Chapter ten: Home not so alone.
One week later..
It took us a while to reach Sol but we finally made it. We had some trouble entering certain alien species space that saw my race as bloodthirsty monsters.. They threatened us with barely penetrative weaponry… We jumped just off the edge of Sol and make our way in super cruise towards earth. I engage cloak and hush drives, no way are we meeting the same fate as Osh and Uz.. Shane's eyes glisten with excitement and he contacts the Lar'ja N'ritja.
Danny answers.
"Welcome to the predator emergency hotline we are unable to take your call at the moment.. Please leave a Pauk ell-osde at the end of the tone. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-"
"DANNY KI'CTE! Osh'ikeille's bellow echoes from the corners of the feed. He must be piloting.
Danny clears his throat.
"Hewwo shitty wok how can i hewp?"
"Danny we're at earth almost."
"Awesome! Only took you a week!" Danny says with a tinge of sarcasm.
"Blame Ghardeh's flying.. She took the scenic route. Could you tell Neens?"
"Yeah I'll tell her. Don't have too much fun with Ghardeh.." He winks..
"Who mwah? Noo…"
"Uh huh.. I know you Shane.."
"You all know me little man I'll contact you later. Bye Dan.. Bye Osh.."
"G'bye Shane, g'bye Ghardeh."
He hears Osh say bye in the background then Shane ends the comms. We now fly towards earth at 150km/s and slow down the heat in the ship has risen and the shields are down due to silent running mode. I turn off silent running and bring the shield on as we hit the atmosphere. We dive down towards the small island of the United Kingdom, I feel Shanes anxiety. It's been more than two years since he was last home, Shane finds his home city and we plot in a course, It's a beautiful island. Much bigger than the one Nina fought the world eater on.. There is a ping and in the distance i see a large white building.
"That's the york minster Ghardeh.." We fly over it there are tiny specks of people walking around the tiny alleys and streets we fly past towards a small village.. I find a large enough landing spot near some trees Shane called derwent forest… We get out and the cold air hits us..
"Fuck it's cold.." Shane says folding his arms immediately shivering.
I cloak and hold him close.
"How are you so hot damn it?"
He walks on and i follow him when he stops.. The pub we walk past has strange decorations up in the glass windows.
Shane's face changes.. "Halloween.."
"What is halloween Shane?"
"When all the monsters come out.." He says. I immediately unleash my wrist blade when Shane sharply turns around.
"Noo not those monsters Jewel.. It's a special day.. Where people dress up as monsters.. Aliens zombies werewolves.. Even yautja.." Shane looks at me his eyes brimming with ideas..
"Ghardeh.. Decloak.."
"Don't be silly.. Shane.."
"Just do it trust me.."
I do so.
"Ok just follow me.." We walk on when we come up to a small set of houses.. A man in a brown trench coat walking his dog looks up at me and nods.
"Taking Halloween seriously this year is she bud?" The man asks Shane.
"You bet. She is going to a competition.."
"Really?" He stops as do we.
"The costume looks very detailed almost.. Life-like.."
"May i?"
Shane looks at me and i nod.. The dog below me sniffs me curiously wagging it's tail slowly. The man touches my forearm and jolts at the touch.
"Well now.. That feels very life-like.. Almost like.. Gator hide.. Hand made?"
"Indeed.." I say.
His eyes widen at my smoky rasp voice.
"Voice changer as well? Pulling no expense i see.. Well nice chatting.. I'd vote for you.. Does this character have a name?"
"Ghardeh.."
He nods. "Well I'll be voting Ghardeh."
He walks on and i stare at Shane.
"Are you not angry?"
"Angry at what darl?"
"Another male touched me.."
Shane looks confused.. "Ghardeh if he tried coming on to you then yes I'd be angry but he was only curious.."
