Fish Out of Water [Judah and Makai Dashiell]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Ceto​

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[member="Judah Dashiell"] and Makai​

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He had already been gone from Voss for about four months, his first step into the wider galaxy had been interesting one to say the least, having stopped off on Nar Shaddaa, now a place of complete lawlessness, more then it had been according to the local people there. He had been working there in the even lower end of town, in a bar. Not doing much, servicing drinks and washing glasses with the dirtiest rag known to exist. Théo had found himself in the middle of bar fights on more then one occasion, but that was not new to him, having seen the likes of the Valkyri do the same in the mead halls on Midvinter. But life on that planet was cheap, dirty and corrupted. Most of the people forced into such a life, poverty reigned surpreme, and those that took advantage of this did so without ethic. It is very much a survival of the fittest there. But his stay in Nar Shaddaa had always been but a stepping stone, to come to Ceto.

Théo had earned enough credits in the bar to buy passage off the horrid place, most did not have that luxury, but he got out at least with the bag and clothes on his back. As the transport shuttle approached Ceto, Théo looked out of the view port upon a very beautiful sight. It reminded him of Dac, and he smiled remembering his time their with Makai and [member="Zak Dymo"], kicking backing enjoying the sun and surf, that seemed so long ago now, almost as if in a different life time.

Yet, the death of his grandfather, still raw in his heart seemed like it only happened yesterday.

The shuttle descended through the atmosphere before approaching the ocean and descended beneath the waves. The announcement made from the captain informed the passengers that they would arrive within ten minutes and to prepare for departure. Théo gathered his bag, and jacket and before long had stepped onto the surface of the underwater star port. He looked around with amazement, it is very beautiful here, and he looked up. Above the city is a some kind of a dome, or shield to protect it from the water and make life habitable for those that do not breath the liquid. He did not know his way around or the direct to the Kauai Residential District where to find Makai and his father.

So instead of wandering around aimlessly, Théo found the local caf with Holonet free to use and sent Makai a message he had arrived.

::Makai Dashiell::
:Ceto - Salacia Consolidated::

Hello Makai

I have arrived on Ceto and I am lost already! I am at a caf called... Blue sails in the sunset. Stupid name!

I need directions to your home.

Regards
Théo.

::send::

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Ceto | The Sulis School


Yawning, Makai looked over the holotablet in front of him. He was in study hall, his last class for the day. Being a younger student he was able to leave early in the day, around one in the afternoon. Three days a week he had a private tutor to come in to teach him extra material outside the classes. His tutor focused on either helping him with homework or teaching business-orientated skills he would need later in life. If he wanted to take over Salacia Consolidated that was.


Makai hadn't made up his mind if he wanted to join his father at the helm of the massive corporation.


Comm buzzed in his pocket and the half-Galan nearly jumped. He wasn't used to having his own private comm, his Dad buying it for him a short two months ago for emergencies and communication with important people like Grandma and Grandpa Kai, [member="Danger Arceneau"] and the like. Scale speckled hands looked at the message, his face immediately brightening up. [member="Théo Vhalorious"] had sent him a message....but....wait, wasn't Théo's last name Heavenshield? It had to be the same Théo though, as he didn't know many people.


Hey Théo!


I am at school now but Dad will be picking me up in an hour. You are underwater, we live up on a large island. I am surprised you went down to the cities....not many humans visit down there...you can prolly see that though. Take the surface transport up to the Kauai Island. Its free.


The surface transport always arrives at the boardwalk. Stand near the gates. I will borrow a driver from Dad to bring you out to me. Look for a newer black speeder. They will know who you are.

-Makai


Message sent, the boy sent another to his father asking for a driver to help out his friend, getting a positive response back. His Dad probably thought [member="Zak Dymo"] was coming to visit, considering the pair just had a totally awesome, best ever sleep over on Voss.


