Chapter 14: Allies or Enemies Pt. 1

Vivian sighed frustratingly as she petted Bruce as he laid his head down on her lap. The dog whined as she closed her eyes tightly. She had a shot. But she just…she couldn't take it. It was too early for her to tell. She wanted to be sure. She didn't want to give in so easily to a total stranger just because they flirted around with her. She's been bitten in the ass by that before. She wasn't going to make the same mistake and get taken advantaged of again.

She shook her head, getting up.

"You wanna go for a walk?" Vivian asked Bruce. He yipped, immediately jumping off the couch and out the door. Vivian followed him out, closing the door behind her.

She made her way down the hall, noticing Four practicing in the training room. She stopped as he put away his weapon, leaning against the door watching him.

"Hey," Vivian greeted smiling relieved. "Long time no see."

Four glanced over his shoulder.

"Likewise, Miss Halvor," Four agreed, turning to face her. "Surprised you didn't join the others when they picked me up."

"Not my choice," Vivian informed.

"Let me guess, Two ordered you to stay behind."

"You got it," Vivian smirked. "And you know to follow captain's orders, or you have one unhappy one. Last thing I need is a mutiny. Speaking from experience."

Four scoffed in amusement as she walked up to him, crossing her arms about her chest. Bruce followed her sitting down obediently beside her. Four smiled at the dog.

"Does he follow you everywhere?"

"He used to. But lately he's been hanging around Five. He gets spoiled with her," Vivian laughed softly as she patted his head affectionately. Bruce whined in approval, wagging his tail at her.

"May I?" he asked motioning to the dog. Vivian shrugged as he leaned down with a hand to Bruce. Bruce sniffed his hand curiously and whined immediately licking his hand. Four gently petted his head, scratching behind the ears.

"Is he trained?"

"As long as I can remember," Vivian replied as Four petted him. "Makes a good guard dog. Obeys commands when he needs to."

"So, what brings you here?" he asked, straightening himself up.

"Figured I'd check up on you," Vivian straightened. "Heard you had a visit to the med bay. You run into trouble while you were gone?"

"That's very…admirable of you," Four commented nodding his head to her. "But you shouldn't worry, it wasn't anything I couldn't handle."

Vivian nodded.

"Well, if you need anything, you know my services are available to you as with the rest of the crew," Vivian bowed her head in respect.

"I'll keep that in mind," Four smirked.

BOOM!

The Raza shook. Vivian and Four steadied themselves then looked wide eyed at each other.

"What the hell was that?" Vivian questioned.

"We're about to find out," Four growled.

They ran out of the training area with Bruce barking at their heels.

The entire crew ran up to the bridge. Android was looking out in front of her observing their situation. Everyone scattered throughout the bridge.

"Is everyone all right?" Vivian asked. Bruce skidded to a halt by her legs, growling at the alarm.

"You felt that too?" Five asked.

"I think everyone felt that," Three breathed.

"What the hell was that?" Two growled at Android.

"Three Ferrous Corp ships dropped out of FTL, their opening shots took out our FTL drives," Android informed, scanning between three ships. "We aren't going anywhere."

"Ferrous?" Vivian repeated. "What the hell do they want?"

"Is that even a question at this point?" Six asked.

"Shields are holding, for now," Android reassured.

"Can we outrun them without it?" Two asked.

"The ships maybe, the missiles no," Android replied flatly.

"Can't we just shoot back?" Three asked.

"We're out of range. And we don't have any missiles to throw back at them," Android explained.

"Why wasn't that on the shopping list?" Three asked.

"You can't find them at a general store," Two bit at him frustratingly. Everyone stared out into space glaring at the Ferrous ships. Until Android looked up.

"There's a message, audio only," Android announced.

"Raza you must power down and surrender or be destroyed, you have 30 seconds to comply," the voice on the transmission announced. Everyone in the room immediately tensed.

"What do we do now?" Five asked with a bit of fear in her tone.

