Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Invader Zim.
Chapter Six: Slow Start
Purple returned with Prime Admiral Tark in tow, his angry orange eyes darting about as usual. He eventually fixed them on Tah, and she began to feel her skin crawl as his mouth formed a scowl. He stood beside her before the two Tallest. "We have some questions to ask you," began Purple mildly. Red was giving him a death glare and he slunk in his throne.
"I'll answer whatever you ask me, my Tallest!" said the Admiral in his harsh, gravely voice.
"Right. Now, what do you know about an Admiral Queue?"
The Admiral puffed up his muscular chest and growled at Tah, who did her best to keep her composure. "Does this have something to do with this Hive drone? She's come to me before, and I haven't the inclination to let her in on classified information!"
Purple's eyes narrowed. "I'm placing her in charge of this investigation!" he snapped. "Besides, you haven't shared this 'classified information' with your Tallest. You have some explaining to do!"
"Yeah!" chimed Red beside him.
Tark straitened his back and bowed his head. "Yes, my Tallest. Forgive me for not telling you, Sirs. I would not disobey you, but I can't tell you!" He looked up at them with brilliant ferocity, tight mouthed and fists clenched. His body trembled, as if a war was raging inside him.
"That is a direct order, Admiral! Who is Admiral Queue? This is your last chance!"
Tark took a deep breath, as if steadying himself. He squared his shoulders and growled between his teeth. "No, Sirs. I refuse!" For the first time since she'd known the Admiral, Tah saw a smile spread across his face. He almost seemed relieved.
Purple nodded toward Red, who stood and hovered before the Admiral with a grim face. "Prime Admiral. It is my duty to inform you that you are guilty of blatant insubordination. I hereby strip you of your rank and command." He circled around the former Admiral and smiled wickedly for effect. "You are to be detained until further notice. Guards!" He lifted one arm and uniformed men came to take Tark away.
Once he was gone Purple shook his head. "What a disappointment."
"Sir!" called one of the technicians. "Forgive me, but I cannot locate the guard Mim!"
"What?"
Red hovered over to the technician's work station and squinted at his monitor. "She must have jumped ship!"
Despite the disappointment of not being able to catch Mim, Tah felt glad that she was off the Massive. As long as Mim was around, she was afraid for her life, and there was also something else she wanted to do. "If she's gone, then she won't be guarding Queue's room. Tallest Purple, you said you were placing me in charge of the investigation?"
"Yes. I want to know what's going on. I'm relieving you from you post at the Information Hive and giving you sweeping authorization. You're free to access any files and go anywhere in the ship." He turned his head to the mass of technicians. "I want the coordinates of that base retrieved from the Fathom and a squad to go and investigate."
"Make sure they have enough fire power to blast it to Hell!" added Red.
"Pu - Tallest Purple?"
"Hrm? Yes?"
Tah straitened herself to look as professional as she could, her increased rank finally dawning on her. "I am going to need a full report on this Admiral Yir. .It seemed as if you and my Tallest Red knew him?"
Both Purple and Red's expressions deepened at the name. "Yes. Yes, we did. I'll make sure you have the information tomorrow morning. Oh, and before you go."
"Yes, my Tallest?"
"Don't start the investigation tonight. Get some more rest."
Tah wiggled her antennae and left the room, completely invigorated and without any intention of following her monarch's instructions. Things were finally going her way. Not only did she have a more suitable job, but it actually seemed important in her eyes. Deep down in her heart, she felt she was really protecting the Tallest. At long last she was going to get somewhere in finding out who that shadow had been who had fired at Purple. She made a direct path to Queue's quarters at the edge of the restricted area and stopped at the door, half expecting Mim to slam her into the wall. With a thrill of anticipation she opened the door.
