Here is another big one! A-lot happening this chapter. Hope you guys like it!

Let me know what you think!

Enjoy! ;)

Lockdown didn't end for Ratchet until dinner the next day. Not that he minded. There were few better ways to spend his time than by assisting a lovely Lombax with her experiments. Humali slept as much as he did. Either by choice or forgetfulness, preferring to continue on her projects while 'she had the chance'.

Ratchet suspected her parents were like his father- pestering her to sleep whenever she so much as yawned.

He sighed into the space of his room. Stretching out his aching shoulders after a long night of heavy lifting and cranking. It felt good, even though he still didn't fully understand what he had helped work on. Her clan members had escorted Humali out as soon as the lockdown ended and now Ratchet was back 'resting' at the compound while the investigation into the attacks was underway.

Clank shook his head. Seated on a small chair opposite him while they played a weird Lombax board game, Kholovan insisted, was all the rage right now. "What are you smiling about, Ratchet? I just built another skyscraper on your property."

Ratchet glanced at the board where the little robot had placed a plastic skyscraper on his side. His grin widened, and he shrugged. "I still don't fully understand the rules..."

"Typical," said Clank with a huff. He then tipped his head. "In that case, can I finally air the grievances I found on the holonet? Since Miss Humali has gone home and your guard is leaving you alone for five minutes?"

"Sure, buddy. You know you can say what you want without my permission. Don't start acting like the Lombaxes round here, kay? It's annoying enough without you joining in..."

Opening up his storage compartment, Clank pulled out a holopad, turning it on with a solemn tap on the screen. He paused, staring at the pad then back at Ratchet. Appearing hesitant with what he was about to say.

"Ratchet... Before I reveal this to you. Just remember not to view your father differently. He cares about you, regardless of his past. I'm just informing you on something you will find out eventually," said Clank, tipping his head to the side and continuing to stare at him.

"You don't have to tell me twice, buddy," said Ratchet with a shrug. "I feel it - literally. Every time he is within ten feet of me. Same with the old man."

"Alright then... here," he handed Ratchet his little holo pad. Showing him a holo-site titled The Rebel Forums - a dedicated space for the discussion of the leading clans. It had been translated into Polarian using the same app Ratchet had been using to read the news.

"Leading clans...?" muttered Ratchet. Taking the pad and scrolling down. The title of the site was Rebel Forums and below- Forrestier Tyrant has an heir! We're fucked! - with the leading post written by HexSupporter76. Posted three days ago.

I can't believe this news! Yesterday started out amazing. Survivors from the home dimension- what a miracle!

No one can deny it. I remember walking to work, shivering in my boots and talking to everyone I met about the news. Then the REAL news came later that night.

Lear Forrestier... Out of all the Lombaxes left behind, by the worst stroke of bad luck imaginable, one of TWO that survived was the long-thought dead Forrestier heir. What were the chances? And then to get booted in the face with Aquila - the once thought murdered Azalea heir - arriving with him? Raised/treating each other like siblings all this time in a hostile dimension?

We were all hoping the one-eyed bastard would go down heirless or at least have the decency to choose an apparent from the HTA. The insane restrictions he has placed on the smaller clans have been bleeding us dry for the past two decades. Forcing us to recycle our mined resources in the hopes we can somehow continue production, but there is only so many times you can reuse rock and metal. It's been keeping our production low and Forrestier tech on top. We all know it, though no one talks about it.

Now his heir is here, I bet the first thing the bastard will do is indoctrinate the kid into the Forrestier mind set. Teaching him all the bullshit that happened twenty years and using that as an excuse to continue the restrictions for another generation. Heck, since it was the fuck up of the rebels that caused him to get stuck in the home dimension to begin with, I wouldn't be surprised if Lear is WORSE than his father, or even Lord Dex. What better revenge for a lifetime of hell than to deprive the perceived perpetrators of their livelihoods?

And it's clear from the announcements that he is capable of it. Military background... Suited to both Dex and Forrestier tech... Making his VERY hard to please dad proud... We all know that for Lord F to be that happy, his son must be capable of ruthless tactics. It's the Forrestier way, after all.

