Chapter eleven: Welcome to the south.
Shane sits on the arm of my chair and he still has a tint of sadness clinging to his chest. I have taken off my gauntlets and concentrate on piloting while listening to Shane. Even with all his yautja blood and mind set.. Shane still seems.. Sensitive.. Apart of his nature.. I don't blame him. He has never liked his grandparents for what they did to him when he was younger but will not share with me what exactly it was nor do i intend to push him about it. All i know is he still regards them with vehemence. And decided to not even bother see them.
"I told you before.. If you wanted to stay.. I would never hold it against you.. I will support you all the way.."
"I know it's just.. Apart from them and my friends.. There's nothing left for me Here.. I guess i just have to move on. I just feel.. Empty.. I don't like it.. Not like when I'm with all of you, it's a funny thing belonging.. And i feel that way with you Nina Danny and the twins.. I have a feeling that emptiness will get worse when we reach Ninas little town.."
I engage the hush drives and ping Louisiana. Current speed we will arrive in several hours. I stay piloting the craft as Shane sorts his items in storage in the ready room. He literally stuffed his huge bag full of clothes and other oddities along with his own gels for the shower.. A smile creeps on my mandibles.
"Shane how much currency do you have left? Doesn't Louisiana deal in dollar?"
"Oh… fuck, turn us around Captain Janeway."
"Krit.."
"Cowbag."
I growl and flare my lower mandibles at him.
"Irritable worm.."
"Spoil sport head crab.."
"D'toudi khos.." As i say this Shane looks at me with a sharp intake of air.
"Ghardeh.. Ell-osde Lou-dte Kalei!"
He doesn't even have the chance to think of the next action to breathe when my hand grasps his neck and i hold him up high after standing from my pilot chair with a vibrating growl. He has overstepped the boundary with that one insult.
"Call me that one more time.."
"Don't dare me darl.. You know… The rule.." He says with a forced whisper as he struggles to breathe as i push my thumb into his windpipe. I narrow my eyes and tighten my grip when he smiles. Rubbing my tensed forearm. The shit..
"Now who's.. Going to blink first.. We are approaching York Ghardeh.."
I drop him from current height and he lands rubbing his throat. And punch him lightly in the groin. Then sit back in the pilot seat. "D'toudi c'jit.." i say still glaring at him. He lets out a sharp exhale and laughs slightly not even fazed by how close he was to being hurt.
"Again.. You attack the area that attracts you the most? but calling your mate.. Little.. Genitals.. Is uncalled for.. Hmm?"
I give him a dismissive snort. "Call me that again and you will be staring at your spine.. Even the twins refrain from such verbiage." I say with a curt glance in his direction.
"I call a draw.. We both walked that mile but yeah i think i'll pass Kch-tanu.."
"Highly advisable Zik'za.."
"Now what's that one?"
"A general expletive.. Like your word for.. Twat. Bone head.. Narrow minded little git.. Bastard.. Shall i continue?"
Shane lets out a soft laugh.
"Love you too."
We pass over York towards the minster again.. I find a landing spot just off the museum Gardens.. He quickly makes his way out and runs.. I calm down and stay at the ramp with both myself and the ship cloaked. I watch people walk on in the distance and several people sit on the grass talking and laughing.. This is the life Nina Shane and Danny deserve i think to myself.. I think back to when Nina said she kissed Shane to give him her memories.. Yes a risky action for her but the thought still takes a turn in my head. Would they actually make a good couple? I know i shouldn't even be thinking or contemplate it.. But it still.. Brought itself up.. They are both human.. Danny likes Shane.. Considers him family. I shuffle it to the back of my mind.. Moments later Shane runs up to me rustling dollars in my torso..
"Got them let's go.."
