CYCLE EIGHT- CYCLE PUT

"How do I look?" Cooker asked, turning around.

Theo had her arms crossed as she leaned against the door to the room, keeping it closed from people walking in. She shrugged a bit.

"Why are you doing this again?"

"I'm doing this to prove a point," Cooker huffed and looked down at the dress. She couldn't get her fucking boobs to cooperate with her and everything felt too tight. Like, she wasn't getting any oxygen to her head.

"What point is that exactly?" Theo laughed.

"They don't take anyone but men here seriously. But they take me seriously or others seriously when they think we are similar to them," Cooker explained, "so, I'm going to make them uncomfortable by having to hear a woman in a dress speak to them."

"Still not getting the point," Theo teased and took a sip of her drink, and Cooker's throat suddenly felt dry.

"I have always argued that this space is not open to those that are not men. They argue that they respect anyone who comes in the door and used the various women and omkei in the room to prove they did. So, I have shifted my theory. Anyone that doesn't conform to their standards of masculinity is who gets denied. So, tonight I will be taking a stand. A feminine one."

"I get the point of your speech, Cook, I don't see how a dress helps further your point," Theo argued.

"Just sit back and learn to appreciate my genius every once in a while," Cooker sighed as she frantically began to walk around the room to put on her last accessories.

"Wouldn't the point be further enforced if you gave your speaking slot up to someone who was actually feminine? Or at least, not masculine," Theo reasoned.

Cooker began to slip on her gloves and rings, "I have already thought of that. I am the warm-up. Agnes is coming in a few suns to give her speech. I am introducing the issue, telling them they need to pay attention. And next, Agnes will blow them out of the water."

"And you couldn't prime the issue without a dress on?"

"My goal is to make them uncomfortable at the idea of someone feminine speaking to them," Cooker tried to get Theo to see her point of view.

"Well, if I'm honest, I am quite uncomfortable too," Theo laughed, "but not at the thought of a feminine woman speaking her mind. It's because it's you in a dress. So, the point that I am trying to make here is that your point will not get across. All they are going to see is Cooker in a dress, they will miss your purpose entirely."

"I initially invited you here for your support," Cooker finished placing everything just right and she had broken into a sweat. She could not wait to get everything off.

This would have been her future had she not run away. An eternity of stuffy dresses and sweating her tits off.

Theo pushed herself off the door and grabbed the doorknob, "I am a strong pillar of support starting now. Ready?"

Cooker nodded and headed out of the room. She felt Theo pat her on the back as Cooker exited and was quick to follow behind. Theo split with her and headed to the crowd as Cooker broke off into the wings of the stage, waiting for her turn to speak. In front of her was the manager of the speakers, he organized all things stage and events. When he turned around, he offered her a cigarette.

"What is it?" Cooker asked.

"Foulness."

She shook her head with a polite smile and waved off the pass. The smoke was all around her and she had a slight craving but nothing compared to how she was feeling cycles ago. Things really did get better over time. Of course, shit wasn't linear and on some suns, it was all she could think about but since her time in the forest, she had stuck to the approved drugs. Foulness was not one. It was far too strong. She distracted herself from temptation by reviewing the points she wanted to go over and finally, her name was called.

As she stepped out, she was met with clapping but the clamor faltered at the full sight of her. Cooker looked down and then back up at the audience and her confused expression matched the energy in the audience.

"What's wrong?" Cooker asked, the facade of genuine concern in her tone, "is it shocking to you to see me embrace the roles of femininity that you prescribe to women."

Cooker paused for a moment and looked around, catching sight of Theo leaning against a wooden pillar in the back of the room. She had a small smirk on her face and Cooker couldn't tell if it was because of the pink, satin dress she was wearing or because everyone in the room was actually uncomfortable.

"Is my presence on this stage in a dress a problem?" Cooker asked another question, "because from where I am standing, the apprehension in the room says that it is. This apprehension is here because femininity has entered your space. Because a rejection of masculinity has arrived and is directing its attention to you. I come to this stage almost every night and I am not met with faces of shock. But of welcoming."

She knew that the shock was most likely because of the shock of her in a dress, but her point was getting across. She saw one or two people turn to the person next to them and nod.

"When I interact with you all, you do not see me as a woman because I am not a pretty, delicate, feminine person. When you interact with Juli, you do not see them as an omkei but as a man, being they are masculine. When you listen to Darla, you do not see her as the woman you speak about in your discussions because she is not a fair-skinned Eloxain, delicate, motherly, and easily tossed aside. So, you do not accept us in your space as women and omkei but as men-adjacent.

So I stand up here tonight to ask two things of you gentlemen in the room. First, you must expand your definition of womanhood. Of masculinity. And, of gender. For all people are not a monolith, all women do not look and act the same. Nor do they all want the same things. Neither do omkei. Or men. Or anyone else. Second, I ask that you are more welcoming of the women that you perceive to fit your definition and stereotypes of womanhood. Those prim, proper, pristine, well-dressed, feminine women should have a place here.

I lied, there is a third thing I ask. Accept all people here, openly accept them.

I am not speaking about allowing them on stage. Or refraining from throwing fruit at them. I am talking about seeing the differences in people and welcoming them. Engaging everyone in the conversation. Opening your eyes to other perspectives other than your boring, outdated ones. We are not unaware of the world, here at Fingen's, and you lot know best that this building does not exist in a vacuum. There is a real-world out there and we are all affected by it differently. Exclusion of the opinions of those deemed unworthy of philosophical engagement is not only to the detriment of the excluded but to our own as well."

Cooker finished her monologue with a deep inhale, taking a look around the room to see interested faces. Drinks had been put down and all attention was on her. She took a pause before her final statement.

"Expand your concept of womanhood, expand your concept of who in this space can be respected, and for fucks sake don't be fucking bigots."

With that, Cooker finished. Theo pushed off the beam she was propped up against and let out a cheer before clapping her hands. Theo got the room started and with a smile in her direction, Cooker left the stage. She was pat on the back by several people and she rushed off to the room she had been in. Quickly, as to not miss the prime opportunity to mingle, she rushed to a room to change out of her dress and into more comfortable clothes. As she was wasting precious time folding the dress so it wouldn't be messed up when she returned it to Agnes, the door opened.

She expected Theo but it was just two regular patrons of Fingen's. Cooker nodded in their direction and went back to folding.

