"This soft-bodied creature's slime is disgusting. I spent ages washing and still couldn't get it off."
Krauk walked over in a brand-new spacesuit, still sniffing himself in disgust to check for any lingering smell.
"You're here. I'll leave the fleet in your hands for now. I'm going to lead the attack on those stranded ships."
Gorpious spoke to him with its sharp-toothed mouth stretched into a grin.
"All right... huh?" Krauk agreed instinctively, then realized something was wrong.
Why had his insect buddy suddenly decided to hand him full authority over the fleet, even temporarily? Normally, Gorpious kept an iron grip on its command and refused to relinquish even a sliver of it.
"Hahaha, I'm part of the Empire now! With the Empire backing me, I'm not afraid of anything!"
Gorpious burst into hissing laughter.
Now, the entire Interstellar Human Military Junta had its back. It no longer had to live with its antennae tucked between its legs!
With no need to worry about its own survival or that of its fleet, it could freely exercise its talent for command.
"Congratulations, Chief." Krauk nodded, genuinely happy for it.
After spending so long together, it was impossible not to have developed some affection.
The one he ostensibly served was now on his side, which would also spare him any potential pangs of conscience in the future.
"Call me Commander now!" Gorpious said smugly. "I'll leave things here to you. I'm going into battle myself to have some fun. Haha, I'm so excited!"
The enormous Insectoid Leader spoke gleefully as it fitted one alloy exoskeleton armor plate after another onto its body.
Into battle itself? Didn't it mean piloting a warship itself? Krauk was a little puzzled, but he still took over Gorpious's command and remained aboard the Community.
"I'm off!"
Gorpious