We get back on the ship and i take off. Next stop.. Louisiana. It was a peaceful trip.. Seeing the concrete jungle below.. Then the scenery slowly turn to swamp and browns greens and wetland. We land near where Uzkielle and Osh'ikeille originally crash landed.. Several trees have slowly grown back but you can clearly see where their ship smashed into the ground. Shane brings up the map and pings the whole county then patches into the Lar'ja N'ritja.
Osh'ikeille answers.
"Sei-i Mei'hswei?"
"Hey Osh'ikeille is Neens about?"
He clicks, his gaze flicks right then back to Shane with a single blink.
"She is… Busy… At the moment with Uzkielle.." Shane snorts a laugh. "Well tell her we made it at the earliest convenience."
Danny runs up just after Shane says this. "Are we there yet Shane?"
"Yeah we just touched down in the swamp.."
"Be careful of gators and other nasties Shane.. Ghardeh can wrestle them though.. Silly question but could you look for Lucy?"
"Lucy?"
Osh'ikeille growls.. "It was a trophy."
"You don't have to splan it Osh!" Danny shouts drumming on Osh'ikeilles forearm causing him to grunt in annoyance swiping his arm away.
"Chances of Lucy surviving our bombs is slim to none Danny." I say,
"Jesus Ghardeh it wasn't that big of an explosion.. The house was standing.. I remember.. Barely."
Shane looks "Wait.. The house is still standing? Don't those bombs act like nukes?"
"Even on low settings the bomb will vaporise all organic targets.
Uzkielles bomb was set to a one mile radius.. The house still stands.. Everything else organic was destroyed.." Osh explains shifting in the chair.
"But Osh.. I hid lucy in a box.."
"I'll have a look little man.."
Nina comes into view with wet hair.
"They are there Neens.." Danny says jumping off the seat.
"Where did you land?"
"Near the crash site" I say.
Nina nods with a frown.
"Alright.. But i'm staying plugged in when you reach the house.. When you use your armour Shane, we'll see what you see.. Let me know when you go to the house.."
"I'll find those people you mentioned.. Tilly, Trey Glynda and Ian.."
She nods. "Thank you for this Shane."
"Neens he is bringing Lucy home.."
She smiles. "If the house is still standing.. That will be a sight.."
"Alright I'll contact you later Oomans and yautja." Shane says with a nod.
"Bye for now you two.. Osh.. What?" Nina says before she disconnects.
We head for the nearest parish. Shane stands on the side of the back road waiting for a lift completely lost. A red suv pulls up and a man winds down his window. He is wearing a blue cap. And peuce shirt with blue jeans. And tan hiking boots. He leans out and with a thick accent
"You need a ride son?"
Shane walks round..
"Thanks."
He steps in and i get ready to move..
(Shane's pov.)
The man looks to be in his fifties. A weathered looking man. He smiles at shane with a wrinkled smile.
"Where you heading kiddo?
"Looking for the bar.. The swill and trotters.."
He nods "Yep i can take you there.. Ain't too far from where I'm headed."
He lifts off the e brake on the steering wheel column and drives on.
"So where you from son? You don't sound like you from round ere."
"The small island of the UK."
He raises and lowers his deep brown brows.
"Long way from home.. How'd you end up on the backroads of mound?"
"I walked here.." Shane says with a smile.
"Hehe well you must have a motor instead of a heart up in that hood! I like that.. That's good." He says wagging a finger at Shane.
"How'd you get here really?" He asks.
Shane smiles. "A spaceship." I'm serious. Shane thought
The man laughs again "Alright.. Keep your secrets not my business to go poking in.. If you say spaceship.. I'll bite.. You been looking up alien poontang?" he says with a laugh.
"Out of this world." Shane says with a smile knowing full well Ghardeh is above following in the trees hearing every word. The man laughs a belly laugh. "Damn you have one heckuva sense a humour.. I suppose you have to.. Keeps you young and healthy.. Louisiana is one of the happiest counties.. You been to Lafayette before?"
"Yeah a while back.. Apart of my traveling package.. Beautiful city. As well as the byways.."
