The longest two days of their lives.
Sula, Zutel, and Posa worked well beyond overtime on their patients. Around the clock, the three exhausted medics, sustained by copious amounts of Vortian coffee, stims, and sheer will, rotated in shifts to contend with the overwhelming level of trauma sustained to their allies and even themselves. A cot had been set up in the supply closet of the ship's infirmary, each taking turns squeezing in short bouts of rest hot-bunking while remaining close by to monitor their patients. Rem's critical condition took precedence with Haxx and Rha closely following. Despite incredible mental fortitude on her behalf, Posa's will fractured under the strain and the pain became unbearable.
Finally, through some miracle, Rem's condition finally stabilized and proper surgery could begin. Her wounds were thoroughly flushed, disinfected, mended, redressed, and placed in an induced coma while under the medics' vigilance, she would pull through. Rha's double leg amputation via grenade didn't leave much left that could be done medically. Wound care and pain management mostly. Haxx, obstinately, had to be held down and sedated against his will before he could even be seen to. His burning fury over Volx's death, a majority of which directed towards Corr, overrode what should have been pure agony with his multiple broken ribs and internal bleeding. Keeping him heavily sedated would at the very least force him to remain still long enough for his set ribs to mend…as well as buy them time to address the obvious.
Despite leaving Vort for the third and final time, little fanfare was had. Morale was at an all-time low and the mood reflected that. A dark cloud of mourning lingered, threatening to strangle the life that remained from them. Volx was dead, their first fatality suffered after so many harrowing close-calls. Rha was half the soldier he used to be, mobility severely impaired lacking legs. Rem something even less, a blind, double-amputee and potential triple with a laundry list of other serious wounds. They were left with nothing but time and brooding reflections while licking their wounds and recovering in isolation. General Vaukt ensured they would not be called upon anytime soon. Not until they were back to full strength…well, as full as they could be with what was lost.
The team, barely recognizable as the close-knit unit that arrived on Vort all those weeks ago, stood at a precipice. Misgivings and disgruntled comments a plenty, sour moods and flaring tempers followed. Emotions overrode better judgment and blame would be cast. All additional weight added to a cracking foundation threatening to give way. The Commander, without his cadre of officers having lost one to combat, the other spiraling into a vicious cycle of self-blame and depression, and the remainder unwilling or able to commit, put him in a precarious position. At this point, he needed warm, living bodies to run the ship and handle day-to-day tasks to get through this.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.
Out of options as the situation aboard deteriorated, Vult released their Vortian "prisoners". They needed them around the ship and he hoped to soothe the mind of those who wanted to defect in the aftermath of Volx's death. Vara and Dorum were more than helpful in taking up piloting the vessel for them with Rem out of commission. Jur, having a keen eye for technology and explosives, found himself developing a friendship with Aero and Vard, helping them with aspects of his own suit, as well as Kiara's retrieved by the snipers before they left Vort. A prototype compared to a production model was a unique experience for Vard, getting to see what did or didn't work.
All the while, Vult was bound to be down some capabilities. Volx was dead, Kazak still intent on going solo for the cause; that left him without Lieutenants. The unit could not function without Lieutenants. Seconds were vital and provided the critical link between the teams and their leaders. Until a lengthy conversation could be had with General Vaukt in seeking out appropriate recruits and replacements, internal promotions would suffice. Doing so would leave the unit lacking in other departments, but larger holes needed to be patched first.
Some semblance of routine slowly returned with the unlikely aid of their Vortian allies. Vard ensured the SiR unit would not attack them and overrode programming with his own input to recognize their biometrics as "Friend". If there was any doubt about the direction where the team was heading, the point of no return fast approached. Having their former prisoners walking about the ship, aiding in tasks, and accessing areas should they feel inclined could cause serious damage and trouble for its inhabitants. If that wasn't a sign of trust, he didn't know what would be.
The Commander, weary from essentially running the entire operation on his own for the past two days, sat in the conference room. His worn visage by the stress of command appeared all the more sullen, darkened by long hours and fatigue. After a great deal of "motivation" on his part, those physically able to provide after-action reports did so. He needed to finish compiling his own mission report and send it to the Tallest. Their success was far from a secret, but protocol dictated as much. A record must be kept for future references.
