Terra Nova - Things Lost in the Fire ch11 [Skye/Lucas]
Title: Things Lost in the Fire
Fandom: Terra Nova
Ship: Skye/Lucas
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: bad language, sexual situations, AU
Chapter: 11/?
Summary: Pre-Series. AU story. Skye meets a strange man at Snakehead Falls and ends up falling in love. But can happiness built on anonymity last, when the world around them is on fire?
Author's Note: Again I had the perfect plan. Did I write according to it? No. Why? Because they hijacked the whole thing. I swear, they don't want me to ever finish this. Fictional characters are sabotaging my efforts. You know, the usual shit.
Things Lost in the Fire
11. A Place to Rest my Head
The Sixer camp appeared into view suddenly, startling her awake from her thoughts. The wound on her back wasn't hurting that much anymore; he'd helped her clean it the best he could and pressed some gauze against it before they'd taken off again. Interaction between them was still painfully self-conscious, but she'd accepted it would take some time. Now that they were back at the camp, her new home, she was glad to take a breather from him, for it might actually help her gather her thoughts.
Lucas parked the rover and exited without a word. She stayed behind, lingering for a few seconds, just staring at her hands. Stepping outside meant it was real - that all of this had really happened and Terra Nova was now in her past. She hadn't realized how difficult it was to take those few steps.
Then she realized he was opening her door, staring at her tentatively, waiting for her to come outside. Lucas wasn't on his most patient mood, but he extended his arm to her once the door was open. Skye took it and let him help her outside, immediately aware of the gazes they drew towards them. Some things apparently didn't change no matter where they went, she thought with amusement, longing for another perfect day with just the two of them and no spectators.
"Thanks," she mumbled at him, hand still in his grasp after she was fully on her feet and ready to go. Lucas held onto her hand, brushing his fingers against hers slightly, just enough pressure to make her blood rush faster. Then she slid her hand free from his hold with little resistance, and she was left feeling bewildered by that small contact.
"I'm taking you to a medic," he informed her.
"Probably a good idea," she replied, appreciating the gesture fully.
Who knew what else Elizabeth had done to her while she'd been captive? The thought just wouldn't leave her alone, even when she knew Elizabeth must've put up with a fight as they were deciding on using her for a spy without her knowledge. It felt wrong on all levels, but explained so much, like how little Taylor had resisted giving her over to Lucas. What Skye had assumed was respect and trust in her ability to make her own decisions had just been a ploy.
She took a tentative step past him, noticing from the corner of her eye how his mouth curved to a kind smile just as she was passing him. His arm snaked across her belly, bringing her to a halt. "The medic is this way," Lucas whispered, tilting his head at the opposite direction. Skye swallowed, his closeness being simply too much at this point, and she then backed away from him and turned around.
Lucas walked to her side and began guiding her towards their destination, hands in pockets, giving off nods of acknowledgement to the Sixers that passed them by. You couldn't tell from their walk that they were anything but friends, yet every gaze that lingered on her petite form for too long was met with hostility from Lucas. His head would turn sharply or his expression would shift just a little bit and make it clear she was under his protection. No one dared to bother them during their walk, although Skye couldn't quite figure why.
They reached a hut on the ground level, and Lucas pushed inside smugly, not even bothering to holler for response first. Skye followed him more warily, aware that she couldn't afford to start her new life here on bad first impressions. She bent over to fit from the low door, but realized then to her delight that the actual hut was tall and supported by wooden structure. It was also a lot roomier than it had looked from the outside.
They were greeted by a woman, who sat at the opposite end of the hut, legs neatly crossed over a small table. She was looking outside through the second exit the rear, observing the camp, and chewing on something. The hut was full of boxes, bottles and bags. There was an examination table in the middle and a set of handheld battery-powered lamps set next to it. Skye detected the scent of blood in their air almost instantly; it nearly knocked her back a bit with its intensity. Other scents mingled with it as well, vomit and excrement being the strongest, but gladly they were thin.
"Hicks," Lucas greeted the woman with a slight nod and was left waiting for a response. Their host didn't move though, her expression was sullen and Skye noticed she was holding onto a dirty bottle in her hands.
"Did you get the supplies?" the woman asked after a short pause, turning to Lucas and fixing her relaxed pose a little.
She was some years older than Lucas, probably closer to her thirties. Her light hair was cut in a short pixie style, her nose supported a visible arrow-shaped scar that faded to her cheekbones, and she appeared quite thin. She was clad in tribal clothing like the rest of them: fabrics that were clearly sown together from whatever materials were available, cracked leather combat boots and several necklaces of different lengths made of carved bone and string.
Lucas didn't appear lenient though, he seemed strict and impatient. "You have a patient. Fix her," he said coldly, making room for Skye, who had remained in his shadow, half visible to the woman. Now the medic shifted in her seat, leaning to her side to get a better look at Skye.
"What happened to you?" she asked from Skye almost conversationally, pushing aside her issues and lowering the bottle in her hand to the ground, as she stood up. She was about the same height as Skye was, but a stark opposite in almost every other way.
"Turns out I had a tracker on my back," Skye responded sarcastically, gaining a smile from the older woman.
Hicks glanced at Lucas carefully next, making a face when he didn't pick on her subtle invitation to leave. It took more than one roll of her eyes, shrug and sigh until Lucas realized what she was trying to accomplish.
