Another big one! A focus on Kaden and how he thinks.
Let me know what you think! :)
Enjoy!
Kaden took a breath and hung his head back in relief. He didn't think Lear was going to stay behind without a fight. Most young Lombaxes his age wanted to get their nose into everything off-limits. Then again, his son had only been here for three days and has experienced more than most of the clan leaders combined. Maybe Lear could know when he was out of his depth, or he didn't feel he had been here long enough to have a say in clan politics. Either way, it kept him safe, and that was all that mattered to Kaden.
The past three days were the most incredible and stressful of Kaden's life. Torn between wanting to spend time with his son and preparing a future for him. It was tearing his brain to shreds, but he had to do both. The memories only taught him what haunted his son's mind... nothing about his personality or interests or anything else that made himLear.He needed to settle him as soon as possible or the boy would fly off the same as Miss Aquila did a few days ago.
There was so much to plan... He'll need to start his education. Not at the Academy, but in the Forrestier and Dexivier facilities. Where he could learn how the clan functioned by working with the head staff and handling the tech. The Academy will come later. Once he was comfortable and knew what was expected of him. He only had to go for socializing - which he would also need lessons for.
Then the part Kaden had to bereallycareful about - they had to secure a marriage alliance. Sooner rather than later. He knew there were vultures amongst the clans, already wanting to dine on the resources Lear could provide them. On top of being a capable young man compared to the useless brats the HTA and Academy were pumping out. His son's instinctive skill and combat level would also raise his value - especially if the news regarding Tachyon got out. Which will ruin their other plans, but also make finding a match damn near impossible.
Any girl would want to be married to a hero after all, but not justanygirl could enter a marriage alliance with the Forrestier clan.
Kaden sighed at the thought. Wondering how he got so lucky when he made a love-match with Felibeth.
The armored vehicle jolted as it rounded a corner. He was currently headed to the tallest building in the major city. Where the conference hall rested until it's occasional use as a verbal gladiator arena. One where Kaden was the crowd favorite all the other fighters wanted to take out.
He hated these events.
The vehicle made it into the building. The drop off point being secured ahead of him by his personal guard. Kaden can't recall how many attacks he has experienced since becoming the Forrestier leader. His own father had a few during his term, but they ramped up exponentially once arriving in the dimension. Smaller clans were keen to vacate his position while heirless so they could elect an heir of their choosing. Kaden grinned to himself. Such a scenario was no longer a possibility.
He took in another breath as the vehicle came to a holt. "Lord Forrestier," said his captain, opening the door for him. "We have arrived. They are using conference room four on the third level."
"Not the main hall? Interesting..." said Kaden, stepping out. "I take it they want to get personal... Or not every clan is coming."
"Just the problematic ones, sir," said his captain with a sigh. "The others are in close proximity to our territory."
"How fun..." Kaden drawled.
His guard lead him into the building. The entrance sparsely decorated and professionally designed. What Kaden would call 'boring'. The only colour in sight being a simple artistic painting on the wall in red and brown. A small testament to the Stanton clan who constructed the building. Kaden doubted they would have called in for this conference. Given what he suspected the topic was going to be.
They went up an elevator to the third level, then entered the largest room at the end of the hall. Already Kaden could hear the chatter of leaders and a few of their heirs as the mingled in the hall. Though he heard no one he would call an ally.
The divide became obvious when he stepped foot inside A hoard of small clan leaders to his right and the larger clan leaders to his left, all the latter being heirless except for him and Hondurea. Four total. Lismoth and Dexivier were chatting away as was the business of older men, while Hondurea and Lord Azimuth stared around bored. A few heads turned as he walked towards them. Eyes either glaring in disgust or hope.
He stood still with the other leaders of the leading clans. Hondurea coming to his side with a look opposite to the gentle face she used with the media. "Kaden..." she nodded in greeting. "What brings you here?"
"Nothing but an order to be present," he muttered. "What about yourself?"
"Same unfortunately. I take it we both know why we were asked to come."
"Obviously. How is Miss Aquila by the way? Old Dex offered Lear the chance to help design a new ship and... well, I did not have it in me to tear him from the project. He's lost in it. I'll drag him to the conference next month instead." An easy lie. One he had come up with Dexivier. Hondurea would be able to sense the meaning underneath.
