When We Were Young- Chapter 27- An Obitine Story
The first place Satine checked was her bedroom, it was empty save for a note. The Duchess fell to her knees and wailed. She pulled at her hair, threw chairs across the room, paced, Obi-Wan found her in her quarters an hour later.
“Satine!”
“Maul took them,” the Duchess’ throat was raw, “he took our four eldest.”
Obi-Wan froze for half a second.
“Mandalore was attacked, we should get you out of here.”
“I’m not leaving until my people are safe,” Satine stood, “I have speeches to make.”
“Satine-”
“Come with me,” the Duchess ordered, “some things will leave with you.”
Servants moved out of her way when she passed, but Satine didn’t care how terrible she looked. Stalking over to the safe, Satine opened it and pulled out her children’s birth certificates, a bag of kyber crystals, and a tiara from King Zagreus the Second of Zygerria.
“These should be brought back to coruscant,” Satine swallowed, “guard them as you would guard Jynn and Lyra.”
The Jedi opened his mouth to speak, but Satine hushed him with a kiss.
“Jynn and Lyra may one day be all you have left.”
And with that, Satine left, walking briskly and then running once she rounded a corner. First she found Parna, who led her to where the servants were hiding. Satine freed them.
“Go home to your families,” she announced, “they will want to know you’re safe.”
Parna organized the guards to help escort people home, while Satine looked for the Prime Minister. Jaru Djarin was sitting up against the wall, locked in her office, with her eyes closed.
“Jaru,” Satine whispered, growing louder, “Jaru are you alive?”
“Satine,” the Prime Minister mumbled, “come.”
The door opened and the Duchess stepped inside, it smelled awful, like the kind of place rats lived.
“I need you to help me broadcast a speech.”
Jaru sighed, “Help me up.”
The Duchess and her Prime Minister limped through the empty castle, every move of theirs was as loud as thunder rumbling.
“What will we say?” Jaru’s garbled voice questioned.
Satine groaned, she hadn’t thought much about that.
“Mandalore has been used and deliberately attacked with no provocation,” the Duchess found herself saying into the camera, “we have no choice but to join with the Republic and defend ourselves. Please stay in your homes until we are able to address you again, thank you.”
After the camera cut off, Satine made her way to the landing, where a battalion of clones were stationed under Ahsoka, who felt her presence immediately.
“Momdalore!”
Satine collapsed into the Padawan’s arms.
“I heard,” Ahsoka whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you here?” Jaru asked a clone.
“Protection,” he answered.
Satine straightened, “The Prime Minister and I are grateful for your help, please make sure our curfew is enforced.”
“You heard the Duchess,” Ahsoka commanded, “go keep Mandalore’s citizens safe, I will stay with the Duchess and her Prime Minister.”
Ahsoka helped Satine and Jaru to a conference room and then retrieved the Duchess’ comm device.
“Call Countess Wren,” Satine sighed, “we should start with her.”
Ursa was stone faced until she was informed that Tristan had been taken, then, she broke down into tears.
“We’ll keep our district safe, Satine,” Alrich Wren promised, “just make sure he’s alright.”
“I will.” the Duchess promised.
Then the Counts and Countesses of Mandalore were called, all of whom had heard the news and prepared for the defensive.
“Satine?”
Bo-Katan, who stood in the doorway, grimaced when the Duchess looked up. Ventress behind her made a disgusted sound.
“They were taken by your replacement,” Satine growled, “you should help get them back.”
“Who?” Jaru asked.
A beat of silence followed.
“Korkie and his friends.” Bo answered.
The Prime Minister put her face in her hands, “Dear God.”
“The pirates and bounty hunters need to be paid.” Ventress added.
Satine stood, “Sloppy business not paying them in advance.”
Bo-Katan’s eyes narrowed.
“We don’t have any money in the budget for this.” Jaru mumbled.
“Palace defense?” Ventress suggested.
