The Shadow Strikers

by BiscuitReloaded

The epic tale of the Irken Empire's most secretive sect of special operations, an elite squad of 10 highly trained and extremely dangerous individuals whose service has undoubtedly kept the mighty Empire from collapsing...until they are pushed too far.

28. Seeds of Doubt

By about 2130, Vult had reports from the entire team on the mission, including Vard's report on Hesa's PAK and Sula's report on her medical condition. Vard also noted that the decoding process on Turb's files was ongoing, operating at a significantly high encryption that would take a week at best to crack, if not more, while the other intelligence would be available sooner. Such a process could be sped up, if Turb could provide his passwords, but the biometric data would take longer by brute force. Cooperation was the best bet.

While Vard toiled away at breaking through layer after layer of encryption containing Turb's files and findings pertaining to what was being performed on Hesa, Vult waited in the briefing room. The door whisked open with a pneumatic hiss, revealing their captured Vortian scientist, shackled in restraints. Haxx had escorted him from his holding cell on the lower levels of the vessel, bag over his head before forcibly sitting him down across from the Commander.

Vult said nothing, only motioning for Haxx to remove the black sack from his head.

"Good evening, Doctor." Vult placated. "How are you finding your accommodations?"

Turb'Zharic glared at Haxx for his rather rough handling on the way up, especially with the bag around his horns. Then he looked to Vult across the table. "I am in a cell with minimal comforts and was just manhandled by your man...but, my daughter is alive, as am I...I cannot complain entirely. What is it you want, Commander, was it?"

"Yes, she is. A gesture of gratitude I need not extend, but chose to." Vult reminded him cordially. "...and I will ask you to not insult our intelligence in feigning ignorance. You know why you're in our custody and why you still draw breath. The Spec Ops Corporal we found in your laboratory. What have you done to her and how did you accomplish it?"

"I've poked around her PAK. Quite the curious piece of technology you Irkens created. Was just as interesting to study her with the after effects of the changes. Until her, I was not aware that Irken women were capable of having breasts! This is quite the exciting discovery, Commander! Imagine what more I could do studying male Irken in such a way! Ah, but you will not permit me to use one of your men, I'd imagine. A pity."

He paused, dropping the act and looking across the table, "Let me guess, your men want to crack my files, but it is going to take far too long for your liking. So you ask me up here to see if I will give you my passwords and unlock my files with my biometric imprints, yes? You ask me not to insult your intelligence, Commander, do not insult mine. You people have betrayed mine, once your firm allies, stolen our technology, and are laying waste to my homeworld. Tell me, if the same thing were befalling Irk from my people, and you were in my position, would you be so keen on helping your enemy who are slaughtering your people?"

"I'm not here to debate semantics and politics with you, Doctor." Vult sounded coldly. "My people have already drawn to technical and biological hypothesis on how you managed to accomplish what you did to her. Your files will be decrypted and unlocked, it is only a matter of time. Something Irken have an abundance of...something yours do not should the reports be believed of how the conquest of your homeworld is faring."

Pausing, the blue-eyed Commander picked up the datapad containing all the information gleaned by Vard and Sula earlier in the day after returning to the vessel. He slid it across the table to the Vortian scientist.

"You seem to have an intimate understanding of PAK technology. What purpose did it serve to experiment on the Spec Ops Corporal? What was your end goal?"

"Some of this research was unintended, but was of interesting scientific value to ignore. My goal, Commander, at the end of the day, was to save my people. She was the means to that." He looked at the reports, mumbling the Irken words as he read them over. He saw the hypothesis from Vard and Hesa, but saw the former was more in line with what occurred. An alteration to the coding that prevented the rest of her from dying...but nothing about the connection to a new network. Silent Night was still safe, for the moment. If the Irken wanted his work, they'd have to work for it.

"I will openly comment on the medical end. That research was not entirely necessary for the war effort but produced interesting scientific ends. Yes, I did disable the hormone inhibitor on board the unit by altering the code to create a false positive that the unit was active, when in truth it had been disabled. Your Corporal has went through developments that I've made notes on. In fact, I would say she is indeed an Irken adult, if not nearly there. A shame your people have been deprived of fully aging."

The doctor then slid the datapad back, placing his elbows on the table and leaning forward, "As for how I did the rest...your man will have to work for that. Though, why do you ask me? Do you seek what she has, hm? Is there something in you that desires more for yourself and your men, Commander?" The Vortian smirked after a pause, "Commander, I firmly believe, in an educated guess, that I have somehow created an Irken who may not be severed from a PAK, but has free will to do whatever she pleases like my people. Perhaps even the only Irken who could be considered an adult, as it were." He chuckled, deeply, "If you can recognize that, and you see an opportunity…" He paused again, "I would very much like to study the changes in a male Irken's biology if I am afforded such a chance."

"We've gathered as much with her physical and psychological changes." Vult tiredly spoke as the man felt a sense of twisted pride in what he had accomplished. There was something else simmering beneath the facetious facade he was putting on.

"I only seek to understand this madness and what ends you were hoping to achieve. I somehow doubt you did this out of the kindness of your heart as you clearly have no love lost for my people. Assuming what you say and our findings are in fact true, you have given a single Irken the power of free will. My people number in the hundreds of billions, Doctor. Your research serves a greater need. I want to know what it is. Cooperate with me and your duration here will be expedited."

He leaned in closer, his voice lowering ever so slightly.

"As it stands now, there is not another soul in this entire universe that knows you are in my custody. I will hold you indefinitely until you tell me what I wish to know or you outlive your usefulness once your files are decrypted."

The Doctor looked right at him. "On Praxxus 7 a year ago. My son Gantas'Zharic was in the battle. He lost his left arm. He managed to get out alive feigning death, but what he saw...he saw your Elite gun down wounded soldiers begging for their lives. Ever since then, he vowed, I vowed, that I would never let that happen again." He sighed, shaking his head, "It seems now I will not be able to fulfill that."

He glared right at Vult, "You want my files, work for them. But I will leave you with a mental image, Commander. Consider your men, all of Spec-Ops, your entire invasion fleet. Then, imagine, at the push of a button," the Vortian snapped, "you all dropped dead." He did not say anything further, he assumed that was enough to get the message across on what Hesa's true purpose was at the end of the day...and why she ran off to throw a grenade into a room otherwise vacant of hostiles.

"He was fortunate. He escaped a fate that many others shared. Vortian and Irken alike." Vult responded. "I cannot speak for the Armada at large, but I led a company of Elite into battle that day. First wave off of the dropships. I landed with 100 men. I left with 17. Eighty-three men lost their lives over the course of a few sparse hours and a few hundred meters of ground...and it was all for nothing. There is not a day that goes by I do not remember what happened that day. Do not pretend you and your people are the only ones that suffer the decisions of others, Doctor."

"It was still a betrayal, Commander. We were allies. It still…" he paused starting to notice something as he continued speaking with his captor. "Did you sustain any substantial damage to your PAK on Praxxus or in any of your previous escapades, Commander? You are unlike most Irken I have spoken with...if anything, I would compare you more with my former test subject and possibly even my own people than one of your unquestioningly loyal kin I have had the displeasure of dealing with before." Things were getting curiouser and curiouser for the scientist as he seemed to discover more about Irken than what appeared on the surface.

Vult masked his mild surprise as best he could muster. A stonily-set expression did not betray his thoughts as his mind swirled. He had taken shrapnel in the PAK on Praxxus 7. Sula removed it, the first to join this clandestine unit. Had there been more damage done than initially believed? She performed a thorough physical then and there and gave him a clean bill of health. Surely everything was functioning as it properly should. He hadn't noticed any changes, physically or otherwise.

Instead, he settled for pressing current matters. The poking and prodding had elicited a response from the Vortian scientist that left him curious. The veiled implication of a threat. The snap of a finger and killing countless Irken.

"...you speak of a superweapon." Vult reasoned, sitting up straighter at the implication. "Manipulating PAK signals on a mass scale to trigger deactivation."

Haxx, standing guard in the room to ensure their captive didn't get any bright ideas, visibly paled at the notion. He said nothing, but his expression spoke where his mouth did not. Dread. Fear. The realization that someone was developing a means to remotely kill them all.

"Correct. That was the end goal with the Corporal. It's a shame. Hesa seems like a fine woman, and I imagine under a free society she would have a great deal going for her...but good people die all the time. Her death would not only have saved Vort, but kept your Empire away from us." Then there was silence, emerald eyes shutting as his head dipped, "There are those of my people who believe that you would never stop coming...that if this project succeeded, we would need to return what was shown to us in kind…" there was genuine dread in his voice as he spoke, "I do not ascribe to such ideas, but if I opened this box, the risk is there that they would go on to kill more than just those invading Vort."

His eyes opened, looking to Vult, "Consider my words, Commander. Consider that you are being used as nothing more than a disposable asset. That you could potentially have more. There was a time before the PAK, that much is apparent with what I saw in Hesa. I see you being held back. Think of what more you could have if alterations were made. If certain seals that were never meant to be opened by the masses of your underlings were suddenly broken...that you can see the galaxy not through the lens of the Armada, but through those like mine, like my daughter's, my people's. Think about it...in your current state you may be nothing more than a slave when you could be so much more."

Vult remained silent for a brief moment. Processing what had been said. Mulling it over in his mind, confounded by all the other thoughts he had in the passing weeks. Today's findings only served to cause more questions and duress rather than answers and comfort.

Finally, he settled for folding his steepled hands before him, returning the Vortian's gaze.

"I am more than aware of my expendability. It is that fear that drives us to fanatical loyalty. Lesser minds are easily manipulated and become zealous in their appeal to fulfilling what they are tasked with for the right to exist. That does not change the fact that I have a duty to fulfill and orders must be followed. Disobedience and dereliction is rewarded with deactivation."

"What if you didn't have to fear that?" The scientist thought he might be breaching something...poking at something primal within the Commander that yearned to shatter his shackles. "I could offer that to you. You are clearly different...and if I am not mistaken, there is more to you than appearances. I could give you what Hesa has, the freedom from your masters, adulthood...your life as you deserve it." His own expression kept flat, not to contain some hope he was holding out about Vult when curiosity first piqued about him back in the station. "These hands freed one Irken...even if you had my notes, are you sure you could replicate such a feat if you desired to?"

Surprisingly, it was Haxx to speak before Vult did, stepping forward.

"Don't listen to him, Sir! He's trying to get into your head."

"...maybe he is...maybe he has a point, Haxx." Vult cautioned, wary of his selection of words and thoughts. Dangerous thoughts. The types of thoughts that bordered along the lines of treason and gotten lessern individuals deactivated.

"He is the enemy, Sir! He is manipulating you! He wants to make you vulnerable and go through with whatever...madness he has planned!"

Vult closed his eyes, shaking his head. Fingertips came to rub his temples, attempting to clear his thoughts. Maybe Haxx was right. Maybe this was all some ruse to make them do as he wished. After several moments of confliction, he motioned across the table.

"Take him back to his cell, Sergeant. Now."

"With pleasure, Commander," Haxx approached from behind, drawing the bag.

"Consider the offer, Commander. I am not going anywhere," the words only earning him a punch from Haxx.

"Quiet!" He slipped the bag back over the scientist's head, forcibly standing him up and practically dragging the man out of the room. The door closed, leaving only the ambient sounds of the room within, and Vult alone with his thoughts.