"Alas, we are the same again!" said Hondurea with a knowing smile. "My dear Aquila is having the time of her life. Her first hunt if you can believe it! What kind of mother would I be if I cut such a momentous occasion short? There will be plenty of other conferences but your first hunt only happens once."
"Best to make the first experience positive," agreed Kaden. "Don't want to scare them from work."
"Exactly! Let them have fun!"
Attention all leaders, the conference will begin momentarily. Please go to your assigned seats.
"Here we go," he muttered. "Let's hear them out."
"And bring them down a few pegs," she grinned, with a dangerous toothy smile.
They took their seats. Kaden seated near the top alongside the other leads, the smaller clan leaders took up space on the other side of the table. A few with their heirs standing behind them to observe - but strictly not intervene. As soon as they settled, the announcement sounded.
The conference begins now.
"Well," said Lord Polivier, his short self barely taller than the table. He gestured to Kaden and Hondurea. "Congratulations to you both. I take the new heirs are settling in?"
They nodded. Keeping their faces calm. Waiting for the right moment to discuss even a trifling detail.
"So," said Lady Galtrene to Lord Polivier's right. Her deep red fur gleaming in the dim light. "How are they? My son has been hearing stories that they are quite the engineers... apparently talented at designing armor."
"How else would they survive?" grumbled Lord Azimuth, leaning back in his seat. His dark gray fur was almost invisible in the lighting. "I haven't seen hair nor hide of them, but even I know you're dead without decent equipment and one of them is Kaden's boy - So I'm sure he could make a set of armor from paperclips if he needed too."
"Lear has mentioned nothing about armor. Much more interested in ship engines," said Kaden with a grin. Trying to lighten the mood.
"If you don't monitor him, you'll lose him in the hanger," agreed Lord Dexivier eyes shining. "Gave my workers quite the rush when he disappeared for three hours, only to come to my office asking for the location of the lunchroom."
"That's your fault for losing his guard's number," muttered Kaden. Causing old Dex to playfully roll his eyes.
"Anyhow, my Lord's," said Lord Olividge. Pressing his lips together at the unprofessional banter. "We are enquiring about the suitability of the new heirs regarding the leadership roles."
Kaden's smile vanished. He leaned on one arm and stared at the leaders across the table. Daring them to continue.
"Unless your son came back perfectly healthy, both mentally and physically, then it is our opinion that he should not lead. As with Miss Aquila. What is your opinion on his current status, Lord Ventore?" said Lady Galtrene, eyes glinting. As if she was expecting to trump them.
The pale Lord looked at Kaden, then at the group and sighed."The boy is stable and healthy. He has a bit of insomnia, but that was expected. Miss Aquila is the same. She has accustomed well to the loss of her arm and seems to have come to terms with her situation. Overall, both are doing incredibly well considering their background... and it is my opinion your idea of coming from the home dimension 'perfect' is cruel. Certainly won't receive a medical verdict," he stared dead on at the other small clan leaders. "I doubt you all would come back so well rounded."
Lord Polivier hunched over his seat. Eyes glaring daggers at Lord Ventore. "I'm surprised you're defending the lad. Whose side are you on?"
"My vows concern all patients of the Ventore's - I don't support any particular 'side', only the truth. We must respect the vows we took for our positions."
"But my son doesn't need to respect your daughter..." smirked Lord Polivier, causing Lord Ventore to grit his teeth and a hush of whispers behind them.
"Polivier," said Kaden with a daring tone. "We don't make threats during a conference. Might I add it doesn't particularly put your son in good stead by suggesting you wish to make Miss Ventore miserable. You're only in the first stage of marriage progression and it can be broken by her until stage three."
"Why would it fail? The only reason I can think of is your boy cozying up to the girl. My son doesn't shut up about it when he gets home from the HTA," hissed Lord Polivier. His tail flicking in irritation.
"You mean letting her conduct his medical tests? In a fully supervised setting with half our medical squad and his entire personal guard watching? Sounds romantic..." grumbled Lord Dexivier sarcastically. "I think you're kid needs a reality check."
He leaned forward casually on the table, while Kaden raised an eyebrow. Knowing the old man was about to end this pointless discussion. He had a talent for putting a stop to rambling and getting people to admit their true intentions - with or without them being aware of it - and he seemed to be getting bored.
