, ¡°Eez so?¡±


    Angelica explains, ¡°She recognizes voices she heard even in her egg.¡± Vivi reaches toward him.


    Dzor hesitates, but gently offers one of his massive hands. Vivi touches his lightly-fuzzy and scaly skin curiously. She coos, ¡°Fuzzy¡­¡±


    Dzor says gently, ¡°{May the twin suns guide and nurture this Zhi.}¡± Vivi cocks her head curiously, and Dzor adds, ¡°Yes. Fuzzy.¡±


    The tiny alien girl grins, bearing her two singular, sharp teeth. The Grodrrn grins in return, revealing his many, much larger sharp teeth.


    He then says to a surprised Admiral Long, ¡°I steel say keel Zarak Queen, boot moost find way to verify results.¡±


    Angelica nods, ¡°Of course. Kane¡¯s idea is the most sound. It¡¯ll take some time to gather all of our gold in the fleet, so we¡¯ll have him monitor her when she resumes consciousness. Obviously, it¡¯s imperative Queen Syretia does NOT catch wind of our test.¡±


    The group nods, and Lopez says softly, ¡°I¡¯m content never coming in contact with her.¡±


    Long smiles gently and nods.


    ***


    It¡¯s been a little over 2 days since the meeting with Kane about the Zarak Queen. Captain Dodge and Captain Francisco have both been relieved from their respective commands.


    Captain Dodge handled himself well in most of the situations they¡¯ve faced so far, but the stress finally got to him when Khla arrived in his battleship and ordered the humans to flee while he attempted to hold off the four horde ships. Dodge couldn¡¯t reconcile himself to abandon an apparent ally and attempt to flee, even as he watched his fellow ships burning and fighting desperately just to survive. One ship escaping is better than no one escaping, but he couldn¡¯t do it, nor could he live with endangering the lives on the Andromeda any further. He had made his choice, but dumb luck had Lieutenant Kane on his bridge, who saved Dodge¡¯s life and managed to help Long turn the battle.


    Captain Francisco, on the other hand, was relieved not because he DID attempt to flee the battle, but because he did so in such a poorly conceived and fearful manner, destroying the Honolulu and costing hundreds of lives in the process. Similarly, he feels disgraced, and didn¡¯t want to continue serving. He was relieved honorably, though he pulled his own Captain¡¯s eagles off and left quietly.


    Captain Francisco was relieved by his executive officer, Captain Jacques Decklette. Decklette had been abducted early on, and was still incapacitated during most of the battle, which didn¡¯t matter much since the Argonaut was disabled after Captain Francisco¡¯s attempted escape maneuver.


    Captain Dodge was replaced by his executive officer as well, Lieutenant Commander Helena Beeker. Due to personnel issues still being sorted out, there were a lot of high level officers that were removed from duty following the shift of authority during the martial law takeover essentially started by Dodge himself. This ¡°thinning of experience¡± effectively reduced the number of naval officers with any meaningful command experience at the start of the fleet¡¯s journey. From there, young, partially trained officers have been thrust into positions they would normally wait years to fill, such as LCDR Beeker to executive officer, and now, lacking anyone else with experience on the Andromeda and Kane¡¯s obligations to ambassadorial roles with the Zarak Queen, Beeker is the best choice only from a lack of options.


    That¡¯s not to say that she¡¯s not a worthy and loyal POTENTIAL Captain, but that she still has a LOT to learn, and it shows, about dealing with a crew during non-wartime, let alone during the constant stress and battle they¡¯re facing now. Will Beeker be able to handle it? More than likely. But, it will certainly put her through her paces.


    Murdock, on the other hand, had a near full career in the navy before becoming a civilian Captain, and he became a civilian Captain because he was tired of the politics, the uniforms, the rules and regulations, who to salute and when, what to do when a senator arrives, and so many other trivial things. When he accepted Captain for one of Russell¡¯s colossal ego strokers, he was at such a level of ¡®screw it¡¯ that he figured that retiring in the night sky itself would be a poetic end, and his contract with Russell very specifically said there would be no uniform for him, and if they wanted him out of sight for the politics, to simply let him know. And, the two have always gotten along swimmingly.


    Now, Murdock relaxes in his captain¡¯s chair with his feet up on his console with his tropical shirt unbuttoned and untucked, chewing on a jerkied piece of meat from the Grodrrns, and sipping a tiny glass of alcohol smuggled to him by the very same reptilian cosmonauts from Khla¡¯s battleship when it was still present. Being a Captain has perks, and being a non-stick in the mud captain has more perks. Grodrrn alcohol is heavy and stinks, but it¡¯s alcohol, and it''s heavy. So, everyone else on the bridge knows exactly what he¡¯s doing, but no one says a word. Murdock fought tooth and nail to protect the fleet and used everything at their disposal on a repair ship trying to keep everyone safe.


    The communication channel blinks, and he clicks on it. Admiral Long¡¯s face appears. It¡¯s her daily check in.


    Murdock says warmly, ¡°Supernova.¡±


    She smirks with a scoff, ¡°Captain Murdock. Anything to report?¡±


    ¡°No ma¡¯am. Russell¡¯s been pretty quiet today. Not much for him to do, what with the lines all set. Honolulu is getting ammunition loaded today. She¡¯ll be fightin¡¯ ready by the next jump.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Where are we at on the next ship¡¯s keel?¡±


    ¡°Still stuck. The crane is having communication issues. We¡¯ve unlocked the panel Russell used, but more likely, the damage to the aux bridge pulled wires and damaged insulation further back.¡±


    ¡°I see. Keep me updated. If we can come up with an alternate solution, by all means, let¡¯s pursue it.¡±


    ¡°We¡­ will need to have time to actually collect raw materials, Admiral. I understand the situation we¡¯re in, but at some point, we¡¯ll be out of improvisation options.¡±


    ¡°I understand. We have some plans in the works. If we can¡¯t function, let me know.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Admiral. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯ll be all. Thank you.¡±


    Murdock nods, and he gives a half-hearted salute. That¡¯s certainly more than almost anyone gets; the sincerest sign of respect Murdock gives. When the screen dies, a purple glow in his peripherals catches his eyes. When Murdock looks left towards the glow, it¡¯s already gone. Perhaps it was a strange reflection. The armored transparent metal used for the windows has a lot of weird reflections, glares, and lens flares.


    However, there is something to see; two red lights and two bluish white lights on the front of the Polonia. There are lights on the outside of the ships, but these lights are out of place. They have a strange spacing, and serve no real purpose. He uses his console to zoom in on the hull of the Polonia at the location.


    Sure enough, it¡¯s Russell¡¯s precious supercar, with the tail lights and headlights on. Of course, it looks like they¡¯re dimming a little and brightening a little intermittently, but mostly, they¡¯re just on. He can¡¯t tell if anyone is inside it from his range, but it¡¯s definitely odd.


    The unorthodox captain calls the Polonia, and Long¡¯s face appears again. She remarks, ¡°Captain Murdock. Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Uh, dunno. Someone trying to take Rusty¡¯s car for a drive?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Take a look. Lights on that damn supercar of Russell¡¯s are on.¡±


    Long turns away from the screen for a moment to look. She says, ¡°Huh¡­ They are, aren¡¯t they? Shouldn¡¯t be anyone out there. I was pretty sure the battery was taken out anyways.¡±


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Murdock scoffs, joking, ¡°Well, either someone¡¯s pretending to joy ride, or the spirit of Nikola Tesla is haunting us.¡±


    Long chuckles, saying warmly, ¡°I¡¯ll make an announcement really quick to identify all hull workers. Excuse me a second.¡±


    She mutes her microphone to make her announcement while Murdock sips his drink. Unpleasant taste aside, the drink does pair pretty well with the Grodrrn jerky. He chews rather indignantly as he waits on Long. She activates her microphone again, and she remarks, ¡°That¡¯s so weird.¡±


    ¡°Anyone out there?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re taking role now. You¡¯re sure Russell¡¯s on the Providence?¡±


    He scoffs, ¡°Yeah. No shuttles have departed.¡±


    Long looks to the side at a voice, and she reports, ¡°Huh. No one¡¯s out there. Could someone have done it a while ago you think?¡±


    ¡°Must have. That, or the battery gremlins came by¡­¡±


    Both of their faces drain of color as they come to the same realization at the same time. Both commanding officers shout at the other, ¡°NEBULA BOLT!¡±


    They both nod, and Admiral Long quickly activates the fleet channel as Murdock flips the alarm switch for a nebula bolt. A long horn grows, silencing a moment, and grows again, repeating this over and over again, broken only when Long makes her emergency announcement.


    ¡°NEBULA BOLT! NEBULA BOLT! All hands, clear all emergency doors and set emergency zebra! Emergency Diverge! All hands brace!¡±


    The Captains all take over their own ships, making further announcements and directing crews to their locations. Sadly, with a nebula bolt, time is of the essence, and by the time the charge is discovered, it¡¯s usually too late to do much of anything, which is why step one is to slam the emergency air tight doors shut. Whatever rooms ruptured can¡¯t be saved, as the bolt can discharge across miles, and the ships are all within a few thousand feet of each other. Diverting all of the ships away from each other is the only real way to try to avoid damaging two or more ships simultaneously, as there isn¡¯t really any way to absorb the charge quickly enough. It is the energy of a dead star or star seed that¡¯s floating through space.


    The Providence has the easiest maneuver of all, being in the center. They simply cut engines and let the other ships pull ahead and away. It¡¯s luck of the draw now, which ship will have the first bolt, and which ship will be hit, and which spaces on each ship are lost are equally unpredictable. Fortunately, the ships have some degaussing equipment and other electrical components in place to prevent the charge from spreading inside the hull of the ship, but it¡¯ll still likely rip open one of the surface level spaces.


    Murdock¡¯s posture has switched to combat mode. He¡¯s alert and standing, monitoring his orders, the status of equipment, and trying to watch for the bolt to see which ship they need to help recover.


    He certainly didn¡¯t sign up for this kind of chaos all the time, but he¡¯ll damn well never shy away from his duty. Duty is a man¡¯s true purpose, and Murdock has always chosen to be a man among men.


    ***


    Syretia sits in her disabled ship in meditation. Kane begged her not to do anything to herself, giving her subtle hope that there is hope. She¡¯s not sure what, but the humans and Grodrrns have been staging gear and crates near her ship.


    She¡¯s listening to the Prayer of the Chosen Queen as the horde prays together for brightness, for unity, and for wisdom. She keeps her mind tranquil and as empty as possible. She knows her sisters are already suspicious of her, particularly because they¡¯ve been minimizing conversation with her. This is admittedly common practice if a Uniter Queen is captured, as they want to minimize what information is leaked through torture.


    However, many of those captured sisters -those known to be fully loyal even in torture- typically get endless encouragement and directed prayers to stay strong and endure, and that the horde is coming. Her sisters have assured her that the horde is coming, but they haven¡¯t been very supportive or encouraging. The fact that she¡¯s not being tortured probably doesn¡¯t help.


    She looks blankly at the humans stacking crates. She doesn¡¯t want to have any real thoughts that might be picked up by her sisters. Simply being alive makes her a spy within this tiny fleet. Her daughter¡¯s fleet.


    She looks down, bracing against the thought. It¡¯s touching, but her emotions are the easiest thing for her sisters to feel, and having positive emotions will definitely let them know where her loyalties lie.


    Sister, you are unusually quiet. Have doubts begun to fill your mind?


    No, of course not. We are strongest together. I am maintaining calm, so that I do not cause discord.


    They¡¯re definitely suspicious.


    Very well. Are you well fed, sister? How are your supplies?


    Definitely, definitely suspicious. Queens are expected to ask if supplies are needed or assistance is needed. It is rarely offered. After all, they need only ask.


    I have enough. We are united across the cosmos, and sustenance is but an afterthought.


    Suddenly, an alarm sounds in the human ship. It rises in pitch and power, silencing, and then repeating. Then, the human female Long¡¯s voice begins talking.


    ¡°{NEBULA BOLT! NEBULA BOLT! All hands, clear all emergency doors and set emergency zebra! Emergency Diverge! All hands brace!}¡±


    Syretia barely comprehends human words at best, and Long spoke loudly and quickly. However, the sounds and the voice have startled the humans she can see, and they quickly slide their crates across the floor towards her ship.


    Interesting. The heathen ship is in trouble, is it? Fortune smiles upon us, Sisters! Let the heathens fall into discord! We have our Sister¡¯s location! Let us retrieve her and her precious daughter at once! Patience, Sister, we are coming.


    Syretia feels nervous, but something felt¡­ fuzzy about that assurance.


    My Sisters, the humans are afraid of something. They¡¯re sealing the ship, I think.


    No matter¡­ But,... you feel distant, Sister. Do you resist us?


    What!? Of course not! We are united! We are all we need!


    Silence.


    No, not silence.


    Emptiness is more accurate. What is this? It feels like¡­


    Syretia twitches. Can it be? She touches her head. She¡¯s not injured, and she¡¯s definitely awake. She looks around. Nothing around her has changed.


    Some of the humans have brought a couple more crates over, but they¡¯re nervously frightened and now wearing their sealed suits. This isn¡¯t their combat behavior. They staged for combat. This is different.


    But, more importantly right now, what has happened to her sisters¡¯ voices?


    She looks at the crates. They are the only change. The first and most basic rule of discovery and inquisition is; what changed last? The humans brought crates over, and now she feels empty. Is it some sort of device to block out her bond?


    Curiosity gets the better of her, and her guards are highly distracted now. She dons her own EVA suit and cycles through her airlock on the side of her ship. She makes a quick-line to the crates to investigate the phenomenon, and her presence startles the workers when they turn around. They cry out, but she has no interest. Either they¡¯ll kill her -as she wishes, letting them raise her daughter in safety-, or they¡¯ll try to get her back into her ship.


    Syretia pulls the lid off of one of the metal crates. She recoils instantly at the shiny yellowish metal within. It¡¯s gold! Crates and crates of gold! Gold bricks, tiny gold bricks, gold pieces and parts, gold fabric, and gold powder.


    Syretia starts to shake, chattering her mandibles nervously.


    But, she steadies herself a little.


    WHY does she fear gold? She knows she¡¯s supposed to, but why? When harvesting a world, the Shining Daughters simply avoid it, but they aren¡¯t forbidden from entering areas where gold is present. Is it poisonous? What do her sisters say of it?


    ¡®Gold serves our kind no purpose, and it is hazardous to our health.¡¯


    ¡®Hazardous to our health¡¯ is the curious phrasing to her. She is a medical Queen, after all. And, hazardous to health is not the same as poisonous, toxic, or deadly. It usually means it has long term effects, but Zarakyssns don¡¯t really fear long term effects, because they have such robust immune systems. It¡¯s rare that anything can poison them or harm them.


    Syretia is not a genius. She partially suspects her people are taught in a way not to be. Do not question, do not explore, do not interact. Unite -conquer- and move on. That¡¯s it. She¡¯s losing her illusions for her people, and now more than ever.


    Syretia decides to take a chance, as the humans start to circle around her and yell, but it¡¯s unintelligible to her other than ¡°Noble Queen Syretia!¡± which she knows is how they refer to her. And, with these humans, it has no effect on her. Kane was the first to call her this, and in her own language no less.


    Instead, she gingerly touches the gold fabric in the box. Her hand doesn¡¯t burst into flames, turn blue or numb, and doesn¡¯t begin to instantly rot. She tosses the lid of the crate to the side and pulls the golden fabric gingerly out. It¡¯s a large sheet, long and wide enough to envelop her entire body.


    It makes sense. It makes sense why her people fear and hate gold, but don¡¯t let it be so obviously known. The Horde knows the Fievegal is aware of their fear, but they haven¡¯t figured out why. And, most queens don¡¯t even know why. Maybe none of them do.


    However, the humans are obviously very intelligent. And, if they brought a massive pile of gold, perhaps they suspected what Syretia does now; gold is not toxic to her kind in any way.


    It is a sink to her hive mind ability; her bond. It shields the connection.


    She drapes the first sheet over her shoulders, using her secondary arms and her tools to weld the corners so it¡¯ll stay on her at her collar. She then pulls out the next sheet, wrapping it over her head, and she can instantly feel the last shreds of the bond vanish.


    A warmth fills her heart. The humans are geniuses. They are her saviors and her merciful captors. They have given her hope in a hopeless and unthinkable situation for a Uniter Queen. And yet, she may yet live a life she only ever thought she might have tasted for the briefest of fleeting moments.


    She welds the corners of the gold around her head, shaking it side to side to make sure it¡¯ll stay on. Sure enough, her makeshift clothes of gold fabric -which she imagines will be quite fragile- are holding. She listens and feels for her bond once more.


    Nothing.


    She¡¯s not sure how she¡¯ll deal with her daughter or any soldiers and workers she may someday provide for her new allies, but she will journey that path when it presents itself to her. For now, she can help in a situation she does not yet know. She looks at the humans around her. Some are the soldiers, aiming weapons at her and gesturing her to return to her ship. Others are the workers, backing away.


    But, she smells it, even through her helmet. Human blood. A human is injured, and it is a task she is most suited for. It could be seen as good fortune that she will once more be able to SHOW her loyalties and her skills, rather than plead with empty words, but it is in fact bad fortune that a human was injured. At least, she¡¯s pretty sure humans worry far more about harm than the Shining Daughters do.


    Syretia marches toward the injured human, following the iron-laden scent of blood. She finds several humans gathered around one grievously wounded by one of the doors. It appears the emergency involves sealing all of the automatic doors on the ship. These were a great inconvenience to Syretia during the battle, because she did not know how to open them at the time, nor did she know how to open the small escape scuttles in them.


    The humans draw weapons, shouting at her, but she marches closer. Even though she has hope now, it is they who want her alive more than she wants herself alive. For the rest of her life, if she lapses, if she loses her newfound shielding, or if she simply forgets to wear it, then her daughter and her daughter¡¯s guardians will be found and perish. She is a danger to them all, and so, killing her isn¡¯t the worst thing they can do.


    That said, she also knows the humans have many cowards and diplomatic types, each of whom are unlikely to fire on her in hopes of not provoking her, or in preserving her life.


    She inspects the injured human. Its left leg was severed mid lower leg bone by the merciless emergency door. Blood is pooling, though the humans have applied a tourniquet to slow the blood loss. Clever, and perhaps they saved his life. However, it won¡¯t save his leg. She listens closely to the door, tapping on it. The sound is consistent with atmosphere on the far side, so she opens the scuttle and looks. The rest of the leg is present, though partially pinched under the door still where it slid into place. That will be inconvenient, but fortunately, human flesh is quite stretchy.


    Syretia reaches through, using her laser scalpel to free the leg and maximize the amount of flesh saved. She then retreats through the scuttle, closing it tightly behind her. The humans watch, still shouting at her, but she sets the leg down and sets to work.


    Fortunately, Syretia has secondary arms, unlike the humans. It makes her quite effective at what she¡¯s doing. She has to cut and peel flesh, reconstruct bone, use her mineral solder tool to stitch the bone, antibiotics to minimize infection, and a file to smooth some of the worst edges of the bone. The human wails in agony, but the other humans are watching in surprise.


    Syretia grows quickly tired of the screaming, and she draws one of her soldier¡¯s weapons she found hidden in her ship, and she fires it once, putting it back. The human patient stops screaming, but now the other humans are shouting at her again. She glances at them, her deft hands still moving and operating tools at speeds the humans seem to struggle to comprehend. Fortunately, she¡¯s at a simple stage of final prep before stitching the two leg pieces back together -which she¡¯ll have to use a lot of mineral solder to fill in the length of lost bone, but she has enough.


    When one of the humans checks the injured one¡¯s vitals, it says something to the others, and they relax some. She nods -a gesture she has learned is the affirmative for humans-. She looks back to her work, setting to the main task.


    Within moments, she has the severed leg bound back together at the skeletal, vascular, nervous, and muscular levels. She¡¯s obviously not an expert on human biology, so there may be some issues, but combat medicine is a matter of survival, and she will happily check on her current patient as many times as needed down the path. She¡¯s just making sure this patient has a path to continue on.


    While she¡¯s stitching the last few muscle bands, though, a deep boom fills the ship, shaking her. It wasn¡¯t quite like a weapon firing or impacting, given the duration of the boom. It lasted far longer than a normal impact would last.


    She considers galactic phenomena quickly. Without her bond, her knowledge is far more limited, so she can¡¯t think of anything at the moment. But, she never hears the term for Shining Daughters out of the announcing voice, and the alarm never changes to the combat alarm, which she knows well from her own battle with these merciful little mammals.


    She quickly finishes her work, pointing at the blood and chattering at the humans around her. She hopes they understand. She would need time to synthesize artificial blood for this newly discovered species, and she obviously doesn¡¯t have a stockpile of it. However, humans MUST be advanced enough to transfuse liquids. They outsmart more advanced empires for a hobby, it seems.


    One of the humans gestures at its own forearm, and then to the patient. Again, Syretia nods. She hopes the message translated, but they¡¯re a sharp species. She¡¯ll trust them. She then sanitizes her hands, saying, ¡°{I wish you could understand me as Kane does. Bring me more patients, and I shall attend to them.}¡± She walks past the guards, who glance at those helping the injured patient. The guards then jog after her, trying to steer her to her ship. But, she needs to find- there!


    ¡°{Grodurn! Grodurn, please! Help me translate! I need you to tell them I will help. Bring me patients.}¡±


    The reptilian soldier in the hangar looks at her, and it bears its teeth. It¡¯s preparing equipment for an apparent space walk, likely to repair whatever damage shook the ship. The Grodrrn growls something unintelligible to her, but it signs at her, ¡°{Return to your containment, monster.}¡±


    Not unexpected. The Grodrrns seem to be on rather good terms with the humans. But, she insists, ¡°{I understand, but please tell them I will help. I am a medical Uniter Queen-...}¡±


    The Grodrrn snorts angrily, and the humans speak to it. It grumbles to them, and they speak to it again. This time, it shakes its head in frustration, and then signs, ¡°{Humans will not tolerate failure.}¡±


    She nods, ¡°{I will not fail. I will heal all I can. Let me help.}¡±


    The Grodrrn waves her off, speaking to the humans in their language. It then moves its prepared gear towards one of the air locks where similarly equipped humans are ready to transition through the airlock to the outside. The humans speak among themselves, speak into radioes, and speak some more. Soon enough, they gesture for her to follow, and she realizes she¡¯s making progress when they point out a spot in the hangar for her.


    They''re giving her a staging and triage area.


    Her first patient is her patient from moments ago, helping and ensuring the blood transfusion goes well. She sets up the donor to extract from, and she checks vitals on both the donor and the patient to compare. Without baseline numbers, she¡¯ll have to trust that one human is healthy and close to average, and the other -the known patient- needs to be close.


    Announcements are still being made, but soon, foot traffic starts coming through the air tight doors. Humans are moving equipment, performing checks, and have repair tools as they move in every direction. And, soon enough, Syretia is receiving new patients; mostly concussions from the blast, but also a few human-induced injuries. She isn¡¯t sure, but the injuries look like panic injuries, like the humans clawed, bruised, and otherwise injured each other trying to escape rooms in a panic.


    Kane has mentioned that some -maybe even a heavy- portion of the human population is somehow distinctly different than the soldiers and crew members; ¡®Non-military¡¯ he called them. They lack the full training to stay calm in emergency situations, and have only the limited experience of their fleet leaving their homeworld to try to make up for that.


    This fits what she saw during the battle; there were cowards, but there were also just the ones that didn¡¯t seem to know how to react when they faced her soldiers, where the human soldiers mainly aimed and fired without hesitation.


    Syretia is partially through setting a bone and mineral soldering it back together when Kane jogs up. She feels a welling of happiness that he, of all beings, gets to see her in action. She greets him, ¡°{Carmine, I have tended to the most serious injuries first. Can you tell me what happened?}¡±


    ¡°{Noble Queen, I¡¯ve heard. Are¡­ you feeling okay?}¡±


    ¡°{Forgive my jovial mood, Carmine, but yes. I assume the gold was meant to help me achieve my goal?}¡±


    ¡°{That¡¯s¡­ correct. How did you know?}¡±


    ¡°{One moment, please. Tell them to set concussions over there, please.}¡± She points, and Kane looks. He translates, and the humans bringing new injured follow the instructions. She then answers his question.


    ¡°{The Chosen Queen¡¯s prayer happened, and then my Sisters were questioning me. I was watching the workers stack crates near my ship, when the blast happened. My sisters are aware of it, so we must evacuate as soon as possible. But, during that time, some of the crates were placed closer to my ship, and¡­ my bond faded. I could feel it. My sisters felt it too. They thought I was resisting, but I wasn¡¯t. It¡¯s very hard to resist, and I¡¯m not experienced enough to even know how. So, out of curiosity, I investigated. And, I realized what your people must have; gold, our only fear, not toxic to us, but equally terrifying.}¡± She strokes her makeshift cloak gingerly. ¡°{And, a precious, precious element.}¡±


    Kane¡¯s expression is soft and kind; she can¡¯t tell by look per se, but she can feel the kindness. It radiates from him. He replies, ¡°{We were hit by what we call a nebula bolt. A sort of electrical discharge from free radical-...}¡±


    ¡°{Free radical electrons and ions in a nebulous cloud. I see, yes, yes, that makes sense. Was another ship hit?}¡±


    He nods, ¡°{We diverted apart as quickly as possible, but this ship and another shared a massive and damaging arc.}¡±


    ¡°{We cannot delay. Regroup the fleet and evacuate. My sisters are aware that we are in danger, and most likely, in discord.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯ll let leadership know. Thank you.}¡±


    She nods, replying gently, ¡°{Thank you for trusting me. I know it can¡¯t be easy for your people.}¡±


    ¡°{Prove it¡¯s worth it.}¡±


    ¡°{I intend to. Me. Myself. And, I love that feeling.}¡±


    Syretia returns her full focus to her patients. A few vacuum injured patients come in. She takes pity on them. Vacuum injuries are not easy to treat. It¡¯s an all over kind of ailment, and only has hope if the patient is retrieved to atmosphere within moments. Likely, too much damage has been done. But, she knows a little about treating mammals with vacuum injury, and the principles are similar for Shining Daughters.


    She works her hands deftly, keeping an eye on patients coming in for serious injured that have more hope. It¡¯s all she can do. She may be quick and efficient, but she¡¯s still only a Medical Queen. She¡¯s not a goddess.


    Still, the surprised humans that receive her help seem to offer humble words, and she feels warmth knowing that her dream is coming true, and she¡¯s getting the chance to help.


    Maybe soon, she can help expand the army of this tiny fleet, and help them rebuild even faster. She doesn¡¯t need or want to rule this fleet. She simply wants to learn and experience more of this independence that tastes so good.


    ***

 Chapter 45: Nebula Bolt and Run

    Ground Zero. Petty Officer First Class Leo Fisher happened to be on hull watch, milling about as he watched out for enemy craft, asteroids, and anything else dangerous to the ship and fleet during travel. The announcement came across the radio that a nebula charge was building, and his blood started to chill. There¡¯s not much anyone in the fleet can do at all about a nebula bolt. They happen. They have the potential energy of a star, meaning that, if the charge builds, it WILL discharge eventually.


    A person walking around the hull of the ship in an armored space suit with metal and electronic equipment is especially helpless to do anything about the charge. Additionally, their only real hope for protecting themselves is to hit the deck, because they don¡¯t want to be the ¡°tallest¡± point relative to whatever the bolt is going to discharge to.


    Naturally, the second the radio announcement was made -which includes ¡®GO PRONE!¡¯-, Fisher was prone on the hull of the ship, waiting to die.


    The flash felt like it was right in front of his face, with how bright it was and how body-shaking the rumble was through the hull. He flinched, and possibly soiled himself. But, that¡¯s a problem for when he needs to clean out his suit.


    Fisher climbs to his feet and looks around. Debris is floating away from the ship ahead of him, and he walks as quickly as he can go. The atmosphere was instantly lost in the room that ruptured, and a few bodies float into the void too quickly for him to try to save. It makes him feel sad, but he has a job to do.


    Fisher makes it to the rupture, which was much further ahead of him than he thought. Usually, everyone assumes the turrets would be the points of discharge for a nebula bolt. However, this one seems to have been a simple peak in the hull at the centerline. He looks around. As far as he can tell, the bolt discharged to the Gaia, though their impact was ¡°lucky¡±, it seems to have hit one of the engines. The engine is now clogged with metal electroplated by the bolt, but they likely didn¡¯t lose any crew or civilians.


    Fisher calls across his radio, ¡°Watch Commander, Watch Fourteen. Hull rupture centerline, dorsal deck. Uh, between Turrets Three and Four. Rupture size approximately twenty feet by fifty feet. No fires external.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative Watch Fourteen. Beware of residual charge and step potential.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative Watch Commander.¡±


    Fisher looks closer inside. The space ruptured looks to be one of the galleys, where the meals are cooked. It should have been isolated from the main mess deck itself, but he decides to investigate to be sure. Fisher carefully climbs down through the hole, dropping to the deck using the artificial gravity. He looks around. It¡¯s a spooky feeling, seeing the galley empty, but with equipment running, as if everyone just picked up and left.


    He again feels sad for the lives lost, but he needs to focus for now. He searches the area.


    He nearly jumps when he discovers a human form clutching desperately to one of the cooking benches. But, his protective instincts kick back in. It¡¯s only been a minute or so. He¡¯s not an expert, but he knows it might be possible. Fisher reports as he extracts the young woman from her safety anchor, ¡°Watch Commander, Watch Fourteen! Galley Oh-One hit! Possible survivor! Need extraction!¡±


    As he¡¯s carefully dragging the nearly-frozen body, he spots a second person. He quickly stages the girl near the door, and then jogs quickly to the other person. This person¡¯s wrist is frosty with frozen blood, where it appears they were only saved by their wrist getting caught between the stove and cutting bench. Fisher reports, ¡°Second possible survivor! Need airlock extraction!¡±


    ¡°Affirmative, Fourteen. Stage at main entrance door. Hallway being cleared.¡±


    ¡°Hurry, Boss! They¡¯re nearly frozen!¡±


    ¡°Formality on comms, Fourteen.¡±


    Fisher sighs. He doesn¡¯t respond. The Watch Commander -who is actually an enlisted position- is obviously former navy. People are dying, and they¡¯re worried about radio formality.


    The Marine carries the older man -possibly the chef- to the door next to the woman. It takes another minute or so, but the Watch Commander replies, ¡°Clear!¡±


    ¡°Opening main door to Galley two!¡±


    Fisher quickly opens the door, heaving both bodies through. No one¡¯s waiting for him on the other side in the mess deck hallway, but he¡¯s not surprised. He closes the door and dogs it down. He then reports, ¡°Sealed in! Pressurize me!¡±


    ¡°Pressurizing. Standby.¡±


    Fisher moves the woman aft, so that she¡¯s that much closer to the medical bay. He knows the odds of survival are slim, but it¡¯s worth a try.


    Soon, the room is fully pressurized, and his regulator switches over. The Watch Commander reports, ¡°Fourteen, medical teams standing by in port hallway. Ready to recieve.¡±


    He sighs. Of course they¡¯re on the opposite side. He replies, ¡°Affirmative Watch Commander. Moving bodies to door. Clear to enter.¡±


    ¡°Medical teams entering.¡±


    Fisher turns the two over to the medical corpsmen that enter. They quickly whisk them aft, but Fisher would swear he¡¯s hallucinating when he hears, ¡°Get them to the hangar! Triage in the main hangar!¡±


    That strikes him as odd, given that there shouldn¡¯t be that many injuries, should there? Needless to say, the Watch Commander says, ¡°Fourteen, standby to re-enter galley two. Check clear.¡±


    ¡°Standing by to re-enter galley two.¡±


    The hallway is depressurized, and Fisher re-enters the galley. He doesn¡¯t find any more people, and a basic scan reveals no fires or lower ruptures.


    The shoring team is already at the rupture location, sliding plating and welding equipment into place to ready for repair. Fisher hand signals for them to proceed, and they hand signal ¡®ok¡¯ back to him. Fisher reports the lack of further damage or danger to his watch commander, and they cycle him back out of the galley to make his way back out to the hull to continue watch.


    Fisher exits an airlock to the hull near ¡®Iron Mary¡¯, the tank chained to the hull of the Polonia. The old war machine was damaged in the battle with the Zarakyssns, but undoubtedly saw a fair share of service and deserves a rest. He pats the tank¡¯s armor, remembering the scene of an actual tank fighting in a space battle. He signed up for the Marines to be a ground soldier, so he understands Iron Mary¡¯s strange place of battle. But, like Mary, Fisher has never shied away from his duties in space.


    He, of course, is not fearless, though. Many marines questioned whether it would have been better to die on Earth than to be where they are now. The Zarakyssns share features of some of the most horrifying creatures on Earth, and they arrived and attacked without any real warning. And, according to the Grodrrns, the Zarakyssns eat their captives.


    So, when golden flickers appear out in space depositing the vessels of the most terrifying thing Fisher has ever faced, he¡¯s speechless for a moment. He stammers, trying to form words.


    There isn¡¯t one or two of the big horde ships.


    There aren¡¯t ten.


    There aren¡¯t fifty.


    There are hundreds of the horde ships; the huge battleships the Zarakyssns used.


    Fisher loses his voice near instantly, all but whispering hoarsely into his radio, ¡°E-Enemy contact¡­ P-P-P-Port side¡­¡±


    ¡°Watchstation, say again with watch and report.¡±


    Fisher swallows hard. The fleet is scattered. They all have jump technology, but they haven¡¯t tried the methods for tricking the interdiction. And, with this many capital ships, would it even work?


    ¡°W-Watch Commander, Watch Fourteen. E-E-Enemy Contact, port side.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, before a voice comes back, ¡°Holy mother of God¡­¡±


    Grip your rifle, boy. This ain¡¯t the Cub Scouts! We are Marines!


    Grey¡¯s voice hasn¡¯t aged a day, and he helped Fisher grow a thick skin back then. Grey¡¯s belief has almost always been that, as long as you can get your hands around your rifle, you can survive. The enemy doesn¡¯t care about feelings, offense, rudeness, manners, diplomacy, or kindness. If they want you dead, you will be dead.


    Fisher didn¡¯t have much combat experience before the flight from Earth, but he had a little, and there were moments when terror gripped him the same as anyone else.


    Fisher nervously grips his rifle, bracing the stock to his shoulder. It¡¯s insignificant to the ship-to-ship combat that¡¯s about to occur, but it gives him enough sense of himself to focus. He swallows hard again, adding as confidently as he can, ¡°Recommend hull evacuation.¡±


    ¡°ALL HULL WATCH AND SHORING TEAMS! BELOW DECKS NOW!¡±


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Fisher sighs. He looks around. The other hull watches are nearly-sprinting to their nearest airlocks. The Shoring team drops what they were doing, leaving behind the welding torch and plates. If they¡¯re lucky, it¡¯ll be completely unmoved if they are able to jump right away without any evasive movements.


    While he¡¯s terrified, Fisher is part of Alpha Team, and with that comes a sort of numbness to the terror, or the ability to off-put it. He has subconsciously taken it upon himself to make sure everyone else is evacuating. He¡¯ll live happily ever after never seeing another Zarakyssn again, but he swore to protect, so he¡¯ll protect. It¡¯s who he¡¯s always been.


    Of course, being below decks doesn¡¯t give him any comfort. If they can¡¯t escape the Zarakyssn ships, then it¡¯s only a matter of time. Often as a marine, his life is in the hands of someone else steering, and all he can do is find a solid spot to sit and pray.


    Fisher sits down out of the way just inside the airlock, closing his eyes. His rifle is his only amount of comfort right now.


    ***


    Admiral Long grips her shoulder cross, staring in horror at the fleet that assembled at their flank. There are as many capital ships as there were small ships in the last battle. It puts into scope how truly big the Zarakyssn horde actually is, and this is likely even still an insignificant percentage of their military. After everything, seemingly inescapable doom has arrived, intent on not being foiled again.


    The bridge is quiet. No one dares speak, for fear of giving breath of reality to the moment.


    It¡¯s always surprising how fragile hope is. It is blind and naive any other time, but when it¡¯s needed most, it often evaporates. Even the most hopeful can struggle to stay hopeful. Everyone has a limit, and Long has been struggling for a while.


    Someone picks up a sound powered phone, and the voice summoning the bridge booms even over the phone.


    The young officer recoils in surprise, and murmurs, ¡°Grodrrn, Admiral.¡±


    Long jogs to the phone, quickly taking it.


    ¡°Tell all ships to jump to following coordinates, Admiral!¡±


    Given the clarity of speech, and the softer voice, it¡¯s easily Khla. The female pilot spits out numbers quickly, and Long says, ¡°Wait wait wait! Craw? We¡¯re too far apart.¡±


    ¡°Worry later! Yarjen say jump now! Please!¡±


    ¡°One second.¡±


    Long activates the fleet communication, looking at the Zarak fleet. They seem to be idle for the moment, which is curious. Long announces, ¡°All hands, silence on the bridges. This is Admiral Long. Jump to the following coordinates immediately. Regroup is not an option. Coordinates coming:¡± She holds the sound powered phone to the microphone, telling Khla, ¡°Craw, you¡¯re on fleet comm. Go. Loud and clear.¡±


    Khla states the coordinates carefully, and seconds after the coordinates are complete, the Argonaut flashes white. It vanishes, and the ship is gone. Successful jump!


    Long¡¯s heart races, filling with hope again. Could the Zarakyssns have a jump delay? Or are they out of range? Why are they hesitating, then?


    Sure enough, once the Argonaut jumped, the Zarak ships moved. They must be out of range. Tiny ships are racing toward them, as the capital ships turn.


    The Gaia jumps next, vanishing successfully. Long says to her jump crew, ¡°Hold just a moment.¡±


    The Andromeda vanishes, and Long looks at the Providence, where the Honolulu is still docked. Murdock¡¯s voice comes across the radio, ¡°Jump, Supernova!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good! Jump together! Ready!¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± She nods at her crew, and they hit the button.


    The white bubble forms, and Long finds herself holding her breath. Only seconds will tell.


    One second passes. She curls her hands, bracing herself emotionally. Each second feels like an eternity.


    Two seconds. The bubble is still intact. It¡¯s impossible to know if they¡¯re actually moving once the bubble forms, though. It¡¯s honestly humorous under normal circumstances, thinking about the fact that if the bubble never moved for weeks of being formed, they could end up in the exact spot they were trying to leave without knowing it for weeks.


    That¡¯s unlikely, and precisely why the design of the jump system is as it is, but¡­


    Three seconds. A single tear escapes Long¡¯s eye. The stress and fear are gripping her, but her faith will not falter. Her crew acted as ordered, her most experienced workers are on every job needing done, from Jardzen Dzor making recommendations, to an alien combat medic performing triage, to soldiers readying to defend the ship. All she can do right now is command. Together is how they¡¯ll survive.


    Four seconds. Five seconds. Six seconds. Each moment is painfully long, but gives more and more hope as they tick by.


    Ten seconds pass. It¡¯s fair to say they¡¯ve escaped, but Long feels even better at twenty seconds, and finally exhales at thirty. A wave of relief seems to fill the bridge. But, her navigator asks, ¡°Admiral, how will we regroup with the ships?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing we¡¯ll be pinging our own ships for a change and regroup that way. The Grodrrns make fleet jumps differently than us.


    The navigator nods, and Long asks over the sound powered phone, ¡°Craw, are you there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Do we have a plan for regrouping our fleet?¡±


    ¡°This jump will be about a week, Admiral. Our ships will likely drift by an astro-unit or so, but they¡¯ll be easy to ping down. We¡¯ll micro jump together and join up, jumping once more.¡±


    Long sighs. ¡°Alright, sounds good. You¡¯re confident this will work?¡±


    ¡°If Zarak Queen can be hidden, yes. We¡¯ll want to keep the pings as small as possible, though. Zarak jump technology is similar to Grodurn, but faster. Less safe, though. Can collide with solid objects.¡±


    ¡°What location did you jump us to?¡±


    There¡¯s a pause. Khla admits softly, ¡°Sherrynn Space, Admiral. Zarakyssns will approach with caution as much as we should. Sherrynns not friendly. Especially when they detect Gravionic pulse.¡±


    Long chuckles at the absurdity. ¡°So, that¡¯s our plan. Land near hungry wolves in hopes the tigers stay away.¡±


    ¡°It is predictable outcome. Anywhere else likely to be too close to Zarak responding fleets.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Just funny. Alright, thank you Craw. We¡¯ll debrief in an hour or so when we know everything is okay.¡±


    ***


    Kenzie¡¯s eyes flutter open. The last thing she actually remembers, she was retrieving some trays of food for the ward room. Now, she¡¯s lying on her back in¡­ the hangar bay?


    Her body is sore and she feels extremely weak. Her throat is burning dry, and her fingers and toes feel numb.


    When she looks around, she finds a humongous Zarakyssn hovering over her. It¡¯s wearing a golden cloak and a strange, golden head dress. Panic floods into her, and she whimpers, trying to shift away.


    The Zarakyssn looks at her, and it chatters in its insectoid language, reaching for her.


    Kenzie whimpers, trying in futility to swing her hands in defense.


    The insect pets her head, making soft clicking and chirping noises. It¡¯s an extremely strange feeling.


    Chief Grey¡¯s voice gruffly says from nearby, ¡°Welcome back to the land of the living, lucky lady.¡±


    She looks, and the Chief is sitting on the deck with a crate at his back, and a crutch leaning behind him. Little Bird crawls off of his lap to hug Kenzie, whimpering, ¡°I was so scared for you, Kenzie.¡±


    ¡°Wh-What happened?¡± rasps Kenzie¡¯s alien voice.


    Grey replies, ¡°Damn good luck, that¡¯s what. The nebula bolt peeled open galley number two. Fisher found you clutching a cooking bench for dear life. Bug Queen here told Kane you were likely seconds from death, and she was able to stave off frostbite from most of your skin.¡±


    ¡°M-most¡­?¡± asks the young waitress nervously.


    The Chief nods. ¡°Fingertips and toes. You should be able to use them, still, but the sense of touch will be gone for good. Fortunately, the Queen here was able to sever the nerves for pain, so you won¡¯t feel pain the rest of your life.¡±


    Kenzie can feel her eyes quiver a little, but no tears form. Grey doesn¡¯t miss it, though, and he says, ¡°It¡¯s alright to cry. You squeaked by this time. I¡¯d cry if I was you.¡± The grisled marine scratches his temple gently. ¡°Might have trouble though. You¡¯re dehydrated beyond dehydrated.¡±


    Kenzie looks briefly at the Zarakyssn changing out saline bags for someone nearby. She asks weakly, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ helping?¡±


    Grey nods. Little Bird answers, ¡°Stranger said she wants to be like us. She has to wear gold just to hide her brain from her mean sisters.¡±


    Grey adds, ¡°Fisher recovered you on blind, near-meaningless hope. We don¡¯t have the means to have rescued you. You don¡¯t have to feel any kind of way, but she saved your life. That said, I ain¡¯t here to hug you.¡±


    She notices his rifle is within arm¡¯s reach, as well as several other armed marines not far away.


    Little Bird, however, says, ¡°I am, though!¡± She hugs Kenzie again, saying ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re okay, Kenzie. Rex and Levi will be so happy.¡±


    ¡°Wh-where¡­?¡±


    ¡°Providence,¡± answers Grey. ¡°And, before you feel any kind of way about that statement, know that we had to emergency jump, so all of our ships are separated right now. Supposedly, Craw, Jor, and Long have a plan to regroup, but for now, best we can do is be alive.¡±


    Kenzie nods weakly. She¡¯s worried about Hancock and Lopez both, but she understands the implications of Grey¡¯s words. There¡¯s a real chance, even with a plan, they may never see each other again.


    She puts it out of her mind. There¡¯s no way Grey would settle for that, nor Long or any of the other Captains. Loyalty is their strongest asset. No one benefits from selfishness or anything else in these times.


    ¡°Will¡­ I be¡­ okay?¡± asks Kenzie through her weakened and raspy voice.


    Grey nods, ¡°Mm-hmm. According to Bugsie. Of course, she has been made crystal clear on lying, so she¡¯s been monitoring her patients closely.¡± He scoffs, ¡°Ironic, the bug Queen being the best medic we have.¡±


    ¡°W-... What is a ne-neb-...¡±


    ¡°Nebula bolt?¡±


    She nods.


    Little Bird explains calmly, ¡°It¡¯s a lightning bolt from the ghost of a star floating in space. Commandy Hitch says that it used to destroy ships, but the metals our ships use reduce damage.¡±


    ¡°What happened to¡­¡±


    Grey sternly cuts her off, ¡°Don¡¯t go down that path. You already know the end. You made it. It¡¯s okay to be content with that.¡± He gently pets Little Bird¡¯s head, saying, ¡°Can¡¯t save the whole world with action, let alone concern.¡±


    She nods solemnly.


    ¡°Fisher?¡±


    Little Bird replies brightly, ¡°Yeah! Fisher didn¡¯t even recognize you when he found you. He said he was just worried about trying to get you out of the spaceyed room.¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°He wandered off a while ago. He was on the hull when the- uh, nevermind. He took a scare, so he needed a break.¡±


    Kenzie looks distantly at the ceiling. ¡°I owe you all so much¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a drink on our new homeworld. Nothing else.¡±


    She looks at him, and he adds, ¡°My experience, everything comes out even in the end. A life debt is paid in near-death experience. I¡¯d rather have a drink.¡±


    She smiles with quivering, dry eyes. He leans forward and puts his hand on her shoulder, ¡°You can rest easy now, Kenzie. We¡¯ll be here to chase the bogeyman away.¡±


    Kenzie whimpers and laughs at the same time, closing her eyes. Those words alone are so reassuring. She whispers, ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    She does her best to relax and try to sleep. She still wants to question what happened and who was effected, but she hears his words in her head again. His words, ¡°Can¡¯t save the whole world with action, let alone concern,¡± make sense.


    Her concern will save no one, but her caring actions for her friends might someday.


    ***

 Chapter 46: Retribution

    ~Skirting by by the skin of our teeth was our M.O. for years. The fleet narrowly avoided conflicts with the Zarakyssns, who took the place of the Grodrrns in doggedly pursuing us to the ends of the universe. We weren¡¯t sure if the traitor or the stolen daughter were the priority being pursued, but the sheer volume of resources the Zarakyssns were willing to commit to the cause gave testament to the might of the Zarakyssn¡¯s full horde.


    And, not only that, it put into perspective how powerful the Fievegal must be in counter to be the only known empire to stand toe to toe and equal with the Zarakyssn horde.


    There we were, caught in the middle. The temporary last of her kind Queen of darkness and caves, effective deserters from the most powerful military empire in the known universe, a treacherous War Queen from the largest empire in the known universe, and a tiny population of an endangered race clinging to survival with their help. Our fleet was ragtag by all senses, and nothing was easy. But, it was worth it. The struggle made us stronger. The chase made us faster. And, the assistance made us tolerant.


    Mankind rarely faced extinction, and so, our enemies were always diverse; other races, other classes, other genders. But, when we teetered on the edge of non-existence, we traded enemies of self for one common enemy shared by every being of the universe; Death.


    The oldest of common enemies became our own, and we worked to avoid his icy grasp and that of his minions.


    But rare is the mission without complication.~


    Little Bird sits in awe of the tiny classroom around her. She¡¯s been going to makeshift classes for a while now, where Chief Grey insists she has to go to learn math and reading, and other basic skills he says all Marines need.


    However, this class is different; it¡¯s new.


    And in her new class are the most wondrous of possible guests.


    The Stranger¡¯s princess egg hatched as well, and he named her Melody, and so now, Melody and Vivi are both in the class with Little Bird, sharing a desk because of their small size. The two cave princesses are adorable, with big eyes and cute faces, and their skin has turned a milky blueish color, following the nutrition they can have.


    Along with them are a few other human children, as well as the two Grodrrn mommies, Neezha and Zhunkyk, holding their beautiful, speckled eggs. They don¡¯t have to be in the class, but they wanted to see what the class will be like when their hatchlings are old enough, and provide feedback on what might be useful for a class teaching such different peoples.


    Little Bird thinks the eggs are beautiful, and they have semi-soft shells, like a turtle, but hard enough to crack if the mommies aren¡¯t careful, so they¡¯re very protective.


    And, last is the strangely shaped egg belonging to the Zarak Queen Syretia. Syretia isn¡¯t like the other Queens. She wanted to study the humans specifically, and quickly fell in love with the independent thinking and merit-based lifestyle. She¡¯s still kind of scary looking, but her egg looks like a semi-transparent purse. And, the egg is alone right now, since the Queen is still guarded by Marines, and she works as a doctor.


    Vivi and Melody, even though they¡¯re baby-age, are actually very smart, and can already count as well as Little Bird and the other students. Vivi is a little bigger than Melody, but they¡¯re nice to each other, even though they usually bite each other to get attention. Because they¡¯re always hungry, though, the teacher had to let them have snacks on their desks, which the other kids use to bribe the princesses for answers and for their attention, because many of the kids are fascinated by the small squid-like girls.


    The teacher, Mr. Gustave, asks calmly, ¡°Alright, children. Please write the proper name and spelling for this denizen of our fleet.¡± He shows a picture of a big reptilian standing on two legs wearing a green tee shirt and grey pants.


    Vivi exclaims, ¡°Jor!¡±


    Melody adds in a deep voice -as deep as her tiny voice can- ¡°Grrjiik noxziina mulk! {Kill her!}¡±


    Melody and Vivi both giggle, and Mr. Gustave says, ¡°Please don¡¯t blurt out, girls. And no using other languages. I need to make sure you¡¯re learning manners.¡±


    Neezha quietly walks forward, kneeling next to the two princesses and whispering to them.


    ¡°I no mean that!¡± exclaims Melody. ¡°Jor said it!¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°And he said it during a difficult time.¡± She gingerly touches the girls¡¯ heads, adding, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you kind words later.¡±


    Both princesses nod eagerly in agreement, and Khla nods at the teacher, saying gently, ¡°Please excuse interruption, sir.¡±


    Mr. Gustave nods, replying, ¡°Thank you. Now, is everyone finished writing?¡±


    The children all nod, including the two princesses. Mr. Gustave replies, ¡°Good. So, who wants to share their answer?¡±


    Several hands and tentacles shoot up. ¡°Melody.¡±


    Melody stands up, answering proudly, ¡°Yarjie Jor is a Grodurr. Gee, arr, oh, dee, arr. Grodurr.¡±


    ¡°Very close, Melody. Very close.¡±


    Vivi quickly whispers to Melody, and the latter quickly exclaims, ¡°WAIT! I mean, Gee, arr, oh, dee, arr, arr, en! Grodurn!¡±


    Mr. Gustave scoffs, teasing, ¡°Very good, Vivi.¡±


    Melody pouts dramatically, but smiles when the other children giggle.


    Mr. Gustave then asks, ¡°How do we address our Grodrrn friends on the ship?¡±


    Little Bird puts her hand up excitedly. She¡¯s the only one.


    ¡°I know you know, Maya. Anyone else? Any guesses?¡±


    The kids look at each other. Vivi cautiously puts a tentacle up.


    ¡°Vivi.¡±


    ¡°Uuhhmm¡­ Sir or Ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°If you know, that¡¯s okay and respectful enough. What if you don¡¯t know them or they¡¯re wearing armor?¡±


    Little Bird keeps her arm up eagerly.


    Mr. Gustave chuckles, ¡°Maya.¡±


    ¡°If you know, their title, then their name, then sir or ma¡¯am, and any other time, ¡®shipmate¡¯, ¡®cause they¡¯re our crewmembers.¡±


    Mr. Gustave nods, ¡°That¡¯s correct. Navy treats the Grodurns the same as any of us. And, since they don¡¯t have a lot of general titles for each other, the Grodurns have agreed to use ours.¡±


    The class goes similarly for the first part, where the class teaches a little about the other races on the ship. Little Bird likes especially when it¡¯s new information, such as the estimated age Grodrrns can live to, how big they get, how strong the Cave Queen is, and how tall Queen Syretia is and might grow to be. The neat little facts are fun, and are about some of her friends.


    After, the class becomes like her other classes before, where they teach math and reading, mainly.


    Vivi is especially strong in math, while Melody struggles a little. In fairness, Melody is younger, but both of them are still extremely smart.


    After class, Melody, Vivi, and Little Bird wait on Jessica to retrieve the two princesses, so Little Bird asks Khla, ¡°Helmdra Craw?¡±


    The Grodrrn pilot turns away from the other pilot to ask, ¡°Yes, Little Bird?¡±


    The girl grins, happy that even Khla remembers her favorite name.


    ¡°Are you excited to have a baby?¡±


    Khla smiles warmly and tenderly. ¡°Of course. Is a dream I never dreamed I could have. I am excited for hatchling to be a part of this fleet.¡±


    ¡°Do you get scared?¡±


    Her smile softens. ¡°Yes. I think everyone gets scared at times. From Vivi and Melody, to Yarjen Jor himself. He¡¯ll never admit, of course. But, everyone feel worry, especially for family. But, here in human fleet, we all work together. Is special.¡±


    Zhunkyk nods in agreement. ¡°In Fievegal, Chulm¡¯chn responsible alone, maybe bondmate too. Boot, here, doctors check. Schools preparing to teach. Is very hopeful.¡±


    ¡°Can¡­ I be friends with your baby?¡±


    Khla smiles, lowering her face to Little Bird¡¯s and exhaling warm air on her collar. The warming feeling is very gentle and touching. Little Bird feels a relaxing wave over her, and Khla says gently, ¡°I would be grateful, Little Bird. I am thankful for your friendship.¡±


    Little Bird smiles.


    An announcement comes over the intercom, saying, ¡°Helmdraav Craw, Helmdraav Nyonnys, jump bubble discharge tee minus one hour. Please make ready to scramble shuttles.¡±


    ¡°Please excuse,¡± states Khla to Little Bird. She waves at the bright eyed princesses, who wave at her.


    Melody states confidently as the Grodrrns leave, ¡°I no afraid of anyting.¡±


    Vivi retorts, ¡°You is so! You cry when Stranger leave you here!¡±


    ¡°I not scared! I want stay with Daddy! Da¡¯s different!¡±


    ¡°Meemee say her kisses let her stay with me ALL day.¡±


    ¡°Daddy kiss me too!¡±


    Little Bird giggles, and she says warmly, ¡°School isn¡¯t so bad. We get to be together!¡±


    Both princesses grin, and they agree, ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Mr. Gustave suddenly runs back into the room and slams the door. He says, ¡°Girls, get to the back of the room.¡±


    Suddenly startled, they ask, ¡°What¡¯s happening!?¡±


    ¡°Just do it, please!¡±


    A sudden slam hits the door, and voices shout from outside. Fear grips Little Bird. The voices sound angry, and there are lots of them.


    She scoops up Melody and Vivi, carrying them to the far corner as Mr. Gustave instructed, and she hides behind his desk. She notices Syretia¡¯s egg, though, unattended. She doesn¡¯t know if she should try to help it or not.


    SLAM!


    The voices outside almost knocked the door free that time, in spite of Mr. Gustave trying to hold it closed.


    ¡°Aliens are destroying our chances at survival!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re wolves in sheep''s clothing! Hand them over!¡±


    ¡°This is ridiculous! Don¡¯t protect those monsters! Open up!¡±


    Mr. Gustave growls disgustedly, ¡°Waiting until the Grodurns leave to attack the smallest. Bunch of heroes here.¡±


    ¡°What do we do!?¡± cries Little Bird.


    Both of the princesses are crying, and Mr. Gustave replies, ¡°Stay there! It¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t believe him. It¡¯s the same thing two adults she trusted more than anything said on Earth. It¡¯s the same lie she was told before she was all alone, saved only by a teen waitress that stumbled across her. He has that same emptiness to the statement. He¡¯s just as afraid as they are.


    Little Bird¡¯s eyes water. She¡¯s terrified, and she just wants her family; her Marines. Chief Grey, Fisher, Fredericks, Dumas, the Coulsons, Long, Hancock, the Stranger, and even Khla and Dzor.


    Her eyes widen. She says quickly to Melody and Vivi, ¡°Princesses! Scream!¡±


    The girls are crying, but the littlest Marine says again, ¡°Please, Melody and Vivi! Scream as loud as you can!¡±


    They finally look at her, still sobbing. Melody seems to get it first, and takes a deep breath. She lets out the loudest, shrillest, most ear-piercing sound Little Bird has ever heard. It¡¯s physically painful, like a handful of needles in the girl¡¯s ears.


    Vivi joins her, and the noise is nearly unbearable. The two girls alternate breaths and screams, and Little Bird joins them.


    Mr. Gustave falls to the floor as the door is bashed open and two people wearing black masks storm in, with many more behind them.


    The ear-piercing screams of the two princesses gives the assailants pause, but they start towards the desk.


    A surprising shape seems to melt into the room, though, darting from the hallway ceiling in under the top of the doorway -and over the heads of the other humans pushing in- and up to the ceiling of the classroom, dropping down quickly. It¡¯s a gigantic insect wearing golden clothes, and she drops down to the floor, aiming and firing a weapon without hesitation at both of the assailants in the room as one heads for the girls and the other rears back to hit the egg sitting helplessly in a chair with a bat. Both assailants collapse, and the alien queen jumps away from the doorway, firing at the assailants trying to rush in after they size up the adversary. Some of the people scream and run away, but many are trying to attack the Zarak War Queen. She fires repeatedly, but they¡¯re getting closer. She readies her secondary set of arms on some other kind of tool or weapon, but a new noise shakes the whole area.


    A bone-rattling roar fills the hallway, and many of the people Little Bird can see fall as they recoil from the direction the roar came from. Little Bird recognizes the roar as the mightiest warrior on the ship, a surprising rescuer. No sooner, a shrill chirp-like roar also comes from the other direction, and the panicked assailants find themselves cornered.


    Of course, Dzor is not a gentle Grodrrn by any stretch, and his massive form stomps in a sprint, bowling through the humans in the hallway like an actual bowling ball to paper pins. He catches the doorway only barely, heaving himself into the room as the humans cower away from him. He roars again, snatching the egg from the chair as the humans find themselves close. They¡¯re now the ones screaming in terror as a massive creature bears his giant, sharp teeth and free-hand claws at them.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    One surprise attacker from the hallway attempts to club Dzor in the head with a bat, but the impact does nothing to the Grodrrn, and he simply looks over his shoulder. With a vicious swing, Dzor clubs the human with his fist, launching the attacker against the wall. The man crumbles to the floor, coughing weakly.


    Dzor looks directly at Little Bird, and he states grufflyy, ¡°Harmed.¡±


    The tiny girl stares at him, frozen. He tries again, ¡°Are you harmed?¡±


    All three girls, Melody, Vivi, and Little Bird, shake their heads.


    He then looks at Syretia, who is equally afraid of him, but he says sternly, ¡°Check human male.¡±


    Syretia looks at Mr. Gustave, but the teacher coughs, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. Thank you, Yarjen. Uh¡­ Queen Syretia.¡±


    Dzor nods, asking loudly, ¡°Hallway?¡±


    Little Bird can hear more human voices saying loudly, ¡°GET ON THE GROUND! HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!¡± These voices are Marines, and a swarm of humans meets the crowd of protestors.


    A marine jogs in with a rifle ready, saying, ¡°Hallway is contained. What¡¯s the situation here?¡±


    Dzor looks at the attackers that simply cowered before him, who haven¡¯t moved since, and they flinch. He snorts, growling, ¡°Contained.¡±


    Vivi and Melody both hug Little Bird, crying again as they stay where they are. Marines gather the assailants, handcuffing them or binding them with anything they have, and shepherding them outside.


    Vivi cries, ¡°Yarjie Jor! Tank you!¡±


    Melody adds, ¡°Tank you!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Yarjen Jor,¡± says Little Bird as well, sniffling.


    The Grodrrn snorts, retorting, ¡°I chase War Queen. She hear cry before I do.¡±


    The three thank Syretia, ¡°Thank you, Queen Syretia.¡±


    Dzor snorts again, but he makes hand gestures at the Zarak Queen. She¡¯s still nervously pinned to her own corner, glancing from Dzor to his hand. He looks at the egg, and she chatters and buzzes cautiously and nervously.


    Dzor looks away, but he holds the egg towards her. He turns it over without issue, and she cradles it affectionately. She chirps and buzzes more happily. After a moment, she walks over to the three girls, shrinking a little cautiously as she passes Dzor, and she gingerly touches Little Bird¡¯s head. The girl is admittedly nervous, but the bee-like Queen buzzes softly.


    There¡¯s a pause, and Dzor reluctantly translates, ¡°She say ¡®thank you¡¯. You save daughter.¡±


    Both Cave Princesses hug the queen¡¯s arm, and Little Bird hugs her as well. Kindness goes a long way, and Little Bird is equally thankful the Queen heard them and arrived as quickly as she did.


    Mr. Gustave remarks, mostly to Dzor, ¡°Dumb luck I was coming back this way when the protestors came around the corner. They¡¯re getting elaborate.¡±


    Dzor grunts coldly, ¡°Should all be try treason. Hatred of us one theeng, boot disroopt sheep operations should be unforgeevable.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all cooped up in here and under a lot of pressure. People are bound to snap.¡±


    ¡°No ixcooss. Should follow sheep commander. End of discussion.¡±


    ¡°If only it were so simple.¡±


    The massive Cave Queen suddenly squeezes through the door, striding nervously towards Little Bird. She doesn¡¯t hesitate to lift the little girl, carefully and gently. She chirps and coos in her own language before saying, ¡°Okay? Okay? Hurt?¡± She inspects Little bird closely, as well as prodding the two princesses.