"What are we going to do about him?" Hesa asked, drinking Vortian coffee she spiked with some liquor, needing the drink with all she and Vult have been dealing with lately. "How do we calm Haxx down to the point where he won't kill Corr?"
"Keeping him sedated is working well enough for the time being." Vult answered somewhat coldly without taking his eyes away from his work. "He needs to heal and frankly, I don't have the time or resources to deal with him right now. He can't hurt anyone if he isn't conscious."
Digits typing away at his terminal, he sent another message to Corr, requesting his presence. Understanding as he was about the situation, his patience was beginning to wear thin.
Hesa slid her drink to him, he really seemed like he could use it more than she could. "I really wish I could do more than I already am to try and help keep things together." She rubbed her face, weary, she's effectively been running 16-20 hour days with all the members down or otherwise out of it and it was running her ragged already.
"All I can ask for is what you are already doing. Anything else is unrealistic." The azure-eyed irken reasoned with a sigh, taking up the offered cup. "...I need the Captain more than anything right now. Losing Volx and Kazak's…issues, for lack of a better term, has left me without support staff. I am only one man and the universe doesn't stop for anyone."
The door opened, but it wasn't the Captain. Instead it was the man that Kazak had suggested to replace Tuu. The sniper stopped across the table. "Commander, Kazak told me that since you're currently down your commanders on Purple that I should do something for the moment. I'm no officer, but I did serve as a Platoon Sergeant. If you need someone to take charge at the moment, I'm more than willing if you approve of it."
Vult sighed, mildly annoyed at the intrusion and interruption, but kept his frustrations in check. They were all raw nerves and short tempers. Taking it out on his subordinates wasn't going to change what happened or fix anything.
"I appreciate the enthusiasm, Zurrak, and don't take this the wrong way, but you're new here." The Commander pointedly spoke, working on his report as he addressed the marksman.
"Right now, after what happened, it would not be the wisest choice to have you issuing orders to anyone. You are capable and I believe you. Surely you understand."
"Of course, Commander. Simply an offer." The marksman replied, remaining cordial. "Anything else you may need at the moment?"
"Keep your eyes open and antenna up around the ship. Already have enough problems to deal with right now, don't need anymore cropping up. Notify me immediately if it is something worthy of addressing. Otherwise, however you see fit to aid and prop up this mess, do so."
"Will do, Commander." The sniper took his leave as Corr walked into the room, making his way past the man. Rather than being in uniform, Corr appeared in casual attire, a shell of his former self in his current state. Even appearing somewhat out of it. The man made his way over to a seat near Hesa and took it, quietly.
"...Should I leave?" Hesa looked to Vult.
The opening of the door garnered the Commander's attention. Corr, not in uniform, and distant at best, carrying the ancient bulky PAK with him, had finally made an appearance after being summoned. Zurrak moved to leave as the beguiled Captain found a seat, the PAK in his lap. Vult locked the door after Zurrak's departure.
"No. You're as much a part of this as he is." He began, turning his attention back to Corr. "How you feeling, Captain?"
There was silence for some time from Corr before he replied, "Had better days…but I'm not drunk right now, Commander." Corr reassured, more of a general sorrow over him at the moment instead of an inebriated sorrow. Calla and bottles of Vortian liquor having been his recent companions since he effectively folded in on himself. She's slowly been working him back from the precipice, being no stranger to loss, doing her best to help him despite being trapped in a box.
"How have you been, Calla?" Hesa asked of their additional guest that Corr brought in with him.
"Better. I've been better. Being trapped in this thing is more insufferable than ever after what Corr told me had happened. You have my condolences. I wish I was able to help and do more."
"You have your own challenges to overcome. It would be unfair of us to expect more from you." Vult reasoned with their window to the past. "...you've done enough keeping him company."
"Kind of you to say, but words of support only do so much." She sighed, forlorn. "...for the record, I have been trying to convince him to respond to your summons, Commander."
