Chapter Seven
However, when the Udonta family, finally got up, dressed and made their way to the mess hall, there was a more relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to a night of discussion, good food, and card games, the crews came together and found more things in common. With a lot of focus, being directed at young Vexran, the new addition to the crew.
A hat had been found for her to hide the ratty cut look, along with some clothes. She still looked bewildered but was managing to eat some eggs slowly whilst she sat between Actveia and Charlie-27, who were encouraging and gentle to her.
Yondu and Kraglin were later informed that his crew had laid down the law when it came to a child on board, and for them not to do anything stupid. Which included swearing, fighting in front of her and no screwing in public places, the same rules that the crew of the Elector, had learned to perfection over the past few years.
In the meantime, Proctom and Iztel had taken over the kitchen, and made breakfast for everyone else, and due to protocol and courtesy, the Udonta family slid in next to Stakar and Aleta. Both noted there was a professional air, but their conversations were more courteous.
"We'll be leaving in the next few hours, bet you'll be pleased to see the back of us", to which Aleta nodded then it seemed to correct herself "It was good seeing you again, and meeting your son, he's a lovely little boy".
Aleta directed this at Peter, who was munching on the toast with jam, he had made so wasn't paying that much attention "And it's good to see our crews getting on so well", noticing the gently conversation and camaraderie developing, between the two groups. To this only Yondu could do was nod, since it reminded him of a time when he could do just that, with crews.
With that done, and everything completed, a few hours later, the Udonta Ravagers were heading to the Hanger Bay, with his Ravagers who had their pay already in their account. But knew there would be more to come, and for that, they had to be patient, and plan some more.
Peter who was holding a piece of paper turned to Aleta and Stakar "Thank you for taking care of me, and taking me to the markets, I had a really good time", which was sincere and unpromoted from the boy, which the ones in charge of the Galleon, returned.
The last few days felt like years, when it came to taking care of a child, but before he ran back to his parents, he went over to Actveia and Vexran who was still clutching Smelly Meg, as it was the most important thing in the galaxy to her. She had gone over with Charlie-27 to say goodbye to the Ravagers. "Actveia, I made this just for you, before my daddies came back for me".
The scraws of a child, but to get a picture from Peter was something special indeed, as the older Xandarian, took the picture, froze for a second, and looked down at Peter "Did you draw this?", Since he had learned that Jamsean was an artist, and wondered on some level was someone taking the piss.
"Yep, just for you".
Once again Actveia looked at it again and quality wrapped it up and put it in his pocket, causing Kraglin who was observing all of this to wonder what the fuck was that all about.
The other Ravagers, gave reassuring words to Vexran, who still has a long way to go, as she returned to Actveia and gripped his hand closer, with no one missing the paternal look on his face, but with the Udonta Ravagers setting back on their ships.
The Stakar Ravagers dispersed, along with Actveia and Vexran who gave them all a farewell wave, and the rest of the Ravagers piled onto their M-Ships and took off through the starts back to the Nebular where the Elector was.
In the end, Stakar and Aleta, gave Yondu and Kraglin a bit of space, as they got this son seated in a cockpit chair, then returned to the empty hanger apart from them.
They had informed Peter it would be a few hours, and he accepted that. Since he was now full of anticipation at getting home, and as such he didn't protest.
All alone once more, the coupes stood together, with both of them needing to say something, just to clear any lingering tension.
"What was said, I hope you understand, and that I regret, what I did. I try not to think about Regellen and Hoag, and you".
"But then they slip in, bet they taunt you though". Kraglin finished still coming to terms with what happened, but in some way reassured by her words. However, both of them knew he would never forgive them, and that was justified. But then he took a moment and cleared his throat.
"Look, I can hate on you forever, but to be honest I don't care anymore, you fucked up, and you have to live with that, not me. If I see you, I'll be civil, but…that's it".
With a nod from Yondu whose husband said everything he couldn't. and all the business concluded the Udonta Ravagers made their way to leave, but Yondu couldn't help a pull in his heart and turned back to say.
"It was good, seeing you again", and to that only Stakar could nod and smile sadly in agreement, still amazed at the change in the man in front of him. Also, Stakar who was known as "He Who Knows" had a lot to learn in the end.
However, as the M-Ship, flew away, Aleta who had been feeling off all day, finally turned to her husband. "I'm sorry to say, but their presence, I've been feeling a bit sick all morning, even my breasts are killing me", which for some reason was never like his wife, who never got sick. But it had been a week of tension, so he couldn't blame her or anyone for it.
It was only a few minutes later when the Yondu and Kraglin with a squirming Peter, and of course, Fang in his lap, were back admits the stars, going to their own Galleon. Yondu finally released the breath he had been holding and turned to Kraglin
"Gotta admit, that went better than expected" to which Kraglin nodded and they just gave the attention to their son, who was listening intently, as Yondu put the coordinates in.
Kraglin just replied, "Yeah, it wasn't bad" he said, as he carefully put the image of Regellen and Hoag's wedding away, intending to put it somewhere safe and to make copies for Horuz and Iztel if they wanted it.
