For the desk of Fleet Admiral David Hale.

[Bazza]

A direct video feed from an unknown, scrambled source is detected by a Naval listening post in the Texas system. An operator, upon viewing its contents, immediately forwards it to the desk of Admiral Hale.

The recording starts playing, showing Evangeline in unusually neat and tidy, almost formal clothing. A worryingly short, black, pleated skirt showcases parts of her body which, up until recently, had always been hidden underneath bulky, unflattering maternal wear. A plain white dress shirt adorns her waist.

Her hair is neatly tied into a single ponytail, bangs trimmed and swept to one side with a floral hair ornament. She is standing at the center of the same utilitarian ship's command center as prior transmissions. Through the, flat, square windows of the craft a large mountain range can be seen - the ship having been put down on a moon or perhaps large asteroid.

Although the recording is distorted and of a low quality, Evangeline appears to have put a great deal of effort into cleaning herself up for some reason.

Behind her, still bound to the captain's chair is Remus Sius. Alive and unharmed, he calmly observes Evangeline in front of her.

Admiral David Hale.

I got stood up.

Not impressed.

Evangeline pulls a handgun from a holster which had, up to the point, been concealed behind her back.

She pulls the casing of the gun back, loading a round into the chamber.

Don't make me do this, sweetie.

Next Sunday. Same time.

I'll be waiting for you.

The video stops playing.

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