Heirs of Change

by HappyCat14

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

10. Discussions

Here it is! A mammoth of a chapter!

Quite the info dump, but I hope you guys find it interesting! Let me know what you think!

Enjoy

Whatever it was about doctor's offices - they always made Ratchet feel uncomfortable, causing his tail to twitch in strange directions and making him adjust his posture every other minute. Especially the office belonged to a psychiatrist. He had seen three different psychs since arriving in the dimension - each as useless as the next - though his Dad had really high hopes about this next guy over breakfast. 'Top in his field' and 'You'll like him' was said multiple times between sips of coffee and mouthfuls of egg.

From what Ratchet observed, few people got his father that excited. He also shared the same last name as Humali. 'Dr. Ventore'. Enough to tell him the guy must have some idea of what they would end up talking about.

The pale man sat before him, quietly going over the notes the previous psych's took in past sessions. He moved his glasses further up his nose, frowning. "Well, clearly your last appointments went nowhere... so let's start again."

"Wonderful..." drawled Ratchet. Yep, definitely knew what he was doing.

He waved his hand. "I know! It's annoying for me, too. But I can tell by looking at you that 'highly traumatized depression' is not causing 'rebelliousness'. Practically an oxymoron..."

"Isn't depression supposed to stop you from doing things..." Ratchet muttered with a raised eyebrow.

"Usually," nodded the Doctor. He chucked the papers to the side and picked up a holopad. "Now, Mr. Lear. We'll begin with the basics. How have you been feeling recently? You've gone through a massive amount of changes, so I'm not accepting 'okay' as an answer."

Ratchet screwed up his face at the directness. "Uh... shocked? Happy? Somewhere in between? I don't know, it's been a-lot."

He nodded. "I'll take it. Now, tell me about your experiences in your old dimension. What stands out to you? Good and bad, if you can."

Good and bad? First psych to realize he had life over there. "Well, I would say I had a-lot of non-Lombax friends - across both galaxies. Really miss them. Also enjoyed the freedom to hop ship and go somewhere else. On the downside, I had no Lombax friends. It's a different type of loneliness, and it really fucks with your head."

"It must have been difficult growing up without other Lombaxes... Even if you weren't aware of what had happened. Do you remember if it held you back from what you wanted to be?"

"Uh... Not really? If anything it was an advantage. The mechanic who raised me only did so because he knew a hangar was a 'healthy' place to raise a Lombax. He's a fongoid - who as a race are peaceful and tech adverse. So he wanted the security of knowing he wasn't ostracizing the kid he adopted - and that's pretty much my childhood. The Veldin fongoid settlement had issues with fongoids handling tech, but not me. When something broke, they handed it to me to fix... and by extension, if there was a raid..."

He went silent, not sure how to say the next part.

"They gave you the gun, correct?" said Hedrek with a nod.

"Well, yeah. Being a Lombax meant I could do things most of the locals couldn't. I was naturally faster and better balanced, and could last longer in the heat of combat. It's why the military was a natural career choice when I wanted to get off planet."

"In that case... when did that loneliness start affecting your life? Especially to the point where it's affecting your sleep?"

"I..." he frowned, wondering how he could describe it to another Lombax - one who would never experience that kind of isolation. "There... was a time when Tachyon found me - I didn't know who he was - but it resulted in Clank and I going off planet in an escape pod. I had a choice of planets - and all I knew was that Tachyon was after Lombaxes. So seeking allies, I naturally went to Fastoon..."

He went silent. Knowing he didn't need to elaborate.

Dr. Hedrek nodded - taking a note. "That must have been a shock."

"Yeah... A bit. And that's when the questions started. You know... What happened? Where did they go? Why was this crazy 'Emporer' hellbent on killing me? I found out, of course, in time. But it was a steep learning curve."

"Which ended with Tachyon's death?"

"Thankfully. Not that he gave me much of a choice to begin with."

Dr. Hedrek nodded, writing a few things, then looked back up with a frown. "Your family is particularly concerned about your reaction to danger. So I'm now going to suggest a few situations and I want you to tell me your initial thoughts. Is that good with you?"

"Uh.. sure?"

"Let's start easy. You wake up and Kholovan reminds you of your schedule for the day. Something comes up you don't expect - what do you do?"

Ratchet shrugged. "Depends on what changed. If lunch was pushed back an hour because Dad had a meeting then I wouldn't give a shit. But if it was location based... or I was put into lockdown or something serious - of course I would want to know why."

Dr Hedrek nodded. "Okay then. Imagine you are sitting at a park. You're resting and enjoying some time off work. Out of the blue, a stranger comes up to you with knife - demanding that you come with him. What about that?"

"Honestly? Depends what they look like and how they're standing."

"Please elaborate."

"Well, if they look like a drug addict and weren't balanced on their feet - I would probably just knock'em out and call the authorities. But if they seemed trained or purposeful, with a wide stance and holding the knife correctly, then I would fight him."

