Part III. Criminal
Chapter 1. Protocol
MSS Lyssandra, followed by SS Growler, jumped out of the wormhole directly into Veluthian orbit, and as soon as everyone looked out the window, they heard Lyssa reporting:
«Sending message Zero-Zero-One to all Veluthian spaceships and all available open media channels on the planet.»
Serena swallowed a lump in her throat, realising that she was entering a very dangerous game. Hunter frowned and looked at her:
«What message?»
«Would you like me to show them message Zero-Zero-One, Captain?» Lyssa asked.
«Go ahead.» Serena waved it off, feeling her body becoming ice cold.
The men turned to the screen that lit up and saw Serena.
«My fellow Veluthians. My name is Serena Dal Thara-Lyss, and I have been wronged by people in power of authority in our empire. I have been charged with false accusations, but I do not intend to let this go unnoticed. I am invoking my right to surrender freely and wilfully to a person of high status and whose life I have saved a number of years ago. I invoke my right to yield to Empress Alathea Dal Keelan-Dir of the Laithorian Empire»
«What?!» Hunter exhaled, surprised to hear these words.
«Who do you think gifted this ship to Serena?» Wolfin sighed, finally understanding what Serena was doing. «Not every Veluthian has a planet destroyer type of ship that has a medical pod with an option to extract memories. This ship is one of the few issued by the Empress.»
«Message Zero-Zero-Two is sent directly to Empress Alathea and the High Imperial Council.» Lyssa reported. «Encrypted files, containing all the memories and gathered proof have been attached to the message.»
Serena closed her eyes, trying her best not to let her hands tremble.
Lindon stood silent, not knowing what to say to the plan Serena had set in motion without even telling them.
«Now… we wait.» Serena said, her voice audibly shaking.
Wolfin stepped to the woman and laid his palm on her shoulder:
«Why didn’t you tell us?»
«Because if I would have… I wouldn’t have the courage left to go through with it.» she replied, feeling a shiver running down her spine. «You should know… Never once have I surrendered.»
She felt his palm squeezing her shoulder.
«IMSS Thailoran is approaching us, Captain. Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas is hailing.» Lyssa reported.
Serena straightened in her seat, and Wolfin stepped back, allowing her to take the call.
The screen lit up, showing a stern looking man with dark hair that had a streak of white running on his left temple. He carried himself proudly and his green eyes looked at Serena with calm respect.
«Greetings, Lady Serena.» he said.
«Greetings to you, Captain Dillian.» the woman replied, answering his short nod with the same courtesy.
«I was sent here to escort you down to Laithora for acceptance of your surrender. You shall respect the Veluthian code of honour and will not engage in any sort of resistance. If you honour this, you and your crew will be safe and treated fairly.»
«I honour the code, Captain. That’s why I’m here.»
«Once we land, you and your crew will remain on your ships until further notice, understood?»
«Understood.»
«Your compliance is greatly appreciated, Lady Thara-Lyss.»
Serena nodded, and the screen turned black once again. Lyssa took control of the ship, following IMSS Thailoran, and leaving the captain slowly sliding down her seat and closing her eyes with her palm.
«Captain Cipher has been notified on the agreed upon conditions of our landing.» Lyssa reported and went silent.
«So… what, exactly, are we supposed to do, Serena?» Hunter stepped to the woman, pained to see her so distressed.
«You… nothing.» the woman replied. «It’s all up to me, the Empress and the Council members now… As per usual protocol, it can take up to several days of waiting until we get any response from the Empress. So as soon as we land, we wait. I suppose, they will summon me first… to accept or deny me the right I have invoked.»
«Can they really deny you?» Lindon looked at Serena and almost lost his voice, seeing her being pale.
«They can. I’m hoping they won’t.»
«Do you have any failsafe?» Wolfin exhaled, trying his best not to question her resolve.
«If I am denied, shot, or my surrender accepted by someone other than Empress Alathea, Lyssa will send out all the files into the mainframe, allowing everyone access to the files I have collected. Every Veluthian will know what happened.» Serena gritted her teeth. «Other than that, I thought of only one viable option if my surrender goes haywire. But that would make me the villain in the eyes of all Laithorians for centuries to come. So I had to drop that idea. Plus… I didn’t want you to suffer the same fate as I would have.»
Lindon tightened his fists, realising what went through her mind when she was planning all of this.
They felt Lyssa softly landing on a broad square, and several ships, aimed at them, landed around, spitting out several regiments of Imperial Guards, which surrounded the ships in a circle, so that none of the civilians enter the location, where MSS Lyssandra was held.
Serena sighed heavily and stood. Hunter wanted to approach her, but she shook her head, gesturing him to stay on the bridge.
«Please… I need to be alone for a bit.» the woman said, slowly making her way out and heading towards her quarters.
The following day they spent in a very quiet and tense waiting.
Chapter 2. Right
The stillness was maddening. And the fact that they had to wait for the Empress or her employs to answer her call was even more nerve-wracking. Serena couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t even numb herself with alcohol — all she could think about was that she put all her faith in the Empress and if her Imperial Highness will not even see her messages, it would mean that everything was for nothing.
The woman tried hard to keep herself calm, though the heavy thoughts haunted her for hours on end, not giving her even a single minute of respite. She knew very well that Hunter and her crew were worried sick for her, but couldn’t get herself to face them in these dire circumstances.
She started doubting if she would even have enough strength to answer to whatever authority comes to get her.
«Captain, you are being hailed by Captain Dillian.» Lyssa reported suddenly.
Serena got up from her bed — she spent most of the time just lying there, thinking about her decisions and what repercussions they might have on her crew. Combing down her hair, she sat behind her working screens.
«Put it through.» she said.
The screen came to life, showing the very same man Serena saw when she sent out her first message to Velutha.
«I am ordered to have you exit MSS Lyssandra.» Captain Dillian said.
«Is my request being accepted?» Serena felt her heart dropping.
«Of that I am unaware. But I am asked to have you exit your ship. Will you comply?»
«Five minutes? I have to calm my men before leaving.»
«Five minutes.» Dillian nodded.
The screen went black and Serena walked out of her captain’s quarters:
«Lyssa, is everyone sleeping?»
«No. They’re in the dining area.» the AI replied.
«Thank you.»
The woman walked to the dining area and saw her men sitting behind the table, grasping at their heads in heavy thought.
«It’s time.» She said and they looked at her. «Don’t do anything, alright? Be civil.»
Without a single another word she headed towards the cargo bay. Hearing her men silently following her made her feel her resolve dissolving, but she pushed any weakness down and kept her back straight, showing the proud military posture she was taught to keep in any circumstances from early childhood.
