Episode 9: Last Stand

The arrival of the escort ships signified the Niviana's doom. With the success of securing Callisto's safety, she is ready for her death. However, as she maneuvered along, a new threat emerged. An enormous ship has appeared and immediately launched countermeasures.

With her avionics disabled, several ships began to surround her. A burst of light encased the ship, trapping it.

The last thing Niviana saw was the bright light before darkness consumed her.

Meanwhile, a man appeared beside the lying Niviana. He bent over to pick her up and gave her to the waiting arms of a grunt. 

He turned to him and said, "Throw her into the cell and prepare for interrogation."

The grunt nodded and said, "Sir, the Colonel has called for you."

"Alright, thank you, I'll be there soon." 

Pritchon thought that he would feel better when he apprehended her. But he felt nothing, should he be bothered? Shaking his head, he began taking a stroll around the ship, checking for anything amiss. After a few minutes, he was satisfied with what he found and instructed several soldiers to do another check. 

The door suddenly opened, and he saw several people in a formation. Wearing something similar to the Imperial elite. One of them approached Pritchon, bearing the badge of the Queen Consort

"Are you Master Sargeant Pritchon?"

"Yes, who's asking?"

The masked agent saluted and said, "Our team has been sent by the Queen. The Minister told us you would let us in. We need to search the ship for a few minutes."

Pritchon nodded and turned to a grunt, "Are you done with the check?"

The grunt nodded and turned to them, " Yes sir, there are no traps or explosives in the ship, you are now cleared to search."

The agent nodded and said, "Please talk to the Minister soon."

With that confirmation, he left the bay and proceeded to go up to the deck.

He then walked into the hallway until he stopped at a guarded door. The guards saluted and said "Sir, the Minister is on the line with the Major"

"Alright." After he walked into the door, he heard the major say, "Where is that kid?" 

"I am here sir. Apologies for the lateness, I had to make sure the ship was safe."

He turned to the holo saluted again and said, "Sir, a group of agents from the Queen has asked for access to the ship. They told us that you know about it?"

The minister nodded and continued to drink his coffee, then continued "Yes. The empress said the emperor had asked her to do the investigation, but they insisted that the purpose remained secret. I reckon, that the incident the doctor is involved in, is one of the reasons why. But I digress, that's not why I called you here. Please, be at ease and sit down. Now if you may Major, please explain it to him."

"Son, due to the incident in the palace, we lost a lot of officers. Some of them survived but they will be forced to retire. Luckily, we still have a lot of young blood like you, so I would like to announce that, your retirement will be postponed. In return, you will be promoted to the rank of Captain immediately. Your requested vacation will be approved, and it will be extended due to your diligence. Not only that you'll also be leading your first squadron. Congratulations son, you earned it."

Pritchon shocked by the announcement, stood at attention, "Thank you, sir." 

"You are dismissed, take a rest now, it will take a few days before you can go home." 

Before Pritchon could leave the office, the minister said, "When you come back to the capital, go to my office okay?" 

"Yes sir," he responds as he closes the door.

"What a good kid, he has a future." 

"Indeed Colonel, indeed" 

The colonel looked at this watch and said, "Is there anything else Minister? I have to check our prisoner. "

The minister nodded and said, "Alright, make sure she doesn't run away."

"Oh yes, if she runs, I will cut her legs off," says Colonel.