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Harper faked a smile the entire morning, waving at everyone who walked by, saying normal greetings, and displaying a peppy attitude. In order not to make Bomb suspicious, she needed to act like she was so happy to be back safe.

The other scientists acted the usual way around her, not paying her much mind. That was good. They were treating her like she was a stranger, just like at the Facility.

No doubt, many of the people who worked there were jealous of her job. It was directly under Lee Bomb, the head, and she was assigned a great duty that everyone knew was worth millions of cash.

But none of that mattered to her anymore.

The first thing she did was eat breakfast. That was her usual starter.

Then she strolled down the hall and went into an open living room. There was a tabletop map that showed the layout of the entire ship and the estimated time of arrival to Westona, with fancy holographics.

She zoomed in closer to the pilot's station. It was about a 6-minute walk from the laboratory, which is probably where Yanpu was being held.

There were 3 control panels placed on different sections of the ship, but she knew the one she needed to use was the one at the pilot's station. Unfortunately, there were many checkpoints too.

Servicemen who were stationed at checkpoints stood guard at different shifts. She wasn't sure she had access to meet with the Pilots. So she was going to have to pretend.

There were 4 escape pods left. Which was another 5 minutes away, and a cross-section between another checkpoint.

How long would it take her to activate an escape pod? Harper calculated it within her mind.

They had an automated launch upon countdown. The countdown was 8 minutes. This meant they would have to run like hell to reach the pods in time, and that was IF she could start it up.

She had to take the chance. Around lunchtime would be better. That is when the servicemen swapped places.

So she waited. A few hours later, she went into go mode. She sped-walked down the hall. Sure enough, there were two men about to stand in the same place as the previous ones.

What would she say to them? She had to think of something quick.

Her body took over and she started waddling like a penguin. "Excuse me!"

"Only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point." One of the men announced.

"I know! But I was trying to find a bathroom and this ship is huge! Is there one nearby I could use?" She faked a whimper.

The four men glanced at each other.

"The only one nearest is through here,"

"But we can't let her in, it's not allowed."

"Please!" Harper begged. "It's an emergency! A woman's emergency! You know what I mean?"

"Oh," One of them blushed. "Is it that bad?"

"Don't ask her that! You know women get sensitive about their hygiene!" Another one slapped his partner on the helmet. He stepped aside. "Sorry about that, go right on through, make it quick."

"I don't think I can..." Harper swallowed. "It's not something I can control. My body does what it does."

"Oh,"

"Do you have any tampons or pads I could use? I left mine in my room."

Their faces paled. She had them right where she wanted. That was a trap that most men strayed away from.

"There should be some... in the bathroom?" One coughed.

"Thank you. I'll call one of you guys for help in case there isn't any, is that okay?"

"Um..." None of them wanted to participate to help her with that. In fact, they were all looking at each other, debating whether to stand by or leave.

"Great! Thanks! You men are so sweet!" Harper walked in and the doors shut behind her. She couldn't believe her idea worked. She went up to the control panel and pressed a button that locked the doors.

The men wouldn't be checking in for a while. Her excuse scared them witless. She laughed at the thought.

Then she began typing on the panel's keys. The footage of the lab popped up. When she saw Yanpu sitting at a small table drawing, she sighed in relief.

"Yani," She spoke through the mic, muting it for the outside room so the other scientists wouldn't hear. Yanpu looked up at the camera upon hearing her voice.

"Harper?"

"Shh, it's okay. Would you like to go somewhere and get some ice cream?"

"Yeah!" Yanpu nodded with a wide grin.

"I'll come to get you, okay? Just stay put."

"Okay!" Yanpu went back to what he was doing like it was nothing. Harper closed the camera window on the panel and began setting coordinates to the nearest piece of land from where the ship was currently hovering over.

On the radar of the ship's outline, she noticed another red dot away from the ship, but oddly it wasn't detected. She guessed it wasn't important and continued setting the coordinates for the airpod.

Before she could initiate a launch sequence for them, the lights started to flicker, and the electricity went off. It wasn't only the pilot station, but the entire ship.

She wondered if she pressed the wrong button. She probably did. Hacking wasn't at all her special skill.

She feared that the soldiers outside would burst in and catch her, but nothing was happening. What was going on?

