SEVENTEEN

Despite my desire to continue my vacation, Felicia, Amberley, Jurgen, and I were recalled to reinforce the Team. Apparently, there had been an attack on Mount Justice and the League isn't taking any chances. I was honestly taken aback by that little tidbit of information. Then I realized it was an attack on the inside by the Abominable Intelligence, and it all made sense. They should have been more wary of the use of AI. I could only hope they learnt from this experience and will destroy it as soon as possible*319. On another note, we were just about ready to go, then Batman and Black Canary arrived at our bunker. I snapped a salute, mainly to see what micro-expression I could get from Batman*320.

'Sir. Ma'am.' I said, surprised by their appearance. 'I apologize for our lack of preparation, we will redouble our efforts.'

'Relax Commissar.' Black Canary seemed to be stifling a chuckle. 'We apologize for the short-nature of this deployment, especially during your recuperation period, but we have a mission.' She then rubbed the back of her neck. 'In the jungle.' Oh frak, not again! Why?!

'Ah, I see.' I said, managing to hide my grimace. I then took stock of my own apparel, and it was entirely inappropriate for the matter at hand. I mean, I highly doubt cotton trousers and battle dress would do me any good. 'I do beg your pardon, I must change into something more appropriate.'

'You have five minutes.' Batman said curtly, and I ran for my chambers. I have no doubt he will chase after me if I don't do as he says. To make matters worse, if I don't inform Amberley and the others of the sudden change, they'll be weighed down in their own sweat and who do you think will have to carry them if that happens?

I knocked on the women's locker room. 'Yes?' What's Felicia doing inside? Nevermind that.

'It's Ciaphas.' I replied. 'We got a mission from the Justice League Leadership. Prepare for Jungle Warfare.'

'Again?' Ah, it's Amberley now. 'Very well, we'll be out momentarily.' I went to the men's locker room, and marched on in.

'Jurgen.' I said, taking my clothes off. 'Prepare for jungle warfare.'

'Very well sir.' he gruffly said, in his usual unimaginative manner. 'Didn't we do that last week?'

'Apparently it's become something of a theme for the week.' I remarked, partially joking.

'Theme, sir?' He wondered, which I shrugged. 'With due respect sir, Ancient Terrans are really weird.'

'You won't hear me arguing.' I said, frowning at what I had to wear. The only thing I could find that would be remotely appropriate were my swim trunks; olive drab trousers made of some lightweight, synthetic material; black jungle boots; and my, still ruined, greatcoat (which is now more a sleeveless long coat now); and my, now fixed, commissarial peaked cap. With little choice, I wore it. 'Well Jurgen, how do I look?'

'You look the same as always sir.' He reported, which did raise my self-esteem a tad. Jurgen was rather disappointed, forced to wear a "jungle" uniform with some kind of slouch hat. Unique as it is, I know my Ice Worlders enough to know he wanted to go to some frozen tundra. Nonetheless, I stepped out of the locker room to return to the teleportarium. Amberley and Felicia were already there; the former wearing her usual clothes, the latter wearing an exoskeletal suit with two power loading claws.

'I do apologize for my tardiness.' I called, getting their attention. 'But I couldn't exactly find everything I wanted.' Oh dear, Amberley was flushed with embarrassment*321, tugging her hood over her eyes. I'd never hear the end of it now, and I'll have to placate her. Felicia was much the same way, flushed and jaw gaping. 'Shall we go? I hope it isn't too inappropriate.'

'It's fine for the jungles.' Batman declared, and I was thankful for him. He was trying to spare my dignity. 'Come, we wasted enough time as is.' Not like I didn't notice Black Canary rolling her eyes and giving me a sympathetic look.

It took some time, but we finally left the teleportarium. Due to some technical issues with the other end, we were cut off from Batman. Nonetheless, we reached our destination, and the first thing I witnessed was Super boy pinning Kaldur against the cave's wall. What the hell happened here? Still, the yelling and shouting was growing too much, so I did the only thing I could do to calm everyone down. I unholstered by sidearm, and shot into the air. Predictably, all eyes were on me as I holstered my pistol.

