Shifting slightly, A continued her reasonable verbal barrage. “Five, with Z’arr’s refusal, Tanad had her forces open fire on Z’arr with the clear intention of killing her. Six, the supposed Fosaki mercenaries were actually disguised Karukai and clearly, Tanad knew this and was in collusion with the Karukai, begging one to again remember points one and two. Point seven: Lieutenant Z’arr actually saved Captain Serros’s life at the Medex facilities, shooting a Karukai before she could fire on the Captain; not a personally advantageous action for a traitorous agent trying to make her escape with the data.”
“Finally,” Adeline began as she lightly tapped chocolate colored fingers on the HUD table and sucked in a quick breath to finish her recitation, “Point eight, Z’arr followed her rather altruistic action by surrendering peacefully.” Adeline smiled as she completed her summation, an expression of earnest belief evident on her attractive features.
“I do believe all eight points certainly present reasonable doubt.” Major Ca’rrakk added from Adeline’s left, jewel–bright feline eyes half closed in a relaxed position, yet missing nothing.
“So you see, Major Hadarr, given our information, I believe you and I are in alignment.” Serros proclaimed in her clear, somehow innately inclusive voice.
As the others, Perez sat silently while Captain Serros and Major Hadarr regarded one another. Marcus found the hushed yet intense consideration between the two Shields to be reminiscent of finding them starring at one another across their pistol barrels on the Adrenix processing floor.
Not a particularly comforting image.
He also found himself half–wishing for his rifle, but let the thought fade, trusting Avara’s judgment.
“I believe that the arguments as presented do equate to reasonable doubt, Captain Serros.” Major Hadarr finally stated, her hands folded in her lap. “I still find it not our occupation to focus on whether or not reasonable doubt is extant, but here we are. I shall defer to your judgment at the Tribunal.”
“I am pleased, Major Hadarr. Quorum Shield Operatives should be able to rely on one another.” Captain Serros responded, again gifting a smile and letting sincerity color her voice.
“I agree, Captain Serros, for Shields face forces and choices that few others ever shall.” Despite himself, Marcus found a modicum of respect seeding inside at the Major’s words and almost melancholy tone.
“Only too true, Major.” Serros answered, a haunted look snapping in her eyes and then disappearing again so quickly that he doubted any but himself would have caught it.
“Very well then, Captain. I believe our business is conducted for now, yes?” Hadarr asked, standing up from her chair.
“Yes, Major Hadarr; gratitude to you.” Serros answered formally, inclining her head.
Marcus almost smiled as Hadarr’s blue–silver brows shot up at the Captain offering the traditional Vosaia expression of thanks combined with respect, a phrase that also acted as a greeting or leave–taking.
“Gratitude to you, Captain Serros.” The alabaster–skinned woman answered and then exited the Strategy Room, leaving the rest of the Excalibur’s Senior Officers alone together.
“Il est bon! That went surprisingly well, wee?” Lieutenant Rygel blurted, not so surprisingly being the one to give voice to what the others were thinking but deemed impolite to say aloud.
“Yes.” Captain Serros agreed blandly, offering a slight upturn of her lips. Looking around the rectangular table at her Senior Officers and Nova Squad members, she asked “Okay, anything else to add in regards to the Tribunal?”
“Not really, no. I believe we are fully versed in Tribunal procedure and every scrap of data that we can find has been gathered, collated, and organized for presentation.”
Nods accompanied Lieutenant Commander Adeline’s words.
“Excellent work, all of you. Diana, can you please have a Vosaia uniform appropriate for Lieutenant Z’arr prepared for her to wear at the Tribunal? We want her represented as who she is, including position, rank, and honors, not as a criminal. Appearance matters, after all.”
“Yes, Captain.” Lieutenant Commander Adeline replied, making a quick note with her CPA.
Stretching her arms by clasping her hands behind her neck and leaning back in her seat, Marcus thought Serros looked somewhat worn as she inquired, “Anything else that needs attention?”
