Deep Beneath the Pacific (Pacific Rim)

Chapter Seven: Larkson's Driving Skills

February 29th, 2020 - Thursday - 9:22 AM.



I spun around to see none other than Captain Larkson of Troop 174. He grinned at me, armed and in full Strike Trooper uniform - not that he wasn't a couple hours ago when I met him, it's just that now I could fully study him. Yeah, I didn't want to get in a fight with him.

"Oh, yes. Hi." I said rather awkwardly. "Um... Didn't know that Marshall Sokolov was going to assign your troop for an escort... I thought you guys have been through enough for one day..."

Larkson gave me a small smile, his eyes slightly darkening from the battle. He shrugged. "My troop's one of the best. And all we're doing is dropping you off... and driving you back."

I glanced at the rest of Larkson's troop. They were all grim-faced and looked like they all wanted to attack something. I looked back at Larkson, quickly nodding. "Yes - let's go before I change my mind."

Once again, I found myself in an armored Strike Trooper vehicle - probably the same one too, but I wasn't entirely sure. I buckled myself in as Larkson started the engine.

"So," Larkson pulled out of the parking spot. He glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure that the other half of his troop were in another vehicle. "Heard that you've been hired?" He had a smirk on his face. He knew that it was because of him that I got this job, literally threatening me to come here.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Yes... Dr. Schoenfeld was supposed to be doing rounds to help out on the restoration, repairs, and upgrading on Jaegers at all the Shatterdomes. But... He's fallen ill." I bit my lip, my mood dropping. I should visit him. I'll have to talk to the Marshall about that later... "I'm taking his place until he's better. A special J-Tech job." I smiled to myself, taking a little pride in it. I'll admit that I was excited about this. Maybe going to the Shatterdome wasn't so bad after all.

"See? What I tell ya?" Larkson grinned, driving out of the perimeter gates of the Shatterdome. "It was a good idea to come!"

I only smiled, lowering my gaze. Then I resorted to looking out the window. But what I saw only made my smile fade away. The dark and gloomy city of Los Angeles was back. Okay, it wasn't dark and gloomy so much, but people out here were struggling. Many were just barely surviving on minimal rations. And if you didn't know the "tools of the trade" like the black market, Merchant Day (if they can have that again after what happened this morning...), and etc, you're pretty much screwed, or just barely getting by.

Living in the Shatterdome was pretty much a luxury. You are pretty much well-secured. You have free full meals three times a day. You have a cozy, air-conditioned, and heated room to yourself. I felt privileged. Guilty, but privileged.

"You're lucky." Larkson seemed to be reading my mind. His tone was serious now.

"I was surviving quite well on my own out here." I said defensively. Then I realized that saying that was quite arrogant of me. I sighed. "Though, the Shatterdome is a luxury - I won't complain. I was just doing pretty well on my own after I learned how."

Larkson was silent afterwards. I could see that he was thinking. Actually, he seemed to be very deep in thought because he didn't hear me the first couple times when I called his name.

"CAPTAIN." I said louder.

"WHAT?" Larkson jumped, snapping out of his thinking mode. He had jerked the wheel in surprise, getting on the wrong side of the road.

"LARKSON." I yelped, gripping the armrests of my seat as other drivers drove towards us, honking their horns with shocked faces. Some of them slammed on the brakes, cars crashing into them from behind. But others kept coming at us.

Larkson quickly swerved onto the right side of the road, just barely avoiding a head-on collision with several other cars.

My heart pounding in my chest. I stared at the Captain, my fingers digging into the armrests now. "Are-are you okay? What h-happened?"

Larkson's eyes were wide. "S-sorry! I was just... lost in thought..."

I eyed him for a few moments as I slowed my breathing back down, studying his face. He was embarrassed, of course, and was trying to maintain a serious expression. But his green eyes were full of shock, completely giving it all away. "...I-I was trying to tell you that the street my apartment's on was coming up... But now it's a couple lights back..." I glanced behind me at the other Troopers in the vehicle, wondering how they were holding up. I recognized O'Malley, the rookie Trooper, whose eyes were wide and reflected my shock. The other Troopers looked pretty much the same way. One of the guys' helmets had even fallen off - probably when Larkson jerked the wheel a little hard...

