Silence filled the cafeteria previously owned by the Scaladorian guards. The occasional clatter of spoon on plate, the only sound that broke the stillness. While the prisoners were technically free, it was impossible to overcome the memories and feelings of oppression overnight.
Jean stared at his fellow humans, wondering what it would take for life to return to their eyes. The Scaladorians would return in a little more than a month, and they needed to be mentally and physically ready to defend themselves when that time came. Sadly, that meant forcing these men to move on, despite knowing they needed time to come to terms with yet another new life.
“We need to prepare for what is coming,” Jean said, addressing his Coconspirators. “Just because we have taken control of the prison does not mean that we have the luxury of a peaceful life. According to Mik’t, we have roughly a month and a half before they return to cycle in a new group of guards. That means we only have a month and a half before we need to defend this place.”
“And how do you recommend we prepare ourselves for this?” Monique asked after swallowing a bite of food created by the manufactory. After they found a machine capable of breaking down raw elements to be reconstructed as food, the hatred of their former guards deepened significantly.
“That is a good question. And one better answered by the man who knows this place better than us,” Jean replied, turning to Mik’t and raising a questioning eyebrow at the Scaladorian turncoat.
“Ensuring your people are properly armed and armored is the first thing you need to do. As you know, there is a sizable armory connected to the barracks. It has enough weaponry to outfit most of the humans here, but the armor we'll need to be adjusted to fit your configuration if it will be of any use to you.” Mik’t’s translator clicked.
“How difficult do you think that will be? Could we possibly just cut off the extra limbs and sew up the holes?” Rodney asked, already trying to devise a way to complete the task.
“Its possible, but anything you modify like that will not be vacuum ready. So long as you're only planning to fight in places with full atmo, you should be OK. However, anyone with a modified suit will be unable to explore the planetary surface.” Mik’t answered.
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“Putting a pin in that comment to revisit shortly,” Jean said, turning to Rodney to give instruction, “I think you should be in change of the armory. Not only do you understand this equipment and what it can do, I believe you can maintain the peace by making sure the wrong people don’t have the wrong weapon in their hands.”
“Alright then, I suppose that makes me your quartermaster?” Rodney asked, wanting to clarify the title before it became an issue with the others.
Positions of leadership were odd, but throughout his life, Jean had learned some undeniable truths surrounding them. Without fail, the people that wanted to be in power should never achieve it, lest it become abused. However, the people who do not want power and often cast it aside like a soiled rag, deserve both position and title. The silver eyed eco-terrorist knew Rodney had no aspirations of power, but the time and effort he put into overthrowing the Scaladorians proved he would work hard for the people.
“Yes. Be fair, but smart. We don’t need a psychopath running around, waiting to put a blade in our backs the first time we aren’t paying attention.”
“Understood.” Rodney replied, standing from the table and exiting the cafeteria.
“Now, Mik’t. Why would I want to explore the planetary surface before we’ve solidified our defense?”
“Because there are several outposts around the planetoid. We manned a few of them at one point in time. It was never part of my duty rotation, so for all I know, soldiers could still be waiting for relief and might get anxious after a few days of silence.” Mik’t explained, rubbing his forelegs nervously. “Those stations are also the primary control panels for the terrestrial defenses. They are designed so that anything without a Scaladorian ship ID is attacked the moment it enters the atmosphere. It wouldn’t hurt to get those under our control.”
“No, it wouldn’t.” Jean thought, drumming his metallic fingers against his chin. It was a well-known fact that if planetary defenses weren’t under their control, they were dead the moment the Scaladorian government understood what happened. While they wouldn’t hold up against their Stygiboran masters, he had a feeling technology of a similar level would go far to counter itself. “Fine. Mik’t. I want you to take Monique on an expedition out to these sites. Kill anything inside, and radio back once one is under your control. Continue doing that until the network belongs to us.”
Right as the pair were turning to leave, Jean stopped them. He’d seen the look in Mik’t’s eyes when he ordered the man to kill his kin, and he had an alternative option. “On second thought, what are your feelings on capture and… reeducation?”
