Chapter 31: Meeting the Big Guns

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 big day came when all of the clans that have responded arrived to attend the Un'tu-at. I believed that all the stress would dim when the meeting commenced. But not so to my disappointment. There was no helping it. All I can do is keep my head high and show them the demeanor of a Leader my position demanded.

Through the tunnels deep near the core of the planet, I walked with all the stride I can muster with my armor cleaned and presented. The Clan Leaders waited in the meeting room at the end of the tunnel, gathered to wait for us. As a tradition, all members of the Elites would be with me but I made the exception of bringing Lar'ja and Xen'ork with Sa'iye, Za'hir, and myself. And I had to pull a few strings to get Rory and Brackett with me as ambassadors to the oomans. The other warriors expressed deep concern about the ooman's involvements but it was too late for that now.

"Do you think they will agree? To help us?" Brackett commented.

"I don't know . . ." I paused. "But we have no choice in the matter. Either they join us or we fight on our own. But it would be easier with an army behind us."

"No kidding," Rory grunted. "It would be a massacre given the description Arkarb gave us."

I closed my eyes. This morning, Arkarb gave a full update on the weapons and defenses the Killer Yautja have set up on Yautja Prime while he was imprisoned. It was bad news the moment he opened his mouth. Hakr'ouh had built a massive shield around the planet that neutralizes high powered weapons like the ones on our ships. It's a good strategy for anyone, forcing whoever tried to invade Yautja Prime to enter with no idea what's in store. A trap worthy of taking out an entire fleet. That was the main problem, not to mention other weapons they concocted while I was gone.

The only positive thing is that Arkarb designed it himself, knowing the inner workings of it. Might work in our favor. For now, he's been busy working on things . . . and a present for myself. I wanted to come to the Un'tu-at but he's a Yautja who likes to be a hermit. Only allowing me and a few others to converse with.

I sighed but smiled at Rory. "We'll be okay." I brushed my hand by Lar'ja and he reciprocated. "Won't we?"

He purred. "Of course."

"Not to butt in on this 'smoothing moment." He chuckled "But why do you need me here?" Xen'ork asked.

I rolled my eyes. If you're patient enough, I can explain . . . idiot.

"Well . . . if you don't count that you're one of my best allies, I have decided."

"Decided on what?"

"To make you an Elite."

Xen'ork stopped in his tracks as if he got stunned. The others weren't as shocked as him. But then again, Brackett and Rory didn't know much about Yautja ranks and Lar'ja sort of knew where I was going with this. Luckily, we have a few moments to spare.

"You can't be serious . . ." Xen'ork paused. "I haven't even earned that right for consideration. And you want me to be an Elite?"

"We're not in normal times anymore. This is war and rules that were established before don't apply anymore." I walked up to him with my chest high. "And you've earned it already . . . despite being a clown."

He tilted his head, confused.

I pressed a hand on his shoulder. "I need all my friends to be by my side. And isn't it disrespectful not to accept it?"

It took a minute before Xen'ork smirked, lowering his head in disbelief. "You're such a strange female."

It was confirmation. I chuckled, shoving him back playfully. "You should have known that by now."

We nodded to each other before our group began to walk again. The tunnel was longer than expected and went to a decline deeper into the planet. It was a little while before I saw a massive door unlike any other, designed with the littlest details that were hard to see even up close. And I thought that the Council's door was the greatest.

Standing next to it was Ya'stih waiting for us. Lord Raith and Ca'sea would have come but he needed to be in their places when the Un'tu-at started. The tan-colored Yautja bowed his head when we were close.

"Good evening, Ta'kasa. Everyone is waiting for you."

I bowed softly. "Thank you for waiting."

He turns around and presses on the panel and the door opens within a few seconds. Ya'stih moved to the side until I walked at his level, following me by his side. Lar'ja growled a little but I held his hand to calm him down, more so from S'aiye and Za'hir who purred to keep the peace. Xen'ork, Rory, and Brackett stayed behind a little as we went through the junction that links to the meeting room. But I did feel uncomfortable when Ya'stih kept staring at me.

He looks unusual . . . and acts unusual.

"My apologies on my Clan Leader's behalf. He expressed his wishes to be with you but you know how it is." Ya'stih added.

"It's okay. As you said, it is what it is." My voice lined with a small ounce of regret.

"Is everyone in attendance? And the oomans?"

Ya'stih nodded. "They're all taken care of. We added those whom your friends are familiar with in case someone tries something."

Typical. What Yautja wouldn't try something when they see them as nothing more than prey?

"Thank you for your help. I appreciate it."

He bows. "Anytime."

