Chapter 26: Check…

Meanwhile, on her way to the rendezvous, she mulled over her options. If this was a note from Ke'varde, maybe he found out something delicate and needed to talk to her in private. She couldn't very well bring someone with her if that were the case. It didn't seem like a thing he would do, but she could be wrong. If it was a trick and she was attacked again, she wouldn't hear the end of it from him either. Or it could be exactly what it said it was; new information, a lead that could help her solve this mystery once and for all. In that case she couldn't jeopardize it in any way. "What to do?" staring at nothing in concentration she stopped before the elevator platform that would take her up to level 3.

Getting an idea, she pushed some buttons on the pad in her hands, then turned around and crossed the corridor in a few swift strides, pounding on the door in front of her. When no one answered, she moved to the next door and repeated the action, waiting impatiently for a response. She was about to move to the next door when it opened and an older Yautja answered, surprise written in his eyes, before he caught himself and narrowed them, growling "What do you want ooman?" Plastering a huge smile on her face, Cat extended the altered message pad "Could you please make sure this gets delivered, I would really appreciate it" seeing him move in to close the door, she placed her foot to stop it, blurting out "It's a matter of security! It needs to get delivered, it's urgent" It wasn't exactly a lie. Seeing the skepticism in his expression, she flung the pad at him and moved away quickly, letting the door close as the Yautja caught it. Running to the elevator platform, she noticed the door open again and the Yautja glaring at her from his door way. As the platform went up she grinned at him, waving and yelling "Thank you!" hearing him grumble something about the past, peace and humans.

Reaching the desired level after a few moments, she looked around at the numbers on the walls, following them until she reached corridor 18. "Now to find door 531" In the early months, before she learned how to read Yautja numbers she was reluctant to venture too far from her level for fear of getting lost, now she was reluctant to wander around here for a whole other reason. The entire situation made her uneasy, especially the darkness in this place. Usually the whole ship was as bright as the sun during the day hours and only slightly dimmed during the supposed night.

It was almost pitch black here, except for the occasional flicker and dimly lit numbers beside the doors. Suppressing a shiver, she muttered "The perfect setting for a horror flick." moving carefully and slowly, she felt like she was in the role of the bimbo that got chopped up first. The thought didn't exactly inspire her confidence. Stopping for a moment she reached down to her boots, taking out the knife she always kept there and giving her eyes time to adjust to the gloom, instantly feeling better with its familiar weight in her hand. Touching her chest she made sure the light weight armor plates she'd sewn into her clothes between the fabrics were still there, giving her a measure of comfort before moving forward.

She almost passed the door she was looking for because its number wasn't lit. Taking a deep breath she squared her shoulders, steadied her taut nerves and knocked loudly. When nothing happened "I should leave" she pushed the button to open the door before that thought became too appealing, half expecting to hear a creak instead of the customary swoosh. Rolling her eyes at her thoughts, she slowly stepped through the opening, whispering "Hello? Is anyone here?" continuing more loudly "I got your message." not hearing anything or anyone she let out a relieved breath. Letting the door close, Cat wandered about the spacious room, looking for any sign that anyone was here before her. Checking everything as best she could in the dark, she gave up after a few minutes, giving an annoyed huff "I can't see a damn thing in here" she'd give anything for a flashlight.

It seemed this was as far as she would get today, a tiny bit disappointed that no one was here after all. She opened the door to leave "I'm gonna give whoever sent me that damn pad a piece of my mind, if I ever find out who it was" angry at being sent on a goose chase. Stepping through the threshold a blurry blow came out of nowhere. Unprepared for the assault she didn't move to get out of the way, the impact throwing her to the side. Hitting her head on the wall she tried to keep conscious, but the effort was wasted. Seeing only the blurry crackling shape of someone, before the numbing darkness descended.

In his quarters Selt'ox was busy documenting reports from the last month. In his youth he scoffed at work like this and any work that didn't include hunting of some sort. May that be for prey, females or treasures. But now it was a time he enjoyed and looked forward to. It was almost the only time he was alone and at peace; not bothered with things that needed to be done and taken care of. Running a clan was a duty he learned to enjoy and feel satisfied with over the years. Not having much free time, his monthly reports were a relaxing routine from the chaos of everyday life, as was his time with his granddaughter.

Thinking of her, he had to laugh. How she managed to flood her bathroom and set fire to her rooms in a single morning was beyond his comprehension "Paya only knows what else she will do today." It was a question he asked himself often since she came into their lives and turned them upside down and sideways. Hearing the door to his quarters open he looked up from his reports, a little surprised at his visitor, immediately standing to greet him "Elder..." Waving away the courtesy the old Yautja clicked "I haven't been your Elder in more than a century pup." giving a swift nod, Selt'ox seated himself and waited for his former Elder to do the same, curious at the uncommon visit "I did not know you have returned sir. How is your daughter and her pups?" Taking his time to get comfortable Avi'ren motioned to the bottle on the other side of the room. Understanding the silent message, Selt'ox stood and retrieved two glasses of his finest C'ntlip. He was more than a little curious now. He hadn't seen the former Elder in over two years. The hunter had family in another Clan and migrated often between them.

