Chapter 18: Decision Making

Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.

We got to the meeting room a minute late but apparently, Yautjas don't worry too much about time. An ooman habit that seems to want to stay with me. My heart raced a little in case they noticed but reassurance from Lar'ja was enough. Sa'iye and Za'hir were the first to enter the small chamber room next to the front deck of the MotherShip. I still wondered about what was going on between them but I had other problems to deal with than poking into someone's business. The room was much bigger than even the meeting rooms on Yautja Prime, which made me wonder if Yautjas love being in space more than at home. Does it matter now?

Olgoth, T'uark, and Xen'ork were waiting on one side of the long table, conversing about something amusing when I saw Xen'ork grinning. T'uark didn't seem to like it but his brother was the opposite. I felt sorry for Brackett who was on the far end of the table near four empty seats, most likely for Lar'ja and I along with Sa'iye and Za'hir. At least I have a good idea to give her a translator provided by Sa'iye to make her feel better and stay in tune for what's going on. But my eyes wandered towards the other side of the table, seeing a couple of Yautjas from before but noticed an empty seat in the middle. None of the warriors looked decent enough to be the leader of the Ma'tu Clan, more like Blooded warriors with a few UnBlooded standing over them.

"Where is your Leader?"

I asked as we walked beside them to our seats. The Unblooded kept their heads down, following the Code of Honor to address a warrior of higher rank, especially of my position. I didn't catch any glares or wonder as I wanted to suspect but something else alarmed me. Their demeanor was reflected off a warrior depleted of his honor and status, one that had lost everything. I checked their armor again. They don't appear like servants . . . full-blown armor and plenty of weapons on them. In the back of my mind, there was more going on that was much serious than I could imagine. One of the Blooded warriors with a crescent mark on his forehead spoke, standing from his chair and bowing with respect in my direction.

"He'll be here soon. A last-minute problem arose when he was about to return."

I didn't ask anymore. And I thought I was going to be late.

"Of course. We'll wait then."

The warrior bowed once more and I went to take a seat. Lar'ja waited so he could make sure I got in safely. Some of it was for courtesy but Lar'ja was a worrywart, trying to keep me safe when I didn't need it. I didn't protest this time, already nervous to fight back and in front of everyone as he sat next to me. Sa'iye and Za'hir took the remaining seats available on our side. While I sat next to Brackett, hoping it would help her relax. She looked nervous and intense as it is although it could have been worse if she'd never encountered Yautjas in the first place. While small conversations were ongoing, I leaned my head towards Brackett.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded and leaned closer. "I'm good. It's just that I've never seen so many . . ."

"Yautja?" I chuckled in amusement. "This is nothing compared to Yautja Prime."

She smiled. Good . . . She calmed down a little. I smiled back and nudged my shoulder on hers. She leaned back into the chair that was double her size but the smile disappeared and worry was seen in her eyes.

"Did you talk to Rory?"

"No." I shook my head and lowered my gaze to the cold, metal table. "He's still angry and won't even speak to me."

"What happened to him? All of a sudden he goes berserk when he sees McKenna. I thought someone who thought their dad died would be joyous to see him alive."

"Well . . . something happened that he didn't tell us. I fear I will have to ask McKenna at one point but it will be more like an interrogation." I shifted in my seat, scooting closer when I saw one of the Unblooded looking at us. I glared straight at him and he turned away, a clear sign to back off or else lose an eye. But Lar'ja made it clearer, growling a deep and low one that made the male move to a farther spot. Really?

"Lar'ja . . . Do you have to do that?"

He grunted. "I have to protect my mate from other males. It's my duty, right?" His hand goes underneath the table and rubs the exposed part of my thigh. My core burns immediately from the touch, still feeling the effects of our recent mating but with a lot of bodies around us, I flicked my thigh to push his hand away. He does it with little effort but a twitch from his mandible suggested otherwise. I smirked, turning away as soon as I punched his stomach under the table.

"Having fun?"