"Ace job, mate," Kennel said and walked over to the table in the room, "really got me thinking."

"Thanks, Ken," Cooker smiled, "so, if I invite someone in next week to speak that isn't your usual Fingen's member, you won't be a dick about them speaking?"

"Is it that girlfriend of yours?" Nigel asked as he joined Ken on the couch.

"She's not my girlfriend but aye, it's her," Cooker confirmed.

"There will be no dicking around from me," Ken nodded and took a vial out of his bag and made quick work of emptying the content on the table.

Cooker was no stranger to the orange powder on the table. She was stuck in place, eyes stuck on the motions of Nigel's hand coming in to quickly separate the powder. She swallowed past the lump that had lodged itself in her throat and her hands were tightly gripping the folded garment.

"Y'kay?" Nigel asked, looking over, "want some?"

Cooker stayed quiet, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. If she opened her mouth to answer, it would be to accept the offer. She had to strategize, to plan. Time was slowing and her heart rate was increasing. She was going to walk out of the room, stuffing the dress in her bag, and making no eye contact with the loli on the table. She would not engage, would not respond, would not give in. She took a deep breath and began to walk before she opened her eyes.

She gave it three steps before she opened her eyes and fixed her route on the open door, pushing the dress into the bag as she left, wrinkling be damned. She gave herself a moment to come to her senses once she shut the door behind her. Nothing pushed her to the edge like that except for loli. And seeing people piss drunk. Those were her two true addictions, anything she avoided that wasn't that was because one just led to another for her.

Cooker wanted to go back to her room. She didn't want to mingle or debate or discuss. Her ideas would just have to be left to be digested without her there. Cooker immediately was able to spot Theo at the bar and she came up to her, grabbing her arm and pulling at it.

"Theo, I want to go."

Theo held up a hand, telling her to wait. She was looking down at the wood, no drink in front of her, seemingly listening to something. Cooker's ear caught it too, it was two men talking about the recent policies and changes occurring through Baethos. Government talk.

"-I say it's up to time to tell us. I can't make any snap judgment about these reforms. Give it half a length and maybe we can see if anything has changed. Then, we can make judgments."

Cooker was going to jump in but she was sure Theo would be upset for derailing a conversation that wasn't intended to be interrupted.

"I don't think that Vaith girl is up to any good. But you will have plenty of time to come to that conclusion yourself now that's she's the next one to take her father's seat."

"That is if he secures the seat again in a few cycles," the man replied, alluding to reclassification.

"Oh, there is no doubt about it. He will be reelected into that seat after all he's claimed to do against pirates. It's a guaranteed political strategy."
Theo leaned forward, "Excuse me. Pardon. Did you say that Vaith has named his new successor?"

"Aye, news broke a few hours ago. It'll be his daughter, the one that was rescued," one of them responded.

Theo took a moment to collect herself before she looked over at Cooker, "Sorry. You were saying."

"Nothing," Cooker shook her head, "just that I wanted to leave a bit early tonight. So, can we go?"

Theo stepped away from the bar and put an arm around Cooker, "Everything alright?"

"Aye, the vibe is just not here tonight," Cooker lied. She never wanted Theo getting nervous about her relapsing so she just preferred to keep quiet.

"You did well up there," Theo complimented as they walked out of Fingen's and onto a busy street, "the dress made sense, kind of. Could have tied it in a bit better but you gained some attention. Your speech was surprisingly civil and calm."

"The feral philosopher in me was at bay tonight," Cooker agreed as they made their way towards Marians.

Eventually, Theo's arm slipped off Cooker to make it more comfortable to walk and they each kept to themselves. Cooker was trying to shake the cravings. It was the act of it she missed, the initial boost of energy, the relief she felt when it was in her. It was difficult but she had gone damn near seven cycles without it. She counted the suns, the hours, and the minutes since she had been shipped off to the forest to get clean.

It was better. She knew that. She knew it was becoming a habit that would kill her eventually and she was happy for herself for getting that far. But the longer that went, the more pressure was on her to keep it up. The longer she was clean, the longer the streak she would break would be when she eventually failed. She hoped she never did but she didn't even think anyone around her believed that was possible.

Theo was too in her own head to notice. Talk, mention, or even news of Red had been scarce for a bit. Ever since finding out about her at the trials, Theo hadn't spoken about her much. Not like she was a constant in conversations before, but there had been a complete lack of defense on her behalf. She had taken the news of Red being married quite well. Barely a mention about it. She couldn't tell if that was because Theo was trying to get over it or because everyone knew it was just for politics. This news was bigger. It had implications for all of them. Yet, Theo had kept her cool.

There was nothing they could do about it. But it was dangerous. Red knew things about them and with the track she was on, Theo and her whole crew would be in jeopardy if the Vaith's vengeful eye locked on them. Cooker didn't bring it up though, she wanted to be left alone with her problem and Theo most likely did too. They walked into Marian's and waved to each other as a farewell. She wasn't even twenty feet into the room before Iona stopped her.

"Aggy was looking for you," she said as she leaned in close to cut through the noise, "I told her I would tell you if I saw you!"

"What does she want?" Cooker asked.

"Not sure. She said it wasn't urgent and you could drop by whenever you had a moment," Iona relayed the message.

"Bless you," Cooker smiled, "how are you doing, by the way?"

"Good," Iona nodded, "She's been gone for longer. I will survive it."

Cooker put a hand on Iona's shoulder and gave an empathetic squeeze. Sabre had been sent off on one of the ships that were half a cycle behind Navi.

"Are you off tomorrow?"

Iona nodded.

"Wanna go fishing?" Cooker asked.

"No," Iona shook her head, "you aren't very good! How about we go to the luxury bathhouse by the mansions?"

"Fine! It'll be my treat. Invite others. It'll be a good time," Cooker chuckled, "I'll tell Aggy."

"You do that!" Iona pulled away and joined the crowd once again.

Cooker looked out to the party that was brewing in the tavern and she turned away. It was time to go visit Agnes.

—-

The door opened to Agnes in a robe. Cooker smiled and held up a piece of citrus fruit.

"Found this on the way."

Agnes reached forward and pulled Cooker in by the shirt, "Those grow around the fence. Did you jump it to get here?"

"I did."

"You know my landlady explicitly forbade it," Agnes shook her head and locked the door, "you will have to pay my fine if I get one."