"To which I'm grateful. He's here now, thanks to you." He graciously acknowledged, looking to Corr. "...I'm not going to dance around the issue or waste time. We have vacancies to immediately fill. Our loss and Kazak's…whatever his problem is, leaves us up dookie creek without a paddle. Neither of us have our Lieutenants for Red or Purple Team. We have two options: Promote from within or recruit new replacements. The former will require the latter to replace their skillsets and fill out our roster again."
He paused, allowing his words to settle into the Captain's mind.
"I want your honest assessment on who we can promote and find replacements for. I need my second-in-command, Corr. Are you here?"
"I told you they needed you." Calla added, doing her best to not sound proud of herself.
Corr thought for some time, silence, the fans of Calla's PAK and Hesa taking a sip of her drink were the only noises in the room where otherwise someone could hear a pin drop. He shook his head. "I can offer my input but I don't know if I'm at that point yet, Commander."
"Can you evaluate someone?" Hesa asked him.
Corr looked at her, "What?"
"You're not entirely out of it, right? You're able to evaluate a potential replacement? Maybe some sort of positive outcome would help to bolster your mood and start bringing you back after what happened."
Allowing Hesa to remain in what should have been a confidential matter appeared to be a wise choice. The Commander nodded in agreement, gesturing to her.
"She's right. This is absolutely vital to our continuance as a unit, Corr. I cannot do this alone…all the same that you cannot lead Purple Team alone. I know this is difficult and do not confuse my pragmatism for being callous. There was one Lieutenant Volx in this universe, no one will ever replace her as an individual…but a vacancy for Purple-2 cannot be allowed."
"Commander, may I? I'm not exactly…part of this outfit…or a soldier, for that matter, but I'm informed enough."
"Even if I said "no", your history leads me to believe my authority wouldn't be respected." He attempted to make light of her interjection.
"...you're not wrong." Calla wistfully spoke. "...Corr. I don't know if you're…reading between the lines on what he's saying, but he is struggling to keep your team going by himself. He can't do it alone and is admitting that. He NEEDS you…and both of you NEED your Lieutenants to function as a unit. Chain of command and all that. Can't have everyone coming to you with every little complaint or nuance or what have you…that's what your seconds are for. A filter to mitigate distractions…you already know all of this and I don't want to sound patronizing, but sometimes we all need a reminder."
Some more silence passed before he sighed. "I can go evaluate a replacement, Commander." He replied, a first step at least.
Vult folded his hands before him on the desk, his gaze studious of the Captain.
"Tell me who you have in mind first and why. I trust your judgment, only curious."
"I don't know what you have in mind with Kazak. Aero is the obvious choice, but I'm sure you already knew that." He paused and rubbed his chin to think of Purple team's choice.
"She is my first choice of candidates, yes," Vult acknowledged with a nod. "Capable as she is in her role as a Combat Engineer…do you think she is capable of fulfilling a role of leadership?"
"She has it in her with how she manages the hangar. She's more than capable." Corr commented on Aero's upkeep of the hangar and the managing of their means of transportation. "Some guidance in how to apply that to subordinates, she'll work out. As for Volx…much as he currently wants my head atop a spear, Haxx."
Hesa's eyes went wide when she mentioned the support gunner. "You may want to explain that one. I didn't expect him."
"Remember when he carried Volx after she was knocked unconscious, Commander? I've also seen the report of how he tossed aside his PRC rather than put the others at risk to assist him with his slower running speed. When we first took him in he never would have done that. I don't know what Volx was doing with him but…he's made some positive changes that lead me to believe he's a potential second with serious mentorship from someone who knows how to be a second."
"That…is another issue entirely that I haven't quite figured out how to approach under the circumstances," Vult reluctantly admitted with a sigh. "I understand his anger. His grief…but directing it at you, me, or anyone else on this team only causes problems for cohesion. Difficult to have a dialogue with him being sedated at the moment anyway."
"...perhaps the promotion would mitigate some of that anger?" Calla added her own view, attempting to offer insight. "A change of focus and additional responsibility would make him focus less about himself and more about the others…in theory, of course."
