Fish Out of Water [Judah and Makai Dashiell]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was a slight grin on Théo's face, amused by checking up on the women front, there was no 'front', not yet at least and there was someone he loved but that was a long way off anyway. He watched Judah in the kitchen, the man seemed to know his way around one, he suspected that Judah preferred it that way been able to get his own hands dirty rather then employ someone, but this place does not stay clean by itself, no doubt there was help somewhere. He had dumped some large prawns in the colander which gave Théo something to do to occupy his mind and hands. And so he picked one up and began to peel it.

He did relax more, knowing that this place was geared around a child, not that Théo is that anymore, but still he felt at ease in Judah's company, he seems like a nice guy, which did not really surprise Théo considering how nice his son is. "Makai is a great friend you know, he has a very kind heart". He told his father, hoping it would make him proud of his son.

Théo paused for a moment, as Judah spoke about work, it was just what Théo wanted, something hard to do, something that would require physical energy as well as complicated. He suspected there was more to salvaging then simply picking something up of the ground or space. However, Judah's condition was fair and reasonable, by now his parents would be worried as he is so far from Voss. "I will contact them and let them know where I am". Which he would do as soon as they were done here.

"Thank you for the work, I appreciate it greatly and I will not forget this kindness, Judah".

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


Not minding the help, Judah moved to the side so Théo could get in on the peeling better. They were making a favorite of Makai's, prawn tacos. Judah hoped Théo would be equally pleased but the teenage boy seemed fairly easy going. Besides, not many growing teenage boys passed up the chance to eat food of any sort.


"Makai is a good kid...he has a lot of learning to do. Thank you, however. Its always nice to hear from someone else your boy is on the right track. You'll understand someday down the line."


There was a slight nod at the mention of contacting the Heavenshields. Judah could understand Théo not wanting to give his location up, and he wasn't asking the boy to. Just a simple message letting his parents know he was alive and well was all that was needed at this stage in the game.


"Great. You can use my office or connect your device to the HoloNet, whatever is easiest for you. Don't mention the kindness, its nothing. I'm excited to have you out there."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He beamed a large smile at Judah, and felt safe for once since his journey had began, Nar Shaddaa had certainly opened his eyes up to the more darker side of life, not just the dark side. He was lucky to have gotten out alive, and this bit of information would not be sent to his parents. "Thank you Judah, I am excited to be here too". Once the prawns had been peeled, Théo watched as Judah began to cook the meal, he help where possible, checking the taco shells did not burn, cut up some leafy greens and grated the cheese if any one wanted it, set the table and called Makai down from his towel washing.

The meal passed with the three of them chatting about life on Ceto, Makai loved tell of his home and things to explore and about the underwater cities Théo had found himself in on arrival. This planet was very unique and beautiful and a place that would remain in his memory long after he has departed for home. With full bellies, all three took their plates to the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher before they would relax for the night.

However, the long journey had Théo tired, it would be evident in his blue eyes and time for the youngster to climb up the stairs to bed soon. Besides they are to go salvaging come the morning and Théo guessed he would need all the rest he could get for the day's work. Yet, not one to impose on his hosts, he would wait until they decide when to retire for the night.

​

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


It was a fairly uneventful flight out to the Demonsgate area. They had taken the Siren's Song for the trip due to its refitted abilities to handle long-range flights. Judah wasn't certain if he and Makai would be headed back to Ceto so quickly after the trip with Théo to the end of the Rimma Trade Route. By now it was a well worn path for Judah. He had factories on Karideph, some that could handle the influx of salvage in the southern end of the 'verse. Anything they would find in the Demonsgate area would be pushed back up the route for processing, only to be sold or used in a Salacia project elsewhere down the line.


The Underground had hit the Black Rose remnant , leaving a littered trail of twisted metal and hunks of wreckage behind. Salacia had sent crews out ahead of time to scout, only to have them request more sentients in order to get the job done. With an ongoing war between several factions, durasteel prices were always at a premium. Just had to know what market to sell it to.


