And Danger Will Follow Me...(Kiyr, open)

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kiyr sat quietly. Listening without interruption. But more, she was working on swallowing the lump in her throat. Les' previous snark had hit something. And so she ignored the question she had asked, even if it was in frustration.

"((I do not think it is a matter of being higher profile with one or several so much as it being that a house is a house against a ship, just like one person against many is still just that. But. If you want that, then the major issue I see here, first and foremost, is: what of the ARC?))"

[Your Mom~]

Les shrugged. (("What of it? I told you that I'm not selling out one for another. I am also not one to burn my bridges. So what do you want to know?"))

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kiyr just stared.

"((Again, back to these selling out and burning bridges things. Did I say to do that?))" Kiyr questioned, sounding faintly cross. "((You said they cured you. There is such a thing as asking them to release you without threat to David or Maddie, now that they appear to have done what they wanted to and for you if that was it to begin with. I would appreciate if you stopped inferring I think you should take the violent or shady path, like it is something I would automatically default to.))"

She had enough of it. And apparently Les hadn't thought to ask, or at the very least...ask now that she was free of the chemicals she had been subjected to. Or perhaps it was a pride thing that she couldn't.

"((You once asked what I would do. That is exactly what I would think to do, Olesya. It is not a betrayal, a selling out, or burning bridges. It is asking for my right to freedom and setting aside pride and a feeling of indebtedness, or paying them back in ways to feel like I had given them something of value in turn before doing so.))"

But it would be hard to say if she would feel she owed them anything, given the way Les had been taken. But it wasn't for her to say, as Les herself was on friendly terms with Aster, at least.

[Your Mom~]

(("Don't get cross with me for asking you to elaborate on a vague question.")) She countered, wrinkling her nose slightly in annoyance. (("And I didn't say that you told me to burn bridges, so I would appreciate if you didn't jump to conclusions."))

(("Do I need to sit you two in a corner? Honestly, take a breath. Olesya, Kiyr is looking out for the interest of the Dragons, and wanting to know where you stand in that regard. Kiyr, Olesya is inquiring as to her current status with the Dragons, because she wants to be reunited with Maddie. So Les, just tell us what you know and what happened, from there, Kiyr, I want you to explain to Olesya what you would like to see in regards to her alliance with with Dragons.")) Youichi sighed, feeling less like an assassin and more like a referee.

(("Okay. They took me without my permissions, and blackmailed me into staying. There I met Aster, and a man named Mourmond. They are my friends. When I found out about Dragon territory, Aster gave me the option to leave, but I had nowhere to go. I thought I would never see any of you again. So I elected to stay and see if they could cure me. Then David showed up, and we had a...a really big fight. He didn't...he wouldn't listen. He cut me off and walked away. So once I was cured, Aster took me on, I guess, as a mercenary. I'm out here looking for an herb that is rumored to have regenerative properties. I never thought I would see any of you again, so I was going the best with the hand dealt to me.")) The heat left Olesya's voice as she talked, and she looked down at Maddie and played with her hair just like she had countless times in their home in Dragon Territory. When David was still alive, when they were some semblance of a family.

(("Thank you, Olesya. Kiyr? What is the current status for the Dragons, and what elaboration do you need from Olesya in regards to her alliance?" Youichi asked calmly, idly touching and manipulating the 3D display as she did so.

[Kyrie Blaze]

It would have helped if Olesya had said that she wanted to know of her status with the Dragons instead of the clipped "what if it".

Kiyr sat, spine straight. It wasn't her problem if Les could only see those options, now. But when it was constantly brought up and shoved in her face, what else was she supposed to think? Irrational grief and strain wanted her to just say 'fine, do what you will' and leave Les and Maddie.

But she couldn't do that to the child that was as much David's daughter as Olesya's. Nor could she do it to Olesya, vexing as she was. Kiyr was giving her the benefit of the doubt in regards to the ARC, but it felt like Les would only give snark and a lack of respect in response.

Her eyes glinted in the low light, stuttered by rapid blinks.

She was silent for a while after Youichi posed her question, but, it was more to do with ensuring she could speak without the lump in her throat giving away just how close she was to a breaking point.

When she spoke, it was quietly, yet firmly despite that.

