Whelp! Here we go. The last of the 'romantic vomit' for a long time.
Next chapter will focus on less groundwork and more 'good stuff'.
Enjoy! Let me know what you think! :)
"I can't believe you scored that high on an arcade game. Fess up, they have those back in the home dimension, didn't they?" said Humali, gripping onto Ratchet's arm as they snuck back to the Ventore compound. It was in the city, so to provide easy healthcare access for the bulk of the Lombax population. Also handy when you wanted to teleport somewhere close to the city - though Ratchet's stomach still wasn't normal after using the primitive device.
He grinned. "Of course! Though they didn't have as much variety and the game pads were suited to races with three fingers."
"Three fingers?"
"Having five is actually weird. I think the only other race I've met with that many are the Morts - also decent engineers."
"What are Morts?"
"The Morts. They're all Mort."
Humali laughed. "I don't get it!"
"Good! They haven't gotten to you. It would be like dealing with two Rivets..."
"But she's so much fun! And she's letting me build her a new prosthetic."
"You know she put a hole in the ceiling of my closet? At least her guard now understands she could actually break through a wall without her weapons!"
He stopped, ears pricked, with Humali freezing next to him. She frowned. "You okay, Lear?"
The compound stood before them. A large white and blue metallic building shaped like stacked boxes with tiny windows. The gate was large and arched - which he and Humali were not planning to use - but beyond it was a familiar stern voice conversing in a state of panic.
"Oh, shit..." drawled Ratchet. "It's Kholovan. He's pissed... At least, my ass not going to be publicly kicked." He tugged on Humali's arm. "Come on - let's play it cool so we don't multiply the amount of shit we're in."
"Okay... Well, in that case. Remember to talk to Clank when you can. I sent that info you were after to his drive. I would have given it all to you at the restaurant but..." she looked away and made a face.
Ratchet chuckled. "Short arse and friends to close for comfort? No worries. I'm just grateful you're willing to help me. Few around here have the stones to go against Dad - I get that he's a leader and all, but Orvus, he's a dork."
"If our parents had it their way, we would be ignorant of every thought the public has about us. I think it's dangerous."
"Agreed. Now let's face danger once again... ," muttered Ratchet as they neared the gate.
Humali raised an eyebrow at him, mouth open, about to suggest otherwise, when he banged on the gate and shouted out. "Hey Kholovan! Sorry for the trouble! I took Miss Humali out on the town!"
The talking ceased on the other side of the gate, and after a beat of silence, the iron wall grinded down, showcasing Ratchet's entire guard and almost half of Humali's clan. Though there appeared to be no Ventore Leader in sight. Kholovan stood up front, arms crossed and fingers tapping on his elbow, lending to the air of annoyance which surrounded him.
"Hi, guys," Ratchet waved. Not bothering to apologies.
"Uh... Hello?" said Humali with a shy smile while gripping tighter onto Ratchet's arm - which he tried not to be happy about.
"I take you both had a good time?" grumbled Kholovan.
"Absolutely! Humali knows the city really well! Even lent me the armor," said Ratchet, his helmet phased away while Humali nodded aggressively next to him.
"I can see that... It's Ventore colours..."
"Could've made it myself..." grumbled Ratchet.
One of the Ventore staff members stepped forward, gesturing to Humali. "Come along, Miss. It's getting late."
Humali pouted, then slowly faced Ratchet. Struggling to meet his gaze.
"See you later, Lear. I should visit sometime this week. Uh... Thanks for inviting me out. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun away from my workshop." she then looked away, the edges of her pale ears turning pink. "And keep the armor. Who knows if you'll need it again."
"My pleasure and thanks," said Ratchet with a smile. "Always thought you needed to get out more."
She smiled back, making Ratchet's stomach backflip, before letting go of his arm and following one of the medical team inside the Ventore compound. Leaving a cold chill where the warmth of her hands used to be.
Waiting next to the Forrestier vehicle, Kholovan had watched the two of them with a shaking head. As if he wanted to bang his head against the Trillium barrier on the truck. "You done? Come on!"