'Now that I have your attention.' I said, stepping forward. 'I believe we have other business to attend to? So hop to it then.' Not one of the Team moved a muscle. 'That wasn't a suggestion.' I snapped, stomping my foot at attention. ' Front and centre, now!'

That got their attention and the Team moved in front of me. I turned, about-face, and saluted. 'Batman.' I reported. 'The Team is ready for the mission briefing.' He saluted back, and began his briefing. I stood beside Kaldur, noticing he looked rather down. This was not good for me. If he's emotionally compromised, he'll make a decision that would get me killed! I'll have to rectify this.

'Batman, please, tell me you're not sending us on this joke of a wild ape chase.' Robin whined. Admittedly, it made me frown. Usually, he's so obedient. Then again, Robin's a terrible batman for Batman. I should have expected better.

'I never joke about the mission.' Batman growled. I daresay he looked absolutely livid. 'I've checked the sources, I've studied the patterns. Mayor Hill is only the latest in a series of incidents.' He pointed at Kaldur. 'Aqualad, you and your team will depart for India and check this out.'

'Heh, his team.' Okay, am I missing something here?I thought the mutant and git were friends? 'We're better off with Cain as leader, rather than you.' Oh no, I am not having that! They'll expect me to lead from the front like a lunatic! 'Speaking of which, nice costume dude!'

'I didn't find anything else more appropriate for the jungles.' I admitted, playing off an embarrassed look. Unfortunately, it only drew the attention of Artemis, the orangskin, and the greenskin. With how exposed I was, I can't say I could blame them, but it isn't something I needed. 'Nonetheless, we do have a mission to get to.' And they left on their own, leaving only myself and Kaldur behind. 'May I ask what happened?' He sighed.

'I had withheld information about a mole within our ranks.' He admitted, shaking his head. 'Though, a part of me regrets withholding such information from the team.'

'I am sure you have your reasons.' I stated, trying to sound encouraging. 'After all, a spy within the ranks is not something to be trifled with, especially when you play your hand too early.'

'So you trust me still, even after I did not trust you with this information?' He asked, sounding remarkably surprised. I wonder why*322? Nonetheless, I must boost his confidence.

'Kaldur, what you did was understandable. You were limited in options, and with no idea who had been compromised, there were few you could trust.' I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'The worst betrayal being those who you called friends, for example.' I chuckled a bit, realizing the irony of the situation. 'As a commissar, we were trained to look out for those things in mind. It was our job to hunt down traitors, leaving the commander free to act. You had no one to assist you, at least no one you could rely on to keep matters discreet and with a level-head. I understand your actions completely.' I then lowered my hand from his shoulder and extended it. 'I trust you. Now, you must show the Team why their trust in you isn't misplaced.'

He stared at my hand for a long moment, before accepting it. 'Thank you.' Kaldur said, nodding his head. 'Thank you for your trust and friendship.' Ow, ow, ow. You're squeezing a tad too hard. 'I won't let you down.' Good, he's back to normal, and my safety is secured. 'By the way…'

'Yes?' I asked, wondering why he trailed off. Following the look in his eye, I now know why. Felicia was marching back towards us, and I guess this would be his first time seeing her exo-skeleton. 'Felicia. What is it?'

'The Team is waiting for you guys to come.' She said, stepping to the side where Jurgen was. 'Isn't that right Jurgen?'

'Yes ma'am.' My faithful aide said, dutiful as ever. 'Some tea, Commissar?'

'Please.' I said, accepting the saucer gratefully. I turned to Kaldur. 'Oh, forgive me. Would you like a cup too?'

'I think I will have one too.' He said, and with a nod from me, Jurgen gave him a saucer too. Kaldur took a sip, and his eyes widened. 'It's so bitter.'

