With every punch that Juniper throws onto the bag, her fists scream out in agony. Doctors told her to take it easy, her body needs to heal after Vernio. Nothing broken or sprained, thank the gods, just some stitches.

Too damn bad.

If she doesn't spar, she's going to go fucking insane. Eris Peray, former friend, former Wardog, former so many things is alive. And would you know it? She's the one Juniper attacked in a fit of insane rage. All because she needed someone to forgive her for being so damn selfish.

Funny thing is that she knew it was Eris. Juniper didn't want to believe it, but she saw the dark skin, that fucking green eye. The way the menial seemed to stare at her, as if trying to say something? As if they understood what she was going through?

Of course it was Eris.

Oh, but Juniper wanted to stay in her fantasy land, where Eris was dead. Everyone wanted to believe she died a fucking hero. Not captured and brainwashed into... into a fucking dog. Every last bit of it makes perfect sense, oddly enough.

Sliding to the right, a haymaker hits the top of the bag. She ducks low, swinging wide with a left jab. Striking needs work, too sluggish, too unrefined. Pisses her off, because she needs to be better. Vernio shouldn't have gone that way, she acted more like a rookie out on their first mission, rather than a seasoned veteran.

So much for getting back in the saddle, right?

Need to stop hesitating, hesitation gets you killed.

She's far from being in great spirits right now. The Eris thing, coupled with Juniper's own failing grip on reality, makes for a headache like no other. But she can't show weakness, she needs to be the ace that people expect.

It is probably just a lack of sleep bringing her down. At this point she gets two to three hours of sleep before waking up in a panic. Nightmares involving a myriad of things keep that keep her scared and awake. Doesn't matter if she hits the bag for two hours or twelve hours, she's awake most of the time. The pills they gave her to help with the voices are ineffective, adding to her problems.

More than likely it's just the stress of Vernio adding up. Transports got to safety, no thanks to her chasing ghosts. Of course it wasn't Laila, because why the fuck would it be? She's dead. There have been zero signs that she could still be alive out there.

Gods know that Juniper hasn't stopped looking for any potential signs.

No, instead, it's Eris Peray who is alive and in a storage room turned into a holding cell. Techs have had a field day trying to extract any useful information from Ares, but as far as they can tell, it was immediately wiped when the fucker went down. Or, more than likely, it never had anything of value.

Meanwhile, Eris has fed the brass some bullshit story about how she "doesn't remember anything." They seem ready to believe it, being as there have been zero sightings of Ares in the years since the two of them went down in a blaze of glory.

Eris has something to do with Her. And whatever it is, it's probably going to be horrifying to learn.

Juniper throws a hook against the bag, putting her full weight behind it. Her fists bleed with every painful punch. A small reminder that even now, she's still alive. It's nice to imagine that she's hitting Her, or maybe Eris, keeps the addled mind focused.

Come on Junebug, you can hit harder than that, can't you?

How are you going to avenge me if you can't even hit the fucking bag?

Sliding to the right, the bag is peppered with increasingly harder strikes. Which is when Juniper trips over her feet, hitting the bag face-first, following that with impacting the floor. Fucking fuck fuck.

Laila's voice has been haunting her subconscious for gods know how long. Since Furlo at least, probably a little after capture. Can't exactly remember, everything kind of blurs together.

Thought about mentioning it to the shrinks, but they'd just deem Juniper insane and probably recommend she be taken off field work. And if people knew their hero was a headcase, she wouldn't last much longer here. Already killed gods know how many back at Furlo.

You're just tired is all, need to sleep more.

As of late she's felt off. A small headache here and there, sure, it's a natural effect from being connected to Ixion for so long. But that's not it, her timing feels off like she's walking through sand. Mentioned it to the docs after Vernio, they gave her some painkillers, told her to drink and shooed her off.

Didn't change shit, she's still just off.

Maybe it's just post-mission stress. Everything has felt slower since she got back. Can't explain it, doesn't make any fucking sense. Even her strikes feel mistimed, as if she just forgot how to hit. Probably just anxiety, after seeing Eris in that state, right?

Yeah, that has to be it. Fuck, why wouldn't that be it? The two of them were close friends, her death left a hole in it all. Whole damn reason Laila even shacked up with Juniper was because of Eris playing matchmaker.

Ah, screw it, nows not the time to reminisce.

Juniper picks herself off the floor and gives her body another stretch.

Okay, she can do this.

Closing her eyes, she exhales a sharp breath to relax her body. Taped fists are raised, shoulders squared. A sharp exhale; her eyes open, she slides to the left, throwing a hook. Jumping back, she ducks right, peppering the bag with increasingly harder strikes. Oh yeah, there we go! There's that nimble feeling in her limbs that she loves so much.

Just as a high right cross lands, she collapses back onto the floor from a sudden migraine. Unlike the previous ones, her doesn't threaten to split open, revealing everything so tightly wound. It just does.

Memories she'd rather forget, voices she's longed to stop hearing, so many damn things. Everything little thing that keeps haunting her. Handler offered salvation, but Juniper refused to believe Her words. That's why Furlo went the way it did.

That's why Eris is still alive.

All you need to do is let go. Can you do that, Lieutenant?

Juniper clutches her head in a desperate effort to scream, but nothing comes out. Only a sickening silence that grows worse with the seconds ticking away. Just... just need... just need pills, they'll help, right?

Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop, make it stop, make it stop, make it stop, make it stop

You're just a feral beast, so why not give into your true nature?

Hot tears stream down her face as painful memories grip her with fear. Why couldn't she have listened? Why couldn't she have been better? Everyone who relies on her winds up dying in the end.

Her hands tremble, trying and failing to crawl towards her pills on the nightstand. She can't move an inch, the flashbacks have gotten worse, leaving her cowering on the floor, perfectly encapsulating why she is headcase.

They called her the Angel of Death, because everyone gets close to her winds up dead. As it turns out, Juniper was not worthy of forgiveness, because there was no forgiving her sins. Those sin lines exist for a reason; to remind her of her failings as a human.

LIEUTENANT SLADEK, STAND DOWN!

Would you like me to help you?

Gods, if only she wasn't so useless. Maybe She would have helped her then. Handler or Epsilon, or whatever, treated Juniper with so much kindness. And the only thing she could do to repay that kindness, was to screw everything up. It's so fucking funny, even months after being "freed" from Her, she can still hear Her voice.

Kill for me us, June Juniper.

Kill? Yeah, she could absolutely kill anyone She wants dead. It wouldn't be hard, take her service weapon from the second drawer, just start shooting people. Then, make her way to the hangar, board Ixion and finish the job. Simple, easy, that'd make Her happy, right!?

Hahahhahaha, yeah, yeah it would!

Except, the thing is that wouldn't be right. The voices are wrong, they're just telling her what she wants to hear. Because she's nothing more than a traitor, who deluded herself into thinking she had no choice. Of course!

Ahahhahahahahahaha

The rebels don't trust her as is. Sure, they still see her as Juniper Sladek, the hero, but deep down? Every last one of them looks at with scorn, they despise her. And yet, they want her on the battlefield, so she'll kill herself.

Even as the voices begin to fade, she's left curled up into a ball on the floor, far too afraid of moving. Moving is bad, might make the voices come back. Might make her finally snap and kill everyone.

Half an hour passes before Juniper feels safe to get herself up off the floor. She's dealt with the voices and migraines for months now, but they're not usually this intense. It'll be fine eventually.

Just need some sleep after talking to Eris.

Nothing adds up, Ares rebuilt to look like Argos, piloted by Eris? Makes no sense.

Does this mean Laila's alive?

Eris has to know, right? After all, she's somehow involved in all this. Shouldn't get hopeful, especially after Handler showed Argos smashed to pieces. But, fuck, Juniper needs something.

Finally standing, she takes a few pained breaths and downs some water, rubbing at her aching temples. After popping a pill, she has to hope the one pill is enough. Because she's out and doubtful the docs'll fill it back up.

Without bothering to think about it, she slips a hand down her pants, stroking herself in an attempt to feel something. It would be so easy to give into the voices and simply kill for them. Her hand moves faster over her quickly hardening length, while the thoughts of murder play out in her head.

It's no use, she can't feel anything from jerking off. Her cock is hard, but there's no feeling to it, no pleasure, not even an ounce of the high she normally feels. Just an emptiness.

Doesn't matter, a knock at the door ruins it all.

