Chapter 7: Misunderstanding tensions
I sighed heavily as I glared at Tact and began, "The use of my name is reserved for those within the royal family, as well as those I deem have earned the right to use it. Seeing as you are not aware, I will let that one time slide. However…" I began to walk toward him as I flexed my claws, "…if you dare use it again without my permission, I will kill you where you stand, and the Prince will place a new commander in charge of the ship. Am I clear?"
Tact was sweating bullets at this point as he quickly said, "Ye-yes my lord. I sincerely apologize. I was only trying to…"
"Trying to ascertain if Eonia was speaking to me at the end of that message. Well, you can put that question to rest. Seeing as he was part of the royal family, not to mention my charge, of course he used my name. Luft is one of the few people outside of the royal family that I've given permission to use my name. However, he still calls me by Demon out of respect. You should learn from his example. The first lesson I teach to my charges is that Patience always pays it dues. Be patient, and you may earn the right to use my name."
Everyone looked slightly sad at that declaration before Almo chimed in, "Commander, the merchant ship is requesting permission to come along side and transfer their executive salesman on board to complete contract negotiations." Tact looked over at her and said, "Once we retrieve the Angel wing, permission granted. Mint, could you come to my office once you're docked? I'll need your help with the contract."
Mint smiled as she said, "Of course Tact. I'll be there as soon as I can."
As the com line closed to all of the emblem frames, Lester looked at me and said, "My lord, while I understand the sensitivity of the subject, what's wrong with allowing people to use your name?" I simply glared at him as I said, "Despite my laid back attitude, I still have a reputation to protect. Plus, seeing as I'm the personal guardian of his majesty, it was decided that his majesties guardian should be referred to by his title, so as to maintain appearances. Besides, I actually like the idea of restricting the use of my name. That way, when I say someone can use it, they know they've earned my respect."
Lester nodded in understanding as Tact said, "Lester, Demon, would you please come with me to my office. I'd like you both there while this executive is on board."
Lester replied positively while I remained silent, wondering why I was being dragged into this. However, after a moment, I decided I may as well represent the Prince's interests for this case. Before we left the bridge, I looked at Almo and said, "Almo, have all available hands conduct a deck by deck sweep for bugs. Spare no space, spare no body. Report to Tact when it's complete with your results." Almo acknowledged my order and we departed the bridge.
As we waited in his office, I began to think about my combat capabilities. 'While I am unmatched in hand to hand combat, and my claws can tear through bulkheads, I still couldn't help but wonder. Any idiot can use a gun, but I've always had a soft spot for melee weapons. Swords, in particular, were my specialty. Would it be possible to have a weapon made that can act as an extension of my power as well as add to the image people see when they see me protecting the prince? Maybe I can ask around later to see if there were any ideas floating around.'
"I am sure there are, but I wouldn't say that around Forte if I were you."
I didn't notice Mint had entered the room as she snapped me from my train of thought. Lester and Tact just looked at her in confusion as I said, "Really? I can't even have a few moments to think about something for myself for a change? Oi, I swear, little rabbit, I wonder if you are trying on purpose to drive this old dog batty."
"Now why would you say that? I merely commented that saying such a thing around Forte would not be a wise idea. If anything, I was being courteous and watching out for your safety."
"Safety? Aww, you do care. Even though bullets don't cause me any harm, I'm touched by your concern."
"Sarcasm is quite unbecoming of you Demon. I was sincere in my intent."
"I believe you, really, I do. There's just one small thing that kinda puts me off. Just a little."
"Oh? May I ask what that is?"
"I didn't never actually said it. And as far as I know, you're the only telepath on board. So realistically, what you did to me just now would be the equivalent of me waltzing into your room unannounced and interrupting whatever you do privately."
Mint's expression went right into shock as she quickly said, "I wouldn't quite pair those two things together Demon."
I laughed at the look on her face as I said, "Finally, I'm not in the corner anymore. Life is good today."
Both Tact and Lester were completely lost at what just happened when a middle aged man in a purple suit came into the office.
"Ahhh, Commander Mayers, my name is Vincent. I cannot begin to thank you enough for choosing the Blancmanche Corporation." Wait, what?
