“You will find that the cage is unlocked. You need not come too near us. All we require is a simple escort. Our Savior will be here soon. Then these sinners will know the true wrath of God.”

I open the cage; the lock, of course, is unhitched. Then the five of us walk, no, process down the aisle. Kliim and I are in the lead. The naked pirates have stopped fighting. They simply look at us and fall to the floor in tears. Some begin beating themselves, others reach for their knives. I look away and try to find Sadie and Amelie. “Run away!” I want to say, but no words come out.

“You have nothing to fear from us. You are the chosen guardians. You will be free to leave and follow on in your heathen ways once you have fulfilled your duty. However, I doubt you will ever be able to wash the adultery from your soul.”

I bow my head and keep walking. Amelie and Sadie join us. I can’t even imagine what this must feel like to them. At one point my eyes meet Amelie’s. She gives me a knowing look and I suddenly realize that I’ve been crying. Damnit. The last time I cried was when. Aw hell, I don’t want to give that memory to them too. I do my best to clear my mind and keep walking. When Gimli pages me, it takes me a full minute to realize who is talking to me.

“Major! You won’t believe this. The reinforcements came and it looked like we were going to lose and then everyone just stopped firing. It was really strange, it was like...HOLY SHIT! What the hell is that thing! Um, Captain there’s a really fucking big...”

“SILENCE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MESSIAH!”

I can almost hear Gimli’s throat clench. God, If these things can project to another space ship, then they have to be at least level five, I’d say level six or seven if there is such a thing.

“You will escort us to the escape pods now. Your pilot, however irreverent he may be, was not harmed.”

I nod and find that I don’t even need to ask where the escape pods are, I just know.

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