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's going home, but somebody has decided to tag along and they end up in the lion's ... er ... cats' den.
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Chapter 14: Going Home
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Jesse saved himself with a quick backward roll and kicked out hard, but Urak was already gone. He managed to get up to a crouching position, before the Outrider launched at him again. This time his kick hit home, but the manoeuvre threw him flat onto the mat.
Another roll finally brought him back to his feet, but Urak, too was back up again and Jesse was just in time to deflect his fist from his head by throwing his lower arm against Urak's.
He'd learned pretty fast to avoid taking any blows from Urak's fists. The force the Outrider put into his attacks was enough to make Jesse's arm go numb for several seconds, if he took the full hit and that was nothing compared to his kicks.
Of course Urak's strength was nothing compared to what Grammis' probably was. The young officer's stature reminded Jesse more of Gattler, though he suspected that Gattler would have made short work of Urak, if he'd been there. From what Jesse had seen so far, Gattler was as fast as he was and speed was his main advantage over Urak.
Then of course there was Razzle. Jesse suspected that he could match Razzle for strength, but the old rat struck fast as a snake. You never saw Razzle's blows coming in time to block, but then they weren't so hard.
For the first time since his arrival in this dimension, Jesse felt tempted to spar with his fellow commanders. Up until now he'd been content with wiping the floor with an uppity subcommander from time to time and had usually trained alone. Sparring with Urak, however had stirred his interest.
Should he ask Jean Claude to play with him when he returned? He'd gotten the impression that dorm mates usually trained together and he didn't like the idea of Razzle watching him lose. He ought to be able to take Jean Claude, he thought, but then there were the things Urak had mentioned about house Elhessar.
Urak openly admitted to having had 'the misfortune to be taught by the Devil' in his academy days.
"You can't beat that man." he'd said. "No matter what you do. If you even get close to touching him, it's because he's let you. When he decides the fight is over, you're flat on the floor within seconds and can count yourself lucky, if you're still able to crawl out on your own afterwards."
That was Jean Claude's father, who, as far as anyone knew, had trained his children all their lives. He had trained Gattler as well, and some people claimed even Nemesis.
Jesse managed to trip Urak, but he twisted as he fell and landed on top of Jesse. Bad news. He was too heavy to kick away, the position didn't give Jesse a chance to flip him off and there was no winding out of it either.
-Got you.- Urak panted.
-Fuck you.- Jesse hissed up at him.
-No, thanks.- Urak answered calmly.
That was another thing Jesse liked about Urak. He wasn't bothered by his curses. They just bounced off of him, like badly aimed fist blows.
-Want to try a sword fight?- Urak offered.
-I don't sword fight, Urak.- Jesse told him once again. -I'm not made for it.-
-Why not?- Urak insisted. -You just need two swords and I'll show you the basic moves.-
-I've got the Fleshling inability to use my hands completely independently. Fleshlings sword fight with only one sword.-
-I've seen you use your hands independently.- Urak argued.
-But not to the same extent as you do. My left hand isn't as strong or precise as the right one. It gives me problems when driving, so you can guess how well I'd do with a sword.-
-You could try fighting Fleshling style.- Makett suggested, ever helpful. -I'd like to see.-
-We'd need Fleshling swords then.- Jesse argued. -And I promised to spend my last afternoon here with Cain.-
-Oh, conquering the toy chest again?- Urak teased.
-That toy chest is an enemy space station.- Jesse informed him. -She's learning strategy that way. I bet you didn't know to secure a landing area before landing troops at her age.-
-I still wouldn't want to waste an afternoon playing make believe with an idiot little girl.-
-She's not your idiot little sister girl.- Jesse pointed out. -Anyway, could you do me a favour?-
Urak raised an eyebrow. -What?-
-Just a little shopping trip to town. My siblings would want to come along, if I went myself, and I want to surprise them.-
-And I don't get a going away surprise?- Urak mock-pouted. -I thought I'm your friend, too.-
-I don't have any friends.- Jesse said forcefully. -I don't need any friends and I don't want any either. And you'll get your surprise when you come back to the war world.-
-Oh?-
-Yes, and now get off!-
Jesse realised with a touch of surprise that he had almost enjoyed his holiday. He was glad to get away from Hartz' and Hirez's scheming and wished he could leave Marzze and Laxus behind along with them, but he would miss Cain and Urak, maybe even Carszt. He got along well with Caibe and suspected that he'd gotten as close to the twins as he could ever hope to.
Catzze and Cairo apparently found everything they needed in each other. They simply had no use for anyone else.
Cato remained afraid of him, though he was by now able to sit beside him at meals without freaking out. Cozz of course remained Cozz. Jesse still hadn't found anything useful or worthwhile about his older brother. Why couldn't he have been a little more like Urak?
Then again it didn't matter. Tomorrow at this time he'd be on his way back to the war world never to return. The planet was okay and Jesse was beginning to think that maybe he was indeed more Outrider than Human, after all, but this wasn't his home. He belonged on the war world.
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Urak fulfilled his mission perfectly and after his official leave-taking from the Afrar and the rest of the family dignitaries Jesse had a nicely wrapped present for each of his siblings.
The Human custom of wrapping gifts proved to be half the fun. It would never have occurred to an Outrider to do that and Caibe, who was first to receive her parcel, stared at it in fascination for quite a while before finally, cautiously peeling the paper off. Inside were coloured pencils for drawing which Jesse had discovered Caibe secretly enjoyed.
The twins each received a pair of new sword fighting shin guards, blue leather for Cairo, green for Catzze.
-This is supposed to help people remember that you are two different people.- Jesse explained when he saw their confusion about the different colours. -You don't want them to treat you like only one person for the rest of your lives, do you?-
That thought was clearly new to them, but Jesse was confident that they'd think about it whenever they saw their new shin guards.
For Cato, Urak had picked a novel. No horror had been Jesse's only stipulation for that gift.
Apparently the story Urak had chosen met the boy's taste. Well, Urak had a brother that age. Maybe that's how he knew.
Cozz received a book about basic fighting techniques written for ten year olds.
Cozz glared.
Jesse glared back. -From the way you fight, I think you can learn a lot from this.-
-Why you little ...- Cozz started, but caught himself.
-Much as I'd love to wipe the floor with you once again, I unfortunately don't have the time.- Jesse smirked. -Look me up when you return to the academy, won't you? I'm sure I'll be able to arrange a fight. We have lots of nice training rooms at the base and the soldiers will be only too happy to move aside, if I tell them what a good laugh watching you fight is.-
Cozz grinned. -You won't get out of this so easily. I'm returning with you.-
It was an effort to hide his exasperation. He'd have to share the shuttle with not only Laxus and Marzze, but Cozz as well? -Ah, then right when we arrive? No wait, you'll have to give me time to invite Jean Claude and for the soldiers to equip themselves with refreshments for the show.-
That did it. Cozz paled and made a hasty retreat. Making a fool out of himself in front of actual fully trained soldiers wasn't high on his list of priorities and the reminder that Jesse was friends with his combat teacher's oldest son did the rest. Cozz wanted no part of this 'show'.
Carszt and Cain had decided to accompany the group to the space port and would receive their presents there. Some commoner had been elected as their driver. She turned out to be an elderly woman who was hard of hearing and a little forgetful.
-Now where did I put the key card?- She dug through her pockets coming up with all sorts of tiny objects, but no car keys. -What am I looking for again?-
-You were going to drive us to the space port, Sarsze.- Laxus informed her kindly.
-Ah yes.- Sarsze nodded happily. -Which car are we using?-
-I think it's the one standing right in front of the door.- Cain declared not as innocently as she sounded. -The one with all the luggage inside.-
-Oh, oh yes. That could be it.- Sarsze nodded again. -Climb aboard everybody!-
There was some jostling until everybody had the seat they wanted. Luckily Afrar Hirez had been thoughtful enough to provide a big car with two rows of passenger seats which allowed Jesse and the children to sit separately from the clowns as Jesse had dubbed his travelling companions.
