A few Minor Cycles Later, Ruktan Class Frigate, Interrogation Room 4

The familiar, dull, and pedantic interrogation room with its white colour scheme and exact dimensions make it an absolute replica of all the previous rooms. Before I is an equally familiar sight, the stone-cold and icy visage of the former Commander Zekton, he is seated across from me with all four of his hands shackled to the table. Despite clearly being imprisoned he is utterly calm and expressionless; his gaze is planted either on me or upon the wall behind me. His eyes seem to be an all-consuming void with nothing behind them, I will admit it is quite unnerving.

Behind me are the two lumbering and towering statues named Elkra and Pok, both fully armed in their combat armour and laser rifles in hand. Despite their intimidating presence, the former commander is completely undeterred. His capacity to keep his composure under duress is impressive, I am quite eager to test the limits of such a resolve. "Commander Zekton formerly of the Lokah military survey division, I believe you had the rank of captain before your revolt against your Demthesian overlords." I decided to give him at least some respect, despite all that I have learned of his heavy-handed methods, he still freed his people from oppression, he did of course immediately oppress the next alien species they found, so I think that cancels that out. "Zekton ill cut to the core issue, I would like you to provide me the access codes to the bridge computer and order your soldiers on the planet to stand down and cease all current operations." Of course, these words fall on deaf ears as expected, he really has not budged at all, it is impressive, to say the least.

His not talking is indeed an issue, I cannot progress through my plans if he continues such an indifferent attitude, an expected result. Perhaps Gem might have more luck if I bring him in here, he seems to have some sort of history with Zekton and may be able to get him to talk. Hmm, that would require only I, Gem, and our talkative friend Zekton here to exist in the same room absent guards. I ponder these facts carefully and decide on the best cause of action available. "Good talk Zekton." I turn back to Pok and give out an order. "Pok would you mind bringing Gem here, once done so, please both of you wait outside." Pok complies with my orders without hesitation, though I spot some hesitation in Elkra's eyes, she complies eventually.

The room becomes silent for a time, Zekton is remaining ambivalent as always as the cycles tick by, this short reprieve in our non-existent conversation has given me some time to think. I had decided to acquest to Gem's request of a meeting with the caveat of my presence, of course, I had other motives, but my curiosity remains of what precisely he wishes to ask Zekton.

A few minor cycles later and finally Gem arrives and takes a seat next to me with a soft thud, Pok and Elkra leave the room, not before I signal to them with my eyes. They respond in kind and continue towards the door, opening it and leaving quietly, I then turn back my gaze to these two Wokan who appears to be glaring at each other. For the first time I witness a change in Zekton's expression, Gem is equally stern and crosses all four of his arms across his chest, I decide to observe silently and intently.

Gem was the first to speak, his gruff voice resounding through the room like a dagger scraping against the ship's hull. "Zekton... where are my sons, you took them into your attempt at cobbling together a militant corps, sent them down to that god's forsaken planet for who knows what." He near spits as his tirade of rage comes pouring forth, it is seething and white-hot, yet he seems to keep himself in check. "Tell me now, Zekton where are they?" He seems to calm down somewhat, I initially thought he would leap across the table and throttle Zekton, but his form never rose from his chair. I pull out a small datapad, activate a few functions just below the table and place the datapad face down on top of the table. No one seems to notice my actions as they are both fixated on each other, like two predators locked on to each other as prey.

For a time Zekton continues to remain passive, eventually, a smirk passes across his face and he speaks for the first time since entering this room. "They are performing honourable work, bringing the savages to heel, your first son is indeed quite useful, took to the work with enthusiasm, too bad he has such a foolish clutch master like you." Well, I admit I did not expect such an answer and neither did Gem, still, he can get Zekton to break his silence and that is commendable.

Still observing I cast my gaze back to Gem and gauge his expression, as expected he seethes even more in burning rage. I guess things may escalate from here, I glance back at Zekton who seems to now disregard me and is focusing primarily on Gem who now voices his aggression. "Zekton you bastard, I demand to know precisely where they are, where did you send them?" His words only seemed to embolden the smug smile on Zekton's face, seeming to delight in Gem's frustration.

I decided to chime in with a few words, something that needs to be said. "Perhaps ordering your forces to retreat back to the Ruktan? I'm sure we can negotiate for the benefit of all parties involved regarding the occupation of Garuda." The diplomatic approach is necessary, and a non-violent method tends to be less costly also he cannot say I did not offer a peaceful way.

Zekton's smirk turns to a frown prompting him to glare at me with utter disgust, likely viewing me as some sort of pollutant, I would be mildly insulted if I cared about this brute's opinion. "Retreat, what nonsense is that, once I reclaim control of this vessel, the Garudan's will fall in line or be slaughtered, they should obey us as we desire to uplift the savages so they can serve a greater purpose." Serve a greater purpose, what an odd thing to say, I believe the Demthesian's used a similar statement regarding the Wokan Military Dictatorship after the occupation of their home planet, according to Zerg who grew up on the homeworld and witnessed the invasion's live interplanetary broadcast. An interesting concept and an all too familiar one, how a society can dominate another leading to assimilation of opinion and culture, but then again, the Wokan's were warlike, to begin with.

