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Feb. 16th, 2013 06:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pointyspacepiratePuck waited impatiently by her new ship. It was one of the dozen or so that they had kept from Kat's drug fueled rampage through a Scientific research facility. The previous owner must have been important though because the car positively oozed a sense of superiority. It's onboard computer even had an accent. It came with all the touches of luxury, but secretly she had told Lea to start amassing parts to replace it's engine with something stronger.
Someday she intended on racing Othelo in his own car and beating him. Just to savor his defeat.
But that was not today. Today Othelo stood by in a nice suit holding two of his children while Kitty held the others. Lots of kissing and hugging and promises to be safe and come home in one piece were being exchanged. Puck looked away unwilling to indulge in eavesdropping on the little families moment. Instead her attention was drawn to the lumbering hulk of a man packing backpacks into the storage in the back of her ship.
"Jessie, what's all that?" The purple haired captain inquired moving closer to inspect one of the bags. He grinned sheepishly "Well I just figured...you four ought to be ready for anything. So I was packing some survival kits in the trunk."
The Captain gave him a very dry look. "What do you think he's gonna do? shoot us down over the mountains? He can't make any money off us like that."
"If he was half the businessman you claim he is he'd find a way." A new voice called and Puck shot an annoyed glance over her shoulder to see the final members of their party arriving. Lzzkren and Pam were entering the hanger in suits as well. Everyone looked very professional considering they were a bunch of degenerate space pirates.
"You're going to make us late. Hurry up and get in the ship." She barked and Othelo bid his wife goodbye with one last kiss. The rest of the crew had gathered to see them off. Some of the newer members of the crew didn't seem as concerned as the four who were making the trip, but Puck knew it was difficult to explain just why a meeting with Spider was so intimidating.
"Hey." Jessie again. He had closed up the storage and was standing next to her now. Her sharp gaze traveled up his tight crisp white shirt to his simple face.
"Just...be careful alright?" He asked hopefully. Puck felt a wave of heat wash over her and grabbed his collar, dragging him in so they were eye to eye...or at least sunglasses since he always wore a pair.
"I'm the Captain here. You don't give me orders." She admonished and then stroked his cheek tenderly.
"Take care of my ship. I'll be back soon."
She released him then one by one bid her goodbyes to the crew. It felt too stiff and final for her so she made sure to sprinkle in lots of threats of torture and maiming if anything went wrong. The crew took it in stride though and before she knew it she was piloting her ship out and away from The Crimson Silk.
"You've got fur on you." Lzzkren was the first to break the silence from the back seat where he and Othelo were tolerating each others company only barely. Othelo just chuckled, but the laughter died in his mouth as the fastidious dark elf drew out a lint roller and had a gleam of silent fury in his eyes.
"Keep your hands to yourself! Moooom he's touching me!" Othelo cried out in a whine as Lzzkren attacked him with the lint roller to clean him of his families hairs. Puck just sighed and turned up the angry music from her stereo.
Pamela was taking things surprisingly well, then again to her this was just another business meeting wasn't it? Puck stole another glance at her business manager. Today's Pam was a kind that Puck hadn't seen before. In her business suit she gave off the feeling of a ninja, or a surgeon. Some profession where ruthless efficiency and precise actions were required. While the Captain had expected Pam to sport some kind of no-nonsense bun she had instead opted to have her hair blown out into a luxurious mane of lightly curled ringlets and tumbling tresses. She was...frankly stunning. Perhaps this was the pregnancy glow that people talked about?
As for her pregnancy it wasn't nearly far enough along to show in her stomach, but Puck theorized that underneath that sharp looking business suit Lzzkren had probably forced the businesswoman into some kind of armor. Of all of them Pamela was the least useful in a fight and if anything went wrong...
No! No she couldn't think of that. Not right now. She needed to be every bit the steely Captain the universe thought she was.
Pamela caught Puck looking at her and misunderstood it as expecting her to do something about the boys scuffling in the back. Pam considered it, then pressed a button rolling up a window that separated them from the back seat and the noise of the two boys.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Pucks lips but she continued on towards their destination in silence.
*****************************
He had chosen an expensive restaurant. Of course he had. A place full of enough people that they couldn't be sure who was on his payroll and who was an innocent bystander. Spider knew Puck hated to spill innocent blood.
Puck knew Spider didn't care.
Though they had spent the morning bickering about Pam coming along Lzzkren and Pam had had their arms linked the moment they stepped from the ship and Puck led them to the restaurant. Her stylish but sensible shoes clicked softly on the pavement and she smiled politely as a well groomed doorman opened the entrance for them.
Two waiters greeted them in the entrance way, twins it seemed.
"Right this way please."
"Mister Volaju is waiting for you."
The twins led them into the back of the building while Lzzkren leaned in to whisper. "Vladimir Volaju is his legal name." But Pam simply hissed back "I did my homework thank you." She had in fact read all the files attached to the name "Spider" that the silk had. But she had no time to enjoy putting Lzzkren in his place because they had arrived.
"The illustrious Captain Puck. How wonderful to see you again." His voice oozed with charm but it lingered in the ears like a fly. The sweetness in it was bitter like spoiled honey.