Vult said nothing to Haxx's roughing up of Turb. He said nothing at all as they departed. The temptation offered...to be like Aero and Hesa...to reach full maturity. Full potential. To change and evolve into something greater than he was then and there. Most of all...true free will. The ability to do as he pleased, when he pleased, and how he pleased without the fear of deactivation. The ability to lead and command as he saw fit, not within the guidelines bestowed upon him by the Empire with the constant reprisal of death. It was almost intoxicating to fantasize about.

No, his unit needed him. His family needed him. The risk of losing them...of losing everything. It was far too great a cost he was willing to pay for such power. Their steadfast loyalty, courage, and commitment to the good of the mission made it worthwhile. Maybe if he worked hard enough and accomplished much, their efforts would be rewarded. Future Irken soldiers would not suffer or be punished as they had before. Maybe…

The next morning the team assembled for breakfast in the chow hall, plus their guest. Kazak left the chow hall to take food to the prisoners. The Corporal, in the meantime, sat alone, not wanting to impose on anyone. She eyed her food and drink box. Whatever that...dark beverage was that the Vortian doctor introduced her to was, that delivered a lot of energy, she could really use one of those.

A sudden noise drew her attention from her thoughts as Aero sat across from her. "Oh...hello," Hesa paused to give her a quick look over, "you must be the one they call Aero."

Towering in height, easily the tallest of the unit that called the ship home, carnation pink eyes, and a spring of cheerfulness bubbling over showed with her wide, excited grin. It was mildly unnerving.

"Ya-huh. That's me." She nodded, curled antenna bobbing as the smile remained. "So many new people lately. It's so exciting! First Kazak...then you! You're different from him though. You're like me…"

She picked up her fork, reaching across the small table and poked at Hesa's chest.

"...you got funny bumps. Weird, huh?"

Aero's height did seem to cause a slight twitch in her antennae after fully grasping how tall she was. The Corporal wasn't a short stack, but she wasn't tall like her either. "Well, in that way we are pretty alike with these chest pillows aren't we?" She paused briefly to think back to what Sula said the day before. "The doctor says these are called breasts...and that actually, this is normal. What's supposed to be normal. Our PAKs apparently are meant to prevent this from happening. You weren't captured and experimented on too, were you? How'd you get yours?" Only after the question did she realize she swerved into dangerous territory, "If you can tell me, that is."

"I can tell you anything you wanna know...just...well...classified and stuff," She shrugged. "I wasn't poked and prodded like a science project though. I got hit. Really hard. By a SIR. Well...it didn't do it...what I collided with did." She clarified, trying to remember the order of events. "Had this really, really big arm. Bigger than the other. Pow!"

Aero emphasised her story with a thrust of her own fist through the air before returning to her tray, starting to eat with a forkful of food shoveled into her mouth.

"...normal, abnormal, I dunno anymore. I'm just here. For now, I guess." A sigh. "...but that's okay. All my friends are here-"

She planted both palms on the table, leaning in real close to Hesa across the table. Her voice lowered to a whisper.

"...do you wanna be my friend?"

The Corporal leaned back slightly as Aero leaned in real close. The invasion of her personal space was rather abrupt. Damage to her PAK? Sounds like her situation was similar, but at the same time different in several ways. As to her question, she blinked. "I don't think I'd mind a friend, all of mine are dead. I tried making friends with Haxx yesterday but he seemed rather...stand-offish. I think it's because I'm new...and I'm not part of your group." She smiled a bit at Aero, inwardly hoping there wasn't more space invasion in store for her.

Aero frowned upon hearing Hesa's response, her antenna drooping. She retracted back to her seat normally across from the Corporal.

"Aww...that's sad. I'll be your friend! Friends are nice! Don't mind Haxx. He's just a grumpy lump on a stump. Everyone's been grumpy lately with all the war and stuff. I wish they could be more like me. I got that thing where your brainmeat gets banged against your skull that one time from the SIR thingy...and I had bones sticking outta me on Vort another time...and the Commander's dookie-headed friend kicked me on the ground…" She ticked off all these incidents of great pain and displeasure...but her mood didn't reflect that.

"It's not all that bad though...I was gonna be deactivated were it not for the Commander picking me up for this unit."

Hesa blinked, then she thought to her own situation, she was thinking of telling Aero that she couldn't be deactivated. Though in the moment, it seemed best to keep that under wraps. "My team got sent to that station you guys were just in rather early in the invasion. Guess they hoped to take it and catch them off guard. I didn't see much aside from, well, getting knocked out and getting poked and prodded."

She scratched the back of her neck, "I hope the others come around though. You guys seem all right. Plus...I can't exactly go back to where I came from."

"Why leave? You can stay here with us!" Aero beamed. "We got Kazak...he's like another Tuu...Tuu Two…" She snickered. "Tutu...that's funny...and you're like...a girl Haxx...and there was ten of us to start with, Kazak makes eleven...you'd make twelve. Have to have even numbers for squads...at least that's what they told us in training."

"Well, I know Vult won't send me back...that'd sign my death warrant if he did. I'm not part of your team, but I'm not your prisoner either. I'm not going anywhere, but I don't know what's going to become of me yet." She took a sip of her drink. That magic black energy drink was preferable right about now… "So...well..I guess we can hang out in my room and talk at most I suppose? I can't do much else."

She looked at the doors opened and Kazak came back into the room. An empty dish in his hand, she hadn't noticed it. Did he eat while walking on the way back? The sniper then walked outside and leaned back against the wall in the hall, a few moments of silence before Volx approached.

"You're a real pain, you know that?"

It may be outside the dining hall, but without Vult around, he wasn't going to hold back. "What is your problem with me? You're being stubborn. I'd almost say you want me gone."

"Whatever gave you that idea, you good for nothing?"

"I save Vult's life, I prove myself back there, he gives me a chance, the others did, even Haxx did. You remain firm in your distaste of me."

"You're eventually going to get these guys killed!"

"Oh, yeah, like I can't learn from past mistakes."

"That's what your record says!"

"I learned from those! I'm trying not to get people killed! Not here! Not in my own unit!"

"A lot of dead spotters are going to-"

"Yeah, and how about if Vult knew the story behind your scar?"

"...You wouldn't."

"You're compensating, Volx. You're blaming me for your failures."

"Shut up!"

Kazak slammed his fist against the wall, "I'm sick of this! I'm sick of your attitude, I'm sick of you transferring the loss of your XO and your men onto me. I'm trying. I want to move past this. You're the one stuck in the past, Volx. Get over it."

Just after that is when Captain Corr appeared at the door, looking at the two Lieutenants. "Is there a problem out here, Lieutenants?"

Volx glared at Kazak, the man was right...she'd need to take out her frustration in other ways. She turned around to face Corr, "No, Captain, just the other Lieutenant and I having a...loud conversation to put a contentious matter behind us."

"Good. Get in here, both of you, Commander Vult is going to make an announcement." He slipped back inside, Volx taking one look at Kazak briefly before stepping in, followed by the sniper.

Vult waited until the door sealed shut behind them before addressing the three officers.

"At ease. Take a seat."

He watched as they settled in at the table in their respective chairs.

"Captain," He began, looking to Corr. "Do you have everyone's reports for me to review for the after-action report? My message inbox is overflowing with impatience from Supreme Commander Grimm on the matter of Sub Zero Station. The sooner I can get him out of my antenna, the better."

Corr looked at his mobile datapad of a terminal he kept aboard the ship. "It should be arriving in your inbox, sir. The system appears to be a bit...slow." At least that was apparent to him. He had sent the compiled reports some time ago. That they haven't arrived yet seemed off. "I assure you, sir, I've sent them."

"I'll check here shortly. If not, may be time to get Vard to check into our intranet and make sure everything is good." Vult reasoned, folding his hands before him. "I called you three here for a couple of reasons. Primarily...we need to reach a consensus regarding Hesa. I will not dance around the issue. She is defective by current Armada standards and regulations. However...we all witnessed her capabilities as a soldier first-hand. Beneath the circumstances...I feel she would make a good addition to the team. The alternative is dropping her off at the nearest Armada vessel or base where she will promptly be killed for reasons outside of her control. I am not so cruel...but I felt it best to discuss this with my officers beforehand."

Corr was first to speak, "I've reviewed the combat footage from your team. Her skills are impressive...highly aggressive, adaptable, knows her way around a machine gun. A concern arises, what if she's potentially insubordinate; we have no need for that here.. I think if she shows she can follow orders, she should be a good fit."

Kazak gave a slight shrug next, "You know my take on her already. We need a second heavy weapons expert and another to round out the teams. I think she fits." There was a long pause, the other Lieutenant considering the options laid out. "Volx?"

She raised a finger for a few more moments of time. "Sir, the others bring up good points. I have an option to consider." She paused briefly as Kazak gave her a puzzled look, "In our next mission, we'll give her a trial period. She won't be officially in the unit yet. She may even be stuck with that scavenged Vortian gear she came in with, but I propose a full mission with us to see how she operates from start to finish instead of being rescued first. If she proves herself to you, and to us, I won't stop her ascension into our ranks."

"Your concerns are valid regarding her bravado. She lacks discipline and patience. I want to be reasonable and say the cause of that was the emotional distress caused by being in the Turb'Zharic's custody and being experimented on...but it is certainly a point of contention." Vult nodded to echo his executive officers' own observations.

While Volx's suggestion of a trial run was logical, the nature of their duties and assignments only complicated the matter further. In a standard rank-and-file unit of Imperial Troopers or Irken Elite, it would have been feasible. Clandestine operations reserved for Spec Ops and beyond were another story entirely. Vult ruminated, drumming his fingers together in contemplation before speaking.

"An alternative would be to put her through a series of simulations and see how she handles them. The system has all of our profiles accurately interpreted within it. The equipment aboard this vessel is among the most advanced in the Empire and can accurately run thousands of scenarios. Speaking of which, Kazak...there are several suites I want you to complete as well. Your initiation into this unit has been quick and unconventional. There is much that still needs to be done to finalize your integration."

"Sure thing, Vult, just tell me what needs to be done." Both Corr and Volx side eyed him as his informality continued to come through, though Volx saw a point in Vult's words. It's a far easier alternative and would still accomplish the same end she wanted of seeing what the Corporal was capable of.

"I can accept the simulations, sir. She can prove herself all the same...and in a much more controlled fashion than the battlefield." Corr nodded in agreement, giving a silent approval to Volx's words. If she's going to calmly accept Hesa with such a demonstration, it was worth it to keep the unit's cohesion high.

"Another thing. Kazak." Vult addressed, looking to the Lieutenant directly. "This...informality of addressing your superiors. I realize you are at-ease and comfortable. I wish to maintain that openness...but I ask that you respect the chain of command. It provides structure and order. I do not think highly of myself and demand praise. Neither do your fellow officers. It instills discipline in your subordinates and reminds them of the flow of orders, especially under duress. Do not take this as disciplinary, but a cordial reminder. We do not want a culture of casual blase to begin taking foot to cause hesitation in the field."

"Sure, boss."

"Commander," Corr began after the Lieutenant's sufficient reply to his superior, "I can bring the Lieutenant and the Corporal to the simulators now if you want to see if the reports came in."

"Please do. I need to review and compile the after-action report for Grimm regarding Sub Zero Station. Lieutenant Volx?"

"I'll assist Captain Corr, unless you need me for anything pressing."

"That will be all. Dismissed."

Volx turned to Corr as they rose from their seats, the Captain speaking up, "Grab the Corporal, I'll meet you at the simulator."