Larkson had to make a u-turn at the next light, mumbling an apology as he did so. Then we were back on track, the second vehicle following us promptly. I could only imagine their puzzled faces.

And this time, Larkson turned onto my street.

I glanced at the green-eyed Trooper, wondering what the heck just happened. Looks like I'm not the only one who gets nostalgic or deep in thought all of a sudden... But I could see that the poor Captain was really embarrassed. I felt bad for him since I understood how embarrassing it could be - especialliy for him in front of his own troop. I decided to do him a favor and act like nothing had happened.

"That's my apartment building right there." I pointed out an old building that had paint peeling off, revealing bricks. The car stopped right in front of it, the engine turning off. I unbuckled myself, fiddling with the belt. I saw Larkson begin to unbuckle himself too and reached out a hand to stop him. "Oh, I'll be quick. I don't have... Um, a lot of stuff. I pretty much keep my things packed for emergencies, so...yeah. No biggie. You guys don't have to come."

Larkson just unbuckled himself grabbed a handgun from the side of his seat, raising an eyebrow at me. "I don't think so, tough girl. That mob knows who you are and what you did." He loaded the gun. "Chances are, they can find out where you live. I'm coming with you... But my men will stay in the cars." He cocked the gun, giving me a smile before stepping out of the car.

I sighed. He did have a point. Though, I really preferred to do this on my own. One, I wanted some time to relax for a moment and think. Two, I never liked relying on anybody except for maybe my dad or brother. But, safety first, I suppose. Besides, he's just doing his job. Nothing's gonna happen.

I exited the vehicle, my eyes automatically looking up at a window on the second floor of the building: my home.

Larkson was already waiting for me on the sidewalk, adjusting the helmet on his head. "Lead the way." He gestured at the building with his gun.

I walked past him, glancing at the gun in his hands. I walked to the side of the building where the alley door was. I never took the front entrance. Why? I don't know. Old habits... I started walking up the stairs, glancing behind me to see Larkson cautiously looking around outside before closing the door. I was going to tease him about being so cautious, but then I remembered that I was cautious too. Well, right now I felt relaxed since this was my home turf. But Larkson was doing his duty thoroughly and professionally. You got one life - one small mistake could mean everything.

I stepped onto the second floor, my boots making a thunk as I hit the top stair. I casually strode over to my apartment door, taking out my keys from my pocket.

Let me take a moment to describe exactly how cautious I am. It's a good thing to be cautious - it can save your life. However, there are some times when I can be overly cautious. This situation might qualify, I don't know.

For my apartment, remember the contraption I have on the door? Super-secure lock, right? Right. Not to mention that I have it hooked up to a clock within it! So, I have three different keys for three different times of day. Hah! Bet you didn't see that one coming!

Only I knew which key was correct for said time of day. All three keys looked the same, but there was a tiny difference which was barely noticeable. It took some time getting used to, but I finally got it down and barely had to glance at my keys.

I unlocked the door, hearing a whir of gears and then a click.

"Whoa..." Larkson said quietly, but in amazement. "What was that?"

I opened the door, stepping into a familiar and comforting place. "A contraption I made... A lock. A very secure lock, if I do say so myself." I paused, then glanced at the Trooper who was bending down to stare at my doorlock. "I'm not paranoid, I'm prepared."

"I believe you..." Larkson glanced down the hallways before taking up a position by the open door. He had his back against the door as he kept looking around. "Uh, I'm going to stay here on lookout duty while you go gather your things." He held his gun with both hands, his fingers positioned perfectly so that he could fire at a moment's notice.

"Alright, Captain." I said. Sarcastic? I have no idea.

I immediately walked into my bedroom, pausing a moment to take everything in. I may never return to this place...

