Chapter 6

Truer Lies

(Warning: This chapter contains mild swearing)

Sienna groaned and stretched in her bunk as sunlight streamed through the grates in the ceiling. She had gotten the hammock nobody wanted because in times of a storm, or even clear skies, the makeshift bed almost always ended up soaked. Or in the line of direct light. Or where most of the noise from up on deck filtered through. It was impossible to sleep there, but Sienna had to admit it was more comfortable than a galley floor.

As she attempted to swat at the bright light hitting her eyes, a thought tickled the corner of her subconscious. There was not this much light in space unless they were passing by a distant planet's sun or…

Sienna sat up so fast, her legs tangled in the rope of her hammock causing her to tip and hit the floor of her cabin. She wriggled free, shoving her feet into her boots as she drowsily stumbled up the stairs onto the main deck. The rest of the crew was going to work, tying up the sail lines as they descended toward Waystation Grant. A small trickle of her worry ebbed away. Now all they needed was supplies, and that was to gather. Later that night they'd be shipping out to find her father.

As she leaned over the rail to get a better glimpse at the docking station, she noticed the sun burning bright from farther away. It seemed Waystation Grant was in orbit around a gas giant of a planet that was a rich ruby red. She tore her gaze away for a moment to spot Mariela descending the shrouds.

"Hey," Sienna called, approaching the young woman who stared back with a defiant expression.

"Yes, sweet-ums?" Mariela mocked, crossing her arms.

"Why didn't any of you wake me up? This is kind of a big deal!" Sienna spat, angry that she had been the only one left to sleep in.

"Aw, is the princess unsatisfied with 'er stay?" Mariela smirked, swishing part of her brown hair over her shoulder. Sienna clenched her fists as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. She knew that she had been in the wrong with her dispute two nights earlier, but she also believed she was in the right to tell Mariela she wouldn't understand. It was none of Mariela's business anyway.

"I'm…" Sienna began before clearing her throat. She didn't want to apologize for something that she felt wasn't a big deal, but Mariela seemed intent on squeezing it out of her. Sienna sneered, "I'm sorry."

"Now, was tha' so hard?" Mariela gave her a look, slapping Sienna's shoulder. Sienna rubbed her shoulder in distaste as Mariela continued. "I'm sorry too. It wasn't my place to pry. I jus' like to stick me nose in other people's beeswax."

Sienna gave her a tiny, albeit genuine smile.

"S'alright," she murmured when a commanding shout came from the helm. Mr. Onyx was giving the final orders for descent. "That's your cue, isn't it?" Sienna asked. Mariela shook her head.

"Nah, my job's done. The sails are pulled tight. Now it's up to the ropers."

The ship's engines shook the deck of their vessel as Hawkins steered them in close to one of the metal berths. It was a while before the hum of their ship quieted as it powered down. Immediately, Berny and the other ropers were tying off knots, attaching massive lines to parts of the ship and handing them to some of the dockhands below. A stairwell was pushed into place beside the ship so the crew could depart when they were ready.

"Listen up, gentleman and ladies," Hawkins ordered. Sienna and Mariela approached the area beneath the helm and for a brief moment the captain's eyes found theirs. Then he continued.

"I've already given the heads of the ropers, riggers, and specialists their list of supplies that need to be loaded. I expect all cargo to be strapped down in the hull by five o'clock tonight," Hawkins announced, checking a watch on his wrist. "Onyx will see that that gets done. I have to report to my superiors about a change of course and should be back later this afternoon. Everyone should be back on board by six, we're taking off at seven. Dismissed," Hawkins said as the crew got to work.

Mariela and Sienna were startled when Berny crept up behind the two of them wrapping his arms around their shoulders.

"So, I saw you two talking on deck earlier. Does this mean we're all friends again?" he grinned, pulling the three of them close.

"Shove off, ya goon!" Mariela laughed, elbowing his ribs. "You and I both know we'll be out on the town all day, making do with this ridiculous filler-up."

