Chapter 21: Bail
Ten years. Seems like forever ago since she stepped foot in this place. Now she was face to face in her father's overpowering energy. To this day it still gave her chills. His eyes were stern, studying her from head to toe. She wondered if he only saw the teenager out into the world with his fortune, his legacy. Or if he finally saw her as a woman, perhaps even a stranger; one who was just beaten for ransom just days ago. He never was a man to show his emotions other than anger. Perhaps he had enough in his life to be angry about.
His personality can overturn armies. Dominating, strict. Was he always like this…or only after James' death did he get so…overprotective? Whenever it was…that's what it is now. She forced her body not to cringe at his presence. Normal daughters might find comfort in their fathers. Hers wasn't the case.
"I'm sure your mother would've been thrilled," he breathed. Vivian felt herself choke up. Her mother. It wasn't…wasn't true was it?
"What?"
"Sir," Corey interrupted but Erik put up a hand to quiet him. Corey glanced at her protectively. Vivian noticed the worry on his face. She straightened, folding her arms about her chest, keeping her composure. So…it was true. Her mother must've passed. Finally.
"And you wait until now to inform me?" Vivian inquired, keeping her voice steady. The one sane person in her life…gone. Erik lifted from his desk, approaching her cautiously. He was keeping an eye on her every move.
"You just joined our newest ally. I didn't wish for the transition to be…stinted by that and your recovery of your recent mission," Erik explained, his voice low and steady. It seemed almost matter-of-fact in his tone that Vivian wanted to hit him. No emotion on his face. He treated it like it was just another day. When did he become this way? And now her mother was gone. But something told her from his eyes he refused to show her how he really felt. Maybe one day he'd admit it to her. But today was not the day.
When he finally got in front of her. He put a hand on her shoulder. His expression softened, but still felt the need to have that domineering stance. Vivian hated it. She hated that he hid things from her.
"Was it the illness?" Vivian dared to ask, swallowing hard. Erik sighed, nodding.
"But it seems that is not the reason you came home," Erik commented.
Vivian took a second to regain her thoughts.
"When James died," Vivian whispered. Erik's eyes darkened.
"What about it?"
"I was in the medical facility. You told me you would talk about something," Vivian reminded.
"Did I?"
"Well…looks like the Raza found it."
"That being?"
"An implant," Vivian stated boldly. "Not only that…but some abnormalities."
She stared her father down as if he wasn't even her own flesh and blood. But an enemy. And he could see right through her. He glanced at Corey, motioning him towards the door. Corey glanced at Vivian, nodding to both of them before hastily making his way out of the room. Vivian could tell he didn't want to leave, but God forbid he went against orders.
The door closed with a silent thud. As soon as Erik heard the locking of the door, he sighed.
"Well?" she insisted, her nerves and impatience flaring. He shook his head, going back to his desk, grabbing a glass and filling it with whiskey. He filled another. Vivian watched him as he approached her, handing her one.
"What sort of incidents have you had?"
She hesitated.
"Tell me everything," he insisted. "I don't care how 'crazy' you sound."
Erik stood before her, taking a swig of his whiskey. She tried to read his face. He was genuinely curious.
"I've seen him," Vivian whispered. "James."
Erik swallowed, nodding. "Anything else?"
"A woman who died aboard the ship," Vivian added. The visions of Sarah made her cringe. Part of her wished she was with Three. Or any of the Raza crew right now.
"So the dead?" Erik concluded.
"I just figured it was the nightmares."
Erik pointed at her head.
"Unfortunately…it's a little stronger than I intended."
Vivian furrowed her brows at him. He tried to smile for once. But it failed to show any comfort. Erik leaned forward, moving some hair off his scalp. She suddenly saw a scar similar to hers.
"My father, myself, and James we all agreed to stay connected. We made a network to put our memories…our personalities into these implants. It was a way to communicate when we passed on. Unfortunately, when our minds are…stressed, something triggers a sort of simulation."
"And the medical records? They found an anomaly," Vivian explained. He stiffened. Suddenly a bit of humanity finally flashed across his face for a mere moment.
"Vivian," Erik breathed. He looked like he didn't know what to say. He didn't want to continue the conversation.
"I have a right to know," Vivian growled. "What the hell did you do to me?"
SLAM! She jumped as he slammed his fist onto the strong wood of his desk, clanking his whiskey glass that somehow saved itself from being launched onto the floor.
"I did what I must!" Erik growled lowly. "This legacy is everything."
"What did you do?!" Vivian insisted, her stare becoming more pleading than anything.
"It was a risk, and it's working to your benefit," Erik insisted.
"My benefit?!" Vivian repeated, scoffing in disbelief. "I lost everything because of this legacy. My crew, my ship, my life."
"Stop acting like a martyr," Erik bit back harshly, his body stiffening with anger. "Clearly you're still standing."
Silence. Vivian stared at him in hate, hurt and just overall rage. He was staring at her with the same intensity.
"Until you see that what you're suffering is better than you being dead on my doorstep. I've had enough of this conversation," Erik spat. He looked away from her.
"We're not done," Vivian growled.
"Yes…we are," Erik disagreed, every word carefully dictated. Vivian froze as her father's glare softened. "Out."
Vivian stood for a moment. A click of the door interrupted the unbearable silence. Erik looked away from her as she stormed out of the room. Corey watched her as she flew past him. He spotted Erik, who immediately frowned, sighing and shaking his head.
"Good night Corey."
Corey nodded, closing the door as Erik stood by his desk. A whiskey glass flew across the room shattering as he grieved alone.
