Chapter 19: Move Out!

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

The rest of the meeting was discussing when and where we should move out. A good idea was to travel towards the Udar system that was at the farthest part of the universe. Many Yautjas wouldn't dare go there. It had a reputation of bad luck where the vast majority of clans would disappear and are never seen again. It wasn't surprising that Lar'ja and most of my Elites rejected the idea, only Za'hir agreed with me and A'ni-de who was the one who suggested the idea. But it was the perfect place to meet in secret. Hakr'ouh and the rest of his lackeys wouldn't think we would go to that place. Eventually, everyone agreed and the message would be sent when we took off. We can't stay here forever.

After that, a couple of days passed since then but the CHPS headquarters and the Yautja ships transformed with blinding speed. Rory had finally come out of his room but not fully unscathed. He seemed fine when he was with me and the other Yautjas but when we had to go back to CHPS about the plan, he became tense. Thinking that it had to do with McKenna close by, I had to inform Lex, Dutch and Dallas to keep them apart until I had the chance to speak to them separately. Unfortunately, with everything going on and the limited time is given to us, I was too busy to talk to them but I was given updates that McKenna was doing well, along with Mike but he was still not fully recovered.

I did speak with Rory and the other core members of how many soldiers we should take and how many would stay behind. As tempted as I was to bring any available to fight, I couldn't leave Earth undefended. It was decided to leave behind a few dozen soldiers but we took about 2,500 to come with us. The only problem was getting them settled into a Yautja ship. I had to convince A'ni-de to lend us a Mother Ship that we could use. Of course, I was met with resistance from both sides but they had no choice as I gave it in plain terms that we might as well let the enemy win. I and my Elites had to spend most of the time keeping the peace between them as we brought supplies and weapons into the ship needed for the journey. If I didn't have Lar'ja with me, my sanity would have been destroyed a long time ago.

Finally, it was the night before we were planning to take off. A break that everyone needed to have and one to bring some tension down and peace between oomans and Yautjas. Several fire pits were lit and the guys had some beers for them. On the other side, the Yautjas was all about business, tending to their armor and weapons while others went on hunts for food and more trophies. At least I don't have to worry about them hunting oomans for now. Sa'iye and Za'hir joined them to monitor the Unblooded. It made me feel at ease a little bit.

"Anya."

I was sitting on a branch above the party, savoring this bit of peace when Lar'ja climbed up to join me. I scooted over so he could sit next to me. "Here. I brought you something."

He handed me a piece of deer meat that could have fed several oomans but I didn't mind. I smiled, taking the plate and ripping some pieces before stuffing my face. He cooked it for me despite that Yautjas prefer to eat them raw and it was delicious. I savored it, letting my mouth water until I was too full to eat anymore. I gave the rest to Lar'ja and he guzzled it like it was nothing.

"Everything alright?"

His voice was soft but lined with worry. I smiled. "It's fine. For some reason, I can't wait until we head out to space again. It's strange in some way or another."

"I'm sure it is."

Both of us watched the party for a while. My eyes caught something amusing, so much that I nudged Lar'ja with my shoulder. "Look who's having a greater time than anyone else combined."

Sure enough, Olgoth and Xen'ork were causing some trouble . . . fun trouble at least. They hang out with the soldiers who got used to their presence, watching them brawl and dodge each of their attacks. It seemed scary for some oomans watching but most were too drunk to notice. They stopped when T'uark pulled them apart, sending them to their little corners like good, little boys. What a couple of fools.

"They're having some fun, aren't they?" He looked at me and I nudged my forehead on his lower mandible.

"Yes, they are."

He purrs and rubs against me, almost sending me into a sleep from the exhaustion of moving things between CHPS and the Mother Ship close by.

"Do you think this will work?"

I didn't move but I closed my eyes. "Are you talking about the plan?"

"Yes."

I sighed. "To be honest, I don't know. But we can't stay here forever and we can't keep running as well. If we don't act soon, then all of this will be in vain." I could feel a sense of doubt emitting through Lar'ja and into me. I pulled away and looked up to his golden eyes. "You don't think so?"

