Kantra had so many fears and questions swimming around her head. She thought of Kayana first, as she stood in their kitchenette area putting bottles together for her. Naxa would be coming for her soon, and she wanted to have everything ready. Two changes of clothes, nappies, milk, her own teething ring and rattle to play with. Not to mention changing mat, changing powder and swaddle. For the first time in her life, Kantra was grateful for all those years at the Bath House when she'd been put on pup-duty. She knew how to change a nappy and rock a baby to sleep.

A smile graced her lips. Not just because she thought of her mother, but also the memory of teaching Cetanu how to change Kayana's nappy…hilarious…

Then she became distracted again by her baby. She cooed from her crib, pulling Kantra away from the day bag she had ready. The bag went down to the floor and Kantra greedily lifted her babe into her arms.

"At least I know you'll be safe. My little princess." Kantra kissed her cute little forehead and smiled down into her big green eyes. "You're going to stay with Auntie Naxa for a little while." The red head continued to bounce the little girl as she lowered to sit on the edge of the bed. "She's going to read to you and feed you. oh, do Mama a favour will you?" she giggled. "Do a really smelly poop for her. that'll make her appreciate that Bakkub and Paya are already potty trained." Kantra let Kayana grasp her fingers in her podgy little hands and try to suck on them. "You just be a good girl. Mama, Dada and Kantanu will be back very soon. We just need to kick your grandpa's ass. Ok?"

The door opened and Kantra snapped her big green eyes up to see the nervous form of her mate and son. Cetanu was holding Kantanu in his arms, but soon put him down. "…is…it time?"
"Yes." Cetanu closed the door behind him and folded his arms over his chest. His aura was menacing, and he was obviously aiming to intimidate his 'father' as much as he could.

Bone white Awu'asa. There wasn't a greater contrast to his midnight skin in existence. From his armoured boots, this thigh plates, this chest guard, gauntlets, and spiked shoulder guards, he oozed with deadly intent. His mask was particularly terrifying. It was equally stark white, but bones had been set within the mask. The jaw of a warrior Xenomorph framed the mouth piece, and the crest of his mask had the grooved crown of the hard meat as well. It had been carved down however, so it didn't curve back over his mask. Kantra could only think that lasers had been used, to sheer the edges to look like horns jutting out around the outside of the mask.

On closer inspection, she could see various bones set within the white armour. Claws, fingers, teeth…some of which she didn't recognise.

It wasn't acceptable to wear weapons when meeting an arbitrator, but Awu'asa was allowed. Wearing that, Cetanu really did look like the God of Death.

"Well you're going to make an impression, that's for sure." Kantra lowered Kayana into a travel cot. "Am I dressing the part as well?"

"I believe the black Awu'asa from your last hunt has been repaired and returned."

"Yeah, I look pretty kick ass in that." Kantra dropped her eyes down to Kantanu, who stood by his father's side. He was hunched over, but trying very hard to remain standing. He wore a brown handing skirt with a sash knotting on his left hip. He also wore a miniature version of his father's white cape. His was brand new, however, unlike Cetanu's which had a torn edge to it.

Distantly Kantra wondered if she'd had fallen in love with Cetanu as soon as she did, had he looked like that when they met… of course I would have.

"You need to hurry."

"Alright." Kantra walked over to the armoury stand, and dutifully did as her mate asked. Black mesh, chainmail dress and handing skirt, black armoured boots, chest and shoulder plates. She was just strapping the thigh guards on when the door opened again. "Naxa. Come in."

Even Naxa did a double take and staggered back from Cetanu as she rounded his form to enter the room. it didn't help that the lenses of his mask were pure black, so you couldn't see his eyes…

"I got you Kantra." the tall creamy beauty zoned in on Naxa cooing away in the travel cot, and liftedit by the handels. "I'm staying with Tochel and the kids. Come round when this is…done."

"I will thanks." Kantra looked up into her amber eyes and smiled. "Really, thanks for this."

