THIS IS THE EPILOGUE, CHAPTER 34 IS THE LAST MAIN CHAPTER!

Epilogue: When the dust has settled..

Kaylum..

Three days after Ghardeh's death..

I wake up from bed and stretch making a loud yawn.. However I almost man-scream when I see Tet'va stood at my door leant against it staring at me..

"Wrong room Rain.. In fact, wrong apartment! Ellidas is further west! You scared the bejebas out of me.."

She moves from the doorway and approaches me.

"Actually it was you I was looking for, Ellida wanted me to check up on you while Delilah speaks to Shane about helping with the mission taking on the USM."

I nod with a smile, she's always looking out for me..

"Yeah.. But right now I need to get sorted, there's a certain someone I need to see. Something I promised myself once we got back h… Home.." I choke almost.. Ghardeh's death still stings. Being with everyone the other day was.. Unreal.. Surreal.. But I understand that they were her immediate family or the equivalent of.

"Ghardeh again Kaylum?" Tet'va asks holding my shoulder as I stay staring at the window..

"It isn't fair Rain.. Why did she have to be the one? Why not Shane or.. Or someone else? Anyone but her.."

"Life is never fair Kaylum, just like Life never really feels like anything until something like this happens.. The universe is full of cold hard facts and this is one of them."

"Ain't that the truth.. Well.." I look at Tet'va and shoo her out of my room, getting naked in front of Ellidas mate isn't going to go down well.

Once I'm sorted I head on to the station's city, but a thought hits me.. A powerful one, everyone goes on about their lives, oblivious to the danger that we saved them from. They have no idea that a shipment of Aquinox was on its way to this station that we prevented.. That Ghardeh prevented.. My smile fades.. Has it really been four days? I still feel the after effects of the shock.. Ghardeh and I weren't really related but she like Z felt like family.. I straighten my posture out and try to remember the good times with her.. It works.. Because I remember a day when she had a sparring session with Z and had him pinned to the floor with his foot twisted in a lock he was tapping the floor shouting while she just laughed.. I go to my local barista bar when I see her..

Her name is Amanda, Amanda Harley.. Wearing a black formal Zubo Barista uniform with a sky blue pinny with her name badge and Company logo. Her black and blue hair tied up and warm smile serving customers, her face almost glowing in the sun filled holo-sky. I sit at one of the tables alone to the left and I wait for her to approach.

She glides on over as I sit tapping my fingertips together.

"Hey Kall! Long time no see! Have you been hiding from your mother again?!" She asks not holding in a laugh and letting out a creeping snigger.

"You could say that.. But really I've been hiding from Aliens. They want to umm.. Interrogate me for entering their hallowed grounds.."

"Ahahaha! Look around Kall! I'm sure you'll see them here! What'll it be? The usual?"

"Yeah.. I'll make it a large.. For a change.."

"Okay so a large Strawberry Milkshake with cream and a slice.. Anything else I can get you?" She repeats my order then asks.

"Actually.. There is one more thing.." I ask with a creeping smile..

She blinks and she gives me a warm smile lowering her order pad.

"What's that Kaylum?"

Ellida..

One week after Ghardeh's death..

Tomorrow Kaylum and I leave for the Endeavour to find the remaining shipments of Aquinox sent by the USM. in edition to hammering the GDR with a termination order. The corporation is going down.

I spoke to Kall the other day, I'm happy for him.. He finally reached out to Amanda and she agreed to start dating him. He's over the moon right now, I also managed to get a hold of Zerri, but something about him.. Feels different.. His demeanor, his.. Personality, yes he lost Ghardeh and she has left a massive rift in all of our hearts.. But he.. I don't know.. It is like he has reverted back to how he was ten years ago.. Before Ghardeh flew onto the scene.. It's both upsetting and.. Unnerving.. He says he's fine and well but he just seems.. Impatient.. Almost.. Snappy.. At the basic things like a simple hello or good-bye.. But he has to remember we've lost family too back on Aurora. The girls have been a massive help lately. Seydee being the sisterly type. The others just being them.. Bubbly chipper and full of beans.. And bad jokes! I'm currently flying from Sisters Law back to Aurora.. A risky flight but I have to go back.. Mom is too busy talking to Shane. And you know what? He's grown on us.. He has such a kind persona about him.. He's been making sure we are all doing well. I enter Auroras atmosphere and begin a descent trajectory. I enter the old coordinates and my ship enters course correction.. The Dragons all fly and glide in the distance, dancing and wrapping around through the air.. Shame they are always horrible nasty critters but they are beautiful to observe from a distance. The ship slows and I remember the part of Twende forest.. And it is in that moment my heart sinks..