The doctor narrowed his eyes, picking up the holopad to take notes. "So you would enter combat in either circumstance, but not feel threatened?"

"I think I would shoot them over fighting - much cleaner and safer. Don't need to get up close either way then," Ratchet then stopped to think. "Would I feel threatened...? Really depends on the stranger. If all they're holding is a knife, probably not. Means they don't know who they're dealing with."

"What would make you feel threatened?"

Ratchet narrowed his eyes in thought. "Maybe if it was someone I cared about... or it was clear they knew how to take control of the situation. Grandad's good at it - though he's not 'threatening' in that sense."

"So you met someone like that in the past? Someone who commanded 'control' of the room, so to speak, and that scared you? Obviously not Tachyon by the way you talk about him."

Ratchet frowned. "Yeah, one dude. Bit of mixed bag, that guy."

Dr. Hedrek nodded again. "Okay, last one. You and your dad are out together, having a good time. A shot rings out and the guard deflects a bullet aimed at your dad's head. Unfortunately, it goes back to the original shooter and kills them. Turns out to be a teenager who is part of a cult-like organisation. How do you feel?"

A sigh escaped Ratchet's lips. Somehow already knowing the answer. "Honestly? I don't think I would care. Only fools pick up a gun without being prepared to die... and the alternative would bury my father. I would rather attend the funeral of a stranger than lose him."

"So you won't lose sleep over the event?"

"Probably not."

Hedrek nodded, took one last note, then stared up at Ratchet with a frown. "You understand why your family is concerned, right? Just want to make sure we're is on the same page before I send you off."

"Uh... I guess," muttered Ratchet. "It's because they freak out because I don't take security seriously."

The doctor pulled off his glasses, taking his time to fold them and place them down on the coffee table between them.

"You want to know what I think, Mr. Lear," said Dr. Hedrek, relaxing into his chair. "I believe your family has a right to be concerned. You haven't told them everything about your time in Polaris, correct? You're talking like someone who has gone through more than just military service. Miss Aquila is similar... but you've been through so much more, haven't you?"

Ratchet felt his shoulders stiffen. Surprised at the intensity of his own reaction. It must have also been on his face because the doctor shook his head with a grin.

Dr. Hedrek chuckled. "I've been at this a long time. You can't hide the fact that you don't fear what the average Lombax would because you hold an awareness of what you are capable of doing - and therefore it places most horror down at the bottom of your priority list. You've killed - a lot. You don't have to tell me the details. But you should talk about it with someone- and I suggest your dad. It's driving him nuts with worry - because he knows you haven't been entirely honest with him."

Ratchet glanced away. "I know... But it's not -"

"Easy?" said Dr. Hedrek, tipping his head to the side. "Or is this dimension so peaceful compared to your experience that you don't think anyone will understand? One traumatic event decades ago doesn't compare to living with the threat of death on a near daily basis. Within your generation you stand out because at some point you were forced to choose to save your own life or take another. Do that regularly enough and the only lives that matter are your own and those you care about - anyone else doesn't even hit your mental radar. Have I gotten close? Because that is what your family fears has happened to you, and I don't think they're wrong."

"I... don't quite understand..."

Dr Hedrek sighed, then thought for a second before rephrasing. "Okay then. Let's try again. Do you feel you can take Kholovan on in a fight and win?"

Ratchet barely hesitated. "Yes."

"Why?"

"He has a weakness on his left side - wait a few moments and an opening becomes available and he's down. Especially if you aim for the chest area."

"How do you know that?" Dr. Hedrek raised an eyebrow at the statement.

"It's... just what I've noticed," muttered Ratchet with a shrug.

In truth, he had no idea where he picked that up. Just one of multiple notes that have been tacked onto his brain.

"You got that from experience, . The kind which stems from life or death scenarios. Whatever you have been through has hard-wired your brain to look for weakness in anyone which could be a potential enemy- Lombax or otherwise. You don't take threats seriously because - to you - they pose no harm. You know that in a worst-case scenario you would come out on top. So why waste time even worrying about them? Save that energy for the actual threats, correct?"

The words coming out of the doctor's mouth sounded... way too relatable. As if he had been walking around in Ratchet's head for the past few weeks. The moments where he wondered about the point of his guard came to mind, especially since he was safer behind one of the RYNO's hidden in his closet - when he was the one holding the gun.

He felt himself sinking into the cushioned padding of his seat. Actually impressed by a psych for once.

"Is there a name for... whatever it is you just described?" said Ratchet, struggling to make eye contact.

"Sure is, son. Isolation syndrome. You don't see the Lombaxes surrounding you as allies - just as potential threats or tolerable nuisances. Your dad might be the exception due to the heir claim. Might be why you have had a mostly pleasant experience with it."

Ratchet raised an eyebrow. "It's not supposed to be pleasant?"

The doctor laughed. "Nope! Most heirs hate the damn thing! You, however, have a brain that has been craving Lombax connection but hasn't quite taught itself how to do it. The bond acts a shortcut."

