"Ratchet!" cried one of the figures and bounded towards the sandy Lombax who was coming down the ramp. Skyla watched in vague amusement as they pulled the Lombax into a fierce bear hug. Ratchet wobbled dangerously but managed to retain his balance, patting the figure on the back awkwardly as he smiled.
"Whoops, sorry," the figure drew back and Skyla got a good look at them. She was a Cazar, in her mid twenties by the looks of things, and wore an official looking purple uniform with yellow trimmings. She had strong facial features and bold blue eyes, with her hair held off her face by a yellow hair band. Skyla immediately came to the conclusion that, while she was pretty, Maia was prettier.
"I've been so worried about you," the Cazar exclaimed and Ratchet laughed.
"I'm fine, Sasha, we all are," he told her. The Cazar looked down at Clank who'd just appeared by Ratchet's side.
"Good to see you, Clank," she beamed at the robot.
"Likewise, Sasha. I hope we find you well?" Clank replied with a cordial smile.
"Oh, much better now that the galaxy's favourite Lombax is safe," the Cazar answered with a smile at Ratchet who laughed again, his eyes flicking over to Skyla. The Cazar didn't notice, however, as Maia had just joined Ratchet.
"You must be the Cazar from the escape pod." Maia smiled and stuck out her hand,
"Yes, that's me. I'm Maia, nice to meet you."
"Sasha Phyronix, Mayor of Metropolis," the other Cazar stated, shaking her hand warmly, "I'm sorry I couldn't meet you earlier myself, I was a little overloaded with work."
"That's alright, I was well looked after," Maia answered with a smile sent in Ratchet and Clank's direction.
"Glad to hear it," the Mayor then turned to Ratchet with a mock serious expression, "and speaking of being well looked after, what's this about overheated warp engines? Have you been mistreating my ship?"
"That wasn't my fault and technically, she's not your ship anymore," Ratchet pointed out, then added an exasperated smile, "the Phoenix is fine, Sasha." The Cazar"s lips pursed,
"She may not be my ship any more, but I still care about her...deeply."
"Miss Phyronix, we have a schedule to stick to," a voice butted in and Skyla looked over at the speaker. He was another Cazar, around his late thirties, with neatly combed hair, a tidy uniform similar to the Mayor's and spectacles that balanced precariously on his nose.
"Yes, you're right Adryan," Sasha agreed, then glanced at Ratchet, "can we use the Ready Room?"
"Sure, it's all prepared," Ratchet told her.
"Great, I'll introduce everyone when we get there," Sasha gestured the remaining figures that'd appeared with her. Skyla counted 7 of them including the prim Cazar, with 4 Kerwanians and a female Novalian.
"Hold on, there's someone I want you to meet first," Ratchet said and Sasha paused. The sandy Lombax looked at Skyla and she took it as her cue. Moving forward, she stood by Ratchet as eyes turned on her. She smiled as brightly as she could,
"I'm Skyla, nice to meet you all." She received slightly shocked looks in reply.
"Oh my gosh," Sasha's eyes widened, "so you are a Lombax."
"Yes, I am," Skyla confirmed with a wry smile.
"Well Ratchet, looks like your claim to fame has been taken down a notch," joked one of the Kerwanians, a tall, slightly lanky man with a mop of blond hair and sparkling brown eyes.
"I never wanted the title of 'Last Lombax in the Universe' anyway, Rojerz," Ratchet answered back with a good natured smile.
"Who would?" piped up another Kerwanian, significantly dwarfed by those around her, "it's always nice to know you're not alone," she smiled and Skyla couldn't help but warm to her instantly.
"Right you are, B," muttered the Novalian, a distinct aura of one heavily involved in the military hanging over her like a cloak, confirmed by the uniform she wore and the steel glint in her eyes.
"Miss Phyronix, we really must be getting on. Time is of the essence," insisted the male Cazar. Sasha nodded,
"Of course. Everyone, this way."
The group exited the Bridge and boarded the turbo-lift which was thankfully big enough to hold them all. Skyla found herself standing next to the small Kerwanian who'd spoken up. She wore smart-casual office clothes with chestnut hair held back by a large clip, and she carried a large briefcase that seemed to make her look even more petit. She beamed at Skyla and stuck out her free hand,
"Hi, I'm Bethya, the Mayor's Personal Assistant."
"Skyla, nice to meet you," the grey Lombax shook the offered hand.
