Chapter 51
Next Level
The Ebon Hawke touched down lightly on the newly cast permacrete landing dock. Seeing two Agamarians stepping from the tower Carth turned to Terri where she was strapped into the navigator's seat
"You deal with them this time, I am not stepping out of the cockpit for this." He stated
Terri did not answer looking at the far side of the field where workers were swarming over a medium cruiser, the superstructure nearly hidden in scaffolding. The arcing of fusion cutters and welders visible even at the distance from their dock. The familiar shapes of two light Mandalorian cruisers just beyond them
"Am I seeing things? That looks just like an Alterran built cruiser." She remarked
Carth frowned as he took in the ship.
"You are right, but the only medium class cruisers Alterra had was the Heart of Alterra and Toprawa's Vengeance. So I do not see how that one can be one." He answered
"Had?" Bastila querried
"The Heart was due to be decommissioned, the Toprawa's Vengeance was lost in the Mandalorian wars. The bigger question is, what is a medium cruiser doing here." Carth replied
Terri unclipped her crash belts and stood up
"We are not going to get answers sitting here, and by the way, Carth. You are still the captain, dealing with the Agamarians is your problem." She said
"And as the captain I am delegating that duty to my executive officer." Carth replied.
"Well captain, consider this your first mutiny, wait a moment, on a vessel of this size class is the copilot not the XO?" Terri stated
"You are correct." Carth answered with a smile
"Mutiny rescinded, sir." Terri snapped a salute
Terri walked to the co pilots seats where Bastila was running through the landing shut down sequence. Leaning over she caught Bastila's lip for a lingering kiss. Bastila stared for a moment caught of guard
"Not that I am complaining, but why?" She asked
"Just a reminder to hurry up when you deal with the Agamarians, later love." Terri said smiling
"Wait, what Agamarians?" Bastila asked in confusion
Both Carth and Terri left the cockpit, the latter putting a definite sway in her hips, running her hands across her tightly fitting pants posterior.
Stepping from the docking ramp Terri gave a soft smile as she saw Canderous dropping to one knee as a gaggle of children was running across the permacrete towards him, a figure further back rapidly walking barely restraining herself from running with her siblings. Further back was the distinctive blonde Wren hair colour of Anaka as she more gracefully walked closer. The smile deepened as Canderous was run of his feet as the racing pack overwhelmed him, the happy voices carrying over the noise of the airfield as they crawled all over him. She heard Carth sighing wistfully behind her as he took in the scene, curiously he was not radiating any jealousy in the force, but a sorrowful longing.
"We will get Dustil back for you." Terri said placing a hand on his shoulder as she turned to face him
"That I do not doubt, but can the two of reconcile and be a family again?" Carth replied, softly
Having no answer for him, she just tightened her grip on his shoulder. Carth gave a dry chuckle as Canderous got back to his feet a squirming form under each arm and a third on his back trying her best to choke him out with short and chubby arms. His last and eldest greeting him awkwardly.
"The joys of being a pre teenager, too old to join the playing, to young to be treated like an adult." Carth stated
"Let us hope that she does not try to copy Melissa and try to complete her Verdgotten." Terri answered
"With both her parents and grandparents here, she would have to be especially brazen to even think of trying." Carth replied
Terri looked over the field
"Speaking of? Where is she? I thought she would be here to greet us."
The Ordo family made its way back to the Hawke. Canderous shifted the weights under his arms.
"I have been reliably informed that we are late and need to return to the beach immediately, seems there is a sand fort that needs to be completed." Canderous said solemnly
His last weight dropped from his back and approached Zaalbar as he stepped from the ship, bowcaster in hand and full ammo packs in a bandoleer. Looking him up and down before crossing her arms
"I can take you down." She told him imperiously
Zaalbar barked in laughter before ruffling her hair as he stepped past her. Terri had to resist cooing at the adorable huff complete with a stamped foot that action triggered. The indignant scowl accompanied by puffed out cheeks. Anaka caught up at last and was absently rubbing a hand across her distended abdomen.
"How are you doing?" Terri asked
"Wishing I was done, this one will definitely be infantry if the marching on my bladder is any indication." Anaka replied. "I see the little monsters forget their manners and did not introduce themselves."