The lights came back on, and the electricity did too. It was like the ship was restarting itself. When Harper looked at the panel, she noticed that one of the engines had busted.

Harper huffed. "What? What happened?" She typed again, shifting all the windows on the screen around. Why did an engine go out all of a sudden?

The cameras were not working. They showed black and white pixels, and Harper frustratingly fumbled through all of the footage. Did Bomb catch her? Oh no!

She scrambled and typed, trying her best to reboot the system. Then a window popped up, showing footage. She breathed and checked on Yanpu. He was still drawing. The scientists outside were also unphased.

Harper switched the lab camera to another and her fingers tensed.

That familiar figure. The long hair. Two blades.

It was Hyde.

"How did he— never mind." She shook her head. There was no time to wonder about how he made it out alive. He walked down the hall outside of the engine room and she decided to help him.

She tapped a button, and the doors opened for him. He stopped for a moment, confused by the phenomenon. Then he continued with hesitation.

"Go on," She whispered to herself. "Move faster."

She switched cameras to watch him go further. It looked like he was headed for the lab. That was a good thing. If he grabbed a hold of Yanpu, she could take a shortcut and meet him.

There were servicemen approaching him. Harper panicked and turned the lights off so they wouldn't see him going their way. Hyde took the advantage and attacked.

They were dead in a second, and Hyde kept it going. Harper silently cheered and kept helping him through. But when he was in front of the lab, the footage went out.

"No!" Harper pleaded and tapped the panel. "Hyde! Come on you stupid piece of tech—" The footage came back on, and Hyde was nowhere to be seen.

"Wait, where did he go?" She searched frantically. She switched the cameras, and Yanpu was still there. "Where did you go? Hyde! Ugh!" She grumbled and kept flickering through the footage. "I really need your help!"

Harper felt a strong arm wrap around her waist, and a hand around her neck. Her back was pressed against the front of someone.

"There you are," Hyde's bitter tone whistled in her ears.

"Hyde," Harper exhaled.

She was suddenly yanked away from the control panel and shoved into a wall. Hyde's fingers tightened around her throat.

"Surprised, Vixen? You shouldn't be." He sneered. "You should've known I'd come back to kill you." His eyes glowed, and Harper tapped his wrist.

"Wait! Hyde!" She choked. "I'm... trying... to help you!"

"What?" Hyde scoffed. His grip loosened, and she managed to free herself.

"The lights, the doors?" Harper explained. "That was all me! I'm helping you!"

"And why the heck would you do that?" Hyde raised his blade. "Nothing you do will change my mind."

"Because you were right! Even if it doesn't change your mind, I don't care! You were right and we need to do something about it!" Harper embraced him around the torso. "I'm so glad you're alive."

"You think I'd die that easily? Let me go—"

Harper caressed his face and yanked him forward. "Are you hurt? Is your scar okay? Let me know if you need a pain patch! There's plenty here!"

She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. Hyde felt like there was information he was missing. A whole lot of it. Why was she acting sweetly? Was he going crazy?

Did her voice just soften? Why was she embracing him? Was she drunk?

"Can you... let me go?"

"Let me hold on a little longer, please," Harper puffed. "I actually thought you were dead."

Hyde felt a warm liquid seeping onto his shoulder. "Are you drunk?"

"I'm happy,"

"You're crying." He stood up straight and pulled away from her. "Did you catch a fever?"

"I'm not drunk or sick, okay?" Harper took a deep breath. "I know what happened! I saw it!"

"Saw? What?" Hyde furrowed his eyebrows.

"I know why you're sick. I know what Bomb did to you. I know that he lied to me, and he's planning to do the same thing to Yanpu that he did to you. I won't let that happen. So let's kick his arse."

"Wow," Hyde felt his legs twitch. Lust for her had just coursed through his veins. Hyde fixed his stance and coughed. He wasn't sure if he could trust her, not after what she did.

"Not that convincing..." Hyde pressed his lips thin. "I'm not stupid."

"You're right." Harper sighed. "I'm the stupid one."

"Now you're finally getting it."

"I'm angry at myself, and angry that I put my trust in Bomb so easily."

"First time?" Hyde twirled his blade playfully.