I click several times and we carry on. Eventually we come up to a house with a white door. He walks up to it and moves a rock near a small fountain.. And takes the key. He unlocks the door and opens it.. "Sexy aliens first." He says holding out an arm. I enter.. Head almost touching the ceiling. I lower. The walls and strange fabric under my clawed boots are cream. There is hanging hooks holding several of Shanes coats. A room to my left shows a display and seats. "Alright Ghardeh make yourself comfortable.. I'm sorting some bits out. Won't be long.." I nod and enter the front room. Ducking under the door frame I immediately walk up to the seat and sit.. The cushion deepens and i hear a creak.. "M-di." i say and stand up. I see another room with appliances.. And storage cupboards.. A black shining stove.. The cream theme is throughout the home. Very Primitive.. I hear several beeping sounds and Shane open something upstairs. I hear him walk downstairs when i see pictures of him.. And several other people. I pick up one with him and another female.. They both smile. With the view of a tower behind them.. I put my finger to the females face.
"That is my sister.. Frieda.. It was taken when we went to Paris."
He points to the other photo one to the left.
"Those two are my parents.. The big one is all of the family.. All part of the past.." He let's in a saddened breath and he lets out a shaky sigh. "This house was my parents." I follow him throughout the home as he explains his past memories.. Almost like he was there again.
"I used to make mum and dad breakfast in bed." He says as he opens the master bedroom door… I walk in. "The room is exactly how they left it the morning they left.. And had the accident." He walks downstairs taking the large holdall bag. He recovers and looks at me.. I take the family photo. And hold it to him.. "Take it with you.. Your past molds you. To leave this behind would be leaving apart of yourself here.." He nods. Then places the photo in his bag.
"Right clothing set.." He holds up money.. A lot of it.. "And cash.. My cards will probably be somewhere but i can't find them. The day i was taken i only had my phone.."He looks to see his wallet in a bowl.. "Or i could just look.."He snatches it out then looks at the time. "It's 14:49.. That clock will be wrong.. Time went back an hour.. Let's go into town Ghardeh.. Show you around the little city of York. I don't want to stay here.."
I can feel it around the house.. He feels uneasy.. Maybe sharing it with a large yautja isn't making it any easier. But then again he has lived on a ship for several years.
"Should i remain de cloaked Shane?"
He looks back at me with a shrug.
"Up to you.. Just don't expect to not get attention."
"Right.." i say with a huff.
"Come on Ghardeh we are gullible creatures most will think it's Halloween related. My sister used to go to this event called whitby goth weekend.. People would flock around her to take her picture. I'm the one who knows you are a real alien.. 100% natural yautja." He smiles "It's going to be fun.. Wonder what the rest would think coming here? Uz would have probably snarled at that male earlier.. Nina would be mulling over Frieda and Danny would be commenting how lovely the house is with Osh being like you.. Passive"
"Indeed.."
The fireplace catches my eye. "Why do you have a fire burning Shane?"
"It's fake.. Touch it.."
I reach out to find my hand touch a display.. "Interesting".
We later make our way to the city following an orbital route after Shane placed his belongings back on the Tarei'hsan. People look in mixed wonder or curiosity as i walk with Shane.. My heavy footfalls give an added weightiness to me and i silence it. Shane had changed into some new clothes, i don't blame him staying in those same clothes everyday was mentally draining him. He now wears a black short sleeved shirt with deep blue jeans and black walking shoes. With a velvet black jacket. We walk past a group of young males..
"Yo nice pred mucker!" One shouts.
Shane immediately feels my stiffening..
"Jean.. It's alright.. He meant nothing by it let's go.."
They look with an excitement as Shane grabs my forearm.
"Hey take off your mask you can't be THAT ugly!"
Another shouts. Sniggering to his friends they fist bump one another laughing.
I rip my arm from Shane. And walk up to the group.
"Jean!" Shane shouts.. Presumably not using my real name.. He knew they'd angered me.
"Ohhh Jean!" One says wriggling his body in a less than presenting manner.
"Show me your moves Jean!"
"Yeah those alien moves!"
Another says laughing.
"Guys come on!" Shane shouts holding out an arm.
"Yeah right on her face!"
Their expressions change in a heartbeat as i unleash my wrist blades and stop. They fall over one another..
"Holy shit the blades work?!" One shouts laughing.
They all get up.
"What else works on that costume, Jean?"