The Prime Minister shook her head.
“I’ll pay them,” the Duchess decided, “out of pocket. I need to call the bank.”
The bank began converting the required amount of credits into cash, and after a quick signature, Bo-Katan and Ventress took over the distribution.
“Your Grace?”
“She was taken,” Satine frowned, without looking up, “Mara and the others were taken. I’m sorry, Boba.”
“Well,” the bounty hunter’s voice changed, “what’s being done to bring her back?”
Satine swallowed, “I’ll ask the Jedi Council for help, now that we’ve officially joined their side it shouldn’t be too hard.”
“I want to help.”
“I want everyone to help.” Satine countered.
Boba Fett knelt down.
“Your Grace,” he whispered, “we’ll get your children back.”
“Of course we will,” Satine agreed, “help me stand, Boba.”
He did and the Duchess sent him to find Khaami and Parna.
“Hello, Duchess.”
“Master Yoda,” Satine sobbed, “Darth Maul has taken my children.”
“Hm,” the Jedi stroked his beard, “bad this is.”
“Please help me get them back.” Satine begged.
“Do you know where he’s taken them?” Master Windu asked.
“No, he just said in his note that this was retribution.”
“He left a note?” Master Mundi inquired.
Satine nodded.
“Why didn’t you leave with the Jedi transport?” Master Windu questioned.
“I can’t leave my people.” Satine responded.
Master Yoda thought.
“Obi-Wan has our most important possessions,” Satine offered, “and the kyber crystals from Concordia.”
“Study those, we shall,” Master Yoda stated, “but meditate on this problem, I must.”
“Master Yoda?”
The Jedi looked to the Duchess.
Satine’s voice broke, “My children are all I have.”
Master Yoda nodded and the comm line went quiet.
“Satine?”
The Duchess turned her head as Parna entered.
“Let’s get you ready to face the public.”
Parna was gentle and kind, helping her lady shower and dress. Then she brushed her hair and braided it.
“Your locks are growing out again.” Parna observed.
“Really, I hadn’t noticed.”
Parna tilted Satine’s head upward.
“I know it’s hard without the children, but the Jedi will help.”
“If Master Yoda consents to.” the Duchess countered.
“He has a soft spot for you, I’m sure.”
Ahsoka poked her head in.
“Momdalore,” Ahsoka began, “there are cameras here to see you.”
“It figures,” Satine mumbled, “they need to know.”
“There,” Parna announced, “finished.”
Satine looked at the braid in her hair, it came down to her shoulders. Her face was pallard and her eyes gaunt.
“Momdalore?”
“Escort me.”
The walls were lined with servants all whispering, none of them stopped when Satine passed, and that was what worried the Duchess most. At least some of them had the sense to curtsey.
“Her Grace, the Duchess of Mandalore.”
Satine stepped out onto the foyer and took a seat at the place that had been set up for her. Ahoska stood at her side.
It took a second for Satine to remember why she was there, “Questions?”
One brave reporter stood.
“We know the Count betrayed us and we have allied with the Republic, but what happened in the chaos of the palace last night, and what happened to the weather monitor?”
Satine almost spilled all her secrets at that moment, but fortunately Ahsoka spoke.
“Count Dooku tried to frame the Duchess and kill her, the audio recordings have been released.”
In the stunned silence, Satine cleared her throat.
“My nephew and his friends, including Tristan Wren, were taken as prisoners by the count’s apprentice,” she swallowed, “we have asked for assistance from the Jedi.”
The room burst into noise but Satine couldn’t hear anything.
“Let’s get you out.” Ahsoka whispered.
Parna helped Satine stand while Ahoska quieted the room for a couple minutes more.
“You need sleep,” Parna whispered, “rest.”
Up in her room, Padme commed Satine.
“We saw your broadcast,” she smiled sadly, “Master Yoda has agreed to send a rescue party.”
Satine burst into tears.
