02/08/20

A much earlier update than usual. What can I say? After completing the monster that was "Lawless" I've been on quite a kick. Loving every second of it to!

Oh yeah, Reading Reviews 3 & 4 for chapters 7-12 were put up shortly after chapter 12 went live.

"Lawless" was good eh? One of my favorite chapters with one of my favorite fight scenes in a long while. I had to make sure all 4 of our heroes were involved in that fight against Lao to some extent. It was a group effort.

My KH3 ReMind progress continues at 5/13! that success also makes me more determined to finish this story! once again, I've imagined so many scenarios that are chapters beyond where i'm writing and i'm writing a good bit ahead :D thanks again ya'll!

Chapter Fourteen

Calm

Weeks pass aboard the White Whale, the same peace that the crew has experienced for almost two years continued, seemingly without end.

This particular day found the Reapers gathered together in their quarters waiting patiently for a certain someone to arrive.

"Think he got lost?"

Sagis muttered to which Tai could only laugh.

"He's probably busy, as always...the more important question is, where is Eren?"

Jaynix shrugged.

"She hasn't been spending a lot of time here lately...probably found some other research to obsess over or something."

Lyla nodded.

"Sounds like her. But hopefully she shows up before or after-"

The Reapers fell silent as the door opened, the General stepped inside and switched the light on.

"Happy Birthday General Kumon!"

The man could only laugh as the Reapers popped several party favors, confetti now filling the room.

"I should've expected this…"

Alto approached first, placing a hand on the man's back and leading him to where the Reapers were gathered around a cake.

Tai counted them off and the group began singing happy birthday, Kumon's smile growing wider as Sagis pulled out a long and wide box, laying it on the table.

Once the song ended, the group cheered and applauded, Tai speaking.

"Glad to know we surprised you, General."

Jaynix nodded.

"Of course, we also have to give thanks to Elma. She's the one who got us an accurate timetable so we could plan all this out. Our calendar may not be strictly correct anymore but it's all we got."

Kumon stood in front of his cake, his smile not leaving his face.

"I see...it didn't disturb any of you that it's been two years?"

Lyla shook her head.

"We knew it's been far longer than intended...there isn't much any of us can do about it so…"

"We chose not to really worry."

Sagis finished while lighting the candles on the General's cake.

"Where is Eren?"

Tai could only shrug.

"Not here. Running theory is she's researching something. Seems most plausible because that's what she does but-"

The group turned as the door opened and Eren appeared looking rather haggard.

"I'm not too late am I?"

Kumon chuckled.

"Not at all, it's good to see you Strategist."

"You as well, sir!"

Eren stepped closer as Jaynix held up the cake and told the General to blow out the candles.

"...and don't forget the wish, sir."

There was a smile on Kumon's face as he thought of something before blowing out the candles, the Reapers cheering.

Kumon pointed to the box.

"A gift as well?"

The Reapers nodded as Kumon opened the present, there was realization in his eyes and warmth on his smile as he ran his hand along the wooden acoustic guitar.

Pulling it from the box, he tested each of the strings, listening to the sound and vibrations.

"Thank you. All of you."

The Reapers each took a slice of the cake before settling into their places around the room, chatting and eating. The group was all smiles.

After finishing a rather big bite which Lyla couldn't help but laugh at, Jaynix addressed Eren.

"So. Where have you been?"

Eren continued to eat, shaking her head for an answer. Causing Jaynix to sigh.

"Really? C'mon Eren it's been weeks and you've been scarcer around here than Sagis and Alto's sobriety. Is something wrong?"

Putting her plate down, Eren thought over what to say.

"...no...nothing is wrong. I'm just...I'm wrapped up in a project that...it's very exciting and I kinda lose track of time."

Lyla reached over and placed a hand on Eren's shoulder.

"As long as you're doing something you enjoy, we're not really here to judge. Just curious is all. Whatever happened to you looking into Kriss? Did that all resolve itself?"

Eren tried to keep her mind off of that night but she couldn't. Clearing her throat she got and and walked over to the cake for another slice.

Lyla looked over to Jaynix who was tapping her chin.

"Anything you could gather from that?"

"I think I have an idea...but it's probably best we let it lie. At least for now."

Lyla nodded before the sounds of Kumon strumming his guitar began to fill the room. He sat in silence, his slice eaten and the plate moved aside as his fingers danced along the guitar's strings.

It wasn't long before another tone joined his, looking up he noticed Sagis sitting down across from him with a much more technical guitar than his simple acoustic.

The Blood Brother gave Kumon a smirk.

"After we agreed on the gift for you I couldn't help but take a trip to the fabricator and well...it's a damn crime that I've laid off my musical talent…"

Kumon watched the hardened man's expression soften as he began to stroke his own guitar. He then looked to the rest of the Reapers.

