Chapter 11

Lydia was in her quarters. It was rare to find Lydia not working. She spent most of her time in the lab, even on her off days. Today, she found herself in an awkward position with nothing to do. The doctor decided to take a real day off or at least a couple of hours. Her quarters were bigger than Faith and the others. It had a larger dining area and a small kitchenette. Most people didn’t know that Lydia loved to cook. It was one of a few passions that she had that wasn’t related to work. Most people used food replicators, especially on a ship. To Lydia, food was an experience and cooking was part of it. The kitchenette had a very powerful exhaust, designed by Lydia, which eliminated any aroma from fumigating the quarters and the halls of the ship. Lydia’s mother, Myra, taught her everything about cooking. Myra was raised on the colonies were resources were limited. A food replicator would be considered a luxury item. Most colonies had to raise and cook their own food. Even after Myra left the colonies and married Lydia’s father, she kept the love of cooking and passed it on to her daughter.

Faith showered the smell of lust off her body. It was the first time Faith been invited to Lydia’s quarters. Lydia asked Faith to wear something nice. Faith thought to herself. ‘I don’t have anything nice.’ Then Faith remembered the reddish dress, but Lydia packed it and it was on the Enigma.

“Fuck!” Faith swore, but she still checked the closet for another one. Looking in the back of the closet, she found a beautiful substitute. It was a reddish V neck sleeveless dress with two high slits. When she put it on, the soft fabric caressed her skin. It was snug, but it was designed that way. It showed off her curves and the slits showed off her legs. Faith looked in the mirror and blushed, she didn’t know she could look so beautiful, except for her hair. Faith only knew two styles for her hair, ponytail or down. She didn’t learn any fancy hairstyles, so the pony-tail would have to do.

Faith made her way to Lydia’s quarters. Some of Hannibal’s crew whistled at her as she walked by, she looked annoyed, but she liked the attention. ‘This must how Ezi feels all the time,’ she thought.

Faith arrived at Lydia’s door and it slid open. Lydia saw Faith and flashed a huge smile.

“You look so pretty,” Lydia said. “That dress is amazing on you.”

Faith’s face turned as red as her dress. “Thank you,” she said with a short snigger.

Lydia wasn’t wearing the standard black uniform of SINDRI, but was wearing a high neck lace sleeveless dress that came down to her ankles with a high slit. It was green in color which brought out her eyes. It wasn’t as snug as Faith’s dress, but it was tight enough for Faith to notice Lydia’s body. She wore her hair down, just passed her shoulders. While on duty, Lydia would wear it in a pony-tail or a tight bun, her face had very little make-up, just enough to enhance her natural beauty.

“You’re so beautiful,” Faith said. “You’re almost perfect.”

“I have my flaws,” Lydia responded.

“I would love to know what they are,” said Faith with a smile. She looked around Lydia’s quarters. It was bigger than her quarters. It was decorated with a lot of personal items from Lydia’s past. Faith looked at several of Lydia’s degrees on the walls and some old paintings from different cultures. Most were from Earth, others were from the Nessians and Ventures, they were all beautiful, but what caught her eye the most was a photo in a gold frame on one of the end table. It was a picture of a middle-age man in a Star Force uniform with a beautiful woman with striking red hair. The red hair reminded Faith of her mother.

Lydia walked over to Faith. “They are my parents.”

Faith picked up the picture and ran her fingers over the photo and started to tear up. “Your mother is so beautiful,” she said. “The only images I have of my parents are burned in my mind, but they aren’t positive or beautiful. I can still see my dad being torn apart and my mom being raped.” She placed the picture back on the end table and let out a big sigh. “I can’t let this get to me.” Faith dried her tears. “I have to learn to move on.”

Lydia placed her arm around the young woman’s shoulder. Then it turned into a full hug. “Things takes time,” Lydia whispered in Faith’s ear. “You were so young when that happened, but try to remember that happy times with your parents. Don’t dwell in the darkness.”

Faith clung a little harder to her friend. “Darkness is all I have.”

“But darkness is not what you are,” Lydia replied. They broke their embrace and Lydia rested her hands on warrior’s shoulders.

Faith wanted to lean in and kiss the beautiful redhead. Every feeling in Faith body was pushing her to do it, but it didn’t feel forced like it was with Ezi, it was a natural drawn. Faith didn’t give in to the urge. One of her few fears was a broken heart and she wasn’t ready to deal with it.

Lydia broke the tension and announced, “Dinner is ready.”

Faith’s face cringed. “I still not custom to human food. But I will try it.”

“You might like it.”

The two walked over to the dining area. The small circular table was set up for two. There was a bottle of French’s wine in the center of the table and two covered dish on each side. Faith was a little nervous. The dinner was feeling more like a date. Faith stayed calm and relax. The two sat down, Faith uncovered the dish and her eyes brows shot up.

“Gractek!” Faith shouted.