Puck gently took his hand and did a poor job at hiding her disgust as he kissed it, finally giving Pam a good look at him out of the shadows of the booth he had chosen for them.
It was instantly apparent why they called him "Spider." His long legs and arms gave him such an appearance, aided by his cold shark like eyes and rows of gleaming teeth that would have given MOS a run for his money. His hair was black and shiny and reminded Pam of an exoskeleton. The smile was as sincere as someone politely telling you they planned to eviscerate you with a fork. The business woman felt her stomach instantly knot up as a wave of discomfort passed over the group.
"Spider." Puck sniffed taking her hand back from him and wiping it off on a napkin.
One by one Spider addressed them, clearly dragging this uncomfortable greeting out. "Othelo, my sources tell me you're a happy father now! How's that treating you?" The normally relaxed and mellow pilot stiffened at the revelation that Spider knew about his children. "Well you know..." He managed to force out and plaster a pained smile on his face. "I never was one for sleeping through the night."
"How awful that they're likely to lose their father to the justice system some day." Spider finished moving his attention to Lzzkren and Pam while Othelo took his seat in the booth, followed by Puck. That way she would be on the exact opposite side of the rounded booth as Spider was.
"And who is this?" Spider's voice tightened and became lower. Dangerous sounding. "I know you like to show off Lzzkren but I specifically said "No dates."
There was a very unsubtle click and Pam felt every muscle in her body stiffen. It was the unmistakable sound of a weapon being prepared to fire. In fact if her mind wasn't spinning with fear she might even have been able to recognize the weapon from hearing Lzzkren use it at one time or another. But in this case the sound had come from behind her so it clearly wasn't his.
"Spider!" Puck barked drawing all the rooms attention back to her. She met his glittering predator eyes with a glare. "That is not a date. That is my new Executive of business affairs."
Spider seemed taken aback by this and turned his gaze back to Pam. Though she didn't dare take her eyes off Spider's she could envision Lzzkren's free hand itching to go for his blade. A thought that only gave her some minor comfort. Summoning up her courage she untangled herself from the dark elves arm and took Spider's hand in a firm handshake.
"A pleasure to meet you Mister Volaju. I am Pamela Jackson."
Spider took the hand to his lips and Pam did her best to keep a straight face as he kissed her wrist and released her hand. "A pleasure of course. But I'm afraid this meeting is private." He turned his back on her to address Puck, "And you knew that Captain. Richard? Dispose of her."
A large man with short cropped red hair took her by the arm and without a moment to blink Lzzkren drew a blade from somewhere and had the knife at Richard's neck.
The sound of a thousand weapons clicking and loading filled the room. Apparently it wasn't a question of who was and wasn't on Spider's payroll. Everyone here was.
"How surprising. Usually Puck is the overemotional one." Spider remarked holding out a glass for someone to fill with wine.
"Lzzkren." Puck spoke in a carefully measured voice, her hands were tense like she wanted to grab a fork from the table and stab someone in the neck. "Put. The knife. Away."
Lzzkren hesitated and glared at Richard silently letting him know he was not allowed to touch Pam before putting the blade away. Richard didn't seem shaken in the slightest and watched Spider for more commands.
"I am in charge of the Crimson Silk's business and financial efforts. With my assistance in the last few months we have seen a seventy five percent increase in productivity and to have me removed from the room would only hamper your goals...Mister Volaju."
The room was silent. Pamela could hardly believe the words had sprung from her mouth without a thought. But they were already out there and Spider seemed to be considering them as he took a sip from his glass.
"Oh silly girl. I wouldn't have had him remove you from the room right away." Spider leaned in till they were so close she could smell the wine on his breath.
"Richard would have ripped your arms off first and then after you'd died from the shock or blood loss he would have packed you up in a to go bag for the Captain."
Pamela almost choked smothering a whimper of fear that tried to escape her lips. She succeeded in the effort, but it was clear his words were not hyperbole.
And just like that Richard released her arm leaving her sleeve rumpled. She was sure under the sleeve her arm was probably sporting an angry red mark but she simply smoothed out the jacket and took her seat in between Puck and Lzzkren. Instantly she was aware of why Spider had chosen this seating set up. With the booth at their backs and a table between them the crew were backed into a corner. Meanwhile Spider's looming bodyguard set a chair at the head of the table and Spider took his seat.
"You've been very busy lately my darling caretaker." Spider spoke again in his relaxed and vaguely threatening voice. Puck brushed off the term caretaker, knowing it was just a cheap jab at the fact that he still owned the deed to her ship.
"You know what they say about idle hands." Puck shot back as a waiter came by and filled everyone's glasses with water. When asked if they would like some wine everyone accepted. Pamela normally wouldn't drink so early in the day, and never when on business but everyone else at the table had agreed and she didn't want to draw any more attention to herself. Already she was regretting her prideful insistence that she be here. What a foolish choice. She could blame it on her professional pride all she wanted but if she ended up dead it would do no one any good.
