Heirs of Change

by HappyCat14

Before Tachyon's attempt to eradicate their race, the Lombaxes were a united front in the face of Polaris. Now they are divided. Lives dictated by the clan of their birth. The only saving grace was Tachyon's murder of the leading heirs. Creating vacancies for the smaller ones to fill. Until two survivors from the old dimension are revealed to be more important then they seem...

2. Discovery

Hi everyone!

This is a long one, but had to get it out of my system. Hopefully it provides some answers from last chapter. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy! :)

When Ratchet stepped through the portal to the Lombax dimension, he braced himself for whatever lay on the other side. Fully prepared to expect the unexpected with Clank manning the radar and Rivet and Kit two steps behind covering him with a loaded blaster. Both Lombaxes were even covered in Trillium armor. Having learned dangerous lifeforms can exist right outside the portal from their last interdimensional trip.

The plan was simple: Ratchet and Clank will do the talking and, if things went south, Rivet and Kit would do the shooting. Both of the robots suggested this approach – arguing Ratchet was the least trigger happy of the two Lombaxes and therefore the most likely to succeed in potential conversation.

They were right of course. So no one argued. Though Ratchet knew all attempt at peace was riding on his conversation ability – and the pressure was high. Especially since this will be the first contact with his own kind since meeting Rivet eight months ago.

But an issue occurred one step out the portal before talking became a problem.

"You alright, Hotshot?" said Rivet stepping through the portal herself. "See anything strange?"

And there in lie the problem. Out in the expansive dessert wasteland ahead of them.

"Is seeing 'nothing' strange?" he said. He looked around, turning a full circle while the portal closed behind them. Confirming the sight of dust, huge rocks and solid ground.

"Is this the right location? Surely there would be a building somewhere?" muttered Rivet.

"There were plenty of buildings on Fastoon – though they were in ruins," said Clank scanning the area. "And my sensors do not indicate the presence of any large quantities of life. Though there is a large canyon to the west of here."

"Maybe we read the map wrong?" said Ratchet, scratching the top of his helmet.

"I would suggest surveying the area first, before using the dimensionator again," said Kit. "We may have found ourselves in an uninhabited area of the dimension. For all its emptiness, it meets the same parameters of the Lombax home world."

Ratchet agreed. It did look similar to Fastoon. Albeit less built up. "I doubt they would make themselves obvious with Tachyon on their tail. Why don't we check out this canyon and see if we can find evidence they were here? Worst case scenario, we head back to Savali."

A part of him wanted to turn back now. Unsure if the steps forward will be worth whatever they find.

"Okay," said Rivet. "Get a weapon ready. I don't want to be babysitting if we bump into any hostiles." Her counterpart gave her a look before she added. "Non-Lombaxhostiles. Not planning to murder my own kind today, I swear."

"Fine, but if we somehow convince our own race that we are enemies, I'm blaming you."

Rivet poked out a teasing tongue as Ratchet put away the dimensionator in favor of buzz blades. A solid weapon to counter the plasma from Rivet's blaster.

They sped off towards the direction of the canyon on hoverboots. Clank having signalled the location on their Nav Units. Dust piled behind them as Ratchet took note of the flatness of the landscape. Despite the odd rock formations, there wasn't a hill or dust dune in sight, and it surprised him that his own race would choose such a dull planet to live on.

Then again, maybe that was the point. The duller the planet then the less likely Tachyon would think anything worth looking for was here.

The canyon wasn't much different when they made it to the edge. Looking down, it appeared like large cracks seeping into the flat earth. Ratchet narrowed his eyes, noticing something strange in the jagged structure of the canyon walls.

"These canyons are not natural…" he whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"Canyons are created due to consistent erosion – like wind through a valley or a river forging itself through stone. This creates relatively smooth surfaces on the canyon walls. There is a repeated pattern into the rock, see?" He gestured to the diagonal lines on the canyon walls. "These were dug into. I'm betting this 'canyon' is some form of a mine."

"By Lombaxes?"