-Where is my key card?- Sarsze asked the moment they had settled down. -Where did I put it?-
-I think you already inserted it.- Carszt pointed out.
Indeed the slit next to the driver's seat looked decidedly full.
-Oh excellent. Now, where are we going again?-
-Space port.- Jesse ground out between clenched teeth. -Is this some kind of a joke?-
-No, Sarsze is just getting a little forgetful in her age.- Marzze announced. -She's still an excellent driver.-
-I used to be Afrar Armet's personal driver long before any of you were born.- Sarsze agreed. -Where did you say we were going.-
-Space port.- Cain sang. -We're going to the space port, space port. Going to the space port ...-
Jesse would have told her to stop the annoying sing song, but then he feared that without it Sarsze might get them lost. Cain seemed to have similar doubts as she didn't stop singing until the car was finally parked safely outside the space port.
Jesse took one last look at the blue landscape before going inside. It was a pretty world despite the idiots that lived here.
Their shuttle was already waiting and there was very little time to say good bye. Jesse hugged his little siblings one last time and handed them their presents. There was no time left to watch them unpack. Carszt would find that stuffed toy he'd liked so much on their shopping trip in his parcel and Cain another model war ship. Hopefully they'd enjoy their new toys.
Two minutes later the shuttle lifted off and Jesse watched the planet get smaller and smaller on the monitors. A short beeping sound announced the moment they left the atmosphere and again an hour later when they took up speed and rushed out of the solar system. Two more days and he'd be back at home. He wondered what Jean Claude had been up to all this time.
And had Gattler gotten better? Had he and Razzle managed to drive Brunhilda and Point out of their minds? Had somebody remembered to tease Nemesis a little for him? He hoped he didn't find his Nastiness completely bored to death.
Behind him the door to the bridge slid open. Jesse turned around expecting to see Cozz as he knew from the first trip that Marzze and Laxus never bothered to show up here.
-So, when's lunch?- Cain asked looking extremely self satisfied. -Oh and thanks for the ship. It's really great. Almost as exciting as this one.-
She had every reason to be satisfied. They had come much too far to turn around and take her back. There was no way they could prevent Cain Marzzesz Arthesz from visiting the war world.
The pilots stared at her wide eyed. Cain smiled her cutest innocent smile and pointed at the model ship in her arm. -My big brother bought this for me. Isn't it cool?-
-Cain.- Jesse gasped. -How did you get in here?-
-Through the luggage hatch.- Cain answered as if that were obvious. -I want to see the renegades.-
-But you have an entire chest full of renegades.- Jesse reminded her.
-Toy ones. I want to see the real ones.- Cain stated. -And I will.-
Marzze's only reaction to the news was to slap Cain and decide that she was not going to get any dessert at lunch which Cain accepted with a shrug.
Laxus buried his face in his hands and groaned and Cozz looked absolutely scandalized.
Jesse couldn't help wondering how a proper Outrider parent would have reacted. And where would Cain sleep tonight?
In Jesse's bed, it turned out. Snuggled comfortably against him and not caring in the slightest that he couldn't possibly sleep with another person that close to him. Well, it was only for two days ...
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The next problem arose when they reached the war world. Marzze stepped off the ship and excused himself to accompany Cozz back to the academy. Laxus disappeared without bothering with an excuse leaving Jesse and Cain standing alone in the huge hangar.
-Oh look, Jesse! Is that a battle ship?- Cain squealed excitedly apparently not caring about being deserted by her father at all.
-No, that's just a supply ship from one of the colonies.- Jesse sighed. -The armed ships land on a different level.-
-Oh.- Cain made a little disappointedly. -Can we go see them?-
-Not now.- Jesse decided. -First I want to unpack.-
Of course his quarters were extremely interesting as well, but ...
-Don't you get lonely with nobody else in the room? And why's the furniture so weird?-
-This is how Fleshlings live. Fleshlings like being alone and having such furniture.-
-Why do you live like a Fleshling?-
-Because that's what I'm used to.-
-It looks uncomfortable.- Cain declared and let herself drop onto the bed to test the hypothesis. -Yep, uncomfortable. How are we going to sleep here?-
-You're not going to sleep here.- Jesse returned. -We'll find somewhere else for tonight and tomorrow you're going home.-
Cain looked up at him with calm conviction. -Am not.-
Jesse decided that he needed some advice on how to get little stowaway girls back to their home planets. The first possible source for such information that he could think of was, of course, Jean Claude. But they were still officially on holiday, so where to look?
Their next stop was Jesse's office where they found subcommander Ramszet trying to arrange the duty schedules. Trying being the operative word.
Jesse quickly grabbed pen and paper away from him. -I'll do that.-
Ramszet looked relieved.
-You'll watch her.- Jesse pointed at Cain who was currently inspecting the computer terminal for tactical simulations.
Ramszet's face fell. -A child? What do I do with her?-
-She's my sister.- Jesse explained. -I don't know. Keep her busy. Show her how to run a simulation, tell her a story. She loves anything that has lots of renegades.-
He started to work on the schedules. How had Ramszet managed to make such a mess of this? Some people had guard duty in two different places at the same time, while others didn't have anything to do at all. And why were five people required to guard an empty corridor?
A crashing noise caused him to look up. Nothing broken was in sight so apparently Ramszet had only hit something. The terminal most likely.
-I think you have to switch it on first.- Cain recommended helpfully.
-It's the big green button, Ramszet.- Jesse added anticipating the next problem.
-I knew that.- Cain declared.
-Well, he tends to forget it.- Jesse explained and returned to the schedule. One guard for the empty corridor, two outside his office, but not the ones that had the night shift in the hangar right before ...
This time it was a chirping sound.
-I think that's only half of the projection.- Cain commented.
Indeed half of planet Yuma was hanging in the air above Jesse's head.
-The blue button on the left, Ramszet. That activates the second projector. And try to get the hologram on the projection desk.-
Two seconds later Yuma appeared right in Jesse's face. He had to close his eyes against the blinding light.
-Ramszet?-
-Um, yes, Commander?-
-Anywhere but there would be much appreciated.- Jesse growled.
-Um, yes, Commander.-
The light grew more intense.
-RAMSZET.-
-I think it's this lever.- Cain's voice declared and the light disappeared.
Jesse cracked open an eye and found Yuma on the other end of the room and Cain at the projector controls.
-Much better.- he admitted. -But it belongs right over that table.- He pointed and Yuma began to clumsily drift through the room in the general direction of the projection desk.
-This is fun.- Cain declared.
-Excellent. Keep doing it.- Jesse decided. -Ramszet, do you have any idea where Jean Claude is?-
-On holiday?-
-I see.-
That left Jesse with two options. Go looking for Jean Claude at the dorm where he wasn't allowed to go and probably much less allowed to take Cain, or visit Nemesis to inform him of his return.
He chose Nemesis. Maybe he'd tell him where to find Jean Claude, if he asked nicely.
As soon as the schedules were repaired he grabbed Cain by the hand and led her to the strategy room. He was in luck. Nemesis was there and he also got the satisfaction of seeing Razzle, and every other commander present, struck speechless.
Cain looked around wide eyed while Jesse bowed properly. -Oh wow, renegades!-
Jesse looked up and indeed there were two renegades visible on one of the monitors. -Later.- he admonished. -Now, bow to his Nastyness.-
-Huh? Oh yes.- Cain bowed doing her best to imitate Jesse, but unable to pull it off as gracefully. Apparently this would require some practise.
"Jesse." Nemesis acknowledged. "What is that?" He pointed at Cain.
Cain apparently got the gist of it. At least Jesse was quite sure that she didn't know any English.
-Hi, I'm Cain Marzzesz Arthesz. I want to be a renegade pilot.- she declared. -Uh ... I'm not quite sure how one talks to you?-
Snickering in the background. Did that really come from Razzle's direction?