He turned to Skye when he finally understood his cue to exit, whispering, "You're in good hands." Then he left unceremoniously.
Hicks watched him go, hands laid on her pelvis. After Lucas was gone, her eyes shifted to Skye, who felt strangely vulnerable now that she was alone. She put on a brave front though, refusing to fear these people.
"Ok, let's have a look," Hicks said with a smile and walked Skye to a stool with determination, motioning her to sit down. Skye followed the advice, sitting with a straight back and casting her eyes to the ground. It seemed a little too dim for an examination though, she thought.
Hicks walked a few steps back and opened a zipper on the canvas that was spread across the wooden structure. It revealed a see-through portion of the protective canvas that worked as a window and cast light on Skye. Realizing what Hicks was doing, Skye removed her cardigan and her shirt. She stopped to look at her blood stained clothes for a moment, thinking she hadn't even gotten to pack her things to bring a change of clothes with her.
Hicks moved to her backside, examining the cut in the light. The bleeding had stopped already, but it wasn't pretty by any standards. "This will probably leave a scar," she commented, grabbing a bottle of anesthetic and a clean rag, which she coated with the cleanser next.
Skye grimaced when Hicks started to clean the wound. Unlike Terra Nova, the Sixers didn't have the good stuff. Taylor always made sure they got the brand of anesthetic that stung, the gauze that was difficult to fasten or the painkillers that had uncomfortable side-effects. He believed little things like that were little bricks on a road to hell, that he could vex the Sixers until they broke. Thinking that now, Skye could see his reasoning.
Hicks worked swiftly, avoiding lingering, as she could tell their fearless leader was probably right outside, listening in, leaning against the doorframe. For some unexplained reason Lucas had taken a liking to this girl and made no effort in concealing it. It was the most interesting rumor at the camp as of late, and she'd heard more than she'd liked about it too. And their spy, little Skye Tate, would be staying with them from now on. Hicks didn't normally bother with politics, but she and every other Sixer had noticed the decision didn't sit well with everyone.
She placed a piece of gauze on the wound, fixing it still with tape and stepped back. "And that's all I'll do for now," she announced.
Then her eyes brushed against Skye's wrists, and worry took over. Hicks moved to face Skye, motioning her to extend her arms. Skye followed the instruction mutely after placing her clothes in her lap and straightened her arms into the light. Hicks checked her bruises, concluding that they were healing already, even if they looked uncomfortable. She didn't think it was a good idea to leave them like this though.
"Would you like me to put some bandages on them?" she asked matter-of-factly, realizing it hadn't even crossed Skye's mind. "I mean, there's the danger of you hurting them more. You don't seem like the type to stay still."
Hicks managed to convince Skye, and she agreed quickly, "Yeah, that's probably best."
In a moment Hicks was already bandaging her wrists gently but firmly, and she had to admit it felt good to look at her hands and not see a constant reminder of her short yet painful imprisonment.
Once Hicks was done, she was left watching as Skye sat on the stool stiffly, holding onto her clothes with insecurity. Her eyes swept across the bloodied attire, and she concluded the girl was unwilling to pull them back on.
"You know," she started and took a few steps towards the boxes behind them. "I might have some clothes that'll fit you, if you need a change."
Skye was surprised at the sudden act of kindness, having thought she'd be the last person the Sixers would welcome with open arms. She stood up, still holding onto her clothes with uncertainty.
Hicks searched for the boxes and found one eventually, which she pulled out. "These belonged to Allison. She was about your size, so they might fit," she chatted, offering the box.
Skye planted her clothes on the stool and took the box, opening it cautiously. It was full of neatly folded clothes that smelled somewhat clean. There was also a pair of boots in there, which had clearly seen their finest days years ago. Then her eyes caught some personal affects in there as well: some hand-crafted ornaments, a faded picture, a knife, a couple of terrans.
"What happened to her?" Skye asked, already knowing the answer before she heard it.
"She was shot at the gates a few months back, while escaping Terra Nova with some supplies. I tried to nurse her back to health on that table but the infection got her," Hicks explained somewhat numbly and pointed at the examination table near them. Sadness was visible in her blue eyes, even after she tried to shrug it off.
"Look, you're not going to get clothes that didn't belong to someone else first around here. We make due with what we have."
And Skye understood it perfectly; she didn't need to be told. "Thank you," she said sincerely and placed the box on the table. She then took out a worn tank top and pulled it on carefully.
Hicks returned to her seat and her bottle. She didn't drink from it though, just shifted it in her hands. "Take whatever you want, in fact, you should probably throw on whatever you find there. You're pretty distinguishable as it stands," she advised.
Skye considered her suggestion and decided it was worth a shot. She wriggled out of her pants and shoes, eager for this transformation. The pants she found in the box were tighter than hers, yet they hugged her thighs pleasantly. The boots were surprisingly a fit as well, reaching her calves and certainly offering more protection than her old sneakers. She could tell they had a fortified base, the kind that was designed to prevent injury from deceptive terrain, and she patted the boots against the ground with an approving smile. Lastly Skye picked up a dark vest that reminded her of Lieutenant Washington's usual attire. She pulled it on her, noticing it felt quite comfortable as well.
"Looks good on you," Hicks commented, reinforcing the feeling in Skye that this was a good step for her.
