by Lisa Jade
He seemed oddly happy when we last spoke. I hope it lasts.
I head over to where Sabina and Luci stand. Terri approaches too, and Sabina envelops her in a hug. She gives a relieved smile, and hope fills my chest. She was worried.
For the first time, I really look at the people around me. Past the glitter and sequins. Past the elegance in their movements. Even past the way their eyes skirt over me, filling with intrigue and a touch of fear.
A young man walks hand-in-hand with his Companion, swinging their arms and laughing. A young woman braids the hair of her passenger, looking for all the world as though she’s known her forever. A small gaggle of people sit in a circle on the floor, passing around a bottle of booze. They’re a haphazard mix of passengers and Companions, but there’s no separation between them. They tease one another lightly, clapping each other’s backs and chuckling as their friend spits alcohol across the floor.
For a long moment I stand motionless in the middle of it, watching friendships and love pass by. It’s like standing on a street corner and watching the world living. On Pyre, or Orithyia, this would be considered odd. These relationships would never have been allowed to form, let alone flourish like this. Is it the people that make the difference? Or just the opportunity? I’m starting to think Luci might be right; nobody wants to be parted from their friends.
Finn steps up beside me.
“It’s getting quiet. People will start to wander off soon. I really hope you have a plan.”
I shake my head.
“Nope. Personally, I don’t have a plan.”
“No?”
“Luci and Isaac are handling this one,” I say, “they figured it out while I was otherwise… distracted.”
His brows furrow.
“So you’re leaving it to them? That doesn’t sound like you.”
I shrug.
“In all honesty, I’m tired. A half hour ago, I nearly died. After something like that, your capacity for bullshit just vanishes. I can’t be done with the crew or the Captain anymore. If someone thinks they can deal with them, I’m more than happy to stand back and let them do whatever they think is right. And besides…”
I cast a curious eye at Luci, who’s still talking to Sabina. Her arms move wildly as she tells her story, but I can see a deceptive spark in her eyes. Despite the horror in her words, she loves it. She loves the empowerment. In spite of myself, I smile.
“If there’s anyone I’d trust with this,” I breathe, “it’s them.”
Finn grins, then nudges a lock of ratty hair from his face.
“You know what? Me too. They’re the best for a reason, after all. Time for them to come into their own.”
“Exactly. It’s kind of exciting, isn’t it? To see who they’ll be without his influence.”
“You already know. Do you think they’d have come this far for you, if they were that much under the thumb?”
I chuckle.
“I guess not.”
“Besides,” he says, “I’m sure the Captain wouldn’t be pleased to know that his son is… romantically involved with a criminal.”
I gasp, but he just lets out a barking laugh.
“Wow, Quinn. I thought that was a long shot, but apparently not. You two really are together, aren’t you? How sickeningly sweet.”
I poke my tongue out.
“Oh, shut it.”
“You’re in love with him,” he taunts, “you’re going to get married and have little rebel babies.”
“That’s just gross.”
Finn opens his mouth to fire a retort my way; but then the doors slam open, and the room falls silent.
The Captain enters first. His hands are bound behind his back, much to my relief. To my surprise, he walks with a slight limp. For the briefest moment I feel a rush of sympathy; but then I recall the pleasure in his eyes as he’d slipped the blade into my stomach, and the feeling vanishes.
Isaac enters just after, holding the gun a few inches from his father’s back. He sweats profusely. His lips move a little, and somehow, I know he’s praying that he won’t have to pull the trigger. People step aside as they enter the room, simultaneously horrified and stunned by what they’re witnessing. I watch people’s eyes as they pass, quietly pleased by how many fill with amusement. Apparently, the Captain made more enemies than I expected.
Several crew members dart forward, cocking their guns at the duo – but Luci raises a single hand in warning.
“Don’t you dare.”
Her voice is like ice, vicious, unforgiving; and her face fills with pleasure as the guns lower, one by one. They’re not afraid of her – but they’re afraid of the influence she has over the rest of us.
As the two come to a stop in the middle of the room, whispers start up.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Was the Captain behind the attacks?”
“Are we being hijacked?”
Hijacked. It’s not the nicest word, but I suppose it’s accurate. I take a hesitant step forward, and the Captain’s eyes dart toward me. He pulls himself up to full height as he looks me up and down.
“How the hell are you still alive?” he sneers. I’m out of his reach now, and it’s empowering. I think of all the things I want to say to him, all the threats I’d love to throw back in his face. All the pain I’d like to put him through, just to make up for what happened to me. I allow the hatred to fill me like smoke, fantasising about all the violent things I wish I could do to him, all the agony he’s caused others and deserves to feel himself. I let the hatred build until it’s difficult to breathe; then focus it all on a wide, cocky smile.
“Evening, Captain.”
I throw in a mock curtsey and he glares. Yes. This is it. This is so much more satisfying; to see him helpless to attack, when he wants it so badly. He still ‘needs’ to kill me – but he can’t. I can dance around here, inches from his grasp, and he can’t do a damn thing about it. The feeling is intoxicating.
