Meneghini leaned against the corridor wall with her arms folded and her head down. The terrible events on the planet were still fresh in her mind. The Lodricans had gone from potential enemies to unlikely allies in however long they were down there. She hadn’t checked the command post, but the new captain had mentioned there being some possible time dilation on the planet. She waited as Hots returned with the two Lodricans—who were right behind the android.
“Fenix, why are we being treated in this manner?” Sylvex asked. “Have we not proven ourselves trustworthy?”
“All will be explained I promise, but I need you both to join me in here first.”
She waved her hand over the control panel as the galley door slid open. Biancuzzo and Kalayjian were seated at one of the tables—now in uniform. Kalayjian didn’t waste any time adding those lieutenant stripes to his shoulder. She gestured for the Lodricans to enter before following in after them. It was quite clear that they were still uncomfortable in this environment.
“It’s all right. Just take a seat. Are you guys hungry?” She asked.
Sylvex and Kinubec looked at one another, they seemed a bit unsure. She turned back to Hots who was waiting by the door.
“Hots. Can you make two bowls of oatmeal for them please?”
“Affirmative.”
The android walked to the counter to prepare the food as she noticed Biancuzzo rising to his feet.
“Care to indulge us?” He said. “Please.”
He motioned to the seats opposite him and Kalayjian. The Lodricans reluctantly sat down. She took a seat at an adjacent table.
“Alright, before we get into this, I just wanted to state my sincerest gratitude to the both of you—for everything that you did for Fenix and Roko.” Biancuzzo said.
“And the Alpha team as well.” Kalayjian chimed in. “We may not have made it off the planet without you.”
Meneghini noticed the Lodricans relaxing their shoulders for the first time, even though neither Sylvex nor Kinubec responded. Her presence notwithstanding, they were still in unfamiliar surroundings while also being completely out-numbered. Their reluctance to speak was understandable to say the least.
“It’s all right guys. You can talk to them.” She said.
“What would you like to know?” Sylvex finally spoke.
“Everything. From the very beginning.” Biancuzzo said. “For starters, why did you want off Sehnack?”
The gills on Sylvex’s neck fluttered in the same way her nose would. Everything about these Lodricans was human with the exception of their faces.
“The reasons are many. My equal, Moriyala. And my brother, Chezad. They were taken by the skydwellers. I just want them back.”
Biancuzzo leaned back a bit while rubbing his chin.
“You do realize that—we didn’t have anything to do with what you’re talking about, correct?”
“We do. But Kinubec and I remain hopeful.”
Hots placed cereal bowls, with spoons inside, in front of the Lodricans. They immediately looked down.
“Is this supposed to be sustenance?” Kinubec asked.
“Trust me, it’s not as bad as it looks.” She said. “Try it.”
The Lodricans looked at each other once more. Sylvex leaned closer to the bowl. His gills protracted as if he was breathing in the aroma. From what Meneghini could see thus far—there was only one cosmetic difference between them and the Lodricans. However, there was still so much that they didn’t know about one another. Like how they had been able to see through all that fog, while she and Roko struggled even with their suit flashlights.
Sylvex lifted the spoon and took a taste. He sat upright as his lips curled into somewhat of a grin.
“It’s good, right?” She said.
“Yes. Unlike anything I have ever tasted.”
He nudged Kinubec to try some as well. Kinubec took his spoon and tasted some. His reaction was priceless—like they had just discovered something amazing.
“Well, the good news is—there’s plenty more where that came from aboard this ship. Hopefully, you both’ll be able to help us figure out the best way forward.” Kalayjian said.
The Lodricans began going to town on the oatmeal. They were eating as if they were the only ones inside the galley. Watching them was beginning to make her hungry as well. Biancuzzo gave Meneghini a thumbs up. What better way to improve their new guests’ level of comfort than by feeding them.