"You're not going," Londo growled, his voice cutting through the silence like a whip.
Steven stood shirtless in the middle of the command room, barefoot, holding a bowl of popcorn like it was a sacred artifact. His torso glistened faintly under the fluorescent lights, lean muscles flexing subtly with every breath. His eyes, distant and unreadable, scanned the room as if he weren't truly there.
Anna was the first to move. She stormed toward him, cheeks burning from a mixture of embarrassment and rage. With one swift motion, she slapped the bowl out of his hands, sending popcorn flying like snow.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" she shouted, her hand following the bowl with a sharp slap across his cheek.
Steven barely flinched. He blinked. "Oh. Shirt. I forgot that. Sorry."
"Forgot?" Anna hissed.
Kiara, leaning casually on the wall, tilted her head and let out a low whistle. "Okay, but like... he's kinda hot though."
Taze stood frozen. "Is he... for real?"
Londo's eyes darkened. His hand slowly lowered toward the gun on his belt. "I swear to God, Yokojou, one more word and—"
A calm hand rested on Londo's shoulder. Lasso.
"Colonel," he said gently. "Maybe... let him come. Isn't the whole point of this trip to ease tension?"
Lana, standing with crossed arms, snapped. "Absolutely not. He's a manipulative little parasite."
Anna, still flustered, crossed her arms and glanced sideways. "Let him come. I'll keep an eye on him. Real close."
The room was silent. All eyes shifted to Londo. He inhaled slowly through his nose, visibly grinding his teeth.
"…Fine," he said finally. "But under strict surveillance. Anna, you're responsible."
Elsewhere – Hospital Room, London
Kimberly sat beside her mother's hospital bed, slumped over the edge of the mattress. Her fingers were still intertwined with her mother's cold hand. On the bedside table, her comms device buzzed repeatedly with missed calls—from Anna, Kiara, Lana.
She stirred slowly, groaning. The doctor entered gently. "She's stable," he said. "You can relax."
Kimberly blinked hard, wiped her eyes, and stood up suddenly. "Oh God. I need to get back—"
She ran down the hallway, dialing. Kiara picked up.
"Kiara! I'm so sorry! I fell asleep,I didn't see any of your—"
"Princess," Kiara purred. "Relax. We're all waiting for you. Even Steven's here."
Kimberly nearly tripped. "…Steven? Seriously?"
"Mhmm. And he's shirtless. With popcorn. I know. Don't ask."
50 Minutes Later – Tokyo, 8-Star Tech Resort Hotel
The ship descended like a comet and landed on a private rooftop port. For the first time in weeks, the crew stepped out in civilian clothes. No armor. No weapons. Just skin and fabric.
Lasso read from his datapad. "Room assignments:
Steven with Kimberly.
Kiara with Lana.
Taze with Anna.
I'm solo.
Londo solo as well."
A soft wave of stunned silence washed over them.
Steven and Kimberly exchanged a glance. Silent. Accepting.
Taze's face twisted in panic. "W-Wait… Anna and I are in the same—"
Anna raised a brow. "You can sleep beside me, Taze. I don't bite."
"I'll take the floor."
"No. You won't."
Lana and Kiara entered their room. Lana froze. "There's only one bed?"
Kiara squealed in joy, jumped face-first onto the soft mattress, and moaned theatrically. "You have no idea how much I needed this."
Lana muttered coldly, "I can't believe I have to share a bed with the living embodiment of sexual harassment."
Kiara grinned. "Love you too, snowflake."
An Hour Later – The Pool Deck
Steven emerged from the hotel's changing room in tight green swim shorts. His chest bare, muscles defined like a sculpture, hair still damp. He carried nothing, moved like he wasn't aware people were watching.
They were.
Taze followed, wearing sleek black boxers. He was fit, broad-shouldered, and visibly uncomfortable with the attention.
Lasso stepped out last—his hair untied for the first time. Long, wavy brown locks falling to his shoulders, slightly tousled by the humidity. He smiled.
"Better like this," he said. "Never liked it tied at pools."
Lana, already at the edge of the water in an elegant white bikini, glanced up and almost dropped her towel.
Her cheeks flushed. "You're not a damn model."
Lasso winked. "Not a model. Poster boy for ALKEN."
The Girls:
Kimberly appeared shyly in a Pink bikini, not revealing, but hugging her soft curves with delicate elegance.
Anna stepped out in a full red one-piece, not a single inch of cleavage. Her hair was in a braid. Eyes sharp.
Kiara… sauntered in with a tiny yellow thong and matching micro-bikini top. Her body glistened from lotion. Every curve is unapologetically displayed.
Everyone stopped breathing.
Kiara twirled, hands on hips. "Something wrong? You all look like you've seen boobs for the first time."
Anna groaned. "You're practically naked."
Kiara smirked. "And you're practically hiding from your own femininity."
Lana stepped forward. "Do you have any self-respect? What the hell is that swimsuit?"
