Chapter 2: Diplomacy

The diplomats chattered excitedly and the soldiers milled about clutching their weapons. Her men were beyond nervous, they'd never seen a Yautja ship up close before, and this group except for Rhodes had never seen an adult Yautja. She weaved through the ranks comforting them with a touch or a look before moving onto the next. Satisfied with their albeit temporary calm Deidre made her way to the door as they began to land.

"General Steele, would you take point?"

Steele paused and roughly shoved his way to her through his men pausing every now and than to glare or sneer at them.

"My dear General Finn, it would honor me greatly if you took point. After all, they are such noble and honorable creatures. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to see you."

He flashed her a grin that made her physically sick as the door lowered into a ramp. She silently motioned for her men to flank her and for the head delegate to step forward with her. Taking a deep breath she composed herself and slowly stepped out onto the ramp wishing she hadn't brought the rings.

The ship was dark, hot, and humid. The floors were metal grates with lights shining up from underneath giving the room a soft glow, the walls were bare except for a column every now and than (especially near doors) that had red writing scrawling up them, the walls were made of a smooth metal that almost seemed to look like pure black marble even though it wasn't. The docking bay was enormous filled with ships of all sizes looking like the large ship that housed them. From above it looked like a giant predator mask, the two prongs that stuck out form the side being the 'cheeks' almost giving it a trident look, and from the side it looked a bit like a flower. The air was thick and she quickly found it hard to breathe, taking in a few gulps of air her bio filters that she had implanted in her ages ago kicked in slowly making the air less and less alien to her lungs. Turning slightly to the head delegate she saw his face turning purple as he started to gasp. Sighing she quickly put her portable bio-mask on him not wanting to make their first impression to the Yautja Elders be that of a dead delegate. Holding it above his face she waited a moment for it to attach to his face in a near vice grip covering his mouth and nose slowly adjusting like hers had been. They'd stolen the technology from dead Yautja in the early years of the war, and she wasn't ashamed to admit that she was one of the first in line to test out the technology when she was young and arrogant. It was tempting back then to be the first to try the bio-filter that like the bio-mask that followed allowed the wearer to breathe in any environment by transforming it into their native air. Getting back to the task at hand Deidre signaled to Rhodes to put on their masks as well and to give their spares to the rest of the delegates.

Turning back to the task at hand she walked down the ramp and stonily took in the crowd waiting for them at the end of the ramp. Several Elders, Arbitrators, and Ancients adorned in their various styled armors with red capes adorning their shoulders and masks attached to their hips. The usual mesh, bracers, and other such armor was there as well, but Deidre felt awed to be in the presence of such respected members of Yautja society. She only hoped that the delegates were as versed as she was in Yautja culture that they wouldn't insult them. Deidre had infiltrated Yautja ships with uncanny success throughout her career in the Marines or United Earth Forces (UEF) to know that although most of the Yautja who were assembled seemed unarmed they most likely were, and that those with the status of Honored Warrior and above were not to be trifled with. In all her years in the service, she'd only ever managed to kill one Elder and she barely succeeded in that venture; of course that was also seven years ago when she was much younger. She felt her age creeping up on her and shook her head to regain focus on current events.

Behind the leaders thousands of Yautja stood watching, and she knew they were staring at her and not anyone else in her party. She refused to look at any of them rather preferring to concentrate on the delegates and her men. For once since she'd gotten them, she wished she hadn't had bio-filters implanted in her airways. What she wouldn't give for a bio-mask to hide her face from the stares burning into her skin. She kept her eyes relentlessly glued on the delegate as he approached the leaders praying that he didn't screw this up and beginning to think of an exit strategy…just in case.

The delegate bowed slightly at his waist to the Ancient in front of him and Deidre couldn't stop herself in time to prevent the sharp intake of breath at his mistake causing some of the elders and others to look at her. She started quietly thumbing the rings at her waist keeping her face as emotionless as possible.

"Gentlemen," Deidre almost groaned in pain from his disrespectful greeting, and that he wasn't addressing them in their language. They were Elders, Ancients, and Arbitrators the most respected amongst their kind, and they weren't wearing their masks which meant they couldn't understand most of what he was saying, but they heard him. They heard his pompous attitude, his superiority complex, and his disrespect towards them and the crowd behind them started to growl, flare their mandibles, and narrow their eyes at the man.

Moving quietly over to Rhodes she continued to watch the scene as she whispered into his ear. "Corporal, I'm going to diffuse this situation and I need you to watch my back."

He nodded. "Should I watch out for Steele's men or the Yautja?"

"Let me deal with the Yautja, you deal with Steele."

Taking her place a couple of steps away from the delegate she watched on ready for the worst.