"Something is missing though," Hicks then frowned and got up, walking to the younger girl. She examined Skye for a moment, circling around her until she stopped and removed one of her necklaces. It had several small bones, like teeth, attached and they clicked against one another, making a pleasant sound. Skye bent her neck, bowing her head as Hicks placed the necklace around her neck.
Skye's eyes fixated on Hicks' scar when she lifted her head: its rugged surface and reddish color told her it was recent. She wondered if their medic had a story for this one and if it involved something as horrible as Lucas' scars did. Hicks stepped back though, noticing the scrutiny and wanting none of it.
"The kids like to make these and hand them out every now and then. It's become some of a tradition that you hand them out to people you owe, or want to show your gratitude to," Hicks explained, rolling her eyes at the absurdity of their strange habits. She brushed her dirty blonde hair from her eyes.
"Lucas doesn't have any," Skye noticed.
"He doesn't want any," Hicks corrected, remembering what a terrifying figure he was. She could think of a single soul other than Carter and Mira who even wanted to interact with the man willingly.
The revelation simply made Skye sad. She took hold of the necklace around her neck, feeling it with her fingers. "I haven't earned mine yet," she continued, feeling unworthy of this kindness.
Hicks snorted, actually breaking an honest smile. "He's actually acting tolerable now, and I think we all know why," she offered an explanation with a wink, and signaled Skye to leave with her head. "Come pick up the rest of the stuff later if you like."
Skye knew when to duck out of a situation; she at least could recognize that Lucas had interrupted something when he'd barged in, and that Hicks was eager to return to whatever it was. She turned to the door and walked out, leaving her old clothes on the stool, already forgetting the Skye Tate, who'd dressed in baggy clothes, wanted to be a soldier and charged fearlessly at any challenge.
She was surprised to see Lucas standing outside, clearly waiting for her even as he carried on a superficial conversation with one of the guards. This was a tall man, intimidating in his height, yet apparently more wary of Lucas than Lucas was of him. Skye walked to them, stopping at Lucas' side and answering to the guard's short evaluative gaze.
"What's going on?" she asked lightly, knowing Lucas would probably be the one to answer her. The guard still looked at her with mild suspicion.
"Just checking on a friend," Lucas replied softly, giving her a quick glance and then turning to her for real, once he registered she looked different. His eyes glided across her figure, appreciating the change, the attire.
"Make sure he doesn't leave without supervision," Lucas instructed the guard, but his attention was already elsewhere. Taking notice of the shift in Lucas' behavior their third wheel thought it wise to bow out of the situation; he just took off without a word. Not that either of them noticed.
"Making friends already?" Lucas asked after an extended moment of worship, his adoring eyes eventually fixating on her necklace. He moved his hand over it, lifting it slightly off her skin and then dropping it.
"I had blood all over my clothes," Skye responded calmly, unsure whether she'd heard a bit of jealousy in his voice. "You know from when you cut my back open?" she then added, crossing her arms across her chest.
Lucas didn't respond to her icy tone though, he accepted it as repercussions for his own actions. And his adoration didn't die so easily, it held onto him in the good and the bad.
"I'll have Mira talk to you about how we can put your skills to use," he said, shrugging off her earlier remark. "But before that I'd like you to get some rest."
Care shined through his voice. She wanted to ignore it and stay mad, yet found it difficult when all she wanted was to enjoy this time together now that they finally had it.
"No," she responded after a short moment of contemplation, "I think I'll get to know my new home. Make friends."
Her defiance wasn't unexpected. No, he'd assumed she'd turn him down. She was so driven when she found motivation, and right now it was fitting in, even when Lucas wanted to just hide her in his hut or some safe warm place where no one could harm her.
Skye realized she'd said just the wrong thing when his smile widened. Damn, it had been a trap.
"How about getting reacquainted with an old friend?" Lucas suggested, seemingly innocent. She knew he was full of crap though.
Skye narrowed her eyes, "Who?"
"We picked up another stray our father cast away some time ago: A soldier by the name of Curran. But you see I don't really trust him. Maybe he would open up to a fellow outcast such as you?" Lucas suggested, keeping an eye on her reactions, those small tells she had. Skye didn't react as bad as he'd thought though; she actually seemed to embrace this thought.
"Curran's here?" She asked in surprise. "I thought he would've been dead already…"
"I have some business to attend to and I can't bring you with me," Lucas said, putting emphasis on the fact that it wasn't in his power. "But maybe you can reconnect with him while I'm away?"
So the only skill she had in his eyes was spying? Did he really think she was good at only manipulation and treachery? But before Skye could say anything, Lucas pried her hand from her chest into his grip. He held onto her hand like it was something preciously, as he looked into her eyes, "It's not like I can ask anyone else."
He was being honest with her. Curran wasn't exactly blending in, and he would be suspicious if the Sixers started getting close all of the sudden. But Skye was a blast from the past, a girl who'd had a good reason to approach him despite everything. And she was good with people.
"Really?" Skye questioned him, yanking her hand free from his hold, "My options are taking a nap or spying for you?"
Lucas moved slightly closer, making her increasingly nervous. "I'm sure I can think of a third option too," he whispered charmingly. She obviously hadn't thought of the benefits of shacking up with him yet.
Her cheeks felt very flushed suddenly, and she realized all too well how the new set of clothes embraced her curves.