"Look," he began, rolling his wrist in a causal manner. "It's not that I don't appreciate you smaller clans hosting a conference for my grandson, but can you please tell me why? I'm just hearing rumours from HTA brats that have never met him. You talk as if he's a lady's man or some engineering genius. While I'm sure it will flatter him to hear this... Lear has been home for THREE DAYS."
His eyes narrowed at the smaller clan leaders, getting down to business. "Kaden and I, being the two Lombaxes he has spent the most time with, barely know him. Kaden's seen a few memories but they don't tell us anything about his personality or what he is capable of - you all know this! I could understand the discussion a year from now, but THREE DAYS? We only know a glimpse of his history and here you are, talking as if you know him, whenwedon't even know him. It's absurd! Why are we here?" He glanced around the room. Making his point. "I could be enjoying a pint of beer with my grandson right now. Instead, I have to stare at you ugly lot! I'm walking out if I don't get an answer in the next minute!"
A row of death glares came to him from the other side of the room. Though Kaden knew the old man barely noticed it.
"We just lost three clans' worth of resources!" said Justin Corex, leader of a small construction clan. "How can you say that? We demand compensation!"
"You never had those resources," said Kaden, his voice going cold. "Lear has been alive this whole time - the position was always his. He is born for the role! How can we possibly compensate you for something you haven't lost?"
"Yes," said Hondurea. "My Aquila has been fighting beasts her whole life. Might as well have been raised with us. She is a natural hunter... What have you lost because of it? Your lives remain as they are, not better or worse."
"And there in lies the problem," grumbled Polivier. "Nothing changes, and change is what us smaller clans are screaming about."
Murmur's of agreement echoed from the smaller clan leaders. Except for a few - namely Hillax and Ventore. Kaden will keep them in mind.
" 'Change' is a broad term..." muttered old Lord Lismoth, finally entering the conversation. "It's been thrown around for years. I never hear about anything concrete for a plan. What, exactly, needs to change? This system resulted from your fuck-ups twenty years ago. We aren't going back, if that's what you want. I'll sooner turn the sewers off and leave you to clean up your own crap again."
"It's just interesting that you haven't released a-lot of information about either of them, except for the announcements," said Lord Polivier, changing topic and glancing away from Lord Lismoth with a snarl.
"And also," said Lady Hexaton - of a small clan specializing in heat engineering. Her sharp eyes observing them with intrigue. "It was interesting how, in both of your announcements, Tachyon was barely mentioned. I can understand that for Miss Aquila as she did not live directly in the home dimension. But Lear... not a word, Lord Forrestier. Almost as if it hasn't been a problem. Why is that?"
More murmurs. Kaden simply nodded in understanding, expecting this question.
"Oh, Tachyon is a problem. It's why Lear jumped over to Miss Aquila's dimension - he actually thought it was this one, but was using an outdated map at the time. He couldn't get back, so he stayed with her." The lie came easily. There were a few leaders here who could not be trusted with the truth. Lear would understand. "It's an announcement to the entire Lombax population. I only wanted to speak of my son's successes and his strengths. As would any of you in that situation."
"Of course," said Lady Hexaton. "And if Tachyon wasn't around..."
"Then Lear would not have come home," he finished. "And that is what matters to me."
Kaden heard a small flurry amongst his guards behind him, causing him to grit his teeth. Hostiles must have made it to the compound, but his captain made no signal, so everything was going as planned.
"Do you have any other requests?" said Lady Hondurea with one of her legendary glares. "It better be worth my time."
Her question was met with silence and minor shuffling.
"Oh, good. In that case, I shall take my leave. Thank you for the chat," though her tone lacked gratitude.
They all stood. Signifying the end of whatever had just happened. The smaller clan leaders got up to huddle on the far side of the room.
Finally, with the pointless conference over, Kaden breathed out a sigh of relief the second he was out of earshot of the leaders mingling in the center of the conference hall. He took a sip of the offered wine. Waiting until he could leave appropriately. He could not blame a bad back like Lord Lismoth, or get away with just wondering off like Lord Dex or Hondurea. The smaller clan leaders were eyeing him, since Lord Azimuth was on the phone with his clansmen.
There was someone he needed to talk to before he left. Kaden moved to the balcony... and waited.
"Lord Forrestier," whispered his captain behind him. "We captured six hostiles. Kholovan wishes to keep Mr. Lear in lockdown until morning."
"Fair enough. How's the side plan going?"
