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Chapter 27

[Barnabus: It's nearly been two weeks since that big old brawl me and Mickey had on Unutulmus. Life settling into a relative calm after all that running around half the galaxy while we were all on the lamb. Got to tell you folks I was really enjoying the nice long break. ... Well at first I was that is. It was real nice getting to see my little brother again. Issy's always a good guy to be around. And that Girunjh friend of his isn't a bad guy either. Humm... not to self: Find a way to sit the both of them down and embarrass the heck outta them about their "friendship". It kinda hard when we found all had to say goodbye at that military space station near the outer rim. But you know how being a military man is. You're assigned to one place for a while and then without warning you got to go off to the opposite side of the galaxy for some conflict or other. Issy didn't seem to upset about it thankfully. But I think most of that has to do with Verohn keeping him company.

As for me and my crew, after we left the Resande we were moved to this small I.U.G. military vessel that was one an exploratory mission in deep space. Some fancy starship full of scientists and archeologists that are on some five-year mission to places no one had gone before. This part of the trip is where things started to sour for me. My crew all found something to do while we were on board. Rana enjoying herself with her reading, Moah fiddling around in a lab the captain of the ship let him use, and Alfred, wellbeing on an exploration vessel was like a wet dream to him. With them busy I just ended up sitting in my room alone watching old Captain Cosmos movies on a vid-screen. Huh, where's Mickey in all this you ask? To be honest, me and our resident Verdomian haven't exactly been palling around. Awe who am I kidding? He's be outright avoiding me. Kid even went and demanded that he be given his own room so that he could lock himself up in it most of the time. Jalapeño... you have no idea how much I wish Al had never finished that darn potion. Or that I decided to actually make Mickey and me drink it. That heartbroken look he gave me when we did it still haunts me a little. But as much as I want to just erase that dumb decision I know this is the way things have to be. Hopefully Miktes will understand why I did it and forgive me soon. Or... at least hope he will.]

Peering through the large panoramic window of the viewing shuttle Barnabus gave a tired sigh and stared at the planet below them as they slowly descended towards it. "I still say it sort of looks like a big head of broccoli with blue Zintonian cheese running down it." He remarked over his shoulder. "What do you think Rana?"

Standing next to the contemplative man Rana tilted her head to the left and then the right, her eyes taking in every little detail of the emerald green world that had first visited what seemed like ages ago now. "I made fun of you at first but I'm actually starting to see it now." She replied with a chuckle after a moment. "But I still say a guy as smart as you Comet should be able to come up with something a little bit more poetic. You know like... um, like it looks like a pure uncut gem floating in the void of glittering diamonds"

Ignoring the part about what Rana said about gems and diamonds, Barnabus smirked over to his second in command. "You know I think that was the first time you ever said I was smart without me fishing for it." He teased. "You must be getting soft Najjar. Bet I could even beat you in a sparring match now."

With his little joked earning him a rough elbow in the side the dark haired man decided to keep his mouth shut for a bit and went over to a couch situated a short distance away, flopping down onto the soft surface so that they could watch Verdomo grow closer and closer in comfort. "My lack of poetic skills aside though Rana, I got to say I'm really am happy about seeing that pretty little ball again." Barnabus said idly. "I would have hated having to sneak our way all the way back here again."

Walking over to the piece of furniture to join the older man Rana sat down next to him with a curious look on her face. "You never did tell any of us how you were able to convince those old admirals back on the Resande to agree to give us the Verdomian artifact back and let us travel all the way back to a "forbidden" planet."

"Just a little bit of the old Comet charm." Barnabus tried to lie. When the cocky fib fell flat and he was graced with the infamous "Rana stare" The bearded man folded like a stack of cards and decided to be truthful. "If you really have to know, I just reminded those three fuddy-duddies about all the stuff my dad and brother have done for the I.U.G. in the past." He explained. "It was Issy's idea and I didn't like it but it worked. By the time I was finished reminding them of every little thing they were more than happy to agree with anything I wanted if only to get rid of my hide."

Rana's eyes widened a little hearing that. It was coming knowledge among the crew of the wild comet how much Barnabus hated to bring up his father's legacy sometimes. It had been part of the reason why he had changed his last name to Comet years ago, his wish to be his own man in the universe much greater than any desire to ride on the older man's coattails. For him to actually pull out that detested trump card to get a favor meant that he truly wanted to help the Verdomians reclaim their sacred treasure.

Realizing that she had gone quiet after Barnabus' reveal Ran gave an awkward hum and spoke again. "Well that's good I suppose." She said. "Now we'll be able to give the Verdomians back their relic and I guess take Miktes home too."

"Yup we sure can." Glancing over his shoulder Barnabus gave a worried hum as he noticed that Miktes had yet to move from the same spot he had occupied since they had boarded the shuttle. The furthest chair away from him where he sat cross-legged, his green head bent down so he could stare sadly at his own lap.

"Hey Rana, you know how Mickey's been?" The Jack captain asked suddenly with a nod towards the younger man. "I really haven't seen in the last couple of days so...."

Looking over to their orcish companion herself, Rana watched for a moment as Alfred and Moah who were sitting close to him tried in vain to engage Miktes in conversation. Their effort quickly shot down with a short response and a light growl.

"From what he says when me or Alfred can get him to talk he's fine." She answered. "Only problem is that he's really not his usual self anymore. Hasn't even insulted, been rude too, or threatened anyone in days."

Groaning into one of his hands Barnabus began to feel even more like a heel then he already did. "I really did a number on the poor goon, didn't I?" He asked already knowing the question. "I wish I could make it up to him somehow right now."

"Well you could try... I don't know... going over there and talking to him." Rana suggested with a sarcastic edge. Really what was with the older man and acting like a complete fool at times? "It's getting kind of tiring watching you two gaze at each other's backs when you think no one is looking."

"I-I don't do that!" Barnabus insisted, the back of his neck starting to grow hot.

Rana rolled her eyes at his insistence that he wasn't some sort of a lovesick idiot. "Yeah, you both do." She said firmly. "Look over your shoulder right now. I bet you fifty credits Miktes is doing it this very moment."

Grumbling at the smirk that was plastered over his Second's face Barnabus tried his best to resist the urge to look over his shoulder like he had been told to do. But eventually his own curiosity got the better of the middle aged man and with a sudden jerk he whipped his head around toward Miktes. To his immense surprise Rana had been right; the Verdomian had been staring at him behind his back. Their eyes meeting for the briefest of moments before Miktes made a startled face at being caught and promptly went back to staring at the ground around his feet.

'Well at least is nice to know he don't completely hate me.' Barnabus thought hopefully. If Miktes was still looking his way then that at least gave him some hope to repair their friendship. But he also realized that being the stubborn man he was the warrior wouldn't be the one to make the first move. Leaving a reconciliation in his hands alone

After giving Rana a friendly pat on her leg Barnabus gave an achy grunt as he got to his feet and stepped around the couch, quickly making his way over to the other side of the room afterwards where the room's three other occupants were. Padding his way up to the trio he instantly found himself confronted by sudden silence as the conversation going on between his two crewmates came to a stop and they both peered up at him.

"Heya guys." Barnabus said feeling and looking utterly awkward as he stood there. "You mind letting me and Miktes talk alone for a bit?"

Alfred, his usual helpful and compliant self, sprang up onto his feet at the request and gave a salute. "N-Not at all Captain." He responded back with a shaky voice. "I was actually just telling Moah that we should get a close up view of our decent. Wasn't I Moah?"

Lumbering up from his chair as well Moah gave his closest friend a very puzzled look a she scratched the tip of his head. He could have sworn they were talking about the stuff they did on the last ship they were on. It was only when Alfred gave him a certain look that it dawned on the Girunjh what was going on. "Yaggho!" The Mechanic said slowly. "Moah. Want. See. Planet."