"Well, I'll want a weapon in that case," she quipped at him, catching him by surprise as it took him a moment to realize what she meant. "Curran is a convicted murderer, I'm not going near him unless I have something to protect myself with," she offered an explanation.
Lucas responded by pulling his gun from its holster and handing it to her. Skye took it right away, already feeling a bit better. There was no telling what would come at her in this place, and Lucas wouldn't always be there to protect her (it was no use denying that his presence didn't keep her from harm's way here). It didn't even occur to her that she'd been pretty alarmed by firearms until recently; her new life had already called for changes in her attitude.
"Hicks gave me some stuff I can use. Where should I haul them?" she asked him next.
Lucas hadn't honestly considered she'd ask him that, so his response came in an instant, "You know where my hut is."
"Do you want me there?" Skye doubted his declaration a bit, enough to make her voice this mistrust. After everything she wouldn't blame him for wanting some distance.
"I wouldn't let you go anywhere else," he vowed intensely. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind; that she could have a place of her own; that she could sleep somewhere else, separate from him.
It didn't sit well with him that she would question it, even under their current circumstances. Yet when he saw the relief his answer brought forth, his mind was put to rest for now.
Skye nodded at him weakly, reassured tenfold that he was intent on keeping her around. "Good," she simply said.
She noticed next that Mira was walking right towards them, and she alerted Lucas to her presence as well, getting him to back off and focus on more important and pressing matters. Mira reached them some seconds later. She greeted Skye in a warmer fashion than usually.
"Good to see you in good health, Skye," she said, catching the younger woman off-guard with her kindness. Skye was about to answer with a sharp retort, but Lucas chimed in before she had a chance, "It seems we got to her on time."
Lucas' eyes seemed to warn her against kicking the hornet's nest, so she abandoned her previous course of action and settled to stay silent. Skye was having trouble deciding whether Mira was really a decent human being underneath or playing games with her. She decided to observe some more before making a decision one way or the other.
Mira focused on Skye almost exclusively. She'd her change of clothes from a distance, struggling to recognize the girl at first. It made sense though, seeing her shed her skin and try and fit in. Mira was glad for small favors, as she'd feared the transition would be harder, and it would demand too much of Lucas' attention.
Her eyes hovered over the necklace Skye wore a few seconds before she connected with its owner again, still smiling as she spoke, "We're glad to have you, Skye."
The effort made Skye's skin crawl; she wasn't used to seeing this woman as anything but a threat.
"I hope I can earn my stay," she said, quick to defend herself before anyone would question her position. She wasn't a freeloader. She wouldn't attack Terra Nova or harm it in anyway, but she would earn her keep.
Lucas was there to offer his ideas immediately, "I'd rather if she wasn't involved in the violence."
Mira glanced at Lucas, reacting to his words with smugness. She had had no intention of putting Skye in that position. No, if it was up to her, she'd make sure Skye Tate was surrounded by Sixers as much as possible.
"There's always hunting, chores, watching the kids… and medic duty. Didn't you intern at the hospital?" she asked Skye, clearly already knowing the answer.
"I did," Skye admitted, wondering if she had the stomach to treat Sixers. At least the hospital back in Terra Nova had been clean and they'd had equipment and supplies. Hicks' hut had resembled a field hospital that had scrapped together whatever was at hand. She didn't know if she'd have the strength to work in such conditions.
"Medic it is," Mira concluded, gaining approval from Lucas as well. She didn't ask Skye, because she knew the girl; she wasn't going to oppose, for she liked to help people even at the expense of her own wellbeing. Hadn't that been how they'd gotten in this situation to begin with?
"Now," she continued, focusing on Lucas again, "I hope this won't interfere with our plans for tonight?"
Anyone could tell Mira was wired about their upcoming plans; it was all over her, that mix of worry and distaste. Lucas didn't show any of it though. He remained unmoved. "No, not in any way," Lucas assured. He had everything under control as usual.
Whereas Skye liked the sound of his plans less and less. "Look," she cut into their conversation, feeling awkward already, "Maybe it is better you discuss this without me. I'll be around."
Lucas didn't stop her when she moved away, as he knew she couldn't be around for this discussion. Even Mira simply acknowledged her words with a look. Skye didn't know where she was going, but she walked away as fast as she could anyway. She couldn't cling onto Lucas; she needed to carve out her own path, which meant going separate ways every now and then, learning, experiencing and hopefully becoming a part of this community.
Once she was out of view, Mira seemed to relax more.
"Do you have something for her to do while you're otherwise occupied?" she asked Lucas.
"She's got an assignment," Lucas explained, knowing already Skye would take the job.
"Good, because the last thing we need is our employer worrying about her," Mira continued, causing Lucas to stiffen a bit. He had to wonder if Mira would cause problems tonight, and apparently his worry was all over his face, for she rushed to her defense, "Look, I don't want any problems. As far as I'm concerned, we just fell a little behind on schedule."
She seemed sincere enough to Lucas, whose face gained a crueler dimension now. "My father is as ignorant as a child if he thinks I can't replicate the contents of that hard drive," he stated. Then he lifted his hand to his temple, pressing his index finger against it lightly. "It's all here, fervent to get out," he said with a grin.
Mira hoped it'd be enough, for she knew their employer was growing anxious for results. And tonight's meeting would be difficult, as they had once again slipped from their schedule. After five years even their faith in Lucas had to be growing thin.
"Let's hope it's enough," she sighed, feeling less and less convinced of the trustworthiness of company they kept.