"Well, he's not sleeping nor pulling apart the gift from Lord Dex. So much better than expected," said his captain. Kaden could hear a chuckle in the way he spoke.
"Perfect..." whispered Kaden, grinning from ear to ear and looking out over at the city below. "Keep the lockdown going as long as possible. Blame an investigation, if you must. I doubt Lear will mind."
"Roger that."
Kaden then spent over an hour waiting for the leaders to slowly taper off. The next part of his night was going to be vital for keeping the smaller clans in their place and securing Lear a future amongst the clans. Hehadto play his cards right during this next conversation.
He wanted to speak with the last remaining leader. The pale Lord Ventore took a heavy breath as he scanned the room, ensuring the other small clan leaders were gone, then made his way over to Kaden with sweat sticking to his fur like a wool blanket left in the rain. He staggered as if he was about to throw up once he reached the balcony.
"Kaden," whispered Lord Ventore. His eyes were downcast in defeat. "I'm so sorry... but I must ask. Is she alright?"
"Hedrek!" said Kaden, nodding in greeting. Trying to calm the man's nerves. "You have nothing to apologize for. Miss Humali is in the same place as Lear and with the same defenses. She can stay as long as she needs. I know of the threats against her, and I won't ask you for anything in return."
A sigh of relief later and the other leader's breathing eased. "I'm surprised you're willing to help me," he muttered, looking away. "We haven't exactly kept in touch over the years. Not since our wives..." he frowned.
"Your heads up may have saved Lear's life," said Kaden with a sad smile. "My men have contained six hostile Lombaxes during the meeting. All of them targeting his room. So keeping your daughter safe was the least I could do... " He paused before adding. "And I've never thought less of you for breaking contact. You're suffering because you saved my life and that of thousands of my clansmen. I can't blame you for doing what you must to keep your own clan safe. Felibeth would certainly come back to haunt me if I did."
Lord Ventore nodded in agreement at the last part. "A terrifying thought."
"Indeed." Kaden raised an eyebrow. "On the phone you wanted to ask me something? Is it regarding Miss Humali?"
The man nodded, looking around again, before speaking. "I... I need help breaking off the Polivier marriage arrangement. The smaller clans have backed us into a corner, Kaden. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate. I'm a doctor - not a fighter. "
"Oh? Good. I was hoping to discuss that matter with you. We want to break the arrangement as well."
Hedrek's ears pricked at the news. "Will you or one of the other leads speak against it next conference?"
Kaden took a sip of wine, then gently swirled the liquid in the glass, acting contemplative. "I was thinking of going about it in a more... indirect manner. Through youthful passion and mistakes rather than the traditional approach."
"What are you suggesting?" Hedrek raised his head. The desperation in his voice fading in favor of interest.
"If Miss Humali has a choice," began Kaden, leaning in to the business of the discussion and looking off casually out into the view. "Between, I don't know, a pathetic Polivier heir who will ruin her potential and turn her into breeding stock or..." He turned back to Hedrek, eyes narrowed. "A capable young man who grew up in a culture where it is theman'sresponsibility to make his woman happy. I wonder who she would choose." Kaden shrugged, letting Hedrek connect the dots.
"Lear...," said Hedrek, eyes narrowing in return at the unsaid offer. "Alright, Kaden. My curiosity is peaked. Can I ask what culture he grew up in? I only know it was on a planet called Veldin."
Kaden smirked, "Veldin is in Solana."
Hedrek's shoulders slumped at the name. A galaxy notorious for its female presidents and leaders, at least compared to Polaris, and was also well known for the lengths married men go to please their wives. Kaden waited as Hedrek mentally compared to the demands of the Polivier clan to the romantic stereotypes of Solana, and in turn, to Lear.
"You're kidding me," said Hedrek. "He won't be opposed to his...futurewife taking a leadership position, then? Preventing a merger and all that?"
"Not at all! In fact, Lear has worked under many female leaders before. He has a lot of respect for them, bless him. Would make his mother proud."
So the small clans were trying to force the Ventore's to disband or merge? A cruel request even when it was necessary, let alone demanded of a young girl in an unwilling marriage alliance. Kaden kept his expression neutral. He could use this to obtain what the leading clans really needed from the medical Lombaxes and give them the freedom they deserved in return. This will work.
And it would make Lear happy.
