Laundry and what not
As night had fallen on Cobalia, Talwyn had arrived an hour or so ago and landed her ship besides Aphelion. She was surprised to say the least when word had reached her that there was indeed another Lombax besides Ratchet.
Ratchet himself had made a small campfire using his Pyro Blaster to lit the branches. The warmth it emitted was very welcome to both the organics and the robots. Talwyn had many questions for Hobbes, especially regarding her specie. So did Clank and Ratchet, but Hobbes was not much in a mood to talk. And one could not blame her for that fact! But eventually she did answer a few questions.
But most of those answers were not very helpful to Talwyn in finding her father, but they did give a little insight into the Lombax culture. Something which made Ratchet seem even more happy then he already was. "Umm Ratchet was it? Do you mind answering a question?" asked Hobbes a little shy, it caught Ratchet of guard as he did not expected for him to answer anything, he just wanted to enjoy his dinner, with complements of Talwyn for bringing in the food when she arrived. "Sure, fire away. I'm all ear." At this Clank giggled even Talwyn began to chuckle as they found the comment Ratchet made about 'his ears' rather amusing. He just gave out a low growl as Hobbes began to ask why he was here. And from where he got his 'silly' name. Because if Hobbes was the last Lombax then who was Ratchet?!
"Well ummm actually I'm not from Polaris. I grew up in Solana." "Solana?" Hobbes asked not knowing what or where that was. Ratchet explained that Solana was a galaxy like Polaris. And that during the attack of Tachyon his father had send him there, and that he was the famous Keeper's son. This almost made Hobbes fall on her back, made Clank's eyes widened as she scurried towards the Lombax to ask if it was true. The poor Lombax could only nod, it was almost as if she would attack him if he did not answer what she wanted to hear. Talwyn found it intriguing how both Lombaxes kept asking each other questions. As this game of 'ask and answer' went on for an hour or two.
During that time both Hobbes and Ratchet and off course the others learned a lot. From the fact Tachyon was dead, to who Ratchet was even going as far that Hobbes told them most of her history and who her own father was. But sadly she did not know much about Ratchet's father, "Military secrecy!" she answered. At which Ratchet's face went a bit sad, his ears even hanging halfway down. But was glad that Clank Talwyn and now Hobbes were there to confort him. Cronk and Zephyr felt not the need to hug as this was 'beneath' there military stance.
A faire distance away from Cobalia, near the orbit of Ardolis, captain Slag and his henchmen of pirates were everything but happy. "Cursed be that mangy cat. I tell ya if I only I had me arms, I would strangle him!" he scorched out, as Rusty Pete was just climbing up the ship. Slag never could handle defeat very well and this time the last drop had fallen into the bucket. He would catch and skin that Lombax even if he needed to blast his way trough Tachyon's forces! Well what was left of them after they had met Ratchet this is. As soon as the Lombax had left, Slag's men were preparing the ships ready to hunt him down. It would only take a few more minutes before they could depart. "Aye Pete, are we ready?" asked Slag towards his first mate and best friend. "Indeed capt'n (hic) we are ready to depart. Set course for (hic) where are we going?" Pete asked confused, as several of the men just began laughing but stiffened when Slag turned his head towards them. Well there wasn't anything else he could turn to them now could he? "I told ye we would be first going to Fastoon!... Really Pete ya should pay more attention." Slag said, strangely it was in a very mild voice. Normally he would scold Rusty Pete until dawn or up to the point that he had several gallons of grog in his stomach. But for once this was not the case. It did not take to long for the pirates to have there ships up and running, as the enormous engines began to start up, several of the vessels began to take off slowly but steady.
Meanwhile a few thousands kilocubits away from Polaris, a lone asteroid headed it's way to the galaxy. As the asteroid approached the new galaxy closer and closer with each passing second, one could swear to have heard some sort of noise. But not normal noise that could be heard in the deepness of space, if that is even possible! But if you listened carefully one could hear what seemed to be some kind of soap opera.
"Ooh Janice, don't dare and go to my evil brother Englebert! You may not go." Said a deep male voice, only to be answered by what seemed to be a female's voice "You know I can't leave him behind Lance… He made such great pasta's." The opera show it seems came from a robot, a nefarious kind even. He was accompanied by a second robot, who only answered to the name of Lawrence.
