Eighteen
Scars were ultimately honorable trophies. The Yautja treated them as such and prized any and all they received in battle. Scars often told stories when their owners refused to regale the details to their comrades. Stories of conquests in battles against other Yautja, victories in hunts, fights against intelligent prey, or even scars received in successful mating seasons against both rivals and dangerous chosen females.
Luar'ka had to remind herself of this as she sat inside the the storeroom in the healing ward, gazing down at her hard-won armor pieces sitting askew on the floor before her. She couldn't get it out of her head, the sight of Thei'dah's bloodied face and possibly damaged eye glowering up at her as she hung safely from the ceiling. He'd managed to secure his own armor pieces following their little tussle, but she worried for his sight in that eye. She'd never gone that far into a bloodlust before that she so viciously damaged her opponent. But it had genuinely felt like more was stake then than just a set of broken shoulder plates. For a moment there, when she'd felt Thei'dah's claws slice through her skin on her back and sides, she'd honestly felt like her life was at stake if she didn't win. It felt like the night she met Kar'kha for the first time.
Than'ja came to fetch her before too long in order to patch up her wounds. Fortunately, the slashes weren't deep enough to be risky beyond simple infection. Than'ja slathered a good handful of cooling medicinal salve across her back and sides, smearing it on and into the cuts which had finally ceased bleeding.
"These will heal nicely. You will have impressive scars." he said admirably.
"I look forward to them," she agreed, "But have you seen Thei'dah?"
"Do not concern yourself. He has come and gone; another healer tended to him. Thei'dah will be fine. Whatever you did to him, it cannot compare to what he will face later on in life."
"Than'ja, I may have blinded him on one side." Luar'ka protested.
"It is irrelevant. He accepted the risks from the moment he began to prepare for his chiva. If he survives and decides the hunter's call is not his path, he will find ways around his blindness."
Luar'ka watched him work, still feeling her stomach ache uncomfortably. She doubled over in alarm when it suddenly rumbled its emptiness to both of them. Than'ja drew back, blinking in surprise before his upper tusks twitched upward in an amused grin, "You are hungry, I presume." he stated.
Luar'ka called him something that most would find inappropriate. Than'ja chuckled in that raspy voice of his, "I knew it was a bad idea for you to spend so much time with Ikthya'de, before." he said, shaking his head. She giggled briefly before her mind settled again on Thei'dah. Than'ja noticed her pending depression. As he pulled a roll of black bandages off the tray beside him, placing the roll in his mandibles' grip and tugging a strand free, he sighed heavily, "Injury and fighting are life among the Yautja, young one." he said firmly, but gently, "It is the life we choose. The life we accept. We all must accept it, whether we follow the hunter's path or not."
"Huh?"
He fixed her with a knowing stare before resuming his task, "The first Yautja I severely injured was Ikthya'de." he said simply. He watched her eyes widen. He glanced briefly at her as he continued to wrap the tape around her middle and over her shoulders; "The two of us have always fought, young one."
"But you seem to coexist so well." she pointed out.
"Of course we do. We have grown. We have learned our strengths and our weaknesses and we came to understand that we are stronger by bettering our weaknesses together. Many Yautja do not work this way. We still fight, but we still agree on many things."
"Why did you fight before?" she asked, referring to what he'd said to her a moment ago. Than'ja clicked his tusks together ponderously, "I was very strict with him. Ikthya'de grew frustrated with me. We fought, and I opened his skull."
Luar'ka gasped faintly, her teeth bared. Than'ja pulled the tape up to his mouth and snapped it with his sharp tusks. He re-rolled it and set it back down, "Ikthya'de bled heavily. Our fight was not sanctioned and I was severely punished. Ikthya'de nearly heard the call of Cetanu that day. He was in dhi'ki-de for many rotations. When my punishment had ended, I stayed by his side until he awoke."
"Did he pardon you?" Luar'ka asked quietly. Than'ja chuffed softly, his tusks snapping open briefly from the motion before tucking back against his face. He looked over at her, his upper right mandible stretched out in an almost wry half smile, "He did, but it took a very, very long time." he said.
Than'ja fell silent, then. He helped Luar'ka down from the table, behavior that was by this point quite uncharacteristic. She watched him quietly as he moved to the computer terminal with his back to her, a clear sign he wished to be left alone. Than'ja was friendly, but a very private individual. He rarely spoke of his own life with anyone, even her, close as they were these days. In the first days she spent with them, Luar'ka had been a little scared of Than'ja due to his incredibly silent nature, even for a Yautja. However, spending the last season with him, she'd come to learn that he used his silence as a means to think deeply about many things and was arguably the smartest Yautja she knew. She'd come to respect him deeply through all of this. She now genuinely saw the three brothers as her own brothers. They'd risked more than she could ever know by choosing to keep her through all of this. She had to prove to the clan that she was not simply prey, that she was worth that choice.
Before she entered the storeroom, she turned back to him one final time with a small smile, "Than'ja, sshnistr' ti'l il'no ma'kii nii'nja masen'tsish." she said. Than'ja turned abruptly in surprise as she disappeared into the darkened room and shut the door behind her. His mandibles ticked together ponderously and he tilted his head slightly in bafflement. He chuckled, shaking his head, "So you have mastered another one, have you, young one?" he muttered.
