Chapter Fourteen: Despite your best intentions...

Ze'reikich'ja…

I jump from the Ardonis system and sit back in my pilot chair.. I huff trying to find rhyme or reason as to why i feel a slight form of regret leaving the Berkleys.. They nurtured me.. Took care of me and showed me kindness i won't soon forget.. The USM is a dominating force.. I remember clearly what my son had told me.. No.. I must get back to Maia.. Delilah did not go through all the trouble for me to back out now..

"Two weeks ago tomorrow that building contained an Alien we knew nothing about.. That we were scared of.. That mom wanted up and gone once you had healed up.. And now we've gotten to know a lot about him.. He's become a friend, someone we trust with our lives. And has so much history.. And yet still there is much mystery to him.. He opened our eyes to the possibilities of what could be outside of this planet.. I'd say that's worth protecting as much as family.. You are like an old relic. Z.. And I mean that in a figurative sense. So much hides behind those eyes of yours.. And to be honest.. I'd rather.. We'd rather.."

Something Ellida said causes me to frown.. What does she mean.. What is she alluding to? My thought is stopped.. My fsd finishes its jump cycle and I wait for my fsd drive to cool.. I jump once more once the rune allows me to initiate the countdown.. I enter the ready room and stare at the family photo on Asteria..

"What would you tell me Ghardeh? What would you think of the Berkleys.."

Ellida…

I can't sleep.. All i do is toss and turn.. And i feel my eyes damp.. Z keeps popping into my head and just loops..

I look to the sky when i frown.. I don't remember him taking that armour system.. Did he.. My eyes widen and I slip on my gown and slippers then quietly head downstairs.. I exit the back door and quickly enter the utility building.. My mind flashes of him stood near the ship on the second day when mom was going to drench us.. I remember seeing him put his finger to his biomask as if to sign 'Sshhhh' and we both nodded.. I walk onto the ship when I smile.. He brought it back.. But why? Is he deliberately trying to find an excuse to come back? I shake my head and enter it regardless.. It is then i realise what he's done.. He has installed it into the ship.. Jebas he is so cool.. My body is scanned and I'm once again encased in the armour.. The blue HUD swipes inwards in segments then i feel the weapons fold up. I decide to go for a lone session.. I want to be a yautja.. But I chicken out.. If mom realises what I'm doing she might go nuclear.. I instead just practice silently moving around and jumping.. I move towards Tewende Forest and jump from tree to tree..

The experience is exhilarating.. And feels so good.. I sprint along and jump swinging from the trees with my arms and wrap around another tree going back home.. I land on the roof.. And just sit down.. Then i lay looking at the stars.. Z is out there.. Somewhere.. Going home.. I close my eyes remembering his warm embrace and land with a thud. I take off the armour and close up the ship. Then quietly go back to bed. Tomorrow the USM will come and i'll be forever watchful.. I even remember what Z taught me with those basic moves.. I'll so keep on top of it.. I then remember those yautja.. But I then get a strange.. Flush watching Z whip their asses up and down the garden..

I just close my eyes and then sleep..

Kaylum…

Morning comes about and i feel sad again.. I was always excited to see that huge alien downstairs.. If he was my father.. I wouldn't complain.. And i wish he was.. Mom liked him.. Or else she wouldn't have let him stay.. I swear she was beginning to like him more and more with each day.. I know Elli and I did.. I'd be the first kid ever to have an alien pa! I sit with Ellida and she just fiddles with her hair.. When I notice she braided in Z's ring he gave each of us.. I added mine to my bracelet.. But now it won't fit very well.. Mom comes downstairs and makes a big breakfast.. I go and get washed up and put my uniform on and take my packed lunch after i finish breakfast then head to school.. But before I do I look at mom.. We all still feel off with Z gone.. He made life fun.. For a scary huge massive alien.. "Mom, kick the USM's butt if they try and take anything?"

"You bet sprog.. I'll see you later.."

I then run for the waiting transport taking me to school..

Delilah…

I look at Ellida and smile.. I take her braided hair that's got Ze'reikich'ja's ring and notice she has braided the other side.. Just two braids on either side towards the front. It looks nice.

"Do you like it mom? I remember you braiding my hair years ago.. I decided to carry this ring with me.. A way to remember Z.."

She looks away slightly then into my eyes..

"Mom.. Were you beginning to.. Um.. Get into.. Ze'rei? Truthfully? I won't tell anyone.. I swear.."

I raise my brow to her question.. But the things I was feeling towards him.. They can't lie can they?

"It is complicated hun.. Yes.. I was.. But at the same time.. It was not going anywhere.. He didn't want to hurt me by leaving.."

"You say that like he was giving you signals.."

"No gods no.. It was me.. It always was.. He was a fine specimen.. For an ex-human.. Even then he was a looker.."

"What happened in that Yautja's life that he lives for hundreds of years and became that Powerhouse?"

"It's not my story to tell Elli.. But he was such a person of stature he was given the honour, of becoming one of them.. And that speaks volumes to me what kind of person he was.. And still is.. Even those smaller yautja had a form of fear.. About them when he engaged them.. He is an elite.. And it shows.. The scariest i saw him was when he saved me that one time at work.. He literally tore a man in half.. To protect me.."

Ellidas brows raise..

"Don't mess with the Berkleys.. Then there was all the times you agitated him.. He would show his superiority but at the same time.. Tempered his actions. Like it was clear warnings… Mom.. He left the armour system in the ship.. It is installed.."

I look at Ellida with a slight questioned expression..