On the way back, however, all channels were open, since Yondu's crew had had a hell of an adventure and for some reason, got more excited as they approached the Nebula where the Elector was hidden.
Yondu couldn't suppress a smile when he heard, Yarovesky chime in "Man, it's so good to be back home, feels like years since we've been gone, only been a few days". And the pair heard others agreeing with him.
The fact that the Ravagers saw the Galleon as their "Home" meant someone to Yondu, and the rest carried on. They were missing the cooking since no one was as good as Iztel and of course Proctom, and how everyone should request missions with the latter Ravager because he made sure everyone did.
Hearing his crew talking about the Elector in such glowing terms, actually managed to warm the couple's soul. But it was Peter who squealed with delight. They entered the nebula and back to the Galleon, where Yondu entered the codes and the large hangar opened.
In truth, so many Ravagers gone have been an issue, but they all knew what to do, and for some reason, Yondu was the last to enter. Then wondered to himself, if it was to make sure everyone was home safe, then berated himself for being such a sentimental bastard, whilst everyone else piled on the deck.
There was a lot to sort out, and of course, units coming their way over time, however, there was something to be addressed as he ordered them all to stay in the hanger, and Kraglin understood whilst Yondu cleared his throat.
"Right; we've all had a hell of an adventure, Senators are going to rot for what they did, we've had one of the best hauls, we've ever had. Some of you even went back into the field, which was impressive and worked with another Ravager Clan.
If you are comparing notes, I hope you realise I'm not as much of a bastard as them, and saved those kids. Couldn't save the others, but those there are all going to have better lives.
For those three sisters, Tributes were accepted and they are going on to good lives, a bit of luck they forget all about us, or where they were. They're young after all they have a shot at that". Looks darted over several Ravagers faces, and Kraglin realised they a lot of their crew were slaves including his husband, and most of them never had that opportunity.
"The other thing is that Vox, she's been renamed as Vexran, not sold on it, but it was her choice. Right now, she's with Stakar and his crew. They are guaranteeing to take good care of her until a better place is found"
And then Yondu's eyes narrowed. "Because of this, from this moment I don't want to hear her discussed, mentioned, not even to each other. It's known by too many that we rescued her, and that little girl is a target, that means we are too, not rare in this line of work, she won't be with them long, until a better place is found. But we don't want to hear her talked about at all, she does not exist. Are we clear?".
Yondu pulled back his coat to reveal his arrow, indicating he had no hesitation at using it on anyone if this rule was disobeyed, but all he got, in turn, was everyone nodding apart from Iztel.
"Right, so on that news, get back to work, do whatever shit you have to do. You have today to yourselves, then back to work tomorrow, and we've got missions planned. So, get it to"
With that, the Ravagers dispersed, with Proctom making plans with Iztel to take the luxurious food out of his ship later, whilst everyone was distracted, as they wanted to enjoy some fine dining in private. Peter clutching Fang, ran off with Yarovesky since the Ravager was going back to the bridge to pull up some star charts and Peter wanted to watch, as he loved learning about the stars.
It was at this moment that Yondu turned to Iztel, "I get that's not happening right, not for you anyway". Iztel didn't even look that bothered by his comment since he was one of the few who could be blunt with Yondu with no fear of repercussions.
"Like fuck it is, that little girl needs some good food, I've given all my recipes and someone needs to keep an eye on them, I mean as you say, it's only for a few months, isn't it. After all, I've got this thing for taking care of traumatised children, and someone needs to look on the pair of them".
Yondu and Kraglin caught the smirk in Iztel's voice, indicating that this wasn't over by a long shot, but why weren't going to tell their MasterChef to ignore the needs of a child. They were Ravagers that had standards after all, as Iztel turned away, leaving Yondu and Kraglin just walking the deck since they had one final thing to sort out.
In the gloried office, with Peter settled into Yarovesky's lap as they were leaving the nebula and with Peter marvelling at the colours, surrounding the galleon. Kraglin began to wish they could have taken their son on a spacewalk, but he was still too young for that, just to admire the colours, and because his family needed some time to themselves at the moment.
Yondu opened his messages and wasn't too surprised to see a barrage from Ravager Captain for some reason pissed at him because their crew had heard of what he had, and were not happy.
With Kraglin looking over his shoulder, Yondu had a glance through them all, with some saying their crew was dissenting and threatening mutiny because of it, and just laughed softly, as Yondu set out a blanket reply.
"I just treat my Ravagers good, not my fault you don't care about holidays…it makes me crew better. Being independent is better, now stop bothering me".
From a grammar point of view, it was inarticulate but Yondu would have been more polite but he didn't care. Even if he lost a place at the table because of it, okay that would bother him slightly. But as long as the rest of the Clans were out of their hair, the happier they were.
"Think that will work?" Kraglin asked, since none of them so far mentioned Pester and hopefully that was a good thing, in the end. To which Yondu only shrugged, reached down to his mini fridge and pulled out two bottles of beer, which he cracked open and handed one to his husband.
"Ok let's end this," he said, as he typed in a few codes. And a minute later on the other side of the galaxy, Irani Rai, flashed up on the scene.