I
UNDERDOG
"ATONE FOR YOUR SINS"
DISCLAIMER
NOTE: I am aware that the entire series is not finished yet. With the potential number of changes in the canon, this story will be an AU (Alternate Universe) that combines both elements and characters from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, while adopting some actual new elements from the canon. This story is also not too "Lore-Friendly" (aka not being too accurate to the world of the Canon.) So, be warned if some inaccurate information in this AU may make you cringe.
Both shows along with their characters DOESN'T belong to me. The series respectively belongs to SpindleHorse and its creator, Vivienne Medrano (aka "VivziePop".) The plot in this Fan Fiction and some characters you'll know who are OCs (Original Characters) are original from me. If any ideas or characters sound similar to another story written by somebody else, it is purely coincidental. I refuse to blatantly steal somebody's idea and claim that it was mine. If you have any concerns, you are always welcome to message me.
If there is anybody outside of this site posting this Fan Fiction without giving proper credit or impersonating me, please let me know.
Chapter 16: Underpowered.
Unable to work smart, nor hard with all this shitty equipment.
-(HPS Avalon; Bolgia Sea, North of Pentagram City)-
(Underdog's POV)
"It's over."
I said while looking across the AO (Area of Operations) as there was nothing, but allied planes and the few naval vessels left standing. However, there was no doubt about us losing so many allied planes and assault boats due to our outdated and poorly maintained vehicles and equipment. A good amount of Underling Brigade members died in this battle alone. With the leftover planes and boats, excluding the WarDogs that arrived to provide assistance, there was an estimate of around twenty-five convicts loss. Minus the other sorts of casualties like those who were wounded. If combined, there would maybe be around seventy-five or perhaps more. And yet here I was. The convict who was more likely going to get killed in these sorts of engagements. To be honest, there was no reason to celebrate about surviving this battle.
Some say Fate seemed to have given me a miracle. But to me, it was more of a curse to continue forward.
My thoughts were interrupted when I saw Melodie's aircraft roll up port side of my aircraft. She gave me a thumbs up as I silently just nodded my head at her as a way of saying "Nice work". But then she decided to contact me directly from the radio.
"We did it, sir!" She cheered.
"I'm not a Colonel anymore, Melodie. You don't have to treat me with that level of respect." I reminded her as the loss of my rank and position as a WarDog still stung my heart.
Melodie sighed as she was clearly concerned about me with her tone. "It doesn't feel right to call you "Underdog" instead of anything else like your first and last name."
"Well, start getting used to it. You get caught saying my name, you might get in trouble, perhaps."
"What makes you think tha-"
"Mongrel." A voice called over the radio as he used Melodie's callsign. It was Raizo, her squad leader, as he was flying in between me and her as a way to keep me away from his second-in-command. "Still alive, Underdog? That's unfortunate."
The fact that Raizo talked to me in a friendly manner last month compared to now was kind of depressing. But I took in his harsh words and replied, "Just doing what I'm told to do."
"Does that include speaking to Melodie? You have some nerve to talk to my second-in-command like you two are still friends." Raizo growled as he didn't like me interacting with Melodie. "I think you need to remember that you're a stray in this pack. You're no longer a WarDog."
"She initiated the conversation, sir. It would be rude to not respond to her." I replied.
"I think it's just as insulting having you exchange words with her. Now, I suggest you get out of formation and back to your pack." Raizo said harshly.
Melodie stepped into the frequency and said, "With all due respect, Chief. I'm just having a word with him about what's going on, and the status of the HPS Avalon. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Is that so?" Raizo asked and briefly stayed silent before speaking again. "Hmph. Make it quick. I don't want you anywhere near that bastard. If he hurts you, let me know and I'll gut him with my blade."
"Noted."
With that, Raizo's plane broke out of formation as he began to rally Vermilion Squad around the AO in his position. All except Melodie as she chose to stay and have a word with me before forming up herself.
"I'm so sorry, sir." Melodie sighed.