"Jesus fuck man it's getting hot here." One says.
"GHARDEH! Ki'cte!" I hear Shane shout from behind.
I slowly collect myself and retract my blades as they stay wide eyed.
"Man that was some class A acting Jean! And what did he just say? Come on bitch?"
I turn around tense staring at them.. 'One more word..' I think. Shane grabs my arm and yanks. "Move your arse.." He says quietly to me. We walk in silence for some time i was boiling over the remarks but for Shanes sake i held on.. Just barely. One more word may have sent me flying into one of them. My mood changes as we enter the city. It's old.. Beautiful and brimming with history.. I ignored the subtle looks from other human tourists as i read the history of the city of Yorkshire. Many bloody battles took place here.. Shane smiles at my curiosity as we walk the walls. There is river.. Strange creations float along the water.
"It's called a boat Ghardeh.."
"Do the ones with engines have ftl capability?" I ask.
Shane laughs and puts his head into his hand with a smile. "No Ghardeh they travel in knotts.."
We move on and Shane pays for us to have a full show of the minster.. I heard and read more history.. It reminded my of wuis't'kei.. We reach the top of the minster and as the sun begins to set Shane leans into me. "What did you think?"
I nod. "It's a very nice city.. A little crowded with tourists.."
"You mean you." Shane says with a smile sniggering. I look down at the people walking below. Then we make our way down. The days are so much shorter here on earth.. I watch as vehicles carrying varying amount of people drive on by. Then we gorge on food.. Shane had a good few looks as he left his workplace with roughly 6 Cooked chickens and 5 racks of ribs. Along with whatever we was eating. We went back to his house when he decided to actually go out into the city tonight.. By the time we ate it was getting dark. At 19:00 we headed out for Halloween.. He got in his armour then we stalked the city. In the city centre there was a massive event. Humans dressed up as furry wolf creatures.. Bloody undead and other mundane creatures. However Shane had to grab my hand and attempt to hold me back and remind me it was just a human as i saw a xenomorph but Shane walked up to the man and asked if he could take a closer look at the head. Why anyone would dress as kiande amedha is beyond me.. He walks up to me and shakes my hand. "That is one amazing predator." he says to me. He looks to be in his thirties with short brown hair, his eyes a shade of hazelnut.
"Thank you.. I admire your kiande amedha outfit.." Shane laughs "She is well versed in yautja." the man's eyes light up in enthusiasm.
"Oh oh! Go on enlighten me miss! Just a hello.. Or a goodbye.. No no… You are nothing but a trophy that is yet to be cleaned!" he says in a low gruff voice.
Shane slowly looks at me. "Go on Jean.. All of it don't be shy.."
I look at the human who bites his bottom lip in anticipation.
"Hello is, Gkaun-yte.. Goodbye is, N'dhi'ja.. And.. 'You are nothing but a trophy that is yet to be cleaned', is Mo'ke Ellos'de Pa'ya-te Kch-k'cha'ku M-di's'ke'i!" His mouth gapes open.. "Now that is impressive! Some of my predator fan pals would love to meet you.."
He looks at my items. "Are they aesthetic or does anything work?
I lift up my arm and unleash the wrist blade.
He jumps back.. "This is bloody intense! That sounded just like the movies! Better than the movies.." He looks up.. "Now for the real kicker. And this stumps most pred fans who do convention outfits and the like.. Can you undo your mask?"
Shane tilts his head at me..
"Go on darl.. Show him your gorgeous eyes.."
I look at the male in front of me then unclip one hose on the left it lets out a slight hiss and a jet of compressed gas.. then the second on the left.. With one hand i grab my mask and pull it away with a pop releasing pressure and the guy almost shouts with excitement..
"Holy fucking shit!" He holds out his hands "That is bloody amazing! So life like! So real! Those eye colors are so vivid and interesting! Everything moves! Who's controlling her mandibles?" He looks around for the technician..
"I am." i say.. He shakes his head..
"Jean you have one of the most amazing costumes ever.."
"My name is Ghardeh.."
He nods "And you even gave your character a name.. Backstory?"
