Chapter 29: Unless You Mean to Shoot
Today was finally the day.
It took a while, but the humans finally settled on a day they seemed satisfied with. After only a small negotiation with Governor Thune about what time we were supposed to arrive, I gathered my chosen contenders and a few friends to participate.
Unlike every other time I've interacted with the humans, the palpable tension I usually felt deep down wasn't there. I felt good, genuinely excited for the competition.
"Shipmistress, we are here. I will drop you as close as I can."
Nodding, I turned to the warriors in the phantom, gathering their attention with a quick stomp of my foot. Seeing all of their attention turning to me, I cleared my throat before speaking up.
"Remember warriors, today you represent the whole of the Covenant! Only we can stop the historical cycle of wars of assimilation, extending a hand of friendship to this new strange society we have found. What happens today could mark the turn of a new age of the Covenant, marking our names and our deeds as representatives of peace for the history tomes forever!"
Happy yells came from my warriors, all of them nodding in approval.
I knew I needed to up the ante a little bit. This was supposed to be a fun event after all, and upping the stakes might make this a lot more fun.
Giving the six kig-yar and seven sangheili competitors a vicious look as I place a hand on the barrel of my beam rifle, I snarl out my next words as a challenge to those present.
"And if you manage to beat me in the sniper competition, I will give you a cycle of paid leave to do as you wish."
That got their attention.
I almost burst out laughing at the reaction. The kig-yar present all went from relaxed muscles, leaning casually against the wall all standing ramrod straight and splaying their quills out. I've only ever seen this reaction in my own people once before, when the words 'all you can eat' is mentioned.
The sangheili's reactions were a bit more muted, but I could see two of them discussing amongst themselves about how much swordsman training they could do with a cycle of free time.
"Oh please. I know better than to bet against you." I hear Nath call from beside me.
Glancing over to the ruuhtian, I give my friend a dirty glance. I was honestly surprised that he wanted to come, considering how much he didn't want to join in the first diplomatic event, but he ended up begging me to come.
Well he did say that he would be here to cheer me on… Still, I think it might just be the melons that convinced him…
In fact, the only two from the first attempt at diplomacy that weren't here were Ussa and Dimyap. The sangheili stayed behind to monitor the goings on of my ship, and the Deacon was managing the excavation at the artifact.
Pointing angrily at my subordinate, I decided to quickly confirm my suspicions.
"You aren't even competing! Why are you here again?"
My navigations officer laughed, shaking his head. Placing a talon on his chin, he looked like he was deep in thought.
"I wonder how much alien money those melons cost…"
I knew it!
Shaking my head in fond amusement, I watched as the hatch for the gravity lift opened, allowing us to exit.
At once, all of my warriors stood aside, a few saluting me as the exit was made open to me. Smiling to them, I step into the foggy blue light.
The familiar feeling of gravity manipulation surrounds me as I sink below the ship's hatch. Getting a good view of the area from my spot in the air, I realize immediately that this isn't a simple competition.
It's a festival!
Tents were set up everywhere, idly reminding me of the marketplace back on Sangheilios. Smells of smoked foods and wet morning dew assaulted my nose, unconsciously causing my mouth to begin to water.
There was a large building in the middle of all the tents, showing the obvious attraction to this place. Several trees and bushes were lovingly grown into different shapes around it in a strange form of artwork, giving the lonely building a bit of character.
A small crowd of people were standing next to the tents, held back by a small railing made of cloth. Several small circular objects were hovering around, with a few strange flashes of light emanating from them.
Cameras?
It looks like this event was designed to be a bit more public then I initially thought.
Perhaps I should have been a bit more thorough with my part in the negotiations…
Looking down to where I would be landing, I saw that there were a few familiar faces waiting for me. Thune and his attorney general were front and center, with a few strange new blue uniformed people next to them. Standing at attention behind them was what had to be the entire military force on this planet.
Which were seemingly numbered in the high nineties.
Landing softly on the grassy ground, I stepped out of the way of the lift as my warriors and friends followed behind. One by one, they all took up formation behind me. Once everyone was in place, the phantom branched off to find another place to land.
"Shipmistress Sohm 'Bir!"
Turning my attention to Thune, I see the overweight man making his way towards me with a bright smile on his face. It is still a bit strange to see humans like this. Every other time I have met them, including on the impromptu expedition to the polar region, my muscles were coiled and my frame was lowered in preparation for anything. Now that I am a bit more relaxed and standing tall, I realized just how short these humans actually are as I was forced to look down toward the governor.
