I didn't understand why he had referred to me as 'the human', instead of my name, but I tried not to take offense. Perhaps he said it because he didn't want Jun to know my name. Maybe it was just his way of protecting my privacy and keeping me as anonymous to the alien as possible.

"It doesn't have to end in violence," Jun said.

"There has already been enough violence as it is, wouldn't you agree?" Cyburn berated. "Most of it started byyourBelic's."

Nix was off to the side, warily listening to the conversation, but not contributing. He looked uncomfortably rigid as if he expected a full out war to begin in these hallways at any minute. I admired his calmness under this tremendously stressful situation.

"Peace and restoration can begin here," Jun advised.

"I don't believe anything that comes out of your wretched mouth," Cyburn countered. "You're nothing but a vengeful, slimy liar."

Jun didn't seem phased in the slightest about Cyburn's haughty slurs. He merely chuckled as if he found Cyburn adorably amusing, not a warrior pirate of the skies who continuously roamed the universe attempting to steal enemy ships in order to bring his own kind returned in one piece, back to their home planet.

The air went eerily quiet. No one spoke for several moments. My heart pounded ferociously. I was dizzy with anxious anticipation. I could practicallyfeelthe blood draining from my face.

Then, Jun's robotic voice shattered through the silence.

"You are making a mistake. You need to comply with me." His voice was so threatening that it sent an icy shiver racing up and down my spine.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Cyburn asked apprehensively.

"I'm giving you the opportunity to leave peacefully with that 'little hellion of human'," Jun said. "I don't want any more of my robots to die. I want to pick up the pieces and move on. Leave us, and our ship alone, and we shall let you go free."

"He can't be serious," Nix whispered. Doubt was etched all over his face.

Cyburn didn't react at first. His face was expressionless. He was quiet for what seemed like at least a minute before he said anything, and when hedid,I was shocked at what I heard coming out of his mouth.

"Alright."

It was one word.

One word that might change everything.

I felt like my heart was going to collapse into my stomach. I was petrified, and sweating buckets.

"Alright? That means you will obey my direct orders to leave this ship behind and focus your obnoxious, pirate hobbies elsewhere?"

"If it means you will let us go free," Cyburn reiterated.

"A promise is a promise," Jun said mechanically.

I didn't know what the hell was going on. Nix didn't protest. I didn't know what to think. I had to just trust that Cyburn knew what he was doing.

Cyburn put his hand on my shoulder and mouthed something so quietly to me that it was almost inaudible. He barely moved his lips just in case Jun was also watching us.

"It could be a trap. In order to figure this out, we might have to pretend to cooperate. Just follow my lead, and we'll stay alive."

I had so many questions about the logistics of exactlyhowthis new, spontaneous plan was going to work out.

I already had my fair share of doubts and fears, and this concept wasn't making it any easier to navigate my way through them.

ChapterThirteen

CARMELA

“Are yousurethis is a good idea?" I asked, being careful to keep my voice down as low as I could.

Cyburn gave me a surprised glance, arching his eyebrows into mini half-moons above his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"