Dog of War

"By the way," Miss Verdun apparently wasn't in the mood for silence. "How are you feeling? We've been out a few hours now." 

 

"Fine." They headed onto a gently winding path that lead back up to the main area. "It's pretty nice here." If it weren't for all the people and constant hungry glances from Affini it might even be enjoyable. 

 

"I'm glad you like it here," Miss Verdun did sound quite pleased, "but I meant that you have been on your feet for some time. We can sit and rest somewhere if you like." She pointed to an open clearing nearby. 

 

They kept moving. "I've been sitting and resting the last five days," they shrugged. "Any longer and I was probably going to start pacing." 

 

Miss Verdun's vines knotted up, "Well it's just- it's been hours and-"

 

"Miss Verdun I can march for two days without pause, trust me, I am fine with walking a few hours . " Her constantly treating them as though they were delicate was getting on their nerves. 

 

"I know you can push yourself very far, but I really want to just make sure you aren't hurting yourself. You were in microgravity for-" 

 

"I'm not pushing!" They snapped, garnering the looks of a few nosy Affini. "This is extremely light for me, I promise." What was so hard to comprehend? That they might have actually stayed in shape through it? That they had been made for such a thing? Even the vet said they were fit! 

 

Miss Verdun looked troubled. "Well besides that, it's nearly lunch and you need to eat. I was going to drop you off at Cordelia's after." 

 

"Then let's stop somewhere to eat." They had passed dozens of places walking down here, surely something had to be close by. 

 

That made the Affini perk up. "Oh that's a wonderful idea! There's a delightful cafe just a few blocks away!" 

 

They felt a shiver crawl up their spine, "It's not a... Class J cafe is it?" 

 

Miss Verdun shook her head, "No, but we can go to one of those if you want."

 

"No thanks." They could taste bile in the back of their throat.

 

A vine extended down out of Miss Verdun's cloak, stopping in front them. It lingered for a moment as they stared at it. "Could you take my vine so I can take the lead?" Ah, there it was.

 

"I'm not going to wander off." Even if they did, they wouldn't get far. 

 

"I only want to make sure we don't get separated. I'm not asking you to wear a leash, just to hold my vine for twenty minutes." Miss Verdun's face didn't give anything away. 

 

"I very much doubt we'll get separated, and even if we did," they held up the hand with the monitor, "it won't be for long."

 

"What if I asked really nicely?" Miss Verdun wiggled the vine in front of them. They put their hands in the hoodie’s pocket. They weren't a lost child. "If you insist. Just stay close, alright?" 

 

They sighed and stepped next to her, and she started walking. Miss Verdun led them inwards, more towards the center of the ring, and the path opened into a large courtyard with a canopy of vines shading the area. Around its edges were various places to get food, and in the courtyard dozens of groups were enjoying the scenery and their meals. 

 

They entered a small cafe, following behind Miss Verdun. Bells jingled as they crossed the threshold. Looking around, there were about a dozen booths, and many of them were full. It seemed they were far from the only ones out for lunch. They were mostly pets though, sitting in the laps of their Affini and being fed, or pet, and often both. All these people, but where was the service?

 

 They didn't have to wait long for the answer to reveal itself. 

 

"HELLO!" An android popped up out of nowhere. It had a sleek chrome chassis, with large tubes covering its joints. Beneath its head rested a collar, looking like an oversized nut. "I'm Cassie Vidius, Second floret, she/it. Welcome to Drinks and Bytes, how can I help you?" A simplified digital face displayed a smile, and animated as she talked. 

 

The sudden appearance of the machine nearly had them jump out their skin. The hell were they doing giving AIs bodies?! And apparently making them pets? Wait, what was the difference between Jess and an AI that's a pet? 

 

"Yes, can I get a table for two?" Shit, they let Miss Verdun take the lead again.

 

"You got it, Miss!" The machine cheerily led them over to a table, a large seat on either side. "Will you be ordering for your floret today?" 