"I thought you would be more interested in saving leading clan resources," muttered Hedrek, leaning his head to the side. "I know there are Azimuth girls in the lower branches of the family, and a few in Lismoth. A marriage to your boy could save their rear ends and increase your influence. Why Humali? I know they were betrothed when they were born - our wives, may their souls rest in peace, demanded it. But times have changed Kaden..."
Kaden shrugged again, this time not wanting to go into too much detail. "Nothing wrong with honoring their wishes beyond the grave, and the old man and I still aren't opposed to the alliance. Why do you think he asked Miss Humali personally to attend to Lear on his first day? It was a good move... I saw her in his memories because Lear had never seen a more 'lovely' lombax in his life," Kaden chuckled at the wording. "In a world full of strangers, she made quite the impression and they are already on a first name basis. Bastion has been doing everything in his power to separate her from the Polivier boy at the HTA on the old man's request. Letting her work on projects rather than attend pointless classes - something webothknow will give her common ground with Lear."
"And what do you want from my daughter?" whispered Hedrek. The tone of a family man who had a child to protect. One Kaden could sympathize with after the past three days. Time for Kaden for one hundred percent honest. A father would pick up a lie to this question in a heartbeat.
"I want my son to be happy," said Kaden, looking down at the city below. A city Lear couldn't enjoy like regular young men his age. "And due to his bloodline, finding a suitable girl for him will be difficult. Miss Humali is not only accomplished, but compassionate. I've seen her inventions. She is more likely to take Lear as heisrather than use him for resources. That's what I wish for him, Hedrek, and I know you want the same for her. Not this bargaining rubbish."
He raised his glass to Hedrek. An attempt to seal the deal and get the alliance the leading clans truly needed.
"Now, Lord Ventore. Should we continue in our meddling?" he said, smiling with the same mischief he once did before Tachyon's attack. "We could use your support in the matter and it would give Felibeth and Aurina an excuse to party on the otherside."
He met Kaden's gaze, the old confidence of the past returning to his pale features as Lord Ventore lifted a new glass of wine. With a quick glare at Polivier's empty seat and a tail flicking in vengeful anger, he tapped his glass to Kaden's. "Abso-fucking-lutely."
...
Ratchet stared at the ceiling, tired but unable to sleep. Kholovan had taken him to the sleeping quarters of the lockdown facility - as if Ratchet knew where it was - and had made a call to the robotics department to escort Clank over. He now stood at the door, watching both Ratchet and the hallway. The rest of the guard spread out elsewhere nearby.
"Kan Lear... You're not going to nap, are you?" he muttered. Leaning on the door frame in a bored manner.
"Iamtired," defended Ratchet, rolling onto his side to face him. "And I'm trying. Just don't think it's going to happen soon."
"Without your medication, how long would it normally take, if I may ask?" said Kholovan with a raised eyebrow.
"...Eventually?
The captain let out a frustrated sigh. "At least you're honest." His ears pricked as a message came through on the radio and the sound of metal feet sounded from the hallway. "Clank has arrived. Would you like me to escort you two somewhere more entertaining? Since sleep is going to evade you, anyway."
This was why Ratchet liked Kholovan. He was professional, but realistic, and wasn't a stick in the mud like most people who reach his rank despite what first impressions would imply.
"Sounds good."
The metal steps got louder as Clank walked into the room. He looked around before blinking in Ratchet's direction. "Three days in the dimension, Ratchet, and you are already in lockdown. What did you do this time?"
"This time?" chuckled Kholovan.
"I didn'tdoanything. Dad put me here. Something about a conference and having intel that some Lombaxes want me dead."
"Lombaxes want you dead? That is new. I thought they were the one race you hadn't upset," said Clank with a huff.
"Well, buddy. When has it ever been that simple?" said Ratchet with a laugh.
Kholovan patted Clank's head in greeting. "I'm going to have to tell your father, you know."
"Tell him what?" said Ratchet.
"That you're unfazed about being targeted. He's worried you're too used to conflict, and it sounds like you both have had a few adventures that would confirm his fears."
"He is not aware of what you have gone through, yet?" said Clank to Ratchet with hands on his hips. "I would have thought you told him on your first night."
Ratchet got up, not liking where this conversation was going. "I'll tell him when he stops freaking out every time I mention something about Kerwan. Or Veldin. Or any other planet we have been to. Now, where is this entertaining area you mentioned? I know you guys have holovision but I have seen nothing remotely resembling a set. Am I even allowed to watch it?"