Putting his comm away, Makai found it hard to concentrate on his study hall suddenly, excited one of his friends was actually coming to see him, not the other way around. The Jedi were nice but he always felt like an outsider visiting his friends on Voss or in various bits of the Sanctum.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

In no time at all, Makai sent a reply with directions to his home, Théo had got it all wrong, but that was fine, he had had the chance to see an underwater city. He could not help but laugh however, it was the first time he had done so since his grandfathers death, but boy was he off the mark. He quickly return the holomail.

::Makai Dashiell::
:Ceto - Salacia Consolidated::

Kauai Island - boardwalk - gates - black speeder - got it! See ya soon!

~Théo.

::Send::



Théo grabbed his bag and left the caf, making his way toward the .. what was it again?

It was not long before he found the transport to the surface, and the trip to Kauai Island was very nice. The sky is crystal clear, the sun beaming through the view ports and the waves looked amazing. Now he missed his surf board, which was back home on Voss. Time for all that later, there would be joy to come, but for now there was not much to have.

His feet clipped along the boardwalk and up ahead was the gates. Now all he had to do was wait for the black speeder before he would see his friend. It hoped that his father would give him a job, as credits are running dangerously low.

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[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It didn't take much to convince his Dad to send a driver out to meet [member="Théo Vhalorious"] . No doubt his Dad was still thinking his Nautolan friend was coming in for a visit and a few nights of fun. Not that his Dad had anything against Theo, maybe he just thought it was a little weird a teenager was still hanging around two pre-teen aquatic boys.


Either way, a sleek black speeder arrived at the boardwalk gates, gliding to a stop. Drivers door opened, a young humaniod looking male with short clipped hair exited, fixing a tie. There was a bit of uncertainty in his actions, eyes searching for the human male they were supposed to be picking up. Dispatch had sent him out with an incredibly rough description, one that could apply to a good number of teenage males found on Ceto alone. Barely out of his teen years himself, the driver walked around the car, coming to the back passenger side, hoping someone that met the rough description would come forward.


Shouldn't most of these kids on the boardwalk today be in school anyways? No doubt someone had said the same thing about him a scant few years earlier.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was never any doubt that Makai would send a pick up for Théo, what Théo did not expect was the long black transport that pulled up in front of him. Out jumped the driver, who looked around hoping the person he had been sent for would show themselves. But for a moment, Théo stood wide eyed, as it was clear that Makai and his dad are rather well off. It is not something he is used to seeing, sending most of his time either in the Temple on Voss or Midvinter. And even though those places are not lacking in grandeur, it is different.

Nothing had been spared with the Temple on Voss, the Jedi not wanting for anything to keep their existence healthy and so they could focus on their duty as Jedi and not worry about where the next meal would come from. Midvinter, was grand as well, at least for Théo life there. The Grand Hall was the royal house and by standards on that planet it was luxury. Now he wondered where he was to end up this day.

"H . Hello!", Théo moved to the driver. "I'm Théo Vhalorious .. Makai's friend". He stood by the black speeder holding his bag in hand and waited just in case he had the wrong person.

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[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

There was a bit of relief on the drivers face when [member="Théo Vhalorious"] spoke up, mentioning he was the one that was to be transported. Normally the humanoid driver transported business types, Consulars, diplomats, the usual fare. It had been the first time he had picked up the friend of some kid who had connection with Salacia Consolidated. Not that he minded, most of the folks on business were always in a rush.


The driver doubted the kid was.


"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Vhalorious. Please, have a seat." Hand went and opened the door, beckoning the boy into the back seat so they could get started. "If I believe correctly I will be dropping you off at a school. Its not far from this location, a quick fifteen minute trip I would assume."


"My apologies if you've been waiting long. I received this assignment on short notice."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Theo was taken aback by all this attention and fuss, he was fresh off the shuttle from Nar Shaddaa where he had only just got out with his life, and so there was a hesitant step. But he quickly reminded himself, this was Makai who had sent for him with the speeder and driver and so he pushed away his caution. "Thank you", he said getting in the speeder which immediately he noticed was fitted out with all the best of leathers and things one could possibly find.

