Sonny listened attentively as Hawk started to tell his tale. The memories that played in his mind weren't great, especially where General Bleylock was concerned. Hawk felt ashamed he had sent the message with the eyes, to try to warn him to get out of this relationship while he still could. Especially when he had hacked into Technoid's database when their spy reported that Bleylock was alone. The videos and footage he had found, on prisoners Bleylock abused in prison, and the hidden files, on his young protege, the nastiness of what he was exposed to, from someone set to protect him, it was enough to make anyone nauseous. If Corso had seen this, he would have scared Bleylock back to life, only for him to kill him in person, that Sonny was sure of once he saw the material Hawk had. He focused back on Hawk.
"The Bleylocks are powerful on Abraxor, but not elsewhere. The only reason he took the position at Technoid, was because they were being threatened by someone they worked together with. The Bleylocks are deceitful by nature but this time they were deceived by a more dangerous enemy. One of them had a spy at Abraxor the time you visited with him. They knew about Rainbow and the situation there. I tried to protect them and warn you. Bleylock responded by putting a bounty on my head. All that aside, they aren't the real threat. It came from a planet that only made itself known during the Paradisian Cup." Hawk said. That comment caught Sonny's interest. There was at least five teams he never heard of before in that Cup. The Electras, Team Paradisia, The Gyros, The Sandmen of Menor and The pulsars.
He didn't have time to really look more into those teams. Now, they would see most of these teams in the next Galactik Football Cup. It would be the Pirates' second Cup with a Flux.
"Do share what you know about this enemy. Bleylock kept me in the dark a lot of the time, I don't know what you're talking about on this." Sonny confessed. Hawk nodded.
"You're correct, he hid this from you. I guess he tried to protect you. In his own twisted way" He said. Sonny nodded.
"Tell me Hawk, who was Bleylock's real enemy?"
Corso looked at the legal documents for their wedding. How did Callie feel about this?He himself wanted it, so bad. He would be tied to Sonny for eternity that way, and with where they were now, he could not let go of him. He had relied on Sonny for so long, to imagine life without him, or even loosing him to someone else, it hurt to the point of him not wanting to be here. If agreeing to these terms was all he needed to do, to take his name and call him his spouse, then heck yeah, he would not think twice. But he also needed Callies thoughts of it all. He needed to talk to her about it before going through with it all.
His gaze fell on the photos Hawk had obtained. Noomi and Kimberly. There was a sting in his heart when he thought of them. After being in the Crystal Chamber, Corso felt a lot more at peace than ever before. Corso decided to hold off his final decision until after he collected the remains of his daughter and wife, and laid them to rest at a more suitable place. He could still speak with Callie about things. He checked the time and made the call.
Callie was home when Corso called. The next galactik football cup was just weeks away from starting, and she was being told to prepare an online interview with all the team coaches. At this point, she wasn't sure Sonny would make it. She sat down in the sofa, smiling. She needed to speak to Corso about their marriage. Her own answer was 'yes'. She wanted the both of them. Her phone rang and she answered.
"Corso! How are you?" She smiled when she saw his hologram. She studied Corso though the hologram. Something had changed. He looked more relaxed. That mission with Solaris had changed him for sure. Corso smiled, somewhat nervous.
"You know about Sonny's proposal?" He asked. Callie never heard Corso this nervous before. She could figure out why. Sonny had given him the conditions for the polygamous marriage, and what it entailed, and he now wanted to hear her thoughts about it.
"Of course I do Corso. And I'm willing to go through with this. It is a perfect solution, for all three of us,Of course, if you are into it." She said softly. Corso smiled again.
"Depends on how you feel about it. I dont want to get into it if you have any grievances" He admitted. Callie smiled. She understood why Corso was nervous.
"It's perfect Corso. For us. For Sonny. For everyone. Sure makes life more exciting. No grievances on my end. But let me hear your thoughts on the matter" She laughed. Corso had to chuckle.
"I propose, we work as a team to protect and take care of him in this marriage, that is, if you want to go through with it? As long as we can keep him at good health and safe, that is all I ask" He said, nervous once again. Callie laughed.