"You mean gathering supplies? Nah, that's not the hard part. The worst is loading it. Damn crates are so heavy," Berny complained.

"Damn captain."

"Damn crates."

"Damn work!"

"Ahem."

All three of them turned to see Mr. Hawkins standing there. Sienna had to stifle a small laugh. Although Berny was a head taller than their captain, he looked more than embarrassed he'd just been caught cursing the man himself.

"Miss Kestrel, a word?" Hawkins requested. Sienna shrugged and followed him to a more secluded area of the deck. Mariela shoved Berny.

"Damn idiot, you are."

"Oye!"

Sienna stared at Hawkins curiously, wondering what this was about. Just when he opened his mouth to speak she interrupted.

"I told you to call me Sienna, not by my last name."

Hawkins closed his mouth as his brow furrowed.

"You know," he began again. "It's more professional in the presence of other people. I don't call my other sailors by their first names."

"You call Onyx by his first name," Sienna argued. Hawkins stared at her.

"How do you know about that?" he asked.

"Mullins told me Onyx is his first name. Arrow is his last. It's not professional to call your second officer by their first name, either, but you get away with that," Sienna put her hands on her hips.

"That's different," Jim cleared his throat, seeming uncomfortable. "And that's not what I wanted to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Sienna asked.

"What is it, Captain?" Jim retorted.

"Really? You told me to call you Jim in private, and you demand I give you a title in public?" Sienna groaned.

"Yes, I can't have my crew undermining my authority and that includes you," Jim argued. Sienna surveyed his expression, his pose, his footing. He was rigid now, in control. There was no trace of the relaxed Jim Hawkins that existed before. She didn't like him as her captain. His boyish attitude, and playful behavior the night before had been replaced with an upstanding officer – like all the other officers she'd met. For some reason this made Sienna upset. Why did all captains wear masks to conceal who they were? Sienna had never believed in entering the Interstellar Academy because she was afraid they would tear down her personality and rebuild it according to their rules.

That and, of course, she had been sailing away on ships to escape death for as long she could remember.

"Captain, your crew will not undermine your authority. They respect you, and your hard-work, more than you know," Sienna broke the silence. She wasn't sure why she was saying it. Maybe it was a poor attempt to crack his façade. It did do the trick. Jim slipped into a contented look before continuing.

"Er, I was going to give you this," he started, passing her a small bag of coins. Sienna stared at it, her mouth agape in surprise.

"Captain I –"

"So you can get some essential items like soap and such. I noticed you didn't have much in your bag," he interrupted, a slight red hue crossing his cheeks when he realized what he'd implied. He had gone through her bag, he'd seen her underclothes and such – not that he'd meant to.

"Thank you. I'll make good use of it," Sienna whispered, pocketing the coin.

"I'd also like you to take Morph. Just in case," Jim said as Morph escaped his pocket at last to nuzzle Sienna's cheek. The girl smiled, patting the protoplasm, pleased to have some company. "That's all I needed to speak to you about," he concluded, twisting a button on the cuff of his sleeve.

"Okay, Captain. So…" she started at the same time Hawkins said, "So…"

"Right, be back on the ship at six," Jim finally spoke up as he turned to walk away leaving Sienna to stare at his retreating back. Her eyes shifted back to Morph who cooed, excited to explore the town at her side. Sienna tickled the blob.

"Your master is weird, Morph," she sighed, starting for the steps that would take her into the heart of Waystation Grant.

"Weird," Morph agreed.

Jim walked the crowded streets of the town toward the Interstellar Administrations Offices at the heart of the port. He had not minded being back in Waystation Grant. The area had the scent of space fuel, and engine exhaust. The ships were enormous, glittering in the sunlight, and always moving. This place made Jim feel safe, refreshed almost. He liked being around sailors and spacers, captains and officers. They all seemed to have a place to be, or a purpose to fill. He liked to think of himself as purposeful, even successful. This had been his dream, after all, to be a captain. Perhaps one day he'd rise in the ranks.

