Chapter 28: Reunion

"For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been'." – John Greenleaf Whittier

Warm Indian summer rains showered the freshly mowed lawn, washing the green scent from the air. Mel wiped her damp face with the bottom of her worn tee-shirt and stood in the shed doorway, watching the droplets fall and disappear within the just-topped grass. It was Saturday. The first Saturday after her college term had started and she was catching up on neglected yard chores before she went to work.

Mr. Montgomery kindly let her rent the second floor guestroom for a lower than reasonable rate. She did her best to repay him by helping around the place whenever she could. Mel held down two part-time jobs, one as a kitchen aid at the college cafeteria, the other as a housekeeper for a few of the large houses that overlooked the town from the high ground that Mr. Montgomery called 'Mortgage Hill'.

With her earnings and a small grant, Mel had managed to enroll in a few classes the past two semesters and slowly plod toward her graduation goal. She was hoping to eventually go for her Masters and become a Social Worker.

As the water drops memorized the young woman, Mel thought about her return to Earth. I've adjusted pretty well and it wasn't too hard in retrospect. But I still feel out-of-synch with my classmates. I don't look it, but I'm older than they are and things changed while I was gone – the music is different, the fashions, even some of the words. I feel out of step with them and more comfortable with some of my instructors. That makes it tough to make friends. I just feel more mature than they are.

I wonder how Signý is, and if she'll ever visit. What does she think of me…for leaving her? I tried to do the best I could by her, I hope she understands. There's nothing I can do about it now. I just need to concentrate on making the best life I can and try to leave the past behind.

Mel's thoughts finished themselves and she closed the shed door and then headed for the house. There was just enough time to grab a bite before she headed off to clean the Norman's oversized house. After enjoying a gooey peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich that she washed down with a glass of milk, she trotted up the stairs to don clean clothing before going up the hill. The tee and cut-offs were quickly replaced by a green polo and jeans. She looked in the mirror over the dresser and smoothed her hair with her fingers, and then her eyes dropped to habitually check the small pyramid of translucent material set upon a smooth black base. Sig'dan had given it to her when he'd brought her home from Yaut, saying that it would light up and signal her of any approaching transport bringing her daughter. It remained its usual drab, dull color. The young woman hurried down the stairs and the front door slammed behind her.


Back on Yaut, a violent wind storm was slashing its talons at the capital city. A blackish-green sky crackled with electricity as wave after wave of gale-driven sand scoured the stone buildings and pathways. Inside the arena of the nearby Training Camp, the tempest was ignored. In the middle of the floor, two threatening Yautja circled each other with their paired metal wrist blades at the ready. One large, his long white locks clacking softly together, cast a shadow over the much smaller, but muscular, female.

"Relax your shoulder!" the large one growled, "you cannot parry if you are stiff!" He reached his blade to her and then unexpectedly moved it to her other side. Her arm rose to meet him but did not match his change in angle. "If this had been a real fight, your stiffness would have cost you an arm!" he rumbled in disgust. "Try again!"

Over and over he moved his blade toward her as if to strike. When his blade stayed in the same direction, the female met it easily. But when it altered its course midflight, she had great difficulty joining her metal to his. "Enough," he finally said. "Go soak yourself in a hot bath, then have an aseigan massage that shoulder. We will try again next cycle." The smaller female nodded obediently and then ran off to clean and store her weapon before retiring to the bath.

Another female who had been waiting on the sidelines, stretching and slicing her blades through the air, took the floor to face the large Trainer. She nodded in respect to the hulking figure and then crouched and waited for the lesson to begin. This student was larger than the last, her toned body rippling with power. Giving a nod in return, the larger Yautja began to dance with her, looking for an opening to strike. His blades dashed forth like lightning, only to clash with hers. The clang of sharp edges as they connected changed tone each time as the metal met at different places and angles. The Trainer increased the pace and still the smaller one met his weapon. He was not using his full strength, but tempering it so that the match would last and he could observe her ability. Finally, she began to tire and at last allowed his razor edges to reach her flesh. Instead of piercing her, the larger Hunter merely gave her skin a shallow stinging cut – the penalty for allowing him close.

"Do you yield?" he asked.

"I do." Her blade arm fell to her side and her eyes found the floor.

"You did well, Ulfrde! You only lack size to someday be a formidable challenge to many – and that growth will come. You are dismissed to the bath."

The young Yautja sprinted away to polish her blades, pleased with the words of her Trainer and Sire, Aldúlfr. The tiny nick would heal quickly and the thin scar would serve as a reminder of today's lesson.

Up above the training floor, other Trainers watched the class and speculated about each student in turn. "I fear Ulfrde will best all of us by the time she is grown!" joked Theron, amazed at the rapid progress and skill of the female. "She could easily be part Dor'an!"

"That is because she is half ooman," retorted Myn'dill dryly, "and she is much like her blood Sire. You would have found him a worthy opponent, Theron."

