Chapter Nine
Cyborg stood stock still just at the water's edge, scanning the ocean that surrounded them. With every move of its head and eyes came little clicks and other odd noises. Just behind it, telescope clutched in his bony hands, Murdoc watched it intently. A few yards behind him stood 2D. The morning had started out uneventful enough with the two men and Hailey meeting up in the kitchen for breakfast before parting away to do their own things. Murdoc had kicked around the idea of accosting Hailey in the bedroom and had actually been in the lift preparing to do just that when the intercom had crackled to life, the Cyborg's flat and emotionless voice warning him of something picked up on its radar. Any and all thoughts of a slap and tickle session vanished just that quick, Murdoc pushing the lift buttons to take him down to the beach versus up another level to his bedroom. Fears he hadn't given much thought to since the tour started rearing their ugly heads. Should have known the peace wouldn't last. The three of them had managed to survive one another on the island now for nearly five months. Couldn't say it was any kind of domestic tranquility, but they'd managed. The fears could be completely unfounded though. Whatever the Cyborg had picked up, it could be anything! A cruise ship, a military submarine going through its routines, some rich yuppies out on their yacht exploring the world, any one of those could be the blip on the little robot's radar.
It took a step back, turning its lifeless eyes towards Murdoc. "I detect several anomalies, sir. Cannot determine whether watercraft or marine life at this time"
This was not what he wanted to hear. He needed to know for sure what the hell was out there, whether it be a cruiseliner or a pod of dolphins. Stretching out the telescope, he looked through it, seeing only more and more ocean. Of course he wouldn't see anything substantial yet. If it was far away enough to escape identification from the Cyborg there was no way he'd be able to see it with his lousy telescope. He closed the telescope with a sign, glancing over at 2D, who was staring out at the ocean with wide and terrified eyes. "It's nothin', mate. Orca pod or somethin' like that."
"You dunno for sure, Murdoc," 2D whispered, his black eyes still fixed at the stretch of water and horizon. "Not even Cyborg can tell what it is." The lanky bastard looked as if he'd pass out from shock if he kept working himself up. No point in getting overly panicked about it until they knew for sure what the hell was out there. 2D blinked, glancing over at Murdoc. "When will it know what it is?"
"Couldn't answer that, Dents," Murdoc huffed, turning back towards the small trail that led back to the entrance of the house. "We'll know when we'll know." There was hope that whatever the robot detected, it was harmless, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was something else. The only good thing being that if they were far enough away to avoid being identified, this bought them some time to prepare. It would mean trusting the dent-head with a weapon and seeing how good of a shot Hailey was also. He knew how Stu felt about weapons, but Hailey? She'd never mentioned her opinion or experience when it came to gun use, but it wasn't like a regular topic of discussion either. For all he knew, she was just as anti-gun as the Face-Ache. Wouldn't that be a rat's arse right there? Well, she wouldn't have a choice in the matter if it came down to life or death, right? Pick up a gun and fight to die.
"It said several anomalies," 2D added, the tension in his voice obvious. "Several! An' it can't tell what it is yet. Are we gonna stand here like sittin' ducks an' let them blow us t' pieces?" There was no holding back now, the scrawny twerp was ready to go into full blow panic mode. "We need t' get the fuck outa here, Muds!"
"Fuckin' relax, man!" Murdoc barked over his shoulder. "Seriously, mate, there's no point in panickin' until we know what it is. Dun' get an'more worked up than you a'ready are. You'll make yourself sick." He stopped just at the narrow and rickety stairs, glancing back at the ocean. "Until we know what we're dealin' with, dun' say a word 'bout this t' Hailey." He wasn't even sure if he could trust the blue haired twerp to not say anything. Once the man panicked, there was little that could be done to calm him. And while Hailey generally had a good head on her shoulders, facing potential death might crack that resolve in two seconds flat. It was simply best to wait it out and see what the Cyborg picked up on its radar. Until then, act as if it's nothing.
