CH - 62

Don't raise your voice at me, Masterson. Remember, I own you."

Masterson growled. "I wanna see her."

"Not happening."

"Let me see my daughter."

"Once we're finished here, I'll tell you where you can find her."

"I've done enough for you and your pirate brood, Avarik Halcen. Give me my daughter back!"

"I can't do that," Halcen responded, simply shaking his head.

Masterson raged. He'd never faced such a ruthless adversary. Avarik Halcen was proving to be without a doubt, the most cunning and dangerous foe that he'd ever encountered. "To think that someone like you was able to defeat Commander Darmichal," he scoffed. "That is just disheartening. I weep for the state of the world."

"Weep for your daughter's life, without you," Halcen said. "That seems like a much more pressing matter."

Masterson gulped. "Fine. What else do you want from me?" He asked, conceding.

"We have one more mission: to rescue Bo's family. We're gonna need all the help we can get."

"I'm not gonna help you break into a military prison. That's one line I will not cross."

"How many lines have you crossed already? I don't think you have any more scruples to stick to anymore. Why don't you stop trying to pretend like there's anything your morals will prevent you from doing? We all know what kind of sick shit the World Government makes you Marines do. This time you're just gonna lick my boot instead of a badge's. Don't get all squirmy on me now."

Masterson swore again. He had shamed his name helping these pirates already. What else should stop him from going that one extra step if it meant saving his daughter's life? He knew there was no line he would not cross for her. He sighed and bowed his head in submission. "What do you need from me?"

Daddy Masterson snuck out of the pirate ship later in the day. He was still attempting to keep his involvement secret. What else could he do? But the fear of being discovered had been overshadowed by the fear for his daughter's safety. There were far too many risks on either side and he had been caught up in it out of no willingness on his part.

He headed through the docks, trying to keep his face covered, and to stay out of the way of the others as much as possible.

"Masterson," said a voice from his side.

His body shook in fear as he glanced over to his right. There, covered by a wooden overhang on the edge of the dock, stood a young Marine. He looked vaguely familiar. There were barrels of what smelled of odorous fish behind him. They were being set to go out on a shipping boat from the marina.

"And just who are you?" Masterson asked, his voice shaking.

The boy was maybe nineteen at the most. He had a blue bandana over his head but you could tell he had blonde hair. He had brown eyes and tan skin. He was fidgeting. He was nervous. "I'm Seaman First Class Androvy. You were at my introduction."

"And just what are you doing here?"

"Something told me… that you were lying. I couldn't believe that you were conspiring with pirates, but there was something just eating away at me. I had to know for sure."

"You followed me?"

"I'm afraid so."

"And are your superiors aware of this?"

"Not yet. I had to know before I told them. I couldn't come to them with pure speculation. But I saw you board that pirate ship. That's where they are, isn't it? The pirates that attacked the base? Why are you working with them?"

"You don't understand what you're talking about."

This is where the boy started to get angry. "You're supposed to be a sigil of justice. Why are you working with these pirates?!"

"Quiet down now, boy. Don't do something you might regret."

"I'm taking you in. You can explain yourself to Captain Vergo." He grabbed at Masterson's arm, but Masterson wouldn't have it.

In an instant, a large knife pierced into the boy's stomach as Masterson pulled himself closer.

He gaped and choked. "Wh—why?"

"I'm sorry. My daughter's life is more important than yours," Masterson whispered.

The young cadet fell to the ground as the blade was pulled out.

Masterson looked about to ensure nobody had spotted his deed. They were pretty removed from the bustling area, and the overhang protecting the fish barrels had covered them well. Masterson pulled the lid off one of the half-full barrels and stuffed the boy's body inside, covering the fish in the blood of that young Marine. He made sure to cover the body as best as he could with the remaining fish. Surely, nobody was going to think twice about looking there. He had nowhere else to dispose of the body. If at all, it would take days before he was found.

Then Masterson was off, disappeared into the city, with nobody left to tell of his crimes.