/ooo/
Luar'ka was beside herself with worry as she returned to the kehrite for her final session with the Unbloods. She hadn't seen Thei'dah since the battle. He hadn't been present. Granted, he no longer truly needed to if he didn't wish to train with the Unbloods. He was cleared for chiva the following season; he could now technically train whenever he wished to.
R'zha had already been informed that his most unusual student was now on limited time with him. He announced to her that she would no longer be welcome in the lessons following that day's session. It had sounded cruel, yes, but Luar'ka knew he was right. Anything else she hoped to learn would have to be learned in the field. She would now have to survive on her own skills and hope her brothers would teach her more of what they knew.
For now, she observed and participated in her final lessons with the Unbloods and she found herself surprisingly accepting of the fact that she was spending her last day there in training. The next time she came back, she'd enter the kehrite to train on her own or accept a challenge. It was hard to believe.
Almost all of the Unbloods who had succeeded in the armor competition the other day now wore and showed off their hard-earned prizes. A small handful had failed to garner anything from the fight and stood with no more than their basic weapons and loin cloths on their persons. Luar'ka could see, and her heavily conditioned mind told her as much, that these few Yautja would be extremely fortunate to survive their chiva when they eventually earned the right. She herself didn't wear her own prizes because Ikthya'de had already taken them to be reforged for her. Well, that and the fact that they were four times too large for her. Once they were ready, she'd wear them with honor.
Luar'ka hung back away from the Unbloods following lessons. She was understandably wary of them now, especially after the fight. S'kivn-a was likely still on her case and she had to keep her eyes open. General sparring was the main focus now for the students who remained. The tension wasn't as high as it normally was since this season's candidates for chiva were already chosen. It was back to business as usual. Luar'ka moved out of the way to avoid one of the others plowing into the wall where she'd been as his opponent knocked him across the room. Snarling, his mandibles flared, he straightened up and charged back in, oblivious to her presence.
With lessons at an end for now, adult Yautja were filing in for daily training. The enormous room could easily hold up to a hundred individuals at any given time, allowing the Unbloods room to practice while their seniors sparred far more viciously on the other end of the kehrite. Luar'ka watched R'zha move to greet a few males he clearly knew as they entered. At first, she paid them little mind. She was going to be leaving soon as it was, so more arriving for training didn't bother her. However, one Yautja caught her eye and she instantly stiffened in trepidation; it was that white Yautja she'd seen a few times before. He was so obtusely easy to spot far away that it was almost ridiculous. Amidst the sea of radiant reds, yellows, greens, browns, and even blues on the multitude of skins belonging to each Yautja, his stark, glaring white hide stuck out terribly. He offset it slightly with his dark gray armor over his shoulders and around the backs of his legs below the knees, as well as the half dozen or so small skulls strewn on thick cord hanging twice around his neck. The intricate beads and trinkets adorning his tendrils practically gleamed against their slightly darker grayish white surfaces. From this distance, Luar'ka's powerful eyes picked up the striking green that made up his eyes, glowing nearly as brightly as their blood did. Something about his entire outlook was incredibly intimidating.
She bristled when he turned suddenly, those chilling eyes focusing directly on her. They were at least sixty feet apart, but he still picked her out as if he'd known the whole time she was standing there. She watched him cock his head to the side curiously and then, judging from the motions his tusks made, issue a trill of some sort to voice his interest. Luar'ka felt her feathers flare uncomfortably as she turned, heading toward the other door abruptly in her inward desperation to put some distance between them. After a whole year spent with the bizarre and frightening hunting race, what fear she'd initially had of them had dissipated in time. Now, looking at the Arbitrator who had saved her once, she felt the same as she had facing Kar'kha down that first night she met him.
Her heart hammered when she noticed him moving toward her out of the corner of her eye. She kept her steps even, managing her breathing to even out her steps and quash any trace of fear she might be exhibiting. She strode to the door and opened it, stepping out as casually as she could and allowing it to shut behind her. Knowing she only had seconds, she continued down the hallway and turned the corner, moving into the darkness beyond on her way to the healing ward. She heard the door of the kehrite open behind her, but she kept going, moving as silently as possible and hoping she successfully gave him the slip without letting on how fearful she'd been in that instant. She heard a faint, low snarl from further down the corridor and then the almost silent woosh of the door opening and closing. She sighed, her eyes narrowed in the darkness around her as she moved down the familiar hallway toward the healing ward.
