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Status Update: REBEL

Finding One's True Self: Part 41

By Xan Steel

Tygera started working towards meeting this E'Lum, so much so she faded everything else out. Julyna knew what was happening as Tygera had kept her informed through her reports. The information that Feros had given her told her that there was indeed a hidden room in that corridor. However, it did not show her how to open it. So, she had to wait and catch E'Lum in the act of opening this room. This, however, proved to be much harder than she thought it would.

Over the course of two weeks, she was still no closer to figuring it out. Julyna had made the suggestion that she record his movement in the hall, and then study the recording in greater detail. This was the breakthrough she needed as she watched him slide his handpaw under the bevel on the wall panel on his way by, and saw the wall slide open as he ducked inside just as the wall slid closed. She watched him the next two days and saw that both the wall and his pattern didn't change, which meant she needed to be quick once she hit the button.

On the third day, Tygera began preparing herself for her move that evening. For the first time in cycles, she showered and used a bar of soap that would remove her scent. Afterwards, she put on a black unitard and mapped out her path to the Aft Corridor one hour before his arrival. Once there she opened the wall and ducked inside. Since she had a bit of time she began to examine the room. It was smaller than it appeared in the construction print. To her left was a closet that she could fit in, but in the back, was a console and chair. Without moving anything, she walked over an examined the console. The screen was off, but it was in the process of recording a number of things at once. She looked off to the right of the console and noticed a data pad with some information on it. Upon reading it, is when she knew he was the spy they had been looking for.

Tygera turned back to the closet and opened it, and noticed that there was just enough room for her to stand inside, but she also noticed that the door didn't make a sound. She smiled as a thought crossed her mind. 'He'll never know I'm in here.' She got inside the closet and closed the door and waited.

E'Lum had been having a rough day. The Counsel had made its final ultimatum to him. "Get any information, or he would never see his Elders again." He had left his console back in the hidden room recording the whole day and watching the computer that Dr. Pagri had been using with Rubicant. It was risky because any strange data traffic would cause alarms to register on the Bridge. Hoping that hadn't happened and that he managed to get some useful information.

He hated this, he hated it in a way that he could not describe. He had retired from being a spy for the Alliance many cycles ago, with honors from the Midnight Order when Torid was still in command. Now, this strange Counsel of four had his Elders and threatened him with their lives if he couldn't pull through. He didn't care about himself, as his life had been solitary for the most part, and always figured he would die young anyway.

This thing with the Progenitor bothered him. E'Lum was really hoping that Rubicant wasn't the one they were looking for because he really liked him. They shared a number of interests, and he honestly liked the fact that Rubicant didn't run from him from the get-go, like most others. E'Lum would even dare to call him a friend, which is something he never had before.

As E'Lum turned the corner and did a quick check of the corridor. He slid his handpaw under the bevel of the wall, as the wall slid open allowing him to duck inside. He did a quick look around the room and noticed that nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

He walked over to the console sitting down and tapping a few buttons to make the screen active. He saw that it was still recording the computer in Medical, which was good. After checking to see if this console had been noticed, he sighed with relief and relaxed as it hadn't been detected. He split the screen and began to play the recording back while bringing up that one recording he had saved. E'Lum needed to reduce his stress from today, and masturbating to an old video he had saved sounded like a good idea.

Tygera heard E'Lum come in and go over to the console. She heard the buttons being hit and the light from the screen come on through the little slits in the door. After a few moments, she heard him moaning softly and wondered what he was doing. She decided to chance a peek, and slowly opened the door and quietly stepped out. What she saw startled her a bit as she watched him stroking himself there at the console. Curiosity got the better of her, as she continued to slowly and quietly move to the other side to get a better view. Only to discover the screen was displaying two videos. The one on the left was displaying Medical and the computer the Mortora and Pagri were both using to store Rubicant's information. The right side, however, was displaying her having sex with Zalina.

This angered her significantly because that was supposed to be private, but here he was watching a recording of it. Tygera's second thought, however, scared her more so. How many other females was he peeping in on? She didn't wait for him to finish and quietly walked up behind him. Tygera then took both of her handpaws, and extended her claws, and placed them on the sides of his neck, and pressed in hard.

He froze, but at that moment his excitement pushed him over the edge as he orgasmed over his belly and chest.