Once inside, the driver informed him they would meet Makai at his school, gosh it had been a long time since Theo had attended the Jedi Academy on Voss and a smile crossed his face, thinking of all the classes he had missed in his absence. No doubt his parents would have informed the Academy but still, to his mischievous mind it was entertaining, still.

"I only just got there, so I was not waiting long, thank you". He pulled his bag off his shoulder and sat in on the seat next to him. "So, what is Mr Dashiell like?, is he a good boss?". Theo suddenly found himself a little nervous at the thought of meeting the man, he had met him before but he had to be nice, considering how nice Makai was. And maybe Mr Dashiell would give him a job, if not he might know someone who would.

The trip to the school took them through the better end of town, Theo supposed as he looked out the window to see the grand house pass by, some with large sweeping lawns, high gates with security or walled in, but beyond all of that he saw the mansions. The smell of the ocean was starting to get stronger again, which indicated they are nearing the sea, and before he knew it, the speeder had stopped in front of a school. "Wow", he could not help voicing his amazement, at the sight of it. But he got out of the speeder and waited for his friend by the gate.

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[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It wouldn't take Makai long to amble out to search for [member="Théo Vhalorious"] .Although it was just one or so in the afternoon, Makai was done for the day. A perk of doing a lot of his work at home was escaping early. Most of the younger grades were leaving for the day as well, the general shouts and yelling occurring as boys and girls of various species streamed out of the large school. Older kids were getting out for lunch, groups of teenagers walking together and scowling at the younger ones, trying to avoid the mayhem.


Makai searched for his friend but didn't spot him. Perhaps he hadn't arrived. He quickly worked towards the gate since his Dad would be along soon enough to pick him up for the day. Other kids streamed out to wait along the drive, parents and nannies collecting schoolchildren in their normal routine. His head turned slightly before spotting Theo. Smile graced his features and he brightened up considerably, calling the boys name.


"Hey Theo!!" Excitement rang through the air. Several other kids looked.


"Is that your brother Makai? I didn't know you had one." A pause. "Kinda looks like your dad."


"Yeah, Theo is my step-brother, he normally lives with his Mom out near the Tingel Arm." Reaching Theo, he gave the older boy a quick hug. "Its been awhile big bro. Are you coming to visit? You know Zak and I just had a really awesome sleepover after his tournament thing."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

It felt really strange standing watching all the kids coming out of the school, some on their way home, the younger ones while the older ones had to remain behind the bars. He could not help but smile at the 'history' he had with such places, although the Silver Academy did not have bars, it did have the watchful eyes of the masters, who would sense any wrong doing, or plans for escape, the bars were their .. just different. But Théo knew little Makai was not the escaping type, not that there was anything wrong with that, in fact in time it would be good for him. Suddenly, he heard his name called out.

"Hey there, buddy!", he smiled as Makai approached out of the sea of kids. Théo was very happy to see him, he suddenly felt a lot less distant from the familiar .. we was a welcoming sight indeed. But to Théo's surprise, the kids thought him Makai's brother. I kinda look like Makai's dad?

Then, Makai decided he would have fun with them all, and Théo no doubt. But he played along with the joke, "Good to see you little brother!", he added as Makai hugged him. He kind of was he supposed, a friend for sure and because Makai is younger, he did think of him a brother, so the stretch was not to far. "I have come to stay for a little while, if err... father will allow it". Now that felt strange to say. "I have not seen Zak in ages, I hope he is good?".

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[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai adjusted his bookbag on his back, trying to get comfortable with the amount of books and work inside. Smirk broke across his face as [member="Théo Vhalorious"] played along, the young half-Galan trying hard not to laugh. He found the entire thing amusing. There weren't many jokes he could play on the fellow kids at school, most were either too serious or didn't pay attention to him.


"Yeah, Dad will have no problem letting you stay."


He was fairly certain his Dad wouldn't have a problem with a friend staying over. Especially one like Theo. It wasn't as if the pair hadn't been on several adventures at this point, mainly ones dealing with surfing. Still....Theo was responsible wasn't he? Wasn't that some type of rule of Jedi to begin with? There would be nothing to worry about beyond staying up entirely too late.