-In my experience it helps to say 'your Nastiness' a lot and bow whenever he looks like he's getting angry.- Jesse advised and this time it definitely was Razzle snickering.
-Oh, okay then. Hi, your Nastyness.- Cain repeated. -I'm Cain, your Nastyness, and I want to be a renegade pilot.-
-You might be a little young for that.- Nemesis declared. "What is she doing here, Jesse?"
-Um, sorry, your Nastyness. I don't understand whatever that is you're talking.- Cain looked a little confused.
-Cain stowed away on our shuttle, because she wanted to see some renegades. It was too late to take her back by the time we discovered her.-
-Yes, can I see the renegades, your Nastyness?-
-She can not possibly stay on the base.- Nemesis switched back to the Outrider language hoping Jesse would tell him, if he didn't understand something. -It's for military personnel only.-
-I'll send her back with the next ship that goes to her home world.- Jesse promised.
-The supply ships run twice a year.- Razzle added placidly. -So unless some relative of yours is going on holiday sometime this week you might have a problem.-
Cain beamed. -Told you I'm staying.-
-Not on the base.- Nemesis insisted.
-But what else can I do with her?- He had to stay here himself and he couldn't just put a nine year old in a hotel room alone, could he?
-That is your problem. Find somebody who'll take her.-
-Where is her Afrar anyway?- Razzle offered helpfully. -Shouldn't he have returned with you?-
-Taking his oldest son back to the academy.- Jesse reported dutifully.
-Can't your darling brother find his way alone?- Razzle teased.
-Lamp-post-guy is not my brother.- Jesse growled. -And he's a mixture between Marzze's and Laxus' weak points, so maybe he can't.-
-She's your sister, though?- Nemesis nodded towards Cain.
-Yeah well, I like her.-
-So you're just picking siblings at random now?- Razzle asked.
"They're half siblings." Jesse had to return to English for that sentence. Despite the many different words Outriders had for types of relatives, he hadn't learned a term for half siblings, yet. -So I can be siblings with half of them.-
Nemesis looked to Razzle who just shrugged at him.
-What?- Jesse demanded slightly confused.
-You're switching languages.- Razzle pointed out.
-So?-
-It's hard to follow.- Mohawk declared from somewhere to Jesse's right.
Jesse regarded him with a raised eyebrow. The guy was usually so quiet that you tended to forget he was there.
-You find the alphabet difficult to follow.- Jesse remembered and Cain sneered at Mohawk.
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-Can we go see the renegades now?- Cain begged as they left.
-No, we have to find Jean Claude.-
Jesse decided to try the training areas before checking the dorm. At least he was allowed in there. Jean Claude wasn't there either, though, but they found Gattler who was going through complicated looking sword exercises.
Cain was fascinated. She tried to imitate his movements with two pieces of plastic she'd found somewhere. Jesse only hoped they weren't part of anything important.
The earnestness and concentration with which Cain applied herself to the exercise surprised him.
Gattler however was not impressed.
-What are you doing here?- he hissed at the girl without ever hesitating in his movements.
-I want to be a blademaster.- Cain answered trying, but failing, to do the same. Her 'blades' collided and she dropped one.
-She's my little sister.- Jesse explained.
-And why the hell did you bring her in here?- Gattler hissed. -Is she even stazzess?-
Was Cain what? Jesse had never heard the word before, nor could he come up with any similar word that would have made sense.
-Oh right, you wouldn't even know that.- Gattler continued furiously.
-Look Gatt, I'm just looking for ...-
-Don't.- hissed Gattler. -Just get her out and keep her away from me.-
-Alright, alright.- Jesse decided it was better not to tempt fate. He'd have risked the confrontation out of pure pride, if he'd been alone, but Gattler looked angry enough to attack Cain. -Come on Cain, we're leaving.-
-But I want to learn.- Cain insisted tears in her eyes.
Gattler calmed down in a heartbeat. -When you're older. Look me up when you start the academy and maybe I'll show you a move or two.-
-Why not sooner?- Cain begged.
Jesse dragged her out. -You're not good enough for him, yet.- he guessed. -He can teach you something more difficult after you've learned the basics.-
That seemed to satisfy Cain and she followed Jesse to the next lift without complaint. Jean Claude wasn't in the dorm either, but Grammis informed him that he hadn't returned from his holiday at all, yet.
-You're early, Jesse.- he reminded him with a grin.
Jesse stared down at Cain. What was he supposed to do now?
-You don't happen to have a supply ship schedule?- he asked Grammis expecting to be asked whether he mistook this for an information desk.
-On the kitchen table.- Grammis pointed into the room behind him.
Jesse hesitated, but then entered followed by a very curious Cain. Grammis simply turned around and disappeared into the bedroom without paying them any further attention.
The kitchen was empty, but there was indeed a stack of papers on the table. Jesse dug through them.
A bus schedule, theatre program, two newspapers, the menu for the entire month.
This was quite a treasure trove. Imagine to actually know what was for dinner before you got there!
Opening hours of the various facilities of the base and some of the shops in town, road maps, ... There it was, the supply ship schedule.
-Your next possible ship home arrives in four months.- he informed Cain.
-Great!- Cain beamed. -I get to stay here for months.-
Get to stay here, yes, but where?
-Hey Grammis?- Jesse stuck his head through the bedroom door. It looked pretty empty in there as well. Apparently Grammis was the only one home.
-What is it now? You have to talk to Razzle, if you want your own key card. He's the dorm elder. I just live here.-
Huh? Why would he want a key card? Key card for what?
-Do you know a place my little sister can stay for four months? Some school or something, perhaps?-
-Why would she stay in school for four months?- Grammis seemed to find that about as logical as Jesse found his remark about getting a key card.
-Because Nemesis said she can't stay on the base and there's no ship to take her home until then.-
-You can't leave such a child at the academy.- Grammis stated.
-I know that. Isn't there a school for children her age?-
-Not one to live in.-
-Oh, some other place?-
-Her clan.- Grammis said as if it were obvious. -A child that young belongs with her clan.-
-But her clan's on a different planet and she can't get there now.-
-Another clan.- Grammis declared. -You'll have to make one of the local clans take her.-
-Great and where do I come up with a local clan in a few hours.-
Grammis thought for a moment. -Ask Razzle.-
-I don't want a key, Grammis. I need a place for my sister.-
-Razzle's clan lives here.- Grammis explained patiently. -Maybe he can convince them to take her. I know Gattler sometimes stays there.-
-Razzle hates me.- Jesse grumbled. -Why would he do me a favour?-
-Does not.- Grammis shook his head. -That's just the way he is. He ... he's had it hard, Jesse. He had to be hard to make it. But if you'd rather try your luck with Elhessar, or ...-
Jean Claude! -That's it! I have to talk to Jean Claude anyway.-
-Jesse wait! Elhessar is a bad idea. They ...-
But Jesse was already gone, pulling Cain behind him. He was half way to the car park when he remembered that he didn't have a car.
It took half an hour to bully subcommander Lasze, one of Jean Claude's staff who just happened to walk by, into lending him his car. Jesse had never driven that model before, but he had no time to be choosy and it wasn't that difficult after having driven cars so different as Gattler's and Jean Claude's.
Driving on the small roads of the war world with their thick traffic again was quite a change after the wide empty country roads that led to town from house Artesz. Cain stared out the window wide eyed and Jesse was once again reminded of how different the architecture of the two worlds was.
Remembering the way at least was easy. The roads seemed familiar, even though Jesse had only been here a few times. Only when they stopped and he looked up at the high thin tower that Jean Claude called home did Jesse get a little nervous. Jean Claude had always refused to let him enter the house. What would he say, if Jesse just walked in?
He looked over at Cain again. This was an emergency. He couldn't wait until Jean Claude came out. He had no way of knowing whether he was planning to leave today at all.
He got out of the car and took Cain by the hand again.