What if this was all a trick? Harper could very well be pretending so she could spare herself.

Harper took off her lab coat and tossed it aside. Then she grabbed the edge of Hyde's blade and placed the tip of it near her stomach.

"You don't have to trust me. I'm willing to die here and now for everything I foolishly did. But after you kill me, all I'm asking you to do is to save Yanpu. He doesn't deserve the same treatment you received 10 years ago."

"You can't just command me to kill you." Hyde snapped and aimed for her neck. "I'll do it on my own terms."

Harper nodded. "The choice is yours to make." She sighed, never taking her eyes off the blade. Hyde tightened his grip on the handle, and Harper closed her eyes, waiting for her life to end.

She uttered her last words. "Please protect Yanpu."

Hyde wanted to slit her throat, but something was holding him back. For the longest time, he was anticipating the day when he'd be in this position.

But now that it was actually happening, it didn't feel right. Hyde examined her face as she breathed softly while waiting for her demise. She was too willing, and he wasn't finding any enjoyment in that.

Hyde quickly placed his sword back into his belt and pulled away from her.

"You've got something to say." Hyde rolled his eyes. "Talk."

Harper opened her eyes and frowned. "You're not going to kill me?"

"I offered to hear you out. Don't test my patience."

"We need to start with launching the escape pod. You can grab Yanpu—"

"Arnest is already doing that." Hyde intervened.

"Arnest is alive?" Harper's eyes widened. "I have to apologize to him. I shouldn't have gone to help Arturo that day, then Vesper wouldn't have found me, and Bomb wouldn't have—"

"So that's the dastard's name..." Hyde grumbled. "That thief."

"Yes, but—"

"Where is he? I've gotta pay him back for the shite he—"

"Hyde, please focus." Harper snapped her fingers. "We have to get Yanpu to safety!"

"I came for revenge. Yanpu will be fine."

"Hyde—"

"I'll kill every last soldier on this ship. Every last scientist. And I'll get rid of Bomb for good."

"Arnest can get to Yanpu and you can kill whoever, but without my help, you won't get far! We can't be rash! You did that the last time and they still tracked us down! We have to focus on leaving here, hiding Yanpu away, and getting some strength to fight back!"

Harper reasoned with him. "This isn't just between you and Bomb. We are fighting with the entire country, fighting with the government! A government with thousands of droids who will destroy other towns like Piccposto to get what they want."

Hyde paused, letting her words sink in. It didn't seem like a trap. She sounded genuine.

"If you double cross me..." He hissed, and Harper stopped him.

"That isn't an option. My priority is getting Yanpu away. But I can't do it alone. I'm not strong like you, I don't have the proper resources to defend myself. I need your help."

"So, you need me, huh?" Hyde smirked. "What do I get in return?"

"My Loyalty and Devotion. I'll be indebted to you." Harper stated honestly, and Hyde snickered.

"That was so corny."

"I'm serious though." Harper pouted. "As of now, you are the only one I have to rely on. I'll give it my all, and I'll do my best to protect you."

"Protect me? Didn't you just say you weren't as strong as me just now?"

"I'll be your shield."

Harper grabbed onto his hand like a comrade in battle. "I'll even sacrifice myself if need be."

"Okay, okay," Hyde didn't like how cheesy she was acting. He pulled his hand away. Awkwardly, he brushed his bangs out of his face. "I'll help you. So, what's your plan?"

Harper went to check to see if Arnest had entered the lab. On the camera there he was. Harper smiled and passed Hyde the mic.

He stared at it, not understanding what she wanted.

"Tell him to head to the escape pods. It's down the hall and to the left."

"Why can't you tell him?"

"Because he may view me as a traitor. I don't want to alarm him. He may do something stupid and ruin my plan."

Hyde laughed. "Clever. Move." He nudged her away from the panel and spoke on the mic. Yanpu and Arnest looked up at the camera as he spoke.

"Take the boy and meet me by the escape pods, you know where it is don't you?"

Arnest gave a thumbs up, before grabbing ahold of Yanpu. The boy was confused and hesitant, so Hyde added to his command. "She's fine, I spared her. So go with him if you want her to stay alive."

Harper slapped his shoulder. "Hey!"