Ratchet had to pull himself away from the Ventore entrance to trudge towards the open door Kholovan left open for him. He stepped in and, to his surprise, so did Kholovan.
"I can't believe you broke out!" shouted Kholovan as soon as they were both seated and the door was closed. "You were targeted for an attack a few days ago and the past few hours have driven your father insane! He thought you went back to the home dimension without telling him and blamed himself! Not even Lord Dex could calm him down!"
"This isn't the first time I've been targeted..." grumbled Ratchet. "I'm no stranger to it, nor does it feel any different to Polaris..."
"And that's what we've been worried about. We're taking you to the psychologist in the morning - and you better go! You're not responding normally to danger!"
"Or maybe my 'oh shit' meter is just a-lot higher than yours."
"Oh really? Is that why you can't sleep?" muttered Kholovan, matching Ratchet's bored tone.
"No. I just don't have a 'circadian rhythm' according to Humali. She's pretty good at diagnosing those things. That combined with 'mild anxiety related to culture shock.' Whatever that means. I was too scared to ask."
Kholovan seemed taken aback by his last comment. "You actually felt fear?"
"Yeah, but not the 'oh shit' kind. Just the old 'I've asked a cute girl too many questions' situation. I didn't want Humali thinking I'm an idiot..."
"You think Miss Humali is... cute?"
"Something wrong with that?"
"No! No... " Kholovan went silent for a second, then elaborated. Leaning forward slightly and making Ratchet wonder what expression lay under his black helmet. "Does that mean you were on a date? It would explain why Miss Humali wore one of her outing dresses."
The question made Ratchet pause. It was not the original intention...
But they went to a restaurant and discussed personal stuff - before someone interrupted them. Then there was the arcade and all the joking around... He also asked her out and she dressed up for the occasion. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like a romantic outing rather than just two friends killing time.
"I guess it turned into one... I mean, the feel changed after this short guy at the restaurant tried to punch her and I stopped him. She treated me to lunch and the arcade as a thank you. It felt like a date after that... "
Kholovan leaned back into his seat, less mad than before, but his ear still twitched in annoyance. "One week here and there's already a girl on your arm? I do not know what your Father is going to think."
"It's not official or anything. I would just rather look at Humali than the wall of my bedroom," chuckled Ratchet.
"You can tell your old man, then. I've been dealing with him since you disappeared. Which reminds me... A teleporter? Really? Do you know how dangerous those things are?"
'My stomach does..."
Kholovan groaned, then glared at the walls of the armored vehicle. Ending the conversation.
Ratchet chuckled at the attitude, then sat in silence himself. Hoping the confrontation with his father won't go as bad as Kholovan seemed to think it will.
They arrived at the compound about half an hour later. Still seated in quiet discourse - with Ratchet wondering why Kholovan couldn't join the rest of guards outside the vehicle. Did he think Ratchet was going to teleport while the car was moving? He wasn't that stupid. There was no way the teleportation devices in this dimension were safe enough to use like that - it would cut him in half.
He sighed at the thought. Wondering once again why the only interesting tech in the dimension lay over forty feet underground in total secrecy.
The vehicle then came to a halt.
"Come on, Mr. Lear. Time to face the music," said Kholovan, gesturing out the car with a sarcastic tone.
Ratchet sighed, then stepped out and looked around, happy to note they were in the private hangar rather than the usual drop-off zone with all the gazes of the working Lombaxes above them.
He felt a push from behind as Kholovan forced him up a few flights of stairs to his father's large office door - made of a black metal Ratchet didn't recognise but he knew that door plenty enough. Having come up this way whenever he got lost, as he could always find the hangar.
The door creaked opened after Kholovan typed something into his wrist, then he shoved Ratchet inside.
The office - which Ratchet had been expecting to be filled with silent dread - was light. Mostly due to the tune of his father humming as he did the paperwork. Since when did anyone enjoy paperwork? And why wasn't he as upset as Kholovan claimed him to be? The captain wasn't the type to lie. Though that wasn't the weird part. The bond was feeling way too... chipper. Was that the word? Or was it good ol'fashioned 'happy'? Either way, it made his fur stand on end.
