The Dividing Lines

“She trapped us in a cave. Helen drugged us and left us.” Skye was staring out of the clear forcefeild that was separating them from the storm which had shown it’s full strength and was now ravaging the landscape.

Behind her a lifesize holographic recording of Helen was playing on repeat, explaining, in detail, the situation and circumstances that caused her to override the captain’s authority. She explained all of this in a calm and polite voice with a small smile on her face. They had yet to figure out how to turn it off.

Jemma was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed, her head laying in the palm of her hand as she watched the hologram play through then pause and repeat again, “Well, she may be right, we were acting a bit childish, weren’t we?” She had a small stick and was now tracing designs in the dirt, looking rather glum.

The captain glanced behind her, “Yeah, I guess..” She turned around and walked next to where Jemma sat and she settled down next to the shorter woman. “And I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have treated you like that, like your feelings didn’t matter. I was just panicking.” Skye’s eyes followed the small circular designs that Jemma was tracing in the dirt.

“I know, and I probably should have realized that also.. But I wasn’t going to leave you, and I’m not going to, at LEAST until this--” She swirled the stick in the air, “Is all over.”

“That’s--” Skye thought about it for a few moments, “Really sweet, actually.”

Jemma set the stick down and turned to look at Skye, “I haven’t known you for long and I know we have nothing in common but I still can’t imagine my life without you, I hope you know that.”

Skye looked away for a moment, realization dawning on her as she thought about everything that had happened and what the future could possibly hold for them, if they even made it out of this.

When she glanced back up her voice was lower, “This isn’t going to go away is it?”

Jemma understood immediately, “No, I don’t think it is.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

The shorter woman laughed and brought her knees up as she marveled at the cave around them, her mind on anything but the surroundings. “I suppose I am.” And then she added with a grin, “But I must warn you, I don’t do anything halfway.”

“I wasn't expecting anything else.”

Jemma had been leaning in closer and closer as they spoke, “Skye, what’s our future going to be like?” she asked it as if it was both a curious and worrying question.

The captain shrugged, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to bet it’s going to be the greatest thing this universe has ever seen.” She winked at the shorter woman.

The librarian’s eyes seemed glazed over as she stared at Skye’s face, alternating between the other woman’s eyes and lips, she giggled and leaned in closer, then added in a slightly drunken voice “Wonderful.” Then she kissed the captain lightly, sweetly, and they stayed like that for a long time.

It was as gentle as the first time, and not nearly as rushed and desperate as the second time, however this time the kiss was a perfect mix of sweet and confident as the two women finally accepted their fate and let the moment take them away.\

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Helen stood in the middle of the bridge of the Hula Girl, her demeanor was calm but rigid as the storm ravaged the ship around her. It had already wiped out part of the cargo hold, and Helen had moved the items they stole from the Mockingbird into the hallway of the ship to keep them safe.

However, with every new tree that was thrown into the ship and every new tornado that rocked the vessel, piece by piece the ship was crumbling away around her. Alecta complained about the noise and how inconvenient nature was while also reporting every new piece that was ripped away.

The shields had barely lasted two hours once the actual storm hit and the ship had been vulnerable since then. Helen debated on what the best course of action would be; She could possibly take the loot crate by crate back to the cave and join the other two but even she would only be able to save so much of it before the Hula girl was completely swept away by the storms.

Her processors whirred loudly as she went through every option in her mind that would save everyone and everything that needed to be saved. What sounded like a boulder hit the side of the ship, sending everything but Helen’s balanced form sliding to the left.

Then something hit the other side of the ship, it didn’t sound like the many blunt impacts caused by the storm’s winds, it sounded more metallic and razor like, more like a low powered tractor beam being latched onto the ship. It was followed by Alecta’s voice, shouting over the surrounding chaos, “I think someone’s knocking, Helen.”

The android’s head lifted, her attention caught and she walked diligently towards the ramp of the ship, she overrided the device and it creaked to life. However, the mixture of the wind and the debris kept shoving it back into it’s lock. Helen braced her feet and shoved the ramp down with all of her might, the device cracked and then was subsequenty sucked up into the sky along with anything else that wasn’t tied down.

It was a risk, she knew this, if they were wrong and it was nothing, she will have caused an even bigger vulnerability in the ship than before, if it was someone, but someone they didn’t want to meet, she could have possibly exposed their position and their loot. Helen would have to deal with those consequences if that was the case, however, if it was help responing her S.O.S then this could be their savior.

She squinted into the storm, tryiong to pick up any definite shapes, then she heard a ramp lowering and bright light was emminated through the rain and wind. She smiled as she saw Trip’s form standing on the edge of a ramp, protected by his ship’s no doubt operational force field. He was shining a high powered light in her direction and she waved her arm at him, before making her way, slow and steady, into the storm that a normal person would have been blown away.

It didn’t take her very long before she finally made it to the safety of his small ship, and she walked through the force field, dripping wet and wind swept. It was good, after this entire ordeal to see Trip’s kind smile.

He wasted no time and embraced her, the android returned the act of kindness with a smile, “You have no idea how good it is to see you now, Antoine.”