"I distinctly remember having you all pick up an artistic skill or two as part of joining the Reapers...or did you all forget about that?"

The rest of the Reapers looked to one another, Jaynix chuckling.

"I know for sure I can still dance circles around these fools. No offense."

Alto merely shrugged while Tai rolled his eyes. Kumon smirked as he stood up.

"You did have quite the instructor, Corporal."

Jaynix nodded.

"He was pretty good."

Knowing smiles on the pair's faces as Sagis glanced around the room.

"Huh...when did Eren split?"

The rest of the Reapers looked around, finding only a half eaten cake on a lone plate. Alto shook his head.

"That woman's obsession with science and knowledge continues to befuddle me even all these years later...I think Jaynix was right on the money when she said that Eren needed to get herself laid."

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"I don't think I told you that…"

Lyla could only chuckle.

"You did tend to be very loud when discussing Eren's...problems. Or at least, how you viewed them."

Jaynix shrugged.

"I'm not wrong am I?"

Kumon cleared his throat.

"Well, regardless...there are two things I'd like you all to do for me today."

The Reapers all nodded as he continued.

"The first is to go to the fabricator and recreate all of your musical instruments. I want to see you lot put your focus onto your forgotten strengths…"

Lyla clapped her hands.

"Sounds like fun!"

Jaynix sighed.

"All we're going to do is get noise complaints...you know my drumming isn't exactly the most...I don't know the word but it's loud. Very loud."

Kumon laughed.

"I'm well aware. If anyone asks, we'll just call it training."

"Right cause it's not like other military units don't think we're strange already."

Tai commented, the others agreed.

"Be that as it may, it'd do my heart wonders...and it's my birthday so you all have to do what I say."

Jaynix nodded.

"Well...he's got a point there."

The Reapers laughed before Alto spoke up.

"What's the other thing you want from us, sir?"

Kumon tapped his chin, thinking this over before smiling.

Elma sat in her room, eyes closed. Lately, all she found she could do was meditate. Think. Try to figure out what was next for humanity. Part of her wished they could establish some form of contact with other Ark ships, see if anyone else made starfall, if anyone else encountered the enemy. Anything.

She and Aeon both knew the responsibility they were taking on after leaving home was massive. She couldn't panic, she couldn't show fear. She had to be resolute in all her decisions.

Once again, her thoughts drifted to her brother. She never stopped sending out messages in the hopes that Aeon was at least listening.

The pair of them charted the space they travelled from their home planet to Earth and Aeon added more to those starcharts everytime he returned from one of his expeditions. As such she began sending information on star formations as well as the planets they passed by. With that, she knew that he'd find some way to track them down. However, part of her couldn't help but worry that giving him that information was also giving it to someone else.

Elma could only sigh as she opened her eyes, gaze finding the communications device she received from Kriss. It was incredibly useful and she'd always be grateful for it even if she was no longer on speaking terms with the Professor.

Elma recalled Kriss showing her the Coalition file on the Dark Matter sample. What were the odds? That small piece of Ghost technology continued to bring her nothing but regret. Elma understood Kriss' desire to study it directly, to solve it. But all her experiences with that sample led to nothing but tragedy.

Even so, she couldn't bring herself to discard it. The sample in the research data was still here, somewhere on the White Whale and she was one of the only people who knew where it was. She didn't worry about Kriss searching for it, she doubted the Professor would even consider its actual existence given what happened to the planet after the Exodus.

From her brother, to the Professor and the Dark Matter, she couldn't stop her thoughts from straying to the man who was so affected by the alien substance. Elma leaned back, now lying down on her bed as she thought about him for the first time in a long time. Lao.

The Dark Matter led to the destruction of Nantucket and the deaths of so many innocents including Lao's own wife and child. Then it was all covered up, of course Lao would snap once he learned the truth.

She then heard the gunshot again and closed her eyes. It's been three years since his death and she'd done her best to forget about it just like Jaynix, Lyla and Kumon. Yet in the silence and after years in space, every thought seemed to find its way to her.

She then remembered what she discussed with Doug the last time she saw him. He'd given her...permission...to do what had to be done. She was prepared to do just that until she saw the look in his eyes.

As much as Jaynix hated the man and rightfully so for destroying her family, the look in Lao's eyes was so similar to the one in Jaynix's when she allowed her hate to control her.

"I won't let it happen…"

Elma whispered to herself. Despite Jaynix's inability to keep a handle on those powerful emotions, Elma would never allow her to become swallowed by it as Lao had. She refused.

Elma turned her head enough to once again look upon Kriss' device and remembered what Irina told her about her own former friend and the thought still didn't sit well with her. She had to say something more. She had to believe Kriss would hear her out.

Nodding to herself, Elma stood up and brushed aside her doubts and memories. There would be more time to reflect after starfall. Whenever that wound up being.

