Chapter 32
Just business
Adrien was uncomfortable on Katja's behalf, so he couldn't imagine what she was currently feeling. If he had to guess, everyone else was feeling the same way.
Expect Blue; he probably had absolutely no concept of infidelity, if his 'duty' was anything to go by.
What did you say to someone about this? 'Hey, sorry your ex-fiancé is a cheating shitbag, I got you Ben and Jerry's?'. Hm, there was ice cream in the kitchen…
Either way, he needed to break this trance and get everyone back on track.
"Alright, I'm gonna watch the rest of this. Everyone can go back to our room," Adrien stated.
All eyes immediately fell on him. "You want to watch the rest?" Petrov raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, yeah, get your jokes out now; but Jade, a Weyland employee, is with a high level Seegson employee, long before this breakout of serpents. It's obvious he is just a business transaction to her. Probably for information about what his company knows. Or maybe not. Either way, I want to know if one of them spilled anything," Adrien explained sharply to get his seriousness of the matter across.
"Phrasing." Alexei giggled like a child in poor English, likely meaning it was a pop culture quote of some kind.
"Hoping to find evidence of your innocence?" Petrov ventured, ignoring Alexei.
"Hadn't thought of that. I was more wondering how deep this conspiracy ran. We got the US and Russian governments, and now Seegson/Weyland. Everyone seems to be in the know except us, and they knew well in advance," Adrien explained. After all, the Jade video was more than three years old at this point.
"Ok, I'll stay with you and help analyze the data," Katja said emotionlessly.
'Analyze data'. Is that what she was calling it? It seemed the Spetsnaz side of her had decided to turn back on.
"Uhh, I think you should go rest. You've been unsteady for a while now," Adrien suggested. Not only was it a bad idea for her to keep watching proof of her ex's affair playing out, but what he was saying was also true. Before either video had even begun to play, he'd noticed she had needed to sit on the couch, her breathing slightly labored.
"I'm fine," Katja stated, this time curtly. Oh, so that's how it was going to be…
"Then consider that a standing order," Adrien replied, though careful to communicate through a non-confrontational tone that he didn't want to fight.
"I'm sorry? You're in my country. I am in charge," the Russian Captain rasped back.
"In your current medical state, I am demeaning you unfit for command until such a time as you recover," Adrien spoke gently.
"Then the command falls to who I choose, you American asshole!" Katja yelled, but he could see her hand shaking, and he didn't think it was from emotion. She had been up and around for too long.
"Be my guest. Who are you going to put in command that doesn't agree with me?" Adrien gestured, calling her bluff.
Katja looked at everyone, and he could tell she made the deduction. Even Petrov wouldn't meet her eyes. Clearly he, too, could tell she was far too exhausted, mentally battered, and physically weakened to dive further into the video. All the cards were on the table now, and she had lost.
"Then I'll fight you for command," Katja stated.
That was unexpected. Like the days of old, hand to hand combat in front of witnesses to prove the right to lead. Ridiculous. "Katja…" Adrien rubbed his forehead. Not only was it against her nature, but it was also absurd. She was barely in condition to walk.
Something about the video must have finally broken her, after the deaths and fear and strain of the past week.
Much as Adrien himself had broken, after Bob's betrayal. She had saved him from that. He would do the same for her now.
"Back in the other room, now," Katja commanded as she turned on her heel and strutted towards the bedroom. Adrien supposed it did make sense. The bedroom was just as large as the living room, and had less furniture. More space.
"Have that blanket on the ground behind her. Petrov, be ready," Adrien told the guys as he passed them.
"Ready for what?" Petrov asked uncertainly.
"You'll know when the time comes," Adrien assured him.
Adrien, with the others in tow, walked into the bedroom. An angry Spetsnaz girl was waiting to get it on, and not in the fun way.
Blue maneuvered behind her nonchalantly, blanket ready. Petrov moved off to the side, close as he dare get.
"Ready?" Adrien asked. She didn't even hesitate before launching herself at him. Unlike the apartment, this was focused rage. Her Krav Maga much less sloppy, and her focus was on hitting his genitalia.