"I would have enjoyed the challenge, Honorable Healer. So…who do you think from the High Council will try and obtain her submission?"

"I do not know, and it is not my concern. All these are spoken for by the High Council. It will be perhaps many pups in the future before any such as we are permitted to try for them."

Theron emitted an almost human-like sigh. "It is difficult to wait. And it will be much longer for me than it will be for you."

"It is difficult to wait," agreed the Healer. "That is why the Council has permitted the continued taking of ooman breeders. Only now, because of our Matriarch, they may return to the Blue Planet during their pregnancy – or even after they bear here."

"I know," Theron replied. Myn'dill could not help notice the shadow that passed over his co-Trainer and Blood Bond. "You are referring to Mel-an-ee?"

"Sei. I tried to obtain her interest, but she refused me – in spite of admitting her desire! We agreed that she would return home and see if she preferred being there to being here with her offspring and me. She said that she believed I was only interested in her ability to produce a pup. I tried to explain my reasoning, but she does not understand."

Myn'dill gave a small set of clicks, "What do you expect Hunter? Not only is she female, she is an alien female! Of course she does not understand your reasoning – any more than you understand hers. Are you giving up?"

"No. I will be going there soon to take Signý to visit her. I will see if Mel is…content there, or if she will return with me."

"Bring your desires down from the stars, Theron. Then if she does come back, it will be an unexpected gift."

"Wise words, my Blood Bond. I will do my best." The gray Hunter knitted his brow, "You are half Dor'an. Do you believe that I am dishonorable for seeking to mate with her?"

Myn'dill did not respond quickly. Instead, he waved his jaws in thought before answering, "I was taught to fight like a Dor'an by my Sire, but he did not teach me the Clan's morals. Seeing that I am only half your Clan, Theron, would you not find that teaching me not to mate outside the Dor'an Clan is a teaching done…a bit late?" He burst into chortles. "To answer your question - h'ko. The urge to mate is one of our strongest urges, and you have stifled your instinct for a very long time now. It is only natural that you should seek some outlet for it. Speaking further, you are only interested in an ooman female that you consider worthy – that is much more than most do. Most Hunters go to the Blue Planet and stop seeking when they find a candidate of the right age in good health. They have no idea of her honor or accomplishments. I think you are very Honorable, Theron. I find no shame in what you seek to do, but as you know, others from you Clan will not agree with my judgment."

"I welcome your words, Honorable Myn'dill. I have wrestled with my feelings greatly trying to decide. Finally I decided it was less honorable to live a lie than to admit the truth."

"So, you will take young Signý to see her Bearer. A word of caution, then. Normally I would never interfere in this sort of thing – but I safeguard Signý and you are my Blood Bond."

"What is it? I am listening," Theron encouraged him.

"Mel-an-ee may not be interested in you, but her offspring most certainly is." Myn'dill stifled any sign of humor over the situation.

Theron opened his mandibles in surprise, "I do not dishonor your observation, but I believe you may have misinterpreted. Signý thinks of me more as her Sire, or Sire's Bloodline. That is her connection to me."

"That is certainly possible, Blooded Hunter, but I have observed her during your spars and when she watches you train others. Her eyes are only for you, Hunter. Be aware!"

"But she is a pup yet!" Theron protested. "I have never scented her desire. She dare not mate until she passes her Chiva. She knows this!"

"Be on guard, Hunter! You desire her Bearer – have you been careful to control your scent around her offspring?"

Theron scrunched his inner face in thought while his side-jaws clicked in agitation. "I cannot say with complete certainty that have."

"Then you may have exposed her to your mating scent. Those powerful hormones can influence her to come into season before the proper time. You MUST not let her scent you again. It could be disastrous to her Chiva when her full concentration must be on the Hunt, not on mating. Do you understand?"

"Sei, I do. I appreciate your warning, and your wisdom, Honorable Myn'dill."

The Healer's voice grimly softened, "What will you do, Theron? What will you do if she indicates submission to you before her Chiva?"

"I will deny her, Healer! What else could I do? She is for a High Council Elder!"

"It could be quite difficult. Her scent will be extremely appealing – especially to one who has gone without."

"My honor is my life, Myn'dill!" he growled, almost threateningly. "My word is my bond!"

"My mind rests, then. I trust your honor and your word. I would not want any dishonor to come to you." He reached and grasped Theron's shoulder in solidarity. The gray Hunter returned the grasp, feeling privileged to be bonded to such a wise and noble Yautja.

"May I question you in turn, Honorable Healer?"

"Sei, ask."

"You are not on the High Council, but you are an Elder among Healers. Do you have a claim or interest in any of the growing females?"

Myn'dill's eyes squinted, "Why do you ask me this?"

"My curiosity is sometimes great. All of us in the Blood Bond have spent much time with the pups. You and Aldúlfr have the greatest chance of breeding any of them, besides the High Elders. I wondered if any of them caught your interest."

