Chapter 19 : Overheard

A big fully armed spaceship landed on Astraeus hangar. Admiral Maskmana, Captain Albi and Lieutenant Forctis wait for the Guruhan paramilitary unit in anticipation. Behind them, Kaizo's team guarding Scrozux. The spaceship's door slowly opened, revealing Guruhan Commander and his crew.

"That's some fancy armor," said Ramenman as he sees Guruhan Commander walk down the stairs.

Rum nudged his arm.

"Commander, welcome to Astraeus Station. I hope you didn't have any trouble on your way here," said Admiral Maskmana.

"Of course not. Nothing can beat our elite army," said Guruhan Commander. He looked at Scrozux.

Because of the side effects from illegal drugs, Scrozux's body turns old and weak. The chain that ties him seems unnecessary in his condition.

"So, he's the one," said Guruhan Commander as he walks closer to Scrozux.

"Yes," said Admiral Maskmana.

Guruhan Commander looked at him for a moment. He smirks, "Looks like he won't be doing much at his current state."

"Maybe. But we still need to take precaution. The effect of stamina drug might've drain his strength, but he still has brain to make cunning plan," said Admiral Maskmana

The Guruhan Commander turns to his crew. "Take him to the ship!" he ordered.

"We will take him from here," said Guruhan Commander.

"Thank you, Commander," said Admiral Maskmana.

"Make sure you don't lose him," said Lieutenant Forctis.

"Of course. You will see him again at the Intergalactic Court of Justice," said Guruhan Commander.

"Is the date for Scrozux's trial already decided?" Admiral Maskmana asks.

"Not yet. He committed many crimes towards many planets. It's not easy to assemble over 100 alien representatives for a proper trial," said Guruhan Commander.

"I see…." Admiral Maskmana mumbled.

"Well then, I should take my leave," said Guruhan Commander.

"Yes. Have a safe journey, Commander," Admiral Maskmana replies.

Guruhan Commander and his crew board their ship. Admiral Maskmana and the others watch as the spaceship's door slowly closes. The engine roars. The rockets begin to boost as the spaceship slowly leaves the hangar and flies away.

"Well then, I suppose this is where we part," said Captain Albi.

Admiral Maskmana nods.

Captain Albi turns to Axion. "If you'd like, you can visit our planet to see the festival."

"Really?" said Ramenman with excitement.

Kaizo put his hand on Ramenman's shoulder. "Unfortunately, we have another duty waiting for us," said Kaizo.

"Ah, yes. Of course. Rangers as fine as you must be needed in many places. I apologize for delaying your work," said Captain Albi. He turns to Admiral Maskmana. "Thank you for everything, Admiral. We are indebted to you."

"Please, think nothing much of it. We're in the same alliance. Besides, you were also joining the fight in this mission," said Admiral Maskmana.

"If you ever need any help, Rubrum's door will always open to you," said Captain Albi as he stretches his hand.

"I would be very grateful. Thank you, Captain," said Admiral Maskmana as he accepts the handshake.

Captain Albi and Lieutenant Forctis board their spaceship.

"If you ever come visit my planet, I'll gladly escort you around," Captain Albi yelled as he waves his hand before the spaceship's door closes.

"We'll look forward to it," said Rum as she waves her hand with Ramenman.

Rubri spaceship starts to float. The engine slightly rattles as it tries to fly higher. The spaceship isn't fully fixed, but it's enough to bring them home to Rubrum. Moments later, the spaceship is no longer seen.

"Well then," said Admiral Maskmana with full spirit as he turns to his team. He put his hands on his waist. "Let's go to my office and work on the mission's report,"

"God, I hate paper works," said Axion with a straight face.

Rum weakly chuckles.

"Me too. Maybe we should leave paperwork to Kaizo. He's the smartest guy in our team," said Ramenman.

Admiral Maskmana laughed. "Don't worry. I'll help you with your report. Afterall, I also take part in this mission."

They walk through the corridors towards Admiral Maskmana's office. As they get nearer to a classroom, murmur among cadets gets clearer.

"Did you know? Apparently Scrozux knows Axion," said a cadet.

"Yeah. I heard about it. He personally called her out," said another cadet.

"I heard that she might be an accomplice,"

Admiral Maskmana stops and stands silent at the classroom's door. He doesn't even glance at the cadets even though the classroom door is widely open. Rum, Ramenman and Lahap stand nervously behind Admiral Maskmana. Kaizo keeps his ears sharp. Axion put up an assertive posture. She couldn't care less about her gossip.

"No way! The second rank cadet in our station?"

"Yes! Maybe Zaroro hired them both."

"I heard Scrozux personally come here to look for Axion because she betrayed Scrozux when his plan failed."

"I'm wondering. Do you think Admiral Maskmana has something to do with it? I mean, Axion is close to him. And Admiral Maskmana let her do what she wanted when Scrozux came here."

"Maybe Axion is actually a double agent spy or something."

"I heard Kaizo pull her away because he's investigating her."

"So he didn't pull her because he's interested in her?"

"Well that's a relief! Imagine if Kaizo actually fell for a suspected accomplice like her?"

"Yeah. She doesn't deserve him."

Admiral Maskmana slightly clenched his fist. He knows his cadets should deal with their own problems to grow. But the gossip burns his ears. Before Admiral Maskmana makes any move, Axion slightly touches Admiral Maskmana's hand. Stopping him from doing any initiative.

"Hey, hey," whispered a cadet. She gestures to the classroom door.

The cadets stop gossiping when they see Admiral Maskmana standing on the open door. They nervously try to act normal as they steal glances at Admiral Maskmana. The Admiral stands facing the corridor. He still doesn't turn to see the classroom even though the cadets stop gossiping. He doesn't say anything. But his silence speaks it all. After a moment of tense, The Admiral continued to walk through the corridor.

Ramenman looked at the cadets and smiled. "Next time, if you want to gossip, make sure the door is closed." He gives a wink before he continues to follow Admiral Maskmana.