12. Bonds and Betrayal

Author's Note: Well...not much to say! But some fluff to brace for. :) And a dark revealing. :(

.000.

"I can't believe you nearly give me a practical heart attack for this." Mika grumbled with a tired sigh. She brushed a whisp of her silky smooth black hair behind her ear, and paid no heed of attention to the rather loud noise pattern of her clacking high heels. It wasn't as though she was angry, just a bit peeved. True the duty as a doctor meant an emergency could come at any given moment, but it was extremely rare for any sudden demand on The Warrior to occur just as she was merely trying to get out of bed for bloody starters!

With her lips pressed on a firm line, she knew it would be wrong to hold that against anyone and decided it be best to be let go. 'After all', she thought darkly to herself, 'Soon you'll be taking early morning swims in piles of cash'. The greed that was practically eating her insides alive, as she repeatedly resisted and dodged the guilt-filled thoughts each and every time. As she always strongly insisted to herself repeatedly, that anytime overall wasn't the right timing but soon she could think that.

'Geez, didn't know doctors don't do morning shifts.' Vasquez thought to herself bitterly, half tempted to roll her eyes but resisted the idea. Pissing off a medical professional wasn't the best idea right now, not with her own concerns. Sighing grudgingly, she then laid down on the examination table and lifted her shirt upwards, exposing her flat and tan abdomen.

She had asked- well no, really demanded- suddenly for an emergency sonogram to Mika just as the petite nurse had been leaving her office (for whatever reason she was in there so early) to head for breakfast. but being truly honest once again, Vasquez hadn't quite simply tapped mika on the shoulder and politely asked her. The feisty Marine had dare test against her still healing leg, nearly collapsing in the burning agony of reaction from doing too much physical action, and practicaly jumped at Mika, panting and pleading with stern eyes of determination.

"I just honestly don't see what you fear could be wrong. Yesterday all vital signs, and from the little one's as well, were fine." Mika murmured, pursing her lips together and humming some tune of an unrecognizable song to herself. "Be warned, you're very early in your first trimester so you probably won't see much, nor will I sadly see anything if there is something wrong." there was a grave pause of concern in Mika's tone of her warning.

If...that one embodiment of possibility and chances. A word that right now, Vasquez truly had begun to hate. There were plenty of other times and situations to which a 'What if' questioning for her was only just annoying and nothing more. What if Ferro and Spunkmeyer had made it, gotten them off that hellhole earlier and so at least they could get back to their little boy? What if the entire mission to escape had failed overall? What if someone had at least acted quicker, and the coloy was never attacked in the first place? What if she and Gormon had taken their lives in the vents?

Well almost any questioning. That last one she dare not think, it only sent a shuddering sensation down her spine. She had another brief bad dream about that last night. In the midst of waking up suddenly sick, she had also dealt with a horrific vision that Gormon silently decided to her that they end their lives in the vents, sacrifice themselves and take as many of the Xeno-what's-their-names as possible with them. Admittedly, Vasquez would've been somewhat content with it; Sending some of those monstrous bastards to Hell, and maybe on 'the other side' she'd be with Drake once again. But now the idea was terrible and out of the question, not with the realization being the death toll in the vents(of humans exactly) would've been three.

"..What I want to know is how the hell could you possibly do some type of activity within the last barely twenty four hours of being onboard that you think has hurt your baby." Mika's slightly naggy ramblings brought Vasquez back to reality.

"Uh..." her response trailed off softly, making Mika cock a brow sky high, unamused. Man, this nurse obviously did not like being disrupted from eating, or at least that was the given impression. What Vasquez couldn't find the exact words to explain was her fear that through the fighting on Hadley's Hope she somehow harmed the baby- whether from straining or that babbling of other apparent too-dangerous things to do from what she could remember Dietrich saying to Ferro. Still, Mika forced herself to calm down and have her hardened face turn sympathetic once again.

"Private, you surely don't want me to go down a list of personal questions now, do you? I need a specific reasoning." she shrugged her shoulders, as if to say 'Well that's just how it is'. Shaking her head, she just decided to continue on her way with the sonogram as if wanting to get it over with already. But there was something gleaming within Mika's chirpy eyes, as if in the good way she wanted to prove Vasquez wrong of her fears.