Barnabus couldn't help but smile a little at the not very subtle at all way the two were trying to give him what he had asked for. Moah and Alfred certainly were a pair of strange ducks. Heads full of brains that qualified them to be so much more than simple Jacks yet here they were happy to just be a part of his crew. Made Barnabus realize again how stupid he had been for risking their friendships and lives.

Patting both men on their arms Barnabus gave them a thankful nod. "Thanks guys." He said trying to hold back his amusement. "I really appreciate everything you fellas do for me."

Alfred gave another small smile at his captain's kind words, his chest puffing a little at the praise being given to him. "You're very welcome Captain." The doctor said happily. "Well, let's get going Moah I'm sure these two really need their privacy."

Turning to Moah the svelte man grabbed the mechanic by his large arm and tried to pull him away. Unfortunately his attempt seemed to be completely pointless as Moah remained in spot like an unmovable stone, a rare serious look on his bearish face as he dipped his head down far enough to look into Barnabus face. "Barnabus..:" He began with a sigh. "Giff lop not oop nosai ir uto oiyef jaxin tagg. Tagg lossa pahh phun suve kora gu lossa pahh fa lat tagg garzz yef. Miktes je zozan "Yetra Joeku", ji'o had li ol."

Confused at the reverend tone Moah was using to address him Barnabus peered over to Alfred hoping for a quick translation like always. But instead of getting it he found the younger man looking away as if he were very embarrassed, his eyes moving down to the ground in an attempt to avoid direct eye contact.

"H-He um, he said something about a missing part." Alfred did mumble mysteriously and very unconvincingly after a few good moments of staring on Barnabus' part. "At least that's what I think he said."

Barnabus felt himself growing suspicious at the shaky translation he had gotten from the blond. Alfred had always been able to perfectly understand their larger friend when he spoke. His brilliant mind adapt to understanding the Girunjh's language as second nature after hearing it so much. Whatever Moah had said it must have been something incredibly uncomfortable for him to refuse to translate it properly."

"Are you sure that's all he said?" Barnabus questioned sternly. When Alfred continued to look away the bearded man decided to let it go and move on. "Ok then guys, thanks again."

"Think nothing of it Captain. We're happy to help you whenever you ask." Tugging at Moah's arm harder this time Alfred managed to finally move the heavy man, the two of them stumbling over to Rana as they fell into a hushed conversation that seemed to be on its way to becoming an argument.

Alone with Miktes now, Barnabus took a seat in the chair opposite the Verdomian and tried to give him a warm smile. One which was quickly ignored when Miktes failed to respond to his presence. "Heya Mickey, how're things going today?" He then tried verbally. "Excited about seeing your home again?"

Miktes' whole body jerked at the question, its owner giving a quick and almost grunt-like, "No", before he grew silent again.

'Not going to make it easy are you?' Barnabus thought grimly. Scooting to the edge of his seat so that his and Miktes' knees bumped together, the bearded man leaned closer and slightly to the side trying to make eye contact. "Come on kiddo you can't keep doing this." The Jack said almost pleading. "At least give me one grumpy growl."

Holding his ground Miktes shifted in his seat sideways and folded his arms over his chest and snorted, .His face scrunched up into a childish grimace. "I don't wanna." He harrumphed. "Go away."

Disheartened at being blocked yet again from proper conversation, Barnabus let out a big breath and slouched into his seat to silently observe the brooding Verdomian. Seeing Miktes like this really did make him feel awful. That hurt tone of betrayal and loneliness the other man was speaking in making his chest ache with every word. Barnabus knew he had to do something to get Miktes back to his pain in the ass old self. A conversation starter, a joke, a funny story anything!

An idea forming at that last thought Barnabus gave a sly grin and tried talking to Miktes again. "Hey Mick, did I ever tell you about the first time I went to the beach?"

Miktes let out a shuddering sigh at being bothered again and glared over at the other man. "You mean when you pranced around wearing nothing but that tiny piece of clothing." He asked gruffly. "Still say it's improper."

Barnabus felt his cheeks tinting a little at being reminded of the risqué bathing suite he once wore. "I um, t-that wasn't the first time I went to the beach Mick." He quickly corrected. "What I'm talking about is when I was a kid and my mom took me and my brother Frank to this little beachside town near out home."

"You lived near the O-san when you were a child?" Miktes asked, the defensive shield around him lowering if only a little bit. He was curious what growing up next to so much water was like since he had only seen rivers before he left Verdomo.

"Well... we were actually one town over from the beach but it was still close enough to smell the sea air." Barnabus bit his bottom lip to keep himself from smiling anymore then he already was. He knew he had the Verdomian now based on that intrigued look on his tusked face.

"Well anyway back to my story." He said returning to topic. "When I was six years old my Ma took me and Frank to the beach for a day. You know, sort of a little vacation to make up for her having to work all the time." There was a small pause as memories caught up with the Jack and be began snickering. "Jalapeño, I remember being so excited the entire transport trip there. And when we finally arrived I ran right out the door at full speed and jumped into the water with a big splash. That turned out to be a biggest mistake I could have made because the beach was closed that day because of jellyfish."

"A Jellyfish?" Miktes wondered mystified.

"Yeah this sea critter that looks like a glob of goo." Barnabus explained. "Splashed down right in the middle of a whole school of the little buggers. Got me right on my backside. Luckily they weren't the poisonous verity bit it hurt so much that I had to spend the rest of the trip at the beach's first aid office getting fixed up."

Miktes could feel a smile tugging at his lips as he tried to imagine a young Barnabus howling from a sting to his ass. Sort of made him feel better for whining so much when Alfred had giving him those shots things in his torture chamber. "Sounds like you were a stupid kid." Miktes said smugly. "I would have never done anything as dumb as that."

Barnabus pretended to give a haughty sniff at the insult. "Oh, and you were so much smarter when you were younger?" He asked, a grin crossing his bearded face as well. "Knowing you Mickey you probably got yourself into tons of more trouble than I did. Come one, open your mouth and admit it."

Glaring at Barnabus for not believing that he was always perfect, Miktes stubbornly clamped his mouth shut and snorted. But this determination to remain silent was completely defeated when Barnabus smirked that all too familiar smirk of his and waggled his eyebrows in his direction. Any thought of pretending to be offended crumbling in the face of such a silly action on the older man's part.

"Fine I wasn't any better I guess!" Miktes confessed, laughter bubbling out of him much to his horror. "One time I got myself stung by these big bugs that make the sweet stuff we use in food. A-And another time I got to close to a latcet calf and it chased me right into this big mud puddle! Mama was so mad at me by the time I got home that she... ... ..."

Barnabus, who by the time Miktes had gotten to the mud puddle had begun to laugh heartily himself, body bent over in his chair as he held his sides, found himself sobering quickly as he noticed that Miktes had trailed off mid-sentence and became uncharacteristically quiet. Peering back up to the younger man he was sad to see that the Verdomian had once again turned away from him, his face angry and his eyes dark as he stared at a wall.

"Stop doing that." Miktes said with a frustrated growl. "Stop fucking doing what yer doing and go the hell away."

All good humor now gone Barnabus sighed. "Stop doing what Mickey?" He asked hesitantly. "Stop trying to talk to you? Cause if that's the case I really don't want to do that. I don't think I can."

"Well do it anyway." Miktes insisted, form unmoving. "I don't want you talking to me and making me smile or laugh or any of that sort of shit. All I want to do now is be grouchy all the time again. Just like I was before I met you and the others."