"Zak is good. He had some tournament thing. I don't know if he won or not, I really couldn't tell. It was nice seeing him...I never get to spend time seeing what you Jedi kids do."


Wait....Theo hadn't seen Zak in a long time? Maybe the older boy had been with his family.


"Why haven't you seen Zak? Don't all the Jedi go to the same school or academy or whatever you guys call it?"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo gave the other kids a wink and a wave just to add to the fun of it all, before turning his attention back to Makai with a smile. How strange it was that Makai had not aged so much as he done, Théo put it down to the Valkyri blood, he had grown at a rapid rate, they do on Midvinter much differently to the rest of the galaxy, but regardless of the difference in size and age, Makai is his friend and would be for life. And .. the tadpole would grow up one day and they would stand together as men.

"No I haven't see Zak in a while, because .. well, I had to go away", how to explain all this to him. A lot of the reason for Théo's leaving Voss and venturing out was sad and filled with death, he was not sure what Makai's father would want his son to know of it. "I had to go and visit Midvinter for a while and after that I decided to take a break". That would have to do for now, and he had no doubt Mr Dashiell would have questions of his own that would require deeper answers. After all, Makai's father would know of the Heavenshields and their position in that part of the galaxy. In fact .. he would know them well.

"Here let me take that bag, it looks heavy", he said reaching for the strap on Makai's shoulder. "So you like your school? it looks impressive. I hope you have lots of friends here". He asked trying to steer the conversation away from the reason for his visit.

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[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


"Oh...well....I can tell Zak 'hi' for you."


Listening to the explanation, Makai frowned slightly. He wasn't sure how to take the news that Theo had left the planet of Voss. Then his own homeplanet of Midvinter. Now his friend was looking to stay on Ceto for an unknown period of time. Was Theo is some type of trouble? Theo didn't seem the type to be in serious trouble. Other types of trouble maybe....something with the Jedi? Theo wasn't a serial murder that was wanted in five systems, so that was clearly out of the picture.


"Nah, I got it. Thanks. Its not that heavy..."


Iced azure eyes glanced back to the school before shrugging. It did look impressive and many aspects of it were. One of the best found on Ceto, most of the business types and diplomats shelled out an insane amount of credits for their children to attend. Yet...it was different than when he went to school with [member="Zak Dymo"] on Voss, shadowing his classes. Makai wasn't jealous but there was certainly a missing aspect.


"Not really, most of my friends live elsewhere. Like you and Zak on Voss and Miss Ar-cen-now and Ellie on Tatooine. Its okay though, at least I get to travel out to see you guys every so often."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


Running slightly behind, his tardy arrival had caused him to be placed at the back end of the queue for pick ups. Teenagers added to the mix of the long line, most of them trying to escape the school walls for their our of lunchtime freedom. Eventually he had resigned to a bit of fate, parking the speeder in the lot and opting to walk. There were small sentients running all around, screaming and shouting to their friends as they waited for parents -- and more likely nannies to come and pick them up from another dragging day of classes.


Judah made his way up the sidewalk, eyes scanning for the mop of curls that would be his son. It only took a moment, spotting Makai at his usual spot by the gates. Only today he was talking to an older boy, one that didn't look as if he attended the school. The dark-haired boy looked vaguely familiar but it was a struggle to place the face.


"Hey kid."


Makai seemed to perk up as he reached his sons side, pulling in the boy for a hug while taking the backpack by the top hook, taking over the carrying duties. His other free hand came to tussle Makai's hair in a playful manner before turning his attention back to the mysterious teenage boy. Judah offered a friendly smile before sticking out his free hand towards the boy for a handshake.


"I'm Judah, don't think I've seen you out here. Keeping my boy company?"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He felt a knot in his stomach tighten as this conversation was interrupted with the arrival of Mr Dashiell. Théo stood and watched father and son interact for a moment and it reminded him of the things his father would do with him. Not to mention the sense of love that flowed between the two which would never be stifled simply because they had company, the show of emotion was great to see.

