As requested, we are posting this as a kind of in-universe author's note to the story. This need not be considered part of the official narrative for those of you who prefer to keep the "rainbowface doing alien things" to a minimum in your reading, but we hope that it clarifies some of the developments in the story. For those of you waiting for the next chapter, I will try to get that posted on Wednesday evening, Central US time.

As always we look forward to your feedback, even on a fun little in-universe author's note such as this. (:

A Report to the Consortium

A SPECIAL REPORT TO THE CONSORTIUM CONCERNING THE HIDDEN RUNNER CIVIL CONFLICT

RATING: NOT RESTRICTED

Be advised that the following document is dictated via a Type 40 Archiver Device. Interruptions in dictation and local colloquialisms due to the cultural contamination of its author have been omitted for the sake of clarity except where they are relevant to the subject matter. More information on the special circumstances of reports from this planet can be found in Document Tau 3-2717947: Special Circumstances Authorization for Officers Chronos and Logos.

War is a dangerous business. For even when one has measured every known variable an unknown variable may ruin the most carefully laid plans. This is no less true for this planet's "Age of Spear" as it was for the Consortium's second century, but for the factions involved in this conflict the stakes are perhaps easier to see, and much more salient.

We have already reviewed the conflict in our classified dispatches, but we feel it is prudent to clarify the situation for those lacking researcher clearance level one. Obviously the development of multiple species to sapience and, perhaps, some measure of civilization on the same planet is a very rare circumstance and, as the Consortium's representatives and researchers on this planet, we bear a responsibility to make this knowledge accessible to the public at-large.

Let us begin, then, with a look at the factions.

Factions

Ignis

The rise of Ignis to the scrape (leadership) of her pack is truly a meteoric one, and, if one was being honest, one that was probably only made possible by the Stone of Destiny crashing on to this planet. After her father's demise and her strong willed push for intervention on behalf of the Great Valley, she was elected by the standard electoral body of her people which is - as far as we can tell - made up of siblings and the children of the previous ruler. At that time she rose to her position as the leader of her people in a macabre ceremony involving the killing of the previous Left Claw (analogous to a Vizier) and the elevation of her and her advisor to the highest levels of respect and esteem. Subject only to the perceived mandates of "Fate" the word of the Great Leader is law.

From the time of her installment as Great Leader Ignis has proven to be a bit of an enigma to the valley and, we presume, to her fastbiter allies. True to the reputation of her kind she has routinely sent out scouts to spy on her rivals and allies alike. Though she has proven open to dialogue and friendship as shown with the Triple Alliance and the proliferation of mixed-species packs. Tensions had cooled prior to the rise of the current conflict, but now the situation has returned to an uneasy and uncertain path.

In terms of relations it appears that Ignis is safe from treachery, though looks can always be deceiving. She has, at our last count, four mates. Only one of these mates, the favored mate, is entitled to acting in the Great Leader's absence. Viscond, a hero of the Great Battle, has taken this role and has generally ensured harmony between Ignis's other mates.

Another relation of the Great Leader is her cousin, Penol, who is indicative of a particular peculiarity of Ignis. It would appear from our studies that hidden runner society is typically characterized with a strong caste system, which only is deviated from through the judgement of "Fate" which, in practice, means heroism in battle, being chosen by the Great Leader, or some other show of fortuitous circumstances. In the case of Penol she was seized by Ignis's guards as a lowly member of the pack and then elevated to Ignis's First Assistant. From what we have seen Penol has risen to the occasion, though she must have been away on other business during our meeting with the Great Leader today. We can only imagine that such shows of benevolence must endear Ignis to her people, but it must also create some tension in the "High Hatched". Only time will tell if that tension can be used by her enemies.

