Seraph’s Gambit- Episode 42
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Olivia
“Welcome aboard the
Olivia stepped through the airlock, marveling at its size. She could have walked through it along with three other humans with room to spare. Beside her, Serene appeared unimpressed. Ahead of her, Squee clamped his arm across his chest in a salute to Cru.
“We pledge our lives to this ship and your command,” Squee said.
“We do what now?” Serene asked.
“As long as we are aboard,
“I didn’t come here to die. I came here specifically to avoid dying.” Serene argued. She started to back away, but the airlock door they had come through had already closed, giving her nowhere to go.
“Death is inevitable,” Squee said.
“Maybe, but the when is rather permeable.”
“Come on, Serene. It’s just a tradition.” Olivia said, shaking her head. Defiantly, she said, “I pledge my life to this ship and your command.”
“It is more than a tradition; it is a sacred vow,” Squee said, with an offended note.
“Oh, well, in that case,” Serene said, and gave a mock
“I accept your lives and service,” Cru said.
“What about Javi?” Olivia asked.
“I am a prisoner, remember?” Javi said, gesturing up with the shackles on his arms.
“Are you really going to keep him like that, Squee?” Olivia demanded, “He came willingly. He’s the whole reason we are on this mission.”
“He has served honorably.” Squee agreed, “Perhaps we should accept him as part of the crew. I know he will aid us.”
“He has already aided us by revealing his secrets. Now he will aid us by testifying. Beyond that, his role is a prisoner.” Cru said. He then turned to two more
The
“Squee, show these two to the galley, then report to the bridge,” Cru said.
Squee nodded in response, and then Cru left. The three of them
“I’m not
“
“Why not?”
“As a new crewmember, you must earn rank before serving in such an exalted position.”
“Oh.” Olivia said, unable to keep the disappointment out of her voice, “I was hoping to
Beside her, Serene laughed, “Seriously? You think the
Olivia felt her cheeks
“Someone is rather full of herself.”
Comfortingly, Squee said, “Do not worry. You will have a way to serve our quest.”
“If I’m not flying, how can I help? Plotting FTL jumps?”
“No.” Squee said, “But it is just as vital.”
They stepped through a door and emerged into a kitchen. Several
“Ah, our new recruits. Even scrawnier than I expected. Oh well, you can still clean even if you lack the strength to prepare the meals.”
“Wait, what? We
“Lovely,” Serene said beside her.
Several hours later, Olivia sat across from Serene in the
“What do you suppose this is?” Olivia asked, holding up a spoon loaded with a chunky paste.
“Not food,” Serene said without looking.
“But they’re eating it.”
“You were in the kitchen when this cooked. Did you see any food go into it?” Serene asked.
“No, but I wasn’t really paying attention.” Olivia admitted, “What’s in it?”
Serene continued to watch the Rokma, and didn’t respond to Olivia’s question. Olivia poked at the bowl some more. Her arms ached, and she knew she should eat something. But she was too exhausted to eat.
Several minutes went by before Olivia realized Serene hadn’t said anything. The other woman remained fixated on the Rokma. Olivia glanced over at them trying to figure out what had Serene so fascinated. But the Rokma were still ignoring them.
“What are you staring at?”
“Those Rokma are ignoring me.”
“Yeah, so? They’re ignoring both of us.”
“I’ve never had trouble catching the eye of anyone. Why won’t these Rokma even look at me?”
“Seriously?” Olivia balked, “How can you even be thinking about that?”
“What, does the idea of rocking uglies with a rock bother your human sensibilities?”
“Right now, sure. Anything short of sleep lacks any appeal.”
Serene finally turned around. She cast her eyes up and down Olivia, and gave a small shake of her head, “I’m glad I never got a chance to sell you. If you can’t even make it a single night in the kitchen, you would have made a terrible slave.”
Olivia’s mouth dropped. She sat there for a moment, dumbfounded. Finally, she managed to stutter out, “What the hell?”
“Oh, grow up. That’s a compliment if you think about it. Would you want to make a good slave?”
“You really would feel no remorse for selling someone into slavery, would you?”
“Feelings just complicate things. But no, I am not heartless. Just practical.” Serene said, “Which is why I would make the perfect slave.”
“You don’t strike me as the type to roll over.”
“I do what I must to survive.”
Olivia leaned back in her chair to consider what Serene said. Sized for a Rokma, her chair gave her plenty of room. She could probably fit her entire body inside of it. She didn’t know where she was supposed to sleep, after all. Why not just curl up right here?
Distracted by the prospect of rest, she forgot all about Serene. A sudden booming voice brought her out of her fugue.
“I knew you humans were weak, but sleeping on duty? Disgraceful. Your break is over. Get back to work!”
The grumpy Rokma in charge of the galley stood in the doorway glaring at Olivia. Startled, she stood half in and half out of her seat. Across from her, Serene stood up smoothly.
Confused, Olivia asked, “What do you mean, get back to work? We’re done.”
“Done? You’re done when I say you’re done. Your break is over. Now move.” The Rokma demanded. He turned back to the galley door.
Serene started after him, “See, I’m practical. My first instinct is to jump to obey to preserve myself. I would never tell an obnoxious fool like this guy to shove it. No, that takes a special person to show that kind of spine.”
Serene sauntered into the kitchen. For a moment, Olivia considered staying right where she was. What could they possibly do to her? Sure, they were massive, but this was a military ship. They wouldn’t just murder her. Maybe she should give them a piece of her mind.
Continue to Episode 43
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