"What's the status of the FTL drive?" Two questioned as the ship sparked in a few places from the already existing damage.

"It's significantly damaged and would take a minimum of 3 hours to repair," Android informed.

"And…if we surrender?" Six asked.

"They'll most likely turn us into the GA," Two replied.

"If we're lucky," Four added. Vivian stared at the ships in front of them.

"Is there no way to negotiate? What if I talked to them?" Vivian pitched in.

"They'll probably just see you as another bounty," One warned.

"Besides, if they're firing missiles, no chance of them changing their minds," Three added. "This is payback for the mining colony."

That's when the voice on the intercom interrupted yet again.

"Your time is up Raza, sorry have to do this, waste of a fine ship if you ask me," the voice remarked, then suddenly the alarms were blaring. Bruce growled at the noise.

"They just launched a nuclear missile," Android announced. Vivian's eyes closed.

"But the shield will hold right?" One asked.

"No…the shields will not hold," Android replied. Everyone looked at her in panic. Vivian's eyes opened.

"What about the Marauder?" Vivian asked sternly.

"What about it?" Six asked.

"Let me go out there. I could re-route the missile away from the Raza," Vivian insisted. Everyone looked at her wide eyed. "It'll buy us time!"

"Are you nuts?!" Three growled.

"What if it's the only way?" Vivian growled at him. Three's mouth opened his mouth to protest.

"That's suicide!" One intervened.

"The missile is locked on the Raza. Impact is in 90 seconds," Android informed. "Re-routing it would be impossible."

"Wait…Head straight for the missile," Two demanded.

"What?" Three yelled. "You want us to run into it?"

"Head on full speed," Two ordered and the Raza suddenly turned around, speeding head first towards the missile.

"Whoa! Whoa! What are we doing?!" One yelped.

"You're gonna get us all killed!" Three exclaimed.

"If we get close enough to them, they'll disarm or else they'll be caught in the blast range," Two yelled. "This is our only chance. They have to disarm the nuke."

"Impact in 30 seconds," Android announced. Vivian swallowed, stepping back towards the back of the crew. She glanced at Three as she stood in front of Five and Six. Everyone watched, praying that this was going to work.

"You better be right about this," Three growled at Two. Vivian's hands were flexing. She could feel the panic, like her ship was burning all over again. She stared out, tears forming in her eyes.

"15 seconds."

Vivian swallowed hard. Three glanced at her as she suddenly reached out grabbing and gripping onto his hand. He looked down, his jaw tightening. She closed her eyes, a tear falling from her face. Her knuckles turned white, and she even felt Three tighten his as well as he looked at the floor, almost praying.

"Missile…" Android began. A few long agonizing seconds. "Disarmed…"

The entire crew sighed in relief. The missile hit the front of the ship, but did little damage compared to what it should've been.

"It worked!" Five sighed in relief. Vivian opened her eyes in surprise, not realizing she was still holding Three's hand. She swallowed, they looked at each other for a moment then immediately released. Three cleared his throat, glancing over at her as she wiped the tears off her face. She was still shaking from the adrenaline. At least the ship wasn't vaporized.

"Ease up on the engines, lets get the weapons online," Two ordered. Everyone scattered on the ship. "Keep us nice and close."

"I'm detecting 3 more FTL windows," Android announced.

"Great, looks like they got back up," Vivian rolled her eyes.

"Ferrous?" Six asked.

"No Mikkei Combine," Android corrected.

"What the hell are they doing here?" Three growled.

"Power down weapons and drop the shields!" One ordered.

"You're even crazier than she is!" Three yelled.

"Don't give them an advantage to attack us if we're unarmed," One demanded. "They won't shoot us in front of another corporation."

"How do we know they don't work together?"

"They don't," One reassured. It felt like everyone was holding their breath. Vivian looked around, tensing.

"Do it," Two agreed. And before they knew it Ferrous ships disappeared, leaving the Mikkei ships still out in the open in front of them.

