Hello again, here's a fic I started after watching Natural Election. Hope
you all enjoy, and thanks for reading.
Fic: Insiders 1 by: Neuroscpr (mtrx9991@yahoo.com) rated: pg-13 spoilers up to: 4.07
thanks to lucy for reading and helping.
chapter 1
The chamber was dark and menacing. Large enough to house an army of decadent onlookers and shifty merchants. Closed off from the outside world, it was lit by giant cauldrons of burning flames. The fire's red glow cast a frightening mood over the proceedings, though no one seemed to notice. In the middle of it all sat a large throne, raising a small man dressed in bright red for all to see.
"Bring them out!" he shouted.
Immediately a few of his surrounding entourage scurried off to complete the task. At the ruler's command, doors opened to the right and a parade of bruised and beaten prisoners marched out in chains. Sweat and blood shone brilliantly in the darkness, making them look about as bad as they felt.
The ruler looked down at them with contempt and watched as they were strung up in front of him. He giggled to himself as a length of silk rope slid around in his pudgy hands. With one pull, the unfortunates would be plunged into the fire and burned alive before his eyes. Just the way he liked it.
Suddenly a ragged voice broke the ceremony's momentum. "We'll be the last Perkor!" one of the prisoners shouted. This one was different from the rest, a Sebacean. "They'll come for you," he whispered.
Perkor, unimpressed, shook his head and waved goodbye to the nuisance. Without another thought, he pulled the rope and cries of pain filled the chamber. He smiled maliciously.
"I don't think s-
Pulse fire interrupted his gloating and sent the chamber's inhabitants into panic. The main doors blew open as an explosion broke in from the other side. More blasts followed, taking down guard and angry merchant alike.
"What the frell is happening?" Perkor shouted. "Who dares?"
Three figures in black emerged out of the darkness. Each held dangerous weaponry and were obviously Sebacean. They would have been mistaken for Peacekeepers if not for the difference in uniform. All three raced forward, taking down any resistance and gunning for the ruler on his throne.
Without speaking, one of the three moved ahead and pointed his weapon at the terrified ruler. His cold black eyes fixed on the target and his own version of an evil grin spread across his face.
"It's your turn Perkor," he whispered.
"Lower your weapons!"
The three intruders stopped their advance and searched the darkness for the source of the order. Before their surprised faces, real Peacekeeper soldiers poured out from behind every available hiding spot in the chamber. All with pulse rifles trained on them.
"I won't ask again," one of them shouted. Dressed in captain's uniform, he stepped away from the throng and walked towards the trio. His face betrayed no fear. "Lower your weapons."
They glanced nervously at each other and complied. Any move to the contrary would most certainly mean death, something they were trained to accept but was more difficult in the actual moment.
"Why are you here?" one of the three asked.
Instead of answering, the captain raised his pistol and fired point-blank into the inquirer's head. The body dropped lifelessly to the ground with a thud.
The captain's dead eyes focused on the second intruder as he fired a shot into him. "That makes two," he whispered.
Without looking up at the third, he spoke. "Get out of here," he said with enough volume for everyone to hear. "Tell your people. Tell John Crichton."
His face suddenly a mask of confusion, the third man did as he was told. He turned and ran out of the door as fast as his legs could carry him. He heard the captain's last words as his transport came within sight.
"Tell them they're all going to die."
"Aren't these things supposed to be dead?" Chiana asked as she stuck her fork-like object into the plate in front of her.
Noranti looked up from her own plate and smiled with self-satisfaction. "They're Trenallion Spider Veins," she declared. "Good for you."
Chiana's face soured and Rygel spat out his own helping beside her.
"You'll kill us all you old bat," the Hynerion cried. He shoved his plate away and slid back onto his throne sled. Hovering up above her, Rygel wiped his mouth furiously with the edge of his robe. "Insipid fossil," he murmured and floated away.
"I think they're quite good," Noranti said.
D'Argo slammed his own plate down on the table and growled. "No one asked you," he said. The newly promoted captain hadn't enjoyed getting first crack at the food.
Watching them from the corner of the room, Sikozu scowled. Throughout the past solar days she'd grown to somewhat respect the crew of Moya's resourcefulness in a crisis. In the downtime, however, their behavior made spacing herself a viable option.
"If you are not going to eat that," she said as breezily as possible, "I'll put it to good use."
Sikozu reached for the bowl but D'Argo grabbed her wrist before she could get to it.
"What use?" he asked.
