If all you told was turned to gold, If all you dreamed was new

private 1x1. 30+ mature themes. dark vibes. minors dni. rated 25+ dead dove. triggering mature themes.

[caribbeanblve]

caribbeanblve : if every man says all he can, if every man is true. do I believe the sky above, is caribbean blue?

high muses

jade winthrope

emeric claiborne

sybil claiborne

gloria mancini

1x1 means this blog is reserved for collab partner @littlespvrk ! this is not an indie therefore i'm not open to other writing partners on this blog ! there are no triggers tagged ! censorship doesn't exist here ! read at your own risk ! minors leave ! content police not welcome !

[caribbeanblve]

' the hero pays the price ' - MODERN PERSEUS AU

[caribbeanblve]

Rhett's instructions are met with immediate compliance. She's had no problem working with any of them on this mission. Showing respect where it's due because Chambers knew it mattered little who they worked for. Weyland people. Freelance people. All of them took this together. Ten months in hyper sleep. All of them are seeing what's going on. She could see Cameron in full view now that she moved over towards Billie. Getting him back to this ship with Dr. Tran meant nothing. He's there torn open like a tin can.

"Come on, Billie," she's softer about it when laying a hand against the mechanic's back. "I got you. Okay?" Chambers looked to Emeric holding onto the bloodied science officer. She shared a single look with Rhett after. "System's are nominal. Despite the breach." She slid an arm around Billie to keep her from seeing Ryan.

Emeric noted their camaraderie. Weyland personnel who are clearly in tune with their fellow non company compatriots. It is no matter. All of them are witnessing true evolution. They just do not know it yet. Poor Billie Evans. If only she could see. Perhaps then she will find Ryan's death less for nothing and more for scientific glory.

"Jade, let me see." He insisted, removing a rag from his pocket. Wiping some of the blood from her face and neck, his gaze steadied over her body. A private check for anything wrong. She is stable. At least physically. Emotionally, mentally he will have to do his best to heal her. After a moment, he nodded to the two security men. They moved cautiously towards the table. Then carefully they lifted Ryan's body. "Careful with him. Ruby, you may do as you will. See me after. We must detain the current problem." Those instructions were met with resistance from Jade, who shifted back from him.

"There's an alien life form loose on this ship. That is more than a problem." She spoke with a shudder of breath, smoothing down her stained shirt. She'll have to change. Shower this blood off before she can do anything. But she will do it. She will focus on this because Cameron deserves that. Maya deserves that. How can two people she's known, worked with and had good times with be dead? How? After the leak at HQ with Emeric and now this?

"I need to know what the hell that thing is!" Jade's anger is her only option. It's her only stage right now. Taking a deep breath, she looked over to Rhett. "We have to locate and isolate it. Maya was the Xenobiologist but I can do my best with this. It takes a little more observation. A little digging but we have to secure the ship."

All logical and the director knew Jade well enough that she would not sit idle. Yet to have her thrust herself into this? With Lawson becoming part of her little detail? "Jade, you are upset. We all are."

"And that's why I'm getting ready." She answered Emeric's attempt to console. He won't shut her down on this. "I have Ajax." She didn't wait for either man to respond. She walked off, boots echoing on the floor, body tense but sure...

Emeric watched with a slight twitch of his fingers. His eyes remained on the door until she were entirely gone. He was left with Lawson. An obvious shift in the air but no time to measure dicks as they say. "Ah, Ajax." He murmured as if it were an inside joke almost.

[caribbeanblve]

' i am creation both haunted and holy ' - MODERN PROMETHEUS AU

[caribbeanblve]

' she waits seething, blooming ' - MODERN GAIA AU

[caribbeanblve]

' its immortality my darlings ' - MODERN HADES AU

[onlypetyrbaelish]

“Fight every battle everywhere, always — in your mind.”

