Content Warning: explicit drug use, struggle with addiction, and substance use issues

Theo and Cooker were standing shoulder to shoulder, looking at a hatch in the ground right outside of a brothel on Stumber's row.

"This is it?" Cooker turned her head to Theo with a raise of her brow, "doesn't look like where we need to be."

"Basement entrance to Haverty's brothel. Marked by a small purple mark on the top right of the entrance," Theo reached down and pointed at the mark, "I'm pretty sure this is it."

"You're the captain. You should go in first," Cooker laughed as she opened the hatch and motioned for Theo to slip inside.

Theo took a few steps forward and dropped herself into the hatch. Which was not a drop at all. Her feet hit stairs as soon as she put them in and she chuckled at their hesitation, making her way down the stairs, "You know, as the captain I should actually be going last. Protect the leader and all that."

"I like this way better," Cooker said as she followed behind Theo and then shut the hatch behind them.

"I should have left you behind keeping watch of Marian's and taken Kaia instead," Theo teased.

The area was lit by torches leading down the stairs and it only took a few more steps until they were at the bottom. They were faced with a closed door in a small entryway at the base of the stairs. They exchanged confused glances and Cooker shrugged, taking the initiative to knock on the door.

It opened and there were two uniformed men in front of them. One donning purple throughout his outfit and the other in plain silver and gray colors, a Mithren and a Cooker guard.

Theo held up the letter that she had picked up that morning with the instructions for how to arrive. The Cooker guard reached forward and took it from her, opening it for inspection and then handing it back.

"These are the right ones," the guard told the Mithren.

Within seconds, the Cooker guard was leading them away from the door and into the tunnel system. It was a sharp transition, they had just been in the basement of a building and it had casually opened into a massive cavern and underground maze. Theo was surprised at how spacious it was. The Mithren had used their long reign on the island to reinforce a system that was rumored to only be crawlable at its inception when the island was inherited by them.

It was well-lit and well guarded too. There were torches fixed to the wall with Mithren guards littered throughout their path. They weren't alone either, they passed people and large shipments as they walked.

"Do you know how we managed to get access to this?" Cooker asked as she looked around.

"No," Theo shook her head, Cooker had seen the letter. If Cooker didn't know then neither did she, "I'm still under the impression that we will get to wherever we are going and the Mithren will be waiting, then they'll kill us for being in their tunnels."

"Brandon has to have gotten us permission somehow," Cooker chuckled but Theo didn't think her concerns were all that humorous.

"The Mithren hate us. Why would they just agree to give us use of the tunnels?"

"Involved in the revolution?" Cooker provided.

"Never took them for the type," Theo shook her head, keeping an eye on her surroundings as they walked.

"Suppose not. They've got a good deal right now. Niveal is left alone while the world burns," Cooker agreed with her, which was a nice change of pace.

"So, what's the catch? What did Brandon give up for access?" Theo asked, putting out a call for theories that would be neither helpful nor accurate.

"Traded his soul for the tunnels," Cooker hypothesized, "honestly, it would be more than a fair trade. A key to the island for just your soul in return? I'd take that."

"A lot of fucked up shit happens down here," Theo reminded her.

"Let's hope for our sake we don't see anything," Cooker looked behind them, "we've gotta keep our mouth shut down here and I don't know if you can manage to do that if we see something."

"Me?! You don't know if I can manage to control myself?" Theo laughed, shaking her head in disbelief, "I do believe that the person to get us in trouble with the Mithren at the beginning of our stay here was you. And what was it for again? Oh, right! Not knowing how to keep your fucking mouth shut."

Cooker laughed and shrugged, "Sorry. None of that seems even vaguely familiar to me."

Theo checked Cooker with her shoulder, a slight roll of her eyes as she continued to laugh. They walked in tandem, smiles on their faces from the light mood. Cooker must have had a lot on her mind though because she wasn't quiet for long.

"What happens to the Mithren after the revolution? Will Niveal stay as is?"

"I think you are thinking too far in the future," Theo shrugged.

"Don't think so. It's a valid question. What happens to all of it if we succeed?"

"I'm sure that it will be a point of contention when the time comes to decide," Theo replied.

"Not sure there is a right answer," Cooker sighed deeply and Theo knew it was not just to be dramatic. These questions often kept Cooker up at night in their childhood, "I just thought of five good solutions."

"And none are going to be met without criticism when the time comes to discuss it."

"Of course, everything I argue for will invite criticism, I hope it does. We are flawed people, there will always be a flaw in the system. Point is to reduce the flaws as much as we can," Cooker preached but Theo already knew that, her sermon was aimed at no one. Or perhaps, it was aimed at the guard escorting them that was most definitely eavesdropping.

"How far do you think the rebellion has come?" Theo asked, changing the subject from the future to more pressing matters.

Cooker paused momentarily then let her thoughts out, "They've probably got rebel cells in the outskirts of big cities. Some in the cities too. Spies in last namer homes and estates. A handful of ships, a safe amount of funding. A small group at the top. That is what I think is feasible without us hearing about it."

"So, not much," Theo whistled, "If we're a the beginning stages of this thing, we have a long while to go."

"Potentially, the rest of our lives– however long that is."

"How comforting," Theo said, her stomach had dropped at both the thought of death and the thought that they would likely spend the rest of their lives attempting something that could fail. To her surprise, death scared her more. As she grew more responsible for a growing community, she feared leaving it all behind. It was a new feeling.

Cooker put an arm over Theo's shoulder and Theo put her arm around Cooker's waist as they walked together. Cooker sighed once again, "It's hard not to feel like we're walking into our dooms. The last taste of normalcy."

"I don't think either of us has ever been able to grasp the concept of normalcy," Theo pointed out with a chuckle.

It was pretty sudden how they came to a stop. They happened upon one of the dozen tunnel entryways they had passed on their way there. The Cooker guard spoke to the Mithren standing in front of the entrance and Theo turned to Cooker.

"You good?"

Cooker nodded, "I'm good, don't worry about me."

The entrance opened; a thick wooden door, on a thick wooden frame lodged in the dirt. Theo didn't understand the magic behind the tunnel system, it was rugged yet sophisticated. The guard walked in and Theo squeezed Cooker's shoulder before following. It opened straight into a set of stairs. At the top of the stairs was a larger room, but plain. The only thing in it was three doors.

