My eyes snapped open only to be greeted by the metallic gray of the interior structure of the Lawless. Cool droplets slid along my temple as my mind raced with speculation. It had felt as though my body were in that place. That I cowered within the cool dark walls contemplating my damn-near inevitable demise. A shiver racked my body, the only movement it would willingly make in my current state of confusion. They're getting worse.

It wasn't the first time I found myself in that cell. I'd been there over half- a- dozen times now and it was always the same. Fated to die for a secret I had yet to identify. Somehow I knew the reward outweighed the risk, I felt it in my jellies. Still didn't make the sentiment any less therapeutic.

Finally attaining control over my limbs I scrubbed my face with my hands frantically, trying to wipe away the lingering fate. Curious how my first night on the Lawless gifted me with one of these night terrors. As if being in the presence of Issac wasn't bad enough. A smile flitted across my lips at the thought of his name. It delighted me that he genuinely thought he had the capacity to rifle through my shit without consequence. 

I wasn't about to obstruct justice, that would make me a true outlaw, but a lesson had to be taught in the absence of morals, something Issac seemed to lack in my humble opinion. My eyes caught the digital display on the wall next to the door. Twelve hours until we docked at Proxima. More than enough time to arrange my next point of contact. Fortune should sine down on me for once, this one would be more agreeable than my current means of transportation.

In a less than graceful motion, I retrieve my P.E.R.T.I.D. from the table next to my cot and pop the end off revealing a single earbud. With a quick shove, I position it in my ear and mutter my command. "Call Useless."

The sound of the transmission echoed in my head briefly before a rough grumble of a voice vocalized in my ear.

"Well if it isn't the little trouble maker herself. It's been a while nerd."

I let out a half genuine chuckle. Despite our history being less than amicable before our space odyssey, our experiences bonded us in a way we never expected. He was probably my closest friend. "I prefer the title, partner in crime. The more useful part of the duo to be exact."

"Jesus, a guy pisses himself once and suddenly he can't be the leader."

I let out a laugh that I quickly stifled with a snort. We both knew it was more than once that particular instance transpired but I guess if that's how he was able to face the public more power to him. While the walk down memory lane was an appreciated distraction from my night terror I contacted Useless for a purpose.

"I know you're on Proxima."

A guarded laugh drifted into my ear. "Of course you do. So what do you want this time? If it's money you're after this is the wrong tree to bark up."

Typical. I grumble under my breath as I sit upright against the wall in bed and tap the end of my earbud to initiate a holo-video feed. "Okay, just because Dumpling left your ass behind doesn't mean you get to act like your fuckin four," I scold in mock irritation. There were two magic words that I knew would pique his interest; money and freedom. Both of which I could offer him.

A red-hued image of Useless appeared before me, causing my heart to sink ever so slightly. He looked like hell, literally. His usual crew-cut styled hair now hung in tangled ringlets across his brow and the clean, crisp clothes he seemed to always fuss about were now tattered.

"You look like shit," I pointed out with a slight frown. 

His sapphire orbs darted around as he continued to advance to an undisclosed location. "Well, it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing since we split," He responded in a hushed tone. 

"You could've gone back to Terra."

Useless scoffs. "Yeah and did what? Beg the government to let me resume my gangster life knowing what I know now? Fat chance that was an option."

My words caught in my throat like an uncoated pill. He wasn't wrong. It was the leading reason I never wanted to go back and now proved to hold deadly potential. By chance, we had made our way to the perfect segway.

"You get that text?" I questioned with modesty, hoping that if I stared long and hard enough at him he'd finally make eye contact with me.

"The ominous, we know you're hiding here, one? Yeah, the whole damn system got it," He retorted still not making any attempt to look at me. 

I had expected many things when I contacted him. Endless jokes about all the times we fucked up, a slew of insults over my height and lack of femininity. Even inquiries about the whereabouts of Issac and whether or not we mended the bridge he burnt between us. What I hadn't expected was for him to regard me as if I were a stranger. It hurt more than I was willing to admit.

"I'm the one they are looking for," I forced through clenched teeth.

For the first time in our entire conversation, his eyes raised up to meet my expectant ones. "Who the fuck did you piss off this time?"

"No one good, trust me."

"Why am I not surprised," He muttered under his breath breaking our brief connection.

"Listen, I need your help, Ted," I admitted on a sigh. As soon as the words fell from my lips I knew they were all wrong. They felt slimy and deceitful. I didn't want to manipulate him but did I honestly have a choice? Could I afford to have one? The simple answer was no, I couldn't.

"Holy fuck,  I don't think you've ever used my name before. How can I say no now?"

Bingo. And just like I predicted- though in a more roundabout way than I imagined, Useless was now an ally.

"Help me with this and it'll be the only name I use."

words - 1007
total words - 4933
written - 02/25/2020
last edited - 05/04/2020