[caribbeanblve]

Verbal vitriol is not a new occurrence on this mission. Acts of insubordination and assault come freely in Lawson's troupe of people. What more is there to expect? Of course Miss Evans is highly emotional and therefore it is no fault really. Perhaps not of hers but the misfortune of where Ryan wound up planet side. He could tell her there were planned rests. He could offer sympathy. She would accept none of it from him. "...I did not know," is all he spoke, lowly, reflecting shame in his tone. His eyes shifted to Jade with Rhett.

However, he chose to maintain composure. It is vital. More so now than ever. To be the rock. Steadfast and not drowning in emotions. That is how he wins this. That is how he brings this to Weyland and takes what belongs to him. After all Jade has already expressed a desire to be with him following this affair. And Ruby. Precious Ruby. Look at her try to be their friend. It is a gift not a hindrance. A perfect connection for him to manipulate.

"Ruby," he said now to the storm researcher. His hand brushed her arm as if in agreement. "I will have security hep." The two men who entered after he and Ruby were hanging back. Their professionalism intact but a visible wariness over Cameron's body. "To move him for you." Despite protocol for contamination. Realistically Ryan should be jettisoned out into space. "See to it..." Darling. Emeric's eyes focused on the back of Ruby's head for a moment.

Then he turned to Jade. Ignoring Lawson, he moved when she slowly pulled away from the captain. Emeric's hands came up to cup her face. The blood staining her skin. "I will fix this. I promise. Has no one seen Dr. Tran?"

"She's gone." Chambers came into the room after overhearing yelling. Seeing a bunch of people flood through the ship from this direction after alarms meant she left the con for good reason. She had it automated so they were fine for now. Until Captain Lawson gets back on. But this? This is why she ran here. The planet drop with Ryan and Tran had her rattled. Helping the Xenobiologist get him to Nova One sat heavy. But now she's staring at him on the table, chest ripped open. Now words come in about the lower levels. Her announcement forced Dr. Claiborne to turn sharply in her direction. "The lower levels. When the hull breached. She and a couple techs were trapped. They're gone."

Jade nearly stumbled. She had one hand on Emeric's jacket. The other landed back on Rhett's forearm. A vice grip on both men as if she were being pulled between two worlds. Or two very different outcomes she has no idea about yet. Cameron's... and now Maya? Trapped on lower levels when the acid ate through to the bottom? How? Why would she be down there? None of this made sense. None of it. But others were trapped too. People who didn't make it back up in time before emergency shutters would close down to protect the integrity of Strata Nova.

"Chambers, are you sure?" She didn't have to ask. It's a stupid question. Of course she's sure. Why would she just say that? "Oh God..." She teetered forward, caught by Emeric before she could lose anymore footing.

[caribbeanblve]

Jade dropped that knife when Rhett pulled her away. Her fingers trembled, eyes froze on the trail of blood. Cameron's blood. He was only here because of her. They were known friends and her being involved in this mission made her feel as if it was her dragging him aboard. Even if he chose, jumped right on the opportunity, she's just lost. She can't do this. She can't think of how Weyland could be so blind about what they were throwing them into.

Turning towards him, she caught breath, shakily grasping onto his arm. Somehow the other wound up curled around Billie. Her forehead pressed to Rhett's in their embrace. It was a horrible scene. A sharpness in her chest only made her feel sick. The idea of where that thing came from only aggravated her breathing and heart rate.

"...he's not supposed to be like that," she gasped, unable to settle her nerves. Adrenaline wracked through her body after trying to kill it. She almost didn't hear Rhett when he told her not to go near. Blind to anything but that thing being a danger to everyone aboard. That it would just claw it's way through Cameron like he was just a sack of meat. Nothing else. Just a warm place to hide in.

"There is a problem. You heard Jade's voice." Emeric already knew what it must be. Part of him is anticipating a grim scene. Aware of what it means for everyone on this ship. In actuality... not everyone. Merely a select few and those who will be chosen by an apex predator. A perfect specimen. Weyland will be proud to hear of it. Every piece of intel he will take back along with the two women.

