- -
- 100%
- +
Killian stopped, turning to the woman and tilted his head:
«I know very well that you’re looking for profit. I, on the other hand, am looking to better the community that the Company almost ran down into ashes with its greed for profit!» he said. «I would advise you turn your eyes to seeking benefits for everyone living here, not just yourself.»
The man walked off and took his seat.
He saw no difference between what used to be and what came to be – they still held great power over Garmfrig and its surroundings, they still did as they used to when deciding on their further actions…
They still squabbled, like they used to.
Killian watched everyone taking their seats – including those representatives that the people appointed to be there.
Unlike the usual mafia meetings, where Killian gathered twelve people, including himself and his right-hand man Silt, this Council grew to a gathering of two dozen. Some of those weren’t part of what used to be the mafia or gangs that run the place, and it eased Killian’s mind to see doctors, teachers and engineers taking part in making Garmfrig more prosperous in the near future.
They’ve already come a long way, discussing matters, and it helped Killian distract himself from thinking about Serena too much.
«…the fact that Laithorians have helped us doesn’t mean we need to abide by their laws…» he suddenly heard Jaleka pushing her speech.
«It does!» Killian raised his voice, making other people fall silent.
«No, Killian, it doesn’t!» Jaleka frowned. «We’ve gained an ally, sure, new trade prospects, most definitely, but…»
«There’s no discussion here, Jaleka! We agreed to accept their help and negotiate our colonies falling under their Empire. You want to betray their trust? After all they’ve done for us? For the people of Garmfrig?»
«You wanted this, Killian! None of us did!»
«I agree with him, Jaleka.» Salara smirked. «We did negotiate with Laithorians for the sake of everyone, not just our own businesses and profits.»
«If Serena was here…» Killian sighed, frustrated.
«Your Veluthian whore is dead, Killian!» Jaleka jumped to her feet. «Get used to it and stop mentioning her in this Council! She did what she did for the benefit of her people, not ours!»
«That’s not true.» Thirden Leeds looked at the woman. «Laithorians gained nothing with Garmfrig or even our other colonies. Just more mouths to feed and look after.»
«Is there no one here, who would agree with me?» Jaleka glanced around, furious. «Or have you all lost your minds after being brainwashed by the Laithorian emissaries?»
«While I do agree that Laithorian laws that are being introduced are… harsh…» one of the new members stood up, a slim, short man with a mane of copper hair he kept neatly brushed back. «I do have to say they are quite just and much more appropriate for the people.»
Killian glanced at the man, noting this University lecturer – Ludwig Risson – for a future conversation.
«I don’t see how the Laithorian laws can be just, Ludwig!» Jaleka scowled. «Two of my men were executed three days ago simply for crash landing into a building.»
«They were drunk, Jaleka.» Tolan cleared his throat. «And their actions killed seventeen innocent people. I’d say this was an appropriate punishment for being so inconsiderate for the lives of others and does help set a precedent for other pilots not to be as irresponsible.»
«Let’s put it to vote.» Killian put a smile to his face. «All, who are for following Laithorian laws and continuing to integrate into their Empire, raise your hands…»
Jaleka looked around, seeing twenty hands up.
«All against?» Killian felt calmer than just a few minutes ago.
Only Jaleka put her hand up.
«Twenty votes for, one against, two members abstained.» Silt marked the voting on his information tablet.
Killian noted the two people who decided not to vote, and said:
«You’re overruled, Jaleka. The Council has spoken. We continue to integrate, becoming part of the Laithorian Empire.»
«Fools!» Jaleka hissed, storming out.
«Council adjourned.» Killian sighed, making eye contact with Silt, who nodded in a silent reply.
Because of Jaleka and her arrogant speeches they didn’t get a chance to discuss everything else they were supposed to. The new laws they agreed to influenced how the Council worked as well – to have a fair discussion and voting on any matter, all members have to be present – either themselves or by means of a proxy, which was decided before the meeting began.
By storming out, Jaleka essentially wasted everyone’s time, forcing them to close the session before time.
Killian suspected she would be the one causing trouble, but so far she tried her best to act a little more subtle and relied on her charms, and not her emotions.