"Well, I'm not complaining."

"Good. Because that's the only good you're getting from the syndrome. Starting next session, we're going to be looking at few things you can do to improve your 'connecting'. Trust me, sleep comes a-lot easier when you don't view the Lombaxes around you as toddlers you need to babysit. In the meantime, please have a chat to your father, Mr. Lear. He might get upset, but I promise he won't get mad. You're probably the one Lombax in the dimension who he could forgive no matter what you do."

The only thing Ratchet could do at that statement was shrug. He will talk to his father when the time is right. Whenever that happened to be.

...

Clank waited for Ratchet when the Lombax staggered back into the bedroom. Eyes wide, but he was smiling. Causing the robot to tilt his head in concern at his friend's strange behavior.

"I take it your appointment went well?" he asked.

"Yeah... you could say that," said Ratchet, making his way to the seat opposite Clank and crashing into the cushions. "It's left me with more questions... but hell, Dad wasn't wrong. The guy is decent. I might actually make some progress for a change."

"That is good news," nodded Clank. He tilted his head to the other side. "Is it the right time to discuss the file Miss Humali sent me last night? Or would you rather debrief your doctor's appointment as per your usual routine?"

"The file!' said Ratchet, sitting up with an even larger grin."I've got to know! Did you send it to my holopad?"

"Why am I not surprised? And yes, I have saved it to the backup hard drive in case you had to delete it."

"Thanks, buddy! You think of everything!" Ratchet leapt to the holopad on top of the bedside table. He picked it up and laid down on the bed, intending to be comfortable as he read.

Ratchet held the holopad above him while pressing through the screens to the back up drive. Chuckling as his fingers finally found the annoying file - listed with Humali's signature on the right and titled- 'Lombax biology - the basics. Chapter 4. The importance of sleep.' It flicked open on the screen - Ratchet knowing there would be brief mention of sleep within the document.

His eyes narrowed as he brought the holopad close. Reading each word with care.

Forrestier file - 8692 - Major Actions Taken After Arrival - Condensed Notes

Action 1: Recovery - The surviving members of the Forrestier Guard and Lord Dexivier delay the appointment of a new leader for the Forrestier Clan while Lord Forrestier recovered in the Ventore Compound. He awoke two weeks later, and learned of the deaths of his father, wife and son. The Forrestier Clan members had already begun to take over several major ore veins and construct the mines in his absence.

Action 2: Lord Forrestier arrived to the first major clan meeting as the new Leader of the Forrestier Clan - he demanded to know why the council lied to him and on what grounds were his wife and son barred entry into the dimension - as they were supposed to be among the first to arrive. The smaller clans did not provide an answer and refused to acknowledge any involvement.

Action 3: Lord Forrestier, along with over half of the remaining leading clans, refused to provide continued access to their resources and services until the smaller clans agree to change the council voting system. Instead of the traditional 1:1 approach - the power of a single vote will be determined by clan population and value of services provided. This would up the power of the Forrestier vote from 1 to 23.

Action 4: The Forrestier Clan becomes isolated. Moving away from the city. To protect mined resources from being stolen, clan members are armed with illegal technology. Any unapproved Lombaxes found in the mines were to be shot in sight. This would lead to the two-year siege of the first Trilium mine - resulting in the deaths of nearing ten thousand small clan members and a handful of Forrestier miners. This is believed to be a major contributor to the smaller clans relenting to the change in the voting system one month after the surrender - on the condition the HTA is built for a chance to earn further resources. The Lombax Academy is built for higher clan members and The Lombax Institute of Education is created for the public. Surviving Professors fund the creation of the Lombax University - open to all levels of society and to all clans equally.

Action 5: Clan Forrestier distributes mining materials and engineered technology - however, it is incredibly restricted. The restrictions loosen over time, however remain incredibly strict for specific clans.

Action 6: In exchange for information regarding the deaths of Malear Lismoth, Aquila Azalea, Felibeth Dexivier and Lear Forrestier - Lord Dexivier proposes to no longer build space craft and military aircraft unless the entire council agrees. This passes - and it is revealed the rebel group formed by unsatisfied smaller clan members were responsible for all four deaths. Alliances become stronger between the Forrestier, Dexivier, Azalea and Lismoth clans.

Action 7: Lord Forrestier refuses to observe potential candidates from the HTA for his clan until the rebels responsible for forcefully keeping his wife and son in the home dimension are executed. This has yet to happen. Production rate from the majority of smaller clans drop considerably around this time.

Action 8: It is discovered that the Forrestier Clan is intentionally supplying fewer resources than what the smaller clans require to remain stable - hence the decline in production. Smaller clans try to increase Forrestier output by taking it to vote - it doesn't pass, and several smaller clans have their resources restricted further by multiple leading clans.