"Yes, sir." As Corr and Kazak started for the simulators, Volx moved to where Hesa and Aero were, "First Sergeant, you're going to have to finish your conversation another time. I need Hesa for the simulators."

"We're eating breakfast though…Ma'am." Aero pouted.

Hesa stood, "Well, I'll be speaking to you later, I suppose," she then turned her head to face Volx, "Ready to go when you are, Lieutenant."

"Come with me," the two then departed for the simulator as Grimm came up on a screen in the briefing room for Vult.

The Supreme Commander's face was one of annoyance. "Did you just now get around to contacting me? I need those reports for Sub Zero Station yesterday. The Almighty Tallest will not tolerate delays in the campaign for your lack of swift reporting."

"My apologies, Sir," Vult dipped his head as a means of respect. "We have been experiencing technical difficulties aboard the ship. I have my Communications Technician looking into the discrepancies as we speak. The after-action report will be filed as soon as possible in a timely manner. The details of our activity will be outlined there, but Sub Zero Station was successfully infiltrated and neutralized. It is offline and ready for friendly forces to occupy."

"I should have been informed sooner, lest these issues also extended to your radios." He paused, typing away on a nearby console, "This station will prevent the Vortians from standing much longer against the might of the Armada!" He pulled up a list of mission profiles of outstanding tasks left in the campaign. He found one suitable for a team of their particular...talents. "I need you and your men off the planet, immediately. The campaign will continue but you are required back home. The Tallest demand that you report to them immediately. I suggest you not keep them waiting."

Vult's expression did not betray his thoughts. First ordered to participate with the Vort campaign due to its priority of importance...and now being pulled away for...some reason. A guilty part of him saw the loss of glory and demonstration of his unit's profenciey against overwhelming odds. Maybe that was his pride...or his programming. Regardless, the silver lining to it was it meant a reprieve from combat. The duration of the trip to the Massive, wherever it may be in the universe. Could be days...could be weeks.

Outwardly, the Commander only inclined his head once more respectfully.

"Understood, Sir. Once my after-action report has been successfully transmitted to you, I will set course for the Massive and report to the Almighty Tallest post haste."

"Good. I look forward to seeing what's submitted." With that, Grimm reached over to his terminal and cut the channel.

A sigh of relief exited Vult's lips. He glanced over to the terminal built into the table, checking the transmission status of the after-action report. Still sending...why was it so slow? Something Vard was going to have plenty of time to check into by the sounds of things. No matter.

A few taps of the haptic keys activated the shipwide intercom.

"Captain Corr, Lieutenant Volx, and Lieutenant Kazak. Report to briefing room."

Volx pulled Haxx and Aero into simulator duty to keep an eye on the Corporal as she ran through batteries of tests that the three officers intended for her before Vult called. After a few minutes, the three walked in Corr speaking as they went to seats around the table, "Reporting as ordered, Commander."

Patiently waiting for his three officers to arrive, Vult stood at-ease. The door whisked shut behind the last of the three, all standing at attention to address their commanding officer with a crisp salute.

"At ease." He returned, awaiting for them to visibly shift and relax. "I just spoke with Supreme Commander Grimm. The Almighty Tallest, in their infinite wisdom, have recalled us from the Vort campaign at this point in time. I do not know why. I do not know what for. I am to report to them personally aboard the Massive. I will have to get with Rem to determine its location and plot our course accordingly to intercept it. Depending on where they are at in the universe, that could take days...weeks...even months."

Corr blinked out of confusion, "That's certainly strange…" Kazak himself seemed displeased with the idea, as did Volx. The former had his reasons for wanting to continue making up for his past mistakes and hopefully showing the others he was worth Vult's risk. The latter, it was difficult to say, but it may have been a good deal of their programming on her end. "If they so will it, so it shall be done. Should I have the team set up on training rotations while we transit as well as a guard on the prisoners and a rotation on Corporal Hesa's escort until she passes our tests?"

"Training schedule will resume as before in rotation, yes," Vult confirmed. "No need to run them into the ground, but keep them alert and disciplined. PT is not to be ignored, either. I know Haxx lacks motivation in that department despite hauling around the gear that he does. Simulator, PT, range, remedial, and cross-training. I'll leave the menus up to you."

He paused, straightening with his hands folded behind his back.

"Any questions?"

"I'll work Hesa in forthwith, sir. How do you want the prisoners handled?"

"Maintain watch rotations in three hour increments. Leaving them unoccupied for any length of time is not acceptable. We all remember what happened to Haxx even if he instigated the incident to begin with. I do not want anything of the sort happening again. Am I clear?"

"Absolutely, sir."

"Is there anything you need me caught up with in particular, boss?" Kazak spoke up next since Corr addressed his concerns.

"I do, Lieutenant. I want you to get intensive simulator and real-space practice using our standard-issue melee kit. Every member of this unit is highly-skilled in CQC and you will be just as competent. Part of the PT regime is regular sparring, so there will be no shortage of opportunity there." Vult informed the newest addition to the team. "If you have any questions, confer with Lieutenant Volx. She and Corr developed the program."

Kazak drew his combat knife he's carried since before Praxxus 7, spinning the blade in his hand and stopping on an icepick grip. "Looking forward to seeing what your team has to add, boss."

Volx gestured for his knife, giving it a look over. "Superheated blade?

"That it is?"

"Might have something more to your liking. Come see me in the armory after this." She handed the blade back to him and Kazak slipped it back into its metal sheath.

"Boss, I think I also have a suggestion." After making sure his blade was secured he continued, "We need a second medic? I'm sure you know why I'm asking this…" he was quietly referencing what happened with Saro when they first met. "Maybe not me if our team has Sula, but who's our secondary?"

"At this point in time? Sula is our only dedicated Medical Officer. She has been cross-training other members of the unit to perform more advanced duties and procedures in the field. Ideally, having two of each role would increase our adaptability, but also the size of the unit. Keeping a dozen off of the rader is challenging enough, let alone over twenty. The Tallest want the most done with the least. The recent additions were to offset our lack of engagement distance for one team and suppressive fire for the other."

"Right. I'll keep an eye out in case anyone shows similar talent to her, or Vard for that matter. Second tech nut of sorts will be pretty useful if we can get someone up to that level without increasing the unit size."

"For the time being, however, we need to focus on integrating you and Hesa first. A lot has happened in a very short amount of time. Now is a time to focus and hone yourselves in preparation for what is to come. We all had a taste of what the ground campaign on Vort is capable of throwing at us. The longer the war drags on, the more desperate and motivated the Vortians will become. They will fight all the harder with unbroken morale for their right to exist. I do not know how the conquest goes elsewhere in the universe, but Vort is only going to get more difficult...and bloodier as time progresses."

"Will do, boss." Just then, a message pinged on Vult's terminal from Vard:

Source of slowdown located: dealing with decryption. I can regulate system resources but will have to prioritize decryption of less encrypted items before moving to Turb's drives. Can proceed as you deem fit.

SGT Vard

Vult read the message, glancing up from the screen to address his officers.

"That will be all, dismissed."

Returning his attention back to the terminal, he typed out a response:

You have my permission to draw additional processing power from non-critical systems aboard the ship with the exception of the stealth field generator. Keep me posted.

CMDR Vult

The three officers left the room, and shortly after they departed, a reply from Vard

Understood, Commander, proceeding as instructed.

SGT Vard

Several days in transit so far, Rem's triangulation placed their voyage at two weeks time. Initiation tests continued for Hesa while Kazak demonstrated his own skill under duress and while operating quietly. A number of discs were already decrypted and sent to Vult. Some of it was personal information from the scientists and meaningless for the war effort. Others of it were of curiosity and potentially useful for the war effort. Some of which contained aspects of what was dubbed 'Project Vanguard' creating a new powered armored system for Vortian soldiers. Some of what was taken included a strength enhancement cocktail geared for Vortian physiology and a shielding system to grant some enhanced protection against incoming plasma projectiles.

The scientist, once again bagged, was brought up to the briefing room by Sula this time. He proved more cooperative as she didn't roughly handle him. Removing the bag from his head, the Vortian stared down at the Commander across the table. "Hello again, Commander. I suppose you have questions for me about either some of my unlocked work, or some of what I said earlier."

Vult, seated across from his captive once more, watched as Sula moved to stand post beside the door.

"Medical Officer."

"Sir?" Her antenna perked up, straightening her back as she faced him.

"You are dismissed."

Her brow furrowed with a touch of confusion, eyeing the two men. Her commanding officer's expression spoke volumes that she shouldn't linger much longer or ask questions.

"I...yes, Sir." She eventually agreed, snapping a salute before turning about to leave, the door whisking shut in her wake. Vult depressed a button next to his seat, locking the door behind her.

"...I've already had one incident of OPSEC being violated from what was said in this room last time." Vult explained, turning his attention back to the Vortian Scientist in his custody.

"There is a project name that is referenced several times in correspondence between scientists at Sub Zero Station working close to you. Silent Night. Is it safe to assume this is the same superweapon you spoke of before? The endgoal of mass deactivation of Irken PAKs?"

"That is the codename for the project, yes." Is this all they had so far? They likely only cracked some of the discs from other scientists so far with nothing of his work as of yet. Good, he still had cards in his hand for the time being… "What else have you found out, Commander?" Like before he wanted to gauge their knowledge, see what they were thinking. Even if as a prisoner, he still wanted to know more of his foe. So far, what he could tell, this lot was intelligent, and some of them were rather different.

Vult leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table before him. His hands folded atop one another, peering over them at Turb.

"You have confirmed what Silent Night's intentions are. A super weapon designed to initiate the mass deactivation of Irken PAKs. How?"

"Broadcast of a signal matched to the frequency used by your handlers as I have determined from my study of the PAK. By keeping the broadcast local and not using any interstellar communications relays, it is our firm belief that we can forcefully deactivate all Irken forces on Vort. I wanted to attempt this with Hesa on a unique frequency for viability purposes. But, I would not have discovered such an option without what I learned from tinkering with her PAK, and that of her comrades."

The Commander already mentally picked apart Turb's response. So it was meant to replicate the same frequency sent out by the Control Brains to initiate deactivation. A localized source meant it did not communicate back to the Control Brain to confirm that the transmission had been completed. A false positive would send up red flags and immediately begin making adjustments to counteract such intrusions and tampering.

"You experimented on more than one Irken? Where are the others?"

"Dead, Commander. Hesa was the only success." He paused, shaking his head at the lost prospects, "I had a total of five prisoners. Two of them died from initial experiments in fiddling with the PAK. Hesa was my success. The fourth died on the table as I worked to do the same to his. The fifth was in his cell. She didn't know. I kept all the prisoners in separate labs so they couldn't coordinate an escape or know that there was help so close."

He sighed, "I was quite looking forward to the results, but I assume either someone caught onto my tampering or it had been decided that after days with no radio contact, it would be best to kill them off. I've watched one Irken before my eyes go from a strong nationalist to rather amicable. She's even come to enjoy our huscula plant and it's lovely caffeinated nature. Truly why I think it would have been a shame to kill her for the cause, but she was the only one left."

Then he leaned forward, one arm on the table, "Which leads me to believe many a thing about you, Commander, if my guess is correct."

The Commander remained passive at Turb's insinuations. The man's features were often set in stone, the mechanizations of his mind a mystery to most. His captive was no exception. Rather than dictate the interrogation elsewhere, he indulged in the Vortian out of morbid curiosity and the smallest niggling doubts in the back of his mind.