The cargo bay opened without any order from Serena, and the woman saw the sun-lit plaza beyond, where they landed at. It was filled with Imperial Guards and civilians that mingled some ways away, interested in the sudden entertainment of a high-end person being possibly arrested.
Serena looked back at her men and slowly nodded, then turned towards the guards and Captain Dillian, approaching with a regiment of the Imperial Guards behind him, all armoured and armed at the ready. The woman walked out into the sun, stepping calm and slow.
«I invoke my right to surrender to a person of high status, whose life I have saved a number of years ago.» she said, repeating her previous statement. «I invoke my right to yield to Empress Alathea Dal Keelan-Dir of the Laithorian Empire.»
She unclasped her belt and let it fall to the ground, showing everyone around that she wasn’t going to use her weapons or resist in any way.
Captain Dillian nodded, seeing this, and watched her make another few steps towards him and his men. When she stopped, watching Dillian closely, the man looked to the side, hearing a drone descending from the skies. The small, spherical device flew to the centre of the plaza and hovered in between Dillian and Serena.
A holographic representation of the Empress appeared, being translated through the drone, and everyone around instinctually straightened, silently greeting the image, though the Empress was looking straight at Serena.
«Welcome, Serena Dal Thara-Lyss, saviour of my life. I hear you are here to surrender to me.» the Empress said, her voice calm and soft.
«I am, Empress. I am being charged with false accusations and I want a fair royal trial.» Serena replied.
«And a fair trial you shall have! I am accepting your surrender and placing you under arrest. You shall have a Royal trial on your case, Serena. Guards, take her into custody and treat her as a royal prisoner.»
«I also want to plead for my friends…» Serena almost lost her voice, but quickly corrected herself. «My crew and my friends to be free until my own trial ends. They will not leave, they will not cause any trouble. I give you my word.»
«I was informed two of your… friends are also under investigation?»
«They were also falsely accused. But I assure you, if you hear me out and see what I have seen, you will know that there is foul play in these accusations. Neither Wolfin, nor Lindon will cause anyone any harm. I am sure of it. They will wait for your judgement on my case. And if your judgement will be against me… then they will face their accusations wilfully and accept whatever judgement you will place upon them.»
The Empress took a few moments to consider Serena’s words, then nodded gracefully:
«Very well, Serena Dal Thara-Lyss.»
Serena nodded to the Empress, slowly falling to her knees. She then raised her hands and clasped them at the back of her head.
Captain Dillian and two Imperial Guards approached her. The man looked into her eyes with the same respect, and nodded to her. His men respectfully and calmly cuffed her hands behind her back and helping her up, and they all headed to the military craft that was supposed to take her to jail to await trial by the Empress herself.
Wolfin grasped Hunters wrist when he wanted to follow:
«Now… we wait.» the Veluthian said, feeling his heart aching for his named daughter. «And trust her in her reasoning and judgement.»
«But…» Hunter met his gaze.
«Trust in your Captain, Hunter. And in the woman you love.»
Chapter 3. Prisoner
Serena walked against her will, stepping with two guards on each side. She couldn’t force herself to look up, feeling the hollow, lifeless sensation in her body, as if it was already not her own.
Her weapons were taken from the plaza, and her armour pin was removed, leaving her absolutely helpless against her captors. Serena hoped the Empress will keep her word — because if she doesn’t, there’s nothing left for Serena to believe in. Her whole military career was revolving around the Empress being just, fair and intelligent. If the Empress was as corrupt as Saalar Dorn Kalun, then the whole honour code of Laithorians meant nothing.
The woman was taken to the largest jail there ever was on Velutha — the jail where most people with authority spent their days awaiting judgement, or serving their time after having their cases heard. Serena hoped that her case will be in trial sooner than later, but it all depended on the Empress and her availability, her access to all the possible proof of the accusations that were brought upon Serena. All those false accusations can be easily disproven in the royal trial — the Empress can enforce a memory extraction to see if the accused was ever really engaged in any of the things they are being accused of.
Serena knew she had nothing to hide. She knew that her memories will show the Empress her innocence. But what the Empress would do was beyond her.
She hoped that the Empress remembered how Serena saved her life a long time ago, when they both were engaged on the battlefield somewhere in the neighbouring system. Serena remembered that she didn’t even know who she saved that day — not until a very pompous man came to get her and took her to the Empress, where Serena was issued a ship as a gift and praise for her courage and selflessness.
The woman also remembered how little her father thought of this, brushing it off:
«You weren’t fast enough. If you were any better, you’d never have allowed her to be wounded!»
It was true — Serena wasn’t there in time to save the Empress before she fell to an injury, though, not a life-threatening one.
Now… everything that happened that distant day meant so little, if the Empress wouldn’t even hear her case.
The military guards took her through all the bureaucracy every high-end person on Velutha went through after their arrest. The last on the list was implanting the inhibitor that minimised all the regeneration process in the prisoner’s body.
Finally, she was escorted to the prison cell — a small confinement with just a simple cot and a toilet corner. Not a window, not a whiff of fresh air — only the grey, lifeless walls of a prison cell that she was supposed to stay in until her case will be seen.
The complete silence she found herself in was supposed to unnerve anyone, who was thrown into this confinement. But to Serena it was quite usual to hear only her thoughts, her breath and the beating of her heart.
At first she was trying to count the time that was passing by, but without anything to help her with that, she stopped and just fell into a very still and quiet meditation, awaiting anything that would make her understand if she made the right call.
She wasn’t able to say how much time passed, when the door slid open and a guard stepped in, looking at her heavily.
«You’re being transferred, prisoner. Stand and turn around.» the man said.
Serena complied, wilfully allowing the guard to shackle her wrists behind her back once again. He took her through the numerous corridors and a couple of elevators that took them deeper down, until they ended up in what seemed like an old part of the prison. The woman couldn’t help but frown, seeing that the corridor they were walking through was unkempt and the cameras that were supposed to monitor everything were either broken or dismantled.
Even stranger was the complete silence around — there seemed to be not a single soul in the numerous cells they were passing.
Serena felt her thoughts start racing.
Was the Empress going to meet her privately deep in the bowels of this dungeon? Or were Salaar’s men trying to get rid of her so sloppily?
The man dragged her further in, until they reached an open cell and he pushed her in so hard that she almost fell to the floor.
As she straightened, she suddenly saw the face of a man she never wanted to see in person.
«Welcome, little dove.» a creepy smile appeared on the face of the one Serena recognised to be none other than Salaar Dorn Kalun.
The woman saw three other men in the cell and felt herself cornered.
«My son here had so much to tell me about you…» Salaar chuckled, seeing her eyes dart from side to side.