"Ooh goody, we have a signal again… Now I can listen to my soap again." The butler said, as he loved to listen to the opera being played by his master. Even if the show was only 'broadcasted' when his master was in a very angry mood. As Lawrence was finished listening to the soap, he stood on his feet and walked over to his master. His hand stretched out in front of him as he raised it high into the air. A heavy bong was heard as it hit it's target, the head of his master who, once the butler had slapped him, seemed to have regained his consciousness. "AAAAAWWWRENCE!!!!" yelled Nefarious at the butler, before noticing that something was amiss. "You yelled, sir?" asked the butler chuckling a little, but nothing Nefarious notice it. "Lawrence, where are we?" Nefarious asked surprised as he did not recognize the surroundings, not of the stars in the sky, nor the planets that began to grow larger and larger. "I believe we are getting closer to civilization, sir… As you began to receive… Oh never mind that, sir." Lawrence said trying not to tell Nefarious of his 'technical difficulty'.
Both of the robots had been in outer space for several years. They had been since that dreadful day so many years ago in Solana. "What went wrong Lawrence? I had it planned out so perfectly! The universe would have been mine… But those darn squishy's!" he sighed as he collapsed onto the cold rock beneath him. Even if he could not actually feel the cold he still felt very miserable and cold none the less. Defeated by damm squishy's! And to make it even more worse, it was because of that bumbling oaf of a Captain Qwark and that Lombax, what was his name again? Aah yes Ratchet. That name only made Nefarious his stomach twirl in disgust. "I tell you Lawrence, I will have my revenge one way or another. That Lombax will regret the day that he crossed my path. And then muhahahahaaaaa… I will dominate the UNIVERSE!" he said laughing maniacally. Lawrence only shook his head, the last time that they tried to take over the universe they ended up on an asteroid. Well partially because of Lawrence, but did that really count? "As they say sir, even the most dumbest of creatures can achieve there dreams if they hold on." Lawrence said, only to receive a small frown from his master. Not that he cared tough, Lawrence enjoyed teasing Nefarious with subtle jokes and the likes of that. And for some odd reason he never catched on to them! "But first I need to get of this darn rock!" he scolded out at his butler. Knowing very well that the only way that was ever going to happen was if there would be a planet nearby.
Back on Cobalia, Ratchet and Hobbes had begun to tell them everything they knew. Hobbes told him about what she had been trough and how the Lombaxes were. Whilst Ratchet in his turn told great tales of his deeds, a bit overreacted in Clank's eyes. "Ratchet, perhaps it is best if we go back to Apogee station don't you agree?" asked Clank towards his best friend. Not only for Hobbes and Ratchet, but for Talwyn as well. All three of them could use there rest and God knows that on Cobalia one can't sleep properly! Ratchet agreed, it was best if they left Cobalia and made there way towards Talwyn's home. Heck maybe he could talk somewhat more with Hobbes on the way.
As the entire group made there way towards the ships, Hobbes noticed that Clank sat on Ratchet's back. Curious as she was, she wanted to know why that he did that. The only response she got however was "It's always been like this." It was not the first answer that would popped into her head, and well her face showed that she was not happy at all. It was only a mere question why did Ratchet need to answer so bluntly? She thought to herself trying not to seem suspicious.
Cronk and Zephyr had taken it on them to cut a path towards the ships, they knew where there ships were parked and thus had no problem finding the easiest route towards it. The only problem was the vegetation that stood between them and there goal. However it proved to be no difficulty for there blasters to cut the plants to shreds. "So Talwyn, why are you so interested in Lombaxes?" asked Hobbes hoping that she would at least give a proper answer. "It's because of my father." She said softly, her tail slightly dropping as she said that six letter word. "He tried to find the Secret of the Lombaxes, and well he disappeared ever since." "Ooh you poor thing." Hobbes said in compassion at the Marcadian next to her. Talwyn only let out a small sigh as she waved back a small tear. "Not your fault Hobbes. Tough I hoped when I met Ratchet that I could have finally found the clue that would lead me to my dad." She said with a soft voice.
It did not take long for the group to reach the open clearing where Aphelion and the other ships were parked. She almost began attacking Ratchet as the Lombax had not told her what they had found or if everything was ok. "Ratchet I would really like it if you would next time inform me!" The ship said in a rather annoyed tone. "Sorry Aphelion, we had some minor problems to settle." He said as Apehlion noticed the extra life form on her sensors. "Oooh ANOTHER Lombax? My heaven if I had known I would have cleaned myself up first. Terribly sorry…" Aphelion was just amazed, a second Lombax still alive! Hobbes was also as curious as Aphelion was, only capable of gasping at what she saw. "Wau, you guys didn't tell me you were able to recover a Angel-class fighter!" she said surprised as joy overfilled her. "Euuh is Aphelion that special?" asked Ratchet rather confused. Aphelion on the other hand took the remark rather personal. "I'll show him… Mark my words!" she said into herself not letting the others know. "Miss Hobbes you are correct, we indeed recovered Aphelion on Fastoon." Clank said trying to make sure that Ratchet could not say anything that would embarrass the others, more specific Aphelion, as Clank knew pretty well that she was not the kind of ship you wanted to get angry.