"Underdog." I corrected. "And don't worry. I don't blame him for being this hostile towards me, thinking I did what they think I did…"
"But that's the thing I wanted to talk to you about." She told me and straight up said, "I don't believe you actually tried to kill Princess Charlie."
I'll admit, her opinion on that matter about my whole conviction was kind of a shock to hear. All this time, I just assumed every WarDog in Hell ultimately believed me for being guilty. Especially her, who was one of the WarDogs present during the defense of Hazbin Hotel. But still, I shook it off as false hope for letting me feel better.
"You can believe what you want. But there's no way I can get out of this anymore. All I can do is wait until fate decides to take me away." I shook off her statement.
Once again, our conversation was interrupted by Raizo as he was relaying to Melodie that there was a change in plans. Instead of heading back to the carrier they were stationed on immediately, they were to land on the HPS Avalon to refuel and rearm. The main reason being is Vermilion was tasked to patrol around the nearby Carrier Assault Groups. Clearly not pleased to be landing on a prison ship, Raizo swallowed his annoyance and called over Melodie to form up and prep for landing.
Before she broke off, Melodie looked at me from the canopy and said, "Just wait. We will get you out of this."
…We?...
I guess it doesn't matter anymore.
All I did was look over at Vermilion Squad initiating a carrier landing, one by one with the rest of the penal unit members waiting their turn. But that didn't happen until the newly encountered Fireteam Mako landed safely on the helicopter section of the deck. Then it was our turn.
Carrier landings were a lot more difficult, compared to landing on a regular runway due to some obvious reasons. From a moving and shifting target, limited space, environmental conditions, and precise airspeed and descent to snag the arresting gear. The Underlings were put into flight simulations to execute this, but this will be their test if they are able to do it in the real thing. Miraculously, they all landed smoothly with some of the newcomers like Dropkick and PJ having to try again twice.
Of course, I was the last one down as I had the worst criminal record out of everyone. Supposedly. But due to my flight training in the past, I knew how to properly land on the carrier even with flight control's attitude talking to me. As soon as I landed, Vermilion Squad was seen near the catapult with their aircraft being maintained, giving me some looks with Raizo being the sharpest. As for Melodie, she frowned and looked down guiltily as she could tell that I was not in a very good state. That was when I felt some cuffs click to my wrists as Leech, the non-commissioned officer that "took care of me", was the one to arrive with the crew on deck to handle my plane.
"Move out of the way, asswipe." Leech pushed me away from the craft and towards the other Underling members.
And yet again, of course, I was the only one who was cuffed while the others weren't. Normally I would be getting a beating due to me being defenseless in this state. But the opposite happened as the three that stood with me in the air battle welcomed me with proud smiles. Except for Dash, as she kept her eyes off me due to her hatred of WarDogs. But something about her aura was a bit at ease after surviving this battle. As for Circuit, she wasn't present, for some reason.
"My boy, Underdawg!" Big-Chete called out cheerfully as he slam-patted my back. "You kicked some serious ass up there!"
His encouragement made me smile a small bit, but I shook my head. "Don't give me all the credit. You guys did an outstanding job up there for your first time flying."
Dash rolled her eyes and sighed. "Don't be coy. I'll admit, we wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you."
Dropkick gave a thumbs up and winked. "Least we know who to stick with when it comes to combat in the air. Hell, maybe even the ground."
"Yeah. But for how much longer until The Warden sends him off to put him out of his misery?" Bones asked as he shook his head, knowing it still wouldn't be enough to save their hides.
Big-Chete shrugged. "Hey, man. It's better than dying sooner than later."
PJ nodded in agreement before turning his head to the aircraft that belonged to Vermilion Squad. "But…why are they here?" He asked while watching Melodie and Jorge chat for a moment before Jorge walked towards the carrier's island to follow the rest of the team, leaving Melodie alone.
"They're just here to rearm and refuel before heading out for a patrol across the carrier battle groups nearby." I answered.