Gently under the table, a pair of fingers stroked her thigh and without looking down she knew they were Lzzkren's. He was letting her know he was still there, as if she could forget that he was currently her best chance for survival if the sociopath sitting in front of them all took a sudden turn of mood.
Spider urged them all to take a look at their menus, and that there would be time for business after they had each ordered. Puck and Lzzkren begrudgingly made their orders first, neither ordering anything significantly filling. Pam followed suit knowing that when she was in a lunch meeting she always tried to eat lightly. It gave her more energy for the rest of the day and provided her with less distractions to stop her from speaking when necessary.
Othelo was the only one who seemed to have an appetite. Much to Pamela's amusement he ordered soup, a plate of appetizers, an entree and even requested a dessert menu for later. Puck and Lzzkren looked ready to strangle him the more he spoke till the waiter took their menus and vanished into the back.
"Now then, let's discuss some of your most recent...capers." He used the word as if Puck's attempts at heists and robbery were nothing more then the fumbling of a children's cartoon villain. Puck began at the most recent incident demanding to know if Spider had done anything about the kidnappers.
"They acted without my knowledge. But I can assure you that none of them will be working at that facility any longer. I prefer my enterprises to be less...exposed. And with your little pet Ferrin dragging them into the limelight like that they've become a risky investment."
No one seemed satisfied with that explanation, but they didn't have much leverage to work with.
"I want to remind you how important the Ferrins are to my operation." Puck insisted never taking her eyes off Spider even as her water was refilled. "You've tried to buy them off me before and I refused. I don't want to have to discuss that again."
"You brought it up." Spider commented idly "I have no interest in your little hacker. He's good but not as good as others in my employee. And as for the breeding stock..." Here he leered at Othelo, "I prefer my companions to have less body hair then my dogs."
Pamela was surprised to see a flash of hot anger in Othelo's eyes. While most men would grow defensive and irritated at such a comment involving their wives Othelo had always laughed off such things when people on the ship had said them.
Then again, Spider wasn't family. Not like the crew. Already Pamela was starting to worry that when Othelo and the others had been saying their goodbyes it was just in case they didn't come back.
Puck quickly moved the conversation onto safer grounds, discussing the payments she had been making and how they had yet to be late on a single one. The unspoken words that Pamela knew were true was that they had even gone without parts for the ship, ammunition for the weapons or their favorite snacks so they could pay that regular bill. It was a sharp bill but more bothersome was the interest on it. As if it wasn't substantial enough.
"And while I know how badly you would like me to lower the interest," Spider chuckled "My answer is still no. Not until you prove to me I won't immediately regret giving your the benefit of my trust in that matter."
Pamela bite her lip to keep from speaking out loud how unprofessional of him it was to mock them like that when Puck had risked her life time and time again to make the payments without fail.
The meal arrived and Puck continued to explain their heists. Occasionally Spider would have Richard bring up some articles that had been written by the media on Puck and her crews exploits. By the time they had finished their meal Pamela had almost gotten relaxed from how...almost normal the meeting was. Except for the fact that literally everyone in the restaurant was paying attention to them.
"Now, we've been dancing around this subject for some time." Spider brought it up as a plate of gourmet cheesecakes was set on the table (Othelo's dessert order) "These people here."
Richard brought up some images of Anna, Hana, Men and Mika, pictures of them with various members of the crew.
"I wasn't aware you needed to be briefed on my every choice involving my staff." Puck shot back defensively.
"Oh I wouldn't dream of it. But these three specifically." The picture of Mika vanished and the other three grew larger. "I've had my best men and women looking into their identities and they haven't come up with anything. So I can't help but be curious."
"Maybe you should hire better detectives then." Puck countered. "They're just Shamans. Spiritual experts." When Spider looked unconvinced she continued. "The crew finds their presence relaxing. And each of them being a capable fighter doesn't hurt either."
Spider didn't look satisfied. "Puck, you naughty girl. I hope you're not trying to pull the wool over my eyes with such an obvious lie." Puck looked ready to flip the plate of cakes into Spider's face but she maintained.
"If you don't have any other questions for me Spider, I'd like to get back to my Ship. We have appointments to keep."
Spider hesitated, letting the silence linger while Othelo silently indicated to the waiter he'd like a few things to go. Lzzkren kicked him under the table but Othelo didn't comment.
"No...no I think I'm done with my questions. But because of the amount of publicity you've been getting lately...I think I'd like your next payment to be double." Puck's hair began to tremble like snakes but she swallowed her fury and gritted her teeth.
"That. Seems. Harsh." She commented.
"It's a harsh universe." Spider rose from his seat folding his napkin and setting it on the table before turning his eyes to Pamela. "I do hope you enjoyed this little meeting. I'm still not sure if I like you." He extended a hand and Pamela took it with a strained smile. Then she shrieked when she felt something warm and wet lick her hand. She withdrew sharply and fell into Puck as Lzzkren wrapped his fingers around a fork and slashed at Spider who casually stepped back avoiding the attack as easily as pouring a drink.
