The games room had a massive lounge, large enough for both Malea and Cal to lie on, and surrounding them was more alien decor and devices neither girl wanted to touch. A large window gave them a fantastic view of the terrarium in the centre of the station, making the room more homely than the kitchen. At least, that's what Malea tried to tell herself in her attempt to relax, smashing buttons to make the weird robot bad guy attack the fat green hero and bring his health down to zero.
"Die, Nefarious!" yelled out Cal. Pressing the buttons with as much speed as she could muster.
"Never!" laughed Malea, pressing the buttons at equal speed.
The green guy punched forward and the robot villain flew higher in the air. The holoscreen flashing with graphics more cartoony than the arcade games they were used to, but it was fun all the same.
Just as her robot character was getting out of reach, a sound came from the terrarium, causing her to prick her ears and look out.
"They're back!" said Malea, letting her robot character die as the green guy landed the final punch.
"What?" said Cal, disappointed with her easy victory. She glanced out the window to Humali and Lear walking through the entrance door - connected to the hangar. She grimaced at the log-like Tarvi being lugged over Lear's shoulder.
"This can't be good!" said Malea.A sickening feeling settled in her gut as she noticed Humali's cradled hand and a seared mark burning red against her pale fur - visible even from this distance. She gulped, knowing there were only a few ways that could happen on an asteroid belt.
They bolted - getting up and running with as much speed as their legs could carry them. Leaving the game on the menu with the characters bobbing up and down on the screen. Dashing through hallways and past all the weird alien decor so fast that they knocked a tall plant pot over nearthe main doors.
As they entered the terrarium, grass crunching under their feet with the force of their steps, Malea could see the image of a potential disaster coming closer. One that could blow up in their faces if it was what she thought.
The frozen log stood out against the green lawn, with Lear staring down at it with annoyance. Ice shards engulfed the small frame, limbs stiff. Though his eyes remained opened behind his oversized stood back despite being their medically trained doctor. Ready to leave the log to whatever fate he brought onto himself.
At the sight of them, Lear raised his hands. "He's alive! Looks worse than what it is!"
Tarvi's frozen body sent a chill up Malea's back, even though she could see his chest still moving. A reaction she shared with Calaris, who looked like she was about to throw up.
"What happened?" she asked. Needing the full story.
"Short-arse attacked Humali and threatened to shoot her. My cryomines aren't lethal, so..." Lear shrugged. "I know you guys have it out for me, but I don'twantto kill you and Ihaveto keep Humali safe. This is a suitable compromise, I think? We brought him out here because I figured melting on the grass was better than leaving Talwyn's floor soaked."
Humali didn't make eye contact as Lear spoke. Shuffling her feet in a way that was unlike herself.
"He's lucky he isn't dead," said Malea, agreeing with Lear for once. "With you guys hunting the Leviathans outside, who knows what could have happened? Especially with our clans at each other's throats." She looked over at Humali. "You okay?"
"Nothing a bit of nanotech can't fix," said the pale Lombax, rubbing her hand.
Lear nodded, looking back down at Tarvi. "Glad we all agree. Although hewillunfreeze soon. I'm wondering if we should put him in cryosleep to prevent another incident. Just until we get ourselves home."
"Heck, no!" said Cal, fur bristling. "I get that he's a loose cannon and needs a few more brain cells, but that would be likeimprisoninghim. We could get in real trouble back home if word gets out about that!"
Lear tilted his head, waving his hand in surrender. "Apologies. Wasn't aware of such a ruling, however heisa problem. Rivet and Alex are coming back after a few rounds of hunting and we can sort it out then."
"She's still hunting afterthis,"grumbled Cal, her tail flicking in annoyance.
"After being couped up here for three days... yes, and for our benefit. I don't want to be patching up walls because Rivet didn't get enough exercise."
Cal let out another frustrated sigh. "Can this day get any worse?"
"It's not that bad," laughed Lear. "Nobody died, and the station wasn't raided."
