You could cut the tension on the bridge with a knife, which wasn’t a very good metaphor because soon Hibiki might be the one being cut by a knife. Hibiki watched the three girls that would decide his fate from Meia’s hands. He wanted them to be instantaneously refusing, but instead they seemed to be actually thinking it out. That worried Hibiki because that could mean two things. Either they’re seriously weighing his option, trying to decide between letting him live on at his current size or giving him a mercy killing in their bellies. The second reason they might be pausing, could be that they’re trying to think of a good recipe to cook him with.

Gasconge was the first to speak. She actually removed the long toothpick she had in her mouth and addressed the captain seriously.

“Ask me a few months ago, and I’d tell you, cook him in a stew to get the best flavor. But things change and if Hibiki dies, I imagine I would be sad.” Gasconge didn’t say any more. She put back her toothpick and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for this to be over.
Hibiki’s right eye twitched in exasperation after hearing Gasconge’s reason for wanting to keep him alive. What actually did she mean when she said, ‘she imagined'? He caught Gasconge’s eye and the older woman looked back. She winked at him and placed her finger against her lips. She had something else to add, but she felt more comfortable saying it to Hibiki alone. Gasconge was a secretive person, whose cool persona rarely came down, but more and more, Hibiki has seen beneath her guise and found someone surprisingly kind and sweet. Hibiki found himself blushing slightly. He quickly looked away before Gasconge could see how flustered he was. She wasn’t the only one that had to keep up an appearance.

“I’d like to say something.”

Everyone looked at Meia, including Hibiki, who had to lean back to see the giant face of the girl holding him. Her calm, collected face looked troubled, like she had something on her chest that she couldn’t get off. Her eyes wandered to Hibiki and her intense eyes softened suddenly. Seeing the small, naked form huddled in her hands made her feel funny. Not a bad funny, just a different funny. She didn’t understand how he was doing it or what it meant, but she wanted to continue feeling this funny feeling.

“Ma’am, I believe that disposing of Hibiki would be premature. His assistance so far has been crucial towards our survival and to rid ourselves of him in such a rash way is unwise. In my military opinion, keeping him alive could be beneficial in the future. Unless he formally requests suicide, it would be for the best if we keep among the crew for the time being. He will not need much food, be able to instruct us in using the vanguard and I will personally look after him, while not letting my training slack.” Her cold tone made everyone shiver, especially the naked Hibiki. She hadn’t said anything about her personal feelings or reasons other then cold, hard facts to support keeping Hibiki onboard. This disappointed Hibiki for some reason. He couldn’t figure it out himself, Meia had said he should stay on board, but hadn’t said anything about how she felt for the tiny male. Hibiki reminded himself that it didn’t matter. She didn’t want him dead, that was all he should care about. But for some reason, he really wished Meia would saw she liked him.

When Meia finished, Gasconge stepped forward. “I also, volunteer to look after Hibiki.”

“What!” Meia hissed. Looking at the Magno's third-in-command dubiously. Gasconge just coolly smiled, not saying a word. She had gotten out what she wanted to be heard; the rest was between her and her alone.

“We’re getting ahead of ourselves here. There’s still one more person that has to decide Hibiki’s fate before we can decide on where he’s going to stay,” Magno interjected.

Everyone looked at Dita, who looked like she was still struggling to decide. Her brow was creased as she tried to decide. Thinking about what was to be gained and what was to be lost. Her crimson locks shook as she tilted her head back in deep thought.

“If Mr. Alien has to go, will I get to eat him?”

Two feminine growls came from Meia and Gasconge. Their eyes narrowed at the naïve girl who was selfishly thinking of only herself. They’d always known that Dita wasn’t the brightest bulb, but this was idiocy to a new level for her. She couldn’t see the full ramification of what she was thinking. The only thing that she realized what that she could get a great meal out of Hibiki, not the fact that she’s be killing a dear friend.

Mango raised an eyebrow at Dita’s comment. Her lips curled back slightly into a tiny smile, when her eyes settled on the two fuming girls. Things were getting interesting.

“Before you answer, may I speak to Dita?” Meia asked. Gasconge asked the same question and the captain nodded. Meia put Hibiki down on the consul, giving him one more look to make sure he was safe before striding over to Dita. They surrounded her, looming over her like angels of death. Dita felt a sudden sinking feeling and backed up until she bumped into the wall. Meia first leaned over and started whispering into Dita’s ear. The captain and Hibiki couldn’t hear what she was saying, but it caused Dita to lose all the color in her face.

“You wouldn’t,” Dita stammered.

“You have to sleep sometime.” Meia’s smile was colder then the farthest reaches of space. Dita briefly looked at Gasconge, but looked away when the woman made a jerking motion across her throat with her thumb. That gesture alone was as affective as Meia’s whispers. The girls walked away from Dita, leaving the girl visibly shaking.

“Forget my question,” Dita quickly said. “I believe too that Hibiki should stay. Bye-bye.”

“Okay,” Magno slowly said, watching Dita rush out of the bridge like hell was licking at her tailcoats. Magno looked at Hibiki, who was back in Meia’s hand. He looked slightly confused about what had happened, but that confusion was replaced with happiness after Magno said, “Looks like you’re staying, Hibiki. Try not to get eaten.”