A/N: And yet another winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere finds us together in this universe of Yautja and humans and hybrids. I hope this day finds you with friends and a light heart. Please enjoy...and thanks to all of you who take the time to drop me a line in a review. It is truly appreciated to hear what you may have liked, or didn't like, about the story. Can't believe I've been at this for two years now! - GrayHuntress

Chapter 28: False Start

"It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us." – Norman Maclean

A startled "Uff" was the only sound that came from Jack's mouth as the fervent Huntress threw him bodily upon the bed and abruptly mounted his middle in a single leap. Growling and chattering her teeth in excitement, she proceeded to grind against him. His firm response hesitated when he looked into the feverish eyes that had succumbed to nature's call. Where was his Chance? The female of his heart and dreams had vanished, leaving only this hellishly strong Yautja Huntress who determinedly ground his loincloth into his sensitive phallic skin.

"Yow! Hold up, Chance, let me get undressed at least!" He snapped his teeth at her, instinctively finding himself responding to her ferocity. She answered him by lifting her body up and ripping his cloth off before he could even reach down for it. Her other hand moved to secure her slightly released mate by digging sharp claws into his shoulder.

Even as her talons penetrated and her body eased up to give her hand room, Jack used her unleveraged position to try and slip from beneath her. His wriggles were greeted by an irritated shriek that rose from her throat and betrayed her all too human half, even as she sought to wrench her sexual prey back into position. The bile of fear rose within Jack as the metamorphosed woman reached her clawed hand down to his crotch, only to find the previously engaged member now flopped lifelessly to the side.

"You wanted me!" she roared. "I smelled it! Why deny me now?"

Jack felt her razors pull none too carefully over his fainted phallus. "Chance! I want you – but not like this. Dammit woman! You're stronger than I am. Let me up right now!" he ordered her, hoping she would respect his assertiveness.

"I scent your fear!" she bellowed. "And just what about this don't you like? Pussy! Just like your father – a damned pussy!" She sprang back from him. "Now, asshole. Get up and take me!"

"But Chance! I've tried so hard to be gentle with you – not like your rapists!"

Jack stood up as she crouched into fighting position and then he sprinted for the exit. The move surprised her and he was able to escape without further injury and set the lock before she reached the door. Inside, he heard her roaring and the sounds of his chair and table being smashed to bits. Shocked and embarrassed, he ran to search for Theron.

The Sire was sitting at the ship's com, studying maps of D'agan's planet. Surprised to hear the panicked sound of running feet, he looked up to see naked and bleeding Jack burst into the room. The young Hunter placed a hand on the edge of the console and bent forward, trying to catch his breath, "Sire! Help!"

Theron huffed at the mating musk, rage and fear essence surrounding his offspring and saw the bloody claw marks. He suppressed the urge to remind Jack that he had tried to ask him about this but was told to mind his own business.

"To the med bay and tend yourself!" he ordered. "I will handle her." He was about to leave but turned to Jack, "Do not condemn yourself. This is the Trainer's…no this is MY fault for not having instructed you properly. I did not think she would behave as a full-blood. There is no shame in this Jack. Go to the med bay and do not return to your room until I summon you!"

Jack nodded at his Sire's fierce stare and watched him turn and walk briskly towards the room where his ferocious mate was now beginning to dismantle the bed. Even though Theron had blamed himself, Jack couldn't help but feel frustrated and demeaned by what had just taken place. He had been unable to mate with his beloved! Feelings of failure as a Hunter and as a man surfaced quickly during the short walk to the infirmary. He dabbed a little blue healing gel on his wounds and felt too depressed to even cry out from the pain. He washed the dried blood from his body and decided to go soak in the communal pool. It wouldn't wash away his shame but it would be a soothing place to wait for his Sire. He didn't want to think about what was happening in his room right now.

Chance felt as though something had taken possession of her. It drove her body to want the unthinkable and her mouth to say horrible things. At first, a tiny part of her had been a fascinated observer as the stranger had taken hold. But now, even the observer had been swallowed up by this new entity channeled through the Huntress' body, a new entity whose only thought was the need to become pregnant. It howled in increasing rage upon finding that the doorway was locked. No fists or kicks could prevail against the metal, so the being turned to shredding bed furs with her claws while she yowled her misery to the gods. Her heightened senses perked when a click sounded in the doorway and, springing to her feet from where she sat on the bed, she took in the sinewy fitness of the Hunter crouching before her.

"So YOU think to come and subdue me?" the she-being asked coyly, her head tilted to one side. "But I have not chosen you!" Her words rumbled forth even as her in-breath took in the deep pleasure of a mature male's musk which had been cast out into the room for her. She sniffed in pleasure even as her feet carried her to stand before him and thrust out her hand to slap against his steel-sturdy chest.