"Greetings Raza, Commander Truffault at your service," Truffault announced on their intercom. Vivian swallowed hard. She's heard that name. "We need to talk."

"How do you suppose we arrange that?" Two asked.

"Why don't I come to you?" Truffault suggested. Everyone looked at Two.

"Fine, you come on our ship, now, unarmed and alone," Two commanded.

"I'm on my way," Truffault agreed, ending the transmission.

"Are we sure we want her on board?" One asked.

"We need answers," Two explained. "Especially if she's willing to scare off Ferrous for us. Everyone in the mess. We're having a guest."

The crew walked quickly to the mess hall except for Vivian who walked a little further behind the crew. She was trying to shake off the scare when Two (and Four following close behind) made her way to her.

"Captain…have a minute?" Two asked in almost a biting tone as they walked down the corridor. Vivian glanced at her then stopped as she made her way in front of her.

"What the hell was that about?" Two asked, looking sternly at her.

"What?"

"Do you have a death wish? You suggested a suicide mission," Two repeated. Vivian narrowed her eyes at her. "What would your family think of us if we tried to tell them that you willingly went out to get killed?"

"Says the person who almost ran us into a missile," Vivian growled. "With all do respect Commander, I was planning a diversion, not a suicide mission."

"We work as a team," Two growled.

"And apparently die as a team," Vivian shot back. Two narrowed her eyes at Vivian. "Don't forget you got very lucky."

"Are you questioning my decisions?"

"Maybe," Vivian spat.

"I run this ship."

"And I'm not under your command!" Vivian growled.

Silence. The two leaders stood their ground, tense. Two leaned close to her face.

"We agreed I can think of my own best interests," Vivian reminded harshly.

"We agreed for your services on this ship," Two whispered harshly. "You dying on me is not an option. Period."

Vivian scoffed shaking her head.

"You signed the contract," Vivian growled. "I'm just here to fulfill it. Besides at this point…you're the one who owes me."

Two narrowed her eyes at her.

"Halvor," she growled. Vivian shook her head as she marched to the mess, ignoring Two.

"Well…can't say that wasn't interesting," Four mentioned as he slowly walked up to Two.

"Stay armed, keep an eye on Truffault and don't let her fool you," Two warned.

"Already got it covered," Four agreed. Four bowed his head, making his way to the loading docks.

Vivian leaned against the side wall not far from Six, with Bruce at her feet. She stood on her guard (even though she was fuming from her ordeal with Two), arms crossed about her chest near the end corner. Three and Five sat along the table in front of One and Two. Minutes later, Four lead Truffault into the mess as she strode in confidently with a smile on her face nodding to Two.

"Good to see you again," she greeted. Vivian narrowed her eyes at her as she entered. Then it hit her…her father and brother worked with her before. She's the one her father describes: confident, in charge…dangerous. The Mikkei leader looked around the room.

"I recognize most of you from your mug shots," Truffault announced, then looked at Five. "Except for you."

Five froze at she walked over to her bending down to Five's eye level. Vivian straightened up.

"You seem rather young to be on the team," she commented. Five hesitated.

"She's more of a mascot," Three corrected calmly. Truffault nodded then did a double take a Vivian. Vivian narrowed her eyes at her.

"Have we met?" she asked. Truffault narrowed her eyes at her, tilting her head. "Your face…looks familiar, but not from any recent mugshots."

Vivian narrowed her eyes at her.

"She's our new recruit," Three grinned nodding over to Vivian. "Picked her up at one of the mercenary stations."

"Oh, is that right?" Truffault chimed examining her wardrobe. Dark red peasant blouse, black vest with matching black pants and boots. Vivian noticed Truffault examining her golden cross around her neck.

"You don't exactly look like the mercenary type," she commented smirking.

"Are you implying I'm not dangerous?" Vivian narrowed her eyes.