"Well apparently there is an urgent work order for a sand fort that needs to be completed." Carth broke in
"Lovely, even more sand going to be trudged into our quarters then." Anaka snorted
"Joys of parenting." Carth shrugged in sympathy
"Surely it cant be that bad?" Terri stated
The three veterans took one look at her and started laughing. Anaka rubbed Terri's arm mockingly.
"One day you will look back on this conversation and realise that not only did you under estimate the threat, but you were nowhere near ready for what was coming your way." Anaka stated soothingly
"Hey, I have been dealing with two teenagers already." Terri objected
"Both of whom are nearly tamed and almost ready to be released into the wild." Canderous remarked
"You make it sound like you are dealing with wild animals instead of children." Terri said
"No they are worse, wild animals will still show you some mercy." Carth snorted
Canderous put his two passengers down.
"Line up." He barked
The four lined up by ages. Canderous put his hands on the eldest shoulders
" Terri Cazor, Carth Onassi. Meet Keira Ordo, scion of house Ordo."
The girl extended her hand to the two in greeting, shirt sleeve riding up as she did so. Carth shook her hand, Terri did the same but twisted the girls arm slightly
"Nice to meet you, pretty tattoo. Benny's work?" She stated
Canderous pulled the sleeve up and looked at the tattoo, a slow growl escaping from him. Anaka slapped his arm lightly
"Relax, cyare, it will fade in a week. Benny told me after applying it."
"That is an ijaat tattoo. She may still be Ad, but you know some will take offence to it. Did the buirs say nothing of it?"
"They are a bit too busy to take note." Anaka shrugged
Terri looked at the now uncomfortable girl and leaned closer
"Care to enlighten the savage aruetii?" Terri whispered to her
"It is a mark for those who have boarded and or captured an enemy vessel." Keira replied as softly
Terri gave a sudden wicked grin.
"There is way you can earn the right to wear that tattoo you know?" She said
"How?" Keira replied
Terri stepped back and cleared her throat
"Keira aliit Ordo. I have a mission for you, should you be willing to dare to step onto a Republic vessel." She stated formally
"What is the mission and the payment?" Keira replied
"The payment will be two tubs of ice cream of your choice. Your mission is to prank Mission."
"The terms are acceptable." Keira nodded
"Once you step on to the vessel you will see a red cupboard, it contains a fire suppression hose. Taking the designated weapon you will proceed to the cargo bay where you will find your target asleep. Using the designated weapon you will execute your mission by making sure she is fully woken up and washed. One reaching that state you will exfiltrate rapidly back here."
Anaka gave Terri a nod in thanks. The pre teen rapidly moved up the boarding ramp. Canderous pointed to the two next in line
"The twin terrors of house Ordo, Beira and Sione".
The twin girls gave deep curtseys. Canderous picked up the last one
"And this verd is Nickir, the fiercest of them all." He stated with pride
The little girl beamed in pride at that introduction. A scream of rage came from within the ship, moments later a yowl displeasure followed the scream
Keira exited the Hawk rapidly and stepped close to her parents, looking over her shoulder till she reached them.
"Contract executed, however I have to report there was collateral damage." She stated
Two dripping wet figures appeared on top of the lading platform. One hacked of Cathar and one steaming Twi'lek. Terri gave the two a mocking wave before turning back to her contractor.
"Normaly I would not pay for collateral damage but I think you have earned a bonus tub as danger pay."
Mission pointed two fingers at her eyes before flicking her fingers at the group and turned to walk away. Juhani copied the motion
"You two might want to change your clothes, we are apparently visiting a beach." Carth called out
Terri pointed a thumb across her shoulder
"What is the story with the cruiser?" She asked
"That is a story for Ver'alor Wren to tell." Anaka demurred
"Why do I feel a sense of ominous dread on hearing that? Carth stated
" Because experience bestows wisdom." Anaka replied
Approaching the shore the group was met with the view of a tent city, the raucous cries and calls of children overwhelming the sound of the surf. Anaka steered the hoversled towards the biggest tent on the edge of the tent city. The vehicle had barely touched down before the adults were being chivvied from the vehicle by the youngest among them.
As they entered the tent they were just in time to see Fay drop heavily into a camping chair and plopping her feet onto Lance's lap.
