Summary: New developments for Tyler. Reader and Tyler
Notes/Warnings: Mentions of fights in Tyler’s past. Esteem issues with Reader. Company induced angst with Tyler. Drinking. (Be safe and responsibly)
Runs long. It’s been writing itself. Ooh, he so deserved better.
❤️s, feedback, comments & reblogs are welcome!
Tyler, stood outside of the office. Opening and closing his hands, unease prickled him. The rain was particularly heavy today and he was more then happy to be out of it. He couldn’t imagine what they would want. He just had a very good salvage. They should be happy.
“Harrison, get in here.”
Turning sharply on his heal he went into the office. He bit the inside of his cheek when he saw a high ranking military officer and someone from the science office.
“You wanted to see me sir.” He kept his eye level straight. Just past the balding, company man that sat behind the desk and directed to to his salvages.
“Yes, Harrison. We’ve noticed you.”
The seat creaked as he sat back.
He felt his heart pick up speed.
“Me sir?”
The man nodded. “One of our bigger cargo ships has gone missing. It’s beacon recently came back online but no one is answering any of the coms we sent.”
The man gave an indifferent shrug.
“Perhaps, space pirates took it, raided it and killed the crew; we can’t be sure. But we want you to go and look into it.”
“When sir?”
“Fifteen days, Harrison.”
“If I may, depending on where it is why not send me now and perhaps I’ll come back faster then planned like with the Omega 17 salvage I just came back from.”
For a moment, a smug expression fell over his face. The pay day and his efficiency was superb. But he caught himself, and went back to a blank expression.
The man behind the desk chuckled.
“Told you guys, my boy is motivated.” The glanced at the two other men. “And he’s good. My best.” He gave him a smile. It made his stomach churn.
The military man stepped forward. “We believe, this time you will encounter hostiles.”
He pressed his lips together.
“Alright. I’ve never dealt with hostiles or anyone for that matter.”
“What about the few fights that led to a late night, dawn in one of the 4 by 10 rooms?” The man’s razor thin mouth cracked into a smirk that spread across his face.
This was beginning to sound like something he may not walk away from. He felt ill.
“Easy. You will get some training. You don’t get it, it doesn’t sink in before we need to ship out; we replace you.
“Hey, you said it would be my man we’re using.” The man behind the desk genuinely rankled.
Tyler never would have guessed that he cared one way or another.
The military officer shrugged. “My men will give you a rundown on how to handle yourself.”
“What about my crew?”
“Honestly? We are well aware of how important your family is to you, they can stay on the Corbelan IV, your cousin doesn’t need any help from us. Or we can give you a different crew.”
The man’s tone was as flat and as unforgiving as he looked.
“We don’t care as long as you accomplish what we want you for.”
“How’s the payout?”
The man behind the desk let out a chuckle. The military officer glanced down at him and back to him.
“If it all works out you will be able refit uthe Corbelan IV with the repairs its been needing and more.”
“Alright done.”
“Go to quadrant twenty seven at eight hundred hours tomorrow.”
********
Tyler, moved through throngs of people. Another miserable day in Jackson. His mind was a jumble. Did be really say yes?
“Baby want a good time?” Hand reached out, he grimaced and shook his head barely stopping.
He had to get out here. You all did. Damn, you had never even see anything else.
He was grateful, when he got to the Corbelan no one was there. He needed some time to think.
He plopped down in one of the chairs. It barely gave under his weight. But it would have to do. Looking out of the shuttered smudged window, he saw more dark clouds had rolled in bringing more rain.
He raked his fingers through his hair. He could do this. If he felt strong enough he’d bring the others along. How would he even explain using another crew.
He smirked to himself, at the idea of making some solid credit. They had wanted him. His eyes moved over the small sitting space. Grungy, cramped. Far too small. He rested a boot on the table.
Two small hands that had rough softness covered his eyes. A broad smile curled his lips.
“Guess who?”
He chuckled, tilting his head to one side. “My annoying sister.”
A peel of laughter came from above him.
“Guess again?“
“Oh! Oh! I know Navarro.”
“No!!!” You slipped to the side of him, hand on your hip.
“I knew it was you.”
He chuckled but as he looked you up and down, a smirk curled his lips. Damn. Even in your faded, torn company shirt and cargo pants you looked good.
“Looking good baby.”
You shrugged. “May I?“ Your eyes fell to his lap and back up to his eyes.
“Please.” He smirked pushing against the chair, it was unforgiving. So he could happily make room for you in his lap.
You easily made yourself comfortable. It relaxed him after what he had just gone through, good or bad. It had filled him with unease filled confidence if that was even possibly.
You wiggled more and then giggled.
“Tyler? Are you off world?”
Another giggle came from you.
His attention coming back to he rose an eyebrow as he saw you giving him a playfully serious look from under the shield of his cap. You were far too cute sometimes.
“Just the meeting I had.”
He made a face, mentally shrugging the feel off. He looked at you, cocking an eyebrow.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice.”
“What? Oh this?” You playfully placed your hands on his cap.
He motioned for it. “Give it back.”
“Nah, its comfy. I like it.”
He made a swipe for it. You avoided his hand and squealed.
Wrapping his arms around you he held you close. Easily snatched it off your head, pulled it onto his.
You were beginning to protest, when he dipped close and pressed his lips against. He felt a soft push before he felt you melt against him.
*******
Eyeing your reflection in the scrapped, mirror. You frowned. Even though the rain had let up and you all could walk to the bar with just ash and soot hanging in the air, your hair fell flat.