'Now that really hurts.' Barnabus winced. Miktes was so upset that he wanted to go back to the way he was before they ever met? No matter how much he ran that idea in his mind Barnabus just couldn't believe that. Not after all the time they had been together. "Look... Miktes I know you're really mad at me right now and everything and I can't really blame you, but just because we aren't mated anymore doesn't mean that we--"

"I ain't mad at you." Miktes interrupted sulkily.

Barnabus became tongue-tied when he realized what Miktes had just said. Eyes widening as he stared dumbly at the Verdomian. "W-What did you just say?"

Grumbling at the question and seeing that he wouldn't be left alone until he explained Miktes gave an annoyed growl and sat correctly in his seat so he could face his now ex-mate. "I said I ain't made at you." He repeated. "I know why you went and made me drink that junk that day and I get it. I can't stay with you because of that stupid rule yer people have about talking to people like me."

Glaring down at his lap Miktes paused. Almost as if he were trying to calm himself down so that he could continue. "As much as I wanna stay with you Barnabus... with all of you, I get it that it don't matter what I want. Your law says I got to go home so that's what I'll do. I don't want you guys getting in trouble because of me."

As Miktes finished his speech Barnabus felt all the air in his lugs escape. The poor guy actually believed that he was trying to kick him to the curb because of some stupid law that truly didn't matter anymore? And what was worse was that he was going to let him do it because he wanted to keep all of them from getting arrested for breaking the law.

'Jalapeño Mickey...' Barnabus thought looking at the younger man. 'You've really changed haven't you?'

"Attention passengers we are about to make landfall." The voice of the shuttle's automated pilot sudden rang out over the ships com systems, its words drowning out Barnabus' thoughts as the ship rocked slightly. "Touchdown will be in another three, point twenty-four minutes those wishing to disembark please prepare yourselves now."

Surprised to hear they were about to land, Barnabus twisted around in his seat and gazed over to the observation deck's large window. Just as the computer pilot had just announced they were rapidly approaching the surface. The viewing shuttle heading towards very same clearing that Moah and Alfred had landed in when they had rescued them from the Verdomian temple guards. He must have been so preoccupied with trying to talk to Miktes that he had failed to notice that they had left orbit and broken through the thick atmosphere covering the planet.

Seeing his home below them, Miktes got up from his chair with a growl and a flick of his tail. "Guess this is goodbye then." He said bitterly.

Giving Barnabus what he believed to be one last long look the warrior bid him goodbye and padded his way across the room to where Rana and the others were standing in front of the window. "Hey woman!" He commanded as gently and nicely as he could. "Hand over the sacred artifact so I can take it back already. I don't want to make this any longer than it needs to be."

Turning around to face Miktes and berate him for calling her woman again, Rana opened he mouth to shout but stopped when she saw the look in his face and his outstretched hand. "Wait... Barnabus didn't tell you yet?" Getting a blank look to her question the pilot gave an angry groan and peered around the orcish alien's broad green shoulders to Barnabus. "What's wrong with you?" She asked him.

"Sorry Mom I was too enthralled with Miktes here to remember anything else." Barnabus said with playful sarcasm. Passing Miktes who was now curious as to what they were all talking about, the Jack captain leaned over the back of the couch and after a few moments of rummaging through a bag resting on top of it, his backside wagging a little too much for Miktes' liking. He was trying to resist being "friendly" with the other man after all.

After a few good moments of searching Barnabus stood back upright and presented the group with the Verdomian artifact that had started their whole adventure. "We're going to be going with you back to your village Mickey." He said to Miktes with a determined look. "Figured that since me and Rana were the ones who stole it that we better be the ones who took it back."

The crew of the Wild Comet had expected Miktes' mood to brighten when he had been told that they would be accompanying him on his trip back home. The short journey giving them all a little more time together, but to their shock the Verdomian seemed to descend into a panic, his eyes growing wide and his tail thrashing about behind him wildly.

"Are you all fucking stupid?!" The warrior shouted. "If you come back to the village they're going to kill all of you for sealing!"

"Yeah we saw the video the researchers had at their base." Barnabus said with a sigh. "But I don't care. I did something wrong. Something that put every one of your people at risk and I need to take what's dished out to me."

"He means we all need to take what's "dished" out to us." Walking up to Barnabus Rana placed he hand on her friends shoulder and glared up at him half-heartedly. "We're all in this together Comet, remember?"

"Miss Rana is right as always sir." Alfred agreed nervously. "I-I-I k-know they might crush our heads o-or something but I'm n-not scared!"

Grunting out his own overzealous reply Moah gave everyone a thumbs up and said a very cheery sounding, "Yaggho hattao."

Despite the danger they were all about to face Barnabus allowed a wane smile to cross his face at what his crew had said. Leave it to the three loyal dummies to simultaneously make him feel on top of the world and utterly humble at the same time.

"Alright then everyone, if we're all done being sappier then an after school play how about we get out packs and get ready to roll out." The bearded man said clapping his hands. "That means you too Mick, I know I'm not your captain or anything but we're going to need you to lead the way. We sort of weren't paying attention the first time we were here. You up for it kiddo?"

Throat going suddenly dry, Miktes gave a noncommittal grunt which Barnabus and his crew interrupted as a "Yes" the foursome jumping into action and preparing themselves for their short trek through the jungle. If they had been paying more attention to their Verdomian companion they would have notice his face growing more and more worried as they gathered supplies and their backpacks. His mind racing as he thought about what he had "agreed" to do.

{Miktes: How the hell did Barnabus just get me to agree to lead them back to the village just now? To help him and our friends march right to their deaths? By the strangers, I-I gotta make them changer their minds. Make'um see how stupid this idea is. But my mouth just won't work damn it! All I'm doing as they're getting ready to march off to be executed is standing here with a knot twisting in my belly so bad that it's really starting to hurt. I had been completely ready to tell them all goodbye just now. The only thing making it alright being that I knew they'd all be safe and sound back up in their flying house. But now that's all ruined! They're going to go into the village, get captured, and then get killed right in front of my eyes!}

***************

The midday sun beamed down on Kalaban village brightly that day, the Verdomian populace milling about the many twisting streets going through the stone and brick town with the usual zeal for life and boisterous conversation that they had always had. Each of them going about their day the same way they had spent the last. They woke up early in the morning, did their daily chores and ate their simple meals, and then when the sun began to dip below the horizon they returned to their beds so they could go to sleep and reset the whole process again for the next day.

For one particular family amongst the hundreds however, a family that was known as the Hestry clan, this never-ending circle of repetition had long ago been replaced with days filled with despair and worry as they dealt with the sudden disappearance of their first born son. The one taking it the hardest of course being the missing young man's father, the patriarch of the Hestry clan, Daleer.

Shuffling out of his bedroom for the first time that day and through the quiet corridors of his home Daleer breathed out a weary sounding sigh as he adjusted his clothing and combed his fingers through his ebony colored hair. It had been a tough sixty or so days for him. His mind constantly going over the last time he had seen his son and how he was in part responsible for what had happened to him.

He had been the one who had forced Miktes to come to the temple that day to take part in the Ritual of Destiny, and to stay in the room where he had been confronted by the intruders. Then to make matters worse he had allowed his beloved little one to trek into the jungle in blinding pain to look for the accidental mate that through his actions he had been bounded with his son.

After Miktes had vanished that day Daleer had tried to remain strong as search after search had turned up nothing. Calmly telling his people and children that Miktes would return someday and that everything would be right again when he did. But after all the speeches and reassurances the Verdomian chief had quickly found that his words were nothing but false bravado on his part, breaking down into tears as him and his wife sat in their rooms alone at night. Blaming himself for everything that had happened.

That's part of the reason why he was getting out of bed so late today. He had overslept after finally getting some rest after another night of torment. He had wanted to remain in bed even longer after he had awakened but he knew that he couldn't stay in his bed forever. He was the chief of Kalaban village after all and being such he had responsibilities. He had rounds to do around the village, listening to problems, visiting his councilors, and generally making sure that everything was still going smoothly around the village since his last inspection.

