Rating and Warnings: PG-13, because Jesse felt like swearing (I don't think it's too bad, but it might get worse later.)

Disclaimer: Not mine, I just like to play with them for a little while.

A/N: Jesse meets his family. Think he'll like them?

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Chapter 11: Family

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Those first days of Jesse's holiday were great. After the first evening out Jean Claude seemed to be up for any kind of nonsense Jesse could think off, though he still refused to let him enter his clan's home.

Somehow Jenny always appeared to know when Jesse was waiting outside, though. Despite the fact that she had indeed gotten a beating for coming home late after their first meeting, she was still fascinated with Jesse and never missed a chance to talk to him.

The happy time ended too soon however and Jesse had to say good bye to everyone and everything he knew to go meet his 'family'.

As he sat in the shuttle staring out into space he tried to remind himself that he'd left everything he knew behind once before when he'd first joined the Outriders. Back then he'd gone to live among complete strangers, aliens that he couldn't understand at all and who didn't really want him. Had gone never to return.

This time it was only for a short time. He'd return to his familiar aliens once it was over and everything would be as it was. He could just forget the strange aliens again. And next time Nemesis sent him on holiday he wouldn't ask any stupid questions and just spend it with Jean Claude.

Still he couldn't help longing to be back in his quarters, or in his office, or the cockpit of the badlander. Maybe he should have insisted on taking his own ship?

If only Jean Claude were with him rather than Laxus and Marzze!

Or somebody else he knew. He'd settle for Gattler.

Hell, he'd settle for Razzle, or one of his idiotic sub commanders. Better to spend the whole trip furious, than all alone.

Not that he wasn't completely exasperated with Laxus and Marzze, but snarling insults back at them just wasn't the same as it was with Razzle. Razzle at least understood a good insult and knew how to return it, while the sub commanders would stutter -Yes, Sir.- and try unsuccessfully to do better. Laxus just shrugged at him and trotted off to pursue whatever amusement came to his mind, while Marzze's most interesting reaction so far had been to gape like a fish and stumble for words.

The planet they were headed towards looked beautiful on the monitors, though. It was mostly bluish with white patches, that had to be clouds. Maybe he should ask somebody for its name later. Right now the pilot was busy preparing the shuttle for landing and Jesse had no idea where his two idiots were.

So he just stood watching the landing manoeuvre over the pilot's shoulder.

Which turned out to have been a mistake. The pilot wasn't particularly good and landed with a sudden hard jerk that threw Jesse across the room. That was probably going to leave a bruise on his hip.

Jesse snarled a curse at the pilot and had the satisfaction of seeing him flinch. While the young Outrider still stuttered excuses, Jesse went to grab his luggage from the cabin he'd had to share with Laxus and Marzze.

Five minutes later they were outside in the main building of the spaceport. Marzze was trying to hire a car to get them 'home' while Jesse was taking a look around the building. He'd expected the architecture to remind him of the familiar hangar back at home, but this place had little in common with the base or the civilian city he was used to.

The spaceport was built entirely from white stone, it was wide with lots of curved shapes rather than straight walls or corners. Beautiful, Jesse had to admit, but strange, so very strange. The dark metal corridors back on the artificial planet at least no longer felt like alien architecture to him. This place, though much more aesthetically appealing, was as completely alien as the metal world once had been.

The next surprise waited outside. Where the white stone pavement ended the ground was covered by blue moss and as they drove they passed large blue trees and equally blue bushes. There were large fields of bushes and fruit trees that had to belong to the local farms, small white buildings in the distance.

Jesse was no longer completely surprised when the car stopped in front of a complex of white buildings whose walls were partially overgrown with blue ivy. Well, at least it looked like ivy.

-Ah, home!- Marzze beamed. -Finally home!-

Jesse just frowned at him and stepped out of the car.

A group of servants ran up to get their luggage shooting him nervous glances on their way. Some children were watching them from around a curve of the house to their left.

Laxus paid the driver while Marzze was still beaming happily at the houses.

Jesse leaned against the car trying to be as unimpressed as possible. This place was nothing like Jean Claude's tall dark metal house. He was beginning to understand why he was too ashamed to show it to him. He wondered whether the original home of house Elhessar had looked similar to this. Maybe he could convince Jean Claude to show him the pictures someday?

His two clowns led him towards the big building in the center prattling about people he absolutely had to meet. Afrar Hirez, that much was a given. After all he was the head of the family.

