13. Manipulator Skargath Kohath Flesh Shifter

13

Manipulator Skargath: Kohath Flesh Shifter

I stride down the corridor, my heart racing with a mix of fear and anger. The encounter with the human, Skylar Zavien, in the flight chamber has left me, Manipulator Skargath, Flesh Shifter of the Fourteenth Hive, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

The way the human female reacted when she saw me— the fear in her eyes, her retreat at my sensory antennae, the whispered conversation with her sistan companion— it all points to one terrifying conclusion: she saw something of my true form.

How?

My only saving grace is the human Skylar Zavien does not seem to understand what she saw. We of the Kohath rarely bother with the other side of the Zone Four Barrier. It is not because we cannot crush their defenses should we choose, but because until now, it distracted us from our true banquet, the Asheraah.

What worth did weak, scaleless, clawless lumps of flesh offer us beyond a quick meal? Their technology is inferior, and the beings within are easy enough prey for those of us strong enough to use the pathways of the beyond to cross the void.

Now, it seems, we might have missed the depth of the resources—and threat—in Zone Four. If these humans can see through our abilities, we must study and then eliminate them.

But time is short. How long until she tells the Raiva what she saw? And how long until he understands the truth of her vision?

I had intended to challenge Raiva Tan after arranging an accident for his second, Ano. But now, we must accelerate the plan. We cannot fail. After months of fooling the advanced Asheraah scanners, to think a stinking human female could undo my disguise is almost too much to bear. The stakes are too high, and our mission is too important.

As I approach the quarters of Communication Specialist Tar'Quin, I steel myself for what's to come. The challenge against the Raiva for the human female is now not just a part of our plan— it's become a necessity for my very survival. I must win, at any cost.

The hum of the jamming field passes over my exoskeleton as I enter the compartment. My fellow Kohath agent, Operator Morthrix, is sucking the guts from the carcass of a flitterrat, one of the Star Shadow's nocturnal vermin. Morthrix's physical form is that of an Asheraah communication specialist, and I see that form superimposed over his true insectoid form, the ash-white carapace splattered with guts and viscera.

We are messy eaters, especially when the food, such as it is, has been too long dead.

"Is there a problem, brother?" Morthrix asks as he removes his antennae from the corpse, swiping his tongue over the tips with a slurp. "Our meeting is not scheduled until the cycle after next. "

"We must accelerate our timetable." At his inquisitive chitter, I explain what happened in the flight chamber.

"Are you sure?"

I whip my stinger outwards, tapping at the gap in his exoskeleton between his jaw and neck. "Do not challenge my judgement, Infiltrator." I hiss in our proper tongue.

Morthrix, cowed, lowers his head. "My apologies."

"Leak what we have planted in the Asheraah ship's logs. We must sow doubt about this human. And then I will challenge the Raiva, eliminate him, and claim the human as my own."

"It is a good plan, Senior Flesh Weaver," Morthrix grovels. I resist the urge to poison him, just a little. So he once again understands the value of agony. But I cannot risk compromising his focus when our plans are so close to fruition.

Later, I promise myself. His cries will mingle with the human's screams, and in it I will know peace.

"And while I am dispatching of the Raiva, you will use the distraction to plant the virus. When it is done, we shall return not only with the ship, but a valuable test subject. We shall be elevated for our contribution to the Hive."

"It will be done." Morthrix hisses, showing his rows of sharp teeth in anticipation. "At last, a chance to strike a blow against our enemies."

Perhaps, if he performs admirably, I will allow him to have his part of the reward. After I have punished him for his disrespect.

Mandibles twitching with eagerness, I turn to the door. "For the Hive. For the Masters. For our Glory."

"For our Glory," Morthrix echoes.

Events are moving swiftly in our favor. Soon we of the Kohath will have a valuable prize, tearing the battlecruiser Starshadow and all the Asheraah on it asunder.

And none too soon. I am exhausted of impersonating the Asheraah. Their scaled hides and manners are so… limiting. But when the work is complete, I will let the facade drop, and they will know pain, fear, and true despair.