Chapter 16: Puzzles
That day Ek'tan carried her to the Green Hall as they called it. It took her more than two hours of being moved around by him before she found what she was looking for. She was grateful her distractions worked. Finding a small item on the other end of the bridge she took it with her, hiding it in the palm of her hand. Now, almost a week later she pulled it out of her pouch examining the tiny threads for the umpteenth time. She knew they were from Azira'ahs chamber, more precisely from one of the fabrics, that and the fact the one who orchestrated her accident used a tool from the metal workers told her one thing "Someone was following me"
Finally being a little healed she could move about on her own again, without help of her bodyguards, who since that day hounded her every step and drove her insane. Pacing the room to stretch her sore body she contemplated everything. Knowing the basics of the Yautja code there was little chance the assailant was just a pup or normal member. She didn't think many would be willing to cross the Elder and turn badblood. The fact that the attack was so deliberate, focused and most importantly covert, she was looking for someone higher on the food chain "The question is, how high exactly?"
An image of Lo'qe presented itself in her mind "It makes sense, his little attack in the eating hall was probably planned" but was the purpose to kill her there or just to test her out? "No, that dumb rock wouldn't know how to plan something like this" if he was on the bridge be wouldn't have made it look like an accident, he'd have just killed her, plain and simple according to the rumors, besides the rippling figure she saw wasn't as built as he was "So who?" Sighing, she plopped down on the bed again and continued sewing her clothes. They weren't much but they would serve their purpose, if you ignored the crooked stitches and asymmetrical lengths here and there. Pricking her finger for the hundredth time she stuck it in her mouth cursing "Damnation!" exasperated "Why didn't I pay attention when mom was making my outfits when I was a kid?"
A knock on the door made her lean back to observe who entered. Seeing Azira'ah walk in, she waved her over "In here Zi" They had become good friends over the past few days, the large female was a very gentle being, she seemed to stand out among a society that praised violence. Entering her bedroom the female clicked "I brought what you asked for Cat" placing the objects on the bed. Her sewing forgotten Cat scrambled to examine her new gear; a whip, armor plates, s small shuriken and camouflage. Grinning she hugged her friend "Excellent! Thank you Zi! They're all exactly what I wanted" Sitting down beside her Azira'ah asked "Why do you need all this? As far as I know you're not a warrior"
Contemplating for a moment Cat decided to trust her "No, I'm not a warrior but I am going hunting. I need to be prepared in case something happens again" surprised the Yautja clicked "You are going after the one who hurt you? Do you think it is wise? You are so…" noticing her hesitation Cat supplied dryly "Small? Frail? Vulnerable? Inexperienced? Human?..." completely serious the female blurted "Yes!" smiling wryly Cat joked "Gee, your support and confidence is overwhelming Zi" when the female started frowning in confusion Cat started laughing "I forget sarcasm is lost on Yautjas" out loud she said "Trust me on this; I can hold my own and I'll be cautious, okay?" getting a reluctant nod she bounced on the bed "So what are we doing today? I'd really like to get out of this room"
Thinking for a second Azira'ah thrilled "Are you hungry? We could go to the cooking hall" nodding excitedly at first Cat lost her enthusiasm after a moment "We have a problem though. My paranoid bodyguards won't let me go anywhere." Rolling her eyes, she muttered "You know they still check the pool in the bathroom for intruders! Like I wouldn't notice an 8ft Yautja trying to breathe under water" shaking her head, she looked down and exclaimed with a huge grin "That's it! I know how I'm sneaking out!"
Ek'tan and an unblood stood outside the oomans door dutifully and vigilantly guarding her. Since her attack there were no incidents, mostly because the ooman was confined in her quarters until she healed completely. Though she did leave them in the past two days to eat one meal in the eating hall, she was always sandwiched between Ke'varde , Ek'tan and lead by the Elder. They were taking no chances.
The swoosh of the door behind him alerted of the females departure. Turning his head to look at her, he clicked "How was your visit Azira'ah?" giving a slight purr at her name. Wearing her camouflage and standing behind her large female friend, Cat almost lost it then and there, wearing a huge grin "Oh my lord! He likes her!" The large female answered "It was nice…Ek'tan" also purring at his name, moving a step closer to him she clicked "The ooman asked me to let you know she will be resting, she does not wish to be disturbed… honored warrior" glancing at the pup on the other side of the doorway. Getting the hint Ek'tan growled to him "Return in ten minutes" puffing his chest out and purring to Azira'ah "You wish to see my trophies female?" hearing that part Cat almost didn't care if she was discovered, it would have been worth it! "Oh this is priceless!" Clamping both hands over her mouth, her whole body shook and her throat hurt from keeping quiet. Moving silently, as the Yautja female purred loudly "Perhaps I would hunter. You do seem accomplished enough, I have heard of your grand hunts" it was Cats time to leave unnoticed, quickly walking away on her toes she rounded the corner as fast as she could, letting go of the breath she was holding "Made it" standing there motionless so she wouldn't ripple.
When Azira'ah walked past her, Cat followed right behind, sticking close to the wall. Reaching the elevator platform, they went down and then continued their way to the kitchens. Stepping into them, Cat uncloaked knowing she would be noticed here regardless of the camouflage, there were simply too many Yautjas around to be fooled, so she didn't even bother. Smelling the air, her stomach rumbled, taking Azira'ahs hand she tugged her along. "Common let's get something to eat!"
"How could she have survived it! I told you to take care of it! How can you both be so incompetent!" though this was said quietly the other two camouflaged occupants could have sworn there was venom in the computerized voice. The enclosed space they were in was an empty room in the far end of the Clan ship, rarely used at all.
