Last Chapter Recap: Oh well. Compared to this heaven, what is a little scolding?
NOW
Surprisingly, commander didn't chastise me and Titties. Or rather, she didn't lt. Laura – I got cold glare. Another point lost, ugh.
Still, because of the wonderful morning, I suffered through everyday slog with a bright smile on my face.
Everytime my eyes crossed with the communications officer, she immediately smiled uncomfortably. The thought of possessing this woman is intoxicating!
"I see you're in good humour, Ensign," Selana said, narrowing her eyes slightly.
Of course, where there's a beauty. There's also a beast. Although this beast is quite beautiful as well.
"Despite the difficulties of, erm, mission, ma'am," Adam said, forcing a small smile, "I happen to be quite optimistic."
"Is that so? That's good," Selana said, her tone thoughtful. "Optimism is necessary in this line of work."
For some reason, instead of a short exchange like we always do, captain seems more poised for a long chat. Geez, doesn't this woman have her duties?
"Speaking of experience… Captain?" Adam asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Yes, what about you, Ensign?" Selana asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where does the former Neo-Terran noble take his optimism from?"
"Geez, that's unfair, Captain," Adam said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Am I being interrogated?"
"That's right, you're my valuable source on Neo-Terran attitudes, after all," Selana said with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "Or did you think I selected you based on your academy performance?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Adam said with a smirk. "And I believe I chose to serve on the Goliath myself..."
"I could refuse," Selana said, her smile fading. "Make no mistake, Ensign, there are dozens of cadets willing to serve on my ship—many more talented than you."
"I was top of the grade, ma'am," Adam said, his voice steady.
"Grade is hardly anything, Ensign," Selana said, her expression hardening. "I've seen many who break or die in their first battle."
"Since we already had our first battle," Adam asked, raising an eyebrow, "did I pass?"
"Barely," Selana said with a smile, her eyes glinting.
"Your standards are simply impossible, Captain," Adam said, shaking his head with a grin.
"At least you're not a liability like your predecessor," Selana said, her smile turning menacing. "Not yet, at least."
Somehow, for a second, the captain's smile looked almost menacing from my point of view. Fuck, only this woman can rattle me during casual chat.
"So, tell me, Ensign," Selana turned serious, her gaze sharp. "What made you defect?"
"I believe the reason can be found in my papers," Adam said, maintaining his composure. "Counterintelligence screened me quite thoroughly."
"I am quite far from distrusting people from Intelligence," Selana said with a sly smile and a grin. "Even those excellent men can make simple omissions."
"Do you distrust even the lie detector and truth serum, Captain?" Adam asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's an unhealthy level of paranoia."
"Yet it saved me many times," Selana said, her gaze hardening. "I just find it hard to believe the youngest princes of the Black Kingdom on Platinum Planet would simply defect... and volunteer for the ship that played a major role in destroying his family."
Fuck, this woman…!
"Ma'am, half of Alliance Fleet fought in the battle," Adam said, his voice steady. "Furthermore, believe me when I say my father deserved his death."
Of course, this hate is a result of essentially self-hypnosis, designed to fool alliance's counterintelligence. Genuine, yet artificial by the help of Ava. I will make you all regrets for destroying my family and kingdom.
"Poor son, aren't you?" Selana said with a tilt of her head. "Even among other kings, your father had quite a reputation."
"Indeed," Adam said, meeting her gaze. "Is it so strange that his own son would be repulsed by the family's legacy?"
"No, quite the contrary," Selana said, her voice low, almost approving.
"Sorry to interrupt you, ma'am," Brody said, stepping forward. "But I need you to approve this change of course."
Fortunately, lt. Brody is there to save me from this uncomfortable chat. Good timing, pal.
"Vermillion, huh…" Selana muttered, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"It'll cut our journey by a quarter, but..." Brody said, hesitating as he glanced at Selana.
Huh?
"Alright, I'll trust you on this, Brody," Selana said, her voice steady but tinged with caution. "Chart the course through Vermillion."
"Ma'am!" Brody saluted sharply, his posture straightening.
"Captain, that was...!" Adam asked, his words trailing off as he stared at her, unsure how to respond.
"Ah, that?" Selana said with a smirk. "I asked Lt. Brody to find us a shorter route. That encounter with the enemy carrier cost us some precious time, after all."
"But—" Adam said, his words faltering as he tried to make sense of it.
"Of course, the Vermillion sector is quite difficult to navigate through," Selana said, a grin spreading across her face and a sly smile dancing on her lips. "But I have full trust in my navigation officer. Don't worry, Ensign, we'll deliver you to in one piece. Heh."
Even throwing snarky at me… this damn woman…!
This is bad. Very bad. All my calculations may soon be thrown inside the dustbin.
According to my calculations, we're already past the halfway of this journey… which means, I have at best twelve to thirteen days to complete my plan!
To have cut it by quarter is… too little! Way too little! Even if everything went smoothly until now, I need more… more time!
Damn you, Brody… that's a curve ball I didn't anticipate! Furthermore, there's still matter of the database… a ticking time bomb.
There's no way back at this point. I need to gain some advantage… and that Titties will help me!