"You really don't need to do this," Useless protested from my side as we ventured back into the outskirts of the shadow district.

I clamped down on my tongue to stop an explanation from proceeding. I didn't want him to get the wrong idea, which was exactly what would happen if he knew I was concerned about his well-being. Heaven forbid I actually cared about anything or anyone for once.

"Sounds like you're being unappreciative of my kindness," I muttered as I pulled open the grunge caked door of a shabby looking venue that called itself Rooftop Temptation. It wasn't like this was all about his health. His stench had begun to make my stomach churn. He needed a shower ASAP.

The air around Useless turned awkward as I strode to the front desk and offered the receptionist a polite smile. "How much for an hour?"

Her deep wine eyes slid between Useless and I several times before she cocked a thin ebony eyebrow, her orbs now loitering on the man next to me. "Just an hour?"

Nervous laughter burst from Useless's lips as my eyes flipped in my skull. "I don't have time for this. Either you tell me your rate or I go someplace else."

"7999 credits per hour."

I pulled my P.E.R.T.I.D. from my bun and passed it above the symbol on the counter- a circle with a solid black dot in the center. The girl glanced at the digital screen on her side and then reached under the counter. "You'll be in room 27c," She reported a silver bangle now in her hand. "This is your room key. Wave it in front of the door. No returns necessary, it's part of the price."

She slid the bracelet over my extended hand and motioned towards the elevator off to our right. "Your room comes equipped with all the essentials you could require. Enjoy your stay at Rooftop Temptation."

I couldn't help the snide smile that slid onto my face as I hooked my arm with Useless and began to pull him towards the elevator. Even the pretentious laugh caught me off guard. "Oh, we definitely will."

As the elevator doors closed Useless let out a large sigh. "Was all that necessary? I feel violated by the implication alone."

I scoffed under my breath. "Does it really matter what she thinks? We're here to use the shower, nothing else. You almost smell like a Grogg. It's disgusting."

Useless clutched his chest in mock hurt, the faint ding in the small space notifying us we had reached floor C. "You wound me with your words."

I shake my head in exasperation as I pass my bangled wrist in front of the door marked 27c. Our room is a basic one, with one bed and a bathroom. Amenities like a dresser, television, and mini-fridge are nowhere to be seen. Given the nature of the establishment that wasn't much of a surprise. I turned to respond to Useless, mouthing the last few words of my rebuttal.

"As long as you can still wash that filth from your body, I don't care."

This time Useless rolled his eyes at me, a genuine smile upon his lips, before disappearing into the bathroom. I hated to admit it but we may actually be legitimate friends. Even if I did notice the discrete way he sniffed himself as he took his leave.

• • • • 🜃 • • • •

Most of the time Useless spent in the bathroom I rested my eyes, my plans playing out on the back of my eyelids. I hadn't slept in close to three days now, the twenty minutes here and there to keep me going didn't quite cut it. Sleep was nowhere close to finding me, at least for the time being. A colossal pile of shit was about to go down and while being rested would be nice I couldn't afford it.

We now sat at a dark pub in sector five, another coffee in front of me, and a large bread bowl of stew before Useless. The liquid granted my brain a hug, one it needed more than I did, all things considering. Across the table, my friend eyed me with suspicion as he shoveled another spoon full of food into his mouth.

"I can't decide if you cracked your head or you're actually a shapeshifter," He mused aloud, his food not quite fully chewed.

With a snort, I arched a brow at him. "Does it need to be either?"

His eyes stayed on me, a contemplative expression on his face. "They're more likely than you being nice."

Owch. Sadly, he had a point. It wasn't like me to fuss over anyone, let alone sympathize or feel guilty for their state of existence. He didn't need to know that last bit though, I'd never hear the end of it.

"Call it payment for what I'm asking you to do."

In a twisted sense, it could easily be seen that way. After all, I was asking him to aid me in hijacking Isaac's ship. If it went well we could end up getting away with it scot-free. However, Isaac could always do the dick thing and report us to the authorities. I'm sure when all was said and done Useless would end up with the shit end of the stick.

Useless grunted in response and continued to eat. It was just one meal but I knew he appreciated it. When I thought about how long it must have been since his last good meal I felt nauseated and vowed that in the future I'd make sure he was taken care of.

God, I 'm going soft.

Off toward the entrance, a ruckus began to brew. Nothing loud or even disruptive but given my on-edge and paranoid nature, it caught my attention. The details were just out of earshot, something that irritated me. Not as much as the man who came into view seconds later.

"Mother fucker," I hissed under my breath as I sunk into the booth. Maybe if I made myself small enough he wouldn't see me.

Useless cocked an eyebrow at me, spoon shoved deep in his mouth. "What's up with you?" His words had barely left his lips before his eyes landed on Isaac and he too uttered a curse under his breath.

"I told you not to wander off," Isaac scolded in his, I'm not about to take your shit, voice.

My eyes shot up to meet his, a hard sheen in them I couldn't erase. This meeting was bullshit. A front, if anything, to show that he had control over me which he obviously didn't. The likelihood that they desired me to be remorseful was high and that meant they wanted an apology. The idea made me laugh.

"And I told you I wasn't going."

Isaac's orbs held mine in a firm, unwavering, stare. "Tiffany was kind enough to set this up. Think about how your no-show will affect her."

Damn him and his logic. All Tiffany had ever been was kind and helpful to me, not to mention she crafted my P.E.R.T.I.D. to fit my every whim. The Yaemeran was amazing and that spoke volumes coming from me. The slight look of smugness washed over Isaac's face before he scrubbed it away. He knew he'd won.

"You're an asshole."

My words didn't phase the man whose attention had already shifted off me and to my companion across the table. "Ted," He greeted flatly.

Useless nodded in his direction as he shoved a portion of his bread bowl into his mouth. "MIB."

Isaac shook his head and glanced back towards the entrance to where a small group of staff had gathered to watch us. A look of disapproval flashed over his features before he spoke. "We need to get going."

Useless quickly shoved the rest of his meal into his mouth and gave Isaac a thumbs up. "Less go," He mumbled through the food in his mouth.

My eyes rolled and I suppressed a chuckle. Maybe he was that starved but I suspected he reveled in the opportunity to annoy Isaac once more. The act wasn't all that hard though if you were Useless or me.

Without a word the MIB gave us his back and strode out of the building. Anyone would have thought the conversation may have gone well but I knew from his straightened posture that he was irritated. This meeting was going to be even more fun than I thought.