Before I could say anything, Vincent exclaimed, "Ahhh, Miss Mint, you're safe! I told the entire Tormina district office that our lady was safe and they cried in joy." I looked over at Mint in surprise. 'You're related to the Blancmanche Corporation? I thought that was just a coincidence.' She looked at me and silently nodded as I exhaled, 'Whew…..damn. You and I need to work on our communication skills little rabbit.'
Vincent continued, "Now we'll have to celebrate the anniversary of today every year!" Ok, this guy was starting to get on my nerves and he hasn't been here for two minutes.
Tact started to say, "Listen, I'm trying to talk…"
Mint had a worried look on her face as she said, "Congratulations…"
Lester leaned over to Tact, saying, "Hey, Tact. Can we trust this guy? He seems suspicious." While I am inclined to agree, that's probably not the best thing to say with the guy standing less than 10 feet in front of us, Lester.
Tact quickly retorted quietly, "Shh, not so loud. Please wait until after we finish to say things like that." Hmm, must have read my mind. Good call Tact.
Vincent continued, "Sir Mayers, let me express my deep gratitude! I'm honored to serve such a wonderful customer!"
Tact smiled and said, "That's kind of you to say."
"Sir Mayers, our sales department has prepared a wonderful gift for you. Please accept it. A celebrity executive first class space yacht. Please enjoy your leisurely space sailing."
I had a look of surprise on my face as I raised an eyebrow at that. A space yacht? What in the hell was he trying to do, bribe Tact? I patiently kept my mouth shut as I listened to Tact tell him over and over again that he couldn't accept it. Then the guy offered a membership to a golf course on Rakuein. Seriously? A golf membership? As Tact refused that as well, he tried offering a painting. I rolled my eyes as Tact once again refused that gift, if you could call it that, as well. Next was a 36 volume set on how to make money in no time.
I was really starting to get aggravated by how pushy this guy was.
"Vincent, Commander Mayers is hoping for a smooth and adequate replenishment of supplies." Mint swooped in for the save as Tact began to give under the pressure. 'Good save Rabbit. You just earned a drink in the tea lounge for that.'
Mint smiled at me as Vincent continued, "Ooh! Just as expected of Miss Mint! Thank you for the profitable advice. Then, let's talk business at once." Finally.
Mint stepped forward with a multi-page list as she said, "Here is a list of everything we'd like to purchase. How much will it be for all of this?" 'A list? Nobody asked me if there was anything I'd like to order. Somehow, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.'
Mint quietly mouthed, "I'm sorry" towards me. I looked at her with a snarky look as I thought, 'That's fine. No drink for you at the tea lounge. There, we're even.' I smirked as she slightly smiled at my joke.
Vincent accepted the list as he said, "Yes, yes, let me see here. Of course, I'll look over it carefully." As he placed the list on the desk, I walked over and read the list from the side. Most of the items I saw were understandable and I could probably guess who asked for what until…
1 Outdoor hot spring kit.
'Outdoor hot spring kit? Seriously?' I looked at Mint with a sarcastic look, knowing she could hear me. 'I know for a fact you didn't ask to put THAT on there.' She gave me a silent pleading look, as if telling me to be quiet. I shook my head as I thought, 'Fine, but you owe me BIG time for this one, rabbit.'
After a moment, he punched in a few numbers on a calculator on the desk and said, "Okay, I've formed an estimate. How does this price look to you?" We looked at the price and everyone except Mint had a look of shock on their faces at how low it was.
Tact asked, "Are your calculations wrong? Should everything we're buying be so cheap?"
Vincent responded, "This time it's a super extra special service. 70% or 80% is only natural for the ultimate final best price in space."
At this point, I'd had enough.
I looked at him and said, "Alright, I've been quiet long enough. I know how much most of this normally costs, and that price you quoted would even begin to cover half of the cost to stock these goods. I've been around for a few centuries, and I know if you work for the same Blancmanche Corporation that I am familiar with, the president would hang you by that cheap purple suit on the highest yardarm he could find with how much money you're costing him."
