Chapter Five

It was only late, Iztel having ditched most of the ornamental aspects of the suit, and looked more casual, was cooking the four girls some food, to make them feel more settled, while Tyrolls and Lizxona listened intently since on their own planet a man was dealing with the ramification, he had become a parent without his consent.

it was the older one, who was about four who didn't have a name yet at least who could only say "We were in a room, and we had toys, and sometimes we saw a lady in the glass," which could have been anyone since none of that was information that was leading anywhere.

The younger two were more accepting of the situation, being too little to process this and the baby was suckling on a bottle of milk which had been scrounged up. But it was the Vox who had assisted Iztel with the cooking because she needed something to do, and working was natural to her, began to open up about her life, in a harsh whisper due to all the damage to her throat, and all the children she had seen killed.

Iztel realised that there was a captain that owned him since he knew the Elector was not the place for her to be. Since she was a living witness, after all, all Iztel could do was reassure her. Lizxona and Tyrolls were just mesmerised watching this man comforting four children like an expert.

A little while later, the three sleeping children were moved from the Warlord's ship and taken to the infirmary where they would spend the last few days being accessed. Iztel had a request for someone to meet him, even though the plan was to just hand them over and leave, it was a request he had to oblige.

The Ravager who had had more action in the field in the last few days than he had in years, through his hazy vision could see the resemblance of the girls within the man in front of him. The same birthmark, bluish tint of his skin, and black and silver hair. Iztel wondered how far it went and whether he even had the abilities Pysiran were meant to have.

There was also wonderment that these children existed at all, as Alyeus Khamenos introduced himself to Iztel, with a gentle "So you're the one who saved my daughters?"

Iztel explained that it wasn't the case, but he had been taking care of them whilst they were being brought home, and he understood it was a shock, which was the understatement of the year, whilst Alyeus explained.

"This morning, I woke up and all I had to think about was some broken fishing nets, and now I'm a dad...I can't get my head around this, like how did this happen? I was told I would never be a dad, and now three girls. What are their names?"

"They don't have names were never named according to them so that's typically a parent's job, isn't it?" To which Iztel nodded gently, whilst the man continued.

"So, I have to name them, raise them and be a dad."

"Well, you look overwhelmed, just like all dads," Iztel said gently, since this poor man's world had been turned round in a heartbeat, and this was the first time to bring out the Tribute, which has the expected result.

"You don't need to do that, I'm very successful at what I do, those girls won't need for anything".

"And I appreciate that, but Tribute from the Ravagers is serious business, to turn it down is an insult, all the crews have given up those units for these girls, combined it's a hundred thousand units each, to be released when they all come of age. They went through hell, it's our way of bringing balance."

Iztel suddenly recalled, that the year before it was only Yarovesky who had given a Tribute, but these actions were so sudden, that Yondu announced that it was him, just to spare Yarovesky any questions. As he added with more severity.

"For you to turn it down, basically says to us, that we're all bastards who aren't good enough for you…and this is after we saved their lives. Believe me, just accept this, it also means that if anything happens, we'll be there. Look we're criminals, I've killed so many people in my career that I lost count, but we have rules and standards. You must take this, when they are older, they might appreciate it".

The three-unit chips were handed over and with that everything was resolved, but Alyeus had one more thing to say, "You know, with this I'm in good company, my cousin adopted a little boy called Omevic last year."

This grabbed Iztel's attention, but he managed to keep his face impassive "Oh, is that right."

"Yeah, he's a good kid, and there are other adopted children too, becoming a parent in a second isn't rare just this is…am I making sense?"

And to this Iztel smiled "It makes perfect sense, and I know you're freaking out, but your little girls are in there. Already said my farewells, and they're going to forget all about me anyway, and all of this…well mostly. Want advice, just be a good dad."

These were the only parting words there were as Alyeus turned to meet his daughters and give them a good life, of which Iztel was certain. The last time he had seen a parent so freaked out, it was the Captain and First Mate.

When they were dealing with the responsibility of raising Peter, but as he got to the door of the shuttle to take him away from there and to a place of normality, when Alyeus called out "You know I never got your name, what is it?"

"It's Iztel, just don't be going around telling anyone about it" replayed the Ravager and when that business concluded, Iztel took off in the ship piloted by Lizxona and Tyrolls to rendezvous with the Ravagers and get the hell back to the Elector.

