This is another AU I thought about doing for over 4 years now. And now I finally got the motivation and courage to do so. All thanks to ImKarl and Andi ( LittleLombaxArt on Twitter / X ) who encouraged me to do so. Please enjoy this story!

Sargasso, Rivet's dimension, 6:00 PM - Outpost L51. A lone imperial starship entered the atmosphere. It flew right towards the Gelatonium factory still maintained by the Morts, who were in the process of shutting everything down for the day. At least what they can afford to shut down. The ship passed the factory and headed towards a small patch of land, right in front of a cave entrance.

As soon as it touched the ground, a hiss erupted as the cockpit opened. A white furred Lombax with a bushy tail and a robotic yellow arm jumped out. She adjusted the goggles on her head before she scanned the area with her deep blue eyes. A tired sigh escaped her throat as she made her way towards the cave entrance.

A constant dripping noise created by small drops of water falling from stalactites into a small pool at the caves bottom. A sound Rivet used to get annoyed by. But now? Now she's relieved to hear it. Finally, she used her trusty hammer as a crank to open the giant door, separating her from the comfort of her bed.

The door opened surprisingly fast for its size, revealing a quite spacious room filled with a large workbench, some big monitors, some greenhouses with some plants in it, a small bed to the side and, of course the most important thing for her right now, the couch in the middle of it all.

She walked up to it and fell face down onto it. Her fluffy tail fell limp as did her ears. But sooner or later she tilted her head to the side, staring at the door leading towards her bathroom. She groaned, annoyed at the fact she needed to get up again, but a hot shower was too tempting.

Slowly, she got back on her feet. On the way towards her bathroom, she threw her gauntlet from her left hand away. She didn't care right now where it would land. Then she got rid of her boots which she simply kicked aside. Inside her bathroom, she finally got rid of her jumpsuit and her underwear.

As she made the first step towards her shower, she tilted her head to look into her mirror. She stopped in her tracks and simply stared into it. Slowly, she touched her bionic shoulder with her left hand. It took her a moment to snap out of whatever thoughts she had. With some quick movements, she detached her arm and placed it on the sink.

Rivet turned the water on. Instantly, warm droplets fell all over her. A nice feeling after such a long day. She closed her eyes and lifted her head so the water landed on her face.

Finally… Cleanup is all done. No more political discussions, no more smiling for the camera and no more being the center of attention.

She opened her eyes and stared at the drain.

How the hell does he do it? He seems to be a natural at handling such things.

Her facial expression softened and a slight smile formed on her lips.

I'm glad he was there with me, or else I would have gone crazy.

After she was done washing herself with her fur conditioner, she exited the shower, reattached her arm, grabbed a towel with a Grunthor stitched onto it and dried herself up. She looked into the mirror again. Her fur being a mess now. Especially her tail. Quickly, she grabbed her brush and got to work. A process that took a while. A problem someone faces when your body is covered in fur.

Finally done, she left her bathroom. Still naked, she threw herself onto her couch. Who should judge her for that? She turned on her Holovision. A documentary about Blizar Prime. It's best time, it's destruction and how it got repaired. She switched the channel.

A robot news announcer finished talking about the weather. "And now other news. Months after Emperor Nefarious got defeated, the cleanup of all traces of his reign finally concluded. Today, the new president of Corson V and Polaris, Captain Carl Lepton Quantum gave his statement."

Rivet frowned. Was ist really a good idea to elect him?

"Citizens of Polaris. I, Captain Quantum, am happy to announce that we finally got rid of the last remnants of Nefarious' troops. Thanks to our heroine Rivet, the only Lombax of our dimension, we were able to-"

Rivet turned the TV off. Silently, she laid there, staring at the new wall she had installed, after that damn Seekerpede ripped her old wall out.

The only Lombax of this dimension, huh? Why did he have to underline it like that?

She sat up and looked at her feet.

I'm not alone. Ratchet is there and… Okay he's not always there, but still tho…

She rubbed her eyes with her left index finger and thumb.

And even then… He promised me to go and find the other Lombaxes after we're done… Cleaning… Up?

She jumped up, her face lit with excitement.

WAIT! We ARE done! We can finally go! I NEED to give him a call… NOW!

She grabbed her communicator she got from Clank. A device able to call its counterpart in another dimension. A great invention by Ratchet. She was about to hit the call button but suddenly stopped. She stared at the screen.

But… Is it a good idea? We haven't talked in weeks now… Ever since his strange girlfriend acted up about him spending time with me.

She groaned annoyed and sat back down.

