Chapter 12. Inertia Creeps
Orga felt his pulse drumming loudly.
His body burning with heat.
His head hazy with thick unadulterated lust.
He vaguely recalled their reckless route from the lower deck up to her quarters. Memories became a blur of hands, lips, tongues.
Orga swallowed back moans of pleasure as Aoi sucked his tongue into her mouth, hard and deep.
Their lips melted into supple cocoon.
The stroke of his tongue against her palate elicited a needy groan, resonating throughout their mouths, down his throat.
Orga could barely breathe.
He wanted more. So much more.
His hands gripped her buttocks, lifted her slim body up against the door.
She spread her legs.
His hips met hers.
Orga locked his stare with Aoi's anthracite eyes.
Pressed into her, hard.
The contact made his breath stop.
She mewled incoherently; her heated gasp hit his face, arms and legs wrapped around him in a tight, almost painful coil.
Closer. Not close enough.
Her fingers impatiently pushed the jacket off his shoulders, tugged the red scarf away and pulled the zipper of his dark grey suit down.
Her lips burned his neck. His collarbone. His rapidly pulsing point at the base of throat.
Her tongue darted out and probed the sensitive skin, sliding up to the jawline in a slow trail, curving his neck into flawless arch.
Orga gasped, struggling for air.
Wet mouth blazed its way back to his lips; slender fingers ran through his hair, tugging him into devouring kiss.
Her tongue burst deep into his mouth.
Furious, fighting for control.
Her whole body strove for dominance, rubbing against him hungrily.
Overwhelming him with desire.
Clasping her tightly, Orga turned around and strode to the narrow bunk. Stumbled in the faint light, clumsily slumped on the hard surface with her straddling his lap. Raised his head to gaze at Aoi.
Long messy locks framed her snowy white face. Parted lips were swollen from his kisses. Wide opened eyes radiated such heavy mix of emotions that Orga shut his own tightly.
Familiar fabric under his fingers. The quiet sound of zipper. The rustle of underwear.
Orga didn't let himself look.
He wrapped his arms around her naked upper body, trying not to brush against the sensitive implants, and pressed her closer. Inhaled the light familiar smell of soap everyone in Tekkadan used. Heard her frustrated moans when she unsuccessfully tried to peel the clothes off his torso.
Smiled.
Orga swiftly pulled the stretchy fabric off his shoulders and down the waist, embraced Aoi again, feeling the smooth swell of supple breasts against his bare skin, the soft flesh against rock hard muscles.
She groaned loudly; fingers raced in chaotic patterns across his back, up to the nape of his neck and higher, into the thick mess of lilac locks.
Her front rubbed eagerly against his.
Orga's right hand settled firmly on the small of her back as his left one shot upwards, buried deep into the black tresses and pulled them down slightly.
Her spine arched.
Her round breasts teased his mouth with small hardened nipples.
Orga didn't let himself indulge in tasting those tempting buds immediately.
His mouth met fragile skin at the base of her neck, catching up with the rapid rhythm of her pulse.
His lips flowed across her upper chest in turbulent streams.
His tongue tasted the sweet hollow between her breasts.
Aoi moaned, curving her back even more to get closer to his face.
Orga submitted to that wordless plea. He rushed to the top of right breast, kissed the hardened nipple, circled it with tongue, sucked it gently into mouth.
Grazed it with teeth.
She gasped and groaned, ecstatically, fervently.
Her nails dug deep into his arms.
Orga's sharp hisses escalated to quiet moans when the small pain in his shoulders turned into spicy pleasure.
His lips slowly drifted to her left breast. Kiss after kiss, he lazily climbed to the cocky peak.
Claimed it with his mouth.
Licked.
Sucked.
Pulled it between his teeth.
Aoi frantically pushed her hips forward, pressed into him, ground against him hungrily, impatiently.
Her impulsive jolts became bold and daring, transforming into an exotic rhythm.
So erotic, Orga never wanted it to stop.
So sensual, Orga wanted to be controlled by it.
His hips rotated under her, catching the mind-boggling cadence, synchronizing their bodies into pleasure seeking rocks.
Orga let his senses dive into her emotions.
He let himself really feel her.
His mind drowned, dispersed in her lust.
Whatever he had planned and plotted for their sexual encounters didn't matter anymore.
The sensation of her wanting him so badly went beyond anything rational and reasonable.