Serena saw one of the men grinning and recognised him as well — a very long time ago she defeated him in a duel. After that his career took a turn for the worse. Lazarus Dorn Kalun, Salaar’s only son.
«You can’t do this.» Serena hissed. «I am a royal prisoner awaiting trial!»
«Oh, little dove… you are no one. Nobody will hear you case, trust me on that. The Empress has so much more important things to attend to.» Salaar smirked. «I will make sure she will forget all about you.»
Two guards that stood there grabbed her, immobilising, while Lazarus and Salaar watched her twitch and fail to free herself as she was pushed down onto the floor.
«Lazarus has so much to say to you, my dear. I do hope there’s going to be something left of you after he’s done with you.» Salaar leaned in, grinning at the way one of the guards held her in a choking grasp, tightening his arms. «But I am interested how long you’ll last. As I do understand you’re quite the… survivor.»
«Asshole!» Serena hissed, baring her teeth.
«Such a pity to have your genetics go to waste…» Salaar shook his head and headed out. «Have fun.»
Lazarus chuckled, sitting on top of the woman and unsheathing his blade, his eyes flashing with madness.
«I always wanted to wipe that smug smile off your face, bitch.» he said. «Long hair! Pfft! A symbol of your victories… Let’s see how it holds against my blade.»
The man grabbed her hair and sliced with his blade, cutting off a few thick locks with a cackle. Serena could only growl, as he began rudely cutting her hair and throwing it aside, enjoying humiliating the warrior woman who defeated him once long ago.
«You will never see a trial!» Lazarus grinned, pushing her face into the hard floor. «My father will make sure of that!»
Serena did not take her eyes off the man, growling from the pain and humiliation.
He looked at the body that was before him and cackled:
«You and your entitled attitude made my career drop. And I’m going to make you pay for it!» he glanced at the guard behind her and nodded.
Serena felt the guard tightening his grip on her neck, almost suffocating her. If the second guard wouldn’t have been holding her legs, she would start kicking in an attempt to free herself.
«I’m going to make you scream, Serena. And I’m going to make you beg.» Lazarus began rudely cutting off her clothes, leaving cuts on her skin.
She didn’t make a sound, baring her teeth in anger.
When he took her for the first time, she gritted her teeth, but remained silent, which made Lazarus furious. By the time he was done with her, he waved to the guard and allowed him to do as he pleased.
Serena still kept her mouth shut, though the guard was just as fierce as Lazarus.
This was only the beginning.
Lazarus enjoyed tormenting her. Day after day he came to her — first, with two guards, then with another two men.
They were all too eager to have her again and again, tearing into her body with a relentless, sadistic urge to destroy what was left of her. She never gave them the joy of hearing her screams or cries. She tried her best to be silent. Just like with John Summers, she simply allowed her mind to go blank and all she did was just look at them and growl. She had to look. It was the only form of proof she could offer — if only the Empress would really go through with her word on having the royal trial.
The inhibitor made her body frail and incapable of regenerating, but she could withstand the pain. She had to. Otherwise there really was nothing else left of her.
In the short silent moments, when her rapists left her for the time being, she would allow herself to drift into sleep on the cold stone floor, her arms shackled behind her back. But every time she would be woken to another one of them taking her once more, bringing more pain and humiliation to what they’ve already caused.
She didn’t want to think that Lazarus was right. She couldn’t make herself believe that the Empress would not see her case at all. However powerful Salaar Dorn Kalun was, the Empress had all the right and power to bring the man down.
But as the days went by, Serena slowly began falling into a desperate stupor, realising that, perhaps, the Empress was not as just as she thought.
Chapter 4. Empress
Lindon walked into the training room and saw Hunter relentlessly boxing in the atmospheric settings that were almost close to Veluthian.
«Any news?» Hunter stepped away from the punching bag and looked at his friend.
The Veluthian shook his head sadly. He too was worried that days were passing by, and there was no news on what was happening to Serena or her case.
«How long have you been here?» Lindon asked, seeing the Terran slide down the wall in desperation and exhaustion.
«Two hours… at least.» Hunter gritted his teeth. «I can’t rest, Lindon. I can’t…»
«Growler, return Terran settings please.»
«Yes, Lindon.» the AI replied, changing the settings almost immediately.
«Take a break, brother. Things like these take time.» Lindon felt even more unnerved ever since Lyssa was confiscated for the time of investigation and they had to stay with Cipher on his ship.
«We don’t even know what they’re doing to her in that prison!» Hunter gritted his teeth.
«Veluthians are proud people, Hunter. We honour our code of conduct. Our prisoners are always treated fairly.»
«And what guarantees are there that this Empress of yours will even remember about her promise?» Hunter punched the wall in frustration.
«The only guarantees we have are her word, given to Serena in front of a lot of witnesses.» Lindon shook his head. «Things like this will not go unnoticed if the people won’t hear any sort of update or development on such a case. Usually, Royal Trials are broadcasted all throughout the Laithorian Empire.»
«Usually does not mean all the time!»
«True. But even those that are not broadcasted, are being talked about in the media. We are proud people, Hunter. We honour the code. And if someone does not… we arm ourselves and go against them.»
«And how many people have you all done that to? Personally?» Hunter frowned, feeling nothing, but anger. «I know nothing of your system, but I’m supposed to trust your Empress will be fair to Serena?»
Lindon sighed heavily and walked up to his friend, kneeling next to him:
«Please understand that the title given to our Empress is not that of legacy. We do not pass this title from mother to daughter or father to son. All throughout our history there were times when the Emperor or Empress was overthrown by their own people, because they no longer honoured the Code. If Laithora, or whole of Velutha finds out that Serena’s case was forgotten about… there can be riots. There can be unrest. This is exactly the reason Serena risked everything to do what she did. She placed her trust in the Empress being the same person everyone knows her to be. Because if unrest begins… the Empress will fall out of favour. We have to trust her.»
«You Veluthians…» Hunter grimaced. «You keep talking about honour and the Code, but you are just like humans. Just as corrupt and greedy. Just as flawed.»
«Perhaps, some of us, yes. But it doesn’t mean we all are. Just like being human doesn’t mean all humans are corrupt and evil in their nature, right?»
Hunter took a very deep breath.
«I just…» he growled, jumping to his feet. «I just wish there was some way to know if anything is happening out there.»
Lindon straightened and put his palm on Hunter’s shoulder:
«We need to wait. And have faith. Other than that… there’s nothing we can do for the time being. Don’t exhaust yourself with training just because you feel helpless, alright?»
«I don’t feel helpless, Lindon. I’m desperate and enraged that days are going by without any news as to what is happening in that darn prison!» Hunter growled, squeezing his fists.
