Chapter ten: In one moment..

Ze'reikich'ja…

I put the armour platform in the ship and Delilah follows me out into the house, i do feel a shift in her demeanor since i told her I'd be limiting contact, but i said it in part because of Ghardeh, but i also realise yautja relationships run on a polyamorous system. Not just one male or female is tied to either or like most humans would stick to one person, but still.. I was human and Ghardeh knew of single mate relationships as she chose to commit to one, then luck would have it.. To me.. But this situation is different. In any case, i let the thought slide. She puts the brewer on and smiles at me but it isn't the same smile.. I can sense it. Pauk now it is already bothering me.. Though it should not.. I go to the front of the house as i hear a vehicle pull up.. I cloak when Delilah exits out of the front door, it is the mailman. "Hey Dee! Got another letter from the USM today and a few more, here you go.. You.. Alright? You seem.. A bit low.."

"I'm fine, just woke up on the wrong side of the bed Jimmy. I'll catch you later."

"Alright then.. Later.." I watch him enter his vehicle then drive off when Delilah begins to rip open the USM branded letter.. As she reads it her face goes almost flush but i detect a hint of fear hit her.. Her blue eyes slide to mine.. And she gives me the letter.. Then with a loud "Fuck!" She smashes open the front door. Then i begin to feel anger emanate from her. I turn my gaze to the letter.

'Dear Ms Berkley.

The safety of everyone on Aurora is our number one priority and we pride ourselves in our commitment to our Security, Safety and infrastructure to making this planet as safe and as reliable as possible. We have recently been investigating a possible phenomenon in your area regarding a 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object) However we regret to inform you the team that was sent in to scour the area has been subject to wildlife attacks. Furthermore we have sent out a security sweep along west cordis, tewende and the eastern cordis sectors.. We would greatly appreciate it if you could allow us to commit a security sweep of your home and surrounding area. This is for your own safety and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. Our agent arrival date will be in roughly four days. Understand that your safety is our concern. Any further enquiries please do not hesitate to go to your nearest USM station and request a liason officer who would gladly assist you.

-yours sincerely G. Bodeman.'

I walk with the letter and hand it back to Delilah when she just tears it up. She is fuming. "Looks like you made the right call Z.. But.. If this is happening.. Won't you be at even more risk?"

"M-di.. They are looking for wildlife not a ship. Though when this agent is around i shall keep a watchful eye on him or her."

"Is this your fault? Why didn't you dispose of the bodies? Look.. My father said he will look for Herox for you. Hope that helps but you didn't specify how much you needed."

"Just enough to power the Thrusters, roughly a ton.. The rest i could take from the planetoid."

She gives me a frowned nod. "Now all i have to do is worry about the USM."

She leans on the wall, looking out to the distant trees. "I'll do whatever i can to keep you safe Ze'reikich'ja, though.. Shit that sounds wrong.. I'm making it sound like you NEED my help.. I'll keep my promise, despite you wanting to be away from us.. I… Well shit.." I detect her emotional charge and i lower my posture as i wrap an arm around her, i feel her hair flow over my forearm then we enter the house.

"Kaylum is going to kill me.. He won't see that we have to stay separate, he will see it as you leaving because of me. And i know Z.. It IS me.. You don't have to deny it.."

"You have enjoyed my company Delilah, but this emotion you are feeling is nothing."

"But I'd be lying if i said that's true, look.. I'll carry on with the ship.." She wipes the fringe away from her right eye, i tilt my head, the more we talk about it the more upset she seems to become.. "Pauk.." i clench my fists and stare at the dagger on the display, now I'm in the wrong, the action i have taken maybe isn't the best way to deal with Delilah. If what she says is true, then maybe being around me is doing no harm. She keeps telling me she would not do anything inappropriate and everything up to now was more or less out of curiosity and the fact she is showing her appreciation to my company. Maybe I'm the one blowing everything out of proportion? Well Pauk here goes my 'human' thinking again.. No.. She was getting a little too close.. But what if i set a boundary like she has with her children and me? Would that work? I'm a yautja not a whelp.. I don't shy away from contact.. I've been living with another yautja when i was human so how is this any different other than being temporary? Pull yourself together Yautja! I huff and walk back into the utility building, i feel a slight singe of sadness as Delilah works as she doesn't realise I'm behind her as I'm cloaked. She pulls the wiring and inserts it into the compartment with a frown. Then closes it up, she then moves on to the next set when she just throws her detection device to make sure the cables are safe and she just sits in her chair. "Stupid bitch D… Why did you break your own fucking rules!" She sits in the pilot chair with a finger and thumb to her forehead.. I silently walk up to her and hold her shoulders.. She shudders in surprise and leans back.

"Why didn't i know you was behind me?"

"Because i am cloaked.. I can see you are upset Delilah.. Do you wish to talk about it?"

It is then it finally hits her and i lower myself.

"Yes Z.. I am upset, for ten years I've been alone with my kids, i retreated and never found another man in my life.. I refused that pain a second time and felt better for it. Now fast forward to nowadays and i find that i have slowly gotten to know a Yautja.. And because of his personality his treatment towards me and the kids i stupidly broke my own rule and now I'm paying for it.. I can't… I can't do this anymore Z. And for once i just want things to work, I'm not saying I'm in love with you, but I'd say as a friend.. I love your company and in an instant over one night, i mess it up.."

