Last Chapter Recap: "Yes, master," Natasha said, raising her right hand. "Hail! Nova!"
With this devilishly subversive salute, Natasha leaves me alone to my solemn duty.
NOW
As I feared, it has been dreadfully boring few hours. I tried to hurl some insults at them, but they didn't seem interested in engaging in verbal sparring.
All I can do is wonder what truly drove Chand to mutiny. I could've rescued Laura easily with Ava's help—but I needed time to turn the crew into my slaves. So, I'll use this chance to delay time for them. So, I chose not to interfere.
Besides Major Aurora, no one seemed to question his suspicious behaviour anyway. Before leaving for alliance, I was given a list of assets by important person, that could be useful in my mission. Some of these guys wasn't there, for sure.
No, his burning hatred for Neo-Terren. I doubt he's that good of an actor to fool me. It makes no sense. What do you want, you bastards…
My musings are suddenly interrupted by two sets of steady footsteps approaching from the other side. Just in case, I grab my pistol and assume firing position-
"Whoa!" Aurora said sharply, freezing in place. "Steady there, Ensign!"
Fortunately, it's only major Aurora, fresh from the slave maker machine. And besides her is…
"Captain. Major," Adam said, snapping a sharp salute.
"At ease, Ensign," Selana replied, her tone firm but calm. "What's the situation?"
"Situation?" Adam said, exhaling in mild frustration. "Those guys are doing nothing. No movement, no sound. They don't even react when I try to strike up a conversation."
Sigh... "That's Lt. Chand all right," Aurora said, shaking her head. "That guy's always been stubborn as an ox."
"Well, see about that," Selana said, her voice firm. "Major, disable the turret."
"Roger, Captain," Aurora said, her tone serious as she moved into action.
"Lt. Chand, this is Captain Selana," she said, her voice steady but firm as she took cover behind the wall. "Can you hear me?"
"Captain," Chand's voice called out, coming from just a few meters away, hidden behind a wall. "So you've finally moved your ass down to the lower deck, huh?"
"I want Lt. Laura back," Selana said, her voice firm as she peeked out from behind.
"You've always had a soft spot for your subordinates, Captain," Chand's voice echoed, tinged with mockery. "Don't worry, Laura is in good health. But if you want her back, bring the princess with you."
"You must be mad if you think I'd allow such an exchange," Selana's voice was steady but cold. "What are you going to do with her anyway? What is your goal, Lieutenant?"
"It's as you say," Chand's voice cracked with madness. "I'm mad, mad, Captain!!!"
What is going on with him.
"Lieutenant," Selana asked, her voice steady but laced with concern, "are you under some sort of compulsion?"
"I wish..." Chand sneered, his voice dripping with bitterness. "Listen here, Captain," he continued, his tone cold and demanding, "my demands are simple. If you want Lt. Laura back, give me the princess. I won't settle for any other terms."
"At least give me a reason," Selana asked, her voice steady but laced with a hint of frustration.
"Reason... reasons are my own!" Chand snapped, his voice sharp and filled with contempt. "As if one of you free-born could understand me!"
"Lieutenant!" Selana's voice was firm, her tone carrying the weight of command.
"Those negotiations are over, Captain!" Chand's voice echoed with desperation and anger. "Princess or bust!"
"What a—!!!" Aurora shouted, her hand instinctively going to her gun.
Major is visibly agitated by lt. Chand's attitude. Hell, even the always- cool captain seems upset.
"Just as I thought..." Selana said, her voice calm but heavy with disappointment.
"Thought?" Adam asked, his brow furrowing. "Captain, do you have any idea why Lt. Chand is acting this way?"
"A hypothesis or two, yes," Selana said, her voice steady but with a hint of frustration. "Anyway, negotiations are out as an option. We'll have to subdue them by force."
"Even if you say so, Captain..." Aurora said, her voice tense. "With Lt. Laura as a hostage, this won't be easy."
"I know," Selana said, her voice steady but filled with determination. "Lt. Brody is already working on an alternative plan."
If I managed to stretch this mutiny for days, it could tremendously benefit me… but at the same time, I have to agree with the captain. If something happened to lt. Titties, that guy will suffer!
Major, I'm leaving the situation to you," Selana said firmly, turning to Aurora. "Make sure they have no contact with the rest of the crew."
With that, she turned and walked away.
"Sigh... what a mess," Aurora muttered, rubbing her temple.
"You tell me, Major," Adam said, crossing his arms.
"I'll take over the sentry duty," Aurora said, her voice firm but kind. "So, go get some rest, okay, Ensign? And don't forget to show that scar on your hand to the doctor!"
"Yes, Major," Adam said with a nod, then turned and walked away.