As soon as Ratchet had taken up his seat in the ship, he reached out his hand towards Hobbes hoping she would join him. But to his dismay Talwyn had already dragged her into the other ship. Whilst Cronk and Zephyr had already left for Apogee station. Once Clank had also taken a seat, Ratchet started up the ship, but before he knew it the cockpit sprang open and he was ejected out of the ship, landing on the marshy ground with a hard thud. "HEY what's the big idea Apehlion." Only to get a humpff as answer. She quietly said towards Clank that he deserved it. Clank couldn't help but giggle "Heheheheee…" As soon as his friend had gotten back into the ship. "I'm guessing I offended her out there didn't I?" Ratchet asked getting a firm nod from Clank as they too lifted of and headed towards Apogee station.
Meanwhile around orbit of planet Ardolis, the pirates had just been able to get there hyper drives ready. With every once in a while the occasional yell or shout from Slag to put there backs into it. Some of crew members made small jokes that Slag should lend in a hand, or in his case a head. Making them all laugh up until Slag put them in there place.
"You dumb bucket o bolts! You'll be walking the plank if you don't get this thing into space after that mangy cat… Now step on the gas!" Slag shouted at his crewmembers, his head 'jumping' up and down as he yelled his lungs (?) out.
Getting the engines started was one thing, but finding that Lombax would be a totally different matter and this Slag knew perfectly well. "I'll find that Lombax this I swear ye Pete!" "I am sure we will capt'n (hic) but don't we need at least some kind of direction?" Rusty Pete asked even tough he himself along with the crew knew that it would be hard to find him. "I already told ya Pete we will find him even if we need to search this entire galaxy. It's like fishing after a Pythor. Just wait and you'll track him down."
Meanwhile not far from Slag's vessel, a butler accompanied by certain nefarious super villain called umm doctor Nefarious, had begun to approach Ardolis ever so close. "Sir? I think we are getting close by towards a habitable planet." Lawrence said as he read the signs of life on his wrist, after he had completed a surface scan." Nefarious cocked an eyebrow as his hands began to clap together in joy. "Why are you so certain Lawrence?" he asked at the butler. "For one sir, my scanner picked up a habitable planet nearby." As he showed it to his master. "And secondly, sir, that over there." As Lawrence pointed out towards a massive planet on there left side. "Finally! We can get off this darn rock. Lawrence, begin the teleportation!!!" Nefarious said in his usual bossy way. At which Lawrence only sighed a little. "Very will sir, would you like a certain location?!"
At this Nefarious began to think. "Mhhhh…" several images of a similar event long ago began to twirl inside his head.
"Ooooh the humiliation, defeated by SQUISHY's!!! Aaahhhh I will never live this down." Nefarious said in a sad voice, his arms crossed as he was weeping at the loss of his battle. Tough he was awoken out of his trance once a computer voice began to speak. "Warning: Reactor detonation in 60 seconds." Lawrence was humming something, which Nefarious could not hear. Or it did not bother him. "Lawrence… Engage the teleporter." The evil super villain said waving his hand towards his butler, avoiding face to face contact. Lawrence came closer towards his master "Would you care to specify a destination, sir?" the butler asked. Nefarious himself was not in the mood for Lawrence questions, "Who cares! Just get us out of here!" he said a tad annoyed by everything that has happened in these last months. But he had not finished his sentence as the computer voice came to life again. "Time's up!" Said the female voice trough the intercom. "WHAT?! That wasn't even CLOSE to 60 seconds!!!" Nefarious yelled out waving his arms about, as he knew perfectly what would happen now.
"Bu bye!" said the computer voice as she deactivated herself moments before the destruction of the Bio-bliterator. As heat began to tense up Nefarious yelled towards Lawrence to transport them "NOW!" As a blue glow enveloped them they got transported a mere second before the compartment was destroyed by explosions.
"Mhhhh… I guess you are right Lawrence for once. Just teleport us to the closest robotic lifeforms." Nefarious said, "well taking over the universe must start somewhere. Why not on this mud hole of a planet then?!" The blue bot said waving his hand in the air not looking at the 'mud hole'.
Back on Slag's ship, the usual shooting and yelling had commenced. Well not because of of the engines working bad, let's just say there busted! But for the fact that some mangy excuse of a pirate scoundrel, as Slag so beautifully said, had broken several barrels of grog. "Oooh noooo! Not the grog! Anything but the grooo o o o ooog." Grabbing his head in sorrow at the loss of the beverage Pete was overtaken with anger. Same as Captain Slag! "If I get my hands on the rascals that did this, they will run over the plank!!" As the bodyless head began to talk several things towards his first mate, two very suspicious characters made there way out of the storage room towards the next well ummm they did not have a clue where they were heading.