Action 9: Lord Forrestier rarely leaves Forrestier territory over a period of several years - choosing only to venture out to visit Lord Dexivier and attend conferences. He rejects three offers of marriage, two due to the age difference between himself and the offered bride, and the third because he refused to be tied to a clan connected to the deaths of his family.

Action 10: Income disparities between clans are believed to be the cause of unbalanced educational outcomes over the past five-year period. Leading clans are ahead of educational results. Tensions rise between the clans.

Action 11: Forrestier clan members are seen less in the cities as more mines are built and their resources expand. A trade deal is started between Forrestier, Dexivier, Lismoth and Stanton - allowing for the improved engineering of their equipment, machinery and weapons. Smaller clans try to block the deal at the council, but are out voted.

Action 12: Dimensional anomalies are detected in the surrounding desert areas. The leading clans are accused of experimenting with dangerous dimensional technology without the permission of the council. This was refuted by the leading clans.

Action 13: Holonet goes live in the dimension. Leaks suggest underground retaliation from the leading clans and goes viral. Tensions rise further between the clans with a heavy focus on the Forrestier and Dexivier clans.

Action 14: Lord Forrestier submits the first fleet of personal travel vehicles to the leading clans on behalf of Lord Dexivier - revealing a loophole in the deal years prior. Only smaller clan that require vehicles for work receive part of the fleet. The restricted clans receive nothing.

Action 15: The first ever student intake from the Lombax University graduate with their degrees - less than 10% are from smaller clans. Tensions rise.

Action 16: The council vote in favor of Lord Forrestier visiting the HTA at least once a year - to be increased to twice a year after five years. The Forrestier Clan members have a right to a secure future. Lord Forrestier voiced disapproval, however agrees to comply.

Action 17: Lear Forrestier arrives in the dimension. Lord Forrestier removes all formal ties to the HTA and plans for his son's ascension. The formal introduction of his son will occur at the monthly clan conference, then to the public after six months as part of the yearly interviews with clan heirs. He makes a formal announcement the day after his son's arrival, confirming him as his heir.

Action 18: All information regarding Lear Forrestier, besides what has already been officially revealed, is removed from public discourse.

Action 19: A kidnapping attempt occurs three days after of Lear's arrival. Six hostile Lombaxes are contained. Two have been confirmed dead after interrogation. The remaining four are currently in an unknown condition.

Action 20: Clan identities of the kidnappers have been discovered. Forrestier Clan have yet to counter.

'Yet to counter', thought Ratchet, placing the holopad down and staring at the floor. The information overcrowding his brain as he tried to make peace with it.

So that's what everyone meant by 'restrictions'... Limiting the supply of resources to force competing clans to under produce, which created lower outcomes across the board. Wealth... education... Voting power... And it resulted in a 'siege' that sounded more like a miniature civil war than a once off battle - killing over ten thousand small clan members - a massive blow when the average 'small clan' held less than twenty thousand Lombaxes. All this regarding the Forrestier clan.

What shocked Ratchet the most however, was his own reaction. He twisted his fingers together, a little nauseous at the revelation.

He knew he should be mad - or upset- or something. But he felt nothing other than calmness, maybe even compassion for his clan - or at least his father.

In fact, things made more sense - Such as the bone-shattering anger that came through the bond when the emergency conference was called, and the desperation to keep Ratchet under tight security. Because these 'smaller clans' had tried to kill him before and were responsible for the death of his mother. Not even having the decency to apologize for it - meaning the leaders themselves were most likely involved in her death and were probably edging to try again with him. Fuck - they had tried again within three days of him being home.

No wonder his father had a fucking meltdown yesterday...

His eyes rested on the holopad. The Forrestiers - lead by his father - held enough power to hold down the resources in the mines during a siege and cause a massive change in the council voting system. An extremely unfair change which granted more power to the larger clans - hence why clan specialties mattered so much in the dimension. It was a retaliation to what the smaller clans organized during Tachyon's attack. In their bid for power, they killed and removed the heirs, so the resources which they wanted to control in the first place were taken as punishment.

It made sense.

Yet... could he be angry at his father for the deaths of those smaller clan members? And for the near fucking dictatorship the leading clans had over this dimension? It wasn't right, but the alternative would have been to reward murderers with even more power. So what could be done about it?

His chest started to feel heavy. The emotion from the heir claim coming back to haunt him - that overwhelming relief and joy from his father, and the love of his now deceased Forrestier grandfather who died for him... He understood their need for vengeance. A foreign concept to him before now. Wanting the death's of his mother and himself to be acknowledge and not swept under the carpet and ignored - which is exactly what the smaller clans tried to do.

They placed resources above the lives of the heirs and the families who loved them, and should not get control of the leading clans. Who knows how they will treat his clansmen if they get in power? Probably why his father seemed so damn giddy whenever they talk about cleaning out the Trillium pipelines.

"Ratchet?" said Clank, tipping his head to the side. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know, buddy. I know I should be mad but.." He paused, staring away.