"Sladek?" Of course, it's Saparlo, probably come to ruin things again. Juniper could have been happy under Her thumb, but Saparlo, she... she ruined it all, by dragging this corpse away from Her, forcing Juniper to return to a traitor's welcome.

Juniper says nothing, staring at the door blankly, silently plotting Saparlo's death in her head. It would so easy to bash her skull in against the door. Then Juniper could find that mercenary, Glass, and kill her next. Hah, killing the only person who hasn't treated Juniper differently? That'll make her look sane!

"I... I'm here," Juniper squeaks out, wishing she hadn't spoken up.

Unlike others, Saparlo waits at the door, she doesn't barge in. Thank the gods.

"You okay in there? I, uh, I've been assigned to take you down to the cells, to see Eris. Apparently she's been asking for you. Can I... come in?"

Heaving out a sigh, Juniper composes herself before speaking. "Yeah." She's hunched over the side of the bed, staring at the floor, head hanging in her hands. Gods, she's screwed up, murdering Saparlo? As if.

The door opens with a soft squeak, spilling light into the dark room. Saparlo looks banged up. Her right arm has bandages over it, and she's poorly hiding a limp. "You okay there? You look like shit. Can't really blame you after that last mission, though." She's smiling, resting her bandaged arm carefully.

She's already injured, already weak, it wouldn't be that hard to sucker punch her and—No, absolutely not. Might be the one who threw Juniper into this nightmare, but the real reason is because she failed. Just like losing Laila, just like everything else that goes wrong. It's her own fault.

"Guess so," Juniper mumbles, trying to pull herself together.

What she expects to see on Saparlo's face is judgment. Silent criticism for how this war dog lives, maybe? But there's only sympathy there. Sympathy from an ex-Imperial, gods how insane.

She clears her throat. "So, uh, Mora said I got lucky. Another inch or two and that axe would have killed me. Fucker burned my right arm good, though. I probably should have listened to you, but honestly? You looked like you needed the help." Saparlo wheezes a pained laugh. "What can I say? I'm a stubborn bitch. Hope I was a good meat shield at least."

Juniper says nothing in response to the cheery ex-Imperial.

"Oh, and I, uh, I decided on a name for the Doru. Figured if I'm stickin' around I should name it and, uh, I decided on Selene. Might be a minute before I can update the logs, on account of the injuries." Saparlo reminds Juniper of herself when she was younger. Headstrong, overconfident, decent pilot at least.

Green, gullible, it would be so easy to get on top of Saparlo, wrap her hands around that soft neck of hers, and just squeeze. That would make Her happy, that would—That would what? Juniper would be executed on the spot before she could even escape. Just how fucked in the head is, that she's considering murder? Sure, it was easy to imagine it during the last mission, but... No, gods, no.

She's going to hurt someone soon, if she doesn't get her shit together.

Physically and mentally.

Juniper stands, grabbing her bomber jacket. Doesn't feel right to be walking around without. And just for... added protection, she grabs her gun and holster from the second drawer, fixing it to her khakis.

Just in case, right?

The second Eris steps out of line, Juniper can pull the trigger. Once that failure mutt's brains are splattered all over the cell, then–Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT. Why? Fucking why, does Juniper keep thinking about murder. Even with the pills, the murderous thoughts refuse to leave her head alone.

She... She isn't that kind of person... is she?

Her head isn't right, but that can be dealt with later, right now Eris awaits.

Saparlo awkwardly stands there, probably wondering if this is sad sack of shit is what she was once so angry about. "So... uh, you fight?" She points to the monochromatic heavy bag. "We should spar sometime, I used to do a little back in my imperial days."

"Yeah," Juniper says, shrugging. "You asked that before."

"Shit, right." Saparlo clicks her tongue.

Juniper fiddles with the lighter in her pocket, trying to stay composed. "Sorry, I, uh... I, I spar alone. Laila taught me but I—"

"Oh yeah, your partner, right? Heard about her, seemed like a hero to folks around here. Lot of 'em seem to miss her, can't say I blame them, but fuck, let go." There's that word again, 'hero', the word that Juniper hates so damn much. Wardog were heroes, big damn heroes who were supposed to save this wretched shithole.

And what did it get them?

It got them buried six feet under, only for their coffins to be unearthed and their corpses forced back into service.

Again, Juniper shrugs. "Guess so."

It's far too bright in the hallway, probably on account of her room being kept dark at all times. Harder to spar in the dark, but it keeps the senses sharp when her faculties are failing.

It's quiet through the halls, anyone not on duty is either asleep or in the mess at this point.

There's a smile on Saparlo's face, despite her injuries, as though she's genuinely happy to be with Juniper. What is there to be happy about? The mediocre food in the mess hall? How fucked everything seems to be?

Walking down a flight of stairs, they approach the makeshift holding cell, where she has to fight back a sigh to find the pretend person in her. The version of her who can handle speaking. It's just an old storage room, not very big. Concrete walls and flooring, it's fucking cold in here.

Eris sits against the far wall, knees to her chest, dressed in a fucking hospital gown, because they burned her pilot suit after recovery. Her dark skin is covered in scars across her arms, and her right eye? It's not as bad as it was at Vernio, but fuck, it's still bad. To say the least, this former Wardog looks like absolute shit, but so does her supposed "friend".

More than anything, Juniper wants to hold her tight and cry, share so many stories with her former friend. But she steels herself, because they're both not those people anymore. Unfortunately.

No cameras, no security door, not even bars. If she so chose to, Eris could run, probably escape all the way up into the tunnels before anyone took notice. But she doesn't.

Saparlo leans against the entrance, staring at Eris. "Boss man says I'm supposed to stay and watch you both. Security reasons or some bullshit, but I'll be honest: That bitch creeps me out. And you two clearly got unfinished business." Saparlo eyes the pair carefully. "I'll be out here, just try not to kill her, please?" Once the door closes behind them, it's only the former sisters in arms left.

Eris' face lights up just a little seeing her old friend. "It's good to see you again, June."

"Hey," Juniper says, sitting down with her back to the door.

Eris stares at Juniper's jacket for a moment, smiling at the captain's bars on the collar. "Captain, eh? Congrats, Laila would be proud, you know? She always hoped you'd stick around," Eris says, with genuine joy in her reserved tone. "Still don't know where she got those damn things from."

"Yeah." Juniper shrugs, staring at the floor. "Only stuck around for her, nothing tying me here anymore. They just... they see a monster when they look at me." She holds herself together as best she can, balling her hand into a fist. It's impossible to return to Her, but it's perhaps just as impossible to remain here.

Could leave here, be in the wind, nobody'd give a shit.

Eris chuckles weakly: "I don't know. Seems like you've got one reason to stay, with how close you and Saparlo are. Reminds me of you and—"

Juniper shakes her head. "Please, no."

"Mm, fair, I'll avoid that topic." Eris nods slowly.

Fidgeting with her hands, Juniper is struggling to keep herself from spiraling. "What happened to you, Eris?"

Eris stands, putting her back to Juniper's. Neither of them can bear to face the other. "...  Do you remember what happened after Altare?"

Juniper nods with a heavy sigh. "Which part? Mission got scrubbed just as we got on scene. After we returned to base, that's when the raid hit." Two hours. She remembers waking up from a dead sleep to the alarms blaring. It wasn't a drill, it was an entire raiding party. She curls her knees against her chest, reliving painful memories.

"Got hit hard and had to abandon the place. We got tasked with defending the evac, but..." Eris laughs pathetically. "We couldn't, there were too many of them. You two did your best in the air, but the situation on the ground was bleak. Don't know what hit me, but..." She's shaking, fighting back tears. "Couldn't eject, no matter how many times I tried. I gave 'em a show, but me and Ares took some bad hits, that should have been our end."

Silence fills the room, so many bad memories between the two.

"Except, much like you, Handler Epsilon had use for me. Right up until I disappointed Her and... you know."

Juniper's knees curl tighter, her breathing growing shallower by the second. "W-Who exactly is Epsilon?"

Eris stands and moves to sit across from Juniper, smiling a hollow smile. "Isn't it obvious, June?" Eris leans in closer and closer, until her hospital gown is pressed up against Juniper. "Handler Epsilon, our master. She deemed me a disappointment, sentenced me to the life of a menial, until She found a new use for me..." Juniper tries to scoot back, but Eris holds her tightly, their faces pressing against each other.

"W-what are y—"

"Shhhhshhhh, it's okay, June." Eris puts a finger to Juniper's lips, practically laughing. "In Her almighty wisdom, She saw fit to forgive my failure, going so far as to rebuild Ares to look like Argos, all in the name of testing you. Even She knows I'm no match for a pilot like you."