"You won't live long enough to hear 351 years of history.."
He punches the air.. "Damn bud.. You are lucky.. I take it you are both predator fans.. You are in a strange armour.. Reminds me of the predator killer but looks more advanced.." Shane nods "Oh yeah, I'm a fan.." He says i can feel his devious smile the krit..
"Jesus can i get a photo with you both?.. Tell me you can lift me.. Even for a second in a typical pred pose with a xeno.."
"Well she can try.." Shane says with a laugh, I let out a rumbled laugh. The man puts on his head looking like a xenomorph and stops a passerby to take a photo as Shane poses I effortlessly lift the man and release my wrist blade to the fake head there is a flash and the man. Bursts out laughing as i let him down. "Christ does she work out?! Bench press mini coopers or something?!"
"Something like that." Shane says with a laugh.
"Dude you two are briill.. It was nice chatting and 'Ghardeh'.. That was awesome! Keep your smaller male mate safe eh?" He laughs shaking our hands then moves on.
"He has no idea.." Shane says.
I put my mask back on and we move on. But something felt off and i frown behind my mask Shane notices but doesn't say anything.. He walks to a stand and buys some food.. Two burgers with an eye with a stick on top. "It's just an egg Ghardeh, the chips are designed like severed fingers." He explains. As we eat i shoot up to my feet closing me fists with a growl and several clicks as i hear a scream. Shane turns around to see a group scaring several female dressers.
"Ghardeh relax.. Just people having fun."
I slowly uncurl my hands and sit. When Shane laughs at me..
"What?"
"Just the way you move i love it.. So alien.. So… Intentional."
After we finish we make our way to the museum gardens. And walk around there.. As we walk Shane is grabbed by a ghoul and shouts in his face. I slowly realise that there is no threat but as i approach they don't dare try scaring me.. Wonder why? Later on we go back to the derwent section where there is a maze. Lest to say i cheat.. I cloak and jump to the centre. Shane laughs as we walk up to a test your strength pole.. Shane hands me the hammer with one arm i hit the panel with such force the weight shoots through the Bell and lands on the floor… the man in a red coat stares at me in disbelief…
"Someone ate their weetabix this morning with half a gallon of protein.."
"I am so very sorry sir.." Shane says trying hard to not laugh more, but the male saw the funny side and laughed with him. I reach up and fix the bell after putting the weight back in the tube. Then rotate the bell. I gently hammer it to hear the diing i was supposed to hear he still gave me my prize which was a devil monkey. And threw it at Shane who was still vibrating with laughter.
"Ghardeh you could wield Thor's hammer and still find a way to break it.."
Shane passes the monkey to a delighted child with her mother. We take a seat and talk when Shane notices a person approach.. He is wearing a predator mask and outfit, i see his mother who beckons him forward.. "Excuse me.. Mr and Mrs Predator.. Could you sign this paper for me please?" Shane's smile i can feel through his mask.
"How old are you kiddo?" Shane asks.. He looks "Eleven Mr.."
Shane nods.. "Ghardeh here and myself know someone your age. You want to know how old Ghardeh is?
"How old?" he asks looking at Shane.
"She's 351 years old.. Do you like predators?" He nods fervently.. "I think they are cool.. My dad let me watch Aliens.. Vs Predator.. And all of the predator films." Shane looks.. "Well kiddo.. Ghardeh here is a real Predator.."
"Shane! No!" I say with a growl i can't help.
The boy takes off his mask. I look at the small boy.. "Ignore him youngling.. He is telling lies.." He looks as i catch Shane shaking his head i slam my arm into him "Shane.."
"Prove it Ghardeh.." The boy says.
"Can you click?" He asks raising his little brows.
I look at Shane.. Then the boy and click he gasps in delight..
"Can you take off your mask.. Does it work?"
"Yes" Shane says as i say "No." The boy laughs, "You two are funny your voice is so predatory.." the boy says rolling from his laugh.
"Can you take off your mask?" He asks blinking. I use the pen and signs in dots my language. Then with each letter in yautja i put the english version underneath, and write Shanes name for good measure.