"Just do one thing, okay? It's not easy but it must be done." She said softly. Corso grinned.
"I'm not made of glass. What is it?" He asked, more confident.
"Well, I do want to get into some nice, romantic proposals… from you both" Callie started. Corso rolled his eyes/
"What do you want from me? and dont make it too cute, that is so not me" He asked.
"A nice diner date for the two of us, without Sonny. To get to know each other." Callie mused. Corso laughed out loud.
"It's a deal."
The stage for the concert was coming together at Castle Paladia. Sapphire and Opal oversaw the technical matters of it all, while Solaris spent time with Zoltar. He was still weak, but much better thanks to Davidson and Arties efforts. Artie saw Solaris and Zoltar sit down in a clearing, surrounded by colorful flowers and trees. It was easy to forget that he was also a part of this planet. Anadrea Simmordale had robbed him of a better life. While he had the chance, Artie was sucking up all the information he could find about his real home. He spent a lot of time with his father too. They played video games for the first time, and it had ended in a draw. Artie decided to help out the other two girls of The Trio, but found that none would tell him what was going on. Instead, Hawk gave him a photo album.
"These are pictures of your mother, me and the first years of your life, before Anadrea Simmordale..." He started. Artie gently put a hand to his shoulder.
"That wasn't your fault Dad. You couldn't have known." He tried. Hawk sighed.
"If I hadn't investigated Abraxor family affairs, this never would have happened." He said. Artie smiled softly.
"It's part of life as a Pirate. Expect the unexpected." Artie said.
"Is that so Artie? It sounds like you want to get back to working with us." Sounded a voice behind him. It was Sonny with Zarind, looking quite amused.
"Didn't see you there Sonny." Artie said.
"Have you seen Bennett?" Sonny asked.
"You want to sit down with him?" Artie asked. Sonny nodded.
"It's time to start giving Bennett some closure too. Can you do some digging for me Artie? I know he's from Abraxor, which is why he hides his eyes. Well, one of the reasons. But I want to know more about his family. Anything you can find" He said. Artie nodded.
"I know about it. Poor guy." Artie said. "Wish I could help him." Sonny nodded. Bennett and Artie were close so it was only natural Artie felt like this. In fact, the entire Pirates organization felt like a family.
"He'll be fine Artie. Just keep doing the digging. That is what will help him the most" Sonny said. Hawk nodded as he handed Sonny a folder.
"Here, all the information you need on Corso that I could find in the systems. This can clear his name and hopefully get him some proper compensation.I am surprised he is this normal, considering what he lived through" He said. Sonny nodded. As father and son started to work, he walked off to find Bennett.
Bennett had found a silent corner in The Black Manta's main lounge, and brought his guitar. to be alone and play was rare for a pirate. and it felt peaceful too. He heard footsteps approach.
"Bennett?" Sonny's voice was softer than normal. Bennett knew that meant he had something on his mind.
"Just enjoying the peace and quiet for once." Bennett answered. Sonny chuckled.
"I used to have the same issue back in the day. But that is not what I'm here for. I promised to look at some way to make things better. I have some new glasses for you, and a suggestion." He said. Bennett put his guitar down.
"You don't know who I really am yet, do you Sonny?I am not sure you would be this kind if you did" He asked silently. Sonny looked at him.
"What do you mean Bennett? please explain" He asked. Bennett nodded.
"The Bleylocks were at war with Technoid but also another powerful family on had oposing views on how the planet should be ruled. They tried to wipe them all out, and seize their lands, which they eventually managed. The family in question, was torn were left for dead. All they had left, was their name." Bennett nearly whispered, feeling like all his power had left him. Sonny sat down across from him. "I'm not a full Abraxian. My mother was from the planet Gyros. Does that ring a bell?" He said. Sonny nodded. "In any case, it was my family who revealed your secret to Bleylock's father. In an effort to save your life. Because of an ancient prophesy we had been told of, one where you fit the bill perfectly, perhaps too perfect" Bennett said silently. Sonny sighed and sat down next to him.