"((All I really wish to know is that the ARC - not necessarily your friends there, specifically - will not use you as a means of gaining information about the ship, the Dragons, or the rest of the civilians. And when I say use you, I mean without your knowledge, be it in something similar to your communicator and tracking device or otherwise. If you could excuse yourself from them, remaining friends as you like, you would be able to come onto the ship, know where our allies are, and such. I would like for Ceres to scan you for any bugs, no matter how small. And not because I do not trust you, but because a research facility like the ARC - and it is a research facility, as Ceres could supply that much at least - will stop at nothing if they believe they can get new information. It is not personal, Olesya; Youichi pointed it out. It is much larger than that.))"

Whether Les would see it could be something else entirely.

[Your Mom~]

Now they were getting somewhere. Thankfully Youichi could shrug off Olesya's temper and get to the base of the matter. (("No, and I will make sure of it.")) She confirmed. (("I'll agree to the scan, as I hope that will cement your trust in me and my intentions.""))

She looked to her communicator, her mind drifting to her mission. (("I will finish my mission for them and take leave to be with Maddie. I will, however, be keeping in contact with Aster and Mourmond. I trust them with my life, and I know they will keep anything I tell them in strictest confidence.")) She held her finger up both for emphasis and to waylay any interruption, (("Not that I will tell them anything pertaining to the Dragons or its people.")) The lake and its curious substance, however...and that's assuming that the ARC didn't know about it already.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kiyr's jaw worked a moment. She simply did not trust any of them, regardless of Olesya's trust in them. Or in part, because of it: it may not be probable to Les that they would...but the blonde couldn't dismiss the fact that it was possible.

"((Olesya, how can I be more clear that it is not you, or your intentions that are in question?))" She took a slow breath. "((If you wish to see them, I can provide transport to an area close by. But...I would certainly feel more comfortable if you agreed to other scans, if you do? I do not want to cut you off from your friends, but the safety of those, here...I have to hold that as one of my highest priorities. They hold one Titan, I do not doubt they would refuse an opportunity for others, or anyone else that sparks their interest.))"

She reached up, rubbing her temples. She was willing to help Les foster that friendship she had gained with the two from the ARC. She may not entirely like it, but if Les wanted to, she would...and it might come at a price. So Kiyr would go with it, if Les would help her keep the Dragons and their allies safe.

"((I take it you will explain this to Maddie, that you have to go away briefly?))"

She didn't think she would be consolable if she woke up to find Les gone.

"((I suppose I have a few more questions as well.))"

[Your Mom~]

(("Sure, why not.")) She agreed to the scans, whatever would make Kiyr happy. She had been poked and prodded enough at the ARC, that that sort of thing didn't bother her anymore. Mourmond had said something wise about that, but she couldn't remember exactly what it was. Whatever she needed to do to be with Maddie.

You could just take her to the ARC. Not likely. Though they had a strict no-kids-experiments rule, and Maddie could even be introduced to Aster's son, she wouldn't bring her there.

Les gently shook Maddie's shoulder, rousing her sleepy child from her comfortable slumber. "Maddie, hey hunny wake up. Maaaaaddie girl..." She sing-songed. Maddie blearily blinked and sat up, and Les' lap was suddenly much colder. She smiled. "Did you enjoy your nap?" Maddie nodded with a yawn.

"Okay hunny. I need to go to work for a little bit, I have to find something for someone. But once I do, I'll be back for good." The sleepiness disappeared from the child's face as her expression contorted into panic.

"You can't! Don't go away again, please momma.." She launched herself at Les and hugged her tight, her breathing indicating that she was about ready to cry again. Les rubbed her back and made a gentle hushing sound.

"Listen. I won't be far. And, I'll give you something. Okay?" She pulled back slightly, keying in a code on her communicator, which opened a hatch and ejected a small rectangle with a speaker and a button. "This little communicator is connected to the one on my wrist, and only to that." She added, mostly for Kiyr's benefit that the ARC would not be able to listen on it. "Miss Kiyr will need to scan it first, but then you can hold onto it, and whenever you want to talk to me, just push the button. Alright? Here, try it."

Maddie took the mini communicator and sniffled, looking at it for a second before pushing the button and speaking into it. "Hi momma." The communicator on her wrist bleeped to life, and Maddie's voice came through clearly.

"It operates on short waves, so it will only communicate on a channel with my communicator, and it cannot be overheard or interfered with by the ARC." She turned back to Maddie, placing her hands on her shoulders and kissing her forehead. "I'll be back soon. Sooner than you know it." Maddie sniffled again, nodding and hugging the mini communicator to her chest. "I love you, Maddie-bear."

"I love you Momma-bear." Maddie responded, and despite her pouting, a small smile appeared on the girl's face.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kiyr felt a faint lightening as Olesya agreed without protest, and was thankful for that small grace. She wouldn't have to point out that even if her friends might not betray her on their own, it didn't mean the ARC wouldn't blackmail them into doing it.

