The Vessel

Chapter 5: Intrepid

30 minutes later we find ourselves standing in front of Amos's cabin door.

Earlier, after Ronan and I talked inside my suite, I got dressed in the bathroom while Ronan waited for me outside. Then together, we walked in still silence down the ship levels until we reached the right floor.

And now here we are, in a cramped, damp hallway, waiting for someone to open the door.

I raise my hand to knock on the frayed wood. Just before my knuckles can make contact, the door swings open. Vivian sticks her head out, her mouth is open like she's about to say something, then she catches sight of Ronan, dressed in his uniform, standing quietly behind me, and slams the door shut in our faces.

We both jerk back a little in surprise.

"Well, that was rude." Ronan mumbled under his breath.

I ignore his comment and start banging on the door again.

"No, it's ok! He's going to help us." I shout through the closed door.

"Vivian?"

Silence. I knock on the door again, agitated.

This time instead of silence, I can hear the muffled sound of arguing through the walls.

"Vivian, he's not going to turn us in!" I shout, referring to Ronan.

I swallow, feeling somewhat guilty about what I was going to say.

"I have proof that he won't betray us!"

Still no response.

"I have leverage against him! And do you think I would risk getting caught since it means the lives of my loved ones?"

This time the door opens up again. But instead if Vivian greeting us, it's Amos.

He smiles widely and reaches over towards us with his frail arm, shaking both of our hands.

"Well, I always knew that you, Ronan, were a good man!"

Ronan laughed in reply, seemingly not offened by my blackmailing comment.
"But not as great as you."

Amos turns his attention to me.

"I think you need to explain a few things to Vivian. Come on in, both of you."

Vivian is sitting at the desk, arms crossed, glaring at me. She stands up and thrusts an arm out towards Ronan's direction.

"What is this?" She growls.

"It's ok, he can help us!"

"Let's talk outside. Now." Vivian led the way back into the hallway.

I followed her and shut the cabin door behind me.

"Ok, so what is it?" She inquires.

"What's what?" I'm too tired to answer questions that beat around the bush.

"What's the leverage you have against Mr. Hot Guard Man over there?" She snaps while gesturing with her heads towards the inside if the room.

"Ok, first of all, I didn't ask him to help just cause of his appearance." I respond, my voice thick with annoyance.

I then continue to fill her in on the events from yesterday that led to Ronan pledging his promise to help me in exchange for my digression. I'm careful to mention how if he changes his mind, I have enough charges and accusations against him to make sure he keeps his word.

By the time I finish speaking, Vivian looked a little impressed.

"And your certain he won't turn on us?" She still pressed.