The second camouflaged occupant's wrist computer said "I have done my part in the eating hall! I will not be doing any more. You both know I am suspected of this scheme you concocted in the Green Hall and I will not risk my reputation for you any further!"
The third occupant moved behind the second one and extended a wrist blade grabbing him and leaning the blades to his neck its computer saying "What reputation pup? You are already considered a badblood among some and if you think you are getting out of this that easily someone will conveniently find the video feeds that were supposedly damaged" though the assailed one growled, he wisely remained motionless, he preferred to keep his head
The first one was getting annoyed and impatient "Release him. He knows his duty to me." Pacing around them he continued "I will give you another chance to kill her. This time I expect results or you will feel the consequences of your failure"
Released, the second one sighed agreeing, though reluctantly. The third asked "And this time?" thinking for a moment the first one answered "The same. Shadow her and if there is an opportunity, finish her permanently. And I hope for your sake you don't have doubts as well?"
The third one was arrogant in the extreme, deluded by self importance "Of course not. I will not have Ke'varde risked by that ooman filth! If he will not heed my teachings then I will take care of it for him"
Hearing a grunt from their leader they were dismissed "Leave me, you know what to do." As his accomplices shuffled out and left him in darkness, the leader couldn't help but think "Though you are like her in some aspects, you are more troublesome then she was ooman, but as the first time, not even your luck can hold out over my determination to end your line"thrilling evilly he also left to continue his duties.
Standing outside the oomans quarters the Elder knocked for the third time, this time adding a low growl "Open, I have come to escort you to the Eating Hall" still not getting any response he entered. Not seeing her anywhere he roared "Where the Pauk is she!" turning on his heal and exiting to the hallway growling at Ek'tan "When did she leave?" Since her rooms were pristine and there was no sign of a struggle, the logical explanation was that she left on her own.
Wide eyed and surprised the hunter clicked "But she didn't! The only one who went in and then left was Azira'ah" Even Ke'varde was surprised, not to mention worried. "Where could she be?" Clicking in thought the Elder punched in a code on his wrist computer, when a holo-map of the ship popped up he growled "Open feed level 10, sector 5, last 6 hours, high speed" watching the video he saw when the female entered and then exited, stopping to talk with Ek'tan "Stop. Zoom. Slow speed." Watching intently he almost missed it "Stop" glaring at the almost invisible shimmer he growled "When I find her I am going to chain her in a box!" to his computer he clicked "Female. Route. Destination" seeing Azira'ah enter the kitchen area and stay there he marched down the hallway to the elevator platform, followed by Ke'varde and Ek'tan.
Though the kitchen staff was a little reluctant they warmed up to her slightly as she praised their food and ate three full platters with Azira'ahs help, moaning contentedly she chuckled "Oh that was amazing! I'm so full I can barely move! Thank you so much!" the staff preened slightly at her praises becoming more relaxed around her and continuing with their duties. Observing her friend through her lashes from across the table, Cat tried for nonchalance and failed miserably as her voice cracked with suppressed laughter "So you seem to enjoy Brownies company Zi"
Thrilling Azira'ah said "I was wondering how long it would take you to mention this. I'm surprised you lasted almost two hours!" folding her hands on the table and leaning forward she clicked "To be honest I am interested, but I am not sure as of yet. He seems a little young. I am almost a century older then he is and I want good, strong pups"
Sighing, Cat thought with an ironic smile "I can't believe I'm going to say this, my medication must have worn off" catching Azira'ahs eyes she turned serious "If you want him all I can say is that he is worthy Zi and I mean it. He is a great hunter and if you ask me any pups he will father will be strong, capable, honest, protective, caring and great warriors just by being his and hopefully yours" nodding the large female clicked "Thank you my friend" laughing she continued "I imagine that was painful" joining in her laughter Cat said "Excruciating. But worth it I think" winking at the last part.
The chief Cook moved closer to them thrilling "You must try something ooman" pulling out a glass and what looked like a huge bottle "This is C'ntlip, it is a beverage of choice for Yautjas when celebrating a great hunt. As I hear you have yet to celebrate your success. Each Clan brews their own and each is slightly different, ours is the best of course" as he said that he filled her glass and slid it to her across the table.
Picking it up and smelling it, it didn't have any scent and it was pure as water though a little thicker, grinning she said "Since this is for celebrations, I insist you sir and Zi join me" grunting he filled two more glasses, passing one to Azira'ah. Satisfied Cat raised her glass "To new friends and good food" nodding to her companions, she took a sip at first and liked it instantly, it was sweet and tangy, though it did leave a burning sensation down her throat, she coughed a little, clearing it "It's delicious" giving a smile and kept drinking.
After the first glass she was giggling at everything, after the second she was swaying, and half way through the third she didn't really notice anything anymore. Trying to get up she glared at her glass muttering "Do you think it's half empty or half full? A metaphor to my life perhaps?" Succeeding to stand, she wobbled over to Azira'ah throwing an arm around her, whispering conspiratorially "You know that stuff is moonshine right? I mean I did not… not have any idea." Frowning she said "Wait that didn't sound right. What are we talking about again?" the large female opened her moth to tell her something important "Cat I think you…" when she was cut off by Cat "If you're fluorescent on the inside right, I wonder if you'd glow in the dark if you swallowed a UV light." Waving her hand dismissively she turned to the doors only to stop and lean back on the table crossing her arms over her chest "Hi darlings" grinning like an idiot at three very disgruntled Yautjas.