Chapter 17: Purging the Rats

“I never thought of you as some tyrant!” Torrin yelled as he continued to flail his arms about.

The convict struggled even if he was wearing himself out. Enlai easily moved the man through the centripetal ring’s passageway. They were nearing the brig room.

Not far from the scene, Zalika and Bekra watched the prisoner as Torrin fought and yelled. Zalika was the one who was perhaps more visibly shaken. The scowling and utter anger on her face had her hand trembling to her side. She wanted to beat the person senseless and enact her revenge against him. However, Bekra stood beside her. The anthrooviraptor had her clawed hand holding Zalika’s wrist in hopes of preventing her mate from lashing against Torrin.

Not far behind the struggling tyrant were Stone and Shira.

“Ensign Genji has been placed under arrest,” Stone told the Captain. “Ioren found her heading to the galley to eat. She’ll be heading this way soon.”

They reached the door as Enlai and Torrin came to a stop. The convict scowled. For a brief moment, his eyes befell Zalika’s. It didn’t take long before Ioren appeared on the other side of the passageway. Despite Ioren’s smaller size, Ensign Genji seemed more cooperative. She was in handcuffs as they slowly walked past the convict. Torrin never even looked at her.

“This what you enjoy doing, Captain?” Torrin asked her. “Trying to clean house? There’s more that’ll follow.”

“Shut up!” Stone told him. “Marine, hold your hand over his mouth if he doesn’t stop yammering!”

Enlai didn’t need to be told twice. However, the prisoner quieted down while his frustrations remained. As Ioren and Genji approached the scene, the ensign’s face slowly looked up to Shira. The Shal’rein held her hand up for the two to halt. Meanwhile, Stone walked up to the ensign, practically ready to backhand her.

“Ensign Genji,” Stone berated her. “You’re a disgrace to that uniform.”

“On what grounds?” she asked with little anguish.

“Conspiring with the pirates.”

Genji seemed like she was more defeated than anything, like being caught was the worst of her troubles. Shira slowly approached her, her hands still behind her.

“Curious,” Shira calmly asked her. “Why were you ready to commit to such an action, to begin with?”

“Talk,” Stone said, seeing the ensign’s hesitation. “The sooner we can evaluate your guilt, the sooner we can extradite you and find a befitting sentence for your hide.”

“Stone ... perhaps our guest wishes to speak.”

Genji relented. “I found out a couple of weeks ago that Batrice has my brother...,” she explained with her head down. “I was hoping for some money. He voiced his opinion about the regime change. They supposedly have him imprisoned. A bail is posted, but it’s outrageous ... It’s too much...”

“So you needed money to free your brother. Very well. Your case will be presented in the court-martial. Unfortunately, you decided to lash out against my crew and betray this ship in the process. Instead of going through your chain of command, you acted on your own accord.”

“It’s no excuse for betraying that uniform, sailor,” Stone added.

“But, it may be possible that somebody in your tribunal will listen to your predicament. A shame, really. You were quite new to this ship. If you spent more time learning about the other crew members, you would learn that you weren’t alone in this. However, in the end, they choose to serve this ship and the UWA. Ioren, take her to her quarters...”

The ensign said nothing more as she was escorted away. Stone shook his head. There was still the matter with Torrin. The captain and the master sergeant approached the prisoner.

“Let me ask you this, Torrin,” Shira questioned him. “With the recent series of events today, what was your greatest fear?”

“You expect me to answer that?” he replied back to her.

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on using your fear against you. If anything, I would merely reward you for the information you provided to me.”

“You’re nothing but a liar.”

“She asked you a question,” Stone told him. “Answer her!”

Shira’s brow lifted a little. “I cannot properly reward you if you give me a false answer,” she told him. “The results ... might not be to your liking. So, I will ask again. What has been your worst fear?”

Torrin remained quiet. Shira, however, seemed to have an answer already.

“I see,” Shira said. “Because you won’t provide me an answer, I must come up with my conclusions. You were originally quite active when you were younger. You created your empire of theft and utilized the resources around you at the expense of terrorizing those that were weaker than you.”

Zalika, who had been remaining quiet, gripped her knuckles till they almost turned white. She and Bekra remained at a distance but could still overhear the conversation. Shira’s single shark-like eye momentarily looked in their direction.

“It is no different than how some Itreans behave,” Shira explained. “However, in your case, you choose to go into hiding. You murdered another person and took that person’s place. Why is that?”