He had a worried look on his face as I continued, "And another thing, a space yacht? A golf membership? A painting from some backwater artist? Are you kidding me? What part of this whole thing doesn't scream bribery? So, here's how this is going to work." I stepped forward, causing him to step back as everyone began to look at me with worry.
"You're going to put the proper price on that contract with whatever discount you give everyone else for buying in bulk, and you're going to sign it. No ultimate final space prices, no over the top gifts or gimmicks. And if I catch so much as a whiff of you trying to weasel your way into something else…" I flexed my claws in front of him as I finished, "Then your boss will be the least of your concerns. Now GET ON WITH IT!"
I walked back towards one of the walls as I listened to him stammer slightly before Tact calmly explained what I just told him. After a few more minutes of debate, and another save by Mint, the contract was signed.
"The resupply should take about 30 minutes to complete. Thank you very much for choosing the Blancmanche Corporation for your supply needs." As he walked out of the office, we all sighed, "Finally, I was beginning to think he was never going to shut up."
Mint giggled a bit as she said, "I must be going as well. The transportation of the supplies has to be organized."
Tact thanked her, which she politely waved off before making her way towards the door. I looked at the two men and said, "I have to go as well. I have a few bits of unfinished business to attend to." They nodded as I walked out behind Mint into the passageway.
As we stepped on the elevator, I looked at her and said, "Ok, I'm going to ask since I didn't even bother to think about it before. How are you related to the corporation?"
Her expression looked a little distraught as she said, "My father is the President of the company." I whistled as the doors closed and we began to head down. "I am so sorry."
Mint looked at me in confusion before saying, "Why are you sorry?"
I looked at her and said, "I've met Darno Blancmanche on quite a few occasions when it came to supply needs for the palace, as well as when I would try to get a gift for the birthdays of the royal family. Whether it was Prince Shiva, King Gerard, or…" I trailed off, thinking about Eonia again before I finished, "However, his attitude was always…..blunt. I would never have pictured you as his daughter. If anything, I would swear you two are polar opposites."
Mint's expression shifted as she said, "My father isn't a bad person, just very devoted to his work. You of all people can understand this." I smirked at that, knowing she was dead on before she continued, "He taught me a lot of valuable lessons growing up. But when I went to pilot school, he wasn't quite thrilled about the idea. Then when it was discovered I could fly an emblem frame and I was transferred to the white moon, he wanted me to establish business contacts with the white moon to help the company grow."
I thought about what she said before answering, "So, you applied to the military to leave home because your father's reach doesn't quite stretch this far?" She nodded as she said, "As a telepath, I'm expected to use my power." I laughed as I said, "Well, you've reinforced that point quite thoroughly over the last few weeks." She chuckled as she said, "My father was quite….overbearing. Always interfering without my permission." 'Now why, oh why, does that sound shockingly familiar, I say sarcastically.' Mint just shot me a dirty look as I laughed at my own joke. "Ahh little rabbit, you're always good for an entertaining conversation, no matter the place. Which reminds me, you don't mind me calling you little rabbit, do you? If it makes you uncomfortable, please let me know. I don't wish to be disrespectful."
She smiled as she said, "Well, I don't know, there was that time where you promised to buy me some tea in the lounge that you quickly backed out of."
I looked at her with a snarky look as I said; "Only because I got left out of the supply request that everyone else got to put in for. Hell, even Forte got to put in a request for more bullets, and she doesn't even use them for anything other than target practice."
Mint's ears flapped as she said, "Ok, ok, fair point. I'll make it up to you." The doors opened on Deck B, which I decided to get off at. Once I was off the elevator, I looked back at Mint as the doors began to close and said, "Before I forget, come see me later. I've got something for you." The doors shut before she had a chance to reply as I made my way down the hallway towards the lounge.
As I drew closer to the lounge, I could hear something playing faintly in the distance. Traversing through the corridor, it grew louder and louder until I realized it was coming from the lounge. "Now what is going on here?" I was originally coming to the lounge for a nice quiet drink.
Yeah, that wasn't going to happen.
I opened the doors to see a karaoke party going on with an upbeat song playing that Ranpha and Milfeulle were singing as a duet. Milfeulle was a bit off on the higher parts, but Ranpha was messing up the lyrics. Once they finished, they stepped off the stage and were reveling in the applause they were receiving. I walked up to them, clapping as I said, "You two sing quite well together."