Something happened. He knew it, but couldn’t know what.
«Silt…» Killian gestured to his associate. «Find out what Jaleka is up to. I feel like she’s been thinking of doing something rash…»
«Yes, sir.» Silt replied, quickly retreating away.
Most members of the New Garmfrig Council stayed back, deep in thought.
«Is anyone hungry?» Killian tried his best to sound more at ease than he was. «How about I treat you all to dinner and we could share our thoughts on the matter Jaleka raised today?»
He glanced around, seeing people slowly nodding to his proposal.
Killian hated politics. But he was good at it.
Chapter 5. Frontier
Cipher sat on the bridge of his ship, watching the Laithorian fleet surrounding what little spaceships were left of the once proud and vast Company forces. The man knew how hard the war was on everyone, and understood the sacrifices that have been made.
He sacrificed much in the course of his life. First – for the Company that employed him and gave him some sense of a belonging. Then he sacrificed the life he had built – however futile it was – and ran from the bastards that never really understood how to keep their people loyal, always pushing them to the brink of morality and hope.
Cipher sighed, remembering the fateful meeting he and his friends stumbled upon.
Serena seemed to have been stripped of all hope and sense of life – of any kind, except that she got used to. She was such a hopeless girl when they’ve met. And yet he later learned how much she too had sacrificed. Just to stay alive.
Time and time again, after being in such strange circumstances, she showed him how sacrifice can be made willingly, not forced or made out of desperation. She taught him so much over the years they stayed together.
Her greatest sacrifice was made not when she jumped to shield the Laithorian Empress, but when she destroyed Terra, following the order her Empress gave. The Captain knew how hard this would impact her crew. She knew, and went through with the order. That day she sacrificed her own happiness and the life she had built for herself for the greater good.
They didn’t know that at the time.
Now, being on the same side as the Laithorian forces and supporting the fight for freedom on human colonies that have been abused by the Company for so long… Cipher couldn’t bear the thought of being here alone, without Serena by his side with her magnificent ship MSS Lyssandra.
He wished things would be different.
And yet here he was today, watching history being made.
Empress Alathea was meeting with the representatives of the Company, negotiating their absolute surrender. He heard over the communication lines what the Laithorians demanded. Cipher found it fair and justified – after everything the Company did both to Laithorians and the people on Terran colonies, the demands made were but a small retribution.
«I wish Serena was here.» he sighed.
His crew – though small – stood silently, each thinking of their own.
Finally, Fisk, who decided to join them while the MSS Lyssandra’s crew stayed on Velutha, spoke up:
«I’m sure she wouldn’t see this as something she started.»
Dean grunted – though, the mute had his ways of communicating, he still held a grudge against the Captain of MSS Lyssandra for what she had done to the population of Terra.
«I don’t think she actually started the war, Fisk.» Taliesin ran his hand through the now dyed purple Mohawk on his head. «She played a part in it, sure, but come on…»
«A significant part, Tal.» Pher stepped up to the window, watching the Terran fleet slowly falling back to return to the colonies they still had after all the fighting. «Serena has done much more she would have ever admitted to herself.»
«We don’t know her at all, and damn! Than woman sounds like one I’d like to have as a friend!» a woman chuckled behind him.
Pher turned to the two newcomers of their crew – two women, beautiful, yet tough – and thought how they came aboard, joining their fight on one of the colonies. So far they’ve proven to be loyal and just. Lilith and Lola looked like striking opposites – one tall, lithe and blond, another one shorter, more muscular and dark-haired.
«I think she’d love to have you as friends, girls…» Cipher took a deep breath.
«Incoming message, Captain.» Lola leaned in to her work station.
«Put it through.»
The window turned into a screen, showing one of the Generals Cipher already knew.
«Captain Cipher.» the black-skinned man bowed slightly, greeting the Terran man.
«General.» Cipher returned the courtesy, already used to the ceremonial traditions of Veluthians that treated him and his crew with respect and trust.
«Empress Alathea expresses her gratitude to you and your crew for being part of the frontier negotiations and wishes to pass you a monetary reward for your efforts alongside an offer to continue working for her.»