TBC
Fandom: Terra Nova
Ship: Skye/Lucas
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: bad language, sexual situations, AU
Chapter: 11/?
Summary: Pre-Series. AU story. Skye meets a strange man at Snakehead Falls and ends up falling in love. But can happiness built on anonymity last, when the world around them is on fire?
Author's Note: Again I had the perfect plan. Did I write according to it? No. Why? Because they hijacked the whole thing. I swear, they don't want me to ever finish this. Fictional characters are sabotaging my efforts. You know, the usual shit.
Things Lost in the Fire
11. A Place to Rest my Head
The Sixer camp appeared into view suddenly, startling her awake from her thoughts. The wound on her back wasn't hurting that much anymore; he'd helped her clean it the best he could and pressed some gauze against it before they'd taken off again. Interaction between them was still painfully self-conscious, but she'd accepted it would take some time. Now that they were back at the camp, her new home, she was glad to take a breather from him, for it might actually help her gather her thoughts.
Lucas parked the rover and exited without a word. She stayed behind, lingering for a few seconds, just staring at her hands. Stepping outside meant it was real - that all of this had really happened and Terra Nova was now in her past. She hadn't realized how difficult it was to take those few steps.
Then she realized he was opening her door, staring at her tentatively, waiting for her to come outside. Lucas wasn't on his most patient mood, but he extended his arm to her once the door was open. Skye took it and let him help her outside, immediately aware of the gazes they drew towards them. Some things apparently didn't change no matter where they went, she thought with amusement, longing for another perfect day with just the two of them and no spectators.
"Thanks," she mumbled at him, hand still in his grasp after she was fully on her feet and ready to go. Lucas held onto her hand, brushing his fingers against hers slightly, just enough pressure to make her blood rush faster. Then she slid her hand free from his hold with little resistance, and she was left feeling bewildered by that small contact.
"I'm taking you to a medic," he informed her.
"Probably a good idea," she replied, appreciating the gesture fully.
Who knew what else Elizabeth had done to her while she'd been captive? The thought just wouldn't leave her alone, even when she knew Elizabeth must've put up with a fight as they were deciding on using her for a spy without her knowledge. It felt wrong on all levels, but explained so much, like how little Taylor had resisted giving her over to Lucas. What Skye had assumed was respect and trust in her ability to make her own decisions had just been a ploy.
She took a tentative step past him, noticing from the corner of her eye how his mouth curved to a kind smile just as she was passing him. His arm snaked across her belly, bringing her to a halt. "The medic is this way," Lucas whispered, tilting his head at the opposite direction. Skye swallowed, his closeness being simply too much at this point, and she then backed away from him and turned around.
Lucas walked to her side and began guiding her towards their destination, hands in pockets, giving off nods of acknowledgement to the Sixers that passed them by. You couldn't tell from their walk that they were anything but friends, yet every gaze that lingered on her petite form for too long was met with hostility from Lucas. His head would turn sharply or his expression would shift just a little bit and make it clear she was under his protection. No one dared to bother them during their walk, although Skye couldn't quite figure why.
They reached a hut on the ground level, and Lucas pushed inside smugly, not even bothering to holler for response first. Skye followed him more warily, aware that she couldn't afford to start her new life here on bad first impressions. She bent over to fit from the low door, but realized then to her delight that the actual hut was tall and supported by wooden structure. It was also a lot roomier than it had looked from the outside.
They were greeted by a woman, who sat at the opposite end of the hut, legs neatly crossed over a small table. She was looking outside through the second exit the rear, observing the camp, and chewing on something. The hut was full of boxes, bottles and bags. There was an examination table in the middle and a set of handheld battery-powered lamps set next to it. Skye detected the scent of blood in their air almost instantly; it nearly knocked her back a bit with its intensity. Other scents mingled with it as well, vomit and excrement being the strongest, but gladly they were thin.
"Hicks," Lucas greeted the woman with a slight nod and was left waiting for a response. Their host didn't move though, her expression was sullen and Skye noticed she was holding onto a dirty bottle in her hands.
"Did you get the supplies?" the woman asked after a short pause, turning to Lucas and fixing her relaxed pose a little.
She was some years older than Lucas, probably closer to her thirties. Her light hair was cut in a short pixie style, her nose supported a visible arrow-shaped scar that faded to her cheekbones, and she appeared quite thin. She was clad in tribal clothing like the rest of them: fabrics that were clearly sown together from whatever materials were available, cracked leather combat boots and several necklaces of different lengths made of carved bone and string.
Lucas didn't appear lenient though, he seemed strict and impatient. "You have a patient. Fix her," he said coldly, making room for Skye, who had remained in his shadow, half visible to the woman. Now the medic shifted in her seat, leaning to her side to get a better look at Skye.
"What happened to you?" she asked from Skye almost conversationally, pushing aside her issues and lowering the bottle in her hand to the ground, as she stood up. She was about the same height as Skye was, but a stark opposite in almost every other way.
"Turns out I had a tracker on my back," Skye responded sarcastically, gaining a smile from the older woman.
Hicks glanced at Lucas carefully next, making a face when he didn't pick on her subtle invitation to leave. It took more than one roll of her eyes, shrug and sigh until Lucas realized what she was trying to accomplish.
He turned to Skye when he finally understood his cue to exit, whispering, "You're in good hands." Then he left unceremoniously.