"I'm so glad you got off Sarathos ok," the Kerwanian gave a small shudder, "that planet is a nasty piece of work."
"We nearly didn't," Skyla told her.
"Oh dear!" Bethya's eyes widened, then she smiled, "but you're here now and that's what matters." Her smile was so infectious that Skyla couldn't help but return it. Bethya was the sort of person you couldn't help but like on the spot as they exuded such an open, friendly attitude. There weren't many people like that at the facility.
When they arrived at the Ready Room, Sasha immediately took the seat at the head of the long table, the others beginning to sit around her. Skyla and Maia hung back, unsure of what to do. Ratchet noticed their hesitation and beckoned to Skyla,
"Here, sit by me," he patted the empty seat to his left, "you're as much a part of this as I am." Skyla obligingly sat beside him, Maia taking the seat to her own left. Clank suddenly appeared beside Maia,
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?" The Cazar smiled,
"Of course not, Clank." The small robot hopped onto the chair to Maia's left and Skyla nearly laughed out loud. His head barely cleared the table top, his green optic sensors just visible over the surface.
"Do you...want me to get you a cushion, Clank?" Maia offered with a suppressed smile.
"No, I am quite alright thank you Maia," the robot replied, reaching under his seat and pulling a lever that elevated his chair a few inches. Skyla turned away before he caught her smiling, instead looking around the table. There were 10 of them seated, with one of the Kerwanians standing by the door. He was at least 7ft tall and had the build of an ox. A bodyguard, Skyla thought.
Sasha sat at the head, flicking through a folder Bethya had handed her. To her right sat the prim Cazar, Adryan, and then the Kerwanian Ratchet had called Rojerz. Next to him was another Kerwanian, a big, muscular man with a no-nonsense look to his features. The female Novalian sat to his right and caught Skyla's eye. The blue skinned woman nodded curtly and offered a brief smile before focusing on the Mayor. Skyla's stomach fluttered ever so slightly. She had nothing against the Novalians as a race, there were Novalian slaves at the facility she was well acquainted with. But at the back of her mind, there was always the reminder that he was a Novalian, and that had forever tarnished her view of their race.
"Right..." muttered a voice and Skyla turned to Sasha who'd pulled out a file and had before her a screen that lit up. Sasha's eyes flicked over it briefly before glancing up at those gathered.
"Before we begin, let's have a quick round of introductions for those of you who don't know each other. To my right is Adryan Tean, my chief advisor. Then we have Sergeant Rojerz, Captain Pykard and Lieutenant Blak of the Galactic Authorities, Kerwan Military Division. To my left is Bethya, my irreplaceable PA, Ratchet, who I'm sure you all know, Skyla, Maia and Clank, also known as Secret Agent Clank," the Cazar added with a twinkle in her eye.
"Just Clank, thank you," the robot corrected, but he was smiling. Skyla looked at him in mild disbelief, as did Maia. Secret Agent Clank? Where did that come from? She turned to Ratchet with a questioning look.
"Don't ask," Ratchet answered with a small groan which only increased Skyla's curiosity, but Sasha was preparing to go on.
"We're here to talk about this facility Maia has told us of and discuss what should be done. For those of you who aren't totally clued up, I'll fill you in." Sasha tapped the screen a few times and a hologram appeared in front of her. With a few more taps she had enlarged it considerably and set it at the centre of the table for all to see while retaining the pad in her hands.
"This," the Mayor gestured the hologram, "is a 3D Model of a facility on Florana. At least, it's what we've been able to build from Maia's descriptions." Skyla regarded the hologram and realised she was right. It was a basic but recognisable image of the facility, complete with all the major rooms and corridors.
"Bethya very kindly filled in the gaps using a fair amount of logical guesswork," Sasha went on, then glanced at Skyla and Maia, "does this seem accurate to you?" The two friends leaned forward to study the hologram. Skyla pulled up a mental image of the facility and went through it floor by floor. It was practically faultless, except there were a few details missing. For example, the roof stopped above the hydroponics chamber when it actually spread out over the entire facility. Skyla pointed this out to Sasha who handed the pad to Bethya who began tapping away.
"Like this?" she asked and the image faded and reappeared, now with added roof space.
"Yes, and there's a turbo lift that comes out here," Skyla pointed with her finger and a moment later the lift shaft extended to the top. She nodded,
"That's it." Skyla sat down and glanced at Maia,
"Well done," she murmured. The Cazar smiled,
"Thank you, I tried."