The guard was standing in front of the center one and as they both made it up the stairs, he opened it for them. Theo took the hint and walked in first and Cooker followed, the guard shutting the door behind them and waiting outside; leaving them unattended in the large, finely decorated suite.

Except they weren't entirely alone.

Behind a desk towards the back of the room were two people, standing. She had been expecting a roundtable filled with higher-ups in the revolution but that was far from the case. Perhaps, he knew she would not have enjoyed that kind of pressure, or perhaps he was protecting the identities of those he worked with. She wasn't sure.

Of the two, one was definitely Brandon Cooker. He had Cooker's softer features and the same color hair, it almost fell in the same shape too.

Theo wanted to reach out and squeeze Cooker's hand as reassurance but Cooker wouldn't appreciate it, so she refrained.

The other person was shorter than Brandon, coming to his shoulder. He had no hair, a graying beard, and a stern face. She didn't know who he was or who he could be. Clearly, he had to be important enough to be allowed in the meeting. The seconds since they had walked in continued to elapse and the room was dead silent. She wasn't sure anyone was actually breathing.

Theo wasn't really sure what to say. She looked between the two men in front of her and raised an eyebrow. It looked like the man standing next to Brandon was just as confused. He looked over to Brandon who was staring straight at Cooker. He was in a state of shock.

"He's going to make this into a big fucking deal, isn't he?" Cooker muttered in Aelizan under her breath.

"It is you," Brandon finally broke out of his haze, "it is you."

Theo's head turned slowly to look at Cooker who just shrugged.

"Aye, it's me," Cooker nodded then crossed her arms, "hello. Nice to see you again."

Theo almost laughed at the dry answer. But it wasn't funny, she could see the hurt on Brandon's face. He had probably assumed that a reunion would be sweeter and a bit more monumental than that.

"I-" Brandon cleared his throat and took a step toward them and Theo noticed Cooker shift back. Theo did too, stepping to the side a bit to cover her. Brandon got the hint and stopped walking toward them.

There was another moment of unbearable silence before Brandon shook his head, recovering from whatever bout of unprofessionalism he was displaying. He stepped back behind the desk and nodded twice, once at each of them.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Captain Theo– and hello, Cooker," Brandon said then turned to motion at the man standing next to him, "This is my right hand, Ignaci. You may know him as Lord Furdash from Aeliz. A brilliant mind and responsible for most of the logistics when it comes to what we are doing."

Lord Furdash didn't answer, he just bowed his head in greeting. He was a noble in Aeliz, if she was remembering correctly. And she was remembering correctly because Cooker used the slight cover from Theo to reach out and poke her in the back. They were dealing with people with access to power, which could be a great thing or the worst thing.

"The tunnels, was it your idea?" Theo asked the Aelizan. He was older, had more experience, and perhaps had connections with the Mithren themselves.

He nodded.

"How did you manage it with the Mithren?" she asked in Common.

"I believe that is of little importance compared to what we have to discuss this evening."

"They are powerful people who do not grant access to their tunnel system to just anyone. It is important that we know what deals you've made with them before we enter into business with you," Theo shot back.

"You are asking if we have compromised on our values to gain access to the tunnels," Ignaci stated, "We have not."

"You make assumptions of what I am asking. No, I am asking if you divulged the real reason you needed it. The Mithren knowing about the revolution is not a promising start to one," Theo replied.

"We did not tell them the real reason we needed their tunnels. They believe we are establishing ourselves within the ugali business to bring it more heavily to Elox. We promised them a cut of our profits if they allowed us access to the system," Brandon explained when Ignaci had not stepped in to respond.

"And this ugali business, is it real or is it a ruse?" Cooker asked.

"We need to fund this revolution somehow," Ignaci chuckled.

Theo's head whipped over to Cooker who shook her head. She turned back to the men.

"This is easier than we thought it would be. Thanks for coming all the way here, but we're not interested in whatever it is you have to offer. Have a good evening," Theo went to turn around but there was a slap on the desk.

"Wait!" Brandon said and Theo raised an eyebrow at the outburst, "Ignaci is just testing the waters. Not sure why, but I am sure you can understand the need for prodding. You do it too, I am sure."

Cooker chuckled a bit, "She's doing it now."

"Who's side are you on?" Theo bit in Safritian, cautious to use Aelizan when someone else in the room understood.

"We are not going to be engaging in any ugali trade. We are having issues with our funding but that is too divisive of a topic within our allies to engage," Brandon admitted, "Although, we are transporting other drugs to make money."

"So, you are lying to the Mithren about getting a cut," Theo clarified.

"They will get their money, it just won't be from ugali," Ignaci answered.

"They don't know that though," Cooker stated but it was more of a question. Brandon shook his head, confirming they didn't know the money wouldn't be from ugali.

"So you lied about the nature of your upcoming trader business. But why? The money they get will be coming from drugs regardless," Theo asked.

"Dealing with dragon's breath and loli doesn't require the tunnel system. Ugali does. We needed the tunnels to conduct business on Niveal– meeting with you was included in that business– and the only way to convince the Mithren to let us use it is if we actually had use for it."

"Fair," Theo nodded.

"In addition to the immediate benefit, it has longer-term use. If word spreads about my involvement with ugali, it becomes a good way to explain away some of the secrecy around my actions if I am ever questioned on it. I have been dealing in silence and discretion for quite some time now and that might raise suspicions. Being wrapped up in something sinister yet accepted by most with money is the best cover we could think of. No one on Elox would bat an eye," Brandon admitted.

Theo looked at Cooker and they both exchanged an approving look. Their story tracked. Theo faced them once again and shrugged, "So, what's your pitch? Why did you ask us here?"

"Why don't you sit down?" Ignaci invited.

Theo nodded, which prompted both of them to walk forward and find a seat. Before they had a chance, Brandon cleared his throat.

"My apologies. May my sister and I have a moment alone?"

Theo glanced over at Cooker who had a straight face on, not giving anything away. Theo needed to make it seem like she was the one that disapproved, She scowled and snapped her head over at Cooker, harshly whispering.