"A wise assessment, but a risky one." Vult concluded in observation. "...but…if the Captain believes him to be a proper candidate, I'd say give him a chance. Not to be morbid…but with Rem and Rha's condition and Zurrak's lack of seniority…there aren't any other choices left."
Hesa, trying to see if she could get a laugh out of Corr, shot Vult a cheeky grin, almost suggesting herself. Corr, for his part, not managing to smile but lightly bonking her on the head. It was enough.
"Have you thought about just having some good, old-fashioned, wall-to-wall counseling?"
"In what sense, Calla?" Vult queried.
"Not sure how you Empire sorts operate, especially THIS team, but sometimes…you just have to settle your differences with your fists. Happened from time-to-time among resistance members. It's stressful, tempers flare, disagreements happen, and diplomacy gets thrown out the window for a few minutes. They get it out of their system, a few bumps and bruised egos, and we move on…I can personally attest to its effectiveness. Not everyone agreed with me and some of the dumber ones were quick to anger. You have to keep things together and everyone focused…even if it means beating it into them."
Corr actually managed to get out a slight laugh as he tried to mimic Haxx's voice. "Cap', you're a fuckup and I'm gonna kick your ass." He sighed after his horrible impression. "I think I deserve it. Find a replacement for me to evaluate, I'll take the pain in the ass with me," he stressed in reference to Kazak, "and then you can wake up Haxx and give him the news that he's in charge of Purple Team for the time being. Let Zurrak be his mentor. He may not have seniority but I'm sure he can guide Haxx down the path of leadership."
Vult gave consideration to the recommendations from both their "guest" and Corr. Each had valid points…and their shortcomings. Even so, the Commander resisted a small, bemused smirk at Corr's imitation of Haxx.
"...normally I wouldn't advocate such behavior out of my men outside of training purposes…but both of you do need to find closure. You are blaming yourself for existential variables that were out of your control while he misdirects his mourning onto you. If we don't address this, animosity will remain and friction will only build to the point one of you snaps on the other and someone ends up seriously hurt…or worse."
"Not that I want to see…well, wish ill-will to either of them, pursue diplomacy first. Save them settling it like men if that doesn't work. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas."
"Far as your suggestion goes, Corr…I temporarily relieve you of command, will you get your head straight and return to duty?" Vult genuinely queried his trusted Captain and confidant. "How does the idea of teaming up with Kazak for a little while sound? Keeps you active and in the field, but no strain of command or responsibility. Both of you could use the company."
"...It may do us both some good, Commander." He nodded.
"I see he's grown so tired of me he's running away to leave me here alone with all of you." Calla jested at his expense, attempting to lighten the mood.
"My dear, I will strap your PAK to mine if that is really what you desire." Corr shook his head and Hesa chuckled. It was strange to see Corr with such an attachment to a box but there was a genuinely lovely woman in there.
"If it will help you sort yourself out, I think the two of you could use some down time elsewhere. You and Kazak can keep each other honest and focused out there for however long you need. If he has any complaints, he can come to me and I will promptly ignore them." Vult smirked at the Captain. "...before you commit to any of that, take care of business first."
As Vult spoke, he typed up another quick missive at his terminal, sending it through the vessel's intranet to Aero, requesting her presence.
"Commander?"
"Yes, Calla?"
"I…don't want to overstep…overSPEAK any boundaries as I'm not part of this unit…but in my experiences with the resistance, when we had suffered grievous loss or one of our own was captured by Internal Affairs…we always turned to each other for support. My comrades were the only thing that kept me sane as Kalan and my sons were taken from me, one-by-one, over the years…try to celebrate the moments you shared with Volx when she was alive, the good and the bad. Remember her for what she was and what she stood for, not her fate and what became of her."
"I am optimistic General Vaukt will give us the time for that through any means necessary. One step at a time, however. Fill the holes in our ranks and proceed accordingly with some semblance of routine again…and Calla?"
"Yes, Commander?"
"Safe to assume you're as much a part of this team as the rest of them. Not sure what official title I'm going to give you though…"
"...Personnel Resources works. I would say therapist, but I'm not certified."
