>>6010077No, this simply isn't right. You catch the sturdy outer casing of Pahan's left arm before it can reach behind your back again. “Again never. I warm-feeling endure not.” His liquid pupils survey your facial features for a brief moment before focusing elsewhere. “Understand. Now, ready not. One day, possible ready will.”
Continuing to rub his back, you feel the jets of air get slower and weaker as the young soldier dozes off. Did he struggle to stay awake until he can meet you? You quietly turn off the lights before leaving on tiptoe.
“So how was he, Commander Thornton?” The formal address pricks a tiny hole in your heart. “Isn't over, Johnson?” Tim slowly stretches his arm, careful not to strain his muscles too much. “There is nothing to get over. You are the commanding officer, I am just a lowly department head.” Not this again.
You open the door to the neighbouring room. “Come on in, don't have entire day.” Brusquely closing the door after him, you activate the privacy field. Johnson pours himself a cup of water before motioning for you to do the same. "Men, drop the gallant act too fast. You want what?”
“Always the same, Commander. The truth. What happened on that station?" What a coincidence, you have been thinking about that as well. Just turning over the details in your mind, make sure everything fits together under scrutiny. Thank God no Liteian military tribunal can call on Yamir-Hysret as a witness, and neither can Tim.
Not that you would let it come to that. “The point is what? You don't believe what I say anyway. No one agrees with my story.” You sit on the bed, beckoning the wall separating you and Pahan. “No one you trust, anyway.”
Your second officer takes a deep breath. “In the case a commanding officer deems herself no longer fit for duty, she must hand over her duties to her executive officer.” Swallow the snigger. “Again lecture? Want to hold hand to teach too?” You grab his wrist and drag it to your cheek.
“God, Sylvie, it's so cold! You really don't feel it?” Tsu's words ring in your ear, ‘low core temperature.’ You look away, “A/C here is cold." His eyes chase after yours, “No, definitely not that. First you lose your voice, but not really, because you somehow can still speak through that horrible translator. Now this. Tell me, what's happening?"
Another deep breath. “You know, Silas is worried as well. Alongside every senior officer on this ship. With a major operation coming up...” You cut in, “Said already, don't worry. All fine. Tell Goldsmith to prepare locker next to my room for guest. Have a nice day.” You storm out before he gets any other idea.