"Last, she took Ryan to the mess hall." He reiterated that fact, keeping a hand against her arm. He led her without resistance. A beautiful little assistant. More so. A new ally in his new world of living.

His hand fell away before they entered the mess hall. Immediately he paused at the mess. Blood streaked on linoleum, fading off somewhere distant until no more stained the floor. An obvious trail from one of the tables where Cameron's body lay. He stepped forward slowly, exhaling an unneeded breath at the gaping hole in the young man's chest. The chest cavity emptied. It broke through ribs it seems. After a moment, he turned to see Jade huddled with Lawson and Evans. His fingers curled at his side before forcing them to relax. "Jade!"

Lifting her head, she met Emeric's eyes with a dazed look. The blood splattered on her face had somehow crept down her neck. Staining her skin and shirt like she were canvas. "Emeric..." her voice broke.

[caribbeanblve]

The blood is everywhere. Sticky and cold. On her hands where she tried to prevent him choking. Caught on her shirt, soiling not just her clothes but the image of her friend. Who now appeared to be some habitat for a monster that took up residence. The feeling of Rhett's hand is sudden but enough to drag her back. She stumbles backwards, catching herself against the wall. Instinct to go back and try to stop this is roaring inside of her. But it's too late. She can't save Cam anymore.

She felt the hot sting of tears burning her eyes. Rolling down her face as the sight of Cam laying motionless in a crucifixion pose barrels down. But it's Billie's screams that sink straight into her chest. Like a hot knife slicing through and staying there.. She watches Rhett hold on, keeping her away from what's now burned forever into Jade's brain.

Then it moves. The creature turns its head side to side. Almost resembling a newborn who is curious about its surroundings. The sounds of their horror only fuel it's movement. Jade moves from her position, keeping her back to the wall as she side swipes a knife left on a table.

The alien senses their movement. At first turning towards Rhett and Billie where the noise is the loudest. Then it shifts, opening its mouth to let out a screech. A high pitched sort of wail indescribable but not of this world. It remains suspended within the burst out cavity of the engineer's chest. Swimming a pool of blood and tissue, a tail uncoils as it emerges fully out of Cameron.

Its head jolts in Jade's direction. A warning and a threat rolled into one. Almost sensing her lunge, it releases another wail before skittering down the table. The knife in her hand strikes the table stop, missing its body as it hurtles in a frantic sprint. Knocking aside cups and utensils, their stowaway leaps down and leaves a trail of birthing blood in its escape.

Alarms begin their first drone. These are different than before. A panic ensuing with those who witnessed the first sign of Cameron's seizure as they flood through the interior of Strata Nova. Confusion gave way to questions. Ones that reach the bridge where Chambers is left trying to figure out what the hell is happening now. She sets everything up to automate before leaving her chair.

The appearance of security barrelling down a corridor doesn't mean anything good. Emeric bypasses everything else to reach the mess hall where Jade's voice screamed through the intercom. His hasty steps lessen going by the main lab. "Ruby." His hand connects with her arm, pulling her with him. "Be vigilant, darling. I need you to come with me. We are needed."

[caribbeanblve]

Seeing that desperate look on Billies's face only made her move. She twisted away, grabbing a spoon before her palm slammed into the intercom on the wall. "Emeric! Emeric, get to the Mess Hall! Dr. Tran! Anybody! I need medical!" Those witnessing it from the other tables cleared due to fear. They must have. Knowing that thing was on him. No time to debate. Jade rushed back to the table to occupy the space right beside Rhett. She shoved the metal into Cameron's mouth. The seizure rattled through him uncontrollably but she's not going to let him choke.

"Hold him! I have to make sure he doesn't swallow his tongue." It's all she can do. It's the only thing she can do as he flails. His whole body seemingly rejecting itself. Her breath hastens as she watches Cameron struggle. "Cam!"

