Seraph’s Gambit- Episode 38
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Squee
“Welcome, Caleek Squee.”
“Elder Mus,” Squee replied, bowing his head as the Elder approached.
Shortly after returning to Seraph, he had received a cryptic message to come to the space station. He had expected some aide to the council or one of the leaders of his order. He had not expected one of the elders themselves.
“I wished to discuss with you privately.”
“How can I serve you, Elder?”
“I have read the reports concerning your exile. It is unclear to me why you have returned after the treatment you received.”
Squee tilted his head in confusion, “Elder, I do not understand.”
“It appears clear to me that your banishment was an unjustly harsh punishment. I wonder why you would return home after such mistreatment.”
“I do not mean to contradict you Elder, but I believe you have been misinformed. I went against the wishes of the Council. I knew the consequences of my actions when I did them.”
“Still, banishment is quite a harsh punishment. Especially for someone who is so clearly devoted to his people. Returning at the risk of your life takes great courage.”
“I trust in the Gods, Elder. It is to fulfill their will that I have come.”
“And it is good that you did. The Council has decided to aid your quest.”
“Thank you, Elder,” Squee said with great relief.
“We will dispatch the Martoth.”
“Captain Harkin will be appreciative of the escort. With a battlecruiser protecting us, our way to Triask will be secure.”
“I’m afraid you misunderstand me, Caleek.”
Squee froze at the elder’s tone. He glanced down the corridor and recognized that he had not seen anyone pass in some time. Before the elder had arrived, several fellow Rokma had passed by on their way around the station. Now they were alone.
The elder continued, unaware of Squee’s sudden unease, “The Martoth will not be escorting your ship. The Martoth will be the one to deliver the message.”
“Elder, our crew is dedicated to this quest. It would be an extreme dishonor to take this away from them.”
“They are not Rokma. Honor holds a different meaning to them.” Mus said, with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Squee knew he should speak up in defense of his crewmates. But he felt a strong wash of guilt as he paused to consider. Did his fellow shipmates have the honor necessary to see this quest through? Or were they only looking out for themselves?
Guiltily, Squee forced himself to say, “They may not be Rokma, but they have honor.”
“If that is so, they would be welcome to accompany you and Javi Wester aboard Martoth.”
“Javi?”
“Of course. The traitor is to be arrested. He is essential to delivering this message.”
Squee frowned, “He has come forward to reveal LFD’s plans. This has proven his honor. We can not punish him for this.”
“Criminals must face judgment. Do you deny this?”
“No…”
“Then it is decided. Deliver Javi Wester to the Martoth and then she will proceed directly to Triask. No more of this slow, haphazard course.”
Squee reacted instantly, feeling the first hints of his fury grab at him, “No, I will not. I pledged my loyalty to Captain Harkin. I will not betray this trust.”
Mus straightened up to his considerable height, now peering down at Squee. With menace in his voice, he said, “Think about your words carefully, Caleek Squee. You have just returned from years in exile for hasty actions. Do not throw that away.”
With difficulty, Squee suppressed his rage, “I apologize, Elder. But I cannot do as you ask. The Gods gave this quest to the crew of Seraph. What you propose goes against their will.”
“Do not lecture me on the Gods, Fifth Caleek. Your role is to announce the Gods desires. It is up to the Council to decide how to carry out their wishes.”
“Only according to the Council, not the scripture.”
“Your bizarre interpretation of the ancient texts is part of what led to your exile. Be careful it does not lead to your doom.”
“I do not fear for my life, Elder.” Squee growled, “I knew the risk to my life when we came here. Your assistance would help ensure our success in this quest, but it is far from necessary.”
“If you challenge us on this you, will return to your exile and be stripped of your title. To return would mean instant death. And it will not change anything. We will still seize Javi Wester.”
“Your plan will lead to failure. The LFD has control of the drone fleet. Even our battlecruiser, on a direct course, will be no match for them.”
“You shame us to suggest that. We will show to the galaxy that the Rokma fear nothing, and can be relied upon to save the galaxy.”
Squee looked incredulous, “Is that your goal? To make up for the shame we brought upon ourselves during the AI War?”
“Don’t you?”
“Of course. But not like this. Stealing a quest will not bring us honor. And risking it all to appear invincible, will only doom us all.”
Mus held up his hand, “Enough. I have given you more latitude than your rank would normally allow. You have been given an order by the council. You can either obey or return to your exile. Decide now.”
Fear gripped Squee. It had been too long since he had been among his people. He did not want to be separated again. But could he turn on his shipmates? Would that be the ultimate dishonor?
Maybe Serene was right. Ariana did appear concerned with her interests above all. Could he trust her to do whatever it took to complete the quest? He did not doubt that First Shield Cru and his ship would. It was his duty as Caleek to ensure the will of the Gods was fulfilled. That meant working to carry out what the council deemed would succeed.
Finally, Squee hung his head, “I will obey.”
Continue to Episode 39
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