He looked back towards everyone on the ground. "I'm seeing all of these faces but I know that not everyone will make it out alive if we pull this off. And there's no guarantee that the other clans will vote you to be regent. So many unknowns pop up when we deal with a problem." He moves his head and presses his forehead on mine. My body jolted in surprise but it was welcomed. "I just want you to be safe."

His mandibles stretched to softly move the tusks across my skin. I closed my eyes and smiled upon smelling the spring rain. "I know. Same here."

I tilted my head to give him a small kiss on his inner mouth. Lar'ja blinked his eyes in shock before he reciprocated my gesture with a kiss of his own. My heart pounded when he deepened it, much more than I wanted since everyone was just below us. Oh . . . my conscious. But it didn't stop him and Lar'ja wraps an arm around my waist to bring our bodies closer together. The urge to fight him off was growing weaker as he deepened the kiss even more.

"Anya?"

I heard a voice from below and I quickly pulled away, only to see Rory standing at the bottom of the tree. Lar'ja grunted an annoyance but he kept quiet as we talked. "What's up, Rory?"

"We need to talk. Do you have a moment?"

I glanced at Lar'ja, seeing a look of okay before answering. "Sure. I'll be right down." I placed a hand on Lar'ja's shoulder. "I'll be back."

"I'm sure you'll be."

I slapped his shoulder playfully when he gave an evil smirk, puffing a bit of air in his face. Really? I jumped down from the branch, landing firmly on the ground with ease. I waved my hand in the direction where we would have some privacy and both of us walked off into the woods. We didn't go far, stopping when it was safe that no one would hear. It was the first time in a while we have a one-on-one, excluding the meetings with several others since he locked himself in anger.

I crossed my arms and turned to him. "Are you feeling better?"

It sounded quite sassy and sarcastic like a sibling would if they're looking at another who was in trouble but I had to make sure. Rory looked guilty and placed his hands on his hips. "Yeah. Better but still a little uneasy."

"I bet. As much as I wanted to ask about what's going on between you and your father, what was the matter you needed to discuss first?"

His mouth opened but closed shut as soon as I said that last part. It was the reason why we were talking in the first place and I needed him to stew. A bitter lesson he needed for the little incident a while back. I won't like it now but it's for his good.

"We've finished getting the rest of our supplies in the ship and ready to take off in the morning. The majority of our soldiers will be in the lower levels of privacy while we'll be in the upper levels. The thing we're having trouble with is who will be staying to lead the rest of our forces on Earth and who is coming."

"I thought you already took care of it."

I saw Rory's face contour into a look of anger for a moment before disappearing. What is your problem, Rory? Someone on your mind. I crossed my arms even tighter, hitting the mark of where he was going with this.

"As you know, Mike will have to stay due to his slow recovery but he won't be enough to keep the operations going smoothly. We need someone to stay behind so I thought it would be best to—"

"I hope you're not suggesting McKenna, are you?"

He shut up so quickly that I heard his jaw pop from the sudden movement. His eyes widened as if he thought I wasn't going to bluntly say it. Do you think I'm stupid then?

He shook his head. "I thought you would agree, given what happened the last time?"

I rolled my eyes. Are you kidding me?

"I know but I get the feeling that it's not the only reason. You're trying to keep McKenna here so you don't have to deal with him. Sorry but he's coming with us."

That's when he snapped all of a sudden. It was like Mr. Jekyll turning into Mr. Hyde in a matter of seconds. Every muscle fiber in Rory's body tightened, turning him into a ball of tension ready to snap under the tiniest bit of pressure.

"You can't be serious. He just shows up out of nowhere and now is coming with us? After everything, he's done and showing back up like nothing has happened."

I didn't relent, staying firm to my decision. "I don't know what's happened between the two but you're acting more like a child than he is. You're an adult now."

"And you are naive. You have no idea and yet you're siding with him?!" He starts to yell right in my face. You're coming too close now.

"And I'm in charge of every member of CHPS and I'll decide who comes! Not you or anyone else—"

I had enough.