“I’m not going to answer that...,” Torrin told her. The aggravation in his voice was picking up.

“You went to great lengths to disguise your true identity. Perhaps some Itreans would behave as you do, but in my society, we generally take pride in our actions even if the past action leads to the detriment of others. They aren’t usually afraid to tell the truth about their ‘crimes’ as others may view it. Even murderers will sometimes outright boast about their past life choices. Your conversation with Ramirez was quite interesting. You didn’t hesitate to tell him about your interests in procuring certain items, all for your benefit. Profit was a motivator, but it was something else. You were no longer afraid of being held under control by me or the other members of my crew.”

“Just fucking gut him!” Zalika yelled out. “I’ll do it! Just...”

“Marine!” Stone snapped at her and pointed. “Stay silent or leave!”

Shira maintained her gaze on Tourin. “It is easy to conclude,” the captain continued. “That your greatest fear is being caught, but I believe it’s even more simple than that. You are afraid of a slow and painful death. It is why you choose to take another person’s life and assume their identity. Your greatest pleasure is to continue what you’ve always been doing before. To be caught would ultimately lead to the very confrontation that you are now a part of. However, I believe that the greatest part of your enjoyment was that you would ultimately be caught. It was the thrill of the risk of being caught that empowered you. A quick death would be easy for you. Imprisonment is something that you would regret but not something that you would find as torturous. There is no shame in admitting this to me, as many would also share a similar fear of a slow demise. Am I wrong to assume that everything that I said to you was incorrect?”

“Just ... get me to a prison and get it over with,” he said.

“On the contrary, Torrin,” Shira told him. “When we are done today, you will thank me for the gift that I will provide to you. You will no longer be afraid of death nor imprisonment nor anything of that matter ... Enlai, put him into the brig.”

“Aye..., Ma’am,” Enlai replied.

“Stone...,” Shira stepped forward away from the brig doors as they slid open. Enlai practically tossed the convict into the brig before closing the door. The master sergeant followed along with Shira. They put some distance from the brig so they could have a discussion in more private. The captain did not look at the master sergeant. Her gaze remained focused down the passageway. Her cold demeanor seemed to glow more than ever before.

“Everything that you told me before,” Shira questioned him. “About what you would do to him. You have my permission to carry out your desires on him. However, I never leave behind a potential opportunity of an execution. Make sure that you record your actions and broadcast them into the asteroid field. Ensure that you don’t kill him, at least not until he begs for it.”

There was a hint of a smile that appeared on Stone’s face. He was about to turn around when Shira continued.

“And, Stone...” she lightly turned her head to look in his direction. “When he wishes for death, make sure to take your time. The longer the broadcast, the more likelihood that the remaining pirates will get the message...”

It was all that Stone needed to hear. Shira walked away. Her hands were still wrapped behind her back as her fin-like tail flailed a little bit. Meanwhile, the master sergeant approached the brig door.

“Enlai,” Stone addressed him. “You will be relieved of your duties in two hours. All personnel, with the exception of me, you, Zalika, and Bekra, are allowed to be here. I want you to watch the corridor on the left. That goes for you two,” Stone turned and looked at the two standing. “You’ll take watch on the right. Nobody is allowed in this brig except me. Is that clear?”

Enlai nodded. Zalika and Bekra also did the same as well as they fanned out from the brig entrance. Stone walked up to the door panel of the brig. He tapped a few buttons and patched himself into the comms unit. An open channel allowed Stone to speak to everyone on the ship.

“Attention everyone on the Lifen,” Stone adamantly said. “This is your CMC. All personnel are instructed to vacate CR corridor junction four until further notice. Any personnel in their rooms in this specified area are instructed to remain in their rooms until further notice. That’ll be all.”

Stone pressed the button to end the comms link. Then he tapped a few more buttons, keying in the code for the brig. Finally, he pressed his hand before there was an unlocking click.

Zalika’s breathing was intense as she watched from a distance. Bekra yanked her arm so that her mate would turn away and watch the corridor.

The door slid open as Stone stepped inside. Torrin was sitting down, his back pressed against the bulkhead. The look of fear and aggravation were apparent on the convict’s face as the master Sergeant remained like a giant statue. However, it was easy for Torrin to notice that Stone was alone and by himself. There were no guards outside the open entrance.

“Kaze Torrin,” Stone coldly addressed him. “Let me ask you this. Do you know what a blood eagle is?”