With practiced ease, the lithe Hunter ceased her wrist and twisted her arm into stiffness. Then he pivoted her around and easily captured her other wrist. In a flash, she was captured in the traditional Yautja mating hold. At some point, the Hunter had shed his cloth and he carefully, but forcefully drove home the action that the Huntress had been craving. She could not fight him - he had secured her submission with skill. So she greeted his intrusion with her own backward thrusts and succumbed to the sweaty sensations of sex.

Meanwhile, over in the ship's pool, soaking Jack had been joined by his Hunt Brothers, Enlil and D'agan. He did not greet them, but stayed seated with closed eyes, his head tilted back on the comfortable edge. His two Brothers eyed his injury with uneducated eyes. What had happened? Was the mating completed already? If so, where was Chance? Many questions flew through their minds but they were too polite and considerate to voice them.

Eventually, he spoke, "I am too ashamed to greet you. She…she turned into something I was not prepared to meet. Theron is with her now. She was so powerful! I think she would have killed me had I stayed with her." He opened his sorrowful eyes as the last word left his lips. "Theron said I was not trained to handle her."

"I am certain he spoke the truth, Brother," Enlil sought to support his friend. "We were forbidden to breed, so none of us has ever been instructed. D'agan and I…" he looked at his mate, who finished the thought for him.

"We are fortunate to be about the same strength and size. If I was completely female and Enlil not trained in how to mate with me – I'm certain our coming together would have been quite dangerous for him!"

"But I had to come running to my Sire! Like some little baby! I don't think I'll ever be able to face Chance again!" He retreated to the darkness behind his eyelids, a most miserable Hunter.

"To be so close to mating and then be forced to leave must be very frustrating indeed," D'agan continued. "I would offer you myself for relief, but I think you would have to put down Enlil first!" He chortled at the half-raised crown of aggression his words had already teased from his mate.

"Thanks, but no thanks. It's a very…considerate offer, but I just don't find you attractive, D'agan. No offense intended."

"None taken," D'agan replied kindly.


Familiar lights in the distance beckoned to the Hunter as he brought his craft down carefully onto the spot he had selected. From here, the city lights were dim and few. Yautja had excellent night vision and fortunately, not many citizens cared to spoil the few of the night sky with artificial daytime. The ship touched the ground as gently as if caressing the face of a pup and Theron's jaws stretched out in appreciation of himself. My usual perfect landing! Just like hitting a lusty female's ripe entry and shoving to the hilt the first time! For Paya's sake, Theron, put your emergency mating to the recesses of your mind! This landing was not that. It was a…a landing fit for a Hunt! Creep in, disturbing nothing. Take the prey, growl your victory to the gods and blast out! Paya, I need a Hunt. After this visit to Yaut, should I survive what we are about to do, I will get fresh meat for our food store. What should I procure?

Theron used his hunt thoughts to distract himself from remembering his mating with Chance, and also the dangerous task that lay ahead. He had decided to sponsor the YoungBlood's approach to the Matriarch and High Council. He would act as an Elder and make the appointment to state their case. It would be his voice that laid out the plan and tried to convince the reigning Elders along with the Matriarch of the validity of letting the misfits go. It would be laying all their lives on the line to do this, he realized grimly. A single word from the Matriarchy or a judgment from the High Council would condemn them all as Bad Bloods for even thinking of asking permission to break away from Yaut. On the other hand, Matriarch Arndís and the High Council Elders might see it as a simple way to rid society of problematic participants. He did not know which face the trade coin of fate would choose to show when it landed on the stone floor of the Council Hall. And he badly wanted to know, ahead of time. How could he boldly march into the presence of the High Elders, accompanied by these young Hunt Brothers and Chance, and state their request when he knew that it might well condemn all of them to an immediate sentence of death? How could he lead his offspring, Jack, into such a place? If they were executed, Mel would never know what had become of them. She would wait and watch the skies for the ship that would never come again.

He shook his head in dismay. There must be some way to test the waters before he boldly plunged in! He wished that Sally were still in charge. There would have been no hesitation on his part to go to her and tell everything that had happened. She would have greatly enjoyed meeting Jack and his Hunt Brothers. She would have enjoyed seeing the maturation of Chance. But she was gone and the circle of protection he had formed around her, the Blood Bond, had disbanded. The Blood Bond! All his brothers who had had drank of the cup with him! The Consort Aldulfr, Healer Sigdan, High Council Healer Myn'dill! Their faces flashed before him, the former group sworn to protect Matriarch Sally and her offspring. He would request them to assemble and test his idea within the pool of friends before swimming in the uncharted ocean. Completely satisfied with his idea, Theron went to share it with the rest of the crew before he disembarked.