Forget S'kivn-a; now she was in serious trouble. She knew little of the Arbitrators, other than that they acted as the peacekeepers of the clan, more or less. Their roles were assigned only to mid-age or older Yautja who had proven themselves time and again in sport hunting, taking down the very strongest of beasts. They were in a sort of gray zone between ordinary Blooded hunters and Clan Leaders, which operated under direct command of the Matriarch. The sole function of the Arbitrators was to regulate dishonorable individuals called Bad Bloods. Any crime committed by a Yautja called for fitting punishment; if they owned up to their sin and endured their punishment gracefully, they would most likely be pardoned depending on the severity of the crime. However, many Bad Bloods came about from individuals who ran from their punishments. This is where the Arbitrators came in. Their lives were spent in isolation away from the clan in small shuttles they piloted alone, orbiting through the outer most reaches of the clan's territory. Being enormous and supremely powerful, the Triad commanded an enormous space territory and the Arbitrators in service to them were often absent for months or even years at a time, stationary and idle in orbit until called upon for action. They were granted occasional extended sabbatical back on the clan ship if they performed well. Luar'ka could only assume that's what the white Yautja was doing back on the clan ship for such a long time. Her mind flew back to the other time in the main gathering hall when he'd caught her staring at him. She clenched her teeth as she realized she must have disrespected him in this manner and now he was seeking her out for a challenge. Fighting the unseasoned, immature Unbloods was one thing; she'd never seriously fought a full-grown adult Yautja before. There was no way in the realm of the Paya that she was ready for that. She had no idea what to do. But she knew she couldn't avoid him forever and still build her status. At some point, she would have to face him in order to keep what little honor she now maintained.
She sighed and tucked her wings against her back. She headed toward the healing ward to sleep and hopefully prepare herself for the inevitable.
/ooo/
This feeling of giddiness had plagued her from the moment she woke up to Than'ja shaking her awake far earlier than she normally awoke on her own. There could only be one reason for it. And this reason was enough to push any stress and worry far outside of her mind as she hurriedly gathered her meager collection of belongings together into a pouch she tied about her waist.
The word was out! She was leaving the clan ship!
Elder Sechinde had finally given her clearance to resume guardianship with her brothers. She wasn't sure if it was because she'd genuinely earned it or if R'zha had just gotten that sick of dealing with her. Either way, she didn't care. She was getting to venture into space again!
She eyed her fur pelt longingly though, as she prepared to leave the healing ward for the first time in months. She wished she could take it, especially since she was most likely going to get shoved back in the storeroom aboard the ship, but she forced herself to get over it. Needless attachments would do her no good.
Flexing her wings, she fluffed her feathers briefly before settling them back down against her head. She strode out of the room, heart hammering in anticipation.
Ikthya'de and Than'ja were both in the other room. Than'ja was going over some instructions with the other healers. They glanced up briefly as she appeared, but quickly ignored her. Ikthya'de caught her attention and motioned for her to follow him out of the room. She did so and he shut the door. He handed her a small, cloth-wrapped package, "I would like you to examine this before we set out." he said.
Luar'ka opened the cloth carefully, pulling back the cording holding it shut. She already knew what it was, having expected Ikthya'de to bring them sooner or later, but she was still unprepared for the sight she saw within the soft cloth. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of her freshly forged shoulder plates, hard-won against all of her much larger and stronger peers in the kehrite. She was surprised to see that there were two pairs, one set for her upper shoulders and deltoids that curved slightly, with another set that would attach just underneath to protect her triceps. Blinking, her head tilting in confusion, she looked up at him questioningly. He nodded, clicking his tusks together, "The plates you won were quite large. There was material leftover, but it was not enough to do much with." he explained. He reached down and lifted the plates from the cloth, making her hold them as he separated the upper set from the lower set. The armor normally connected to the thermal netting the Yautja wore, which contained magnetic alloys that served to not only create the cloaking technique they used for stealth, but also to fix the armor plating directly to the material. Since Luar'ka didn't have the netting yet, Ikthya'de had fashioned thin, but robust leather straps to the underside of the armor. The soft leather was very strong, but would be easier on the Avian's more delicate skin during the stress of battle. Raising her arm, he fastened the straps tightly around her her joint, doing the same to the other side. He repeated the process with the triceps plates and then stepped back to admire his handiwork. He trilled in approval, "Good fit." he said, his pride at his work evident in his voice. Luar'ka glanced down at her new armor plates with admiration and pride, her wings extending outward as she turned her head, "They fit perfectly," she said, turning back to him, "And I am now itching to try them out."
Ikthya'de barked out a laugh, flaring his upper tusks in a bemused grin, "We shall see, Gyun'r Mei'jadhi." he teased.
Luar'ka watched as he moved back inside to join his brother again. Having grown to know the Yautja over the past year, she now understood more than ever how fortunate she was. Ikthya'de was unlike many of the Yautja in showing his outright fondness for her. She knew that not just any Yautja would take the liberties he had. Now she was more determined than ever to make him and the others proud of her. And this armor would help her do just that.
The healers inside had now taken over Than'ja's instructions for themselves, leaving their apparent superior to take his leave. Honestly, Luar'ka hadn't known that Than'ja appeared to be the leading healer in the healing ward. His knowledge was impressive, certainly, but she'd never seen him outright portray any traits one would expect to find in a leader. She watched as he gathered his own armor up and prepared to exit.