"The facility is a genetics facility," Sasha continued, reading from the tablet, "which genetically alters the local wildlife for production and gain." She raised an eyebrow at the two girls,
"I presume this is done illegally as there's no genetics facility registered on Florana." Skyla and Maia nodded.
"The facility uses," Sasha frowned, "slave labour."
"Slaves?" exclaimed Rojerz. Skyla glanced at Maia and a silent agreement passed between them.
"Yes, slaves," Maia confirmed, "and, until recently, myself and Skyla were part of the slave work force."
"You were kept as a slave?" Lieutenant Blak asked Skyla, her eyes narrowed and disbelieving. The grey Lombax nodded. The Lieutenant let loose a very rude word.
"Language, Lieutenant," the Captain snapped.
"Sorry, sir," the Novalian apologised, then rephrased curtly, "that's despicable."
"Agreed. It also says here that there is a work force comprised of guards," Sasha's brow furrowed, "but it says there are at least 100 hundred of them. Surely that's too much for a simple genetics facility?"
"It's not just a genetics facility," Maia explained, "it's also a...museum, of a sort."
"A museum? Is that anything to do with what it says about Black Market Trade?" Sasha asked. Maia nodded,
"Yes. There are many rare objects, creatures and plants kept in the facility for private observation, some of which the products are sold on the black market trade."
"Please elaborate. What kind of rare objects, creatures and plants?" enquired Adryan.
"For example, there is a medallion of Extinctanium, a Hoven Striped Flamingo and a Nayala flower." There were looks of surprise all around at Maia's words. Rojerz gave the Cazar a baffled look,
"A Hoven Striped Flamingo? Are you sure? They were declared extinct years ago."
"I am certain," Maia replied, but the looks of surprise and doubt remained. Skyla decided to support her friend as best as she could.
"And me," she spoke up and the attention turned on her. She swallowed briefly before going on, "I was kept as a...rare creature," she told them as firmly as possible, but she felt sure her voice was too quiet.
"You?" Rojerz exclaimed. Skyla felt a hand on her arm and she turned to see Ratchet looking at her with a frown.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean...I was kept at the facility as a rare creature," Skyla clarified, "being a member of a near extinct species and all." There were several cries of disgust at this.
"Order, please, order," Sasha called over them and the noise died. The Cazar regarded Skyla with a serious expression,
"If what you're saying is true, then these are very serious crimes indeed." Skyla could only nod.
"Who's responsible for them?" Sergeant Rojerz demanded. Sasha looked down at her tablet again,
"It says here the facility is run by a Novalian called Baen. Unfortunately, we know very little about him, but apparently he is better known by his business title, 'the Collector'." There was a sharp intake of breath and Skyla looked over to see Lieutenant Blak frowning heavily.
"The Collector? No, it can't be..." she muttered.
"Lieutenant?" the Captain gave her an expectant look. The Novalian glanced at him sharply before speaking.
"I know that name, though I wish I didn't. Years ago there was a Novalian called Baen who was exiled from Novalis for mass murder, his victims including 3 children under the age of 4. No-one really knows how he dodged the death penalty, but he must have had friends in high places as he got off practically scot free. Last I heard, he'd taken the name of 'the Collector' and gone off to the Polaris Galaxy. But that was years ago. Some Novalians still remember him, and there have even been efforts to track him down...but they've all disappeared mysteriously. My Uncle was one of them...some of the Collector's victims were his kids and would have been my cousins." For the briefest moment the steel in her eyes melted to reveal a deep sadness, but then it was gone and hardened to metal once again.
"I am sorry for your loss," Sasha murmured sympathetically, "and now it seems like we have a chance to bring this man to justice."
"Then count me in. I'll do anything to bring down that monster," the Lieutenant announced, her eyes flashing dangerously. Skyla just kept herself from nodding in agreement.
"While your enthusiasm is commended, Lieutenant," Adryan cleared his throat importantly, "we must first know more about this man and his facility before we decide what should be done." Rojerz gave a dry laugh,
"He's a confirmed murderer, a black market trader, a slave driver and purposely keeps rare things that should be in the hands of professionals," he gave Adryan a look, "I'd say that's enough to go on." Adryan sniffed,
"Indeed. But we must be practical and think about this logically. For example, do we even know where this facility is?" Skyla was beginning to get irritated by the Cazar. He acted so superior and was clearly self-absorbed, both qualities she disliked in others. However, before she could say anything, a voice spoke up.