-It's all metal.- Cain said. -Where are the bushes and trees?-
-Welcome to the big city.- Jesse grinned. -This place has no room for trees and bushes. There are too many people.-
Did Outriders have doorbells on their clan houses? Would they hear a knock?
That problem solved itself before Jesse could even give it much thought. There were door guards. Two of them and they didn't look friendly.
-Hi.- Jesse tried to act natural. -Is Jean Claude home?-
One of them nodded.
-Who are you?- demanded the other.
-Jesse. Commander Jesse.-
The guards' eyes widened. They exchanged nervous looks.
-It's it.- whispered the first one.
-Are we allowed to let it inside?- asked the other.
-How should I know. The boss didn't say.-
In that case Jesse decided to make the decision for them and simply pressed the door opener. It worked. The guards just gaped after him as he stepped into a small anteroom.
Cain pressed herself closely against Jesse. The black metal walls looked bleak and cold. There was a single door on either side of the room and a stairway in the middle. Which way to take?
One of the guards darted past them and ran up the stairs. Jesse decided to follow.
Doors opened. People looked out or ran down the stairs.
-Jesse!- Jenny raced down from the third floor. -You're back!-
-Hi Jenny.- Jesse smiled which Jenny took as an invitation to jump up and hug him.
Cain glowered. -He's my brother.- she informed Jenny.
-He's my alien.- Jenny returned.
-I thought I already told you, I saw him first.- Jean Claude walked up to them in a much more dignified manner.
-I really am Cain's brother, though.- Jesse admitted. -But I brought you something that's all yours.-
-A gift?- Jenny's eyes brightened in anticipation. Gifts indeed seemed to be rarer for her than for Cain.
-A gift.- Jesse pulled the small parcel out of his pocket. -It's a Fleshling custom to cover them in coloured paper.- he explained. -It makes for a bigger surprise.-
Jean Claude looked a little embarrassed. -You shouldn't have.-
-Why not?- Jesse asked. -It's just a little toy I picked up on a shopping trip to town.-
Jenny had meanwhile pealed the paper off and discovered the little cat inside.
-Oh, an alien!- she squealed in delight. -An alien cat of war! But it has no fangs?-
-It's a Fleshling cat.- Jesse explained. -Humans keep them as pets to catch small vermin.-
-They are much smaller than our cats of war.- Jean Claude added. -You can hold an adult cat in your arms and carry it about. Their fangs are very short and thin and they don't tend to attack anything bigger than them.-
-That one is still a baby, though.- Jesse pointed at the stuffed toy.
Jenny clutched her cat to her chest tightly. -It's wonderful.-
-What are you doing here?- Jean Claude hissed into Jesse's ear. -Haven't I told you often enough to stay outside? They don't want you in here.-
Jesse took a closer look at all the curious faces. They really didn't look very friendly.
-It's not that I'm not happy to see you.- Jean Claude amended. -But it might have been better, if you'd waited until I return to the base.-
-This is an emergency.- Jesse explained. -I need your help.-
Jean Claude suppressed a sigh. Hadn't he been worried about Jesse not needing him anymore once he could speak Outrider?
-Okay, what's the problem?-
-Cain.- Jesse pointed at his sister.
Jean Claude looked down at the girl who beamed up at him wearing her best innocent little girl look.
-Cute.- Jean Claude decided. -But I don't see anything wrong with her.-
-She stowed away on the shuttle.- Jesse reported. -Nemesis doesn't want her on the base. There won't be a ship to take her home for four months. Grammis says there's no place to put her other than with one of the local clans.-
Jean Claude stared at Cain in shock. -No, you can't. They'll never. Jesse I can't possibly take her. Can't you ask somebody else?-
-Who? The only one Grammis could think off was Razzle. As if Razzle would ever do me a favour.-
-Gattler would.- Jean Claude was breathing again. -We'll just ask Gattler to ask Razzle.-
-Gattler doesn't like children. He kicked us out of the room the moment he saw Cain.-
-He got really angry.- Cain added sadly.
-He kicked you out of the dorm?- Jean Claude asked incredulously.
-No, the gym.-
-Ah, okay, that makes a little more sense.-
It didn't make sense, if Gattler threw Jesse out of a private room on a level he wasn't allowed to set foot on, but did make sense, if he threw him out of the public gym? Sometimes Jesse still didn't understand Outrider logic. This wasn't the right time to ask, though. He had to convince Jean Claude to take Cain.
-Look, I'll come up for all costs. I'll pay one of your commoners to watch her. I just need a place for her to stay.-
-Where's Mar ...- Jean Claude broke off in the middle of the word. -Oh no.-
Jesse followed his gaze and saw three men headed towards them while the crowd of curious onlookers had shrunk back. The only one he recognised was Istar, the devil, himself. The other two seemed to be no less intimidating to the crowd, though, and they all looked angry.
-Who...- Jesse started, but Jean Claude interrupted him.
-Cain, get behind me.- he ordered.
Jenny had already done so and was clutching her new cat tightly.
-Please, be polite for once.- was the only thing Jean Claude could tell Jesse before the group reached them.
-What is going on here!- barked the one in the middle. Jesse had no idea who he might be.
-Just a visit from a friend.- Jean Claude declared hastily. -I'm sorry, if we disturbed you, Afrar.-
Afrar? Aha, considering that Jesse knew that Istar was Jean Claude's fatter, that cleared up the situation, even if it didn't explain why Jean Claude looked so nervous about it. He faced the Star Sheriffs more stoically than this.
-I believe you were ordered to have nothing more to do with that thing.- the Afrar continued.
Ordered? Thing? Jesse took a step forward, but Jean Claude grabbed his arm and held him back.
-And I believe I refused that order.-
Now it was the Afrar who had to hold back Istar. Was that a flash of humour in his eyes at the mirroring gestures?
He turned to Jesse. -You are not welcome here.-
-That's unfortunate, because I have to talk to you.- Jesse returned calmly. -And I take objection to being referred to as 'that thing'. My name is Jesse.-
-Of clan Artesz, I'm aware of that.-
-No, just Jesse, no clan.-
-According to Afrar Hirez you are an Artesz.- the Afrar returned with a slightly raised eyebrow.
-He says that, yes, but he didn't ask me before deciding so. I believe it is my choice what and who I am and I choose to remain the son of the mother that actually loved me.-
-You'd choose to be a Fleshling?- the Afrar fixed Jesse with an almost frighteningly intent stare.
-Not would.- Jesse told him. -I do.-
-And you wish to talk with me?-
-I do.- Jesse said again.
There was a moment of silence as the Afrar contemplated his next step.
-Afrar ...- Istar started, but a quick movement of the Afrar's hand silenced him.
-Why did you come here, then? To visit Jean Claude, or to see me?-
-For ... several reasons.- Jesse decided. -Those are two of them.-
-He brought me a gift.- Jenny announced holding up the cat.
-A toy ... animal?-
-It's a Fleshling cat.- Jesse explained. Ups, he'd forgotten that Jenny's family didn't approve of her love of aliens. -Jean Claude mentioned that his sister was fond of stuffed toys and I thought this one was rather cute.-
-You should have spent your money on your own siblings.- Istar hissed.
-I got a model toy.- Cain said. -And Carszt a science kit. We wouldn't have wanted no stupid cat.-
Jesse shrugged at Istar. -What can I say. They're spoiled.-
-Colony upstarts.- the Afrar stated. -So you want to talk to me?-
-Yes.- How often was he supposed to answer that question?
-Very well. Come.- he turned and started up the stairs again.
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queen merla – Boring? My poor Elhessars. They consider themselves just about the most important thing in this story. ... As you saw, the plan did indeed go somewhere, but Jesse still doesn't like the rest of the clan.
ryder77 – Thanks!
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Next: Jesse has a talk with Afrar Irozz, meets Jean Claude's little brother and tries to survive a dinner conversation with Istar.
Disclaimer: Not mine, I just like to play with them for a little while.
