The Touch of Infection

Chapter 75: Commanders quarrel

Fallyn stared at the two in front of her, "So you understand... Marnik needs to leave a bit earlier than expected. I know he won't take it lightly... which is why I'd like one of you two to tell him."

"He'll be furious," Amite mumbled. Already worried about how he'd react to the news.

Hearing her Fallyn nodded, "I know, but it can't be helped. Antiope moved things and arranged them this way. And as a guest, we need to respect her wishes."

Ezhno nodded, "The sooner he leaves the better it'll be."

Amite slapped his shoulder, "It's unfair for him-" she wanted to speak with Antiope about this... But having met the woman once before she knew she wouldn't change her mind easily.

Fallyn looked at her sternly, "This is an order Amite, no excuses. Now..." she stands up, "If you excuse me there are other matters to attend to."

Leaving them Amite looked at Ezhno and clenched her fists, "I'll tell him-"

"No, I'll handle this. He can't have your answer to his every whim." Ezhno says and turns around to head out, "Besides if Carisa is your worry... isn't she in good hands already with Neda?"

He seemed cold as he left her there, Amite looked down at the device Fallyn had left behind. Turning it towards her and seeing all the plans, and information they'd gathered on the planet. Tapping and finding something with Carisa's name as the title.

Reading through it Amite saw in big red letters the words, "Cure unidentifiable. Subjects infection has mutated five times after the first test." Her mouth agape she continued, "Three cures already tested, all failed."

She clenched the device, setting it back down, her heart racing. Unsure if she should tell Marnik about this or if it was better to keep quiet.

As her thoughts continued to race Marnik was looking at Carisa. She'd somehow been entangled by Bavyn to read books. So many on different planets and other creatures she seemed to even start to fantasize.

He smiled seeing a little glimmer in her eyes. This was enough to make his day happier, even when Antiope came around and asked him of her.

He'd brushed her off shortly and watched Carisa intently, looking down at the device in his hand, "I'll be back in a few minutes." He announces and walks out of the room. Carisa staying with Bavyn and chatting with the small boy.

Marnik walked down the hall quickening his steps and spotting Vasin leaned up against the wall looking in his direction, "You were quick."

"Carisa is accompanied by your kid, so I have nothing to worry about. What did you want to speak to me?" Marnik asks seeing as Vasin looked in every direction and began to walk.

He made sure Marnik was following behind, "I'm sure you're aware that the last few times, Fallyn and I haven't exactly been... in agreement."

"You mean the human camps?" Marnik makes sure, seeing the man nod.

"She's acting rash... I've contacted other commanders for their insight... they might remove Fallyn from this ship, send her to another... problem is whoever arrives... will have low immunity against the infection."

Marnik raised a brow, "What do you mean low immunity. We are completely immune to the disease, it can't hurt us."

Vasin slowly shook his head, "Three years ago, when we engaged in this journey, we weren't exactly immune to it. Every soldier was injected with it to create defenses... but as you know when tampering with it we can be affected." Vasin said taking a left, "Now, as much as I dislike having disagreements with Fallyn... I'll only tolerate it until the next Alaois has been given the immunity."

Marnik nodded, "What if they don't send someone else, they've done that before. They'll probably name the next most competent one here."

Vasin scoffed and let out a laugh, "No one here is capable, or trained to do her job." Marnik looked el elsewhere and Vasin noticed, "Do you know someone who does?"

He shrugs, "Yes and no... I've heard someone that did take training to become a commander, they even told me I'd work with them before. I didn't pay too much attention to it... it was a while ago."

"How long ago?"

Marnik hummed, "Maybe four months or so Amil had been the one to mention it in a call...." Marnik feels into silence saying that name.

"You may leave." Vasin tells him coming to a stop, "If anything is decided I'll let you know... keep this between you and me for now."

Walking off Vasin left Marnik standing on his own. Lost in his head, seeming to relive memories. Marnik's hands clenched and bit his lips, his fangs digging into his bottom lip until it began to bleed.

The taste of his blood, getting him to stop, and realize what he was doing. He sighed and took a deep breath. Almost like he thought he could shake the memories away from him completely. But they still pestered him at the back of his head. Every single time he blinked he could recall the memories.

He turned around and walked off, not thinking or looking at where he was going.