You had never been one to use taming spray. But it just looked so boring and dull. You had wanted to look good for Tyler.
Kay came bouncing up behind and gave you a tight embrace. You could smell the soft scent of the drinks she had been enjoying. She endearingly, pressed her head against yours.
“What’s the matter? Is my brother being insufferable?” Her eyes met yours in the mirror.
“No.” Your shoulders slumped. You patted her arms. “He’s great. I just don’t think I’m enough.”
She pulled back and turned you to face her. “What is this?” Her eyes were sharp with concern. “He adores you. I’ve never seen him so happy.” She chuckled. “So full of himself. He’s like I got the best so I am the best.” She smiled.
“Truly.”
“Yeah. I’ve never seen him so confident.” She looked playful. “If I didn’t like you so much, I would have pushed him out of the Corbelan long time ago.”
You smiled then. “If you say so.”
“I do.” She offered an arm. “Now, let’s get back out there! We have to get a few more dances in and have a few more drinks.” She gigglee.
“Yes!”
******
“One more.” He gave you a wink, taking the glass. “You gotta finish yours too.” His gestured to yours.
“Oh! I almost forgot.” You hopped onto the stool beside him, grabbing your own glass.
You glanced over at the small very jammed dance floor Kay was shimmying with some random blonde guy you once or twice saw in your sector of the mine. You had lost track of where Bjorn and Navarro were.
You looked back at Tyler in time to see him bringing the glass to his lips. In the hazy, warmth the drinks you had distantly made you jealous of the glass. Looking him over, you noticed how sweat prickled his dark strands, his cheeks were flushed and how he tilted his head back as easily drank the entirety of the glass.
A loud sigh came from him, slamming the glass down he wiped his mouth the back of his hand. “Ready?”
You nodded, happily taking his hand.
His hands were firm, as he held you to him. You fingers grazed through the shorter strands of where he shorn some of his hair. It was a wonderful contrast to the longer, soft strands.
You giggled softly as he leaned in close, his lips grazing your throat. He nipped at you. It made you wiggle against him.
“Man, I want you.” His voice rasped in your ear.
Moving just so. Loving how his scent enveloped the two of you. It pushed away the others or even the place.
“I will always be yours.” You whispered in his ear.
He pulled you even closer to him.
******
He rubbed his temples under the water beating down at him. He really shouldn’t have drank that much last night.
But then again, it was the night before the company owned more of him. He was doing this for you and the others. He had to keep telling himself this.
******
He swished the water and the paste in his mouth after scrubbing at his teeth. Might as well not look and smell like he had danced and drank the night away.
Going into the kitchen, he opened one of the containers and snatched up two blocks of the corn bread. Sighing, he munched on one. By the time he came back to his room. He placed the one he grabbed for you by the environment gauge and time giver.
Carefully, he pulled on his long sleeved, thermal shirt leaving the buttons undone, always felt strangled otherwise and then he pulled on a pair of his heavier socks. He looked back at you. He had wanted to tell you, more then he even wanted to tell Kay or Bjorn but right now, he couldn’t he had to get the feel of things.
A soft sound came from you, still asleep as you moved and settled onto your back. You had snagged one of his shirts. Seeing you in it, made him smile.
Looking away, he reached out and pulled over his boots. Another soft sound came from you. Maybe he should leave a note, but you and the others knew how sometimes he would leave early if he had a good lead on a new salvage. But this was different. He chewed the inside of his cheek.
“Tyler?” Your voice was soft, still heavy with sleep and he felt your hand on his back.
He put on a brave face, a winning smile
“Hi sleepy.”
“You are already leaving?”
He nodded. “Got to.”
“Ok.” He felt your hand leave his back. He shuffled a bit to face you more.
You looked back at him.
“Look you trust me right?”
You nodded.
“Good.” He chuckled softly. “Look I got some good things ahead. I promise.”
You pressed your lips together. “Good. Just be safe.”
“Me? Always.” He pointed at his table. “Look, I even nabbed your favorite. The corner of the corn bread.”
You smiled then. “Thank you.”
“Nothing but the best, I can give.”
You moved fast and hugged him tight. You tucked in under his chin.
“Baby?“ He without hesitation hugged you back.
“Had a nightmare.”
He squeezed you. “Nothing will get me.”
He felt as you nodded.
“Now you are one that’s gotta to be safe in the mine today.” He rubbed your back. “Take a tablet before you head out, to clear your head. I’ll get us some good rations for tonight.”
*******
A few hours in, sweat was running down his face. He rubbed his forehead with his arm. They prodded him, pricked him to draw his blood. Now, he was hooked up to something and he was running on some kind of device; it beeped in time with the beat of his heart. He could not wait to get back to you and the others.
Summary: Tyler is home. And some other characters make an appearance.
Notes/Warnings: Harsh language, angst. This is a long chapter! Thank you, for reading!
❤️s, reblogs, comments & feedback is always welcome.
“Maybe I should stay away longer.” He chuckled and you clung harder and his arms tightened.
“Don’t make jokes like that. These last few months were horrible. “ You glanced up at him from where you were nestled against his chest.
“I’m sorry.” He exhaled, against the top of your head. He kissed. “Space is cruel, when I don’t know when I’ll see you again.”
“Yes, it is.”
You flinched, as he went to cup your still bruised cheek.
“Baby?” He pulled his hand back.
“Sorry.”
“What’s the matter?”
“We can discuss it later.”
“Discuss what?”