"Better stop checking her out, PJ. I know she saved your ass, but she's way out of your league." Bones teased a bit with a small smirk.
"I wasn't checking her out!" PJ exclaimed defensively while blushing a fair bit.
"Can't say I blame you, bro." Big-Chete winked at him, teasing him even further. "I mean, look at that booty of hers under that tail. You know that's a huge weakness for us black dudes." He whistled as Melodie was up on the cockpit getting a few things all while in her flight suit.
"All I did was glance at her and now you guys think I'm checking her out?!"
"Pretty much. Yeah." Big-Chete teased.
"She impressed you that much, didn't she?" Dropkick snickered. "But hey, there's no shame to that."
"Not as much Underdog's skills in a plane. Now THAT was quite a show, and an example of an Ace!" PJ replied while looking at me with a smile.
"Not her flying skills, dumdum." Dropkick laughed out loud.
Letting out a sigh, Dash shook her head before saying, "My advice as a woman: try not to act so dense. No guy or gal wants a hardheaded and oblivious partner."
"Alright guys, stop!" PJ groaned as he was clearly embarrassed to Hell. "For the last time, I am NOT interested. If I was, do you really think I have a chance anyway?"
Dash shook her head. "Probably not." She answered honestly.
"Ugh…that still stung." PJ sighed.
A new voice suddenly asked, "What stung?"
Hearing that voice next to PJ admittedly made me jump as I didn't see Melodie coming and already be this near to our group. But not as startled as PJ as he jumped back while partially frozen out of fear and embarrassment.
Melodie was clearly holding back her laughter for getting PJ that good. But kept it at bay to not embarrass the poor guy further. "Sorry. Probably should've let you folks know I was nearby."
"Hey, Miss. No offense. But I think you should stay away from us before your boss sees you talking to a bunch of criminals." Big-Chete recommended it as he at least knew he didn't want to stir things up with a WarDog, and his squad.
Melodie chuckled and shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Hell, I'll make sure to not let the boys start something if they do. It's what the lady does for the team."
"And who are you supposed to be? The DEI hire?" Bones joked.
"That's still relevant nowadays?" Melodie rolled her eyes and chuckled before attempting to give him a handshake. "But no. First Sergeant Elise. You?"
Bones didn't expect this sort of welcoming, especially after that joke. Reluctantly, he shook her hand and shrugged. "Just call me Bones."
PJ awkwardly scratched his head. "Yeah. We don't have the privilege to use our first or last names here. Nor does anyone care."
"Yeah. Hence why we are given nicknames that sound like they belong to pornstars." Big-Chete chuckled.
"Uhhh…would my nickname even be fitting for a pornstar anyway?" Dropkick asked while snickering at the thought.
"Yeah. What about mine too? "PJ" doesn't sound like one either." PJ stated.
"Hold up. It was a "P" this whole time?"
The group just erupted with laughter as PJ blushed and chuckled along with them to hide his embarrassment. "To be fair, it does sound like "BJ" without the heavy emphasis on the "P", anyway."
Big-Chete nodded and patted his shoulder. "I know. I'm just fuckin with yah. No hard feelings, kid."
"None taken." He nodded.
With that out of the way, my group started to introduce themselves to Melodie one by one. It was a surprise to me that Melodie was able to talk to a bunch of convicts so casually without issue. She's probably the only one on the ship that hasn't talked down on them to result in some tension.
"So, how many did you lose from this raid?" Melodie asked while assessing the damage to the outdated carrier, seeing the crews already working on repairs.
"A good chunk. My guess is around thirty-five Underlings. And that's not counting the ones I didn't see." Bones answered while he shrugged his shoulders as if their losses didn't bother him.
Dash clicked her tongue. "It's going to be bigger than that once we arrive in The Ember's territory on land."
"No doubt about that." PJ bit his lip nervously. "How does the military expect us to be efficient when we're this underarmed?"