Pushing thoughts of his missing son and his own mistakes aside Daleer quickly gathered himself and made his way to the front of his large home, sighing he then stepped outside and squinted as he got used to being outside again. It was as he stood there partially blind that he found himself presented with his first dilemma of the day in the form of a familiar voice shouting at him from across the street.

"Ah chief Daleer over here!" Whoever was trying to get his attention called out. "I'm so glad that I was able to find you this afternoon."

Giving a growl at already be accosted Daleer looked over to the source of the cry and spotted his young assistant Lepreh running towards him, the pudgy submissive's light green hair completely out of sorts and his breath coming out in heavy pants as came to a stop before his master and smiled up sheepishly at him.

"What is it I can do for you my?" Daleer said looking down at the younger man. "And please could you make this quick my dear? I'd like to do my rounds as quickly as I can. I wish to go out with the patrols later."

"O-Of course Chief Daleer." Lepreh replied in a respectful manner. Removing a small bundle of parchments from his belt he held it out for his master to take. "The farmers at the south end of town wanted me to talk to you about expanding their crops to the eastern corner. They believe that allowing them to do so will increase the amount of fruits for the next harvest season."

Taking the papers Daleer unrolled them and examined the sloppy and uneven writing upon them. He usually didn't bother with such tasks. Dealing with farmers and the like almost always abdicated to one of his personal councilors. "I suppose that shouldn't be too difficult." The chief murmured as he read. However when his eyes scanned over one particular part he frowned. "Wait a moment... the area that they've requested is currently being used by the latcet ranchers isn't it?"

"Precisely why I'm here talking to you master." Lepreh informed. "Both parties were unhappy with the decision of councilor Mumdy and have demanded to appear before you to make their cases. The meeting had been scheduled for some time before sundown if that's alright."

Daleer had to suppress a groan at having to attend a meeting that he knew would only descend into a childish fight between two full grown dominates. "Yes, yes I suppose that would be acceptable." He said half interested. "Now is there anything else you want to discuss with me or may I start my rounds?"

Lepreh deflated a little at seeing his beloved chief and master acting so waspish towards him. "No Chief Daleer that's all I wish to speak to you about." He said. Taking a step back the young scribe made way and silently watched for a few moments as the larger Verdomian began to walk away.

However just before Daleer could stroll too far off the younger man felt a burst of confidence and ran after him, grabbing the sleeve of the older man's toga and tugging at it gently. "C-Could you wait a moment Chief Daleer?"

"What?" Daleer finally snapped, temper finally getting the better of him. "I thought you said that was all you need me for."

"It was it's just that..." Lepreh took a deep breath and stared down at his feet a moment before he got the courage to look back up. He had known Daleer for years but the older man still intimidated him sometimes. As did any dominate really. "I wanted to say that for what it's worth I'm truly sorry about what happened to your family master. I know how many in the village viewed Chief's son Miktes but I didn't find him that bad." The green haired man giggled bashfully. "Actually the first day I started working for you he talked to me for a bit and said that if I wasn't good enough that I wouldn't have been chosen to be your assistant. It made me feel a lot better about my skills"

Daleer felt his anger melt a little at his trusted scribe's words. Miktes had most likely said those words as more of an insult then how Lepreh had heard them but it was still nice to know that someone besides his family missed his son. Mostly everyone else in the village acted pleased that Miktes was gone. Only showing remorse and sympathy about his disappearance when Daleer or another Hestry clan member was within earshot.

It was a shame that Miktes hadn't taken a shine to someone as humble and quiet as Lepreh was. Having a good timid friend around might have calmed that fire in his son's soul a little. Giving him something else to do besides rampage across the village causing trouble. And it wasn't like Miktes didn't like people like his assistant. Actually the Verdomian chief had accidentally found the two of them years ago having a bit of youthful fun like many younglings did in their culture.

But there was no sense living in the past he supposed. Patting Lepreh on the head affectionately the grizzled Verdomian smiled down at him. "Thank you for your kind words my dear assistant." Daleer said gently. "Your words truly help me in this time of need."

"You're very welcome Chief Daleer." Lepreh said back happy to see his master feeling a little better. "Well... now that I said all that I think I better let you get back to your own business. I have to go myself too. My mate is waiting me to join her for the afternoon meal."

"Then you better hurry." Daleer said dismissing him gently. He knew the boys dominate and she tended to get grouchy when being kept waiting. "And again thank you." Bidding his timid servant a gentle goodbye again the dark haired Verdomian quietly watched as he rushed off to me his mate, his own mind going back to the creature that Miktes had chased after that day. Daleer hoped that whoever his son supposedly became bounded hadn't hurt him where they were.

It was this worry that was heavily on the chief's mind as he began his rounds without any more fuss, calmly making his way through the streets of Kalaban village at a slow and leisurely pace as he offered hellos and had short conversations with various shop owners and farmers. After an hour or so of this wandering Daleer found himself standing between the posts of the open front gate of the village staring outwards, his feet having taken them there without him even noticing it.

Inhaling deeply the exotic scents and sounds of the jungle a short distance away he wondered if the warriors who patrolled the perimeter of Kalaban had seen anything today. Luckily there was a unit of guards nearby in the open field doing some sort of training exercises. Mostly wet behind the ears warriors learning the basics and sparing against one another while an older thickset Verdomian guard captain barked at them to perform better.

Heading over to this small group Daleer walked up behind this man and observed the younglings for a few moments before he spoke. "Hello Guard Captain Torcept." He began. "Have there been any sightings today?"

Without taking his gaze off of his students, the larger Verdomian gave a steady shake of his completely bald head. "If you're asking if we saw you son sire then no there had been no sign of him." He reported curtly.

Daleer looked down at the ground in disappointment. "No I suppose there wouldn't since last I checked yesterday." He said. "But it helps me to ask. Even if only to occupy my time."

Finally turning to the other man, Torcept gave him a sympathetic look. He couldn't imagine what it was like losing a child the way the chief had. To have one just vanish with no trace. Feeling that he should say something to try and comfort Daleer the serious looking man opened his tusked mouth to speak, but just as the first word left his mouth it was blocked out by a loud cry of alarm that drew the guard captain's attention back to his job.

Gazing to their left Daleer and Torcept watched as a harried looking guard ran towards as he shouted and waved his arms around wildly. Upon reaching the pair of older men the young warrior stood up straight and crossed his arms over his chest in an "X", the Verdomian equivalent of a salute. "I-I'm sorry to interrupt your talk with Chief Daleer, Guard Captain but I've spotted something in the jungle during my patrol."

Huffing at the sweaty youth Torcept gave him an annoyed look. The young dominate was a newbie who was only a few days into his new job and very inexperienced. The "something" he had supposedly spotted was most likely some sort of timid wild animal which he had overreacted to. "Well out with it youngling! Tell me what it is you have seen." Torcept grunted. "And be quick about it so you can return to the area I assigned to you."

The young scout gave a quick nod and saluted again. "Yes Guard captain." He replied promptly. "What I saw in the jungle was a group of travelers heading our way. Four or five of them if I saw the whole group. Their leader said something about heading for the village and then the temple."

"Was my son one of these travelers?" Daleer interrupted his hopes rising.

Being questioned by his chief caused the scout to shrink a little out if intimidation. "I... I don't think so sir." He answered the older man. "Though I can't be entirely sure. I only saw them from a distance and what I saw didn't look good. One of them was a giant wearing an animal hide I believe."