"I'm assuming no," Theo asked in Dovish that time.

"I can't," Cooker confirmed.

Theo lightened the scowl but still had a deep set frown on her face, playing up that the rejection was coming from her and not Cooker, hoping to relieve the pressure off her friend, "I think it's best if we get business out of the way before you delve into your personal matters. Your relationship with Cooker has nothing to do with this conversation."

He looked even more wounded than before but said nothing, he simply nodded and motioned to the chairs, taking his own seat.

"I will get right to it then," Brandon crossed his hands and put them on the table, "we are forming a rebellion with the specific intention of bringing down The Center. We have a small group of organizers that have access to power but we need people at the table that bridge the gap between us and the people on the ground. We think you can do that and along with you and your crew comes expertise of the ocean. You would make a great fit for commander of our navy, Captain Theo."

Theo didn't reply, she just stared right at Brandon without giving anything away. She raised an eyebrow, prompting him to continue without having to ask.

"I understand there may be some concerns. So, we propose a mission to get to know each other. You help us out with this and if at the end of it you want to join, we would gladly accept you. You decide you don't want to, we will pay you some gold and thank you for your help," Brandon said and it was exactly what she had heard from Ava the night before.

"We were briefed on the mission by your noble messenger. We'll do it. We will work with you on Drokian but can make no promises about anything else," Cooker was the one that hopped in and Theo was thankful for not being the only one that faced them with a no.

"Good. That is all we ask for. We hope your experience is good and we can continue to forge a relationship," Brandon said with a slight smile.

"Full honesty, we have someone in Drokian prison that we want to break out too. He's on the ground floor," Cooker provided and it was almost in a challenging tone like she was daring them to question them or say no.

"I am positive that it will not be a problem then. I believe that the best way to secure our person is to do what you did last time," Ignaci stepped in.

"Create pandemonium?" Theo asked, she wasn't sure exactly what part they were talking about.

"Yes. This time, we have a man on the inside. A helper that has been working with the prison for a few cycles. He does not do much, just passes around meals and cleans up messes but he has access to the keys. He can break you out along with our target," Brandon said.

"Seems simple enough. But if you've got a guy on the inside, he can just free your prisoner and sneak him out," Theo challenged.

"He isn't high ranking enough to get anywhere near the entrance of the prison without arousing suspicion. There would be no reason he would be responsible for escorting a prisoner out of the prison and the place is crawling with guards now so he can't be snuck out. We need your strategy," Brandon admitted, "you know the area, you know the prison, you know of the fastest way off land, and where to anchor your ships to not be seen."

Theo shrugged a shoulder, nonchalantly accepting the praise, "You have yourself a partnership then, at least temporarily."

"And once you have successfully completed the prison break in Drokian, I was hoping we could rendezvous to discuss a more permanent allyship. Perhaps we can use that time to develop a solid understanding of how your crew will fit into our movement," Brandon proposed.

"Aye, that is a conversation we can entertain if things go well. I want to reiterate what you said earlier, even if this is a success and goes without a hitch, we reserve the right to say no to a partnership," Theo warned, looking between the two people in front of her, "it is up to my crew."

"We understand that is your position," Ignaci acknowledged but he didn't seem too enthused by her comment, "but if everything goes right, you would really turn your back on something that has the potential to finally beat The Center? For what reason?"

"Self-preservation, good sir," Cooker laughed, "we've got it good right now. Why gamble on something that, historically, has never worked?"

"From what I have heard in the past, you two were a couple of born and bred revolutionaries. Your essays published all those lengths ago are quite different than your words now," he challenged.

"People change, motivations change, understandings of our world change," Theo defended Cooker even though neither of them truly stood behind what they were saying. Well, Theo believed in not getting involved more so than Cooker did, "It isn't just self-preservation though. Responsibilities change. I wouldn't be bringing just us into this rebellion, I would be dragging along a whole crew into this and gambling with their lives. It is their preservation too."

"You gamble with their lives every sun as a pirate captain," Ignaci pressed them, not taking a potential no as an answer.

"I make calculated and smart choices, Lord Furdash, I do not make it a habit to expose them to unnecessary risks," Theo returned, not backing down at his attempts to dismantle their argument.

"And that is the exact reason we want you to be a part of this," Brandon stepped in, trying to break the quickly rising tension, "You have proven to be a voice of reason and shown a desire to mitigate unneeded loss in just this short conversation. We need that. That is why you should join us."

"Seems like we have taken a turn, gentlemen, that is not the conversation we are having right now," Theo sat back in her chair, "that must wait until after Drokian."

"Very well," Brandon conceded and also sat back, "then we should work to finalize the plans for Drokian so we are on the same page."

"Sure, but first, I have a few questions of my own," Cooker spoke up.

Theo looked over to Cooker who met her with a reassuring shrug. It wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. There was no mischief in her eyes. Theo nodded and gave her the go-ahead.

"I want to know about your structure. Your funding. The strategy you have chosen to launch this revolution with. Your numbers," Cooker listed, "once that's answered I have many more."

"I do not believe that is something we can discuss right now if we are not entertaining a conversation about your permanent involvement with us," Ignaci returned.

"But we should entertain a conversation about the details of Drokian," Brandon tried to get them back on track.

"Sure," Theo nodded.

"Actually, I have a question that I need answered before we even enter into this temporarily," Cooker leaned forward in her chair, "Why?"

"Why?" Brandon repeated with a raise of his eyebrow, "Why what?"

"Why this cause? Why risk it all? Another classification and the Cookers are a shoo-in for nobility," Cooker said and then looked over at Ignaci, "and you are already a fucking noble so what is the reason you would bother yourself with this?"

"I am a noble because I come from a family of nobles, not because I believe in this form of government. The men in my family may have sold themselves to Elox and in turn subjugated our own people but that legacy ends with me. I am from Aeliz and I will see my islands free from The Center. "

"How heroic," Theo shook her head and rolled her eyes. She knew the situation was more nuanced but she couldn't help but feel anger toward his reasoning, "You think you are some sort of a hero to Aeliz? You truly believe that your one good deed erases the dozens of classifications your family lorded over their own? People like you are the reason Aelizans have been kept down for generations and foreigners have invaded our lands."

