Disclaimer: You know
Note: If you have not figured it out yet. The Xeno part is over. So if you were looking for more on that part… Tough noodles. I might come back to it. It's rather doubtful, but I might change my mind. I'm fickle like that. Questions? Comments? Suggestions?…
Also, this part will probably include lot's of dialog. I will try to differentiate characters. If I'm not succeeding, let me know. (preferably with suggestions). This chapter is more of a relay and a chance to introduce new characters.
Bold – Yautja Speak, Ooman no comprendes.
Chapter 7: Choices
Yin'thar knew that as soon as he entered the ship the Ooman held in his arms would be noticed and her presents would be questioned. The choice, of killing or leaving the female, he has been contemplating all day, was taken from him. The large Kainde Amedha warrior challenged the female and he has interfered. Yin'thar believed he has hindered the outcome of the fight, by distracting the female and in consequence causing her injury. It was his error not noticing the Kainde Amedha and challenging a female while she was already engaged in battle. When her small frame collided with the embankment and stopped moving Yin'thar though she was thei-de.
The Kainde Amedha turned its attention toward the Yauja hunter. The large dark worrier proved to be more of a hindrance than he suspected. Yet, the Kainde Amedha still did not battle at its full potential. The reverbareting ooman sounds fault its abilities and gifted Yin'thar with a win.
After defeating the Keinde Amedha, the hunter walked over to the immobile Ooman's form and discovered she was breathing.
He had only one choice left. He could not challenge a being that was unresponsive. It was impossible. He could not kill a being that was unresponsive. That was dishonorable. He could not leave a defenseless Ooman since he was in part responsible of the Ooman's current state. If it was he who caused her injury, he could have taken the th'syra. It would have been a rightful victory. However, it was the Kainda Amedha's doing. The only choice he had was to take the female with him. He took her belongings as well. They might come in of usage. For the first time he was unsure of his decision. The codes did not mention such an occurrence.
Upon entering the airlock he was faced with Kai di'chak. He was hoping to see Setg'syra. Setg'syra would ask question like a curious pup, poke fun at him, but not ridicule his decisions. Before the doors fully locked Kai di'chak's talent for mockery did not disappoint.
I believed you to be an honored hunter Yin'thar. It appears you forgot to kill it. Have you forgotten how to take an Ooman trophy?
Hold your thoughts. I need to take the Ooman to the medic. He said as he passed Kai di'chak to get to the lift, not sparing the other a look. Yin'thar was not explaining his decision to his mei'hswei. He needed to take the Ooman to the healer and have word with Dtai'moun. No one except for the clan elder can seek answers. Besides, he needed guidance. The decision to take the Ooman was impulsive. He believed it to be the right one, but an explanation was needed and future plans discussed.
He entered the infirmary and noticed the healer attending to one of the freshly blooded hunters while the other was patiently waiting for treatment. Five hunters left with Setg'syra, yet only two sat here. He could not restrain his curiosity.
How many returned?
All was the short answer of the healer, that was diligently patching the young warrior and did not allot him a glance.
This was surprising. All came back yet only two needed attention. He inquired further
Yet only two are in here. What happened?
Bakuub condition most dire and need of attention. He was taken care of first, and is now in his quarters resting. Ad'zin and Var-H'dlak were of no need of my attention. Answered the medic and finally took a quick look at Yin'thar
Did not need a medic? Why? Yin'thar inquired further, forgetting the Ooman he was still holding.
You need to have words with Setg'syra. What do you have there?
Ooman. It is a long tale. I will have word with Dtai'moun. I would request you spare time and see if it lives.
Med'maru put on his mask and looked at the Ooman from a distance, not stopping to patch up the blooded warrior that stared at the Ooman with his head cocked to the side.
Put her on the cot. The medic said and pointed to the metal bed by the rear wall of the infirmary.
Her? How did… Yin'thar wanted to ask, but Med'maru answer before the question ended.
It does not take a medic to know.
She is bleeding and I do not know much about the Ooman condition. Med'maru must have noticed the hint of distress in Yin'thar's voice and before the hunter would ask he simply stated.
The thwei is only a flesh would. She in not bleeding internally and appears stable. She also is breathing metrically... for now
For now? Asked the honored Yautja confused, after placing the female on the table.
Pyode Amedhas need more oxygen and less nitrogen. It is not a threat on her life ... not for a while
Gratitude Med'maru. I will take my leave and seek Setg'syra.
He ought to be in his quarters. He went to refresh himself and clean his trophies.