"Gladly," Cooker said as she walked in and put the fruit in the kitchen.

There was a fence between Stumbler's Row and the residential area that was behind one side of the row. The residents had put it there classifications before to avoid having drunkards stumble into their yard. Luckily, Cooker had been long around enough to know how to jump it and it was especially easy when she was sober. It made the trek to Agnes' rented house a quarter of the length. Seeing as she had been there almost every night lately, it saved her a lot of time.

"I just put the girls down," Agnes said as she walked to the kitchen.

"They're still awake?"

"Most likely. You know how they like to giggle to themselves before falling asleep."

"Be right back," Cooker said and she walked towards the rooms in the house.

She knocked on the proper door and then peeked her head in. Sure enough, the two girls were still awake. They both looked startled and then when they realized who it was, they began to squeal and get up on the bed. Cooker laughed and slipped in, closing the door behind her.

"Girls, quiet, we don't want your mum to hear you are still awake or I will be banished from the room," Cooker threatened and they both quieted down, Maise doing so by placing her hands over her mouth.

"Tell a story?" Florence asked in a rushed whisper.

"Well, Cooker climbed into their bed and flopped down in between them and laid on her back, "this story started in ancient times. One thousand--no. One million lengths ago...."

—--

"Out like a dragon sleeping over their horde," Cooker said as she walked back into the kitchen where there was a mug of tea waiting for her.

Agnes had sat on the counter with her mug in her own hand.

"How was your speech?"

"Could have been more radical but I didn't want to scare them off," Cooker recapped, "how was your night?"

Agnes frowned and looked into her mug, "Ah, nothing important enough to rehash right now. It's time to celebrate your speech."

"Me speaking about my opinion is about as common as rats in Stumbler's Row," Cooker joked and moved closer to Agnes, setting her mug down next to her and slipping between Agnes' legs, "now, tell me what's on your mind?"

"Florence started crying tonight when I told her that we were not going to live in this house forever. I didn't even tell her that we would be leaving Niveal... Just that we realistically wouldn't live in one house for the rest of our lives."

"And you're worried about ripping them away from their home again?" Cooker asked, it was something that was always on Agnes' mind.

"There is medicine here. Maise's school. Civilization. Activities. Moving them to an island, only recently inhabited, across the continent... Is that the right choice?"

Agnes looked torn and Cooker had to put on her advisor hat and do away with any bias she might have had.

"If you are not sure, then stay here. You have it all set up here. Money isn't an issue, you know that Xyra has more than enough to provide and I would be more than willing to help too," Cooker put her hand on Agnes' thigh and looked up at her with a calm smile, trying to convey confidence.

"And leave my sister? My job?" Agnes said and then put her hand over Cooker's, "you..."

"Oh come on," Cooker chuckled, "don't worry about me."

"I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about myself. What would I do without you? Your help? What would the girls do?"

"Oi, I am sure you can charm anyone you want into being your friend," Cooker stayed positive, pulling her hand away before stepping back and leaning against the counter opposite Agnes.

"Is that all we really are, Cook? Friends?" Agnes asked, fixing Cooker with a mix of a glare, a challenge, and some sort of flirtatious look.

"We are friends, aye. I don't understand the question."

"Do you like me?"

"I wouldn't be here every sun if I didn't."

"As more than a friend. Romantically. Are we more than just friends?"

"Not right now, no."

Agnes rolled her eyes, then sighed, then tossed her hands up, "What'll it take? Or are we just always going to dance around it and never do anything?"

"Aggy..."

"I hate it when you call me that," Agnes said and crossed her arms, "only my friends call me that and you are not my friend."

"I'm not?" Cooker couldn't help but laugh.

"No. You are more than that and we need to stop pretending we aren't," Agnes said.

Cooker raised both eyebrows, "I didn't expect this tonight."

"Neither did I. But it needs to happen," Agnes said and Cooker took back anytime she ever said Xyra and Agnes were different. Because when it meant business, their angry face was exactly the same, "Do you like me, Cooker?"

"I love you," Cooker said.

Agnes' face was wiped of anger. Her mouth hung open a little bit and she tried to think of words to say. But Cooker knew what she wanted to tell Agnes. It was everything she had thought about every night they were together, yet so fucking apart.

"I know it's love because I have never felt this way before," Cooker admitted with a grin, " at first, I thought it was just intense friendship. And then I thought you were my new addiction and the happiness running through me was just another high. Then, I realized it was love. I finally got the reason people bothered with it at all."

"Then what are we doing?" Agnes asked, pushing herself off the counter and stepping towards Cooker, "we both want more than this."

"I am afraid," Cooker confessed, taking a second to close her eyes after getting it off her chest. She inhaled, filling her chest and letting her ribs expand. Repeating, "I am afraid."

"Me too," Agnes shook her head, stepping closer and closing the gap between, "but whatever it is, we can at least try to work through it."

Cooker tried not to let worry or rejection show on her face. But all she could think about was how intense her need for drugs was that night. How she had to run away from a place to avoid saying yes.

"Agnes... I am an addict," Cooker admitted even though she hated saying it out loud. It was true. It had consumed all her life without ever knowing it, she had convinced herself it was normal but it was different for her and she had just begun to understand that, "with a lot of things."

"I know that. I have always known that" Agnes, reached out and took her hand, "and if that means you can't have sex with me, that is fine. I don't want sex from you. Plenty of people don't have sex. Either because they can't, won't, or don't want to. I care about you... Not the physical aspects."

"So, what would change?" Cooker asked.

"Everything," Agnes whispered and used her free hand to cup Cooker's cheek, "we don't have to have sex to make it a relationship."

"I know that," Cooker shook her head, "but it's not about the sex... It's about emotional intimacy. I'm scared."

"Of getting close to me?"

"Of letting you and the girls get close to then hurt you. I make stupid decisions, Ag, I'm not the greatest person," Cooker felt herself tearing up, "I'm afraid of fucking it up."

"I trust you."

Those were not the three words she thought she was going to hear. But, it was the ones she needed. There was rarely a time when someone had told her she was trusted. Barely a time when she was trusted. Even Theo and Xyra probably didn't trust her, which wasn't their fault. Cooker had lied about many things before. But even hearing it from them would not have meant half as much. It was Cooker that was shocked into silence that time.

"Please?" Agnes laughed a bit, "I don't even know what I'm asking for but please?"