A chill runs down Juniper's spine, she can't run, let alone call for help. If Eris tried to kill her now, she'd succeed. "T-Test me? What are you—"

Eris doesn't blink, her empty expression growing more intense. "Oh, June, sweet innocent June. I wish I could tell you, but I'm just the messenger. I don't know more than that, unfortunately." This isn't the real Eris, it's a facade, just as Juniper wears one of the damaged pilot. It's fucking creepy for what it is.

"Okay." Juniper fidgets, heaving out an unsteady breath. "... So why does Ares have sin lines?"

Eris looks away, trembling at the question. "Because much like you, I committed three great sins. Handler saw fit to have them added to the emblem, as a reminder. She is nothing, if not merciful."

There's a long silence between the former friends. Both should have been dead, yet neither were granted that mercy. Instead, here they sit, far too broken to even look the other in the eye.

"Just, just tell me, how are you so coherent?" Eris isn't suffering, because she accepted the truth. She isn't broken in the way Juniper is. This broken shell of a pilot let the rebels recapture her.

A heavy, heavy sigh. Eris shifts uncomfortably, a sad look in her eyes replaces the manic woman from a moment again. "June, you... you need medicine. I can tell by the look in your eyes, you're not well either."

"M-Medicine!? I—"

Eris shakes her head, holding the hand of her former friend. "No, not that kind, I'm afraid. What you need is starlight. I... I don't know exactly what it is, but they even inject us menials with it. Without it..." With an uncomfortable look in her eyes, she frowns. "The withdrawals will get much worse. I've heard... stories of rejects dying without it... "

She's lying, you need to kill her, before her lies get worse!

Lying? Yeah... that, that makes sense.

Juniper tries to speak, but her lips quiver as the panic attack begins overtaking her mind.

Eris shushes Juniper softly, holding her taped hand. It helps to calm her, helps with the oncoming panic attack. "Your fists are bleeding, have you been sparring? I remember Laila used to have one in our quarters, back when the two of us—" Eris clears her throat. "Sorry, letting the nostalgia get to me. Look in the cockpit of Ares, She left you a present."

"A p-p–"

"Shhh, June. It's okay, you're probably hearing voices, which is leading to a panic attack spiral. Can you breathe for me?" Eris quietly asks, still holding her hand.

Kill her, kill her, KILL HER JUNE!

Eris is a traitor, she's dangerous, don't trust her.

Juniper nods, taking a deep stabilizing breath. She squeezes Eris' hand, letting her once dear friend anchor her to reality. They were good friends, Eris was one of the first people to trust the unknown face. And in turn, this unknown face mourned Eris for months, after her death. But she's... she's here.

It's okay now, right?

"... What is the present that She left?" Juniper says, in a calm tone between breaths.

Eris hums softly, a smile forming on her lips. "Starlight. I–Look, June, you're probably hesitant, but it's not a trap. That's not how She plays, She would rather you return willingly. Consider this... a gift, I guess?" She shrugs, stroking Juniper's taped hand.

Silence falls over the two yet again, there are still questions that need answering, but it's clear that Eris isn't... well. Juniper should just leave her former comrade to rot, but not until the question is asked.

Staring directly into the dead-green eyes of Eris, the most burning question is asked, "Laila Praxian, what happened to her? Is she... "

"Mm, that is a good question, June. I... don't know. I was one of maybe a half dozen–maybe more — menials." Eris lets out a hacking cough, wheezing for breath. "S-Sorry, little side effect from the damage sustained. Pretty smart to counter Ares with a thermal overload. Risky, but smart. Guess there's a reason Laila chose you for Wardog, huh?" On her neck, there's that same fucking neural implant.

Just like what Juniper has, albeit bigger, blockier.

Falling into a coughing fit of her own, she closes her eyes in an effort to stay upright. There's color everywhere and the room is starting to spin. It's probably another sign of her failing faculties, right? "Wwwhat is t... this thing—" She reaches for the neural implant on Eris' neck.

The spinning is getting worse, more color, more pain. Just need to push through the pain, as if that were possible. Juniper is fucked, there's no fixing her, is there?

"June, you don't look so–"

"P-Please..." Everything hurts, feels like it's all about to come crashing down.

Nodding, Eris is nodding, or that... that's what it feels like. "June, you're not well, why don't we—"

"FUCK YOU!" Juniper screams at the top of her lungs. "I... I need answers, please, I-I-I can worry about w... whatever llllaterr."

Sighing, Eris seems to give up. "Fine, but you're not well. It's a neural hook, an organic interface system. I don't know the details, but supposedly it's designed to give us unprecendented spatial awareness. Basically: We exist as one with our mechs."

"Why? Why does it hurt? WHY DOES IT FUCKING HURT!? EV-EVERY TIME I SORTIE I—I I die and—" Juniper bursts into tears, unable to contain herself. "... Please, Eris. W-Weren't we friends? Y-You gotta tell me."

"I'm sorry June, I don't know the full details. But... yours, I-I think it's not been fine-tuned." Eris rests her once dear friend's head onto her lap, slowly stroking it. "I missed you June."

She's lying, she's just trying to hurt you June. Kill her, make me proud.

Kill her? But... y-yeah, I... I should, shouldn't I?

"June?" Eris snaps her fingers, grabbing Juniper's attention.

"W-What?" Juniper shakes her head, rubbing at her temples.

Continuing to gently stroke her dirty blonde hair, Eris sighs. "You're not doing so hot, are you June? You need the medicine before—"

You don't need medicine love, she's trying to hurt you.

Juniper shakes her head. "Nnnno, y-you–t-th–She says... liar." Gods, for a moment there she thought the pain was getting worse.

Eris chuckles, letting out another hacking cough. "I'm starting to see why She took such a liking to you. Beneath it all is clearly a beast that She wanted to take Her time in molding."

She strokes along the five stars on Juniper's collarbone, frowning. "Five, huh? If I had to guess, I'm one of them, right?"

"Y... Yeah..." Juniper wants desperately to get up, but it's like she's had the energy sapped from her. "S-Shoulda saved you, but couldn't..."

An irony as old as this broken bitch.

Powerful, capable of so much and yet incapable of saving those who matter most to her. And now looking at her, she's the one who needs saving. Because she's fucking pathetic.

"It's not too late, we could return to Her right now. She'll forgive you, it doesn't matter if some turncoat got you captured by the rebels, She forgives us all." And yet again, Eris speaks of Her with an insane devotion.

It's creepy, so unlike the Eris that everyone mourned.

Liar. She'll kill you, you're a traitor, just like Eris. Even worse, you're a failure, and the Empire doesn't want failures.

Juniper pushes herself off Eris' lap, standing with what little strength this corpse still has. "Look at me, I... it's too late to forgive me. I'm a sinner unworthy of Her forgiveness. I failed Her and now? I have to fight for people who look at me disgust. I... I want to die, every fucking time I sortie. I don't deserve Her sympathy, because I'm broken." It hurts so badly to admit that, but that's the truth of Juniper's existence.

Eris Peray is a traitor, what do traitors deserve? Take your gun and end her miserable existence.

Kill for me us, June Juniper. Take your gun from its holster and aim it at Eris.

"You don't know that, She–"

Turning to face her former friend, Juniper pulls her gun, aiming it at the traitors head. There is no hesitation, no fear, only a burning obedience to the voices in her head. Her expression contorts from pain, to a forced smile, knowing she's doing what she's been told.

Good girl, cock it and pull the trigger.

Eris doesn't deserve to breath the same air as you.

That's the funny thing, the old Juniper wouldn't have given into these voices so easily. But she's dead, all that's left is a corpse that obeys without question. The gun is cocked, but the traitor doesn't so much as flinch.

Eris is hiding something, she knows what happened to Laila, it's so obvious.

"J-J–Just tell me t-t-the truth, you–you traitor, or–or—" Each breath is heavier than the last, Juniper's hands tremble holding the gun. "L-Laila what... what really happened to-to–to Laila."

Kill her, June, she's not going to tell you the truth. Eris knows the truth, it's her fault!

With a content smile on her face, Eris stares at the gun. "Please, end my miserable existence, I'm begging you."

Kill her Juniper. She's a traitor, isn't she? Traitors deserve death.

"W-What are you–"

"Oh, June, you poor thing. I'm just as worthless as you are. We all are in Her eyes." Eris' smile grows wider, more demented, as if she actually wanted to die.

