John Moriyama was not having a good day. The sun may have shone brightly, illuminating the Weyland-Yutani corporate office in soft gold tones, but Mr. Yutani and Miss Rohdes were oblivious to the comforts the outside world had to offer. Fingers clicked against a pen in quick, deliberate movements, counting the seconds that had passed since the end of their meeting. That was 15 minutes ago. Olga squeezes the writing utensil with all her might, cold grey eyes staring into Mr. Yutani's look of indifference. The older man exhales at her aggravation, not giving in to her demands.
"Olga, you have to understand, by granting what David wants, we'll gain the ultimate weapon in the process. Don't you see that?"
The click, click, click of the pen speeds up, the strain in her hand popping delicate veins that poke out from under paper thin skin. A crack resonates in an otherwise silent room, ink spilling rivulets onto her posh, sharp suit. Anger is barely contained as she inhales through her nostrils, holding her breath a moment too long before releasing it in silence. All the secretary could do was glance from one CEO to the other, anticipating the person's next move.
"Sasuke, - she smiles sweetly but it doesn't reach her eyes, -how did you not notify me of your final decision regarding David? Last time I checked this company was run by the both of us, not just by one person."
Leaning back, she mirrors her partner's indifference, the creak of her chair a challenge. The man combs his hair back with one hand, smoothing his already fine salt peppered strands. Hands are firmly placed together, stationed on top of the wide oval table. He returns her smile, too white teeth showing under wrinkled lips.
"I thought it was necessary at the time to give David what he wanted. In turn, we would get what we desired all along, an indestructible bio-weapon. The time for negotiations was limited, so I decided to act of my own accord. I apologize for not notifying you sooner."
"Bullshit."
The back of her chair crashes into the wall as she stands, a manic smile taking place of her cool, schooled features. Nails scratch the table, the fine polish peeling back in tendrils. Fury trembles her voice as she vents her frustrations.
"You have no idea what that machine is capable of. He killed Elizabeth Shaw without hesitation. Keep in mind that was without us prompting him to experiment on her. I believe him to be a danger not only to this company but the entire human race."
His laughter throws her off kilter, eyes straining at his incredulous nature.
"Please, sit down. There's no need for dramatics, it's quite unbecoming of you. Come now, you know in the end we had to make a deal. It was the only possible outcome for both parties to get what they wanted."
Hair sprays against her face as she shakes her head violently, causing her vision to swim. Unsteady, she stands tall once more, towering over the 75-year-old man.
"You're a fool, you know that? Just because of the alien technology you brought to Weyland when our companies first merged roughly 17 years ago does not mean you can act however you see fit. David has his own agenda, an android who hasn't been updated for this long is bound to have a few loose screws. Might not be evident right off the bat but I know I'm right."
"I disagree. The David 8's were built to serve, they have no higher function than that, let alone desire. He may have refused the updates that we recommended him, but that doesn't mean he's completely disobedient now, does it?"
John feels the dampness under his arms, the odor pungent to his sensitive nose. Panic attacks run in his family, he was no stranger to them. Lungs hitching for air, he interrupts the stare down between the two CEOs, voice meek in comparison to their authoritative tones.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's getting late and I think it's best if we-
"Shut up John." Mr. Yutani does not look his way, attention still on Olga. "We're not finished yet."
"No, we're not. During tomorrow's conference, you can explain to all of our investors what you've done. They'll love it, I'm sure."
Sneering, she grabs her purse as she walks out, the metal door slamming with a loud bang. Sasuke's mask of control fades as she leaves, leaving a fuming man in its place.
"Stupid woman, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We've struck lightning twice with what we have, I'm not about to let that go."
Bourbon burns hot as it slides down his throat, reminding him of why he loves to drink after a good fight. He slides an empty glass towards John, the decanter following shortly.
"I sure you need a drink as much as I do right now."
Without having to be encouraged any further, the secretary fills his small glass to the top, then slams his head back as he drinks, draining its contents.
"Rough day, huh?"
"Well, after babysitting her kids for the day, this is one hell of a way to end the evening."
His boss agrees, nodding. Contemplativeness suddenly overcomes the man, studying the swirling contents of his drink.
"John, I'm asking as your friend, not as your boss. Do you think she was right about the decision I made with David?"