He could hear 2D shuffling behind him as he made his way through the entrance and towards the lift. All he wanted to do was make a drink and relax on the balcony above. Try to take advantage of the peace while they still had it. Leaving the island could be a valid option, but there was the very real risk of being discovered and blown out of the water. And he wasn't ready to leave his island. He loved his island. Why should he abandon it? It would mean all the work he put into it was in vain. He was the one who had the house constructed. He was the one who'd lived there for months and months salvaging shit and making it workable again while living out of a cave like a fucking neanderthal. Nobody else did any of this! His own blood, sweat and tears went into this island to make it what it was and the Face-ache had the audacity to suggest they run like cowards?
He could feel Stu's black eyes boring into him as the lift carried them up to the study. Christ, don't let the man run his mouth just yet. Murdoc didn't need two flakes having panic attacks while he tried to get his own head together. Especially at this point when nobody even knew what the hell it was out there. It would be fucking hilarious if 2D and Hailey were freaking out over a pod of dolphins but he just didn't need that headache. 2D was reasonably manageable, but he had no idea just how Hailey would react to such a thing. "I mean it, man, dun' say a word t' Hailey. We crystal?" he demanded gruffly as the lift doors opened. "I see no point in panickin' until we know for sure what is out there."
2D gave a small nod, a small whimper escaping from him as they exited the lift. Murdoc made a bee-line for the globe-cooler, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. He needed a drink. He also needed some time alone without the damned Face-ache wedged up his arse. He didn't want to think about what it was the Cyborg picked up on its radar. How long had he been on the run? Two, three years now? And he hadn't exactly kept himself hidden. He'd flaunted the flimsily put-together Gorillaz any chance he'd gotten and never gave a second thought to whoring himself out to the media outlets and whomever else guaranteed him and the band the fame and limelight. It was only a matter of time before the Black Clouds caught up with him. And though he knew his time of reckoning would come sooner or later, he hadn't thought about the fact that he'd most likely have someone with him when the day came. He had more than his own hide to worry about. Still sensing 2D behind him, he glanced back over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes. "Dun' you have somethin' better t' do, mate? I'd like a lil' space, if you dun' mind."
2D frowned, clearly pricked by his words. "Fine, man, whatever. I'll go in the studio or sumfin'." He turned away on his heels, stalking towards the double doors that slid open to the studio. Who gave a toss if the lanky freak was spooked and agitated? He didn't have several other people to worry about and an island! Murdoc scowled at the floor, taking a breath. He had ten times the burden on his shoulders at the moment and no amount of positive thoughts helped. He had himself, the island, the instruments, Hailey, the Spawn and the fucking singer himself to worry about. The brain-ache would have cracked under that kind of pressure!
He lifted his gaze, seeing Hailey out on the balcony. Lounging comfortably in one of the lounge chairs, catching some sunshine. Oblivious to the potential danger they might be in. His eyes fell to the obvious bump that her shirt failed to hide, his frown deepening. A whole plethora of other problems right there. Her being in danger meant the Spawn being in danger. And they were both still trying like hell to figure this whole mess out between themselves. He didn't even know what it was they had, really. He enjoyed it, for the most part, but still unsure just where they stood. There was no status. Nothing acknowledged between them. She never brought up discussion of their status and apparently seemed to be content with things as they were. He knew something needed to be discussed eventually. There was no more talk about abandoning the Spawn, no more talk of options. He just remained silent on the matter and watched her go along. And if they made it off the island alive, what would they do with themselves then? He wasn't going to deny that he enjoyed her presence. Couldn't deny that she made him feel good, even if she could be a tart now and again. But he just wasn't sure he was ready to announce any sort of exclusiveness. Or maybe he was and was worrying about her own reactions? She'd made it clear that she had no trouble walking away and going it alone if that was what he wanted. So cold and logical about it that it made him question how invested she was in their little thing. That would be the day, eh? Murdoc Niccals getting attached to a bird and the bird not giving a shit one way or the other. The media would just love that.
She perked her head up when he opened the slider and stepped out. Sunglasses perched on her nose, dark hair loose at her shoulders. All comfort with the loose shirt and his own thread-bare cotton pajama pants. He said nothing as he claimed the lounge-chair beside her, groaning as he eased his body into the cushions. He needed a drink. Should have grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the globe-cooler. Without a word, she pushed her juice drink at him. "Thirsty?"