His hand-to-hand wasn't up to par with hers, but it didn't need to be. He just needed to block and defend. She would quickly tire out in her current state.
Sure enough, the opportunity came as she slowed considerably. Blue saw it too, and threw the blanket down behind her.
Weaving his leg around hers, Adrien gave a simple push, tripping her. Petrov caught her before she hit the floor, and laid her at the end of blanket.
She made a valiant effort to recover, but three men were on her in a second, burrito'ing her in the blanket. Just to ensure her security within the blanket, Blue tied one of his nets around it.
"Let me out!" Katja demanded.
"No, you are going to rest like that until your head is clear," Adrien stated. "Please," he added at the end, to try to make her understand he wasn't any happier about this than she was.
"Khuy tebe!" she screamed.
"I'm not much of a linguist, but I'm pretty sure I know what that means," Adrien shifted slightly.
"Good!" Katja snarled.
"Ok, Blue. Take her to bed, and make sure she stays there until her head clears. Alexei, can you stay and control the cameras?" Adrien requested for once, instead of bullying the kid into it.
The situation had gotten extremely awkward, because they all wanted to side with Katja, himself included; but it was clear her anger was currently misdirected, and she needed some time to cool off and realize that.
Blue picked her up and she went berserk, howling in her native tongue and struggling as much as she could.
Alexei quietly sat down with the keyboard and asked something in Russian. When Adrien looked at him, he gestured to the TV.
"Where do you want to start?" Adrien guessed the question.
Before he could reply, Petrov cut in. "Pierce, what can I do to help?"
Adrien rubbed his eyes. He suddenly felt exhausted. "Um, can you make some food? About all I can think of that would help everyone right now. And coffee, that would be amazing."
"Sure thing, Captain. I'll be in the kitchen," Petrov pointed vaguely.
"El-tee?" Adrien stopped him.
"Yes?" the lieutenant asked.
"Stay clear of the suite. Let her calm down a little," Adrien heeded.
"Yes, sir," Petrov gave a halfhearted salute. "I know."
"Put me down now, Blue!" Katja screamed. Vai'dqouulth didn't bother responding. She was upset, though he wasn't sure about what, exactly.
She had gotten so angry at Adrien, and over nothing. It was very out of character of her. Projecting her frustrations, perhaps.
He knew she was monogamous, and therefore upset that her ex-prospective mate had sexual relations with another. She was feeling betrayed. He really wanted to understand what she was feeling exactly, but it was a foreign concept to him, this 'infidelity'.
All he knew was that he'd be exclusive to her if he was placed in Alexander's position, even if he didn't fully understand it. Not that it would happen, just hypothetically. Yautja don't consider hypotheticals, only what is or isn't, his mind scolded. She was certainly worth the title of 'lifemate' to him, and others should show her the same respect.
Coming to their established quarters, Vai'dqouulth gently placed her on the sleeping pallet.
"Blue, let me go now! I didn't concede!" Katja protested.
She wanted to finish her foolish fight. It was admirable, but she would've had trouble taking Adrien down even in peak condition. Her lingering illness had been her downfall – and more than likely the largest factor behind her outburst now.
He would've been extremely pleased with her fighting abilities, were it not for the situation. She had been looking to vent her frustrations, and Adrien had been the closest outlet. Her attacks had been unwarranted. When she calmed, she would know that.
What was strange was she issued a challenge; maybe not in the Yautja way, but still a challenge. He had thought humanity had done away with formal challenges like that.
Adrien had handled the situation expertly, in Vai'dqouulth's opinion. Adrien hadn't retaliated at all, to ensure no further damage to Katja. Instead, he had simply bided time, letting her exhaust herself, and taken her down at the first opening. Truly, the male Yautja way, though he knew this was no courting challenge.
She was still thrashing and screaming. Adrien was right, she needed to calm down.
"Enough," Vai'dqouulth stated through voice clips, but he made sure the volume was high enough to shock her into silence.
Katja finally stilled and looked at him with her large, green-yellow eyes.
"You have lost your challenge," he explained. "Accept and move on."
