Had to split this up or it would have been too long. :) Bit of a young adult drama chapter - but I SWEAR it's necessary for the story.
Chapter 9 and beyond will be a whole lot less focused on romantic relationships. Just need to get it out in 8.1 and 8.2 before the big stuff happens.
Anyway, let me know what you think! :)
Enjoy!
Step. Step. Step.
Ratchet paced back and forth in his bedroom. Trying to figure out what to do next in this cramped space of a compound after that terrible discussion with the old men. He gritted his teeth in frustration. Not even able to vent to Rivet, as she and Kit were dragged back to the Azalea estate by the time he got back and Clank had gone to the robotics department - most likely to socialize with fellow robots.
When he checked the rebel forums, looking for more information, he learned his father had already blocked the holosite. Moving so fast that he justknewthere was more to the story. Something happened twenty years ago which caused his family to become so apparently powerful, yet so hated, and Ratchet was forbidden to find out.
He furrowed his brow. Was it about the mines? Resources were a big deal in the dimension. Wasn't there enough to go around?
Then another thought crossed his mind, albeit a more troublesome one. Tachyon was gone - a fact he knew for certain and one the old men believed to be a big deal - so why was there no mention of it on the forum? There were plenty of resources and space back on Fastoon and he was certain there were vacant moons which could be mined for much more than what could be found here.
So why not expand out back to the dimension? It would solve all the problems and maybe ease the animosity between the clans.
Unless there were a few facts he was missing... Maybe an entire history that couldn't be explained in a single conversation. Hence why his new family avoided the topic. He could relate. Literally having the same problem.
He flopped down on his bed, bored and confused. Considering maybe going through his notes on the Lombax language just to get his mind off things - though it was simple enough that he didn't think it would work. He just had to remember his vocabulary and focus a bit more on sentence structure, similar to the base language on Pokitaru but not quite.
Usually when Ratchet felt like this he would hop in Aphelion and fly to a planet that could give him a good view of the landscape, or he would travel in space amongst the stars until he felt like himself again.
But he couldn'tdoanything that involvedleavingthis room.
With a groan, he flipped over and slammed his head against a pillow, wondering if suffocation will relieve his boredom and make the old men tell him what the hell is going on outside the compound. It was at this point he got a stupid idea - one he knew would get his arse kicked by his overprotective relatives.
But he would rather get said arse booted back to Savali than stay in this room another minute.
He leapt up, reaching for the holopad. There was one Lombax who didn't have these crazy restrictions who would be game to help him. Might be the most exciting thing she does all week. He flicked through the pad, grinning when he found the number in the contacts section, one of only five. An electric shock passed through his body as pressed on it, unable to understand where the nerves were coming from.
It rang out for minute, until a lovely voice picked up. He would have preferred to use video call, but apparently he could not do that just yet. Though he did not know when 'yet' would be.
"Lear! What's up? You look up Lombax biology and found something weird again? I swear our ears really do more than temperature control..."
"Hey, Humali.! Actually I have a huge favor to ask. You can turn it down, but here's my idea..."
...
If there was one thing Malea was grateful for in the current craziness of her life, it was the fact she had a day off right after last night's announcement. She was planning to meet up with her classmates from the HTA at theTail and Gunfor lunch before going to the rink - planning to stick around for a special night event. Her toes curled with giddiness at the thought of the rink's neon lights against the night sky. Booting was such a unique experience at night.
She skipped through the streets, boots slapping over her shoulders with each step. In a month she won't have this freedom, so she had to enjoy it while it lasted before the expectations were books and procedures over play. But it will all be worth it. For her clan and her family.
Cal was already outside the diner. Eyes on her holopad in concern. They were also supposed to meeting up with Tarvi, Markus and Orion. The others were busy with clan activities - though Malea suspected it was related to the upcoming conference between the leaders. Something was being planned. However, the Hillaxes weren't involved, so as far as Malea was concerned it wasn't her problem. She just needed to focus on being the best heir for both the Lismoth's and the Hillaxes, for the sake of both their clans.
"Hey, Cal!" she called, smiling widely. "What's with the frown?"
"What's with the smile?" grumbled Cal. "You seem awfully cheery today."
"I had a good night's sleep," said Malea with a shrug. It was true.
"Fair enough. Well, Orion won't be making it today. His mother needed him for 'clan business', which is never good. However, Tarvi and Markus should be here soon."