Cameron can hear Billie. He can hear her through the pressure. Everything is fading, he can't breathe. Why does it feel like his chest is expanding? His ribs are moving. Something is pushing at his ribs, cracking them open like twigs. Clawing and thrashing inside his body, tearing through nerves and flesh.

He opened his mouth to say something to Billie but a stream of blood gurgled up. Spurting up his throat, the crimson river ran over his chin. soaking his shirt where another splotch of blood suddenly spread. He jerked sideways, hands clawing at the air. Trying to reach something, anything but he found nothing.

Only a sharp crack echoed in the cafeteria. His ribs busting open as all the pressure finally gave way. A protrusion under his shirt ripped through. Finally, it freed itself; a blood covered creature with tiny teeth. Its long body rose up from Cameron's ruined torso. A tiny monster given birth in a monstrous manner. The breath sucked out of Cameron instantly, fingers twitching against the table top before he stilled.

[caribbeanblve]

"MU/TH/UR encrypt all data." Emeric commanded the ship computer with a personal code. Using the computer open up the channel, he held up his arm, scraping off a mole and sticking a thin port through. The metal slid through his arm easily. His expression remained passive as he hooked himself into the main frame. With the lower hub cut off where he left Dr. Tran, he had other ways to bring it online. Fully immersed in his own code and order. "Send all vital information back to Weyland-Yutani HQ. Portal 2.5939. Firewall sync in place."

A repetition of letters appeared on the screen in front of him. Lights shifted around the interior of the computer console room. Engaging with his instructions as every piece of data was pushed off to a private terminal light years away. "MU/TH/UR you are in my control. Confirm."

[Confirmed. Voice Recognition. Main computer access to Dr. Emeric Claiborne. All other commands administered by anyone else negated.]

Cameron was trying to focus on what Rhett's getting at. Sure he can hear him. It's a crazy opportunity. Learning to properly fly a big bitch like this? When he retires though that's...

Jade could see his attention waning. No matter what they were saying at this table, the moment she brought the food and he started to eat, he started to drift. Anyone would be overwhelmed after what's happened. He's been through a lot since they landed on that planet. This, however, is something else. "You okay?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Sorry. Just feeling congested."

She shifted towards him when he dropped his fork onto his tray. He hunched over, coughing a bit as he did when he woke up. Her hand went to his back. Giving him a pat, she reached for his water. "Cam. Cam, here." She felt him nudge her hand away, water sloshing from the rejection.

The moment he shoved his tray aside, Jade slid up to her feet. He doubled over into the space against the surface of the table. "Cameron?"

Gasping for air, he clutched at his chest. Something was burning. Something was filling up his lungs, closing his throat. It was like a vice inside his body. Shifting underneath his skin, forcing him to cough harder. As if he were choking on the very food he was so hungry for moments ago.

His whole body rebelled against what was currently happening. Jerking up out of his seat, his hands dug into his chest. Flailing back as he felt Jade grab at the front of his shirt. An attempt to ground him or maybe keep him stable. He couldn't tell anymore. All he could feel is pressure. Suffocating pressure rippling up through his torso, crushing his chest like a heavy weight.

In the rush of blood pounding in his ears, he couldn't hear anything but muffled voices. His eyes locked onto Billie the second he dropped backwards against the table. Cameron had no control of his limbs. Everything was vibrating, gaze turning hazy as he seized.

[caribbeanblve]

Can't be assed to clap back with a snarky comment over Rhett's advice to go easy on food. He'd have a good one any other time. Maybe call him his old man. His dad's a long ways out of his life. Guess it's not so bad having someone worry about his intake. He's learned to take it as is. Somebody who gives a damn about him. Of course Jade does but it's nice to have more people express that. Billie's keeping him sane right now. Otherwise he might be demanding more of what the hell went down on that planet.