"You have a lot to say for someone with a Dovish mother," he challenged and Theo sat up quickly.

"Oi, and how the fuck would you know where her mother is from? Are you basing it o n looks? Sure she looks a little Dovish but that is offensive of you to say," Cooker sat up too, coming to Theo's aid and trying to lighten the mood, "her mother was Aelizan, smart ass. As was her father."

"Her mother was born in Aeliz but her roots were from Dove Island," he said as he stared straight at Theo.

Theo's frown grew with every word and she took a steady breath in, "How would you know that?"

"Because I knew your parents," Ignaci said and while he sounded smug, he didn't look it, "this is not my first attempt at a revolution and I have learned from the mistakes we made lengths ago."

"You worked with them?" Theo asked.

"Closely. You look just like him. And you sound just like your mother. You have her attitude," he noted.

She held up her hand, stopping him, "This is a highly inappropriate topic. We are not here to talk about where I come from or who my parents are. We are here to talk about a plan for Drokian."

"Right, of course, Captain Theo," Brandon nodded and turned to Ignaci, giving him some sort of nonverbal signal they couldn't see. He turned back to them with a smile, "first, I was thinking we can discuss a timeline. As you may know, we are on a strict schedule that was dictated by Lord Vaith. That will affect our rendezvous plans which will affect the mission plans. We were thinking about a cycle until Drokian and about a half cycle after to meet up."

"That works for us as well. We were not planning on sticking around for much longer," Theo said, "I have a few logistical concerns."

Brandon gave her the floor and she used it. For the next long while, they discussed their plans and for the most part, Theo was feeling hopeful that the partnership would not end in disaster.

—------------------—------------------

"We will have someone deliver a letter to the third floor at Marian's in a few suns to confirm the matters we discussed this evening," Brandon stood up. "leave your alley door unlocked and that is how we will enter."

"I will make sure that happens," Theo nodded and got up, "Come on Cook."

Cooker stood up, crossing her arms and waiting for the pleasantries to end so they could leave. She had dealt with things reasonably well but would have liked to exit as soon as possible. Preferably they would head back to Marian's, vacate the third floor, and smoke some havcera between the two of them. It would scratch her itch for something to dull her sense without going overboard, and with Theo there, she could monitor.

She had to be pulled from her planning by Theo putting a hand between her shoulders and guiding them toward the exit.

"If you wouldn't mind," Brandon stopped them and they turned around to look at him, "I would like a moment with my sister."

Theo glanced over at her for confirmation and she knew she had to get it over with. She gave Theo a nod, the go-ahead to leave. Theo didn't look convinced though.

"Go, I'm fine I will meet you back at Marian's," Cooker assured her.

"I will wait for you at the entrance to the tunnels," Theo replied.

"Even better."

Before Theo could walk out, Ignaci took his turn to speak, "Since you are free for a moment, would you like to have a drink and discuss things? I'm sure you have questions about your parents and Zaridios."

"Nah," Theo waved him off with a slight laugh, "I'm good. Thanks, though."

Cooker kept herself from laughing at the interaction. She was surprised Theo didn't jump on the opportunity but amused that she didn't. It had seemed that he had planned out how to get himself a conversation alone with Theo but she hadn't taken the bait. He looked puzzled and borderline scorned.

"Good luck. Shout if you need me," Theo squeezed Cooker's forearm then walked out.

Ignaci gave it a moment before he also exited the room. The silence after he left was excruciating. She was expecting Brandon to start but he seemed terrified to. She had rejected his attempts for a conversation before and he was weighing his options on what to say. She took the lead.

"I don't know how to talk to you or what you want from me," Cooker said.

"Nothing. I don't want anything from you," Brandon stepped out from behind the desk, "It's been eleven lengths, Carrie, seeing you is enough."

"Don't call me that. It's not my name," Cooker stayed in her spot, near the door. Her arms over her chest and her brows furrowed as her glare was trained on him.

"Right. I will try not to," Brandon said as he came closer, "Can I at least hug you?"

"I think we probably shouldn't," Cooker took half a step back.

He stopped in his tracks, "Understandable."

Cooker looked around the room, really taking in the luxury of it all. It was tense and quiet, and Cooker just wanted to be able to go. She didn't know what to say and it was killing her.

"You look different," he said as he walked back to the desk.

"Aye, half a classification tends to age people. It's how time works," Cooker bit back and she really shouldn't have been that unfair to him. He was just trying to have a conversation.

Brandon sat back down and sighed. Cooker could tell he was trying hard to bend to her comfort level but he was being pushed too far.

"Avery said you knew it was me," Cooker said.

"I did."

"How?"

"I always knew you didn't die. I was suspicious. Our father's story about your death didn't make sense. I was with you the sun you disappeared and it never added up. Over the lengths, I had heard of you here and there and thought it was just a bizarre coincidence that someone with your same name was rising to popularity in the underworld," Brandon laughed a bit, "that is, until I read your work and your essays. You sounded like a grown version of who I used to know and it hit me that you were the Cooker I had heard about."

"How would you even know that it was me? That makes no sense," Cooker scoffed, rolling her eyes at the obvious attempt to get her to trust him.

But he seemed bothered by the comment, like he had meant it. No ill intention in his words, "I raised you, Car- Cooker. I sought out people who knew you and asked for answers they wouldn't give me but they did paint a picture of you. The more they would say about you, the more it was clearly you."

"But no one ever confirmed that fact."

"If you have told anyone, they haven't let me in on that secret. There is no way Avery didn't know it wasn't you and even she covered for you, despite the consequences once I found out," Brandon shook his head with a small smile, slightly amused at being tricked by the noble, "Which means that you are either a good friend or have impeccable threats under your sleeves."

"And what? You joined the revolution to search for me? Avenge what happened?" Cooker poked fun, "Was I your purpose?"

"I had plans with the revolution far before I ever figured out it was you," Brandon admitted, "this had been five lengths in the making. But, knowing you were alive only further drove me to this cause."

"And you've read my essays?"

"I have."

"Which ones?"