You had desperately hoped somehow you could keep this from him for a few more hours. Your stomach churned.
He shifted under you.
“Tyler, please.”
“No, you have never flinched under my touch.”
He snapped on the light on the table by his bed. Grateful you had been keeping it on one of the lower settings.
“Oh!” His eyes grew. “What the fuck happened?”
You immediately tried to cover your cheek.
“Let me see.”
Gently, you let him move your hand aside.
“What the fuck happened to my girl?”
Tears sprang from your eyes and slid down your cheeks.
“I, I got jumped.”
“Fucking cowards.” He muttered.
“I was leaving work, they saw your dog tag I am assuming and jumped me.”
“How did they see my dog tags?”
Confusion finally softened the edge you had seen his face take.
You pressed your lips together. “I wore it to feel close to you.”
Wordlessly, he pulled you close once again. You felt at peace. You had been feeling so fractured, so lost despite the efforts Kay or Bjorn made.
*******
You managed to awaken, untangle from Tyler’s strong arms and make it to the bathroom. You were never one for make up, so you struggled on how to cover your bruise. Sighing in defeat, you dabbed a little powder on it. It lessened its vividness. Still not terribly happy with its appearance you grabbed his hat, pulling the brim down low. Hoping somehow that would miraculously make it disappear.
Finding, the food Kay made you put it into the warmer. Leaning against, counter you drummed your fingers.
A warm hand settled on your hip, you jumped and whirled around. Tyler held his hands up, “It’s just me.” You could see his face change as he finally saw how your face looked.
He tore his hat off. “It’s worse than I thought.”
“Ow!” You whimpered. Tears sprung from your eyes. He was stronger than you remember.
“I’ll fucking kill them.” He managed through gritted teeth
“No, no please don’t.”
You grabbed at his shirt, desperately looking into his eyes.
“It got resolved.”
He looked impassive.
“Tyler, please don’t. They’d take you away. And..I, I…”
“I am so fucking angry that I wasn’t here, that I left, the way I did.”
Wrapping your arms around him; you could see the turmoil of anger and regret in his eyes.
“Please.” You croaked out a whisper
Standing there feeling his warmth, you breathed in his unique scent that mixed with the crisp soap he used. You buried your face into his soft, very worn shirt. It felt like finally the last of your loneliness and desperation from the attack began to fade away.
“I’m here.” He mumbled.
“Hope we didn’t catch the two of you doing anything you shouldn’t!” Bjorn cackled as he was the first in the door, bringing in clouds of soot filled air with him.
Startled you both looked in the direction of the door. You looked away, as your cheeks flushed. As you were about to pull away Tyler pulled you closer, tighter before sharing a look before he went and clapped his cousin on his back.
“Bjorn!” He looked his cousin up and down “Still in one piece?”
Bjorn, smirked. “No thanks to your girl.”
You slumped against the counter. Bjorn, met your eye and winked at you from around his cousin. You grimaced.
Kay close on Bjorn’s heels soon gave her brother a tight hug, Navarro shared a wave and a nod.
“Someone tell me all of what fucking happened.” He went over and wrapped an arm around you.
You laid a hand on his chest. “I told you what happened, its really not important.”
“No, I want to know.” He squeezed your hand.
Looking confident; Bjorn leaned against the wall, he glanced at the others. “We had just gotten back from a good salvage. We were on our way to surprise your girl by picking her up at the mine.”
You chewed on your lip.
“We wanted to celebrate. I saw a commotion, at first to be honest we were just gonna keep on walking.”
Tyler nodded in agreement.
“Someone else’s business is not our business, but that’s when we heard a scream. Kay was convinced it was your girl.”
You glanced at Kay, she smiled. You had not heard that bit.
“By the time we got there, things looked bad.” He smirked at his cousin. “But I handled it, I even came back for that.” He pointed to his hat.
You pressed your lips together before sighing. “Thank you again Bjorn, with how they were talking I may not be here right now.” You looked down, saying it aloud made you feel ill.
You slid off the arm rest of chair you shared with Tyler. He caught your hand as you tried to walk past.
“Where are you going?”
“Your room. You all need to catch up. I need to get dressed. I might even sleep a little longer.” You smiled. “They also have a salvage they probably want to tell you about.”
“Alright. I’ll join you in a little bit.”
You nodded.
Once inside sitting down on the edge of his bed, you held your face in your hands. How could you be so comforted one moment and the next feel so ill, so out of place. You were tremendously grateful he was home and that they rescued you but anxiousness took a hold of you.
You had not had a chance to talk with him. Everything, felt really small, tight all of a sudden. You would go for a walk and feel better, maybe you’d grab a bite in the mess hall.
Quickly, you pulled on your heavy socks, then buttoned and fastened your pants. You did grab one of his heavy sweaters and pulled it over your tank top.
You came to lean against his chair. You had made the right decision, they had not even heard as you crept up.
“Tyler, I am going to go eat something in the mess hall. I’ll be back.” You placed a hand on his arm.
Bjorn cackled. “Are you not feeding your girl, cousin? Ow!” He stopped and hollered as Kay elbowed him. He shot her a look, his brows closely knit, before smiling broadly before bumping her chin playfully with his fist.
“I’ll come with.” Tyler attempted to stand, you stopped him.
“You guys need to talk. I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll bring you something.”
“Are you sure?”
You nodded.
You went and slid onto your coat, zipped it up, looped the buttons and pulled up your hood.
“Yes, maybe we can all go to the bar later. Celebrate your return.” You added cheerily as possible.