"But it was all done to avenge you," finished Clank. He nodded. "I understand. It is nice having a father willing to do so much for your sake."

"Speaking from experience," said Ratchet with a small smile.

"Yes. My father went to great lengths for my sake as well. I remember feeling wonderful when I walked through the walls of the great clock and listening to his recordings. Learning why I was brought into the world gave me peace. As, I believe, you will also find once you and your family fully trust each other."

Ratchet glanced away. "You don't think they trust me?"

"I do not believe they know how capable you are, nor the true extent of your trauma. It's a potent combination. Your father is terrified that you will go back to Kerwan - he thinks you will choose the hard life you had over the complicated life here. It's why he gets upset when you mention your old life. He thinks you miss it..."

"Kholovan said the same thing... " said Ratchet with a chuckle. "Hard to believe. My family is here, I won't run off to Polaris without them! As if I could return to our apartment knowing Dad will be freaking out over here. It'll kill him!"

"Have you told them that?"

A frown came to Ratchet's lips. "Not exactly..."

The little robot puffed out his chest, and gazed at Ratchet as if he was trying - once again - to convince him to work with Qwark after the not-so hero came back from rehab. This time, however, the focus was on a much more capable, and more important target.

"I think you should do what you did last time," said Clank, crossing his arms and nodded firmly.

"Which is?" said Ratchet, narrowing his eyes.

"Talk to your father," said Clank, his voice firm. "And offer to tell him some of your past as compensation for your disobedience. Especially in regards to Alister and Dreadzone. I believe it is called 'coming clean'."

"Yeah..." grumbled Ratchet. "He's not gonna be happy.."

"Then reassure him! Make sure he knows you're not going back to Polaris on a whim. You need to trust him or he won't fully trust you. I believe we have had this conversation before..."

"That was about Qwark! Him and Dad are couldn't be more different!"

"But it was still worth it, correct?"

Ratchet shook his head. "Barely... Still nearly died."

"You think your father will put you in a life or death situation?"

"...No."

"Then you know it is different! I can not understand how you feel no fear when jumping around on hoverboots or laugh at the thought of getting assassinated by the Lombaxes in this dimension, yet struggle to have a very necessary conversation with your father. One - I might add - you should have had on the day you arrived."

His words made Ratchet freeze, thinking of Dr. Hedrek's diagnosis this morning. The voice of the pale man echoed around in his head. You don't see the Lombaxes around you as allies - just as potential threats or tolerable nuisances... Your dad might be the exception due to the heir claim...

Ratchet rubbed his forehead at the thought. So this must be what the doctor meant. He might not give a shit about some weak assassins, but he valued the relationship he had with his father. Which, of course, made the hard conversations even harder. He didn't want to risk fucking up the progress they had made over the past week.

He winced. No, that wasn't quite right. There was something else that sent his nerves of off like fireworks at the thought bringing up the past.

"I doubt your father will think less of you," said Clank. The little bot had a knack for putting Ratchet's thoughts into words. "You only did what you had to do at the time and it kept you alive, correct?"

"Fine..." Ratchet grumbled, sinking further into the bed. "I'll tell him in the morning..."

"You will tell him now! I know what you're like, Ratchet!"

Ratchet groaned, feeling Clank pulling on the sleeve of his pants, trying to get him up from the bed. The little bot will keep pestering him until he got it done - especially now Ratchet had agreed to it.

"Make sure Rivet prepares a bed in her closet for me, alright Pal?" he muttered, finally getting up. Leaving the holopad on the bed. "I might end up needing it tonight."

...

Kaden paced his office, struggling to focus on the mountain of paperwork building up on his desk. He rubbed his hands together, trying to ease his nerves as he came to terms with what he just learned.

Hedrek had just sent over his son's evaluation - and it was worse than he feared. Isolation syndrome? One of only twelve known cases in Lombax history? There was no one else in the dimension Kaden trusted with such a diagnosis. It was a few steps up from being considered a psychopath for wrench's sake! At least Lear still had the capacity for empathy... he just considered everyone around him weak. It wasn't wrong in this current generation of Lombaxes, and it could certainly be worse, but what was supposed to be done about it?

Just stay positive! I'm sure it's treatable, Kaden...

The good doctor suggested trauma therapy and trying out techniques for social isolation disorders to see if he improves - only issue was Lear already socially confident. He needed to have faith in the Lombaxes around him and the only cure for that, in Hedrek's opinion, was time. With a consistent effort of building relationships and being exposed to as many Lombaxes as possible, rather than being couped up in his room.

He even suggested enrolling Lear into the Academy as soon as it was safe to do so. Thinking it might be easier for him to form connections with Lombaxes his own age. Either that, or find some way to have him interact with the younger lower branch members of the elite families. A thought which did not sit well with Kaden in the current political climate.

Kaden groaned and rubbed his forehead. Why was parenting so damn difficult?

There was a knock at his office door. "Dad? Shit came up. We need to chat."