"Can't wait for the rink," said Malea, with a shake of her boots.
They chatted for a bit about the upcoming rink event. Apparently, a few of the pros will be booting with the crowd. Making Malea's stomach flutter with even more excitement. Hoping Pamera Cross would be among them so she could finally get an autograph.
The boys arrived a few minutes later, deep in discussion about whatever boys talked about while walking to a diner. They waved in greeting, Markus being the only one smiling. Tarvi, in comparison, was practically dragging his feet along the ground, his face slumped as though he were attending a funeral.
"Hey Cal, hey Malea!" he said with grin.
"Hey Markus," said Cal with a raised eyebrow. "You okay, Tarvi? You look like death, and that's a compliment."
"I'm fine..." he grumbled, snuffling his nose at the description.
Markus turned to face them as his voice became a whisper. "Humali isn't returning his calls, and she's spent less than five minutes with him all week. We were hoping to ask you two for advice over food."
"Thanks, Markus... You just had to tell them that," muttered Tarvi. Looking away with his ears down.
"Who better to ask for advice on girls than... you know... girls? They want the alliance to work out as much as we do, right ladies?" said Markus with a cheeky grin, he stared at Cal and Malea with enormous eyes begging them to agree.
"Sure," said Malea. "Of course we do."
Whether Humali did was a different matter altogether.
"How has Humali been, anyway? I've barely seen her tail since the dimensional duo arrived," said Cal, eyes pointed at Tarvi.
Tarvi's ears drooped completely, and he made a line into the diner, dragging Markus behind him. "Let's discuss inside. I'm starving!"
Malea chuckled, her own stomach rumbling for one of the diner's legendary seafood main meals. Naturally caught and supplied by her clansmen. Beside her, Cal shook her head and grumbled something about men thinking with their stomachs.
Chatter roared throughout theTail and Gunas they made their way through the crowded restaurant. Markus waved them over to a side booth, securing a table while an old couple got up to leave. A range of groups were here today. Young adults, like Malea, were the most prevalent. Must have been a day off for the regular university as well, though she noted they seemed to stick to their own clan. Couples and small families made up the rest, but there were few children.
They slinked through the crowded seats and sat down, Malea and Cal on one side and the boys on the other. The latter already burying their noses into the menu and placing their orders. Malea and Cal glanced at each other, then snickered before picking out their own food.
"So we gonna chat now?" said Malea. Picking 'squid'n tuckroot chips' on the menu screen with a blue drink.
"Yes!" said Markus, popping his menu down and slapping Tarvi on the back. "Go on!"
"Wh...What?"
"Tell them about your concerns with Humali! Then see if they have any ideas to help!"
Tarvi peeked out from over his menu, staring at the girls with narrow eyes. "Promise not to laugh?"
"You look stupid already," Cal deadpanned.
He put the menu down, then frowned. "Well... Humali hasn't just been avoiding me. She spent most of this week at the Forrestier compound. I found out this morning she was in lockdown this week during the conference -at the Forrestier compound!"
"And?" muttered Cal, already bored. "Most people have figured that out, idiot."
"But I think she's spending time with..." He looked around, then leaned forward, lowering his voice. "She's gotten very protective of her projects - more so than usual - and she's researching weird stuff. Like 'What is a Blarg?' and 'How many planets are in Polaris'... Oh, and she's learning a new language! 'Solanian' - whatever that is!"
"Have you been monitoring her holonet searches?" said Malea with a pout. Cal raised an eyebrow.
Tarvi became flustered. "That's not the point! I think she's been talking to Lear about more than medical stuff. Perhaps was even locked down with him! Have you seen the video and what he looks like? As if he was part of a holofilm? Humali has become smitten with that monster and I don't know what to do!" He put his head in his hands. "My dad and some of the other leaders are concerned Lord Forrestier is going to offer Lear up to the Ventore's to break the marriage alliance! If it goes through, the Forrestier's would take control of our medicine! It'll be worse than twenty years ago!"
This wasn't news to either Malea or Cal, having had discussed this very topic a few days ago at this same diner. At least the Polivier heir was clued in enough to sense the urgency and keep his head out of his arse.
"So... what about Humali?" said Cal, gently probing towards the solution. "It's her choice in the end, right? Besides his appearance, what has the new guy done to make her 'smitten'?"