"Now you put that bitch face back on right now lady. You're going to need it." Naxa shook her shoulder, and then handed the red head her back mask. "Put those Dengo claws on too. Finish the picture."

"You and your mate have our gratitude." Cetanu bowed his head as Naxa passed him. This made her both blush, and stammer on the spot.

"Oh, thank you my Lord, but we're not, I mean, erm."

"Tochel not asked you yet?" Kantra clasped her black chevron mask in place, and rolled her shoulders. "Tell him he's a pussy, and to get on with it. Or ask him, unless you're a pussy too?"

"That's the bitch I know and love." Naxa chuckled, and bowed. "For what it's worth…good luck." And just like that, Kantra watched her best friend take her baby to the safety of Tochel's home.

"Auntie Naxa…pretends to be mean…but she isn't. right?"

"Right!" Kantra offered her armoured hand to Kantanu. "Just like me and Daddy look scary right now, but to you, we're not. Because you know we love you." Kantanu nodded and took her hand, hugging it with both hands to his body.

"Cling to your mother. It's more important that I remain aloof and threatening for this exchange, son. No matter what you see or hear…I love you, my son."

"You're being scary to protect me." He nodded. "No one has never protected me before. I'll do my best to pass." Kantanu nodded like crazy, his green and red mismatched eyes showing just how scared he was. "I will I promise. Even if he hurts me like you were hurt. Nothing they can do to me will hurt as much as what the humans did to me."

Kantra pulled him against her and held him close. It always filled her with rage when she thought of the torture he'd been though. She was furious that his life and independence was being threatened like this, after all he'd been through.

By his grandfather, no less.

"We must leave now."

"Ok." Kantra stroked her son's face. "I know we haven't been together long, but we're going to be together for a very long time, sweetheart. Don't you ever doubt that."

"Ok mama."

Cetanu walked through the door, his white cloak and long skeletal tail swaying behind him. Kantra stood with her head high, and held Kantanu's hand by her side.

"Lean on me while you can honey. As much as you want to." She felt him transfer more weight to their hold, and she bit her lips beneath her mask. It really hurt him to walk upright like this, and his shoulders hunched forward every few steps. His form was tense, but he didn't complain. He didn't whimper. He was trying to be brave.

Cetanu lead his mate and son through the halls of the Cor'ja mother ship, and noticed how his men bowed and moved out of the way as he did so. Adrenaline coursed through his green veins, and he felt more hyped for this meeting than any of his previous hunts. Even when he faced hard meat queens, his nerves weren't as sharp as they were right now.

That night he'd thought a lot about when he was child. Not just his own evaluation, but growing up as a freak amongst many of the men who served him now. Being the son of the Cor'ja Clan leader meant they couldn't openly bully him, but that didn't stop them from going out of their way to torment him. Poking, prodding, leaving hate notes in his locker, rotting meat in his desk, and then there were the times they had been brave enough to shove him.

That never ended well.

Cetanu was determined that his son wouldn't have the same upbringing as he did. He wouldn't be punished for defending himself, like he had. He wouldn't receive false hope and false love. If he chose to challenge him when he was older for the title of Clan leader, and he could beat him, then he was welcome to the tile. And unlike Cetanu, Kantanu would have a proud father. Regardless if he decided that he'd prefer the life of a lone hunter. All he wanted was for his son to be happy, healthy and honourable.

As Cetanu psyched himself to face his own father, he couldn't help but feel 20 years of resentment and betrayal bubble beneath the surface of his black skin. The urge to go in snarling and break every bone in Dresk's body was great. But this meeting wasn't about him. It was about his son.

So he took deep breaths and quelled the beast within. Kantanu meant more to him than the betrayal of his father. With a level head, he was more likely to deal with Dresk's agenda, and hold his own against him in a debate.

As they reached the door to the meeting room Cetanu turned to look down at his mate and son.

"No matter what, we are walking out of that room together."