"Very well. The pups are growing at the desired rate. They will be fine hunters in a few decades. My daughter however desires their growth to be more rapid so she can return to hunting, though I believe it is more for show. She enjoys teaching them and spoils them every chance she gets." placing the glass on the table, he continued a bit sternly "The rumors held true then. You have adopted an ooman into this clan." Not sure if that was disapproval or not, Selt'ox nodded, guarding his expression from his former mentor "Yes. She is my granddaughter" the senior observed him for a moment before speaking "No need to be so tense. I will not counter you in this matter, nor do I disapprove of it... entirely." adding the last word almost as an afterthought. Taking another sip of his drink, Avi'ren noticed a lot, even in his advanced years. He was always amused by his protégé. Selt'ox was skilled at hiding his emotions and intentions, but he was even better in deciphering them. "I knew when I elected you to be my successor; you would be the one to inflict the changes this clan needs to survive. We have become too complacent and much too ingrained in our principals and traditions." he was one of them, even when his nature rebelled at the human among them, his sense of duty and honor to his people and their future demanded he yield to change and progress. He, himself could not do so in light of his views and upbringing, but he could make sure his clans future was in the most capable hands he could find.

Selt'ox probably looked as shocked as he felt at the approval and praise. His former mentor rarely if at all gave a compliment, if fact it was almost unheard of! He was relieved his mandibles weren't hanging open, but he did notice he was staring and oddly enough he didn't seem to care. Collecting himself, he didn't comment. It wasn't done and it would make this more awkward then it had to be.

Thankfully he didn't have to, as Avi'ren said "I digress. I did not come to see you to talk of that or family. I came because your ooman has an urgent message for you" reaching for his belt where he clipped the message pad. That got the Elders full attention "A message? She has not been near the furnaces or the cargo bay has she?" he was envisioning news of an explosion in the labs or the metal works, supplies lost in space or something of that magnitude. He knew she'd rather not be here when any such reports reached him. She made that mistake only once. It was obvious she didn't like being told what to do or rather what not to do, with that list expanding every month. She also disliked hearing his reprimands and lectures about her safety; he knew that from the "tight-ass" she muttered every time he forbade her something. He still didn't know what it meant.

Reading the pad Avi'ren gave him "…there is something you need to know about your unfortunate accidents. -Going there now, follow me. C." noticing a symbol that meant "the hunt" before the last sentence, he jumped from his chair in anger and fear, almost roaring "Damn that female! Has she no sense! Going off into Paya only knows what situation on her own!" Watching him, Avi'ren was amazed and highly amused, he'd only seen Selt'ox this riled once before and it didn't bode well for those that crossed him, clicking "What will you do?" Marching to the door, the Elder didn't look back "I am going to find her, make sure she is unharmed and then wring her impulsive, impatient, reckless neck! She is going to live in a box and on a leash from now on!" barking orders to his two guards as soon as he stepped out of his quarters "Get your hunting gear! Find Ke'varde and Ek'tan! Close off level 3 and monitor sector 18!" not waiting to see his two guards scramble over themselves to do exactly what he said, he ran to the elevating plate.

Her body felt heavy and her head was a throbbing mess "What the hell…?" did she get drunk again? Trying to focus on her thoughts she opened her eyes a fraction and closed them immediately. The action made her nauseous. Taking a few deep breaths, the memory of what actually happened assailed her like a ton of bricks. She focused on listening to her surroundings, hearing an eerie clicking rattle and the hum of something electronic. "Where am I? Who is that?" it took her a few minutes to fully open her eyes. The blow she took must have been one hell of a hit, her vision was still swimming. She was only surprised she wasn't in more pain.

She understood the lack of pain when she tried moving her hands and they barely cooperated, she was drugged. "No wonder I feel so lethargic and sleepy, not to mention free of any aches" Carefully moving her head she looked around, noticing the familiar walls and equipment. She was on the floor of a smaller ship. She remembered the Elders private vessel, this one was almost the same, except the coloring was different, the walls were without symbols and it smelled wrong. Shocked, she knew what it was "It's new!" it smelled similarly to when you got a brand new car on Earth, the odors from the manufacturing process; varnish, metals and leather.

She almost didn't see the shimmer that appeared beside the bridge consoles, but the creepy noise it was making made her notice and focus on it, trying to yell out the words, only to manage a whisper "Who are you? What do you want with me?" when it didn't answer for what felt like ages, she tried getting up, abandoning the effort when an electronic voice told her "It is no use. The sedative will keep you manageable for a few more hours. After that you will be released" hearing the last word, relief spread through her, she would get out of this. Though something didn't make sense, frowning she asked "If you plan to release me, than why not just do it now? Why drug me at all, you could have just tied me up?"