Jesse smirked to himself. The word Afrar actually meant father, but was also the title for the most powerful member of the clan. It reminded him a little of those old human stories about the mafia.

Marzze was babbling something about Irzhe. Jesse wondered whether they expected him to call her mother. They'd learn better soon enough, if they did.

Laxus had to check up on somebody called Makett and make sure he hadn't trashed the training room. Marzze assured him that his brother would never do anything irresponsible.

If said brother was anything like Marzze himself, Jesse seriously doubted that information.

Cozz was coming home for a visit. Marzze was beside himself with joy that he'd see his favourite child. If he could be believed, Cozz was a veritable genius.

Jesse's frown deepened. He didn't feel at all inclined to meet his future biggest rival, if Cozz even really was that good.

Laxus reminded Marzze of the other kids. Marzze went on about Cato for a bit.

The inside of the house was just as curving and white as the outside. The stairs were actually curving ramps, but they didn't go up any stairs. Instead they followed a long white corridor towards a door made from bluish wood and decorated with artful carvings.

Laxus stopped his wistful description of possible desserts that might be served at dinner today to remind Jesse to behave in front of Afrar Hirez.

-Don't see why I should.- Jesse informed him coldly. -I don't even behave for Nemesis most of the time, so why should he get special treatment.-

That statement wasn't entirely correct. Jesse did show Nemesis a certain amount of respect most of the time. Nemesis had earned that and somehow he even had a faint liking for his Nastiness, loath as he was to admit it.

Marzze and Laxus shot him worried looks, but it was too late for further discussions. The carved door slid aside automatically and they entered a huge hall.

According to what Jean Claude had told Jesse, this should be the dining room where the clan gathered for meals, but which was also used for family meetings and representative purposes. There were long tables carved from the same type of wood as the door and matching chairs. The walls, floor and domed ceiling were the same white stone as everywhere else, but the lamps in the room lit them with tinges of different colours that confused the eye and made the whole scene seem somewhat unreal. At mealtimes the room would probably be teeming with people and buzzing from their talking. The experience had to be dizzying.

A quick glance around revealed several people sitting at the head table along the opposite end of the room. The Afrar would be sitting in the center, he remembered.

Leaving Laxus and Marzze behind he walked up to the head table with long deliberate strides and stopped right in front of Hirez.

The group at the table fell silent and looked up in surprise. Jesse raised an eyebrow at Hirez.

-You wished to see me, I believe?- he asked with the hint of a smirk.

Hirez exchanged a look with the old man to his right. The old man answered with the hint of a shrug.

-You're Jhezzeji?- Hirez asked.

-Jesse.- Jesse corrected. -My name's Jesse Blue.-

He hadn't used his last name in a long time now. In the Outrider army everybody went by their first names, which made it so very difficult to tell who was related to whom.

-I've been told your name was Jhessiy Marzzesz Artesz.- Afrar Hirez stated apparently calmly.

-Jesse Blue's the name my mother gave me. She raised me until she got killed, so I guess I owe her something.- Jesse stated equally calmly. -So far Outriders have simply called me Commander Jesse ignoring the Blue. I'm fine with that. As for the rest, I owe neither Marzze nor Artesz anything, nor have they done anything to earn my respect so far. I might want to carry your name, if you impress me enough to feel it's something to be proud of. What I've seen of your clan until now was anything but impressive, so for now I'll just remain Jesse Blue.-

-You talk pretty proud.- one of the younger Outriders a little further to the right commented.

-And you speak out of turn.- Jesse smirked openly this time. -I like that. . . . as long as you aren't one of my troops.-

Hirez shot the man a look that silenced whatever he'd been about to return.

-Ulasz lacks discipline indeed.- he confirmed. -But medics are not drilled the way soldiers are. He is correct, though. You do talk pretty proud.-

-I don't deny it.- Jesse answered. -As I see it, I don't need you. I've been getting by without you for seventeen years. You are just a disruption of my life. I have never had a clan and I'm no longer a child in need of a family. I have no use for you. You however, have a use for me, it appears. Your dear Laxus has given you quite a bad reputation. You could well use a competent commander to clean your name.-

-Competent, are you?- Hirez sounded doubtful.

-Competent enough that his Nastiness went to the trouble of finding my 'father' for me.- Jesse reminded him.