We reached the other door and waited for a moment. The designs were similar to Yautja Prime. A meeting room always had a door that locked people from coming in. But this one had no panel, only a hand scanner. Ya'stih stepped aside and allowed me access. Since I was one calling the Un'tu-at, I was the only one with the key inside. I stepped forward and pressed my hand. Several clicks and the door began to creak open.

This is it.

I held my head and chest high, making myself presentable. I turned around to address everyone at the moment. Mostly to tell Brackett and Rory. They would be the most in danger. "Stay close and follow my directions."

They nodded. "We understand."

I turned around as the door opened further. My chest was feeling heavier with each second. Lar'ja came to my side and nudged his chin on top of my head. You'll be fine. He didn't need to speak to tell me that. I could feel it through to my bones. I closed my eyes briefly and smiled, leaning back to enjoy that spring rain smell.

Finally, the door was open. I could hear a loud chattering of conversations. Sounds like a lot. I took a deep breath, pulled away from Lar'ja, and stepped forward into the open.

The room was the biggest I've ever been in. An open area surrounded by seats that stared down into it like a pit. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of Yautjas sitting around tables that ran in a circle like the room itself. I had lost count around fifty or so and that was only from a glance. They were only Clan Leaders that were present so I could only imagine how many actual warriors came. Could be thousands . . . maybe more.

From one side, the ooman soldiers sat with McKenna, Dutch, and everyone else. Of course, Daugo had to come despite his injuries so Lex stayed very close in case he needed to heal. One of the hidden talents I discovered recently. It was difficult to at least get them in the meeting room with so many warriors surrounding them. Many were against it so it was through a compromise that they would take the 'inferior' seats and be allowed to watch but not speak. Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de stood on each side of them, acting as guards for protection. I have a lot of thanks I need to give them later.

As soon as our group entered the area, the whole room became quiet. All eyes locked onto us. I became self-aware but kept cool. They're just looking. Don't let them get into your head. We stopped at the edge where the seats ended and the center began. This was the point where I was going to be on my own.

"Alright. Wish me luck." I smiled at everyone.

Lar'ja purred. "You'll do just fine."

"We have faith in you," Sa'iye spoke with a smile.

Za'hir nodded his head, not much to say but then again, I already knew he felt the same. Xen'ork, of course, smirked at me while sort of posing to make himself look cool. "Kick some ass."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Yeah, you dumbass.

Brackett and Rory sighed and smiled. They stayed quiet and I couldn't blame them. Half of their attention was focused on the crowd that was staring at them with a few glares. With nothing else to say or do, I stepped forward with Ya'stih as my guide.

All eyes were now on me as I moved into the center. It was dead silent with a little hushes but it made it easier to hear some of it.

"That's her."

"The hybrid."

"You better not say that in front of her. She'll kill you."

"Really? This is the person that's going to be the regent to take our home back?"

It felt like the same. Yautja Prime and here . . . they still haven't fully accepted me. But it didn't matter. Focus on what you came here for. I raised my chest higher and moved with greater stride until I was finally in the middle.

Ya'stih bowed his head to me. "Good luck, Ta'kasa."

He backs up before turning back to where Lar'ja and the others were, sitting on a few chairs that had a front-row seat for what's to come. I couldn't stare back for too long. The worried look in Lar'ja would have shaken my resolve. I'm sorry, Lar'ja.

After a minute, I looked up to the many Clan Leaders whose eyes stared back like a mirror.

The meeting has begun.

I spoke as strong and loud as I could. The way a Leader is to show.

"My Lords. You all know why I've called you here so let us skip the formalities."

A typical meeting would have provided a little background of the situation but it was no secret of what had been done. There was no need to give A little grumbling from the Leaders but at least I got their attention. Keep it up.

"I called you here from the vast expansions of the universe to ask for your help in taking Yautja Prime back from the Bad Bloods who have dared to take it from us." I paused for effect. "I know all of you came here because of tradition but I want it to be your choice in taking back our home."

It was silent for a minute but I knew there was going to be a break of it. I was sure of it. The Leader from the Os'lud Clan spoke who wore bone-like armor.

"And how do you propose to take it back? The last time I heard, the Bad Bloods possessed vast weapons beyond even that of your clan. Not to mention that they've enhanced themselves into monsters."

"I'm well aware of it. I was there, along with my brothers and sisters, when they destroyed our buildings and killed our brethren. I witnessed the death of the Council myself. They showed no mercy."

I bit my lip. The flashback of blood . . . the smell of death . . . the coldness of the Council's eyes . . . I have seen too much already.

"But that doesn't mean they are invincible. If they have to enhance themselves, then that only shows the Bad Bloods are nothing more than cowards. They started this war. It's our duty to end it once and for all."