June Juniper, listen to me us, I we need you to pull the trigger. Everything she's saying is a lie, if you end her miserable existence, the pain will stop.

"SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP" Juniper screams, pulling the trigger. Eris has to die, she's a traitor, traitors deserve death. Traitors deserve death, that's all Juniper doing is removing one from existence. This traitor doesn't deserve sympathy and will receive none. The trigger is pressed repeatedly until the click of an empty click brings her back to reality.

Then, as she opens her eyes, she sees Eris still sitting there without a scratch on her. Smiling. There are various bullet holes in the concrete, to which she can only laugh at. "Poor June, you couldn't finish me, could you? It's okay, I understand, you're scared. But since you tried, I'll let you in a little secret, it's a name She wished for me to pass along: Subject Iota. I don't who or what that is, but—"

Laila is dead, Iota... Iota isn't her. It's just–it's just a lie. Of course it is, it... it has to be.

"I–I–I–" It's just as Juniper sputters her response, that she collapses to the ground in shock. The voices in her head have finally quieted down, but it leaves her empty, so very empty. She's sobbing, why is she sobbing? Wasn't she supposed to be stronger than this?

The door slams open, with Saparlo rushing into the room. "What in the fuck did you do to Juniper!?"

Eris smiles weakly, bowing her head. "I did nothing. June is just experiencing psychosis from withdrawals, not much longer until she's past the point of no return, I'd say."

"W-What are you–"

Eris, stands, shushing Saparlo with a finger to the lips. "You wouldn't understand, you haven't experienced Her in all of Her glory. June is sick, there's medicine in Ares, but I doubt she has the strength to go it alone."

Saparlo kneels down, clutching Juniper in her arms, who only returns the kindness with a tired expression. "H-Hey Sladek, y-you're gonna be okay. I'll get your medicine and you'll be okay again." Saparlo is on the verge of tears saying this, but Juniper weakly smiles back. "D-Dumbass, h-had me worried!"

"S... Saparlo—"

"Sla–Juniper, I'm gonna help you, okay? Just–Just trust me." Saparlo stares daggers at Eris, clenching her free fist. "How exactly do I help her?"

Eris lays back against the wall. "Mm, she'll need to connect to Ares, after that? I dunno. Of course, this is assuming they've hauled it back in. If not? Well, you'd better hope she can survive."

Sapralo nods, slinging Juniper's arm around her neck to help the sickly woman to her feet. "C'mon Sladek, just gotta get you to the hangar, right?"

"L... L... Laila... " Juniper mutters blankly, staring into space. Every second that she's awake is hell onto itself for her. The voices have faded, but in their place has come an intense pain in her head.

"Oh, and Lieutenant?" Eris quietly says, looking almost distraught at Juniper's state. "Please hurry. I... look, June is a friend, a comrade, someone who I protected many times. Take care of her, please." With that, Eris goes quiet, seeming to fall asleep. Nothing makes sense, but it's all insane bullshit anyway, right?

Saparlo heaves a breath, snapping her fingers in front of Juniper's face. "Hey, hey, stay with me. We're not far from the hangar, just don't pass out, okay?" So begins the slow walk up the stairs, which is complicated with Juniper going limp. "I have no damned clue what that insane bitch was on about, but I've got you, okay?"

"... Just leave me, I'm... I'm not worth it..." Juniper mutters again, drooling from the corner of her mouth. Every time she blinks, she swears she sees more and more colors. Not only that, but she can feel them too.

"Shut the fuck up," Saparlo says, clicking her tongue. "I'm not giving you a choice. You look like shit, and someone needs to make sure you don't do something stupid."

Don't trust Saparlo, she's just going to get you killed.

Saparlo grunts, each step she takes carefully timed, to avoid hurting the woman on her shoulder. She snaps her fingers in Juniper's face again, keeping her from drifting off into peaceful slumber. What a shame "Hey, what'd I tell you? Need you to stay awake, never know with this shit, right?"

"Fucking hell, never a dull moment with you rebs, eh?" Sighing, Saparlo sits down next to her. "Ugh, I'm not really so good at this whole 'people' thing, but I dunno. Remember seeing them cutting through your cockpit, then next thing I know, you're in a muzzle, practically begging to hump that bitch's boot."

Juniper stares at her supposed savior, not saying a word, choosing instead to rest her head on Saparlo's shoulder. She's warm, another reminder of Laila, of days long since gone. Then, in a brief moment of clarity, Juniper musters up the strength to speak. "H... Head hurts... Fuck."

Saparlo laughs just a little, but holds onto her captain nonetheless. "Hey, save your strength. I'm just resting after lugging your heavy ass up the stairs. Prolly should have taken that field medic course, might have told me how to help a bitch trying to kick brainwashing drugs, right?" She laughs a bit harder, despite Juniper not responding.

"III'll be fffffine. NNNNot dead yet." Juniper closes her eyes for a moment, breathing softly. "You're warm."

Saparlo just rolls her over, shaking her head. "Sladek, shut the fuck up and save your strength like I told you to, we still need to get you into Ares."

Juniper drifts off into the peaceful dream state again, where it's warm and she isn't in pain. Things are getting worse by the minute, and this is looking to be the end for her. If she were being honest, she's had a pretty shitty run of things. Laila wouldn't let her beloved die, but she's not here anymore. She's dead, or maybe she's that "Subject Iota", Eris mentioned, either way, Laila's... gone. It's still hard to process, because it feels like yesterday that Laila talked about just up and leaving.

Should have listened to her, wasn't the first time she recommended they just... leave. Day by day, it's looking more appealing. But it doesn't matter, where the hell would Juniper go? Volterra is the only place for a stray like her. And returning to Her isn't an option, not now, maybe not ever.

Whoever sold them out, hopefully they're having a shittier go of things than this broken cunt.

Saparlo snaps her fingers in front of Juniper's face. "Hey, hey, what'd I tell you? Fuck, okay, I just need a minute. Y'mind if I just ramble?"

Of course, there's no response from Juniper, who only stares off into nothingness.

"I just—Fuck, this whole situation is insane. Back when I was an Imperial pilot, we dealt with insane shit. But this? Gods, this takes the fucking cake. Deployed with your... I guess predecessor numerous times, and that... thing?" Saparlo shudders. "It fucking took out an entire platoon with just claws. You, uh, you wouldn't—"

Saparlo slaps herself, shaking off the thought. "Nah, you're not–you're not one of those things. I've seen you. You're scared and not all there, but you're not that thing."

June, you need to stay awake.

I know you're hurting, but please, Junebug, stay awake. For me.

Gods, it hurts so fucking much.

Juniper's hearing Laila's voice again and it's just as sweet as always, but... it's not real. Just how badly fucked is Juniper's head right now? She just... just needs to do something to reassure Saparlo, who's still rambling. Near impossible to do that though, not when her body refuses to respond.

"Look, I'm sorry, this is all my fault, if I hadn't rescued you, you would still be under that creepy bitch's thumb, but you'd be... okay. I just... couldn't stand to see you reduced to nothing more than a dog. So, I guess I'm sorry, Sladek." Saparlo is saying whatever comes to mind, which is more concerning than anything.

"... June," Juniper mumbles, trying to keep herself from further dissociation.

"What?" Saparlo says, in confusion, staring at Juniper.

"C-Call me... June. I-It's what my... my f-friends call me." She never liked being called that by anyone who she didn't like. To Laila, she was June, Juni, or even Junebug, depending on how she felt that day. To Eris, it was June, or Lieutenant Sladek in combat. Eris was always a stickler for the military structure that most rebels shrugged off.

Juni, your fists are bleeding. Let me show you how to properly hit after I bandage you up, okay?

Juniper remembers so well when Laila taught her how to hit. It wasn't long after they'd lost Eris, maybe a month. Juniper decided to start hitting the bag, thought maybe it'd help her forget the pain of losing Eris. It beat drinking alone, like Laila was doing. Thing was, Juniper could barely throw a fucking punch and by the end of that session, her fist bled like crazy.

She didn't spar much, but that was a good memory. Laila teaching her how to properly throw a strike. And it ending in them cuddling up in bed, talking about the pain.

Saparlo nods, giving a soft punch to Juniper's shoulder. "Thought I told you, save your strength, June. We should get going, before anyone finds us sitting in the stairwell and wonders why I'm rambling like a fucking idiot."

"But if we're going to be friends, call me Mara. Saparlo never much suited me, gods know how grating it was hearing that from various pissed off COs." Mara laughs, slipping Juniper's arm around her shoulders, helping the sickly mutt to her feet.