The redhead feigned ignorance. "Scorpius has not eaten," she answered. "He'll starve if we don't give him something. Unless Crichton wants him to starve." Sikozu looked over at the door as she said the words.
If John Crichton had an objection he would not have been able to voice it. He sat quietly in his cell with a blank look on his face and no appetite.
The privacy curtain that he'd been using for the past few arns slid open at the exact moment that Sikozu was making her exit on the tier above. John did not have to look up to see who it was.
"I can't tell you everything," Aeryn said, a look of determination on her face. "It's not just about you and me."
John met her eyes with a much softer look. Part of him just wanted to be alone but another rejoiced at the fact that she was confronting him instead of the other way around.
"Not about everything," he whispered. "You hide yourself, and don't trust me to understand."
Aeryn glared back, the truth in the human's words not enough to hinder her resolve. Her mind touched on something. "Tell me what happened on Arnessk," she challenged. "With Grayza."
Crichton thought. He knew that he didn't want to tell her. That would mean admitting to himself that it had actually happened. How could he share it with her? "Something I'd rather forget," he answered. The look on his face was enough to communicate what that meant.
"Tell me," Aeryn persisted.
"Tell me where you went," John replied.
Shocked by his attitude, and the pain she saw in him, Aeryn faltered. She felt angry for so many reasons but they weren't enough. Instead of saying anything, Aeryn turned and stalked out of the room.
John slid down on the bed and closed his eyes.
Sikozu crept up to the jagged cell door with the plate of food in her hand. The disarray of uncompleted repairs went on around her as DRDs continued their work. She avoided the little creatures and watched.
Inside his prison, Scorpius stood at the worktable with a hand pressed to his ear. He'd heard the low beep of an incoming transmission almost an arn ago. Yet there had been no connection for some time. The half-breed narrowed his eyes at the thought of losing such an asset.
"Most inconvenient," he said aloud.
From behind the door, Sikozu backed up a step and remained quiet.
Scorpius set aside his coolant rod container and turned as a DRD sped past his leg. In one quick motion, he reached down and scooped it up.
"Your assistance is required," he said and placed it on the table. The machine sputtered and beeped in protest but soon got the message.
As he removed the DRD's outer cover, Scorpius pulled a tiny diskette from his temperature regulation suit. Instead of inserting it, however, he turned toward the door.
"If you are going to spy on me, do so in such a way that I am not aware of it," he said.
Blushing slightly, Sikozu stepped into plain view. "I brought you something to eat," she replied.
"Very well. Enter."
The redhead touched the door controls and then walked in as it slid open. Her eyes on Scorpius at all times, Sikozu set the plate down on the table. "What are you doing," she asked.
Scorpius tucked his diskette into the tangled mess of electronics that made up the DRD. Instantly, it buzzed to life and lit up the adjacent wall with the image of a severe-looking man. "Awaiting new information," the half- breed said and motioned for Sikozu to watch.
The image was of a peacekeeper, Scorpius' spy on the command carrier. As Sikozu took it in, she wondered how he'd managed to sign the man on. Prior knowledge told her that peacekeepers were not ready traitors. She smiled with admiration.
He saw her change in expression and matched it. Scorpius was not used to such uninhibited praise from others. It pleased him and yet was somewhat disturbing. Before he could say anything, the video started to play.
"Scorpius, sir," the peacekeeper said. "Security has been raised in all sectors. They are planning something but I have not yet acquired the details."
Sikozu looked to Scorpius. He was frowning.
"I've spoken to the general as you requested," the soldier continued. "I-
Suddenly the image went black and distortion took over the spy's last words. Unfazed, Scorpius removed his diskette. He pocketed it and then turned to Sikozu.
"Do not follow his example," he said coldly.
Commandant Grayza sauntered into the prowler bay and smiled. As her eyes scanned over the room, she noted only one technician's area being occupied.
"Officer Rinlo," she called out.
Startled, the severe-looking peacekeeper stood up to full height and caught a glimpse of the new arrival. Her presence made him ill at ease and Grayza instantly knew it.
"How may I be of assistance ma'am?" he asked stiffly.
Taking her time, Grayza crossed the room and came to a stop in front of the young pilot. She looked him over and then placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
"It's alright, I know."
Rinlo's eyes widened for a microt and then steadied. His standard issue scowl returned. "I don't know what you mean ma'am."
Grayza's grip tightened. "Don't worry," she said.
"I'll help you remember."