«You need rest, brother.» Lindon sighed heavily. «After all, we can be summoned at any given time to the trial.»
«If there even will be one!» Hunter growled, heading out.
Lindon shook his head, understanding the distress his friend was in. Having the woman he loved — they both loved! — incarcerated and being under investigation was definitely nerve-wracking. The Veluthian didn’t know if they will be in any position able to help Serena’s case at all, considering they too were under investigation.
And if things go wrong, Lindon and Wolfin would have to face their charges right here on Velutha, but as to Hunter, Cipher and Pher — the trio would be sent out to the Terran authorities. After all, the Terrans were, in fact fugitives from the Company that issued a bounty on their heads.
Knowing very well that he still needed to keep his head cool and his determination unwavering, Lindon headed to the bridge. Ever since Serena was arrested and MSS Lyssandra confiscated for the trial proceedings, they were all cramped up in the SS Growler, which was found to be cleared for them to be on, as no one was really thinking about them at the moment. The authorities only swept through the ship to know if there were any of the possible contraband, but as soon as they realised everything was at Lyssandra, they left the crew remain on the Growler until the end of the trial.
And since then Lindon unofficially took upon himself the role of a Commander — just like before losing his own ship. Mitigating the rising unrest among the crew, answering any possible questions — all this and much more was weighing on him, as he tried hard not to think about Serena making a terrible mistake by putting her trust in the Empress and those close to her.
Approaching the bridge, Lindon noticed Cipher jumping to his feet and hurried in, as the Growler AI reported:
«You are being hailed by Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas.»
Cipher glanced at Lindon and saw him nod:
«Put him through!»
The screen lit up, showing the very same man they were dealing with while confined to their ship for the past week. The Veluthian seemed calm, collected and proud as always:
«I was asked to inform you that you are being summoned to the palace. As I was made aware, the Empress wanted to question Lindon Dorn Grey-Linn, Wolfin Ghor-Dinn, Cipher Reeds and Hunter Winters before she would speak to Serena Dal Thara-Lyss.»
«We are honoured for the invitation and are ready to face the Empress.» Lindon stepped up.
«Ten minutes. I shall escort you to the palace personally. No weapons, if you be so kind.»
«Of course.»
The screen grew dark and Lindon exchanged glances with Cipher.
«Growler, tell Pher, Wolfin and Hunter to meet us by the cargo bay in five minutes!» Cipher ordered.
«Done.»
Lindon headed out, wondering if Hunter will be happy to hear that they were finally given a possibility for an update on Serena’s case. He hoped that the trial will be swift and fast, claiming the woman innocent, as they did, after all, collect a lot of information on the dark dealings that were going on Velutha without the authorities knowing. Or — known and not dealt with…
As they gathered by the exit, Lindon saw Cipher leaving Pher as the one in charge, offering him some advice on dealing with the unusual neighbour — Laneth, who has added a bit of chaos into the ship’s crew with her being around. Wolfin and Hunter seemed anxious, though Serena’s mentor tried hard to keep a calm and collected demeanour.
After that was done, and Hunter hurried their friend to open the door, they stepped out — Hunter and Cipher wearing only the atmospheric bracelets to negate the harsh environment of the planet.
Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas stood ready with a regiment of his soldiers, waiting for the men to walk up. As soon as they did, the soldiers surrounded them and they all headed out towards the biggest building that stood ahead — the so-called Palace, where most of the council meetings were held and al the Royal Trials commenced.
Hunter knew that the low building next to it was the prison, which was mostly guarded by drones, and the Veluthians that worked there mainly oversaw the robots, rarely ever engaging with prisoners. At least, that’s what he was told by Wolfin.
Escorted through the lavishly decorated plaza before the Palace, the crew walked into the building, where their guards stopped only once — for a few drones to scan the visitors for any sort of weapons. Finding none, they continued their way, and Hunter suddenly thought if this place was so secure, how was it even possible for criminals like Salaar Dorn Kalun to operate and steal things that were supposed to be held in even more secure areas.
Finally, they were showed into a very large, luxuriously decorated hall, where the Empress already sat on a golden throne, surrounded by her counsellors. A number of people stood by the walls, and for a minute or two Cipher and Hunter felt themselves being on trial by the sole looks they were given.
«Captain Dillian, thank you for escorting them to us. You are free to go.» the Empress waved the Veluthian and his men off.
Seeing the Royal Guards located all over, Hunter swallowed a sudden lump, realising that this place was always ready to defend or attack anyone, who would do something stupid.
«Approach.» one of the counsellors waved to Serena’s crew.
They obliged, feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable, though, their biggest concern was the fact that Serena was nowhere to be found.
«I have studied the evidence you and your Captain have provided. And though I do not condone such a familiar way to send me a personal message, I do find the extent of this information to be quite admirable.» the Empress glanced at Wolfin. «Wolfin Ghor-Dinn, as I understand, the search for this information began after you have encountered Serena Dal Thara-Lyss on some distant planet?»
«Yes, Empress. I was forced to hide for a long time after being falsely accused of murder.» Wolfin replied, trying not to make his answers too long.
«And you, Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn? You joined them later?» Empress tilted her head.
«Yes. At first I was after Wolfin, investigating the disappearances of Veluthian citizens on that planet, but Serena held a field court and I found out that he was innocent through means of memory extraction. I was later attacked, because the proof I brought to clear his name threatened the people who have conspired to falsely accuse the man.»
«And… these Terrans? What stakes do they have in this matter?»
Hunter took a very short step forward:
«I am sorry, I do not know how to address you properly, Empress. But we are Serena’s friends. We helped her collect all that information, not for some benefit or reward, but to help her. She felt it was crucial to bring these crimes to light. She was certain that if she could be heard and the information disclosed to the right people, something could be done to stop the contraband from filling pockets and spreading among the space pirates.»
«And you are sure that Laithorian technology is being used by pirates?»
«Yes. I’ve seen it first-hand.»
Hunter saw one of the Royal Guards approaching the Empress and whispering something to her ear. And though her expression hadn’t changed, her eyes squinted. She replied — quietly, and the guard walked off.
«Which of the contraband found on MSS Lyssandra have you retrieved from pirates?» the Empress asked the man.
«The contraband we had in our possession was retrieved from a smuggler.» Wolfin said. «We were investigating a trail of some pirates to find out where the tech was, but we had to return to Velutha, as we were approached by bounty hunters and found out that Serena was wanted under the guise of false accusations against her.»
«Ah… yes, that I saw in the extracted memories Serena had sent us.» the Empress glanced at one of her council members and nodded.
«We shall start the Royal Trial as soon as Serena Dal Thara-Lyss will be brought to court to face her charges.» the man, dressed in strange wide clothing stood. «In the meantime, you are free to stay here.»