"Outdated aircraft carrier since the Aries Sea Dispute fifty years ago, old shitty aircraft that can't even outmatch The Embers' planes, not a lot of personal protective equipment like the Russians in the Russo-Ukraine War, and somehow not enough weapons. Not even the old ones." Dropkick explained their lack of quality and quantity of weapons and such to Melodie, but didn't seem to act out of pity as he knew this was intentional.
Melodie whistled and shook her head. "We're basically standing on the only Asylum-Class aircraft carrier in the service of the Kingdom's Navy. This thing should be in a museum."
"Basically, this might be the only time you get to see all of us alive before we're tossed into the meat grinder." Dash sighed as she was both uncaring of a twisted fate, but slightly nervous on how it would go down.
"I would try to help you folks. I really would." Melodie said as she mainly looked at me, mostly concerned for my safety.
"Well, forget about it. Don't worry about us." Big-Chete said as shook his head.
"He's right. Forget about these pests." A voice said out loud as we turned our heads to see that Leech, walking towards us and stepping in between Melodie and the rest of us convicts. "And what the hell are you guys bothering Mongrel for?" He asked, calling Melodie by her callsign.
Big-Chete snickered a bit and coughed. "Sorry. No offense."
Melodie rolled her eyes and smiled. "None taken."
*BAM!*
And just like that, Leech sent a quick and impactful punch on Big-Chete's stomach. Resulting him to cough and wheeze harshly, shaking violently as if he was holding in his painful gasps.
"What the fuck?!" I exclaimed at Leech while growling in a threatening manner for the first time towards him. "The hell did you do that for?!"
"Asking for more, huh, Underdog? Fine." Leech cracked his fingers as I was prepared to get the same punch. But on a harder level.
PJ intervened as he stepped in front of me to try and protect me from harm, even if I could take it. "Relax, sir. He was just-"
"Get the hell outta my way, mutt." Leech growled as he grabbed PJ by the collar of his flight suit, and tossed him on the floor, where Dropkick and Dash ran up to him to make sure he was okay.
"Petty Officer." Melodie called out suddenly to halt his progress. "That's enough."
Leech looked back at Melodie and clicked his tongue. "Are you really going to have them insult you like that? Ma'am."
"I don't get insulted whenever my callsign gets poked fun about. However, what insulted me was the unnecessary violence you did on two Underlings, and attempting to harm another."
Hearing Melodie act this protective towards convicts was a bit of a shock for Leech. Hell, it was a surprise to me and the rest of the Underlings nearby. Why is she standing up for us even if we're not supposed to be treated with civility due to our crimes? In my case, she believes I didn't do what I was convicted of. But still…
"These bastards need to learn how to behave themselves. They're lowlife prisoners, for God's sake!" Leech said. Clearly trying hard to convince her and himself for the use of violence.
"Just because they're prisoners doesn't mean they should always be subjected to this sort of abuse." Melodie sighed while folding her arms. "Now, yes. Some low lives out there deserve some severe punishments. But the fact you did that over a harmless comment about me just shows how undisciplined you are yourself."
…
Leech sighed and respectfully folded his arms behind his back. "I apologize, First Sergeant."
"What are you apologizing to me for? Big-Chete, PJ, and Underdog are the ones who deserve those words." She said while pointing over to the three of us.
…
"Sorry." Leech apologized while clearly trying to hide the bitterness in his tone.
Big-Chete caught his breath and sighed. "Whatever. It's fine." He said coldly.
"It's alright." PJ said in a warmer manner.
"No need." I declined his apology, respectively.
Melodie gave a small smile briefly and looked back at Leech with the same stern expression. "Was there anything else you were here for?"
"All that aside, Ma'am. I was going to suggest you keep your distance from these…wastes of space." Leech said while glaring at the rest of us after giving Melodie a salute.
Melodie glanced at me and sighed before saluting back. "Noted. Rather not stir things up when my squad comes back up for takeoff. But I can handle myself if trouble arises between the convicts onboard."