"Most the ones I could get my hands on. Revolution, labor, men, agriculture," he laughed, "what haven't you written about?"

"What did you think about them?"

"You are good at creating outrage with absolutes at the beginning of your essays and then providing nuance once the reader is hooked," Brandon analyzed, "kept me engaged, kept my mind working at the beginning to come up with rebuttals to your points. Enjoyable yet knowledgeable."
"Glad you think so. Some people never make it past the first part and have a very fucked up perception of what I believe in," Cooker chuckled.

"It would not hurt you to try and emit some of the provoking prose in the beginning. You could get straight to the point. Your nuanced arguments also inspire outrage, no need to bait them in with your initial statements," Brandon noted.

Cooker clicked her tongue to the roof of her mouth and waved him off, "It's my brand now. Can't just switch it up on my loyal readers like you."

Brandon laughed, "If you are taking more advice, I have."

"Let it all out."

"In every essay, you call everyone to take action. Followed by what you are doing to minimize the issue. Or solve it. Or taking a solid stance for or against something. But I would leave that out. End it with just the call to action," he said.

"Why would I leave it out? People need firm examples of what to do."

"You can't possibly adhere to all the rules you ask others to. You risk your credibility being ruined because one person in a political circle shares that you are exaggerating your own ability to engage in the rules you set. It only takes one person to question your integrity and make sure that everything you built goes to shit."

"There is a reason I have been publishing my essays for lengths and I still have my credibility and my career. I don't lie."

"You don't allow ugali and similar drugs on the ships nor do you take them yourself. You don't use brothels. You do not restock from businesses that have poor conditions for workers. You never keep any of the money from people you help that can't afford it," Brandon listed and sat back in the chair waving his hand a bit, "All of that gets a bit too much, don't you think? A little too unbelievable. A little too inflexible. One sun, you might need to bend."

"It's quite easy to do every single one of those things you listed, I don't understand why you are adamant on not believing it," Cooker raised her eyebrows.

He chuckled a bit, "Not being a patron of brothels when you have over a hundred under your protection?"

"I have no issue finding people to sleep with that I don't have to pay."

Brandon looked at her for a second and then held up his hands, "My apologies. I suppose you are a pirate of your word. My intention was not to upset you. I am sorry my questions and advice have done that."

"I am not upset at you questioning me. I am slightly unnerved at the fact that you find it so incredulous that I have strong boundaries on what I will and won't do," Cooker hummed and looked at her fingernails, picking at her cuticles, "What exactly is it that you find the hardest to believe?"

"What are you really asking?" Brandon raised an eyebrow.

"Which of the things that I have spoken out against do you currently partake in?"

"I am not a monster. Nor do I hold a candle to any of the men in our family or among higher society. But I am not perfect. I do not donate my money to every beggar I come across."

Cooker frowned at the name but didn't mention it, "That is the lowest of offenses, I would say. I think your shock over me practicing exactly the words I preach is because of other reasons."

"You are right about that."

"So which part of my philosophy do you struggle to reconcile? Is it the brothels?"

"I do not have the same aversion to them that you do, no. But thanks to your efforts, the ones I attend are usually ones that treat their workers well,"

"You have a wife and kids," Cooker pointed out.

"I did not take you for someone to hold the tenets of a union in high regard," Brandon raised an eyebrow and Cooker laughed at that. It was true, she had often helped people break their vows to their husbands.

"You caught me. I was just finding a reason to scold you," Cooker took a step forward but didn't make it much farther, "still, I think you should avoid brothels. Do you agree with what goes on in there?"

"I don't want this conversation to turn into an ideological debate. I am not here for that. If I was, I would have cornered you at Fingen's. I just want to have a discussion with you."

"Fine," Cooker stepped forward and finally took a seat in front of the desk, "but you don't know me. I am not who I was as a kid and the person you were raised with is not me. So, don't pretend I am."

Brandon chuckled but probably out of shock from her out-of-place statement. He nodded, "I am not denying that you are a different person. I never did. All I am asking is for you to let me get to know you. Please."

"Why do you even care?" Cooker pressed.

"You might not have missed me but I missed you. The younger kids were under my care most of the time, including you and Cam. I spent most of my suns looking after you all and making sure you were getting the care you needed. You should remember, you were old enough, but I don't know how much you actually can recall."

Cooker shrugged a bit, not giving away how much she remembered but it was very little. She had blocked most of it out. Her life had been so full of memories and adventures since she had left home that anything before it had become too distant to really pick out details. She just remembered she hated it, and along with that she just assumed she had hated everybody.

Brandon continued, "Your well-being was always my main concern because neither of our parents paid us any mind. It was more than just not having a sibling around. I lost you. I was old enough to have felt responsibility over you and then you were gone and I couldn't get you back. I mourned you for a long time, Carrie. Sorry- shit. It's hard for me. I am sorry... I mourned you, Cooker."

As he spoke, she recalled a bit more. Brandon was always around. It wasn't the most prominent thing in her memory, her younger siblings she played with were more memorable. But, it didn't seem like he was lying. Still, it didn't matter much, that part of her life had long been over and buried. A book closed. It reminded her of a part of herself she tried to erase. She was no better than Ava had been, crusading for change and pointing fingers all the while she was born one of them. And all her life she had tried to scrub herself of that.

"I am sorry you had a hard time when I left," Cooker said, unable to find anything better to console him with.

Brandon looked at her for a moment and studied her face, "I can see this doesn't interest you. That is fine. You don't want to talk about that. What do you want to speak about?"

"Nothing. You are the one that asked me to stay back."

Brandon smiled a bit, not giving up, "Can I pick your brain? Tell me what you think about our chances?"

"My first thought is that we are being set up to have the best chance anyone has ever had. I truly believe there has never been a more perfect set of conditions than right now. The government is low on ships, their army is reeling without their best strategist, and the reclassification is always the most unstable time so for the next five lengths we have the advantage of the government on shaky ground. We have a person that has an in on The Council and noble affairs. I mean, if we don't win there has to be some sort of otherworldly power that is stopping us from doing so."

"And your second thought?"

"Every other revolutionary who has attempted this probably thought the same thing. It's hard not to feel like we are fools for having hope that it can work out this time," Cooker said.