What was she thinking? He dating me? Yeah, right… Did he… Sort things out with her?

She looked back at the communicator she held over her lap.

He's my friend. I should check on him. Lombaxes can wait. For now at least.

She hit the call button and listened. For a short while, nothing happened. She was about to give up.

"Rivet?"

Rivet's ears perked up.

"Ratchet? Hey uhm… Long time no talk."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Got a lot going on here."

"Do you.. Wanna talk about it?"

Silence.

Fuck! Was it wrong to say that? Is it too early?

"You know… That would be nice. Can I come over? Are you at home?"

"You mean NOW now?"

"What? Bad timing?"

"NO! I mean… I'm home. Just give me a second here. Gonna lay the communicator down. Hold on… Be right back… Just a second…"

"Okay?"

She quickly placed the communicator down and jumped off the couch. She ran over to her boots. She quickly picked them up and placed them near her bed. Then she ran into the bathroom. Her jumpsuit and underwear. Right into a bin for clothes to wash. Outside again, she frantically looked around.

Where is that damn glove? AHA!

She ran over to one of her greenhouses. The glove landed on one of her plants. She placed it near her boots.

She walked back towards the couch and grabbed the device. "Alright. You may come over now. You can open the rift right in the room if you like."

"Sounds good. Just gonna grab the Dimensionator. See you soon."

"Yeah! In about two minutes."

Ratchet hung up. Rivet sighed and smiled. But then she noticed one thing… She was still naked.

FUCK!

She dashed towards a drawer. She already heard the dimensional rift opening behind her. She grabbed black shorts and a black tank top. The best things she could grab in her hurry. She quickly jumped into her clothes and then leaned on the drawer, awkwardly smiling.

Ratchet stepped through the rift. The yellow furred Lombax didn't wear his usual clothes. Rather just a green T-shirt and some brown shorts.

"Heya, Ratchet!" Rivet said a little bit too joyously.

"Hey. Sorry I didn't call or anything."

She walked over at him, grabbed his hands and pulled him onto the couch. He didn't struggle and followed her, even if he was a bit surprised. She pushed him to make him sit down before she sat next to him.

"Okay. Now tell me everything. What happened? I was kinda worried, you know?"

"Sorry. Where do I start? You remember Talwyn?"

Rivet nodded.

"So yeah… She and I got into a fight. She was mad at me for always being here to help you."

"Why?"

"I think she got jealous."

Rivet frowned. "You think?"

"Okay… She got jealous. She said I was spending more time with you than her, even tho I just wanted to help. And she kept on saying, just because you're another Lombax I would be more interested in you and I would cheat on her and stuff…"

"Yeah right… Me dating you. Never."

Ratchet lifted his right eyebrow and looked at her.

"I mean… NO! I mean not never like never not worth or anything! I mean… You know… You're taken never." Rivet explained frantically.

"Mhm…" Ratchet nodded slowly. "Anyways… We broke up. Or better, she broke up with me."

Ratchet fumbled on his shirt a bit as he looked down. His ears dropped a bit.

"I uh… I'm sorry. I never wanted this to happen. If I would have known Maybe I could have-"

Ratchet raised his left hand to stop her. He shook his head.

"You couldn't have done anything about it. It was my choice to help you and hers to not trust me. Maybe it's for the best."

Both sat there in silence for a while. Rivet just stared at him. She doesn't know how he must feel like. She never had any relationship. She then moved closer to him and placed her metal hand on his shoulder.

"Look. I don't know what got into her. But she made a HUGE mistake. And if she gets jealous just because you help your friends, then yes… It's better when she's gone. You're a nice guy, Ratchet. And if she didn't see that, then she's just a dumb bitch."

Ratchet looked at her shocked. But then he cracked and laughed a bit.

"What? WHAT?! Was it funny what I just said?"

Ratchet waved his hand. "No, no… Just… I think I just needed to hear that." He then smiled at her. "Thanks Rivet."

Rivet sighed relieved. "Glad I could help… Somehow." She let herself fall back onto the backrest. "I'm not really good with… You know… Relationship advice and peptalk and stuff."

"True that."

"Thanks. Fuck you too."

Ratchet chuckled. "But you're good at speaking your mind. And sometimes that helps as well."

"Or gets us in trouble."

Ratchet shrugged and also leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Eh… Maybe. Still tho."

Both stayed silent again. A few moments passed until Rivet tilted her head to look at him.

"Hey uhm… Remember that promise you made?"

"You mean about the Lombaxes?"

"Yep."

"Yeah. Why?"