I didn't look at Brackett. She already knew what was going on but she looked like she was having plenty of good entertainment in a room full of aliens. But it was much worse than that when I turned my head to the other side and saw my Elites staring at me, not obvious but enough for me. "Do you mind?" Everyone looked away, not wanting to get on my bad side and continued on their mini conversations. But it would have to wait when we heard the doors opening to the room. I and everyone else stood up to present ourselves to our guests, which should be the leader of the Ma'tu Clan. I was right on the mark as an older male comes in with a stride befitting a superior. He walks as if he owns the ship we were standing in. Well . . . we don't know who's ship it belongs to. His dreadlocks were beginning to fade from the black color to grey from the top down. His armor was thicker than I've ever seen before. Most warriors preferred the essentials but not too many, rather choosing speed over power. This male did the opposite, making him look like a tank. The head of a kainde amedha adorned his chest with his clan's symbol resembling lightning. It was a display of prowess for taking on such a creature. I'd rather keep their heads for display in my private room than wear it. It would make me tense looking at it.

"My Leader."

The unknown males called out in unison, bowing their heads in respect for their leader. I didn't bow and neither did the others. It wasn't necessary since we were of higher rank but Brackett looked a bit nervous, even more so when the Leader turned his face that was lacking his mask. It was obvious that he wasn't too pleased with an ooman being here but not angry either . . . tolerating would be my best guess.

I broke the ice building up between. "My Lord. I'm glad to officially meet you."

The Leader turned his attention to me, bowing a little out of the difference between our ranks. His amber eyes studied me for a second. "Same here. You must be Ta'kasa . . . the Leader of the Elites I presume?"

"Yes."

His eyes checked back and forth and then up and down my body. He stopped when Lar'ja growled a warning. I had to elbow him "I was told you were dead."

"Presumably. Does anyone trust the words of a Bad Blood?"

He chuckles. "No. I supposed not."

He steps up closer and straightens his back to make himself look bigger. His followers hunched low in respect made by fear. It shows how much influence a clan leader has but I never believed in that philosophy unless necessary. "My name is A'ni-de of the Ma'tu Clan. Behind me are my proteges."

I didn't know he brought others until A'ni-de moved to the side, moving his massive body to reveal two young males standing behind. They wore similar armor like their leader but not much, only wearing the essentials and nothing else. The one on the left was thinner than the other male on with longer dreadlocks but looks can be deceiving. The male on the right had a balanced posture: not too skinny but not fat either. His dreadlocks were short for a Yautja but I had a suspicion that both males were Unblooded due to the lack of their clan symbol on their masks they wore. Still, I introduced myself out of respect for their leader.

"Pleasure. My name is Ta'kasa. And you?"

The one on the left spoke. "I am Nei'hman-de and this is my half-brother . . . Yeyinde."

I turned to the male named Yeyinde but he didn't speak to me. He bowed his head low but nothing else. Still, I got the feeling that he was studying me just like A'ni-de was doing earlier. I ignored it and raised my hand to the empty chair near him.

"I hate to be hasty but we need to get straight to business. Shall we?"

Luckily, we were on the same page and he got into his seat, shifting to get comfortable while the two males from before moved to stand on either side of him. Everyone sat down and the meeting went into session. It was mostly about the damage received in the recent battle with the Killer Yautja on either side, hearing more than a dozen Yautjas and a few more of the soldiers of CHPS were killed or injured. It wasn't the topic I wanted to listen to but I kept diligent, especially when Brackett had to talk. I had to act as a translator between the two species along with being a mediator. The idea of an ooman in the room discussing with leaders and warriors made some of the Unblooded glaring once in a while. It could be part of it but young males like then are always eager to fight no matter who and what. But as soon as that topic was done, we got into more serious business.

"So . . . what's the update on the Bad Blood's movements in the far side of the universe?"

Za'hir spoke and A'ni-de nodded but with a disturbed expression. "They've hunted down the remaining members of the F'erc Clan and destroyed the planet they were on. I'm afraid that more clans will end up with the same fate."

"They've hunted down another clan?"

I disturbed the conversation and got confused looks from A'ni-de. "Do you not know of this?"