I began to take down photos that I had placed all over the wall opposite from my bed - the same one as the door. I tried not to look at the photos for too long. If I did, I was afraid that I'd start being all nostalgic again - a habit I should break, but somehow it was a part of me, so I couldn't. I managed to get them down pretty quickly, tying them up with a rubber band. Then, I placed the stack of photos on my bed.

Then I bent down on my hands and knees, reaching underneath my bed to grab a giant travel bag. It was already pretty much packed with all that I owned: clothing, a little food, ration cards, etc. I never liked leaving things out in plain sight - especially in this place. I wasn't OCD or paranoid that someone was going to break into my apartment, I just liked having my belongings close to me. Okay, maybe I was a little uncomfortable here. Otherwise, I might have my stuff spread all over the floor.

I stuffed the stack of photos into the bag and then slung it over my right shoulder. I walked out of the room, looking to see if Larkson was still at his post.

The Trooper glanced at me, his shoulders stiff. "That was fast." He stated, looking me up and down. "You weren't kidding when you said you kept everything ready."

I wasn't entirely sure if that was a compliment... His expression held a certain level of sadness, like I was reminding him of something. I shifted my feet uncomfortably.

But I managed a smile anyway, walking to the kitchen and pushing my thoughts to the back of my brain. It's none of your business, Juliana. Hush, now.

I didn't have much food in the fridge or in the cupboards. Barely anything was in there. I did, however, grab the few things that I had available in the kitchen: a half empty box of crackers, a bottle of orange juice, a packet of dried fruit, and an apple that was still ripe. Not much, but they were hard to get. It took a lot of negotiating and a few connections.

"So, you can handle yourself out here." Larkson must have watched me pull out my precious supply. He smiled at me as I turned around with a slightly surprised expression on my face. "Orange juice, crackers, dried fruit, and an apple, eh? Either you saved up on ration cards... or you did some serious negotiating." His eyes seemed to say that he knew how this worked - how you get rare things.

I put the food in my bag, taking time to make a little room for them by finding some empty spots. I smiled to myself as I slung the bag over my shoulder again. "Sounds like you know a thing or two about getting the rarities..." I started to walk over to him.

Larkson shrugged, not meeting my gaze. "Soldiers don't always necessarily get the good stuff. We get fed decently, I'm not complaining. But sometimes... out in the field... we can be on meager rations a lot. Occassionally, it gets to a point where you have to know where to look..." He cast me a side-ways glance. "And I was an average struggling citizen once too... before I joined the Troopers."

"Of course." I said carefully. Larkson seemed like a good man, but I didn't want to get on his bad side. So far, he was really the only friend I had left out here... I'm sure we're friends, right? I mean, we're on the same side. Maybe not a friend yet, but someone I knew who was trustworthy. I relaxed my shoulders, feeling more content now. "I got everything I need, I think."

Larkson nodded at me, his green eyes growing serious. "I think it's safe to go... But I'll go first." He stepped out into the hallway before I could say a word. He pointed his gun down both ways before beginning to slowly inch backwards towards the stairs. "Clear."

I closed the door behind me, waiting for the click of the contraption again. Maybe I'll come back someday... For now, I was just going to leave the device there.

I had taken only a single step when I froze. Wait a second. Slowly, I dropped my gaze to my feet. I saw a piece of paper sticking out from underneath my boot. As if in a trance, I bent down and slowly moved my foot off the piece of folded paper. I grabbed it and stood up, staring at it. This wasn't here before.

"It's clear down-" The Trooper stopped mid-sentence. "What... What's that?" I heard his footsteps begin to slowly come towards me, picking up speed.

I didn't respond, unfolding the note with slightly trembling hands. I felt Larkson brush my arm as he stood very close to me, peering over my shoulder. I might have slapped him away since he was a little too close for comfort, but the piece of paper in my hands had captured my attention. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I began to read silently to myself:

"Dead men, dead men - how many dead men do you see?