“Jynn and Lyra want to see you.”
Wiping her eyes, Satine saw her daughters in Padme’s arms, asleep.
Satine swallowed, “They’ve gotten so big.”
“Five months.” Padme commented.
“Five whole months.” the Duchess nodded.
Lyra sighed, Jynn gurgled.
“Your Lady Mother misses you.” Satine whispered.
“They miss their mother too,” Obi-Wan frowned, coming into view, “some days they won’t sleep at all.”
“Who is in the rescue party?” Satine found the courage to ask.
“Multiple of Tyra’s Padawan friends,” Obi-Wan answered, “Quinlan, Master Mundi, and Anakin.”
“Not you?”
Obi-Wan sighed, “Maul hates me, if I go, it would give him an excuse to kill the children in front of me.”
Satine gave a shaky breath.
“Don’t worry, Darling,” Obi-Wan braced a smile, “we’ll get them.”
Satine nodded, hoping with her whole heart that was true.
“You just rest,” Padme commented, after a silence, “you look like you need it.”
“I do.” Satine agreed.
The Duchess slept till evening when the comm call finished. By the time Parna woke her, she was informed that the heads of the eight clans were all here requesting a meeting.
“And Khaami is going to stay with her family,” Parna added.
“Good,” Satine sat up, “help me with my hair.”
In front of the throne sat a circle of chairs. Count Awuad, Countess Bralor, Countess Eldar, Count Mudhorn, Count Rook, and Countess Saxon were all present. Count Vizsla’s father, Tarrei, had joined Death Watch a month ago, Satine had almost forgotten. What Satine was not expecting to see was Alrich Wren leading his clan.
“My wife is unwell with the news of our son,” he explained at Satine’s question, “she’s miserable.”
“This is a terrible crime,” Count Mudhorn growled, “you would think Tarrei-”
“Death Watch assisted us last night.” Satine frowned, unable to hear anything negative about Bo-Katan.
“Yes,” Countess Bralor nodded, “because they wanted the Count, when the Jedi took him they were upset they didn’t get shots at him.”
“However, Asajj Ventress spat in his face.” Countess Saxon remarked.
“The Count, Dooku, I mean,” Satine began, “said he had friends in Death Watch, my guess is it would be Vizsla.”
“That would make sense,” Count Awuad agreed, “my spies just told me that your sister might face mutiny.”
Satine sighed, “That would be unfortunate.”
“It would, but there is more news,” Count Awuad straightened, “the Vizslas now believe that the children taken belong to you.”
The Duchess went stoic as stone.
“A dangerous rhetoric if true,” Countess Eldar prodded.
“But there is no need to worry about that then,” Satine forced a smile, “I have no children.”
“No,” Count Rook agreed, “but he did take Mandalore’s heir.”
Satine’s comm rang, it was the Jedi Council.
“We have decided upon our rescue party.” Master Windu announced to the room, “three Jedi Masters, will accompany five padawans to save the children.”
“That seems like a large group.” Countess Eldar observed.
“It is needed,” Master Mundi responded, “I will be leading the effort, which will take place on Mustafar.”
Satine grew cold.
“Mustafar?” Alrich Wren asked.
“Yes,” Master Secura nodded, “that is where the children have been taken.”
The room silenced, a fire planet known for cruelty.
“Is the Count proving useful?” Countess Saxon asked.
“He is.” Master Windu did not elaborate.
“Padawan Tyra, the one you sent here for protection who has now been captured,” Satine began, “informed me that Count Dooku’s Master has a son. His name is Je’er, and his mother is Oana Shields of Harran, from Naboo.”
“Interesting this is,” Master Yoda spoke, “good spy, Padawan Tyra is.”
That brought Satine some comfort at least, knowing that the Jedi had faith in her daughter's skills.
“The rescue party will leave tomorrow,” Master Secura offered, “you may rest easy on that.”
