Velvet's Story Ch. 14 - "Report"

Instructions

Ch.14: “Report” Dianne was in the Cafeteria when Velvet walked into the room. Habitually she greeted him, and in response he waved his tired hand. After getting his breakfast, he sat down next to her, took off his helmet, and picked up his fork. His hands shook. Dianne thought to ask him about it. Unfortunately, Sage was sitting across the table with Cyrus in her lap, accompanied by Summer. Sandy sat on the other side of Velvet. Dianne needed him alone. “How are you feeling, Velvet?” asked Dianne gently. Velvet nodded in response. “I’m alright,” he added quietly. “And you, Sandy?” “Quite fine. It's good to see us all in one piece,” Sandy replied mildly. Dianne was beginning to become annoyed. Why wouldn’t they just leave? But eventually, Dianne got her wish. It was about time for everyone to go start on their tasks if they hadn’t already. Dianne watched Sandy, Sage, Summer, and everyone else in the room slowly clear out. She caught Velvet before he did the same. “Velvet, I need to talk to you.” Concern edged into her voice— enough concern to make Velvet sit back down beside Dianne. “Yes?” he asked. “I’ve been… worried about you.” Dianne gently held Velvet’s hand. “Your hands are always shaking, and that red Imposter— Axel— he seemed to know you…” Velvet looked away. Dianne could tell he wasn’t comfortable, so she softened her tone. “You don’t have to tell me anything, Velvet, I just thought you might like to tell someone… and I didn’t want you to have to deal with whatever this is alone…” Silence. Dianne squeezed his hand, and he looked back at her. “I-I…” “Yes?” “I d-don’t want to talk about it.” Dianne nodded. “I understand.” Velvet met Dianne’s gaze. He seemed grateful. “I should… really go get started on my tasks.” “You’re right. I should, too.” Velvet smiled a little. After saying goodbye, he headed off, leaving Dianne standing in the Cafeteria alone. Dianne cleaned up her dishes and turned to another hall to start on her tasks as well. She had tried and failed to get information out of Velvet, but she was clearly getting closer to her goal. Eventually he'd break. It was only matter of time. Dianne was halfway through the door to Admin when a loud, alarm-like sound suddenly sounded through the ship. Dianne nearly jumped. Instinctively, she darted to the Cafeteria. As people filed into the cafe— their expressions mixed with sadness, fear, and horror— Dianne barely paid attention to them. Her mind was now teeming with questions. She tried to recall the last time she had killed someone… no, it had been a long while, and they had already found out about it. When everyone had collected into the room, Dianne looked over each scared-looking Crewmate. She couldn’t believe it. There was another Imposter on the ship.