"My interests are mine to keep. Go prepare for your trip brash Hunter, and keep your questions to yourself!" Myn'dill glowered at the Hunter and spread his jaws in threat. Not eager to challenge the nimble and well-trained Healer, Theron made for his ship. On the way he encountered Signý.

"Do you need any assistance in preparing your transport, Honorable Trainer?" she asked meekly. "I am most anxious to see my Bearer."

"You may be of assistance," he answered, a bit more formally than usual. "The hull needs an inspection. You can run the monitor over it while I take care of other things."

"I'm honored to be of help!" the young female replied.

Myn'dill is wrong. This is simply a half-grown youngling, eager to see her Bearer and eager to impress her Trainer. She offers no disappointment at not being inside with me – I would be able to tell. Myn'dill is an excellent Healer, but on this subject he is wrong.

While the Hunter ran through his pre-flight checklist, Signý covered the ship's skin with the monitor. It would detect any weakening in the hull and send in nanotechnology to strengthen worn or damaged places. The female used the device carefully, just as Theron had shown her. She did not want to embarrass herself or delay the trip by missing any spots. More modern ships had this ability built into their automatic repair controls, but Theron's ship was of an earlier age, so this had to be done manually.

As running the mechanism became automatic, the female's mind began to wander. Perhaps as he grows into an Elder and his fame spreads, perhaps then he can obtain a more modern ship! I am certain he has greatness in store for his future. Will my mother be glad to see him? Will she be glad to see me? Signý's work stopped for a moment as the truth of her fear showed itself. What will I do if she doesn't want to see me?


Back on Earth, Mel was just finishing up the residence of her newest client – the Morgan's. They had built a new palace up on the hill and moved in just a few months ago. The house was a bit over-the-top for Mel's tastes, but she could charge them a butt-load to clean it every Thursday and that is just what she did! The 'French country' inspired décor held plenty of places to collect dust. Every week she mopped the main floors, cleaned the bathrooms and did a 'deep cleaning' for some portion of the house. It was certainly a workout and she was very tired by the day's end after toiling there.

She put up the mops and buckets and all the cleaning supplies before going into the library to fetch the envelope left for her there. On Thursday's the house was usually empty. Mr. Morgan went to work somewhere in town. Mrs. Morgan had her morning at the salon, lunch with friends and then an afternoon of shopping. Their daughter was away at college, and their son, Zach, was usually out doing whatever wealthy Zach's did in a small college town.

The French doors to the library opened with the smallest click to reveal her sealed envelope left across one corner of the walnut desk. Mel headed for it and then realized that someone else was in the room. She came up short apologizing, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was in here."

Young Zachary Morgan didn't even turn to face her from his study of the shelves of titles. "You must be the housekeeper. Don't mind me. I'm just looking for something to kill time with."

"Oh. I'll just get my money and go then." Mel grabbed the envelope and stuffed it into her jeans pocket.

"What's your name?" A curious face was now looking at her. It was a pale angular face with cheeks ruddy from the outdoors. It was not a bad-looking face. The eyes were blue, beneath a shock of unruly wheat colored hair.

"Uh, yea. I'm Mel. I clean the house every week."

"Mom told me she'd hired somebody." He walked across the library and stuck out a hand at Melanie, "I'm Zachary – better known as Zach."

She took the hand, noting it was strong and conveyed the smoothness that went with many years of societal ease. "I'm Melanie – Mel for short."

"Do you live in town, Mel?"

"Down the hill. I rent a room there."

"Been in town long? I don't remember seeing you before, not that we've lived here long."

"Uh, I was born on a ranch out in the county. Then moved into town to go to college."

"What are you majoring in?"

"I'm studying to become a Social Worker. But I have a ways to go."

"A Social Worker. You know, I don't really know what they do." He smiled kindly down on Mel from what she figured must be at least six feet.

"I need to run, uh, Zach. It's been nice chatting with you, but I've got a class at six. Maybe we can talk another time."

"Sure, Mel. Enjoy your class. I hope we can talk again."

She backed away awkwardly and then turned and left, trying not to run and feeling very scrutinized. He's kinda cute and kinda sweet. Wonder how old he is. He looks young. Geez Mel – town alien ho' is a cradle robber! I bet he doesn't know my story. He'll hear it soon enough from the gossips around here. I'm glad that Mrs. Morgan didn't care. She just smiled and asked me to not let any of them in the house if they showed up. HA!

Images streamed into Melanie's head of Hunters sitting around on the delicate living room furniture, each with a porcelain cup of tea on their lap and a tray of cookies on the marble topped coffee table. A snort came out of Mel's nose. She looked up while closing the Morgan's front door to see if anyone had heard her and was relieved to see no one. Then she broke into a jog to enjoy the trip home.

Once in her room, she dived to the bathroom for a quick shower and dry, and then ran a brush through her dark tresses. Finally she made for her dresser. Pulling on clean clothing she glanced at the pyramid on the dresser top which was its usual leaden self. No Yautja tonight. I hope Mr. Edwards lecture isn't boring this evening. I'm so tired I'll never make it through without falling asleep. I hate it when he talks to the board!