“Thank you,” the Duchess swallowed, “Mandalore looks forward to helping you more in the future.”
“Now,” Count Awad sighed, “for our Death Watch problem.”
It was decided that if Sabine Wren had any connections left to Death Watch, she should use them. Ursa loathed to let another child leave her, and therefore made her husband go with their daughter.
Satine spent the next few days organizing an optional armed force regiment, with incentives to join, of course. She also met with food experts to talk about rationing and spoke with the Head of Mandalorian Trade.
The Duchess was in a meeting with her seamstresses about reducing fabric consumption when Parna burst in.
“Satine!”
The Duchess stood, sensing important news.
“Padawan Tyra is in the med bay.”
Satine ran to the make-shift hospital in the palace, she was glad to see both Hera and Doctor Quial present, but gasped when she saw their patient.
“Your Grace,” Khaami whispered, appearing at her side, “please sit down.”
Shaking violently, Satine fell into a chair and began to sob.
“Your Highness?”
Satine swallowed and looked at the boy standing in front of her, “You must be Je’er.”
He nodded and knelt before Satine.
“Your Grace, I’m sorry I couldn't free the rest of your children,” he began, his voice low, “but they are all kept separate, and I couldn't let harm come to Tyra.”
Satine glanced over at her daughter, “What happened?”
“My father electrocuted her,” Je’er did not lower his eyes, “she has second degree burns, but she will live.”
Satine fell forward and hugged the boy.
“Thank you, Je’er, thank you so very much.”
Je’er breathed a sigh of relief.
“If it’s alright to ask, will you help me get to Coruscant, I need to testify in front of the Jedi Council?”
“Of course,” Satine stood, “do you need food, water?”
Je’er winced, “Sleep, first.”
“Khaami,” the Duchess turned, “give this young man a nice room.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Satine then stepped into a quiet conference room and called her favorite Jedi.
“Obi?”
“Satine, I-”
“I have the Sith Lord’s son, he rescued Tyra,” Satine blurbed, “he wants to testify in front of the Council.”
“Good, this is,” Master Yoda spoke, “collect him tonight, Master Kenobi will.”
Satine blushed, realizing that Obi-Wan was likely in a meeting, “Thank you, Master Jedi.”
Once she hung up, the Duchess came back to her seamstresses, whom Parna was entertaining.
“Good news, Your Grace?” Waldie asked.
Satine finally allowed herself to smile, “Wonderful news.”
“That’s needed in these times.” a seamstress ventured.
“I agree,” the Duchess nodded, “Parna, I think we can repurpose some of my old gowns.”
The Lady nodded, “Should I bring some of the older ones down?”
“Please.”
Khaami came in as Parna left.
“A word, Satine?”
They made their way halfway towards the landing pad before Khaami spoke.
“I posted Gorg outside his room.”
“Protection?”
“Or in case of aggression.” Khaami answered.
“My Ben is coming to collect him,” Satine bounced on her heels, “he’ll be here tonight.”
Khaami grinned, eyeing her lady evilly, “You’re so giddy around him, you always have been.
The Duchess blushed, “Sometimes I still feel like we’re seventeen.”
Khaami snorted, “Yes, with six children.”
Satine sighed, “If Master Qui-Gon would’ve known we would have six children, he would’ve made our lives hell.”
“In a loving way, I’m sure.”
“Most definitely.” the Duchess agreed.
When Obi-Wan finally arrived, Satine was with Tyra in the med bay. She had woken up and was talking, but she had painful-looking white bulbs all over her arms and legs.
“At least I still have my hair.” Tyra joked with a wince.
“I’m just glad you’re safe, baby girl.” Satine smiled, “you know, it was a wonderful surprise when you were born.”
Tyra’s eyes watered, “Really?”
“Oh yes,” Satine placed her hand in Tyra’s, “I joked that I made such a mess I would need two towels.”
“But you really did need two.”
“What a lovely story.”
Satine turned and threw herself into Ben’s arms.