"I think I might be able to help with that." Skyla looked up at the table at Bethya who suddenly seemed all too aware of their scrutiny. She busied herself removing another file as she continued,
"I took the liberty of cross referencing all that Maia had said about the facility's location and found only two spots that fitted the bill." She took out another pad which she opened like a book. With a few taps another hologram appeared and was swiftly set alongside the image of the facility. Skyla recognised it at once, even though she'd never seen it before. It was a 3D model of Florana rotating at the centre of the table. Two small parts of the planet were highlighted and Bethya indicated them,
"These were the only spots in the Nabla forest, away from any civilisation and within half a mile range of a cliff edge. All I need to know is what season it is with you," the Kerwanian explained.
"Late spring," Skyla and Maia answered at the same time. Bethya beamed,
"Excellent, then it can only be this one here." She tapped the screen a few times and one of the spots faded while the other, which lay on the Northern Hemisphere, enlarged itself, pulling away from the planet.
"Does this look familiar?" Bethya asked as the image blurred into a bird's eye view of the forest, about half a mile up. Skyla and Maia studied it closely. There wasn't much to see except a long cliff edge and supposedly never-ending trees, but it was all in the detail. Skyla ran her eyes along the cliff, looking for anything familiar.
"Yes," Maia pointed, "look, Sky, isn't that the clearing we were picked up from?" The grey Lombax looked closer and saw that she was right. There was a clear dome shaped area beside the cliff edge and her instincts told her that it was the same one. Skyla nodded,
"Yes, you're right."
"Right..." Bethya plugged in a few things, "that means the facility lies somewhere...here." The image zoomed in further and an area of the forest lit up into a square. Skyla felt her heart sink quietly. It was just more trees, and she knew for a fact the facility roof lay above the tree line. But Maia wasn't ready to give up,
"Can you zoom in?" she asked Bethya. The Kerwanian slid her fingers across the screen, then frowned.
"No, I can't..." she murmured. Sasha frowned,
"But you're with the official satellite stream...you should be able to zoom in to the canopy." Bethya shook her head,
"I can't, something's blocking the sat-cam from going below 0.2 miles." Skyla's brow furrowed in confusion, then it clicked.
"It's a cloak." The others looked at her, "it's a cloak," she repeated adamantly, "that's why you can't see it."
"Are you sure?" Adryan asked sceptically. Skyla nodded,
"Positive." The prim Cazar didn't look convinced.
"It would make sense for the Collector to shield his facility," Maia backed Skyla up, "the roof is higher than the canopy, any passing ships could see it." Skyla flashed her friends a grateful smile.
"Well, that figures," Rojerz mused aloud
"Yes, but that still does not tell us enough," Adryan insisted.
"What else do you need to know?" Maia asked him calmly before Skyla had the chance to make a snappish retort. The Cazar opened his mouth but was cut across,
"Security details, if you know any," Captain Pykard announced, "the more we know of their defence, the better we can succeed if we go on the offence." Maia and Skyla exchanged looks and Maia have her friend a knowing smile,
"I think I'll leave that one to Skyla." The grey Lombax smiled and turned to the Captain,
"I can help you with that," she told him.
For the next few minutes, Skyla listed everything she knew about the facility's defence systems. As she spoke, Bethya made a note of all she said, occasionally altering the 3D Model to include cameras and computer systems. Skyla unloaded each and every detail she could remember, leaving nothing out. The cameras, the guards, the computer systems, even the materials used in the walls of the facility. It was all taken down.
Needless to say, when she was finished, there were some somewhat shocked looks in the room.
"Wow," whispered Rojerz in an almost comical manner, "you remembered all that?"
"That was amazing," Ratchet murmured and Skyla hid a smile of pleasure.
"That is extremely impressive, young Lombax," the Captain stated, a pleasantly surprised look to his features.
"You're telling me," the Lieutenant exclaimed happily, "we could take those guys down blindfolded and armed with water pistols. Nice going, Skyla," the Novalian winked at the grey Lombax who offered up a hesitant smile in return.
"Yes, but we must still be practical," Adryan interjected, "and there is still to be decide what to do."
"I suggest a full strike," Lieutenant Blak answered immediately, "with that knowledge, we could be in, neutralise the guards, evacuate the workers and have the whole place under our control in an hour." The Cazar gave her a withering look,
"No..." he started to protest.