"Or giant bugs," suggested Clank. "Or perhaps even another race? Either way it is likely they have made their home in the Canyon. Though my scanner is picking up nothing…"

"Let's hover down and take a look. There might be more evidence on the ground floor," said Ratchet, preparing to jump off the ledge.

"What kind of evidence are we looking for?" asked Kit. "You seem to be aware of what Lombaxes leave in mines."

"Nope. But mines need big equipment and a-lot of manpower – so keep an eye out for anything meeting that description.

He leapt off the edge, Rivet close behind him. Layers of rock changing colour as they descended into the depth below.

"I detect no one…" said Kit.

"Yeah, we would have been shot at by now if this mine was still active," said Rivet, landing next to Ratchet. "It feels like a ghost town."

"Let's keep moving," said Ratchet.

After a few moments of trailing the sandy canyon floor, they finally found the evidence they were seeking. It was a drill vehicle, the front of which looked like a massive screw designed to excavate the rock surrounding. Despite being abandoned, it appeared to be in good condition.

Ratchet noted that it was huge - a fact he could only appreciate once he got close. Clearly the machine was left behind due to it's size. He leapt on top of it, noticing the empty driver seat with a sigh of relief. No corpses here. He hopped in, checking the empty fuel tank sign and a few small trinkets on the dashboard.

"It's out of juice!" he called out. Rivet was scanning the thing on the outside, more interested in the drill than the contents. "But there are a couple things here…"

He reached for the only trinket not covered in dust - a cerulean blue crystal with a circle embed as a center symbol. There was an aura about it that struck Ratchet as familiar, but he couldn't place it for the life of him. Though it touched a part of him that meant it was important. He stared at it for a while, wondering where the strange sensation was coming from.

And why he felt a gentle urge to cry?

"What did ya find? You went quiet there."

He pocketed the symbol, he'll figure it out later. "Nothing of value. Let's keep moving."

After leaving the drill like machine, the group pressed onwards hoping to find another object of value, yet after an hour all they found was rock. Not even a hint of metal or leftover tools or footprints or… nothing. Just step after step of nothing.

They came to a halt, looking at each other before turning to the robots next to them

"Let's head back to Savali," said Ratchet. "We can start again at another point of the dimension once we have a break."

"I detect no precious minerals currently available in the mines," said Clank. "However, the rock composition suggests that Trillium was once present, perhaps even Carbonex."

Ratchet whistled. "Now those are some decent metals! Would love to see what they were building with that. Can't wait to get my hands on some Lombax tech…" he paused. "If they are still here."

"It will be safer to activate the dimensionator outside the mine. We do not want potential interference from whatever machinery was left behind," said Kit. "We do not want another Rift incident."

No one argued with her there. Potential dimensional destruction wasnothow they planned to introduce themselves to their own kind. Would not look good on their immigration papers.

They followed the path back, back past the large drill machine and a whole lot of nothingness once more before finding a short path up the cliff. Ratchet frowned, wondering where the remnants of his kind disappeared too. Hoping... praying, even, that they hadn't changed dimensionsagainor worse, been overtaken by a force they had yet to know about.

He sighed, gazing out into the open land, at least Fastoon's landscapes were more beautiful than this flat nightmare. Maybe the Lombaxes got bored and moved on? Certainly seemed that way for him and Rivet after less than two hours in this place.

"Keyajor!" screamed an unfamiliar voice.

The two Lombaxes spun around to see a small figure covered in black and gunmetal armour - seemingly come from nowhere. Ears seemed to be poking out of its head and they were small in stature, but the figure lashed out before Ratchet could take in their full appearance. He dodged, hesitant to use his weapon on an unknown native. Grumbling, he changed his buzzblades to the less lethal mag-nets. He could hear beeping from his back as Clank started scanning the intruder.

Rivet was less sympathetic. "Bastard!" Aiming straight for the attackers back - left wide open after the lunge.

"Maher Nin!" the figure shouted, and a shot sounded, hitting Rivet's bullet seconds before reaching its target and making Ratchet gawk at the accuracy. He then made another lunge at Ratchet who swung his wrench - surprising the attacker with a hit to the stomach and flinging him back several meters. Giving Ratchet a chance to build distance on his hoverboots. Rivet wasted no time following.

