Disclaimer: I still say the same old thing. I own nothing, I get paid nothing.

Author Note: What I would not do to have Scar appear on my doorstep. Lol. Enjoy the story.

Chapter Thirteen

Tish is unable to sleep tonight. So she goes outside onto the wrap around deck. And what a sight she sees. Stars and more stars. Since the planet is not lit up like her home planet, the night view is spectacular. Besides seeing hundreds of stars there is the array or should I say the formation of the alignment of the four moons. All in different phases of rotation. The glow is not so bright that the darkness does not prevail. It is just enough to see the surrounding beauty of the planet.

The calm and peacefulness is remarkable. Tish can not believe she is on a alien world who's inhabitants could kill her with a flick of their wrists. On a night like this Tish feels she could live here without a care in the world. Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. Tish just leans up against the railing with her arms cross and hanging over the edge staring up at the clear night's sky thinking.

That is where Za'Ruc finds her after he wakes up not finding her in the shelter. Relief fills him for he was afraid she would try to escape.

"Have no fear, Tish is here." Tish says quoting an old Earth cartoon 'The Underdog'.

"Yes I know you are there. Where do you think I would run to?" Tish asks as she turns to see Za'Ruc standing in the doorway.

"To the landing platform hoping to take a ship and leave." Za'Ruc says quietly.

"Za'Ruc why speak so quiet. Afraid I will vanish before you eyes if you speak to loud. I am quite real." Tish replies teasingly.

"You would have you doubts if you were in my place." Za'Ruc answers.

"I see what you mean. I think I am in a dream world and I am afraid to wake up only to find that I am still in the lab wondering what they are going to do to me next." Tish answers with a shudder.

"Will you tell me about that time?" Za'Ruc asks hoping to find out more about her to better understand her.

"What do you want to know?" Tish asks leaning her back against the railing staring at him.

"Everything if possible." Za'Ruc replies.

"Well you better sit down for it is a long story." Tish says.

Tish sits down with her back against the wall staring out at the night's sky waiting for Za'Ruc to sit down himself. After each get comfortable, Tish starts her story.

"In the beginning I was nothing like I am now. I love to read my books. You see I was a research assistant at the lab. My department was trying to come up with new ways to enhance the growth of vegetation in humid climates. That way we could colonize planets that are not as lush in vegetation as this planet. Without a good supply of oxygen, we can not survive. I work under Dr. Mitchel and we made great progress on the project, but Dr. Kilroy had his own experiments. He was into biological warfare. He wanted a superhuman killing machine that he could control. Some of the results ended in death and terrible mutations. Humans went in and who knows what came out. It was awful how he could do that to people. I made the mistake and spoke up against what Dr. Kilroy was doing. When I was not looking, he knock me out and I became his next victim." Tish says.

"What happen next? Did he torture you? Is that how you got your scars?" Za'Ruc ask his questions.

"When I woke up, I was strap to a table. A tube in my arm with green stuff flowing into my arm and Dr. Kilroy injecting something else into it. The burning pain that followed was so very painful that I wish I could just curl up and die, it was that intense. What got me the most was when he injected the blue stuff. I thought my head would explode. All I remember from that night was the rage I went into. When I finally came back to reality, they had me chained to a wall with me facing it. I heard them talking how I was able to get to the upper level and take out a garrison. Dr. Kilroy himself whipped me with a bull whip. He wanted to hear me scream, but I refused. He threaten to hit harder if I did not scream. That is why at the ruins I was not able to feel the lashes, I have no feeling on my back." Tish was saying before she is interrupted by Elder Guaxlec.

"Za'Ruc, it was brought to my attention that you have a ooman here. I was wondering what the purpose of it is? Is it going to be used as a training exercise for the unbloodeds or do you have other plans for it?" Elder Guaxlec says as he is just arriving onto deck. To his surprise he sees Tish.

Za'Ruc stands up to greet Elder Guaxlec by placing one hand on his shoulder and shaking it.

"Please enter and have some refreshments. Tish could you while we sit down." Za'Ruc says as he leads him into the shelter. Tish bows and leaves to get the refreshment for them.

