Defiance of the Fall

Zac marveled at the growing brood of larvae. By appearance alone, they were qualified to be called a beast tide. There were already hundreds the size of Beast Kings. Zac didn't see any signs of trouble, but Ibtep wouldn't be wrong. If he couldn't see it, then it was brewing beneath the surface.

"You should only cull the possessed ones who have fed to their limits or are lashing out," Ibtep added. "If they keep eating, ignore them. It takes time and effort to breed the small ones. I barely have enough for the task."

"I'll try, but it might cost more if we wait too long," Zac said.

The others soon arrived. His subordinates were all aware of Ibtep's class, and even those who didn't know about the space-eating larvae quickly figured out what was going on. Only Kator was out of the loop and looked around with confusion.

"What's this?" Kator said.

"Space-eating larvae. We brought some to deal with the spatial turbulence," Zac said, surprised to see the small nick on his left wrist. Joanna's strike still hadn't healed after over a week? Or was it intentional? Zac didn't comment on it, continuing before Kator could start an interrogation. "We had to stop; the crew needs rest."

"That's what happens when you bring weaklings on a critical mission."

"Beats bringing people with dubious allegiances," Zac said, glancing at the Reaver. "I'm talking about our new hires, of course."

"Of course," Kator scoffed. "So what's the problem?"