"I know you can. You WarDogs are a dangerous bunch." Leech smiled lightly as a sign he still valued and respected them.
"Was there anything you needed from them?" She asked while stepping out of the way for him and his guards to reach our group.
Leech nodded and pointed at the following, "Dropkick. Big-Chete. Dash. The Bridge. Now."
"Oh boy. Did we piss off Garvey enough to send us up to his dirty ass room?" Dash folded her arms.
"I suggest you start addressing the Warden properly, or I'll have you hung near the radar antennas." Leech threatened, which obviously didn't faze Dash.
Big-Chete rolled his eyes and chortled. "Aight. Wouldn't want to pull your panties, since it is that time of the month for you, Leech."
"Bro, come on. Don't make this harder." Dropkick suggested as he just wanted to get this over with instead of getting punished with the two of them.
With the three of them splitting off from our group, it was just me along with Bones and PJ talking to Melodie. An awkward silence fell around us, minus the sound of the ocean and mechanics in the distance. Honestly, I didn't even know what to bring up. At first it was going to be about what Melodie was talking about earlier, having to work on getting me out of this situation. With others involved, that is when she mentioned "We". That was until PJ spoke first towards her.
"First Sergeant?" PJ called out while avoiding eye contact. "Before I go, I just wanted to say "Thank you" again for that save earlier. I'm sorry if saving me was more of a nuisance than anything." He bowed his head as he knew folks like him didn't deserve to be protected.
Melodie giggled and patted his head in an attempt to cheer him up, which was kind of effective. "Don't sweat it. I do what I can to protect my allies."
"You're calling us allies while the rest of your team, and the military hate our guts for just existing." Bones shook his head. "Probably best to not watch over us when that pendejo (stupid/ass) Warden is expecting us to die anyway."
"Well, again, I do what I can to assist my "allies" who are in need. You know how it goes." Melodie shrugged.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Trying not to let us die easily so we could be exploited further." Bones stated something I can probably agree on. "Sorry for being that guy. Just stating how it all goes down in reality"
"It's cool. I…can at least understand." Melodie frowned a bit as she began to realize that thought. Although some despicable cons with horrible counts deserve this sort of treatment, it's still a wicked thought, nonetheless. When she glanced at me, it only made her cringe at the thought, since she believes me being innocent.
PJ gave a forced smile and shrugged. "Don't worry about it. There are some of us that at least deserve that. Me included."
Bones looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. "I never heard the reason why you were transferred into the Underling Brigade. What did you do exactly to piss off Hell?"
Sheepishly looking away after giving us a quick glance, PJ admitted, "I willingly turned myself in and chose the sentence of serving in this unit."
"You…volunteered for this unit?!" I asked as this was a bit of a shock to discover. Usually, the Underling Penal Unit takes in the worst kinds of convicts and uses them for cannon fodder to reduce the population in Hell and its prison facilities. Especially Pentagram City's sinners. But volunteering?! This was something I never expected any criminal to do down here.
"I'll admit I was convicted for the involvement in fraud and disorderly conduct, which I regret being a part of due to…desperate times. But the third charge was what decided to make me come here." PJ said as he looked away shamefully.
Melodie tilted her head curiously and asked, "Are you comfortable telling us? If not, there's no need."
"Second-degree murder. An accident." PJ clenched his fists and sighed. "That's…all I can tell you." He added as we could tell mentioning it deeply hurt him.
Bones was taken aback as he didn't expect the charge to be something minor, compared to his own charges. "An accident? You didn't have to send yourself in this unit then."
"Just because it was an accident doesn't mean it was okay." PJ insisted as he wanted to drop the subject.
"…hm…" Bones looked down and sighed. "Maybe. Even I've been there, actually…" He mumbled the last part while looking away as if he didn't want us to hear or bring it up.
"Hmm?" Melodie tilted her head as she partially heard him, to which he waved his hand for her to ignore it.
