“Captain Saunders, I presume.” Lawrence says, hands shoved deep in his pockets, back slightly hunched as he watches the captain descend from her ship. She’s alone, but he can hear the murmurs of her crew on the deck.

“Commander.” Saunders’ eyes are red, bloodshot, and she looks like she hasn’t slept in a week.

“I’m sorry to have delayed you; I know Heid was one of the ships called back in the first rotation.”

“It’s alright, sir.” She says, and presses the heel of a hand against her forehead. “God, I’m sorry sir, I’ve just got a terrible headache.”

“I understand, captain. If I can get you anything?” Lawrence is antsy, fidgety, and he hopes no one notices. What he’s about to ask for, though, it’s not standard procedure in any sense of the word.

“No, no thank you. I can suffer a bit; it’s the least I can do after…”

Lawrence rocks slightly on his heels as the captain trails off, and tries not to think about it. “Captain, I confess, I do have an ulterior motive in asking you here.”

Saunders looks up, confused, he thinks.

“I… I need one of those prisoners. Just one.”

“Sir, I don’t—”

“I was hoping, as you have a… vested interest, in this, that you might do me a favor.” Lawrence says. “I can’t call for a transfer, because, well, and you returning there wouldn’t look as strange as me sending some of my girls out there, if you’re seen.”

Saunders understands, suddenly, and he can see it in the tightening of her mouth and the mildly homicidal look in her eyes. “Because Gajy and I are both perception.”

“Yes.”

“What exactly will you be doing with this prisoner?”

“It’s… probably better if you don’t know. Are you in?”

The captain grins suddenly, and she looks alive, actually alive. “Oh we’re definitely in.”

Previous: Scene 5-XV

Scene 6-I

Next: Scene 6-II