Milfeulle looked at me in surprise as she said, "Demon you're here! Was my singing that good?" Before I could answer, Ranpha chimed in, "You were off on the high parts, I was much better." I stifled a laugh as Milfeulle retorted, "What? But you're the one who messed up the lyrics. You weren't even looking at the screen." I dropped my head as the back and forth continued until…
"Demon, who do you think was better? Well, I shouldn't even need to ask."
I personally thought about saying Milfeulle was better, just to mess with Ranpha, but I had a better idea.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Neither of you can hold a candle to me."
Milfeulle looked at me in shock as she said, "Wait, Demon, are you a good singer?"
Ranpha replied, "With confidence like that, you've got to show your skills now. I may not be able to beat you in a fight, but I can most certainly say that I can sing better than you." Oh, we'll see about that. What? Even though I'm a Demon, I have my fair share of songs I like to sing with too. Prince Shiva even has a few favorites she enjoys listening to me do.
"Alright, Yo! The Demon of the West will sing next."
Everyone just stared in shock as I walked up to the stage, tails flowing behind me as I looked through the list until I found what I was looking for. Ranpha, I hope you're ready to eat your heart out.
"Shot through the heart, and you're to blame. Darlin' you give loo-oove a bad name!"
After I finished on the stage, everyone was in shock at how good I was. Apparently, being a Demon and being a good singer were mutually exclusive. Think it's safe to say I put that belief to bed.
After I left the lounge I wandered around the ship for a few minutes before deciding to make my way to the elevator hall to head to my room and relax for a bit. When I got there, however, it was even more crowded than the lounge was. I swear I'm having to worst luck right now just trying to find some peace and quiet.
Next thing I heard made me want to rip the door off its hinges.
"Yes, welcome! Groceries, clothing, music, videos, and more. Everything's on sale!"
Vincent had apparently set up an open market in the main hall for the crew to buy what they wanted. While I can understand what Tact might have been thinking from a morale point of view, could he seriously not have asked for someone else, anyone else really, to run this show?
Pushing my way through the crowd, I came across a very startling surprise.
"Howard! Over here!"
I looked over to the source of that call to find Prince Shiva and Forte standing by one of the far sections of the market. I quickly leapt up and over the ground with my enhanced strength and landed in an open corner near the end of the hall as I made my way towards the duo.
"Your majesty, Forte. I'm surprised to see you here. Did you try to summon me, your highness? I never received a call from you."
Shiva raised her hand as she said, "No Howard, I didn't want to disturb you, and Forte had come by my chambers anyway, so I took advantage of that to come out and be close to my subject's lives."
I shook my head as I said, "Your majesty, you don't need to worry about disturbing me. You're the only reason I'm on board. My job is to ensure your safety and to carry out your decree. No offense Forte, I'm not saying you can't do the job."
Forte waved me off saying, "No, I completely understand. You have a very valid point. But, I wasn't busy, so I figured I'd fill in for you."
Then, as if things weren't already strained on my nerves as it were, Tact suddenly shows up.
"Forte, Demon, and…Prince Shiva? What are you doing here?"
I shook my head, chuckling at the fact that I just asked that same question before Tact said, "With all due respect, shouldn't he be going out in a more dignified manner?"
I shot Tact a dirty look as Shiva asked with a worried look, "I'm not allowed this?"
Tact continued, "It's strictly confidential that you're on board the Elsior. But when you attract so much public attention…"
I cut in. "Tact, at this point, I think half the galaxy knows that his majesty is on board, so you can cut the whole confidential bit out. Secondly, who do you think you are to be coming off like that to my charge? If his majesty wishes to take a look at what is going on around the ship, he has every right to look. He's not a prisoner on his own ship."
Tact quickly waved his hands, trying to defend himself by saying, "It's not that, it's just…"
Shiva then chimed in, "If you would like, I'll return to my room. Would that be okay, Mayers?"
I immediately looked at Shiva and said, "That won't be necessary, your highness. You have every right to enjoy this opportunity as everyone else on board. Right Tact?" I added a sharp tone to those last words as a hint to him.
