Chapter 9: Plans and Punishments
"Bad news?" Mal cautiously asked while staring back at the battle worn batarian who was seated across the desk in his office.
"It's always bad news." the batarian replied in exhaustion. "Mal-"
"I know what you're gonna ask me Cralle and my answer is still no." Mal sternly interjected. "You and the others are friends and I'm proud to call you allies. We've all come a long way these past few years but the situation on Khar'shan is a shitstorm that I have no intention of walking into. I'm sorry."
His batarian associate simply sank deeper into his chair after clinching his fists in frustration. "I can't really blame you. It's not like the fools who are still alive and fighting back home would welcome your help and there's also the matter of the Council watching all of your movements." he quietly lamented.
"Cralle, I've said it plenty of times already-the Council can kiss my ass." Mal defiantly replied. "This goes a lot deeper than me possibly attracting Citadel attention. If I make a move to clear the yahg off of Khar'shan, that would effectively make it a part of my domain and I expect anyone who lives in one of my territories to abide by my rules. That means no slavery for starters. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't go over too well with some of your acquaintances back home." he explained in a serious manner.
"You're right." Cralle reluctantly agreed. "Too many fools are still stuck in the past. They'd actually prefer dying instead of changing with the times. It wouldn't really bother me under different circumstances but they're dragging our children down along with them. If this continues, we won't have a future." he added regretfully.
"Have you been able to get word to your friends who're still planet side? I've got no problem arranging escorts for anyone who can manage to make it to one of the clusters in the Terminus Systems." Mal earnestly stated.
"I lost contact with Cranis over a month ago and haven't heard from him since. I already know what that means. If he's dead, one of the extremists will take over and that means everyone left on the planet is doomed. My people have a reputation for unleashing large-scale carnage on a whim and it's not entirely unfounded. Those morons won't hesitate to sacrifice our own flesh and blood or the entire planet itself if they think it'll hurt the yahg." Cralle lamented.
Mal took a moment to observe the weary soldier sitting before him before finally leaning back in his own chair. "Cralle, I may have a solution but you won't like it and it'll take years to fully implement the specifics but I don't see any alternatives here. It'll also mean leaving the poor bastards back on Khar'shan to fend for themselves for a little while longer."
Cralle quickly focused all four of his eyes on Mal. "I'm listening."
"Aria and I have been toying with a little idea. I can give you the full details later but for now I'll stick to the parts that could help you. The batarians are a pretty independent and stubborn bunch, history has proven that much. They may not be willing to accept my leadership but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have a problem with one of you guys taking over." he mused.
"Actually they would. Have you forgotten why I left in the first place? I killed my own comrades when they tried to use Damen and the other children as sacrifices to deter the yahg. And now I'm living in the good graces of the Terminus Hunter as one his Fangs no less, they've probably already labeled me a traitor." Cralle scoffed. "They'd willingly throw away what little hope we have for a future, as living explosives at that, just to gain a momentary advantage. To be honest, I want nothing to do with most of them. My only concern is for the civilians, the unfortunate souls who've been enslaved and brutalized by those giants. As much as I hate the resistance that's left, I have to do what I can to support them."
"Fair enough but you should realize by now that once this is all over, your people won't be a unified race. There are just too many fractured factions at play here. The reformists like you, those deranged traditionalists and the opportunistic raiders who're waiting on the sidelines. Personally, I'd prefer it if you and your colleagues were the ones running things on Khar'shan. And I plan to make sure that you are once the dust has settled." Mal explained.
"How?" Cralle asked seriously.
"I'm planning to deploy a few of my more discreet operatives onto Khar'shan in order to help the resistance and neutralize the more extreme elements of the movement. They'll also do what they can to assist in the evacuation of any civilians who'd like to take their chances traveling here. With the loudmouth lunatics out of the way, my agents can begin building inroads for us to eventually intervene on a larger scale with your people's blessing. It'll take awhile but if all goes well, the batarians will not only be free of the yahg but also their own self-destructive fanatics. More importantly, they'll be in a position to accept a certain invitation that I'm planning to extend." Mal continued.
Cralle stared back at Mal for several minutes while considering his plan. "Purge the hardliners and the yahg all at once? Your ambition knows no bounds. Are you that eager to add the Harsa System to your empire?" he pondered while steadfastly observing Mal.
"I told you before, that won't go over well with everyone. The batarians can keep their independence once this is over but I will expect a gesture of gratitude in return but we can go over that later. Right now, I want to know how you feel about all of this because I don't plan on proceeding with anything if you aren't onboard." Mal calmly explained.
"Even if this plan succeeds it won't put an end to batarian slavers. There will always be raiders and terrorists eager to lash out against anyone who they see as being responsible for their own self-inflicted misfortune. And my people will still end up suffering for years to come. You're expecting me to place a lot of trust in you, Mal." Cralle replied sternly. "
"Yeah, I am. But you and I both know that things can't continue like they have been. If we start now, maybe we can plant the seeds for a better future. That may sound pretty damn corny but I honestly think we can change things and save what's left of your people while we're doing it. Cralle, there's gonna be a lot to deal with down the road and I won't be able to face it alone. My Wolves and the Fangs, the Vorcha, Uncle Wrandok's clan-they're all getting ready. And I wouldn't mind if a few more batarians were standing with me when the time finally comes to kick some ass. So what do you say?" Mal proposed.
