"What? You want me gone?"
Lorne wore a smile that never reached his eyes, frightening Danitz into taking two steps back.
"N-no, I wouldn't dare."
His Sequence was clearly higher, yet every time Danitz saw that expression on Lorne's face, a chill shot up his spine.
It felt like being watched by a sea monster from the depths.
"Heh."
Lorne slowly approached while Danitz inched along the wall. After four or five steps, he suddenly froze.
"Meow."
At some point, Lucky had slipped behind him, blocking his escape. Her amber eyes gleamed eerily in the dim storeroom. Cornered by the man and cat, Danitz's legs began to tremble.
He forced himself to puff out his chest. "Brando, don't push your luck. This is our turf."
"Heh-heh? Oh?"
"Weren't you the one who invited me here in the first place?"
"So you do remember this is your turf!"
"Y-you're going to..." Danitz's Adam's apple bobbed violently. All the fear and anxiety that had built up over the past few days reached a breaking point.
Lorne suddenly rested a hand on his shoulder, making him flinch.
"Don't be so nervous, 'boss.'" Lorne deliberately used the title to needle him. "Aren't I your little underling?"
Danitz swallowed, his throat working. "That was just a joke."
"Hmm... a joke." Lorne chuckled, then abruptly spoke up. "Danitz..."
"Yes, sir!" Danitz snapped to attention on reflex.
"You only want me gone because you're afraid I'll tell everyone what happened those two days and ruin your reputation. Am I right?"
Danitz gulped.
Taking his silence as agreement, Lorne continued.
"You came to see me today partly for your own sake, but I imagine some of the other crew members put you up to it too."
"Mm..." Not daring to hide it, Danitz gave a slight nod.
Seeing