Chapter 7: The Woman from the Past
Marcus? So she knows him…Vivian thought as she stared at Sarah clinging onto Three with affection and comfort. Three looked at Sarah confused and very hesitant.
"Uh…" Three began, trying to push her gently away from him. Sarah looked at him, her eyes shown bewilderment and fear.
"Marcus? What's wrong?" Sarah asked. Two sighed.
"We…had a bit of an accident," she began. Sarah's head whipped around looking at Two.
"What are you talking about?" Sarah asked. "Accident?"
"Our memories were wiped while we were in stasis. We don't know anything as of a few weeks ago," Two informed her with a hint of regret in her voice. Three looked at her almost sympathetically. Sarah stared at him in awe. Vivian could see Sarah's body tighten as she wrapped her cardigan sweater around herself.
"Is there anything you remember that would help us?" Two asked. "How you got here?"
Sarah hesitated trying to put on a brave smile on her face.
"Well, I don't know you, and I've never been on this ship," she explained looking around, finally eyes back on Three. "All I remember is…Marcus putting me in the pod, telling me everything was going to be okay."
She smiled hopefully at Three. He grew even more uncomfortable.
Vivian looked away closing her eyes tightly. The room. The room was too…much. She could feel the fear of the stranger they unearthed from stasis. She could feel Three trying to stay calm. She hesitated watching Three as he stared at the woman. She saw his feet itching to run, his breathing unsteady, fear and confusion buildings slowly. And it was strong.
"Excuse me," Three cleared his throat. "I have a…thing I need to take care of."
"Three…" Two objected as he inched his way to the door.
"I'm sorry it's important," Three breathed as he swiftly exited the med bay. Vivian shook her head. It was a lie…but she understood.
"I know who he is…what he does," Sarah mentioned, sighing. "I'm not afraid of him."
Vivian stared at the door of the med bay.
"Why? Who was he?" Two asked.
"A mercenary. But…he's a good man," Sarah sighed staring at the door before looking back at Two. Vivian swallowed.
"When I met him I thought he was dead, he was bleeding and wounded. But I took him in after gathering firewood and dressed his wounds. I saved his life…and he's saved mine…" Sarah smiled. "At least for a while anyway."
Vivian watched her. Something about her posture, her voice. It made her seem…affectionate. Maybe Three really did have something with this woman. You can't lie love. Or at least when it's truly there.
"Miss? Do you mind if I run another exam on you while you're still here?" Android asked. Sarah looked at Android, shrugging.
"What do you need me to do?"
"Just lie down," Android smiled sweetly. Sarah nodded her head lying across the examination table.
Two glanced at Vivian who was starting to feel more and more visibly uncomfortable, crossing her arms about her chest. She walked over to Vivian, sighing.
"You think you can get Three to come back?" Two whispered.
"Why do you think he'll listen to me?" Vivian looked at Two with uncertainty.
"He needs to face her," Two whispered tensely. "I see how you two are since you got aboard this ship."
"I just met him," Vivian scoffed. "You can't be serious."
"As much as I hate to admit it I am. Maybe you can try to get him back here without having to drag him back."
"And if he doesn't?" Vivian asked starting to feel even more uncomfortable than before.
"Don't worry he will," Two replied gently. There was certainty in her eyes. Like she had a backup plan. "Besides, consider this using your services."
Vivian sighed twisting her jaw then nodding in agreement.
"Fine."
…
Knock, knock, knock.
"I'm busy," Three grunted. He had been pacing in his room for several minutes trying to think. The knocking continued. Three growled stepping up to the door.
"I said I was-" he opened the door, freezing as he saw Vivian leaning on his doorframe arms crossed about her chest. He swallowed, hesitating.
"Hey big guy," Vivian greeted in almost a light voice, comfortingly.
Three sighed, looking down at the floor shaking his head.
"I'm sorry I'm a little busy at the moment," he remarked, as he was about to close the door. Vivian put her hand on the wall where the door could close.
"Marcus…" Vivian slipped whispering in a beckoning way. Three looked at her oddly. She looked at him, trying to read him in the best that she could.
"Don't call me that…" Three growled in frustration. He tried to close the door but she stepped into his room, making him back up as the door closed behind her.
"Why? I rather like that name on you," Vivian smiled. "You make it seem like it's a bad thing."
"I don't know who Marcus is," Three growled. He put his hand over his face. "I don't know what any of this is."
Three plopped himself onto the couch, staring out in front of him blankly.
"Then why don't you ask her?" Vivian asked lightly, shrugging.
"Yeah because that's really easy in my situation," Three commented sarcastically scoffing.
Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Look…I know that you're obviously taking a lot in," Vivian began.
"Yeah some stranger we unfroze is telling me that I tried to save her," Three looked at her, getting up in frustration. "You saw the look she was giving me. How can I deal with that?"