He glanced around the room, uncertain what to do next. The walls hung with engineering designs for everything - from weapons, to mining equipment, to freezers... even something that looked like a fancy screwdriver. The Forrestier head room was a workroom first, office second. More of a space where his father made the final approvals and drew up plans - however it was quiet enough that he could finish his daily paperwork if he needed too. Like right now.
Which he usually hated. Making the humming stranger than ever.
Ratchet stepped closer, reminding himself Rivet owed him a nap in her closet if things went array.
"You okay?" he asked, deciding to be the first to speak. Unsure what the hell he was facing.
"Good to see you in one piece," said his father, finally glancing up from his paperwork to look at him. "You know, I saw this video of a Ventore guard stopping a punch from a brat - it's gone viral on the holonet. I swear he seemed familiar - you know, the guard not the brat. Very fast and skilled in combat... Spoke with a Solarian accent... What are your thoughts on the matter?"
He said all this with an enormous grin and a piercing gaze from his single green eye.
Ratchet shrugged, then came clean, "That part wasn't in the plan... Okay, on a scale of one to ten, how pissed off are you? You're looking alright compared to what Kholovan just told me."
"Actually," said his father, leaning on his desk. "I'm quite impressed. Less than a week here and you're already taking a suitable girl... and keeping her safe! You're mother would be proud. Lord Ventore is also quite appreciative, as Miss Humali doesn't get out much and has been having a few issues with the boys in her class. Which you may have unintentionally resolved."
Of course. Kholovan already told him about the 'date'.
"Uh..." said Ratchet, looking from side to side, wondering when the ass-kicking would arrive. "Thanks?"
"Look, I get it!" said his father, leaping up and rubbing Ratchet's head with vigor - as if he was a teenager and not a full-grown adult. "It's normal to want to spend time with girls - especially after not being around them for so long. Trust me when I say your mother and I did a-lot worse... So getting upset will make me the dimension's biggest hypocrite! Just let Kholovan know next time, okay son? Your guard can reduce their numbers and observe from a distance... and it will save me and the clan a couple of heart attacks. There are also places you can go without them that are safe. We can be more flexible, I promise."
Ratchet had to stop himself from laughing- not wanting to make the situation worse. So his father did have a meltdown!Because he 'vanished' for a few hours' to take a girl out on the town? And the latter is why he was off the hook?
He couldn't wait to read that file Clank had on him to find out why.
"Okay... Fair enough?" said Ratchet with an awkward grin. "You're taking this really well."
"About that..." said his father with a shrug. "It's my fault for not considering this earlier. The thought of taking a girl out with ten armored men watching your every move isn't exactly pleasant. The Ventore guard thing was also a good idea. I doubt any of the civilians in the diner could figure who you were if they tried. So it's not as if you were being completely stupid."
"Yeah, that was Humali's idea. I just wanted to wear a hat..."
His father smiled wider. "Smart girl. You know we consider her a genius among your generation? I bet she finds you fascinating."
Ratchet looked away, "A bit... and the genius thing doesn't surprise me. Her projects are pretty impressive. Loves to talk about them."
"Alright then," nodded his father, patting him on the back. "That's enough for today. Now go to bed! And stay there this time! I've got to finish paperwork..."
"Sorry..."
"Your mishap was only one form and your grandfather's signing it, so don't feel guilty! He thinks your whole escapade was hilarious! Best news he had all day - apparently won a betting pool with his guard on the matter. Most heirs in our families break out at least once..."
"Glad I can relieve your boredom," drawled Ratchet. Wondering if he should be offended, but also was completely unsurprised.
His father chuckled and made a gentle shooing motion. "Okay then, off you go! I want you up bright and early for your psych appointment tomorrow."
Ratchet gave another awkward smile, and an equally awkward wave, then turned to head out. Shutting the door as fast as politeness could carry him. Eager to leave the strange atmosphere of that crazy office.
Kholovan was still outside, leaning next to the office door. Ratchet knew he was raising a suggestive eyebrow underneath his black helmet. Anyone would be after overhearing that conversation.
"Don't start..." grumbled Ratchet, feeling blood rush to his face.
Kholovan shook his head. "I didn't say anything..."