Pamela's eyes were transfixed with horror on what appeared to be a horrible worm made of flesh with two bulging eyes on either side of it's head and a writhing thick tongue almost dripping with drool. It was coming out of his wrist! And just as smoothly is slithered back in like his skin was liquid. It rippled and smoothed out once the monster vanished and Spider licked his lips thoughtfully.
"I enjoy your flavor though. Your fear flavors your flesh." He chuckled and gestured to the men behind him who all rose their weapons pointing them at the pirates. In that moment Pamela saw flashes of her life in the forefront of her mind.
"I do not appreciate your Dark Elves reactions though Puck. This woman has changed him for the worst and I don't approve. A punishment will need to be had."
"Then punish me for it." Puck growled and shoved the table finding it bolted to the ground. She chose instead to stand on her seat and then step onto the table, her boots scattering the flatware while Othelo rescued what was left of his desert.
Spider seemed to consider it for a moment. "The noble captain sacrificing herself for her crew." His face fell. "Disgusting. But I suppose that's reasonable."
Moving faster then Pamela could follow Spider was on the table and grabbed Puck by her throat. With strength that surpassed what his slender lanky body should be capable of he threw her to the ground and Pamela only caught a flash of Puck's black magic as it cushioned her fall.
Spider leapt lightly from the table landing on either side of her, knees bent looming over her. Othelo and Lzzkren were up, Lzzkren in front of Pam and Othelo with a gun in hand but Puck shouted for them to stop.
"This happens. Then we leave." Puck growled at Spider. "And you'll take the interest on our payments down by half."
Spider's lips curled into a twisted unstable smile. His pale skin almost looked ready to crack like it was a mask of shiny plastic.
"You've got some brass ones. I'll lower it by a quarter."
Puck barely had let the word of agreement escape her lips before that creature lunged from Spider's palm once more, bursting forth and attacking Puck's face.
Screaming filled the Restaraunt and Pamela felt herself getting faint. She couldn't bare to look and hid her face in Lzzkren's jacket. Othelo shouted Pucks name and Lzzkren's grip tightened on his blade.
"That's ENOUGH Spider. She's had enough!"
But Spider just laughed like Othelo had told a funny joke. When he finally withdrew he had blood on his suit and his hand was drenched in it. The monster was licking flecks of blood of Spider's cheek and Othelo was helping Puck to her feet passing her napkins to staunch the flow of blood from her left eye.
"Oh how tasty. It popped like a grape." Spider mused as the creature slithered back into his flesh and vanished. "I'll even knock off 25% on your next payment. Those screams..." He shuddered perversely. "I'll be hearing them all night."
Puck looked disgusted but stood with as much dignity as she could and spat some blood on the ground. "Good night Spider."
She maintained her composure all the way to the car. Pamela clutching at Lzzkren feeling lightheaded. There was so much blood on Puck's shirt and drops of it marking their trail.
"Othelo, Driving. Lzzkren get one of the survival kits out of the back. Pam...don't pass out. You're not allowed."
Pam made a whimpering sound that she almost didn't recognize as coming from her but Lzzkren gently guided her into the back seat of the car. "Sit here." He ordered and Pam nodded gingerly. Puck climbed in after and once Lzzkren had gotten the kit he shut the door and they were off.
Puck leaned back in her seat closing her remaining eye in a sigh and a shudder, "Fuck this hurts." she remarked so dryly that it sounded like she had only stubbed her toe. Lzzkren produced a bottle of something from the bag and Puck wasted no time in taking a gulp. Lzzkren looked at her and remarked moments too late. "That was to sterilize the wound."
Puck opened her eye again, somehow managing to give him a withering gaze despite her condition and accepted a clean towel from the Dark elf pouring some of the liquid onto one corner.
"Here, let me." Lzzkren insisted taking the towel from Puck and he dabbed at the area around her eye. Pam looked away unable to even stomach directly looking at the wound.
"I apologize." Lzzkren mumbled so softly Othelo might not have even heard it despite only sitting in the front seat.
"Shut up. He wanted to scare us. Especially Pam. Even without her there one of us would have gotten hurt."
The sickness in her stomach became too much with the addition of guilt and Pam clawed at one of the panels on the floor, finding a sickness bag and taking a moment to herself in the opposite corner of the back seat.
Puck groaned and closed her eye once more. "Just don't get any on the leather. Lzzkren's already going to have to clean the blood from the upholstery."
Pam did her best to comply, this little experience leaving her feeling...completely out of her element. This was business that was beyond her experience. She had expected the financial wounds but everything else...she simply couldn't process it yet.
The rest of the trip out of the planets atmosphere was spent in silence until the Silk came into view. Othelo simply texted an alert to Kitty to prep the med bay and gave her a quick report of Puck's injury.
Finally Puck broke the silence.
"Othelo, did you save any of those little cakes?"
With a wry smile Othelo passed a container into the back seat and Lzzkren opened it for her so she could eat the cakes with one hand while the other continued to press the towel to her face.
"Have one Pam." Puck insisted and Pam shook her head gently feeling her stomach churn again.
"Try the chocolate one." Puck insisted and the smaller woman nodded too weak to argue taking one out of the box and nibbling it gingerly.