"You okay, Hotshot?"

"Didn't touch me. What does he want? Is it a territorial species?"

"Keyajor!"

The figure had staggered back up and went after them. A similar looking figure came into view.

"He's got a friend."

"Well, shit."

Another appeared, this one much larger than the two, and unlike them he had hoverboots and held a large wrench Ratchet really wanted to avoid. A vacant feeling of familiarity tugged at the corner of Ratchet's mind at the sight, but he shook his head, focusing on the task ofgetting away.

"Spoke too soon," muttered Rivet, bringing out another weapon. "And the big guy knows what he's doing."

"They are Lombaxes!" said Clank, causing Ratchet to nearly trip, "But I cannot find a reason for their aggression."

"Great..." grumbled Ratchet.

The large figure slammed the wrench on the ground and a deep booming noise sounded from beneath them.Not good.

They swerved right, narrowly missing a forming crater in the ground, forcing them to swerve into a nearby rock formation. A swarm of hidden dark figures hiding amongst the rock. Definitely a trap.

Spinning on his hoverboots, Ratchet turned before going deeper into the rocks, aware of many pairs of eyes watching his back. They couldn't use the dimensionator in front of so many strangers - lest they accidently suck someone in with them. He took a breath, steadying himself as the larger Lombax slowed down to a halt. The others following suite. Rivet stopped next to him. No doubt wondering if he had lost his sense of self-preservation.

"What do you want?" yelled Ratchet. "We're just looking for other Lombaxes! Do you know where we can find them?"

The large Lombax drew closer, stepping forward with the hard heavy steps of someone in control of the situation. Finally giving Ratchet the chance to take in his appearance properly. He noted the ears, strong upper body and the technical design of his battle armor. A combination which distinctly reminded him of a certain exiled General. This guy was business, but that was not what Ratchet focused on. These strangers... were most certainly Lombaxes.

Ratchet felt his shoulders slump. Did they just get attack by their own kind? He was under the impression Lombaxes were the one race they hadn't pissed off.

The leader - or who Ratchet assumed was the leader given the formation - waved at the smaller figures around him, as if settling a group of children.

"Olen ec, Polarian!" The hulking figure turned to them, bowing his head in apology and surprising everyone with his polite tone. "Forgive us, friend. I fear the younger generation is not as… aware of other cultures as they once were. You two wouldn't happen to be the cause of the anomaly earlier? The hissing kittens behind me were sent out on emergency to investigate."

"Uh…" said Ratchet, blinking for a bit at the group before shaking himself back to his senses. "Yes. We were. Opening a portal was the only way to get here…"

He glanced at Rivet behind him, looking fierce with her both hands on a weapon, before turning back to the larger figure. "Can I ask who you are? My friend is a bit light on the trigger…"

"Say no more," said the figure, teleporting his wrench away. The younger Lombaxes behind him stared up in shock as his helmet drew away, revealing the face of a much older light brown Lombax. His eyes were a deep green, glinting with experience as he appraised them. "You can call me Dexivier. It will be easier than explaining everything to you here. Please, our hanger is nearby, and it would be better to talk where it is safe."

"It's not safe here?"

He chuckled."'Complicated' would be more accurate. But please, don't take your helmet's off until I tell you too. There are people in my clan who may not appreciate what is under it."

"We look normal if that is what you mean," hissed Rivet.

"Not at all! Like I said. It's complicated. Nowfollow me."

The words came like a command, tugging at Ratchet's chest like a drum beat forcing him forward. He staggered back.

"You okay, Hotshot?" whispered Rivet, unaffected by whatever just occurred.

The older figure started to smile while the jaws of the envoy behind him dropped. "You resisted? Good." A joyful glint of affection entered his gaze as he watched Ratchet regain his balance.

"What was that?!" said Ratchet, forcing himself to not shoot mag-nets at everyone.

"Easy, son. It's complicated. Let's just say you won't have any further issues from my lot. Your lady friend as well."

"We ARE NOT a couple!" shouted Rivet. Putting awayoneweapon but keeping the other tight in hand.