"You wanted to unfreeze her," Vivian reminded. Three put a finger in her face, his eyes narrowed, his expression growing aggravated.
"And now I'm regretting it," Three growled.
"You can be as stubborn as you want but you are who you are," Vivian sighed. "It's your choice if you chose to ignore it."
He shook his head, exhaling in frustration.
"I'm going for a walk," Three remarked as he pushed passed her towards the door.
"Why?" Vivian asked after him.
"I need to think," he growled as he was out the door. Vivian twisted her jaw. He couldn't just run away…but she couldn't convince him to face it either. Two was wrong. Didn't matter what they were. They just met. Trust isn't a thing.
…
Thump. Vivian stared at the dagger that she threw into a practice target she set up on her wall as it stuck out butt end towards her. Bruce whined in distress as he lied on the bed watching her. Why did she even bother with him? They just met. She can't expect him to listen to her. So why would it matter anyway? And why did she call him by his name?
Maybe it was just a subconscious wanting a name rather than a number. Maybe then he wouldn't seem so…secretive? She took a swig of her rum left over from her father's inventory. Why did she bother even coming onto this ship? All it seems like is more drama she can't control. But she's dealt with worse morale on a ship.
She stared in thought. He can't just run away from his past. Then again…they don't know anything about hers. And she would be a hypocrite to tell him not to run.
She tossed another dagger with force. It cracked the wood loudly as she sat down finishing the rum. Android passed by her room, peeking in after hearing the crack.
"You know there is a training room down the hall. Perhaps Four could give you a few pointers," Android suggested, her voice making Vivian jump and turn around to face her. She sighed in relief. Bruce's ears went up, sitting up straighter as Android walked into the room.
"You scared me," Vivian breathed.
"I did not mean to disturb. Perhaps it's best if I leave," Android concluded, about to leave her alone but Vivian jumped up.
"Wait!" Vivian called out, forcing Android to stop. She turned to face her. Vivian gave an apologetic look.
"Is something wrong?" Android asked. Vivian sighed.
"I don't know," Vivian shook her head putting down her glass. Android looked at the glass.
"Perhaps something other than alcohol will make you feel less distressed," Android suggested. Vivian looked up at her.
"What makes you say that?" Vivian asked as she petted Bruce's head repetitively.
"I'm sensing bits of aggressive behavior, for one thing you are throwing weapons at a target. Two, you're drinking alcohol with the believed theory of trying to relieve unnecessary stress," Android began but Vivian put up a hand.
"Point," Vivian breathed. She twiddled her thumbs, sighing. She shifted rather uncomfortably as she placed her hands in front of her, folding her fingers together. "How is Sarah?"
Android looked at her oddly, tilting her head.
"She seems to be stabilized. But no one can say how long that'll remain true. The condition isn't exactly predictable," Android informed. Vivian nodded biting her lip. "Why?"
"I'm just…curious," Vivian sighed, looking at Bruce who whined at her. She petted his head. Android tilted her head.
"I'm sensing you want to say something," Android mentioned. Vivian sighed.
"It's not that important," she scoffed looking up at Android.
"But it's clearly bothering you," Android insisted gently. "It's good to talk things out. I am programmed for counseling or therapeutic measures if needed. You're allowed to say what is on your mind."
Vivian laughed in amusement at the thought.
"The first time in a while that I've been counseled by someone. Last person giving me advice was my second in command. But that you know didn't go well."
"I assure you that whatever you say to me will not be talked about outside this room. You are safe with me," Android remarked as if to comfort her. Vivian looked at her hesitantly before taking a break.
"I'm not sure. It's just…Do you think he should talk to her?" Vivian asked. "Three and Sarah."
Android thought about it for a moment.
"I cannot exactly say. As much as I would assume talking about such matters will be beneficial, we have no way of knowing if Three will participate. Or if it'll help the morale," Android began. "Although, I do feel sympathy either way. There were obvious signs in Sarah's behavior."
"Signs?" Vivian repeated, standing up to face Android directly.
"I sensed certain feelings to him while he was in the room and even when he left. Her facial cues and a tone expressed admiration. Perhaps it is wise for him to talk to her just for her own well-being. Not just his. Even if it's just comfort that she will be taken care of. Or maybe to relieve some self doubt to Three."
"You saw that too," Vivian sighed. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't right."
Android watched her as Vivian put a hand over her eyes.
"Why did I get into this mess?" she breathed.
"If I may make a suggestion?" Android began. "I noticed the rest of the crew went to the mess for something to eat. Perhaps something in your stomach will make the situation less stressful. I hear a good amount of protein and carbohydrates help the brain function a lot more officially."
Vivian laughed under her breath looking at Android.
"Thank you," she thanked lightly. Android blinked.
"For what?"