The young woman grabbed her backpack full of textbook, note paper and completed assignment, and then plunged down the stairs. Mr. Montgomery was waiting for her, brown bag in hand. "Here Mel, I took the liberty of packing you some supper. I figured you were running late."

Mel gave him a peck on the cheek before grabbing the paper sack, "Mr. Montgomery, you are a godsend! If I ever find a man as good as you I'll marry him!"

"You do that!" he called after her, as she ran out the doorway.

The class proved to be everything that Melanie feared. The professor was unenthusiastically droning his lecture to the whiteboard as he scribbled on it. Something about 'guns and butter' was being graphed in vivid green and black markers. She tried to hear what he was saying and took a few notes after trying to reproduce the graph. Macro Economics was a required course, so she had signed up for it. Now she couldn't wait for the dreary module to be over with. Idly sketching things on her notepad, she desperately tried to stay awake.

Mel came to a bit when she heard another student sit down in the seat beside her. God, I must have been half-asleep, I didn't even hear them come in, she thought to herself, and resumed shading her drawing with the side of her pencil. A somewhat familiar voice spoke in a half-whisper, "That's a very good drawing. Is that one of those aliens?"

Startled wide-awake, Mel looked over at the voice and was shocked to see Zach Morgan. "I'm a transfer student," he whispered, giving her one of his nice smiles. Melanie smiled back and nodded, then finally looked down at her notepaper. There in the white margin was a fair rendering of a Yautja pup, eyes wide and upper mandibles spread as though giving a grin. Embarrassed, she tucked the drawing under her textbook and resumed trying to listen to the professor – who droned on for another fifteen minutes before giving them the reading assignment. When he was finished, he turned to the class and asked if there were any questions.

Yea, thought Mel, for the love of God what have you been talking about for the past hour, and why am I paying you for it? She got to her feet, gathering her things.

"Do you have another class this evening, Mel?" Zach asked in a friendly way.

"Uh, no, thank God!" she answered. "Oh, sorry. I'm just tired."

"Is this class always like this?"

"So far, yes. Horrible isn't it?"

"Yes, it certainly is!" he agreed. "So, I'll see you next class then?"

"Yes, God willing, I'll be here." Mel managed another tired smile, before heading out for the bus stop. Zach followed her on his way to the parking lot.

"I don't mean to be forward, but may I offer you a ride home?" Mel looked up into the kind, twinkling eyes.

"I would appreciate that SO much."

The tired woman followed him to his car, a surprisingly modest green sedan and let him pile her stuff in the back seat. He drove her to her house, the silence only broken by Mel giving a few directions. Once at her place, he picked up her backpack and walked her to the door. "Thanks again, Zach, for the ride home. I truly appreciate it."

"You are most welcome," he smiled back. "Do you need a ride to class next week?"

"Oh, I don't want to put you out!"

"It would be no trouble at all, Mel. I'd enjoy your company. Maybe together we can figure out what that old bulldog is saying in his lecture!"

Mel laughed, and then answered, "Okay. That would be great. I'll see you next week then."

"Next week it is! Have a good week, Melanie."

She went in the house and then turned to see his car pull away. Wow. A nice guy. What will they think of next? Wonder if he's got a girlfriend? Boyfriend? I've never heard anyone refer to someone as a bulldog before…how quaint!


The orange planet of Yaut fell away rapidly and Signý 's heart raced at seeing it shrink. She had been in space before briefly as part of her training, but she had never left the planet's orbit. Strapped in the large cushioned seat she felt dwarfed by the chair's size, but knew that in time she would grow into it. The female wondered what she would be able to do after she was grown – how strong she would get, and what she would look like. After a while, her thoughts changed to consider how long her locks might grow and how many rings she might have on them.

The pilot noticed her quietness. It was not remarkable. Signý was often quiet and did not speak as much as many of her sisters did. "We are about to breach the gate. Look over there," Theron pointed. "The gate is that ring of light." Signý chattered her small tusks at seeing its splendor in person.

"So beautiful," she murmured.

"Sei," he agreed, and then they plunged through it, and came out almost instantaneously. "We must travel this system for a while, and then we will gate again," he explained. "We will traverse five systems, not counting our own, and enter a gate in each one but the last. The last is the home of the Blue Planet. You may unstrap now and go about the ship if you desire."

The female unfastened her restraining straps and got to her feet. The artificial gravity held them firmly on the deck plating. "Are you hungry or thirsty, Honorable Trainer?"

"I am both, young one."

"Then I would be honored to prepare us a meal, if I may do so with your permission."

"Sei, permission is given."

Signý went back to the gallery and set about preparing the simple rations that a Hunting transport carried. She found the meat store and carved two servings onto metal plates, then poured flasks of water and placed everything on the small metal table. Using a nearby com she informed Theron that the meal was ready. He placed the ship on automated guidance and unstrapped himself. Getting up from his seat he stretched and walked back to the galley where Signý had already seated herself. She made to stand upon his arrival.