Aeryn practically kicked the door open as she reached her cell. She closed her eyes and tried not to imagine what Scorpius had hinted at and John had refused to confirm. It was just another frelling complication where there was already too many.
"It means nothing," she stated and then walked in.
The room was dark but Aeryn could immediately tell there was someone there. She reached for her weapon as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Off in the corner, a young woman sat, her head turned away.
"What do you want Chiana?"
The Nebari stood up, almost as if embarrassed to be there, and smiled. "I thought you might wanna talk," she said.
Aeryn couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Why would I talk to you," she asked icily. "So the whole ship can hear about it?"
Chiana looked down at her boots, her hand fumbling for something to grab onto. "Naw, I just thought you might need to talk to someone."
The ex-peacekeeper shook her head and then knelt down to pick up some clothing that had fallen to the floor. She said nothing.
"Ok," Chiana said and started for the door.
"I can't do what he's asking" Aeryn suddenly whispered.. "He can't just-
Chiana had begun to move towards Aeryn, intent on offering comfort. But the words she heard made her change her mind. As matter-of-factly as she could manage, Chiana said, "shut up."
Aeryn looked up at her. "What?"
"Your life's frelled up, I get that," Chiana said. "So's mine, so's everyone else's. If you really wanna be with him, just do what he wants."
Unable to form a response, Aeryn instead looked away and caught sight of her bag lying on the bed. Something was blinking inside. A tiny red light that she knew well.
"Chiana get out," she said.
The Nebari frowned. Before she could say anything though, Aeryn repeated herself.
"Get out now."
Chiana did as she was told.
"What the yotz are you doing!" Rygel cried as the black substance sprayed across the room and dirtied his favorite robe. D'Argo's head peeked out from inside the Farscape module's cockpit. He glanced at the furious Hynerion and shrugged. "Did I get you?" he asked.
Shaking his little fist at the Luxan, Rygel floated in the opposite direction. "I thought Crichton told you to stay away from that thing," he shouted. "Or does the captain get to do whatever he likes?"
"I didn't choose to be the captain, alright," D'Argo said. He reached back down into the module and sighed. His initial idea had been to refuel the ship for Crichton. Something that might distract the human a little bit. So far it had turned out to be more trouble than it was worth.
"Where are you going?" Rygel asked.
D'Argo looked up again and realized that Rygel wasn't talking to him. "Aeryn?"
The ex-peacekeeper walked in with a black bag slung over her shoulder. Her hair was still down and she was wearing her old leather coat. She did not stop.
"Where-
"Out," she answered before D'Argo could finish. "I'll be back soon."
D'Argo watched with more than a little concern as she climbed into her prowler and engaged the engines. As the hangar began to fill with noise, he picked up his comm.
"Crichton," he said. There was no answer. Putting the comm back down, D'Argo stood and headed for Lo'la.
"More meddling I see," asked Rygel.
D'Argo glanced back at him as he climbed aboard. "I'm not meddling," he answered. "But I'm not going to let Aeryn get herself killed.
Microts later, Aeryn's prowler lifted up off the ground and headed out through Moya's open hangar doors. Though she did not realize it, an invisible Luxan ship followed close behind.
"That's meddling," Rygel said to no one but himself.
Braca removed two sweaty hands from his ringing ears as the shrieking finally came to a stop. He stepped forward from the doorway and walked to the slowing Aurora Chair. His supervising officer waited there for him.
"Did you get what you needed ma'am," he asked. Commandant Grayza turned to her right-hand man and smiled serenely. "No need to worry yourself captain," she said. "I trust you've completed your assignment?"
The new captain beamed as he nodded in affirmation. "All available ships are depositing the new beacons ma'am," he responded. "Everything is on schedule."
A final moan escaped Officer Rinlo's open mouth as he tumbled to the ground. He took his final breaths there before being carried away by two orderlies.
"I want every ranking officer interrogated, captain," Grayza said. "There will be no more information leaks from this ship. Am I understood?"
Braca looked into her eyes and had to fight to keep from stuttering. "Perfectly ma'am," he managed and turned to leave. That was when he spotted another figure in the room.
"Go ahead captain," the commandant said. "Ask your question."
He sniffed involuntarily and took in Grayza's strange aroma. It made his insides tingle. "If you are certain this plan will work ma'am," he asked, "Why is he here?"
Grayza glanced over at the figure and smiled. "Certainty is a luxury captain," she said. "One we cannot afford."
The figure looked up at Grayza as she spoke and then followed Braca out of the room. Both men wore captain's uniforms, but only one had blood on his hands that day.