Their reasoning for leaving was quite simple; Thwei'ja, a competent Leader himself, had been ordered to meet with allied delegates on Illmianyar.. Luar'ka knew that much of the mission. Their purpose of such a small group was vague at best, but she knew better than to question at this point. Chances were good she'd find out when they got there. She followed her 'brothers' through the darkened hallways which had now become familiar to her. Light was more or less absent given how sensitive the Yautjas' eyes were to even the faintest glimmers and heat signatures. Therefore, Luar'ka had also adapted. Her night vision was so far stronger than it had been the season before. They were heading to the shuttles docked in the belly of the ship where they'd arrived before. She hadn't been down there since that time. She knew it was dangerous for her to go there on her own, and her 'brothers' presence helped minimize the risk. At this point though, if she were attacked, self-defense wouldn't be an enormous issue like it had been in the past. Her tail swished in aggravation at the thought of more conflict. She just wanted to board the cruiser like before and venture out once again, perhaps put her new skills to use.
However, as they descended through the bowels of the ship, Luar'ka could already see that things were going to be more difficult. During her arrival, anyone who saw her was most likely under the impression they'd seen an apparition walking among them, that she wasn't real. Now, however, everyone on the ship, while many having never seen her in person, knew of her existence. While a few chanced a low rumble at her as she passed them, to which she replied with a growl of her own, the one who did actually outright snarl at her was quickly silenced by Luar'ka flaring her feathers in defiance and baring her teeth in a snarl right back at him before her 'brothers' could even react. It was a good thing that they did react, intimidating the newcomer into leaving of his own volition with a poisonous glare to the Avian as he went. Than'ja sighed and shook his head, "Luar'ka, you have no sense of tact. You are fully aware of the ranking aboard the ship." he scolded sternly.
"But if I always back down, then how will I climb up?" Luar'ka asked. Ikthya'de huffed out a deep chuckle, clicking his tusks together rapidly, "She has a point, Mei'hswei." he said mirthfully, "Even the eta on board rebel every now and again."
"Yes, and you know the usual outcome." Than'ja grumbled, "Grow stronger before rebelling, Luar-ke Lar'ja." he admonished.
Luar'ka nodded quietly, knowing he was right. She was still in delicate territory even a year later. If they hadn't been with her right that moment, she likely would have been engaged in a nasty fight just then. She followed in silence from then on, brewing over her thoughts and wondering when the day would come when her place would be cemented enough to begin defending herself.
/ooo/
The shuttle deck was far more bustling than Luar'ka remembered. But there was good reason for all this communal mayhem. A couple of good reasons, actually. For one thing, the mating season had just ended a few weeks before and many of the females were now preparing to leave. A handful always stayed, of course, to manage affairs and activities on the ship and keep in contact with the homeworld in arrangement for goods and supplies to be shipped out every so often. Luar'ka had found the seven rotation span that took up the mating season incredibly tedious. To prevent any mishaps from hormonal enraged males looking to pick a fight, especially with an alien creature they already distrusted, Luar'ka had been literally locked in the healing ward storeroom. Ikthya'de, the only one Than'ja trusted to keep himself in check during this stressful period, as he didn't even trust himself, came by every so often to bring her food and let her out to tend to her body's needs. Despite being quite skilled at managing his temperament during this time, Ikthya'de was still quite a bit moodier than usual and snarled viciously at her for trivial missteps she made around him then. Luar'ka sensed the need to tread lightly and remained submissive during that time when he couldn't help his rages, silently obeying his commands to return to the storeroom for her own safety.
The other reason for the chaos was that a clan hunt had just taken place and the kills were being dragged aboard the clan ship. One of the larger shuttles belonging to one of the Elders was used for this activity, as it could hold the greatest weight load per fuel ratio. The Yautja's fuel system for their ships was incredibly advanced, and while Luar'ka didn't know all the details, she knew enough to understand that ships only needed refueling once every half a season or so, sometimes even longer. Internal power cores flooded the ships with bursts of energy, generating enough power that sometimes, the fuel wasn't even needed for anything other than gentle cruising through the cosmos. Luar'ka watched silently as the kills were loaded onto special platforms suspended off the floor by a special kinetic field, situated about six inches off the ground. Seven Yautja dragged the corpses of the enormous animals onto the platform, held steady by the controllers standing off to the side. Luar'ka took note of the Yautja standing beside the platforms, holding onto the thick, braided cables that were used to drag the kinetic bases around. They were far smaller than the hunters manipulating the kill and their bodies bore very little scar evidence. They also weren't as brightly colored as most of the larger males. Luar'ka understood that these were a lower caste of Yautja, most likely ranging from servants to core workers, whose job it was to maintain the massive engine. Not all Yautja could be hunters, and not all were strong enough to make names for themselves following the mandatory chiva. While some who possessed respectable hunting skill took to routes of their own choosing aside from hunting, others were forced into lower ranking roles. The weakest became servant class Yautja, whose roles encompassed everything from general electrical maintenance to cleaning. They were some of the few Yautja that Luar'ka inherently mistrusted under any circumstance, period. The few she'd run into while they were cleaning the healing ward had been skittish at best and outright hostile at worst. She'd made the slight error of startling one thinking he was another healer. Needless to say, that hadn't ended well.
