Chapter 104. Final Order: Destroy the Demonic Flame
She put the phaser back into position and locked it securely. Although this is just an exercise, the phaser is real and set at the lowest energy level. So it doesn't do any damage, but the computer can evaluate the hit rate based on the energy release.
The lights in the room came on. Gladys blinked a few times, but quickly got used to it. The door opened and the training instructor walked in. He put his hands behind his back and looked at her happily.
“Another great performance,” he said appreciatively. "You keep doing great, no matter how many times you run the program."
"But not good enough," Gladys replied dissatisfiedly.
The older man shook his head reproachfully. Ambition can be a good thing and a motivation to reach the highest level. But it can also be taken too far. Just like Gladys. She had run this training routine countless times with only one mistake each time. Only a few can achieve such sustained good performance. Yet the young woman was so dissatisfied with this that it seemed as if she had failed.
"I'll have to try again," Gladys said decisively.
The instructor shook his head. "But not now. You'll have the rest of the day to rest and relax." He held up his hand when she tried to argue. "This is an order. Tomorrow, we will have a summary meeting on your training measures."
Gladys hesitated, then nodded and handed the gun to him. Then she will try to enjoy her leisure time. Even though she knew it was almost impossible.
After the Republic's return, Gladys was picked up by a frigate where her injuries could be better cared for. Her legs have been in bad shape ever since she was hit by an exploding wall in the alternate timeline.
For the first few weeks after returning to Earth, Gladys stayed at the medical center. People there cared for her. It was only then that it was discovered that her leg bones had not been completely spared. Although it is not a serious injury, it still needs to be treated. Only in this way can lasting sequelae be avoided.
While undergoing treatment, she was excluded from crew assignments to new ships. She remains on Earth, while most of the former Republic crew have been assigned to other ships.
After recovering, she signed up for a safety officer training program. On the one hand, she wanted to regain lost fitness, which had suffered during her injury. On the other hand, she wants to improve her performance. You definitely don’t want to be stuck in the wrong situation again. As a result, she also undertook additional voluntary training and overachieved. Although she now thinks she is better than before the injury. However, in her opinion, this is not enough.
The sun shines on her face as she leaves the building. Her tension eased slightly. Maybe she should really try to relax. After all, she still had two weeks off. She will then learn where her further assignments will take her. No one could stop her from doing more training on her new boat during the holidays and afterwards.
"We have made a decision," the computer translated Lingyu's song. "The demonic flames must be destroyed immediately."
Otis's face almost twisted. Although he knew that the water tribe Cindy was not too interested in the affairs of the land residents. But he was surprised by their indifference to such a massacre. He definitely wasn't expecting this. "You support the annihilation of an entire race?" he confirmed in shock.
"Yes," Lingyu replied simply. Apparently Aqua Cindy thought this was a valid reason.
"But this is crazy. This is genocide," Otis said passionately. He didn't believe it. This behavior is morally wrong. Every intelligent creature should be able to realize this.
"The Demon Flame is no longer a real race. By adding Cindy's DNA, they have become a genetically created experiment. The experiment can be terminated and the results produced can be destroyed," explained Cindy the Water Tribe. Decide. Whether he valued the life of Demon Flame or not, it couldn't be seen from his expression.
"Magic flames are life, not something that can be discarded at will." Otis breathed rapidly to express his anger. "We can't just kill them."
"They plan to make the demonic flames sterile. That way they will become extinct. The result is the same, it's just that the process is longer," Lingyu answered calmly.
"There's a difference," Otis insisted.
"We have made a decision," Aqua Cindy concluded further discussion.
Otis stared out the window in amazement, where Aquatic Cindy swam, keeping her position with light fin movements. Before Otis could speak, the new representative of Reptile Cindy, Lizard Hill, broke the silence in advance.
"Well, let's vote now on what to do next," Lizard said confidently. Aqua Cindy's vote has been decided. He can now count on two votes in favor of his package. More support votes than other options.
"No, we can't do that. We have to talk it over," Otis responded. He didn't want to give up so soon.
"We've been talking about it for a long time. It's time to act," the new Cindy Creeper yelled back on behalf of Lizard Hill.
"If we continue to consider this proposal, we will be stained with blood." Otis would never want to take any responsibility for a genocide. While the demonic flames could be a threat, in his mind, that didn't justify such behavior.