Finally, there is the interesting character of Dravos. He is the current occupant of the title or, perhaps one could say, the office of Left Claw. As far as can be gleaned from the limited data on hand his role appears to be that of chief executive of the pack and the enforcer of Ignis's less savory functions. It seems that the hidden runners are well acquainted with the Aquerian saying "The leader must appear clean even when cleansing the realm of his enemies.". Even though the rule that a Left Claw must be killed upon the death of his leader creates a concrete reason for a Left Claw to remain loyal to the end, we must admit that we have questions concerning this hidden runner's character. Had he not been selected as a candidate for this role and been forced to survive the underlying ritual (which from the stories we have heard is a sadistic affair) we might consider him a potential threat to Ignis.

Now onto the actual threats to Ignis's hold on power...

Wrok

The first challenger to the current Great Leader is a rather shadowy figure named Wrok or, literally in the hidden runner tongue, "Spite-giver". This is perhaps a name he picked for himself but it just as easily could have been a given name from a family line who despised rule from Ignis's faraway pack. The resentment between some of the frontier packs and the pack of the Great Leader is a recurring issue according to their songs. Even adjacent packs will challenge the Great Leader's scouts with mock incursions before showing deference upon discovery - a tradition analogous to vitriolic friendship - albeit with a pack doing the mock assault and not an individual. It seems that with growing distance that this feeling of kinship dwindles, however, and that such deference is harder to obtain.

Currently Wrok has two objectives that he could attempt to achieve in order to reach his ultimate goal of becoming the new Great Leader:

1) Mate with Ignis after outmaneuvering her diplomatically. This would result in the death of her current favored mate and her children as he takes over as the Right Claw and she diminishes in terms of actual power. In our judgement Ignis would choose to fight to the death over this option.

2) Mate with a relation to the Great Leader and then show that she is no longer favored by "Fate" by either defeating her in battle, assassination, or other means of discrediting her claim. This would solidify Wrok's hold on power and also allow him to avoid an unhappy mating. The loyalty of all of Ignis's kin makes this option unlikely, however.

3) Conquest. Kill Ignis, her kin, and her children. This is an accepted way to show that Fate has chosen another according to the songs of the hidden runners. It is how the current dynasty came to power many generations ago if those songs are to be believed.

We view Wrok as an opportunistic figure who uses legitimate grievances as a tool for the advancement of himself and his pack. We do not see hidden runner society changing much with his ascension, however.

Questor

The other challenger is one that is, in our view, the most concerning character in this entire affair; though this view is not shared by the valley, Ignis, or any other faction as far as we can tell. From what can be gleaned from our sources, Questor is an utterly disreputable character who has done every possible dirty deed (in the eyes of hidden runner society) to get to where he currently is: the leader of a pack. He mated into positions, only to have his mate die under mysterious circumstances when she had outlived her usefulness. Superiors have died under his own hand or those of his allies. Likewise, it is generally believed that he faked his own death at one time simply so that those found rejoicing at the prospect could be targeted for murder later. In the valley or in fastbiter society such a being would have been killed long ago.

But this is where the hidden runner belief system creates leaders from scoundrels and chosen ones from the lucky. Because each of these actions is viewed much differently when Fate is taken into account. In this perspective every near miss Questor survives, every outrageous plan of his that succeeds, and every laughable venture that ends up as anything other than failure, counts in his favor as being chosen by Fate. For, in this perspective, how else would Fate announce its new chosen but by surviving through audacity?

We view Questor as a possible messianic figure who, if successful, could take the hidden runner packs of this region into a fanatical direction based upon hidden runner supremacy.

The fastbiter 'faction'

The term faction is perhaps too strong a word for the several dozen fastbiter packs that exist in the region, but yet the fastbiter packs have been shown to be capable of joining together for mutual assistance in the past. One of the first instances of this was the widespread taking up of Seeker's bounty (in the form of free meals hunted by the pack) on Calin's tail. No less than seven fastbiter packs, eight bellydraggers, four two-footers, a dozen carnivorous flyers, numerous hidden runners, and even a fastrunner attempted to collect the bounty. We assume that the fastrunner merely provided scouting support. A second instance, of course, involved the forming of the Triple Alliance. Unknown to the valley the Triple Alliance included the mutual recognition of 13 fastbiter packs and their territories in exchange for safe passage rights by hidden runners and the members of those packs. This safe passage right did not extend to herbivores, of course, which the fastbiters deem a food source.