"More!" Aoi groaned loudly. Her fingers slid down his front to the belt, unbuckled it and tore the zip fly open hastily.
Her touch unspelled him from his lust induced trance.
He put the girl down on the bunk.
She automatically folded her hands behind her back, to avoid touching hard surface with the implants.
In one swift motion Orga took the rest of her clothes off.
He discarded his clothes even faster and hovered over her body.
Naked.
Finally.
And it was too much.
And it was everything he dreamed of and beyond his wildest imagination at once.
And it seemed like it would never end.
And quiet embarrassing moans finally managed to break loose from him.
And even after it ended, his mind remained light and unfocused, blessed with blissful numbness.
Orga hugged Aoi even tightly, crushing her small body under his weight, fitting perfectly between her legs. Not willing to move, to think, to separate their bodies.
She shifted under him nervously. "Orga... I think I need a shower."
Cradling her in his arms, Orga stumbled into the tiny shower stall. Lights automatically flickered on before he tiredly slipped down to the floor, bringing Aoi on his lap, snuggling her closer.
The black locks tickled his chest and shoulder as she nestled her head on him.
Orga hit the water on and shuddered when the first lukewarm droplets prickled his skin.
It felt like rain.
"Sorry I hurt you." He whispered. Water was trickling down his lips. "Was my first time, too."
Orga watched the pink torrent flowing down the drain.
"Should have told you earlier." He added, closing his eyes. "It's just... It's not like it matters, right?"
Aoi snuggled up to him even closer, her arm raised to smooth the damp bangs away from his face, her fingers tenderly threaded through his wet hair. "It matters to me."
Water was streaming down his face and neck, and her warm lips were slowly moving up, to meet his mouth in a soft drenched kiss.
"Ah. You stole my line." His lips gently moved over hers, trying not to brush against the wound.
"Orga... It changes nothing, right?" Tentatively, her fingers touched his left shoulder, glided lower, stopped at the top of his scar. He sensed her fear of rejection, her diffidence.
"No." He buried his nose into the wet raven curls, inhaling their distinct aroma. "It changes everything. But don't you worry; I'll take care of it."
"Huh?.. Ta... take care of what?" She stuttered, blinking.
"The concerns of yours. Stupid rumors or whatever." He kissed the top of her head.
"Well, people will talk." She sighed.
"Well, let them talk. You're my wife. End of discussion." Orga curled a thick black lock around his finger.
"Wait, what?! You can't be serious!" Aoi straightened up on his lap suddenly; her dark eyes pierced him with unfamiliar intensity.
"I am serious. You don't want me?" Orga raised an eyebrow.
Her lips parted in an obvious attempt to object, and then tightened. "You... just want a harem of your own, aren't you?"
Orga smirked.
"I love it when you're jealous." He kissed one stubborn eyebrow. "I don't want a harem. I belong to you, and you belong to me, and that's it."
"That's it? You sure you aren't rushing things up? You don't have to marry me just because... Well..." She stopped talking, confused.
His smirk deepened. "You think I want you as my wife only because you gave me your virginity? Do I look like some cliché lover from a romance novel?" He shook his head. "You should've known me better by now. I had it all planned, just in different details."
She blinked and licked her bruised lip. "I want you. Really. But the marriage?.. Isn't that too much?"
Orga glanced sideways. Somehow, he managed to ruin each and every advice Naze had given him, at once. He couldn't make himself regret it, though.
"I can't offer you all the usual. Romance, and flowers, and white wedding."
"Like I would fall for this shit, huh."
"But I'll get us the rings. Promise." His fingers slid to intertwine with hers.
"Which I probably won't be able to wear, because of piloting, and combat training, and..."
"Something fitting." He interrupted, kissing the back of her hand.
"Look, Orga, there's no need, really. Don't spend your money on some pretentious shit. I want you, nothing more."
"Just let me take care of this." He kissed her ring finger gently, and then suddenly wrapped his lips around it, sucking the wet digit into his mouth.
She gasped, moaned softly, eyes fluttering shut. Her lips parted just in time to meet his in deep passionate kiss.
The water started to run out. Orga didn't break the kiss, despite the chill air settling around them, despite the goosebumps covering his skin.
"You're shivering, husband. Let's get back to bed."
"Where do you keep towels, wife?"
The prominent bolt of Alaya-Vijnana implant usually averted Orga from sleeping on his back. Over the years he had been stubbornly training himself to rest with hands folded behind his back, and even partially succeeded; but it had never been relaxing enough, still.