Shaking my thoughts off, it took me a moment to realize that the man was speaking fluent sangheili common.
Oh come on! That's not even fair!
Raising his arms from beside him, he made a sweeping gesture toward the large building behind him.
"Welcome, all of you, to my home!"
It seems like all of my friends were equally surprised by this turn of events as a moment of stunned silence came and went before the Governor dropped his arms to his side and turned to a pedestal nearby.
"~Sif, please tell me I said it right…~"
Regaining my bearings before the construct could respond, I took a step forward and dipped my head a bit in respect.
"Thank you for welcoming us with open arms, Governor. I believe you only surprised us with your fluency in our language, but it is a welcome surprise I think."
Hearing murmurs of agreement from behind me, I watched as a smile came across his face when Sif dutifully translated my words. I watched carefully as he waited for Sif to complete the translation, showing clearly that the words were practiced replications and not actual fluency. Somehow, this made me feel a bit better about my own prospects at bridging the gap.
For a second there I thought he was making more progress than me, and I already know his entire language!
The human chuckled, embarrassment coming across his face in the form of a bright red blush.
"~Very good then! I hope your people have the most warm welcome our lovely people have to offer! Help yourself to anything and everything on display in the tents around the mansion! The wonderful Lady Sif can operate through any of the holo-panels, allowing us to speak easily enough.~"
The Governor's attorney general that I quite forgot the name of spoke up from the side after Sif translated all of his leader's words.
"~The main event will start in a little over an hour. We will make announcements so everyone can gather when the time comes. Please, eat and enjoy the festivities! Let any of us know if you need anything, as I'm sure we would all be happy to help!~"
Turning around, Thune raised his hands in the air and shouted back to the crowd of humans nearby.
"~Isn't that right everyone?!~"
Uproarious cheers broke out as the humans began to applaud. Almost everyone here seemed to be in an excited mood, as food and instruments were everywhere among the crowd.
Almost.
Looking at the military personnel of the group, I took a moment to examine Jillian Al-Cygni. It was quite easy to see that she still very much didn't enjoy the fact that the governor was the one still calling the shots here. From what I understand of her character now, it made sense as to why the military commander was so somber and seemingly angry all the time. I almost began to laugh at her strained looking face when Thune started his grandstand for the crowd, but stopped myself from doing so.
Johnson and Byrne were back together again, the two heading up the group of green-garbed human warriors behind them. I could easily see the long-barreled silhouette of a rifle on each of their backs, causing me to grin in anticipation at the thought of our competition.
After a few more seconds of cheering, the crowd quieted down. Once again returning his attention to us, Thune's smiling face was honestly contagious as he happily exclaimed to the warriors behind me, "~Let the party begin!~"
(\\\(*v*)/)
Everything is going surprisingly well so far…
Looking over the impromptu party sprawled out in front of me again, I smiled happily as I watched members of my crew mingle peacefully with the humans. It looked like everyone was having fun.
Hearing the shifting of armor and the grunt of a stoic jiralhanae next to me, I snort as I take a quick glance at Timore. It looked like the nine foot tall armored behemoth was taking his self appointed job as my bodyguard seriously.
Which seems to be the main reason why no one is approaching me…
Returning my attention to the festivities, I listened quietly as the melodic notes from several strange string instruments filled the air. It turns out that Thune focused all of his efforts on comforts and convenience. Strange live music filled the air and food was overly plentiful, something which the kig-yar members of my company were appreciative of.
Sif was working overtime to allow for conversation between our people, many copies of the holographic woman popping up any time my crew was nearby to the many pedestals she was connected to. I watched on with a smile on my face as a few sangheili had a casual conversation with a few of the human warriors, undoubtedly about the human's warrior culture or something similarly combat related.
"~Greetings Shipmistress.~"
Hearing the deep but joyful voice of the governor, I looked over to see the man smiling brightly as he made his way over to me without fear.
Somewhat surprising considering who is angrily brooding next to me…
Byrne was also following the governor. Surprisingly stoic and scanning, the sarcastic human had a hand on a sidearm as he stood nearby to be a part of our strange group, but far enough away to be considered separate.
Strange.
Dipping my head a bit in greeting to the governor, I watch as Sif appears on a pillar near enough to me. Undoubtedly she was here to translate for the governor.