The animals they were loading onto the kinetic platforms were enormous. There were three of them this time. Their bodies were roughly twenty to twenty-five feet long with long, thick, muscled limbs, each foot holding a gigantic, vicious claw on all five toes. Their bodies were built like a fortress, layers of thick skin and fat enveloping the crucial meat and organs that would be butchered and turned into food. The skin was a dull gray, thick folds of it lying limply along the flanks. They possessed two long, whip-like tails with sharp spines running clear down the back, ending in a cluster of sharp barbs at the very end. The head was thick and square, perched on a neck about six feet long, and on one, its long lower jaw resting at an angle from its upper jaw with its tongue lolling out, thick purple blood dripping onto the floor. Their teeth were dull and flat, clear herbivores, especially given their overblown bellies which most likely served as a cauldron of fermentation for the vegetation they consumed. They had two sets of eyes, one on the side, and one on the front, the latter likely a leftover of a possible distant past as a carnivore many, many thousands of generations before.
The Yautja unloading the animals were careful not to damage the corpses in any way. Literally everything on it would be used in some fashion. Luar'ka only knew a little of what the animal could be used for, but she knew that its bones would become formidable weapons in time. The Yautja were many things, but they were never wasteful and they were highly respectful of the creatures that became their food, even treating their corpses with care as they unloaded them from the shuttle.
Luar'ka tore her eyes away from this sight as she followed her brothers through the throng toward the shuttle. It was situated at the far end of the docking sector and as they wove around individuals moving past one another, going about their daily business, Luar'ka caught sight of Thwei'ja and Kar'kha standing by the terminal of the umbilical gate where the shuttle was docked on the other side of it. Elder Sechinde was also there, speaking with Thwei'ja over the din of commotion around them. The three of them looked up as they approached and Sechinde greeted them with a short nod. His gaze trailed to the Avian briefly, lingering for only a moment before he focused back on his progeny, "I trust you will regale your comrades of the details, Thwei'ja." he said.
"Yes," Thwei'ja agreed, "The mission is straightforward. I predict no mistakes."
"Keep to that prediction. The Illmorein are skittish enough right now as it is with the news they've been receiving. I do not want the situation stirred up any further than it already is."
"If I may," Ikthya'de said, earning him their somewhat irked attention, "The Illmorein are always skittish. How is now different from a normal period?"
"Although we have confirmed no kiande amedha on Illmianyar, they remain wary." Sechinde explained, "They continue to insist on sightings and while we do not necessarily believe them, we are under obligation to investigate regardless."
Kar'kha stepped forward, shifting his gaze away from his apprentice whom he'd been staring at since their arrival, "I have forged a connection with Kivakei and Mi'vue in an attempt to smooth the matter over," he said, "They are willing to accept negotiable terms of sending a permanent scouting faction to the planet."
Sechinde nodded his approval, "Good. Inform Kivakei that I will prepare a communications specialist to meet with her. We need more time, but I have one in mind whom I believe will serve the purposes."
"Yes, Elder Sechinde."
Thwei'ja stepped forward, "There is one concern I have, Elder Sechinde." he said.
"Speak."
"Who exactly did you have in mind to communicate with the Illmorein? They are wary and refuse to speak with any they do not trust." he said, his voice dripping with peeved irritation. It was clear that his patience for the skittish horned race was very thin and growing thinner.
"I have considered that." Sechinde said, "It is far too noisy here. Let us speak inside the shuttle."
They moved through the terminal gate into the tunnel connecting Thwei'ja's shuttle with the main body of the clan ship. Luar'ka breathed in the gush of unfamiliar air, feeling her lungs heave from the new mixture of nitrogen and oxygen that differed ever so slightly from the clan ship's mixture. During her examinations, Than'ja was able to deduce that her lungs were incredibly resilient, much stronger than even those of the Yautja. He assumed it was due to her flight ability, much like her hollow bones, which made her body lighter. Her lungs were likely built to handle thin atmosphere while flying at high altitudes, which explained why she was able to acclimate and adapt to the unusual methane based oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere the Yautja thrived on.
They made their way to the cockpit and Luar'ka prepared to branch off toward her storeroom, assuming the males wished to speak in private. A sharp snarl cut her off and made her pause, glancing up at Elder Sechinde as he stared down at her, much to the surprise of the others. He gave her a rough shove, placing her in front of him as he continued on. This was a clear indication that she was to be part of the conversation, if only to listen in. Luar'ka chose to look at this as a good thing.
In the cockpit, Thwei'ja watched his sire move forward toward the controls, typing something rapidly into the computer. The screen glowed bright orange for a moment and they all watched as Sechinde waited impatiently, tapping his talons on the console board and rumbling to himself. Finally, the screen brightened and a blank room came into view.
"Mi'vue, will you get that? It may be Mariinye."
"I doubt it, S'iirai; he wasn't within range the last time we heard from him."
"Please, aunt Mi'vue, it could be important."
"I keep telling you, you fret far too much to be healthy. If you would just listen, I—AGH!"