I land just past the wall where mom used to fire her rifle. And leave the ship, everything is overgrown and nature has reclaimed the wall.

I see the small shed mom used to put her tools and things, but the utility building where her ship was housed.. Is a collapsed mess. It brings a tear to my eye. I look to the house that is covered in moss and foiliage.. I open the door but the hinges are non existent and it hits the ground. Everything is covered in dust and leaves.. In the living room.. My memories hit me of what this space looked like ten years ago.. I open the wall where mom used to stash her weapons when I see her Pulse Ejector.. Dusty.. And browning.. With a hitched breath I sit down on the dusty sofa.. And let my memories run free..

Delilah..

Four weeks after Ghardeh's death..

Being back on a Starship again makes my juices flow, you just can't beat the sound of engine ambience and the sound of creaking bulkhead when you make a dashing U-turn. I mean if you were to enter space without an EVA suit you'd die.. Your Shields give out and the enemy ship hits your warp core you die.. But that's also the beauty of it, dog fighting is like an art.. An art that I've almost perfected as I run circuits around this USM frigate with an armada of Federal Corvettes and Destroyers. With thousands of little bees coming out of the panelling to sting the bad ones. We've spent weeks trying to track down every trace of Aquinox with varying degrees of success and failure, turns out we just can't contain all of it and some of the target sites have been hit causing unacceptable losses but the ones we have destroyed have saved countless billions of lives.. Including Sisters Law Station. It seems the USM is forcefully trying to expand it's reach into Federal space but the Federation isn't such a small force.. It can clash heads with the USM and come out on top.. Just like today.. We were battling above an M class planet called Geaniva. A colony for miners and distributors of Cobalt and Platinum. It is also home to a weapons manufacturer called Messiah.

After a job well done I return to the Hangar when I see Kaylum and Ellida talking enthusiastically of how they dodged a plasma missile by metres and fired at the USM frigates power distributor.

I make my way to the Captain to have a debrief.

"Captain Dixon, Delilah reporting in!"

Shane looks at me and smiles.

"As you were Delilah, we are all friends here.. Was that the last ship? I've had some reports suggesting that we have a termination ticket from the USM.. I don't suppose you think.. We've grabbed their attention?" Shane says with his smile widening.

"Good work.. To you and the terrible two." He waves a finger at me then walks around the triangular V shaped table then leans against it.

"The crew tells me that Ellie wants to try for Conn.. And Kaylum wants to take up engineering or tactical duties.. But I find it hard for Cuvark to give up his station.." Shane laughs quietly as I smile.

"He doesn't budge for anyone.. But.. I think.. He would at least show Kall the ropes.. Maybe become a mentor and training him properly?"

"You want me to tell him now or are you going to do it personally?" I ask leaning against the table beside Shane.

"I'll let him know personally.. Besides! I have a bone to pick with that man.." Shane holds up a data pad.. "Seems like he wants to design his own ship.. He's calling the Ardvark! Dismissed Delilah.. And good work all of you.." Shane says as he leaves the brief room and walks through the doors.

I nod and watch the space dust flash past as I think where oh where is Ze'reikich'ja?

He must be half-way around the galaxy by now..

Ze'reikich'ja..

One month and 14 days after Ghardeh's death..