Hicks watched him go, hands laid on her pelvis. After Lucas was gone, her eyes shifted to Skye, who felt strangely vulnerable now that she was alone. She put on a brave front though, refusing to fear these people.
"Ok, let's have a look," Hicks said with a smile and walked Skye to a stool with determination, motioning her to sit down. Skye followed the advice, sitting with a straight back and casting her eyes to the ground. It seemed a little too dim for an examination though, she thought.
Hicks walked a few steps back and opened a zipper on the canvas that was spread across the wooden structure. It revealed a see-through portion of the protective canvas that worked as a window and cast light on Skye. Realizing what Hicks was doing, Skye removed her cardigan and her shirt. She stopped to look at her blood stained clothes for a moment, thinking she hadn't even gotten to pack her things to bring a change of clothes with her.
Hicks moved to her backside, examining the cut in the light. The bleeding had stopped already, but it wasn't pretty by any standards. "This will probably leave a scar," she commented, grabbing a bottle of anesthetic and a clean rag, which she coated with the cleanser next.
Skye grimaced when Hicks started to clean the wound. Unlike Terra Nova, the Sixers didn't have the good stuff. Taylor always made sure they got the brand of anesthetic that stung, the gauze that was difficult to fasten or the painkillers that had uncomfortable side-effects. He believed little things like that were little bricks on a road to hell, that he could vex the Sixers until they broke. Thinking that now, Skye could see his reasoning.
Hicks worked swiftly, avoiding lingering, as she could tell their fearless leader was probably right outside, listening in, leaning against the doorframe. For some unexplained reason Lucas had taken a liking to this girl and made no effort in concealing it. It was the most interesting rumor at the camp as of late, and she'd heard more than she'd liked about it too. And their spy, little Skye Tate, would be staying with them from now on. Hicks didn't normally bother with politics, but she and every other Sixer had noticed the decision didn't sit well with everyone.
She placed a piece of gauze on the wound, fixing it still with tape and stepped back. "And that's all I'll do for now," she announced.
Then her eyes brushed against Skye's wrists, and worry took over. Hicks moved to face Skye, motioning her to extend her arms. Skye followed the instruction mutely after placing her clothes in her lap and straightened her arms into the light. Hicks checked her bruises, concluding that they were healing already, even if they looked uncomfortable. She didn't think it was a good idea to leave them like this though.
"Would you like me to put some bandages on them?" she asked matter-of-factly, realizing it hadn't even crossed Skye's mind. "I mean, there's the danger of you hurting them more. You don't seem like the type to stay still."
Hicks managed to convince Skye, and she agreed quickly, "Yeah, that's probably best."
In a moment Hicks was already bandaging her wrists gently but firmly, and she had to admit it felt good to look at her hands and not see a constant reminder of her short yet painful imprisonment.
Once Hicks was done, she was left watching as Skye sat on the stool stiffly, holding onto her clothes with insecurity. Her eyes swept across the bloodied attire, and she concluded the girl was unwilling to pull them back on.
"You know," she started and took a few steps towards the boxes behind them. "I might have some clothes that'll fit you, if you need a change."
Skye was surprised at the sudden act of kindness, having thought she'd be the last person the Sixers would welcome with open arms. She stood up, still holding onto her clothes with uncertainty.
Hicks searched for the boxes and found one eventually, which she pulled out. "These belonged to Allison. She was about your size, so they might fit," she chatted, offering the box.
Skye planted her clothes on the stool and took the box, opening it cautiously. It was full of neatly folded clothes that smelled somewhat clean. There was also a pair of boots in there, which had clearly seen their finest days years ago. Then her eyes caught some personal affects in there as well: some hand-crafted ornaments, a faded picture, a knife, a couple of terrans.
"What happened to her?" Skye asked, already knowing the answer before she heard it.
"She was shot at the gates a few months back, while escaping Terra Nova with some supplies. I tried to nurse her back to health on that table but the infection got her," Hicks explained somewhat numbly and pointed at the examination table near them. Sadness was visible in her blue eyes, even after she tried to shrug it off.
"Look, you're not going to get clothes that didn't belong to someone else first around here. We make due with what we have."
And Skye understood it perfectly; she didn't need to be told. "Thank you," she said sincerely and placed the box on the table. She then took out a worn tank top and pulled it on carefully.
Hicks returned to her seat and her bottle. She didn't drink from it though, just shifted it in her hands. "Take whatever you want, in fact, you should probably throw on whatever you find there. You're pretty distinguishable as it stands," she advised.
Skye considered her suggestion and decided it was worth a shot. She wriggled out of her pants and shoes, eager for this transformation. The pants she found in the box were tighter than hers, yet they hugged her thighs pleasantly. The boots were surprisingly a fit as well, reaching her calves and certainly offering more protection than her old sneakers. She could tell they had a fortified base, the kind that was designed to prevent injury from deceptive terrain, and she patted the boots against the ground with an approving smile. Lastly Skye picked up a dark vest that reminded her of Lieutenant Washington's usual attire. She pulled it on her, noticing it felt quite comfortable as well.
"Looks good on you," Hicks commented, reinforcing the feeling in Skye that this was a good step for her.