'Yes, it is a rather acquired taste.' I admitted, most non-valhallans wouldn't really enjoy the taste.

'I think I might get used to it.' How oddly refreshing. I think my approximation of the abhuman has increased a tad*323.

The flight to India was tense, for lack of a better word. The Team was falling apart at the seams. I don't know whether it was because Kaldur decided to give them some time to vent or he wasn't sure how to approach the situation, but I know my survival won't last long at this rate. To make matters worse, the manchild was with us. I thumbed my palm, the anxiety was killing me, and soon I will die as well. Until a large hand touched my shoulder, nearly making me jump.

'Hey, hey. Relax man.' Captain Marvel said, hands up placatingly. 'Relax. Everything will turn out well.'

'I wish I had your confidence.' That was groxshit. 'But I can see how bad a state the Team is.' That was the truth.

'You worry too much Commissar.' He said, smiling. 'Besides, I want to talk about Techpriestess.'

'Felicia? What about?' Where was he going with this?

'Dude, she built a robot suit out of junk.' Yes, she tends to do that ever since the First Siege. Wait until she has access to proper equipment. 'That is so cool! Do you think I can invite her home? I have a few ideas I kinda need some help with.' Oh God-Emperor. Oh no. Please, don't let this be true. 'Like, I have a few drawings that I–' I tuned him out at this moment, more focused on not trying to scream out loud than anything.

'Can I see some of your drawings?' Felicia, no! Bad Techpriestess! Bad girl*324! 'Let's see if we can't turn dreams into reality?'

'Score!' Captain Marvel cheers, and I did my best to not palm my face. I wasn't all that successful. Now, those two are chatting away about some nonsense drawings.

'Hey. Cai.'

'Yes, I'm Ciaphas.' I said, my attention on Artemis.

'Very funny.' She rolled her eyes. 'Tell me what you think of this. Kaldur here hid info on us. Info that nearly got us all killed because of the Red Tornado being the mole!' Oh, so that's where the vitriol was coming from.

'Perhaps it's best to ask the source directly.' I suggested. Before she could retort, I held up a hand. 'From an outsider's point-of-view, Kaldur and found himself in an impossible situation-'

'Impossible?' Robin protested. 'We've been friends for a long time! How is that impossible?!'

'He isn't doubting your trust when he hid this from you.' I said, now groxshitting it. 'What I know about Kaldur, despite him being an Abhuman, is his profound sense of honour and leadership. Unfortunately, those in leadership positions are forced to make a hard choice.' I turned to Kaldur, looking in the eye. This was mainly for the pure theatrics of it. 'However you came by this information, you didn't find yourself able to fully accept it. You hesitated, but knew that you could not risk a traitor in your midst.' I turned my back to him, facing the rest of the Team. 'When the traitor's hand strikes, it strikes with the strength of a legion.' Ironically, Warmaster Horus Lupercal's heresy struck with a force of many legions.

'Ciaphas.' Kaldur stood up from his seat. 'I had known you to be astute, but that was incredible. Yes, you are correct. The source of the tip was Sportsmaster.'

'You can't trust him!' Artemis blurted, for which I agree with her. Her father is a lunatic.

"I didn't.' He pressed on. 'But, it seemed possible he was attempting to divide the team, spread false information…' Ah, I forgot about those points*325.

'But you had to consider the possibility that it was true.' Amberley piped up, for once*326. 'Thus, you kept that information hidden until you can ascertain its veracity.'

'Hate to say it, but it makes sense.' Robin said, arms crossed. 'I'm sorry Kaldur. It's just that, we made the Team so we wouldn't be lied to by the Justice League.'

'Yeah, and when we found out you hid this from us, it hurt y'know.' Kid Flash added, looking at him. 'I mean, it felt like a betrayal of trust y'know.' He rubbed his arm. 'But I'm sorry too, for jumping to conclusions.'