"Well… Guess who's done cleaning up."

Now Ratchet also tilted his head to look at her.

"Really?"

"Yes! Today was the last day. We're done!" Rivet grinned widely.

"Sooo… You want me then to…"

"YES! I mean… Yes. If you still want to…"

Ratchet tilted his head back and looked up at the ceiling.

"I want to. Maybe it's a good way to get my mind off things." He frowned. "May I ask what you hope to find?"

Rivet blinked a few times. She then followed his lead and also looked back at the ceiling.

"I uh… Don't know. Answers? I mean, how I ended up here. Maybe even find my parents? What about you?"

"Hm… Well not my parents, that's for sure. I just hope to find our kin."

Rivet made herself a bit smaller.

Idiot! Why did you bring up parents? You know he doesn't have them anymore!

"Sorry… I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay, Rivet. I accepted it a long time ago." He titled his head again and smiled at her.

Slowly… Very slowly, Rivet nodded. "Ooooooookay…" She sighed. "When do you want to go? I mean… It's not like I can't wait, but FUCK, I can't wait…"

"You know what? How about… The day after tomorrow?. Then we'll go. Just packing up everything, grabbing Clank and Kit and then off we go."

"Yes!" Rivet jumped up and lifted her arms above her head in a cheering way.

Ratchet couldn't help himself but to watch her with a big grin. It was nice to make her happy, even if he had a hard time lately. But seeing her like this made him forget about his worries. He got up onto his feet.

"Right. I'll inform Clank and then I-"

He couldn't finish his sentence before Rivet hugged him.

"Thank youuuuu… It really means a lot to me."

Ratchet didn't know how to react. For a moment he just stood there like a statue. Then he returned the hug. Maybe he needed one of those too.

"Heh… Gladly."

They stood there, hugging each other for a while. Longer than it should be. Finally they let go of each other. Rivet smiled widely, from one ear to the other. A sight that made Ratchet smile as well.

He grabbed the Dimensionator, aimed and pulled the trigger. A rift opened, shattering the veil between dimensions, allowing him to pass through back to his home.

"Good night, Rivet. I'll see you in two days then. Be up early, okay?"

"You got it!"

She can't contain her excitement. Her tail wagged and she seemed to vibrate a bit.

Ratchet chuckled and stepped through the rift.

Rivet stood there. Then she squeaked in sheer excitement. A sound neither a living nor a dead person ever heard and maybe never hear again. She walked over to her bed and laid down. Even tho it's only 8:00 pm, she grew tired. It was a hard day after all.

Meanwhile

The rift closed behind Ratchet. Carefully, he placed the Dimensionator on his table and allowed himself to fall backwards onto his couch. Laying there with his feet dangling over one armrest.

"And where have you been?" Clank asked as he walked into the room.

"Oh uh… Hey, buddy. I was just over at Rivets place, you know?"

"Is that so? And how is she doing?"

"Good… I think, even if she looked tired."

"And what was the purpose of your spontaneous visit?"

"Well… I told her about Talwyn and all that… And she offered to listen. So I accepted and we talked."

"And did it help?"

"We didn't talk much about that topic, but yes. Strangely it did."

"I'm happy to hear that, Ratchet."

"There's more. We'll visit the Lombax dimension. In two days."

"In two days?! Isn't that a bit rushed? We need to inform everyone, get some supplies and-"

"Clank. Calm down. I said we'll visit. With the Dimensionator, it's like just opening a door. We can leave whenever we want."

Clank tapped his chin. "I suppose you're right. But still. It is quite a surprise."

"I know… But seeing how it made her happy, I thought it would be a good idea."

"Even now, with you being in a difficult situation, you still think of others first. This could destroy you one day."

"Nah… I'll watch out for this not to happen."

"I wish I could believe you."

"Woah, thanks for the trust, pal."

"You know I trust you. And you know I know you. And that is the problem."

Ratchet couldn't help himself but to chuckle. "Aha? Look… I just want my friends to be okay. And this here is just a trip. A piece of cake. Nothing big."

"A bolt for every time I heard that…"

"Come on. It's the Lombax dimension. There is no way we'll get in trouble there."

"Trouble seems to follow us wherever we go."

"This time will be different."

"Will it be?"

Ratchet hesitated. "Mmmmmmmmmyes…"

"Doesn't sound very certain to me."

"We'll never find out if we don't go. Besides, it was you who repaired the Dimensionator so I could go and search for my kin."

Clank sighed. "That is true."

"See? It'll be an ordinary adventure."