“Senior Engineering Officer Philips recommends that while we’re at Sigil, we should dry dock the Excalibur and perform a complete fueling systems flush of our QGST drives.” Perez reported. “She’s due.”
“Yes, it would be wise.” Lieutenant Philips quietly seconded.
“I think we’re all due.” Serros replied with one her crooked half–smiles. “Very well; it’s a good time for it since we’ll be hanging about for the Tribunal. Might as well have our Quantum Net tubes undergo maintenance at the same time, especially as the whole Quantum and Gravitational Suspension system will be off–line for the flush anyway.”
After Philips nodded in affirmation, Dr. Jenna Argos cleared her throat and, absently stroking the tip of her freckled nose, the short–haired physician announced “I think you have something there in regards to the crew, Captain. It has been just under two months since our last rotation of shore leave, and as you say, since ‘we’ll be hanging about’ anyway, it would be an opportune time.”
With a nod, Serros agreed. “Not to mention Sigil is a better place than many for the crew to avoid any trouble.”
Marcus just couldn’t help himself. With a snort, he asked, “Since when do you avoid trouble?”
Before the Captain could respond, Adeline chimed in, “Oh please, Perez. Everyone aboard ship knows about your penchant for bar brawls and off–key singing while on leave.” Her normally stilted Old–Terran English accent somehow made her comment even more humorous. It was a fact that was attested to by the burst of chuckles around the room.
“Called you, Marcus.” Avara laughed.
“Right, cuz you never find yourself in those situations.” Marcus fired back, glad to see some of the tension she’d been carrying slip free, even if was at his expense.
“I find the Commander’s vocals to be quite pleasing to the ear.” Ca’rrakk claimed, puzzlement clear as his pointed ears twitched.
“Yes, well…” the Captain began, clearly unsure how to tell her crewman and friend that by Human standards, Gorath “music” was enough to send a stadium of people running for ear plugs. “My mother’s a musician, so let’s just say, Marcus isn’t quite there yet.”
Naxos hissed in amusement, the Braxien squad member understanding Serros’s sidestepping of Human opinion regarding Gorath music.
“Mm. Understood. Practice should remedy the situation.” The coal furred Senior Science and Junior Medical Officer suggested.
“So would a vow of silence.” Lieutenant Chopa added, brown eyes mirthful.
“All right then, non–singing shore leave it is.” The Captain declared with a final laugh. “Marcus, please put together a leave roster and you and A work in tandem to comprise a list of any other necessary maintenance requirements for while we’re at the Quorum capital. Might as well get everything done at once.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Rubbing her eyes and then standing, Marcus was reminded of the late hour when the Captain announced, “I don’t know about the rest of you, but for me it’s time to retire. Dismissed and pleasant night.”
As the others filed out, Perez noticed that Adeline shot a look at him and lingered with the Captain. Getting the hint, Marcus waited to leave with the Captain and Operations Officer. The three walked out of the Strategy Room together and began moving to the elevator lifts, matching Serros’s standard brisk pace.
“Are you feeling well, Captain?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Serros answered Adeline, brow quirked in puzzlement as she regarded the earnest expression of the slightly shorter Lieutenant Commander.
“I mean, from your wounds?” Marcus watched
as his friend half reached out to his oldest friend as if to lay her fingers on Avara’s arm, then stop herself.
So, she’s noticed the shift, too. Not surprising. The thought effortlessly slid to the fore of his mind as he watched Adeline watch Avara.
Despite the late hour, other crew members on various errands and ship business wove around the three highest ranking officers of the Excalibur. Even in the somewhat cramped, iron gray and royal blue colored durexium hallways of the Human frigate, the passerby’s made room and offered salutes and respectful nods, all of which the three officers just as consistently returned in some fashion or another. The gentle illumination of the deck lights and the low thrum of the ship’s QGST drives served as a fourth and constant companion as they made their way through the ship. It was a comforting familiarity that for all his years of space travel, Marcus never grew tired of.