Luar'ka and her brothers watched in fascination as a tall, elegant individual appeared briefly on the screen before screeching in alarm and falling back out of sight. The screen fizzled as something seemed to hit the console on the other end.
"What is wrong with you?"
"I believe it is for you, S'iirai."
"What?"
"Just take it! Hurry, before they sign off! GO!"
"Aunt Mi'vue, you are aware that they can hear you from here, right?"
"GO!"
A hefty sigh escaped the other one and they watched as another Illmorein appeared before the screen, this one slightly shorter than the other and sporting a long, flowing pearly mane. Luar'ka's eyes widened in amazement and she stood up before thinking, "S'iirai!" she exclaimed.
The Illmorein's eyes widened as well, her face breaking into a pleased, excited grin, "Luar'ka!" she cried, "Oh, finally! I've been trying for months to get in contact with you!" she gushed, completely ignoring the Yautja surrounding her friend, "Are you well? Are you cared for?"
Elder Sechinde chuffed loudly, breaking into the conversation with his depleting patience. Luar'ka quietly slunk further away from the screen. S'iirai noticed the aged Yautja at last, blinked a few times and then cleared her throat, "My apologies, Elder Sechinde," she greeted, "I let my excitement take over. To what do we owe the honor?"
"Greetings, Illmorein," Sechinde said stiffly in blank English, "I am returning a transmission sent by Kivakei on your behalf."
S'iirai's face showed slight recognition, "Yes, I recall asking her to do this. Thank you for your prompt reply. I apologize for Mi'vue. She can be a bit...jumpy."
"I am sending a scouting party to your world. They will arrive within five rotations," Sechinde said bluntly. S'iirai bristled slightly at his sheer straightforwardness and nodded, "I understand. We will prepare to receive them. I will inform Kivakei to brush up on your language. It's been a while since the last meeting."
"There will be no need for that. I am sending a communicator as well."
S'iirai stared at him blankly, as though disbelieving of his statement. She hummed, "Really? This is a welcome addition. Are they on board the shuttle now?"
"Yes." he said.
"I would like to greet them. This way I have a face to a name for when I inform the others."
Elder Sechinde turned, moving away from the console. To everyone's shock, he grabbed Luar'ka's arm, shoving her toward the screen, ignoring her faint protests. He hoisted her up by her tail, again ignoring her now shrill protests, and plunked her down rather unceremoniously on the chair while she glared up at him, baring her teeth in her aggravation at the unprovoked abuse.
"Luar'ka?! You're the communicator?" S'iirai exclaimed, her eyes wide. Luar'ka started at her friend's proclamation and turned, facing her, "I am?" she said, "Wait, what?!" she yelled, whirling to glower over at Sechinde. He flared his mandibles briefly, tucking them back down against his face.
S'iirai listened to the telltale sounds of Yautja communication as Elder Sechinde began a quick series of growls, clicks, and rumbles, with sharp snapping sounds mixed in. Glancing at the Avian's face, she saw no trace of confusion, just growing annoyance and pure reluctance as Sechinde continued speaking. She supposed it shouldn't have come as a surprise that Luar'ka understood the hunters, having spent the last year living with them. And from the eerily similar growls and clicking sounds that suddenly rose from the Avian as she twisted in the chair, sitting up on her haunches to face Sechinde, S'iirai assumed it was no small stretch that she spoke Yautjan fluently as well. The two argued back and forth for a few moments before Sechinde suddenly flared his mandibles and let out a deafening roar that even had the Illmorein across the room flinching in terror. S'iirai shook her head rapidly, indicating there was no trouble as she again focused on the screen. Cowed under, the Avian sat slouched in the chair, her mouth set in a thin, distasteful line as she stared at the screen in disgust.
Luar'ka hefted a sigh, "Yes, S'iirai, I am the communicator for the Triad." she said, her voice bland and slightly robotic. S'iirai bit her lip to stifle the giggle of amusement that threatened to break free. Luar'ka snarled when she heard other Illmorein in the background laughing themselves silly.
S'iirai cleared her throat, clenching her teeth to keep from following their example, "I-It is a pleasure to meet you, Communicator," she said in a shaky voice. Luar'ka glared at her from beneath the feathers covering her eyes, "S'iirai, just get it over with." she muttered. She waited patiently while S'iirai moved off to the side and did her best to laugh without being too loud. Meanwhile, she ground her teeth at the sound of Ikthya'de doing nothing to stifle his own chuckles of amusement behind her. Clearly, he was highly entertained of Sechinde taking full advantage of Luar'ka's ability to speak with clear inflections the Yautja couldn't make use of.
((I am not forgetting this.)) she grumbled in Yautjan so S'iirai couldn't understand.
((I do not expect you to.)) Sechinde said calmly, ((Now focus on your task, Avian.))
Sechinde chose to ignore the irritated sneer she threw at him as she faced the screen again when S'iirai reappeared. He had known she'd be a little angry at this predicament and he figured he'd be lenient for now regarding her disrespectful behavior. Paya knew he'd feel the same way if forced into a similar situation.