Chapter 5. Trial
The wait took some time. Hunter felt his nerves becoming even more strained — he was not only anxious to see Serena, but worried that it was taking so long for her to be brought before the Empress at all. Lindon and Wolfin seemed to be even more tense, though at the start they were the ones telling the Terrans to keep their heads cool.
Hunter felt like something was terribly wrong.
Finally, after what seemed like at least an hour passing, the doors to the hall opened and everyone turned to see a group of people. Hunter flinched, only to be stopped by Lindon, as the people walked in.
However, everyone saw that the prisoner that was brought, wasn’t walking herself. On the contrary, she was being dragged by two men, who carried her by her armpits, while her legs dragged on the floor.
Wolfin frowned, seeing Serena being seemingly unresponsive.
Hunter, seeing the procession, barely recognised Serena. He flinched forward, wishing to approach, forcing Wolfin and Lindon to catch him from running up to the woman, who seemed to be heavily beaten and barely conscious — if at all. All three men watched in horror at the state Serena was in, realising they could do nothing in the circumstances they were in. The only one to do or say anything at that moment was only the Empress herself.
«What is the meaning of this?!» Empress Alathea’s furious tone reverberated through the throne room. «Where are her clothes? And why is she in such a pathetic state?»
The woman watched the prisoner with a dangerous squint in her golden eyes.
«During the very first day she resisted us when we were searching her for any weapons, my liege.» Lazarus Dorn Kalun said, bowing. «I beg your forgiveness.»
«And her hair?»
«It was cut for safety reasons — her own and ours, my liege.»
«Liar…» Serena forced out, fighting through the pain and humiliation.
The Empress tilted her head:
«Prisoner! Are you calling him a liar?»
Serena tried her hardest to lift her head, even though it felt impossible:
«I am… See my memories, my liege.» her voice sounded pained, raspy and very weak. «See how corrupt this man is. And his father… and a few others…»
«You demand memory extraction to prove your words?»
«I do.»
The Empress closed her eyes and leaned towards one of her councillors, listening to his advice. Finally, the royal waved aside:
«Bring the doctor to monitor the procedure.»
«I hereby give my consent to have my memories extracted without the use of any stimulants and painkillers.» Serena breathed out. «I wish for the extraction to have no ways of being undermined by any sort of drugs.»
Lindon noted how Lazarus suddenly lost colour in his face.
«You are aware how dangerous it is in your current state?» the Empress squinted.
«I am.»
«Very well.»
Hunter felt Wolfin’s hand squeezing his shoulder.
«How dangerous is it?» the Terran exhaled, panicking at the sight of his lover being so injured and mistreated.
«She could lose her life.» Lindon replied, gritting his teeth. «But she has a reason for this risk.»
«I’ve never seen anyone being in such a state after prison…» Wolfin mumbled to himself. «What did they do?»
They watched as Royal Guards took the prisoner from the prison guards and carried her to the medical pod that slid out in the far end of this hall — closer to the Empress and her counsellors. A thin, sleek looking man approached the pod and the prisoner, carrying a scanner, checking her state and Hunter noticed how the man frowned deeply, seeing the results. The medic glanced at the Empress and seemed to hesitate to start the procedure for some reason.
And while this was happening, Serena was only trying to stay awake. She was on the brim of losing consciousness, but kept herself awake only because of her stubborn wish to show the Empress and all the counsel what was happening right under their noses.
She hoped she would have enough strength to withstand the memory extraction — she had a whole week of pain and memories of what has been done to her to show them.
«I highly recommend a stim shot to be made.» the medic leaned in, when Serena was put into the pod.
«No.» Serena whispered, her voice failing.
«Then you must know how harsh it will be on your body in such a state.»
«Yes. I do.»
«Is the prisoner ready?» the Empress asked, and something in the tone of her voice felt off.
«Ready, Empress.» the medic sighed, looking into Serena’s eyes.
As he began the procedure, Serena felt her head bursting with pain — at first distant and faint, but then becoming stronger and overwhelming. Her abused body clenched in a spasm, causing her even more pain, and almost throwing her into the darkness of unconsciousness, but she powered through, biting down onto her lip to try and keep herself from collapsing.
To someone else the procedure seemed to have been taking only a few minutes. For Serena it was a struggle that lasted almost as long as her confinement. A few times she felt her consciousness slipping, only to be brought back in a fit of pure hatred for the men who had used her, while she awaited trial.
She tried hard not to let out a scream of pain, knowing well how many eyes were fixated on her at that very moment. But a few stray tears still burst from her eyes, sliding down and leaving her a faint, cold reminder that she needed to live through this.
When the torture finally ended, she felt her muscles relaxing, and her sight slowly becoming darker.
She might have given them the proof she needed to… but she didn’t know what will happen next. The rest was up to the Empress. Losing her consciousness, Serena wished that her sacrifices would serve their purpose and bring criminals to light.
Hunter, watching like a hawk, saw her eyes closing, and tensed up, only to feel Lindon and Wolfin tightening their grasp, so that he wouldn’t run off to his woman. The Terran saw the medic scanning Serena once again, and glancing at the Empress in a very strange manner.
«They’re done…» Hunter whispered. «Why don’t they stim her?»
Everyone watched, how the Empress and her counsellors aimed their eyes on the screens before them.
Wolfin felt his muscles tensing up, as he saw the Empress frown, and then tense up on her throne. The counsellors too seemed unnerved to see whatever they were watching on their screens unfold. Not knowing what they were seeing, he could only guess that it was something hard to process, as the Empress suddenly widened her eyes and threw a quick glance to Serena, before returning her gaze to the screen.
Time seemed to flow slowly, as the High Council sat there, watching Serena’s memories.
Lindon flinched, seeing the Empress gasp and close her mouth with her palm, obviously shocked from whatever she saw on the screen. The Veluthian noticed how a few of her counsellors gasped as well, their eyes widening in horror and shock.
Hunter and Wolfin frowned, seeing this reaction. But if Hunter was trying to grasp at the thought that, maybe, the court saw some terrible torture that Serena endured, Wolfin found himself thinking on the fact that there had to be something extremely vile happening on their screens.
The Veluthian knew that none of the witnesses among the people standing there in the throne room will ever be shown what was on those screens. Unless, of course, the Empress will wish it.
But the Empress looked at Serena again, who lay unmoving in the memory extraction pod, and in her eyes Wolfin saw pure terror. The woman was not only shocked, but terrified at what she saw.
A quiet rumble of people talking arose — everyone noticed the expressions of the counsellors and the Empress herself. Everyone was wondering what had happened.