…
Vivian's eyes rested on the tall ceilings of her room. The conversation continued on repeat for a long time. She hated everything about that conversation. So he made the decision to implant something. Some bonding agreement between her brother and him. Yet she never agreed to it. She tried to see his side, but it all was just more about what he built. The fear of losing everything. The day at the hospital after Jame's ransom. After she was taken back and he was gone, her father had to make a choice. And unfortunately she didn't know or have a say on his intentions.
She only hoped he made them because she was his daughter. Not because of the legacy he was so scared to lose. The thought made her stomach churn and she ached leave. But it was late, and she promised the crew she would be away for a few days. As much as she admitted to herself that she desperately wanted to leave and head back to the Raza.
She didn't know when she fell asleep. But she did with all her thoughts swarming in all sorts of directions. So much for being home.
…
She tried to settle for a few days, but she couldn't. Her father barely kept in touch with her despite being under the same roof. She was shocked to be getting an alert of someone calling while she was pacing her room. Her father was out and about with Corey on meetings and other errands. She stayed home trying to enjoy the things she left.
"Hey," Two chimed as she popped up on a monitor she kept in her quarters. "Haven't heard from you in a few days. Any luck?"
"Not as quick as I'd like," Vivian groaned as she sat down in front of the monitor. "How's everything?"
"Everyone's been relieved since we got back," Two mentioned as she sat on the bridge, putting her feet up against the console. "But not going to lie, we miss seeing your face around here."
Vivian scoffed, smiling in amusement as she grabbed an old stethoscope and played with it.
"Yeah well…I'm praying I won't be here long," Vivian sighed. "Corey insists I stay until I get answers. My father hasn't been in the right headspace lately. Apparently my mother passed while I was on the Raza."
There was silence.
"Were…you and your mother close?" Two asked carefully. That was when it hit her.
"She was sick for a long time. Ever since my brother passed…" Vivian swallowed. "Ever since my ship was lost, I haven't been there with her. When you found me at the marketplace I'd been away from them for a while then. Wondering if I'm just a mistake."
Two sighed, shaking her head on the monitor.
"You know that's bull," Two scoffed. "Says the person who saved our asses in every which way. I mean, I told you that we're not leaving you behind, I damn well meant it. You're a valuable asset to the team."
Vivian smiled, she felt a tear slip down her face and nodded.
"Well if it means anything…I'm glad you're a part of this," Two admitted quietly, smiling.
"Me too," Vivian admitted.
"Come back soon, okay?" Two asked.
"Trying," Vivian sang. "It's like trying to find a door in a solid cement wall"
"Three's been antsy lately. Like a kid waiting for Christmas," Two teased. "You might want to check in."
Vivian scoffed in amusement and nodded.
"Thanks."
They hung up, she gave herself a minute of just adjusting before calling Three. After a few moments, he popped up on the screen.
"Hello?" he greeted and then smiled seeing her. He was leaning on the counter of his desk and smirked at her. "Well, aren't I lucky."
"Hey big guy," she purred over the screen. He bit his lip and looked behind him.
"One sec."
He got up from his seat in his room, closing the door behind him. He sighed and got himself comfortable as he leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up next to the computer.
"Sorry, call me paranoid. Trying to get some privacy," Three smirked, jokingly grabbing a trinket he tossed around as he sat down. "You never know if pretty boy might walk in. How's the digs?"
"Boring," she sang, leaning her arms against the desk. Three made an approved grunt. "Feels a little out of place being here."
"Yeah well…if it makes you feel better it's been quiet to say the least," he smirked. He sat himself up, then leaned his arms along the counter. "Dear old daddy giving you trouble?"
"Unfortunately," Vivian sighed. She put her head in her hand eying him.
"Need me to knock some sense into him?" Three teased, winking at her. She bit her lip and laughed a bit.
"I can handle it."
"I'm sure you can," Three agreed. "It's the one of the many things I actually like about you."
He leaned back, lifting the necklace to his lips and fiddling with it in thought. Vivian watched him fidget as he watched her on the screen.
"Antsy are we?" she purred playfully.
"Nah," Three denied just as relaxed. Vivian eyed him on the screen.
"Are you sure?" she teased, her voice getting lower. He smirked. "A birdy told me you're having a hard time."
Three chuckled.
"Yeah well…I have my reasons," Three purred as he gripped the cross around his neck, swaying it along the chain. She smiled seeing the thing dangle around his neck. She could tell his thoughts were roaming. It's not like hers weren't either. Now that they had some room to breathe.
"Whether it matters or not," Vivian grinned, voice getting lower. "I wish you were here."
Three laughed lowly, leaning against the counter and eying her.
"Can't get enough of me huh?"
"Not the slightest," Vivian teased seductively, biting her lip. "Especially when I have the luck of no one around. And there's a big soft bed here."
Three scoffed in amusement eying her on the screen.
"Tempting," he purred, leaning against the counter of his desk again. "Well maybe you just need to twist daddy's arm a bit to get back here quicker. Get back to some R&R."
Vivian laughed and she felt a hear heart race in her chest. It's been a long time since she felt this way about someone. She was starting to like it. His hands still gripped on the cross on his neck as his mind wandered. She smirked.
"I love it when you do that," Vivian sighed, biting her lip.
"What?"
"The way you look. What you're doing right now," Vivian purred. "Can tell that mind is working…"
"Hard not to," he commented, smirking back. "You're a lot to blame for that."
Vivian laughed but then suddenly a voice yelled behind him.
"Three! We need you," Two's voice rang in the hall. He jumped. He glanced behind him.
"I'm busy!" he yelled back. But there was more urgency the second time as the door opened in his room and walking in.
"It's the Android," Two informed and he rolled his eyes.
"All right I'm coming," Three agreed and looked at Vivian on the monitor. "Hey I gotta go. I'll call you back tonight."
