Chapter 3 has arrived! Please let me know what you think! :)
I'm out of isolation tomorrow, so I won't be able to pump out chapters like I have been, but I should hopefully get the next one up by next week.
Hope you enjoy it!
Ratchet felt like he was floating despite his feet being planted on the ground. He could feel heat, dizzyness, and something cold on his wrist. On his tongue, he could taste the metallic flavour of blood. Around him buildings burned and people screamed - and in his arms, the cry of a baby that sent his protective instincts into full gear and made him ignore everything he just listed.
He looked down. The arm that was 'his' was much larger than Ratchet's real one and an unusual gray colour - but his focus didn't stay on the arm or the body in which Ratchet found himself inside. The baby Lombax - with similar colouring to Ratchet's own fur and no bigger than the forearm of the stranger whose mind he was possessing - was staring up with enormous eyes. Ratchet - or the person he was in - frantically glanced around for somewhere to keep the baby safe.
He saw his opportunity - a very familiar escape pod on the edge of the battlefield. He holds the baby close to his chest and runs - pulling the pod open with a powerful arm and a well-placed wrench. It popped open, and he placed the crying child inside.
"Computer - mark the location of a planet similar to Fastoon. Somewhere away from Polaris."
Affirmative. Planet Veldin of the Solana Galaxy selected. Time to destination: 3 day 8hrs 42min. Will land in the major city's emergency centre. Cryosleep will be induced.
He looked down at the child - a wave of love overcoming him as a small hand grasped his thumb and large teary green eyes stared up at him. 4 days... that's how long he needed to last before he was safe. The escape pod's signal will cut off upon landing. They only had to keep Tachyon occupied...
Ratchet had no control over what they said next. "I'll see you in the stars," he leaned forward, kissing the babe's forehead before closing the pod. "You are loved, Lear. May you find a way home. We'll be fighting to keep you safe - I promise. In the meantime, for the sake of us all... live."
And with that, the escape pod closed and launched. Flying into space as a small black mark amongst the carnage. Ratchet turned, wrench armed, fully aware that he had to stay alive for at least four more days...
...
Ratchet woke up, panting, with his mind struggling to make sense of his surroundings. He was laying down on a soft surface, like a bed or sofa, but it did nothing for the faded pounding in his head. A small metal hand tapped his arm.
"Ratchet? Are you alright?" It was Clank. Oh, thank Orvus, it was clank.
"It will take a moment for him to gather his senses. Heir claims can knock the breath out anyone," said... his father. An idea he was still very much coming to terms with. A gentle hand rubbed his head, and Ratchet leaned into it. "Ratchet... That was his name back there, wasn't it?"
"Yes, sir. 'Ratchet' is the name on his Solanian and Polarian I.D."
"You make everything sound clinical," muttered Ratchet, shaking his head and wincing when he tried to open his eyes. "Can someone please tell me what just happened? I think I saw someone's memories from years ago... and that isnotnormal."
"Describe the owner of the memories? If you can..."
"He was bigger than me. Gray. Knewme,though. He was the one that put me in an escape pod to Veldin... I watched as he put me in the escape pod... Fuck, it was weird."
The hand rubbed his head again. "That was your grandfather's memories," said his father, his voice softening. "I thought he had something to do with your survival. I know your mother did as well."
"Where were you?"
"Forced by the council to stay with dimensionator - then targeted by Tachyon for being a surviving heir. I owe my life to the skill and loyalty of our guardsmen." He paused, then added. "I was told all three of you had made it to safety by the council, which I found out was inaccurate in recovery. I thought I lost you..."
Ratchet's eyes shot open, seeing his father's face staring down at him, his single eye filled with emotion. "The councilliedto you."
He frowned, tired and sincere. "Things have gotten... very complicated in the dimension, Lear. It echoes from that day. I'm just glad you're back now, son. You have done enough." The hand moved along to side of his face, his thumb moving affectionately along Ratchet's chin. "I saw it. What you've been through. Can't believe you were the ones who finished Tachyon. It's almost poetic."