"It's my utmost pleasure to meet you and your people. My name is Jean-Peal Marquis de Viera II."

His nasally, whiney, and pompous tone was grating heavily on her nerves, but she could tell it was even more so for the group he was addressing. She never felt such shame and embarrassment so much in her life as she watched Jean continue his pompous greeting that she willfully tuned out and saw the Elders disgusted faces.

She waited for the inevitable, for she knew it was inevitable that it would happen, and as luck would have it it happened. Finally, one of the Ancient Elders roared and drew his wrist blades swinging them to take off the pompous idiots head. In a flash, her broadsword was out and intercepted the blow deflected it harmlessly to the side, quickly before he could recover she took Jeans place in front of the Yautja and threw him into Rhodes waiting arms who in turn tossed him and everyone else into the dropship.

Keeping her sword at the ready she addressed the angry Yautja who were arching their backs flaring their mandibles at her.

"Venerable Elders, I beg your forgiveness for my peoples arrogance."

The bay went quiet as she spoke in their tongue perfectly. Pausing for a moment she regarded them and slowly put away her sword, bowed deeply showing her neck to them, and than proceeded to kneel staring down at the floor keeping her neck showing.

"Forgive me as well, Venerable Elders for my trespass. I am duty bound to prevent any harm coming to those under my protection. I never wished to raise my weapon against you, but my honor demanded that I do so."

The Ancient looked at her. "How did you learn our language, Pyode Amedha." There was no question, just a demand.

"I can not say the specifics of how I came across it, else I would be a bad blood, but war teaches one many things."

There was a long uncomfortable pause.

"General Finn! What are you-"

She didn't move, but her words were powerful. "Silence, General Steele!"

"Do you take responsibility for your peoples actions today?" The Ancient spoke in perfect English his voice a gravelly base giving off his age.

"Yes." There was no hesitation.

"General!"

"Corporal Rhodes! Speak again and I will cut out your tongue!" Her words were like venom that made all shiver. The humans in fear, the Yautja in delight.

"Are you valuable to your people?"

"Yes." Still no hesitation. 'I am their Hero after all.' She thought bitterly.

She felt a clawed hand lift up her chin forcing her to look up into the Ancients face.

"What is it that you want most in life?"

"Peace."

"You did not answer me, Pyode Amedha."

"I only want Peace." She spoke unafraid and felt the loneliness creep back up on her.

The Ancient stared at her for a long moment his amber eyes burning into her icy blue.

"We forgive your trespasses, and your peoples arrogance. You shall be shown to your rooms, and may your people learn respect or it shall be taught to them."

She nodded and stood up bowing to him deeply once more.

"Thank you, Venerable Elder. Your wisdom shines down through the ages lighting up the path Paya has lain."

She saw his curious stare and the shock in all the faces surrounding her. Turning she started her way back up the ramp to gather her things.

"You honor us with your words, and presence Deidre Finn. We will speak more during your stay." She stopped for a brief moment and glanced behind her, all of the Yautja were staring at her, but their faces weren't that of murderous intent. They seemed to be looking upon her as if she was a prize to be gained.

Walking into the drop ship trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that crept up on her Deidre sought out Rhodes. Towards where the delegates had seated themselves in the ship she saw him and her men keeping them in their seats, some by force.

"Thank you Corporal Rhodes, inform General Steele that our hosts are waiting to show us to our quarters. Take the delegation with you. Jean-Paul, I will be speaking to you later. Let's go."

Jean-Paul nodded quickly following the rest of the delegates, his face white and body still shaking from his experience with the Ancient.

Seeing Steele unhappily take up the rear Deidre went forward taking point, she shook her head slightly at Rhodes who'd waited for her at the top of the ramp. Leading them down the ramp to the Elders she bowed deeply and addressed the Elders.

"Venerable Elders, we're ready."

They nodded and walked towards a set of nearby doors, all the Yautja in their way making a path and banging their right fists to their chests bowing their heads. They twisted down halls, rising and falling in elevators, and stopping periodically for the next hour dropping people off at their designated rooms and instructions on how to get to where they needed to go. Finally, Deidre found herself alone with the Elders and several Honored warriors as they moved further and further away from the corridor the rest of her fellow humans were assigned. She began to feel a bit nervous when they rose a couple floors in the elevators, for she wasn't sure what else to call them, and came out on a floor that was full of Yautja garbed in only their loincloths, and in a few cases nothing at all. She averted her eyes from those few without any clothes on and refused to look at any of the males around her as they stopped and watched her passing. A few she could've sworn were puffing themselves up to impress her, but she was sure that was her ego talking. There was no way any male no matter the species fancied her she'd learned long ago that women of her caliber died lonely deaths, and as much as she wished it were so she knew she was no different. At last they came to a door seemingly in the very middle of all the Yautja quarters on the deck and the Elders turned around and motioned to the door, one opening it for her.

