Chapter 15: Allies or Enemies Pt. 2
"Captain! It's good to hear your voice lass!" Corey grinned over the coms. Vivian cringed a little as she headed her way back to her room. Wexler just…rubbed her the wrong way. Something about his vibes were dangerous. She didn't like it one bit. She had to get answers.
"Good to hear from you too Corey," Vivian whispered, feeling a slight bit of relief. She passed by a few of the quarters. "Corey, I need you to do me a favor."
"Oi…You sound a little distressed darling," Corey commented.
"You don't know the half of it," Vivian remarked annoyed.
"Why what's happening?" Corey asked.
"It's a long story," Vivian growled quietly.
"Your commander alerted us on a mission. She mentioned Mikkei," Corey mentioned cautiously.
"Followed by Truffault," Vivian growled. Corey was silent. Three looked up as she walked by his quarters. He slowly got up looking out the corridors as she headed towards her room.
"Well…isn't that interesting," he commented. "Your commander didn't sound too happy either."
"Well she and I are on…less than favorable terms."
"Headbutting are we?"
"Corey…"
"Sorry…what can I do?" Corey asked, trying to avoid an argument. Three followed her quietly.
"I want you to send me files on a mercenary group," Vivian whispered. "Wanted records, dealings, etc."
"Of course. Who am I looking for?"
"Wexler," Vivian replied quietly.
Three furrowed his brows as he slowly walked down the hall towards her. Why was she being so secretive?
"You need any back up lass?"
"Corey…"
"I know I know…" Corey sighed. "I forget you're a Halvor. But you call me. I'll get right on this."
"Thanks."
"Viv…be careful," Corey warned. Vivian nodded, hanging up her coms. She was about to head inside her room when Three approached her.
"Hey! Surprised Two didn't let you tag along earlier," Three smirked as he stopped next to her by the door.
"Had to stay behind again, Two's orders," Vivian sighed frustratingly as she leaned against the door behind her. Three furrowed his brows as he saw her glancing down to the guest quarters.
"Who you talking to?"
"I was giving Corey some updates," Vivian replied.
"You seem a little tense…" Three motioned to all of her.
"On guard…" Vivian corrected.
"I don't blame ya," Three reassured looking behind him.
"You sure about having them on board?" Vivian twisted her jaw, motioning towards the guest rooms. "Especially Wexler…"
"Yeah he seemed a little cocky at the meeting," Three mentioned. Vivian raised her brows.
"You're one to talk."
Three furrowed his brows at her and smirked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Three asked hovering over her.
"You tell me," Vivian remarked as she opened the door to her room, walking herself in. Three followed her. He closed the door behind him.
"Regardless," Three groaned, ignoring the commentary. "They're certainly an interesting bunch to say the least. We got our work cut out for us."
"Believe me, you don't have to tell me twice," Vivian agreed stuffing things into her duffle bag for him not to see from her bed.
Three eyed her for a moment.
"Hey uh…I was meaning to talk to you about earlier," Three began. Vivian froze, then swallowed hard.
"It must've been the alcohol talking…" she lied in embarrassment. Three scoffed in amusement as she straightened up, facing him and crossing her arms about her chest.
"Right…I'll believe that when you're stone cold drunk," Three smirked. Vivian hesitated. "Plus, that doesn't explain when we thought we'd blow up into a million bits."
He motions to his hand. Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Sometimes I'm not even sure what I'm thinking," Vivian scoffed.
"Humor me for a sec," Three encouraged. "You are…interested, right? It's not just me…forming my own bullshit fantasies?"
"Fantasies?" Vivian laughed.
"You know what I mean," Three remarked. "Besides you can't blame me. I can't exactly ignore this."
He motions to her all of her. Vivian hesitated.
"It's complicated…" Vivian sighed.
"Isn't it though? What's wrong with a little bit of complexity when we could just…not think…" Three mentioned as he moved closer, leaning close to her face. "I saw your face…you can't fool me."
He put his hand on her shoulder. It made her tense…but not like Wexler. It was different. She hesitated as he got closer.
"Three…You don't know who you're dealing with…" Vivian breathed. Three smirked eying her.
"Neither do you," Three grinned. "So that makes us even."