"You saw..."
"Everything I needed too. You have quite the sleeping problem, Lear. I imagine Miss Aquila is the same?"
Ratchet pulled himself up, sitting up on what he could now see was a sofa. He was in a small room - one that didn't seem to serve an obvious purpose... unless the weird memory thingwasthe purpose. "Aquila..." he muttered. "You mean Rivet, right? Yeah, she can't sleep unless me or kit is in the room with her, and only for a few hours at a time."
"You two have strange names," said his father with a shake of his head.
"I could have also been 'screwdriver' or 'toolbox'. I think Ratchet isn't in too bad in comparison. At least itsoundslike a name."
A chuckle. "Fair point."
"I take it you are feeling better now, Ratchet? Will my sensors go off again if I leave?" asked Clank. "Mr. Dexivier still requires me to do a virus check."
"I'm fine buddy, you can go. Thanks for checking up on me."
Clank nodded, then trotted out of the room. With Ratchet staring at his back affectionately as he heard Clank call for the guard outside.
"He was quite prevalent in the memories I saw," said his father with a smile. "Smart little bot. You too work well together. He stomped all the way over here when you went under. Gavemequite the talking to. "
The words put a smile on Ratchet's face. "I would be dead without him, and so would a-lot of other people. He can stay with me, right?"
"Of course! In fact, I would feel better if he is with you. Especially while you're settling in, " He stood up, his smile fading. " In the meantime, you need torest."
The last words were said with such a tone that Ratchet knew immediately what he was referring to. He looked away and tried to brush it off, not wanting to be pampered.
"Yeah... Yeah... I haven't slept in a while."
"Three days," grumbled his father. Raising an eyebrow. "The memories only show me what Ineedto see. Your insomnia, and the memories it stems from, made up most of them. You cope because you don't know any different... And that's changing as of today! Even if you have to be pumped full of sleeping pills and I have the guard hold you down. How you function at your level of exhaustion is beyond me."
"Great..."
"After we move to the compound, though. I think your the old man wants to steal you for the afternoon," he said with an affirmative nod. "We have plenty to celebrate!"
"What about Rivet?" asked Ratchet, his mind bouncing again between thoughts of having afatherand agrandfather... Alive.
"She will head to the Azalea estate with her mother..."
"Hermother!?Holy shit! She'll be freaking out!"
"We know," was the grumbled reply. "And we haven't even told you two about being Heirs to the clan leadership positions..."
Ratchet spluttered. "Heir to WHAT?"
He sighed at the reaction, but his smile remained. "Your grandfather is already sorting out the alcohol. It will take a while to explain - probably won't even get you home until late. Don't worry, though, you're more than qualified."
Ratchet stood up, a bit wobbly and eyes wide. Finally having time to process the day - all of it. From the man standing next to him. to the hanger and the hundreds of Lombaxes in it, the weird memory thing, the pull in his chest on the field... He staggered.
"I need a minute... this is...a-lot,"he muttered. "We were hoping for a small colony or some ruins... butthis." He shook his head and gestured to everything around him.
"We're not expecting you to be settled overnight," said his father, reaching out to steady him. "Thank you for not acting violently by the way. Aquila left a few holes in the wall."
"Yeah... That's how she copes when she doesn't know what to do. Highly recommend putting reinforced walls into her room or you'll be repairing them on a weekly basis," said Ratchet with a sigh. "Shehatessurprises."
"Speaking from experience?"
"You bet."
A silence followed, as Ratchet regained his balance. Fully aware of the single affectionate eye staring at him. It was different to the gazes watching him on his way to Dexivier's -his grandfather's- office. There was love here - a pure, unconditional kind he hadn't experienced before today. He didn't dislike it. In fact, in felt natural. Like the gaze was supposed to be like that.
"Lear..." he whispered, the hand returning to Ratchet's cheek once more. "Just know with whatever else you learn from today, that having you home with us is the most incrediblemiracle...I am so proud of you. Just for surviving and making it back to us."