"Foot rub now." She demanded tiredly
"Already abusing your husband?" Terri remarked from the entrance
"His pain is just beginning." Fay promised darkly
"I do believe congratulations is in order." Carth stated
Fay pointed to Lance who was patiently kneading her feet
"Till he and our illustrious Alor give me a proper wedding, no." She stated grumpily
"But blaster weddings are so romantic." Terri teased
"We will beat up your girlfriend before your wedding and see how you like it." Fay replied
"Point acknowledged, what has you so tired?" Carth said
"Giving medical exams to a thousand seven hundred children with trust issues will tire anyone out." Fay replied
There was a shocked silence on hearing that number. Terri had a sinking feeling.
"Where did they come from?" She asked
"Alterra, of course." Fay answered
There was a bustle of movement as a large group entered from the beach side. Daria and Marina moved forward to greet the latest arrivals, Karana and the twins shortly on their heels. After rounds of introductions and greetings the group settled down in chairs, the exception being Canderous as he was being escorted to the sand fort construction site by his children.
Terri was surprised by the presence of Doreen and Vanessa in the group.
"Is Jack here with you?" Carth asked
"No he Inaro, Astrid and Ishigo are at the Pride of Arkaxis helping with the repairs and upgrades. He and the others will be along as soon as they stop playing on it for the day." Vanessa replied
"And Melissa?" Terri asked
"She, Sukura and Bonita are on lifeguard duty till lunch gets served." Doreen answered
Bastila turned to Marina and Daria
"Any chance of getting an explanation as to what is going on here?" She asked
"Of course, dear girl. You could say it started with Melissa haring of to Lothal on her own, something we do not approve of at all by the way." Daria started
Melissa leaned over to the bag by the side of her lounging chair as her comlink chirped insistently, taking the device she acknowledged the call
"Delighted Greeting: Mistress, I have arrived back to be at your side. I am approaching your location as we speak"
"Good to have you here, HK. I could really use your help here." Melissa replied
" Happy acknowledgement: Who are we killing, Mistress?"
"No killing so far, though that might be possible in the future. No I need help babysitting." Melissa answered
"Horrified objection: Mistress, such a use of this unit would be sub optimal, surely your meatbag companions would be more suitable for that activity."
"I will be using them for that as well, but if I have to suffer so do you"
" Disgruntled acceptance: Mistress, you are truly cruel. That is why it is my delight to serve you."
"But first a treat for you, the treeline to the east of my location. There is an observation group in a hide. Feel free to go and scare them."
"Happy declaration: Mistress, you do care about your faithful droid."
"Go have fun." Melissa cut of the call
Standing up from her chair she stretched her arm out and pulled a group swimming in the sea closer to the shore. Bonita was looking up from where she was rubbing suntan lotion into a near comatose and happily purring Sukura where she was napping on her lounger
"You know they only go out that far so that you can pull them back." Bonita remarked
"Well with the next group you can swim out and bring them back." Melissa replied
"And spoil their fun? No, it is not like you get nothing from all the exercise you are doing with that, it looks like you are getting less tired from constantly doing it." Bonita stated idly
"It feels less taxing now that you mention it." Melissa said musingly
There was a crump of a grenade from the treeline where she had sent HK. This had the unfortunate side effect of emptying the main tent. Melissa gave a deep sigh.
"I had better get over there before they storm into the treeline." She said
Terri and Bastila extended their arms to stop the group from storming where the explosion originated
"Wait. I do not sense danger." Terri explained
Moments later a rust brown figure appeared and moved towards them at a steady clip. As the droid passed the group it ignored the questions being posted to it as it moved to the shoreline where a trio of chairs were under a repurposed anti aircraft weapon cover.
"I think the answers to our questions are over there." Carth pointed out
"I will get my answers for sure, after tearing someone a new one." Terri fumed
Terri suddenly found her path blocked by the three Yuki matriarchs.
