Chapter 12: The Past Never Goes Away

Vivian kept her distance after speaking out to Three and Six about her past. Recalling the memories…gave her goosebumps. Despite it being so long ago, she could remember the feeling of that room, being held captive, praying that she was as strong as her father and her brother. She didn't want to admit that at any point of her life she felt vulnerable. Vivian sighed as she sat down on her bed. Bruce got up from the floor, walking over to her and placing his head in her lap.

He gave a concerned whine, she smiled and petted him on the head, scratching behind his ear. Bruce wagged, sitting himself down in front of her. She smiled slightly. She relaxed, closing her eyes.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in!" she greeted, still scratching Bruce's head. Five smiled as the door opened then sort of glided into Vivian's room.

"Hey!" she greeted with a smile.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Vivian smiled back.

"Nothing. Just figuring out where you were," Five replied, putting her hands behind her back. Vivian raised a brow at her.

"Why?" Vivian smirked. "You want another pirate story?"

"No actually…I was making sure that you were okay," Five answered honestly, looking down at the floor as if she was slightly embarrassed twiddling with her thumbs.

"I'm fine or at least as much as I could be," Vivian smiled reassuringly.

"I'm sorry about your brother," Five sighed looking at her sympathetically. Vivian swallowed and nodded.

"That was ages ago…" Vivian reassured. She then nodded. "But…thanks."

Five slowly walked over, sitting on the bed beside her. Bruce glanced at Five with a doggy I-want-attention look and Five immediately grinned scratching his ears. Bruce's head drifted over to Five's lap. Vivian watched her. Something about Five…reminded her of herself. Especially with the memory being brought up she wondered why a teenager would be aboard a ship with dangerous criminals. Was she against her will? She smiled as Bruce attempted to lick Five in the face and she laughed.

"He likes you," Vivian smiled as Five petted Bruce.

"I always wanted a dog," Five grinned as she petted him affectionately, causing him to wag with joy.

"Well he's a very special one," Vivian remarked. "He's my guardian angel."

"Really?" Five asked in curiosity.

"Corey gave him to me a few years ago. He had to convince my father that I needed a companion. And it might help morale, to decompress," Vivian explained. "At first I wasn't sure if it would work. But after a while…he just kind of grew on me."

"I can see why. He's so sweet!" Five grinned as she rustled his fur.

"A real furball if you ask me," Three commented from the doorway. Vivian jumped as Three appeared, stepping into the room.

"But he's so cute! How can you say no to that face?!" Five squealed, holding Bruce's face to him. Bruce whined but then looked at Three immediately growling. Three pointed at Bruce.

"That's why," Three smirked. Vivian rolled her eyes.

"Bruce," she called authoritatively. Bruce whined at her then silenced.

"Nice trick," Three smirked at the dog. "Does he stay that way all the time?"

"He can be useful when it comes to unwanted company," Vivian petted Bruce's head.

"Well let's hope that doesn't happen to one of us," Three mentioned.

"Of course not. You're a part of this crew, right?" Five asked to Vivian. Vivian smiled slightly.

"Of course," she replied simply.

Three crossed his arms eying Vivian while Five is distracted with the dog. He eyes the scar on her neck and her collar bone, twisting his jaw before nodding over to Vivian.

"Hey Sunshine, you mind if you, give us a minute?" he asked. Five looked between Three and Vivian as she petted Bruce.

"Something wrong?"

"It's just captain's business," Three winks at her. "Basic boring stuff."

Five gets up and Bruce whines.

"Take furball with ya," Three suggested. Bruce growled. Vivian rolls her eyes in annoyance.

"I have an idea. Why don't you take Bruce to the mess and get him some of that dried protein chews I got at the station?" Vivian suggested to Five. "He'll be your best friend after that."

"Okay!" Five agreed getting up. "Come on Bruce!"

Five exited the room as Bruce barked happily at her heels. Three scoffed as they departed, then his eyes went to Vivian as she got up to close the door for some privacy.

"So, what's Two want that she couldn't come by herself?" Vivian asked crossing her arms about her chest. Three smirks, winking at her.

"Sorry just needed to get the kid out," Three commented.

"You expecting a booty call?" Vivian asked jokingly. Three scoffs shaking his head.

"Actually…" Three began, crossing his arms about his chest. "Wait…"

He looks up at her furrowing his brows.

