>>6058498“Nice trick, Dallas.” Your comm squeals and the screen flickers to reveal a face that’s familiar just not supposed to have access to this channel.
“Cooper. I see your copilot is just as good at cracking comms channels as she is at spreading rumours.” You scowl.
“Well, since you’re already playing dirty…” The Human man grimaces as a sparking panel lights up his face in stark relief. “I’ll admit that your ambush was a smart move, if cowardly.”
“WHO’RE YOU CALLIN’ A COWARD!” Cleo barges over to stare daggers through the screen, “You’re the one running with your tail between his legs, little Human!”
“I figured we’d just pay back the favour in kind.” The commander smirks, shrugging. “You left us a scanner full of minefields, so it's only fair that you deal with the next ones while we give our friends in engineering a quick call. We’ll patch this old fox up, and be right back to kicking your tail in no time, don’t you worry.”
“What! But that’s cheating! No outside help!” Kiro finally manages to wrangle his way back into the (apparently poorly) encrypted channel. “And you have to come fight us. You can’t just leave the competition boundaries to repair!”
“Sounds like someone didn’t read the fineprint” Another chirping voice retorts and a female Marrok pops up on the screen. “This is a <span class="mu-i">modified</span> scenario, built on one of the ancient simulations that survived in the ship’s databases. We were just playing along, but there’s no mission boundaries like modern flight sims.” She cackles a squeaky laugh at Kiro’s put out expression.
“It is important to read the regulations carefully, small one.” You hear Neb’s sombre baritone in the background and can almost imagine him nodding sagely in wisdom.
“Oh, eat a whole bag of dicks, <span class="mu-i">brother</span>.” Your Nav officer bristles. “Your love of rules doesn’t make up for the rocks you have instead of brains. No wonder Father sent me to the academy after you. You’ll never succeed him as chief! “
The cutting words leave an awkward silence in their wake that not even the hot-tempered Rika dares to break.
You, meanwhile, grit your teeth in frustration at the whole situation. You knew that bastard of a commander was up to something, but there’s no telling what else he put in this simulation. You’re going to have to take matters into your own hands. You’re coming up fast on the next sector and have to make a snap decision.