 

The first time was annoying, but it was just insulting from some uppity machine. "I'm not a floret." 

 

"Huh?" It tilted it's head, "Oh! So you are! Well, there is a notice on your file. Anyways, in that case," It took out a menu and handed it to them. What was that about a notice? "Here you go!"

 

They took the menu, keeping their eyes on the machine. "Thanks. Mind giving me like five minutes?"

 

"You betcha!" It beamed, before dashing off and disappearing into the restaurant. 

 

"Would you like some help up?" Miss Verdun asked, moving in closely. 

 

This was getting really annoying. "Can't I get up on my own now I'm no longer healing?" 

 

She shifted, "You could, but I think you find it much easier with my help." 

 

"Fine." They growled. They were already garnering the attention of nearby Affini, and this wasn't worth making a scene over. They did their best to relax as the vines placed them in the chair, Miss Verdun taking her place across from them.

 

They flipped open the menu and- there was an overabundance of options. There were over a hundred breakfast items alone, and nearly as many lunch items. The variations were a bit overwhelming themselves, what the hell was the difference between a Greek Salad and an Italian salad anyways? Burgers alone came in hundreds of combinations. 

 

A vine intercepted as they were flipping through the pages yet again, "You know, if you're having trouble deciding, you could let me order for you." 

 

This was another Affini plot, wasn't it? Having a ridiculous menu was just another way to force them to rely on Miss Verdun, like the seats. They could choose at random, it was unlikely they ended up with a bad dish. Then again, Miss Verdun hadn't just been choosing their meals, she had been cooking for them too. It wasn't like this was a new venue of control for her. They already felt like they were on shaky ground from the days earlier events, this wasn't worth fighting over. They sighed and closed the menu in defeat, offering it to Miss Verdun. The sound of an Affini squealing with delight as they did so made it sting more than it should have. 

 

"Thank you." Miss Verdun smiled as she took it, looking over each page once, before setting it down.

 

"So?" 

 

Miss Verdun leaned over the table, until they were face to face. "'So' what, princess?" 

 

Don't encourage her

.

 

They swallowed the feeling. "Well, what did you decide?" 

 

"You wanna know what I'm going to order for you, is that it?" That odd feeling fluttered in their chest again. Luckily, they didn't have to respond to Miss Verdun's teasing. 

 

An Affini approached their table. They would guess they were just a bit bigger than Miss Verdun, if only a little. It was difficult to be sure with Miss Verdun sitting across from them.  "Excuse me, my ward was wondering if he could say hello to his friend?"

 

Miss Verdun looked stunned, "I thought you said you didn't have any friends?" 

 

"I don't." They peered around the Affini to see who they were talking about. One of their old crewmates. They knew this one, Nick Sawyer. He used to work on deck 14. No idea what made him think they were friends though. They knew they would likely have to face some of the men one day, but this was a bit too soon. There wasn't any way this was going to end well. 

 

Sawyer looked healthier though, there was a softness to his skin now. It no longer clung tightly around his face. He looked a bit unsteady but seemed largely present, and his eyes weren't dilated. He wore standard clothes, free from the companion dress motifs, but the monitor was wrapped around his neck like a collar, and several of the Affini's vines possessively clutched to him. Was he a pet or a ward? He waved, "Hey, Beckett." 

 

This felt wrong. They hadn't cared much for the crew, but seeing one of them now, with a collar-

 

We did betray the whole crew. 

 

That was something that had a newfound weight to it. It was hardly the first time they'd been disgusted by some of their actions, it was a pretty minor offense really, so why did it eat at them like this? Was it just the collar stuff getting to them again? "Heya Sawyer."

 

Why Sawyer was claiming to be their friend was beyond them. The only thing they could think of was exacting revenge, which would be really stupid around the Affini. They taught him better than that at least. 

 

"Well why don't you two eat with us? The waitress should be back to take our orders soon." Miss Verdun stood up, and moved to stand at the end of the side they were on. "I'm sure the little ones would love to catch up." 