So here I write this thread - calling it early. Lear will take the Forrestier and Dex leading positions - be married off to a vital alliance for the leading clans - and then be expected to produce at least three or more heirs before his term is up. One for the Forrestier position, one for the Dex, and each additional kid can be married off to an heirless leading clan - saving their future resources from being distributed fairly amongst us smaller clans.

Aquila is more complicated. The Azalea have a history of making their partners fight for the 'honor' of marrying the heir, and don't marry for alliances as such - though it can happen. I know her father was a particularly powerful Azimuth - though the marriage required him to relinquish any responsibilities from his side for the next Azalea heir. So we don't have to worry about her being a dual-heir like Lear. But they can be selective with who can partake in the combat... if you catch my drift. Though I doubt she will be married off as quickly as Lear.

And we can deduce all this without even seeing a fucking picture of them! No interviews or anything! I wonder when they will release our new overlords to the media? Until then, what do you guys think about this whole insane scenario?

Keeliegirl

While all this is true... I can't help but think they might not be as bad as their parents. I mean, they survived literal hell for two decades, then finally arrived to the Lombax dimension, only to hit the jackpot when discovering the identities of their families. They weren't raised surrounded by resources and wealth. That's got to put a bit of gratitude in them at least, maybe even make them sympathetic to us smaller clans. With some luck the restrictions might be released under Lear's term, anyway.

Lissobain234

It's hard to judge their personalities without seeing them - so I will assume nothing until they have released the first interviews. They just got here so they'll need time to settle - and if your theory regarding Lear is true, then also 'indoctrinated' - so it will be at least three months, maybe even a year, before we see a hair on them. We might get an interview in Polarian - which would be kind of cool.

I admit though, my clan is nervous about the entire ordeal. We were counting on the restrictions being eased once a Lord F's term ends. There is no end in sight now.

Sandyboy51

Can you imagine HOPING to find a single member of Lombax society and walking in to discover you are the son of one of the most powerful men alive? I bet after a lifetime of fighting it must be nice having someone like that to fight on your behalf instead. I can't see Lear rejecting anything Lord F teaches him - the guy is now living in literal paradise! Resources at his fingertips, a loving family, will probably land a 10/10 wife... So yeah, we are fucked. But I can't get mad at the guy for it. His alternative was staying over in the home dimension, going through who knows what.

I will remain mad at Lord F. That guy has no excuse. Maybe he had a point when it all began, but no longer. My clan has already started talking about rioting if the leading clans deal us another blow after this.

Grumpy679

We're fucked. Period. This new guy is the son of Lord F. Evil runs in the blood of that family, so I know he is going to be as bad as his father. Heck, we'll be lucky if he doesn't place further restrictions, marking his term with even more suffering. He might even start a war - with his military history and all. I have had no confidence in a prosperous future ever since the news of their identities was released.

Lord F and Lady A must be having a field day, knowing their legacies will last another few decades. Heirs are the best resource a leader can have, after all.

Ratchet had to put the tablet down after that last comment. His heart pounding. Restrictions? Small clans? Arranged marriages? What on earth did he just read? And his father... considered evil? The same guy who freaks out about him going to bed on time and eating enough during meals handled the suffering of Lombaxes?

It was hard to swallow... but it's not as if Ratchet hadn't felt bloodlust from the man over the past three days. He just ignored it. A father being protective.

He hoped.

"I tried to look up more information, however it appears to be blocked on your server," said Clank, reaching out to touch Ratchet's wrist, an attempt at comfort. "I'm not sure of the reason, but I'm certain it's not malicious. I assume your father did not want to overwhelm you so soon after reuniting. These comments and forum posts are not pleasant to read."

"Yeah..." whispered Ratchet, letting out a uneasy laugh - but if felt more like he was choking. "Lombax politics are probably just very messy. You can't please everyone, no matter what you do. Seems that rule applies in all dimensions..." He looked down at the pad, vipers returning to his stomach as he stared at the website. "Are all the forums on here like that?"

"More or less. There are also leaks about what the so called 'leading clans', like yours, are currently working on. They showed an image of the ship your grandfather made you. Apparently quite scared at the prospect of you providing your mechanical knowledge for future Dexivier aircraft."

