In Time Gone By...

~ 24 ~

Have to keep going...keep working. 

Standing on the bridge the next morning, the general was lost in his head, in his thoughts, looking out at the glittering stars with his arms folded. There was a lot happening in his mind: anger and hate, worry and fear...all while trying to deduce, at the same time, how Elliott could have possibly escaped, who helped him, if that was indeed what happened. 

He had to investigate, of course, that much was clear. And he had every intention to, not just for his own peace of mind but for Bailee's sake, as well. Not to mention that even in this very short time, Grace had been adamant that answers be found. She was sure to come and find him on her break soon enough for updates. 

Whoever had aided Elliott's attempts and escape would not get away lightly, far from it. He'd sooner eviscerate them than let them get away with it... An attempt on any officer's life would require intervention, but on Bailee? They'd better pray... 

"Good morning!" Rose approached him, far more cheerfully than usual, a spring in her step as she clacked along. "General."

"Lady Axos..." he muttered, breaking away from his thoughts suddenly. "Good morning." 

"And how are you?" she asked, stifling a small smirk. The cape she wore fluttered about her as she came to stand in front of him, blocking his view. 

He glanced at her then sighed. "I could certainly be better..." 

She bit at her lip, stifling something. "Oh? What's wrong?" 

"Uh...Sergeant Latt...she was attacked yesterday." 

"Oh my stars," She breathed in a sharp gasp of shock, hands over her heart. "Is she okay?" 

"She's alive, yes. In the infirmary, but not exactly responsive." 

"What?" Her hands dropped, moving to her hips instead. "Alive?" 

"Yes," he muttered distractedly, his mind miles from this conversation. "You seem surprised."

"W-...well, no. I'm glad she's...okay. I'm just surprised given what happened." 

He turned to her, folding his arms a little tighter. "Listen, I know you're not exactly on the best of terms, but I hope that you'll be able to set that aside for now." 

"Of course..." she muttered, flipping some hair over her shoulder. She took an agitated breath in then gave him a smile. "Any idea of the culprit?" 

"...Yes, a prisoner of ours who has since escaped. I assume he had help from the inside." 

"Wow...quite terrifying. They must have been coming for you?" 

"Not necessarily, but myself and Sergeant Kewlieu are investigating. I shall find them," he said darkly, a small shiver running down Rose's back. She adjusted her cape then took out her gloves from her bag. 

"Well, I'm sure you will... I have to meet...my father today. I'll be away for a few days." 

He nodded. "See you then." 

She did not return his goodbye and instead made her exit, lingering long enough to hear Kewlieu who had rushed up to him a few moments before, mention something about lost footage and fried backup drives. This sped her onwards to her journey that, of course, was nothing more than a lie. 

Given this new development: Latt clinging on to life, there were words to be had with a certain individual, somewhat unpleasant words. Communications would be tracked , so finding somewhere inconspicuous to meet was the only option. A quiet hotel on her home planet served this purpose well and allowed Elliott to sit at the bar in peace, a hood thrown over his head as he waited.