Groundbreaking
Gliding on down to the picturesque postcard-worthy plains of Naboo we go, zeroing in on a spot of land many kilometers east of Theed. Upon the flat surface of a hill, several peculiar characters either stood or milled about. Three of them we're already acquainted with: Caim, Angelus and their awakened son were taking in the expansive view and breathing in the fresh alien air after having experienced their first ever ride on a spacecraft. In spite of some extensive convincing and a bit of crampedness, it had been a smooth ride. It was also a lengthy one, granting the beleaguered Mon Calamarian escort time to finalize the "busy work", which mainly consisted of setting up a bank account and getting some signatures (in the case of Angelus, a blood seal [just a splotch, though]). Bank card in hand, the three were dropped off on the hilltop along with the others taking passage with them (but not Tech Officer; his duties were thankfully over).
They were an assortment of droids and robots of distinctive design and coloration, all wearing neat yellow construction helmets. One of the taller ones approached the new citizens, bearing a purple and blue color scheme with seven green feather-like extensions folded up on their back. They placed their claw-tipped feet into the ground before the three and spoke.
"Hello and salutations, good people and dragon! I'm Cyber Peacock, or plain Cyber or Cy or even Cyprus if you prefer. Me and my crew here will be the ones who will build your new home in this fair galaxy of ours. One that will nicely accommodate the both of you and the cute little fella right here." He extended a finger to rub the infant's chin, but pulled back his arm before it could get ripped off by a set of snarling dragon teeth.
Keep away from the child!
"Sorry, sorry! That was rude for me to just reach out like that. My social graces among organics are rather lacking."
Baby Nowe turned his head within the confines of his father's arms and reached out a tiny hand toward the strange and colorful bird person/machine. There's a pause as Caim looked up to his partner, and after some seconds the dragoness rolled both eyes and neck.
It appears your strange appearance has won Nowe's attention, and it would be remiss of us to deny him the freedom to satisfy his developing curiosity. So in this instance, if you wish, you may offer your finger. But Caim wants to make it very clear that you politely ask next time.
"Oh of course; consider that lesson learned." Cyber offered one metallic digit before the infant, who gripped its tip with his teeny fingers. "Hey little guy. It's good to meet you, too." He raised and lowered his finger slightly, the baby keeping hold. "He's got quite a grip."
As he should, for he is half dragon.
"Certainly the cutest wittle half dragon I've ever seen."
Angelus huffed at that seemingly patronizing remark, shortly before her child lost interest and released the former Maverick's finger. The peacock stepped back to better address the adults.
"Okay, I say it's time we move on. Full disclosure: I'm not exactly fitted for construction services. Shocking I know, but I was originally created for work in cyber security, hence my name. But I have been taking courses in architectural design, and am feeling mighty confident in realizing your dream home. With that said, what sort of domicile were you two looking to have?"
I have lived in the wilds all my existence, although Caim had lived in barracks for most of his.
"Really? Is that something you want to hunker down in again, Caim?" Caim shook his head. "I didn't think so. They are so bland, and nobody should have to live in them if given the choice. Starting from scratch, then!"
Cyber brought up his left arm, and tapping at a digital console with his right hand, a blue holo-screen was projected for all to see. "Will you be wanting a simplistic or more decadent look? With all this land you have you can be as ostentatious as you want."
It matters not to us how it looks.
"Very well: open preference it is. Though we'll keep it minimalistic, in keeping with the rustic aesthetics of the area. And I imagine you could do without any modern technology judging by your backgrounds, though I can allow room for it should it come to grow on you."
The screen hovering over the avian bot's arm reshaped into a modest-sized home of respectable antiquity. "People around these parts are more of the manor and chateau persuasion, but I believe a simple and sturdy medieval cottage would suit you best. Ample floor space, a chimney with a working hearth for those colder days, fire resistant materials of course, a kitchen for any and all culinary needs, and a sleeping nook. Perhaps have the interior split into two different elevations for some pizazz: the upper side for the entryway and sleeping space, and the lower for all the busy stuff like cooking, laundry, recreation and so forth. Is all this sounding good so far?"
Caim tilted his head in thought, then gave a mild nod. Angelus isn't quite as sold.
What of furniture? Humans are not exactly comfortable without an array of frivolous objects to clutter their living spaces, at least from what I have gathered.