About that time, a curt knock from the door sounded.
"Uhh…Commander? Sir? Door's locked." Aero's muffled voice awkwardly informed.
Obliging with a press of the button at the terminal, the airlock cycled, permitting Aero access. Her bright, cheerful demeanor was absent. In its place was a droll, heavy weight to be carried with shoulders slumped and bent back. Poor posture left wanting. A common sight around the ship among its inhabitants.
"Reporting as requested, Sir." She tiredly spoke with the laziest of salutes.
"Have a seat," He gestured to the table, looking to Hesa. "Sergeant, take your leave and take Calla with you. The Captain and I need to speak to Aero confidentially."
Was that a promotion? Hesa smiled as she took the ancient PAK from Corr. "Do you want me to grab you a cup of coffee from the mess hall while you three talk?"
Corr raised a hand slightly, "I would very much like one."
"I'll take one as well." Vult interjected, watching as Aero slunk into a chosen seat.
He found it…disheartening to see someone normally so full of energy and optimism deflated like a wilted balloon of personality. Her demeanor reminded him heavily of Corr's own - autonomous, distant, and barely acknowledging the world around them. Only after Hesa departed with Calla tucked under her arm and the door closed behind her did Vult's blue eyes shift back to Aero.
"How are you feeling, Aero?"
"...is that sarcasm…Sir?"
"Not at all. I'm genuinely trying to gauge where everyone is at."
She sat there for several moments in deep thought before addressing her commanding officer.
"...I didn't think it was possible to feel this…hurt…and sick…and nothing be physically wrong with me, Sir. I know I'm fine, I wasn't wounded on Vort, well…minus the arm, but that was set and taken care of…but I feel…awful."
Vult nodded understandingly.
"Something you and the Captain have in common…and myself to a limited degree. I have much to address when the time is right, but you and the team need me. We need each other right now, more than ever."
"Yeah…we do." She sighed. "...so I'm not in trouble? Didn't call me up here to yell at me about something…Sir?"
The Commander shook his head with a small huff of amusement.
"No, Aero, I didn't call you up here to yell at you. Why do you assume I'm mad at you everytime I call for you?"
She shrugged.
"Dunno, everyone higher ranked than me tends to have nothing good to say when they request me."
"Not true," Vult countered knowingly as he glanced at Corr. "Today's the exception. After careful consideration and discussion at length with the Captain, circumstance has necessitated the need for personnel changes."
As he spoke, he opened a drawer next to his terminal, retrieving a small box from it before closing it. Placing the box on the table, he slid it across to Aero. Brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and curiosity, she accepted the container before lifting it to open the hinged lid.
A pair of Lieutenant insignia typically found on their uniform collars gleamed back at her.
"Uhhh…these are Lieutenant pins, Commander."
"I'm aware, Aero.."
"I'm a First Sergeant, Sir."
"Not today, you aren't. Not anymore."
Her confusion immediately vacated in favor of shock, eyes wide to match.
"...wait…you're promoting me?!"
"Is there a reason why we shouldn't? Corr asked out of curiosity.
"Captain, I'm a grease monkey! I'm not a leader! I can't do half the stuff you guys do." Aero spoke incredulously. A lack of confidence in her supposed latent capability, had they suffered one too many concussions from all the explosions?
"Aero, you have one of the most squared away hangars I've ever seen."
"I'm good at organizing junk and stacking crates! Junk doesn't need guidance or-"
"That hangar is perfect, Aero," Vult interrupted. "Every inspection, surprise or planned, you pass with flying colors. Your tools are organized, clean, and labeled. There is not a piece of equipment, fastener, or material out of place and unaccounted for. Our vessels and vehicles are always in perfect working order. When I recruited you, I was seeking the very best of their fields. You are the very best."
"Commander, that's all well and good and all," She attempted to not feel a tiny iota of pride at glowing praise from her commanding officers. "...but none of that stuff is people. I can manage stuff no problem. Stuff is stuff. Stuff doesn't talk back…or throw a fit…or have to go to the bathroom!"