Outside of Alpha Wolf's lab, Constantine turned off the lights and bid farewell to the last of the staff members before addressing the man at his side.

"So Kruse...we have some time off, what do you plan on doing?"

Kruse smiled.

"Well...I was hoping to go over to the Third Quarter…"

Constantine tilted his head.

"The Third Quarter? Huh. That's pretty far off Kruse. You do know how big the White Whale is?"

"Yeah."

Constantine crossed his arms.

"Who's over there? Is it that person you've been exchanging calls with?"

Kruse chuckled.

"Yeah...it is...a friend. We don't get to talk face to face all that often because of how far apart the Quarters are and how busy we are...but with this time off I think it's as good a time as any."

Constantine nodded his head.

"Well then Kruse...tell Harriet I said hi."

As the older man turned to leave, Kruse tried to find his words.

"H-how did you know?"

"Old wolf's intuition."

Kruse could only shake his head as Constantine disappeared around a corner.

"Hey Kruse."

Turning back the other way, Kruse smiled and raised his hand in greeting.

"Hey Eren. Back again. I'm guessing you need more supplies? What projects have you been working on that require all of this?"

Eren shrugged.

"It's a long story and you probably wouldn't believe it."

The young wolf could only laugh.

"Really? Two alien races destroyed Earth and we're on a ship traversing the cosmos. You could tell me that monsters under our beds have always been real or that ghosts exist...our ghosts and I'd believe you. No room for doubt anymore."

Eren smiled.

"You aren't wrong...but yeah, sorry about all the favors I'm asking of you. We kinda burn through our supplies faster than we should."

"Who's your partner?"

Eren started to speak but wasn't sure. She hadn't told anyone who it was she was working with or on what. She even left Kumon's party early because theories began to gather in her head she couldn't just ignore. She'd apologize to him later.

Noting her silence, Kruse shook his head.

"Never mind. I'll get the stuff."

As Kruse turned away, he couldn't fight off a small grin. He already knew who her partner was. There really was only one candidate.

Exchange done, Kruse wished her the best before his trip to the Third Quarter began.

In her room, Kriss opened one of the large notebooks she and Eren had been filling with failed theories and inconclusive ideas. Eren had indeed been a big help, even if she didn't believe it. Thanks to her they'd been able to cross out many lines of thought, far faster than Kriss could on her own. Kriss' eyes moved to the main project file that contained everything she copied out of the NO. EX01 file after Elma had confiscated it.

"You can't hold onto your mysteries forever…"

She'd solve Dark Matter if it was the last thing she did. Kriss then examined the whiteboard where she had originally written down the contents of the file and closed her eyes.

It had been a long, eventful, pleasureable night. Not exactly the kind of evening Kriss expected upon boarding the White Whale but she'd never be able to deny that she enjoyed it immensely.

Separating herself from the Strategist, she retrieved a robe and walked over to her whiteboard displaying the Qlurian sciences she taught at her lectures.

Kriss thought about what Eren had told her before, that she had sacrificed her name and reputation to the general masses in order to safeguard Project Exodus. Her decision was nowhere near that noble but the fact that her name was stained was undeniable.

Maybe if she and Elma were still close she could seek pardon but that no longer mattered. Hearing steps, Kriss turned as Eren approached, holding a blanket around her bare body.

"Hey."

"Hello yourself, Ms. Hills."

Eren struggled with her words as Kriss returned her attention to the board.

"Was this what you wanted, Ms. Hills?"

Eren could only chuckle.

"You mean, did I follow you to your room to sleep with you? No...not really...sorry about-"

"About what?"

Eren shrugged.

"Being a little...aggressive about it. I didn't even know I was that wound up. Looks like Jaynix was right about something else and that annoys me. Big time."

Kriss turned to Eren again.

"Aggressive is good Ms. Hills. It was a splendid night."

Eren cleared her throat and whispered something before looking at the board.

"Is this what you wanted my help with? Qlurian science?"

Kriss shook her head before taking hold of the board and flipping it over, revealing new equations. Many of which were incomplete, nonsensical or both.

Kriss stepped aside, allowing Eren to get a closer look.

"What is this?"

"Dark Matter."

Eren nodded, returning her attention to the board. She observed the equations for a few more moments before something clicked.

"Wait. Dark Matter? What the hell are you talking about?"

Kriss simply gestured at the board as she sat down.

"See for yourself."

Nodding slowly, Eren looked back at the board and began reading and attempting to understand everything before her.

Kriss held her hand out to the smaller scribbles that formed many questions about the substance and proposed several theories.

"These are mine...and these…"

The bigger text surrounding the image, Eren stared at it sensing some familiarity. The way the words were structured and the terminology used as well as assorted file numbers screamed official Coalition and ECP documentation.

"...those are from the Coalition…"

Kriss could only nod as Eren continued to examine the board. Of everything on it, the thing that threw her for a loop was the dates, all of them were from the 2030s. That didn't make any sense.

