“Get that piece of garbage treated and placed into confinement.” Stacia spun on her heel, ignoring Dina’s wails, to glare at Zenith. “There’s one thing you need to understand about me: don’t ever think you will make me powerless. When I enter a space, I am the power. Kenya, escort this one to my quarters and station security there. No one goes in or out without my authorization.”

Kenya gestured, sending her people to escort Hondo to med lab one for treatment and a thorough examination, while she took Zenith into custody.

Stacia needed time to calm down.

The corridors of the Cypher felt alien and unfamiliar. No longer home. Word traveled quickly in tight communities. There were few secrets in Muungano. Every person she passed averted their eyes, afraid or ashamed. Needless cruelty was not the Muungano way. The crew did not know what to make of her, how to approach her. It was only a matter of time before someone screwed up the courage to confront her. Usually that person was Paki.

Stacia turned the corner of the hallway in time to witness Dina shove Kenya.

“Say that shit again,” Dina demanded. From the frenzy in her eyes, she indeed was ready to throw hands. So she obviously wasn’t thinking straight.

Kenya allowed Dina her outburst and the shove. She was nearly a hundred years old. Kenya had a distinguished career in the HOVA, receiving commendations for her role in Operation Obatala, before transferring to the Cypher. With all of her genestream engineering to become a gbeto, she had nearly a half meter and a couple of dozen kilograms on Dina. “You were the one sleeping with him. It’s fair to ask if you were an Earth Firster.”

“You just saw how the captain dealt with one of them.” Terror filled Dina’s voice, that much was obvious. Unless she had a background in theater, she was hurt, confused, and lost. Not knowing what to believe about Hondo or their relationship. What to think of her friends. Of Stacia herself.

“Exactly. Which means the rest of you might have to be more careful.” Kenya loomed over her in silent intimidation.

Not backing down, Dina stepped so close, Kenya had to feel the heat of the rage on her breath. “Insinuate that I am a traitor to our family one. More. Time.”

“I’m not insinuating anything. I’ve been pretty clear.”

Dina locked eyes with her. She balled her fingers with a suddenness and fury that might have caught another off guard. Kenya yankadi-ed out of the trajectory of the punch, turning to catch her hand just behind her wrist, locking it. She applied just enough pressure to catch Dina’s full attention.

Dina struggled, each flex causing her greater pain, while she tested for any give in the guard’s grip. There wasn’t any.