"Oh, yeah." He nodded at her, taking that water and chugging it back. His throat is crying for lubrication. God that's good. "Surprised let me touch her." A light laugh came out of him. "But it's just a few buttons. It takes a whole lot of skill to actually fly a big baby like this 24/7." Giving a nod to Rhett said it all. "Cap's got skills. I mean we didn't get crushed up here by that storm, right?" Clearly Cameron's not fully in the loop of every little detail since he was out.

"I don't know what happened. All I know is I blacked out. Woke up back here and... been prodded at. No hate to Claiborne. At least about that." Standard procedure and all that jazz. Still, he's sensing bullshit. "We had a little discussion. When Billie was with me and Jade down in the med bay. He said corporate didn't tell him everything."

Whatever he would have commented further died when Jade returned with a tray. She had gathered bread, mashed potatoes and a bit of spaghetti. Pretty plain fare but she doesn't want to overdue it with him. He can choose what to pick at. At least it'll be something solid in his stomach. She slowed her pace at the obvious, placing it down in front of him. She sat beside him, handing him a fork. "Here we go. Just go easy okay?"

She watched Cam for a moment. Just that internal worry making her paranoid. Seeing how that thing was on him only made her wonder. "I think after you eat you should get another check. I know Emeric..." she trailed off, looking over to Rhett and Billie before continuing. "He was examining you more but we'll need to find Dr. Tran. She should be looking at the specimen that was on you."

Jade finally turned fully to face the table. Her hands rested in her lap. Her eyes down to focus on the table top. It's only after a few breaths she makes eye contact with Rhett.

"More poking?" Cameron groaned, eating slow bites despite his hunger. "I get it but geeze."

"An x-ray is a good idea," Jade added, patting his shoulder. "Better safe than sorry, Cam."

[caribbeanblve]

Jade dropped a used pair of prongs to the medical cart. Assisting in examining their creature felt strange. Maya should be here. She's beginning to worry a little more. Whatever happened on the lower levels of the ship seemed to be stable. MU/TH/UR is programmed to lock down compromised levels to maintain proper pressure throughout the rest of the ship. Everyone evacuated down there but it left more bodies throughout. Strata Nova is large but they cannot have anymore leaks. It will be catastrophic.

She looked over to Cameron who was still adjusting. He appeared well after the med check. Something Emeric seemed pleased with. That's a good sign. She'd trust her mentor with anything like this. Mentor. Funny how things change in over five years. She stepped aside, dropping gloves into a bin for sterilization. "Emeric?" Calling him over, Jade turned to a row of emergency medical kits. They lined up under glass, creating a point of focus.

His presence behind is enough to face him. This time she thinks she has it figured out. "With everything that's happened," her voice lowered, creating a private cocoon just for them. "The leak. I know you said you were in the infirmary hanging on. Unable to do anything. If I have to blame anyone it's our company." That is the first thing to get off her chest. The other? She looked down, hands folded together in front of herself. A contemplative posture. "I think it's time I decided what I want to do. When we get out of this mess. You said you'd wait forever if you have to. What if I said you don't?"

Allowing her to speak her peace when he felt the urge to sway her is a dilemma. He won against that darker urge within him. He let her speak. No interruption and the outcome is exactly what he strove for. His hand brushed her cheek. Skin soft, warm, and real. She is still his driving force. Nothing could change it. He retained his memories and his feelings. One day he will tell her the truth. One day. But today is not that day. Emeric's hands pressed hers between them. Mimicking the pressed cherry blossom still residing near her bedside. Forever preserved. "Jade, I will never let Weyland ruin us again."

Certainty always followed him. Jade always saw it but there's a deeper meaning in his words. Somewhere she can't quite dig into. "I"ll go with you. When we get back."

Triumph is an intoxicating element. It eclipses anything else of importance. Emeric raised her hand towards his lips, planting a firm kiss to her knuckles. "Great things have small beginnings, my love." There it is. Echoed from his last spoken words before he physically died. Even in death and rebirth Dr. Claiborne understood victory. A shame about Captain Lawson. It seems the better man wins.