The dragoness got a deadpan look from her partner.
I'm looking out for your best interests here. Or are you willing to rest on empty ground?
Caim made a sly bit of a smile while sending a cheeky thought.
I am only your pillow occasionally, and only when I feel like it.
"The matter of furniture will need to be taken up with the locals; we're strictly here to build a house," Cyber said to disrupt the marital back-and-forth. "However, I imagine a welcome wagon will be coming around once we post the completion time to the Theed registry. They should be able to direct you to a good shop, or even give you what you need. That's the more neighborly option! Backing up a bit, you mentioning resting on the floor brings up one major concern: how to properly house you, my good lady."
The devastation I have wrought in my lifetime makes me far from "good", and I am no "lady"... You are lucky he cannot hear you, Caim, or I swear by the ancients!
"Alright: giant fearsome dragon with a checkered past. You're far too big to fit into a standard home, meaning we would need to enlarge it to mansion size for you to have stomping room."
I do not need some glorified shelter. In a climate like this, I can make do with living outside.
"Undoubtedly. But it wouldn't sit with my fabricated conscience to leave you exposed to the elements." Cyber pressed a finger to his beak in thought, then made a snap of inspiration. "Luckily I may have the solution."
Several flurried tappings later and the transparent model reformed to include a noticeably large extension affixed to its side.
"A sizable add-on to the cottage just for you, oh terrible dragon. Very roomy and open, much like a hangar or barn, though far nicer I can assure you. Granted it can be quite the eyesore if it's all angular, so it could be modeled to look more like a cave. Uneven interior surfaces for that earthen look, a loft or two for guests or your husband to climb into. Have it narrow on one side so it joins neatly with the rest of the house and allow you to pop in and loom over the kitchen and living area. It would leave a massive opening to the outside, but that's easily fixed with a set of equally massive doors. That way you can have a wide and breezy view of yonder distances and be able to shut up tight against inclement weather. A cozy, secure dwelling fit for a scourge of the skies if I do say so. Don't you think the same?"
The horned dragon head tilted in consideration, perhaps also in conferring with her partner.
If you constructs are willing to put in the effort to make such a thing, then I will accept this addition. But it had better be large enough to not inconvenience me.
"Wonderful! And believe me, you would need a ton of furniture to make it feel cramped in the slightest."
Angelus scoffed both verbally and mentally.
"Now, we do offer a complimentary paint job to the exterior. Do you have a preferred color in mind, or would you want to go with a standard eggshell white?"
Man and dragon silently discussed this option.
Something auburn would be nice.
"Got you." Cyber began tapping. "Inputting dimensions, materials, locking in selection, aaaaaand… sending."
Following a button press, Cyber's eyes lit up and an electronic beep filled the air. After two seconds it went away and Cyber's eyes dimmed to normal.
"The schematics have been uploaded into the workers, so they can begin work right away. Have to love the efficiency of Reploids: have the blueprints and instructions beamed directly into their head as opposed to crowding around a table to get a look. Whenever you're ready, fellas!"
A hulking, blocky Robot Master of yellow, red and black waved back to the peacock man. "We've been ready, ya walking headdress!" Turning to the rest of his workers, Guts Man rumbled out, "Alright ya lug nuts! You know what to do, so hop to it!"
The droids kicked into gear at their foreman's command, and began working their mechanical magic without further delay.
Half an hour elapsed and the cottage was a quarter of the way done. The foundation was dug out and filled with speed and precision, the surface flooring leveled and set in even less time. The first layer of bricks were in place and the walls and internal fixtures were coming along nicely. It was certainly a sight for Caim and Angelus to behold, but the marvels of space age technology and building methods could only impress for so long, so that after ten minutes of idle standing and watching they opted to have a sit down on the edge of their hill.
Caim was seated against the soft leathery side of his partner, cradling his cooing child while Angelus took in the landscape with her aged but ever-sharp eyes.
It does look an awful lot like Midgard, wouldn't you agree? Only without any towering cyclops stomping about.
Caim idly nodded, bouncing his son gently. Angelus lowered her head and brought her snout close to the little bundle.
I still find it hard to believe that came out of me. That we created that. After all we have been through and done, that something so delicate but full of life could be borne.
Caim tilted his head.
I know enough bizarre things have happened to make this outcome probable. That still doesn't keep me from being baffled by it… nor grateful that it happened.
