Chapter 15

Renn and the others spent several days on Naboo. After exploring the capital, Theed, they went to see the grass plains and lakes that the planet was famous for.

When they weren't in the city there wasn't a need to be inconspicuous so Alpha and the other assassin droids could walk about freely.

After spending time relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery Renn and the others were feeling quite relaxed and were ready to return home.

The journey back to the asteroid base was uneventful with Renn and Opal spending most of their time training. The Speedy Vagabond made the trip quickly and soon was back at the Asteroid base.

-

The Speedy Vagabond landed in the hanger of the asteroid base and after powering down its ramp lowered with a mechanical thud.

"So, this is where you grew up" Opal said looking at Renn

Renn was leading Opal down the ramp first while Alpha and the others were lagging behind as they had been finishing organising the ship when it had landed.

"Yeah, I'll show you around after I introduce you to everyone else, you've already met most of my family all that's left are Tinker, Drillbit and Clank." Renn said excitedly as he started walking a bit faster.

Renn had just made it to the bottom of the ramp when a grey blur collided with him nearly knocking him over. Renn steadied himself and looked at the droid that had nearly sent him flying with a smile.

"Hi Tinker, I've missed you too."

Renn was answered by a flurry of happy beeps and clicks as Tinker bounced around trying to communicate at a million miles per hour.

"I guess this is Tinker then, he seems very happy to see you." Opal said as she reached the bottom of the ramp and stood next to Renn.

Tinker who hadn't realised there was a new person until this point let out a squeal of surprise and alarm before quickly hiding behind Renn.

Watching the over the top reaction Opal started laughing and Renn grinned. However, a series of indignant beeps from Tinker quickly had Renn apologising and trying to placate the droid, which only increased Opal's laughter.

Slowly following Tinker came a nervous Drillbit, who seeing Renn with new people cautiously came over.

"Hey there buddy, how have you been?" Renn said giving his attention to Drillbit.

Drillbit and Tinker were still a bit nervous of Opal but after some coaxing and encouragement they stood in front of her so that Renn could introduce them.

"Opal these guys are Tinker and Drillbit, they are in charge of fixing things along with Bolt. Guys this is Opal she's going to be staying with us from now on." Renn introduced them.

"Hi, I hope we can get along" Opal said as she waved at the droids.

Suddenly a deep robotic voice came from behind them which cased both the children and the repair droids to jump in fright.

"Updating organic being known as Opal's designation to friendly."

Renn turned to look and saw a large AR-34 enforcer droid staring at them.

"Clank you scared the hell out of me." Renn panted out still a bit shocked. "How did you manage to sneak up on us like that?"

"Apologies. I shall deactivate my sneaking protocols" Clank said in his rumbling voice.

"you're joking, aren't you?" Renn asked while squinting at Clank trying to figure out what was happening.

"Joke subroutines are not engaged" Clank Responded.

"Fine, keep your secrets." Renn said smiling at Clank, "it's good to see you again though."

"Agreed" Clank said with a nod before rolling off.

"Ignore him little one, he's just pouting because we got in a fight, and he was left out." Alpha said as he appeared behind Renn.

The hangar was soon filled with a jovial atmosphere as everyone reunited after a short time apart. Opal was quickly accepted by the droids that had stayed in the base and began happily chatting with everyone.

After everyone was reunited Renn left with Opal to show her around the base and help her get settled in her own room.

-

The next day Opal was walking around the base by herself. Renn was Training with Alpha, so she was exploring her new home on her own.

After walking for a while, she came to a door and decided to go through it. Entering through the door Opal found herself in a small room with an ornate looking alter in the centre of one wall.

Along the walls of the room were Shelves and, on those shelves, sat old helmets with metal urns placed behind them. Every Helmet was slightly different and while all of them were perfectly maintained they all showed the signs of damage signifying that they had been through numerous battles.

Opal looked around in wonder, "Sapphire what is this place," she called out curiously.

"This is the mausoleum of house Dredd. It is the final resting place of Renn's family." Sapphire said solemnly.

"So those helmets belonged to Renn's relatives." Opal asked.

"Yes. After completing their training, a warrior of house Dredd will forge their own armour. Their armour is unique to them and cannot be used by anyone else, so when they die are cremated while wearing their armour, without their helmet, and their ashes and their helmets are then placed in the mausoleum.

After the destruction of the main mausoleum when Aruum was lost Renn's grandmother created this new mausoleum when she built this base. The helmets you see before you belong to the members of house Dredd who managed to escape the fall of Aruum.

In the centre is Renn's grandmothers helmet alongside the helmets of Renn's mother and father."

Opal gazed at the helmet that once belonged to Renn's grandmother, Renn had told her stories about his clan but seeing the old helmets really brought home the fact that he was the last remaining member.

Opal quietly left the room after paying her respects to the dead. She new that Renn was putting his all into becoming a warrior of house Dredd and after everything Renn and the others had done for her she wanted to support him and grow stronger herself.

She decided that she was going to think about what she wanted to do in the future. Renn was improving so much because he had a clear goal to drive him forwards so she was going to figure out what her goal for the future would be.