“Ah, I see.” With a smile, Captain Serros regarded the Excalibur’s Senior Operations and Intelligence Officer who, Marcus mused to himself, was undoubtedly Avara’s second closest friend.
Serros clasped her arm around Adeline’s shoulder for a moment in a friendly fashion. “I’m almost totally healed, A. So,” the Captain added with mock severity, “don’t think you can get out of our sparing session tomorrow, oh–six–hundred sharp, Lieutenant Commander.”
“Yes, Sir!” Adeline responded, her gaze warming for the Captain as it did for few others. “Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you, either.” The strong–boned third in command added as the trio reached and entered the lift, the Captain issuing a command to go to Deck 3.
“I’d be disappointed if you did, Diana.” Serros replied. “Same goes for you on Tuesday morning, Marcus. Be ready.”
“Ha! Don’t forget, I was Captain of the Boxing Team at the Academy; you were Junior Captain.” Marcus shot back.
“Keep holding onto that victory, Perez. Don’t you forget, I was occupied with also being the Captain of both the Macti and Marksman Teams.” Avara’s comment was deliberately smug, designed, he knew, to make them laugh.
“It’s on, Serros!” He responded with exaggerated heat as the lift came to a stop and she half–stepped out of the double doors.
“Happy to oblige. You two going to Deck 3?” She asked the last with a jerk of her head down the hallway towards the Officers’ Quarters.
“No, 8 for us; we did not have a chance to eat super.” Adeline answered.
“Well enough and good night, then.” Serros offered a final nod as she stepped back and the lift doors closed.
Adeline was unusually quiet as she and Perez walked through the ship’s corridors and made their way to the Mess Hall. The two grabbed some of the left over grub that Mess Chief Tanner had overseen the preparation of several hours ago for the approximately ninety–eight person crew of the Excalibur. Marcus sat down heavily on the smooth–backed bench of one of the Hall’s currently totally empty trestle tables. Adeline slid into her own seat across from him.
“Alright A; give. What’s whirling around in that loco head of yours?” Perez finally asked, enthusiastically scooping spoonfuls of steaming pork and onion fried–rice into his mouth.
“Let’s just say that between the attitude of our temporary team member and the work generating presence of our brig–warmer, I shall be quite glad when the Vosaia are off our ship.” Her tone conveyed an impressive level of annoyance.
“You’re not usually a person that dislike aliens.” Marcus noted, studying her.
Brow furrowing, she responded, “No, ‘tis not that I take issue with Vosaia on general principle; quite the opposite, in fact. My complaint is very particular as to the disruption brought about because of the presence of our specific guests.”
“Yeah, things have certainly been interesting, and can’t say I’m fond of the new Shield Operative, but something tells me you’re not quite giving me the full story, Pirotécnica.”
“Whilst I hate say it, even though I find Major Hadarr to only be remotely likeable, I too do not quite understand why Captain Serros is spending so much time building a defense for Agent Z’arr.”
“You know Avara; if she feels a certain course is the right one, she’ll take it no matter what.” Marcus replied. “I mean really, think about why she formed Nova Squad in the first place.” Adeline reluctantly nodded and Perez knew he didn’t even have to mention the three words that sprang immediately into the space between the two at his observation.
The Cindrex Affair.
“Still, I feel like this is something more.” Adeline continued after another moment’s contemplation, furrow deepening. “Sure, the Captain should submit our findings and her recommendations, but the Sigil Peace Keepers can certainly handle the investigation and trial without our help. It’s their job, after all.” Adeline actually pushed her hardly touched food away across the table and, using her elbows as a prop, rested her chin in cupped palms.
“Keep going.” Perez invited, spoon waving at his friend to get the last of it out.
With reluctance plain as a K–Blast pasted on her face, Adeline asked practically in a whisper, “You don’t think that there is anything to the Vosaia ability to psychologically, um, influence, the people around them… Z’arr and Captain Serros? I mean, even for Avara, she’s being seriously single minded, don’t you think?”