"We had a sample of Dark Matter in the 30s? How? Kriss, where did-"

"It's a long story...the important part is I came into possession of some classified files and with some help I was able to open them. One such file was this. I've been struggling to figure Dark Matter out for a little over a week but given its all unsanctioned it's put me in a bit of a bind. At least until my usual aid comes in…"

Eren crossed her arms.

"Unsanctioned? Usual aid? What have you been up to?"

"Not digging into your background clearly and definitely not asking Kruse for aid in that either, poor boy."

Eren turned quickly to face Kriss.

"How do you know about that?"

Kriss smiled.

"The last time you came to speak with me in the mess hall I had a little...bug...planted in your datapad from my own. I was curious to see if you'd really break a few rules just to get a better picture and because you did I now know you'll help me with this."

"This and that are totally different things!"

Kriss shrugged.

"I'm not going to report you if that's what you think. If you could step outside your line once...then why not again?"

Eren looked away, there was a pretty big part of her that wanted to know more about the Dark Matter. As she continued to mull this over, Kriss stood up, a curious look in her eyes

"What? We did just spend the night together, I think this is actually a step down from that. Don't you Ms. Hills?"

Eren tapped her fingers along her arms before turning to face Kriss.

The Professor turned upon hearing knocks at the door. Eren never knocked, she had no reason to. Kriss had given her keys for that specific reason.

With a sigh, Kriss stood and approached the door. Opening it to find...

"Colonel Elma?"

"Kriss."

The women stared at each other for a few moments before Kriss sighed.

"Do you need a new version of your communications device? You'll have to give me a few days. I didn't think that contract was still open."

"That's not why I'm here."

Kriss crossed her arms.

"Then what is it? I'm very busy."

Elma took a deep breath.

"I came to apologize...I didn't-"

Kriss held a hand up.

"Apologize? I don't need that, Elma. Our bond is broken, the words we exchange from this point on don't mean anything personally. I've moved on."

Elma shook her head.

"Please. Just...let me."

Kriss let out a frustrated sigh before walking back into her room, Elma following her.

Kruse continued along his way, there was a station near the end of the technical wing. Inside was a railway system of sorts that ferried cargo from one quarter of the White Whale to another. If people needed to move about as well, that was the way to do it.

As he neared his destination, he heard a familiar voice.

"Hey Blue, finally got tired of all the Habitat Unit work?"

Kruse turned to Jaynix and smiled.

"Nah, Constantine gave us all a few days off to recollect and refocus so I'm taking a trip."

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"Ah, so it's no mistake you seem headed for the Cargo Station is it?"

"What about you? What brings you here?"

Jaynix chuckled.

"What do you think? Doing some jogging around the perimeter with the rest of the Reapers. Kumon's birthday orders."

Kruse couldn't help but laugh.

"For his birthday he ordered you all to run drills?"

"He wants us to maintain our best of the best status, what else are we supposed to do? Not that I'm complaining. Unlike Sagis and Alto."

Kruse nodded his head as Jaynix laughed. The pair fell silent as Kruse thought of something.

"Jaynix. I hope you don't mind...I want to get your feelings on something."

The Corporal shrugged.

"Shoot."

"You have...a sister, right?"

"Yeah, Flame. She's two years younger than me and so much smarter."

Kruse nodded as Jaynix chuckled.

"We never really spoke about her much eh? It's not a strained relationship if that's what you're thinking. Our bond is unbreakable. Diamonds would be jealous."

Kruse smiled.

"I can only imagine...I've wanted to ask this since early on in our trip but I didn't want to...I don't know, upset you I guess."

Jaynix tilted her head.

"I know my temperament is pretty famous, but it takes a lot to upset me. What is it, Blue?"

"I guess I'm just curious. Flame...where is she?"

Jaynix's eyes fell, a sad smile on her face.

"Not here. I'd be visiting her a little too often if she was or at least talking to her every day. Years before the Exodus, she moved to a megacity north of Noah's Cradle. The Cross."

Kruse nodded slowly.

"Oh...she was on the Koo's R&D team right? Developing the Skell technology?"

"Yep. That was her...long story but she elected to stay over there for the Exodus. So right now she's on the L-015, Pequod. Wherever it is."

Kruse leaned back against the wall.

"I see...I couldn't imagine being away from my family like that…"

Jaynix nodded.

"I was pretty broken up about it even after we both agreed to it. I didn't want to leave her alone, not after everything we've been through...it was my job to protect her and be there for her but I also can't baby her forever and I should never restrict what she wants to do…"

The Corporal smiled.

"On that R&D team she found some great friends anyway. Alexa and H.B. care for her in my place, and I trust them implicitly."

There was another comfortable silence before Jaynix asked.

"What brought this on? Constantine is here right?"