"You do not get to berate little wildcat after sending her to that place alone." Kali firmly stated
"It was just a trail she undertook." Bastila objected
"She was mentally tortured in that place, neither our pride nor the Choir was impressed by what she went through." Bast replied, heatedly
"Who is the Choir? And how did they get involved?" Carth asked
"The Choir rules Yukira, as for how they got involved we told them about that place when they got here after the invasion." Sheba loftily informed them
"The trails are purely an internal Jedi matter…" Bastila started saying
" Yes, we can see why you would hide such shameful behaviour. Teaching kittens to not feel and then torturing their minds" Sheba interjected with a sniff
"And just how is Melissa any of your concern?" Terri snapped
Marina stepped forward
"Ladies. I suggest we all calm down. All of us are acting out of concern for Melissa. You need to keep in mind we are all from different customs and we show that in different ways." She stated interposing herself between the two groups
Terri gave a deep sigh and nodded to Marina before stepping back.
"You are right, I was overreacting. My apologies" She said
"You are apologising to the wrong person. Melissa may be your sister in all but blood but she is also part of the Naruku pride."
Terri sketched a bow to the matriarchs, Bastila copying her motion.
"My apologies. I spoke out of frustration and concern." Terri stated
The three Yuki nodded their acceptance of the apology. Marina stepped aside to clear space. Daria cleared her throat
"We need to step to the food tent, lunch needs to be served. Terri, Bastila, Carth we could use some help to serve the ravaging horde."
"How many children are here?" Carth asked
"Only the four hundred that will be joining Clans Ordo and Wren, plus the two hundred and ten joining Melissa's clan."
"Should they not count under your clans?" Bastila asked for clarity
" The girls are from where Melissa grew up, they are willing only to be in her personal clan. After discussing it with the council of clans it was decided that Melissa start a cadet line of house Wren."
"I assume there was some resistance to that move." Carth remarked
"Not really, Houses Brevkin, Cryze and Fett also had to start Cadet lines to accommodate the children they are taking in. There was more of a general bitching as to why the rest were not invited on this escapade" Xena answered.
"That desperate to regrow your numbers or is it more to get to stick it to the Republic?" Terri asked
"Can't it be both? As a plus point our relations with clans Fett and Kryze have never been stronger and gaining respect from clan Brevkin is nothing to sneeze at." Lillith shrugged
"Brevkin? I can't say I have heard of them before." Bastila commented
"They were not so active in the expansion, they are in charge of Mandolorian Revenue and Enforcement." Karana explained with a shudder
"So they collect taxes. Why the sudden fear?" Terri asked
"Only the best of the best Ori Orimando and the brightest get selected for Revenue and Enforcement. Not even Mandalore the Ultimate messed with them." Lillith explained
"Try and dodge them or not pay your dues, they will get unleashed and they will hunt you down, no matter where you try to hide. Even the Hutts just pay what they owe when they do business in our sector" Xena added
"Incidently the last being who tried to dodge payment was Sakara's predecessor. I was told that R and E sent her a leather carpet made out of him." Karana threw in her bit
" Somehow that does not surprise me as much as it us hope the Senate does not catch on to that idea." Carth remarked
"They will be the first to be hunted down." Daria snorted
They stepped into the tent and made their way to the serving station and were allocated their spots in the line. An air horn went of, and a silence descended, for the first time one could clearly hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Terri looked down as tray in front of her started rattling and the sound of a rushing crowd came closer
"We have incoming, brace for impact." Marina calmly stated
Melissa was looking out over the ocean in deep thought. She heard the snap-hiss of five blades igniting behind her
"So it is like that then." She commented
" We will talk after we kicked your ass." Bastila answered
"Since when do you swear?" Melissa chuckled
"That is a new development, ever since she got laid for the first time." Terri remarked
"And you are not getting any for a while." Bastila rejoined
"I was just kidding, babe." Terri cajoled
"Are we going to fight, or are you trying to make me nauseas first?"
Melissa turned and ignited her blade. She switched to a high guard. Juhani attacked first, but Melissa was not the target. A force push caught Terri of guard, sending her arse over teakettle to crash into the waves breaking on the shore. Terri got on her hands and knees, spitting out brine and wet sea sand.