"Forgive me! I made an assumption," said the older Lombax with a laugh.

"Everyone assumes..." muttered Ratchet.

The smaller lombaxes inched forward, taking their time to flank Ratchet and Rivet before gesturing in an eastward direction. Dexivier wasn't lying when he said they weren't used to outsiders.

"Come!" said Dexivier, gesturing with them. "I'm curious to hear how you arrived. Unfortunately, you two are the only dimensional contacts I'm aware of."

"I'm sure there are others. Multiple dimensions mean multiple possibilities," said Clank. Finally speaking up.

"JEC TAKIVIER!" screamed one of the figures, pointing at Clank, and they all backed away.

Dexivier sighed, then started walking in the direction they gestured earlier. "Son, you should warn people about your backpack before it talks."

"Lour non takivier paka!" said Kit with a huff, causing another moment of chaos.

"JEC TAKIVIER LOMBAXAN!"

Dexivier shook his head, but his smile remained. "Apologies! Aren't you full of surprises! Now let's just get back to my hanger so I can calm down this lot and we can chat."

…...

The 'hanger' was the most complex looking ship storage unit Ratchet had ever seen, impressive considering his career as an aircraft mechanic and experience as a pilot. The place was huge. Designed to hold and help construct several types of aircraft. A prominent trawler to their right - good for carrying heavy loads of metal - a smaller vehicle to their left - decent for everyday use but belongs three decades ago - and at least forty rows of projects on either side ranging from rail-based transport to advanced military aircraft. Ratchet even thought he could see a toaster somewhere on the right side.

"Careful, Hotshot," muttered Rivet next to him. "They can't pick up on it, but I know if you fail to control yourself we will lose you in an engine."

"I am not ashamed of that fact."

"We know," she grumbled. "I just don't want to be playing hide and seek because you saw something shiny in a cruiser."

Ratchet grinned underneath his helmet. Cruisers rarely have anything shiny in their engines.

He continued to glance around. Stunned by the sheer number of Lombaxes working on the projects and the efficiency of it all. Dexivier had taken the Lombaxes from earlier and was having a quiet chat with them a few feet away. Giving plenty of time to take in the sight. Also provided a chance to settle any remaining nerves before they got politely interrogated.

But as he continued to look around, with Rivet and Kit seeming bored next to him and Clank joining his fascination, one thing stuck out to him as odd. Here they were. In an advanced hanger with ships and tech of all kinds spanning the length of several stadiums and a massive workforce of Lombaxes who appeared like experts in their fields, getting involved and pulling out bolts like it was nothing, yet it missed a component that would be consider crucial to a hanger back home.

Dexivier nodded to the group and half scattered, the other half followed him as he approached the newcomers. "Like what you see?"

"It's impressive!" said Ratchet, not hiding his enthusiasm. "Do you keep the spaceships elsewhere or do you specialize in planetary flight?"

Dexivier whistled. "You picked that up fast. Though I shouldn't be surprised... Well, space flight has its own restrictions. We can only build them ifallthe other clans agree to it."

"You're fucked if there's an invasion."

He laughed, patting Ratchet on the back. "I didn't say wedon'tbuild them. We just don't tell certaingroupsabout them."

"Ah... So no space craft in the hanger!" said Rivet with a knowing nod.

"Exactly! Absolutely none! Now come... we can talk privately in my office," he started walking, then paused before adding. "There will also be a medical team arriving soon. Need to make sure you two are okay and all that business."

Ratchet found himself rolling his eyes. "Fine! But Rivet goes first!"

"Hey!" .

They followed Dexivier up a flight of stairs and into a staircase in the wall, both of them receiving strange expression from the Lombaxes they passed. Each almost dropping whatever they were holding or tripping over their feet at the sight of them. It was at this point Ratchet could feel a change in the atmosphere. Nothing bad, however it was fromhowthe otherLombaxes seemed to be gazing at them. Some would get pricks of tears in their eyes, others would have an unnatural focus onhimover Rivet.

"I thought Rivet and I were weird... but these guys act like they have never seen armor before!" said Ratchet.