"I distinctly remember you taking charge when Sula was wounded while dealing with Kazak's mental episode. You handled that with a level head and in doing so, saved her life. You have the mindset and the mettle for leadership, Aero."
"...what about my hangar?" She almost pouted. "I won't have time for that anymore, will I?"
"I'm able to spend so much time talking to Calla and I'm a Captain, Aero," Corr answered. "You'll still have time for your hangar even with the elevation. We'll even get you another one for you to work with in there…that's not Chief Orpos. As far as we're concerned, that can still be your realm of supreme control."
Vult nodded in agreement, gesturing to the Captain.
"Exactly. With this promotion comes authority. With authority, responsibility. You physically do less, but instead delegate tasks through subordinates. Your rise to Lieutenant, which I critically need for Red Team, will require a replacement to be recruited in your stead as Combat Engineer. You will assist with that selection process being the resident expert."
Aero blinked. This was…surreal. A promotion. A change of duties and station. Responsibility. Command. They believed her…her, of all people, to be the most qualified? They weren't idiots, far from it. Easily the smartest people she knew…and they were choosing her as Kazak's successor?
"I'm…not sure what to say, Commander…thank…you?" She sheepishly showed her gratitude with a meek smile. "I know this is an honor and all…but it feels weird. Like a new pair of pants that doesn't fit right…I like my old pants."
"Your new pants will become just as comfortable as the old pants the more you wear them." Vult continued with her very Aero-like analogy, earning a snicker from the pink-eye woman.
"Well…if you have that much faith in me, Commander, I'm your girl…Lieutenant Aero…makes me sound fancy…and important! Ooo, can I get one of those cool pointy hats with the weird brim on them?"
A little bit of that energetic life returned to the tall, willowy female.
Corr nodded, "If I run near a supply depot at some point, I'll be sure to grab you one in your size. You are an officer now and can have an officer's hat."
"Yesssss, awesome!" She grinned, quickly clearing her throat as she regained her composure before her superiors. "So…this Lieutenant stuff…is it hard?"
"It can be," Vult earnestly spoke. "It is challenging and demanding, but I have confidence in your capability. You are not going to be expected to perform your new duties from day one without guidance or instruction. I will assist you and Sergeant Zurrak has field leadership experience as well. He can assist you in an advisory role."
"...so if I'm your second-in-command…would that make him my second-in-command?"
"Technically, Sula is your second being a Sublieutenant, but for the sake of brevity, yes. Zurrak is your second-in-command." Vult explained, clasping his hands before him. "We'll make it official in the near future with the rest of the team, but you can get started settling into your new role now. Any questions?"
"Make it official? Like a party? Ooo! Can we have a party? Please can we have a party? Please, please, please?" Aero excitedly spoke, eagerly settling into her new role after some words of encouragement. She practically vibrated in place with anticipation. "Pleeeease, Sir? We never get to do anything fun!"
Corr looked at Vult, "The teams really could use a morale boost these days. They can even invite our Vortian friends too. I passed Commander Qoris on my way here…I knew she wouldn't be out unless it was with your authority." His head nudged towards Aero, "Let her have her promotion party. There may even be some…cake mix or something from the food supplies we've taken from that restaurant."
Vult eyed the newly-promoted Lieutenant. She sat on the edge of her seat, waiting with bated breath for his decision. The seconds ticking by were agonizingly slow in her mind. All he had to do was say "yes"! A simple three-letter word was all that stood between them and fun!
"...I suppose we could arrange a celebration after the ceremony. There are several…changes taking place very soon and it would be beneficial to handle the affairs all at once." Vult obliged, holding up a stipulating finger. "However…I feel it most appropriate to wait until Rem, Haxx, and Rha have made their recoveries. We don't want anyone left out of the festivities, now do we?"
"Of course not, Sir! Everyone's invited! Even the Vortians! We'll have cake…and punch! And pie! An-"
Vult held his hands up with a pursed smile of patience, nodding.
"Yes. We will plan to have all sorts of things. Until then, work first, play later. In the meantime, find Zurrak and ask him to start giving you pointers on leadership."