Hirez regarded him earnestly. Those eyes were deep. No, Afrar Hirez wasn't the kind of fool Laxus was.

-I don't know much about Fleshlings.- Hirez said at length. -But among our people being born of a noble clan is an advantage, particularly for a warrior. Despite everything you are still a child and do not understand what you've been offered. You are our blood and welcome to the name. I am sure the time will come when you will see why you should want it.-

-Child? I've fought more battles than any of your current soldiers.- Jesse cast a demonstrative look at Laxus and Marzze who'd caught up with him by now. -We'll see about the name. So far I remain unimpressed.-

To Jesse's dismay he soon found out that he was expected to share a room with Cato and two of his cousins named Ferzze and Garz. He sneered at the boys and started to unpack. They glared at him silently until they saw his small hand gun.

Cato gasped at the sight and Garz quickly disappeared under his bed.

-Th . . . that thing isn't . . . isn't real, is it?- Ferzze stuttered.

Jesse turned to him and looked him up and down. -Ah, it can talk.- he remarked coldly. -Of course it's a real gun. Did you think we fight the Star Sheriffs with toys?-

-But you're just a boy!- Ferzze argued. -You can't really kill a Fleshling, yet.-

Jesse laughed. -I've killed more Fleshlings than your precious uncle Laxus and Marzze, the fool, together.-

-My father is not a fool!- Cato yelled jumping up angrily, but he quickly sat back down on his bed when Jesse turned to face him.

-How sweet.- Jesse commented. -He doesn't quite think the same of you, I'm afraid, though.-

-That's not true.- Cato's voice trembled slightly betraying his true feelings. -Father is proud of me.-

-Is that what he tells you?- Jesse asked flopping onto his own bed to demonstrate his disregard for his roommates. -He spoke quite differently to me. You want to be a scientist, he says, because you don't have the guts to become a soldier. The only one he's proud of is Cozz, you know.-

-That's not true.- Cato insisted softly.

-He had to marry your mother, because of you, didn't he?- Jesse continued regardless. -He doesn't love her, doesn't even like her. He never wanted a scientist for his wife, but because of you, they didn't leave him a choice. And now you're not only not good enough, you're just like her. He has to be so disappointed.-

Cato sobbed and bolted past Jesse and out the door. Jesse returned his attention to Ferzze who was regarding him intently.

-You're lying, aren't you?- the boy asked. -You've never killed anyone. You're just trying to scare us.-

Jesse folded his arms behind his head. The bed was comfortable for Outrider standards. At least more comfortable than the one in med bay. He'd been too tired to care that night he'd slept in the dorm.

-Aren't you?- Ferzze demanded.

-Guess you'll have to ask Nemesis, if you don't believe me.- Jesse suggested.

Ferzze paled. According to Marzze he was only 14, though he was almost as tall as Jesse.

A knock on the door.

Neither of them moved.

-Well, aren't you going to open the door?- Jesse asked Ferzze after a moment.

Ferzze cautiously walked past Jesse's bed and to the door always keeping his back to the wall. This one might make a good soldier someday after all.

When he was finally beside the door Ferzze stopped and felt for the switch still without taking his eyes off Jesse.

The door slid aside and a small girl with a big stuffed toy under her arm stepped inside. She stopped when she saw only Jesse at fist glance. Her eyes widened in surprise and she turned to look to the door switch. Somebody had to have opened the door for her and if he wasn't in front of her, he had to be somewhere over there.

-Where's Cato?- she asked the moment she found Ferzze.

-He . . . he ran out.- Ferzze stuttered again.

Jesse had gotten up. Two quick, quiet steps took him right behind Cain, but she shot around before he would have been close enough to touch her.

-He was afraid of me.- he stated towering above her.

Cain smiled. -Cato is a fool. I don't scare as easily.-

It sounded almost like a challenge, Jesse thought. -You're Cain, aren't you?-

-And you're Jhezzeij, my new big brother.- she returned.

-Jesse.- he corrected once again. -It's pronounced Jesse.-

-I wouldn't know how to write that.- Cain stated.

-It doesn't really have a spelling in your alphabet.- Jesse agreed.

-If Cato ran away, where's Garz?- Cain asked taking another look around the room.

-Hiding under the bed. I suppose he thinks I'll forget he's there, if he doesn't say anything.- Jesse shrugged. -I've got very good memory, though.-

Cain nodded her understanding. -If he doesn't come out in the next five minutes, can I have his seat at dinner?-

-Is it dinnertime already?- Jesse asked almost smiling.