"But why wouldn't I give my knowledge," grumbled Ratchet. "He is my grandfather... and it's my mother's clan. Surely I have some obligation to mention a few things and help them design the next range of ships. Especially since I'm going to lead them one day."

"That is not how they see it, Ratchet. They are afraid of you and what you might do."

He stilled as Clank said that out loud. Ratchet has had to tolerate many reactions from the public in the past. Usually the hero worship or celebrity flogging that comes from the mainstream media, however, this is the first time he could recall fear being a response. The various communities across Polaris and Solana held him in different perspectives. He had been hated, mocked, loved, welcomed, idolised... but never feared. He was just one Lombax. What could he possibly do against an entire community of people?

And his own kind? Other Lombaxes? He hadn't even had the time to do anything... not even showcase his face. At least then he could accept that they didn't like the look of him.

"I'll talk to Dad about it," he said with a nod. Clank crossed his arms, causing Ratchet to roll his eyes. "I know there are some things we still need to discuss, but that will happen when he is ready to hear it. I can't imagine it is easy listening to all the ways your long-lost son could've died - so you gotta be patient with me on that front, buddy. But this," he lifted the pad. "Probably a-lot easier to talk about. Especially if it's something I'll find out, eventually."

"And if he doesn't take it well?"

"He can't get mad at me for wanting to learn about my job," said Ratchet with a shrug. "And if he does, which I doubt, then apologizing and feigning ignorance goes a long way. He would rather I talk it over with him than make assumptions anyway, so that's a plus."

"Just be careful Ratchet. You still don't know him very well."

"He doesn't know me very well either, buddy," said Ratchet. Frowning as he stared back down at the pad. "He knows about Tachyon and my time on Veldin... Not much else. I don't regret enough of what I've been through to have the rest show in the memories. That worries him a-lot."

Clank nodded. "Very well then. Perhaps this will be good for the both of you, then?"

"Yeah! I mean... he is no Tachyon or Vox. So it's probably just political crap that is taken way too seriously," Ratchet said those words with hope. His father couldn't be what the forum stated. An evil overlord doesn't pester his son to sleep in the ship while travelling or feel love to the point it overcame all other senses. Maybe these Lombaxes on the forum were just on the terrible end of trade deal and were mad about it? His father will answer these questions, or his grandfather. Ratchet will ask whoever he sees first.

"As long as you are comfortable with it..."

"Oh, I'm not comfortable with it, buddy. I knew the Lombaxes would have their shit - all races do. I just didn't think my family could be that shit. After everything we've been through, too. Guess all we can do is ask a one of the old men about it and hope for the best."

Ratchet stared back at the pad. Vipers still twisting his stomach at the thought of asking about it. A part of him wondering if he really wanted to understand the anger of the Lombaxes submitting those posts, or if staying ignorant would save him from the stress. Not that Ratchet ever stayed if ignorant on these matters for long anyway, but his father must have had a reason to block so much from him.

He sighed, then heard a tapping from his closet. Rolling his eyes at the sound.

"You don't need to knock, Rivet. Did you patch up the ceiling this time? It pissed off Kholovan when he had to find a plasterer - apparently most of them don't enjoy coming to the compound."

Rivet flicked the door open and waltzed in with Kit on her back, grinning like a madwoman. "They added a hatch into the ceiling! How polite of them!"

"Clearly they knew you were going to do it again," grumbled Ratchet. Meeting her with a friendly fist bump. "You in lockdown, too?"

"You bet! Got one attacker, too. Easier than fighting a Thugs-4-Less goon. What about you? We are supposed to be locked until Mum says otherwise, so we paid a visit and hang for a bit," she said, taking a seat on Ratchet's king-sized bed.

"Lucky you! Unfortunately, not much happened on our end..." said Ratchet, shrugging his still aching shoulders from the night before.

"Except that we were up all night assisting Miss Humali with her projects, as she was in lockdown with us," said Clank. Giving Ratchet a pointed look.

With a prick of her ears at the words, Rivet's head spun towards Ratchet. Eyes narrowing and lips forming into a vicious grin. "Oh, really?"

"Whatever you're thinking, get it out of your head," grumbled Ratchet.

"What would she be thinking? Did you do something you were not supposed to, Ratchet?" said Kit. She detached herself from Rivet's back and hobbled over to Clank, greeting him with a wave.