"Take your time. I'll be here," Vivian reassured. Three grinned.
"Looking forward to it."
She blew a kiss to him and he grinned, hanging up. Three turned to Two.
"What?" he sighed and followed her out of the room.
"Someone disabled her. Her neuro-chip was even taken out.
Android was on the floor of the hallway with Five looking worriedly at them. Three swallowed and immediately went up to them.
"Oh shit…"
…
Late that night Vivian attempted to connect with Three but got nothing. She was confused since she got no updates from anyone since the sudden interruption. She contacted the Raza. Nothing. Something in the pit of her stomach told her maybe something was wrong. The whole thing was all strange. Then again, maybe they just needed to focus on whatever happened on the ship.
She couldn't just leave either until she got the answers she needed from her father. Corey insisted she'd stay when things cooled down. Thankfully she managed to meet up with her father that night. He tended to be a night owl even in his older years.
She approached him in his study. Slowly at first but he nodded for her to come in.
"How were the meetings?" she asked casually, wrapping her arms about her chest. She tried to remain calm as much as she could. He was her father after all. She had to find some middle ground somewhere.
"They were as you expect them," Erik groaned. She sat down in a chair in front of his desk as he sipped on a crystal glass of brandy, a cigar lit and already halfway through. He must've been here for a moment. There was silence until he sighed.
"Your mother hated these things," he commented motioning to the cigar he took a puff out of. "She preferred that tobacco that I got from her home planet. It's…so rare now."
Vivian swallowed nodding, keeping her eyes on his cigar to avoid looking at him.
"She hated that you took on this. Her one little girl taking on the reins of an empire," Erik growled to himself. Vivian flinched. "But what choice did we have?"
"Were there any others?"
Erik paused as she finally dared to look at him.
"She insisted on marrying you off. Perhaps have an ally with your inheritance. Keep it running until you had your own son," Erik shook his head. "But there are only so many trusting men who know what you are."
Vivian nodded.
"Or we let our legacy die with James," he added. "So…I'll tell you that this was not my first choice."
There was silence for a long time. This was the first she heard of it from him. She heard rumors and snippets from what Corey gave her when she was younger. But it was odd hearing it from the man who ruled it all.
"That chip. It was supposed to be a tool…not an weakness," Erik mentioned as he stood, pacing the room. "I know it's hard to get used to it. Believe me. My gut hated it when I saw my father for the first time after years of him gone."
"When I was trapped in the vault, I saw him. I saw James," Vivian breathed. "All this time I thought I was seeing nightmares."
"It takes practice to activate it when you need it," Erik addressed.
"That still doesn't explain the healing," Vivian swallowed, afraid to go too far. Erik sighed and nodded.
"It's experimental," he admitted. "I paid the best doctors who gave you that implant to keep you from having to suffer like you did with James again. You were young enough that your body adjusted quicker than most over time."
"Why don't I remember it?"
"I wanted you to live your life," Erik swallowed. "I'm hard on you. I know you hate it."
"I'm just glad you're on my side," Vivian scoffed in amusement. "Everything changed after James."
Erik nodded in agreement taking another puff of his cigar, turning his back on her.
"No matter what you think of me," he stated. "Know I always put the best interests on our survival. The legacy. My wife. My children. And those choices, I still ended up being alone."
There was silence for a long moment.
"Make choices to save what you love. At least then you attempted to live. Regardless of the sacrifices," Erik concluded. "And maybe one day you'll forgive me for the choices I've made."
…
The next morning, Vivian awoke to a knock at the door. She ignored it at first, since she felt as if the sleep never came. The conversations with her father replayed through her head over and over and over. She closed her eyes and heard the door creak open.
"Miss Halvor," Corey's voice greeted his voice hushed tone. She heard him step into the room, door closing lightly behind him. She felt his hand on her arm above the blanket. "Viv, something urgent has happened."
"Unless you promise me coffee, I'm not getting up," Vivian groaned. Corey hesitated.
"It's about the Raza. They've been arrested."
Vivian's eyes shot open, and she sat up almost colliding with Corey.
"What?!"
She was scrambling to find her coms from the Raza. She turned it on and it wasn't responding at all. She was only gone for a few days. How in the world did that happen? Was that why they never responded last night?
"The Galactic Authority," Corey informed. "One of your crew members called this morning."
"Who?"
Corey swallowed.
"He's on the phone."
…
Vivian rushed into her spare clothes and ran down the stairs. She made it to the main transmission room her father had set up at the estate. She was praying under her breath that whoever it was would still be on the line.
Corey kept at her pace the whole time. Clearly he's run with her long enough to know when things got serious. He never let her down on that. When she finally reached the room, Corey shut the door. Her father was already there pacing back and forth. She stopped, Six was on the monitor. Erik was giving a grave look.
Six was standing there on the screen, smiling uncomfortably.
"Miss Halvor," he greeted.
"Captain to you," Erik corrected threateningly. Six hesitated, his posture getting exceedingly more uncomfortable. Vivian furrowed her brows at her father in confusion. Why would he be so hostile to Six? Then she approached the monitor carefully.
"Six. What's going on?" Vivian asked. "Corey said you were all arrested."
"The Raza crew was sent to a highly secured facility," Erik answered lowly. "Seems that someone…turned them in. Isn't that right, Lieutenant Varrick?"
Six's eyes closed and he searched for an answer. Vivian's blood ran cold. A GA spy? Was that what he was this whole time?
"The others are where they need to be to attest to their crimes," Six sighed. "I'm a man of the law. I needed to do what needs to be done."
Vivian swallowed hard as Six seemed to flinch at the introduction. Is that who he is? Vivian stared at Six in disbelief.