It's a slow walk down the hallway, one which Mara needs to stop on occasion to catch her breath, muttering on about Juniper being heavy. Only to follow it up with saying she isn't actually. Humor seems to be Mara's way of deflecting her own pain, which is something all too common with rebels.

When you're exposed to the constant chaos and carnage of the battlefield, it's sometimes the only way to cope.

"Hey, June, you still with me?" Mara snaps her fingers once more, grabbing Juniper's attention. "Attagirl, little further and we're in the hangar. Just–y'know, don't pass out or anything. I know, I know, you're really not great in the head, but you gotta hang in there. ... Please." There's desperation in Mara's voice, one that hurts so much to hear.

Liar, she's just trying to hurt you.

You're not real, are you Lails?

"Y... Yeahhhh..." Juniper slurs her words and blinks. Then, all at once, the entire world just goes black and she's left with old memories instead. Memories of Laila, of their first kiss. It was after a recon mission, nothing fancy. Juniper asked the hardass leader of Wardog to join her in Ixion's cockpit, to 'review combat footage'. Then, with Laila on her lap, Juniper closed the hatch and got the mech airborne.

Right as the pale moonlight gleamed through the monitors, they kissed. Oh, they'd danced around it for months, both of them pretending to still be at each other's throats. But that night? They started dating, giving them something new to fight for.

By that point, Juniper had been with the rebels for some time, but also kept up the facade of the aloof ex-mercenary. Couldn't let anyone know this bitch had feelings. Don't know how long after that it was that they exchanged dog tags, but it was after Eris was gone.

It was love, the kind that only blossoms on the battlefield.

But... that wasn't right, was it?

Juniper let down her wife at every turn. Her failings led to Laila's death. It was because of Juniper that it happened. She was always a useless and broken person, maybe that's why She offered this failure redemption? Except, her failings wound up burning that redemption away.

Really, it's no wonder that everyone sees her as an uncaring monster, who puts on a pathetic face for sympathy. Not when she keeps getting people killed. Not when she betrayed the rebel cause and killed who knows how many of her "comrades." Warm memories turn cold, plunging her deeper into her own sick thoughts. Gods, Mara has to be tired of hauling around this corpse.

Why is Juniper so fucking useless?

Things were supposed to improve, the pills were supposed to stabilize her, the shrinks were supposed to get her head on straight. Instead, her grasp on reality is slipping away and it feels like she's gone crazy. Just a passenger along for the ride, while something else tries to assume control.

Her other self, the one who lay sleeping within her.

The feral beast that spilled so much blood at Furlo Pass. She yearns to hear those three simple words again, so that everything will go blank. It would be comfortable, maybe she'll see the field and Laila again.

Don't you just want to go... off the leash?

Trapped between two states of being, Juniper can only let out a pained moan, while Mara waves a hand in front of her face,. "C'mon June, wake up." There's a look of terror on her face, probably fearing that the delirious stray is dead.

Ah, if only, right?

That other half never asserts dominance over their shared subconscious, maybe it's because of Mara's voice anchoring them to reality. Or maybe it's just that they're too delirious for anything to happen.

"S... Shut up... 'm... wake," Juniper groggily says, rubbing her eyes. If she could laugh right now, she would. But instead she settles for giving Mara a small smirk, which is about the most this corpse can do. "W-What are you... doing?"

"You had me worried there, June. Don't ask how, but I got your ass into Ares, you just need to connect. Not sure how to do this but–"

"L-Lemme." Juniper tugs weakly at the cable, attaching it the port on her neck. With a click it connects and the reactor begins to boot. This is the part that usually fucking hurts, the last few times she connected, Juniper Sladek died for a moment. But right now? There is no pain, no death, just the sound of computers systems booting.

Gods, it's so peaceful.

Her vision is taken over by a peaceful darkness. Staring into the void, she does not even so much as shake, she simply exists. Information flows into her brain, returning to her the sixth sense that comes from this cable. Juniper and Ares are one, yet it's so wrong.

This should be reserved only for Ixion. It's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong.

"J-June, are you–"

"'M fine," Juniper mumbles, trying to get her head on straight. Feels like someone's pumping stims directly into her brain. Hopefully enough to keep her awake, but she doubts that.

Mara stares at her with a questioning look. "Are you sure, 'cause you–"

"Fine." Juniper grunts. "Just... Just gotta–Head's fucking killing me." She clutches her head, only to realize there's blood coming from her nose. A side effect of the process, nothing scary. Except she can't move, she's sat there in the cockpit, breathing heavier and heavier.

The hard part is over, she's still alive, so what was she doing?

Where is she?

And who's the black haired woman next to her?

Gods, why does her head hurt so much?

"June? You're bleeding, you okay!?" The dark-haired woman says to... June? But, who's June? Is she June? That name feels familiar, but who's to say?

She stares at the dark-haired woman, trying to remember just who exactly she is. Maybe she knows why there's so much fog right now. Maybe her identity is right there, shrouded in fog.

"Son of a bitch—It's gotta be here somewhere," says the dark-haired woman, frantically searching for... something?

One of the cracked cockpit monitors suddenly activates, and the image of a familiar snow-white haired woman appears on it, smiling as if She were happy to see someone. What was Her name again?

'Look at you Juniper, you're sick.'

...  Juniper, is that...?

"W-Who?" She says to the mysterious woman on the screen.

The woman smirks and sighs. 'Mm, I've never seen someone in such an advanced state of withdrawals. I supposed it's only fair this is how we meet again, given how we parted.'

"... Who... Who am... am I?" She's desperately trying to get past the static.

'Juniper, Authorization Granted: Off the Leash.'

Juniper Sladek dies. Except she isn't actually Juniper Sladek, because that person died. She's just a corpse masquerading as her. What awakens from within this corpse's psyche is an obedient hound.

The creature inhabiting her body slowly blinks, seeing Her through a fresh set of eyes. Yet, she doesn't attempt to move, let alone attack the person next to her. After all, she hasn't been ordered to.

"Y-You bitch! Wh—"

'Warrant Officer Saparlo, I recognize that my reputation as a Handler is well known, but please, I am not a monster. I have freed her from the leash, so that her psyche may rest. Look at her, look at her and tell me that she's fine.'

Saparlo waves a hand, blinking. "J-June, are you... okay?"

Juniper-Hound stares at Saparlo, not saying a word. Only staring intently.

'Juniper, speak: Reassure the warrant officer, that you're fine.'

"Yes, Sir. I am fine, Warrant Officer Saparlo."

'Good girl, now: Rest, you're not well and I have no use for a sickly hound.'

Saparlo is still trying to disconnect her from Ares, but it's no use, the cable won't budge.

'I would advise you against that, unless you're fine with damning Juniper to life as a vegetable. Forcibly disconnecting her when her mind is already failing, would do just that. Ask yourself: Do you want Juniper's blood on your hands, Warrant Officer?'

She nods uncomfortably and gulps. "N-No, please... I just want to help her."

'Of course you do. You've grown into quite the unknown variable in this game, so why wouldn't you wish to save her? Although, before you ask: No, I am not going to instruct her to hurt you or any of your fellow rebels.'

"H-How did–"

'That's obvious, isn't it? This song and dance is so damned predictable.' Handler laughs.

"How do I...  help her?" Saparlo is staring daggers at Handler's image, almost threatening to reach through the screen to hurt Her. As if JuniperHound would allow that.

'You can't. But I can.'

A side panel opens with a hiss, revealing an IV bag with a glowing green liquid within it. JuniperHound stares at it blankly, while the memories associated with it return to her head. Her mouth waters just thinking of it. She needs it more than even oxygen itself at this point.

'This bag contains the life-saving medicine that Juniper needs. Unfortunately I could not procure a higher dosage. While this will normalize her, who knows how far the symptoms have progressed? Please, do keep in mind, that this is but a temporary fix to her problem.' Handler is merciful, even to worthless a hound like this one.

Saparlo's face lights up in anger, while JuniperHound mindlessly listens to Her words. "You fucking bitch, what are you—"

Handler tsks, shaking Her head. 'Unless you wish for me to disconnect right now, you will listen to me, Warrant Officer Saparlo. Am I to be understood? I'm taking a risk here, all to ensure that Juniper does not succumb to her illness. We both wish for her survival, though our reasoning different.'

The warrant officer can do nothing but listen, sinking her head in defeat. Handler holds the key to saving JuniperHound, effectively making it a hostage situation. "... Don't call me that, I gave up my wings to save June."