"Always so inquisitive Cat… cannot seem to leave anything alone. You are just like your ancestor, searching for answers to questions you were never asked." With wide surprised eyes, she couldn't breathe for a moment "You killed her?" in equal parts angry and fearful. "No, but I suppose you would think so. I simply alerted her mate to her whereabouts, he actually did the deed" glaring at the shape, she snapped "Semantics. You're just as guilty, if not more" after a short thrilling sound the computer continued "Guilt is subjective and I find I am not subjected to that affliction." She had a feeling there was more to this then what was being said, she was getting too close to something.

As the shimmering shape moved towards her, she frantically tried to backpedal away, only managing to scoot an inch or two, before she was picked up. Carrying her almost limp body in its arms the shimmer was actually gentle with her. "It makes no freaking sense, he/it…" her thoughts were interrupted by "As to your questions… I can't release you like this and I can't kill you here either, it would raise too many suspicions and the search would never end, but if you left on your own… That would be another matter entirely" she really wanted to kick this guys self confident ass. As it was, she settled for glaring menacingly and gave a derisive snort "I'm not leaving. This is my home! No matter what you do, my grandfather and Ke'varde will find out and when they do…" interrupting her threat, the computer said "You will leave and you will do it willingly. In fact, you will beg me to take you home to your human planet." Placing her on a high, flat surface he propped her upper half up with one hand and tilted her head up and to the side, leaning close to her ear "You will be terrified and hysterical after your memories of this place are erased, and I will hear your pleas and appease your fears by taking you away. Your meddling will end." A shock like a bolt of lightning hit her at his words, this close she could make out his voice without the computers mask "Oh my god..." her mind rebelled at her knowladge of his identity "No, it can't be"

During this, Ek'tan and Ke'varde were in the nursery, trying to persuade or rather order the pups to tell them what they knew. Suffice it to say, it wasn't going well. As soon as they stepped in, they boys were staring at them exclaiming they would be hunters like them, showing them their limited and clumsy skills and the girls decided they wanted to ride on their shoulders, since they were so tall. All of them tugging and yelling for attention. Loosing his patience, Ek'tan grabbed a pup by its loincloth and lifted him to his eyelevel, growling "Where is the ooman runt?" taking immediate exception to being called a runt, the boy squirmed and wailed "I'm not tewing you anythink! You mean!" almost succeeding to kick the hunter in his mandibles. Seeing their friend being manhandled (or is it Yautja-handled?) a few of the boys decided to help him by attacking the offending hunter. One boy sat on Ek'tans foot, wrapped his arms and legs around him and bit down on his leg! Another was pulling and shredding the back of his loincloth and two others were working together to reach his dreads! Roaring, Ek'tan repeatedly kicked out his foot "Get off me you runts!" trying to throw off the pup nibbling on his leg. With his free arm he swatted behind himself, trying to push the others away…failing miserably on all accounts.

Shaking his head at the display, Ke'varde growled "Stop messing around Ek'tan! This is no time to play with pups!" looking around he spotted a tiny female pup under a tree. She was the only one not clamoring around them. Reaching her, he sat down in front of her, clicking "Can you tell me where the ooman went little one?" getting an almost imperceptible nod, he waited for her answer. When nothing came, he sighed "Why do you not tell me?" he was almost out of patience himself, looking for another pup to question he almost missed her quiet words "You won't hurt her will you?" snapping his head back to the little girl at the insulting question, he stared into her eyes for a moment, seeing the concern in her gaze he answered openly "No. I would never hurt her. She is my lifemate, I care for her very much. She may be in danger and I need you to tell me what you know so I can help her" after staring at him for another long moment she nodded, scrambling into his lap and lightly tugging one of his dreads so he would come closer to her level "She was here, she was telling the most wonderful story when…" Listening attentively, Ke'varde gave the pup his full attention.

When she finished, she made him promise to bring the ooman to finish her story. After giving his word and thanking her, he stood and saw that Ek'tan was assailed with even more pups then before! Roaring "ENOUGH!" everyone froze in the oddest position, two pups were hanging from Ek'tans dreads, half his loincloth was missing in the back and the pup on the leg was joined by another on the other one. The whole situation was beyond ridicules. Helping Ek'tan untangle himself from the pups, Ke'varde grabbed the two hanging from his dreads and put them down, growling sternly at them "Enough of this! You are not acting like warriors, but spoiled pups. If you do not behave as you should, you will never be hunters worthy of your chiva. Now go train your climbing skills on the bridges and walls" watching the runts disengage themselves from his person, Ek'tan glared at them as they ran to do as Ke'varde told them, muttering "I had them under control. I was just about to say the same thing" smirking Ke'varde slapped him on the back "Of course you were" Leaving the nursery they were stopped by one of the Elders guards "Hunters, your immediate presence is requested by the Elder" giving each other a look the hunters nodded and hurriedly followed the guard.