“Azuris?” Krish asks.
“That’s the name of the station,” Wenschel replies. “Azuris Space Station. And we’re in the Inter-Planetary Consortium’s Kapoor Base.”
I shake my head. “So many names.”
Wenschel laughs. “I know. It’s a lot. But you guys are really smart. I’m sure you’ll catch on.” She pulls open a drawer and frowns. “Stay right there. I’ve got to go get something.” Krish nods, and Wenschel disappears through a doorway.
“These humans are pleasant,” Krish says idly. “I wonder if Davix will ever stop being angry long enough to notice.”
“He has a right to be angry,” I say. “We all do.” My mind wanders back to our captivity – to the pain and hunger and hopelessness. We have been well fed and well-treated since our rescue, but all of us are still recovering from the abuse we endured. I am about to remind Krish that Davix has also known suffering that neither of us have when I catch a now-familiar scent. “Hello, Corrina,” I call over my shoulder.
“How did you know I was here?” she asks.
“We can scent you,” Krish answers. “Can you not also identify those you know by scent?”
Corrina moves to one of the metal tables and hops onto it, her feet dangling off the side. “I guess so. If someone has a strong enough scent or is close enough.”
“Your scent is very distinctive,” I say. “And we have been exposed to it for many days.”
“Right.” Corrina shakes her head. “Anyway, I’d like to have each of you make an official statement.”
“What kind of statement? And what does official mean?” Krish asks.
“I would like to record you talking about your experiences on Captain Lianov’s ship. We have a statement from Alek.”
“How is Alek? He is safe?”
Corrina frowns. “He is safe. He is in custody for now, but he’s been very cooperative and forthcoming. But what I’d like is to get each of you – or at least both of you – to speak about what happened. I’ll record it and use it to help prosecute Lianov’s accomplices.”
“Prosecute?”
“Punish,” Wenschel chimes as she emerges from the other room. “Or bring to justice, really. For the horrible things they’ve done or allowed to be done.”
“Exactly,” Corrina replies.
“Very well,” I say. “Davix will make his statement as well. I can translate for him. He will be glad for another chance at justicefor those who were helping the Lianov creature. Though he will likely be disappointed to not carry out that justice personally.”
“Like I need that headache too,” Corrina mumbles as Wenschel gives her an unreadable look. “Anyway, if you’re willing to make that statement,” Corrina says quickly. “I can come back in about an hour to collect one of you. I’ll take one statement today and the other two I can hopefully squeeze in tomorrow.” Corrina hops off the table and nods to Wenschel.
“I will come with you now,” I say, standing and stretching.
Corrina looks up at me. “That is not necessary. I have other things to do. I’ll just come back.”
“Can you do those things if I am with you?” I ask curiously.
“I, well, I suppose,” she replies. “If you can stay out of my way.”
“Then I will come with you. Then you will not have to take time to come back for me later. And Krish can explain to Davix when Wenschel is done.”
Corrina opens and closes her mouth a few times without making any sound and then lets out a sharp breath of air.
“Fine. You can come with me. But you’re going to be bored sitting outside my office,” she mutters.
Chapter Twelve: Corrina
I was wrong about Zann being bored. He seems to be quite amused examining each and every thing in my outer office, including but not limited to, my assistant. Ensign Liu takes it surprisingly well, however. I was impressed with Liu’s unflappability both in the interview and in reports from his prior superiors, but maintaining his focus and concentration while a two-meter tall alien stares down at him is quite impressive. When Liu has been thoroughly examined from multiple angles, Zann moves on to the various objects and books lining the walls. He picks each one up carefully, inspecting and examining it before gently putting it back in its place. He is less interested in the books, though he flips through a handful before replacing them.
I chuckle to myself as Zann inspects a series of photos of base personnel, including several that include Curran and me. There is something oddly endearing about the wonder and fascination in his face as he seems to recognize us. I blink and shake my head. I must be overly tired if I’m finding Zann endearing. I glance back at the reports on my screen. This is the sixth orseventh time I’ve been through them, but I want to be sure that there is nothing the reviewing council can latch on to in terms of discrepancies or inconsistencies in the reports. Every time I’ve found any potential issue, I’ve sent the report back to the author for clarification and confirmation. Curran has been particularly vocal about the repeated revisions, though I know he takes this as seriously as I do. Having a prisoner die in custody is a serious issue on its own. Having a prisoner as connected and influential as Lianov die in custody, even if it wasn’t by IPC hands, is a nightmare of reports and explanations and accusations and second guessing. But I am determined to prove that Lianov’s death, while regrettable from an official perspective, is a consequence of his own dangerous and unlawful behavior. It helps my argument that among the prohibited items found on Lianov’s ship were a number of highly dangerous animal species and a handful of poisonous plants. After all, those could have also caused Lianov’s death in different circumstances. Besides, it’s the best argument I can make given the current situation.