Everything was darkness. Tah walked in and activated the lighting. She looked around with hungry eyes, hoping to catch some sign of this mysterious 'Admiral,' but was only met with disappointment. There was nothing in the room that was out of the ordinary. If she didn't know better, she would have said it was completely unoccupied. She assumed the rooms were standard for someone of his supposed station, much larger and comfortably equipped then a regular soldier's but not nearly as magnificent as a Tallest's. Tah squared her shoulders. "Well," she said to herself, "I'm just going to have to look around." She marched to the nearest set of draws and began looking through them with vicious fervor, but there was nothing in them. They were completely bare. She marched to the closet and slammed open the door, but again there was nothing inside - not even any cloths. Tah wondered why Mim had protected this room with so much ferocity. She paused as she wondered if anybody could have removed anything. Maybe Mim had emptied the room before she left. She silently cursed herself for not starting the investigation sooner, although she knew there was no possible way she could have. She continued to search through every inch of the room, but there were no signs of life.
Tah left the room, brow furrowed in thought. She pulled out a pad to make some notes, deciding she needed to make her way to the Information Hive. Although she wasn't technically an employee there, Purple had given her authorization to all information, so she figured it wouldn't be a problem. Plus, there would be no one there at that time of night.
Someone caught her eye and Tah stopped for a moment. Clay was staggering back to her quarters, probably after a party at the Entertainment Center. She smiled at the pink-eyed marauder and got her attention. "Hey there. Clay?"
Clay raised her head groggily, but still with the usual arrogant grin. "What are you doing up at this horrendous hour? Aren't you into that whole early to bed, early to rise thing?"
"I don't have to move into your rooms. Mim's gone."
Clay smiled, showing her teeth. She rubbed her hands together as she maliciously asked, "Was the traitor dealt with properly?"
Tah shook her head. "No, she disappeared. She probably jumped ship. But that's okay because we'll get her soon. I'm heading over to the Information Center to try to figure some things out."
Clay frowned as she examined Tah from toe to antennae and crossed her arms. "Dak wouldn't like it if he knew you were staying up. . I don't either. Here you just got back this morning from being a hostage. You didn't look good then! Now you're thinking about work? What's driving you, girl?"
Tah hesitated for a moment. Her eyes hurt from having been open for so long and her head was starting the ache, despite the nap she'd taken in Purple's quarters. She considered going to bed and waiting until morning, but she was so anxious to get to the bottom of what was going on. Important things were happening, and a possible coup. "A laser shot that nearly hit Tallest Purple," said her mouth without her brain's permission.
Clay looked unimpressed. "Come here," she said, motioning for Tah to bend down. She did so and Clay grabbed her collar, using her marauder's muscles to swing her around and force her on her back. Clay then hopped on top of her tall friend and pointed a claw directly in her face. "Now listen, you! I'm not going to stand around and watch you work yourself to death over this! If you don't go to bed, I swear I'll drag you there myself! Do you understand me?"
".yes'm."
With a grunt of satisfaction, Clay let Tah up and smiled. She nodded with approval and Tah quickly headed for her room. Although she was willing to disobey the wishes of the Tallest, she dare not face the wrath of Clay. She opened her door and screeched as two incredibly strong arms yanked her inside. Someone large pinned her to the wall of her dark room, and she couldn't speak for fright. The person leaned forward and growled next to her, "Did I scare ya?"
Tah was released and the light was switched on. She gaped in wide-eyed confusion at the person before her. "Tallest Red? What are you doing here so late at night?"
Red grinned. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Pur may trust you, but I don't. I was just about to go looking for you." He shut her door and stretched himself casually on one of the two chairs assigned to the room.
Tah was too shocked to be polite. "What the - ? What do you mean, you don't trust me?"
The Tallest leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. "I was trained to see people's intentions, and I could see you had no intention of sleeping tonight."
Tah still stood in confusion, too tired to change her expression. "My Tallest, what - this sounds awful, but what do you care? I mean, although I am your most willing subject, I really don't know you all that well."
Red lifted his head and directed his ruby eyes at her. "Yeah, but we both know Pur, which is just about as good. Listen, I'm damn lucky to have a co- Tallest. He looks out for me, and I look out for him. If he wants you to rest, I'm going to make sure that happens." He stood up in such a way as to make Tah think he was going to somehow make her sleep right that moment, but he just stood there with a determined glare. "His problems are mine, as are his friends." He then hovered over to Tah and grabbed a hold of her glove. She watched as he pulled it off and held her exposed hand to his face. They both started with the touch, but then Red squinted his fiery eyes. "Understand?" Tah nodded silently and watched as Red hovered over to the door and left her room. She rubbed her fingers together, not sure what to think, and then collapsed into her bed.