'I understand.' Kaldur said, magnanimously. 'Emotions were running high, and I had betrayed the tenants of our friendship, and the reason we made this Team. I am willing to step down, if need be.' Oh, frak no. I need you front and centre…right before me.

'All in favour of Aqualad as our leader?' Robin asked, getting a unanimous agreement.

'Guess it's unanimous.' Kid Flash said, turning to me. 'Y'know, you aren't so bad.'

'I'm only performing my duty as Commissar.' I said, waving off the compliment. 'Besides, my Masters at the Schola had taught us to keep an open mind of all points of view.' Except those relating to the Ruinous Powers. Those are to be shoot-on-sight, and I don't blame them. The Ruinous Powers really produce such loonies.

The mission was going remarkably smoothly, much better than the first time we went. I must admit I was wrong. The Team certainly did improve greatly and I daresay have more confidence in their abilities. As for how we fit in–let alone how Captain Marvel fits in–well, I believed the Justice League was overcompensating a tad. Then again, with all these oversized beasts running around, I am glad that I have so many human shields in front of me…and Felicia, who used her power loader claws to pin down those animals so we could take off their collars.

'Y'know, her little robot suit makes things so much easier.' Captain Marvel commented. 'I want one too.'

'I think we may have to make yours a tad taller.' I joked, firing my sidearm and pelting some jokaero in the head. In a rage, they ran at me, but like before Felicia pinned them, and Captain Marvel dealt with them. 'As well as giving you some training on how to operate one. It won't be maneuverable as you are.'

'C'mon, it's every kid's dream to have a robot suit.' He chuckled, patting those Jokaero in the head.. 'What did you want to be when you were a kid?' A loaded question, that. It was also a long time ago. A very long time ago. 'Uh, Commissar? You okay?'

'Yes, I am.' I said, waving him off. 'I suppose I had forgotten.'

'You forgot?' He seemed to be so shocked by this. Admittedly, I have somewhat forgotten what I was going to do. Something about living it up in the underhive.

'Yes, I suppose so.' I remarked, pushing my way through the foliage. 'It has been a long, long time since I have been part of the Commissariat.'

'Have you ever gotten tired of it?' Where was he going with this? 'Have you thought about retiring?'

'I had retired.' I said, waving Jurgen forward. 'I became a Master at the Schola.'

'The same one that made people like you?' He stated, which was a fact. 'A bit ironic, isn't it?'

'The future generation has to be taught somehow.' I shrugged, taking Amberley's hand to help her. 'And I want to see my pupils to, at least, not get shot by their own troops.'

'Wait, that happens?' He asked, helping Felicia who was beaming at him.

'Yes.' I said, morosely. 'Sometimes, a Commissar gets it into their head that they could shoot just about any trooper. They honestly believe they could get away with murder without consequence.'

'That's terrible.' And I agree. Idiots shooting idiots-on-our-side. 'It's truly an awful thing, but I think I did right by my pupils.'

'You're really a good man.' He said, patting my shoulder. 'Maybe after all this, you can go back to teaching?'

'I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.' I sighed, remembering Perlia. 'I do miss home.'

'Oh yeah, I forgot. You've been here for more than a year.' He slapped his forehead, almost child-like in a way. 'That must have been really hard. I mean, sure, I can go everywhere I want as part of the League but…I always can go home too.' Yes, way to make me feel more homesick. 'What is your home like?'

'Well, the world I consider my home is a world called Perlia.' I said, thinking back. 'I live on the Western continent, where all the civilization is. The weather is quite tolerable.'

'What about food?' He asked, and I must admit there were a few treats.

'Well, there is-' Then Amberley raised her fist and we took a knee*327. I crawled over, taking a look. It looked like a bunker. 'I suppose we'll need to call it in.'

'Do so.' She ordered, checking her kit.

'Aqualad.' I pressed my voxbead. 'We found a bunker. We need the Team over to launch an assault.'