"Oh my sir, it seems we have landed on some sort of pirate ship." Lawrence exclaimed looking at the rather disturbing architecture. Tough he was admiring the craftsmanship of several of the buttresses. "Aaah can it Lawrence! First you get us trapped on that got forsaken rock and now on a pirate ship?!" Nefarious was enraged, now they were stranded on a ship with no way out. "One good thing, sir, these robots might be able help us." Lawrence hoped that his master would see it his way, for once. A grin formed on the super villain face as he began to device a plan. "Wait a second Lawrence, what if we can convince these pirates to help us?! Why I would have my army back. Minus off course that we need to 'make' them loyal… Muhuhahaaa." Tough what Nefarious did not notice was the fact that has laugh was detected by a wandering corsair. "Aye mates, what are you doing ere! Not allowed for civvy's!" As the corsair drew forth his blaster ready to shoot the strange bots Nefarious blasted the rifle straight out of the pirate his hand. "Aye mate! That's cheating." "I never play faire…" Nefarious added before a loud voice interrupted both of them. "What in Zoni's name is appening here!!! And what be ye doing on my ship." Slag was turning somewhat red, "Give me a reason not to let ye be walked from the plank you landlubber!" Rusty Pete just watched at the strange bots before him and Slag. "Good one capt'n we need to hurry! Else we will loose our change of finding those other rascals by 69,73% with a decrease of 0,09% every minute we wait. Not to mention the fact that we already are behind our schedule and it's bingo night tonight. I'm feeling lucky!" Pete just looked at Slag getting a rather strange look from his captain. "Pete ye bucket o bolts, I told you not to use math! We're pirates. We don't use math we use the letter R. Now get back to work!!!" "But capt'n?" Pete wanted to explain the fact it was important. "SHUT UP! Now get back to the steer and get this ship into space!"
As Rusty Pete left the room, Nefarious stared at Slag, trying to hold in his laughter. Tough he failed miserably at what he tried to do. Lawrence noticing that this would become a problem soon made sure he was dusting something off. Even tough if this was not the place nor the time for himself. "What are you looking at eh?! And what ye be doing on my ship as well." Slag asked once again, but for some strange reason Nefarious managed to hold his laughter in, which slowly got replaced by curiosity.
"Say my good fellow robot, it seems that I and my butler here have stranded on your ship." "So it would seems, sir." Lawrence added. "You are in need of a new body I presume? Because I could create one for you." With that sentence Slag's began to grow interest towards the two landlubbers. "If ye can fix me body I'll spare your life." Slag grinned as the two bots just stared at him. "WHHAAAT?! This is an outrage I , doctor Nefarious, give you a good opportunity and you threaten us?!" He said angry towards the pirate captain. Tough Slag did not move anything. "Bah ever since that darn LOMBAAAAAA…" Nefarious's began to sparkle by the enormous rage as his circuitry could not handle the enormous stress. He stood there silently, nothing happened for a few moments, as Slag watched in amuzement. "Is he always like this? Darn landlubbers!" But not long thereafter "Ooh Janice, good thing you had an extra pair of dresses. I could not know what to do with without you." Lawrence was thrilled they got the connection of his favourite soap series also here? Well it took a few min to get the signal but it's better then nothing no?
As the butler walked over towards his master he made his hand ready for a good whack. "I do enjoy this!" Lawrence said before whacking Nefarious against his head. "AAAAX!" As Nefarious finished his sentence, Slag sighed at the situation. "There a pair of freaks." He said silently towards his fellow pirate next to him. "Aye capt'n, they are nutcases indeed, but I think the blue one said something about a Lombaaaaaaax?" "What did you say?" Slag asked, hoping that he did not hear what he heard. "Did ye just say Lombax?!" Slag asked at Nefarious who himself was watching Lawrence, the same Lawrence who for a reason unknown to Nefarious was rather happy.
As the evil super villain walked towards the captain, he got a small grin. "Hahahahaaaa, it seems you had an encounter with the same person that got us stuck on that rock." Nefarious was happy, maybe this could work to his benefit. Surely this pirate would be able to assist him in some way or another! "Aye tis be true, his name was Ratchet. Bloody cat destroyed my body a few months ago. I curse the day I met him!" Nefarious stood in front of Slag, a big grin on his robotic face as he reached out his hand towards the head. "Maybe I can help you. In return that you help me. Muhuhahaaaaa." An evil laugh came from Nefarious and not before long Slag too began to laugh.