Eventually, I step away. This isn’t my plan, after all. It’s Luci’s. She’s walking towards her father with a strange sense of purpose, and for a moment I see her fingers quiver. But then she folds her arms and fixes him with an uncharacteristically stern look.
“Do you know why you’re here?” she asks, her voice dripping with loathing.
The Captain glowers at her.
“Lucinda. This is ridiculous. Whatever break in sanity your brother is experiencing, you shouldn’t entertain it. Release me this instant, or there will be hell to pay.”
She winces at the threat – but Isaac fires an encouraging smile her way, and she shakes her head.
“I said, do you know why you are here?”
“Always been soft,” the Captain carries on, “that’s your damn mother’s fault, that is. Never listened to a word I said. She was always telling you brats stupid things. Figured after her little ‘accident’, she’d finally shut the hell up and let me take control but no…”
“Shut it!”
Luci’s voice is so sharp that it sends a small flash of pain through my head – and I’m not the only one. All heads swivel to find the source of the yelling. I look at the Captain, amazed to see him silent, his eyes wide with shock.
“Good,” she snarls, “now, for once in your whole goddamn life, just listen to what someone else has to say.”
His eyes fill with rage, but Isaac cocks the gun and he seems to relax. Luci paces in front of him, locking her hands behind herself as though she were making a presentation in an office.
“What happens when we arrive on Orithyia?” she asks, her voice hard.
The Captain growls.
“You know damn well what happens.”
“Enlighten me.”
He simply glares. He knows exactly what she’s trying to do, and he’s not about to play into her hands. Luci repeats the question, but still he doesn’t reply.
I heave a sigh.
“Damnit, Luci. He’s not going to tell them.”
<
br /> “He has to. It’s his dirty little secret. He should have to tell them the truth.”
“I know,” I say, “but he won’t. Because then he’ll have to face the consequences for everything he’s done. Failing to protect the ship. Letting innocent people die for no good reason. And then people might be mad with him, and he’ll have to accept that he’s not perfect.”
His eyes flash.
“You little rat. If I weren’t in chains…”
“What?” I taunt, stepping closer, “what would you do, if you could?”
He reels off a number of violent threats, and I see his eyes bulge. Because I’m standing a little too close now, my lips pulled into the smuggest grin I can manage. He’s furious. I’ve never seen anyone like this before.
Suddenly, I realise that his hatred might be useful. I extend a hand toward him, gently cupping his face. He recoils from my touch and I let out a laugh.
“Poor thing. So much you don’t know.”
“What?” he growls, “more secrets, Miss Hart?”
“I’ll tell you, if you like.”
I fire a quick look at Isaac. He’s watching closely, his finger tight against the trigger of the firearm. He seems concerned by how close I’m standing. He’ll be even more worried in a moment. I clutch the Captain’s shoulders and lean down beside him, close enough to let him smell the blood on my skin.
“That son of yours? The one you always try to protect from people like me? Well…”
The feeling builds in my chest.
“We’re madly, madly in love.”
The rage breaks out in the form of a scream, and he launches himself at me – but I’m already expecting it. I jump back easily out of his reach. He strains towards me, and it takes all the strength Isaac has to hold him back.
“You filthy creature!” he bellows, “when we get to Orithyia, you’ll be the first to die!”
Mutters break out across the room. He’s saying it. He’s nearly there. Just a little further. I step even closer, taking care to sway my hips in the most infuriating manner I can. Luci’s figured out the plan now, too – and she stands beside me, resting her hands on my shoulders.
“Hey, now. Dad, that’s no way to speak to your future daughter in law.”
Another incomprehensible bellow. Luci tilts her head at me.
“Hey, you two should have kids. Like, soon. Share those wonderful genetics.”
I laugh at the joke. The Captain does not.
“If the facility doesn’t kill you, I will. Both of you, if I need to. All of you!”
The crowd sinks away, and pleasure fills me. It’s working. The thought of having his precious bloodline tainted is the last straw; the one thing he simply can’t handle. Those around him eye him with barely-concealed fear. They’re scared. Have they always been afraid of him, or is this new? How didn’t I notice this sooner?
I step forward and cross my arms, pulling my face into a serious look.
“I get it. I do. So let’s strike a deal, shall we?”
He simply glares. I clear my throat.
“I promise that I’ll leave him alone. I’ll never say another word to your son, okay? From today on, they can follow whatever inane life path you want for them. I’ll step aside. And when we get home, I’ll go back to Four and I will never force my way into any of your lives again.”
Isaac’s eyes widen.
“Quinn!” Luci hisses, “what are you doing?”
“Sorry. I love you guys, but this is more important.”
I turn back to the Captain with a small smile.
“In return, you tell everyone here the truth. You only have to say it once.”
“You seem to have this all figured out,” he growls, “why do you need me?”
“So there can be no doubt. Look at me. I don’t exactly look like the epitome of sanity right now. Isaac has a gun. Luci’s more pissed off than I’ve ever seen her. There are reasons why they might not believe us. But nobody would doubt you. I don’t intend to tread on your toes for a moment longer, Captain. Even after what you’ve done to my friends, to my family…”
I gently clutch at my stomach, shivering at the memory.