"You're thinking it!"
The captain waved his hand to change the topic. "Let's get you to bed. Oh, and we're doubling the med dose tonight. We need to sleep too, you know."
Ratchet screwed up his face. "I guess there are worse ways to get revenge..."
"True. You should have heard a few of the ideas we came up with while looking for you. Dying your fur pink... Intentionally causing your interpreter to mistranslate... Teleporting your pants away when Miss Humali comes to visit... As long as it doesn't cause you 'harm', it's free game."
"Sounds delightful..."
Kholovan chuckled and gestured towards Ratchet's room. "Alright then, lover boy. Let's get you to bed.!"
"Hey! Don't call me that!"
"Would you rather have pink fur?"
...
Rivet's morning in the Lombax dimension was dull.
It involved the usual waking, getting dressed, eating breakfast... but there was no gunther roaring in the distance, or a rogue speedle running around her room. Kit wasn't even able to practice shooting or call the monks at four in the morning - only able to work on puzzles and search the holonet once she finished charging her battery pack - so Rivet woke up to silence, as the guard was ordered to let her sleep and allow her 'get ready in her own time.' As per the demands of her mother.
She yawned, sitting on her couch wriggling into the cushions, then reached for the remote to flick on the holovision despite the limited channels she could watch. Wanting to distract herself from boredom. Kit placed down another puzzle piece. This one of some weird-looking flower.
The screen came on with the news intro. Then Arnold stared at the camera with his usual media grin, prepared to open the floodgates and add some excitement into the Lombax dimension - or so Rivet hoped. The guy looked way too excited to be talking about the usual shit.
Good morning!
It has been reported from the Forrestier and Azalea compounds that Mr. Lear and Miss Aquila are settling in nicely after their first week in the dimension. Apparently, both are taking to the Lombax language easily and are enjoying the time spent with their family members. Their parents have expressed a desire to conduct the first round of interviews a few months from now. We will keep you posted as they continue to settle in!
On to more gossip related news, the first stage alliance between Mr. Tarvi Polivier and Miss Humali Ventore has been suspended after less than a week! The announcement came from Lord Ventore this morning after a video circulated on the holonet last night. It involved Miss Humali seated with one of her guard at a restaurant in city central, and Mr. Tarvi... not acting as a future heir should. Thankfully, her guard was competent and kept Miss Humali safe. However, the smaller clans are disappointed that the alliance - though not cancelled - will most likely no longer progress. Here is the video.
The screen flicked over to the scene at the restaurant with added heavy music for dramatic effect. Every humiliating minute of it. Including the miraculous save from the guard - who moved faster than lightning to stop the fist of a short Lombax hitting his date - and the disgust from the onlookers as they watched the short guy scramble from the floor to his seat in terror. It then turned back to Arnold, looking way too happy about the situation.
Rivet's eyes narrowed. The guard was familiar, and there was only one guy she knew who could move like that.
The guard in question has been called a hero online and has been applauded for his protection of Miss Humali, though no one knows who he is! According to Lord Ventore, he was off duty at the time and was simply offering friendly companionship so his daughter could go out on the town as she had been working all week. We have our own head family investigator, Veronica Jalico of the Braxen clan, to tell us more. What do you think about this whole situation, Veronica?
The screen panned to his fellow host, a pretty auburn Lombax smiling over at him.
Well, Arnold. It was a dangerous move on Polivier's part. I wouldn't want my daughter marrying someone who can hit her in public! Thankfully, the guard seems like a nice young man. From what I can gather, guards work very closely with their heirs, creating the perfect opportunity for lifelong friendships. So the fact she is comfortable going out and eating a meal with him isn't that suspicious! Heck, even Lord Dex still has drinks with his old captain, who is now the principal instructor at the HTA.
Arnold nodded. So no romance in the air?
Veronica laughed. Maybe? Heirs have married their guards before. Especially in times where suitable candidates are at a premium! I mean, they're educated, loyal, and it's literally their job to know their heir better than anyone. So while it's unlikely, I wouldn't completely rule it out. Considering the current state of Lombax politics however, most would agree that securing a match outside the clan would be wiser than dating a guard... unless they all end up like Mr. Tarvi and want to throw punches.