Vivian put a hand on Android's shoulder.
"For making me talk it out," Vivian sighed. "I'm not really good at this sort of thing. Used to being the person talked to for problems, not the one giving them."
"Even if you do not believe it, this situation is rather difficult for the crew to absorb. We found a stranger that knows Three, but still doesn't know anything about their cause. In some ways, we might still be at an impasse."
Vivian nodded.
"You think he'll be okay?"
Android shrugged.
"I cannot say. We just have to keep an eye on both of them for them for the time being."
…
Vivian entered the mess hall with Bruce and Android by her side. They bumped into One, Five and Six being served food from Wendy, the entertainment model android. Vivian furrowed her brows at her.
"When did we…get a new recruit?" Vivian asked in uncertainty. Bruce growled at the Wendy. The rest of the crew looked at the dog then looked up.
"Oh this is Wendy. We found her in one of the crates," One pointed out to her. The android smiled. Vivian cringed at the look. Something was off about her.
"You kept a person in a crate. Hopefully it had holes," Vivian scoffed, crossing her arms about her chest. Six laughed.
"She's an android," Five laughed a bit too. "She's made for entertainment."
Vivian walked passed them grabbing some food from the fridge and coffee.
"Right…" Vivian answered with uncertainty. Bruce followed her at her feet, growling at the android with distrust. Vivian glanced at the dog as Wendy looked over at them.
"Do you want some of the food prepared? I assure that it'll taste better than the standard rations," Wendy insisted with her heavy Australian accent. Vivian eyed her as Bruce growled lightly.
"No thanks. I think I'll stick with the standard," Vivian smiled, although it was a very fake one. Wendy eyed her.
"Well perhaps there's anything else I can do for you?" Wendy offered. Vivian gave her an odd look. The crew didn't notice it but Android certainly seemed uncomfortable with Wendy's presence to begin with.
"No thanks. I'll stick with the original Android," Vivian smiled. "Appreciate it."
Android's smile flickered as Vivian walked out with her food and coffee, avoiding Wendy with Bruce at her heels.
"You sure you don't want any of her food? It's delicious," One beckoned.
"Yeah…no thanks," Vivian smirked. "I'm a little weary of a stranger making my food on a ship. Caught someone trying to poison me once or twice."
Everyone looked up at her and she smiled casually.
"Comes with being a pirate," Vivian sang. She winked at Android whispering to her. "If you need anything."
"Of course," Android smiled sweetly. Vivian exited the hall with Bruce following close behind. No way was she going to trust that Android. Something about her was off. And no one else seemed to see it.
…
Vivian was on her way to her room when she noticed Three in front of her, walking towards her. She slowed down as Three looked up and smiled slightly.
"Hey…" he breathed. She sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Oh now you want to talk?" she asked as she headed to her room. Three hesitated before following her as she opened the door.
"I'm going to talk to her," Three stated rather quickly. Vivian looked at him doubtfully.
"Oh a sudden change of heart?" Vivian asked. She couldn't help but be a little aggravated with him.
"Well uh…Two kind of ambushed me too," Three admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Oh I see. You'll listen to her but not to me," Vivian scoffed, walking into her room, dropping the food on the coffee table along with setting down her coffee cup. Three sighed, following her into the room.
She sat on her couch crossing her legs while placing her feet up on the coffee table.
"Two is a little more pushy when she wants her way," Three disagreed, folding his arms about his chest as he stood in facing of her. "Seems to think that maybe I should talk to the one person who doesn't think I'm a total ass."
"I disagree," Vivian scoffed, grabbing and taking a bite of an apple she snatched from the mess. Three furrowed his brows at her.
"I thought you wanted me to talk to her," Three reminded slightly confused.
"I meant about her being the only person who thinks you're not a total ass," Vivian corrected. Three scoffed.
"And you think you know someone else who thinks that way?" Three arched an eyebrow. Bruce growled at him as he sat on the bed. Three jumped, looking at the dog. "Well clearly it's not him."
Vivian smirked in amusement. She sighed eying Three. He looked back at her, noticing she was staring at him a bit, almost like she was examining him.
"What?" he asked out of curiosity. Vivian snapped out of her train of thought looking up at Three, smiling back at him.
"You might want to go talk to her before something changes your mind," Vivian suggested lightly. "Even Android doesn't know how much time she has left."
Three looked at her for a moment and cleared his throat.
"Right…" he nodded, then smiled uncomfortably. "What can it hurt right?"
He headed towards the door. He stopped, turning around at the doorframe.
"Hey uh…" he hesitated, patting the door frame. "I'll catch ya later?"
"Worry about Sarah. Then we'll talk," Vivian insisted lightly as he nodded in agreement. He waved as he closed the door behind him.
Vivian scoffed, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Yeah…what can it hurt?"
…