Cain nodded earnestly. -I'll even leave Nazsh here and go without any toys, if I can sit with the big kids. Promise.-

-Nazsh?- Jesse asked. Who or what was a Nazsh?

Cain calmly lifted her stuffed toy. -Can I?-

-If you absolutely want to.- Jesse agreed.

-Great!- Cain beamed. She dumped Nazsh on Jesse's bed grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door.

Jesse stopped her, though. -Well, Ferzze? Are you going to dig the coward out under his bed and come with us?-

Ferzze hesitated. -Garz?-

No reaction.

-Garz we're going to dinner now.-

Still nothing. Ferzze shrugged. -Well, I guess that means we're going without him?-

Jesse just shrugged, but Cain happily grabbed one of Ferzze's hands as well and started off towards the door again. This time the boys followed.

Cato was already there when they arrived, but quickly switched seats with Cain when he realised he was expected to sit next to Jesse.

Jesse frowned about the seating arrangements as well. They'd placed him with the children again. Even Razzle had always treated him as an adult back at home, but his 'family' expected him to play the role of a child, one not even old enough to attend the academy at that.

For a moment he wondered when that ugly metal world had become home in his mind. That was Nemesis' home, and Jean Claude's, and Razzle's. He should not think of it as home. He wondered whether Gattler did.

Even, if it wasn't his home, though, he wanted to be back there.

The dignitaries at the head table ignored him while the rest cast him curious glances, some suspicious, but most sneering down their noses.

Jesse glared back at them. Three weeks, then he'd be on his way back home never to return.

Cain kept chattering away beside him playing the naive little child. Jesse couldn't forget the way she'd spun around when he'd meant to sneak up on her, though. What game was she playing?

She was the only one that had reacted positively to his presence so far, though. The rest all just tolerated him or were afraid. He preferred the second group, Jesse thought. At least they didn't look down at him.

Except for Cain nobody at his table spoke much. The closer to him they were sitting, the quieter they were. No, he wanted no part of this family, or clan, or whatever. Why couldn't he have been related to Jean Claude instead?

Cain became even cuter the moment dessert was served. Oh well, he didn't have much of an appetite left anyway.

When he pushed his barely touched bowl over to her, Cain beamed, threw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.

Jesse smirked at her trying to hide his surprise.

Up at the head table Afrar Hirez smiled to himself. So he thought a cute child's adoration would sway him? Jesse almost laughed.

Marzze waved him over after the meal to introduce him to Irzhe. Jesse wondered whose idea that had been. Marzze hadn't bothered with him since they'd arrived, so he supposed either Irzhe herself or Hirez had talked him into it.

The woman actually attempted to hug him, but Jesse stepped back and glared at her. -Don't you dare.-

Irzhe faltered and looked to Marzze for help, but he just shrugged at her. His mind was probably on Cozz's promised visit again anyway.

-Why won't you let me greet you properly?- Irzhe tried. -I'm your mother and . . .-

-You are not.- Jesse hissed at her. -My mother died years ago.-

Some of the children had drawn nearer curious to hear the conversation. Jesse saw Cato and Ferzze trying to remain in the background while still wanting to be close enough to hear and there were Catzze and Cairo in the front. He couldn't see Cain, but had a feeling she was around somewhere.

-I am your father's wife.- Irzhe pointed out.

-My father died with my mother.- Jesse returned icily.

-But that wasn't really your father. Your real father . . .-

-He called me his son, he loved me, he wanted me. That'd make him my father as far as I know.- Jesse wondered whether Jean Claude was aware what a weapon he had given him when he'd explained about the lack of bureaucracy in Outrider adoption customs.

-Jhessej . . .-Irzhe started once more.

-My name is Jesse.- Jesse snapped. -Jesse Blue, Human, no Outrider.-

He turned on his heel and walked out before Irzhe or Marzze found anything to say in answer to that.

The assembled Outriders stood in surprised silence for several seconds after the carved door had slid closed behind him.

-Jean Claude said provoking people was Jesse's hobby.- Marzze finally told Hirez.