"Yeah but...well, I don't remember my family. I sometimes wonder who they were...can't help it…I don't know I guess two years in space brings out everything you'd long stopped thinking about and concerning yourself over..."

"Don't I know it."

Jaynix looked away again, tapping her foot.

"You don't remember your family?"

"No...I think I was too young, or they weren't the best or some combination of the two...I'm sure if I had fond memories of them, I'd at least be able to feel something when I think about it…"

Jaynix waited as Kruse sighed.

"Ah well...if I can't remember them, then there is no sense in worrying over it."

"Guess not...is that all you wanted to talk with me about, Blue?"

Kruse nodded.

"I wanted to see and hear you talk about your family. The tone of voice, the warmth...that's me and the old wolf and nothing at all like when I attempt to remember those who birthed me...so it looks like everything is as it should be."

Jaynix placed a hand on Kruse's shoulder as he continued.

"Aside from that, I'm going to hold onto the belief that the Pequod is out there somewhere. You and Flame deserve a reunion and it will happen."

Jaynix smiled.

"Heh. I didn't know you could see the future, Blue."

Kruse shook his head.

"I don't need to...though wouldn't that be quite the thing?"

Jaynix laughed.

"Wouldn't it? Say Kruse, think you'll be back soon?"

The man thought for a moment.

"Yeah...should be. Two or three days, Constantine is using this time to head to the bridge and catch up with Vandham so I'm pretty free. Why?"

"It's a surprise but when you get back I'll be sure to let you know, just wanted to make sure you weren't moving away."

Kruse chuckled before raising his hand in farewell.

"I look forward to the surprise. See you, Jaynix."

"Enjoy your trip, Blue and say hi to Harriet for me!"

With that Jaynix continued her jog as Kruse called out.

"How does everyone know about that!?"

"Start talking."

Kriss stated as she sat down, Elma doing the same.

"I didn't befriend you to use you, Kriss...I didn't...to be honest, I didn't even intend to befriend you. You are such an anomaly as a person and you've done things I would never condone."

Kriss shrugged.

"That I understand. My work has always been questionable. Such is..."

"Regardless, I couldn't deny your intelligence. You are a genius. Someone with your mind and intellect could do so much good...that was my hope in pursuing a bond with you."

Kriss tilted her head.

"What? Like some form of rehab? You believed that you could convince me to drop my amoral research to work on things to benefit humanity?"

Elma nodded.

"Yes. That was the idea...not to say the things you studied didn't help us, as brutal or questionable as they may have been...but the good you could do was limitless. That's why I sought a connection."

Kriss leaned back.

"Is that the only reason you saved my life all the times you did?"

Elma smiled and shook her head.

"No. I saved you that night you showed up on my doorstep because it was the right thing to do. I fought to protect you from the Lawless because it was the right thing to do and I led the rescue after you in 2054-"

"Because it was the right thing to do...Lao may have ranted and raved about a lot of inane bullshit, but he was right. You are absurdly honorable."

"I have to be...for so many more reasons than I could ever get into…"

There was silence, Kriss checking her nails before speaking.

"So that's it? We should be friends again?"

"No. I don't think we ever can be...that's what a friend told me...I just wanted to talk with you. Be honest with you."

Kriss waited as Elma leaned back.

"You ever wonder where Benton is, Kriss?"

The Professor scoffed.

"I pray that his Ark ship was destroyed during the Exodus."

Elma shook her head as Kriss continued.

"Right, one traitorous scum and countless innocents. You know what I mean...I'm at least relieved he gave up the information on his co-conspirators but-"

Kriss trailed off, seeing the look in Elma's eyes. The Colonel took a deep breath.

"There's something I have to tell you...about Benton."

There was something foreign in Kriss' eyes. Confusion.

"It was back in 2054...after...after everything happened…"

Elma looked down on the megacity she approached, D-030 QueegQueeg. According to the information she was promised, this is where she'd find him. This is where Benton was.

As she glanced over the intel once again and searched the city overheard for one specific housing unit, she thought about how this should've been taken care of sooner.

But she couldn't bring herself to leave Kriss, Lyla, Kumon or Jaynix's sides as they recovered. Up and alert, it had to be now. He was a loose end and she needed him.

Spotting the small home far removed from the megacity, she landed her Skell not too far out and approached on foot.

Knocking on the door she waited until his voice came through.

"I didn't order or request anything. Go away."

Elma took a deep breath and focused. She needed to be...different for this to work out. So she thought of Benton's hand in everything and how what he was doing endangered the Exodus. The plan she and Aeon sacrificed so much for over the last thirty plus years.

With that feeling in her chest she stepped forward and kicked the door in. She spotted Benton at a computer spin about as she drew her gun and trained it on him.

He was shocked to say the least.

"...Colonel…"

"Doctor Benton."

Taking a deep breath he raised his hands.