Fueling the romantics on the forums, Veronica?
Absolutely! You know I'm a romantic at heart!
Well, thank you for your time Veronica, we shall leave it there for now. We'll be back with the weather after the break!
Rivet stared at the screen in silence for a second, watching an ad for a Lombax toaster, then...
"BWHAHAHA! This is GOLD! That dork took a hit for the pale girl! I knew he was into her..." said Rivet, laughing so hard she rolled off the couch and couldn't get up from the floor.
"It's more accurate to say he 'stopped' a hit. The short Lombax did not hurt Ratchet," said Kit, nodding in confirmation with a hand on her chin.
Rivet took a deep breath to calm herself down. "You figured it out, too?"
"The guard moved at Ratchet's usual speed and his behavior matched his profile... He also has an interest in keeping Miss Humali safe."
"You profiled us?"
"And all the Lombaxes you have come in contact with. It will be useful research for the monks back on Savali."
A pit of remorse plummeted Rivet's mood, making her body slump. "We need to convince Mum to let us visit. I'm dying to see the Morts and Trudy..."
"I'm worried about Juice and JC... They usually rely on Ratchet to fix things on Kedaro Station," said Kit, looking down. "I'm worried they might find a way here."
Rivet leapt up, staring at Kit as if she just asked her to screw on a tail. "What do you mean - come here?"
"Well, they are very adapt at phase quartz. I'm sure if they needed to find us, they would hit it at the right angle and..."
"They could come here!" Rivet whispered. Freezing over completely. "Let's hope that doesn't happen. You've seen how this lot reacts to basic shit! Like nanotech and combat techniques! If one of those aliens walked through here, I won't be able to explain it away. We'll be locked downed forever!"
"They'll look for Ratchet, not you," said Kit, tilting her head. "Does that make it better?"
"NO!" squeaked Rivet. "That's worse! They'll pick him up and take him back to the station! I've heard the rumors about his clan - they're crazier and more intense than mine! His Dad is going to be out for blood..."
"Not possible - Juice and JC are immune to all weaponry in this dimension. Maybe save the panic for later? It hasn't happened..."
Rivet groaned, and face planted onto the coach. Wanting to scream, and wishing she could drag her guard out of the dimension to improve their worldview. Why couldn't they go back? They were more resources in Polaris and plenty of room for all the clans. If they truly hated each other, then they could separate and start a few colonies - easy. No more fighting, no more ignorance regarding weird alien species and, best of all, she could visit the Morts and Trudy without hassle - so long as Ratchet left the dimensionator with her for the trip.
So what was the problem?
An image flashed in her mind - of the Lombax she had pinned to the ground during that pathetic excuse for an attack. Would it be so wrong to... ask what the problem was? Explain that her Mum won't tell her - who the Lombax assailant apparently hates and providing the perfect opportunity to create chaos by telling Rivet exactly what she wants to know? Hard to refuse.
She sat up on the coach, deep in thought. The captured assailants would be in the interrogation rooms, owned and controlled by the Azalea men. Which means Rivet should be able to waltz right in and do what she wants. In theory. Unless her mother has ordered them otherwise.
Which Rivet doubted. Most sane people don't talk to their would be assassin.
"Hey, Kit... I'm about to do something stupid. Don't tell anyone! But before I go, do you know anything about the Lombax girl I pinned down the other day?"
"Prisoner 36 is in the primary interrogation rooms - near the entrance to the Deathworm Desert. Why?"
"No reason! Just need to figure some stuff out. Ask Lisava for another puzzle if you finish that one before I get back."
"Alright, Rivet. Have fun," muttered the little robot, placing another puzzle piece down and finishing her flower, then setting sights on the green background.
Rivet chuckled, then skipped out of her room. Heading straight to the desert entrance. Her guard will think she's heading outside for the view - which she does like- however the balcony was also the easiest place to ditch them.
The sun touched her face; the light causing her to smile, and before her stood the vast expanse of the Deathworm Desert. Beautiful in its empty vastness and mile high sand dunes. Beneath which the Deathworms tunneled and multiplied, creating the need for her clan's role in the Lombax society.