“It’s good to see you too, Darling.”
The Duchess kissed her Jedi until Tyra groaned.
“Uh, Dad, Lady Mother, I’m right here?”
Obi-Wan came to inspect his daughter, frowning at her injuries.
“Be nice to Je’er, Daddy,” Tyra warned, “he’s my boyfriend.”
Ben blanched, “A Sith-spawn?”
“Obi, he saved her life.”
The Jedi sighed, “Alright, Tyra, for you.”
Satine led Obi-Wan to where Je’er was sleeping. The poor child was thrashing in his sleep.
“Je’er!”
Obi-Wan gently shook the boy awake.
“You’re Master Kenobi.”
“I am.”
Je’er swallowed, “My father’s name is Sheev Palpatine.”
The room grew heavy with silence, and boils appeared on Je’er’s skin.
“Stay calm,” Obi-Wan ordered, “stay calm and they’ll go away.”
It worked.
Satine’s head spun, “Sheev? The Chancellor of the Galactic Senate, a Sith Lord?”
“We’ve been suspicious for a long time,” Obi-Wan explained, “but we’ll need this boy’s testimony, and his blood.”
“Take him then,” Satine urged, “quickly.”
Once Obi-Wan left, the Duchess stood staring at the sky for a minute longer. Her children were out there somewhere, three of them imprisoned. That Sith Lord was terrible, keeping them separate from one another. What did he want from them?
“Satine,” Khaami appeared, “I have the Prime Minister on the phone.”
Jaru Djarin suggested that Satine go to parliament and speak to the lords, because, as usual, they were very disgruntled and consumed by nonsense.
“I’ll go tomorrow,” Satine assured, “will you come with me?”
“Unfortunately,” the Prime Minister sighed, “I’m giving a press conference just as parliament begins.”
Satine nodded, “Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
Satine was in a fitting for tomorrow’s event, an old court dress reminiscent of Queen Mara’s style, only in Kryze colors, when she asked Waldie what time it was.
“Six in the evening.”
Satine said nothing, but her stomach rumbled.
“Your Grace?”
The Duchess lowered her eyes, “I forgot to eat today.”
“Forgive me, Satine,” Waldie began, “put you’ve lost much weight since the Count’s first visit.”
“Stress.” the Duchess sighed.
Waldie swallowed, accepting the answer even though she didn’t want to.
“Should I have Parna bring food to your room?” a seamstress questioned.
Satine hesitated, “A light dinner please, it would be good for me.”
Khaami came to retrieve Satine when her fitting was over.
“I just talked to Gorg,” she whispered, “he’s filing for retirement.”
“Now,” Satine gasped, “but-”
“I know he knows,” Khaami’s voice was low and understanding, “but he has been unwell even though he’s physically healthy.”
“PTSD?” Satine asked.
“He’s been having nightmares in the barracks,” Khaami frowned, “he’s terribly embarrassed.”
The Duchess balled her fists, “That God-awful Count and his apprentice!”
Khaami agreed, “I just wanted you to know.”
“I’d love to honor him somehow, a pension perhaps,” Satine decided, “seeing as he doesn’t like big events.”
The lady smiled, “That’s a good idea.”
“Come with me,” Satine hooked her arm through Khaami’s, “I need someone to make sure I eat.”
Parna was laughing with Jaym outside Satine’s door when the Duchess and her lady arrived.
“What’s this?” Khaami grinned.
Parna snorted, “Jaym has a strange sense of humor.”
“Does he?”
“Apparently,” Jaym shrugged, “most people don’t think I’m funny.”
Parna grinned, “You’re hilarious, Jaym.”
Satine turned to Khaami and raised her eyebrows.
“If you like, Your Grace,” she began, “I could make preparations for what we discussed and Parna could eat with you.”
“I would love that.” the Duchess replied.
Satine ate cheese and bread that night, the whole platter that was offered to her.
