Chapter 15 : Back to Astraeus Station

After hours of fighting mercenaries, Astraeus team finally managed to win. The Admiral called for reinforcement from Astraeus Station to help capture the mercenaries and held them in Astraeus prison. They tried to interrogate the mercenaries. But there isn't much information they can get. The mercenaries don't know much about Zaroro. Some of them have Zaroro communicator. But their communicator devices are no longer connected. It seems that Zaroro has cut off the signal and abandoned them to be imprisoned in Astraeus.

-Astraeus meeting room-

Lieutenant Forctis hit the table in frustration. "Damn! We lost the orb."

"Please calm down, Lieutenant," said Admiral Maskmana. "We will help you as much as possible."

Hearing Admiral Maskmana's voice enrage him even more. He glances at Axion. "You. If it wasn't because of you...." He then turns to Admiral Maskmana. "I told you we don't need woman in this mission."

Axion glares at Lieutenant Forctis. "...Excuse me?!" she said in aggressive tone.

"If it weren't to protect you, Captain Albi would've get the Orb!" said Lieutenant Forctis with a raised tone.

Axion fold her hand and raised her head. "I didn't ask to be saved. Your Captain is the one who made the decision," said Axion in arrogant tone.

"Lieutenant, please. I know the Orb is important. But people's lives are also important," said Captain Albi. He takes Axion's hand and bow. "It is my utmost happiness to see you are safe, my lady," he said as he kisses Axion's hand.

Kaizo flinched. He looked sharp at Captain Albi as he felt a jealousy sting in his heart. Ramenman hold his chuckle as he glances at Kaizo.

Axion smirk. "I am... pleased to know that you are concerned of my safety. However, I'd like to question Rubrum's code of chivalry," she said as she gently pulls her hand away from Captain Albi.

"As far as I know, Courtesy is one of Rubrum's code of chivalry. I am sure you have heard of it," said Axion.

"Of course," Captain Albi replied.

Axion looked at Lieutenant Forctis. "A knight must be courteous and use good manners to all. A knight should be fearless in the face of their adversary, however there is no need for one's manner to be crude. Likewise with WOMEN and children, be kind and gentle," she said in a very sarcastic tone.

Axion walk closer at Lieutenant Forctis and looked him in the eye. " Show respect and therein shall respect be returned unto you, but be not so foolish to think that respect is your due," she said in a soft intimidating tone.

The whole room is filled with tension.

Axion slowly walk away a few step. "I was surprised to have the Lieutenant raised his voiced before a woman. Then again, I suppose it is expected from the strongest race of warriors. You prefer strong hand to swing a sword rather than a better mannerism," Axion as she smirk.

The Lieutenant is furious. But he understands Axion's point. He is being rude. Unable to think of something to say, Lieutenant Forctis glares in silence.

"I understand that Knight of Rubrum doesn't know defeat. However, to think that a respectable knight would blame someone else's for his failure..." Axion dramatically sneer. "I'm at loss of words."

Rum tried to hold her laughter. Looking at Axion acting like a villainess from a cheap soap opera. While Admiral Maskmana, Lieutenant Forctis and Captai Albi feel the tension, the rest of the team admire Axion's play of sarcasm. Her act is as convincing as Spicy Gluten spreading rumor.

"I understand, Lady Axion. I apologize for our discourtesy. This whole case about The Orb of Valor has drained our strength. I hope you would be so kind to excuse us," said Captain Albi as he bows.

"Of course. You must be very tired. I apologized for unpleasant words that I've said," said Axion as she gives a courtesy bow. But still in a rather sarcastic tone.

"No. I am grateful that you reminded us of our code of chivalry," said Captain Albi.

"I am flattered. For a knight to have the courage to admit his mistake, you have my utmost admiration," said Axion.

"I am honored," said Captain Albi.

"I suppose we can rest for a while before continuing our search," said Admiral Maksmana.

"Yes. Lieutenant, let us return and check on our troops," said Captain Albi.

The Lieutenant slightly growl. Both the captain and the lieutenant leave the room. The Lieutenant glares at Axion as he walks out. Axion return his glare with a confident smirk.

"Well, that was an amazing play," said Ramenman cheerfully.

"A rather bold move don't you think?" said Admiral Maskmana. "They're high ranking personnel from Rubrum," he adds with a warning tone.

"Don't!" said Axion bold. She looked at the Admiral. "As long as they're a living, they're something that can be killed," she warns. Reminding Admiral of how powerful she could be.

The Admiral hold back his anger.

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"Why do we have to bow to a mere weakling like them?!" said Lieutenant Forctis in anger. "This is unacceptable! Who do they think they are?!"

"Lieutenant, I understand the unpleasantry that you're feeling at the moment. However, we must respect the people who have helped us," said Captain Albi calmly.

Lieutenant Forctis snorted. "All of this just for an intergalactic alliance. The people of Rubrum can defend themselves. We don't need this alliance."

"That may be true. But the purpose of this alliance is so that we can work hand in hand with others to achieve a peaceful galaxy," said Captain Albi. He stopped walking and gaze at the stars. "There are so much to learn within this infinite universe. It would be too bold to think that we can stand within this space, alone."