He pulled away, “You too, Helen, where’s Skye? Is she okay? What the hell happened and why are you on this planet?” He questioned quickly.

She patted him on the arm, “Your questions will be answered soon, first, we have many things to do.” She gestured to the Hula Girl, “I need to get the loot onto your shuttle, is your transporter working?”

He didn’t question further, he trusted that she would handle everything, he nodded, “Yup, here are the tags, I’ll wait for you here.”

She took the tags and stepped out of the safety of the force field and back into the storm.

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Skye and Jemma were leaning on the edge of the cave, munching reluctantly on the MREs that Helen left for them when the whiring noise of a ship cut through the already defeaning sounds of the storm outside.

Skye jumped up and ran to the edge of the field, staring out at the storm as close as she could without touching the force field and getting shocked. At the moment she couldn’t see anything but she could still hear the sounds breaking through the rain.

Jemma followed her to the force field, stepping behind her and looking over the taller woman’s shoulder. “What do you think it is?” She asked immedietly.

“I don’t know but it sounds like a ship.” Skye squinted through the rain and debris but so far couldn’t see anything.

“That could either be really good or really bad.” Jemma commented and Skye nodded.

“There!” jemma jumped up and pointed around the captain’s shoulder at the metallic object that was currently deflecting the rain and debris. It was too small to be the Hula Girl and too small for most pirate vessels but that didn’t really confirm anything.

Skye shocked herself on the force field and stumbled backwards slightly, bumping into Jemma whose eyes were locked on the object that seemed to be coming towards them.

It flew close to the entrance of the cave and stopped just a few feet away, the women backed up a few steps as the ship ejected a ramp.

Skye’s face broke into a smile, “Helen!” Her shoulder’s relaxed as the android moved down the ramp and began disabling the force field around the entrance of the cave so far not ackowledging their presence. Skye grabbed on to Jemma’s hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

The forcer field fell and a barrage of rain and wind and bits of jungle began to bombard the women. Helen reached out a hand and pulled the two women into the shield’s protection.

Skye laughed and ran into the interior of the ship, Trip was standing in the bridge, his arms out stretched, “Trip you amazing son a of a bitch!” She yelled as she ran and wrapped her arms around his neck, he returned the hug tightly.

The ramp raised and Jemma stood just inside the ship, her hands held in front of her shyly as Skye and Trip exchanged greetings. She noticed immediately how clean this pod was, even with the honestly crowded environment of crates and barrels, it resembled that of a luxury shuttle.

“What the hell happened, Skye?” Trip asked, practically laughing
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Skye wiped away the rain water that had dripped from her hair and she sighed dramatically, “It’s a long story, but man, am I happy to see you.”

Trip scoffed, “I bet—“

“Wait, what about the Hula Girl?” Skye cut him off and the mood in the shuttle immediately shifted from celebratory to solemn.

Helen walked up and put a hand on the captain’s shoulder, “We could not save her, Skye.”

“I’m sorry, Skye.” Trip offered but the captain’s face fell and she looked away from the group, she wanted to cry at the loss of her ship but at the same time she knew that it was amazing that they were alive and saved.

Skye walked past the group, trying to keep her breathing even, her arms flew to the top of her head and she kicked one of the crates in a violent burst of emotion. "Shit!" She cursed, closing her eyes and nor looking at the others.

"My fucking Ship.." In something akin to disbelief.

"The loss of the Hula Girl is in no way reflecting on your abilities as a Captain, Skye, please understand this." Helen spoke calmly but firmly.

"Well, it's kind of hard not to feel that way!" Skye snapped and she immedietly regretted it, then she added more softly, "I'm sorry that was childish of me."

"You're allowed to have your reaction, Skye." Jemma spoke up foor the first time.

The captain smiled at her humorlessly, "Thanks but I'll finish having this reaction later, we're alive and safe and that's all that matters, right?"

Jemma made to move to Skye and Trip held out a tentative hand to stop her, she looked back at him and nodded reasuringly, saying softly, "It's alright."

Jemma walked up and pulled an arm around her waste comfortingly, Skye took a deep breath, and raised her head, her composer coming back to her, “She was an amazing ship, and she got me out of more scraps than I can count.”

“She’ll be missed.” Trip added and the group nodded together, then Trip added, changing the subject, “And who's your friend? You haven't introduced us” He asked, motioning to the librarian.

Skye gave a small smile and wrapped herself around the shorter woman sweetly, “This is Dr. Jemma Simmons. I kiddnapped her and now I'm in love with her.”

The librarian blushed slightly and held out a hand, Trip took it good naturedly, laughing “Dr. Antoine Triplet, it’s nice to meet you Dr. Simmons. I’m assuming you’re the cause for all of this chaos.” He added with a wink.

Jemma chuckled, “I suppose I am, Dr. Triplet.”

He smiled, “You must be someone pretty damn special to have caused this much of an uproar. Oh, and call me Trip. Being uptight and formal isn’t my style.”

Skye held on to the shorter woman protectively, “She is Trip. She’s very special.”

