"Is it really not the captain either?"
Himeko was not angry; she crossed her arms and looked at this woman who claimed to be named Mei yet looked identical to Mei. She appeared much more mature and composed, possessing a temperament similar to Mei's.
She only seemed to have more rationality than Mei, one could even say calculation.
There was also another detail...
How is this piece of work anything like Cecilia? Himeko felt a little puzzled inwardly. Are they all so sharp-tongued?
Upon her first encounter with Cecilia, that woman had mocked her as an older, unmarried woman, and taking advantage of her own youthful appearance, had called her auntie over and over again.
The Mei she met this time brought up her military rank to make a point, and it felt like there was mockery intended as well.
"Fine, as a major," Himeko endured this taunt and said, "I indeed cannot know everything going on aboard the ship."
"But this is the Valkyrie area, and also the core area of the Hyperion."
"Therefore..."
"If you want to investigate me," MEI interrupted before Himeko could finish, "either wait until you become a major general and take over as captain, or go to the security department for a search warrant."
"Otherwise, does a mere major like you have that kind of clearance?"
She really didn't!
On the Hyperion, field-grade officers were as common as dogs, general officers were all over the place, and company-grade officers were as numerous as nuclear-resistant cockroaches; you could toss a single brick and crush several of them.
Almost everyone here had a minimum rank starting at first lieutenant, and she, a mere major, simply didn't have this authority.
"If you're here to investigate me," MEI said coldly, "please complete the proper procedures. As long as