She peered around, noting she was alone, then proceeded to the right side of the balcony, hopping over the edge to land on the level below her short way down. Kit mentioned the entrance to the desert - and Rivet could find it from here, but she would need help to get Prisoner 36 herself. There had to be at least one Lombax around here who wasn't scared shitless of her mother and her orders.
Now where to find them...?
Rivet sneaked her way to the desert entrance, noting the lack of personnel compared to when she had last escaped yesterday. Thinking nothing of it, she rounded another corner and stuck to the flower beds and overgrown gardens. Thanking the zoni that her clan didn't inherit green thumbs.
She poked her head out, finally close to the entrance, and looked around for a potential ally. A grin lit up her face when she found them.
Bingo!
A tall Lombax with broad shoulders stood across the gap in front of her. He leaned to one side. Looking out over the desert expanse with a slight yawn. Rivet narrowed her eyes as she took in his appearance. Determining that while he was bigger, he was close to her age and didn't enjoy his job. This could work.
She took a step forward, then leaped across the gap towards the stranger, and tried to remember all the tips Ratchet gave her about 'making friends' and not 'scaring people off.' He jolted at her sudden appearance, eyes widening at the length of her jump and ease of making it over the gap.
"Hi, big guy! You speak Polarian?" she said, offering her most friendly grin. "If so, who are you?"
He raised an eyebrow, still twitching awkwardly as recognition flashed in his eyes. "Uh... Alexios Azimuth, mam. Here from the lower branches of the Azimuth family to offer support after the attack. Lord Azimuth is worried about your wellbeing - you being his niece and all that."
"I have an uncle! This is so weird! Is he as crazy as Mum, Alex?" she asked, intentionally shortening his name.
His shoulders lost their stiffness at her statement - making him appear almost deflated. He glanced around him, making sure none of the other guards were close by, before leaning forward and whispering. "I would argue he's worse, mam. Especially if he misses his morning cigar. Never seen a more terrifying sight in my life..."
Rivet grinned and laughed - deciding she liked the guy. "You need to get out more. Anyhow - since you aren't one of my clansmen, I was wondering if you could help me out."
"Wouldn't your own clan be better, mam?"
"Nope! Because I need a guy who has enough courage to disobey my mother - which you won't be doing anyway since the order only applies to my clan. You follow?"
He narrowed eyes. "Go on..."
"I was the one who caught Prisoner 36. Any chance you can take me to her? I have a few questions, and my guard won't answer them. Help me out, and I'll give the 'order' to end your boring shift early. Do I have a deal?"
His eyes flashed. A brief glimpse of excitement breaking through his professional demeanor. "Sounds like a plan, mam. Follow me. Prisoner 36 is being held below us."
"You're not half-bad, Alex," said Rivet with a grin.
He stepped confidently, but with a minor authority which made her relax and not want to check her surroundings. Rivet might not have seen this guy in combat, but already she knew he damn well stood a chance against her guard. She had to hold back from sighing. Why couldn't a few blokes join the defenses again? She would hire Alex in a heartbeat.
She followed him down a few flights of steps, passing a couple of male Azalea members who nodded at her in greeting, until she was certain they were underground. The halls becoming darker and darker with each step to the point she could barely see Alex in front of her. The air smelled musty, as if there was a leaking water pipe running along next to them behind the wall. Making her wonder if they used water based torture methods.
He stopped at a metal door, scanning his palm print at a device to the side, before it slid up - opening to yet another passageway that went even further down.
"Why are interrogation rooms always creepy?" she grumbled.
"I think it's more for the captives. Screws with their minds.." answered Alex with a shrug. "Not sure how much it works, though."
"They'll break in the first five minutes if they are going to talk, right?"
"Exactly. Which is why I'm bored out of my brains..."
She chuckled. "I like the way you think."
He lead her further down, past another door locked by a similar device where the musty smell became stronger than ever. It was here Rivet could make out the metal bars of prison cells and multiple furred bodies behind them.
Some had black eyes. Others missing teeth. She wasn't close enough to know if their claws had been ripped out, but could make out dampness sticking down their fur. Definitely water torture. Or they just came out of the shower all at the same time - which would be weird.
