Notes: This chapter was written before Chapter 10. So then I have to check if there are inconsistencies. I really hope it's not off. I write this for fun or to relax. If I take it too seriously I will start loathing it and stop. If some of the spelling just rubs you the wrong way let me know. I will correct it… np. But I just want you to know that I will probably continue making mistakes especially spelling ones. After re-reading it too many times I just stop noticing. I probably should get a beta, which would solve some of those problems. So if something just sticks out and you have an itch to correct it let me know and I will. With that said please be aware that dialog is misspelled for a reason. I don't want anyone to sound like they're addressing the nation and most definitely do not want Jo to sound like that. It's hard to get phonetics, pitch, and tone in a written form. Instead I change the spelling to at least remove formality. Ideas on that – shoot. That would be all on technical.

Questions: Now for the story itself or aspects known from movies. Is it just me or does this whole seeing in infrared makes no sense? Not in the mask, but without it. Let me explain. Without even knowing anything about biology, physics and so on, we know that the predator uses camouflage to bend visible light. If they do not see in visible light how would they know the effect the camouflage would have? Probably the counter argument is that humans don't see in infrared yet we can use it? True but that is only because we can experience it. We know for sure that there is a possibility of detecting the infrared spectrum in a visual or other way (i.e. dragonflies, pit vipers). I am not saying it's not possible to detect it but in case of the predator wouldn't it be illogical to see only in infrared (Also there the whole issue of what infrared is in relation to our vision and what it might be something off-world). Another point against predators seeing in infrared is the fact that they use holograms and computer lights and targeting system which would make sense only if they can see visible light. You know why hide your appearance if the targeting system will give away your position and the predator can't see it anyway. Also, if the xeno's do not have eyes why hide your appearance behind a camouflage in the first place? Unless its instinct and that would imply they see in visible light. I'm rambling but to me it's like one of those questions "If they wanted to keep King Kong out of the village why they'd build him a door?" I would appreciate input. I'm still trying to avoid the vision thing in the story cause I don't know what to do with it. With the mask anything goes, without it …I don't know. I could accept a wider range but to completely eliminate the visible spectrum just doesn't seem right.

Wow was this long!

Chapter 11: Pass the Popcorn

She stirred to what felt like an earthquake, but realized that it was only her new bunk mate shaking the smoothie out of her. When it came to rude awakenings this made the top ten list. Not the shaking all on its own, but the whole awakening package. The face that was hovering close to hers was one you would not volunteer to play peek-a-boo with. The fact that Seth decided that putting on some clothes before waking her was not a necessity, despite their earlier conversations or rather monologues just added to the whole uncomfortable come around process. Deciding it was too much for one morning, evening or whenever this one decided was time to get up, she just jumped out of the bed and ran to the bathroom closing the door behind her.

That did not stop Seth from walking in like he owned the place. Well, he kind of did own the place, but that did not mean he could just pop out anywhere he felt like it like a demented Jack-in-the-Box.

"Umm .. scuse me… ever heard of knocking?"

He ignored her inquiry and just walked to a compartment from which he gave her a few rags. What was this supposed to be? She wondered. It was a bit skimpy to be a towel. So she asked.

"What's this?"

"Clothe"

"I see that."

"Clothe"

Ok there was a different meaning Seth was uttering here. "I have clothes." She took a stab

"On"

Ahhh…man of a few words. It was a bit like playing taboo. All they needed was a buzzer. "I don't even know how to put it on" What did he care anyway? She's been walking around in her own clothes for a while and now he surmised it was not good enough?

"On"

The impatient attitude solved for the lack of buzzer problem. Guess ooman or you lose your turn.

"OK, Can I get a towel? So I can dry myself" Since they were on sharing. That is what she had a short supply of.

Without answering he just walked to another nook and pulled out another cloth. This one was much bigger and wider. "Tooo'welll" he said trying out the word. It was interesting how many compartments were hidden in the walls. After handing Jo that towel he just stood there staring.

"Can I get a bit of privacy?" Joanna bit out. She wasn't very shy, but felt vulnerable without clothes. The drunken disorderly and military have eroded some of the bashfulness, but because there were almost as many women in the ranks as men showers stopped being co-ed a long time ago; That and the sexual harassment lawsuits. Besides stripping in front of an alien that stood a few feet away (add a few feet above) in his full glory exposing parts she desperately tried not to stare at, which were in her line of vision, was not something she wanted to start her new day with or any day for that matter. As impressive his physic was this very minute it was just far-out. Even if he performed his nudist special all the time didn't imply Jo would join in. His persistent state of undress was something she had to get used too. For now she just got used to the idea that there was no point in arguing with him about it.

