Kalifa and Alpha looked at each other. "I was not expecting to see my sister here," Kalifa said.
"I didn't think I would see you here," Alpha responded. "I thought you would be hiding," she added.
"I thought that as well but I am here," Kalifa said, touching her glasses.
"Kalifa, you know how it is. Our kind will be hunted if we fail or leave. All CP9 members, every one of them, is now a marked target. The Marines and even Cipher Pol are looking for you," Alpha said. She had a twisted smile.
She leaned forward, tapping a cup against the table as if punctuating her words. "That is no secret, Alpha," Kalifa said. She already knew this.
"There were rumors that a large armoured figure was spotted nearby," Alpha responded. "Agents and Marines thought it was the Love Pirates and all are coming here," she added.
A subtle chill passed between them. Kalifa smiled. "The Love Pirates are not weak, you have heard what happened at Enies Lobby. The chaos after the Love Pirates passed through," Kalifa said.
Alpha's eyes darkened. "There are bigger fish to fry than them for the Marines. Preparation is already started for it," Alpha responded.
"Didn't you say Marines are coming?" Kalifa asked.
Alpha smiled. "Over 3000 Marines, "Alpha responded.
Kalifa's smile faltered. "And what of Bonney? Are you still hunting for her?" she asked. Kalifa knew that was her mission as part CP8.
A long moment of silence stretched as Alpha's gaze hardened. When she finally spoke, the words were low and deliberate: "Yes. The hunt for that girl continues unabated," she replied.
Kalifa's tone lightened. "The Love Pirates have helped her escape twice when their paths had crossed," Kalifa responded.
At the mention of those words, something in Alpha's features betrayed her inner turmoil. "She will be captured once again," she spat, her voice echoing against the walls. "She got lucky when she pulled it off," she added.
Kalifa's eyes narrowed. "The higher ups were always interested in her. They still are," Kalifa said. Silence fell heavy over.
"You should join me and beg for forgiveness," Alpha said. She had a twisted smile on her face.
Kalifa smiled. "I have found my place," Kalifa responded.
"You are different now," Alpha said. "Mature, calm and even happy," Alpha said. There was disgust in her voice. She rose abruptly. The chair scraped loudly against the wooden floor as she left her seat without another word.
Kalifa sat for a long moment, absorbing the fallout of their conversation. She mulled over what Alpha truly meant by describing those her as "different; mature, calm, and happy." She thought she was the same. She shook her head, she thought that the Marines were coming. She went to find Ben and the others.
Meanwhile, Ben, Alvida, Vivi and Maya sat together. "This is a nice dinner," Ben said.
On one side of the table, Alvida sat down. Across from her, Maya and Vivi shared knowing, subtle glances. "Ben, should we not be careful?" Vivi asked.
"They could have poisoned the food," Maya said, thinking back to what Robin said.
"The food is not poisoned," Dorothoy responded. She had come around their table a few times. Each time she was closer to Ben.
"It will be fine," Ben responded. "They need us," Ben added. "Here," he said softly, taking a spoon of soup and placing it before Maya.
"Okay," Maya responded as she accepted his offering. His hands moved with a calm assurance.
"They know our bounties and power, they would not double cross us like this," Alvida said. Ben moved another spoon and placed it before Alvida`s mouth. Alvida nodded and accepted it. "Thank you, love," she said.
Vivi nodded. "Okay Ben," she responded. "Ben, we should not be too harsh on him," Vivi said. "He is still young," she added. She was still worried.
"I know Vivi, and we won't, however if he gets in our way, we will deal with him appropriately," Ben said, moving a spoon towards Vivi. Vivi nodded. She opened her mouth and accepted it.
"We could deal with him now," Alvida said.
"There is no need," Ben responded. He knew he was going to need to beat them all at some point. He thought of the quest however he could beat them later.
The clanking of gears and the hiss of steam announced Ratchet's arrival aboard his massive mechanical contraption. "So, have you decided?" he demanded, his tone both imperious and expectant.
"We already know what it will be," Maij responded.
Not missing a beat, Honki interjected with a confident smile, "No one has ever said no to Sir Ratchet," he added.
"No," Ben stated. He had already made up his mind before.
Honki's surprised gasp broke the brief lull. "What?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. He shook his arms. Maij rolled up his sleeve.
Ratchet eyes seemed to narrow as he fixated on Ben. "You're saying no to me?" he demanded.
Ben's reply was calm. "We are," he stated. He glared back at Ratchet. He had no intention of being his friend.
In that charged moment, Alvida, Maya, and Vivi exchanged determined nods, their silent accord sealing the fate of the conversation.
"Think again," Ratchet urged, his tone growing sharper as he struggled to reclaim control.
"We have made our decision," Ben repeated, the resolve in his voice leaving no room for doubt.
"My love has," Alvida stated.
"Very well," Ratchet snarled. "You might regret this," he added. The wipers in his glasses activated.
Ben smiled back.
"We should take our leave," Vivi quickly said. She got up.
Dorothy looked at Ben and bowed. Her head fell off.
Kalifa also approached them. "Captain," Kalifa said.
"Perfect timing. We were just about to leave," Ben said as he rose up.
"I need to tell you something," Kalifa said.
"Let's head back first," Ben said.
"We will see you around Ratchet," Ben said. The girls took their leave.
Ratchet slammed his fist down."They will regret rejecting me," Ratchet said.
Gonzo appeared. "Master Ratchet, the other lady has left as well," Gonzo said.
"Who was she?" Ratchet asked.
"I don't know but she looked like one of their sisters," Gonzo responded.
"This is getting complicated," Ratchet said with a smile on his face.