"No!" said Ratchet. "Nothing bad happened..."

"Of course not," said Rivet. Yawning and laying back into Ratchet's bed and snuggling into the mountain of pillows. "He just spent time with a girl as dorky as he is."

Ratchet raised an annoyed eyebrow. "Exactly! Which is why Kit needs to find a guy as equally meat headed as you. Think of all the shooting you could do together... The repair bills would be insane!"

The Lombax on the bed started giggling - Ratchet watching in awe as Rivet never giggled - and she flipped her face into the pillows to muffle the sound. Sinking further into the bed as she did so.

"Mature, Rivet... Oh, Queen of the Spinsters..." he muttered. Getting a laughing middle finger in response.

The giggling quieted. Slowly, Rivet let out a quiet sigh and her muscles relaxed until they stilled completely, causing Ratchet to let out a groan. Knowing she had just gone off to sleep. What's the point of coming over to 'hang' if you just slept the entire time? He glanced over at Clank and Kit, deep in discussion about their lockdown experiences and the lack of robots in the dimension. Their arms moved about with dramatic movements, as if to reenact the experience. He chuckled at the sight.

Then his eyes set back on the holopad, now resting on the coffee table. The article still up and open. It's content begging him to search for the truth behind it.

He shook his head. Picking up the holopad once more. Since Rivet and Kit were busy, he supposed it would be appropriate to go hunting for one of the old men before giving in to his urges to hack the holonet system.

Ratchet waved Clank goodbye - the bot not noticing - before heading out into the hallway looking for Kholovan. His father was in the compound today and shouldn't be too far.

He'll get these answers soon. Hopefully.

...

Kaden stormed through the compound halls, head forward and eyes steely. His guard in their places surrounding him. He couldn't believe the information that had just made its way onto his desk. Right after an attack! They still hadn't figured out which clans were behind it, but after what he had just read, it was beyond petty rivalry and malice. The smaller clans were egging for conflict. Something he wanted to avoid as long as possible.

At least until they settled Lear.

"Dex!" He called out, entering the private Forrestier hangar to the sight of the old man being escorted out of a high-tech black and gunmetal ship. Having come over as soon as he received the news himself. "We need to re-plan!"

"I know that, son! Why do you think I'm here? At least the video made Lear look good," said Lord Dexivier with a playful grin.

"This isn't funny!" grumbled Kaden, walking up close to his father-in-law. "The release is six months early!"

"His face would have been on display anyway, Kaden," said Lord Dexivier. He gestured for Kaden to walk with him to the office. "Like I said, it makes him look good. All those incredible flips and jumps... and the utter affection he has for you is obvious! It could be worse. The most it does is confirm that he is pretty strong for his age - and only an idiot would find that surprising given his history in the home dimension. I'm more concerned someone got that close to film him."

"The location was in an air vent above the rink. Our guards didn't even know it was accessible."

"I wonder if they knew Lear was there..." muttered Lord Dexivier. Opening the door to the hangar office and signaling to the guards to keep everyone out until they were done. "Or if they were just curious why the rink was closed and found out more than they wanted?"

"The only people who knew about the rink were us, the guards, Hondurea and, of course, Lear and Aquila. None of the guards would betray us. I had them vetted," said Kaden with gritted teeth.

Old Dex nodded. Contemplative. "I agree. None of them flinched when protecting either of them during the attack. Lisava took a hit, and our Kholovan still hasn't had a break. I wonder if he has slept? Almost as bad as Lear..."

"Then how do we handle it?" said Kaden with a raised eyebrow. "It might ruin our plans with the Ventore's if the small clans know what they are up against."

"Maybe that's what's best..." said the old man. A glint forming in his bright green eyes. "A bit of competition never hurt the marriage market."

"What are you on about?"

"Can you think of a better way to show off our boy than having him be compared to the son of the biggest prick? I think it will make him seem more impressive than he is already. Might even put Miss Humali under a bit of pressure... and we both know what young Lombaxes are like under pressure." Lord Dexivier made a grandiose gesture with his hands.

"Impulsive and unlikely to think things through," said Kaden, leaning his head to the side. "It's certainly something to think about. So what does that mean for the interview? Keep it where it is and make it a non-issue? Find the source of the leak on the down- low?"