Cameron slid off the med table. Finally with some fresh clothes and stable footing, he eyed Claiborne. Seeing him across the bay with Jade made him wary. He doesn't like it. This guy still isn't vibing with him. Dismissing Billie's questions about Weyland not telling them about a viable planet is a red flag. He's too tired and extremely hungry to start a fight now. Besides, he wants Jade to get away from this sterile lab and her so-called mentor for a while. "I don't know about you but I'm starving all of a sudden." He interrupted, taking in a deep breath. His hand braced against a medical cart.

"Cam." Jade stepped away to help her friend. "Take it easy." Her hand settled to his back for a brace. "Billie asked you down to the mess when you were up to it."

"She asked us both," he reminded, shooting a look in Claiborne's direction.

"I'm going to take him to the mess hall, Emeric. He should try to eat."

Emeric watched her offer a crutch in the form of letting Ryan's arm brace over her shoulders. It is no surprise she would offer. The man is her friend. A pity really. "Of course, my love. I will clean up here."

Thank fuck for getting out of there. Cam's shoulders eased when he walked out with Jade. Heading to the elevator was easier. Getting strength back he really was starting to think he hadn't eaten in over a week. Impossible but damn. "Smells good," he murmured walking into the mess hall, checking a few tables with scattered people. They were trying to get food in them even with all the chaos. He spotted Billie and Rhett immediately. Missing all of the awkwardness of late surrounding Jade and the captain, he immediately turned for them. Jade didn't stop. She kept pace to make sure he got over there. "Hey, El Capitan." His voice was still rough but he forced a smile.

Jade looked to Rhett briefly before focusing on getting Cameron down in the seat. "Cam's hungry. I wanted to keep an eye on him. Stay here. I'll grab you something."

"Thanks, mom." The engineer razed her before leaning against the table top. "God, I could eat up the whole station. Feel like a bottomless pit right now. And I'm thirsty as hell."

[caribbeanblve]

"My own boss. Never imagined I'd be where I am in my current position once upon a time. Being my own employer?" She huffed a bit at the idea. Humor returning to the air for a brief moment. Going off with Cam to run with freelancers certainly isn't something she'd ever do. Especially if their own Captain is blowing up, throwing punches at someone she loves... Love. Does she? Maybe after all this she can finally settle down. She can choose what's best for her.

"I'd go anywhere with you, Cam." It was true. A statement of honesty in this whole mess. "But I think I need to figure out a few things first." It wasn't a 'no' but she truly needed to decide what her life is going to be following this trip. If only it were so simple. Once upon a time when she first studying, becoming something in the eyes of her mentor. A man she couldn't help feeling for. But now she's wondering about Rhett. Even so nothing could come of it. Not after this. Even when she still hears him calling after telling her she's better than them.

She nodded to Billie when she mentioned where Rhett would have run off. "I'm sorry it's gotten heated. As much as I would like for it not to, I'm sure steering clear would be best." It was the last she spoke before Emeric was there. His hand on her shoulder easing her further. Pulling her to that choice. One she may speak to him about.

Emeric's attention remained between their deceased specimen and Cameron. Checking his pupil dilation, feeling his throat where not only he was choked. He pressed a stethoscope against the engineer's chest. Listening to heartbeat, his lip twitched slightly. The thum is...exceptional. "No need for more than we are doing," the director answered Billie's question about examining Cameron internally.

However, he turned to offer the young woman a small smile. "Your inquiries are noted, Miss Evans." Allowing that to hang in the air, he continued, rather than ignore. He will be as helpful as he can. "Weyland has always kept its plans close. The viability is not one any of us knew. Until Jade..."

He removed the stethoscope. Laying it down atop the table beside their creature, Emeric moved to pick up a datapad. "Until an incident with her helmet. But they failed to inform me of anything other than official details."

