dendarii | [PSL] VKS/RvB AU

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[PSL] VKS/RvB AU

[ Miles is really, really starting to hate Jackson's Whole. First the original mess with Taura. Then Mark - his brother, whom he is incredibly glad to have, but dear god what a disaster that had been from start to finish - and now this.

He should have known better to get anywhere close to this damn planet, but the mission had been too damn important to pass up. Simon had gotten wind of a cloning operation that supposedly involved implanting the new bodies with AI similar to his own memory chip. Super soldiers, perhaps, or just one more level of exceeding human limitations. A brilliant mind to go along with an immortal body.

The Baron responsible hadn't been anywhere near his previous encounters with Ryoval or Fell, so Miles had thought he might have enough space to wriggle in. Get a little advice from Mark, grease a few palms ... Too bad Fell had already informed most of his competitors of Miles' wiles in advance. The Baron had been prepared. Miles hadn't been prepared enough.

He'd evaded capture ... by ducking directly into the clone creché itself. Which was, of course, the most well-guarded and difficult to escape section of the entire facility, and they were in peak condition. So now he's here, cursing himself and this whole goddamned system. He's crouched behind some of the training equipment; with any luck, he can observe these modified clones before any of them find him in turn.

But since when has Miles ever been lucky? ]

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What's my guarantee? I can't take you on your word.

[ Naismith wasn't Jacksonian. She knew the strength of the Deal around here, a strange honor among thieves, but to a stranger known for meddling in the Whole... ]

[ His word is legally binding, but of course he can't say that. Besides, it would be Naismith's word in this situation... ]

I am. I will be entirely in your power until we get back to my ship.

[ He unclips a small stunner from his belt and holds it out to her. ]

[ Well it's a start. She doesn't hesitate as she takes the stunner and stashes it somewhere on her person. ]

I'm not letting you out of my power when we get there. Not until I know for sure they won't gun me down as soon as you're safely aboard.

All right, all right. But I advise caution in looking like you have a hostage once you get there. They've been a bit twitchy lately.

That sounds like your problem. If they get twitchy, I can't promise I won't do the same.

[ But she's motioning for him to step out of hiding as she scans for their best escape route. ]

You could have made less noise storming the place. All the damn patrol routes have changed.

I'm just advising.

[ He's counting on convincing her before then, though. Hopefully.

At that comment though, he winces a bit. ]

I know, I know. I wasn't quite expecting your Baron to try shooting me on sight. Apparently I have a reputation.

You damn well know what they're doing here. Business you mess with don't end up profitable afterwards.

[ Fell had been an exception and even he had been tired of Naismith's involvement. She knew the investment numbers in this operation, she'd shoot on sight too if her money was at risk.

But all she has is herself. Another investment, a fact that'd keep her safe for a time should this backfire. ]

Are they waiting for you?

Well. I am a bit of a hurricane.

[ He says with a shrug. What can he do about it really? ]

Indeed they are. All we have to do is reach the Ariel and we're safe.

[ Hurricane? She glances over him before shaking her head. How was what she wanted to know. Maybe she'd figure it out en route. ]

Can you climb? Because we're going to have to go through the ducts. You won't pass for a clone or a guard here even if I found a uniform that'd fit.

[ Miles flinches faintly at that. Ducts ... why is it always ducts. ]

Very good at it. Unfortunately.

You make it a habit to get caught dirtside with no help? Really makes a girl rethink joining an operation, [ she says dryly as she climbs on top of the training equipment. She grabs a tool out of her pocket to start working off the covering for the duct. ]

Follow me and don't ask questions if you want to make it out alive.

[ He obediently drifts along behind her. ]

Only on special occasions like this one. And I'm not alone any more, am I?

Jury's still out on me. How do you know I'm not going to turn you in?

Because I think I'm the most interesting thing to have happened to you all month.

You think highly of yourself. [ She places the vent covering in Miles former hiding spot before motioning for him to go in first. ]

Lucky for you, you're right.

[ Miles carefully slips inside, then turns back towards her. ]

Not highly of myself. I imagine you're deadly bored here. Nothing interesting save the bit of parading around for investors.

[ So he does recognize her. Part of his plan all along? She watches him a moment before climbing in. ]

It hasn't been a bad gig while I wait for a better offer to come along.

[ Miles continue to shimmy along the vent, then. ]

Then it behooves me to make this a better offer, eh?

I'm listening. You already have an idea of what my going price is.

[ It's a flexible one, but she's not going to sell herself short. ]

[ Ah. Money. He wishes he had Mark here for this part ... ]

We'll meet it, of course. Starting now, with a bonus for combat.

[ Wait, what? ]

You're giving me a bonus? For combat? [ she asks flatly. ]

[ Miles blinks back a her. It sounds like good incredulity ... he hopes. ]

Of course. That's standard for all Dendarii members. Don't they do the same for you?

Depends on the assignment. You hardly know me and you're already offering to throw money my way. What's the catch?

[ She decides to conveniently leave out the part where all her work has been training missions thus far. ]

The catch is that I need to live if you want to get paid. Quite simple, really.

What, they won't pay a hefty sum for the return of your corpse? [ Her tone is dry and sarcastic. Perhaps not the best joke to make right now, but if she can't get him out of here then his best chance at survival is gone. ]

Don't worry, you haven't pissed me off enough. So long as you deliver when we get out of here, you'll live.

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