Cooker nodded and decided to let go of all of the fears that had been holding her back. Agnes trusted her. She needed to trust herself.

"I want to kiss you now but we've waited a long time for this... Do we want to do this in a kitchen?"

Agnes laughed again and bent her head down to rest on Cooker's shoulder, "What do you have in mind?"

The relief could be heard in her voice and Cooker put her arm around her, pulling them out of the kitchen and into the small backyard they had between the house in the fence.

"Cook, what are you doing?"

"Your neighbor's been bothering you lately, yeah?" Cooker asked.

Agnes looked over at their house and tilted her head, "Complaining about the girls, aye."

"And her beautiful bushes, her pride and joy, they have no thorns right?"

"I don't believe so."

"Excellent," Cooker said as she pulled them closer to the edge of the yard, into the border of the neighbor's property that was lined with flowery bushes. She spun them around so Cooker's back was to the bushed and she fell back, dragging Agnes along with her.

Agnes fell onto top of Cooker and they broke past the neatly trimmed outer layer of the greenery. Agness laughed and tried to get up but it was difficult, Cooker grabbed hold of her forearm and held her in place.

"Let me kiss you."

"This was your big plan? This was better than the kitchen?"

"The kitchen isn't a story. This is a story," Cooker shrugged.

Agnes paused for a moment, taking in Cooker's smile, the glint in her eye, the soft expression. She smiled back.

"Fine then," Agnes said as she leaned in, "let's give this story a happy ending."

Cooker brought up her hand to cup her cheek, scratching it along the way against some twigs. The pain made the kiss that much sweeter. As their lips met, all of Cooker's fears melted away.

—--------

Theo really, really, should have been paying attention but she could not get herself to focus. The words that were being said to her were being heard, but not registered. She stared blankly ahead, trying to at least make it seem like she was looking at the person in front of her. She had been sitting behind a desk on the first floor of Marian's, listening to complaints from people she protected in Niveal.

She could sit for a full sun and listen to each one of her crew complain about nonsense and she would be engaged, enthusiastic, and excited. But there was a difference when she didn't know the people when it was just random business that came to her for things she could not control. Most of them were businesses' that dealt with labor or women and thus they had to adhere to Theo's rules and they didn't quite enjoy that. It made the meetings long.

Theo was on her seventh person of the morning. They were a shop owner complaining about profits being down and somehow, he was finding a way to blame Theo.

She didn't even realize he had finished talking until Xyra cleared her throat from her scribe's desk behind Theo. She sat up straighter.

"Thank you for your input. I'm sorry business is doing poorly but we are just half a length away from reclassification and people are saving up for classifier visits," Theo repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, "I have no control over your sales. Having the ability to say that I protect your shop does not equate to a ploy to increase foot traffic through your store."

"Can I withdraw from paying the fee for your protection?"

Theo looked back at Xyra who tapped her index and forefinger together twice. She got comfortable in her chair again and nodded, "Instead of paying us at the end of the length, you'll pay us what you owe us for incurring our services up until now. Are you paying us a flat rate or percentage?"

"Percentage," the man answered.

Theo tilted her head back towards Xyra, "Show her your ledger and she will calculate what you owe."

"What if I can't pay it? I've spent a lot of it already."

"Then Xyra will calculate how much the flat rate would have been and charge you the cheapest of the two. If you cannot pay it back, we can seize your merchandise that is equal to what you owe us," Theo said and she didn't want to be harsh, not with a shop owner that was just trying to make an honest living. But she wasn't alone and the room was filled with people with their own grievances and she couldn't be seen being soft, "that is all, you are dismissed."

Theo watched him walk back towards Xyra and she caught the first mate's eyes.

"Cut him some slack. Don't let him know," Theo communicated to Xyra in Aelizan.

Xyra acknowledged it with a nod and looked up at the man who had come to her desk. Theo turned around and scanned the crowd again. The number of people was dwindling and soon, she would be done with this. If it were up to her, she would tell everyone to leave and that she was done protecting them. She would give all their current businesses up for free. She would rid herself of anything that was on land. Except, Cooker would murder her but not before having to hear a lecture on revenue and profit streams.

Behind her, the matter of payment was quickly solved and Xyra stood up from the desk, shouting out the next name. One less person. Hopefully, this would be quick. She wished Kaia were still there but she had left half a cycle before to their new island. It had been a cycle and a half since Navi had left and there had been three voyages sent out so far. Their numbers were dwindling and only five of her officers were left. Iona and Kaia had been the latest to go. The lack of staff meant that Theo had to replace Kaia in her duty of listening to everyone, every five suns.

Theo had done it in the past but it was mostly run by Xyra and Kaia. Xyra knew that Theo didn't want to do it but she was the face of the crew and needed to. These people paid to be able to get face-to-face time with Theo. The next Nivelan to approach was someone who had been close to getting his dancing club– doubling as a brothel– taken from him when they first arrived. Major reforms had been undertaken and he was in Marian's every fucking meeting to make sure Theo heard about how little he appreciated the changes.

"Good Morning, Heev," Theo sighed, "how can I help you?"

"You can stop taking my girls," he said.

"Not sure I am following, good sir."

"A bunch of my girls have been joining your crew and instead of turning them away and saying they have no business on your ships, you recruit them," Heev explained.

"They are employed by you at their free will and may leave at any time," Theo said, "if they come to me, that is a reflection of both the positives of life on my crew and the negatives of life at your club."

"Like I said, they've got no business in a pirate crew," he said, "they don't got the skills for it."

"My pirate crew has slowly become a pirate empire, Heev," Theo leaned forward in her chair, putting her elbows on the desk, "and as you can imagine, I need a wide range of talents to keep my empire running. Talents that your former employees possess. But you wouldn't know that because to you they are walking genitals."

"That is crass!"

"That is true," Theo shrugged, "which is why they flock here. Where they are people, with needs, and hopes, and goals and not just a source of profit."

"As if you aren't exploiting them just as much as I am. You send them off to sea so they can die for you," Heev spat.

"If that is the way you see it," Theo kept her cool, knowing it would make him angrier if she didn't engage, "is that all?"

"Stop taking my girls. I paid them what you said I had to in the contract and they are still leaving. And I'm paying you to do take them. I look like an ass in front of everyone."