I slapped him as hard as I could across the face, leaving a red mark that was going to leave a bruise on his face no doubt. The sudden shock of it snapped Rory out of his anger and it was clear on his face. I wasn't angry at him but rather he needed it. But I had to explain my actions and the reason behind it. Keeping a straight face, I spoke in confidence.

"Snap out of it. This is not the time or place to have a temper tantrum over such a thing. We need as many people to fight with us and McKenna had a great experience and is familiar with Yautjas and all. You may be the head of CHPS but I'm the Leader of the Elites and the only person keeping you and the Unblooded from killing each other out of spite."

I stopped, glancing at Rory for a second and to give myself a much-needed break. I sighed, deciding to keep my voice down a little more. "So what happened between the two? Maybe it might be better if you tell me the details."

Rory's eyes lifted slowly to me in confusion but he relaxed. He straightens up, rubbing the side of his cheek where I slapped him. "It's complicated."

I looked around and saw a log a few feet away. I walked over and sat on one end and patted the other side. "I'm patient."

I was prepared to stay there for the rest of the night if need be. Lar'ja might get worried but I'll have a good reason. I waited patiently as Rory walked over and sat on the spot next to me. Neither side said anything until Rory broke the silence.

"What I said about my father leaving for a mission and never coming back was true. No one could tell us what happened to him so everyone thought the worst. It was only me and my mother for quite sometime after that. Until . . ."

He paused and he had a look of sorrow on his face. Compassion grew inside my chest and I had a sinking feeling following close behind. He sighed and looked back to me with sorrowful eyes.

"My mother was diagnosed with cancer. I was only a teenager when I found out but I did everything I could to save her life or . . . at least make her feel comfortable. I watched as she deteriorated until she passed away." He tightened his fists and the sorrow in his eyes was replaced with the same anger I saw before. "To know that he was alive all this time when we needed him the most . . . he should be punished."

I didn't know whether he was about to attack me but I stayed alert but I was going to do everything to calm him down. "Look, Rory. I'm sorry you had to go through that plus with the whole 'end of the world' scenario we're in but we only know the half of this mess. Your father might know things that you need to talk about with him."

It didn't help. Rory began to rant even more like an angry child. "But he should have checked in with us! And whose side are you on?"

"I can't pick sides, Rory!"

He paused in shock, clearly seen in his eyes. But he needed to hear it. I wasn't about to play the middleman in all of this but I do want to know what the fuck is going on so this doesn't turn out to become some part of a soap opera. Come on, Rory. You know better than that.

"You and McKenna are part of me and I can't choose one over the other. All I can is find out as much as possible but you need to talk with him sooner or later. Or else it will eat you away." I had to pause. The memory of my hatred, in the beginning, was coming back. "Trust me . . . I know."

With nothing else to say, I made my way back to the camp, leaving Rory to ponder over what we were discussing. I needed some sleep for the big day tomorrow.

It's going to be a long night though. That's for sure.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morning came like a flick of a switch in a dark room but none of us had time to rest. I kind of wished that the oomans didn't go drinking the night before. Some had such hangovers that were pretty much useless. It did provide some entertainment for the Unblooded and to ours as well. But I had to put them in line too when the A'ni-de came along. Some would say he was the party pooper but he had good reason. We worried that we didn't have much time before the Bad Bloods struck again.

I kept watch of everything that I could, giving out orders to move it or grab items or make sure the ship's accommodations were adequate. I had Lar'ja and Za'hir take care of keeping the Unblooded in check during the transition. I suspected some were becoming uneasy with the oomans around, especially the ones carrying guns. Olgoth and T'uark had too much to drink of course so I told them to take it easy for now. Geez . . . How did they become Elites in the first place? I had to remind myself of the times we've spent together on our Hunts to become one. Their incredible skills on the shoulder cannon and disks . . . ones that were way advanced and took many seasons to perfect. Many gave up the practice and decided to hone their skills in mastering the easy ones. I admit that I tried doing the same but I learned firsthand. I still wanted to learn when all of this was done but t would have to wait until this is all over.

How will it end, anyway?