'My, my, I wonder what Sergeant Aedi would have to say about that.' Handler laughs.

"You fucking cunt, go to hell!! Minerva Aedi is dead! And do you know why? Because of motherfuckers like you!" Saparlo punches a console, fighting back a scream. "Now either you fucking tell me how to save June, or—"

'Temper, temper, Warrant Officer. Ah, but I suppose you always did have a problem with authority.'

"Fine, I'll play nice, but you better deliver." Saparlo glares, taking JuniperHound's hand to squeeze. "... Just tell how to save her, I... I don't want to lose another lead. ... Please."

Handler smiles, folding Her hands in front of Her face. 'Now you understand, don't you? I hold the cards to saving her. But since you've decided to play nice, I'll tell you: The city-state of Gormo. There's a facility there capable of providing Juniper the drugs she needs to live. Oh, but I would hurry before her symptoms get worse.'

Saparlo narrows her eyes, nodding. "And what exactly is the catch?"

Handler smirks, Her red eyes pierce JuniperHound's very being, leaving her in a state of bliss. She will fix everything, because She cares for this failure of a hound.

'Who knows? Though, I wouldn't let this information reach certain ears, if I were you. Never know where the loyalties of your allies lie. Especially if they learn the dirty details about their precious hero. She'll be familiar with the facility in question, send her alone. Otherwise? Well, no guarantees.'

'Ah, but of course, I wouldn't want to forget about you, my precious hound.' Handler turns Her attention to the dazed JuniperHound. 'Juniper: On the Leash.'

Hound's grip on her body fades, and with it, Juniper begins to emerge once more. She's still in pain, but it's more dull now, compared to earlier. Difficult to describe how exactly she feels.

Alive?

That seems, right?

It takes her a long and painful minute to remember just who that is on the screen. Handler Epsilon, Her. No, this is a fucking nightmare, that's the only explanation there is. 'Oh Juniper, you never fail to surpass my expectations. Don't worry, I'm not mad about Furlo Pass, you performed wonderfully. I'm certain you'll return to me in time.'

"T-Thank you, S-Sir..." Juniper fails to find the resolve to resist Her words. In the end, she's still wholly obedient to Her every word. It's impossible to forget the one who wanted only to fix her.

'As for you, Warrant Officer Saparlo, if you lie down with the dog, you'll get fleas. I suggest giving up on saving her, as you've been attempting to do. While I do find it commendable, there isn't anything left to save. Give up, move on with your life, you'll be better for it.'

"I'll protect her, from you, from–from all of you monsters who want to use her! I don't fucking care about fleas, I'll get down and dirty if it means I can save one life." Mara is shaking, on the verge of tears. But Handler says nothing, only grinning as the transmission ends.

Mara stands there for the longest time, staring at the blank screen, her right hand curled into a fist. She punches it with all her might, shattering the screen, leaving shards on the floor of the cockpit. Her fist is bleeding, but she ignores it, focusing on Juniper. "Hey, June, you good?"

As the cable disconnects from her neck, Juniper rubs at her aching head. "N-Never better... just... just gotta take m-my medicine, right?" She gets to her feet, wobbling for just a moment, but refuses Mara's hand. "'M good, j-just need to get my bearings"

Handler forgives her, despite Juniper's failings. That fact alone is enough to fill her with so much happiness. Even as her mind is continuing to shut down from withdrawals, all she needs is Her forgiveness to be okay. She'll fix everything, because She cares.

"June? Are you–"

Juniper nods, climbing down the ladder. "S-Should be fine. J-Just please... help me." There's a look of desperation in her eyes, despite the joy on her face. Asking for help is not something she's comfortable with, but has no choice in this situation.

Mara runs up beside her, slipping an arm over Juniper's arm over her shoulder, allowing the sickly hound to lean on someone. "Hey, hey, I'm gonna get you to your quarters, you good with that?"

"Yyeah... jjjjjust nnnnneed a sssseeecccc." Juniper slurs her words, her eyes feel incredibly heavy, as if any second she might pass out. She feels so very tired and would like nothing more than to sleep. Maybe then she could finally see Laila again...

Mara snaps her fingers in front of Juniper's face, grabbing her attention. "Hey, c'mon now, we're almost through the doors, focus on my voice. I've got your medicine with me, you'll be okay, I promise."

Juniper's eyes close for just a second and when they open again, she's at the door to her quarters. When did she–No, that's not important right now. The door opens without much trouble and Mara helps her onto the bed, setting her down as gently as she can onto it.

Mara places the glowing green IV bag on the nightstand, being extra careful with it. "I need to run to the infirmary, but I'll come back with a syringe. You'll be fine, right?"

Juniper gives a weak thumbs up. "M-Made of s-stronger stuff t-than that... " It's a bold faced lie, but lying is the only damn way to survive anymore. Gods, she's just scared. Is this permanent? If it is, they'll get rid of her useless ass.

All she can do at this point is to stare desperately at the glowing IV bag. This is what will supposedly help her, but what if it doesn't? What if only She can help? Would She actually tolerate helping this failure?

Even now, when supposedly "free", that liquid is the only thing she can think about. Hah, the once mighty Angel of Death has been reduced to nothing more than a junkie looking for her next fix.

The irony is lost on her hazy mind, there's so much fog surrounding memories that were just there, even the little nuances are just blank suddenly. She remembers the basics, but it's difficult to remember the more advanced things. When did she fall in love with Laila? How did everything go so fucking wrong for them?

Just as Juniper begins to drift off into the fog of memories, the door opens, spilling light into the otherwise dark room. Mara stands there, catching her breath, clearly having run the whole way.

"G-Got it. Fuck, that was difficult to swipe. Too many eyes in there, had to wait a sec." The syringe is laid down on the table next to the IV bag. Then, without warning the lights are flipped on. "Sorry, but I need to see where I'm injecting."

With only a nod, Juniper sits on the side of the bed, still staring at the medicine. She's been unconsciously drooling at the sight of it this entire time, waiting to finally have it in her veins. "P-Please... M-Mara, I... I need it... "

"Yeah, I know." Mara sighs, composing herself. "Don't worry, June, this'll help you." She sits down next to Juniper on the bed, attaching a sterile needle to the syringe. "Fuckin' ironic, never got over my fear of needles. Being trans and all, you get used to it, but I found it hard to."

Juniper shrugs, knowing that feeling all to well.

Mara uncaps the needle, driving it into the port of the IV Bag. "How exactly did that creepy bitch administer this before?" The plunger is pulled back, and the unnatural glowing green liquid is extracted from the bag.

"D-Dunno... I–"

"Hey, hey, it's okay if you don't. If I had to guess, probably like a stim, which means through the jugular." They're both staring deeply at the liquid, but for different reasons. For Mara, the concern is written all over her face. Whereas Juniper sees only the lifesaving medicine. She needs this more than oxygen itself. "Would you mind... kneeling for me? B-Better access to it that way."

With a nod, Juniper pushes herself off the bed and onto her knees. It feels so good to be on her knees, a reminder of the last time she was given her medicine. Even if she can't remember when, her body remembers it perfectly. The drooling only grows more intense seeing the syringe full of the liquid being waved around.

Mara takes a centering breath, steadying her nerves. "Tilt your head to the left, please. I'll try to make this not hurt as much as possible."

Doing as instructed, Juniper tilts her head to the left, staying perfectly still. She doesn't even need to be instructed to do so, she just instinctively knows to. How? Why? Who knows anymore?

"Okay... here goes nothing." Mara places a hand on Juniper's shoulder, letting her fingers dig into it. With another steadying breath, the syringe is carefully plunged into her jugular.    The needle penetrates with ease, sending a rush of the liquid into her veins.

Light rapidly leaves her eyes, leaving only an emptiness in their wake. She relaxes, feeling it enter her veins. Her expression is quickly becoming just as blank as her mind is. It's been so long since she's seen the stars, but they multiply and expand in quick succession before her very eyes. Their blissful aura is all Juniper needs to feel whole again.

This feeling goes beyond those three words that She used. Juniper listens to the sounds of the stars, staring at each one of them. Their speech is unintelligible, but it might just be that her brain is too strung out to decipher it. What they're saying is never important, this is a gift from Her, showing that She still cares for this hound.

"June?" Mara's voice echoes through the stars, calling out with concern for the empty shell.

"Yes, Mara?" Juniper responds blankly.