"Listen, I'll just head back inside and get some rest." Bones said that he didn't want to get into details and get caught talking to her by Vermilion Squad once they return. "Not sure if we'll ever meet again. But, hey…thanks for the assistance earlier at least."
Melodie nodded back at him as we watched him walk back inside the deck's island. She then turned to PJ and said, "You need some rest too, little guy? It's been a long sortie, and you seem like you deserved it."
"You're probably right. Plus, I shouldn't be taking too much of your time, ma'am." He replied.
"Nonsense. Some of you folks don't seem too bad, so far. Especially you." She winked.
PJ blushed a little and let out a nervous chuckle. "Th-Thanks! Well, see you next time, if we run into each other again!"
As Bones and PJ were now inside the carrier's interior, it was just me and Melodie on the deck as I gave her a small smile and shrugged my shoulders. "And those were the guys I mostly stuck with today. Pretty odd bunch, for an ex-WarDog befriending some convicts, huh?"
"They all seemed pretty chill. Except Dash. She seemed like she didn't like me staring at her too much…" Melodie shrugged back. "As for that Mexican sinner, Bones; is…is he always that pessimistic?"
"Not sure. I never got to personally meet a good chunk of the prisoners including him, since they would either avoid me, or beat me up like the guards would." I shrugged my shoulders. "All I know is he was a former Sicario for some Mexican Cartel when he was still alive. And even then, they usually aren't treated well by their bosses."
"Sheesh. Guess even in the afterlife he never gets a break." She whistled and looked down at me seriously. "By the way, if you know the guys that beat up on you, be sure to let me know and they'll face what a WarDog can do."
"I appreciate it. But it's best not to start a ruckus." I declined her offer as I've grown used to it.
She was a bit troubled by my insistence, but let it go. "Fine. Also, that PJ fella was kind of cute." Melodie chuckled as she watched him walk back to the island to head below deck. "Seems a bit too pure of him to be in this unit, don't you think?"
"Young guy seems like a good kid. Living up to his mistakes. But volunteering for this unit? Didn't seem necessary unless he was that guilty…" I nodded with a small chuckle back at her comment. "Why? Planning to save him from this prison like a knight would do for his princess?" I joked.
"Just between you and me, I like guys who are soft." Melodie spilled with a wink.
"I always heard Hellhound women are territorial in both ways than one." I chortled.
"My dad can attest to that." Melodie chuckled back but suddenly backed away from me the moment she heard the familiar voices of her team. "We'll talk later, hopefully. Take care of yourself, Morgan."
I wasn't used to being called by my first name, since all I've been called was "Underdog" since my case was finished. But I let it slide and nodded at her. "You too, First Sergeant."
Now with her walking back to Vermilion Squad, I was now left alone and just decided to walk inside to give some room for the maintenance and top deck crew to handle the planes and damages the ship received. Wandering down the halls, being ignored by both military personnel and Underlings alike as if nothing happened after organizing the battle, I decided to go to the briefing room to see if there was any sort of debrief. But the moment I arrived, there were only a few people.
It was Big-Chete and Dropkick talking near the stage, while Dash was seated alone in the corner of the seatings near the front. Admittedly, I was reluctant to have a seat next to Dash as she probably still hated me due to being a former WarDog. Especially since she was an adversary during the 2nd Wrath Ring Insurgency. Long story short, it was a bloody insurgency crisis that lasted for a good three months; unlike the 1st Wrath Ring Insurgency thirty years ago.
Before I was able to turn back around to leave and wait outside, I heard Dash call me over with a whistle. I turned my head and saw her use her tail to point at the seat next to her. So, I took that invitation and asked, "Need something from me?"
"No." She answered coldly. "Turns out The Warden wanted you here too, just like the three of us."
"I see…" I looked away while leaning back on my seat, finally being able to feel something comfortable to sit on for so long.
"And…here." Dash handed over a cereal bar she kept from the mess hall I wasn't allowed to go into since I was imprisoned onboard. "Not sure if you had breakfast yet. So might as well let you have it."
