Between

Chapter Twenty

Upper laboratory deck aboard the CRL Valhalla, South-Central Port of Corzibar

Edric Kovaleski slammed his fist against the metal lab table in the upper laboratory deck of the CRL Valhalla and then pinched the bridge of his nose. Lieutenant Joseph Greeves stood behind him, no doubt looking quite dejected and deservedly scolded. In fact, the man should probably have been more focused on being thankful he was still alive to even display such emotions at all.

"I don't have time to listen to your explanations, Mister Greeves," Edric vociferated with an ever deepening frown. "Quite frankly, I'm not so concerned with how it happened so much as what you intend to do about it."

Edric finally pivoted to face his subordinate then, crossing his arms and leaning back against the same table he had dented just a few moments before. Joseph Greeves kept his eyes trained to the steel floor and did not immediately speak. In a way, Edric appreciated this gesture, whether or not it was done intentionally. It implied the man was considering his next words, thinking about what he should or needed to say to appease his superior officer. That, or perhaps he was concocting an elaborate story by which to attempt to diffuse the blame from his own shoulders. Thankfully, Edric had always been skilled in detecting a lie, and it stood to reason Greeves was just as aware of this fact. He would, hopefully, know better than to tell the Controller anything but the absolute truth.

"Miss Williams will be punished in a manner consistent with her misinformation," Greeves issued at last, still not lifting his eyes to Edric's. "The plan is to entice her to be more honest with us in the future."

Edric grunted, and then brushed a smudge of dirt off his white shirt. It was his favorite, and there were times he wondered why he bothered wearing it in places like the Valhalla. His ships were almost never as clean as they should have been, and the layers of dust that often found their way onto the Controller's dress clothes were less than appreciated. He pursed his lips at the thought. Truly, his stateroom aboard the massive liner was the only location satisfactorily attended by the ship's cleaning crews.

"Punish her as you see fit, Lieutenant," Edric responded at last, still brushing at the faint shadow of dirt left on the white. "But remember our earlier discussion. Don't get so overzealous in your punishments that she is unable to be of any further use. The HMUC is very interested in taking possession of this young woman she assisted as quickly as possible. At this time, they have also informed me they would like her alive. While your continued service does not hinge upon this fact, and while it is not essential she is captured alive, it is preferred."

The Lieutenant nodded.

"Has there been any worthwhile discoveries surrounding the creature brought back from the north?" Kovaleski inquired next, finally lifting his attention from his shirt.

"Nothing that our scientists were not already aware of, I am told," Greeves replied with a shake of his head. "The specimen was injured rather badly upon being taken aboard Korokoa, and medications intended for the non-sentient avians with which we are more familiar do not appear to be having an affect on his condition."

"Have they tried human medicines?"

"They are transitioning to them as we speak, Master Controller. The scientists on board fear it has become a blood infection of some kind. I am afraid, though, Sir, if its condition continues to deteriorate, we might need to consider returning it to—"

"If its condition moves beyond the point of saving, Lieutenant, you are to euthanize the beast and glean what you can from the carcass."

"But, Sir—" Greeves began, and then promptly snapped his mouth shut when Edric's eyebrows raised in his direction.

"Something else, Lieutenant?"

His subordinate scowled for an instant before he appeared to gain the courage to continue speaking.

"You said yourself some time ago that the creatures of the north are well-versed in defense. Would it not be wise to assume they are therefore equally well-versed in preemptive strikes?"

Kovaleski sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes, growing tired of the younger man's constant questioning.

"Make your point, Lieutenant."

The flash of irritation that crossed his companion's expression was not lost to him, and for a moment Edric wanted to make him regret the feeling.

"All I'm suggesting, Master Controller, is that it may not be our wisest move to risk upsetting the balance of cooperation between Corzibar and the Republic at such a time as this. We do not know the true extent of their military capabilities, and killing one of their own may press them into unleashing those capabilities upon our blessed land."

Kovaleski scoffed.

"From what you have told me, the crew aboard Lorskoto have already dealt an unforgivable level of mental trauma to the animal in the interest of gathering information. If you are suggesting we try to 'befriend' the brute to gain its favor and the favor of its kind...at this point, Lieutenant, it is far too late to do so. That, too, is another black mark on your record, Mister Greeves. In your rush to improve your standing with me, you have in fact backed yourself, and the Ministry, into yet another corner."

Greeves, wide eyed then, began to sputter out a response. Edric held his hand up to silence him.

"Do not argue this fact," came the cool, collected voice. "It is the truth, and it is yet another truth you must stomach and deal with. I would suggest, since you have quite possibly killed your hostage, that you quickly find an alternative method of intelligence-gathering to determine the true extent of the Republic's military might. If they attack, I will hold you personally responsible for every lost vessel and every lost life, and you will be charged accordingly."

Joseph Greeves stiffened, but nodded his head. Edric turned his back on him, picking dirt from beneath his fingernails with the point of one of his numerous decorative pins. He sighed again, frustrated.

"Find that woman, Greeves, and get this mess under control. If I don't see results soon, you'll be scooping rats from the sloughs for food."