"Yeah I know you told us to stay out.. But I couldn't sleep so I put it on and moved around.. It is hard to believe that it originally belonged to another human.. Before Z used it.. It got me thinking.. Did Z ever tell you about his family?"

"Not much, but enough to know they are as wonderful as he.. His.. Sister.. Has.. Two.. Yautja.. Mates.. And she's.. Human.."

"Mom!"

"You asked! Don't give me that!"

"But how do they..? Do they?!"

"Ellida Berkley! I don't know because it isn't my business, criminy!"

We decide to go on a food shop.

When we sing our hearts out to some driving tunes..

Ze'reikich'ja…

"Ghardeh, what's the difference between a piano, glue and a tuna?"

She looks at me with a tilt of her head.

"Is this one of your jokes? I don't know Kch-tanu enlighten me.. What is the difference between a piano, glue and a tuna?"

I smile at her… "You can tuna piano but you can't piano a tuna."

Her eyes jet left then back to me.

"And.. What about the glue?"

I shake my head at her with a smile..

"I knew you'd get stuck on that."

She lets out a huff and shoves me..

"Krit.."

I smile at her when she slowly gets it and breathes a laugh walking away..

"Got you.. You laughed.."

"Only because you keep trying.. Yautja don't understand the concept of 'jokes'.. But unlike most.. I have a mate who keeps trying to wriggle his humanity into my brain.. Only.. It is working.. I'll commit that to memory.."

"You do that.. I'll commit your nakedness to memory.."

"You do that.. Before I lose my temper and mash you.."

"Pfff.. I can take it.." I say under my breath..

"What did you just say?!"

"You have a fine a-.. Haaaw!"

I open my eyes to see I am flying in dead space.. I fell asleep and hung over the console.. Another dream of when i was human.. With Ghardeh.. I patch in to Qah'dah.. And as always, she answers but this time her mask is off giving me full view of her green markings and red eyes.. "Greetings Ze'reikich'ja, are you well? I have no news for you."

"I have news for you Qah'dah.. I am on the move.. On my way back.. But there is something you need to do for me, let the council know i dealt with the two hunters.. I.. Killed them Qah'dah.. Two pauk-de new bloods, why the council didn't do more to dissuade them is beyond me.. I'm tired of fighting Qah'dah.."

She nods.

"You have always been different, but nonetheless you are yautja.. Pull yourself together.. Ghardeh would not want you always second guessing yourself."

Ellida…

We pull into the mall's parking and exit the car, mom puts an arm around me tenderly smiling and i give her a toothy smile back. Then we enter the super store,I grabbed a cart when i stop.. Mom notices..

"Are you alright darling?" She asks walking up to me.. I smile and then it fades..

"Just then.. Everything went back to normal.. I don't want to.. To forget him.." I feel a swell of my throat.. And i swallow.. Mom gently walks to me and moves me forward in her embrace.

"Try not to cry.. He might come back.. Call you a Zabin.."

"I wouldn't mind.."

"Elli.. Let's talk about it in less company.. Alright.."

"Oooo! I go scooting over to the chips section and grab a massive blue and green back and throw it in when mom takes a pink one and brown one.

As we scoot around the aisles i find a pack of kazu joints.. Mom and i burst out laughing.

"Mom should we make another peace offering?!"

"Go on.. Grab a couple.."

After we fill up the cart we make our way to pay. We then begin the journey home.

Delilah…

After parking up Ellie and I unpack the goods, then after awhile we finish then we flop down and sigh.. Ellida looks at me and turns on the Tv when the news plays.. A young woman all in black and brown wavy hair is monologuing about the USM and growing concerns with the Zadana project which is the massive eco-home project..

"Officials state that whilst the work has been going well, several groups of vigilantes have been damaging work being done to the homes.. This comes as many hundreds of thousands wait to get into their home. But work is stalled by either eco-terrorists or the planets dangerous wildlife.. It has also been stated that those living in Sussa are beginning to rally at the USM direct Parliament.. And demand to know exactly what is going on to defuse current crime rates and the squalid conditions of what some call.. The slums…"

I turn over.. News has always been depressing.. We don't need it..

We turn it to a new channel and watch our favourite shows.. When i hear a vehicle pull up.. It sounded huge..

I frown when Ellida slowly turns her head to me in a frown..

We then hear three knocks on the front door.. I approach and open it when i see a young man wearing a smoke grey battle dress uniform with several USM. badges on either shoulder and his name plate in the left of his chest. with tactical tinted black shades on, he takes them off and not only do i slightly recoil.. I blink several times and struggle to say a word.. I have seen him before.. He smiles..

"Delilah Berkley i assume? You look like you have just seen a ghost ma'am.."

He says.. Almost in a sinister tone..

I try and collect myself.. "H...Have we met sir? On a ship or a transport route?"

"No… I'm pretty sure i'd remember.. I'll introduce myself.. My name is Shane H. Dixon.. I am the United Systems Military Agent you was notified of arriving over the appearance of a UFO.. Unfortunately my team and i found nothing and will continue our security sweep through the neighbouring sectors.. Your property being in the middle of all three must also be thoroughly checked.. I have this writ.. Allowing me full access to your home.. To which I will conduct rigorous checks.. It is standard procedure.."

I nod slightly..

I look at him in his green-blue eyes.. Has the USM cloned him?! This is Z when he was.. Human.. My memory keeps flicking to the photo on Z's ship.. He tilts his head slowly to the right..

"Ms Berkley.. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Shane.. In you come.. Don't mind my daughter.. She's off school for the moment.."

He enters and takes in a breath and nods to himself..