*******
You shivered after entering the mess hall, you couldn’t tell if it was because you had just fought against the frigid horizontal rain, or this truly was the last place you wanted to be alone, even if it had been your own choice to go there. The large space was a buzz with idle chatter, clanking plates and utensils.
Taking off your gloves, you shoved them into your pockets then you grabbed a tray. Mindlessly, you eyed the food and scooped onto your plate whatever looked somewhat appealing. Which was never much but it was something.
You eyed the coffee, looked like it had been siting for a bit. The warmer looked broken. You made a face. But still grabbed the pot to pour yourself a cup.
“Hey, did you know that coffee is really good at giving compliments?”
“Huh? What?” Confused, you glanced at the direction of the voice and was met by a soft, kind face. It was familiar but you couldn’t place it.
“They tell everyone that they are brewitful.”
“Oh? Oh!” You laughed. “You were telling me a joke,” You smiled. “I like it.”
He gave you a lopsided smile. “Would you like to join me and my sister Rain?”
Moved your head from side to side. “I wasn’t really looking for company.” You finished saying just as a girl, around your height came over. She also looked familiar for some reason. Maybe you both worked in the same quadrant.
“Andy? Did you invite her to our table?” She looked happily between the two of you.
“I, I did.”
She brightened. “So would you like to join us?”
“I wasn’t really looking for company.”
“Aw, come on it’s the least I could do after you rescued my brother the other day.”
Then it dawned on you who they were. “Oh it’s alright. Anyone would have done the same.” You shrugged.
You slid him a look, it always amazed you how an artificial person could look so close to us. The thought swirled in your mind.
“I was not very nice yesterday. I reacted with fear, let me thank you properly and Andy can ever snatch us extra corn bread.” She added with a smile.
The smile was welcoming and warm, something you had only gotten from Tyler and his band of misfits.
You finally nodded. “Sure. That could be nice. And extra corn bread? How could I say no.” You finally smiled.
*********
Leaning your cheek against your fist you giggled again, “Andy, these are painful.”
He gave you what could only be seen as a shy look. “From laughing and smiling too much?”
“Yes!” You agreed, laughed again.
“There you are.”
Your heart stirred at the familiar voice. You smiled even broader. Turning, you looked up at just as he leaned on the empty seat beside you. Wet strands fell into his eyes, as he gave Andy and Rain a passing glance before turning to look at you. He gave you a fleeting smile.
“Tyler, I have made friends. Allow me,”
His voice sliced through yours.
“I know who they are.”
A forced smile crossed his face, that you only saw come out when he dealt with people from the company. It wasn’t one you couldn’t read.
“Rain, Andy.” He shot them a look before looking back at you. He held his hand out to you. “I came to get you, we still need to talk.”
“Yes, we do.”
You had never seen him act like this. Your stomach twisted. How did he know them?
********
“It’s nice to see you, Tyler.” Rain spoke up, softly. “You, Bjorn and the others still playing at pirates with the Corbeleon.”
Annoyance churned inside of him. Of all the people for you to make friends with in the mess hall. She was the last person he wanted to see.
“What did the two oceans say to each other when they finally met, Tyler?”
Andy’s jokes, perfect to distract one. He shifted where he stood. “What Andy?”
“Nothing, they just waved.”
Tyler chuckled. “That’s good Andy.”
He glanced at the artificial person, he was looking better these days but would still never be the high level of droid he had been designed to be. He glanced back at Rain. “Little more than that.” He pressed his lips together.
Turning, she fully faced him. He could almost hear the insult before it came. “Oh? That’s possible on this stupid colony?”
He stood back. “Yes.”
Glancing back at you, he worried about what you were thinking. You knew he had dated a few times, that sometimes he had even had a shallow one night stand or two.
But nothing had been terribly serious. He had not had the heart to tell you in his teens, stupid and idealistic, for a moment he had thought it was serious with Rain, but he had been a kid then.
And in the end, you were the one he wanted a future with. That was why now the company had a dog tag attached to his ass or well around your throat.
“Tyler, why did nobody want to play cards with the pirate?
He shook his head. “I have no idea, Andy.”
Glad for the distraction. Andy always had a perfect knack to distract one from their worries.
“Because he was standing on the deck.”
“That’s good I will have to remember that one.”
“Don’t encourage him.” Rain replied
“I always will.” He grimaced.
******
You stood, the chair screeched against the worn floor. All of this was becoming even more uncomfortable. You originally had come here to get away from your discomfort.
He took your tray. “I’ll take care of this for you.”
“Thank you.” You buttoned your coat back up and slipped on your gloves on.
Rain grabbed your sleeve. “If you ever see us, you are more than welcome to join us. Don’t let Tyler scare you away from us.”
Your brows knit together, as you pressed your lips together. “Alright.”
You wondered what she meant by that. You walked over to where he returned your tray, placing a hand on his back. When he flinched, you snatched your hand away.
“I’m sorry.” He exhaled.
“I’m ready, we can leave.”
“Good.”
You mentally prepared to go outside. Stepping close to you, he took your hand in his.
********
“They are getting some supplies, we have more time for ourselves.”
“Good.”
You took your gloves off and hung up your coat.
*******
You tucked one of your legs under you, after he led you to where he usually sat. He chewed on his bottom lip.
“I, I am not really good at any of this.”
He went to the cabinet and took the bottle with the amber liquid that soften all the sharp edges that life had.
“It’s alright.”