"The hell I will! Adrien crossed the line!" Katja yelled.
"The male has done nothing wrong. He has caused you no further harm, and simply wants you to rest. The matter is settled, it is time to repose and clear your head," Vai'dqouulth ventured. He wasn't entirely sure if Adrien had committed a human transgression; perhaps she had a different perspective to share.
Surprisingly, Katja just huffed, turning her head away. So, he had been right, Adrien had committed no offense, and Katja was just feeling resentful.
"You are levelheaded and prudent. Very good traits to have. Do not lose them over an unworthy human such as Alexander," Vai'dqouulth encouraged.
Finally, Katja inhaled deeply. She was calming herself. Good, progress.
"Talk?" he finally offered. Speech was the last thing he wanted to do, ever, even among his own kind; but maybe that was all Katja needed right now. He could muster the patience for that.
Her head slammed into the padded rest. Resignation?
"No. No talking," Katja said quietly.
"Then time for sleep recovery," Vai'dqouulth ordered.
"I'm not tired," Katja defiantly lied, becoming louder. Now he understood. She felt she had no management over her life because of events outside her control. An order to sleep just seemed like something else she didn't have any control over.
"Can sleep willingly, or I can force it," Vai'dqouulth offered. Based on her shocked and uncomfortable reaction, she was going to rest willingly without his 'ability' to 'encourage' her, it seemed. He preferred that option himself, because otherwise, she might harbor more resentment – directed at him, this time.
"Ok, ok. I'll rest. But tell me just one thing," Katja begged.
Vai'dqouulth looked at her and waited; a fair trade, he figured. One question for her voluntary rest, though it was clear she was just stalling.
"What do you use that… purring thing, or whatever it is, on or for?" she finally asked.
Vai'dqouulth shifted uncomfortably. Should he tell her? She would probably be horrified and make the wrong conclusion, but he refused to lie to her as her former mate had done.
"Is it to calm your young?" she followed up.
The females certainly used it for that purpose and he technically could as well. He would not be lying if he said yes. To keep her at ease, he simply nodded.
Katja exhaled and visibly relaxed.
"A deal is a deal, can you free me please?" she requested.
"M-di," he answered her in his language and voice. There was no way he was freeing her. She would stay wrapped and sleep until she regained her normal demeanor, or someone other than herself determined she could be freed.
"Fine, keep me company at least?" she sighed.
That, he could and would do.
"Back it up again," Adrien requested.
"He says you've seen it a hundred times now," Petrov translated for Alexei.
"And I'll see it a hundred more goddamn times if needed. Back it up," Pierce ordered with exasperation. He took a bite of sandwich. "Way to skimp on the mayo, lieutenant," Adrien thought to himself.
"Adrien, what are we doing? All we've learned is Alexander has no stamina," Petrov sighed.
Ha! Burn.
"I think the key is here," Adrien said as they watched Jade walk from the bed to the bathroom. "She takes her phone into the bathroom. I think she's calling her bosses. Do we have audio and video from in there?"
"Nyet," Alexei said.
"Then we are stuck," Petrov deduced.
Adrien rapped his knuckles on the coffee table. "No, we simply need to go to the source," he stated.
"Alexander is long gone," Petrov rubbed his face.
"But Jade is still here," Adrien corrected.
"What're you gonna do? Walk into Weyland's camp and ask her?" Petrov asked. This man had no imagination.
"Well I'm sure I don't know, Petrov. But the sarcasm certainly isn't helping," Adrien retorted.
Alexei began speaking excitedly.
"You are not soulmates with Jade, she'll kill you the moment you walk in. And if not her, another merc will," Petrov told Alexei disgustedly.
Adrien shook his head. What an idiot Alexei was.
That's when the elevator 'dinged' and the door opened, revealing Blue.
"I swear to Christ, Blue, if you are here to tell me she escaped, you can screw right off and go hunt her down yourself," Adrien preemptively attacked the hunter.
"Calm self. She is asleep. Came to inform," Blue stated without any additional growls, snarls, or otherwise vicious noises. And he came with good news.