TBC Neuroscpr
Fic: Insiders 1 by: Neuroscpr (mtrx9991@yahoo.com) rated: pg-13 spoilers up to: 4.07
thanks to lucy for reading and helping.
chapter 1
The chamber was dark and menacing. Large enough to house an army of decadent onlookers and shifty merchants. Closed off from the outside world, it was lit by giant cauldrons of burning flames. The fire's red glow cast a frightening mood over the proceedings, though no one seemed to notice. In the middle of it all sat a large throne, raising a small man dressed in bright red for all to see.
"Bring them out!" he shouted.
Immediately a few of his surrounding entourage scurried off to complete the task. At the ruler's command, doors opened to the right and a parade of bruised and beaten prisoners marched out in chains. Sweat and blood shone brilliantly in the darkness, making them look about as bad as they felt.
The ruler looked down at them with contempt and watched as they were strung up in front of him. He giggled to himself as a length of silk rope slid around in his pudgy hands. With one pull, the unfortunates would be plunged into the fire and burned alive before his eyes. Just the way he liked it.
Suddenly a ragged voice broke the ceremony's momentum. "We'll be the last Perkor!" one of the prisoners shouted. This one was different from the rest, a Sebacean. "They'll come for you," he whispered.
Perkor, unimpressed, shook his head and waved goodbye to the nuisance. Without another thought, he pulled the rope and cries of pain filled the chamber. He smiled maliciously.
"I don't think s-
Pulse fire interrupted his gloating and sent the chamber's inhabitants into panic. The main doors blew open as an explosion broke in from the other side. More blasts followed, taking down guard and angry merchant alike.
"What the frell is happening?" Perkor shouted. "Who dares?"
Three figures in black emerged out of the darkness. Each held dangerous weaponry and were obviously Sebacean. They would have been mistaken for Peacekeepers if not for the difference in uniform. All three raced forward, taking down any resistance and gunning for the ruler on his throne.
Without speaking, one of the three moved ahead and pointed his weapon at the terrified ruler. His cold black eyes fixed on the target and his own version of an evil grin spread across his face.
"It's your turn Perkor," he whispered.
"Lower your weapons!"
The three intruders stopped their advance and searched the darkness for the source of the order. Before their surprised faces, real Peacekeeper soldiers poured out from behind every available hiding spot in the chamber. All with pulse rifles trained on them.
"I won't ask again," one of them shouted. Dressed in captain's uniform, he stepped away from the throng and walked towards the trio. His face betrayed no fear. "Lower your weapons."
They glanced nervously at each other and complied. Any move to the contrary would most certainly mean death, something they were trained to accept but was more difficult in the actual moment.
"Why are you here?" one of the three asked.
Instead of answering, the captain raised his pistol and fired point-blank into the inquirer's head. The body dropped lifelessly to the ground with a thud.
The captain's dead eyes focused on the second intruder as he fired a shot into him. "That makes two," he whispered.
Without looking up at the third, he spoke. "Get out of here," he said with enough volume for everyone to hear. "Tell your people. Tell John Crichton."
His face suddenly a mask of confusion, the third man did as he was told. He turned and ran out of the door as fast as his legs could carry him. He heard the captain's last words as his transport came within sight.
"Tell them they're all going to die."
"Aren't these things supposed to be dead?" Chiana asked as she stuck her fork-like object into the plate in front of her.
Noranti looked up from her own plate and smiled with self-satisfaction. "They're Trenallion Spider Veins," she declared. "Good for you."
Chiana's face soured and Rygel spat out his own helping beside her.
"You'll kill us all you old bat," the Hynerion cried. He shoved his plate away and slid back onto his throne sled. Hovering up above her, Rygel wiped his mouth furiously with the edge of his robe. "Insipid fossil," he murmured and floated away.
"I think they're quite good," Noranti said.
D'Argo slammed his own plate down on the table and growled. "No one asked you," he said. The newly promoted captain hadn't enjoyed getting first crack at the food.
Watching them from the corner of the room, Sikozu scowled. Throughout the past solar days she'd grown to somewhat respect the crew of Moya's resourcefulness in a crisis. In the downtime, however, their behavior made spacing herself a viable option.
"If you are not going to eat that," she said as breezily as possible, "I'll put it to good use."
Sikozu reached for the bowl but D'Argo grabbed her wrist before she could get to it.
"What use?" he asked.