"Exactly! Might even make the citizens like him more. For all the security breaches, that video was real, Kaden. Makes the boy seem like a regular young man his age who is happy to be home - if overpowered. Not a stuffy leading heir talking in a highly structured media broadcast."

Kaden went silent. It wasn't the worst plan in the world. Lord Dex was known for coming up with outside the box ideas and he has never known them to fail. But it was Lear on the line. Not themselves. Otherwise, he would jump in on it.

Lord Dexivier grinned over at him. "We'll increase the lad's security in the meantime, and I will get onto the Stanton's about securing that rink."

There was a knock at the door. Surprising both of them. Just as they were about to shout an insulting dismissal, they heard a familiar, confident voice in Polarian.

"Viator? Viashare? Nali mavesha elle vare?" Dad? Grandad? Are you both in here?

Kaden's ears pricked, and he answered the door. Seeing the confused face of his son outside the office, holding onto a small computer tablet. His bright green eyes peaked into the room before making direct contact with him. "Uh... Is now a good time? I can come back later."

"We're fine, son. Come on in," said old Dex. He made a welcoming motion. "Everything okay?"

"Sort of..." said Lear. He gave a nod to Kaden then stepped in. "Clank, being the great little bot he is, built me a document about all the Forrestier departments and in his research he... found something interesting on the holonet."

"Oh..." muttered Kaden. Feeling his stomach plummet. He made eye contact with the old man who had gone quiet at the statement, "Does it concern you?"

"A bit. Thought I would ask you two about it. You know, being openly honest and all that crap... Well, here you go."

He presented the page on the tablet. Both the leader's eyes widening in alarm as they read the 'Rebel forums' headline and the forum titled 'Forrestier Tyrant has an Heir - We're fucked!". The comments were inflammatory - as they normally were on the Rebel forums - but the manner they spoke about Lear, as some future monster of a leader, sent the vipers in Kaden's chest into a frenzy. How dare they... This could ruin everything.

His son was in a delicate stage of his entry into Lombax society and they couldn't afford losing Lear's faith in the clan so soon. As Kaden took hold of the pad and scanned the forum further - feeling through the bond the rising concern in his son - that scenario was becoming a real possibility.

"So..." began Lear. Staring off awkwardly, his shoulders tensing as they continued to stare at the holo-site. "Judging by your faces, some of it's true. I'm not mad - There's a-lot to learn and I've only been here for a week. But... isn't it important to know if people hate me before I step out of the gate? And the attack was from one of these so called 'smaller clans' wasn't it? I thought it was just a bunch of leaders making threats."

Kaden could have collapsed in relief.

That's what he was concerned about? He felt his heart rate fade back to normal as he glanced back up at the concerned face of his son. Thankfully, Lear went to them instead of consulting someone else. They would need to brief those who he would talk to this about before he started asking more question. Kholovan and the guard coming to mind.

Kaden composed himself before he answered. This wasn't an act of disobedience. Lear came across concerning information and was asking for clarification. It was a minor security breach, and how they were talked about on that forum would set alarm bells off in anyone's head. Especially a new arrival who was the forum topic and wasn't aware of the current political state.

And of course, Clank would want to warn Lear if he thought he was remotely in danger. Neither was in the wrong. The little bot was trying to protect his friend. Nothing more.

"It was both," Kaden answered, frowning. "The leaders were from smaller clans."

"We restrict their resources because they keep using them to attack our clansmen. Then they attack us for restricting their resources... It's a never ending, no-win situation. We've been trying for years to break the cycle, but no one's ever happy," said Lord Dexivier. It was an extremely simplified version of the truth, but not wrong. "Unfortunately, we aren't popular among them, son. A nasty part of your inheritance, I'm afraid."

"Ah, okay," said Lear. His shoulders relaxing and the emotions through the bond calming down. "And the marriage stuff?"

Kaden's nerves went haywire again, but for a different reason. "Marriages can make or break a clan. So arrangements are common to protect clan interests. We can't just let any girl into the family."

"Not that it's the only way!" said the old man with a sneaky grin. "Your Dad was quite the romantic with Felibeth. Used to get up to all sorts of mischief - and the only 'arranging' I had to do was sit back and do nothing."