 

The other Affini lit up, "That's a wonderful idea!"  They sat down immediately, pulling Sawyer into their lap, making him emit a small squeak. 

 

Wait, if they were both sitting on the other chair, where was Miss Verdun going to- "Excuse me cutie, but I'm going to put you in my lap now." 

 

"The hell you are!" Protesting did little to actually stop her as they were lifted up. Miss Verdun sat under them in their chair, and they were placed back down in her lap. It was surprisingly comfortable, almost as though it had made for the purpose.

 

"Now, that wasn't so bad was it?" Miss Verdun hummed. 

 

Don't encourage her. 

 

"We could have easily gotten more seats, or moved to another table. This is really unnecessary." At least it seemed like they weren't the only one with an overbearing Affini. Sawyer would pull away from some vines that had worked their way into his hair, only for another set to start scratching behind his ear which he'd then swat away, and so on. Miss Verdun still respected them in that manner, at least. 

 

"I suppose, but you can indulge me this one time, right?" She was at least not trying to touch them further. It was pretty comfortable, and it was only one meal... 

 

They threw their hands up in frustration, "I guess if it's just this one time."

 

"My, what a charming personality." The other Affini wore a mercurial grin, "My name is Lydia Parmenia, 6th bloom, She/They, and this cutie-" she picked up Sawyer from her lap a tad, giving them a better view of him. "Is my ward, but he tells me you two already know each other." 

 

"Camila Verdun, First Bloom, She/Her, it is a pleasure to meet you Lydia." The two Affini touched a few vines together briefly. "You both clearly know Beckett, but she is using She/Her pronouns currently and is taking a class G now."

 

They seized up as Miss Verdun outed them to their former crewmate. Why would she think that was okay to just say in front of Sawyer?! 

 

Sawyer looked confused, "What? Beckett what are they talking about, man?"

 

"Ah bup bup," Miss Parmenia did something they couldn't fully see. All they saw was some movement in her vines and Sawyer went a little pale. "No 'man' or anything similar, petal." 

 

They didn't owe Sawyer anything, but they weren't just going to let the Affini speak for them. "I've been trying a few new things." They shrugged. 

 

"I see..." Sawyer looked conflicted, "so, uhm," he scratched his head awkwardly, "You're a pet now?"

 

Miss Verdun shifted underneath them. "I am not, I have a wardship." 

 

"Wait, why don't you have a collar then?" Sawyer asked, clearly confused. They simply held up the monitor on their hand. Sawyer turned to his Affini, "You didn't say it had cuffs!" 

 

The other Affini shrugged and giggled. "Oopsie, I suppose I slipped my mind." Thank the stars Miss Verdun didn't make that same 'mistake.' 

 

"Hiii, can I get everyone's order?" The android girl was back, waving and barely visible at the edge of the table.  

 

Miss Parmenia was the first to speak, petting Sawyer as she did so,"This cutie will have the lemon chicken with rice, and some enriched mineral water for myself."

 

"And we will have the ziti," Miss Verdun folded the menu and handed it over. "mild please. I would also like some water, if you would." Letting her order for them was a bit embarrassing, but at least Sawyer was in the same position. 

 

Tucking away the menus, the android perked up, "Alrighty! I'll be back in a jiffy!" It gave a wink and flashed a smile, giving a playful salute before disappearing into the restaurant. 

 

The silence left by its departure was growing into an awkward heavy pause. "So, how have you been finding the Compact, Mister Sawyer?"

 

He gave them a look that told them all they needed to know. Dealing with the Affini was difficult. "It's... not what I expected. I'm still kinda shocked you were the one responsible though, you never seemed like a sympathizer."

 

They grunted. "I'm not."

 

Sawyer looked confused, "Then why?" 

 

"Got tired of being stuck in a tin can, and losing a war." They shrugged. It wasn't a question that could have a good answer, no matter what it would be insufficient. 

 

Sawyer's fire sparked to life. "So what? You were bored ?"