"Your hands are really big.. No way for a normal hand.. And you are reaaally tall.." He steps back slightly. Then i take off my mask and slowly pull it away.. His eyes widen and he lets out a whisper..
"You.. Look soo real.. And have purple eyes!"
"Now you see kiddo.."
He gasps.. And smiles.. He leans in and i lower my head to his level… He touches one of my dreads and i react.. He shoots back.. "You.. Reacted.." He licks his lips.. "Are… Are you real?" I look at Shane.. "Just tell him Ghardeh he's a little kiddo just play along." Shane whispers into my ear so the boy cannot hear.. I nod to him slowly.. His smile reaches either side of his face thanks us both and he runs back to his mother. I put my mask back on.
"Congratulations Ghardeh.. You have another fan.. Don't worry he's a kid he won't know really.. Your cover is still intact darl.."
"I hope so krit.."
His mother who is still smiling at us leans in as he whispers something into her ear. She opens her mouth at him and approaches us.
"Thank you both.. He is a huuge predator fan. Much to my objection with his father allowing him to watch those films.."
"No problem ma'am we know how it is having a young one at home." Shane says with a fervent nod to her.
"Thank you for making my sons night."
She walks away as i hear him say "Mum Ghardeh is real! I wonder if she has a SPACESHIP she could fly to the moon!" The boy looks back and Shane is pointing up into the sky, but i slam my forearm into his chest again earning a laugh from the little one. We spend the night having a nice chat in between being mobbed by people wanting photos.. The night ends with a sour note. As we walk back there is a drunk couple arguing on the orbital route. The male grabs the female by her hair yanking it back and shouting in her face. As Shane tries to grab me, i quicken my pace and meet him.
"What are you doing?"
He looks up at me
"piss off long legs this ain't to do with you."
I growl "Let go now.."
"John just let me go! I didn't do it!"
"Shut up bitch!" He raises his hand but goes no further. I grab his arm and he immediately tries to punch me so i grab his throat and tighten my grip his eyes roll back and i drop him unconscious.
"Ghardeh what the fuck?" Shane quietly says storming up to me.
The woman laughs and kicks the mans chest.
"See how you like that you piece of shit. Thank you."
"Why was he doing that?" Shane asks.
"Oh he thought i was having it on with someone else when it was just another person trying to get past in the toilets..I'm going home.. Thanks. Again.."
Shane snatches my hand.
"Ghardeh that was dangerous.."
"I won't stand by and let that continue"
"Yeah fine i get it but that would have gone south if he produced a weapon."
"I would have broken his arm."
"PRECISELY" Shane shouts.. "Lets just go home." Shane gets out of his armour and we walk back to his house. He walks up stairs and sits in his room turning on a small light source. The floorboards groan under my weight..
"We should sleep downstairs actually.. I'd hate to laugh seeing you half in my room half in my living room because you turned and snapped the beams."
I shove him into the wall.. "I didn't say you were fat! That substance is non-existent on you anyway!"
He takes several covers and quilts and lays them on the floor in his front room. Then we lay down. It's a lot colder here even when the primitive heating system came on. I curl into Shane and he turns around.
"Tomorrow.. Shall we find Ninas friends?" I nod as he takes one of my fleshy appendages again. "Sei-i."
Hours later..
As Shane sleeps i lay awake for some reason i cannot rest Shanes face pinches a frown as he dreams but is well under, I slowly get up and walk up to the photos on the window sill. I wonder.. What would Frieda say if she ever found out about me? Or his parents for that matter? Though in hindsight he would probably keep me well hidden but how long would we live like that? I decide to explore the house more Surely he wouldn't mind I silently.. Try.. Silently to walk up the stairs but my heavy weight causes a few steps to groan.. I reach the top and open the door in front of me.. The restroom consisted of a bath with shower.. A small basin and the toilet.. It was tiny.. But a similar design to a yautjas. I move on and open the next door to my right. It seems to be Shanes room the walls coated in a cobalt blue and bright beech wood laminate flooring. His bed following the same colour as his walls. A wardrobe sits nestled in the corner and a wooden blind covers the window..