"Are you–Are you... okay? You look... fucked." Mara must be scared, but who can blame her. After all, she hasn't experienced this level of bliss before.

Juniper nods lazily. "I'm okay, I feel... amazing."

With an exhausted sigh leaving her lips, Mara relaxes. "Thank the gods, you had me worried. You should apologize for that." She laughs, sitting back down onto the bed.

"I'm sorry for making you worry, Mara," Juniper responds almost automatically.

That apology only gets Mara to jump off the bed in surprise, staring down at Juniper. "What in the–" Mara facepalms, muttering something to herself. "Fuck, probably a side effect."

Juniper is far too lost in the haze of the starlight to care at this point. Her worries have melted away and in their place, have been replaced with pure bliss. Her mind is a blank canvas ready to be molded into whatever shape is demanded of it.

"Uhh... shit. Get up on the bed with me, let's talk, I guess?" Mara genuinely has no clue what she's doing, that much is obvious even to this strung-out hound.

"Yes, Mara." Juniper finally gets to her feet, sitting on the bed with Mara. "Talk about what?"

Mara groans, rubbing at her temples. "I... I dunno. You? Me? Look, I–I'm not good at this, and your brain is all kinds of fucked right now." She sighs, closing her eyes for just a moment, cuddling up with her former enemy. "Can you just be... yourself? Not this glassed over thing, just... June."

Juniper blinks, nodding. It's more like wearing the mask of herself, than actually being the Juniper everyone expects. But she owes that much to Mara, right? "I can try, but you know this isn't... me, right? It's just a facade, because the real me... " Trailing off, Juniper holds back a sigh.

Is there even a real Juniper Sladek left? Hard to say.

"I know that, but, hey, you'll be fine, right?" Mara is still holding onto Juniper, as if she were afraid of her new friend floating away.

Juniper nods, laying against Mara. "Hopefully? I-I don't know, but She forgives me and isn't that enough?"

Mara scoffs, holding back laughter. "Bullshit, that creepy bitch probably expects you to jump through a ring of fire or some shit. What the hells her deal anyway?"

Juniper drool lazily, staring at the wall. "She—Handler, is just... Handler. At my worst moment in life, She was there to save me from me. She offered me forgiveness and I... I don't know if I deserve it." Even in this half-dead state, it's difficult to not wallow in self-pity.

Mara groans, shaking her head. "She doesn't, that bitch uses people. Me? I care about you." She says it so defiantly, as though it was a challenge. It's kind of cute?

"You care about–"

"No shit, I care about you, June. I–Look, okay, so I've... admired you for a while now. Don't remember the mission, what I remember, though is Ixion shrieking out of the sun towards my squad. You took us all out before we could even return fire, but for whatever reason, I survived it." Mara takes a breath, relaxing into Juniper's side. "They called you the Angel of Death, but all I saw was a guardian angel."

It's as Juniper goes to speak, that Mara shushes her with a kiss. "Sorry not sorry, but I like you. Call me a fangirl or whatever, it doesn't matter. I rescued you from that insane bitch, because someone had to. You've got baggage and I'm not looking to replace that hole in your heart, but — shit. You don't need to push me away, I want to help you. As a friend, or whatever."

Juniper knows she should say no, after all, no one can replace Laila. But then, letting down Mara feels wrong in and of itself. "I... I don't know."

"H-Hey it's okay if–"

"It's... not a no, I guess it's... let's see what happens?" Juniper shrugs, there's so much fog in her head, but this answer feels... right?

Mara nods, relaxing slightly. "Hard to believe I'm in the same room as the bitch who tried to kill me back at Furlo." She laughs bitterly, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't think any of my former buddies'd believe this for a second."

Juniper lays back with Mara, staring off into space.

"Hey, tell me something, why the five stars on your collarbone?" Mara traces a curious finger over the stars, watching the ailing hound shiver from her touch.

With a pained and heavy groan, Juniper hunches over. "Five that left a mark. The scars, I... I guess." The fourth is for Eris, who she failed to save. Because this reaper wasn't strong enough. "I've got... I don't even know how many kills, hundred something? Four hundred? Try not to remember. Too much blood." Standing atop a mountain of corpses, there is no redemption for this angel.

There is only eternal damnation when it's all over.

"... That's why they call me the Angel of Death," Juniper says, her voice barely above a shaky whisper.

"Hey." A small sympathetic smile forms on Mara's face. Why? She should hate this mutt. The one who took away so many of her friends, the one who only created more corpses. Just end this miserable piece of s— "I get it, that's war. Won't say you didn't kill people I didn't care about, but— fuck, I've done the same things to folks you probably cared about."

"I'm sorry, please... don't... don't kill me, I— I'll—"

"Shut the fuck up," Mara says, cutting her off. "That doesn't bother me, but I should have gone easy on you back in the hangar. Already knew we'd be working together in Furlo, just sort of threw together a plan at the last second."

"No, it— it's okay, I liked it. I guess, I don't know. There's still a lot of fog in my head and— and it's hard to think right. Can't even remember me for the most part." Juniper should be worried, but then she's already lost her grip on reality, who cares?

They lay there in silence, resting against the other. For Juniper, it's warm memories of the past, or what she can remember. For Mara? Who's to say? She seems content to lie with one soaked in blood.

Rolling onto Juniper, Mara rests her head on the hound's chest. "Been awhile since I've just laid here with someone. I'll be honest with you June, I'm a piece of shit, but these days, who isn't?"

Who indeed?

"I'm not going to beat around the bush, I'm horny, you're clearly horny." Mara rubs her knee against Juniper's hardening cock, laughing like a horny teenager. "So how about it? A little sex to break the tension?"

Juniper shrugs. "Sure." Sex with an ex-Imperial, and they're both sober? That's new. "Could you... get off me, first?" Never been one to sleep around much, but she's got a few notches on the bedpost. Most of them are from Laila making her scream, though. Always loved to do that, knew just where to hit.

Fuck, get your head together.

"Right, sure," Mara says, rolling off the bed and onto her feet. "Let's see it Sladek, what's this legendary ace packing?"

Juniper undoes her belt, tossing aside her pants, which prompts a sharp whistle from Mara. Ugh, does she have to make a whole thing about it? "Just... Just don't tell anyone about this, okay? I-I don't need any more eyes on me." Juniper fidgets with her hands, sitting back on the bed.

Mara grins. "Please, who's going to believe me?" Juniper is nervous, so very nervous. Should she be doing this? What if— "Damn girl, you're packing down there." A lustful grin blossoms across Mara's face. "Yeah, this'll be fun."

Her hand slides slips into Juniper's panties, stroking the surprise inside of them. Mara's touch is gentle at first, each stroke testing the waters. But with every passing second, they become a bit firmer, more insistent. The unfortunate thing is, the longer she makes an attempt, the less anything happens. A side effect of... everything that's happened to Juniper, no doubt.

"You good, June? I can always–"

It takes so much effort for Juniper to fight back that sigh from earlier, she can't just tell Mara how fucked she is, right? "... No. Look— I–I can't—Gods, how do I say this without sounding like a freak?"

"Just say it? I promise, I won't judge." Mara doesn't seem to mind, given that her hand is still stroking Juniper's cock.

"Look... I... I can't get off to just... this. I'm beyond broken at this point and—yeah. I don't know, but when you hit me, and then V-Vera... I-I guess I felt... good?" The sigh Juniper had tried to fight back finally escapes. "... I'm sorry."

"Hey, Hey, June, I get it. So what, you wanna get freaky? I'm down for it." Mara gives a reassuring laugh to Juniper, pulling her close again. After clearing her throat, a command leaves Mara's mouth. "Strip me naked, mutt."

Juniper winces slightly at being called a mutt, but steels herself. She's the one in control, not whatever else is in her head. "Yes, Mara," She replies like the obedient mutt she is, undoing the belt to Mara's pants. The pants slide off with relative ease, revealing the prize within: Mara's throbbing cock nestled into a pair of boy shorts.

Mara's crotch has a sweaty smell to it that Juniper finds herself drawn to. Her nose immediately presses against it, a moan escaping her lips. "Y'like that pup? Oh, yeah, I bet you do!"

Juniper inhales the sweaty scent, mouth watering to get a proper taste of it.

"Just look at you! Even I can tell that scent play gets you hard." Mara pushes Juniper closer to her throbbing cock, rubbing it against her face. "Gods, you've got me all pent-up, y'know?"