"Is this why you told me to go home?" Vivian growled.
"I didn't want you to get caught in the crossfire," Six stated boldly. "The bounties are more on Portia, Marcus and Ryo. I couldn't afford you getting in the way of something that isn't your business."
"Isn't my business?!" Vivian protested. Her emotions were flaring now. Her crew, the people she trusted were in jail. And she didn't even come close to having a chance to stopping it from happening. "I trusted you through all of this."
Six shook his head.
Remember who you are. She walked up closer to the monitor, her eyes glaring as she lifted her chin.
"Now I'm going to ask you once and you better give me a damn good answer," Vivian threatened lowly. "Where are they and I mean all of them?"
Six hesitated but sighed, nodding his head in acceptance, stating things as if they were a detailed order form.
"Five and One are in custody. They're safe from the whole ordeal, for now anyway. One, or rather Derrick Moss, just got his lawyer involved will be transferred back home. As for Five…we're not sure yet. She's young, she might be let go of any charges," Six explained. "As for the rest. Well…they're where you expect them to be. Hyperion- 8 Galactic Maximum Security Detention Facility."
Erik kept his eyes down, his jaw twisting at the thought. Vivian was fuming. That was the highest and deadliest prison in the GA. There's no way the Raza had a chance.
"So, does this mean you're against us now? An enemy?"
"We are not enemies," Six corrected calmly. "Not unless you make me one. I rather not stand between you and the others. I'm just upholding the law."
Vivian stared at him.
"So when do I expect you to turn on me?" she asked.
"I'm trying to keep you detached as much from the Raza as possible," Six explained. "Unless you get your head involved. Please, if you can, just stay out of this. I would rather it not get worse than it already is."
Vivian walked up to the console. She stared him down. All this time, he was just playing with them. Just to turn in a bounty? Maybe before she met them she would've agreed since the Raza crew was responsible for the chaos of her ship. But now…now they were family. She looked at her father who gave her a serious face.
"That's for me to decide," she growled, hanging up the call. She stared at her father who shook his head in disbelief.
Corey stood by the door crossing his arms about his chest.
"So…what now?"
"We're finding a way to get them out," Vivian replied. She stared at her father. "Objections?"
There was silence for a long time until he raised his head, staring at her.
"Is this the crew you wish to stand by?"
Vivian swallowed but without hesitation. "Yes."
"Then one objection," Erik smirked. "That you go in with some backup."
He walked past her, hitting a button on the transmission. The call picked up and she stiffened.
"Commander Truffault," Erik grinned.
"Erik Halvor," Truffault sang. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"
"My dauhter's crew, the Raza is in trouble. I've received word they were in the hands of the GA," Erik explained.
"Really now?" Truffault chimed. "It's good to see that Captain Halvor thinks so fondly of them. However, what would you like me to do?"
"We need some assistance," Erik smirked. "And you'll be handsomely rewarded."
Truffault looked between them and then smirked.
"I'll see what I can do."
…
They waited as Truffault somehow convinced the detention facility to get visitation to see one of the Raza crew. Somehow they were allowed in and they jumped on it as soon as they could. Vivian hated it; hated making the crew wait longer than they had to. What about the Five who was still held in custody? Her stomach churned at the idea of Five being alone in a prison facility (even in the safest room). At least One was able to make it out. Maybe he could help if their plan didn't work.
The second they landed on this detention facility Vivian's skin crawled. Her father suggested dressing incognito, in order to keep eyes off of her. The GA would have everything on her and she didn't need to be captured in the crossfire. She grabbed her leather jacket, black face mask with fingerless gloves. She made sure to pull a hood up with black jeans, her gray shirt and boots to make sure she was ready for anything. She pulled her hair into a braid as she pretended to be one of Truffault's two standing bodyguards (thanks to Corey insisting on joining them). Unfortunately, she couldn't have weapons in the facility, but at least they had manpower on their side. Vivian trusted Corey with her life. She trusted him with Truffault just the same. He found a similar get-up to keep his face from being seen on cameras.
They went through so many hoops just to even get into the building. High security didn't even scratch the surface. Guards at every door, visitors passes with extra guards leading them into each room. The GA was swarming and suffocating this place. It was a damn fortress. As they finally got through visitation protocol, the guards led them down a long corridor to an isolated area.
Despite them being what felt like miles away from everyone, Vivian could still feel the tension of the building. It's almost as if the air was just sitting with heaviness. No one ever escaped this place. She's heard horror stories of former allies having colleagues caught and trapped here. It was a death trap.
"Keep your eyes out," Truffault suggested quietly. Vivian nodded. "Remember we're here to visit."
Truffault even noticed Vivian's posture stiffen. They were to visit Two. Get her alone from the rest of the prisoners and make it seem like they were offering a way out. Whether she would buy it or not Vivian wasn't sure. She had faith that Two was smart enough to figure things out. Truffault came up with the plan and it was one of the few times Vivian was grateful to have an ally. Even though she still was very much on guard with her. When they finally approached their isolated room, she was able breathe.
She stood next to Truffault as Corey stood opposite. Both playing the role of silent but threatening body guard. Vivian glanced at Corey as they were alone. He gave a nod and she did the same.
The room was lit up with only so many lights, separated by a long table and a glass wall. It was sealed tight but at least the guards left to stand outside. Privacy. I guess confidence of a impenetrable fortress is a thing.
"Just follow my lead," Truffault smirked, whispering to Vivian. "We'll be out of here soon enough."
Vivian nodded, her nerves trying to still themselves. Vivian made sure her face was hidden under her black mask. Her eyes were the only thing showing behind that and the hood while her hair rested in her braid. This place was a mess and the fact that the Raza crew were stuck here was a disaster. She had to hope this plan would work. Minutes of silence later were finally interrupted by the opposite door being opened. The guards shoved in the visitor. But it wasn't Two…it was Three.