With a roll of his eyes, Kaden turned back to Lear. "I met her at school. Look, you're a vital member of the clan. Whoever you - hopefully - end up with will have access to Forrestier tech. As you can imagine with all the attacks, we need to be careful on that front. Nothing worse than having your spouse stab you in the back and steal clan secrets."

Lear glanced between them, his gaze softening. "This is so weird."

"We know. That's why we have said nothing," said Lord Dexivier with a frown. He patted Lear on the back. "It's very much a future you problem. Right now is a different story. Get settled, learn how to sleep for fuck's sake -" Lear smiled at that. "- and once you can do the job without us panicking over your every move, then we'll complicate matters with a girl. Okay?"

Lear chuckled. He then glanced at Kaden. "Okay. And that stuff about you being a tyrant?"

Kaden laughed nervously. Rubbing Lear's back to keep his son calm. "It's been very messy since we moved over here. Lots of rearranging on how the clans operate... We Forrestiers are known for keeping a tight schedule. Especially nowadays. They stereotype us as strict and boring. Being their leader, the public seems to think I embody those qualities."

"You do..." grumbled Lord Dexivier.

Lear continued to stare at him. Obviously, feeling through the bond that he wasn't being completely truthful, but then nodded. "Fine. I get it. 'Very complicated' and all that. Just make sure you tell me the whole truth at some point."

"When you're ready for it, " said Kaden with a nod. He gripped a hand on Lear's shoulder. Reminding himself that he will have to tell him. All of it.

As soon as it was safe to do so.

...

Malea huffed away her nerves. Watching on her computer pad at the video now going viral across the Lombax holonet. Lear's triple flip sending a shiver up her spine. Then the revelation of his face when he went to greet his father, handsome features coupled with a warm greeting and a friendly laugh that deserved to go viral. Comments below either fawning over his features or decrying his presence in a booked out hover booting rink.

She coward into her bed at the sight. Investigations would have already started by now. It would take a miracle for neither her nor Cal to be taken into questioning by tomorrow morning. What she would give to have talked her out of it days ago...

There was a knock at her door. "Miss Malea?"

"Traca? Everything okay?" slamming her pad down and lifting her head. Trying her best to sound calm.

Traca nervously opened the door. Staring at her with a frown. "Thought you would like to discuss the video circling the holonet before your father arrives. He mentioned over the com that he wishes to speak with you and your brother."

With gritted teeth, Malea smiled in response. "Thanks Traca! Appreciate it..."

She pushed her glasses up her nose before coming in, closing the door behind her and coming to sit on a seat next to Malea's bed. Her usual strict energy not present for some unknown reason.

"Lear's very... capable, isn't he, Miss Malea? Reaching those heights as if it was child's play. Seems to be a likeable lad, though."

"Yeah..." winced Malea. "Was expecting someone a bit more traumatized, but he seems happy. Which is good. Hopefully Aquila is settling in the same."

"I'm sure she is..." said Traca, eyeing Malea over her glasses. "You know it's not the video your father wishes to discuss with you and your brother, right?"

Malea's ears pricked. "Really! Thank heavens... It's all they've been talking about anywhere else."

"But there is some news he has for you which you might find... shocking. To put it mildly. I know some members of the clan will hate it, maybe even yourself. The offer, however, is... tempting."

"Offer?"

"Miss Malea..." said Traca, leaning forward, eyes shining. "I will leave it to your father to deliver the news. I just wish to tell you we are so very proud of you, my dear. All your effort has paid off!"

It has? Malea turned to sit up on the bed so she could face Traca. The excitement radiating off the older Lombax like a shimmering light of hope.

"Well... it must be great news then," said Malea with a nervous laugh. "Can't remember when Dad called us in to chat over good news."

"Oh! It's better than 'good', Miss Malea! It's life changing for the clan! Even your mother will visit soon..."

"Mum? But I thought she wasn't allowed to see us?"

"Like I said, Miss Malea, the news is absolutely life changing. For our entire clan! Now please, come downstairs and I will make you a drink while we wait for your father. I'm sure he will want to speak with you as soon as he arrives," Traca squealed out the last part in excitement and gestured for her to follow, then got up to practically skip to the dining room.