«Thank you. I appreciate the gesture. I’d have to think it over though, no offence.»
«None taken, Captain. You may return to Velutha to reconvene and discuss this with your friends. You and your crew are always welcome there.»
«Thank you, General.» Cipher watched the man bow again and the communication line cut off.
«We’re going back?» Fisk asked.
Cipher took a few minutes to think:
«I’m not sure anyone from MSS Lyssandra are ready to face us yet.» he grunted. «Anyone have any ideas where we could spend some time?»
«Sir?» Lola called out. «The Laithorian people have uploaded a number of possible missions we could take along the way…»
«Oh?»
«Here…» the woman sent the list to Cipher’s screen. «We could help a couple of colonies.»
«I know a place or two in these ones…» Lilith leaned in next to Cipher with a charming smile. «They have good booze there, we could pick up a couple of cases to treat the others…»
Cipher grunted, thinking it over, and then sent confirmation to others about a couple of missions he was going to take upon before returning to Velutha.
Chapter 6. Awakening
Serena slowly opened her eyes, and cursed the strike of fate that didn’t let her die. She didn’t doubt she was still alive. However, she could barely see, but what she could – made no sense.
Silver plating and dim light surrounded her.
Her consciousness failed her quickly, but when she came to her senses again, she could feel her body once more. The heavy, agonising pain was first to come. And then there was the feeling of helplessness, as she couldn’t even move at all.
Serena didn’t fight it when her mind went blank, throwing her into the unconscious state.
From time to time she would swim out again, only to succumb to the darkness shortly.
Finally, she managed to wake up and grasp at reality, not allowing the weakness to take over once more. Only then she realised she was lying face down in some sort of a medical pod she hadn’t seen before.
Slowly and weakly turning her head she noticed her hands bound to the pod.
«Please, remain calm.» she heard a soft female voice through the ringing in her ears. «You are safe and being treated from the injuries you have suffered.»
The pod administered some medicine and Serena felt her mind slipping again.
The next time she awakened her hands were no longer bound. Serena gritted her teeth and tried to push herself up.
«It is highly recommended you stay in the pod, Lady Serena…» the same voice came through.
The woman realised that it could be the AI speaking to her. Failing to get up, Serena closed her eyes, feeling dizzy and weak.
«Where…» Serena exhaled, her voice coarse and raspy. «Am I?»
«You are in a private section of the Imperial Hospital. Please, stay in the pod. Your Medic has been notified of your awakening and will be arriving shortly.»
Serena allowed herself to stay lying and closed her eyes, almost immediately dozing off. However, she forced her eyes open once she heard approaching footsteps. Forcing through the nauseating wave, she turned her head towards the sound and saw a tall, slim man approaching. He was green eyed and with short cut dark hair – so short, that it looked almost non-existent.
«Lady Serena.» the man bowed. «Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alpha level medic Kareem Dorn Thilidin. I was entrusted with your well-being until you recover from the immense injuries you have suffered.»
The woman tried hard to push herself up, but failed again:
«Empress Alathea…» she felt the medic touch her arm and stopped trying to get up.
«She is alive and well, Lady Serena. We all saw what happened. You and your crew saved Empress Alathea’s life.» the medic stepped aside and ordered the pod to run a scan. «And though your injuries were severe, you are healing quite well.»
«My crew…» Serena felt her head spinning again.
«They’ve apprehended the criminals that failed to assassinate our Empress, Lady Serena.»
«They’re alive…»
«They’re all alive and well, my lady.» the medic administered some medicine. «Now, sleep. You need to recover. Our Empress will be happy to hear you are getting better by the day…»
Serena couldn’t answer, already succumbing to the sedative she received.
She didn’t know how long she slept, but when she woke up once more, she pushed herself up – even though she was still feeling bursts of pain in her back. The AI kept trying to talk her into staying in the pod, but Serena gritted her teeth and sat up.
The woman didn’t know how long it took her to do that, but as soon as she did – the medic she already saw before ran into the room and hurriedly approached her.
«Don’t dare tell me to lie down again, Kareem.» Serena growled at the man.