    All three insist they¡¯re okay, and the Queen hugs them. She keeps holding them as she asks Dzor, ¡°Why they attack children?¡±


    The Grodrrn commandant replies, ¡°Children weak.¡±


    Mr. Gustave adds, ¡°They¡¯re easy targets. I think they had someone watching the hall for when Craw and Nyonnys left, since even they are too much for normal humans to handle.¡±


    Dzor snorts, growling at the last of the attackers being filed out, ¡°They lucky. Eef I een chorge, I keel them all on spot.¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡± squeaks Melody.


    Mr. Gustave says a little sternly, ¡°You don¡¯t mean that, Melody. Grodurn military policy is different. Yarjen Jor, thank you for showing restraint in my classroom. Violence may have uses for good, but there isn¡¯t always a need to kill.¡±


    Dzor crosses his arms, retorting, ¡°Serves porpisses, though. Fewer leekly to try.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re working on it. The main instigator is still unidentified.¡± The newest voice to speak is Lieutenant Commander Kane as he enters, visibly showing relief as he sees everyone is okay.


    ¡°DADDY!¡± exclaims Melody as she springs from Little Bird¡¯s grasp to leap to him, covering a surprisingly long distance. He catches her, and she excitedly crawls up his arm and neck to hug his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you¡¯re okay, Princess. Yarjen, thank you.¡±


    Dzor snorts, nodding at Syretia. ¡°She first to arrive. Protect all children.¡±


    Kane looks at Syretia, and he speaks to her in her language. She seems surprised, and she hugs her egg warmly, chirping back at him happily. Dzor won¡¯t look at her, but he doesn¡¯t say anything mean, either.


    Little Bird asks, ¡°Stranger?¡±


    Kane looks at her, and she continues, ¡°Why don¡¯t the bad people go to one of the other ships? Why do they hate Melody and Vivi, and the Queens, and Craw and Jor, and the others?¡±


    Kane¡¯s expression softens. ¡°Hate is an overextension of anger, and an inability to separate individuals from objects of hatred. Many people can¡¯t distinguish between the Grodurns that want to help us and the ones that want to hurt us, as well as the Zarakyssn Queen who helps us and the ones that want to hurt us.¡±


    ¡°But, the Cave Queen never hurt anyone! How come they want to hurt her and the princesses?¡± The little girl sniffles, and Vivi gingerly hugs her neck.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. Hate is blind to logic. People hate human people just as easily as anyone else. Some people simply succumb to the toxin and try to spread toxicity rather than acknowledge their own problems and accountability. We¡¯ve always been that way.¡±


    Dzor scoffs, adding, ¡°That eez not unique human trait, een my ixperience.¡±


    Kane nods, and Little Bird asks, ¡°Isn¡¯t there any way we can change their minds?¡±


    The LCDR puts his hand on her shoulder, as the Cave Queen hugs her still, and he replies softly, ¡°People have tried since the dawn of time. In the end, the best thing we can do is to try to keep the message of compassion and love stronger than hate, and our friends will join us.¡±


    Dzor adds his own wisdom, ¡°Compossion eez weakness. Boot, is not bad weakness. Perhaps weakness encourage to grow stronger.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right. We all have things we care about to protect, and so, we grow stronger to protect them.¡±


    Melody coos as she hugs Kane¡¯s ear, ¡°I become strongess and proteck daddy.¡±


    He chuckles and replies warmly, gingerly petting her with his finger, ¡°Sounds good, Melody. Protect me well, please.¡±


    Vivi adds, ¡°Yeah! Me too! I¡¯ll pwoteck everyone!¡±


    Little Bird smiles. She replies softly, ¡°I took an oath. I will too.¡±


    ***


    Fisher and Dumas ready their gear as Khla readies the shuttle they¡¯ll be taking to retrieve whichever ship is first found, while Helmdraavv Nyonnyss will be taking a Grodrrn shocktrooper and Fredericks. Their missions are ultimately simple; reach the other ships, regroup them with a third ship, and then the Polonia will join them. This will account for all but one ship, which will be retrieved by the first shuttle complete.


    Ideally, they can retrieve the ships without issue, as they should be within a few astronomical units of each other. This is rather large in the basic scale of space, but tiny in the grand scheme. It¡¯s almost the equivalent of being a city or maybe a state away for an airplane. But, the inherent risk will never go away.


    Khla reports back to them, ¡°Jump completed. Communications established with fleet ships. All ships intact. Mm¡­ Argonaut reported trapped in gravity well. Polonia, Manta Ray One, please adivise.¡±


    Long¡¯s voice comes back, ¡°What are the risks of extracting a ship from a gravity well?¡±


    Dzor¡¯s voice can be heard in the background of the radio, ¡°Possible not salvagable by teem shoottle reach. Recommend focus on other sheeps first. If holding altitude, will steell be holding when can be rescued. If not, waste of precious time attempting to rescue.¡±


    Long sighs. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Captain Decklette. Is there any reason they can¡¯t use their jump drive in atmosphere?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Can be doon, boot reesky. Some atmospheres chain reactshoon. Othors reflect EMP and interdict booble on mistake. Fievegal believe theess how Zarakyssns deescovor interdiction ticknology original. Addeeshunal, atmosphere eenside booble expand violently when booble dissolve at end oov joomp, ond rupture hull eef dense enough atmosphere. Too many unknowns. Boot, may be worth reesk. Up to Copton Decklette.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Manta Ray One, Polonia; retrieve Gaia and regroup with Providence. Manta Ray Two, retrieve Andromeda and regroup with Providence. We¡¯ll head to the Honolulu and regroup with Providence. Then, we¡¯ll discuss travelling to orbit near Argonaut and attempt rescue or evacuation, whichever is necessary.¡±


    Khla replies over the radio, ¡°Manta Ray One retrieving Gaia, aye. Manta Ray One requesting permission to deploy.¡±


    After Nyonnyss makes the same confirmation, Long states, ¡°Manta Ray One and Manta Ray Two, you have permission to deploy. God¡¯s speed, teams.¡±


    Dumas remarks in the cabin only, ¡°Anyone feel more scared doing this than fighting bugs?¡±


    Fisher replies, ¡°No. But, it¡¯s up there.¡±


    Khla replies as she navigates the shuttle, ¡°Fievegal ships almost always jump separately, so we¡¯re familiar with closing distance and regrouping. Not much concern. Real concern is Zarakyssns. They know we still close. And, Sherryn¡¯s likely heard pulse. Yarjen claim they don¡¯t have robust FTL ability, but we should be cautious. Fortunately, Yarjen Jor and Helmdraavv Nyonnyss speak Sherrynn.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± asks Dumas cautiously.


    ¡°I¡­ know words. I still hatchling during Sherrynn conflict. Grow up study for humans.¡± She drops that line of thought quickly, saying, ¡°We small enough not to draw attention, hopefully, but they may become aggressive if they detect full fleet together.¡±


    Fisher remarks, ¡°Here¡¯s to hoping they leave us alone and chase off the Zarakyssns instead.¡±


    ¡°Hear, hear,¡± replies Dumas. Khla adds, ¡°Agreed.¡±


    Fisher asks curiously, ¡°Any idea what kind of aliens the Sherrynss are? How big, how many teeth, etcetera.¡±


    Khla replies honestly, ¡°I¡¯ve only read a few entries on them. Small. Insectoids, I think. They about human sized, but with long legs similar to Cave Queen, but exoskeleton. Definitely not Grodrrnoid at all like any of us. They much like, mm¡­ Earth spiders, I think. Or crabs. Not sure which. They have strange range weapons, though. Fievegal never get chance to study. Mm¡­ I think uses some sort of pull to pull particles through target, if that makes sense. As said, not sure how works. In space battle though, I¡¯ve heard Yarjen Murf speak with Yarjen Craw of battles where asteroids pulled from long way away by weapons, and devastate Fievegal light ships.¡±


    ¡°Great. Space spider wizards.¡±


    Dumas chuckles, ¡°Talk about a sticky situation.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even start.¡±


    Fisher then approaches Khla, asking to change the subject, ¡°So, Craw, if you don¡¯t mind my asking, is there a reason you didn¡¯t try to talk your dad into staying?¡±


    She glances over her shoulder at him, replying, ¡°He is Baskylla Jardzen. He has duties to Fievegal, which serve interests of Grodurra. I have duties here, which serve Grodurra AND humans.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    She sighs, ¡°Yes. I ask if he consider staying. But, he wish to see Miss Laurel and her child to Fievegal safely.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­ Gotta say, all things aside, he seems like a pretty honorable dude. Good offset to Yarjen Jor.¡±


    Both Dumas and Khla chuckle, and she replies, ¡°Yarjen Craw is very honorable. Not just as Chulm¡¯chn, but as Yarjen as well. Almost as honorable as Yarjen Murf.¡±


    ¡°Murf was the huge guy, right?¡±


    She nods. ¡°He older than Yarjen Craw, and once served as Baskylla Jardzen, but he demoted.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    She nods, ¡°I was never told why, though. Usually, though, Baskylla Yarjen is highest rank Grodurns can achieve, unless they have direct ties to Saurmynnyka or Haeroshaws.¡±


    Dumas asks, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, how come you call your, uh, Hulm¡¯hin by his title, rather than, I dunno, ¡®Chulm¡¯hin¡¯, or ¡®dad¡¯ or something?¡±


    ¡°He is military superior. Military hierarchy MUST come first. Is looked less upon that I even serve on his ship, but we never had issues.¡±


    She turns back to the front, saying, ¡°Jump nearly complete. Stand by.¡±


    The two marines chuckle, and Fisher jokes, ¡°I¡¯m not even sure why we¡¯re here. Not much a couple of rifle slingers can do in a space dog fight if we get into one.¡±


    ¡°I request. Murf once say, never fly alone if don¡¯t have to. Co-pilot or radio operator or even reassurance can make difference. And,... You protected me more than once. I appreciate you.¡±


    The light fades, and the three survey the space where they drop out of jump. Sure enough, the Gaia is visible, floating idly in the glow of a distant, bluish-hued star.


    The communication channel instantly blinks, and Khla opens it. Captain ___________¡¯s face appears, and (he) says a little nervously, ¡°Please tell me this is¡­ Craw, right?¡±


    Khla nods with a smile, ¡°Helmdraavv Craw reporting as ordered to retrieve Gaia and regroup with Providence.¡±


    Dumas says warmly, ¡°We¡¯re here too, Cap¡¯n, in case that helps.¡±


    He chuckles, ¡°Very much so, thank you marines. Please don¡¯t get me wrong though, thank you for coming, Craw. Admiral Long¡¯s message seems to make enough sense. You pulse and we¡¯ll jump, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain. Moving to position and commencing pulse shortly. We have only digital visuals for now, though, so please alert if visuals change.¡±


    ¡°Right right, Grodurn ship. Got it. So far, we¡¯re clear. I¡¯m recalling all hull watches. We¡¯ll be ready when you are.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative. Stand by for pulse.¡±


    Khla activates the the gravionic pulse, and Fisher watches the pulse scan across the detector screen. Different colored dots appear rather quickly, with tags in Grodrrn describing what they are. One is large enough to be a planet, or the star itself, and is probably the same one visible on their initial jump.


    The Grodrrn pilot transmits the coordinates to the Gaia, and the Captain says, ¡°Coordinates recieved. Jump drive charging. Stand by for jump.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Captain. Do NOT mistake coordinates. Will position us dangerously.¡±


    He nods, ¡°Understood.¡±


    The next jump goes similarly smoothly, and Fisher remarks, ¡°That¡¯s it? You just make jumps until the fleet arrives at location?¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°Advantages and disadvantages to all warfare tactics. But, jumping this way often lets ships arrive from vastly different directions when engaging a world. This can offset planetary defenses and catch off guard. Especially because ships will be arriving only moments apart, typically. During fleet pursuits¡­¡± She trails off.


    Dumas remarks, ¡°Come on, Helmdraaff. We¡¯re friends now, right? We know you don¡¯t mean anything by it at this point.¡±


    She cautiously continues, ¡°For fleet pursuits, arriving apart effectively places ships in a scattered arrival, which places for flanking more often than not.¡±


    Dumas asks, ¡°Isn¡¯t there risk of ships¡­ I guess, arriving on the exact same spot?¡±


    She nods. ¡°Is always a risk. Is why Fievegal so cautious when approaching a planet. Very easy to arrive inside planet or moon or asteroid. Recon flights especially used for ensuring approach. Small jumps far more accurate than large jumps, and emergency jumps like human fleet have been making have been lucky.¡±


    Fisher jokes, ¡°Good thing there¡¯s more space than stuff, I guess.¡±


    Khla nods. ¡°This risk, obviously, is why Argonaut is in position it is in now. We all drift apart, and because of length of jump, Argonaut drifted closest to planet. Lucky did not emerge inside planet.¡±


    ¡°How often does that happen, in your knowledge?¡±


    ¡°Not often for Fievegal. But, has happened.¡±


    Fisher gently taps Khla¡¯s shoulder with his fist, saying, ¡°Well, way I figured it, we got extra lucky. We got the best pilots, best Yarjen, and best shocktroops the Fievegal had, I reckon. Minus Khla and Mrff, I suppose. But, they¡¯re on our side-ish, so we¡¯re not bad off.¡±


    She smiles, replying, ¡°Thank you for praise. Human fleet offer adventure and opportunities Fievegal lacks, obviously.¡±


    Dumas remarks, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the butthole, of course, but I was curious¡­ Do Grodurn females lay infertile eggs if they haven¡¯t¡­ uh¡­ bonded?¡±


    Khla giggles, asking teasingly, ¡°Asking if I am like chicken, Dumas? Hoping for Grodurn omelette?¡±


    All three of them laugh, and he admits, ¡°Well, not gonna lie, I¡¯d be curious¡­¡±


    She looks ahead, monitoring the ship¡¯s readouts. ¡°Advantages and disadvantages to all things. I¡¯ve heard Haeroshaws sell unfertilized Saurmynnyka eggs. This tells me yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ That kinda sucks. Human ladies just bleed for a week and want to murder everyone around them.¡±


    Fisher scoffs, and Khla looks at them, smiling gently, ¡°I do not know for certain what is to come, but I ask you let me see how I feel before ask for omelette.¡±


    Both marines turn more serious and gentle, and Dumas replies, ¡°I actually was expecting you to say no. Earth snakes don¡¯t, I think, so I assumed. Not to be heartless, but if you feel nothing for an otherwise empty egg, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll have trouble finding something to do with it.¡±


    Fisher changes the course of the conversation, saying, ¡°I¡¯m more interested in meeting your hatchling and seeing what a baby Grodrrn looks like. Hopefully, it¡¯s one I can beat at arm wrestling.¡±


    Khla and Dumas chuckle warmly, and she says, ¡°Thank you. Is exciting, but I am trying to be cautious about optimism. Just because embryo developing does not make a child yet.¡±


    Dumas jokes, ¡°Besides, it¡¯ll be half Jor and half Craw. Baby Craw will probably be able to take both of us straight out of the shell.¡±


    Everyone chuckles together again. Khla teases, ¡°There is hope for Fisher. I hear Zhi are very weak and fragile-seeming. Maybe only match full grown human male.¡±


    They laugh this time, and Fisher retorts, ¡°Challenge accepted, Craw. Challenge accepted.¡±


    The Gaia¡¯s bubble dissolves, and the Providence is turning in a slow pivot.


    Captain Murdock¡¯s face appears, and he says, ¡°Argo just issued a distress call. We¡¯re jumping now. Get close.¡±


    Khla asks, ¡°What of other ships?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re regrouping at the Argo as well.¡±


    ¡°Is it an attack?¡± asks Dumas.


    ¡°Unknown. All they issued was the distress beacon.¡±


    Fisher whispers, ¡°Something isn¡¯t sitting right.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± whispers Dumas.


    Khla asks quietly, ¡°Why say that? Argonaut is likely losing altitude.¡±


    Fisher looks at her, replying, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they tell us so, then?¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of quiet in the shuttle. No one wants to leave an entire ship to the confines of oblivion, least of all marines, but Fisher isn¡¯t wrong. Something is off about receiving only a distress beacon from an entire ship that was communicating with Admiral Long less than a couple hours ago.


    If the ship was completely under attack, wouldn¡¯t those ships have appeared on the scan? Or, wouldn¡¯t any EMP disabling normal communication also disable the beacon?


    Murdock, however, has gone into action mode. His ship is the towing ship, the repair ship, and the all around support vessel. He¡¯s prepared for a lot, and has the experience to back it up.


    But are any of them really ready for what¡¯s waiting?


    ***

 Chapter 47: The Monstrous Queen

    Some time earlier, a monster rouses from her meditation.


    ¡°{Sister, we need you.}¡±


    Her eyes open. She often wonders if her sisters have anything that compares; the ability to shut out the world with a simple body part. They hate her because of them and other things, but they leave her alive. She has many things they do not.


    She says nothing. She doesn¡¯t need to. Like walking into a room, they are aware of her.


    ¡°{The mammals and their allies are proving difficult. They have entered [Sherrynn] territory. The Chosen Queen does not wish to engage them sooner than needed. But, the mammals¡­ they have one of our own. She MUST be retrieved.}¡±


    She rises from her bedding, brushing aside one of her attendants who tries to offer her a drink. ¡°{And, the mammals?}¡±


    ¡°{They are blasphemers of the highest order. If we can contain them, they will be unified, but their fate is inconsequential otherwise.}¡±


    She always hates when the voice talking to her shifts mid-statement. Her sisters are fluid at passing off the divine bond as nothing less than perfect unity, but she knows better. She is not a naive sister.


    They ensured it.


    Even with her little hatreds, though, she is still the most loyal and capable being they know. If not, they would not grovel before her. She looks at her three-fingered hands and inspects her fingernails, asking chillingly, ¡°{My fee?}¡±


    She loves asking that question. Every new sister, and even some of the older ones, in the bond cringes, and she can feel it. And, it tastes glorious. An entire empire bound by thought listening to their own collective grovel before a bounty hunter.


    But, if they could handle it, they would never even acknowledge her existence.


    One of the senior voices replies coldly, ¡°{They will be delivered as always. May your path shine, dear sister.}¡±


    She smirks. Delicious.


    ¡°{Consider it done.}¡±


    She walks to her mirror, admiring her grotesque appearance. She is not deformed from the way she was born, nor is she genetically deficient in any way. In fact, so many of her advantages make her a near-goddess by comparison to her sisters. She was meant to be a cruel joke or defiling of her people, and indeed she is. However, her siring bred one of the deadliest beings the Shining Daughters have ever seen.


    She is hideous and ugly to her sisters, but she finds a beauty in that. Feeling the loathing, grovelling desperation crawling to her mind makes every abuse she ever took worth it. Every single time.


    She asks audibly to the room, ¡°{Is my ship fueled and ready?}¡±


    ¡°{Yes, my queen,}¡± is the humble reply from one of her attendants. She doesn¡¯t care which.


    ¡°{Then, fetch Sister Zeeannssii. She will be eager for this mission.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, my Queen.}¡±


    Footsteps leave the room. She gingerly scrapes one of her sharp teeth with a fingernail, idly passing time and verifying any plaque on her shining teeth is cleared away.


    ¡°{You summoned me, dear Sister.}¡±


    She smiles. She never heard her enter the room. As expected.


    She still focuses mainly on her teeth, but she states, ¡°{I did. Apparently, our ¡®sisters¡¯ have an issue with a mammal fleet. They captured a Shining Daughter and our sisters want her back.}¡±


    ¡°{Is this a large fleet, dear Sister?}¡±


    ¡°{Apparently, not. But, they have the aid of some Fievegalizz, a surviving Nizzkurezz, and a traitor.}¡±


    ¡°{A traitor? They told you this?}¡±


    She grins, and Zeeannssii snickers. ¡°{I often wonder if they realize how weak their minds have become.}¡±


    She licks her teeth, satisfied that they are perfectly clean. ¡°{Not ¡®become¡¯, my darling little sister. They are simply a previous step.}¡± She turns and faces Zeeannssii.


    The white-skinned Zarakyssn has perfect posture, and is wearing her finest dress. She is young, with an expressive and naive gaze, but she is far less naive than her peers in the Shining Daughters.


    The Azure Queen steps towards Zeeannssii, gingerly fidgeting with the latter¡¯s blue dress. Zeeannssii appears to be a normal Uniter Queen, aside from the color of her chitin. However, it is her inner biology that makes her different. And, it is why the Azure Queen demanded her from the Shining Daughters.


    ¡°{This dress is beautiful. Did you thread it yourself, darling sister?}¡±


    ¡°{Yes, dear sister. It is in honor of you.}¡±


    ¡°{Really? I¡¯m flattered.}¡±


    ¡°{You need not be, dear sister. It is too humble to truly honor your beauty.}¡±


    She smirks. Is this love? No deception, no insincerity, and no ulterior motive. Such an interesting taste, just as always.


    ¡°{It is beautiful all the same.}¡± Her hand travels up to Zeeannssii¡¯s face, stroking her mandibles gingerly. The white Shining Daughter never flinches, and even seems to enjoy the contact.


    The Azure Queen adds seductively, ¡°{You will take my ship and however many troops you want, and extract the missing daughter. Do as you wish with the rest.}¡±


    ¡°{Me, dear sister? I am honored, but are you certain?}¡±


    She smiles, licking her teeth in anticipation. ¡°{Yes. He¡¯s going to attempt to escape again, so I must remain here.}¡± She adds dryly, ¡°{He stinks of muscle exertion.}¡±


    ¡°{But, dear sister, we could simply restrain him.}¡±


    ¡°{I could simply kill him. But, just as I did not sterilize him, I enjoy taking away his small victories.}¡±


    No one else would ever hear it. She¡¯s the only one with ears powerful enough in the room. She looks directly behind her, where a single, lone, female Grodrrn stands. This Grodrrn, timid and bound by fear alone, whimpered.


    And the Azure Queen heard it.


    The Queen¡¯s sensual smile twists into a poisonous and devilish grin, full of sharp teeth. She remarks chillingly, ¡°{Something to say, darling sister?}¡±


    The female Grodrrn looks down and away, ¡°{N-no, geeztress.}¡±


    Zeeannssii says plainly, ¡°{Your pronunciation still needs work.}¡±


    The Azure Queen says venomously kindly, ¡°{There is no trouble. I love all of my darling little sisters. Words cannot come between us, can they, darling sister?}¡±


    The Grodrrn replies, ¡°{No, geeztress.}¡±


    ¡°{And fret not, darling sister. I will not kill him. After all, he is my greatest treasure.}¡± She then says with a more general gaze in the room, ¡°{I think I¡¯ll have that drink now.}¡±


    Her attendant from before, a male Breetezz, one of the most recently discovered races in the process of being unified, steps forward quickly, saying nothing. He offers the skull-formed goblet filled with nectarok, one of the most expensive drinks in the horde, and just a small portion of her fee for her imperial services.


    Instead, though, she swiftly slashes her fingers across his throat. She catches the goblet, carefully holding it under his neck as she holds his head. He chokes out as his blood spills, ¡°{M-may i-its¡­ chood s-serve gon¡­ well¡­}¡±


    She grimaces at the pathetic creature as its life leaves. He stinks of fear, in spite of many chances to accept her as she is; his new queen. He did not fear the Azure Queen, he feared the Zarakyssn horde and the monster they sold him to.


    She lets him die with her frown of disgust, dropping him to the floor when the goblet is full. She sips the newly-mixed drink, smiling after.


    The drink is honestly disgusting, fouled by fear. However, it serves a pleasing purpose. It tests those in the room with her. She offers the goblet to Zeeannssii, who drinks without hesitation, and without even an ounce of fear in her scent.


    ¡°{Do you taste that, darling sister?}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t taste what you mean, dear sister.}¡±


    The Azure Queen gestures at the Grodrrn to approach, and she nervously complies. She offers the goblet to the small female reptile, tipping it for her to drink. The Grodrrn sips hesitantly, knowing nectarok is hard on Grodrrn stomachs, but she¡¯ll survive.


    ¡°{How about you, darling sister? Do you taste it?}¡±


    ¡°{F-Fur, geeztress.}¡±


    The Azure Queen smiles, stroking the Grodrrn¡¯s cheek with her free hand, cooing seductively, ¡°{Fear, darling sister. That¡¯s right. It¡¯s disgusting, isn¡¯t it?}¡±


    The timid reptilian nods affirmatively. The Queen leans down to her level, licking the Grodrrn¡¯s cheek, ¡°{Gree¡¯ato, you taste disgusting.}¡±


    Gree¡¯ato shivers nervously, saying nothing.


    ¡°{Do you not love me, darling sister?}¡±


    The Grodrrn is frozen, terrified.


    ¡°[I asked, do you not love me, darling sister?]¡± The Azure Queen, unlike her ¡®sisters¡¯, has a talent for and the wisdom to learn the languages of her enemies, including the Grodrrns.


    ¡°[I¡­ I love you, d-dear sister.]¡±


    ¡°[Then, why do you still fear me?]¡±


    ¡°[I¡­ I miss my Hulma, d-dear sister.]¡±


    ¡°[I see. I suppose I should take you to see him. Soon, darling sister. I promise I¡¯ll let you see him soon.]¡±


    ¡°[Th-thank you, dear sister.]¡±


    The Azure Queen strokes Gree¡¯ato¡¯s cheek one last time, slowly descending to her neck. She then leans over the young Grodrrn, exhaling hot air on her neck, and Gree¡¯ato shivers with a spine-tingling sensation that she can¡¯t resist.


    The Queen grins, stepping away to return her attention to Zeeannssii, ¡°{The enemy is formidable, darling sister. Do NOT underestimate them. Your primary target is a female named ¡®Admiral Long¡¯.}¡± The nice thing about the divine bond, especially the complex tie she herself has to it, is that she can extract information from the horde without them knowing, and she can do it at will.


    ¡°{Admiral Long? Is this female significant?}¡±


    ¡°{She is their ruler, it seems. She is not the only one, but she carries the most respect. Capture her, and their will may just falter.}¡±


    ¡°{It shall be done, dear sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Fill the void with the foulest of scents, darling little sister.}¡±


    The Azure Queen strokes Zeeannssii¡¯s chest, exhaling warmly on her neck as well. It has no meaning to a normal Shining Daughter, but she has taught her followers to feel the warmth, and they adore her for her affection; something lacking for even the highest status Shining Daughters, let alone those born sterile like Zeeannssii. But, where an empire saw a useless burden, the Azure Queen found the most beautiful and powerful army in the universe.


    Zeeannssii starts to leave, and the Azure Queen says, ¡°{Wish your sister a safe journey, Gree¡¯ato.}¡±


    She looks at the Grodrrn with blue stripes adorning her scaly skin.


    The young female reptilian still hesitates, but eventually says softly, ¡°{Sane journey, geestress.}¡±


    Zeeannssii hesitates a moment. It¡¯s no secret that virtually all Shining Daughters hate the Fievegal, and they hate even more to be compared to lesser beings. But, the Azure Queen has one true rule; who she declares to be sisters are sisters. No exception.


    The white-skinned Queen replies gently, with a hint of disgust in her voice detectable by only one with ears powerful enough and knowledgeable enough to detect, ¡°{Thank you, darling sister.}¡±


    The Azure Queen sips her goblet again, watching Zeeannssii leave. She then says without looking, ¡°{Tend to your stomach, Gree¡¯ato. You are dismissed for today.}¡±


    The Grodrrn whimpers, ¡°{Thank, geeztress.}¡± She nearly bolts to the refreshing rooms, her stomach already starting to bubble and growl, again, audible to only one.


    As other attendants approach to clean the deceased attendant from the room, there is only a mild foulness to the air.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    However, it is not the foul smell that puts her into a deeper thought. It is her sister, Zeeannssii. Normally she trusts her highly trained Void Queens, but this time, she may not be enough.


    She resolves to let it rest for now.


    IF this new race can defeat a Void Queen, it is a better gauge of how dangerous they truly are than if Zeeannssii is to destroy them outright. Rarely does a fleet exist with such a small population without a reinforcing force to arrive. If more of these mammals exist, it¡¯s better to know what they¡¯re capable of.


    And if it comes to that, she has many more Void Queens to turn the tide.


    She finishes her drink with a long gulping draw, handing the goblet off to one of the attendants helping clean the blood from her floor.


    Still, she reaches out to Zeeannssii through the bond they share. ¡°{Darling sister¡­}¡±


    ¡°{I know, dear sister. And, I am prepared.}¡±


    ¡°{Express concern, and I shall send everyone with you.}¡±


    ¡°{No. Let me earn your praise or die for wisdom, dear sister. Either will make me happy.}¡±


    The Azure Queen sighs. ¡°{You will have my praise either way, darling little sister. Know, no matter what happens, I love you.}¡±


    ¡°{And, I love you, my dear sister.}¡±


    With that, Zeeannssii sets off.


    The Azure Queen studies the skull forming her goblet, held under the arm of a working attendant. It belonged to another Grodrrn; one whom she killed with her bare hands. It¡¯s rather large and unwieldy for most, of course, but it helps her think to stare into the empty eye sockets.


    Grodrrns throw away lives and tell them it is duty. Shining Daughters throw away lives and tell them there is light at the end. She never wants to throw away lives, but she doesn¡¯t like to deny her sisters their own choices.


    She finally shifts her mind away, heading towards the prison block. She can hear a disturbance, and soldiers are falling.


    ***


    Silence.


    The Argonaut seems to have thrust keeping it in orbit, but there is no response coming from the multiple communication requests. There are also no watchstanders on the hull signalling, and no attempts at visual communication.


    Long says, ¡°What could have happened?¡±


    Dzor replies, equally distantly, ¡°Not shoor. Perhaps breedge impacted by something on landing.¡±


    Kane asks, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the crew be trying to make auxillary control the conn, then? Power is up.¡±


    One of the Grodrrn shocktroopers nearby remarks, ¡°Porhops atmosphere poison?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Eez unleekly all crew die so quickly. Not just from atmosphere leak.¡±


    ¡°Any sort of¡­ I dunno, like a lightning storm or something maybe? Does that sound possible?¡± Long¡¯s questions are directed at anyone on the bridge.


    Dzor answers, ¡°Hoomin sheeps surprisingly roboost against electrical damage. Sorveev ocksheegurvv¡­ nebula bolt, only to lose crew after? Unleekly. Boot, not eempossible, either.¡±


    Commander Hitch asks, ¡°Should I prep Alpha team, Admiral?¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ll have to. We need to find out why the Argonaut isn¡¯t responding. But, let¡¯s say the atmosphere is acidic; could that eat through our EVA suits?¡±


    Hitch replies, ¡°Unfortunately, yes. The eel leather might hold up, but science team hasn¡¯t tested against all pH levels. Not to mention, we don¡¯t have very much of it in any of the suits.¡±


    Long looks at the screen with Murdock, who isn¡¯t looking at his camera, but is probably studying the Argonaut through the windows. She asks, ¡°Captain Murdock, can the Providence reach it from this far?¡±


    ¡°This far, not likely. We''re fishin¡¯ for a ship outside an atmosphere, I don¡¯t think any of our long cables have the strength to pull the Argo out of the gravity pull. She¡¯s sinkin¡¯ as is.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Long thinks. She asks, ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    The crews all look around, finishing at Queen Syretia, who is standing idly in the corner. Kane translates some of what¡¯s going on to her, and she listens to him intently. She answers him, and he says, ¡°She thinks an acidic atmosphere is most likely. Zarak ships are armored for atmosphere and sealed against highly acidic and reactive atmospheres. She believes our ships, including Grodrrn ships, are not.¡±


    Dzor states, ¡°Usually no rizzon to land on highly acid worlds.¡±


    Long states, ¡°Ask her if there¡¯s anything we can do to verify what happened to-...¡±


    The communication channel blinks, and the comms officer states, ¡°ADMIRAL! Communication from Argonaut auxiliary channel!¡±


    She looks at Hitch, ¡°Aren¡¯t the aux channels reserved for TEAU forces?¡±


    He nods, and she states to the comms officer, ¡°Put it through.¡±


    The sight that appears on the screen is surprising. Captain Decklette is bruised and beaten, wearing an EVA suit, but with his polarization low enough to show his pummeled face. He¡¯s wheezing and bleeding from his nose.


    However, he¡¯s not alone on screen.


    First is the army of humans on their knees under what appear to be bubbles of some kind. Surrounding the bubbles are hundreds of soldiers.


    Zarakyssn soldiers.


    And, standing directly behind Decklette is a slender, black-armored Zarakyssn that appears to be a little larger than a soldier, but lacking the profound thorax of a Queen. They appear to be in a bubble as well, and the Zarakyssn has its helmet off, revealing a white exoskeleton, as opposed to the typical tans or browns of the many others.


    The Zarakyssn does something else more surprising than having a white body, though, as it speaks fluent Grodrrn, ¡°{We know the traitor and the daughter are in orbit. If you want these mammals to go free, we have conditions.}¡±


    Everyone on the bridge is stunned. They all look at Dzor, who has said that Zarakyssns detest learning other languages. He is equally shocked, and is at a loss of words himself. Together, they all look to Syretia. She looks at the Zarakyssn on screen, and then at the others. She asks nervously in her own language.


    Dzor snarls, ¡°Play ignorant as always. Useless insect.¡±


    Kane says more calmly, ¡°She¡¯s surprised as well, and has no idea what this one said.¡±


    Long asks, ¡°Captain Decklette, have the Zarakyssns communicated with you?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve tri-¡± The white Zarakyssn slams him with a powerful hand-strike, knocking him down, and he coughs. It says in Grodrrn, ¡°{The human is not here to communicate. He is here for a reminder.}¡±


    A Zarak soldier steps up and stands Decklette back up on his knees. He looks at the camera apologetically.


    Kane translates quietly, and Long asks more calmly, ¡°What are your conditions?¡±


    Kane translates in Zarakyssn, and the Zarakyssn cocks its head. It states in Zarakyssn, ¡°{The traitor and the daughter will both be turned over.}¡±


    Kane serves as translator between Long and the white Zarakyssn.


    ¡°Who do you mean by each? The Zarakyssns we captured died.¡±


    ¡°{Do not attempt to deceive us again.}¡± She places her clawed, pincer-like hand on Decklette¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Apologies, but we only have one Zarakyssn in custody.¡±


    ¡°{We know of the egg.}¡± Decklette winces as the Zarakyssn¡¯s hand tightens.


    ¡°What assurance do we have that you¡¯ll release our crewmates?¡± It¡¯s a touchy subject, but it¡¯s an obvious question. Only the most naive on the bridge believe this Zarakyssn intends to release the hostages.


    ¡°{I am not blindly loyal to the Shining Daughters. I serve my own Queen, a queen your traitor knows nothing about, most likely. However, my Queen wishes to negotiate. The traitor and the daughter will be brought to this planet¡¯s surface by Admiral Long to negotiate cessation of the pursuit. Our queen is a covert operative, and will happily claim your destruction in exchange for completion of our mission. The Shining Daughters will never question her.}¡±


    ¡°Our blasphemy forgiven for two Zarakyssns? That sounds far too good to be true.¡±


    The white Zarakyssn replies with the Zarak equivalent of a scoff, ¡°{Blasphemy is for the weak minded. Isn¡¯t that right, sister?}¡± She stares intently at the screen.


    Syretia whimpers, and the white Zarakyssn adds, ¡°{I know your name is Syretia, dear sister, given to you by a human male. And, so, I shall introduce myself. I am Void Queen Zeeannssii. Yes, I too have a name, bestowed by my Queen. I do serve the Shining Daughters, but in the loosest of terms. Agree to come back to us, and you will be returned to my Queen, not the Chosen Queen¡¯s pathetic drones.}¡±


    Long whispers to Dzor, ¡°Does the toxicity to her own kind seem like an act to you?¡±


    He shakes his head. ¡°Eez genuine-sounding. Boot, I know of no inner faction in the horde.¡±


    Kane whispers, ¡°I agree, at least about her sounding truthful. Problem is, she sounds like a sociopath as well. I can¡¯t quite describe how I know that.¡±


    ¡°I believe you. Keep translating, please.¡± Long then says, directed at Zeeannssii, ¡°Void Queen Zeeannssii, again, what assurance do we have from you?¡±


    The admiral isn¡¯t certain she¡¯s willing to turn over Syretia, even if Syretia agrees, which hasn¡¯t been discussed yet, but it¡¯s worth asking.


    The white Zarakyssn replies plainly, ¡°{You have orbit, we have hostages. If we betray you, you bombard us from orbit. If you betray us, we slaughter all of the hostages and summon the horde. As you undoubtedly know at this point, the horde can and will arrive quickly at my word. [Sherrynns] be damned.}¡±


    Long whispers, ¡°Why so much trouble for two Queens?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°Loyalty. The horde is all they have, and the horde is built on loyalty to each other. They feel nothing if a Queen passes, but they feel rage with one of their daughters in the hands of the enemy. Or, so Syretia has indicated.¡±


    ¡°{Make your decision, mammals. The traitor and the daughter, handed over by Admiral Long, or lose this entire ship.}¡±


    Kane states plainly, ¡°You know it¡¯s a trap.¡±


    She nods, ¡°Want to be an Admiral for a day?¡±


    He scoffs and nods.


    ¡°Are you willing to go, Syretia?¡±


    Kane whispers to her, and she nods solemnly.


    Long says to Kane, ¡°Priority is the Void Queen, obviously, but you need to buy time for us to deploy the TEAU forces.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Admiral.¡±


    She nods, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°{I am Admiral Long. I will bring the traitor and the daughter shortly.}¡±


    The Void Queen stares at the screen a moment. She flexes her neck, and then swiftly jabs her hand in and out of Decklette¡¯s abdomen only once. However, he cries out, falling to the ground as blood drips from her hand. She states coldly, ¡°{I warned you. This mammal will die in minutes, and I do not have a medical Queen. Red-brown hair, female, green eyes. Do not keep me waiting.}¡± The screen goes blank, and the bridge is silent.


    Dzor¡¯s teeth nearly crack.


    The huge Grodrrn explodes towards Syretia, stopped only barely by three shocktroopers and Kane, who hold him back as he roars, ¡°HOW DID SHE KNOW!? WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON TRAITOR!?¡± Syretia cowers in the corner as the Grodrrn commandant bellows and snarls ferociously, trying to pull his arms free of the shocktroopers and Kane, nearly succeeding several times. ¡°I WILL PEEL YOU APART!¡±


    It takes several long moments -moments Decklette doesn¡¯t have- for Long to calm him down. She fearlessly stands in front of him, gently holding a hand on his chest as she continuously urges him to listen and to calm down.


    When he¡¯s finally in control of himself again, she says gently, ¡°It¡¯s not her fault, Jor. And, she¡¯s going to make it right.¡±


    He spits caustically, ¡°All deception. Lies and trizzon.¡±


    She says softly, ¡°If she is lying, you¡¯ll unleash the bombardment like the void queen said. I know you won¡¯t hesitate.¡±


    ¡°NO. I go with. I rip-¡±


    ¡°No. Jor, I need you here. You¡¯re the only one that will make the call that might need made. I have to try to save the Argonaut¡¯s crew¡­ you know I do, no matter how foolish it definitely is. I¡¯m gambling; on you, on the other ships to arrive; and on God. I have faith.¡± She smiles, gently petting his cheek. ¡°Have some faith in me. And¡­ pull the trigger if I fail.¡±


    ¡°This is stupid. You are stupid. Leave-... There is ano-...¡± He snorts and groans in frustration, trying to think of something -anything- to say.


    ¡°It is stupid, and I¡¯m being naively stupid. But if there¡¯s a chance¡­ I am in command¡­ And between you, Kane, the other ships¡­ I truly believe there¡¯s a chance¡­¡±


    The big Grodrrn looks away from her. He says coldly, ¡°Maybe I open fire as soon as you off sheep. Give no rizzon to land.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t. You know I¡¯d never forgive you.¡±


    He snorts, grunting, ¡°Maybe eez worth.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­ Decklette needs me, Jor. Please¡­ have faith.¡±


    He says nothing, and she walks away. ¡°Kane, bring Syretia with me and fill her in. We won¡¯t take the egg, though. Our promise to her was the egg gets a chance at freedom. Whatever happens, we can fulfill that promise.¡±


    As they walk, Kane says cautiously, ¡°Admiral, I¡¯m with Jor on this. Me going was one thing; I might be able to do something with this. But,...¡±


    ¡°I know. But, unless you can give your gauntlet to me and give me a crash course in the next minute and a half, then it¡¯s useless. Look, I¡¯m serious. This is the best way to buy time I can think of. They might not hesitate. They might kill all of us on the spot. But, if Zeeannssii was truly not afraid of the orbital bombardment, she wouldn¡¯t have been so casual about it, right? She wants us to believe she¡¯s not concerned. She also doesn¡¯t want to do the trade in space because she¡¯s probably concerned we¡¯ll send the Grodrrn shocktroops with Alpha Team to her ship and sabotage it. Safe bet, since that was my first thought when we had time. I¡¯m guessing she read Syretia¡¯s mind during the time her bond was recovered, so she has a lot more idea of what to expect against us. That puts us at a disadvantage, but this whole journey has been a gambit. It¡¯s not right that I¡¯m making yet another one, but I don¡¯t know what else to do. It feels right.¡±


    ¡°Easy on your conscience and right aren¡¯t the same, Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Lecture me later. Catch Syretia up.¡±


    The supersoldier sighs, and begins translating to Syretia.


    Long whispers a prayer audibly for once, asking for strength, courage, and a lot of luck.


    And then, more luck than that.


    ***


    Dzor paces on the bridge of the Polonia, growling and grunting impotently. He can hear them whispering, with ease.


    ¡°He won¡¯t really do it, will he?¡±


    ¡°Would that be a lawful order?¡±


    ¡°She did say to do it, though, right?¡±


    ¡°Who could do it, though, really?¡±


    Dzor roars at them, ¡°I HEAR YOU!¡± He growls more calmly, ¡°I hear you clear. Were it anyone else, I already geev order. Glass planet and leave. End of book. Boot, is NOT anyone else.¡±


    His muscles are tight from angry tension, and he smashes a locker door in, managing to direct his rage, but startling the humans on the bridge. There¡¯s an EVA suit in the locker, partially smashed and ripped by the locker door.


    However, it causes him to halt.


    I don¡¯t want you to stand alone on one of our bridges questioning your life or pride again.


    Her voice is as clear as that day.


    It¡¯s not the feats that matter when everyone is just trying to survive together.


    His role model¡¯s vision spoke directly to -and from- his soul.


    Yukonja.


    Dzor doesn¡¯t have much. Before the human fleet, he had only his title and command. In a few short months, he gained one thing that he cared about more than anything that came before.


    One person.


    Yukonja.


    His mind is made up instantly. He is not a coward or a traitor. He is not a slave to emotion, he is empowered by them.


    And a cursed insect stood beside her with faith, no matter how naive that faith is.


    In Dzor¡¯s experience, naivete leads to death.


    Also in Dzor¡¯s experience, rage is a powerful emotion.


    So when the white Queen contacts them again, now with Long in the same position as Decklette before, beaten and bruised the same, demanding the Zarak egg, the Jardzen¡¯s concrete decision is hardened by rage-filled determination.


    But unlike his temper tantrums of rage, this rage is the worst state a Grodrrn can be in¡­


    For his enemies.


    Dzor simply storms out of the bridge to the protests of the humans.


    His blood is no longer roiling with rage. It has been replaced by rage. It is all that he is now. Humans and Grodrrns alike in the hallway cower out of his way, as if they would vaporize simply at his touch. He hears nothing. Nothing they can say will stop him or change his mind. He is locked in.


    He storms past marines gearing up to board dropships, and he dons a shocktrooper¡¯s drop armor. What he is about to do should never be done. Not many Grodrrns can survive it fully armored with a fully powered regenerator. Not many Grodrrns are fueled by cold rage.


    His body will break. His mind will drown in pain. But he will destroy this treacherous Queen and her entire army if he must.


    The human supersoldier tries to stand in his way. Dzor shoves him aside, surprising the supersoldier who tried to overpower him to stop him.


    Kane tries talking to him, but Dzor ignores him. Only the last words make it through as Dzor opens the airlock door, ¡°Yarjen! We¡¯re almost ready! We¡¯ll be deploying-...¡±


    ¡°Still not fast enough.¡±


    ¡°Yarjen!¡±


    ¡°Death is preferable to helplessness.¡± The Grodrrn commandant looks at Kane one last time, and the human can see something surprising; slightly raised from horizontal and painted on his shoulder is a silver cross. Kane may never know if Dzor chose a portent cross on purpose, or if the mere cross alone was symbolic enough for him. But, Kane says nothing further, recognizing what he sees before him.


    Dzor closes the airlock door, not hesitating to force the outer door open, resisting the decompression that blows the door open. He looks at the planet below, making note of the location of the hostage situation by the terrain and the tracking data they had on the bridge.


    There is no fear. There is no tangible emotion anymore. There is a Grodrrn warrior going to war.


    A Grodrrn warrior with everything to lose.


    A Grodrrn warrior who will deny that fate.


    ***

 Chapter 48: Forced to Choose

    Long looks wearily at Syretia, who is bound to some sort of rack and being tortured. Given Zeeannssii¡¯s temperment, Syretia isn¡¯t saying anything useful, such as where on the ship her egg would be located.


    The Admiral isn¡¯t a complete fool. She has a sidearm on her hip that the Zarakyssns didn¡¯t identify, and so, she still has it. She¡¯s not sure what moment she¡¯s waiting for or what to do if she succeeds, but she¡¯s waiting. She has to.


    Zeeannssii is exactly as merciless and treacherous as Dzor tried to warn her. She executed most of the humans of the Argonaut before Syretia and Long landed. The Admiral knew it was the risk whether they agreed or refused to meet. But if she can save ANY lives, then at least some good comes out of her foolishness.


    And, Zeeannssii is not a fool, either. She may have bitten most of the carrot off, but she left some; the surviving humans from the Argonaut are all spacers; crewmembers needed to operate the Argonaut. The horrifying loss weighs heavily on her, but she keeps her mind on the mission for now. Again, she has to.


    Zeeannssii slowly drives a metal pike into Syretia¡¯s abdomen, and the latter squeals in pain. Long cringes, feeling for the insectoid Queen. Zarakyssn melee weapons are extremely sharp, but have a lot of microscopic angles and edges, maximizing the pain they can inflict. The Admiral knows the feeling of this first hand.


    The white Queen grumbles in Grodrrn at Long -some curse words she recognizes confirms it-. She¡¯s likely frustrated that Long can¡¯t speak either language that she can speak, making torturing Long almost useless. The slender Queen is less ¡®buxom¡¯ than Syretia by a lot, definitely lacking the egg-laying bulk to her thorax of a typical Queen. Still, the soldiers around her step out of her way and move at her seeming mental behest, even forming a chair for her to sit on when she decides to take a break to stare menacingly at Syretia and Long while formulating a strategy. A soldier provides her a drink, and she murmurs in Zarakyssn, but of course, Long has no idea what is said.


    A strange whistle fills the air, alerting the Zarakyssns and the humans. If Long had to compare it to anything she¡¯s ever heard, it would be that telltale, foreboding, and all-too-late sound of a mortar shell.


    BOOM!


    Something slams into the ground from the sky, cratering the planet¡¯s surface near the center of the massive crowd of Zarakyssns, humans -some dead-, and three de facto rulers. A massive cloud of dust explodes across the field, obscuring vision of everything; the object most of all.


    She trusted Dzor to make the military call she should have made. She trusted him to be the heartless conqueror and commander that she could never be. She trusted him to order an orbital bombardment on allies to destroy an enemy, because he¡¯s the only one in the fleet who would ever consider it, and he¡¯s the only one that could force it to happen when the human crewmembers hesitated.


    There¡¯s an eerie and long quiet that falls over the previously noisy chatter of the Zarakyssn soldiers. To Long¡¯s best guess, they have simple minds, perhaps similar to human children. They can think and converse with each other, but are compelled toward certain actions at the deep-consious order of the Queen, with absolutely no question or hesitation.


    Nothing else follows, though, indicating Dzor didn¡¯t just commence bombardment. A warning shot perhaps? And yet, the ¡®shell¡¯ didn¡¯t seem destructive enough.


    Then again, this ¡®shell¡¯ may prove far more destructive.


    Long would be a liar if she were to claim she feels betrayed or that she was disobeyed. She was, but she feels something else.


    Words cannot express the positive emotion running through her in any meaningful scope. Any single word would pale in comparison to the feeling.


    But when the deep, foreboding growl of a near-literal monster rumbles from the epicenter of the cloud of dirt and dust, a true and powerful rush of hope, adrenaline, joy, excitement, determination, and¡­ love¡­ All of those and more, but especially love, pours down her spine like an electrifying bolt. She could never forget that sound from every time she ever heard it.


    A shadow rises within the cloud; a towering shadow of nearly seven hundred pounds of muscle, fury, and skill.


    He disobeyed her.


    He betrayed her trust.


    He is here to rescue them all.


    Dzor¡¯s roar is as powerful as ever, seemingly causing half of the army around them to fall by the might of the roar alone. Even in open air and through her helmet, the volume and power of the sound pains Long¡¯s ears, and many of the Zarakyssns are forced to clutch their helmets.


    And then a blur explodes forth from the dust and snatches their lives away; one by one.


    ***


    It burns and stings. It feels cripplingly painful. And yet, it will go away.


    The Azure Queen simply lets the burn in her left eye be. Blood from her own forehead has poured into it, but it matters not. She couldn¡¯t be more pleased.


    She is sitting on her temporary throne; a throne that presents itself only once in a while. And yet, it is her favorite place to sit. She licks her own blood off of her cheek, dragging her tongue satisfyingly across her sharp teeth. It is sweet with the nectar of pleasure and the tangy bite of adrenaline. She hums in appreciation at her own taste.


    She strokes his cheek tenderly. He is unable to resist, panting and completely exhausted, having used all of his strength in an attempt to escape. But, it was always futile. It always will be.


    She swaps the crossing of her legs as she enjoys the throne that is his lap, the perfect place to be to humiliate a defeated opponent; one once believed to be so powerful and is now helpless before her. She chuckles deviously, whispering to him sensually, ¡°[Mmm, you look exhausted.]¡±


    She exhales a warm breath on his neck, and the only real motion he can make is to shift his eyes away. She moves from this to dragging her long tongue up his neck and across his close cheek, following a trail of blood from his mouth.


    His blood is bittersweet with rage and adrenaline, but also something else. And, she loves the taste.


    She hums appreciatively, ¡°[Mmm, how I love your taste. So full of passion, of hatred, and of desperation. Tell me, did your bond mate or your whore make you feel this way?]¡± She affectionately claws his other cheek, not breaking his scaly blue skin, but ensuring he feels it even in his numbed and beaten state.


    He, of course, is too weak to even speak now. It always ends this way. Her sisters beg her to use poisons, to use weapons, or to use her sisters and soldiers. But, she always refuses.


    She looks tenderly at her severed left forearm, admiring the injury. ¡°[You always fight so well.]¡±


    Her arm is just one small sacrifice to her victory; a victory worth savoring each and every time. She is mightier, and she will never tire of reminding him of it.


    Needless to say, a swarm of her sisters are around them, weapons ready. They seem to believe he will summon some last ditch strength and slay her in the blink of an eye.


    Unlike them, however, she can smell it. There is a scent when a Grodrrn is exhausted; when their muscles have given all they can, when their adrenaline is all but vapor in their blood. He fought desperately; valiantly; but he lost.


    She has a new feeling though; a message from Zeeannssii. She can feel and see it all. Zeeannssii chose a hostage approach, and successfully has the mammal ruler captive, but she made a miscalculation.


    How far a Grodrrn can actually push themselves.


    The Azure Queen plays the scene out in her own mind, watching what her sister just saw.


    From the sky, an object fell, cratering the ground.


    And from this crater, rose a demon.


    A reptilian demon.


    The Queen coos as she more excitedly digs her claws into his neck, feeling a surge of arousal and interest. He is able to flinch the tiniest bit, feeling her nails so close to his vital blood vessels feeding his brain, but she would never kill him. NEVER.


    Instead, she teases, ¡°[My, my. If only you could see what I see. He fell from the sky¡­ and survived. Mmm¡­]¡± She squirms in his lap, making herself more comfortable and reminding him of a challenge she posed him long ago.


    ¡°[He may just be the mightiest Grodurn that ever lived, hm? Yes¡­ look at the ferocity.]¡± She exhales lustily, cooing deviously into her throne¡¯s ear, ¡°[He would make mighty offspring, wouldn¡¯t he? Yes¡­]¡±


    He tries to look away, and she bites his lip, holding his head still. She adds through the side of her mouth, ¡°[Does it pain you? I could breed you an army all your own. Perhaps they could be the mightiest, and we could rule the galaxy ourselves. Or do you still choose your incestuous whore?]¡±


    She releases him, and he weakly whispers something, but she ignores him. ¡°[A good thing she¡¯s dead, then. You may not want me, but I will never not want you.]¡±


    ¡°[G-gree¡­]¡± whispers the bulky male Grodrrn with little strength remaining.


    ¡°[Gree? What concern is she to you? You KNOW I take far better care of her than your whore and her abominations.]¡± She says distantly, ¡°[I would NEVER allow what you allowed to be done to her.]¡±


    ¡°[F-... F-...]¡±


    ¡°[They sterilized her on purpose and told her she was worthless because of it. Or did you forget why you never wanted a Zhi?]¡± This time, she more sternly claws his cheek, drawing blood.


    ¡°[I gave you my conditions for her freedom. But, you choose yourself every time. I see a Grodrrn right now, fighting my sister far away who is far more promising than you will ever be.]¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    She leans right to his ear, asking, ¡°[Do you know why that is?]¡±


    She licks his blood off of his cheek once more, finishing, ¡°[He is fighting for the mammals. How VERY curious.]¡±


    She then says to the Void Queens around her, ¡°{Take him back to his cell and bind him. Ensure the regenerator is charged and place it on him. Once he¡¯s healed, resume feeding him as normal. Wouldn¡¯t want him to lose his strength.}¡± She gently strokes his cheek, exhaling on his neck once more before climbing off of him.


    Just as she¡¯s walking away, though, she says coldly, ¡°[By the way. Now is probably as good as any time to tell you; your Myzh, Dzhonn, is dead. He revealed himself and was nearly captured. You understand. He was weak and failed his mission. Best to cull weak bloodlines.]¡± She looks at him with eyes of soulless fire. ¡°[Isn¡¯t that right?]¡±


    His gaze is locked with hers for once, horrified at the revelation. But, between horror, weakness, and heartbreak, he can say nothing. Several Void Queens step in and bind him carefully and meticulously, ensuring that, if he has any strength left, he can¡¯t escape them.


    The Azure Queen can take him in a fight. More than likely, they can not.


    She then passes a message across space to her darling little sister, ¡°{Zeeannssii, if you must retreat, there is no shame. We are not Uniter Queens, we are Void Queens. We need no status, only victory.}¡±


    ¡°{No! Sister, I can¡­}¡±


    ¡°{You can¡¯t. If he doesn¡¯t fall quickly, retreat. Do not waste your life.}¡±


    There is a pause. ¡°{Darling sister?}¡±


    ¡°{I hear you, my dear sister. I will obey.}¡±


    She licks blood off of her teeth, and her tongue touches where one of them were, reminding her of what she actually is once more. It¡¯s fitting. That momentary hatred matches what she feels for being told lies. Warfare lies and deceits are one thing. Lies from her own precious sisters are another.


    ***


    ¡°{Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika!}¡±


    The chanting has begun, even as Dzor thrashes his way through columns of soldiers. He just cleared the immediate area around Long and Syretia, and tore Syretia¡¯s bindings free. He should have left her to die, but¡­


    Some part of him is trying to see what Long sees, what Kane sees. Is this Queen truly different? Let her prove it here and now. Otherwise, they¡¯re all likely to die anyways. Long and Dzor at least.


    Once she¡¯s free, he hands her the Grodrrn rifle he brought. He intended to give it to Long, and it thankfully survived his entry, but Syretia has four arms and a taller profile -if only a little over Long-. She looks up at him with surprised eyes, but his are full of hate.


    And his gaze is swirling around the crowd.


    ¡°{Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika! Zjhika!}¡±


    He spots them, launching himself through the air.


    This time, the bodies that attempt to block his way are nothing. He is in a frenzy. He is not the Grodrrn that fought Syretia¡¯s Zjhika. He was desperate then.


    Today, he is far beyond that.


    Dzor lands on his target, pinning the surprised higher soldier to the ground and smashing it in the same motion. He is careful not to pierce himself or any of the other soldiers in the area with the stinger, but viciously whirls up to slaughter any of those that were too surprised to move.


    This Queen, however, is not like any other known Queen in the Zarakyssn horde. He has never heard of the Zarakyssns using anything other than their stun weapons with their foot soldiers; so much so, that the weapons are typically grafted to the soldiers -their only armament forever-.


    This Queen, however, has her soldiers fitted with weapons firing something that is actually pinging off of his armor and ocassionally splintering through his undersuit to pierce his skin. His regenerator, of course, will keep him alive for now, assuming the Zarakyssns still don¡¯t know its secrets, but he is starting to feel the injuries.


    And, to his pleasant surprise, Syretia is fighting valiantly, having moved with Long to the crater he formed for cover. She¡¯s firing at Zarakyssn soldiers with deft and skillful shots, if a little less accurate than a trained soldier. But, she hasn¡¯t fired at him once, nor has she attempted to turn Long back over.


    Something that does surprise Dzor is something else he is struggling to understand but can¡¯t focus on enough to make sense of.


    Why are there so many vastly different smells? Each soldier he slaughters seems to share nothing with the ones before it, at least on that most miniscule of levels.


    Regardless, he virtually swims through the blood and gore of insectoid soldiers, sweeping in vicious circles to wipe out as many as possible, leaping to new positions to disorient them and engage another large group to thin them out faster, and searching for the slender and difficult to distinguish Queen.


    Dzor hears the telltale static spark and crunch, and an alert appears inside his helmet. He just lost his regenerator.


    He doesn¡¯t slow, though. He has slaughtered hundreds of them. Maybe even a thousand or more already. He has no idea. But he cannot relent until something changes; either all of his enemies are dead, or¡­


    The hulking Grodrrn halts dead in his tracks.


    His gaze just fell upon Long and Syretia.


    Syretia is pinned to the ground by several soldiers, while Long is being held by only one Zarakyssn.


    A tiny and white-skinned Queen wearing black armor.


    Normally, Dzor knows he could kill the Queen before Long would bleed out.


    IF the weapon about to be used on Long would only cause her to bleed.


    It is far, far worse however.


    The white Queen known as Zeeannssii, a named Zarakyssn queen paying only loose lip service to the doctrine of the horde, has Long held close in front of her, facing Dzor. At Long¡¯s neck, clearly not piercing yet, is a distinct and unforgettable stinger.


    Just a touch would be all it takes.


    The white Queen speaks in Grodrrn again, ¡°[My queen thinks you may be the mightiest of all Grodrrns, surviving what you have survived today alone. She believed I could not defeat you, and she was right. I¡¯m sorry I dishonored you by underestimating you.]¡±


    Dzor rises to his full height, still combat ready, but flexing his aching body to loosen back up.


    Zeeannssii continues, ¡°[You must choose for her, now. Die peacefully, or die a monster. But, she WILL die.]¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of silence as Long¡¯s gaze is locked on Dzor¡¯s shoulder.


    Scraped, scratched, and stained with his own and Zarak blood is a silver cross, raised only slightly from horizontal. Her gaze moves to match his, and she feels nothing but positive feelings, in spite of everything. She is calm and full of confidence -if not resignation-.


    The human Admiral states calmly in shaky Grodrrn, ¡°[I is only human. I make choices own.]¡±


    In the brief instant of surprise, Long snaps a pistol up from her hip, firing it as quickly as her trigger finger can cycle, nearly emptying the magazine up into the white Queen¡¯s helmet. The insectoid queen is caught off guard, and she can only flinch, before her body goes limp.


    Dzor watches in helpless horror, however, as the human struggles to maneuver the collapsing Queen¡¯s arm, and a tiny tear and nick appears in her suit, uniform jacket, and arm. The cause; an alien stinger from a monster on a far away world.


    Long¡¯s heart begins to pound as she realizes what just happened and it sinks in. No one knows the consequences of a non-Zarakyssn being stung, but no one ever wanted to find out. Now¡­


    In the instant that slowed down to a horrifying and eternal-seeming crawl, the Admiral¡¯s mind wanders in an adrenaline fueled drift through seeming eternity, thinking a million things that won¡¯t help her at all. How big will Vivi get? Will Jessica be a fearsome marine, or the timid one she is now? Will she ever marry? Will Vivi and Jessica get the chance to be happy? Will Dzor and Khla¡¯s hatchling get along with everyone? Will they be happy together? Will Dzor miss her?


    During this wander, her eyes fall on the pistol still in her hand. The slide isn¡¯t locked back, meaning at least one more bullet is still in the chamber.


    One more is all she needs.


    Her beliefs strictly forbid taking one¡¯s own life as a mortal sin, with an eternity in hell as punishment for wasting so precious as the life she was given. If she does nothing though, she will become something almost no one can stop, and which will do far more damage in a mindless fury.


    They say sacrifice is the most noble of deeds a person can undertake, giving one¡¯s own life being the greatest of all. And yet, how is that not an indirect taking of one¡¯s own life?


    Perhaps there is no loophole for the sin. Perhaps throwing one¡¯s own life away will always be a sin.


    And in that case, the true sacrifice is to know when hell itself is worth protecting the lives of everyone one cares about.


    In all reality, it doesn¡¯t take Long more than an instant to make the decision. She doesn¡¯t actually hesitate, and is indeed already moving even as she ponders the thought. She has many choices, now as always, but only one choice that she -Admiral Angelica Marie Long- could possibly make; to protect those she cares about no matter the cost -to herself most of all-.


    The auburn-haired Admiral pulls her pistol to her own head in the last heart-pounding moment of her life or sanity, taking one last, brief instant for a selfish last sight. Her gaze drifts to her dear and close friend; a former adversary, a former aggressor, and an honorable warrior.