He pulled Ratchet close to him into a strong embrace, so close Ratchet could hear the pounding of his father's heart, so loud it sounded out the thoughts in his head. "I never stopped loving you, Lear. The past twenty years have been a different hell compared to the one you experienced, but you make all the work worth it just by being here, son."
He placed a tender hand on Ratchet's head and kissed his forehead. "You have a family now. It will take some getting use too but never forget that. Welcome home."
...
Malea was up especially early this morning. Two clan leaders... ofleadingclans... were set to make some historical announcements. Not exactly an everyday occurrence. Probably will even go down in the history books. She found her hands shaking while doing up her usual bun. Depending on what was said could very much lead to rioting with all the resources at stake.
She doubted images of the two new heirs will be released with the announcements. The leaders will keep them close for a while until they are ready to be displayed outside of their respective clans. It was all publicity once they were out, and overwhelming the newcomers would be a tactic certain smaller clan leaders would employ to try and vacate the position again. Best to prepare them in advance, train them for the media, before having them stand next to the older, more experienced heirs.
Malea frowned. Those heirs will probably assist them in such matters. Many of them lost siblings to Tachyon and would be sympathetic to their experiences. The smaller clans... Not so much.
She took in a breath and headed downstairs. Her brother had taken the crew out onto the water, leaving their father to watch the announcements with her. He was already slouched on the sofa. His face contorted with concern, but it lightened when he saw her - making a gesture to sit next to him. "Good morning, Malea."
"Morning, Dad," she said while taking a seat. The screen held two announcers discussing the 'boundless' opportunities the heirs bring for the two large clans and Lombaxes within them.
"Some show they're putting on, huh?" said her father. He leaned back in his seat and rubbed his forehead. "I can't remember the last time there was this much excitement over an announcement. Usually they are dull affairs."
"I can't remember the last announcement," muttered Malea. She rubbed her hands together, trying to control her nerves. "At least one of historical significance that didn't involve a wedding or funeral. It's unique to be outside of those categories."
"That's because I rarely wake you up for them. Trade announcements can be read about on the holonet," said her father smiling. "I only need to make one of my children suffer at a time, and it's your brother who deals with the consequences, anyway."
She nodded back, grateful to avoid the fishing industry for as long as possible.
A few moments later and the announcers turned back to the screen, their grins wide and unnatural. "And now it begins! Introducing Lord Forrestier - Airing live from the Forrestier compound!"
The scenery changed to the Forrestier announcement podium. The clan's circular blue symbol on display at the center and the Forrestier guard standing at attention behind their leader. On the holovision, Lord Forrestier appeared tall at the stand. He wore an enormous smile, a sight Malea can not recall seeing before, but also had a ring of purple around his eyes. As if he had been up all night sorting out paperwork. A possibility given his son's sudden arrival. Must have been a big night.
It is with great pride and gratitude that I announce the arrival of my son, Lear, from dimension 0-1A - more commonly known as the home dimension. He returned safe at 0620 yesterday morning, and was found by Lord Dexivier's personal squad near the abandoned Trillium mine.
He came through with Miss Aquila through a dimensional rift - the cause of yesterday's anomaly. They were seeking the Lombax dimension... and were surprised to find they had living relatives and responsibilities alongside their own kind.
Lear took to the heir claim naturally. I did not require use of the privileges that mark me as a leader. After viewing his memories, I have decided to submit him into therapy alongside Miss Aquila to assist him with the transition of moving into this lifestyle. It would be hard enough moving into regular civilian life, let alone bearing the pressure to honor a clan of over one hundred thousand. He will take on the responsibilities of the role as he adjusts and learns about us and our ways, but also while we get to know him as a clan.