I saw a few nods from the Leaders. No matter what they try to think otherwise, it was common sense to those who are smart enough to understand. The Bad Bloods and Hakr'ouh would use any means to win since they know that their forces are weaker than ours. It was a fact of nature.

"Really?"

A voice spoke louder than any other I've heard. Every Clan Leader and everyone else turned to find the source of it. One Yautja leader stood from his chair, glaring down at me with such ferocity I've rarely seen. He was massive. An impressive being for anyone with an observant eye. But his armor was unusual, reminding me of a samurai outfit that made him bigger than everyone thinks. His mask hung at the side, resembling a devil face of all things. It even creeped me out a little. His dreadlocks were pulled into a top knot behind his head and embedded with golden bands. For some reason or another, he gave a vibe . . . a warning that I heard before.

"Lord Ku'roda." It was Daugo who spoke out. But his tone of voice was fierce, almost angry.

"Lord Daugo." The Leader grunted. "You live. I'm surprised you made it out of the Bad Blood's grip."

"No thanks to you."

Growls were exchanged. We watched as a stare off took place, even though they were several meters apart.

"That's enough!" Lord Ca'sea, standing on the other side of the meeting room, made herself known with a roar. "There's no time for personal attacks on each other, regardless of the history between the Dark Blade Clan and the Dalk'out Clan."

The Dalk'out Clan?

I glanced at Lord Ku'roda and realized why I was feeling weird about him. He's the one everyone has been warning me about.

Daugo and Lord Ku'roda hissed exchange before Daugo sat down, grunting in pain. I couldn't hear what Lex said when she checked him but it wasn't good. I could feel it. But at least I know who I had to watch out for. From what I've heard, they were a stubborn clan who pride themselves in honor above all others. It didn't make sense why they would be against this proposal but no matter. I was going to teach him a lesson.

Lord Ku'roda turned to me. "Who are you to say they started this war? From what I've heard, you were a product of their 'methods' to what they use now."

The Leaders whispered amongst themselves. Confusion and doubt were growing among them. I could hear a familiar growl from Lar'ja at the other side of the room and more from my friends to which I couldn't distinguish. What he said was disrespectful but true. Unfortunately.

"You're nothing more than their creation, built to bring chaos to not only one species but our very own. And abomination born unnaturally into the universe. And to top it off, you disrespect us by allowing these oomans to be among us." He turns his attention to the ooman soldiers. They lowered their heads in submission, even whining softly for a moment.

"See? They are not warriors like us. So why should they come and follow a hybrid like you?"

"How dare you!"

Lar'ja stands from his feet, growling a warning. "You have no right to call her that!"

"And you do? You and your father allowed the oomans to know of our existence, even giving our technologies to them when you are sword by duty from your ancestors to protect it."

Lar'ja flinched away, making me wonder what they were talking about.

Lord Ku'roda snorts. "I guessed right. You're just as bad as her." He turns back to me. "So why should we make you regent when all you brought is destruction when you first arrived? And brought prey that we've hunted for many seasons when they can't even fight? The Bad Bloods may have control over Yautja Prime but we can find another planet to regroup. When they are weaker, they will be destroyed . . . and you along with it."

Some of the Leaders roared in agreement. Their thunderous pounding of fists shook the ground. Lord Ca'sea and Lord Raith stood in silence. The disagreement on their faces was enough. Lord Ku'roda raised his hands as if he won a difficult battle. That is not the case.

"And what about the Successors?"

Lord Ku'roda paused. There was a hint of uncertainty in his posture and that was what I was looking for. My thoughts turned to An'tar, thinking of what he would have done if our positions were switched. He would come and rescue me in a blink of an eye. And I would do the same. I raised my eyes to him, showing nothing but determination as I spoke.

"They are your future leaders. And isn't it our sworn duty to protect them?" The roars of victory died in a second. "So what you're proposing is to leave them for dead? Like cowards?"

The Leaders suddenly grumbled and growled as if I struck a nerve. That was a point. Yautjas are a proud race and being called a coward was like spitting into their faces. But that is what he's telling others. To my surprise, Lord Ku'roda remained controlled. like a natural leader. But I wasn't done just yet.

"And these oomans you dare to insult have come a long way from home to fight for a planet that's not even their own. Despite the threats, they, my Elites, and countless others have followed me across an entire universe. Because they believe in me."

My eyes wandered for a split second to my friends, Daugo, and Lar'ja waiting and sitting on the side. All of them smiled as I did in return. That was the truth.

I looked back at Lord Ku'roda. "That is saying a lot when the oomans came to fight and you want to run and hide like a pathetic being, not even worthy of calling himself Leader?"

