Chapter 2: An unexpected change in plan
Authors note: I forgot to mention in my first authors note that the cover photo for this story is on my Deviant Art account which can be located on my Fanfiction profile. Check it out if you like it! I will be posting more art work for this story in the near future so please feel free to keep an eye out on that. I will also be making many references to the events which happen in the Lilo and Stitch show throughout this story, so if you have any questions about certain references, please feel free to ask me in a review or even a message. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Location: Planet Turo, Galactic Federation Headquarters.
Turo was a very large planet. It was the perfect stronghold for the Galactic Federation and its inhabitants. Of course the very large Federation building provided as a big space port for all sorts of ships from all corners of the galaxy. Over the years, Gantu and his crew had grown accustomed to returning to this planet after every mission. Their reason upon returning being the prisoners they were escorting back to the Federation for trial in front of the Galactic Council. The Grand Councilwoman would always rendezvous with the Captain and his crew to discuss the next prisoner to capture. It was an endless cycle. But it was all a part of the job. Though today was a completely different picture. Gantu was returning to the Galactic Federation, but this time, without a prisoner.
The space port section of the Federation was a very large facility, probably the size of a large Human town when comparing it to the size of the places on Earth. There were all sorts of ships, big and small flying in and out of the port every 10 seconds. The port itself was divided into a dozen platforms, each taking up separate floors on the port. And on each of these platforms were various crew workers from a vast number of different species and alien races, all of whom worked vigorously to re-fuel, repair and help provide assistance with landing and taking off of the ships that were on there. But with each ship that came into land or was preparing for takeoff, a voice operator was always making announcements to inform the other workers and crew members of the times a ship was coming or going. It was a busy place. Actually, no, busy wouldn't even cut it. Try chaotic.
"Tracker A to sector C 10," a voice called out through the speakers throughout the space port. "BRB 11,000 incoming for landing and repairs. Operators standing by for landing."
Landing the ship was no easy task, especially one as large as the BRB 11,000. Since the point where Gantu was re-instated as Captain, the ship had two separate upgrades. And with each upgrade, the ship somehow got a lot bigger. The BRB 11,000 was the biggest ship he had ever been in. And it certainly beat that tiny tin-can he was forced to stay in for over 3 years on Earth. But when it came to landing however, the BRB 11,000 had to be piloted manually by the best of the crew. It had often came to be a task Gantu himself took on board, since he was a very skilled and professional space ship pilot.
After the ship had safely landed in its dignified space, each member of the crew signed off after reporting to the Captain, and then headed out to report to the various bases around the space port zone. Gantu and Reuben were the last to leave the ship. Both groggy and tired after a lack of night's sleep, neither of them were prepared for their meeting with the Grand Councilwoman. It was never necessary for Reuben to accompany Gantu. Heck, it was never under any regulation that a Galley Officer should do half of the things Reuben did. Most Galley Officer's were never required to be of service when capturing criminals, nor were they expected to prepare sandwiches for the Captain or any security staff. But Reuben was not your average Galley Officer. He was an illegal genetic experiment and the best friend of the Captain. Therefore he did the unexpected. Even if it meant accompanying Gantu to his meetings with the Grand Councilwoman and/or (on the rare occasion) the rest of the Galactic Council.
"So, are we reporting to the Grand Councilwoman now?" Reuben questioned as the pair exited the huge space craft and headed down the ramp onto the platform. Reuben was perched on Gantu's left shoulder like a parrot. He found it much easier to keep up with him this way. Plus, despite his change in appearance and personality since he had joined the Galactic Alliance, he was still a lazy bum who enjoyed making sandwiches and napping in his spare time.
"Yes," Gantu responded plainly "she is expecting us to report to her as soon as we land."
"Can't we just stop for a sandwich first?" Reuben whined patting his stomach "I'm starving! I only ate three sandwiches this morning."