Cracking a smile, he accepted the glass, taking a few drinks from it before setting it back onto the little table. "Warm t'day," he muttered, getting comfortable in the lounge-chair. His sunglasses were just within reach on the table as well. Christ, this woman had nearly everything he needed other than a cold hard drink. Even his captain's hat. "What have you been up t' so far this afternoon?" he asked as he grabbed the shades and hat.
"Not much," she chirped, reclaiming her glass. "Spawn's moving around a bit, getting a little uncomfortable. Decided to be a lazy bum and lay down." Wincing, she slowly pushed herself upright, now looking directly at him. "Did the robot spot something out there? Seemed a bit urgent." It occurred to him that she never really referred to the Cyborg as anything other than the robot. And she said it with a definite hint of disdain. She was wary of it and didn't bother to hide this. Initially he'd assumed the singer had filled her head with horror tales of the monstrosity during their touring months, but soon realized that she simply disliked it because it wasn't human. Made to look human, but nothing more than a shell.
She was still staring at him, expecting an answer. Pulling the hat low over his eyes, he shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno yet, Poppet. Cruise liner, most likely." Not much more he could say at this point. He needed to know what it was they'd be dealing with before letting the cat out of the bag. Maybe Hailey suspected the worst already? It wasn't like this whole cock up with the Black Clouds was a new thing. He and Hailey had discussed it to an extent. More than once, he'd been rattled awake by the nightmare of their attack on Noodle's island. It always ended the same way. Finding Noodle in the wreckage only to realize it wasn't Noodle, but the Cyborg. The Clouds still wanted his head on a platter and if they found them on the island, they were all sitting ducks. They'd target anyone and everyone who was and could get close to him. "I'll know more later," he added, lighting a cigarette. The silence that followed told him that she wasn't going to press the matter further and he was quite alright with that. He had too much on his damned mind.
When Hailey uttered a small noise, he turned his head, watching as she shifted on the lounge chair, hand braced against her stomach. "Moves too damned much," she whined as she eased herself back into the cushions. "I know it's not that big, but sure feels like it."
Murdoc frowned, his gaze falling to her stomach. Reason said she should be seeing a proper doctor to make sure all was well. Based off the timeline, they both figured she was at the five month mark. More than halfway there now. Three and a half, maybe four more months to go. It had certainly started to take its toll on her over the last several weeks. He tried not to discuss it too much, still not certain where he stood on the matter. It was also difficult to admit that he did find seeing the process up close rather fascinating. It did move a lot and you could feel it moving around when you touched at her stomach. Hailey had even let 2D in on this action. It didn't move around for Stu-Pot as much as it did for Hailey and Murdoc, but the few brief times 2D had felt it had left him with a big and stupid gap-toothed smile. Sentimental bastard got his jollies in weird ways, no doubt about it. He'd even started pestering them about names. Neither of them had even thought that far ahead just yet. Hell, Murdoc was still struggling with the reality of it. Don't make it more real by asking what the hell they were going to name the sodding thing! He knew he was warming to the idea, but taking it slow. Baby steps.
Christ, he still wasn't sure where he and Hailey even stood. Relationship of convenience? If and when they actually leave this island, what would they do then? The entitled bachelor in him rallied at the idea of finding some new tail right away, but another part of him started presenting a suggestion that settling down wasn't such a bad thing. It was no secret that he and Hailey got on well enough. Similar enough to enjoy each other's company long term but also understanding each other enough to know when they each needed their individual space. Their bedroom antics had cooled down a little, but this was mostly due to Hailey's current circumstances. And he was okay with that. She found new things to keep his attention that didn't require the usual rough and tumble they'd enjoyed so much. More than once, he'd been left laying on his bed – completely spent – without him even getting a chance to touch her. It was difficult to think beyond the present, really. He lived day by day, enjoying the company around him and whatever arrangement he and Hailey had going on. And he realized that there was a very real possibility of them parting ways once they all got back to dry land. Whatever spark they had would die. He normally wasn't one for settling with a partner long term and neither was she. Tied together through the Spawn or not, once back with civilization and having a pick of new partners to choose from, could they manage together or would the temptation of something new be too great?