Brandon laughed a bit, "I go to sleep at night and that is the only thing on my mind. I am in a constant struggle between the two positions and I can't tell which one is the right one."

"I'm hoping it's the first," Cooker provided with a slight laugh.

"Sometimes, I wonder if it's worth it to sit back and relax. Spend my life in the estate, using the money and power that our father built up and just enjoying every sun. No politicking or plotting," Brandon admitted.

"I have more money than I know what to do with," Cooker chuckled and crossed her arms, "I really should just walk away. Use my money to build a house by the sea on some uninhabited island and live out my suns in peace."

They both shook their heads at the same time and it caused them both to laugh in sync. She knew that Brandon knew exactly how she felt and for the first time since seeing him, she felt some sort of connection. Some sort of siblingship.

Once their laughing had died down, he reached his hand into a drawer and pulled out a bag. He opened it and pulled over a small, silver tray. As he dumped out the contents of the bag, Cooker froze. Her eyes were trained on the orange powder that now filled the tray. She went rigid and her hands gripped the armrests on her chair.

"I'm sorry. I didn't ask. Do you mind?" he asked.

Cooker shook her head a bit too quickly. She should have run out of there or knocked the tray on the ground, or told him she did mind but she remained silent. She watched as he separated a bit for himself, bent down, and ran his nose along a line of loli. Even just watching him satisfied something in her. She could almost feel the high.

She trailed her eyes from the tray up to his mouth, it was moving but her ears were ringing and she really couldn't hear anything he was saying. She could hear the blood rushing through her and she blinked a few times trying to bring herself to the present. He laughed and it shocked her out of her daze.

"What? Sorry, I didn't catch that," Cooker cleared her throat.

"I asked if you wanted some."

Say no. Say no. Say no. It is very easy to have the word 'no' come out of your mouth.

But she couldn't say no. When else would she get that opportunity? It had been so long and no one had to know.

But it is better if you say no. Just say no. Ask him to put it away for fucks sake. You have a problem with this. Are you willing to throw all your progress away for a ten-minute high?

"Don't worry. It's good stuff. I bought it just this morning from Martisse. Don't know if you've heard of him. Best quality in Niveal," Brandon pushed the tray closer to her and he probably thought he was being a gracious host. Instead, he was dangling something forbidden in front of her. Martisse was the best and she had sold him out of stock many times.

But she came to her senses even as the tray had inched closer.

"No. I'm good."

He chuckled a bit, "That's fine. But just know I am not trying to poison you. Thought it could work as a peace offering. I have heard that you partake often."

"You bought it for me?" Cooker asked, if that was the case, it would be a waste to say no. Not to mention, very rude.

"No. I bought it for myself but I heard that you also liked to enjoy it from time to time and figured I would offer it. You have been staring at it pretty hard."

Cooker nodded at the explanation, "Is this something you do often?

"It helps the work get done faster and more efficiently," Brandon acknowledged.

"I get that," Cooker chuckled a bit, that was always her excuse too, "Is that something recent? Or just something you liked all your life?"

"Why is that important?"

"You said you wanted us to reacquaint ourselves. Just making conversation," Cooker shrugged.

There was a slight pause, then a shrug.

"I suppose I have relied on my loli to get me through difficult nights and suns with a lot of work for quite some time now," Brandon leaned back in his chair, "Not quite sure when I started. Probably when I got more involved as heir. So, around the time you left."

It had been over half a classification since then. What she was hearing was that it was hopeless for her. He had probably tried to stay away many times in his life. It ran in her blood and there was no escaping it. Why wait for ten lengths for everything to crumble around her when she could just go back now? She would save the heartbreak of everyone around her when they had thought they were in the clear and she just relapsed. She might as well have let them down sooner rather than later.

Cooker pulled her chair closer to the desk and slid to the edge of it, "Aye, give me some."

He pushed it the rest of the way and she grabbed it, bringing it to her. She ran through her routine, lining up the perfect amount. It felt amazing, even just the process was fulfilling. Cooker then did what she had been waiting endless cycles for. She put her nose to the tray and it was almost like she blacked out. It was such a rush of emotions that she barely registered what was happening.

The next thing she knew, she was sitting back in her chair, clenching and unclenching her fists waiting the long few minutes for the effects to kick in. It felt amazing just to do it. And she knew there would be consequences but at the moment, she didn't care. She was just waiting for the euphoria to hit her. Her brother was speaking to her but she continued to ignore him, it was useless to try and pay attention.

"Cooker," he prompted and she snapped her head to him.

"Sorry. I'm in my head this sun," she wiped her palms on her pants, "you were saying?"

"What do you think about Avery?"

"Um," she cleared her throat and felt her heart start to race, "Red is alright. She's smarter than people give her credit for. Catches on quickly. A bit entitled, don't know if that is because of the way she was raised or just her personality. She cares about people though, deeply and genuinely."

Cooker felt herself rambling and she couldn't believe how quickly it all had hit her.

"So, you got to know her well during her time serving your crew?" Brandon asked.

Cooker scratched the back of her head and chuckled a bit, a bit of elation building in her chest, "I did. I wouldn't say we were the best of friends but we were close in certain ways. We worked together a lot."

"Is she able to be trusted?" Brandon asked as he returned for another hit of loli.

"I would trust her more than I would trust you right now," Cooker answered honestly.

Brandon nodded but he didn't look put off by the answer.

"And what can I do to get you to trust me?" he changed the subject.

"Don't kill innocents. Be smart about your decisions. Show me this is about more than just gaining power for you."

"I can show you all of that in time," Brandon promised.

"Then you will gain my trust and that of my captain."

"That is reassuring," Brandon chuckled.

She found herself chuckling along as the loli hit her with full force. She felt jittery like a bolt of lightning had begun to flow through her. The light, blissful feeling began to wear off as she sat with exactly what had happened. It wasn't time to think about that though. She wanted to enjoy her limited time of fun. She sat forward once again and lined up some more loli for herself. After her routine was finished, she sat back down with a deep sigh. She sniffled, wiping her hand across her nose, and dropped her head down on the back of the chair.