Tact gave a sheepish look as he said, "Yes, of course. By all means…"
With that, we began to browse our way through the selection; Forte would chime in every now and again. "How about you try the salted dried space squid? The more you chew it, the more the taste comes out." I've tried salted space squid before, and it took three days to get anything to taste right again. I stood behind Forte and signaled Shiva with a gagging motion as she smiled and said, "No, I think I'll pass. Thank you for the input though." I sighed a breath of relief. One disaster averted.
Tact pointed out something else. "Ahh, here's a 3D chess board. How about this?"
Shiva looked at it as she asked, "Chess? Is that some kind of tool, Mayers?" Damn, I wasn't planning on teaching her chess for at least another year. Oh well, too late now.
Tact continued, "It's a game where you arrange the pieces on the board and fight. You advance them and win by capturing your opponent's king."
Forte quickly whispered to Tact in a scolding manner as I walked over to Shiva and knelt down, "I wasn't planning on teaching you to play chess for at least another year. I didn't think you would find it very entertaining since it requires strategy and patience to win."
Shiva smiled as she looked at me and said, "This seems interesting. Okay, I'll get this 3D chess game."
As she grabbed the box carrying the game, Vincent came over and said, "Um, excuse me, could I ask you to pay for that…?"
Shiva looked at him, confused as she asked, "Pay? Is money required to shop?"
I stood up and glared at him, releasing a guttural growl towards him. He didn't realize I was right there until I stood up. He quickly waved his hands and said, "On second thought, never mind. Consider it a gift from the Blancmanche Corporation."
As I turned back towards Shiva, she said, "Howard, if we need to pay for this, it's not an issue." I knelt down and whispered to her, "Frankly, I've been wanting to tear this annoying little man's head off for the last hour. So, if anything, this is the least he owes me for not killing him with how pushy he was earlier. Don't worry about it. That said, let's keep looking. If there's anything else you'd like, as long as that jackass doesn't show up, I'll pay for it. Fair?" Shiva smiled and nodded as she took the game in one hand and began walking down the stalls with me close behind her.
Once we left the elevator hall, Forte quickly chimed in and said, "Alright, if it's ok with you Demon, I can escort his majesty from here." I looked at Shiva, who nodded as I said, "Very well, I leave him in your care. I'll be by your chambers later to teach you how to play, your majesty." She smiled and the two of them departed as I started walking down the hall before realizing that I wanted to get on the elevator to begin with.
As I made my way through the stalls, there was one stall that caught my interest. It was a display stall advertising a blacksmith from Transbaal. I took an interest in this since my armor has taken a beating over the years and I haven't really been able to get it properly repaired since I went into my isolation. There have been a few blacksmiths here and there, but their work was more for the novelty instead of practicality.
So, I picked up a pamphlet and read it as the man who was sitting at that stall said, "I couldn't help but notice your armor, sir. May I ask who forged it?"
I looked at him and said, "I actually did. Though, it's not quite the greatest armor, it does the job, and it's held up over the centuries, so I'm happy with that."
He stood up and walked around me before lifting his hands and asked, "May I?"
I nodded as he examined my pauldrons and breast plate. He knocked on it a couple of times before saying, "Oh, forgive me, I'm Heskel, I'm an apprentice for the Master Blacksmith Joseph Yoshinaka back on Transbaal."
I smiled as I said, "A pleasure, the Demon of the West."
His expression lit up as he said, "The Demon of the West? An honor my lord. Uh…may I request permission to speak freely?"
I replied, "Of course, I couldn't begin to tell you how to do your job. So, if there's something wrong, I want to hear it."
He continued, "I definitely like the design. Very practical at keeping opponents from trying to grapple you without injuring themselves. Though, the metal is worn and it looks as though it might not hold up very long in a fight. How old is this armor, my lord?"
I had to think about it for a minute before I said, "Oh, I forged this back around TCY 114, so I'd say about 300 years old, give or take a couple of years. So, I completely agree with you. The metal is worn. Though, I haven't been able to find a blacksmith that can do what I want. All of the one's I've found were mainly for novelty."