“I’ll tell you why I left so abruptly, why I have a damn dog tag now.”
Looking over at you, he brought the glass to his lips. He exhaled, his breath heavy as the liquid coursed its way to his belly. You could practically taste it yourself.
“I needed that.”
The glass clanked against the counter when he put it down. Coming back over to you, he leaned against the console in front of you.
“A few short weeks before I left, I was called into Reid’s office. He made me an offer.”
“He always does.”
He nodded. “Yes. This time was different.”
“Oh?”
He grimaced and nodded.
“They have been watching me and the others. More me.” He smirked. “I was to help them retrieve one of their larger cargo ships.”
“That is why they gave you a dog tag?” It didn’t make sense. No salvage is ever that crucial.”
“Yes. But it wasn’t a simple salvage. I believe they already knew this when they recruited me.”
“What made it different?” Dread began to fill you, the company always had some motive none of them were ever good.
“The ship had came across some kind of creature. They tested on it and I believe it killed the entire crew.”
Getting up, you went over to him. As your worry grew. You took his hand. “And you’re ok?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “I helped subdue it.”
“What was it?”
“I don’t even fucking know.” He shook his head, looking away. What you saw in his eyes you couldn’t read. “It was like something out nightmares.”
Summary: We learn more about Tyler…though his present comes back to him, his duty.
Notes/Warnings: 18+ and over, please! Consensual p in v intercourse, angst, some drinking (always be safe) angst
In Aliens there is a moment where we see the heroine, Ripley sitting on a bench in front of a screen that displayed a moment in a forest..there were sound effect to accompany the moment…I am using that in my next chapter for something with Tyler & his gal…with my own twist to it.
(It’s a bit of a long chapter!)
❤️s, feedback, comments & reblogs are appreciated. Thank you for reading!
“I can’t dwell on this any further. I’m just grateful to be home with you, and the others.” His voice drifted off.
He knew the company had more in store for him. After seeing that creature, he instantly had regretted his decision. He had to remind himself, why he agreed. Things would get better. Life would be better. It had to.
He remembered earlier how his anxiety grew. He had seen you sitting and laughing with Rain and Andy. You were smiling. He took a step closer to you as you poured yourself some of the amber liquid.
He leaned on the counter. “Pour me some more of that, please.”
You nodded. He did enjoy watching how you moved to reach for his glass.
He clinked his glass with yours before you both swallowed down the sharp liquid.
“Will you tell me how you became friends with Rain and Andy?”
You coughed, nodded. “I was only teasing. I don’t really know them.” Shrugging, you gathered up the glasses to put them in the cleaner. “A few days ago, I stopped some little hoods from trying to destroy Andy. She chased me off, probably thinking I was one of them.”
“You are small enough.” He chuckled softly.
You rose an eyebrow.
“You know how much I love how small you are.”
“I suppose.” Your eyes met and a small smile was shared. “Well, anyway today he came over telling those horrible jokes, and after asking I finally joined them.”
“Rain’s father programmed Andy with those jokes after patching him up.”
“So, there is some history there.”
He bit the inside of his cheek. “Yes, Rain and I were in a relationship.”
“Mmmhmm.”
“It was when my father was still alive.” He wished he knew how you were feeling.
“That was a while ago.”
“Yes, it was quite a few cycles ago.”
“Who ended it?” You tucked some hair behind your ear.
“Does it matter?”
You nodded. “I want to know.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t know what I wanted.”
He looked away.
“My mother had just passed. I wanted more of something reliable and carefree.”
He looked back at you.
“I was a mess. All I could really focus on what Bjorn and I had discovered. Making surreal Kay was looked after.”
He smirked then, remembering the rush from those first trips.
“We could make very easy credits scavenging. We were on and off world a lot. We were making a lot, even bought this old hauler and refurbished it.”
He patted the Corbelan.
“That was a big for us. She never joined us, thought I was being reckless. Thought, we were like the pirates from the old stories. Made me feel like a thief, worse and I couldn’t accept that so I walked away.”
“None of that must have been easy. You find things, making our little world better.” You smiled up at him.
He rubbed your arm. “Thank you.”
“I mean, I’d be lying if I said you were not a complete and utter scoundrel.”
A smirked curled his lips, he enjoyed how you looked at him.
“The charm, the swagger in which you approached me with, I couldn’t resist.” You giggled, continuing.
He pulled you close. “So you like that I’m a scoundrel huh?”
You reached up and brushed some strands that had fallen into his eyes.
“I do.” A smile spread across your face.
“Good. You better.”
He kissed you then, a soft sound came from him as he felt your lips. It was almost too much. He had missed the feel of them so much.
*******
Barely, was the door of his room closed and locked when both of you landed on his bed. You made quick work of his sweater that you had so pulled on earlier. Easily you were wiggling free of your pants. Some of his inky strands had fallen into his eyes as he stood watching you as he pulled and tugged at his own garments. Once enough was off, he crawled over you, his weight felt delicious on you.
He cupped your cheek, his thumb caressing your cheek. “In cryo sleep, all I dreamt of was you.”
“I’d lay here missing; thinking of you. Remembering you.”
Opening your legs more for him, a soft moan broke your lips as you felt him graze your opening.
“I will remind you again.” He practically growled.
“Yes.” The word broke as a moan came from your lips as he entered you.
********
Your fingers entangled in his sweat soaked, strands. Your eyes never left each other, kisses became bites and bites became kisses. You clung to him, never wanting to let him go as he moved above. Your moans mingled and became one like the two of you were.
