Book 3: Chapter 78: Questionable Consent

Book 3: Chapter 78: Questionable Consent

USD: 40 days after the battle of Dedia IV

Location: 92 Pegasi, Ackman Orbit, Asteroid Belt, A3123Y Orbital

Amy and Abbey sat side by side in A3123Ys command center. Both had half a dozen wide format displays in front of them, but the contents that each girl focused on were entirely different.

Abbeys screens scrolled blazingly fast as she streamed multiple data feeds of information rapidly. Her ability to multitask was inhuman, and she simultaneously worked with A31 to optimize the stations design upgrades, smooth production lines, and create plans for future expansion.

Amy in contrast, studied her screens quietly, reading reports by various new employees who had suggestions, complaints, and concerns. More importantly, they had insights into several groups that had begun to pique Amys concern. There was a growing anti-SR sentiment in some mining crews.

Amy leaned back in her swivel chair and let out an exasperated sigh. They had helped A31 get back into shape after the battle, and in return Starlight Revolution had refurbished their ships, restored them to new-status or even upgraded them at no cost as resources had become available.

A31 had essentially replaced every small-class mining vessel in the entire system, as thanks. Now some thought it should do more, or that they should be the ones determining who got what and when.

Amy rolled her head to look at Abbey. The short blue-haired girl didnt look any older than 11 or 12 years old because the NAI had rushed the production of the Avatar. It created a strange disconnect, especially when Abbey channeled her NAI side.

"How are the production lists looking, Abbey?"

Amy glanced at the rapidly scrolling screens. The text moved so fast she couldnt even catch a single word, and half of it looked like complex math.

Abbey continued for a second before pausing, all the screens freezing as the young NAIs attention turned to Amy. A massive grin erupted on her face.

"Good, we've got two new AM production modules online and ready to go."

Amy raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

Abbey hesitated, fidgeting with the papers in her hand. "Well, I sort of shoved them into the priority list. I think we really need the anti-matter; itll make a huge difference in what we can do."

Amy nodded, her eyes scanning the list that had now paused.

"Did you have something specific you wanted to use it for? AMCN missiles?

Abbey shook her head, eyes shining with excitement. "I want to make an AM powered particle cannon!"

Amy looked at her blankly for a moment. What is with you and giant laser beams?

They will only add a kilometer. Abbey gave her an innocent look.

Amy looked at her skeptically, Only.

The new warships we will build should be able to handle smaller targets, but I want to be able to vaporize the battle cruisers and battleship they might send in one shot!

Amy knew that such weapons existed in the inner worlds, but only had a shallow idea of what they really entailed, but it sounded worthwhile. Ertan knew that theyd need something to deal with large threats.

Okay. But dont slow down the warships again. We need those sooner rather than later; we already have small threats in system.

Abbey nodded, her face serious. "Ill make sure we keep those on schedule. I've also been working on some ideas for how we could make the merger work. I think keeping Ackman as a separate station with a different purpose will be best."

Amy smiled, pleased with Abbeys initiative. "Good. Let's make sure we're prepared for the meeting with Whitely tomorrow."

A few hours later Amy shut her screens off and stood up. Abbey, thats enough. Lets call it for today and go get dinner.

But

No buts. Let A31 handle it, we need to go eat.

Abbeys stomach decided to grumble loudly at that moment. The screens flipped off a second later. A look of surprise filled her face then she knocked her knuckles on her head, smiling, Im out voted, lets go!

Amy and Abbey headed out of the CIC and headed down the main concourse, chatting about less serious topics, such as what they were going to eat. Several eateries and food places had sprung up in the commercial district.

The concourse was bustling with activity.

It wasnt an official designation, but it was where a majority of the crewmen looking to dip into entrepreneurship had set up. A few had even quit their ships to run the shops full-time. Amy was still deciding on whether to make it official or not, but as they arrived, she realized it was probably an already done deal.

"So, the sushi?" Amy asked, turning towards Abbey as she scanned the the different signs.

Abbey didn't explain, but instead led her to an interrogation cell. A feeling of misgiving teased at Amy; there was no way she would allow the prisoners to take back control of the destroyer!

The room was a spartan bare metal space, with muted lighting and a single metal table with three chairs. Amy recognized the man sitting behind it, his hands cuffed to a loop on the table, as Captain Yalof.

She had spoke to the man several times and had found him reasonable if a bit narrow minded. He looked up as they entered, and she was shocked to see a deep-seated fear enter his eyes as he stared at Abbey.

Abbey spoke first, Hello Captain Yalof! I am sorry if you had to wait for very long! Would you like a snack or some water? She beamed a massive smile at him.

Yalof answered hesitantly, N..no thank you.

Thats odd. Amy do you know any reason that every prisoner should refuse when I ask them that? Abbey smiled looking up at Amy as she took her seat.

No idea. Amy shook her head. She felt a weird feeling of concern as Abbey began to question the man about how he was being treated and how he felt about the station.

A heavy undercurrent of appeasement easily discernable in his answers which felt very out of character compared to what Amy expected after her previous meetings with the man.

Just as she was about to stop Abbey and question her about what was going on, the young girl led the Captain to a final question.

So would you like to join your crew or would you be interested in running the repaired destroyer as my subcore?

| ^^ |

Yalof reacted instantly, Dont make me like them! Anything else but that!

Amy looked between Yalof and Abbey feeling like she was stuck in some type of melodrama skit, and she was the butt of the joke.

Right until Abbey hopped up onto the table and then punched her small fist into the mans chest.

Blood splattered across metal some of it flying into Amys open mouth. She jerked out of her seat and backed away to the door as Yalof screamed and pushed himself backwards in his seat. His chained hands and Abbeys grip inside his chest held him in place as he struggled. Abbeys free hand gripped the table and somehow ate away at some of the metal.

Amys hand shook as she touched the door handle, What..

Captain Yalof went limp for a moment and Abbey pulled her arm free, turning to look at Amy with a big smile. Mission accomplished! Subcore Captain and crew acquired!

| ^^ |

As Abbey slid off the table, Yalof spasmed and then the bloody hole in his chest began to knit itself together rapidly.

Its only an alpha-level, so we really should keep the destroyer within the same system. I can work with A31 on upgrading it to a full subcore level later if we want.

| : ) |

Abbey took a step toward Amy a tilting her head sideways with a confused look. Whats wrong? Did I do something wrong?

| : ( |

Amy felt tears starting to well in her eyes as she pushed down her first instinct to flee, instead she knelt down and pulled Abbey in a hug. Amys heart pounded in her chest as she tried to gather herself.

Huh? Abbey felt confused but hugged Amy back.

| :o ? |

It was difficult for Amy to find words, I dont think this was a good thing to do.

As if that was a signal Captain Yalof suddenly stood up, metal cuffs shrieking as they gave way and Amy hugged Abbey tighter at the startling sound.

The mans eyes blazed with a sinister blue light, motes of black dancing inside his glowing sclera. The wall at the back of the interrogation chamber made a clunk sound, and then it began to rise. A large open chamber was set behind it, dozens of men were in SR uniforms standing at attention.

Captain Yalof moved jerkily as he joined the formation at the front, all of the men saluting. Amy realized they were the Corpo prisoners.

All of them had glowing blue eyes as Captain Yalof.

Abbey broke the silence, Im pretty tough, I dont think you can break me, even squeezing me this hard.

| ^^ |