"Yep.. Beautiful drive during the autumn and winter times but dangerous.. Summers around these parts are ghastly.. Names Steve.." He holds out a hand.
"Shane." He says shaking Steves hand. "That's a name.. Shane.. Not heard that one."
Two hours of driving and Steve pulls up and Shane flashes several dollar bills at him. Steve frowns "No no i couldn't, your company was payment enough son.."
"You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure.. Take care now Shane.."
He waves then drives off. Shane stares at the front of the swill and trotters. "Ok Ghardeh.. First stop.."
Shane enters the bar the glass door slides open as Shane pushes it and enters.. Fans with three lights overhead silently rotate keeping the place cool. The place is glistening and spotless. Shane walks up to see a petite woman with buxom blonde hair wearing a bright red barmaids dress with a red swill and trotters cloth folded over the ribbon of her apron.. Shane leans on the bar. She talks in the same thick accent as Steve but her voice is barbed slightly.
"Welcome to The swill and trotters, what can i get ye hun?"
Shane smiles and she smiles back.
"Can you get me.. Glynda?"
"The owner of the bar hun? She winks. "I am she."
She leans into the mahogany counter. "Glynda you remember Nina?"
Her eyes flash.. "Hun i haven't heard that name for years.. You.. Know er?"
Shane nods. "Yeah we are very close friends.. Look.. She wanted me to tell you she is alright.. She and Danny are both alright.. She's on a very long vacation after her.. Accident.. At the house.."
"Glynda nods and loses Shane gaze..
"I miss that girl.. Damn good worker.. Last time we spoke she w's discussin her.. Boyfriend.. I felt for the poor girl she's been through shit but she made it work ya know? She left work that night.. Then that was it.. Gone then on the news we see her home.. Poof.. I mean it's still standing but.. The council can't get hold of her to remove it.. So they left it as a red site.. Poor girl.." She smiles at Shane.. "Not from around here.. I can tell.. Never had someone with your accent come in before.. You came all this way to tell me Nina is alright?" Shane nods. "Her whole boyfriend issue is well and truly sorted. She's happy.. Well and.. Full of beans."
"Yeah that's the Nina i know. Nothing would truly drive that girl down she's a tough cookie.. You tell her.. Glynda momma bear will always have a place for her here when she ever gets a new house.. If she ever plans on coming back that is. And here.." She pulls up two glasses and pours two shots of whiskey.
"On the house.." They both neck back but Shane shoves two twenty dollar bills in the two glasses. "For friends.. And family."
She looks "I can't take that hun.."
"I'm not asking Glynda. I'll get hold of Nina.. She will know.. Did Neens ever mention a Tilly De Ville?"
"Yeah she was Danny's usual babysitter.. Why you need help getting there hun?" i finish up in roughly one hour.. I can take you to her if you want?" Imma guessing she is another person on her list for ya?"
"Yes Trey, Tilly and Ian.."
"Ehh Trey is at the precinct.. He spent a while lookin for Nina.. He will be damn sure pleased to hear she is well.. Ian was her mechanic friend.. But he's been outta town for about a year. Guess he moved on.."
Shane looks "Are you sure about taking me?"
"Yeah.. Not like i'm doing anything with my day.. Going home watchin breakin bad.. And don'tcha be throwing mons at me. Meet ya in the car park soon.. I'll let the girls know you dropped by.. Thanks again.. Sorry what was your name?"
"Shane.."
"Shane.. Easy to remember.. Come back anytime you come to visit.. Thanks again hun.." She leans on the counter and Shane leaves. He catches a glimpse of Glynda put a hand up to her forehead and walk off. He felt her sadness and it tugs his chest.. When Ghardeh walks up to him.. Shane walks in the middle of the car park when something hits him.. His view darkens.. It's night time.. He walks up to an olive green old bronco and notices a photo on the windscreen he raises his… No not his.. Ninas arm and holds the photo.. It was Danny and her at a barn.. Something grabs him from behind. He snaps out of whatever happened..