"Greetings."
The large human made his way a bit closer, standing beside me as I returned my attention to the many tents and happily mingling people. The two of us stood in silence as I watched a particularly rowdy t'vaoan major appear to take a wager from a human when the two of them placed something on a table.
One of Aris's bunch if I remember right…
My sharp eyes caught sight of what they put down. Immediately recognizing the familiar form of money, I felt apprehension filling me as I watched a seemingly slighted kig-yar make his way towards the governor's mansion. Something in my body language must have shown as the governor speaks up.
"~Is everything okay?~"
Before I could answer, I watched as the kig-yar leapt up and latched his claws on the third story building's gutters. Pulling himself up, he looks down upon those below in triumph. Even from where I was standing, I heard his condescending words clearly.
"I told you I could make this jump!"
Groans and cheers came up from below as my crew members were seemingly proud of this small victory over the humans already. I could even see Floats making his way over to the area, startling a few of the locals as he tried to see if anyone was hurt.
But my mind was elsewhere.
Seeing the bent metal of the gutters, I look apologetically towards the governor.
"I would like to apol-"
"~Well then! I'm glad we didn't challenge you to a jumping contest! That was amazing!~"
My mouth remained open for only a moment as I realized that he wasn't offended at the damage to his property. His casual and happy demeanor didn't diminish for very much it seems.
However, if he thought he would have an advantage against us when it came to marksmanship skills? He was in for a rude awakening.
I snorted in amusement at my own thought, watching as the showboat of a major jumped down to the ground and landed with a roll. The governor appeared happy by the display, listening to the translation before turning to me. He examined me for only a moment, his normally ever present smile and joyous attitude was replaced with a serious and attentive one.
"~Is everything to your liking shipmistress?~"
The shift in tone from his normally jovial one was a bit jarring, telling me something wasn't exactly right. A bit confused at his question, I tilted my head as I responded to the man.
"Yes… Should something not be?"
The man takes a quick glance at my jiralhanae friend before returning his gaze to me.
"~Well, the two of you haven't been enjoying the festivities like the rest of your people… I wouldn't want you two to feel isolated over here all alone.~"
Looking back and forth between the apprehensive human and my seemingly angry jiralhanae friend, I began to laugh. Gesturing towards Timore with a thumb, I try to disarm any tension as best I could.
"Oh, don't mind him. He might look a bit threatening, but under all that armor he's as soft as can be!"
A deep, ferocious growl met my ears as I turned to the jiralhanae. Crimson eyes stared down at me with what most would think to be bestial anger and primal hatred…
… but I knew it was just flustered embarrassment.
A few moments of this stare down led up to the jiralhanae angrily whispering out four words dripping with denial before turning his head away.
"I am not soft."
Laughing, I jab him into his armor with a feathered elbow.
"Your furry form would suggest otherwise my friend."
Hearing the chuckles of Thune nearby, I turn my attention back to the human.
"~Well, I'm glad everything is to your liking. The competition should be starting soon, so keep an ear out for the announcement. Don't hesitate to ask for anything should you need it in the meantime however!~"
Nodding in appreciation, I watch as the once again joyful governor walks away. His departure is marked by several flashes of the human cameras, a few remaining on my jiralhanae friend and I before most of them floated away.
"I remember the stories my clan used to tell about the Covenant's arrival…"
Blinking, I returned my attention to my friend. Seeing his once more stoic but friendly face looking down on me from above, I took the obvious conversational bait.
"Nothing like this I'm assuming." I said, gesturing out toward the happily mingling crowds.
"No… Nothing like this…"
The brute looked over the nearby festivities, surely seeing the same things I was. His deep crimson eyes lingering on something that caught his attention before returning to me.
"My people were in a constant war. No one really remembers what started it, but everyone knows what ended it. Purple ships came screaming in from the skies, showing their superior strength by wiping out the best warriors any clan could muster. Each clan was forced to surrender in short order, absorbed into the Covenant whether we wanted to or not…"
The jiralhanae shifted his crossed arms a bit on the head of his massive hammer, adjusting his stance only a little.
"It was probably for the best though."
Blinking, I tilted my head. Thankfully enough, Timore clarified what he meant before I needed to fully ask the question.
"I know that if we got a chance like this, we would have ruined it. Someone, somewhere wouldn't like what's happening and would have tried to put an end to peace through our well known beastial violence."