"Are you suggesting?"

"No."

"Because…I can ditch some inventory stock if you like…"

"No."

Vivian rolls her eyes laughing. She eyes him as he laughs.

"Okay…" he sighs grinning at her putting his hands up in surrender. "But you're missing out."

Vivian smirks at him as he hovers over.

"So…?"

"That story of yours…" Three sighed. Vivian stiffened, arms clinging tighter to her chest. "You uh…wanna talk about it?"

"That was a long time ago…" Vivian breathed.

She tries to pass him as he grabs her arm, putting his hands on her shoulders gently keeping her there. Three eyes the scar along her neck and her collarbone. He never really saw it outside of the conversation. She hid it well…and he didn't know how he felt about it.

"Look…we all got baggage on this ship…" Three reassured. "If you got something to say…say it now."

"I'm fine…" Vivian breathes. Three moves one of his hands up towards the scar on her neck she stops his hand, gripping onto it.

"You can't help me with this one…" she whispers. Takes his hand rubbing it with her thumb, gripping hard.

Three is about to object when suddenly the static on their coms rings.

"Inventory checks out, anyone who's able come to the cargo bay to help unpack," Two announced muting the coms. Three rolled his eyes.

"Looks like duty calls," Three groans rubbing his hands on his legs then looks at Vivian. "You sure you don't wanna talk?"

Vivian nods. He sighs, as she lets go of his hand and he backs off.

"Probably should get to the cargo bay, shouldn't we?"

He starts to go until she grabs his arm. He stops turning around to face her. She pulls him in gently, wrapping her arms around his neck hugging him, as he puts his arms up in surrender not knowing what was happening. She squeezed a bit.

"Did I do something?" Three asked. She leans in and kisses his neck.

"Thank you…" she whispers.

"Well whatever I did…I like the outcome…" Three smirks as he backs away facing her. His hands move down to her waist as her arms remain on his neck. He eyes her his hands tensing a bit. Vivian swallows as he leans in merely inches from her face, his one hand grazing to the back of her neck and into her hair. She shutters from the sensation, biting her lip as she looks at him restrained.

"Why don't we kick back here…let the others do the work?" Three suggested as she eyes him putting a hand on his chest to create a bit of distance. Closing her eyes with uncertainty.

"Three…"

"Three! We're in the cargo bay. Where are you?" Two asked over the coms. Three sighs in aggravation as he unmutes. Vivian eyes him as he looks closes his eyes annoyed.

"Do you really need me?" he asks. "I mean there's 5 of us on this ship."

"Three! Everyone needs to do their part," Two disagreed.

"What about pirate girl? She not coming?"

"Is she with you?"

Three looks at Vivian and smirks.

"Uh…"

"Forget I asked. Both of you just get to the cargo bay…" Two orders hanging up. Three mutes his coms rolling his eyes.

"Well then…once I was about to have some fun," Three smirks, eyeing Vivian.

"Got plenty more opportunities if you play your cards right," Vivian teases.

"Ooo. Is that a promise?" Three grins slyly. "Say it like you mean it?"

"Pinky swear, blood bound, whatever we pirates do," Vivian grinned, leaning her forehead against his.

"Look at you learning from the master," Three grins. "Like you more and more everyday sweetheart."

Vivian followed Three down the hall both holding crates that weren't packed from the mess hall. One, Two and Six were already unpacking.

"Where have you two been?" Six asked.

"Missed some crates back at the mess," Three announced, eyeing Vivian as she walked passed him putting down a crate. One notices him watching her as she bends over opening a bunch of boxes.

"With some distractions along the way," One commented as Vivian stopped looking at him. He was glaring at Three as he put one of the crates down in the pile.

"Whatever you say pretty boy," Three narrows his eyes at him. Vivian helps Two with a section on her side.

"Any updates on Four?" Vivian asked trying to distract herself from the tension in the room.

"We found the planet Four is located, now it's just a matter of getting there," Two replied.

"But what are we going to do once we get there?" One asked.

"What do you mean what do we do? We find him and bring him back," Three announced. One carrying more crates now has a little bite on his tone.

"That's a brilliant plan," he stated sarcastically. "Did you brainstorm that one or was it a solo effort?"

Three looks at him oddly, trying to figure out what's with the commentary.

