"Hmph. I suppose," he said, giving her a warm grin. (TIME SKIP! ZOZOOOOOOM) * * * The ceiling above them was bathed in darkness, stalactites hanging down over them gloomily. The crew moved in a slow line as they headed to their holding cell, with Jack and Natalia bringing up the rear, their captain leaning on her brother heavily while he spoke to her in a low voice. Ellia glanced back to make sure that she wouldn't be overheard before turning to look back at Avice. "Did you know?" she asked quietly. "About the captain?"
Avice frowned, hee hands wringing nervously as she kept her eyes to the floor, thoughts rushing through her head. "I had no idea.. I didn't even think.."
Avice crossed her arms uncomfortably. "I agree. Although there's quite the reward, I don't know if it was good for anyone.."
Natalia's face was dull and emotionless, and Jack rubbed her back, his brow furrowed with a deep sadness. He glanced up at Avice for a moment and he kept her gaze before Natalia spoke to him softly, causing him to look back down at her. "I don't much like it either," Ellia replied. "I really want to get out of here."
The three girls led them to the holding cell and gestured them in. They spoke in unison, their voice high and foreign on their ears. "We will be back to fetch you soon," they recited. "Please make yourself comfortable."
Jack took Natalia off the side so she could lean against the wall, but she quickly sat down, her eyes staring into nothingness. He spoke to her, but she didn't reply, evidently lost in thought. He sighed and stood up, walking towards the crew. When he spoke, his voice was clear and stern, and his gaze swept over the group, his eyes severe and piercing. "Obviously," he began, "the captain is a little bit out of commission. In the meantime, we're going to explore our space. Make yourselves busy."
He turned to look at her as the crowd dispersed, his head tilted slightly. His arms were crossed, and he looked tense. "I'm fine," he said, frowning. "She's not, though. Obviously, I guess."
He looked up at her and didn't respond for a long time. "I don't think it matters," he said eventually. "She doesn't seem to even notice that I'm here. Understandably, of course. I just..." He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just wish I knew what to do."
"You're doing just fine," she told him, rubbing his back soothingly. "I don't know if a lot can be done at this point."