"I agree," several voices agreed at once with the Novalian, Ratchet and Sasha included. Adryan gaped at the Cazar beside him,
"You cannot be serious?" The Mayor shrugged,
"Why not? Skyla and Maia have given us more than enough information and I'm sure you'll agree that this 'Collector' has gone unhindered by us long enough. He must be apprehended and brought to justice, his possessions seized and those enslaved by him freed."
"Of course I agree that actions are necessary..." Adryan began but was once again cut across.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Rojerz clapped his hands together in anticipation, "it's been a while since I've seen strike action so bring it on, I say."
"Steady on, Rojerz," the Captain told the younger Kerwanian, but he was smiling very faintly.
"Then we are agreed that a strike is required?" Sasha asked and there were resounding "yeses" from all around.
"Excellent. Now, forgive me, but I must leave you as I've another meeting to attend. But I want to know what the strike plan is and expect a detailed report on it. You will also need to contact the Governor of Florana to inform her of what you are going to do. Is that clear?" Sasha asked as she started to pack up. The Captain nodded,
"It will be on yours and Governor Feuille's desk by the morning."
"Perfect," Sasha smiled as she, Bethya and Adryan rose to leave, the latter looking more than a little pleased to be going, "Ratchet, I'll leave you with the hologram tablet and I expect notes on the plan. You're in charge." The sandy Lombax nodded, taking the tablet from Bethya,
"Sure thing, Sasha." The Mayor smiled at Maia and Skyla,
"So sorry I have to rush off like this, but it was nice meeting you. I hope that next time we meet, you will be in the company of your friends." The two girls nodded their heads in thanks as the Cazar left the Ready Room, the ox-like Kerwanian following them out.
"That Adryan gets on my nerves," the Novalian commented with a slight sneer. Skyla made a noise of agreement.
"But isn't Bethya pretty?" Rojerz said with a grin and the Lieutenant gave him a look.
"Behave yourself, Rojerz," the Captain reprimanded him, "right then, let's plan this strike."
"Hold on," Ratchet held up a hand and looked at Skyla and Maia, "you girls don't have to stay if you don't want to. It'll mostly be military talk anyway." Skyla and Maia looked at each other. The Cazar shrugged and smile,
"I'll do whatever you want to do, Sky." The grey Lombax glanced between her friend, the military personnel and the Lombax beside her.
"Is it...ok if we stay?" she asked tentatively.
"If you like," Ratchet told her with a smile. Skyla looked at Maia who nodded,
"That's fine by me, I don't mind." Skyla smiled in satisfaction and looked expectantly at the Captain. He immediately launched into a full out strike plan that he seemed to have already decided on.
"From what he have here," he pointed to the 3D Model, "our point of entrance is clearly here..."
Skyla sat back in her chair, content with what she had contributed. Maia leaned over to her,
"We did it," she whispered excitedly. Skyla smiled,
"Not quite...but we're close."
"Everything's going to be alright," Maia added with the gentlest of smiles. Skyla squeezed her hand,
"It is if you're here."
For the next hour or so (Skyla lost track) the military personnel and Ratchet debated entry tactics and evacuation procedures. Ratchet hadn't been lying when he said it was all military talk and Skyla occasionally struggled to understand what was being said. Maia and Clank had struck up their own comfortable conversation but she was hesitant to join them lest she miss anything of the plan. Eventually, what they were talking about began to make sense in her head as the pieces slotted together.
There would be 4 teams. Team Alpha, led by Ratchet, responsible for gaining entrance, would HALO jump (though what that was, Skyla didn't know) onto the roof of the facility and bypass the turbo lift to the main entrance. Once there, they would jump the security system and open the main doors, allowing the other teams to enter. Team Beta, led by Captain Pykard, would neutralise the enemy guards, while Team Gamma, headed by Lieutenant Blak, would disable the security systems. The last team was Team Delta, with Sergeant Rojerz as leader, and their objective was to locate and evacuate the other workers through the main entrance to be picked up by waiting ships.
It seemed simple enough to Skyla. In fact...she was sure she would be able to follow it perfectly, even without military training. Her eyes widened as a thought swept upon her in a sudden wave. Why had she not voiced this before?
"I'm coming with you," she blurted aloud. The chatter stopped as they all turned to look at her.
"I beg your pardon?" the Captain asked politely, his eyebrows risen giving his face a box-like appearance. Skyla gulped slightly, a little thrown by the looks they were giving her,
"I'm going with Ratchet," she rephrased. The gathered military personnel exchanged glances. Clank and Maia had stopped talking and were watching carefully.