Holding a hand up, he explained, "No need for training discipline on this ship. We are not in the camp, Signý. Training discipline is relaxed until we return. Let us simply enjoy this trip." The UnBlood nodded her head and waited for Theron to begin the meal. He did and she joined him in consuming the ration which was washed down with several flasks of water. After the meat was finished, they carried their dishes to the cleaner.

"I'm going to check in with the other ships and then we have nothing to do until the next gate. Please help yourself to the ship's library or the bath, Signý. Treat this like your home while we are traveling." He widened his upper mandibles in a sign of friendliness to her and returned to the command room.

The young Yautja glanced about. I shall use the library. Maybe there is some information on the Blue Planet. I would like to learn more about where Mother came from, or rather where Mother is, she corrected herself. I wonder if Theron is still interested in mating her. And if she still has any interest in him. He is very desirable – even at my young age I can perceive this. He is intelligent, honorable, wise, and very attractive. I love the way his locks hang over his shoulders – with so many honor rings! And his gray eyes – such an amazing color!

Signý daydreamed as she searched the onboard library via the reader for texts on the Blue Planet. She was pleased to find not only many texts, but several recordings. Searching their titles she found one that interested. It was called, 'All My Children'. Probably a recording about how to raise ooman pups, she decided, settling to watch the picture.

Up front, the Dor'an Warrior had completed his check-in with the ships that accompanied them. He ran an unneeded system's check just for something to do and noticed via his control panel that Signý was watching a Blue Planet recording. It was a primitive signal that had been picked up long ago by a transport and recorded. He had downloaded it from Yaut's main library along with many other recordings and texts. Theron had been studying Melanie's planet in-depth for some time now. He enlarged the picture on his viewer and joined the pup in watching the recording; perhaps he would learn something new. After viewing it for some time, he switched it off and went back to Signý's com, concerned that she might have some questions.

The female's lengthening locks draped over the hand that supported the side of her face as she watched the program. She understood the language perfectly, but not always the meaning and found the situations puzzling. The more she watched, the more confused she became, and started writing down the many questions that popped into her mind. What a perplexing place Earth must be!

Theron observed her for a bit before he intruded on her viewing. He noticed the puzzled look in her brown eyes along with her knitted brow as the voices from the viewer grew louder and one of the female voices began crying. He nearly erupted in laughter as a low rumble of reproach came from Signý, directed toward the drama's characters. His small choke made her look up at him.

"What do you think of it?" he asked, drawing a chair closer and sitting down beside her.

Switching the com off, Signý replied, "I'm not certain I understood all of it, but it would seem to be a guide on how to dishonor yourself. Is that what it is?"

"H'ko, small one. It was created for entertainment purposes. Oomans apparently enjoy this kind of a story."

"Are they really so emotional? And selfish? And only concerned with the acquisition of things, instead of their honor?"

"I do not know, Signý. Although I have studied them and speak one of their dialects, this will be my first visit to the Blue Planet. Remember that some tales exist to tell us how NOT to behave. Perhaps it is like that for oomans also."

"I hope that is so, Honorable Theron." Signý looked up at the Warrior with sincere hopefulness expressed on her face. He warmed instantly to the softness in her brown eyes and then quickly looked away.

"I have other things to attend to, small one. Why don't you search the library and see if all the recordings are like this one? I will announce when we are approaching another gate." Theron abruptly left the room as thoughts of Melanie dizzied his mind, her eyes look exactly like her Bearer's!


Every week, Melanie went to clean the Morgan's faux French house. Sometimes her new friend Zach was there and they would engage in some short conversation in between her chores, and other times the house was empty, it's great rooms almost echoing the loneliness of the single set of footfalls.

Without fail, every Wednesday, promptly on time Zach arrived to give her a ride to their boring class. Ever so slowly, they got to know each other a little better. Mel learned that Zachary boxed in his spare time. "Boxing?" she'd exclaimed. "Now who boxes?" Then she changed her tone to a more complementary one after seeing the hurt on his face. "Boxing is classic!"

"Would you like to come and watch some time? I'll warn you though that it can get a little bloody at times."

"Sure, I'd watch. I've never seen it in person." I've only seen hordes of mentally-ill Hunters trying to kill me and my child – that's all. And spars between genuine Hulks where scales fly and green blood flows. What's a little boxing match between men?

"Great! Actually, that's where I go after class on Wednesdays. You can tag along any time you like!" He seemed to glow with genuine pleasure that he would have an audience.

"How come I never see you banged up, Zach?"

He looked startled at the question. "Because I almost always win," he grinned.

"Humble aren't you?" she teased.