Processing the information just given to him Torcept quickly came to only one conclusion. "If they're coming through the jungle to get to the village then people you saw could be more of those bandits from the western caves." He reasoned grimly. "Any legitimate traveler would use the great trails to make it from village to village. Which direction did you say they were heading towards us boy?"

"North sir." The scout repeated as he pointed in the same direction he had come from. "And I'm afraid they'll be here in a short time."

"These invaders have some nerve coming right to our front gate." Torcept snarled. With all the necessary information given to him the experienced warrior formulated a plan and began shouting out orders to the assembly of warriors he had been training. They were young and mostly untrained but they would have to do until work could get to the older warriors in town.

"Warriors stop your lazing about and get yourselves ready for battle!" Torcept bellowed. "Whoever these fools are we are not just going to stand by and let them enter our village!"

"Yes master Torcept!" The sparing men shouted in response, all of them immediately stopping whatever they were doing to run over to the piles of various weapons about the outer wall of Kalaban Village.

Pleased by the flurry of activity that erupted around him Torcept removed his own weapon from its holster attached to his loincloth's belt and gave the rock attached to the curved stick by rope a few good spins. "Scout you go into town and tell the other warriors at the main training grounds to get here as soon as possible." He said over to the young man who had warned him. "Chief Daleer you better get yourself to safety. It might still be nothing but we wouldn't want you getting yourself hurt if there was a scuffle."

Daleer gave the other man a grim nod and turned back towards the village to do as he had been told. But suddenly he found himself coming to a complete stop as a strange feeling came over him. Some bizarre sensation that buzzed about in the back of his skull like an insect and told him that he should remain right where he was and see these intruders. Almost as if the strangers themselves were trying to tell him something.

On impulse the normally level headed Verdomian Chieftain decided to disobey the suggestion of his trusted guard captain and stood his ground, reaching down to pick up a spear and holding onto it tightly. "I... believe I wish to say this time Torcept." He announced. "I think it is for the best."

"But sire if you were to get hurt or captured then we'd..." One intimidating growl from Daleer was all it took for Torcept to reconsider what he was about to say. The elderly chief might have been getting on in years but getting on his bad side would not be the smartest idea. "O-Of course you will join us Chief Daleer. But please stay close to me if you must be here."

After Daleer gave a grunt telling him that he would at the very least do as Torcept had be requested the guard captain put on his most serious face and barked out a command for the warrior to fall back to his position and arrange themselves as a living blockade against their coming foes. Him and his fledgling warriors would show these attackers the might of Kalaban village and send them back to their damp caves with their tails between their legs.

It was several nerve-wracking minutes before the first rustle of bushes at the jungle's treeline told the Verdomians where their attackers were about to make their appearance. The lush vegetation moving from side to side as something struggled to make their way out from the brush.

For the young warriors holding their weapons up and ready to strike this was the most nerve wracking thing they had ever experienced, their whispers and nervous mutterings annoying Torcept to the point where he had to snap at them. "Be quiet fools and get ready!" The large man hissed. "We'll attack on my command and rush at them with all our might."

This battle strategy proved to be completely pointless in the end though. Because just as the battle hardened man was about to issue the call to arms something entirely different from what any of them had been expecting happened. Instead of some gang of roaming bandits or even some wild rogue animal charging out from the jungle a single Verdomian appeared, his bright orange hair and the ceremonial outfit he was wearing giving away whom he was to every dominate gathered before the gate, one especially who found himself gasping in shock.

His promise to stay close to Torcept and his warriors quickly forgotten Daleer dropped his weapon and hypnotically began walking towards the apparition trudging his way across the large field between them. It looked like his son, but that couldn't be. Miktes was gone forever because he had forced him into mating. He certainly couldn't be walking towards them right now.

At least that's what Daleer believed until something happened to the man walking towards him. The clumsy person seemed to stub his toe on a large rock on the ground, giving a yelp as he hopped up and down while clutching the now sore appendage and cursing louder than any normal full grown man would from such a little injury. "IT IS MIKTES!" Daleer shouted out with a whoop of laughter. There was only one Verdomian he knew of that would act like that.

Hearing his name being shouted at him from across the field, Miktes turned his attention away from his grievous injury and over to whatever fool was trying to get his attention. Not surprising it had been his father. 'Great he's going to start in on me.' Was the redhead's first thought as he saw the older man for the first time in weeks. But then he noticed that instead of the serious frown that his father almost always sported the Verdomian chief had the biggest smile Miktes had ever seen on his grizzled face as he began racing towards him.

It was seeing this that caused something unexpected to rise in Miktes' chest, an emotional response that he had thought would occur when he was reunited with his pain in his ass father. In an instant the warrior found himself throwing away any pretense of resentment he might of felt towards the older man as he too broke out into a full speed run towards his father.

The two met halfway in the middle of the field between them, joyous sounds of greeting being shouted into the air as the drew each other into an embrace, Daleer wrapping his arms around Miktes so tightly that the younger man grunted out in pain at being squeezed.

"Praise the strangers!" Daleer said, voice muffled against Miktes' neck. "My son, my son you've returned to me!"

Peering over his father's shoulder as the other man began to babble Miktes felt his face growing red as he saw several young warriors and one of his old instructors watching them with stunned faces. Now this truly was embarrassing to be hugged like this by your father before a group of other dominates. But he supposed he didn't mind too much after all it was good to know that his father had missed him. The worry that the older man was still angry at him for hoe he had acted during those last few days dissolving despite the feeling of mortification.

That's not to say Miktes was going to stand there all day damaging his tough guy personal though. "A-Alright papa it's me Miktes I think everyone got that." The blushing man managed to choke out. "And yeah I'm home and all but please let go. Yer making me look like some sort of baby!"

"Oh, be quiet for once and humor this old soul." Daleer chided gently with a chuckle. After so long he was finally holding his dear son once more. His worry and dread over the boy's fate fading and giving way to the tremendous happiness he felt at seeing him again. However, this newfound joy was soon replaced with renewed fear as he looked past Miktes' green shoulder and noticed that his son had not returned home alone.

Letting go of the younger man Daleer watched dumbstruck as a quartette of creatures emerged from the jungle and began heading towards them. He recognized two of them as the beings that had stolen the sacred artifact from the temple. One thickset male with a face covered in hair and strange eyes and one woman with dark colored skin and a thinner body.

But the other two visitors were new to him. A thin blond male with eyes made of glass and most frightening of all a large behemoth of a monster with shaggy brown fur covering its body and a terrifying tooth filled grin upon his bestial face.

It was the leader of this group who spoke first, shouting out something in a strange language that while Daleer didn't understand Miktes apparently did. Turning away from his father the redhead huffed and glared at the foursome. "So what if I ran ahead this is my home ain't it!" he snapped.

'Those must be the people who kidnapped him!' Daleer reasoned with growing anger. His fatherly instincts rearing their heads the Verdomian chief quickly grabbed his son by the arms and spun them around so that he was now between his little one and the vial intruders. "Warriors to arms, kill the intruders before they can attack us!" He called out.

The warriors and Torcept instantly responded to their chief's command all of them rushing forward and forming a semicircle around the two Hestry clan members, ready to charge at the group of strange creatures at a moment's notice.

Suddenly confronted with a blockade of living green muscle and sharp pointy weapons Barnabus slowed down in his approach towards the Verdomian village and held both his arms out stopping his friends from moving any closer forward. He hadn't expected that warm of a response from the primitives but he certainly didn't believe they'd get this fierce of a reception. Miktes' growls and threatening fist shakes were nothing compared to this lot.

Seeing his friends about to get attacked Miktes quickly jumped out from behind his father and between them and his fellow Verdomians, his lips pulled back into a snarl and posture aggressive. "NO!" The Hestry heir roared. "Back the hell off of them, all of you! These creatures are under my protection and you ain't laying a finger on any of them! They're my friends ya got it bastards!"