"Oh… C'mon on. I'm a bit self-conscious. I'll be quick. Scout's honor" Joanna said raising three fingers to indicate the scout's code

Seth left puffing and shaking his head. So be it as long as he wasn't huffing over her head.

Joanna decided not to overstay her reprieve and hurried into the tank to wash. The water tingled quite welcoming. Almost as if seducing her to stay longer, but she knew she could not. Seth might just barge in at any time deciding he changed his mind about the whole privacy thing. She quickly dried off and wrapped herself in the cloth she was given. There were some pins on it so she utilized it to best of her ability, keeping the damned scraps is place, and hiding her ooman goodies. She could wear this makeshift clothing if it would get Mr. Cranky of her biz. She was planning on returning to bed as soon as she finished her grooming anyway. The previous days were eventful and she still needed to get well. Jo was not in tip top shape. She walked back into the main room and headed for the bed only to be stopped by Seth's order.

"Ooman go"

"Go?" She scrunched her face "Go where now?" Why was he always dragging her everywhere with him? She was sick a while back; Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, the whole nine yards. After a night at the Med Bay and endless tests the culprit turned out to be the orange fruit. Good it did not taste like chocolate because she would have been in a much worse condition. Something about being intolerable by her system. Doc had more to say, but it was all bla bla...sciency stuff. She only noted not to eat it again. The only gratification was getting some much needed personal time and Seth's initial panic. What a sissy! Jo wasn't very worried. She felt like crap, but she had food poisoning before. She always managed to avoid the light. The last time she ate some exposed nutri-paste. That was much worse. To the regular flu symptoms and stomach aches you'd have to add nose bleeds and confusion. This time it was like a hangover on vikodin. She felt bad, but she just did not care. Seth, on the other hand, probably assumed she must be carrying a deadly virus that will wipe out the entire ship. Doc was there before she finished her first hurl. In the Med Bay Seth was pacing back on forth, clicking with those mandibles and his tresses raised and fell from time to time. Seeing that, while droopy was funny as hell.

As soon as she was back on her feet, which non-surprisingly to Jo was real fast Seth was back to his usual "Oooman, Go, Hk'o, Bad, H'ko, Bad...Go...Go". They went to early food serving together. Then, he led her to the Med Bay so Doc could take some scans. She hoped that after all those she won't grow a second head. Then they were off to some hi-tech research place and Seth spent his time clicking on some buttons, reading who knows what, then clicking some more on his wrist tool kit. All Jo knew was that it bored her to bits. It bored her so much that she took a nap during some of those "exiting" endeavors.

Jo needed to organize some of the chaos of her tangled thoughts. She did learn some from Doc. Seth was not very informative. He either didn't know anything or he didn't care. In one of Doc's sessions she found out that females traveled separately from males and there were none on this vessel. Jo tried to delve in further, but the answer to many questions was 'it is the Yautja way'. Which way was that Jo did not really comprehend and Doc was not eager to share. He seemed much more interested in her condition. She scratched that from the inquiry list. There was much information Jo was still trying to piece together.

Doc also introduced Adzin to the mix. Jo took a liking to him. He understood more than others, was less aggressive, and he gave her a good vibe. She found out he was much younger than most she has been introduced too; Except for Var & Co. at table Stupid. They were also younger. Adi was unusual for his kind. Approachable, thoughtful and did not get offended for any moronic thing she said. Why couldn't they hole her up with him? He seemed much more suitable for the task. At least he spoke basic. Jo was told that soon she will get to spend more time with Adi. Maybe then she'll get to ask more questions.

After lab Seth dragged her to another meal, and then they took another long walk ending up in a workroom of sorts, but by that time she was so exhausted it could have been the preview of "M9 Hayashi" and she would not give a rat's ass. Did he think she will mark her territory with her piss in his absence or go through his junk? Well, she probably would go through his stuff as soon as he left her alone, but wouldn't anybody. Curiosity was killing her a bit.

"Can I just stay here?" She asked almost pleading

"H'ko"

That sunavabitch was determined to suck the last drop of life out of her. Even since she recovered from her little stomach bug they were nearly connected at the hip. Her injured shoulder was a mess. Not to mention her rib was barely mended. And the headache lingered refusing to go away. Just like her roommate. She wasn't even slightly over the psychological trauma. He did not let her sleep much because apparently the freak rebooted much quicker and often restored some energy without sleep. Not all off it. He still needed the full knighter from time to time.

"But I need to rest."

"H'ko"

"Listen I don't want to go anywhere. I just need a break. If I don't I might get sick." Her irritation was on a rise

"Sick?" He trilled. She understood that to be a question. Oh yeah! You remember sick! That was none too pretty.