He could feel Mr Dashiell's eyes on him studying him as if he knew him, well he might, he might have seen Théo around Voss on occasions or it could be a resemblance to is father. "Hello Mr Dashiell, I am Théo .. Heavenshield", there was no need to hide his true identity here, not with these people, besides Makai would spill the beans. Théo bent at the waist to give Mr Dashiell a respectful Jedi bow.

"I have come to see Makai, he is a good friend of mine", he smiled at his friend, "And .. to ask you if you .. might have work for me". This was difficult, Théo did not know what to say in such a meeting for the first time. No doubt Mr Dashiell would know his father if not well, and he hoped that might have some weight with his thoughts on giving Théo a job. But now Théo was prepared for more questions, he had a good strong feeling there would be many.

"Makai was kind enough to send this speeder to pick me up and meet him at school".

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]



Hand outstretched towards Théo, Judah was mildly amused when the boy bowed. It wasn't until he registered the last name of Heavenshield did he understand the bow. Heavenshields were the top Jedi in the Silver Sanctum territory, the leaders or something similar if he understood their rank structure.....which he really didn't. All he knew was they were basically Jedi royalty.


"Its a pleasure Théo, but please call me Judah. I'd prefer it. I feel old enough without the Mr.Dashiell added in."


Judah gave a warm smile and nodded in the direction of the speeder back down in a space at the end of the schools drive. It appeared Théo was going to be sticking around for a little while, especially since the boy asked him for a job. Judah had no objections to giving Théo one at all, he had a few questions. Privately, as he was sure the teenager didn't want Makai prying into personal business.


"So you are the famous Théo huh? I've heard a lot about you. More than you probably wanted to know. Nice to put a face to the stories." There was a slight pause. " Makai sent a speeder huh?" Eyes drifted to his son, torn between amusement and chastising.


"Well....I am glad he is already being a thoughtful host during your time here. I know you want to talk business and you can rest easy knowing I'm not going to turn you away.....however, how about we get some lunch first?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


Théo wanted a job working for Dad? Didn't he have Jedi stuff to do? Maybe they were making him be a normal boy before moving on to graduation or something. Pass a test to prove he could last out in the regular world with all the regular folks. What did his tutor call it? Compassion or comparison or....something. It wasn't important.


"Sorry Dad, I wasn't going to make Théo walk all the way here. Somehow he ended up in one of the underwater cities. So I told him out to get here and used the speeder service..."


Makai stuck close to his father as they walked down the long drive back to the speeder.


"You stayin' here long Théo? I mean....it would be real awesome! I haven't seen you in...since we went surfing on Dac."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Oh please don't be upset with Makai, it was all my fault, I got the wrong place to stop off", Théo added quickly to help his friend from getting into trouble, but Judah seemed nice and was not really upset. However, all the while he grinned sheepishly, famous Théo? oh heck his reputation had followed him, and that seemed like a life time ago now.

"Yeah I guess I am that Théo", he finally chuckled. "I met Makai back in Sanctum space, he taught me how to ride a surf board along with a friend of ours Zak Dymo. Actually, it is him you have to watch out for", yeap put your friend right in it. But the idea of lunch sounded great! "I could do with some food, it has been a while since I ate anything good". The food, if you could find it, was substandard on Nar Shaddaa and most of the time you took your life in your hands trying to get it. But having a few credits under ones belt does help with bribes.

"I hope to stay a while Makai, I have come a long way and it is far to get back to Voss. If .. if that is alright Mr.. err Judah".

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


There was a twenty-five minute drive out from Makai's school to the Dashiell house. Judah let the boys chat in the backseat, listening to their animated conversations as they were trying to catch up on the latest news, most of it centering around their mutual friend [member="Zak Dymo"] . Makai was doing his best to give a blow-by-blow description of the recent tournament, along with some less than flattering reviews of the teachers reactions to Zak's performance.