Jack had tried his best to reconstruct his room. His Sire had summoned him there only after Chance had been sated. She was now quietly sleeping in her own room. Jack sniffed about the place. Theron had thoughtfully sprayed it down with deodorizer, but there was still a trace here and there of the coupling. The young Hunter turned to picking up the large shreds and splinters that had once been a chair. The table was only broken in half and might be repairable. The bed furs were only strips now and would have to be discarded. Efficiently, he gathered up the destruction into a large pile and bound it with thin lengths of furred hide. Then he carried it to the disposal, only to find that the large pile would not fit and had to be fed piece by piece into the disintegrator which would break down the structure and spew only molecules into space. He then went to the supply bay to see if there was another chair.

He was just walking back, carrying a small chair that would have to suffice, when he turned down the corridor leading to his room and saw her. The Huntress was standing outside his room as if waiting for him. Jack's stature nearly shrank but he knew he would only appear even weaker if he were to try and avoid this meeting. So bolstering his spine with the thought that perhaps Theron WAS right and it was only due to a lack of training that he had failed, he began his death march towards his quarters. Impatient as always, the Huntress began walking toward him, covering ground at twice the speed of the dirge of his funeral cadence.

"Jack, I've been looking everywhere for you!" She greeted him with an unexpected embrace which he clumsily returned. "Theron has explained everything to me. I'm so sorry – I feel so bad about hurting you! I…I wasn't in my right mind, Jack! Are…are you okay?"

"Oh, the shoulder punctures will heal," he said with false cheerfulness. Then his face fell and displayed his heart, "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to, uh, finish the job. No, I'm not okay. I feel like a complete failure, if you really want to know."

"Well, shit, Jack! It's not your fault nobody trained you how to deal with me! And none of us knew that would happen – that I'd become like a full-blood. I'm not happy with it either. I was completely not in control of myself! But, Jack! Theron told me that you aren't full-grown yet. And he'll teach you how to deal with me and…and…we can mate successfully someday, Jack! I know we can! It's your child I want to carry!" She touched her belly and Jack looked down.

"You're pregnant now, aren't you?" She nodded. "You're pregnant with my half-brother! And he'll be seventy-five percent Yautja," he noted grimly, "out of Theron's line. He'll be unstoppable, I bet."

"It might be a 'she', Jack. We don't know yet. I know this is going to take some time for you to come to grips with."

"Yea, it will," he admitted. "I just hope my mom never finds out."

"Hey!" she sparked. "He didn't come claiming me! This was not his choice! Theron did what had to be done and he was the only one on board who could!"

"Yea, and he never enjoyed a moment of it." Jack said sarcastically.

"When you're ready to quit pouting and act like an adult, maybe we can talk," Chance growled at him. "Until then, I'm going to leave you alone to enjoy your self-pity! None of us asked for this! It just happened. Do you think it is what I wanted? We have to make the best of it! Jeez, you can be SUCH an ass!"

He watched her stomp off, aware that only his sense of pride kept him from calling her back.


Flickering lamps lent their ambiance to the warmth of the evening as the group of Hunters met around the dining table in the dwelling of Honorable Healer to the High Council, Elder Myn'dill. Half-empty stone flasks were quickly refilled by the Honorable Healer's servants who then easily sunk back into the shadowed recesses of the room. The Healer had moved from his singular and plainly furnished quarters to one more befitting a High Council Healer. The first thing he had accomplished was to clear the place of its over-furnishings and create the more Spartan style he preferred.

The Elder Arbitrator and former Consort, Aldulfr was on his right and next to him sat Healer Sig'dan. To his left sat Theron and then the High Council guard, Yrándr.

"It is good to assemble again," he stated to all around his table. "I have gathered all of the former Blood Bond who are still alive and on Yaut at the request of Honorable Theron." He nodded to his left in recognition of the gray Hunter.

"We would hear you speak, now, Honorable Brother."

Theron rose, taking the time to clear his throat with a swig from his flask. Then he began, "Those whom I have called Blood and kin, I have recently come from the Chiva Planet, Bhu'ja Agaj'ya , where my bloodline has completed his Chiva." He stopped as the sound of flask bottoms being tapped on the tabletop, accompanied with clicks of approval, gave accolades to Jack's achievement and then the inevitable question, "You have a male offspring?"