"Then it's not LV-462." Jade added, watching as he used a scalpel to cut through the alien creature's underside. Opening up its innards, left little to truly study. "Careful. The acidity."

"It is alright. It appears to be the blood only. As for the planet if it is not LV-462, corporate will need to explain to their Director of the Science Division their failure in proper information." His head tilted to focus on Billie. "So you see, Miss Evans, we are all as your captain may say - Fucked."

[caribbeanblve]

Cameron might argue if he was up to it. From how he feels he's not. He just feels liked he's been assaulted. Battered from the inside out could be the closest description for how he's feeling. It's strange actually. If that thing was on his face how the hell could he breathe? He isn't a scientist. That's Jade's field but Christ on a Cracker. What the fuck did they get themselves into? "Okay. Okay, you weren't gonna leave me." His head bowed, rubbing fingers roughly against the back of his neck. His whole body is achy. Waking up back on this old baby meant they went through the ringer hauling his ass home. "Guess that explains why my throat feels raw." His hand slid there, touching the skin as if he could feel those tentacles.

"Billie's right, Cam." Jade interjected to back up the mechanic's view. None of them were leaving him. Even if he... No, not forgotten on some alien planet. "I wish I was there with you."

"What?" Cameron looked up at them both. "You were where you needed to be. Don't... hey, none of that bullshit. Come on." They had their teams. What exactly was she supposed to do? It got on him either way. "Dr. Tran and Chambers were with me. They couldn't get it off there. So you definitely couldn't either. Same outcome. But they got me back. God, I owe them. Hell, I'll even owe Claiborne since he didn't pull Weyland protocol shit." Never thought he'd say that in a million years. "One thing's for sure. This is the last field trip I'm taking for these assholes. I got what matters out of it." His eyes were on Billie when he said it. Hinting to maybe heading back to the freelance life. "You should drop from this company, Jade. I mean, so many other people could use you."

Jade's lips parted as if to rebuke his suggestion. Nothing came out though. She isn't sure about anything. Right now she's still trying to navigate. Better find a sturdy landing zone soon or she'll never find it at all. Her hand touched his forehead. Checking his temperature the old fashioned way. "Just relax. We'll figure this out." Focusing on others is her coping mechanism. When she cannot figure things out for herself she always turns to a task. What better one than making sure others are okay. Starting with her friend is easy.

"Has anyone seen, Dr. Tran?" She spoke into her communicator. "Chambers?"

"On the bridge," Chambers' voice answered. "Haven't seen her. I'll send the message along."

"Thanks." Jade paused, keeping the connection to the bridge on a moment longer. Maybe part of her expected to hear Rhett but never mind. She switched it off. "Billie, since everyone's running around can you assist for a second? That tray over there?" Nodding to a cart of supplies, Jade steadied herself, turning from Cameron when the lab door opened. She moved to Emeric almost hesitantly. "You were in your lab?"

"Checking on our current systems." Emeric answered her inquiry with an urgency. His hand settled on her shoulder, fingers curling in slightly. Letting her feel him in every physical way she can consume. Much as he consumes her the same way. It is far different than what he shared with Ruby. No less captivating. Although it pulls him in two directions. One human and another his new state of existing. Torn between two worlds. How fortuitous of Weyland to give him such salvation. In his mind it is a thought of cruel irony.

He turned to Cameron, eyes roving around the room as if searching for something. Then he saw it. Laying on its back upon a tray on a nearby exam table. He fought the urge to go straight to the specimen. Instead he moved to Ryan, affixing latex gloves onto his hands. "Ryan, good to see you awake. Let me see you."

Cameron straightened up some when Claiborne placed fingers underneath his jaw. Lifting his head up, he swallowed, throat still raw. He had enough med check ups to know he was looking for damage. Which Emeric seemed to find none by surface value. Nothing life threatening outside. "Minimal bruising. From the extra appendage. What do you recall?"

The engineer glanced over to Billie. Taking a deeper breath, he shook his head. "I was with Dr. Tran and Chambers. We managed to get cover from the wind storm. In some derelict facility."

