“Daddy, what’s going on,” a young, high-pitched voice said. “Auntie Ava?” She said sleepily tugging at Ava’s pants.

Coming out from the bunk room was a young panther girl of jet black fur and piercing blue eyes dressed in tattered pants and shirt. Marcellus saw how Tivon eased up immediately. He eased his grip on his hammer as well.

“Sweetie, nothing’s going on. Daddy’s just taking care of some business.” Tivon turned towards Marcellus and dropped to a hoarse whisper. “Run along with your tail between your legs, pretty boy. Ava, if you don’t mind seein’ your… friend out.”

Marcellus gave a small snarl as he watched Tivon make his way down the stairs and to the little girl. He unceremoniously turned and made his own way back up the corridor. He could hear Ava running up the path behind him as he left.

“Marc!” Ava called out from down the hall as he flipped the same switch that had closed the door. Nothing happened.

“Marc, wait,” Ava said as she caught up to him.

“Marcellus. And I don’t seem to have much of a choice at the moment,” he said half turning toward the fox. “Are you going to let me out?”

Ava paused for a moment, almost considering. Then she flipped the switch up and down twice quickly. The sound of a latch unlocking preceded the door silently swinging open.

Marcellus turned to leave.

“Please wait,” Ava said.

“I’m done here. I need to move on,” Marcellus responded but not moving.

“Why?” Ava asked softly.

Marcellus paused for a moment. “Movement is life. Nothing good comes from staying still for too long.”

“Why do you say that?” she asked with an expression of concern clear across her face.

Marcellus was taken aback but did not allow it to show. How could she not remember? It did not matter to him either way. Willful ignorance or forgetfulness it amounted to the same. It had no bearing on his decision. He took a step forward and left the hall.

“We have another job we could use your help on.” Ava said in a low tone. “It will be harder next time because of this mission.”

Marcellus stopped. He knew what she was doing. The first job with low pay was a favor. Now she was playing to his mercenary side. And because a mercenary he was… it worked. “What’s the job?”

“A munitions depot. Zone 11.” Tivon said walking up from behind Ava. He had his composure back.

“Why not Zone 8? Isn’t it closer?” Marcellus asked turning toward them this time while bearing an air that said “all business.”

“True, but if we did that it might give Caelum enough confirmation of where we are operatin’ out of to bother send troops our way,” Tivon responded matter-of-factly. “The only reason they haven’t is because they don’t know for sure. I prefer to keep it that way.”

“You aren’t as dumb as you look,” Marcellus said flatly.

Tivon flashed a look that could kill. “Watch it pretty boy. My patience has limits.”

“So does my generosity,” Marcellus responded, crossing his arms.

“So, you’ll help us?” Ava said a hint of a smile playing at her lips.

Marcellus just stood where he was for a moment. “For double what this job cost you.” Considering what he was most likely to be paid in, it was still a discount.

Tivon snarled. “Money hungry son of a bitch.”

Marcellus could not help but feel a sense of satisfaction in irking the panther. Tivon needed him and he knew it. However, he did not let the satisfaction show.

“Fine. Double. But you are takin’ point, pretty boy. Hope you don’t mind if your face gets a scar or two.” Tivon said as he stomped away back down into the base.

Marcellus just rolled his eyes and turned away.