Chapter Eleven

Stakar mused over the comment, and voiced his concerns, "I just can't kick Kraglin out for no reason, he's done nothing wrong".

This was the truth, and against the rules of the Clans, and a personality clash, was something that had to be dealt with. but kicking him out, which he was uncomfortable with, and Aleta could read him like a book.

"Then send him to another Clan. But I want him gone, Kraglin's bad for morale". That was all Aleta could say. But the preservation of his marriage to the woman who had finally said "yes" to him, and his right and responsibilities as a Captain.

In years to come Stakar would grow to regret that decision when the next morning he sent a dispatch to the other Clans requesting a reassignment for a Ravager, and out of the three who expressed an interest.

Stakar was vague in the description, only that Kraglin was a hard worker, looking for a new start after a traumatic mission. It never occurred to Stakar to consult Kraglin about any of this.

It was the one who was an Independent, that drew his attention, working on the edges of the Clans, so no matter what it would be rare that the Stakar would see Kraglin, or if not until the fuss had died down.

Details were exchanged, with Captain Riddhi appearing in view, and seemed very interested in Kraglin Obfonteri and a date was finalised, but then there was the issue of telling Kraglin that he was leaving.

Since Kraglin was a junior Ravager he had no choice, and for Ravagers, this was the only way to get rid of them, thanks to the ever-confusing Clan Codes. It was either leave for good or take the transfer and it was up to Stakar, whilst Aleta stood next to her husband, an impassive look on her face, that Kraglin was informed.

To everyone's credit, the Xandarian, just blinked with his eye still scarred just processed this information, then he turned on his heels and left the office.

It was only back in his quarters, with Yondu just chilling on the bed, that Kraglin came in, his face whiter than normal, which Yondu picked up on, and insisted on being told everything, quickly summoning Iztel and Horuz, who were told the same thing.

"That's it, leave or go to this new Captain, Riddhi, anyone heard of him? He's an Independent, whatever that means". Stated Kraglin, sitting on the edge of the bed trying to understand this, whilst Yondu and the rest tried to think of something.

Kraglin his soul already exhausted, was too tired to process this. This ship was his home, for better or worse and now a new Clan, the thought didn't fill him with much anticipation, in fact, his gut was like knots.

However, later on, three Ravagers that were not Kraglin went up to Stakar but Yondu hung back, just listening to the words of Iztel and Horuz. To his credit, Stakar was surprised by all of this, of them joining in solidarity with Kraglin. Still, they had been there for longer, and earned some leeway, even if that meant going to an independent Captain since the pair were already wealthy in their own right after all.

When the two Xandarians left, Iztel threw Yondu a sympathetic smile and mouthed "You're up dickhead", and left to start packing and getting their shit together.

There was a moment of hesitation when Yondu took the steps to the office, but it had to be done, in some way he couldn't believe. But he made his intentions clear, in a slightly shaking voice since Stakar was the man who liberated him, and in some respect to Yondu he did at times feel like a Master, but Yondu made it clear and the man looked up, in astonishment.

"I want to be transferred with Kraglin and the others", Yondu stated whilst Stakar's face, the one side of it that move anyway, twisted into a frown since this was the last thing, he was expecting.

"Are you not happy here Yondu?"

It was a piercing statement to make and for a moment Yondu was confused since in retrospect, he was happy, had been happy, but he had more to say and a man not known for his words, found his voice.

"You said, I could be with the Ravagers for as long as I wanted to be here…I don't want to be here. Not after this". Yondu said, with an air of finality, which Stakar understood, but internally felt devastated by the Ravager's comments.

Yet he slowly nodded, since Stakar couldn't be a hypocrite, about this. He had made promises to Yondu but never expected that the man would take him up on them. But leaving…

He didn't want Yondu to go but he couldn't force him to stay, so instead Stakar just nodded. "I understand, it's a good captain you're going to. Independent, but I think you'll prefer that. Less rules and regulations".

