"... You did good today, buddy. I know you don't think so, but you did."
Sprout popped the can open and took a large swig. He wiped his soda covered lips with his sleeve and smiled wryly, "Nah, I don' think I did much more than get'n the way, but uh...." He looked up to Ruffles who was grinning at him. "This stuff's fuckn' good!"
It took awhile, but after bouncing off the walls for a few hours he crashed hard. Passed out on the floor, Ruffles threw an old, dusty blanket over him and stuffed a bunched up hoodie under his drooling face.
He dreamt about titties that night.
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Elizabeth cried herself to sleep. It didn't take long considering how drained she'd been from the eventful day, not to mention the surgery. Josephine stayed by her side the whole time, though few words were spoken between the two of them. Chances are they'd have plenty of time to do so in the future.
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Pixie padlocked her bedroom door as she left. The Gentleman hadn't likely come across anything important, but even still... a girl's gotta have her privacy. She made her way to the observation deck, past the common room where the party had died down. Some of the really hardcore drinkers were still awake, keeping at it, but most of the crew was strewn about all over the floor.
It was good they had the chance to celebrate now as the near future would likely be a busy one. The light of the Rock's star reflected off of its three moons, making the room glow a deep violet color. Night's were short all year around, but a decent set of shutters was usually enough to keep the light out. Despite two hundred years here, humanity still required the same amount of sleep.
A fat cigar pinned between her teeth and a bottle of whiskey in her hand, Pixie walked up to the glass and stared out into the violet, barren landscape before her. Things didn't go so well today. The Gentleman had stuck his dick where it didn't belong, but if the job he proposed paid well... Pixie was willing to forgive such a transgression. In truth, she tired of his theatrics quickly but he was someone who could get the job done. She couldn't help but appreciate such a quality.
Ruffles... Ruffles had much to learn. Despite their long history, he'd spent too much of his time toiling away in the belly of the Maiden. There were so many things he'd missed. So many lessons robbed of him. He wasn't alone in this, however. Aesop was a mess, no denying that. His battle with his inner demons had manifested itself outwardly far more times than Pixie could tolerate. As for Warren... Smiles... he was on the opposite spectrum than that of Ruffles. If not for his schoolboy crush on Pixie he'd likely be an uncontrollable killing machine. Pixie was no stranger to forgiveness, but she'd never quite gotten over his treatment of Sprout before he'd come aboard.
These three men required something, but what? She rolled the cigar around between her fingers in thought. Perhaps they'd be who she sent to Boomhower, her hometown. If the job the Gentleman offered was as risky as she thought the three of them would be little more than liabilities. Sending them after her contact in Boomhower was a good a plan as any other. Aesop had the information gathering skills required through his years of police work, Smiles could take on anyone the banditos sent after them and Ruffles... well, Ruffles could fix their crawler if it broke down. He also had a far cooler head about him than the other two.
Her thoughts drifted naturally from Ruffles to that of the man he had spared. The good Baron had to be taken care of. Though she'd prefer to put a bullet between his eyes, there was no arguing against ransom money. He was a anthropomorphic check that needed cashing in. Meeting up with one of their contacts in Feroxi to make the exchange would be simple enough for Casino alone, however... she'd failed to protect Sprout during the Gentleman's little intervention. Perhaps she'd send the two of them together. Sprout needed the experience, sure, but Pixie wouldn't lie to herself. This decision came easy. It was her way of punishing Casino.
A smirk appeared on her lips as she pictured Lilith's dread.
Florian would stay aboard. She would need him close by in the coming weeks. Though she didn't actually know him all too well, he was one of the only people on the ship Pixie felt comfortable confiding in. Well, as much as such a woman could confide in anyone. This whole murky business with Elizabeth... Pixie couldn't handle it alone. She'd need someone else's input and he was the only one she could trust with the truth. He was a likable guy as well, so he could keep Elizabeth happy. As for Lady Josephine... she'd ask her tomorrow if she planned to stay by Elizabeth's side. If she chose to leave they'd drop her off at the nearest port.
Pixie took a deep drag, savored the sweet tobacco taste on her tongue and let it out in one solid plume. Smoking cigars wasn't exactly the most feminine past time, but it was a habit she'd taken on in her youth. In a fit of youthful rebellion her childhood friend, "Cherry", had gotten her hands on some premium stuff and shared it with her. The rest is as they say... history.
Cherry...
Elizabeth looked just like her. The same piercing eyes, golden locks and confident smile. The same charm and wit. If Pixie were still capable of it, the memories stirring inside her would have caused her to well up. She'd seen a lot... done a lot since those days. She knew she'd have to be stronger this time. She couldn't let it happen again.
After finishing the cigar Meredith let out a deep sigh, turned and slid down against the wall. She took a swig of her whiskey and rested her arms on her knees. Dio would come after them. That much was for certain.
Her grip on the bottle tightened and she pictured his wicked smile.
"One way'er another Dio, this'll be the end of it."
Pixie didn't sleep that night.