He stopped to tell briefly the tale of how Jack came to be and then received a great many grunts and shoulder shakes –especially from the beaming Sig'dan. "I am very pleased for Mel that she has a pup who is now a full Hunter. I am certain he is a carries your Bloodline with honor, Theron!"

The gray one was finally able to continue his original plea, "There is a group of hybrid Hunters there who, as you know, are banned from breeding. They seek to ease society's burden by forming their own new society on another planet – perhaps one on the very edge of Yautja territory. I am here to represent their request to the High Council. They ask for no technology, only the means to get to their new home. So, before I commit suicide before the Council," Theron chortled, "I ask for your opinion on this matter and on how best to present it to the Council."

Elder Aldulfr spoke first. "I would be within the law to declare you BadBlood at this very moment and cut you down. Only our previous Bond and the admiration I know Sal'lee had for you stays my hand." He stared down the smaller Hunter for a moment and then laughed, "That, and the fact that I know you would give me a fight worthy of Cetanu!" Everyone clicked and chortled in relief. For a moment, the Elder had given every indication he would challenge the gray Hunter.

"I welcome your advice at this point more than your spar, my Elder," Theron replied. "Perhaps I may indulge you another time."

"Perhaps. I cannot imagine what has taken hold of you to represent such foolishness to the Council and the Matriarchy. Arndís is level-headed, so you do not need fear her immediate judgment. But Ulfrde has her hearing, as well as great influence with some of the High Elders. She will not welcome your request. It may be that her puphood memories of you will save your life, Hunter. Do not count on it." The Elder sat back down.

Elder Myn'dill spoke next. "What do they think they can accomplish by having their own planet? There are no females to accompany them. None of the new females will certainly be allowed to go with them. How do they expect their new society to prosper?"

"There are a few females to go with them, Honorable Healer. There are perhaps two human females, plus the hybrid Chance and a…a Hunter who is also a Huntress."

The looks on the faces of his audience was one that Theron would forever cherish. Huffing of the air told them that he did not lie. Yet disbelief colored everyone except Myn'dill, who said, "I have heard of this happening but only rarely. It seems that Paya will find a way for our species to continue – even without our help!"

"Admitedly, the gene pool is small. But if all the pups are Sired by different Hunters, there may be enough variety to keep us going."

"And all from deficient Hunters – with the exception of you, of course," Myn'dill noted. "Although I found no deficiency in the Huntress Chance."

"And my offspring!" Theron growled. The Healer bowed in submission. He had forgotten about Jack. He had never examined the oddly created hybrid, of course, but he did not wish to begin a fight with his old friend and secret Clan Brother.

"It may be possible for a population to come from such a small seed stock," Myn'dill continued. "But why? What for?"

"We wish to allow the gods to determine the evolution of our offspring. None will be denied pup bearing if they wish to contribute to our Clan. None will serve as Aseigan or Eta. There will be no class system."

Myn'dill broke out in laughter. "If you wish to experiment with how to degrade your genetics and allow your species to come to ruin, then by the gods you have my blessing! You realize that is what will happen, do you not?"

"We are hoping that the opposite of that will happen, Healer. In fact, it is why we wish to break off from Yaut."

"Explain," Myn'dill commanded, leaning forward in curiosity.

"We have noticed that some of the 'misfits' actually have some skills equal to and even superior to normal Yautja. We hope that these traits will appear in our offspring," Theron replied a bit smugly. He could not hide the pride he felt in his son.

"Like what?" Aldulfr butted in.

Too late, Theron realized that he had perhaps divulged too much. "Nothing really, just small traits here and there that could perhaps be of value some day."

"I scent your deception!" the Arbitrator growled, beginning to stand.

Theron responded quickly, "Chance has the ability to sense the presence of an enemy before sighting or scenting it! My offspring is able to calculate completely new strategy based on unconscious observation when under great duress. It has saved his life as well as the lives of others. I personally know two other Hunters who are as strong and skilled as most of our YoungBloods, and I am certain there is more."

Satisfied that the truth had finally been spoken, Aldulfr regained his seat and looked expectantly at Yrándr, who said, "I do not deal in genetic traits or new societies. I only understand honor. If the group you represent will do nothing to dishonor the Yautja – I have no disagreement with them."

As the youngest, it was finally Sig'dan's turn to comment. He stood thoughtfully, "It was my mate's decision to allow these males to Chiva, rather than becoming Eta. She never divulged to me her reason for this but I know of the wisdom of her other decisions and requests. If these 'improvements' to your genetics do become part of your new Clan, Theron – will they perhaps pose a threat to us in the future?"