He frowned at such a statement, then smirked and contacted someone through his information tablet.
«You’re not in the condition to go anywhere, Lady Serena…» he said. «But I was warned by your crew that you are a very stubborn woman who disregards her injuries often.»
«Show me what happened to me…» Serena swallowed hard, battling with the dizziness that hit her again.
Kareem smirked and showed her his information tablet with her initial scans.
Serena saw her body in shambles: all the muscles on her back were burned off by the explosion, her ribs shattered, spine broken in a few places. It was a miracle she was alive.
The door slid open and a couple of helper bots appeared. One of those flew up to Serena, who sat shocked at the news, and offered her water. The woman took it without question, emptying the unbreakable packet used for patients during recovery in a couple of big gulps.
«How?» she exhaled, slowly shaking her head.
«How are you alive?» Kareem chuckled. «Only thanks to the quick thinking of your crew members, Lady Serena. Your Officer… Hunter, he administered some emergency stims you made on your ship. Fascinating mix, my lady. I do admire the thought that came into that.»
«I know how to survive, Kareem.»
«And that is extremely admirable, Lady Serena. Please, will you be so kind to grant us the mixture recipe for medical use? It has proven itself quite effective in your case… Even though we didn’t have much hope at first.»
«I thought every mix I made was logged and sent to Veluthian servers every time I visited?» Serena glanced aside to the patiently waiting helper bots – one of those carried something reminiscent of a free-flowing robe.
«For usual ships this is true. Yours, however, was not uploading everything. The unique medical mixtures you’ve concocted on your own weren’t supplied to the servers for public use.» Kareem tilted his head. «I hope you understand that if you wish to end your military career at any time, the medical field would be thrilled to have you help us make medicinal mixtures. I think you’d be a great medic.»
«Thanks…» the woman reached out and grabbed the robe, wincing, but putting it on. «But I’ll stick to my choice of niche…»
She slowly slipped off the pod and forced herself to straighten up. Pushing away Kareem’s helping hand, she took a deep breath, before making a cautious step forward. Her legs felt weak, but she still took a few steps, before glancing at the medic, who stood frozen and silent, watching her.
«My crew…» Serena didn’t know how long she would be able to stand on her own. «I need to see my crew. Preferably now.»
Kareem opened his mouth, then closed it, took a moment to think and smiled:
«Well, then… If you’re not going to stay in the medical pod until your wounds heal completely, I would recommend to step out and get some fresh air while I will be preparing your transfer to a private room for the rest of your stay. While on the way to our gardens, I can contact your crew and invite them for a short visit.»
«Would you like some more water, Lady Serena?» the helper bot flew up to her and offered another drink.
Serena felt so parched that she couldn’t resist taking it.
«Please, don’t exert yourself more than necessary.» Kareem gestured to the exit. «And do tell me if you’ll need any help.»
«I’m fine.» Serena growled, heading towards the door.
She walked so slow and unlike her usual pace, that it seemed like an eternity had passed until she reached the exit and saw the corridor, which opened up onto a sun-lit terrace with benches and comfortable seats for the patients to spend some time watching the beauty of the trees and flowers that filled the gardens the hospital had on its inner grounds. A couple of patients sat in different spots of this garden, and Serena noted how they all noticed her, immediately beginning to whisper between their little groups.
Fighting through the nausea and weakness, she approached a set of closest seats and lowered onto one of them, cautious not to lean back and hurt herself.
«I will issue you a special mobile chair that will allow you sitting without discomfort.» Kareem said. «Your back would need to heal properly before you could sit in a usual seat.»
The woman caught her breath, feeling exhausted from what little amount of steps she took.
«I appreciate the thought, but I’ll have to decline that, Kareem…» she breathed out, suddenly grimacing at the bitter taste in her mouth.
Serena forced down a nauseating wave and looked at the picturesque gardens, trying not to think about anything else, but the colourful flowers and butterflies that soared around the plants.
«How long have I been here? And how long until my full recovery?» she finally asked, leaning with her arms over her knees and finding this pose more tolerable than trying to sit up straight.
«Uh…» the way Kareem fell silent made her look at the man. «Our first assumptions were around six weeks.»