"We could get raided?" hissed Malea, her own fur standing on end. "Bywho?"
"Space pirates, mostly, and the occasional agorian fleet commander. Valkyrie's are rarer these days but might still happen. I think they have finally forgiven us for taking out their generals. Theyweretyrannical."
"I shouldn't have asked..."
"Like I said, it's not that bad. Tarvi is okay, and we have a solution if he acts out again. We just keep freezing him every time he has an attitude problem," said Lear, crossing his arms and leaning back with that unnaturally calm demeanor.
"With more cryomines?" grumbled Cal.
"Precisely!" he nodded. "Time-out will help with his anger issues."
Cal cringed, glancing one more time at Tarvi's body. "I... think I need to go. He's sickening to look at."
"It's alright, Cal. I'll stick around. Someone needs to stay who doesn't want to kill him," said Malea in an equally uneasy tone.
"No one wants to kill him," said Lear with a pout.
Cal skulked away, heading back up to her room. "I'll believe you if he's still alive when I get back."
She scuffled out through the terrarium; the doors sliding shut as soon as she made it to the hallway. The lack of her presence deafening to Malea, as the two had yet to leave each other alone with any of the leading clan heirs.
Malea gulped. Telling herself the uneasiness came from Tarvi's frozen body and nothing else.
Behind them, Humali glanced down at Tarvi in annoyance, then turned to Lear. "I'll sort out my hand in the workshop. Maybe fix up the gun."
"Sounds good," he nodded.
"Gun?" squeaked Malea, remembering the weapon Humali was putting together on arrival.
Humali shuffled again while Lear looked Malea dead in the eye. "It broke during the scuffle with Tarvi. Shame. We had just taken out a leviathan, too."
"...Yeah," said Humali, looking off to the side. "Anyway, see you both at dinner."
"Alright. Take it easy," said Lear. "And go rest if you need it."
Humali chuckled. "That's rich, coming from you."
"If you sleep, I'll absorb your rest via osmosis. So you need to do it for the both of us," he said this with an attractive cheeky smile.
She laughed. "It doesn't work like that."
"Well, you're going to have to prove me wrong, then."
"I'll send you the report once I'm done," she said, ears tinging pink. "Will you join me in the workshop later?"
"As soon as Rivet takes over guard duty. We need someone monitoring short-arse," he winked. "I'll be there as quick as I can."
Humali nodded, then walked in the opposite direction of Cal, towards the hangar and the workshop. Malea noticing a few scuff marks on her armor from Tarvi's recent attack. A sight which added to her feeling of uneasiness.
"I worry about her," said Lear as the pale Lombax left their sight. "Humali's nerves are going to keep her up all night."
"It's been a big week," shrugged Malea. She paused before adding, "You seem oddly talkative."
"I'm usually talkative. You guys just make Humali uncomfortable, so I take her out of the room. She's had a bigmonth,"he said, eyes downcast. "Like all of us, I suppose."
Malea glanced back at the space Humali left. Knowing for a fact that her classmates hadn't exactly been kind to her this past month, even without Tarvi's insane behaviour. Being around Lear must be like heaven in comparison.
She turned to face Lear and rolled her eyes. He was still gazing in Humali's direction, although she was no longer there. Aquila was right. 'Lovebirds' described the two of them perfectly.
Unsure what to do, Malea went over to the water, the sight of it reminding her of home. She sat down on the bank, tempted to put her feet over the edge but unsure what lay underneath. Various warnings from her brother hinging on the edge of her memory as she watched the lapping waves.
To think she was supposed to be at the Lismoth facility by now... it still seemed so foreign to her, and it was an achievement Tarvi kept putting in jeopardy. Her connection to him was the only reason Lady Hexaton would want to send her out here, or maybe the Hexaton clan had a problem with her being a leading heir. Though Malea couldn't fathom why.
Lear sat down next to her. Leaning back with an arm resting on a propped knee. Also gazing into the water in contemplation. As if lost in thought.
