Chapter LXXXII: Meet Nallester

Chapter LXXXII: Meet Nallester 

Hi, Scorpious here. Before we get into this chapter, I just want to mention that in the original comics, Nallester was fully human. I decided to mix it up this time. As you can probably tell, I was running out of ideas for the family ‘ester’ name. But, like his father and grandfather before him, Nallester is a cold blooded mercenary. I forgot what logo he had on his headband, I think it was a knife. Anyway, it’s time to meet the newest member of the family. One day, after taking shifts keeping an eye on the eggs, Sallester notices one of them moving. He runs to the bedroom and wakes up Xorda. “Hey, it’s time!” Sallester says, excitedly. Xorda immediately jumps up and they rush back to the tank room. 

“This is it!” Xorda says, jumping. The egg hatches, and it’s a boy. “Nallester.” 

“Nallester?” The child asks. 

“Nallester.” 

“I am Nallester. Hello, mother, hello, father.” Nallester looks human, built human, but has Galaxian shaped and sized eyes. Sallester pages Serge. 

“It’s time.” Sallester says. Drones come into the room, pick up the tank, and transport it. A new tank filled with water takes its place. Sallester takes a strip of cloth and wraps it around Nallester’s forehead. ”Just like his dad and granddad and uncle.” 

“We don’t know what his personality will be like yet.” Xorda says. 

“Well then, here’s hoping.” 

“Well, your oldest half brother became a scientist, so just because Nallester was born first doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to be interested in the same thing you are.” 

“You’re right, I should take him on a hunt.” 

“Are you crazy? He was just born, he’s not going out there!” 
“Fine, but he’s coming to this year’s annual family hunt.” 

“Alright, whatever.” Xorda looks annoyed. 

“Oh, what?” 

“Nothing, I just don’t see why you have to force him into the family business.” 

“I’m not FORCING him, I’m just nudging him in that direction. Besides, what would you rather him do?” 

“I dunno, being a healer isn’t a bad idea.” 

“Well, as is custom in both our species, we’ll let the kid decide what he wants to do.” 

“Agreed, now let’s take him for his first day checkup.” Xorda picks up Nallester and they head to Nyvar’s office. “Here’s your nephew, little Nallester!” 

“Aw, he kinda reminds me of my oldest brother.” Nyvar says. 

“We’re here for his day one physical.” 

“Good thing you caught me now. Now that I know he’s born, I’m going to be swamped with day one physicals for the rest of the week.” Despite his squirming, Nyvar manages to get his vitals and gives him a clean bill of health. “Keep a close eye on him. When I was little, my big brother Ruzal snuck out and joined my dad on one of his missions, claiming my mother said it was all right. She was freaking out looking for him until dad came back from hunting with him. I’ve never seen my mom so mad at my dad since.” 

“Yeah, well, apparently all the men in this family all think the same way. Ballester junior over here wanted to take him out hunting today.“ Xorda motions in Sallester's direction, and Nyvar looks annoyed. 

“Ugh, boys.” 

“I know, right?” 

“Really? “ Sallester says. The women laugh, and Nallester claps and laughs along. They leave the office and run into Arizona on the way, also holding a baby half breed, one of the eggs that Xorda gave up, it’s a baby girl. 

“Hi, Arizona!” Xorda says. 

“Hi, Xorda, this is Florida!” Arizona says. 

“Meet Nallester!” 

“Aw, keeping up with the name tradition?“ 

“Yea, but only because he came out a boy.” 

“Guess I owe Manboutu 500 credits. “ 

“You placed bets on what our child would be born as?” 

“Oops, yeah.” Xorda rolls her eyes.  

“Well, good luck with raising her. Nallester, say bye to your sister, Florida.“ 

“Bye bye Florida.” Nallester says. Florida buries her face in Arizona’s chest, hiding. They go  their separate ways, and Xorda, Sallester, and Nallester head back to their apartment. 

“I’m glad our baby is healthy.” Xorda says. 

“Me too.” Sallester says. ”So, what do baby Galaxians eat?” 

“Oh, I hope you enjoyed your last meaty meal. It’s vegetables for the next two years.” 

“Oh no, no, I can’t do that.” 

“Too bad, it’s essential for his growth.” 

“F*****g goddammit!” 

“Fumking gomdannit!!” Nallester says. 

“You have to watch what you say in front of him!” Xorda says, annoyed. “No, Nallester! Not for Nallester!” 

“No!” Nallester says. 

“See what you did? Now I have to get him to unlearn that behavior.” She takes Nallester into his room, and Sallester leaves the apartment and swings by Ballester’s place and knocks. Ballester opens the door. 

“What’s up, son?” Ballester asks. 

“How did you do it? Two years of no meat, being careful what you say in front of the kid, constantly keeping an eye on him, I don’t know if I’m ready.” Ballester laughs. 

“Ok, first of all, the women go into what they call ‘maternal mode’, she’s going to want to spend all the time with the kid, but still expect you to teach him valuable life skills. They’re smart, they’ll pick it up easy. And don’t worry about the no meat thing. Just go get some from the commissary, you’ve got the credits for it. And don’t worry about f*****g up in front of them, I did, a lot. And three out of four turned out just fine. Can I see the little tyke?” 