"Assuredly so, madam." He made a dramatic bow with his head as he was driving. It reminded Mel of the great Hunters dreadlocked crowns nodding or bowing in submission to each other. Compared to a Yautja, Zach's head was puny. In fact, compared to the Yautja, all humans were rather pin-headed Melanie decided.

"Okay, Zach. I'll go sometime and see how you do in the arena!"

"It's called a boxing ring," he laughed. "You make it sound like the Roman Coliseum!"

"Yea, I guess I did," she said, almost to herself.

Melanie couldn't wait until the mind-numbing class was over. The professor had reached new lows of lackluster tedium with his board-muffled speech and marker hieroglyphics. Several times she and Zach's eyes had met and he would make a face of sleepiness or roll his eyes up until only the whites showed. She had responded to his antics with soft smiles which she realized only encouraged him further. But the class was so dreadful she was willing to reach out to any entertainment, no matter how small.

After class, Zach drove Melanie home. Quietly entering the house, she saw that her landlord had gone to bed. She crept up the stairs and began to get ready for bed. Taking off her earrings she moved to place them on the dresser tray when she saw the pyramid begin to glow. It was a dim spark at first, coming from the center of the crystalline object as a bright red dot. It grew until it completely filled the small beacon and her room was bathed in blood orange brightness.

"She's here!" Mel spoke to the dust wavering in the vivid light. "What should I do?" She imagined her daughter coming up the walk and ringing the doorbell. "I can't have her risk coming here!" Melanie wracked her brain and then remembered Sig'dan's instructions from the past, "Take the beacon and go to an isolated place – an open field. The ship will find you." Stuffing the small dazzling light into her backpack, she hurriedly crept back down the stairs and began to run towards the edge of town, her mind shuffling through a dozen places she might go. Thanking her still able body, she set a blistering pace out toward the open fields.


The young female Yautja could not help but quiver with anticipation as the craft drew near the stunning Blue Planet that slowly rotated displaying its varied land masses, azure oceans and white gaseous clouds. A single shining moon rotated around the sphere. Signý was amazed at how large the moon was relative to the planet.

"Time to strap in," Theron ordered from the pilot's seat. The youngling was immediately beside him fastening her safety harness and snugging it tight. Technically, a grown Yautja could simply grab a handhold and maintain themselves safely during most any landing or takeoff. The harness was simply a precaution for the UnBlooded not-yet-grown Yautja and for Theron too, as he was being particularly careful on this mission. No harm would befall the offspring of Mel-an-ee!

The small ship was cloaked well before it came within the Blue Planet's system. Theron's transport entered the space alone as the guardian ships stayed on the edge of the small yellow star's orbiting pack of comets and planets. The gray Hunter scanned the planet searching for a certain frequency, a pinpoint in the spectrum that when viewed by a human eye was reportedly a dazzling heat-like hue. "There she is," he muttered, his erratic clicks betraying anxiety. The silver space vessel made a banking turn and headed to rendezvous with Melanie's beacon.

There was a bump as the hard alloy shell met with the denser part of the planet's atmosphere and used the thicker gases to assist in slowing. Signý swiveled her head trying to take in all the clouds as they punched through into the lower layers just above the globe's surface. The youngling gasped and even Theron was unprepared for the sight of so much green. They had emerged from the cloud cover over a vibrant plain of life. What seemed to be plants grew everywhere, as far as one could see, and in some places, large herds of brown or black creatures were gathered together eating, drinking or just resting in the moonlight.

The ship uncloaked to become visible for Mel's benefit and then moved very slowly over the fields until it hovered for a moment before descending as though some giant puppeteer were lowering it on a steady string. Melanie was amazed again to see how the alien ship seemed to merely float above the ground. It came to gentle rest, making no sound as it contacted the Earth. Then the doorway opened and a ramp emerged. As excited as she was, Melanie waited to see who would come out. What if it wasn't her daughter, but some strange unknown Hunter? A cold fear accompanied that thought but was erased as a gray, fully armored Hunter descended the ramp, looked around and then beckoned behind him. Melanie was off, sprinting across the meadow as fast as her feet could fly. She came to a dead stop when the next Yautja walked down the ramp.

A tall, unknown one came to stand beside the gray Hunter. Mel could see it was female; the smallish breasts were slightly covered with cloth. The "she" stood perhaps a head shorter than the Hunter and her muscles bulged beneath the shoulder plates, and stood out on the sides of her short cloth. Signý? Could this female be my little Signý? I've not been gone that long, have I? How did she get so tall?

The Hunter clicked and both removed their masks, the female tossing her dark locks which as yet bore no rings. Her face is…stronger, more mature. Where is my little girl? Is she in there?

Melanie began to walk toward the pair who had already spied her. They waited for a moment, and then the female was off sprinting towards the human woman crying, "Mom! Mom! It's me, Signý!" She rushed to her mother and stopped as she read the uncertainty in her Bearer's body language. "Mom," she said, "It's me, your daughter."