They wound through the residential district, slowly stopping at the Dashiell home. Judah left the speeder in the drive, walking to the trunk area to get Makai's bookbag and his own briefcase, along with picking up Théo's bag for the teenage boy. Weighed down, Makai ran along to open the door, ushering everyone into the entrance of the airy home. Judah put all the bags down at the foot of the stairs, figuring each man could grab their respective loot on the way up.


"Makai, go up and check on the guest room for Théo. Throw some towels into the wash while you're at it."


"Aww....alright. I'll be back in a flash!" Grabbing his bookbag, Makai rushed up the stairs, nearly tripping at the top step.


Judah turned to Théo and inclined his head towards the kitchen. "Come on and help me out. Do you eat seafood or would you like me to prepare some type of fowl as well? I've got both."


Ocean blue eyes studied the boy as they walked to the kitchen. Judah found it interesting Théo was on Ceto at all...and asking for a job. It didn't seem likely unless the boy was in some type of trouble. For a teenage boy to suddenly seek out work after being in with the Jedi all his life, it just seemed odd to him. Maybe it wasn't, but with Makai upstairs he had a few questions to ask.


"Did you get your girl pregnant Théo? Or are you on the run from your parents?"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was regret in his heart for so many things these day, and each one of them sat heavy on his heart. But the ride to Makai and Judah home was fun, with the constant chatter between the two boys. He had missed the 'duel' between his friends and he would have loved to have seen it. But more pressing matters took him away, the fight for Midvinter was all but done.

As the speeder pulled up in front of their home, Théo's eyes widened, gosh salvaging does pay well! But he knew that behind this wealth was a lot of hard work. He could see the glowing yellow light streaming through the windows, so inviting to those that would enter here. A pool that beckoned to him, with evil words of 'jump in!'. There would be time for that later, but his stomach lurched, he knew Mr Dashiell's eyes were on him, probably wondering what the hades Théo was doing so far from home.

The inside of the house was as grand as it's exterior, he did not dare move in fear of bumping onto some of value, he is like his father in this regard, a little awkward in such places. His nervousness only increased when it was obvious to Théo that Mr Dashiell had 'removed' Makai for the movement and asked him to follow to the kitchen. "Yes I err, like seafood", he said but would have been grateful for a sandwich equally. But his next question almost made Théo drop to the floor.

"No! .. ", he said quickly. "I .. I don't have a girl", besides Théo would not know what to do with her if he did, well he does but does not hold the experience. "No I am not running away from my parents either, they know". He moved to the bench hoping to busy his hands with anything to hide his awkwardness. "I am running away I guess, but from myself". There, he finally said it.

​

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


As he worked, Judah continued to watch Théo as he nervously stood about, trying to find somewhere to displace his nervous energy. Sleeves rolled up, shrimp went straight into the colander to be cleaned. By now Théo was explaining his position on not running away and having no children he was trying to support. There was still something else, but Judah couldn't quite pin down what. Perhaps the boy was trying to find out who he was after all.He could hear Makai's footsteps upstairs bouncing around, giving them a little more time before being interrupted.


"Just making sure."


Amusement colored his expression, moving onto the next topic.


"You can relax you know. Nothing can really be broken in this place, nothing Makai hasn't had his hand at in the last eight or so years. Besides, his Ma was real clumsy so.....don't feel you have to walk on eggshells. Trust me, there are more important things in life to worry about."


Running water was turned off at the sink and Judah wiped his hands. He stopped again, getting serious.


"So, I have no issues giving you a job. It would be in our salvaging department. Not exactly easy work but I have a feeling you can handle it. It pays well, due to the nature of the work coupled with the extensive travel. There was a skirmish around Demonsgate and rumor is there is lots of be picked off, old Black Rose relics."


"The job is yours if you want it. Makai and I are headed out there tomorrow evening. I only have one stipulation. You have to send a message to your parents telling them you're fine. I feel like they need to know that you're still alive in 'verse."