Daleer and the other Verdomians stood there in shock as they witnessed the way Miktes was acting. Both because the surly young man was protecting someone for the first time ever and because he had called the creatures behind him his friends.

It was only after a few good moments of stunned silence that someone spoke up. This person of course being Daleer who pushed his way out from the crowd to stand before his son tilting his head to the side in confusion. "These... "creatures" are your friends?" He asked his son.

"Yeah father, my friends." Miktes repeated as if the statement should have been obvious. Seeing that Barnabus and the others weren't going to be attacked outright the heavyset man relaxed his stance. Maybe if he kept his wits about him he could bargain for their freedom after they returned the statue. "All of them are my friends. Even the big goofy looking one with the fur."

"Ogsha!" The large furry monster behind Miktes suddenly shouted in offense, much to the surprise of all the warriors gathered who yelped and gathered behind Torcept out of fear. "Miktes, ji ko oop goofy. Tagg lossa goofy!"

Spinning on his heals to face this giant, Miktes scowled up at it like he wasn't afraid of the creature a single bit, the stare ending when he turned to the blond of the group. "What the hell did he just say to me?"

Chuckling, the towheaded man mumbled something back that apparently Miktes didn't like, the warrior giving a grumpy growl in the furry monsters direction. "Watch who yer calling names beast." He said threateningly but somehow at the same time friendly too. "I know for a fact that yer goofier then me. Alfred said it himself when he told me about the time he caught you dancing around in the shower room."

"Sashu." Head snapping down towards his smaller companion the large creature gave the blond a light push and grumbled several huffy words at him, the blond replying with a nervous babble before they both fell into some sort of disagreement until what Daleer assumed was a female said something that made them look chastised.

As he observed his son and these... people interact Daleer felt a thousand questions rattling around in his mind. What were they, where did they come from, how was his son able to understand their strange language? Finally the old man decided on just one of these burning inquiries and grabbed his son by the arm, pulling him close enough so that he could whisper to him in an urgent tone. "Miktes my son, are you sure you are friends with these "people"?" He asked eyes drifting over to them then back. "They appear to be insane."

Miktes folded his arms over his chest and leveled his father with an annoyed expression. "I know they're all weird but what I said was true." He frowned. "And like I said before I ain't letting you all hurt them. Least I could do after they looked after me while I was gone."

"So they are the ones who kidnapped you!" Daleer exclaimed. His son must have had what the Verdomians called "captor's love" the tragic condition that happened when imprisoned for too long. Rage crossing his features the Chief snarled at these people who had damaged his son's mind. He'd teach them for daring to kidnap a member of the Hestry clan.

"No one kidnapped me." Miktes quickly said when he noticed the raising anger on his father's face. "I snuck onto their flying house all by myself and I'm glad I did! I've seen monsters, and other worlds, and floating islands while traveling through the heavens in their flying house."

The recounting of what had happened to him only caused Daleer and the other Verdomians gathered around to stare blankly at the redhead. Every one of them truly believing that he had somehow gone insane in the last several weeks.

"Miktes, blah, blah, blah-blah, blah, blah, blah." The heavy-set creature with the hairy face suddenly spoke up from behind Miktes. Walking up to the confused warrior he pointed to Daleer and the others then back to the Hestry clan heir. "Blah, blah, blah-blah-blah."

Miktes raised an eyebrow ridge at whatever the man said a snort coming out of him as he looked between him and his father. "What's the hell is a nut house?" He asked gruffly. "And what did I tell you 'bout talking to me. I don't want you to pull any of your crap and make me laugh again."

After rolling his eyes at what Miktes had said the hairy man said something over his shoulder to his largest companion, the fur covered monster instantly jumping at the command and rushing over to his side, the young warriors behind Daleer and Torcept all giving yelps of fear as they jumped back and hid behind the older men. Reaching into a bag attached to his belt the large beast pulled out a strange object that looked like a headband with puffy round cloth circles at each of the ends

"Blah, blah-blah, blah, Mickey, blah, blah-blah-blah.". The hairy face man said taking the item from his companion. "Blah, blah, blah-blah."

"Really?" Taking the object himself and sniffing at it Miktes waited for the man to say something again before he shrugged and held it out for his father to take. "Here..." He said jiggling it at the older man. "Barnabus says that if we're going to handle any... negotiations then yer going to need to put this thing on your head."

Daleer looked at the item as if it would bite him. "Who's Bar-na-bus?" He asked warily.

"That's Barnabus." Miktes said while pointing over to the hairy faced man. "The one with the hairy body and cute tubby gut."

Keeping an eye on this Barnabus person who seemed to be offended by what his son had said Daleer hesitantly took the object being offered to him and placed it onto the top of his head like a crow. His actions garnering snickers and muffled chuckles from the four creatures who had given it to him. After being told something else by Barnabus Miktes gave a snort of his own and walked over to the chief, readjusting the crown so that the puffy parts covered Daleer's ears.

Sound around him muffled from the cloth over his ears Daleer tried his best to get used to the weight on his head and glanced back to his people, the warriors who only minutes ago had been trembling behind their instructor now peeking out from behind Torcept curiously. "WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO NOW MY SON!" Daleer shouted over to Miktes.

Chuckling at the older man who he now assumed was Miktes' father, Barnabus stepped forward and did what he thought was the proper thing to do meeting a chief by giving him a bow. "You don't have to do anything sir." He said in what Daleer heard as prefect Verdomian. "Those old translation headphones the big old fur ball behind me, Moah found should do all the work for you."

Daleer gasped and touched the device where the other man's voice had come out of. "What sort of magic is this?" He wondered in awe.

"It ain't magic." Miktes snorted in his usual rude way. Did he really calling everything magic back when he first saw the devices of Barnabus' world? "It's just some strange machine thing that Barnabus' people use to talk to each other. I got two little ones stuck in my ears right now. Fuckers hurt when they jammed them in too."

"That's because you didn't hold still." The dark haired woman spoke with a smirk. "Then again I'm sure you would have complained either way when we put them in. You are the biggest baby when it comes to a little amount of pain."

"Watch yer mouth woman." Miktes growled.

"Or you'll do what?" Rana asked with her hands on her hips. "Cause if it's a fight you're itching for I'd be more than happy to repeat what I did in the cargo hold."

Miktes seemed to cringe at the thought of fighting with the small woman and cupped his groin. "NO!"

As his son backed away and vigorously shook his head Daleer really found himself growing confused. The boy that he knew all his life would have never backed down from a fight like that. Needing to get to the bottom of what was going on, Daleer decided it was high time that he asked some questions of his own. "Alright Bar-na-bus." He said, his tongue tripping a little over the foreign sounding name. "Now that we can speak to one another I demand that you tell me what you are doing on my land and why you stole from us that day at the temple."

Cringing himself at the stern and fatherly voice directed at him Barnabus was momentarily thrown back to his own teenage years. Back to all those times his own father had caught him sneaking into their house, his clothes messy and haphazardly pulled back on after an all too late night with his first few boyfriends. Those "where the hell have you been" lectures were still engrained on his mind after all these years.

It was only when Barnabus realized that he had been staring down at the ground like some naughty child that he had enough courage to raise his head back up to answer the older man, albeit in an unsteady manner. "Well sir..." The Jack began shamefacedly. "...I'm not proud to say it now but the reason we went and robbed your temple is because we were paid to do it."

Daleer bristled at that, his eyes once again growing hard and angry. "You broke the seal of our most sacred sanctum for your own personal gain!" He growled. "Of all the outrageous things a person could ever do. Boy, do you have any idea how important the sacred relic is to my people? How it is the only way we are able to create the liquid we use in out bounding ceremonies!?"