Malea gulped at the proximity. Realising this was the first time she had been alone with him.
He seemed so strong. With defined features which - while attractive - also felt uncanny. Like his appearance was trying to hide something deeper underneath. Even his breathing seemed different, more controlled than natural, as if he were aware of the sound of his own breath.
There were so many questions, of course. Concerning the clans and their next actions.Ifthey even could talk about that. She triedher luck, figuring he couldn't hate her for asking about home while he seemed to be in a talkative mood.
"Have you heard from the dimension yet?" she asked, breaking the silence. Holding her legs close to her chest. "I miss my family. Would really appreciate a chance to talk to them, if possible."
Lear slumped his shoulders. "Not a peep. Haven't been able to get in touch with Clank since Sargasso. I understand, though. I haven't spoken to my dad either, and it's concerning."
"A lot can happen in a week," she muttered.
He let out a breath in that same controlled manner as before. "That's what worries me. Rivet and I aren't there to hold our families back from their antics.Damn,they have it out for you guys."
"You would hold them back?" said Malea, eyes wide. "Even after what the small clans did to your family?"
"Especiallyafter what happened. A civil war only offers dead bodies and sleepless nights. I understand the blood lust -felt it even- but I've killed enough to know cold bodies don't solve problems, only create them."
His words reminded her of a question she was supposed to ask. One Talwyn mentioned before leaving for her shift.
She knew appearances were deceiving.Hisespecially. Most people can't freeze someone then laugh it off as a joke 'cause no one died' and 'they weren't raided'. He even seemed relaxed now while talking about a potential civil war which had possibly already started.
It wouldn't be as stupid as blackmailing him with Humali. So she went for it.
"Cal and I chatted with Talwyn earlier. You've been busy over here," said Malea, trying to lean into her real question.
"That's an understatement," he chuckled. "Did she say anything that freaked you out?"
"She mentioned you are a celebrity."
He chuckled. "Just how it is. But I promise it's more of a hassle than it seems. Only sounds nice on paper."
"She also said..." started Malea. "To ask you if you have killed more than just dinosaurs and Tachyon?"
That caused him to sit still, his eyes widening in surprise at her question. She thought it may have offended him, since asking about someone's kill count would probably be rude regardless of where you came from, but she kept her gaze firm. Wanting an answer to his weird behaviour and his insane strength.
After a moment, his shoulders relaxed, and the confidence faded. The shocked features relaxing into a downcast expression.
It was then Malea could see it. The exhaustion in his eyes and the uneven dints across his fur, a sign that scars lay hidden underneath. His forehead showed stress-induced creases, and the muscles across his body appeared misshapen, as if they had built themselves up differently over the years. His jaw, which she originally thought of asdefined,now seemed tense.
And, strangely, he no longer seemed uncanny. Lookingreal.Not like a holo-film star or an overpowered heir.
"Yes, Miss Malea," he said. Startling her by using her name. "Unfortunately, I have."
He looked up to face her, eyes strong and inquisitive. The same as Humali's when she was deep in a project. "Does that scare you?"
"Not as much as your... calmness," she said. "It happened during the conference, and again when Cal confronted you. As if you don't notice when someone is aggressive. It's weird."
His gaze went back to the water. Staring into their depths with the same far-off look he had earlier.
"I... do notice, but only if it's effecting something important to me," he muttered. "No offence. But most Lombaxes in the dimension are pretty weak. Even my guardsmen. I'm safer behind my own guns than any of you. Alexios seems to be the exception so far, and maybe my Dad?"
"Because of your experience here?"
"Yeah. You live long enough in a dangerous environment - with no help besides your own weaponry - and eventually you get used to a very different normal. You learn not to rely on others as much. They either betray you, get in the way... or die." His ears turned down at the last word. "I know a-lot of people, but my list of truly close friends is surprisingly small. Talwyn is a rare I wouldn't trade it for anything."
He offered a small smile, as if trying to soften the blow of his next words.