Considering the life he has led, his overall health is in good condition with yesterday's results coming back normal. He is a fit young man who gets bored easily... and we all know who to blame for that. *Laughter in the crowd*
As for his capabilities - he speaks eleven languages, unfortunately none of them Lombax, but is obviously keen to learn! He is a trained air and spacecraft mechanic and pilot with extensive military experience - much to his grandfather's delight. *More laughter* He has also been in leadership positions before - mostly of military variety - and has been involved in negotiations, trades, escorts, and combat. He has the capacity to be the next heir to the clan and continue leading it to success.
He has been through so much- both through his own choices, the circumstance of his environment, and through the consequences of the choices made around him. I hope his arrival will provide him with the purpose he has been seeking all these years and the answer to the bloodshed he has witnessed. He has certainly done our clan proud... and I can't imagine a better young man coming out of that rift.
Welcome home, son.
The screen changed briefly to a 'be back in five minutes' image. Most likely to give viewers a chance to talk about the new heir before the next speech. Malea's father was leaning forward, eyes narrow in thought. Good thing her brother was the one on the boat today, no doubt he would be raving in Malea's ear by now instead.
"The announcement will not be taken well by the small clans. This is bad." her father mumbled.
Malea blinked, surprised by his comment."Why? As much as it sucks to lose the Forrestier heir position, they can't argue with the guy who survived the impossible."
"Not Lear's credibility, Malea. I'm sure this is as much of a shock to him as it is to us. No, it's his credentials. He's going to be trained up as both a leader for the Forrestier and Dexivier clans, and he has the bloodline and skillset to do it. His mother was the previous Dex heir and it looks like his father and grandfather want him to inherit that legacy... and I doubt Lear will want to disappoint them by turning down the proposition so soon after reuniting."
"They didn't mention...
"They don't need to," he said.
Malea sank into her seat. An heir of two clans... would likely cause a union, or they would need to find two heirs to take over the clans after their term. Not exactly an easy feat in today's climate. There were certainly a few of her classmates who wouldn't bear the news.
Her father sighed and rubbed his fingers on forehead. "A-lot of the smaller clans were hedging on gaining more resources once one of the HTA was selected by Lord Forrestier... but he was more willing to shoot his left foot, then comply - and that was before Lear's arrival. Now, well... he nearly died for the kid before and the boy is pre-primed for another. No doubt Lord Dex will use that as an excuse to select him over an HTA heir..." He shook his head. "Three positions lost in one day. That's a-lot of resources."
A sinking feeling settled in Malea's stomach. Her father usually avoided talking about the heir-less clans. Not out of fear, but in respect for what they lost when Tachyon attacked. To hear him say this...
"You think some clans will rebel?" she asked.
"Possibly." he bowed his head. "For those kids to cause all this just by wanting to find us... Can you imagine doing an heir claim on your first day in society? That must have been a shock."
She smiled, impressed at her father's compassion despite the situation. He was right - as he always was when assessing the needs of people. She doubted the new heirs were aware of what awaited them on arrival. The odds of them being anyone important are unimaginable, and yet...
"It was a survey day yesterday," she said, catching her father's attention. "Lord Forrestier and Lady Azalea were there, but were called away within five minutes of the physical display. There is no way the DNA results would have been back by then," she pursed her lips. "Lord Dex knew who they were before it was conclusive."
"That doesn't surprise me nor should it concern you. The bonds in the Dex clan are strong - especially in the main branch. Any sign of resistance in that clan is practically a main family identification badge. Lord Dex only needed to say a word to figure out if one of our newcomers was a member of his clan... or if they were family. And Miss Azalea, well, that clan has a very distinctive appearance and attitude. I'm sure she standouts."
"Lord Forrestier didn't question him, though! It seems out of character."
"I doubt he would. Lord Dex wouldn't be happy calling just anyone 'family'. Especially after what happened to Lady Felibeth."
Now introducing Lady Azalea.Said the holovision, grasping both eyes as the screen flickered to a more colourful display.
Lady Azalea stood tall, the background changed to display the Azalea crests with her lead warriors standing proudly beside her. She smiled warmly as she stared out in the crowd and spoke with a gentle edge that Lord Forrestier's voice had lacked.