"You pay the girls the rate that is outlined in the contract with me?" Theo clarified.

"Yes."

"That's why they leave," Theo laughed and sat back, "that is the minimum you can pay them without having me take your club from you. They get paid a week's earnings in a single sun with me."

"Pay them less!"

"Pay them more," Theo returned, "have a good sun, sir, see yourself out."

"I will see you in five suns," Heev threatened.

"I am sure I will," Theo waved him off and he left with a huff.

"Behave," Xyra warned but when Theo looked back at her, she was looking down at her notes with a slight smile.

No one liked seeing men humiliated more than Theo, except Xyra and Cooker.

"That was me behaving," Theo shot back.

She sat in her chair properly as she readied her for the next person. Xyra had been good to her even in spite of Theo keeping the deal with Jona a secret. She should have just told them before. But, now they were all even. One lie, regarding Avery Vaith, had been kept by each of them. During a long discussion after Jona came to see Theo regarding details of their deal, they had decided that the slate was wiped clean and that they had to tell each other everything.

Jona had told Theo that he was not planning on making a move until after the reclassification occurred and his father had secured the spot on The Council. So, she had at least half a length before she would be called upon. They had yet to decide what to do with Jona. Killing him was still an option but keeping him alive was too. They would just have to wait and see the options that time would bring them. He might prove to be a good ally to have on the inside or a source of information they could play if the rebellion needed some of that. If they ever showed up to speak to her.

They had yet to hear from the rebellion aside from the letter she had received. But, everything was stirring. Word of revolutionaries traveling to join new rebel groups was always news. So were the uprisings all around Safriti. The Twins were said to be preparing, training their paramilitary groups in case The Center came to cause trouble. Everything was at a critical point, the war had not yet broken out yet but it was possible. Or, the rebellion could be swiftly crushed. Theo, however, had not been involved in any of it. Aside from taking in refugees from potential and actual crises and providing some funds to business owners whose places had burned down, they had very little to do with any of it.

But Theo didn't expect that to be the case for long.

"Head out of the clouds, Theo," Xyra said and Theo snapped back into reality.

"Hello, good morning," Theo smiled at the two women in front of her. They were from the thravern, what used to be Wolf's old brothel, "how can I help you?"

"The Mithren came and shut down the thravern. Said we didn't pay our renewal fee to run the business of Stumbler's Row and they need the money before we can open," Nym said, "but we did. We paid it cycles in advance."

"And how much was this fee?" Theo asked.

"A hundred gold," Nadine answered.

"Xyra will give you the hundred gold so you can repay the fee and then she will give you extra to cover the salaries and cost of being closed for ten suns

"That's it?"

"It's never a good idea to file an appeal with the Mithren for these kinds of things," Theo shook her head, "the Thravern gets caught up in the decision-making process, they can still claim the paperwork for the fee was never received, and at the end, the Thravern will be closed that whole time. We might as well just pay the fee again and keep the spotlight off our backs."

"It's the fifth time in two cycles that our business has been interrupted by the Mithren," Xyra spoke up from her chair in Aelizan, "We cannot simply keep paying them off and hope they stop."

Theo steepled her fingers and nodded a bit, looking at Nym and Nadine, "Very well. I will file an appeal and hopefully get this cleared up before your shutdown is over. Maybe even see if we can lift the order before it's through."

"And our wages?"

"Xyra will give you a receipt. You'll take that to our treasurer to give you the share for those you employ," Theo said and waved them towards the desk behind her.

It went quickly from there. The requests were kept brief. Except one. His rants about Theo's rules and needing exceptions from them went on so long that most of the people left in the room had walked out. They found it easier to leave and wait for five suns than listen to him drone on. Eventually, Xyra stood up and escorted him out as he kept shouting over his shoulder about his request for exemption from having to pay his employees so much.

"We are done for the time being," Xyra said as she shut the door to Marian's.

"I'm off," Theo stood up, itching to return to the ocean. She didn't want to jinx it but things were going well. She hadn't been eaten by sea monsters yet and she had swum pretty far out. Then again, Niveal wasn't known for its scary waters. She had been finding herself praying far more often than she used to but she felt like she needed to make it up. It wasn't like before when she knew that Riva could send her signs or dreams. Now, her life was still empty in the number of direct communications she received. But the emptiness in her soul was lessened, she was healing.

Part of it was Riva and part of it was the water. It washed everything away, her mistakes and guilt and hurt. She was finally feeling like she was a bit of herself again. Before all of the intensity, the secrets, and the hunting. When her biggest worry was not getting her crew sick and choosing the most efficient path to save them food stores. The ocean helped her find whatever inner peace she had left and it was what she was itching for at that moment.

"It is a pattern, Theo," Xyra said, stopping Theo in her tracks before she could reach the door.

"What is?"

"The Mithren are targeting businesses that are under our name that. For bullshit offenses that we both know did not happen."

"It's Fay," Theo shrugged, "since her father put her in charge of enforcement, she's been on our ass but it's nothing we can't just wait out and weather until we are gone."

"She tried to assault you and now will not leave you alone," Xyra said, "We should send the evidence to her father that she had her brother killed."

"And start shit over some petty squabble? We shouldn't put ourselves in danger. We have the money to pay these inconveniences off for a reason," Theo replied.

"It will not stop here. She is probably only getting started."

"We can send information that implicates her in her brother's murder but guess who else it points the finger at? Me. I'm the fucker that killed him," Theo argued.

Xyra crossed her arms and shook her head.

"You hadn't thought of that?" Theo raised an eyebrow.

"I do not know how I missed it," she looked concerned, bordering on disgusted.

"Oi, you alright?'

"Have not been able to get much sleep. Keep having these nightmares. I had been fine but since Navi left, they've been bothering me more. Guess the lack of sleep has been fucking with my ability to think logically," Xyra admitted.

"What nightmares?"

"Keep reliving our training... Our time with Uncilo," she shrugged, "I have been consistently happier than ever before. I have not frozen up. I cannot understand why I have them."

"Trauma," Theo chuckled a bit, "it's not funny, I know. Sorry."

Xyra laughed too, "It is so unfunny that it is."

"Want to sleep with me tonight? My bed is empty," Theo asked.

"You always have been a ward for nightmares," Xyra hummed, "guess it will not hurt."

"Settled. I will file the appeal with the Purple Mithren detailing our history of unfair fines and obstacles to business and you will be staying with me tonight," Theo decided.