He blinked, realization sinking in. He was perfectly okay with keeping her around as long as she wanted him around. He was perfectly fine with having her and her alone. It had been years since the last time he'd seriously considered this. A new piece of arse was fun, sure, but he had someone there who was willing to do whatever he wanted and always had some rather perverse ideas of her own. Nothing he did or tried to do surprised her or scared her. And even with all his own insecurities and faults, she didn't mock him or un-man him about it. Simply there for him. And he wasn't willing to give that up just yet, even if things had taken an odd and serious turn. Hailey rarely ever spoke of anything beyond what was happening in the moment. She kept most of her thoughts and feelings to herself. And this left him curious as to what she was thinking about regarding their little thing. Did she want something more or was she simply playing it by ear? What exactly did she want out of this? What did she hope and want for the Spawn? An intact family or some hope that they could work together to raise it, even if leading separate lives? He'd never once in his life considered settling with the whole family thing. Seeing it all happen up close and personal shook him to his very core. It was one thing to unwittingly sire a handful of crotch droplings and not even know of them until decades later, another thing entirely to know it was happening and see it day by day.
Christ, was he even capable of raising something? What the fuck did he know of parenting? His only life examples were his father and older brother. Not exactly stellar parenting there. His father had been an abusive drunk who only saw government paychecks and his brother denied paternity to nearly all the slags he'd knocked up and walked away to leave them to their own devices. And it occurred to Murdoc that he had been no different than Han. Look at the women who'd come forward with claims only to be turned away with hush money or the cash needed to terminate the problem. The only thing that separated him and his brother was that he really didn't deny the claims, he just wanted them to go away. And then there were the ones who'd outright lied. They pushed the claims until he demanded testing. Many had backed down and a few had pushed it further only to find out their precious little snot monsters were not his at all. Thank Satan for that! He'd be damned if he ended up like the fucking Face-Ache and lose the majority of his income to supporting these unplanned and unwanted little monsters.
So what made this whole situation different? Why wasn't he sending her back with a wad of cash and demands that she leave him be? Had the last two or three years really taken that much of a toll on him? Was there a difference between a several month fling versus some one night shag in his dressing room? He knew he liked her, knew he liked having her around. Enjoyed her presence and humor. And unlike those fly by night shags, was very solid and secure with what she wanted and how she wanted it done. She had no qualms about his more dominating nature in the bedroom, but had a dominating nature of her own that could turn into heated power plays which turned him on more than just being allowed to do whatever he wanted.
Lost in thought, he didn't hear the slider door or the stiff staccato foot-steps of the Cyborg. Its flate and cold voice brought his attention back to his surroundings. "Sir, a word, if you please?"
Hailey cast a quick glance at the creature, sneering before returning to her juice drink. Murdoc pushed himself from the lounge-chair, adjusting the sunglasses on his nose. "What is it?"
The Cyborg cocked its head, its glass eyes shooting towards Hailey. "In private, sir. Away from the female." Without waiting for further instruction, it turned on its heels and went back through the slider. Hailey uttered a sharp scoff, mumbling under her breath as she opened a book. Sighing, he followed it through the slider, catching sight of it as it ventured up to the roof-top terrace.
Climbing the narrow stairs, he followed through the narrow hatch, slamming it shut behind him. The Cyborg stood at the far edge of the terrace, dangerously close to the edge. It gave the ocean one final scan before finally turning to him. "Further scans determined that the anomalies are several crafts. Two water crafts and at least three aircraft. They're coming straight at Point Nemo, sir."
"Shit," he muttered, flicking his cigarette from the roof. This was what he feared. Though he'd tried his damnedest to live it up like an eternal holiday, it would have only been a matter of time before he was tracked down. Time was now more precious than ever. "How long?"
"Based off speed and current weather conditions, approximately eleven days, sir. There are no storms in the forecast, so possibly sooner." It was still staring at him, waiting for the next command. "Your orders, sir?"