Having known Adeline would eventually bring the topic up, Perez stifled an internal sigh, put his spoon down, and trained all of his attention on her, directly meeting the worried gaze reaching across the table. “No, I don’t think Avara is under any kind of racial influence, Adeline.”
With her words almost tripping over one another in her rush to get them out, Adeline continued, “I mean, I did research the possibility, and given current accepted theorem and my calculations, due to Avara’s Synergy Enhancement and the fact that we all know that the Captain is as strong willed as they come, it does seem like a remote possibility, but still…”
“Diana,”
She looked startled to hear him utilizing her given name rather than her surname, ‘A,’ or his personal nickname for her, Pirotécnica, since the first week they’d worked together. Given how speedily her mind constructed, examined, and then compartmentalized ideas, yet again he was reminded that the moniker of ‘firecracker’ was especially appropriate based on the rate her neurons must fire. Not to mention her usually carefully controlled temper.
“I’m fully confident that Avara remains entirely self–determinant.”
Relief seemed to poor off of the lanky–framed Lieutenant Commander like ice cream melting down a sugar cone. Still, Perez knew she continued to be confused. Despite her truly remarkable mind, she wasn’t quite able to fit the puzzle–pieces together. Her left hand absently began tapping the table top in agitation.
Knowing that at this late hour they were utterly alone in the Mess Hall, Marcus reached his hand over to his friend and clasped her table–drumming fingers within his palm. “Diana, the Captain isn’t being influenced by Vosaia mental skills, pheromones, or whatever. But I do think it’s time to talk to her.”
The long forbidden topic.
Diana Adeline sucked in a huge breath then stuttered out “I am not exactly… I’m not sure what you mean, Marcus.”
“It may be your last chance, A, to tell her how you feel, before someone else steps into that place in Avara’s life. And then you can’t.” It seemed like it shouldn’t be possible, but Lieutenant Adeline’s rich, dark skin paled with Marcus’s words. He could see it, in her eyes, that she finally grasped the reason for the shift that she and he, Avara’s closest friends, had picked up on since Ophere.
“But I, I just cannot, Marcus. She’s a bloody Arca with a Synergy Enhancement! She must know already, and that means she simply does not feel the same.” Two whisperless tears tracked a course from Adeline’s dark orbs. “So you do understand, Marcus, my stepping into that place in Avara’s life simply is not an option, and I have known it to be true for quite some time.”
; In all the years he’d known her, Marcus had seen Diana Adeline cry precisely once before, during the Margrom War, just as he had at the brutal savagery they’d been forced to witness, to futilely try and staunch. The memories of smoke, ash, and so much death came to him then. He remembered Avara weeping with them.
Perez squeezed Adeline’s hand all the tighter as he remarked, “Ah, Pirotécnica. In some ways, you and she are so similar; qualitatively genius level intelligence, literally top of your respective classes, but at times, recognize so little. I don’t think she does know, A.”
Striving for calm, Diana asked, “You really think not?”
“I really, truly do not.” Marcus affirmed. “But I meant what I said, A. The time is now, and it’s passing. You’ve been in love with her for years; tell her.”
“But what if I do and she doesn’t feel the same? And we work together… And what if our professional relationship or our friendship is damaged? I just can’t, Marcus!”
It was hard for Marcus to see his normally imperturbable friend so fragile. “I don’t know if you’re gonna get the answer you want, but as to the rest… do you really think her to be so small, Diana, or are you just scared?”
It took her a bit, but Marcus knew she’d come around eventually. “No and yes, Marcus; no and yes.”
“Okay, then.” He said with an encouraging smile.
“Okay, then.” Adeline echoed, a delicate determination rooting in her tone. A second later, as the reality of her statement closed the difference between mouth, mind, and heart, she loudly smacked her palm to forehead and fervently exclaimed, “Oh, Bloody Hell!”
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