"Careful not to use harsh language when describing what has been happening. Chalk it up to poor clerical work or honest mistakes. Fay could catch wind and I would hate to see her even angrier than she is," Xyra warned.

"Oh look, a useful thought. How nice," Theo teased.

—---

"Run! Run!" Cooker yelled as she chased several small children around the room, they scurried under tables and chairs and ran around the ground floor of Marian's.

Theo entered the room from the back, where she had been locked away in her office. She looked over the gathering of people. Xyra and Cooker, Giana and Dal, Morgana and Agnes, a handful of the crew that was left including Fjord who was waiting for word from Oceane. Blue had left, along with most everyone else.

Theo watched herself, trying to not crash into any children and she stood next to Morgana.

"Why are there many children?" Theo whispered, "are we kidnapping them? I feel like that should have been run by me."

"I'm not sure. The girls brought a bunch of them in from the outside."

"Marian's. Tavern by night, childcare for street orphans in the mornings," Theo joked.

"Probably only like two are orphans,"

"If we do kidnap them, then they'll all be orphans."

"No, they would still have parents. We would have to kill their parents too," Morgana corrected.

"What enriching conversation," Xyra walked over and handed Theo a mug of ale, "try this."

Theo took a sip and shrugged, "It's alright."

"You have never taken this long or been this picky in choosing an ale for a trip. Do not be like this. They all taste the same."

"They do not," Morgana interjected and took the mug, drinking some, "Theo's right. Could be better. Not horrible though."

"Try again," Theo handed the mug back to Xyra and shooed her off, giving her a smirk to let her know she was just messing with her.

"Whatever you want, your majesty," Xyra bowed.

There was a loud crash as something rammed into their door and Theo looked toward the source of the noise. It happened again and Theo could see that the door to the ground floor began to crack. She rushed forward, pushing past Xyra and towards the door, pushing people back behind her as she made her way to the front of the building.

"Xy, get the kids out of here," Theo commanded as she looked around the room, trying to find any of them hiding under the table.

"Where is Flo?" Agnes asked as she rushed up behind Theo, "I see Maise but not Flo!"

Theo got down on her knees and scanned under the furniture. She found a small girl, crawling back behind a wooden bench, trying to hide. Theo got closer and held her hand out, but she couldn't quite reach her.

"Hey, King Flo," Theo smiled and shook her hand, "do you want to come out? Your mum is going to take you, alright?"

Theo heard her door get broken down and the sound of boots was fast approaching. Florence wasn't coming out.

"I need you to play a game with me," Theo said, "you have to hide here and no matter what, you can't come out. Stay right there."

Theo was about to stand up but she was kicked in the side and then pushed down on the floor, a hand was against her head and a knee on her back, pinning her to the ground. Her arms were wrenched behind her and Theo was immobilized. She was looking at Florence who was terrified and Theo felt her gut twist, the feeling of fear she had when she was a kid and was cowering in the small passageway, watching her parents die suddenly came back to her. Then, the feeling of restriction registered. Theo closed her eyes and willed herself to be calm, she told herself that everything was alright.

But she didn't know that. She hadn't seen who had come inside and couldn't see anything else except a scared child.

She breathed through the initial shock of being restrained in such a way. They were in Niveal. The only people that could undertake an attack on Theo's turf and hope to get away with it were the Mithrens. Which meant that the appeal had backfired, just as she thought it would. She could hear the crashing of glass, the crushing of wood, the slamming of doors, the rustling of pages. They were being raided. She didn't know what for but whatever it was, they hadn't done it.

The people ransacking her place of business were silent, nothing was said to give them away. There were also no other indicators, no screaming or yelling or protesting. Everyone must have been in the same position as her, trapped. The hand that was holding her head down finally released the pressure and before she knew it, she was being stood up. The moment she gained sight of the full room, she saw the incoming punch. Her head was thrown to the side by the force and Theo let out a grunt. She shook it out and lifted her head.

Purple uniforms and one power abusing pervert. Fay and the Mithren guards were at her headquarters and the entire floor was in upheaval.

"Where are the essays and writing?" Fay asked and Theo got punched again.

Theo glanced around the room and saw a window open, no children, and that Gianna and Agnes had left. She just hoped that Florence would stay put. It shouldn't have been dangerous to have her out but Fay was unpredictable.

"What writings?" Theo answered.

"The ones Cooker, your advisor, has been speaking about at Finngen's. The ones detailing a plan to usurp the Mithren," Faye asked.

"Wouldn't know. Because they don't exist."

"We know they do. Cooker was talking about them at Fingen's just last night," Faye said.

"I wasn't even there last night," Cooker defended herself, "Theo, I promise I wouldn't cause trouble like this."

"Bring her over here," Fay demanded and the two guards that were holding Cooker dragged her over in front of Theo.

Fay nodded and the guards each punched Cooker in the gut once. Theo instinctually pulled against the people holding her but she was unable to move.

"Where are the essays?" Fay asked again and then Cooker was punched again.

Theo could feel that panic quickly rise up again, "Fay stop!"

"Just come clean. Either of you can tell me the location of the essays and this will stop," She said and this time Cooker didn't recover as fast.

Florence came darting out from under the bench and ran straight for Cooker's legs. All eyes were on her and in the moment of distraction, Theo broke away from the guards and reached forward, scooping Florence up and running towards the window. Xyra had also pushed away from the guards and in the small moment of chaos that Florence had created, they were able to coordinate what needed to be done. Theo met Xyra halfway and handed off the child, turning around to punch one of the incoming guards and then tackle another one. Morgana came to the rescue and helped Theo fend them off until Xyra could make her escape through the window.

How a tall figure like Xyra could gracefully exit a small window with a child in her hands was beyond Theo. She couldn't ponder it if she tried because her jaw was decked and two hands wrapped around her throat and slammed her against the wall. Her airway was constricted and she struggled against the hands as they slid her up the wall. Theo kicked her legs for a few seconds before she was let down. The hands became looser and Fay walked up behind the guard holding Theo.

"Where are the essays?"

"You made it up, Fay, because you are upset I complained to your father," Theo said, "what do you want?"

"I want you to pay for your essays against the Mithren with your lives but there is no evidence so I will not do that," Fay replied and pushed the guard aside, standing in front of Theo, "but, I am well within my rights to seize any assets in this building to keep you from funding my father's overthrow."

