Chapter Twelve
Instantly Stakar with Peter on his shoulders, went for his weapon before a sharp voice came through the air, and everyone grew silent with tension you could cut. A woman wearing an eye patch, and a black leather jacket stepped out from the crowd.
If there was a moment of confusion, it was broken when little Peter bounced up, excitedly "Auntie Entity", and reached out his arms, which were suddenly full of the woman, and not on Stakar so fast the Ravager didn't have time to react.
He knew this woman, if not by sight, but by reputation. Entity Amaria was one of the most feared fighters in the sector. Her exploits were legendary until she retired with a fortune and disappeared. And now she was here? In charge of this, the universe really was full of surprises after all.
"Hi monster, how are you? Peter laughed at being called a monster, whilst the woman who was in charge glared at Stakar's crew. "So, who are you, and what are you doing with this boy".
There was a moments pause, and it was little Peter who saved the day when he piped up "My daddies are on a mission and Stakar's taking care of me"
Auntie Entity, as Peter addressed her, twisted her lips and turned to Stakar, "Are you taking good care of him".
With the emphasis, of the word, once again it was Peter who started "Doing good. Could be better…and they ate all my jam" which was honest of a statement from a four-year-old, but seemed to do the trick, but she didn't let go of Peter, and addressed the Ravagers, and addressed them in a stern voice. Which got the attention of everyone.
"I find it hard to believe that his parents would let him go…however you are part of the Ravagers. To that, I do believe, but here in the Barter Markets, there are rules.
No leathers, weapons, everything will be taken off you and returned to you later. They will be in a secure area, and don't worry I'm not known for ripping people off". There was a small smattering of laughter from this, by the people observing rapt by all of this.
"There are signs up, but you choose to ignore them. And one else I would have kicked out, but you're here with Peter, so I'll allow this"
The order was clear, all weapons and leathers were shrugged off, and placed in a large basket, by an attendant who magically appeared out of nowhere, and the Ravagers felt very bare without their leathers.
But noted that made them disappear in the crowd, as everything that made them Ravagers, reappeared in a moment, whilst Entity turned back to them, a cocky smile on her face.
"A few things, everything here to buy for, everything is tallied up towards the end, easier form of currency and no one gets ripped off. bartering does exist, don't be dicks about it. The "Customer isn't always right".
Since you're with Peter no one is going to give you hassle however Iztel, and that boy of his have arranged a discount with the holders. Incidentally, they eat the best, they don't come cheap and no discounts will be offered to you. So, hope you brought your units". She finished with a smirk.
There was a cheer, in the background at this, since any discounts were by traders and being decent, and it didn't extend to Ravagers, the exemption being the Udonta Clan, for having a child on board. Standards after all.
Entity looked over the pad and noticed where all the good stalls were, the ones Iztel also frequented and since his cook was dying to get going and buy food. For a crew that wanted better, they had to get moving and Peter was taken back, when Entity suddenly asked, "Where is your little bag, Peter?"
"Don't have it" came the reply and with a shrug of her head and flick of her wrist, an empty large cloth bag was given to the boy, who slung it in the air and it came close to Starker's head, as Petr said a thank you to the owner of the market, who had more things to say.
"Be advised everything is in sections, the weapons aisles, no children allowed, and no exceptions to that. Be advised in the pastry section, this boy got a sweet tooth. So good luck with that".
With that, she disappeared with Peter giving her a little wave, and the groups since everyone was aware of their presence, all eyes were drawn to them.
However, Stakar noted that they expected the group as Peter's guardian since the little boy was getting all the attention is marker holders calling out for him whilst Actveia check checked over the goods, and the list in his hand, which was substantial. Whilst Peter was directing them to all his favourites.
Starting with the cheese, Peter directed them to a large stall. "This is the best cheese; we only get from here". Peter greeted the seller, whom Staker learned was called, Taroth, who was with his wife who viewed the Ravagers with surprise and suspicion. It was informed that a small parcel was wrapped up for Peter as a snack.
However, Stakar didn't make too much of a fuss, as Peter and Actveia picked out the ones they liked the most. But it was noted how relieved Taroth was when they walked away, but that was understandable. They were Ravagers after all.
With Peter off his shoulders, Stakar and Aleta were gripping him firmly by the hand, it was strange since they were criminals but they were getting nods of acceptance from other parents. It did lead both of them to wonder what it would be like, to have children of their own, which they never conferred with each other.
As they turned down the fruit and veg aisles, with the meat and fish done, and the food list getting bigger since Actveia wanted more things to try. It was rare for everyone to see him so enthusiastic, and he was in his element.
But in the fruit aisle, where everyone got Peter's attention, and finally, the reason for his little bag was explained.
"Here you are, five bustles of cerise, and for you Peter. This is for you" Peter said a happy "Thank you" as the small bag of cerise was placed in his little bag, and Stakar understood. With every place, they went to, with Peter pointing out all his favourites and by extension the Udonta Ravagers it always ended with a small gift being passed his way.
Whilst almost everyone indulged Peter in conversation, even if they were all wary, of the man who was his current guardian. But eventually, the bag got fuller, with more things to try, and in contrast to their lives, this was so different that it was beginning to be enjoyable for the crew, as more things were requested and the list of food got bigger.
Until they finally went down the pasty aisles to get some sweet thing, and for the crew, not just for Peter. Stakar rationed to himself, as Peter's face lit up at all the baked goods, and Stakar brought him a cream fruit bun, which he scoffed, so his mouth was covered and needed to be cleaned thoroughly.
It was around this time with Auntie Entity, having been observing this, came to join them as they got further in. with the authority of a person who really did run the place.
"You have an incredible market" stated Aleta, since complements seemed the right place to go, which Entity accepted. "And you know my name and are wondering how I got here. After I retired, brought some land, and I own quite a bit. Decided to do some good, and created the market. Don't often get Ravagers, but it's a success".
"Well, you've done an amazing job".
To this Entity nodded, "Not too bad for reformed criminals, everyone here. Or their parents, I'm a big believer in second chances, that's why I take no shit from anyone".
The realisation that everyone there selling their wares used to be a criminal was news to them, but they kept that thought to themselves, as she spoke up again.
"You know I'm impressed, Yondu and Kraglin, couldn't t fathom letting anyone watch their son, bit of a paranoid pair, as you can imagine" Stakar could tell from, her tone there was more to this since his perspective on Peter was something, but he had more questions.
"What are they like as parents? Is Peter well cared for". It was a stupid question, and Entity's lips curled. But she gave a direct answer.
"Peter started coming to the market when he was one, in Yondu's pouch, with Iztel, bartering for discounts getting the best of everything. I get it, Ravagers being parents, not the usual, but that's them all over. As parents, decent and devoted, everyone can see it…yet you ask. So do you not trust them entirely, or so they not trust you?"
The word was piercing, Aleta, almost everyone saw the look passing over her face, whilst Entity nodded "Umm thought so" as they were reaching the end of the market. Some of the Ravagers had gone down the weapons aisle, somewhere where Peter was banned from, as were all children, Entity turned her attention to Peter, who leapt into her arms for a cuddle.
"So, are you having a good day at the market, Peter?" she asked the little boy, who just had a coy look on his face, "Yep, but can we go down the toy line and see the toys, please. I just want to see them, and I've been a good boy". He said, with a sly smile, and something within Stakar, which he couldn't explain just caved, "Ok then".
As Peter hugged Enmity and got down to get to the toys while Staker and Alita followed after saying their goodbyes, to her, she watched the hapless adults, and shook her head, as Peter began to look at the thing she liked and thought what a pair of suckers they both were.
To be continued