"What? You want him to be dragged out kicking and screaming?" Hyde frowned.

"No, but... oh!" Harper crossed her arms. "You're so, so... He's still a child!"

"You're the one who told me to speak."

"Whatever, Hyde," Harper rolled her eyes.

"Women," Hyde shook his head, "They're never satisfied."

"Anyways," Harper pointed to the panel. "I'll start the launch sequence. We have to make sure the servicemen outside are—"

"Already taken care of," Hyde smiled wickedly. "Killed them on the way in."

"You're Crazy."

"Mhmm."

"Can you take care of the men at the checkpoint too?"

"Now who's crazier? The one who kills or the one asking me to?"

"It's done," Harper clicked one final button on the panel ignoring his teasing. "Let's go." She tapped his shoulder and walked toward the door. She saw the bodies, and just about gagged at the sight of all the blood.

Hyde covered Harper's eyes and guided her over the dead men. The action startled her but she appreciated the gesture.

"Why do you have to be so brutal?"

"Came with the job description. All servicemen are that way."

They walked down the hall. With Arnest on his way to the pods from the lab, they had enough time to get there. Her plan was much easier than before.

"I saw your bedroom." Harper started, trying to fill the awkward silence.

Hyde's expression remained the same.

"The pictures on the wall... they seemed very endearing,"

"Of course they did. Most things that are put together as a lie look fancy. All it takes is a few props, and pawns."

Harper felt dry in the throat. His response caught her off guard, but he was right. Bomb planned everything. He set things in place to manipulate Hyde his entire life.

Harper could only imagine how violated he felt. She sensed that she would never be able to fully understand the entire scope of how vile Bomb treated Hyde.

"Even so, your childhood pictures looked adorable. You grew into your features well."

"Are you flattering me?"

"Yanpu looks so much like you. It'll be hard to tell you both apart when he gets older. Oh, this way!" Harper stopped at an entrance to a connecting hallway.

She slowed down and made careful, soft footsteps. "Not too loud." She pressed her fingers to her lips.

"How much do you know?" Hyde balled his fists.

"Shh!" Harper waved her hand at him, gesturing for him to stop talking. "The soldiers. They're straight ahead." She whispered and tiptoed, pressed against the wall.

This was the checkpoint. She wanted to see where the cameras were, so she could plan for their next move. She didn't want an alarm to go off.

It would alert the entire ship, making their escape difficult.

Hyde rushed ahead. Harper felt her blood leave her face when he grabbed his sword and swiftly hacked down both servicemen in one swipe. Blood splattered on the wall, and Harper felt bile rise in her throat.

It would take her a while to get used to him doing that. She viewed life as precious. But she also knew that these men would do anything to stop her from protecting Yanpu.

She had to make a sacrifice. Hyde shook his blade, letting a droplet of red fall off the tip. Then he looked over his shoulder, at Harper.

"Come on," He nodded in the direction ahead.

"O-okay." She stammered and jumped over their bodies.

"Back to my question," Hyde began, and Harper finished it.

"I know that you're his biological son. You and Yanpu are brothers."

"Half-Brothers." Hyde corrected her. "We don't have the same mother."

"He's still your brother." Harper stated, "How did you even find out about Yanpu?"

"A Kragite told me." He answered.

"A Kragite?" Harper gasped. How did the Kragites know about Yanpu? The Facility was very hushed about his existence.

"You'd be surprised knowing how many of them are here as spies."

"As SPIES?"

"It's a story for another time," Hyde clicked his tongue. "Where to?"

"I think..." Harper scratched her head, trying to remember the map from earlier.

"I didn't come all this way and kill for you to say those words... don't tell me we're lost." He grunted.

"We're not lost," Harper raised her index finger in an as-a-matter-of-fact way. "But I'm trying to remember if the escape pods are to the left or the right."

"I know." Hyde stepped forward and went to the left.

"How?"

"It was practically my second home. It's this way."

"And if you're wrong?"

"I'm not." Hyde pointed. Arnest was with Yanpu, with a pistol in his hand, standing protectively in front of the boy. It wasn't until they approached that Arnest shifted his attention to them.

However, when he spotted Harper, he drew his gun up and placed a finger on the trigger.

~~~