"They do appear on edge," said Clank.

"That's my fault I'm afraid," said Dexivier. "They're not use to seeing me with strangers, especially non-alliance members. But you don't need to worry about that. You two are immune under law."

After another flight of stairs and they finally made it, with Ratchet trying to ignore the eyes staring at the back of his head as the door shut. He was use to it back on Kerwan, being a hero and all, but here it was different.They didn't know who he was.

The office was quite large, as if it was designed to comfortably hold at least twenty Lombaxes Dexivier's size. There were no books, but the computers were large and there were many of them. It also offered a full view of the hanger they just came from. Ratchet could barely see the other Lombaxes down below - he hadn't realized how high they must have climbed. The older Lombax flicked his wrist, turning the computer on and speaking something in Lombax to bring a couple profiles onto the screen.

"Now for the basic questions..." he said, sounding bored. "Names? Birthdates? Anyone hunting you down? Dietary requirements?"

"Ratchet - little guy is Clank. No idea. Not at the moment and... depends on the local cuisine," said Ratchet with a shrug. Dexivier's eyes flickered at the information.

"Rivet - this is Kit, and same," said Rivet also shrugging.

"Occupation?"

"Uh... Trained space and aircraft mechanic and pilot - mostly," muttered Ratchet. Again, a flicker across the elder Lombax's face as Ratchet spoke.

"Mercenary... Hunter... Something like that," said Rivet. "Kit manages the Lombax archives on Savali."

"Little guy have a job?"

"Actor," said Clank, puffing out his chest. The older Lombax glanced at Ratchet.

"It's true," he sighed. "Also makes sure I don't die."

"Hehehe, that as well."

Dexivier nodded, then proceeded to type in a bunch of other information before seemingly sending it off. A message than appeared on the screen and he rolled his eyes.

"Media non flecka..." he muttered. He turned back to them. "The medical team will be here soon. As soon as they get here I need to sort something out. Are you up to talking with a psychiatrist? They're obligated to send you one and ask the mandatory questions but I am happy to tell them to get lost."

"I rather explore!" said Rivet who received an encouraging nod from Ratchet.

"Wonderful! After your medical tests of course! Oh... and feel free to take off your armor now. The doctors will give you a translator and know better than to tick me off by doing anything to hurt you."

They looked at each other for a second, shrugged, then signaled for their day clothes. As the metal faded away, Ratchet could begin to taste the air of this dimension. It was salty, like being on the coastline on Pokitaru, but less bitter, and it smelled more like engine oil than fish which he didn't mind. He took in a deep breath and smiled at Rivet, who was stretching next to him.

He then glanced at Dexivier, who was smiling more broadly to the point where he looked like he was about to dance. His eyes where firmly set on Ratchet, and that feeling Ratchet felt on the way up returned. This time a bit more clear.

This Lombax was excited to see him, and he didn't know why.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

Dexivier nodded, a bit too enthusiastically."Absolutely! Here I was expecting some form of malnourishment, and you two pop out looking healthy as anything. I take it you didn't just survive on military rations?"

"Wouldn't have any tastebuds left if we did," said Rivet, now stretching out her neck. "Not that I know of much food that tastes any better..."

"Inyourdimension. Plenty of fine dining establishments on Kerwan, thank you very much. Mort's lemonade also doesn't taste too bad," said Ratchet with a grin.

"Youdidn't drink it for five years straight!" said Rivet, punching his arm.

"Well, we have a pair of travelers!" chuckled Dexivier. "Good to hear you weren't bored?"

"Since when do we have the luxury of boredom?" grumbled Ratchet. A statement that caused Dexivier to grin.

"Now back to business..." he said, switching off his computer. "How exactly did two youngsters find a dimensionator? Not exactly a common item."

Silence followed, as Ratchet felt Rivet stiffen up next to him. Looks like they didn't need to do much explaining after all.

"We built it, sir," said Clank, peering over from Ratchet's back. "And may I ask how you know?"

His gaze flickered on Ratchet again, "Let's just say I have a hunch... and I'm more privy to information than most. You are not in trouble. We rather you two arrive alive then be back who knows where. Just can't let word of a top secret device get out... if you catch my drift."