'Acknowledged. We'll be there as quickly as we can.' Bloody jungle, ruining travel time.

About time they arrived*328. I felt so exposed without them. Nonetheless, Aqualad was taking control now, and we were prepared for the assault. Thing is, we were relegated to a support role which was even better! This was exactly what I liked in a leader. If only others could be like him. All was going well, until a large, beastly thing wearing a beret showed up. It was armed with an assault cannon. It would tear through them like a hot knife! Fortunately, it looked behind him to check the ammunition. Good enough for me, and I levelled my sidearm and fired. Amberley had also joined me too, having already assembled her long gun and joined me. It took us several hits, but the tranquilizers had knocked that big brute down. Amberley showed the tranquilizer at me, and winked, before running off. I wonder whatever for?

'Nice shooting Cain.' Artemis remarked, loosing several of her arrows. 'You didn't tell me you were into marksmanship.'

'My education at the schola was all-encompassing.' I played off. 'Besides, there are others who are a much better marksman that I*329!' I raised my long gun again and fired, which caught a white-furred beastie in the thigh before it could attack the Mutant.

'Thanks Commissar!' He shouted, before zipping away.

'Oh, I'm sure there are better marksmen than you.' Artemis, please. 'And I gotta say, you look great.'

'I was aiming for its chest.' I protested, which made her snort. I opted to ignore her second statement, lest I give her any ideas. Oh Emperor, now some four-legged striped beastie was charging me. I tossed aside the rifle*330, and drew my sword. Good thing too, because I had knocked aside a swipe with the broadside of the blade and swung down to destroy the collar. All aggression from it was cast aside and it retreated.

'So handsome~' Oh Emperor no! Not the orangeskin! 'The way that you are the handle of your opponents, with only a sword. How you show off your strength of the muscles. It is absolutely the breathtaking!' And I see your grammar has hardly improved! 'Marry me!'

'I apologize but I'm certainly been spoken for.' By Amberley, not that we ever agreed to tie the ribbon.

'Who?' The orangeskin asked, hands alit with green energy as it struck each animal. 'I shall be challenging them for your side as top mate!' I shared a grimace with Artemis, who only seemed amused by my predicament! Help me, blast you!

'Charge!' I shouted, seeing no other way out of this. Jurgen was at my side as we charged through the door. To my surprise, that damn hairy beast was starting to wake up again! I was on it's chest when it shook, making me leap into the air, waving around my sword and sidearm*331. I admit, I was screaming in terror the entire time*332 as I was about to be impaled by the various apparatus of that domed trash can*333. I was only lucky that my sword's reach was longer than that can because I impaled right through its body, stopping just before it could impale me.

I hefted a sigh. That was it. My reputation for fearlessness down the drain in front of the Team. What could I say that could revive their opinion of me? To my surprise, Super boy patted me on the back. 'Way to go Commissar!' He cheered, smiling at me. 'You stopped him.'

'I beg your pardon?' I asked, bewildered. 'Stopped who?'

To my surprise, the thing I impaled was a criminal. Honestly, it was rather peculiar. That thing was once a human before it decided that the flesh was weak and began replacing all parts of the body (sans the brain) with mechanical bits. Obviously, Felicia was studying the inner workings of it, going as far as to reactivate the speech functions of it so she could "discuss shop" as it were. Amberley was busy playing around with her rifle's scope, expression rather bewildered. As for myself, Jurgen was serving me Tanna tea.

"Dude, that was so awesome!' And, of course, trying to ignore the Mutant. 'The way you jumped up like that. You sure you aren't an action star?'

'I assure you, I am not an actor.' I insisted, trying to convince these idiots had been trying, at best.

'But you have your own TV show.' Robin pointed out.

'And you have the face and body for one too!' The greenskin cheered, and I just had to groan.

'Please, there are far more talented people than I.' I stated*334. This is exhausting*335!