Moriyama knew he couldn't be completely honest with him, it was out of the question. A half-truth would have to suffice. He fills his second helping of bourbon to the top as well, draining the contents just as quickly.
"Considering our success so far, I'd say it's safe to assume that we'll come out on top. Don't worry about it, sir."
They were finally landing on Origae-6. Tennessee sat at the forefront of the controls, easing his way down through dense cloud coverage they encountered along the way. Daniels sits next to him, lips firmly pressed as the Covenant rocks from side to side, lightning flashing outside in bright currents. The flashes illuminate her figure, casting shadows across the ship as David observes from the back of the cockpit. He knew he got a bit too bold with her last night, he couldn't help himself. Something about the human female anatomy was so transcendent, so beautiful, he wanted to explore all there was to offer. Screams that were so pleasant, so like his dear Ellie's. Creating life was one hair's breath away, he couldn't wait until he was able to do the same with Daniels, opening her womb to plant his life's creation in her.
She has no idea of the honor that is about to be bestowed upon her.
Mimicking his dumb, dull brother, he smiles at her mockingly. Knowing better, she frowns as tears build in her eyes, wiping at them fervently. Tennessee is briefly distracted by the display of emotion, her friend placing a hand softly on her back.
"Hey, I know what you're feeling, darlin. To come all this way after all we've been though, it's a goddamn miracle."
"Yeah, I'm not so sure about that."
"Wait, what are you-
"Forget it, Tee. I'm sorry.", she cuts him off, a smile struggling to take hold. It doesn't stay for long.
Heart wrenching sobs come from deep inside her, hope diminishing little by little as they grew closer to the surface. Her friend watches, concern flashing his features. No words come out though, the sounds of the storm solely fill the cockpit. The Covenant ends its journey past the atmosphere, the full scope of Origae-6 theirs to study. Jungles thicker than the amazon rainforests back home cover the expanse of the planet, bright pinks and blues poking out from dark green underbrush. Animals sounds could be faintly heard, exotic in intonation. The captain isn't entranced like how Tennessee is, her sole concern being the fate of the colonists.
Some will be sacrificed, not all. That's better than the whole colony, right?
As if sensing what crosses her mind, he comes over under the pretense of getting a clearer view of the outside world. David places his cold synthetic fingers on her scalp, the pressure unbearable as he strokes her hair, as if she were his pet. Words come out, the same tone as Walter's.
"We can finally build that log cabin of yours, captain."
While what he says is innocent enough, the threat behind it was all too clear.
Don't get in my way, I got it you fucker.
Fingers travel down the nape of her neck, slinking towards her collarbone, then her chest. They touch her racing heart, the pads of fingers digging into skin. Leaning over, he whispers in her ear.
"I didn't get to explore Elizabeth how I wanted to. You'll teach me everything you know however, whether you like it or not."
Heart racing faster than before, she releases a shuttering breath, hands gripping the co-pilot's chair. Lips press against the shell of her ear, wet tongue tracing skin. It was too much to bare. Bucking up from her seat, she excuses herself to use the restroom. Tennessee barely registers what she says, his focus solely on making a smooth landing. David smiles serenely as she exists the cockpit, mirth shinning in his eyes. The pilot utters a curse as the Covenant scrapes several trees overhead, shaking the ship further.
"Come on baby, don't give up on me now. We've made it this far. Hey Walter, could you give me a hand? Need someone to help coordinate our landing."
"Of course."
Sitting next to him, he puts on the required headset, giving directions as the man punches frantically at the control buttons. With each passing descent, David's excitement grows. He'd be seeing his children soon enough.
Daniels stumbles as she makes her way to the colonists cryo-chamber, a need to check on those she swore to protect. Hope lies with them if she is ever to outwit the mad synthetic. Doctors, scientists, they were all brilliant people. One of them had to be of use. The chamber doors open in mechanical precision, cold hair hissing at its movements. Falling as the Covenant meets virgin soil, her forehead bangs against metal grating, bleeding raw. Wiping at the red marring her vision, she looks up to see a colonist, a young girl with curly brown hair, long lashes framing sharp cheekbones. Young, beautiful. Someone whom David could use in his experiments. Innocents lives lost, all for the sake of his children. Vision fading, she notices a small shape curled next to the girl's head, some sort of animal.
