I Became A Zompirewolf

Onboard the formidable Xyran mothership, Commander Ibis found solace in the repetitive target practice. Instead of a conventional target, a holographic projection of Ashton served as the focal point for her seething rage.

Each pull of the trigger sent searing plasma bolts towards the flickering image until, with a final burst, Ashton's hologram vanished, marking a symbolic 'death.'

Taking a moment to steady herself, Ibis removed her helmet, revealing a face contorted by frustration and lingering anger. The battle in the virtual realm provided a temporary outlet for her emotions, but the reality of their predicament gnawed at her core.

"I knew I shouldn't have trusted him... or Astaroth," She mumbled as she was about to start with another round when she heard a knock. "Come in!"

She was expecting a report on the Xyrans that Ashton had held captive, but instead, an attendant appeared from the door, carrying a communicator. 

"I think I instructed everyone to not disturb me!"

"Commander, the council has contacted you," the attendant informed, respectful and somewhat scared. "They said it was urgent, so I had to-"

"Fine..." Ibis, visibly annoyed, sighed but relented. "Leave it there. I'll call them in a second."

The attendant followed orders and exited the chamber. Alone again, Ibis took a moment to collect her emotions before picking up the communicator. 

"These geezers won't let me live in peace," she muttered as she dialled back to the council.

After Ashton's communication, the council unanimously decided to demote Ibis from a council member to a mere Commander, reverting to her previous title before joining the council. 

They deemed her responsible for the debacle with Ashton, believing that her failure to control Earth had led to their humiliation in the galactic community and Ashton's betrayal. 

Though Ibis had a lot to say, she chose to keep silent about the council's own mistakes, like blindly trusting Rood and Astaroth, even handing him the Soul Killer. Still, the bitterness brewed within her whenever she had to exchange words with the council. 

Dialling back to the council, Ibis braced herself for what awaited her on the holographic screen. A representation of a Xyran council member materialised, ready to discuss the impending exchange with Earth.

"Commander Ibis," The councilman got straight to the topic of discussion. "We need to discuss the upcoming exchange."

Ibis responded with a controlled tone, masking the underlying annoyance as they had already discussed it hundreds of times. 

"Councilmen, with all due respect, we've discussed this multiple times. I will act in Xenithar's best interests—"

"You are no longer a council member for you to cut me off like this," the councilman roared. "Do you need another demotion to get that through your head?"

The threat stoked the embers of Ibis's fury. Ibis clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger. The councilman's disrespectful tone fueled her frustration. 

While she held a council position, he had never dared to raise his voice before her. Now, with an undeserved punishment hanging over her, he treated her like filth below his feet.

The councilman must have noticed Ibis' expression, and his tone unexpectedly softened as thoughts of rebellion crossed her mind. 

The Xyran council might have stripped her of her title, but the daughter of the great Seraph still commanded a certain influence over the common folks of Xenithar. 

Ibis knew this but didn't want to cause any more drama; though she was still seething, she listened as he mumbled an apology. 

"Don't take my words too harshly," the man offered. "Like you, everyone has been on edge since the human's revelation about Lord Rood. Still, I was in the wrong and would like to apologise for what I said."

"It's fine... sir," Ibis managed a forced smile, replying. After all, she knew better than to let her anger cloud her judgment. "Rest assured, I will deal with the miscreant swiftly. After all, our priority is the safety of our people."

"Yes," the councilman replied. "Still, we cannot afford to lose our warships. Negotiate with him, but do not yield to his whims. We must ensure our strength remains intact."

Ibis nodded, and the councilman continued, "Offer him other things, but if Ashton remains stubborn, then... you might use them."

Hearing that, Ibis' eyes widened in shock, "But without him, the chances of defeating Kro'Han would drop significantly."

"Be as it may," the councilman replied. "Besides, in his condition, the council doesn't think he would be that useful either way. It is best to eliminate uncertainties before a war, and Ashton's support to us remains doubtful."

"I understand," Ibis nodded. "I will convey your orders to 'them' so they can act accordingly."

"Do as you will," the councilman said, but he had something else to tell her before leaving. "Oh, and do not tell Lucifer anything about our conversation."

He continued, "He was once Ashton's handler. He could still be in contact with him, which will cause problems for us if the plan leaked."

"Rest assured, sir. This conversation will remain between the council and myself."

"Very well then. I'm hoping to hear some positive news from you soon." 

As the communication ended, Ibis contemplated the council's words. The internal conflict within the Xyran leadership would have to be put aside as the external tensions with Earth were at an all-time high. 

Besides, Ibis knew she could get promoted whenever she liked, as she had much influence. But for now, she wanted to focus on Ashton and not think about the council. 

She knew the consequences of failing this negotiation could be severe, not only for the Xyran people but for their entire galaxy.

"But that doesn't mean I can't find a way to punish you," Ibis mumbled and dialled another number. "Yes, it's me. Your squad has been instructed to be on standby during the meeting."

"Going all-out, are we?" a mechanical voice emerged from the other side. 

"Not going all-out against that man would be the worst mistake of our life," Ibis said, shaking her head. "Just do this job, and I can have your charges dismissed."

"Very well then, I'll be waiting."