"Quite the quaint little home you have here Delilah.. Hello there little miss!"

Elli stares at him with a shocked look..

"Is something amiss? You both seem.. Edgy.. No not edgy.." He pauses.. "Confused.. Surprised.. But also.. Fear.. There's nothing to fear.. I'll have these checks done before you know it.."

"It's your weapon Shane.. We have a rule with no weapons in the house.." I say alleviating some tension.. This is some freaky shit! What the hell?! Why and HOW did they clone him?! And what the hell will Z do if he finds out?! Does this Shane even have memories of his old life? Or is he a separate entity and knows nothing about it? Hell i remember Z saying he had Ghardehs blood in him at one point? Does this guy?! My mind spins and i begin to feel sick.. He takes out some kind of scanner.. It pings a noise at my weapon wall.. He looks at me with a slight neutral look and walks on over when he notices the bone dagger.. And Ellidas braided hair with the ring..

"That's a nice ornament in your hair there princess.." He holds it up and it pings.. He then moves over to the weapon wall and opens it up..

"Well now, and you said no weapons in the house? Quite contradictory don't you think?"

His eyes settled on the dagger, he brings his scanner closer and as it bleeps.. He turns to me..

"Where did you procure this dagger Ms Berkley?"

"On a space station years ago, i can't rightly remember where. It was when my husband was alive.."

"Oh.. I'm sorry to hear that.. Look.. This dagger has a signature i must investigate.. I must.. Confiscate it.. Is there anything else i should.. Know about?"

"No.." Ellida says..

"You can't take that dagger, it has sentimental value to us.. Which is why its behind a hidden wall along with moms firearms.."

Shane looks at Ellida..

"It won't be gone long.. I'll be taking it to my mobile unit outside.."

He holds a finger to his wrist..

"This is Shane.. I may have found something.. Continuing search.."

He looks at me.. And my heart skipped a beat.. Not in the same way as Z.. This Shane.. I think he may know something.. He walks out to the back of the house when he exits.. Ellida takes a pistol and I slot it in the back of my trousers.. I walk out with him and he looks behind with a smile.

"That's some view.."

He enters the utility building and i hear him whistle.. We both enter when he scans around the ship but finds nothing.. He looks at me.. His smirk a sinister smile.. "Do you plan on shooting me Delilah.. I wouldn't do that.. You'd lose your home.. Your rights.. And children.. A lot to lose for such a small action.."

"And how exactly do you know I'll shoot you Shane? I haven't reached for my gun yet.."

He in a flash reaches for his own when i flick out my hand and aim at him..

"Still have some of that ex-police reflexes.. Good.." He lowers the weapon as Ellida walks on in.

I quickly holster the weapon and we all take our leave.

Ze'reikich'ja..

My craft performs an aileron roll as I avoid several purple bolts of pulses, i have entered Tar'sul territory and they are none too pleased a yautja has entered the fray.. I slow down and begin to become agitated. The craft flies past and i lock on and fire six plasma missiles. They hit the ship in rapid succession and wipe out its engines. I then carry on my way before jumping, they managed to interdict me while my drives and fuel reserves were being refilled and cooled..

I set my next jump and in a blink jump from the system. As my craft pulls through the maw of the wormhole my craft shoots on out and i hold my breath.. Am i really home? My crafts star map blinks and bleeps confirming next destination is Maia..

I begin to stand from my chair.. From the shadow of G'viktas.. I see home…

The ship making its way over.. I feel relief.. But also.. Pain.. I am the only one returning.. The only one out of ten of us that left.. I huff.. Delilah and the others fade into memory once more.. Strangely, I do already miss their company.. Like I to Ghardeh.. They helped me.. Treated me equal.. I will return to them. I keep my promises. The ship glides into Maias atmosphere and begin to see streaks of swirls of white from the edges of the cockpit window, where the ship heats up.. Then i see the mainland.. Diving down i set the ship to land at home. Flying over Skri'kash'n, then into Wuis't'kei.. It is then hints of what few emotions i have hit me.. I shrink in my chair as I land.. No Bright Star.. Get up.. You promised Ghardeh… Move.. On.. I leave the ship and hit by Maias warmth. The yellow skies.. Bright and clear i see my home.. Where i enter.. I walk through the foodstocks into the main lounge. To see the few holographic photo's of my family and Ghardeh.

I reach for one when i sit down on the recliner. I take off my mask and take off my armour placing it on the stand, walk upstairs i clean myself up then take my leave and put some formal attire on. I wear my crimson red garment with brown leather sandals. I then walk to the throne room.. As i enter.. I see Qah'dah.. And she recoils.

"Ze'reikich'ja? Ze'reikich'ja?! Welcome back leader! I had no idea you landed! When did you arrive?!"

"I arrived fifty cycles ago.. I…"

I step back.. I'm beginning to feel a surge hit me when I feel one of the other Hult'ah take my shoulder.

"No one.. Will know what you are going through leader.. But.. Before you dive too deep.. There is something we must tell you.. Not two days ago.."

"Several days ago, Ra' zele arrived. He was in company.. With two individuals.. Unlikely for him.. A Pyode amedha xi kiande amedha… Hybrid.. With a kiande amedha.. Such a strange and grotesque creation.. The hybrid spoke to us.. Told us he was looking for you.. So we gave him your coordinates for the planet you were stranded on.. We have not been able to establish contact with you.."

"How is that possible.. I saw him… he was killed by a caster.."

Qah'dah approaches me, and holds my jaw..