That's weird. Animals, including pets, are strictly prohibited. How did she get away with that? Smiling at the impossibility that lies before her, she wonders if she could be just like that girl, breaking the rules. In this case, David's rule over all of them. Exhaustion hitting her, she lies there admiring the creature, realizing as she blacks out that it's a ginger kitten.
One hour had passed since their landing on Zopkeer, the Juggernaut stationed at the ruined metropolis. Azuei walks behind Uytqyo, leading the small group through the city. Oknor left with another group to explore the crashed Juggernaut, his moral support unable to aid her. As much as she hated to admit it, him being by her side brought a certain amount of comfort, a confidence that she did not feel being in their leader's presence. Mother Uytqyo may have dwarfed them with her slight frame but what she lacked in stature she made up in sheer personality. The clack, clack, clack of her cane echoes beneath the stone road they walk as she makes her way to the center of the city. The great library lies present in their view, a domed building where the To'vlajar's descendants had restricted access to their ancestor's knowledge. Pausing, the commander holds out her arm, stopping the other overseers in their path.
"Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. Watch your back."
Toto snorts at her, the sound muffled by his bio-suit.
"No need to be told twice, Mother."
Twisting on her heels, she marches up to the pilot, striking his breathing apparatus. Her whole frame shakes as she stares up at him, yelling at his frankness.
"You think this a joke, boy? What we're dealing with could mean the very end of life in the galaxy as we know it. Watch that mouth of yours!"
The loud sound of her cane can be heard as she strikes Toto, the man cowering slightly back, mortified at being reprimanded.
"I apologize."
Azuei gives a sideways glance, sympathy felt for her fellow comrade. No way in hell was she going to voice her misgivings, however. They start their march once more, their footfalls heavy against the numerous steps they have to climb to reach the main expanse of the monument. Each step brought her one step closer to answers she wasn't sure she wanted.
Ignorance is bliss, she reflects grimly as they finally reach their destination.
Despite the fall of the great city, the domed library remains in relative impeccable condition, its hue soften by the faint light that comes through the heavy expanse of clouds. Various statues are broken though, their former glory lost to the wreckages of time.
Gods, those poor people. Their only crime was sharing the same blood as the destroyers.
The bodies that pollute her vision were too much to ignore, despite her best efforts. They startled her when she first saw them, memories of the great calamity firing upon her. Had to pay no heed to them though, the mission was priority. Steps slowing, each of the overseers observed their surroundings wearily, hold tight on the weapons they held. A sudden screech distracts them as a blurry figure passes in front of the group, a conical shaped head barely noticeable. Panic suddenly overwhelms them as they feast their eyes on the beast they thought was eradicated long ago. Mother Uytqyo yells commands, the group firing away at will.
The creature dodges the shots with ease, running on all fours towards them. Dashing from left to right, it aims at the lead overseer. Wal'os runs forward to meet the beast in her defense, raising his weapon to bash its head in. Proving to be too fast, it rams its head into his chest, sending the man flying through the air. His body smashes into one of the derelict statues, pieces of shrapnel flying askew. Weapon sliding off the high-rise balcony, the pilot is left to defend for himself as the creature thrashes its arms away at his suit, biomechanical liquid leaking. Screams fill the air as Azuei runs towards him, firing at the abomination. It lifts its head up, eyeless, tilting slightly before letting out another screech, saliva spewing forth. Launching itself forward on hind legs, sharp, hypodermic teeth latch on her arm, trying to tear skin. Steam hisses from the damage, her own screams joining Wal'os's.
"Help! Gods, someone help!"
"Hold on!", Uytqyo shouts, slamming the butt of her staff into the creature's spine. Enough of a distraction, overseer Vida to shoot its head into oblivion, bits of pink, sinewy flesh spraying all over the courtyard. Toto rushes to Wal'os's aid, cradling his brother. The rest of them look on at their wounded comrade, stunned into submission. Quite taking hold as Uytqyo speaks.
"Like I said, watch your back."
Author's note: Well, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Real fun to write. Starting to get into the juicy parts of the story, lol. As always, thank you kindly for your reviews, without them I wouldn't be motivated to write like I am right now. :D