A desk shows a small device on top folded up. I touch one of his items on his desk and it changes colour with some strange objects floating inside. I click with a curious tilt as i watch it then take my leave when it turns off automatically, I move on and see the master bedroom three of my strides down on the right. I open the door and see the dressing table on the left with several photos it. I walk up to them to see Shane's parents.. His mother in a beautiful white and lilac dress with his father in a beautiful deep maroon suit. Holding flowers together.. The next one shows Shane in a blue suit and tie sat with his sister in a white frilled dress. The final one shows the 4 of them together Shane on his mother's side and Frieda on her fathers side.. A wedding perhaps in human terms? I take my leave and find Frieda's room to my right. I enter and the cream coloured room is shadowed by the curtains swung closed. I turn around and see a hatch in the ceiling.. What's up there? I pull open the hatch and as it comes down stairs unfold and stop at the floor i walk up. There is a motion sensor that detects my movement and illuminates the room it slants slightly on either side.. This must be the roof room.. It's full if boxes and other paraphernalia. I see a globe sat on a dusty table and spin it.. I take my leave and close the hatch. I walk towards the kitchen Shane is still asleep But has shifted on his side. I open the back door and enter the garden.. Smooth green grass flows in the middle shadowed on either side by gravel i look up as the light pollution is low and see the stars. It is relaxing here. A sadness hits me.. Those pauk-de took Shane away from his home. He has lost his old life.. Is this one any better? What if.. What if i just leave him here? My mind slowly trails off.. Would he accept that? Could he move on? He isn't as alone as he thinks.. He still has family.. He told me.. I look back through the window.. But i couldn't do that to him.. Not now.. But what if we stayed? Is that what he would want? My mind puzzles with questions.. And i lay them to rest.. No.. He would tell me. And no matter how much I'd try.. I could not stay hidden forever. Yes yautja are one of the most elusive creatures for not a better word but.. Life with Shane IS different.. He is not yautja, this IS his home but in the end ultimately the decision is his. And I'd respect that. I feel Shanes presence behind me..
"Ghardeh.. What's wrong?"
I lean into him.
"Nothing.. I was deep in thought.."
"Something is bothering you Ghardeh i have that ability too what is it?"
"Would you ever move on if something was to happen to me?"
His neutral face turns into a frown.. "You remember being near death? I was physically panicking.. I didn't want to ever lose you and i still don't.. I'd do everything i can to make sure you are safe.. Same for everyone else.. Neens Danny Osh and Uz.. The little ones.. Even though i haven't met them yet."
"Why are you thinking morbid things krit?" I flick my mandibles slightly.
"Just a thought thwei'mei.."
"If you want my thought.. Get inside its cold and my arse is freezing.."
I huff and look at him.. "Very well."
We go back to bed and i finally sleep.
The next morning i wake. I smell.. Something wafting around the room. There is a sizzling sound.. I get up to see Shane in his kitchen, cooking something. I approach him with slight curiosity. He looks with a smile "You see this Ghardeh? A full. English. Breakfast."
"Which is?" I ask.. He points with his strange cooking item.
"Bacon.. Sausage.. Egg.. Tomato.. Beans.. Toast.. Black pudding.. Hash brown.. Mushroom.. Only two more loads to go.. I knew you'd be waking.. Now here.." He gives me a plate loaded with everything..
"Tell me what you think of full human food.." He gives me a knife and fork.
"You tell me when you are full.."
"Thank you.."
"No.. Thank you.." He says. As i eat he keeps throwing random food he has cooked.. Eventually i hold up my hand.. "No that's enough Shane. I will regret it later.. Thank you."
"Ok.", He says giving me a yellow liquid in a pint glass.
"It's Tropicana.. Orange juice.."
I take a mouthful.. It's slightly bitter with a sweet takes my empty plate.
"What about you?"
He smiles back at me.
"Way ahead of you darl.. I ate while you slept.. Made sure I didn't poison you.. So what did you think?"
"It was different.. Strange textures plenty of different flavours. I enjoyed it."