"You have lost much in your life, but know this.. Some of those you call friends survived.. He did not go into details but.. He told me to tell you.. Something you told him.. Life can only be understood backwards.."

"But… It must be lived forwards.." I finish.. "John.. You krit.. Qah'dah.. You are my most trusted friend here.. I give you acting title of leader.. I must find John.. He has no idea what he is walking into on Aurora.. The USM govern that planet.. I must go back and find him.. Then i will return.. But for now.. Take this.."

I take off my badge from my throne.. And give it to Qah'dah.. She bows her head.. When i lean a finger on her jaw and raise it. I then fist my hand and bring it to my chest.

"Leader.. When i get back. We will discuss our next move.. Gi'zaan.. Take care of your new leader.. Guard her with your life.."

"Sei-i N'yaka-de.."

I nod to the pair and the seven other Hult'ah who keep watch over the throne room. I take my leave with a strange rejuvenated sense.. I have only just arrived and yet i must leave once more, but before i do.. I make a trip to Skri'jash'n..

Delilah…

"Mom what is he doing with Z's dagger and why is he the same as Z when he was human?!" Ellida asks me whispering as we lean on the island in the kitchen.. I shake my head in a puzzled manner.. My frown descends when my front door opens.

"Ms Berkley.. Would you like to tell me where you got this weapon?"

"It isn't a weapon, it is an ornamental piece.. I got it years ago on a station.. Some alien store. I can't rightly remember.."

"Delilah.. This.. Ornamental piece as you call it.. Has a metal compound.. Only known to a type of race we are.. Tracking.. You are aware of the tenants of keeping illegal alien artefacts are you not?"

"I am very aware.. But you talk like it will blow up the planet.. It is just something I bought.. Without consequence.. How am I supposed to know where the bloody thing came from!"

I feel my anger spike. And Shane begins to smile.. Ellida, touches my arm as the whole house shakes..

"So.. Because i.. Don't believe you.. The whole area will have a wide field scan.. We use it for detecting specific metals.. A-"

He holds his finger to his ear..

"Yes? Here? Good work.. Both of you.. Come with me please.. This is important.."

I feel Ellidas shaking.. "Have they found the disc?!"

I don't answer.. We head to the back door.. When i see a large ship hovering above.. Its shadow casting a black blanket over half my garden and utility building and shed..

"What's on your ship Delilah?"

"I don't know what you mean.. And you are scaring my daughter.. You know the law.. I reserve the right to protect my family and property.. I want you to get out.. Now.."

Shane's face creases as he smiles..

"You are looking out for your family.. I can respect that.. I'll be taking this.. Dagger away.. It needs a full breakdown to determine where it came from.. But whatever is on that ship.. Belongs to me now also.. If you attempt to remove it.. I'll lock you in my brigg.. Pack it up for now Vortex one.. Return to the crash site.. Out.. Ms Berkley.. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.. I'll be back monday.. Hopefully you will be nice and refreshed.. Ellida.." He says with a nod.. Then walks round to the front to get in his large six wheeled atv then drives up my trail.. The ship moves off..

"Fuck! Shit! Z is gonna kill me!"

"No he won't.. They stole it.. I think he will go after them.. Should we move the disc? And how is he alive? Z is going to flip mom!"

"Good.. I hate the USM.. All they want is more power.. More money.. Some.. Product.. Don't worry darl.. They'll get their product.. An alien nuke.."

Saturday…

I wake up and feel like a lead baloon.. The stress with the USM is beginning to sink in.. I have contemplated telling them the truth just to get them to fuck off but i feel that will do more harm than good.. I think that bastard knew I was lying.. Just something in his demeanor.

I get up and see Kaylum sat eating a bowl of cereal with Ellida. I smile..

"Ellida! You are going to be sixteen in twelve days!" She gives me a smile.

"Could you get me a certain someone?!"

I laugh and ruffle her air.

"And how exactly do you think i could get a hold of him?"

She shrugs.. "Shout his name to the skies?! Use your impudent rage?!"

"ahh yes.. Like my rage has ANYTHING on his?"

"I'd say it's close mom!" Kall says with a roll of laughter.

"Z you headasshole! I'm gonna throw this frying pan to your foyce!" Ellida shouts in a funny voice earning a squealed laugh from Kaylum..

I let out a laugh and put a hand to my right hip. "Since when do i sound like that?!"

"Ninety percent of the time you was around him mom! It's a good job he had a sense of humour!"

My smile slowly fades.. "Yeah.. Yeah it was.."

"Yes mom we still miss him.." Ellida says.

My smile fades as i hear my comms unit behind me go off.

I answer to see my bosses bald shining head..

"Sir.. What do i owe the pleasure?"

"Sorry to halt your family time Dee but there is a matter of urgency and I need everyone down here ASAP.. We have a potential volatile situation and i need all hands on deck.. I'll brief you when you get in.. I'm sorry Delilah.."

"No problem.. I'll get sorted.. Give me a moment.. I'll see you soon.."

"Thank you Delilah.. I'll add more time for you.. I'll see you soon.."

He disconnects and I look at the siblings and frown. "Ellida can you look after Kaylum? I need to go into work.. Something has come up.."

"Yeah mom.. See you later.."

I go upstairs and slip on my uniform and go to my garage but feel subtle vibrations.. I leave to see. An SPD vessel. It lands down the trail and I see an officer waving me over.

"The whole city is deadlocked, I've been instructed to fly you in and land via the SPD hq's roof.."

"What's going on officer? Another bombing?"

"Negative.. A flash point.. We'll get briefed on the matter at hand that's all i know.. It's a goddamn mess down there."