Murdoc frowned, staring at the ground. He didn't know what to do. Even if the estimated arrival time was off, it still meant the Black Clouds had found the island and were heading straight for it. Evacuation was a possibility, but the sub had been docked in the lower hub due to engine and electrical issues. It would take time to fix, time they didn't really have. Could get the Cyborg on top of that and at least have it operational for when they could get the fuck out of there. And if the Clouds invaded before they could escape, what then? They could fight, yes, but it would only be him, Stu and the Cyborg. He didn't want to chance Hailey taking a stand with them. Would be he able to keep her hidden long enough for them to fend off the pirates and make their escape? "How secure are the lower levels? Could we keep Hailey down there until the coast is clear?"
"Sir, with all due respect, we need all able bodied adults capable of fighting," it said in a matter of fact voice. "I have enough weaponry and ammo in the hub and my charging cupboard to arm all inhabitants of Point Nemo."
"No," he snapped, lighting another cigarette. "She's not fightin'. Not a chance. She can't."
"She is a strong female in good health, sir," it protested. "She is fully capable of fighting."
"The hell she can!" He fixed the Cyborg with an icy glare. Artificial intelligence could be a bitch. He knew it came to conclusions based on the information it processed around it but hadn't counted on it actually outright defying a command. "What's your primary objective?" he demanded hotly. "Tell me now!"
"Protect Murdoc Niccals, master bass player and god," it stated automatically.
"New objective." He was surprised at the firmness of his tone in spite of his anxious state. "New objective...protect all inhabitants of Point Nemo, you bucket of fuckin' bolts. Me, the singer, Hailey an' what's growin' inside Hailey. Are these orders clear 'nough?"
"New objective verified, sir. Protect all inhabitants of Point Nemo, including offspring of Murdoc Niccals, master bass player and god." It was still standing stock still at the far edge of the terrace, staring back at him blankly. Maybe he should have fucked around with the AI a bit so it could actually reflect some sort of facial expressions or even body gestures? It looked so bloody creepy just standing there like that, watching him and waiting for whatever new orders he might come up with. After a moment of silence, it finally moved, walking briskly past him towards the hatch. "I will go and prepare the weapons, sir. Will the idiot singer of Gorillaz need arms training?"
Murdoc blinked, looking over his shoulder at the machine. The reality of it was hitting. If they wanted to have a fighting chance of getting off this rubbish heap alive, Stu would need to be trained and trained quickly. They may very well die anyway, all of them. He wasn't naïve or stupid enough to believe the Clouds would let Stu and Hailey go if he surrendered to them. And who the fuck was he kidding? Murdoc Niccals, surrender? Fuck that noise. If they could get the sub back up and operational and hold their ground long enough to get the fuck off the island, they had a fighting chance. He took a drag from his cigarette, giving the Cyborg a curt nod. "Tell him he dun' have a choice."
It was amazingly clear and warm outside. One thing Hailey enjoyed about the isolation was the ability to see the stars in the night sky. With no city lights to hide them, they were vibrant and bright in the dark sky above. Sneaking a quick drag from the ill gotten cigarette, she leaned into the rails, looking down at the beach below. She wasn't even sure of where Murdoc had disappeared to, but glad simply because she had been dying for a cigarette all fucking day. He'd gotten weird about her habits and health. She found this extremely odd seeing that he still had trouble even discussing the coming Spawn. What started as a suggestion that she cut back on her smoking turned into all the cigarettes disappearing. She was suddenly barred from eating tuna and the occasional swordfish she fancied once in a while. Not even a fucking tuna fish sandwich! Fine, the fish she could live without, but she bordered on killing both the guys for confiscating all the cigarettes. Greedy bastards. Finding the random pack tucked away in a drawer had been like finding gold itself and she had happily hid it away to take as she felt she needed. Sure, he cared enough to do something, she reasoned, but it wasn't like she was some child who couldn't control herself. And if he was still hesitant about accepting the Spawn, why get weird about it?
She glanced down at her stomach. Why do these little buggers complicate things so badly? Things were going reasonably great until this came along, right? He hadn't sent her packing yet, so maybe not as bad as she thought, but still. He must have been warming up to the idea, though. Touching her stomach more, listening to it and even sometimes talking to it (never in the open where he could be seen by 2D, though). Fascinated and curious but also apprehensive and wary. She didn't blame him for not knowing how to handle it all. When your only concern for your entire life is you and you alone, it can shake a person to their core to suddenly realize they now have to worry about something or someone else. Hell, Hailey could remember when ever the idea of being a pet owner gave her anxiety. And somehow the cosmos decided the both of them were ready to try to raise another human?