Debris started to scrape the ship as they got closer. Vessels that held the scrap were in place, along with smaller SLVR vessels that picked off where envirosuits wouldn't all. Judah began to navigate the Siren's Song towards the command vessel, Luna Moth . He opened the comm to the chatter, picking up bands from the small SLVR vessels communicating with the larger hauler vessels.


"SLVR 5 here, Luna Moth I'm experiencing problems with the arm, heading back into the bay..."

"Moon Gypsy reporting in, storage bays at sixty percent capacity and climbing."

"Eastbound, you're cleared for docking in the southern quadrant. On-site crews are standing by to guide you in."

​

"Siren's Song, welcome aboard Mr. Dashiell. You're cleared for docking at Luna Moth's fifth dock. Enjoy your stay Sir."


"Thank you."


Piloting the vessel towards the command ship, Judah took care to dodge the debris and other vessels swarming near the main wreck. Others littered the area, but for now Salacia was attacking this and the floating bits of debris in the local area. Soon enough they were docked, all the men aboard disembarking from the trip. Making their way through the docking arm, they were enthusiastically greeted on the Luna Moth side.


"Judah!" A portly man in overalls moved to greet Judah, his hand clenching the others tightly. Judah chuckled and gave the man a clasp on the shoulder. Portly overall man went and mussed up Makai's hair in a teasing manner.


"Zej, what are you doing up here? Normally I have to beg you to come to the command ship."


"Eh, I needed a break. Trying out a new kid for my job. Despite what you think I am not as young as I used to be." Zej gave a slight pause before spotting Theo. Meaty hands quickly shook the teenage boys in a greeting, clearly the job got him excited.


"Judah, you didn't tell me you had another boy! This one looks old enough for old Zej to take under his wing. Learn the business from the ground up and some day you'll be a leader like your Papa here."


Judah couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.


"This one isn't mine, a son of a friend. Although he does come in search of work. I couldn't see a more fitting place than on your crew."


"Is that so Son?" A pause before a hearty clap on the back. "Well you've come to the right place!"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The Siren's Song is a cool ship! Théo had arisen early after a long night of chatting with Makai in his room. The two boys had well and truly caught up on all the gossip and news from Voss and beyond. And eventually got to sleep after Judah reminded them both to do so. Now, he sat in the cockpit for them both, listening to the chatter on the comm and looking at all the debris floating in space as Judah weaved his way toward it. Already the Salacia crew had began work out here, that much was apparent through the comm and now it was Théo's turn to put muscle to work. The idea excited him and he was nervous hoping to do a good job for Judah and the crew.

He shot a look to Makai as they made their way along the docking arm to the Luna Moth, Makai no doubt had seen this all before and would on Théo's face with curiosity he supposed as to why Théo was excited. Then his ear were 'assaulted' by the booming voice of a portly man striding toward them to greet the boss. Before he knew it his body was 'assaulted' as much as his ears had been, and his body shook with the shake, but Théo did not mind, it was hilarious. That was until he was slapped on the back with the meaty hand almost sending him flying.

"Nice to meet you Mister Zej", and he bowed a Jedi bow to the man, if for no other reason then to unstiffen his back from the clap. Théo did look like Judah, the mistake was easy enough to make and would be a source of amusement for then all. "Yes I want some work, and learn something new", he added eager to get among it all.

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]


Makai did stay silent, watching Théo experience the sights and sounds of the the command vessel. He had grown up in the various parts of business,with his father taking him on trips ever since he was a very small boy. Makai had only started to put on envirosuits and see the real muscle of the salvage work, an eye opening one during his time on Kaas. He had been scared to go into the black at first, but with any luck, Dad and Mr.Zej would take him to the job site again.


Zej would look Théo up and down after the bow and scratch the thinning hair on his head a little. He had never been bowed to, must be some cultural thing with the boy. Unusual he could take so long as one was willing to put the effort into salvaging. Some folks thought it might be taboo, disturbing such wreckage. He was hoping the kid wasn't one of them.


