Lucky Arrival (C, H, L 3.1)

I look away, unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze without some reprieve, unable to help from feeling stupid for having assumed there was more than the Library at stake.

I make myself return my gaze to him, trying to pull the thin threads around me back together. "If the book and the old man are worth a whole ship, they must be a very important book and man. Do you even know what you'd be giving him? Whatever it is, your mother hadn't agreed to it. Benson and Hedges worked behind her back to broker the deal, and they're working behind yours too."

I don’t have now to think about why, but hearing the true meaning behind Lucky’s words makes me feel guilty about denying his offer and running to the Vault instead.

I wet my lips before I shuffle a half step closer, close enough that I’m nearly touching him, lowering my voice. "After all that’s happened, I wonder if that was a mistake on my part. But I’m…" too dumb to learn to read anyway. "…I don’t have to be your advisor to give you sound advice. And the Merrimack could serve a far greater purpose than destroying the city. Let the Talons handle the Library for you. It’s no place for the Sipps anyway. Let them take care of Benson and Hedges too. That sort of work is no place for you, Little Fire." I use the nickname Hard Strike did for her son, a sign that I have spoken with her specifically, a name only she knows.

I know in this environment, Lucky will do his best to maintain his strong exterior, but seeing his reaction to the name is enough for me to know I've at least surprised him, or perhaps unsettled him. "The Merrimack," I answer simply at first. "They need to borrow a ship of its size and stability for a voyage beyond the veil. And they'll be willing to pay for it. The man and the book from the Library, certainly. But perhaps more. Perhaps some borrowed time with your not-advisor on a regular basis?"

"It would indeed be a loan, not a transfer, Lucky." My voice rings out toward the pair and I slowly stroll over to them, my hands clasped behind my back. "I know she's a mighty prize to you." I add, not clarifying whether I'm talking about the Merrimack or about Helix. "So I do not make my request with flippancy. Your vessel is the only craft strong enough to guarantee our passage beyond the curtain. I suppose you could say that we need you...and your ship. And the Talons would indeed be at your service. Our interests align, in any case."

Lucky's demands work for me. What do I care if he takes out Wells Fargo? One less rich zark with more resources than sense in the world. "Agreed. And...those boys who are trying to undercut you, Lucky? How do you want that handled?"

I take a small step back, lowering my gaze when the agreements come to the fore. I have to admit, the fact that Lucky mentions the Library and Wells but not me makes my heart sink in my chest. I know he's angry, hurt even, but I suppose some small part of me - a part I didn't even recognize until this moment - had hoped. And now that I recognize it, it's already gone.

My eyes remain fixed on the floor as I shrink back further and Litch asks about the treasonous Sipps.

I nod my head, agreeing with the terms. But before I speak to accept them, I turn toward Helix. "Are these acceptable to you as well?" I take a step in her direction, angling my body so that we are standing together in parallel, demonstrating her equality of authority with me. At least to outsiders.

When Litch turns his body, bringing me back into the conversation, I wish I'd somehow retreated further. I look from him to Lucky, then back to the floor.

This plan may have obtained the Merrimack, but so far it has changed little else. I always knew the Merrimack was only a ploy to buy time, to keep Lucky from lashing out too quickly, so I have a chance to change his mind, but with the way he's looked at me here, I'm not sure I'll be able to convince him of anything ever again.

As for Benson and Hedges...I kept Hedges safe once before, bringing him back from the Whispers. I can't risk myself to do it again. And Benson...some people deserve to die.

I nod once. "Yes."

I listen with intent, when Regal asks about the veil, I give him the best answer I can give, "nowhere and everywhere... let's hope Litch and his wings can show the true path and that the ship can carry us true."

This is sounding like a path full of blood, which curdles in my veins... I'm not shy of a fight but I seldom go looking for them.

I find Helix and nod to her, she seems to still be on board, and I'm not going to let her, who was once my shipmate, sail anywhere I wouldn't go.

End Scene