"You alright?" Brandon laughed a bit but she could tell he was somewhat concerned, "Is this purer than what you are used to?"

"No. I've just not had some in a while," she sat up and fixed her shirt, clearing her throat.

"Any particular reason why?" he tilted his head.

"Thought I would challenge myself to see if I could," Cooker shrugged, lying easily, "Also, a good tolerance break. It wasn't hitting me like this before."

"I see," Brandon accepted the answer as the truth, he smiled and pointed to her neck, "Nice tattoos."

"Thanks," Cooker rubbed her forearm that held some inky designs, "I'm assuming you don't have any."

"No. But if we win this thing, I'll get one," he put his hand behind his head and leaned back in the chair, "I don't know if you remember but our mother was pregnant around the time you left. The last of this generation of Cookers. A girl, almost a full adult now. She reminds me a lot of you when you were a kid."

"Great to know there is someone there to cause trouble. A life of luxury can get boring real quick," Cooker teased, trying to avoid emotionally connecting to the conversation. She didn't really care.

"Besides her, everyone is married. Cam was the last one. The estate is going to feel empty very soon," he shared with a small sigh, "then it will just be our parents and my family. I am trying to convince our father to retire within the next length. I will have a lot more to contribute to the revolution with full control of our house."

Brandon strategized openly and Cooker raised an eyebrow at what he was revealing. She had shut him down that whole conversation and he was still divulging things that should have been close to his chest.

Either he trusted her wholeheartedly–which was stupid– or he let the loli run his mouth, which was also stupid.

"All of the Cookers are now ready to go forth and produce a million children like their father before them," Cooker joked, "how many are you on?"

"I only have two. And it will stay that way."

"How do you enjoy being a father?"

"I love it. I wish I could be around them more but I've been busy as of late," Brandon smiled sadly, "they bring me a lot of joy. So does my wife. I am determined to make family more than just a political advantage."

"Yet you cheat on your wife?" Cooker raised an eyebrow.

Brandon's smile fell, "I didn't take you to be judgemental."

"You read my essays and listened to countless people speak about my character and through all of that you gathered that I was non-judgemental?"

"I learned you have a penchant for fucking married women," Brandon retorted, finally fighting back a bit and it spurred Cooker on.

She chuckled a bit, "I fuck wives who are unhappy with their husbands and are looking for an adventure. I do believe being unfaithful to your wife with a woman you paid for is quite different."

"Like I said, I am not here to have an ideological debate with you."

"So what are you here for? To sit and tell me about a family I really don't remember? I find it hard to believe that is all you want to say," Cooker challenged, hoping to get to the end of the interaction.

Brandon shook his head with a slight smile, not phased by any of Cooker's attempts to anger him. He pushed the tray toward her once again and she obliged. Once she was back in her chair, wiping her nose and then her palms, he answered her question.

"You are right. I mean, I did keep you to talk about things you clearly don't care about but also because I needed to ask you something," Brandon admitted.

"Right," Cooker chuckled and motioned to him, "ask away. I can't promise I can give you an honest answer though."

"It's not that kind of question," Brandon shook his head with a slight smile, "come join me. Work for me."

Cooker shook her head but before she could say no, Brandon continued his pitch

"I need someone that has lived life down here. Someone who knows the language of theory and knows the language of the people. You would be my right hand. We could work together and see this revolution to its success," Brandon sat forward in his chair.

"And Ignaci? You seem pretty quick to just toss him aside."

"He is a noble and cannot risk involving himself in matters too deeply. He is there as an occasional advisor and a major funder. I trust him with my life but he and I both know I need someone to always be there. Someone who doesn't have to look over their shoulder in case they are caught. He and I need our positions in society to make this work, we need someone on the ground."

"Is that why you came here? To recruit me?" Cooker crossed her arms, she could feel her heart beating quickly and her palms sweating profusely. The loli wasn't fun anymore, it was making her feel panicked.

"Partly. We need your captain too. Our naval capabilities are sorely lacking. We would be swiftly destroyed if we were to launch this thing without bolstering that up first. But I would be missing out on a valuable opportunity if I didn't offer you a spot too," Brandon did just that, he had offered her a role at the top of the movement.

It was her dream.

"No, thank you," Cooker said, quickly and decisively hoping that would end the conversation.

"And do what instead? There are capable people that staff your ships. I am sure there are good systems in place to make sure nothing collapses in your absence. The alternative is to sit in Theo's shadow and execute the plans she creates," Brandon urged and the mention of Theo didn't sit right with her, "If you take on this position, you would be put in charge of what is done in the field. You would have access to the decisions before they are made."

"And Theo gets pushed aside?"

"No, she would have a seat at that table but so would you," Brandon assured, sensing her hesitation at the mention of Theo, "you would be equals, instead of where you stand as her second."

"We are equals," Cooker argued, "I would have a seat at that table because she would make one for me. I don't need your offer."

"Do you actually believe that? It's fine if you do but think about what will happen when she is pushed against a corner. Think about when it is between making a decision she wants or including you in it even if that means her idea fails. Which do you think she'll pick?"

"I know which one she would pick," Cooker stood up and leaned back over his desk, using up the last bit of loli on the tray, "thanks for the offer though. See you after Drokian."

Cooker turned, walking away and Brandon stood up, "Carrie!"

She ignored it.

"Cooker," he said instead and she turned around, he looked almost sad, "please, take some time to consider it. You are my sister. I love you, despite not knowing who you are now, I love you and I want you by my side for this. I trust you. You are the one person I can trust because you are family."

Cooker shook her head, sadness for her brother creeping into her chest. A small bit of empathy came around but it was hard to feel too bad, she didn't feel the same way.

Cooker shrugged one shoulder, it was not even a choice. How he felt about her, she felt about Theo.

"I know this isn't how you imagined it would work out for you but I can't say yes," Cooker said and put a hand in her pocket, unsure of where else to place it, "Theo isn't only my captain, she is my sister too... I'm really sorry."

Brandon nodded with a frown, understanding–finally– that he had lost, "Don't be sorry. I don't blame you. I blame my father."

That made Cooker hesitate. His acceptance of the fact made her almost want to reassure him.

"This is hard for me. I'm sorry I wasn't what you were looking for."