"Good..glad you did last thing i want to do is.. P-" He washes up when he jolts…
He hisses in pain "C'jit.. I felt that.."
He lifts his hand to find he cut his thumb grabbing the sharp knife he used to cut the mushrooms and tomatoes. I walk up to him as he stares at his fluorescent green blood. It drips into the soapy bubbled water.
"Well i won't ever be giving blood.. That's for damn sure.."
He puts his thumb in his mouth and takes it out with a grimace across his face. "Damn.. That's bitter.." He runs cold water and holds his thumb under it.. He stares as it clots in seconds.. He smiles..
"That is so awesome.."
He finishes up, "Right Ghardeh.. Let's show you how to use MY shower.."
I follow him up "You'll have to crou- You know what no I'll do it. Hope you don't mind smelling of dove." He holds up a silver bottle with a picture of a bird. "As long as I'm clean Shane."
"You might want to close your eyes then.." Shane turns the water on as i take off my attire and step in and crouch.. Shane stands to the side and starts at the top of my head… Then works down.. I keep my eyes closed when he laughs.
"Ghardeh you can open your eyes now we are well past your head.."
He is currently at my back.
"I remember you having scars as well miss.. But the brothers still have most of theirs.. What gives?"
"Genes Shane.. There are many different variations of yautja just like you humans have different race.." He reaches my legs.. And lower area.. "It's alright Shane.. I'll take care of that bit.. Before we… Have an accident.." I say with a rumbly tone.. "Ghardeh.. I'm not that horny.. Besides, we haven't had..." My head snaps towards the noise down below.. And accidently hit the back of Shanes head with my dreadlocks, I clench my fist..
"Who is that?" Shane asks himself.. "Ghardeh stay here would you.. Close the bathroom door." I nod slowly and put my wrist gauntlet on.. And armour up before Shane hit the last step.
(Shane's pov.)
Shane approaches the door and slowly opens it.. He is met by a familiar face.. Another person Shane knows. "Rick?" Shane says, his eyes light up. And talks in a thick irish accent.
"Holy shit Shane! Where have you been? Marie at work said she saw you buy a lot of stuff after not being around for what.. A couple of years? We assumed you'd been fired.." Rick is a head taller than Shane with a slender build and a thick mop of ginger hair with bright blue eyes he is wearing a grey destiny t-shirt with black trainers and jeans. And a clean shaven face.
"Where have you been?" Shane invites him in but feels Ghardeh move above him.
"I've been.. On vacation.."
"Come on bud where?"
"Would you believe me if i said on an alien spaceship?"
Rick laughs "Alright keep your secrets."
"Oh i have a big one.." Shane says..
"What you have a bird?"
Shane's face goes blank..
"Wait.. Are you. Are you for real?
Is that where you've been? Is she here?"
"No.. I don't have.. A bird.."
'Shit..' Shane thinks. 'I can't say it.. She wouldn't understand..'
"Oh you've turned to the dark side?"
"No.. Rick.. It's.. Complicated.."
His face changes "Are you.. Breaking up?"
"No.. Look can we change the subj…" Shane literally feels Ghardeh come down the stairs..
"I need the loo bud.."
'Fuck.. Shit.. Think!'
Rick walks towards the stairs..
"Jesus its real hot here.. You got the heating on full whack here?
Shane watches as Ghardeh ghosts around Rick.. And moves towards the front door. Rick looks directly at the front door.. He stares..
ON YOU GO THEN! Shane shouts snapping his eyes away.
"FUCKING deuce.. Made me jump.."
As Rick closes the door, Ghardeh de-cloaks.
"Fuck me.. Could you not cut that any more finely? Get your fine yautja ass out of the way.. Would you kindly?" With a stalking motion, she stands near the corner where the lamp is as rick flushes then moments later runs down. Ghardeh cloaks.
"So Shane.. Are you back for good?"
He shakes his head "No.. Just settling a few things then heading to Louisiana again."
"Again? Man.. Don't know if you heard but it was on the news a while back a lasses house exploded and left a mile wide area on fire.. It went out of control spreading towards the town itself, There was a massive operation to quell the fire.. Took like… Two weeks to get it under control and squashed.."