"You know this isn't my cell right?" he objected to the guards, his back to Truffault. Vivian stiffened as the door closed, and they were alone. "Whatever."
Vivian wasn't expecting to see him and it made her skin turn into goosebumps. He was alive. Thank God he was alive. Flashes of their phone call before and how urgent he had to step off. It all made sense. Six must've sabotaged everything before taking them in.
Her mind was racing as Three turned around to face them, his eyes resting on Truffault. Vivian looked at him up and down. Prison jump suit, clearly beaten from a few fights. How could she not have protected them from this? Then again with a few days in the facility already, maybe he was lucky. Truffault only smiled as if meeting for a family reunion.
"Hello my friend, it's been a while," she greeted almost singingly. He looked at her in confusion, even smiling a bit in surprise. And then his eyes darted to Vivian. She felt her breath catch in her throat as his face tried to remain the same playfulness he had with Truffault. But she saw him inhale as if holding his breath for a mere moment. She felt the tension, but she was just relieved to seeing him alive.
"So…when did you get the new bodyguards?" he questioned. She could feel his eyes boring into her and she remained playing the part. Her eyes stayed on his for a good second.
"I'm always a fan of hiring extra protection," Truffault commented. "Especially these days you can't be too careful."
Vivian kept her eyes on Three as Truffault motioned to the seat in front of them.
"Well…isn't this a nice surprise," Three scoffed in amusement. He was still adding humor. That's a good sign, right? Vivian noticed Three kept glancing at her as he remained staring at Truffault.
"I was expecting Two," Truffault mentioned. "But you'll do just fine."
"Nice to see you too. What brings you by?" Three smirked amused at this whole ordeal. "Pull a few strings? Get us sprung out for old times' sake?"
Vivian looked at Truffault and she made a face.
"Unfortunately, the charges, it's not looking good for any of you," Truffault explained in such a way that Vivian almost thought maybe she found this whole situation amusing. Then again…this was Truffault. She had her own oddities she found amusing. "It's not looking very good."
"Well thanks for nothing I guess," Three scoffed. He looked at Vivian. It was then he really looked at her as if noticing her every detail despite being incognito. It was interrupted by Truffault butting in. They couldn't risk the plan not working.
"Actually," Truffault sang. "I heard that they were questioning you about the destruction of our research facility."
"Yeah and?"
"And you're not talking," Truffault added. "Now that is unfortunate."
"Here's the thing," Three mentioned. "If we come clean, the blame goes from Mikkei to certain other parties."
"As it rightly should," Truffault grinned.
"We incriminate ourselves in the process," Three raised his brows. "As you can see."
Vivian stiffened and shifted uncomfortably. They needed to get this done fast.
"However! I believe you were offered a deal," Truffault stated.
"Did you authorize that deal?" Three questioned. Truffault only gave a smug look and Vivian swallowed. Please, please, please, let this work. Truffault smirked at Vivian and then back at Three. "Offer the deal to all three of us."
Vivian felt proud of him. In that moment he was standing up for the crew. More than she did in the matter of a few days while they wasted away here. And Six was the entire reason why. If she hadn't left, maybe they would've had a better chance of fighting them off.
"Look…as long as you're alive right now, you're a liability to said third parties, right?" Truffault encouraged. "You come clean now, well they have no reason to go after you."
Vivian stared at Three as he looked up at her for a solid few seconds and then back at Truffault in confusion.
"Did you really think that was going to work?"
"No," Truffault laughed. "But I figured it was worth a shot."
Vivian rolled her eyes and Corey cleared his throat.
"Ma'am," he insisted, making a gesture at his watch. Truffault waved at Corey in agreement.
"Yes well…good luck to you then," Truffault replied, standing up. "Do me a favor. Consider what I said?"
Three sighed, looking at her. His eyes rested on Vivian again. She knew what they were planning on doing, she just didn't like it. She felt the clock ticking.
"Sure," he replied, sighing in disappointment as he stood. He started turning towards the door. Then immediately took the offensive. Truffault pouted playfully.
"No, no, no," Truffault objected, singingly.
Vivian stiffened as he eyed her up and down. She had to let him know this was something else without saying anything.
"Look me in the eye and promise me," Truffault insisted. He kept looking at Vivian. As he stared at her she immediately winked at him. Suddenly his head tilted slightly, as if realizing something and his expression dropped. It took him a second to recover. He scoffed in amusement, rolling his eyes and leaning against the table, mirroring Truffault in front of the glass. He stared at her straight in the eye.
"Not a chance in hell," Three replied. There was a small flash between them. Vivian felt a nervous antsy feeling creep up on her. Did it work? She saw him blink and look a bit dazed. Truffault just passed the whole exchange off as if it were nothing and sat down in her chair.
"Say hi to the rest of the gang for me," Truffault commented with such a suave and casual nature. Three was still processing what was in front of him, confused. He glanced at Vivian one more time before hobbling out of the room.
"Yeah, I will," Three mentioned quietly, bumping into the chair behind him.
The guards took him away and Truffault watched in uncertainty as he stumbled out. They were escorted out and it wasn't until they were on the ship back that she said something.
"Do you think it worked?" Vivian asked quietly.
"I know it did," Truffault replied. "Let's just hope he's smart enough to figure it out."
…
The map. That's all it was, a map to give them to escape. Vivian was on edge while she paced in her room at home. Erik knew Truffault was the right one to call. And it pained Vivian to just stand there and watch while they didn't have a better plan. Even if they were to get out, this was a highly secured prison.