 

Miss Parmenia's vines coiled around him. "Now, now petal, let's stay nice, okay?" 

 

They held up their hand. "It's perfectly fine, I don't really expect anyone to be happy they got betrayed." 

 

That earned a fairly nasty look from Sawyer. "I can't believe I thought you were actually dedicated to the crew. I thought you cared." Fool.

 

"My dedication is reserved for my own goals, but I am grateful that it only involved the few casualties it did." Miss Verdun shifted underneath them again, and Miss Parmenia looked uncomfortable. 

 

Sawyer looked nearly heartbroken. "They were our friends, did that mean nothing to you?"

 

"They were your friends," they replied. They were already tired of this conversation, they've had it too many times before. There was a weight in their chest. Strange, they normally wouldn't feel regret over this; maybe the dream was getting to them.

 

"O-Kay!" the android was back, bearing two plates with two large glasses of water behind it. For the first time, they felt thankful for its presence. It stood on the tips of its toes and slid the plates onto the table, followed by utensils bundled in napkins. "Your food is ready! I hope you enjoy it!" 

 

Miss Verdun reached down, stroking the machine and praising it. "What a good little bot~" It shivered with pleasure and melted under the attention. Miss Parmenia also joined in, cooing as she traced her vines alongside the android's seams. It was only a handful of moments, but more than long enough to feel eerie. 

 

The android bounced away, checking in on another table, where it was pulled up into an unseen Affini's arms. Maybe it was just designed to be that much of a pet? They didn't know how to really interpret the food that lay in front of them. It was beige tubes, covered in a red sauce and herbs, as well as cheese. This would be a fork right? They unbundled the utensils- oh. There was a steak knife. As soon as it was revealed, a vine from beneath slipped out, and snatched it. 

 

They huffed. As if they couldn't be trusted with sharp objects, or that they would need a knife to kill or wound. They took a glance at Sawyer as they grabbed the fork- he was swatting away the vines of his Affini from the utensils. Seeing how much more aggressive an Affini could be was assuaging fears that Miss Verdun was trying to own them at least. They dug the fork in and took a small bite.

 

It was savory, and filled with layers of delightful flavors. Miss Verdun hummed as they chewed, and it made some sort of resonance in them. They swallowed, blushing furiously as it tingled, and lingered in their chest. 

 

"Well it sounds like you two weren't really all that close." Miss Parmenia had surrendered the utensils, satisfying herself with petting Sawyer as he cut into his meal. "But that just means you can get to know each other now, right?" 

 

Neither of the Terrans spoke, exchanging only icy glances as they continued to eat. "Well I think that's a wonderful idea, the little one definitely needs more friends, don't you princess?" 

 

"M-miss Verdun?!" In front of the men?! Was she completely out of her mind?! 

 

Sawyer furrowed his brow, "What?" 

 

"It's-" their voice was strained, they paused to clear it. "She insists on calling me that until I pick a new name." It felt like defeat to admit Miss Verdun had pushed them thus far. 

 

Miss Parmenia perked up, "Ooo, how fun! What are you considering?" 

 

"I don't know yet." They took another bite. 

 

"Well, I'm sure Camila would be happy to help." A fact they were all too aware of. They could feel a few of her vines under them squirm. 

 

"Are you really just fine with this?" Sawyer finally spoke out, deeply troubled. "You just... Kill the bridge crew and the captain and then... What? Decide you're a girl all of a sudden and become some weed's pet?" 

 

"I'm not a pet," they protested, the only fight they could put up against the oddly sharp sting of the words. All this 'emotion' bullshit was getting really tedious.   

 

Miss Parmenia drew herself tightly around Sawyer, halting him as he tried to take another bite. "That's strike two, petal." She slowly scraped a needled flower up his neck, "One last chance to behave." 

 

Sawyer's face went pale- what was in that needle? "Y-yes Miss, sorry Miss." The needle pulled away, and he let out a sigh. 

 

"Now Apologize to Miss Beckett," the other Affini prompted. Miss Beckett? 