Again Barnabus felt himself shamed by the tone being used on him. But just as he was about to look away again he stopped himself and held strong. He had to try and explain himself to this man. Even if any excuse he could come up with made things worse or not.

"Yes sir I know what we did was a horrible thing and we are all truly sorry. Me the most of all I'm afraid." Barnabus sighed. "But when we snuck into your temple and stole from you we didn't realize what we were doing."

Reaching into one of the pockets of his padded vest the remorseful man took out the Verdomian artifact and held it out for Daleer to take. "Here... we're returning this to you sir and I hope from the bottom of my heart that you can forgive me for messing up your lives."

Snatching his people's treasured relic from out of the other man's hands Daleer held it up trying to see of there had been any damage done to it. Save for a few reddish stains on the rocky surface it seemed to be unmarred in anyway and he thanked the strangers for that with a small prayer. Now that his people had it again they could finally resume the Rituals of Destiny and Mating back at the temple. They could once again unite in soul, mind, and body. Only thing now that was left to do was handle the thieves who had caused all their problems.

"I suppose I should thank you for correcting you mistake." Daleer began as he looked over the four strange creatures with cold eyes. "But you do realize that stealing has a high price in our village. A sentence of execution."

Barnabus began to sweat as he was presented with his fate. Sure he had realized that they might all be killed when they returned to Miktes' village but what he hadn't realized was how scary having to face the older Verdomian's wrath was going to be. Looking over his shoulder he found his crew in similar states, Rana biting her bottom lip in worry and Alfred starting to shake with nervous mumbling. Even the usually happy and bouncy Moah seemed to be upset for once, the Girunjh's mouth a thin line as he stood there awaiting their fate.

"Yes sir we're aware of it." Barnabus said turning back to Daleer, head held up high. "And whatever it is you decided to do to us we accept it. We deserve it after what we did."

"No Barnabus!" Miktes suddenly shouted. Stepping up to Daleer the young warrior grabbed his father by the shoulder and made him face him. "Father please don't kill them." He implored him. "I don't want Barnabus and the others to die. If-if someone must then let me take their place!"

"Oh no you don't kiddo." Forgetting where they were and what was going on around them Barnabus immediately rushed forward yanked Miktes away from his father by his tail, giving the younger man a hard glare. "Everything that's happened is our fault Mickey and we intend to take whatever's coming to us. We had this all figured out before we even left the shuttle this morning remember. Don't go throwing a monkey wrench in our plans"

"I'll throw a mooky wretch in you plan if I damn well want to submissive." Miktes snapped back. If his ex-mate actually believed that he was just going to stand there and let them get beheaded he was sorely mistaken. He was the mighty Miktes Firstborn of Hestry Clan and he'd do everything he could to protect his friends. Even if they were a bunch of suicidal idiots. "Besides..." He continued with a growl. "Who are you to tell me what to do anymore? We ain't attached no more so I can do as I please. And what I want to do is take your punishment."

Groaning into his hand Barnabus stroked his beard in frustration. "Oh for the love of... here I was thinking that you had finally stopped being such a little brat." He huffed. "I swear sometimes you make me so... so... AHH!"

Not knowing how to finish his sentence Barnabus quickly raised his hand and flicked Miktes across the nose just like he had done the first few weeks they had known each other. And just like all those times those first few weeks the warrior responded by giving a yelp and then throwing a small tantrum by stomping his feet and cursing at the way he had just been embarrassed.

"Stop fighting like children the both of you!" Daleer's gruff voice came from the arguing pair's right. Getting shouted at both Barnabus and Miktes gave a start at the Verdomian chief's voice and peered over to him sheepishly, expecting to be met with a dirty look. But in a complete reversal to what they had expected instead of finding themselves at the receiving end of a nasty glare they found Daleer grinning at them like he was trying to hold back laughter.

"I think I believe you now when you say they are your friends my son." Daleer chuckled. "They have insulted you, argued with you, and in the case of the hairy faced one injured your pride and yet you haven't tried to attack them for it. This is truly a surprise."

The chief took a moment to gather his thoughts before he went back to what they had been talking about earlier. "Now as I was saying: It is written that the price for any Verdomian caught stealing to be put to immediate death. It has been that way since the founding of Kalaban village long ago and I cannot change it I'm afraid."

Desperate sound escaping from his tusked lips, Miktes started to argue with his father again, but before he could Daleer held up his hand stopping him. "Like I said: It is our law that I must put the Verdomian who stole to death. But... there is a problem with that. You see you four are not Verdomians are you? As such then I am under no obligation to enforce this law upon you."

Surging forward at hearing what the older man had said, Rana, Alfred, and Moah all bumped into Barnabus from behind, each of them then peeking out from behind the bearded man's back at the dark haired Verdomian. "Wait... so you're not going to have us killed?" Rana asked.

Shaking his head no to the young woman's question Daleer held out his hands in a welcoming gesture. "Of course I am not going to kill you." He announced loudly, his voice echoing through the area. "You have done something truly horrible this is true. But you have also seen then error in your actions and have returned what you had stolen fully expecting to pay for your crime. I may be an old man but what I see in you young ones is true courage."

Expression solemn but somehow bright the Verdomian chieftain glanced over to Miktes. "Also... you have returned my son to me and somehow befriended him in the process. If I were to have you killed after you proved yourselves to be so honorable and friends to my household then I would never be able to look my beloved little one in the eyes again."

"Little one?" Barnabus cracked.

Pretending he didn't hear his ex-mate using his childish family nickname Miktes once again hugged his father, truly relieved that the other were now safe. "Thank you for saving them Father." He said low enough so that only the two of them could hear.

"It was the least I could do." Daleer said pulling away. For a few brief moments the older man looked his son over his eyes still a little bit watery but his emotions under control. Then suddenly with an expression of surprise he asked something that knocked the wind out of Miktes' lungs.

"Tell me Miktes which one of your friends was the one who became mated to you that day at the temple?" He asked excitedly. "Was it the woman or the one you call Barnabus? Either way I'm sure they will be a great addition to our clan."

{Miktes: SHIT! How can I ever explain to my father and the rest of my people that me and Barnabus broke our soul bound? The bound is considered one of the most sacred more important things in our lives. It's a gift from the strangers, a blessing! ... ... if they find out we'll be right back to execution. And this time I don't think my father could get around the law like last time. The entirety of my people would demand us both dead. I-I got to lie yeah that's it. It's what I usually do when father catches me doing something I shouldn't have ever done.}

"I didn't get mated to anyone that day father." Miktes explained while avoiding his father's eyes. "T-The sacred water must of not worked on Barnabus 'cause he's a human and junk. Must only work on Verdomians."

"B-But the separation pains you were feeling?" Daleer was quick to point out. After going over that day in his mind so much the Verdomian chieftain clearly remembered Miktes' pale face and grunts of agony as he and the temple guards went into the jungle to give chase to the intruders. "And your eyes! I saw them glow with the light of mating."

"It must have been the light in the room father." Miktes just as quickly lied. "And the pain in my chest was probably caused by being knocked down to the floor and kicked in the head." He glared over to Rana at that memory. "Guess the woman over there is right. I don't do good with pain."

Looking up into his son's eyes Daleer saw something in them that he couldn't just identify. Some sort of sadness that seemed to affect him as well. "Are you sure that is what happened Miktes?" He asked one last time. "If what you say is true then than I am truly sorry I told you to chase after these creatures. Because of my misinformation you were taken away from everything you knew for a very long time."

"Don't worry father." Peering over to Barnabus and his crew Miktes gave a small happy hum. "I enjoyed every second of it. Well... maybe not at first, but I wouldn't take any of it back."