"Is that okay…?"
Dash just stared at me blankly as she waved the cereal bar to me even more. "Seriously? You don't have to ask for my permission when I offer you something."
"Force of habit." I said before taking it and eagerly unwrapping it to finally have a taste of proper solid food. Funny that something like a cereal bar was enough to almost make me tear up by how good it tasted.
"You okay…?" Dash asked as she was clearly trying to cover her chuckles upon seeing my reaction. "I know the guards give you the shittiest food. But…wow…"
"Sorry." I chuckled with my mouth full as I was already more than halfway done with it.
"It's fine. I should probably consider getting more if we're paired up again…" Dash shrugged her shoulders. "Just think of all this as a "Thank you" for not getting us killed sooner."
I finished the cereal bar and nodded, putting the wrapper in my pocket. "Right. Of course."
Suddenly, the door near the stage opened as The Warden himself walked out while on his phone as if he was communicating with someone by text. He put it in his pocket after finishing up what he was doing and called the two of us over as Dropkick and Big-Chete were already nearest to him. The projector wasn't turned on, which was a sign that this was going to be quick and not put into detail.
The Warden sighed. "Alright. You cons smell like shit. So, I'll keep this brief." He said before laying down his phone, which was an ongoing conversation between him, and the Captain of the RNS Malphas; a Goetia-Class Battleship that was in the vicinity of our fleet due to the recent message. "The Avalon has taken extensive damage, and we will be focusing on putting her back together before Operation: Dusty Wings commences. Unfortunately, some sections of the prison quarters have taken a hit and is deemed hazardous for you fucks to stay in it."
"Was that the good news? Or the bad news?" Dropkick asked.
"Depends on how you view it." The Warden shrugged and pointed at the second most recent message on his phone. "As a result, some of you folks will be moved to another ship until the prison quarters are deemed safe again. Shouldn't take took long. Maybe around three days?"
Dash clicked her tongue. "Sounds more like you guys are just putting duct tape on everything if it's gonna be that quick."
Big-Chete chuckled. "Hey. At least we get to potentially stay in better quarters or a cot for a few days."
"Now, I'm only going to say this once." The Warden took his phone and looked at each of us dead in the eye. "If any of you cons misbehave or screw things up on any of these vessels, you'll be sleeping outside from now on, just like Underdog. Right after the Captain of the ship you'll be on makes you endure whatever punishment he/she wants."
"Yeah, yeah. We know." Big-Chete nodded as he knew the important rules were coming. "What ship we going on?"
"You four are the only ones going on the RNS Malphas. Hence why I was having a word with her Captain." He answered while waving his phone.
Dash huffed. "Sure. Staying on the battleship that shelled my village during my time in the Wrath Ring."
"Get over it. Unless you want to sleep on the deck of my ship being repaired." The Warden threatened as this made her quiet afterwards. He then looked at Dropkick and asked, "You have any complaints about it too? Because I know the "wannabe gangster" here wouldn't, if given the opportunity to get off the ship." He said while pointing at Big-Chete for the last part.
"Not at all. Hopefully the crew on the Malphas won't do anything unnecessary." Dropkick shook his head as he could tell convicts onboard a decorated ship would most certainly be alienated or suffer discrimination.
"And what about you, Princess Killer?" The Warden asked me directly. "Since your cage is out of commission, I was hoping you wouldn't get homesick about it."
Ignoring his remark, I shook my head and asked, "Why just us on the RNS Malphas?"
"Not enough room on the Avalon, or the other ships. Look on the bright side. At least Dropkick, Big-Chete, and Dash get to sleep in proper quarters for today." The Warden rolled his eyes.
Big-Chete raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hold up. What about Underdog?"
"What about him?" The Warden scoffed and shook his head. "Don't tell me you've got a soft spot on the worst prisoner onboard this ship."