Ultimately it is not known whether a unified response of any kind will come from the fastbiter packs. Though the safe passage agreements (in exchange for the guests hunting on behalf of the hosts) are still intact from our sources, the packs have appeared to return to their old ways. There was nothing like a unified council made between the packs, nor any supreme leader. Only a general feeling that a faction is uniting against them might elicit such a response.

The Great Valley

The final faction for consideration then is the Great Valley. It was in this place of refuge for herbivores that the initial crisis ended and the conditions that led to the Alliance began. The democratic system of decision making for the valley makes any sort of consensus as to its perspective tenuous as best. However there are certain conclusions that can be reached from recent events.

First, the incident involving Chomper's parents and residents of the valley has weakened trust between Seeker's pack and many of the Great Valley's residents. Arguments concerning family bonds and putting a pack member's safety before that of allies tends to fall on deaf ears when one's side is that of the "food" in the equation.

Second, many of the residents in the valley are newcomers who have helped the valley regain its population since the apocalyptic battle with Redclaw's massive pack. As such they lack direct experience with the events of that battle, in particular the involvement of the pack and the hidden runners in turning the tide of the battle. This further reduces the amount of goodwill between some valley residents and their carnivorous and omnivorous allies.

Three, recent evidence indicates that a faction from within the valley is attempting to weaken the alliance itself. Though this might be a coordinated effort for one herd or another to gain influence over the old guard of influence makers in the valley, it might just as easily be a conspiracy from those who want a return to the old ways. Such a reactionary outlook is untenable with the abilities now available to the hidden runners and fastbiters, but this kind of reactionism is seldom based on rationality.

Ultimately the Great Valley is a great unknown in the unfolding drama. If it takes a side, however unlikely, it would turn the battle in favor of one party or another. But ending the alliance (and the movement of valley-unique healing plants) would end Ignis's greatest claim to greatness during her leadership. Such a turn of events would open up the possibility of her downfall - a prospect that both Wrok and Questor could capitalize on. For that reason collusion between one of the hidden runner upstarts and the valley conspiracy cannot be overlooked as a possibility.

The Triple Alliance

The Triple Alliance, as we have styled the arrangement, is another aspect of the regional situation that cannot be overlooked in the current struggle. Ever since its creation was precipitated during the 'Spy Crisis' between Ignis and her fastbiter and valley allies, it has secured a more stable peace in the region.

The fastbiter and hidden runner packs both benefit from the acquisition of special healing plants from the Great Valley. The Great Valley benefits from having the healing leaves as leverage over the other factions, discouraging a general mass assault as happened in the Great Battle. The hidden runners benefit by gaining knowledge on their allies through their mutual exchange, as opposed to spying. But even in geopolitics a tripod is the most unstable of structures. The disruption of any one faction could result in a total upending of the existing peace. Ignis knows this; Seeker knows this; and the older influencers of the valley know this - but it has yet to be seen if the younger generation of the valley and the two hidden runner upstarts know this.

If the alliance fails then a regional scramble for supremacy is probably unavoidable.

Mixed packs

An important development that was inspired in part by the mixed species in Seeker's pack and the need for healers is the development of dedicated mixed packs. Under the terms of the Triple Alliance such packs also have safe passage rights if they exist for the purpose of healing or, as existed temporarily on a few occasions, survey work. Such mixed packs are only authorized with the consent of the thirteen fastbiter packs and Ignis. The only current mixed pack is the healer pack headed by Cynnil and Mender.