Parna patted the Duchess’ head, “Good girl, Satine.”
“Thank you.” Satine replied with a giggle.
“Should I help you dress for bed?”
“Please, Parna.”
As Satine lay in bed that night, she had no idea what was going on somewhere else in the galaxy, on Mustafar. Obi-Wan had commed her saying he and Je’er had made it, but when the Jedi Council come out of a meeting to find Mara Supreis and Tristan Wren in the med wing, along with three of the five padawans.
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The Body Keeps the Score Chapter 8 Realizations
You said it yourself bitch, we're the Guardians of the Galaxy." Gamora is finally a part of something. But the past always follows you, eats at you and she must come to grips with her deeds as she tries to build a future. Meanwhile Rocket has never cared much for anyone or anything. Together the two of them discover they are more alike than different and try to heal themselves by befriending the other.
*Content Warnings: Mentions of child/animal abuse, trauma, character death, physical torture/pain*
Title of this fic is taken from the book of the same title "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma," by Bessel van der Kolk
But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away
---
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
-Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Gamora huffed, rolling and felt the vibration of her blade against Drax’s collide with a cutting force.
“You’re using too much force,” she instructed, doding another blow and swinging her sword around hitting the tattooed man with the blunt edge of the blade across his side. He grunted and rushed at her once more, one knife arching upward, the other coming around the left in what would’ve been a deadly motion had she not had the time to backstep, blocking the descending blade with the protective metal guards affixed to each forearm. Out of the corner of her eye, Peter sat watching the two of them, captivated.
“I thought you were a destroyer man,” he muttered between bites of chips. “But Gamora is really kicking your butt here.”
Drax frowned and made another attempt to swipe at her from behind but she ducked, grabbing his wrist and twisting it, just enough to surprise him. He dropped the knife on reflex and snatched it before it hit the ground.
“I am not surprised,” Drax responded unphased. He jerked his arm out of her grip in one practiced move. “She is a most noble fighter. Perhaps better than I and certainly better then you Quill.”
The human in question nodded, rifling through the crumbs of the chip bag. Gamora watched him with a small smile, he’s so goofy. So….
Something hard knocked against her hip. She reacted instantly, arching her sword above her head and bringing it down upon Drax, blunt end facing his neck. In the hold she used his own mass against him, sending him sprawling on the cold deck of the ship and kept a foot on his shoulder blades, the end of her sword poised just above the nape of his neck.
Go on, the fight’s not over until she begs for mercy. Nebula.
“Don’t….please...Gamora…,” those black eyes staring into her. Thano’s surveying the two of them like toys.
“Go on Gamora,.”
“Gamora….” a nervous glance towards their father. “Please ...you know what he’ll do to me.”
“Gamora! I said, I yield!” Drax laughs while he rolls over and only then does she remove the blade from his neck, her boot from his back. She eased up, coming out of a daze, shivering. But Drax’s large wide smile fills her narrow vision, extending a large rough hand. “That was a good match daughter of…..Gamora. I look forward to the day when I might best you.” She studied hand in front of her. Open and welcoming, ready to be held. Companionable. Trusting.
It was a good fight. A fair fight. Take his hand. She sheathed her sword, Nebula’s pleas echoing in her head. Thano’s gaze tearing into her.
“Y..you’re welcome Drax. Good match.”
He keeps his head open, expectant but Gamora settles for crossing her arms and nodding to him in what she hopes is a friendly enough gesture. The destroyer thankfully gets the hint and closes his palm into a fist. Sour shame wells in her stomach.
“Gggggrrt!” Groot shrieks from his pot, wiggling madly trying to dislodge himself from the soil. Gamora can’t help but grin and pats the little flora on the top of his head affectionately. Groot is safe. He's little, he can’t hurt me…..for now. Small wooden hands grasped her wrist so delicately she is afraid that if she moves, the little fingers will crack and snap. “Grrrttt!” He chirped, content.