"Not at the moment," said Kholovan with a chuckle. "But there is a small hangar in here. Your grandfather sent in a little gift to keep you busy in case you woke up early."
Ratchet zoomed past him into the hallway. His ears pricked with interest. "It's a ship! Where is it?"
...
They practically ran down the halls to the hangar - well, Ratchet ran ahead while Kholovan carried Clank and shouted directions.
The hanger was only large enough for a few ships, but there was only one stored at the moment. Igniting a fire of fascination as Ratchet took in the sight of it.
"Orvus! This is insane!" said Ratchet, grinning like a madman as he jumped down the stairs to the magnificent beauty settled in the center of the hangar. It had black and gunmetal colours throughout its design and appeared sleek compared to the everyday ships usually worked on in the main hangers. In fact, Ratchet had a sneaking suspicion firepower lay hidden beneath its shiny metal surface. Tools were left out on the side counter as if to tempt him to go find out.
He placed a hand along the carbonex exterior, noticing raritanium between the metal and the iron frame. "I told him about this type of design yesterday and he already has her built? Whoa!" He opened up the engine. Noting with childish excitement that there was a stabilizer, oxygen converter and gravity pump. This ship was meant for space. "He even took in the design for the engine!"
"I'll be watching from the entrance. Have fun!" said Kholovan, waving him off before going back to his post. Knowing full well that he wasn't being listened to.
"Ratchet... don't you find it alarming how quickly Mr. Dexivier has taken on your advice?" said Clank as soon a Kholovan was out of earshot. He walked around the ship, appraising the design.
"No! He's my grandfather for start, and a-lot of the tech here is decades behind what is available back on Kerwan. It's kinda sad, actually... I wish I could tell him more."
"But you have seen high-quality technology here, have you not?" grumbled Clank, crossing his arms.
"Yeah! But it's notlegal. I mean, all of Dad's dimension tech isn't exactly known to the public. I bet this one is off the books as well. Shame. I bet there are heaps of planets in this dimension. If only we were allowed to find out."
"It just seems odd..."
"I know!" muttered Ratchet, shooting an annoyed stare at his best friend. "But I haven't exactly been here long enough to be privy to everything, buddy. I'm sure they will tell me everything."
"Will you tell them everything first?" asked Clank. Causing Ratchet to wince.
"Anyhow... what was it you wanted to show me on the holonet? Sounded like it made you really..." began Ratchet.
His ears pricked up and turned his head to the right. Ratchet swore he could hear tools striking metal. There was a door upstairs, next to the entrance they used to get into the hanger - must have been too mesmerized by the ship to notice it. He jumped up the stairs again to get his instincts settled, Clank following. A loud groan of frustration screamed from behind once he was close enough to touch it.
He raised an eyebrow at Clank before knocking.
Keiata!Was the reply. Which Ratchet didn't understand, so he entered anyway.
'Kieata!" said the grumpy voice of a lovely female Lombax, poking her head from behind a large piece of medical technology, arms and gloves covered in oil. She wore gritty overalls and thick boots, a stark contrast to the white and blue medical uniform Ratchet usually saw her wear. Pretty pale eyes stared at him in anger, then softened. "Ratchet... I mean, Lear! What are you doing in lockdown?"
"Miss Humali?" muttered Ratchet, Clank giving him a curious glance at his change of tone. "I could say the same about you. Isn't this place in Forrestier territory?"
She pouted. "Yeah, but your father is helping my dad out. So he offered to put me here during the conference. Better than going to a place owned by Polivier..." she shuddered. "I would rather hang out here with you workaholics." With a small grunt, she bent back over. Ratchet turned the corner, watching her struggle to turn a crank connected to a large device.
"Want some help?" He asked. "I promise we won't blow it up."
Her head poked back up. "Promise to keep it a secret?"
"I haven't mentioned a word about your virus-emitter. You know, that weapon I know nothing about? What about you, Clank?"
"I shall not speak of it."
"You got me... okay. Come over here. I need some muscle to pull this bolt crank. I promise the size is essential to keeping the thing together, otherwise I would have never..."
Clunk!
Ratchet phased out his wrench and turned the bolt crank with one fluid motion. Humali's eyes popping out at the movement.
"Whoa... And I thought it was going to take two of us. That adrenaline muscle of yours is something else," she shook her head and leaned back awe.