"This is just the cost of doing business Pam." Puck added sternly. The words did not do much to comfort the trembling executive. Lzzkren put his free arm around Pam and gave her a comforting squeeze.
That helped...a little.
Someday she intended on racing Othelo in his own car and beating him. Just to savor his defeat.
But that was not today. Today Othelo stood by in a nice suit holding two of his children while Kitty held the others. Lots of kissing and hugging and promises to be safe and come home in one piece were being exchanged. Puck looked away unwilling to indulge in eavesdropping on the little families moment. Instead her attention was drawn to the lumbering hulk of a man packing backpacks into the storage in the back of her ship.
"Jessie, what's all that?" The purple haired captain inquired moving closer to inspect one of the bags. He grinned sheepishly "Well I just figured...you four ought to be ready for anything. So I was packing some survival kits in the trunk."
The Captain gave him a very dry look. "What do you think he's gonna do? shoot us down over the mountains? He can't make any money off us like that."
"If he was half the businessman you claim he is he'd find a way." A new voice called and Puck shot an annoyed glance over her shoulder to see the final members of their party arriving. Lzzkren and Pam were entering the hanger in suits as well. Everyone looked very professional considering they were a bunch of degenerate space pirates.
"You're going to make us late. Hurry up and get in the ship." She barked and Othelo bid his wife goodbye with one last kiss. The rest of the crew had gathered to see them off. Some of the newer members of the crew didn't seem as concerned as the four who were making the trip, but Puck knew it was difficult to explain just why a meeting with Spider was so intimidating.
"Hey." Jessie again. He had closed up the storage and was standing next to her now. Her sharp gaze traveled up his tight crisp white shirt to his simple face.
"Just...be careful alright?" He asked hopefully. Puck felt a wave of heat wash over her and grabbed his collar, dragging him in so they were eye to eye...or at least sunglasses since he always wore a pair.
"I'm the Captain here. You don't give me orders." She admonished and then stroked his cheek tenderly.
"Take care of my ship. I'll be back soon."
She released him then one by one bid her goodbyes to the crew. It felt too stiff and final for her so she made sure to sprinkle in lots of threats of torture and maiming if anything went wrong. The crew took it in stride though and before she knew it she was piloting her ship out and away from The Crimson Silk.
"You've got fur on you." Lzzkren was the first to break the silence from the back seat where he and Othelo were tolerating each others company only barely. Othelo just chuckled, but the laughter died in his mouth as the fastidious dark elf drew out a lint roller and had a gleam of silent fury in his eyes.
"Keep your hands to yourself! Moooom he's touching me!" Othelo cried out in a whine as Lzzkren attacked him with the lint roller to clean him of his families hairs. Puck just sighed and turned up the angry music from her stereo.
Pamela was taking things surprisingly well, then again to her this was just another business meeting wasn't it? Puck stole another glance at her business manager. Today's Pam was a kind that Puck hadn't seen before. In her business suit she gave off the feeling of a ninja, or a surgeon. Some profession where ruthless efficiency and precise actions were required. While the Captain had expected Pam to sport some kind of no-nonsense bun she had instead opted to have her hair blown out into a luxurious mane of lightly curled ringlets and tumbling tresses. She was...frankly stunning. Perhaps this was the pregnancy glow that people talked about?
As for her pregnancy it wasn't nearly far enough along to show in her stomach, but Puck theorized that underneath that sharp looking business suit Lzzkren had probably forced the businesswoman into some kind of armor. Of all of them Pamela was the least useful in a fight and if anything went wrong...
No! No she couldn't think of that. Not right now. She needed to be every bit the steely Captain the universe thought she was.
Pamela caught Puck looking at her and misunderstood it as expecting her to do something about the boys scuffling in the back. Pam considered it, then pressed a button rolling up a window that separated them from the back seat and the noise of the two boys.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Pucks lips but she continued on towards their destination in silence.
*****************************
He had chosen an expensive restaurant. Of course he had. A place full of enough people that they couldn't be sure who was on his payroll and who was an innocent bystander. Spider knew Puck hated to spill innocent blood.
Puck knew Spider didn't care.
Though they had spent the morning bickering about Pam coming along Lzzkren and Pam had had their arms linked the moment they stepped from the ship and Puck led them to the restaurant. Her stylish but sensible shoes clicked softly on the pavement and she smiled politely as a well groomed doorman opened the entrance for them.
Two waiters greeted them in the entrance way, twins it seemed.
"Right this way please."
"Mister Volaju is waiting for you."
The twins led them into the back of the building while Lzzkren leaned in to whisper. "Vladimir Volaju is his legal name." But Pam simply hissed back "I did my homework thank you." She had in fact read all the files attached to the name "Spider" that the silk had. But she had no time to enjoy putting Lzzkren in his place because they had arrived.
"The illustrious Captain Puck. How wonderful to see you again." His voice oozed with charm but it lingered in the ears like a fly. The sweetness in it was bitter like spoiled honey.
Puck gently took his hand and did a poor job at hiding her disgust as he kissed it, finally giving Pam a good look at him out of the shadows of the booth he had chosen for them.