"I had no expectations. Only hope and a desire to see you work with me at the top of this thing."

"Sounds like an expectation to me," Cooker joked, cracking a smile and Brandon laughed, "I might eventually be working at the top of this thing, but my loyalty will always lie with Theo. I have been with her for longer than I ever lived at home and she has done nothing but steer me the right way."

At her own words, her gut twisted. What had she done? How would she tell Theo? How would she react? She trusted Theo with her life but did Theo trust her? She surely wouldn't after what Cooker had just done.

"I get that and respect it. I will not recruit you any longer," Brandon acknowledged and Cooker remembered she had been in the middle of a conversation, "But I am still your brother and you are my blood. You may not feel the need for a relationship but I do. If you reject me at every turn, that is fine but I will try my damned hardest to get to know you."

Cooker nodded, "I will try not to bite your head off if you try."

Brandon smiled, sadness reaching his eyes. Cooker wanted to think his insistence was sinister and was backed by a desire to manipulate her and pull her away from Theo but it seemed like he was honest in his speech to her. She was his sister and he wanted that relationship back.

"Cameron is here. Would you want to see him? I can send him to Marian's at some point. No one has eyes on him," Brandon asked.

Cooker nodded a bit, surprising herself with the answer. He was young when she left the house but the memories they had together were good. At the very least, they could talk and Cooker could glean more about Brandon from his perspective. Maybe even get some good information on Red that Theo hadn't learned yet.

"Aye. I'll be around there at night if he wants to swing by."

"He does. He asked me to ask you," Brandon grabbed his bag of loli and walked it over to her, handing it to her, "A present. A thank you for staying after."

"Thanks," she took it and then shook his hand and he laughed a bit.

The effects were wearing off and once she left the room, she stopped to put some on her finger and took a small hit. She felt her hands shake slightly and she wasn't sure if it was the loli or her nerves, knowing she was doing something she really shouldn't have.

She exited the room and walked down the way she came. At the base of the stairs, right at the entrance back to the tunnels were Theo and Red.

"Ready?" Theo looked over at Cooker.

She nodded and slipped past them and the door into the dim light of the tunnels, keeping her head down as she did. Theo couldn't see her pupils, it would give her away. She just had to keep it together long enough for the effects to wear off.

Cooker tried to listen in to what was being said between the two lovebirds but it was hushed and shortly after Cooker had squeezed between them, Theo was joining her.

"How'd she know you were here?" Cooker asked.

"Her room is right next to Brandon's. She knew we were coming because Brandon told her and when she heard people talking, she figured it was us. She was waiting for me down here when I left the room," Theo explained.

"Why?"

Theo laughed, "To see me."

"Oh. Right."

They began to walk and it was quiet between them. She should have left it at that and let the rest of the loli leave her system but she couldn't shut up.

"So, what's the deal between you two?"

"No new developments since the last time you saw us together and interrupted," Theo hummed.

Cooker looked over and when Theo met her gaze, she quickly averted it to avoid being looked at too closely. She ran a quick hand under her nose, worrying that there would be excess powder to give her away. The bag burned in her pocket and she could feel herself sweating even in the cool tunnels.

"I know I was being cynical yestersun but do whatever fulfills you, T," Cooker shook her head, "who am I to stand in the way of love?"

"Everyone is so dramatic. No one has said anything about love."

"But it's the reality. You love her and she– well– I'm not sure about where she stands."

"Neither am I," Theo chuckled and kicked a rock as they walked, it skidded in front of them, "I'm going to go see her tonight. In a few hours. I can use the tunnel system to get to her room again. She said she would send someone to escort me so I didn't have any trouble."

Cooker nodded, "And? What do you want me to say to that?"

"I'm saying this so you don't think I am purposely hiding something from you. Both you and Kaia had some interesting reactions to the idea of me and Red and I just want to make sure everything is above board."

"Right. Thanks, I suppose."

Fuck, she had to come clean. But maybe she could wait. She had already gotten herself into shit, she might as well have enjoyed it. One night out, only the supply in her pocket. She would sober up, tell Theo, and deal with the consequences.

That plan lasted a few steps. She pushed away the inclination to lie and dig a bigger hole. The guilt ate at her for two seconds before she spilled. She had no control of her tongue as it told her secret.

"If we are admitting to things, I am high," Cooker cleared her throat but didn't make eye contact, keeping her pace up. Theo was shocked silent and Cooker's heart was racing faster than she had felt in a while. She couldn't bear the thought of Theo saying anything to her right then. She wanted the world to open up and swallow her, "rather not talk about it right now. So, if you could wait to scream at me until we are back in our room, I would appreciate that."

Theo honored the request and Cooker could not figure out if it was because she had asked or if it was because Theo was so livid she couldn't speak. She was too scared to look over. She had spoken before she had thought it through. Perhaps, sweeping her transgression aside and simply holding herself accountable would have been enough. There was no need to come clean.

Now, Theo would know and all it would do was bring consequences and shame. Theo would tell Xyra, which would be a whole other mess. And that was if Cooker was given a lax treatment, with her luck the whole officer's circle would know. And it would be her luck too that Agnes would find out.

Her gut twisted.

Agnes.

Fuck! She had promised her so many times. She had been so blinded by what was in front of her that she had forgotten Agnes. The regret began to spread and it overtook her. Her skin raised and she had to keep the tears from sprouting to her eyes. Why had she done what she did? Every step was more difficult than the last and she wanted to curl up right there and attempt to subdue the panic in her chest.

But she kept walking. In silence. Slowly.

Finally, the guard that had been far in front, escorting them back, stopped in front of their entrance. Theo thanked him and handed him a platinum coin then led them out. Once they were in the not-so-fresh air of the alley, she turned to Cooker. Her face was not angry nor stamped with disapproval or disappointment. It was neutral.

"Let's go somewhere fancy. We should talk and there will be people in our room as always. Patrons will start coming out now too so every place on Stumbler's Row will be crowded. I have four platinum pieces in my pocket. That's more than enough to get us a ten-course meal in the luxury district, away from the crowds," Theo proposed.

Cooker cracked a bit of a smile, "Sounds fine to me."