The Communicator, Chapter 7

[elstrom99]

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 Chirrup! Chirrup!  

 

Brevix heard the door signal but continued his shower, seeking relief from his body and head aches that the stress of their search caused in the hot steam and water that caressed his back and neck. 

 

 Chirrup! Chirrup!

 

 "I hear ya," he thought, choosing to ignore the persistent and annoying bell.  The hot water seemed to seep into his aching joints and gave relief of a sort to his stress.  When no more signals interrupted his reverie he relaxed into the loving embrace of the water.  The heat reminded him of the hot springs of his youth that were prevalent throught Keir.  At long last his duty to their mission got the better of him, and in frustrated resignation he waved off the stream of water.  He reached out from the shower in search of his towel, and was slightly surprised to find it thrust at him.  He smiled.  "Thank you Hourna."  Finding it only slightly strange that Hourna did not respond, he vigorously dried off, then stepped out from the shower and threw the towel into the corner, then turned to face his lover.

 

 Instead, standing brazenly in his private quarters was Chief Investigator Nautewlus and one of the clones.

 

 "Charlie, right?"

 

 Nautewlus shook her head her lilac fur catching the glint of the mirror lighting.  "No, skipper, this one is 03CI31549.  The third clone.  We're calling him Jeffy." 

 

Brevix eyed Jeffy appraisingly, and was mildly surprised when Jeffy regarded him equally appraisingly in return.

 

 "And what brings you two into my chambers?  I don't recall summoning you." 

 

"You didn't.  But I felt the news we have shouldn't wait.  We've another lead."  She turned towards Jeffy and nodded.  "Jeffy, tell the Skipper what you told me." 

 

Brevix turned expectantly to Jeffy who seemed to only reluctantly raise his gaze to Brevix' face. 

 

"Sir, there is a remnant of an ancient culture... ancient by the Earther's perspective, anyhow.  They're called Yucatec Maya.  They are found in the central parts of the continents Earthers call America." 

 

"Yes, yes... let's get to the point." 

 

"There's a story among these people sir.  And they mention one of the Drragh crew by name.  Kukulkan." 

 

"You've found Kukulkan?"  Brevix felt his elation at the unexpected news. 

 

"Not really sir.  We've found mention of her sir.  The Yucatec think she's a he, of course, but they talk about her as fairly recent.  It seemed that for a long portion of the these people's existence, Kukulkan was considered a deity, and may have actually actively protected the people.  They credit her with supporting their economy." 

 

"Get me the coordinates.  We go in search of her immediately.  Finally, we will have something positive to relay to the Overlord!" 

 

Jeffy poked at his tablet, and Brevix heard a responding blip from his own tablet.  Reaching for the wall communicator, he poked it enthusiastically.   

 

"Sir?" responded a voice through the speaker mounted in the panel. 

 

"You have new coordinates.  Get us there.  In stealth." 

 

"Sir!"  The communicator panel elicited a low blip signalling the termination of the connection.  Brevix turned back to Nautewlus and Jeffy. 

 

"Is there anything else?" 

 

Nautewlus shook her head at his question, but didn't move. 

 

"And you're still here because...?" 

 

"You haven't dismissed us sir."  Brevix rolled his eyes in frustration. 

 

"Then get out!  But, Investigators,” he paused until he knew he had their attention, “good work." 

 

Nautewlus turned to go, but Jeffy hesitated a moment as he took another long look at his master then followed the Chief Investigator from the room. 

 

Brevix heard a snort from behind him.  Bracing himself, he turned to find Hourna leaning against the door into their private quarters, his arms crossed.  Hourna smirked at him, shook his head then retreated into the room behind him.

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