Then Jim thought about Sienna. What was it with her and reading him like an open book? Jim had to admit she made him uncomfortable. There was something about the way she looked at him that made it feel like she was dissecting him. When her eyes would roam over his body he felt as if she was peeling away the fabric of his clothing to get a better look at his secrets. It irked him, more than scared him. What right did she have to look at him like that? He still had no idea where she had come from, he couldn't even explain why he was helping her.

"Out of the kindness in my heart?" he muttered under his breath before scoffing at that theory. He'd helped plenty of civilians in the past, none of them as mysterious as Sienna. None of them as stubborn either. How was he supposed to help her if she refused to tell him anything beyond that of basic facts?

Jim stopped that train of thought. She had given him all the information he needed to find her father, but still he felt as if she had something to hide. He couldn't imagine what else she might be concealing, beyond that of her personal life and Jim knew her personal life was none of his concern. So why was he concerned? Why was he so curious? It felt like there was something in the corner of his eye that he couldn't quite see, but he knew it was there.

Jim sighed, shaking off these thoughts. They were about as pesky as the mantabirds that soared high above his head. He needed to focus on his superiors at the moment. All he needed was the consent to go after Sienna's father. A man's life might rest in his hands, he could not get sidetracked. Jim quickened his pace as if that would somehow increase the speed of their departure. It wasn't long after that he had reached the Interstellar Administrations building. It was an enormous golden domed building with ornate bronze doors. Letting himself in, Jim crossed the quiet lobby to the receptionist at a desk in front of him.

"Hello, I'm Jim Hawkins, I'd like to speak with Officer Wardley."

"Do you have a scheduled appointment, Mr. Hawkins?" the receptionist asked. She was very pretty, Jim noted mildly, shaking himself out of his thoughts when he processed her words.

"Uh, right, about that…" he began, internally smacking himself. He had forgotten all about the schedules. Higher ranking officers were often shipping out on voyages or else dealing with other dilemmas. One had to schedule an appointment to be sure they had time to speak with them. The receptionist stared at Jim, awaiting an answer. Jim bit his lower lip, running a hand through his hair. He knew there was no way he'd be able to meet with Mr. Wardley without an appointment, but he had promised Sienna this would be quick. Jim switched tactics. He'd seen one of his best friends in the academy do this once, and although Jim had never attempted it himself, or thought to, there was a first for everything.

"I like your hair today, it's nice," he let out a breath, nodding to her hair that had been pinned back. The receptionist gave him an odd look before touching the clips.

"Thank you, now, about your appointment –"

"Yeah, so, to be honest, who needs an appointment, am I right? If Mr. Wardley is in the building, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if I just popped in to ask him a few questions," Jim shrugged.

The receptionist leaned forward with a coy smile.

"Nice try," she whispered. "I can't let you see him without a scheduled appointment." She leaned back in her seat.

"But you seem like a girl that would be nice enough to let me in," Jim responded, wearing a hopeful expression. "Yes? No? Maybe…? I like 'yes'," he cleared his throat.

"I'd say yes to dinner if you asked," she teased. Jim blinked, an uncomfortable laugh escaping him.

"Ah, heh, right, um, how about you just let me find Mr. Wardley?"

"You're terrible at flirting to get what you want, Mr. Hawkins," the receptionist laughed. Jim gave her a sheepish look.

"I'm that obvious? I don't know, I saw a friend of mine do it. Thought I'd try it out, and this is getting awkward. I'm just going to shut up now," he cleared his throat earning a genuine laugh from the human woman in front of him.

"You're sweet. He's on the fourth floor, room 401," she told him, nodding her head toward the stairs.

"Thanks, I mean thank you. It's really important," Jim sighed, relief washing over him, glad the awkwardness had ebbed from the situation.

