Chapter 29: Assess

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

Another day had passed before our ship finally reached the Udar system. I stayed with Daugo and watched him recover, getting him meat reserves. I even gave a few of my own to which he tried to decline. But I insisted and with his meager strength, he relented. It felt nice to know he was being taken care of. Lar'ja did the same so Daugo got more meat than any of us.

The Udar system was not much, only filled with gas clouds that were harmless to the ship but deadly if even one of us stepped outside. Which we won't in the first place. Even a Yautja with a mask wouldn't survive long. It was a risk to come here but served well for a hiding place to gather forces.

Sa'iye did warn me of the clans that had come. Some were unsure of all this while others might try and say something that could negatively impact the purpose of why they had come. It didn't matter to me. I had a mission to fulfill and I was prepared to give everything for it.

In the center of the Udar system, there was a single purple planet that had somehow been unaffected throughout centuries and had become a living planet. It was once used as a station by the Yautja for secret meetings. One of the reasons it became the spot to use. It had been abandoned for some time . . . until now.

Many ships of different shapes and sizes had gathered in the ports with more on the way. I watched from the front deck, keeping my chest high. Lar'ja stood next to me while the others were behind.

"This is it," Xen'ork spoke. "Sa'iye, Za'hir, and A'ni-de are waiting for us at the eastern ports so we'll land there."

"Good." I nodded. "Land and we'll get ready."

"Of course."

While Xen'ork worked on getting the ship towards the location, I turned around and faced the others. Everyone watched me eagerly, waiting for what I had to say.

"It's going to be rough in there. There will be a lot of Yautjas we don't know and they can be hostile, especially to any oomans."

I turned to Rory and the rest of my ooman friends. It wasn't lost to me that they seemed nervous, especially with Brackett. Her face spoke out more than anyone else. Royce seemed fine but he was far too busy keeping an eye on Rory and also McKenna who was standing with Arkarb. Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de kept a watch as well.

"So stay close to me until we're inside. The rest will keep an eye out for trouble. Understood?"

Everyone answered, "Yes."

I smiled, knowing they were sacrificing a lot to keep with my commands. It was harsh but necessary.

"I'm going to check on Daugo. Lar'ja . . . Arkarb . . . can you help me?"

They nodded. Lar'ja gave a silent purr that only I can hear. I smiled and headed to the back of the ship to get Daugo. Once we're on the planet, Sa'iye will take over and heal the rest of his injuries. Of course, I had a feeling she might nag me as well. The scars on my chest have yet to heal completely. It worried me in the beginning but since they didn't pose a threat, I covered them with cloths for now. Lar'ja insisted I should inform Sa'iye of what happened but it was the least of my problems.

We had other things to take care of.

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

Xen'ork docked the ship as close to the planet as possible, actually making the softest landing I ever experienced. All of us except for Rory waited at the entrance of the ramp. Lar'ja and Arkarb stood next to Daugo, acting as supporters to help him walk. I glanced once in a while towards Daugo, reassured when he smiled. I smiled back, feeling confidence return to me.

It wasn't long before the ramp began to open and lower itself to the metal floor of the port. This is it. It comes to a halt, revealing part of the outside.

"Stay close to me."

I was the first to step out with the others following. I made sure that Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde covered the rear, encasing Rory and every ooman in our group in the middle. Xen'ork would join us soon when he got the ship parked. We were going into unknown territory with many Yautjas that haven't been around oomans a lot. Some expressed that they don't like them. I had lost too many friends already and I wasn't about to let it happen again.

As soon as we got out of the ship and onto the port, we were greeted by a sight that even I didn't think would ever see.

There had to be hundreds if not thousands of Yautjas gathering in one area. Many had different cultures of their own with different weapons and armor. One group wore heavy ones designed with the greatest details of the Yautja symbols. Another was simple and more nomadic, wearing little to no technology. Despite being one species, many clans adapted their style of hunting so not all the norms are the same. The only thing that connects us is the Code of Honor. All Yautjas, regardless of age or rank, must follow.

