Elizabeth’s Dilemma, Now with Overkill
Seated in her sleek, high-tech office aboard the Zmajcica-h, Elizabeth leaned back in her chair, a tablet resting in her hands. The dim glow of the screen highlighted her thoughtful expression as she scrolled through reports from Spotty and Ila’s mission on the alternate Earth. Her brow furrowed slightly as she scanned the details.
Elizabeth’s Perspective
On paper, everything seemed above board. Spotty and Ila were deploying the fleet and ground forces as promised. The Turokhan threat was being systematically dismantled, and their strategic objectives were progressing smoothly.
But then there were the… other details. The transcripts of Spotty and Ila’s communication logs painted a different picture—a picture of casual banter and playful flirtation. And not just between the two of them. Were they flirting with Sergeant Alyona Petrova too?
Elizabeth sighed and set the tablet on her desk, rubbing her temples.
It’s one thing to joke about “most powerful, bravest, and craziest all packed into one” or even to get philosophical about overkill. But now Alyona? Really?
She couldn’t help but laugh softly, despite her mild exasperation. Spotty’s liberal interpretation of “no such thing as overkill” didn’t surprise her—she’d seen firsthand what Spotty could justify in the name of caution. “Flatten the forest? Sure. Deploy five divisions? Why not. I swear she’d call in an entire galaxy-wide fleet if she thought it was necessary.”
Then a thought struck her, and she leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Why not? Why shouldn’t I try this overkill thing for myself?
Her Decision for Overkill
Elizabeth tapped her fingers on the desk, considering her next move. Staying quiet wasn’t an option—not with Spotty and Ila being their usual chaotic selves. Calling Lyra could wait. For now, she had a better idea.
She opened a secure channel to Grand Admiral Marcus Corvin, her tone calm but firm.
“Grand Admiral, I have a request,” Elizabeth began, trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. “I need the 1,876th Heavy Infantry Division, ‘The Iron Wardens,’ under the command of Major General Tobias Lorne, to accompany me. Oh, and I’ll also require Colonel Maria Muc’s Liger MK3-E fighter squadron for air support.”
Grand Admiral Marcus Corvin’s Perspective
Aboard the Zmajcica-h, Grand Admiral Marcus Corvin blinked at the request, momentarily caught off guard. An entire division and a preproduction fighter squadron… for a personal assistant?
He leaned back in his chair, considering the logistics. While the request was entirely within Elizabeth’s authority—especially given her position as Spotty’s assistant—it was… unusual, to say the least.
“Permission to speak freely, ma’am?” Corvin asked, his tone measured.
“Of course,” Elizabeth replied.
Corvin’s voice took on a note of dry humor. “You’re aware this level of deployment is usually reserved for, well, planetary invasions or major offensives? Not that I’m questioning your judgment, of course.”
Elizabeth chuckled softly. “Let’s just say I’m embracing the philosophy of ‘no such thing as overkill.’ If it works for Spotty, it should work for me, right?”
Corvin allowed himself a faint smile, shaking his head. She’s definitely picked up some of Spotty’s flair.
“Very well, ma’am,” he said. “The 1,876th will be ready to deploy within the hour, and Colonel Muc’s squadron is on standby. I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”
As the channel closed, Corvin turned to his operations officer. “You heard her. Make it happen. And remind me never to underestimate Spotty’s influence on her staff.”
Major General Tobias Lorne’s Perspective
Major General Tobias Lorne, commanding officer of the 1,876th Heavy Infantry Division, ‘The Iron Wardens,’ received the order with a raised eyebrow. He tapped his datapad, reviewing the mission parameters, and then glanced at his second-in-command.
“Well, this is… unusual,” he remarked, his tone calm but curious. “Deploying the Iron Wardens to escort the Empress’s assistant? I’m not sure whether to be insulted or impressed.”
His second-in-command, Colonel Arden Vesik, smirked. “Probably both, sir. But orders are orders.”
Lorne nodded, issuing deployment orders to his units. If nothing else, this will be an interesting mission.
Colonel Maria Muc’s Perspective
Colonel Maria Muc leaned against the hull of her Liger MK3-E, her squadron prepping for the next sortie. When she received the deployment order, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Air support for an assistant?” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Well, I guess we’re doing this.”
Her tone softened as she added, “Let’s make sure she gets where she needs to go safely. If Spotty trusts her, that’s good enough for me.”
Elizabeth’s Anticipation
As Elizabeth reviewed the deployment confirmation, she felt a rush of satisfaction. Spotty would be proud.
She sent a message to Spotty and Ila, informing them of her impending arrival. Time to have a little chat. And if they’re going to flirt their way through this mission, I’ll make sure they’re at least prepared for what’s coming.
As the Iron Wardens began deploying and Colonel Muc’s fighters took to the skies, Elizabeth couldn’t help but smirk. Overkill might just suit me after all.
Elizabeth settled into her transport, a mix of amusement and determination filling her thoughts. Spotty and Ila won’t know what hit them.