Part two of the Trapped Arc. (Hence, TAP2 ;) clever, eh?...okay, okay, I stop)
Okay, so, as of yet, this arc is probably (hopefully, fingers crossed) have at least two (possibly three if the last one is too long) more chapters.
Btw, I promise this would have come out sooner, but right now there are a bunch of other stories trying to take up any and all brain power (ahem, some-what serious Bad Batch stories.*glare*.totally not looking at you...) However, (again) hopefully, the others should be coming shortly. :)
As long as it takes...
Such had been the medic's words of doom for the two friends. Trapped they were to be in the medic's solitary confinement chamber, alone possibly for the rest of eternity! They would remain until their bones would ro-
''Dick, stop monologuing or else I'll keep you in there longer.''
''Me? Monologuing?''
''It was mental and I could tell by the look on your face and how you were waving your arms. StOp.''
''Juuuuude, but pass the time, I must...unless you can give me back my compad.''
Rolling his eyes, the medic shook his head. He was standing just outside of Mason and Dick's 'holding cell'...which was really just a cutout room with a barred barricade as a barrier against the outside world. It was a typical jail scene...well, as typical as the guys had seen in reality holodramas. There were two cots on either side of the room, but Jude was wondering if he should separate the two given how they had a sneaky way of causing trouble.
''You'd need clearance for that...And I'm not giving it to you.''
''Please?''
''No.''
''Pretty please?''
''No.''
''...Pretty please...with a cherry on top?''
What part of the word 'no' did he not understand? Jude was about to repeat it, paused, and smirked.
''Okay, give me the cherry.''
''...The cherry be at the bottom of the sea.''
''...What?''
''The cherry be at the bottom of the sea. Oh, and can I have my compad?''
''I already told you, no.''
''But we're already in here; can't we try to do something?''
''Yeah, it's called sleeping.''
''But we feel fine!''
''Oh sure,'' Jude shook his head sarcastically, ''NOW you feel fine. Suuuuuuuuure. Dick, Mason, you two have a horrible record. I'm not letting you go now.''
Dick pursed his lips for a moment, then darted over to Mason's bunk, hurriedly whispering something in his ear. Like that, they chatted for a few minutes while Jude watched in suspicion. What were they cooking up now? Another moment and they both stood, hands clasped casually behind their backs.
''Hey, Jude,'' Dick asked, ''so if we're stuck here, what are the rules of the hotel?''
The medic thought about it. And now that he thought about it, he hadn't actually planned for anything when he'd agreed to do this...
''Don't die, stay quiet, and don't bother me.''
He wasn't so sure he liked the grins they had as they glanced at each other with raised eyebrows.
''Those are the only three rules?''
Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Jude nodded slowly.
''Yeees...Why?''
One more glance...
''If those are the only rules, that means that we can negotiate with you before we let you be in peace to follow the last rule.''
''Then what would stop me from adding additional rules?''
''The security cameras would have to be swiped...and you can't do that. The cameras and the security guys know the rules...There's no escape.''
Sighing to himself, Jude considered his options. He could see what the demands were without promising anything and that would give him a chance to see how outrageous the guys could get...Or he could promise first and quite regret it...more than he already was.
''Okay...What are you wanting?''
''Room service, my compad, and two cups of caf, my good sir.''
''That's all you want?''
''Yes.'' they both chirped.
''Are you sure?''
''Yep.''
''Okay...I can...might be able to do that...minus the compad. I don't trust you.''
''Okay, than how about our request be room service and the compad. No caf. Would that work?''
It was still a weird request...and he knew he was probably going to regret it...but he nodded. As he handed over the compad though, he held onto it a moment longer, glaring at Dick.
''There will be no disturbances today because of this...got it?''
The adventurer frowned, but nodded.
''Fine.''
''Good.''
He let go of the compad and turned, heading for the door; but just as Jude reached for the exit button to open the door, Dick called, ''Oh by the way, just so we don't break rule one or two after you leave, what are your policies on attempted escapes?''
Studying him for a moment, Jude considered the thought quietly...then crossed his arms over his chest.
''I don't mind it.''
The satisfaction he received in watching their jaws drop was enough to almost make up for having to deal with Mason. Dick, oh no, never. Nothing could make up for that. But Mason, yes.
''I don't mind it one bit. Just the person left behind definitely will.''
Lifting an eyebrow, Mason frowned.
'' 'The person left behind?' '' he repeated.
''Yes. And also, a warning: once someone leaves, there will be no escape for the other because I will build my security. See, like you, I also have studied jail breaks by way of reality holodramas; however, one thing I have noticed is that some one is always left behind. In this case, the only way either of you would really be able to escape would be if one of you sets a distraction while the other escapes...but that leaves some one to get caught. That leads to broken friendships. How do I know? I know you two. Think about this very carefully: would you really try to break back in here to steal back the other? Would. You. Really?...''
They both stopped...and scowled at each other.
''NO!''
Jude gave one sharp nod.
''Yeah. I thought so. Well, good luck. Keep the rules in mind and I will be seeing you.''
He left before they could say anything more. Probably a good idea too...Just as he left, he heard them begin arguing over the best way to escape and who would have to sacrifice by being left behind (naturally, Dick thought Mason was brave enough to take the banner whereas Mason believed that the adventurer had had enough practice with escaping by himself that he thought he could manage it on his own).
That done and his point made, he nearly forgot all about them...until the next morning...
Hope you enjoyed and see you (soon?)! :D