"Learn something new everyday in this business. It can be boring. It can be dangerous. Every site is different Son. You're going to have to respect the fact that if someone tells you to do something, its probably for your own good. We've got folks with families, they want to return home safe too."


There was a slight pause.


"Yet if Judah trusts you it means you've got a good head on yer shoulders. Follow me. We'll take a shuttle out to a group of workers on the starboard side. You'll envirosuit up on the way there."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo understood the importance to detail on any job, especially if it involved dangers that could kill, bread and butter to Jedi on a daily basis and never should they take for granted their work or their abilities, if so, the force soon reminds you that they are mortal beings at the end of the 'working' day. "I will pay attention Mr Zej", he said with truth and besides he did not wish to let down Mr. Dashiell.

A quick look to Makai, who had began to put on his envirosuit and so Théo headed for his up the corridor. It was similar to a flight suit in some ways and so he climbed into it and zipped it up however the helmet would prove more tricky to secure and he did not know of the controls to stablise the suit for life support.

"How does it work Makai?", he said quietly to his friend as he kneed on one leg for him to show, besides Théo had grown in size to that of a fully grown man towering over Makai in the process. This was not the first time his friend had guided him, after all he had taught Théo to surf and he did not have any problem learning from the kid.

​

​

[member="Judah Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai was getting better at putting on his suit. He had struggled in the beginning but the process of getting in and out could be counted on both hands. Not quite an expert, but going into the depth of space had made him pay attention about the small details. His hands worked on the life support settings, pushing the humidity up to the max allowed. The envirosuits weren't exactly designed for aquatic types but he had figured out a way to make due that only made him slightly uncomfortable.


Scale speckled hands were smoothing down the enclosures, double checking the seals when [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] 's face was in his own. It startled him for a moment, engrossed with his own activities so he hadn't quite been paying attention to the others in the room.


"You gotta set the controls to your species." Makai glanced over to see what Mr.Zej and his father had most of their settings at. Theo was human...or seemed mostly human like anyways. Iced azure eyes focused on making the controlled environment comfortable enough for his friend.


"I think once you put on the helmet this can be adjusted a little.....but.....I guess I got the settings right for humans."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He looked down at the controls and buttons on his suit and watched as Makai adjusted the settings. "Ah of course", he said with a silly smile as if to illustrate how stupid Theo had been to not have an understanding. Naturally, Makai was slightly different to his own, although Makai is half humanoid his biology required more complex arrangement.

Once the suit was ready for Theo to enter into the vacuum of space, he grabbed his helmet off the floor and stood up once more. "Thanks Makai".

He looked to Mr Dashiell, as he stood by the side of Makai and waited for the next set of instructions. He was feeling very nervous now, not wanting to let anyone down and do something stupid and make mistakes on his first day. Yet, he had never been in space before, at least, not without the safety of a ship surrounding him giving life support. This was scarey and dangerous and exhilarating all at once. And now he wished he had not had breakfast, because it was in danger of aborting mission.

Theo did his best to push his nerves away however, that would be embarrassing indeed.

​

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]


"S'okay, took me a little bit to figure it out last time."


Makai double and triple checked his seals. It was a little nerve racking to head into space with nothing more than a suit to protect one from the elements. His Dad had practically pushed him along the first time, wedged in between Mr.Zej he had no choice but to continue on. With a little practice it was getting better, it didn't feel like he was going to fall off the edge of the universe.


The vessel jostled a little as they came aside the wreckage. Groaning and creaking could be heard, with Makai trying to remind himself it was perfectly normal. The wreckage was floating a little, although tractor beams were in place to stop it from twirling and moving completely out of control. Mr.Zej took charge as usual, leading the pack. Makai made sure Theo got a spot behind Mr. Zej, placing himself in the line behind the teenager with his Dad bringing up the rear.


"Hey Theo, clip yourself to the guide line" Little gloved hand came out and pointed it to the boy, taking his own carbiner clip and attaching a safety lead to the large cable wire that ran the one side of the wreckage. Safety measures to keep anyone from floating into the black. Makai gazed through some of the holes, registering he was merely feet away from empty nothingness.