"You have not messed anything up, it was me being overzealous, i keep saying it is because of Ghardeh why we cannot be close.. But that is a fabrication.. It is simply me being withdrawn.. Not wanting to hurt you when the time finally comes.. So i will bring this suggestion to you, if you want my company you may have it.. But when the time finally comes.. You must let me go.. I will come back for you.."

As i say this, i see a shine come back into her eyes. And she gives me a subtle smile then gently i give her a hug.

"I will set a boundary though.. No more attempting to spill your guts about me.. You must never tell anybody not even your close friends.. About me. And the second boundary.. When I'm asleep no waking me up.. Other than that everything else goes.."

"Wait you've been fighting me all this time about my thoughts and now you are completely u-turning on that why?"

"Enough with the questions ooman.. Or do you want more restrictions?"

"What am i twelve? Want to ground me if i do something bad?"

"I'll lock you in my ship.. How about that.."

"Or just lock me in my room.."

"M-di.. So.. What are we moving on to now?"

"Well I'm trying to get these cables and wires out of the way. Then get the rest of the consoles up, so I'm going to shut up and get on with that. Ooohh by the way i have a lock for your room. Give you some added privacy. Well that was before you ran off."

"Hunter's don't run Delilah.."

"Bullshit.. You was running from a female and her flock.."

"Back to normal i see.. Krit.."

"Hey, i was angry at myself not you.."

"So Delilah i am curious, seeing as i told you about my past and family, may i ask about your past? More specifically your mate?"

She smiles and turns to me. "You know if you asked me that last week i would have said no.. But it seems fair, sure I'll bite.. Garrett and i met each other during a patrol i was doing to make sure all was safe and sound. Then we blossomed from there.."

I crouch then sit on the white floor as she sits in front of me..

Delilah…

I sit down in front of Ze'reikich'ja as i begin to remember the memories of Garrett and I..

12/4/2288. Location: Leaving star port for patrol..

My ship whirs to life and the engines begin to muffle as i reach the black void enveloping me in darkness as the sun was behind Aurora as my Thrusters launch my craft forward my orange hud flashes up with a yellow marker as i see a convoy of freighters with supplies going out of system fly by. My engines whir with a whine as i keep my speed constant with theirs. The freighters are very box like in shape with two large rectangular engine Thrusters flanking either side of the back end. The cockpits underneath the front of the ship. A very odd design.

A freighter pilot patches in to my frequency.

"This is Garrett Berkley, calling to Our guardian angel. We are go. Hope the trip goes well.. Out."

"This is Guardian Angel, i copy setting speed to your constant.."

As we fly on my hyper drive kicks in at the same time as the convoys.

What would take about a year in normal flight speed takes us minutes in hyper speed. My ship shudders and i find myself flying with the convoy towards a coriolis station, a huge hexagonal shaped station with a rotating letterbox style entrance. I request permission to dock and then we wait as there is a pretty long wait to actually get into the station. A crackle begins in my helmets comms. "So Delilah, don't suppose you fancy a bite to eat do ya? Before you and i part ways again?"

A smile creeps on my face, and i tap on a button to reply. "I can squeeze in the time, what to you have in mind?"

"I hear the gardens have a lovely view, or we can go plain and simple MRI's?!"

"I think I'll go with option A."

"Yeah sounds much more grandiose.."

"From then on our friendship blossomed, then months later we were officially seeing each other.. A year later Ellida was born.. Then Kaylum.. I've just tried to make it work ever since, then you come along and things get interesting indeed.."

Ze'reikich'ja is sat with his right leg straightened and his left leg bent with his left arm draped over. His right arm just behind him supporting his weight his black dreads flowing over his shoulders and chest slightly.

"So.. What are those dreads? You seem to react when they are touched.. Is it hair? It's complicated because it doesn't feel like hair but more.. Fleshy.."

"It is not hair but rather fleshy tendrils, we class them as a body part used for attracting the opposite sex, the longer the tendrils the more appealing the yautja will be.. But like aging.. The tendrils age with the yautja, eventually losing their colour. Ghardehs had begun to show streaks of purple, and her colours in general was changing."

"So i take it shorter tresses are considered not so attractive? Do they.. Fall out? Is it painful if one of them is cut or shot off?"

He nods at me.

"Yes shorter or missing tendrils are considered less attractive, i haven't had any of my quills fall out and as for being cut or shot off, I'm not too sure. I haven't experienced it first hand."

"Are the rings and trinkets a sort of.. Decoration or does it have a more deeper meaning?"

I ask this shuffling up to him and once again as gosh damn always his heat begins to flow around me.

"Can i safely take a look?"

He nods and i hold his massive shoulder as i look at one of his rings..

It's silver with a green triangular gem..

There's another that's gold and has a purple triangular gem. There are several of each color roughly halfway down each tendril. There's several more that are slightly lower down that don't have gems but rather.. Yautja runes. Or lettering? They are silver. But a few have a slight gold tint to them. I am then drawn to his chest plate and i look super close.. Around the gold accents of each breastplate there is yautja words within the golden bands.. Including the outline of his mask and gauntlets.. "Ze'reikich'ja, what do these markings represent? Is this also decorative?"