Stiff bodies, pale complextions, sunken faces - not like you or me...

A young girl escaped the dragon's breath;

We all know she barely evaded death.

You can't hide, you can't escape;

So run, little girl, run into endless space."



You've played your cards, now it's our turn.

Larkson snatched the note from my hands, walking away as he read it.

I was about to joke that it sounded so "poetic", but then I looked down at my hands, seeing them shake. It wasn't a time to joke. Larkson was right: they know where I live... well, used to since I was now moving to the Shatterdome. But the thing that chilled me most: they must have just dropped this note off. And that meant that they must still be close by...

I heard Larkson curse, crushing the paper in his hand. He stormed over to me, making me back up against a wall as he got right in my face and shook the note under my nose. "THIS is exactly why MY TROOP and I came here!" His voice rose, his emerald eyes burning holes in my soul.

"I-I'm sorry!" I blurted out, fear gripping my heart. I really didn't need to apologize, but that was the only thing I could get out. I haven't seen this angry side of Larkson before. And something told me that this was only like a Catergory III of angry Larkson.

The Captain must have realized that he was acting a little rash and immediately backed off, looking at the floor with his head slightly tilted to the right. He mumbled an apology, but I could see his eyes still burning.

I closed my eyes, resting my head against the wall. "Let's get out of here..." I glanced back at Larkson who looked like he really wanted to punch something. "...before anything..." I trailed off.

The Trooper simply nodded, holding up his gun as he handed the threatening note to me. "Alright..."

I stuffed the note in my pocket, not even giving it a glance. I swallowed a lump in my throat, nodding at him. "Why don't you go first...?" I glanced at his gun.

Larkson seemed to understand, walking forward. He propped his right arm on his left to steady his gun as his eyes shifted into a focus-mode that I've never seen before - it was the type that could freeze you like a wolf's stare froze its prey. "Stay close behind me."

I didn't need to be told twice; I quickly followed him, holding my hands close to my chest. I really wished I had a knife or a gun in my hand. Or something to defend myself besides my hands because I was pretty much as vulnerable as a duckling swimming in a lake surrounded by aligators. At least, compared to Larkson who was decked out in a full suit of bulletproof armor.

We slowly crept down the stairs to the ground floor, barely making a sound. Though I think my pounding heart was louder than someone hitting a drum.

Larkson halted by the exit, holding a hand up for me to stay where I was. He grabbed the door handle, slowly turning it. I cringed as it made a little squeak. He opened the door a crack, pointing his gun immediately out.

Although questions flooded my mind, I kept quiet as I held my breath.

For a few seconds, the air was tense as we waited. Waiting for anything.

Finally, Larkson had slowly opened the door to about forty-five degrees, sticking the gun out as his eyes searched the alleyway.

I couldn't help but glance behind me, wondering if, the mob members were still in the building. But I saw nothing. This only added to my paranoia.

"Okay..." The Captain turned to me, looking me straight in the eye. "When I give the word, we bee-line for the vehicle, got it? Don't stop, don't look back. Just run. Okay?"

I nodded, my eyes wide. I was so thankful for Larkson right now. If I ever ventured out of the Shatterdome again, I would demand an escort - Troop 174's escort.

Larkson looked back outside, his eyes darting around as he opened the door a little more for us to get out easier. "Now!"

I bolted outside, right on Larkson's tail as I clutched my bag. I could tell that he was holding back as he ran, thinking that I was slower. I was actually holding back too because he was holding back.

Larkson beat me to the vehicle anyway, opening the front passenger door for me as he held his handgun up, his eyes searching around. "Get in." He said unnecessarily.

I was already diving into the car, the door nearly slamming shut on my boots. I watched Larkson jog around the front of the vehicle as I quickly buckled myself in. I rested my head against the headrest, my heart thudding hard against my ribcage.

I turned my head to look at my apartment building, my eyes automatically drawn to the second floor where my window was.

Except... The curtains weren't drawn like I had left them...