"Such as?"

"First, you spare the lives of my daughter and my assistants. That was my first indicator that something was very different about your men. I am not a fool, I am willing to wager many a credit that you and your troops were ordered to clear the facility of everything alive, and yet finding out about who was within made you change your mind. You Irken are not known for your mercy, nor are you for sparing lives" That was the first of his assumptions, but he wasn't done yet, he had more to lay out. "Second, I've seen that very tall one of yours who guarded us. She appears to have undergone the same changes as Hesa. If you were truly a man of the baker's mold that Irken tended to be, would you not have her and Hesa removed from existence for not fitting?" He paused, leaning in, though not getting out of his seat,

"The third is you, Commander. I can tell that you are not the usual Irken. Even speaking to you now. Yes, you call me here to ask me about Silent Night, but that is not just it, is it? You have an ulterior motive. What I told you last night...it's biting at you, isn't it? You know there's something in what I'm saying that means something, even if you can't put your finger on it." The emerald eyed Vortian paused, staring at him intently for several moments before speaking up again, "My question to you earlier, that if your PAK had suffered some sort of significant damage in battle. It's true, isn't it?"

Vult listened to the old Vortian scientist lay out his points before him. A series of well-constructed, factual, logical points. He expected no less from someone of his intelligence.

"I spared their lives in exchange for your compliance. You would have been less willing to speak to me in any capacity if I executed all of them before your very eyes." Vult soundly reasoned. "I have the authority to countermand orders and it was exercised due to circumstance and opportunity."

"That does provide some insight on those two points, Commander. Even with my cooperation, you have a man to decrypt my files, even if it may take a long time. You do not necessarily need me. It does not tell me why you would risk the ire of your superiors in disobeying orders...unless by some stretch, they do not know I am here."

Vult's silence on the third point was rather telling to Turb. He decided to do some probing based on what he knew of the PAK. "There are several sectors in which such a change in you can occur. Damage to your equipment selection logic, through some stored equipment, automated medical system...and I believe potentially even your communications suite. If you do not want to openly admit it to me, have someone you trust examine…"

He stopped himself short, he realized the circuits he was about to mention were his own notations and possibly not what the Irkens themselves would have. If his gut feeling is right about some inner turmoil that he doesn't want to talk to him about...understandable given that he is his enemy. "Your silence speaks volumes to me, Commander...I can tell you want something related to that." He paused, mulling over his options, but he may as well play one of his cards to see where it takes him. "You want to know exactly what I did to Hesa's PAK, don't you? Not just for yourself, but also for that one on your team who seems to go through similar developments, yes? Your medical officer would probably also want my notes on her development."

There was a reason this man was among the brightest minds of the Vortian people and he was putting it on full display. Inquisitive, deductive, and very astute. Vult did not show it, but the moment the damage to his PAK was mentioned in detail, a chill traced his spine. The device reacted as if addressed personally, reminding him it was there, tethered to his nervous system in an abusive, symbiotic relationship.

"As I stated the last time we spoke." Vult began, keeping his composure. "Those aboard this vessel are all that know of your whereabouts. Your apprehension was opportunistic and your usefulness is why you still draw breath."

Only then did Vult lean closer, his voice lowering in volume between the two in the expanse of the room.

"You assume much, Doctor. It doesn't suit you."

"Do I?" His emerald eyes met Vult's own azure, the two men staring each other down, "Well, if you do not want my offer, good luck with your friend." He slammed a fist down to get the point across, "How soon, do you think, until your superiors find out about what is going on in her head, in her body, and snatch her from you? You need me here because you need my work, my hands to at least save her if not for what you desire for yourself. Would Hesa not be killed if she were to appear before the others as she is? Then what of one of your own men who I know you must care about?"

"You know I can help, but you don't know what your men will think if you ask your enemy. I have no choice but to succeed. Where am I going to go otherwise? I have no hope of escape. The way I see it, we both have only one option left given the circumstances. Either we take it, or I can assume with great certainty that you will soon lose one of yours through actions outside your control."

Vult's blazing blue glare did not falter at Turb's tirade. He drank it all in, digesting it mentally. He spoke of his work, something he took great pride in...and the not-so-subtle threat of Aero's fate hanging in the balance. Something he was more than aware of and their security clearance alone likely is what kept the Control Brains at bay for so long. His prisoner was right though, despite not wanting to admit it so. It was only a matter of time before Aero would be found out and her life would be forfeit. Deactivation was all that awaited her if the Empire at large discovered what had become of her.

"Your work caused Hesa's change against her will. Aero did not have a choice." Vult pointed out sternly. "Their transformation happened as a direct result of damage caused loyally serving the Empire to the order of their stations. To deactivate loyal Irken soldiers for following orders that resulted in such is...troubling."

"And you do not think your masters insane enough to throw away perfectly good soldiers? They seem perfectly content to backstab their allies once they have expended their usefulness as independent friends and should then be subject to your rule." It was still true what he said, even if he didn't know the true extent of how right he was. "Commander, if this is matter is truly about choice...then maybe we should let her have a say in it? I cannot believe I am saying I would help those slaughtering my people, but the fact remains, does anyone deserve to die because of circumstances outside their control? If she wants this help, and you think it is worth it...I will do for her what I did for Hesa."

"Precisely just that...why? Why would you even begin to offer aid to those responsible for the wanton destruction of your home?" Vult pursued, cutting to the heart of the matter. "My leaders betrayed the alliance brokered, we lay waste to your homeworld. Untold millions dead and many more unaccounted for...and you offer one of my own aid? Why?"

"There is something about you...I cannot put my finger on it…" He was trying to think on that...what was Vult's motives for what he's doing? What he desires? That needed more study, more conversations...more time. "I did, however, take an oath when I gained my medical degree. Part of that oath calls for applying all measures required for the sick. Now, your friend may not be physically ill, but I would say a risk of being murdered falls under dealing with the matter." He paused, looking Vult dead in the eyes again, "If you were true to the mold of the Empire and were to hold the same standards as the Armada, would you yourself not have shot Hesa once you discovered she was free of any possibility of deactivation? Would you not put your comrade aside for not fitting the mold? Would I not be dead? Who else has experienced some hand of mercy from you that would even have you shot?"

"My people number in the multitudes of billions. There is surely to be some personality variance among us." Vult attempted to deflect.

The more Turb spoke, the more it made him consider. Hearing these things from one of his own did not phase him...to hear these words from an adversary and complete stranger was another story. Irken were not compassionate. Irken were not empathetic. Irken did not show mercy. Other soldiers did not do the things he did for his unit, other Irken, and even his enemies.

Yet, worst of them all was one of his own kind. Saro. He saved Saro. He rescued Saro. He protected Saro. A monster masquerading as a man that deserved none of it.

"...even so…" the Commander touched lightly, wary of his choice of words. "Assuming your intentions are pure...to collude with you in any capacity is treason. Deactivation would be the least of my concerns."

"You have already said that nobody aside from you aboard this ship knows that I am here." Shackled hands brought up into a light shrug, "You seem like the type that would do a great deal for your men, even if it flies in the face of conventions. I am the same way with my children. If it keeps my daughter alive and we both continue breathing, it is worth making some...extreme decisions." He knew well the pain of a father when he almost lost one of his sons, that bond of family. Even if he didn't think Vult had that, he knew there was a strong bond between this particular commander and his unit. "Who is going to come asking questions if we follow through with this?"

Vult studied Turb for what seemed like an eternity. He said nothing, only searching his posture, body language, expressions, and tone of voice for some sense of deception. Twice now this man provoked thoughts in the back of his mind. Questions begetting more questions. Observations that only his own men would have been aware of.

Eventually, the Commander settled for leaning to his terminal. Eye contact never left the crafty Vortian as he activated the intercom system.

"Aero...report to the briefing room."

Several moments passed. A few minutes at best, but the two men sat in silence until the doors whisked open. Aero, ever-cheerful and upbeat, strode in to stand at attention, snapping a salute.

"Fiiirst Sergeant, reporting as ordered, SIR!"

"At ease." Vult stood her down, locking the door behind her. "Have a seat."

The tall, willowy female blinked, confused. She was expecting to be instructed to escort Turb back to the brig. Rather, she was told to pull up a seat with them. The girl pulled herself into the seat to Vult's left with an awkward grin, drumming her digits on the table before her.

"Sooo...am I in trouble, Sir?"

"No, you're not in trouble."

"Do you want me to take him back to his cell?"

"Not yet."

"If I'm not in trouble and you don't want me to take him anywhere, why am I here...Sir?"

"Be quiet and I'll tell you, Aero."

"Right, sorry." Her curled antenna flattened out with a sheepish smile.

Vult gestured to Turb across the table from them.

"Our "guest" wants to speak with you."

"Me?" Pink eyes furrowed in confusion, looking between the two men. "Why me? I am in trouble, aren't I?"

Vult closed his eyes, breathing a deep sigh of mild annoyance. The man truly had the patience of a saint.

"...I already told you you're not in trouble. Just listen, okay?"

"Okey-dokey."

Turb turned his chair slightly to face her a bit better, taking a breath, "Aero, you know Hesa? You may have noticed her condition is similar to your own. Though, I have done something more...and so far, I believe only a few of you know about it. I have disconnected her from your networks, preventing her deactivation. She can exercise her free will with no worry about anyone ending her life." The scientist paused to let that sink in, it's massive news for any Irken as he could imagine.

"My hypothesis is, that given the tinkering I've done in her PAK, and seeing that there was apparent damage to yours to cause a similar condition, your masters will soon discover it and end your life remotely as you no longer fit the mold your Empire desires you to fit into. I know I am your enemy, but I am a doctor sworn to help those who need it. It is entirely your choice, and you are free to reject what I have to offer." Another pause, this one brief to allow him to take a breath, "If you accept what I am offering, I will do for you what I did for Hesa, and I will disconnect you from your master's grip. You can live your life without fear of having them kill you for whatever reason."

Turb made a hand gesture to Vult, "From what your Commander has told me, this condition was brought about by your service to the Empire, likewise, Hesa's was against her will. We did not think this wise to subject you to such a procedure without telling you. But it is my firm guess that your people are the kind to throw away perfectly good soldiers for asinine reasons, your commander wishes to prevent it, and...if it helps my own daughter's case for continuing to live, I am willing to make an extreme choice of my own to help you."

Aero sat there, listening intently. Those large, bright pink eyes remained focused on Turb and his words. She wasn't the most well-versed when it came to medicine or the technical side of things. They were all beeps and boops and gizmos to her. Anything with wheels, treads, and big guns, however, she knew like the back of her hand. All of this techobabble about PAKs and how they worked made her head spin a bit.

She immediately looked at her superior officer, incensed.

"You said I wasn't in trouble!"

"You're not!" Vult snapped. "...Aero...do you understand what he is saying?"

"...Can I say "yes" and pretend I do?"

"No, you cannot."

"All I got out of that is he said I'm like Hesa. She's nice. Can she be part of the team?"

"Focus."

"Right, sorry...ummm...so I'm like Hesa?"

Turb nodded, "In one way specifically. From what I can tell looking at you during your shift in the brig, your hormone control module is damaged or disabled. I do not know why this exists, but it does. You are very much outside the mold of what it is to be the typical Irken. It's because of that...that I believe your masters will flip the deactivation switch within your PAK and kill you remotely. The difference between you and Hesa right now, is that you can be deactivated, but she cannot."