"No but a normal mercenary wouldn't wear something that valuable around her neck," Truffault mentioned. "Did some man give it to you to impress you?"

"Family heirloom," Vivian corrected almost growling. Bruce growled at Truffault in return.

Truffault stopped smiling, looking between Bruce and her staring in silence for a long moment. The others stood there, tense as Truffault glanced between her cross and their pirate crewmate.

"Halvor, settle him down," Two demanded, sort of glaring at her. Truffault furrowed her brows at the name as Vivian looked down at Bruce.

"Bruce enough," she bit lightly in a forced whisper at the dog who sat and whined impatiently. But he stopped. That was the goal. Truffault immediately recomposed herself.

"Well aren't you charming," she smirked, looking at the crew. "You seem to have a knack for picking up the crazy ones."

"Tell me about it," Three grinned at Vivian while Five kicked him lightly under the table. Three grunted looking at her giving her a 'what' face.

"You came alone?" Four asked.

"Why wouldn't I? We have a pre-existing relationship," Truffault informed, making her way to the end chair. "Plus, I just saved your lives."

"Yeah been wondering about that. How you just showed up at the nick of time," Two commented unconvinced.

"Ferrous has been scouting this entire route. We've just been keeping an eye on them," Truffault explained, setting herself down the end chair, full attention on them. Four moved his way next to Two. Vivian moved closer to Six, keeping an eye on the Commander at a distance.

"You have to understand that we know it's been rough since your situation down on the mining colony. And while it worked out for our benefit, there are rumors that question your motives," she explained casually.

"Yeah well we had our reasons," Two informed flatly.

"As cut-throat mercenaries, you have a role to play and you've even gotten some respect," Truffault explained, looking between each of them. "You can't afford people thinking you've gone soft."

Vivian swallowed hard as Four revealed a rather large knife from his person.

"I can send you back without your tongue. Would that help?" he asked. Truffault just smiled putting up her hands. Father was right…this woman was dangerous if she could smile so easily even while being threatened.

"I'm just telling you what I've heard," she insisted. "Plus, I'm offering an opportunity to prove that that's not the case. A job for you."

Everyone watched her closely waiting for an explanation.

Truffault grinned. "We have a research facility that is on the break of an amazing discovery."

"And you want us to steal it," One assumed making Truffault turn to him with a smile.

"You see we're already finishing each other's thoughts," she grinned.

"What is it?" Two demanded.

"That you don't need to know," Truffault remarked.

"Forget it, no more blind ops. You tell us, or we don't do it," Two demanded lightly. Truffault then sighed, standing up.

"Well I'm sorry I wasted your time."

"Hang on a second," Three intervened. "Let's talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about," Two growled whispering. Truffault looked between them.

"Tell you what I'll send you rendezvous coordinates and give you 24 hours," Truffault she suggested. "But if you don't show up, don't expect any more help from us."

Truffault walked out with Four following close behind. Everyone relaxed, looking at each other.

"Why didn't we take the deal?" Three asked.

"I'm not in the mood," Two growled as she moved out of the mess hall.

Vivian leaned on the corridor walls, waiting patiently for Four as he finished escorting Truffault off the ship.

"Is she gone?" she asked as he walked by her swiftly. Four halted, looking at her.

"For now," Four agreed. He narrowed his eyes at her. "I overheard your fight with Two. Care to explain?"

"You heard it for yourself," Vivian sighed. Four sighed, as Vivian pushed herself off the wall, then walked along the corridors with Four.

"Must be hard…not being in charge of your own ship," Four stated obviously. Vivian twisted her jaw.

"Yeah well, we had a deal and I signed it too," Vivian sighed lightly.

"If you have an opinion on this ship, I suggest you speak up," Four advised. "Just because your part of the crew doesn't mean your mouth is sewn shut."

Vivian hesitated, stopping at a thought. Truffault was oddly confident for someone who just stepped on board the Raza. Four noticed stopping in front of her.