 

Sawyer looked at them for a moment, conflict in his face. With visible effort, he swallowed his pride and rage. "Sorry, Beckett. I hope it goes well for you."

 

"Thanks." What he was wishing them well on was unclear, and the apology couldn't be more forced, but they just wanted out of this conversation already. There had been far too much talking about themselves.

 

"Now, isn't that better?" Miss Parmenia smiled, finally easing back into a relaxed state, and returning to playing with her ward's hair. 

 

"Yes, Miss." Sawyer grumbled, stuffing his mouth. The look in his eyes said otherwise. 

 

They finished the rest of the meal quickly, hoping to end the encounter as soon as possible. It was a pity to not get to properly enjoy such fine food, but not half as painful as whatever the fuck this had been. They didn't even respect Sawyer, though they couldn't tell if that made it worse or not. "Can you set me down, please?" 

 

"Done already?" Miss Verdun lifted them out and set them down, standing up behind them. 

 

"Why don't you two say goodbye to each other and we'll see about getting a playdate set up?" Miss Parmenia smiled, setting Sawyer down. 

 

They shrugged, staying where they were. "See you around, I guess." 

 

Sawyer nodded, "Yeah." and moved towards them. Oh come on, surely the man had to realize that they weren't actually close, let alone on hugging terms. Even a handshake would be pushing it honestly. Then again, putting on a show for the Affini wasn't a bad idea. A brief hug... could be tolerable. They slowly opened their arms.

 

Then they saw the glint of the knife concealed in his hand, and the look in his eye. 

 

-_-_-_-

 

Camila didn't know where it had gone wrong, it happened so fast. Beckett and her friend were going for a goodbye hug. Suddenly, she struck his hand, and there was a clattering as a knife skittered across the floor. Nicholas's hand hung at an odd angle as he fell to his knees, his wrist was broken. Those weren't what really made her core drop, however. 

 

Beckett's face had returned fully to the one she had met aboard the Valiant, a cold, unfeeling mask. A far cry from the emerging warm and sweet girl Camila had spent the last few days coaxing out. 

 

"It seems I failed to impart even the most basic lessons to you, Mister Sawyer." 

 

Nick spat at her. "Fuck you, traitor!" Beckett didn't flinch. Her uncanny, uncaring stare continued to drill into him. His eyes went wide, just before he slumped to the floor, and Lydia collected her floret. 

 

Beckett clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Sloppy..." She was looking at her hand. No, what was on her hand.

 

Camila's core stopped as she saw the deep gash on Beckett's palm. Oh Stars, Viola had been right. This was her fault. She should have listened to her when she said she didn't know Nicholas, or seen that a knife was missing from the table or-  No! Blame can be assigned later. Beckett was hurt, everything else was secondary. "Petal, we need to get you to the Vet"

 

"It's just a cut, it isn't that serious." Beckett stated, as though there wasn't a fifteen centimeter long cut in her hand!  "Just needs a bit of pressure and something to soak the blood." She pulled down her sleeve, balling it in her hand and pressing it on with the other. The blood was already seeping through the light material.

 

Was Beckett doing barbaric Terran field medicine?! Aboard an Affini vessel?! "I'll decide what is and isn't serious, thank you!" Camila pulled Beckett into her vines, causing the girl to yelp. 

 

"Th-that's not a warning!" Camila ignored her protests as she pulled down the hoodie's sleeve, and rinsed the Terran's hand with an antiseptic. She slathered on a bioactive sap that would start the healing and keep the wound from being aggravated, and layered on top a leaf, capable of absorbing any further bleeding. That would do until she got them to a professional. 

 

Lydia got her attention, Nicholas cradled in her vines, his arm in a makeshift bracer. "There's a Vet just a few blocks down, follow me. We can discuss what happened while they treat them."

 

Nodding, Camila unraveled the vines that formed her legs. She'd need all the speed she could get. Making sure Beckett was secure, they both exited the cafe, and raced to the Vet.