It was instantly apparent why they called him "Spider." His long legs and arms gave him such an appearance, aided by his cold shark like eyes and rows of gleaming teeth that would have given MOS a run for his money. His hair was black and shiny and reminded Pam of an exoskeleton. The smile was as sincere as someone politely telling you they planned to eviscerate you with a fork. The business woman felt her stomach instantly knot up as a wave of discomfort passed over the group.
"Spider." Puck sniffed taking her hand back from him and wiping it off on a napkin.
One by one Spider addressed them, clearly dragging this uncomfortable greeting out. "Othelo, my sources tell me you're a happy father now! How's that treating you?" The normally relaxed and mellow pilot stiffened at the revelation that Spider knew about his children. "Well you know..." He managed to force out and plaster a pained smile on his face. "I never was one for sleeping through the night."
"How awful that they're likely to lose their father to the justice system some day." Spider finished moving his attention to Lzzkren and Pam while Othelo took his seat in the booth, followed by Puck. That way she would be on the exact opposite side of the rounded booth as Spider was.
"And who is this?" Spider's voice tightened and became lower. Dangerous sounding. "I know you like to show off Lzzkren but I specifically said "No dates."
There was a very unsubtle click and Pam felt every muscle in her body stiffen. It was the unmistakable sound of a weapon being prepared to fire. In fact if her mind wasn't spinning with fear she might even have been able to recognize the weapon from hearing Lzzkren use it at one time or another. But in this case the sound had come from behind her so it clearly wasn't his.
"Spider!" Puck barked drawing all the rooms attention back to her. She met his glittering predator eyes with a glare. "That is not a date. That is my new Executive of business affairs."
Spider seemed taken aback by this and turned his gaze back to Pam. Though she didn't dare take her eyes off Spider's she could envision Lzzkren's free hand itching to go for his blade. A thought that only gave her some minor comfort. Summoning up her courage she untangled herself from the dark elves arm and took Spider's hand in a firm handshake.
"A pleasure to meet you Mister Volaju. I am Pamela Jackson."
Spider took the hand to his lips and Pam did her best to keep a straight face as he kissed her wrist and released her hand. "A pleasure of course. But I'm afraid this meeting is private." He turned his back on her to address Puck, "And you knew that Captain. Richard? Dispose of her."
A large man with short cropped red hair took her by the arm and without a moment to blink Lzzkren drew a blade from somewhere and had the knife at Richard's neck.
The sound of a thousand weapons clicking and loading filled the room. Apparently it wasn't a question of who was and wasn't on Spider's payroll. Everyone here was.
"How surprising. Usually Puck is the overemotional one." Spider remarked holding out a glass for someone to fill with wine.
"Lzzkren." Puck spoke in a carefully measured voice, her hands were tense like she wanted to grab a fork from the table and stab someone in the neck. "Put. The knife. Away."
Lzzkren hesitated and glared at Richard silently letting him know he was not allowed to touch Pam before putting the blade away. Richard didn't seem shaken in the slightest and watched Spider for more commands.
"I am in charge of the Crimson Silk's business and financial efforts. With my assistance in the last few months we have seen a seventy five percent increase in productivity and to have me removed from the room would only hamper your goals...Mister Volaju."
The room was silent. Pamela could hardly believe the words had sprung from her mouth without a thought. But they were already out there and Spider seemed to be considering them as he took a sip from his glass.
"Oh silly girl. I wouldn't have had him remove you from the room right away." Spider leaned in till they were so close she could smell the wine on his breath.
"Richard would have ripped your arms off first and then after you'd died from the shock or blood loss he would have packed you up in a to go bag for the Captain."
Pamela almost choked smothering a whimper of fear that tried to escape her lips. She succeeded in the effort, but it was clear his words were not hyperbole.
And just like that Richard released her arm leaving her sleeve rumpled. She was sure under the sleeve her arm was probably sporting an angry red mark but she simply smoothed out the jacket and took her seat in between Puck and Lzzkren. Instantly she was aware of why Spider had chosen this seating set up. With the booth at their backs and a table between them the crew were backed into a corner. Meanwhile Spider's looming bodyguard set a chair at the head of the table and Spider took his seat.
"You've been very busy lately my darling caretaker." Spider spoke again in his relaxed and vaguely threatening voice. Puck brushed off the term caretaker, knowing it was just a cheap jab at the fact that he still owned the deed to her ship.
"You know what they say about idle hands." Puck shot back as a waiter came by and filled everyone's glasses with water. When asked if they would like some wine everyone accepted. Pamela normally wouldn't drink so early in the day, and never when on business but everyone else at the table had agreed and she didn't want to draw any more attention to herself. Already she was regretting her prideful insistence that she be here. What a foolish choice. She could blame it on her professional pride all she wanted but if she ended up dead it would do no one any good.
Gently under the table, a pair of fingers stroked her thigh and without looking down she knew they were Lzzkren's. He was letting her know he was still there, as if she could forget that he was currently her best chance for survival if the sociopath sitting in front of them all took a sudden turn of mood.