"You have something on your mind," Four observed.

"Is there something off…about Truffault?"

"Well she claims we've worked before," Four replied. "But she could have other motives."

"There's something about her I don't trust, even my family hesitated with Mikkei…especially Truffault," Vivian mentioned as they continued walking to the training room. "Truffault always kept us on our toes. Even though they seem loyal, my family always kept a sharp eye on them."

She followed him to the training room.

"We'll make sure there will be no shortage of that," Four agreed. "But just remember, we still need allies. If Mikkei offers their protection, then why not take it?"

Vivian leaned up against the door, sighing looking at the floor.

"Let's just hope it doesn't bite us in the ass."

"You forget that we are the crew of the Raza," Four reminded as he grabbed one of his swords, his back to her. "If anyone dares to betray us. They'll see our wrath."

Vivian then stared him down.

"Oh, believe me," Vivian scoffed. "I know by experience."

Four turned around slowly as she left him alone with the silence of the training room.

Vivian was digging through her closet, grinning when she spotted a dark duffle bag in the corner.

"There you are," she whispered, pulling it out and placing it on her bed. She grabbed her cutlass that was sheathed from the corner of her closet, setting it down beside the bag.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in," she greeted as she kept her head in the closet. She heard the door slide open, and footsteps slowly walk in.

"Hey," One greeted. Vivian furrowed her brows as she slowly straightened up, turning to One as he walked a few steps away from the door, his hands in his pockets. "Am I uh…interrupting?"

Vivian straightened up, smiling slightly.

"Well this is a first," she breathed as she walked up to him.

"I wanted to ask you something," One started.

"Girl troubles?" Vivian smirked. One furrowed his brows and stammered off guard.

"What? No…of course not!" he laughed rubbing the back of his head. Vivian nudged him playfully.

"I'm just teasing you," Vivian smirked. "Is this about Truffault?"

"You know anything about her and Mikkei?" One asked as she grabbed her cutlass from the bed examining it.

"Well…not much personally but my family has worked with them," Vivian answered. "Truffault is a bit of a dangerous character."

"Someone we want on our side then wouldn't you think?" One questioned.

"Problem is even I can't tell what side she's on," Vivian mentioned. "Allies are beneficial don't get me wrong. But our line of work is a bit…tricky and allies sometimes turn into enemies."

"Speaking from experience?" One asked. Vivian looked up at him, sheathing her cutlass harshly.

"What do you think?" Vivian commented. One hesitated swallowing hard.

"Sorry…"

Vivian shook gently tossing her cutlass back onto the bed.

"I'm not saying that for bringing up the past. I'm saying it so you keep your guard up," Vivian explained crossing her arms about her chest. "Allies can easily be outbought. Don't let them fool you no matter how good their protection is."

"That would imply we shouldn't even trust you," One narrowed his eyes.

"Well at first glance you shouldn't," Vivian agreed. "I'm a pirate after all. Especially one your crew has destroyed at some point."

Vivian stood there staring at him. One's jaw tightened.

"Can we still count on you?" One asked narrowing his eyes.

"I've already sworn my loyalty and services to this crew," Vivian smirked. "My family are witnesses as well as your commander."

"Then would you agree we need this ally alongside us?"

Vivian swallowed.

"I will tell you what I told Four," Vivian began. "Mikkei may be loyal now. But I personally do not trust Truffault."

One sighed nodding.

"Just be careful. For all your sakes."

"Right, of course," he agreed. "When have we not been?"

"Besides, it's not for me to decide," Vivian reminded. "It's your commander's decision."

One hesitated then nodded clearing his throat.

"Oh yeah of course, I was just…asking the crew's opinion before clarifying it with her," he stammered and nodded.

He forced a smile as he headed towards her door.

"Well you know my opinion," Vivian added.

"Thanks…I'll uh keep that in mind," One agreed lightly. Vivian nodded, sitting herself down onto the bed and opening the bag. One hesitated then opened his mouth.