"You mention that a-lot," said Ratchet. Phasing his wrench back into storage.
"What?"
"Adrenaline muscle. What is it?"
She pursed her lips and looked away, her tail twitching. "Uh... well, it's not very common. To build it you need to be doing heavy lifting while under a-lot of mental pressure. High levels of adrenaline has to be present in your bloodstream for it to form, hence the name."
"And..." said Ratchet, intrigued. "Is it a bad thing to have?"
Her ears pricked up in alarm. "Absolutely not! It just means your muscle fibers are more compact compared to the average Lombax. You can pull this bolt crank here..." she gestured to her device. "With as much ease as a Lombax twice your size who weight lifts. I find...It isimpressive. You also won't lose it for years! Very much a survival mechanism designed to keep us alive over the long-term."
She paused, not meeting his eye. "You must have been through a-lot over there."
Ratchet frowned. "You mean in the home dimension?"
"...Yeah."
He honestly hadn't given it much thought. Not much was mentioned about his old life here, on account of his father panicking through the bond whenever he did manage to say something. Ratchet could feel his emotions no matter how calm he tried to keep his outward appearance. It made talking difficult.
Though now he stared at the sympathetic expression of the lovely lombax before him. Maybe there were opportunities for less emotional discussions on the topic - at least until his father got used to Ratchet and his tendencies. He smiled before answering.
"It was hard at times." he admitted. "But not all bad. Definitely not as cramped as it is here. I've only been here three days and I already miss the stars. The landscapes were better too. Planets green with life, with oceans blue and crystal clear as the sky. Some planets were covered in ice, others lava. And the different races of people made things interesting."
Humali glanced back up. "You've seen stars...?"
"You haven't?"
She blinked. "I moved here when I was a baby, so no. My father used to tell me about them, then stopped once I got to the age of curiosity. I think he was scared I would try and get over there."
"I hope you get the chance to see them one day, then."
"Yeah, but..." she looked away again.
"Stop feeling sorry for me, Humali," he said with his smile faltering. "It was rough back there, but also very beautiful. I wouldn't trade anything for the experiences that have made me who I am. In fact, I think it might have been fated. My struggles, and my successes... they saved lives. Not Lombaxes, but people who deserve to live all the same. It made the whole fucked up situation worth it, ," he chuckled. "My Dad might disagree though..."
Something changed in her expression as he spoke, softening it almost. Her lips parted slightly with tender awe, and her eyes stilled as she gazed at him. Ratchet raised an eyebrow. Humali was staring at him differently now. Still not like the Lombaxes on his first day, but not the same as before.
"What's wrong? Is talking about the old dimension rude?" He asked, leaning his head to the side.
"N-No... Not at all!" she looked away again. Her voice changing, becoming higher pitched. "I-I could use some help with the radioactive splitter. It's heavy..."
"Sure, I'll go grab it."
"It's the..."
But Ratchet had already lifted the mid-sized black machine before she could finish. "Where do you want me to put it?'
She pointed to the other side of the massive device and squeaked. "Over here, please."
Clank had watched this entire exchange and huffed in defeat. Knowing full well that the change in Ratchet's attitude meant his concerns will have to wait until morning.
Time flew as the two Lombaxes worked on the large device. Which Ratchet found out was the prototype for a 'no-contact operation device' that Humali has been working on for years. He found himself entranced as she babbled on about the way it worked and the smile it put on her face when the device displayed signs of working.
The more time he spent with her, the more amazing he thought she was - which he didn't mind. She tugged on his arm and dragged him over to help her with another project, making him feel blood rush to his head at the contact. Clank watching them with a knowing stare from the sidelines. Happy to observe while Ratchet did a stack of heavy lifting and gave his mechanical input.
The ship in the hangar lay forgotten.
...
Rivet lazed on a fancy lounge chair in the Azalea clan's -her clan's -lockdown facility. Taking a sip of something fruity the guard had offered her and flicking her tablet to turn a page on a news article specially translated into Polarian for her and Ratchet. The politics section was locked off though until they started their 'education', whatever that meant.
She sighed and stared off around the lockdown room. Knowing Lizava, the grumpy captain of her guard, was keeping an eye on her and guarding the facility.