"We should have a vote," Shan Mo said, and the plant Cindy interjected before anyone could say anything. "Saurus is right, we must make a decision at some point. And, Otis, weren't you still pressing for this issue to be put on the agenda? Now you must allow the decision to be made."
Otis looked angrily at his colleague. Now the plant Cindy has betrayed him too. Didn't he realize that the words of the water tribe Cindy Lingyu had almost determined the outcome of the genocide? Is his brain so primitive that he can't see this?
Furious, Otis sat back down heavily in his chair. He had nothing to say. The status of all five members of Parliament is the same. No one has more rights than anyone else. Only in this way can the balance between the various races be maintained. And now fate comes into play and has no scruples about his wishes. Obviously, he doesn't always turn things around as well as he would like. Or does Shan Mo intend to support his proposal? Then this program will produce two votes, resulting in a tie. Otis felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe so. After all, he knew Shan Mo well enough to know that he would never agree to genocide.
The vote took place. Insect Cindy supports the proposal to retain the Demon Flame as a warrior class. The crawling cindy and aquatic cindy support the exterminating magic flame. Otis supported his proposal. Then, he looked at the plant Cindy Shanmo expectantly. Shan Mo conveyed the result of the decision. "We Plant Cindy Abstained."
Otis stared at his colleague with wide eyes. He did not expect to abstain. He had believed that Shan Mo would support him. Especially in this context, abstention is tantamount to support for genocide.
"In this way, the matter is decided," Liziqiu said proudly.
"No," Otis shook his head blankly.
"The Parliament is democratic. You must accept this decision," Lizard replied triumphantly.
"He'll live with the decision," Aqua Cindy Moray said on behalf of Otis, suggesting he had no choice.
Otis just stared around blankly. He knew he had lost. If he can't figure out a way, the blood of the demonic flames will stick to his hands.
"We will send out a fleet," Lizard Hill said. He looked like he was looking forward to slaughtering an entire tribe. It seems he even wants to do it himself.
The insect cindies next to him began to click and scrape. Then the computer translated his words. "We will carry it out. The Demon Flames are our creation. Therefore, we will destroy them too."
Lingyu interrupted Cindy Crawling's words in advance. "Then it's settled."
...
Absentmindedly, Ingmar sat in front of his coffee cup. He decided to have a cup of coffee in the leisure area because thoughts of Shu Ran kept lingering in his mind. Some days are harder than others. Today is such a day. He hopes to find some solace in the recreation area, even if it's just by watching others participate in recreational activities.
The Lexington is identical to the Republic, and this also applies to the amenities on the leisure deck. These decks are equipped with standard amenities. For Ingmar, there is nothing new to explore here. Therefore, he was only mildly interested in the space. It wasn't until more than two weeks later that he walked around here for the first time. And was surprised to find that there was indeed one small difference here compared to the Republic. It was only a small difference, but he liked it. There is a small but beautiful corner with several small round tables surrounded by flower pots and shrubs. There is a small replicator on the wall that makes various drinks, so you can sit here quietly for a while, away from the busyness and stress.
Ingmar is always reminded of a small and cozy street cafe he once discovered in Paris, which is similar to the corner here. There, he could always find a seat because it was less crowded. And that seems to be the case here too. Because the crew clearly wasn't too interested in this form of relaxation. But that could also be due to the mission and the otherwise fairly relaxed conditions on the ship.
He has made a habit of coming here for a cup of coffee at least once a week. Most of the time, he is alone. And because the crew has been working together for several years, circles of friends and cliques have formed. Although newcomers are quickly accepted, he tries his best to avoid getting involved. He rarely meets the rest of the crew.
Today, his mind was so far away that he didn't even notice that the coffee in front of him slowly stopped steaming and finally turned cold. He would always think of Shu Ran's last message. She talked about their time together. She felt her heart beating faster and loved that time. So what caused him to no longer trigger these feelings in her? Or is he actually still causing it and this is just a hidden hint? He doesn't understand. Why is everything always so complicated? Can't we simply tell people that we like them? or more? Why do these games exist? These go around, hinting and waiting for a reaction. Why is everything so bad and complicated?
"Hey, Ingemar", a voice startled him. Depp, the ship's pilot, stood in front of him. When he saw Ingmar's confused expression, he looked at him a little worriedly. "What's wrong with you, man?"
"Hi, Depp. It's okay, everything is fine," Ingmar said, waving his hand and trying to sound as natural as possible. "I was just thinking about something. What's wrong?"