"Hey Halvor," One began, making Vivian look up. He shifted uncomfortably.

"I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot…"

"Not your fault, my introduction wasn't exactly favorable. I did point a gun at your commander," Vivian scoffed. One nodded.

"What…exactly happened with…you know us and you?" One asked. "Why would we blow up your ship?"

Vivian stopped, sighing then looking at One.

"Honestly…I don't know," Vivian replied. "One minute we were doing well on a mission, next minute I was expendable."

"Then…why did you agree to another contract?" One asked. Vivian scoffed in amusement.

"Well… what's the old saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?" Vivian replied.

"Point," One scoffed in amusement.

"Hence why, if you do decide to agree with Truffault, keep a good eye on her."

"Thanks Halvor," One nodded, then proceeded to the door.

"It's Viv…or Vivian," Vivian corrected making him slowly turn around. She smiled slightly. "You don't have to be so formal around me."

One smiled nodding.

"You got it," he agreed, walking out of her room quietly. "I'll uh…see you around?"

Vivian smiled lightly at him as he left. She searched the bag, pulling out it's contents.

"Father you've done it again…"

Within 24 hours, the Raza crew made the decision to take up the job with Mikkei (even though Two, Six and Vivian weren't exactly fond of it). Android pulled the ship out of FTL at the rendezvous point to meet up with Truffault. Vivian walked onto the bridge as Two sighed, getting up from her commanding chair.

"We just jumped out of FTL," Android announced.

"Okay, let's get this thing over with," Two growled then spotted Vivian.

"Halvor, I need you here on the ship with Five. It should be quick," Two ordered.

"Is this punishment for my so-called suicide mission?"

"No actually, I personally think it's too risky for us all to go down there," Two disagreed as she headed out the door.

"Shouldn't that be a good reason to have a little extra help?"

"I can't risk something happening to you in the crossfire. Not with your father watching our every move with you," Two stated looking sternly at her. "Easiest way is keeping you on the ship with Five."

Vivian stared her down, reluctantly staying put.

"Am I clear?" Two asked, already aggravated with the ordeal.

"Crystal," Vivian swallowed, trying not to growl.

"Good," Two agreed. "We'll be back ASAP. Keep your coms on."

Vivian shook her head as Two turned around to get ready. Vivian kicked the hard end of the console hard giving off a loud clang. It was getting harder by the day being left behind.

Within the next hour, Vivian had to blow off steam. Too much fuming all in one sitting. Five sat on the workout bench, eating a spare apple, with Bruce sitting underneath her as Vivian swung around her cutlass at the target.

"Why didn't Two let you go with them? Didn't you sign up to be part of this crew?" Five asked, taking a bite of her apple.

"You know I'm starting to ask myself that every day," Vivian growled. "But I guess if I was stuck alone on a ship, I'd rather do it with you."

"Why?" Five giggled. Vivian finished her swings and took a breath.

"Well…being around some of the crew has been particularly stressful," Vivian scoffed.

"You talking about Two?"

"In more recent scenarios."

"I would think that you'd rather be around Three than some teenage girl," Five mentioned. Vivian rolled her eyes sitting on center of the training mattes, placing her cutlass down as she stretched. Five grabbed her sheathed cutlass gently. "That's so cool. There's a dragon on the hilt!"

"Used to carry that with me everywhere. Back when the Neptune's Dragon was still around," Vivian mentioned. "Besides you're more than just a teenage girl. And Three…is a different kind of stress."

"What do you mean?"

Vivian sighed, leaning back on her arms looking at her.

"I don't know it's hard to explain."

"Try words?" Five joked. Vivian smirked, laughing under her breath. "I mean I know Three is obnoxious but…I mean like I said he's happier with you around."

"We don't know that. Besides, I can't tell if he likes me or just needs…"

She was about to say it but then hesitated with Five.

