Upon Celestial Tiger: Chapter Two

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MAY 11

Vestia was due to reach the Beach Planet pretty soon, so the Celestial Tiger headed there first. The meeting with Hytar would happen a few days later at a space station.

The Tiger would land at the sunny spaceport, with a glorious view of ocean, sand, and palm trees all around. It looked like paradise.

~~
Tala was happy to be back. She'd liked the place last time she was here, and was looking forward to soaking up more sun. "It seems our friends have not arrived yet. With hope, we shall see them soon."

Ethan was excited to get off this tiny, cramped ship. Yay.

Rigel found a place to sit and look out at the waves, just relaxing for now.

Luka went and paddled in the waves, giggling as the waves lapped around her ankles. Oh this was fun. After all the stress of the past few months it was nice to just do something silly and let go for a bit.

They'd all relax for a while. A few hours would pass, and a dark shape would blot out the sun.

"Either we're about to die, or our ride just arrived," Ethan said dryly.

Luka had taken to sunbathing and squinted up at the huge ship. A few other sunbathers complained loudly about their light being blocked.

"Let's gather everyone up then."

Ethan nodded. "Good plan. The sooner we can get the Tiger parked in Vestia's hold, the better." He looked almost excited, although it was hard to tell since he always looked grumpy.

Tala also noticed the object blocking the sun, and headed back toward the Tiger.

Luka brushed sand off herself and pulled her boots back on. Eugh, sand between the toes.

Rigel looked up at the ship then sighed and got up. He was just getting comfortable with the planet.

Shane came to the beach, looking around then going over to Luka. "Hey, I hope you like this" He said then glanced to the ship and back to her then gave a shrug "If you don't, you can return it for the credits." It was a long-sleeve shirt that was made from Vavare silk so it would offer some protection, but was light enough to not get hot. It was also dyed a dark blue that was nearly black and had pockets for storage. She would have to take it out of the bag to see it though.

Tala headed into the Tiger. "Starr! All who remain! It seems our companions have arrived!" she called.

Luka smiled at Shane "thank you" She touched the fabric, going a little misty eyed. "thank you" She repeated. "it's lovely" She meant it.
"We... we should go... meet up with the others." She looked suddenly awkward, having gifts given to her wasn't something she was much used to or totally sure how to respond to.

Swarm gathered together at the Tiger.

Starr and Sawna came out to see Tala and Sawna smiled "It will be good to be together again" Starr said and went back in.

Shane smiled again and dipped his head, turning to head for the Tiger "Your welcome, I like my friends and crewmates to be safe and you fit both those criteria."

"How do you wish to give your news to Vestia and her crew?" Tala asked Starr, ears twitching forward in something that might have been concern.

~~
Ethan followed Shane.

Starr lowered her head then shrugged "I don't know." She said honestly

"Perhaps it is better to just show?" Swarm suggested. They had no idea.

Tala huffed out air thoughtfully through her nostrils. "If you are yet uncertain Starr, I shall order the crew to not speak of it until you have chosen how to tell the others."

"I just don't want anyone flying off the handle or getting angry. We will get the keeper and the slavers, just not by one or a small group going alone" Starr said quietly.

"They will want to know what happened." Swarm reasoned. "You could lie. Least until the slavers are dealt with."

Tala nodded. "If you prefer to wait to tell them, that is your right. It may well simplify things, if you can keep the egg hidden."

"Yeah, but say what?" Starr asked and shook her head a little. "There isn't much I can do to hide it."

"True." Tala considered that. "I suppose you had best tell them. Or I suppose one of us could, if you would rather not."

Ethan arrived with the others at the Tiger.

Swarm considered that. "We can watch it while you see your crew, when you are ready you can tell them and move the incubator. " The chittered to one another. "Do you believe they will react more negatively than this crew did?"

Starr shrugged and backed into the room to go sit on the bed."I don't know." She wasn't sure what to say or do and didn't want to make a decision on this.

Luka joined Ethan, frowning a little at the tail end of that conversation. Poor Starr, this sucked.

Swarm followed Starr into her room. "This news can wait."

Tala sighed. Yeah, she wasn't going to make a call on this. She looked to the newly returned beachgoers, and nodded in acknowledgement.

"We can say it was an egg we rescued at Avolire Hold, they won't know until it hatches that it's Starr's," Ethan suggested quietly. Hey, they had rescued it there, after all.

Shane and Rigel came in, frowning at the conversation they walked in on.

"I don't want to lie" Starr said quietly, laying down again. "Just, just call a meeting, tell everyone and get it over with."

"Are you sure?" Luka asked, peering into the room.

"No, but it's better than lying to them and them finding out later." Starr said quietly.

Luka looked pained but she nodded. What else could they do? It was Starr's decision.

"Would you like to be present or stay here till it's over?" she asked carefully.