'That is the mission report.' Kaldur finished his after-action report, with me by his side. The best I could do was mediate the damage to my reputation by explaining by lapse of discipline. 'If it was not for Commissar Ciaphas Cain, the Brain would not have been captured.'

'Thank you, Aqualad. I expect a written report from you on my desk at 0800 hours.' He said, before addressing me. 'As for you, good job. You had captured The Brain before he had a chance to escape, as well as Malal. Good job.'

'About my lapse in my professionalism, sir.' I began to say, before I stopped. With Batman grumbling, Black Canary smirking, and…wait, where's Captain Marvel? Well, I'll be, he buggered off! Where was I? Oh yes, as well as Green Arrow stifling a laugh, I knew I should stop right there before I dig my own grave. I forced a cough. 'Very well sir. I'll report back to Winter Flats to recuperate some more.'

'Aqualad, you may leave.' Batman ordered. He spared me a smile, and then left me with Jurgen. 'There is one more thing I wish to ask of you. What is the state of the Team? What is their combat effectiveness?'

'They are ready to fight again under Kaldur's orders.' I stated, hands behind my back (mainly out of habit). 'They had improved greatly from the first reconnaissance mission. What they currently lack is knowledge in handling anything larger than a Section.' I thought for a moment. 'At any rate, their current numbers are sufficient for any mission in hand. I highly doubt this Team would require anything more than Section size. After all, you do not send a platoon of Stormtroopers to do covert operations.'*336

'Wait, you guys have Stormtroopers?' Green Arrow jumped in, breaking the seriousness of the meeting.

'Well, yes. The Tempestus Scions are the elite of the Imperial Army.' I said. 'Some were even my classmates during the Schola.'

'Can we get back on topic?' Batman interrupted, getting Green Arrow to shut up, but he did give me a thumbs up and a smile. 'However, your advice has been taken. However, I would need the paperwork on my desk at 0800 hours as well.' Even in M3, there is only paperwork. 'In any case, good job.'

'Thank you.' I said, tipping my hat up. 'I couldn't have done it without Jurgen, Amberley, or Felicia.'

'I'm sure.' Black Canary chuckled. 'Tell you four what, how would you like to come to Star City and I'll treat you.' Now, that sounds rather wonderful. I looked behind me and saw Felicia grinning like an idiot, and Amberley looking rather reserved…but her eyes were telling me to accept it. She must have been really hungry*337.

'I'm sure we would be rather grateful about eating something more substantial.' I cheered, and for once brightened up. I found the food of ancient terra to be rather wonderful.'

'Ollie, you're paying.' Black Canary teased, making Green Arrow chortle. Thus is the price you pay for having a beautiful woman at your side. I patted his back, and he chuckled. I hope he isn't going mad.

The food was wonderful. Lunch was wonderful. Now, it isn't a high-end restaurant, mainly because I doubt Jurgen would have been accepted, but it was very nice. To make it even better, we even got a porch-side seat near the sea. It was nice. Though, the only thing I can't compliment was the tea. It tasted rather off.

'Y'know, civilian life suits you Ciaphas.' Dinah Lance (Black Canary) remarked, and I couldn't help but agree. It certainly felt nice to kick back and relax.

'Yes, well, I'm sure my retirement would give me plenty of opportunities for more like this.' I joked back. 'Maybe a Paradise World close to Segmentum Solar.'

'I wouldn't recommend it.' Amberley joined in, and I was surprised. Really, not recommended? 'They overcharge everything.' Ah, well that certainly does it.

'Man, that certainly sucks.' Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) said, shaking his head. "I hate it when they do that.'

'You too?' I asked, a bit surprised a wealthy man would suffer from this too.

'Oh yeah. The minute they learn Oliver Queen is there, they'll try to make me go through all the tourist traps.' He shivered. 'Got trapped in one place for over five hours before I managed to bribe a truck driver to drive me home.'