She woke up very early, deprived of sleep but full of enthusiasm for the investigation. There were so many things she wanted to look into before she went to the dining hall for breakfast. She headed for the Information Hive, where she found Tzen getting some things ready for the day. He greeted her in his jolly yet lethargic way, telling her he was glad she was alive. "Are you here to get some early work done, dear?"
Tah shook her head. "I'm afraid I won't be working here anymore. I've been promoted to a. a." she realized she hadn't been given a formal job title, "I've been charged with leading a special investigation. But, I was wondering if I could use the Hive?"
"No, child, no!" laughed Tzen. "If you want some information, let us drones down here work on it. You're too used to doing everything yourself. Let us assist you - that's what we're here for! Besides, I bet you can get everything done a lot quicker that way." He waddled over to her and looked up at her with shining eyes. "You just tell old Tzen what you're looking for, and I'll have the researchers get it for you."
Tah was befuddled for a moment. It hadn't occurred to her that the researchers would be at her disposal, but then again why shouldn't they? She looked down at her pad, where she'd written down everything she was going to look into. "Well, let's see. I want to know who the cleaning crew is who works on Admiral Queue's room - that being 485A. I also want a full report on Prime. er. the former Prime Admiral Tark. I need to see if any information can be found on an Irken named Bri with green eyes. I'd also like to see if there's anything to be found on a mercenary named Montoy, of a blue skinned race."
Tzen nodded his large head. "Done and done! The reports will be sent to your quarters say. sometime tomorrow afternoon."
Tah's squiggly pooch sunk. "Tomorrow afternoon! What am I going to do until then?"
Her former superior chuckled at her disappointment. "You'll have to excuse us! The Armada is going to be attacking the planet Umber in the morning, and there's a lot of information that needs to be transferred between now and then. Just have faith that we'll deliver it as soon as possible!"
Tah bowed her head in resignation. "Well, alright. Thank you." She waved at Tzen and then wandered back out into the hall. Something rumbled in her stomach. "I suppose I should get something to eat." She made her way to the dining hall and was very glad she had when she saw who was sitting there. "Hey there, Dak! I didn't know you ate this early! Just a moment and I'll have my breakfast." She piled her tray with everything down the line and went to sit with her friend. "What are you doing up this early?"
Dak grinned at her. "I'm always up at this time. My shift starts early. It's a good excuse to not stay out late with Clay." He winked at her and laughed.
Tah blinked. "Wow. I haven't seen you this cheerful in a long time. Maybe she is good for you." She scratched her head, still confused about the match. "You certainly didn't waste any time asking her to join you. It was like the previous day that she scared you shitless. What happened?"
Dak shrugged. "As I said, she mugged me in the hall. It was really - intense." Tah blushed as her tiny friend gave her a sidelong glance. "Well, you know me. Once I make up my mind about something - besides, if I hadn't I don't know what she would have done to me."
Tah nodded, although she still didn't understand. "Right. So then, she's going to participate in the attack tomorrow? You must be worried."
Dak shrugged and played with his food. "You can't worry about that sort of thing. I just hope she comes back unharmed - But, she is trained for that sort of thing." He turned his squat little body toward her and raised one brow. "You still haven't told me what's going on with you and Almighty Tallest Purple. You've been calling him by his first name and all..." He smirked at her knowingly.