"Finding him won't be easy, I mean if he's running, how are we to catch up with him?" Six asked. "I mean it's unlikely he'll come back."

"So, what we just forget about him?" Two asked rather offended.

"He left, that was his decision," Six stated bluntly.

"We can at least talk to him, make sure he's safe," Vivian growled, dropping another crate. "Get some closure."

"Besides people change their minds all the time," Three agreed. "Look at me, at one point I was set to leave."

"That's what you wanted us to think. Or at least until you realized no one gave a damn," One mentioned then looked at Vivian. "Or maybe there was something else you wanted to take."

Vivian stopped, turning to face One. Two noticed as he eyed Vivian. Vivian realized he was talking about her and glared at him, as Three noticed scoffing before getting in his way.

"Actually, I stuck around to see how long people would figure out you're a total fraud. Not long apparently," Three stated matter-of-factly.

A sudden punch from One swung across Three's face, causing everyone to halt.

Vivian stood between him and Three, glaring at him. Three laughed it off as he recomposed.

"Watch it," Vivian growls. Three glances at her as he twists his jaw from the punch.

"You're defending him?" One growls. Vivian narrows her eyes at him. He does an "oh". "Let me guess, no bruising up your booty call?"

Two and Six watch One with caution.

SMACK! Everyone froze as Vivian stood there with One glaring at her, his face turning red from her hand. He's about to tackle her out of adrenaline but Three pushes her out of the way and tackles one. Vivian stumbles, hitting the floor.

"Hey!" Two growled as she went over to Vivian. As they fought it out. Three got on top of One, grabbing around his shoulders on the floor.

"Grab them," Vivian growled at Two. Two marched over and immediately twisted Three's arm to pry him off One. Six gripped onto One pulling him off the ground as he tried to get back at Three.

"What the hell is going on?" Two asked growling at them.

"Why don't you ask your boyfriend? He started it," Three breathed almost amused at the ordeal. Two let go of him as he toppled onto the floor. Vivian helped him up glaring at One.

"I got nothing to say," One announced as he walked out with the others watching as he left. Two immediately glared at Three.

"He's been in space too long. Getting all loopy," Three grinned as he made his way out.

"Well, that could've gone better," Six scoffs, putting his hand along the back of his neck.

"I'll take care of One. Maybe I can talk some sense into him," Two insisted as she marched out of the cargo bay fuming.

Six sighed as he watched Vivian sit up. He offered her a hand. She takes it and he helps her to her feet.

"You all right?" Six asked sympathetically. Vivian nods glaring at where One exited.

"Don't take it too personal," Six advised. "They don't exactly get along."

Thunk, thunk, thunk! Vivian's throwing knives clanged onto her target board. Everyone just separated and almost avoided each other after the incident. Bruce whined, hanging out in his doggy bed as Five petted him while sitting on the floor.

"I can't believe how childish those two can be," Vivian sighed as she took another swig of scotch.

"I can't believe One said that to you," Five shook her head. "It's not really like him to just add fuel to the fire."

"Yeah well…like Six said…they don't exactly get along," Vivian gritted her teeth as the final throwing knife stuck to the board.

"Whoa! Nice shot!" Five breathed in awe. Vivian turned to look at her and smiled.

"Thanks…" she scoffed in amusement.

"You think you can teach me how to use those?" Five asked pointing at the throwing knives. Vivian smiled as she grabbed spare rope to braid then sat herself on the couch.

"If we get a bigger area where we can practice sure. You shouldn't start out in closed spaces," Vivian stated as she worked on knots. Five got up pulling out one of the knives on the target. Vivian glanced at her.

"Careful they are sharp," she warned. Five stuck it back into the target gently.

"So…are you and Three okay?" Five asked, sitting next to her on the couch. Vivian furrowed her brows at Five oddly.

"Yeah? Why?"

"Well he came in earlier. I figured you know it was…adult stuff? Like something was wrong?" Five questioned making Vivian laugh.

"No, we're uh…we're fine. Well until One slugged him anyway. He seemed rather fired up about that," Vivian mentioned tightening a knot. She passed it over to Five who untied it and tried the same technique.

"Are you guys like…dating?" Five asked. Vivian grinned and rolled her eyes.

"No."

"Why not? I mean…he seems to like you. And you like him, right?"

"How old are you again?"