“Ooo Tyler.” You managed to call out, after your body erupted in pleasure from tightening against him.
Your name poured from his lips, as you felt him fill you. His breath warm, panted harshly in the aftermath. “Love you, baby.” He breahted before as his forehead rested against yours.
*******
The place hummed, it was warm. Almost steamy like the aftermath of a hot shower session. Liquids flowed, some sticky and sweet while others were sharp and hot like a flame as it coursed a flame to the belly to whomever decided to swallow it. The lights shone while others moved with the beat of the music.
Tyler kept a hand on your hip since you and the others came to the bar, it was a firm grasp. Not one you could forget that it was there, and to be honest you really didn’t want to. You had missed, his steady touches.
He matched your movements as you danced. You relished how this made your heart race and you alive you felt.
******
It was nice to only have to focus on you. He debated if he wanted to encourage his cousin’s new salvage. It worried him, that they had gone on one without him.
Though, he knew that soon he’d be getting his new assignment soon. He kept a steady eye on the bar. In the back of his mind, he worried the man who had been bold enough to attack you, may try again since he was home.
That’s when he could have sworn he saw something. He did. But he relaxed, it was only Xano.
“Baby?” He said hoping it was loud enough.
You looked up at him through a swish of your hair.
“Yes?” He saw her reply.
“Lets get a drink. I see someone I know.”
You nodded.
Easily with a hand on your lower back, he guided you over to where Xano stood.
“Hi partner.” He greeted him.
“Harrison!” Xano smiled, then looked over you. “Is this the girl you told me about?”
He smiled proudly. “She is.”
“Hello? So I guess Tyler has been talking about me?”
Xano nodded. “Only good things.”
You giggled. “Is there any bad?”
He smiled and gave you a squeeze. “Maybe.” Catching the bartender’s eyes he motioned for some drinks.
“Ow!” You smacked Tyler’s arm.
“There wasn’t.” Xano spoke up. “He loves you, he is a very brave man.”
You smiled at Xano and then back at Tyler. “He is far braver than me.”
He shrugged. “I have my moments.” He moved closer to the artificial man. “Xano, what are you doing here?”
“Was hoping to see you, meet the pretty girl that brought your head to the stars during cryo sleep.”
“Oh? So you did dream of me.” You piped in.
He smiled. “I told you I did.”
“You did.” You smiled, tucking some hair behind your ear. “You two will have to excuse me, I need to freshen up.”
“Don’t be gone too long. Xano and I might have to go out onto the dance floor without you.” He gently teased.
“Sure. Sure.” You rolled your eyes.
He nodded as the bartender slid a cold, frosty looking glass. He did enjoy that the great amount of credits he had and how they were improving things
Taking a sip, he enjoyed the crisp, cool liquid.
“Xano? What’s really going on?” He leaned against the counter.
“They wanted to send a friendly face, they are very pleased with you. We’re needed. We will have to push off the strength training. A satellite has gone off coms and they expect this creature is at fault.”
He took a more substantial sip. It bubbled all the way down to his stomach.
“Then why do they need us?”
“You are the best, they like you.”
“Right. I believe that. I’m the most reckless.” He finished the drink.
“That is true too.”
“Didn’t they learn anything from the data we brought back? This thing is lethal, we should not try to trifle with it again.”
Xano’s face was impassive. “They need more information on the subject.”
Tyler groaned, he put the glass back on rhe counter. He motioned for another one. “One of these days, that creature may bring about our end.”
“I am hoping we can achieve what needs to be done.”
“And that is?”
“For humans to have an advantage, to strengthen them.”
Tyler shrugged, he nodded once again as a glass slid his way. “I want to close out my bill.”
Giving, Xano a side long glance. Reaching into his back pocket, he eyed his credits, he covered the bill and a decent tip. He nodded to the man, sliding the credits over. “Have a good night.”
“Thank you.” The man replied with his own thin lipped grimace.
“How long do I have?” He turned his attention back to Xano and took a sip from the glass.
“They wanted you tomorrow but I reminded them you should have some more time to recuperate since, your body had not taken too kindly to the differences.”
Tyler rose an eyebrow. “I’ll be alright.”
“We need to up your strength.”
“I’ll get there.”
“I know.”
“The day after tomorrow, they want you there early, there is asteroid field passing through.”
“So a few days were only a couple.”
Xano nodded.
“How long will we be gone?”
“I don’t feel like my calculations are strong.”
Tyler drew closer and rose an eyebrow, he glanced around. “I still trust them.”
“If we factor in the asteroid belt that is coming through, it may be closer to a year possibly just over a year.”
Tyler slumped. “Will that be the entirety or is that round trip or one way?” He pressed his lips together.
“That is where my calculations are fuzzy.”
“Damn it.” He slammed his hand on to the bar. Bracing himself on it as his annoyance bubbling hotly in him.
Xano put a hand on his arm. “Look, this will be even better than the last one. What we are supposed to see and acquire will make some great advances in the program.”
He glanced at him through the strands of his hair that fell into his eyes. “This will be rough. My girl, was attacked almost raped while I was gone. I couldn’t fucking protect her.”
“We can hire protection. You can marry her when we get back.”
“Protection?”
“Yeah. There are artificial people like me but just for that kind of protocol.”
“Would she have to know?”
“You wouldn’t want her to be aware of the protection?”
“I don’t want her to worry. She likes to blend in, not get noticed. “
Xano, nodded. “I can make sure she doesn’t know.”
“Alright. Then yes, let’s do that.”