"Listen up Son. Looks like you might have a good head on your shoulders there. I'm going to have you in a more advanced section of work....Did think about making you pull electrical wire and computer innards....might be a waste though."


Sparks could be seen ahead, distant clattering heard. Some laughter was starting to come through their comm units on the envirosuits.


"Nope, I've got you cutting the ship apart. A little dangerous....you're a Jedi though, right? You kids should be used to that. I'm going to get you squared away...just stay attached to the safety line now..."


Mr.Zej looked back.


"Ever use heavy duty saws on durasteel before? Or Fusion WeldCut? Its old technology, but a good one!"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo puffed out his cheeks and looked at Makai who seemed to know what would be coming next. He would follow instructions to the letter, as well as his friend after all he did not want to place any lives in danger with his lack of experience. Nor did he want to let Mr Dashiell down on this job, the man had taken a chance with him, and prepared to give Théo a job while away from home. He clipped onto the safety wire just like Makai had some him, and waited for Mr Zej to set him up.

"Err, no I have never used Fusion WeldCut" he answered with a look over the large controls on the thing. "But, I have used something to cut metal", he was referring to his lightsaber. Although he knew what to expect with this, the machine was an entirely different kettle of fish. Yes, danger is something Jedi are used to, the day they don the robes is the day a target is placed on their back, and dangers seem to find them regardless if they look for it.

The sound of metal scraping metal filled his ears and sent a chill up his spine, he had a sudden flash of an event years ago with Norah and Boo on that pirate ship when they had latched onto the shuttle and boarded killing a lot of the crew and some of the children. But it sounded like the place was being pulled apart, plate by plate, and the shuddering underfoot did not help his nerves. Théo looked to Judah and Makai, their reaction neutral to this although he sensed a little trepidation in the younger Dashiell, but it was clear this was normal.

Théo settle a bit, pushing away the nerves and focusing his concentration on the job. "What does this do?", he pointed to the main lever on the welder. He hoped that a clean neat cut was not necessary, after all this is salvaging not ship construction where precision is required.

​

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai let his gaze flick to [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] .His friend looked slightly nervous and Makai couldn't blame him. There were times in the beginning when he was certain the vessel was going to fall out from beneath them. He had a bit more experience under his belt. Last time he pulled electrical wiring from the durasteel plating, getting in on the action. Someday in the near future he would be doing more dangerous work, but his age and size prevented it for now.


"This lever controls it." Mr. Zej turned and started to use his hands for explanation. "You cut from inbetween the support beams, the skeleton. First the interior panel. Second crew comes in and removes electrical and anything else we can glean."


More hand gestures.


"Now we get dangerous. You cut the outer panel, working with an outside unit. Next thing you know you're seeing stars. You'll do small cuts on the skeleton then the outside crew works on removing those bits. We move back further into the vessel."


"This is why its important to stay attached to the line Son. Once we start on outer panel work it gets dicey."


A slight pause. More groaning and creaking of the metal. Hammers or tools of some sort could be heard downwind of their location, droids removing dataterminals from a wall.


"You goin' to be okay doing this? I don't need you freaking out on me halfway through."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

This Mr, Zej really liked to communicate with his hands, they are a danger unto themselves! Théo even had to take evasive action to duck out of the way of them as he explained how the welder worked. Regardless, Théo paid close attention, as this job was indeed dangerous and getting more so by every word. Yet, there is a good portion of his father in him, and that would be enough to see the day out and hopefully do a good job with this somewhat manual labour. He had been with his father on more then one occasion when maintain the house at Tabaqui or Midvinter, enough to know that ships are similar in construction to them. But this would be just as hard and because with the added element of the vacuum of space thrown in the mix, it would do to not be complacent.

Although there was a lot to take in, it sank, and Théo nodded his understanding. "I will be fine, I wont freak out", who uses that expression anymore, well the olds do of course. Théo took the pause in the bombardment of information to look at his friend Makai with a smile and a look that said that he hoped he would not freak out. It was more done out of jest then reality, but still the nerves set this stomach all queezy like.