With a sigh, Malea stretched and got out of bed. Grateful for a pleasant distraction from the video currently making the rounds on the net. Good news? From her father? It's not that he was an unpleasant man, but she couldn't recall him announcing anything 'positive' in her life. Especially just for her and her brother. Then there was Traca... the woman was never this happy, but Malea supposed there was a first for everything.

She trudged downstairs to the dining room, sitting in her seat on the right side and hearing Traca boil a kettle in the kitchen a room over. The woman was humming.

"Hey, Mal," said her brother from the entranceway. Waving at her and walking to his own seat - smelling like ocean air and seafood. "Dad's just coming into town now. He's been out all day."

"Out of town? Since when does he skip a day of fishing?" stuttered Malea. The world was going insane...

"Don't ask me. I've just been managing on his behalf today. It was urgent too... though I can't imagine what for," he said with shrug.

The sound of the front doors opening and the heavy steps of work boots signaled that their father had just arrived home. He plowed straight through the lounge and into the dining room, his face alight with excitement in the same manner as Traca's as he gazed down at them as he made way to his seat at the head of the table. He sat down with a huff, his children staring at him as if they were about to fall out of their own seats.

He sighed, taking a moment, then finally broke the news.

"Malea... Dorian... Well, I had a pleasant conversation with Lord Lismoth this morning, and it appears he is in interested in taking Malea on as his next heir."

Malea and her brother choked. Out of anything could've been said... What!?

"Me?" stuttered Malea, her chair nearly toppling over. "I've been... selected?"

"I know it's a-lot," said her father, still widely smiling. "Apparently, he's had his eye on you for some time. Particularly impressed with your calm demeanor and swimming capabilities. Out of all the leading clans, we've always had a good relationship with Lismoth on account of us sharing the waterways and trying to manage our fishing sources sustainably. I think it will be a peaceful transition for both our clan's overall and benefit us both. Well done!"

Malea fell into her seat with a slump. She stared ahead, her brain trying to make sense of what she just heard. "That's... wow. Not what I was expecting to hear, but that's..."

"Incredible!" shouted her brother. He leaned over and gave her a bone shattering hug. Laying across the table to reach her. "No wonder Mum can move back! We are joining up with a big clan thanks to you - future Lady Lismoth."

"Lady... Lismoth..." muttered Malea, her eyes still not moving.

"According to Lord Lismoth, his clan has taken the news well," said her father with an encouraging nod. "I shall make an announcement to our own clansmen tomorrow morning before we take the boats out. I'm sure they'll be pleased."

With a shake of her head, Malea brought herself back to the room. Finally, making sense of the situation. "What... I mean - it's wonderful news... But what do I do?"

"For now? Nothing," said her father with a chuckle. "Lord Lismoth will have a few meeting with you, then your training begins after he introduces you to the council at next month's conference and you move into the Lismoth compound. You will need to keep going to the HTA until then to maintain appearances, but until then... rest. You've earned it," his expression became gentle at the words.

"Moving?" muttered Malea, shaking her head in awe. "This is the first time I've change house..."

"Well, it makes sense to keep you with them while you're learning, Mal," said her brother with a grin. "I'll maintain the fort here, and you focus on doing your best over there?"

Her father nodded. "That's the plan!"

The door opened, and Traca pattered in with some tea, her face still wearing that unsettling smile from earlier. "I've brought tea! And judging by Miss Malea's expression, I shall need to fetch some cake! Oh, this is exciting!"

"Cake sounds good..." muttered Malea with a shaky nod.

"And maybe some alcohol to wash it down," chuckled her father. "Helps the nerves."

The rest of the night was spent chatting and drinking - mostly between her brother, father and Traca. As Malea was finding it difficult to think. Her father was smiling, patting her back and encouraging a shot of something strong down her throat , while her brother and Traca went on and on about the benefits this union would bring. Her mother... better fishing facilities and talk of fish farms... Improved mobility on the waterways for both clans... Exchange of water based tech...

She wobbled upstairs to an early bed. Hoping it would all make sense in the morning.

But there was one thought that stayed clear in mind - like water on a calm sunny day.