“I will go and begin prepping the ship. See you in about thirty two hours.”
“Alright.” They clapped each other in the back and tapping on his watching he called up Vacation Immersions.”
He eyed the packages available for tomorrow. It was slim pickings up here was able to pick a good one. He hoped it would soften the blow of him leaving again so soon. He confirmed, just as you bounced up to him.
You glanced around. “Where did Xano go to?”
“Oh?” He shoved his one hand into the pocket pf his pants. He mustered his best smile. “He just wanted to finally meet the gal filling my dreams and much of my waking hours as well.” He chuckled.
“So distance makes you a softie huh?”
You smiled wide eyed and warmly up at him. It tore him to shreds.
He nodded. “Now, hey enough talking why don’t I twirl you around some more before we head back to the Corbelan. Tomorrow we got a big day ahead.”
Four long months, he was gone and you were still a mess. Kay had wanted you to stay with them, practically insisted but after a month and you felt out of place.
You were convinced that they stayed away from possible salvages since you were there. Keeping an eye on you for Tyler’s sake. Guilt from the fight ate at you. So one night, while they all slept you left a note and went to the bunks.
Keeping your head down you kept busy. A month away from the others; when Bjorn; sent a message to you while you were in the underbelly of the planet. Once topside you received it. Though, by then Navarro had long since navigated them to the stars.
From what he had said, it sounded like they would be gone for at least a month on a new salvage and they’d message you once they returned.
That was the first time since he left you had cried, you cried in the shower cubicle so not to disturb who had taken the bunk above you.
You felt so utterly alone. To be safe, you only traveled between the bunks and the mess-hall and the mine. You didn’t do anything else. Barely a word passed your lips.
It was when you finally relaxed doing that repeatedly that something happened.
******
There was something, someone strapped to an operating gurney. It did not move. Hanging, no more like it positioned itself above whatever was fastened down. Wet sounds reached his ears. Was it eating? The sight made him ill. But he knew he could not look away.
“What the fuck is that?” He muttered before he could stop himself.
The creature turned on its ebony skeletal legs. It’s head turned, the black orbs appeared to look at them. Tyler swallowed.
“The single life form on board.” Xano said in a hushed voice.
With great ease it leapt down from the gurney.
Tyler couldn’t believe what was before him. His heart began to thud hard in his chest, his breath catching in his throat.
Standing from the crouching position it landed in, appeared far taller than any human but despite its torso. The head and arms were very human. As it tilted Its head it appeared to be curious about them. The black orbs were cold, lifeless.
“Tyler.” Was all Xano whispered.
He swallowed, fear crawled down his back. “Are you fucking sure?”
“I’m not reading anything else.”
Tyler slid him a glance. He could actually feel relief not look at that creature.
“Stay back. I am going to try and engage.” Xano stepped forward.
“Be careful.”
An expression of ease washed over Xano’s face. Tyler had seen traces of it when he instructed him on how to fight one on one. If he wasn’t an artificial person, Tyler would have thought traces of smugness over the easy it was to operate the famous pulse rifle; something at that time he had only ever handled in a video game or read about in a magazine.
“We’re here to help.” Xano held his hands up.
A sharp hiss, which morphed into a screech came from the creature.
Far easier then he thought himself capable of, he released the hand gun from the holster and shot the creature stopping it before it reached Xano. It fell back and remained still from where it landed.
“What the fuck was that?”
“I have never seen anything like that.”
Xano, crept over and looked down at the creature. He turned look back at him.
“Good job.”
He was breathing hard, he coughed bracing himself on his knees. “Thank you.”
Straightening, he holstered the gun and walked came over to Xano.
*******
Your sleep had been far too light, every time the person above you moved you awoke. Everything about you felt tired. Even taking a tablet could barely clear the fog that hung over you. When dressing, you had dropped your gloves and Tyler’s hat at one point.
Leaning against one the rocky walls did little to help you catch a second wind. Pushing your sleeve back, you saw that you still had two hours of time in the mind. As much as hunger was knotting your stomach, you would go straight to the bunks and with hope finally sleep.
******
Someone bumped you from behind in the elevator. But you couldn’t tell if it was them who did it or did wavered in your exhausted state and bumped them.
“Sorry. Excuse me.”
They made an incoherent sound. You didn’t pay them any mind.
You shifted Tyler’s hat a little. For a moment, in the dreariness of the elevator the warmth of remembering how he snatched for it before pulling you close. He always looked good but there was something about him in the cap. So having it with you made you feel a little better.
******
You made a face seeing, feeling the horizontal rain as you left the elevator. You pulled your collar up and gasped as the Tyler’s dog-tag jangled. Your heart stilled and immediately tucked it away. None of these men, women took kindly to the company. They were fully aware that they were disposable assets.
A chuckle came from behind you. A cold more frigid then the falling rain went down your back.
“We knew something was up with you.” A voice practically growled near your ear.
You didn’t have time to react to it when you felt yourself being lifted and somehow carried away. You began to struggle.
“Stop struggling. We’ll slit your throat. We don’t care.”
You screamed.
Pain exploded in your face as you felt a fist contact with your jaw. Your head drooped after the impact. You barely felt being tossed, falling into a heap on the wet ground. Then a few hands got you back into a standing position of sorts. You didn’t dare look up at your assailants.
“What’s this?” A finger prodded then crooked around the chain you winced as they tugged and it gave.
Inwardly, you screamed.
The lit glass dangled into your field of vision. You only looked at it the little plate.