Oh, no. What was it this time? He really hoped it concerned the appointment this morning, though a gut feeling told him otherwise.

He sighed. Not needing to say anything as his son let himself in. As if Kaden would have said 'no'.

"You look stressed...?" said Lear, closing the door behind him and raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing new then, son," said Kaden with a smile. "What's this 'shit' you mentioned?"

Somehow, Lear maintained eye contact with him as he stated the following sentence. Even having the gull to appear relaxed as the words poured out of his mouth.

"Ah... You're not gonna like this. But I may have accessed information regarding the history of the clan... You know the siege and the restrictions and the deal Grandad made with the smaller clans..."

The world stalled for Kaden. More bad news piling on to the diagnosis from this morning. He found his shoulders squaring and his voice turning into a snarl. "You did what!"

Lear blinked at him, then frowned. "I wanted to find out what the hell was going on..."

"Oh, really," spat Kaden. " By Intentionally going behind my back to obtain information you are not ready for? Don't you think there was a reason we waited before exposing you to all that has happened?"

"It's not as if I haven't been completely honest with you either," said Lear, eyes firmly ahead. "And you know that. So stop talking like I'm not 'ready' for it. I've literally been through worse as a teenager. Which I am willing to talk about..."

Kaden gritted his teeth. "Go on..."

"Get your coffee, palm off the paperwork to an assistant - and I will tell you about some of the stuff that happened between my time on Veldin and now."

"You think you can bargain with me? After what you put me through yesterday? And now this!"

"No," said Lear his voice matching his own in harshness. "But you need to hear it, anyway. Just like how I needed to learn about the Forrestier history. You know, I wouldn't have run off if I knew how bad it was around here. I literally thought you were just being an overprotective arse! So me talking about the bullshit you need to hear will give you a better idea of who you're dealing with." He gestured to himself at the last part, causing his father to flinch. "And you can find out the real reason why I can't sleep. Newsflash - I almost forgot about Tachyon until I came back here. That was over a decade ago! And he was nothing compared to Alister or Vox or..."

The name which rolled off his son's tongue caused Kaden to freeze over. Childhood memories flooded his head - of a friendship long past and a pain of loss which could never be filled.

"Stop!" said Kaden, dreading another revelation. "Did you just say..."

He paused until the harshness in his son's gaze softened. Confirming yet another fact Kaden just learned today.

"Like I said," muttered Lear, his shoulders losing their tension. "Get. Your. Coffee."

It went quiet between them, providing Kaden a space to breathe and calm his anger. Trying to think positively like Hedrek suggested. Disobedience should not be tolerated, but at least Lear came to him willing to talk. Most young Lombaxes his age were rebellious anyway and barely ever spoke to their parents... right? He could appreciate the effort at communication... couldn't he?

His son waited for his response, calm and patient, staring at him with those damn eyes he got from the Dexivier side of the family. He'd be a good leader with an attitude like that - not being phased during conflict was essential in securing good agreements. It was even having an effect now.

With one final breath, Kaden nodded. "Okay. But this calls for something stronger than coffee... I'm grabbing whiskey."

"Wonderful."

He pointed a finger at his son's chest, voice still firm. "You're not off the hook until I hear everything... and I mean all of it! You're not going anywhere until I get a full timeline without gaps! There will be no repeat of this incident. Do you understand?"

"...You know that's the reason I came knocking, right?" said Lear, raising an eyebrow.

A sigh escaped Kaden's lips, unable to contain all of his frustrations. "What am I supposed to do with you?"

His son shrugged, not taking any of the threats seriously. A fact which made Kaden want to reach for the most potent whiskey in Forrestier stock before this 'conversation' began.

...

Three weeks later.

Ratchet hit the grind rail at the hoverboot rink. The screech underneath his boots sounding like heaven to his ears. He then jumped down and headed for a ramp, Rivet behind him. His muscles relishing the chance for some action as he moved into a triple flip.

The talk with his father still played on his mind... though like most things in his life - Ratchet didn't regret a single word. It has become a catalyst in their relationship, and boy did things change. For the better, in his opinion.

No longer was Ratchet wrapped in cotton wool for unnecessary 'protection' nor did his old man freak out whenever the old dimension came up. It meant they were talking more than ever - a relief he never knew he craved.

Though the biggest change was his routine. A direct result of the conversation he had with his father - the hard one about Alister, Dreadzone and the revelation that he was fourteen when he joined the Galactic Rangers - though admittedly he wasn't aware of the last one at the time. The old man finally allowed him to start his lessons - and not the boring classroom kind. No longer was he expected to sit in a room playing board games for hours on end, nor was so much kept secret from him regarding clan matters. In fact, there was a new understanding that he could research and look up what he pleased. He just had to take on the duties of an heir for the privilege. Which killed his boredom. Win-win.

"What do you have on after this?" yawned Rivet as they came to a stop at the top of the ramp.