"Tough," Gantu poked his small companion in the stomach "I have only eaten a Gornish pastry all day." Gantu continued walking, now approaching the large automatic doors which led out of the port and led to the main chamber of the humungous Federation headquarters. Upon entering the huge main chamber, Gantu and Reuben had noticed how busy it was. Many Officers, all of various species, colours and sizes, bustled about doing their own duties. The majority of aliens who worked at the Galactic Federation on Turo were mainly small office workers who rarely, if ever, went on missions and had pretty simple lives. Gantu had always wondered what it was like for these workers. What was it like to have a normal life? He had been across galaxies and hundreds of different sectors catching criminals. So many in fact, that he had all-but forgotten what a normal life was like. He had once had one when he lived on his home planet. But he found that rather dull and boring. Even as a child, Gantu had always had an adventurous spirit about him. He used to play space cops, always dreaming of becoming one. And he had! Gantu had somehow achieved what few had. It was purely by luck that he got accepted into the Galactic Armada. But with that luck, he had exceeded through the ranks and made it to the top! He just hoped, with all of his might, he would keep it that way.
Reuben sulked. His friend was always like this. He never appreciated his need for sandwiches, unless it was when he wanted his precious egg salad. Crossing his arms and squeezing his eyes tightly for a brief moment, Reuben forgot he was not holding onto Gantu's tusk and suddenly lost his balance on Gantu's large shoulder. He re-opened his eyes and looked below to see that Gantu was being pushed aside by a brutish alien dressed in prison uniform being escorted by three security aliens.
"We apologise for our prisoner's rough behaviour, Captain Gantu," one of the security guards halted and addressed the Shaelek with a sense of honour.
"It's quite alright Officer," Gantu responded calmly, he shifted a scowling glare at the prisoner who smirked in mischief at the Captain. Gantu clenched his shark-like teeth together letting a small grunt escape his lips. He hated scum like that prisoner. To him, all criminals were scum. Especially Dr. Hämsterviel. Locking up the scum of the galaxy was what pleased Gantu the most about his job. Well that and the action. He was always for a laser or plasma battle every now and then. Just as long as the odds were in his favour, which, judging by his height and large muscles, usually were. He watched as the security Officers shoved the prisoner harshly forward and continued to head to the prison block. Gantu kept his cold eyes locked upon the prisoner for several more seconds before Reuben nudged him back into reality. Gantu merely swatted the poking paw of Reuben away and shook his head before continuing on is journey.
"Hey, fish breath?" Reuben continued poking him profusely, irritating the already pissed off space Captain further.
"What?" Gantu mouthed his words through clenched teeth and kept his eyes in front of him.
"You really need to take a chill pill and relax a little," Reuben teased while adjusting his hat on his weirdly shaped head. "One day, that big head of yours is gonna explode and everyone will be eating fish brains for weeks. And trust me, I won't wanna be covered in your smelly guts for anything."
Gantu finally lost it and held his right fist up to his left shoulder. He was still in motion but he had lost all sense of his surroundings in favour of pummelling his annoying experiment companion. "You little trog! I'll-!"
"HEY!" A voice cried below. Gantu paused and his head followed the small cry to his feet below. Reuben also followed the voice and climbed over Gantu's fin-like tusk to see what the commotion was about. "Watch where you're going would ya? We aren't all as big and fat as you, you know!"
Gantu's eyes widened as he almost stood on a small yellowish blob-like creature which was slowly making his way across the floor below him. He wasn't dressed in uniform like many of the other aliens. Gantu had assumed he was a just a visitor, since they were allowed in here as well as the workers. But in any case, he was very rude for someone who was addressing the Captain of the Galactic Alliance. Gantu would have objected and put his 10 Gorphik coins in if it weren't for him being rather speechless. He had not been addressed by a random alien like that for quite some time. It was kind of like a wake-up call. A nice reminder that even though Gantu had a very powerful position in the Armada, everyone could still abuse and insult him without him ever finding the courage to fight back. How come, he could fight off an entire fleet of criminal vessels, but not come up with a decent retort to some random bastard who was yelling at him? He was becoming too soft. The people back on his home planet would be ashamed of him.
There was one disadvantage of being a 21 foot tall space alien. When in places such as this, you had to watch where you were stepping. Gantu had lost count of how many people he had almost squished with his humongous feet. This was a problem he rarely had when he lived on his home world. Not many other species lived there. Shaeleks were renowned for being one of the largest known species in the galaxy. When he began as a Rookie in the Galactic Armada, he was taken way out of his comfort zone when he was forced to interact with other species of alien, not like the size of the ones on his home world. But since he had not travelled to his home planet in over 10 years, he had grown accustomed to interacting with everyone around him, each of various height and size.