The voice was finally recognized, deeper and older but still belonging to her child. "Oh baby, I know it's you!" Melanie's arms wound round her daughter's broad frame and they stood embracing. Theron remained a respectful distance away, scanning all around for any danger.

"You've grown so much that I'm nearly speechless! Let me look at you!"

Signý backed and did a slow turn for her mother. "I'm training with weapons now, Mom! And we're going on a real hunt soon!"

"That's…a…that's just great! I'm very proud of you, young lady!"

"Come on, Mom. Come on the ship with us. We have so much to speak about!" Melanie stopped cold at the invitation.

"Uh, I'm so glad to see you, honey. But I'm not really comfortable getting on that ship."

Signý did not hide her shock, "You are not? But why? That makes no sense." Then realizing she was dishonoring her Bearer she bowed her head, "Honorable Bearer, I do not question your judgment. I was only surprised at your reaction."

"It's okay, honey. Let me greet Theron. That is Theron with you isn't it?"

"It IS Mom! Just like you asked. He doesn't look it, but he's very excited about seeing you again."

"He is?" The two females leaned toward each other speaking quietly in feminine conspiracy. "I'm looking forward to seeing him too! " Arm in arm, they walked to the Hunter who couldn't help but open his top outer jaws in a grin.

"Honorable Mel-an-ee, I trust you are well?"

"I am, Honorable Theron. My daughter wants us to visit on your ship. Can you assure me that I will be safe there, and that I will be allowed to leave and return to my home once we have finished our visit?"

Theron's spirit sagged, "Yes, you have my word. You are safe as long as you are with me. You may leave the ship at any time and go wherever you wish."

"Let's go on board then. We have so much to catch up on."

The gray Hunter followed the two chatting females up the ramp and into the light of the ships interior. The walkway closed behind them and all was invisible to the human eye – once again.

Inside the craft, Signý led her Mother to the galley which was the only place onboard where three could comfortably sit and converse. The woman gave a hop and tried to get up upon the Hunter-sized seat. "May I assist you, Mel?" the still smooth voice of Theron asked.

"Sure." The gray Hunter carefully took hold of Melanie around her waist with his very large hands and lifted her up to place her gently upon the chair and then stood watching, as Signý seated herself near her Bearer. She scrunched her brow at Theron and then realized he was waiting politely to be asked to either join or leave.

"Mom, do you mind if Theron joins us, or would you rather just visit with me?"

"Oh. Uh, no, I don't mind if he stays – as long as you don't."

"Please join us, Honorable Theron," Signý was pleased to have his company during her visit with her Mother. "Honorable Melanie, may I get you anything? A drink perhaps?"

"You know, I did become accustomed to c'ntlip during my stay on Yaut. Do you have any?

Signý looked at Theron who answered, "Certainly, Mel. I will pour for all of us." The muscular Hunter went for the flasks and bottle of alcohol and poured them each a portion.

"Whoa!" said Melanie when her flask was just one-third full, "That's plenty – cheap date here!"

Theron and Signý looked at her, puzzled with the new phrase. Mel read their faces and responded, "Oh just a dumb Earth saying, pay it no mind." She picked up her drink and raised the glass to them, "To seeing my daughter again!" she said sincerely, and then turned to Theron, "And my friend!" His eyes warmed at her toast and they all slugged down a swallow of the burning liquid.

Signý began the conversation, her mind bubbling over with questions and finding it hard to know where to begin. "Honorable Melanie," she started.

"Please, just call me Mom or Mel, honey."

Signý began again, "Mom, how are you? What are you doing with your life here?"

"I'm good, honey. I work – I have a couple jobs, and I go to school."

"You are in Training, Mom?" Signý couldn't hide her amazement, "I thought you were grown!"

"I am grown!" Mel chuckled, "This training is for my career – the job that I want to devote myself to doing."

"Oh. And what is it?" the curious young Yautja asked.

"A job called Social Worker. I want to help other people who have problems."

"What kind of problems?"

"Well, honey, I want to help other women who have been through what I went through. You know, being uh, taken to Yaut and having a child there and then…coming back here."

Signý didn't know what to say next. She sat and looked at the table for a time. Finally Mel broke the silence, "I've missed you, Signý ."

"I've missed you Mom – so much. Can you help me understand? Why did you leave?" Theron's hearing pricked at her question and he leaned forward eager to hear the answer.

"I'll try honey. As you know, Earth is my home. I was born and raised here and, until your Sire took me away, this was the only planet I had ever been on. My mother and father are here, along with other relatives and my friends are here too. Things here are very different than Yaut and I just missed being here."

"Did you miss all the plants?"

"Well, yes. And the smells and the trees and animals and other people. And I missed the way things are here – the way our society works, and going to school and learning. You see I was already enrolled in school and knew what I wanted to study before I was taken. I couldn't forget my life here, my dreams, my goals. The only thing that made me stay on Yaut so long was you, my daughter. I wanted to raise you the best I could until you were ready for your training.