Whether he trusted her to make the deal, money or not was still to be seen. Vivian tried to keep her things packed, ready to go and ride when she needed to. Once they were out, she'd have to leave quickly too.
Then after a couple days of anxiously waiting, she got another call. And it was Six. Again. Was he keeping them there? She felt the plans were going to unravel with his GA position butting in.
"What do you want?"
"I need your help," he replied rather urgently, his voice quiet as to not be heard. "Meet me for visitation today."
"Why?"
"I'll explain when you get here."
He hung up as Erik stood giving her a look.
"Be prepared for anything," he suggested sternly. She nodded. She packed her things and rushed towards the door. "Guard up, he could be luring you in."
She nodded as they approached the door.
"I won't let that happen," she assured.
"Hey!" Erik interrupted lightly as she fiddled with her bag. She stopped, swallowing as he stared at her. His jaw twisted. She froze. He put out a hand and she swallowed hard. He motioned to the door. "Make me proud."
She ignored his hand, wrapping her arms around him for a bear hug. He was stunned and stiff but managed to put one arm around her. She backed away as he opened the door, giving her an embarrassed look. She scoffed and nodded.
"I will."
She left, Corey trailing behind as he nodded to Erik.
They were going to get the crew out. That morning, the whole ride, she was running circles in her head. How in the hell were they going to get out without a massive fight. She got in the facility with eyes on her. Corey staying nearby the shuttle they took.
Vivian was supposed to meet him at the docking area. Six appeared motioning the other guards to leave, which they surprisingly did after a matter of minutes. But it wasn't because of something he said. It was some sort of protocol going off. The intercom noted something about a riot happening literally everywhere. The docking bay was cleared and she was alone with Six.
"I need you with me," he ordered lightly. He leaned in towards Corey. "I need you out and exiting the facility."
"What? Why?" Corey objected.
"Trust me…you don't want to be sticking around here," Six urged. Vivian hesitantly looked between them and nodded.
"Like hell-"
"Corey, go he's right. We both don't want to be caught in here," Vivian agreed. She wasn't going to risk Corey being arrested over some fluke event. She kept her guard up with Six. But something told her in her gut that something happened. Something changed with his stance with everything. At the moment, there was no other option. Corey rolled his eyes and motioned Vivian to her coms in her ear.
"Call me," Corey mentioned. He glared at Six. "You betray us. Then you answer to me, and the entirety of her father's empire."
Six nodded almost regretting his decision of calling them as Corey rushed back into the shuttle. He exited without the staff even noticing they docked. So much for high security. The riot must've been horrible if they were ignoring strays.
They walked quickly to the docking area where the Raza was held. He punched in a few codes and she was relieved to see the Raza doors open. She rushed in, making sure to clear out any potential guards. But there was none. They were all distracted (and perhaps even confident) to leave the ship standing alone.
"I don't know if you heard. But One was killed," Six urged. Vivian's mind stopped abruptly.
"How?"
"I don't know, but we're getting the others out of here," Six urged. "I already got Two involved with the whole ordeal. I need you to cover my back."
"I thought you wanted them to be detained," Vivian growled.
"Things changed," Six growled. "Now they want them executed. I didn't want it to be like this. I thought I was working for the greater good. Turns out it's all just false hope."
"So you called me," Vivian concluded.
"So I called you," Six agreed. "You're the only one on the outside that could help me."
"Right," Vivian acknowledged as they went back out towards the Raza's entrance. She could grieve about One later. Right now she had to get all of them out. Six was on guard, pulling out his pistol.
Within minutes Three, Two and a strange man were running towards them. Vivian pulled out her own pistol aiming towards the stranger, short, stocky and hair cropped close. Something about his demeanor put her off. But maybe that was the adrenaline. They all stopped in their tracks seeing Six.
"What the hell?" Three greeted, breathing heavily from the escape. Another girl rushed into the group. A thin beautiful black girl who was just as breathless as they were. She immediately felt a twinge in her gut. They keep getting added. They didn't have enough time to argue on more passengers.
"He's on our side," Two insisted, motioning to Six. It probably didn't help that he was in his GA uniform.
"He is?" Three questioned. Three's eyes darted to Vivian and he swallowed hard in alert. "You came."
"I wasn't about to fly off without you," Vivian breathed. There was a sense of relief in the seriousness, but they were running out of time. "Besides I had help."
"Come on get on board," Two ordered, pushing everyone towards the ship. They had to leave and leave quickly. The group filed in as best they could, avoiding any other potential mishaps.
"Where are the others?" Two asked.
"I could ask the same thing," Vivian agreed. Six was about to answer but an absolute blast of energy filled the air, forcing a guard into the wall of the docking hallway. Five came out with Android, wielding a massive energy gun that would fit Three's obsessions.
"Hey!" Five greeted in relief.
"Hi!" Two greeted back. "Come on let's go!"
And then there was another added as Four approached behind them. He was armed and must've been fighting already. He pushed the newcomer forward without objections. Seemed like the team was only increasing by the minute.
They thought they were all in the clear until Six was bombarded by a Galactic Authority guard. The guard forced Six to make a choice. To not leave with them or to be shot. Six chose the latter. Six shot first, but the guard got shot twice, forcing Six to the floor. But he hit him. They needed to leave.
"Help me!" Two demanded as the crew dragged Six onto the Raza, mostly reluctantly. Vivian couldn't blame them after the betrayal. Even she had some twinges of doubt. But they needed to get out and fast.
They got onto the ship, Vivian locking them up tight onto the Raza without further question. She went to her coms.
"Corey, we're out," she rang, getting an affirmative response as he remained away from the High Security. "I'll tell you when we're clear."