'My sympathies.' I joked. 'When I became a Propaganda piece, let's just say it tends to give you a reputation.'

'I'm just sad to hear you became such an icon.' Dinah said. 'I mean, the amount of public scrutiny on you must be immense.' Oh, you have no idea.

'Commissar pays no mind to it.' To my surprise, Jurgen said that. 'He just gets on with it, like he always does.'

'Well said Jurgen.' I praised, getting a smile from him. 'Though, it does get a tad embarrassing at times.'

'Oh, about Stormtroopers.' Oliver brought up, and I had to raise an eyebrow. Amberley too. As well as Black Canary. 'What? I'm surprised he has them.'

'Why wouldn't we have them?' I wondered. 'Granted,some Imperial guard regiments have their own equivalents to the Tempestus Scions, but that's hardly the point.'

'You also mentioned you knew some as classmates?' He pressed.

'Well, the Schola takes from all of us orphans, so of course some may go that route.' I commented offhanded, taking in the tea and found it wanting*338. 'I just happened to be a part of the Commissariat.' I gave a small, embarrassed look. 'Admittedly, I wasn't all that good in academics, more time spent on the scrumball pitch than in books.'

'Oh?' Oliver grinned. 'Reminds me of myself.' What? 'I remember how I spent time with oh-so-many ladies as well as the football field.' Oh dear. I better put a stop to that!

'Granted, my team happens to get crushed by the Sororitas.' I replied. 'Physically, I mean.' He then started laughing, and I knew I made an error in my attempts to dissuade any further comparison.

'You weren't going easy on them, were you?' Dinah asked.

'Oh, by the Golden Throne, no.' I replied. 'They didn't seem to grasp the concept that to win the game, they were supposed to reach the End Zone, not beat us down in some no-holds-bar match.' Unfortunately, that got Oliver to laugh harder. Felicia even joined in, giggling.

'Ciaphas, my man.' Oliver said, finally getting his laughter under control. 'That has got to be the funniest thing I ever heard.'

'You try being in my position.' I grumbled. 'I still remember how Novitiate Osnate had caught me when I just threw the ball and piledrove me into the ground.' She did make it up to me later*339. That just made Oliver laugh harder, patting my back. Now Amberley was covering her mouth, eyes closed, and laughing. Is my pain and suffering really that funny to you?! Are you entertained*340?!

'Yes, well, I think we should stop picking on Ciaphas.' Dinah chuckled, looking at Felicia. 'What about you? How do you know Ciaphas?' Oh no, not that! I quickly covered her mouth, grinning at Dinah.

'Ciaphas participated in the First Siege of Perlia.' Amberley, why?! 'He had liberated her and others from slavery and led them to victory as an ad hoc battalion against the greenskins.'

'I was only doing my duty.' I protested. 'Trying to find my way to take the refugees back to Imperial lines.'

'I'm sure.' Felicia said, breaking free from my grip and using her mechadendrites to hold me off.

'As well as saving numerous worlds.' Amberley remarked offhandedly, taking sips from her new cup. 'That's why your face is used in propaganda.' She grimaced. I suppose the tea wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.

'And holonet shows.' Felicia said, showing off a bit of that blasted show's intro.

We were finally heading home. Well, to be more accurate, to Oliver Queen's Mansion. Dinah and Oliver insisted, and I had no reason not to do it either. Besides, it would be nice to live in what ancient terra called luxury. It wasn't all bad, but it was limited. As expected, I would think. It is ancient terra, after all. It was just about dinner too, and I was dressed in one of Oliver's suits. It was fairly nice actually, and I joined Jurgen and Oliver. We were led to the dining hall by his butler, a Stanley Wilson I believe.

'Right this way sirs.' He said, seating us. 'I do apologize that the ladies have not arrived yet, however I am only one man…and indentured into servitude.'

'Do take your time.' I told him. 'We can be patient.'

'I wish I could say the same for Master Queen.' He deadpanned, earning an abashed look from Oliver.