"I don't know! That's the problem! She's more interested in whatever allows her more time to work or conduct experiments rather than doing her duty to the smaller clans!" Tarvi gritted his teeth. "I had no say in this either - yet she puts in no effort to make it work! Ithasto work!"
"You're missing the point," said Malea. Her voice firm. "For all the bullshit they have caused us, the Forrestier clan are very good to their women - especially if they have interests in engineering. It's not a case of Humali doing her 'duty' as she's from a bipartisan clan. It's about what she cangainorlose.What does your mother do, Tarvi? Cause that is what you represent to a workaholic like Humali and it is the distinction between you and Lear."
They stared. Tarvi squaring off as if he had just been put into a gladiator arena while Malea waited, hoping at least a few words made it through to his brain. Cal glanced between the two of them, doubting their 'help' had actually been 'helpful'.
"In the meantime..." muttered Markus, putting a sheepish hand on his head. "Let's think of ideas now we have gathered some understanding. Any to start with, Tarvi?"
"We need to get Humali out of the compound," Tarvi said with a nod. "Dad and I had a chat last night. I will talk to her about progressing to Stage three of the union so we can speed things up... It will stop Lord Forrestier in his tracks at obtaining an alliance with the Ventore's!"
The women at the table scrunched up their faces and gagged - Malea especially. Stage 3! After a single week of marriage progression! No self-respecting woman would agree to that unless they were desperate. Even then... it was so frowned upon. They wouldn't be able to walk in public for a month!
"You idiot..." muttered Cal. "Are you trying to make her run to Lear! Humali will tank you for suggesting stage 3 this early in the progression!"
"What? It's for our clans! And the Forrestier's will keep their claws away from her once that stage is reached because it is impossible to cancel the alliance afterwards..."
The girl's continued make faces at the clueless remarks. Malea ready to fling her boots over his head to knock some sense into him.
"But you don't just go up to Humali and demand stage 3 for this to be successful!" explained Markus with a nervous laugh. "You need to take your time. I mean, It's the same as wondering up to the bar and asking the first girl you meet to sleep with you. Not appropriate. No matter the situation behind it."
"But we're engaged! That's got to account for something," said Tarvi with a frown.
"You're engaged after Stage 2 dumbass, and you've only been in Stage 1 for a week," said Cal with an eye roll. "How much time have you spent together again? You know, as in dating time? None of us know Humali that well, and it sounds like you don't either."
Tarvi narrowed his eyes and looked away. Answering the question.
"Yeah, don't propel it to stage 3 yet..." said Markus with another laugh. Patting Tarvi on the back. "You need to romance her a bit. Find out what she likes and win her over... Get her a new holopad or help with those projects she loves to work on. We know you have it in you! "
But did he have it as much as Lear? Malea doubted this. If this conversation was an indicator, then Tarvi had quite the ways to go to catch up to the Forrestier poster boy.
"Wrenches sake, everyone.She's here!" grumbled Markus, ducking his head behind the booth.
Their heads turned faster than a Dexivier buying a new a ship. Indeed, right there at the entrance was Humali. Dressed in... a dress? A blue and white one that flowed to her knees. Malea had to shake her head and look again just to confirm who she was looking at. She couldn't recall ever seeing her outside of her HTA or clan uniforms.
Humali's head was down as she spoke to her guard - covered from head to toe in the blue and white Ventore armor- and appeared she almost flustered at whatever they were saying. She gestured to an empty table, then dragged the guard over, causing the apparants to raise an eyebrow as she brought her guard to one of the far booths behind them. Watching all around her as she stepped past the other patrons.
"Well... she's acting weird. Since when do guards eat with their heirs? And what's with the outfit?" whispered Cal. Eyes narrowing.
"Maybe they're more of a friend or something? Humali isn't exactly known for hanging out with people her age, so she needs someone to talk to on her days off," said Markus. "As if we could understand what she's saying half the time."
"The conversations make sense when they're not technical..." grumbled Tarvi. "Which isn't very often."
They all turned back to watch her. Malea's jaw dropping when Humali leaned over to show the guard her holopad - an action she hadneverseen the Ventore heir do in all their years at the academy. Only ever protective of the little device and the information on it. The group flinched as the guard touched the screen to scroll, nodding as Humali babbled about whatever they were looking at. The guard then pointed at the screen and Humali laughed.