After a moment, Ratchet nodded. "Fair enough. In that case... we were testing some equipment at some Lombax ruins... and found ourselves here."

"Sounds about right," said Dexivier with a wink.

"Frea Dexivier!" said a loud voice, knocking on the door. "Media vour Hexer data! Takivier mon dorea?"

"Vikae! Vikae!" said Dexivier, with an eyeroll. "I need to go. Stay put until the medical team get here... and I mean it!" The last part was aimed at Ratchet, though he had no idea why.

...

The medical team were... well, not really much of a team.

They consisted of about ten Lombaxes, who immediately upon entering equipped both of them with translators, pulled them into separate rooms, and told them to strip. There was a distinct difference between them and the Lombaxes working for Dexivier. In part due to the direct way they spoke and their overall nerdy demeanor as they asked their questions. Sounding like the terachnoid doctors who had treated Ratchet in the past.

What planet did you spend most of your time?

What do you do for excercise and how often?

Are you sexually active with non-Lombax species?

Have you taken illicit drugs? This will not go on your record...

Ratchet stood shirtless, as he refused to strip further for a bunch of strangers, while this team marked his answers on clipboards then moved onto Rivet in the next room. Leaving him nervous as the left him -mostly- on his own.

He then waited as he was strapped to machines and examined by a single female Lombax, who appeared to be working by herself and not paying attention to whatever else the others were doing. She spoke perfect Polarian - the only one to do so- and grinned and squealed at every data point she collected.

The girl was the reason for Ratchet's nerves. Her fur was a lovely crème colour with stripes of gentle hazel, and she appeared more excited about the medical tech then whatever she was suppose to be examining. Two pale orbs stared intently at him when asking questions, then eagerly wrote things down on her portable screen while completely ignoring her team mates when they checked on her. She looked at him differently in comparison to the others, fascinated but not emotional, and treated him both as a patient and as an exciting science project.

He found it... endearing.

She inched closer to him, another question at the ready."So do they have any parasites on Veldin? Or Kerwan? Or anywhere else you've been? What about viruses and bacteria?"

Ratchet blinked, desperately trying to make his brain work in her presence. "Uh... probably? Most only effect local species though..."

"Really? Which ones?" she said, pale eyes shining as she lean closer towards him. Ratchet did his best not to blush - not that he knew the Lombax equivalent.

"Blargs... Fongoids... Cazars... Hoolefoids... I know tarachnoids have a nasty virus that Lombaxes can carry... "

She squealed. "This is so fascinating! And your test are something else! Such a low body fat percentage - and adrenaline muscle! You must carry heavy stuffa-lot!Were you only a mechanic or did you do gladiator work as well?"

"Something like that..."

She typed away. "Incredible!" A thing on Ratchet's wrist beeped and new data flooded her screen. "Breath rate normal... O2 rate is good... Heart rate is a bit low, but not surprising given how fit you are... Temperature is good..." she smiled again. "What did you eat over there? It's a miracle you aren't malnourished given the lack of local food."

"Dexivier said the same thing."

Her eyebrows rose at his statement. "You mean Lord Dexivier don't you? I'm surprised you're not nervous, calling a leader solely by his last name."

"It's how he introduced himself, and what do you mean 'Lord'?"

"You really haven't been here long..."

"Really?" he drawled. "What gave it away? The dimension portal or the Polarian?"

She laughed, a sound he decided was quite pleasant. "Fair point! I doubt he will be strict on your first day. Say... can I please use my new device on you? It detects foreign bacteria and your friend said 'no'."

"Uh... sure!"

"Wonderful! It will take less then 20 seconds, I promise."

She pulled out a strange little device with a bright red light, and scanned Ratchet with it. Tapping parts all over his upper body. He tried to focus on the ceiling and not the overexcited girl getting too close to him.

Taking a step back, she pressed another button. "These results are fantastic! I'll be able to make some amazing weapons with these..." She pursed her lips, clearly not meaning to say that last part.

"I heard nothing," said Ratchet with a smirk. "Have fun."