"It sucked. But I became the way I am by saving innocent people. My first kill was a blarg. He got into the hangar I was raised in during a raid. My adoptive dad - a fongoid named Grimroth - hid me behind an old transport vessel. Told me not to do anything," he chuckled lightly at the last part. "But of course I didn't listen. He was the only family I had. Before any damage was done, I came out of hiding and tackled the blarg to the ground, knocking his blaster out of his hands. We both ran to pick it up... and I was faster." He paused, contemplating the next part. "I think I was about seven."
His words put a weight on Malea's chest, and it washeavy.As if a giant ball of trillium had been compressed and placed in her lungs, making it hard to of her previous opinions of him dissipating as she understood for the first time what it meant to bestuckout here.
Her and Cal's stupid little conversations in the diner now seemed their small clan problems were exactly that.
Small.
And to make her feel worse, Lear's intention to hold back his father suddenly seemedheroic.Protecting the clans thatkilledhis mother and Forrestier grandfather, and left himstranded out here. A rare moral fibre she had only witnessed in her own father.
"I'm sorry..." Malea started, unsure of what to say.
"Don't be. I made my choice. I killed a stranger to save someone I cared about. Story of my life in this dimension. Over and over... You get numb to it after a while. I suppose it helps us do what we have to do. At least, that's what Humali said."
"You've told Humali?"
"She's aware of my entire history. Gives her something to research besides medical physics," he shrugged. "And Rivet and my Dad know. Guess you know a bit too."
Malea felt heat rising to her head. "I'm flattered... you told me that much."
"You're the only one who's asked," he said with his gaze turning back to her. "Most Lombaxes act as if they are walking a thin line around me and Rivet, but neither of us are ashamed of what we had to do."
"Even with the conflict over resources?"
He leaned back, casual as ever, however, his tone now held an edge. "You small clan kids always say that. It'sallabout the resources. I get it, but could you become like me though to get those resources? Wouldyourfamily want you to kill an heir and make a vacancy for their sake? My dad wishes the guard got to me first and left him to Tachyon just so my life could have been normal... It's why I put up with his crazy antics. Hard to hate someone when they love you that much."
This was the first time Malea ever recalled hearing a positive take on Lord Forrestier. Supposed Lear would see that side of him given the man was his father, but how he could separate the love from the antics was beyond her. Though there was definitely one thing she could relate to.
"I think... my dad would wish the same," she whispered. "He hates the HTA system and wishes my brother and I could become more than tools for clan prosperity. Back in the day, if a leader died without an heir, then an eligible candidate with the most appropriate skill set would be selected fromanyclan. Voted on by the council. The current system sucks in comparison."
"See," said Lear with a light smile, a genuine one. "Not so different, after all."
She smiled. "You don't seem so scary now."
His shoulders slumped again, and the smile disappeared.
"You have every right to be scared. But I plan to keep doing what I have always done - fight to protect my family and those under my care. My choices will reflect that. There won't be any surprises when dealing with me," he said this with a firm nod. "And I know how badly you all want the mines. Just remember... while some of you wouldkillto get them, one month ago, Rivet and I were prepared tokillfor what you have now. Restrictions and all."
That was a statement which made Malea's chest tighten again. Hearing someone - Lear especially - say he would havekilledfor a normal life ina smallclan was not a perspective she had thought possible. Making her think of all the times she gazed at the Lombax Academy on her way to the HTA with envy, and wondering if Lear and Aquila thought the same of her normal life while they were running aroundhere.
"You know," said Malea. "You, me and Aquila, will start at the Lombax Academy around the same time. It would be nice to know a couple of friendly faces beforehand. My cousin, Lorvas Stanton, is desperate to ask you guys about the buildings of the home dimension and wants more farrowball team members. It's a rough sport few will play... and I think you'll get along with him."
"Thanks, Malea. I appreciate it," he said, dropping the 'miss' formality. "Friends are scarce these days."
"Ain't that the truth?"