"Look, miss..." Sergeant Rojerz began.
"No," Ratchet cut across bluntly, looking at Skyla, "you're not coming with me." Skyla's eyes narrowed, she didn't like the directness with which he'd rejected her,
"I can help."
"You already have. You're staying here," Ratchet told her firmly.
"I can help, I want to go with you and I am going with you," Skyla insisted with a hint of irritation. Ratchet gave her a look,
"Skyla, you're staying here. There is no way I am letting you go down there, it's too dangerous."
"I can look after myself," Skyla retorted, then regretted her words as Ratchet looked at her pointedly.
"Oh really?" his eyes were saying, and a bolt of anger shot through Skyla at the patronisation in them. It wasn't right. Besides, who was he to tell her what to do? She may have a bad background in taking care of herself, but she wasn't completely incapable. She opened her mouth to make a cutting retort but then, from the corner of her eye she saw Maia shaking her head ever so slightly. Skyla paused. It was a warning. A warning that told her not to go down that route, it would lead to...nothing. Swallowing her indignant pride, she tried to reason with him, taking a leaf from Maia's book,
"Look, I know that place better than all of you," she looked around those gathered as she spoke, "I've managed to escape there once. I'm physically capable and I know I can do it. I can help," she insisted. Ratchet sighed heavily,
"Skyla, I've said no and that's final."
"Fine then, I won't ask you," Skyla snapped and turned to the Captain, "permission to join Ratchet's team?" The Kerwanian gave her a sympathetic look which made her feel like a child,
"Young Lombax, I know what this means to you. But Ratchet's right, it is dangerous and my men can't account for you being down there when fighting breaks out." Skyla opened her mouth to politely answer back but was beaten,
"I think we should let her," the Novalian interjected, "she does know the place better than us. We could use her help." The Captain's jaw clenched,
"Don't start, Blak."
"Why not?"
"Blak..." the Captain hissed.
"I'm just saying, she could come in handy. And look at her, she has the build of an athlete and I've no doubt she's more than physically capable of handling a guard or two," the Lieutenant pressed, then gave Skyla a subtle wink to which the grey Lombax responded with a small, grateful smile. The Captain huffed,
"That's not the point..."
"Please," they looked up at Skyla who had risen to her feet. It was clear she wasn't going to get in by force, or persuasion...so she tried a different approach, "I want to go because there are those down there I consider family, and would do anything to rescue them. I made a vow to myself even before I escaped, that if I ever got out, I would be back for them. I'm not going to break that vow. I know I can do it, so please...let me." She made eye contact with each of the military personnel, purposely avoiding the eyes on her right as she knew it would be futile. Her words were met with an uncomfortable silence as she took her seat and for a moment, no-one said anything. The Captain cleared his throat,
"Young Lombax, I sympathise with you and..." Skyla regarded him intently, trying to show how much she wanted this through her eyes. The burly Kerwanian sighed,
"It's not up to me," he said simply, looking at the Lombax sitting across from him.
"I've said no!" cried Ratchet. Skyla looked at the sandy Lombax. He was looking at her in disbelief, "Skyla, you are not going and that is final!"
"Ratchet..." she began.
"NO!" he shouted and she recoiled slightly from the anger in his voice. He sounded so...harsh. It was unlike him. Clearly he thought the same as he looked shocked for a moment, then his features softened and he looked at her with a pained expression, "can't you understand why I don't want you to go?" he murmured quietly so that only she could hear. Skyla's heart throbbed, because the answer was yes, she could see exactly why he didn't want her to go. But she was not about to break her vow, even for him, so she remained adamant,
"Can't you understand why I want to go?" she whispered in reply.
"Yes, I can," Ratchet confessed, "but if you get hurt..." he shook his head, "I'll never forgive myself." Skyla resisted the urge to take his hand (they were in company, after all), but she looked at him with honest eyes.
"I won't get hurt, Ratchet. I can do this," she told him, then added "you would do the same in my place." Ratchet regarded her with a conflicted expression, but said nothing. She was right, after all. If their positions were reversed, he would want to go too. And from the look in her eyes, she had the same determination he would possess in such a situation. There would be no dissuading her from this. He sighed heavily.
"Sir?" Skyla addressed the Captain. The Kerwanian didn't look happy, but he inclined his head.