Snorting, I placed a hand on his arm comfortingly.
"Your people are far more than violence and anger my friend. You are proof of that."
His eyes scanned the crowd once more before looking down to me again. This time however, I saw nothing but determination and worry.
"I'm not worried about what could have been. I'm worried about what might be."
My friend placed a massive hand on my own shoulder, his muscles rippling under his armor as he held back his own strength to be as gentle as possible.
"If these people are even a small bit like my own-"
Suddenly, a loud screech rang through the air before Sif's overly proper voice rang through the air.
"Attention Covenant guests! The competition is about to begin! Please make your way to the open field in front of the mansion!"
I could tell that Timore's nerves were tested from the loud sound, as he snapped his hands back to the hilt of his hammer. It took him a second to realize what was happening before he relaxed.
Sighing, I shook my head before turning my head in the direction of the designated field. I saw several of my warriors still conversing peacefully with the locals, not a hint of hostility in the air. Thinking about all the times that I almost came to an open firefight with humanity already at this point, I decided to voice my thoughts.
"Worry not, my friend. I'm sure the worst of our diplomatic nightmare is already behind us."
Timore sighed deeply, his throat letting out a humming noise that sounded like he didn't quite believe the sentiment. Even as the two of us made our way to the shooting range, it seemed the jiralhanae wished to have the last word.
"I hope you're right Sohm… I hope you're right."
(\\\(*v*)/)
"~Fire!~"
The sound of alien explosive weaponry rang through the air even as the familiar particle beams mirrored them. Twenty eight shots whizzed through the air to the targets, blasting into the red and white circles with differing accuracy.
My sharp eyesight didn't need to use the scope at this range to know I hit it dead on.
Once all the shots were done, everyone began to mingle once again as four judges, two humans, a sangheili, and Nath, went to go tally who was accurate enough to move on to the next competition.
Clipping my beam rifle on my back, I take a few steps away from the shooting range. Feeling my stomach call for food for the first time since I arrived, I made my way toward one of the many food stands. An overworked woman in a strange cloth outfit decorated in a strange flowered pattern was managing the fruit stand, ordering around what appeared to be two younger humans.
I couldn't help but draw the connection to that family back on Sangheilios. Opening my mouth to ask for something, I was interrupted before I could even make a sound.
"Greetings shipmistress! Do you require assistance?"
Looking over, I saw one of the many holographic panels that Sif was using to translate everything for everyone nearby. Happily smiling to the AI, I begin to make my order.
"Greetings, Lady Sif. If it isn't a hassle, I thought I would finally try one of those melons that Nath has been raving about for days now."
Faithfully translating my words, I sighed as I realized I really needed to get over my fear of sounding like a squawking space chicken when speaking English.
"~Will that be everything that she needs?~"
No time like the present it seems.
Deciding to fully translate for myself from here on, I spoke up before Sif could ask the question.
"~Yas pleese.~"
Well at least I'm getting somewhat better. Maybe if I try to mimic how these humans talk rather than going by my instincts…
I watched as the surprised woman took a moment to regain her bearings before she smiled brightly toward me. She bent down below a folding table before pulling out a large brown box filled with the spherical food. Expertly slicing the melon with a knife, she handed me a paper bowl of fruit cut into small cubes.
Dipping my head in appreciation, I smile toward the human even as I reach for the bowl.
It has to be something I'm doing wrong with how I'm attempting to force the words out. English seems less guttural than common… Maybe if I try to force it out less and focus on…
"~Thaank you.~"
Ha! Success!
Bowing in appreciation, the woman gives me a bright toothy smile of her own.
"~You're very welcome.~"
Happily walking away with my food in hand, I find an open bench to sit on while I see what all the fuss was about. Softly adjusting myself to get comfortable on the strange chair, I look down to the wet slices of melon in front of me.
Picking one up between two talons, I examine the orange veiny meat of the fruit for only a moment before I pop the cube into my maw.
And it was delicious.
Happily chewing the fruit with my eyes closed, I think for a moment about just how much farmland this world had. The world itself seemed to be a veritable garden, with the population focused entirely on food production of the best tasting produce I've ever tasted.
I wonder if they would be willing to trade some food and farming secrets with the merchant clans back home. Places like this could eliminate any sort of food shortage back home!