When the slider opened behind her, she took a final drag from the cigarette and flicked it into the darkness. She could hear the soft slap of bare feet against the tiles as they approached her. She'd grown familiar with their individual footsteps and even without the familiar boots, knew that it was Murdoc. 2D didn't come out much late in the evening, not out to the balcony anyway. She watched as Murdoc leaned into the rails beside her, staring out at the dark sky and ocean that surrounded them. "Warm night," he remarked casually, lighting a cigarette and handing her a spare. She gave a short nod as she accepted the cigarette offered. He shifted a bit where he stood, clearing his throat. "Reckon we should talk a bit 'bout what's goin' on, yeah?"
"Suppose," she murmured, unsure how to continue. She hadn't really expected him to be the one to bring it up. Granted, she'd been hesitant to bring it up also. They both seemed to circle the subject a great deal, never really getting into it. She lit her cigarette, casting him a sideways glance. "You wanna start?"
"Not really, Poppet," he said through a nervous laugh. "Was rather hopin' you'd be the one t' break the ice on this." He raked a hand through his hair, staring down at the darkness below. He seemed more distracted that anything. Hailey didn't think this whole situation could be weighing that hard on his mind, but something was clearly nagging at him. He exhaled loudly, shaking his head. "You'd really allow me t' walk 'way if that was what I wanted?"
Hailey frowned, suddenly unsure of how to respond. She had told him this. Several times, in fact. He'd never responded to the suggestions so she'd never really entertained the idea of just how it would be handled if it happened. Easy enough to convince yourself you'd allow it until it's actually brought up. He was staring at her now, waiting for her response. If that was what he wanted, she'd have to back up her word and allow it. After all, it had been her that suggested it and gave him the opening. "Yes," she muttered, taking a drag from her cigarette. That didn't sound convincing at all. And judging by the raised eyebrow, he doubted the sincerity of her response as well.
"You're a peculiar woman," he said, cracking a small smile. "An' while I think you meant it when you first suggested it, you're havin' second thoughts on that now." He turned his gaze back to the dark ocean and let out another sigh. "I mean, I dun' think you'd drag me through the legal an' financial headache of a claim, but I do think you're not as willin' t' call this thin' of ours quits as your originally thought. Am I right?"
"Dunno, honestly," she whispered as she took another hard drag from her cigarette. "I mean, I do enjoy whatever it is we have going on. It's nice. Not something I'd ever really considered. But I'm not naïve enough to believe it could become long term or anymore serious than it is now." She frowned, flicking her cigarette into the darkness. She hated trying to talk about how she felt. Stupid, ridiculous and utterly female. "I guess it's easier to just play it day by day versus actually figuring out our status."
Murdoc flicked his own cigarette into the darkness, resting the hand near hers. It was painfully obvious that this was just as uncomfortable for him as it was for her. He chewed his lower lip, only briefly looking over at her. After what seemed like a long and uncomfortable silence, he slid his hand over hers, grasping it loosely. "Reckon I'm game for whatever is 'head of us."
Hailey stared at his hand, the words not fully sinking in. So was this his way of saying he was willing to take a crack at this whole long term thing? And the coming arrival on top of it? No doubt he'd given the whole situation a great deal of thought. He could easily just ship her back and wash his hands of her but he wasn't doing that. Take a crack at things and if it doesn't work out, figure it out from there. She'd never put any emotional investment into her relationships so it was difficult to make sense of her conflicting thoughts. Easy enough to acknowledge that she enjoyed his company and found him charming in his own way. He'd revealed a lot to her over the months, which usually happens when you shared close quarters with someone for a length of time. She was torn over it. She didn't really want to acknowledge that the casualness of their relationship had been gone for a while and something a bit more complex had taken its place. Taking a slow and deliberate breath, she gave his hand a squeeze. "I'm not good at this, just so you know."