Brackett and Sa'iye accompanied me while I made the rounds on the grounds above CHPS, watching the oomans finish up.

"Dutch! Is everyone accounted for?"

Like a true soldier and smoking his cigarette away, he nods. "All 2,500 are almost loaded. Waiting for the slowpokes who are last to bring the supplies in."

I nodded back. "Keep it up then. We're leaving in a few minutes."

He turned without answering but I knew he acknowledged me, yelling to the others to hurry up and the soldiers scurried, fearing retribution. I heard Sa'iye cackle faintly, amused by the way the oomans ran like small prey. "That male sure knows how to 'motivate' them."

"Of course he does," Brackett commented. "No one wants to mess with him."

"Like a true warrior."

"Come on, girls. We need to finish up."

I hustled away, long enough that they knew I was serious so they had to keep up. I was kind of glad to have such a company with just us females sometimes. With Sa'iye's nature, she and Brackett hit it off like two peas in a pod. At least I don't have to worry about them.

"Lex!"

I called for her when we crossed paths, seeing her carry a box that looked to be medical supplies. "Is that the last of them?"

She smiled. "Yup. We'll be ready to go."

"Good. When you're done, help Dutch to get the rest of these morons in the ships. We won't wait for anyone."

A smirk grew on her lips. "You're right about that."

I chuckled and patted her shoulder softly before she left. The mood was becoming well and so far, we didn't have any problems with the shift. Things were looking up.

"I thought things would go in the wrong direction but everything's in order."

"Yeah. No kidding. It's not easy when it's mostly males around. Tell me . . . are male Yautjas prone to be stubborn like us?"

I rolled my eyes. Why is Brackett asking about this? Sa'iye seemed to not mind. She spoke without any filters. "Our males tend to think with their cocks instead of their brains most of the time."

"I know! Right!?"

Both Brackett and Sa'iye laughed. Well, the latter was more like a hyena but still . . . The point was that they were growing fond of each other. A true example that two different species can join together. Maybe there's some hope for all of us . . .

"You're both right about that. But not all males don't think like that. You got to give them some credit."

"Like Lar'ja?"

I stopped in my tracks and turned around, trying hard not to make my cheeks blush. Don't you dare go there, Sa'iye.

"What do you mean by that?"

She chuckled with Brackett in the middle looking back and forth between us. "Considering all that has happened, you've been gone from the group most of the time along with him. I know he's your life mate but you're not exactly keeping your mind off of mating."

"Wait . . ." My eyes widened at Brackett who mirrored my same reaction. Oh no . . . not this . . . please . . .

"Did you and Lar'ja have . . . sex?"

My mind was blank so I couldn't answer right away. I failed in keeping my cheeks from blushing a light green hue that even Brackett could see. I glared at Sa'iye when she smirked at me. Trying to tease me, are you?

I didn't have time to stop Brackett from saying what I didn't want her to say. "You did! Didn't you? I mean . . . was it like the same as—"

"Okay! Enough of that! Moving on!"

I took off before anyone else could ask me that. Both kept up the pace with me as I moved across the field, inspecting everyone I could see. I could still hear Brackett and Sa'iye bickering nonsense behind me but I could only think of the positive side. They were getting along well. I thought about everyone else and hoped for the best outcome between the species. Maybe there's hope still.

But just as I thought those words, I heard roars and yelling from the side. It wasn't lost on Sa'iye and Brackett with one growling and the other gasping. Sure enough, there was an Unblooded challenging Royce of all oomans. I should have known better. Izzy was a bit far away to my surprise but at the same time, I would have done the same thing if I was in her position. Unblooded Yautjas were unpredictable but it didn't dig into Royce's brain it seems.

"You're monsters! The lot of you!"

"What did you say to me, ooman!?"

The Unblooded raised his shoulder. A move that a Yautja would make to initiate a challenge. I had to admit that Royce is a great fighter but I wasn't confident that things weren't going to end well with him. I decided to intervene, ready to give a lesson to the unfortunate male.

Like an angry gorilla or something else of that nature, I stomped over and in between the two. Sa'iye moved behind the male while Brackett came to Royce's side, intent on intervening if it got to the point.