"I haven't…had the best of luck in my position…with men."
"You?" he asked in disbelief. "Try me."
"Intimidation…cheating…mutiny," Vivian listed off casually. Three raised a brow.
"Mutiny?"
Vivian rolled her eyes nodding embarrassed. "And a smidgen of other things."
"Okay first of all," Three leaned back and put up a finger. "That's not me. One, I'm not easily intimidated. If anything, people are intimidated by me."
Vivian tried not to laugh as he continued.
"Second, cheating. I mean…I cheat in cards but not all the time. Come to think of it not sure of who doesn't now and then. And when it comes to women, uh, people have to tell me first before I do something stupid okay? Not my fault some hot blonde wants to hit on me. Or that I don't know I'm in a thing with somebody."
Vivian stifled a laugh.
"And mutiny?" Three looked up in thought then mockingly grinned as he hovered over her. His hand still on her shoulder. "Well…I don't think that's gonna happen. Well unless you know Two gets a little overbearing then you know we can sort something out for you to take over. How's that?"
"Fine…I see your point," Vivian rolled her eyes laughing a bit, making him smirk. He raised his brows, leaning close to her face.
"So…can I assume we might be able to start where we stopped next time?" he asked suggestively eyeing her up and down., moving his hand to the side of her neck. "Because believe me…I was enjoying it."
Vivian sighed, looking at him, putting a hand on top of his. Maybe Five was right. Maybe it wasn't a problem to have feelings for him.
"You're…definitely persistent," Vivian rolled her eyes. She swallowed when he got even closer. "Hard to ignore that."
"From what I hear you like the chase," Three smirked. "Wanted a guy like me to…finally get what I want."
She bit her lip. Three scoffed.
"Guess we'll find out, won't we captain?" he grinned.
"Please don't call me that," Vivian groaned.
"Why? Find that rather fitting," Three teased. She gently pulled off his hand, leaning away from him and grabbing her duffle bag, tossing it gently into the closet. Three cleared his throat.
"So, uh…" he started, rubbing the back of his neck. She smiled. "Until then…I was gonna get some grub. You coming?"
"Sure," Vivian smirked. "You sure you can keep your cool?"
"Sure…" Three breathed, nodding. He cleared his throat pointing at the door. "After you."
Vivian walk on her way to the door when Three grinned.
"Although I gotta tell you, it's hard not to like the view," Three grinned.
Vivian tried not to laugh as they walked down the hall together to join the rest of the crew.
…
Three was already in the mess when Vivian came in. He and Six were looking at each other funny after talking to Tash and Vons. Vivian hesitated seeing Wexler at the end of the table. He looked up from his meal at her.
"Well, well look who it is," Wexler greeted. Three glanced at Vivian and Wexler. She walked around the table to sit across from Six and next to Vons. She wanted to keep her distance from Wexler as much as she could. Unfortunately, it's not like the rest of his crew were any better. She sat down about to dig into her food.
Two and One walked into the room.
"You thought about my little proposal?" he asked eying Vivian. Two hesitated.
"Proposal?" Two repeated. Vivian's eyes darted to Wexler. One could see the seriousness in her eyes.
"She and I were possibly going to get to know each other," Wexler answered.
Three furrowed his brows at Wexler, then Six gripped his arm as he was about to say something. Vivian looked away from Wexler, taking a forkful of food.
"And I was sure…that I gave you my answer," Vivian ignored him, looking at Two sternly. "Perhaps next time I should be clearer."
Vivian glared at him threateningly. Wexler acted almost amused (mainly trying to hide that tiny bit of fear in his stomach). Six and Three watched her. That stare was very close to how she looked at One…and it was terrifying.
"Halvor," Two started. "Is this true?"
Vivian tried to focus back on her food, then Cain furrowed his brows at her name.
"Where've I heard that name before?"
One slightly nudged Two.
Vivian rolled her eyes.
"You know with your guts, I'm almost tempted to steal you away," Wexler smirked. "I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind me stealing you off their hands. You probably cause them trouble anyway with your…introductions."
The Raza crew looked between Wexler and Vivian. She twisted her jaw as she immediately stood from her place.
