Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure by Kevin Sinclair (early readers .TXT) 📗

bodies? They deserve some kind of funeral, and I have no clue how to even begin organizing all of this.”

“There's a Veiletian for that,” Ember smiled.

“They might be asleep. I’ll wait until they show.”

“Yeah, it was a tough day for everyone yesterday,” Ember replied.

We sat on the bridge chatting to each other and the crew around us. Koparr was manning the weapons, and it was nice to catch up a bit with him. Just over an hour later, Acclo appeared on the bridge. They smiled when they saw Ember and me and came straight over.

“Is there anything I can do for you, Captain, Ember?”

“Hey, Acclo. Nice to see you. And, well, yeah, although I’m sorry for putting on you all of the time.”

“Why? This is my place, and I feel completed by the position. Life in the enclave was like a prison for my mind. This opportunity has been a dream come true! So please, give me your problems, and if I can't solve them, I have an excellent network of crew members who can,” Acclo said, beaming.

“Alrighty then. It's about some kind of cross-ship memorial for those we’ve lost in the battle. We also need a way to dispose of the bodies respectfully and honor their bravery.” Janet popped into my head unbidden, and the image hit me hard; she now represented everyone we lost, everyone who I barely knew, but who had a full and intricate life all the same. I struggled to return to what Acclo was saying, even though they were answering my question.

“… and we have the cross-ship memorial service arranged for later today, in four hours and 20 minutes. The main question is, how would we do it? There are options on all the ships for recycling of the bodies. They could feed the FSU, water supplies and even atmospheric units. However, Captain Astrid seemed aghast at this notion. I checked with a few other humans, and it seems this is a standard human response.”

“Yup, definitely not doing that,” Ember said from my side.

“Too close to cannibalism. Very taboo with humans, generally.”

“That is fine. I am happy to abide by people’s customs. Nonetheless, in the interests of free beliefs, we as Veiletians would be honored to be recycled in this way. It would be fitting for us to know that we had helped sustain and even become part of that which we gave our lives for.”

“You’re damn right too, Acclo! And I 100% agree with you. But we humans can be rigid with our views. What other options do you have for us?”

“The Torax bury their dead, as they don’t burn very well, but we don't have burial procedures. Also, on this occasion no Torax died, so that’s a null point.”

“Can we direct the recycling to other things? Just not the FSU or water?” Ember asked.

“I am unsure, but I will check,” Acclo said, pulling out their comm. “Gus? It’s Acclo.”

Gus’s voice replied: he sounded a little sleepy. “Hey Acclo, what can I do for you?”

“Can we reroute the recycling units so our deceased don’t pass freely into the FSU or water supply?”

“Sure. I don’t know if there’s that option, but there will be in an hour. You can count on it.”

“Thank you, Gus. Helpful as always.”

“No problem,” Gus replied, and his comm disconnected.

“So Captain, everything is arranged. Is there anything else I can help with?”

“No thanks, Acclo. You’ve done everything I could’ve hoped for.”

“Very well. I shall return when everything is in order.” With an unexpected bow, Acclo left.

I sat deep in thought about our losses. I didn’t know any of those who had died personally other than Janet who I’d met briefly.

Hwista walked in seeming almost nonchalant; any lingering traces of the slaughter I had asked them to carry out were nowhere to be seen.

“Good day, Captain,” They said as they entered.

They were about to engage with Miraek when I called over. “Hwista! Can I talk with you in my office, please?” I said, getting up from my seat. Thankfully, Ember stayed where she was.

“Of course, Captain. Right away.”

They closed the door behind them as they entered after me. I took a seat, then gestured for them to do the same.

“Is everything okay, Captain?” Hwista said, a concerned look on their face.

“I honestly don’t know. I am genuinely sorry to have given you those orders yesterday, but I thank you for carrying them out in the swift and efficient manner you did.”

“You really don't need to thank me. Serving the Uprising is not just a job, it is like a new family. One I hope will help to balance out the power distortions in the galaxy. I have researched the Fystr: what they did, and what they continue to do. They are a supremely powerful race without remorse or compassion. You absolutely made the right decision, and I remain honored to have carried out your orders.” They stopped, and I was about to give out various platitudes, but then they started talking again. “In fact Captain, if you did not remove them, I admit I would have been disappointed in you. In our circumstances one should never leave an enemy at their backs. We have too few people and too many enemies to be so forgiving or naive. That said, you gave them an opportunity to repent and toe the line with the Uprising. If I feel any emotion over the whole affair, it is sadness for those lost and concern that you are hurt by the deaths of our enemies.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hurt by their deaths. There were no other options. Although just because a job is necessary, it doesn’t mean it's a good job. And it doesn't mean it won't leave psychological scars.”

“I think I understand what you are saying, although a lot of it is lost in translation between our species. You are an emotional race, which seems to lend you great strength and resolve. The Veiletians are naturally a very fact-based race; we tend to follow a