Depp has been trying to strike up a friendship with Dre Ingemar since he came on board. While this makes Ingmar happy on the one hand, he also knows Depp's true motivations behind it. This young man really wants to be a player who conquers women. And he didn't do a bad job. His appearance certainly helped. But he is still very young. About early twenties. Ingemar has forgotten his exact age. And now, of course, Depp wants to learn from the legendary Dre Ingmar. Plus, for women, it's always attractive if you know someone who's been on a real adventure that you haven't experienced yourself. And Ingmar has already experienced a lot on the Republic.
"I have two beautiful ladies here that I thought you might need some company. These are Rebecca and Jennifer," he introduced them to Ingmar. Then he politely pulled out a chair for them and sat down himself. "Rebecca works in the computer room and Jennifer is part of the medical team."
Ingmar greeted them friendly, distant but friendly. They are indeed beautiful. Both men have long blond hair. And Rebecca’s eyelashes are especially incredible. He estimated that they were all in their twenties.
They were about ten to twelve years younger than Shu Ran, he couldn't help but think.
"Tell us about your latest adventure," Depp invites him cheerfully. "It's best about Cindy." He emphasized the word Cindy deliberately and mysteriously, trying to bring some excitement and impression to the two ladies.
Ingmar fiddled with the cup. He didn't want to say anything, especially Cindy's experience. Because this period of time reminded him too much of Shu Ran. "That's nothing special," he said, trying to downplay the incident.
"Didn't I tell you? He's a very humble man," Depp told the two women with a wink. "And he's a true hero. After all, Cindy destroyed our timeline. And Ingemar was there and helped right the wrong." The two women looked impressed. "Come on, Ingmar, don't be so shy," Depp urged him.
"Yes, tell us about it," the two blondes agreed, practically kissing his mouth.
Ingmar looked at them in turn. He wanted to know why he had found these women so attractive before. They are stupid and just annoying. It is impossible to have meaningful conversations with them. Well, he hadn't wanted that before either. He loved to brag about his adventures and play hero. He also likes to exaggerate. Just to get one of the women into bed. But now, he was disgusted by these thoughts.
He saw himself in Depp. A narcissistic and self-righteous audacity with no clue about real life. He plays with other people's feelings as if they are his right, but in fact he is just fooling himself. I wish he could open this young man's eyes. But he knew Depp would never listen to him. Just like he himself never listened to others before.
Ingemar was pretty sure that if he was in it, it would be a piece of cake to get one of the ladies tonight. If he works hard, he can even pursue two people at the same time. In that case, Depp will come away empty-handed.
But now, he has no interest in any of this. He pushed the cold coffee aside and stood up. "Sorry, maybe next time." He turned and left, leaving the three people there.
"What's wrong with you, man?" Depp shouted angrily at him. "Are you Dre Ingmar? That's ridiculous. How did you get this reputation?"
Ingmar ignored him and left the room. In the past, these words would have inspired him to fight. He would take up the challenge and make sure Depp ended up sitting there alone. But at the moment, he has no such ambition. He didn't care what Depp did to those two women. They can either be happy with Depp or completely screwed up and achieve nothing. He didn't care at all.
He decided it was time to go to bed. Every night, he hoped that he could stop dreaming about Shu Ran.
A man in a red Star Fleet uniform hurried down the corridors of headquarters. He has black hair mixed with a few strands of gray hair, which does not give away his true age. His face was thin and pale, as was his whole body. Yet his eyes sparkled with positive intensity. His rank insignia indicated he was an admiral. He is no longer young, which is why he has difficulty breathing. His chest was rising and falling rapidly, but he had no intention of slowing down. This is so important.
He is on the tenth floor of the headquarters, which is the highest level. This is the top general of Starfleet and the command center of Starfleet. And here is his goal. Admiral Isaac's office is at the end of the corridor.
When he knocked on the door, he couldn't wait to get in. Sitting in the office was a dark-skinned admiral, the supreme commander of Starfleet. He is directly responsible to the Federal Parliament. Starfleet is a military organization, but its mission orders come from the Civil Affairs Committee of the Federation Council. Therefore, the committee decided on the mission of the ship. Although not every vessel requires committee approval. The Council authorizes missions to Starfleet and leaves the details to Starfleet. There one can better estimate how best to perform the task. This is a proven program that has been running for over a hundred years.
Admiral Isaac watched the visitors come in. "Admiral Peng, nice to meet you." They shook hands. "What can I do for you?"