"I-I'm sorry Ma–"

Mara shakes her head, never losing that smile. "Nah, it's all good. In fact, you're going to help me relieve that." With a free hand, her boyshorts are slid off, letting her cock spring free of its prison. The scent is even stronger than before and it makes Juniper so... so needy. "What's the matter June, thought you wanted this?"

Wanted?

No, she needs this. In her drug addled brain it makes sense, but the words? They don't leave her lips. Juniper doesn't know how to respond. She's been reduced to a panty-sniffing dog. Just the way she should be!

Mara laughs again, rolling her eyes. "Y'know, I haven't showered for a few days? Looks like this disgusting dog wants a taste of marinated cock, huh?"

"Yes, Mara, I do love it! Gods, I-I'm a disgusting dog who gets off to this! You know, I... I masturbated in these panties twice and then... ate the cum after..." Juniper is beet red, she doesn't even know why she's admitting this, it just feels good to. It is clear that Mara is just as much into this as she is.

"Oh, of course you did, pup! But tell me, did you love it? I bet you did, I mean, just look at your cock, it's already twitching! And all I've done is let you smell my musty cock. Girl, you're nasty and I love nasty." Mara licks her lips, staring at her pup. "Onto the floor, pup, kneel for me."

"Oh, and lose the clothes. Dogs don't wear clothes, do they?" She adds, smirking.

Juniper wordlessly rolls away from Mara's cock, stepping out of her panties as she kneels on the floor.

"All the clothes. Top and bra too, silly pup." Mara rubs the pup's head, staring her down.

"Yes, Mara." Juniper shrugs off her tank top and slides off her sports bra. According to her wife, her breasts were always her defining feature. Probably helps they were both shitfaced drunk, when it was said. Big, perky, bouncy, what's not to love about them?

"Mm, nah. Right now, I'm your master and you're my bitch, got it, pup?" Master licks her lips, staring at Pup's breasts with a hungry look in her eyes. If looks could kill, she would have already killed the dog kneeling beneath her. "Alright Pup, here's the deal. I've got something you want, hell, what you need: my cock. You're gonna have to earn it though. Think you can handle that?"

"Y-Y–"

Master wags a finger. "Ah, almost forgot, dogs don't speak, unless spoken to, do they?"

Pup shakes her head for Master, shutting her mouth.

"Good dog! Now c'mere and get a good long sniff of my pits would ya? I want you to really take it in." Master kneels down onto the floor next to her pup, pressing her sweaty armpit into the pup's nose. "C'mon, June! Give it a nice long whiff and then, when that throbbing cockhead of yours is begging for more? You're gonna worship them." With her free hand, Master is stroking herself, being careful to ensure that her dog has a good view of it at all times.

With each whiff, pup feels like she's getting drunk off this scent, it's so intoxicating and overpowering, but so incredible. The taste on her tongue is bitter and salty, something that only a dog like her could appreciate, she's sure.

Master has been sweating, which makes the aroma that much more intoxicating. Every whiff makes the pup lightheaded as she continues to worship. They smell so awful and that's what makes the scent so tantalizing. She can imagine herself eating Master's ass and loving it just as much.

Master moans, steadying herself. "F-Fuuck, pup, you've got a helluva tongue." Her cock is all that pup can focus on, even with the intoxicating armpit stench. Every thought in her dumb dog head is centered around cock. "When Vera hit you: how turned on were you?"

Can't disobey her, not now. "Made me want to cum, needed her to hurt me, to make me feel alive."

That admission of arousal makes Master grin widely. "Well then, don't say I didn't warn you!" With a laugh, Master's hands wrap around the scent drunk mutt's throat squeezing tightly. "You need this, right? You're just a fucking punching bag, aren't you?"

Mutt's tongue lolls from her mouth, her eyes opening wide, as she struggles to breath. This is exactly what she's craved! Beat her! Degrade her! She's nothing but a dumb bitch in heat!    With each passing second, the only thing left to think is how horny she is now.

But the second that pup touches her own cock, Master slaps pup's cock, shooting the dumb animal a dirty look. "Bad dog! Bad! No touching without permission! Unless you mean to tell me that you don't want my cock?" Master's thick hand give her captive's neck one last tight squeeze, finally letting go.

The mutt gulps down a lungful of air, as her breathing slowly starts to come back to normal. Never has anyone wrapped their hands around her throat. And she would never have wanted this before, right? It hurts so good to have pup's cock slapped by Master, gods, this shell of a person is truly broken. Being turned on by pain and stench? This dog has fallen even lower from personhood, hasn't she?

Pup whimpers, burying her nose back into the armpit. "Nah, I think you need a good lesson pup, no more choking! That's for good dogs." Master stands up, sitting back on the side of the bed, patting her lap. "Over my lap, pup. It's time for Master to teach her bad dog a lesson."

This is embarrassing, but pup does as she's told nonetheless, laying herself over Master's lap. She's been spanked before, this is nothing new, but that's not what happens. There's a loud POP that comes from Master's lips and then–There's something inside her, she doesn't know what it is, but she whimpers loudly in protest!

"Shhh, shhh, pup, it's okay, it's just my finger. Besides, you wouldn't want the entire base to hear you whimpering like a bitch in heat, would you?" Every word from Master's mouth is like honey to this hungry dog, they're sweet and so very delicious. "Unless, you want them to know that you're letting yourself get degraded by an Imperial traitor?"

Pup shakes her head, quieting down immediately.

Master laughs, ruffling her pup's hair, only to stick a second finger in her ass. The digits go as far as they can, thrusting in and out repeatedly. While her free hand grips the pup's cock, giving it a slow lengthy stroke. "Yeah, you like that, don't you pup? You're just my little stink slut, who'll do anything I say for cock, huh?"

"Come on then, pup, tell me: Are you hungry for my cock?" Master laughs again, putting her cock in front of the dog's face.

Pup licks her lips, nodding. "P-Please... p-pup hungry f-for cock..." She drools, staring.

Reaching over to pet her pup's head, Master smiles. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it? Now comes the fun part, well, fun for me. I'm going to fuck that cute ass of yours raw, pup." She laughs much louder, motioning for the mutt to get onto all fours.

The stupid mutt sticks her ass up in the air, pulling apart her cheeks for easier access. She shouldn't be doing this, but then, she shouldn't be doing a lot of things. And who cares anyways? The one person who would have cared is gone for good.

Master doesn't waste time, she plunges what must be at least a few inches of her dick into the mutt's asshole. Mutt can't help but be nervous, it's been so, so long since anyone has fucked her. This isn't like a dildo, she already feels full and she has to take the whole shaft?

"Mmmh, oh gods yes..." Master breathes, placing her hands on Pup's back. "C'mon, June... relax for me. I'll go slow at first."

Pup whimpers, nodding. She can't relax, not with that huge cock filling her ass.

Master begins thrusting slowly in and out of Pup, raking her hands across the pup's backside with a grunt. She makes noises she's never made before, as Master's cock hits spots inside of her that she didn't know existed. The rhythm is hard to get used to, but the pleasure itself is incredible. She's trying to relax, but it's hard when she's being stuffed.

"Oh fuuuuuuck... You feel – ngh – so damn – haah — incredible, pup!" The praise flows through Pup's head, helping her to relax and surrender complete control to Master. The mutt safe in the arms of Master, there isn't any need to worry. The pain fades fast and Pup is calm, not merely relaxed, but her doubts and worries are gone. Whatever reality holds, can wait until the two of them are done.

"Y-You doing okay down there, Pup?" Master asks, holding onto her thighs for dear life.

The dumb bitch barks in affirmation, letting her tongue lazily hang out.

"C-C'mon J-June, c-cum for meeeeee" Master practically screams it out, filling the pup's ass with her warm seed. She must have hit a trigger or something, because Pup's cock erupts as commanded, spilling semen all over the bedsheets and blanket.

Finally, as Master pulls out and they both begin coming down from whatever this was, they fall into an embrace. "H... Hey June, s-sorry about... that. You can talk again." She yawns, nuzzling her Captain's shoulder.

Juniper falls for the contagious yawn, letting her head rest on Mara's chest. "You did good, just... tired now. TThankssss for... for the medicineeee. Helped." She's slurring her words at this point, starting to drift off into peaceful slumber.

Mara strokes her hair, watching as Juniper drifts off. "H-Happy to–" She yawns loudly, holding her lover tight. "Be of service, June."

Juniper Sladek is many things, but right now, she's content with the world. Despite the chaos of it all, she's found a kindred soul to share a moment with. If nothing else, she can sleep soundly knowing that she's got Mara next to her.

At least for right now.