"Sorry; been a stressful few hours," Adrien apologized.
"Progress?" Blue asked, ignoring the expression of regret. Fine, if he wanted to be like that, scorning Adrien's apologies and such.
"Nothing. We hit a roadblock. Jade is our only lead, and she's sitting in an enemy encampment," Adrien answered.
"Attack camp and capture, then," Blue stated matter-of-factly, as though Adrien was an oblivious idiot.
Easy for him to say, with invisibility and fancy weapons.
"I think we should hit the hive first. Weyland is a threat, but currently not a world ending threat," Adrien posed.
"Sound judgement," Blue agreed.
There was brief silence until Petrov interjected.
"Oh, Blue. While you guys decide, let me give you this. I made you some food. I'm not a cook like Pierce, but hopefully this is acceptable."
The man offered the alien a plate of sandwich meats and cheeses. No bread, but some crackers. Carbs were brain food, after all.
"Coffee?" Petrov also offered. Blue made a snuffling noise.
"Poison," he complained.
"Oh, you big baby," Adrien said.
"That's a 'no', then?" Petrov asked confirmation.
"No poison," Blue affirmed.
"Ok, well, here's a plate for Katja when she wakes," Petrov said, handing off a plate of more traditional human food consisting of a sandwich and chips.
"Will need others to assess if freedom from confines are warranted when she wakes before eating," Blue stated, not taking the second plate.
"Well, I think we're done here, anyway. Let's go join our fearless leader. Alexei, grab that drive." Adrien stood, several bones popping and cracking as he did. The sure signs that this was going to be a long day…
Katja awoke looking at the same ceiling she had seen for what felt like the hundredth time. Still unable to move.
Last thing she remember was just enjoying Blue's company in silence. For once, she was grateful he was stoic and didn't enjoy conversation.
Then, reality came crashing in again. She had acted like a complete lunatic, and over what? A guy she was sure she never really liked in the first place? A guy who didn't like her?
But, being cheated on and then having it revealed right in front of everyone… It made her feel stupid.
The door creaked, and Alexei came walking in, a plate of food in hand.
"They said you can have this once you've calmed down," Alexei stated as he set the plate on the nightstand.
"You can free me. I'm feeling more like myself," Katja murmured.
"As much as I would like to annoy everyone by releasing you prematurely, the threat to my well-being if I did was very clear. I would be locked in a tanning bed until I turned crispier than bacon. Direct quote," Alexei answered. "I refuse to ruin my baby-soft skin."
Well, she wasn't going to win trust back that way. "That's fine. Could you please ask Adrien to come see me, then?"
"He is currently fighting against his most difficult foe," Alexei began, and Katja's heart skipped a beat at the thought of him and Blue fighting. She hoped she hadn't caused it. "The vending machine, but I will tell him if I see him," Alexei finished before leaving.
Katja relaxed at that.
She was relishing the quiet when a moment later, her lieutenant walked in and looked down at her. He seemed to be considering what he should say.
"We didn't hurt you, did we?" Petrov opened up carefully. He sat on the bed at her side, brushing some itchy hair away from her eyes.
"No, but I feel like I should be asking you and the others that question," Katja responded. She felt her cheeks warming. She was a fool.
"Pierce will be ok. You didn't get me at all. And any injury you caused to Blue, you earned, since he is a walking tank."
Petrov chuckled, and Katja joined in. It felt good to laugh about something, and he was putting her at ease.
Still, she owed them all an apology. "I'm really sorry," Katja stated lamely. She didn't really know what else to say. 'Sorry' just didn't seem like enough. "I acted like a terrible leader and an even worse person."
"Don't be sorry. I think everyone feels you had every excuse."
"But not to take it out on you guys." Katja's hands wanted to fiddle with her hair, but her arms were still restrained, so it wasn't happening.
If she asked, she knew Petrov would free her. But she didn't want to compel him and cause needless friction between him and Adrien. "You must think I'm crazy," she sighed.
"I really don't," Petrov told her. "In fact, you've kept us alive, and working and functioning together despite us not always making it easy for you. You're allowed to be angry at what's happened in the last week. I know it's not just Alexander."