Spider urged them all to take a look at their menus, and that there would be time for business after they had each ordered. Puck and Lzzkren begrudgingly made their orders first, neither ordering anything significantly filling. Pam followed suit knowing that when she was in a lunch meeting she always tried to eat lightly. It gave her more energy for the rest of the day and provided her with less distractions to stop her from speaking when necessary.
Othelo was the only one who seemed to have an appetite. Much to Pamela's amusement he ordered soup, a plate of appetizers, an entree and even requested a dessert menu for later. Puck and Lzzkren looked ready to strangle him the more he spoke till the waiter took their menus and vanished into the back.
"Now then, let's discuss some of your most recent...capers." He used the word as if Puck's attempts at heists and robbery were nothing more then the fumbling of a children's cartoon villain. Puck began at the most recent incident demanding to know if Spider had done anything about the kidnappers.
"They acted without my knowledge. But I can assure you that none of them will be working at that facility any longer. I prefer my enterprises to be less...exposed. And with your little pet Ferrin dragging them into the limelight like that they've become a risky investment."
No one seemed satisfied with that explanation, but they didn't have much leverage to work with.
"I want to remind you how important the Ferrins are to my operation." Puck insisted never taking her eyes off Spider even as her water was refilled. "You've tried to buy them off me before and I refused. I don't want to have to discuss that again."
"You brought it up." Spider commented idly "I have no interest in your little hacker. He's good but not as good as others in my employee. And as for the breeding stock..." Here he leered at Othelo, "I prefer my companions to have less body hair then my dogs."
Pamela was surprised to see a flash of hot anger in Othelo's eyes. While most men would grow defensive and irritated at such a comment involving their wives Othelo had always laughed off such things when people on the ship had said them.
Then again, Spider wasn't family. Not like the crew. Already Pamela was starting to worry that when Othelo and the others had been saying their goodbyes it was just in case they didn't come back.
Puck quickly moved the conversation onto safer grounds, discussing the payments she had been making and how they had yet to be late on a single one. The unspoken words that Pamela knew were true was that they had even gone without parts for the ship, ammunition for the weapons or their favorite snacks so they could pay that regular bill. It was a sharp bill but more bothersome was the interest on it. As if it wasn't substantial enough.
"And while I know how badly you would like me to lower the interest," Spider chuckled "My answer is still no. Not until you prove to me I won't immediately regret giving your the benefit of my trust in that matter."
Pamela bite her lip to keep from speaking out loud how unprofessional of him it was to mock them like that when Puck had risked her life time and time again to make the payments without fail.
The meal arrived and Puck continued to explain their heists. Occasionally Spider would have Richard bring up some articles that had been written by the media on Puck and her crews exploits. By the time they had finished their meal Pamela had almost gotten relaxed from how...almost normal the meeting was. Except for the fact that literally everyone in the restaurant was paying attention to them.
"Now, we've been dancing around this subject for some time." Spider brought it up as a plate of gourmet cheesecakes was set on the table (Othelo's dessert order) "These people here."
Richard brought up some images of Anna, Hana, Men and Mika, pictures of them with various members of the crew.
"I wasn't aware you needed to be briefed on my every choice involving my staff." Puck shot back defensively.
"Oh I wouldn't dream of it. But these three specifically." The picture of Mika vanished and the other three grew larger. "I've had my best men and women looking into their identities and they haven't come up with anything. So I can't help but be curious."
"Maybe you should hire better detectives then." Puck countered. "They're just Shamans. Spiritual experts." When Spider looked unconvinced she continued. "The crew finds their presence relaxing. And each of them being a capable fighter doesn't hurt either."
Spider didn't look satisfied. "Puck, you naughty girl. I hope you're not trying to pull the wool over my eyes with such an obvious lie." Puck looked ready to flip the plate of cakes into Spider's face but she maintained.
"If you don't have any other questions for me Spider, I'd like to get back to my Ship. We have appointments to keep."
Spider hesitated, letting the silence linger while Othelo silently indicated to the waiter he'd like a few things to go. Lzzkren kicked him under the table but Othelo didn't comment.
"No...no I think I'm done with my questions. But because of the amount of publicity you've been getting lately...I think I'd like your next payment to be double." Puck's hair began to tremble like snakes but she swallowed her fury and gritted her teeth.
"That. Seems. Harsh." She commented.
"It's a harsh universe." Spider rose from his seat folding his napkin and setting it on the table before turning his eyes to Pamela. "I do hope you enjoyed this little meeting. I'm still not sure if I like you." He extended a hand and Pamela took it with a strained smile. Then she shrieked when she felt something warm and wet lick her hand. She withdrew sharply and fell into Puck as Lzzkren wrapped his fingers around a fork and slashed at Spider who casually stepped back avoiding the attack as easily as pouring a drink.
Pamela's eyes were transfixed with horror on what appeared to be a horrible worm made of flesh with two bulging eyes on either side of it's head and a writhing thick tongue almost dripping with drool. It was coming out of his wrist! And just as smoothly is slithered back in like his skin was liquid. It rippled and smoothed out once the monster vanished and Spider licked his lips thoughtfully.