Tygera got a full whiff of his scent but ignored it for now. As she spoke it was easy to hear the anger in her voice as he tone was low, "You will delete that file. Is that clear?" She pushed her claws in again to drive the point home.

E'Lum's left handpaw moved as fast as they could, and in a few seconds, the file was deleted.

Tygera spoke again in that same low angry tone. "How many other females are you watching?" she asked.

He didn't speak at first, which made Tygera bring her claws around to his throat. "Eight!" He blurted out.

"Listen to me, and listen well pervert. You will remove whatever recording devices you have watching them. You will delete all saved files you have on them, and you will tell me why you are on this ship spying on a computer in Medical." E'Lum could hear what sounded like a hiss in her voice.

E'Lum began deleting files off the console and sending self-destruct codes to the devices he had planted. Save the ones in medical, and only made it look like they had been destroyed. "I'm sorry, but I can't answer your question Commander." He said calmly.

This was not the answer she wanted to hear. The next thing E'Lum knew he was being lifted out of the chair and slammed up against the back wall with her holding him there. Her claws were dangerously close to puncturing his neck while holding him just off the floor. Tygera spoke, but this time he could see the anger in her eyes, and her voice was louder. "I have no problem throwing you out an airlock right now. I want to know what the hell you are doing on this ship, and if I don't like your answer, I might still do it." He could hear the hiss in her voice again and saw her tail flicking back and forth.

Between her body language and voice, he knew she would do it without a second thought. He tried to struggle out of her grasp, but it was no use. After a minute, he spoke, his voice struggled with the words in her grip. "All right, I'll tell you what you want to know. Just let me down."

Tygera didn't want to let him loose in case he tried to make a run for it. While in the same instance she needed to confirm her suspicions about him. She decided to relax on him a bit and ease up on her claws. "This is all you get for now." Tygera's tone relaxed a bit, but it was still easy to hear her anger.

E'Lum relaxed a bit and began to explain things to her. "Believe me when I say, I don't want to be doing this. However, I'm left with no choice in this, as my family is being used against me." Tygera relaxed off of him completely but remained in front of him as he continued. "I've was told by a special council that the progenitor was on this ship, and was ordered to confirm this information, and bring him to them."

Tygera spoke, "And why does this council want him?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that." He replied, and immediately had Tygera's handpaw back to his throat. "Commander please, I don't know what they plan to do with him, all I know is that once I find any information, I'm to send it, and bring him in once I confirm it's who they think he is." E'Lum pleaded.

Tygera relaxed again letting go of him, but still remaining in front of him. "What makes them think the progenitor is actually on this ship?"

"His DNA is restricted and the main computer registered if many cycles ago. When the Captain handed over the weapon that was covered in his blood, is when they figured he was on board. I only recently came on this ship during the Doctor transfer." He replied

Tygera then asked him about the recording he had of the computer in Medical, to which he replied, "After not having found any information on him on the main computer, I figured that the good doctor was keeping it on a separate system. That was the only computer I found that wasn't a part of the main network." He finished.

Tygera started to pace the room in thought while keeping an eye on E'Lum. She wanted to figure out how she could work this to their advantage. However, the console sounded an alarm for an incoming encrypted communication. "Damn it they are not supposed to contact me until tomorrow." E'Lum cursed, and then turned to Tygera, "Commander I need you to hide in the shadows over there." He polity said, pointing to the little closet she had hidden in earlier. She turned to him and told him not to send them that recording. "I may not have a choice this time." His tone showed his regret.

E'Lum sat down, and typed in the communications protocol and activated the screen. Tygera watched every button he pressed, and noticed he wasn't trying to hide it from her.

"E'Lum you are late! Why?" The Phalynian asked.

"Forgive me Council member, I was not expecting your communication this evening," E'Lum replied.

The Derlenian on the left of the screen spoke. "We are contacting you to inform you, that we've had the status of the ship changed to Rebel."

E'Lum just looked at the screen in shock before he spoke, His tone denoted his increase in fear, knowing full well that his life was now in real danger. "Forgive me Councilwoman, but was that a wise move? That could severally hinder your chances in getting the progenitor first."

The Sylurian spoke, "We've already begun working with the other governments to report when Captain Julyna requests passage through their space and to capture him, by force if necessary. He will not escape us."