I shook my head and Sa'iye answered for me. "She was gone for quite a while and we barely came here so we haven't got the chance to update her on what's going on."

"So she has no idea what happened to her clan then?"

My eyes perked up. "What about my clan?"

I turned to Lar'ja, thinking if he knew any of this but the confused look in his eyes told me he knew only as much as I did. However, when I saw Sa'iye and everyone else, their faces dropped slightly as if in shame. "Does this have anything to do with the Dark Blade Clan?"

A'ni-de didn't even show any emotion, rather looking annoyed by my presumption. Still, he gave the news that I didn't want to hear. "After Yautja Prime was taken, the Killer Yautja began hunting down clans that went against them and the Dark Blade Clan was the first. With Daugo's death and the rest of the members left behind, you and a few others are what's left of your clan."

My heart stung first upon hearing Daugo's name. That awful memory was still deep inside me and a horrible nightmare of what Hakr'ouh did but they had a point. A part of me understood that this was the result after the Bad Bloods took over. A harsh reality that I had no choice but to accept. I slumped into the back of the chair, taking a few breaths while all eyes were on me.

"So they've been killing off those who resist . . . but it makes no sense. The Killer Yautja's numbers are still few compared to the many clans still upholding the Yautja ways and the Code of Honor. Why is everyone scattering to hide or get away from them?"

I thought A'ni-de would answer but his eyes glanced over to Za'hir on the other side of the table. Everyone's eyes moved to him but he remained composed. He would tell the truth and I needed to know. Logically, the other clans would have intervened and taken back Yautja Prime if they could. From what I was told, there were hundreds if not more clans out in the universe. They would have converged together to stop them. Why haven't they already?

My Leader . . . It's not that simple. The Killer Yautja have been known to upgrade themselves and the kainde amedha they keep as pets, creating new beings that are way stronger than the average Yautja. On top of it, they have improved their weapons and defenses to the point that we can't understand."

"Understand?"

He nodded. "Hakr'ouh has found the blueprints you made for the new weapons defense for Yautja Prime. Remember?"

How could I forget?

Before all this c'jit had gone down, in preparations for this sort of situation, I worked with Arkarb on new projects that could give Yautja Prime an edge if the Bad Bloods were to attack in earnest, including a shield for the planet. The only problem was that I needed approval, also known as the Council. Lord Datho would have permitted me but at the time, our mission was still classified and I couldn't risk exposing the plot until we had enough evidence. Little did I know that it would happen but I wished I could have taken the plans with me. Now, I knew Hakr'ouh must have found them, using him to his advantage. Another blow you gave them. Nice job, Anya.

I nodded. "I know. I was hoping they wouldn't understand it, given that I wrote it in ooman language."

"Because you suck at writing in the Yautja language still."

I didn't have to signal to someone that Xen'ork needed a smack to the head. Surprisingly, Olgoth of all Yautjas threw a right hook onto his head and he went flying to the ground. As much as Olgoth was almost like Xen'ork's twin, he did have more moments of taking things seriously than making jokes in front of high-ranking warriors. I didn't look but I could hear no more movements or any sound from him so he must have been knocked out.

"Uhhh . . . should someone check on him?"

Nei'hman-de stuttered but I raised my hand to stop him. "He'll be alright. Let's get back to what we were talking about." I could hear Lar'ja chuckled under his breath along with Brackett and a few others but nothing else.

"Anyway, how do you know about this? I'm pretty sure that you're not able to sneak into Yautja Prime."

Sa'iye answered. "We've managed to make secret contact with Arkarb who's still their prisoner used to help create new weapons. He was able to build an enigma with certain codes that only was in our private frequency that the Bad Bloods don't know about. Gives us a pair of eyes on the enemy."

"Still, even with the advanced weaponry, the clans would have still fought to the end. Their pride as warriors are too valuable for them to just stand by and let the Bad Bloods do as they please."

As soon as I said that, everyone went silent. Brackett stayed that way due to various reasons but I could sense uneasiness within my Elites . . . Sa'iye above all else. Her mandibles began making a soft chattering noise that was starting to make things worse. I tapped my fingers on the table in annoyance. "Well?"