«Doctor Dorn Malachant!» the Empress finally found her voice. «Take the prisoner to the infirmary immediately and see to it that her injuries are looked at.»
«No…» everyone heard a raspy, frail whisper from the prisoner.
Empress Alathea looked at Serena once again:
«By Royal Decree I hereby set this woman free, all charges are to be dropped!»
The people began talking, filling the throne room with an even louder rumble of voices. Wolfin tried to find the people who took Serena to the hall, but the witnesses gathered so close that he couldn’t see her prison guards. For a few moments he thought that, perhaps, something foul was uncovered to what they had done to Serena while she was incarcerated.
«Take her away! Stim her before releasing!» The Empress gestured to her Royal Guard, calling him.
Wolfin saw how Serena was taken out of the pod and dragged off by a couple of royal guards at the command of the Empress. This time, however, she wasn’t handled as harshly as before. The Doctor hurried after them, his face frowning and concerned. Hunter flinched beside the Veluthian, and Wolfin caught his wrist:
«Don’t. We’ll see her shortly. We can’t leave just yet.»
He heard Hunter gritting his teeth in frustration.
The men watched as the Royal Guards approached Lazarus and his men, arresting them.
«Everyone’s free to leave!» one of the counsellors said loudly.
Hunter and Wolfin pushed through the crowd, followed by a silent and worried Lindon, who stayed like this all through the trial. Cipher walked last, wondering about what could have been seen on those screens.
Chapter 6. Release
Hunter couldn’t stay in one place, walking from side to side all through the time they’ve been waiting for Serena. The big double doors of the prison stayed shut, and the man was losing patience with each passing moment.
Wolfin and Lindon stood still, frowning at the doors and wondering why the release was taking so long. Cipher stood a bit further, keeping an eye on Hunter just in case he was about to do something stupid.
Finally, the doors slipped open, and they all saw Serena slowly walking out — four guards letting her go, bowing to her from the sides of the corridor that stretched into the bowels of the building.
Serena trembled, grasping herself by the sides and keeping her eyes fixed to the ground under her feet.
Hunter and Lindon jolted to her, but she bared her teeth:
«Don’t touch me!» Serena hissed, throwing their hands off her shoulders.
Wolfin and Lindon exchanged glances, but stayed silent. Hunter, however, tried to embrace her once again.
«Get the fuck away from me!» the woman shoved him aside, throwing him to the pavement. «Respect my wish. It’s the least you could do after I saved all your lives by surrendering mine to the Empress.»
She finally straightened, obviously straining against her body, forcing her usual proud military posture to her shoulders and back. Not looking at anyone, she headed forward — towards SS Growler, which stood ways away on one of the parking spaces.
«Serena, take my quarters for the time being…» Cipher offered, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
«Fine!» she growled. «Just don’t touch me!»
Cipher slowly retracted his palm, frowning at the unusual manner she addressed them all.
«Serena…» Hunter caught up to her, trying hard to see into her eyes.
The woman didn’t look up, still fixated with her eyes on the ground beneath her feet.
«What…» Hunter tried to ask her again, but the woman shook her head, making him fall silent.
They walked silently, until they reached the ship. Wolfin and Lindon exchanged glances, but said nothing, even though they both felt something was terribly wrong.
«You’re hurt…» Lindon said, trying to reach out to Serena to get her attention.
The woman swayed aside, not letting him touch her.
«It’ll heal.» she growled under her breath.
«Serena, you have to tell us…» Wolfin tried to watch his ward for any hint of her being able to respond to their questions.
«I don’t have to tell you anything, Wolfin. Not now.»
«What the hell happened to you in there?» Hunter burst out, angry to see her so distant and cold. «Answer me, damn it!»
«It doesn’t matter.» Serena stumbled a little, but caught herself on the wall, freezing for a couple of moments, as if trying to gather her strength to continue her way. «I need rest.»
«Serena, please…»
«I need rest. Stop bugging me, Hunter!» she wasn’t even looking at him.
Lindon walked behind, noting every bruise and cut on her visible skin, and wondering what exactly happened to her in prison, if the Empress arrested the men, who brought Serena to the trial. Even though he saw a lot with his keen eyes, he still couldn’t really understand what she could have gone through behind the doors of the Veluthian prison.
«Did they feed you?» Lindon asked, watching the woman curl up, tensing from the sound of his voice.
«I’m not hungry.» Serena retorted.
Hunter jolted forward and stood in front of her, forcing her to stop.
«Talk to us!» he demanded. «What the hell, Serena?»
She kept looking under her feet, not raising her eyes to look at him. For a second he noticed her gritting her teeth, before she stepped aside to walk around him. The man grabbed her arm to stop her, but he wasn’t ready to face what happened next.
Serena twisted with her body, shoving him into the wall:
«SHUT UP!» she screamed, still not looking into his eyes. «Leave me the fuck alone! All this can wait! All your measly questions, all your worries — they can wait! SHUT UP! Leave me alone, will you?!»
She pushed him aside and hurried further on, leaving the men puzzled at this outburst.
Lindon saw Hunter’s expression turning sour — the man was definitely suspecting that something terrible had happened to his woman, and he was definitely feeling helpless, because Serena wasn’t in the mood to open up to them all as to what exactly happened to her while she was held in confinement awaiting the trial.
Before Hunter would dart after the woman, Lindon caught his arm, stopping him. He knew that if anyone would try to talk to her again, it could make her fury take over. He didn’t know if they would be able to handle whatever she could do then, as she was obviously distraught and incapable of keeping herself calm, even though she tried hard to remain calm around them.
«Give her a little space, Hunter.» Lindon said quietly.
«Let me go, Lindon!» Hunter tried to free his arm, but Lindon held him tight.
«Don’t do anything stupid. She’s in no mood to be subjected to our questions.» the Veluthian shook his head.
«But…»
«I know!» Lindon hissed, feeling anger rising within. «We have to give her time! I know how badly you want to help her, but right now she wants none of us to approach her!»
Wolfin walked on, wondering if his ward would be able to at least tell them if she needed any medical attention or not. Lindon met Hunter’s frustrated and desperate gaze and let go of his arm.
«We need to give her time.» Lindon said. «Please respect her enough to give her this.»
Hunter gritted his teeth and hurried after Wolfin, aching for the woman he loved. Lindon stood for a moment, before following the man.
They caught up to Serena as she approached the captain’s quarters and opened the door.
«Serena…» Hunter called out and she froze for a second.
«I’m in no mood for company.» she replied.
Serena walked into the captain’s quarters and immediately shut the door, locking it from inside. Hunter tried to reason, but no response reached him through the communication device near the door. The man turned to Lindon and Wolfin, standing there with very concerned expressions:
«What the fuck did those Veluthian prison guards do to her?» he asked, his voice cracking from worry and desperation.