Kiara turned slowly and winked. "Your cleavage is seconds away from jail time, sweetheart. Let's not get judgmental."
Taze whistled. "Alright. Pool race. Winner gets a pay raise."
Everyone lined up at the edge.
Steven stood beside them, staring into the water like it was an alien portal. He crouched down and whispered to himself, "Sparkles… It's like liquified diamonds."
"YO!" Taze called. "Earth to Steven!"
Lasso walked behind him and shoved him in.
Steven sunk like a stone.
Seconds passed.
He didn't rise.
Taze dove, yanked him up.
Steven gasped softly. "I didn't realize I had to move to not drown."
"You WHAT?!" Taze snapped. "You High or something?!"
"Like, no, I'm in the bottom."
"Yeah, definitely high. Stay out. We'll race."
The race began.
Lana glided like a shark. Effortless. Graceful.
Lasso chased hard, powerful strokes.
Taze, athletic, kept up.
Kimberly kicked harder than she ever had.
Anna swam efficiently. Stern and silent.
Kiara… flailed, screamed, then gave up halfway.
Lana won. Easily.
Kiara emerged last.
"Oops," she giggled. "My thong slipped."
The world froze.
Anna screamed. "YOU'RE NAKED!"
Kiara blinked. "Should I stay this way? You think it'll get us discounts at the hotel?"
Lana marched over. "You—are-impossible! Kiara Kay"
Kiara leaned in. "Oh my god. You used my last name. We're finally intimate."
Meanwhile – London, Leonardo's Office
A soft knock. Leonardo Chekley glanced up from his desk. "Enter."
The door opened, and in walked Caitlyn Theresa—wearing a skin-tight violet dress, her hair in a sleek bun, lips painted deep purple. She walked with perfect poise, heels clicking like gunshots.
Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "Back from your infiltration?"
She smirked. "The device is active. They're in Tokyo. Half-naked and clueless."
He leaned back in his chair. "Enjoy the view?"
She sauntered closer, stopping at the edge of his desk. "I could've worn a swimsuit too, you know. Imagine me in the pool."
He didn't blink. "No need. You're already overdressed and overstimulating."
She rolled her eyes. "Always so cold. You sure you're not tempted by a little chaos?"
Leonardo leaned forward. "I'm tempted by efficiency. And right now, you've delivered."
She perched on his desk, one leg crossing the other. "So what's next?"
"We wait. They'll slip. And when they do, we strike."
She gave him a slow, dangerous smile. "Can't wait."
He looked at her for a beat. Then back to his screen. "You're dismissed, Caitlyn."
She rose with a wink. "Tease."
And she was gone.
Sauna – Evening Light
Steven sat on the upper bench, expression blank. The heat didn't affect him.
Taze was dripping with sweat. Lana sat beside him, towel wrapped tight, eyes half-lidded.
Taze whispered, "Hey… I know you're rooming with Kimberly. Don't… do anything. Okay?"
Steven tilted his head. "Do what?"
"Like… make a move. I want to ask her out."
Steven paused. "Ask her out? Like… out of the room?"
Taze groaned. "Like a date, you freak of nature."
"…Ah. Yes. A date. Of course."
Poolside – Kimberly on a lounge chair
She lay back, legs curled under her, hair tied in a bun, eyes soft.
Lasso approached. "Hey, Kimi. You okay?"
She sat up, flustered. "Y-Yeah. Just enjoying the air."
He crouched. "Truth or dare later. You're coming?"
She twirled her fingers. "Maybe… I guess."
"C'mon. You're too cute not to be part of the fun."
Sauna Exit – Lana
She walked out with a towel, cheeks flushed from the heat. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.
Lasso passed by. He froze.
"Wow," he whispered. "You're beautiful like this."
She narrowed her eyes. "What are you looking at?"
He grinned. "Just the horizon. The most perfect view I've ever seen."
She shoved him lightly. "Shut up."
Evening – Anna & Taze's Room
The team gathered. Casual clothes. Snacks. Cushions.
Except Kiara, who arrived in a bra and mini-shorts.
Steven and Kimberly sat side by side. Silent. Warm.
Kimberly leaned slightly toward him. "Steven… are you okay?"
He turned slowly. Smiled—just enough. "I feel… exactly as a human should. Thank you."
She blushed.
"I still don't know why you hugged me back then… but thanks. It helped. When I flew the ship."
Steven hesitated. "You're welcome. Anytime."
The bottle spun.
Everyone watched.
It landed on Steven.
And Anna.
Lasso grinned. "Anna, your question."
Anna's hand trembled slightly. She looked at him, flustered.
"…Steven, do you—"
SMASH CUT – LONDON POLICE STATION
Lora sat in an interrogation room, handcuffed, one eye swollen, dried blood on her cheek.
A police officer sat across from her. Cold.
"You're under arrest… cyborg. For murder."
She said nothing.
Only stared.
To be continued…