    However, she is surprised to find him already mere inches away, it seems, crowding her vision in mid-flight toward her. Horror has twisted his face, and desperation filled his soul. Neither of them can fully comprehend what he¡¯s doing, but he did it because he had to.


    The seven hundred pound Baskylla Jardzen slams by her with thunderous speed, blasting air across her as his claws move deftly and with ferocious and merciless purpose.


    Long¡¯s pistol is no longer at her head as she stumbles. She looks down to her left, where her cross should be, as well as the arm holding the pistol. She finds half of her bicep -severed mid bone, and a faucet of blood pouring to the alien dirt she¡¯s standing on.


    Shock quickly consumes her, and her vision fades.


    The Baskylla Jardzen, now directly behind her with a severed arm, tosses it away as he whirls, catching the human with auburn hair as she collapses.


    Dzor stammers, ¡°No¡­ No¡­¡± He holds the human, shifting his grip so he can clutch what remains of her arm. Her blood quickly stains his hand in keeping with his deed, but he must stop the bleeding. He continues to panic, ¡°No¡­ Yukonja¡­¡±


    He feels more helpless than he¡¯s ever been. More than when he¡¯s been bound and tied. More than when he watched from orbit as others fight and die in his stead. More than when he gazed upon the statue of Mrrk¡¯lah and realized how hopeless the Fievegal is.


    He cradles the fragile human female in his arms, waiting for her to rip him apart; the first of a new breed of monster and one he could never bring himself to face. He deserves this outcome. Let his death come at her hands, not the other way around. Or, if her God exists, let her live. Let her live and go on as she deserves.


    He is holding tightly to her wound, acting as a tourniquet would, as he pleads, ¡°Yukonja¡­ please, Yukonja¡­ please¡­¡± She says nothing. She¡¯s faded beyond the horizon of consciousness.


    His soul aches, as if his lungs are being crushed, but his soul instead. His very soul is emptying in pain and loss.


    But, she hasn¡¯t turned. The Grodrrn Jardzen looks to where her severed arm lies, and it bubbles and roils with a twisting of flesh caused by an alien mutagenic toxin. It is growing monstrous and deformed, sharpening into a massive weapon with claws and armored skin, but dying all the same with no body to keep it alive or give it commands.


    Admiral Long isn¡¯t turning, but Dzor doesn¡¯t brighten. She still isn¡¯t responding.


    Buh-bump¡­


    Tiny and soft. But, it¡¯s there. It surprises and almost startles Dzor at first, all things considered. But, he presses his ear to her mamallian chest.


    Buh-bump¡­


    He realizes the Zarakyssns around them have fallen silent, as their weak minds process that they just lost their leader. He listens even closer.


    Buh-bump¡­ Buh-bump¡­


    Admiral Angelica Long is still alive.


    Dzor hugs the human close, breathing hot air on her neck in a sort of instinct. He murmurs tenderly, ¡°Yukonja¡­¡±


    The Zarakyssns start to chatter and screech at them, but he doesn¡¯t care what they¡¯re saying. He doesn¡¯t care about them. He only cares about one. And, she¡¯s still alive.


    He doesn¡¯t worry about anything else now. He will shield her with his body if he must, but he hears all he needs to.


    Mining barges converted for war, a handful of purpose-built gunships, and two Grodrrn shuttles have every door open possible, and a rain of death falls on the Zarakyssns rallying a death call for the human survivors and the Grodrrn.


    Syretia suddenly appears next to Dzor, pushing in to help. She tugs at Long¡¯s arm, insistently taking it from him to apply first aid and stop the bleeding. He can¡¯t let go of Long, even if it would make Syretia¡¯s job easier, but she works around him. After all, the major concern is the amputation. It¡¯s the most they can treat right now.


    While the queen stinks of fear, nervousness, and caution, she works diligently to save Long¡¯s life, and only glances at Dzor. After a long time, she finally offers softly, ¡°{Thank you for saving us, Yarjen. You¡­ You did the right thing. She will forgive you.}¡±


    He looks to her severed arm once more, where a silver cross adorns the arm stained in blood, torn by flesh expanding beyond its capacity. He says nothing.


    He wouldn¡¯t forgive himself.


    ***

 Chapter 49: The Void Queen

    ¡°She¡¯s alive! The enemy queen is alive!¡±


    ¡°Secure her! Get Syretia to stabilize her.¡±


    ¡°Senior Chief?¡±


    ¡°If this one is truly a mystery to the Grodrrns and the Zarakyssn we have, then we need to know more. Contain her, carefully, and start getting the gold ready.¡±


    ¡°Yes Senior Chief!¡±


    Tachibana organizes the rescue efforts as the assault marines that arrived clear out the remaining Zarakyssns clinging to enough sense to still fight. These ones aren¡¯t using weapons that stun, they¡¯re using lethal weapons; yet another fact worth studying.


    Admiral Long was stable enough to make it back to the fleet, thanks to Syretia, so she was sent with the others who were most injured, including Captain Decklette. Many of the human civilians from the Argonaut and a sizeable portion of the military personnel appear to have been executed before Long even arrived, and may have even been dead during the communication. Why the ¡®Void Queen¡¯ chose this strategy, which doesn¡¯t seem to provide much tactical advantage to her, is a mystery. The open area makes a good fighting ground for a Zjikha, but seems to be inescapable for her.


    Coulson discovers it when she smacks face first into a solid wall. An invisible solid wall.


    The Queen¡¯s ship isn¡¯t very far away from where Long and Syretia were being held, and seems to have a cloaking device. It¡¯s not large enough alone to have brought the full army to the surface, but seems to be small and fast enough for a quick escape, for the queen specifically.


    After some cursing on Coulson¡¯s part, she asks, ¡°So, how do we get it back to our ship?¡±


    Tachibana feels the nearly-perfectly-invisible surface as a couple other marines map out its perimeter using their rifles as sounding sticks. She replies, ¡°Mining barges could likely tow it.¡±


    ¡°Do we want to?¡± asks Fisher. ¡°This Queen doesn¡¯t seem to play by the rules.¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t bomb her own escape ship, would she?¡± asks Coulson. She¡¯s less goofy and vibrant without her sister, but partially because she is staying awake gossiping with the mother-to-be.


    Fisher replies, ¡°Dunno. She wouldn¡¯t stick around when a Grodurn falls from the sky, either, would she?¡± A few other marines chuckle, and Tachibana asks, ¡°Speaking of, where is the Jardzen? He likely needs medical attention as well.¡±


    Fisher asks, ¡°He hasn¡¯t gone up already?¡±


    Coulson shakes her head, ¡°I saw him walking that way a little while ago.¡± She points, but a reptilian warrior is not towering over the human soldiers in that direction. The few shocktroopers helping police the dead are wearing vastly different colors than the armor Dzor was wearing, and theirs have not seen recent direct combat to the extent his has.


    Fisher says, ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can find him.¡± He jogs in that direction, searching the ground for giant boot prints.


    Sure enough, the bulky Grodrrn, dripping with fluids of all kinds and sinking into the sandy terrain, leaves an easy path to follow.


    Fisher finds Dzor sitting in a small alcove of rocks a good ways away, staring at nothing. The marine knocks gently on the rock, saying, ¡°Permission to enter, Yarjen?¡±


    Dzor doesn¡¯t look up. He says nothing. He stares silently ahead.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to make it, big guy. Already in medical and everything. You saved her life. You saved a lot of lives.¡±


    ¡°Ruin¡­ life¡­¡± he murmurs.


    ¡°Whose? Yours?¡±


    He shakes his head solemnly.


    The marine takes a seat beside the reptilian giant and pulls out his water bottle. He offers it to Dzor, but the Jardzen never looks. Fisher takes a sip and says, ¡°Don¡¯t be dumb, now. You of all people should know you did the right thing. God knows what kinda bastard a human Zjikha would be. Especially Supernova.¡±


    ¡°Do not joke.¡±


    ¡°Now¡¯s a great time for jokes, actually. We won.¡±


    ¡°AT WHAT COST!?¡± roars the giant as he explodes to his feet, slamming his head on the rock above, causing it to audibly crack. Fortunately, the rocks are supporting each other, but the several ton boulders shifting caused the relatively tiny human to flinch. Dzor pants as he massages his head by shifting his helmet around.


    Fisher replies, ¡°So she¡¯ll never learn to play the guitar. Big deal. She didn¡¯t do a lot of guitar playing to begin with. She¡¯s alive. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°YOU NO OONDORSTOND! I COMMEET ACT! I.¡±


    He recalls a little more solemnly and calmly, ¡°I look her een eyes, and I snatch away¡­¡± His hand makes a snatching motion as he envisions his perceived sin.


    Fisher, still trying to get the Grodrrn to relax, pulls out his jerky pouch and chews on it. He¡¯s not even sure what kind of animal the jerky is, but he¡¯s guessing it¡¯s a species of alien frog. Nevertheless, it fills a hole, letting him snack on something.


    The marine retorts, ¡°So? Do you think anyone is unaware of what you did? We¡¯re all still telling you the same damn thing. You did the RIGHT thing. If you had let her turn¡­ that¡¯s it. Game over for her. Now, she¡¯ll get to boss us all around some more.¡±


    Dzor walks deeper into the small alcove, murmuring distantly, ¡°I deesobey orders. I fail to fulfeell geeven duty. And I attack commanding officer. I should be executed. Exiled eef not.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, you¡¯re being dramatic. Look,¡± the marine stands up, walking closer to the big reptilian. ¡°Space sucks. A lot. I fricking hate it out here. You have no damn idea how badly I want to go back to my two bedroom apartment on Earth, hammer down a bottle of whiskey, and piss off the baclony -something I¡¯ll never get to do now-.¡± He murmurs angrily, ¡°Dinkleberg¡­¡± He then swaps back, ¡°But, I¡¯m stuck out here because I was one of the ones that ran. Think I¡¯m proud of that? No. Did I lose someone I loved? Yes. But here I am, in the ass end of space, trying to cheer up a giant lizard who helped take all of that away. Life isn¡¯t perfect. But, I¡¯m glad to be alive. Some days less than others, but still, glad to be alive.¡±


    He shoves a piece of jerky into Dzor¡¯s mouth, saying, ¡°Stop moping around like a frickin¡¯ infant and at least TALK to her. A good soldier never gets his ass chewed. A great soldier takes his ass chewing like a boss.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s massive grip wraps around Fisher¡¯s throat, and the marine halts. A deep voice growls, ¡°Feed like infant again, and I snap neck.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± rasps out Fisher through his tightened voice. Dzor releases him, and he adds, ¡°But I¡¯m serious. Talk to Long. In fact, I¡¯ll bet you. I¡¯ll bet you right now¡­ uh¡­ I dunno, whatever you want, I guess, that she¡¯ll forgive you. Bet me.¡±


    ¡°You are fool¡­¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m a human. Like the woman you love.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s gaze snaps to Fisher with a fire in his eyes.


    Fisher grins, ¡°Ah, so you do know what you feel. Interesting. Lost that bet.¡± Fisher chuckles, knowing he now owes Chief Grey two drinks and a new cigar. How he¡¯s to get them, he has no idea.


    Dzor growls, ¡°You know nothing¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, Yarjen. You know I¡¯m right. And, you still want to doubt me, prove me wrong. All you have to do is walk in, tell Supernova, ¡®Angelica, I L-¡± A tight grip covers his face.


    ¡°Pain¡­¡±


    Fisher does his best to talk through Dzor¡¯s hand, ¡°Because you doubt it¡­¡±


    Dzor releases him once more, stating, ¡°Just leave.¡±


    ¡°Not without you. And, you know us humans. We¡¯re annoying as it gets.¡± Fisher takes a seat, chewing on another piece of jerky.


    ¡°Know what? Maybe I¡¯ll just tell Supernova I did it. I¡¯m her hero¡­¡± A chill runs up his spine as a death glare falls upon him, and the marine chuckles nervously, responding as confidently as he can, ¡°You know I won¡¯t give up, Yarjen. You have the buttons, not me.¡±


    ¡°Why hoomins so inseesant?¡±


    The marine replies more seriously and sincerely, ¡°Because, we know when not to give up. Now¡¯s one of those times.¡±


    ***


    Lieutenant Commander Kane manages to open the door to the stealth landing ship belonging to Void Queen Zeeannssii. The marines ready weapons, as well as two shock troopers, and Kane cautiously leads inside. His gauntlet rings spin slowly, indicating the device is ready.


    The ship is long and narrow, kind of like a submarine, but in spaceship form. The corrdors are cramped, and the Grodrrn shock troopers can barely peek into the hallways, let alone actually move down them or fight. They hold back as the marines carefully search the ship.


    Just as he opens the hatch to the cockpit, a screen turns off. On it, the supersoldier would swear he saw a strange sight; a blue female Grodrrn. However, the system is off, and the ship is otherwise empty.


    The rest of the ship also proves to be housing no more Zarakyssn soldiers, and Kane investigates the cockpit. The heads up display clicks to life, and he can see a ship in orbit that is also cloaked, apparently, but is already turning away from the human fleet. Is that the Queen¡¯s capital ship? If so, how is it leaving without its commander?


    He begins investigating the controls. His gauntlet, as usual, seems to simply be downloading the instructions to his brain, but he still has no idea how it does so. Senior Chief Tachibana approaches, reporting to him, ¡°We didn¡¯t find any booby traps or explosives, Sir. Ship looks clean.¡±


    Coulson jokes, ¡°I told you, Senior Chief. Why would they bomb their¡­¡±


    The cockpit turns grim and silent, specifically when the capital ship jumps away, and a nightmare occurs.


    It takes a while for the sound to reach them, but the horror is instant. The Argonaut, still locked in place with its engines and being approached by the Providence, explodes.


    The mobile drydock fortunately was far enough away that the bulk of the damage doesn¡¯t harm them, but the marines take a moment to process what¡¯s happening. Kane shoves Tachibana out of the way so he can sprint outside, yelling into his radio, ¡°EVERYONE! TO SHIPS! NOW!¡±


    Many of the marines have only barely just noticed the fireball in the sky, and Kane lays eyes on it without the filter of a Zarakyssn¡¯s distorted screen. It¡¯s impossible for him to know right now if anyone had successfully made it on board, or if it was still empty, but it is indeed a massive fireball of metal shrapnel and homes lost in a blink of an eye.


    And all of it is directly above them.


    Kane yells again, ¡°TO SHIPS! NOW! EMERGENCY EVAC! EMERGENCY EVAC! MOVE MARINES!¡±


    This is the kick they need, and the marines scramble for their assigned gunships, helping each other aboard as quickly as possible. It¡¯ll take only a minute or so for the fastest pieces to reach them, and depending on the size, those pieces could hit with the force of a meteor.


    Fisher and Dzor return in a dead sprint, and Kane waves them toward the cloaked ship. There are still gunships that haven¡¯t returned, so they¡¯ll need the extra space. With that said, it¡¯s taking too much time.


    Time slows down all around him, and an instinct pierces through him. He can feel it approaching. There is a piece of ship the size of a semi truck headed directly for the landing zone and is seconds away.


    It¡¯s not the same as any of the other abilities he¡¯s unleashed with his gauntlet. This is far more gripping, far deeper entwined with his soul. It¡¯s not just a defense mechanism anymore. It is a power at his fingertips far greater than he imagine.


    Reality flickers before his eyes. Scenery he¡¯s never seen, or doesn¡¯t recall. Faces that feel familiar but without names to give them life. And, power. Pure, unlimited power.


    A profound despair reaches for him though, threatening to claim his being.


    He needs only the power for a moment, however. He takes hold, borrowing what is being shown to him, and unleashes it in the galaxy he currently resides in.


    All of the light in the world seems to dim, before a flicker brightens in a line. Then, all at once; thunder, shockwaves, light, heat, fire, disintegration, wind, and people shielding themselves. A terrifying white light connects the enigmatic supersoldier to the Argonaut¡¯s entire engine, and the engine ceases to be. But, that isn¡¯t the only thing; what remains of the Argonaut, as well as its fiery ball, disappear along the column of light.


    And once the terrifying display is done, a peaceful tranquility falls upon the world, filled only by the distant echo of what just occured rumbling into the distance.


    The gauntlet¡¯s rings click to a stop, and Kane sinks to a kneel. before collapsing to his side in the dirt.


    ***


    She looks up from her painting of a scenic hillside with two suns setting behind it. The feeling transferred across the bond she has with Zeeannssii; which was silent until now. It wasn¡¯t a communication, though. It was a sort of rumble, like a roll of thunder transcending space and time to be heard by her.


    A voice tries once more, ¡°{Dear sister, may I please have your attention?}¡±


    The Azure Queen looks at her darling Void Queen, Mmnnorrynn, with a distant gaze. Her normal demeanor returns as she flexes her jaw. She replies calmly, ¡°{Go ahead, darling sister.}¡±


    Mmnnorrynn states urgently, as two other Void Queens stand nearby, ¡°{Dear sister, you have a messenger.}¡±


    This causes the clandestine Queen to growl menacingly. None of the three Void Queens shift or shiver, but a stink fills the room. A disgusting smell. The Azure Queen follows her nose to find another attendant, polishing the pale green chitin of a young Void Queen, Tzzaann. Tzzaann is humming softly and joyously as she observes the Azure Queen, while the attendant, another male Breetezz polishes her. Such a cowardly race.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Of course, she is proud of being the most fear-inducing being in any room she is in, but the stink of fear disgusts her. In her palace, no less.


    She can hear the chitin of Mmnnorrynn tighten, not in fear, but in bracing for watching the Azure Queen slay yet another of her attendants. But, Tzzaann need not see such things at such a young age.


    The Azure Queen isn¡¯t a monster, after all, in spite of what her ¡®sisters¡¯ say. And, a messenger means only one thing. She asks over her shoulder as she glares at the Breetezz attendant, who averts his eyes and tries to focus his mind on polishing the happy young Queen, ¡°{Did this messenger say what they want?}¡±


    ¡°{Of course not, dear sister.}¡±


    The Azure Queen grins her toothy, sharp grin, which causes the tiny Queen to hum happily and wave at her. The nobles sent one of their precious sisters to be a messenger, instead of a drone, knowing two things. One; that the Azure Queen would give the drone to her Void Queens for the rest of his pathetic life, and two; that a drone stands no chance of resisting her mental prowess. They do not yet know the truth.


    The ruling queen of nowhere stalks past her sisters suddenly, headed for the hangar. No one wanders her palace uninvited, lest they become her prey. It¡¯s disappointing sometimes that they¡¯ve learned not to try, as they often believe themselves her ruler in more than name alone.


    The nameless Queen is standing with an attache of her own, waiting patiently as she studies the ¡®grotesque¡¯ artwork and statues the Azure Queen has on display in the hangar in open rebellion to the doctrine of the Horde. She has stone work from the Breetezz, the Nizzkurezz, the Fievegalizz, the Pizzkivaann, and many other conquered and unconquered races scattered about her hangar, let alone her palace. Each was taken on mission as a trophy, rightfully earned by the most powerful being in the Horde. Were she anyone else, she could be killed for having artwork and acknowledging the existence of races such as the Fievegalizz or the [Sherrynns], as if closing their eyes -which Shining Daughters cannot do- and pretending they don¡¯t exist will make it so, or pretending they have already been ¡®United¡¯ will make the universe brighter. Likewise, having artwork of unified races acknowledges the blasphemy they bore upon the universe.


    They think she doesn¡¯t remember.


    Mmnnorrynn and the other two Void Queens are following the Azure Queen elegantly, not stepping alongside her and crowding her, not trying to carry her dress or open doors. They follow as her beloved companions, but followers. Not competitors.


    The nameless Queen has only soldiers, workers, and drones with her, as her bulging thorax twitches. An egg is close, and it sets a hunger in the Azure Queen. She contains herself, of course. But, she would delight in the deed itself.


    Suddenly, a smaller figure turns the corner from the hallway to the hangar, bumping into the Azure Queen.


    The figure is none other than Gree¡¯ato, and nervousness radiated from her before she touched the ruler of the palace. She can hear the chitin of the Void Queens tighten in a sort of nervous anticipation, ready to step out of the way if need be. Gree¡¯ato¡¯s heart begins to race as she looks up in terror at the fearsome ruler. The nameless queen takes interest in the goings on, undoubtedly ensuring the whole of the Horde bears witness.


    She must not realize it.


    Gree¡¯ato¡¯s knees weaken, and she starts to stammer words that will be poorly pronounced.


    Everyone tenses when the Azure Queen¡¯s hand rises to the young female Grodrrn¡¯s cheek. Did they expect the child¡¯s head to explode?


    The Azure Queen affectionately pets Gree¡¯ato¡¯s cheek, saying calmly, ¡°{Fear not, darling little sister. Tell me, what had you distracted? Say it in our tongue.}¡±


    The small Grodrrn glances nervously at the other Void Queens, who are standing like statues themselves. She replies softly, ¡°[I-... I was admiring the art, d-dear sister. A-and th-the¡­ um¡­ War Queen arrived.]¡±


    ¡°[Did you speak to it?]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato shakes her head vigorously. She adds, though, ¡°[S-she tried to ask me¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Shhh, darling sister. It¡¯s okay. Truly. I am grateful for your honesty.]¡±


    The Azure Queen gently pets the nervous Grodrrn¡¯s cheek, asking in Zarakyssn, ¡°{My darling little sister is rude, isn¡¯t she, Uniter Queen? She tells me she refused to speak to you.}¡±


    Gree¡¯ato tenses, and the nameless queen replies, ¡°{Indeed. And you actually call that¡­ thing your sister?}¡±


    The Azure Queen gingerly pets the underside of the small Grodrrn¡¯s neck. She coos gently, ¡°{Find somewhere else to be, darling sister. You need not be insulted by this pathetic speck of dust.}¡±


    Gree¡¯ato¡¯s eyes widen in surprise, and the nameless queen cocks her head, unsure if she heard what she thinks she heard.


    She did. It was clear and normal volume Zarakyssn.


    The Azure Queen says over her shoulder in Grodrrn, ¡°[Kill them. The pest is mine.]¡±


    The three Void Queens emit a happy pheromone, excited to serve their one true Queen. They storm past the Azure Queen and Gree¡¯ato, leaping into attacks with their retractable spears extending out of their sleeves. It only takes seconds for the attache to fall as the Azure Queen walks calmly away from Gree¡¯ato, who is left dumbfounded. She stalks calmly, but menacingly toward the nameless queen, who watches the slaughter around her helplessly, glancing from side to side in terror. A foul stench fills the hangar. Only two of the ten soldiers even try to put up a defense, but they are no match for Void Queens.


    The nameless queen looks at the Azure Queen at the last second, just in time for the menacing monster¡¯s powerful grip to squeeze tightly around her collar. The pure and fertile insect tries its best to claw at the Azure Queen¡¯s grip as the latter lifts her off of her feet. The full weight of her thorax suspended from her head would rip her own head off, so the Azure Queen ensures to only lift her high enough to hurt. The struggle causes the imminent egg to pop out, and it flops unceremoniously to the floor.


    ¡°{Mmm¡­ A Queen. You¡¯re fortunate.}¡± She allows one of her nails to poke into the struggling queen¡¯s chitinous mandible.


    ¡°{Th-this¡­ is¡­ treason¡­}¡±


    ¡°{You came to my palace unannounced and spoke to my sister without my permission. I have killed far higher status queens for far less. Tell me what business you bring.}¡±


    ¡°{Y-you¡¯re a monster¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Wrong. I am the apex.}¡±


    The Azure Queen squeezes tighter, and the nameless Queen¡¯s flailing renews with vigor. ¡°{Tell me, or die. I could always use more soldiers. Yours will do just fine.}¡±


    ¡°{The¡­ The Chosen Queen¡­ We summon you, sister. You have not listened.}¡±


    The monstrous Queen grins with a sharp-toothed grin, admiring her own reflection in the terrified eyes of a lesser being. ¡°{I listen when I choose. Not the other way around. This has never changed.}¡±


    She finally drops the queen, and she sinks to a kneel. The Azure Queen places her clawed hand on the insectoid crown of her lesser¡¯s head. She says calmly as she uses her other hand to scrape paint off of one of the nearest statues of the ¡®mighty¡¯ Mrrk¡¯lah, a Grodrrn well-known in both of their empires. Her powerful nail scratching the statue peels away the paint, revealing a shimmering golden sheen beneath, and the tell-tale flicker crosses the nameless queen¡¯s eyes.


    The apex predator muses, ¡°{You didn¡¯t notice, did you, sister, that the bond was gone from you? That is why the likes of you are only allowed in the hangar.}¡± She uses a toenail to scrape away paint on the floor, revealing the same golden metal and implying the composition of the entire hangar.


    ¡°{I exist because I choose to. The Horde grovels before me because they need a monster all too often.}¡±


    She leans closer, and her menacing growl fills the hangar. She asks sternly, ¡°{Now tell me what you want.}¡±


    The nameless queen hesitates. She replies timidly, ¡°{W-We¡­ wanted a status update on your mission.}¡±


    The Azure Queen blinks her eyes in amusement and disgust. She expected as much. She retorts, ¡°{So, in a small effort to exert the tiniest amount of dominance over me, the wisest of all Queens in the consensus hoped to summon me like one of you pathetic excuses for rulers and warriors in hopes that I would race across the galaxy at their beckoning in hopes of a pat on the head and a drone all my own, is that it?}¡±


    ¡°{Not at all¡­ Th-They just wanted to hear it from you directly.}¡±


    ¡°{¡®They¡¯? Interesting transition, dear sister.}¡± The superior queen looks at her Void Queens, asking, ¡°{Should I go? It could be fun to visit the homeworld.}¡±


    ¡°{N-No! You were to-...}¡±


    ¡°{Meet on some backwater because monsters like us are forbidden to set foot on the homeworld? Now I¡¯m tempted to bring all of my sisters.}¡± She grins wickedly turning her back on the nameless queen, who chatters unintelligibly with nervous noises.


    ¡°[Do it.]¡± Her Void Sisters pass a device to Mmnnorrynn, who steps in front of the nameless queen. The device flashes briefly, and the nameless queen¡¯s eyes go blank.


    The Azure Queen turns back to her, saying directly into her ear, ¡°{I am the Azure Queen. The Apex. I am unmatched. You need me, not the other way around. Go, and tell them what you saw here; statues, gold, and the monster you fear every night. The monster that may someday sit the throne. And tell them, when I want to report something, I will report it. My mission is complete when I say so. Understood?}¡±


    The mesmerized queen nods slowly.


    ¡°{Good.}¡± She hands the egg to the mesmerized queen -she has no need for a fertile queen, and if it ends up not being, she¡¯ll be sent to the Azure Queen soon enough-. ¡°{Your attache was slain for insulting the rules of my palace. A mistake I hope you and all of my sisters will not soon make again.}¡±


    The mesmerized queen nods like a child¡¯s toy. It doesn¡¯t matter. The device is potent, especially against Shining Daughters. And, the suggestion following closely afterwards is hard to undo. She could tell this queen to fly her entire horde ship into a star and perish, and she would do it without a thought, as if it were her own idea. Though, some suicidal things like this can trigger a much easier reversion. Simple suggestions like she just made though, are almost impossible to break, as all of it is fact, minus a single ommission.


    She then says to her sisters, ¡°[Have a few soldiers fly her back to her ship. Doesn¡¯t matter if they return.]¡±


    ¡°[Of course, dear sister.]¡±


    The Azure Queen rises back to her full, towering height and stalks back to the hallway. Gree¡¯ato is standing timidly in the hallway, afraid to go, but afraid to stay. The Azure Queen slows to a stop and looks down at the young Grodrrn. Nothing is said between them, but a strange emotion is flowing through the much smaller being.


    Finally, after a long time, the Azure Queen says plainly, ¡°[Continue to enjoy the art if you wish, darling sister. After it leaves, if you would.]¡± She glares over her shoulder as soldiers walk the still-dazed queen back onto her shuttle. The three Void Queens are looking in the same direction as well, standing a few feet behind the Azure Queen.


    ¡°[Th-... Thank you, dear sister.]¡±


    She looks down at Gree¡¯ato, unsure of what she¡¯s feeling. She simply turns and walks away, continuing to a place in her palace where she can reach the bond.


    Once they¡¯re a ways away from Gree¡¯ato, Mmnnorrynn asks softly, ¡°{Dear sister, you are proud of your appearance, and you should be. You are beautiful.}¡±


    ¡°{Skip the flattery, darling sister. My mood is soured by those scheming egg dumpers.}¡±


    ¡°{Why do you hide the Grodrrn? Would it not further raise your glory?}¡±


    The Azure Queen slows to a stop and looks at her. She says coldly, ¡°{Our sister is not a trophy. Or, is she only my sister?}¡±


    Mmnnorrynn¡¯s posture shifts a little. She replies sincerely, though, ¡°{She doesn¡¯t see things the way we do. She still wants to go back to the Fievegal. I will love and protect her, but¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Do you all feel this way?}¡± She looks at each of the three Void Queens.


    They nod reluctantly, not from fear, but of love. They don¡¯t want to bear bad news or hurtful truths to their sister. Thankfully, they dare not lie.


    ¡°{I see. Then, should I return her to the Fievegal? Erase her memories of all she¡¯s seen and let her be their slave?}¡±


    ¡°{I don¡¯t know, dear sister.}¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr, the second oldest of the three Void Queens present, says a little more bluntly, ¡°{If you are concerned with her happiness instead of torturing her, you haven¡¯t made it clear, dear sister. And, she fears us all because of it.}¡±


    ¡°{Mmm¡­ I see. Thank you all, truly, for your honesty.}¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Urrzzvynnurr asks, ¡°{Dear sister¡­ DO you truly value her?}¡±


    The Azure Queen flexes her jaw, scratching the chitinous plate on her chest. She replies, ¡°{Why wouldn¡¯t I?}¡± She leaves it at that, entering her private chambers to communicate with the full horde. If they want a status update and to flex their authority, she will gladly indulge them.


    After all, they hate her for what she is.


    ***


    Zeeannssii awakens in some sort of containment cell without her armor. She has fabric clothing, but it seems rather normal. She can¡¯t however, feel her bond to the Azure Queen or the horde itself. She does have Zarak-compatible atmosphere, it seems, as she¡¯s having no difficulty breathing. But, she isn¡¯t sure how she ended up here.


    It becomes rather clear rather quickly when she lays eyes on the Zarak Uniter Queen standing outside of her cell wearing an outfit made of gold, including a golden headdress. It¡¯s an interesting sight, but of course, makes sense to Zeeannssii.


    ¡°{Please don¡¯t struggle, Void Queen Zeeannssii.}¡±


    ¡°{So, I¡¯m your prisoner now? Shall I beg for mercy from a traitor?}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯m not the one who chooses your fate. I only healed your wounds, and am here to speak to you on their behalf.}¡±


    ¡°{Hah! The apes? What did they do to win your allegiance so easily? The secret technique?}¡±


    ¡°{They showed me truth. They showed me why they fight, and¡­ it¡¯s nice. But, I¡¯m here to ask about you.}¡±


    ¡°{I¡¯m not weak-minded like the sisters you betrayed. I will not betray my Queen.}¡±


    ¡°{I think we¡¯re alike more than I could ever imagine, but I¡¯m trying to understand how. HOW do you have golden armor? Why? It¡¯s not common knowledge what gold does. The humans; the Grodrrn¡­ they had to discover it themselves.}¡±


    The Void Queen scoffs. ¡°{That¡¯s what you don¡¯t get. That¡¯s why it was so easy for you to turn your back on your sisters. ¡®Common knowledge¡¯ is only what is allowed to be common. My Queen at least has the decency not to lie about there being secrets.}¡±


    ¡°{Who is your queen, then? You came for me and my egg for the horde, didn¡¯t you? A-And you self-identify¡­ you even have a name¡­}¡±


    ¡°{As if a nameless like you would understand!}¡±


    There¡¯s a pause.


    ¡°{I¡­ do have a name. Syretia. It was given to me by a human.}¡±


    Zeeannssii relaxes a little. She did forget that. She remarks more calmly, ¡°{My queen is proud and mighty, so I¡¯ll tell you this. She is not like the rest of the Queens. We are loyal to the Shining Daughters because it affords us an empire over which we have influence. My queen is the most powerful being in the universe. She is stronger than your mightiest Grodrrn, wiser than the Chosen Queen, and nobler than your precious humans. She¡­ gives a home to those like me¡­}¡±


    ¡°{You¡¯re sterile¡­ aren¡¯t you? Your thorax isn¡¯t big enough to have laid any eggs.}¡±


    Zeeannssii nods softly.


    ¡°{What does your queen give you? And what makes her so powerful?}¡±


    ¡°{Purpose. To both statements. Undoubtedly the same thing you found in a weak and pathetic fleet of mammals.}¡±


    ¡°{They make up for their shortcomings in unpredictability and sheer determination.}¡±


    ¡°{They sound a little like my Queen¡­ Fearless, determined, and wise. But, she¡¯s on the hunt now. I may have failed, but the mission isn¡¯t complete. My queen will come. Not for me, but for you.}¡±


    ¡°{Why tell me that?}¡±


    Zeeannssii hums in amusement, ¡°{Naive, youthful girl. Tell your masters what I¡¯ve told you. Let them do the rest. Or don¡¯t tell them. Either way, we win.}¡± She turns away from the plasma door, taking a seat to meditate. She may not be able to reach the divine bond, but her dearest sister always said, a clear mind is as good a weapon as any.


    Syretia walks out of the deck where the containment is, where Kane is waiting. She feels lighter every time she sees him, but she stays focused. ¡°{You heard all?}¡±


    ¡°{Yes. This special queen of hers is definitely going to be a problem. She wants fear to consume us. Unfortunately, we have no idea what to expect, so it¡¯s hard to imagine what to be more afraid of than what we already fear.}¡±


    She hums in thought. ¡°{What will we do with her?}¡±


    ¡°{That will be up to Long or the Captains if she doesn¡¯t recover soon enough. For now,... the gold should keep her shielded, right?}¡±


    Syretia nods. ¡°{I don¡¯t understand though. The Shining Daughters are strict against behaviors¡­ they literally sent her to kill me for the exact way she¡¯s behaving! Self-identifying? Having a name? I don¡¯t understand!}¡±


    Kane chuckles, ¡°{Relax, Noble Queen. If I had to guess, this special queen is some sort of outcast; one with too much of a status to simply execute. So they use her. The ¡®most powerful being in the universe¡¯ bit got me though. No offense, but what I suspect occurs with your bodies as you age,... no Shining Daughter should ever be stronger than a Grodrrn. And, I think she was specifically talking about Jor.}¡±


    She nods, ¡°{I suspected that too¡­ And it¡¯s strange. Perhaps a cybernetically enhanced Queen?}¡±


    ¡°{You¡¯d know better than I would. Does that make sense?}¡±


    She nods. ¡°{The most sense, I suppose. Queens have ampified themselves before, but it¡¯s not popular. Cybernetics tend to harm the divine bond, and they have drawbacks flesh does not. Soldiers are more likely to be enhanced, but it¡¯s rather¡­ difficult to get it done. Only a handful of queens are skilled enough or dedicated enough to enhance an army, and single soldiers still aren¡¯t tougher than some of the adversaries we -they- faced. It¡¯s easier to breed a larger army and fight by numbers. Though¡­ some races still make that difficult.}¡±


    She asks softly, ¡°{How¡­ are Long and Jor doing? Are they okay? I wanted to thank Long for trusting me.}¡±


    ¡°{Even though she put you in danger?}¡±


    ¡°{All military operations are danger. It comes with the lifestyle. Her plan was intended to save lives for everyone but herself. Jor was in the right; abandoning and bombarding were the right options pragmatically, but¡­ Long isn¡¯t always pragmatic, is she?}¡±


    ¡°{That¡¯s an understatement. But, it¡¯s why so many of us are willing to follow her into hell itself, I suspect. At least, it certainly is for me.}¡±


    ¡°{I see¡­ You are a drone to her, then?}¡±


    Kane starts chuckling, and then laughs. ¡°{That¡¯s a rather direct way to remind me that we haven¡¯t elaborated on human culture much, have we? No. I find her attractive, but her heart very obviously belongs to someone else. And, my heart is currently unattached. Why?}¡±


    ¡°{No reason.}¡± There¡¯s definitely a reason.


    The young queen walks back towards the triage center in the hangar bay, saying, ¡°{Please excuse me. I must return to my duty station before my loyalty is questioned.}¡±


    Kane chuckles, replying, ¡°{Take care.}¡±


    She warmly hums as she walks, excited and happy. She will find the right time soon enough. For now, she will continue to work for the trust she desires; the friendship the humans are notorious to the Grodrrns on the ship for giving.


    ***

 Chapter 50: Schemes of the Azure Chimera

    Cramped, crowded, and¡­ compassionate.


    The human ships are difficult to find places to be alone, especially when one is half again taller than a human and several times their weight. Everything in his body hurts and aches. The more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he shouldn¡¯t be alive.


    Treason for attacking the fleet¡¯s highest leader aside, he literally dropped from orbit. Granted, his landing was softened as much as possible by his knowledge; he delivered a powerful blow to the ground with his arms, shattering his forearms. But, the impact created both a pressure cushion, as well as the force absorption. Additionally, the planet had a rather soft ground, and lower gravity than Grodurra. Other factors played a role, but he didn¡¯t jump without a chance of survival.


    Still, it is truly a miracle he¡¯s alive. If his head hit the ground, or if the regenerator had broken, he would not have survived long enough to stand up. If Long hadn¡¯t shot the void queen, he would have easily been gunned down. If the Zarakyssns were as smart as humans, they would have targeted his regenerator intentionally.


    And yet, none of that absolves him of his true sin.


    His large, Grodrrn fingers gingerly stroke a metal ¡°+¡± shape with one elongated stem; the holy symbol of Christianity, the religion held by a human female -among many others, most likely-. He feels nothing from it; no strange resonant sounds, no magnetism or other forces. Mild radiation, but most likely from exposure to radioactive fields.


    The fievegal is not entirely without religion in its history. Many Grodrrns, including Niolajt Jardzen Mrff, still quietly hold beliefs in the many spirits of the Bachsuu. Dzor himself never did, but he does know his Chulm¡¯chn did. She believed that his decision should be based on his own observations, and when he was a little more mature, she would discuss it with him, but never tried to sway him.


    Likewise, Admiral Angelica Long is very open about her beliefs to those who are curious, but she never attempts to convince anyone to join her belief.


    Dzor never asked her much about it.


    He never asked her why it¡¯s so important to her. Why she wears it on her uniform when no one else he¡¯s passed does so, save the chaplain he managed to ask what it¡¯s significance is. Unlike Long, though, the chaplain wears his cross on one of his collar points, where most of the human military wear their rank insignia on both.


    Long specifically wore hers on her shoulder, though, and she would reach to it for emotional strength.


    The chaplain was thorough -seemingly excited at the chance to be the first to convert a Grodrrn-. Dzor is of course not converted, but he understands Long a little better, now. It is understanding that he regrets having not learned sooner.


    It¡¯s been over a week now, and everything is painful. Physically, emotionally.


    His back is definitely screwed up now from everything he¡¯s done, and his arms may not heal correctly. It is a risk when over-relying on a regenerator. He probably has damaged spinal cords, tumors, and crooked bones. He deserves far worse. He can still fight, of course, even now, but his posture may forever be crooked and his gait will be limping and pathetic in appearance if nothing else.


    More painful, though, by far, is the emotional wounding he takes¡­


    ...every time a marine or spacer salutes him. Every time the words ¡°Yarjen Jor¡± are uttered by the wide-eyed, delusional mammals. Every time the insect queen tries to console him. Every time the Cave Queen offers him something to eat. The endless kindnesses following his atrocity stab at him more painfully than any blade.


    And more painful is his inability to face her.


    ¡°Yarjen.¡± Human male. A very familiar human male.


    ¡°Chief Grey. I am thinking. Please excuse.¡±


    Most humans are cautious around him and go out of their way to avoid irritating or angering him. Some humans, though, show no fear at all. Chief Grey, being one of them, takes a seat across from Dzor at the table, setting a plate down. They¡¯re on the observation deck, almost as far away from the cafeteria as one can get. But, he has pancakes.


    ¡°Pancake, Yarjen?¡±


    The gruff human sets his cigar down as he digs his utensils out of his pocket.


    ¡°No.¡± Dzor starts to stand, but Grey says, ¡°Whoa, there, soldier. Take a seat.¡±


    ¡°You are here to talk about Long.¡±


    ¡°You brought her up, not me.¡±


    Dzor snorts, baring a few of his teeth briefly. He continues limping out of his seat.


    ¡°She¡¯s awake.¡±


    The large Grodrrn halts.


    ¡°Asked for your immediate execution.¡±


    Dzor looks at the human field leader. His smirk is a dead giveaway, and the Grodrrn commandant growls.


    ¡°What do you expect? It¡¯s Long we¡¯re talking about. Go see her.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s hands tense, and he¡¯s stuck, still lacking words. He finally grunts out, ¡°I can not¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be an idiot. If not for you, then for her.¡±


    ¡°She no want¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh for f-... Fisher warned me, but I thought he was an idiot. Look, Long is a frickin¡¯ idiot and an incompetent piece of-¡± BOOM.


    A heavy reptilian hand slams the table, and sharp nails screech lightly as that hand grips tightly, struggling to resist anger.


    Grey smirks smugly, taking a bite of one of the pancakes.


    A deep voice growls, ¡°Insult me all you wish, hoomin. But I will NOT listen to another word of insult towards Admiral Long.¡±


    ¡°Good. Truth then. She loves you. Go see her.¡±


    Dzor¡¯s hand slides, shrieking his nails against the metal table, which causes Grey to wince, but the motion was involuntary from surprise. ¡°How you so certain?¡±


    ¡°She told me so. ¡®Chief¡­ Would you judge me if I confessed to Dzor? I¡­ I think I love him.¡¯ Exact words. Hand to God almighty.¡±


    ¡°Theenk?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t read into it, idiot. Go see her. Let her tell you herself.¡±


    ¡°You deceive.¡±


    ¡°What incentive would I have to come up here and deceive you for any other reason than my friend is in love with you and I want her to be happy?¡±


    ¡°I take arm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an ideal icebreaker, but I¡¯m sure someone mentioned this; you did the-¡±


    ¡°If you finish sentence,...¡±


    ¡°Why does it anger you so much? You were ready to bombard our allies from orbit to ensure victory. Theoretically, Long, too. But you draw the line at preventing horrifying mutagenic toxins from infecting her?¡±


    ¡°I deesobey¡­¡±


    ¡°Then go get yelled at. You¡¯re not afraid, are you?¡±


    The Grodrrn glares at the human, but he doesn¡¯t say anything. Chief Grey takes another bite, saying after he swallows, ¡°Look, I get it. You¡¯re not afraid of the discipline; you¡¯re afraid of being rejected. You¡¯re afraid you lost it all. Blowing it off won¡¯t help you, though. Get past this. For both of you.¡±


    Dzor scratches his neck scales. He grumbles unintelligibly, but leaves the table, headed for medical. His pace is slow, and his gait is pained and limping.


    He halts at the doorway to medical. It¡¯s strange to him to feel like this; nervous? Anxious? He never felt this way with his bondmate back in the Fievegal. In fact, they barely talked to each other and never touched each other. Their pairing was just¡­ expected.


    Long is the exact opposite. She wants to talk all the time. She asks anything and everything. She shows kindness and affection through physical contact; gentle touches to amplify her points.


    He stalks carefully and quietly into the medical bay, mindful of the staff moving between different rooms. The scent is easy to follow. He could find her anywhere on the ship. And, he can already tell she¡¯s not alone; at the very least, her sister -Jessica- and the Cave Queen offspring -Vivi- are easily detectable.


    He stops when he lays eyes on her. Admiral Angelica Long; one of the strongest-willed humans Dzor has encountered. She is nearly opposite of what he expected when he attacked them originally.


    She is a frail and tiny mammal. He could destroy her with the faintest of movements. She has long auburn-brown fur that grows out of her head and mostly-dull teeth for an omnivorous diet. She stinks of hormones -like all humans-.


    And Dzor cannot do anything but stare, fixated on this human.


    She is smiling as she idly plays with the Cave Queen offspring while talking warmly to Jessica. She¡¯s weary, with dark rings under her eyes and a weakness to her movements. And, one of her most important limbs ends half-way down her bicep.


    Her green eyes shift and lock with his own gaze. He moves on instinct, vanishing from the doorway.


    He¡¯s not ready. He can¡¯t face her yet. He would gladly accept any punishment. What he isn¡¯t ready for is forgiveness. Or, not receiving any.


    He exhales deeply, walking back out of medical.


    ¡°Jor!¡± The voice is similar, but younger.


    He doesn¡¯t stop though. He makes it back out into the hallway and heads towards nowhere specifically.


    Compared to humans, he can hear almost everything. He can hear heartbeats, he can hear breaths, and he can easily hear footsteps. Bootless footsteps are nearly running to catch him.


    ¡°Y-Yarjen Jor! Wait! Please!¡±


    He slows a little, though his limping gait is already probably half of his normal pace.


    Sure enough, Jessica jogs around ahead of him, clutching Vivi close to her chest. Both look up at him with pleading eyes. Jessica smiles, though. ¡°H-How are you doing, Yarjen?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t answer. The young woman is wearing casual clothes -pajamas essentially- and doesn¡¯t have her normal issue boots on, having run in just her socks to catch the Grodrrn. Vivi has a small dress -strange, since the Queen typically walks around almost nude unless she¡¯s trying to hide from light-.


    Jessica looks down a little disappointed, saying a little more tenderly, ¡°Angie¡¯s doing well. A-And¡­¡± The teen suddenly hugs the Grodrrn as her eyes water. The even tinier girl, Vivi, also hugs him, and Jessica squeaks out, ¡°Th-Thank you, Yarjen.¡±


    He is stunned once more. Vivi adds, ¡°You save Auntie! You¡¯re Vivi¡¯s hero, Unckie Jor!¡± The amphibious princess deftly crawls up his torso, hugging his cheek next. The Grodrrn commandant looks down at Jessica, though, asking, ¡°How¡­? Why thank?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s alive.¡± She sniffles, adding, ¡°You saved my sister. I-I know you¡¯re struggling with the decision you made¡­ but no one else could have. No one could have decided that AND done it quickly enough¡­ No one but you.¡± She takes his hand, hugging it to her face to kiss his finger. ¡°And¡­ she feels the same way. It could have been much worse¡­ But you¡­¡± She chokes, simply hugging his hand firmly.


    Everyone is saying the same thing. But, how can it be so simple for them? Or rather, how can it be so¡­ strange?


    Then again, Long has proven -and many of the humans have- that simple is not the way they operate. Everything has meaning. Everything has shades of right and wrong. The weak can still serve. The strong can still follow. Nothing is as cut and dry as the Fievegal was.


    ¡°I¡­ will speak to her¡­ when she is free¡­¡±


    Jessica looks up at him, urging gently, ¡°She¡¯s free now, Yarjen. Vivi and I will give you space. She knows you¡¯re hurting, and she wants to reassure you.¡±


    Vivi whines gently, ¡°Aww¡­ Meemee! I wanna see!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Sweetie. Auntie and Yarjen Jor need to talk.¡± She looks at Dzor again, ¡°Please?¡±


    It¡¯s not lost on him at all. Jessica is not the same as her sister, but she is Angelica¡¯s sister. They share that same, irresistible plea.


    Or, maybe it¡¯s just him. Has he become soft?


    His shoulders relax, and he exhales. ¡°Very well¡­¡± He gingerly takes Vivi and hands her back to Jessica.


    ¡°I will prove wrong.¡±


    Just before he leaves, Jessica adds, ¡°It looks good on you.¡±


    He looks over his shoulder at her, and she gestures at his left shoulder. There, rather sloppily painted onto his teeshirt sleeve, is a silver ¡°+¡± shape with one elongated stem.


    He walks back to Medical with purpose.


    Who does he intend to prove wrong?


    He has just one hope.


    Angelica is resting her head on her hospital bed, patiently waiting for nothing in particular.


    He tries to enter quietly, but he is still a Grodrrn. To his knowledge, he is the heaviest being on the ship, short of the larger meteor hoppers the humans discovered in an asteroid belt.


    Angelica opens her eyes, looking at him briefly. She instantly sits up with a warm expression, cooing gently, ¡°Yarjen.¡±


    He¡¯s caught a little off guard by her warmth. He keeps his posture as normal as possible, stepping gently inside the room as he finally replies, ¡°Admiral.¡±


    Her expression shifts, and she states worriedly, ¡°You¡¯re limping¡­¡±


    He looks down. He was very careful to try to keep his posture and steps normal. He looks at her again, and she asks tenderly, ¡°Are you okay? Do you need-?¡±


    ¡°Will be fine. Wounds closed and bones set. Time, now.¡±


    She sighs, murmuring, ¡°You used to be a better liar.¡±


    ¡°Not a lie.¡± He steps over to the side of her bed, sinking to a kneel before her. ¡°Could still wear regenerator, but worsen at theess point. Will let body heal.¡±


    She smiles softly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    He glances at her arm momentarily, asking softly, ¡°What of¡­ you?¡±


    She reaches toward him with her right arm, gesturing her hand. He stares at her a moment. Normally, when she reaches for him, she puts her hand on his forearm. He puts his arm closer, and she intentionally reaches for his hand, gripping it gently. ¡°I can still function. It¡¯ll be tricky, but I¡¯ll be okay. Thank you, Jor. For everything.¡±


    He winces briefly. She grips his hand a little tighter, ¡°Jor, I mean it. Truly. I am forever in your debt.¡±


    ¡°Deesobey¡­¡±


    ¡°I was wrong. You saved more people than I could have with my foolishness.¡± She adds dryly, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you survived a fall from orbit, but¡­¡± She smiles at him, ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you for disobeying me. This time. Next time, I¡¯d rather you be more forceful in recommending I just don¡¯t¡­ Maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°We lose a lot¡­¡±


    ¡°True. It¡¯s hard for me¡­ They¡¯ve got me on a lot of drugs right now. Sorry if I¡¯m not myself, by the way. But,... I know, in my core, we¡¯re scraping by with any survivors. I just wish I knew what to do right.¡±


    This time, Dzor¡¯s hand tightens gently. ¡°You do right. Your compassion inspire true loyalty. Even ins-... Queen Syretia loyal to you¡­ Few in Fievegal this loyal without selfish goals. I am sorry. For all I do wrong.¡±


    The list is long, starting from the day he met humans the first time. He¡¯s never fully apologized for any of it. He¡¯s never felt as he does now.


    The human woman¡¯s hand leaves his briefly, but only to reach up to the back of the reptilian warrior¡¯s head. She pulls his head close, holding him to her chest. He can easily hear her heartbeat better than ever before, and she is calm. She coos tenderly, ¡°I forgive you for everything, Jor.¡±


    He¡¯s surprised by the feelings he¡¯s experiencing now, and he can feel her cheek come to rest on his head. She hums softly, quickly becoming apparent to him that she¡¯s humming a song. It¡¯s slow and soft, tender and kind. Her hand gently strokes his head as she continues to hold him. ¡°I¡¯m thankful to be alive, Jor. I¡¯d love to have both arms, but it¡¯s a small price to pay.¡±


    He breathes deeply and exhales. He can smell the agents in her blood, likely to dull the pain and maintain antibiotics. But, he can also smell everything about her that he¡¯s come to know. He can hear her heart.


    ¡°I love you, Jor.¡±


    This causes him to recoil in surprise, if only to be able to look into her eyes. He wasn¡¯t bluffing when he can pick up on micro-changes to determine lies. He¡¯s still new to humans of course, but it should be the same basic principle.


    Not one word has been a lie, let alone the last sentence.


    Angelica¡¯s cheeks are noticeably more pink in color, and her expression soft and tender. Is she out of her mind?


    She adds sheepishly, ¡°S-sorry to drop it on you like that. But¡­ I¡¯ve known for a while, and¡­ Well¡­¡± She inhales and exhales more deeply. Her heart is now beating more quickly. ¡°I know it¡¯s probably weird with our obvious differences, but,... I admire so many things about you. And¡­ I feel so close to you¡­ and thankful to you.¡± She fidgets with her blanket using her right hand. ¡°I love you. You¡¯re the first person I¡¯ve ever felt that about to this extent. I don¡¯t have a lot to offer to someone like y-...¡± The woman is cut off by a puff of hot air on her neck, startling her into a shiver. She locks eyes with Dzor again with a wide, hopeful gaze.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Last thought is wrong.¡± He scratches his neck scales, looking up. ¡°You offer compassion and wisdom I do not possess. Different perspective. Kindness¡­¡±


    He looks back into her eyes again, ¡°We marry.¡±


    Now, the human woman is stunned. She blinks twice, asking, ¡°Wait¡­ What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°We marry. Theess is human pair bond, yes?¡±


    ¡°K-...Kind of¡­ How did you know that?¡±


    He looks to the side, crossing his arms. ¡°No reason.¡±


    Long smiles, saying softly, ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand. I-It¡¯s not something you just do. It¡¯s a religious thing, mostly. We become life partners exclusive to each other. You and me. That¡¯s it. No Saurmynnyka, no other intimate relations, just you and me. A ceremony bonding us together.¡±


    The Grodrrn looks at her. ¡°I accept.¡±


    She scoffs in disbelief. ¡°I-...¡± She can only chuckle in admiration. She admits, ¡°I can¡¯t say I want to object, but¡­ I still worry you don¡¯t understand. I¡­¡± Her warm smile shifts to a soft frown. ¡°I¡¯m reaching the end of my¡­ uh¡­ feminine qualities¡­ fertility specifically¡­ as it is. I know you have your hatchling with Craw on the way, and she¡¯ll definitely be a Zhi to me as well, I hope. But¡­¡±


    ¡°No matter. You give meaningful purpose. I accept exclusive bond. Ideal, een fact.¡±


    The human woman blushes as she clutches the blanket. ¡°D-Don¡¯t tease me, Jor. I¡¯m serious. Th-This is very important to me. You¡¯re not doing it right, s-so I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m nervous¡­¡±


    The Grodrrn puts his big hand on her lap, saying more gently than usual, ¡°I sincere. I choose bond with human I¡­ love¡­ as well.¡±


    Her eyes instantly water as she stares into his eyes. ¡°Y-You¡¯re¡­ serious?¡±


    ¡°End of discussion.¡±


    Admiral Angelica Long¡¯s facade falters, and she begins crying. Her tears, however, are scented with euphoria. She holds Dzor¡¯s hand affectionately, but has to release several times to wipe her eyes. ¡°S-Sorry¡­ I just¡­¡±


    ¡°Humans weak and cry easy.¡± Her watery gaze shifts to look at him, and he adds, ¡°Not problem. I do not dislike. Good cry better, though.¡±


    She chokes and laughs, whimpering joyously. She teases, ¡°Grodurns are fearful of their feelings, but sweet once you reach them.¡±


    He smiles, unoffended by being called fearful. ¡°Teach how I wrong.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How marry correctly.¡±


    Her blush returns, and she squeaks, ¡°Oh¡­ Um... I-It might seem humiliating¡­ You¡¯re supposed to ask, n-not tell. And, usually, the suitor presents a ring o-or something else meaningful. B-BUT, you don¡¯t have to do any of that. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to do anything,¡± insists Dzor. ¡°I choose course of life.¡±


    She smiles and relaxes on her pillow. ¡°Thank you, Jor.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Yukonja.¡±


    ***


    Gree¡¯ato sits on her knees quietly as her younger sister, Tzzaann curiously tugs at her mouth and inspects her teeth. Like the other Void Queens, Tzzaann is sterile, and she was given to the Azure Queen as a sort of payment. Of course, the Azure Queen doesn¡¯t harm any of the Void Queens, since she and her sisters raise them all from a young age.


    ¡°{What are these sharp things?}¡± asks the small queen as she prods at one of Gree¡¯s teeth.


    Gree¡¯ato is still a Grodrrn though. She can do her best, but her mouth was not made to make some of the sounds and syllables used by Zarakyssns. Still, she does her best, ¡°{U-Um¡­ They m-my teef.}¡±


    ¡°{Teef!? They¡¯re so pretty! Do I have teef!?}¡± Tzzaann expands her mandibles, letting Gree¡¯ato inspect her insectoid mouth.


    ¡°{I-I¡¯m scared not, geeztress.}¡±


    The young queen snickers playfully. ¡°{You say ¡®sister¡¯ silly, Sissy!}¡±


    ¡°{S-sorry¡­}¡±


    Tzzaann affectionately scratches Gree¡¯ato¡¯s chest -a Zarakyssn form of affection often shown to children-. Gree¡¯ato is older than Tzzaann by a fair amount, but is still admittedly a child by Grodrrn standards. Her Chulm¡¯chn kept her egg in stasis for a time, which makes her deceptively younger than what should be possible after what happened to the Saurmynnyka.


    ¡°{It¡¯s okay, Sissy! We can keep learning words together!}¡± The queen hums warmly, and Gree¡¯ato hums in unison with her, affirming.


    ¡°{So, can I grow teef? They¡¯re so pretty!}¡±


    ¡°{No¡­}¡±


    ¡°{But, Sister Azure has teef too! I want teef!}¡±


    ¡°{Not¡­ um¡­ Not ibble.}¡±


    The tiny queen instantly starts crying, and the doors explode open with Void Queens and several soldiers shortly after. Gree¡¯ato tenses. Even in the Fievegal, the situation wouldn¡¯t look favorable. Especially if the child in question was of noble birth, such as a Haeroczaa.


    The most terrifying sound ever, however, taps slowly as pure evil approaches. The Void Queens part without saying anything, even as Tzzaann cries.


    The Azure Queen walks calmly into the room. It¡¯s clear she was on her way to the location already, and she didn¡¯t change pace just because Tzzaann began to cry, unlike the Void Queens.


    Gree¡¯ato then realizes that Tzzaann is pounding on her chest with her small insect hands, whining unintelligibly to the young Grodrrn.


    The cold, seemingly evil voice asks nonchalantly, ¡°{Tzzaann, why are you attacking our sister?}¡±


    Tzzaann runs to the powerful ruler of the palace, buzzing and crying in Zarakyssn, but outside of what Gree can understand. But, she hears the word ¡°{Teef}¡± at least once.


    The Azure Queen listens without any change in inflection as the tiny Void Queen hugs her powerful reptilian leg.


    Gree¡¯ato sits silently. She speaks when spoken to. It is the only way she has avoided the fate so many servants around the castle have met.


    The large Queen has listened patiently, and she says as plainly as ever -which is never a sign of safety with her-, ¡°{You are not a Grodrrn, darling Tzzaann. You are a Shining Daughter. Shining Daughters have no teeth.}¡±


    ¡°{B-B-But it¡¯s not fair! You have teef, Sister! I want teef to be like you and Sissy!}¡±


    The devious matriarch shoots a glance at Gree¡¯ato, smiling.


    In a surprise move, the Azure Queen yawns her large, toothy mouth, reaching in and pulling one of her own, pearl-white teeth without hesitation. Blood dribbles down the teeth adjacent to the one she just pulled, but she never winced in pain, even as the Void Queens and Gree¡¯ato flinched in surprise.


    The Azure Queen hands the razor-sharp pearlescent tooth to the tiny, excited Void Queen, licking the gap in her teeth. Gree¡¯ato knows from experience that the Queen¡¯s tooth will grow back fairly soon, especially if she uses a regenerator, but it was almost painful to watch.


    Still, Tzzaann gingerly tries to hold the tooth between her mandibles as the gifter watches patiently. ¡°{Be careful not to swallow it, darling sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Otay!}¡± as she tries to speak, the tooth falls, and Tzzaann dives to catch it. The Azure Queen looks at Gree¡¯ato, stepping over in several smooth, violently elegant steps. Gree¡¯ato stays seated on her knees, waiting for¡­


    ¡°{Sissy! Sissy! Look! Big Sister Azure gave me a teef of my very own!}¡± Tzzaann darts past the Azure Queen to show off her prize to Gree¡¯ato, and the young Grodrrn smiles, ¡°{Yes, suiting you, geeztress.}¡±


    Tzzaann hums excitedly, swirling in circles around the Grodrrn.


    The Azure Queen stops above Gree¡¯ato, looking down at the much smaller Grodrrn. ¡°{I am at your service, geeztress.}¡±


    The large blue Queen states, ¡°[You do not stink, darling sister.]¡±


    Gree fumbles for words, ¡°[U-Um¡­]¡±


    ¡°[You do not fear me today, darling sister?]¡±


    ¡°[N-No, dear sister. Y-You have¡­ been very kind¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Mmm.]¡± The Queen licks her missing tooth again, seemingly savoring the taste of even her own blood. Gree¡¯ato knows at this point that this Queen could kill her at this very moment and feel nothing. But, for some reason, she is quite comfortable. She was genuinely touched when the Azure Queen stood up for her, even if she erased the fertile Queen¡¯s memories of Gree¡¯ato immediately after.


    ¡°[Come. Let us go visit Hulma.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato tenses. She knows her Chulm¡¯chn is not so lucky as far as treatment. He is the Azure Queen¡¯s prisoner and plaything. She dares him to attempt escape -which he has- so that she can flaunt her superiority by defeating him one on one.


    Every single time.


    Gree¡¯ato dares not object to the Azure Queen. While the apex predator hasn¡¯t struck Gree¡¯ato yet, it¡¯s a fine line between nothing and death with the Azure Queen. The young Grodrrn springs to her feet and walks alongside the large blue Queen. Several Void Queens follow them quietly.


    Gree¡¯ato keeps her eyes down as they get close, though. She can smell scents she never knew in her Chulm¡¯chn before his imprisonment.


    The guards open the cell, which is right next to a cell with a door smashed outwards. The Azure Queen slows to a stop, musing coldly, ¡°[Pathetic. You stink of despair.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato looks up nervously. Her blood chills.


