Chapter 16

Quothos woke up beside a sleeping Samus, and had to blink a few times. Had he dreamed the previous night? Was he still dreaming now? But he knew it hadn't been a dream. It had been an experience he would never forget. He rolled out of bed and picked up his clothes. He dressed slowly, constantly being distracted by Samus' perfectly shaped body. He looked around, but couldn't see the hatchling anywhere.

"Hatchling? Where are you?" He whispered. A soft cooing came from the couch. He walked over and lifted Samus' top to see the hatchling beneath.

"Hey there, you hungry?" he asked. The hatchling gave a little chirp and started to fly up. Quothos held up his hand and the hatchling landed softly on it. Quothos could feel the energy drain begin, but since the metroid was so small, it wouldn't be a fatal amount. He yawned and stretched a bit. The hatchling soon lifted off his hand and rested on his shoulder.

"Well now that you're fed, we gotta find something for me." He said, feeling his stomach gurgle. He looked over at Samus. He didn't want to wake her unnecessarily, so he decided to let her sleep. Now where on earth… strike that, where on 'Free-Zone' would he be able to find a meal? He put his space suit on, realizing that he didn't want to run into Zlaarg again without his cannon, and stepped out into the hallway. He scratched his head, and headed back to the main docking bay.

"Does this place ever sleep?" he wondered. There was just as much going on as before, if not more. He found it difficult to move through the masses, never mind see where he was going. What could be going on that brought this much attention? He then realized, most of them weren't even moving, just staring at one point. What was up there? He pushed his way through, finally reaching a small clearing. It formed a semi-circle around a docking port where a ship was just arriving. Quothos also noticed several armored guards, including Leo, positioned inside the circle. He fought his way, as best he could, over to where Leo was standing. The soldier smiled softly as he saw Quothos approach.

"Hey Leo, what's going on? What's with all the security?" Quothos asked. Leo raised an eyebrow.

"You mean you haven't heard? We're receiving a great honor today. It happens very rarely, and he's very important, so this kind of action is required." He explained. Quothos snorted.

"That's great, but you still haven't told me any specific details." Quothos said. Leo grinned.

"Just wait, young hunter. You'll see." He explained. A door opened on the ship and a platform was rushed up to the entrance. A hush fell over the room as a lone figure started to descend the ramp. Quothos could only stand in silent awe as he realized just who had come to the space station. He noticed Commander Mantel off to the side in his full official get-up. He walked up to the visitor and offered, what Quothos guessed, to be a special salute.

"It's a great honor to welcome you here this day my friend. If there is anything you require, simply ask it of me and I shall see it done." The bulky man said his words with such respect, Quothos felt almost ashamed to even be at the reception.

"Do not lavish me with so much respect Commander. I am simply an old friend of yours and expect to be treated as such." The creature said.

"You haven't changed a bit old bird. Shall I order an escort for you? I'm sure you're anxious to speak with her." Mantel offered. The chozo looked up at him.

"Commander I only require one escort this day. Where is he? You spoke so highly of him." He said. Commander Mantel's face almost fell.

"But sir, he's not fully trained yet. He doesn't know much about this station." He started, but the chozo held up a withered hand.

"Commander, I shall be the judge of his worth. Now please find him for me." He requested. Mantel nodded and looked around. He saw Quothos standing beside Leo, and motioned over to him.

"General Leo, bring him over." Mantel ordered. Quothos raised an eyebrow.

"You're a general?" He gasped. Leo chuckled.

"Now don't start that. I hate formalities." He said with a grin. Quothos nodded and let 'General' Leo escort him over.

"So you're the young lad that helped my Samus-san." He said. His voice was so soft, almost like silk. Quothos nodded, trying to remain professional.

"Yes sir. Our mission was an interesting one." He said. All three started to chuckle, and Quothos wondered if he had done something wrong.

"Loosen up son." Command Mantel said. "He won't bite you."

"I fear the reception has put this young lad in a state of nervousness." The chozo said. "You need not be so formal with me Quothos. I am just a humble chozo." Quothos let out a sigh and relaxed his shoulder. A soft squeal from his shoulder made him relax even more.

"Ah the hatchling. Samus spoke much of it. I see it has also taken a fondness to you." He said. Quothos nodded.

"Yes sir. If I may sir, I'm sure Samus would be overjoyed to see you." Quothos said. The three agreed.

"Do not announce my presence to her just yet. She is unaware I am coming. I wish it to be a surprise." The chozo said. Quothos nodded and started leading the way to her quarters. People started to clear a path for them, letting them through.

"If I may say so, you command a lot of respect from all races." Quothos noted. The old bird nodded.

"My kind has been around for many generations and have always been a peaceful people. Only the space pirates hold malice for our race." He said. Quothos scowled at the mention of the space pirates. They soon found themselves outside Samus' room.

"If you'd care to wait here, I'll see if she's awake yet." Quothos said, placing his palm on the scanner. The door slid open and Quothos poked his head inside. No movement. He ushered the chozo in and sat him on the couch. He walked down the hall to the bathroom and knocked.

"Samus are you in there?" He asked.

"Be out in just a minute." She said. He grinned, then thought of something.

"Um, could you make sure you're dressed when you come out?" He asked. He heard a giggle from the other side.

"Alright, I'll make sure I'm dressed." She said. He walked back to the main room and dimmed the lights. He knew how happy she would be to see her old friend, and it made him just as happy. He heard the bathroom door open and saw her coming in his direction.

"How come the lights are so low?" She asked. Quothos face-faulted, then quickly recovered.

"Uh, my eyes are a little sensitive this morning." He lied. She accepted this and entered the main room. Her eyes adjusted slowly to the low lighting, when her keen senses kicked in.

"There's someone else in here." She said, a hint of a growl in her voice. She looked hard at Quothos.

"You didn't let some pirate follow you in here did you?" She asked. Quothos quickly shook his head.

"I've never been so insulted in all my life." Came a soft voice. Samus paled and a single tear could be seen rolling down her cheek.

AN: Question. Does ANYONE know what the heck the old bird's real name is? I don't recall it ever being mentioned, though I could be mistaken. If someone knows, it would be a GREAT help in writing these chapters.