Luar'ka hissed and turned to S'iirai again, "Well, as the newly instated Communicator, I know little of my intended duties. Would you be so kind as to run them by me?" she asked tartly, knowing Sechinde could hear and understand everything she said. She heard Thwei'ja sigh heavily in the corner, fully aware of how crass she was being right now. Quite frankly, she was miffed enough that she didn't care.
Finally reinstating her composure, S'iirai nodded, "As the Communicator for the Yautja, specifically the Triad, you will essentially become their representative, translating what they say for the rest of us to understand."
"It seems to me like you can already understand them." Luar'ka pointed out.
"To an extent, yes. However, inflections are extremely important for dissecting meaning in what one says. I am certain you see the block we often run into while dealing with the Yautja."
Luar'ka did, sadly. The Yautja had no inflections, barely any tone to differentiate what they said versus what they meant to convey when speaking with anyone who didn't understand their language. She was able to pick up on the cues after so long living with them. The Illmorein didn't have that advantage. She glanced at her companions standing silently and watching her before she turned back around, "Okay, I do see your point." she agreed reluctantly, "And yes, I can see where it would be an issue."
"We do have a Communications specialist with us, Kivakei. However, even she has had difficulties in the past. Perhaps this arrangement will work out finely."
((You will begin your duties as of this moment.)) Sechinde piped up from the background. Luar'ka glanced at him apprehensively, but sighed, ((I suppose. You may begin.))
Sechinde spoke again. This time, his voice was lower and much calmer than before and Luar'ka listened to him carefully. She turned to the screen and looked at her friend, " ' We will be arriving on Illmianyar within five rotations.' "
"How many can we expect to receive?" S'iirai asked. Luar'ka didn't need instruction for this one, "Five, myself included." she said.
"Good. One other matter, my people have heard of the trouble brewing back on earth through our human contacts. We wanted to know how much of it had been made aware to you."
Luar'ka turned to Sechinde, growing annoyed again. He had clearly demonstrated his excellent ability to speak English and given his advanced age, likely many more languages on top of that. She wasn't sure what the point of forcing her to communicate with S'iirai like this was. But she listened as he explained to her what he wanted said and then turned back to the screen, "We are aware of it, quite well in fact." she said, "As we speak, three hunting parties from the To'r'khe clan have been sent there to investigate and possibly hunt down the hard meats." she noticed oddly enough that her English now sounded a little broken. She wondered if it was the result of disuse for so long since she'd been speaking nothing but Yautjan.
"The option has come up to lend our own support in this endeavor," S'iirai said, "Should you deem it necessary, we have a team ready to go lend its aid."
" 'No, for the moment, stay where you are,' " Luar'ka said, now speaking as Sechinde was speaking, repeating his words slowly both for herself to keep track and for S'iirai to understand. Sometimes, she had to replace some words with certain other words that otherwise made little sense in English. Yautjan wasn't entirely phonetic like English was, and correct phrasing was more important to the Yautja. Certain words determined whether you were speaking to a male or a female, for instance. And as she'd learned while practicing Hssinian, some words had multiple different meanings that had to be placed in the correct context. The word Hssinkish itself was a backwards amalgamation of two words meaning 'Reptile' and 'Water-like' in English.
She continued glancing back at Sechinde as he spoke, working out the meanings behind the different growls and rumbles he made. She faced forward again, " ' This group is coming to investigate the sightings you have claimed. From there, we will...proceed to...earth.' " she repeated, trailing off at his sentence conclusion as she realized what was happening. She shook her head, focusing again, " ' Thwei'ja is familiar with your world and shall accompany them.' "
S'iirai nodded, "Yes, we are familiar with Thwei'ja. We appreciate the care taken to choose the group."
Sechinde grunted, indicating he was finished speaking. He stepped back against the wall and Luar'ka sighed heavily, "Uh...well, I suppose that's it, then." she said somewhat awkwardly.
"Great. Now then onto other matters; I have some urgent business to discuss with Luar'ka. If your companions wouldn't mind...?" S'iirai chuckled, gesturing toward the Yautja with a gracious smile.
Than'ja was the first to pick up on the hint. He snarled irritably under his breath as he moved toward the corridor leading out. Ikthya'de cocked his head in clear confusion, but followed his brother. Elder Sechinde turned to Thwei'ja, ((I expect a prompt report of your findings. If you proceed to N'-ithya from Illmianyar for certain, I wish to be notified.))
Thwei'ja nodded, watching his sire leave. He turned to Luar'ka, ((We disembark within the hour.)) he said sharply. She nodded once in assent. He strode out, leaving Kar'kha behind. He'd been oddly silent all this time and Luar'ka could feel heavy tension rolling off of him in waves. She smiled at him, nodding, ((Come speak with me later when things have calmed.)) she said.
Kar'kha let out a low, rumbling purr deep within his chest, nodding as he moved out of the cockpit. The door closed behind him. S'iirai heaved a heavy sigh, giggling, "Well, that was a nice turn of events. I honestly didn't expect them to leave so compliantly." she said.
"They are more interested in getting the shuttle ready for launch than they are in fighting right now." Luar'ka said, turning back around, "So tell me, what urgent business do you have with me?"