Whatever the case may be, she still tightened her fists and swallowed hard; her amber-chocolate brown eyes never once leaving the technologically advanced screen that had a main base frame held high above from the other controllers and such. It was also so thin, it looked as though the impossibly thin screen could possibly be floating like some holograph. In it's very bright dark blue glow, the most strangest image appeared- including finally what turned up to be a tiny blob that was nearly impossible to make it out.

"And...what the fuck is that supposed to be?" Vasquez drawed slowly, arching her brow upwards.

Mika supressed a light airy giggle, one that reminded Vasquez of the laughter of a child as the petite nurse's eyes stared adoringly at the little blob thing on the screen.

"That's your baby silly." she answered. "Barely at even two weeks, but that's what the machines can pick up as your child. It's still in an early fetus developement stage, so there's no heartbeat at all." she also added to explain.

This itsy bitsy little thing, so small that a kidney bean could probably outsize it, was her unborn child. Despite the death and despair, risks and losses, paranoia and betrayal up until now; This little baby of hers and Drake (the one true thing she had left of him) had made it.

"Mi milagro..." Vasquez purred softly to herself in awe. She wasn't one to melt easily, or rather at all, but she saw no point in being so hard-faced and tough at a time like this. No matter what, not a single negative thing from grief to anger, could taint the unexplainable moment.

"See? Told you, there's nothing wrong at all. You know, normally up until four years ago sonogram machines would've never been able to pick up a fetus so early in the weeks. But thank goodness for your relief, eh? Pretty soon they should come out with calculators for the blind next!" Mika mused cheerfully, though flushed a bit at her own bad joke.

Vasquez hadn't paid much attention, for she was still too preoccupied with musing at her own disbelief. What was there to think of, honestly? She never considered the role of motherhood, but with only aggressive somewhat maternal instincts as to making certain her younger sister Carmen had better opportunities than she did. Carmen...she had given much thought on the little sister who looked incredibly similar to her. It was an amusing thought to wonder what her reaction would be as to learning she was to be an aunt?

Oh and what of Drake? She simply couldn't help but think of him once again, closing her eyes and relaxening her previously tense body as the memories of him and them quickly flowed into her mind once again.

..Their lips met once again, brushing but growing intensely deeper. More furious rather, in sudden demand for one another without any plans of being interrupted. Their kisses were somewhat messy and slurpy, considering their drunken state, yet blissfully passionate admittedly. Her skin erupting in goosebumps as he trailed softly down her neck, her hands threading through his pale blond hair, while his were all over her body. Carressing lovingly, as if worshipping her practically, and she gasped in their slow rythmic thrusts.

She clutched onto him in desperation, her nails raking across his back and nearly making cuts. Swallowing down her screams, as he made a low groan of pleasure, murmuring her name repeatedly as she moaned, in such a bliss nearly having forgotten his name...

"For something barely the size of a kidney bean, it sure is cute." Mika's voice had spoken upwards suddenly, catching the Marine's attention.

"It's...he- she's perfect." Vasquez proudly declared.

"I have to ask, just who exactly is the father?" Mika questioned curiously, with an obvious idea in mind. "Is it that lieutennant guy? You guys sure fight like a married couple." she remarked with a playful grin.

"If only I could invent a new word that best describes my answer better than Hell to the no." Vasquez huffed, her enlightened and rather tender mood immediately spoiled by that. Bah! Her and Gormon together? ! When hell freezes over, perhaps! Not even an option!

"I'm sorry." the petite nurse stuttered an apology, deciding it be besrt and obviously most likely the Corporal wasn't the father either. No, he seemed rather close to that other woman, as Sam had rambled on about to the two of them teasingly. Vasquez sighed in defeat, she wasn't about to just let sarcasm spoil everything that came at her. Wait- just who was she to think of such a decision? She held back a groan through her teeth, briefly rubbing her temples and questioning her sanity or at least whatever the universe was now coming to for her unlikely actions lately.

"It's fine. The father..." it was such a strange word describing Drake- now his added title to deceased friend, private, lover, and more. "He didn't make it." her voice was lowered sadly.

Mika's face softened, sadenned to hear that.

"Oh...I'm sorry." she softly apologized, yet again. She had figured to the least while barely thinking much of the survivors except in her plan to save this particular one, that was also grieving for someone so beloved. Then again, all the Marines had been this woman's close friends- these people now, anguished and still recovering from the shock and pain- were all she had left. Mika bit her lip.