Both Veluthians stayed silent, not really knowing what torment she could have lived through inside the prison walls.
Chapter 7. Attempt
Hunter sat at the dining table, barely touching his food and grasping at his head.
«Give her time, alright?» Wolfin sat next to the man.
«Oh, fuck off.» Hunter growled.
«Don’t push us away, Hunter.» Lindon sat on the opposite side. «We’re here to help.»
«What help, huh? She’s been locked in Cipher’s quarters for a week now!» Hunter bared his teeth at the Veluthian. «And you can’t even tell me what those prison guards could have done to her.»
«She suffered defeat, Hunter.» Wolfin shook his head. «To her it’s a bitter thing to go through. She lived her whole life trying to be the best of all of Veluthian and Laithorian warriors.»
«The best warriors stand up and continue fighting.»
«We know that. But give her time to heal, her pride was wounded greatly.»
«Then why doesn’t she want to see me? Or even you? Don’t you think our company wouldn’t help her heal from whatever blow to her pride she took?» Hunter was becoming angry with each word he said.
«Look…» Lindon leaned over the table. «You have to understand that she had never suffered defeat. Never. She was always stronger than all her peers, all her comrades and everyone who ever wanted to take a swing at her. She exhausted herself in ways none of us thought reasonable. And she really became the best. Veluthians love to become stronger, but she made it her life’s goal. And now she was forced to surrender and be taken prisoner for the things she hadn’t done.»
«And what do you propose I do? Give up on her? Forget it and act like nothing happened?» Hunter hit the table.
«We propose you be there for her when she finally comes out.» Wolfin sighed. «She will come out, trust me. She just needs a bit of time to come to terms with what happened.»
«There has to be something we could do to help her through it.»
Lindon glanced at Laneth, who walked into the dining area, engaged in something on the information tablet in her hands.
«Maybe… we could ask for a favour?» Lindon said.
Wolfin and Hunter saw him looking at Laneth and exchanged glances.
«You think Serena would see Laneth and not us?» Hunter growled angrily.
«Well… think about it. If she won’t see us, maybe she would be open to at least speak to Laneth?» Lindon shrugged. «I’m grasping at straws here, Hunter. Don’t blame me for it.»
«Wolfin?»
«It’s a good thought.» Wolfin sighed. «Just… don’t push Laneth to do something we can all regret, alright?»
«I’m regretting allowing Serena to come here in the first place!» Hunter hit the table with his fist.
Wolfin noticed how Laneth looked their way.
«Look, we all know it was her decision!» Wolfin said. «We had to trust her…»
«And look where it got us!» Hunter jumped to his feet.
Wolfin sighed and stood up, stepping aside:
«She’s been cleared of her charges. The son of the man we were investigating is arrested. Her assumptions towards her surrender were correct.» the man headed towards Laneth, who stood there, watching the heated discussion the men had.
Lindon breathed out:
«No matter what happened in prison, Serena was right to put her trust in the Empress.»
«But it does matter, Lindon!» Hunter leaned over the table, gritting his teeth. «I can’t just allow her to be locked up in the captain’s quarters all this time! I have to know what happened…»
Laneth slowly and cautiously approached the men.
«Wolfin said you wanted to ask me something?» she said.
Lindon met her worried gaze and stood, stepping closer to her:
«Look, I won’t be tiptoeing around. We need your help.»
«Is it about Serena?» Laneth seemed to become tense.
«Yes. She locked herself up in Cipher’s quarters, and none of us really know what happened to her. Hunter is worried, we all are, and we need answers. We thought, maybe, you would be able to help us reach out to her?»
Laneth glanced at Hunter and saw him closing his eyes.
«You know I’d be happy to help, I’m just not sure if I can do anything…» she shrugged.
«It doesn’t matter if you think you can… she doesn’t want to see any of us. Just… try and talk to her, maybe? It would mean the world to us.»
Hunter straightened and looked into Laneth’s eyes:
«Laneth, I really need to know what happened to her. Please. Help us. I can’t bear the thought she’s been locked up in that room for a week now!»
«Just… talk to her.» Lindon asked, pleadingly looking at Laneth, who stood there, lost to what she could do to help. «That’s all we ask of you. Talk to her.»
«I mean…» Laneth sighed. «I can try, but… I’m not sure she’s up for conversations right now.»
«She loves fireball…» Hunter gritted his teeth. «Maybe, you can break the ice with that? Offer her a drink?»
Laneth sighed again:
«I’ll try.»
Lindon smirked, but his smile faded, when he understood that even with all their efforts, Serena might not be open to talk to anyone yet.
It didn’t take them too long to let Laneth have a meal, before grabbing a bottle of fireball and heading to the captain’s quarters. The men gave her some space, keeping far behind, and watched her walking up to the door cautiously.
Laneth slowly approached the door and hesitated, glancing over her shoulder, seeing Hunter, Wolfin and Lindon standing ways away, by the corner, watching her.
«Captain?» Laneth called out. «Can I please speak with you?»
«Leave me alone, all of you.» they heard Serena responding, her voice quiet and seemingly pained.
«Serena, please.» Laneth pleaded. «I wanted your input on some new designs I made…»
«This can wait.»
«I… uh… brought you some of that fireball whiskey you love so much. Can you at least open the door so I could give it to you?»
A silence fell for a good minute, before the door slid open and everyone saw Serena standing there — eyes looking down, her — now short — hair ruffled like it hadn’t been brushed all these days. She was wearing the same clothing she had on when they released her, which made her friends think she hadn’t once used the shower.
The woman offered Serena the bottle, seeing tracks of tears on her face:
«If you don’t want to talk… I can just keep you some company?»
Serena silently took the bottle and made a step back, shaking her head and declining. Laneth looked down, defeated, and suddenly noticed a very small detail no one else has — a few blood stains on the inner thighs, long dried on the clothes. The door slid shut again, leaving Laneth outside in a harsh realisation to the reasons behind Serena’s wish to remain alone all these days.
She turned, glancing at the men and thought if she should be telling them about her terrifying assumption.
Chapter 8. Dinner
Serena watched the helper bot cleaning up the shards of glass left after she smashed the empty bottle against the wall, and the thought of her being all alone, silent and distant from her crew, made her feel even worse than she did before.
She stood, heading to the bathroom and began ripping off the clothes she was given in prison. The helper bot chimed, noting the new field of work.
As soon as she walked into the shower and switched the water on, she felt the need for the water to be scorching hot — to wash off everything that her body had left on it after being under investigation. She spent a few hours curled up on the floor, soaking, thinking of how humiliated and defeated she felt.
