A New Beginning

3.5 Unexpected Member

Book 3: Chapter 5 Unexpected Member

Rakel's day ended like usual and it was convenient that the Tallests were staying on planet for a long time as the armada was under maintenance. It was easier to keep an eye on them if they were near. However, sometimes looking for information also required a bit of social connections. The hybrid entered an irken lounge in the outskirts of the city and took her usual spot by the bar. Even though she wasn't a girl who visited those places back on Earth, on Irk it did held quite a charm. The display of technology, foreign drinks, and snacks on the counter top were fascinating. Plus it was also funny to see irkens with a sugar rush and being free. Like they were meant to be. 

The Hybrid opened the digital menu on the counter and placed a small order. As she patiently waited for a service drone to deliver the goods a fellow irken sat on the stool besides her.  

"So, you're the hybrid. Nice to meet you." 

Rakel glanced at the man and nodded. "Likewise."  

"I see you have blended quite well with us. But... don't trust anyone too easily." 

"Noted. Why would you say that?" She asked as she tried to seem curious and a little lost. A strategy to get a more information.   

"Well, different people aren't very much appreciated here. Take for example this Zim guy we kept getting communications from. He's a genius but he was deemed a defect and sent to Earth. Last I heard they told the guy the truth and cut all ties." The Communications Officer sighed. "Things on Irk have been getting hostile by the minute." 

...we kept getting communications... Rakel mentally repeated his words and it clicked. She figured  he must work within The Armada and he was deemed  a good subject to extract some information from. "I see. Thank you. I'll be careful from now on." She smiled. "If you had the opportunity to change the empire, would you?" 

"I don't know... I guess I never really thought of it. But I guess I would. If there was a way, I would. I'm tired of... working for the Tallests you know. I wish I had my own stuff to do." He let out a slight chuckle. "I only tell you this because it is an impossible dream plus I've heard from fellow irkens you're trustworthy. Both in the battlefield and personally. "

"I see. What if I told you there was an actual way?" 

The Comms Officer heard the question but decided to not look at her to answer that. "What do you mean?" 

"Let's just say I know a way. Would you join?" 

Upon those words the irken froze as he considered it. "It's very risky, might be impossible even. But I guess I'll support it from the background. If there's a slim chance of acquiring my dream I'll help from a safe distance. I can get you detailed information of the Tallests and the Armada but that's it. Locations, blueprints, faults in the system, maps... Stuff like that." 

"Very well then, welcome and thank you. With blueprints and the Tallests detailed schedule we will be fine. I'll need an additional favor in the long run. Please, keep it in mind." Rakel smiled and started to eat her food.