"Wha-? Why would they deactivate me?" She blinked. "You're lying! YOU LIE!"

"Aero." Vult winced at her cry. "Inside voice. Please."

"He's lying! He has to be!" She pleaded. "I'm loyal! I follow orders! I'm not def-...defec-..."

Her voice quivered, unable to finish her statement. A constant fear in the back of her mind ever since the changes started happening. Sula told her she wasn't defective. She wasn't defective. She couldn't be. She did what was asked of her and never second-questioned authority. Only defectives did that.

"I know you are not defective, Aero…" the scientist raised both of his hands, trying to calm her down, "What you are going through is what is supposed to be normal for Irken. Holding you back like your PAK has been designed to do? That is abnormal. I know this may not mean much coming from a Vortian, but if your masters are so willing to backstab an ally of your people, why would they not throw away a perfectly good soldier like you for being different? I want to save you from that. If you'll accept what I am offering you, you can be just like Hesa, and they cannot deactivate you even if they wanted to."

Pouting, a single finger wiped at one of her teary eyes. She glanced in Vult's direction.

"This is your choice to make, not mine." Her commanding officer spoke with brevity.

"If I don't…"

"Then what he says is true," Vult admitted with reluctance. "...it is only a matter of time. The Control Brains will find out. We are on borrowed time as it is...my only assumption is that our security clearance is staving their attention off for the time being."

"...I'm already dead is what you're saying."

He said nothing, barely able to bring himself to nod in affirmation. Seeing Aero, someone who had confided in him and trusted him so distraught was difficult. Once before he saved her from deactivation for her mischief and insatiable curiosity. He couldn't protect her from it again, not as he once had...but what Turb offered potentially could at an even greater cost.

"Aero."

Her attention drifted back to him.

"...I don't know how to protect you. It is out of my hands...but he does." Vult gestured to the Vortian scientist.

"Does it hurt?" She innocently queried of him.

He shook his head in reply, "The success I found is a replacement of code. Even if these...control brains your Commander just mentioned do decide to deactivate you, what my work does is throw that signal into an endless loop within your PAK, the command to kill you is then never carried out. You'll live, and never have to fear death except through violent or natural means...but your life will then be entirely yours." He's sure the proper equipment existed on the ship...if not, it could easily be acquired, even if they need to scavenge some Vortian sites somewhere, or something. "I can also examine your hormone control unit if you are having any problems with these changes you are going through. Perhaps I can make some repairs to smooth everything over for you and make it more manageable."

She peered at him suspiciously, almost comically so.

"...what's to stop you from flippin' my off switch anyway?"

Vult unholstered his pistol, setting his sidearm on the table before him with emphasis as he made eye contact with Turb.

"...because I will flip his and his daughter's if he gets any bright ideas."

"Wait, wait, wait…" Aero put her hands up, shaking her head. "...he's Vortian. We're Irken...isn't this like...really bad? Like...really really bad? Like...they'll execute us all bad?"

"I'm willing to take that risk to protect one of my own." Vult spoke without hesitation. "...and what do you have to lose?"

Being reminded of her own pending morality as a pendulum would swing, each breath potentially her last steeled her resolve. Swallowing her anxiety, both of her palms planted firmly at the edge of the table, she looked to Turb.

"I'll do it."

He was certain Vult would end his life if he messed up...more reason for him to succeed. With Aero's acceptance of the procedure, Turb looked directly at Vult. "Very well, I'll need a medical suite, a number of tools to get the job done...and I will also need access to my own files regarding what I did with Hesa's PAK. I can get the lines of code I need without accessing Silent Night. I'll give your technician the password to get that for me."

"What? Like...right now?" Aero queried between the two men, concerned at how quickly everything was transpiring.

"Time is of the essence." Vult reminded her. "...and while I am cautious, he knows what is at stake as much as I do. I will gladly trade his life and that of his daughter's for yours, Aero."

"I-...I don't know what to say, Commander."

"You needn't say anything. You're a valuable asset to this team and I am not going to lose you. I lost far too many on Praxxus 7 during ID1. Never again will I lose my people like that. Not if anything can be done."

Aero's hands fidgeted, restless and uneasy. Her attention drifted to them as they wrung and twisted. Her spooch tied up in knots at the notion of what was being proposed. This wasn't something as simple as sneaking an extra helping of dessert at mess or kicking back and relaxing when she was to be training...her life, his life...their lives were all at risk for even talking about it.

Finally, she looked back to Vult. Big, pink eyes were full of concern.

"What about the others? Captain Corr? The Lieutenants? Do they know wh-"

"Do you trust me?"

"W-what?"

"Do you trust me?" Vult repeated, reaching to rest a single hand atop her own, calming them with insistence.

"Of course I do."

"Then all I can ask is for you to trust me. I will assume full responsibility for whatever comes of this. I, as your superior and acting commanding officer, am authorizing this. It is my burden to bear, not yours."

A wistful, teary-eyed smile filled her face, nodding in understanding. She searched for the words to express her gratitude, but none came to mind that adequately showed it. Instead, she rapidly rose from her seat, ensnaring Vult in a vice-like hug. She was strong for her size, that much was certain.

Before it became more awkward than it already was, she released him, smoothing her ill-fitting uniform out with a sheepish smile. Vult composed himself, straightening his collar out before looking to the standing First Sergeant.

"Report to the infirmary. Tell Sula nothing of what has been spoken of here just yet."

"Yes, Sir." She snapped a crisp salute, grinning still with a renewed pep in her step as she rounded the table.

Her gait slowed as she neared Turb. A nervous, unsure biting of her lower lip and glance in Vult's direction was the only precursor to her intentions. Eventually, she made her decision, stepping in to give the complete stranger and supposed enemy one of her patented hugs in fair treatment.

"Thank you." Was all she said softly before departing as ordered.

The Vortian was shocked...the suddenness of a hug, and from an Irken no less, took him by surprise. To him it was several moments, but he returned the gesture in kind. "It is a doctor's solemn duty...I am happy to help." As she left, Turb then turned his attention back to Vult, listing equipment he'd need to carry out the procedure. He also gave Vult the password to unlock the segments of his drive that dealt with Hesa's biological studies and the PAK studies which included the override codes for the killswitch and hormone control module bypass.

Silent Night itself would remain out of their reach, still hidden behind his high encryption and biometric security, but they had what they needed in the moment. Some of what Turb considered low security information in exchange for helping himself and his daughter's continued perceived usefulness...to the scientist, it was a worthwhile trade. No doubt to Vult, more than worth it to see Aero safe.

Some time later in the medical lab, with everything he needed, he had Aero lay on the table. Sula and Vard were present in the room, apprehensive to help. Vult's presence, and assurances that Turb's life was forfeit if he did anything to Aero lightened things just enough to go through the procedure, though they'd eye him closely and make sure he didn't do anything suspicious. "Let us begin. Datapad and cable, please."

Once receiving it from Vard, the scientist went right to work. He expertly navigated through the menus, apparently holding a good degree of fluency in Irken. Finding the lines of code necessary, the doctor paused to take a breath and select the code he needed to replace, and then made the swap, effectively nullifying Aero's killswitch. He made some further examination to her hormone control unit and rubbed his chin.

"So, Doctor, has she been rather...varied with her hormone levels? This unit appears to be functioning as intended through diagnostics, but, from what I can tell...it's seen better days." Once he got a reply in the affirmative from Sula, he searched through his files, copying some more code and working his way to the hormone unit control code. "One solution remains…" Several more keystrokes and he implanted the same code. "I've done what I did with Hesa. I've implanted code that gives a false positive to the module that everything is operating as normal. Rather than cause sporadic releases from the unit that would cause her much grief, her body may develop naturally." He looked to Sula, "If it helps, you can review my notes from Hesa's time in the labs. That data was unlocked to get these lines of code."

Successful, Turb backed out of everything and disconnected the datapad, handing it back to Vard. He looked to Vult, giving him a nod, he kept his end of the bargain...something he'd never thought he'd ever do, but here they are.

Aero sat there on one of the examination tables in the infirmary, surrounded by her allies and this Vortian scientist that, by his own willingness, had saved her life. He...fixed her. He made it to where she was shielded from deactivation. Just like Hesa. Her hormone inhibitor was...repaired, for lack of a better term. No more sporadic, intensive releases or spells of a dry well. Steady, controlled release rather than being locked behind parasitic technology.

"How do you feel?" Sula asked of their patient. "The procedure was a success and did not seem terribly invasive."

"I...don't feel any different, honestly." She admitted, studying her hands as if expecting some miraculous change. "...that's a good thing, right? I'm still me?"

"If your diagnostics and biometrics are to be believed, yes," Vard nodded, relieved his ally and friend was well and going to make a full recovery. "I assume the...mood swings and changes in personality will be less severe now, correct?" He asked of Sula.

"Absolutely. Granted, the release of hormones has ran its course. Your physical changes are apparent and restricting them will have adverse side effects. Doctor 'Zharic's adjustments will maintain a level of normalcy from now on."

"...so the funny bumps aren't going away?"

"I'm afraid not." Sula admitted with a wistful smile. "I'm sure we can have alterations made to your uniforms for the adjustment. They are starting to look quite uncomfortable."

"Oh," Aero's antenna dropped with a small pout, looking down at the two bulbous growths on her chest beneath her medical gown. "They're starting to get in the way."

"I think they're nice." Vard attempted, realizing the implications of his statement the moment Turb looked at him. "I mean...they make her unique. Her and Hesa are the only two Irken I've ever seen that look like this."

Aero snickered at her squadmate's subtle save, watching as Vult stepped forward among the group.

"How soon until she is fit to return to duty?" The Commander queried of both Sula and Turb.

"Honestly, Sir...I don't see anything immediately preventing her from returning to normal duties...unless there is some underlying reason I may not be aware of that Doctor 'Zharic can enlighten us upon."

"Absolutely nothing holding her back, she can get up and go." The scientist began his explanation, "Non-invasive code replacement, everything is a success...especially considering Hesa. Even once she was back in her cell after the procedure, she was banging on the door and screaming as loud as she could to let her out so she can give us a severe beating." He looked to Sula, impressed with the Irken doctor's own intuition before looking back to Vult. "I must admit, I am still curious about your own PAK, Commander...but I am not going to overstep my good fortune and insist on having a look at it. Even if you are my enemy...I am glad I can save a life from being taken for the most pointless of reasons."

"Soooo...this free will thing…" Aero queried innocently, interrupting the men. "What's that mean for me?"

"It means you have a choice in anything and everything now." Sula answered her, going about cleaning up the tools used for the procedure. She liked her area clean, organized, and tidy.

"...How is that any different than from before?"

"Before, if the Control Brains sent priority-encoded messages, you would obey them without hesitation. As expressed before, the only reason that hasn't happened recently, based on our assumptions, is due to security clearance. The higher the clearance, the less oversight the Control Brains seem to exercise."

"Does that mean I can call the Control Brains big mean stinky doody heads and not get shut down for it?" She tempted fate, immediately clasping her hands over her mouth as if caught in the act. Her eyes frantically searched the room. Only Sula and Vard's shocked expressions...and one of slight bemusement from Vult. The tiniest sliver of a smirk.

"Aero!" Vard hissed.

"What? Nothing happened...it worked. It worked…" the realization set in, grinning all the wider. "It worked! No deactivation for meeeeee!"