Trophies? Yin'thar turned his head from the door and looked back at Med'maru. The medic did not hide mirth. Now it was clear to the hunter why Kai di'chak met him in the entry bay. As always Setg'syra had to exploit his sanction. There was no task that Setg'syra would not test its limit.
Yin'thar entered the corridor making his way toward Setg'syra's quarters when he heard the beep of his wrist gauntlet. He stopped in his tracks and looked at it. Dtai'moun reviewed information Yin'thar has forwarded and the recording of his gkinmara. The clan elder found time to speak and he was summoned. The hunter was surprised it was so soon.
Before turning around, and heading to his meeting with the clan's elder, Yin'thar noticed Setg'syra move in his direction.
Mei'hswei! Setg'syra said in greeting. He was practically effulgent with satisfaction.
Trophies? Was Yin'thar's response.
In response Setg'syra gave a hearty laugh.
I must go. Dtai'moun summons me.
As me. We will walk together.
On their way Yin'thar could not hold back his reprimand of the younger hunter.
Setg'syra when will you learn?
No harm was done. I am a hunter. I take trophies. Steg'syra asserted with delight
Not on a chiva. That is not your right
Unless I am challenged.
I am sure that is exactly what ensued.
As far as memory will allow. I will cling to it.
Setg'syra was the youngest of his hunt brothers, but definitely not the least experienced. They took their chiva together, along with three others; Kai Di'chak among them. Setg'syra always rose to a challenge even if the challenge was not yet made or he was the one making it. He was curious and easily amused. His patience was often as thin as his head was thick.
Their way to the conference was short. Both he and Setg'syra's quarters were in the upper levels of the ship. The short walk was filled with Setg'syra's recollection of the past Chiva.
They entered the bureau and briefly exchanged greetings. The elder motioned for them to take a seat and did not waste time with pleasantries.
Setg'syra! The Chiva was successful. Everyone came back blooded. It is regretful that many did not take greater risk and did not bring trophies in greater amounts. They do what must be done. However, they are young. They will have time to improve in future hunts…
The elder's mind shortly wondered. Yin'thar understood his regret and remained silent. He recalled his Chiva. The four that came back brought many trophies. Almost more than they could carry. Today many did not want to perish in the ritual passage. Some, rare ones, as Ad'zin, had other ambitions. Most, however, gained the thirst for the hunt with time.
No need to add sour notes to joyful times. We will need to prepare the celebration. I will set course for Arka. There are female drop-ships there for a few rotations.
Setg'syra was so excited he could hardly sit still. Until the ender mention the slight indiscretion.
I imagined that an honored hunter has already been blooded and has no need to attend another Kainde Amedha Chiva. I have seen the recording from the mask, and I know you have not entered the hive. However, I do know the Kainde Amedhas do not leave the hive until they sense a threat. I do not know how you bated them out, but you are a honored hunter and I should not scold you as I would have a pup. This was not your hunt. Chiva is a sacrosanct ritual. Above all other, even you.
Setg'syra nodded as an honored and obedient hunter should. Yin'thar, in spite of it all, knew that he was probably fuming inside. Setg'syra was careless, hungry for blood and selfish. It was his time to be a mentor not the huntsman. Maybe he was still not ready to do that.
Yin'thar! The elder addressed him. I have evaluated the information you sent. I spoke to the council and other elders. We will move both queens. I have already dispatched two hunters to join those chosen from the other clans. High Elder's expressed their gratitude for effort you put into assessing the Ooman facility. Oomans have become bold and their expansion will be further discussed on the Jag'd'ja Atoll, which I will leave for, when time comes.
Now... speaking of oomans, let us discuss yours. The elder continued
Yin'thar looked at the visibly wide-eyed and confused Setg'syra. If not for the elder's presence his Mei'shwei would have besieged him with questions. Yin'thar was also surprised that elder Dtai'moun wanted to speak in front of Setg'syra. He would think the conversation was to be private.
As if sensing Yin'thar's apprehension Dtai'moun added
It is no secret the ooman is on board. Your mei'swei might have had been sent in your place. It is fitting he hears this. He might learn something.
Yin'thar nodded and proceeded to explain his decision.
You have seen the recording. I could not leave the Ooman. I would dishonor myself.
Sei-i, if you killed the Ooman. Not if you have left the Ooman.
But, that would equal death. The encounter's outcome was my doing.
Perhaps. Yet, the future of the creature is not your to be dominated nor changed. ... But ...I understand your reason.
Yin'thar nodded relived.
Where is she now? Asked Dtai'moun
She?