"How did you find me?"

"I called in a very special favor to track you down...I'll have to remember to thank him."

"What do you want?"

Elma approached him.

"I want the truth. You colluded with the Lawless. Admit it."

Benton couldn't help but laugh.

"You can't admit this as evidence, forcing a confession. Are you recording this?"

Elma stepped closer, pressing her gun against his forehead.

"Admit it."

The man swallowed, clearly nervous.

"I didn't seek him out...Lao came to me."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"He told me about all his findings in Nantucket. The Dark Matter research lab and so we struck a deal...I'd finance and arm his people in their desire for revenge against the Coalition for its lies and he'd secure the Dark Matter sample we apparently have and bring it to me...I couldn't pass on the opportunity."

"You betrayed everyone and everything out of...curiosity?"

Benton shrugged.

"You'd never understand the mind of a genius."

"Lao spoke of others beyond just you...who are they?"

The man couldn't help but laugh again.

"Sell out some of the most powerful people in this dying world? You really think-"

There was a click. Elma pushing the gun against Benton's skull.

"Names. Now."

At Benton's silence, Elma spoke again.

"What's more valuable to you? Their identities or your life?"

"You wouldn't."
"Names!"

Once again he remained silent. Elma pulled the gun away from Benton and fired, destroying his computer then returning the weapon to his head.

Proving that it was loaded was all it took, the fear in Benton's eyes told her everything.

The man scrambled to find a notepad and pen, writing down a dozen names before pushing the pad into her free hand.

Scanning the names, Elma could only shake her head. Lowering her gun, she took a deep breath.

"I hope you realize what your part in all of this did. To everyone. What your curiosity cost us all. Was it worth it?"

Benton ran his hands down his clothes, straightening them out.

"After everything I did, I don't have the Dark Matter and Lao and his band of righteous fools all got themselves killed. No. It wasn't...if that's all, go away. I have a new identity to create and a new city to move to. Apparently."

Elma walked away from Benton, coming to a halt at the doorway.

"What else could you possibly want?"

Elma remembered that brief moment of hesitation with Lao. Jaynix came in to do what Elma still wasn't sure she could do.

No.

She knew she could do it.

It was the right thing to do.

Turning, Elma watched the fear in Benton's eyes grow as he opened his mouth. Bringing her pistol up she fired, right between the eyes.

Benton's body slumped over onto the ground.

His life gone in an instant.

Elma lowered the weapon, staring down at him. Satisfied.

"I couldn't forgive him for what he did to you and your people. He betrayed everyone and everything...so…"

Elma heard that gunshot, she remembered the relief she felt after it was done. To this day she was concerned with how...content she was with her actions.

"I killed him."

Kriss was at a loss for words, she knew Elma had ordered the operation to kill the other conspirators but as far as she was aware, Benton was still out there. How could she not know this?

"Elma…"

The Colonel stood up.

"What I did...was illegal as defined by the laws back then. I took it upon myself to be judge, jury and executioner...but I have no regrets."

Kriss waited as Elma turned and headed for the door.

"You deserve to know that Kriss. Sorry that I kept it from you."

The Professor merely shook her head as Elma opened the door and stepped outside. Kriss recalled that day in Elma's room when the two of them and Jaynix were making their plans to find evidence on Benton's illegal activity.

She had asked how pure the others were, Jaynix knew she wasn't. Elma.

The woman's desire to protect the Exodus was all encompassing. Anyone who was a threat to it, was dead and she held no regrets. She did anything and everything to ensure that the threats to humanity died on Earth.

Kriss was impressed.

Outside, Elma almost bumped into Eren, the pair stared at each other. Elma watched silently as Eren walked around her and into Kriss' room. The door closing behind her and the lock clicking.

"Excellent work today everyone, feel free to go and we'll pick this up tomorrow as we always do."

With a smile, the woman bowed her head as the many Mimeosome technicians collected their paperwork and departed. Turning back to the large holo screen that displayed all the material, she tapped her chin as someone entered the room.

"Harriet."

She jumped slightly as she spun back around, a smile forming on her face.

"Kruse! You actually made it!"

"What? You doubted me?"

He chuckled.

"That's fair...I doubted myself."

Harriet approached him, smiling all the while.

"How have you been? I assume everything in the First Quarter is going as planned?"

Kruse crossed his arms.

"Oh you know...we talk about this all the time, I'm sure you're already aware that everything is as fine as it could be. We haven't crashed yet."

Harriet rolled her eyes.

"Yet. Stop saying things like that Kruse."

He smiled as he apologized, Harriet returning to her work and shutting off all the screens.

"I'm sure you must feel pretty lucky eh?"

Kruse tilted his head as Harriet returned to his side, the pair leaving the room, Harriet flipping the light off.

"You know what I'm talking about."

"I'm afraid I don't...and I don't know if I want to know."