"You can make it up to me with dinner," she called after him as he jogged toward the stairs.

"You bet," Jim agreed, unable to contain his smile as he headed up the stairs and approached room 401. It wasn't every day Jim got a date. At the Interstellar he'd been too focused on his studies to notice the girls all that much. His friends had to practically force him to go out with one of his classmates. They'd supposedly 'dated' for a couple months, but when they both realized it wasn't going anywhere, they'd chosen to break it off. After Jim graduated as a captain, he'd been traveling so much, he didn't have much time to get to know the ladies in ports – besides that of floozies. Jim chose to stay away from those sorts of people. He did miss the excitement that came with courting someone.

It was nice to meet new people, share silly kisses with nice girls that caught his eye. Besides, Jim was woefully out of practice, which was more than apparent by his recent attempt at flirting. He tried to shake his goofy grin when he raised a hand to knock on room 401. A faint voice came from the other side.

"Enter," it said as Jim walked over the threshold. The room was a small office and Officer John Wardley was sitting behind his desk.

"Mr. Hawkins?" Wardley stated, startled out of his paperwork for a moment. John Wardley was a peculiar alien breed with stalky legs holding a stubby body far above the ground. His arms were just as disjointed, and the last time Jim had met with his superior officer, the man had knocked over his cup of coffee twice.

"I'm sorry, Sir, for this being such short notice," Jim stepped forward.

"Is this an appointment?"

"Er, kind of."

"Curious Regina didn't tell me," Wardley crossed his fingers, giving Jim an intense look.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but this was urgent."

"Urgent enough to interrupt my free time? Very well, Mr. Hawkins, do enlighten me," Wardley leaned back, expecting Jim to begin his story.

"It's about a civilian, Sir, that I picked up on one of my patrol routes just recently. She was injured in a burnt lifeboat, floating through a nebula," Jim took a seat in front of Officer Wardley's desk. It was there he proceeded to tell his superior all about Sienna and what he knew. He then finished with a request to go after her father.

"I request permission to oversee this venture," Jim concluded. Wardley frowned at this knowledge.

"Well, looking over our charts here, I do believe you're scheduled for a route that takes you in the opposite direction, Mr. Hawkins," he announced, looking down at the papers on his desk. Jim's shoulders slumped. What was he supposed to do now? He had told Sienna he'd help her. "However, that can be given easily to Ms. Gallagher. She's recently been nominated as a Lieutenant and we've been looking for more practice patrols to give her. That works out fine. Very well, Mr. Hawkins, permission granted, but remember this is not just about the girl's father. It's your duty to the Empire to bring these rapscallions into custody. I hate to say this, but her father is a minor detail," Wardley stated.

"Understood, Sir," Jim nodded, feeling a tad guilty at this exchange. If Sienna were there she might just try to gut both of them for the heartless words. But, Jim chided himself, this is my duty to the Empire, and duty comes before a single person.

"Oh, before you go, Mr. Hawkins. I'd like to see if we have any files pertaining to the ship you're searching for. Ah, what was the name again?"

"The Devastation, Sir," Jim responded.

"Yes, one moment, I'm sure I've got a copy of notable pirate vessels here somewhere," Wardley held up a finger as he got to his feet and bent over a filing cabinet. Jim watched him rifle through the containment unit for a few moments in silence. At last he pulled out a sheet of paper.

"Yes, here we go. Let's just take a look to see where the sightings are most prominent and any notable features you may need to be prepared for," Wardley smiled as he sat himself down. Jim waited a few more minutes as Wardley scanned the list, seeming to become more and more confused. He let out a few, 'umms' and 'hmmms'. He looked worried.

"What is it?" Jim inquired, playing with the button on his cuff once again. At last Whardley raised his head. He looked positively befuddled.

"I don't understand, Mr. Hawkins, are you sure the vessel's name was the Devastation?" he asked.

"Yes. At least, that's what she told me."

Whardley huffed and looked at the list one more time.