"No they are all of my achievements throughout both of my lives.. These.. Show my xenomorph trails and kills.." He says running a talon over his right breastplate.. "These ones detail my predalien and leviathan xenomorph kills.." he says then running over his left breastplate. He takes off his mask and runs a finger over the right golden band that flows up to the top right mandible of the mask at the back. "Here details my clan and name.. Ze'reikich'ja, clan Nracha Shur'ie."

He runs over the left side as it wraps around. "And here it details my kills in general.. From xenomorphs to Badbloods, Kithoga, Quatza-rij.. And Gro'tye.."

"Is there one for humans eh?!"

"Yes but i do not hunt humans.."

I smile and look at the gauntlet ones. "And what are these ones?" I ask running a hand over the left markings.

"The same as the markings i just showed you.."

"Damn that's a lot of killing.."

"The left one however, is a message.. From Uzkielle.. Something he thought resonates with me.. And himself.. I don't have the heart to tell it."

I give him a nod, and don't press him for an answer. "You yautja sure are an intriguing race.. That was very interesting thanks Z.." i stand up then head back to my ship.. I am itching to try out that weird armour thing he gave me.

"Z could you show me how to use this armour you gave me? I've been itching to give it a go while the kiddos are away."

"Yes, i can."

"Throw me in the deep end.."

I let out a loud gasp as if a thought just hit me.. "Could we practice with swords again? Will i stand more of a chance that way?"

"No.. It only lets you feel like a yautja not become one.. Though it does give you added movement and strength.. Very well.. Which do you want to do first?"

"Movement will be best.. Learn to climb trees and get around more fluently."

"Indeed.."

I make my way to the ship then as i stand on the footwells of the platform my whole body is armoured, my HUD comes up with a flicker and i immediately feel like a feather again. I leave and i only just notice.. I'm taller.. Not by much but.. Still.. I look down and run a hand over the chrome-like finish armour of my front.. Then as i touch the black nano muscle fibres i feel the sensation.. This is some high tech shit! I look at my left gauntlet to see a display, it's blue. I press the left most one and my hud sweeps and my eyes are treated to a blue hue.. With the bright white orange and reds of Z's heat.. I tap it again and then there's a red hue.. Showing more of a cloudy Ze'reikich'ja.. Then i press it again to show a light blue but i don't see him at all.. I tap it again for a grey one and again have difficulty seeing him then a final time.. It shuts off..

"Does this thing have a cloak?"

I look down then press the next tab.. Question answered.. But i also begin to feel cold.. Now freezing.. But not enough to shiver.. I look as my distorted invisible arm. Moves about in a blur.. I press it once more and i press the next tab.. When the display opens up.. Revealing four more tabs and some kind of slider. But before i can dwell on it Z closes the display and there is a bleeping. "You will be in a lot of trouble should you touch that.. It is a bomb.."

"Ok why is there a bomb strapped to my forearm Z?!"

"You are wearing a yautja suit.. It contains everything a yautja needs.. Including a bomb capable of upto 100 miles of damage.."

"I'll just ignore that… I take it, that's so others can't steal and use your technology?"

"Correct.."

I move on to the final tab and it simply changes the hud and panel colours. I'm guessing it's for different climates or different environments. I also realise if i hold certain tabs down secondary functions show up. Very clever piece of kit.. I take one of the tendrils and i rub it.. "Ok enough of my gawking.. Let's go climb.."

"Basic movement first.. On your right gauntlet you have a grapple hook concealed. Switch to that first.."

I look at my right gauntlet and i see the claw rune.. I press it then my right arm vibrates and i aim my right arm to see a cyan laser. I aim at one of the trees further down the backyard and there is a 'piff' sound as the grapple is launched from my wrist.. Then as it slams into the tree i panic.. "Zeeeeeeeeee!" i shout as i am launched towards the tree at breakneck speed.. I automatically bring up my arms and legs.. Though that wasn't me.. Did the armour do that?! I'm clung to the tree when I look back at z who is waving me back.. I look down to see I'm quite high up.. I slowly climb down when there is a faint noise.. Suddenly there is the creaking of what i describe as the tree.. Collapsing.. "I'm gonna fucking kill you, you twat!"

I jump from the tree when.. I land as if i just.. Took a step off the back doors step.. I look back as the tree falls back with a groan and russle.. I walk up to Z who stands with his arms crossed and snorts.

"You wanted the deep end Delilah.. Don't give me that look.."

"What look? I'm wearing a helmet!"

"That look." He says uncrossing his arms.

"Now jump.. Then when you reach the peak of your height, jump again."

"How the hell am i going to jump again while still in the air.."

"You will see.."

With a huff i jump.. And i let out a slight gasp.. I jumped as high as the house..

I land.. Then take his advice.. I jump.. Then as i reach my peak i jump again when i hear something behind me.. I feel it.. 'Cthuk!' I am thrust up well above the house.. "Holy Shit!" i begin to fall when i land. My whole body coils as i land then i stand.. "That was amazing! I love this suit!" i turn past Z and run.. I let out a laugh.. I'm lightning fast! Ok not flash fast.. But I'm FAST! I run down the dirt trail then come back.. My footfalls are almost silent also. I slide to a stop and Z laughs.. I bring up my arms then clench my fists with a tense and my blades shoot out.