Ze'reikich'ja…

I approach the temple district of Skri'jash'n, it seems off.. Everyone seems to be in silence, due to the news Zir'tehn had fallen. They give me subtle, i return in kind and make my way up the steps.. The Hult'ah notice me and stand aside allowing me to enter. The huge double doors open and i see Riz'ghah sat on the throne his father once graced. "Ze'reikich'ja? You have returned! I had received word you had some difficulty getting back.. Now that you are back, we can get down to the matters at hand.."

"M-di Riz'ghah.. I shall be leaving shortly once more, I have come to see how you are faring.. I am sorry.. Ab-"

"Don't Bright Star.. I was a coward for not going with you.. But father always said i would run this city.. And i will not pretend to know what you are feeling.. I have heard of everyone you.. Have lost.. Just know.. That we are all grateful for everything you and Ghardeh have done in your time here in Skri'jash'n.. Qah'dah had stopped by and makes sure everything is running smoothly.."

I give him a nod.

"She is under strict orders from Ghardeh, as am i.. But right now i must find someone.."

Riz'ghah bows his head. And i extend the same courtesy. As i take my leave, I turn back to him.

"When I get back, we can discuss getting your.. Confidence up.. And this city at full swing.. I will return.."

He gives me a subtle nod and sits back down. As far as he is concerned i am above him but i don't think the same. He is the new leader of a city, I am the leader of a small village. But he would have me equal. I enter my home after touching down once more, i begin maintaining my armour. Then take my weapons when i look at the weapon wall, several weapons are missing..

I am hit by a powerful memory that almost knocks me over..

Booming.. Burner fire.. Explosions from heavy ordinance.. Ships gliding through the air.. The heat.. Yautja prime..

I open my eyes.. "Bright Star.. Don't lose face now Kch-tanu.. The matriarch is dead.. The Badbloods don't have much fight in them now.. Their final stand point is within our grasp.." We leave the underground tunnel from which we risen from to see fire and fighting in all directions.. The final enemies fort in the distance on fire under siege, we move up with the traditional clans of the Yautja. Who have accepted our help.. J.C and Sev flank my left, Ghardeh on my right.. Zir'tehn and his Yautja warriors around him. Behind us we are backed by the full force of the Yautja intent with one goal in mind.. We will kill them.. The motherships cannon fire like an anthems beat in the distance providing intense fire. Our fight is almost over..

The Fort is in ruin..

As I turn into a run the others follow suit.. The Badbloods fire their casters.. Hitting several yautja we return fire. I release my sword as does Ghardeh, others unleash their wrist blades, while firing their weapons.. Victory was near when Ghardeh and i reach a verge.. But as we reach the top, i see a row of caster turret.. "Ghardeh Get Down!"

Too.. Late.. She is shot by a rail turret and it hits her in the chest.. She falls back.. Almost in a silent fall.. We are bombarded with caster fire as i am hit several times.. I aim my twin casters at full power and hit two of the cannons.. Six more continue firing as I crawl towards Ghardeh.. A claw fires down upon the remaining turrets.. But we see a whole mess of Badbloods rush from the ruins of the fort..

"This… is Ghardeh Etur'sek.. Calling to any Red Dawn forces out there still alive.. We need.. We need immediate action on my location.."

I fire at as many Badbloods as i can but the inch closer and closer.. I am hit in the shoulder by burner fire..

"Leader! Matriarch! Move back! We have you!"

"Get Bright Star.. Out of here.. That is an order.. Go.."

"Ghardeh what are you.. No! That's not! We.. We leave together!"

She grabs my front holding her head to mine briefly before throwing me back.. Several Red Dawn grab my arms and drag me back as i fire at more Badbloods causing them to fall forward dead.

"Ghardeh! LET ME GO!" I manage to stand up and resist their movement before several Red Dawn fire on more Badbloods.."

I can only watch as she begins to tap on her sat com.. I am taken to a ship.. Almost in a feral rage.. I punch one of the members knocking him over..

"Bright Star.. We must go.. Now.."

As we take off.. I see the crushing sight.. Of a wrist bomb go off.. Decimating the area near the fort..

I blink.. I find myself sat on the recliner.. I lean back slightly.. Unable to move. I feel moisture near my eyes.. Like i was there all over again.. I would have much rathered die beside her.. How dare she take that from me! With a growly huff i take my items and weapons and take several tanks of Herox for reserves. I then take one of her pistols.. I aim down the holographic sights at a slight angle and take several clips. Just in case.. With everything cleaned and maintained i make my way back to the scorpion.

Another few days in space.. Back to Aurora i go.. Pauk..

Delilah…

As we land on the landing pad to the SPD HQ. I follow the stairs down and make my way to the briefing room. The boss wasn't joking when he said all hands on deck.. In amongst the patrol officers there are several divisions of the actual police force, they recognise me and give me a subtle nod. I wouldn't say I was popular, but i was known for several dogfights in and around several space stations. Heroic deeds.. Fuck that i was doing my job.. I never much cared for decorations and medals. We all pay attention to what the boss is telling us, including protocol and sweeps. As well as defending and protecting the innocent. We are notified that anything can happen and keep our heads on a swivel. Next we are set into teams, it was fast and orderly. Then we are fitted into our riot gear.. A first in many years.. My heart a constant thumping but i keep my head free from distractions. I then follow my team as we enter the AUC. Its massive engine fires up, a constant roar as the six wheeled goliath powers on.. I grip my rifles rail and stare at one of the other members when he nods to me. My eyes glide to the double door and ramp as they open and the ramp lowers with a whine. We all exit into the courtyard of the USM embassy, forming a defensive position around the wall. This is one of those times where my training fully takes over.. Threat assessment, knowing when NOT to pull the trigger.. There is constant radio chatter as other teams follow up around the area. If I can make it through this without shooting somebody.. That would be great.. I see the thousands of people before me.. All rightfully angry.. All have been struggling for so long.. They have finally snapped and demand action.. Angry chants and rhythmic calls for change. For action.. Now.. This flash point is clearly going well.. But I'm not holding my breath.. This is like a wild fire waiting to spread.. All it takes is a small spark to ignite the flame..