He laughed. "And the interviews are coming. I'll give you some tips from my time here. It's surprising how a few minor details can affect your entire performance."
"I appreciate it. It will be my first time on stage... terrifying, honestly."
"Nothing more scary than what strangers think about you, am I right?"
She laughed. "Yeah, I guess so."
As she watched Lear's gaze return to the water, memories of previous conferences and the constant tug-of-war between the clans came to her mind. It was a conflict which seemed at odds with the Lombax she was staring at. Who didn't seem like the monster she had originally believed him to be.
Perhaps she should take more notes out of her father's book. Like choosing to see the good in others before seeking the bad. The politics will always be there when she gets to the conferences, but in the meantime she could always meet others at their level first.
...
A leviathan exploded, blue gunk like goop flicking everywhere. The explosion made Rivet wonder, again, what they were made from. Its soul moved to her storage. As if she could sell the damn thing in her current predicament.
The change of scenery had done little to scratch the itch she had developed over the past couple of days. Like a sickness growing within her. Cured previously with the deaths of a couple of grunthors, but these leviathans were boring in comparison.
"You took that out quick," said Alex behind her. "Faster than the giant duck you created earlier."
Rivet huffed. "There are no challenges out here! Shame we can't go to the battleplex..."
"Why not?"
"I promised Mum I wouldn't compete!" she said with a frustrated sniffle. "Normally I wouldn't give a shit about rules, but she wouldliterallyhave a panic attack if she found out! I can't do that to her!"
"So she commanded you through the bond?"
Rivet scrunched up her nose. "She can do that?"
"So... 'no'," said Alex, smiling as he sighed. "And yes, she can. Though it is admirable, you wish to respect her wishes, regardless."
"She hates it when I fight," said Rivet. "If I could get her to watch me atonetournament, maybe she would be more relaxed. It worked when Ratchet's dad found out about deadzone."
"Dreadzone?"
"Look it up on the holonet when we get back to the station. Ratchet doesn't like talking about it."
Alex narrowed his eyes, aware of the meaning behind Rivet's tone. "I see."
A sound blasted from behind them, causing them both to ready their weapons. Ears pricked on alert.
Several metres away, a glowing purple dimension portal phased into existence. Rarely a good sign. Causing Rivet to tighten her grip on her gun, until she saw who arrived.
Stepping through the portal was a familiar black guard. A red sash on his arm showing his captain status. He gazed around for a moment before settling on the two of them, the portal behind him dissipating. He waved at them as he walked over, unperturbed by his surroundings.
"Hey! You're Ratchet's guard captain," said Rivet. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm surprised they let you come out," said Alex, nodding to him. "Your mother certainly wouldn't like it."
"Mother?" said Rivet, looking between him and the guard with a scrunched face.
The captain shrugged and gestured to Rivet. "Trustworthy combat specialists aren't in great supply right now. Especially one's that Mum trusts with Aquila."
"Why would your mum need to trust you with me?" said Rivet,
The guard seemed to stare at her through his helmet, hands on his hips. "Hasn't anyone told you yet?"
Alex rubbed his head, then sighed, turning to face Rivet with that same frustrated expression when she didn't know something 'obvious'. "Probably not...Miss Aquila, remember Arnold?"
Rivet nodded, folding her arms."My brother on the news?"
"Yes, and your other brother who left the Dex clan to defend Lear," he said, pointing to the captain. "That's Kholovan. He's your eldest brother."
Her eyes went wide, mouth slightly open as she stared at the Lombax captain.
Time seemed to still for a moment as she took what little she could see of his features which laid underneath his dark armor. He had the same build as the men in her clan, and he seemed competent, always treating Ratchet more like a little brother than an heir - by threatening to turn his fur pink and teasing him about Humali. Somethingshewould do.
Without thinking, she activated her hoverboots and tackled Kholovan at full speed, his strength the only thing keeping him from toppling over. Her arms flinging around his neck with an outcry of sobs.