"Yeah sick"

"Ooman H'ko sick" Nuisances of miscommunication and the bossy attitude he fed her all the time was reaching its peak.

"Yes sick. It's called I'm Sicka Yer Shit" Apparently it was an ooman reaction to a domineering yautjan pathogen. "I'm not a child you know and I need to take a breather" And for not being a child she sure as hell stomped her foot like one. Joanna had a lot to consider, wanted to rest her aching body and ponder the circumstances of this new life stage in development. He didn't even let her take a wizz without checking if she was still there. Where was she supposed to go? Open the non-existing window for a deep space jump?

"H'ko"

"NO?" There was no convincing the yellow giant and he did not offer room for any either.

"H'ko, Go" He stood unyielding then turned to the door deciding that the conversation was resolved and he won.

Jo crossed her arms over her chest and did not flinch. Instead, she stood her ground and started tapping her foot. Her little show of assertion and, apparently delusional conviction of free will, ended with Seth in few strides closing the distance between them, circling her neck with his over-sized paw and guiding her to the door, pushing her through it, not gently, into the corridor. Oh, what she would do to slam that door in his crabby face. Unfortunately, sliding doors didn't allow her even that small childish expression of frustration. She only had a chance to quickly snatch her "WARNING: I bite" t-shirt before leaving. He could walk around in speedos and the rest of this ship could not give a damn on what she was wearing, but there was no way she was striding along in scraps he gave her.

After a near silent march with Jo sighing in frustration and Seth grunting his reprimands to those sighs, they finally reached a gym. That is what Joanna decided the place was. It was a large room with weapons decorating one wall, training circles and yautjas using those weapons in those circles. She had to ask if this was a military ship later on. Right now she was too pissed off to ask.

"Sit" she heard Seth bark. With pleasure! And she sat exactly in the spot she stood fully aware that he did not intend for her to sit here.

"Up" and to that command she did as told.

"Sit" he said again and pointed to the wall near the empty circle. Joanna decided to ignore the direction and just clap her ass down where she stood. If he was going to treat her like a dog she might as well act the part.

"Up"

"Up…sit…up…sit…make up your mind."

He did not rise to her taunt, but it was easily determined that she was pushing her luck a bit.

"Sit, the'ere" Finally he said and once again pointed to the spot she already knew he was referring to.

She turned toward the wall and walking away she mumbled under her breath. "Who the hell died and made you king?"

"You wished to test your patience Setg'syra. Your wish has been granted"

Setg'syra turned his head toward Yin'thar. He could not conceal annoyance.

"I might have taken a test of impossible measure. I was not aware of the magnitude of the undertaking. Every turn I encounter questions, discussions, disagreements"

"Oomans never know their place. A blade might incite compliance." Interjected Kai di'chak entering the Kehrite

"Most fitting advice" added H'dla-de following Kai di'chak. Setg'syra knew that H'dla-de loathed the Pyode Amedhas. He was the biggest opponent against the ooman's beating heart. His hate affixed since his eldest offspring died due to an ooman action. It was a trap that ended the Yautja's life. H'dla-de believed that falling to a Pyode Amedha was shameful and addition of a deception ending his offspring's life only added to the offense. Such victory was a feast of dishonor. He has held a grudge ever since and despised the entire species. His dislikes will transfer onto Jo as well.

Setg'syra needed to warn the female not to mock H'dla-de as she had a propensity of doing. He was an elite hunter, not a freshly blooded and not one to be toyed with. Unlike Kai di'chak, whose dislike of the female even if evident did not match equal aggression, H'dla-de's aggression toward the ooman would not match any taunt.

Setg'syra was not refined at many things, but assessing opponents and their cruelty was a skill he had perfected. Kai di'chak will avoid the ooman, appalled to be in her presence, but would also find inciting a confrontation beneath him. That was not to say he would not kill her if she would become increasingly unacceptable in action. H'dla-de on the other hand will seek it. He will search for the slightest transgression to call the female out on and take her syra'yte. This Setg'syra was sure of. What he, however, was not sure of was how to explain that to the stubborn, vocal creature.

It would be best to ask Kai di'chak to translate. His ooman speech knowledge was at its best. Much better than anyone he's ever met. However, Kai di'chak refused to speak to the female. He even refused to recognize Jo as anything more than it. Besides asking Kai di'chak to warn the female not to taunt Kai di'chak and to avoid H'dla-de seemed ineffective. His next choice was Ad'zin.

Setg'syra did not share great affection for Ad'zin; the young c'jit with answers to everything, the pathetic excuse of a hunter. He never would have thought that needing Ad'zin's assistance would ever occur; except perhaps when patching his battle wounds.