It would be best to get going, set the mind on the job to remove the nerves. "What is your job Makai?", he asked no interested in what skills the young man had for this. No doubt they would be far superior to his own.

​

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

A hearty hand came to clasp [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] on the shoulder. Zej was pleased the boy seemed up to the task, sometimes it was hard to find new ones to work the fusion welder. Judah had sent him a message beforehand to give the kid a bit of a rough task. Zej was fairly certain the boy was going to be able to cut it for at least a job or two before wandering onto the next.


"Good to have you aboard Son. I'll have you watch for a little bit before we try your hand at it."


Zej moved to speak with the current operator of the Fusion WeldCut and Judah moved in to speak as well. Seemed they were coming upon a structurally weak spot and were consulting on how to move forward. Other work continued around the consultation but at least the sickening metal scraping noise had quieted down for now.


Makai took the opportunity to speak to his friend. Being young, his job was one of the lowest on the pole. Dad had said as he got older the work would increase. By the time he was a teenager there would be his chance at the fusion cutter. That wouldn't be for a handful of years yet.


"Pulling wires and dataterminal guts. Dad says I got to start at the bottom and work my way up....plus, the cutter seems really heavy. In a few years I will get my hand at it. Dad says I'll have to spend my summers salvaging if I want to work at the company with him one day."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Before Mr Zej moved away to speak to Judah, Theo nodded his understanding that he would be required to watch operations before being allowed to try his hand. This was prudent indeed considering the boy had never seen a welder in his life let alone used one. Theo was grateful for the slight reprieve before he was required to use it. But he had less nerves now, as he realised he was in good hands and Zej would never allow anyone to cause accidents either to others or to themselves.

Theo moved closer to Makai, and listened to him with his head tilted to the side. "Is that want you want Makai, I mean to follow in your father's foot steps?", he had to wonder if Makai was being steered that way because of the family business, but then he stopped to think if that was the same that was happening to him. He considered his own situation for a moment, had he been drawn into the life of Jedi simply because his father and mother were? Not that they demanded such of him, far from it, but had he simply followed their foot steps because it was expected?

"It seems a lot to have you do over your break, but I guess it is the same for me too. I don't really have breaks as training to become a Jedi is constant. In a way this trip is my break" for me to think.

​

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Bending down, Makai had picked up some metal snips out of a toolbox and began to break the small metal pieces that held the electrical wiring to the durasteel interior walls. [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] had moved closer to him, only to ask if he wanted to follow in his Dad's footsteps. Makai was quiet for a long moment, snipping the connectors so the electrical wiring could be yanked out. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. Dad said he had to go to school and that was about as far as he had given a great deal of thought.


"I don't know....maybe?" Another snip of wire. "I didn't think anyone asked you to be a Jedi, so its probably the same thing. Dad wouldn't be mad if I didn't want to do it...."


More arguing about the best way to bring down the piece. Things like "leave it there" to "have a SLVR Unit hold it up for a bit" could be overheard. The shift supervisor had gotten in on the action and Mr.Zej pulled out a hand saw, as if it make a point he would do whatever needed to move the job forward himself.


"Breaks are sometimes busy. Since my Mom died.....I go with Dad a lot and do school from the datapad. So sometimes its like a break even when school is still in session....Sometimes it is like a break, like when we go to the vacation house on Dac."


"This is your break, working? You say I'm crazy....I guess you Jedi kids are weird after all."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"I don't think my mum and dad would mind if I decided to do something different too. But my decision is made, I want to be the best Jedi I can be". Theo smiled, "Besides you are still young as I am, so things can change over time". However, as Makai continued to speak, Theo's face frowned.

"I am sorry Makai, I did not know you lost your mother. That must be very hard on you and your dad", although Theo still has his parents, but he understands the loss of someone close and a beloved family member, but the loss of parents is something entirely different and difficult to cope with. But Makai changed the subject quickly and Theo respected the fact that his young friend might not wish to talk about it, heavens know Theo did not want to go into why he was all the way down here.