Torrin gave a confused look. However, he started to get the hint when Stone slowly unsheathed his bowie knife. Upon exiting from its hold, the metal blade made a fine brief hum before it fell silent. The master sergeant looked at the blade, seeing that it was well sharp, before giving the death stare at the convict.

Stone said nothing more. He stepped further inside as the door closed behind him. All that could be seen for a while was the gray steel alloy of the sealed entrance.

All remained quiet for a little while. Each second dragged on and on. However, within about fifteen seconds of the closed silence, it was suddenly broken by the sounds of Torrin’s screams...

About five hours would pass.

Javier had entered into his stateroom. It was partially dark, a growing sign that Shira was getting ready to close up for the night, even if she was still in her uniform. After the doors closed behind the XO, he could hear the harmonic resonance of Shira’s favorite music, if one would call it that. The Shal’rein woman’s attention seemed to be focused on the schematics of Fort Batrice.

“Ahh ... urgh...,” Javier grunted as he stretched himself. “Finished up those reports. Today has been busy ... Looking forward to getting that break.”

Shira almost seemed to ignore Javier, but she finally looked up at him. “Indeed,” she replied. “As will I.”

“I spoke with that civilian, Captain Darin, about an hour ago. He wanted to gather more intel from you before he took the Rampage on another one of his deep space raids into Shal’rein clan territory.”

“It is on my roster.”

“Strange...,” the XO continued. “I went and asked Stone about what the whole sealing off of the centripetal ring was about. He seemed like he was just finishing up washing himself. I went and asked him, but he just grunted and closed his doors on me. Do you happen to kn...”

There was a beeping sound that came from the door.

“Ah, man...,” Javier complained a little bit as he walked over to the table. “I didn’t get a chance to put up the don’t disturb sign. Let’s call it a night...”

“If it is important, then it will be quick,” Shira said. She was about to press the button to open the door.

“Can it wait for another day?”

Shira’s answer was obvious when the door slid open. The person that came through the door was none other than Marcelle. The cheery woman entered and saluted the CO and XO after the door closed behind her.

“Umm ... did I come at a bad time?” Marcelle asked. “I can come back later.”

Javier quickly dropped his salute. “It’s alright, Marcelle. What brings you here?”

The XO could see a little bit of nervousness from her. Shira also noted it as well.

“Ummm...,” Marcelle mumbled for a moment. “I was ... going to bring this up earlier,” she tried to explain. “We’ve been so busy with the operation and all, but since it looks like we got through the hurdle of it, it feels like...”

“What troubles you?” Shira asked, interrupting her.

“Well...” She said. “I haven’t had a chance to tell my boyfriend what’s happened yet. The fact was that this was something that I should have broken to him first, but because we are in a military environment...”

“You are stalling, Marcelle. Get to the point.”

Marcelle paused. “ ... I’m pregnant.”

Javier gave a slightly surprised look, but Shira gave a somewhat confused look in turn. “What is the point of telling us this?” she asked her.

“Actually,” Javier interjected. “It is important to bring this up to the chain of command. First of all, congratulations. I’m assuming that was what you were planning, correct?”

“Yes, of course,” Marcelle gave a nervous smile.

Javier explained as he gestured to Shira. “I suppose you’ll be asking for maternity leave in a few months, followed by maternity discharge from service.”

“Ah ... actually ... no,” Marcelle said. “I ... want to stay on this ship. I want to be here with my boyfriend and serve the UHN. I’m afraid that I’ll be removed from service once I start to ... show. Captain, I don’t try to pretend to listen to rumors, but there’s been some hearsay here and there about you ... being pregnant yourself. I know it’s none of my business, but...”

“To clarify what you heard,” Shira explained. “Yes, I am pregnant too. That secret will be mute in the next several months to come. That will be obvious. However, I still question why you brought this up to us?”

“It’s ... regulation,” Javier explained. “When women get pregnant, they must inform their chain of command. Usually, they are discharged from service, although I know that’s gotten all muddled up because of having Itreans onboard. Marcelle is just following her duties.”

“Of course. However, Marcelle would also know that her expertise as the ship’s lead navigator would be lost if she left service early. Especially when I already have a Gersin and developing nursery on this ship to help take care of her baby while she is on duty.”

There was relief and a big smile on Marcelle’s face. “Thank you, Captain.” She almost seemed all giddy for a second before she tried to recompose herself.

“Just make sure to know what you’re doing,” Javier told her. “Duties come first when you’re onboard, but I don’t need to tell you that.”