She smiled, again. This time making Ratchet's stomach do a backflip.

"Mear Humali!" said one of the med team poking their head through the door. "Vour ec tei! Frea Dexivier mon ablican te vour exiva met."

Miss Humali! Lord Dexivier has returned and wants us to leave.said Ratchet's translator in his ear.

Humali... unusual name, but it somehow suited her. He found himself wanting to say it hoping he wouldn't forget it anytime soon, but knew it would be weird.

She sighed, "Lord Dex is kicking us out, huh. Guess he wants to keep you two to himself!"

Ratchet shrugged. "Price ofpopularity."

Another grin. "Indeed. Well, I'll be back in a day or so once we collate the data and double check you haven't got any underlying issues. It was a pleasure meeting you, Ratchet, hopefully you end up in an aligned clan."

"No idea what that means, but thank you Miss Humali."

She practically skipped away, with Ratchet staring like a lost protopet at the space she left behind. What the hell just happened? He put his shirt back on and shook his head. Being isolated from his own species must have done something to his head if this is what one pretty girl does to him. Geez...

The sound of stomping feet confirmed Rivet's entrance into the room accompanied by a loud groan. "I hate doctors..."

"We know," muttered Ratchet, noting that Clank and Kit had reemerged from the hallway. "But better than accidently bringing in a foreign parasite, right?"

"You got asked aboutparasites!The pale girl did a number on you didn't she?"

"Something like that..." He removed the translator from his ears, relishing the freedom in his ear canals.

They didn't have long to rest however, as there was a knock at the door with Dexivier calling out. "You two decent? I have an announcement for you!"

"Why wouldn't we be 'decent'?" asked Clank, raising a questioning finger to his chin.

Dexivier opened the door and marched in, grinning. "Don't think about it too hard, my metal friend."

He turned to Rivet, who was still recovering from horror of the medical exam. "My dear... you have visitor arriving very soon. I will have to ask you to go with one of the guards outside. They're friendly! I promise...

"Mear Aquila..." said a voice from the door, as if proving Dexivier right.

"Who?" she gasped.

"A great lady... thinks she might know a thing or two about you," he said with a wink.

Ratchet felt a sudden urge to reattach his armor, a feeling shared with Rivet judging by the way she stared him. He flexed his shoulders, unsure what to make of it.

"You want me to come?" he said.

She stayed silent for a second. "I'm a big girl, Hotshot. I'll be fine," Not sounding fine at all.

"That's the spirit! Now off you go," said Dexivier. "Oh, and your little robot friends need a virus checkup. You can leave them with the guard once you reach the room."

Clank and Kit stared for a bit, before simultaneously nodding. "If we must..."

Rivet got up to leave, giving Ratchet a fist bump and final nod of support before heading out. The sense of unease growing with the separation. The first time Ratchet didn't know her exact location since their meeting eight months ago. It left a gap in him he didn't realize she filled, and he ended up listening out for her footsteps in the next moments. Then Clank and Kit followed. With Clank giving him a thumbs up before leaving his sight.

Ratchet took a breath, trying to calm his nerves.

"Now that's sorted… we can finally have a one on one chat!" Dexivier turned back to Ratchet. Eye's sparkling. "You look an awful lot like your father, Lear. It's uncanny. Thankfully you get your interests and personality from your mother. I knew back on the field of course - only heirs born of the Dexivier lineage can resist my commands and I don't have a-lot of missing relatives... but even then you defy expectations. "

The unease in Ratchet's chest dissipated and he stilled, time slowing down as he registered the comment.

"You knew my mother... and father?"

"Know him,son. The snarky bastard married my daughter many years ago, may her soul rest in peace. He will be here in… a minute? Fair warning, however, I'm not sure he believed me, so he might be in a mood when he gets here… Well, he is always in a mood, as you will come to learn, but you're a good kid so I'm sure you two will get on."

Ratchet's took a few steps back as he processed what Dexivier was telling him. "What the East Blargian fuck are you on... "

The older Lombax started laughing. "You got a pilot's mouth. Wonderful! Felibeth would be so proud!" He wiped away a tear. "You're going to do well here, son."