After a while, I realized that I wasn't adapting to Yaut very well – not like Sally, your Matriarch. I never did feel like I fit in, even though others, like Theron, offered to help me. So I wanted to return home and I wanted for you to have the best start in life possible. I came to realize that as a human I was hindering your growth as a Yautja. So, I came home.

Signý and even Theron looked surprised. "You were hindering me, Mom? How?"

"Oh, in a thousand tiny ways. I hugged and kissed you when no one was looking. Those are things a human mother does to her baby, but not a Yautja mother. We, Sally and I, wanted each of you to be raised to become excellent Yautja mothers. I mean, you are the saviors of your race! I think she did a much better job than I.

I never could get used to the hunting. I felt sorry for the poor animals you and your sisters hunted and killed in the house. I tried not to let it show – but I'm sure it did at least a little. And the idea of you learning to fight and use dangerous weapons and going on dangerous hunts! Honey that goes against all that is in me. So you see, I had to leave. Can you understand? Can you forgive me? It was a hard, hard decision to make – but I did it for both of us."

Signý just looked at her mother, trying to digest and understand all her words. Theron took this opportunity to join the conversation, giving Signý some time to think. "Mel, are you happy here?"

"Yes! I am. I have a good place to live and school is interesting and I have friends."

"You do not have a mate then?" A hopeful glimmer passed over the Hunter's face.

"No, not yet. I have recently met a very nice young man, but I don't know if he's potential mate material yet or not."

Signey responded quickly, "Is his honor not evident? Does he have trophies to prove his worth?"

Melanie smiled, "We do not do things here the way they are done on Yaut. I will have to take the time to get to know him, form a relationship and then I'll make the judgments of his honor and worth. It takes time – and he'll be judging my honor and worth also. Then if we both desire it – we'll become lifetime mates. After a while, we'll have children and enjoy our life together as a family. It is different than what either of you know, but it is what I want.

"You know, when I was taken to Yaut I was barely an adult. I think that many of the things I went through there helped me to become more mature. I did what I thought was best for you Signý , and I know what I want for myself."

Melanie turned now to Theron, "And that is why I didn't pursue a relationship with you. I was afraid it would interfere with my goals."

"So you were interested in him!" Signý interrupted "I thought so!" Then she quietly added, "And I knew he was interested in mating you." Theron whirled his head to the young female, his locks clanking with the turn, and regarded the youngling as he spoke to Mel.

"Honorable Mel-an-ee, you are wise. I respect that you did what you thought was best for your offspring, and after hearing you tell of it, I agree with your decision. I respect your decision to do what you want for yourself also, even though I regret that you do not wish to become my mate. I will honor your decision." He nodded his head somberly.

Signý blurted out, "Well, no one is asking me, but I think it is sad that you both like each other and that you won't take Theron as your mate, Mom!"

Now Melanie joined Theron in staring her daughter down, "You are right, Signý. No one asked you!"

"Sorry," mumbled the youngster.

Theron could not suppress an expression of mirth, "I appreciate your support for my cause, small one!"

They talked on into the evening with Melanie exchanging stories with her daughter about her new life on Earth, and Signý telling her Mother about her adventures in the Training Camp. Melanie did not ask about Sig'dan, so her daughter wisely said nothing of him. Mel seemed only interested in what had been going on with her daughter. She eventually learned that the pups had all gone through an engineered growth spurt in order to ensure that they would all grow into the normal robust size of a Yautja female.

It grew late and Melanie eventually found herself talked out. "I'm so glad you came to see me! Will you come again?"

"I will Mom! Every chance I get!"

The pair embraced and the human woman kissed her daughter's cheek. Theron's voice interrupted their goodbye, "Mel-an-ee, may I accompany you home to ensure your safety?"

"Well, yes, Theron. That would be very nice of you, but I wouldn't want to risk someone seeing you. I don't mean to offend, but it would be very difficult for me to explain."

"I will cloak, Mel. No one will see me. Your daughter has no cloaking with her, so she will remain here on the ship. Have you both completed your farewells?" Theron seemed rather formal and stiff to Mel, but she thought that reasonable considering her rejection of him. She embraced her daughter one more time, "Take good care of yourself, honey. I'm proud of all you're accomplishing. I know that you have a great future ahead of you."

"Thanks, Mom. You take care too. I hope that you have everything you want here."

"Thanks, honey. I do too – but I'll always want to see you. Don't forget me."

"I won't Mom. You won't forget me, will you?"

"Never!"

Theron cloaked and accompanied Mel down the rampway. Carefully he followed her home. Signý watched her Mother as she walked away into the night, followed by a tall blur.

AN: I know that many of you have been rooting for Mel and Theron to hookup. I sympathize. I did consider it and even tried to work it into this story. I find that I cannot. I am considering another story with Mel as the main character. Until then, please enjoy the adventures of the pups as they grow up, and Sally as she continues her assimilation into Yautja society. Oh, and I've not forgotten about Duncan out there in the woods. Stay tuned…