"To be fair, his leadership skills to get us together both on the ship, and in the air is what got us under control sooner than chaotic." Dropkick vouched for me.
Dash sighed and shook her head. "You didn't set up any cot for him, didn't you?"
"Why do you care? Underdog still doesn't deserve it." The Warden said coldly.
"The fuck?!" Big-Chete exclaimed. "Underdog saved the ship and your sorry ass, and this is how you repay him?"
"It's not much of a repayment, since he kept you three alive. Meaning I still have to deal with all of your bullshit." The Warden rolled his eyes. "Either way, it's already too late to make some sort of reservation for that dog. No more room." He declared as he turned his back on us and walked towards the main exit of the briefing room. "Head down to the hangar bay in an hour. You'll be taking a boat ride to the Malphas." Was the last thing he said before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
Big-Chete groaned and shook his head. "I don't believe this shit!"
"Let it go. It's fine." I sighed, expecting to not get the same treatment as the other convicts.
"Dog, you're going to need a place to stay. Are you really going to just sleep outside or in the halls?"
"Better than being in a cage hanging on the edge of the ship." I nodded.
Dropkick was taken aback from mentioning that. "Wait, The Warden was actually talking about a literal cage?! That's all you had?! No room or a bed?!"
"That's all he had." Dash nodded as she looked over at me, somewhat in pity. "What did you expect for the most hated sinner in Hell?"
"Well, at least something over his head!" Big-Chete said as he was speechless about discovering this, since he was new to the unit.
"As much as I say this all the time, it is what it is." I said while taking a seat.
Dash walked towards the exit and looked back to say, "Well, might as well grab something to snack on while we wait. Especially you, Underdog."
"That'd be nice. Thanks." I replied.
Dropkick yawned as he sat down too after seeing Big-Chete do the same. "The RNS Malphas. Not only is it named after one of the members of the Ars Goetia. But I heard that there's one member onboard already."
Big-Chete raised an eyebrow. "For what? Shouldn't those silver spoons be somewhere else besides near the warzone?"
"Hell, if I know." He shrugged.
"Any word who?" I asked.
"I don't know her name. But I heard she's a massive pain in the ass to work with." Dropkick told me. "Her guards started calling her a "Fucking Harpy" behind her back, after some WarDog Officer called her that first."
Hearing that information already gave me an idea of who it was. "Shiiiiiiit!" I groaned.
Universe Trivia
(Underling Brigade Fleet)
(Flagship) HPS Avalon: Asylum-Class Aircraft Carrier; Additionally Modified as a Prison Ship
RNS Uranus: Asmodeus-Class Multi-Purpose Supply and Assault Frigate
RNS Hell Hog: Pike-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Obsidian: Pike-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
/
(Hell's Royal Navy; 1st Fleet [Carrier Strike Group 3])
(Flagship) RNS Erinies: Morningstar-Class Aircraft Carrier
RNS Rán: Sinful-Class Amphibious Assault Ship
RNS Cypher: Garm-Class Aegis Cruiser
RNS Pixi: Garm-Class Aegis Cruiser
RNS Brendon Rodgers: Rodgers-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Hitman: Rodgers-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Red Glare: Jericho-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Warhead: Jericho-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Megalodon: Leviathan-Class Submarine
RNS Serpent: Leviathan-Class Submarine
RNS Madilyn Maxson: Maxson-Class Logistics and Supply Ship
/
(Hell's Royal Navy; 4th Fleet [Carrier Strike Group 5])
(Flagship) RNS Mambubuno: Calinao-Class Aircraft Carrier
RNS Malphas: Goetia-Class Battleship
RNS Halo: Garm-Class Aegis Cruiser
RNS Jolly: Rodgers-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Mistral: Rodgers-Class Guided Missile Destroyer
RNS Nessie: Leviathan-Class Submarine
RNS Angler: Leviathan-Class Submarine
RNS Expedite: Maxson-Class Logistics and Supply Ship
Hehe. PJ's a furry.
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