"This is so strange," grumbled Tarvi. He gritted his teeth while his nails dug into the booth seats. "Dressing up and sharing her pad... She's never done that with me."
"Yeah, and she seems happy for a change," said Malea narrowing her eyes. "Wonder what they are talking about?"
Without sparing another moment, Cal stood up on behalf of the group with sights set on the table behind them.
"Hey, Humali! Fancy seeing you here!" called Cal, waltzing over like the previous discussion had never happened. "Who's your friend?"
The pale Ventore heir jolted as Cal called out and seemed to visibly panic. "Uh... Hi Cal! Good to see you! This is... uh... Lyle! He's my shy second cousin who doesn't get out much, so I've taken it upon myself to get him out the estate! What we do for family, huh? He just came off duty and didn't have time to change, so excuse the armor!"
She gestured to him, and the armored figure offered a friendly wave. Anyone watching would assume he was smiling under the helmet - though it was hard to tell since he remained silent.
"Oh! He's your cousin? I'll tell Tarvi for you. We're here as a group and he's glaring daggers at 'Lyle' here like he just announced restrictions. You should spend more of your free time with him..."
"When Ihavetime!" snapped Humali, her nervous demeanor disappearing with a viciously polite smile. Causing Cal and everyone at the restaurant to stare in their direction. "And if you are here on his behalf, tell him to grow a pair and come talk to me himself! I want to spend time with Lyle while I still can. If that makes Tarvi insecure, then he is not ready for stage 2."
'Lyle' chuckled at the outburst. Leaning back in his seat with an unnaturally calm demeanor.
"Okay..." whispered Cal. Her eyes lighting up with fearful realization. Waving goodbye and taking a step back. "I'll let him know. Enjoy your meal."
She slinked back to the table, Humali now giving them all a deathly glare until she sat back down. Lyle shook his head in amusement before turning back to Humali and snagging her attention once more. Her expression softening almost immediately as they returned to whatever they were previously talking about.
"Did she just get... angry?" muttered Travi, continuing to glare. "She's usually annoyed, but I've never seen her snap like that - must have had a rough day."
"Or maybe she doesn't enjoy getting interrupted," said Markus.
"Yeah, she seemed to be having a good time. Probably doesn't want to be reminded of her duties," said Malea with a contemplative frown.
"Guys," whispered Cal. None of them had noticed her silence. Almost freezing in the encounter's aftermath. Fear lingered in her eyes as she leaned forward. Her breath was silent and heavy. "Don't react. Her behaviour kinda makes sense because that's not a guard, or cousin, or whatever, with her. I'll tell you more once we leave, but holy shit, the guy has some balls to be wondering around with her in public. At least he has the sense to wear a helmet."
"Who?" snarled Tarvi. "Are they on a date? I can't believe she would look around with so much at stake. Guess I'll get up and..."
"Fuck, no!" hissed Cal, reaching over and gripping tight to keep the short heir seated at the table. Her strength forcing Tarvi back down. "This is NOT the time, Tarvi. Confront her later. Not whileheis around! It'll make you look like a prick. For one and two, getting angry at Humali will makehimangry atus.We won't make it back home..."
"Who could you possibly be talking about?" continued Tarvi. His face contorting into a snarl. "Our clan alliance is on the line! This could ruin us all if we let her continue playing around."
"No! Tarvi... Not this guy! I won't say it again!" hissed Cal. "He's dangerous and out of our league!"
Tarvi pulled his wrist away and glared, though said nothing.
They stared back at Humali, then at the guard, who didn't appear to notice the attention his armor brought him from fellow onlookers. Malea wasn't even aware the Ventore clanhadguards for their heirs. Maybe the medical profession brought in more wealth than expected in the reports.
...Or maybe it was because of the recent attacks.
She felt herself cringing when Humali reached over to lay a hand on the guard's forearm while he continued to scroll through her holopad. "They seem close, don't they? Even for cousins..."
But when they turned back to Tarvi, wondering why he hadn't shouted some nonsense opinion on the matter, he was gone. All heads spun, watching as the short heir stomped towards where Humali and her 'guard' were seated. Cal covered her head in worry - an emotion Malea didn't see often from her friend and the first sign of disaster - but didn't get up to stop Tarvi again.
Malea felt herself shrinking as he neared the table. Now knowing for certain he hadn't understood a single word which had erupted from her mouth a minute earlier.