She stared down at her food nervously. "I don't know. He and I've really been getting along. He asked to touch me, you know." She wondered why her friend didn't seem surprised. "He put me in charge of the investigation, but you don't know about that yet, do you? You're such a busy little guy - I never get to talk to you. Anyway, Mim was trying to kill me when I caught on to an assassination attempt against Purple. The Tallest thought it was some hostage situation, so the bad guys decided they could get some cash out of me before they did me in. While I was there I found out about this whole big conspiracy. It was so weird. Then when I came back, both the Tallest thought there was something going on between you and me. How strange is that?" Dak nodded, fully understanding the technical difficulties in such a relationship. "Then when I told him you were getting joined to Clay, he kept telling me to rest. I don't know what it is with everyone and my sleeping habits. I came across Clay while I was working late last night, and she ordered me to bed. And then let me tell you about my Tallest Red!" She waved her arm in a motion displaying her complete lack of comprehension. "He meets me in my room and then tells me to go to bed too, since he didn't think I'd listen to Pur. Then - get this - he practically tears off my glove and makes me touch him, saying something to the effect that if I were Purple's friend then I'm his too. It was so weird!" She shook her head and began shoveling food into her mouth.
Her friend sent a curious expression her way. "I hear out Tallest Red and Tallest Purple are great friends. Maybe if Tallest Red feels inclined to do something like that, he must think there's something between you and Tallest Purple?"
Tah could feel her pulse quicken with the insinuation. She tried to hide the emotion from her friend, but there were no secrets between them. She averted her gaze and poked at her breakfast. "I can't make any moves. he is a Tallest, you know."
"Well, from what I've heard he doesn't seem to mind."
She shook her head. "If I were mistaken, then I'd look like a worthless social climber. I can't let him know."
Dak shoved his tray away and crossed his arms, making an effort to look dissatisfied. "Well, you'll have to figure it out on your own then. I've got to go to work." He picked up his tray and began to leave. "I hear it's different for everybody." With that last piece of wisdom, Dak was gone.
Tah decided she might as well get to work too. She wondered if the report about Admiral Yir was in yet. She threw away her trash and headed back to her quarters. However, the report had not arrived yet. It was still very early and Tah realized that she was probably expecting too much of whomever was in charge of writing the report. She stretched her muscles and headed down the hall again, figuring she might as well take everybody's advice and get some relaxation done. She considered going to the library, and was indeed tempted in loosing herself in a hearty book, but then figured that she should go and get some exercise. She hadn't practiced with the Reshma since before she boarded the Massive, and she didn't want to get out of practice.
Chapter Six: Slow Start
Purple returned with Prime Admiral Tark in tow, his angry orange eyes darting about as usual. He eventually fixed them on Tah, and she began to feel her skin crawl as his mouth formed a scowl. He stood beside her before the two Tallest. "We have some questions to ask you," began Purple mildly. Red was giving him a death glare and he slunk in his throne.
"I'll answer whatever you ask me, my Tallest!" said the Admiral in his harsh, gravely voice.
"Right. Now, what do you know about an Admiral Queue?"
The Admiral puffed up his muscular chest and growled at Tah, who did her best to keep her composure. "Does this have something to do with this Hive drone? She's come to me before, and I haven't the inclination to let her in on classified information!"
Purple's eyes narrowed. "I'm placing her in charge of this investigation!" he snapped. "Besides, you haven't shared this 'classified information' with your Tallest. You have some explaining to do!"
"Yeah!" chimed Red beside him.
Tark straitened his back and bowed his head. "Yes, my Tallest. Forgive me for not telling you, Sirs. I would not disobey you, but I can't tell you!" He looked up at them with brilliant ferocity, tight mouthed and fists clenched. His body trembled, as if a war was raging inside him.
"That is a direct order, Admiral! Who is Admiral Queue? This is your last chance!"
Tark took a deep breath, as if steadying himself. He squared his shoulders and growled between his teeth. "No, Sirs. I refuse!" For the first time since she'd known the Admiral, Tah saw a smile spread across his face. He almost seemed relieved.
Purple nodded toward Red, who stood and hovered before the Admiral with a grim face. "Prime Admiral. It is my duty to inform you that you are guilty of blatant insubordination. I hereby strip you of your rank and command." He circled around the former Admiral and smiled wickedly for effect. "You are to be detained until further notice. Guards!" He lifted one arm and uniformed men came to take Tark away.
Once he was gone Purple shook his head. "What a disappointment."
"Sir!" called one of the technicians. "Forgive me, but I cannot locate the guard Mim!"
"What?"