«Six weeks?» the woman frowned.
«Yes, at first we estimated your recovery at six weeks. However, thanks to the supply of your miracle stims you’ve been recovering much faster than we thought.»
«How long have I been here?»
«Two weeks as of today.»
Serena almost gasped for air, feeling shock washing over her. For two weeks she was out and there was no telling what could have happened during this time.
«You must understand, Lady Serena, we had to reconstruct your spine and ribs, as well as aid in healing all the other extensive injuries you have sustained… External and internal.» Kareem tried to explain.
Serena slowly shook her head and grasped her hair, feeling a sudden dizziness washing over her. Closing her eyes, she tried hard not to allow this to make her sway, or even worse – fall from the seat.
She heard the man kneeling next to her:
«Lady Serena?»
«I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.» she replied, taking a deep breath.
«I warned you that you should have stayed in the pod.»
The woman opened her eyes and glanced at the medic:
«If you’d know me a little better, you’d know I never stay in the pod long enough.» she took a moment. «But I’d appreciate if you have any of my stims with you…»
«Yes, your crew members warned me as much.» Kareem tilted his head aside, giving her a shot, then glanced aside and smiled. «Speaking of…»
Serena tried to turn her head slowly, feeling her neck and back hurting, and saw Wolfin, Hunter and Lindon running to her, disregarding all etiquette of being in the Imperial Hospital. The woman thought for a moment if she would be able to stand up, but realised that, most probably, not for a while – her body felt too heavy and pained.
Hunter reached her first, falling to his knees in front of her and catching her face in his palms. For a couple of moments he was watching her face with a happy smile before connecting their lips in a long kiss.
«You miracle of a woman!» he said leaning back and letting out a slight chuckle.
Serena grasped his wrist, leaning with her cheek into his palm and closed her eyes, feeling her head spinning even harder.
«This miracle needs a bit of help getting to her room…» she exhaled. «It appears, Alpha level medic Kareem was right and I shouldn’t have gotten out of the medical pod in the first place…»
«I’ll be happy to show you to your rooms, Lady Serena.» Kareem bowed. «Allow me to call some helper bots to…»
«No need.» Serena gritted her teeth, and caught Hunter’s shoulder to push herself up.
The cyborg immediately aided her to her feet, and Lindon stepped up as well, grasping one of her arms to help her stay up and walking.
«I told you she’ll be a hard patient.» Wolfin smirked, meeting Kareem’s gaze.
The medic sighed heavily and nodded:
«Hard patient indeed…» he said. «This way. The room is not that far.»
Chapter 7. Cornered
She awoke with a sharp inhale, immediately gritting her teeth from the pain piercing her spine.
In frenzy she reached out to the bedside table, feeling for one of the syringes, her fingers slipping off the capsules and devices, dropping them to the floor.
Gasping for air, Serena tried to push herself up to see the medicine, but the pain was so overwhelming that she fell down on the bed again. A medical helper bot whirled up to her side and she felt it administering some painkillers that almost immediately relieved the pain.
«Would you like me to call your medic?» the bot asked, running a quick scan.
«No…» Serena pushed out of herself, slowly relaxing on the bed again and feeling the position being a little awkward for her.
She rarely slept on her stomach before, but now it was the only pose she could fall asleep in without disturbing the back that still gave her a hard time.
«Scans show you have awakened from what appears to be a nightmare. I would advise you to speak about this with Alpha level medic Kareem Dorn Thilidin. He might be able to help you with any psychological trauma…»
«Shut up.» Serena growled, pressing her face to the pillow.
The bot didn’t reply and lowered to the floor to collect and disinfect everything that Serena dropped when trying to give herself an injection.
The woman lay there, unmoving, for a bit, until she could finally slip away into her dreams again, grateful for the helper bots being there.
Two days passed since she awakened in the Imperial Hospital and got up, and with every passing day she felt more and more unnerved being stuck in the room.
It didn’t help that she still felt extremely weak and heavy every time she tried to walk. And when she did and went out into the gardens – her room had a direct access to a small private part, from which she could venture into the main area – she hated seeing other patients staring at her and whispering all the time.