He erupted into a husky laugh, releasing her hand and placing it across her shoulders. "If you haven't a'ready noticed, Poppet, I'm not either. Nearly ever' time I tried this whole relationship thin', it a'ways turns in t' a massive cock up." Still laughing, he passed her a fresh cigarette. "I've done a lot of great thins', but I've also done a lot of ridiculously stupid thins', lovey. I figure it best t' tell you now so we can figure this mess out. Now you know where I stand on it, yeah? If you still want t' stick 'round after I share the next bit of news, I'll be bloody surprised."
Hailey furrowed her brow, peering up at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"
His smile faltered, eyes shifting to the darkness of below. "What the Cyborg picked up on its radar. It's not a cruiseliner..." He took a breath, exhaling slowly. "Remember some of the thins' I told you 'bout? The group that attacked Noodle on the island an' all an' who I'd been hidin' from for so long?"
"The Black Clouds," she said flatly, realizing quickly what he was getting at. "They finally found you..." Hailey suddenly felt numb, only vaguely aware of his hand curling around hers again. He'd never given too much detail surrounding his issues with the pirate group, but she'd done enough reading about it all online to realize that this was not a group to take lightly. They were vicious, relentless and deadly. You just didn't cross them and think you could walk away. She didn't know how Murdoc had connected with them, just that he had. Selling drugs, guns and whatever else he could to get some cash. She didn't know the full details surrounding his dealings with the group, only that some of the things had fallen through and they wanted their money. Or his head. Didn't matter at this point, right? They'd tracked him down and were coming for him. They'd destroy the entire island and everyone on it. Kill all three of them. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. As good as dead. This was his reality. Her reality. 2D's reality. "Can we evacuate?"
Murdoc shook his head slowly, a low noise coming from his throat. "I'm 'fraid we can't. Not at the moment an'way. Sub's outa commission. Needs some work done." He looked utterly lost, unable to look at her. She could still feel his hand holding hers, the trembling giving away his fear and anxiety. "All we can do at this point is prepare t' fight, Poppet. Buy us some time t' try an' get outa here. Not sure how..." His voice trailed, a groan escaping from him as he rested his head against the metal rails. "So, yeah, if we get outa this 'live, reckon I'd like t' see where this thin' we have goes."
Hailey looked over at him, still unsure of just what to say. He looked miserable and frightened, just as he did when they'd first met. He was in over his head and he knew this. Only this was ten times more dangerous than a stupid robot malfunctioning and ruining his cover while touring. She couldn't find any words of comfort. She realized that aside from the gut twisting fear that now threatened to take over, she was also angry. Angry that he'd gotten her and 2D into this mess. Angry that her lifespan was most likely now reduced to days. But if they made it out alive, what then? Decide he was just too much of a handful and leave anyway? Probably the smartest thing she could do. She took in his shaken state, his head still against the rails. He knew she could easily decide this was too much and leave should they get out off the island alive. Any smart and rational person would do just that. But even as she considered this, she realized she wasn't so sure of herself. She could easily say there were no feelings there at first, but now? Couldn't say what it was, but she knew she felt something.
He lifted his head, staring up at her. The stress was there, plain as day across his features. "If we get outa this 'live, I'd like for you t' stay. Help me out, like you've a'ready been doin'. I'd make sure you're taken care of, the Spawn too." He gave her hand another squeeze as he leaned into her, pressing his head to hers. "Whatever it is you want t' do, I'll be fine with it."
Hailey mulled over this. He was giving her his own green light. At least he acknowledged that most sane people wouldn't stick around with him after realizing just how careless he could be. And for all she knew he'd go right back to the way he was if he got out of this unscathed. But she realized that she probably wouldn't be so quick to throw in the towel with whatever they had going on. Going back to Seattle meant going back to nothing, didn't it? It had been five months since she'd disappeared. The job market was harsh, even with her education and skills. The advertising firm wouldn't be so quick to hire her back after dropping off the face of the planet for nearly half a year. She had no close friendships in the city, no home and no job. Literally nothing. Remaining meant some level of comfort and companionship.
Slowly, he released her hand and lit a new cigarette. Every part of him was shaking. "I'm scared, Hailey," he whispered, almost unheard. "So fuckin' scared."