Red hovered over to the technician's work station and squinted at his monitor. "She must have jumped ship!"
Despite the disappointment of not being able to catch Mim, Tah felt glad that she was off the Massive. As long as Mim was around, she was afraid for her life, and there was also something else she wanted to do. "If she's gone, then she won't be guarding Queue's room. Tallest Purple, you said you were placing me in charge of the investigation?"
"Yes. I want to know what's going on. I'm relieving you from you post at the Information Hive and giving you sweeping authorization. You're free to access any files and go anywhere in the ship." He turned his head to the mass of technicians. "I want the coordinates of that base retrieved from the Fathom and a squad to go and investigate."
"Make sure they have enough fire power to blast it to Hell!" added Red.
"Pu - Tallest Purple?"
"Hrm? Yes?"
Tah straitened herself to look as professional as she could, her increased rank finally dawning on her. "I am going to need a full report on this Admiral Yir. .It seemed as if you and my Tallest Red knew him?"
Both Purple and Red's expressions deepened at the name. "Yes. Yes, we did. I'll make sure you have the information tomorrow morning. Oh, and before you go."
"Yes, my Tallest?"
"Don't start the investigation tonight. Get some more rest."
Tah wiggled her antennae and left the room, completely invigorated and without any intention of following her monarch's instructions. Things were finally going her way. Not only did she have a more suitable job, but it actually seemed important in her eyes. Deep down in her heart, she felt she was really protecting the Tallest. At long last she was going to get somewhere in finding out who that shadow had been who had fired at Purple. She made a direct path to Queue's quarters at the edge of the restricted area and stopped at the door, half expecting Mim to slam her into the wall. With a thrill of anticipation she opened the door.
Everything was darkness. Tah walked in and activated the lighting. She looked around with hungry eyes, hoping to catch some sign of this mysterious 'Admiral,' but was only met with disappointment. There was nothing in the room that was out of the ordinary. If she didn't know better, she would have said it was completely unoccupied. She assumed the rooms were standard for someone of his supposed station, much larger and comfortably equipped then a regular soldier's but not nearly as magnificent as a Tallest's. Tah squared her shoulders. "Well," she said to herself, "I'm just going to have to look around." She marched to the nearest set of draws and began looking through them with vicious fervor, but there was nothing in them. They were completely bare. She marched to the closet and slammed open the door, but again there was nothing inside - not even any cloths. Tah wondered why Mim had protected this room with so much ferocity. She paused as she wondered if anybody could have removed anything. Maybe Mim had emptied the room before she left. She silently cursed herself for not starting the investigation sooner, although she knew there was no possible way she could have. She continued to search through every inch of the room, but there were no signs of life.
Tah left the room, brow furrowed in thought. She pulled out a pad to make some notes, deciding she needed to make her way to the Information Hive. Although she wasn't technically an employee there, Purple had given her authorization to all information, so she figured it wouldn't be a problem. Plus, there would be no one there at that time of night.
Someone caught her eye and Tah stopped for a moment. Clay was staggering back to her quarters, probably after a party at the Entertainment Center. She smiled at the pink-eyed marauder and got her attention. "Hey there. Clay?"
Clay raised her head groggily, but still with the usual arrogant grin. "What are you doing up at this horrendous hour? Aren't you into that whole early to bed, early to rise thing?"
"I don't have to move into your rooms. Mim's gone."
Clay smiled, showing her teeth. She rubbed her hands together as she maliciously asked, "Was the traitor dealt with properly?"
Tah shook her head. "No, she disappeared. She probably jumped ship. But that's okay because we'll get her soon. I'm heading over to the Information Center to try to figure some things out."
Clay frowned as she examined Tah from toe to antennae and crossed her arms. "Dak wouldn't like it if he knew you were staying up. . I don't either. Here you just got back this morning from being a hostage. You didn't look good then! Now you're thinking about work? What's driving you, girl?"
Tah hesitated for a moment. Her eyes hurt from having been open for so long and her head was starting the ache, despite the nap she'd taken in Purple's quarters. She considered going to bed and waiting until morning, but she was so anxious to get to the bottom of what was going on. Important things were happening, and a possible coup. "A laser shot that nearly hit Tallest Purple," said her mouth without her brain's permission.