"Never mind," she dismissed, then laid on her back, covering her face with her arms.

"Viv you clearly have feelings for him," Five insisted. "I saw you hold his hand when we thought the ship was going to explode."

Vivian looked away embarrassed scoffing in amusement.

"It's okay to have feelings for someone," Five smiled encouragingly.

"I just don't know who he is yet Five," Vivian sighed. "But…I'll keep that in mind."

She got up from her place, grabbing the cutlass from Five then helping her up from the bench.

"You want to grab some food?"

"Nah," Five disagreed. "I'm just gonna hang out in my room for a bit. Can I take Bruce with me?"

Vivian nodded, allowing Five and Bruce to go the opposite way. Vivian sighed as she heard static on her coms.

"Halvor, we're on our way back. Expect some company," Two's voice announced.

"Is it Truffault?" Vivian asked.

"Unfortunately, it's worse and non-negotiable…"

Vivian changed into a dark purple, thin sweater that hung off her shoulders over a black tank top and dark jeans with her combat boots before heading to down to the bridge. She was finishing up braiding her hair as she exited her room. She waited as the Raza crew as they assembled themselves back onto the bridge.

"Well…that could've gone better," Three commented. He stopped, eyeing Vivian as they approached her. He cleared his throat getting out of the way.

"So…?" Vivian asked. Two shook her head.

"Looks like we won't be working alone," Two replied, her tone rather frustrated.

"We got the job, that's all that matters right?" One reminded.

"I don't know…something doesn't feel right," Six disagreed.

"What's wrong?" Vivian asked.

"Well for starters, we can't use any guns. Defeats the purpose of stealing if you ask me," Three mentioned. Vivian raised a brow at him.

"I've stolen things without guns before. Is that so hard to grasp?"

"Well the sooner we get it done the better," Two mentioned. Everyone looked up as the transmission coms turned on.

"We're about 5 minutes from dropping off your new partners are waiting at the docking bay. Don't disappoint me," Truffault's voice announced.

"Copy that," Two answered sternly. She rubbed her eyes.

"Hold on a sec," Six started. "If we have them on the ship…what do we do about Five?"

Everyone looked at each other.

"Options?" Two asked.

"Well I don't know about you, but she shouldn't be near them. Just to be on the safe side," Six mentioned.

"Maybe she should lie low for a while," One agreed. Two nodded.

"Agreed. One you come with me, we'll make sure Five is somewhere out of the way while they board here," Two mentioned. "Halvor, you make sure that the crew gets settled. There are spare quarters down the hall from yours."

"I'll come with you," Four added.

"Oh, I'm sure they're fine…once you get the 'they pointed guns at us first' phase," Three mentioned.

Vivian rolled her eyes as she followed Four down the corridor. She made sure to grab her own cutlass from her room along with her pistol before heading down to the docking bay.

The airlock opened, revealing a very small and confident mercenary group. Four was on one end of the door and Vivian on the other. Wexler came out first, with the others (Tash, Vons and Cain) following him out close behind. He took out the toothpick in his mouth and whistled. As soon as they boarded, the airlock closed, and they jumped into FTL.

"Nice digs," Wexler grinned as he admired the infrastructure. Cain looked around but then immediately spotted Vivian. He smirked eying her.

"Welcome back," Four greeted. "Commander wanted us to lead to the spare quarters."

"Us?" Wexler asked. Cain nudged him.

"Looks like we got an addition to the party," Cain mentioned. Wexler looked over noticing Vivian and eyed her up and down. It made her extremely uneasy. It felt almost predatory.

"A nice one indeed," Wexler agreed. Four noticed her grip onto her cutlass.

"Now, if you would all follow me," Four ordered lightly. "We can get you all settled in."

