The shattered edge

[Yuveraj Khan]

"With due respect, Commissar," XiaoBei stubbed out his cigarette, picking up his mug of tea, the yellow Twinnings label fluttering as he lifted it to his lips and took a sip as everyone turned to look at the enigmatic Bretonian-Kusari Scientist.

"Oh, we're actually going to listen to the bloody Xenologist at last?" XiaoBei said, a slight tone of disgust in his voice. "Well that will be a first. I should organize a parade..."

"Doctor..." Khan's voice held a note of warning.

"As I have been stating since we arrived and found the alien ship," XiaoBei gestured to the derelict with his mug. "I need to be over there, you have muppets like Colonel Brooks... and blunt force instruments like Alvarez and Winters crawling over what is, essentially, the single biggest discovery in Coalition history. While I am stuck here, listening to people blow up... crash into, and shoot up an ancient alien starship... Now, as the Chief Scientist of the Coalition, a position, Commissar Khan, that in these circumstances, places me as the man who should be leading this catastrophe you call a mission. I should be over on that ship... Now I am done asking, I am telling you. PUT ME ON THAT BLOODY SHIP!"

His eyes blared angrilly, daring Khan to say something other than 'yes doctor.'

Khan's eyes fell, "Of course Doctor XiaoBei... Commissar Santorini, take the Doctor across to the derelict... and make sure nothing happens to the good Doctor while he is over there."

"Thank you!" XiaoBei said pushing his mug into Khan's hands, grabbing a large overcoat as he led the way off of the bridge. Santorini a few steps behind him.

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