He was right, as usual. "I don't think it's because of the cheating," Katja said hesitantly. "What upset me is…" She wasn't even sure she could express it. Nobody, not even Karik, had actively chosen for her to be in their life. Except Alexander. And it turned out he hadn't even chosen her, just targeted her.
And she had almost brought a baby into that situation.
"Listen, Maksim," she said with a sigh. "If we… if your… interest… in me is about making captain, I sent in your letter of recommendation months ago. Last I heard, they were taking the final steps to approve it. You'll get the promotion. You don't have to do all this."
Something flashed in his eyes. "That's not what I'm doing," he said. "I don't even want the promotion. I want to get back to farming. And be with you."
Shock rattled her, and she wasn't sure if she should doubt his words or not. It was too much to unpack right then. "Oh," she said. "Oh."
On the one hand… he was leaving the military? Just walking out? Not that she really blamed him, but…
But not walking out on her, apparently. At least if his claim about wanting to be with her was honest.
"Listen, Adrien will be coming down here to talk to you soon," Petrov told her, changing the subject. "We'll chat more later. When you talk to Adrien, just remember what I said about what happened up there, in Alexander's suite. Blue explained in his culture that after a fight, the matter was settled and didn't need to be revisited. I couldn't agree more," Petrov answered.
"Yeah, he said the same to me in so many words. Humans work a little different than that, through," Katja said.
"He is aware. The sentiment was more to say the final piece and move on, I think," Petrov explained.
"What's your final piece?" Katja asked curiously, and a little uncertainly. Petrov rubbed his chin and looked at the wall distantly.
"You got the last laugh in when you dumped his ass, and he got nothing from it. I'm willing to bet you're the first girl to walk away from him," he finally answered.
That was a comfort.
"What is your real final piece?" Katja chuckled a little.
"Don't lose faith in those around you just because of one guy, Katyusha," Petrov stated more somberly.
"I never told you this, but Karik was so proud when I told him I dumped Alexander. He said something similar," Katja said.
"Yeah?" Petrov encouraged her to continue.
"He said, 'don't let that man spoil the best of you that others enjoy'," Katja answered. Silence. It was clear Petrov was trying to decide how to move forward. Everything was a sore subject now.
"You know," Petrov said, "Major Mikhailov prevented a serious conflict in Syria. Were it not for him, we might be shooting at Pierce instead right now. His sacrifice saved many young men from coming home in body bags."
It saddened Katja to think of being against Adrien in a war. She had her pre-conceived biases when they met, and most of them turned out to be true. They were also just as endearing and charming as well.
It also had to do with bleeding alongside the person next to you. It fostered a loyalty most could never understand. It was how she was able to overlook the fact that Blue was most definitely a human killer. That Adrien was an asshole of an American. Or that Alexei was a traitorous worm. And what was she…? A poor commander it seemed.
There was a thump against the door, and Adrien came in, rifle lazily resting on its sling, and a bag of… something… in his hands. Perhaps his prize from the vending machine. Wait… had he shot the vending machine?
"I will give you two some privacy," Petrov stated before leaving, neither of them breaking eye contact.
"You don't need the gun," Katja told Adrien, wiggling in her cocoon.
"That remains to be seen," Adrien shot back and Katja cringed.
"Oh?" she prompted, reminding herself to apologize and move past it, as Blue had suggested.
"If you intend to use my testicles as punching bags again. I still want more kids, you know," Adrien answered, this time communicating a joke to loosen things up.
"How many do you want?" Katja questioned, hoping to put him at ease.
"Four, but Chloe said after two, it was adoption or nothing," Adrien answered.
"Mm," Katja answered noncommittally, and briefly became lost in thought as to whether he was actually a decent father figure. He certainly seemed to love his daughter, Mackenzie.
"Listen, Adrien–" Katja began before getting cut off.
"There's nothing to apologize over, so let's not get into it," Adrien said.
"…Ok." Katja agreed after a pause.
"How's the mind?" he asked instead.
"Clear," Katja answered.