Ratchet started counting on his fingers for each point. "Going back to the Raritanium mine to do some quick calibrations... Meeting up with one of the supervisors to get my head around the engineering process for new designs... Visiting Grandad to help work on a new truck engine... Then dinner with Dad, and bed." His eyes shone as he said it. There was nothing like being busy and digging around with fascinating machinery.

"And here I am hoping to nap after hunting for an hour. When's your next day off?" muttered Rivet, stretching out her arms.

"Tomorrow - sort of. We have the conference around midday remember? Humali wanted to meet up with me beforehand and I got the tick of approval to see her. You wanna come along?"

"I'll pass, Hotshot. I'll just end up vomiting my breakfast watching you two dorks stare at each other. Are you a couple yet?"

Heat went to Ratchet's head. "She's a friend!"

Rivet rolled her eyes and puckered her lips. "Sure..."

"You sound like my Dad and Kholovan..."

"So everyone whose been around you two for over ten seconds? Sounds about right!"

"Hilarious..."

She poked out her tongue and Ratchet poked his own back at her. Having his own suspicions about a certain 'Alex' he was eager to meet - knowledge provided thanks to a bored Kit chatting to him while he completes reports, the two of them currently discussing a plan to lock Rivet and 'Alex' in a ship for a few hours. It will be a good lesson - never leave your best friend bot out the loop, as they will find out anyway and get involved in the worst way possible.

"Miss Aquila!" screamed her captain, hover booting onto the rink to speak with them properly. "We told you about doing that move on the rink! It will make you dizzy and prone to accidents!"

Rivet scrunched up her nose. "But I feel fine..."

"Yeah, that's because you two are weird. Doesn't mean you should do it anyway, " said Kholovan, having hoverbooted over to Ratchet's right. He patted him on the back. "We heading off? We have a slight change of plan. You're visiting Lord Dexivier first. There's been another small clan attack and they seemed to have anticipated your schedule. Might even be better to leave the mine for tomorrow."

"Wrenches sake..." muttered Ratchet, shaking his head. "At least I'll get to each lunch with the old man."

The smaller clans had become desperate, targeting him eleven times over the course of the past three weeks. Practically once every second day and each of them as stupid and unplanned as the next - and never where Ratchet was actually located for whatever reason. For Rivet, it was only three - but she attributes the low rate to the scary looking Azimuth guards who had moved onto her family compound. One was apparently decent enough to scare them off with nothing more than a glare - though that was unsurprising given their relation to Alister.

Ratchet pouted. He'll need to look over the rebel forums before the conference tomorrow to get a gist on the current issues- and maybe even ask Humali which leaders he should be wary of dealing with. She went to school with their kids and should hopefully know something - even if she avoided them at all costs and hated most of them.

Kholovon stood to the side, humming happily as he doubled checked whatever was happening on the holopad. Ratchet wasn't the only who appreciated the recent changes - keeping busy gave him less time to get up to mischief - ensuring his guard could rotate on time and get enough sleep, which kept them all in a relatively good mood.

"Guess I'm leaving early then. The old man likes to have share a drink while giving the rundown, so don't want to be late. See you tomorrow, Rivet. Don't get eaten on your hunt," said Ratchet, giving her a fist bump.

"Very funny, Hotshot. Tell your girlfriend I said 'hi'," winked Rivet.

"You and Miss Humali are official now?" said Kholovan, his voice sounding interested.

"No, Rivet's just being an arse as per usual. Let's go!"

He dragged Kholovan off the rink by the arm, hoping to get away from the conversation, while Rivet snickered behind them. Last thing he needed was his guard mentioning anything about Humali to his grandfather. He'd celebrate with booze and be too drunk to work on the truck design and Ratchet would bored all over again.

...

Humali sighed as she made her way down the steps towards the HTA workshop - or more specifically, her workshop. A privilege offered to her on account of the recent suspension of her marriage alliance with the Polivier's. Not that she intended to go through with it to begin with - but lasting less than a week was an embarrassing blow to the smaller clans. The hostility from her classmates confirmed. She shivered at the thought - they still glared at her as she walked down the halls while Tarvi received sympathy. No one mentioning the fact he tried to harm her.

Then again, her life didn't matter to the smaller clans. In their opinion, Humali should have sucked up the abuse for their sake. As if she owed them anything to begin with...

She gritted her teeth. Six months until her time here was over and she could attend University - away from all the small clan politics. Especially now the Polivier's had no control over her career choices. A shiver ran up her spine - she missed that bullet by a hair's breath. Now no man held her 'interest'. Humali could work on whatever she wanted without a constant nagging coming from her messages. It was a breath of freedom which she feared she had lost only a week ago.

Her hands reached for the familiarity of her tools as soon as she reached the work bench, but was stopped by an alert from her holopad. She picked it up - and smiled.