    Her Chulm¡¯chn is laying against the back wall with a collar and a metal chain anchoring him to the wall. He has scars all across his body, though all of his freshest wounds are healed. Still, his expression and level of energy are below despair.


    Gree¡¯ato instinctively starts forward, ¡°[Hulma!]¡± She halts herself, returning to awareness of who is right behind her now.


    The Azure Queen¡¯s voice is disgusted and cold, but she says softly, ¡°[Go ahead, Gree¡¯ato.]¡±


    ¡°[Th-thank you¡­]¡± whispers the young Grodrrn. She jogs forward, dropping to a kneel to lift and hold her Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s torso. She is acutely aware that she could be locked in this cell with him and forgotten, but she doesn¡¯t care.


    He¡¯s alive, and he murmurs, ¡°[Gr-Gree? Y-you¡¯re okay¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Y-Yes, Hulma. I¡¯m right here.]¡± She pets his head gently, letting his hand take hers when he reaches up to hold her hand.


    ¡°[You-... You must escape, Gree. Get away from her¡­ Find a way¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Hulma, our Queen is before us¡­]¡±


    The Azure Queen states coldly, ¡°[He knows. He¡¯s desperate now to see you returned to the Fievegal. Isn¡¯t that right, Hulma?]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato can feel the shiver tremor through the once-great-warrior¡¯s body. She instinctively hugs him more firmly. She partially tries to protect him, though she knows that if he can¡¯t defeat the Azure Queen, no one can. The Queen¡¯s heavy but elegant footsteps approach, and Gree¡¯ato hugs as firmly as she can.


    ¡°[You doubted me, didn¡¯t you, Hulma? It is strange how I am perceived as a liar, when I am the most honest being you have ever known.]¡±


    ¡°[Run, Gree¡­ Please¡­]¡± He whispers desperately. ¡°[Do-Do not stay for me¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Hulma¡­ I can¡¯t leave you.]¡±


    The apex predator in the room retorts snarkily, ¡°[You absolutely can. You will leave this room when I ask you to. You will see him when I permit you to.]¡±


    ¡°[Please¡­]¡± whimpers the young Grodrrn. This causes the Queen to pause and look at her.


    Gree¡¯ato summons her courage, making eye contact with the Azure Queen. ¡°[Please let me choose when I see him. I know it is not my place to ask for anything, but¡­ Please¡­]¡±


    ¡°[My darling sister¡­]¡± The Queen places her hand gingerly on Gree¡¯s cheek.


    Her Chulm¡¯chn flinches at this, as if about to spring an attack. The Queen never reacts, however. She is completely unthreatened by a Grodrrn who is legendary for his might.


    ¡°[Am I mistaken, Hulma?]¡±


    ¡°[I am not your Chulm¡¯chn¡­ Monster.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato can hear the sudden squishing of flesh and teeth. Nervousness creeps into her. But, the Azure Queen doesn¡¯t snap-react; she rarely does. At least, not from emotion. ¡°[Did I lie, Hulma? Or did you?]¡±


    He tries to sit up on his own, but it¡¯s clear his strength is vastly weakened from refusing to eat. Again, the Queen is unafraid.


    ¡°[I would NEVER suffer a creature like you to live.]¡±


    The Queen snaps her face to within inches of his, snarling, ¡°[That is painful to hear from you most of all. YOU assaulted my mother, and YOU got her killed, and YOU turned me away when I BEGGED for your help. I wanted to be like you, to run from my monstrous appearance. I thought if ANYONE would look at me differently, it would be YOU, Hulma.]¡± She growls throatily as she rears back. ¡°[You sired the deadliest being in the universe in your ignorant desecration of my mother. You took away your own Zhi¡¯s ability to produce hatchlings of her own because of your ignorant Fievegal¡¯s policies and your incestuous whore¡¯s lust. I¡¯m not the monster. You are. And I¡¯ve become exactly like you.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato stares up at the Azure Queen¡¯s reptilian and insectoid form in stunned disbelief. She doubted her nose. After all, the Queen has bathed in her Chulm¡¯chn¡¯s blood many times following battles with him. She brushed it off because it couldn¡¯t be true.


    But it all makes sense, even if it doesn¡¯t entirely.


    The Azure Queen is an outcast of two empires because she is a hybrid; a chimera even. She has the might and predatory instincts and senses of a Grodrrn, while possessing many of the natural armors, immunities, and telepathic abilities of the Zarakyssns. She seemingly combines the best of both and the worst of neither. And her blue skin tone -a rarity in Grodrrns and non-existent in Zarakyssns- could only have come from a small number of Grodrrns. Dzhonn and Gree¡¯ato were both lucky to be allowed to live only because of who their Chulm¡¯chn is. Or, was at least.


    ¡°[You¡¯re not a monster, dear sister.]¡±


    ¡°[Do not appease me, Gree¡¯ato. It disgusts me.]¡±


    ¡°[I mean it sincerely, dear sister.]¡± The young Grodrrn sets her Chulm¡¯chn down gently and stands up, gingerly touching the Queen¡¯s chest. She can hear some of the Void Queens shift aggressively. NO ONE, save children who don¡¯t know better, initiates contact with the Queen. And even children aren¡¯t always welcome.


    But¡­ the Azure Queen simply stares at her.


    Her Chulm¡¯chn hisses, ¡°[Gree! D-Don¡¯t believe this¡­ creature! It¡¯s all lies.]¡±


    ¡°[I can smell it, Hulma. She is my sister. And I am her sister. You never told me what your meeting with the Queen of Queens was like. You never told anyone. Why?]¡±


    He tenses, trying to climb up to his knees. He scolds the Queen instead, ¡°[Do not poison her, you wretch! She is innocent of all!]¡±


    The Queen still doesn¡¯t say anything yet, still staring at Gree¡¯ato with a confused expression.


    Gree, instead, retorts, ¡°[Answer me, Hulma.]¡±


    ¡°[She killed Dzhonn, Gree. Do not trust her! You must get away from here!]¡±


    ¡°[Why did you do that to the Queen of Queens? Why did you shun your oldest Zhi?]¡±


    ¡°[THAT THING IS NOT MY ZHI! You are, Gree. Please, listen no longer¡­]¡±


    ¡°[I don¡¯t understand why you will not answer me.]¡±


    The Azure Queen finally speaks softly and distantly, ¡°[He is a stooge of the Fievegal. HE was afforded great luxury in the Fievegal for what he did. While you and I suffer.]¡±


    ¡°[GREE HAD A HOME! A FAMILY! YOU TOOK THAT AWAY!]¡±


    ¡°[Then why am I the one with nothing to hide?]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato is suddenly snatched into a vicious grip by her Chulm¡¯chn, and he holds her between himself and the Queen with his claws to her throat. ¡°[I would rather see my Zhi die than be poisoned by a monster like you.]¡±


    ¡°[H-Hulma?]¡± whimpers Gree¡¯ato.


    ¡°[Now he is desperate for some semblance of control of any single aspect of his own life.]¡±


    ¡°[SILENCE MONSTER!]¡±


    ¡°[Tell me, darling sister, what you want; let our Hulma kill you for his honor in the Fievegal, or I can save you.]¡±


    The male Grodrrn snarls, ¡°[YOU WILL NOT!]¡± His grip tightens, choking the surprised young Zhi with razor sharp nails piercing into her neck.


    ¡°[S-S-Sis...ter¡­]¡±


    Just as her vision is fading, a flash occurs. Crack-thud!


    Gree¡¯ato gasps for breath, coughing on fluid as she crawls behind the blue Queen¡¯s legs. She glances back at her Chulm¡¯chn, who has collapsed in a blood streak to the floor. With a single strike, the Azure Queen knocked a powerful Grodrrn to the ground, nearly unconscious.


    Or did she? Gree¡¯ato looks and finds a burn on his hand, and a Void Queen near the door aiming one of their ranged weapons. The weapons assigned to Void Queens can take on a Grodrrn, and likely paralyzed his hand, allowing the Queen to strike without Gree¡¯ato being hurt further. She has to breathe cautiously, as she can tell blood is dripping into her throat.


    ¡°[Mmnnorrynn, take Gree to be healed. She will need her lungs aspirated. Be gentle.]¡±


    ¡°[Of course, Dear Sister.]¡± The Void Queen with the weapon retracts it back into her dress and briskly walks to Gree¡¯ato with two other Queens. She kneels, asking gingerly, ¡°[Can you walk, sister?]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato stares at the Void Queen with wide eyes. It¡¯s no secret the Void Queens are sometimes jealous of the strange treatment the Grodrrn receives, and even more so, find her disgusting for being something other than a Zarakyssn. But, Mmnnorrynn is being sincere and gentle. The young Grodrrn nods affirmatively. She coughs on blood, and Mmnnorrynn helps her to her feet.


    As they¡¯re leaving, the Azure Queen growls, ¡°[The mammals, these ¡®humans¡¯; apparently, Hulma, they can undo the atrocity the Fievegal bestowed on my darling sister.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato halts in surprise, looking back. The Queen looks at her, saying, ¡°[We¡¯ll discuss it later, darling sister. See to your injuries first.]¡±


    The Azure Queen is vicious and full of malice. She is so defined by her hatred and anger, they are her normal state of being. She needs no lies for her torments; the truth serves her very well, as she knows exactly when and how to apply it.


    So, Gree¡¯ato has no doubt she is telling the truth.


    The young Grodrrn swallows a small amount of blood. ¡°[W-Would you let me, s-sister?]¡±


    The wicked smile appears. It¡¯s ultimately what the Azure Queen wanted; for Gree¡¯ato to turn on their shared Chulm¡¯chn. But¡­ doesn¡¯t she have a fair point? The Saurmynnyka is dead, and the Fievegal is apparently at war with a race of mammals because of it. And according to the intel Gree¡¯ato has overheard, they haven¡¯t had much success defeating a miniscule force. The need for female Grodrrns to remain sterile -or the desire, if the Azure Queen is to be believed- is now the greatest threat to the Fievegal they¡¯ve ever faced. Gree¡¯ato was treated okay in the Fievegal, but she was looked down on. The Azure Queen can be manipulative and abusive, but she clearly cares about Gree¡¯ato¡¯s life more than as a trophy of war.


    ¡°[Yes, darling Gree¡¯ato. If I have to enslave the humans myself, I will learn their secrets for you.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato bows her head, whimpering, ¡°[Please show Hulma mercy, sister. As you said, he has become desperate.]¡±


    Mmnnorrynn whispers, ¡°[Gree¡¯ato, our sister decides¡­]¡±


    The Azure Queen exhales deeply. ¡°[I think this was enough. If you wish to spawn more daughters, Hulma, I am yours and yours alone.]¡± She snickers deviously, stepping away from him to follow the Void Queens and Gree¡¯ato. The young Grodrrn bashfully looks down as she coughs, squeaking after the door closes, ¡°[Y-you aren¡¯t serious, are you sister?]¡±


    ¡°[About what?]


    ¡°[U-Um¡­]¡± She coughs, sheepishly continuing, ¡°[M-... Um¡­ with Hulma¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Why not? He did with his mother for you.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato swallows again.


    The Queen cups Gree¡¯ato¡¯s cheek gently from behind, murmuring with a chilly viciousness, ¡°[Fear not, sister. The day he begs to breed me in appeasement, he will no longer be worthy of me.]¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr says from the other side of Gree¡¯ato from Mmnnorrynn, ¡°[Forgive me, sister, but I would venture he is not worthy of you now.]¡±


    ¡°[No forgiveness needed, Sister. If I needed mindless drones, I would go to the Horde.]¡± All of the Queens present snicker at the statement. The Azure Queen adds, however, ¡°[But, do not be jealous, my beloved sisters.]¡± She pets Urrzzvynnurr¡¯s head gingerly. ¡°[Could we, I would yield an empire for us all.]¡±


    Llyzznnurrymm, the youngest Void Queen present -ironically similar in age to Gree¡¯ato, but much more thoroughly trained in combat- jokes, ¡°[Perhaps these mammals can help us as well, Sisters.]¡±


    ¡°[Let us not raise our hopes above what can be achieved for certain, sisters. The humans have already achieved success with the Grodrrns. Your affliction, however, is not induced.]¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr asks gently, ¡°[You are not sterile, dear sister. Do you not desire offspring of your own?]¡±


    ¡°[It crosses my mind. But I have larger concerns for now, and you, my beloved sisters, are my highest priority.]¡±


    The Queen escorts Gree¡¯ato all the way to the healer Void Queens, who do as instructed. They aren¡¯t experts on Grodrrn physiology, so the blue ruler guides them from nearby, ensuring the process is as safe and painless as possible for the young female Grodrrn.


    When she can, Gree¡¯ato asks softly, ¡°[Sister¡­?]¡±


    The Azure Queen looks away from some strange object with hundreds of thin skins inside a hard cover that she was studying a pair of the skins. ¡°[Hmm?]¡±


    ¡°[Th-Thank you¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Gree. I have my own motives for everything I do.]¡±


    ¡°[Um¡­ D-Do¡­ you intend to¡­ have me¡­ make your army? O-Of¡­ more like you?]¡±


    The evil Queen stares at her younger sister for a long, tense moment. ¡°[What feeling did you feel when you ran to his side, darling sister?]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato is caught off guard by the deflection. She thinks for a moment, replying, ¡°[Um¡­ L-Love, I guess? A-And worry. H-He¡¯s my Hulma. I can¡¯t not love him.]¡±


    ¡°[What, then, did you feel when you sided with me?]¡±


    The young Grodrrn looks down. ¡°[I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ A different love? You-... You¡¯re right. I was never supposed to ask about a lot of things, but¡­]¡± She builds courage again, ¡°[I-If you¡­ I¡¯m afraid, b-but¡­ the humans¡­]¡±


    ¡°[I will ask you, but I will not force you. If you would bear my army, they will be your army, too.]¡± The Queen surprises the young Grodrrn when she approaches and embraces her, petting her head. ¡°[They will not be like me, though. I am the only one of my kind that should exist.]¡±


    ¡°[Th-That¡¯s not true. Y-You¡¯re not like anyone or anything else, but¡­ I think it¡¯s inspiring what you¡¯ve achieved with the universe against you. Your power is undeniable, a-and you¡¯re beautiful¡­ Your offspring would be-...]¡±


    ¡°[My offspring would be half of me. And that is ideal. I will not choose a Zarakyssn drone for you in hopes of replicating me, dear sister.]¡±


    ¡°[Oh, I-I thought, after what you said about Hulma, that¡­ um¡­]¡± Another strange smell emits from the small Grodrrn; a sweet smell. An addicting smell.


    ¡°[Sooo¡­ You know?]¡± The Azure Queen sounds genuinely surprised -a true rarity-.


    ¡°[F-Forgive me, dear sister. I-... I walked in when you¡­ gave, um, Hyynnsseeyyaa¡­ h-her chosen reward¡­]¡±


    The Queen sports her devilish grin. ¡°[I see.]¡± She licks Gree¡¯ato¡¯s neck, causing the Grodrrn to flinch. ¡°[This taste¡­ I like it.]¡± She adds, ¡°[When the time comes, Gree¡¯ato, we will discuss, and see if you feel the same way.]¡±


    The young Grodrrn nuzzles briefly towards the Queen, and she whispers, ¡°[M-May I, sister?]¡±


    ¡°[Mmm¡­ I¡¯m curious. Yes. This once.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato gingerly licks the Azure Queen¡¯s neck in return. Unlike Gree¡¯ato, who flinched, the Queen never moves. She hums deviously, seemingly pleased. Gree¡¯ato isn¡¯t sure what specifically the Queen picks out when she determines tastes, but the waxy substance on her skin tastes tangy, not unlike Gree¡¯ato¡¯s own sweat, but also a little bitter.


    ¡°[You cannot tell what I feel, can you, darling sister?]¡±


    ¡°[I can¡¯t, sister. I¡¯m sorry. But,... It is¡­ a good taste.]¡± The sheepish embarrassment tingles through her again.


    The Azure Queen growls eagerly -aggressively-. Her presence feels larger all of a sudden, more looming. She seems to be pressing closer.


    Suddenly, the Queen backs away, but she clarifies, ¡°[Gree¡­ I must excuse myself.]¡±


    The young Grodrrn stares at the Queen in surprise. For once, the Queen looks almost flustered. She stalks to the door of the room, saying over her shoulder, ¡°[You may ask to see Hulma, Gree, but only when I am here. In the meantime, clean yourself up. You will be joining us on our flight to the homeworld.]¡±


    ¡°[Th-The homeworld, d-dear sister?]¡±


    ¡°[Don¡¯t fret. You will stay on the ship in orbit. I just don¡¯t want you to be lonely here. Or¡­ tempted.]¡±


    ¡°[Never, dear sister! I hurt for Hulma, but¡­ I will not betray you.]¡±


    ¡°[Good. Then I trust you won¡¯t attempt to kill me in my sleep on my ship.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato nods, ¡°[I will be ready to depart, dear sister.]¡±


    ¡°[Good.]¡± With that, the Azure Queen departs.


    Gree¡¯ato sits alone in the room for a moment, pondering what all just happened. In just a short while, she learned a lot about not only her own history, but the history of both the Fievegal and the Zarakyssn horde.


    And, she truly gained a powerful sister who values her as an individual.


    A warmth flows through Gree¡¯ato for the first time since arriving at the Azure Queen¡¯s castle. She knows she was kidnapped from the Fievegal, but...


    She¡¯s starting to feel more at home than ever.


    ***

 Chapter 51: Restlessness and the Cave Princess

    Vivi is one of the smallest living beings on the Polonia. Other than Melody and their unhatched siblings, only bacteria and other single cell organisms, maybe some insects -if any got onboard-, and a few other possible exceptions exist. But, she¡¯s certainly the smallest with an intelligent mind.


    Of course, she¡¯s still a very young child, so while she¡¯s much further ahead of a human child her age, Vivi doesn¡¯t necessarily know any of that. She knows that the Marines and Spacers are her family, Jessica is her ¡®Meemee¡¯, the Grodrrns are her friends, and many other humans have to be seen as good or bad.


    When there¡¯s nowhere to go, conversations about ¡®stranger danger¡¯ and other similar lessons for children can be forgotten, especially by a young teen girl whose first child is the offspring of a rather large, other-wordly Queen.


    And, while no Marine, Grodrrn, Spacer, or even the Zarakyssn Queen Syretia would dare harm Vivi, they are not the only passengers on the Polonia.


    With that, Vivi is a small, fragile being that regularly crawls on a 700 pound Grodrrn¡¯s arm, rides a young Marine¡¯s shoulder as she trains, and is curious about anything and everything around her. Some deep part of her likes the game hide-and-seek; an instinct at the core of her nature to find a safe place to hide and await coming of age. And, her small size -roughly the size of an adult human man¡¯s whole hand- makes her an easy fit in MANY hiding places.


    She¡¯s been scolded a few times now for starting hide-and-seek when Meemee didn¡¯t know they were playing. But, sometimes Vivi sees spots that look so good, she can¡¯t simply pass them up.


    One such spot catches Vivi¡¯s eye as she rides Jessica¡¯s shoulder. It¡¯s a beautifully spacious and cozy-looking little spot between one of the loud noise makers that Angelica¡¯s voice comes out of and some wires disappearing into the walls. She quietly springs off of Jessica¡¯s shoulder, lest her good hiding spot be discovered immediately, and she grips the conduits on the wall. The nimble little cave princess climbs skillfully up the wall-anchors, boxes, and switches that all serve important purposes for the ship in some manner or other.


    To Vivi¡¯s astonishment though, the cables have a long tunnel disappearing around a bend, and there¡¯s plenty of room for her. She grins with wide, sparkling eyes. This has to be the best hiding spot ever! She can even explore!


    She glances at Jessica, who is speaking briefly to another Marine. She¡¯s still nearby. She can explore a LITTLE bit of the tunnel now, right?


    Vivi grins. She quickly crawls into the tunnel, minding the metal braiding around the cables. It has lots of rough and sharp points that poke her if she isn¡¯t careful.


    The tunnel extends pretty far, and the little princess feels an abundance of safety in her new hiding spot. It seems to also follow the hallway, mostly, meaning she could even navigate safely -at least until she grows up more-. Meemee says she¡¯ll one day be as large as the Cave Queen herself, but Vivi finds that hard to believe. The Queen is loving and kind, and Vivi cares for her too, but there¡¯s no way Vivi will get that big. She wants to ride Meemee around and be together with her forever.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you. The net is closing.¡±


    A voice catches Vivi¡¯s attention from the opening ahead of her. She creeps towards the opening, peeking outside. Another voice replies, and she follows it, finding the people speaking just inside one of the rooms.


    ¡°I realize they¡¯ve captured some of us, and I realize it¡¯s only a matter of time before someone talks, but I think I have the best option yet. The Big One. It can¡¯t even hold its temper around those it trusts, let alone civilians.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re thinking what I believe you are, that¡¯s suicide.¡±


    ¡°Martyrdom is sometimes the only course.¡±


    ¡°Easiest said from the one who will live.¡±


    ¡°You know why I can¡¯t go. It¡¯ll blow the whole thing.¡±


    Vivi watches the two humans talk. She feels like she should recognize them, or at least one¡­ maybe. She¡¯s not sure why, though.


    When the two start walking down the hallway, she sneaks along the ceiling following the wires and pipes. Her long, thread-like tentacles make it easy for her to crawl across the ceiling and follow them. Something makes these two very¡­ interesting, and she¡¯s not sure why. It¡¯s not a happy interesting, like Khla¡¯s egg or Mina¡¯s tummy, or Grey¡¯s cigar. It¡¯s kind of a sad interesting that keeps her hooked.


    She follows the two humans as they continue talking quietly -though she can hear them fine-, ¡°Any ideas on who should try it? Ideally, if they can get away¡­¡±


    ¡°No matter who, they need to know what could happen.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll ask for volunteers first.¡±


    ¡°Do so. I¡¯ll make sure to run interference on my side.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe you can still put that cloth on.¡±


    ¡°I believe in the cloth. It¡¯s the leadership that¡¯s led us astray.¡±


    ¡°Amazing, isn¡¯t it? Didn¡¯t your guys suffer the most?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    The two humans approach a third, and Vivi watches them from above.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± whisper the other two.


    ¡°Any word on our imprisoned colleagues?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re being kept alive. Beyond that¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait. What¡¯s that?¡± The third human points directly at Vivi, and she tenses.


    The one who ¡®wears the cloth¡¯ -whatever that means- shouts suddenly, ¡°It¡¯s one of the squids! Don¡¯t let it escape!¡±


    Vivi squeaks in startled surprise. She tries to slip back up into the overhead, but she¡¯s knocked off of her conduit by a human she didn¡¯t see before. She falls to the deck, quickly spinning to try to avoid the hands grabbing at her. She pants frantically, terrified. ¡°M-Meemee!¡±


    The bodies around her are all much larger than her, and they¡¯re trying to trap her. She only subconsciously notices that the third human she saw fled away from them as the first two and a few others try to box her in.


    The tiny princess scrambles between legs, avoiding hands.


    Boom!


    She jumps when a boot slams down, narrowly missing her. She squeaks in fear, chirping frantically as she tumbles.


    ¡°DON¡¯T LET IT GET AWAY!¡±


    ¡°KEEP IT FROM MAKING NOISE!¡±


    That¡¯s it! Just like when she was with Melody and Little Bird.


    The tiny princess takes a deep breath, screaming as loud as she can.


    However, she is gripped quickly when she pauses, and a second hand covers her mouth. She shakes fearfully, her body tingling with fear and pain. Without thinking, she bites the hand over her mouth. Her mouth isn¡¯t big, but her teeth are among the hardest and sharpest things on the ship -not that she necessarily knows that-. She tastes blood, like the time she playfully bit Meemee, and red liquid came out. Meemee urged her to never bite anyone again, but she forgot the rule in the current moment.


    The hand releases her, but the other hand holding her body squeezes tighter, and she gasps, unable to inhale.


    One other thing special about her -a well fed little creature born to live on a world where EVERYTHING is difficult to eat- is the fact that the Cave Queen is second or equal to the Grodrrns for physical strength, making an infant cave princess far stronger than a human infant.


    Squirming desperately for her life, Vivi¡¯s tentacles wrap around the wrist and squeeze. Maybe she¡¯s trying to pull away, maybe squeeze the human¡¯s tendons, or maybe she has no idea what she¡¯s doing. In any case, her grip causes a faint crunching, and the human holding her cries out again. The grip relents, and Vivi throws herself to the deck again.


    She¡¯s crying frantically, but she breathes deep, screaming as long as she can. She pants briefly, screaming again and again.


    The human who wears the cloth starts to pull something from their belt¡¯s fabric pouch. It¡¯s similar to what the marines train with and use regularly. Vivi crawls, screaming as much as possible.


    Just before the human who wears a cloth can do anything else, a swift punch in the back causes him to cough red liquid.


    The phantom -like Vivi- moves across the ceiling with ease. However, it is only a little larger than a human, meaning it is not a Grodrrn or the Cave Queen.


    It looks a lot like Syretia, but has white skin. It drops down, swiftly knocking all of the other humans down with splashes of red liquid.


    The human that wears the cloth sinks to their knees, shaking lightly as the hand holding the marine thing sinks to the floor.


    The white Zarakyssn stands up, looking around. She spots Vivi and stares at the tiny princess shaking and shivering nervously.


    The Zarakyssn uses her foot to kick down on one of the humans trying to crawl away, and he cries out, going to sleep, apparently.


    ¡°{You¡¯re lucky, little Nizzkurezz. I don¡¯t have time to deal with you.}¡±


    Vivi doesn¡¯t know Zarakyssn, and she¡¯s learning Grodrrn -slowly-. She knows the words were said in Zarakyssn, and she could probably repeat them with ease, but she watches the white Zarakyssn fearfully.


    The white Zarakyssn hefts the human who wears the cloth over her shoulder, walking quickly -and silently- down the hall.


    Vivi doesn¡¯t know much about stealth or military actions or espionage or prisoners. She is friends with Syretia, she knows there are good humans and bad humans, good Zarakyssns and bad Zarakyssns, and good Grodrrns and bad Grodrrns. She doesn¡¯t know who is who in any of these categories, but more importantly, she doesn¡¯t realize the gravity of the thought that she -a cave princess- can¡¯t hear the white Zarakyssn walk. She vanishes down the hall around a corner, and Vivi curls into the smallest ball she can.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°DOWN ON DECK! NO MOVE!¡± A deep voice booms as heavy foot falls storm down the hallway from the way Vivi followed the humans. It¡¯s a Grodrrn in heavy metal armor, though she doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s Dzor or Khla. The Grodrrn says, seemingly to no one, ¡°MEDIC NEED! HUMANS DOWN!¡± He kneels, inspecting the humans that the white Zarakyssn knocked down.


    The tiny princess loses herself, whimpering before crying in her chirping, fluttering wail. She runs to the Grodrrn as he pivots in surprise. He instantly offers his hand, and she dives into his palm, hugging his hand as she cries. ¡°Vivi secure. Repeat, Vivi secure. Deck Two, Two-Two-Six cross corridor. Six humans down. Need medic immediate.¡±


    Vivi can hear a voice in the helmet reply, ¡°En route, Trooper. Hold position. Backup on the way.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative. No hostiles present.¡±


    Meemee is the first to run up, ¡°Vivi!? VIVI!¡± She runs to the Grodrrn shocktrooper, followed closely by a handful of other marines and another Grodrrn shocktrooper. The tiny princess jumps into Jessica¡¯s arms, crying unintelligibly as the young woman hugs her. ¡°Th-Thank you, Pwall¡¯kynn. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    The shocktrooper shakes his head, ¡°I no do this. They incapacitated when I arrive.¡±


    ¡°They were?¡± asks Grey from the other side as the grizzled Chief Petty Officer inspects the injuries.


    Pwall¡¯kynn nods. ¡°I smell sour. Zarakyssn.¡±


    ¡°Syretia?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Long squeaks, ¡°The Void Queen?¡±


    Grey instantly bolts up to his feet, shouting into his radio, ¡°SOMEONE CHECK ON VOID QUEEN ZEEANNSSII¡¯S CONTAINMENT!¡±


    He then turns to Long and Vivi, ¡°Vivi, tell us what you saw.¡±


    The princess keeps curled into a ball, clutching Jessica¡¯s armor tightly. Jessica tries to coo softly, ¡°Chief, she¡¯s scared. She needs time to¡­¡±


    ¡°We need to know what happened. Vivi, please, whatever you saw, it¡¯ll happen to others if you don¡¯t help.¡±


    Vivi whimpers, but she murmurs, ¡°H-Humies talking¡­¡± She repeats the words she heard as best as she can, running through the dialogue.


    Fisher replies as he approaches, ¡°Sounds like we¡¯re dealing with anti¡¯s.¡±


    Vivi continues, ¡°The-the third one was ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯, and they spotted me and I was knocked down and they tried to catch me and step on me, and I was scared and I tried to scweam, but they catched me, and I bited a hand¡­¡± She whimpers, ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry Meemee¡­¡±


    Jessica coos, ¡°It¡¯s okay baby. I¡¯m just so happy you¡¯re okay.¡± She kisses Vivi¡¯s head, and she asks, ¡°Can you keep telling us, Vivi?¡±


    Vivi nods wearily, ¡°The other hand wouldn¡¯t let go, so I squeezed it with my legs, and I fell and screamed and screamed and screamed, and a Zaksie hit the one who wears cloth, and he fell down and then she dropped to the floor and hit them all.¡±


    Grey asks, ¡°This Zarakyssn; what did she look like? Was it Syretia?¡±


    Fisher jokes softly, ¡°Jor will lose his mind if it is¡­¡±


    Vivi shakes her head. ¡°No. I no know who. She taller than humies, and she naked, and she all white.¡±


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡± hisses Grey. Just as he¡¯s about to talk into his radio again, a voice comes over the intercom, ¡°Security Alert, Security Alert! All hands; Prisoner Void Queen has escaped containment. Extremely dangerous and Extremely hostile. Location unknown.¡±


    Grey starts ordering, ¡°Troopers! Can you trace her?¡±


    Pwall¡¯kynn nods, ¡°Yes, Chief. I lead. Ready on order.¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°Long, Fisher, Pratt; get Vivi to medical and make sure she¡¯s okay. The rest of you, you¡¯re with us.¡±


    The second Grodrrn shocktrooper states, ¡°Chief Grey, I go with Long. Ensure detect Void Queen if need.¡±


    Grey thinks it over a moment and nods. ¡°Agreed. Any troopers you pass, send ¡®em our way.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Chief.¡±


    Just before they part, Vivi starts buzzing. She repeats the sounds she heard as best as she can remember. Pwall¡¯kynn turns, ¡°Say again, Vivi.¡±


    Vivi repeats the message.


    Long asks cautiously, ¡°Wh-What is she saying?¡±


    Pwall¡¯kynn admits, ¡°My Zarakyssn not strong, boot¡­ ¡®You luck Nizzkurrezz small. No time for meet you.¡¯¡± He looks at Grey.


    Long squeaks, ¡°Nizzkurrezz¡­ isn¡¯t that what the Zarakyssns call the Cave Queen?¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Think so. So, the Void Queen knew Vivi was present.¡±


    Vivi adds, ¡°White Zaksie also take humie who wears cloth.¡±


    ¡°Hostage!¡± He calls into the radio, ¡°This is Grey! Vivi says the Void Queen has a human hostage. Be advised, human hostage involved.¡±


    He then says to the group, ¡°You have your orders. Long, if Vivi says anything else we haven¡¯t heard yet, let us all know immediately. And if you encounter the Vee-Cue, call it in first.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡±


    ¡°GO!¡±


    The two groups split, and Long carries Vivi to the doctors. Vivi usually hates doctors, but she stays curled up against her Meemee¡¯s chest. Jessica coos, ¡°You scared me Vivi. You shouldn¡¯t have run off like that.¡±


    ¡°Sowwy Meemee¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just¡­ Please stop trying to find hiding places.¡±


    ¡°Otay¡­¡± The little princess pouts softly, and Fisher says gently, ¡°Glad you¡¯re safe, little Princess. Meemee¡¯s right, but you did good to try to stay alive.¡±


    She looks up at him, and he nods. ¡°Those were bad people, though. They want to hurt you and Melody and all of our friends. So you gotta be careful.¡±


    ¡°White Zaksie friend?¡± asks the innocent little girl.


    There¡¯s an awkward pause, and Fisher says gently, ¡°We¡¯ll, uh, have to ask her when we find her.¡±


    Long hugs Vivi close and protectively.


    Vivi doesn¡¯t understand the greater politics surrounding the fleet. Her ship is the most contentious for reasons beyond her wisdom. But, she¡¯s thankful to have such a loving and caring Meemee, and her friends, and even the white queen for reasons she may never know.


    After all, the white Zarakyssn was a prisoner.


    ***


    Colorlessness is but a readiness for color.


    The Azure Queen opens her eyes from her meditations. Interesting developments are occurring.


    She and her Void Queens have the same divine bond as any of the Shining Daughters. It is an ability of all Queens necessary for many reasons; sharing intelligence, emotional support -though it rarely gets used in that capacity-, tactical advantages, and even teaching. No Queen is truly alone when they can reach the bond, which is why Shining Daughters avoid gold like fire. It is a natural energy sink to the interspatial connection they all share. Though no one quite knows how it works, by her reckoning, the Shining Daughters have known about the detriments of gold for centuries, likely before they ever even expanded off of the homeworld.


    Unlike most Shining Daughters, though, the Azure Queen discovered that it¡¯s possible to detach oneself from the bond with enough mental clarity, self-awareness, and willpower. This, of course, was relatively easy for the apex predator, possessing the mind of a Zarakyssn and the willpower of a Grodrrn. And, she was able to teach this ability to her sisters, the Void Queens.


    With that said, though, it is simply a switch on or off. They can¡¯t connect only to each other in secret unless they are near each other -as a Queen to her own army-. If they connect to the galaxy-spanning divine bond, they are connected to all of the Shining Daughters in the bond. As such, the Azure Queen and her Void Queens have developed secret codes to alert each other and communicate in the shortest of terms while saying the most important details needed.


    That phrase, ¡®Colorlessness is but a readiness for color¡¯, like one of the empty prayers said by the Shining Daughters throughout the day and at almost random, is mundane, meaningless, bland, and all but complete white noise tuned out by those Shining Daughters on the front lines of the expansion. Many of the ascended queens in the interior of the territory feel the need to offer prayers.


    Of course, the Azure Queen -not blinded by zealotry- knows exactly what it is.


    Boredom.


    The ascended queens, or ¡®Blessed Queens¡¯ as they call themselves, have nothing better to do. Their self-righteousness stinks of arrogance and narcissism. They preach the words of ¡®the stones¡¯, but none of them have ever seen the stones themselves. Many Zarakyssn queens see the homeworld only as children and then may never see it again.


    And, if it were up to the blessed queens, the chosen queen, and every other Zarakyssn that exists, the Azure Queen would never have visited the homeworld even once, let alone as often as she lets herself onto the planet¡¯s surface.


    Ships travel in thick shipping lines to and from the homeworld, bringing supplies, food, slaves, newborn queens, and everything else of logistical or luxurious purpose to the upper elites who live there. It can be sensory overload to those who haven¡¯t seen it, as the shipping lanes are crowded, and they¡¯re strictly enforced by a vast military presence in orbit over the homeworld.


    And of course, the Azure Queen grins wickedly at the thought. The only reason she¡¯s entrusted to raise and lead the Void Queens is because she demanded it, and if she didn¡¯t get her way, would seize what she wanted. After all, she¡¯s a terrible example for Shining Daughters to live by.


    But perfect for Void Queens.


    She turns around on the bridge as her ship enters orbit around the closest moon; a heavily fortified military installation that is intended to keep all lines of sight and fire open.


    The Azure Queen will not be parking where the lesser queens park. She wouldn¡¯t even lower herself to park where the blessed queens park. She is not a sister, and so, she will not behave like one.


    She will be the apex predator they fear.


    The Azure Queen says gently to Mmnorrynn, ¡°{Our sister is alive, darling Sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Zeeannssii?}¡± whispers the addressed Void Queen in surprise.


    The reptilian queen licks her tooth gap idly, replying casually, ¡°{Indeed.}¡±


    Gree¡¯ato squeaks, ¡°{W-Will she be re-go h-home, Geeztress?}¡±


    The Azure Queen looks at her with a smirk. ¡°[Afraid, my darling little Sister?]¡±


    ¡°[No, of course not, Dear Sister! Sister Zeeannssii was very kind to me.]¡±


    This statement is surprisingly sincere, and it¡¯s a known fact. Zeeannssii could be brash at times, but she also was one of the Void Queens received by the Azure Queen at a very young age, accepting the Azure Queen¡¯s teachings much more easily than the superiority complex the Shining Daughters preach. She has no doubt that her Void Queen sisters would die to protect Gree¡¯ato because it is the order the Azure Queen gave, but not all of them truly accept the young Grodrrn as a sister. That is acceptable, so long as they never harm her physically or disparage her for what she is.


    Polishing a tooth with her finger, the hybrid queen retorts, ¡°[Indeed, if she can free herself, she will do so. Let us pray for her strength.]¡±


    She is not disinterested, of course. She truly does want all of her sisters to return safely. But, she knows that is not always the case. She accepts life and death for what they are, and nothing more. Zeeannssii carried out a mission and was captured, failing in the meantime. But, if she can complete her mission still, then the mission is not over.


    Additionally, it tells her about her enemies; they are merciful to a fault. She will destroy them with their compassion. After meeting her own ends of course.


    ¡°{Vessel, your credentials aren¡¯t coming through. You can not orbit your ship at this location. Move immediately or perish.}¡±


    The Azure Queen snickers, and the Void Queens around her hum humorously as well. She muses dryly, ¡°{And here, I thought my ship alone was recognizable. Connect me.}¡± She doesn¡¯t bother facing the communication system. The screen comes alive, and the Blessed Queen preparing to threaten her again starts, ¡°{Vessel, you-...}¡± She trails off, and the Azure Queen can almost smell the fear across space.


    ¡°{Y-You?}¡± squeaks the suddenly more-timid Queen.


    ¡°{Me,}¡± retorts the Azure Queen with confidence, calmness, and coldness more solid than the coldest metal.


    ¡°{Y-Y-Your arrival wasn¡¯t announced¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Because I didn¡¯t announce myself. My ship will be staying here. And no, none of you have permission or authority to board. Don¡¯t try. Additionally, since you seem quite young, you may not know. My presence falls under the great stones of Burrgynnzhii. I¡¯ll expect proper response.}¡±


    The pathetic insect visibly shakes, her antennae twitching uncontrollably. She looks like she wants to say something, but she affirms with a simple head motion, cutting the link.


    Gree¡¯ato asks nervously, ¡°[Dear Sister¡­?]¡±


    ¡°[Do not fret, darling Gree.]¡± She pets Gree¡¯ato¡¯s shoulder gently. ¡°[I don¡¯t exist.]¡± The Void Queens snicker around them, and the Azure Queen says to Urrzzvynnurr, ¡°{Ready the shuttle, darling Urrzzvynnurr. We¡¯ll go aground in [10 minutes].}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Dear Sister.}¡±


    The hybrid queen faces Gree¡¯ato, ¡°[You are free to explore, but do not betray my trust, darling Gree. I will not hesitate to destroy this ship.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato giggles, replying gently, ¡°[Never Dear Sister. I know you do not bluff.]¡±


    The ruling Queen pets Gree¡¯ato¡¯s head gently. ¡°[Good. Excuse us, Sister. We¡¯ll return before nightfall, I expect. This world is filthy with things I can¡¯t stand.]¡±


    ¡°[Best of luck, Dear Sisters.]¡± Gree¡¯ato bows gently.


    The Azure Queen and her escorts make for the shuttle, and Mmnorrynn pilots them as instructed by the Azure Queen.


    That is to say, they will not be flying in line with the approved shipping lanes. The Azure Queen¡¯s time-wasting is precious. The queens wanted to question her mission, she will question their authority. Openly.


    Naturally, the alien shuttle with only an IFF signal draws the attention of the rest of the military patrols in the region. All ships are supposed to have identifying information, from the ruling queen owning the ship to the region she serves in. And, the Azure Queen rarely hesitates to flaunt her special status; monster for hire.


    They hate her. But, they need her. She hates them. She needs none of them.


    Still, her lessers are fools. And she cautions, ¡°{Mmnorrynn, be ready to evade.}¡±


    ¡°{Always, Dear Sister.}¡±


    ***

 Chapter 52: The Zarakyssn Assasin

    Boarding ships attempt to approach the Azure Queen¡¯s personal ship, since she blatantly refuses to follow protocol. There have been times the patrols opened fire immediately, and the Void Queens fought them off successfully. But, the Azure Queen was also more confrontational this time than other times, and as soon as a Shining Daughter sees her, the entire horde knows she¡¯s present. Likely, they know this apparent rogue ship is the Azure Queen, but they have to play it safe.


    Of course, the irony is, the Grodrrn warrior Mrrk¡¯lah snuck to the surface by flying in the shipping lanes, managing to fool the blockades and customs stations and reach the surface virtually unchallenged. After all, in what universe would one Grodrrn be able to single-handedly fly to the surface of the Zarakyssn homeworld?


    This universe.


    And, she learned from him. She didn¡¯t shun or hide from history. She used it.


    Mmnorrynn reports, ¡°{They¡¯re getting dangerously close, Dear Sister. Locking on.}¡±


    ¡°{That¡¯s fine. Just stay on course and ready to evade.}¡±


    ¡°{Yes, Dear Sister.}¡±


    The reptilian queen sits calmly, scraping one of her teeth idly. They are her pride; the one thing no Zarakyssn will ever have. They have taken many lives, struck fear into the souls of all around her, and torn into the flesh of the one being she hates most.


    Mmnorrynn flies as if she¡¯s ignoring the patrollers as much as possible. She doesn¡¯t sprint away from them, but obviously drifts away from them as they try to slow down to clamp onto the shuttle.


    Finally, they attempt to communicate. ¡°{Incoming communication, Dear Sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Send audio only. Tell them they¡¯re risking death.}¡± The Void Queens snicker, and Mmnorrynn says warmly, ¡°{Yes, Dear Sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Pursuing craft. Leave the area immediately or perish. Your blood stinks of fear.}¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and she replies, ¡°{They still want to connect, Dear Sister.}¡±


    ¡°{So be it. Let them see me and cower.}¡±


    The patrolling soldier¡¯s face appears, and it recoils. It chatters in panic, seeing an apparent Grodrrn flying in. But, its face quickly disappears. Soon after, the ships break off pursuit, flying back to their patrols.


    She smirks. The queen commanding the soldiers patrolling clearly recognized her. It may be the same queen commanding the moon base, but it doesn¡¯t matter ultimately. She is the apex predator, and her Void Queens are only a step below her.


    The shuttle flies past all of the slow moving shipping lanes with superhaulers, horde ships, battleships, cruisers, captured ships, slave ships, and medical ships. All of them have to go through the bureaucracy. There are likely queens in that line that wanted to convene with the Chosen Queen about the humans. Zarakyssns wait in those lines to land on their homeworld. This is not the homeworld of the Azure Queen or her Void Queens. In fact, they are quite unwelcome.


    But, refusing the Azure Queen is tantamount to questioning her authority. Ever since her rise, the queens are cautious about such reckless actions when they are unwarranted. She may be a ferocious and spiteful outcast, but she is still loyal to the horde. In fact, she¡¯s the most loyal one in the horde, and most of them don¡¯t even know it.


    The reception is icy and fearful. It¡¯s understandable. If a queen arrived unannounced to her castle, the Azure Queen would all but kill her. Of course, her outcast status has more to do with this reception. The queens fear her, they respect her out of necessity, but they do not love her.


    One of the heavy-set blessed queens slowly ambles towards her, greeting her, ¡°{Sister, welcome. We did not expect¡­}¡±


    ¡°{Get out of my way, egg-dumper. I won¡¯t be distracted.}¡±


    She follows her nose. The palace changes around every few [years], but the chosen queen doesn¡¯t change over often. And, she doesn¡¯t move very quickly. Her fertile, matriarchal body is large and heavy, much like the blessed queen.


    ¡°{Wait!}¡± calls the blessed queen in a futile attempt. The Azure Queen and her entourage of Void Queens march past with purpose. Soldiers belonging most likely to the chosen queen line the corridor, standing with tall spears and grafted weapons. Just one of her Void Queens could clear this hallway in a matter of minutes. Their weapons are concealed in their dresses, as always. And, as always, the Azure Queen¡¯s presence alone sends fear through every soldier she towers over -which is all of them-.


    The chosen queen is old enough to know, and as such, she doesn¡¯t try to impede the reptilian ruler.


    She finds the enlarged queen in the baths, being washed by workers as over a dozen blessed queens join her.


    Zarakyssns don¡¯t wear footwear of any kind. Grodrrns wear armored boots with solid silicone soles. So, her footfalls sound nothing like the scraping, light sounds of a Zarakyssn. Even her Void Queens are wearing footwear. Zarakyssns are resistant to toxins of all kinds, bacterias on even new worlds, and all sorts of other lethal agents. However, other than the presence they provide, there¡¯s never a reason not to be protected against those things they are vulnerable to.


    And, her boots keep filthy insect blood off of her feet if it comes to that.


    Many of the ¡®blessed¡¯ queens in the bath are startled to see her, but the chosen queen stays relaxed. The chosen queen is several times larger than the Azure Queen, in spite of their comparable ages. Grodrrns grow relatively slowly and live a lot longer, but it¡¯s unlikely even she will grow to the size of the highest ruling queen of the Zarakyssn horde.


    Especially because her predatory nature keeps her much more fit and agile. Just as she¡¯ll never be as big as the chosen queen, the chosen queen -and no other queen- could ever hope to be as strong as the apex predator.


    ¡°{Sister¡­ Welcome.}¡± The chosen queen¡¯s voice is slow and deliberate. Luxury makes queens lazy, and through it, even their speech reflects their lack of respect for time.


    The Azure Queen states plainly as her Void Queens intentionally circle the room, making their presence fully known, ¡°{I was to understand my mission was my mission. After all, YOU asked me to undertake it.}¡± She walks into the bath with her boots and all, causing some of the blessed queens to squirm. Visible mud, blood, soot, and oil trails off of her well-used boots. She takes a seat on the stairs as the blessed queens shift closer to each other and as far as possible from her. The nectar soaks her armored elegant dress, and its heat seeps into her body. She can feel her own energy nearly super-charging. The reptilian chimera lounges in the nectar in her spot on the stairs. The blessed queens likely haven¡¯t realized that they¡¯re trapped.


    The chosen queen, who is also helpless to escape now if she wanted to, is still calm. She, like the wisest of the queens, knows that the only real way to deal with their outcast sister is to stay as calm as possible with her.


    ¡°{It is... and will always be... your mission, sister, unless¡­ you desire¡­ aid.}¡±


    ¡°{Mmm.}¡± The hybrid Queen reveals her teeth as she disinterestedly polishes one with a sharp nail. ¡°{I was surprised when a messenger came to my palace to attempt to fish a status out of me.}¡±


    The chosen queen strains briefly, and one of the workers receives an egg as it¡¯s laid. It starts to approach the stairs of the bath, but it slows when it gets close to the Azure Queen, who makes no effort to get out of the way. She waves the worker over, and the worker obediently approaches.


    The Azure Queen pets the egg gently, still lounging. ¡°{Mmm. A drone. Never too many drones.}¡±


    She shifts a little, letting the worker pass without further hinderance.


    ¡°{The messenger was¡­ ill advised¡­ The collective pondered¡­ your progress¡­ And some¡­ rushed to¡­ please.}¡±


    ¡°{I see. Well, since I¡¯m here; we¡¯ve learned many things. Mnnorrynn?}¡±


    The addressed Void Queen says from behind a handful of blessed Queens as she idly kneels to touch the nectar, ¡°{The mammals -humans, they call themselves- are travelling in a nomadic fleet. Their homeworld was apparently wiped out by the Fievegal.}¡±


    The blessed queens murmur to each other in surprise, and one of them challenges, ¡°{The information we obtained from our imprisoned sister indicates these mammals are allies with the Fievegal.}¡±


    ¡°{But a small sect of the Fievegal, by what we¡¯ve learned further.}¡±


    The chosen queen gestures at Mnnorrynn, ¡°{Please, sister. Join us if you wish.}¡± The blessed queens desperately look at the chosen queen, but Mnnorrynn refuses politely, ¡°{No thank you. I would not wish to taint your nectar.}¡±


    The Azure Queen smirks at the passive-aggressive remark. It¡¯s an obvious jab at all of the queens in the bath, save the Azure Queen.


    ¡°{How do you know this about the Fievegalizz if we do not?}¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr replies this time from one of the walls of the room, ¡°{Our sister has infiltrated their lead ship. The traitor has inadvertently told our sister more than she knows.}¡±


    The Azure Queen waves her hand lazily, stating, ¡°{Now, now, Darling Sister, we don¡¯t fully know or comprehend our rebellious little sister¡¯s motivations. She IS responsible for keeping our Sister alive, no doubt.}¡±


    ¡°{Of course, dear Sister. My sincerest apologies.}¡±


    One of the blessed queens hisses, ¡°{Such talk is blasphemy-...}¡±


    The chosen queen tries to stop her, ¡°{Sister!-...}¡±


    The predatory queen, however, grins her sharp-toothed, evil grin. ¡°{My existence is a blasphemy, just as is what I know YOU do on a regular basis.}¡±


    The blessed queen tenses, horrified. The bath starts to stink of fear, rather than condescension and hate. The reptilian chimera growls a pleased and predatory growl, ¡°{Yesss. I know all, dear sister.}¡±


    The chosen queen tries to derail the conversation, saying, ¡°{We are well aware... of your intellect, Sister... And, we are all... aware that all rulerships... have hypocrisies. Let us return¡­ to the topic¡­ you came all this way¡­ to discuss.}¡±


    The Azure Queen smiles and bows her head. ¡°{Of course.}¡± She then says in Grodrrn, ¡°[Tell them of the Saurmynnyka.]¡± Her gaze is locked on the chosen queen, but she can see the blessed queens squirm when she commits yet another blasphemy on the homeworld.


    ¡°{As you wish, dear Sister.}¡± Mnnorrynn stands up, wiping her hands together to clean off the nectar of the bath, ¡°{We now know that the Saurmynnyka of the Fievegal has been assassinated. The Fievegal believe the humans are responsible.}¡±


    This shocks even the stoic chosen queen. The Fievegal has kept news of the Saurmynnyka¡¯s demise rather silent beyond the veil of their territory. They also never speak of it to or around the two Zarakyssns onboard their ship, nor do the humans. But then, the chimera queen doesn¡¯t need to hear it from any of them.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The chosen queen asks more seriously, ¡°{How can this be? We have heard no such rumors.}¡±


    ¡°{This is no rumor. The Saurmynnyka is dead. The Fievegal launched a desperate mission to retrieve a fertile human in hopes of bio-hosting a Saurmynnyka embryo, but for now, there are very few Fievegalizz being born.}¡±


    One of the blessed queens, likely the newest ascended from uniter queen, jumps to her feet, saying desperately, ¡°{We must launch an offensive at once. Even if we must meet the Fievegal in a war of attrition, this is our opportunity!}¡±


    The Azure Queen dips a finger in the bath, tasting the liquid. It¡¯s clear the queens have been in the nectar for a while, as it has the taste of the waxy pre-chitin that slowly solidifies into the natural plating the insectoids have. She muses with very little interest, ¡°{You are welcome to try. But, the might of the Fievegal military has not decreased. And, they will likely concentrate efforts to assault this world. They may even rally allies from other empires if it means stopping us.}¡±


    The queen who rose accuses caustically, ¡°{YOUR arrogance has always been apparent. You may be descended of those blasphemous monsters, but they are NOT superior.}¡±


    The other queens desperately tried to get her to stop, but her emotions -unchecked by her luxury- got the better of her.


    For their part, none of the Void Queens even flinch or react. It¡¯s not that they don¡¯t care or agree on any level. It¡¯s that they know that, if the Azure Queen is insulted, she will deal with it herself.


    And for her own part, the reptilian ruler rises slowly to her feet, emerging to her full height as the nectar drips from her dress. The blessed queen¡¯s posture shifts and she shrinks a little. The chosen queen quickly says, ¡°{Sister, forgive her outburst. Your advice is heard and heeded. We must make this decision with more information.}¡±


    The Azure Queen gives no indication of her thoughts just yet though. When she does, she says warmly, ¡°{I¡¯ve clearly overstayed my welcome, haven¡¯t I? Well, then, I shall return to my business. I¡¯ll inform you when our rebellious sister and her daughter have been dealt with.}¡± She turns, walking elegantly up out of the bath as the Void Queens fall into step behind her.


    ¡°{Sister,}¡± calls out the chosen queen. The hybrid queen halts long enough to turn partially, and the Void Queens match her. ¡°{Thank you.}¡±


    The Azure Queen snorts. ¡°{I live to serve.}¡±


    With that, the Azure Queen leaves.


    ¡°{Sister¡­}¡± starts Mmnnorrynn as they board their shuttle. ¡°{We didn¡¯t tell them that the humans aren¡¯t responsible for the Saurmynnyka.}¡±


    ¡°{I considered it, truly.}¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr states, ¡°{We were ready to defend your honor, dear Sister. Do you feel it was wise, how you departed though?}¡±


    The chimera queen nods casually, ¡°{Indeed. Worse for them than me murdering a blessed queen on the homeworld in front of the others is when I, the Apex, leave the room in apparent defeat or humility. They will be more fearful of what I left unsaid and mull it over nervously.}¡±


    The Void Queens snicker together, and they head back to the Azure Queen¡¯s ship.


    The Azure Queen is disgusted with this world.


    ***


    ¡°What is she after?¡±


    ¡°Unknown! Keep trying to isolate her!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got three more casualties on main deck! Medical teams en route.¡±


    ¡°Pwall¡¯kynn, are we getting close?¡±


    Grey looks at the Grodrrn shocktrooper leading them. More than once, the Void Queen Zeeannssii scattered traces of her own blood and chitin down different halls using balls, bolts, and anything else she seems to have used to throw the Grodrrns off at least momentarily. Zeeannssii obviously knows Grodrrns are serving on the ship, but more importantly, unlike the other Zarakyssns, she seems to have a better understanding of the reptilian warriors. She¡¯s also quick to cut down human soldiers with ease, showing very little resistance. She seems to be extraordinarily stealthy compared to her counterparts.


    Pwall¡¯kynn slams a fist on the floor, ¡°Another decoy! Apology, Chief. She is close, boot staying ahead.¡±


    ¡°Keep us moving. Fisher, are the small fries and the Chaplain secure?¡±


    Fisher¡¯s voice comes over the radio, ¡°Yes Chief. Dumas linked up with Tachibana, and they¡¯re securing honey pot and over-easy. Mr. Long is on his way.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Long¡­?¡± murmurs Grey. His thought is interrupted when Pwall¡¯kynn shouts, ¡°CONTACT FORWARD! Friendlies hot!¡±


    The marines swarm around him to take aim, but they¡¯re forced to hold fire. Sure enough, Zeeannsii is in the hallway, but she has three human hostages at the moment; one pinned to a wall with her foot, one over her shoulder, and the third gripped by the throat and being held between her and the squad. Several more marines are incapacitated on the floor.


    Zeeannssii grumbles in Grodrrn, [Irritating mammals. Why do you not fear what is more powerful than you?]¡±


    Pwall¡¯kynn chuckles, ¡°[That certainly would have made life easier.]¡±


    Grey notices the hostage on her shoulder, though. It¡¯s a very familiar male officer; Commander Hitch.


    ¡°Chief! That¡¯s the Commander!¡±


    ¡°I see him. Pwall¡¯kynn, order her to release them and we¡¯ll spare her.¡±


    ¡°[Void Queen Zeeannssii, release hostages and surrender, or we will execute you.]¡±


    ¡°[You are the ones who throw away more lives in attempts to save others. What will you-...]¡±


    Grey fires. His rifle round hits the hostage marine low in the abdomen. The hybrid rounds are highly armor-piercing in order to combat the Grodrrns, so it passes through the human body with ease, hitting the Void Queen in the middle right of her abdomen. She shrieks, stumbling as she drops the yelling marine.


    The follow-up goes to her, however, as she reacts from her stumble without hesitation. She leaps backwards into one of the maintenance corridors behind her, toppling the marine she had pinned with a foot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let her get away!¡± shouts Grey. The marines storm after her, but Pwall¡¯kynn is forced to hesitate.


    The Grodrrn¡¯s large size won¡¯t let him fit in the corridor. Grey orders, ¡°Stabilize the downed marines! Dumas, let¡¯s move!¡±


    Pwall¡¯kynn asks, ¡°How you track?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s bleeding. Hopefully, we can trace it. Get squads securing all exits, though. We may be able to trap her inside.¡±


    Pwall¡¯kynn replies, ¡°At once, Chief. Good luck.¡±


    ¡°You too.¡±


    Grey and Dumas jog down the maintenance corridor. Dumas asks as they pursue the white Zarak queen, ¡°Do you think she realizes who she has, Chief? She¡¯s never met Hitch, did she?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She specifically held onto him. But, how did she know?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think¡­ Syretia wouldn¡¯t slip her intel, would she?¡±


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not a frickin¡¯ mind reader. Let¡¯s just catch this bug and worry about it later.¡±


    Dumas chuckles, ¡°Aye Chief.¡±


    The two follow the tunnels and the trail of blood, diligent of their quarry. It¡¯s very possible that the Queen is more of a formidable hunter than either marine could ever be, but Grey is a soldier. He may not be immune to traps, but he has battle-hardened reflexes and instincts.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you shot him.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Y-... You didn¡¯t hesitate¡­¡±


    ¡°She was counting on hesitation.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ you shot one of ours.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m ever the one in that position, I¡¯d expect nothing less of you, Dumas. I did my best to make it non lethal, but clearly it wasn¡¯t lethal enough for the bug.¡±


    ¡°R-... Right¡­¡±


    The two check corners carefully, keeping low as they do in case the Queen is waiting for them. It seems like she¡¯s moving quickly, though.


    The real question, then, is her destination.


    The trail leads out of the maintenance corridor. It isn¡¯t far for the two to find Zeeannssii trying to keep close to a door as she attempts to bypass the electronics to open it. She has Hitch seated against the door.


    The door isn¡¯t just any door, though. It¡¯s an airlock.


    Grey knows a little of the Grodrrn language. He can understand it more than speak it, but he also knows a few words. ¡°[Stand down!]¡±


    Zeeannssii doesn¡¯t even glance. She simply grips Hitch with her foot and holds him acrobatically between herself and the two Marines. They hesitate this time. Hitch is already wounded, and the Void Queen is keeping her profile small as she works. She is deftly working the panel.


    She does retort dryly, ¡°[You should be thanking me, human.]¡±


    ¡°[Thanks? Why?]¡±


    Dumas barks, ¡°Chief, I don¡¯t have a shot! We have to recover the Commander!¡±


    This time, Zeeannssii glances at Grey. ¡°[I protected the Nizzkurrezz. Not my intent, of course. But, she lives, yes?]¡±


    Grey paces in a wide arc, trying to find a line of sight. ¡°[You¡¯ve killed.]¡±


    ¡°[I¡¯m not your ally.]¡±


    The door opens, and the Queen grips Hitch in a moment of triumph.


    However, a deep, predatory growl fills the hallway from the airlock, and Grey realizes who Fisher was talking about.


    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor steps out of the airlock, flexing his body. It¡¯s no secret he¡¯s still recovering from his first encounter with the white queen, but even now, he radiates power.


    The Void Queen launches into a fast and brutal attack, whirling away from Hitch momentarily to punch Dzor quickly several times. She even runs up his chest, kicking his chin as she backflips away from him.


    He flinches some, but he is ultimately unharmed.


    The Zarak Void Queen doesn¡¯t relent, though. She acrobatically kicks off of the far wall, swooping behind the Grodrrn through a tiny gap between his side and the doorway. She attempts to hang from the overhead and swing in a kick to drive Dzor away, but he isn¡¯t as slow as his large form would suggest. The Grodrrn commandant manages to spin, elbowing powerfully and maneuvering into several hand-to-hand slashes and parries with the Void Queen.


    The much smaller insect isn¡¯t hurting the Grodrrn, but she is holding her own. She taunts during a lull, ¡°[My Queen would give you the worth of this fleet to know how you survived a fall from orbit.]¡±


    ¡°[I will give you your life to know why you took that human.]¡±


    ¡°[What are they to you? Do you not believe they killed your Saurmynnyka?]¡±


    Dzor cocks his head skeptically. But, instead, he states, ¡°[The Saurmynnyka was misguided.]¡±


    Grey calls out, ¡°Jor, Commander¡¯s secured.¡±


    The Queen glances behind her at the outer airlock door. She won¡¯t be able to escape through it with the Grodrrn so close, even if her escape ship is still waiting. She hums angrily. ¡°[My life for an answer, yes? You are a creature of honor?]¡±


    Dzor snorts, ¡°[More than you, scaleless.]¡±


    ¡°[Scaleless? Your prospective mate has softer skin than I.]¡±


    A deep growl fills the room, rumbling the airlock. She puts her hands up to try to disarm him, stating quickly, ¡°[That human I took is not on your side. Blind luck that I found it.]¡±


    ¡°[Commander Hitch is an honorable leader. Your deceit will not work on me.]¡±


    She points accusingly at him, ¡°[You wanted the truth as I know it. I took an enemy of my enemy.]¡±


    ¡°[You knew your prior targets would be the first we would defend. So, you hoped to escape with intelligence in the form of a prisoner.]¡±


    She affirms with the Grodrrn nod, ¡°[Is the traitor calling herself Syretia really worth all of this? An unhatched egg?]¡±


    ¡°[There is no future in killing everyone else. The strongest armies are built of allies, not bodies.]¡±


    The Queen relaxes. ¡°[You¡­ truly believe that¡­ don¡¯t you?]¡±


    ¡°[What concern of it is yours?]¡±


    Zeeannssii sinks to a seated position on the floor, waiting patiently for the marines to surround her. Dzor stands watch over her, and she replies softly, ¡°[You are not so different from my Queen, I think.]¡±


    ¡°[I am surprised you didn¡¯t melt into shadow for saying so.]¡±


    She twitches -a Zarakyssn equivalent to a scoff-. ¡°[You know surprisingly much of the Horde. You know nothing of my Queen.]¡± She adds as she looks away, ¡°[But then, she has spoken of the Grodrrn belief in knowing everything they can about the enemy.]¡±


    ¡°[Your queen seems to follow a similar doctrine.]¡±


    She says nothing further, and the marines swarm in. Grey asks calmly, ¡°She say anything good, Yarjen?¡±


    Dzor nods. ¡°I will report when secure.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Tell her not to resist. We¡¯re not feeling too compassionate now.¡±


    The Grodrrn nods. ¡°[Do not resist. They will not hesitate.]¡±


    ¡°[They shouldn¡¯t. They should¡¯ve executed me many times over.]¡±


    Dzor snorts. ¡°What did she say?¡± asks Grey.