"I know.. I spoke to the person whose house it was.. She's upset still about it.. Was a gas explosion.."
"Well if you ask me it was dumb.. She obviously left something on or was irresponsible.."
There is a clicking coming from Ghardeh in the corner.. She is not happy with Ricks words..
He looks.. "The fuck was that?"
"Relax it was my radiator.."
"Yeah except its behind you Shane. That sounded like.."
"What? Pipes creaking also with the heating? Come off it Rick.."
"Sounded like a pred.. You got one of those speaker systems you twat?"
"No pretty sure it was the pipes.."
He gets up.. "Yeah whatever.." he sneers and heads over.. Shanes heart skips a beat and he gets dangerously close to Ghardeh.. Shane slowly shakes his head at her..
"It's here again that damn heat!" He reaches out within millimetres of touching Ghardehs leg..
"Rick will you stop before i kick your arse.. You are freaking me out with your ghost crap.." He looks back and Shane sees Ghardeh moves further back almost touching the lamp.
"Dude i need to get packing for Louisiana so can we catch up later.."
He nods "Yeah sure.. When you getting a new phone? When you do text me yeah?"
"Will do."
'Nope' Shane thinks.. Rick takes his leave then Shane closes the door.
Ghardeh de-cloaks..
"Jesus Ghardeh! You were seriously in trouble there!" Shane laughs slightly.
(Ghardeh's pov)
"I was going to de-cloak.. Give him a fright.. Halloween.."
Shane laughs.. "What a cool idea but no.. He would literally go ape.. Like nerd ape… And i can't risk it. He can be a little bit.. Unorthodox. And why did you have to click you jelly brain? He was this close to touching.." Shane says showing me a demonstration that i needn't see. "Then i would have gone mental.." I tilt my head.. "For one he should not presume Nina was irresponsible and two.. It was an accident.. My temper flared.." Shane puts a hand to the bridge of his nose..
"Alright.. Fine.. Look we need to go.. I need you on your best behaviour.."
I give him a fervent nod, when Shane sees Ricks phone on the couch. I sense a presence approach the door and cloak. Rick flies open the door.
"Hey i left my phone."
"Jesus Fuck Rick! Don't you ever knock?! Here." He catches his phone and looks towards the lamp.. "You are up to something i can feel it.." He walks up to it and waves his hands around.. "The heats gone.."
"Rick just head out or I'll show you a real predator.. I can't do this right now i have too many things on my mind.."
"Yep yep catch you later bud. And you a predator? Yeah right if you even saw one you'd shit a brick.. Bye to you. Bud." He walks and closes the door. Shane claws his hands and throws them to his head and towards the door.
"Ffuuuck!" he growls..
"Right.. Lets go my kch-tanu.." I say looking at the door. Before we leave the house Shane turns the whole power off in the house. Then locks it up. He makes up his mind.. He will not be returning.. We make our way back to the scorpion.. And i lay in a course for Louisiana..
Author note: This chapter is one of the longer ones of the story, originally i had a separate chapter where Shane re-united with his grand-parents but i ultimately decided to take it out. It didn't flow too well and was a little too depressing so i decided to scrap half the chapter and combine it into one big chapter.
And Shane! Almost giving Ghardeh away! She'd pull your head through your 'carefully maintained arse you krit! Anyhoo next chapter Shane and Ghardeh find Ninas friends. I really enjoyed writing the next few chapters. Very nostalgic.. We go back to where Nina and Danny's story began. And it is there Shane experiences some of Ninas memories.. Stay awesome guys and gals! Much more to come!
Yautja words:
Pauk-de- F^cker/s.
C'jit- Sh^t.
Thwei- Blood.
Mei- Kin.
Krit- Idiot or general remark. (Non-cannon my own word.)
Gkaun-yte- Hello.
N'dhi'ja- Goodbye.
Mo'ke Ellos'de Pa'ya-te Kch-k'cha'ku M-di's'ke'i- You are nothing but a trophy that is yet to be cleaned.