“…to me. I still don’t want you to get hurt. Nobody wants to force this out of you. So agree to the deal. I’ll leave your offspring alone. All you have to do is tell the truth. Be the honourable man you always claim to be.”
He lets out a long sigh and his mouth moves a little, like he’s trying to figure out what to say. I step back, half-expecting him to launch himself at us again, but to my surprise he doesn’t. Instead, those amber-brown eyes cast a cursory glance at the faces around him, and his mouth twists. He knows he’s lost. Even if he doesn’t get a bullet in his back, he’ll be ripped to shreds by people who want to know the truth.
I can feel it in the crowd now. It’s like when Cherise and I stood hand in hand that day, and the spectators on Four had felt something strange surge through them. They, too, were tired of the terrible treatment. Of the constant lies. That same feeling is in the air now. People are sick of the chaos, sick of all the secrets. Luci shakes her head sadly.
“We’ve all had enough, Dad. Please, just finish this. You always said you were a good man. I’m asking you to be a good man now.”
He pauses. Her voice is so soft, so genuine, so incredibly unlike her normal false joy that it seems to take him a moment to register her words. When he does, his head hangs towards the marble floor.
He’s lost.
“Companions are disposable,” he mutters.
“Louder,” Luci says, “so everyone can hear.”
He lets out an aggravated sigh.
“I don’t understand why this is so important to you. It’s hardly a secret. Companions are for one purpose and one purpose only – to stock the medical testing facilities on Orithyia.”
The crowd stirs. Horror sweeps over the face of each passenger as they realise what’s happening. Several shuffle away from their Companions, or cover their mouths in shock.
The nearest Companion steps forward, looking at him blankly.
“I don’t understand.”
“You wouldn’t. You rats from Three and Four are practically subhuman. You contribute nothing to society, any of you. Even those who seem like they might – like Angelique – they always turn out to be worthless little creatures.”
He fixes the stranger with a hateful glare.
“The only thing that people like you are good for is medicine. To have your bodies destroyed by years of medical testing, and create technology that benefits those of us who actually deserve it.”
Murmurs build around us as one by one, Companions turn to their respective passengers and demand an explanation. Someone bursts into tears behind me. Two others break out into a shouting match. Several people race toward the door in floods of tears, only to find their exit blocked by the crew.
Damn. The crew. They haven’t gotten involved yet, though they line the room. They still clutch their guns tightly to their chests; but now, it’s different. Because they’re not stepping in to take control of the situation, or to pull their leader from the fray. They can sense the changes too – sense the anger that’s rapidly building in the room and hanging heavily in the air.
Isaac lowers the gun a little, and in his eyes I see a renewed hope. He’s free, if only for a moment; unafraid of the man who’s always controlled him, and hopeful that something might actually take a change for the better, for once.
I glance back at Luci.
“You’re up.”
“Huh?”
“Come on,” I smile, “you know I don’t have half your charisma. When it comes to pissing off your Dad, that’s easy enough. All I have to do is breathe in his direction. But talking to these people? That’s all you.”
Her face turns beet red and she takes a pointed step back.
“Hold on. This is Isaac’s idea, too, you know.”
“Fine.”
I step over and pluck
the firearm from Isaac’s hands.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“Shush. Go and stand with your sister.”
“But…”
“This is your idea,” I say, “so go and do it. Take control of the situation.”
He glances at the gun, then at the Captain. His brow furrows in concern.
“B-but he…”
“Don’t worry. I’m not afraid of him anymore.”
His face breaks into a small smile, and he gently touches my arm as he passes. Together, both siblings walk to the head of the room, in the same place where the Captain had once stood to calm everyone. The same place where my mother once stood, singing a song I now realise was meant for me. I think of the blank look in her eyes and bite into my lip, fighting the instinct to lodge a bullet in her killer’s head.
The Captain glares at me, his jaw set and hatred burning in his eyes. I shrug.
“Cool it. I said I wouldn’t kill you, remember?”
I cock the gun.
“That being said… you try and move too fast, I’ll shoot you in the leg. I really wouldn’t tempt me, if I were you. After the day I’ve had, it’d be damn therapeutic.”
It’s false ego, nothing more. I have no intention of hurting him. I couldn’t do it then – I can’t do it now. But I still draw my lips back and bare my teeth in his direction.
The others stand side by side, waving their hands in hopes of calming the room. Nobody listens. The arguments in the distance have now built to full-on screaming matches. Sobs fill the room. Several people sit slumped on the floor, their faces in their hands, broken by the news. A freckled girl curls into a ball nearby, screaming into the chaos about all she’s left behind.
I understand. It’s the same blind terror I’d felt when Mom told me the truth about Orithyia. It’s always been touted as perfect; a new world, free of the oppression they’ve always known. Three isn’t much better than Four in how they’re treated – and a place where we’re just people and not ‘lesser than’ has always seemed like an unreachable dream. To learn how great of a lie it was… sympathy rips through me.