My words seem to fall on deaf ears, and I think Gem feels slightly left out of the conversation and will not stop his seething rage, it is almost like the heat is emanating from him as he yells. "Stop this madness Zekton, we have the freedom we can live our lives now, you gave us that freedom, do not sully it with your ambitions to dominate, it makes you no better than the Demthesian's." The Wokan made a good point, the very concept I had just pondered, the oppressed rising to become the oppressors, many cases in my own people's history are there. Currently, it seems to be a differing of opinion between what they should be now the whip is no longer aimed at them, should they pick it up and wield it with impunity or indulge in the newfound freedom and become a better species.

Regardless I continued to listen to their argument as my plan seems to be on track, just a few things left unsaid. "Madness, what you call madness I call necessity, what more could the savages ever achieve without us, they likely will kill each other over tribal god images, best for them to serve us, their new Gods!" There is a flaw in that since the Garudan's at least as far as I can see have no such religion or concept of a deity.

Zekton of course still outwardly calm, retaining that smug satisfied face of his, not even being intimidated by Gem's glare. I decide to cut in with a short question. "Will you bring the Garudan's aboard as slave soldiers, how will they serve your revolt against an interstellar empire?" I chose my words carefully, trying not to tempt Zekton into closing again, this concept would likely provoke a reaction as he seems to be at peak pride.

His glare was palpable now turned against me, his smug expression is quite the sight, almost like zealotry, a firm belief in the righteousness of his actions. "Of course, we will bring all the savages aboard, I will discipline them personally, under my hand I shall forge them into worthy slaves." Well, I had not expected him to word that so perfectly, I believe that should be enough for now, time for the next step. I turn to my datapad and tap a single button, performing the function needed and then placing the pad into my suit pocket.

Now with that done I ignore the savage brute, internally apologise to Gem before speaking directly to him. "Gem it is clear we will get nothing from him, it would be better to lock him in a cell, take a few ships to the surface and take back the planet by force." Gem turns to me with confusion in his eyes, likely he did not expect me to state such a thing, an aggressive move like that would likely have casualties. Before Gem can even voice his objection, I turn to him and make my proclamation. "This is going nowhere, perhaps we should leave Zekton here to rot for a little while until he is more compliant." Gem is confused and attempts to speak up before I silence him with a wave of my right hand like a parent silences a child.

I turn to Pok and command him to secure Gem in his cell before nodding to Elkra and she follows me out of the interrogation room. Several cycles later we make our way to the security office, entering I am greeted by the familiar sight of the ship's auxiliary security terminal, still active. A fresh cup of hot coffee is placed on the table just as I expected, I turn to Elkra and nod to her, she immediately knows what to do and stands guard at the door, weapon ready. I wait here for some time; several minor cycles go by and my gaze is cast on the screen depicting Zekton's cell spies the presence of Grisha sneaking to Zekton's location.

I turn to the control panel and tap the announcement system and speak clearly in a monotone voice. "Prisoners escaping, from interrogation room four, security to intercept." With my words, Quroken and Itoa act commanding their forces to capture the two escapees'. Zekton and Grisha hurriedly vacate the room and make their way to the bridge of the ship, with Zekton outpacing Grisha in speed or perhaps she is hanging back on purpose.

Grasping the beverage, I take a small swig, the aroma is intoxicating tempting me to indulge in the drink's exotic flavour, I resist and turn to the security panel. I pull out my datapad and activate a few functions such as the internal private communications array, the sound of a familiar Wokan voice being heard. "I have completed the task, and everything is in place, preparing to vacate." Zerg's voice is clearly heard aloud from the datapad as expected.

With his confirmation, I glance at the security cameras and track Zekton's and Grisha's movements through the ship after she managed to free him from the room. Avoiding each of Quroken and Itoa's security militia with ease, the pair makes their way towards the bridge. Turning several corners before arriving at the open bridge doors, shortly before I witnessed Zerg vacate the bridge towards the opposite corridor. The pair impressively dodged every shot from the stun rifles, from each of the security checkpoints I set up, eventually leading him to the bridge. I tap a small button on the panel and cast my gaze at the bridge footage now with clear and crisp sound from the speakers.

The sound depicts Zekton apparently cursing quite frequently in what sounds like his native tongue, curious most Wokan's speak Shahnese or to a lesser extent Demthesian. After his rather colourful language tirade, he along with Grisha behind him taps several commands on the bridge communications panel, I glance at the other monitors and notice Quroken's squad crowding the now locked bridge doors. After some time, his wrathful tone can be heard quite clearly. "All channels this is Commander Zekton!" His words linger for a moment before a response can return in a thick accented Shahnese.

