The logic was flawless; he couldn't find a single vulnerability in the argument.
The Commodore continued smoothly. "At present, The Panacea possesses the most comprehensive understanding of Specimen Fourteen's physiology. Entrusting her as the interim Medical Director is the safest and most optimal choice."
Unadulterated venom radiated from The Raven's eyes.
Letting her watch over Specimen Fourteen was the greatest security risk imaginable!
God only knew what other horrors that woman would inflict on him in the dark!
"I said," The Raven forced out, "I do not need her!"
"Provide a reason," The Commodore interrupted coolly.
The Raven blinked. "What?"
"You are adamantly rejecting her services. There must be a logistical basis for your complaint."
The words died in his throat.
"Do you question her medical proficiency?"
II
"Or perhaps you believe she lacks the experience to manage biological test subjects?"
His expression darkened into an ugly scowl.
Of course neither of those were true.
She likely understood Specimen Fourteen better than ninety percent of Obsidian Sun's own research division.
When he failed to reply, The Commodore pressed the advantage. "If neither is the case, why the sudden aversion to her involvement?"
"
A suffocating silence blanketed the room.
How could he possibly explain?
Admit that The Panacea had stolen Specimen Fourteen straight out of his custody? Confess that she was the one who had hijacked his security clearances, incinerated his laboratory, and personally paraded his asset across the auction block, extorting every last drop of his syndicate's cash?!
Just hours ago, he had stood right in front of The Commodore and categorically denied any connection between Obsidian Sun and the specimen.
It was one thing for the ship to investigate and find out the truth.
It was an entirely different matter for him to openly confess to it.
If he spoke now, every lie, every deflection he had employed would instantly crumble into a humiliating joke!
He'd be handing the ship a signed confession to unauthorized smuggling!
The Raven clamped his jaw shut, physically incapable of uttering a single word.
On the other end, The Commodore seemed to tire of waiting, having clearly extracted the answer he wanted.
A faint, condescending chuckle echoed through the speaker.
"If you possess tangible evidence that she presents a threat to the cargo, you may submit a formal complaint."
"Without legitimate grounds, we shall proceed according to our established protocols."
With that, the line went dead. The Commodore had no intention of arguing further.
The Raven squeezed his fingers so
joints popped, repressing.
tigrderous tage until his eyes
his
burned red.
Just then, the live feed from the
auction hall flared again, carrying that same lazy, mocking voice. Well,
since Anonymous Bidder Os
3.
feeling so generous..."
Her tone pitched upward, dripping with
"I'll be absolutely sure to taket
on eritying, predatory delight
excellent
this new toy
She enunciated those last few words with deliberate, agonizing slowness.
To everyone else in the hall, it sounded like the consummate professional agreeing to earn her paycheck.
But to The Raven...
It was a blatantly arrogant, blood-curdling smirk delivered straight through the
monitor.
Every syllable was a spiked heel grinding into his exposed nerves.
Bang!
The Raven hammered his fist into the desk once again.
Through the screen, the muffled laughter of the oblivious buyers continued to roll in.
"We're counting on you, Ms. Panacea."
"Definitely. With you running the show, we can all enjoy the rest of the trip."
Enjoy the trip?
He was about to have an aneurysm!