The redhead feigned ignorance. "Scorpius has not eaten," she answered. "He'll starve if we don't give him something. Unless Crichton wants him to starve." Sikozu looked over at the door as she said the words.
If John Crichton had an objection he would not have been able to voice it. He sat quietly in his cell with a blank look on his face and no appetite.
The privacy curtain that he'd been using for the past few arns slid open at the exact moment that Sikozu was making her exit on the tier above. John did not have to look up to see who it was.
"I can't tell you everything," Aeryn said, a look of determination on her face. "It's not just about you and me."
John met her eyes with a much softer look. Part of him just wanted to be alone but another rejoiced at the fact that she was confronting him instead of the other way around.
"Not about everything," he whispered. "You hide yourself, and don't trust me to understand."
Aeryn glared back, the truth in the human's words not enough to hinder her resolve. Her mind touched on something. "Tell me what happened on Arnessk," she challenged. "With Grayza."
Crichton thought. He knew that he didn't want to tell her. That would mean admitting to himself that it had actually happened. How could he share it with her? "Something I'd rather forget," he answered. The look on his face was enough to communicate what that meant.
"Tell me," Aeryn persisted.
"Tell me where you went," John replied.
Shocked by his attitude, and the pain she saw in him, Aeryn faltered. She felt angry for so many reasons but they weren't enough. Instead of saying anything, Aeryn turned and stalked out of the room.
John slid down on the bed and closed his eyes.
Sikozu crept up to the jagged cell door with the plate of food in her hand. The disarray of uncompleted repairs went on around her as DRDs continued their work. She avoided the little creatures and watched.
Inside his prison, Scorpius stood at the worktable with a hand pressed to his ear. He'd heard the low beep of an incoming transmission almost an arn ago. Yet there had been no connection for some time. The half-breed narrowed his eyes at the thought of losing such an asset.
"Most inconvenient," he said aloud.
From behind the door, Sikozu backed up a step and remained quiet.
Scorpius set aside his coolant rod container and turned as a DRD sped past his leg. In one quick motion, he reached down and scooped it up.
"Your assistance is required," he said and placed it on the table. The machine sputtered and beeped in protest but soon got the message.
As he removed the DRD's outer cover, Scorpius pulled a tiny diskette from his temperature regulation suit. Instead of inserting it, however, he turned toward the door.
"If you are going to spy on me, do so in such a way that I am not aware of it," he said.
Blushing slightly, Sikozu stepped into plain view. "I brought you something to eat," she replied.
"Very well. Enter."
The redhead touched the door controls and then walked in as it slid open. Her eyes on Scorpius at all times, Sikozu set the plate down on the table. "What are you doing," she asked.
Scorpius tucked his diskette into the tangled mess of electronics that made up the DRD. Instantly, it buzzed to life and lit up the adjacent wall with the image of a severe-looking man. "Awaiting new information," the half- breed said and motioned for Sikozu to watch.
The image was of a peacekeeper, Scorpius' spy on the command carrier. As Sikozu took it in, she wondered how he'd managed to sign the man on. Prior knowledge told her that peacekeepers were not ready traitors. She smiled with admiration.
He saw her change in expression and matched it. Scorpius was not used to such uninhibited praise from others. It pleased him and yet was somewhat disturbing. Before he could say anything, the video started to play.
"Scorpius, sir," the peacekeeper said. "Security has been raised in all sectors. They are planning something but I have not yet acquired the details."
Sikozu looked to Scorpius. He was frowning.
"I've spoken to the general as you requested," the soldier continued. "I-
Suddenly the image went black and distortion took over the spy's last words. Unfazed, Scorpius removed his diskette. He pocketed it and then turned to Sikozu.
"Do not follow his example," he said coldly.
Commandant Grayza sauntered into the prowler bay and smiled. As her eyes scanned over the room, she noted only one technician's area being occupied.
"Officer Rinlo," she called out.
Startled, the severe-looking peacekeeper stood up to full height and caught a glimpse of the new arrival. Her presence made him ill at ease and Grayza instantly knew it.
"How may I be of assistance ma'am?" he asked stiffly.
Taking her time, Grayza crossed the room and came to a stop in front of the young pilot. She looked him over and then placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
"It's alright, I know."
Rinlo's eyes widened for a microt and then steadied. His standard issue scowl returned. "I don't know what you mean ma'am."
Grayza's grip tightened. "Don't worry," she said.
"I'll help you remember."
Aeryn practically kicked the door open as she reached her cell. She closed her eyes and tried not to imagine what Scorpius had hinted at and John had refused to confirm. It was just another frelling complication where there was already too many.