It is with great honor and joy that I announce the arrival of my daughter, Aquila, from dimension 1-2A. She returned safely alongside Lear Forrestier at 0620 yesterday morning near the Trillium mine and was found by Lord Dexivier.
It shocked her to discover her living relatives, but took the heir claim with dignity upon learning the role of her birth and the number of Lombaxes who rely upon her returning. I have placed her into therapy alongside Mr. Lear, who she considers a brother, in the hope she will settle among us and to prevent her from becoming overwhelmed by the changes. But also to provide a space for respite, as we come to learn about her and her experiences.
Her health is good, however she lost an arm several years ago and now uses a nerve-attached mechanical prosthetic designed for combat. She is accustomed to it, and is as capable as any Azalea warrior.
Her history is that of a rebel and a survivor. One that worked against a dictator not unlike Tachyon, alongside an alliance of many races. They were successful eight months ago, hence the decision to seek her race. Her main skill set is in combat and hunting, having lived most her life in the wilds of Sargasso - and for those who are aware of the planet, then you understand how difficult it must have been and the amount of character it takes to survive there without destroying your sense of self. She speaks all eight major languages of Polaris and is keen to start Lombax.
My daughter is a fighter. One who has beaten the odds time and time again. Proving herself to be worthy of becoming the Azalea heir and a warrior amongst the clan's elite. I hope this world heals the loneliness she has experienced and delivers on the hope she has been holding onto for so long.
Welcome, my dear. You have been missed.
The screen flickered back over to the news. With a team of newscasters applauding the speeches and beginning their commentary. Her father turned it off, not interested in the waffle.
"At least that announcement was less inflammatory," he said with a yawn. "Though I doubt there won't be any resistance. Some of the smaller clans will use any excuse to vacate the position... not that Lady Azalea will back down."
"Do you think they will restrict their resources again?"
"Only if we go after the kids," he said, standing up with a stretch. "I'm going to join your brother on the water. You should head to school."
...
When Malea arrived at school, her mind was abuzz with all the talk on the street. Most of the city Lombaxes had taken to hanging out on the sidewalk to talk about the mornings announcements. Most of them - especially the ones from the larger clans - were supportive of the new arrivals. It meant they got to maintain their lifestyles after all. But the smaller clan members...
She shook her head and continued to walk. Trying to remember what her father said about causing chaos simply for looking for your own kind. The shock of going through an heir claim on your first day in society - probably not understanding what was happening - and the pressure to live up to the expectations of your new family. Anger wouldn't solve the issue. The newcomers had done nothing wrong, even if their arrival created more problems for her and her fellow HTA classmates.
But once she arrived at the HTA itself, she realized there would be no peace from the chatter. Coming into a scene with a smiling Cal - never a good sign - and the sight of the entire cohort swarming Humali in the center of the gym. The pale Lombax gripped her tablet tight and growled at everyone surrounding her. Tarvi was off to the right on the outskirts of the group, a glare of envy in his expression.
They spoke about the heirs, and the questions certainly weren't polite.
"Is he really as good as Lord Forrestier says?"
"Eleven languages? Is that even possible?"
"Is Aquila a savage? Lear definitely sounds like a brute!"
"Is he more or less evil than his old man?"
Humali growled, pulling her tablet in closer to her. "I told you! Everything I know is classified! The most I can confirm is that they are healthy! Everything else is none of your business..."
"What's going on, Cal?" asked Malea, stepping beside her smiling friend. Drama being one of the few things which made her happy.
"Turns out Humali was part of Lear and Aquila's medical team yesterday so everyone is curious... Tarvi's upset she didn't tell him where she was - as if she had the time, poor girl... Now our little medical genius has to run off and finish her notes before she sees them again tomorrow. No idea if she is lucky or not."
"Do I need to say it again!" hissed Humali, pushing herself away from the crowd. "It's classified! Stop acting like toddlers and leave me be!"