Heskel looked at me and said, "Oh, then today is your lucky day, my lord. My master has been complaining of never having a good challenge these days for a commission. Most of what he makes are for novelty since that's what people keep asking for. I'm almost positive that he would gladly take up a commission for you. Granted, the only problem would be the price since…"
I cut him off there, saying, "Tell you what, once this coup is done, I'll come to your shop and speak with your master personally. I'm not worried about the price. I'm sure I can convince his majesty that it's in the best interests of his safety, which it would since it's my armor."
With that, Heskel quickly took out a pen and wrote down the address of the forge, as well as his and his master's names as he said, "Thank you very much for the pleasure my lord. We look forward to seeing you soon." I bowed my head lightly and made my way onto the elevator.
Upon exiting the elevator, I decided to head to the viewing park. That's probably the only place on the ship that's got to be quiet and peaceful right now.
Boy, was I wrong yet again…
I opened the door and was blasted in the face with a wall of steam as I waved my hands in front of me saying, "What the hell? Seriously? Is there nowhere on this ship that there isn't something going on?" I made my way inside, trying to figure out what was causing the steam before I heard a splash, followed by Milfeulle's voice.
"Kyaa! Your chest looks so big Forte."
What the hell did I just walk into?
"Really? But your skin is so smooth, Milfie."
I was really beginning to question why I was still in here at this point. I couldn't see anything, thanks to the steam. And I definitely couldn't smell anything, again thanks to the steam.
Vanilla's voice came next, "The water in this hot spring is effective for bruises, cuts, poor circulation, rashes, and chapped skin."
Oh right, the hot spring kit. I completely forgot about that. Smooth Mint, smooth.
The longer I tried meandering my way through the thick steam, the harder it was for me to see where I was going. I tried to find my way back to the door, but that wasn't happening either. The girls kept conversing amongst themselves while I silently tried to find my way out with no luck.
Finally, after a few minutes, I figured enough was enough. "You know, I didn't think you were going to get this set up that fast rabbit. I figured I would have had at least a day before having to worry about this."
Milfeulle chimed in saying, "Demon? Is that you? Want to join us?"
"As nice as I'm sure that would be, I've been lost in this steam for the last few minutes trying to find my way oooOOUUTT!"
I tripped over a rock and fell face first into the hot spring.
Sitting up on my side, the steam had parted, revealing the girls in their swimsuits as I laid in the water, on my side, with my fist propped under my head staring at them with a snarky look as Milfeulle slid into the water and said, "Demon, are you ok?"
"Yeah…found the spring." I splashed the water twice lightly, making all of the girls, minus Vanilla, laugh at my comment. Milfeulle and Mint placed their hands under each of my arms and helped me sit up against a rock as I said, "Thanks."
Milfeulle looked at me and said, "Aren't you going to get out of the water? Your armor will get soaked."
I chuckled as I said, "You know what, at this point, I don't care anymore. My armors soaked, my tails are soaked, I'm soaked. No matter what I do, I'm dragging half this spring through the ship back to my room…..again. Twice in a week, I just can't catch a break." I started laughing as I finished that sentence.
After making my way back to my room and changing my clothes, I spent the better part of a couple of hours drying my tails and armor. Once I was satisfied I finally got it all dry, I began to put it all back on. Before I could get very far, I heard a knock on my door. Looking over with a raised eyebrow, I said, "Come in, it's open."
The door opened and in strolled Milfeulle. She really wants to finish this conversation.
"Hey Demon, do you mind if we finish our conversation here? Where we won't be interrupted?"
I smirked and offered her a spot on my bed, where she happily sat down and said, "So, about earlier…"
I sat down across from her in a chair I pulled up, smirked and replied, "My question from earlier still stands. What are you trying to say?"
She looked down a bit sadly as she said, "Before I ask that question, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you. About what Camus said earlier that you said to Prince Shiva, about humans and Demons."
Oh right, that.
I sighed as I said, "You're wondering if I actually said that. The answer is yes, I did." She looked to the ground sadly as I continued, "However, Camus took that out of context. The whole conversation was about my interactions with humans over the course of the 200 years prior to becoming the guardian of the royal family. Back then, humans really, and I mean REALLY, did not like me. I can't begin to tell you how bad it got for me. However…"
Milfeulle cut me off as she sniffled and said, "No, I understand. You don't like me that way because I'm a human."