A/N: Jesse's going home, but somebody has decided to tag along and they end up in the lion's ... er ... cats' den.
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Chapter 14: Going Home
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Jesse saved himself with a quick backward roll and kicked out hard, but Urak was already gone. He managed to get up to a crouching position, before the Outrider launched at him again. This time his kick hit home, but the manoeuvre threw him flat onto the mat.
Another roll finally brought him back to his feet, but Urak, too was back up again and Jesse was just in time to deflect his fist from his head by throwing his lower arm against Urak's.
He'd learned pretty fast to avoid taking any blows from Urak's fists. The force the Outrider put into his attacks was enough to make Jesse's arm go numb for several seconds, if he took the full hit and that was nothing compared to his kicks.
Of course Urak's strength was nothing compared to what Grammis' probably was. The young officer's stature reminded Jesse more of Gattler, though he suspected that Gattler would have made short work of Urak, if he'd been there. From what Jesse had seen so far, Gattler was as fast as he was and speed was his main advantage over Urak.
Then of course there was Razzle. Jesse suspected that he could match Razzle for strength, but the old rat struck fast as a snake. You never saw Razzle's blows coming in time to block, but then they weren't so hard.
For the first time since his arrival in this dimension, Jesse felt tempted to spar with his fellow commanders. Up until now he'd been content with wiping the floor with an uppity subcommander from time to time and had usually trained alone. Sparring with Urak, however had stirred his interest.
Should he ask Jean Claude to play with him when he returned? He'd gotten the impression that dorm mates usually trained together and he didn't like the idea of Razzle watching him lose. He ought to be able to take Jean Claude, he thought, but then there were the things Urak had mentioned about house Elhessar.
Urak openly admitted to having had 'the misfortune to be taught by the Devil' in his academy days.
"You can't beat that man." he'd said. "No matter what you do. If you even get close to touching him, it's because he's let you. When he decides the fight is over, you're flat on the floor within seconds and can count yourself lucky, if you're still able to crawl out on your own afterwards."
That was Jean Claude's father, who, as far as anyone knew, had trained his children all their lives. He had trained Gattler as well, and some people claimed even Nemesis.
Jesse managed to trip Urak, but he twisted as he fell and landed on top of Jesse. Bad news. He was too heavy to kick away, the position didn't give Jesse a chance to flip him off and there was no winding out of it either.
-Got you.- Urak panted.
-Fuck you.- Jesse hissed up at him.
-No, thanks.- Urak answered calmly.
That was another thing Jesse liked about Urak. He wasn't bothered by his curses. They just bounced off of him, like badly aimed fist blows.
-Want to try a sword fight?- Urak offered.
-I don't sword fight, Urak.- Jesse told him once again. -I'm not made for it.-
-Why not?- Urak insisted. -You just need two swords and I'll show you the basic moves.-
-I've got the Fleshling inability to use my hands completely independently. Fleshlings sword fight with only one sword.-
-I've seen you use your hands independently.- Urak argued.
-But not to the same extent as you do. My left hand isn't as strong or precise as the right one. It gives me problems when driving, so you can guess how well I'd do with a sword.-
-You could try fighting Fleshling style.- Makett suggested, ever helpful. -I'd like to see.-
-We'd need Fleshling swords then.- Jesse argued. -And I promised to spend my last afternoon here with Cain.-
-Oh, conquering the toy chest again?- Urak teased.
-That toy chest is an enemy space station.- Jesse informed him. -She's learning strategy that way. I bet you didn't know to secure a landing area before landing troops at her age.-
-I still wouldn't want to waste an afternoon playing make believe with an idiot little girl.-
-She's not your idiot little sister girl.- Jesse pointed out. -Anyway, could you do me a favour?-
Urak raised an eyebrow. -What?-
-Just a little shopping trip to town. My siblings would want to come along, if I went myself, and I want to surprise them.-
-And I don't get a going away surprise?- Urak mock-pouted. -I thought I'm your friend, too.-
-I don't have any friends.- Jesse said forcefully. -I don't need any friends and I don't want any either. And you'll get your surprise when you come back to the war world.-
-Oh?-
-Yes, and now get off!-
Jesse realised with a touch of surprise that he had almost enjoyed his holiday. He was glad to get away from Hartz' and Hirez's scheming and wished he could leave Marzze and Laxus behind along with them, but he would miss Cain and Urak, maybe even Carszt. He got along well with Caibe and suspected that he'd gotten as close to the twins as he could ever hope to.
Catzze and Cairo apparently found everything they needed in each other. They simply had no use for anyone else.
Cato remained afraid of him, though he was by now able to sit beside him at meals without freaking out. Cozz of course remained Cozz. Jesse still hadn't found anything useful or worthwhile about his older brother. Why couldn't he have been a little more like Urak?
Then again it didn't matter. Tomorrow at this time he'd be on his way back to the war world never to return. The planet was okay and Jesse was beginning to think that maybe he was indeed more Outrider than Human, after all, but this wasn't his home. He belonged on the war world.
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Urak fulfilled his mission perfectly and after his official leave-taking from the Afrar and the rest of the family dignitaries Jesse had a nicely wrapped present for each of his siblings.
The Human custom of wrapping gifts proved to be half the fun. It would never have occurred to an Outrider to do that and Caibe, who was first to receive her parcel, stared at it in fascination for quite a while before finally, cautiously peeling the paper off. Inside were coloured pencils for drawing which Jesse had discovered Caibe secretly enjoyed.
The twins each received a pair of new sword fighting shin guards, blue leather for Cairo, green for Catzze.
-This is supposed to help people remember that you are two different people.- Jesse explained when he saw their confusion about the different colours. -You don't want them to treat you like only one person for the rest of your lives, do you?-
That thought was clearly new to them, but Jesse was confident that they'd think about it whenever they saw their new shin guards.
For Cato, Urak had picked a novel. No horror had been Jesse's only stipulation for that gift.
Apparently the story Urak had chosen met the boy's taste. Well, Urak had a brother that age. Maybe that's how he knew.
Cozz received a book about basic fighting techniques written for ten year olds.
Cozz glared.
Jesse glared back. -From the way you fight, I think you can learn a lot from this.-
-Why you little ...- Cozz started, but caught himself.
-Much as I'd love to wipe the floor with you once again, I unfortunately don't have the time.- Jesse smirked. -Look me up when you return to the academy, won't you? I'm sure I'll be able to arrange a fight. We have lots of nice training rooms at the base and the soldiers will be only too happy to move aside, if I tell them what a good laugh watching you fight is.-
Cozz grinned. -You won't get out of this so easily. I'm returning with you.-
It was an effort to hide his exasperation. He'd have to share the shuttle with not only Laxus and Marzze, but Cozz as well? -Ah, then right when we arrive? No wait, you'll have to give me time to invite Jean Claude and for the soldiers to equip themselves with refreshments for the show.-
That did it. Cozz paled and made a hasty retreat. Making a fool out of himself in front of actual fully trained soldiers wasn't high on his list of priorities and the reminder that Jesse was friends with his combat teacher's oldest son did the rest. Cozz wanted no part of this 'show'.
Carszt and Cain had decided to accompany the group to the space port and would receive their presents there. Some commoner had been elected as their driver. She turned out to be an elderly woman who was hard of hearing and a little forgetful.
-Now where did I put the key card?- She dug through her pockets coming up with all sorts of tiny objects, but no car keys. -What am I looking for again?-
-You were going to drive us to the space port, Sarsze.- Laxus informed her kindly.
-Ah yes.- Sarsze nodded happily. -Which car are we using?-
-I think it's the one standing right in front of the door.- Cain declared not as innocently as she sounded. -The one with all the luggage inside.-
-Oh, oh yes. That could be it.- Sarsze nodded again. -Climb aboard everybody!-
There was some jostling until everybody had the seat they wanted. Luckily Afrar Hirez had been thoughtful enough to provide a big car with two rows of passenger seats which allowed Jesse and the children to sit separately from the clowns as Jesse had dubbed his travelling companions.
