Tuck, Avers, Pepla, Postulis, Hermenes and Professor Wiltkine gathered in Tuck’s room discussing their options.
“The notice says we’re to start boarding in thirty minutes,” Avers said.
“I’m not going. Not if they’re going to kill us,” Pepla said.
“I thought you were here to protect me?” Avers looked down to her body guard.
“You’re right, my lady, but if they wanted to kill you what better way than to assure you that they are having their doubts? I think Munix wants to side with you to make it easier.”
“That’s a very good observation young lady,” the professor said.
“What do you think?” Postulis asked him.
He stroked his beard before he spoke, “It would seem that either option could be just as truthful as the other. However, I have witnessed this general’s behavior and I must say it is quite extraordinary.”
“What do you mean?” Hermenes asked.
“For instance, the first night we were here while I was about I encountered Catalpa. She was quiet and polite, but nothing like Brunhilda or the other woman in the general’s employment. I suspected something was amiss. I was right. It appeared that by speaking to me she was delayed in arriving at her destination. She disappeared behind a door, but I could hear what was going on.”
“What happened?” Pepla asked.
“The general and another man talked loudly; occasionally yelling at each other. Only later did they address Catalpa, but it was with more malice than they used towards each other.”
“What were they talking about?” Avers asked.
“It seemed trivial really. Something about funds transfers, tobacco and cigar production. Nothing of any real substance, however, as I said before, they were quite animated. I suppose they were drunk and getting drunker as the conversation progressed. When, finally, they acknowledged Catalpa it was with the force of a weapon. I believe the general possessed a cane of sorts and used this to beat on the woman. She said nothing I could hear from my position. I imagine her metal body could take quite the beating, but eventually I heard a gunshot.”
“He shot her?” Tuck was surprised.
“I figured whatever deliberation was going on was soon to cease so I removed myself from the hall. When I heard her coming towards me I pretended to have just arrived, passing back through. She did not look at me, but I saw marks across her face and neck. I suppose she would have had more should I have been able to see under that fancy robe of hers.”
“That’s it. I’m not going,” Postulis said. “I don’t want to die. I think we should all just leave now before the general starts looking for us.”
“I’m with her,” Pepla said.
“Me too,” Avers joined in.
“You can leave if you like,” Tuck said, “but you don’t have anywhere else to go. So long as we’re here we may as well help the poor ladies.”
“Hmph,” Avers crossed her arms. “The only thing we need to save is Amazonia and it looks like that isn’t going to happen. Mission failed. Our responsibility is to save ourselves.”
“Tuck, if you stay, I’ll stay,” Pepla stood next to him.
Avers’s eyes widen.
“Who do you think you are little girly? You sware an oath to protect me and side with…with this animal! I can’t believe you.”
“What do you mean animal?” Tuck said.
“Oh you know exactly what I mean! Ever since Pepla laid eyes on you she has been charmed by you. And that robot out there? A robot! I saw the way she looked at you. She didn’t stop by anyone else’s room last night.”
He looked to Pepla who was blushing. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” she defended herself, but it was for nothing.
“Don’t give me that. Let’s see, there was that mermaid too. She led you around by the hand everywhere. And neither of you were present when they sang to us. We’re trying to save a nation that took us in when they didn’t have to. There are more important things than using women or whatever those other things are to get what you want.”
The room was hot. Too many people crammed into a small space, eventually, made everyone sweat. However, the moisture on Avers’ face was not just from sweat. Her sudden burst caught everyone off guard. When she was done yelling her sweat mixed with tears as she grabbed her head and crouched against the wall.
“Those dreams,” she said. “Why do I see you every night?”
A knock sounded on the door. Munix entered.
“It seems our decision has been made for us,” the professor said.
She bowed then led the way to the aircraft. As they walked through the confusing halls Catalpa swung open a door and came running from the opposite direction. Her face, as much as a metal face could, looked stressed. Her arm was severed and, to Tuck’s surprise, held in her other hand. She brushed by them without a word. Munix continued, in silence, until the general appeared in the doorway Catalpa had just exited.
Tuck clenched his fists.
“Ah, my guests,” he said wiping his lip with his forearm. “Just in time.”