-I haven't seen him this bad before and I've had to work with him for two months now.- Laxus added. -He's never been exactly friendly, but nowhere near this bad.-

-He doesn't like us.- Hirez stated still staring after Jesse, even though the door had long closed behind him. -I thought it was an act at first, but he really means it.- He suddenly turned towards Marzze. -Jean Claude?-

-One of Nemesis' minor commanders, as far as I can tell. They introduced him as Jesse's translator, but I don't think Jesse needs one.- Marzze answered. -He was more of an ally, if you ask me.-

-More than that.- Laxus declared. -They're friends. Close friends, I think.-

-A minor commander.- Hirez repeated. -Noble?-

-The Devil's own son.- Laxus confirmed.

Hirez hissed through his teeth. -Elhessar. You call that minor? His Nastiness has always had a preference for that house, that line.-

-Jean Claude is still young.- Marzze allowed. -He might become more important in time.-

-A valuable connection.- Ulasz suggested.

-Elhessar? Old blood beggars?- Hirez shot a glare at him. -I think not. Jesse will need to find some new friends.-

Jesse got those news two hours later as he was exploring the park like courtyard. It was Laxus that delivered the message, since Marzze was still busy planning Cozz's arrival.

-I think bloody not.- was Jesse's response as soon as he found his voice again. -I'll hang out with whoever I like. If you don't like that just leave me the hell alone. I never wanted you in the first place, so why should I do you any favours?-

-It isn't appropriate.- Laxus declared. -The old blood are snobbish little beggars. They aren't worth your time.-

-And the Artesze are sloppy, fat idiots.- Jesse informed him coldly. -I think, I much prefer the snobbish beggars.-

-You'd put Jean Claude over your own clan?- Laxus gasped exasperated.

Jesse had to think about that for a moment. So far he'd only reacted by instinct. What was Jean Claude to him? His translator, but he didn't really need a translator anymore. He was doing fine on his own.

So why did he still spend so much time with Jean Claude? For some weird reason his first meeting with Jenny popped into his head. 'He's mine.' Jean Claude had said. 'I saw him first.' Then the time they'd gone shopping. 'Well, it might be nice to be a father.'

Neither of those two incidents were particularly relevant. Jesse was surprised he even remembered them at all. Still . . .

-Yes, yes I would and I do.- Jesse answered Laxus. -Though that doesn't really mean much. I haven't found any reason to like any of your clan, yet.-

-Cain absolutely adores you.- Laxus pointed out.

-Cain is curious and not afraid of me.- Jesse corrected. -Unfortunately she's just a little girl. Jenny is pretty cute too, you know.-

-Jenny?- Laxus puzzled. -Whoever is Jenny?-

-Jenny Istarsz Elhessar, Jean Claude's little sister.-

-Cain is your sister, though. And so are Catzze, Cairo and Caibe.- Laxus reminded him.

-Maybe, but who says I have to like them?-

Nazsh was still blocking his bed when Jesse returned to his room. He sat the stuffed toy beside his pillow while he slept.

He didn't really meet the twin girls until the next morning. Jesse had had enough of his roommates by the time he finished breakfast and was headed for the 'park' again hoping to find some secluded spot where he wouldn't have to deal with any of the family.

The twins were headed outside as well, swords in their hands, because they hadn't had the time to mount them properly on their backs. They collided with Jesse at a full run almost knocking him off his feet.

-Sorry.- one of them gasped.

Jesse glared down at the two. It did feel good to be able to look down on Outriders for once.

The twins stepped back nervously.

-We didn't mean to.- the one on the right side started.

-It's just that we're late for sword practise.- the other said.

-And just when Uncle Laxus is here to teach us as well.- right side added.

-And Uncle Makett gave us real metal swords.- left side continued.

-But Uncle Laxus has to confirm that, or we have to give them back.- right side nodded nervously.

-P . . . please don't kill us!- left side squealed suddenly.

-Please!- confirmed right side backing away until she ran into the wall and could go no further.

-Kill you?- Jesse shrugged. -You aren't old enough to kill. Not worth the effort.-

Right side, well, actually now that she was straight behind her sister he should probably think of her as 'back to the wall' instead, breathed a sigh of relief.

The apparently more courageous of the two attempted a smile. -Thank you. Do you want to come to the training, too? Maybe you could fight Cato or Garz.-

-No thanks,- Jesse almost laughed at the idea.

After some searching he found a nice place between some bushes, blue bushes of course, and sat down in the moss. It was nice and soft despite its strange colour and to his surprise completely dry as well. Maybe it wasn't moss at all.