She felt a rush of relief as she set herself aboard the Raza again, despite the newly introduced strangers. Within minutes they blasted out of the docking bay and into space.
Android managed to get them into FTL and they were free from the chaos of the GA below. Once they went into FTL, Vivian could finally breathe. The others rushed Six to the medical bay as Vivian rushed back towards her old quarters. She wanted to be there for Six…but a part of her just wasn't ready to fully grasp on what happened.
She entered her room. Nothing was changed from the few days the Raza was docked with the GA. She was grateful nothing was missing.
Vivian shut the door, putting a hand to her coms.
"Corey?" she greeted.
"Thank the stars lass," Corey sighed. "I was afraid that man was going to be turning you in like the rest of them."
"It wouln't've come to that," Vivian assured. "You said it yourself."
"Aye," he agreed. "Are you all…for lack of a better phrase, safe?" he asked.
"For now, we'll be laying low," Vivian assumed. "I can't imagine trying to get out after that whole charade."
"We're just a call away if you need us," Corey mentioned. She nodded. "Lass…take care of yourself. And welcome home."
…
After about an hour into FTL, Vivian managed to get herself to the med bay. But Six wasn't there. The only one who remained was a lanky man with brownish-blonde hair that was cut short as he cleaned up some equipment. He looked rather young too. Maybe not much older than Five's age. She leaned on the door, crossing her arms about her chest as she observed him up and down. How did this man survive that prison? He glanced over his shoulder and nearly jumped out of his skin by the sight of her cursing under his breath.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," he scrambled. Vivian stayed where she was, and he froze eying her. "I'm sorry we haven't met."
"No, we haven't," Vivian agreed as she pushed off the door. He reached out his free, ungloved hand in introduction.
"Devon," he introduced. She reached out firmly gripping his hand for a minute as he shook it. She didn't like that this was the way that they grabbed new recruits. But she had to keep her jets cool. But after Six's betrayal it made things a little hard at the moment. Not to mention this man did come out of high security prison.
"So you're a doctor?" she asked.
"Yes well…I certainly have training," Devon explained as he continued putting away things from his procedure with Six. "I'm assuming you're here for the man in here earlier. They're putting him in the statis."
"Why?"
"His wounds…they weren't stabilizing as well as I would've liked. I would've done surgery but supplies here are limited. It's not worth the risk and we can't stop for a while," Devon explained. "Putting him under is the best way to enhance his survival."
Vivian swallowed. Six was in the same pod as Sarah. Maybe he would have a chance. He saved them regardless of how it all started. Maybe he did pick his side. Hoping he wasn't going to die under it.
"Thanks," Vivian commented lightly. Devon nodded, observing her curiously.
"You sure we haven't met?" Devon asked. "You look familiar."
"I get that a lot," Vivian smirked. She walked up to him, almost hovering. He swallowed hard. "Devon, right?"
He nodded, keeping his chin up. She smirked.
"I'm sure that if you play your cards right you'll do just fine," she mentioned. She eyed him as he kept his eyes on her. "However."
She got closer to him. She had to make sure the team wasn't in danger again. Something washed over her to perhaps warn the man.
"If you come between my crew," she whispered. "Believe me, I'll be the first and last thing you see."
Devon just stared at her, then scoffed with a nervous smile.
"What?"
"Halvor," Two's voice rang behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. Two stared at between them. "He's all right…he helped Six."
Vivian looked back at Devon.
"It's been a long few days. Why don't you get settled in?" Two suggested, trying to get Vivian out of the poor man's bubble. Vivian backed away, nodding slightly. She smiled at Devon slightly.
"If you ever figure out who I am, come by for a drink," Vivian stated. Devon furrowed his brows in confusion as she left the room. He looked at Two.
"And…who was that?"
"Someone who can bite," Two commented as she joined Vivian outside the medbay leaving Devon to gather his wits.
Vivian was leaning on the wall outside the med bay as Two exited. She stopped and took Vivian in.
"Three told me you were with Truffault," she commented. "Surprised you were able to get inside."
Vivian lifted off the wall.
"Yeah well…staying silent wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Vivian mentioned.
"At least you came back."
"Yeah," Vivian sighed nodding her head. The sudden flashes of her father's conversation swept back in. At least she was home now. She nodded again, then walked up to Two.
Two hesitated but was surprised when she felt Vivian's arms around her tightly. Vivian squeezed more than she thought she wanted to.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get you out," she whispered. "I'm sorry about One."
Two then wrapped her arms around her too, squeezing just lightly.
"I know."
…
Vivian grabbed very little to eat. She didn't want to accompany the new "crew" onto the ship. She was still kicking herself for even leaving in the first place. Maybe it would've been different if she was stuck with them. She could've protected them. She was in the middle of drinking a glass of one of her harder things from the liquor stash as she sat in silence.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Yeah?" she cleared her throat as she greeted. She sat on her bed, legs folded out from under her as she glanced at the clock. She heard the door whir open and a few footsteps as the door closed behind them. She looked up, seeing a bottle of whiskey in their hand. Three. She felt goosebumps rise on her skin. He was out of the jumpsuit and in his semi-normal attire. That was a relief.
He still had a mark on his face from the escape that day. It pained her to think he and the others suffered in such a place.
"Hey you. Brought you a homecoming present," Three greeted showing the whiskey. She swallowed seeing him. He smirked at her. "But looks like you've already started that party."
She scoffed in amusement, eying him. Thank God they got out alive.
"You here to stay?" she asked, taking a sip of what she drank. Three raised his brows.
"If that's an invitation-"
She nodded her head as she grabbed the whiskey bottle from him and got up from the bed. He eyed her as she searched for another glass.