There was only one person in the chamber to whom this was the most important development so far as to interrupt. Dtai'moun and Yin'thar both looked at Setg'syra.
Sei-i, The ooman is female. Is that of some importance? Asked Dtai'moun.
Setg'syra did not answer just slouched slightly and turned his head as if he never asked a question and this was insignificant information.
She is at the Medic. Med'maru says she is of fine form, yet she has not waken.
Then we have time to make decisions. Dtai'moun stated and then asked shifting his attention back to Yin'thar
Do you desire to keep her? She is your to keep, if you wish. You preserved her life
I do not know.
You are both dismissed. I will consider this state of affairs and will summon you with my decision. Have Med'maru inform me if she wakes. Go, rest.
Apologies, May I impose with another question. Yin'thar broached before taking his leave The ooman has difficulty breathing. Med'maru says it's the chemicals in the air. If nothing is done, I am afraid she might suffocate.
I am no medic Yin'thar. Have Med'maru do what he sees as necessary. If he cannot we will decide on that as well.
Yin'thar nodded to the elder's words, gestured his respectful goodbyes and left followed by his mei'hswei.
As soon as the elder's doors closed, Setg'syra was on him with a flow of questions. What in Paya happened down there? Where did you get an Ooman female? Why have you not mentioned it sooner? Why did you bring it with you? How is it still alive? I thought all Oomans in that facility were thei-de. Where is she now?
Stop your siege. You are bending my ear. I will send you a duplicate of the recording and that will put an end to the inquisition. Yin'thar said and noticed that even though his mei'hswei was scolded for his behavior at the Chiva, he was too enthusiastic and curious about the Ooman and forgot all about it, or more likely choose to ignore it.
I need to see it… … her
Setg'syra stated and moved passed him heading in the direction of the infirmary. Yin'thar followed the almost jogging hunter.
How am I to learn anything from your exchange with the elder if I do not know what is happening? Yin'thar heard Steg'syra utter, but was too worn-out to answer. He needed to clean himself and slumber. The question also materialized more as a statement anyway.
When they arrived at the infirmary Med'maru was diligently working by the ooman's side. Apparently he has finished with the Youngblood's and send them away. She was no longer in her armor and her wounds were dressed. Her frame without the protective covering was much smaller and seemed even more fragile than it did before. Judging by the length of the cot she was occupying the female was maybe 70 noks compared to his 88 and he was considered short by Yautja standards.
Why is the ooman so small? You said it was female.
Sei-i, Setg'syra. Ooman females are usually smaller than their males. You would have known that if you ever listened. Yin'thar said exasperated. Setg'syra should have known that especially if he wanted to avoid killing one by mistake. Yin'thar now wondered how this entire situation would have really transpired if his mei'hswei went to the ooman facility.
It does look different than the males. Setg'syra mused
There are plenty of differences. Med'mary stopped their exchange. The biology with the exception of size and body mass is similar to the Yautja. Just as our females they have a narrower waist and wider hips. As our females they have mammary glands, except human females are proportionally, in most cases, larger, but that is because they have a smaller muscle structure than Yautja females. Often making them rounder at the hips, bottom area as well. And then just as Yautja females their voices are softer than that of a male... hmm.. it is hard to put that to the test in her currect condition. Med'maru had tendecy to ramble. Yin'tar interupted with a question of true importance.
Will she live?
Without doubt. She is in good physical condition. The injuries she sustained are nothing that will not heal with time. I would take she did not battle you Yin'thar?
H'ko. Regret still lingered. It was too late for afterthoughts
Dtai'moun will send your feed to all honored. For now he makes no decisions. But the feed must indicate he will ask for input.
Sei-i, I believe he will put it to a vote. Dtai'moun did that in unusual circumstances. Although, the decision will remain his own. Yin'thar was glad. The decision of ooman's fate will be taken from his hands. He has not encountered such a situation and if left to him for choosing it would be a challenge he did not want to face. He rather face an army of Kainde Amedhas. Yin'thar had greater ambitions in mind. He always followed the code, but this was outside of the code's boundaries and would comment new amendments that might change their clan's proceedings with the Ooman species. Such decisions might mark a hunter in history, for the good or the bad. Yin'thar wanted to serve his clan not change their dealings and being faced with the repercussions. Not while he was still an honored hunter. His aspiration of becoming a clan elder might suffer at that.
Yin'thar, Setg'syra go! She will not wake for much time and both of you are need of rest. I will send word when she wakes.
With parting words he has left. He was in dire need of rest.
thei-de - dead.
th'syra – skull
gkinmara – video camera
thwe - blood