"Fuck.." he stances and looks around with a fist ready to attack whoever grabbed him only no one did. He looks around. Ghardeh holds both his shoulders..
(Ghardeh's pov)
Shane has a moment of shock he stood still for a moment then jerked his head in a state of lostfullness..
"What happened?"
He steps back..
"One of Ninas memories. Something happened to her here.."
I crouch next to Shane as he fiddles with my dreads waiting for Glynda. He shakes his head and looks at me, even though I'm cloaked he stares directly into my eyes.
"Nina knows few people Ghardeh.. But they still love her.. Miss her.. All because of that bastard company.. Bringing her mother along.. Ripping her life away."
"But if that hadn't have happened. We would all be dead.. The World Eater Shane.. Everything happens for a reason.. Whether we accept it or not.. It was meant to happen."
An hour later i shift as Glynda walks out wearing a leather coat and her hair down flowing in the wind. Her car keys jangle as she walks up to Shane.
"How'd you get here hun? We are in the middle of nowhere.."
"I hitched a ride."
"Huh.. Come on then let's get you to Tilly. She's a lovely darlin."
I follow them from the trees and stop as she reaches a small house. Shane steps out and walks up to the porch.. Shane knocks on the covered door. An elderly old lady answers.. Wearing a yellow dress and white cardigan.
"Yes who is it?"
"Miss Tilly De Ville, I'm a close friend of Nina and Danny Le'Blanc.."
She walks up to the door..
"Nina? Danny? Are they here?
Shane sees her. A slim wrinkled lady at least in her 80s.. Can't be 90s.. Shane shakes his head. No I'm afraid not.. But they want you to know they are sound and well.. They are far from here.. Happy and picked themselves up after the house incident.. She looks at Shane with a smile. But it was a sad smile. "That.. Is what I've been waiting to hear for a long time.. But.. Why could they not come. Tell me personally..?"
"Miss De Ville.. They are.. On the other side of the world.. They knew i was stopping by so asked me to see you and a few others.."
She nods.. "I hope her boyfriend is treating her right.."
"He is tilly.. A lot has changed.. A lot."
"How'd she meet a fine young man like you?"
"Long story we were on.. A flight.. Then friendship flowered from then on.."
"Could you do something for me. Mr.."
"Oh.. Forgive me.. Shane.."
"Shane.. Lovely name.. Could you do me a favour.. Give me a moment.."
She walks into her house.. And comes out with a package.. She hands it to Shane.
"Here are the cards and presents i have for Ninas and Danny's birthdays and Christmas.. It was something i always had done.. One day I'd hope she would knock on the door again.."
Shane nods. A swell of sadness hits him and i feel it.
"I'm sure they will be delighted.." Shane says with a slight shake in his voice. Tilly walks up to him and pecks his cheek.
"They are both lucky to have such devoted friends. I can tell you have come a long way.. I hope one day you will all come for a spot of coffee.."
"Thank you Miss De Ville.. I'll err.. I'll tell them to do just that.."
"Thank you deary.. I feel oh so much better knowing they are both well and safe.. Good bye Shane.."
"….Goodbye Tilly…. "
Shane steps back, looks down nods to himself then heads for Glynda's suv. Tilly waves then closes her door.. Final destination the precinct.. As they drive along i run out of trees to use so i resort to a sprint they were traveling at a reasonable speed and stopped at a small town.. Shane sees the sheriffs building "Well here we are sweetheart." Glynda says chewing on gum Shane looks and drops roughly 200 dollars on Glyndas passenger seat. "Hey.. No.. C'mon Shane this is a favour.."
"Gas money.." Shane says..
"Why is there somewhere else darl?"
"Yeah Ninas ruined home.." She nods slowly.. "Alright.. Any particular reason?"
"My own.."
