Page 54 of Salvaged By the Alien Pirate

“Your... concern for security is noted,” I reply carefully, my wings shifting to a more defensive posture. “But given recent breaches in Brotherhood communications, we’ll be maintaining strict compartmentalization. Each captain will receive only the information directly relevant to their assigned sector.”

K’vex’s compound eyes fix on me with unsettling intensity. “The Brotherhood’s new security protocols are... quite thorough. Perhaps too thorough for efficient operations?” Her six hands move in those telling contradictory patterns I’ve come to distrust. “Surely some allowances could be made for senior captains?”

The way she probes for exceptions, for weaknesses in our defenses, only confirms my suspicions. Ever since we implemented the new security measures, she’s been pushing—subtly at first, but growing bolder as her desperation increases.

“The protocols exist for everyone’s protection,” I say firmly, watching how her hands still momentarily at my refusal. “No exceptions. Not even for senior captains.” I let my wings spread slightly, a casual display of strength that carries clear warning. “Unless you have specific concerns about your ability to comply?”

Her mandibles click once—a tell I’ve noticed appears when she’s recalculating odds. “Of course not, Captain. I merely thought, given our long history of mutual trust...”

“Trust,” I interrupt, my voice carrying steel beneath its surface, “is earned through actions, not history. And lately, some actions have been... questionable.” I activate the tactical display,highlighting recent patrol routes that coincide too perfectly with Eclipse movements. “Perhaps you’d care to explain these interesting coincidences?”

“A wise precaution,” McCoy adds, her holographic features hard as steel. “Given recent concerns, we can’t be too careful about operational details.”

K’vex’s compound eyes fix on McCoy with an intensity that makes my wings twitch. “Recent concerns? I wasn’t aware—”

“Exactly,” Neon cuts in, her voice carrying a hint of predatory satisfaction. “That’s rather the point of security protocols, isn’t it?”

The tension ratchets higher as K’vex’s hands move in increasingly agitated patterns. Through our bond, I feel Neon’s tactical mind working, piecing together a puzzle I can’t quite see yet. But I trust her instincts as much as my own, perhaps more. Whatever she’s noticed, whatever pattern she’s detected, I know it’s significant.

“We’ll begin deployments immediately,” I declare, my wings shifting with casual authority. “Vornak, coordinate with the Bravorian fleet. Ta’vag, secure those diplomatic channels. McCoy, keep us updated on Eclipse movements.” I sweep my gaze across the assembled holograms, letting it rest briefly on K’vex as her hands move in those telling patterns. “I trust everyone understands the importance of proper protocol during such... delicate operations.”

Her mandibles click once, sharply, before her hologram fades.

After the Brotherhood captains’ holograms fade, leaving only McCoy and Ta’vag’s projections illuminating the bridge, I gesture for Zara to take command. “Maintain current course and alert me to any anomalies in K’vex’s movements.”

“She’s going to make a move soon,” Neon murmurs, her neural implants pulsing with contained energy. “That last question about security protocols? She’s planning something.”

I nod, my wings curving protectively around her even as pride swells in my chest. My mate might be new to Brotherhood politics, but her instincts are razor-sharp. “Then we’ll be ready when she does.”

In my private office, McCoy’s hologram paces with contained energy while Ta’vag’s fur ripples with barely suppressed tension. The space feels smaller than usual, heavy with the weight of unspoken concerns.

“Kira slipped through our containment protocols during the facility raid,” McCoy states, her normally stern features tight with worry. “Those Eclipse enhancements gave her capabilities we weren’t prepared for. And what we’ve uncovered since then...” She pauses, jaw clenching. “The corruption goes deeper than we suspected. We’ve identified four STI officials taking bribes to ignore Eclipse operatives tampering with luminore shipments. This isn’t just isolated incidents anymore—it’s systematic infiltration.”

My wings snap wide at the mention of Kira, tribal markings flaring with barely contained fury. The thought of that traitor still hunting my mate, still threatening everything we’ve built, makes my blood boil. “She won’t escape next time,” I growl, the words carrying centuries of predatory certainty. “No amount of enhancements will save her when I get my claws on her.”

Ta’vag’s ears flick back—a sign of distress I’ve learned to recognize. “Several council members have already been compromised. The diplomatic corps remains secure for now, but...” His fur ripples again. “We can offer sanctuary if needed. My personal estate on Vulpexa has extensive security measures.”

I lean against my desk, wings settling as I consider their words. “The Brotherhood won’t abandon the outer colonies.”

“Of course not,” McCoy says, her hologram flickering slightly. “But those shipping manifests Neon uncovered... the patterns match intelligence we’ve gathered on other Eclipse operations.Especially the routing protocols through Sector Seven.” She pauses, her expression grim. “The same sector where K’vex’s ships have been running ‘routine patrols’ with unusual frequency.”

Ta’vag’s fur ripples with concern. “My diplomatic contacts have noted similar anomalies. The timing is... troubling.”

The soft chime of my private comm interrupts our discussion. Neon’s image materializes in a secure holographic window, her movements deliberately casual as she looks at data streams. She shrugs out of her worn leather jacket, letting it fall carelessly to the floor. The simple tank top beneath clings to her curves, its fabric soft and well-worn from countless hours spent hunched over control panels. Her movements are casual but deliberate as she kicks off her boots, each motion highlighting the graceful efficiency that makes her such a formidable hacker. The sight of my claiming marks on her neck sends a surge of possessive pride through me, even as her enhanced eyes scan complex encryption patterns.

“Found something interesting in K’vex’s communication logs,” she says, rolling her shoulders to ease tension. The movement causes her suit to slip slightly, revealing more of my marks. “Her transmissions are too perfect—no personal patterns, no individual quirks. It’s like watching someone perform from a script.”

I growl softly, both aroused and intrigued by her combination of professional focus and subtle seduction. “Show me.”

Her fingers dance through virtual interfaces as she sheds another piece of armor, revealing the elegant line of her collarbone. “See these timestamps? They align perfectly with Eclipse movements in the outer sectors. Too perfectly.” She stretches, the motion both natural and deliberately enticing. “Normal communications have irregularities, personal touches.These are sanitized, like they’ve been processed through multiple filters.”

“Clever mate,” I purr, watching her work with growing appreciation—both for her tactical brilliance and the teasing glimpses of skin she reveals. “You think she’s using Brotherhood protocols as cover?”

“Exactly.” Neon’s smile is sharp as she removes another piece of gear, her movements fluid and precise. “She’s feeding them our positions, but making it look like routine patrol reports. The question is, how many others are involved?”

McCoy clears her throat, reminding me of her and Ta’vag’s continued presence. “We’ll need irrefutable proof before moving against a Brotherhood captain. Evidence that can’t be dismissed as coincidence.”

“We’ll get it,” Neon promises, her expression fierce despite the deliberately casual way she’s loosened her hair. “K’vex is good, but she’s not better than me. No one who relies on stolen protocols can outthink someone who helps write them.”

---