Finally, she broke, turning her chair enough that she could get a view of me and everyone else. "It's not that simple. The clans refuse to fight them because they are keeping prisoners."

I tightened my eyebrows together and Lar'ja growled in response. I couldn't blame him though. He was kept prisoner as well so he knows how bad it can be.

"What prisoners?"

"The Successors."

I whipped my head towards the cold voice of A'ni-de, hearing that one sentence since into my brain. "They have the Successors . . ?" He nods. "But that doesn't fully explain the situation you're telling me."

Nei'hman-de answers. He received a hiss from his leader but nothing more, only as a disappointment that an Unblooded would speak out in a meeting with leaders and Elites . . . the norm to follow in the hierarchy. "I hate to admit but the Bad Bloods are clever. They are keeping the Successor alive as hostages to warn other clans not to try something and rescue them. That is the reason why the clans are running to defend themselves rather than help their own that are trapped."

"But there's more." Za'hir interrupted. "They need them to take full control over Yautja Prime. If they just went in with nothing but brute force, it wouldn't guarantee their dominance. The clans would rally to stop them."

I shook my head. I was starting to feel a massive headache coming but Brackett kept the conversation going. "So they're using the Successors to assert their dominance over everyone else. So they are like the boss of the entire species?"

T'uark spoke "Not exactly. The Successors are only the ones to take over the Council when it's their time. But now that the Council is dead, they are in command and the Bad Bloods are using them to turn them over to their side. If that happens . . . "

"Then there's no stopping them from destroying everything . . ." I raised my hands in the air. "So there's no hope for us then."

The full weight of the situation began to feel heavy on my shoulders. My chest felt like it was being crushed down to almost nothing. This is worse than I thought. Lar'ja's hand rubs on my back to soothe me. The warmth from him spread over me and pushed back the heavy load. He let go and I resisted the urge to pull it back to me, knowing he'd had something to say. "If that were true, we would have seen worse. And if so, why is Hakr'ouh so eager to convince Ta'kasa to come to their side? He tried to do it again when he attacked us."

My head processed the sentence. He does have a point. Why would he keep going after I said no? I got my answer as soon as I thought about it from Za'hir.

"The Successors are resisting their influences. Hakr'ouh threatened them with torture and starvation but they refused and they can't be killed or else they would lose everything. However . . ." He paused. "They are close to breaking them. Their resistance is most strong with only one male among them."

My eyes widened in slow shock. I knew the answer immediately. "An'tar . . ."

"Yes. But they're giving him the worst of the punishments. Starvation . . . whipping . . . but he remained strong so they had to resort to finding new ways. One of which concerns you."

Immediately, all eyes came back to me. I had to look away when I saw the look in Lar'ja's eyes, full of worry but more towards my prior relationship with him . . . or somewhat. Hakr'ouh believes that if he gets you, he'll force An'tar to give up and then they'll have their ways."

"They won't have her."

Lar'ja growls, determined to protect his lifemate and everyone knows. A'ni-de could see it clearly, watching him shift his chair back to give a fair distance. Despite rank, everyone knows not to mess with a male and his mate. They were the most dangerous opponent you would ever face.

Some part of me knew that it was An'tar who would stay strong. The last time I saw him, he was alive but imprisoned by Hakr'ouh and the other Bad Bloods, seriously injured when he tried to fight them. He was an honorable Yautja who would make sure to fight back with all of his might. He's that sort of warrior that I liked about him. But now, he was trapped and trying to keep it together for everyone's sake. My mind couldn't fathom that a species such as the Yautja would not act against an enemy that we've fought for many seasons.

It doesn't make sense! An'tar is fighting but we are not!? This is unacceptable!

"So this is it? We're going to just sit here and let them keep getting stronger?" I struggled to whisper and not scream at the top of my lungs in fury. A'ni-de scratches his mandibles in uncertainty.

"There's nothing we can do. The clans won't come and we can't exactly charge our way in and—"

"Have you lost your pride as a warrior!?"