"You have no right. There is no evidence."

"Of the essays, no. That threats were thrown out once again? I have three witnesses."

"All of this because you were told no," Theo said, "you are just a noble by another name."

Fay slapped her across the face and Theo righted herself with a smirk.

"Let me show you where we keep the money," Theo said.

"Theo, she's lying. I wasn't even there last night. You don't have to give anything up," Cooker said but Theo was already being pushed forward to lead the way.

She walked to her office and stood to the side of a rug, "It's under here. All the gold we have on hand."

The guards moved the chairs that were on the rug and pulled it off, revealing a small trap door. It opened to a few bags which were pulled out and shown to Faye She frowned.

"There is no more than a couple thousand gold here," Fay said.

"And there never is," Theo shrugged, "I'm a pirate, Fay. I don't leave my money on land unless I bury it somewhere."

"I am entitled to all your assets. I will take every place in Niveal you own,"

"Take them," Theo shrugged, "I am sure you will have a reasonable explanation as to why you have a dozen new businesses and someone who has been lining your father's pockets for half a length has been run off the island with little more than three witnesses to attest to any threats. If you are sure there will be no consequences for you, then go ahead and take them."

"You think you are smart? Sneaky? Clever?"

"I don't," Theo shrugged, with her arms still behind her back, "I have done nothing but defend me and my own."

"This is not over. It is far from over, Captain," she turned around.

"Fay," Theo stepped forward but she was pulled back by the guard. She called out, "Please, let's just end this now. I apologize for making you feel slighted."

"I will find a way to have your back against the wall," Fay threatened, "and then there will be no sliming your way out of it."

The guards followed her out with the bags in hand and finally, with the last guard following the group out of the office, she was freed. She spent a few seconds by herself, breathing through the shock of the experience. She had experienced far worse but she had since come to learn that things were not the same after the lightbringer. No matter how much she had healed in her sun to sun, certain things triggered her back to a dark place.

She willed herself forward and entered the main room by the time the Miithren guards were leaving the building. Theo looked around at the mess as she walked over to the others.

"Everyone okay?"

No one looked injured, except Cooker who had sat down. Theo walked over and knelt in front of her.

"How are you feeling? Need anything?"

"Just a couple of jabs. Nothing I can't handle," Cooker stood up and Theo did too.

Xyra walked in and Cooker looked over at her.

"Agnes took Gianna and the girls back to her house. You should go be with them Cook. Florence is a bit shook up and keeps asking about you," Xyra announced.

Theo pat Cooker's shoulder and sent her off out the door. Xyra walked over and pulled Theo into a quick hug then pulled away, looking around.

"They took the money we had here. Wasn't much but it was enough to cover expenses for a cycle or two."

"She has no right to that money."

"I think Cooker thinks we don't believe her." Theo mused, Ignoring Xyra's concerns.

"I believe her."

"I do too." Theo looked up, "gather Fay's file. I am going to see up a meeting with her father."

Theo gave the command and then walked out.

—---
CYCLE NINE- CYCLE PUT

Captain Theo,

We've arrived and so has the voyage that was sent after us. Everyone is accounted for. We are being careful in securing our food and water sources. A basic foundation has been set. Our supplies are holding up well. Could do with extra hands but I know they are on their way. With the way operations are going, you will be set to leave in five cycles. By the time you arrive, we will have a settlement for a few hundred. I will write if anything changes. Please make sure Xyra has received my letter if she is still there. If this Xyra, please make sure you check to see if you've gotten my letter.

Navi

Theo folded the letter and put it to the side. She chuckled a bit and shook her head. Xyra had already left, a few suns before, heading towards the island too. Now, it really was just a small amount of them waiting for the moment to leave. Four voyages, totaling five ships were heading to the island and four ships were being circulated across Baethos to attend to business and they would report to Niveal in the coming cycles before being stocked, loaded, and set to the new island.

The recruits had dwindled in number but some still arrived. The lightbringer could carry them all, so Theo turned no one away. Even then, Niveal felt empty without her crew. She couldn't wait to leave. Not only because she couldn't wait for the fresh start but because she was not on the Mithren's good side and was not welcome on the island anymore.

Theo had taken the evidence to the Purple Mithren of his son's murder. Of course, she was implicated in it but she made her case. She was just a child, functioning under the command of someone else. The Purple Mithren spared her but told her she could not keep a residence in Niveal any longer. It wasn't in any official rulebook or within his capacity to do so but Theo would do it out of respect. She had requested six cycles before she had to leave and it was granted to her. Now, she would be able to make it out in five.

"Good news from Navi?" Cooker asked and tossed a sack onto Theo's desk.

"Aye," Theo peeked inside the bag to find rolls of bread. She took one out and bit into it.

"I've got news too," Cooker said and also reached in taking a roll, "Red's gotten married. Was at the bakery when the pigeon carriers next door got the information."

"That moved fast."

"If it has to do with my family and a union ceremony, they will do it quickly," Cooker laughed, "I'm actually surprised it took this long."

"I'm not," Theo took another bite, "they had to invite all their fancy people and high society friends."

"You don't sound jealous at all."

"I'm not jealous of someone that is entering into a loveless union," Theo shrugged, "bitter, probably. But not jealous."

"Are you ever going to move on?" Cooker asked.

"I've moved on. I don't ever talk about her. Everyone else is the one that brings her up."

"I don't mean like that. Are you ever going to sleep with anyone else? Get down and nasty. Live it up."

"Don't really feel the need, Cook. I'm not interested in that right now. Possibly ever."

"Damn," Cooker said.

"People are allowed to not have sex."

"Oi, I get it! Even though I help perpetuate it at times, I do think our society is too heavily focused on sex. Not everyone has to have it. It's just not the norm for you. At least not this long."

"Well, this is the new normal," Theo finished her bead, "But if anyone asks, I'm celibate."

—---

CYCLE TEN- CYCLE PHAROS

There was a small child in her arms and Theo couldn't remember a time when she had held a baby, let alone one that small and new. She was a bit freaked out but after watching everyone else get a go at holding the new baby, she felt bad not also doing so. She had been in the room when Gianna was giving birth, so it was only right to be able to hold the creature she helped deliver.