"As much as I hope that the time you are awarded with the Pyode Amedha is limited, we are here to spar not stare at it" said Kai di'chak, rescuing Setg'syra from his inattention.

Jo sat by the wall for so long she lost track of time. As much she hoped to tell Seth off and let him know this experience forced more than her ass to sleep she could not. It was quite the opposite.

It was like sitting in a front row for the showing of 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' space edition, without the intermission. Since the moment she thought: Lights! Curtain! Action! She was mesmerized to the end.

The Yautja took turns facing each other in spars. It was fascinating. It was also quite disturbing. Like watching a car crash; brutal yet you refused to look away. The Yautja's strength, agility and alertness were beyond anything she has seen. There was no slacking off and foolish mistakes. Even losses came at the skill of the winner rather than imprudence of the loser. Their talent for hand-to-hand combat was something Jo perfected only in the classic "why are you hitting yourself" routine. It also explained why they were so muscular.

Seth was all about brute strength, and open warfare. He never ran. Always ready for a dispute of strength and he was no pushover. If any of his opponents tried the wrestling game they would lose. They hardly aimed for that tactic with Seth. Occasionally one or the other would make an effort to challenge the unmovable force, just to make sure the status quo still stood. Seth knew how to use his size to his advantage. He was bigger than any of his rivals, but would not let that cramp his movement and if in a position when his strength was of essence he would use it to overpower his challenger. Jo originally decided that Seth reminded her of a snake because of his yellow to light brown coloring. Now this comparison was even more defined. Seth was not just a snake, he was python. He would wrap himself around an opponent, his muscular arms and body would squeeze until the other surrendered. She did not want to think of what would happen if not given that option. He would coil his body in a way that if you struggled he would just squeeze tighter, until there was no more air left. He could probably break every bone in Joanna's body like toothpicks.

Yin on the other hand was a cool tactical fighter. Opposite of Seth, he was the shortest, but that only meant he was quite bulky. He usually fought on the defense, waiting for the opponents strike and then countered. He frequently executed his attack at an angle. His blocks were perfect and near impossible to penetrate. One had to think far ahead to get in a good hit. It was like a game of chess on steroids. He was strong for his size and often grappled, but never risked it with Seth. Joanna thought that Yin was very rigorous about self-protection and if anyone could understand that tactic Jo was definitely the person.

That left her two least favorites. Kai was an arrogant bastard. Ever since she woke up in this new world of endless adventure and ran in to him she got a dismissive 'get out of my way ooman' attitude. Yet, it could not be denied that his amazing coloring was undoubtedly eye catching. Those beautiful mosaics of mostly midnight blue and forest greens were breathtaking and glistened in the light. Today however, he proved he was not decorative and someone she should not fuck with. Kai was just pure talent and instinct, speed and agility. He was an ambush predator. He would develop a clever plan, focus on fast, explosive movements all based on muscle memory. He would adapt to both opportunity and threat. He quickly changed direction and remained elusive. He would usually win by building attacks, relying on his stamina, confusing and tiring his opponent. In the end he would strike quick and clean. She made a mental note to not instigating him ever again or at least try really, really hard not to.

The fourth one she did not know, but she has seen him before. The Yautja was driven by aggression and primal hunger. The mysterious stranger Jo immediately decided to file in her mental "Warning! Danger! Stay Clear Zone". He wasn't as strong as Seth, not meticulous as Yin and not swift as Kai. He was just vicious and relentless. He would aim for the most vulnerable parts: eyes, ribs, throat, knees etc. His fighting style exemplifies raw power, charging straight and never backing down no matter how hurt was he or his opponent. He needed to be pushed to the brink to admit defeat. He lost both times to Kai and once to Seth, but in both bouts he was too much for Yin. Kai was elusive and patient not hot headed like Seth so it worked well against the other's tactic. Yin was a defensive fighter, but that was not enough for someone that just kept on coming. He was the personification of the Boogy Man. There was one moment in which her eyes met his golden ones and the look she received was a promise that for a few seconds locked her in Edvard Munch's "Screem". She quickly escaped his glare. Jo learned something from the male; Yautja's week points and that was useful information because there were very few.

In all, the spectacle was amazing and Jo almost clapped and cheered requesting a replay, but held on to freezing in astonishment and grinning like a Cheshire cat. When Seth approached she babbled

"That… was ..sooo…cool" and for the first time she saw Seth puff out his chest in pride.

Who knew he was so easy to satisfy? Talk bout being hungry for praise. Like a puppy. Who's the master now? And before she could put her foot in her mouth she said

"So if I throw a stick will you chase it?"