Pearl & Quasit (Pt. 58)

Pearl embarked the Phengodidae, strode towards the bridge. She'd had no communiqué with Quasit, save to announce her return, to avoid any possible disruption in the ruse.

She entered the bridge to find Quasit in her Captain's Chair. He rose and greeted her as she said, "Set heading toward the Cepheid Celest." An innocuous enough destination.

As she sat, to her utter amazement, she found the Yu Qi Queen occupying Quasit's ship's helm, inputting her course. Off to the side, the Mariri nodded subtle approval.

Quasit's smile, quick, nervous. "I've been showing her a few things. She's a quick study."