"I think I lost my appetite," Vivian growled, picking up her tray. Six sighed, shaking his head. Three raised his brows as she left. She made no effort to restrain glaring at Wexler. Two noticed as she stormed off out of the mess. She narrowed her brows at Wexler. He looked at Two rather oddly.
"What?"
"She's not for sale," Two defended.
"Isn't that for her to decide?"
"Don't worry she's not going anywhere," Three reassured.
"I don't know. I would think there would be a lot of clashing," Wexler mentioned motioning to Two. "Besides I'm sure I can tame her. With enough work."
One, Three and Six stared at Wexler in disbelief. He just gave a smug look. What's with this guy?
"You know the more you talk about her like that, the less I'm concerned about your safety," Two mentioned.
"What are you going to do? We're forced to work together," Wexler scoffed in amusement.
"I wasn't talking about me," Two growled lightly. Wexler's face tried to stay amused. "So…what's your plan to get into the station."
…
Screaming was heard down every corridor of the ship. Unfortunately for Wexler, he was now sitting in the med bay, minutes later after trying to make his moves on Two. And he lost…horribly. Broken wrist, fractured ribs and a bruised left testicle. Vivian cringed when she found out from One. Vivian stayed away from the scene. She accompanied Four in the training room, watching him as he reflected quietly. As much as it served Wexler right…she wasn't sure who to be more terrified of. Wexler or Two. And right now, she wasn't on great terms with either of them.
"What do we do now?" Vivian asked. "This changes the entire mission."
"It means we need a plan B," Four stated matter-of-factly. "Otherwise the mission is compromised."
Vivian sighed, sitting herself down on a workout bench. They looked up as Two entered the room.
"We have a plan," Two announced.
"And?" Four asked.
"Five agreed to open the door. She knows Wexler's protocols better than anyone else," Two explained. "Four, you and Six keep track of the Marauder. Three, One and I will accompany Wexler's crew."
"What about me?" she asked.
"I need you to watch Wexler while in the research station. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid while we're down there," Two explained sternly. Vivian scoffing in disbelief and rolled her eyes. "I know it's not ideal."
"Yeah well…I'm getting used to sitting duty," Vivian remarked coolly. Four noticed the tension between them. Vivian didn't even want to look at Two.
"It won't be like that forever," Two reminded. "Besides I need eyes on him. He might be injured but he's still dangerous."
"I'm not sure leaving him under my care is the best solution either. But, not like I have a choice," Vivian got up pacing a bit in front of the punching back.
Two narrowed her eyes at her.
"I can trust you right?"
Vivian was taken aback by the statement.
"I know we haven't been on the best terms lately," Two added. "I need to know you're on our side."
"Are you serious? You have suspicious mercenaries on board and you're asking me the stupid questions," Vivian growled at her.
"Yes or no Halvor," Two demanded lightly. Vivian twisted her jaw, fuming.
"I signed a contract, gave you resources, and even my word with my entire family behind it," Vivian growled viciously. "What more do you want?"
"Certainty," Two replied sternly. "I need to know-"
BAM! Vivian punched the punching bag so hard it caused Two to jump. Four looked away, keeping his calm as Two scoffed shaking her head. Vivian walked slowly up to her, her eyes hurt and almost glaring. Four took a deep breath, watching Vivian and Two carefully.
"Fine…I'll watch Wexler," Vivian growled. There was a long moment before she found her way out.
Two watched her as she stormed out of the training room. Four narrowed his eyes at Two. Two notices looking at him funny.
"What the hell was that about?"
"You're questioning her trust and loyalty," Four remarked flatly.
"I need to know-"
"What makes you think that she wouldn't be on our side?"
"Wexler…wanted her on his crew. Steal her off our hands," Two mentioned. "I need to know that she won't just abandon us."
Two looked at him kind of defeated.
"I saw how she was with Wexler," Four reassured. "And believe me, I think she'd rather be rid of him."
…
Vivian made sure to pick up her dagger, a pistol on a holster and her cutlass before heading to the med bay. She was still on edge and wasn't going to take any chances. She opened the door to the med bay still fuming as she walked in. Wexler's crew was scattered around the room, with a very incapacitated Wexler. Braced arm, ice pack on his hips. It was bad. That didn't count his fractured ribs. Everyone looked at her as she set herself in the corner of the room, watching all of them.