She did it...

...

The air smelled of water and algae - as it always did above the city pipelines, where at least a thousand litres of water course through the plumbing every minute. Lombaxes could be seen climbing ladders around the pipes. Turning water flow on and off to make repairs and conduct assessments on the chemical content flowing throughout the massive structure. What couldn't be seen was the large artificial rivers which moved beneath the manholes on the concrete floor - leading to the sewage systems connecting the entire Lombax population.

Lord Lismoth watched his clansmen from above, rubbing his sore back as he made his way to his office. He could hear his assistant humming away happily from behind the door and groaned at the noise. He eyed an old portrait of young Lombax on the wall before making his way to his desk. Time to face reality and confront what he has been dreading for the past two decades.

"What are you all so cheerful for..." he grumbled as he hobbled in.

"We're just happy with the choice of heir, sir. The Hillax clan will only bring in minor changes compared to the other apparants, and the girl looks like she would do a good job."

"I chose her because I didn't have a choice," he muttered, slumping in the office chair to relieve his aching back. "I'm not getting any younger. After consulting with Kaden and old Dex, we determined that Hillax is one of the few clans remaining which hasn't launched an attack on us. They also weren't involved with the smaller clans twenty years ago... living too far out." He paused, staring down with a frown. "I remember when their leader, Cian, was still a boy. He and my son used to swim through the old waterways and go treasure hunting on the coast. Those two might as well have been brothers. My boy... bless his soul, risked his life to ensure the waterways were open, so the Hillax clan had a path to the dimensionator during the attack."

His assistant frowned. "I thought Kan Malear was captured by rebels and left behind for Tachyon..."

Lismoth winced. Not wanting to remember that piece of information. "He was, yes. But Cian... blamed himself regardless. He had only been a leader for less than a year when he came crying into my office at the news. Thinking Malear would still be with us if the Hillax clan had been more prepared. As if any of us were... Lad even named his daughter after him. Way before all this HTA nonsense began and the smaller clans started arse kissing. It's also why the Hillaxes aren't known to be demanding - because their leader suffered just as much as we did."

He sat back in his seat, stretching the sore spot out. "Malear wouldn't have trusted anyone else with the position. At least among the current HTA cohort. Miss Malea is now old enough to be trained for the role and begin being integrated into the leading clan lifestyle. It might eventually turn into a friendly merger, considering how well our clans get on anyway and Cian being happy to let his daughter move in. Few leaders have that kind of trust these days."

"Will the small clans take the news well?"

"As if their opinion matters. I doubt they will be resistant anyhow... probably believe Cian will hand them more control of the waterways. As if he would disgrace Malear's memory in such a manner."

He yawned, stretching out his arms. "We'll make the announcement next conference. I will take Miss Malea with me personally to start the introductions."

His assistant took a few notes. "When will Miss Malea begin her training?"

"After said conference," said Lismoth with a yawn. "She'll be moving into the heir quarters. We need some time to make the place presentable - considering they have never been used. Maybe decorate with some Hillax artwork? Make her feel more at home. Now, anymore questions or can I finally get back to work?"

His assistant laughed. Too used to his antics to take the unsaid threat seriously. "Finish your paperwork, sir. I'll get you some tea for your joints."

"Most useful thing you've done all day..." muttered Lord Lismoth with a groan.

He heard a trail of laughter as his assistant made his way out the door to the kitchens. Leaving him alone in his office with a mountain of paperwork to sign or reject. He glanced back up to the portrait of the young Lombax, the face of his son staring back at him with a witty grin and bright blue eyes.

"You better be taking care of your mother..." he muttered while holding back the grief which plagued him over the past twenty years. "I don't want to hear you've been slacking off... Gah!" The pain shot up his back again, right through the spine. He placed a hand on his back and winced, before looking back up at the portrait once more. "Guess I'll be joining you soon, son. Prepare a couple of booze cartons for us. I'd like to know what's been keeping you busy all these years over a few drinks."

Then, with a sigh, he picked up a pen and got to work, reaching for the first report at the top of the pile with a shaking hand.

Whelp! That's another chapter done!

Next chapter will mostly be Malea's perspective... Other things happen in the meantime... ;)

Let me know what you think!