"~You aliens really like cantaloupe, don't you?~"
Looking off to the formerly open bench next to me, I saw a human warrior in green looking over to me with amusement. The sniper strapped to his back was a clear sign he was a fellow competitor, but he appeared to be young. I could see curiosity filling his brown eyes as he examined me from the side, and by the way he shook his head in amusement after speaking, leaning his head back that he didn't expect an answer to his question. He was more than likely just making the statement to himself in observation and a way to clear the silence.
But that doesn't mean I can't answer him…
I wasn't sure if it was just my confidence from my recent success with the English language, or my mischievous nature bubbling up, but I decided to mess with this human a bit.
"~You would act like thiss too if you were undar sstrict rations for cycles.~"
I was noticing the less I tried to gutturally force the words out, the better my words sounded. This language was nothing like the grunting harsh language of sangheili common. It, instead, required me to unlearn years of speaking in a specific way, but the more I did it, the clearer I sounded.
Casually watching the man's eyes grow to epic proportions, I casually popped another cube of cantaloupe in my mouth as I watched the unfolding torrent of emotions overtake the human.
"~Y-you… can talk?~"
Snorting, I swallow my snack before responding.
"~We caan all talk, just not in your languaage.~"
Silence was my response this time, the warrior thinking about what I said for a moment.
The flashing of several cameras nearby caught my attention, the floating orbs aimed directly at me as they captured the momentous occasion of me eating some fruit on a bench.
"If all contestants would please return to the field, the results of the first contest are in!"
The two of us stood up, turning in the same direction as we awkwardly made our way in unison to the field. Deciding to continue with my mischievous streak, I issued a challenge to the human in an attempt to break his silence.
"~I bet I beat you in thiss competition.~
Surprise came and went before his fuzzy brows furrowed and he pointed toward me in challenge.
"~Oh, you're on!~"
(\\\(*v*)/)
"~So, what's your name?~"
Blinking, I tilted my head at the question even as I shifted the weight of my beam rifle around a bit as we waited for the signal to fire.
"~Sohm 'Bir. Whaat's yours?~" I ask, turning my head slightly to the man.
The human took his eye off the target as he turned to me.
"~Wallace… Wallace Jenkins. Nice to meet you.~"
Silence came and went between us as the remaining contestants slowly made their way to their spots. Since we arrived at the same time, the two of us were placed next to each other as we waited for the signal to fire.
"~What's the difference between you all?~"
Confused, I looked over to the human who was continuing to aim his rifle down range as he continued. Not quite knowing what he was talking about, I decided to voice my question with a simple universal, "Hm?"
"~Some of you look like raptors, while some of you look like bears… I guess I was just wondering what the differences were.~"
Blinking owlishly at the human, it took me a moment to register what he said before I burst out laughing. Thinking for a minute, I began a quick explanation.
"~We are all from different societies altogether, brought under the one banner of the Covenant… As for the differences though? There are far too many to count. I'm sure I could name off an uncountable number of things that differentiates us all…~"
Placing a talon on my chin, I hum to myself as I think about the premise of the question itself.
"~But I don't like to think like that. I prefer to think about what makes us similar. I enjoy sword fighting and have an honor code, just like the Sangheili do. I value hard work just like unggoy, and hold family in high regard just like the jiralhanae.~"
Smiling to the man, I make direct eye contact with him to drive my point home.
"~I'm sure that given enough time, your people will find some things we value similarly.~"
Wallace looked at me for a moment before he began to laugh.
"~You know, it is strange to hear something other than another person… oh sorry! I mean human, speaking so clearly. Guess it will be something I will need to get used to…~"
Thinking back to what just happened, I realized I was far more clear when not even paying attention to what I was saying.
I guess I already know how to speak… I just needed to trust myself and not overthink it.
My thoughts ended abruptly as Sif's announcement through the nearby speakers rang through the air.
"Contestants! Prepare to fire!"
Returning my attention to my rifle, I place the reticle directly over the target the humans set up for me. At this range, there was no possibility of me missing, but my professionalism allowed no room for error.
"~Fire!~"
The sound of fourteen shots rang out through the clearing as supersonic lead and pink particle beams ripped through the air once again.
(\\\(*v*)/)
Walking back towards the governor's mansion, I hear the sound of the remaining competitors behind me chatting amongst themselves.
At this point, there were only five competitors remaining. Two humans, one sangheili, and two kig-yar including myself.