Reuben suddenly grabbed the left tusk on Gantu's head and waved a hand in front of Gantu's eyes in order to get his attention again. Gantu stopped in his tracks and shook his head in disapproval. "What is it this time Reuben?"
"Hey, hey chowder chops, don't speak to me in that tone," Reuben placed both paws on his hips before his eyes shifted gleefully to the nearby shops which were set up at the end of the main hall. Each of these shops were restaurants serving meals from various different planets. And a particular one had grabbed Rueben's eager attention. He pointed his arm in the direction of the shops and Gantu's gaze followed it curiously. "Look over there!" Reuben then read the sign outside the shop aloud. "'Earth snack station, a fine selection of sandwiches and other tasty snacks from a far away planet.' That wasn't there the last time we came! I've gotta try their baloney. You know, see if it's the real deal or not."
"You made me stop for that?!" Gantu picked up Reuben and held him in front of his face. Gantu was obviously frustrated with his small sandwich obsessed companion. This was neither the time, nor the place to mess around looking at food stalls or talking about sandwiches. This was serious! Gantu often wondered if Reuben had a serious bone in his body off duty. Both of their jobs were at stake and all Reuben could talk about was sandwiches? Either he was putting off the thoughts of facing the Grand Councilwoman or... when Jumba created him, he had a huge fetish for sandwiches. Or perhaps it was both of those reasons. "Reuben," he continued, his tone completely serious and his voice rather low and raspy "I don't think you understand the complexity of this situation. Our jobs may be on the line here. You have to be serious about this or else the Grand Councilwoman won't hesitate to throw us both out into deep space, or at least into the depths of unemployment."
"I know, I know," Reuben frowned merely brushing his foot against Gantu's black uniform glumly "I guess I just don't wanna think about it. The thought of being stuck in another rust bucket with you for three more years makes me shudder to think. Let's just get this meeting over with."
"I want to say thank you for meeting with me under such short notice Captain."
The office of the Grand Councilwoman was very large, larger than the main bridge on Gantu's ship. Yeah, that kind of large. It had been newly refurbished with new fancy furniture and various colour changes on the walls. Displayed on a plaque above the Councilwoman's desk were many symbols, each different in language and style. Every single one representing every planet in allegiance with the Galactic Empire. There were many. Too many for Gantu to count. The Grand Councilwoman gestured him to sit down as she spoke, and of course Gantu obliged immediately.
"It was no problem I assure you ma'am," Gantu assured. Reuben climbed down from Gantu's shoulder and perched himself on the arm rest on Gantu's large seat. The seat had obviously been designed for his species. He had guessed that the Grand Councilwoman had many chairs, each customised to the specification of a certain species. That would mean that there would be hundreds of chairs. If not thousands. Well, at least it would keep someone in long term employment.
The Grand Councilwoman placed her hands together as she sat down on her own chair. She edged forward and respectively looked upon Gantu with a professional eye. Gantu didn't know how to react. Should he smile? No, too casual. Frown? No, it would send off the wrong signals. Stare blankly? No, it would make him look too dumbfounded. In the end he just decided to sit upright and look as proud and professional as possible without looking conceited or big-headed.
"I am sure you are curious as to why I have brought you here Captain," The Grand Councilwoman spoke receiving a small nod from her Officer.
"Well, yes. I can't deny that I am." Gantu responded plainly. "Though you did say it was about the complexity of the situation regarding the escape of Mr. Zellious Glornack."
"Ah yes," the Councilwoman began. She then arose from her seat and pressed a small button on her desk. The button activated a machine above where the Grand Councilwoman was seated and a large screen began to fold outward, complete with two speakers at each side. The Grand Councilwoman then pressed another button on her desk and the screen then activated before showing a picture of the same convict which had escaped Gantu's security just yesterday. "Zellious Glornack, as you both know, is no ordinary crook. He is a level 3 criminal. A rare one at that. Starting out as a small thug, he has risen through the ranks of crime and has entered both the drug and illegal weapons trade. He has many contacts on various planets located across the galaxy." The screen then changed to a picture of the galaxy system with little red dots darted all over the map. "These red dots show the known locations where he has done trade with other criminals. We fear that Mr. Glornack is involved in a league of criminal gangs who are plotting to overthrow the Intergalactic Council, as well as enslave and overthrow the governments of countless planets, with their radical and extreme acts which would include the torture and slavery of its people."
