Last Chapter Recap: "Leave it to me, Captain!" Adam said, standing tall with a confident grin.
Because I want Laura as my slave... so even if you didn't tell me to, I'd still have to save her.
NOW
"Good," Selana said at last, her gaze locked on his. "Then get ready."
"Don't worry, Captain," Aurora said, her voice steady. "We'll do our best to bring Lt. Laura back alive. Right, Natasha?"
"Yes—at any cost," Natasha said, her eyes fierce with determination.
"Remember," Heidi said firmly, her tone sharp. "Saving Lt. Laura is our top priority."
"That's given, Commander," Aurora saluted. "Now, if that's all, let's not give the mutineers any time to fortify themselves. Let's go, you two!"
"Yes, ma'am!" we both said in unison, saluting.
Mutiny! I knew that bastard was suspicious, yet you morons didn't listen to me!
"Don't worry, master," Natasha said as they descended to the lower deck. "I'll protect you with my life."
My slave's words sound somewhat reassuring, but I can't help but shake the feeling captain sent me on this mission precisely because I am disposable.
"Are you ready?" Aurora asked, standing with her turret. "Have you checked your weapons?"
"Can't you just defeat those bastards with the turrets, Major?" Adam asked, referencing the enemy carrier. "Like you did back there?"
"Didn't you listen, Ensign?" Aurora said, her tone sharp. "Most of my turrets were either lost or damaged during the action."
"Shit," Adam muttered.
"Yep, that's exactly why you should follow my instructions to the letter," Aurora said. "I'll take the turret, and you, Ensign, will make up the shock group. Natasha, you'll cover us, okay?"
"Sure, Major," both said in unison.
"Now, let's go," Aurora snapped, her voice sharp with urgency. "I'll explain the details as we move. No time to waste."
I mentioned it before, but upper and lower decks really are like two different worlds. Lower deck crew are usually composed of hastily trained conscripts. Many of them come from the lowest status of society.
Therefore, even if Selana was careful about selecting her men, it's no wonder that the chief engineer found some helpers to stage his mutiny.
However, even with turf advantage, mutineers have no chance of holding against major and her specialized equipment… unless they have a very good, defensible place.
"Dammit!" Adam cursed, his frustration evident. "They destroyed the cameras...!"
"Lt. Chand is not an idiot, Ensign," Aurora said, her tone grim. "The power supply's been cut across the entire lower deck. That means no lights, no sensors—no advantage."
"That bastard..." Adam growled, clenching his fists. "What if he plans to take us down with him?!"
"Goliath isn't that fragile," Aurora said firmly. "Crew mutinies aren't exactly unheard of, right? Even if they blow up the engine, we'll manage—somehow."
"Besides, Junior Chief Engineer Aarav is still on our side," Natasha added, her tone calm but resolute. "At the very least, they can keep the ship from sinking."
"I'd like to share your optimism, you two," Adam said, his voice low and tense.
The silence on the lower deck is eerie. Like we're moving through a ghost ship.
"Looks like those guys still fear the captain, huh?" Natasha said with a sly smirk. "They must remember what she did to the previous intelligence officer."
I have a feeling Natasha, who's slowly sneaking behind me, is staring at my butt. Which is the only pleasant feeling in this mess.
"Stop!" Aurora commanded.
Under command, we cease our movements immediately. A few seconds later, I can hear why.
"Someone's shooting?" Natasha said, her eyes widening. "But-"
"Could it be… a mutiny among the mutineers?" Aurora asked, her brow furrowed, voice low with suspicion.
"This might be our chance!" Adam said, eyes flashing with urgency as he activated his full-body enhancement.
Major Aurora jumps towards closest wall, ordering the turret to scout ahead.
"Beee-bop!" Turret shooting sound.
"Clear!" Aurora shouted to another crew member. "To another-"
As soon as major makes a move, a shot pierces the air, and…
"Shit!" Aurora cursed.
Adam rescued the Major by pulling her into his embrace, but even so, a bullet grazed Aurora's leg. The enemy didn't land a clean hit, but even a graze from energy weapons was incredibly painful.
"Mas— Ensign, Major!" Natasha said, her voice filled with concern. "Are you both all right?"
"Y-yeah... fuck," Aurora grunted, clutching her leg. "I forgot—engineers know how to avoid my sensors. If it isn't for you, Ensign Adam, I'd be dead!"
"Major!" Lt. Chand's voice echoed through the corridor.
"Lieutenant Chand! Stop this stupid mutiny and surrender!" Aurora called out, her voice steady but firm. "This is your only chance!"
"I won't negotiate with you, Major!" Chand snapped back, his voice cold and defiant. "Tell the captain I'll only engage in talks with her or Princess Tila!"
"You must be kidding!" Aurora shot back, disbelief lacing her voice. "After you tried to kill her?!"
"That was... no, it doesn't matter!" Chand's voice was cold and resolute. "My demands are final! If none of those two comes to talk, you won't reach Pluton!"
"What about Lt. Laura?!" Aurora demanded, her voice laced with urgency.
"She's insurance," Chand said coldly. "If you attack, I won't guarantee her life!"
"This is no good..." Aurora said, her voice tense. "I see no openings."
"Are there no other entrances to the engine room?" Adam asked, his mind racing. "What about the engineering shafts?"
"Those are no good," Aurora said, her voice tense. "I only have explosives, and I'd rather not use them near the engine..."
"What about starving them out?" Adam asked, his brow furrowed. "Cut off their supply lines, force them to surrender?"
"That's a good idea," Aurora said, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's also the captain's backup plan if everything else fails."
"Huh?" Natasha said, confused. "Starve them out? But—"
After some discussion, Adam and Aurora decided to head toward the captain, leaving Natasha behind to stand guard. Before they left, Adam gave Natasha a quick pinch on the butt in thanks. Natasha's eyes softened, a lustful gaze flickering in her expression.
"To serve master is happiness, after all," she murmured with a sly smile. "Heh heh."
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