Aero, barely able to contain her excitement, had already stood from her chair. She snapped a crisp salute, back straightening, and those pink eyes full of life again.
"Yes, Sir!"
As quickly as her professionalism shone through, it evaporated back to her old self. She rushed to Vult's side, easily picking him up in a bone-crushing hug, making their size difference all the more apparent.
"Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou!"
"Aero-" Vult grit his teeth in discomfort. How was she so strong?
"Oh, right…" She sheepishly smiled, setting him back down with a straightening of his bunched-up uniform and patting of his shoulders before gesturing to the door. "Sorry. I'll…take my leave now, Sir."
"Don't forget your bars," He gestured to the box on the table, straightening out his own collar.
"Right, my bars….rank…yeah…" The Lieutenant awkwardly grinned, taking up the box before slipping out of the conference room. She had to tell Vard!
Vult waited until she left the room and the door closed before he turned to Corr.
"It's fortunate she has the personality she does. Anything else and she would be a nightmare to deal with at her size."
"I wonder if Calla is looking forward to receiving a giant hug from Aero as soon as she receives her body." Speak of her, and she appears, Hesa returns with Calla bearing cups of coffee.
"I realized I left mine in here like an idiot," Hesa said as she handed both men their respective cups of brew. "I also had a thought on the way in."
"What is it?" Corr asked, "For a Corp-Sergeant now, apparently, you have a good head on your shoulders.
"However the first ten were selected, maybe try that again? There may be another like Aero out there for all I know. I like her."
Appreciative of the caffeinated brew, he sampled its steaming contents before addressing Hesa's suggestion.
"The thought has crossed my mind but we have an additional challenge to that now." He began in explanation, multi-tasking as he refocused on finishing up his report. "Being unhooked from the Control Brains and defective, anyone new brought in is going to take notice. Unsure if Posa told any of you, but I nearly shot her in the face when she first arrived. General Vaukt recklessly inconvencined me into making a bold, impromptu decision. She was hesitant after being told what was actually going on and where we intended to go. I cannot and absolutely will not risk that every single time we recruit someone new. We were fortunate that General Vaukt and Zutel talked sense into her. We may not be so lucky in the future. I refuse to take any unnecessary risks that will endanger the rest of you."
"I wish we had more men like you around on Devos back then, Commander. We might have actually won the damn rebellion and made all of this moot." Calla commented with a huff.
Corr managed a smile, taking the PAK back from Hesa after taking a sip of his drink. "Not to mention I would be able to look you in the eyes for a change." He looked to Vult, "You did mention you found Aero pending evaluation and deactivation when you recruited her, yes?"
Vult's brow furrowed at Corr's inquiry. The gears turned briefly in his mind before it all fell into place at what he was inferring.
"...we limit our search to those slated for deactivation. The ultimatum is to join us or die by the Empire's hands. They have nothing left to lose and everything to gain."
"Not to burst your bubble, you two, but this evaluation and deactivation thing…they're basically the undesirables or rejects as far as the Empire is concerned, right? The sorts that are unruly, undisciplined, and make for terrible soldiers or don't fit that supposed mold of perfection?"
"I have plenty of experience with unruliness having had Haxx on this team." Vult deadpanned. "...but you do have a valid point. Aero was an exception as her passion for what she did overrode better judgment…but nothing says we can't pick our lot from the litter. Tell General Vaukt what our team needs skillswise and have him notify us if a suitable-"
"Potential." Calla corrected. "I've done this song and dance before, Commander. The resistance took in convicts and degenerates. Worst society had to offer just to have warm bodies to throw at Krad and his men. It didn't always work out in our favor."
"...Potential candidates that we can interview." Vult conceded the point. "You're very intelligent for a talking box."
"I'm going to assume you're trying to be funny. Stick to your programming, it better suits you."
"...suppose I deserve that." Vult smirked.
"Can't be too hard…" Corr nodded, "I'll send him a message and begin a search."
Hesa also lightly jabbed Vult with an elbow, "She's brave enough to say it knowing you can pick up her PAK and hurl her across the room. I love her spirit."