She sat, lapsing back to silence during the exchange.

"((Will you be staying on the ship, for the time being..?))" She paused - more hesitated, really - to let Olesya reply before forging on. "((What will you do if they decline letting you go..?))"

[Your Mom~]

(("If I am allowed.")) She answered Kiyr's first question, though her tone was not challenging. It was a simple statement, though she guessed that Kiyr's question may have also been an invitation. However, she wasn't going to make the assumption.

(("They won't. They offered to let me go months ago, and now I report directly to the head of the facility. I have more access there than most of the basic scientists. They can't hold me.")) Maddie cuddled in close to Olesya, realizing that the conversation wasn't over yet, and she wanted to stay as close to her mom as long as she could. Les put her arm around her and rubbed her back, but kept her gaze on Kiyr.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kyrie nodded in response, the gesture easy-going.

"((You agreed to the terms to board the ship this first time and any time you visit your friends. That is peace of mind for me, and there is no reason to prevent you from rejoining us and being comfortable...and I would feel better for it. And, Maddie will still be able to see her friends.))"

While the alone time with Olesya would undoubtedly be welcome, there would be a loneliness in their seclusion. Besides, even on the ship Kiyr wouldn't be surprised if the pair kept to themselves for a couple days. But they had access to social interactions, this way.

It had indeed been an invitation of sorts, but posed in a way to let Les decide and state her opinion rather than Kiyr assuming one way or another.

"((We will stay in the area unless you physically return to the ARC. If so, I can monitor your location with Ceres, and we can pick you up elsewhere if you get them to drop you? I do not know how you wish to go about this.))"

[Your Mom~]

(("Okay, you will be able to monitor me, but how will I be able to contact you?")) She asked. The ARC was unable to pin point the ship's location, Ceres. If she walked away, there was a chance she could never find them again.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"((If you go back to the ARC, we will know. Simply have the craft drop you somewhere in the US, somewhere near good natural cover that you can move to, and I will bring a pod to retrieve you. They were used for scouting and have features that make them undetectable when necessary. When you are stationary, I will know. While you search, we will remain in range so Maddie does not worry. But...perhaps if you explain she and I will be able to follow you on the 3D world display, it will be easier when you leave to take your find back?))"

[Your Mom~]

(("Do you have a tracer on me?")) She asked, a bit curious that Kiyr and the Dragons were to l ow where she was, when the ARC wasn't to know where the Dragons are. It was a bit of a double standard, but Olesya reminded herself that she was doing this for Maddie.

(("Ok, fine.")) She agreed to the conditions, if a bit skeptically. She was slightly uncomfortable with being dropped in a random area to await pick up. What of they never came for her?

She was doing this for Maddie.

"Alright, baby bear, I need to get going. The sooner I get my job done, the sooner I can be with you." Maddie started to protest again, but Les hushed her. "No more tears. Just reach me on the communicator, ok? I love you and I'll be home soon." She gave the girl one last hug and a kiss on the forehead, before pulling herself from the embrace. She clenched her fist to her chest, nodding her head to Youichi, who returned the gesture.

(("I'll be here on the forest, then catching a ride back to the facility. No detours.")) She informed Kiyr, giving her the same salute as she did Youichi.

Then, if there was no other questions, she would make her leave.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"((No need for a tracer, Olesya.))" She shook her head, too tired to be even slightly dismayed at the question of tone it was put forward in.

She would explain later.

For now she simply watched and returned the salute after the hatch opened and the woman disembarked.

Kyrie didn't offer any help - not that Les would be inclined to accept - because this was for Olesya to do. Her mission, her giving back to the ARC. It would tarnish it if Kiyr bothered to try.

"((We will see you in a few hours.))"

Allowing time for Maddie and Olesya to wave, the hatch closed. Once it did, the pod would cloak itself completely, only allowing for the radio frequency of Les and Maddie's communicator to pass through.

"Bring Olesya's position up on my display and continue tracking her, please, Ceres."

She moved the display towards Maddie, where a shimmering beacon in pink lit up upon a small, 3D earth.

'As always, let me know of any disturbances, Ceres.'

'Of course, Kiyr.'

...what would David think of her allowing Olesya back..? She supposed that, if the time came and it wasn't a few hundred years from now, it wouldn't matter. She was simply doing the best she could with what she was given. And if it came sooner? She would simply handle it, then. Maddie needed Les.

If anything, the two women had that for common motivation.