"So what are you plans for her? How much of our language does she understand?" Elder Gauxlec asks. Looking toward the preparation room.

"Enough to be able to understand what is being said about her. I plan to keep her as my aseigan for now. She saved our lives back on the planet and her life would have been forfeited if she would have stayed. That is if they could catch her long enough to do any damage." Za'Ruc answers.

"You do realize that the council will have a few words to say about her being here. They will want to use her in the Kehrite. Or worst pick her brain to find out everything there is to know about oomans. Especially their fighting skills. Are you will to deal with that?" Elder Gauxlec asks fearing his answer.

"I am not afraid of the council. Tish is my aseigan and living trophy on top of it. If they wish to challenge me for her, they are more than welcome to try. You will know what the outcome of that challenge will be. Are they willing to loose that many warriors for just one ooman?" Za'Ruc answers.

"You are aware that Elder Scqn'e will contact Xuenjti and his warriors. What do you tend to do about them?" Elder Gauxlec asks.

At the name of Elder Scqn'e Tish almost drops the tray of refreshment on the table. Za'Ruc notices how she stiffens at his name. He wonders what else has happen in her life to make her have that look on her face.

"Tish it is alright. I told you once before not to worry about Elder Scqn'e. Elder Gauxlec is on our side, so it is alright to talk to him without fear of pain.

"It is an honor to meet you, Elder Gauxlec. Please enjoy your refreshment." Tish says as she tries to back away from them. However Za'Ruc has other plans.

"Sit Tish. I know Elder Gauxlec has some questions he would like to ask you." Za'Ruc says as he forces her to sit down.

"How do you like it here so far? Any problems breathing or functioning?" Elder Gauxlec asks.

"I am tolerating the climate fair enough. So far I am enjoying your planet well. I beauty of it amazes me to no end and some of the inhabitants are accepting me well enough also." Tish answers back.

"Ooman. You may not be aware of this, but you will have to stand before the council to determine your fate here." Elder Gauxlec says. Tish looks to Za'Ruc to confirm this.

"What is this! Since when does any ooman stand before the council? I will not permit it. Pauk! It is because I refused Elder Scqn'e. Oomans do not know our laws or language. They know she will be at a disadvantage." Za'Ruc rages.

"Elder Gauxlec, the council hopes to take me away from Za'Ruc correct. Would not that cause problems for you can see how Za'Ruc is reacting now. What can I do to solve this problem?" Tish asks Elder Gauxlec.

"Nothing. You will not stand before them. Tell her Gauxlec." Za'Ruc commands.

"Za'Ruc the worse case scenario would be that the council will find me guilty of being a human and sentence me to death." Tish says calmly that it shocks both of the men.

"No Tish. Elder Scqn'e will make you his love slave for himself and all of his friends to enjoy. Tish, we tend to be a little violent during the mating rituals. If you survive, you will be broken in more ways than one!" Za'Ruc replies seeing Tish stiffen.

"You are an Elder. What would they have in store for me? What am I to do?" Tish asks when she sees the Elder looking at her strangely.

"Tish, right? You have no say in what they decide. Whether they decide to kill you or make you a slave. Unless you challenge them. If someone fights for you and wins, you will belong to the winner." Elder Gauxlec answers honestly.

"Then I will challenge the council for her. No one will take what is mine without a fight!" Za'Ruc replies.

"The council will meet within a couple of days. Will you be ready then?" Elder Gauxlec says.

"Yes. I will postpone my part of training until the council meets." Za'Ruc says.

"Good. I will take my leave now before anyone will think we are plotting together. Za'Ruc, Tish." Elder Gauxlec says as he leaves.

"Thank you Elder for the warning. I..we appreciate it." Tish says before he left. He just turn and look at her and nodded his head.

"Za'Ruc, this challenge. How many do you fight against?" Tish asks.

"Three warriors of their choice. Why, afraid I might lose?" Za'Ruc replies.

"Never. I have seen you fight against humans with ease. I also seen you practice with Alpha. And if the stories I have been told are true then there is no doubt that you are the victor. I can not believe it comes down to this. All because you refuse one Elder. It makes no sense." Tish says with a puzzle look.