"How dare you?" He spread his mandibles slowly, like claws reaching to grab me. "Who are you to say that to me?"

"I am the great Leader of the Elites!"

I began to scream.

"I didn't get this rank because I listened to the bickerings of a child like you're doing now!" His growl deepened but I didn't relent. "I will do whatever it takes to protect two homes that are precious to me! I will stand and fight as any great Yautja warrior would! With pride and honor!"

The energy I was giving off sent renewal of strength to everyone. The oomans, my friends, even the Leaders themselves. Roars and cheers began to erupt, slowly but growing stronger. The nervousness in me faded.

"The Bad Bloods are nothing more than vermin to be destroyed! They have taken thousands of lives, all for the sake of their tainted pride and left nothing but ruin! I had enough! If you follow me, I vow to rid them of the universe! I will give them a fearful, bloody lesson in slaughter!"

The roars and screams of ooman and Yautja alike radiated throughout the room, shaking the ground beneath my feet. It felt great . . . victorious even. I felt the pride of my Yautja side gives me strength. My heart pounding with each beat. The heat throughout my body burned like a raging fire. The Bad Bloods have taken so many of my loved ones and friends throughout my entire life. I was done with being pushed around. I was ready to fight back those who thought of me as weak.

I. Am. Not!

Lord Ku'roda's face contorted, trying to hold in the anger inside. To be insulted by a hybrid must have stung. Good.

He slammed his fist into the table in front of him. "It doesn't change the fact that you're one of them!" He roared. "You will not have support in this! Without my clan, the others won't follow you! No matter what you offer!"

Some of the others nodded in agreement. I suspected it would come to this. Daugo was right. This clan, even their Leader, is stubborn. I can't blame them for fighting back. Few Yautjas take their pride as warriors so seriously that nothing much else can convince them otherwise. However, there was one way to which even Lord Ku'roda couldn't refuse.

But it came with a huge risk.

I swallowed and allowed myself to calm down before speaking. "Then I make you an offer."

The room went silent again. Lord Ku'roda's interest peaked. "Go on."

I snorted. "I call forth a Than-guan jehdin."

As soon as I proposed, every being in the room hushed. The Than-guan jehdin, also known as 'midnight fight', is a special event that calls forth great Leaders to fight. No Yautja can resist such pleasure but this was beyond all fights. This one allows two combatants to offer deals if they win. Lose . . . and it might cost more than one can pay.

I didn't turn to see the reactions of my Elites and Lar'ja. I knew too well what they would think of my last-minute decision. Lar'ja himself would be completely against it if I mentioned it beforehand. It was a choice I made myself and one that I needed to win.

Lord Ku'roda grinned. Not too surprising since this would expose me to die by his hand. "Alright. What is your offer?"

I sighed deeply, not breaking eye contact with him. "If I win, you and your clan will agree to support me . . . no matter what I decide."

"And if you lose?" One of his eyes perked in interest.

"Then you'll have my head as a trophy."

In an instant, the Leaders cried out in mixed reactions. Some were excited, others were confused, and the rest were horrified. Mostly from those who allied themselves with me. Lar'ja must be going out of his mind. But it's an offer that Lord Ku'roda couldn't refuse. To have the head of a strong hybrid like myself would make him proud.

Out of nowhere, I watched as Lord Ku'roda jumped from his seat and landed in front of me. Even from a high point, he moved flawlessly. A move perfected over many seasons of training and hunting. Slowly, he raised himself until he stood over me, dwarfing me with his height. I wasn't intimidated one bit.

"Are you sure, Hybrid?"

He's trying to call me on my bullshit. This was my word and I never went back on it. It was a fight I will refuse to lose.

"I'm sure," I spoke clearly.

He grinned, letting his mandibles spread. There was no backing out now.

"You will regret it."

Hello Everyone!

The Un'tu-at has begun and not with a great start.

But Anya suspected that since Yautjas are stubborn (obviously lol). But not as much as Lord Ku'roda, the Leader of the Dalk'out Clan that she was warned about (and you can guess where I got the inspiration for him lol). He insulted her so much but Anya is not one to go out without a fight. So now, she's so determined to get all the clans on board. Even offering her head as a trophy to get the Dalk'out Clan at her side. Lar'ja must be having a panic attack lol.

But I was so proud of her standing up for the oomans and her friends who were by her side. She does make a point that another species will go fight to free another's home.

Will she get their support? Or will she lose more than her life?

Find out when Chapter 32 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Nightroad816, IanAlphaAxel, HuntressQueen22, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 29. Your opinions matter to me. And I hope I hear from more readers.

(And don't worry about the writer's block, Anonymous-E. I can wait and it won't last forever ;))

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