"Something is missing though," Hicks then frowned and got up, walking to the younger girl. She examined Skye for a moment, circling around her until she stopped and removed one of her necklaces. It had several small bones, like teeth, attached and they clicked against one another, making a pleasant sound. Skye bent her neck, bowing her head as Hicks placed the necklace around her neck.
Skye's eyes fixated on Hicks' scar when she lifted her head: its rugged surface and reddish color told her it was recent. She wondered if their medic had a story for this one and if it involved something as horrible as Lucas' scars did. Hicks stepped back though, noticing the scrutiny and wanting none of it.
"The kids like to make these and hand them out every now and then. It's become some of a tradition that you hand them out to people you owe, or want to show your gratitude to," Hicks explained, rolling her eyes at the absurdity of their strange habits. She brushed her dirty blonde hair from her eyes.
"Lucas doesn't have any," Skye noticed.
"He doesn't want any," Hicks corrected, remembering what a terrifying figure he was. She could think of a single soul other than Carter and Mira who even wanted to interact with the man willingly.
The revelation simply made Skye sad. She took hold of the necklace around her neck, feeling it with her fingers. "I haven't earned mine yet," she continued, feeling unworthy of this kindness.
Hicks snorted, actually breaking an honest smile. "He's actually acting tolerable now, and I think we all know why," she offered an explanation with a wink, and signaled Skye to leave with her head. "Come pick up the rest of the stuff later if you like."
Skye knew when to duck out of a situation; she at least could recognize that Lucas had interrupted something when he'd barged in, and that Hicks was eager to return to whatever it was. She turned to the door and walked out, leaving her old clothes on the stool, already forgetting the Skye Tate, who'd dressed in baggy clothes, wanted to be a soldier and charged fearlessly at any challenge.
She was surprised to see Lucas standing outside, clearly waiting for her even as he carried on a superficial conversation with one of the guards. This was a tall man, intimidating in his height, yet apparently more wary of Lucas than Lucas was of him. Skye walked to them, stopping at Lucas' side and answering to the guard's short evaluative gaze.
"What's going on?" she asked lightly, knowing Lucas would probably be the one to answer her. The guard still looked at her with mild suspicion.
"Just checking on a friend," Lucas replied softly, giving her a quick glance and then turning to her for real, once he registered she looked different. His eyes glided across her figure, appreciating the change, the attire.
"Make sure he doesn't leave without supervision," Lucas instructed the guard, but his attention was already elsewhere. Taking notice of the shift in Lucas' behavior their third wheel thought it wise to bow out of the situation; he just took off without a word. Not that either of them noticed.
"Making friends already?" Lucas asked after an extended moment of worship, his adoring eyes eventually fixating on her necklace. He moved his hand over it, lifting it slightly off her skin and then dropping it.
"I had blood all over my clothes," Skye responded calmly, unsure whether she'd heard a bit of jealousy in his voice. "You know from when you cut my back open?" she then added, crossing her arms across her chest.
Lucas didn't respond to her icy tone though, he accepted it as repercussions for his own actions. And his adoration didn't die so easily, it held onto him in the good and the bad.
"I'll have Mira talk to you about how we can put your skills to use," he said, shrugging off her earlier remark. "But before that I'd like you to get some rest."
Care shined through his voice. She wanted to ignore it and stay mad, yet found it difficult when all she wanted was to enjoy this time together now that they finally had it.
"No," she responded after a short moment of contemplation, "I think I'll get to know my new home. Make friends."
Her defiance wasn't unexpected. No, he'd assumed she'd turn him down. She was so driven when she found motivation, and right now it was fitting in, even when Lucas wanted to just hide her in his hut or some safe warm place where no one could harm her.
Skye realized she'd said just the wrong thing when his smile widened. Damn, it had been a trap.
"How about getting reacquainted with an old friend?" Lucas suggested, seemingly innocent. She knew he was full of crap though.
Skye narrowed her eyes, "Who?"
"We picked up another stray our father cast away some time ago: A soldier by the name of Curran. But you see I don't really trust him. Maybe he would open up to a fellow outcast such as you?" Lucas suggested, keeping an eye on her reactions, those small tells she had. Skye didn't react as bad as he'd thought though; she actually seemed to embrace this thought.
"Curran's here?" She asked in surprise. "I thought he would've been dead already…"
"I have some business to attend to and I can't bring you with me," Lucas said, putting emphasis on the fact that it wasn't in his power. "But maybe you can reconnect with him while I'm away?"
So the only skill she had in his eyes was spying? Did he really think she was good at only manipulation and treachery? But before Skye could say anything, Lucas pried her hand from her chest into his grip. He held onto her hand like it was something preciously, as he looked into her eyes, "It's not like I can ask anyone else."
He was being honest with her. Curran wasn't exactly blending in, and he would be suspicious if the Sixers started getting close all of the sudden. But Skye was a blast from the past, a girl who'd had a good reason to approach him despite everything. And she was good with people.
"Really?" Skye questioned him, yanking her hand free from his hold, "My options are taking a nap or spying for you?"
Lucas moved slightly closer, making her increasingly nervous. "I'm sure I can think of a third option too," he whispered charmingly. She obviously hadn't thought of the benefits of shacking up with him yet.
Her cheeks felt very flushed suddenly, and she realized all too well how the new set of clothes embraced her curves.
"Well, I'll want a weapon in that case," she quipped at him, catching him by surprise as it took him a moment to realize what she meant. "Curran is a convicted murderer, I'm not going near him unless I have something to protect myself with," she offered an explanation.