When she finally forced herself to her feet and washed the remaining filth off, she got out of the shower and looked at her reflection in the mirror, seeing the jagged, uneven haircut she was given. Grabbing a pair of scissors, she gritted her teeth and began cutting bits of hair, forming a better length and form she could pull off. Though, once the most part was finished, she glanced at the extremely short bits of hair running on her right temple and threw the scissors down, grabbing a trimmer.
Finally, she finished her haircut and looked at herself in the mirror, seeing a shortly shaved right side and the rest of her hair combed to the left side, forming long locks falling to her cheekbone and jaw that made her look like one of the women who fought in Dharna Nole.
Serena looked down, swallowing a lump in her throat.
The defeat hit her harder than everything else. And the raping she had endured was all the more hurtful.
All that humiliation, all that pain… and for what? To get her name cleared? To have a few scumbags incarcerated? She knew not if her effort was anywhere near to finishing the group of Veluthian traitors that seemed to have gotten into things that shouldn’t have been shared with the rest of the Human Universe. However harsh the punishment may be, there will be none that will help her wash off the shame and memories of her body being defiled again and again while she was kept in the prison that was supposed to be up to code.
She walked out of the bathroom, shivering and deciding to distract herself from the uneasy thoughts, and thought if she could borrow some clothes from Cipher, who had a number of Veluthian outfits, but never used them, preferring something he purchased himself. Glancing into his clothing station, she noted the captain’s black and blue outfit Cipher hadn’t put on once, and chose it, altering it to fit her with the help of the automated appendages that were meant to help adjust or fix clothing if it was damaged.
When she dressed up, feeling a little bit more collected, she thought if she would be strong enough to finally face her crew.
«Captain Serena, you are being hailed by a representative of Empress Alathea, High Counsellor Nifin Dal Jalaar.» the deep male voice of SS Growler made Serena flinch. «Will you take the call?»
«Yes.» she said, her voice raspy.
She walked over to the chair in front of the office table and sat down, raising her eyes to the screen. A moment passed and she saw the brightly lit room of the official hailing her. It was a woman, with deep red hair — long and luxurious. Whatever this woman thought of Serena, seeing her in such a pathetic state, it never glanced through the calm and respectful expression on her face.
«Captain Serena Dal Thara-Lyss. I am calling to offer my sincerest apologies for the wrongs committed against you and your crew. Empress Alathea would like to invite you and your men to dinner tonight.» the woman said, a faint and polite smile on her lips. «I hope you’ve had enough time to recover from all of your injuries?»
«Yes, I have.» Serena cleared her throat. «I accept the invitation. Please, forgive me for the short reply…»
«It’s all right, Lady Thara-Lyss. I understand. I shall pass the wonderful news to the empress.» the woman smiled wider. «And I will personally come to escort you to the palace in an hour.»
«I’ll notify my crew. Thank you.»
When the screen turned black, Serena took a bit of time to collect her thoughts before heading to the door. But as soon as she opened it, she saw Hunter sitting right at her doorstep, head hung down, arms lying on his knees. The man obviously wasn’t awake, and Serena spent a minute thinking if she should wake him up — she couldn’t make herself lean down and touch him. After a moment she decided it was easier to slightly kick his boot.
Hunter jolted up immediately, shocked to see her out of the room at all. He reached out to touch her, but she stepped back, tensing up:
«Don’t…» she pushed out of herself, avoiding looking into his eyes. «Please don’t.»
Hunter saw her body trembling and lowered his hands, feeling helpless and not knowing how to help her at all.
«Serena…»
«Just don’t.» the woman headed out.
«Please, talk to me!»
«I’ve been defeated, Hunter. Leave me alone.»
«So what?» he jumped in front of her, his eyes filled with tears of anger and worry. «The best warriors are those who get up and continue the fight!»
«I need to get ready…» the woman stepped to the side and walked around him, not wishing to engage in the conversation. «And you all should too…»
«For what? What the fuck, Serena?»
«We are being invited to dine with the Empress.»
«I don’t give a fuck! Look at me!»
Serena stopped, understanding how difficult it was for her to do what he asked. But she also knew how deeply worried for her he was. Slowly turning to him, she still couldn’t make herself meet his gaze.
«Please…» she pushed out of herself. «We can talk after… I…»
She closed her eyes, catching herself before her voice cracked. She heard him walk up, but he didn’t touch her, though obviously wanted to.
«Serena, please. I need to know…»
«For the moment.» Serena cleared her throat, opening her eyes and turning her back to Hunter. «We need to get ready. The Empress wishes to see us. Everything else can wait.»
Hunter jolted in front of her, not allowing her to leave.
«Serena.» he whispered. «I just need to know that you’re all right.»
«I will be. I just need time.» she replied, knowing very well that he could feel her lying. «Go and get dressed. Something formal.»
She stepped around him, leaving him there — confused and hurt by her distant demeanour. Heading towards the medical bay, she was grateful Hunter didn’t follow her there.
Absentmindedly, she walked into the medical bay, not really knowing what she was looking for. Stepping up to the screen of the medical processor, she took a few long moments to think about what she needed to keep herself clear headed. Realising how she needed to remain calm and collected during the fancy dinner, she started to mix up a few capsules of a strong sedative that won’t make her lash out, but keep her responsive.
As soon as the capsules were ready, she slapped one into a syringe and gave herself a shot to the neck, almost immediately feeling the medicine working. She packed up five capsules into her pouch and put one into the syringe before clasping it to the belt.
«Make twenty more capsules and have them delivered to the Captains quarters by the time I return.» she ordered to the AI.
«Of course.» the pleasant male voice of SS Growler didn’t make her flinch this time, which meant the mixture she made was already working.
She threw a quick glance at the medical scanner and decided to have a check-up — simply to know if, in fact, her body has recovered after her ordeal. After the scan was complete, she sat there for a few long minutes, contemplating if she could somehow dodge the dinner invitation, even though she already agreed to it. Realising that there was no possible way to get out of it, she washed her face and left to meet up with her men.
She found them on the bridge, with Hunter angrily growling to his friends about the news Serena told him.
Lindon was the first one to see Serena walking up, and gestured to Wolfin. The Veluthians tensed up, watching her stepping onto the bridge, but didn’t say a word, seeing her looking at the floor.
«Hunter, stop it.» Serena called out, stopping behind the man.
Hunter fell silent, slowly turning to face her.
«Serena…» he breathed out, too riled up about seeing her so unlike herself.
«I know you’re worried. You’re all are…» Serena shook her head. «But now is not the time to have such conversations. I asked you to get dressed for dinner. Why hadn’t you?»
«I don’t…» Hunter suddenly saw her gritting her teeth. «Is it that important that we go?»
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