“Well—“ Trips said as he truned around to check on the course the ship was taking them on autopilot, “I’m glad you’ve been productive while all this has been happening.” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, a girl’s gotta live.”

“And no one lives quite like you, do they?”

Skye didn't answer but let go of Jemma and moved to sit next to where Trip was stationary at the controls of the shuttle. “And how bad of a fuss had Morse made over this?” Mentioning the happening’s that Trip had refered to a bit ago.

Trip actually laughed at that, “Morse? She’s the least of your problems, how long have you been cut off from everything out here? You starting to forget what it’s really like out here?”

Skye’s face dropped, “What do you mean?”

“Well, you know how she sent The Widow after you?”

Skye nodded,

“The information got out about your bounty. Not only are tons of small time pirates hoping that your capture’ll be their big break but Wards after you, Skye.” Trip's tone was grave.

Skye cursed, “You’re kidding me?”

“No, he came to Sye'Heit looking for you. He thought I was hiding you.”

“He didn’t hurt anyone did he?” Skye sounded angry at the thought but Trip reassured her quickly.

“No, everyone’s fine, but we’re barely surviving down there.” Trip glanced at the cargo the convered the shuttle.

“Right.” Skye shook her head sharply, “We’ll go to Tah-Who first then and drop the cargo. Your ship can hold the supplied right? I mean, you got more than this?”

“Of course. What about Dr. Simmons? What are you going to do about that situation?”

Skye’s voice dropped down nearly to a whisper, “I don’t know what she wants to do.”

Trip copied her voice and tone, “What, you mean, this is like—“ He pointed between the two woman, “Like a thing?”

Skye didn’t look at him, “Yeah, I think it’s a “Thing”.”

He chuckled, and held up his hand, Skye gave him a begrudging high five and settled down next to him at the consoles, looking back only for a moment to glance at Jemma.

Helen was leaning up against one of the cargo crates, her expression mild. However, Jemma’s face suddenly dawned with recognition and she practically fell on top of the android, “Helen, what about Alecta?” She cried, concern lining her face.

Helen chuckled and put a hand up, “She is fine, don’t worry.” Then she held up her hand with the palm up, laying next to her fingers was a small circuit chip, only about the size of a nickel. “We had many back ups in case of emergencies such as this, Alecta’s conscience, her memories, and her soul are on here, easy to transport and safe as long as I am holding her.” Helen retracted her hand and put it calmly back in her lap.

Jemma’s shoulder’s relaxed and she put a hand over her heart, “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m sorry I panicked, I suppose I am just a little on edge after this ordeal.” She took a seat on the crate next to Helen.

“That is understandable, and thank you for your concern.”

Trip looked back at the women in the back, he was holding a switch down just above his head, “We’re about to board the Nenuphar, my ship, it’ll be a lot more comfortable there, I promise.”

For the first time during the journey they actually felt like they were moving, Trip’s shuttle was incredibly smooth and after so long riding in the Hula Girl, it might as well have been standing still.

Skye stood up, patted her friend on the back and walked to where her tiny crew was sitting. She walked up to Helen, her face sincere, and she held out her arms. The android returned the act of affection and embraced the captain.

None of them had realized how alone and stranded they felt on that planet, and although they all kept hope alive very well, even at the end, there was still that forboding sense of fear and tension hanging over their heads. Now that It was gone they could all feel the weight being lifted from their shoulders.

“I’m sorry you had to do that.” Skye was searching Helen’s eyes for some kind of forgiveness, something that she immedietly found.

“I did only what I had to do to keep you human’s safe.” She chuckled, then added, “I suppose Alecta’s attitude has been rubbing off on me so to speak.”

Skye looked at Jemma, “You’re going to love The Nenuphar, Jem, Trip’s been working on this ship for a long time and it’s amazing.”

The librarian stood up to stand next to the captain and she added, “You said that about the Hula Girl if I recall.”

Skye laughed, “This time I promise, this ship is 1st class. “Trip, we ready to move?” She looked back and asked as the shuttle slowed down they heard it locking into the ship.

“We’re here, ladies.” The Doctor announced to the women in the back.

He stretched and yawned; Although it had not been a very long trip from the planet's surface to the Nenuphar, they were all exhausted and ready for a sanctuary, for a little while at least.

Trip moved to the door and punched in a code into the control panel, the door slid open as the women stood up and began to follow him onto his ship.

However, when the door opened Trip's face fell in an expression of shock and he took an automatic step backwards, holding his hands up.

"Trip, what is it, man?" Skye moved to his side, however, when she looked out the door she had a reaction very similar to the doctor's and she pulled her hand's back also.

The two took a few steps back as heavy and confident footsteps came closer to the door of the shuttle door. A moment later Ward walked through the small opening, prompting a confused gasp from Jemma.

He looked around with that same arrogent smirk that showed his teeth and winked at the librarian. "It's good to see you, Antoine, and hey, thanks for finding these two for me, I'm sure your counsel's going to be real happy that I've caught you dead with two known fugitives.

He clicked his tongue as if he were cooing a baby and added, "Oh don't act so surprised, you know I always get my man."