"Enough of this. There's no point in picking a fight."

The male growled. "You're not my Leader and I don't take orders from a hybrid!"

You're going too far. To have someone of his rank talk back to someone superior was already disgraceful, more so to spit at them like garbage. I had to keep my anger in check or else all Hell might break loose but it was hard with my muscles contracting and my heart pounding in reaction. I raised my shoulders and growled slowly. "Back off or I'll do it for you."

Of course, the male didn't listen. In an instant, he swung his fist around, aiming for my chin. I was too quick for him and dodged by lowering my body into a crouch. I had no plan to hurt him but I had to demonstrate my authority and strength. When he tried again, I grabbed his wrist and threw his body over. In mid-action, I changed into a Yautja in a split second and used all of my strength to slam him on the ground hard. He let out a yelp of agony, not moving as I let him go but I wasn't done with him. I pressed my foot on the side of his forehead, pinning him to the ground. He growled in reaction, glaring with his piercing amber eyes but I dug my heel in him harder. I lowered my head until it was close enough.

"Submit."

The male hisses but relents, lowering his gaze in submission as his body relaxes in defeat. Clear enough, I let him go and moved away for him to stand up shakily on his feet. He started walking away but couldn't help himself and looked towards Royce but I smacked his face before he could, leaving a deep gash across his cheek. He didn't dare look at me and walked off.

Sighing out of defeat, I let my body change back slowly. I opened my eyes and saw the scared looks in the oomans' eyes. They were still not used to me changing like that or even dominating the Unblooded but it still stung in my chest. Sa'iye and Brackett looked upon in worry. I ignored them, turning to Royce for some much-needed explanation. Although I already knew what it was.

"Are you deliberately trying to kill yourself over pride?"

"He started it. Saying something foul about me no less."

I growled. "That gives you no excuse for pulling a stunt like that." I turned to Izzy who came to grab a hold on Royce's arm. "You need to keep an eye on him at all times. You should know better."

"My apologies. It won't happen again."

"I hope so. For his sake, at least."

She lowered her eyes in shame before dragging Royce who was keeping his glare on me. As much as I didn't want to scold Izzy for her husband's mistake, this had happened so many times that it was becoming a liability. I had to give so many excuses to Rory about bringing him along, saying how valuable he was as a fighter but it was becoming harder. I placed a hand on my forehead, feeling exhausted from keeping the peace together between the species.

I could only hope that not all of this will be in vain.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finally, after what seemed like hours, everyone was packed and inside the ship, ready to take off. Now, it was only me, Lar'ja, and Brackett left to say our farewells to the rest of CHPS. The soldiers who remained stayed back as Mike and Dallas stood before us. It was with a great dilemma that Dallas would stay behind to take care of CHPS and Earth while we were gone. In the short time that I met him, I believed he was the best candidate to stay behind. He seemed disappointed that he wasn't coming but I made it clear that this was just as important. Who else would stay and protect an entire planet?

"Will you be alright?"

Dallas nodded. "Of course. I'll make sure this old man and everyone else stays in line."

"I'm not that old!" Mike yelled in anger, not liking the comment about his age but as soon as he tried to move closer, he flinched. The wound to his chest was not fully recovered and I silently admitted to myself that he isn't exactly the young type. Dallas comes to his side, holding him up but not before getting a smack to the head by Mike.

"What was that for!?" He rubbed his head where he got hit.

Mike merely laughed. "You should have seen your face."

Dallas groaned but chuckled after thinking about it for a moment. I shook my head in amusement, rubbing the bridge between my fingers. Lar'ja pressed his hand on my shoulder, reassuring me before addressing the oomans.

"We'll make sure to keep in contact if anything changes on our end. I'm sure the Bad Bloods won't come back and bother you. They might be smart enough to think we've moved on."

Dallas chuckled. "I figured as much."

It was silent for a while before I stepped forward and placed a firm hold on his shoulder. A move that Yautjas make to give a small honor to another. "Protect our home. Promise."