"Humali," he greeted once he stopped at their table. They both looked up, Humali glaring at the interruption and removing her hand from the forearm. The guard maintained his cool demeanour, placing the holopad facedown and tapping the table in boredom.
"What is it? I'm busy..." muttered Humali.
"You should come join us. It's inappropriate for an heir to be eating with a guard - cousin or not," he said, raising his chin and looking down at the guard.
Humali let off another vicious snarl. "And which rulebook is that in, Tarvi? Or is it one of those meaningless social expectations followed because of this fucked up system of ours? Cause last I checked, my free time was my own and I can be with anyone of my choosing during it - and I want to spend it with Lyle. So go back to hiding behind your title and leave me be."
'Lyle' tilted his head towards Tarvi, as did the rest of the restaurant. Watching them both like a dramatic holofilm.
Malea glanced over at Cal, her own fear being realized as she saw her best friend grinning. The fear from before still present in her expression, but also a very obvious desire to watch the scene playing out before them. It was the worst combination to witness. A telling sign that shit was about to hit the fan and spray everywhere.
"Well, as my fiancée..." began Tarvi.
"I'm not your fiancée," hissed Humali, squaring her shoulders.
Tarvi ignored her. "We have an obligation not to be around other potential marriage candidates while in progression..."
"Again, in which rulebook? You're ruining my day," hissed Humali. She stood up, turning to face him directly in the eye. "One more word telling me what to do with my life, Tarvi, andI'll tellmy father to cancel the arrangement.."
In the next minute, time seemed to stand still. One second, Humali was staring death at Tarvi and the next...
Tarvi's eyes flashed at her comment, a mixture of panic and rage, then he raised his fist. Moving with the speed of a young man who has been training at the HTA for half his life. The apparant's at the table positioned themselves to leap forward at the action, ready to clean up the aftermath, while the whole restaurant tensed as they watched. Worst of all, Humali flinched and raised her hands. Though she wasn't fast enough.
The Polivier's fist made aim for her cheek-
...Only to be stopped by the guard, inches from Humali's face. His hand casually around Tarvi's wrist and holding him back with ease. So fast no one noticed him stand up. He tilted his head, Malea just knowing he was staring at Tarvi despite the helmet covering his eyes.
"You know, 'Tarvi'," said the guard. His voice a strong, unfamiliar accent that said the name as if he were talking about a pest. "I haven't been here long and I have no idea who you are exactly, but you are officially on my shit-list. Miss Humali rejected your offer, so please leave."
He let go of Tarvi, watching as the short Lombax fell to the floor and scrambled to his feet. "How dare a mere guard.."
"Protect the heir he is assigned too? Piss off and grow up," he turned to Humali, who stood tall despite nearly being hit in the face. "You okay?"
"Yeah... I'm fine," she squeaked, flustered yet again and her gaze softening. "Thanks... Lunch is on me!"
"That'll make us even," said the guard with a nod. He then turned back to Tarvi, his laid back attitude transforming the air into something more sinister. "Go on. I told you topiss off."
A tug pulled in Malea's chest, a feeling she hadn't felt since she was a child being ordered around by her father through a fresh bond.
A command...but how? That should only be possible if the guy was an heir... and even then, it should only affect his own clan members.
Tarvi tried to stand his ground for a second, but failed and rushed off back to the table, returning to his seat next to Markus covered in sweat - a symptom of attempting to resist an overpowered command.
"Who did you say he was again..." wheezed out the Polivier heir. Unable to look back in Humali's direction.
"I'll tell you later..."hissed Cal. "It's your own fault for going over there after I told you not too!"
"And hitting her? Really, Tarvi? I don't think it's Humali who has fucked up our chances of securing an alliance," said Malea, glaring at him then letting her head hit the table. Unable to believe the public will associate her with this idiot before the Lismoth heir announcement could be made.
"I couldn't control myself..."
"Obviously," hissed Markus. Looking pissed for the first time that day. "We told you to give it time! I get it. She's not putting the well-being of the smaller clans first. Butyouneed to understand the amount of pressure our clans are putting onher. Forced to marry you because of the threats... and you talk like she should be grateful for it. You idiot! And now she's found another heir to hang out with. One whorespectsher. Who do you think she'll pick?"