I perked up and quickly said, "No, that's not what I said. I said…"
She quickly stood up and said, "I'm sorry for bothering you, excuse me my lord." She ran out of my room and began crying. Well, damn, that could have gone better. The least she could have done was let me finish. So much for progress…
I made my way to Prince Shiva's chambers and upon entering, she was reading a book on the History of War. She noticed me enter and said, "Howard. Wait, I know that look. What's wrong?" I sighed heavily, sat down next to her and explained what had just happened.
After I finished my explanation, she sighed and said, "Ok, I'll summon her down here and we'll get this sorted out." I shook my head as I said, "No, unfortunately this is something I have to clear up on my own, otherwise it'll just seem like I'm using you as a cop out as it were. Though, I do greatly appreciate it."
Before I could continue, the overhead system came on as Almo's voice said, "Demon of the West, your presence is respectfully requested on the bridge." I dropped my head as Shiva patted my pauldron and said, "Go on, I'm sure you'll figure out how to solve that problem on your way there. I have yet to see an issue that can beat you."
I chuckled as I stood up and proceeded to head to the bridge.
As I entered the bridge, I walked up to Tact and Lester and said, "Ok, why am I up here?"
Tact looked at me and said, "I figured you'd want to be up here when we rendezvous with the 3rd fleet." We're there already? Time must have went by faster than I thought.
I looked over at Almo and said, "Anything on radar yet Almo?"
She shook her head, "Negative, no sign of 3rd fleet."
I placed my hand under my chin as I said, "Huh….odd. You did say we arrived at the rendezvous, correct?" Tact nodded his head as I looked over at Coco and said, "Conduct an area scan. Report anything out of the ordinary." Coco acknowledged as Lester looked at me and said, "Are you looking for something specific my lord?"
I looked back at him and said, "If we're in the right place and we're on time, I'm wondering if someone beat us here."
Tact looked at me with a grave look as he said, "That's what I'm afraid of. I've had this bad feeling ever since we received that communication to rendezvous here. So, I have the angel wing on standby, just in case things go south."
No sooner had he finished, Forte came on, "Tact, you got a minute?"
Tact perked up and said, "Sure, what's up?"
Forte continued, "We have a problem. There was an incident earlier between Milfeulle and the Demon and now her frame is showing a 30% drop in efficiency. Can you try to track him down and find out what happened?" All of the girls starting voicing irritation towards me as Tact said, "Roger, standby."
He looked at me, as did Lester as I said, "Ok, here's what happened. Milfeulle came to my room earlier and we had a discussion. She asked if what Camus said earlier about the conversation between me and Prince Shiva was true and I told her yes. I tried to explain to her that it was taken out of context, but somewhere along the way, she got the impression that I didn't like her that way and she ran out of my room before I could correct her."
Ranpha came over as soon as I finished and said, "Do you have ANY idea how unforgivable it is to break a girl's heart?! When we get relieved, I'm going to find you and…"
"Oh what are you going to do? Get that person that can stop me. What was his name….Michael McDoesn't Exist?"
Before she could respond, Mint came over next, "Milfeulle, is this true?"
Milfeulle sniffled as she said, "Yes."
Mint sighed as Ranpha said, "You better count yourself lucky that we're stuck on standby." I rolled my eyes as Coco said, "Sir, I'm detecting a small disturbance ahead." I looked over and said, "Visual please." A digital zoomed in view popped up in front of us showing a debris field as I felt my blood run cold.
Lester chimed in and said, "That is probably an old field of debris from a mock battle." I raised my eyebrow as he continued, "It's probably why the 3rd fleet wanted to meet us here. Nothing really suspicious of an old debris field, so they could probably blend in and not be noticed."
My stomach was turning looking at the debris. Something was telling me that wasn't the case here. "Coco, are you detecting any residual gases or energy discharge to indicate recent weapons fire?"
Coco was staring at her screen intently as she said, "No…..wait…yes. I'm reading several pockets of ionized gases around the debris."
That could only mean one thing.