"No matter what." Kantra nodded, and gave Kantanu a squeeze on his hand. "Because we are a family. Arbitrator or not, I'll slit his throat if he comes for my baby." Her voice was soft and loving, but her words were filled with intent. Kantanu was trembling, and he looked up with his mismatched eyes at his father first, and then his mother.

The last month of his life had been like a dream. No organ harvesting to see how long it would take for him to regenerate. No cage fights against hard meats. No Tasers. No drugging. No chains.

Every time he woke in terror, his father held him.

Every morning his mother kissed his face.

Every night he was held, so he felt brave enough to dream.

He didn't know what laughter sounded like before he met Kantra and Cetanu.

Love. Safety. Compassion. Kantanu wasn't giving his new life up without a fight.

"I'm ready." Kantanu took his hand back off his mother. He stopped trembling, nodded up at her and held his fists down by his sides. "Let's go kick some ass."

The door to the meeting room opened with one of Cetanu's hands on each door. He pushed them wide open with little effort and stared into the room.

Two men stood from their seats around the meeting table. One was Jafna. Who blanched at his appearance, but soon shrugged it off.

"My lord Cetanu." Jafna bowed his head, his aged deadlocks swinging with the movement. "Presenting High Arbitrator Dresk."

"I know who he is." His voice was even, but cold. With great prowess Cetanu power walked into the room, making a show of swaying his tail behind him and walking around the table. he didn't stop until he stood before the man who he never truly knew. "Thank you for being host to the High Arbitrator, Jafna. You may leave us now."

"Of course my lord. It was my honour."

Kantra stood in the doorway, waiting to be invited in. Kantanu stood by her side, and both stared at the man who 'raised' the great Lord Cetanu.

Well, it seems he'd had the opposite idea to Cetanu. Kantra hadn't seen many Arbitrators, but she'd never seen one dressed so…casually before. And without his mask.

He wore only sandals, a deep blue wrap around handing skirt, and a blue cape that draped over his left shoulder. It hid half his chest and one of his arms, but it also displayed his wealth. Soft silver thread was woven within the fabric, and shimmered in the light, showing a hidden water like print within it. His exposed arm held silver armlets, and many scars. As did most of the grey skin Kantra could see.

In his heyday, Kantra wagered he was quite the looker too. Deep blue eyes, agile cheekbones and mandibles with white bone tips. His dreads appeared to have once been black, but most had faded to grey now, showing his true age. A few were almost white. If you ever wanted to know the age of a Yautja, you always looked at the hair. Also, the number of scars. The older warriors had more battle wounds, after all. It was only when Jafna bowed to her as he walked out, that Kantra realised that she not only been staring, but Dresk was staring back.

"This is my Mate and second, Kantra." Cetanu beckoned with his white armoured hand for her to enter. "And my son, Kantanu." Side by side mother and son entered the room and when Kantra stopped, Kantanu followed suit.

It was then that Dresk dropped his blue eyes down at Kantanu.

"I understand that you have a daughter as well. Where is she?" Finally he spoke. Dresk had a gravelly voice, also eluding to his age.

"My daughter is only a baby." Cetanu's voice had a hint of desperation.

"How is that relevant?"

"She is with a good friend of mine." Kantra cut in before her mate could respond to that statement. She was also never one to shy from a fight. Cetanu snapped his head to look at her, making her wonder if she'd spoken out of turn, but damn it. her children were literally at risk here. "I'm sure if you wish to see her medical scans that can be arranged."

"You…are the Ooman are you not?"

"Kantra grew up on Yautja prime and passed the same Cor'ja chiva as the rest of my people. Her skills are great, and I have plenty of footage of our last hunt, if you'd like to see."

"Or perhaps a demonstration would-"

"That will not be necessary." Dresk chuckled, amused by something that for the time being eluded the other predators in the room. "I was not doubting your skill, my dear." Kantra's cheeks flushed beneath her mask. How dare he 'my dear', her?! "I was simply surprised to find Cetanu mated to an Ooman. After what they did to him."