It's eyes were closed and it was peacefully sleeping in her arms. Theo looked between the small face in her arms and Gianna that was looking at her baby with a glassy, tired expression. Theo stepped over and sat on the bed to make sure the baby was as close to their mother as possible. Gianna reached out and moved the blanket so she could see their face. Theo chuckled and looked back down.

"Babies aren't usually this cute when they first come out," Theo said, "I didn't throw up all over it, so that should tell you something."

"Nice, Captain," Gianna laughed and shook her head, "thank you for not getting your bile on my baby."

"All joking aside, they are precious. Congratulations," Theo said and gently handed them back over, "I am glad you are safe and healthy too."

"Thank you," Gianna reached out and gripped Theo's forearm. There were tears forming in her eyes, "thank you."

Theo put a hand over hers, "You are family now. So are they. Even Dal. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask me. Alright?"

"Alright," Gianna nodded through the tears.

Theo stood up and walked over to the crowd of pirates in the corner of the room. As she approached Cooker tapped Morgana on the shoulder.

Morgana looked over with an apologetic grin, "Cap, I forgot to lock Marian's on our way out. I was just so flustered."

"Right. Because it was nervewracking stuff to have to sit in the infirmary halls while someone else went through labor," Theo joked.

"Can you go close it?" Cooker asked on behalf of Morgana.

"Why me?"

"You hate babies and the joy they bring. We don't," Morgana shugged.

"We want to see if they'll let us get another chance to hold 'em," Cooker smiled, trying to look over Theo to see if the baby was up for grabs.

"Fine," Theo sighed, "I will go by Marian's to lock it. I was going to have to pass it anyway."

'Where are you going?"

"Ocean. Then to the ship."

"Be safe," Morgana warned, "make sure no one is inside before you lock up."

"I was planning to," Theo laughed a bit, shaking her head as she walked off.

Sometimes, she thought her officers believed her to be unintelligent and unable to complete simple tasks. Which was far from the case and not something she thought she deserved.

Theo let the quickly warming air hit her skin and enter her lungs as she walked through the streets of Niveal. She made it from the calmer area of town into Stumbler's Row. She weaved through the party-goers that basked in the moonlight in between their drinking in the taverns. Eventually coming upon the three-story building that had been her home for half a length.

She paused for a moment, looking up at the empty building. She didn't know why she was feeling reflective. Perhaps it was new life being brought into the world or because it had been a tiring sun. Either way, she glanced up at the building they had passed by many times and entered over the lengths of visiting Niveal. It was a rare moment when Theo had the time to stop, and just breathe. To simply take in everything she had done and everything they had worked towards. A safe haven, an island for just them was on the horizon. A lifelong dream at the brink of coming true.

Theo shook the small bit of pride away to focus on her task. Check Marian's, lock up, and head to the ocean for a nice swim under the full moon. Theo pushed the door open, sure enough, Morgana had left it open. Hopefully, they still had all their stuff. She let herself into the building. Even though the room was dark, enough moonlight was filtering in through the windows that she could make out a person standing in the middle of the room. Their back was turned to the door, so Theo couldn't get a good look. They had a heavy cape on, hood secured over their head.

Their hand had been brushing along a table. As the door closing, it stopped moving.

"If the empty tavern and lack of lights did not hint it, we aren't open tonight," Theo joked as she stepped into the room, closer to the figure, "if you have business with me or my crew, we take walk-in meetings in the mornings."

Theo began to walk closer and the figure turned around slowly. Pale, delicate hands came up to grasp the edges of the hood and pulled it down. The face that looked back at her made her heart stop in her chest. Theo forced herself to blink, twice. Red curls, just barely past shoulder length, were freed from the confines of the hood. She probably should have been able to do something but Theo had not planned for that moment. In all her scenarios that she had imagined hearing from Ava again, it had never been like that.

Theo wanted to do many things she couldn't do. She wanted to scoop Ava up in her arms and never let go. She wanted to cry and say she was sorry. She wanted to ask a million questions. She wanted to kiss her. She wanted to understand what caused her to have made the choice to be her father's lackey. But she did none of that. She stared as if she had seen the ghost of someone long dead. Then, she came to her senses and scanned the room. Quickly spinning in a circle to ensure she wasn't going to get ambushed. When she determined they were alone, she turned her attention back to Ava who had gotten closer in the few seconds Theo was looking away.

Ava took one step forward and she took a quick one back. Theo could see her face twitch, a slight frown overcoming her neutral expression. They were both still, for just a moment, calculating. She took another step forward and this time, Theo only took a half step back. But her hand went to her hip instinctually, hovering over her hand cannon. Ava paused and looked at Theo's movement.

Ava opened her hands, showing her palms as she slowly lifted them. Theo watched carefully and Ava undid the ribbon holding her cape together. It fell to the ground revealing the tailored pants and blouse that were underneath. Theo's eyes followed the cape to the ground and quickly moved back up to Ava's face, trying to understand what was going on. Of course, she could speak to ask but the voice was caught in her throat. Ava didn't seem to be armed, which is what she intended to show Theo when she dropped her cape. But, she could have been lying.

Ava took another step forward and this time, Theo took one forward too. As she did, she removed her handcannon from her hip and pressed it to Ava's forehead as they came together. Theo was keeping her hand from trembling. This was the last thing she wanted to do. But she had no idea what to do or what Ava's intentions were and she needed to protect herself and the crew. Except, she didn't have to protect herself. If Ava was there to kill her as revenge, perhaps she deserved it.

Theo went against every instinct in her body telling her to fight, to gain the upper hand, to capture and extract information. She couldn't bring herself to make a threat or act menacing. She couldn't bring herself to make an aggressive move against her.

"What are you doing here?" Theo asked.

Out of everything she wanted to say to Ava after not seeing each other for so long, that was not it. It was so anti-climatic. So mundane. But it was the most pressing question.

Ava didn't answer, like Theo when she first walked into the room, her words were stuck. Perhaps it was the cold metal pressed to her forehead. Theo wished their reunion had been different. Had been cycles before when Theo had not doubted Ava's intentions and when she had not taken inexcusable actions. Ava looked to be forming the words but there was no fruit to her labor. Theo reached her thumb up and the click of the hammer was deafening.

"Niveal isn't exactly the prime honeymoon spot," Theo pressed the handcannon harder to her forehead for emphasis, "so, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," Ava said, holding her hands up and staring straight at Theo, "we need to talk."