"Is that all i have? I look at my right gauntlet when i see an icon that looks like one of z's casters.. I press it when i feel sharp vibrations behind my right shoulder then i see a blue laser from just above my right eye.. It's a tri-laser. I aim at the sky and fire it.. There is a whir then a 'Pathoom!' i watch as a cyan bolt flies forward. It flies so far i can no longer see it..

"Ok enough of my playing around. Can we make a move?"

"Sei-i."

As he says that a blue text flashes up 'Yes.'

"Even has an in-built translator.. Nice.."

We enter the forest once again and Z slows his pace as i follow him across the trees, he lands on a thick trunk and crouches waiting for me. I land next to him hugging the tree almost, then i slowly crouch beside him. He leans forward and just stares out to the distance he isn't cloaked. We both drop and land on the ground, he lands silently but i let out a slight whispery exhale. My body not used to falling like that. He looks on and walks several metres in front when i notice it's silent.. I cloak and back off slightly.. It is then Z unleashes his wrist blades.. And moves forward.. He suddenly tenses and he sees something i don't.. I flick my views to see what it is.. A sleeping Zortas.. But more than that.. Little baby ones also asleep, he backs off and looks back directly at me he dips his head in a let's go manner.. Silently we move on.

"Was you going to kill her Z?"

"Was.."

"Lucky mother then yeah?"

"Lucky indeed.."

We torpedo on and i get the hang of moving around.. So much so we have a race back home.. We was neck and neck when as we jump side by side.. I push him causing him to growl and slam into a tree. I laugh when i double jump and land just past the wall when he literally lands into me smashing me forward on my chest.

"You fucker!"

I get up and swing my wrist blade wide and miss him, he slides backwards and arches his back, I run at him and jump but he matches my height and slams me downward.. I land with a fist hitting the ground when i punch out he bashes my fist away with his forearm and shoves me back causing me to slide back on my ass.. "That's it Ze'rei!"

I get up and run at him he swipes wide but i slide and kick him in the stomach knocking him back with a grunt. I roll back and block one of his blows, I swear if this was normal moi then I'd have a broken forearm! I kick his knee and shove him back when he locks my arm and holds me close.

"Strike three.."

"You didn't get to one yet!"

I struggle to get out of his grip but his grip tightens. He lifts me up over his head and throws me away. I twist and land in my feet.

"How the shit did i do that?! I love this suit!"

"I'm glad you like it, i was the same when i had worn it."

Despite the cold weather.. I swear he is.. Sweating.. He is glistening..

He walks past me when i grab his arm..

"Yes Delilah?" He lets out a slight trilling.. And keeps his gaze locked on mine.

I say nothing but finally.. Just finally decide to make a small move.. I hold both of his forearms and lean my helm into his torso. It is then he cups the back of my head and lets out a deep rumbled purring. He lowers ever so slightly and brings his forehead to mine but he lets out a grumble..

"I take it you can't feel through metal Ze'reikich'ja?"

He taps a rune on my right gauntlet and all of a sudden the HUD blackens as well as my view when i feel the helmet fold outward and into wherever it conceals itself. I smile. "There's that too.."

I close my eyes then he presses his forehead into mine.

I begin to feel a tingle.. When he withdraws.

"What was that Ze'reikich'ja? Is it the equivalent to say a hug or other contact?"

"Sei-i."

"So which is it?"

"It is more of a friendly gesture.."

"Except it feels like something more.. Don't insult my intelligence Yautja.."

"It is more of a closeness gesture.. As you suggested.. An equivalent to a hug.."

"Fine I won't dwell on it further.."

Throughout the day he slowly shows me several hand to hand techniques.. I say slowly.. Because i keep distracting him with my gawking. And i then forget what he was showing me.. I was trying to pay attention honest!

We have been at it for several hours and i was still in the armour. Admittedly it made most of the movements easier but keeping it committed to memory was going to be the hard part. I jump and kick out following his movement. When i stumble and let out a laugh. We go in for a bite to eat when i then get out of the armour, I then get used again to feeling slow. And.. Undeniably heavier..

I go down when i see Z with two cups.. He is holding mine with his hand cupped under the bottom.. "Thanks."

I set the frying pan up then make yet another loaf of butties. After we eat, I slouch on the settee when Z sits on the floor in his usual position.

I take my bone dagger and unsheathe it and practice one of the moves he showed me with the dagger. Then i spin it vertically on my palm and holster it once more. Z lets out an amused snort.

"Is that you John Wayne? Is this me?"

"Zabin.."

I frown at him and stalk towards him with the blade..

"Call me a zabin one more time.."

With a chuff he leans forward. "Zabin.."

I launch forward when he grabs both my arms with his large hands and lifts me to not only his height, he stands up with me in his grip still. My fuzzy feeling returns and he lets out a mild growl.

"Are you challenging me Delilah?"

"Wouldn't be much of a challenge now would it? How do i stand a chance you headasshole?"

"I could go easy on you.. But saying that.. Maybe you like a challenge?"

I smile and tilt my head.

"Well if you let me down i won't be so inclined to ram my bone dagger into your precious ass."

