Chapter 19: Visits

It was two days after that incident that Ke'varde was moved to his quarters. Cat was relieved he was alright and that his healing process was so quick, though she did keep a close watch on him, she barely left him alone at all. Her concern was refreshing to say the least, but also very odd. He wasn't used to it, so there were inevitably some arguments on the issue. He tried to make her understand he was fine and didn't need her constant hovering and coddling. She on the other hand didn't argue, only told him he'd better get used to it, if he intended to keep launching himself in front of deadly flying objects. With that she left him alone and went for a walk, wishing the doors could be slammed.

She would usually be more understanding, but her cramps were killing any chances of that happening for the next few days. She was always a bit touchy when she had her period and she really didn't want to explain that to any dumb males right now. Seeing Brownie walk over to her she stopped in her tracks when he clicked "Where do you think you are going Cat? You are not supposed to run around unprotected"

Narrowing her eyes at him "Don't use that tone with me Brownie! I am protected, I can take care of myself if you haven't noticed yet, and if anyone tries to mess with me right now I will grind them into dust." Taking a deep breath, she sighed "no need to bite his head off" using a gentler tone "Besides I need some time alone or I'm going to lose it."

Weary and confused he asked "Lose what?" throwing her hands up, she rolled her eyes at him "Never mind. Just don't follow me." Watching her turn around and walk away he would still need to do something, he was about to open his comm. when she yelled back "And don't you dare send anyone else! And no snitching to the Elder either! I want an hour to myself at least!" Shaking his head he decided to go see Azira'ah, "Maybe she knows what is wrong with the ooman lately"

Finding herself on the path to the domed hall she kept muttering to herself "Why did I leave Earth. They have chocolate there, and hamburgers and pica" groaning sadly she sighed "And cookie dough ice cream. I really want ice cream!" hugging herself she grumbled "Life in space seemed so much easier and fun watching Star Trek, they had replicators, they had coffee for crying out loud!"

Since she wasn't paying attention to where she was going, she smacked straight into something and landed on her ass. Getting up and rubbing the offended body part, she glanced up, and did a double take, staring at the biggest female she'd ever seen! "Oh…I'm... " She was almost 13ft high, with gorgeous dark blue skin and almost silver spots. She seemed very old, but she still carried herself well. Glancing to either side of her she saw two more huge females, decked out in armor and weapons.

The female who cat bumped into waved her hand dismissively "It's alright small one. Where are you going in such a distracted manner? It is dangerous, I do not advise you to keep traveling alone and unprotected" Biting her lower lip Cat wanted to scream at her that she didn't need protection, but she rather calmed herself down, taking a few deep breaths and counted to ten before replying "I was going for a walk. I need some time on my own. The testosterone is driving me up the wall!"

Thrilling with laughter the female moved into the Green Hall "I see. The males are giving you trouble. Do not heed them, the mating cycle will begin soon and they are all on edge" Intrigued Cat followed her in and walked by her side "How often do you have these mating cycles? How long do they last? Are you all synchronized? What does the process look like?" When the female held her hand up for her to stop, Cat shut her mouth instantly.

Laughing the female thrilled "You have a very inquisitive mind small one. It suits you. They happen once a year for females, in each clan at a different time, for a few weeks. It does not seem a lot compared to you oomans, but for us it is, since we live longer lives. The females search from clan to clan for a suitable mate for breeding when their time comes. The matings aren't always productive, but our numbers are still strong for now. As for wanting to see one, you will have your chance."

Nodding, Cat noticed they were moving to the center of the bridge she fell from and that they were alone She was a little nervous being up here this time, but she didn't think this female would hurt her "I see they fixed the railing" she didn't notice she said it out loud until the female next to her clicked "Yes I've heard of your attacks, and the one who did them"

As the large female sat down, Cat followed suit, dangling her legs over the edge and leaned her arms on the railing "It was my future lifemates father." Sighing regretfully "I'm not sure what Ke'varde thinks about the whole thing. I mean it was his father after all. I'm not sure if he blames me for it or not. We've barely spoken in the last two days, and when we did it wasn't pretty"

Glancing at the ooman the female clicked "Is that what is bothering you? That he will resent you for his sires actions?" Slumping forward a little Cat replied quietly "Maybe… Yes… but to be honest that's not all that's bothering me. It's also what Ho'ke said. That it's only a matter of time before someone finishes what he started"

When the female didn't say anything but motioned for her to continue, Cat smiled sadly before doing so "There is a chance someone will succeed and I don't want to put anyone through that or in danger because of it. I mean I know I'm human, but I've grown to love them all, they're my family now." Her voice cracked slightly and the last part. Closing her eyes she whispered with some difficulty "Maybe the best thing would be if the Elder sent me back to Earth"

Standing the female, considered her words for a moment before clicking "As well as I know Elder Selt'ox, he would not force you to stay. But before you decide this, you must be sure of your decision. There would be no turning back once you leave." Hearing the female go Cat plopped back on the bridge, watching the stars above huffing "How do I get myself into these things"

After four hours Ek'tan went looking for the ooman, since she still hadn't returned. Finally finding her in the Green Hall he was alarmed when he saw her on the floor of the bridge on her side in a ball and not moving. "C'jit no!" Sprinting up the stairs, he kneeled beside her to check if she was still alive and breathing when she snored loudly.