"Why didn't yousayanything? Mum said the both of you are too busy to see me!"
"I'm watching over you and Lear, aren't I?" said Kholovan, trying not to choke as she strangled him. "We have been working round the clock to keep you two safe. I promise, it's all for a good cause."
"I could have helped!"
"You were helping by stayingsafeand learning yourjob.Arnie and I are doing ours, okay?" he patted her head and slowly lowered her down. "Now, what are you both doing out here?"
"Hunting Leviathans," sobbed Rivet. "It's boring at the station."
He seemed unsurprised."... And Lear?"
"Just froze the short-arse heir for attacking Humali. Ratchet's monitoring him while he melts."
"...Do I want to know?"
Alex coughed, then answered. "Mr. Tarvi is alive. Lear subdued him with cryomines before he could harm Miss Humali. They are at the apogee space station behind us."
Kholovan looked up at the massive space stationand sighed. "They didn't include fighting heirs in the examples they gave me when they told me to be prepared for anything."
"You're taking it better than the others," grumbled Rivet, hiding her face in his sleeves.
"Dad used to fly me to local moons on his days off and take me hover booting, back when we were still living on Fastoon," he shrugged. "I was eight or nine. Still remember it."
"You remember living here?" She looked up at him, eyes wide and teary.
"Yeah. I remember you being born, too," he poked her nose. "We had a massive party. The Azalea heir claim can only pass onto girls, so third times the charm and the clan finally had you. It secured a damn powerful alliance with the Azimuths too," he gestured to Alex. "It's been a real benefit over the years."
"And where was Ratchet," said Rivet, the tears finally clearing up. "You're part of the Dex clan too, right? So, you have to knowsomething!"
He chuckled. "Somewhere in the hangar with Miss Felibeth. She had this idea of putting him in the cockpit of a ship during naptime, determined to make him a pilot. Think it worked, honestly."
"You should tell him that."
"I'm saving the embarrassing baby stories for his first dimension birthday. Us guards also uncovered some videos we think he might like."
"Can I come? I need to film his reaction."
"Sure."
She smiled at that, though her grip on his arm remained tight.
"Alright," said Kholovan, stretching out his shoulders. "Let's go clean up the damage and leave. Lord Forrestier has given the all clear to return, but Clank can't get a signal to set up a dimensional portal in your only managed my one because Lear mentioned where you all were heading."
"I take it that's why you're here?" said Alex with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. Apparently, Lear has the means to get you all home. No location coordinates required."
"He's useful like that," said Rivet with a knowing nod.
"Though it makes my job harder. He can now create a dimensional portal on a whim... and I found that out after discovering the monstrosity in his closet."
"You found one of his R.Y.N.O's?" said Rivet, ears perking in interest.
Kholovan froze."Oneof them?"
"Ratchet has the entire collection. He found the schematics and built them on the black market. They make combat soooo much easier!"
"... I'll pretend I didn't hear any of that."
Alex chuckled. "You'll get used to it."
Kholovan sighed. "I feel like I should be by now."
"Come on!" said Rivet, dragging Kholovan to the nearest transporter. "Let's go home! I want to kill a hundred death worms!"
"You are only supposed to kill a maximum of five... If you wipe them out, then the Azalea clan loses their leverage over the other clans. I've hunted them, too, you know."
"But that's boring!"
Alex laughed and followed behind them, a spark of affection in his gaze as he watched Rivet's enthusiasm, causing heat to rise to her head though she brushed it off. Eagar to get Kholovan inside and watch the shocked reactions of the smaller clan heirs. Figuring their panic might as well be her next source of entertainment out here in the expanse of space.
And she couldn't wait to tell Ratchet she had another brother.
"I don't like the look on your face..." grumbled Kholovan, letting himself get dragged along.
"Too bad! We have to go find Ratchet!" she said, practically throwing Kholovan on the transporter.
Hearing Alex laugh again just fuelled her further. A gut feeling telling her they needed to get home soon.