“You and Drax should practice together more often,” Peter’s voice so close to her makes the hairs on the back of her neck raise in apprehension. She forces herself not to reach for her sword. But him standing behind her like that, in her blind spot. He could attack at any moment. Stop it, he will not attack you.
“He is too reckless, there is no deliberateness to his movements. Just reckless bloodlust.”
Peter only shrugged. She flinched, feeling the lightness of his fingers playing against her elbow.
“Sorry, I...I didn’t mean.”
“It’s alright,” Gamora reassured. The shame welling inside of her again. “I didn’t mean to,”
“You don’t have to apologize Gamora,” his warm eyes looked at her with possibility. He has a strange innocence about him.
“I am Groot!”
Gamora and Peter turned towards Groot in unified surprise. Peter was at the sapling’s side in an instant, picking up his pot with glee.
“Groot! Buddy you did it,” he beamed, “you talked!”
“I am Grooot!”
“Was that Groot?”
Drax popped his head into the room and bounded over Peter and the flora, wrapping his muscular arms around the two of them.
“At last! I knew you would soon begin your annoying phrase! Though your limited vocabulary is irritating, I am glad you are able to speak again!”
“I am Groot!”
“Someone get Rocket!”
Gamora’s lighted heart instantly plummeted,
“Peter I don’t think that’s a good….”
As if on cue the raccoonoid dove into the room.
Enhanced hearing, Gamora momentarily grumbled.
“Groot!” Drax let go just in time for the raccoonoid to vault up on the table and snatch Groot’s pot from Peter’s hands. “What did he say?!”
“What did he say?” Peter gauffed, “I’ll give you one guess.”
“Shut up Star-Shit,”
Rocket’s red eyes instantly went back to Groot, who babbled incoherently again.
Tell him, he has a right to know. Gamora bit her lip watching Rocket’s elated face beaming at Groot. She sucked a breath, searching uncomfortably for the words. It was a rare time when she did not know what to say, considering that her words had been a means of survival just as well as her weapons.
“Rocket,”
“I am Groot!” Groot shouted happily. The raccoonoid looked up at her with ….trepidation?
“What did he say?” Drax demanded.
“I am Groot, I am Groot!” The little flora tried to twist around, pointing with tiny fingers at the green woman.
“He….he said Gamora,” Rocket explained, confused. “Groot! Groot buddy, look at me! What’s my name?”
Gamora watched Groot ignore him and instead stare upward at her and Peter. “Groot!” Rocket barked, “man what’s my name?”
Groot’s silence held Gamora in a constricting hold, I should have told him sooner. He’d be better prepared.
“Groot!” Rockets claws twisted the pot around, his voice cracking in increasing desperation. “Groot! What is my name?”
Gamora’s heart raced, as Groot cocked his head to the side in blank confusion. Rocket’s ears flicked downward, chest deflating. She could not see his pupils for he had none, but she didn’t need to. The raccoonoid’s eyes widened, mouth agape. She looked away at the sight of his implants, sagging with his shoulders.
“Groot…..” begging. “Come on bud, please! Xandar remember?! The orb, that collector guy who was gonna turn you into a chair!” Rocket was trembling now, searching the flora’s face for any sign of recognition. She could feel Peter’s eyes on her.
“What’s going on?” He asked gently, though something in his tone told Gamora he already knew.
“Groot!” Rocket tried again, tears rimmed his eyes. “Halfworld!” He choked out, “getting free? That bounty on G’rva! The Lazy Rsket!” Pretty sure that’s a bar, Gamora remembered from researching her targets. Rocket shook the pot now, sending Groot swooshing along with it, Drax stepped forward only to be cut off by Peter’s warning hand. “The bounty of Zarflaktn! Groot! The...the labs...that prison break on Harmut!” Groot, giggled with the to and throw motion of the pot, waving his arms playfully in stark contrast to Rocket’s mounting fury. He��s barely holding it together. He’s going to snap. “You remember don’t you?! That...that time on Parnas…”
Gamora had not the slightest idea as to what “that time on Parnas,” was referring to, but whatever it was it was enough that Groot’s lack of acknowledgement was a devastating blow. Rocket drew backward, chest heaving.