A bright blue sky with shifting white cotton wool looking clouds, a calm but refreshing breeze, seagulls squawking and cooing in the distance, I'm on earth, at least the earth I remember way back in the 2000's. Cornwall, Newquay to be precise. I'm standing at the edge of a land's end watching the sea calmly dance and flow with the sun high in the noons sky. I see people on the beach below, sun bathing, kids playing in the sand and dogs running amok as people stroke them.. Peace and tranquility.. This is of course only a holoprojection, something Nina has called a holodeck, and as I recall she got that from a series from Star Trek.. I never thought of Neens as Star Trek fan, but.. Looks like she took some inspiration. I take a seat on the nearby bench and take off my right wrist blade gauntlet and look at the inscriptions Uzkielle had etched into the gold banding around the housing in Traditional Yautja runes. I look at the one part which says 'The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome.' My eyes slide to the last part. 'You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.'

I nod silently when I feel an unmistakable presence behind me, I don't have to look behind to know that it is Osh'ikeille.

"Earth, such a small planet, but it has some intriguing locales. Am I disturbing you mei'hswei?" He asks in his low guttural tone, he clicks watching people walk past us completely ignoring us. They are after all just projections.

"Never Star Breaker, you are welcome as always, I'm just.. Reflecting.. Still deciding if any of this is real.. I keep pinching myself to see if I'm dreaming and feel the pain of reality to feel I am awake.. I can't.. Begin to think how.. I mean.. Everything looks different now, without Ghardeh being here to offer insight, or.. Just.. Right.. Here.." I say trying to stay collected.

Osh'ikeille with his arms crossed approaches me and stands beside me looking out to the distance.

"It would be ignorant of me to say that I don't feel some part the same Bright Star, what Ghardeh brought to this family was more than friendship, more than.. Companionship.. She taught all of us.. Even the small things in life have a big difference and impact in life.. But most of all.. She taught us to.. Expand our borders.. To.. Thrive.. She's dead.. But dead doesn't mean gone. Ze'reickich'ja.. We all have a piece of her inside of us.. And it is those memories that stay with us.. Breathe in the light, and then say good-bye.. She would want you to live knowing you made her life worth living when she herself lost everything, you don't walk alone Ze'rei-te.. We walk with you.. That is all I will say.." He puts a hand on my shoulder gently shakes it once then takes his leave.. I stay stood for several more moments thinking on Osh's words, he always says things that means much more than it sounds.. And I've always respected that of him.. Because he carries the same burden, but he is much more adept at masking his feelings than I, he is after all a full blooded Yautja of the traditional sense.

I nod silently, looking down at my Gauntlet.. I take one last look at the inland when in the distance.. I see her.. How she was.. In my mind. I smile in my mind and walk away.

"End programme.."

The vista is replaced by a hexed large room with lights and a door. I walk through it and walk to the cockpit, this ship is much bigger than the original Lar'ja N'ritja. And I can see both design choices reflecting on each other all around me. Nina wants elegance and sturdy but well lit, but Osh wants utility and practicality. It combines into a ship that looks both clean and formidable. I like that.. I walk to the cockpit and the door opens with the same whir and 'Thung' it always has and I see Nina and Osh at the Conn.

They both turn to me, Nina smiles while Osh nods once. "We've got a lead on where to start our star bending hell raising mission Shane.. All set?" Nina says in her southern accent.. She looks no older than forty..

I nod at her twice..

"Let's go find Uzkielle."

Her smile flashes her teeth and she turns back to the Conn in her chair.

The ship begins to whir to life as we take off from the complex on Asteria.. Yellow dust kicking up before we are met with the yellow sky.. A smooth transition into the higher atmosphere then into high orbit before shooting across the system towards the binary suns..

The ship glides past the red dwarf and flies between the ribbons of the stars flares.. Before activating the front deflector and opening up a wormhole to our next location.. The wormhole closing behind the ship..

As the three of us follow the trajectory I stand watching the flowing of the blue and golden funnel we fly through.. I look at Nina and Osh as she communicates with him to keep our course correct.. I smile once more inside, then think about Delilah and the others.. I make a silent promise.. I won't leave them.. I'll return once I have my bond brother.. But right now.. Right this second? I feel differently about humanity.. And it is not a good feeling, the only humans I care about is Nina, Danny, Zelda, and the Berkleys.. Everyone else can stay out of my way.. I feel a change.. A powerful one..

My life has been a long one, I have faced many hardships but this one I face right now is the most challenging.. Learning to live.. Without Ghardeh.. My future is like a river's flow.. Eventually it will go out to sea.. And in that sea… Uncertainty lies..