-Where is my key card?- Sarsze asked the moment they had settled down. -Where did I put it?-
-I think you already inserted it.- Carszt pointed out.
Indeed the slit next to the driver's seat looked decidedly full.
-Oh excellent. Now, where are we going again?-
-Space port.- Jesse ground out between clenched teeth. -Is this some kind of a joke?-
-No, Sarsze is just getting a little forgetful in her age.- Marzze announced. -She's still an excellent driver.-
-I used to be Afrar Armet's personal driver long before any of you were born.- Sarsze agreed. -Where did you say we were going.-
-Space port.- Cain sang. -We're going to the space port, space port. Going to the space port ...-
Jesse would have told her to stop the annoying sing song, but then he feared that without it Sarsze might get them lost. Cain seemed to have similar doubts as she didn't stop singing until the car was finally parked safely outside the space port.
Jesse took one last look at the blue landscape before going inside. It was a pretty world despite the idiots that lived here.
Their shuttle was already waiting and there was very little time to say good bye. Jesse hugged his little siblings one last time and handed them their presents. There was no time left to watch them unpack. Carszt would find that stuffed toy he'd liked so much on their shopping trip in his parcel and Cain another model war ship. Hopefully they'd enjoy their new toys.
Two minutes later the shuttle lifted off and Jesse watched the planet get smaller and smaller on the monitors. A short beeping sound announced the moment they left the atmosphere and again an hour later when they took up speed and rushed out of the solar system. Two more days and he'd be back at home. He wondered what Jean Claude had been up to all this time.
And had Gattler gotten better? Had he and Razzle managed to drive Brunhilda and Point out of their minds? Had somebody remembered to tease Nemesis a little for him? He hoped he didn't find his Nastiness completely bored to death.
Behind him the door to the bridge slid open. Jesse turned around expecting to see Cozz as he knew from the first trip that Marzze and Laxus never bothered to show up here.
-So, when's lunch?- Cain asked looking extremely self satisfied. -Oh and thanks for the ship. It's really great. Almost as exciting as this one.-
She had every reason to be satisfied. They had come much too far to turn around and take her back. There was no way they could prevent Cain Marzzesz Arthesz from visiting the war world.
The pilots stared at her wide eyed. Cain smiled her cutest innocent smile and pointed at the model ship in her arm. -My big brother bought this for me. Isn't it cool?-
-Cain.- Jesse gasped. -How did you get in here?-
-Through the luggage hatch.- Cain answered as if that were obvious. -I want to see the renegades.-
-But you have an entire chest full of renegades.- Jesse reminded her.
-Toy ones. I want to see the real ones.- Cain stated. -And I will.-
Marzze's only reaction to the news was to slap Cain and decide that she was not going to get any dessert at lunch which Cain accepted with a shrug.
Laxus buried his face in his hands and groaned and Cozz looked absolutely scandalized.
Jesse couldn't help wondering how a proper Outrider parent would have reacted. And where would Cain sleep tonight?
In Jesse's bed, it turned out. Snuggled comfortably against him and not caring in the slightest that he couldn't possibly sleep with another person that close to him. Well, it was only for two days ...
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The next problem arose when they reached the war world. Marzze stepped off the ship and excused himself to accompany Cozz back to the academy. Laxus disappeared without bothering with an excuse leaving Jesse and Cain standing alone in the huge hangar.
-Oh look, Jesse! Is that a battle ship?- Cain squealed excitedly apparently not caring about being deserted by her father at all.
-No, that's just a supply ship from one of the colonies.- Jesse sighed. -The armed ships land on a different level.-
-Oh.- Cain made a little disappointedly. -Can we go see them?-
-Not now.- Jesse decided. -First I want to unpack.-
Of course his quarters were extremely interesting as well, but ...
-Don't you get lonely with nobody else in the room? And why's the furniture so weird?-
-This is how Fleshlings live. Fleshlings like being alone and having such furniture.-
-Why do you live like a Fleshling?-
-Because that's what I'm used to.-
-It looks uncomfortable.- Cain declared and let herself drop onto the bed to test the hypothesis. -Yep, uncomfortable. How are we going to sleep here?-
-You're not going to sleep here.- Jesse returned. -We'll find somewhere else for tonight and tomorrow you're going home.-
Cain looked up at him with calm conviction. -Am not.-
Jesse decided that he needed some advice on how to get little stowaway girls back to their home planets. The first possible source for such information that he could think of was, of course, Jean Claude. But they were still officially on holiday, so where to look?
Their next stop was Jesse's office where they found subcommander Ramszet trying to arrange the duty schedules. Trying being the operative word.
Jesse quickly grabbed pen and paper away from him. -I'll do that.-
Ramszet looked relieved.
-You'll watch her.- Jesse pointed at Cain who was currently inspecting the computer terminal for tactical simulations.
Ramszet's face fell. -A child? What do I do with her?-
-She's my sister.- Jesse explained. -I don't know. Keep her busy. Show her how to run a simulation, tell her a story. She loves anything that has lots of renegades.-
He started to work on the schedules. How had Ramszet managed to make such a mess of this? Some people had guard duty in two different places at the same time, while others didn't have anything to do at all. And why were five people required to guard an empty corridor?
A crashing noise caused him to look up. Nothing broken was in sight so apparently Ramszet had only hit something. The terminal most likely.
-I think you have to switch it on first.- Cain recommended helpfully.
-It's the big green button, Ramszet.- Jesse added anticipating the next problem.
-I knew that.- Cain declared.
-Well, he tends to forget it.- Jesse explained and returned to the schedule. One guard for the empty corridor, two outside his office, but not the ones that had the night shift in the hangar right before ...
This time it was a chirping sound.
-I think that's only half of the projection.- Cain commented.
Indeed half of planet Yuma was hanging in the air above Jesse's head.
-The blue button on the left, Ramszet. That activates the second projector. And try to get the hologram on the projection desk.-
Two seconds later Yuma appeared right in Jesse's face. He had to close his eyes against the blinding light.
-Ramszet?-
-Um, yes, Commander?-
-Anywhere but there would be much appreciated.- Jesse growled.
-Um, yes, Commander.-
The light grew more intense.
-RAMSZET.-
-I think it's this lever.- Cain's voice declared and the light disappeared.
Jesse cracked open an eye and found Yuma on the other end of the room and Cain at the projector controls.
-Much better.- he admitted. -But it belongs right over that table.- He pointed and Yuma began to clumsily drift through the room in the general direction of the projection desk.
-This is fun.- Cain declared.
-Excellent. Keep doing it.- Jesse decided. -Ramszet, do you have any idea where Jean Claude is?-
-On holiday?-
-I see.-
That left Jesse with two options. Go looking for Jean Claude at the dorm where he wasn't allowed to go and probably much less allowed to take Cain, or visit Nemesis to inform him of his return.
He chose Nemesis. Maybe he'd tell him where to find Jean Claude, if he asked nicely.
As soon as the schedules were repaired he grabbed Cain by the hand and led her to the strategy room. He was in luck. Nemesis was there and he also got the satisfaction of seeing Razzle, and every other commander present, struck speechless.
Cain looked around wide eyed while Jesse bowed properly. -Oh wow, renegades!-
Jesse looked up and indeed there were two renegades visible on one of the monitors. -Later.- he admonished. -Now, bow to his Nastyness.-
-Huh? Oh yes.- Cain bowed doing her best to imitate Jesse, but unable to pull it off as gracefully. Apparently this would require some practise.
"Jesse." Nemesis acknowledged. "What is that?" He pointed at Cain.
Cain apparently got the gist of it. At least Jesse was quite sure that she didn't know any English.
-Hi, I'm Cain Marzzesz Arthesz. I want to be a renegade pilot.- she declared. -Uh ... I'm not quite sure how one talks to you?-
Snickering in the background. Did that really come from Razzle's direction?