Ze'reikich'ja…

17th march 2016…Original human life.

Shane Hunter Dixon..

After a deep sleep i wake, same shit different day.. I crawl out of bed and sort myself out, get my black jeans on with a red flannel long sleeved shirt on with a black leather jacket. I take my phone and leave out the front door of my parents house to which I have inherited. I feel strange.. Like I'm being watched.. I look behind slowly but see nothing but the street I walk down.. Barring some other pedestrians.. I make it over to the orbital route i use to walk into Town.

I enter town eventually and walk down the market and browse. Then when i find nothing of interest i walk into a store my friend Tobias works at. I enter and he flicks his hair back as if to spike it back up when he frowns at me. The store he works at sells phones and other electrical accessories.. "Now then Shane you Northern monkey how are you? You still got that sewer mouth you fucker?!"

"Now then Tobey you Southern pixie.. Still drinking those strawberry milkshakes you prick?!"

We both laugh quietly when we fist bump casually. He's a tall chubby lad but I've known him years, we are good friends. His grey-green eyes have a friendly glint his hair in a stylised upward swish. Wearing a green t-shirt with the statement. 'You find it offensive? I find it funny that's why I'm happier than you.' And blue jeans with a flared well at the bottom. We discuss the matters of the week when i stop.. I hear.. Something.. A vehicle.. Banging.. Screaming.. Tires screeching.. I go outside to see a police car slide to a stop.. Loud banging causes me and Tobey to cower inside.. More banging.. I hear the officer shout.. I get on my phone to call the police. What the heck is going on?! I hear clattering of now what i believe to be automatic weapons fire.. I peek outside to see the officer holding his chest.. Trying to radio for back up.. I look at Tobey who shakes his head..

"Don't Shane.. It's dangerous.. Please.. Just stay here.."

I hear another rattle of gunfire hit the officers car..

I hold my breath..

I make a split decision.. I run out just as i see five individuals turn to start shooting at civilians.. I slide towards the officer… His radio has been hit and he is beginning to lose consciousness. I crawl into the car almost cutting myself on the broken glass of the car. I press down on the radio dangling on the mirror.. "This is a civilian.. I report an officer down on Dawson street west off whopma boulevard. He is suffering multiple gunshot wounds.. Send help.. Please.."

"Civilian this is control.. We highly advise you get off of the street and stay inside until assistance can arrive... We thank you on behalf of the officer.. Out.."

I crawl out and see the men slowly walking down the street..

I look at the officer who is slouching… I take up his mp5 tactical and flick the fire rate to single shot.. I aim down the acog scope and line up the shot.. I lay under the cars door and open fire at one of the mens leg. Having never fired a weapon before my eyes almost blink with every shot that rings out from the weapon and my arms shudder with the recoil.. But i keep a steady hand and fire at the accomplices. Killing the four others… As several more civilians pluck the courage to pin the wounded terrrorist down while i hear several cars screech to a halt. I move back to slide the weapon to the officer.

"Stay on the ground, hands sir!" I hear a female officer demand.. I don't move.. But keep my hands over my head.

My eyes open.. Such a long time ago..though this time i wake from that nightmare those centuries ago.. Followed by a press coverage with people calling me a hero.. I always said i wasn't a hero.. I just wanted to find a way out of the nightmare we was all in and help the officer.. Who made a full recovery.. Still to this day I remember that day like it was yesterday.. Then being captured by those Badblood Yautja.. The scorpion flies ever on.. The engines giving a low humming moan as it guides me towards the Ardonis system. My eyes are drawn to the message Uzkielle has transcribed on my right gauntlet.. 'The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of like is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The beauty of life is to give, You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.'

I have never told anybody this message.. He told me that if I should ever begin to doubt myself.. To just glance at the message.. It holds more meaning than I would know.. Uzkielle.. Out of both of the twins he was always the one who pushed me to better myself. Always showed tough love. In only a way Yautja can. And I respected him so much for it.. And now he's gone.. No one knows where.. I hope he is well.. My frown descends slightly.. I remember when he sent me on a BadBlood hunt.. He was on comms.. And i thought Xenomorphs didn't pull their punches..

120 years ago.. When i was still human.

I jump out of the Lar'ja N'ritja and immediately pelted by acid rain.. But my armour and shielding hold. I'm still using the Yautja armour system Danny Le'blanc gave to me and has been extremely useful in previous hunts.. I approach the ground and the landing system kicks in amd and i land with a thud. "Uzkielle, boots on the ground.. Activating signature pulse.. Scanning.. That's a neg.. For now.. Moving on.."

I hear him snort and say something under his huffy breath. But i ignore it..