"Are you awake now?" Juhani called mockingly
Terri pushed her sopping wet hair out of her face and called her lightsaber to her hand
"Oh it is so on now." Terri gave a feral grin
Bastila moved in on Melissa, not having replaced her staff saber, she was using Fay's saber and shoto blade. Melissa bobbed and weaved as the blades flashed close to her, using her blade to deflect the strikes she could not dodge. Melissa threw herself in a series of backflips, Bastila moving closer not wanting to give her a moments respite. On her last backflip she threw a handful of sand at Bastila. Blinded Bastila stepped back, Melissa jerked her hand down in a force pull. Bastila stumbled as her pants were around her ankles and lower leg. Before she could exclaim in shock, the air was knocked from her as she was body slammed in a tackle. Moments later she felt the shock of a body strike by Melissa's lightsaber. The shock setting enough to momentarily stun her.
Melissa watched as Juhani and Terri went at it. Juhani knocked Terri's saber from her hand, instead of trying to recover her weapon Terri went in close and engaged in hand to hand. The two threw each other all over the beach as they moved to and fro. A lucky strike passed in between Juhani's defences and she tapped out after dropping to the ground.
The last two combatants looked at each other for a moment before they rushed towards each other, Terri pulling her blade to her as she ran forward. The two slashed at each other as they passed each other, blades sparking as they met. Terri attacked using Shien as her preferred style, Melissa danced around her as her preferred style of Ataru was used as a counter to Terri's more aggressive attack style. Their blades a flurry of light as they clashed
Melissa threw a hand out to block Terri's force push with her own. The two started sliding back slightly in the sand as the pressure between them grew. Sweat formed on their foreheads and muscles started to tremble as they pushed all they had into their attacks. Melissa lost the contest of strength and was pushed back. She was ragdolling across the sand as she was flung back. Coming to a stop she rolled onto her back. Terri's blade slashed into the sand where she had just been lying. Scissoring her legs, she kicked out and struck Terri behind the knees. A force push against the sand had her flipping over Terri as she fell. She swung her blade and got a strike across Terri's back.
Melissa closed her blade breathing heavily. She grimaced as she stepped forward
"I have sand everywhere now." She complained
"After pantsing my girlfriend you do not get to complain." Terri answered, lying still till the stun effect wore off
"That was me helping you out." Melissa replied
"How was that helping me out?" Terri asked, sitting up slowly
"Since you are not going to get any for a while, I thought I would get you a free show to tide you over." Melissa replied, innocently
Terri snorted in laughter
"Likely story, next time do not fight in a bikini if you are worried about sand getting everywhere." She stated
Melissa pointed to where a drum was suspended over scaffolding and a series of tent sides formed a square.
"I am going to take a shower." She said, moving of
Coming close to the shower tent she came to stop at an unlikely sight. HK 47 was helping build a sand fort wielding a shovel under the architects direction. Said fort was already higher than its primary builder. Wishing she had a her datapad to take a picture she stood and watched
" Don't put the turret there, you are creating a blind spot in your fire field. Move it two feet to the left and you will have maximum overlap" Nickir ordered
"Placating response: As you command, competent little meatbag."
"Enjoying yourself, HK?" Melissa asked
" Curious response: Strangely I do Mistress. I would suggest you take this one and train her to be a field commander when you are finished gathering your core members of your army. This one has potential."
"And who says I am a gathering a command structure for an army?" Melissa asked. Lifting an eyebrow
"Uncertian question: Why else would you gather all these little meatbags if not for training them to your standards? It is the only logical conclusion I come too"
Melissa just shook her head as she smiled
"I would suggest keeping your turret where you were building it and building another four feet to your left. That way you will have overlap from three fields, maybe smaller turrets around all that for anti aircraft and suppressive fire."
Nickir tapped her chin as she looked over her fort
"That will work." She stated
She rushed closer and hugged Melissa's leg
"Thanks, you are definitely the best of my bavadu's"
"No! I am your best bavadu." Karana complained
Nickir crossed her arms and pouted
"You did not give a droid to help me build my fort. And you did not give me good advice on how to build." She replied
Karana pointed to crate filled with water balloons she was carrying
"And here I brought you extra ammunition to protect your fort with, I will just give it to the twins now."
"No, you can share being the best bavadu." Nickir said rapidly
"I'll take that as a win." Melissa grinned
"I suppose I can live with that, but I need a hug as well" Karana sighed
Melissa went back to her task, leaving Karana and Nickir to negotiate the length of the hug for the extra ammunition.