Taking up sword fighting had never occurred to him before. He'd learned the basics at the Star Sheriff Academy, of course, but never specialised in it the way Saber Rider had. Few Star Sheriffs did, as the lack of range gave swords a clear disadvantage in modern combat. An enemy equipped with a gun or laser weapon didn't need to ever come into range of your sword to kill you.

Still Jesse thought that he'd be quite capable with most kinds of swords, if given a little time to re-familiarise himself with the weapon. Most kinds of swords. He'd never been taught to fight left- or both handed and using two swords at once had been a completely new concept to him when he'd first joined the Outriders.

To them it was a recreational activity, a very popular sport for which they used blunt swords so no serious harm would come to their opponent.

Or that was what he'd thought for a long time. Then Gattler had returned from the phantom chambers and his swords were obviously sharp, very sharp even, as far as Jesse could tell. He'd seen him slice a strand of hair off an opponent once.

Even Gattler had never taken his swords with him into battle, though, as far as Jesse knew. He still just fought for fun.

Should he ask somebody to teach him so he could join the Outriders' games? Nobody had ever invited him to a fight before, but that might be because they knew that he didn't know the rules. Would it help him gain more respect from his troops, if he did? They did respect him, once they knew him, but new arrivals usually needed to be taught. Did beating them in a swordfight count as a lesson?

If he really wanted to learn, who should he ask?

Definitely not Laxus, that much was clear. Nor that Makett fellow, whoever he was, or Marzze, the idiot. Not any of his siblings either, though Cain might be willing and friendly enough. She probably wasn't capable, yet, anyway. No, none of the family would do.

Jean Claude then. Or maybe Gattler? They'd been getting on well enough lately and Gattler seemed to be quite the expert. Then again it probably meant spending more time with Razzle. Jesse frowned up at the sky.

Fluffy white clouds drifted overhead. At least they were the same as he'd been used to back on Yuma.

-Hi, Jesse!-

He shot around and to his feet in one heartbeat. Cain smiled up at him sweetly.

This time she was holding what looked like a very ugly plastic figure in her hand. Jesse's eyes narrowed. Something about the thing was familiar.

-Is that one of those old renegades Grammis likes so much?- he asked.

-I don't know Grammis.- Cain declared. -This is an old model, though. They were built for the first attacks on the Fleshlings, but now the Fleshlings have some kind of renegade of their own and this model has proven ineffective against it.-

Some renegade of their own? -Ramrod.- Jesse realised. -But it isn't really a renegade. It's a robot.-

-So it doesn't have a pilot?- Cain tried her best to look cute. Which was terribly effective.

-Quit the act.- Jesse told her a little gruffly. -I know you're no naive little girl.-

Cain blinked up at him in surprise. This had never happened to her before and she wasn't sure how to react.

-Just tell me what you really want.- Jesse suggested.

Actually Cain wasn't entirely sure what she wanted from Jesse, yet. -To know about renegades. For now.-

-So why don't you ask your father?-

-He doesn't know much. And he doesn't care much about answering my questions. Our uncles and cousins sometimes tell me things, but I want to be a renegade pilot someday. I need to know as much about them as I possibly can.- she was trying cute again.

Jesse glared at her. -Stop it. You have to be scary, not cute. Your troops need to obey you, not make you gifts.-

-But I won't have to have troops to be a renegade pilot.- Cain protested.

-You'd want to be a common soldier?- Jesse asked her with a sneer. -You're noble born, Cain. You could make commander, if you wanted to.-

-Commander? I'm a girl. Girls never make commander.- Cain frowned.

-Oh, what about Brunhilda then?-

-She's the first one in fifty years.-

-So, you could be the next.-

Cain stopped to think for a moment. -Well, I could make sub commander, perhaps.-

-You're my sister, Cain. I am the youngest commander ever, so why shouldn't you make commander at the normal age.- Jesse smiled. He was beginning to love that idea. -If Cozz can do it, so can you. And then your father won't ignore you anymore, I promise you that.-

-Cozz won't make commander.- Cain stated in a calm tone that seemed strangely familiar to Jesse. -That's just one of father's stupid dreams. Cozz is much too lazy.-

-Laxus is lazy too and he is a commander.-

-Uncle Laxus is very clever when he wants to be. That's what earned him his grades at the academy, if you ask me. Cozz is as stupid as father and as lazy as uncle Laxus. He doesn't stand a chance.-

-And Cato doesn't have the ambition.- Jesse decided. -The twins show their fear too easily, but they might grow out of that in time.-

-They have less ambition than Cato.- Cain said dismissively. -Cato has ambitions, just not towards being a commander. The twins change their long time goals every few days. They'll never arrive at anything.-

-What of Carszt and Caibe?- Jesse asked. -I haven't even met them, yet.-

-Caibe's good with a gun and she likes sports, but she's easy to fool. Almost as easy as Cozz. Carszt is really smart, but he can't even swordfight.- Cain reported.