-In my experience it helps to say 'your Nastiness' a lot and bow whenever he looks like he's getting angry.- Jesse advised and this time it definitely was Razzle snickering.
-Oh, okay then. Hi, your Nastyness.- Cain repeated. -I'm Cain, your Nastyness, and I want to be a renegade pilot.-
-You might be a little young for that.- Nemesis declared. "What is she doing here, Jesse?"
-Um, sorry, your Nastyness. I don't understand whatever that is you're talking.- Cain looked a little confused.
-Cain stowed away on our shuttle, because she wanted to see some renegades. It was too late to take her back by the time we discovered her.-
-Yes, can I see the renegades, your Nastyness?-
-She can not possibly stay on the base.- Nemesis switched back to the Outrider language hoping Jesse would tell him, if he didn't understand something. -It's for military personnel only.-
-I'll send her back with the next ship that goes to her home world.- Jesse promised.
-The supply ships run twice a year.- Razzle added placidly. -So unless some relative of yours is going on holiday sometime this week you might have a problem.-
Cain beamed. -Told you I'm staying.-
-Not on the base.- Nemesis insisted.
-But what else can I do with her?- He had to stay here himself and he couldn't just put a nine year old in a hotel room alone, could he?
-That is your problem. Find somebody who'll take her.-
-Where is her Afrar anyway?- Razzle offered helpfully. -Shouldn't he have returned with you?-
-Taking his oldest son back to the academy.- Jesse reported dutifully.
-Can't your darling brother find his way alone?- Razzle teased.
-Lamp-post-guy is not my brother.- Jesse growled. -And he's a mixture between Marzze's and Laxus' weak points, so maybe he can't.-
-She's your sister, though?- Nemesis nodded towards Cain.
-Yeah well, I like her.-
-So you're just picking siblings at random now?- Razzle asked.
"They're half siblings." Jesse had to return to English for that sentence. Despite the many different words Outriders had for types of relatives, he hadn't learned a term for half siblings, yet. -So I can be siblings with half of them.-
Nemesis looked to Razzle who just shrugged at him.
-What?- Jesse demanded slightly confused.
-You're switching languages.- Razzle pointed out.
-So?-
-It's hard to follow.- Mohawk declared from somewhere to Jesse's right.
Jesse regarded him with a raised eyebrow. The guy was usually so quiet that you tended to forget he was there.
-You find the alphabet difficult to follow.- Jesse remembered and Cain sneered at Mohawk.
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-Can we go see the renegades now?- Cain begged as they left.
-No, we have to find Jean Claude.-
Jesse decided to try the training areas before checking the dorm. At least he was allowed in there. Jean Claude wasn't there either, though, but they found Gattler who was going through complicated looking sword exercises.
Cain was fascinated. She tried to imitate his movements with two pieces of plastic she'd found somewhere. Jesse only hoped they weren't part of anything important.
The earnestness and concentration with which Cain applied herself to the exercise surprised him.
Gattler however was not impressed.
-What are you doing here?- he hissed at the girl without ever hesitating in his movements.
-I want to be a blademaster.- Cain answered trying, but failing, to do the same. Her 'blades' collided and she dropped one.
-She's my little sister.- Jesse explained.
-And why the hell did you bring her in here?- Gattler hissed. -Is she even stazzess?-
Was Cain what? Jesse had never heard the word before, nor could he come up with any similar word that would have made sense.
-Oh right, you wouldn't even know that.- Gattler continued furiously.
-Look Gatt, I'm just looking for ...-
-Don't.- hissed Gattler. -Just get her out and keep her away from me.-
-Alright, alright.- Jesse decided it was better not to tempt fate. He'd have risked the confrontation out of pure pride, if he'd been alone, but Gattler looked angry enough to attack Cain. -Come on Cain, we're leaving.-
-But I want to learn.- Cain insisted tears in her eyes.
Gattler calmed down in a heartbeat. -When you're older. Look me up when you start the academy and maybe I'll show you a move or two.-
-Why not sooner?- Cain begged.
Jesse dragged her out. -You're not good enough for him, yet.- he guessed. -He can teach you something more difficult after you've learned the basics.-
That seemed to satisfy Cain and she followed Jesse to the next lift without complaint. Jean Claude wasn't in the dorm either, but Grammis informed him that he hadn't returned from his holiday at all, yet.
-You're early, Jesse.- he reminded him with a grin.
Jesse stared down at Cain. What was he supposed to do now?
-You don't happen to have a supply ship schedule?- he asked Grammis expecting to be asked whether he mistook this for an information desk.
-On the kitchen table.- Grammis pointed into the room behind him.
Jesse hesitated, but then entered followed by a very curious Cain. Grammis simply turned around and disappeared into the bedroom without paying them any further attention.
The kitchen was empty, but there was indeed a stack of papers on the table. Jesse dug through them.
A bus schedule, theatre program, two newspapers, the menu for the entire month.
This was quite a treasure trove. Imagine to actually know what was for dinner before you got there!
Opening hours of the various facilities of the base and some of the shops in town, road maps, ... There it was, the supply ship schedule.
-Your next possible ship home arrives in four months.- he informed Cain.
-Great!- Cain beamed. -I get to stay here for months.-
Get to stay here, yes, but where?
-Hey Grammis?- Jesse stuck his head through the bedroom door. It looked pretty empty in there as well. Apparently Grammis was the only one home.
-What is it now? You have to talk to Razzle, if you want your own key card. He's the dorm elder. I just live here.-
Huh? Why would he want a key card? Key card for what?
-Do you know a place my little sister can stay for four months? Some school or something, perhaps?-
-Why would she stay in school for four months?- Grammis seemed to find that about as logical as Jesse found his remark about getting a key card.
-Because Nemesis said she can't stay on the base and there's no ship to take her home until then.-
-You can't leave such a child at the academy.- Grammis stated.
-I know that. Isn't there a school for children her age?-
-Not one to live in.-
-Oh, some other place?-
-Her clan.- Grammis said as if it were obvious. -A child that young belongs with her clan.-
-But her clan's on a different planet and she can't get there now.-
-Another clan.- Grammis declared. -You'll have to make one of the local clans take her.-
-Great and where do I come up with a local clan in a few hours.-
Grammis thought for a moment. -Ask Razzle.-
-I don't want a key, Grammis. I need a place for my sister.-
-Razzle's clan lives here.- Grammis explained patiently. -Maybe he can convince them to take her. I know Gattler sometimes stays there.-
-Razzle hates me.- Jesse grumbled. -Why would he do me a favour?-
-Does not.- Grammis shook his head. -That's just the way he is. He ... he's had it hard, Jesse. He had to be hard to make it. But if you'd rather try your luck with Elhessar, or ...-
Jean Claude! -That's it! I have to talk to Jean Claude anyway.-
-Jesse wait! Elhessar is a bad idea. They ...-
But Jesse was already gone, pulling Cain behind him. He was half way to the car park when he remembered that he didn't have a car.
It took half an hour to bully subcommander Lasze, one of Jean Claude's staff who just happened to walk by, into lending him his car. Jesse had never driven that model before, but he had no time to be choosy and it wasn't that difficult after having driven cars so different as Gattler's and Jean Claude's.
Driving on the small roads of the war world with their thick traffic again was quite a change after the wide empty country roads that led to town from house Artesz. Cain stared out the window wide eyed and Jesse was once again reminded of how different the architecture of the two worlds was.
Remembering the way at least was easy. The roads seemed familiar, even though Jesse had only been here a few times. Only when they stopped and he looked up at the high thin tower that Jean Claude called home did Jesse get a little nervous. Jean Claude had always refused to let him enter the house. What would he say, if Jesse just walked in?
He looked over at Cain again. This was an emergency. He couldn't wait until Jean Claude came out. He had no way of knowing whether he was planning to leave today at all.