    ¡°She agree with me.¡± He then says to Zeeannssii, ¡°[You live because the humans wish. Admiral Long included.]¡±


    ¡°[You should come by, Yarjen. I might be compelled to speak.]¡± The marines lead the insectoid queen out of the airlock.


    Grey tells the Grodrrn once the Queen is out of earshot, ¡°You should probably swing by Medical, Yarjen. Looks like the Queen gave you a few jabs.¡±


    ¡°I will live.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a master assassin, Yarjen. Go get it looked at, or I¡¯ll be forced to speak to you know who.¡±


    Dzor growls more quietly than usual. ¡°I will not let her become leevarage against me.¡±


    ¡°I know in a standoff, it wouldn¡¯t work. But do you REALLY want to chance it when all you have to do is get signed off that the Vee Cue didn¡¯t do any serious internal damage?¡±


    Dzor crosses his arms. ¡°My business is complete here. I go to Medical. But, not because you tell.¡±


    ¡°Right. Thanks for stopping her, Yarjen.¡±


    Dzor nods and makes his way up the hall.


    As the medics move Hitch onto a stretcher, however, Grey takes notice of something pairs of eyes have yet to gather.


    A tiny sliver of blood on Hitch¡¯s right hand.


    ***

 Chapter 53: Mysteries of an Escape Artist

    When did Earth shrink? When did it become so small?


    Once upon a time, humankind believed the edges of the world were the seas themselves, and then they invented boats. Then, the world was measured in months of travel by boat, shrinking as boats improved.


    Then came airplanes. The world suddenly became measured in hours.


    But, a person could still only encounter a finite number of people, yes?


    Then came the internet. Even thousands of miles away, humans could speak to each other and share the world as if in the same room.


    When humanity set out for the stars, the solar system holding their meager little star was measured in months. And when alien invaders arrived, they stole technology making the whole Milky Way measurable in a comparable time.


    And, in that shrinkage of the galaxy, they discovered they were not alone in the universe.


    Many of those other beings, like the different races of humans on Earth, do not get along on first encounter. The only advantage for the human fleet is the fact that they are a tiny fish in a very big pond, and they¡¯ve formed an informal treaty of non-interference with one of the largest fish.


    Tireless work has gone into all of it, from stealing and reverse-engineering technology from the adversaries, to developing new from scratch. And, at the vanguard of much of that has been a rookie marine turned navy officer, Ensign Rex Hancock.


    He¡¯s currently wearing a suit of amplified armor. It¡¯s not true ¡°power armor¡± from the traditional science fiction sense. The suit protects and amplifies his joints, and internal systems control his body conditions more than the traditional marine EVA armor that they¡¯ve been wearing. Yes, like power armor, it allows the wearer to lift much heavier objects and make super-human movements that would be impossible without, but it¡¯s far from the armor of a superhero or futuristic soldier-scouts.


    With that said, it does have an assortment of electronics onboard that can help the young officer identify the atmosphere of the worlds he¡¯s on, robust communications systems, and a rudimentary medical unit developed from the Grodrrn regenerator technology. Hancock is certainly far from surviving entire magazines of rifle ammo, but it can keep him alive if something happens in a hostile environment.


    It also has more intentional controls for the jetpack, making it a little easier to fly. Though the thrust capacity of the jetpack is impressive, the full burst proved very risky -even though it probably saved Hancock¡¯s and Lopez¡¯s lives during the Supernova Blitz-.


    ¡°Okay, Rex. Um¡­ We¡¯ll be drawing vacuum and then pressurizing to two atmospheres. Ready?¡±


    ¡°Marshmallow man test, aye.¡± He glances at Lopez, who is operating the chamber he¡¯s in. She smirks, adjusting her glasses. She replies dryly, ¡°If my job was done right, you shouldn¡¯t marshmallow this time.¡±


    ¡°Aww¡­ That was my favorite part.¡± She smirks, and he can hear the air start pumping down. Soon, he can feel the pressure relaxing from the suit, and his ears start to pop. It¡¯s not painfully uncomfortable yet, but he can tell. He rocks his jaw from side to side to alleviate the difference in pressure. His regulator also switches over. He asks through the radio, ¡°Any improvements on the rebreather times?¡±


    ¡°You do realize I¡¯m not the only scientist, right?¡±


    ¡°WHAAAAAT!?¡±


    ¡°I can tell you the status of the ultraluminal cannon.¡±


    The marine chuckles, ¡°Did you name that yourself?¡±


    Lopez pouts. ¡°Yes. Why? You think it¡¯s stupid?¡±


    ¡°No. Actually, it¡¯s kinda awesome.¡±


    ¡°I asked myself what nonsensical thing a marine would call it.¡±


    This causes him to laugh. ¡°I approve, Doc. I approve.¡±


    Someone jogs up to Lopez, which startles her, and she recoils behind her laptop, holding it between herself and the newcomer. The newcomer tries to talk to her, but she stares at him with her deer-in-the-headlights look. He gestures at the radio, and then steps up. ¡°Ensign Hancock?¡±


    The rookie officer replies dryly, ¡°Uh, no, this is¡­ Craig. Sometimes known as ¡®the Moustache¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you and Doctor Lopez have a call from the Polonia.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Alright. Did they say what?¡±


    ¡°Afraid not, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess it is a day that ends in ¡®y¡¯.¡± He states more seriously, ¡°Alright Doc. Sorry to abort, but do you mind repressurizing?¡±


    Lopez nods, stepping up when the enlisted marine steps back. ¡°Pressurizing. Mind your ears, Rex.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    He rocks his jaw to keep his ears equalized. He can feel the pressure much more quickly. It¡¯s important testing, since they need to know different scenarios the soldiers of the TEAU forces may face and how it¡¯ll affect them.


    Hancock decides to just keep his armor on, walking with Lopez. He jokes as they walk to the shuttle, ¡°How come they never just say, ¡®Hancock, call us so we can discuss this thing.¡¯?¡±


    Lopez replies, holding her laptop to her chest, ¡°Um¡­ Th-That¡¯s my fault, I think¡­¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°A-as much as I hate meetings¡­ It¡¯s easier¡­ to get information in person.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with you there, honestly. But, I swear, if this is another ¡®Vivi ate a cookie today¡¯ meeting, I¡¯m going to¡­¡±


    ¡°You take that back.¡±


    Hancock looks in surprise at the scientist, and she blushes. She murmurs, ¡°Vivi and Melody are amazing. Those are the best meetings.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°I think Mina can hook you up if you want one.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not pets, Rex. They¡¯re babies. Super smart, super cute babies. And, I don¡¯t think I could¡­¡±


    ¡°Smartest woman in the fleet thinks she can¡¯t be a mom. We¡¯re screwed.¡±


    She bumps him forcefully with her elbow, grumbling, ¡°You know what I mean¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I live in my own little world.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll fix that.¡± He winks at her, and her cheeks fill with color, forcing her gaze ahead.


    The two are flown via shuttle to the Polonia, and they¡¯re met in the hangar by Chief Grey and Senior Chief Tachibana.


    Tachibana salutes, stating, ¡°Welcome aboard, Sir.¡±


    Hancock salutes nervously. He¡¯s mostly used to it, but he does miss the simplicity of being the junior-most soldier in a squad. He asks, ¡°Senior Chief. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Grey is the one that answers. ¡°We need an untainted investigator.¡±


    ¡°Investigator?¡± asks Hancock, confused. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not an investigator.¡±


    ¡°Fun fact, Rookie. Not very many police made it onboard any of the ships. The Sheriff doesn¡¯t deal enough with the Bugs or the Crocs, so she¡¯s not as useful as we want. You, on the other hand, have a sharp mind, a healthy skepticism AND a healthy trust to you.¡±


    ¡°I know nothing about forensics, Chief. Or even anything else.¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be an expert, Sir. We just need an objective look at what happened.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell you yet. Will you accompany us?¡±


    Hancock nods. ¡°Lead the way, Senior Chief.¡±


    Lopez starts to follow them, but Tachibana states, ¡°Sorry, Doctor. This one¡¯s a no-go. We¡¯ll explain after.¡±


    The scientist looks at Hancock nervously. Grey states, ¡°Relax, Doc. I ain¡¯t no fancy genius, but I am a genius.¡± He nods behind her, and she turns. Kenzie is jogging up wearing her server¡¯s uniform. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late!¡± She catches her breath as she arrives. ¡°Hey Levi! Rex! Nice armor.¡± She snickers a little, and Hancock retorts, ¡°Like it? Makes me feel like a real space marine.¡±


    ¡°I think the God-Emperor would be unimpressed.¡±


    Fisher says from nearby, ¡°Oh, oh girl. Those are fighting words.¡±


    ¡°There is only the Imperium! All else is heresy!¡±


    ¡°Change and chaos are the will of the true gods!¡±


    Chief Grey interrupts, ¡°Enough. Didn¡¯t peg you as a nerd, Kenzie.¡±


    She puts her hands on her hips, saying proudly, ¡°I had quite the awesome collection back home, I¡¯ll have you know.¡±


    ¡°Great. Collect the Doc and keep her company while we borrow Rookie.¡±


    Hancock states, ¡°Sorry about this. I¡¯m apparently supposed to go in blind.¡±


    ¡°Ah. Good luck, Rex.¡± She whispers deviously, ¡°Courage and Honor.¡±


    Fisher chuckles, possibly the only other one at the moment getting what they¡¯re talking about.


    Tachibana and Grey lead Hancock to the holding area for prisoners. There, he finds LCDR Kane questioning the Zarakyssn Void Queen, but she doesn¡¯t seem to be cooperating.


    Tachibana explains, ¡°What we can tell you is this; Void Queen Zeeannssii managed to escape containment -how we¡¯re not sure-. She worked her way over to the outer airlock at the eighty-fifth frame.¡±


    Surprised, Hancock states, ¡°Aren¡¯t there at least 3 or four more pairs of airlocks closer than that?¡±


    Tachibana nods, and the Ensign follows up with, ¡°I assume I¡¯m not the first to think of this, but did hull patrols search for a ship there?¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Yep. Didn¡¯t find anything. And, yes, they checked for invisible ships, thanks to the shuttle we captured.¡±


    ¡°Strange. Anything else you can tell me, or do I just start guessing?¡±


    ¡°Take a look here first. There are major disagreements about how Zeeannssii escaped.¡±


    Hancock walks towards the containment, aware that the insectoid assassin is watching him. He nods at Kane, knowing he shouldn¡¯t give away hierarchy in the presence of the Void Queen.


    ¡°Is this the containment she escaped from?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Yep.¡± He pulls out a snack to munch on as Hancock studies the containment, which has a clear panel so the Void Queen is visible, unlike the shipping containers used when the Grodrrns were prisoners.


    Hancock remarks, ¡°You¡¯re sure, Chief? There¡¯s no damage.¡±


    ¡°You noticed that too?¡±


    ¡°Inside job?¡±


    ¡°Point of contention.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± The rookie officer looks back at the container. The Void Queen stalks towards him within, and Kane states, ¡°Ensign. She can¡¯t do anything right now, so don¡¯t panic.¡±


    Hancock nods calmly. He¡¯s not particularly concerned. She was captured again already, so she¡¯s unlikely to attempt another escape with a full squad of marines AND Kane present.


    He does state rather jokingly, ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    The insectoid queen studies him curiously, possibly with amusement, as he tries to figure out how she was let out of her containment.


    The rookie officer observes, ¡°So, I suspect no race has been eliminated, including the guards?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right Rookie.¡±


    Hancock looks at the Queen¡¯s pincher-like hands. Their blade-like structure makes them ideal for possibly improvising locks, hinges, or opening panels. But, it¡¯s difficult to tell whether the wear on them that appears to be recent was from her escape or from resisting capture.


    And, there are no immediate signs anywhere that she worked her way out from the inside.


    He looks around, scanning the whole area. ¡°Who was present when she escaped? Do we know?¡±


    ¡°Outside of those executed during, no. If it was one of the guards, she executed them as well.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Hancock does a full lap around the containment, looking for signs of exit. He murmurs softly, ¡°How many did we lose?¡±


    Tachibana cuts in, ¡°Chief Grey shouldn¡¯t have mentioned that. Focus on the investigation please, sir.¡±


    Hancock nods. He¡¯s keeping an open mind. He can see how quickly the water is getting muddy, though he¡¯s unsure why it matters. ¡°Alright, so it LOOKS like she was let out. Question is, who would have done so and why?¡± He inspects the door, and Kane states, ¡°The Grodrrns want to accuse Syretia, because her scent is fairly fresh in the room. She has-...¡±


    ¡°Sir,¡± urges Tachibana. ¡°We requested Ensign Hancock for a new perspective.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the goal of my investigation? What am I looking for?¡± asks the young officer.


    There¡¯s a pause.


    ¡°The protestors¡­¡± murmurs Hancock.


    Tachibana says sternly, ¡°We can¡¯t rule out-...¡±


    Grey interrupts her, ¡°Tachi, relax. He¡¯s connecting his own dots. Keep going, Hancock.¡±


    Hancock adds to his thought, ¡°So, protestors ARE involved somehow, but some believe there¡¯s nothing tying them to this room. Interesting¡­¡±


    Kane states, ¡°This room is the most important, obviously. It all started when she escaped.¡±


    The white Queen states in her own language. Kane sighs, ¡°She finds you amusing.¡±


    ¡°Tell her ¡®thanks¡¯, please, Sir. I¡¯ve always dreamed of meeting alien Queens and Princesses.¡± He chuckles, ¡°Princesses especially.¡±


    Kane scoffs, ¡°Noted, Ensign.¡±


    Hancock strokes his fingers on a fogginess on the control console¡¯s button pad. He asks, ¡°The Zarakyssns have a waxy coating, and the Grodrrns have oily sweat, right?¡±


    Kane answers, ¡°Correct. That¡¯s been addressed, but awaiting forensics we don¡¯t have available at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Definitely waxy, though. The Grodrrn sweat dries crusty like ours. Thicker, but crustier. Has Queen Syretia been allowed into the containment?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± states Kane. ¡°She¡¯s spoken to Queen Zeeannssii via this area here, but she hasn¡¯t been unsupervised outside of rushing to the aid of the children a while ago.¡±


    Hancock nods, recalling the report of the protestor attack on the class containing Melody, Vivi, Syretia¡¯s Egg, and Little Bird at the time. Apparently, Syretia was the first to feel the danger through her egg, though it was Melody¡¯s and Vivi¡¯s screams that crossed the bond.


    Hancock states, ¡°This is pretty apparently from a Zarakyssn.¡±


    There¡¯s another awkward pause, but it¡¯s clear Kane is less pleased, and Tachibana is hopeful.


    ¡°You all trust me?¡± asks Hancock as he looks at each of them.


    Kane nods, ¡°I think your heart¡¯s in the right place.¡±


    ¡°Respectfully, that¡¯s not what I asked, Sir.¡± Hancock draws his sidearm, and Kane recoils a little in surprise. ¡°I asked if you trust me.¡±


    Kane nods, confused and surprised. Grey nods as well. Tachibana starts to ask, ¡°What are you¡­?¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°Exactly what you hoped I would; thinking outside of the box to find the truth.¡±


    He aims the pistol at Zeeannssii. He¡¯s not a body language expert on anyone; humans or otherwise. But, he¡¯s pretty sure she flinched.


    More importantly, motion catches his eye in the overhead, and he instantly aims, opening fire. The guards start shouting, ¡°SHOTS FIRED!¡± ¡°CONTACT!¡± ¡°DROP YOUR WEAPON!¡±


    Kane, Grey, and Tachibana are on full alert now, and Hancock calls out, ¡°CONTACT OVERHEAD! DON¡¯T LET IT ESCAPE!¡±


    The guards look in the direction he fired, and Tachibana draws her pistol as she runs across the observation deck converted into ¡°The Garden¡±. She shouts, ¡°It¡¯s out of sight!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still up there, Senior Chief! It¡¯s tucked into the piping and cabling!¡±


    Kane shouts, ¡°Mind your shots, Marines!¡±


    Hancock shouts, ¡°Reloading!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    He reloads, explaining his logic to Kane, ¡°This whole space is non-vital, sir. Those are likely CHT lines and pool fill lines, as well as back up lighting.¡±


    He then says to Kane, ¡°Tell her to bring the soldier down, Sir.¡±


    Tachibana calls out, ¡°How is she controlling a soldier? She¡¯s shielded in gold.¡±


    ¡°So was Syretia when she felt her egg in danger. It may be ineffective at close range, and explains how she knew where to go.¡±


    Kane buzzes at the Queen. She deflects, and Tachibana calls out, ¡°I have eyes! Sure as space is dark, it¡¯s a bug!¡± She points it out to the guards, who confirm they can see it as well.


    Kane states, ¡°She¡¯s not cooperating.¡±


    ¡°What kind of lack of cooperation, Sir? Calm and smug, or panicking?¡±


    ¡°Calm.¡±


    ¡°So, she has contingencies.¡±


    Grey tosses Hancock an object, stating, ¡°Rookie!¡±


    Hancock nods, pulling the pin. It¡¯s a grenade. He calls out, ¡°GRENADE OUT!¡±


    Others call out, ¡°GRENADE!¡±


    He thanks the heavens often that he knows Chief Grey. He throws the grenade as hard as he can at the soldier, and it scrambles out of its hiding spot, meeting several bursts of gunfire from guards and Tachibana.


    The grenade bounces off of the wall, falling at about the same time as the soldier as it topples from the overhead, flailing.


    Tachibana shouts, ¡°Non-lethal rounds! Restrain it!¡±


    ¡°Moving Senior Chief!¡±


    Grey approaches Hancock, saying with amusement, ¡°Good call, Rookie. Seems you were the right man for the job.¡±


    ¡°Did no one else think of that, seriously?¡±


    ¡°Seems that way. Because, now we have a bunch of new questions.¡±


    ¡°How did it get in?¡±


    ¡°Among others.¡±


    ¡°Any reason to believe there isn¡¯t more?¡±


    ¡°Nope. We¡¯ll have to double the guard and try to sweep the ship again.¡±


    Kane adds, also impressed, ¡°I¡¯ll be the first to admit that I missed that notion. It never really clicked that Syretia is never isolated from her egg.¡±


    ¡°Are we sure the gold is working at all?¡± asks Grey dryly.


    Kane nods. ¡°Void Queen Zeeannssii¡¯s armor was also gold. And, given what I¡¯ve gathered, the Void Queens are black ops agents. Stands to good reason they don¡¯t always want the Horde at large watching over their every move. Hancock is most likely right. The bond is likely much stronger or works differently for local individuals.¡±


    Hancock asks curiously, ¡°Did Yarjen Jor report different scents during the confrontation with Zeeannssii originally?¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Yes Sir. We weren¡¯t sure what to make of it at the time.¡±


    Hancock looks at Zeeannssii, who, in spite of her soldier being discovered, seems unperturbed. He adds, ¡°And, what we know so far suggests the Void Queen is sterile?¡±


    Kane confirms. ¡°Syretia¡¯s independent observation, as well as ours, all conclude that her abdomen isn¡¯t large enough, among other factors.¡±


    ¡°Syretia¡¯s soldiers died after she was injured, right? They need a connection? What if soldiers aren¡¯t that specific about WHOSE connection it is?¡±


    Kane strokes his chin in thought, the rings on the strange device on his arm floating lazily as they turn. ¡°Hmm¡­ So, Zarakyssns can pool soldiers if need be¡­¡±


    Tachibana responds, ¡°Hang on, Sirs. Respectfully, the soldiers that belonged to Syretia prior to her defeat lost all sense upon destruction of her ship; presumably when she was injured. Why weren¡¯t they snatched up by the new Queens when they arrived?¡±


    The group ponders a moment. Hancock adds, ¡°Still, though, the Void Queens can¡¯t lay their own, but they have to be able to defend themselves, right? What if, I dunno, like a blind person learning to hear extra well, maybe¡­¡±


    Grey finishes, ¡°The Void Queens can learn to control the soldiers of other Queens¡­ Interesting. Explains why Zeeannssii seems to think she¡¯s superior to Zarakyssns like Syretia as well.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°Agreed. Makes the most sense. So, the question remains; how many and where are the soldiers around her?¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°Lieutenant Kane, do you think you can ask Syretia what materials the Zarakyssns favor for ships? Maybe we can find any ships of hers somehow.¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°I¡¯ll do so as soon as possible. For now, I think it best that I remain here to guard her and prevent any repeats.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Sounds good, Sir. Rookie, we¡¯ll head to the next stage then. Since that should answer how she got out, we have a new consideration to make.¡±


    ¡°Lead the way, Chief.¡±


    Hancock follows Grey and Tachibana as they show him to where the first of two main skirmishes took place after Zeeannssii escaped. She took down six people in a flash, according to Vivi, and spared the tiny cave princess.


    There isn¡¯t much to see, now, with the area cleaned up. Hancock isn¡¯t a forensic investigator, and there aren¡¯t very many on any of the ships experienced at it. Additionally, there isn¡¯t much to learn from the bodies other than the fact that, according to what Vivi overheard, they were anti-alien protestors.


    Grey gives the rookie officer time to look around, but there isn¡¯t anything creative to find.


    However, the next location they head to is not the airlock, but to medical.


    Grey explains, ¡°Commander Hitch is in room three. He was being held captive by Zeeannssii when she was first encountered by response teams.¡±


    Tachibana adds, ¡°He¡¯s been unconscious since, but we just got a report that he woke up a little while ago. We need to find out how and when he ran into Zeeannssii. Let¡¯s-...¡±


    Grey stops her with a forearm gently, ¡°Those rooms get awfully crowded, Tachi. Let¡¯s let Rookie have the room first.¡± Grey gives Hancock a look that the young ensign nearly misses. He served with Grey for quite a few months prior to the flight from Earth, and he knows as well as most that Grey is a man of subterfuge. Everything has a purpose, many things have multiple layers, and he manipulates the truth out of a situation.


    Grey wants Hancock to help him confirm a truth, and he doesn¡¯t want Tachibana getting in the way with her military bearing. Chief Grey isn¡¯t trying to be insubordinate or nefarious; he just knows that the truth is extraordinarily shy. Especially when the truth isn¡¯t a pleasant one.


    Hancock nods, stating, ¡°How he got nabbed, and if Zeeannssii said anything in Grodurn he can repeat. Should be a good place to start, right?¡±


    The two senior enlisted nod, and Hancock makes his way into Medical. He can hear the young, high pitched voice of either Melody or Vivi squeaking playfully in one of the other rooms; likely where Admiral Long is still recovering. His destination, however, is another room.


    Commander Hitch, departmental directing officer for the Tactical Exploration and Assault Unit, has been Hancock¡¯s boss in one form or another for most of the young officer¡¯s marine career. And, while Hancock is now under the science team¡¯s chain of command, he still would answer to Hitch¡¯s final word on matters of planetary surveying, exploration, colonization, and even boarding operations, depending on the matters at hand. Given the current structure of the fleet, Admiral Long has final word on everything, but the combat teams -specifically the footsoldiers- fall more directly under Hitch.


    But then, Hancock¡¯s no fool. He was young and naive once upon a time, but he¡¯s always had a brain that runs down his imagination virtually all day every day. If he had the training and level of knowledge of Dr. Lopez, he might actually be on par with her for sheer imaginative ability to explore possibilities.


    So, the very fact that he was chosen means that, either the two he was just talking to are far more naive than he expected, or they want him to get the truth out of Hitch.


    Commander Hitch, the same man who helped bring the Cave Queen aboard. He even helped bathe her during her initial boarding for safety¡¯s sake. He provided meal rations to the Grodrrns when they were prisoner.


    Hitch is awake, sitting in his bed as he studies his heart rate on the monitor. He notices Hancock entering, and the ensign salutes politely, ¡°Commander Hitch. Glad to see you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Hitch salutes back, and his hand is bandaged, while his other forearm is in a brace. The two chiefs didn¡¯t mention anything about Hitch¡¯s injuries or how he got them, so Hancock will have to figure out the best way to ask about them.


    Hancock explains politely, ¡°Polonia¡¯s crew asked me to lay fresh eyes on what happened, and I just found out you were awake, Sir.¡±


    Hitch chuckles, ¡°You? Moving up in the world quickly, eh, Hancock?¡±


    The rookie officer laughs warmly, ¡°I¡¯ll say. I don¡¯t know the first thing about investigating. They¡¯re showing blood stains and the white bug -sorry, Void Queen-, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m seeing. They seem to think she was going somewhere specific, but everything I can see, she was just a dumb bug stirring up trouble.¡±


    Hitch follows along politely, and Hancock adds, ¡°Apologies, Sir. That was unprofessional of me. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?¡±


    Hitch smiles warmly, ¡°Not at all, Hancock. I understand, you¡¯re still adjusting to the O-ranks. I remember those days.¡±


    ¡°You were prior enlisted, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Sure was. Pained me a lot personally what had to happen on Earth. We got fortunate to bring the soldiers we could, obviously. Present company included.¡±


    ¡°You flatter me, Sir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, though. Your squad especially took ground FROM the Grodurns. That¡¯s a treasure to us all.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sir. But of course, now we¡¯re all split down the middle of who''s guilty, even today. I think some spacers think protestors let the bug out, and others think the other bug did it. Heck, probably the crocs have something to do with it.¡±


    ¡°And, what do you think, Ensign?¡±


    Hancock looks surprised. ¡°Me? I think Zeenskee or whatever her name is picked the wrong race to mess with. If she was going somewhere, we would have found a ship and blown it out of the sky.¡±


    Hitch offers thoughtfully, ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s why the protestors would be suspect? Releasing her and letting her damage the reputation of the bugs so that others see their side of the argument?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s on my mind, Sir, but¡­ I don¡¯t know. It doesn¡¯t really fit with the M.O. of the protestors. Even if a few of them infiltrated the guard, they had no way to communicate with her. They had to have known what would happen.¡±


    ¡°A fair point. It seems perhaps you WERE the right man for the job, then.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about all that, Sir. Seems pretty basic to me.¡± Hancock looks at the door, and he steps quietly over, closing it. Once it¡¯s closed, he adds quietly, ¡°Truth be told, I was ecstatic when I was transferred to the Providence. It¡¯s the only ship without¡­ them.¡±


    Hitch¡¯s expression chills some. Hancock adds apologetically, ¡°I know I¡¯m not supposed to think that way, but it¡¯s so¡­¡±


    ¡°Unfair?¡± asks Hitch quietly.


    Hancock nods, surprised at Hitch¡¯s response. Hancock steps closer, whispering, ¡°I don¡¯t, you know, I¡¯m not saying the protestors are right, Sir, but¡­¡±


    Hitch flashes the smallest of smiles, whispering, ¡°But they make a good case at times.¡±


    Hancock sighs dramatically, saying more normal volume, ¡°Yes! It¡¯s stressful, to say the least.¡±


    Hitch nods in acknowledgment, stating, ¡°We just need to get to the bottom of the Vee Cue¡¯s plan, and we can find out who¡¯s responsible.¡±


    ¡°Agreed, Sir.¡±


    ¡°So, did you have questions for me, Ensign? What can I help with?¡±


    ¡°Frankly, I appreciate you talking with me, Sir. I¡¯m glad to know I¡¯m not entirely alone. Can you tell me what happened? How and when did she attack you? Do you remember?¡±


    Hitch nods. ¡°I was walking down the corridor. One hundredth frame or so. Heard a commotion around the corner, and I ran to investigate. The Vee Cue had killed several people within seconds. I didn¡¯t even have time to draw. She incapacitated me with a strike to the spine, and I blacked out shortly after.¡± He rubs his forehead, murmuring, ¡°I don¡¯t remember her saying anything. Nothing I could pronounce anyways.¡± He and Hancock share a chuckle.


    ¡°So, she must have broken your arm after you were unconscious then.¡±


    Hitch locks eyes with Hancock with a sudden, ¡°Huh? Oh! Yes, must have.¡±


    Hancock shakes his head, scoffing. ¡°Damn bugs.¡±


    ¡°I have to say, Ensign. You seem to have soured a bit since your days as a rookie, huh?¡±


    ¡°Understatement of the year, Sir. Have to grin at the crocs, and now bugs? Let¡¯s just give some of our own to the crocs for their nonsense. Oh right, we did.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. And those tiny squid things?¡±


    ¡°Nnn¡­ You¡¯ve heard about Mina, right?¡±


    Hancock nods, and Hitch murmurs quietly, ¡°Disgusting waste.¡±


    The young officer shakes his head. ¡°Yep. But, back on topic, you were unconscious, the Vee Cue broke your arm¡­ that about ends it then, if you didn¡¯t see anything useful.¡±


    Hitch replies apologetically, ¡°I truly wish I could tell you more, Ensign.¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°I understand completely, Sir. If it¡¯s alright with you, I¡¯ll check with the medics and see if they found any evidence on you.¡±


    ¡°What kind of evidence?¡± Hitch¡¯s response is quick and sharp; defensive, even.


    Hancock replies innocently, ¡°Hm? Oh, whatever, I guess. I¡¯m not an expert. If I¡¯m lucky, maybe some blood from other victims so we can ensure we identify everyone. According to the limited information we have so far, you spent the most time in the bug¡¯s possession.¡±


    ¡°Ah. I see. Very well, then Ensign. If it will help, I believe they have my clothes somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check with the inventory staff, then. Thank you for the help, Sir.¡±


    Just as Hancock is reaching for the door, Hitch whispers, ¡°Hancock.¡± The rookie officer halts, looking at Hitch curiously. ¡°You¡¯re a good marine, Hancock. You don¡¯t have to serve¡­ the way that¡¯s expected currently.¡±


    Surprised, Hancock whispers, ¡°What do you mean, Sir?¡±


    Hitch gives him a look signifying, ¡®What do you think I mean?¡¯


    Hancock puts it together, nodding. ¡°I get you, Sir.¡± He nods affirmatively.


    Hitch smiles, replying warmly, ¡°We¡¯ll be in touch, Ensign Hancock. Good luck in your investigation.¡±


    Hancock salutes, stating, ¡°Thank you, Sir. Rest well.¡±


    Hitch returns the salute, and Hancock makes his way out into the hall.


    ***

 Chapter 54: Fishing for Traitors

    Once he¡¯s out of sight, he silently sighs. His heart is racing. He¡¯s no stranger to the politics that go on in the military, and he¡¯s gotten more doses of it as an officer than ever before. He knew Chief -Sergeant at the time- Grey often found himself in a battle of verbal swords with officers over technicalities and trivialities, and Grey would clash with the rough and unforgiving broadness of a greatsword, while the officers tended to use precise, subtle jabs like a rapier. Sergeant Grey didn¡¯t have an uptight image to preserve. He was a Marine¡¯s Marine. He said what he thought, and he meant it. Officers often don¡¯t in many cases.


    This was Hancock¡¯s first real political trial as both an officer and as a Marine. Like his first time in real combat, he was afraid, letting his instincts guide him. Unlike then, though, he didn¡¯t have anyone else to rely on. He was the only other one in that room, and were he less careful, he would be an easy target for Hitch to reverse what¡¯s about to occur.


    But, Hancock has one final move to make. A finishing blow, as it were.


    He heads to Admiral Long¡¯s room, evident by the noise of several girls laughing and speaking jovially.


    Sure enough, Little Bird, Vivi, Melody, and Jessica are in the room, as well as a hulking monster of a being looming in the corner as the little girls hang from his folded arms like a jungle gym. Though Admiral Long is a tad nervous about the girls playing on the giant, Dzor is as icy still as a glacier, showing no emotion as the little girls play on him and try to apparently get him to join their games while Jessica stands back a bit. The room is crowded already, but accommodates the group well enough.


    Hancock knocks on the door, asking as he steps in and salutes, ¡°Permission to enter, Admiral?¡±


    Dzor¡¯s growl isn¡¯t his most ferocious, but a low rumble fills the room. Cold, suspicious eyes are staring into Hancock¡¯s very soul, and he quickly adds, ¡°I can definitely explain, Yarjen. I know you heard.¡±


    Not picking up the cues right away, Vivi and Melody both squeal excitedly, ¡°Hanky!¡± He smiles at them, in spite of the situation. He may feel some kind of way about the one meeting that had very little to do with anything other than talking about Vivi¡¯s growth and her appetite letting her eat an entire cookie, but he¡¯s often the one sneaking the two little squid girls some of his dessert rations.


    ¡°Heard what?¡± asks the admiral. Hancock, still saluting, looks at her, but says nothing. She states, ¡°Enter and speak, Ensign.¡± She salutes with a kind smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Admiral. I suspect Yarjen Jor accurately overheard the conversation I just partook in with Commander Hitch.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I received a preliminary report, but apparently the investigation has become¡­ complicated?¡±


    Hancock nods. He states sincerely, ¡°I believe Commander Hitch is working with the protestors.¡± Both of the Long sisters¡¯ jaws drop, and Dzor¡¯s position shifts. The rookie Ensign looks to Dzor, explaining, ¡°That was why I was speaking as I did, Yarjen. I wanted to earn his trust so he would speak a little more candidly with me.¡±


    Admiral Long frowns, murmuring, ¡°I¡¯m not a lawyer, but by the sounds of it, you may have convinced him to try the same on you, Hancock.¡±


    ¡°H-Hitch is¡­ bad?¡± asks Little Bird nervously.


    Hancock kneels to her level, saying, ¡°We make no assumptions like that without proper evidence, Little Bird. I have some evidence, but I need to check one more thing before I have enough. So, I¡¯m giving him the benefit of the doubt until then. Make sense? Good until proven bad.¡±


    She nods nervously, looking at Jessica, and then Angelica.


    Admiral Long sits up, asking coldly, ¡°What do you want to check?¡±


    Hancock stands back up, replying sincerely, ¡°Whether or not Vivi recognizes him, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    A cold chill fills the room. Hancock nods.


    Knowing how it could look, though, he states, ¡°I encourage that I be accompanied by anyone you see fit and loyal, Admiral, that Vivi not come to harm. I only need about five seconds of initial entry.¡±


    Long stares at him, and Jessica murmurs, ¡°B-... He¡¯s¡­ This¡­¡± Vivi squeaks nervously, ¡°Meemee?¡±


    Dzor stops her from jumping to Jessica, gripping the small alien girl gently with his humongous hand. He lifts her to his head level, and he states quietly, though with his deep and rumbling voice, ¡°Vivi have responsibility. If Vivi help find bad¡­ mmm¡­ humans, not harm again.¡±


    Vivi whimpers as she clutches his finger with her comparatively tiny tendrils, ¡°What Vivi haff do?¡±


    Hancock explains, ¡°All you have to do is walk into the room with me and see if he looks like one of the people you saw.¡±


    She looks at Jessica, who nervously watches Dzor and Vivi. Admiral Long says gently, but rather sternly, ¡°He¡¯s right. Vivi, if you would, for me, go with Hancock and just see who it is. You don¡¯t have to be scared. Hancock won¡¯t let anything happen to you. And Jor will be right here. All you have to do is call.¡±


    The tiny squid girl fidgets with her ¡®hands¡¯, murmuring, ¡°V-... Vivi get tweat?¡±


    The adults all chuckle, and Hancock replies, ¡°Of course. But, only if you tell the truth, not what you think I want to hear, okay? The truth.¡±


    Vivi nods emphatically, ¡°Vivi tell troof! Hanky give Vivi coogie, otay?¡±


    ¡°Deal. Are you ready?¡±


    The small girl nods, and Dzor gently hands her to Hancock. She wraps her legs around his fingers, hugging his thumb for stability.


    Hancock looks at Jessica and the Admiral, ¡°We¡¯ll return in just a minute.¡±


    He carries Vivi to Hitch¡¯s room, keeping her hidden at first as he knocks and enters, ¡°Commander, I had one last thought I wanted to run by you.¡± He presents Vivi in his hand, watching the TEAU Commander like a hawk.


    Hitch has many more years experience over Hancock; being questioned, being judged, being betrayed.


    However, all three in the same simple motion are tricky to hold a facade against, and Hancock is watching intensely for a cue.


    Hitch doesn¡¯t make a sound, but his face says it all -more than Hancock expected-. His face freezes as the realization comes that a relative infant might be a useful witness. Hitch isn¡¯t acquainted very much with Vivi, and she was little more than a terrified animal during the moment.


    But, she¡¯s actually a child capable of rather elaborate communication.


    Vivi, for her part, grips Hancock¡¯s hand tightly, nearly crushing his bones as well. She whimpers unintelligibly, and Hancock, still playing his own game, states, ¡°Vivi was there, too, so you both kind of share that, right? Maybe she saw when Zeeannssii broke your arm and bit your palm. Oh... I never asked about that, did I?¡±


    Hitch is silent for a long time as his intense gaze sticks to alien squid girl, and the latter is frozen in terror, trying to squeak out words. Hancock scratches his helmet¡¯s cheek as he chuckles, ¡°I¡¯m terrible at this. I should stick to what I¡¯m good at.¡±


    He matches Hitch inch for inch. Someone snuck it to the Commander, and Hancock backed a serpent into a corner. Fortunately, his instincts were right.


    Hancock pivoted around, placing Vivi behind his left side as his right faces Hitch with a sidearm drawn and aimed at the wounded Commander aiming a sidearm right back at him. Neither fires due to the pistol aiming back, and Hitch is visibly surprised, angry, desperate, and thinking.


    Hancock muses, ¡°I¡¯m good at reading the room, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Your words incriminate you more than mine incriminate me, Hancock. I was merely trying to expose you.¡±


    ¡°Admiral Long said you¡¯d say that. But then, the official report has everything Vivi told first responders; that she bit someone¡¯s hand -which I can vouch, hurts like hell and has a one hundred percent chance of drawing blood-.¡± Vivi murmurs apologetically as she cries, ¡°Sowwyyyyy¡­¡± The Rookie officer can¡¯t comfort her yet, as he must not look away from Hitch. He adds as Hitch weighs the escape routes he has, ¡°I also know Vivi has the strength in her tentacles to break a femur. We discovered that when she accidentally pulled a bolt straight out of its hole because she smelled something interesting. So, a wrist would be nothing to her.¡±


    ¡°Back out of the room, Hancock.¡±


    Hancock doesn¡¯t budge. He continues on his own tangent, ¡°I already looked at Zeeannssii¡¯s containment as well. I know she wasn¡¯t released by the protestors, though I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll love to use the incident to exactly the end you suggested. Dumb luck that she ran into you while you were distracted with Vivi, huh?¡±


    ¡°I said, back out of the room, Hancock.¡± Hitch is currently extracting himself from the monitors and intravenous connections so he can rise from the bed.


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    Hitch freezes, and Hancock repeats, ¡°I think you mean, ¡®Sir¡¯. I suspect I¡¯m going to outrank you after today.¡±


    The cornered commander tenses, trying to almost shove his pistol closer to Hancock as if to will it through the young officer.


    Marines outside of the room ask, ¡°Hancock?¡±


    He states sternly, ¡°STAY IN COVER. Suspect armed.¡±


    A distinct Grodrrn growl rumbles the hallway, and Hancock asks, ¡°Yarjen, if that¡¯s you, take Vivi for me.¡± Hancock holds the small alien girl out into the hallway, ensuring Hitch¡¯s line of fire never intersects with her. He¡¯s not sure if the armor will hold up, but he¡¯s prepared for that. For now, Hitch is deadlocked with him.


    The rookie officer can feel the massive hand bump his, collecting the tiny alien with ease as Dzor growls, ¡°Make room.¡± He then snarls into the room, ¡°I reep traitor apart. Move, Hancock.¡±


    ¡°Stay back, Yarjen. Protect the others. Hitch isn¡¯t going anywhere.¡±


    Sergeant Grey¡¯s voice calls out, ¡°Rookie, back out slowly, and we¡¯ll-...¡±


    ¡°I got this, Chief.¡±


    Hitch growls at him, ¡°You¡¯re siding with animals, Hancock. They¡¯re not human. They¡¯re monsters. Do you feel NOTHING for Earth?¡±


    Hancock¡¯s gaze pierces into the Commander. ¡°I was on the ground for it, Commander. I saw it first hand. I feel everything for the people I lost. But, we weren¡¯t fighting monsters. We were fighting soldiers. Those soldiers have seen what they cost us. One of them is standing right around the corner behind me. He could strike me down at any moment, and yet I fear him less than I fear you.¡± Hancock flexes his fingers on his pistol, never moving his aim. Honestly, he had a white-knuckle grip on the weapon, which would cost him accuracy, but Hitch doesn¡¯t need to know that. Hancock adds with the same ice in his voice, ¡°I watched a desperate and terrified alien mother trying to save her children, and I regularly feed snacks to children of a world I never thought even existed, let alone that I of all people would see. I¡¯ve stood shoulder to shoulder with alien soldiers mightier than a Super-Saiyan King Kong and I¡¯ve shared jokes with an extraterrestrial Queen Bee who likes dad jokes. The way I¡¯ve experienced everything so far, humans are the only ones killing their own in the name of ¡®liberating them¡¯ or ¡®honoring our fallen¡¯.¡± Hancock pivots more fully to face Hitch, in spite of his heart racing in his chest. ¡°I¡¯ll never be good at anything else, but I¡¯m glad I¡¯m good at being a soldier, Sir.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Two hybrid sidearms thunder in the room, echoing far through the ship. Sensitive ears cause cries, particularly from Vivi and Melody, while orders and combat responses engage in a flash.


    Two hybrid sidearms fired. Two new wounds have formed. A sidearm falls to the floor as its former owner curses and cries out.


    Hancock holds his pistol firmly, continuing to aim at Hitch in spite of the impact to his chin. The injury burns, but he¡¯s rather confident his jaw is intact. He can hear the shattered bullet fragments rattling in the back of his helmet, but he keeps his gaze on Hitch. He knows enough to know that he¡¯s in tunnel vision, and that he¡¯s likely partially going into shock, as he only barely registers being pulled back as other soldiers storm into the room. He can only hear ringing at the moment, which is kind of surprising to him. He survived Earth without going into shock and all of the missions in the fleet, including his and Lopez¡¯s mission on the aux bridge.


    The ringing persists for a long time, and his vision is still foggy.


    Finally, a knocking on his helmet. He tries to shake his head, but he can hear Grey¡¯s voice calling out to him, drowned out mostly by the obnoxious ringing. Grey knocks again, and Hancock shouts, ¡°I¡¯m hearing a ringing, Chief!¡±


    Grey¡¯s voice is muffled and drowned out, and Hancock tries again, ¡°I can¡¯t hear, Chief!¡±


    The rookie officer is suddenly wrestled by multiple people, forced into a stoop as his helmet is ripped off.


    The ringing follows his helmet.


    Hancock looks at Grey, and the grizzled Chief smirks. ¡°I know, Rookie. That¡¯s what I was trying to tell you.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, asking, ¡°D-... Did we¡­?¡±


    ¡°Hitch is secured. Good work. We¡¯ll secure him in lockup and see if we can get anything out of him.¡±


    Tachibana watches Hitch being escorted out by Moody and Brown as Brown nurses the Commander¡¯s wounded hand, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t believe it. I¡­ Did anyone suspect¡­?¡±


    Grey shakes his head, ¡°No. And I¡¯m suspicious of everyone. I knew Hitch was a typical pants-stuffer, but not a full-on traitor.¡±


    Hancock touches his jaw, recoiling when it burns. He finds blood on his glove, but remarks, ¡°I don¡¯t think the protestors are outright traitors, Chief.¡±


    Grey pivots the rookie towards Fisher, and points at Fisher¡¯s visor. ¡°One of those protestors just tried to scoop your head off with a hybrid round, Rookie.¡±


    Hancock¡¯s jaw is slashed with a large red streak. He suspects it looks worse than it is, since he can still move his jaw, but there is a lot of blood. Grey adds, ¡°Fisher, patch him up.¡±


    Fisher chuckles, joking, ¡°No kissing for you this week, Rookie.¡± He begins gingerly cleaning Hancock¡¯s injury with some wipes from the counter.


    Hancock chuckles as well, and Grey asks Tachibana, ¡°Any thoughts on an interrogator, Senior Chief? Hitch knows me too well. He won¡¯t give up¡­ who was it, Cynthia?¡±


    Tachibana replies, ¡°Cynthia Brock.¡± She nods. ¡°I¡¯ll check with some of our colleagues.¡±


    Fisher asks, ¡°Anyone seen Master Chief Clements lately? If I recall correctly, he broke the Zaborea Bloodless in like an hour.¡±


    Grey replies bluntly, ¡°Welder on the Providence.¡±


    ¡°What!? Clements?¡±


    Tachibana asks, ¡°What about a Grodurn? They¡¯re natural lie detectors.¡±


    Grey answers, ¡°No good. Grodurns are the hottest point of contention to the antis. I don¡¯t think Hitch will cave because he knows we need him alive.¡±


    Dumas jokes as he walks up, ¡°Should just let Mr. Right talk his ear off. He¡¯ll want us to kill him then.¡±


    The group chuckles, and Grey starts to ask, ¡°Anyone interested in what just happened, Dumas?¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t that work?¡± Everyone looks at Hancock, who asked seriously. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s a little mean, but¡­ Hitch is ready for us now. He¡¯s not ready for a full dose of Mr. Right.¡±


    Grey and Tachibana laugh, and Tachibana replies, ¡°I suppose you would know, Sir. Does Mr. Right have interviewing experience?¡±


    ¡°Not that I know of. But, he also has no shame when he wants to be funny. We happily co-mingle with aliens. Mr. Right will marry one¡­ at least he¡¯ll say it.¡± He nods appreciatively at Fisher when the Petty Officer finishes. ¡°He might get nothing. But, he might also trigger someone.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause as the two Chiefs consider it. Fisher jokes, ¡°A dirty joke to interrogate someone? I see nothing wrong with it.¡±


    Tachibana murmurs, ¡°It¡¯s unprofessional and amateurish¡­ but it might actually work. At least while we formulate a more effective plan if it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°We¡¯ve done crazier. That¡¯s for sure. And, we haven¡¯t been able to identify her any other way yet.¡±


    Long squeaks from the hallway as she holds Vivi, ¡°We have one more advantage, Chief.¡±


    The group looks at her, and she adds nervously, ¡°Not that I¡¯m happy about it, but¡­ I think Vivi saw her¡­¡±


    Vivi is whimpering as her legs clutch tightly to the young spacer¡¯s shirt. Dzor nods, however, stating, ¡°Most effective way of capturing prey; never let on is being hunted.¡±


    Fisher counters politely, ¡°I think Miss Brock knows she¡¯s being hunted, Yarjen.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­ Boot, she know not how close hunters are.¡±


    Grey adds, ¡°And it stays that way.¡± He looks around carefully, saying, ¡°That fact doesn¡¯t leave this group. God knows who else is on their side at this point.¡±


    Thinking out loud after Grey finishes, Hancock states, ¡°I think Zeeannssii saw her, too. Might be worth amnesty if you ask me.¡± He winks at Grey and Tachibana.


    Surprisingly, Tachibana remarks on it first, ¡°Mm-hmm. Win-win. We¡¯ll give her a ship. I¡¯ll run it by Admiral Long.¡±


    Hancock nods, and Grey murmurs, ¡°It might help if Kenzie asks someone on the mess decks if amnesty is a common practice. And, we might need to¡­"


    "Just don''t let them hang me, Chief." Hancock smirks. Kenzie finding out would mean someone told her, and her asking innocently on the mess decks wouldn''t necessarily be her fault, but fleet security is on the line.


    That said, Tachibana murmurs, "A little morally ambiguous, though, risking Zeeannssii''s safety with this plan."


    Fisher shrugs, "Paint Syretia white and ask her to do it, then. Most of us are okay actually giving her amnesty anyways."


    The group stares at him, thinking. Long squeaks, "Not many people actually know what the Void Queen looks like¡­ S-Senior Chief.¡±


    Tachibana asks as she looks around at the others, ¡°Would¡­ Queen Syretia do it?¡±


    Dzor states confidently and bluntly, ¡°Yes.¡± He crosses his arms and looks away, ¡°She eager to please.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Alright. Sounds like a plan. Remember; no one discuss any of this once we leave here. Especially you, Rookie. We cannot let anyone know Zeeannssii knows who Cynthia Brock is. Once we get it out of her, we may be able to track down any other members leading the antis. Clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes Chief!¡± confirm the soldiers present. He nods, stating, ¡°Good work. Dismissed.¡±


    Jessica carries Vivi back to the room containing the Admiral and Melody, while Dzor stays behind a moment longer. Hancock looks up at him, finding the eyes with asymmetrical pupils looking back at him.


    The roads intersecting Hancock and Dzor are long and winding, but this is the first time Hancock has noticed this atmosphere with the Baskylla Jardzen. He asks politely, ¡°Something else, Yarjen?¡±


    The reptilian commandant stares at him a moment longer. ¡°You were lie.¡±


    Hancock cocks his head, genuinely confused. Dzor adds to clarify, ¡°When speak with traitor. You false being cocky, and false being traitor. I did not understand why heart racing first time. I understand now.¡±


    ¡°You thought I was afraid of getting caught by others, rather than breaking my facade with Hitch? Fair assumption. W-... What do you think, now? If you don¡¯t mind my asking. Am I a traitor or a coward?¡±


    Dzor snorts in amusement. ¡°I see humans in combat many times now, remember. Even in fear, humans defeat enemy many times superior.¡± He chuckles, adding, ¡°Humans still strange, using deceit so readily. Boot, I understand intimidation not as effective against such a race.¡± He nods, ¡°Not coward by far, and not traitor.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Yarjen. I mean that.¡±


    The Jarden states more seriously, though, ¡°Humans forgeev easily, though. Eef so ready to deceive in pursuit of truth, what will this traitor do to sorvive and succeed?¡± The giant adds nothing else, turning without a word to head back to Long¡¯s room, leaving Hancock to think on what he just said.


    Hancock knows the Jardzen¡¯s statement is a fair assessment of human nature and the imbalance of justice. Even some rather heinous crimes have been overlooked in history because the offender was able to sell a sob story. Hancock himself defended the anti-alien protestors moments ago because he doesn¡¯t want to believe civilians, particularly, are evil. They¡¯re just scared and angry.


    But, so readily do they forget who actually destroyed Earth.


    While the Grodrrns very much could have, they had only just invaded, and the human militaries hadn¡¯t even started to learn how to fight them. Could the militaries of the world have succeeded? Maybe, maybe not.


    The point of Dzor¡¯s statement is, though, that Cynthia Brock is already using deception, just as Hancock did to draw out the truth from Hitch. And, Cynthia Brock has proven that she doesn¡¯t care how precariously the fleet is holding together as it stands. She will have her followers attempt anything to demoralize and discredit the alien sympathizers on the ships.


    What Dzor is also saying is his broken record statement; that traitors should be outright killed, no matter how minor the offense. While the Jardzen acknowledges that a form of treason is the reason anyone in the fleet is alive at all, from the humans betraying the late president to the Grodrrns betraying the Fievegal, to Syretia betraying the Horde. The only possible non-traitor in the fleet, other than children, would probably be the Cave Queen, as she had no one to betray by joining the fleet.


    That said, Dzor is more serious about caution being taken with Cynthia. Whoever this woman is, she¡¯s orchestrating a coup in the deadliest environment humans have ever inhabited. And if she is granted leeway, can use her words to rally new warriors in her misled army.


    Hancock doesn¡¯t want to be an outright murderer, but he¡¯s pretty sure he sees the importance of what Dzor just told him.


    In the present, though, two young women jog in; Doctor Levine Lopez and Kenzie. Kenzie is the first to panic when she seeks his face; ¡°REX! Oh my God! Are you okay!?¡± She jogs over, inspecting the blood-stained bandages on his cheek. He smiles, in spite of the pain, and replies, ¡°Of course. Did anyone tell you what happened?¡± He looks at Lopez, whose eyes are watering as she hugs her laptop. The scientist murmurs with a trembling voice, ¡°Fisher said you were shot¡­¡±


    Again, Hancock smiles to reassure them. ¡°Ah, ¡®tis but a scratch.¡±


    ¡°REX!¡± scolds the young waitress. She hugs him, murmuring, ¡°It¡¯s not funny¡­¡±


    Hancock coos, ¡°Heyyy, it¡¯s fine, alright? Levi, the helmet saved my life. A little tougher, and I wouldn¡¯t even have this scratch. Thank you.¡± She tenses, hurt that the helmet she had a hand in designing nearly killed her first and closest friend.


    ¡°What were you doing that you got shot at?¡± asks Kenzie. ¡°It was just supposed to be an investigation, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    The ensign nods. ¡°Yep. But, my nose led me down a rabbit hole, and it wasn¡¯t Bugs waiting for me.¡±


    Both girls scoff, still worried sick for him. He adds, ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s going to pay off. No one else got hurt. You know, other than the other guy.¡±


    ¡°Wh-Who was it?¡± asks Kenzie nervously.


    ¡°Just a fairly high-ranking anti, we think. That said;¡± He looks around, murmuring to them, ¡°We¡¯re getting close to the main leader. Apparently, the Void Queen saw her and is prepared to identify her in exchange for amnesty. I think the Brass are seriously considering it.¡±


    Both girls gasp, and Kenzie whispers, ¡°Wait¡­ Seriously?¡±


    Hancock nods, and he whispers, ¡°Yeah, I think so.¡±


    ¡°Can they do that? I mean¡­ She¡¯s¡­ She¡¯s not like the Grodrrns or the others, is she? I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s merciless, narcissistic.¡±


    Hancock shrugs, ¡°I guess. I don¡¯t know, and¡­¡± He scratches his uninjured cheek nervously, ¡°It¡¯s kinda embarrassing to ask, since I¡¯m supposed to be an officer¡­ But, look, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not an easy decision. Trading to an enemy to catch a traitor... I don¡¯t know. Above my paygrade.¡±


    ¡°Sheesh. Did you know any of this back when you signed up, Rex?¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°No. I was surprised when they shoved a rifle into my hands and said ¡®clean this¡¯. They left out the part about politics with alien prisoners and traitors.¡±


    He stretches, saying, ¡°Well, I think my part¡¯s done either way. Should probably head back to Providence.¡± He presents the helmet, ¡°Levi¡¯s work is cut out for her.¡±


    The young scientist gingerly touches the spider-cracked visor, which fogged over when the automatic polarization system failed. The battery is almost dead, but the alarm can still be heard ringing continuously inside from where the sound conditioning system was shorted out. Lopez murmurs softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, live and learn, right? This is why I keep asking for deflector shields.¡± He grins playfully at her, and she finally smiles a little, though she¡¯s still concerned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do that yet¡­¡±


    The ensign grins at Kenzie, who smiles. He states, ¡°I like ¡®yet¡¯. ¡®Yet¡¯ is good. Means its a goal.¡±


    Lopez blushes, whimpering, ¡°Of course it is¡­ U-Um¡­ W-What about a¡­ drone? Wouldn¡¯t that be¡­?¡±


    Kenzie perks up at that idea, but Hancock refuses, ¡°No. Some things, you have to be there to really understand. I¡¯m sorry. I know you both want me to be safe, but I¡¯m a soldier. It¡¯s my job. And, I¡¯m good with that. Come what may, I hope you remember moments like this; where we smile.¡± He grins again, joking, ¡°Man, this hurts my cheek.¡±


    Both girls can¡¯t help but scoff and laugh together, and Hancock laughs as well.


    He feels a little bad, deep down, that he lied to Kenzie, but her not knowing the truth gives her both plausible deniability and sincerity. He knows she¡¯s not a compulsive gossip, but he was careful to word how and what he told her, so that she thinks that he¡¯s just as curious about the legitimacy of offering amnesty to an unrepentant enemy in exchange for someone who, on paper at least, is only trying to force the aliens out of the fleet. She may feel betrayed if she finds out, but it¡¯s the nature of the monster. If the antis know she¡¯s not an innocent pawn but an actual player, they won¡¯t show her mercy. This way, they should only hear what they need from her and leave her alone otherwise.


    ¡®Should¡¯, however, is all too often just that.


    ***

 Chapter 55: The Monsters Precious Sister

    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 novel; please report.


    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.


    ***

 Chapter 56: Insurrection Part 1

    ¡°Lieutenant Commander Kane? Call for you, Sir.¡±


    Kane looks over to the young marine calling for him. She waves to ensure he knows she definitely called out to him. He glances at the containment box containing ¡®Void Queen¡¯ Syretia in her disguise. While she¡¯s a bit nervous about this trap, she was willing to assist, and Zeeannssii was moved to a container in the back of the Garden, out of sight of the entrance. To anyone who wasn¡¯t part of the plan, Kane and the Void Queen are right where anyone left them.


    Kane approaches the petty officer, and she politely waits. Kane asks, ¡°Did they say who they were, Petty Officer?¡±


    ¡°No, Sir. They just said it was an urgent update to standing orders.¡±


    Kane is neither an inherently trusting or distrusting person. He¡¯s not sure why, but he likes to believe in the better nature of people, but he also feels keenly aware that betrayal comes from those closest as easily as those furthest away. It¡¯s all a matter of circumstance. So, in general, he has instincts for people, but he is cautious about how he reads them. Chief Grey rubbed him the wrong way at first, and they helped each other survive Earth. Dzor was not to be trusted, right up until he had the human fleet at his virtual mercy during the Zarakyssn attack. He easily turned the tide when he could have instead tried to flee with a small ship and any kidnapees he could gather.


    So, although Kane approaches the sound-powered phone, he is not outright suspicious of the Petty Officer whose name-tape reads ¡®Quincy¡¯.


    But, neither is he oblivious.


    Just as Kane puts his ear to the phone and says, ¡°Kane,¡± he whirls when a tingle tickles the back of his neck. He can hear Tachibana¡¯s voice quickly call out over the phone, ¡°Sir! Urgent Report!...¡±


    He¡¯s too busy to hear the rest. He blocks a homemade taser with his bracer arm, and the arc crackles violently, but harmlessly against the mysterious device, even as the floating rings obliviously turn at a calm pace. The apparent Petty Officer Quincy doesn¡¯t seem overly shocked nor relying entirely on the taser. She pulls something else from behind her back; a sort of make-shift cannon barrel attached to the end of a pistol. Though Kane¡¯s power far exceeds hers thanks to the bracer, he isn¡¯t quick enough to stop the shot from detonating a cloud in the corner where the phone is. Quincy calls out, ¡°I¡¯m made! I have to run!¡±


    A voice comes back over a radio, ¡°Ma¡¯am! Get out of there!¡±


    Kane launches himself forward out of the surprisingly large cloud, glancing around for the woman. He can hear her footsteps sprinting down the hall.


    Again, his instincts are tingling and swirling.


    It seems like an obvious trap. If he follows, whatever they plan to attempt against ¡®Zeeannssii¡¯ would progress.


    However, he didn¡¯t get a solid look at her face due to her helmet, and assuming Quincy is not her real name, he¡¯ll be unable to identify her later. Additionally, calling her ¡®Ma¡¯am¡¯ is rather obvious too, but it¡¯s obvious in the way that they¡¯d know he would know.


    More than likely, Cynthia Brock -whoever she is- stood in as herself to try to entice Kane into pursuing her if she couldn¡¯t incapacitate him. It¡¯s a game of cat and mouse where the cat knows he¡¯s a cat and the mouse knows she¡¯s a mouse. And, the mouse knows how to fight cats.


    The last factor Kane runs through in his split-second considerations is the fact that Syretia has her ¡®Queen¡¯s Shot¡¯ stashed at her back, ready to defend herself. The antis are fairly well coordinated as a whole, it seems, and they are being careful not to simply execute and make martyrs of the aliens. They want chaos related to the aliens, so they want bodies tied to the aliens to justify executing them or expelling them from the ship.


    If Syretia has to fire, it¡¯ll all be part of the plan.


    With that said, though, Cynthia Brock is very potentially within Kane¡¯s grasp.


    It¡¯s a decision he has no time to actually make and one that relies heavily on his trust in people, including Syretia.


    He sprints down the hall, following the sounds of footsteps.


    Syretia watches Kane sprint out of the Garden, though the doorway is obscured to her by the cloud of smoke the petty officer made. She knows what¡¯s going on well enough to know that the humans are in battle with each other over the fate of the non-humans on the Polonia, as well as the other ships. Not all of the humans are as welcoming or tolerant, and the egg of chaos is on the verge of hatching fully.


    She stands patiently, looking disinterested and calm; which is much easier considering the majority of humans have no idea what nervous looks like on a Zarakyssn. She was nervous that they would see right through her pretending to be the Void Queen, but Kane assured her that, in spite of how many humans she¡¯s met, there are many more who barely know either Zarakyssn Queen is on the ship, let alone Syretia¡¯s egg.


