The trip to Shogun had been tough but she felt lighter than she had for months because of it.
Celt still had enough juice in her fighter to have gone on to Kestri, but Reggie had to stop over at the mobile station that was currently in the Kazutal system to refuel.
She took the time to grab a bite in the mess while the borrowed ship underwent its checks and fuel. There were a couple of vode that were also on the station, catching some solid ground under their feet before taking to the stars again. It was still surreal how many have answered Vren's call - how the fleet had grown so quickly. It would take time for all of them to forge stronger bonds within the Covenant, but she was certain they would do so fast if the Galaxy was an indication.
Reggie stepped into the mess, removing her helmet with a hiss as she did so.
"Ey, Alor Rau right?" hailed one of the guys closest to the door.
"Yeah." she answered, stepping closer and managing a slight smile.
"Have a seat, Alor. I'm Cabuir. Grab her a plate, Helski." the man said as the rest huddled closer while the vod called Helski trotted away to grab her some rations.
"We heard some stories, but want to hear from you personally - 's it true that you were on Thyrsus during that whole mess when the Alliance decided they wanted the planet?" They all looked at her with utmost interest.
Reggie hesitated. After Shogun, her emotions were still a jumble again regarding the loss of her clan. But something in her gut prompted her to tell them - to start forging those new bonds.
"I was." she finally answered.
"That's where I learned that no Force User are on our side. The Jetii are just as bad as Dar'Jetti."
"Oya!" they all cried while tapping fists over their hearts and the unanimous sound of clanging chestplates rang through the mess.
"Oi, y'all are loud. Newb over there looking at us strangely." said Helski as he came back with Reggie's tray.
They all turned to look at a guy sitting alone at a bench a few paces away.
"Yeah - that one was probably a mistake to let in here. He's a strange one." noted one of the others.
"Why? Who is he?" she asked.
They all turned back to her after the man glowered at them.
"Rally Master Eldar had grabbed him a while back when he was the last guy standing in his Alliance unit. Figured he'd be a good warrior for us. Fat chance of that. They should have just popped him if you ask me. Prolly was on Thyrsus too when you were there, Alor." Cabuir then explained. The others made similar noises.
Reggie raised a brow at the them.
"Anyone thought to show a prospective Foundling that we aren't the enemies they think us to be?" she asked them as she got to her feet, looking down at them as she picked up her tray. They all lowered their heads that. Her mind had immediately go to
Vara Rasha
who she had started showing some proper fighting techniques to lately.
Reggie walked over to the loner and sat down across from him in silence, taking a bite of her own stew. After some silence, she finally looked at him.
"Haven't seen your face around yet. Got a name?"
Another bite of food.