"You know I thought I was going crazy when Truffault decided to show up for visitation," Three mentioned. Vivian smirked, opening and pouring the new whiskey into a metal glass for him.
"And I'd say you're very observant," Vivian teased as she turned. She almost flinched when she felt his body lingering behind her. His hands wrapped around her waist from behind. She could see his reflection in a small mirror on her desk. He hummed in her ear that made her shiver and he pressed against her body. She almost dropped the glass. He smirked.
"You know it's very hard to forget those eyes," he whispered.
She scoffed in amusement, moving the glasses away from her. She felt him lean in and kiss her neck which caused her to shiver.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there," she whispered. "I should've-"
"Uh uh uh," he teased lightly in her ear. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "You are not blaming yourself for not being on the ship."
Vivian looked away embarrassed. He moved his hands back on her waist and she shivered, moaning under his touch. He grinned.
"We're here now, right?" he asked quietly. She turned around to face him, his eyes dancing as he observed her. "And believe me…we were fine."
Vivian raised her brows unconvinced, crossing her arms about her chest. He rolled his eyes.
"Yeah I mean it was rough. It's a prison, but you know I could take them," Three smirked. "You know me-us…you know us."
Vivian laughed a bit and that made him loosen up.
"Yes…I suppose I do," Vivian agreed.
"There was some pretty big bad men in there that I had to deal with," he smirked. She eyed him as she reached up, her hand gliding along his neck as her other arm wrapped around him. She felt his hands wrap around her waist as she wrapped around his neck. His heart was pounding. She could feel it as she leaned against him.
"Were you worried about me?" Three teased. Vivian shook her head and looked away embarrassed. Three noticed and kissed her neck his voice getting low. "Come on…I like to hear you say it captain."
Vivian hummed, smirking at him.
"Maybe," she commented.
"Come on…" Three teased kissing her neck before biting slightly, making her gasp quietly. "Tell me."
"Says the person who was just so anxious for me coming home," Vivian whispered.
"Damn right," Three grinned. Vivian felt her heart racing as she leaned in.
"Are you begging?"
"Not a chance," Three smirked. "But you my dear, I'm more than happy to oblige."
She leaned in to kiss him but he backed off a tad.
"Ah ah," Three grinned mischievously. "You didn't answer my question."
She eyed him, tracing his neck with her finger tips. She saw his skin shiver from the touch, giving her a bit of a thrill.
"More than I'd admit," she teased. "I wouldn't want it getting to your head big guy."
"Oh believe me…it's already getting to my head."
She smirked, leaning in and kissing him on the lips. He moaned and she took it in. She grabbed him, forcing him closer to her as he exhaled. She parted for a second, noticing his arms immediately wrapping around her. She couldn't get enough of his proximity. She grinned as he leaned forward just enough.
"So…shall we-" he leaned kissing her again. She moaned and he grinned under her lips as she darted down biting his neck. He chuckled lowly. "Should I take that as a yes?"
"Absolutely," Vivian whispered.
"I'm not stopping this time," Three purred, eying her up and down. Vivian swallowed and kissed him deeply. He moaned as he felt the pressure of her body. He backed up to the bed as she finally released him for a mere moment. He grabbed her arm instinctively but she motioned to the door.
"Ah ah!" he whispered. "You're not getting away from me."
"Relax…" she purred. She reached just far enough to fully lock the door. His eyes were dead set on her as he pulled her onto his lap at the edge of the bed. She straddled him facing him as she worked on getting his shirt off. He helped so quickly that it made her heart race. She put her hands around his face, kissing him deeply as his breathing quickened. She felt his hands reach up working under her shirt and grabbing her chest. She almost yelped when she felt his body shift under her and he turned her, her back hit the bed and he was hovering over her.
She eyed him as he observed her from above. Her shirt was lifted as she reached up, brushing his face with her hand. She swallowed as he watched her, his eyes hungry. He kissed her palm on his face, causing a jolt to hit her so quick. Biting her lip as he exhaled.
"God," he whispered, putting his head down for a second.
"What?"
"That your look you're giving me," he whispered, his voice hitching a bit. She could see his eyes dilating which made her heart race even more.
"What look?" she purred eying him. He kissed her hand again and she shivered.
"You can't tell me you don't want this," he whispered. "It's been rattling in my head for ages."
"I know something that might just rock your world then," she whispered.
"That being?"
She leaned up kissing him feeling his body slightly lower at the action. She wrapped her hand around the back of his neck. She released the kiss just enough to hear his breath catch.
"I want every inch," she whispered seductively.
He swallowed, eying her and he grinned.
"That makes two of us," he whispered. She felt his weight drop onto her and she immediately felt everything. The chills, even the little bit of skin he had right now just drove her wild. She felt his hips align with hers swallowing hard as she caught a gasp from coming out.
"Ah ah," he whispered. "No one can hear us, I promise."
She nodded in understanding as he got closer, his hip slightly rocking into place, forcing out a bit of a moan. He groaned at the sound as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He rocked a bit again and he felt her hips come closer and she gasped.
"Ooo," he grinned. She leaned up and kissed his neck, nipping slightly. He pushed her back just enough to look at her face. He felt her eyes stare at him. He grinned mischievously.
"That's a new look," he grinned.
"That being?"
"Desperate," he whispered seductively. She swallowed as he shifted again, his hips rocking into her. She moaned, staring at Three. Her body was shaking from the contact at all. "I told you I'd rock your world one day."
Her eyes dilated. Was she finally going to let this happen? Her mind was screaming as she stared at him.
"Something tells me you won't object," Three commented cockily. She traced a finger down his chest and onto his abdomen making him flinch.
"Don't stop," she whispered. He leaned in kissing her.
"I don't intend to."