"Is something wrong?" Jim fidgeted in his seat, leaning forward. At last Whardley looked up once again, his face a mixture of concern and puzzlement.

"Mr. Hawkins, there is no record anywhere of a pirate ship called the Devastation."

"Oh, look at that one, Morph," Sienna laughed, pointing to another shop window and at the lacy dresses displayed there. "Who would wear such awful styles?" she smirked as Morph cooed and shook his head, sticking out his tiny tongue. Sienna laughed. "Honestly, do they expect women to wear these?"

Morph shrugged, twirling around on her shoulder. Sienna had managed to buy some more toiletries a while ago and was now just wasting time, not wanting to go back to the ship. She was itching to be airborne again and off to find her father, but she knew that she'd only drive her crewmembers to insanity if she went back now. They weren't to leave until later that evening, no matter how much she'd protest or waste the day pacing the deck. She supposed Mullins might have some more chores for her, but there was plenty of time for that when they were back amongst the stars.

It had been a while, at least, since Sienna was able to truly appreciate the vibrancy of a town – especially a floating docking station orbiting a planet. She tapped Morph to let him know she was moving on. She passed by bookstores and trinket shops. She even debated having her boots shined with the last of the coin Hawkins had given her just for fun, but then she thought it was a waste of money and it could be better spent elsewhere.

There was so much in the town to explore. She hadn't realized where she'd been walking until she ended up on a small path that led to a public garden next to an enormous fancy looking building.

"Oh, that must be where Jim is," Sienna commented, spotting the building to her right. The letters scrawled above the ornamental doorway were: I.A.O. Morph perked up at the sound of his master's name. "You'll see him later, Morphy," she assured her new companion as Morph licked her cheek. Sienna walked the beaten trail to find a blossoming tree overhanging a small pond. She set down her bags on the edge of a bench nearby, taking a seat soon after. Morph yawned and slipped into her pocket to have a nap as Sienna watched the ripples on the water. It was a lovely place, and odd too if one thought about where they really were. Not many people expected to find a serene pocket garden on a bustling space station.

The noise of the crowds and the ships taking off was still prominent, but it seemed less overwhelming in that place. Sienna sat there for a while, playing with her hair, gazing at the weeds and leaves that rustled beside her boots.

"I could kiss you, you know?"

Sienna swallowed and closed her eyes as the memory rose with the swells of the wind.

"Do it, I dare you," she had mocked, taunting Will, not expecting him to try. When his lips found hers, she'd wanted to pull back. This is wrong, she had thought. He doesn't know me. He doesn't know me. And she had worried that if he did get to know the real her, he'd be disgusted. Life was a game of lies that broke around her like sea crests. Still, she had not wanted to pull back. She let him kiss her, and she kissed him in return, feeling his body flush against her own. And she had never wanted the moment to end, for so desperate was she for normalcy.

She hadn't realized she'd been crying until Will broke their contact to brush her tears away from her face.

"Don't stop," she'd pleaded. "I don't want you to stop."

"Shhh, we don't have to stop," he had murmured. "It's okay." She'd let him hold her then, as he pulled her in tight, and rocked her back and forth, and kissed the top of her head, comforting her in a dark spot. She'd been reminded of her mother so long ago and she had cried all night beneath that willow tree, beneath the stars. "Sienna," he had whispered in her ear, saying her name to soothe her. "Sienna."

"Sienna."

Sienna's eyes opened and she automatically swept her tears away. She didn't bother to look at him.

"I don't want to go back to the ship, yet, Jim," she sighed, knotting her hands together.

"No, we're not going back to the ship any time soon," Jim said, his voice low. Sienna glanced upward to see him glaring at her. She was on her feet in an instant, prepared to defend herself against whatever he was prepared to fire her way.

"What happened?" she asked, feeling a tiny bit afraid.

"What happened?" Jim demanded, and let out a mocking laugh. "Oh nothing, except that there's no record of a pirate ship called the Devastation!"