"Prisoner 36 is the grumpy one over here," said Alex, walking up to a cell near the back and gesturing to Lombax inside.
Rivet stood next to him and kneeled down, getting to eye-level with the red-furred Lombax chained to the wall. The woman had lost a few teeth and was wet like the others, but she seemed to do better than most. Her face scrawled up in anger as she took in Rivet's form, her gaze resting on the yellow cybernetic arm. Weirding her out like everyone else in this dimension.
Though Alex didn't seem too bothered by it...
"Heeey!" sang Rivet, leaning forward closer to the bars. "I'm going to ask you a few questions, kay? Mum won't answer them, so you're the next best thing. All good?"
The woman scrunched up her face and puffed her cheeks like she was preparing to spit, but Alex glared at her from behind Rivet and she thought better of it.
"Okay then..." said Rivet, offering a friendly smile. "Why do you hate me? Or at least, why did you try to kill me? I haven't exactly been here long enough to hurt anyone, but you seem to be mad. So let's talk about it."
Her expression practically exploded, as if Rivet had just offered an insult "You are the Azalea heir!" she hissed. "The sins of your clan are yours to bear!"
"What 'sins' exactly? Remember, I moved in over a week ago? No idea what's going on," Rivet tipped her head to the side. Attempting to appear more friendly.
"Stop joking! Your mother let the death worms breed out as revenge for what happened to you! The worms came over the border... they ate hundreds of my clansmen alive! How could you just stand there and be ignorant of what your clan did?"
Rivet pursed her lips. This was news to her - but she couldn't let emotion reach her face. Doing so might cause the woman to stop talking. Best to continue and chat about this with Kit later, maybe even Ratchet if she needed a more emotional answer. She leaned further forward for her next point.
"But... I didn't make that order. My mother did. How is your suffering on my hands? I haven't been here... My war was elsewhere."
"But that doesn't mean the past isn't your problem! You're the heir! If only you didn't come back! Then the Azaleas would have gone to the smaller clans and we could prevent that horror from happening again!"
"It won't happen under me," said Rivet with a straight face. "I prefer to shoot people myself than leave it to death worms, much cleaner, and if you're the best these 'smaller clans' have, then I'll be fine."
"You do not know what's coming! I can't wait for Lady Hexaton to unleash her wrath on you leading clans! You and your boyfriend will be a blimp in history when she's done."
Behind him, Alex stiffened. Either at the boyfriend comment or the 'Lady Hexaton' revelation - whoever that was supposed to be.
Rivet scrunched up her face. "This guy?" she gestured to Alex. "He's alright, but I literally met him less than an hour ago... Relationships don't work like that -"
"Not him! The Forrestier bastard! I bet you two can't wait to create a few more monsters to lead your clans..."
Rivet's face scrunched up even more. "Yeah - he's a reliable dork, but we would murder each other before getting through the first date. We're better off as combat buddies. Why would you think we're compatible like that?"
"Why wouldn't you be? He looks like a holofilm star and you're as strong as he is!"
She had to sigh at that one. Ratchet was a holofilm star. Literally leading man in a movie about the defeat of Tachyon because the producers couldn't find another Lombax to play himself. But a nagging sense at the back of head warned her it was best not to say that out loud.
"Seriously not true, but think whatever you want," she said, raising her hands in defeat. "But back on topic. You hate me cause of what Mum did twenty years ago? Any other reason?"
"You Azalea's and your alliances! Fucking with whoever is the strongest for your own gain... You have no honor, whore!" She then spat at Rivet's feet, causing Alex to square his shoulders behind Rivet, who then waved him down with a laugh.
"Again, haven't been here long and didn't have a-lot options back home! I'm probably the only virgin on the compound, so I do not know what you are on about." Alex tensed even further behind her as she said that, but Rivet ignored him. "You Lombaxes are so weird! Making shit up about people you don't know and trying to kill them over it... I have to say it's a first for me! Most of the past attempts at my life made sense. Like for being a rebel or going into the territory of a mother Gunther... But for just walking in? Definitely for the record books!"