“Oh, yeah, sure!” 

“Come on, Xagrog, we’re going to meet our grandson! It’s a boy, right?” 

“Yeah.” 

“What’d you name him?” 

“Nallester.” 

“Awesome!” Ballester, Xagrog, and Sallester head back to Sallester’s apartment. 

“There you are! Let me know where you’re going and when you’re leaving next time!” Xorda says. 

“Sorry.” Sallester says. “Dad, Xagrog, meet your grandson, Nallester.” The two of them fawn over and coo with the baby. “Dad, I’ve never seen you like this before.” 

“Well, I’m a grandfather now, I don’t know what it is, but he’s like the best thing ever.” Xagrog looks offended. “You misunderstand me, honey. You’re the best thing in my life romantically. This little guy is the product of my son’s loins, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.” She sideyes him before uttering an ‘ok’. Ballester kisses her to reassure her. “Oh, I have a present for him.” He gives Nallester a BB pistol. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Xorda asks, taking the gun away from Nallester. 

“He’s a Sallone, it’s his birthright.” 

“So, the whole family is in on it, huh?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean, Sallester thinks Nallester is going to be exactly like you guys, but I’d rather he chooses his own path.” 

“Look, every Sallone is proficient in weapons, whether they’re hunters or not. Three of my kids aren’t hunters, but they know how to use their weapons, but I’m still proud of them no matter their choice in career. Oigres is a fine scientist, Nogal is a military commander, and Nyvar is an awesome doctor. She’s the most passive and refuses to hunt. She only comes along to patch us up on our hunts. If Nallester doesn’t become a hunter, I’ll still be proud of him, as I’m sure Sallester will be too.” Sallester nods. Xorda still looks suspiciously at Ballester and Sallester, not sure if she believes them. “Look, my kids started out the same way, blank slates. Then out of nowhere, their personalities started to show. In fact, Nallester should have his personality by tomorrow. You can’t teach personality, they are who they are. Oigres was always reserved and smart. Ruzal was the wild one, he snuck on a hunting mission with me. Nyvar was always empathetic, and cared about living things, even Scotts. Nogal was always serious and precise with everything he did. I’m proud of all of them, and despite being the one most like me, Ruzal wasn’t my favorite, I don’t have one. Obviously since you only kept one kid, he’s gonna be your favorite, just support him whatever he chooses to do.” He ttakes the BB gun from Xorda and gives it back to Nallester, who shoots Ballester in the balls and laughs when he drops to his knees. “Just like his uncle Ruzal.” He laughs. Xorda takes the gun back. 

“Fine, he can train in the family arts, but I don’t want him to think it’s what he has to do.” Xorda says. 

“That’s fine with me.” 

“Me too, babe.” Sallester says. “It’s what I was trying to say before.” 

“Fine.” 

“Thanks, dad.” 

“You have any questions, I’m there for you, right down the hall.” Ballester says. “Oh! Hon, you wanna give your present?” 

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot!” She gives Xorda an outfit seemingly made out of jelly, baby sized. Xorda tears up. 

“Thank you so much! I-I don’t know what to say. Ever since I lost my mother, I wasn’t sure if I’d get one of these.” 

“What is it?” Sallester asks. 

“Watch.” She puts the outfit on Nallester, and it conforms to his body. “It keeps him germ free, and safe from anything sharp, falls, what have you. It’s made from Galaxian blood, usually the grandmother gifts it to her grandchild, it’s made from her own blood. Typically, the grandmother spends months while the mother is pregnant making little outfits for all of the children, but with human DNA, she only had to make forty. Watch.” She drops Nallester on the floor, and he just bounces back up into her arms. 

“Hey, that’s pretty neat!” Sallester says. 

“My kids didn’t have that growing up since Gorgax’s mother died too.” Ballester says. 

“When he outgrows it, he will eat it, and his skin will be tough enough to withstand whatever an adult Galaxian can handle. As of now, his skin is too soft.” Xorda explains. 

“Well, that explains why Gorgax was super protective...” Ballester says, as he reminisces. 

“Now I understand why you gave him the BB gun. It’s your family’s custom, just as the gelatin covering is our species’ custom.” She gives Nallester back the BB gun, and he shoots Ballester in the balls again. 

“What the...fun?” Ballester says, as he drops to his knees, holding his balls. Nallester finds it hilarious. “Gorgax used to yell at me all the time for cursing in front of the kids at this age, so I’ve learned my lesson.” After about fifteen minutes, he gets back up again. “Remind me to wear a cup when I visit.” 

“Are my brothers still at work?” Sallester asks. 

“Yeah, I think so. I’m sure Serge wouldn’t mind if you dropped by though. Although I have to warn you, he might try to experiment on him.” 

“I’ll leave that up to Nallester when he’s old enough.” 

“Good call.” 

“Thanks for all the advice, dad.” 

“Again, no problem, kid. I’m sorry I was a lousy father during your childhood, I’m hoping I can make up for it now.” 

“It’s all good.” 

“You ready to go, hun?” Ballester asks Xagrog. 

“Sure.” She answers. 

“I’ll see you guys around.” 

“Later, dad.” Sallester says as Ballester and Xagrog leave.