Deadly silence engulfed the table. Theron had never considered such an outcome, but the faces of everyone around him told him that it would never be permitted to come to pass. "I will return to those who sent me," he calmly stated, "and tell them of the foolishness of this idea. I had not foreseen such a possibility - these are honorable Hunters of good character."

"I'm certain this is true," Sig'dan kindly supported his friend, "but who knows what the offspring of their offspring will think or believe about the race that founded them?"

"They will be very disappointed," Theron almost sighed. "It seemed such a profound idea to me."

"Go then," Myn'dill resumed his leadership of the floor rather stiffly. "I will hear no more of such an idea and because of our historic bond this meeting will be banished from my memory. Do all of you agree?" Grunts and nods came from around the table. Theron realized that had it not been for this bargain, the Elder Arbitrator might have come after him when he departed. I thank you for your generosity of spirit, Myn'dill.

Theron left the party with relief and trudged back toward the port. In truth, he had landed and secreted his ship near the equatorial jungle, not trusting how this meeting would go. It would take some time to jog through the cultivated fields but that would give him time to figure out how to tell the others the bad news. He reached the port, spoke briefly with the posted guard at the entrance and went inside. Looking around to be certain he was not noticed, he veered toward the walled boundary and was about to scale it when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Do not go yet, Brother."

He turned and looked around to find the shadowy figures of Myn'dill and Sig'dan approaching him. Warily he huffed for their intent and slowly began to sink into the battle crouch.

"Do not attack us!" Myn'dill's voice reached for him. "We do not come to fight you. Stand and hear us."

Theron rose back up from his crouch and walked to them, having no idea why they had followed or what was about to take place. He scented no aggression or deception, only camaraderie and an air of something else…conspiracy?

It was Sig'dan who shook his shoulder first, followed by the Elder Healer. Theron returned the gesture, feeling as if in a dream. "We wish to support your cause, Hunter," Sig'dan spoke after Myn'dill gave him a nod. "As Healers, we understand the ways we may be limiting our race by the culling of 'undesirables'. Yet, we also understand the requirement to not let just anyone breed. We wanted to speak further with you regarding this."

Myn'dill cut in, "We also agree not to divulge what is said between us. As far as we are concerned, our Blood Bond still holds, Theron. We are brothers and we do not dismiss our obligation to each other lightly. And we also understand the depth of feeling and care that Sal'lee had for our race. She would not have given males who were destined to be Eta the right to Chiva had it not been for a purpose. Please take us to your ship. We would meet with those who propose this and discuss it further."

Theron's guard went up at the final suggestion. "You would have me betray the location of those I have safeguarded?"

"We will not betray you, Brother. On our honor!" With that sacred oath, Theron knew he could take Sig'dan and Myn'dill to his ship.

"It is a slight run, Brothers. Only enough to get your blood well flowing!" He grinned, knowing that it would be a significant distance for the two Healers if they had not been keeping themselves in shape.

Many lengths of growing fields later, the three of them saw the shape of Theron's ship shimmering as a ghost against the backdrop of the jungle. "You have kept pace with me," Theron noted.

"You were expecting us to have become soft?" inquired Sig'dan, good-naturedly.

The three boarded the ship and introductions were made between Theron's friends and Jack, D'agan and Enlil. "Where is the Huntress?" Theron asked.

"I will retrieve her," responded Enlil and within moments had gone and returned with Chance. With introductions completed, the group sat down to share their ideas. Theron noticed the stress coming from Jack and his lack of eye contact with Chance. This will have to be remedied, he thought. His confidence must be restored. I know a possible way…

They spoke throughout the night and by the time the sun's morning rays began to bounce off the ship's cloak an agreement had been obtained. Myn'dill would provide the party with a large ship that would be able to transport any of the misfit Hunters from the Chiva planet to a new homeworld. In return, they agreed to share genetic samples with him for research. Theron had wanted to keep in touch, but agreed it was too risky to let anyone, including the two Healers, know of their destination. So Sig'dan secured tissue samples from all the crew and then he and Myn'dill bade them farewell. The Elder Healer would rendezvous later at a set point in space and time with them to deliver the promised ship in exchange for even more samples from other 'misfits' that Theron figured would join them.

"With the gods help, we are on our way," exclaimed Theron as he set the ship's controls to leave the planet.

"We will go explore my, our, planet now?" asked D'agan.

"No. First we head to Earth. We must try and convince Healer Edith to come with us, and my mate too, although her love for her planet is great. Then we will head out to the planet you have selected, D'agan! If all goes well, we will have not only a few more females, but a viable planet and a huge transport to bring our Brothers from Bhu'ja Agaj'ya home!" I pray that my trust in Myn'dill, who is a great master at concealing his scent, and Sig'dan is not misplaced!