Lydia leaned forward in her chair with both elbows on the table. “I noticed you raided the dreadnaught gallery before you left the ship. You know how much preparation it took to make that.” Lydia pointed to Faith’s dinner.

“It isn’t that complicated,” said Faith as she reached for her utensils. “I made my first gractek for Roat-At-Tat at the age of ten.”

Lydia put out her hands in disbelief. “You’re used to that smell. I had to adjust my exhaust and filler system in my quarters. I vomited five times making that.”

A concerned look appeared on Faith’s face. “Did you get any on the meat?”

“No!” Lydia answered.

“You vomited five times and you still made me dinner,” Faith said. “That is really sweet.” She looked at the dish and saw the blood dripping on her plate, which put a smile on her face. Faith noticed the smell was not as strong. “The aroma is off?”

“I made a chemical compound that subdued the smell,” said Lydia. “Don’t worry, it shouldn’t affect the taste.”

Faith cut into the very tender meat. Blood continued to ooze out. She popped the piece in her mouth. It tasted so delicious she wanted to cry.

“It amazing,” Faith answered. “Thank you for doing this.” She flashed the biggest toothy grin.

Lydia laughed. “I always love your smile, but it is a little off today.” She gestured Faith to wipe her mouth.

Unknowing to Faith, her teeth covered in the blood of the gractek. She grabbed the napkin and wiped her teeth and mouth. Her skin flushed as the warmest returned back to her cheeks.

Lydia took hold of Faith’s hand. “You are among friends,” she added. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“Are you going to have any?” Faith asked.

“I can’t eat that shit. I have filet mignon. It is just as rare as your gractek.”

Faith gazed into Lydia’s pretty green eyes and for a brief moment, she was lost. Nevertheless, Lydia had a way to bring Faith back to reality.

“There is a reason why you are here?” Lydia explained. “The mission is changing.”

Faith put down her fork and knife and folded her arms. “So, you made dinner for the purpose of building my trust and get me to do your bidding?”

Lydia rolled her eyes. “You make me sound like a cold-hearted, calculating, manipulative bitch.”

“You are,” Faith responded, “but I like you.”

“I like you too.” Lydia meant it. It wasn’t part of a manipulation. It wasn’t a head game. Faith was the first person that Lydia invited to her quarters. Lydia, who loved to cook, only made dinner for her parents, now can add Faith to that exclusive list. Lydia cared about Faith and some feelings were coming out, but she still had a job to do. She was not going to let it influence her.

“What type of changes are you talking about?” Faith asked.

“Something drastic,” Lydia answered.

“More drastic than killing over a thousand of drilli in a single day?”

“Yeah.”

“When it comes to planning, Amulius is all in.” Faith took a sip of wine.

“He can be stubborn that way.”

“Still don’t trust the fucking guy. What does he have a plan?”

“I don’t know.” Lydia took a sip of wine. “I have a meeting in the morning with them. I’m not going to dwell over it. Let’s just live in the moment for now.”

“Eat, drink and be merry, Roat-At-Tat used to say,” Faith recited. “Because tomorrow we all may die.”

“You know he stole that line from Shakespeare.”

Faith rolled her eyes. “Shut up,” she said, followed by a smirk.

The two took the advice of Roat-At-Tat and the play writer that died over a thousand years ago. They filled their bellies with meats of both culture and wine from a century-old vineyard of Earth. They shared stories from times gone by and adventures they hoped to come. It was like two old long lost friends catching up. They talked for hours until the wine subdued bodies and minds.

The next morning, the two were in Lydia’s bed. Their dresses were on the floor. Lydia had a scheduled briefing in an hour. She quietly got out of bed, didn’t want to disturbed Faith, who was still sleeping. Lydia observed how peaceful Faith looked. Faith was on her stomach, the sheets barely covered her nude body. There was a slight smile on the young lady face as she clenched firmly onto the pillow. Faith often slept in the nude due to her above average body temperature. Lydia didn’t have that problem; she slept in a nightshirt. Nothing happened, it was just two friends that got too drunk. Lydia gazed at Faith. It was hard to imagine this petite person was the deadliest human in the galaxy.

After Lydia’s showered and dressed in standard black uniform, Faith rose from her slumber.

“Good morning,” Lydia said as her eyes scanned over the nude form of her friend.

Faith saw what Lydia was doing and decided to have some fun with it. Faith rolled over and the sheet fell off so Lydia got a full view of Faith nakedness. Faith continued with the game and slowly grab the bedsheet. Faith only covered part of her body, leaving her tender breasts and smooth legs exposed.

Lydia blushed and flashed a smile as she refused to look away as she adjusted her uniform. Faith’s whole body had a slight red hue to it, not from embarrassment but for pure excitement. ′

′ she thought after she noticed Lydia’s eyes were still tracing over Faith’s body.

“Where are you going?” Faith asked.

Lydia pulled her hair back in a pony-tail. “Meeting with Amulius. There might be some changes to the game plan.” She picked up her datapad. “You looked so relax when you were sleeping.”