"Old enough to notice some things," Five grinned. "I mean come on think of that love story you told me. Don't you ever wish that happened to you?"

"Five…I haven't known him for very long. Besides…" Vivian sighed. "He…had Sarah."

Five looks at her apologetically.

"Sorry…I should've known it still bothered you," she sighed. Vivian sighs standing up. "But still. Why don't you talk to him?"

"Because I'm sure if I should like him," Vivian scoffed, pacing her room.

"You never know," Five sang.

"Why are you so interested in my relationship with him?"

"I don't know…I just think maybe you'd be good for him," Five shrugged. "He seems to be happier when you're around."

Vivian laughed softly.

"If you say so…"

Vivian walked out with Five and Bruce beside her as Three made his way out of his quarters and was walking towards them. Five noticed and immediately sped up her pace giving Vivian a sly grin.

"I'll uh…meet you in the mess hall later?" she grinned, winking at Vivian.

"Sure," Vivian smiled. "Maybe we'll play some cards later."

"Cool! Hi!" Five greeted to Three making him grin.

"Hey kiddo," Three waved.

"Bye!" Five grinned as Bruce followed her down the hall. Vivian laughed and Three waved kind of confused as the teenager left the scene.

"Bye?"

He looked back at Vivian.

"She looks happy," Three smirked.

"Oh, you know a little girl time never hurts," Vivian smiled. "Where you heading?"

Three points down the hall behind her.

"Any…issues with One since-?"

"Ah no, I mean. You know how pretty boy is. In his weird moody stage," Three jokes as he starts his way passed her. She turns around, walking alongside him towards the cargo bay.

"Seemed a little sudden don't you think?" Vivian asked.

"Sweetheart that boy is the least of my worries," Three smirked as they entered the room, closing the doors behind him. Vivian made her way to a workbench, sitting on top of it as Three searched around the crates.

"If Two wasn't there, wasn't sure we could pry you off of him," Vivian scoffed.

"Speaking of which," Three began, grabbing some dehydrated chips and smelling them giving a weird look.

Vivian rolled her eyes as he sat next to her on the workbench eating one of the chips. He chewed it.

"Not bad…not like the craptastic protein packs. But not great," Three mentioned handing her the bag. Vivian shook her head denying the food. He smiled at her nudging her.

"Got guts standing up to pretty boy."

"Like you didn't?"

"He swung at me first," Three laughed softly. He smirked at her. "Besides, I saw that look you gave him."

"What look?" she asked, trying not to laugh. Three leaned in grinning.

"I don't know. I'd have to piss you off and describe it," Three laughed. Vivian raised a brow at him. "You wanna re-create it?"

Three hopped off the bench putting the chip bag where he was sitting.

"Three…"

"Oh, come on I can handle you," Three grinned stretching his neck along his shoulders. Vivian rolled her eyes hopping off the bench. "Let's see…something that'll piss you off."

"Why did you provoke him?"

"He started it," Three defended lightly. "Besides it's not about him. It's about you and getting you pissed off."

"Why?"

"So, I can see that death look you gave pretty boy before you gave him the smackdown," Three grinned in amusement. "Let's see…"

"Three…"

"Hold on," he put up his finger and then pointed it at her. "What made you pissed off with him? My ears were ringing a bit when you know he socked me."

"Something about not bruising the booty call," Vivian rolled her eyes folding her arms about her chest. Three raised brows at her and eyed her.

"Wait why did you smack him? Come on I want the details," Three smirked. "Unless if I just say, 'don't bruise up the booty call'. Would that make you mad?"

Vivian raised a brow at him. "That wasn't why I smacked him…"

"Well then what is it?" Three asked. Vivian stares at him. "Oh, the gears are working…"

"Forget it," Vivian groaned as she turns away from him only for him to get in front of her.

"No, no, no. I want to hear this," Three insisted. "Come on give me the juicy details you can tell me. There was something motivating that slap."

Vivian eyed him then looked away.

"If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?" Vivian asked.

"Sure," Three agreed with a smug smile. "Hit me."

Vivian hesitated then hopped herself up onto the workbench.

"It's hard to explain…" she sighs as Three walks over to her grabbing a few of the chips standing beside her leaning his back against the bench.

"Let's start with the basics. I punched him because he punched me. You smacked him because he said something that got to your monkey brain," Three commented, eating more of the chips.