Gantu's eyes widened up at the screen as the Grand Councilwoman continued to speak of the whole plot revolving his escaped convict. Now it all made sense. The Council had made it clear to him that there was something suspicious going on with him when they ordered his arrest. And when Gantu and his crew had located and arrested him, he was up to all sorts of suspicious activity. And by no means was Zellious Glornack a natural alien. The space steroids and other various drugs he was selling to underage aliens had messed him up catastrophically. Making him super strong and his appearance unnaturally scaly and aged. Gantu felt a slight lump in his throat as the Grand Councilwoman made him aware of the situation before him. He felt terrible. This convict was extremely dangerous, and he escaped! Gantu had let him escape! A level 3 prisoner was bad. It went up in ranks, level 1 being petty criminal, level 2 being a bit more of a challenge and level 3 being a serious threat. Gantu had only known two level 3 prisoners throughout his entire career as Captain of the Galactic Armada. That being Zellious Glornack and experiment 626. And ironically, both had escaped under his charge.
Reuben was also astonished by the events explained to him and Gantu. But his shock turned to concern as his gaze turned away from the screen and headed towards the direction of Gantu. His face said it all. The emotions of shock, sadness and guilt were all evident at once. Reuben knew this would not help Gantu's mood. To know he had failed to capture and bring such a criminal to justice would probably bring shame upon him, even in such ways where he may do something stupid, which he would regret later. The Grand Councilwoman continued to speak and changed the picture to a video showing Glornack and some other criminals involved in a high speed police chase in the middle of a busy city. Reuben looked away from the screen and grimaced slightly at the situation going on in the video. He then looked at Gantu and placed a comforting paw on his friend's arm, but Gantu was not as squeamish as Reuben and did not tear his eyes away from the screen. His brow adjusted to a way which made him looked horrified as Zellious Glornack and his other criminal brethren shot down several police cruisers and opened fire at the fleeing Officers. And to think this guy was still out there... because of him!
"This video footage was taken several weeks ago on the planet of Gultrak, east of the binary stars Mizar and Alcor. This chase resulted in the death of an Officer and the casualties of many others after Glornack, and the rest of his gang, opened fire on the pursuing police ships and shot several of them down with advanced and illegal weaponry. However, the contraband was recovered after their ship had crashed as a result of being directly hit by a plasma blast. There, the police present at the scene, recovered several boxes of advanced technology and deadly weapons stashed in the back of the small vehicle. Glornack was the only one to escape arrest. However we were able to track him to the Creb quadrant on the planet Yuluh. That of course is when we sent you in to arrest him. But since you failed to bring Zellious Glornack to justice, we now have no choice but to call for outside help."
Gantu suddenly froze. What did she mean by 'outside help'? A bounty hunter? A vigilante? Were the council THAT desperate to capture this guy? Gantu knew from experience that the Galactic Armada frowned heavily upon those who took the law into their own hands. It often resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of that person, and the sentence was a high one. You could get at least 10 Turo cycles (meaning years), for such a 'crime'. Though Gantu could not judge people for wanting justice to be done. He himself was a trained professional, but even he had almost crossed the line by taking the law into his own hands at times. His experience on Earth with the failed capture of experiment 626 being an example of this. Gantu was never one to back down from a fight, but his losses to Jumba's evil experiments had made him feel a bit downgraded as a professional fighter.
"Excuse me Grand Councilwoman?" Gantu raised his hand slightly as the head of the Galactic Council turned her head in his general direction. She placed both hands behind her back and waited expectantly for him to continue.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Sorry for the interruption your excellence," Gantu then cleared his throat before finally questioning her "but what do you mean by the term, 'outside help'?"
"Yeah," Reuben added "I thought you guys were against vigilantes and bounty hunters. That's kinda going against your own rules if you employ one of those suckers to go after this guy."
The Grand Councilwoman nodded in agreement to what Reuben had pointed out "you're quite right Officer Reuben," she remarked "but that is not what the Council have decided upon."