REST OF SECTION REDACTED

(Details on Cynnil, how that mixed pack came to be, and the beginning of the Triple Alliance remain classified to the public at this time, pending further review by our researchers.)

The 'rainbowface' problem

Despite our most stringent safeguards to prevent cultural contamination on this planet it has not escaped our notice that some of the factions might see us and our offspring as useful assets in the inevitable conflict. We are currently acting as ambassadors for the valley in this drama in order to present a non-threatening front to the most likely victor in this war, that being Ignis. However, if the situation changes then we are prepared to take extraordinary measures to prevent our use by any faction. As a last resort we, and cadets Axiom and Datum, will choose exile from this region in order to avoid serious cultural contamination. We hope that this contingency does not to be prove necessary.

For as long as remaining in our position is a possibility, we will endeavor to direct the social and technological development of the species on this planet into less destructive and more advantageous paths.

~ Officers Logos and Chronos

End of Report

Note: a recap of the gang's families can be found on chapter 24 of Songs of the Hunters, but it is also reproduced here for your convenience.

The main pack members:

Seeker (Littlefoot) and Ponder (Ruby)

Stern Claw (Cera) and Taunt (lovable asshole)

Haven (Ducky) and Leap

Finder (Spike) and Breeze

Spotter (Petrie) and Soar

Littlefoot and Ruby's kids:

Biter (son)

Swipe (daughter)

Cera and Taunt's kids:

Ambush (daughter)

Pouncer (son)

Sprint (son)

Spike and Breeze's kids:

Sniffer (son)

Nibble (son)

Ducky and Leap's kids:

Fisher (son)

Verok (son) [named after Leap's brother]

Tranquil (daughter) [named after Ducky's mother's aunt]

Dodger (daughter)

Aqua (daughter)

Petrie and Soar's kids:

Dive (son)

Lift (daughter)

Valaria (daughter) [named after Petrie's fallen sister]

Rainbowfaces' kids:

Datum (son)

Axiom (daughter)

Ruby's family:

Detras (father)

Pearl (mother)

Orchid (brother) - Now part of a mixed pack with Cynnil, Buse, and Mender

Arial (sister) - Now mated to Nahoda

The leaf-eater gang:

Sauria (Ali's mother and Bron's daughter - Littlefoot's sister)

Charger (Savine's son - mother was killed by Chomper's parents)

Datum (Son of the rainbowfaces)

Axiom (Daughter of the rainbowfaces)

Flip (a flyer)

Malka (a swimmer)

Tricia (Cera's sister)

Chomper's family:

Dein (father)

Terri (mother)

Verda (sister)

Other characters of note:

Uta (Ali's mom)

Ura (Ducky's mother)

Topps (Cera's father)

Volant (Petrie's mother)

Somni (Ali's mate)

Now on to your reviews...

gordhanx: I know that we are a bit brutal with out cliffhangers. :p But thank you very much for the detailed review and kind words. (: I hope that you found this in-universe author's note helpful in recapping the major themes and developments of this story.

keijo6: Thank you for the detailed review as always! I must agree with you concerning the pacing of the previous chapter. Though I think it worked out well enough in the end, it still perhaps dragged a bit at times. Ultimately though, it felt like keeping that chapter as one monolithic whole was the best option instead of separating it into two chapters. I am also glad to hear that you thought the focusing on small details worked well. I did want to focus a bit more on the cultures of the various species in this story as I think it not only shows the differences between them, but also the similarities between the various cultures.

I have also added your ideas concerning fanart and a potential story to my notes. I will certainly consider possibly exploring your story idea at some point.

TimeLordMaster108: Thank you for the kind words! I hope that you enjoy the next chapter when we get it posted later this week.

bryan mccloud: I will certainly consider your suggestions for commissioned art if I have the funds to do so in the next few months. I too would love to see what Axiom and Datum would look like in the eyes of an artist.

Thanks again, everyone! The next chapter should be up late on Wednesday night, Central US time.