"I'm not someone's booty call," Vivian stated.

"No one says you can't though," Three teased. She punched him in the arm making him groan. "Ooo forgot about that feisty part of ya. Then again now that I think about the first time I saw that it is a bit of a turn on."

Vivian looks away from him, shaking her head. He looks over at her furrowing his brows.

"What? I was only kidding," Three teased, nudging her. "But I am curious if that's all it is…"

"I don't know…I just had this sudden defensiveness come out. I couldn't help it," Vivian explained.

"Well whatever happened. I gotta say it was hot," Three sang teasingly. "Although I think you get your scary face from dear old Daddy."

Vivian sighs looking away from him.

"Why do you hang out with me?" Vivian asked. Three looked at her funny.

"I thought we already had this discussion," Three commented as he put down the chips, leaning on his side to turn looking at her. "Spill it."

Vivian shakes her head.

"You shouldn't trust me…and I shouldn't trust you…" Vivian whispers, looking directly in his eyes.

"Why not?"

"We're both…dangerous people."

"Your point?"

Vivian sighs in frustration as he turns fully facing her, getting at eye level.

"You have no idea what I've gone through. I have no idea who you are either," Vivian repeated.

"Welcome to the club darling," Three sighs. "Listen…"

Three looks up in thought as he grabs his gun out of his holster, twirling it before putting it back. Vivian watched him intently.

"I don't know who Marcus Boone was. And I'm still trying to figure you out in more ways than one," Three eyes her and she blushes. "But me being dangerous honey…I think you can handle it."

Vivian nods in agreement.

"You wanna know how I know?" Three asked as she scoffs in amusement. "It's not just the pirate thing. When I saw the look you gave One today…something told me you were what's the word?"

"Dangerous," Vivian completed. Three hissed, grabbing his pistol from his holster and twirling it out of habit.

"See when you say it you make it sound sexy," Three smirked. "Based on experience…yeah you put up a good fight."

Three hops back onto the workbench eating more of the chips in the bag beside him as he sits next to her.

"I'm sure it won't be my last," he commented as he took a green chip, chewing it. "These chips make a tingling in the back of my head."

"What?"

"You know when you're trying to remember something?"

Vivian laughs softly watching him as he habitually twirls his gun in his hands.

"Wanted to do more than just smack him you know," Vivian scoffed. Three grinned.

"Yeah I figured. That's why I got to him first and did it for ya," Three teased. Vivian laughed as she put a hand on his thigh.

"Remind me to thank you properly," Vivian smiled. Three looked down at her hand on his thigh and swallowed looking at her.

"Oh, I can think of a few ways," Three teased.

"I'm sure you do big guy," she agreed, hopping off the workbench. "Just try not to get yourself into too much trouble. For me?"

"No promises sweetheart," Three smirked at her as he habitually twirled his pistol again. "Besides I'm a bad boy at heart remember?"

"Well…I'll be in my room if you need anything," Vivian remarked eying him. "Just make sure you knock."

"Oh, I'll definitely take that invitation," Three grinned winking at her. "Besides, you still owe me some one on one time to rock your world."

Vivian looked up.

"I'm sure you'll be quiet convincing," she teased.

"You know it," Three winked at her as she smiled, leaving the cargo bay.

Everything was dark…the hum of the engine was the only comfort out of the entire ordeal. Silence…until she heard the footsteps. Hands bound behind her, her body trapped in the chair. Her breathing quickened.

"Now, now Miss Halvor…"

She could feel the cold blade on her neck. His voice…deep, and chilling to the bone.

"Why don't you tell me about your brother?"

"I'm not telling you shit…" she whispered. The blade pressed harder.

"You know the longer you stall, the less I can guarantee your safety…"

"Bite me…"

The voice sighed. She tensed.

"Suit yourself."

It was silent. She heard his shifting then heard a pistol unholster from his belt. The butt end of the pistol swiped her across the face that echoed throughout the room

"Tell me where he is Halvor!"

"No."

SLAP!

"Tell me!"

"No!"

"HALVOR!"

"Halvor," Two's voice greeted as Vivian shot up out of bed, gasping in a cold sweat. Two jumped as Vivian jumped from Two's presence.

"Jesus Halvor, you scared me," Two breathed. Vivian sighed, shaking her head and immediately getting out of bed and immediately into the bathroom running the water.