"Then I take you don't need me anymore?" E'Lum questioned.

The Derlenian on the right spoke next, "No, we made this move because you were taking too long, and we can't wait anymore."

E'Lum asked his tone filled with excitement. "Then you'll release my family?"

The Phalynian spoke, "We've," there was a pronounce pause, "Taken care of your family, and you are the last of the loose ends, that will be dealt with in time. As of now, we will no longer be contacting you." At which point the communication end.

E'Lum sat there unmoving, stunned beyond words that after a moment he slowly stood up. Tygera watched his handpaws ball up, as his body began to shake. She figured they had said something that he would only recognize in their cryptic statement. A few seconds later she watched him let loose with a pain filled yell, and slam his fist into the screen of the console, effectively destroying it. As he spoke, she could hear the pain, anger, and sadness in his voice. "You bastards, I did my best to get you the information you wanted!"

Tygera watched him pull his fist out of the screen. It was bleeding severally. His face and muzzle scrunched up in pain and agony. This was when she remembered him mentioning that they had taken his elders, to force him to work for them. She figured by their wording, and his actions that they had killed them, but the thing that caught her attention was the status change of the ship to Rebels and then labeling him a 'loose end.'

Tygera's tactical mind began to work on a plan, but first, she needed to get him to medical. She came up behind him, and place her right handpaw on his left shoulder. He jumped and turned so fast that he fell against the console. Tygera could see his tears flowing freely. He spoke, "I. I never. I just." E'Lum was in such mental anguish that he couldn't form a complete sentence.

Tygera reached out and pulled him into an embrace. "I'm sorry." She said softly as he completely broke down.

It was at this point that Tygera heard Julyna in her mind. 'Tyg, what's happening? I just felt your stress level spike.' Tygera could feel the concern in her thought.

Tygera thought back to her, 'I'll need you to meet E'Lum and I in Medical Captain, a major development has happened.' She finished as Julyna told her she would meet her there.

By the time they got to Medical, E'Lum's mental state had deteriorated. He no longer cared what happened to him, as he felt nothing mattered anymore. As Dr. Pagri began to work, Julyna walked in and went over to Tygera who was watching from Pagri's office.

Julyna entered the office and closed the door behind her and turned to face Tygera. "Now, what's going on?"

"He is the spy." Tygera started and saw Julyna begin to react and held up her handpaw to stop her as she continued. "But he was not a willing spy. This group of four, which according to him are in control of the Alliance. They were holding his elder's hostage and forced him out of retirement. I can only assume through their cryptic wording, and his reaction, that they have killed them, and will be coming after him somehow." Tygera paused to gather her thoughts before continuing.

Julyna cut in, "Are we supposed to feel sorry for him?"

This question surprised Tygera, as she would typically be the one asking this. "Am I rubbing off on you?" she questioned.

This caught Julyna by surprise and made her think about what she had just said, she spoke in a more subdued tone. "Sorry, when did he come on board?"

"When Mortora left the ship," Tygera answered her. "However, that's only half the problem. Apparently, they were not happy with his progress and took action. From what I overheard, they have changed the status of this ship and crew. We are now labeled Rebels to the Alliance."

Julyna stood there stunned for a moment not wanting to believe her. She turned from her, "Computer, what is the status of the Kestrel and its crew."

There was a silent and unnerving moment before it answered, "INFORMATION ON THE ALLIANCE NETWORK, CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED FROM AN ALLIANCE SHIP, CAPTAIN, AND SENIOR STAFF!"

It was at this moment Feros came over the comm system, "Captain, I can't access the Alliance network to get more construction prints. It keeps telling me that the information is restricted to members of the Alliance. What's going on?"

"I don't know Feros, but for now don't worry about it. Julyna out." She looked out the door at E'Lum. She couldn't read his expression or his mind. She opened the door after Pagri was finished with him, and went over to him.

E'Lum looked at Julyna as she came over, and knew that his life would likely end if she gave the word. The thing was, he no longer cared about himself.

Julyna was upset and wanted to know the truth about what had happened, and she didn't care how she got it. She stood in front of E'Lum and looked into his eyes with such intensity, one would think knifes would fly at him at any moment. "Open your mind to me, please." She demanded.

