Chapter 61 - Teaser!

I feel confident in saying the testing arc, at least the direct testing, will be wrapping up this chapter. Then, it's only the aftermath.

Just have to polish chapter 61 a bit more and I should have something to publish tomorrow or Monday at the latest. Enjoy! :-)

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“Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to yet another thrilling round of the Gothic Orbital Defense System testing,” I began with a wide, indulgent smile—just enough exasperation to earn a chuckle, even as the scanners swept over me down to the chromosome to prove that I was who I claimed to be. “Third time’s the charm, perhaps?” I added, raising my hands in mock surrender. That got the laugh I was aiming for.

“As the Romulans are, regrettably, unavailable to receive your grievances regarding last time’s… interruption, General Martok of the Klingon Empire has graciously volunteered to hear all complaints regarding the second delay,” I continued, letting the humor build. “He assures me he’ll handle them with the full diplomatic subtlety for which his people are universally renowned. Personally, I’m looking forward to the show.”

That earned a louder laugh, and Martok, ever the good sport, shot an exaggerated glare at anyone who dared meet his gaze, drawing more amusement from the crowd.

“I joked to General Martok that, at this rate, I was half-expecting the Gorn, the Tholians, or maybe even the Organians to show up and delay us again,” I said with a laugh, joined by the crowd at the sheer absurdity of the idea. Those races hadn’t been encountered in centuries. “The Ferengi betting houses have the Organians listed at 10,000 to 1—mostly because no one’s heard from them in over a century and they’re practically Gods. Personally, I think—”

Naturally, because this is my life, I didn’t get to finish the sentence.

With a flash of brilliant white light, a smoking red envelope materialized mid-air, styled like something out of an ancient Earth wizarding school. It hovered ominously for a beat, parchment curling at the edges, radiating heat and drama in equal measure before it came to me.