It had been three days since she entered this dimension - three days since she stepped behind Ratchet into a world far beyond her understanding. She still felt the grip of the first hug from her mother and the tears that stung when she laid eyes on her arm. They had dripped down Rivet's shoulder while she kissed and sobbed. Rivet didn't exactly come back in one piece, so she understood the shock - really she did. But the echo of her mother's voice still plagued her thoughts.My dear... My girl... Amalina vour nin! You have suffered...
To top it off, out of all the memories her mother saw, the moment she lost her arm was not one of them. Leaving the older to fret over Rivet ever since. Even the guard was still trying to adjust to her maintenance schedule, and they seem to turn green whenever she took it off.
"Rivet...?" said Kit, working on a puzzle on the floor which was slowly turning into a pretty image of the Lombax city at night. "Is there much on the news?"
"Not really?" grumbled Rivet. "Pretty much the same here as it is elsewhere. Some pro-hoverbooter was caught having an affair... The stock market's shit, but it's always shit... Cute kid from the local high school won a music award..."
Kit leaned her head in curiosity. "I would have thought there would be more news about inventions and construction. Given what was left behind on Savali."
"Yeah, me too. Well, guess for better or worse, everyday life is as boring here as Sargasso. Without the odd Grunthor breaking in."
"You battled a death worm yesterday."
"And it was easy..." grumbled Rivet. "They might be ten times the size of Grunthors, but it's like fighting an oversized noodle. Barely any defences! As long as you avoid the mouth, then you're in the clear. They breed like Speedle's in heat though..."
She saw movements out of the corner of her eye. Feeling a shiver run up the back of her spine. She signalled for her armor, relishing the pressure of Trillium against her fur. On the floor, Kit stilled, her little lights flashing on the top of her head as she scanned the surroundings.
"Miss Aquila," said an unfamiliar female voice from behind Rivet. "It is time for you to leave."
Rivet's eyes narrowed. The Polarian was off slightly, the sound not coming out of the mouth as it should. Only her mother and the guard spoke to Rivet in Azalea territory using Polarian, and all of them were fluent. This lady, whoever she was, hadn't been tutored in the tongue. "I'm waiting for my Mother, sorry. We're having drinks when she gets back from the conference."
"She's waiting outside."
"You know I smell bullshit, right?" muttered Rivet. A gun already in her hand. "Where's Lizava?"
"You have good instincts..." The person launched herself over the lounge, but Rivet was faster. Dodging and pinning her to the floor, holding her robotic arm tight around her neck - though not enough to strangle the woman and held the gun to her back. Kit walked forward, a dangerous glint in her robotic eyes as she guarded Rivet.
"Aquila!" Scream Lizava, running into the room holding an injured arm. She sighed in relief at the sight before her. "Thank the stars..."
"Avaric! Vour nin praida!" said the intruder to Lizava, causing Rivet to tighten her grip slightly.
"Where are the others?" said Rivet. Happy some excitement finally entered her day.
"Alive," said Lizava. She hissed in pain and staggered towards Rivet. Blood dripping on the floor with each step. "Hold her down until backup gets here. Then we are going to leave."
"Okay," said Rivet, frowning at the realization that she only got the end of the fight. "Kit, please give Lizava some nanotech. She needs it..."
"Nano-what?" muttered Lizava as she collapsed next to them
"Of course!" said Kit happily. "I must repay her for the puzzle." She patted over and took a small blue cube from her stomach compartment, cracking it near Lizava's wound. Her eyes bulged as the flesh knitted itself closed.
"Amalina..." said Lizava with a shake of her head. "You are a full of surprises." She then faced the intruder, whose face was planted on the floor. "Cowards, the lot of them. Attacking when they knew the Lady was at a conference. Now we have to find a new lockdown facility! How bothersome!"
"What will we do with her?" asked Kit. A question Rivet wanted an answer to as well.
"We'll give her to the men for interrogation," snarled Lizava, her helmet phasing away to reveal the harsh face of ash-furred warrior. "We have to know their clans and how they found us. They nearly got to you!"
Rivet looked down at the woman. She felt frail under her, certainly not a fighter, but Rivet could sense the anger - no, hatred - that she held within. Despite Rivet having never met her before, yet having the feeling she wronged the woman. Though obviously that was impossible. Rivet had only been in the dimension for three days. If someone was pissed off at her for existing, she would know.
Wouldn't she?
Whelp! There we go.
I'll focus on Malea and Calaris next chapter. More news coming to them and their HTA friends.
Let me know your thoughts about how you think the story is progressing! :)