Morbid crosses his arms and looks away.
Morbid>>Menace: There’s no way to stop that feeling, but we can combat it with smart moves in this battle.
Menace>>Morbid: Sefina said we need to distract them, mess with their heads, and escape while they try to sort out what’s happening.
Morbid>>Menace: That could work with some major RID shots. I’m working on bolstering the shields now. We’re closing off all the external hull-side rooms during ascent in case we lose shields. So it will be cramped during ascent.
Menace>>Morbid: That’s okay. We’re not staying.
Morbid cocks his head. “Taking another ship?”
“A BoltBurner.”
“Ooh, nice snag.”
“Savage is working up a plan.”
Morbid eases out of the room. “You’ll need rest until then. I’ll leave you to your replenishment.”
“Morbid?”
“Yeah?”
Menace>>Morbid: If I am decommissioned…
Morbid shakes his head.
“But if…” I sweep a thumb over Sefina’s shoulder. “You have to.”
Menace>>Morbid: She killed Quris with a zembi handblade from Mintaka. She is one of us. She must be protected like one of us.
Morbid chews on a cheek then nods.
Morbid>>Menace:All Stealth Model units will protect her. I will be sure of it.
I click back twice as he leaves, and my door shuts. I kiss Sefina’s forehead and wish time would stand still, even for just a moment. But before long, Savage calls with orders, and she’s awake in my arms again.
“Time to go,” I tell her.