Tyler Harrison
DOB 01/28/2121
Distantly, you let your mind escape. You could perfectly see some of his ebony strands falling just above his paint stroke like eyebrows at least that is how you saw them when you saw paintings in the historical brooks. Strong chin, dark piercing eyes that filled with you with warmth or excitement depending if he was being playful or his cheeky self.
“Listen to me bitch.” You were face was pulled back by your hair. Made you realize his hat had fallen somewhere.
“Is he your connection? Do you get on your knees for to get more credits? Is that how you discovered the new vein in the mine.”
“Fuck you.” You finally managed. You wouldn’t let them know how scared you were.
“Fuck me? Nah baby, we’re going to fuck you that you’ll soon forget all about your company pretty boy. You’ll be begging for more.”
A chuckled came from another. You barely gazed at the shadowed outline of who it belong too.
“You’ll come to us on your knees for more credits.”
“Get the fuck away from her.” A voice shouted, the hand holding your hair let go.
*******
“She’s rousing.”
Your head was pounding, yet a soft voice broke through the haze of pain. Blinking, you tried to sit up but pain increased pulling a you groan from you. You laid back down.
“Kay?” You managed, finally opening your eyes.
She gave you a soft smile. “You’re safe now.”
You trembled. “I, I.. where are we?“
Kay laughed lightly. “Back at the Corbelan, of course.”
She turned and poured something into a cup.
“We touched down late last night. Bjorn, decided he had better look for you.” She glanced at you, smiling through the curtain of her curls.
“Knowing, Tyler would have his ass if he didn’t keep an eye on you.”
Taking the cup you took a sip and gasped. Your eyes grew huge. “Kahwa Tea?”
Kay nodded. “In our salvage, the ship had an entire stash. We had to give up half but that still leaves us with the other half.”
“It has been so many cycles since I had some.” Your voice strained.
She nodded. “It was a nice discovery.”
“Is she awake?” Bjorn, called as he came practically stampeding into the room.
“I am.” You called back.
He placed his hands on Kay’s shoulders and gave you a lop sided smile, as he leaned against her. “Hey there.” She smiled up at him.
You glanced away, blinking away the tears that welled up before looking back at him. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” His smile curled into a smirk. “Always fun kicking some bastard’s ass.”
******
Tyler paced back and forth before he had to enter his stasis chamber, chewing on his thumb. His stomach was in knots. He did not look forward to the nightmares that may plague him.
Xano and him had gotten a good look at what was left of the person that creature had been eating on. That alone, he knew would haunt him. It was a male around his age, healthy till he had became the food for whatever that had been.
Tyler skimmed some the files that Xano gathered. The ship’s log mentioned that after reaching the destination, a parasite had bit one of the overseers. And it was that overseer which morphed into whatever that creature they encountered.
The crew had locked him up in one of the holding cells after some turmoil. Two of the science officers continued to prod and test on him and then everything took a turn.
Xano remarked that these files would help the company greatly. Any new parasite discovery would help keep others safe.
Tyler was not sure. None of this sat well with him. It didn’t look like all the safety protocols had been carried out to begin with.
Though, he was very well aware that he had better keep his mouth shut. He thought of all he could do with the Corbelan. What he could give you.
They would bring it all back with them. The company almost lost an immense amount of credits. Since they could bring it back, the loss would be minimal.
Following Xano’s lead, together they wrapped up and sealed the creature to preserve it for journey back to Jackson Star.
******
You were reluctantly pulling on your coat in the kitchenette, when Kay bounced in.
“What are you doing? Take that off.”
“Just because yesterday was a hellish day doesn’t mean I can skip out on the day.” You managed to grumble out.
Kay, took and tucked your coat on her arm. “We filed a report about your attack while you were sleeping.”
You nervously chewed on your bottom lip.
“They said you had today off but tomorrow you have to go back to work.”
You slumped against the counter. “Well, that’s a relief.”
“Later, today they said you will be getting your new assignment.”
You pressed your lips together and nodded. “Do I have to do any sort of follow up or anything?“ You tucked some hair behind one of your ears.
A cynical laugh came from Bjorn, walked in, and opening a cabinet grabbed a bag of food. You watched as he retrieved one of the thin metal baggies and bringing it to his lips he tore it open with his teeth.
“One of these days, you are going to rip your lip doing that.” Kay remarked bringing the strap of her overalls back onto her shoulder.
“Hasn’t happened yet.” He chuckled. “Anyhow, those assholes happened to drag you into a monitored alley.” He took a good mouthful of food and chewed loudly.
You rose an eyebrow, confused.
“Apparently, a lot of shit goes down in that particular alley.” Kay said brightly. “So they had footage of the entire thing.”
“We got this back for you, and Tyler.” Bjorn reached under his sweatshirt and retrieved Tyler’s cap. Which was a little more scuffed.
“Oh! Wow.”
You smiled, laughing a little as he haphazardly placed it on your head.
“Looks better on you.” He winked at you as he finished the last of the food in the packet.
You rolled your eyes, taking the hat off and holding it.
Kay put your coat on the counter, jangling some cups and dirty dishes. Must have been Narvaro’s time to steam them.
Closing the distance, she put her hands on your shoulders. “Now, turn around and go back to Tyler’s room, sleep. You will need it.”
“If you insist.”
Kay nodded. “I do.”
So you padded back to his room. Crawling into bed you pulled off your heavy socks, tossing them absently before finally placing his hat on the table by his bed. It wasn’t long sleep claim you once again.