S'iirai grinned impishly, "I have heard Noari refer to it as 'girl talk'."
Luar'ka raised an eyebrow, "I do not believe I am familiar with that subject."
"I would imagine not; you live with males." S'iirai said drily, "The idea is we, as females, also known as 'girls', simply chat and tell each other how our lives have been doing in the year since we've seen one another."
"I do not really know if we will have time for that extended conversation." Luar'ka said concernedly, glancing toward the door, "They may force us to wait until we arrive."
S'iirai chewed her lower lip, frowning, "You talk much more formally than you did when we met, Luar'ka. You don't seem to use conjunctions anymore."
The Avian shrugged, "Just a habit, I guess."
"I must admit, I was quite surprised to hear you speaking Yautjan so fluently. Kivakei took three years to learn a basic version and it's still a work in progress. Many sounds they make cannot be mimicked by us."
"I noticed those sounds. It would seem that I am able to make them." Luar'ka said proudly, purring on reflex. S'iirai quirked an eyebrow, "I can see that much. Well, you are correct; I do believe our chat shall have to wait. Please make certain to come and see me when you arrive."
Luar'ka nodded, fully aware of the footsteps outside the door which S'iirai didn't appear to hear, "I will. Talk to you soon, friend."
She signed off abruptly as S'iirai was preparing to reply. She stood up, turning to face Thwei'ja standing in the doorway, his lower mandibles jutting out slightly in obvious aggression. No doubt in her mind, he was furious. Maybe it was S'iirai requesting they all leave for no good reason (which she herself found a little annoying), maybe it was the fact that his own sire had ordained a spot for her in their society (though she doubted that since Thwei'ja didn't have a history of petty anger regarding her) or maybe it was simply the fact that she was around and underfoot once again. Luar'ka stood tall before him, her tail held out slightly as she kept her eyes straight forward without meeting his gaze. He was rumbling softly, the sound emanating from deep within his chest. He was angry, but he was also controlled and very disciplined.
Luar'ka took a short breath and extended her wings slightly, bowing respectfully before him, "It is good to fight by your side once again." she said, desperately hoping that her respect for him was well-demonstrated with this display. When she raised her head again, she saw that his tusks had tightened back up, his breathing more relaxed. One thing she'd learned about the Yautja during her time with them, they were extremely easily angered, easily offended, but thankfully, easily mollified as well. Thwei'ja was a much older, much respected and fearsome warrior, and any respect he received was rightly deserved. Luar'ka knew that her place was to be submissive before him, lest she incur his wrath.
The light, almost pleasant sound of his tusks tapping together calmed her frayed nerves and she dared to look up at him then. He didn't move to greet her, nor did he engage her in conversation. He simply let out a low trill, "Fulfill your duties well, Endling."
"Yes." she answered confidently. Bowing her head again, she moved past him calmly, heading out of the cockpit and down the corridor to the storeroom. She navigated the dark, misty, muggy hallways easily, as if she hadn't just spent a whole season away from them. There was no sign of the others; they were most likely preparing for the launch. Luar'ka opened the door to the storeroom and stepped inside. She blinked in surprise when she saw the interior before her. The familiar oval room was roughly the same as she remembered it; however the layout of the shelves had changed. They were now all shoved up against the walls and sloped ceilings, sitting beneath the piping running along the roof of the ship. With the shelves pushed aside, a rather spacious, circular area was left open on the floor. A crude, worn sleeping mat sat rolled up in the far end of the room. Luar'ka moved toward it and undid the leather straps holding it closed. It fell open, unrolling at her feet. It was a relatively small size for a Yautja of average height, but it was overkill for someone as tiny as she was. It even had a thin, soft brown pelt stitched onto it like a lining. It was ragged, it was in need of repair and it had holes all throughout the aged pelt, but Luar'ka didn't care; it was clearly meant to be hers. Unable to suppress the smile on her face, she stepped onto it and folded her legs back beneath her, tucking her wings against her body as she stared out the window to her right, able to see through to the docking bay they still resided within. In the time since her arrival, this storeroom had somehow become her room. Yes, she shared it with broken equipment and the smell of incinerated metal and leaking fluids, but she couldn't have cared less.
She slept in her armor and coverings that night. They would depart upon the start of the new rotation and start a course for Illmianyar. Following their visit there, they would proceed to N'-ithya. Luar'ka's claws twitched and she felt a low growl emerge from her throat. Soon, they would arrive again on the world of her birth. Her life had about come full circle so far. It was now time to meet it face to face.
Terminology
Eta- Servant class Yautja, not strong enough to become hunters, or skilled enough to perform other roles
Dhi'ki-de – The equivalent of a coma, the 'sleep of death'
Kehrite- The training room
Sshnistr' ti'l il'no ma'kii nii'nja masen'tsish.- Hssinian language, standing for "My thanks for your wise teachings."
A/N: So a bit of a longer chapter, but I couldn't sleep so this was what I did. Shout out to werewolfbleu again. She's finally writing and enjoying it once more, so this chapter was a present for her. Show her stories a little support and help keep her energized to keep writing!