His eyes widened for a moment before he smiled, placing his hand on my opposite shoulder. "I will."

I smiled before looking around at the other oomans watching us. Despite everything, they could have run away or disagreed with this decision although some were having second guesses. Even so, they were there nonetheless and I needed them more than they needed me. I let go of Dallas and moved around him, placing myself before them. I made my voice loud and clear.

"That goes for all of us. I know that some have doubts about this but I want to reassure you of our resolve. Rest assured that we will keep Earth safe and we won't stop until we are victorious." I stopped and checked out their responses. I could see the shock in their eyes but wasn't sure what they were reacting to. But I didn't stop there.

"I give my solemn vow that we will defeat our enemies and ensure the future of this planet. Believe in me."

That was all I had to say. I waited for any response or obvious reaction from the crowd but I got nothing. I felt my heart drop to my stomach but I didn't show it. Guess this is all I'm getting. But as soon as I turned around, I heard footsteps coming closer from a distance. Curious, I turned around and realized it was Robert . . . the boy that I first met when I arrived at CHPS. He rushes towards me until stopping only a few feet away. He was a little short out of breath but he calmed down quickly. His eyes were dead set upon me but not out of uncertainty . . . but something else.

He swallowed deeply before he spoke. "Anya . . ." He paused for a second but he didn't speak anymore. Instead, in a surprising gesture, he crosses one arm over his chest and bowed, much like another Yautja would to honor another.

My body went into shock. I don't remember teaching them that. It had to be Rory or someone else. But the gesture was not lost. I could hear Lar'ja stutter from behind. He knew just as well what it meant. But it wasn't long before more followed. First, it was Dallas and Mike before the oomans behind started to do the same. Some were hesitant, unsure of what to do but they moved in the same position. The next thing I knew, everyone was bowing their heads and crossing their arm . . . towards me.

It was so shocking that it took me a minute to register what was going on and by then, Robert and everyone else stood straight once more. No longer looking with uncertainty, each of them smiled softly if not more but it was enough.

"We believe in you. Be victorious and bring them back home."

Robert smiled more than anyone else and it was just what I needed. The gesture filled me with unbelievable strength and warmth, bringing hope that I thought was almost gone. I couldn't help but smile, almost brought to tears to which I would never admit to anyone in my life. I raised my chest in pride and reciprocated, crossing my arm over my chest and bowing, giving the respect they deserve. A small cheer from the crowd but I didn't move for a minute. I raised and nodded to Robert, Dallas, and Mike.

"I will. Take care of yourselves."

For some reason, it felt like a goodbye as well. I had no assurance that we would come back but I said it nonetheless. I turned around and headed for the ships with Lar'ja and Brackett following closely behind. Lar'ja wrapped an arm around my body, bringing me closer until my head was on his shoulder and his chin was on the top of my forehead.

"I'm very proud of you."

I chuckled and pushed harder against him, taking in his sweet spring rain smell. It was wonderful to know my lifemate said that. To me, it was like the greatest honor I could receive.

"Get a room."

I forgot that Brackett was right next to us and I could see the evil glee in her eyes. I refused to pull away from Lar'ja but I extended my leg enough to give a small kick to her thigh. "Get away."

She grunted from the pain but giggled regardless. She ran off before I could give another kick to her as another warning. Lar'ja chuckled and I was tempted to do the same but I was in such a good mood at the moment. I clung on to it as much as I could as we headed to the ships.

It wasn't long before we got into the one designated to us and where the rest of the oomans were. We made our way to the front deck where everyone important was waiting. At the pilot's seat, Xen'ork was preparing the ship for takeoff along with the rest of the Yautjas in charge. Normally, a small ship that most were used to only needed one pilot but this was a Mothership so it required several to operate it properly. A'ni-de was standing over him, watching carefully that made Xen'ork seem nervous and irritated. Rory was standing next to him, observing how the ship worked but for some reason, his body was tense.