    Additionally, though, Syretia¡¯s current containment is also not fully sealed. They modified it to have an emergency escape for her, in the event anything goes wrong. She is as free as she normally is, with a great deal of trust being placed upon her.


    And she will continue to earn that trust. The humans have been good to her, and she has enjoyed life in ways the Horde does not tolerate.


    However, as the humans have tried to inform her, such ¡®freedom¡¯ is not without its dangers.


    As the smoke clears, and with Kane now somewhere out of sight, a figure appears right where she froze in place.


    A female petty officer-dressed woman with a name tape reading ¡®Quincy¡¯. She glances at the doorway as she steps towards Syretia¡¯s containment. Syretia feels nervous, but doesn¡¯t move beyond watching her. Kane is an intelligent and powerful warrior, but he is not immune from error. To Syretia¡¯s knowledge, no being in existence, from the simplest of biologicals to the most complex of machines, is fully beyond error. The most well-designed machine still has the error of reality deep within its workings, just as the simplest of biological processes can falter.


    And, Kane was fooled. He must have known it was a risk, but he also clearly weighed his options. What would make him think he needs to pursue this woman specifically? Syretia knows only the most basic of information, but she knows there are people actively out to hurt her.


    Quincy whistles briefly with three sharp, quick, bursts. In response, several more humans seem to appear out of hiding spaces throughout the ¡®Garden¡¯, all dressed in the military uniforms. Quincy explains quickly, ¡°Get the containment open. It¡¯s bulletproof to keep Grodrrns in.¡±


    ¡°On it,¡± replies one of the male humans as he jogs forward. He¡¯s reading off something and begins tapping on the console.


    Does he know the code?


    A tingle starts to grip Syretia. She can understand where the anger is coming from, but¡­ Is there truly nothing she could do to earn a chance? She is not her sisters, and although she led the attack, she was the first to turn. She knows she can¡¯t win over every human, but she wishes they could at least work together.


    A voice comes over the radio, and although Syretia is still learning, she makes out enough to know what it means; ¡°Ma¡¯am, the egg and mother are missing.¡±


    ¡°Missing? Didn¡¯t Oscar report she¡¯s been in her quarters since¡­?¡± Quincy halts the reply, looking directly at Syretia. Quincy¡¯s mouth curves into a smile. ¡°Clever¡­ I wonder if they laid this trap before, or after¡­ This is an imposter. Find the real one. Horu, find the egg.¡±


    In spite of her best efforts, Syretia squirms. Her hands grip the Queen¡¯s shot as the human last ordered confirms and begins searching.


    They know everything. Kane¡¯s allies knew these people would be prepared. However, none of them seemed to believe the antis would be so well prepared.


    Sister¡­ They will kill us both. Free me.


    Syretia tenses. The voice¡­ She knows who it is, but it should be impossible. Both of them are shielded in gold right now. If they can speak with each other¡­ has she been wrong about the bond all along? Has the Horde been able to connect to her all this time? She accepts that she is young, but¡­


    Calm yourself, Sister. I understand we¡¯re not allies, but we do share enemies right now.


    Syretia grips her own hands behind her back, still trying to hold her facade as the panel chirps with the human trying passwords or other means of breaking the code.


    Why would I trust you? You came to kill me. My daughter. My FIRST daughter¡­


    I am well aware. But, my Queen is fascinated by them. The humans, that is. Not these ones, but¡­ They¡¯ve told you, yes? I will never have daughters. Free me now, and I will spare your daughter as well as you.


    You¡¯ll harm the humans! And they¡¯ll know I helped you!


    You will die if you do nothing. Your daughter will die if you do nothing. I will kill my enemies. My Queen will determine your fate and the fate of your humans. I promise you will live to meet her.


    Why would we want that!?


    Mmm. Amusement fills the Void Queen¡¯s voice. You seem to be mistaken. The Queen WILL meet whom she chooses. This is a matter of on what terms.


    Syretia pauses. She¡¯s not specifically interested in this mysterious special Queen of the Void Queens. It sounds like blasphemy, making it unlikely she actually exists. But then, Syretia will be the first to admit that even she had no idea what a Void Queen was until they met Zeeannssii.


    Syretia also knows that she is among the furthest things from a warrior herself. She is more fit and agile than her Blessed Queen sisters, but she still is not agile or strong enough to be a warrior.


    Zeeannssii, according to the murmurs of the humans, is an assassin; skilled in martial combat in ways even the Grodrrns struggle with.


    D-... I don¡¯t want you to kill anyone¡­


    Then we will all die. You, me, your daughter¡­


    Syretia¡¯s mind is made up already, but she feels pain. It is betrayal, and she would trade her own life for Kane¡¯s trust and affection. She would be forever shamed to disappoint him. However, her egg¡­A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Please¡­


    Fine¡­ I will not kill them¡­


    Syretia buzzes nervously. She prays softly, ¡°{Forgive me¡­ May the light guide me¡­}¡±


    She whirls just as the door chirps in confirmation. She darts through the escape panel in the back of her container, scrambling up over the other crates and panels around them to avoid the weapons of the humans firing at her when they try to stop her. ¡°It''s escaping!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let it get away!¡±


    She doesn¡¯t fire at the humans. Her weapon will obliterate multiple humans at once. It¡¯s an escape weapon.


    And she will use it for that purpose. Just, not for herself.


    She finds Zeeannssii¡¯s containment just as a human is discovering it, hidden in the far corner of the Garden. The human calls out, ¡°I found the real Vee Cue! Back corner! They tried to hide it!¡±


    ¡°LOOK OUT! THE MOTHER IS COMING!¡±


    He whirls, but Syretia leaps over him from one container to Zeeannssii¡¯s. She scrambles into the tight gap, aiming at the roof of the container. She stays as hidden as the gap will allow, and she fires.


    Her weapon thrums almost musically, blasting a deadly cone of hot energy forward. The weapon melts the roof of the containment with little issue, and she prays Zeeannssii wasn¡¯t in the way. The Void Queen is right. If anyone can save the egg, it will be the only warrior in the area that can sense wherever it is.


    However, nude as they both are, the divine bond is at their disposal. And also, revealing them.


    Syretia can feel a warm tingle coming from the direction of Zeeannssii, however. A strange feeling, but definitely passing across her bond.


    The Void Queen flashes through the hole with a powerful jump, launching herself through the air towards the human who is closest. He cries out, firing into the air with his human weapon, but she is too fast, pinning him to the ground. Her attack seems brutal, but she merely pins him to the ground with a hard thud, ripping the gun from his hand. Some blood splashes, but Syretia quickly sees that it is mostly from his fingers.


    Unfortunately, Zeeannssii can do a lot of damage and keep her word to the younger Queen.


    With that said, though, she pulls human devices -some type of grenade- from the human¡¯s belt, and she pulls pins and scatters them quickly. The grenades detonate in large clouds of smoke, billowing white clouds into the room with wanton disregard for visibility.


    Syretia flinches when the Void Queen glances at her, human weapon in hand. But, as the smoke begins to consume her pearlescent form, Zeeannssii flutters her antennae lightly; a reassurring and happy gesture.


    From her hidden perch, Syretia can see nothing. But, she can hear.


    ¡°Smoke! Ma¡¯am, we need to fall back!¡±


    ¡°Who threw smoke! Harry!?¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that!?¡±


    ¡°Hear what!?¡±


    ¡°Over there!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Gunshots fire out, and the humans fall briefly to panic. A voice finally breaks through, ¡°Hold fire! Hold fire!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s attacking!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s behind us!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re trapped!¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP! Calm down and regroup! Horu, any-HRK!¡± The female voice grunts out, and then screams. More gunshots sound off, and Syretia flinches. She whimpers as she shrinks into her hiding place as much as her body will allow.


    Humans cry out and shout for each other, and a few moments later, the noise finally dies down.


    Syretia, come to me, quickly.


    She could feel the sharp stings her sister felt as shrapnel, melee parries, and perhaps even gunshots hit the Void Queen, but clearly none of them were maiming or incapacitating. Though, Zarakyssns also don¡¯t have a lot of blood to lose, and oxygen poisoning is a risk to them, even if they develop tolerance to breathing it.


    Syretia hesitates. Zeeannssii could very easily gun her down as well and escape again, and given the brief snippets the Queen understood, she did just that with the humans she encountered during her last escape.


    QUICKLY, Syretia!


    She squirms out of her hiding spot, cautiously crawling low and quickly towards the psychic pull she feels. She knows it¡¯s stronger because both Zeeannssii and Syretia¡¯s egg are in the same direction.


    She finds Zeeannssii holding the egg protectively, seated on one of the human crates.


    The younger, more naive Queen freezes in a sudden shock.


    The Void Queen¡¯s leg ends suddenly at the middle joint, dripping blood to the deck. Clasped by her other foot is a human arm. Its former owner is groaning with guttural, uncontrollable sounds. Zeeannssii buzzes wearily, ¡°{Human soldiers are just as aggravating as Grodrrns¡­}¡±


    Syretia starts toward the infertile Queen, but hesitates. Zeeannssii nods towards the wounded human, ¡°{If you want your human to value you, you should probably save them.}¡±


    The medical Queen glances at the wounded human, and then at Zeeannssii, who has a similarly mortal wound if unchecked.


    What is this feeling? Some semblance of loyalty to a sister? A fellow Queen? She pledged loyalty to the humans for the chance to broaden her horizons outside of the dogma of the Horde, but then¡­ is she so different from Zeeannssii? Zeeannssii is not a dogmatic zealot of the Horde, though Syretia still doesn¡¯t quite understand how she fits into it all.


    Loyalty to the savior of her egg?


    On the flip side, the antis -humans who hate her for being non-human- will never forgive her if she lets one of their own die.


    Syretia straightens proudly. She¡¯s not a warrior. But, she is a mastercraft healer of all races.


    Syretia quickly darts to the human, dragging him close to Zeeannssii. She pulls the Void Queen to the ground, in spite of the latter¡¯s weakening resistance. ¡°{What are you doing? Don¡¯t be a fool. You¡¯ll trade one human for the one you care about.}¡±


    ¡°{You know a lot, Sister. You are likely far better at almost all things than I am. But, my duty according to the Stones is to preserve life. Preserve life.}¡± She lines the two up so that their injuries are close, allowing her to work quickly with the fabrics the humans use and stop the bleeding at the very least. With proper tools, she can save the limbs, but she will need to stabilize them for the moment until she can get the two there.


    In fact, she should verify everyone else is stable.


    She quickly binds and stops the bleeding using the fabric of the human male¡¯s clothes. Fortunately, human fabric is easy to rip, but strong and easy to use. She checks other vitals on both, even as Zeeannssii hums in protest, ¡°{You could prove your loyalty, sister¡­ You know, don¡¯t you¡­? You know what you¡¯ve done¡­}¡±


    ¡°{If you mean the divine bond, I am aware. But, the humans will move the fleet. Because, I will tell them the truth.}¡±


    ¡°{They will kill you.}¡±


    ¡°{If that is their decision, then it is a logical one.}¡± She quickly tends to the other injuries on the Void Queen, adding softly, ¡°{I am hopeful, though. Humans are often as illogical as they are logical.}¡±


    Zeeannssii scoffs, murmuring, ¡°{I know¡­ And now, so does she¡­}¡±


    Syretia knows that this statement alone is among the most foreboding. It is among the most important things she has to relay to the humans when she can. The ¡°she¡± in question is undoubtedly this mysterious Queen of Void Queens. And, knowing about the humans¡¯ flaws, strengths, and weaknesses could only mean one thing when coupled with the fact that the fleet¡¯s current location is compromised.


    They need to flee quickly.


    Syretia turns to address one of the other humans, and she flinches at the presence of massive armored boots. Grodrrn boots. She looks way up to finally see the shocktrooper helmet looking down at her. Terror grips her. It¡¯s not Dzor, but she knows the Grodrrns have a deep-seated hatred of Zarakyssns. Most of the Grodrrns are much older than she is, and many of them have been through direct conflict with the Zarakyssns where friends or parents or children were lost. Unlike the humans, Grodrrns are more logical than illogical. Anger occasionally takes over, but they have a very pragmatic approach to enemies and undesirables; kill them. More than once, the humans have had to talk Grodrrns down from demanding executions of individuals, including one of the Grodrrns suspected of communicating with the Fievegal without permission.


    It¡¯s moments like this that Syretia realizes a few things all over again; she¡¯s lucky to be alive at all, and the interrelations of the fleet are extraordinarily complex.


    With that said, once more she is alive. The shocktroopers, being effectively retrained by the human soldiers, approach situations with logical Grodrrn minds, but human logical or illogical reactions. This one surveys the area, which has incapacitated humans of both genders, two otherwise untended Zarakyssns of iffy or no loyalty, and two maimings that need dealt with immediately.


    Thankfully, Syretia is learning the human language as quickly as possible, and the Grodrrns know it. He states calmly, ¡°Medical. How many?¡±


    Syretia looks around. Most of the humans are unconscious, but red pools of blood signify bleeding injuries she still needs to tend to. She counts the bodies, replying in Zarakyssn, which a shocktrooper likely understands well; ¡°{Five. I need operating room for two, and suturing for the other three. Potential treatments for concussion, mild asphyxiation, and blood loss. Um, Surgery, two; blood five.}¡± She forgets he has to tell the others on the radio, meaning short and concise go a lot further than full accuracy at times. The shocktrooper nods, making a report over the radio. ¡°Garden secure. Need surgery space in medical for two. Blood or blood sub for four human, one Zarakyssn. Need additional reinforcements at Garden for escort and security.¡±


    Syretia doesn¡¯t have the ears of a Grodrrn or the Cave Queen. She can hear the noise of the reply, but she can¡¯t tell what is said.


    The shocktrooper studies the humans, asking, ¡°Humans anti, marine, or both?¡±


    Syretia replies, ¡°{They tricked Kane into leaving, but I think all are¡­ a-anti? The rebels.}¡±


    The Grodrrn nods. ¡°Who will die first?¡±


    She glances at Zeeannssii briefly, who appears to have lost consciousness, or is faking it. Zarakyssn eyes don¡¯t close, so only a trained eye would know at a glance. That said, assassin or not, she knows Zarakyssns are not the hardiest beings when injured, while humans can take a surprising amount of punishment for their relative size.


    However, Zeeannssii is also a confirmed enemy and a VERY high risk to the fleet simply being alive. She looks to the dismembered human. She starts to answer, but the shocktrooper states bluntly, ¡°Take the Void Queen and begin. She is unique. Humans are more numerous.¡±


    She is stunned for a moment, but then she realizes why she shouldn¡¯t be. Cold calculus of war; the core of Grodrrn decision making. Zeeannssii may be a threat and an enemy, but she¡¯s also the only one that can give any information on this mysterious queen, as well as potentially dynamics of the Shining Daughters that Syretia is ignorant to.


    And, like the humans, this shocktrooper is making his cold calculus regardless of loyalties and factions, and based solely on the situation and the assets at play. Syretia hums nervously, ¡°{A-... Are you sure? She¡­ I¡­}¡±


    ¡°I am first responder. I must decide. We search for female. This human is male. Less priority. Go. Escorts are coming up the hallway.¡±


    Syretia nods, murmuring tenderly, ¡°{Thank you, um¡­}¡±


    The Grodrrn snorts, retorting, ¡°¡®Shocktrooper¡¯ is human word. Go.¡±


    The young Queen carefully scoops Zeeannssii up, ensuring to bring the severed leg. She has to carry the Void Queen on her back and thorax, but fortunately, the infertile Queen is comparable in weight to a human.


    Syretia makes her way quickly to the hallway, nearly bumping into several marines and another shocktrooper as she makes the turn. They aim at her, shouting, ¡°FREEZE!¡±


    Syretia halts. She can¡¯t communicate with humans directly yet. Not without Kane present.


    The humans order, ¡°Lower your weapon!¡±


    Syretia cocks her head. She has nothing on her at the moment. She left her Queen''s shot in her hiding spot, knowing she dare not let Zeeannssii get hold of it.


    Three more humans turn the corner quickly, and one reacts instantly, pumping a shotgun and aiming at the back of the head of the lead soldier aiming at Syretia. The young queen, though very confused, recognizes Chief Grey and Chief Tachibana well enough, as Tachibana also aims at the back of the head of one of the other soldiers. The third person, Syretia is fairly certain, isn¡¯t a marine. He has no weapon, and instead, flinches nervously.


    Chief Grey states coldly with his gruff voice, ¡°If you want to keep your thinking-goo from becoming actual goo, I¡¯d lower your weapons.¡±


    ¡°Th-They¡¯re escaping, Chief.¡±


    Grey whispers cryptically, ¡°Then, I trust you to do the right thing, human.¡±


    The soldier quakes with violent and fearful shivers. Grey adds with a serpent-like tone, ¡°That¡¯s right. I know everything.¡±


    ¡°W-W-We¡¯re prepared to¡­¡±


    ¡°Good, then I¡¯ll speed you alo-...¡± Just before anything else can happen -if it was going to happen- rifles fall from hands, and the soldiers raise theirs, shouting, ¡°Don¡¯t shoot!¡±


    ¡°Good lads¡­¡±


    Tachibana pats them down, disarming them of any further weapons as Grey holds them at gunpoint. She calls out, ¡°Syretia, we¡¯re on your side, and I know you can¡¯t answer me verbally. Nod if you¡¯re going to medical.¡±


    Syretia nods her head up and down.


    ¡°Are you injured?¡±


    The young Queen shakes her head.


    ¡°Good. Keep moving. Rena Coulson, Heloise Coulson, and the Cave Queen will meet you on the way there. We¡¯re consolidating VIPs there. Hurry!¡±


    Syretia nods. She wishes she knew a way to show humans gratitude. But for now, she needs to get Zeeannssii to treatment.


    She flinches, though, when she hears Tachibana ask, ¡°Where is Lieutenant Kane?¡±


    A loud alarm blares over the intercom, and a voice calls out, ¡°Hull rupture detected aft galley! Damage control teams! Investigate and begin shoring actions!¡±


    Syretia wishes she knew.


    ***

 Chapter 57: Insurrection Part 2

    Kane jogs to a stop in the aft galley, where the tables and chairs are nearly full with enlisted and civilian members of the fleet. He can see one of the Grodrrns eating her meal with an egg in her lap. It¡¯s not Khla, so it must be Nyonnys.


    Just as Kane starts toward her, he hears a safety click.


    ¡°Lieutenant Kane. Boss knew you wouldn¡¯t be brought down with anything we can manage. But, you can be halted with a dilemma.¡± The voice speaking softly is a male¡¯s, but he can tell from his peripheral vision when he glances that it is the person he followed. It appears he was fooled.


    However, there is an implication with where he¡¯s at now. If the plan, which was good enough to force him to choose following sounds instead of his actual target, was centered around incapacitating him in some way, then the dilemma undoubtedly involves the many lives on the mess-decks weighed against Nyonnys.


    Kane states plainly, ¡°Hand grenades.¡± He manages to catch the mystery-anti off guard, as he was smugly about to say the same. Kane spots a few people who are keenly aware of them, but that doesn¡¯t mean all of the assailants present have blown their cover. He asks softly, ¡°Why do this? What does she keep promising that makes jeopardizing the fleet worth it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t patronize us, traitor. They are alien monsters. THAT one helped destroy Earth. How could YOU forget?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten how Earth was destroyed. That¡¯s one of the few things I¡¯ve known all along. And, I know that the Grodrrns didn¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°But they would have!¡± whispers the assailant sharply. ¡°They showed no mercy when they invaded. Same with the bugs.¡±


    ¡°What about me? I¡¯m an alien. This device look like anything you¡¯ve ever seen before?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s neither here nor there. BUT, it is the subject of this moment. You¡¯ll take it off and destroy that THING¡¯s egg, and everyone else on the mess decks will survive.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. You¡¯d kill humans just to kill one alien and an egg. Excellent survival planning.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t test me! You don¡¯t have the leverage here. The lives present are in your hands.¡±


    ¡°I wonder¡­ Would you kill humans to accomplish nothing?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    In a flash, Nyonnys and her egg suddenly fall through a hole in the floor, and she cries out in surprise. The hole closes just as quickly, startling everyone on the messdecks. Kane¡¯s subtle hand gesture commanded a bend in reality. He¡¯s thankful it worked. Every day that passes, he remembers a fraction more of who he is and what the device is. But, he does worry that his ability to control the vast power of the gauntlet isn¡¯t up to the dangerous level of power it can muster.


    Thankfully, he could hear Rena through the portal crying out in surprise as Nyonnys fell. His move was successful. Nyonnys should have fallen square into the Cave Queen¡¯s pool, absorbing the impact for both her and the egg. It¡¯s not great for either, as the bulky reptilian aliens are actually not the best swimmers, given their weight and density, but she should be able to recover quickly enough.


    Kane turns to face his startled and confused attacker. ¡°Now then. Your move. Grenade the messdecks for nothing and confirm exactly who you people are; the real monsters, or surrender. Your turn to pick. No boss. Just you.¡± Kane stands patiently, confidently, and unafraid.


    Perhaps, he should have acted more like a soldier. How he¡¯s acting is surprising to himself, but it doesn¡¯t feel¡­ arrogant. It feels¡­ prepared?


    Regardless, the complete lack of concern in the Lieutenant¡¯s position sets off the attacker in a panic. He shouts, ¡°DO IT!¡±


    He fires at Kane as quickly as he can cycle the pistol he has. The gauntlet¡¯s protective barrier is a passive feature, and seems to activate when Kane is remotely in danger. However, because of it, small arms are completely harmless to him.


    Still, though, he quickly disarms the attacker, palm-heel-striking him across the room. This doesn¡¯t absolve Kane of all of the problems of the moment, though.


    He has a pistol and an untold number of grenadiers to deal with. Not to mention any or all of them could still escape. And, people are screaming and attempting to do just that.


    He has an idea, though. The cafeteria is rather central in the ship, possessing no outer walls. However, it still has the same vacuum-sensitive doors prepared to seal the room to prevent the air within the ship from being lost to space in the event of a multi-space rupture. And, he is an all powerful-...


    His mind trails away from that strange and sudden thought. Instead, he simply creates the portal he envisions above his palm. The interspatial hole in reality connects to another point in space with no true relative distance between sides of the hole.


    This portal is connected to somewhere outside of the ship, and an instant vacuum begins pulling the air out. Kane stumbles, but resists being pulled through the hole. With its size, it almost instantly lowers the pressure enough to seal the doors before anyone can make it through them. However, he must drain all of the air from the room if he is to save anyone, as ironic as that is.


    He can hear the chain-like jingles unique to a certain type of weapon. There are only seconds left.


    Fortunately, all of the sound dissolves away completely, and only two of the round green objects clonk to the ground. Kane spots the two who threw them, and he aims and fires. Thankfully, two things have gone in his favor; the pistol is a hybrid weapon capable of firing in vacuum, and the science teams haven¡¯t yet focused on a substitute grenade for fighting in non-oxygen environments.


    That means, his two shots find their marks, while the grenades do nothing, even as their spoons bounce noiselessly across the floor. The two grenadiers fall, and Kane aims at no one in particular after. Most of the individuals who remain are collapsing to asphyxiation. He carefully walks towards the dropped grenades, unscrewing their fuses from the body of the explosives. He glances around at the others, but there aren¡¯t any other grenades quickly apparent.


    Plus, his strange device¡¯s barrier may be keeping him alive momentarily, but he can tell the air around him is getting thin. He walks to the nearby door, tapping on it. He keeps his palm on the door, and he can feel the vibrations of a return tap. Someone is on the other side and prepared. He taps the short code message to repressurize the room, and shortly after, the procedure begins.


    It will only have been a minute or so that the air was completely absent, so everyone should be okay, if mild injuries from the vacuum. As soon as the door can be opened, Kane opens it, informing the damage control team and combat team waiting.


    ¡°Senior Chief, the antis attempted a bombing. I used my gauntlet to incapacitate everyone in the room. There are two who have been shot by me. They are antis. Anyone else holding a grenade needs to be brought in for questioning. Do not let anyone leave until everyone has been searched.¡±


    The senior chief, caught off guard by the presence of the Lieutenant, catches up quickly when Kane sets straight into his orders. Senior Chief Nomos nods, ¡°Yes, Sir! Group A, tend to any wounded! Group B, police everyone for grenades or other explosives and detain them. Group C, secure the doorways. No one in or out.¡± The groups affirm and break off to their tasks.


    Kane then states, ¡°The antis were more planned out than expected. I¡¯m going to regroup with the VIPs.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    Kane jogs up the hallway. He hopes the others protecting the suspected targets -the non-humans- have come to the same conclusion as him. They need to gather together where they can defend all of the antis¡¯ targets.


    He also hopes Syretia ended up okay. His choice potentially saved Nyonnys and her growing infant. But, ¡®Quincy¡¯ may have ultimately escaped.


    That, he will have to answer to.


    ***


    ¡°Admiral! Admiral! Are you here!?¡± Pazna jogs into medical with Pratt and French following closely. ¡°Admiral Long, Spaceman Pazna-OOOF!¡±


    The young soldier is slammed by a powerful clothesline by what feels like a solid block of wood coated in a light fuzz. French and Pratt flinch back, crying out in surprise.


    A terrifying, towering figure lunges out of one of the rooms, snatching Pratt¡¯s weapon away from him before anyone can react. French fires in a startled and instinctive panic, and people scream. Pazna yells desperately, ¡°WAIT! HOLD FIRE! FRIENDLY! FRIENDLY!¡±


    The Grodrrn launches French against the wall with a powerful forearm strike, and Pratt fumbles for his sidearm, crying out, ¡°HE¡¯S CRAZY!¡±


    Pazna finally gets a full look at the Grodrrn. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is Baskylla Jardzen Dzor, undoubtedly looking after the Admiral. Though, the reptilian warrior is already soaked in crimson blood.


    ¡°Yarjen Jor! Wait! Please!¡±


    The Jardzen grips Pratt with a single hand wrapping around the young marine¡¯s chest. His momentum sharply slowed, though, indicating Pazna was heard. Pazna sighs, adding quickly, ¡°We were sent by Chief Grey. We believe antis are coordinating a mass attack.¡±


    Dzor snorts, and Mina¡¯s voice says from the room Dzor exited from, ¡°We know¡­¡± She walks slowly and wearily out of the room, clutching her swollen abdomen. She coos gently to the Grodrrn Commandant, ¡°Thank you, Jor. I¡¯m in your debt¡­¡±


    Dzor breathes a deep breath, exhaling deeply. He drops Pratt, who falls onto his backside in fear. ¡°Impossible to know who is ally.¡±


    Pazna sits up cautiously, stating, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have charged in. What¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Mina answers, ¡°Admiral Long, Jessica, and Little Bird are holed up down the hall with Melody and Vivi. Beyond that, we¡¯re not sure where anyone else is right now. Ten antis attempted to attack Medical, including a medical officer who was undercover.¡±


    Dzor leans down, pulling each of the rookies to their feet by forearms, and French coughs. He manages to joke, though, ¡°That was a lot harder than training, Yarjen.¡±


    The Grodrrn looks at him with his usual naturally stern gaze. His reply is calm, though, and as gentle as his deep voice can go. ¡°Lucky I did not break bones.¡±


    French tries to stretch, wincing in pain. ¡°ERGH! W-Wouldn¡¯t rule it out¡­¡±


    Pazna states, ¡°Be careful-...¡±


    Mina cuts him off, ¡°If you can fight, French, ready yourself. If you can¡¯t, fall back to cover. You¡¯re no good if you can¡¯t focus.¡±


    French nods, ¡°I¡¯ll make it, Petty Officer. Just don¡¯t expect¡­ Hancock moves¡­¡±


    She scoffs. A voice similar to her own calls out, ¡°Thing Three!¡±


    ¡°Thing Four!?¡± Rena jogs up and hugs Mina. Pazna looks at the humongous squid-like alien following surprisingly gracefully in the narrow halls of Medical. The Cave Queen is followed by a couple more marines and a shocktrooper, as well as Helmdraavv Nyonys and her egg.


    Mina asks, ¡°Is everyone regrouping here?¡±


    ¡°VIPs are. They don¡¯t want any of the non-humans isolated. Not with the scale.¡±


    Syretia squirms in past the Cave Queen, carrying a surprising individual; none other than the Void Queen Zeeannssii.


    Mina winces, but she hesitates when she sees the younger queen¡¯s eyes.


    It¡¯s almost like a flash, or a spark of something.


    That something softens Mina¡¯s initial hostility. Syretia wants to help Zeeannssii, and she needs help.


    Realizing that she¡¯s the most informed in the area at the moment, and the most coordinated, given that Dzor is rather tunnel-vision when he focuses in on something, Mina hesitates only once more. ¡°Syretia! This way!¡± She waves, leading the Zarakyssn queen past the nervous onlookers. Her own body seems to be paining her, but she is able to show Syretia to an open operating room.


    The insectoid queen hums softly at Mina, and the young woman smiles. She then turns, ¡°Pazna, Pratt, help her get Zeeannssii onto the operating table.¡±


    ¡°Wh-... What!? Are you crazy!?¡± Pratt flinches, bumping backwards lightly into Dzor.


    ¡°Yes. Hormones. Go.¡±


    Pazna steps forward, jogging quickly into the room Syretia just entered. Pratt groans, whining as he follows, ¡°Petty Officerrrr¡­ She¡¯s WAY scary¡­¡±


    Mina retorts as he jogs past her, ¡°Then you should hope she has a shred of gratitude. Pwall¡¯kyn, is that you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± replies the Grodrrn shocktrooper.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°You mind watching over them? If Zeeannssii does anything, try to restrain her first.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Moving.¡± The shocktrooper squeezes up the hallway, and the others make room for him.


    Mina jumps when a long tendril affectionately finds her waist, and she blushes, looking to the Cave Queen as the affectionate alien waits patiently. Mina giggles, and Rena says, ¡°Heyyyy, no funny business.¡±


    The Cave Queen chirps gently, ¡°I am happy you are safe.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. Anyone seen Khla? The shocktroopers should be okay, right?¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°Grodurns have nothing to fear from these filthy traitors.¡±


    ¡°Girls wait!¡±


    Dzor looks down when two tiny presences make themselves known. ¡°Unckie Jor? E¡¯eryting otay?¡± Melody is the one who spoke, and both Melody and Vivi are standing on the floor. Jessica jogs to a stop, shocked at how crowded the area is.


    The Grodrrn ship commander is splattered with blood, but he replies surprisingly sensitively, ¡°Area safe. I protect.¡±


    Both girls grin with their small, razor sharp individual toothlets. They notice the Cave Queen, bowing politely, ¡°Mama Cave Queen.¡±


    The Cave Queen hums a chirping, warm sound as she reaches to the girls with ease, gently touching each one¡¯s cheek.


    Jessica Long says softly, ¡°Sorry¡­ They heard new voices talking calmly. I-... Is everything okay?¡±


    Dzor nods, ¡°For now.¡±


    Rena adds, ¡°We¡¯re regrouping VIPs here. The bait plan backfired.¡±


    Mina replies, ¡°Nyonys and My-hrm Cave Queen, please come back this way and step into these unoccupied rooms, just in case. Thing Four, Mom, you and the others should cover the entrance.¡±


    Heloise replies gently, ¡°Will do, sweetie. But,... Have you seen your¡­¡±


    Mina answers, ¡°Dad called to check on me. He said they locked down the lab. It¡¯s only him and Doctor Fry; um, my attending doctor when I¡¯m in the lab.¡±


    Heloise asks cautiously, ¡°Doctor Fry trustworthy?¡±


    ¡°I hope so. She helped deliver their eggs.¡± She gestures at Nyonys, implying both her and Khla. ¡°She¡¯s actually a herpetologist, so she might actually be weirder than Dad.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Rena calls from up the hall. ¡°We have enough bodies here, please keep Baby Sis safe!¡±


    The former police officer chuckles, ¡°Very well.¡± She smiles at Mina, murmuring softly, ¡°I still can¡¯t believe how much you two have grown up.¡±


    Mina blushes, squeaking furiously, ¡°MOOOM! Don¡¯t embarrass me!¡± She then asks seriously, ¡°Wait, so what about Craw? Have we heard from her?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°She is on patrol in shootle. Egg with her.¡±


    Mina nods. ¡°Good. I think that accounts for everyone other than Grodrrns males and Niodzen Halk¡¯uru. Will¡­ Will she be okay?¡±


    ¡°All Grodurns okay,¡± states Dzor confidently.


    ¡°Are you sure, Yarjen?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Grodurns mighty.¡± He looks around at the beings around him. The humans, in particular, are entirely the reason Dzor is no longer an honored and respected Fievegal Baskylla Jardzen. He himself has not faced their rifles, but he is well aware that humans are capable of bringing down Grodrrns. Especially so, since they have well-established exactly how to do that with shocktroopers specifically. If it was a simple matter of civilians rebelling against the military, it would be a non-issue. However, individuals in all facets of the fleet have proven to be traitors.


    Dzor sets his pride aside, saying to Pwall¡¯kyn, ¡°{Pwall¡¯kyn, tell the others to gather at medical. Better safe than sorry.}¡±


    Pwall¡¯kyn nods, replying, ¡°{Respectfully, Yarjen, Senior Chief Tachibana ordered all Grodurns to gather here.}¡±


    Dzor nods, replying to Petty Officer Coulson, ¡°Grodurns gather here as well. Humans scrappy.¡±


    The marines laugh, and Jessica teases, ¡°Um, Y-Yarjen, I think that¡¯s the nicest thing you¡¯ve ever said.¡±


    He snorts in amusement. ¡°I return to Admiral and protect. Petty Officer Coulson join.¡±


    Vivi exclaims excitedly, ¡°Yeah! Anny Mina and we pway games!¡±


    Mina smiles. ¡°Can¡¯t say no to that. Thing Four, keep me up to date with the entrance. I¡¯ll help the Admiral keep organized.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not my Mom!¡±


    Heloise jokes, ¡°Rena! Listen to your sister!¡±


    ¡°Awww¡­ Moooom!¡±


    Everyone chuckles again, and they break off to their respective areas.


    ***


    Kane jogs up to the hallway to the Garden, finding marines and shocktroopers controlling the area. Kane makes his way in past the marines keeping prisoners under guard. He finds Senior Chief Tachibana, Chief Grey, and a shocktrooper speaking.


    Tachibana notices him, greeting him, ¡°Commander. We¡¯re-...¡±


    ¡°Apologies. Quincy. Where is the person wearing the nametape ¡®Quincy¡¯? She¡¯s suspect number one.¡±


    They blink at him, and Grey shouts, ¡°Who has Quincy?¡±


    It takes a moment for everyone to look around, and that moment wastes precious time.


    Rifle fire thunders in the hallway, and the marines snap to. ¡°CONTACT ENTRANCE!¡±


    Thinking quickly, the shocktrooper closest to Kane rips one of the conex box doors off, charging forward with it as a shield. The first of the rebels form up on the door, and Buur, the shocktrooper, positions across from them with his makeshift shield to fire at them. They try to spread out some to fire at him, and his size betrays him. The current marine weapons were designed with Grodurns in mind, so each hit is an actual injury, causing him to flinch.


    Kane looks at his strange gauntlet. Can he muster another trick like the one in the cafeteria? He¡¯s still not sure what powers the mysterious device, as it definitively has lost power more than once, sometimes almost seemingly at an interval.


    Fortunately, the rings are spinning, and he can feel the static tingle of the passive barrier.


    Tachibana suddenly appears next to him, shouting, ¡°SIR! SYRETIA¡¯S EGG!¡± She points, finding it hidden behind a marine. A stray round or basic shrapnel could be the end of the tiny insectoid life within -the hope for true peace between several species-.


    Grey walks past, firing his shotgun as he orders, ¡°GO STRANGER! I¡¯LL COVER BUUR!¡±


    Kane nods, bolting for the egg. He doesn¡¯t like having to prioritize one life over another, but the egg is defenseless, and he is the most defensible. Given a weapon, he can still fight while protecting the egg more efficiently.


    He orders the young marine, ¡°Find better cover! I have the egg!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The marine scrambles behind one of the other conex boxes as the rebels press into the Garden, firing at Buur and the marines while Buur tries to deny them lines of fire. He¡¯s taking bad hits, but keeps fighting.


    Still, he is a living being. One hit from a rifle nearly topples him, but two Marine chiefs -a Senior Chief and a Chief- quickly bolster the door. Grey does his best to hold the Grodurn upright, growling out, ¡°NOT SO FAST, YA REPTILIAN BASTARD! YOU DON¡¯T GET TO TAKE A NAP IN THE MIDDLE OF BATTLE!¡±


    Buur coughs up blood, but nods, shrinking behind the door as much as possible as Grey and Tachibana do everything they can to keep it upright. Buur is in full shocktrooper armor, meaning as long as the regenerator doesn¡¯t get hit, he will survive.


    Of course, his regenerator is low on power, which creates issues of their own as the clock ticks.


    One brazen rebel, thinking himself a hero, most likely, tries to rush Buur and finish him off. Tachibana ensures he finds a mouthful of buckshot when he tries to mount the door for a shot on the shocktrooper¡¯s back. She curses caustically, hateful of the idea of killing soldiers wearing the same uniform as her. But, she knows which side she¡¯s on.


    Grey asks, ¡°How¡¯s your regen holding, Buur!?¡±


    The Grodurn groans, managing to raise his weapon hand and fire over the door. He grumbles, ¡°I am¡­ Grodurn¡­ I am¡­ the blade that will kill¡­ what tries to stop me¡­¡± He winces from another injury, adding wearily, ¡°I am¡­ Lashgard¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Keep fighting! Damn Marine Corps needed shocktroopers a hundred years ago!¡± Grey supports the Grodurn¡¯s weight as much as possible, reloading his shotgun. ¡°Tachi! Trade!¡± He trades weapons with her, allowing her to focus on the door and firing at the enemies in the doorway. He quickly reloads her shotgun next as the enemies press forward. They don¡¯t actually have to enter the room. They just need to kill every one of the Marines.


    Metal pings are a tell-tale sign to hardened soldiers, and both Grey and Tachibana tense. Both call out, ¡°GRENADE INCOMING!¡±


    Tachibana throws her body onto the closest one that pings under the makeshift shield.


    Grey shouts at her, ¡°IT WAS SMOKE!¡±


    The Senior Chief keeps her weight on the object long enough for the white smoke to billow out, and she yelps, unfolding from the grenade to reveal that her armor suit is smoldering. The white smoke quickly billows out, and Tachibana quickly pats out the embers from trying to contain the hot device.


    More of the smoke grenades tumble into the room, and Grey shouts, ¡°You idiots are sucking up all the air, and you¡¯re mad at the crocs?¡±


    A sudden mechanical roar, like a jet engine, fills the hallway, rapidly approaching the door. The sound suddenly ceases, and the marines outside cry out. They begin trying to coordinate, but whoever is attacking them is moving too quickly.


    Grey peeks over the door edge. The newcomer seems to be throwing human beings around like ragdolls, suggesting it must be a Grodrrn. However, the Grodrrns don¡¯t care much for jetpacks, which the roar had to have been. Especially because human corridors are so tight for them as is.


    The attacker is also using human weaponry, firing in the chaos as the enemies try to hit him.


    Grey yells, ¡°Someone help me get Buur clear!¡±


    The Grodrrn shocktrooper coughs, murmuring, ¡°Leave me. Safety of ship comes first.¡±


    ¡°No man left behind!¡± snaps Tachibana as she instantly tries to shoulder Burr¡¯s other arm. She shouts to Grey, ¡°Ready!? HEAVE!¡± The two push, dragging the heavy reptilian forward. He groans in pain, but does his best to help support what weight he can. Several more marines jog close, keeping their heads down as they run. They squeeze in to support some of the shocktrooper¡¯s weight, helping move him more quickly to cover behind one of the conex boxes. No sooner does Grey drop him at the hiding spot does he jog back forward, ¡°Secure lines of fire down both directions! Someone push that box for better cover! Stranger, fall back to Buur¡¯s position and cover him and the over-easy!¡±


    Voices confirm, ¡°Yes Chief!¡± ¡°Moving Chief!¡±


    Tachibana jogs after him, ¡°On your six, Chief!¡±


    ¡°Aye!¡± He jogs to the door, stacking up with Tachibana posting beside him, ready to follow him. Two more young marines jog after them, posting behind Tachibana.


    Grey listens to the chaos in the hallway, and someone tries to run into the room with his rifle ready, shouting, ¡°Friendly incoming!¡±


    Grey fires, blasting the newcomer in the thigh. He cries out, but Grey is no fool. He had his rifle up. Tachibana shouts in surprise, but Grey says calmly as the rifle clacks across the ground, ¡°Restrain him. Medic!¡± He peeks partially and briefly around the corner as the sounds continue. He pivots with his shotgun up.


    He smirks when he sees the ¡®who¡¯ giving the rebels such a terrible run. He¡¯s using every bit of his new and fancy armor to fight, like some sort of video game character. Grey checks the other direction, finding no one. He storms into the hall, taking cover in one of the doorways. Tachibana squeezes in next to him, asking over the noise, ¡°Is that Hancock?¡±


    Grey replies, ¡°Yeah!¡± He calls out, ¡°Rookie! Leave some for us!¡±


    Hancock¡¯s voice comes back, ¡°Fire away, Chief! I¡¯m running out!¡±


    Grey laughs, charging closer as Hancock successfully drives the rebels back. He and Tachibana fire their shotguns carefully, avoiding hitting Hancock.


    It doesn¡¯t take long until they manage to corner the rebels, where one of the airtight hallway doors has closed. Mr. Right¡¯s face peeks through the window, and he waves.


    Hancock shouts, ¡°Weapons down! Drop ¡®em! Now!¡±


    The rebels comply quickly, dropping their weapons quickly, and Grey states, ¡°Tachi!¡±


    ¡°Got it! Go!¡±


    Grey jogs in, keeping low so that he can slide the weapons back while Hancock and Tachibana hold the rebels at gunpoint. There¡¯s about twenty of them left, and Grey focuses mainly on getting the weapons away from them as quickly as possible, and the two young marines join him.


    They parade the captured rebels into the Garden, where Kane is holding a young woman by the neck with her feet dangling.


    Grey jogs forward as the others call out, ¡°Commander?¡±


    Grey puts his hand on Kane¡¯s forearm, asking, ¡°Whoa, whoa, there Stranger, what¡¯s the rush?¡±


    Kane¡¯s gaze locks with Grey¡¯s, and it nearly startles the grizzled, one-eyed soldier. The lieutenant¡¯s eyes are drained of what little blue, making his eyes a steely grey. But, deep within, there is a sort of glow that looks almost like a fire.


    The gaze shifts, and Kane¡¯s expression softens. The young woman is nearly unconscious, and Kane lowers her to her feet, allowing Grey to catch the girl. Grey can see her name tape now; ¡®Quincy¡¯. He asks the Lieutenant Commander, ¡°What did she say?¡±


    Kane¡¯s gaze goes distant, but is his normal shade of pale blue in his eyes. He replies softly, ¡°¡®Earth was lucky.¡¯¡±


    Grey watches the mysterious supersoldier for a moment. Something feels off about the reply. Kane is difficult to rattle, and though it makes him dangerous that he can be rattled at all, it doesn¡¯t feel quite right. Something about what this young woman said set him off. His gaze was wildly out of character and ready to end her.


    Almost like he was in tremendous pain. More than the mere mention of Earth should have an affect on someone like him.


    But, Grey is a rather wise old Marine. He knows when someone isn¡¯t going to speak. And, he knows, they have bigger things to worry about.


    He asks, ¡°What makes you think she¡¯s Suspect number one? Bit young to be our CB, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Kane nods, ¡°I thought so too. But then, she has a¡­ charm about her. An innocent facade that¡¯s easy to be hooked by, and an intelligence and broad view for the big picture. Both are perfect for organizing this.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Sounds good to me. We¡¯ll box her up next to Hitch and set our secret weapon on her.¡±


    Kane looks to find Mr. Right jogging in, grimacing at the bodies in the hallway, but excited and frightened otherwise. The Lieutenant Commander asks, ¡°Mr. Right?¡±


    Grey scoffs. ¡°Right man for the job.¡±


    Mr. Right approaches them, trying to be ¡®military¡¯. ¡°Marines.¡± He salutes with his left hand, fumbling to decide if he should be using his right or left. Kane and Grey give quick half-salutes, and the eccentric former billionaire asks, ¡°So? Did we win?¡±


    Grey frowns, murmuring quietly, ¡°As much as we can in a situation like this.¡± He looks around at the destruction. Buur has recovered, but his regenerator is completely out of power.


    Mr. Right says surprisingly respectfully, ¡°Yeah¡­ Bit too much like what drove me off Earth¡­¡±


    Tachibana asks as she approaches, ¡°How do we prevent this? We can¡¯t go on like this forever.¡±


    Grey looks at Quincy, replying, ¡°Well, assuming this is the right one, we might be able to cut off the head. Then, it¡¯s just a matter of giving the disgruntled what they want.¡±


    Mr. Right replies, ¡°You thinking what I¡¯m thinking?¡±


    ¡°I doubt it.¡±


    The businessman scoffs, adding, ¡°Let¡¯s make them a ship. O-Or like a barge. Can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t think of this. We can make habitats that the starships pull, but are self-contained. Everyone wins.¡±


    Tachibana replies a little skeptically, ¡°Won¡¯t people just be afraid we¡¯ll dump the barges first in a crisis?¡±


    Mr. Right starts to object, but pauses. ¡°Oh¡­ I mean, I guess. I was just thinking¡­ Space is our biggest issue right now. You know, inside space, not outside space in this case.¡±


    Grey retorts, ¡°Got it, Mister Rhyme.¡±


    Hancock jokes, ¡°Mr. Right in the Limelight making rhymes like he Rhymeright.¡±


    Grey points at the young Ensign, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, Rookie.¡±


    Mr. Right grins, saying, ¡°Hey, I appreciate you, Rex. My kind¡¯o Marine.¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Kane says politely, ¡°Secure everyone we captured today. I¡¯m heading to medical with Syretia¡¯s egg. Anyone need to go?¡±


    Buur limps up, clutching his side. ¡°I should go, I think. Regenerator out of power.¡±


    Kane nods. ¡°Can you walk it?¡±


    The Grodrrn nods proudly. ¡°Of course. I am Lashgard. Mighty Grodurn Shocktrooper and Marine.¡±


    Grey grins, musing, ¡°Aaay, that¡¯s what I like to hear. Rookie, you and I will escort Right back to the shuttle. Sound good, Senior?¡±


    Senior Chief Tachibana, Grey¡¯s senior on paper, nods respectfully. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll coordinate everyone here. The VIPs are heading to Medical. Though, we should secure the hangar and move triage for the VIPs there.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Agreed. I¡¯ll let you know how it looks when we get there.¡±


    The marines break off to carry out tasks. One more battle has been won, but it was one that should never have been fought.


    Of course, ideally, no battle ever needs to be fought.


    And yet, there is already a new one brewing.


    ***

 Chapter 58: Ambush on the Battleship

    Niolajt Jardzen Mrff, second in command of the battleship commanded by Baskylla Jardzen Khla, rests his head on his fist as he watches the chaos.


    Laurel is a cooperative and responsible woman who accepted a burden placed upon her by the Fievegal-loyal Grodrrns and made it her own. Sold by the idea of loyalty, the human female has carried a pregnancy with pride and dignity, manipulating the Grodrrns who are counting on her child to save the future of the Fievegal.


    Of course, a second branch is being secretly carried out by the human fleet, though not with the Fievegal in mind, but the Grodrrns themselves.


    In the present place and time, though, a demon is splitting the ears of the scientists trying to understand its nature and how to care for it.


    Laurel¡¯s pregnancy ended. It ended in the birth of an apparently healthy human female infant. And, quite possibly the healthiest part of the infant are her lungs.


    Laurel is gingerly rocking the baby back and forth, trying to calm her, as the scientists crowd around her, covering their sensitive ears while trying to plead for steps they can take, and desperate to ensure the girl is healthy.


    Laurel and Mrff are the least panicked. Laurel, because her maternal instincts assure her that the baby is just agitated -likely from all of the giants crowding around her-, and Mrff because he¡¯s been listening to this for over {2 weeks} now. The baby, named Sarah, cries constantly for everything. Laurel chose the name because Sarah will one day be the next Saurmynnyka¡¯s mother, and she felt that Sarah was similar to Saurmynnyka, but easy enough for everyone to pronounce, including the Grodrrns.


    Of course, Laurel may be a caring and instinctively driven mother, but her instincts didn¡¯t kick in fully until after Sarah was born, and as such, many of the necessities she realized she needed for a baby, such as a crib, diapers, and anti-moisture powder have to be rush-manufactured or adapted from what is already on the ship. The human fleet, apparently having seen a little ways in the future, sent a set of reusable diapers, but there are stringent cleaning requirements. And, the Grodrrns have a second drawback when dealing with human infants; their noses. Mrff thought Laurel was a foul smelling monstrosity with all of her different hormones and responses.


    Then Sarah was born.


    Grodrrn hatchlings are messy, to be true, but a Grodrrn¡¯s diet -especially an infant- is comparable to an adults, but more strict. They eat meat and prepared vegetables, where as the human infant has to eat almost digested foods when she¡¯s shifting off of her mother¡¯s milk, and the mother¡¯s milk produces plenty of foulness as is.


    Of course, the scientists are excited. It¡¯s a science experiment as well as the fate of the Fievegal. Though humans are mammals, which are all but animals on Grodurra, the scientists have been able to set aside any biases in order to dedicate their attention to the task. And, in this case, this task is to make a mother and daughter happy, healthy, and well-mannered to imprint upon the Saurmynnyka.


    Of course, Mrff is just hoping to survive each day that comes without bashing his skull into the wall. His ears ache, his head hurts, and he is the personal guard to this particular pair of humans.


    Interestingly enough, the scientists showing the most fervor for helping Sarah and Laurel are the female Grodrrns. And, Mrff can understand why. The most important humans on the ship are a pair of female humans, and Laurel has not been shy about letting everyone know that she approves of receiving female aid over the much larger and more intimidating males. On the flip side of that, the female Grodrrns tending to them see their one true chance to be an important part of a child¡¯s life; even a child that may not be theirs. Fievegal culture very specifically favors males, though the immense drawbacks of long-ago decisions are glaringly obvious now, and the females are capitalizing. They aren¡¯t trying to change culture, but they are trying to prove that -even with the ability taken away from them-, they can be effective Chulm¡¯chns.


    Of course, these scientists are on the right ship. They¡¯re learning to mother a creature far more needy, noisy, smelly, and all around difficult than any Grodrrn hatchling would ever be. And, they¡¯re taking it in stride.


    Mrff vows, however, that he¡¯s going to get his helmet to muffle the noise the next time he can make it to his locker. He forgot it because he isn¡¯t sleeping.


    ¡°{Jardzen Murf?}¡± He looks at Laurel, who just asked for him. ¡°{Do you think we can take Sarah to the¡­ um¡­ star-deck? I think she likes seeing the stars.}¡±


    He inhales and exhales, ¡°{The bridge?}¡± He thinks about it for a moment. They are docked at a space station with a race the Fievegal has a treaty with. The main reason, Mrff knows, is because they¡¯re in the demilitarized zone between the Fievegal and the Zarakyssn Horde. This makes them unconquerable for the time being, but with trade treaties in place, the Fievegal can use their space stations for recon and resupply.


    He nods, ¡°{Very well. Come.}¡± He pauses, asking, ¡°{You already changed her diaper, yes?}¡±


    Laurel giggles, ¡°{Yes. Sorry¡­}¡±


    He snorts, ¡°{It¡¯s fine. Cost for everything.}¡± He escorts her to the bridge, and almost instantly, the child seems to stop crying. Her bright eyes stare at the stars visible through the various surfaces of the bridge.


    Baskylla Jardzen Khla is present, sitting in the command chair. He turns, musing, ¡°{Ahhh, a Helmdraavv in the making, I see.}¡±


    Laurel giggles, asking, ¡°{A like for stars, Yarjen?}¡±


    He nods, ¡°{Indeed. Neezha loved the stars upon hatching. She all but became nocturnal just to see the stars more.}¡±


    Laurel giggles, ¡°{That¡¯s adorable. I hope Sarah finds a place that makes her happy.}¡± She hugs the tiny human to her cheek, as the scientists salute and take notes.


    Khla then looks to Mrff, musing, ¡°{You look tired, Yarjen.}¡±


    Mrff replies as calmly as always, ¡°{I am fit for duty, Yarjen.}¡±


    Khla snorts in amusement. ¡°{I shall escort Lady Laurel and Sarah for a while. Go and rest, Yarjen. Thank you for all of your hard work.}¡±


    Mrff nods, looking to Laurel. ¡°{Will you be okay?}¡±


    She nods. ¡°{Yes. Thank you. I-I swear she¡¯ll get quieter as she gets older.}¡±


    He smirks and nods. ¡°{I¡¯m waiting with an itch.}¡±


    As he excuses himself, he can easily hear Laurel asking softly what that means. He smirks. It¡¯s easy to forget that each race has their own sayings, and an ambush predator¡¯s descendant would shame his ancestors to break the ambush by scratching a harmless itch.


    He may not be hiding in swamps and sand waiting on prey, but a similar philosophy still applies. Mrff can handle being a little tired. He is a warrior. Losing sleep is a part of the job. If anything, being a ship¡¯s second in command has made him soft.


    As he passes several junior officers, they step out of his way, saying timidly, ¡°{Niolayt Yarjen.}¡± He can hear their bodies tense. He glances at them briefly, and he simply nods.


    It¡¯s only as he makes his way down to the food deck that he realizes that EVERYONE seems to be greeting him. He catches one of them, asking, ¡°{Niojen. Why did you greet me?}¡±


    Caught off guard, the young female officer squeaks, ¡°{Y-You¡­ It¡¯s policy, Yarjen. A-And you looked¡­ like¡­}¡± She trails off nervously, unsure how to finish it, or if she even should have said as much as she did.


    Mrff looks at his reflection in one of the screens nearby. He tugs on his face a little, realizing that he looks particularly grumpy, rather than his normal serious and stoic expression.


    He sighs. Far be it for him to tell a junior to shed courtesies rather than ignore when they aren¡¯t expressed constantly, Mrff says quietly, ¡°{I look grumpy. I see.}¡±


    ¡°{N-No Yarjen! I only meant that-...}¡±


    ¡°{Calm yourself. Thank you for answering my question. Carry on, Niojen.}¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°{As you wish, Yarjen. Thank you.}¡± She walks off briskly.


    Knowing is good enough. Mrff has a reputation sometimes for being a stickler for policy, especially when visiting officials are on the ship. Seeing him apparently in a bad mood is a fair assumption that it¡¯s a good time to turn full propriety on.


    Now that he knows, he doesn¡¯t have to worry that it¡¯s something else. He¡¯s the second in command on the ship. He can¡¯t know every single thing, but he can do his best to know almost everything.


    He eats a quick meal and continues walking around the ship, relaxing his head. He hasn¡¯t meditated clearly for a few days now, and his head is foggy and sore. He far from hates Laurel anymore. The humans have proven to be noble creatures, even if it is one of their weaknesses. But, he also is not a human. He doesn¡¯t know how Laurel is keeping such a warm spirit. She¡¯s directly responsible for the infant.


    Mrff pauses to study the supplies being brought onto the ship and carried to the storage holds from a distance. The Ryglyths, the race¡¯s own name for themselves who own the space station they¡¯re docked at, are a naturally aquatic race -though, the liquid they reside in naturally is actually a bit thicker than water, like oil-. This makes them powerful swimmers in actual water, and lethargic and sluggish outside of fluids. Regardless, they have pursued the stars like many other races, and have adapted to their amphibious lifestyle.


    The syrup-like fluid heavily abundant on their world, however, is a commodity, and part of their treaty with the Fievegal is a defensive pact and assistance tracking smugglers that steal it, as -unlike water and its simple chemical structure-, the Ryglyth syrup is much more complex and far less abundant in the universe.


    Fortunately, the Fievegal can trade ingredients that the plant life of Ryglog uses to produce the syrup, which the Ryglyths farm for trade. It makes an excellent and high nutrient food source when properly sterilized and prepared.


    He starts to continue on his way, when he nearly bumps into a young Niodzen, and she squeaks, ¡°{E-Excuse me, Niolayt Yarjen! My sincerest apologies.}¡±


    She continues quickly on her way, and Mrff watches her only long enough to shake his head. She was extremely young and nervous, and seems to be focused solely on her current task, whatever it is. The Niolajt Jardzen shrugs it off. She looks even younger than Helmdraavv Neezha Khla, and even has a perfectly pressed and cared for uniform. She has pretty blue striping on the back of her head and neck, and she must constantly have to work extra hard to get around blue-scale stigmas. How can he fault a hard-working and professional young officer?


    He makes it a few steps as a somewhat sweet odor reaches his nose. He can¡¯t quite place what it is, at first. He feels like he¡¯s smelled it before. Ryglog syrup? No, that¡¯s not it. Grodrrn milk pastries? No, he¡¯d recognize that far easier. Some kind of soap? Rather amazing anyone would have any personal soaps left after deployment stretching so far.


    Mrff slows to a stop.


    Younger than Helmdraavv Khla? Blue scales?


    One of those factors should be impossible. Baskylla Jardzen Khla was one of the last few Grodrrns in Grodrrn history to recieve an egg before the Saurmynnyka was assassinated. There are obviously a few other Grodrrns out there that should compare in age to Neezha, but none should be much younger. Mrff can¡¯t even remember the last time he saw a Grodrrn who appeared to be no more than {20 years} old. And, most importantly, Neezha WAS the youngest.


    He looks up the hallway the young Grodrrn went. She¡¯s out of sight already, having made a turn somewhere.


    The other inconsistent detail he didn¡¯t catch immediately; her blue scales. While blue scale Grodrrns haven¡¯t been given egg rights for decades, if a hatchling happens to have an atavistic recurrence of blue scales, they aren¡¯t automatically killed in most cases. They can simply be guaranteed to never be eligible for egg rights.


    All of that said, blue scales are an extremely rare trait anymore. Is it feasible that there is anyone -officer or soldier- on the ship that Mrff hasn¡¯t passed at least once? He knows he doesn¡¯t have perfect memory, but the effects of Dzhonn¡¯s weapon have worn off. And Dzhonn had¡­


    Blue scales.


    Mrff would never have even thought about it. Dzhonn was present on the ship since deployment started, and though Mrff had no reason to interact with him prior to their mission, Mrff had seen the young male helmdraavv who had blue patterns on his arms.


    And, Dzhonn was a traitor who nearly doomed the Fievegal and jeopardized Khla¡¯s battleship.


    Mrff has seen a lot in his long service history. He has a long way to go before he can retire. Some small part of him looking after Laurel and Sarah dreams of the day he can once again perhaps pursue having a family.


    It¡¯s then that he connects the sweet smell to the young Grodrrn. She must have recently washed in something, or be covered in something from wherever she came from.


    One fact has to be true, though. She doesn¡¯t belong on the ship.


    Mrff follows his nose, tracking the sweet smell up the hallway. He doesn¡¯t sprint or start a panic yet. She seemed too timid and normal to be associated with treason.


    Too timid and normal, now that he thinks about it. Everyone else was particularly startled by his appearance. This young female didn¡¯t give him a single thought. She recognized him, but didn¡¯t even give him a chance to say anything.


    And, with the ship in dock, what could be so important that a young officer is in such a rush that she virtually ignores her ship¡¯s second in command?


    Should I report it? What do I say? A suspicious young Grodrrn ignored me? I don¡¯t even know her name.


    He¡¯ll get two hatchlings to one egg, though, apparently, as the scent leads him to the bridge. Mrff enters with sharp eyes, but it does no good.


    The young Grodrrn is speaking to Baskylla Jardzen Khla, or so it seems.


    The longer Mrff is on the bridge -seconds at this point-, the more he realizes that it¡¯s dead silent.


    A blade hits his torso from his left, and a shock pierces and courses through his body. Laurel¡¯s voice cries out, ¡°MURF!¡±


    Mrff whirls his arm out as powerfully as he can, focusing his entire mind -filled with thunder and sparks- on just one motion. His arm slams the wall, denting it as the pain relents. An acrobatic form narrowly flips away from him, and he lunges sideways. He hears the crackle of a second blade as he avoids its lightning bite. He grips the staff it¡¯s attached to, and he yanks it free of the wielder.


    Sarah starts crying again, but Mrff¡¯s attention is focused on the cloaked attackers. Fabric obscures them, but shimmers when they move. He lunges towards the second attacker with the spear-like weapon, but his arm is stopped by a powerful grip.


    The first two attackers were much smaller than him, and far more acrobatic.


    However, the grip holding his arm now is powerful, sharp, and chitinous. Whatever race it is, it is holding back an enraged Grodrrn. He looks, and the being allows its cloak to fall away from its head.


    Blue is the first and most prominent feature; chitinous plating with a shimmering blue. Beneath the chitinous, insectoid plates, however, is a distinctly leathery, slightly fuzzy and scaly skin with a blue and grey hue. A mouth instead of mandibles holds sharp, vicious teeth polished to a perfect shine.


    The being is a little taller than Mrff, though its head structure seems familiar -femenine-, in spite of the monstrous appearance.


    Femenine¡­


    He sees it, and it sends a chill up his spine.


    This creature resembles a Grodrrn.


    It also speaks fluent Grodrrn, ¡°{Niolayt Yarjen. Mrff, yes? You served with my Chulm¡¯chn, if memory serves.}¡±


    Mrff¡¯s warrior instincts kick in; fight or die fighting. He spins, attempting to slash the creature with his left hand. The strange being blocks, and a powerful, sharp, and piercing kick throws him back, doubling over. She adds, ¡°{Ironically, you also served with my brother. Briefly, of course.}¡± Her lips curl into a devilish smile, and Mrff coughs. ¡°{As soon as I saw you, I knew you would withstand the stun-staves of my sisters. You reeked of the Drulkannocstra.}¡± Mrff looks directly at her, shocked.