Clay looked unimpressed. "Come here," she said, motioning for Tah to bend down. She did so and Clay grabbed her collar, using her marauder's muscles to swing her around and force her on her back. Clay then hopped on top of her tall friend and pointed a claw directly in her face. "Now listen, you! I'm not going to stand around and watch you work yourself to death over this! If you don't go to bed, I swear I'll drag you there myself! Do you understand me?"
".yes'm."
With a grunt of satisfaction, Clay let Tah up and smiled. She nodded with approval and Tah quickly headed for her room. Although she was willing to disobey the wishes of the Tallest, she dare not face the wrath of Clay. She opened her door and screeched as two incredibly strong arms yanked her inside. Someone large pinned her to the wall of her dark room, and she couldn't speak for fright. The person leaned forward and growled next to her, "Did I scare ya?"
Tah was released and the light was switched on. She gaped in wide-eyed confusion at the person before her. "Tallest Red? What are you doing here so late at night?"
Red grinned. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Pur may trust you, but I don't. I was just about to go looking for you." He shut her door and stretched himself casually on one of the two chairs assigned to the room.
Tah was too shocked to be polite. "What the - ? What do you mean, you don't trust me?"
The Tallest leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. "I was trained to see people's intentions, and I could see you had no intention of sleeping tonight."
Tah still stood in confusion, too tired to change her expression. "My Tallest, what - this sounds awful, but what do you care? I mean, although I am your most willing subject, I really don't know you all that well."
Red lifted his head and directed his ruby eyes at her. "Yeah, but we both know Pur, which is just about as good. Listen, I'm damn lucky to have a co- Tallest. He looks out for me, and I look out for him. If he wants you to rest, I'm going to make sure that happens." He stood up in such a way as to make Tah think he was going to somehow make her sleep right that moment, but he just stood there with a determined glare. "His problems are mine, as are his friends." He then hovered over to Tah and grabbed a hold of her glove. She watched as he pulled it off and held her exposed hand to his face. They both started with the touch, but then Red squinted his fiery eyes. "Understand?" Tah nodded silently and watched as Red hovered over to the door and left her room. She rubbed her fingers together, not sure what to think, and then collapsed into her bed.
She woke up very early, deprived of sleep but full of enthusiasm for the investigation. There were so many things she wanted to look into before she went to the dining hall for breakfast. She headed for the Information Hive, where she found Tzen getting some things ready for the day. He greeted her in his jolly yet lethargic way, telling her he was glad she was alive. "Are you here to get some early work done, dear?"
Tah shook her head. "I'm afraid I won't be working here anymore. I've been promoted to a. a." she realized she hadn't been given a formal job title, "I've been charged with leading a special investigation. But, I was wondering if I could use the Hive?"
"No, child, no!" laughed Tzen. "If you want some information, let us drones down here work on it. You're too used to doing everything yourself. Let us assist you - that's what we're here for! Besides, I bet you can get everything done a lot quicker that way." He waddled over to her and looked up at her with shining eyes. "You just tell old Tzen what you're looking for, and I'll have the researchers get it for you."
Tah was befuddled for a moment. It hadn't occurred to her that the researchers would be at her disposal, but then again why shouldn't they? She looked down at her pad, where she'd written down everything she was going to look into. "Well, let's see. I want to know who the cleaning crew is who works on Admiral Queue's room - that being 485A. I also want a full report on Prime. er. the former Prime Admiral Tark. I need to see if any information can be found on an Irken named Bri with green eyes. I'd also like to see if there's anything to be found on a mercenary named Montoy, of a blue skinned race."
Tzen nodded his large head. "Done and done! The reports will be sent to your quarters say. sometime tomorrow afternoon."
Tah's squiggly pooch sunk. "Tomorrow afternoon! What am I going to do until then?"
Her former superior chuckled at her disappointment. "You'll have to excuse us! The Armada is going to be attacking the planet Umber in the morning, and there's a lot of information that needs to be transferred between now and then. Just have faith that we'll deliver it as soon as possible!"