It wasn't long after we walked a few steps did we notice many watching us. Some even kept their stares on us. Well . . . mostly the oomans. Rory remained confident by my side, being most experienced with our kind. Brackett was the same. Royce, Lex, and McKenna were a little unsure. I turned and nodded to them . . . a sign that everything was going to be alright.

They didn't stare for long when I turned to them. Being the Leader of the Elites, the Yautjas would lower their gazes. It was rude for them to look upon a Leader like that . . . unless they want to get killed. Even if it wasn't so, Lar'ja growled in warning. They turned even before they saw me coming.

"How much further?" Rory asked softly.

I hummed. "Not far. We'll go through the tunnels and then, we'll be inside."

Long ago, the planet was hollowed out by the Yautjas and made into a metal tunnel system like an airport inside. The lobbies centered around the outer shell like a ring. The lower levels were more rooms and areas for food and social gatherings. But the bottom contained the largest meeting room ever according to what I've heard. That is where all the clans would gather . . . and where I would plead my case to take our home back.

We stayed in the middle as we walked through until we made it to the other side. It wasn't hard to spot Sa'iye, Za'hir, and A'ni-de from a few feet away. To my subtle surprise, Dutch was with them. Maybe I should have expected it. He's not a typical person.

They were conversing when Sa'iye caught sight of us. Her eyes lit up as if she hadn't seen me in years. She skips over to us with Za'hir, Dutch, and A'ni-de following behind.

"Ta'kasa!"

She stopped a few feet in front and did her bow in respect. "I'm glad you're here in one piece."

I gave a somewhat fake smile. I didn't know what to say exactly, especially when I could see Sa'iye open her mouth and then close it. The light in her dimmed, fading by the grim cloud above. "I'm sorry for Olgoth and T'uark."

I sighed. "They died honorably. Thanks to them, we made it in one piece."

"And they will be honored." A'ni-de comes along. He turned to the side where Lar'ja and Arkarb were carrying Daugo. "And I'm honored to see that the Dark Blade Clan Leader has returned to us."

Daugo grunts in pain but still greets him. "It's good to see you too, A'ni-de."

I smiled, looking to Sa'iye. "I know we've just arrived here but can you take care of Daugo? He needs medical treatment still."

"I'm fine, Anya."

I turned around to see Daugo. "No, You're not. Despite the machine, you still need a checkup and Sa'iye is the best healer."

"What about you? You're hurt as well."

Sa'iye's goes into healer mode, glancing at my body. "You're hurt?"

I growled at Daugo. Thanks for that. I didn't need it right now. Daugo clicks his mandibles but groans from the pain. I opened my mouth to get him moving when Sa'iye steps in front of me. I barely registered that she moved a piece of my chest armor. This behavior wasn't tolerated well but Sa'iye is a healer and I was used to this treatment to which was not out of ill will.

The edge of my scar was revealed, still oozing a bit of green blood but not much anymore. Still, Sa'iye gaps her mouth. "How did this happen?"

I sighed. "I got into a fight with Qut'suak but he's dead and I'm fine."

"No, you're not. This wound should have healed and left no scar. Are you ill?"

She reached for my head but I growled. She flinched and back off at the warning. "I'm okay. Daugo is top priority and needs it more than I."

I sounded a little harsher than I expected. I took deep breaths and calmed down. Please, Sa'iye . . ."

She hesitated but nodded her head. "Of course. I'll check on you later."

She nods to Lar'ja and Arkarb. They moved Daugo closer to her until Sa'iye grabbed the arm Lar'ja was holding. I gave a small smile to Daugo for reassurance and he purrs back.

"Take care of him. Arkarb . . . keep an eye on him."

He nods. "Yes, my Leader."