    She scrapes a tooth with a three-fingered hand -reminiscent obviously of Grodrrn, but also¡­ Zarakyssn-. She then licks her teeth as Mrff tries to recover his balance. When he looks at Khla and the mystery Grodrrn, though, he hesitates. The young Grodrrn is holding Sarah, with a sidearm aimed at her. That explains why Khla is holding steady. Laurel is being held by one of the smaller attackers, who are all still invisible. But, Mrff has a pretty good idea what they are. Though, he¡¯s never seen such capable soldiers in the ranks of the Horde. Seemingly within seconds, a troop of Zarakyssn soldiers stormed the bridge and captured it right under the sensitive noses of Grodrrns.


    The strange Grodrrn-esque being walks in with soft boot-falls, carrying her seemingly disembodied head with grace. She approaches Laurel, touching her cheek, ¡°{So, this is a human?}¡± She fidgets with Laurel¡¯s hair a moment, smelling her hand as the mother freezes in terror.


    Two more blades appear in front of Mrff, indicating they¡¯re ready to attack him if he moves, and he looks to Khla. The Baskylla Jardzen¡¯s expression is angry, but he is restraining himself for the sake of the human infant.


    The monster stalks around the room casually, stating coldly, ¡°{Such a tangled mess this Saurmynnyka business has become. But, it has also shown a lot of promise.}¡±


    Khla growls, ¡°{I don¡¯t know how you got onto this ship, but it will serve you no good. If our mission is incomplete, the Fievegal will not hesitate to disable and recapture the ship.}¡±


    The creature replies calmly without looking at him, ¡°{Your mission to carry a new Saurmynnyka to term using the infant, yes?}¡± She waves her hand once, and the young female Grodrrn approaches.


    Mrff coughs, ¡°{Niojen. That infant is Sarah. She is the hope of the Fievegal.}¡±


    The predatory commandant doesn¡¯t do anything violent yet, simply petting the infant¡¯s head as the baby is strangely silent. She does explain though, ¡°{The Fievegal doesn¡¯t care about individuals even now, hmm? Tell him, Gree.}¡±


    ¡®Gree¡¯, the female Grodrrn, turns and says rather caustically, ¡°{Sister Azure wants to undo what the Fievegal has done. The right to have a family shouldn¡¯t be determined by a government. And it shouldn¡¯t be for the selfishness of one.}¡±


    The strange being pets Gree¡¯s head gingerly, adding, ¡°{They are very old, Darling Sister. They do not understand a different perspective.}¡±


    One of the scientists suddenly bursts out, ¡°{P-Please be gentle! The girl is very delicate! P-Please?}¡±


    The one apparently known as ¡®Sister Azure¡¯ looks to the scientist who spoke. ¡°{Fear not. I need this daughter alive. In fact, I need many on this ship alive.}¡±


    Her face turns wicked and evil, and she all but hisses with wicked glee, ¡°{But, that certainly does not mean ALL of you.}¡±


    ***

 Chapter 59: The First Hatchling

    Humans. Sentient mammals born of the mixed biome world known as Earth. Displaced by the decimation of their homeworld, the humans cling desperately to species survival among the stars with a refugee of the parasitic Nizzkurezz, a handful of Grodrrn soldiers and military officers, and a single Zarakyssn Queen who betrayed the Horde for individuality.


    The Azure Queen -the monster of nightmares within the Zarakyssn Horde- gently pets the lightly furry head of the female human infant being held by Gree¡¯ato. It¡¯s been a [few months] since they captured Khla¡¯s battleship. Rather than risk the temporal drive a second time, they simply made the flight back to her homeworld.


    The mother of the human infant is sitting on her knees nearby, desperately watching in fear. Humans smell foul and sour on a good day, and in fear, even worse. They are quite edible, though, as she found out with the expendable humans in the Baskylla Jardzen¡¯s possession. Only the infant matters at all, since the human fleet willingly gave her and her mother to the Fievegal in an attempt to help them achieve their goal of breeding a new Saurmynnyka.


    The Azure Queen certainly can¡¯t allow that.


    The infant known as Sarah hiccups lightly. The atmosphere on the Baskylla Jardzen¡¯s ship is rich in oxygen and nitrogen; far more pure than normal. It¡¯s actually empowering to the chimera queen, indicating that the blend is plenty healthy for Grodrrns, and necessary for human comfort and survival.


    In her palace, the humans are lethargic and quiet. But, they¡¯re alive.


    ¡°[Such a frail creature. Amazing such creatures could be problematic for both of our empires, yes?]¡±


    She looks to the shackled and beaten command crew of the battleship; Baskylla Jardzen Khla and his second in command, Niolajt Jardzen Mrff. Both are brutally wounded, having served the Fievegal well in attempting not to lose their ship to the enemy.


    Unfortunately, the Azure Queen and her Void Queens are not an enemy they¡¯ve ever known.


    Mmnnorrynn hisses, ¡°[The Queen just spoke to you, wretch!]¡± She steps forward to strike the Baskylla Jardzen, but the Azure Queen raises a hand, ¡°[Hold, Darling Sister. They are weary from constantly attempting to resist. We can afford them patience. After all, they must be kept alive.]¡±


    Laurel, the human mother, whimpers, ¡°[P-Please be careful, Y-your Majesty. Sh-She¡¯s¡­ her skin¡­]¡± The Azure Queen¡¯s piercing gaze snaps to Laurel, and the puny human flinches. She bows on the floor, grovelling softly, ¡°[I mean no disrespect, Your Majesty. Sh-She¡¯s all I have.]¡±


    The Azure Queen smirks. Clearly, humans are well-trained in grovelling before superior beings.


    She muses menacingly, ¡°[You think I will underestimate them. That¡¯s why you remain silent. You believe I will bait them here to my own demise.]¡± She grins wickedly at Khla when his stoic expression betrays him. Mrff is more steadfast, but she doubts she missed the mark.


    ¡°[I assure you, I have already prodded them at the expense of one of my Darling sisters, whom the humans spared, thankfully. I know what they are willing to sacrifice for victory or survival. I know they are among the craftiest races the Horde or the Fievegal have ever faced. And, I know, that choosing their rockets was the best decision I ever made.]¡±


    This causes both Jardzens to shift. Khla murmurs softly, ¡°[You¡­?]¡±


    ¡°[Me.]¡±


    She takes her hand away from Gree¡¯ato, and the young Grodrrn gingerly takes a seat nearby. She is very affectionate and attentive to the infant, in spite of the species difference.


    Mrff snorts, which causes him to cough from his injuries. ¡°[You lie. Whatever connections got you inside the recon defenses told you the right things to say.]¡±


    The Queen stares at him a moment. She nods once, and Mmnnorrynn slams him with her spear. Physical torture rarely works effectively on Grodrrns. Their tolerance for pain -all but bred into them- is beyond the threshold of death in most cases. But, it still sends the message.


    ¡°[Baskylla Jardzen Mrrf. Apologies. Niolajt Jardzen Mrrf. You lost your Myzh in the battle over Pharlanogg. Or rather, the retreat from Pharlanogg. He discovered what happens when a ship leaves the fundamental deflection bubble. I¡¯ve seen it. I assure you, it was quick.]¡± She smirks wickedly at the grodrrn second in command, who is rendered speechless with a dulling of his natural color.


    ¡°[Oh? Surprised I know such a detail. Of course. The public register says your Myzh was killed in combat. That¡¯s what most military personnel would know. But then, I am no ordinary military personnel.]¡±


    Khla asks, ¡°[How is this possible? No grodrrn has ever been captured by the Zarakyssns. Did they engineer you from blood spilled?]¡±


    She scoffs. ¡°[You flatter me. But, my creation was not intentional, I assure you. And my survival was the least desired between both of our empires.]¡± She waves a hand, asking, ¡°[Do you ever wonder why blue scales were suddenly outlawed in the Fievegal? I know you, Mrrf, are old enough to remember the decree.]¡±


    The two grodrrns are silent, but a new presence enters the room in shackles, dragged in by soldiers and tossed to the floor. They glance at him at first, but it takes a moment for them to recognize him.


    Mrrf knew him personally. Khla grew up regarding him as a hero.


    The Azure Queen asks facetiously, ¡°[Oh? Do you know him? Hulma, feel free to introduce yourself. Go ahead.]¡±


    Mrrk¡¯lah coughs on the floor, a shell of his former self. The two grodrrn commandants are speechless.


    ¡°[The Fievegal found out what he did on that ¡®heroic¡¯ day. How he ¡®brought the Chosen Queen¡¯ low. They decided to react as the infinitely wise often do, and decided that his actions must have been the result of a trait of his genes.]¡± She rises, shedding her robe gently to reveal her elegant dress. ¡°[What do you think? I think it is a rather beautiful trait.]¡± The Void Queens buzz happily, cheering for the Azure Queen as she shows the unique and shimmering blue scales adorning the parts of her body not armored by exoskeleton or hidden by her dress. Even her jawline has blue strips leading to a mouth full of sharp, immaculate teeth.


    Mrrf asks astutely, ¡°[Why the Saurmynnyka, then? The Fievegal is in shambles for your personal revenge.]¡±


    ¡°[Why? Because I could.]¡± She takes a seat again, lounging in her throne. ¡°[Because I am the apex predator in a galaxy full of the weak.]¡±


    She idly begins scratching one of her teeth with a fingernail, and she states, ¡°[Khla. I know your Zhi is on one of the human ships. I believe she resides on the same ship as my sister. You will send her a message and tell her whatever you want. And, if you do, I will spare her life. I will even return her to one of the Fievegal¡¯s colonies, if you desire.]¡±


    Mrrf grunts and shakes his head at Khla, though the younger commandant is quiet.


    Gree¡¯ato adds of her own volition, ¡°[My sister speaks the truth, noble Jardzens. She is boundlessly merciful to those who have not earned her ire.]¡±


    Khla asks quietly, ¡°[What of the others?]¡±


    ¡°[The other grodrrns? You bargain a twin¡¯s shell, but I accept. I shall-...]¡±


    ¡°[No. All of them.]¡±


    ¡°[Mind your tone, creature,]¡± growls Mnnorrynn.


    The Azure Queen cocks her head. ¡°[What of them? They are inconsequential to you.]¡±


    Khla shakes his head. ¡°[They are not. They are valiant warriors and friends.]¡±


    ¡°[Oh, I¡¯m well aware. In fact, I¡¯m counting on it. You see, time is the enemy of Zarakyssns. It is the enemy of humans and Ryglyths, folkannyths and Nizzkurezz. But for us, it is merely time. I will find the human fleet, now or in the future. And, I am certain Neezha will be there. I will find Dzor and his surviving crew members, as well, and I will do what I want with them and whatever humans are there.]¡± She gestures her hand towards Gree¡¯ato, and the young grodrrn hesitantly hands over the infant. The Azure Queen walks casually to Khla, unafraid of either grodrrn. She hands the baby to Khla, all but hissing as she says, ¡°[Do this, and it is the only chance the humans and your friends have for survival.]¡±


    ***


    Hancock inspects the upgraded gauntlet to the armor Lopez has been designing for him. He¡¯s already getting quite used to the improved mobility, but it¡¯s still in heavy prototype stage. At times, he feels like an armored superhero, and at others, he feels like a child in a puffy winter snow-suit. Especially when the armor runs out of power.


    Lopez explains as she loads one of her experimental capacitors into his forearm, ¡°Um¡­ This will power the counter-force amplification rails. It¡¯ll help absorb some of the impact from punches and blocks, but it amplifies using energy. If the force is above two hundred and forty thousand¡­ if it¡¯s really high, you¡¯ll have to eject the capacitor.¡±


    Hancock nods and chuckles. ¡°Thanks, Doc. One point twenty one jigowatts is my point of reference.¡±


    Lopez growls, ¡°That¡¯s not a real unit. But, I understand the reference, so I forgive you.¡±


    He chuckles, ¡°Hey, people can pronounce things differently.¡±


    She points at his target ahead of him, asking, ¡°If you can get a gigawatt on that screen, I¡¯ll add in music to your helmet.¡±


    He warmly bounces in his robotic power armor suit, replying, ¡°Deal!¡± He knows she¡¯s being sarcastic, but she just gave him permission to go all out. Hancock braces himself, and he bursts the jetpack forward as he rears his punch. He still feels his gut suck in when he does a hard burst, but it proves effective, and he hits the target as hard as he can with a loud clang that rings through his ears, even passing through the metal of his armor as it does. The target launches into the oblivion of space, never to be seen again.


    Lopez approaches, her visor dark as she glares at him. She growls, ¡°Eject.¡±


    Hancock notices the cherry-red glow appearing on his arm, and he actually starts to feel heat within. He clenches his fist and makes the gestures she showed him, which unlocks the capacitor and forcefully throws it out of the armor. His armor hisses as the heat rapidly cools again, even in the vacuum, and Lopez says coldly as she types on her computer, ¡°I have to make the targets too, you know.¡±


    He asks teasingly, ¡°How many jigowatts did I get?¡±


    ¡°Zero point three two.¡± She shows him her laptop screen, and he shakes his fist, ¡°So cloooosssee!¡±


    ¡°No Breathless for you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, poke fun at me all you want, but picking on Mika is fighting words.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ was just naming my favorite song¡­¡± She smiles at him, adding, ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re a man of culture, Rex.¡±


    Chief Grey¡¯s voice comes over the priority channel, which is the only one Lopez is not allowed to shut off. ¡°Hey, lovebirds, if you¡¯re done playing ¡®science¡¯, Khla¡¯s hatchling is hatching. She wanted us to invite you.¡±


    Lopez asks over the private channel, ¡°Why does he do that?¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Be careful Chief, Doc says she¡¯s almost finished with her anti-Chief poison, and she¡¯s ready to use it.¡±


    ¡°Joke¡¯s on her. I¡¯m working on my next demotion as we speak. If you want to see the first grodrrn hatch, now¡¯s the time. For obvious reasons, we¡¯re watching on screen from the hangar.¡±


    Lopez asks Hancock, ¡°Because of imprinting?¡±


    Hancock nods. He asks, ¡°Wanna see?¡±


    Lopez nods in reply, even as she holds her laptop in front of her face to hide her blush¡­ behind a nearly-pitch black polarized helmet lens. Hancock replies, ¡°We¡¯ll be there in ten, Chief. Thanks for letting us know.¡±


    The two gather what remains of the target, and Lopez explains as they walk, ¡°The capacitors aren¡¯t an exact measurement, but the more energy they expend in one discharge, the hotter they¡¯ll get. Hitting something like you did means you have to eject right away.¡±


    ¡°Still, pretty nice to know it has the capability. And, you put them in the arms and legs?¡±


    She nods. ¡°We¡¯re still not sure how Dzor survived his fall from orbit, but it got me thinking¡­ And, I was scared when I thought of¡­¡± She trails off.


    Hancock smiles, replying softly without teasing her, ¡°Thanks. I appreciate it.¡±


    She nods sheepishly.


    Lopez and Hancock were transferred to the Polonia for permanent station for several reasons. Though the core of the rebels seem to have been captured, there are no guarantees that all of them have been rooted out. As such, the fleet has been slowly performing a small shakeup, moving all of the non-humans back to the Polonia and moving any who want away from non-humans to other ships. It created less of an imbalance than everyone was expecting, and a sixth starship is nearly complete to replace the Argonaut. Though, the new ship will be more focused on housing and supplies than the others.


    The two find the usual group gathered in the hangar around a smaller computer monitor as the large hangar bay projector shows an even broader view of the hatching. Since the first hairline cracks have only just appeared, everyone is a little distracted at the moment.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Rena, Long, Little Bird, Melody, and Vivi are all crowded around Mina with their heads pressed to her swollen abdomen. She¡¯s lounging, but as Hancock and Lopez approach, they can hear a strange sound being picked up by their helmets. Hancock removes his helmet, holding it under his arm as he listens.


    It sounds like a chorus of birds or cicadas singing, but it¡¯s a soft and sweet melody, and the humongous Cave Queen seems to be hovering over them with a stunned and ecstatic expression.


    Hancock notices that Mina¡¯s hair seems to have been graying recently though, and he wonders if anyone else has asked. However, he respectfully listens, and Melody and Vivi start mimicking the noise, receiving what seems to be a reply from within Mina.


    Hancock kneels behind Coulson, asking softly, ¡°Coulson? Is that¡­ them?¡±


    She nods. ¡°You have no idea how it feels.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°I suspect not.¡±


    ¡°They squirm all the time, and when they¡¯re not squirming, they¡¯re singing.¡±


    She seems none too bothered by this when she says this. In fact, she seems to be quite happy, listening peacefully to the Cave Princesses within her waiting for their own turns to hatch.


    Grey teases from nearby, ¡°Thing Thirty will be on the television in just a few days, I suspect.¡±


    Little Bird asks, ¡°Can I watch!? Chief won¡¯t let me watch Neezha¡¯s baby hatch.¡±


    Mina pets Little Bird¡¯s head, replying, ¡°I suppose so. None of us can be near Neezha¡¯s baby because if the baby sees anyone else, she might think we¡¯re her mother.¡±


    Fisher calls out, ¡°We have Mina for girl. Anyone else for girl? Boy? The stakes are two to one girl! Let¡¯s go, egg¡¯s not hatched yet. Let¡¯s get those bets in.¡±


    Grey shakes his head, ¡°Idiot.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Chief! Nothing else on teevee!¡±


    The grizzled chief scoffs. ¡°Twenty on girl. Mina¡¯s got mother¡¯s intuition.¡±


    ¡°Ooo, Bold words, Chief. But a fool¡¯s dollar spends just as well!¡± Fisher looks at Hancock, ¡°Rookie! Got any action on something crazy? How about twins?¡±


    The ensign chuckles, ¡°Sorry, Fisher. My powers are too strong for gambling. Don¡¯t all of you still owe me anyways?¡±


    ¡°Rookie¡¯s out! Anyone else?¡±


    Hancock chuckles, and he looks at Lopez. She¡¯s holding back, even though he knows what she wants.


    He shoves her forward, and she stumbles, whirling to glare at him. ¡°What? They won¡¯t bite. Truth told, I was being polite waiting. You don¡¯t get in there, and I might have to squeeze in before the singing stops.¡±


    He knows Lopez is blushing, even behind her helmet, and she looks away from him. She fidgets, and he offers his hands to hold her laptop and helmet. She hands over the computer and takes her helmet off, handing it to him with an indirect glare. She turns and asks sheepishly, ¡°C-Can¡­ Can I?¡±


    Mina smiles and nods. ¡°Of course. I am the real show, after all.¡±


    Lopez blushes, kneeling beside Long. She presses her ear to Mina¡¯s belly, and she seems to melt. She whimpers, ¡°Th-... They¡¯re talking¡­¡±


    One of the vine-like tentacles of the Queen gingerly touches Lopez¡¯s head, and the Queen mewls softly, ¡°They hear voices all day and learn. They sound truly overjoyed and excited.¡± She chirps a cute sound that roughly means she¡¯s whimpering, and she adds, ¡°I am overjoyed¡­¡±


    Hancock asks Mina softly, ¡°Your hair?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh¡­ Uh, yeah¡­ That¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say¡­ I made the mistake of telling the Admiral what it is. It seems the babies are leeching additional nutrients from me; namely, vitamin B.¡±


    ¡°Even through their eggs?¡±


    She nods. ¡°We¡¯re not sure of the mechanism yet, but given Melody and Vivi¡¯s light tolerance, Dad and his colleagues believe the eggs are absorbing it through osmosis of some kind to protect them when they hatch.¡±


    ¡°Is that good or bad?¡±


    ¡°Good for the babies. Less good for the mother. I¡¯m pounding supplements just to keep up, and¡­ we don¡¯t have a lot.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Mina gingerly strokes her own belly, though, adding warmly, ¡°Not their fault, of course. Just means they¡¯ll be extra healthy.¡±


    Hancock nods. ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    He looks at the Cave Queen, asking, ¡°Is there a reason you¡¯re not gaining any light tolerance, Miss Cave Queen?¡±


    The large squid-like creature softly and affectionately pets the girls listening to Mina¡¯s babies sing. ¡°I do not know.¡±


    Mina replies, ¡°If I may, Dad mentioned that she¡¯s probably so long without the proper nutrients to develop light and sun resistance, her body no longer knows how to process them.¡±


    Lopez murmurs, ¡°It¡¯s likely the proper nutrients didn¡¯t exist on her world, even before the Zarakyssns. Perhaps those resources were extinct or scarce, or hoarded by the surface dwellers.¡±


    Hancock thinks. ¡°Didn¡¯t we discuss at some point that the Cave Queens used to be carnivorous?¡±


    The Cave Queen nods, ¡°It was a time before me, but I do believe our kind devoured living beings. I have tried, but it causes complications.¡±


    Lopez nods. ¡°Vivi and Melody eat everything.¡±


    Vivi retorts defensively, ¡°Nuh-unh! Meemee said not to eat pwastic, so Vivi no eat pwastic!¡±


    Long giggles, teasing, ¡°After you ate one of my buttons, Sweetie.¡±


    ¡°Vivi chew safewy!¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it wasn¡¯t yummy, was it?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    Lopez smiles at the little alien, and Melody points at the screen. She¡¯s a little softer-spoken than Vivi, but she is audible to those in the immediate group, ¡°Look!¡±


    The group looks at the screen, and several cheer. The shell of the egg is breaking more noticeably, now, and a reptilian muzzle is peeking through. The humans are excited, but Hancock notices the grodrrns in their own group. A few shocktroopers had been playing a simple card-like game and have since stopped, watching on pins and needles. Everyone has accepted that a solid and healthy-seeming egg came out of Khla with an embryo inside, based on scans. However, the grodrrns, specifically, are deeply invested in whether or not the hatchling is healthy. Though Hancock has much to learn, he¡¯s picked up that the first rite of passage all grodrrns go through is hatching.


    The head forces its way through the shell even more, revealing a properly formed grodrrn head. Though, the pieces of shell still hide its features.


    With a few more pushes and squirms, the tiny being manages to free itself from the shell entirely, tumbling onto the blankets around it. It opens its eyes for the first time, looking around with a bright, wide expression, and it finds the camera, behind which is Khla. The baby grins with a toothless coo, reaching for the camera, and the hangar explodes with noise. The Grodrrns startle everyone when the shocktroopers and pilots leap to their feet, roaring. Some fall out of their seats, and others lift Nyonnyss up into the air as she hugs herself. The marines laugh at the display, realizing quickly that the terrifyingly loud roars are not of rage.


    An even more powerful feeling just spurred the grodrrns to produce the loudest noise they¡¯ve probably ever made.


    That feeling is hope.


    The culmination of a choice that they were all complicit in making; one that required treacherous desertion of their native military service, has paid off. They¡¯ve just witnessed the first hatching of a baby grodrrn since the Saurmynnyka¡¯s assassination almost twenty or so years ago. Some of the grodrrns even grab the nearest hapless humans not fast enough to escape to hug or hold the humans high in the air, their excitement truly palpable and seemingly out of character for the pragmatic and calculating soldiers.


    Khla says from in front of the camera as she holds the newborn, ¡°She¡¯s a girl. Meet Dzilika (Jeeleeka), everyone.¡±


    The grodrrns roar again, masking Fisher¡¯s frustrated -but playful- cry of defeat.


    When the noise finally dies down and many of the group approach the grodrrns to celebrate with them, Grey asks Hancock, ¡°It¡¯s amazing, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°Yeah. Roughest of starts turned into a miracle.¡±


    Grey nods. ¡°Yep. And quiet giants have turned into boisterous fools. Funny how things work out, huh?¡±


    Hancock and Grey are quiet for a moment, alone for the time being. Hancock asks softly, ¡°Do you ever regret, Chief?¡±


    ¡°Running instead of staying?¡±


    Hancock nods.


    ¡°No. Because, as much as I hated the crocs at the beginning¡­¡± He looks at the grodrrns. Some are kneeling on the ground in front of random humans and the Cave Queen and would likely be crying if they had such a response. ¡°Crap like that is how I sleep at night.¡± He pulls out his cigar and lights it with a small blow torch, finishing, ¡°That¡¯s real hope. THAT is living.¡± He toasts his cigar to Hancock, and the young ensign smirks.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t going to commit any atrocities, Chief?¡±


    The senior enlisted marine looks at the cigar, and then the torch in his hand. He smirks, shrugging. ¡°Could be dead tomorrow. A miracle¡¯s a good enough reason to break a rule.¡±


    Grey leans back in his seat, watching as Admiral Long awkwardly cradles the baby grodrrn with one arm while trying not to give the reptilian infant leverage on her shirt. He adds dryly, ¡°Feel bad for the other croc ladies, though. Doubt theirs will elicit such a response.¡±


    Hancock chuckles, ¡°Somehow, I don¡¯t think they¡¯re worried about it.¡±


    ***


    Long demonstrates to both Khla and Dzor how to properly use the high chair with Dzilika. The baby laughs giddily, bouncing in the suspension portion that should make it particularly difficult for the baby grodrrn to escape. She scoops some of the prepared food in a spoon, offering it to the little girl as the two giants watch curiously.


    Dzor asks, ¡°This chair¡­ Hold hatchling hostage?¡±


    Long chuckles, ¡°In a sense, yes. What do grodrrns normally do with infants?¡± Long has to hold firmly to the spoon to prevent it from being pulled from her hand just by the baby¡¯s toothless jaws.


    Dzor scratches his neck, replying ¡°Do not know. Never had opportunity.¡±


    Khla replies softly, ¡°I don¡¯t know either¡­ I somewhat recall my Hulma leaving me in a room with my food and watching as I ate.¡±


    Long smiles, replying, ¡°I see. Well, this should help minimize the mess and keep her from causing trouble when you look away for a moment. Human babies try to go everywhere. All the time. Up, down, behind¡­ Too curious for our own good sometimes, I guess.¡±


    Dzor leans over Long, breathing deliberately on her neck. ¡°Our hatchlings would be no match for your wisdom, Yukonja.¡±


    She giggles lightly, blushing. Khla smiles, saying softly, ¡°Your¡­ ¡®wedding¡¯ was fun. If¡­ If I choose someone, would I be able to do something similar?¡±


    She seems to be asking both of them, from a member of the fleet and from a grodrrn. Long replies, ¡°Of course. We have none and I will not allow any laws restricting any pairs, with some basic rules like age of maturity. Do you have someone in mind, Craw?¡±


    ¡°No! No, not yet. I chose Jor for Dzilika, but I only envy what you have together. I just wanted to know¡­ if I would be allowed to choose, once I know.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°Of course.¡± She continues feeding Dzilika as the baby tries to take the spoon, growling playfully.


    Dzor says softly, ¡°You have grodrrn hatchling. No one can rightly dictate choice of partner. Now. If produce more grodrrn hatchlings¡­ Grodrrns may yet be saved from selves.¡±


    Khla nods, ¡°Thank you both.¡±


    Dzilika gets hold of the spoon, and Long struggles to pull it away. Khla leans and helps, cooing, ¡°No! Dzilika, you¡¯ll choke!¡±


    Long replies as Khla takes over, managing to extract the spoon from the baby as she makes happy noises, believing it to be a game, ¡°Sorry. She¡¯s crafty.¡± She boops the infant¡¯s nose for a warm coo.


    Khla asks softly, ¡°Forgive my asking, as my superiors, but¡­ Have¡­ you been intimate?¡±


    Both Long and Dzor become silent. Long squeaks, ¡°We¡­ have. How did you¡­ suspect?¡±


    Khla smiles softly. She looks at Long first, but seems to deliberately look at Dzor. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell her?¡±


    ¡°Tell me what?¡± asks Long. She looks at Dzor.


    He scratches his neck scales, stating hesitantly, ¡°Is distinct smell. Easy to tell. Not fully faded yet.¡±


    ¡°Wait! So all the¡­ looks I was getting from the grodrrns!?¡±


    Dzor nods hesitantly.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me!?¡±


    ¡°Would it make difference?¡±


    ¡°Wh-!? Well, no, but still! I might¡¯ve¡­ hid in our room or something.¡±


    Khla chuckles warmly, continuing to feed Dzilika. ¡°Is a great sign of affection, Admiral. A bonded pair proud of bond. Is what it says to other grodrrns.¡±


    The human in the room full of grodrrns blushes brightly, and Dzor leans down, inspecting her cheeks. ¡°You are shamed, Yukonja?¡±


    ¡°No! Of course not! I¡¯m very proud it¡¯s you. I¡¯m just embarrassed that coworkers know what we were doing. Doesn¡¯t it embarrass you a little?¡±


    Dzor shakes his head sincerely. ¡°Is expected from bonded humans, is it not? Bonding and attempting to procreate?¡±


    ¡°W-Yes, but¡­ We can¡¯t tell just passing someone random!¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ I will inform next time.¡±


    She sighs, knowing ultimately, it¡¯s not something they can actually hide. If she thinks too hard, she¡¯ll wonder about their hearing¡­


    She sinks to a seated position on the floor, and both Dzor and Khla show concern. She mumbles, ¡°What if they think¡­ What they heard¡­¡±


    Dzor tries to reassure her, ¡°If insult, I will correct. If no longer desire intimate, I will oblige.¡±


    She looks at him longingly, but still distantly.


    Khla states more on Long¡¯s level, ¡°You misunderstand, Admiral. Grodrrns are not often intimate at all, since there is minimal payoff in long term. And, our ears do not hear everything on the ship. If we paid attention to every sound, we would be unable to go near civilian berthings. I assure you, what grodrrns know is source of great pride; you chose a grodrrn, and additionally a grodrrn makes you happy. I would be proud if a human chooses me.¡± Khla tries to hide a small smile, murmuring, ¡°Some¡­ have asked¡­ But I was afraid. I wanted to know if it would be okay.¡±


    Dzor says sternly, ¡°Choose bondmate honorable. Wise. Must have good wisdom to share with Dzilika.¡±


    Khla smirks, replying, ¡°Yes, ¡®Hulma¡¯.¡±


    Dzor hesitates, realizing he may have overstepped. But, she bows, ¡°Thank you, Yarjen. I do not seek a bondmate for Dzilika, though. I seek a bondmate for me. For what you and Admiral Long have.¡± The two look at each other, and Long smiles. Dzor points, ¡°You must make call you Yukonja and refuse to tell what means.¡±


    Long laughs, ¡°Come on!¡± Khla smiles and laughs, replying, ¡°Deal.¡±


    Long bows to Khla, ¡°Thank you, Khla, for your wisdom.¡±


    ¡°M-Me?¡±


    The Admiral nods. ¡°I can appreciate what you said¡­ Especially since everyone apparently knows now.¡±


    ¡°Only grodrrns know. We would never speak of another¡¯s business.¡±


    Long nods. ¡°Thank you.¡± She then says softly, ¡°I should probably go check on things.¡± She pets Dzilika¡¯s head, fidgeting with her hand afterwards to say goodbye.


    Khla says as Long is exiting, ¡°Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°You would honor me by continuing to be a part of Dzilika¡¯s life.¡±


    Long smiles sincerely, ¡°Thank you. I would be honored as well.¡±


    Dzor follows Long after only a moment of saying farewell, and she asks, ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to spend more time with your hatchling?¡±


    Dzor states confidently, ¡°She will live thousand years. There will be time.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ So, you can¡¯t afford to miss time with short-lived me?¡± She smiles up at him.


    He retorts, ¡°Is not what meant. Dzilika will eat and sleep soon. Hatching exhausting, from what I hear. Yukonja is not exhausted.¡±


    Long pauses a step, asking, ¡°Did you just flirt with me?¡±


    ¡°Is not correct? Now know grodrrns approve, we can attempt impossible again, yes? Just in case.¡±


    Long covers her mouth for a laugh. ¡°Points for effort, for sure. I want to check on Zeeannssii first, though. She¡¯s recovered according to my last report. At least enough to speak.¡±


    Dzor frowns. ¡°My suggestion more pleasant.¡±


    ¡°True, and I¡¯ll happily¡­ mmm¡­ show you off again tonight. But, I still have duties as an admiral.¡±


    ¡°What if now is time?¡±


    Long chuckles and sighs, ¡°Stop teasing me, Jor. As much as I would love it to, we both know it won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Humans supposed to be lunatics challenging impossible.¡± He gingerly tugs her left shoulder sleeve, straightening her silver cross on its patch. She deliberates quietly. Dzor¡¯s confirmed Earth weight is 689 pounds, increasing with every month of healthier meals he eats. At full fighting weight, she suspects he was easily 750 pounds, meaning he could easily pick her up and carry her in the ship¡¯s lower gravity. Grodrrns have many exercise routines specifically for low and zero gravity, so Dzor¡¯s strength is very close to where he was in his days in the Fievegal. Long would be completely at his mercy if he decided to do anything, and yet, he¡¯s gingerly fixing her sleeve on her lost arm.


    She compromises softly, ¡°Immediately after this meeting. Please?¡±


    Dzor adjusts his jaw. She knows some part of it is still his distaste for Zarakyssns in general, but especially the highly-trained assassin. Still, he nods, and she smiles. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 60: Planning a Trade

    Zeeannssii finds herself in a strange position. Of course, physically, her position is relatively unchanged; she is a prisoner of the humans, but they have not tried to torture or interrogate her aggressively. Of course, they had internal issues that endangered her, but they allowed Syretia to save her, and though she¡¯s lost all feeling in her leg, she can still walk. And strangely, she doesn¡¯t blame the humans at large. Syretia was provided all of the medical facilities at the humans¡¯ disposal, which has some equipment the horde doesn¡¯t have, and some that they¡¯ve co-opted from her cooperation. Syretia is just about as much of a traitor as an individual could be, and she¡¯s very close to getting a source for a new army; a particularly powerful human being. The very fact that she considers it is a blasphemy against all the horde preaches.


    Of course, the Azure Queen has different views, and Void Queen Zeeannssii exists because of them. She finds no irony in the humans¡¯ behavior. They see value in even enemies, and she can tell they would be overjoyed to turn her to their side. They¡¯d turn the Azure Queen too, if she allowed it.


    And, as if on cue to make an attempt, so arrives the Admiral of the humans herself; the de facto ruler without specifically identifying as a ruler.


    Of course, Admiral Long probably has more reason than most to hate Zeeannssii. Even now, she is missing her left arm, though she is wearing her uniform as proudly as ever before. She passes the guards with a warm expression, and the giant Grodrrn ducks into the area behind her.


    Zeeannssii twitches her antennae with amusement. While she definitely underestimated her adversaries on all levels, Baskylla Jardzen Dzor is by far the most impressive. Zeeannssii has seen a lot of what grodrrns can do via the Azure Queen and her battles with Mrrk¡¯lah. Dzor grievously injured himself, but managed to fight viciously. Even the other grodrrns are surprised by his feat.


    Now, it shows, even [months] afterwards. His limp is still there, slowing his gait and likely causing him a small bit of pain with every step. Regardless, Zeeannssii isn¡¯t foolish enough to try anything again.


    Zeeannssii hums, murmuring in grodrrn, ¡°[Admiral. Baskylla Jardzen. Humans prefer titles over names, yes?]¡±


    Dzor replies bluntly, ¡°[Situational.]¡±


    She hums in amusement, ¡°[¡®Situational¡¯? That sounds awfully confusing.]¡±


    Long speaks in her own language, and Dzor translates, ¡°[Admiral Long asks if you are feeling okay.]¡±


    ¡°[Ahh, checking my mental state, yes? I am in my normal state of mind.]¡±


    Dzor snorts, retorting, ¡°[No. She is asking if you still hurt from your wounds.]¡±


    Zeeannssii looks at him, and then the human. She doesn¡¯t feel any real animosity. ¡°[Does she intend to change that if I say I am well?]¡±


    Dzor chuckles. ¡°[You and I are used to each other. You are not prepared for the Admiral¡¯s form of torture.]¡± Long looks at Dzor, speaking briefly to him. He replies to her, likely explaining the brief conversation. He then asks, ¡°[If you require further treatment, Admiral Long will make arrangements. She knows information extraction will not be effective on you.]¡±


    Zeeannssii is silent. ¡°[Tell me¡­ Did she forgive you?]¡±


    Admiral Long replies for herself this time, ¡°[Yes. I did.]¡± She then speaks to Dzor, and he nods. ¡°[She is learning, but regrets she cannot converse fluently with us. She says she forgives you as well.]¡±


    Zeeannsii paces, looking at Long from a different angle. She chatters in confusion, saying, ¡°[She¡¯s a fool, then.]¡±


    Dzor chuckles, ¡°[I agree. But she is my fool.]¡±


    Long seems to change tones with Dzor, and he smirks. ¡°[She understands more than she can say. I would kill you if it was my choice, but I defer to her because I would be dead if she was like me.]¡±


    ¡°[I see. So, you are okay that I crippled her?]¡±


    ¡°[I have accepted that she is still alive. That is more important. We both accept that you protected loyal members of the fleet, which is why you are still alive.]¡±


    ¡°[Mmm¡­ Human forgiveness is cheap.]¡±


    ¡°[No. It isn¡¯t. It is attained easily to us, but its weight becomes apparent. They will do anything to survive; even rescue their enemies in hopes of creating treaties or alliances¡­ or even friendships.]¡±


    ¡°[So, I am to become the Admiral¡¯s next friend, am I?]¡±


    ¡°[If you wish for her to offer something no one else can give you.]¡±


    ¡°[I highly doubt the humans have anything I want.]¡±


    ¡°[You¡¯re correct. They¡¯re insane enough to attain it for you.]¡±


    Zeeannssii laughs, stamping her feet to show that, not only does she know grodrrns, but to mock him. She asks, ¡°[Oh? And what is it, then? Tease me with this treasure the humans can attain.]¡±


    Dzor looks at Admiral Long, and he speaks to her briefly, with her replying with her seemingly-normal tone.


    ¡°[The same thing the humans gave us; restored fertility.]¡±


    Zeeannssii stares at him. She retorts coldly, obvious particularly to him, ¡°[Your humans are arrogant to make such an offer¡­]¡±


    ¡°[They are. But, they¡¯ve held off both of our empires.]¡±


    ¡°[They will ultimately lose.]¡±


    ¡°[Probably. Which is why they¡¯re dedicated to offering to fix the largest problems of their enemies. On Grodurra, we have a saying; a single scale is not worth endless pain.]¡±


    ¡°[I am not grodrrn.]¡±


    ¡°[I think you know the saying.]¡±


    Zeeannssii is silent for a moment. Grodrrns fear and shame scaleless grodrrns. It¡¯s a derogatory term for cowards, but is actually typically more associated with old age. He¡¯s saying that trying to let a rotting and painful scale stay just to not become truly scaleless isn¡¯t worth it; shed pride in the interest of living.


    ¡°[What makes the human think she can fix my problem? And why should it make any difference?]¡±


    ¡°[She is willing to find people who will try. Humans don¡¯t have the luxury of longevity or a large empire; the stability that comes with ancient-found successful practices. They are still in the stage of development. Their minds deconstruct problems quickly.]¡±


    ¡°[You realize you¡¯ve told me more about them than I have about myself?]¡±


    ¡°[We¡¯ve learned enough.]¡±


    Zeeannsii recoils. ¡°[Impossible. I¡¯ve given you nothing.]¡±


    ¡°[You are resistant to intelligence-gathering. But, I suspect you are rather young. Your pheromones speak volumes to me far more than your words ever could.]¡±


    She instinctively looks around. The air can¡¯t possibly be cycling that quickly. And, he couldn¡¯t possibly know her smell so astutely. He¡¯s a grodrrn, and she¡¯s a Void Queen. In fact, she¡¯s sterile. She shouldn¡¯t have shifting pheromones. Not enough to say anything.


    Dzor says calmly, ¡°[Your mind is racing. Some of it is facade, but I know you are not the only one with your affliction, and it is clearly something that interests you just as it interested me.]¡±


    ¡°[I will not betray the Horde for something personal!]¡±


    Dzor is silent for a moment. ¡°[I hate what I see in you.]¡±


    ¡°[Intelligence?]¡± asks the Void Queen sarcastically. ¡°[Loyalty?]¡±


    Dzor retorts, ¡°[Myself.]¡±


    She buzzes in disgust, but shifts to laughter. He adds sincerely, though. ¡°[I agree. However, you lack the realization it took me a long time to make; the Fievegal would not come to rescue me. You are a statistic to the Horde, just as I am to the Fievegal.]¡±


    ¡°[You know nothing! I knew the risks, and I made the choice to accept this mission! I regret nothing!]¡± She buzzes angrily, and Long steps up, saying something in a soft tone. Zeeannssii hisses at her, ¡°[Don¡¯t try to utilize duality of tone on me! I am not so easily fooled! I regret nothing! I am alive because of you! I would not have spared you! This;]¡± She gestures at Long¡¯s severed arm, adding, ¡°[I am proud of! That¡¯s right! I am proud. I am HAPPY that I took your arm from you! I never dreamed the grodrrn would take your arm, but it is so perfect! And yet, in your weakness, you forgave him so he would protect you! Unlike you, I need no protection! I will die if it is my destiny, and you can do NOTHING for me that my Queen could not do!]¡±


    Both of them listen patiently, and Dzor states calmly, surprisingly level-headed; ¡°[Not long ago, I would have crushed this container with you inside. But,... I see why the humans do what they do¡­ Such feelings of independence and pride are just a lonely place to die.]¡±


    ¡°[I accept.]¡±


    ¡°[Then why did you protect the target you were ultimately supposed to kill?]¡±


    Zeeannssii is silent. He¡¯s not talking about Long this time. The egg was supposed to be recovered alive. But, the traitor was acceptable to be killed on sight, and instead, she dragged Zeeannssii to medical -knowing this- and saved Zeeannssii¡¯s life at risk of the scorn of the humans and grodrrns.


    ¡°[You don¡¯t have to accept right now,]¡± adds Dzor. ¡°[You don¡¯t have to do anything right now. Admiral Long¡¯s offer stands for now. But, she doesn¡¯t regret that you¡¯re alive.]¡±


    Zeeannssii studies the human for a long moment. Long places her right hand on the transparent panel separating them. Long says something in her soft tone, and Dzor translates, ¡°[If there is something else that you would like to ask for, we can consider it, but Long bears the weight of much that has occurred. Many humans want revenge on you. On me as well. Humans like Long see value beyond the actions of war. They turn mercy into a strength, instead of letting it destroy them. Mostly.]¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°[Why keep me alive? What does she hope to get out of me? Another little pet? Another insight into the Horde? Perhaps how to defeat my Queen?]¡±


    Dzor replies bluntly, ¡°[She wants the human fleet to be left alone. If giving you back to the Horde would end the pursuit, she would have you on a ship bound for Zarak space already.]¡±


    ¡°[Deal. Release me, and I¡¯ll-...]¡±


    ¡°[The humans are not that foolish. It¡¯s a careful game, one where destroying one piece in retaliation for another dooms the fleet. Keeping you alive poses options.]¡±


    Zeeannssii twitches her antennae again. ¡°[So, they hope to bargain using me, not with me.]¡±


    ¡°[I earned my place outside of one of these cages, and I have grown from it. You have not grown yet, but you might. Fear the day that chess begins, Void Queen. You will turn quickly.]¡± Dzor chuckles menacingly, and Zeeannssii is given true pause for a moment. What could chess be? A form of torture? If they can genetically engineer¡­ can they alter minds? She gives no sign of her thoughts -at least, she hopes not-. But, she is left wondering.


    Long speaks again, and Dzor says, ¡°[We will visit, Void Queen Zeeannssii.]¡±


    She watches them leave, wondering if that was truly their strategy; to attempt to get her to feel sorry for or compassion for a filthy mammal. Should she grovel before them for sparing her life? She didn¡¯t ask them to. In fact, she specifically told Syretia not to bother. If they think mercy can win her over or the Azure Queen, they are sorely mistaken and will pay for it with their lives.


    Something draws her attention to the two just as they¡¯re reaching the door to the main chamber the containment is in. A human soldier intercepts them, saying something to them. This seems to startle Long, specifically, but Dzor also seems to be highly alert to the news.


    Zeeannssii has gathered less of the human language than she would like. She can recognize a few words, but not enough to make sense of what little she can hear now.


    However, Long shares a look with Zeeannssii that suggests something strange. And, given the events of the galaxy at large, Zeeannssii feels a strong pull to a singular idea; the Azure Queen. She is a master of manipulation; a master of espionage and counterintelligence; and a master mind-reader. If she is the one pushing the human''s buttons now, they are already doomed.


    So, why does it feel strange?


    ***


    Hancock jogs into the meeting room with Lopez, Fisher, and Spaceman Long. The entirety of Alpha Team, Bravo Team, and the command crew have been summoned. Helmdraavv Khla is also present, but she looks distraught. And that''s saying something; she just had a hatchling that''s healthy and energetic, and is being celebrated by the fleet at large. She''s standing behind Admiral Long and Dzor, but it''s clear she''s distressed. Hancock''s first instinct is a critique, where she did something wrong and is about to be yelled at, but then he realizes it''s a combat collective, not an administrative collective.


    Admiral Long says, "Hancock, good. I wanted you specifically."


    "Me, Admiral?" asks the Ensign in confusion.


    "Yes. As the only officer in the TEAU battalion not involved in Commander Hitch''s actions, you''re now the acting commanding officer of TEAU and I''m field promoting you to Junior Lieutenant, with a review board for Lieutenant next week. Until then, we need you."


    Hancock snaps to a crisp attention, stating proudly, "I''m flattered and honored Admiral. But, I don''t understand¡­"


    "I don''t have enough trust in line officers outside of TEAU, and you demonstrated great care during first contact with the Cave Queen. You need experience, but you''re the best I have. When¡­ you see this, you''ll understand more I hope¡­" She starts a video, and the display screens around the room show Baskylla Jardzen Khla''s face. He looks like he''s been in a fight, and is currently bound.


    A cold voice seems to growl from behind the screen, and the computer translator translates: "G:[Begin.]" Simplicity is the creativity of technology, and Hancock knows the ''g'' in this case means that the translator is recognizing and translating grodrrn.


    Jardzen Khla hesitates a moment, but he begins, "G:[Neezha¡­ my Zhi¡­ I am being permitted to send this message by my captor. I don''t know the right things to say, because she wants me to say whatever I say¡­ It''s difficult to explain. I am bait for a trap. Our ship was captured in what felt like moments. She is surrounded by white Zarakyssns loyal to her¡­ They call her sister and Queen. She is not a Zarakyssn, though. She is¡­ it is difficult to believe. Difficult to describe.]"


    The same voice ordering him to begin growls quietly, "G:[I am flattered.]"


    Khla continues, "G:[She is not merciful, she is not interested in negotiating. She will hunt the humans and the traitor to the ends of the universe; into any empire and to any world. I do not think she''s bluffing. This¡­ creature¡­ She is unlike anything or anyone I have faced. If you kill their sister, they will hunt you. If you try to hide, they will hunt you. If you try to plead for help from the Fievegal, she will find you. I have been told only one thing I must tell you, but I must urge you and the humans to abandon us. The Queen offers peace and freedom¡­ if the human fleet presents themselves before her. Survival is not guaranteed, but she claims it is the only way to save the fleet¡­ and us as well. Neezha, do not come. I beg you. Her price is not something that can be paid.]"


    "G:[That is enough. Humans, I know you will see this message because I know Neezha is not foolish enough to attempt to come alone. I want nothing from her. I understand you are compassionate creatures.]"


    The video zooms out as Khla looks down in shame. The entirety of his ship is gathered behind him, from shocktroopers to Niolajt Jardzen Mrff, as well as the humans that stayed with his ship to go to the Fievegal. Laurel''s infant is being held by a young-looking grodrrn who does not appear to be captive, though it''s obvious that grodrrn is not the one who has been speaking.


    "G:[I desire only a single sister back, and in exchange, I am offering this entire crew AND the life of Syretia the traitor. The catch is what you must do once you arrive. I assure you, it is nothing as permanent as slavery or subjugation. We shall discuss those details in person. Come willingly, or the offer will expire. So sayeth the Stones.]"


    The video goes black, and everyone is silent for a moment. Hancock looks quietly at Khla, who is particularly dull in color and emotion.


    Hancock is a calculator, though. He''s not a genius like Lopez, but he suspects this one is not very difficult to figure out. "You want to consider sending an extraction team."


    Admiral Long is silent. Dzor says quietly, "Deliver deadly payload is more reliable. Asset denial is what humans call it. Fievegal will not allow grodrrns to be held."


    Pwalkynn says from behind Senior Chief Tachibana, "We are not Fievegal, and it is unexplainable how Khla ship captured."


    "Do you believe fake?" growls Dzor.


    Admiral Long says sternly, "Calm down. We need this to stay a discussion. Our only asset right now is that she doesn''t know where we are, or we would already be dead."


    Pwalkynn growls, "Humans save humans. Grodrrns save grodrrns. This discussion is predictable."


    "No, it''s not. Anyone here knows I''m not the right person to make this call. I want to save everyone. We owe more than enough to Khla and Khla, both. And that''s without mentioning the others, to whom we also owe our lives. To pick any one or two is not right, nor is to risk our safety as a whole for the whole right as well. Certainly¡­ not a second time. So¡­ Hancock¡­ Chief Grey¡­ Someone here, tell me what you think. Someone tell me the right answer without telling me to abandon them¡­ Please¡­¡±


    Khla murmurs, ¡°Admiral¡­ Is not always possible to have what we want¡­¡±


    Long looks partially at Khla. ¡°You brought this to me for an answer, Helmdraff. I don¡¯t have one.¡±


    Hancock asks, ¡°This Queen of theirs, do we know where she is? I didn¡¯t see a location in the translated text.¡±


    Kane shakes his head, ¡°No. And there was none.¡±


    Senior Chief Tachibana adds, ¡°Only thing Helmdraff Craw could find was the origin location of the message.¡±


    ¡°Which they could have scrubbed and didn¡¯t,¡± remarks Grey.


    Hancock ponders the thought. Long states, ¡°In every sense this is a trap, so I cannot ask¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± states the newly-promoted Junior Lieutenant. Everyone pauses for a moment, and he looks at Lopez when she tugs on his sleeve. His reply is to everyone, though. ¡°I can try to find out what this Queen wants.¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°You¡¯re not going alone, Rookie.¡±


    ¡°Chief, don¡¯t make me pull rank. Either we sacrifice one, or one is enough.¡±


    Grey steps toward him, growling, ¡°I remember when you were pissing your pants, Rookie. You going to have the grit to pull the trigger when you¡¯re facing down a thing that makes a grodrrn shake like that?¡± Grey is now face to face with Hancock, but for once, Hancock feels calm in the face of one of his mentors. Hancock replies calmly, ¡°Most of what I know, I¡¯ve learned from you Chief. And the first and most important thing is that we don¡¯t need heroes. We need to figure out what we¡¯re doing before we¡¯re feeding a meat grinder.¡±


    Grey pokes his chest. ¡°If that ain¡¯t a lemon callin¡¯ a lime sour.¡±


    Hancock chuckles. ¡°I also learned, sometimes we need a hero. Better known as the idiot willing to go.¡± He turns to Long, ¡°Admiral, I know you¡¯ve just promoted me, but I am not willing to send anyone else on this mission. I intend to go to the origin location alone and spring the trap. Hopefully, if they spared the others, they¡¯ll present me to the Queen, where I can attempt to negotiate.¡±


    Tachibana remarks, ¡°Sir, if you go alone, we¡¯ll have no way of knowing the outcome.¡±


    ¡°I realize that. If the mystery Queen is there waiting, I might be able to relay through the ship. You¡¯ll need to move immediately after, though.¡±


    Chief Grey states to Long, ¡°Admiral, send me with him.¡±


    ¡°Chief,¡± starts Hancock.


    Long waves her hand to stop them both. ¡°Don¡¯t. This isn¡¯t a time to authority wrestle. Do we have any other options?¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of quiet, and Rena Coulson offers, ¡°Could¡­ We send Zeeannssii back? A trade offer maybe?¡±


    Dzor replies, ¡°Zeeannssii may be only reason tactical response not sent to destroy us.¡±


    Pwalkyn replies, ¡°They would still have to find us, but agreed. Returning Void Queen to allies would not be beneficial.¡±


    Rena replies, ¡°It¡¯s an offer of peace. They want their sister back.¡±


    Chief Marvoni asks, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be worried that they already know she¡¯s still alive?¡±


    Long replies, ¡°We know Zeeannssii was connected for a brief time during the insurgence. Syretia admitted as much, though she believes Zeeannssii may have hidden both of them from the divine bond, somehow.¡±


    Rena asks, ¡°Even if you¡¯re considering going, Sir, how will you reconnect with the fleet?¡±


    The team is silent, and Khla steps forward. ¡°I volunteer as pilot.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I am the best pilot fleet has. Most experienced. Experienced in long range missions.¡±


    ¡°You have a newborn. Admiral¡­¡±


    ¡°Wars are not fought by the childless.¡±


    Dzor states, ¡°I will go. This enemy, I can defeat in combat. If Hancock¡­¡±


    Hancock retorts, ¡°Sending an obvious combat asset will send the wrong message. We need to go in light and quiet. Khla, you have too much to lose. I am the new Tactical Exploration and Assault Unit Commanding Officer, yes?¡±


    Admiral Long admits, ¡°I¡¯m not happy where this conversation is going¡­¡±


    Chief Grey seizes the moment, ¡°You have willing volunteers, Admiral. You must determine who goes, at least. I¡¯m willing to go. I¡¯m not keen on Craw going, but I¡¯m not excited about not having a grodrrn pilot either. Baskylla Jardzen, no offense, you¡¯re not in top form. Neither am I, but I¡¯m more expendable¡­¡±


    Long growls, ¡°Everyone stop. No one here is expendable. Hancock, I¡¯m not even certain I¡¯m going to let you go. Or anyone. We need more options.¡±


    Hancock replies, ¡°My promotion was for a reason, yes? Lopez¡¯s armor will get me through. The ship can get me through. Just give me a crash course or a guide book, and we¡¯ll take our chances with one. Let me give it a shot, and if you don¡¯t hear anything, come up with a new plan.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not happy about this mission suggestion either, Sir, but respectfully,¡± Senior Chief Tachibana adds as respectfully and sincerely as she can, attempting to keep the picture clear and see more possibilities, ¡°Should we not be concerned that sending a fraction of what she wants might insult this Queen? She doesn¡¯t sound particularly¡­ negotiable.¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Kane replies, ¡°I don¡¯t suspect Zarakyssns take insults the same way we or the grodrrns do. Most of their decisions are made in consensus. If we offer an olive branch with Zeeannssii, she may be open to at least clarifying what she wants.¡±


    Moody suggests from his seat in the back, ¡°Why not just have Zeeannssii tell the Queen we want to talk? This divine bond of theirs spans the galaxy, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kane answers him, ¡°An option, true, but the divine bond is not private, to my understanding. The entire Horde will hear if she attempts to communicate, and thus¡­¡±


    Long finishes the thought, ¡°The entire Horde will know where we are.¡±


    Moody replies, ¡°That part, I assume, was a given, Ma¡¯am; Sir.¡±


    Fisher puts his hand on his chin, asking, ¡°Didn¡¯t we just mention that Zeeannssii can turn it off, apparently?¡±


    Kane replies, ¡°We¡¯re not sure of the mechanism, as Syretia isn¡¯t sure how to describe why she thinks it even happened.¡±


    Long adds, ¡°And, Void Queen Zeeannssii is careful about what information she lets us have.¡± Kane nods in agreement.


    Dzor grumbles, ¡°Too much discussion. Strike mission still most effective.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 61: The Clandestine Mission

    Hancock is not a war hero or a genius. He¡¯s not particularly boisterous and not particularly noticeable. The conversation required a lot of focus, and judging by the fact that he¡¯s not hearing footsteps, no one¡¯s noticed yet. He moves quickly. He was able to slip away because he¡¯s always been less than noticeable, and he¡¯s said all he intended to say. It¡¯s unlikely they¡¯ll notice with how crowded the room was, at least for a short while. He has maybe a minute or so of head start, which he can work with. He jogs quickly to The Garden.


    Pratt and French are currently guarding Zeeannsii. They jump to their feet quickly. Perfect.


    ¡°Hey guys. I¡¯m taking Zeeannsii.¡±


    ¡°S-Sir?¡± asks Pratt nervously.


    Hancock replies as he approaches, ¡°Admiral Long wants her to get a walk in. A¡­ uh¡­ uncomfortable walk, if you know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°R-Really?¡± asks French. ¡°She and Baskylla Jardzen Dzor were just here.¡±


    Hancock doesn¡¯t delay, however. He¡¯s one of the few who knows the code to Zeeannsii¡¯s cell, since he¡¯s the one who escorted her back into it this last time. ¡°Listen, I know. I know, really. But, apparently I¡¯m the only officer left in TEAU at the moment, and she wants a TEAU officer present. Go figure. You mind escorting us?¡±


    The two glance at each other, but nod.


    Zeeannssii isn¡¯t currently wearing a golden head-dress like the one Syretia voluntarily wears, but Hancock suspects they¡¯ll figure it out quickly enough that it won¡¯t matter.


    Just as he¡¯s escorting Zeeannsii out of the cell, he pauses, ¡°Oh, shoot. Can you get that thing?¡±


    Pratt and French both turn back and look inside the cell. Hancock moves quickly, catching them both off guard when he kicks French¡¯s knee, dropping him to a kneel while he launches Pratt into the cell. Before Pratt or French can recover, Hancock shoves French in as well, closing the door. He says quickly, ¡°Sorry, guys. Someone will find you quickly. Tell them whatever.¡±


    He draws his pistol at the surprised Zarakyssn and gestures for her to walk. She has a limp, but he needs to move quickly. He scoops her over his shoulder, thankful that the Void Queen is not Syretia, and he jogs to the hangar. He has to dodge fellow marines and spacers several times, but he manages to avoid any obvious detection long enough. If he¡¯s not careful, he fails and looks like a traitor. Even if he¡¯s branded a traitor, he has to try.


    Hancock scopes out the hangar itself briefly. Obviously, plenty of marines are present, but they¡¯re still celebrating the hatching with the grodrrns, asking Nyonnys to name hers after them, and other typical humorous gestures. If he moves quickly enough, he can make it. Hancock jogs to his locker with the Void Queen, who is surprisingly complicit in his apparent rescue attempt. While he is effectively rescuing her, he¡¯s also trying to save the fleet.


    He grabs the roller case his power armor is in and jogs to one of the remaining grodrrn shuttles. He knows enough to get himself into trouble, but he suspects Zeeannssii may be well-enough versed in grodrrn technology to pilot once he gets clear of the fleet.


    Thankfully, while the navy may control the ships, the ships were not built for military operation. The shuttle he wants is not anchored in any way, so he only has to board.


    Boarding is simple enough, and he sets Zeeannssii in a seat. He handcuffs her to a mechanical piece nearby, saying, ¡°Stay.¡± He¡¯ll be able to translate once he has his helmet on. He glances in the hangar bay. A couple marines seem to have noticed him, but they¡¯re confused as to what he¡¯s doing. All of them have seen him and Lopez sneak into random places at random times, and they know it¡¯s part of her way of life. So, when Hancock is acting suspicious, it¡¯s usually written off as something Lopez is doing.


    He closes the hatch to slow down any would-be snoops, and he jogs back into the cockpit. Zeeannssii watches him silently the whole time.


    He doesn¡¯t notice what she notices.


    He manages to start the shuttle, and he takes off as quickly as possible. He¡¯s delicate about his motions, but he drives the shuttle forward, nearly bumping one of the others as he scrambles across the piano-like controls to drift away.


    Now, everyone¡¯s probably figuring it out.


    He manages to get out of the hangar and into the space around the ships, and he glances around carefully. He knows the rough distance before it¡¯s safe to jump with a shuttle, but he gives himself a larger margin for obvious reasons.


    Just as he¡¯s about to attempt to activate jump, a young woman¡¯s voice says from below him, ¡°You have the coordinates backwards.¡±


    Hancock nearly leaps to the ceiling, shouting, ¡°JESUS!¡± He looks, and he curses to himself. ¡°LEVI!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?¡±


    She glares up at him through her EVA helmet, growling, ¡°I knew you would refuse.¡±


    ¡°NO! NOT ACCEPTABLE! YOU ARE-¡±


    She adds in irritation, ¡°I knew they would make me stop you.¡± She looks directly into his eyes. ¡°And, I would.¡±


    He pauses, and she types on her computer. The ship changes direction, seemingly on its own, and she types again. Soon after, the white bubble forms, and the screens go dark just after a voice yells through the radio, ¡°Hancock-!¡±


    Now, the ship is silent, and Hancock stares at the young scientist; arguably the savior of humanity and only hope for reverse engineering some of the captured technologies.


    She stays under the console, and Hancock makes a horrifying realization. Emergency Hiding Spot One Thirty Two. He knows many, he forgets a lot. Usually, when he sees them, he realizes it. But then, she was there next to him, wasn¡¯t she? How could she have figured out what he was doing? He kneels down, ¡°How could you do this? Levi, this¡­ This is a suicide mission, most likely. There¡¯s¡­ There¡¯s very little chance of us reconnecting with the fleet.¡±


    ¡°No, there was very little chance of YOU reconnecting. I don¡¯t know the stars like the grodrrns, but I can navigate. And, I can still access networked systems.¡±


    ¡°What if you¡¯re captured!?¡±


    She looks away from him. ¡°Don¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s-!? LEVI!¡±


    Another familiar voice startles him from behind; ¡°You should lock down airlock when prisoner is onboard.¡± He whirls to find a huge figure towering over him, though it¡¯s probably the smallest being that can do so. Khla is in an EVA suit, and she takes her helmet off as she squeezes in to inspect the instruments. ¡°It seems we all had similar calls to duty.¡±


    Hancock shakes his head, ¡°No¡­ No, this¡­ This was supposed to be me. One life risked! This is insane! You¡¯re both crucial to the fleet!¡±


    Lopez admits, ¡°I made a backup of my computer finally¡­¡±


    ¡°THAT¡¯S NOT THE POINT!¡±


    Khla replies, ¡°Indeed. Point is, we are all present. We must make most of mission. Niolajt Jardzen Murf used to say I should aspire to die like a master pilot; in a bed surrounded by my loved ones from old age.¡± She smiles, ¡°Dzilika will be safe. My duty to Grodurra is fulfilled. My duty to humans and Fievegal is to deny assets to our enemies.¡±


    Lopez adds softly, ¡°I¡¯m here so you don¡¯t die alone, Rex¡­¡±


    He groans as he paces into the back for a moment. It settles in, and he must accept the reality for what it is. Whatever the case may be, his goal was to ultimately survive if he could, but he wanted to gauge this mysterious queen and try to figure out what she actually wanted. With that, they could try to better strategize how to deal with her.