"I enjoy your flavor though. Your fear flavors your flesh." He chuckled and gestured to the men behind him who all rose their weapons pointing them at the pirates. In that moment Pamela saw flashes of her life in the forefront of her mind.
"I do not appreciate your Dark Elves reactions though Puck. This woman has changed him for the worst and I don't approve. A punishment will need to be had."
"Then punish me for it." Puck growled and shoved the table finding it bolted to the ground. She chose instead to stand on her seat and then step onto the table, her boots scattering the flatware while Othelo rescued what was left of his desert.
Spider seemed to consider it for a moment. "The noble captain sacrificing herself for her crew." His face fell. "Disgusting. But I suppose that's reasonable."
Moving faster then Pamela could follow Spider was on the table and grabbed Puck by her throat. With strength that surpassed what his slender lanky body should be capable of he threw her to the ground and Pamela only caught a flash of Puck's black magic as it cushioned her fall.
Spider leapt lightly from the table landing on either side of her, knees bent looming over her. Othelo and Lzzkren were up, Lzzkren in front of Pam and Othelo with a gun in hand but Puck shouted for them to stop.
"This happens. Then we leave." Puck growled at Spider. "And you'll take the interest on our payments down by half."
Spider's lips curled into a twisted unstable smile. His pale skin almost looked ready to crack like it was a mask of shiny plastic.
"You've got some brass ones. I'll lower it by a quarter."
Puck barely had let the word of agreement escape her lips before that creature lunged from Spider's palm once more, bursting forth and attacking Puck's face.
Screaming filled the Restaraunt and Pamela felt herself getting faint. She couldn't bare to look and hid her face in Lzzkren's jacket. Othelo shouted Pucks name and Lzzkren's grip tightened on his blade.
"That's ENOUGH Spider. She's had enough!"
But Spider just laughed like Othelo had told a funny joke. When he finally withdrew he had blood on his suit and his hand was drenched in it. The monster was licking flecks of blood of Spider's cheek and Othelo was helping Puck to her feet passing her napkins to staunch the flow of blood from her left eye.
"Oh how tasty. It popped like a grape." Spider mused as the creature slithered back into his flesh and vanished. "I'll even knock off 25% on your next payment. Those screams..." He shuddered perversely. "I'll be hearing them all night."
Puck looked disgusted but stood with as much dignity as she could and spat some blood on the ground. "Good night Spider."
She maintained her composure all the way to the car. Pamela clutching at Lzzkren feeling lightheaded. There was so much blood on Puck's shirt and drops of it marking their trail.
"Othelo, Driving. Lzzkren get one of the survival kits out of the back. Pam...don't pass out. You're not allowed."
Pam made a whimpering sound that she almost didn't recognize as coming from her but Lzzkren gently guided her into the back seat of the car. "Sit here." He ordered and Pam nodded gingerly. Puck climbed in after and once Lzzkren had gotten the kit he shut the door and they were off.
Puck leaned back in her seat closing her remaining eye in a sigh and a shudder, "Fuck this hurts." she remarked so dryly that it sounded like she had only stubbed her toe. Lzzkren produced a bottle of something from the bag and Puck wasted no time in taking a gulp. Lzzkren looked at her and remarked moments too late. "That was to sterilize the wound."
Puck opened her eye again, somehow managing to give him a withering gaze despite her condition and accepted a clean towel from the Dark elf pouring some of the liquid onto one corner.
"Here, let me." Lzzkren insisted taking the towel from Puck and he dabbed at the area around her eye. Pam looked away unable to even stomach directly looking at the wound.
"I apologize." Lzzkren mumbled so softly Othelo might not have even heard it despite only sitting in the front seat.
"Shut up. He wanted to scare us. Especially Pam. Even without her there one of us would have gotten hurt."
The sickness in her stomach became too much with the addition of guilt and Pam clawed at one of the panels on the floor, finding a sickness bag and taking a moment to herself in the opposite corner of the back seat.
Puck groaned and closed her eye once more. "Just don't get any on the leather. Lzzkren's already going to have to clean the blood from the upholstery."
Pam did her best to comply, this little experience leaving her feeling...completely out of her element. This was business that was beyond her experience. She had expected the financial wounds but everything else...she simply couldn't process it yet.
The rest of the trip out of the planets atmosphere was spent in silence until the Silk came into view. Othelo simply texted an alert to Kitty to prep the med bay and gave her a quick report of Puck's injury.
Finally Puck broke the silence.
"Othelo, did you save any of those little cakes?"
With a wry smile Othelo passed a container into the back seat and Lzzkren opened it for her so she could eat the cakes with one hand while the other continued to press the towel to her face.
"Have one Pam." Puck insisted and Pam shook her head gently feeling her stomach churn again.
"Try the chocolate one." Puck insisted and the smaller woman nodded too weak to argue taking one out of the box and nibbling it gingerly.
"This is just the cost of doing business Pam." Puck added sternly. The words did not do much to comfort the trembling executive. Lzzkren put his free arm around Pam and gave her a comforting squeeze.
That helped...a little.
