Chapter 21.

The journey to the Milky Way Galaxy had been boring as Meredith soon found out. The Ecclector had to be refuelled three times and each time they docked at a

planet to refuel the Ravagers had to visit the local bars and brothels. Walking down the hallways that led to the cafeteria Meredith smiled when she saw Pearle and

Peter sitting at a table looking at something on a holo pad. Moving into the kitchen Meredith made two mugs of hot chocolate and a mug of coffee before placing them

on a tray and made her way to the table her children sat at.

Placing the two mugs of hot chocolate in front of them she asked "so what are ye two up to?".

Peter sipped his hot chocolate before replying "we're looking at a star map of the Milky Way Galaxy and we're reading the information on the planets there".

Meredith nodded her head and sipping her coffee she help her hand out for the holo pad and asked "can I see?". Pearle handed the pad to her before settling to drink

her hot chocolate.

Meredith scanned through the planets until she found Centauri IV. Reading the information on it she chewed on her bottom lip. The information said that the Kree

often used the planet as a base for the slave trade. Highlighting a few lines she handed the pad back to Pearle who read them carefully before nodding her head

slowly.

Peter watched them both before scoffing and asked "what is with you two?".

Pearle chuckled and looking at Peter she replied "nothing you'd understand bro". Seeing Peter shrug his shoulders Pearle returned her gaze to the holo pad screen and

frowned at what she had read. Looked like visiting Centauri IV was out of the question.

Yondu sat in the pilot's chair while he read the message he'd just received from their newest client. The location to meet was Teegarden's star which was a planet

unknown to the Ravager Captain. Pinching the bridge of his nose he read that the planet was inhabited by many races including Centaurians. Hearing footsteps enter

the bridge he looked behind him and seeing Meredith he asked "what's up Mer?".

Meredith stood beside his seat and gazing out the window she said "I just came from the cafeteria where Peter and Pearle were looking up information on the Milky

Way Galaxy and Pearle now understands why she can't go to Centauri IV".

Yondu nodded his head and said "that's good. How did Pearle take the news about the slavery thing?".

Meredith spun to stare at Yondu and asked "did you put that information about Centauri IV on the data files?".

Yondu smirked and nodding his head he replied "I had to and anyway what I put in them files is true. Centauri IV is no more. It's tribes no doubt all enslaved and if

our Pearle went there the same would happen to her and there would be no way to get her back".

Meredith shuddered and folding her arms she said "I would hate if that happened Yondu".

Yondu looked at Meredith and seeing the worry etched on her face he said "she'll be fine Mer. Pearle's got us to look out for her and anyway this phase will pass as

soon as we land on Teegarden's Star. I was sent a message by our new client where to meet him and that's it".

"Sounds pretty" said Meredith as she sat on the floor beside him.

Yondu chuckled and smiling down at her he said "maybe. Anyway there will be plenty of market stalls to help Pearle forget all about Centauri IV".

"Hm" mumbled Meredith as she watched the star scape.

They remained Quiet for a few minutes before Yondu asked "do ya miss Terra Mer? Is there anyone there that you were close to?".

Meredith shook her head and replied "no there's no one there except for an Aunt but we had a fallen out before you came back for me. As for missing it I don't when I

have a whole galaxy to explore with you".

Yondu smirked and nodding his head satisfied with her answer he said "that's good. Ya better go get those two ready coz we're nearly there".

"How long till we reach orbit?" asked Meredith as she stood up.

Yondu chuckled and replied "twenty minutes so ya better hurry".

Meredith left the bridge and rushed to the Cafeteria where Peter and Pearle still sat looking at the holo pad. Smiling at them she said "Peter, Pearle we're going to

orbit in twenty minutes".

"Jeez that was quick" said Peter as he and Pearle stood up before approaching their Mother.

"Yes well we have to get to the bridge now" said Meredith in an urging manner.

The three left the Cafeteria and walked briskly to the Bridge where the sat in their seats and buckled their safety belts before Yondu began the ships descent onto the

planet.

Pearle looked at the market stalls when they had emerged from the M Craft and nudged Peter saying "we might find some knew cassette tapes here".

Peter grinned and nodding his head he replied "we might but I want to try the food".

"Every time we land on a planet you want to eat. Shopping comes first bro" said Pearle.

Meredith watched them before turning to Yondu and asked "will they be fine on their own or do I need to shackle them to me?".

Yondu glanced at her and shrugging his shoulders he replied "I have given orders to the crew to keep an eye on them including you so no need to worry".

Meredith nodded her head and asked "how long do you think this meeting will last?".

"Don't know but I'll find ya when I'm finished so have fun" replied Yondu as he began to make his way to the meeting point leaving Meredith to ponder which stall to

visit first.

While Peter visited a stall that sold weapons Pearle shopped at the many stalls purchasing terran junk as it was called before purchasing some extra clothes and

toiletries. Coming to a stall she smiled at the female merchant who was Centaurian.

The merchant smiled at Pearle and asked "hello I'm Uru how may I help you?"

Pearle looked at the jewellery on the table and said "these are very beautiful. Have you anything related to a Yakka arrow?".

Uru looked at Pearle curiously before opening a wooden box to retrieve a white metal chain with a gold arrow hanging from it. Looking at Pearle she said "this

unfortunately can only be sold to someone of our race".

Pearle frowned and said "oh". Relaxing her frown she smiled and added "I understand but I know someone who would just love it".

Uru shook her head and irritated she snapped "you are not Centaurian so you cannot wear it. Now be gone before I lose my patience".

Yondu rolled his eyes as he stepped out of the hut and made his way through the stalls. This job was going to take him all the way to Jotunheim and was going to

cost him on fuel. Hearing Pearle's voice raised he looked for her and seeing her arguing with a Centaurian he made his way to the stall and asked "what's going on

here Pearle?".

Pearle turned around and seeing Yondu she replied "this merchant won't sell me a necklace and I'm arguing that it don't matter what race I am".

Yondu nodded his head and turning to Uru he smirked and said "let me see the necklace?".

"You know she can't wear it, she's not one of us" said Uru as she handed the necklace to Yondu.

Yondu looked at the necklace and asked "how much?"

"Five thousand credits" replied Uru as she folded her arms.

Throwing the credits on the counter Yondu said "now it's sold and my daughter has a new piece of jewellery".

Uru grumbled before pocketing the credits and watching the Centaurian lead the arrogant young lady away from her stall.

To be Continued!