"If Ratchet is willing to take you...then you have my consent, however unwilling I am to give it." Skyla looked once again at the Lombax beside her. He was studying her seriously, brow furrowed in thought.
"Fine," he said eventually, "but I want you in my sight at all times and two additional team members for your protection." Skyla bit her lip to keep from retorting, instead nodding once in thanks.
"More team members will up the stakes, Ratchet," Rojerz informed him, an eyebrow raised. Ratchet shrugged,
"We'll manage."
"I want to go too," came a voice.
"NO," cried Ratchet and Skyla at the same time. Maia held up her hand with a small smile,
"Hear me out. I don't want to throw myself into the thick of things, but I do want to help," she turned to the Captain, "I'd like to join Team Delta, please. I can help you find our friends, and they will be more ready to follow you if they see a familiar face."
"No," Skyla repeated, "no way are you going down there." Maia gave her a gentle look,
"Don't worry, Sky. I just want to make sure all out friends are evacuated safely. Then, I'll come out with them. I'm not going to stay and fight. I'm no warrior and battles are not my forté."
"Maia, you'd be safer up here. It's alright, we can do it," Ratchet assured her. Maia nodded,
"I don't doubt that you can, I'm just saying it will be easier if I go too. I can help if anyone gets lost, you'll have experienced eyes on the ground, and we'll be able to get everyone out faster." She looked questioningly at the Captain, "may I?" The Kerwanian was scowling,
"I don't like it, but that team won't be in for any action so...if Rojerz is ok with you tagging along, then that's his decision."
"Sure, you can come if you like," the younger Kerwanian told Maia with a smile, "but it'll be dangerous. Don't worry though, I'll look after you and make sure you're well defended."
"You better," Skyla growled menacingly without thinking and Rojerz laughed.
"I promise, not a hair will be harmed on her head," he assured her. The Cazar gave him a grateful smile,
"Thank you, Rojerz."
"Call me Aly," the man winked.
"Enough of the informalities, Rojerz," the Captain gave the Sergeant a look.
"Then I believe that is the strike plan and teams sorted," Lieutenant Blak announced, glancing at the tablet she'd taken from Ratchet to make notes, "that leaves only the strike date. Personally, I would rather it were sooner than later. If that slick bastard..."
"Language!"
"Sorry, Captain. If that Novalian can get away with mass murder, he's bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve. That means, the longer we leave things, the greater the chances of him catching wind of the plan."
"Agreed," the Captain muttered, "how soon can you prepare the teams?" he asked Rojerz. The Kerwanian shrugged,
"I can have them all ready by tomorrow if you like. Nearly the entire Kerwan Division is at base, and the only exceptions are those on wide patrols. It's been a slow week."
"Good. Then how does a strike set for tomorrow evening sound? We can brief the troops in the morning and I can alert the Mayor and the Governor to our plan before we set course for Florana in the evening."
"Sounds good to me," Rojerz answered with a sly smile. Skyla's eyes widened. Had she heard correctly? Tomorrow?! But that was...tomorrow!
"You alright, Skyla?" asked a voice from her right and she saw Ratchet looking at her, brow furrowed in mild concern.
"Yeah, fine," she hastily replied, "it's just...tomorrow...?"
"Is that a problem?" the Lieutenant asked.
"No! It's...perfect!" Skyla announced in pleasant surprise.
"Good. Then it is agreed. The strike will be carried out under cover of darkness and we will rendezvous on the Phoenix at 1900 hours...providing that is alright with you, Ratchet?"
"That's absolutely fine. We'll be ready," the sandy Lombax replied.
"Excellent," the Captain rose, "then we will meet again tomorrow at said time in the main hangar. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to write all this up into a report and convince the Mayor we can do this."
"It won't be the Mayor who'll need convincing," mused Lieutenant Blak. The Kerwanian smiled very faintly,
"Indeed...wish me luck." He saluted Ratchet briefly as Lieutenant Blak closed the hologram and tucked it under her arm.
"Good night," the Novalian nodded and Rojerz gave them a wave, and then they were gone.
Note – The character of Bethya the Kerwanian is dedicated to my good friend PenMagic. She is a fantastic writer and a loyal friend, and my life would not be the same without her smile and her fangirling over Starkid/Harry Potter/Glee/Hunger Games and everything else she loves. PenMagic, my dear, you are supermegaawesomefoxyhot, and may the odds be ever in your favour :)