The air in the room became very heavy. Cetanu felt his inner beast clawing at his eyes, but one look at his son's nervous face helped him regain control. "A very cunning Ooman you must be, to have found yourself in such a position."

"High Arbitrator." Kantra began, sneering through her lips. "I doubt you came all this way to have an opinion oh my choice of mate. Nor, is that any of your business."

"Is it not?" Dresk folded his arms over his chest, raising a brow and arrogantly smiling up at Cetanu. "This is one of the most influential and dominating clans in the armada. Having an Ooman as the second in command is something that surely interests the Arbitrators, does it not? Not to mention." He turned to look at Kantra. "This was once my clan. Surely it's understandable that I'm curious on how it's being run now, and by whom."

"The last twenty years lead to the contrary."

Finally, the Arbitrator seemed to tense. Ah, that had hit a nerve. It was also at that point Dresk seemed to realise how close Cetanu was standing to him, as decided to casually walk around the table. He traced his fingers along the mahogany, and almost looked to be reminiscing for a moment.

"Much has changed. The ship looks quite different now. I can see that you have invested heavily in your fleet's defences and technology. That market place I passed as I came in was very busy. Is trade good?"

"I invest in my people. In many ways." Cetanu widened his eyes when he realised what Dresk was doing. Walking around the table to get away from him, was also being him closer and closer to Kantanu.

Luckily Kantra saw this, and moved to stand on the boy's other side. She then put her hip against the table and her hands on her hips.

"So what is this, my lord? A spot check? I'm happy to escort you to all our trade leaders, armoury and trophy halls if you'd like to get started."

"You're quite brave to speak to me in such a tone." Kantra's manoeuvre forced Dresk to stop in his tracks. He didn't seem put off or intimidated by this move, however. He in fact mirrored her position, leaning against the table and folding his arms over his chest.

"Like you pointed out only moments ago." Kantra shrugged. "I'm Cetanu's second. The running of this Clan is something I have a keen interest in, even though I'm not a mother. It would be my honour to give you a guided tour of our mothership. Have you seen our schools? The education our children get is second to none."

"Schools? There is more than one?" Dresk turned to look at Cetanu, watching as the dark lord came to stand behind his mate. Effectively shielding Kantanu from the Arbitrator.

"Like I said. I invest in my people."

"I see."

"If you would inform me of the purpose of your unannounced visit, I would make it my personal business to aid you in your endeavor."

"Ah." Dresk had the nerve to chuckle. "You're still as blunt as ever, I see." He took his hip away from the table. "Many things have changed, but it seems you have not."

"Quite the contrary. I've changed significantly. I have been blessed to now know what loyalty, love and family actually feels like now. Unlike before."

Kantra pursed her lips. It seems her mate had hit another nerve.

"Is that what you think?" Dresk's mandibles clicked angrily. "You think that-"

"My High Arbitrator." Cetanu bowed his head. "I simply wish to know the best way to serve you as you visit my clan. We are due to have another route of Elite trails soon. It would truly be an honour if you have come to oversee the event."

"I am starting to believe that you both think you know exactly why I'm here.. And why." Dresk was tense, and looked very close to letting the rage of his clenches fists fly. "Not only do I find out second hand that you have a mate, but you now have two children."

"If you have come to evaluate my son, I will be present."

"As will I." Kantra held her fists by her sides, and subconsciously moved to stand in front of Kantanu. As firm as Cetanu in her conviction.

"And I will insist that the interview is recorded."

Dresk's mandibles opened wide, clicking, like he was about to snarl in Cetanu's face. But then something must have suddenly dawned on the Arbitrator. His bright blue eyes narrowed on Cetanu, then down at his armour, then Kantra, and finally back to Cetanu.

Then he took a step back.

"…recorded…" he spoke to one side, more to himself than to them. It seemed like an age before he spoke again. "I see. You have no right to make those demands. Therefore I will only grant one of your requests as I'm in a generous mood." Dresk snarled. "If you continue to disrespect me, I'll give you none of your requests. Now get out."