-I can't swordfight either.- Jesse remarked. -At least not Outrider style.-

-I can.- Cain smirked triumphantly. -I'm the youngest swordfighter in the clan.-

-Carszt is smart, you say?- Jesse decided to leave the swordfight problem for the moment.

-Yes, but he's a coward.- Cain declared. -He's afraid of you.-

-He's not the only one.- Jesse commented.

-Come on!- Cain shouted all of a sudden. -I'll show you my collection and you can tell me all about that Ramrod thing. Then we'll make a battle plan to let our renegades destroy it.-

Despite himself Jesse had to smile. -Our renegades will be damaged.-

-Then we need to have them repaired.- Cain decided.

-We'll need salvage ships at the ready to pick them up and bring them in for the repairs.- Jesse explained.

Cain frowned. -I'll have to start collecting model ships as well. I don't have any salvage ships.-

-Then we'll have to build them.- Jesse returned.

-How?- Cain scrunched up her face now looking like any ordinary little girl.

-From paper.- Jesse suggested. -I'll show you how. They won't look much like real salvage ships, but we can pretend.-

Thus Jesse spent most of the morning teaching his little sister how to fold paper aeroplanes. It wasn't until Cain announced that she had to go to her lessons after lunch that Jesse remembered Cozz would arrive soon.

The afternoon without Cain turned out to be dead boring. Jesse even considered recording a holomessage to Jean Claude, but then again, why would Jean Claude want to get mail from him? He'd probably just throw it away.

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Junona - I know, but considering what little the series gave us on the Outriders and their personalities, I found myself forced to invent them anyway. Even the cannon characters are rarely more than a name and a face that I wrote a person into. I wanted to give them a world to live in, but that requires some people living in it as well. I could have made Jesse the son of somebody we already know of course (Razzle? Grin! Can you imagine their faces?), but it just didn't feel right. Though some of Jesse's siblings will have a larger role the main character remains Jesse and perhaps Jean Claude. (Gattler, Razzle and Nemesis are also begging to be explored, but I think I'll leave that for a later fic.) . . . Fic length is a problem with me. They always get longer than planned and I can't control it. It's all in Greenie the green hedgehog's paws (read: muse and inspiration). In the Harry Potter fandom, I've never had a problem with that, though. The readers actually asked me to continue closed fics. Of course in a book fandom that might be quite different than in the anime sector, but then, I don't write this one for the reviews. (The fandom is much too small to ever reach the numbers of reviews I'm used to from HP.) I want to tell this story and tell it I will. Every review is a special bonus that makes me extra happy, but I'd do it even if I got no reviews at all.

Tribun - Thanks for the information, but I've been already aware of both terms, but have been avoiding them on purpose as they are not actually part of the Saber Rider and the Star Sheriff's cannon. They're taken from the original Bismark series, which I have never seen and which also has a very different background for Perios (Jesse). I've hesitated to give the metal world a different name for a while, but ended up deciding to refer to it as war world according to its function. . . . I actually toyed with the idea of Perios being some sort of nickname given to Jesse by the Outriders, but decided to completely ignore Bismark in the end. I might change my mind, if I ever get to see the original series, but right now I'm not entirely sure what other concepts I might be accidentally importing with the names. (Perios' death in the final episode? NOOOO!!!!)

Laughing Cat - Hm . . . good question. I think thanks to their advanced medical technology it's a bit longer than that of the humans, not as much as the wizards' in Harry Potter, though, unless you get put into a phantom chamber for part of the time, of course. . . . I'm considering 25 the absolutely latest age to finish education for them. Officers are the most honoured people in their society, so they would have a top education. (If it's true that, no matter what you study after high school in America, it takes you only three years, I can understand your confusion. Here, though, it depends on the subject and for example studying Biology takes about eight years (starting from age eighteen at the earliest).)

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Next: Cozz arrives, Jesse gets to know Carszt and the librarian is up to something.