With a chuffy laugh he lets me down then i slide the dagger into the scabbard and place it down. I decide to just relax and go for a swim in my pool, try and act normal as if Z wasn't there. But hell.. Try as i might i still get a slight jolt when i see him. I think it's slowly sinking in.. I'm beginning to.. Could i say.. Change? It must be change.. Never in a million years would i think I'd fall for some.. Alien.. But yeah.. I think I'm in the zone.. Despite his outbursts his slight blunt warnings of.. "I will be leaving.." I still know there is something deep inside i feel for him.. And that's scary.. But not wholly horrible.. Is it? You read all the time on news tabloids of some human being whisked away by some blue or green little or tall fella.. Yet why do i get the feeling a yautja is different? Maybe it's their.. 'Warrior race' tendencies.. Maybe it's the mandibles.. Maybe because i have cobwebs all over my love department I'd be falling for anything and everything.. No.. No.. Ze'reikich'ja IS different.. I get the feeling that ordinary Yautja aren't as nice to be around. But Z could've fooled me the first week.. Tense stuff.. I don't realise he is stood on the roof of the house until i stop and look..

"Z what on my world are you doing on my roof?! If you fall off I'll laugh my tits off!"

He simply turns around and flicks his middle finger at me with a mandible grin.. Sexy bastard.. I carry on swimming when i submerge and swim underwater until i feel the need to surface, which is about 2 mins.

I get out and sit on the edge of the pool. I look up to see him gone. "Where have you gotten to?" i ask myself scanning my surroundings. I don't see him. I look behind just to catch him out yet for all the times he's behind me.. He isn't right now. Maybe he went back to his ship? I really want to go back and have a good look around.. Seeing as he isn't around.. I decide that I'm going to retry with my hunting bunker buster. But then my mind takes a flash when he had hold of it and fired.. Stop it Delilah or else he might come home early! I assemble my rifle once more reload the large box magazine then slam it in the receiver pulling back on the primer and letting it slam forward with a loud ching! I aim at my usual spot. With the targets in the distance.. I look around before i even contemplate firing.. He isn't catching me off guard the strawberry twat.. I aim down the scope.. Relax my breathing, variables set.. Wind correction.. Sorted.. I breathe out.. Then.. POOOOM! I watch the tracer hit the target just left of the centre of my first target.. I pull back on the primer again. Shik! Ching! I aim at the second target.. POOOOM! "Much better! Without some alien tower putting me off! Hahaaaa!" I say to myself with a smile.

I pull back again.. Shik! Ching!

Final target..

It's the farthest one on the top..

I aim.. POOOOM!

"So you still have it Deebaby! Yeah!"

I pull back on the final round and the last large calibre casing flies out to the right. "Aahhhh…"

I pick up the rifle when i see a blue flash and i jump.. "Jeebaas! You absolute strawberry tart bastard! Stop doing that to me! I'll have a heart attack! Fucker!"

"On the contrary.. Impressive shooting Delilah.."

"You saw? When did you get back?"

He clicks several times..

"On your second shot.. I heard it quite far out.."

"Awww and you didn't put me off this time? Such a kind heart! You ass! I hit every one I'll have you know!"

"Sei-i, i saw.."

I walk past him and dismantle the weapon before heading inside. Realising i was firing my weapon in a swimming costume.. I dry off and go inside. The pros of having a heated swimming pool though today was quite mild, I go upstairs and put Z's lock on his door, he watches me fit it on when i finish. I look at him and smile..

"Ok.. Now you have some privacy. Just lock it whenever." He nods when it happens again.. Fuck sake Delilah he is just sat there!

I feel the hot flush orbit my whole body when he slightly relaxes..

But i smile and take my leave, i swipe my smothering fringe and get some clothes on. I settle for a Red t-shirt and white jeans with equally white socks to match. I then let my hair flow once more. Then take my leave when i almost bump into the wall of meat Yautja. "Almost got another hug then Z! Pity!"

He walks past and then down the stairs.

I follow him down when i go to my weapon wall. The rest of the day remains quiet as Z goes into the ship to carry on working on it. Later in the evening after i finish my series of Ebony, i make my way upstairs to bed, I sit on the edge of the bed when a memory hits me like an ocean.. I'm unable to move..

"Delilah! Are you home?! It… It's me Garrett! Open the door Dee!"

After having put Kaylum down for a nap i turn my head at the sound outside.. "Delilah we have to go! The USM will surely know I'm gone! Worms! They put them there! I can feel them eating at my brain! Liars! They are all liars Delilah don't listen to them! Open the door!"

He slams against the door when i rush down to see Ellida run to the door..

"No Ellida! Papa is sick! Move away from the door sweetie!" i run and pick ellida up and set her down near the stairs… She jumps as the door is banged on. "Go upstairs and play in your room.. I'll sort papa out.. Go on.."

"Ok mommy.." She runs up the stairs when i walk to my weapon wall and take my pistol.. I load a mag and walk up to the front door and open it.. His once fair short hair is shaggy and shoulder length, his once hazel eyes looking pale.. Facial hair overgrown wearing a USM quarantine suit.

His eyes are bleeding.. And his ears..

"Delilah we have to leave.. I came back to.. To get you all to safety.. They lied to us.. Th-"

"Why are you out of quarantine! You are on your final warning Garry!"

"We have to go noooow!"

He slams on his head and begins flailing his arms around.. Making horrible noises..

"Come with me Garrett.." i say with a hit of emotion.. I know what i must do.. He not only broke quarantine for the final time he is a clear danger to me himself and the babies.. I can't allow this to continue.. He follows me mumbling and looking around smearing his blood as he tries to clear it..