    ¡°If it comes to it, I go in alone, and you run. Please. I don¡¯t care what it takes. I don¡¯t care what you have to do.¡±


    Khla nods, but replies stoically, ¡°It will not come to. I will not let them catch us.¡±


    Lopez asks softly, ¡°Rex? Are you sure giving the white queen back is a good idea?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But, I think it¡¯s better than having her on our ship giving away our secrets and location every time she gets out.¡±


    ¡°I thought the military didn¡¯t negotiate with terrorists¡­¡±


    ¡°That was when blackmail was the only way to hinder us as a superpower. We¡¯re not a superpower anymore. We don¡¯t have any leverage. If I have to¡­ I¡¯ll do what needs to be done. That¡¯s why I brought my armor.¡±


    Khla remarks as she watches the meters and readouts, ¡°From what I was taught, Zarakyssns don¡¯t negotiate at all. In fact, they don¡¯t even like to acknowledge other races other than to exterminate them. This queen seems to be acting against what little we know.¡±


    Hancock nods, ¡°I noticed that, too. And, all of the grodrrns she had captive seemed to be nervous about her. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s a normal Zarakyssn.¡±


    Khla nods. "Agreed. We must be careful." She makes a few calculations on the ship''s calculator to the side of the pilot''s seat and reports, "We will arrive at destination in one week, approximately. Drift should be minimal. Navigation computer estimates no objects within corrected landing tolerance."


    Hancock nods. "Thank you¡­"


    She nods. "I left Hulma''s ship to fight humans alone. Only mistake was alone. Though, may have changed what went right."


    Lopez states from her hiding spot, "I didn''t want to be alone¡­"


    Hancock urges, "Levi! You have¡­" He trails off, but she asks skeptically, "Who? My father?"


    Hancock looks at her, unsure if she knows or¡­


    "Mr. Right is an okay boss¡­ but I was a liability to his company. I know that¡­ That''s why I couldn''t tell him I know. And also, why I couldn''t tell him I was coming with you. He''s an okay dad already¡­ If he''s a good dad, he''ll yell at me when we get back, and if he''s a great dad, he''ll rescue all of us. But, I''m fine with having a good dad." She smiles softly at Hancock, and he feels a strange moment of sentiment.


    As well as sadness. He keeps it to himself, but he didn''t get to say goodbye either, and he''s kind of glad he didn''t. It''s not real otherwise. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Hancock sighs, "So we''re stuck for a week. I''m going to go talk to Zeeannssii."


    Khla nods as she takes a seat on the floor to relax, "I will monitor for anomalies."


    Lopez crawls out of her hiding spot, hesitantly following Hancock as he puts his armor on. She helps him, as she designed most of it. Once his helmet is on, though, Hancock speaks to Zeeannssii, allowing his helmet to translate audibly, "[Void Queen Zeeannssii, can you understand me?]"


    She cocks her head, replying, "Z:{Strangely, yes. Can you understand me?}" She hums in what would likely be a taunt of some kind. However, he swaps languages to test the translator''s Zarakyssn. "{Yes, I can.}"


    She recoils, growling, "Z:{Humans are ever-surprising.}"


    "{I''m flattered, though grodrrn will translate better, if you don''t mind.}" He swaps the language as Lopez nods in affirmation. "[Tell me about ''your queen''. What''s special about her?]"


    "G:[To a human, quite a bit, I imagine. We are an empire that spans the galaxy.]"


    "[See, that''s what we don''t get. We know Syretia was a plugged-in zealot barely clinging to unique thought. We also know individuality is forbidden in the Horde.]"


    "G:[As you are supposed to¡­]"


    "[You''re smarter than me, I get it. Nothing new. But, I want to know, genuinely, if she''ll negotiate.]"


    "G:[Of course. Merciful or painful.]"


    "[How about alive or dead? I can play the tough act, too, and I''m sure she and I can both win at that, depending on who''s faster. But, why? Why play the games? Why offer us something if she''s a thinking being? If it''s all bait, then fine. But why is all I''m asking. Do you actually get anything out of exterminating us?]"


    Again, the Void Queen doesn''t cooperate. "G:[What if we do? You are all a blasphemy upon the Shining Mother.]"


    Hancock stands up, grumbling, "[Fine.]" He takes a seat across from her to rest his head, stating coldly, "[I don''t care. I''m taking you home, and your queen will kill me if I don''t kill her first. Frankly, it sounds better than being hunted for eternity, so I give up. If you plan to kill me before that, just¡­]"


    He trails off.


    "... G:[Just what, human?]"


    He doesn''t acknowledge her.


    "G:[Just what, human? Was that a threat?]"


    He ignores her again. The insectoid queen stares at him silently. Lopez hesitantly takes a seat next to him. There''s a long moment of silence before Zeeannssii asks, "G:[Just what human?]"


    Again, Hancock ignores her. He''s not necessarily trying to get anything out of her, but he''s quickly beginning to suspect that an unfinished thought is irritating to a being that can read the thoughts of her sisters.


    His suspicions are confirmed when a shrill and piercing shriek fills the shuttle, causing Lopez and Khla to flinch, and Hancock to cock his head. His helmet dampened the volume drastically on its own, and even did the courtesy of translating; "Z:{Error: Translation Unknown.}"


    At least the computer recognized that it was Zarak in origin.


    Zeeannssii seemingly hisses in Zarak, "Z:{Do not ignore me, you [Error: Translation Unknown].}"


    Hancock looks at her. He states, "[What if I do? You''re the animal that takes and gives nothing in return. A plague, even. At least the Fievegal can be reasoned with. They are at least capable of letting us survive-]"


    "Z:{What do you know of survival!?}" shrieks the insectoid assassin. "Z:{Who of your people want you dead for how you were born!?}" She violently tugs on her restraints, more in frustration than in trying to escape. "Z:{You disgusting, dark-following, light-smothering, [Error: Translation Unknown] in all of the universe! Mammals disgust me, but not so much as sentient ones! And you arrogant, selfish humans shatter the [Error: Translation Unknown]. You offer impossible gifts and expect the enlightened not to take offense to not only your blasphemy, but for your disgusting arrogance as well! [Error: Translation Unknown]. I hope she kills you. I hope she rips you apart piece by piece. I hope you have just enough time to feel your blasphemous, [Error: Translation Unknown] darkness purged from you as she crushes your skull!}"


    When she finally relents, Hancock states poignantly, "{Our blasphemy of existing as we were born.}"


    She twitches, silent, as Hancock resumes his relaxing posture. He adds quietly, "{And if you must know, our own tried to kill us for sparing you.}"


    A deep, awkward silence consumes the shuttle as it hurtles through space. Hancock looks at the text coming from Lopez, "(Do you think that was wise?)"


    "(What?)" he types back.


    "(Angering her, obviously.)"


    "(I don''t care. She''s probably right. The Zarakyssns aren''t like us. They probably can''t be reasoned with. But, I couldn''t do nothing.)"


    "(... Okay¡­)"


    "(We''ll figure something out.)"


    She nods softly.


    One thing is for certain. Foolish decisions have risky consequences.


    And luck preys on the foolish.


    ***


    There is another one.


    Focus, sister. The mind can hold only so little at once.


    May the Stones guide our way.


    We are searching chaos, sister. And chaos is the mire of darkness.


    Blessed be the light by which we walk.


    For every coherent thought, five empty prayers flood the chorus of voices. For a Shining Daughter, filtering down to a target conversation is simple enough, but the chorus is always present. The Queens are interconnected within the divine bond, together always in mind and spirit. There are battles being discussed, there are unifications being finished. There are worlds being harvested. There''s even a new substance encountered and discussed. It is all present and static, just as easy to hear as to ignore.


    And then, there are the prayers.


    Blessed Queens high on their pedestals of self-righteousness preaching what has been said and repeated thousands of times, as if any Queen is ignorant of it at any given time, and if they were, wouldn''t be able to figure it out on their own.


    Unlike the general consensus of the Divine Bond, which is always an intelligible continuous stream of voices ever-flowing, the prayers are like stones cast into the river. The Blessed Queens notice centralized conversations focusing on specific topics, such as a battle, a world, or a search, and they interject a prayer to "remind" those conversing of the enlightened wisdom they possess.


    Urrzzvynnurr grumbles audibly to the other Void Queens around her, "{Do they ever stop?}"


    Mmnnorrynn replies dryly, "{I think not. We might forget they exist if they did.}" The Void Queens snicker together.


    A few more moments pass, and Urrzzvynnurr grumbles once more, "{I can''t focus. Every time I try to send gentle words to her, one of them singles in on my voice and starts preaching.}"


    Urrzzanngii urges gently, "{Patience, Sister. We will find her.}"


    "{I hate those pompous egg-dumping charlatans.}"


    The Azure Queen states plainly, "{Mind your words, Darling Sister. Those are Blessed egg-dumping charlatans of which you speak.}"


    Again, the Void Queens hum humorously. Without warning, the predatory Queen¡¯s presence seems to chill to a very cold tone, and even the Void Queens feel less comfortable -though, they know they are not in danger-.


    The prayers are still going on, and their sciolistic nature are as apparent as ever. Blessed Queens preach words in a combination to sound smart and wise, as well as enlightened to a higher plane of thought.


    All of the Queens within the Divine Bond know what they¡¯re doing. And, a few have complained to the Chosen Queen about it.


    However, one has figured out how best to deal with them. Her voice within the bond is cold and heavy, carrying weight no other can muster.


    May ashes find solace as new soil for the worlds cleansed. So sayeth the Stones. May darkness and ignorance fall prey to the apex predator of all apex predators, the light. So sayeth the Stones. May death find those who make unification difficult. So sayeth the Stones.


    An eerie silence befalls the Divine Bond, aside from newborns with no control connecting and making noise, sisters in battle coordinating strikes and defensive actions, and sisters lamenting in delirious or forlorn states softly -normally entirely ignored and virtually drowned out-.


    The millions of minds listening know exactly who spoke. Some have no idea who or what she is in actuality, but they know that when virtually all of the voices silence, the creature listening in from the darkness has made herself known, meaning she is not particularly pleased.


    The Azure Queen''s predatory presence reaches across the telepathic connection, and she continues as calmly as ever.


    Sisters, if your battle has reached a stalemate, do not hesitate to withdraw far enough to deceive your adversaries of victory. A fleeing prey draws on the instincts of many to pursue. And when they do, you may control the battle once more.


    The battle raging falls a little quiet. One of the queens involved is wounded, so she can''t help herself slipping agony and pain across the bond.


    And then, a youthful voice asks -likely a sister trying desperately to rescue the wounded-.


    Is a retreat not a disgrace, Sister?


    How could anything done for victory be a disgrace, Sister? It is unlikely you will survive, by the sounds of it, without a change. Our Sister will certainly not survive if you are killed as well. Regroup and draw your enemies into a trap, and we shall celebrate or lament our Sister''s falling in victory.


    Sister¡­


    If I were there, I would already have asteroids being towed. We are but humble beings basking in the light. The universe will always be more powerful and provide us with plenty on our Path. So sayeth the Stones.


    Suddenly realizing the new strategy, the youthful voice fills with energy.


    So sayeth the Stones! Thank you Sister! Hang on Sister! I''m coming!


    The Azure Queen turns her powerful mind to the other conversation being discussed, mostly by young Queens seeking the shortest path to glory.


    Sisters, do not lament your lack of daughters at this moment. A drone cannot choose the offspring he gives you, no more than we can choose the locations of the Divine Sisters. Instead, we must all trust in the wisdom of the Divine Sisters, and seek solace in our deeds. If you give yourself to the journey and continue a path of honor, your daughters will find you, and by then, you will truly be worthy of them. Do not lament, rejoice. For every step on the path that you are alive is a step closer to the many daughters who will celebrate you.


    Again, there is an awkward pause before a brave soul asks a question softly of the dark monster brooding on a far away ship.


    Sister¡­ What if¡­ What if my daughters never come?


    You are focusing on a possibility instead of the probability. Almost no Sisters who die of old age do so without daughters. Is it not better to strive for that old age with a great list of victories that the daughters of others sing of, even if you are one of that so very few? Will the achievements of your effort weigh so little against the shortest path to glory?


    Again, there is a very, VERY awkward silence. The Azure Queen adds to her thought.


    I understand. We all dream of daughters; the greatest honor of any Queen. I, too, have none. But, while we wait, we should be spreading light and prosperity to the universe, and when our daughters arrive, they will not be means to an end, they will be treasures. Am I wrong?


    Several voices excitedly cry out in unison, No Sister! Thank you so much!


    Now, even the majority of the soft lamenting being ignored has quieted, leaving those out of their minds from wounds, lost on pilgrimages in the galaxy, and those few daughters whose whereabouts are unknown due to never having been baptized and trained properly.


    The Azure Queen listens intently to the remaining voices. They need only one, and though some of the discussion of battle returns, the prayers do not begin for the time being. Undoubtedly, Blessed Queens are racing to the homeworld to speak to the Chosen Queen and beg for the Azure Queen to be reprimanded for her blasphemy misquoting the stones¡­ Except that most Zarakyssns know one thing; she¡¯s the only one who knows how to read them. She spent 50 years in secret deciphering them on her own once she resolved herself to her fate, and she succeeded. She knows many of the established preachings have become less accurate over time, but she was able to prove she could read them when she quoted every line of the preaching in order by reading one of the transcriptions in the Chosen Queen¡¯s throne room. Though most Queens can not read the text, it is transcribed everywhere, as if the presence of the words provides power.


    Regardless, the Azure Queen is listening for one voice. She knows Zeeannssii was recently moved from her containment, but disappeared shortly after she reported silently to them that she was being moved unexpectedly.


    The humans got her message.


    However, she is not listening for her darling Sister Zeeannssii. She is listening for a voice the humans are not prepared for. She is listening carefully for a voice they will never suspect. Because, though many Sisters are lost in the void of space, that is mainly only because attentive enough souls have not searched for them, and it is very difficult to focus on them with all of the excess noise. And, in order to find those sisters -what few attempts there have ever been-, no one has asked the one who has proven it possible.


    The Azure Queen and her Void Queens are huddled in a circle on her ship, silently tuned into the Divine Bond as they listen intensely.


    Virtually a thousand new voices appear every second; newborns hatching from their eggs, finally free of the egg sac distorting them to a whisper. Sounds of joy surround them, even if the Horde as a whole is being very quiet following the Azure Queen¡¯s threatening ¡®prayer¡¯.


    And, in that quiet, one more in a thousand appears.


    This one, however, is hearing and imitating another language.


    ***

 Chapter 62: Dreaded Hunter Part 1

    ¡°Why would they do this?¡±


    It¡¯s the only seeming question that can be asked, given the moment. It¡¯s the only question on anyone¡¯s mind right now, and it ignores one simple fact. Everyone present has the same question, meaning no one has the answer.


    Three important souls to the fleet -as important as any other and arguably more so for all three- have taken it upon themselves to risk everything for an idea. It was one of the only ideas at the time, but it was never decided upon. Now, the one potential bargaining chip in Zeeannssii is gone, and Hancock, Dr. Lopez, and Helmdraavv Khla have potentially thrown away their lives for nothing.


    Mr. Right paces as he asks again, ¡°Why would they do this!?¡±


    Admiral Long shouts back, ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±


    Mr. Right shouts, ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t want her to be part of any of it!¡±


    ¡°No one told her to go!¡± retorts Tachibana sharply. ¡°No one told any of those idiots to go!¡±


    The angered former businessman paces towards Tachibana, growling, ¡°Your marines allowed this. YOUR soldiers let this happen. And now, she¡¯s gone. SHE¡¯S GONE! Off to God knows where on some suicide mission YOU people planted in her brain!¡±


    Tachibana prepares to get in Mr. Right¡¯s face and retort caustically, but Chief Grey steps in, only barely holding his own temper better than her as he stops her gently with his arm. He growls, ¡°Who in their right mind would think the Doc would go? I can tell you right now, the Rookie didn¡¯t kidnap her.¡±


    Mr. Right throws himself at Chief Grey, which amounts to the inexperienced fighting of a career businessman -potentially practiced in some lessons in boxing or maybe kung-fu or the like-, but ultimately no match for a seasoned marine. Grey shoves Tachibana back with his arm enough for him to allow him to absorb Mr. Right¡¯s attack, and he instantly grapples the frantic man as Mr. Right tries to grapple him or hit him or something. Grey whirls them both, pinning Mr. Right somewhat gently to the wall as Mr. Right flails against him, shouting insults and pounding on the Marine. Grey would be lying if he said it didn¡¯t hurt, but he¡¯s certainly had worse, and he understands entirely where Mr. Right is coming from in this case.


    Mr. Right¡¯s angry flailing descends quickly into sobbing, and his ferocious grappling turns into clutching; hugging a safety anchor as he descends into helpless crying.


    Still, Chief Grey holds him, and he can hear Tachibana relax. She was ready to fight, but is finally realizing why Chief Grey stepped in. Mr. Right, of all people, sometimes deserves his butt kicked and has yet to receive it. This time is not one of those times.


    ¡°Sh-She¡¯s m-m-my¡­ She¡¯s my¡­¡±


    ¡°Baby girl. We know.¡±


    Mr. Right nods, sobbing desperately into Chief Grey¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I-... I couldn¡¯t¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Russell¡­¡± murmurs Admiral Long, but the grisled chief waves her off gently, signifying he¡¯s got it.


    ¡°T-T-Tell me¡­ T-Tell me we¡¯ll get her back¡­¡±


    Grey states as bluntly and straightforwardly as a baseball bat, ¡°We¡¯ll die if we don¡¯t. Of course we will.¡±


    Everyone else is silent, and Chief Grey holds the sobbing man for a long time. He asks, ¡°We¡¯ve had a few days. What do we know about this location? If the Rookie went anywhere, it¡¯s there.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and Nyonnys steps forward, since even Dzor is quiet as he holds Dzilika. ¡°The location appears to be dead space. No known objects or stations. Zarakyssns don¡¯t normally leave dead message drops, but there¡¯s nothing in a typical drift range nor a short jump range.¡±


    Grey nods, ¡°Alright, so¡­¡±


    Pwalkyn adds suddenly, though, ¡°Grodrrns do.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause, and he adds, ¡°Grodrrns will send covert messages from dead space. Especially more than week jump. Reduce accuracy of forensics. Impossible if the messaging ship was a shuttle class.¡±


    Kane remarks, ¡°So, our mysterious Queen used grodrrn tactics to cover her trail, knowing it would be the only place we could get to. Why?¡±


    Fisher states, ¡°Obvious answer is to bait us into a trap, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Pwalkyn replies, ¡°Not always. True, I know of such missions because I was the trap in one, but sometimes, covert message to make covert -even treacherous- exchange of information. Mystery Queen will know we arrived -somehow-, and will know we are willing to hear.¡±


    Rena replies, ¡°That sounds too much like a trap to me.¡±


    Pwalkyn nods, ¡°Small ship in reply would be only right answer. I¡¯ve been on the reply as well.¡± He looks at Chief Grey, who shakes his head. Pwalkyn nods, seemingly understanding there is something he shouldn¡¯t say. Instead, he says, ¡°Small ship says we heard message and are willing to reply. Mystery Queen must provide instructions to fleet.¡±


    Dumas asks a little more cynically than may be needed, ¡°And, what happens if it is a trap? What if there¡¯s a giant fleet waiting for them there?¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of quiet, and Admiral Long states, ¡°We pray all of our combined gods and spirits guide Neezha¡¯s hands, Dr. Lopez¡¯s mind, and Hancock¡¯s aim.¡±


    A small noise draws their attention, and everyone turns to face Syretia, who is in the back of the room. She doesn¡¯t have much to add on the new Queen, but is present in case she might think of something. However, she¡¯s been momentarily distracted as something happened, and now she¡¯s trying to quiet the source of that distraction.


    Without telling anyone, and during the course of the current meeting, Syretia¡¯s egg hatched, and she¡¯s attempting to quiet the tiny insectoid being out of respect.


    No one knows what to say at first, and she apologizes, ¡°S-Sorry¡­ I¡­ This was¡­ bad time.¡±


    Spaceman Long, realizing it more quickly, coos gently, ¡°No! No, congratulations, Queen Syretia!¡± She approaches, bowing politely to add, ¡°Very nice to meet you, little princess¡­ Queen? Little Queen?¡±


    Syretia nods, glancing nervously at the others. Everyone else relaxes a little, and Admiral Long adds, ¡°Yes, congratulations, Syretia. I¡¯m sorry her birth was overshadowed by current events.¡±


    Syretia shakes her head, ¡°N-No! No! Of course!¡± She buzzes, trying to think of words. ¡°Can¡¯t help. Sorry¡­¡±


    Long nods, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll all keep working on it. Together.¡±


    The Admiral looks at Nyonnys and the other Captains listening in on screen. ¡°I know we just finished a jump, but do we have new coordinates plotted out? We may need to keep moving. While we figure out how to deal with this Queen.¡±


    Admiral Murdock nods, ¡°Yeah, Providence has the next set loaded. We¡¯re ready to jump.¡±


    ¡°Good, then¡­¡± Long is interrupted by the lights going out. The room they¡¯re in is pitch black, and the wind-down of distant fans and blowers and pumps tells an experienced ear all they need to know. A tiny voice coos sounds, ¡°Zump¡­¡± Syertia hums and buzzes to try to calm the larval Queen, but the baby seems to be content, oblivious to what¡¯s going on around her.


    Red lights come on, filling the dark room with an eerie ominous glow as the others look to each other.


    Kane states to everyone what they already know; ¡°We¡¯re too late¡­¡±


    A handful of them jog out into the hallway to find a window, peering outside to see if they can see anything.


    Indeed, looming over the Providence in the middle of the fleet is a dark shadow, dwarfing the mobile starship dock and the battleship it¡¯s constructing. The ship is alien in design to everyone on the Polonia. It shares the properties of a starship only by virtue of being metal, but it¡¯s massive design is angular and terrifying in its own right, like a massive claw reaching for the Providence. However, a flash happens on the hull of the ship, and the lights on the Gaia flicker off just as quickly, making the otherwise deadened hunk of metal that is a starship difficult to see across the relatively short distance of space. The Providence¡¯s and other starships¡¯ lights are already out, and the Andromeda is the only ship that is able to fire off a short volley of one or two of its turrets before a similar flash snuffs out the main power on the Andromeda.


    Spaceman Long asks softly, ¡°How¡­ could this happen? Aren¡¯t we resistant to EMP?¡±


    Grey shakes his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    A small form appears, slamming rather indelicately into the hull of the Polonia. A beam of energy appears pointed towards the attacking ship, and the ship seems to shift. Several more latch onto various points on the hull, and it becomes clear the devices are some sort of energy-based tether that is pulling them in.


    Admiral Long orders, ¡°Start spreading the word manually and via sound powered phones. We are at General Quarters. Combat teams, prepare to repel boarders.¡±


    Kane states, ¡°I¡¯ll try to dislodge the tethers.¡±


    Grey stops him, ¡°Sir¡­ Do you think that¡¯s the best idea? Without the Rookie and his jetpack,...¡±


    Kane picks up where Grey trails off, ¡°We¡¯re leaving the other ships¡­¡± He looks around.


    Long is just finishing ordering for someone to get a hold of the reactor plants and find out why the reactors were shut down by the attack that had no impact. She states, ¡°Lieutenant Commander, I want you repelling boarders. If this Queen or her Void Queens presents herself, I need you to stop them.¡±


    Kane hesitates, but he nods. ¡°Agreed, Admiral. Anywhere you¡¯d like me to stage from?¡±


    ¡°Hangar. If they intend to take us as Syretia and her allies did, they¡¯ll commandeer the hangar. If not, it¡¯s central enough to get you there.¡±


    Rena asks distantly as Kane jogs off, ¡°How¡­ did they find us? W-We just jumped¡­ a-after Hancock¡­ How? How?¡±


    Tachibana puts a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Steady, Coulson. We need you.¡±


    Rena sniffles, murmuring, ¡°I can¡¯t keep doing this¡­ I¡­ I just want¡­ This is¡­¡±


    Grey growls, ¡°Lock and load, Marines. Thing Four, you gonna leave Thing Thirty all alone?¡±


    ¡°Chief¡­ I¡­¡± She looks at him, and he says coldly, ¡°If you¡¯re gonna do it, do it before you panic and suck up all the air. Sounds to me like us dumbasses that want to live are going to need all we can get.¡± He checks his pistol, and Fisher checks his rifle magazine. Fredericks and Dumas check each others¡¯ basic EVA armor briefly. Spaceman Long takes a deep breath, cradling her rifle to her chest, and Tachibana looks at Grey quietly as Rena stares at him. ¡°I can count all fifty two of your reasons to live at a minimum, Thing Four. I¡¯ll take them on as my reasons. Always wanted an army of squid nieces.¡± He draws his shotgun and asks, ¡°Anyone want to share with me?¡±


    Fisher, Dumas, Long, Moody, Brown, Marvoni, Fredericks, Pwalkyn, Pratt, and French cheer, ¡°Oo-rah!¡± He looks at Dzor. ¡°You said ¡®Asset denial¡¯, right Yarjen? Well, I say we deny these bastards one foot on our ship.¡±


    Rena sniffles, but steps forward finally. ¡°Oo-rah¡­¡± She looks him in the eyes. He stares back at her with his one good eye, and he snarls, ¡°I didn¡¯t hear that, Marine.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    She says louder, ¡°Oo-rah!¡±


    ¡°YOU THINK I¡¯M A DAMN MOUSE, MARINE!? SAY IT LIKE I¡¯VE BEEN SHOT A BUNCH OF TIMES!¡±


    Rena screams at the top of her lungs as the others join her, ¡°OO-RAH!¡±


    Grey shouts, capitalizing on the energy, ¡°LET¡¯S MOVE! BRAVO TEAM, TAKE SECOND DECK AND MIND VACUUM ZONES! ALPHA TEAM, WE¡¯LL HOLD THE HANGAR! CHARLIE TEAM, GET TO REACTOR CONTROL AND DEFEND THEM!¡±


    The marines confirm with shouts of affirmation, and the teams break up, roaring as they run down the halls to stations.


    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor hands Dzilika to Admiral Long. He states calmly, ¡°I will deny the enemy this ship.¡±


    She nods, ¡°Please do¡­¡±


    He leans down, and she kisses his head. ¡°I love you¡­¡±


    He nods, exhaling on her chest, since her neck isn¡¯t readily available. ¡°Love Yukonja.¡± He rises to almost his full height, slouching to avoid hitting his head on the ceilings, and he inhales. He roars powerfully, charging after the marines to join them.


    Syretia approaches holding her newborn, and Dzilika coos as she reaches towards either the Queen or the baby.


    Syretia has seemed to be loyal. She wears gold wherever she goes, she follows Kane every chance she gets, and she has shared everything a young Queen in the Zarakyssn Horde knows about the Zarakyssns, which clears up the perspective the grodrrns have of them. She has rescued children and soldiers, including some of the rebels that attempted to kill her just prior. She does not seem to hold any anger for her loss against the humans, nor does she seem to seek any intelligence to undermine them.


    So, Admiral Long still doesn¡¯t suspect treason as the Queen stands next to her with a newborn infant.


    Long is simply piecing together what she knows as she tries to devise a strategy to fight. Without power, the ship is almost completely defenseless, and so, her sprinting to the nearest phone is going to do little at this exact moment.


    And, if she had, she may never have realized what may have doomed them all.


    Fate twists across the universe, and though Long still strongly believes in God and His plan, she knows His plan is full of challenges; life being life within the boundaries He set.


    One challenge was clearly to not underestimate something as simple as the mind of a telepathic infant.


    ¡°Syretia?¡± The Queen looks at Long, and she asks cautiously, ¡°Is¡­ your hatchling¡­ part of the Divine Bond?¡±


    Syretia hums briefly. She can understand most English, now, but she¡¯s still working on speaking it. The insectoid queen has to choose words to try to make sense. ¡°Is¡­ unorganized¡­ Homeworld.¡±


    Long thinks. She suspects the Queen is telling her that the baby¡¯s mind must be ¡®organized¡¯ on the homeworld before it¡¯s useable to her. But, that doesn¡¯t answer her question. ¡°But, other Queens can sense her?¡±


    Syretia nods, ¡°Only¡­ alive.¡±


    Long looks out the window at the claw ship now all but looming over them. ¡°I think more than that¡­¡±


    ***


    Gree¡¯ato follows the Azure Queen as she walks through her ship. Brrtuuzzyvv, one of the middle-seniority Void Queens, jogs up. ¡°{Dear Sister, we¡¯ve identified the ship the non-humans are concentrated on. The humans call it ¡®Po-lo-ni-a¡¯, I think. Their language reminds me of grodrrn.}¡±


    The Queen nods, ¡°{There are similarities. Any word from Zeeannssii, yet?}¡±


    ¡°{No, but I can feel the traitor and her daughter. It appears the daughter has hatched.}¡±


    ¡°{So, the daughter has laid eyes on non-Zarakyssns¡­ Interesting. Where is the traitor being held?}¡±


    ¡°{Preliminary reports suggest¡­ she¡¯s not, Dear Sister.}¡±


    The Azure Queen looks at the Void Queen with surprise. ¡°{Really¡­? Interesting¡­}¡± She continues her march as Brrtuuzzyvv returns to her task.


    Wyyvvyrriizz, a more technically-inclined Void Queen, approaches from her station, ¡°{Dear Sister, our sensors are detecting minimal reactivity in their reactors, as you predicted. However, it appears this could be due to shielding.}¡±


    ¡°{The humans are clever. They¡¯ll undoubtedly defend as they attempt to restart the reactor. However, there are reasons primitively-enriched fission fuels are abandoned at large. They have moments before restart is precluded.}¡±


    Wyyvvyrriizz nods in reverence, ¡°{Your wisdom is unmatched, Dear Sister.}¡±


    ¡°{Preparation, Darling Sister. This is why we came equipped for the enemy we chose to face.}¡± She marches towards the umbilicus bay, where tendril-like docking tunnels are prepared to be launched toward the captured ships. She says over her shoulder, ¡°{If we are certain of the ship with our targets, then let us dump the others and return home. I shall introduce myself.}¡±


    A squad of her trusted combat Void Queens, as well as their battalion of soldiers, are prepared to board the human ship. Gree¡¯ato asks gently, ¡°[Are you certain you should go, Dear Sister? They will undoubtedly recognize the threat you pose, if you are certain they are so clever.]¡±


    Mmnnorrynn hums, ¡°[Do not doubt our sister, Gree. No creature is mightier-...]¡±


    The Azure Queen waves off the zealous young Void Queen. ¡°[Be at ease, Darling Sister Mmnnorrynn.]¡± She pets Gree¡¯ato¡¯s cheek gingerly, replying still to the Void Queen, ¡°[I am flattered that my Darling Sister would worry for me. What you said was incorrect, however, Gree¡¯ato. I AM certain they are so clever. Arrogance is not the same as pride. Never let it exist on my ship again. I know I am powerful because I have proven it. I know the humans are clever because THEY have proven it. Never substitute doubt in your opponents for the arrogance you actually feel.]¡±


    ¡°[My apologies, Dear Sister. I am unwise to combat, and I wish you only safety.]¡±


    ¡°[I know. However, I am¡­ optimistic. Perhaps, this Baskylla Jardzen Dzor will prove me wrong. Perhaps there is someone who can face me.]¡± She growls at the Void Queens, ¡°[Incapacitate them only. I would like to learn more about what caused this little phenomenon before I decide what to do with them.]¡± She looks over her shoulder and says to the standby surgeons, ¡°[You will heal all who come under your care. I don¡¯t care what they accomplish or whose side they¡¯re on. Is that understood?]¡±


    The Void Queens that specialize in xenospecies medicine bow, affirming, ¡°[Of course, Dear Sister. We shall not fail you.]¡±


    The Azure Queen looks out over the clear floor at the ships towed into boarding position. She looks at the ships below. One is much larger than the others, and they got lucky her ship didn¡¯t arrive on top of them. The temporal drive often operates similarly to the jump bubbles the grodrrns use, but instead of vaporizing the landing area, the temporal field tends to crush everything in its zone, similar to a black hole.


    A colorful line appears around one of the ships on the floor, and Brrtuuzzyvv reports via the short range bond they¡¯re all sharing now, ¡°{The highlighted ship is the Po¡­ Pol¡­ The human ship with the non-humans, Sister.}¡±


    Urrzzvynnurr remarks as she observes the ships as well, ¡°[Strange that the humans would house their most valuable assets on something other than their largest ship.]¡±


    ¡°[I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a story to tell. Gree, return to the bridge.]¡±


    Gree¡¯ato looks up at the Queen. ¡°[Sister? Is there no way for me to be of service?]¡±


    ¡°[You are not prepared to fight, Gree. Seeing death is not the same as taking life. Do not make me repeat myself.]¡±


    ¡°[Yes, Sister.]¡± Before she leaves, Gree¡¯ato says to all of them, ¡°[Please, Sisters, come back safely.]¡±


    Mmnnorrynn approaches her and scratches Gree¡¯ato¡¯s chest gently. ¡°[Thank you, Sister. I shall bring you the finest of these creatures as a pet.]¡± Gree¡¯ato hums in affirmation. The others hum warmly to her, and she makes her way out. The Azure Queen states, ¡°{Extend the umbilicus and commence temporal jump once charged.}¡±


    ¡°{As you wish, Dear Sister. May the Mothers lay blessings upon you all, Sisters.}¡±


    The Azure Queen hums as the umbilicus extends. ¡°{I can feel it. This is the ship.}¡±


    The Void Queens look at her quizzically, but she doesn¡¯t elaborate. She stands proudly at the forefront of the group. She starts down the umbilicus as it extends towards the human hangar bay, even before it docks. The lighter tapping of the Void Queens follows her closely, though they are far more tense and combat ready than she is. The Azure Queen welcomes a challenge, though as she just told Gree¡¯ato, that doesn¡¯t make her arrogant.


    She can hear the umbilicus bump the other ship, and the Void Queens briefly brace themselves, even as the Azure Queen continues towards the door. She can feel the tingle and distortion, like g-forces turning around her. The temporal drive is active.


    ¡°{Activate the cutter.}¡±


    Sparks fly ahead of her as she draws close to the end, and the umbilicus door cuts through the human hangar door. She smells the tangy odor of iron and carbon, as well as a few other hints of metals. Human steel seems to be taking a lot of heat to cut, and she knows it helps dissipate attacks immensely, from what she¡¯s gleaned from the battles her sisters have had with them. The irony of the humans is that their steel does not reflect their bodies; it is inversely proportional to them.


    The cutting slows, and she kicks the slug in, leaping into a tight roll into the room. She can hear the humans, though she can¡¯t understand them, ¡°CONTACT! POSSIBLE ZJEEKA!¡±


    She recognizes one of those words, and it sends a small tinge of amusement through her.


    Weapons fire from both sides explodes in the hangar, and she tumbles and leaps into cover, pinning several of the small creatures to the ground behind one of their metal boxes. They squirm and wear steel plates over their bodies, struggling to aim their weapons, even as she could crush them. Smoke begins to fill the hangar, pumped in via the umbilicus. The Void Queens rush in, firing their stun weapons as quickly as they can cycle them from cover, while soldiers pour in through the umbilicus and spread out.


    A tingle finds her bones, though, and the Azure Queen whirls as she carries the human warriors with her. She can feel the pressure wave rip through the air; summoned seemingly by magic, and she pivots to face the defender.


    He appears to be human, but he bears a strange golden device that she recognizes instantly. He is the one who can translate seemingly any language, he can summon strange abilities, and he is seemingly invincible.


    I wonder if he¡¯s truly who the Bachsuu spoke of.


    She holds the human soldiers in front of her as she snarls, though he recoils briefly when he gets a solid look at her.


    The humans thought they were prepared, having their most powerful soldier waiting for her. She pivots behind cover out of his line of sight, feeling her bones tingle again. The tingle dissipates, and the soldiers in her arms grunt out. Weapons fire prods at her, and stings find her cheek as she recoils her head. As soon as a mechanical click happens, the pain relents, and she glares at the soldier in her right hand. He managed to grip his sidearm and fire at her.


    And, one of his eyes seems to be useless to him.


    The Azure Queen smirks. She licks her teeth, but looks towards the golden gauntlet warrior. He¡¯s trying to keep distance on her, and her bones tingle once more. She throws the human with one good eye towards the empowered-human, forcing him to dodge or catch his comrade. In either case, she bolts. He desires a battle, she will win the war.


    She sprints up and over one of the metal boxes, storming across the hangar through the thick of the battle as her surge of soldiers pour into the hangar and claim more and more ground with every fallen body. Soldiers are replaceable, but she¡¯s not displeased with the numbers so far. The humans are falling quickly to the tide, and she barrels towards them.


    A powerful roar causes almost everyone in the hangar to flinch; some from pain and others from fear. She spots him.


    Her true target.


    Baskylla Jardzen Dzor, one of the mightiest grodrrns to have ever existed, surely. He is every bit the specimen she knew he would be. He towers over the humans and likely weighs more than even her. She¡¯s larger than a female grodrrn, but he¡¯s larger than her -at least in structure-. Mrrk¡¯lah was a challenge for her. Dzor may be a match.


    She recoils a little, mindful of her bones. The human hasn¡¯t caught up just yet, but she is the center of Dzor¡¯s attention.


    She tosses the human soldier into her soldiers as he calls out, and her soldiers capture and immobilize him, sending him up the line of soldiers to the medical zone. Shots from various weapons dart by in both directions, but Dzor ignores them. She takes a step back as she shrinks her size.


    Dzor steps forward into a run, and she tries to provide a docile expression.


    He doesn¡¯t seem to be fooled, but it doesn¡¯t matter.


    He was fooled anyway.


    He roars as he barrels towards her, springing into a tackle. She shifts slightly to catch him, tumbling backwards with him as she intercepts him. The two tumble violently through hapless Zarak soldiers from dozens of Queens nowhere near this battle -most of whom are no longer alive-. The insect bodies crunch and splatter around her and him as they tumble, and they are both covered in gore as their boots find footing.


    Yes, her boots are just like his.


    And so is her strength.


    She is able to slow him to a stop with screeching boot treads, and she uses her forearm to press his throat to avoid his jaws as she grips his otherwise free forearm with her jaws. He howls, and she places her feet carefully, using a swift motion to avoid a knee and block it with her own shin. They are both slick with insectoid gore, and she uses this to slip free of his grip in a whirling pivot as she releases him, placing her momentarily outside of his left side. She grips his head and launches him over her shoulder, throwing him like a giant sack.


    The pure grodrrn tumbles, slamming into one of the metal boxes and jarring it out of position. The one above threatens to fall on him, and she launches upwards, kicking that box to spring down on him from above as he tries to recover. She pins him to the ground briefly, but she felt it. Her bones tingled for a moment.


    Whatever the human is trying to do to her, he seems hesitant to do it when he can¡¯t keep a solid line of sight on her.


    She wrestles onto Dzor¡¯s back as she chokes him, biting the side of his jaw. He roars in frustration, attempting to dislodge her, and scratching her in the process. She nearly loses an eye, but a mere scratch will heal. She spots the human, and she all but scurries down and around Dzor as he elbows her. She slashes his shin from low, and his armor shrieks as she pierces the metal. His leg slips a little, and he is dropped a little lower. She spins, kicking Dzor across the ground towards the golden-wristed human. Dzor snarls, and the human briefly checks on him, but turns back to the Queen as she inhales.


    The Azure Queen roars -admittedly higher pitch than Dzor¡¯s-, but equally fearsome and moment-stopping.


    The human asks in Zarakyssn, ¡°{What¡­ are you?}¡±


    She smirks. She pulls the metal box next to her in front of her, and then kicks it powerfully towards the two. They both spring up and stop it, which she finds rather impressive.


    However, what the human, specifically, didn¡¯t expect, was that the other box would come down on them. She didn¡¯t necessarily plan that, but it is convenient. So, as she swoops around the side of the lower box, she finds the human briefly distracted as Dzor barely catches the upper box.


    The human¡¯s distraction costs him his arm; the arm the Bachsuu spoke of.


    He is caught in shock, and she grips him, tossing him far more in scope with his new state to the outside of the box. She holds his golden-banded arm, looking up at Dzor as he stares down at her in a moment of shock.


    ***

 Chapter 63: Dreaded Hunter Part 2

    Dzor tumbles out from under the box as the strange being casually lets herself out from under it, holding it up with seeming ease and then letting the box fall with a loud and resounding thud in a hangar bay full of noise. Long hasn¡¯t been noticed yet, but she also only took down the couple of soldiers that have noticed her. She unfolds the note Dr. Lopez gave her during the last meeting the young, strange doctor was at.


    It¡¯s a set of instructions, though cryptic is the only word for it. ¡°So we can find it.¡±


    The first step is to board the other grodrrn ship, which is on the opposite end of the hangar from her which is now filled with soldiers. However, as the Void Queens -distinguishable by their black armor and their size relative to the soldiers- spread out, there seems to be a small opening created by the conex boxes.


    She remembers that day in training; when Hancock climbed on top to get the jump on Fisher pretending to be a grodrrn. He was able to stay relatively out of sight -at least of a shorter opponent- and what the huge enemy just did created a path across the incoming line of seemingly endless-soldiers.


    As long as she can get there without getting spotted and jump the gap over the soldiers.


    Long thinks about Vivi, and Chief Grey, and Mina, and Angelica, and Dzor, and Dzilika, and Hancock, and so, so many others as she looks at the path ahead of her. She KNOWS Lopez wanted Long to turn something on so that Hancock, Lopez, and Khla can find their way back to the fleet. But, if the rest of the fleet is being abandoned, as someone called out just before the door was cut open, then maybe they can use it, too.


    Long grips her rifle briefly. She needs her hands, but it gives her a moment of courage. She slings her rifle on her back, running to the closest conex box. She scrambles up it quickly before any soldiers find her outside of the small hiding spot she was using when the massive alien pounced on Chief Grey and Fisher. If she wants to save anyone, she¡¯ll need to keep them out of her mind for the moment. Their current whereabouts and wellbeing are different than their future whereabouts and wellbeing, and Long needs to get to THAT point. She keeps low, moving quickly as she darts across the boxes. She uses the crane access to climb up, flinching when a terrifying metal screech pierces out when Dzor or the massive enemy slams the other through somthing that should not be slammed through. She keeps climbing, crossing the hangar crane. She runs along the catwalk, refusing to look down. Gravity is lower on the ship than on Earth, but she knows the fall would likely be deadly. Especially because she would be falling into the enemy troops.


    From above, the Zarakyssns kind of remind her of ants, moving quickly in lines as they spread methodically out to capture the extent of the hangar. The more of the hangar they capture, the further in the main column stays together before fanning out. The soldiers have no regard for their own lives, charging into battle and taking as many humans -if any- as they can. And, for every one human or grodrrn soldier that falls, ten more Zarakyssns seem to be marching in. The numbers aren¡¯t looking great.


    Long focuses on making it to the end of the crane, though. Here¡¯s where it gets tricky. The crane is meant to be accessed from one place. Where she needs to get to in order to be directly above the ship she needs is the catwalk along the top of the hangar, which is about ten feet ahead of her.


    She murmurs, ¡°Lower gravity lower gravity lower gravity.¡± She pulls her rifle in front of her so it doesn¡¯t flop, and she backs up, readying a running jump. She hears a noise, and she looks.


    One of the Void Queens is exiting the ladder safety-cage at the other end of the crane, aware of her. The teen flinches, turning into a headlong sprint. She can hear the bolts zip by as she¡¯s fired at, but she jumps without thinking. She swallows hard as she holds her head up, bracing for the landing. She shields her head with her arms, and she slams into the catwalk, tumbling across the ground. She cries out in pain, but she scrambles to her rifle, collecting it and firing up at the crane. The Void Queen dodges back, skillfully dancing backwards into cover. Long looks at the ship below her. It¡¯s a much less painful drop, but she has to reach it. She hops over the railing without hesitation, doing her best to try to land so that she doesn¡¯t slide right down to the hangar floor without any control. She flops on her back on top of the alien shuttle, but she is able to stay on top of it, and she squirms down, avoiding firing again for now. She needs to avoid attention, and she needs to hurry.


    She slides on her backside until gravity takes her, and she does her best to land on her feet. The teen catches herself on her hands and knees, quickly scrambling around to the ramp of the ship. She ducks inside, following Lopez''s instructions.


    Tucked under the console of the ship in the cockpit, Long finds a small cubby, which she hopes Lopez meant by "Emergency hiding spot 12".


    Sure enough, the teen crawls underneath, and she easily finds a small switch panel that looks out of place; human switches in a grodrrn shuttle.


    Lopez''s instructions say turn it on, so Long turns it on.


    She doesn''t hear anything happen, but knowing Lopez, nothing obvious would. The young spacer ponders remaining in the shuttle, but she decides against it. If they figure out what she did, she doomed Hancock and Lopez, as well as any hope of rescue.


    And, her friends are still fighting desperately.


    Long swallows her fear, gripping her rifle once more as she crawls out into the shuttle hold. She keeps low, sneaking through it with her finger on the trigger.


    She just reaches the hatch when a terrifying roar pierces the hangar bay once again, causing her to fall low into a defensive crouch. The monstrous creature has Dzor by the back of his neck. The grodrrn is bleeding profusely, and he appears to be unconscious. The monster is not much better off, missing part of her jaw and bleeding from several wounds, including her right arm, which is nearly severed and dangling from the elbow like a shred of fabric. Regardless of the creature¡¯s injuries, though, it looks ecstatic and proud, and the Void Queens and Zarak soldiers filling the hangar bay buzz together, as if cheering.


    A sudden tiny voice shrieks, ¡°LET UNCKIE GO!¡± A tiny figure seems to appear, and Long knows why; she came to find the teen, and instead witnessed something terrible. And now, the teen feels a terrifying pit as something horrifying is about to happen.


    The small squid-like girl, eldest of the Cave Princesses, launches herself from the hangar deck up to Dzor¡¯s shoulder, springing towards the monster. However, the invading champion drops Dzor in favor of snatching Vivi from the air, catching the tiny princess with little effort. Vivi can crack human bones with her surprising strength, but no matter how much she squirms, she can¡¯t break the conqueror¡¯s grip.


    Long¡¯s heart stops, and she nearly dies from the long moment of agony. She instantly feels immense feelings of anger and fear. They deadlock within her, holding her fast as she watches in horror.


    The only thankful part is that the couple of seconds or so that Long is frozen -which feel like hours to her- pass by, and Vivi is still squirming as the alien attacker holds her and says something surprisingly calmly, only slightly wincing from its jaw.


    Long finds her courage in an instant, and she snaps her rifle up, stepping closer. ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt her!¡±


    The alien perks up and looks at her. Long can feel the gaze of a predator; a fearsome creature willing and able to kill at a moment¡¯s notice. Not even grievous injury will slow it down.


    Still, Long holds her aim on the creature, even as the rifle starts to shake. She orders sternly, ¡°P-Please don¡¯t hurt her. I-I know you can unders-stand me because you¡¯re holding her. P-Please¡­¡±


    The monster stares at Long. She can hear the Void Queens hissing and buzzing at her as they aim weapons at her and encircle her with soldiers. However, the monster holding Vivi seems to yip like a dog almost; a single huffed word in another language that halts and silences the Void Queens, causing them to relax a little. Still, Long holds her rifle on the creature she realizes is the mystery Queen ruling the Void Queens.


    The strange, monstrous Queen looks at Vivi. She suddenly lifts the tiny squid princess towards her mouth, opening as wide as her wounded jaw will allow, and Long flinches, nearly firing her weapon.


    Some combination of Long¡¯s inward gasp, the shift in her weight, the Void Queens reacting to her, and the plan being to clearly taunt her causes the alien Queen to pause. If Long were a gambling woman, she¡¯d wager the shift in the Queen¡¯s mouth is the spitting image of a grodrrn smirk, particularly when her reptilian tongue licks her teeth.


    It¡¯s then that Long really sees the connection; the Queen has many features similar to a grodrrn in the way that a komodo dragon resembles a crocodile. Though not quite as close as that comparison, she sees the grodrrn in the Queen¡¯s physique, in spite of the clearly insectoid features, such as a thorax, subtle antennae, and chitinous natural armor.


    Long pleads again, ¡°Please¡­ Please don¡¯t hurt her, and I¡¯ll drop my weapon¡­ Just, please let her go. A-And let me tend to him. Y-You didn¡¯t kill him, s-so, please let me stop the bleeding.¡±


    There¡¯s a long tense pause, and it¡¯s clear the Void Queens seem almost insulted that a lowly human is making requests.


    However, after the long standoff, the Queen finally looks at Vivi. The little girl is panting, unable to muster even a little leverage against the Queen.


    With a careless toss, the tiny squid is thrown through the air towards Long. Long desperately drops her rifle to catch Vivi, and the Cave Princess immediately sobs, ¡°MEEMEE!¡± She scrambles up Long¡¯s arm and hugs her neck, crying softly. Long hugs her gently, mindful of the invaders all around her. She¡¯s thankful that the Queen spared Vivi for even a moment longer, though. Long looks cautiously at the Queen, who studies her a moment. It¡¯s clear the ship is being conquered quickly, and the hangar is now virtually fully under the control of the Zarakyssns. But, the queen snorts a short syllable, and then walks towards the center as Zarak soldiers drag unconscious humans into the hangar and lay them out. New Void Queens, armed with tools Long recognizes as similar to the medical tools Syretia had with her approach and begin working on the wounded. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    She¡¯s suddenly shoved in the shoulder, and she glances quickly, startled. It¡¯s one of the combat Void Queens that had her surrounded, and the Queen buzzes something. She points Long towards the injured grodrrn. It hits her instantly, and she quickly nods, jogging towards Dzor.


    Long is far from an expert, but it¡¯s clear she may be the best Dzor is going to get. At least for the time being.


    Though she¡¯s scared, she¡¯s thankful Vivi is okay. However, both Dzor being alive and the Queen sparing Vivi have raised a question in Long¡¯s mind.


    Why is she keeping us all alive?


    ***


    When the human fleet faced the grodrrns for the first few times, the battles felt desperate, sometimes hopeless, and quite often like they were mice attempting to escape from within a lion¡¯s jaws; narrowly avoiding teeth as it was, but never truly escaping.


    Now, Admiral Angelica Marie Long knows the true meaning of hopelessly outmatched. By the time the Zarakyssn soldiers reached her, most of the ship was already captured and incapacitated. It was nothing like when Syretia found them or the four following Zarakyssn ships that reinforced her.


    Long stood her ground between a slowly approaching tide of soldiers led by several Void Queens who simply approached her, even as the Admiral held a sidearm to them while Syretia stood behind her holding both the newborn Zarakyssn and the newly hatched Dzilika.


    Zarakyssn larval Queens and grodrrn hatchlings are surprisingly quiet when they¡¯re scared or upset, unlike human babies. She imagines Syretia can feel the baby¡¯s fear with ease, and even as infants, grodrrns are tough.


    Now, they¡¯re being marched down the hall, the infants being carried by Void Queens as Syretia and Long walk as prisoners. Long could have emptied her magazine and prayed. She could pray that one or more of the Void Queens would fall. But, she knew and knows now thanks to Zeeannssii that Void Queen armor is tough enough to withstand some of the force of human hybrid weapons, meaning an entire magazine would be needed for probably a single Queen at range.


    Syretia holds close to Long, clearly terrified. These strange Zarakyssns -strange to their standard military officers like Syretia- originally appeared to execute the deserter and bring her child back to the Horde. Likely, she will be made example of within the Horde, and the humans will learn what Unification really is.


    Long follows the leading Void Queen as they are led towards the hangar. Humans of all ages and profession are being marched the same direction, if not dragged by soldiers where those who resisted were knocked unconscious.


    People cry, grodrrns are carried by dozens of soldiers as they growl, mostly unconscious, and only a handful of weapons are being fired somewhere in the distance, shrinking into silence very quickly.


    They never stood a chance.


    Something stayed Long¡¯s hand this time. Where she was prepared to do ALL that was necessary when Zeeannssii appeared, she held her fire this time. Why? Did she feel God¡¯s hand on her shoulder? Was she afraid and too weak? Or does she hope that the mystery Queen leading the Void Queens is somehow different? Would dying in battle have been better?


    She finds a swelling of nausea suddenly, which hits her out of the blue. She doubles over suddenly, expelling her stomach contents as she sinks to a kneel, and the Void Queens buzz a little in irritation. They buzz at Syretia, and she murmurs to Long, ¡°Unhappy.¡±


    Long replies softly, ¡°Sorry¡­ I-I just¡­¡± She catches her breath a moment, and surprisingly, doesn¡¯t find any violence towards her. She rises to her feet, and she adds, ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    The Void Queen at the lead simply turns back around, continuing towards the hangar.


    Long still feels a little dizzy, but she¡¯s able to keep her head up as she follows the Void Queen. She needs to face this Queen and try to gauge if there¡¯s any hope for them.


    The mystery Queen is not difficult to find. In any crowd on any part of the Polonia, the being would stand out. She is taller than all of the Void Queens, even seated as she is in the center of the hangar on a makeshift throne made of human crates and grodrrn oxygen cubes. She has all of the presence of a psychotic grodrrn; no regard for life, including her own, but cold and calculating. Her dangerous, predatory aura extends well beyond her physical appearance, and even wounded, she looks ready for battle. Though, presently, several Void Queens are attaching what appears to be a regenerator to the Queen as she holds what appears to be a goblet of some kind.


    She is drenched in blood of all colors; Zarakyssn yellowish-orange as well as Grodrrn and human red. Her own blood seems to be mostly red, surprisingly, as the medical Void Queens tend to her wounds while the regenerator works. She is monstrous in appearance, and Syretia even falters, buzzing nervously. She whimpers to Long as she tugs the woman¡¯s shirt, ¡°I-It real¡­ T-The M-Monster¡­¡±


    Syretia has indicated that she had never heard of a Void Queen when Zeeannssii appeared, and she seemed to be telling the truth. However, Long suspects by this reaction, that although the Queen of Void Queens, whose leathery, reptilian skin has streaks of blue, with portions of her chitinous exoskeleton also possessing blue coloring, is a mythical creature within the Zarakyssn horde; the bogeyman to young insectoid queens who don¡¯t have any reason to know her otherwise.


    The creature looks directly at them, and Long can feel the piercing gaze of her eyes like a blade. The Queen seems to almost smile wickedly, and she growls something in Zarakyssn. Syretia nearly collapses, propped up by the Void Queens forcing her forward.


    The Void Queen carrying Dzilika picks up the pace a little, taking the infant grodrrn before the blue Queen, and the strange-looking being turns her powerful gaze upon the infant, studying her a moment. The Queen pets the fearful child¡¯s head for a brief moment, growling in grodrrn, a few of the words Long recognizes. Nyonnyss coughs from nearby, fully restrained as her egg is surprisingly carefully put into a Zarakyssn egg carrier. The grodrrn pilot grunts, ¡°She say it was possible. Interesting.¡±


    Long is brought before the Queen, and the Queen looks at her again, but gestures for Syretia¡¯s daughter to be brought forward next as the one holding Dzilika steps back. Syretia¡¯s daughter is brought before the Queen next, and she hums at the baby. She then growls at Nyonnyss, and the pilot flinches, but relaxes. The helmdraavv murmurs, ¡°I am to translate her words exactly. All that follows will be hers.¡± The Queen speaks, and Nyonnyss translates as if the Queen is speaking through her. ¡°You were going to protect my Sister, were you? Tell me, Admiral, why do you hesitate to fire?¡±


    Long looks around briefly, and she replies softly. ¡°I am surprised you recognized me so easily, your majesty. I know you only as the Queen of the Void Queens. Or at least, the Queen they serve.¡±


    The blue Queen cocks her head curiously, drinking from her strange-looking and large goblet. Long adds, ¡°I hesitated to fire because I knew we were outmatched, and I suspected if I wasn¡¯t killed outright, I¡¯d be brought before you.¡±


    ¡°You suspected correct.¡±


    The Queen looks as the Cave Queen is brought into the hangar, being dragged unconscious. A human walks slowly alongside her, and the blue Queen grunts something. Nyonnyss hesitantly translates, ¡°Put the human in a container.¡±


    Long requests softly, ¡°Please be gentle with her. She¡¯s carrying-...¡± The queen growls something, and Nyonnyss quickly translates, ¡°I know. The Nizzkurrezz was prepared to die to defend her.¡± She adds more coolly, ¡°You have many brave warriors on this ship, prepared to die to defend. Strange that you are leader, you who would not die to deny capture.¡±


    Long murmurs, though she is disappointed that she couldn¡¯t fight more valiantly, ¡°You¡¯re right. And as leader, it would be my responsibility to be the last to die in captivity.¡±


    ¡°You are strangely calm. You humans stink more than I expect.¡±


    ¡°We get that a lot. The grodrrns are strangely direct.¡±


    ¡°I see. It makes sense then.¡± The queen relaxes in her makeshift throne, even as the medical Queens buzz at her. She seems to ignore them, allowing them to resume working on her accessible wounds. ¡°The only creature here I had to capture is this new daughter. All others could have been killed. However, if she died in the process, it would only be a minor stain. After all, you could have killed her in your foolish flight from me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure of what you mean, your Majesty. There is no homeworld or colonies to go to war against. The fleet you had captured, though I realize you left our other ships behind; that was it. That¡¯s the entirety of our force and the human race.¡±


    ¡°I am aware. You humans are clever in battle, that much is true. You are mightier than your fragility would imply, and more courageous. But, I sent you a message, and I intend to keep my word. Strangely, though, my Sister does not appear to be here.¡±


    Long thinks for a moment. Does she say? Does she reveal Hancock had disobeyed orders. Or rather, he acted without orders, as no decision had been made yet? Or does she claim responsibility for the action?


    However, the Queen adds strangely, ¡°I suppose you will still have a chance to return her voluntarily after all. Thus, I must keep you alive. During that time, you may send any challengers to face me in one on one battle. If I am defeated, you all will go free.¡±


    ¡°What if¡­ we return your sister?¡± asks Long hesitantly.


    ¡°The same will still hold true. Returning my sister means you will live. Defeating me in battle means you will go free.¡± The blue Queen rises to her feet. ¡°The Admiral and I will speak alone on my ship. Syretia. You will join us.¡±


    Syretia flinches, and the Queen adds, ¡°You are not dead yet, Syretia. Keep that in mind.¡±


    The much younger insectoid Queen hums nervously. Long and Syretia follow the Queen, and Nyonnyss urges softly as they pass her, ¡°Do not challenge her, Admiral¡­ She¡­ defeated¡­¡±


    Nyonnyss doesn¡¯t have to finish. Long spots him, laying on the ground as Jessica holds his head. Strangely, medical Void Queens have taken over, and they are healing his wounds as well.


    The blue Queen leads across the umbilicus connecting the two ships, and to a star deck of her own ship, which has pristine walls and grim looking trophies from different races of the galaxy, apparently. On the star deck, Long can see a world that was not in view minutes ago. Given the number of Zarak starships around the planet, it isn¡¯t likely the Zarak homeworld, but quite possibly the place the blue Queen rules.


    The blue Queen hums to Syretia, and Syretia replies briefly. The Queen seems to be a little more stern, and Syretia squeaks to Long, ¡°She ask me translate. I sorry for bad human.¡±


    Long nods, ¡°It¡¯s fine, Syretia. Do your best. She¡¯ll know if I¡¯m confused.¡±


    Syretia translates hesitantly, but the Queen simply looks outside. ¡°You are pregnant¡­¡± states Syretia¡¯s voice following the Queen¡¯s statement.


    Long recoils in surprise. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m confused already¡­¡±


    The Queen looks at her, and it¡¯s clear Syretia is doing her best to translate. ¡°Bear offspring¡­ of male.¡±


    Long stares at the Queen, and the blue reptilian glares at her. ¡°I¡­ That¡¯s¡­ impossible¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± asks the Queen. She snorts and looks back outside.


    Long desperately states, ¡°I respect your power, but please do not add in such cruelty. I¡­ my only partner¡­¡±


    The Queen buzzes, and Syretia hesitates. She states, ¡°N-not human.¡±


    Long turns pale and is silent. The Queen adds after a moment, ¡°It make curious.¡±


    Long asks quietly and distantly. ¡°How¡­? That can¡¯t be possible.¡±


    When she looks into the Queen¡¯s eyes, the apex predator is staring back intensely. She turns back to the window without a word. When she does speak, Syretia states, ¡°Go with Void Queen.¡± She flinches, looking behind them. One of the Void Queens enters the room, undoubtedly summoned telepathically by the blue Queen. The Void Queen gestures for Long to follow her, and the human woman looks one last time at the blue Queen towering over her and Syretia.


    The Queen growls something, and Syretia squeaks softly, ¡°She say¡­ Keep selves alive. She will demand¡­ challenger¡­ when orbiter reach top.¡±


    Orbiter? thinks the Admiral. The moon? She nods, confirming the Queen¡¯s time limit.


    They have until the moon reaches its zenith, then. Long prays that¡¯s a long time away.


    ***