Sienna's heart dropped into her stomach. She felt sick. Terror crawled its way up her spine in that instant.

"How do you know?"

"Because my superior officer checked."

"Perhaps it's a ship they don't have on file yet, or –"

"I'm just wondering," Jim cut her off, raising his voice. "How many more lies are you going to tell me? How do I even know your father is in danger?"

"Because he is -!"

"And your mother? Where is she? Why were you floating through a nebula in a wrecked longboat? It's a nice story, you've constructed there, about the pirates and all."

"I didn't lie," Sienna shouted over him causing Hawkins to clench his fists. "My father is in danger and I need help."

"You do realize I'm this close to throwing you off my ship?" Jim held up his fingers to show the space between them. "You can make your own way in this universe, for all I care."

"Is that what you do, then?" Sienna choked back a cry. Tears were flooding her eyes and she was angry Hawkins had the pleasure to witness it. "You only help civilians that will make you a hero? It's all about appearances with you, isn't it?"

"No, it's that I don't trust you, at all!"

"Jim, I didn't lie."

"Then what in the Etherium is the Devastation? What sort of a ship is it? I have to know what I'm up against if I'm going to help you, but right now I'm having a hard time finding a reason to."

"Because my father is in danger!" Sienna snapped, her vocal chords straining as the tears broke from her eyes like a dam, cascading down her cheeks and traveling along the curve of her chin. "I lied about the Devastation, Jim, because I admit that I'm scared. I didn't want to tell you the whole truth because I was afraid you wouldn't help me," she lowered her voice, attempting to catch her breath.

"That's a ridiculous idea," Jim snorted, crossing his arms.

"I've met a lot of ridiculous people," Sienna shot back. Jim held up his hands.

"Fine, so your lies about your father are true, but what else? I need to know, Sienna, and I think it's time you told me," he cajoled. Sienna caught her breath, pondering how she could phrase this.

"I'm not going to tell you everything, just the information you need, because…" she hesitated. Because I don't trust you. "Because it might put you in danger." That sounds better.

Jim nodded in understanding as he took a seat on the bench with Sienna following after. Morph, who had been cowering in her pocket, realized the storm had passed and decided to return to his place on Jim's shoulder.

"The people chasing my father and I are bounty hunters. We've been on the run since I was very young. We boarded a ship not long ago in hopes that it would take us to a different planet to start another life for a while." Sienna swallowed hard as her fingers twitched. "They turned out to be the men that were after us. My father and I tried to escape. They kept talking about bringing us to sector seven; bringing us to their benefactor. We didn't know who that was, but we knew we had to leave. I was in the skiff when the bounty hunters shot my father's leg. Before I could save him, my dad shot the cables of my lifeboat sending me into space.

"I tried to get away, but one of their cannonballs blew off my engines, pushing me into the nebula just enough to conceal me. You know the rest," she finished in hushed tones, rubbing at her eyes that felt raw.

Jim's brow had creased throughout her story.

"Sienna –"

"I don't want your words. I want my father."

"I know, and I wasn't going to try and comfort you. I was going to ask…what happened to your mother?"

Sienna froze and shook her head.

"I don't want to talk about it. It's too personal," she whispered, feeling her heart yank left and right. She drew her knees up to her chest on the bench and buried her face in them. Something was chewing on the inside of her stomach, and she knew it was guilt. Why did lying to this man make her feel so guilty? Perhaps it was his countenance, his familiar smell – the scent she had sniffed when he'd first carried her on board. Or maybe it was his eyes, full of roaring light and expression.

"It's okay, I understand," Jim mumbled, tilting his head down. She lifted her head to glare at him.

"How could you?"

"It's personal," he gave her a weak smile before shaking his head and getting to his feet. "I never asked you to share personal details about your life, and I'm sure you won't tell me why the bounty hunters are after you. I guess I'm just going to have to trust you there."