"Apologise.. Apologise to that man! Fuck you! Fuuuuck!"

He shouts.. We enter the forest..

I stop as he walks on.. "Why have we stopped Delilah?! We must keep going.. We have to get out of this house!"

"I'm sorry Gary but where you are going.. I c.. Can't.. F-follow.." tears hit me as i aim my weapon at his head..

"You are with them! You did this to meeee!"

He shouts as he begins to stumble towards me..

"I'm sorry my love.."

He reaches out as he nears me then.. Pow!

He falls forward.. And i catch him as he goes silent..

"I'm so sorry…" I weakly say between sobs..

I sit down with him as his mouth still moves as if with his last edge of life he tries to tell me something..

But it ends up a dying breath..

I sit back on my bed.. Tears roll down my cheeks.. Z catches the corner of my eye at the door, and i blink.. Allowing more tears to race down my cheek.. He slowly approaches me and sits on the side of my bed and gently embraces me with one arm and i just fall into him..

"I would know of the pain you feel Delilah.. I've felt it more times then i would care to remember.."

I say nothing but the memory hits me hard.. I killed my husband.. He was too far gone, he could not be saved. It was either me or the USM.. No charges were brought forward but i have held this guilt for so long.. To the point i never wanted a relationship ever again. And for once.. For once in my whole mess of a life after that.. I open up to someone who.. Is not human.. And it hurts even more. Memory is such a strange thing.. We are bound by time and the orchestra of ours lives..

"I'm sorry Ze'reikich'ja. I don't know why that happened.. My head's a mess at the moment.. Some hurts just go too deep.. And some things that i never wished would happen did.. And i paid for it… Moving forward is what I'm good at.. But.. Sometimes.. The past just wants another round.. I keep thinking.. What would it be like now with him? Where would we be?"

"I find it is best to not dwell on such situations.. We will never know because we already walk a specific path that does not hold to the past.. We cannot rectify it.. It makes no sense to think of what if.. You did what you had to do to keep you and your children safe. Who's to say what the USM would have done if Garrett was found at your home? In the end.. You made the hard decision to end his suffering and i believe that's what he would have wanted."

"I know, it's just.."

I move off of Ze'reikich'ja and look into his understanding eyes.

"I had to explain to Elli that her father wasn't coming home.. That the company took him away because he was ill and can't be with us anymore.. She cried for a while.. But after that.. It was like normal.. But for me.. It took years to get over it and still.. Every now and then. Tries to kick my ass.."

"Try and sleep Delilah.. I'll stay until you are asleep.. Just try and forget about the bad and think of the good, how well the children have grown.. And flourished because of you.. Not the past.."

"Yeah.. I know you are right.. You just take care of you.. I'll see you in the morning.. Night Ze'reikich'ja.."

He nods and takes his leave. My bed literally sprang up from his huge weight..

I crawl forward when i lay and close my eyes.

Next morning..

I wake up.. I feel.. Light.. Energised.. Ready to face the day. I turn and my arm hits something hard.. Then i feel the dip behind me.. I turn my head and stare into the waking eyes of a Yautja.. And this time.. I am awake. I smile.

"So you didn't want to leave me on my own last night after all? And what did i say about finding you in my bed next?! I'm surprised it hasn't snapped!"

I let out a laugh and roll out of bed.

"Just thought you would benefit the company, you seemed quite upset. I felt guilty just leaving you. Don't tell the siblings.."

"Oh trust me if I told them i wouldn't hear the end of it trust me.. I'm off to shower.."

Ze'reikich'ja nods his head and gets out of bed. He walks downstairs as i close the door.. But instead i decide on a bubbly bath..

Ze'reikich'ja..

I head downstairs and turn to exit the house. I head for the utility building when i hear a vehicle approaching the house. I cloak and jump onto the roof to see a red vehicle with Delilah's parents and the siblings, i crouch and watch the four get out and approach the house then enter, moments later.

"Mom we are back! Gramps and gran brought us back!"

"In the shower! I'll be down soon!"

Delilah shouts from the restroom upstairs.

The red vehicle leaves up the dust trail and i drop down and enter the house, the siblings throw their coats down and jump on the settee when they both shout in surprise when their coats fly at the pair of them.

"Put your coats where they belong.. Zabin.."

"Z! You scared the poop out of us you ninkan poop!" Kaylum shouts putting his coat on the hanger to the left of the front door.

"Respect your home.. And your mother.. She is n-"

"Not a slave we know Z.. We weren't going to leave them there.." Ellida says cutting me off.

"Mom I'm going for a run again! I'll be back soon!"

"Yeah ok hun.." Delilah says coming down with damp hair.

"Z.. Would you like to keep me company? Think you can keep up?"

"The question is could you keep up?"

"No.. But I'll try!"

She goes upstairs to change then comes down in a white running suit.

"Ok i won't be long.. Maybe.. Come on Z.. Let's get you out of the house.."

"How far are you going?"

"Maybe.. Jymsveir? Depends on how tired Ze'reikich'ja gets!"

"Keep her safe Hun.. Discreetly of course.."

I bow my head and engage my cloak while following Ellida as she runs up the dirt trail.