"An ordinary adventure of ours usually involves a lot of shooting, a lot of destruction and a lot of swearing."

"Hehe, yeah… I mean no! NO! This time will be different. I'm sure about that!"

Clank just stared at his Lombax companion. "Fine. We'll see how it'll go." He turned around and walked out of the room. "I see a disaster coming…" he muttered as he left.

Ratchet chuckled and looked back at his ceiling.

This time, it will be different. We'll find the Lombaxes, meet some people and everything will be good.

He rolled onto his side, now watching his holovision, playing an old cartoon.

I just hope Rivet will find her family at least. Would be awesome. Maybe I can try to find this Mags. He seemed to know my Dad as well. Would be nice to hear more about him.

He smiled at that thought. It's been a while since he heard about his dad. Back when he was with Alister.

"Hey kids! Are you hungry for breakfast and adventure?" A TV spot interrupted his thoughts.

"Yeah!" Two children cheered.

Suddenly Qwark entered the kitchen of those children.

"Haha! Then fear not, Children!"

"Wow! Captain Qwark!"

"Yes! I, Captain Copernicus Leslie Qwark, just got the right thing for your hunger!" Quark said while he flexed his muscles.

Ratchet rubbed his eyes. "You can't be serious…"

Qwark then placed two bowls with green rings and milk in them on the table.

"Woah! Are those-?"

"Yes indeed!"

The voice of the director is heard again: "Introducing Qwark-OHs! The perfect start for your day. Rich with vitamins, dietary fiber and iron!"

"Hahaha! How does it taste, children?" Qwark laughed as he ruffled the childrens hair.

"Tastes like adventure!"

"Tastes like heroism!"

"Indeed they do! Eat up and you may grow as strong and handsome as me!" Qwark proceeded to shove a spoon full of cereal into one children's mouth.

"Mhmm! Thisch isch delish- gerbhhrbhhh!" The poor child got another spoon stuffed into its mouth.

"Get your pack of Qwark-OHs! today and become a hero like me!" Qwark said as he stuffed another spoon into the child's mouth.

"Urghghblllrrgh…"

The scene switched to a picture of the cereal box and a bowl full of them. The director talks again.

"Qwark-OHs! Now in your local supermarket. May contain traces of caffeine."

Some warnings are rolling over the screen, of course way too fast to even read one.

Ratchet stared at the screen. "I… I can't…" He turned the TV off and stood up. "That's even too much for me." He walked into his bedroom. "This will haunt my dreams…" He laid down onto his bed and pulled the blanket up to his nose. "Why?" A question he'll probably never get an answer to. Sooner or later, he drifted off to sleep.

The night was rough. He had indeed some problems sleeping. Not just because of Qwark, but also because of everything that happened with Talwyn and the uncertainty coming with finding the Lombaxes. Accordingly, Ratchet was tired the next morning.

With his tail dragging on the floor, his ears hanging and a hunched posture, Ratchet made his way into his kitchen. Clank was already awake, as usual.

"Good morning Ratchet. It seems like you haven't slept well."

"How can you tell?"

"Just a guess." He wrote some things down on a piece of paper. "I gathered a list of things we should get before we start."

Ratchet poured himself a cup of coffee. "Like what?" He took a sip from his mug.

"The usual. Some Fruits, some drinks and I thought maybe we should get you some cereal."

Ratchet spit his coffee out after the last. "No cereal!"

"But I thought you like those?"

"NO! No cereal! I don't want to see ANY cereal in the next time!"

"You're acting strange."

"You're strange!" He took another sip.

"Uh-hu… Okay then, no cereal."

"Good…"

"We should also inform some of our friends. Pete, Skidd, Qwark-"

Again, Ratchet spit his coffee out.

Back in Rivets dimension.

Rivet approached Savali. She was up very early and started her flight with the first rays of sunshine.

"Okay. Land, grab Kit and leave. We'll stop to get some supplies on the way back and then… Then what?" Her ears dropped a bit. "I got a whole day to kill…" she groaned annoyed. "Great…"

She navigated her ship towards the Urfdah Mesa and landed near the village the monks reside in. Of course, they're busy meditating. Quietly, Rivet made her way through towards the house Gary lives in. She knocked on the door and waited.

After some time, the door finally opened. Gary stood in the doorframe, wearing his big smile as always.

"Rivet! Nice to see you. Please ome in! Kit and I just made some Mousse au Chocolat! Want some?"

"No thank you. I'm just here to pick up Kit."

"Ah, right. Your text was quite ominous. What are you guys doing exactly?"