However, when the door closed and took off admits the stars, since of course Tyrolls and Lizxona would oversee everything whilst they dropped Iztel back. Whilst he took custody of the other little girl, who everyone noted looked very traumatised when she realised that she wasn't going to a nice home and none of it was her fault.

But Iztel gave her some extra attention, even though there were staff doing just that, Iztel cooked some of Peter's favourite food, and in the end, he saw a ghost of a smile on her lips, indicating she was more accepting of the situation, albeit very quiet. Iztel had learned that she showed signs of intelligence and could also read, so at least that was something to build on.

In the end, however, after a good dinner cooked by someone else, The Vox was resting happily in an empty room with the reassurance that she would go to a safe place. But she had finally fallen asleep after a guard had been posted on her door.

Iztel was sitting with Lizxona and Tyrolls drinking a very fine whisky, since the events of the last few days, had caused more questions, and the ones who ruled most of the planet. Who was amazed at how educated and cultured Iztel was, had so many questions, so just asked him directly.

"When Kraglin told me that he was resistant to leave Peter with someone who was once his Captain, I know it's a strange thing to ask, and I guess strange for Yondu to suggest it. I know he normally would have left him with you, or even us in a heartbeat, but what did happen?"

Iztel not that his tongue was loosened, but to be honest felt like they needed to know, and even since he had seen the couple, he once knew so well. The issue had been playing heavily on his mind, so he took a deep breath and opened with.

"Well, this started way before Yondu and Kraglin…two Ravagers called Regellen and Hoag…"

In their M-Ship on the way back, to the rest of the crew, with Iztel being dropped back shortly, Yondu and Kraglin made it up to themselves, just having the peace and quiet, by screwing on every surface imaginable, just lost in the ecstasy of each other, until they were finally sated, and collapsed on the Bridge bed.

"Was Stakar ok, with having Peter for an extra day", Kraglin asked, and not for the first time and got the response "Totally fine, I think they would have called us if anything stupid happened. Besides all those Ravagers against a toddler…reckon we'll get back and Peter will be Captain, the way he is".

"I know, but and I know it's stupid and we trusted them with our baby, but every time I see Aleta, all I think is Regellen and Hoag…and it's her fault. It's her stupid fault, and she won't admit that.

Difference between her and you, you screw up, you admit it" stated Kraglin whilst Yondu mused it over.

"I know we can't change anything, and if they were here, we wouldn't be in our jobs, but I bloody miss them…good Ravagers". Said Yondu, as the pair having initiated the conversation began to swap the same stories, they had done dozens of times before.

On another M-Ship going back through space, Proctom, Jamsean, Gunnsen, Horuz, and Yarovesky were sitting at a table.

Iztel has sent word to everyone that the Tribute had been accepted for the girls, who were going to a good home. And a second Tribute was being arranged for the Vox, whilst everyone figured out where the destination would be.

While Jamsean was putting a list together of the art he had seen and the others he had a feeling would be there, since a little artist raid would be coming up, increasing the coffers of everyone.

But Jamsean was more than happy to put it together himself if Yondu permitted. Not because he was trying to take credit, but in the recent months since he had discovered art.

Jamsean had devoured so many books and was able to retain the memory of them. So, he knew how best to protect the works, and because he wanted to see them all again since they all belonged in an art gallery…or anyone who wanted them and would pay a high price.

"You know this isn't over, we've still got to sort this out, but I mean let's face it. We took down a child trafficking ring, saved those kids, and now we've all got loot coming our way. We'll be back on the Elector soon, and of course, pick up Peter".

Jamsean said with confidence as Horuz mulled over his drink and brushed the edge with his fingers. "You know I was so surprised that they agreed for the Osgood to be with him.

Trust me, no love lost between them, especially Kraglin he hates them both for good reason". Said Horuz remembering it all, whilst curiosity grew with the others, "You know I heard that, but for what reason, is it some big secret?" Asked Proctom.

"No, we just don't talk about it, it's about two crewmen called Regellen and Hoag…and something Aleta did. Sod it, here goes."

There will be a new story here, coming up called The Parting of the Ways, which is a flashback to explain what happened