"Your heritage doesn't define you Bennett." He said. Bennett shook his head.
"I've considered leaving before Sonny. Quietly, so you wouldn't toss me out. You would eventually learn the truth" He said. Sonny was caught off guard.
"Toss you out Bennett? You really think I'd do that with one of my most loyal friends?" He said. Bennett smiled sadly.
"I should have told you Sonny. But I didn't and you have every right to punish me for it." He said. Sonny nodded. This weighed heavy on Bennett's shoulders.
"Lets go to the Captain's Cabin. I want to hear your story. The good, the bad, even the downright ugly parts. Leave nothing out. And I am not tossing you out. I did, Corso and Artie would have my hide for it litterally within the hour. " Sonny smiled. Bennett smirked.
"Better record it then Sonny, it's going to be quite something from a book of horror."
They were all ready to go. This would be a very special night. Solaris, Opal and Sapphire were getting ready for their big come back. Even Zoltar and Zarind were with them. Zoltar was like the unofficial fourth member, and he and Solaris had a special treat for all of them tonight. Solaris stood up.
"The Trio rides again." She smiled, as she and her two sisters walked on to the stage.
Artie was having a ball. The Trio was reunited and what a show they delivered. It was one surprise after another. Solaris revealing who she truly was, and that this would be her name from now on. The Light show. There was such a feeling of love. Then, Opal and Sapphire walked up to Solaris on stage, who had something to say.
"We've been through so much, but we survived it all. We didn't know how to find our way back through the darkness that divided us, but we all made a friend who helped us with this impossible task. He and his friends came to our aid in the darkest hour. We dedicate this song, to our friends, The Pirates, and also, Technoid, once an enemy, now turned ally, in a fight to restore peace in the Galaxy." She said. Artie closed his eyes as he listened to them. Sonny smiled at Bennett, he was not wearing his glasses anymore, but contacts that hid his Abraxian heritage. a special formula had covered the scars, since the skin needed air, and besides,Sonny didn't much care about appearance. The show lasted for hours, where everyone enjoyed themselves.
All of a sudden, the overhead screen started to flicker. Jar'Eel Bleylock stared hatefully at Sonny as everyone around him fell silent.
"Enjoy your fun while you can Sonny Blackbones. It will be over soon." He snarled. Corso clenched fists.
"Why don't you get over here? Join the fun." Sonny tried.
"My idea of fun would be me enjoy killing every last one of you. But I'm not going to make it that easy. You made my father suffer with your coldness." Jar'Eel said. Duke Maddox had a shocked expression on his face.
"Jason?" He gasped. Jar'Eel looked at him.
"That was never my name Maddox. Not that it matters. I'm here for Sonny's death, no need to bother with the details." He said calmly. Sonny knew he was planning something.
"Artie, activate all trackers, we must find him." He said in Ancient Shiloh
"You really think speaking in Ancient Shiloh will work on me? I'm not Miller. I will succeed where he failed." Jar'Eel said. His eyes had a menacing glow to them.
"Sonny didn't kill Bleylock you moron." Corso yelled at the screen.
"Shut up Takashi, you have no right to a moral high ground, murderer." Jar'Eel spat. Corso's hands started shaking.
"Call me that again and I'll show you how true it is" Corso replied, forcing himself to stay calm. Jar'Eel smirked.
"Easy there. You don't want people to get hurt." He said, and stepped back to reveal what was hidden behind him. Behind him sat D'Jok, Mei and Callie, tied up on chairs, and their mouths taped over. Sonny could not contain himself when he saw his family like that.
"I'll kill you if you hurt them!" Sonny roared. Corso took his arm, looking scared.
"Where is Iris?" He whispered. Jar'Eel just smiled.
"In seventy-two hours, some people WILL die. Whoever that is, Blackbones, is up to you."
How will the pirates solve this? Will this all happen without bloodshed?
Or will we loose Someone? What kind of role does Bennett play in all this? This and more to follow.
Thank you Paranoidgirl, for beta-ing my work.
For everyone else, please leave a review.