"Well… Ratchet and I are going to the Lombax dimension. And of course we'll bring Clank and Kit along."

"Uh! That sounds exciting!"

"Absolutely! Uh… Where's Kit?"

"Oh, right. She's in the kitchen."

Gary led her through his house.

Huh… Surprisingly clean for someone as absentminded as Gary.

"Kit has been a great help. She helped me keep the house clean."

Of course…

The Snivelakian opened a door into a rather small kitchen. If you ask Rivet, it couldn't even be called a kitchen. It's filled with a small table and an oven fueled by wood. Even the refrigerator works with normal ice. No electricity anywhere.

Kit was cleaning a bowl they used. When the door opened, she turned around,

"Rivet!" The small, yellow bot exclaimed happily. She rushed over to her Lombax friend. "It is nice to see you!"

"Right back at ya." Rivet smiled.

They have been separated for only three days, which still felt like an eternity. They have grown to be rather close friends. And normally, Kit would live with Rivet, but from time to time, she likes to visit Gary and the monks.

"I have gotten curious. Why are you picking me up so soon? Are we going somewhere?"

"Yes. To the Lombax dimension."

"Really?!" Kit jumped up and down.

"Yes, really."

"Ohhhh, this is so exciting! I need to gather some things! I'm right back!" And with that, the small bot took off.

Rivet watched her leave, chuckling amused. She turned back towards Gary who held a small bowl full with Mousse au chocolat. With a sigh, Rivet accepted and started to chat with Gary while they both waited for Kit.

About an hour and several bowls of Mousse later, Kit finally returned, carrying a concerningly large backpack.

"Uhh… Kit? What is in there?" Rivet asked, almost near a food coma.

"Oh, just the usual. Some books from the archives, a copy of the inscriptions, oh! And of course every single Lorb Ratchet did find when he was here!"

Gary frowned. "All twelve?"

"Yes! Maybe we can find this Mags and maybe he wants them back?"

"That is so considerate of you! I'm so proud of you, Kit!"

Rivet belched. "Urgh… Too much… Mousse…"

"Are you okay, Rivet?" Kit asked seemingly concerned.

"Yeah… Yeah.. Just…" She burped. "Just… Urgh… Let's go. I need to lay down…"

Rivet got on her feet with slightly shaking legs.

"Do you want some Mousse for your way back home?"

Rivet burped again. She covered her mouth. "No.. Thank you, Gary."

"Oh? Are you su-"

"Yes! I am sure. Thank you for your-" She burped again… "Your hospitality."

"Oh, gladly! I hope you come visit again!"

Rivet laughed awkwardly and gave a shaking thumbs up. She and the bot left Garys house who stayed behind and waved them goodbye. Rivet and Kit made their way to the ship. Somehow, they managed to stuff Kits big bag in there. Quickly, Rivet initiated the launch sequence.

"Hey Kit?"

"Yes?"

"Could you.. Urgh… Could you fly us back? Please?"

"Oh uhm… Sure. But why?"

"I just.. Need to take a quick nap…"

As soon as they were in space, Rivet lowered her backrest so she could lay down.

"Just… Wake me when… We're home."

"You got it, Rivet. Sleep well!"

"Mhmhmmmm…" Rivet muttered and curled herself up into a ball of fur.

The flight back home was without any notable incident. Back home, Rivet and Kit chattet about the upcoming adventure. Both were very excited. So much so that neither could really sleep that night. But then the day came. Rivet and Kit took their stuff and waited.

"Any second now…" Rivet said, tapping her foot up and down a little impatiently.

Finally, a rift opened, allowing them to pass through. On the other side, they found themselves on a field right in front of Aphelion. Rivet has always admired the beauty of this angel class starfighter.

Ratchet smiled at them. "Hey. Ready to go?"

Rivet chuckled. "Always have been, Hotshot!"

Thei loaded up their bags and jumped into the ship. Ratchet and Rivet in front with Clank and Kit in the back. While Aphelion started to hover, Ratchet used the Dimensionator and it's, thanks to Emperor Nefarious, installed map to open the rift into the Lombax dimension.

Rivet shifted in her seat in sheer excitement.

"Oh.. By the way. I got us some Mousse au chocolat. I thought maybe you would like some."

Ratchet said. To his surprise however, Rivet belched and covered her mouth.

"Thank you… But no thank you…" Rivet cleared her throat. "I got us some cereal tho."

Ratchet stared at her with widely opened eyes. "FffffffUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-!"

His scream of pure terror was swallowed as Aphelion flew through the rift which closed right behind them…