It was a video from Ratchet - showing off Rivet doing a three-way spin jump. Followed by a message in Polarian: According to the guards, this move is supposed to make us dizzy... but we're fine. Are we broken or normal? Our captains think it's the former. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Humali chuckled at the words, feeling her chest going warm at the sight. Okay... maybe she was a little interested in one guy. Hard not to be.

Despite his new schedule, Ratchet had made time for her throughout the weeks and messaged almost every day. A part of her understood it was due to the lack of Lombaxes his age in and around the Forrestier family compound, but the other part... well... Blood rushed to her head at the thought.

She wasn't use to having friends. Being the heir of a borderline clan meant 'Friends' equated to choosing a side. A fact of her life she did her best to avoid - especially in the current political climate, and a factor which made attending the HTA after the marriage suspension difficult. Humali pulled the holopad closer to her chest. Ratchet had quickly filled that void - and more - in these past weeks. A strong support throughout the whole situation... and a reminder that the restaurant incident was worth the current heartache.

Her shoulder tensed. She was seeing him tomorrow before the conference. Maybe they could talk about starting the marriage progression... after he was announced to the council, of course. They then could spend more time together and go out in public. It would be nice - seeing a holofilm or enjoying a dinner without a helmet separating them. Her fingers tapped together at the thought, maybe he could even visit her home for a change and help out in the workshop back home? Always a need for heavy lifting in a place with prototype medical equipment.

She would need to clean up first...

"Hey Humali..." it was a female voice, coming from a figure leaning on one of her larger devices.

She jolted, spinning around to see a smiling Calaris standing behind her. "Cal... What are you doing here?"

"I wanna chat," she muttered, glancing around at all the random projects scattered around the room with a frown. "The conference is tomorrow, you know. Dangerous time considering all that happened this month."

"I'll be fine, if that's what you're asking... I know what's been said about me around the academy. They can talk all they like. Did Tarvi put you up to meeting me?"

"No! Not at all! I mean... the smaller clans are getting desperate. I was wondering who the Ventore's were going to primarily vote for at tomorrow's conference."

"Depends on the topic," interjected Humali in a factual tone. "My father has voted for both the smaller and leading clans in the past. Anyway, that's his decision not mine. Us heirs can only watch remember - unless the topic involves us directly we are supposed to remain silent."

"Yeah... that's not what I meant."

Humali's eyes widen. "Oh... well then, I don't know. Again that's my father's decision..."

"We both know that's bullshit. The only way your clan can stay bipartisan is if you choose to stay single forever and find a way to clone yourself. You've been of age for three years, so the smaller clans will want an answer. They're gonna put up another candidate for you and expect an acceptance - a refusal means going against the smaller clans. Are you ready for either of those options.

Humali looked away. "Does it really matter? They have no say and Dad wants me to take my time... You know, find the 'right guy' as he puts it."

Her father was the only one who was estatic about the break off with Tarvi. Thinking the short heir wasn't 'mature enough' to be right for his daughter if he acted so poorly in public. Heck, he even brought out her favorite dessert after dinner to celebrate.

"So you're not planning to stay single then?"

"Why are you here Cal," grumbled Humali. Really not wanting to discuss this further. "It's not your business. I know the smaller clans are anxious, but how they feel about the issue is not my responsibility. I don't owe them my future so they can be 'comfortable'."

The sand coloured Lombax lifted crossed her arms and lifted her head. "I'm here to ask about your boyfriend - his announcement to the clans is happening tomorrow as well. Wonder if he has the ballsack to speak up for you in the presence of the leaders."

"Why would he need to speak up for me?"

She smirked. "So you admit you're together then? Or close to it or whatever since it's certainly not Tarvi you're speaking about."

Humali froze, unable to believe she let that piece of information out so casually. Her ears returned to their pink shade as she took a breath and tried to play it down. "I don't know what you're on about..."

"Yeah, you do," said Cal with an eye roll. "Even a dimwit like Tarvi picked up on it. Hanging out around Forrestier territory every other day... On a first name basis... Learning 'Solanian' according to Tarvi... Damn, girl. You got it bad."

"It's not like that..."

"Yeah, it is.'

She looked away, causing Cal to shake her head.

"Just giving you a heads up, Humali. I know you're fighting for yourself. It's not like you owe the smaller clans anything - however, be careful. They don't care how you end up so long as your title is in their hands. So let's hope Lear is enough to make them back down."

Humali's thumb traced her holopad. The next words just tumbling out of her mouth.

"Oh, he is..." she said with a light smile. "And so much more. You'll see when you meet him at the conference. He doesn't think like us Cal - and it is so refreshing! Ratchet just takes everything in stride..."

"Who?" muttered Cal with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh, sorry. Lear. I don't think it suits him, though..."

Cal shook her head. "Nevermind. I'll leave you to it. See you tomorrow at the conference."

"Same as you."

She then left Humali alone in the workshop - her usual state of being. Making her yearn for the guy who just messaged her all the more.

Whelp, that's that!

Next chapter will focus on the big conference. Let me know what you think! :)