Ellida…

As i break into a gentle jog i try and concentrate, as if there isn't a 7ft or so yautja shadowing me. Hell i don't even know where he is.. Is he behind me? In front already? I just concentrate on my breathing and pace, for winter the weather is quite mild again. And i couldn't resist going for a run.. I enjoy it.. As well as going for small game but lately that hasn't been the case. Though later I'm sure we will all be going, jee it is going to be exciting! Hunting with another hunter that isn't my mother! No doubt it will be our usual grounds.. She refuses to send us north bound. Tewende is too dangerous but saying that the woodland behind the house.. As Kaylum knows is just as dangerous.. I follow the trail then turn left, following the winding roadway towards Jymsveir. It's a quaint little town. But not a lot in the way of things to do unlike Sussa, the grandparents and us went there yesterday. Gramps took us to the AR Booths.. I practiced my shooting, but i don't know what Kaylum does.. Keeps it a secret the little scud..

I look around as i break into a paced run speed. "Ze'reikich'ja are you there Yautja?"

I hear him to my right. "Sei-i.."

"What happened between mom and you the other night?" i say with controlled breathing.

He lets out a light clicking..

"Z come on she's my mother and you are my friend we are supposed to talk to each other.."

"I was simply being over-reacting.. She was being suggestive so i gave her a sharp warning.. Accidently harming her in the process. It won't happen again.."

"Ok, make sure it doesn't."

We move on to the clearing and there is a nice long stretch that's flat. The sun's heat causing me to sweat slightly as i carry on, my breathing now more pronounced.

"Ze'reikich'ja are we worth protecting? If something was to happen? I'm not saying it would.. But if it came to it.. Would you help us?"

I don't get an answer but rather feel a force pick me up and throw me aside.. There is a roar as i look to see a distorted black Aergos.. A large scaled slender lizard that acts like a cat.. It has a long tongue that can shoot poison spines at its prey. I was almost about to protest when i was shoved, as quickly as he shoved me.. It was over.. His cloaked wrist blade went straight through its long slender throat and he let out a slight growly snort before throwing it aside..

I see him twist to look behind his shoulder.. "It was stalking you for ten minutes along the path.."

He holds out something to me from his boot.. As i take it the object decloak and i see that it is his dagger he used to skin the wuldren that one time.. It's incredibly light.. And impeccably well balanced, I slot it in my belt. And nod at the cloaked mountain.. "Thank you Z.. I take it that's your answer?"

"Indeed.."

I let out a breathed laugh.. "let's carry on.. Next time.. Don't launch me through the air.."

"No promises.."

We carry on and reach the town of Jymsveir. Then i turn around and run back.. I enjoy having a run back and forth, usually predators don't venture out this far so i don't know why that Aergos was following me but it's a good job Z had my back. Half way back and i feel a pain coming on again.. "Not.. Now.."

Then the sick feeling.. I get dizzy when Z literally catches me as i fall forward.. He lifts me and takes me into the forestry, decloaks and sits me against a tree, he takes one of the trees bark vines and cuts an opening.. He yanks it down to my level and holds it to me. "Blow at the end for pressure then water will begin to flow.."

I do as he says and sure enough water begins to slowly trickle then a steady flow follows.. He crouches and taps on his gauntlet and holds my forehead. Then takes something from one his pouches.. A small object with a needle.

"Stay here and drink.. I'll return shortly.. I won't be far.."

I nod and carry on drinking. He cloaks and moves away silently.. How does he do that? He's a mountain of bone and muscle yet moves silently like he weighs nothing.. I look up and around my surroundings rubbing my stomach when minutes later he comes back decloaks and shakes the object in his hand.. It looks like a deep green liquid, he holds out his arm and i stand up after letting the water cool my face.

"Eat this.. It won't taste pleasant but it will help.."

The capsule ejects from his needle pod thing as he presses the glowing button on the capsule it flies off the top and hands me the capsule and its contents.

"What is it Z? Looks like a vegans dream breakfast.."

"An assortment of edible shrubbery with added amino acids and Oligosaccharides, active carbohydrates.."

"Hold the horn, did you take a bunch of leaves and use that thing to make a meal?"

He bows his head..

"Jebas George Foreman would be proud Z.."

I scoop out the paste and as was told it tasted like chewing on a plant.. Gross.. But it did help.. With his added alien active gobbledegook.. Within minutes I'm feeling a bit better but the cramps aren't going away.. I pass him the empty capsule and he simply tosses it over his shoulder, we end up walking back when he picks me me up and we are launching onward.. He is so fast!

"I'll let you down at the trail to your home Ellida, is that acceptable?"

"Yeah, you aren't exactly the most comfortable creature to have a first class journey with.. Can't you have some flab so it doesn't feel like I'm embraced by an metal cage?"

"No unfortunately not, do you want a refund?"

"Z don't make me laugh! It hurts! Though i do appreciate the help.. Thank you.. You are swiftly becoming my best friend!"

He lets me down and we walk along the trail home when i see mom washing her car, she turns to see us walking and smiles.

"Did she keep up Ze'reikich'ja?"

Mom asks wiping her fringe from her eyes.

"She did indeed, though she is having some issues once more."

"Awww hun.. It will pass.."