Gantu and Reuben both looked at each other in confusion. What the heck was she implying then? Those were the other alternatives outside the Galactic Alliance and planetary police forces unless you wanted to go down the illegal route. Reuben had hoped that the Grand Councilwoman would give Gantu another chance to capture this guy. He knew he was perfectly capable of doing it. What had happened was purely an accident and not even Gantu's fault. It wasn't his fault that the sedatives, which usually worked on the other criminals, did not work on Glornack. It was probably the steroids in his system which made him immune to its effects.
"Then what, if we may ask, is your alternative?" Reuben placed his paws on his hips and questioned the Councilwoman with a stern and daring tone.
She smiled and stepped down from her seat before proceeding to walk towards the chair which Gantu was seated in. Gantu suddenly became weary. The Grand Councilwoman never smiled in these situations. What was she planning in that unpredictable mind of hers? And what did it have to do with him and his crew?
"Well," she began slyly, "we have recently discovered that one planet has been looking into this gang's activity more than we have here. This planet has had a rise in its criminal activity and its police crew have been working double time to make arrests and reduce the crime rate once again. Upon this, they have had their Chief of security do interrogations as well as arrests and they have found connections to this gang's activity, on planets we were not aware of."
"So, what about this planet's police force?" Reuben shrugged "why don't you just get them to help you?"
The Grand Councilwoman simply smiled and turned her gaze onto Gantu. "Well, this planet isn't just in simple range. It is located in the Creblock system, on the eighth planet." She then noticed as Gantu's face fell and his eyes expanded past their normal capacity "Captain Gantu would recognize it."
"Sh-Shaelekar?" Gantu stammered. Reuben scratched his head in confusion. He was unaware of the planet or its connection to Gantu. Surprising, for someone as close as he was to the giant Shaelek alien.
"Your home planet," the Grand Councilwoman continued.
"Wait, what?" Reuben shifted his head rapidly between the Grand Councilwoman and Gantu. He had heard Gantu mention his home planet frequently, but never by name. This was the first time he had heard it mentioned at the Galactic Federation. And it seemed that Gantu was the only one of his species who worked for the Galactic Alliance.
The Grand Councilwoman turned towards Reuben and pointed up at Gantu "Captain Gantu was once a credible Officer in the Shaelek police force, before he applied and got accepted into the Galactic Armada. We don't usually associate ourselves with his species as their view on the law is a lot different than compared to the laws we set here. They have more... extreme measures in force with the way they deal with their criminals. Something which we do frown upon, since we believe criminals are entitled to their own rights and they do not. But Captain Gantu here, was a mere Rookie when he first applied for a transfer to the Galactic Armada. We would have declined his request if he were a superior Officer or in a higher rank, but due to his lack of experience, we saw potential in Mr. Gantu. Though his ethical issues were, and still are, an example of the gruff nature he had grown accustomed to in the police force on his home planet."
"So the criminals are targeting my home planet?" Gantu questioned. The Grand Councilwoman quickly paced back up to her desk and pressed another button to show a different picture on the screen. This time it was a picture of a Shaelek Officer with a crate of highly dangerous illegal weapons.
"This picture was sent into me a couple of days ago by the police force's Commander, Commander Turak. He has reported to us that he and his Chief of security have infiltrated many smuggling operations on the planet but they fear more will be arising soon enough, and not just on their planet, but everywhere. The gangs are growing in numbers and the Commander has made it clear to me that those who have been interrogated have revealed that their superiors have a broad knowledge on security systems, advanced weapons and the technology on each of the planets they operate on. The gang members have brains in their groups, as well as contacts on each planet in order for them to smuggle all of their items through the planets' security checks."
"So," Reuben began with a puzzled tone in his voice "what does this have to do with us? Well, other than it being Gantu's home planet and one of the gang members being an escape convict of ours."
"Well, after the not-so-success of yesterday's endeavour, we have decided to contact Commander Turak of Shaelekar and ask for his advice in the matter," the Grand Councilwoman explained "he has explained to me that they know much more of the details of the gang's whereabouts and locations on other planets as well as Shaelekar. They have names, dates, confiscated contraband and the knack for getting things done."