Vivian stayed towards the back as Four lead them down the hall. Vons and Tash gave Vivian suspicious looks but mostly kept their eyes back towards Four. Cain and Wexler on the other hand were…glancing more frequently. She kept her cool, but she couldn't help but feel guarded. Although Cain…seemed to be examining her. Like maybe he saw her before. Wexler on the other hand, was giving a smug look. Wexler trotted up to Four nudging him.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

Four glanced at him.

"So, uh…Who's the dame?" Wexler asked Four, pointing at Vivian. Vivian rolled her eyes as Cain slowed down to her pace.

"Why don't you ask her?" Four suggested. He glanced behind him. "Although I'll warn you…she might bite."

Wexler raised his brows at him as Four pointed at the first room.

"That one's ours," Tash intervened, grabbing Vons and leading him into the room. Wexler put up his hands.

"Guess I'll take the next one," Wexler grumbled.

Vivian furrowed her brows at the pair. Couldn't tell if they were dating or related. It was rather strange. They went further down the hall where Four opened the next door to another spare room.

Wexler walked in, looking around the room.

"Looks cozy," Wexler smirked. "Where's the grub?"

"Down the hall to your right. You'll know it when you see it," Four mentioned. Wexler nodded, staring at Vivian as Four went ahead with Cain. She narrowed her eyes at Cain as he glanced over his shoulder at her.

"So, what's your story gorgeous?" Wexler asked, making Vivian snap back into reality. Wexler walked back up to the stairs. "How come we didn't see you at the rendezvous?"

Vivian watched him as he leaned against the door, chewing on his toothpick with a smug smile.

"You trying to flatter me?"

"I just call it like I see it," Wexler. "And believe me…I like what I'm seeing."

Vivian narrowed her eyes.

"I had some other things to attend to," Vivian replied. "Besides someone has to keep an eye on the ship."

He eyed her.

"Well I'm sure you do that splendidly," Wexler smirked. "It's a shame the others didn't mention you. I'd love to get acquainted."

"You first," Vivian smirked. Wexler scoffed.

"Of course," Wexler grinned, putting his hands towards his chest pointing at himself. "Wexler. I run this crew. You know my say goes?"

He leaned closer, as Vivian stayed put, narrowing her eyes at him.

"So, there's my introduction where's yours?"

She scoffed, smirking.

"Fine. It's Vivian," Vivian mentioned. He grinned.

"Ooo, that's a good name," he commented, then glanced around, whispering. "So, Vivian…what's a girl like you doing with some of the most dangerous people on this ship hm?"

Vivian stood her ground and smirked. Four walked a little closer to them from dropping off Cain. He watched Vivian and Wexler carefully.

"Oh, believe me darling they're not the only ones who are dangerous…" Vivian whispered. He scoffed in amusement then saw the golden cross on her neck…then the light, thin scar alongside it. He furrowed his brows, reaching out.

"What have we here?"

Vivian swallowed hard, as she restrained from pulling out her blade. He lifted the cross in his hand lightly.

"Pretty little thing you have around your neck."

His eyes roamed from the cross down suggestively. She swallowed when he moved his hand off her cross but put his hand on her shoulder alongside her neck.

"Maybe you and I could-" Wexler whispered, eying her. Then he felt a slim curved blade to his neck.

"I wouldn't hold your breath," Vivian smirked, looking darkly at him. "Sorry darling…all business I'm sure you understand."

Wexler scoffed in amusement as Four walked up and smirked at Vivian.

"Wexler. I see that you and Miss Halvor have been properly acquainted," Four mentioned. Wexler took a breath as Vivian moved her cutlass away from him, sheathing it at her side. Wexler exhaled, recomposing himself.

"Oh yeah," Wexler cleared his throat. "I'm uh…gonna grab some food. Get a little R&R before we head out you know."

He pushed his way passed her then down the hall to the mess. Four walked up to her as she stared at Wexler.

"Well aren't you two getting along," Four joked sarcastically. He eyed her cutlass then back at her. "I warned him you bite."

Vivian looked at Four.

"Let's see if the message sinks in…" he smirked.