"Facility?" Emeric echoed in surprise. "Interesting. Jade and I also found something. Partial hangar. It was attached to another structure that was destroyed by something."

"What the fuck." Cameron huffed. "Where did Weyland send us?"

"It is meant to be LV-462," the director repeated the same he had to everyone else. "Although, I am suspecting none of us knew." His eyes were on Jade as he said so. After a moment, he stepped to the specimen tray. Picking up a metal implement, Emeric slowly stuck it center mass. Only a reflex of its many legs retracted at the prod. "Deceased. It latched on. Fought to stay put. The tail around the neck. The acidic blood. Then it died. How curious."

[caribbeanblve]

"Yes," Emeric breathed against her lips, remaining close in this. It could be interpreted in many ways. Yet only they know what it is . To feel something other than the mundane. Life is precious but can be taken away. He chose to give his but he remains one way or another. "We will do it all together. My precious, Ruby. You understand in ways even Jade would not." It is not Jade's fault. It is the fault of Weyland. Their company overseers are always at hand are they not? They always seek to go a step above. This mission is his own means of acquiring the next great step. There is already a back up plan. One he administered before boarding this vessel. An ultimate fail safe to himself. Even a Yutani corporate such as Michelle Woodward has no idea. This is the cost of allowing a man to live again.

"With me I will show you everything. I will care for you. I will love you." The unspoken 'unlike Rhett, Billie, anyone else' is heavy on his tongue. His lips press to her forehead. This time a physical manifestation of what he knew to be affection because he lived with humanity for so long. It is hard to break. "It is a discovery you will find most rewarding. This sensation. This." He placed her hand to his chest. An intimate action that held no sign of heart but he mimicked it perfectly. As if he wanted her to feel what he once was.

"Emeric, do you copy?" Jade's voice on his comm broke their symbiotic spell. "I need you down in the Med Bay. Cameron's awake. The element on his face fell off."

Emeric's eyes flashed with the detail. An eerie spark that shifted black for a moment before blinking back to its rightful color. It has come off. Good. Very good. He took one step back from Ruby but there was no true distance. His eyes lingered on the prototype as he used the communication on his watch. "I am in my lab. I will be there immediately." Once he dropped the link, he exhaled. "I want you to make preparations, darling. See that Nova One's internal drive is still optimal. In case it is needed." He brushed her cheek, fingers grazing slowly down along the curve. "You are mine in every way. My lovely girl." He turned from her then. Exiting his lab, he made for the elevator to go down to med bay level.

"I sent for Emeric." Jade relayed to Billie and Cameron. Putting on a pair of latex gloves, she'll have to not only check Cam a little more but - She grabbed a metal tray. "I found it." She answered Billie's question about the thing that fell off. "Had to be cautious but it seems dead." There is no telling exactly. Whether it's stunned or simply inert. That's why they need a proper examination.

Moving over to the corner where it dropped from the ceiling, she found it still laying there on its back. With a deep breath she reached down to pick it up.

Cam shifted a bit on the med table, trying to get a look. "Careful, Jai."

"It's okay." She reassured, setting it carefully atop the metal. With it firmly in place, Jade rose up with it. She brought it over to an exam table. Turning on one of the overhead lights to see the specimen better. It certainly is unlike anything she's ever seen. "Eight legs. Arachnid?"

Cameron coughed just looking at it. "Jesus fuck. That thing was on me?" He shook his head, taking a few deep breaths. "And you said holes. In the ship? How did that happen?" He doesn't care about waiting He needs to know. He's the engineer.

"This," Jade nodded to the thing in the tray. "It's blood is acidic. Emeric tried to cut it off you. And it..." No further explanation needed.

"Fuck." Cameron looked up at Billie. "So I compromised the ship? You broke protocol bringing me aboard." Jade broke it. Maya broke it. Hell, even Claiborne?