“Yes, I do, sir. Thank you.”

“Now,’ Shira said. “Is there anything else you need from us?”

“No. That’ll be all, Ma’am.” Marcelle smiled.

“If Ramirez faints, make sure you can get him to the medical bay,” Javier added.

Marcelle chuckled a little bit and saluted the two officers. The door slid open before she practically hopped her way out of the room. Javier smiled and shook his head.

“Well, then,” Javier said. “Can we finish up and call it a night?”

“Very well,” Shira said. “I see that...”

There was a beeping sound that echoed from the table display. Javier closed his eyes as he lifted his head in frustration.

“Don’t answer that,” Javier said.

“The call is coming from Admiral Thiago,” Shira said.

Javier sighed. “ ... Ah, man. Fine...”

The XO recomposed himself, straightening his uniform before Shira tapped the button to answer the call. It didn’t take long before the Admiral’s face appeared on the table display.

Upon immediately, Javier noticed that Thiago’s face had a slight look of concern. He was sitting behind his desk as usual.

“Hello, Admiral,” Shira calmly addressed him. “How may I help you at this time?”

“Shira ... I got your report of the coordinates,” Thiago explained. “I wanted to commend what you did in getting the information to us of where the pirate base is located. Thanks to your efforts, I have a task force being readied as we speak.”

“Of course...”

“However...,” Thiago cleared his voice and looked away. “I’ve also received some ... unsettling news at the same time. It didn’t take long before it started to appear on a news media outlet. Then it reached me in the progress.” The admiral leaned his head forward with a hint of annoyance. “Shira, Javier, what the hell are you doing?”

Javier gave a confused look. “Ummm ... sir?”

“Do you care to explain why you executed Kaze Torrin and broadcasted it?” Thiago continued. He gripped his hands tightly.

“What?” Javier asked. “He’s been executed?”

“I don’t want you to be coy with me, XO. I’m looking at your Captain. Explain to me.”

“To help verify your report,” Shira explained. “Yes, Torrin has been executed by Master Sergeant Stone today after the prisoner exposed the location of one of the bases.”

The admiral tried to remain professional, but his hands showed a form of disarray. “Do you know what you’ve done? Why do I have a video of a man being tortured to death? Do you know it’s 94 minutes long?”

Javier put his hand to his forehead. The news was shocking at best. He had no sympathy for the prior convict, but this was also an extreme to hear. However, Shira’s response was equally surprising and relaxed as well.

“Hmmm...,” Shira replied. “94 minutes ... A shame that it isn’t longer.”

Thiago showed more surprise and annoyance as he leaned back in his chair. “I have some members of my staff that are even calling for Stone’s arrest.”

“Why so, Admiral?”

“Crimes against humanity, Shira. Torrin may still have had more information on him. I agree that the convict’s crimes are extensive, but I wouldn’t have reached the level of barbarism against him that I witnessed either. Stone was all but psychotic in how he did it that I had to stop within two minutes of the video feed. I still have to ask myself if the video is somehow fake...”

“Then allow me to relax your thoughts,” Shira explained. “I was the one who authorized Stone to execute him with the full extent of the knowledge of Stone’s capabilities. Torrin was no further use to us. Any other information that he would have provided would have been negligible or simple lies. His knowledge only goes so far.”

“I wanted him back so he can face trial.”

“And so, you shall. His finger will arrive to you so it can be processed in your courts.”

Javier looked at Shira in surprise.

“His finger?” Thiago continued. “That wasn’t what I meant, Captain.”

“It is exactly what you meant, Admiral. You requested that he be transferred to you. You didn’t specify in what way. To continue with what I did. Yes, after careful evaluation, Torrin’s past crimes and prior convictions were all considered. I deemed it necessary that he would be eliminated. I reviewed the footage of Stone’s actions and deemed it adequate. I authorized that it would be broadcasted into the asteroid field.”

“Does an execution have to be a...” Thiago paused as he pulled out his tablet and read it. “What is it called ... a Blood Eagle? Shira, he cut into the man’s back and...” he slapped the tablet back down. “He was tortured to death! I can’t believe you did this!”

“On the contrary. There was all good reason for it to be done. Torrin had already been prior convicted back in Oshun to spend the rest of his life in a penal colony. According to most UWA and Oshun’s laws, execution was outlawed. However, this didn’t stop him from escaping to continue his crimes again. If he would have been delivered to you alive, then it would have most likely been possible that he would escape to continue his crimes again.”