"What threats?" said Malea, blinking in their direction. Her stomach pooling a sense of dread at the words. Cal also stared at them, jaw dropping even further.
Tarvi and Markus looked away from them. "Can't say much. Our parents organised it."
"And now you attempted to hit her in front of all these witnesses..." grumbled Cal. "Who do you think they'll support once word gets out? You? Or the guard who defended her?"
Tarvi glanced down, looking at his fists with what Malea hoped was regret, but deep down thought it was closer to inadequacy. She couldn't believe it. Threats against Humali? And she thought they were screwed because Lear was such a catch. No wonder the poor girl was running off with the guy.
He might be the only Lombax who could protect her. Nowthatwas a fair reason to disregard the smaller clans Malea couldn't deny.
She and Cal sat in silence for the rest of lunch while the boys argued. Occasionally peering over at the happy Humali and her helmeted date - only uncovering his mouth for his meal and seeming to enjoy it. Much to the delight of Humali - who placed a few things from her plate onto his and gestured for him to try them - again, a weird thing to do for a guard but no one was willing to march over there and ask after what just transpired.
When Malea's own food finally arrived and teleported in front of her with her blue drink, she realized her hunger from before had vaporized along with her desire to go to the rink. Wanting, instead, to get as far from the boys opposite her as possible and have an early bed. Cal seemed the same, picking at her food with little interest and making slow progress through a bright pink fizzy drink that would have been appealing on any other day.
Once Humali and her guard stood up and left, with her dragging him out of the restaurant and Malea briefly hearing a mention of 'arcade', she let out a deep breath. Not realizing how shallow her breathing had become.
"So..." she said, leaning over to Cal as soon as they were out of earshot. "Who do you reckon the helmet guy is, if he is not one of Humali's guards?"
"Yeah, Cal. I want to know who humiliated me in front of so many Lombaxes," grumbled Tarvi, ducking lower as the gaze of few onlookers returned to his direction and massaging his wrist. "I've never felt such a powerful grip in my life! Where did he get that kind of training?"
"You did that to yourself," muttered Markus, leaning on his elbow with an eye roll.
Cal sunk into her seat, glaring up at all of them. "Come on, guys. 'Lyle?' It's the dumbest cover name I've heard! Strong... overprotective... condescending... trademark Forrestier personality... The guy isLear!Humali must have broken him out for the day," she whispered, peering over her shoulder once she said it before turning back to the group. "That's why she's dressed up - because he is high-profile! Didn't know he could do commands like old Dex though. This is bad!"
Malea nearly spat out her blue drink while Tarvi and Markus mimicked Cal and shrank into the cushions of their seats. If what just happened before was bad, it now became catastrophic.
"Lear? But why would he be so protective of Humali?" muttered Markus, sipping on his shake with a nervous hand.
"For the same reason Tarvi nearly hit her," said Malea, wanting to slam her head against the wall. "He wants her for marriage to improve the resources of his clan. The problem is Humali wantshimbecause of the protection she would get from his overpowered arse. Unlike someone we know..." They all glared at Tarvi. "The Forrestier's aren't making threats against the Ventore's. They are letting her decide. She's gonna love that! I can already see her chatting happily to Lord Forrestier over a morning cup of tea."
"And all the threats from the smaller clans will be meaningless so long as she remains at the Forrestier compound," said Markus with a nod. "Probably why she's hanging out there so much."
"Andbecause it gives the one-eyed-bastard the chance to play matchmaker and screw with our plans," grumbled Tarvi. "I bet he's the one putting Lear up to it. Maybe even threatening to send him back to Tachyon if he doesn't comply."
"I doubt he would want his son resenting him after only a week of being here, but sure," said Malea sarcastically.
"In short, we are fucked with a capital 'F'. I'll be surprised if our muck up today doesn't make the news tomorrow morning, or at least make the rebel forums," said Cal with an exasperated sigh.
Malea shuddered as her friend vocalized her worse fear. She will need to explain everything to her father before it hit the holovision... or the holonet! Definitely no rink tonight - she needed to get home.
"Okay, I've had enough for today," she said, standing up. "Have fun at the rink. I'll see you guys at the academy."
They separated outside the entrance, Cal determined to stay with the guys so they didn't screw up more than they already did. She glanced back Malea with an exasperated sigh before trailing off after them. Leaving Malea to wonder if she should have gone along, anyway.