Relieved at first, he was then angry at her for almost giving him a heart attack. Suppressing his laughter he grabbed her leg and hoisted her into the air! With her dangling upside down he was sure she would wake up instantly. Hearing another snore he decided to try something else. Taking a deep breath he opened his mandibles and gave the loudest roar in his life shaking her in the process.

Immediately awake, Cat thrashed and screamed in terror "HEEEEELP!" noticing she was off the ground and her leg was caught in something. Hearing laughter she snapped her head in its direction, following a pair of legs to a torso and then a very familiar face "YOU!" clawing at him she yelled "I'M GOING TO MURDER YOU AND EAT THE CRAB LEGS ON YOUR FACE!" holding her away from him so she couldn't reach him he was laughing so hard he almost fell to his knees.

Carrying he like that down the steps he was about to release her when she kept on threatening him. Looking around he had the most brilliant idea ever thrilling evilly "My turn to teach you a lesson ooman" turning in the direction of the small pool of fish. Noticing that Cat glared at him with her arms crossed "You wouldn't dare" As he started walking towards it, she thrashed even harder, kicking his hand with her free foot but to no avail "Let me go Brown-ass! If you drop me in there I swear to eve… AAAAAhhh"

Watching her drop like a stone and splash around, then sit up spluttering he doubled over in laughter pointing at her. Glancing at her after a few moments as she splashed around to stand up, his laughter died a quick death when he saw her soaked posture and the look on her face. Moving backwards he clicked with his hands up "Now ooman you know you had that coming! It's only fair!"

Moving out of the pool slowly with her hands fisted by her sides and pure fury on her face, she roared "FAIR? I'll show you fair!" Reaching to a tree she snapped a branch off of it, determinately walking towards him. Seeing him back away a little faster she growled "I'm going to beat you with this and then rip you to shreds! I'M GOING TO TURN YOUR HIDE INTO HARD MEAT KIBBLE! "

Seeing her determination and the fact that she seemed serious "Oh pauk" he used his brains and came to the conclusion that it was time for a healthy retreat. Turning, he ran with a pissed of menstrual female on his heels swinging a branch.

Sitting in his gathering chamber with a large female, Selt'ox clicked "It is nice to see you again Dahi'ra. It has been a long time since you visited" passing her a glass of C'ntlip. Taking it the female thrilled "Yes, far too long cousin. But it seemed necessary to come. I wanted to meet the ooman you have adopted and I see why you have. She is fascinating"

Surprised he clicked "You have met her already?" nodding she answered "Yes, briefly. I saw the resemblance in her instantly. Though she has her eyes, she also has her spirit" laughing she thrilled adding "To spare, if you ask me" laughing himself he clicked "You have no idea. The trouble she gets into is driving her companions crazy."

Getting serious he clicked "It does my soul good to have her with me Dahi'ra. It shows me I have't failed completely in the past, that I managed to save a part of her. I am concerned the attacks may continue, even though Ho'ke was captured" Leaning back she tilted her head "You do not think he is the only one responsible?" Thinking for a moment he frowned "I'm not sure. He could be, but I do not wish to be wrong in this matter, it is too important to me" Nodding in understanding she was about to say something when the door opened behind them and Ek'tan ran in, diving over the table he picked himself up and stared at the door clicking "I found her Elder, She is right behind me!"

Shocked, both Selt'ox and Dahi'ra turned to the door as Cat ran in completely soaked and brandishing a stick glaring at Ek'tan. Standing up the Elder roared "What is the meaning of this!" Glancing at the Elder, Cat dropped her branch in surprise, stuttering "I…well he…I mean…the pool and… oh never mind, we were ahh… playing around" glaring at Ek'tan she mouthed "next time" before noticing the female from before in the room.

Waving at her she said "Hi again. I didn't catch your name last time. I'm Cat" Standing as well the female moved to her clicking "Cat, I am Dahi'ra" motioning to the table she asked "Would you like some C'ntlip?" glancing at the glass full of that stuff Cat almost turned green, shaking her head frantically "No! I mean no, but thank you" moving back a pace, almost afraid that thing would jump into her mouth somehow.

Glancing down at herself she asked "Would you mind terribly if I get changed? I'll be only a few minutes" getting a nod from Dahi'ra the female clicked "Of course small one. Go. We will see each other again before I leave with your prisoner to the home world"

Turning to Ek'tan, the Elder clicked "Go with her" to Cat, he clicked "I will see you later as well" taking his previous seat.

Nodding to both of them Cat moved out with Ek'tan, whispering to him "Is she an Arbitrator?" Laughing he shook his head "No, She's The High Matriarch" before the door closed behind them, Selt'ox and Dahi'ra heard the ooman yell "SHE'S WHAT?"

Confused the Elder clicked to her "You didn't tell her?" Staring at him like he was dumb she clicked back "No, I thought you did" After a minute they both burst out laughing.