Angelus sniffed the wee infant and gave him a gentle lick with the tip of her tongue, earning a burble of delight. She pulled back but kept her eyes on him.
Both a comfort and an insult that he doesn't show the slightest fear toward me. I suppose he recognizes me as his mother… or he's as ignorant of danger as any other human infant.
Caim shrugged, mentally suggesting that it could be both. The dragoness nodded, then looked back out over the plains, keeping silent for nearly a minute.
Do you think it will truly last? This peace we have fallen into, strictly by chance?
Caim gave a straightforward response.
I know that; we are miles from the closest human that can bother us. What I meant was… can we stay like this? Be content? On that other world we were focused on survival, but here, with just about everything provided for us… will that be enough for destroyers like ourselves?
The former soldier, who had dedicated his life to battle and slaughtering his enemies, thought deeply on that, hardly feeling the soft touch of wind. After some mulling, he let out the best sigh his silenced tongue would allow and telegraphed a simple, age-old saying.
Yes: time will tell. But, at the very least, we can bear with this idyllic fate for our little one's sake.
Caim patted the side of his beloved dragon, looking up and smiling softly. A sight that never failed to ease her doubts.
Bahh! This restlessness has me entertaining brooding thoughts; I need to feel like a dragon again.
Scanning the reaches beyond their hilltop sanctuary, Angelus looked down and nudged her mate.
Would you be up for some flying?
Caim asked for certainty, adjusting his son for emphasis.
Of course. Give him his first taste of the sky, as well as our first look of this new home.
That put away any further disagreement on the human's part. He pushed himself up off the soft grass, prompting the dragoness to raise her great size and stomp over a few feet to straighten herself out. Caim got onto her back with familiar ease and saddled himself in his usual spot, with one hand pressed to the side of her spine and the over holding his son close to his chest. Angelus swiveled her neck to look at her passengers.
Is he secure?
Seeing the nod of her partner and his firm grip, Angelus nodded and looked ahead, spacing her legs and flexing her wings. Bracing herself, she crouched, then launched high into the air with near-explosive force, elevating to a hundred feet before opening her wings, dipping and shooting for the horizon. This impressive take-off halted the construction briefly as the workers watched the dragon and her rider go.
"Should they be flying off like that?" asked one droid.
"It's as much their sky as everyone else's here. Now get back to work."
And so they did, for no one argued with Guts Man where sticking to a timetable was concerned.
As for the family in flight, the wyvern struck out westward. Miles of rolling plains and hills sped by far below, and whatever clouds dared hang too low were obliterated by the winged deathbringer. In practically no time the faded browns and yellows below gave way to a lush tapestry of crystalline blue lakes interwoven with tracts of immaculate greenery. Buildings of both unusual and familiar design could be seen, adding more captivating detail to this rolling picture. But it wasn't just scenery that was making Angelus feel lighter than the air she was soaring through.
The thrill of it all: to fly so freely without restraint; to push her body to the limit; the feel of wind and thermals buffeting her scaly hide. It was almost enough to make the ancient dragon cry. Caim could feel this as well through their intimate link, adding some primal elation to the relaxation he was experiencing being back up in the air with his life partner: the very one who granted him that privilege in the first place. And their little one, though not entirely aware of all that was happening, was nevertheless at peace with the motions he was experiencing.
Such warmth; so much clean, open air. And it's all for us. How is Nowe handling all this?
Caim reported that their son was handling it no different than a babe in a cradle.
Because he knows it is safe. That this is his domain, even if he lacks the means to enter it on his own. The sky cannot frighten its born rulers, after all.
Caim offered a curious thought.
Yes, I suppose he very well could when he comes of age. There is still much to see with his growth. He may become a proper dragon yet.
Angelus banked left to circle over Lake Country, dropping altitude a little to get a better look at the homes below.
I take it that those must be our "neighbors". Perhaps human lords in their country retreats.
Caim suggested the idea of dropping in to say hello at some point.
I suppose that would be inevitable. I hear no alarms and nothing is firing at us, so they may be tolerable enough. But not today: this is our time.
A few strong flaps sent the dragon and her riders back up to a loftier height. Shortly after re-entering glide mode, something caught her attention.
Something is ahead of us.
A little over a kilometer away, half a dozen bogwings flapped lazily through the sky without a care in the world, clearly unaware of the apex predator zeroing in on them.