"Give it a few months!" she spat. The flames of anger engulfing her eyes. "Then you'll understand it all!"
She then coughed - hard. Speckles of blood lacing the floor of her cell. A pang of pity made its way into Rivet's chest. Feeling for the ignorant Lombax before her - or perhaps she herself was the ignorant one. Hard to tell when you don't have all the information.
"Mam," said Alex, placing a hand on Rivet's shoulder. "I think it's time we leave."
Rivet didn't need to be told twice. She nodded, then followed him out.
...
Back outside on the balcony where she found Alex, Rivet gazed out over the expanse of the desert. Eyeing off a group of warriors about to head out on a hunt. She took in a breath, tasting the salty desert air, then glanced over at Alex standing tall next to her. Also overlooking the view like he was before.
She had already given him permission to clock off, but decided to stick around until she was 'safe with her guard.'
Ironically, she was probably safer with him anyway...
"Something on your mind, Miss Aquila? You haven't stopped pouting since we stepped outside. Happy to lend an ear to your thoughts if you feel comfortable."
Yes. Bits and pieces of what Prisoner 36 said floated around her mind like parasites in a sewer. She would definitely talk about them with Ratchet later. However...
She narrowed her eyes at Alex, thinking about the wording of her next request.
"Hey, Alex... You don't have to answer. But since you offered... how much of what that woman said was true? About Mum's orders twenty years ago and the Azalea's sleeping around?"
His ears pricked, shocked at the question, then returned to their previous composure. "About half, Miss Aquila. The part regarding your mother's wrath twenty years ago happened. It was a bad time for all the clans... None of us have anything to be proud of from that time. The other half... was taken very out of context," he sighed, shaking his head as he turned to face towards the dessert. "I can't believe you haven't been told this - you should have been, but that's not the issue. The Azalea's matriarch's traditionally have their partners chosen by combat - and it often results in an alliance rather than a marriage so that the man can return to his clan and maintain his responsibilities, otherwise he has to relinquish them. Your mother formed three alliances - the first two resulting in sons - who joined their father's clan - and the third with you."
Rivet's eyes went wide. "I have... brothers..."
Alex nodded. "Yes. The eldest was born from a Dexivier guard - although he ended up leaving the clan recently to defend the Forrestier heir. The other is someone you know but haven't met. He's on the news every morning..."
Rivet's ears flopped. There was only one guy she saw talk about the latest updates. "Arnold! No way..."
"I agree, the resemblance is minor," said Alex with another nod. "He didn't exactly inherit your mother's warrior spirit, but his father was a technical genius. He 'won' her hand by creating a nasty computer virus specific against Valkyrie spacecraft. It saved your mother's life so..." he shrugged after that. "Hardly 'whore' behavior. Marriages occur for the Azalea's - but only if the man can give up his duties. Which wasn't an option for the three who won the hand of Lady Azalea. They were too high up in the social hierarchy and were essential to the function of their clans."
"Okay..." mumbled Rivet. "This is a-lot - but I don't mind it."
"You like the thought of family?"
"Well, Ratchet - or 'Lear' as you guys call him - might as well be my brother. So, I guess it's like having more of him around."
A small smile graced Alex's face - the first for that day. "You're very mature, Miss Aquila. I'm sure your brothers would be happy to hear that. They have been very helpful this past week, doing their part for the leading clans. The alliances might even survive your own term as leader if you keep on friendly terms."
Rivet smiled back and joined him in viewing the desert. "Yeah, well... Having blood-related family is nice for a change. Much better than thinking you are the only one out there."
"I can't imagine it..."
"Trust me, friend. You don't want to be able to."
"You consider me a friend?"
"You helped me out and didn't try to kill me afterwards... so yeah."
He chuckled. "Fair enough, Miss Aquila."
They then gazed back over the desert as the hunting party opened the gates below them, heading out for that day's deathworm hunt. It was only then Rivet realized Alex had stopped calling her 'mam' and was now using her name.
Welp! Rivet has a friend and Ratchet is about to find some stuff out.
Debating on how to handle next chapter, but hope you enjoy it none the less.
Let me know what you think!