Author note: YES! We finally made it! A year and a half later and The Predator: A Bad Star has ended! This story was an absolute marvel to write! I have loved every MILLISECOND being in this world growing the characters there within!

I want to thank all of you for the faves, follows and reviews! I thank you from the bottom of my heart! This was the most ambitious story I have EVER done! I'm so proud of it.. But I'm also sad. Sad that it's over. We aren't done just yet though, stick around after my credits section for a glimpse into my next story in Z's arch. To which it will be the final Predator story I write.

As stated previously, two of my stories will be getting overhauls and rewrites, I've been wanting to redo my first Ghardeh story. Ghardeh: Black Angel. It will be replaced by Ghardeh: A Sorrows Whisper.

And my unfinished Ghardeh 3 story will also be replaced by Ghardeh 3: Unification. I want to apply all I've learned from writing A Bad Star and implement my skills to these stories. Ghardeh started this whole thing, it also ended with her arch.

Now I always bring one person into this.. And with good reason, Werewolfbleu! She has been an absolute gem behind the scenes. Helped me get through some difficult times these past few months. We talk, always talk. And I said I'd tell you people about a possible new project she's working on. Though she is having a few doubts posting it.. She's in the process of rewriting her Can I Keep Him? Story. The jury is out on whether she will repost it, but I thought I'd let you know so maybe keep an eye on her spot.. She's an amazing writer, and I'd love to support her once more as she's done with me for the past year.

And a gentle REMINDER!

Our stories are within the same universe but they aren't necessarily connected. Nina, Danny, Osh'ikeille, Uzkielle, Ra'zele or Wolf and Zelda are all Bleu's characters. The next and final Predator story sees Nina, Osh'ikeille and Ze'reikich'ja following a lead to find Uzkielle, which finds them in a web of lies, deceit and conspiracy! But slowly they become at war with themselves as Ze'reikich'ja begins to enact brutal tactics to get what he's after.. Now my next project is NOT a Predator story. I'm going to change pallete, to a colourful world and fantastic creatures. My next project is Aru: And The Light Of Nibel. It follows Aru and her bipedal Wolf Friend Baja as they race to stop the Decay and Darkness consuming the heart of Ebinahl and find and activate the five light beacons. All relevant info can be found on my profile.

The Predator: A Bad Star By Vakrian in association with Werewolfbleu.

Credits:

Assets that are mine:

Characters in order of appearance:

Ze'reikich'ja. (Bright Star.)

Delilah Berkley.

Kaylum Berkley.

Ellida Berkley.

Robert Eagan.

Garret Berkley.

Adam Bernache.

Suzie Vita.

Bonnie Denva.

Tiga Deltoro.

Seydee Bighta.

Carla Messey.

Qah'dah.

Ko-ako. (Young blood hunter.)

Si'ive'ra. (Young blood huntress.)

Tet'va. (Rainfall.)

Shane Hunter Dixon. (Both USM and Wey Yu clones.)

Wayne Carlton. (Main Villain.)

J.C Hayden.

Sev. (Xenomorph.)

Ghardeh.

Vi'rassi. (Llamia.)

Vectra. (Tennavian.)

All other supporting characters and worlds.

Lar'ja N'ritja MK2 Ship.

Tarei'hsan Ship.

Shadows Wraith Ship.

USM Vessels.

The Endeavour Ship.

Aurora and all life forms.

Sisters Law Station.

GDR Base and City.

Merth. Planet.

The Shield Planet Vierra.

Assets and Characters not mine: Werewolfbleu's:

Nina Le'Blanc.

Danny Le'Blanc.

Zelda.

Osh'ikeille/ Star Breaker.

Uzkielle/ Heaven's Spite.

Ra'zele/ Wolf.

Planet Asteria.

Lar'ja N'ritja. (Original Ship design.)

Thank you again for your support everyone.. I'll see you in the next one.. Stay awesome!

"Breathe in the light, and then say good-bye."

Ze'reikich'ja will return with Nina and Osh'ikeille..

Chapter 000: Undimmed By Time..

Nina..