"Deidre Finn, you will stay here." The Ancient spoke, handing her a data pad like all the others he'd handed out to her fellows that registered in her language and would give her directions and translations if needed.

"Venerable Elder, I do not mean to be ungrateful or rude, but why am I separated from the others? I need to be nearby for my men and the delegates."

The Ancient looked at her than nodded to the doorway, not answering her but his eyes she found suspicious. They weren't malicious, but he was definitely planning something she just couldn't figure out what.

Bowing deeply she started to walk into her quarters when he laid his hand on her shoulder giving her pause and making her turn around.

"Deidre Finn, you were separated because you are an Honored warrior and should be with other Honored warriors. To have left you below even the Youngblood's would have been dishonorable."

She frowned softly her brows slightly knitting together. "Venerable Elder, forgive me, but it would not have been a slight to me as it would've been my preference. I didn't realize I was viewed so highly by your people. Thank you for your consideration, it is most welcome and unexpected." She bowed deeply putting a hand over her heart in a human gesture to attempt to show him how much his consideration meant to her.

There was a pause after that, as the whole deck seemed to be waiting on baited breathe for the next shoe to drop.

"Deidre Finn, do you have a mate?"

Her eyes widened, well she certainly wasn't expecting that question. "No, but I don't understand why-"

"Do you have any males that your are interested in taking as a mate here or on Earth?"

"No, but Elder why-" She felt panic start to slowly rise within her. No, she didn't want him to go down this path it was too painful. She didn't want her hopes risen only to be crushed.

"Would you ever take an alien mate? A Yautja mate?"

She didn't respond, she bit her lip and turned away from the Ancient. The sadness, and loneliness crept up on her and her shoulders dropped as she closed her eyes taking in a few deep breathes to try and prevent any tears or breaks in her voice. Purring started to fill her ears, she could only guess one of the Yautja in the crowd had started up because of her scent. She almost cursed out loud realizing that they could smell her moods, opening her eyes she looked out at the crowd to see who was purring and gasped.

A tall Yautja in the front of the crowd was purring outright and unashamedly, he was the deepest and purest black she'd ever seen, he was large and built more so than most of his fellows. Her eyes wandered over his form and she couldn't resist how his body called to her, and how his purr seemed to calm her. She relaxed without realizing it as her mind forgot about everything but him, not even the Ancients curious clicks could rouse her from her haze. The male seemed to have noticed her scrutiny and stood up straighter standing so she could see all of him with no effort whatsoever.

'Delicious.' Her mind whispered and she took a few steps towards him her body swaying seductively on its own. She stood in front of him gazing into his bright, burning Amber eyes and felt herself falling deeper into his seductive spell. Other purrs had joined his before she lost herself in him, but his was the only one that struck a cord deep inside her. That deep base masculine purr that filled her mind with calm and made her core ache. Leaning forward her eyes started to close as she was surrounded by his otherworldly scent, he smelled of sweat, jungle, earth, metal, and blood.

His scent made her want to touch him so much, she hummed appreciatively and reached out slowly to touch his chest.

"General Finn!"

The outraged cry made her gasp and return to reality and yank back her hand that was mere centimeters from touching his naked flesh. Turning she saw the one person she didn't want to have seen her in this situation.

General Alexander Steele.

Shame filled her at his look of complete disgust.

"Your men wanted to see you for instructions and Jean-Paul's waiting for your talk with him."

He didn't need to say anything, his look did the talking for him. Not looking at any of the Yautja around her she practically ran away, but didn't get past General Steele who roughly grabbed her arm forcing her to stop and make her cringe in pain. He leaned in with a sadistic grin on his face as he spoke quietly into her ear.

"I always knew you were a fucking Crab lover." She turned away from him and attempted to leave only to have his grip stop her. "Don't let me stop you sweetheart, go have your fun. I'm sure the boys back home would love to have a little pet to experiment on."

Bile rose in her throat at the thought of a child screaming as they poked and prodded him.

He chuckled darkly. "No wonder you want peace, you want some alien cock in you. Well darling, if you wanted cock so bad why didn't you just ask? I'm sure one of your men would be happy to oblige. I wouldn't mind helping you with your…need if you were a good girl."

She looked at him with disgust and managed to free her arm making a quick retreat down the hall. Looking down at the pad, she sent a message to Rhodes to meet her in the arboretum as she followed the pads instructions to get there herself. Sooner than she could've hoped for she was at the arboretum amidst a jungle clearing filled with chirping and various other simulated night sounds as she stared out at the vastness of space around them. She couldn't believe she let herself lose control like that, she'd never acted to wanton in her whole life, and to be discovered in such a position by Steele was beyond humiliating.