I watched as they left for the medical bay nearby. I'll check on them later . . . or else Sa'iye will track me down. It left the rest of us in the middle of the lobby, surrounded by Yautjas staring at us.

"Dutch?"

I called for him and he stepped up from the side of our group. "Yes?"

"How are the rest of the soldiers doing?"

"They're located in the lower levels but away from Yautjas that are sort of hostility towards them. They're not exactly calm but we managed."

I sighed. "Alright. Brackett, Lex, and McKenna . . . Go with Dutch to check in with them. Get some rest and food while you're at it. Check on your weapons and armor if you need to."

Brackett answered for them. "We're on it."

They followed behind Dutch and walked towards the lifts. But wanting to make sure they weren't attacked by others, I glanced at A'ni-de for assistance. He didn't need to say anything. One look at Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de and they were following behind. I trusted them enough that they'll protect them. Everything's going smoothly . . . for now.

"Rory . . . You'll stay with me."

"Alright." He answered abruptly, sounding annoyed. I expected as much. The ride to here was still full of tension, not to mention I had to keep an eye on him like he was a child again. Until he deals with the issues with his father, it's going to be like this.

Suppressing a frustrated groan, I moved my focus to Za'hir and A'ni-de. "So what's the current situation?"

Za'hir spoke. "Most of the clans answered the call but are uneasy with the decision of calling an Un'tu-at. But at least they have come regardless."

"But there are a few that are against you being the regent," A'ni-de said coldly. Not sure if it was directed to me or those who have spoken against it.

"Because I'm a hybrid."

I didn't need to ask in the form of a question. I knew it was the answer already for some. Being a Clan Leader, A'ni-de didn't say anything but there was no need for confirmation. Za'hir lowered his head. Lar'ja was the only one to say something.

"She's still the Leader of the Elites . . . regardless of what she is. If they have any ounce of honor, they would respect her more."

He stepped forward but I raised my arm to stop him. Lar'ja clicked his mandibles as if stunned by my actions. I gave one look to him and he backed off. A'ni-de seemed amused, stroking a tusk before the scene he was watching.

"It doesn't matter. I'll take anyone willing to follow me. After all, it is our home that we're taking back. And the hatred for the Killer Yautja is far worse than the hatred of me. If I have to fight for it, then so be it."

I held my chest high, watching the response from A'ni-de. Again, he seemed surprised but didn't show it. I had to learn a few of his ticks to know what his mind was thinking. He grunted and turned his back to us.

"Come with me. They're some warriors I want you to meet that might help."

A'ni-de led the way into the deeper parts of the port that went into the inner circle. It was more crowded than expected. Almost every Yautja was there and the space between them was tight. Rory had to inch close to me when a young male got too close and growled. Lar'ja did as well and being as the male was an Unblooded, he walked away. We were okay but I feared the worst is yet to come. Imagine if a Blooded warrior would come.

"Za'hir," I whispered. He nudged his head while we were behind A'ni-de. "How's Sa'iye and everything?"

It had been a while since we separated and I worry about Sa'iye's health, considering she has to work hard to heal almost everyone. Not to mention the fact that she's carrying a pup inside her. I know Za'hir wouldn't lie if something was wrong. He's too honorable for that.

He purrs. An unusual response from him. "She's fine. It's been stressful after arriving here but she's handling it."

"And her pup?"

I heard Lar'ja hold a breath. I didn't know if he was informed or not but judging from his subtle reaction, he may have not.

"All is well, my Leader. Thank you for thinking of us."

He was sincere and lowered his head in a bow. His eyes closed softly.

I smiled. "Good. She'll need lots of rest before all of this goes down."

It was not the Yautja way to worry for a pregnant female. Even with a pup growing inside themselves, the females can still do great harm and fight as well as any male. No matter how far along with the pregnancy, they can kill until they give birth, recover quickly, and go at it again. Still, my ooman side worried about her. I don't know much about pups or babies but learned on Earth that they were fragile and many things can go wrong during the pregnancy. I didn't bother to study more when I arrived on Yautja Prime, seeing as I wasn't thinking I could have pups.