'Remember the money...' her conscience purred seductively. The mathway, so open and wide. Perfectly clear, and practically protected by the corporation. Whatever dirty deeds done could be easily covered up and long forgotten, get away with a murder probably optional! Well, at least from the law. But mentally? Now that she took deep thought, Mika staggered and found it a bit hard to swallow suddenly. The guilt, and a sensational feeling of bile rose in her throat. Thick and heavy, and hard to push down the well of tears in guilt.

'Your fault, your fault, your fault, your fault...' she could heard the words humming straight down directly to her repeatedly in the angered blame. To picture these survivors, so merely innocent and traumatized- lying dead and lifeless in pools of blood while she, Antonio, and Phelps would be happily laying in pools of money. Where was the truth worth? But god all the desires she could ever ask for...all promised in the seductive whisper of Antonio. The night she had sealed the deal...

"Remember..." he purred to her, almost in coy mock. She had then been young and willing to act as his pet, and merely flushed and smiled.

"It's our own secret, Mika. A prize up for grabs, Phelps has got us, hands all out and ready to take us along the ride. We gotta fight for it, and gotta be willing to take some extreme levels.." he hissed, opening his switchblade suddenly- his own personal weapon achieved from his father. He liked to keep it to himself, sometimes play around with it or stupidly play 'Peter Pan' with Robins and chase him around with it like he was Captain Hook. But when he held it out, meaningly with dark intentions, it suddenly frightened Mika deeply.

She trembled at the feel of his cold hands, gently closing in on her neck, his lips pressed so lightly against the skin of her cheek as though he were kissing her. Waiting for a response.

"Nothing personal babe." he whispered, as if apologetically as she nodded. Eyes welled, she was terrified, yet ever so willing as her mind eagerly took in the thought of the precious reward and it's easy grab. Or so she had thought easily.

As Mika shook her head violently to rid of those thoughts, the chilling flashback, she then looked back to Vasquez. The Spanish Marine's amber-chocolate eyes stared for the longest time at the screen and had been, right to the baby. An inseperable bond. Eyes suddenly so bright, as if slowly taking in the feel of affection and adoration, a natural motherly instinct to happen as Mika had heard.

Psh. Her mother hadn't cared for her like that. None of them within her family ever heard, but as long as she behaved like a proper servant and pet to her father's wrong doings in nasty scams when she had ben younger would she receive their idea of 'love' with an acknowledge smile and mocking pat to the head happily for her eager participation.

But how could she take her own anger out on someone else who had done nothing wrong?

No. This was wrong...there had to be another one, which would benefit to both.

Mika closed her eyes; Flashing through her bitter family, her intense desire for Antonio, willingly acting as his pet and towards Phelps (teasing him sensually when for fun) in secrecy, the longing for being rich, yet her softened side of a heart filling with guilt. One way or another- she was sure as Hell about to get some of the cash, whether she was going to have to claw her way through to get it or whatnot, but she wasn't like Antonio or Phelps.

She wasn't that kind of insane like them.

"You have to get out of here!" she burated out suddenly, as if panic. Vasquez immediately shot straight up, sitting up and pulling her shirt down. The words themselves seemed more troubling than Mika's terrified tone, it was something more than an angered command.

"What? Why?" Vasquez inquired, suspicious and feeling the need to tense. At least keep her guard up, just in case if something was up with Mika herself.

"No time for questions! Just- trust me please!" Mika pleaded, heart racing frantically. Oh God, she had broken her promise to Antonio. She had most certainly done it, cross the line. Her only chance of acceptance and only considerate 'team'. Fuck...she was a traitor to The Warrior and her crew, and she couldn't remain loyal towards Phelps and Antonio. In the process of the plan she was certain they'd have no problem killing her with the rest.

No, as long as she had her own excuse and maybe the Marine girl would go along and listen. Mika remained firm to her protest, nearly tempted and about to grab Vasquez's hand, but instead Vasquez dodged the grip. Frowning angrily and unamused, she nearly lept off the table, standing straight and stiffened with her arms crossed angrily.

"What the hell has gotten into you? ! What's going on?" she demanded.

"I...I can't tell you." Mika shook her head, whispering sorrowfully.

Yet Vasquez wouldn't have it. She just about wanted to grab Mika by her vest and shake her some sense. If somethign was wrong and she was going to blurt it out, it was obviously something dangerous and bad. Consdering the previous warning from Bishop about a possible traitor, remember hatefully of Burke, Vasquez decided to take things into her own matter and wouldn't let things fall into chaos once again. So she charged forth to Mika with intentions to seem all rough, only to have her true intention succeed- she made Mika squeak and tremble.