I got my answer when I saw McKenna not too far in the back as we made our way. Our sights interlocked together for a brief moment. As soon as he saw me, he nodded his head in acknowledgment, giving a bit of an unsure smile. No doubt that he wants to talk to me. I nodded back but I had other things to take care of but it's only a matter of time before I would need to talk to him and then get both father and son to take out their anger on each other. I only got half of the story so it will be interesting to hear what he go to say.

Sa'iye and Za'hir were waiting for us on the other side of the deck near where Xen'ork and everyone was. Lar'ja, Brackett, and I stopped next to them but I didn't see Olgoth or T'uark anywhere so I suspected they were still sleeping. Those dopes . . .

"Everything accounted for?"

A'ni-de called me and I answered. "Yes, it is. Have the oomans settled down below?"

"We made sure. Their 'leaders' are with them to calm them down. They were making a big fuss over nothing."

"I'm sure Dutch and Lex are handling them. Don't worry about them."

He merely grunted before looking out through the front window. From this view alone, it was beautiful in my eyes. The sun was barely rising over the mountain, giving off a ray of mixed colors that felt like the sky was being painted. Beautiful . . .

"Are we good to go, Xen'ork?"

"Yes, my Lord. We are ready."

"Then let's be on our way."

As soon as I gave the command, Xen'ork and the other pilots activated the ship's engine, which was more powerful than anything I felt before. I had to plant my feet on the ground hard enough to create resistance. Even so, Lar'ja holds me tightly, keeping me from sliding over while Brackett did the same to me. The ship roars to life, followed by other engines that made it sound like an earthquake was coming. Before long, the ship began to rise from the ground and we were in the sky in a matter of seconds.

We rose higher and higher until we were in the atmosphere and then finally in space. As the ship turned away, I caught one last glimpse of Earth. The blue, green, and brown colors mixed in harmony and brilliance. The last time I left Earth, I thought that it was one of the hardest moments for me, thinking that the possibility of not returning was inevitable. Seeing it for the second was far worse in comparison. The stakes were higher and I had to deal with the uneasy alliance between oomans and Yautjas, threatening to break under the slightest bit of pressure.

Can I handle all of this?

For some reason or another, my fingers reached for my neck and I could feel the cold chain around it. I pulled it up and twiddled the metal piece between my fingers, bringing it up to my face. I stared at the symbols spelling out my Yautja named Ta'kasa. It had been a while since I looked at it like I was now. I felt it on me the whole time but never took the time to study it. The memories of my mother came like visions, followed by Daugo who I come to love as a father along with other familiar moments that I wished I could revisit. I began to wonder if my mother and Daugo were watching me, proud of what I have accomplished and giving hope that we will prevail. A warm feeling swelled in my chest, filling me with new energy.

Mother . . . Daugo . . . I won't lose. I won't give up.

I gripped my necklace once more, releasing it to fall back on my chest. I gripped Lar'ja closer to me and he did the same. He purred softly into my tresses that I put together to support my outfit of armor. At least I have him . . . and my friends . . . and Rory . . . my brother.

I looked forward as the ship went into the dark reaches of space at full blast. We had a long journey and much time to think about what to do when we arrived.

I hope this is not all in vain . . .

Hello Everyone!

So I managed to get this done by Friday although I did mention that I might not be able to post. Thankfully, everything is taken care of and I hope you love it. I'm hoping to get the next chapter for The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2) posted by tomorrow but might be delayed for a day or two. I hope all of you can wait.

So a bit of drama with not only Rory but with the troublemaker Royce and an Unblooded. They never learn, do they? But a touching moment with the members of CHPS saluting her in the Yautja way. That was so touching for me that I couldn't cut the details out for it.

Anya has got most of the oomans but what about the others? And the Yautjas as well? She's got a lot on her plate along with having to be a referee between Rory and McKenna. Like in real life, there are two sides to a story and they need to sort it out for themselves eventually. Ooooh . . . such drama.

Will she be able to pull this off? Will she get the support she so desperately needs to take back Yautja Prime and protect Earth, keeping her promise?

Find out when Chapter 20 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Nightroad816, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 18. A lot of inspiration from all of you and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had a bit of going back and forth to make it as smooth as possible with a little bit of fun lol.

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