Even so, it stung in my chest.

Sensing the stress, Za'hir turned to face forward. Rory had no idea what we were talking about but not oblivious to the pain in my face. He grinned but it faded within a second, not sure if it was because he was still angry with me or showing compassion. Lar'ja wrapped an arm around my shoulders, purring to soothe me.

"It's alright."

It was all he could say. I wasn't sure anything else was appropriate.

Once we got through to the inner ring, A'ni-de showed us to one of the lifts and went in. We followed suit as he pressed on the panel to find the right level. The door closes and it takes us to the lower levels. We stopped at the first one and A'ni-de walked out with us tailing him. Luckily, it wasn't too packed yet so we moved quickly through the hall until reaching the last one at the back.

"Follow me," A'ni-de called.

I nodded as he opened the door. I was the first to go through as per rank with Lar'ja and Rory next to me. Za'hir was the last, staying behind to close the door. As soon as I was in the room, I could see three Yautjas standing in the center. Immediately from the expensive look of the armor and the details it had, two were Clan Leaders like A'ni-de. One was a female that was even taller than Sa'iye to my recollection, adorned with beautiful silver armor. The other two were males. The male with the special armor had a dreadlock that was sliced into two so it took me a minute to but there was one that caught my eyes, unlike anything I've seen before.

The male was short for his size, only a foot shorter than the other male next to him. But what caught me by surprise is the tan color of his skin, much like an ooman. It was decorated in red stripes like a typical Yautja would have. The red and brown mixed color in his eyes was mesmerizing.

Lar'ja nudged my shoulder. "Stop staring at him." He growled but more towards the male, gaining the attention of the three Yautjas before A'ni-de presented himself.

"My lords." He bowed slightly. "Our apologies for the wait but they finally arrived."

Neither said much as they turned to me. Lar'ja didn't like the look of the same male with unusual skin. He growled low in warning.

"Lar'ja." I elbowed him in the side of his chest. He grunts and pulls back. "Stop that."

The female Yautja started to laugh, gaining our attention. Lar'ja stopped the noise but glared at her despite the clear difference in rank. She didn't mind but rather looked amused.

"So this is the hybrid we've been hearing about? You seem . . . different than what I expected."

I didn't know to take that as an insult but she didn't display any disgust or rage. Rather, she seemed curious. I tilted my head and smiled. "And I didn't expect to meet someone of your caliber."

"Of course. And to bring an army of oomans with you. It must have been no small feat." She glanced at Rory but he didn't react. I warned him of making eye contact until we got settled in so he lowered his gaze. Good job.

"It was not."

A'ni-de interrupted. "Ta'kasa . . . this is Lord Ca'sea. The current Leader of the Arrow Clan."

She bows her head and I reciprocate back.

"Over here is Lord Raith of the Uhri Clan that has brought some of his members here."

Raith nodded back. "It's a pleasure."

I smiled before turning my attention to the last and strange male. "And you are?"

He grunted before taking a step towards me in a careful manner. His eyes glanced at me with such curiosity before he spoke. "My name is Ya'stih."

I hummed. I observed him up close. His armor wasn't as impressive as Raith or Ca'sea but not to be messed around with, wearing shoulder armor similar to my own. I guess the male looked at me a little too much because Lar'ja moved closer to me and glared at Ya'stih.

Again, I swatted him away. His golden eyes looked down in surprise but I gave a look that was a clear sign of the 'I'm going to kick your ass' thing. He backed off again before I introduced myself.

"Pleasure. My name is Ta'kasa of the Elites. This is my lifemate . . . Lar'ja of the Dark Blade Clan along with Za'hir who is one of my Elites."

Now . . . it was time to introduce Rory. I wasn't sure of what would happen but it was courtesy to bring him here if negotiations were to go smoothly. "And this is Rory. The current Leader of the oomans who came."