I froze as I saw a blurred figure dressed in black, watching me from my bedroom window. Although his features were blurred out a little, I could see a sinister sneer form on his face. I stared back at him with wide eyes. I didn't have time to think, breath, or speak a word when the vehicle jerked forward.

Larkson must have kept his foot down on the gas all the way back to the Shatterdome because he didn't slow down on any turns and sped right through all the yellow lights. Maybe even some reds in there, but I couldn't be sure - everything was a blur. I think I yelped a few times along with some yelps from the other Troopers in the car.

I didn't realize that I was gripping the armrests really hard until the vehicle finally came to a stop. I looked down to see that my knuckles were white - I had to literally pry my fingers off.

No one moved or said a word as all of us let out a collective sigh of relief. A quick glance behind me confirmed what I was feeling - the other Troopers obviously had never seen Larkson drive like that. Reckless and fast, but I'll admit, very skilled. I was alive, anyway.

I slowly reached over to unbuckled myself, opening my eyes. "Umm..." My voice was quiet and my throat was dry. "Thanks for the... ride..." Could it even be called just a "ride"? It was more like heart-attack land with Larkson's driving skills.

I saw the Captain nod out of the corner of my eye. He didn't seem phased from his NASCAR driving at all. "Do you need help with your stuff-"

I reached down to grab my travel bag which was at my feet. "No, thanks... I can take it from here." I stepped of of the car, my legs feeling like jelly from the life-threatening drive. I watched the other Troopers step out of the car, all looking equally shaken up. I noticed that O'Malley was the only one who had a little smile on his face, like he had actually enjoyed the ride. Maybe I would have been able to enjoy it if I weren't in the front seat. Maybe.

"Are you sure?" Larkson had walked around the front of the car. He completely ignored his Troopers who were grumbling about his driving as they stretched out their sore muscles.

I nodded, slinging the travel bag over my shoulder with a small smile. "I can handle myself from here..."

Larkson just nodded with eyes lowered, turning on his heel to walk to the second vehicle which held the other half of his troop. Apparently, the second car had just arrived. Looks like they had trouble keeping up...

I watched the Captain begin to walk away. I felt like I owed him, but in a way which I could only repay him by saying something. "Oh, and, Captain." I called after him, using his rank like a nickname. It brought a smile to my lips.

Larkson stopped and turned towards me, walking backwards with his eyebrows raised.

I bit my lip, thinking of what I should say. "Thanks for the lift and the escort." A lame response - I wanted to say something better, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was thanking him for saving my life, for being someone I could trust, and for bringing me here - a chance to practically start over in my life. Really, if Larkson hadn't brought me here, I would probably still be living my life in mourning (not that I wasn't mourning). All my friends on Merchant Street had died. And I probably would never have gone to a Shatterdome by myself. Ever. I avoided it on a daily basis, so why would I suddenly want to go anyway?

The Strike Trooper cracked a smile, his green eyes lighting up. "Anytime. You got Troop 174 on speed dial!" With a grin, he turned and walked back to his troop.

I really hoped that we were friends. Because as I turned to look at the massive gray structure called the Shatterdome that loomed over me, I began to realize exactly how lonely I was.

Well... time to start working. I adjusted the bag's strap on my shoulder and walked forward into the next stage of my life: the life of a J-Tech.

-----



[ Wow... this is long. Sorry, not sorry.

Dang, I am sooo itching to rush forward and bring in the main characters from the movie (Raleigh, Chuck, Newt, Stacker, Mako, and etc)!

But a good writer is patient and never rushes - otherwise, it lacks the main point of the story as well as the important detail that the readers (as well as the author) want. c:

Remember: everything that happens in this story is for a reason. Whether it will be mentioned later, for internal character development, or for external story development. c; If that makes any sense to you guys at all. xD

Once again, thank you to everyone who is reading! ouo I love you all so much! <33 My little story has grown and reached the milestone of 400 reads! Really, thank you all for the support. c:

-- phen ]