"I can't, I'm sorry," E'Lum replied.

Julyna crossed her arm in front of him. "Can't or won't?"

"Can't, as part of my training when I entered the Midnight Order, my mind was locked and my telepathic ability limited. I do not have the ability or skill to open it myself." He replied again.

"Then I guess we do this the hard way," Julyna said as she grabbed his head, and put their foreheads together, and she entered his mind.

Julyna was met with blackness while floating there in the emptiness. She wasn't sure what she was looking for except maybe some sort of barrier. As she began to move around, her mental feet touched something as the area around began to glow softly, letting her see clearly. She appeared to be in a room with a desk, two chairs, and a door. Julyna walked over to the door and turned to handle. It didn't move. She tried to force it, and again it refused to budge.

"Who are you, and what are you doing?" A voice echoed around her asking.

"Captain Julyna of the Starship Kestrel, I need access to the memories in this mind to confirm what I've been told." She replied.

The voice was now behind her, "Access to this mind is only allowable by Admiral Torid of the Midnight Order. Do you have the phrase?"

Julyna turned to look at what was speaking and saw an image of Admiral Torid standing there. 'Great,' she thought knowing that getting passed this part was going to be nearly impossible. "No, I don't, but confirming the information in this mind, will save hundreds of lives."

"If you do not have the phrase I cannot let you inside this mind, and I must ask you to leave, or face violent removal," it said.

Julyna looked at it for a moment and decided to test its resolve, "Do you think you can remove me by force?" she asked.

Within the next second, her mental barrier was hit hard enough to make her think about her next approach. "You are quite strong it seems. No matter though, I can and will remove you," it said and began to redouble its efforts.

"Tell me something, Does the block remain after the individual leaves the service of the Midnight Order?" she asked.

At this point, it stopped and looked at her. "No one ever retires from the Order," It replied.

"Well, since you have access, you might want to check for yourself," she replied.

The image blinked out and left her alone in the room. She thought about forcing the door open by attacking it head-on but wondered if that was a wise idea. For all she knew, once this image of Torid discovered the truth, it may just let her in. Besides, she was looking for specific recent information, not his work in the Midnight Order. Julyna sat in the chair in front of the desk, as she had no idea how long it would take.

After what seemed like a few hours, it returned in front of her sitting in the chair behind the desk. "It would appear you are correct. However, that still does not change the fact that I am still here to protect this mind from intrusion," It said.

While the Image of Torid got up and walked around behind her while placing its handpaws on her shoulder. Julyna had a unique idea pop into her mind. "Then help me," she said as she felt its handpaws lift off her.

"I cannot let you," Julyna interrupted it.

"I just need you to confirm the most recent information I'm going to share with you," she said while turning to look at it. It looked at her in thought, and after a moment it agreed. Julyna then explained what she was told, about this Counsel, what they said to E'Lum, the status of the ship and crew, and his thoughts.

It stood there for a moment in thought and then vanished again. Julyna waited patiently for it to return, and after what felt like another few hours it confirmed everything, after which she thanked it and left E'Lum's mind.

Julyna let go of E'Lum and stepped back to look at him. She watched him hang his head with his ears folded back. Waiting for whatever judgment she would pass down. Julyna then brought out her communicator, "Security detail to Medical," she said as Tygera started to plead with her, but Julyna silenced her with just a thought.

Once the security detail arrived, Julyna turned to them and spoke with a calm voice. "Take Mister E'Lum to the brig for safe keeping. Make sure he doesn't try to take his own life." They nodded to her and took E'Lum away.

Tygera spoke up again, "Captain, we could have confined him to quarters."

Julyna answered her with the same tone, "Which ones? We have no space for anyone else. Even Rubicant is sleeping on his own ship in the cargo bay." Tygera hung her head, while her ears folded ever so slightly back while Julyna put her handpaws to her cheeks to have Tygera look up at her, "Tyg, I need you now more than ever. I need your strength, quick thinking, and toughness, as I have a feeling things are only going to go downhill from here on out." Tygera nodded to her as Julyna spoke again, "Right now I need to figure out how to tell the crew. I'm expecting many will want to leave the ship and go home, and I would blame or stop them if they wanted too." Julyna finished as she gave Tygera a gentle pat on her shoulder and left.