Neither of the three made any acknowledgments, just stared right at him. Rory was a bit unsure but I nudged his shoulder to initiate him. He took a deep breath and lowered his head with his arms crossed, much like another lower-ranked Yautja would do.

"It's nice to meet you all." He stepped back, going right behind us.

"The ooman speaks our tongue. Impressive." Ca'sea remarked.

But like the classic A'ni-de, as I learned, he gets right to business. "So with the problem of getting many of the clans to join the cause and make you regent, the Uhri and Arrow Clans are the most influential. Many respect their clans to some degree and Ca'sea and Raith agreed to help."

"Then they have my gratitude. I'm sure you have no problem with oomans though? They are a part of this after all."

Raith and Ca'sea shook their heads. Ya'stih didn't make a motion, remaining still and keeping an eye on me. Creep.

Ca'sea responded. "Not as much as others. And given our current situation, beggars can't be choosers."

"I completely agree with you."

"However . . . there is one problem." Za'hir spoke. "Even with their help, the clans won't easily be persuaded. Another clan is deeply opposed to the idea and is suppressing the others to do the same."

"Then who is it?"

Za'hir paused. "The Dalk'ot Clan."

The what clan?

Lar'ja growled. "Those sons of a bitches. Why am I not surprised? They're too stubborn to submit to anything, particularly if it involves hybrids or oomans. My father had a hard time negotiating with them before."

It took me a minute to realize who they were talking about. Daugo would always brag about a clan driving him nuts with not negotiating. He never involved me directly with them, saying they were a waste of time but felt it was going to bite us in the face one day.

Hmmm . . . guess one day is today.

Raith grunted in agreement. "True but they hold the greatest number of Yautja warriors at the moment. The majority of our force lies with them and if they don't help us, it might not matter what we do."

"Are they seriously thinking of doing that? Lar'ja growled. "Bad Bloods have taken our home and destroyed many of our fellow warriors. Are we just going to sit around and let them win?"

"What choice do we have?" Za'hir commented.

As they debated on what to do, my mind was already assessing what to do. The other clans would follow if the Dalk'ot Clan joined them but they were stubborn. But that only indicated to me that they are just as honorable as us if not more. In short, they may follow the Code of Honor to a tee. If that's the case, then I can use that to my advantage.

"Then we'll have to make them."

Everyone stopped, turning to me in surprise. It was silent but it didn't bother me anymore. My mind was set on the plan that I had. "Will there be a meeting on this matter?"

I looked at A'ni-de. He grunted. "There will be in the next few days when the rest of the clans come. All we can do is influence the others for now. It might help turn the favor onto us."

I looked around at everyone. They all watched me intently . . . Ya'stih is particular. Why is he staring at me like that? That was a matter for another day. With newfound strength, I raised my chest and stood like any Leader would.

"Then let's make those days count."

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the tardiness. I wasn't feeling well this week so it has been a struggle for me to write this. But better late than too late . . . more so with never lol.

But here they are at the Udar system and checking out what the board is right now. Many of the clans have gathered but we always have the little bugger clan who wants to make this difficult. But they are Yautjas so they won't be easy to persuade.

At least Anya has much support with her. And for those who have read my other stories, I think you might recognize a few characters that I brought to this one. If not, then I don't know what to do with myself lol.

Will Anya get the support she needs? Or will she and her friends be on their own?

Either way, she's not the type to back down . . . especially with Hakr'ough playing on the opposite side of the board.

Find out when Chapter 30 is posted the week after (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram. Have an exam to study. Urg!

So I want to wish a great Fourth of July for those living in the USA. As for the others, I wish you the best holiday as well. Regardless, you're all invited if I had a party. ;)))

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, HuntressQueen22, Nightroad816, Firestar001, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 28. Your opinions matter to me. And I hope I hear from more readers.

Thank you and Good Hunting! 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