The petite nurse was shaking, almost violently as though she were about to throw up.

"God, oh god how could I do this?" she cried repeatedly in a low mumble t herself in a disappointed lecture.

"Mika you better start talkin'..." Vasquez warned through her teeth, narrowing her eyes.

She looked up, her eyes full of fear. "Something really bad is going to happen..." Mika warned, hesitant and regretful to say anymore. But the words came crashing down at Vasquez in horror.

'Shit! She must be the traitor- or maybe knows!' the Marine's instincts realized with the switch of a lightbulb light. Mika must've seen the realization easily within Vasquez's eyes, as if both women now knew. The feeling of unease rose in Vasquez- she could fist fight of course, but there was more to consider. Whether looking it or not, she was pregnant. In the mentions of looks, goodness knows despite looking like some timid deer maybe Mika knew how to throw a good punch or two.

"You...you..." Mika stuttered to say, raising a hand upwards, shaking in accusation.

"Yes." Vasquez said hastily, huffing angrily. "I guess it's you." she cocked a brow, fists tightening and just about ready to knock out Mika. But at least it'd be interesting to hear whatever Mika had to say.

"What? ! No! I'd- I'd never!" the nurse sputtered, lying yet frightened.

"You bitch! You lying little hijo de puta desalmada! ! !" Vasquez screeched, suddenly charging forth angrily and pushing Mika against the nearby wall. Mika cried a loud yelp, pinned and shaking as she was grasped by the shoulders painfully. The nurse knew for certain the strong grasp was certainly going to leave harsh, dark bruises. She shuddered, ucking her head down a bit in shame.

"Because of you, or whoever the hell it is that helped out Burke they're all DEAD! People that were like my brothers and sisters! ! ! Ones that had families- kids for Christ's sake, Mika!" Vasquez gritted her teeth, anger roaring and practically boiling in her blood. So angry she felt as though she could be blinded by it, as all her mind could think was 'You killed Drake! ! You took him away from me! !' darkly and half tempted to mention that to Mika's face.

"No! I swear! Honestly-"

"Your swears aren't worth shit!" Vasquez spat, interrupting Mika.

"I'm the one who can help you! I can't do anything for what's to come- but please hear me out, for the sake of your baby." the nurse pleaded, making Vasquez freeze. It almost sounded like a threat, and she had accidentally let her guard down to releasen her grip lightly on Mika.

"Your friends are in danger...but I can save you. If you don't kill me, I can be your practical one way ticket outta from danger. Nobody will ever have to know, none of the others." Mika's voice dropped to a sudden darker tone, as if temptation.

"Others?" Vasquez breathed, furrowing her brow. "There's a group of you assholes behind this?" she hissed, but Mika made no such response. Instead, she forced her eyes to act seemingly innocent once again and timidly fearful.

"You...you don't have much time." the nurse softly and creepily cooed.

"I'm gonna kill you." Vasquez growled, as Mika made a sly smile.

"I'd like to see you try. You'll end up killing yourself and your child in the process as well." she said, in a manner that wasn't a threat. No, the petite nurse obviously couldn't- and strangely had no intentions- of defending herself. She meant it as though truly from her offer to help her and her alone escape; And just alone wasn't even to be considered for Vasquez. She wouldn't ever betray her friends, not like this bitch for stupid reasons.

"I'm only trying to help, because I feel guilty- unlike the others. Once they learn that you know, there'll be no mercy, private." Mika breathed slowly and dangerously, the sweet and soft innocence of her eyes hardening back to a new form- wicked.

"You have less tan twelve hours to make your choice. Either you die with your friends or I help you out of this mess-" but Mika hadn't finished her sentence. She stopped dead completelty, tensing completely and frozen stiff as though someone had pointed a gun directly at her. She most looked as terrified as that, eyes widening large and in horror, as Vasquez slowly turned over as well.

To find Antonio had walked in the room, eyes darkening immensely and one hand gripping on the other one that was strangely bloodied but from what looked like teeth marks.

He knew.

.000.

GASP! Another gasp-filled moment! Don't worry- we shall get to Newt and Sam's fates. I just wanted to really post up a chapter ASAP on Friday because I felt bad for not having updated in a bit of a while. *shrugs* I dunno. Now it looks like Vasquez has got a nasty fight on her hands, but she could hurt her baby! :O Oh no! :O What'll happen? !

REVIEWS=LOVE! :D