"At least you have that my son." Turning to his son's friends himself Daleer gave them a friendly smile. "Now that we have everything settled it's customary to welcome a member of my clan home with a big feast. You fours as treasured friends are of course welcomed to join us as the guests of honor."

Miktes frowned when he heard his father invite Barnabus and the others to the celebration. Feasts were always held at night and it being only midday that meant that the three human's and the Girunjh would be staying even longer than they had planned. Having them running about constantly reminding him how much he was going to miss them when they were gone wasn't something that the warrior wanted to happen. He needed to cut away from them all at once to ease his heartache.

"Father..." Miktes sighed. "They can't say here much longer. They gotta get going back into the sky before their people get pissed at them if they--"

"Actually Chief Daleer while a feast would be nice I think the time would better be spent with the two of us having a little sit down." Barnabus interrupted. Stepping forward the Jack captain gave the Verdomian chief a serious look. "What I gotta say can't exactly discuss it out here in the open but it's very important sir so is it alright if we go somewhere more private where no one else can hear?"

Taken a little aback by the request that had seemingly come out of nowhere Daleer gave an unsteady nod. There was no reason to deny the request he supposed. The man before him had proven himself to be trustworthy in a way. If only because Miktes seemed to trust him.

"Of course we can Bar-na-bus." The chief replied slowly. "Just follow me to my private chambers at the village's meeting hall and we can have a nice..." He peered over to Miktes. "...Conversation about everything that needs to be said.

Turning around and heading back towards the village, Daleer motioned for the warriors behind them to make way. The group instantly parting like they were silently commanded to with respectful bows and a chorus of the words, "Yes Chief Daleer.", as the older man began walking through the newly created passage a brooding Miktes in tow.

"Well, this is real swanky isn't it?" Barnabus remarked as him and his crew followed. "Don't think I've had this sort of treatment since the time I took first place in the Mr. Aquarii station contest in thirty-seventy-two."

"You didn't win any beauty contest Comet." Rana laughed with a smile. The laughter soon faded however when Rana began to notice the crowd of young half naked Verdomian warriors on either side of them. Several of them were giving her looks that clearly spoke of sexual interest. The same obscene looks Miktes often gave Barnabus when neither of them was realizing it. "Um you're not expecting us to stick around these guys while you go have a meeting with the chief over there are you?" She asked her captain.

Barnabus had to hold back a snicker at the worry in his best friend's voice. "Not so funny when a big green orc is licking his chops at you isn't it." He asked, memories of the teasing he had to deal with back when they first Miktes running through his mind. "Don't worry though. All you got to do is tell them to leave you be and they'll do it. Miktes told me once that Verdomians never push themselves on others."

Rana raised an eyebrow. "Then what was all that, "Take yer pants off I wanna rut." stuff from your lover boy over there when we all first met?"

"That was because we were you know..." Barnabus lowered his voice. "...mated and all. The worst these guys will do is flirt with you hun I know you can take care of yourself against that. Besides it's only this small group. It's not like you got the whole village here keen casting their eyeball on you."

It seemed that the fate was out to prove Barnabus wrong however. Because as soon as the small entourage passed through the large gate in the wall surrounding the village the found themselves standing before what had to be the entire population of Kalaban village a line of older tough looking warriors standing before the citizenship with their weapons drawn and fierce looks on their green hued faces.

Jumping out from this crowd the same scout who had warned Torcept and Daleer about the intruders coming to their village called out to them. "I brought the other warriors Guard Captain!" He exclaimed cheerfully, weapon raised high in the air as he waved it back and forth.

"Forgot all about him." Daleer muttered seeing the gathering before him. Realizing that he had best explain before their guest ended up trampled and attacked the elderly Verdomian stepped forward and held his hand up into the air. "Calm down everyone!" He called out to his people. "Especially you my warriors. There was no attack on our home only the return of my son and his friends."

Stepping to the side Daleer revealed Miktes, Barnabus, and the others to the townspeople eyes. Their appearance causing the expected gasps of shock and awe along with a few cries of terror before everything go eerily quiet as they stared at the four odd creatures.

"This certainly isn't going well." Alfred remarked. "Do you think we should just leave or something?"

"Naw they'll cozy up to us sooner or later and thing we're just the cat's meow." Barnabus reasoned. "Miktes did after all. All we need is someone to break the ice for us."

Thankfully for Barnabus and his crew they soon got the icebreaker the so desperately needed. It coming in the form of a wild green blur which shot out from between a pair of middle aged men in the crowd which raced across the short distance between them and everyone else and tackled Miktes with so much force that it completely knocked the unsuspecting warrior off of his feet and onto his back in an angry pile of shouts and flailing limbs.

Barnabus, thinking that Miktes was being attacked started to rush over to the Verdomian in order to pull whoever was on top of him off of his friend. But just before he took a step he realized that the attacker was only a young pudgy Verdomian boy around ten years of age. His wild purple mohawk swaying side to side as he rapidly talked to Miktes as he sat atop his chest.

"You're finally back!" The boy said happily. "Mama's going to be so happy seeing you again!"

Miktes replied with all the decorum one could have after such a greeting. "GET THE HELL OFF OF ME PINRAAL YOU DAMNED LITTLE BRAT."

'Pinraal... Pinraal... where have I head that name before.' Barnabus wondered as he watched the two squabble. After a few moments of thought the Jack realized that the young man now squatting on Miktes had to be his little brother. In fact it now seemed obvious with the way Miktes was fuming and snapping at the boy. It was highly to the bearded man, their relationship though obviously different, reminding him a little of his own with his brothers Issy and Frank.

Interrupting the younger man's thoughts Daleer walked up behind the human and pretended to cough to gain his attention. "Bar-na-bus, if you wish to still speak with me then we must hurry to my chambers." He said gently. "I'm sure your friends will be more than safe with my people. In fact they seem to be getting along quiet well."

Snapping out of his voyeurism Barnabus glanced over to his crew and saw what the chief was referring to. It seemed that the Verdomians were slowly getting over their mistrust and were getting closer looks. Rana was busy trying to deflect the amorous eyes of a few of them, both male and female, while Alfred was taking out a second pair of translation headphones and asking an elderly couple to put them on.

Strangely Moah was getting the weirdest sort of attention though. Several of the youngest members of the crowd had approached the large bearish mechanic and were now laughing as the Girunjh as he tried to entertain them with a device with flashing lights he had jury-rigged a moment ago from parts from his pockets.

"Yeah I suppose your right sir." Barnabus said agreeing with Daleer's earlier statement. Sighing he turned to the Verdomian chieftain and motioned for him to lead the way. "Come on then pops, let's get out of here and have that meeting. I think there's something you need to know about your artifact there. Well that and some other stuff I want to say."

"A-Alright." Daleer said back the word the human had used to address him puzzling him somewhat.

Across the small yard a now standing Miktes, having grown tired with fighting with his brother, looked up from the younger man's face just in time to see his father and Barnabus start walking away for their private talk. Watching his now ex-mate's back disappeared into the crowd the warrior found himself giving a sad sounding sigh.

Even though the soul bound that had forced them together had been broken for several weeks now he still felt a tug towards the human as if it were still there. A vice like grip that made him want to say the hell with everything and just steal the other man away and run off with him so that they could be together forever.

But again he realized this desire was pointless, that fucking law coming to mind again. Barnabus had to leave. Rana, Moah and Alfred had to leave. And he had to move on with his life and try to forget about them and their world in the heavens.

Not wanting to remain among the boisterous celebration that was beginning to erupt around him Miktes pushed his little brother to the side rudely and began stalking off down one of the various side streets that ran through the maze of building that was his hometown. He didn't need to stay around any longer and keep being reminded that he would be losing them soon. All he wanted to do was try and go back to how his life was before everything. Even if that wasn't what he truly wanted.