"Since you are not from around here it is hard for you to understand. It is like a chain in command. In our society everyone is divided into groups. The higher you are, the better. You have the Bad Bloods on the bottom then the Non hunters; Unblooded; Blooded; Warriors; Honoured; Elders; and the Arbitrators on top. You see Elder Scqn'e is one step ahead of me. I refuse to be an Elder. I prefer the peace I have in my rank. I come and go whenever I feel. I answer to no one, but a few above me whom have not let their skills and title go to their heads." Za'Ruc replies.

"I am only one human who's life span is much shorter than yours. So why go against your own people for me?" Tish ponders.

Gkei'moun(Simple) These are not my people. These are Poe's people. When I was younger, I met up with Poe and we became friends. He invited me to stay and I have since. If you take a close look, I am situated away from everyone. I am the only one who lives in the trees. Poe is the closest one and he is a good distance away." Za'Ruc explains.

"Why did you leave your people?" Tish ask.

"Let's say we had a difference of opinion. I value honor and earning respect. My sire demanded respect and did not care how he got it." Za'Ruc answers vaguely.

"I do not want to be the cause for more enemies for you. I can fight my own battles. So you do not have to." Tish counters.

"Tish, I can take them or leave them. I have been on my own for more years than I have been with someone. I know who are my friends and who are my enemies. I would rather have my few friends than have the whole clan. This way I know where my loyalty lays." Za'Ruc states plainly.

"I have a lot to learn if I will live here. Will you teach me what I need to know in order to survive in your world?" Tish asks optimistically.

"Yes, we will teach you. There are five of us that you can trust. Myself, Poe, Alpha, Elder Gauxlec, and Omega. You should meet him in the next few days. He is on a hunt and has yet to return. So never leave here without one of us with you at all times. Come lets rest for the days coming up are to be busy ones." Za'Ruc says as her leads her to the sleeping platform. Za'Ruc strokes her in a relaxing motion in order to calm her down enough to rest. Just like he did on the ship after her ordeal in the ruins.

As Tish sleeps Za'Ruc goes over in his mind what he has to do these next few days. First tell his unblooded to relax another few days until he has his challenge, talk to the guys about protecting Tish when he is not around for he does not trust Elder Scqn'e or Raj-Kum and friends. Teach Tish the ins and outs of his society, but most of all teaching her how to protect herself against the Yautja's.

After making his list, Za'Ruc is able to finally rest curl up against Tish. He has never felt this comfortable with any other female he knows and been with. Morning comes too soon.

"Tish. Do not leave the shelter without one of us. No matter who arrives. Let them break the door down and wreck the place so that I know you were forced. That way they will all pay for intruding in my private space. I should be back in a few hours after taking care of some business. Then we will restock the place with fresh fruits and root, but most of all meat." Za'Ruc orders.

An hour after Za'Ruc leaves, Alpha shows up at the door.

"Za'Ruc sent me to come and get you. He found something you might be interested in seeing." Alpha says escorting her toward a clearing.

As they approach the clearing, Tish notices the group of Yaujta. Alpha has delivered her to the council just like a farmer leads the cows to slaughter.

"Why Alpha? I thought you were Za'Ruc's friend." Tish questions softly.

"I have to obey, they are the Elders. I live here not you." Alpha answers.

Tish is lead to the center of the clearing and she keeps her face down in respect to Za'Ruc and all the Yaujta.

"Ooman, you are to be turned over to Elder Scqn'e to serve him. Take her to Elder Scqn'e's shelter." Elder Quenti orders.

"No! I demand the challenge. I challenge any Yaujta here in order for me to stay with Za'Ruc." Tish says in the Yaujta language.

"Ooman you realize that you must fight three of our warriors." Elder Scqn'e says laughingly thinking that will scare her into submission. They are surprise that she knows the language.

"Yes. I am now aware of the fact and I still stand by my choice." Tish says again for she has no intention of going with Elder Scqn'e. She would rather die than suffer that fate.

"So bid. Get her some weapons." Elder Quenti orders.

Author Note: In my story the planet has four moon and two suns. Since I have never seen the true home planet this is how I would imagine it to be. Please bare with me if I am wrong.