Yondu wasn't expecting resistance, but Stakar's dismissal felt like he was nothing to the captain. Even though that wasn't the intention, but with a flick of Stakar's pad, anything outstanding was transferred to Yondu's account and his information to the new Captain.

Not knowing that Riddhi wasn't known for checking his messages, anyway. And that was it, any connection between Stakar and Yondu was over, and all Yondu could do was turn away from the Xandarian and made his way to leave, finally releasing what he had to say.

"You told me to find something to fight for…maybe this is it".

And with nothing more to say Yondu Udonta, walked away from the bridge office to get his shit together, with an uncertain feeling in his chest, but his mind made up, and a very surprised group when he informed them of it.

"So, you think we'll bunk together", Kraglin said carefully, conflicted but relieved that he was going to a place with friends, but all Yondu could do was shrug, and pack his few possessions.

The next day, however, there was still something to be discussed, as Yondu was walking down the deck when Aleta crossed his path, seemly out of thin air, or out of her ass Yondu wasn't sure.

As ever she stood there with a cocky smile on her face, and she crossed her arms as if she had scored a major victory, which to her she had, her husband had filled her in on everything the night before.

"So, you're leaving". To this Yondu just twisted his lips," You heard that right", and in response, he got a smirked smile.

"Well, always wanted you dropped off at the nearest rock, looks like all my dreams have come true. Shame to lose Iztel and Horuz, but if it means getting rid of you and Kraglin, this is a win for me".

Silence fell since neither of them had ever had this exchange in the past, and Yondu mentally relayed the venom she had for the group, but instead of getting angry, Yondu just shook his head.

"What the fuck happened to you? do you really have a cold store of darkness where your heart should be? Because two crew are dead, and we're leaving 'cause of you. As First Mates go…how shitty are you?"

Yondu not normally having a way with words, but could feel like he had the upper hand in this even though Aleta could kick his ass if she so desired, but instead, she just scoffed.

"Never wanted you here, so just go, and forget about Regellen and Hoag. Think I'm going to give you their ashes, forget about them. No one cared about them".

Maybe it was the casual dismissal, as with a small whistle, Yondu's arrow suddenly appeared from its holsters and hovered in the air with the faint hum of the radiation, and its red tail poised and ready.

One small gesture, and it would be embedded in her head, her heart. And Aleta just looked at this, feeling her resolve crumble slightly.

But instead, Yondu gave a cocky smile, his practice working, and retracted it back in and just gave the First mate of the Galleon, a harsh look

"Looks like there is a chink in your armour after all". And Yondu turned away, and never looked back at the woman, who never said a word, but her eyes narrowed.

The next day, there was no fanfare with the group of four leaving, none of them wanted a big deal, and the closest they got was a "Take care" from Charlie-27.

Kraglin was experiencing some tension, and since it had been decided that Iztel and Horuz would go in their M-Ships, and Kraglin and Yondu together with Yondu towing the Xandarian ship.

Yondu deep down was expecting something, and all he got was Stakar in the window overlooking the M-Ship hanger and gave the man an acknowledgement.

However internally conflicted that the man who he had saved from slavery was now choosing to leave out of loyalty to his friends, however how much Stakar regretted it ending like this. To save his marriage he had to let the Ravagers go, and now his loyalty was torn.

But the men flew out to the stars, and Kraglin turned to Yondu with a touch of nervousness, "Do you think this new Captain will be nice". To which Kraglin mulled over the statement, "I have no idea, but we have to make the best of it".

Several million light-years away in the office of an Independent Ravager Galleon, called the Elector, Captain Riddhi was looking over his new crewmen, Yondu, Horuz Iztel, who looked like a berserker, and finally Kraglin.

Young, a bit of a runt, and Riddhi not having fresh meat for a while licked his lips in anticipation, as a message came through from Aleta Ogord, which Riddhi read out.

"Yondu has an arrow that can fly, he's a two-faced bastard, make sure you take that from him".

"Good information", Riddhi stated, and he just waited for the crew to arrive.

The End

For what happened next, check out a previous story called The End is the Beginning

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