"You've alluded to an impending struggle once before. What exactly are you expecting to happen? Who are you planning to fight? The Forgotten? The Yahg? The Council itself?" Cralle mused.
"Something a whole lot worse but right now mostly pirates. The Forgotten and the Yahg Marauders are becoming a pain in the ass that I can't simply ignore. They're causing too much trouble for too many of my friends and I plan to put a stop to it. But I have to play my cards right. They've gotten a lot bigger than I expected and they're getting backchannel support from someone with really deep pockets. I don't know who yet but I intend to find out. We can't afford to have this kind of distraction, especially now." Mal replied seriously.
"I can't imagine whatever it is being worse than the Trio." Cralle quietly pondered. "Mal, I'll agree to the implementation of your plan but I hope you realize who you'll be provoking. There are many in the Terminus Systems who've come to resent your success and if you were to gain yet another sphere of influence…they won't simply stand aside. The Forgotten and the Yahg Marauders aren't the only pirate bands that are on the prowl. They're all scattered right now but if they were to unify-I suggest you prepare yourself for the backlash, Mercenary King." he warned.
"How the hell do you think I got my title?" Mal responded while smirking. "I built my career killing pirates but I guess I'm gonna have to kill a few more before it's all said and done." he added before laughing.
Cralle quickly joined him before they were both interrupted by the sudden arrival of a pair of children who quickly burst into the office.
"Dad, can we go watch a few battles at the combat arena? I heard Rika is entering today and I really want to see her fight!" Jordan excitedly requested while his batarian friend eagerly nodded his approval.
"Rika, huh? I guess you really are planning to follow through on that sword stuff." Mal humorously wondered. "It sounds like fun. Do you want me to take you? I was just about to wrap things up here."
"Can you really?!" Jordan excitedly inquired.
"Sure. Why don't you and Damen wait for us in the lobby?" Mal cheerfully replied. "You can start working on a list of all the junk food we'll buy while we're watching the mayhem." he joked. "Oh yeah, and we'll have to swing by Chester's on the way back to pick up our masks and tuxedoes for Rain's big party later tonight."
"Why do we have to dress up again?" Jordan curiously inquired.
"Because apparently, teenage girls love their themes." Mal humorously replied. "At least this gives Leo an excuse to go all out."
"I still don't get it." Jordan stated earnestly.
"Me neither buddy, just roll with it." Mal replied before laughing.
"Whatever you say, Dad. We'll meet you guys downstairs along with everyone else." Jordan cheerfully replied.
"Hang on, who exactly is 'everyone else' and it had better not include your brothers." Mal demanded with a hint of agitation.
"Just Cherish, Travis and the rest of the gang." Jordan explained.
"And Zel'me." Damen quietly added while shaking his head.
"Of course." Mal sighed. "Alright rugrats, we'll be down in a few." he casually added causing both youths to quickly depart but not before Damen received a pat on the shoulder from Cralle.
"You must be proud. He's grown a lot over the years-a far cry from the weak and weepy baby he was when you all first arrived here." Mal pleasantly stated after watching the boys leave.
"More than anything, I'm just relieved. I don't know what his parents would've thought about me bringing him here but…he's the only family I have left." Cralle quietly replied. "It's pretty funny now that I think about. A man dies fighting to free his people, leaving behind his only son. His favorite brother almost kills the boy in a mad scheme designed to cripple the enemy. And the brother he despised ends up saving the child after murdering the first brother. Fratricide is ugly business. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth and marks you in ways that can never be erased. I'm a poor role model Mal and an even worse uncle." he lamented.
"You're the only one who actually believes that." Mal replied coolly. "Damen idolizes you and you already know where you stand when it comes to me. Now get off your ass. We've got children and a Zel'me to entertain." he joked after getting to his feet.
As both men approached the door, Cralle found himself slightly curious about Mal's other boys. "Your older sons, aren't you going to invite them?"
"No." Mal instantly responded in a cold tone. "They're all on punishment for the time being and they're lucky it's not worse after the stunt they pulled."
"What-Ah, sorry. I'd almost forgotten." Cralle quickly replied after a sudden realization dawned on him. "I may be overstepping my bounds but the damage wasn't too bad and-"
"Not another word, Cralle. I've already heard every excuse they could muster and all of their aunts and uncles have voiced their opinions too. Everyone wants me to be lenient, even Tess." he grumbled. "They all seem to think I'm being too harsh."
"Well, the destruction wasn't as bad as we expected and no one was hurt." Cralle reluctantly offered.
"I expect better from them, especially Lou and Leon. They're the oldest, they should be setting an example." Mal angrily explained. "I never had any problems like this with Vince. He's already out there making a name for himself and doing a damned good job of helping me while he's at it. Meanwhile these idiots are running amok, taking shuttles for joyrides and crashing them into-Never mind. I don't want to think about it right now." he quietly raged. "Let's just go. At least I can take comfort in the fact that my youngest pup and my oldest haven't disappointed me yet." he sighed while leading the way out of the office after grabbing his jacket. He allowed his thoughts to briefly wander to the teenagers who were currently grounded back at home before immediately shutting them from his mind. He was still quite furious with them and he was hoping that his impromptu excursion with Jordan and his friends would help to alleviate some of his frustration. If his boys were smart, they wouldn't risk angering him any further. Then again, if they played it safe, they wouldn't be his boys.