Lucas responded by pulling his gun from its holster and handing it to her. Skye took it right away, already feeling a bit better. There was no telling what would come at her in this place, and Lucas wouldn't always be there to protect her (it was no use denying that his presence didn't keep her from harm's way here). It didn't even occur to her that she'd been pretty alarmed by firearms until recently; her new life had already called for changes in her attitude.
"Hicks gave me some stuff I can use. Where should I haul them?" she asked him next.
Lucas hadn't honestly considered she'd ask him that, so his response came in an instant, "You know where my hut is."
"Do you want me there?" Skye doubted his declaration a bit, enough to make her voice this mistrust. After everything she wouldn't blame him for wanting some distance.
"I wouldn't let you go anywhere else," he vowed intensely. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind; that she could have a place of her own; that she could sleep somewhere else, separate from him.
It didn't sit well with him that she would question it, even under their current circumstances. Yet when he saw the relief his answer brought forth, his mind was put to rest for now.
Skye nodded at him weakly, reassured tenfold that he was intent on keeping her around. "Good," she simply said.
She noticed next that Mira was walking right towards them, and she alerted Lucas to her presence as well, getting him to back off and focus on more important and pressing matters. Mira reached them some seconds later. She greeted Skye in a warmer fashion than usually.
"Good to see you in good health, Skye," she said, catching the younger woman off-guard with her kindness. Skye was about to answer with a sharp retort, but Lucas chimed in before she had a chance, "It seems we got to her on time."
Lucas' eyes seemed to warn her against kicking the hornet's nest, so she abandoned her previous course of action and settled to stay silent. Skye was having trouble deciding whether Mira was really a decent human being underneath or playing games with her. She decided to observe some more before making a decision one way or the other.
Mira focused on Skye almost exclusively. She'd her change of clothes from a distance, struggling to recognize the girl at first. It made sense though, seeing her shed her skin and try and fit in. Mira was glad for small favors, as she'd feared the transition would be harder, and it would demand too much of Lucas' attention.
Her eyes hovered over the necklace Skye wore a few seconds before she connected with its owner again, still smiling as she spoke, "We're glad to have you, Skye."
The effort made Skye's skin crawl; she wasn't used to seeing this woman as anything but a threat.
"I hope I can earn my stay," she said, quick to defend herself before anyone would question her position. She wasn't a freeloader. She wouldn't attack Terra Nova or harm it in anyway, but she would earn her keep.
Lucas was there to offer his ideas immediately, "I'd rather if she wasn't involved in the violence."
Mira glanced at Lucas, reacting to his words with smugness. She had had no intention of putting Skye in that position. No, if it was up to her, she'd make sure Skye Tate was surrounded by Sixers as much as possible.
"There's always hunting, chores, watching the kids… and medic duty. Didn't you intern at the hospital?" she asked Skye, clearly already knowing the answer.
"I did," Skye admitted, wondering if she had the stomach to treat Sixers. At least the hospital back in Terra Nova had been clean and they'd had equipment and supplies. Hicks' hut had resembled a field hospital that had scrapped together whatever was at hand. She didn't know if she'd have the strength to work in such conditions.
"Medic it is," Mira concluded, gaining approval from Lucas as well. She didn't ask Skye, because she knew the girl; she wasn't going to oppose, for she liked to help people even at the expense of her own wellbeing. Hadn't that been how they'd gotten in this situation to begin with?
"Now," she continued, focusing on Lucas again, "I hope this won't interfere with our plans for tonight?"
Anyone could tell Mira was wired about their upcoming plans; it was all over her, that mix of worry and distaste. Lucas didn't show any of it though. He remained unmoved. "No, not in any way," Lucas assured. He had everything under control as usual.
Whereas Skye liked the sound of his plans less and less. "Look," she cut into their conversation, feeling awkward already, "Maybe it is better you discuss this without me. I'll be around."
Lucas didn't stop her when she moved away, as he knew she couldn't be around for this discussion. Even Mira simply acknowledged her words with a look. Skye didn't know where she was going, but she walked away as fast as she could anyway. She couldn't cling onto Lucas; she needed to carve out her own path, which meant going separate ways every now and then, learning, experiencing and hopefully becoming a part of this community.
Once she was out of view, Mira seemed to relax more.
"Do you have something for her to do while you're otherwise occupied?" she asked Lucas.
"She's got an assignment," Lucas explained, knowing already Skye would take the job.
"Good, because the last thing we need is our employer worrying about her," Mira continued, causing Lucas to stiffen a bit. He had to wonder if Mira would cause problems tonight, and apparently his worry was all over his face, for she rushed to her defense, "Look, I don't want any problems. As far as I'm concerned, we just fell a little behind on schedule."
She seemed sincere enough to Lucas, whose face gained a crueler dimension now. "My father is as ignorant as a child if he thinks I can't replicate the contents of that hard drive," he stated. Then he lifted his hand to his temple, pressing his index finger against it lightly. "It's all here, fervent to get out," he said with a grin.
Mira hoped it'd be enough, for she knew their employer was growing anxious for results. And tonight's meeting would be difficult, as they had once again slipped from their schedule. After five years even their faith in Lucas had to be growing thin.
"Let's hope it's enough," she sighed, feeling less and less convinced of the trustworthiness of company they kept.
TBC