I slammed my hands on the table as hard as I could, standing up with rage in my heart. It shook so hard that some items that were on it either fell or rolled off and broke on the ground. No one said a word, most likely in fear of what I was going to do next. I glared at A'ni-de, making my intentions known. I wasn't sure what kind of temperament he had, given that any Yautja would have been insulted by such a remark but I wasn't going to back down. My heart raced at the speed of a horse in full gallop. My voice hissing to contain it.

"They may have the Successors and Yautja Prime in their hands but standing here and doing nothing is the same as handing ourselves over to the enemy. Might as well give up then." I leaned closer to A'ni-de until I was halfway across the table.

"I was taught that our ancestors fought with all their might to defeat the Killer Yautja in ancient times and they did. No matter what the cost, they knew what had to be done, regardless of what bad things would come. If they saw us now, they would be turning over their graves. I won't stand by while they have their way and I will fight until the last of my breath until we take our home back."

I stopped and let the silence flow through the room. I had to admit to myself that it was one of my best speeches I've ever given. For that small moment, I felt powerful. The stories of the ancients that fought them inspired me when I was learning from Daugo. It was one of the many lessons that I treasured. The Yautja species were a proud race and I knew they were so I couldn't let it disappear like that.

All of a sudden, A'ni-de slowly rises from his chair and leans over the table to mirror my actions. A stare off was underway and no one moved to break it off. The air was becoming thicker but I refused to back down as I stared into his amber eyes, unable to read his thoughts but it didn't matter. After what seemed like forever, he began to chuckle and caught me by surprise.

"I like you. You got some spirit in you." He leans back into his chair. "So what your Elites and everyone else have been telling me were true . . . the strength of a Leader."

I turned my head towards them for a brief moment. Every one of them smiled, proud to hear such words. Olgoth . . . T'uark . . . Za'hir if a little . . . Sai'ye, and even Brackett . . . All of them were looking onto me like any would to their strong leader. It showed me that they had my back on this and in that moment . . . they were my true friends. The last I saw was Lar'ja and he had a look as if he saw nothing else but me. Joy had filled his golden eyes as he smiled, nodding his head in approval. I couldn't help but smile, knowing they had my back. I looked back to A'ni-de as he entwined his fingers together.

"I feel the same way but it will take more to convince the other clans to join us in taking back our home. But there is . . . another way."

Lar'ja stood up from his chair quickly, grabbing onto my arm a little tighter than I liked. "No. You can't suggest that."

"Suggest what?"

He froze and turned his gaze towards me. "If he has a solution, then let him speak."

I wasn't going to give him a choice, no matter what he says and Lar'ja knew it. Still, he hesitated.

"But what he's suggesting . . . it can be dangerous." I raised my hand before he could say anymore and he took the signal, sitting down in defeat. Regardless if he was my mate, my rank outweighs his own but still, he respected my decision.

"What's the other way?"

A'ni-de sighs, leaning on his elbows. "We could call for a Un'tu-at."

"An Un'tu-at?"

He nods. "It's an order that is specifically used in such emergencies. It states that if the Council and the Successors are incapacitated or unable to make a decision, the next in line of rank would take over as regent over matters until power is restored."

I thought about it for a moment. "But the next in rank is the Elites."

"Yes . . . and the Leader of the Elites would be the one to become regent. You."

I paused, pulling my head back in disbelief. The next in rank? Regent? Me? My brain didn't quite reach the gravity of the situation and how it connects with Lar'ja being so worried. It doesn't sound so bad when they put it like that. I mean . . . maybe a little since not everyone is fond of a hybrid yet. But how bad can it be?

"Okay . . . so what's the catch?"

That's when A'ni-de grunts in frustration. So there is something to this.

"But it can only be executed if all presenting Clan Leaders agreed unanimously to allow Un'tu-at to happen. But they have no choice but to at least appear at the Un'tu-at regardless."

I rolled my eyes. Of course . . . that's the thorn in my shoe nipping at my heel. I scratched my head. "So how do we do this?"

A'ni-de's eyes opened a little in astonishment. "You still want to do this?"