Gantu arose from his seat. He was starting to get what the Grand Councilwoman was trying to explain. If this meant what he thought it meant, he would be making a trip to his home planet to discuss this further with the Commander. Just the thought of going back home made Gantu afraid. He had been away for so long. It would be very daunting going back and interacting with his own kind again. Yet, at the same time, it was an exciting thing. At times, especially during his time on Earth, he had missed his home world. And while working for Dr. Hämsterviel, he had considered packing in the experiment hunting entirely in order to go back home. But there was really nothing to go back to. He had no living family there and all of his former friends would have probably moved on with their lives and started families of their own. What else was there for him there? Cynta? Ha! There was no way in the fiery blasts of a Black Hole that he would take her back! He still had nightmares about that time he wished for her with that wishing experiment and saw how disgusting she had became. To think she was once his beautiful girlfriend. That showed him how much everything had changed there.
"So," Reuben interjected taking off his hat in order to scratch his head with his paw "let me get this straight. You want us to go to Gantu's home world and talk to this Commander?"
"In a way," the Grand Councilwoman responded. She then took a deep breath and urged Gantu to sit down again by sending him a gesture with her hand. He did not need to be told twice. She placed her hands together and gave Gantu a rather uneasy look. "Look Captain, I know you have had an excellent record over the past 5 years since your reinstatement, and yesterday was a mere flunk to be sure. But it was a flunk that we cannot afford. I realize that you feel that your crew is perfectly capable of taking up this task of hunting down all of these criminal gangs and bringing them to justice. But we cannot take any more chances and risk you losing anyone else under your command. Therefore, the council have decided you will have an extra crew member on your team, Captain Gantu."
Gantu's head flew backwards in surprise. "Excuse me?"
"It has all been arranged." She continued "The Commander of the Shaelek police force has informed me that his Chief of security, Chief Zettar, has been the leader of most of the arrests regarding this entire ghastly affair, and that they have obtained the required information through this one Officer in the force than any other. And since the Commander also informed me that his Chief is almost ready to qualify to becoming Chief Commander, he has decided to give his Officer the opportunity to join the Galactic Alliance as a test. Therefore, we have all agreed that Chief Zettar will accompany you on your missions to break up this criminal gang, and will also provide you with all of the required information they have managed to gain from their interrogated prisoners."
Reuben grinned in anticipation while Gantu grimaced in a slight disagreement. They were about to have another Shaelek Officer as a member of their crew? This could either turn out really good or really bad. Gantu was unsure about having another member of his species on board his ship. He knew that his species, him included, were all too dominant and were constantly challenging one another to see who was better. It was all a part of their charm. He was from a planet where war and fighting were common things. All of the males were expected to be fighters from a very early age. This is why Gantu had such a rough childhood. His father pushed him beyond breaking point to be better than everyone else.
"B-b-but your excellence," Gantu raised his finger in protest as his voice came out rather whiney "surely we do not need any more Shaeleks in my crew."
"Yeah," Reuben added distastefully, pointing his thumb at Gantu "one blubber-butt is enough."
"Y-you yourself said that you cannot trust the ones in the high positions," Gantu added "and you know how gruff and aggressive my species can be! Are you sure we can trust this guy to not cross the line?"
"The Commander has informed me that Chief Zettar has had ruthless tendencies towards prisoners," The Grand Councilwoman responded rather calmly to the argumentative Captain "but no more so than you. Besides, from what I hear of the Commander's report, Chief Zettar is a highly skilled and respectable Officer with more knowledge about weaponry and illegal doings than compared to the majority of the other Officers. I understand if you have your doubts about all of this Captain, but surely you would be willing to accept a new member on your crew. Especially after the failed attempts your security made at containing Mr. Glornack yesterday."
Gantu gave in. She did have a point. He did not want to re-live that failure ever again. Surely if this Officer had such a successful reputation back on his home planet, he would be very willing to accept the offer of his help. Besides, he heard the Grand Councilwoman mention that it was merely a test of advancing to the next rank, right? This would mean that the contract with this other Shaelek would only be temporary. Perhaps it would only be valid until all of these gangs were disbanded, arrested and put on trial. And surely that wouldn't take a few months right? Perhaps Gantu could live with another Shaelek on board his ship. Just as long as he did not challenge his authority or cause any trouble.
