Kenny was waiting for Celine when she arrived alongside a breeze from the southeast. The air had snaked up over the river, rustling hair and providing a cool reprieve from the afternoon heat. This time Kenny had picked a spot underneath one of the gnarled oak trees dotting the hillside. The way he'd been sitting against the trunk with his hat pulled over his face gave the impression he'd been taking a nap until he felt her footsteps.
"I was afraid you wouldn't show," Kenny said, adjusting his hat.
"Who the hell are you?" Celine asked. She didn't dare to get too close, not bothering to hide the concern on her face as Kenny looked over his shoulder.
"I've gone by a lot of names," Kenny said. He smiled. "Some of them are rather dramatic, although I can't say I hate 'em. What brings about this sudden curiosity?"
"Don't play dumb," Celine said. Her hands balled into fists. "I got the note someone slid under my door. It said I've been pardoned for everything on my record; I'll even be a Unit Captain in the Tech Department when I'm officially reinstated. I checked in with the records department and they showed me the paperwork. The crest on those documents are from the fucking royal family . How the hell did you get that?"
"I told you I've got friends in high places," Kenny said. He grunted as he sat up a little straighter. "And no need to thank me – although I get the feeling you weren't gonna. Consider this an offer of goodwill and an example of me keeping my word. Everything I said the other day still stands. And, uh … I feel I owe you an apology. I'm a bit slow on these sorts of things, but someone told me you may not've taken kindly to me bringin' up your family."
A crack grew in Celine's guarded expression. There was a moment of hesitation before she took a step forward. A dull thud accompanied Celine seating herself next to Kenny.
"Your threats may've been empty," Celine said. She locked eyes with Kenny. "… but mine aren't. That ODM gear of yours is going to require specialized care. It'll be something I won't tell another soul how to service. If you want your gear to keep running, you'll need me. If you want my cooperation, you'll need my brother unharmed. You could torture me however you want – if something happens to Marco, your project will go along with him. But not before I'd do everything in my power to slice your head off your shoulders."
"You really cover your bases, huh?" Kenny said with a laugh. "I read that report about what you did to that Titan, so I know you ain't shittin' around." He smiled, extending his hand. "You got yourself a deal, Unit Captain Bodt."
"I'm not a Unit Captain, yet," Celine said. She clasped Kenny's hand. "It'll be a pleasure doing work directly for the King; not sure if I can say the same about working with you."
"I'm an acquired taste," Kenny said, throwing her a wink. "But I'll get under your skin soon enough."