Kantra knew that was aimed at her, so she turned and pulled off her mask.

"I know you'll do just great." She gave him a firm kiss on his crown, and lingered, before pulling back with a brave smile. "Kick ass, son."

"I-I will mama." He nodded, trembling. As Kantra stood to look at her mate, she forgot about her uncovered face. Her intense green eyes, so full of love and desperation caught Dresk's attention.

"I'll be right outside." Cetanu nodded at her.

"And so will Lord Cetanu." Dresk snarled.

"What?!" Cetanu roared. "You said-"

"I said you could have one of the things you requested." Dresk smirked. "Feel free to turn on the camera and record this evaluation. But you will not be present."

"No." Cetanu towered over the older Yautja, his hidden eyes becoming more and more green by the second. "I will not leave you alone with my son."

Dresk was panting. It looked like there was a foul taste in his mouth, and he was being forced to swallow the source.

"You will do so. Now. Or I will take the boy to my ship, and interview him there without even a camera to record our conversation."

"Don't hurt my son!" Kantra cried out and tried to force her way past Cetanu, but he used his tail to hold her back. "He doesn't deserve to be punished for Cetanu leading the clan instead of K'tan. Please he's just a boy. Please don't hurt him!"

"If you two aren't outside by the time I count to five, I'm taking the boy. One." Dresk turned his head to glare up at Cetanu. "two." He didn't move. "three."

"STOP IT!" Kantanu screamed. He was crying and shaking like a leaf. "D-do it. I-I-I don't want him to take m-me a-a-away. J-just g-go outside. P-please." It was like Dresk was no longer in the room. Cetanu and Kantra dropped to their knees and held the whimpering boy between them.

"You are so brave." Cetanu whispered into his dreadlocks. "Braver than I was at your age."

"We'll be right outside sweetheart." Kantra was also crying. Her strong smile was glistened with her worried tears. "And your daddy will be recording everything."

"If he lays a finger on you, I'll do ten-fold back to him. So don't you worry son." Cetanu released Kantanu and roared so loudly at Dresk, he actually raised his fists, thinking he was under attack. "Know this Dresk. I will be watching. I will not stand back and allow you to harm my son like you watched that other Arbitrator beat me. If there is even a MARK on that boy's skin I'll-"

"I suggest you stop there, before you really do threaten a High Arbitrator. Now turn around, and leave the boy."

The air was thick was rage, from both Cetanu and Dresk. Both men glared at each other, frothing at the mandibles with fury. for a moment, it looked like they were just going to lock horns, and forgo the whole affair for a violent end. When Kantra reached to touch her mate's arm, she pulled her arm back when he raised his hands up to his mask. With a pop and a hiss the mask came away from his face, and he placed it on the desk. So part of him would still be in the room.

"His name is Kantanu. Not boy, not thing, not monster, and not pet. He is my son. And I will do a lot worse than threaten you, if you hurt him. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

Dresk was staring into his eyes. They were as red as they were green. Alternating flecks of each colour. A visual testament to how both the man and the beast were in total agreement when it came to his son. Touch him, and die. "Unlike you, I love my son. He's not a project to me. He-is-my-son."

Cetanu turned his back to the speechless Arbitrator and looked deeply into Kantanu's eyes. "Make me proud son. Have honour, and be polite to the high Arbitrator, but don't allow him to lay a finger on you. Bang the door if he tries. Understood?"

"Yes daddy." His voice was soft, and he was trying so hard to stand tall for his father. "I-I promise."

One final kiss on his forehead, and Cetanu tore himself away from his son. As he stormed over to the door to grabbed Kantra's middle with his tail and dragged her away as well. Dresk noticed that the Ooman didn't appear distressed by being manhandled in this way, but was visibly upset at being separated from her son.

Finally the doors closed, and Dresk was alone with Kantanu. Once the boy realised this as well, his trembling got worse.

"Now then." Dresk rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. "Let's begin."