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«Yes.» she said, her voice raspy.
She walked over to the chair in front of the office table and sat down, raising her eyes to the screen. A moment passed and she saw the brightly lit room of the official hailing her. It was a woman, with deep red hair – long and luxurious. Whatever this woman thought of Serena, seeing her in such a pathetic state, it never glanced through the calm and respectful expression on her face.
«Captain Serena Dal Thara-Lyss. I am calling to offer my sincerest apologies for the wrongs committed against you and your crew. Empress Alathea would like to invite you and your men to dinner tonight.» the woman said, a faint and polite smile on her lips. «I hope you’ve had enough time to recover from all of your injuries?»
«Yes, I have.» Serena cleared her throat. «I accept the invitation. Please, forgive me for the short reply…»
«It’s all right, Lady Thara-Lyss. I understand. I shall pass the wonderful news to the empress.» the woman smiled wider. «And I will personally come to escort you to the palace in an hour.»
«I’ll notify my crew. Thank you.»
When the screen turned black, Serena took a bit of time to collect her thoughts before heading to the door. But as soon as she opened it, she saw Hunter sitting right at her doorstep, head hung down, arms lying on his knees. The man obviously wasn’t awake, and Serena spent a minute thinking if she should wake him up – she couldn’t make herself lean down and touch him. After a moment she decided it was easier to slightly kick his boot.
Hunter jolted up immediately, shocked to see her out of the room at all. He reached out to touch her, but she stepped back, tensing up:
«Don’t…» she pushed out of herself, avoiding looking into his eyes. «Please don’t.»
Hunter saw her body trembling and lowered his hands, feeling helpless and not knowing how to help her at all.
«Serena…»
«Just don’t.» the woman headed out.
«Please, talk to me!»
«I’ve been defeated, Hunter. Leave me alone.»
«So what?» he jumped in front of her, his eyes filled with tears of anger and worry. «The best warriors are those who get up and continue the fight!»
«I need to get ready…» the woman stepped to the side and walked around him, not wishing to engage in the conversation. «And you all should too…»
«For what? What the fuck, Serena?»
«We are being invited to dine with the Empress.»
«I don’t give a fuck! Look at me!»
Serena stopped, understanding how difficult it was for her to do what he asked. But she also knew how deeply worried for her he was. Slowly turning to him, she still couldn’t make herself meet his gaze.
«Please…» she pushed out of herself. «We can talk after… I…»
She closed her eyes, catching herself before her voice cracked. She heard him walk up, but he didn’t touch her, though obviously wanted to.
«Serena, please. I need to know…»
«For the moment.» Serena cleared her throat, opening her eyes and turning her back to Hunter. «We need to get ready. The Empress wishes to see us. Everything else can wait.»
Hunter jolted in front of her, not allowing her to leave.
«Serena.» he whispered. «I just need to know that you’re all right.»
«I will be. I just need time.» she replied, knowing very well that he could feel her lying. «Go and get dressed. Something formal.»
She stepped around him, leaving him there – confused and hurt by her distant demeanour. Heading towards the medical bay, she was grateful Hunter didn’t follow her there.
Absentmindedly, she walked into the medical bay, not really knowing what she was looking for. Stepping up to the screen of the medical processor, she took a few long moments to think about what she needed to keep herself clear headed. Realising how she needed to remain calm and collected during the fancy dinner, she started to mix up a few capsules of a strong sedative that won’t make her lash out, but keep her responsive.
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