"What about the Azalea girl? Is she a brute too?" said Tarvi following her, looking more pissed off the longer Humali's attention was on something other than him.
"Neither of them are brutes!I would even say they are more civilized than all of you!" she snapped. "And don't spread misinformation like that Tarvi. They arrived yesterday and don't deserve to go through that shit. It's not like they have any fucking control of the situation!"
Tarvi's eyes bulged at her language. "Did you just swear?"
"Better than what a Forrestier guard would do for talking about Lear like that. We have to treat them like the other leading heirs."
"Humali... We shouldn't be getting soft for the leading clans."
"Don't test me! I've got to reorganize their psych tests so we don't freak them out tomorrowandI need to collate their data points in my software by tomorrow morning..."
"I thought they were healthy?"
"Mostly. It takes a few days to test for the issues we are expecting. Sleep disorders and the like - which could be normal culturally for them but extremely unhealthy long term. Or heck, maybe they are near-sighted and neither of them have heard of contact lenses? That information is not obtained in the preliminary tests..."
"You're waffling..." muttered the short Lombax. "Maybe you should take a break from your work."
Humali's eyes narrowed dangerously at the statement. An action Tarvi must have been too blind to notice, as he glanced around with a jealous tint in his eyes at the surrounding Lombaxes. Malea sighed and shook her head. Even she knew not to get between a Ventore and their patient data.
"Why don'tyousay 'no' to the clan leaders for me, and I might," she said, folding her arms. "Lear actually likes it when I talk about my tests! Finds them interesting. Maybe if you didn't sleep through biology, you wouldn't be so bored!"
Tarvi went silent after that, and Humali left for one of the computer rooms. Most likely given permission from Bastion to work rather than study, given the special status of the patient's involved.
Once she was out of sight, Tarvi spluttered. "What's up with her? Those heirs are driving her mental..." He shook his head, then left to stand with his friends, who were continuing to talk about the announcements.
"Well, that's our entertainment for the day," Cal sighed and frowned. "You know Mal... I was in the lead to be the next Azalea heir - guess I need to accept my lot in life and continue the family security business."
Malea stared over at her. Their results were supposed to be private."Are you okay?"
"Can't say I'm too pleased. But I don't want to be wishing the girl back to a life with dinosaurs. Can't imagine it was easy for Lady Azalea to find out about all that either. And it all sounds fishy... doesn't it?"
"What do you mean?"
"The only mention of Tachyon in the announcements was to compare him to another dictator. Either those two are the luckiest Lombaxes in the universe, or the leaders are intentionally leaving out some of their history."
Malea frowned. "I thought it might still be traumatic for them..."
"Bullshit. Humali wouldn't be defending them if she thought they were weak... She even seems to have a soft spot for the Forrestier boy. Haha! This is going to better than those afternoon soap operas!"
"You think the Leaders were covering their real potential?"
"Maybe... What if they took old Tachyon out? How would the clans react? Probably not in a welcoming manner..."
Malea shook her head. "I don't know. My father was more concerned about Lear taking two heir positions. He thinks that it could lead to war."
"My father mentioned that, too. Apparently it's Lear's right - as he was meant to be the Dex heir before all this insanity happened. He would have been a natural too, with his piloting interests, and the Forrestier position would have gone to a sibling. Sounds weird out loud, huh?"
"Very. Imagine two Forrestier heirs running around. Yikes!"
Cal chuckled. "Well, guess that is one blessing during this mess. Anyway, we should get to class. Don't want to be late for Bastion's lessons on 'Lombax history'," she said the last part with her fingers quoting the air causing Malea to chuckle.
They continued to chat until class, strictly keeping the topic on anything else. Though if Malea had listened to the chatter just a little longer, she would have heard the first beats of rebellion being discussed among her classmates.
Whelp! That's that!
Next chapter things start getting interesting with the smaller clans... ;) I shall say no more!
Let me know what you think!