Harriet giggled.

"You're in the same Quarter as the Colonel. Isn't that great?"

There was a singsong tone in her voice, Kruse looked away, not wanting her to see his face.

"Really? We get together for the first time in so long and the first thing you do is tease?"

"Come now Kruse, you are far too easy to tease. Isn't that why you stay away from Sharon? She can push all your buttons with one word."

Kruse sighed.

"Ain't that the truth...I'm glad I don't have any reason to stop by the Second Quarter or she'd really let me have it."

As the pair stepped into the mess hall, Harriet tilted her head.

"Y'know...for someone with so many problems talking to women, you have a lot of female friends."

Kruse couldn't help but laugh.

"It's not like it helps...and I don't know if I'd consider Sharon a friend persay…"

Kruse thought about the women he did know and interact with. Elma, Jaynix, Eren, Harriet...even Sharon.

"I can talk shop all day but as soon as it becomes personal...I'm a mess."

"So I take it nothing has moved forward on the Elma front?"

The pair stepped up to the counter, requesting their preferred meals before finding empty seats.

"No...we've been on this trip for almost two years now...I don't think anything is going to move forward there."

Harriet sighed.

"Nothing will happen if you give up."

Kruse smiled, picking at his food.

"True...but the more I think about it...Elma is just...she's incredible. I'm just a technician."

"Kruse."

"No, it's true...I'd like to think...that if I was a soldier, a fighter. Someone on the front lines, someone who could fight with her as an equal or at least as a capable partner. If I was someone like that...maybe…"

As he ate, Harriet put her utensils down and thought this over.

"Maybe...but that person doesn't sound like you Kruse."

His eyes found her as she continued.

"Not that you aren't capable but...you've dedicated your life to research, to science. If the old wolf is to be believed you've been curious since you were half the size you are now...have you ever really entertained thoughts about combat? Raising a gun or drawing a blade?"

Kruse thought back to many events on Earth, specifically in 2053.

"...yeah...during that nightmare with the Lawless...I wanted nothing more than to take to the field...to do my part…"

"You did. Kruse. I didn't take the field but when our people came back, beaten, bloodied and scarred...it was up to me and Doctor Falkan and the rest of our staff to care for them. At the same time, our heavy arms, Walkers, Skells, all that...you had a hand in repairing all that, making sure they were ready to be deployed...that's more than enough Kruse."

The man leaned back in his seat, a small smile on his face.

"I understand what you're saying, Harriet...I just...I don't know…"

Harriet giggled.

"For such a smart man, you are incredibly dull. Dense. Shortsighted."

Kruse looked at her fondly.

"I wear the glasses for a reason."

Harriet reached over, taking the glasses from his face. She examined them before turning her attention back to Kruse.

"You look like a completely different man without these, young wolf."

Kruse nodded.

"Yeah...I get that a lot…"

Harriet pointed at the glasses in her hand.

"You don't actually need these right?"

"No. Being in a Mimeosome, that fixed all my issues with my vision but...I like them…"

Harriet handed the glasses back, watching Kruse put them back on.

"That's the Kruse I know…"

He scratched the back of his head, awkward as ever.

"You think me wanting to change is a bad thing?"

"No. What you want to do is up to you...as long as you're happy go for it. When I look at you with Alpha Wolf, talking with Jaynix and Elma or infodumping on something that has your curiosity at the moment...you look like you belong...I don't want you to lose that in an attempt to find something else. That's all."

Kruse sighed.

"Thanks Harriet...I shouldn't let this Elma thing get me down...she's far closer with Jaynix than me anyway. I don't think I could ever forge a bond like that."

Harriet nodded.

"If Jaynix wasn't married, it'd be easy to see her and Elma together, wouldn't it?"

Kruse tilted his head, confused.

"What?"

"I said if, don't get mad."

"I'm not just...that caught me off guard."

Harriet shook her head.

"You really shouldn't dedicate your brain solely to technology, Kruse."

"I know, I know. Dull, dense, dumb."

Harriet leaned over, patting the man on his head.

"Your words, not mine."

"Thanks…"

Done with their meal, the pair stood and left the mess hall, Harriet asking where they should go next.

"I haven't been in this Quarter enough to know what's even around here. Not like we have many outlets for fun on the White Whale…"

"Lara Nara and Lara Mara are having a party to commemorate our time on the voyage. We can go dancing."

Kruse thought briefly of Laras.

"They're throwing a party? I don't think I'm ready for that."

"Sometimes you gotta jump right into the deep end."

"That's a horrible analogy."

Harriet took Kruse's arm and pulled him along.

"I know!"

Jaynix stood once again in the training room, fists flying, punching bag taking brutal strike after brutal strike. After the jog, Kumon was happy enough to let them do what they wanted for an hour before calling them back to their Quarters to begin musical training. Jaynix's fire was already going so she figured she'd finish out with the rest of her routine, so whereas the others were passed out somewhere, she was still going.

