Last Chapter Recap: "Yes, Master, I've given hints to the captain," Laura said, her voice steady, "but she seems to have lost interest in the matter."
NOW
Gravity Prison
Figures. Navigation through dangerous star-zone is much more important than intelligence work… especially if you lack skilled staff.
However, not all is lost yet. As long as I have my slaves, I still have a few cards up my sleeve. I can do this!
"Laura, call Ivanna," Adam ordered, his voice firm and demanding. "Tell her to go ahead with the plan."
"Yes, Master!" Laura said, her voice filled with determination.
I wish I had the princess already in my grasp. Alas, stage one is too little to control her, and waiting for stage two to finish would take too long.
However, I can still use her in another way… with princess help, I can still turn this situation around!
"Master," Laura said, returning, "Ivanna informed me that the princess has already woken up and is in the middle of studying."
"Good, good!" Adam said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, satisfaction in his tone.
When you don't have tools at your disposal, use the enemy's tools! That dreaded thing that haunted me since the battle will become my instrument of revenge!
"Kukuku..." Adam chuckled darkly. "Shall we take the front row seats for the incoming play, Laura?"
"What do you mean, Master...?" Laura asked, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion.
Grinning, I don't answer my slave, and instead approach the terminal within in the room.
Hacking cameras on Goliath is child's play for me who have Ava. However, there is a special camera that until now, I'd leave alone, for safety purposes.
Crew deck camera. An eye into the very brain of Goliath, into the holy domain of Selana!
"Kukuku... Normally, this would be suicide," Adam muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing. "But soon, you'll have other worries, Selana."
Lame second-tier firewall is nothing to us; I've already broken though it multiple times. And now, with pressing this key, an HD image from the crew deck is on!
To my dismay I spy no captain; look like during night, lt. Brody takes over her duties.
I can spy small circles around his eyes… I guess poor lt. Brody doesn't get much sleep those days. Not like I care. Serves him right for being on the wrong side!
Oooh! Here comes the main actress!
Live Video in Terminal
"Your Highness?" Brody asked, his voice laced with confusion. "How may I help you?"
"Where's the captain?" Tila asked, her tone sharp with impatience.
"Sleeping, of course," Brody said with a weary sigh. "Since Commander Heidi isn't here, I've agreed to cover for her during the night."
"I see," Tila said, her voice tinged with authority. "In that case, please summon her."
"Highness, the captain barely slept a few hours over the last three days," Brody said, his voice softening with concern. "I'm sure I can help you—"
"I said, summon her!" Tila said, her voice sharp and unwavering.
Princess decisive tone certainly startled lt. Brody, who followed the order without further grumbling. And as expected of the captain, in just two minutes…
"Your Highness," Selana said as she approached, her expression calm but alert. "I know you wouldn't raise an alarm without good reason, but…"
"It's related to our traitor, isn't it?" Brody asked, his tone low and tense.
"Yes, exactly," Tila said, her voice tight with urgency. "Captain, are you aware the database was fully decrypted this morning?"
"Yes, Lt. Laura informed me this morning," Selana said, a hint of guilt in her voice. "I must confess, I haven't gone through her report yet—navigation duties kept me tied up."
"Captain! Don't you understand our priorities?" Tila asked, frustration and urgency flaring in her voice.
"Your Highness—" Brody called, his voice firm but respectful, trying to cut through the rising tension.
"This isn't a mere delivery mission!" Tila snapped. "My first and foremost duty has always been rooting out Neo-Terran societies!"
So, it was really…!
"I'm well aware of that, Your Highness, and I applaud your courage in volunteering as bait," Selana said calmly. "However, we've already uncovered two agents within our ranks, haven't we? Frankly, that's one more than I expected."
"But not all," Tila said firmly, her eyes narrowing. "There are still shadows we haven't exposed."
"Princess, explain yourself," Selana said, her voice cold and commanding.
"Brody... No, agent 'Bell'!!" Tila shouted, her hand snapping to her gun as she pointed it directly at him. "You're under arrest for suspicion of spying for the Neo-Terran Society!"
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!
"What in the hell—?" Brody exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief as he stepped back, eyes wide with surprise.
"Princess, this is ridiculous," Selana said, her voice steady. "I can personally vouch for Lt. Brody's innocence."