The voice coming from the communication panel is difficult to make out, the thick accent masks the meaning, but I heard him well enough. "Acknowledged Commander, what do you need?" I take a sip of my coffee and eye Zekton's next actions intently, the Wokan glares down at the control panel as if thinking about his next order. Awaiting his response, I scrutinize the camera footage and take another sip in anticipation.

Zekton clenches two of his fists, slams down on the control panel nearly denting the pristine craftsmanship causing a tang of annoyance to course down my spine. "The Ruktan has been captured, I repeat the Ruktan has been captured, return all ships to retake the vessel, I want everyone that opposes me dead!" To be honest that is exactly what I thought he would say, underneath all that stoicism and false calculating gaze a brute is hiding just beneath the surface. It is disappointing but not altogether unexpected, still, I thought he was a worthy foe perhaps I was wrong. "Fleet Commander come in; can you hear me?" He repeats several times with no answer.

I turn down to my datapad with a prompt requesting to execute the program, I tap execute and several lines of Shahnese coding flash by. I lift my gaze to the screen with the confused former commander Zekton growing more and more furious. His peak fury mounts as a familiar voice sounds from the communications panel, Zekton's own voice sounds out loudly. "All... Retreat... to the... Ruktan... bring the savages aboard... under my hand I shall forge them into worthy slaves!" A mismatched voice cobbled together can be heard from the panel stunning Zekton into silence.

I lean forward waiting for the response I desire and like clockwork, I hear just that. "This is Fleet Commander Zeff... acknowledged Commander, returning to the Ruktan with the live cargo." I take a sip of my coffee just as the notion of what is just occurred settles into the mind of Zekton. The screen remains the same for some time, I am concerned the footage may have frozen but thankfully I am proven wrong as the howling roar of anger comes streaming from Zekton's lungs. The fury bound Wokan begins hammering his fists on the communications panel denting it further, concerned he may break something I am glad to hear the bridge door opening. The sound of several footsteps entering the room puts me at ease, the visage of several Garudan's along with a Pintonian enter with stun rifles aimed threateningly at Zekton.

Zekton turns to Grisha for assistance before expressing utter surprise when Grisha immediately moves over to Quroken's side standing shoulder to shudder with the leader of the squad. I turn up the volume on the panels speakers to listen to the tirade of words passed between the two. "Grisha you betray me, you filthy low clutch whore, I will have you dead for this." Even more colourful language from the former Commander of the Ruktan, it is true in anger we become much less articulate with our words, I wonder if that applies the same to poets.

Grisha smirks and crosses her upper two arms and stretches out her lower arms to the side in an innocent gesture before replying. "Betrayal dear Commander only applies to those who are loyal, since I held you in no such regard, I see this as merely a change of leadership as its clear, following a mad tyrant like you is the height of foolishness." She then turns her lower right hand pointing to her chest and continues her little speech. "Do I look like a fool to you?" She asks clearly knowing the answer and conveying her words in a clear mocking tone, causing Zekton to seethe in fury become more animalistic by the nano cycle.

The angry creature known as Zekton turns to his assailants and bellows once more in fury, watching this I take another sip before tapping the announcement system and speaking clearly in Shahnese. "Zekton, there is no need for violence, just surrender." As expected, he does the exact opposite, standing his ground as Quroken forms up his militia to fire at any moment. "It would be easier if you surrender, you have already been most helpful in dealing with your planetside associates, no need to spoil your deeds." Of course, like a shining star igniting into a supernova the furious Zekton losses all reason and charges at Grisha and Quroken's squad, prompting several arcing electrical stun shots to stop him in his tracks. Zekton slumps to the ground with sizzling flesh just before Quroken's squad surround the fallen Wokan.

I lean back on my seat, satisfied with my accomplishment before taking a long swig of the coffee beverage, the taste is much sweeter than I remember, I personally enjoy the bitter taste, I wonder if there is some sort of additive. I am then pulled out of my musings by the soft voice of Elkra, she has since lowered the volume of her voice lately, I am not sure why. "Captain, what just happened?" The sound of her voice was oddly soothing, I may test this sensation with further conversations with my new bodyguard.

I turn the chair facing Elkra and take a small device from my pocket, the device is rectangular roughly five centimetres width and height, around two centimetres depth. "This is called a data input device; it can contain any piece of information or program some can even activate on startup." Elkra is quite confused but still nods along to be polite, something she apparently picked up from me when I am speaking to Zerg explaining the science behind Shah and Demthesian technology. I continue with my explanation regardless, filing a time away in my mind to properly educate the Garudan's that work for me, after I understand of course. "I recorded Zekton's voice and nudged him to say certain things, the standard voice analyser program stitched together the words and communicated them to the planet whilst blocking out the panel's microphone, just needed Zekton to activate the bridge systems with his access code." It is quite clear that she still does not fathom a word I am saying but still politely nods and hums along, perhaps I should advise her to ask more questions, another day perhaps. "Well, regardless of the method, it worked and now we have some guests to prepare for." I turn back to the screens and down the rest of my coffee, Elkra is still pondering behind me with her eyes staring out into nothingness, I glance down to the empty cup with one last thought. "I need more coffee."