Until today.
Their naked bodies got entangled with each other completely. His left hand was slowly stroking her buttocks. Her left hand was drawing lazy circles across his chest. His right hand was lounging on her waist. Her right hand had found a way to the nape of his neck and was gently cupping the Whisker, preventing it from contact with the hard surface.
Lovers' privilege.
He could never imagine such bliss, the perfect harmony of being wrapped into warm and soft flesh, pulsing and breathing in sync with his own self. He could never imagine another person's emotions being the source of such pleasure.
Orga struggled to keep his mind from falling over the edge, into the dark warm void. He wanted to stay awake, to prolong this calm, peaceful moment.
To dream of happy future. For Tekkadan. For all of them.
Aoi's hand slid lower, to stroke his abdomen. "Can't believe it was your first time. You're so handsome."
"You know I can't be intimate with just anyone. Not that I want to." Shrugging felt awkward, with her head planted on his right shoulder.
"Oh. That's why you aren't interested in brothels." She blushed a bit. "I mean... Well... Mikazuki told me."
"That's one reason, yeah." Orga fell silent, not sure if he wanted to elaborate.
"I can't imagine how you feel."
"I know how you do."
"It's... embarrassing." She tried to hide behind the black locks.
"It's hot." He pushed the annoying strands of hair behind her ear, to watch her face clearly.
"Stay with me." She printed a slow route of soft kisses along his naked chest.
"Never meant to leave." He couldn't keep the sly smile off his face. "Your bed is much cozier anyway."
"Always the pragmatic." Aoi pouted.
"No." His fingers moved along her side, to outline one round breast. "Not today."
Her eyelashes tickled the skin of his chest. "Ummm... Almost got me, charming."
"You're the one who's got me, literally. By the Whisker." Orga smiled and lightly pressed his back into her palm.
"Why do you call it Whisker anyway?" A hint of irritation in her voice was hard to miss.
"Because we're the space rats. Rats do have whiskers. And the word just rolls off the tongue, unlike the infamous Alaya-Vijnana system."
"You probably don't even know what Alaya-Vijnana means, Pragmatic One."
"Enlighten me, Smarty-pants." He teased, slapping her naked ass lightly. "Or should I say, Smarty-pantless?"
Aoi smacked his hand away. "You jerk!"
Orga rolled on his side, cuddling Aoi tightly. "All yours."
He pressed lips to the base of her neck, breathed in the familiar, slightly minty scent of her body. His tongue slowly painted mindless patterns over her skin.
Aoi's leg coiled around his waist. Her fingers raked through his hair, tugged him closer.
"Alaya-Vijnana literally means storehouse consciousness." Her whisper heated his ear. "From Sanskrit. It's a Buddhist concept..."
His lips moved along her jawline, absorbing every sound she was making.
"That higher consciousness is like a storage... for every idea possible... For every experience, past and future... For everything acknowledgeable..."
So close.
So unimaginably good.
"Touch me." Orga murmured, lips fluttering over her mouth. The longing to feel her caressing his Whisker was becoming unbearable.
"For even us..." Their mouths drifted against each other in a constant flow, consuming every sound.
Aoi's fingers danced over the sensitive skin, tapping and flapping around the implant, sending sparks of pleasure along the ridge of his spine. The tip of her digit was drawing the sensual, complex motif on the thin skin covering the steel root.
His blood boiled.
"More." He whispered heatedly.
Her hands kept melting him into ecstasy with various sensual vibes, until Orga was moaning helplessly into her neck as devastating pleasure pulsated throughout his body.
Orga hugged Aoi closer, sheltering her in his arms.
"Mine." He murmured quietly, finally falling into the deep starless slumber.
Golden sunlight hits the rooftops, blinding Orga for a split second.
The next moment he snuggles back into the shop shadow, closer to Mikazuki.
"You really helped the girl out?" Orga grins, proud of his friend's honorable act for some reason.
Mika shrugs, glancing aside. "I just bought her a sandwich, that's all."
Orga nods. He's curious to meet the mysterious girl who made Mika disregard his usual attitude.
He expects to encounter someone... awesome.
But when she walks out of the Haba's shop, clumsily holding three plastic cups with obviously hot beverage, Orga feels disappointment.