Ze'reikich'ja's feed illuminates my left eye as my eye shield lowers with a whispered hiss showing me his silver and gold biomask, there is a crackle of static as he switches to his opti-shield perspective.

"Getting this feed Nina? This place looks like a hermits wet dream.. Trash.. Rotten food with piss and shit to match.." There is a clattering and Ze'rei-te's grumbled "Pauk.." As he disturbs the trash and seems to jolt forward.

"Osh, stop riding up my backside Krit!" Z shouts along with a rumbled laugh from Osh in the background.

They are trying to find a clue as to the whereabouts of a certain pixy.

That's what I call them.

They are these technologically advanced race of aliens that have tiny wings.. But they aren't wings as such. Just a tool used to pick a mate. They are 5ft roughly in height and are very.. Disorganised. As seen in Z's feed.

"Mei'hswei.. Come here, look.."

Osh finds something. And walks ahead just wading through the crap like it's his own. He swipes aside a silken cover and reveals a wall.

"It's called a wall Osh.. There are four plus the floor and ceiling.." Z says in an almost patronising tone..

Osh looks back and twists his body back and throws his arm through the wall. Revealing an orange glow from the missing masonry.

"Clearly something more.. Bright Star.." Osh retorts. Z snorts at him.

"You just got lucky don't get a fat head.. Might not fit out of the door."

Osh shoves Z's shoulder rumbling a louder laugh and walks through the wall making Z shake his head.

"Wake up the whole colony why don't you?" There is a massive Booooom! As a sheet of metal falls to the floor kicking up a mountain of dust causing Z to wave his arms in front of his view.

"Apologies.."

"Sure.. Did that on purpose.. Pauk-de.. Could you possibly make any more noise? Do you even know what discreet means?"

"Sei'i.. In Dannys words.. Real fucking quiet.." Osh answers with a laughed clicking..

Z just huffs and walks through the wall when more of it crumbles to the floor creating a thin moving blanket of dust.

They see a door and Osh tries to open it.

It doesn't budge.

Ze'reikich'ja steps forward then I see his powerful armoured leg boot the door open. It flies off the hinges and skirts across the floor with a metallic scraping.. It knocks a table leg which collapses causing everything on the table to clatter and smash..

I can't help but laugh as all this is happening Osh stares at Z as Z himself lets out a long clicking Huff of annoyance.

"Just for the mess I'm going to strangle that little insect.."

Osh leans his body towards Z.

"Real fuuucking… Quiiieeet.."

I almost howl a laugh when Z hisses. I literally mean hisses at Osh.. But he just doesn't budge and Z swipes a glass bottle off of one of the shelves smashing it against the wall.

"Bright Star seems.. Tender Nina.."

"Come on Osh, don't make him angry, we all know what will happen! Let's just find who we're after and leave before the whole place collapses around your ears.. Because that's when I'll lose my crap and wet myself laughing."

Z's footing stops.

He looks down and gently stamps his armoured foot down as if testing the flooring..

There is a difference, like a metal board was placed down, his view twists back to Osh'ikeille and they both look at it.

As Z lifts up the board there is a click and a robotic 'boooo!' sing as a weapon is loaded.

Ze'reikich'ja looks at the small Pixie.. Okay okay! They are called the Jex.. But they look so.. Cute!

His skin is of a light scaled grey with yellow markings that look almost like leopards spots but more messy.. His bright blue and green eyes, frowned on a wide almost football head, something the Jerseys would kick around the field.. I hated football.. His small thin but large forearmed hands holding what looks to be an energy weapon of sorts.

His little mouth shapes like an upside down u as he clearly looks angry. He's wearing what appears to be purple attire with a medallion belt.

"Whaddaya want! Big stooopid giant mud crab! Huh?! You looking for some Jex loot?! Well I got loot for you! Here eeaaaarghh!" He throws an empty bottle at Z and it smashes against his armour.

I put my hand over my mouth to halt my laughing but I can't contain it.. As Z goes to grab the little guy.

He fires his weapon. It sends Z flying backwards..

"Air?! That thing fires air?!" Ze'reikich'ja roars..

"It's economically powered! What did you expect lasers?! Aaaarrrgh hey! Put me down you big stooopid reptile ape! Before I fling my shit at you!" He shouts and waves his little arms out at Osh as he rips the weapon from the little guys hand and holds him at arms length.