"You could tell these control brains mordak vachu izbil nu ro mlyad for all you care." Effectively, the scientist giving the Vortian phrase roughly translating to sister chasing impotent fool. It was a rather harsh insult from where Turb hailed from. "If I'm correct in assuming, Hesa's own deactivation switch was hit, yes? She's still here. Aero is absolutely free from any risk of that."

"Yesssssss…" The First Sergeant clenched her fists, leaping to her feet. The medical gown open in the back, revealing her posterior for all to see.

"Aero." Sula grimaced, lightly smacking Vard to get him to stop staring. "Put your clothes back on. Please."

"I don't wanna!"

"Aero." Vult said more sternly.

"Fine," She huffed. At least the discipline and training was still there. "Just a thought...but why don't you do this for everyone? Why just Hesa an' me? Well, I mean I know why with Hesa. You could do this for all of us...and we wouldn't have to worry about anything again!"

"You're correct, I could replicate this procedure across all of you." He then gestured to Vult with his head, "I am still his prisoner, it is his decision, and I imagine that of your team if they desire such. At the same time…" he paused briefly, "the scientific value of studying male Irken develop in a similar fashion will be immense. Up to now, I am assuming that both Doctor Sula and myself only have biological data on female Irken developing in this way...this is unknown territory. Though, to study it, would be imm-"

The door to the medical bay opened, and on the other side walking in...the last person anyone aboard wanted to see… "Commander, sorry for the intrusion...but...I…" Volx was cut short as she saw four members of her team in the room, with Aero in medical garb, and Turb himself...unshackled. She quickly drew her sidearm, aiming it right at the scientists, "HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM, NOW!"

Turb quickly raised his hands in response to the weapon drawn. "Don't shoot!"

Volx's eyes narrowed and looked right to Vult, "What in Irk is going on here, sir?!"

Before Vult could move to address Volx's entrance into the infirmary, her weapon already cleared the holster and was trained on Turb. Her reaction time was impeccable as always, but beneath the circumstances, deeply concerning. A cautious hand raised as he moved to speak.

"Lieutenant, stand down...I will explain. Put the weapon away."

"Sir, protocol clearly states that we don't have prisoners running about the ship! Especially unshackled prisoners! What is he doing in the medbay?! What are the rest of you doing?! Why isn't Sergeant Vard beating this guy's face in?!" Her attention then turned directly to Aero, "Why is he here when Sergeant Aero is clearly in garb for a medical procedure?! I'm not foolish, sir! I'm not stowing my weapon until I hear everything! This is one order I can't obey, yet!"

"Back off, Volx!" Aero snarled at her...a very apparent difference in her behavior and demeanor from the usual. She stepped forward, raising her arms to the sides, blocking Turb from the Lieutenant. "This...this man saved my LIFE! You wanna go on and on and on on on on about protocol?! I am DEFECTIVE! You remember what we're supposed to do with defectives?! Huh?! HUH?!"

"Aero-" Vult attempted to diffuse.

"No...Sir...not now." She all but shushed him, looking back at her black-eyed superior in rank but not height, towering over her. "I'll remind you. Either you...Corr...or the Commander were supposed to execute me or report me to the Control Brains yourselves...but none of that happened. Instead, I'm still here, loyal and serving...even though I should be DEAD...so you can take your hypocritical protocol and shove it up your c'hurta sideways...Ma'am!"

It took several seconds, seconds that seemed almost like an eternity to everyone in the room before her pistol lowered. It didn't go into its holster, it stayed in her hand. It seemed she was at least disarmed in the moment. "Commander...someone...I want the truth of what's going on in here, now. Not some half-baked lies. Not some insane excuses. I want to know what's going on in here! Why do I have this feeling in my splooch that you people had him fiddle with something like Corporal Hesa?!" Her temper was still high, to her this smelled of a betrayal, and a plot, and she was going to get to the bottom of this before any of them left the room.

"I just told you!" Aero reiterated with frustration. At that, Vult stepped forward, carefully placing his hands on the girl's shoulders to reign her in and calm her down.

"Aero, relax. Calm down."

"She's threatening you, Sir! For doing the right thin-"

"I'll handle it. I'm not a smeet, I can deal with my own problems." He politely interrupted, maintaining a calm, collected head. Something that emanated to keep the tension from rising further.

Reluctantly, Aero took a step back, tearing the harsh glare at Volx away only to snatch up the rest of her clothing and continue to dress back into her uniform.

"Now…" Vult began, looking to Volx, pistol still in her hand. "What she said is correct. About protocol. Commanding officers are responsible for handling the matter of potentially defective subordinates. In the Irken Elite, even Spec Ops, that meant one of two things, Lieutenant: Execution or a formal report to the Control Brains to initiate remote deactivation. Any deviation from the established form is defective. I did not carry out those orders, nor did Corr...did you?"

Black eyes narrowed at Vult, her grip tightening on her weapon in response. "I stayed quiet when the Medical Officer brought up her condition...I stayed quiet with the countermanding of orders...I even stayed quiet with the Corporal. I've bent over backwards trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, Commander. What about that Janitorial Drone? The more I'm going over this in my head the more I'm realizing one of several outcomes are going to come from this. We're all either going to be lined up against a wall and shot-"

"What is it with you and shooting people?!" Aero challenged, immediately getting Sula and Vard's attention to try to draw her back before she dug her hole any deeper.

"Aero!" Vard hissed, growing increasingly concerned.

"Don't "Aero" me!" She cut him off, looking back to Volx and their commanding officer. "Will you stop...for one second...and actually listen? Am I not a valuable asset to this team? Am I not a loyal soldier who follows whatever orders are given? Just because I...look different now, I'm suddenly just as bad as a traitor? Worthy of death because I'm not like the rest of our people? How is that fair?!"

Aero never before back talked her to this degree. Gears started spinning in her head...there was only one outcome possible here...he did it...that Vortian did it...and the rest of them just let it happen…The Lieutenant's jaw dropped in shock and her eyes went wide in shock...as unique as their unit was...as much as Aero was right...what was going on here was tantamount to treason. The pistol shook in Volx's grasp for several moments before it raised once again "ALL OF YOU ON YOUR KNEES, NOW!"

Hesa, meanwhile, was walking with Corr to the chow hall to get a drink. The two stepping out of the lift. "Your performance is quite strong, Corporal...but you weren't active during ID 1?"

"Nope, Captain, I was a replacement…" Hesa paused, hearing Volx yelling orders in the hall of the ship.

"YOU TOO, COMMANDER! I REFUSE TO GO THIS FAR!"

Hesa drew her magnum plasma revolver from the leather holster she acquired from Kiara weeks before. "Sounds like trouble."

"Come on," Corr started as the two ran towards the medbay.

Vult held his hands aloft as the pistol came into play once again. Aero, while not incorrect in any of the points she made, touched on very fine lines and only instigated further.

"Volx." He attempted, remaining passive despite the rising tension. "There is no treason being committed here. All that has happened is Aero's life has been saved. That was my choice. My decision. Sula and Vard only assisted acting under my orders. I protected one of our own from imminent doom, Lieutenant. Explain to me how that is treason."

"I'm not an idiot, sir." She glared at them all, "I got an idea of why that Corporal's still kicking...Sergeant Haxx likes to blab, I've overheard him. That superweapon that is capable of deactivating us remotely, how that Vortian deactivated the Corporal from the Control Brains. I have the damned report on my terminal, Commander. I've been mulling it over in our transit if I should keep quiet like a good little soldier or if I should do something." She started with her explanation before the pistol's muzzle came in his direction, "You did it, didn't you? You disconnected her from the Control Brains...if this is really on you, then I'm well within protocol to paint the wall with your brainmeat."

The pain on the Lieutenant's face was obvious, conflict, hurt, almost stinging as a betrayal...but she knew just as well as any what would happen if anyone outside the ship found out, including the Control Brains, what they've been doing. "I can't sit idly by any more. I'm not going to ask you again, get on your knees!"

Right as she said that, Corr and Hesa appeared at the door behind her, Hesa's revolver leveled at Volx's head, but she didn't say a word. Corr did instead, "Lieutenant Volx, put the pistol down, now, before this gets out of hand."

"Sir, I can't obey that order."

"Lieutenant, you will do as-"

"Commander Vult just authorized disconnecting Aero from the Control Brains, sir! I can't obey that order!" At Volx's words, Corr looked to Vult, looking for any hint on how to handle this, he knew Volx needed to be subdued in the moment but preferably not with Hesa putting a plasma slug through her head.

Vult gave a small shake of his head to Corr. Avoiding anyone getting hurt was ideal. He knew and understood where Volx was coming from, but the writing was on the proverbial wall. Whatever the reason was, she did not want to acknowledge it.

"She is correct. I did, Captain...because if I hadn't, you and I both know Aero would be good as dead the moment the Control Brains discovered her...condition."

"It's not a condition! This is what we're supposed to be!" She exclaimed at them.

"Aero, please," Sula attempted to be the voice of reason, swallowing nervously as Volx's pistol couldn't decide which one of them to remain focused on.

"Hesa would be dead for the same reason. By the Lieutenant's logic here, beneath protocol, one of us should have executed both of them long before now. We did not. We chose not to. For very good reason and that reason remains valid. We cannot overlook certain things and then claim to follow protocol in the same breath. That is not how that works." Vult reasoned to his second-in-command. "You wish to hold anyone accountable, hold me. My authority. My orders. Sula and Vard only assisted because of my orders."

The Lieutenant's pistol settled on Vult, a continued look of grief coming over her face, "And what about when the Control Brains find out what we know?! Do you know how deep you've gotten us?! We're all dead because of you and your orders!" There it was...fear...fear of deactivation...that's what was driving this. "Most of us are just going to wind up dead on the floor after they hit our off switches! Now doubt then they'll send Spec Ops here and shoot the two prisoners, Aero, and Hesa! You've gotten us all killed, Commander! All of us! Every last one of us here is now dead, because of you!"

Hesa quietly took a few steps to her left, preparing for a shot but keeping Vult out of crossfire if worse came to worse. She was fully prepared to drop the Lieutenant if it came to that. Even though she didn't want to go through with it, Corr noticing an apparent shake in her pistol.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't shoot you right now!" Volx seemed to be pleading with him as tears started forming, wondering what Vult's grand scheme was in all of this.

Seeing someone so steadfast, calculated, and unyielding even against insurmountable odds nearly reduced to tears tore at the Commander's chest. Feeling. Emotion. Empathy. Compassion. Someone that trusted him and was crying out in pain and confusion at him. Equally so, it stirred inside of him a shade he rarely let them see. A glimpse of it showed from time-to-time on Vort in the heat of the moment.

"What makes now any different than before?!" He bellowed at her. "We're soldiers, Volx...we fight. We die. There is no living. There is no life. We are cloned, bred for war. The only thing we hold dominion over is how we die. Of all the countless times before we've faced death, now you fear it? For what reason? What are you afraid of? Being deactivated? Being erased? Being forgotten? Is that it?"

He let that settle for just a moment before continuing, shaking his head with a huff, palms patting his own chest.

"I chose how I am to die, Volx...for you. For Corr. For Sula. For Vard. For Aero. For all of you. Whatever keeps you safe, no price is too great. That is all the validation I need to know out of the countless billions of Irken in the Empire...I died protecting those I cared about and not for some empty cause for the validation of others. If that makes me a traitor, shoot me where I stand. Right now."