Not too long after Two and Five came in getting the run down of the new plan with Wexler and his crew. After reluctantly agreeing with the strategy, Wexler motioned to Vivian.
"Why is she here?"
"She'll be on the ship, in case anything happens," Two explained. "She'll keep us informed if anything looks suspicious."
Wexler glanced at his crew who stared at Vivian trying not to glare.
"You sure you'll be okay here boss?" Cain asked.
"We'll be fine. As long as he doesn't get out of bedrest," Vivian replied coldly. She crossed her arms about her chest, watching him cautiously.
Five realized how tense Vivian and Two were when they locked eyes.
"We'll be back soon," Two commented sternly. "Keep your coms on."
Vivian nodded shortly as Two, Five and the rest of Wexler's crew exited the med bay. Vivian narrowed her eyes at Wexler.
…
It was a good while after the Raza left for the mission. Vivian pacing, looking at the various medical supplies. Wexler eyed her cutlass noticing the elaborate dragon curling around the hilt.
"As much as I don't mind the overwhelming silence, can I ask you something?"
"I'm not really in the mood for small talk," Vivian blocked, her back to him. Wexler scoffed amused.
"I was just curious where you got that pretty little thing," Wexler mentioned, motioning to her cutlass. She furrowed her brows then looked between her cutlass and him. He smirked. "Does it come with that shiny cross on your neck?"
"Specialty weapons shop," Vivian answered simply.
"Can't imagine it being cheap," Wexler eyed the weapon then at her. "I can see why the crew would keep you around."
"Why's that?"
"Well clearly you carry a good chunk of change around right?" Wexler smirked. Vivian narrowed her eyes at him. "Who are you really?"
As soon as she was about to protest, Android walked in.
"There you are, Two told me you'd be here," Android greeted. She looked at Wexler. "Is the medicine helping?"
Wexler nodded, shifting and still in a bit of pain.
"Need me for something?" Vivian asked.
"Yes actually, you have a transmission waiting for you on the bridge," Android replied. Vivian looked at Wexler.
"Don't move," Vivian threatened lightly. Wexler put up his arms slowly. He then watched as Vivian and Android left him alone. When it was clear, he slowly hopped himself off of the med bay table. With every grunt, he made his way to the bridge.
…
Vivian walked her way to the bridge as Four and Six were heading out to the Marauder. She nodded to Six.
"You two heading out?"
"They should be close to grabbing the goods," Six mentioned. "We'll be back soon enough."
Vivian nodded as she approached them. Six made his way passed her towards the console. Four lingered a second more.
"You look distracted," Four commented quietly. Vivian sighed, crossing her arms about her chest.
"I have a transmission on the bridge," Vivian mentioned motioning to the bridge. Four nodded, putting a hand on her shoulder gripping onto it. Thrown off.
"I know you've been struggling but…" Four began, watching as Six opened the doors of the Marauder and proceeded inside. He immediately looked at her. "Remember who you are."
Vivian nodded. He patted her shoulder smiling at her then headed to the Marauder.
"Be careful," she announced. Four smirked at her as he went into the Marauder.
"Always am," he replied. She took a moment before proceeding to the bridge. Wexler wasn't that far behind when the Marauder doors closed.
He followed as Vivian took her place on the bridge in front of the transmission. He hid behind the doors unnoticed by Android or herself. Vivian looked at Android.
"You know who it is?"
"It's your father," Android replied. Vivian swallowed, then slowly nodded. She straightened up before answering the call. Erik Halvor appeared on the screen again in front of his miraculous office.
"My pearl," he greeted steadily. Vivian bowed her head. Wexler swallowed at the various memorabilia of the Neptune's Dragon as well as his other prized positions.
"This is definitely a surprise," Vivian greeted. "What can I do for you father?"
"I heard you had some recent encounters with Truffault," her father stated sternly. "With some questionable mercenaries."
"You could say that," Vivian agreed. "Is that a problem?"
"You know what I think of Mikkei," Erik mentioned growling. "Always made it difficult to compromise."
"Is that why you called?"