However, a laugh escaped him, "Yes I suppose it is a bit odd that I want to work on my .. holiday. But I kinda ran low on credits and so I needed the help or else I would have to go back to that smelly bar on Nar Shaddaa", Theo visibly shuddered at the thought of it. "Besides, I like the idea of work and this job is interesting. I am so pleased you dad said yes".

​

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Its okay." Makai didn't want to betray himself, looking down at the decking and concentrating on the rivets. He was a bit thankful [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] quickly skipped over the subject of his mother and kept he conversation moving. It was something he didn't care to speak of, at least not anytime in the near future. Only a few in his tiny circle of friends knew due to his close lipped thoughts on the subject.


Flushed face looked back up, nodding. Why wouldn't his Dad say yes? Even if Théo was a total stranger his Dad would have probably said yes. Salvaging wasn't for everyone, besides, it was long periods and stretches away from home in the black. Rumor had it some folks went crazy, despite there being some forms of entertainment on boards the vessels.


"The job does seem kind of interesting. I can't wait to come out and join everyone doing the real work one day..."


---------------


A handful of days had passed since the trio of men had arrived at the salvage site. Mr.Zej had given Théo the opportunity to observe and do other jobs on the vessel to get used to the environment. Pull wiring. Pry off motherboard panels. The extremely labor intensive task of hauling away durasteel. The time had come to use the fusion welder.


"Alright Son, step up and do your thing. Remember to keep it between the supports now. Give yourself a test run first. Get a feel for the equipment in your hand, how it handles."


Several bystanders gathered and Mr.Zej shooed them away, growing a bit angry.


"Work still has to be done! You'll know in due time if he's cut something he shouldn't have."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

This was hard work. Every night after the shift had finished, Théo collapsed on his bed totally exhausted and sleep without interruption .. it was the best sleep he had had in weeks. And despite that he would just about eat his way through the galley every night, he had not put on weight but rather bulked up with muscles, he had had a growth spurt to boot. There had been little time to himself, which was good, there had been no time to think about the loss of his grandfather or that fact he missed his family very much. The work had done wonders for his mental healing, and as each day passed he learned to accept that there is loss in life through death.

This morning he would be given his first go at the fusion welder, no longer nervous like his first day, but still he remembered the dangers of the machine and would be mindful of it. He found Mr Zej soon enough and a gathered crowd to watch him take the first step in the art of welding. He sported a grin, he would probably do the same had it been someone else and gave all the workers a cheeky wave as they were ordered back to work.

But now he turned his attention to the job at hand. He flipped the protective visor down over his face, and took position with the welder in hand, it was heavier then he expected, at least today it was, he had had time to practice cutting pieces of metal in a training station here on the ship and managed to be able to cut clean but this was the real deal and so he face the durasteel panel on the hull of the damaged ship.

With steady hand he began, slowly at first to make to cut straight and clean, probably very slow for the likes of Mr Zej, but he did not wish to make a mistake. Théo felt the beads of sweat forming on his brow, even felt the sting of the salt in his eye but still he remained focused and proceeded cautiously.

[member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Mr.Zej was carefully peering over the shoulder of [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] as the boy cut. Slow but stable. It was going to take the kid all night to finish one panel at this rate but the portly, blue-skinned man suspected Theo didn't wish to die from being careless. He could respect that. The metal glowed hot with the effort, leaving a line of black space behind well after the torch had passed, an opening to the other side. Mr.Zej motioned for several workers to get closer. A group effort in prying off the first panel of young Theo's career.


A meaty hand came to clasp the boy on the back.


"Doin' wonderfully Son. We'll have you a seasoned hand in no time." Mr.Zej looked around, motioning to the others gathered around. "Alright, show's over, kid didn't kill us all yet. Let's get back to work shall we? Sooner we get done here the sooner we can go home and get started on the next job."


"Red Shift, report to the staging area, we've got an influx of metals that needs to be sorted. Droids finally raided the control room. Took 'em long enough."