She thought it over, and over, and over again. Yes, she was afraid as everything added up in her mind...and how soon until the Control Brains got curious...if they weren't already watching this exchange? The pistol shook in her grasp as she tried to think over everything...she thought about putting it down...it even came down slightly...but if they were watching…

If they were watching…

Her eyes opened after being closed for several moments before leveling the pistol right at Vult's head, "I'm sorry."

A loud blast came through the room, not from Volx's weapon, but the revolver, a wide miss as it slammed against the wall. "DON'T SHOOT HIM, YOU IDIOT!"

Volx stopped, looking over her shoulder at the Corporal.

"DON'T SHOOT HIM! DIDN'T YOU HEAR A WORD HE SAID?!" She huffed, "Listen to me, he wants to help you, he wants to protect you! Why else would he do such a thing?! You don't have to be afraid! You're afraid of the control brains...that's what it is, isn't it?!" The words were getting through to her at least…

"Do you trust us, Volx," Corr spoke up from behind her. "Do you trust the Commander and I? Do you trust us to protect you from that?"

Sula, Vard, and Aero all jumped in fright at the deafening gunshot in close quarters. Being on edge with the tension hanging thick in the air only amplified it to the point it may as well had been a Deathwave Cannon going off. All three of them feared the worst after witnessing the exchange, that Volx had indeed shot their commanding officer on the grounds of treason...but it was Hesa who interjected and continued to plead as the voice of reason.

"Everyone, put the guns away!" Vard yelled, clutching at his ringing antenna the same as his comrades, wincing. "Almighty Tallest on Irk, what is the matter with all of you?! Have you all not stopped to think that maybe...just maybe...the Control Brains are completely oblivious to what is going on? IF they were actually watching...no one in the room with the exception of him." He pointed at Turb. "would be alive right now after what was just said! I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm more than certain our security clearance gives us a free pass with a lot of things...whatever this is included! Knock it off! NOW!"

Aero blinked, surprised that the smallest member of their team was displaying the most tenacity and bravery in that moment. Always so mild-mannered and soft-spoken, hearing him be fierce and forthcoming was...different. A good kind of different. She stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, what he said! You guys started this unit with the intention of making it close-knit so we did not need to rely on anyone else in the Empire for anything! We're a family! Stop fighting!"

The realization of everything hit the Lieutenant...and what she nearly did..almost in slow motion the pistol slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor. Her arm came down soon after that as she looked at her Commander. Shortly after, Hesa holstered her pistol as Corr moved to pick up Volx's fallen weapon. She stood there, silent...trying to form the words in her head…

Turb himself, his ears ringing from that blast still, peeked out from behind the others he was hiding behind in shock. He blinked, trying to examine the Lieutenant from a distance. This was...well this was new. He never seen such squabbling before. Were they really so different?

"Whatever your plan is…" she finally spoke, "whatever you got going on in that head of yours...I hope you mean what you said…" Her head dropped, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry, Commander…"

Hesitant to move only once the weapon in Volx's hand fell to the deck and was quickly whisked away by Corr, Vult finally stepped forward, lowering his hands. He reached out, grasping her by the shoulders to garner her attention. He went as far to even kneel to her height, being at her eye level.

"Don't be sorry for standing by your principles...it is why you are here with us." The Commander addressed gently. "...and I meant every word of it. I know what is being asked of you in the way of trust is much, but it is all I can ask for. I will not purposely lead us astray or betray that trust. I only want what is best for those beneath my command so we may never suffer the nightmares we lived before in the Irken Elite. I was personally chosen by the Tallest, I will not let their choice be in vain."

Even as the only Spec Ops member on the team prior to the arrival of Kazak and Hesa, she knew what the Elite faced. It was truly a nightmare...could she forgive herself having come so close from blowing his brains out? "I..sir..I almost killed you…" she started with the realization of that fact, "you trusted me...just as you ask me to trust you...and I almost pulled the trigger."

"Key word being "almost". You didn't." He reasoned, making light of the very real fact he stared down the barrel of a gun in the most literal sense from one of his own subordinates. "It changes nothing as far as I am concerned."

She was dumbfounded...confused...hurting...and now she felt like the traitor. "Sir...you...could really forgive me? I had a gun to your head...I nearly...I was...if it wasn't for Corporal Hesa's shot…" The Lieutenant shook her head, "Sir, you have every right to have me shot or throw me in the brig…"

Vult gave her shoulders a small squeeze before standing to his full height once more, releasing them.

"I already have. Holding you in the brig or executing you solves nothing. In fact, it will only cause further derision and discord. Corr, yourself, and Kazak are all here to ensure my methods and decisions are in fact for the greater good of this unit and fulfilling our duties. A system of checks and balances. I do not fault you for your choice...I am just thankful you did not do something you would wind up regretting."

There was some further silence from Volx as she went through everything, "I might need some time to myself right now, Commander...I appreciate your generous forgiveness...whatever you have planned, I trust you to work it out on the right time table…"

The blue-eyed Irken nodded in understanding.

"Take as much time as you feel necessary. I'll have Corr take you off of duty rotation until further notice. Dismissed."

She slowly stepped back, leaving the others in the room, Turb looking at the others, still surprised at what was unfolding before his eyes.

The moment Volx departed, those that remained breathed a collective sigh of relief. Thankfully, none of the others overheard the commotion and came to investigate. That, or did not want to get involved and complicated matters further. Whatever the case may be, all would be discussed in due time. For now, Volx needed time to clear her head.

Hesa then nervously raised a hand, "Sorry for that...blast...guys…" she scratched the back of her neck, worried about drawing attention to herself after that whole mess...and a fresh plasma blast that turned a small part of the medbay wall into slag.

"Don't be, Corporal." Vult addressed her finally. "You likely just saved my life. I will settle for a hole in the wall over a hole in my head any day of the week."

The nerve-wracked Corporal blinked, looking down briefly, "Well, glad I could help, Commander." She looked to him, "You seem like a good guy. Anyone else probably would've had me shot...really, you've been nothing but considerate since I've arrived. Happy to repay some of what you've shown me."

Vult nodded in her direction. "You humble me."

"Sooo…" Aero rocked back and forth on the heels of her boots, now fully in uniform once more. "...what happens now?"

"In what context, Aero?" Vult queried, confused.

"Seriously? Lieutenant Volx just had you at gunpoint, Sir...member of your own unit? Our commanding officer?" She gestured between her and her squadmates, Vard and Sula.

"The Lieutenant was only following protocol. She was doing her job and fulfilling her duties beneath the circumstances." Vult reasoned, remaining passive on the matter. "Do not hold any ill will or judgement towards her. She has a lot to process mentally now, leave her to it...and to those present. What happened just now, in this room? Not a word to anyone else about it."

"What?!" The tall, willowy female cried out in disbelief. She immediately checked herself with a clearing of her throat. "I mean...I don't understand, Sir?"

"I will address the team when the time is appropriate. Now is not the time." Vult reiterated, looking to Corr. "Am I understood, Captain?"

"Completely, sir," Corr had trusted Vult up to this point. He'd knew how best to address the others and explain what transpired. "Aero, he's right. Give him time to deal with the matter. Anything we say before that is only going to make things worse. The same would go for you, Hesa."

"Understood, Captain." The Corporal walked over to Vult, wrapping her arms around him an embrace. Then, rather unexpectedly, she leaned in slightly, lips connecting with the Commander's cheek. Turb himself back with the others blinked.

"Hesa, what are you doing?"

"...Kinda picked up what I saw you do with your daughter."

"That's because she's my daughter!"

"...Did I do something wrong?"

"...A bit of a social gaffe. Nothing too terrible. Just, be mindful who you go around kissing!"

"Oh-" she then backed off, scratching the back of her head, "Sorry, Commander. I guess I was just trying to show my appreciation still."

Vult was accustomed to Aero's affections. She was a very...huggy person. A multitude of reasons for that, but something that didn't phase him save for the early onset of scoliosis from every kink she put in his spine. What he wasn't expecting was Hesa, the guest aboard their ship, getting just as close and taking it a step further.

He was left confused more than anything at the gesture. He wasn't so obtuse to not understand the meaning behind it among other cultures and races. Rather than discipline her severely for being grossly unprofessional, he settled for a light pat of her back, doing his best to play it off as nothing.

"It's fine. You're welcome. Just…" he fought for composure, breathing deeply to clear his thoughts. "Corr, Escort Doctor 'Zharic back to his cell. I'm sure his daughter is getting worried as long as he has been away. Hesa, back to the simulator with you. The rest of you, return to your normal duties. Dismissed."

"Yes, Commander," he paused to look at the Corporal, "Come along, I'll drop you off at the simulator and bring you the drink when I return. Doctor, come with us." Turb walked with Hesa and the Captain back to the simulator. "I thank you for assisting with our friend."

"Captain?"

"Aero, saving her life by separating her from the Control Brains."

"Just doing my duty as a Doctor, Captain...what are these...Control Brains?"

"In a sense, Doctor, they're the real power behind the Empire…"

Hesa picked up, she was at liberty to say far more without risk. "Blasted brains are the ones really running the show, holding our lives in their proverbial hands. If you're not remotely deactivated or shot as a suspected defective, you get brought before a trial, not before a jury of Irken, but of the brains...they decide if you live or die. They decide you die, not only do they hit your off switch, but they erase you from existence, completely. It's like you were never there."

"That's horrific…"

"It is...and if you think about it. That means the Tallest are just there for show."

"Miyuki? How is she?"

Corr blinked, looking to the Vortian, "Doctor, have you kept up with Irken politics?"

"Not entirely. I know you betrayed our alliance."

"Tallest Miyuki is dead, Doctor," Corr started in an explanation. "She was replaced by Tallest Spork...who was then killed the same day he took power by the same man who killed her. Zim."

"...Zim? Short man, very annoying, leaves you wondering how he hasn't fallen into a vat of acid or something?"

"The very same," Corr replied with disdain at the thought of Zim.

"I've heard many complaints from my colleagues. We had a police investigation in Research Station Nine thanks to him. You know he's quite the thief? Stole a bunch of materials from the lab."

Corr blinked, "That is interesting…" He stopped at the simulator door, opening it for Hesa, "Go wait upstairs with the Lieutenant until I get back."

"Yes, Captain," Hesa walked inside and up the stairs to the control room to sit inside with Kazak. Corr making sure she was firmly inside the control room before heading back to the brig with Turb, much to Kiara's relief seeing her father unharmed. With that handled, it was just as Vult said, taking Volx off duty rotation as long as she needed. He hoped he'd see the Lieutenant recover soon…

Talk about a close call…

Hesa sat in the mess hall for evening chow with Aero at her table. They'd be arriving at the Tallests' ship in short order...and it would be best for Hesa to stay out of sight during their stay. She was, after all, technically dead...and the last thing anyone needed since the incident with Volx that Vult had informed the team about was more complications.

The Corporal finished what she was munching on, speaking a bit quieter than usual to her friend, "Have you had...any strange feelings for the guys around here?"

The pink-eyed woman sitting across from Hesa idly toyed with her fork through her food. An elbow propped on the table, chin supported in her hand, she heard something. Not really paying attention, she looked up.

"Hmm? What's that?"

"You know...strange feelings...like…" Hesa was trying to find words to explain how she was feeling. It was something rather foreign for Irken, after all, in a number of respects. "I don't know. You like someone...but you like them more than just a friend?"