She nods.. "Okay.. Alright.." Shane leaves the suv closes the door and enters the building.
(Shane's pov.)
As Shane enters there is a police officer filing paperwork behind a bulletproof glass window..
"Hey Officer.. Is there a Deputy.. Trey about today?" The officer turns to Shane. "I believe so.. He's free right now.. Want me to go get em?"
"If you wouldn't mind, could you tell him I'm a friend of Nina and Danny Le'Blanc? He'll know those names."
"Yeah of course. What's your name buddy?"
"Shane.."
"Alright wait here take a seat, I'll go get him.."
Shane looks to sense Ghardeh on the roof of the building in front.. Keeping a watchful eye on Shane. And Glynda who patiently waits for him. Moments later a tanned officer who looks like he was a wrestler or quarter backer once upon a time wearing a light blue shirt his badge clipped to his gun holster with black trousers and polished black shoes.. Walks up to Shane his chocolate brown eyes lock onto Shane.
"Shane i presume?" His voice sharp with a commanding tone
"Yes sir. I'm Shane.. I come with news from Nina And Danny.."
He walks up to him.. "Are you.. Her boyfriend? I thought you'd be taller.. Come with me.. Partial to coffee? Let's have a chat in my office in private.." He leads Shane through the hustle and bustle of phone calls and officers communicating for operations. And enter an office he draws his blinds and walks over to his coffee maker.
"So.. Shane.." He says passing him a cup of steaming black coffee.
"What have you got for me? Bare in mind.. I have suspicions about.. You.."
"In what way we have never met sir?"
"Exactly.. Last she spoke to me she was having trouble with her 'boyfriend' next thing i know.. She goes missing and i file a case with her house exploding. Why don't you fill in the blanks for me?" He asks leaning on his desk.
"Alright.. You remember that case with Miss Finch?"
His eyes shine "Yes i do, but how do you know about that?"
"Look Nina told me.. I'm very good at persuading people, what she didn't tell you was Mr Finch.. Ambushed her after work one night.. He kidnapped her with intent to… Murder her and Danny.. I found her covered in blood and gunk When i went looking for her.. She defended herself and accidentally killed him.. She told me she left him in the swamp.. She was barely holding on by a thread mentally.."
His eyes widen.. "Wait.. Hold on.. Nina.. Killed Mr Finch.. We didn't find anything at all in the swamps.. No blood no proof of any struggle.. It took us months to search and found nothing, then what happened?" He presses.
"She was so shook up with what happened.. She didn't want you getting involved she was scared of what might happen to Danny. And what with Mr Finch getting so close to us. We went on vacation.. Only.."
Trey nods "The explosion at the house.. I tried for over a year to clean that file up.. Nina was never irresponsible or reckless.. Especially with Danny.. And I'd never even think of her killing someone.. Now you come along and tell me all this.. Why?"
"Like you said you had your suspicions.. And as for Mr.. Finch.. He got his just dessert did he not? He was going to murder Nina and Danny.. He already killed his wife.."
His jaw muscle twitches.. "You know i should detain you for.. Suspicion of something, obstructing justice.. I needed Nina for.. Questioning.. If she didn't want to come to me i get it I've known her a long time... But you definitely should have done.." He rubs his jaw. Shane holds his wrists up "I've got nothing to hide Deputy.."
He nods slowly.. "That's not the only reason you came all the way here is it..?" He asks nodding slightly with a frown.
"No.. Nina wanted me to tell you she and Danny are both safe and well.. They both miss you.. But they are not ready to come back yet.. They may in time.."
"Why did she send her boyfriend?"
"I was visiting.. I never had the opportunity to fully explore the beautiful town so i came back.. Nina wanted me to find her close friends and tell them she is fine.." He stares into Shanes eyes and detects no lie. "You came all this way for Nina, Shane?"
"Indeed.. I'd travel the world for her."