'Okay, I might have walked myself into that one.' He said, rubbing the back of his head.

'I have no idea what you are talking about, Master Queen.' Stanley said, eyes rolling. I think I may like him. 'Do excuse me.'

I sighed, leaning back in my seat. 'How are you feeling Jurgen?' I asked, my aide tugging at the collar.

'I'll be okay, commissar.' He grunted.

'The more you tug on it, the more irritating it'll get.' I commented, only then feeling the need to thumb my palm. What's going on? I tried to stifle a cough, but was unsuccessful.

'You okay?' Oliver asked, and I waved him off.

'I'll be fine.' I said. 'Just anxious.'

'Yeah, I get that.' He said. 'I mean, I don't know what to–Holy Hell!' I turned to see…By the Emperor. I forgotten my coughing and saw Amberley walking down the stairs, dressed in a brilliant, sparkling blue dress*341. Her hair was done up into a bun, and…she was absolutely breathtaking.

'Did I keep you waiting long, Ciaphas?' She asked, then she started coughing. I handed her a handkerchief. 'Apologies, my throat is awfully parched.'

'I wouldn't worry too much about that.' I said, soothingly taking in her hand. 'No matter the condition, you still look absolutely lovely in my eyes.'

'Such a flatterer.' She whispered. I guided her to a seat in front of me, sitting her. 'Thank you, Ciaphas.' Looking back, I saw Jurgen sitting Felicia, and Oliver sitting Dinah. I took my seat and Stanley prepared the wine. It was a white wine I recall, and the taste was absolutely refreshing.

'I really appreciate the wine.' I commented.

'The taste is rather refreshing.' Amberley added. 'Do I taste vanilla?' What is vanilla?

'You have an impeccable palate, madam.' Stanley said, returning with a utility cart*342. Come to think of it, when have Amberley and I ever had time to enjoy fine dining? I don't think we ever had an opportunity. At least, an opportunity where we weren't interrupted. I always loathed it when that happened. I mean, I spent three months setting up that reservation only for those rebel frakkers to interrupt it with a shootout just to take a shot at me! Three bloody months! I didn't even get my money back from them, since the books were destroyed and the staff were all dead. I was furious for days, I was*343!

I started coughing again. So was Amberley. Blasted coughs. When did it get so warm too? Suddenly, Amberley collapsed. I stood up to reach her, but felt dizzy. What did I drink to get me like this? It can't have been the wine, it was too weak! I mean, I remember Amberley grimacing at the tea–then the coin dropped.

'The tea.' I murmured, before falling onto my back, blacking out.

—FOOTNOTES—

319. I will save you the trouble…they didn't.

320. It's subtle, but he was not amused.

321. Not in the way you think, Ciaphas.

322. Mainly because he was ostracized by even his closest friends, he had feared the worst from you too.

323. I now know that Atlanteans also have poor taste in refreshments.

324. Ciaphas, she isn't a pet.

325. I haven't.

326. Rude. I do not "pipe up".

327. Emperor damn it. So close.

328. It was only thirty minutes.

329. Ciaphas, I seen you land a hit on a target beyond a laspistol's effective range. You are a fine marksman.

330. No wonder my zero was off! Cain, handle those weapons with care!

331. As well as a damn fine warcry.

332. Or he could have put it like that.

333. Apparently, it is a super criminal called, "The Brain." Weird, I know.

334. Ciaphas, by your own words, isn't that hypocritical of you to say? Let alone the entire irony of the statement?

335. Yes, I agree. It is exhausting, editing your memoirs.

336. Not necessarily true, but it isn't often we need a platoon of Tempestus Scions for a mission.

337. I do not solely subsist on ration bars. I need food.

338. You found the tea wanting? I happened to enjoy it.

339. She made it up to you how?

340. The answer is yes.

341. I really liked that dress too.

342. Service cart.

343. More like about a night. I did make up for it.