She's so... girlish. Everything about her. The soft wavy hair, the shy smile, tiny hands and thin legs. She smells so nice Orga moves slightly aside, suddenly very aware of his own smell.
Sensing her emotions is like wandering around an intricate labyrinth of diffidence and confusion and pure delight.
It's not that Orga dislikes her. She's kind and sweet and delicate to the point he feels uncomfortable around her.
But then again, he only feels comfortable with one person.
Mika.
The girl steps closer to him and quickly blurts out. "I'm Atra Mixta! Nice to meet you!"
Obviously, the uncomfortableness is mutual.
She doesn't reach her hand out for a handshake. Instead, she bends her back in a deep bow, leaving Orga speechless.
Awkwardly, he bows back and introduces himself formally.
Mikazuki throws concerned glances between both of them, then takes cups from Atra's hands.
"Gimme that. You'll hurt yourself."
Orga sniffs the plastic cup cautiously. "What's that?"
"It's corn tea. Made from roasted corn kernels. Ms Haba taught me to cook it." Atra explains anxiously.
Orga observes Mikazuki slowly sipping the beverage, then tries his own.
The taste is awful.
Orga swallows the liquid with a calm face. He had it worse, actually. Anyway, the hot tea feels nice and cozy on the threshold of a cold Martian night.
"Thanks, Atra."
Orga woke up to the empty bed.
Aoi was sitting cross-legged against the door. Guarding.
In her fully clothed presence, Orga sharply realized his nudity. Embarrassment was a strange reaction after all they had shared tonight.
"Orga." Her voice was cold and detached. "You have to go to the cargo bay. Now."
He started to pull clothes on, trying not to pay attention to the girl against the door.
"Couldn't sleep, huh?.." Orga muttered, mostly to himself.
She glanced aside, ignoring his remark.
"What's in the cargo bay?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You have to see for yourself." The tone of her voice alone implied trouble. Orga tried to suppress the uneasy feeling twisting his stomach. To no effect, though.
At first, he didn't notice anything unusual in the cargo bay.
"Teiwaz' boxes." Aoi led the way. "Look closer."
Almost instantly Orga spotted the broken seal on one of Teiwaz' containers.
"The fuck is going on here?!" He spat.
"Inside." The girl pointed quietly.
He glared at her. Kicked off the wall, sending himself in a swift drift towards the container. Clicked the lid open.
Weaponry. So many of it.
In his mind, Orga started to count.
Our cargo bay is stuffed with that shit, and this box isn't the largest. It's more than enough to equip the fucking army...
He glanced at Aoi. "How many did you check? Are they all... the same?"
"Some of them are larger in size. Might be worse than just rifles and pistols and spare clips."
Orga moved to the other side of the cargo bay, broke the seal on a large box, and opened the lid.
The steel of a Mobile Worker, all brand new and freshly greased, glimpsed at him in the dim glow of the cargo bay.
Well, fuck. Shitload of fucks with the fuck on top.
Orga ran a hand through his hair.
His mind worked miles a minute, trying to comprehend, to absorb every little detail and come up with a solution.
There was none.
The very idea of smuggling weapons to the thrived and well-protected by law enforcement colony seemed absurd, but in such numbers it looked like a total delirium. Orga tried to imagine who might need the fully locked and loaded army on Dort 2 and came up with no ideas.
"Everyone needs to know." He uttered finally. "Naze included. Well, in case he isn't informed yet."
Aoi nodded.
"Just one thing." He pushed himself closer to Aoi; his palms hit the wall on both sides of her head. "You checked the container while I was sleeping. Why now?"
She stiffened, glared at him from under her brows. "You're mine to protect."
Orga closed his eyes. Sighed.
Naze warned me. It was my choice to kiss her, to make her my wife. Shouldn't blame her for anything, really.
For some reason, she wasn't entirely honest with him; he didn't even need his heightened senses to realize that. Orga hesitated to pry for more information but decided against it. The relationship between them was too fragile, too fresh to test it with hidden suspects and distrust.
The facts were scattered all around the cargo bay, packed in boxes with Teiwaz arrow, lavishly greased and ready to murder.
Her intuition and loyalty uncovered them for him.
For now, he needed nothing more.
Orga pulled Aoi in soft embrace, inhaled the distant scent of black velvety hair. "Yes. I'm yours."
She blinked, bit her wounded mouth.
Orga couldn't watch the girl bruising those swollen lips anymore. He tightened the embrace. "It's fine. Thank you. I'll take it from here. Go get some rest."