"Sorry, must've fallen asleep," Vivian growled frustratingly. Two watched her in confusion and concern. "What's the word?"

"I tried calling you on your coms but you didn't answer," Two mentioned.

"Sorry…" Vivian repeated washing her face thoroughly. Vivian dried her face as she came back out.

"You okay?" Two asked, watching her. "You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," Vivian sighed, nodding quickly avoiding the answer. "Updates?"

"We found Four, we're about to head down to the planet," Two explained.

"And?" Vivian asked. "You need me to come with you?"

"I need you to make sure you stay here with Five and keep tabs on the ship," Two ordered as Vivian tossed the towel back into the bathroom.

"You trust me with the ship? I'm flattered," Vivian scoffed. "You're not worried I might take it from you?"

"I figured you would keep your word on our contracts. Besides, you wouldn't want to leave us down there," Two mentioned.

"Well maybe not all of you," Vivian joked as she threw on a sweater over her tank and pulled on her boots. Two crossed her arms about her chest. Vivian smirked shaking her head.

"I'm kidding," she reassured as she stood up straight. "Keep the ship in line while captain is on duty got it. Where are the others?"

"They're gearing up then heading to the Marauder. You mind locking up behind us?" Two suggested.

"At your command captain," Vivian stated as she motioned towards her door. Two nodded following her out with a smirk on her face.

They walked down the corridor with silence towards the docking bay of the Marauder. Vivian crossed her arms about her chest, staring at the ground.

"So…Six told me an interesting story about you," Two mentioned.

"There's a lot of them. You're going to have to elaborate," Vivian informed. Two glanced at her.

"Of an ambush and a ransom," Two replied. Vivian stopped swallowing hard. Two turned herself around facing Vivian head on.

"Six told you?" she asked quietly. Two nodded.

"If you need to talk-"

"No," Vivian answered quickly, looking at Two shaking her head. "…no."

Two was about to intervene but One, Three and Six started their way over to the Marauder docking entrance.

"Hey! There you are!" Three grinned. Two sighed looking at Vivian. "You joining the party?"

"No, she's staying here watching the ship," Two replied, walking to the door and punching in the code.

"You're trusting her with the ship?" One muttered to Two. Six Vivian narrowed her eyes at him.

"Do I need to sleep with you to have your trust?" Vivian spat softly. One looked at her taken aback. He swallowed hard as she glared at him. "Or is that just a formality?"

Three smirked nudging One.

"She got you good pal," Three smirked.

"Shut up…" One glared at him.

"She's a captain, trust her," Two glanced at One.

"But-"

"Wholeheartedly," Two replied, staring One down to giving him a don't-get-her-mad look. One swallowed as he glanced at Vivian then immediately walked himself into the Marauder. Two looked at Vivian.

"We'll be back ASAP. Make sure your coms are on. We'll let you know if there are any complications," Two informed. Vivian nodded sternly. Two walked into the Marauder followed by Six. Three smirked at Vivian as she walked up to the control panel.

"Wanna give me some good luck?" Three teased. Vivian moved passed him slowly, wrapping her arms around her chest, going to the panel.

"You don't want to keep her waiting," Vivian swallowed, avoiding his gaze.

"Halvor…answer me," the man's voice sung in her head. A sudden pain washed over her head. Three noticed her stiffen and eyes closed tight.

"Viv?"

No response.

"Hey…" Three repeated, putting his hand on her shoulder shaking her lightly. She snapped out of it, looking at Three oddly.

"You say something?" she asked quietly.

"You okay? You're looking…a little pale," Three observed. Vivian swallowed. Three scoffed.

"Oh, I get it," Three grinned. Vivian froze at his expression. "You're worried about me."

Vivian shook her head and he smirked.

"Don't worry darling. I know what I'm doing," Three reassured her quietly. with a smug look on his face. She couldn't tell him. They had a mission.

"Promise?" she asked to keep him from asking anymore.

"Pinky promise, blood bound. You know the drill," Three winked at her. "We can celebrate when I get back."

"Three! Are you coming?" Six called out.

"Yeah I'm coming!" Three replied. He patted Vivian's shoulder. "Take care of the kid and the robot while we're gone."

Vivian nodded as he boarded the ship. She sealed the airlock, swallowing hard.

She couldn't tell them what was really going on…