“It was the first time in a long time I slept so well.”

“You still get nightmares?“Lydia sat down of the bed, putting on her booths.

“No. I believe my body is fully adjusted to the AMPED, but I usually only get about three to four hours of sleep.”

“You got about seven last night.”

“You counted?” Faith smiled a toothy grin. “Was it for research?”

Lydia didn’t answer the question, she looked at her pad, noticing the time. “There is some leftover gractek, if you get hungry. I got to go. Are you going to be here when I get back?”

“Maybe,” Faith winked.

“I would like you to be.”

“Then you answered your own question.”

They said their goodbyes. Lydia went to her briefing and Faith stayed behind. Faith’s mind spun, so many ideas ran through her head. The sheets still had Lydia’s scent. Faith laid on her back and closed her eyes. Her heart raced in her chest, these feeling were new for her. She felt a strong emotional attraction to Lydia and hoped that she wasn’t a fool, a stupid girl with a stupid crush.

Amulius, Captain Jackson and Warren were sitting in the briefing room watching a video of the leader of Jazhung. He was giving a speech to the drilli people. The leader was animated, inspiring and passionate. There was a sense of honor and pride. He was planting the seeds of revolution. Lydia walked into the room and stared at the screen.

“What the hell is this?” Lydia asked as she looked at the video. She listened to the translation and was surprised what was coming out of the drillus’s mouth.

“You are witnessing genius at work,” said the captain. He put his arms around Warren’s shoulder. “This is the beginning of the end of the Drilli’s Republic.”

Lydia studied the video carefully. She had a very keen eye and she could tell a forgery from the real deal. The manipulation was flawlessly done. “Impressive,” she said. “The video looks authentic.” Lydia looked a Warren. “Nicely done.”

“The reason it looks authentic,” Warren added, “because it is.”

Lydia raised her brow. “How did you get him to say that?” she said as she pointed to the screen.

“Neuro implants on the cerebellum lobe of his brain,” said Warren. “I control him, like a puppet.” He took out his datapad and handed over to Lydia. “All I have to do is program him what to do and say. He will follow my words as he would follow the words of God.”

Lydia reviewed the data. “This is incredible. I’m actually in awe.”

“That means a lot coming from you.”

“Does he resist?”

“At times,” said Warren, “but it just adds passion to his face. It makes it more believable. I could implant one on Faith?”

Lydia threw the datapad at Warren. She picked him up from his chair by his collar and slammed him against the wall. “Faith isn’t some fucking robot or a toy for you to control. Remember, I don’t need a device for Faith to kill you.” She brought him in closer to her and quietly whispered in his ear. “I just have to ask her nicely.” Lydia released Warren from her grasp.

“If you two are done dancing,” the captain joked. “Can we get back to the meeting?” The captain stared at Lydia. “You have been working too closely with Faith. Her attitude is rubbing off on you.”

Lydia smiled. “Maybe I’m rubbing off on her.”

The captain folded his arms behind his head and leaned back in his chair. “Faith is blunt. You’re surgical. You are nothing like her.”

Lydia thought about the statement the captain shared. He made a point. They weren’t the same. They were different sizes of the same coin. “Amulius, could I have a word with you?” She quickly glanced at the other two. “Alone.”

The captain rose from his chair. “Come on, Warren. Maybe we can find the purple one and she will show us her tits.” The two walked out of the room, only leaving Lydia and Amulius.

Lydia sat down in a chair next to him. “This is not like you. You appear to be playing this by ear. Not your style at all. So many things can go wrong with it and the consequences could be huge.”

“Don’t worry yourself,” he said. “It’s going to work out. Your team just needs to take care of the groundwork. I’ll take care of the rest. I identified several military targets that your team needs to handle.”

“If everything falls apart, my team will take the hit.”

“We’ll make sure nothing goes wrong. You’ll have to trust me like you always do.”

“I trust you, but not the psycho brothers.”

“I’ll take care of them. You just focus on your team.”

“Yes, sir.”

“How is she doing?”

“She is doing fine” Lydia answered. “Her body adjusted to the AMPED. It is pretty much a part of her.”

He smiled. “Her body is regularly replenishing AMPED in her system. Just like our body replenished blood.” He looked at his datapad. “Still no luck with the other candidates.”

“Maybe Faith is that one in a trillion. Maybe the dream of having an army of Faiths was just that, a dream. We should end the project. No one else should have to suffer.”

He stroked his goatee. “The captain isn’t going to like it, but it makes sense. I will end the project, but continue to monitor her and note anything interesting.”

“Not a problem.”

“You care about her?”

“What? No, she is a project.” Lydia hoped Amulius didn’t pick up on her lie. She couldn’t let Amulius know her true feeling about Faith or he would pull her off the mission. Lydia tried to convince Amulius that she was still objective.

“I’m having trouble believing you.”

“I never lie to you,” said Lydia. “Why would I start now?”

“You have a point,” he replied. “Just keep me inform.”

“Will do.”