"Felibeth...?"

"She was yourmother, Lear," he said, an edge of sorrow entering his tone. "Bet her eyes have been on you for the past twenty years rather than this dump. I have no doubt her attitude is strong enough to be passed onto you. You certainly have her backbone at least. You'll need it when handling your father."

"My... No! No... You're mistaken! My father was killed by Tach..."

"Frea Dexivier" shouted one of the armored guards from earlier. He came out from the hallway. "Frea Forrestier mon ablican," he gestured to Ratchet with a 'come here' motion. "Kan Lear... Paterna shevon vour decan. Merni vour doxier?"

"Ah! Good!" said Dexivier still smiling. "He's arrived. I'm going to stay put and give you two a moment, and one last thing." He stared directly at Ratchet's shocked face, still grinning like a madman. "He will try to claim you as an heir.Don't resist!It's futile and he can't help you unless he knows what youbeen through. Alright, son?"

"Kan Lear..." said the guard. Making another motion.

"Go on! Or he'll drag you out," said Dexivier. "The Forrestier guard don't get paid enough for their efficiency..."

Ratchet shook his head, trying desperately to regain his senses before following the guard out the door, leaving Dexivier alone in his office. Musing to whatever thoughts that made him so damn smiley.

He heard crying as he walked hallway alongside Rivet's shocked remarks in polarian and the broken sobs of a heartbroken woman. Ratchet couldn't see them, but it appeared they were at the other end of the hallway.

"Who are you! Why are you crying? Did one of my weapons go off...?"

"Aquila... Come here, please. Vour Amalina tavier nin. I've missed you..."

"Kan Lear...? Mear Aquila mon victa. Paterna nea vet," the guard tapped Ratchet's shoulder and gestured to Rivet's general direction with the okay symbol, before gently pulling him towards wherever they were going earlier. "Victa, mon en."

Each step felt weighed down, as if the one taking them was a snagglebeast and not Ratchet himself. A strange feeling crept into his chest as the guard pulled him forward towards the room on the other side of the hall. It was as if was tied to the end of a tug-of-war rope, with him holding his ground on one side. But unlike the strange command Dexivier gave earlier this was more... natural? Desperate? Ratchet didn't know. Though, he did understand what it was trying to tell him.

Come here. Please, let me see you.

The door opened over a painstaking three seconds. Ratchet's chest growing tighter with each one. The guard nodded to him, then gestured into the room with the okay symbol. Ratchet blindly nodded back. His mind starting to grow foggy.

"Lear?"

He furrowed his brow and glanced up. A familiar one eyed Lombax stood before him. Proudly wearing a blue spherical symbol on his chest similar to the one Ratchet found in the mine. His face covered in scarring, torture marks from long ago, bad ones. It didn't bother Ratchet as much as the familiarity however. He wasn't use to familiar.

Ratchet paused, instinctively recalling where it came from.

The other, not as scarred half of the stranger's face looked very much like a particular Lombax in a certain pocket watch... and by extension similar to Ratchet himself.

He found himself staggering, unable to comprehend who the hell he was suppose to be looking at.

Come.

But Ratchet didn't need to move, because the Lombax moved towards him. He closed his eyes, feeling a powerful pressure in his head, like a migraine trying to tell him what to do.

"What's happening... My head..."

"Relax, son. You will understand in a minute."

He opened his eyes. The Lombax was now right in front of him, raising a gentle hand to Ratchet's face, steadying him. He could see the emotion in that single eye...feel it.He could understand why it was moist with tears, and why words could not describe the intense love behind them - to the point where it fucking hurt to even speak.

Ratchet tried to focus onbreathing as the hand settled affectionately on the back of his head. As if asking for permission to see what lay within. Memories, emotions, thoughts... There was something that needed to be shared. A connection that needed to be reformed.

After a long moment, filled with emotion, pain, and exhaustion which he couldn't comprehend, Ratchet finally acknowledged his father... and let him into his head.

Whelp... That's that.

Next chapter will return to Malea and crew. Let me know what you think of the story so far. :)

Thanks for reading!