"If you can get to the bottom of all of this, then I'll make sure Sader doesn't get in the way. You just have to make sure all of this trouble is worth it."
She took her sidearm and a small sticker from her pocket, labeling the weapon as Nova's and slipping it into the holster on her hip. "Matthew's not a bad guy, but he's just stupid at times. I'm only praying that he's not as screwed as he seems right now."
"If Nova sent you, then I'm inclined to give you a little slack. Go one ahead.. but be careful.. He's still a little worked up, and I don't think his XO can even keep him tied down at this point."
The marine stepped aside, letting the operative proceed.
The operative went in, going up to Hemlock. "Nova sent me to check on you, how are you feeling?"
"I can't promise what I'll find we'll like, but I'll find it regardless. Hemlock seems to just have an issue with.. well, Sader. He's been, mostly, cooperative with my operatives and me."
Hemlock didn't answer, still comatose from all the painkillers they'd pumped in the numb the feeling. He was shirtless, the large bandage over his shoulder apparent. "Sorry, agent.. He's out cold... The drugs they've got him on right now should keep him calm for a few hours.."
Reyes looked up to the operative. "I.. can answer any questions.. if you don't mind.. He needs his rest."
"As I said.. naval leadership.. From the way he sounded in medical, he didn't seem to show any anger when I mentioned you.. Just, be careful when you go rooting through his stuff. I'm of a mind to think he doesn't exactly have completely legal stuff on there.. And I'm begging you; Do not let Sader see anything I haven't. I don't want him going anal again."
She pulled out a small wrapped item from her pocket, the plastic identifying it as a candy bar. ".. and, here.. It's not compensation for everything you've done, since it's just a candy bar, but it's a sign of appreciation. Thank you.. You might even be near the same level of agentship as I am." She chuckled, smirking.
Nova lightly smiled. "You don't need to compensate me for doing my job." She took a drink from her coffee, looking to the floor. "Please, I'm not that good, I'm technically still the new guy of the division." She then looked up to the woman. "I'm sure any other operative would do just as good, if not better, than I am. All these scrambled logs, shattered records, only giving me bits and pieces.. I'm sure others would be more qualified for this, but it's my case and I'm giving it my best."
"Hm.. well, atleast he'll rest. From the looks, his injury is taken care of. What about you? Are you feeling.. well better than you were during that fiasco?" The operative leaned on a wall, while he didn't intent to stay long, he figured he'd atleast make Reyes feel that the operatives and Nova could still be trusted, and that they were concerned.
"Humble.. You remind me of my husband, but with tits.."
She gave Nova a light pat on the back of her shoulder, smiling. "Still, I really do appreciate it. It's unneeded stress that I don't have tacked on top of two kids, a husband and work. Merci..."
She turned and started towards the door, looking back. "If you need anything, I'll be down in engineering."
She promptly left, the door closing behind her.
"I'm doing.. better.. The artifact isn't influencing me anymore.. but I still hear it.. Like it's still talking to me.."
She rubbed her thumb of Hemlock's hand, leaning over and placing her head on his arm. "I hate when things like this happen.. I always feel so helpless.. like the world around me is just crunching down.."
"Still hear it..? That should be impossible, we blew it up. Has this happened before?" The operative was now suspicious. High yield explosive was used, so no remains as assumed due to destructive power, not the artifact disappearing.
As she left, Nova took a bite from her candy bar, going over the new data she had to go through., laughing a little to herself."Her husband with tits?" After having a small moment to laugh at the thought, she continued her work, her smile slowly fading to her normal look.
"No.. Maybe.. it's like those stories.. where people just hear stuff... 'Ghost noises', I think.. I dunno..."
She didn't seem bothered by it, just focusing on Hemlock. "He wouldn't want any of this.. He acts like a jackass, but he's just looking out for everyone on the ship.. We've all been through this together.. ties like that are like steel when you've endured hell and more together.."
"Unlike the Admiral wants to see, Nova and the rest of us understand that. We don't want to do anything to provoke you or your crew, but we have to do as we're told. Nova's going through pains to bend regulation as far as she can to help you in her way, not Saders. Unfortunately, sometimes it's not enough. For now, is there anything I can get you until Nova show up to speak to you personally?" The operative continued to lean on the wall, sharing in Nova's concern for them, but unable to do more than his superior has done already.
"Thank you.. for everything you're doing.. Matthew wouldn't normally have a problem with all of this.. but the attack changed him.. made him more wary.. Granted it.. made a lot of us more wary, but him more than the rest.."
She looked back up at the operative. "I.. think I'm doing alright for now.. The docs were nice enough to get me some stuff to eat a bit ago.. Thanks, though.."
"Alright, if you need anything, send for one of our operatives, we'll be sure you get what you need." The operative departed, beginning his walk to return to Nova.