"Alright look.. I know i didn't have a very good opinion of you.. But now I've actually seen you.. And spoken with you.. Finally.. You aren't so bad.. The cop in me wants to detain you for questioning.. But with everything that you have told me.. Well I know Nina.. She's a good person.. Finch got what he deserved, it seems she did us both a favour. And besides.. I can read people very well.. You have an air of.. Calmness.. To you. Not what i expected. I'll let you go.. For Ninas sake, leave out the paperwork. Plus she'd only give me an earful for keeping her boyfriend in a cell.. Haha just kidding.. Look. In all seriousness, tell Neens not to worry about the file.. I'll scrap the whole damn thing.. It will only come and bite one of us in the ass later anyway.. Tell Nina.. Tell her i said to come visit.. I damn well miss our quirky convo's.. Is that all lover boy?" Trey says then asks with a smile..
"Yes sir.."
"Oh and Shane? What was that name Danny called you that one time?"
Shane smiles.. "Pakkun.."
Trey smiles.. "Alright.. T'yeah.. Typical Danny. Thanks again Shane.. You take care now and keep your nose clean."
"Thanks for the coffee." Shane says. He takes his leave and Trey follows him out of the building. Shane gets in the suv and Glynda turns the suv around and drives to Nina's old home.. A two hour drive and the sun begins to set over the gorgeous backdrop of trees and winding roads. Then just off the drive Glynda stops.. "Here we are end of the road.. I don't want to drive all the way up darl.. It still haunts me.." Shane turns to her and puts three more notes on the back of her chair.
"Shane.. No i can't take that."
"Please Glynda.. Thank you.. Before she can ram the money in his coat he leaves the suv. She sits for several moments waves, then drives away leaving a dusty trail. There is a winding road before they reach Ninas House.
"Ghardeh we need to go back to the Scorpion before we do this.."
She picks Shane up and sprints towards the Scorpion. They reach the cloaked ship and Shane immediately walks up to the comms console he contacts the Lar'ja N'ritja..
Nina answers.
"Shane! How's the errand going?" Shane holds up a package..
"From Tilly.. To Nina and Danny."
She puts a hand to her chest..
"That's sweet.. She kept doing that.. Did you see the others?"
"I saw Glynda.. She said you will always have a place to work should you ever return. And Trey.. He was convinced i was your boyfriend.. I explained away Mr Finch.. He said he would destroy the file of the house and close the Finch case.. He said he misses your conversations.. He likes Pakkun.."
"Shane.. You told him about Finch? You better have told him a convincing story." She says tears welling in her eyes.. "God damn i just.. I have left much more than i thought behind.. Thank you so much Shane.. Avamar and Ry'kar are back tomorrow.. We have temporarily stopped travel so their shuttle can bring them home. Here's hoping you two are back soon have you been to the house yet?"
"No getting in my armour now.. Get plugged in.."
"Danny.. Come here Shane is going to the house." Nina wipes her eyes.
Shane keeps the channel open as he gets in his armour. Then he transfers the connection to his feed.
"Alright.. Getting your feed crisp and clear.. Audio.. On.. Lets go.."
Author note: Another calm chapter with the pair as they find Ninas close friends. This chapter was very nice to write as it takes us back to Louisiana if not for a moment. Next chapter is Shane experiencing some of Ninas memories. So he can understand how she was ripped away from her old life and see just a glimpse of her past with the twins.. I hope you enjoy the read! Take care people!
Yautja words:
Sei-i- Yes.
D'toudi- Little.
Khos- D^ck. (Non-cannon my own word.)
Krit- Idiot or general remark. (Non-cannon my own word.)
Zik'za- General low demeaning remark undefined. (Non-cannon my own word.)
Lou-dte Kalei- Child maker. (A female insult, highly inadvised.)
Ell-osde- You.
Kch-tanu- Love.
Mei'hswei- Brother.
Lar'ja- Dark.
N'ritja- Dance.
Pakkun- Osh'ikeille's name Danny gave him.