"That's it…. Hnnnnnnn!" He curls up almost shaking when the next thing I hear is a loud disgusting rippling flatulence..

"You disgusting little hermit!" Z roars.

"Osh get him outside before I rip his head off!"

I can't help it with my laughing as Z turns his perspective back to his Sat-Com.

"Quit laughing.. I'm going to throw up.." He jolts backwards hitting more clutter, and smashes another bottle.. They both head back to the ship when I meet them at the ramp.

"So anyway I took his girl and I told him to suck a f.." I see the Jex talking to a very bemused Osh. When he scoots his huge green and blue eyes to me.

"Well.. Hello beautiful.." His remark is met by a growl and a tensed posture from Osh.

"Where is that little runt?!" Z shouts from behind. He has hold of the Jex's weapon.

He aims it at the Jex and pulls back on the loader.

"There's six bottles and four plates along with seven of your bowls."

"I fire air at you in good will and you load my rock it launcher with my sentimental junkery? How lame.."

Z fires a plate at my ships wall.

"Zee! You'll get glass everywhere!" I say rushing to pick up the pieces.

The Jex whimpers.

"My plate!" But then he laughs.

"Do your worst.. If you want my help you'll have to do something for me."

"Which is?" I ask holding out the broken pieces to Z.

"Someone owes me some water. And he has a very fast ship.. He also has one of my toilet papers.."

"Z rips the Jex from Osh's talons and slams him against the wall..

"Enough games! We want information now! Stop hindering us before I rip off your stupid little wings!"

The Jex laughs and swipes his arm out in a stop it gesture..

"They're not wings.." He flaps them..

"They're juice dispensers! And I'm going to juice all over your face! Hahahahaaaaaa!"

Ze'reikich'ja loses his cool as the Jex squirts him with a turquoise but clear liquid..

"Little Bastard!"

He aims his plasma caster right at the Jex's head..

When Osh holds Z's shoulder..

Z drops the Jex and walks off down the corridor, angry steamed vapours flow from his unarmoured parts of his arms.

"I don't think he likes me.. Did I make a good impression?"

I smile.. "It's best not to wind him up Yuki.. Z has a very bad temper.. Almost puts Uzkielle to shame.. What do you have? Why were you hiding?" I ask. Looking from him to Osh.

"I eerr.. Dug a little too deep Nina, seems I've upset some powerful people, I had to make my place look abandoned. Thought Osh and your new boyfriend were the ones looking for me.. Well you were but not to kill me.. Right?"

"No.. But if you have anything on Uz I'll gladly take it.. For a price.."

He waves a finger and shakes it at me.

"I like the way you think Nina.."

I take him to the cockpit and he shows me the information he has, it isn't much. A few stills.. Some Video footage of Uz talking to some people.. Not like him at all.. Then the original Lar'ja N'ritja.

"Is this all you have Yuki?" I ask shifting my attention from the monitor to his little head.

"Unfortunately yes. There is someone who might know more but he's a skittery fellow.. Like I said he has a fast ship.. Probably not as fast as this one.. But it is pretty zippy. And here comes the new Yautja.. Come to think and look on you a bit more, you do look the part.. I'm sorry for offending you.. I'm Yuki.. I've known Nina a long time. But you I haven't.. Mister..?"

Z looks at him and I see his posture tighten even more..

"Bright Star.." He says with a growled clicking.

"Such a vibrant name for a vibrant individual.. My price for this is him.. I want to do some very naughty things to him.."

"Fuck off… Don't push your luck.." Z says getting even more angry.. Pointing his finger at Yuki.

"But you look so.. Gooood! Come here I want a hug!"

"Nooo! Yuki.. He will literally pull your head off.. Please don't.. You'll make a mess on my ship.."

"I'm only playing Brighty! On the doing things to you part!"

"How flattering.." Z sputters.

"Now about this contact.." I ask..

Yuki points then enters the coordinates for the system.. We then make our way to the system, this info better be worth the price or else I'll do some extraction work of my own..

The Predator: Two Ways a Mirror..

Coming some time 2021...