He's had a bad few days with this bad blood, we've been up and down this sector and just when we think we have them.. We find.. No sorry.. I find… It's a nice little trap.. Still, it gets me out to all of these lovely sights.. As much as this is a secret mission.. He didn't originally plan on sending me. But he ultimately decided that it would be a grand challenge for Ze'rei Sain'ja.. To find his fire.. He clearly hasn't had an in-depth argument with me if he hasn't seen my fire yet.. But saying that Uz is like a sledgehammer.. You can't use him on the fine art of subtle, careful acts.. He'll just smash the whole party. Still he's a joy to be around.. When he isn't getting cranky.. And this is one of those times.. The Yautja refuses to let this acorn elude him so sends his much less experienced brother aka yours truly to flush him or her out.. Again in secret.. I think I'm the scalpel of the two.. No that is Osh.. Maybe I'm the bone saw.. Either way this fucker is going down.. Today damn it!

I walk on past a small campsite when Uz in his rumbled tone halts my steps.

"Go back Mei'hswei.. The campsite.."

I move back when I crouch down.. I take a deep inhale as I lower myself.. "Smells like it hasn't been long used.." I hold out my hand to the grey ashes and log ends. With the ring of rock. To feel a simmering heat.. Dull but still there.. My vision modes switch to heat.. Then to a deep purple as I scan the nearest tracks. I stand when an orange set is determined..

"Follow the trail.. Carefully.."

"Uzkielle.. Please don't state the pauk-de obvious what do you think I'm going to do walk the wrong way J'ltai?!"

"Watch your language! Or i will remove those vocal cords.. T'ro.. H'ka-se.."

"Stupid god-damn.. Fucking.. Sonuva.."

"Keh? Are you saying something?"

"M-di.. Just keep me covered sweetroll.."

I hear him almost growl at the word..

"Could you loosen up a tad broski? You're tickling my eardrums.."

"Ki'cte r'ti c'jit.."

I huff and carry on walking around this rocky planet.. When I find a cave.. A very interesting looking cave.. Interesting in that this is where the tracks of a possible BadBlood there nestles within.. My wrist blades exit with a wailed vibration.. And my caster moves to standby mode.. My heart also takes to a beat. But I temper my fear.. I don't need it.. No place for it here.. I make my way inward and constantly scan my surroundings. I must concentrate with the utmost assiduity.. This is no small meat sack I'm hunting.. I'm embraced by the shadows but i don't feel safe. My sixth sense kicks in.. A shudder up my spine. Making my shoulder blades stiffen. I turn around in time to see a blurred silhouette and I cross my arms to block a pair of wrist blades, my arms shoot into my chest and I fly backwards i hit a stalagmite and it crumbles causing the stalactite to fall..

I get up with a sharp exhale quickly and take up my combi-stick. It unfolds and opens up. I back away from the crumbled mess and scan my surroundings.. I feel someone walk over my grave and i quickly sweep my feet to feel the crux of my foot connect with the bad blood's large heel and falls back. I descend my combi-stick and they grab it holding it steady. The bad blood begins to stand up when my casters unfold..

"Say cheese fuckface.."

My caster goes off sending both of us in opposite directions. There is an almighty roar.. I get up to see the bad blood impaled on a protruding stalagmite that had stuck outwards slightly enough for the yautja to be impaled.. He attempts to fire his net gun but i fire at his arm blowing it off. I finish him off with another blast to the chest.. Blowing him away through the stalagmite. I hear his last breath. Before i walk away Uz patches in.. "Take your trophy Mei'hswei.."

"There is nothing on a bad blood i find of worth Uz. I will not take anymore from him." I walk up to the dead yautja then begin the countdown to destroy his remains. Then i leave, entering the ship to head back to Asteria.

I nod to myself and lower my forearm.

How I'd like to see the family again. But i go my own way now..

Delilah…

"Firewall three, be advised additional forces are arriving by air, several autonomous units have been deployed.."

"Echo and rebound.. Sunny side in the state of Sussa.. Out.." I say while keeping my weapon level.. This is truly crushing.. People are beginning to get agitated that the USM won't hear them and it's showing.. Several civilians have thrown themselves into our defenses and have been detained.. There is a male rattling on the fencing in distress..

"Where are you taking her? Where are you taking her?!"

"Dee five oh five.. Fire a shot just past the males head in warning.. If he does not comply.. Our team is on standby to nullify him.." I hear in my right ear…

I aim down my scope and fire.. His whole body flinches.. And he moves away..

I lower my weapon..

"Good shot Dee.. You are doing a fine job.. Hold up.. Eyes east.. Vehicle approaching.. Fast.. Echo?"

We look east and sure enough a brown mpc is heading for the embassy..

"Rebound.. What's the play?"

"Hold fire.. Ascertain threat first w-"

"This is firewall two! Gun! Gun! Take out the driver! Echo!"

"Firewall two we rebound.. All callsigns fire on the vehicle."

I aim directly at the driver.. As i shoot he takes a shot to the shoulder but falls into his dashboard and speeds up. An explosion rocks the wall we are stood on as one of the other callsigns fires a rocket and wipes out the vehicle. This angers the mob even more. I look around when on the roof to the northwest i swear i saw movement.. It's too far for my eyes but as i use my scope i see something white coming at us.. Before i get a chance to call it..

An explosion hits just under our wall.. Sending all of us flying backwards.. 20ft down below.. My ears a deafening ringing.. My weapon lost in the rubble..

I feel the rhythm of thudding footstomps as i take my side arm.. One of the heavy armoured robots lifts me up and it's hands unfolds into a grenade launcher and a 24 barrelled minigun. 8 barrels on each cylinder.. I move back as i see a line of the huge tank-like autonomous goliaths.. It is then several more missiles fly towards the defensive line..