"Just wait until I get a body again. There's a reason why I was the #1 Most Wanted on Devos. They REALLY loved me." Calla spoke with pride at how much of a thorn she was in their side when she walked among the living.
Vult furrowed his brow in confusion, looking to Corr.
"Get her a body again?"
Silence. Realization. Regret.
"...was I not supposed to talk about that, Corr?"
"Well…" Corr sighed, "I may have some reasoning as to why the pain in the ass may be a bit more distant than usual. Aside from asking him to find Calla's possessions at Fort Villan, I've asked him to formulate a plan to steal a copy of the entire Irken genome. We were going to provide that to Doctor Zharic for him to work his magic in cloning Calla a new body, as well as to unlock natural reproduction and survival without a PAK for our species again. He can possibly also make Rem a new set of eyes while he's at it."
Hesa blinked, "How are you going to know exactly how she looked so she can have a perfect match to her old self?"
"I haven't gotten that far yet. But I imagine the data is encoded somewhere in her PAK." That would give him a great number of markers to go off of. She didn't need the PAK to survive, they just digitized her. She's the key to overthrowing this whole system…and someone I have to admit I'm fond of without even laying eyes on her."
"Corr…" She feigned annoyance at his open admission of interest to her. "I told him this is silly being infatuated with a talking box."
"I don't think it is," Vult countered, looking to the Captain. "Clearly your charm, charisma, and personality have had quite the effect on him…all without requiring the use of feminine wiles."
Calla authentically laughed. A rare event given her predicament.
"I…suppose that is one way of looking at it. I did manipulate my way within a stone's throw of the most evil Irken to ever draw breath…maybe I still have the magic."
Vult chuckled, shaking his head. "...Corr…you might want to be careful what you wish for. She's pretty harmless right now as she is."
"If you ever see her walking around with my uniform on, make sure you come check and see if she hasn't tied me up somewhere."
Hesa burst out laughing at his reply.
"What's so funny?"
"Thought of your girlfriend there wearing your clothes with you tied up in a closet."
"Oh, I'm his girlfriend now, am I?"
"Walks like a SiR unit, talks like a SiR unit," Hesa quipped.
"...that's the little robot things, right?"
"Yes, Calla, those are the little robot things," Corr answered.
The vox emitted a derisive huff.
"Well, excuuuse me. I've never laid eyes on one and all of you may as well be living in a science fiction novel from my time. You forget I'm the ancient primitive that banged rocks together."
"Ah yes, Emperor Corr here to defy Irk to free Irk from the Irken," Corr actually tried making a joke for once. "Just like in that one novel."
Hesa just snickered. "Okay, Captain, slow down a second before your ego gets any bigger than Haxx's."
Corr shook his head at his attempt at humor.
"Well, Emperor, how 'bout you take your leave with me so you stop putting your feet in your mouth…and for the record…I like this Corr. Cheer up."
"We all do," Vult looked to the man, nodding. "Might want to listen to your alarm clock before she gets upset…and find Kazak. Let him know about the changes."
"Oooooh, you…" Calla facetiously laughed, incensed. "...when I get outta this thing, first thing I'm doing is punching you."
"Thanks for the warning."
"Yeah, going to have to go through me first, lady." Hesa added in.
Corr looked between the two of them and shook his head. "She is not an alarm clock and if I ever called her that she would banish me to the outer reaches for the better part of a year."
"Corr?"
"Yes?"
"Stop talking and take your leave."
Corr blinked before grabbing his cup of coffee and leaving with Calla. After the door closed Hesa snickered once again. "Not even a body yet and she practically has him wrapped around her thumb."
Vult shook his head, amused by the whole ordeal. "I think he was embarrassing her…but odd as it is, she seems to be a good fit for him. Certainly bolstered his spirits."
"I've genuinely never seen him try to be humorous outside of just now." Hesa noted as she sipped her drink, "Like she's helped him pull that pole out of his ass and actually helped him relax. Even if the Captain is apparently something of a dork who embarrasses her." A pause, "To be honest I kinda like this side of him. Makes him seem more like us and less like some aloof brick wall."