Orga entered the bridge, looking straight ahead through the transparent panels. With the help of Isaribi's optical sensors, Dort colonies were already visible. Designed as O'Neill Cylinders, they rotated slowly under the bluish gleam of Earth.
Their destination.
So close.
So impossibly far away.
Both Eugene and Biscuit snored peacefully in their chairs, and Orga hated to wake them up to the alarming news.
He remained motionless, watching the colonies, trying to imagine the life inside those tubes, in the middle of nowhere. Always surrounded with the same speckled blackness.
"Orga?" Biscuit rubbed his face and stood next to him. "Enjoying the view? See, we almost got there."
The smile on his face was so sincere that Orga averted his stare.
"Biscuit, I..." He squeezed his teeth. "Get everyone on the bridge. Except Aoi."
"Orga? What's... What's going on? Did something happen? And what's up... um, with your mouth?"
Orga unconsciously licked the bruised lip. "Nothing. Just do as I say. We've got lots of work ahead, that I can tell you for sure."
Wordlessly, Biscuit stepped down to the communication panels.
Orga shook Eugene by the shoulder.
"Boss?.. What the hell?.."
"Get Ankobi online. Talk to Akihiro. I need all his people and mechs abroad the Isaribi, asap." Orga made a pause. "Let him choose who'll stay behind and stir the ship. Ankobi's course remains the same - Dort 6, following the Hammerhead's lead."
"But Boss, the time's like... super late. Everyone's probably asleep."
Orga stared at Eugene pointedly. "Then, wake them up. Is that clear?"
"Boss, the fuck is going on?!"
"Yeah, that's the million dollar question. Keep up the good work. Meanwhile, I'm going to invite Ms Kudelia and Ms Stapleton, personally."
Almost an hour lately, Orga looked at the disordered crowd in the room, feeling somewhat prideful for his family. An unexpected meeting in an ungodly hour didn't rouse dangerous panic or useless questions. They were waiting for his orders, his decisions. All of them.
He could never fail them.
He couldn't even doubt their success.
Failure or not, there's no way back. There never was. I'll make sure everyone survives. Whatever the cost. Promise.
"The cargo bay is full with weaponry." Orga made a pause to let the information sink in. "Meaning, our first job under Teiwaz is to deliver armaments to Dort 2. Rifles, pistols, submachine guns and whatnot. Several Mobile Workers, on top of that."
Tekkadan Leader heard grumbles and murmurs, both surprised and indignant. He had to interrupt them, and quickly.
"We know nothing yet. So, let's gather intel and prepare for the worst. All's as usual."
He stood straight, tossed his head back, letting the annoying hair slide aside, making both of his eyes visible.
"We're Tekkadan. We've never been easy to fool around with, and we'll never be." Orga glanced at Mikazuki who silently put a palm date in his mouth.
"Never expected Teiwaz the Space Mafia going easy on us anyway." Eugene grumbled.
"What's the big deal?" Shino yawned. "It's not too late to toss everything out of the airlock."
Orga sighed and shook his head.
"First things first." He started. "Inventory check. Takaki and Ride, get the younger kids and go to the cargo bay to make a detailed list. Everything matters: serial numbers, letters, symbols. Anything to identify the origins. Take pictures if needed. Clear?"
"Yes, Boss!" Both answered almost in unison and left the bridge.
"Now, intel support. Dante, I've heard you taught the kids some new tricks?"
"True. Your cyber warrior is not alone anymore." Dante smiled at Fiji. "Tekkadan has a whole cyber squad now, in all senses."
"Good. I need the detailed plans of the colony, each and every blueprint you can snatch. All the infrastructures, from electricity and communication to sewers and ventilation systems. I need the transport schedule and schemes, from docks and airlocks to elevators and passage ways. I want to know what makes this colony tick; I want to learn its weak and poorly guarded spots." He watched Dante straight in the eye. "I wish you could bypass their security system to get the access codes; but I know it's one helluva task. So, don't focus on impossible."
"Sure thing, Boss. Don't you doubt us. It's such a rare occasion to demonstrate our lovely tech skills." Dante smiled enthusiastically. "However, we have to settle our hackers' HQ here, on the bridge. Is that okay?"
"Yep, take whatever you need."