The Ancients questions had started to make her suspicious after he'd given her the honor of being on that particular deck. Could she ever choose a Yautja for a mate? She found that she wasn't disturbed by the thought of being with one of their males, but rather shaken by how eager they all seemed to be for the answer let alone her attentions. That male, she wished she had asked his name.

She gasped and realized that she'd run off before properly dismissing herself from the Elders presence. Her day just wasn't going well.

"General Finn!"

Turning around without bothering to stand up off the ground she saw Rhodes running up.

"Corporal, I was given the honor of having quarters with the Honored warriors so if you wish to see me you must tell me on the data pads and I will either give you permission or you will meet me here, understood?"

He furrowed his brow in confusion.

"You are not considered to have the same rank as me so that means you must have permission to come up to my quarters, because without it they will harm you for presuming to be equals with them."

He nodded, eyes slightly wide with fright as the picture formed in his mind as to what they would do to him.

"I have no current orders for you except to take care of the delegates, if Steele's men aren't around or already escorting a lone delegate than you are their escort. Understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" He saluted crisply and than gasped as two Yautja approached. "General-"

She nodded at him to relax and calm down feeling her old self again. She recognized the Yautja immediately, one was the Ancient and the other was the black male who was now clad in all of his armor weapons included. Deidre couldn't help but feel he did it to impress her, and she almost hated to admit it even to herself but she was impressed. His armor was simple, but had various trophies, scratches, and marks where she could tell it had been repaired.

Bowing deeply when they reached her she tried to stay composed while in the presence of Rhodes and the enticing male. The Ancient inclined his head respectively and the black male strongly tapped his chest with his fist bowing to her.

"Venerable Elder, I was not expecting to see you again." She spoke strongly, but her body shivered as black male posed for her again.

"Deidre Finn, you did not answer my question."

"Forgive me Venerable Elder, I meant no disrespect. My compatriot caught me off guard, and I was unprepared for his comments nor my reaction to…" she stared at the male next to the Ancient trailing off.

"Cetanu."

"Cetanu…"She spoke his name trying it out on her tongue as if tasting him as well. It tasted like her Clan's favorite drink that left a path of warmth as it slowly traveled to the stomach. It was her favorite, one she could never get enough of, and she was starting to feel the same towards Cetanu.

"What is your answer?"

"Yes…if I found one that I found deserving and honorable, I would take him as a mate."

She heard Rhodes gasp and ignored him entranced by Cetanu's presence, and was even unfased as the Ancient growled at Rhodes making him whimper.

"I am giving him to you as a guard during your stay, as a gesture of goodwill and security. He will be with you at all times so as to ensure your safety. Do you agree?"

She kept her gaze on Cetanu and outstretched her hand towards his chest stopping herself mere centimeters from his armor. She flexed her hands debating, she wanted to feel his skin…

"I would be honored, Elder…will he listen to me?"

"Yes."

Clearing her throat she got a hold of herself and nodded bringing her hand back to her side.

"General, Jean-Paul's waiting for you."

Nodding she turned to the Ancient and bowed deeply to him. "Elder, I must take my leave. Thank you for my escort"

He nodded accepting her polite dismissal as she signaled for Rhodes to follow her. Quickly bringing up the path in her data pad she made her way downward into the belly of the ship where her party was. She knew this trip was going to be hell, she'd been alone for so long and now amongst those who seemed so much like her Clan she found herself wanting a man. She hardly noticed Rhodes struggling to keep up with her fast paced walking almost running in his efforts to try and speak to her. Cetanu followed with no effort his long legs keeping him a step behind her with no effort.

"General! What was that all about?"

"Nothing." She snapped. "I should've gone back to my Clan when we stepped onto the main ship. I was a fool for coming here."

Rhodes looked at her confused. "I don't understand Gene-"

Deidre stopped in her tracks and rounded on him growling. "If you knew anything about me than you would know that Berserkers always go back to the Clan every two years. I didn't return this last time."

"How long ago was that?"

"Two months ago."

He furrowed his brow in confusion. "How are you being effected so quickly?"

She shook her head sighing continuing to walk in a calmer pace than before so Rhodes could walk beside her without any effort.

"It wears away quickly after the two year mark."

"So, what does this mean? I mean what will happen?"

"I'm not sure, I've never been late to going home, but if need be I'll ask the Elders to drop me off at my Clan's planet."

"Are you sure that's wise? I mean what if the treaty falls through? They'll know you live!"

She shrugged ignoring his incredulous look. "Don't think they'd mind too much."