Lyla was close by, still exhausted from the jog she opted to watch Jaynix train. She's admitted many times to enjoy the view.

Letting out a yell, Jaynix struck the bag, almost knocking it off the hook as she's done many times before. Taking several deep breaths she turned as Lyla tossed her a bottle, catching it she began to drink as the doors opened and Elma stepped inside.

Lyla waved for her to come over as Jaynix called out.

"Rematch?"

"So soon, Corporal?"

"You know me, Colonel. I have a hard time keeping my hands to myself."

Elma tilted her head.

"I've seen that. Believe me."

Lyla stood up, greeting Elma before looking to Jaynix.

"You really want to fight again? Aren't you exhausted?"

"You know me babe, I could go all night."

Lyla fell silent, shocked as Elma laughed.

"Alright Corporal. Too much information."

"I'm just being honest."

Lyla covered her face and sighed as Elma placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered.

Jaynix watched her wife look to Elma, a bit of confusion in her eyes before nodding.

"I'll see you back at our quarters, Jaynix. We're going to have a long chat about the way you talk to people."

Jaynix smiled.

"I can't wait."

Lyla couldn't stop her laugh before excusing herself and leaving the room. Elma approached Jaynix, the pair locked eyes as she walked past her to the punching bag and began delivering blows.

Jaynix stepped back and crossed her arms, watching Elma's form as she decimated the training equipment. It wasn't long after that she paused her impromptu session and turned her attention to Jaynix.

"There's something I have to say, Jaynix."

The Corporal raised an eyebrow, not expecting Elma to get serious.

"About what?"

"You remember the information you came to me with?"

Jaynix searched her memories, realization slamming into her like a truck.

"The Xenoform...I'd been so distracted and...I assumed you had it handled and-"

"Jaynix."

Falling silent, Jaynix nodded as Elma stepped closer.

"I owe you an apology and an explanation."

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"I already knew...that there was...is...a Xenoform on the White Whale."

Elma watched, the surprise evident in Jaynix's face.

"You already knew?"

"It's a long story and I can't really get into it but the Xenoform is important. Not just to me but to those in power here on the White Whale…"

"So like...Nagi? Chausson? Vandham?"

Elma nodded.

"It's a secret that has to be kept...I trust you Jaynix. After everything we've been through I'd...it...I have to tell you."

Jaynix kept her eyes on Elma, a small smile forming.

"Well...it makes me feel a lot better knowing you have a handle on this situation...and that you trust me as much as you do."

Elma took that time to laugh, Jaynix was surprised by the intensity of it.

"What?"

"Jaynix...you can't honestly believe I didn't hold you in such high respect...did you?"

"Well...I mean…"

"Jaynix I…"

Elma thought her words over, unsure how to convey them.

"You're important to me. A valued friend, an unshakeable ally...it'd be a crime to keep anything from you…"

Jaynix took a deep breath.

"That...that means a lot Elma...but I am a soldier. I understand the chain of command and I totally get the whole 'need to know' thing so...yeah. I don't have to know everything you do but I'm glad to know you don't mind letting me in on the secrets...I'll keep them with me to my dying day...or till you say it's okay to spill the beans."

Elma smiled.

"I appreciate it…"

Jaynix felt as if some weight was lifted off of her.

"Thanks again. Really."

The pair stood in silence, Jaynix smiling.

"By the way, we're planning something pretty great soon."

Elma tilted her head.

"Oh? What could the Reapers be scheming?"

"We don't scheme...often…"

Elma smiled as Jaynix laughed.

"Well, it's gonna be great. I'm sure it'll lift everyone's spirits given how long this trip has been going...no idea when we're making starfall yet?"

Elma shook her head.

"I'm afraid not...but I'm working on it. You have my word."

Jaynix nodded.

"I believe you...now, I should go before my sweat starts stinking up the place."

"Oh, so that's what that was."

Jaynix looked at Elma in shock as the Colonel laughed. It was only a few moments before Jaynix joined her. Exchanging smiles, Jaynix waved to her and departed. As soon as the door closed, Elma stepped back, letting out a long breath to calm herself.

She could see it in Jaynix's eyes, she believed every word that she was told. Having someone's trust like that and using it to justify lies didn't feel right. But as much as Elma wanted to tell Jaynix the whole story, she couldn't. Not yet. Realistically, she shouldn't have told her anything but she didn't like the idea of leaving Jaynix out of it completely, no matter what Nagi said.

She wanted to believe it'd be the only time she'd circumvent or disobey orders but thinking back to her time on Earth she knew this wasn't the first time and may not even be the last.

"I hope the day when I can be honest with you all comes soon…"

Closing her eyes, Elma whispered to herself in her own language before leaving the room.