"Blue!" Adrien called, and the alien was there soon after. "Cut 'er free, then we got patrol."
He gestured, to which the hunter nodded. Using his own knife, Blue sliced the impossibly tough net material apart.
"Patrol? I'm coming," Katja announced, then looked at a displeased Adrien. Right. This was one of the reasons why they got into fistfights.
"I mean, can I come? I could use some fresh air," Katja tried again as she finally stretched, free of confines.
"What do you think?" Adrien turned to Blue.
"Structure perimeter only. Still snowing, but short and safe," Blue answered.
"The moment you get winded, you're going back, even if Blue has to carry you," Adrien bargained.
"Deal," Katja breathed happily. It would be nice to settle back into work, even if it was basic and monotonous. She practically sprinted to her gear.
Not too much later, she was ready. It felt so good to be back in uniform. Adrien seemed strangely disappointed about the matter; though why, she didn't know. Perhaps he thought the civilian cloths would be more comfortable while she recovered – which they sort of were.
Regardless, they weren't practical for the situation. Coming out, she saw everyone waiting, their focus on her now. "I'm ready."
Adrien waited with Blue for Katja and Petrov to get ready. He'd rather Petrov stay with Alexei, but there was no way he'd go for that with Katja going out.
"You admire her hips far too much," Blue scolded, but the volume was muted significantly.
How.
Dare.
He.
Of all the individuals, no less. It would funny if it wasn't so hypocritical.
"And you don't?" Adrien chuckled. No response, and the hunter looked extremely uncomfortable about getting caught.
"Simply trying to understand how something so small can give birth without expiring," Blue finally answered.
Oh, bullshit. Adrien thought. Clearly, he was trying to salvage the situation. Though the alien never lied, as he'd come to learn. He likely had thought about this at some point and was using it as a deflection.
For the sake of keeping peace, Adrien would play dumb and go along with it. The incident in the tower proved that hurt feelings and infighting were far more dangerous out here than anything else. Not to mention, the alien had a lot more pride, and therefore was more easily offended.
"Ah. Well, there can be complications, but generally human women give birth without life-threatening incidents."
"Why interested? Already have mate," Blue question and despite the monotone computer voice, he could read a lot of curiosity into the body language.
"I'm not, but Katja has been a good source of practice for getting my wife back," Adrien explained, though the hunter made a fair point. Maybe subconsciously, he was sorta preemptively 'shopping around', as it were, though it had nothing to do with Katja specifically.
Probably?
He wasn't gonna give up on her just yet, but Chloe was clearly with the Kevin guy and it was likely getting serious.
"Rituals? May you enlighten?" Blue asked.
Oh, boy, that was a loaded subject, and he'd age to death before they even came close to finishing. "Maybe later. We should focus on the task ahead. I don't want us getting sloppy out there."
"A fair assessment," Blue nodded, and not a moment too soon as Petrov joined them, followed not long after by Katja.
"Ok, I've been out of the loop for a bit; how do you guys do this?" Katja asked, flipping her braid over her shoulder.
"I wanna run overwatch maneuver," Adrien said, now fully military business.
"What's that?" Katja requested clarification.
"It's a tactic we established early on, where Blue goes to high vantage points and follows the others closely. Enemies generally overlook him, and come after the easy ground targets – us. We draw them in, and he kills them. Efficiently, I might add," Petrov explained.
"So, we're bait?" Katja blinked.
"Very well-protected bait, believe me," Adrien assured.
"Ok, I defer to your judgment and command," Katja said, this deference obviously being an extension of her regret from earlier.
"You'll take care of us, right?" Katja smiled at the alien, and Adrien almost caught himself saying 'don't encourage him'.
"Will be as safe as pups with their bearers," Blue brought a fist to his shoulder and bowed a little too exaggeratedly.
"Way to make a show of it, big guy," Adrien thought. He actually appreciated it in this case; Katja seemed a little nervous. Likely because she was afraid her condition would get someone killed. She wouldn't. He wouldn't have allowed this if he thought it would kill someone.
"Alright, let's hoof it ladies – lady – and gents," Adrien encouraged.