"Let me help you." Biscuit said, taking his cap off and scratching the back of his head. "I'm good with analyzing any kind of public information. I could check on news and rumors to get the better picture of situation in the colonies."
"Great idea, Biscuit."
Orga tilted his head and glared down at Merribit coldly. "Now, I'd wish to hear our Teiwaz' overseer out. Maybe, you've got an explanation, Ms Stapleton? Or a comment on the situation?"
"It looked like just another ordinary delivery." The older woman quietly responded. "According the list, there are industrial equipment and resources in those containers. Everything went through the mass control on Saisei successfully."
"What do you imply, exactly?" Orga clenched his fists.
"Only that I'm as lost as you are." She looked at him pointedly. "Don't blame me for any of... this."
"I don't have time to blame anyone. What about you?" Orga raised his eyebrows.
Merribit nodded. "Understood. I'll start with checking the cargo documents immediately."
"Go ahead." Orga gritted his teeth and added. "And Ms Stapleton... Please, pay a visit to Mr Subaru. Explain him the situation and suggest preparations for possible emergency cases. Also, I count on your assistance in said cases."
Merribit's face softened. "Yes, Boss. Glad to help, Boss."
"Thank you."
She hastily left the bridge.
Orga folded hands on his chest and slowly observed the numerous crowd of pilots and mechanics.
"I don't want a war but we must be prepared for one. I need all of you guys in the hangar. Fix everything that can be fixed. Double check every shit possible, 'cause we don't have the luxury of small mistakes. Grease and fuel up everything that moves; mechs and Mobile Workers and even shuttles. All patrol shifts are cancelled until further notice. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"As you say, Boss."
"Sure, Boss."
"Will be done, Boss."
Orga watched the large group of pilots and mechanics leave the bridge, Mikazuki following their lead. Then, he turned to face the Maiden of Revolution.
"Ms Kudelia, take my apologies for involving you in our troubles. Please, consider alternative ways to reach Earth. I don't want to threaten the success of your mission with Tekkadan business."
Orga noticed how tired Kudelia looked. Even the gold in her hair grew tarnished.
"Please don't, Boss." She shook her head and smiled sadly. "My mission brought all of us here. Who knows, it might be as well the reason for the... arsenal in your cargo bay."
Orga tensed. He'd never thought about that.
"Anyway, I'm a part of your family now." Kudelia's smile turned warmer. "You won't get rid of me that easily."
Orga bowed his head in appreciation. "In that case, I can't approve your shore leave on Dort 3. Not under such circumstances. Not until we've got the situation cleared."
"That's fine. Shopping can wait. But maybe I can help somehow?"
Orga sighed. "I'd like you to stay away from any of that. Please, just don't try anything... stupid."
Fumitan Admoss let out a small cough.
"Mr Itsuka, forgive my curiosity." Her calm voice made Orga nervous for some reason. "Shouldn't Ms Aoi attend such important meeting?"
Orga blushed. Memories of Aoi's naked body under him were too fresh to keep him immune from Fumitan's x-ray vision.
"Aoi knows." He shifted anxiously. "Actually, we found out about the weapon together. An accident."
The maid kept her composure and refrained from any remark on the matter. Eugene didn't.
"Really, Boss? What the hell were you doing in the cargo bay at such hour, together? Making accidents?"
Kudelia shook her head disapprovingly. "Fumitan, let's check out if Atra needs any help in the kitchen."
They both proceeded to the exit.
Orga ignored Eugene's remark. He strode forward, right against the transparent panel. He wanted a clear, detailed view on their destination; but could only see the reflection of his tired, sharp face.
"And what about Mr Turbine?" Eugene stepped closer and assaulted him with another uncomfortable question. "Shouldn't you inform him? Mafia or not, it is smuggling we're involved with. Totally illegal in the Earth Sphere."
"I know. Aniki told me Teiwaz is a law-abiding company here." Orga leaned forward, pressing his palm against the panel.
"And?"
"And intel goes first. Let's hope Naze has nothing to do with it." Orga took a pause. "But, just in case... Remember you're the next in command."
"What?! No way! Don't even try to pull that card! What about Biscuit? And Mika? What about everyone?!" Eugene glared at him angrily, but Orga could only see the mesmerizing emptiness of space.
"Remember, Eugene."
His deputy huffed disapprovingly but nodded in acceptance; and they both stood shoulder to shoulder watching the Dort colonies, the shoal of rare kind species gliding through infinite blackness.