I looked at Tact with a grave look as he said, "Elsior, hard about, get us out of here now!"
I stood back as I turned and looked at the two of them, saying, "I think that order is too late Tact."
No sooner did I finish my sentence, did several proximity alarms go off.
"Enemy fleet directly astern."
Tact immediately said, "Angel wing, deploy!" The angel wing acknowledged as Tact began giving orders on the combat situation. As he was giving orders, I heard a faint whisper. Almost at the edge of hearing, "Eonia…Bristol...pursuit…shield…death…"
I could feel a slight surging pulsating through my arm. Almost as if I'd been hooked up to an electrical conduit as it began to hurt. I did my best to ignore it as I listened to Tact before a com line opened up.
"You are the Commander of the Elsior? I've been waiting." A female voice came over.
I raised an eyebrow as Lester asked, "Who was that?"
Almo responded, "It came from the enemy fleet! They've tapped into our communications." Well, that explains how they knew 3rd fleet would be here. They probably got the same message we did.
I looked at Tact as he said, "This is for Eonia's fleet. Do not interrupt our communications without permission."
In response, the image of a female with lavender colored hair came up as she said, "That was impolite of me. My name is Sherry. Sherry Bristol." Bristol…that whisper mentioned that a second ago. I'll have to dig into that later as she continued. "I am the Commander of the Elsior Pursuit Force belonging to the Legitimate Transbaal Empire. You have my regards." Hmm, oddly polite for an enemy.
Tact then said, "Hmm. I thought all of Eonia's subordinates were men, but you look rather beautiful to me." I shot him a dirty look. Seriously? Flirting with the enemy?
Sherry responded, "Oh? Thank you. Have you already discerned the reason that I'm here?" Hmm, Elsior pursuit force, recent debris field. Nope, not a clue.
Tact replied, "Yeah, about 10 minutes ago. Please send my regards to Mr. Eonia and we'll be on our way." I really wanted to face palm, but that surging sensation in my arm was really beginning to bug me.
"…What a peculiar man. Then allow me to tell you this in no uncertain terms. Be a good little bee and return to the fold. Unless you want the same fate as the ones who were here, hand over the Prince."
Tact chimed in, "Ms. Sherry, right? You had bad grades in science, didn't you?"
…..what?
"Oh? Why?"
"There are no Princes in a beehive." Oh, for the sake of damnation.
"…That's not the point. Speaking with you was a waste of time."
"Then perhaps you'd like to speak with me." I stepped forward, which drew her attention.
"The Demon of the West. It truly is an honor to meet the legendary guardian who trained Eonia. He speaks very highly of you. I was asked to relay a message if I found you. It's not too late to come back."
I started, "Right, then if…" I stopped as that surging sensation grew to the point where I couldn't ignore it anymore, causing me to visibly flinch. Everyone looked at me as I regained my composure and finished, "…if that's the case, then you should already know my answer."
Sherry lightly shook her head as she said, "Very well. I'm sure you'll change your mind here shortly. Farewell Demon." With that, the com line closed.
As I turned, Tact looked at me and said, "Demon, are you alright? You looked like you flinched while you were talking to her." I shook my head and said, "I'm fine, just deal with her." With that, I left the bridge and began to make my way towards the medical bay.
As I entered the elevator, the surging in my arm began to pulsate and emit light blue energy waves across my arm. I don't know what was causing it, but it was hurting like hell. I tried to ignore it to the best of my ability, but the longer I waited, the worse it grew.
Stepping off the elevator onto Deck D, I made it about three steps before I had to lean against the wall and hold my arm. The pain was becoming unbearable as the energy waves grew brighter.
Next thing I heard was Almo's voice over the announcement circuit. "Incoming missile, all hands brace for shock, Starboard side!"
At that point, almost as if my arm had a will of its own, it shot up and sent out a stream of energy into the bulkhead above me. The resulting discharge caused me to scream in agony. The pain literally felt like I was dipping my arm straight into a lava pit inside of a volcano. I felt a light push against my arm. Not strong, it was almost as if a toddler was pushing it. Once the push faded away, the energy discharge shot back into my arm, causing me to drop onto the deck and pass out.