“Rocket,” Peter dared step forward, “it’s it’s gonna be okay man. Groot’s just excited is all! It’s okay.” But the raccoonoid only stared at Groot, frozen. Breath rapidly accelerating to the point where Gamora wondered if he was in danger of passing out.
“Furry one, what is the matter?”
“G….groot…?” The tears behind Rocket’s leaked forward, his gaze unfocused. “Groot…”
“Rocket,” Gamora found her voice though it shook. “Breathe...Peter’s right. It will be alright, Groot’s just getting his words back.” The raccoonoid shook his head, fists clenched, body as tight as a bow string. She knew the posture. He was either going to snap and attack them or run. The raccoonoid glared at her through tears, for the second time. She realized with a start.
“Groot’s probably just tired,” Peter tried again with an heir of assurance that did nothing to assure. Rocket only shook his head, cybernetic bolts going up and down, pulling against his skin with a taunt cruelty Gamora knew too well. He let out a hiss at Groot’s attempts to reach for him, and took off out of the room, dashing on all fours.
“I ammm Grooo!”
Drax picked the little flora up, restraining him from his attempts to crawl after the raccoonoid.
Gamora planted her hands on her hips, turning from them back to the flight deck.
Beep beep beep, beep, beep, beep.
“Nebula’s ship,” Gamora raced to the cockpit, frantically looking through the windows up into the blackness beyond. Of course there was no actual telling if it was her ship. The tracker had fallen off, but she’d set up alerts for any ships that came within the radius of Rocket’s calculations.
“Is that ...?” Peter followed her gaze towards the small ship off the starboard side. Gamora swallowed, eyes feverishly scrutinizing the object as critically as she could. I thought I’d have more time ...a million thoughts raced through her mind.
“That’s her,” Gamora spun on her heel, sword in hand as she made a B-line for one of the escape pods.
“Wait, Gamora!” The grip on her hand made her stop, eyes bulging in predetermined fury.
“What?”
“We’ll come with you!”
“Absolutely not,” she shook off his grip in an instant. “It’s too dangerous.”
“We just saved Xandar!”
“Nebula’s worse,” Gamora glared, punching open the codes to the hatch that led to the pod.
“Just, gimme a second we’ll get trail her for awhile to make sure she doesn’t have backup and then fly the ship right up close in her blindspot as far as we can. We’ll disable her engines and force her to come out.”
“I appreciate it Peter, but I can’t risk that.”
He sighed, conceding to her without further argument.
“We’ll follow close behind, take a com control in case you need anything.”
She hopped into the pod, snatching one of the portable com controls and punched the release.
“Thank you.” She watched Peter’s face as the roof of the ship came sliding down, watching his careful eyes for as long as she could.
“Wait!” Peter dove, one arm grabbing the descending roof with a metallic groan.
“What?!”
“Just...be careful okay?”
Gamora sighed, touching his hand gently.
“I will,” she pried his grip off the ship. “Now let go.”
He relented and stepped back as the door shut, the pod released, shooting out after Nebula. Peter’s face looming in her mind. She tightened her grip around the steering grips, the stolen Xandarian ship still drifting slowly through the cosmos. As she neared, a smug smile lit her face.
Nebula, I never thought you’d be so foolish. You stole a courier ship. It bore no external weaponry. No cannons, no guns. Nothing. For now her sister was defenseless. I will not kill her. I’ll...I’ll make her see reason, take her back to our ship. I’ll talk to her. Just talk. She thrust the pod forward, glancing at the sword on her hip. Gamora swallowed the impulsive bloodlust, shame stirring in her gut.
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