Chapter 16.
Meredith walked quickly through the Hangar Bay and made her through the hallways before she came to the apartment she shared with her children. Entering the code the
door swished open and she stepped in to the living room where she let out the air she'd been holding. Hearing the door close behind her she took a deep breath before making
her way into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. When it was made she added milk and sat down on the sofa before shaking her head. Yondu was right. She didn't
think about her children when she killed those Kree. Taking the Yaka arrow out of its holster she smiled at its design before whistling softly letting it glide effortlessly through
the air. Hearing the door open she saw Peter coming in with a smirk on his face.
"Hey Peter. What's the smirk for?" asked Meredith as she holstered her arrow.
Peter smiled at his Mother and sitting beside her he replied "Yondu said I could go on the next heist and Pearle flipped out".
Meredith raised her eyebrow before asking "okay. Peter I wasn't happy with Pearle going on that heist with Yondu and I'm not with you going either".
Peter shrugged his shoulders and looking at the floor he said "I'll be fine Mom, I have to learn the Ravager way and this is the only way to do it".
Standing up Meredith put her empty cup in the sink before asking "where's Yondu now?".
"He's probably still on the bridge" said Peter as he got up and made his way to the kitchen for a snack.
Taking a deep breath Meredith left their quarters and made her way to the bridge. As she neared it she could hear Yondu and Pearle's raised voices in an argument. Kraglin,
Tulk and Oblo stood outside the bridge listening but at seeing Meredith approach they muttered something and went back to their chores. Stepping onto the bridge Meredith
observed the argument learning that Pearle was upset at not being allowed to go and Yondu informing her to deal with it and that there's always another time. Giving a sharp
whistle Meredith got both of their attention and said "Pearle enough. Go back to our quarters I'll talk to you later".
Yondu watched Pearle go before asking "what is it Meredith?"
Hearing the bite in his tone Meredith replied in her own biting tone "I came to collect my daughter and to ask you why you're bringing Peter on a mission?".
"I'm the captain of this ship Meredith Quill and as captain I'll take whoever I want to take on a job" shouted Yondu angrily as he turned back to the pilot seat.
Meredith nodded her head and turning to leave she said "of course Captain Udonta". Leaving the bridge she walked to her quarters ready to comfort her daughter.
Yondu watched her go before rubbing his hands over his face. It was frustrating when he argued with Meredith and especially Pearle. She looked up to him and saw him as a
father figure. She wanted to be just like him and who was he to stop her.
Meredith sat on Pearle's bed rubbing small soothing circles in her back while her daughter sobbed into her pillow. Pearle wiped her raw eyes on the pillow and asked "why
won't Dad let me go? I've gone on jobs with him before".
Meredith smiled softly at her daughter's shaking form and replied "Pearle I know Yondu let you accompany him on jobs before but maybe he wants to take Peter this time".
"Peter would get them caught, he gets distracted too often" said Pearle as she sniffed and sat up.
Meredith reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind Pearle's ear before a knock came on the apartment door. Getting up Meredith promised Pearle she'd be back and went to
answer the door. It came as no surprise to her to find Yondu when she opened the door.
"Yes Captain Udonta?" asked Meredith smirking slightly.
Yondu rolled his eyes and leaning against the door frame he said "look Mer about what I said on the bridge I didn't mean for it to come across the way it did. Ay may be
captain but I'll always be Yondu to you".
"I don't know Yondu I kind of like calling you Captain Udonta" teased Meredith smiling.
Yondu chuckled and stepping past her into the apartment he said "you can call me captain anytime Mer. Now how bad is it before I go in there?".
"She's upset but I'm sure she'll forgive you" replied Meredith as she went to the kitchen to make Pearle a hot chocolate.
Yondu entered Pearl's bedroom and seeing her sitting cross – legged on her bed drying her eyes he frowned and sitting beside her he said "Pearle I've changed my mind. I'd
like you to also come on the job".
Pearle looked at him over her handkerchief and sniffing slightly she asked "really?".
Hating to see her so upset Yondu opened his arms and taking Pearle in them he replied "yes of course".
Meredith came into the bedroom carrying a mug of hot chocolate and handing it to Pearle she said "nice to see you two talking again".
Pearle cradled the mug in her hands and sipping the sweet chocolate drink she said "Dad said I could go on the job with him".
Meredith gritted her teeth and looking at Yondu she asked "are you sure that's wise?"
"Of course I'm sure. The more Ravagers the better" scoffed Yondu as he stood up.
Standing up Meredith smiled and said "well good luck with that Yondu. Not only will you have Pearle to watch you will also have Peter to keep from getting too distracted. They
are only sixteen after all".
Yondu stood and asked "aren't you coming too Mer?".
Meredith raised a brow at him and replied "I don't think so Yondu. You have this one all to yourself. Pearle come on, I need a hand with preparing dinner".
Pearle nodded her head and said "I'll see ya later Dad".
Yondu followed them keeping his eyes on Meredith. Leaving the apartment he made his way to the bridge anxious to get to the next destination. This heist was a big one but
as soon as it was over he was going to do it. The only question was would Meredith say yes.