"This is control.. We have multiple renegades on the roof of the northwest building.. Requesting air support on that location.. Firewall one is down.. Replaced with goliaths.. How echo?"

"Rebound this is Firebird one.. Engaging.."

We move back to support the rest of the other areas.. As the flash point spreads around the city.. An accomplice walks up to me with a replacement primary.. The same as my previous.. "Don't lose this one Five oh five.."

"I'll try not to.. Where am I headed?"

"Assist with the detainment of all renegade civilians.. Ciro team and Falcon are already out there.." He pulls up a datapad showing me where their current locations are around Sussa. I plug in my gauntlet and my hud shows my current objectives and I follow one of the two arrows with the initials FT or CT.

I am accompanied with two more colleagues and one police officer. Who are told apart by their blue bdu instead of our black and smoke grey. I slowly look around my surroundings but the two others check the roofs.. In the distance, I see two scrotes throw a firebomb at a store and run off. I give chase holstering my rifle and flick out my cuffs. The others keep pace and I tackle one of them to the ground while one of the others slide tackles the accomplice. "I didn't do anything officer! Let me go! pig!"

"I saw you throw that firebomb you little shit! Sit nice and pretty until a unit arrives.." the officer gives me his cuffs.

"Take these.. I'll keep a watch on these two.."

I nod and head on forward..

I approach Ciro's position.. All of a sudden I hear gunfire.. I also hear shouting.. Suzie..

"The fucking radios aren't working! Ciro to Falcon!"

I turn the corner with my remaining two colleagues and see Suzie and her team has hit trouble.. Several renegades have taken one of the offices and raining bullets down on her team.. I aim around the corner leaving as little as possible exposed.. And fire.. One of the renegades falls back with a thumb sized hole in his head.. I aim at the roof as i see someone aim a weapon. I fire but it's too late.. The missile engulfs Ciro team.. In fire.. We feel the heat from where we stay in cover…

I hear the shouts and screams of my teammates and wrap around the corner when the whole building is hit by air support.. I rush over as Suzie screams trying to get her armour off. I throw my helmet off and undo her front plate.. I frantically pat at her arms when the two others call it in trying to squash the flames on the others..

"Suzie! Look at me! You are going to be okay!"

We are peppered by weapons fire.. I shoulder my weapon and shoot to kill.

I hit several renegades in the head and take Suzie webbing and drag her back. When in a beat.. Several units arrive.. The team is sent into the air ambulance and takes off.. I am shot in the back of the shoulder.. I hit the ground and turn around to see several foot mobiles.. I aim and shoot my side arm.. And crawl backwards.. But every one i shoot four more take their place.. My teammates are shot and fall to the floor..

I am grabbed by a powerful grip and thrown into an alley to the left of me.. I don't see anyone.. But I move back regardless.. As i see several foot mobiles run for me they are vaporised in a blue flash.. They hit some kind of wall.. I check my wound to find it hit the armour.. I move on.. But i feel a presence.. Z? I don't know.. But it can't be Z.. "This is Dee five oh five.. My team is down.. I'm.. Heading towards Falcon Team.. Ciro Team was ambushed.."

"Negative Delilah.. You are to return to base plate.. We have goliaths en route to Falcons position.. How echo?"

"Rebound.. Interrogative.. Why am i being sent back sir?"

"Need i answer that question? It is too hot.. Make your way back.."

I huff and jog back.. But i feel that presence.. I look up as i run but see nothing.. I look behind.. Nothing still.. The thought is disturbed by a renegades shout as he comes round the corner with a knife.. I punch his face and smash his hand containing the knife into the wall i pull my sidearm put it to his jaw and fire.. He falls to the floor.. I push his face towards the ground.. I aim around the corner when a hail of bullets hit the corner.. I move back and check my weapon.. 12 rounds left… I hear a familiar noise.. A whir.. Then a loud.. WATHOOM! Followed by the assholes shouting.. Is that Z?!

"Ze'reikich'ja! Is that you?!"

I shout to the top of the roof.. I don't get an answer.. But peek around the corner to see the renegades.. Vapourized.. Who the hell has my back?! I make haste back to base plate.. As I enter I am disarmed.. And my armour is taken away. I see my boss and he has a slight form of regret in his steely facade.

"Delilah your service here has been paramount, but now the USM is taking over this operation. I've been instructed to relieve all members of the SPD."

"What the hell did we just walk into sir?! They were not average joes!"

He nods. I know which is why we are no longer apart of this show.. Go home.. We'll keep you updated on Suzie and her team.. I promise.." He tenderly holds my shoulder and I'm taken to the roof and flown home.. This is one day I'd rather forget.. But try as I might.. It plays back in a loop.. And who had my back earlier? It was definitely a yautja.. That weapon has a distinctive sound.. And the strength I was thrown into the alley.. Was not of a mere man. Looks like i have another guardian angel.. Or do i?

Author note: Sorry this chapter is late, but behind the scenes is hectic, for the next chapters i won't have an eta. But rest assured i AM working full tilt on this story. So don't lose faith!

Down to the story.. A lot is happening in this chapter. A mixture of paces, i wanted to show a bit more of Z way back when he was human, but not in the same light as the previous stories. And who is the mysterious entity who helps Delilah?! Dun dun duuuun! You will find out later. Plenty of action in this chapter. More to come! What with Shane Hunter Dixon being cloned! He isn't the same as the original by a long shot. And what will happen if Z finds out?! Find out soon! I want to thank you for taking the time to read this story. Its my longest and most ambitious one yet where I truly want to expand my own universe with these new characters. Much love!