Happily enough, the two humans that remained were two I recognized.
Wallace and Avery.
Sadly, the two men were excluded from the conversation my crewmembers were having. That didn't seem to matter much as the two military humans chatted amongst themselves about something quietly.
Eventually, the group of us began to mingle among the crowds once more. I could hear as several groans came from the group.
"Thank you, much appreciated. Yes, I value your contribution and look forward to doing business with you again."
What in the…
I watched in morbid fascination as Nath collected a veritable pile of different items from most people at a crowded table. From my spot a few feet away, I could spot everything from money to strange human devices to a few pieces of Covenant tech on display. While the situation was an order of magnitude worse than I thought, it wasn't unexpected in the slightest.
Walking over to Nath, I stare at the back of the ruuhtian's head as I did my best to paralyze him with my glare alone. Ignoring the stiffening of my warriors as they noticed just who caught them in the act of gambling again, I watch as my friend slowly comes to the realization that he might be in trouble.
Turning around, the troublemaker was met with the full force of my disappointment. Sadly for me, it seems that just like every time before this, he still has not learned his lesson.
"Oh! Shipmistress! I didn't see you there! I'm glad you're here!"
Placing an arm over my shoulder, the ruuhtian waves his open arm over the pile of questionable gains on the table as he begins to justify his actions shamelessly.
"I would like to thank you, for without you this wouldn't be possible!"
Brushing the arm off casually, I watch as my navigations officer just plays off the gesture by pretending he intended it.
Unlike all the times I've caught the ruuhtian doing stupid things aboard my ship, this time I knew that something like this was inevitable. All the signs were there pointing to this outcome after all. This seemed to be all in good fun, so I didn't see any use in breaking it up this time.
Unless he starts daring some humans to challenge sangheili to fist fights or something…
Shaking my head, I poke my friend playfully in the chest before swiping a cantaloupe from Nath's side of the table.
"Just don't do anything stupid Nath."
Despite the fact that I just stole what could now be his favorite food from him, the fact that I just gave him carte blanche to do what he wished quickly registered and a smile overtook his face once again.
"Me? Stupid? Bah!"
Shaking my head, I began to walk away.
We have been here for a few hours now at this point, and things were starting to wind down. The excitement of the day was slowly dwindling down as the local sun made it's journey across the sky.
It seems like all the humans have slowly figured out who the leader of the new aliens on their planet were as floating cameras and humans who lacked all subtlety followed me around constantly. A few of the more brave humans with microphones have attempted to get me to answer some questions, though each time was increasingly weird.
Sif, the ever stoic AI that she was, looked at me with the most emotion that I've ever seen from her. It was strange that the emotion that shines through was embarrassment and horror.
"Excuse me?"
The strangely dressed human didn't seem to read the room correctly, as both Sif and I looked at the man in a strange mix of confusion and horror.
"~You know, like parasites! Do your people give birth, lay eggs, or do you… You know!~"
He then began to make a strange motion with his two hands, covering his face and making a strange strangling sound.
"~Alright! I think that's enough questions from the shipmistress for now!~"
I watch in absolute bewilderment as Al-Cygni drags the man away, leaving me wondering what just happened.
Shaking my thoughts back to reality, I realize that I've somehow found myself back over with Timore. The jiralhanae was doing his self appointed duty by watching over me even as I lost track of myself.
Sitting on the grassy ground I've found myself on, I gestured for him to do the same. After a moment, the behemoth slumps down with a loud thud, his large hammer crossed into his lap in front of him.
"Still not relaxing hm?"
A grunt was all I recieved as he continued to examine the surroundings.
"Have you even tried to talk with the locals?"
"Nothing to talk about."
Shaking my head, I take a bite of the orange melon I took from Nath. Chewing for a moment, I swallow the fruit before sighing.
"You know, I think we underestimated these humans' ability to shoot. They are surprisingly accurate with their rifles."
Even though all I got was an angry grunt of acknowledgement, I continued on.
"I think I made another friend among them. There is one named Wallace, a contestant, and we have a bit of a rivalry going on as to who can last longer in the contest…"
For the first time since we landed, the jiralhanae actually smiled. It was faint, but it was there.
"You could make friends with a rock, Sohm. This does not surprise me."
Sadly, his mood soon turned somber once again as he fixed me with a serious glare.
"I still do not trust these people… Something in my gut tells me I'm missing something."