Sienna felt sick at his words.

"So, if we're going to go get your father…" he began before a small daredevil smirk crawled across his expression. "Then let's go get your father." He held out his hand for her to take and she accepted it as he helped her to her feet. She dusted herself off a bit and followed him back down the path toward the RLS Superior, awaiting them in port. Just before they turned onto the main road away from the I.A.O, Jim stopped her.

"Hang on, one second. I need to do something," he said, making her wait outside as he jogged back up the steps and into the enormous building. Sienna wiped away the last of her tears as Hawkins returned a few minutes later. "Alright," he announced, wearing a lopsided smile. Sienna stared at him.

"What's that in your hand?" she asked, noticing the piece of paper in his hand.

"Well, if you must know, I may have just gotten a date. At least it's something to look forward to when I get back, right?" Jim chuckled. Sienna let out a snort and gave him an 'are-you-serious?' look before continuing on up the street, leaving Jim behind.

All the young captain could do was smile.

A/N: Oh hello again, dear readers! I know, I know, you've all be so patiently waiting for the next chapter to this story. Um, yes, so I'd like to get a few things off my chest. When I first started this story I had no idea it would be this popular. This is a story that's had a much more diverse range of readers/reviewers/followers. WOW! Thanks so much guys! It means a lot to me! You have no idea how warm I feel when I get reviews! But, unfortunately, this story is not one of my top priorities. I've got a fantasy book I would really like to publish someday and I've been working very hard on it for a long time now and so most of my creative flow is being channeled into that book.

So, updates for this story will be slow, but I don't want to leave you guys hanging. Plus, I've got normal life to deal with which sucks up a lot of my free time.

Anyway, I don't know how well I captured Jim's character in this one. I wanted to emphasize the fact that Sienna's still hurting over Will and Jim has a love life of his own he's trying to experience. They're in the very beginning stages of their friendship, and although this will be a love story (spoilers OMG!), it will take a long time for it to develop. Don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve. I probably killed Jim's character in this chapter, though. I couldn't capture it very well. Ah, whatever, I'll let you guys be the judge of that. Fear not, readers, action is coming! I apologize if this story seems slow!

(And since I never replied to you guys' reviews privately, I thought I'd just do that here, if you guys want to reply just go ahead and PM me):

FredNeverDied: Ahaha thanks so much for an awesome review, once again! I'm glad you liked Jim in that last chapter, and I'm glad you liked your shout-out! Thank you so much for the support!

Farming 101: Ah, yes, I apologize for the slow-ness, however, the action shall pick up in, hopefully, the next chapter! I don't like long boring beginnings to stories either, so I feel ya! And thank you so much for the awesome review! It was super cool to see you enjoyed it so much! Thank you!

CorruptedFlower: Oh in due time, Jim shall learn about Sienna's past, and it will, hopefully, be intense in the way he finds out about it *insert evil laughter here* and hopefully soon you will learn a bit more about Sienna's past as well! Thanks so much for another super cool review! It means a lot to me, truly!

lazyX1000: Awwww, is there any end to the amount of flattering comments you give me? As always, your wonderful, reliable, great reviews are always cherished and appreciated! And ugh exams, I hope they went well for you and you didn't have too much trouble. Those things are rough, so no problem at all! And as always, thank you so much! :D

Wildgirl 404: Wow! Thanks so much for being so interested in this story! I did a little cheer/WOO when I saw you'd reviewed/added me to your author's alert/favorited this story/started following this story! Let me personally thank you for your support! It means so much to me and I'm glad I could keep your attention! :)

Breizh: Why, thank you, friend! But of course, I have some mysteries to reveal later in this story so hold onto your hat, ha! Thanks again for the review, it was much appreciated, and thank you, I hope my book will be published someday, I shall continue working toward that dream :D

And to give my other supporters a round of applause:

Supersmach, Ryan-Draven57, and Kitsunlover!

You guys rock, keep rocking, peace out!