"No, I actually called to send you files on the mercenaries you're working with," Erik corrected. "I can't say I approve…"
"Well you're not the only one," Vivian mentioned. "I didn't have a say on this mission."
"Really…perhaps we can arrange something," Erik suggested smoothly. Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Father," Vivian protested but he put up a hand. He then got up, moving closer to the camera.
"I know it's been a long time since you've been on your own. But if you want to grow as a Captain again…you're going to have to put your best foot forward. Remind the Raza who you are."
Vivian hesitated.
"Who are you? Say it," her father demanded sternly. Wexler furrowed his brows at her.
"Vivian Elizabeth Halvor," Vivian sighed, closing her eyes annoyed. Erik narrowed his eyes at her.
"State your position. I need to hear you say it," he pushed. Vivian shook her head.
"Captain of the Neptune's Dragon…" Vivian breathed. Wexler's eyes widened.
"You're in charge of our family's legacy. I expect you not to disappoint," Erik reminded. "Am I clear?"
"Crystal…" Vivian nodded.
"Good. After the mission is over, I expect a full report from the commanding officer. Don't keep me waiting…"
Wexler immediately backed away from the bridge, heading back towards the med bay as she ended the transmission. This changed everything…
…
Vivian remained outside the door of the med bay until the crew came back from the mission. The advice from Four and her father roamed around her mind. With the way Two was treating every mission, she certainly didn't feel like this powerful captain.
"The Marauder has docked," Android announced. Vivian jumped when she saw Wexler limp his way towards the airlock of the Marauder.
"Where do you think you're going?" Vivian asked, making him jump. He turned around.
"I'm making sure it the plan worked," Wexler replied matter-of-factly. Vivian rolled her eyes at him as she followed him towards the Marauder docking bay.
The crew was slowly filing out as Vivian and Wexler made their way towards them.
"We got it," Cain announced with a grin on his face. They carted a large supplies crate, still in their maintenance disguises.
"Let's get this thing in the vault, Android jump us to FTL," Two started ordering.
"Whoa, whoa, I'm sure we can keep it in our hands," Wexler smirked confidently. Two glared at him.
"My ship my rules," Two objected motioning to the crew. "Go."
Wexler defeated stood there as everyone passed him. He grabbed Cain.
"Halvor, mission is done, feel free to take a breather," Two mentioned as everyone scattered. Vivian nodded following the others.
"This calls for a drink," Three grinned.
"I got some information on our mysterious girl," Wexler whispered motioning to Vivian as she walked back towards her own quarters.
…
Vivian was looking up files on her computers getting info on Wexler and his crew when she heard a knock on her door. She immediately hid the files.
"Come in," she greeted.
One opened the door and smiled.
"Hey," he greeted. "Four and I were heading to the mess for drinks, you want to join?"
Vivian shook her head.
"I'm not feeling it today," she mentioned. "Besides I wasn't there…so don't feel like I deserve to celebrate this one."
"Wexler give you any trouble?"
"If he did, you'd see another brace on him," Vivian smirked.
"Well, if you change your mind," he smirked. "We'll be in the mess celebrating."
She nodded as he turned to leave. She sat alone for a few minutes with Bruce whining at her feet giving a go-have-fun look on his face. She rolled her eyes.
"All right fine," she groaned. She got up heading out of her quarters. She wasn't far from the mess when something felt off. That was when she realized they dropped out of FTL. She furrowed her brows in confusion then froze to the door seeing Vons approach the mess with one of Three's large guns.
"Well then you'll like us even less," Vons announced. She peaked through, seeing Vons, Tash and Cain pointing guns at the Raza crew. Vivian swallowed. "Hey kid…make yourself useful."
Vons tossed Five some duck-tape.
"What about the other one?" Tash asked Cain. The others stood still. They were talking about Vivian.
"Once we take care of these goons, we'll spread out and find her. She can't be far," Cain smirked.
Vivian put a hand over her mouth, placing her back against the wall outside the door, slowly making her way out away from the mess back towards her quarters. Bruce whined when she entered her room. She shushed him. She locked her door, going into the closet and grabbing her duffle bag. She wasn't going to strand her own crew…and she had to free them by surprise…