Even seated like this, I needed to look up to the towering form of my jiralhanae companion. The excited crowds and overall happy atmosphere of the event didn't seep into his alert and focused demeanor even all these hours later. I knew he wished to leave this place behind, but it would be rude to leave before the event was over.
Shifting a bit on the grassy ground, I tilted my head at his tone. Even through the day, none of his words had this sort of dead seriousness. I would be a fool to dismiss his instincts outright.
"What's wrong?"
The jiralhanae snorted before running a hand along the leather grip of his mighty hammer. The metallic sound of his claws scraping along the metal between the leather straps was instinctively threatening to me, showing that he was a spring ready to snap.
"Nothing… Nothing is wrong, and that's what bothers me."
Blinking, I tilt my head in confusion. I could see the flashing of cameras behind me through his crimson eyes, the humans still fascinated by us after all this time.
"What do you mean?"
My friend met my gaze for only a moment before looking around, continuing to scan his surroundings with an agitated alertness.
"Nothing for certain… I just can't help but feel like-"
"I never want to leave! This food is delicious!" I heard one of the 'Ter clansmates shout from the food tents. All around us were different people, all happily eating and conversing. I was immensely thankful for all the artificial translators set up with Sif's assistance, allowing everyone to casually chat with each other regardless of the massive cultural differences.
Camera drones were fluttering about, recording this event for all to see, with many of them focused on myself. I could still remember the strange questioning I was forced to endure not too long ago, snorting in amusement at the thought of some of the human's silly questions.
Turning back to my jiralhanae friend and place a hand on his massive muscled arm. I have been in enough firefights and hostile situations to know that instincts and gut feelings shouldn't be ignored. My friend's concerns are valid ones, even if there is no evidence that something was wrong.
I don't wish to cause him too much stress. If that means I need to forfeit my spot as a winner of the competition, then so be it.
The silly idle thought that Nath would lose all his winnings was just a bonus.
"If you want me to, I will forfeit my spot and return to the ship."
Timore snapped his gaze to me, his suddenly somehow more still than before, showing how much my suggestion shocked him.
"Oh Sohm, you don't have to do that. I know you have been looking forward to this…"
Snorting, I point toward the jiralhanae accusingly.
"You are the one that wants me to leave, and now you want me to stay? Which is it?"
Shaking his head, the tech savvy jiralhanae sighs deeply before leaning back.
"I'm a bit surprised that you would let a subordinate like me decide this for you."
My eyes widened a bit, surprised that he thought I considered him a subordinate. Deciding to make his position in my mind clear to him, I jab him in the armored chest with a talon.
"You are not my subordinate, nor are you a member of my crew or a warrior for me to command. You are family, and family doesn't hold any rank over another."
Timore and I sat in silence for a long moment after that, the two of us sitting in silence even as the music from the human performers gained a group of cheers behind us. The cheers died down as the musicians went quiet, the speakers switching to Sif as she announced the next event.
"Contestants! It is time for the quarter finals!"
Standing up, I stretched my legs a bit as I prepared to walk to my spot.
"Don't worry… little sister." He said, his tone filled with emotion.
Looking behind me, I saw he was still sitting down on the grassy ground. His face was filled with what could only be pure determination mixed with familial love.
"I won't let anyone-"
Click.
A strange metallic sound came from behind me, drawing my attention away from our conversation. I wasn't sure why, but my heart sped up and my instincts were screaming at me to look behind me.
Turning my head, I focused on something circular directly in front of my face. It took me a moment before my eyes fully focused on the object, confusion passing through me for only a moment before my mind recognized exactly what it was I was looking at.
It was the barrel of a gun.
Time seemed to slow as several things happened all at once. Someone screamed, a human from the tone of it. I caught several cameras focused on me from the corner of my eye. A few of my subordinates noticed, as the sound of more than a few energy swords being activated rang through the area. The swift sound of footsteps nearby sprinting in my direction could be heard, but before I could even react, I felt a large hand grab my midsection.
Violently yanking me, what could only be Timore moved to get me to the side out of the way of danger as quickly as he could.
But he was too slow.
"~Die, monster.~"
Bang!
-Author's Note-
Have a cliffhanger. Hope you enjoy it! I know I will very much enjoy reading all the "HOW DAAARRREE YOUU LEAVE US THEREEE" in the reviews… I'm an evil person.
After all, I just shot my main character in the face! :3
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