He got out of the car and took Cain by the hand again.
-It's all metal.- Cain said. -Where are the bushes and trees?-
-Welcome to the big city.- Jesse grinned. -This place has no room for trees and bushes. There are too many people.-
Did Outriders have doorbells on their clan houses? Would they hear a knock?
That problem solved itself before Jesse could even give it much thought. There were door guards. Two of them and they didn't look friendly.
-Hi.- Jesse tried to act natural. -Is Jean Claude home?-
One of them nodded.
-Who are you?- demanded the other.
-Jesse. Commander Jesse.-
The guards' eyes widened. They exchanged nervous looks.
-It's it.- whispered the first one.
-Are we allowed to let it inside?- asked the other.
-How should I know. The boss didn't say.-
In that case Jesse decided to make the decision for them and simply pressed the door opener. It worked. The guards just gaped after him as he stepped into a small anteroom.
Cain pressed herself closely against Jesse. The black metal walls looked bleak and cold. There was a single door on either side of the room and a stairway in the middle. Which way to take?
One of the guards darted past them and ran up the stairs. Jesse decided to follow.
Doors opened. People looked out or ran down the stairs.
-Jesse!- Jenny raced down from the third floor. -You're back!-
-Hi Jenny.- Jesse smiled which Jenny took as an invitation to jump up and hug him.
Cain glowered. -He's my brother.- she informed Jenny.
-He's my alien.- Jenny returned.
-I thought I already told you, I saw him first.- Jean Claude walked up to them in a much more dignified manner.
-I really am Cain's brother, though.- Jesse admitted. -But I brought you something that's all yours.-
-A gift?- Jenny's eyes brightened in anticipation. Gifts indeed seemed to be rarer for her than for Cain.
-A gift.- Jesse pulled the small parcel out of his pocket. -It's a Fleshling custom to cover them in coloured paper.- he explained. -It makes for a bigger surprise.-
Jean Claude looked a little embarrassed. -You shouldn't have.-
-Why not?- Jesse asked. -It's just a little toy I picked up on a shopping trip to town.-
Jenny had meanwhile pealed the paper off and discovered the little cat inside.
-Oh, an alien!- she squealed in delight. -An alien cat of war! But it has no fangs?-
-It's a Fleshling cat.- Jesse explained. -Humans keep them as pets to catch small vermin.-
-They are much smaller than our cats of war.- Jean Claude added. -You can hold an adult cat in your arms and carry it about. Their fangs are very short and thin and they don't tend to attack anything bigger than them.-
-That one is still a baby, though.- Jesse pointed at the stuffed toy.
Jenny clutched her cat to her chest tightly. -It's wonderful.-
-What are you doing here?- Jean Claude hissed into Jesse's ear. -Haven't I told you often enough to stay outside? They don't want you in here.-
Jesse took a closer look at all the curious faces. They really didn't look very friendly.
-It's not that I'm not happy to see you.- Jean Claude amended. -But it might have been better, if you'd waited until I return to the base.-
-This is an emergency.- Jesse explained. -I need your help.-
Jean Claude suppressed a sigh. Hadn't he been worried about Jesse not needing him anymore once he could speak Outrider?
-Okay, what's the problem?-
-Cain.- Jesse pointed at his sister.
Jean Claude looked down at the girl who beamed up at him wearing her best innocent little girl look.
-Cute.- Jean Claude decided. -But I don't see anything wrong with her.-
-She stowed away on the shuttle.- Jesse reported. -Nemesis doesn't want her on the base. There won't be a ship to take her home for four months. Grammis says there's no place to put her other than with one of the local clans.-
Jean Claude stared at Cain in shock. -No, you can't. They'll never. Jesse I can't possibly take her. Can't you ask somebody else?-
-Who? The only one Grammis could think off was Razzle. As if Razzle would ever do me a favour.-
-Gattler would.- Jean Claude was breathing again. -We'll just ask Gattler to ask Razzle.-
-Gattler doesn't like children. He kicked us out of the room the moment he saw Cain.-
-He got really angry.- Cain added sadly.
-He kicked you out of the dorm?- Jean Claude asked incredulously.
-No, the gym.-
-Ah, okay, that makes a little more sense.-
It didn't make sense, if Gattler threw Jesse out of a private room on a level he wasn't allowed to set foot on, but did make sense, if he threw him out of the public gym? Sometimes Jesse still didn't understand Outrider logic. This wasn't the right time to ask, though. He had to convince Jean Claude to take Cain.
-Look, I'll come up for all costs. I'll pay one of your commoners to watch her. I just need a place for her to stay.-
-Where's Mar ...- Jean Claude broke off in the middle of the word. -Oh no.-
Jesse followed his gaze and saw three men headed towards them while the crowd of curious onlookers had shrunk back. The only one he recognised was Istar, the devil, himself. The other two seemed to be no less intimidating to the crowd, though, and they all looked angry.
-Who...- Jesse started, but Jean Claude interrupted him.
-Cain, get behind me.- he ordered.
Jenny had already done so and was clutching her new cat tightly.
-Please, be polite for once.- was the only thing Jean Claude could tell Jesse before the group reached them.
-What is going on here!- barked the one in the middle. Jesse had no idea who he might be.
-Just a visit from a friend.- Jean Claude declared hastily. -I'm sorry, if we disturbed you, Afrar.-
Afrar? Aha, considering that Jesse knew that Istar was Jean Claude's fatter, that cleared up the situation, even if it didn't explain why Jean Claude looked so nervous about it. He faced the Star Sheriffs more stoically than this.
-I believe you were ordered to have nothing more to do with that thing.- the Afrar continued.
Ordered? Thing? Jesse took a step forward, but Jean Claude grabbed his arm and held him back.
-And I believe I refused that order.-
Now it was the Afrar who had to hold back Istar. Was that a flash of humour in his eyes at the mirroring gestures?
He turned to Jesse. -You are not welcome here.-
-That's unfortunate, because I have to talk to you.- Jesse returned calmly. -And I take objection to being referred to as 'that thing'. My name is Jesse.-
-Of clan Artesz, I'm aware of that.-
-No, just Jesse, no clan.-
-According to Afrar Hirez you are an Artesz.- the Afrar returned with a slightly raised eyebrow.
-He says that, yes, but he didn't ask me before deciding so. I believe it is my choice what and who I am and I choose to remain the son of the mother that actually loved me.-
-You'd choose to be a Fleshling?- the Afrar fixed Jesse with an almost frighteningly intent stare.
-Not would.- Jesse told him. -I do.-
-And you wish to talk with me?-
-I do.- Jesse said again.
There was a moment of silence as the Afrar contemplated his next step.
-Afrar ...- Istar started, but a quick movement of the Afrar's hand silenced him.
-Why did you come here, then? To visit Jean Claude, or to see me?-
-For ... several reasons.- Jesse decided. -Those are two of them.-
-He brought me a gift.- Jenny announced holding up the cat.
-A toy ... animal?-
-It's a Fleshling cat.- Jesse explained. Ups, he'd forgotten that Jenny's family didn't approve of her love of aliens. -Jean Claude mentioned that his sister was fond of stuffed toys and I thought this one was rather cute.-
-You should have spent your money on your own siblings.- Istar hissed.
-I got a model toy.- Cain said. -And Carszt a science kit. We wouldn't have wanted no stupid cat.-
Jesse shrugged at Istar. -What can I say. They're spoiled.-
-Colony upstarts.- the Afrar stated. -So you want to talk to me?-
-Yes.- How often was he supposed to answer that question?
-Very well. Come.- he turned and started up the stairs again.
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queen merla – Boring? My poor Elhessars. They consider themselves just about the most important thing in this story. ... As you saw, the plan did indeed go somewhere, but Jesse still doesn't like the rest of the clan.
ryder77 – Thanks!
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Next: Jesse has a talk with Afrar Irozz, meets Jean Claude's little brother and tries to survive a dinner conversation with Istar.