Her brow furrowed in confusion at the idea.

"How can you like someone more than a friend? Either you're their friend...or you're not."

"I don't know...like...there's a bit of a...rather fluffy feeling? Like you really really like someone?" She was doing a horrible job at explaining it. "Do you feel any rather fuzzy, fluttery feeling for anyone?"

Fuzzy...fluttery...fluffy...such a strange way to describe things...but strangely enough, Aero could make some sense of it. She pondered the question of those feelings and if they originated from someone particular.

"...is it kinda like indigestion? In here?" Aero motioned to her midsection, rubbing it.

Hesa nodded, "Yeah, it can be kinda like that sometimes, like if you're really nervous…" she scratched the back of her head, looking around to see if anyone was overhearing. "I kinda feel that way about a couple of the guys here…"

"Nervous...indigestion…" She thought out loud. "That sounds like a bowel problem. You might wanna have Sula check that out."

As she conversed with Hesa, Vard entered the mess hall. He had been hard at work in the corner of the hangar bay he called his workshop, continuing to decrypt the files taken from Sub Zero Station. Her carnation pink eyes tracked him, a wistful smile gracing her face as she gave a sigh. Her fork dropped on her tray, momentarily forgotten as her hands rose to cup her own cheeks.

"There, that-" Hesa stifled herself, trying to keep from yelling out loud at the realization, "that's the feeling I'm talking about." She blinked and then smirked, leaning in, "You like Vard, don't you?"

Aero didn't tear her eyes away as she watched her shorter squadmate take up his tray and utensils, approaching the food processor to generate his meal.

"Uh-huh- wait, what? Of course I like him. He's my friend. He's really, really, really smart. He's so kind and respectful and reliable and nice. That little drone thing that follows him around all the time? He made that!"

She clearly held a high opinion of Vard.

"I mean liiiiiiiiiiike him. Like, really, really like him…" She hesitated for a bit and looks around again, "I kinda feel that way about two…one is Haxx. He's just so...mysterious. Then there's Vult…" she tugged on the collar of her uniform slightly, "...I kinda want to give him another smooch on the cheek."

"What was that even about?" Aero queried of her. "I've seen Vortians do it. What's it mean? What's the purpose of sharing germs like that?"

She shrugged, "I think it's an affection thing? That's what I got. On the cheek is more...not so close? I've seen some smooching on the lips in the lab though...I think that means more." The idea was still foreign to her, but she was trying to sort through her feelings and these newly found desires that came up since the procedure she went through.

"So...if someone makes you feel weird...you share your mouth germs with them?" Aero tried to mentally piece together what she was hearing. "That's...gross. Hugs, I understand. Hugs are nice. Hugs make you feel warm an' fuzzy. Makes them feel warm an' fuzzy."

"I guess?" She shrugged, "I mean, it made my splooch sorta...feel nice doing that…" This was about as new to her as it was to Aero, and probably just as confusing. "I like hugs though. Hugs are nice. Just please don't bend my spine too much giving me hugs. I need to carry heavy things and can't do that if you throw out my back!"

"No promises." Aero casually spoke, watching as Vard walked by, tray in his hands, towards another seat. She gave a small wave and smile at him. "...but back to your question...questions...things...stuff. You don't know anything about it. I don't know anything about it. Sula miiiight? She knows all kinds of weird, gross things about the body. The Vortians in the brig definitely would though…"

"They would, wouldn't they?" Hesa rubbed her chin thinking about things. Then an idea sparked in her head, "If it's not going to get me into too much trouble...I think we should go pay them a visit. We need to ask them about what we're feeling. Turb has to know at least. He's had kids."

"Oh yeaaaaah, that's right, isn't it? Aero realized, sitting up straighter. "Vortians breed and make babies. Surely he'd know. That's part of the baby-making ritual, right?"

The shorter female shrugged, "Maybe? Only one way to find out, right?" She quickly finished off her drink, "What I wouldn't do for some huscula…" she muttered quietly to herself before looking to Aero, "You're not going to get into too much trouble bringing me to the brig to see them are you?"

The tall, pink-eyed Irken woman stood from the table, taking up her tray and half-eaten meal with a snirk.

"Pfft...after what's happened already, I don't think I could get into any more trouble than I'm already in. Same goes for you. Not like you don't know we have prisoners and I distinctly remember overhearing that you were to be escorted at all times aboard this ship. I happen to be an escort and just happen to be going to the brig...no trouble to be gotten into." She winked, depositing her refuse in the trash and tray to be recovered and cleaned after mess was concluded.

Hesa followed her, dumping her own trash and placing everything else there as well. "If you're willing to risk it...lead the way."

Down in the brig, Kazak was on watch, sitting against the wall as he and the Vortians ate their meals.

"I think I'd prefer hundred year old canned rations compared to this," Kiara mumbled, eating her processed Irken food.

"I do not believe we are in a situation to complain, Kiara."

Kazak gestured to Kiara with his spork, "She has a point. I've had better food behind your lines while I was going about my mission than this."

"See, even the Irken agrees that their food is garbage."

The sniper's head turned to see Aero and Hesa walking down the hall, "Ah, our two completely free ladies. We were just starting a discussion of how awful Irken food is compared to Vortian."

"Yeah, it's pretty terrible. The Tallest get all the good stuff. They feed us nutrient paste." Aero acknowledged, coming to a stop, hands clasping nervously before her with an awkward smile to match. Quick, think of something to say. "One of the things I did miss planetside was the food we found."

"I don't think people would be too happy of the enemy eating their food…" Kiara mused as she set down her empty tray. "Better than it spoiling and going to waste, I guess."

Turb sat his own tray down and stood up, "Ah, ladies, hello. Hesa, how are you?"

"Doing fine. We, uh, we have some questions for you."

"Oh? Do ask away. I'll try my best to answer."

"Yes, questions." Aero reiterated with a single nod, glancing towards Kazak nervously. "Lots of questions. Many questions. Questions about things...and stuff."

Kazak looked at Aero a bit puzzled, Turb tilted his head slightly to the left, "Well, what sort of things?"

Hesa spoke up after a few moments, "Uneasy feelings...fluttery feelings, nervousness...fluffy feelings." Kiara chuckled, causing Hesa to pause and look at her before continuing, "It also...felt nice when I kissed Vult."

That's when the General broke out in a bit of laughter, "It sounds like you're experiencing a crush. I wasn't aware that Irken even knew what kissing was."

"We don't...um, well, I mean I picked it up looking at you Vortians in the labs."

"Remind me to rewrite the public displays of affection guidelines if we get out of here, dad, will you?"

"The...mouth thing. Why? For what purpose?" Aero attempted to articulate. "I have a mighty need to know."

Kiara shrugged, "I'm pretty sure it's just something...instinctual. We just seem to know. Something within us that we just end up discovering one way or another." She patted her chest a couple times right where her heart is, "We just feel it, somehow." Turb nodded in agreement with her explanation.

"We've been studying it and yet can't find a link, but we highly believe it's instinctual and intuitive to our nature. It can be between friends, lovers, even some desire to mate. Given what I'm learning about you Irken the longer I am here, I am coming to believe that it is either your people have suppressed this instinct in your people or, perhaps, there is some other way you show affection that I am not aware of...but you might be if you let your instincts guide you."

"Instincts…" Aero repeated, trying to wrap her mind around the concept with a thoughtful tap of her chin. "That's the...not die stuff in the brain, right? Self...preee...servation? Like, I know not to go out the airlock without a spacesuit on because my body will just pbbt" She concluded with a small raspberry.

Turb nodded, "That is some of your instincts, yes. Self preservation is one such instinct we share. Deep down, there may yet be romantic instincts still lurking within your more primal nature." He rubbed his chin mulling over some thoughts, "I would need some tests to see this develop for myself."

"What, dad, you going to become an Irken biologist expert now?"

"I just might be by the time they decide our fate. But, if my assumptions are correct...I would need some male volunteers to...mature. I suspect in Hesa's case this would need the Commander." The words immediately caused the Corporal to look at the ground and scratch the back of her head, "and I believe whoever our dearest Aero has developed affections for as well."

"Huh?" Aero squinted, confused. "Mature? Like us? Why? For what?"

Kiara smirked, "Probably to see if you Irken are like us."

"Well, in part," Turb started, " I wonder how much might be left within the primal Irken. From what I can tell, the PAK is substantial in your lives, that governance for everything you do. Though, from what I can tell with Hesa, from what I witnessed recently, and from what I can tell of Vult, even with your people's search for technological control over all aspects of life, there is still something deep in all of you that still makes you free. I hope to see it untapped and freed. I think I found a group of Irken unlike any other to see such things unfold before my eyes. I'm curious."

"Primal?" The pink-eyed Irken struggled, shaking her head. "The more you speak, the less I understand. Are you talking like...Irken without PAKs? We've always had PAKs."

Corr stepped up, quietly, wondering where the two women had gone from the mess hall and finding them here. "Actually, First Sergeant, there was a time we were without them." As the others scrambled to get up, he held up a hand to stop them, "To speak informally, there was an era in our people's history before the PAK, before our desire for technology. Days of honor, swords, firearms that used chemical propellant rather than plasma batteries. Sadly, such knowledge is practically lost to us."

Hesa blinked, "Wait, so, there was a time when we didn't need these?"

"Correct. As of right now, you and Aero are the only two most divorced from our current reality. Though, you still need the PAK. Without that, even with freedom, you won't last long."

"Oh…" she blinked, "We're not in trouble, are we?"

"Given present circumstances...no, not entirely. Aero, I would ask that until Hesa is fully welcomed into the team that you not bring her into a secure area like this."

"Don't blame her entirely, Captain, we were just...curious...about feelings. From what the General said too, I have a crush on Vult."

That made the Captain blink in surprise. He wasn't expecting to hear that come out of the mouth of their guest. "Um...That would be discussion for...later, much later. For now, Aero, Hesa needs to be in the simulator. Lieutenant, Rha will be in to relieve you shortly. Everyone clear that Hesa isn't to be back in the brig for the time being?"

"Absolutely, boss," Kazak replied verbally as Hesa nodded.

"Yes, Sir…" Aero begrudgingly accepted at being mildly scolded. "...but if we didn't have PAKs before, why do we even have them now? The cables get kinked and it hurts! It's hard to sit comfortably anywhere! All this crazy stuff that's happened to me because of it? It stinks!"

"Isn't it obvious, Aero?" Hesa spoke up instead of Corr, "It's for control. We're slaves to our technology, to the Tallest, to the Control Brains. You and I? We're free of that, but we're the only two who are." Corr didn't say anything, but he nodded.

"It's the circumstance of people who pushed for dominance in all things that we were even willing to sacrifice what made us...us." The Captain spoke in a somber tone, he knew the score, much like the Commander. He was grateful that at least two on board were free of some of the harshest of the reality of being Irken. "Aero, you don't want to keep Hesa, the Commander himself is evaluating her today."

"No, no, no...one sec, Sir," She stipulated to her superior with an upheld finger. "I mean...that all had to start somewhere at some time, right? You're sayin' there's a point we didn't have them...when? How did we get them? Why do we still have them if they're so...BAD!"

"Well-" Rem's voice soon came over the intercom, interrupting the Captain,

"Approaching the Massive now. Captain Corr, Commander wants you on the bridge immediately."

"I suppose I'll have to indulge you another time, Aero, I'm afraid such an area of history isn't my expertise. I need to do some research first. We should get going."