Tah bowed her head in resignation. "Well, alright. Thank you." She waved at Tzen and then wandered back out into the hall. Something rumbled in her stomach. "I suppose I should get something to eat." She made her way to the dining hall and was very glad she had when she saw who was sitting there. "Hey there, Dak! I didn't know you ate this early! Just a moment and I'll have my breakfast." She piled her tray with everything down the line and went to sit with her friend. "What are you doing up this early?"
Dak grinned at her. "I'm always up at this time. My shift starts early. It's a good excuse to not stay out late with Clay." He winked at her and laughed.
Tah blinked. "Wow. I haven't seen you this cheerful in a long time. Maybe she is good for you." She scratched her head, still confused about the match. "You certainly didn't waste any time asking her to join you. It was like the previous day that she scared you shitless. What happened?"
Dak shrugged. "As I said, she mugged me in the hall. It was really - intense." Tah blushed as her tiny friend gave her a sidelong glance. "Well, you know me. Once I make up my mind about something - besides, if I hadn't I don't know what she would have done to me."
Tah nodded, although she still didn't understand. "Right. So then, she's going to participate in the attack tomorrow? You must be worried."
Dak shrugged and played with his food. "You can't worry about that sort of thing. I just hope she comes back unharmed - But, she is trained for that sort of thing." He turned his squat little body toward her and raised one brow. "You still haven't told me what's going on with you and Almighty Tallest Purple. You've been calling him by his first name and all..." He smirked at her knowingly.
She stared down at her food nervously. "I don't know. He and I've really been getting along. He asked to touch me, you know." She wondered why her friend didn't seem surprised. "He put me in charge of the investigation, but you don't know about that yet, do you? You're such a busy little guy - I never get to talk to you. Anyway, Mim was trying to kill me when I caught on to an assassination attempt against Purple. The Tallest thought it was some hostage situation, so the bad guys decided they could get some cash out of me before they did me in. While I was there I found out about this whole big conspiracy. It was so weird. Then when I came back, both the Tallest thought there was something going on between you and me. How strange is that?" Dak nodded, fully understanding the technical difficulties in such a relationship. "Then when I told him you were getting joined to Clay, he kept telling me to rest. I don't know what it is with everyone and my sleeping habits. I came across Clay while I was working late last night, and she ordered me to bed. And then let me tell you about my Tallest Red!" She waved her arm in a motion displaying her complete lack of comprehension. "He meets me in my room and then tells me to go to bed too, since he didn't think I'd listen to Pur. Then - get this - he practically tears off my glove and makes me touch him, saying something to the effect that if I were Purple's friend then I'm his too. It was so weird!" She shook her head and began shoveling food into her mouth.
Her friend sent a curious expression her way. "I hear out Tallest Red and Tallest Purple are great friends. Maybe if Tallest Red feels inclined to do something like that, he must think there's something between you and Tallest Purple?"
Tah could feel her pulse quicken with the insinuation. She tried to hide the emotion from her friend, but there were no secrets between them. She averted her gaze and poked at her breakfast. "I can't make any moves. he is a Tallest, you know."
"Well, from what I've heard he doesn't seem to mind."
She shook her head. "If I were mistaken, then I'd look like a worthless social climber. I can't let him know."
Dak shoved his tray away and crossed his arms, making an effort to look dissatisfied. "Well, you'll have to figure it out on your own then. I've got to go to work." He picked up his tray and began to leave. "I hear it's different for everybody." With that last piece of wisdom, Dak was gone.
Tah decided she might as well get to work too. She wondered if the report about Admiral Yir was in yet. She threw away her trash and headed back to her quarters. However, the report had not arrived yet. It was still very early and Tah realized that she was probably expecting too much of whomever was in charge of writing the report. She stretched her muscles and headed down the hall again, figuring she might as well take everybody's advice and get some relaxation done. She considered going to the library, and was indeed tempted in loosing herself in a hearty book, but then figured that she should go and get some exercise. She hadn't practiced with the Reshma since before she boarded the Massive, and she didn't want to get out of practice.