I didn't answer. My eyes did the talking for me and that's all he needed to get my answer. He chuckles in amusement and leans into his chair, studying me for a second while he rubs a dreadlock softly between his fingers. "Then we'll have to set up a place to meet with all the clans that are left but that will require sending a message that the Killer Yautja can't detect."

Sa'iye answered. "We have a solution. We got instructions from Arkarb on how to make and use an enigma so that won't be a problem."

A'ni-de nodded in approval but turned his head towards me. "Now . . . I do have a question that only you can answer." I nodded silently, given my full attention. "What about the oomans that know of us?"

In that instant, his eyes zoned in on Brackett. It made her pull away out of fear but she kept her chest high, unmoving from a Clan Leader looking at her. A'ni-de glances back to me with a curious stare. I made my intentions known.

"They will be joining us."

I didn't know how much of an uproar my statement would cause but it was more than what I expected. The Unblooded in the room rose and roared in defiance. I heard them growling in disbelief and they made their distaste clear.

"We're letting prey come and fight among us!?"

"How disgraceful! It's enough that we had to help them and now this!?"

"They can't keep up with warriors like us!"

"They'll only slow us down!"

Every time I heard each sentence or question, the anger inside my chest grew like a volcano ready to explode. I roared loud so that my voice could be heard through the noise.

"My ooman friends have the right to fight with us and they're already involved! The Bad Bloods have destroyed many lives here and threatened to take Earth just like they did with Yautja Prime! They may be prey but they have the heart of warriors!"

Still, the Unblooded didn't relent and it only made things worse. For the disrespect, all of my Elites stood up in anger, ready to be the c'jit out of those who disregarded me. Lar'ja came to my side and wrapped an arm around me for protection but he growled as well towards the Unblooded. This was getting out of hand.

"Enough!"

A voice that I didn't recognize rang in the air. It silenced all the Unblooded and everyone else. Only a strong voice could have such power. I thought it was A'ni-de at first but he was facing towards someone on his side. I followed and realized it was Yeyinde who was standing up, glaring at each of the Unblooded.

"She's right. We need all the help we can get so none of you have the right to go against her. She's the Leader of the Elites and you should know your place."

When he got everyone one settled and calm enough, Yeyinde turned his masked face towards me. "The oomans and Yautja have a common enemy and we need all the help we can get. They showed their worth on the battlefield and have earned their right to fight with us. I support the Elite's decision."

He faces his Leader and waits for a minute before A'ni-de answers. "It's the same with me." He bows lightly to him and Yeyinde goes back to his spot next to him.

I sighed and looked around at everyone. "Is everyone in agreement?"

I heard grunts from the Unblooded but eventually, they nodded their heads, including Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de. A'ni-de does as well followed by my Elites and even Brackett with a look of determination in her eyes. Lar'ja was the last I looked at but I knew he would stick by my side based on his smile. His arm softened around my waist that I forgot was there and rubbed my hip. It made me feel relaxed and somewhat proud. When I got everyone's answers, I straightened my back and raised my chest high.

"Then let's not waste any more time. We have a lot of work to do."

Hello Everyone!

Note: Able to post both chapters for Balance and The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2) so a lot of reading for all of you lol.

This has got to be one of the biggest meetings Anya had to face. Meeting the Ma'tu Clan Leader . . . seeing some familiar faces (you know what I mean lol) . . . and hearing about everything else . . . there were a lot of emotions going around in her.

I mean . . . I feel bad for An'tar and Arkarb as well. She's right about saying the Yautjas have abandoned them when they should fight like true warriors. Sadly, she knows it more than them.

Lots of tension but now, they have a plan and soon . . . they will have to make it a reality . . . one that Anya will make sure will happen.

Will it though? Or more obstacles will face them? Will it be too much for her heart to take before it breaks?

Find out when Chapter 19 is posted next week (Friday the latest).

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 17. I appreciate any feedback from you, especially with everything going on in the world right now. Urg!

Thank you and Good Hunting! And stay safe and healthy! :)))

Reading notes:

Normal = Anya (human form) or any human speaking English (ooman language)

Italic = Anya (human form) or any human speaking Yautja

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language