"It means nothing," she stated and then walked in.
The room was dark but Aeryn could immediately tell there was someone there. She reached for her weapon as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Off in the corner, a young woman sat, her head turned away.
"What do you want Chiana?"
The Nebari stood up, almost as if embarrassed to be there, and smiled. "I thought you might wanna talk," she said.
Aeryn couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Why would I talk to you," she asked icily. "So the whole ship can hear about it?"
Chiana looked down at her boots, her hand fumbling for something to grab onto. "Naw, I just thought you might need to talk to someone."
The ex-peacekeeper shook her head and then knelt down to pick up some clothing that had fallen to the floor. She said nothing.
"Ok," Chiana said and started for the door.
"I can't do what he's asking" Aeryn suddenly whispered.. "He can't just-
Chiana had begun to move towards Aeryn, intent on offering comfort. But the words she heard made her change her mind. As matter-of-factly as she could manage, Chiana said, "shut up."
Aeryn looked up at her. "What?"
"Your life's frelled up, I get that," Chiana said. "So's mine, so's everyone else's. If you really wanna be with him, just do what he wants."
Unable to form a response, Aeryn instead looked away and caught sight of her bag lying on the bed. Something was blinking inside. A tiny red light that she knew well.
"Chiana get out," she said.
The Nebari frowned. Before she could say anything though, Aeryn repeated herself.
"Get out now."
Chiana did as she was told.
"What the yotz are you doing!" Rygel cried as the black substance sprayed across the room and dirtied his favorite robe. D'Argo's head peeked out from inside the Farscape module's cockpit. He glanced at the furious Hynerion and shrugged. "Did I get you?" he asked.
Shaking his little fist at the Luxan, Rygel floated in the opposite direction. "I thought Crichton told you to stay away from that thing," he shouted. "Or does the captain get to do whatever he likes?"
"I didn't choose to be the captain, alright," D'Argo said. He reached back down into the module and sighed. His initial idea had been to refuel the ship for Crichton. Something that might distract the human a little bit. So far it had turned out to be more trouble than it was worth.
"Where are you going?" Rygel asked.
D'Argo looked up again and realized that Rygel wasn't talking to him. "Aeryn?"
The ex-peacekeeper walked in with a black bag slung over her shoulder. Her hair was still down and she was wearing her old leather coat. She did not stop.
"Where-
"Out," she answered before D'Argo could finish. "I'll be back soon."
D'Argo watched with more than a little concern as she climbed into her prowler and engaged the engines. As the hangar began to fill with noise, he picked up his comm.
"Crichton," he said. There was no answer. Putting the comm back down, D'Argo stood and headed for Lo'la.
"More meddling I see," asked Rygel.
D'Argo glanced back at him as he climbed aboard. "I'm not meddling," he answered. "But I'm not going to let Aeryn get herself killed.
Microts later, Aeryn's prowler lifted up off the ground and headed out through Moya's open hangar doors. Though she did not realize it, an invisible Luxan ship followed close behind.
"That's meddling," Rygel said to no one but himself.
Braca removed two sweaty hands from his ringing ears as the shrieking finally came to a stop. He stepped forward from the doorway and walked to the slowing Aurora Chair. His supervising officer waited there for him.
"Did you get what you needed ma'am," he asked. Commandant Grayza turned to her right-hand man and smiled serenely. "No need to worry yourself captain," she said. "I trust you've completed your assignment?"
The new captain beamed as he nodded in affirmation. "All available ships are depositing the new beacons ma'am," he responded. "Everything is on schedule."
A final moan escaped Officer Rinlo's open mouth as he tumbled to the ground. He took his final breaths there before being carried away by two orderlies.
"I want every ranking officer interrogated, captain," Grayza said. "There will be no more information leaks from this ship. Am I understood?"
Braca looked into her eyes and had to fight to keep from stuttering. "Perfectly ma'am," he managed and turned to leave. That was when he spotted another figure in the room.
"Go ahead captain," the commandant said. "Ask your question."
He sniffed involuntarily and took in Grayza's strange aroma. It made his insides tingle. "If you are certain this plan will work ma'am," he asked, "Why is he here?"
Grayza glanced over at the figure and smiled. "Certainty is a luxury captain," she said. "One we cannot afford."
The figure looked up at Grayza as she spoke and then followed Braca out of the room. Both men wore captain's uniforms, but only one had blood on his hands that day.
TBC Neuroscpr