For there to be winged horrors in this world as well. They do not appear to be particularly aggressive, or even alert.
Angelus gnashed her teeth as a fresh heat filled her core.
Should make for decent target practice.
Without awaiting consultation from her partner, the dragoness raised a billowing inferno in her maw as she mentally tracked her targets. Locked on, she opened her mouth and let loose six searing balls of flame. They separated and homed in on each bogwing, and by the time they noticed what's going on the flying lizards ignited in blasts of flame and smoke, their charred corpses breaking into dust as they fell. Angelus made a triumphant growl over her effortless kills.
Still as potent as ever. It's honestly a little disappointing how easily they fell.
Caim assured her that he had no doubts whatsoever about the lethality of her flame, which garnered a snort from her.
As you should not. Although, I am ashamed to admit that that volley has left me a little fatigued.
Her partner reminded her of their months of inactivity, and the fact they hadn't eaten anything since leaving the dragon planet.
You are right; I never did quell the hunger brought on by that tiresome fish man's drivel. We better fix that.
Her yellow eyes took a quick scan of the land below and immediately spotted something good.
And I have found just the morsel.
Angelus flapped and banked downward, ready for the hunt.
Back on the hill, the walls of the cottage were nearly halfway up when a caravan of sorts came over the crest. Two custom luxury landspeeders, and a hover carriage drawn by four sleek equine beasts parked outside of the construction zone. Being the creative overseer on site, Cyber Peacock believed he had to serve as diplomat and spokesperson as well, so he approached the newcomers as they disembarked from their vehicles. A tall man with a widow's peak and wearing the customary robes of the well-off was at the forefront of the group and was the first to address the synthetic.
"Afternoon there, good sir! We're members of the Nerswyn County Welcoming Committee, come to, well, welcome our newest neighbors."
"We got the alert from the registration office nearly an hour ago," said a shorter and more stout gent in the middle of the group. "We would have arrived sooner, but someone insisted on traveling traditionally."
"Oh I insisted no such thing, Herv: it was purely economical," a skinny woman with done-up hair defended. "Why put the parcels in two separate landspeeders when the carriage has enough space for all of it? Besides, the guarlaras can always use the exercise, especially on such a lovely day as this."
"Peh. Women and their 'economical' thinking, am I right?" the one named Herv said to Cyber in an aside.
"I was originally a security AI, so I have no opinion on the sexes either way."
"Ah, right. Non-binary identities and all that; sorry to impose."
"We put together an assortment of necessities and toiletries, as well as oodles of baby things for the little one," spoke a more plump and cheery madam, steering us from a potentially awkward topic. "Where are the dearies?"
"They had gone off on a flight some twenty minutes ago. They didn't say when they would be back, but I imagine it shouldn't be too long," Cyber answered.
"Right: one of them is a dragon," said the head welcomer. "I suppose it's in their nature to want to spread their wings, haha. It will be something to make their acquaintance."
"Provided you don't get scorched in conversation."
"Hervonis, honestly!"
"The Wycasters lost two-thirds of their crop when one of them came swooping by the other week, in case you've forgotten. Also the Menden's livestock."
"Those were the beastly variety, obviously! This one is clearly civilized, or why else would the Contractor recognize her as a worthy citizen of the Republic?"
"Perhaps as a lark? Gods tend to be funny about things in ways we cannot comprehend."
"I'd have to agree with you on that," Cyber acknowledged readily. "But I can vouch that Angelus is cordial enough, though a bit snappish and curt."
"I imagine it's due to nerves. The poor thing must feel so out of place, and on top of having a newborn to look after," the plump one offered. "I'm sure after we help her get comfortable, she'll prove to be a most delightful dragon to know."
An awful thud drew everyone's attention to the eviscerated, bloody remains of a shaak that had dropped a few yards nearby, followed shortly by the frightening sight of a large, horned, crimson wyvern landing heavily beside the carcass on blood-soaked claws. Angelus licked her chops as she sniffed her prize over.
Hopefully this creature isn't entirely made of fat. Now, should I roast it outright, or do you want to carve off a portion first?
The red dragon then noticed the committee of humans staring at her with open mouths and, in spite of their best efforts to not draw attention, she extended her neck to gaze upon them.
Who are you people?
And that's how Caim and Angelus first met their neighbors.