The Burning Skull Rises

[ChillerMiller]

Magellan System, HFB-Incursus



“I want the guards to be ready within the next thirty minutes. Is that clear?” Madison Garcia yelled at one of her Lieutenants before vanishing in one of the battleship's numerous hallways. “Crap, I’m already too late”, she thought to herself and stopped in front of an elevator. “The Admiral will be mad at me once again”, Madison then mumbled and entered as soon as the doors opened. “The code...the code. Which one was it again? Oh right!” She said and entered a 6-digit code into the elevator’s console, which granted her access to the Incursus’ command room. There were only four people aboard the ship who had permission to enter that area. It was a measure applied by Admiral Hunter in order to keep command of the ship at all costs.

The doors opened as soon as the elevator reached its destination. “Captain Garcia reporting in, Ma’am!” She said and saluted to her superior, Admiral Cristina Hunter, who was sitting in her command chair. The two other captains, Darryl Callaham and Emilia Osorio were there as well. The latter pointed at Garcia and yelled “You’re late, Maddy. The princess will punish you for that.”

“Thanks for the comment, Emilia. You’re always such a useful person”, Madison replied and was obviously annoyed. “I’ve been dealing with the preparations for the Lord Commander’s arrival. This is, as you probably know, a very important event for us.”

“Ah well, whatever.” Emilia replied. “Are you two finished, then?” Admiral Hunter suddenly said. “Yes? Good. How are the preparations going, Garcia?” She then asked.

“Nearly complete, Ma’am. Everything should be done within the next twenty to thirty minutes. The Lord Commander will arrive in approximately one hour. Our patrols have already contacted him and his escort.”

“Good work as always, Captain.” Hunter then turned her attention towards Osorio. “Emilia, I want you to welcome the Lord Commander. I’ll grant him access to this area. The rest of his men are to wait in the hangar bay. Is that clear?”

“Ma’am, with all due respect, but I don’t believe you should send Osorio to welcome the Lord Commander.” Garcia suddenly interrupted. “Oh, is that so? Callaham, would you explain it to Captain Garcia?” She asked the third captain, who had remained silent the entire time.

“The princess will punish you for that. Osorio wasn’t joking when she said that”, Callaham replied. “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me”, Garcia complained. “Admiral Hunter, you are risking a lot by letting that girl deal with the Lord Commander.

“Garcia…”, Hunter began “I really respect your opinion and I know that you only care for my security. I wish to thank you for that. However, I also expect you to have some faith in your commander. Can I expect that from my subordinates?”

“Yes, Ma’am. I apologize for doubting you.” Madison replied after a few moments of thinking. “Emilia”, Hunter then continued. “Head to the hangar bay and welcome our guests. If the Lord Commander starts to ask you questions, make sure to only tell him the things he really needs to know. I trust that you can handle this situation?”

“Si, si, princesa. I’ll do it, no problem.” She simply said and wandered off.