"Alright, Grand Councilwoman," he sighed "I will be willing to accept Chief Zettar's assistance in this matter."
"Excellent," she smiled ushering him to walk up to her desk to collect some documents she was now waving in her hand "Chief Zettar will pose as your Chief of security, since your current Chief is in hospital after being attacked by your escapee yesterday. You and your crew will prepare your ship and will leave Turo in two days to rendezvous with Commander Turak and Chief Zettar on the third moon of Shaelekar, which provides as the headquarters for their police force. Upon arriving there you will receive all the answers to your questions and the Commander will inform you of your first planetary mission. Once you succeed in this mission, you will both report to me of your progress and will bring the captive prisoners to Turo for trial."
"Yes, ma'am," Gantu grumbled slightly (as he usually did) after taking the documents his superior had just handed to him.
"Good luck Captain Gantu," the Grand Councilwoman stood placing both hands behind her back "I am sure you will make up for yesterday's fiasco with the arrests of the other known gang members. With the help of Chief Zettar, of course. You will now take your leave of me, and will prepare your ship for its next mission."
"Aye. Thank you Grand Councilwoman." Gantu then stood to attention and saluted as Reuben did the same. Gantu turned to leave the large quarters of the head of the council. Reuben followed and instantly ran towards his friend who had quickened his pace to leave the premises. Reuben leapt onto his companion and climbed aboard onto his shoulder. He studied Gantu's face with a curious eye. He looked like he was suppressing something. And by the look and ear wrenching sound of his teeth clenching together, Reuben knew that he was pissed off with the Galactic Council's decision to entrust another Officer from his home planet onto his team. But he didn't know exactly why.
After exiting the office of the Grand Councilwoman, Gantu continued to storm out of the private corridor which served as the base for all of the offices of each member of the Galactic Council. Reuben felt vibrations rattle through his entire tiny body with each gigantic step Gantu took. Reuben felt his insides churn excessively with each vibration. And after a while it began to make him feel rather queasy. He knew he would have to stop the storming Captain soon, or else he was going to he-ho all over the poop deck, so to speak.
"Hey, hey, slow down G!" Rueben pulled on one of Gantu's grey head crest-like tusks in order to get his attention "I don't think my insides can take much more of this."
"They go find another poor sucker to annoy," Gantu replied, still continuing his current pace.
"No," Reuben shook his head "not until you tell me what is making you so hacked off at the universe. Was it what the Grand Councilwoman said? I thought you'd be happy to return to your home world."
"You don't understand," Gantu muttered "you wouldn't understand what it's like on my home world."
"Well I know this much," Reuben remarked, smirking as he crossed his arms, "if all of them are as cranky as you, we're gonna have some real laughs with this new guy." Gantu suddenly stopped and placed Reuben on the ground, much to his protest. "Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?"
"Go to your sandwich shop Reuben," Gantu ordered as he turned to go in the opposite direction "I need time alone to reflect upon all of this."
Reuben watched in confusion as his gigantic friend stormed away, still sending vibrations in the floorboards. With each step, the vibrations became less and less until finally, they went away. He was now left all alone in the middle of a huge hallway with no one else around him. He wondered what all that was about. Why was Gantu making such a big deal over having an extra person in their crew? Was it that he felt like he had let everyone down? Or that people wouldn't take him seriously anymore. Reuben didn't really know. But in any case, he would just let his friend ride it out and then confront him about it later. That was always the best thing when it came to Gantu's temper.
Authors note: Well, this was chapter 2. This story will be a long one as the events will be built up gradually with each chapter. In the next chapter I will be introducing Gantu's species on his home world! And as for the name of his species 'Shaelek', I read that that was the correct name since the Lilo and Stitch wikia says so. So from this I came up with the name of his home planet through that. And as for the reference to the Creblock system, Gantu makes a brief description of his home planet when he speaks to some locals in one of the episodes of the show. I also made references to his ex-girlfriend Cynta who features in the episode 'Wishy-Washy'. She will be mentioned regularly throughout the story.
Please feel free to review and give me your opinion on this story so far. I really do appreciate hearing the opinions of my readers. Thank you so much for reading and I will update this story very soon.