"Yeah.. Z was a real help.. I'm going to sort myself out.. I'll be back.. And Z thanks again." I wave at him and he nods. Kaylum runs out "This is a stick up! Nobody move!" he comes out holding his toy gun again but his bandana slips down over his eyes taking a hit to his epic look. I watch as Z takes his chance to cloak.. As i enter the house i hear Kaylum screech.. And mom burst out laughing i don't know what's going on but i can hazard a guess.. I enter my room for some fresh clothes and a towel then enter the bathroom for a shower.

Delilah…

I can only laugh as Ze'reikich'ja launches towards Kaylum and holds him upside down arm outstretched as his bandana slips back up, Kaylum literally screeches.. He aims at me and fires his toy gun but Z's reflexes are god-like and catches the plastic rubber tipped dart. "Kuds Zinja! Stop blocking my shots you scud burger! He aims at Z and the little darts just bounce off the yautja.

"Tactical reload!" Kaylum shouts.

He reloads upside down but Ze'reikich'ja throws him up and catches him by the armpits and lets him down kicking his clip away.

"The super alien is on the enemies side!"

He runs inside the house..

Then comes out with his assault rifle version. With two clips taped together. He aims in the scope and fires at Z again hitting him in the mask..

"Kaylum don't aim at his head or he has my permission to shoot back.."

As i say this i see Z's caster unfold from his right shoulder and a cyan laser trains on Kaylum. "Take cover!" Kall shouts..

He hides behind my car..

"That won't help.. Try else where!"

"The House!"

"Nope!"

The caster folds back up with several clatting and Z enters the house.

"Don't turn your back on me zabin!" Kaylum shouts. He runs around the car and aims his gun at the towering alien. Suddenly. There is a noise.. A muffled 'Piff.' when Kaylum shouts and falls to the floor in a net. "Z no! That's cheating! Let me out!"

Z lets out a huffy laugh and leaves him in the net walking into the house.

"Z i can't get out! Hey! Moooom! Tell him!"

"Uh uhh.. I can't tell a huge alien what to do!"

"What happened to my house my rules?!"

"He hasn't broken a rule for if Kaylum is being annoying tie him up!"

Z comes back out with Kaylums super drencher..

"What did you call me Kaylum?"

"No don't wet me i was playing! You are a nice alien! Gooood alien!"

He looks at me and i hold out my hand with a thumb horizontal..

"Mom don't let him squirt me! Pleeeeassse!"

With a hummed laugh i give him a thumbs down..

And Z lets rip blasting Kaylum in the net with the full tank of water..

"I hate you AAALLLL!" He shouts while laughing.

Ze'reikich'ja takes the net and presses a button and it simply melts into particles. Damn his tech is amazing.. Kaylum gets up and continuously hits Ze'reikich'ja with his soaking wet t-shirt..

"Kaylum if he gets angry with your disrespectful bashing don't come crying to me when he buries your body in the dirt and leaves your head sticking out like quicksand.."

He throws his wet shirt at me and runs inside laughing and squelching.

"Did you just run in the house soaking wet you little shitter?!"

"Z do you want to take Kaylum with you?"

"M-di.. He would severely eat at my sanity.."

He looks sharply up.. Towards Elli's room..

"Z what is it? Elli?"

He nods.. Slowly..

I put my sponge in the bucket and go to walk in when Z takes my forearm..

"Not advisable.."

"Why? What is it?"

He shakes his head.. "Nothing.."

"Z.. What do you sense?"

He doesn't answer but rather moves round the back of the house.

I carry on with the car when it positively glistens, i park it in the garage when i put it on charge i enter the house proper when i see Elli come running down the stairs.

"You ok hun?"

"Yeah, better now.."

"Good.. What do you fancy for tonight?"

"eeerrrrr… Stew?"

"Stew it'll be then.."

She smiles then goes to the back of the house.

The rest of the day goes noisily on, we go on a small hunt looking for small game with Kaylum in mind, it didn't last long as with most of these 'family time' events Ellida refuses to let Kall fire her rifle, which resulted in Kall sulking i seriously need to get on with making his weapon, later we barely held on to our wits with Kaylums incessant shouting and playing to Ellida telling Kall to shut up. Z was in the ship presumably working some more, i give him some space. No doubt Kaylum is grinding on his nerves. He does that to everyone. Only time he shut up was dinner time.. He loves my stew, but Z didn't come in to eat. He told me he doesn't eat as much as humans.. Must be nice.. Having the metabolism of a sloth. In fact i can't believe how much he does eat but double the time.. It's strange.. Well obviously.. I have said it many times before in my head.. Alien! Heh heh! Night time creeps up and we all finally get some respite from Kaylum, and i finally think about work. Back to it tomorrow i suppose.. Life.. Another weekend over.. And it seems my stressing over the USM will begin.. Fuck..

Author note: a nice mellow chapter before all hell breaks loose.. The next chapter is being worked on but due to work getting in the way (oh joy...) It might take a while. Act Two: The Midnight Hunter, will shift focus to Ze'reikich'ja, and will introduce the USM and a new threat, the story will now pick up but will show the same love and attention as the first act. I'm hoping you are all enjoying the read, please let me know what you think so far! I never imagined it would be this popular what with my previous writing, but i continue to grow and improve! There is still a long way to go for Delilah, Kaylum, Ellida and their Yautja guest! And i can't wait to show you what i have brewing! Thanks again and as always stay amazing guys and gals! N'dhi-ja!