Chapter 28: Aftermath

Meanwhile, Ke'varde and Ek'tan were following the Elders private guard to the control room, en route they were notified that Selt'ox had already left ahead of them. The second guard was monitoring the Elders progress; watching the dot on the holo-map go from level 3, down to the docking bay. The new location was reported to both hunters the moment they stepped into the room. Observing the map, Ke'varde knew that only a few vessels were currently stationed there, most were used in ongoing hunting trips. Hearing a beep, the Yautja at the controls turned to them "Hunters, there seemed to be an energy spike in the bay, the force equivalent to a plasma caster" Cursing, Ke'varde replied "What is the damage?" the answer quick "None, it seems to be a contained and solitary blast" Turning to Ek'tan and the second guard, he clicked "Both of you, come with me" to the other guard he ordered "Keep the comm. open and notify me of any and all changes" knowing he would be followed and his orders carried out without question, he wasted no time in waiting for affirmations.

On the way down, the minutes that took to reach the docking bay doors and for them to be opened were tense and harrowing, especially for Ke'varde, somehow he knew she was in there. As they rushed in, they were greeted by the sight of at least 10 hunting crafts. Ek'tan growled agitatedly "Which one is it?" opening the comm. Ke'varde clicked "We are in the bay. Give me a location." the response was thankfully almost instantaneous "West corner, back of the bay" looking in said direction, they saw two new ships. Stopping in front of them, Ke'varde motioned for the guard to check one, as he and Ek'tan would the other, his instincts telling him she was in this one.

No one could have prepared them for what they saw when they entered and even if someone told them what it was like in there, neither would have believed it. It was a massacre. The Elder was on the floor by the far wall, blood and pieces of his back everywhere. The Chief Healer dead as well, his body in front of the medical table, neon green all around…And on the table was the ooman, staring at the Elders body, not moving, not speaking and seemingly not even breathing… in her hands she clutched an open shuriken covered in blood. Neither hunter knew what to do or say.

Ke'varde could see she was crying, though it was silent and muffled, he could hear it as loud as if she were sobbing. Moving closer, he could hear her whisper something he couldn't quite catch, making him wonder and long to ask her to repeat it, but it didn't seem like a thing to focus on right now. Crouching in front of her, he took the shuriken from her death grip and gave it to Ek'tan. Turning back to her, he clicked and purred in consolation "What happened my treasure?" taking her hands in his. She didn't hear the purring, the clicking or the question. The feel of his familiar hands got her attention and made her turn to him, she had to concentrate not to look back, and though she loved him more than anything, at this moment he was like a stranger to her. She didn't even recognize her own voice as she delivered the events of the past few hours in a monotone devoid of emotion. The whole monologue seemed completely clinical, like she was listing an inventory and not the death of someone she loved and someone she now hated.

Hearing the telling was unnerving for everyone. Ek'tan was speechless, surprised beyond measure, followed by deep disgust and resentment. He'd always thought the chief healer an honorable sort, finding a traitor in a trusted friend was immensely disappointing, not to mention infuriating. Ke'varde was enraged, his instincts to destroy any threat coming to the fore, but it seemed his rage would have to wait to be released at a later date, right now his female needed to be looked after. Rising, he lifted her and moved to the exit, turning to Ek'tan before leaving "Take care of this and alert the council, I'll meet you shortly"

The journey to her quarters was done in silence, observing her sadness he allowed it, perhaps she needed the time to process what had happened to overcome it. In her mind Cat couldn't help but keep replaying and analyzing the events, trying to figure out what she could have done to prevent the tragedy, what action could have made the events unfold differently. "I should have tried harder to move, should have stalled longer, maybe if I had a weapon, was more prepared, wasn't so careless…" the list went on and on. There were so many if's, should have's, could have's and so many ways that there could have been a different outcome. Knowing the reality and still hoping, wishing for another was a fruitless venture if there ever was one, but you do it anyway… maybe because blaming yourself or another is easier then facing the pain, or perhaps it is the only way you can cope with the loss and anguish. Whatever the reason may be, in the end, one must get through it and hope that in the process a small bit of your soul starts to heal.

Consumed by her thoughts, she jumped slightly when she was placed on her bed. Looking up at Ke'varde, she wondered distractedly on how and when they got here, deciding after a moment that it didn't matter. Hearing him click "Are you in any pain? Do you wish me to send for a healer?" shaking her head no, she whispered "No, I'm…" she wanted to say fine, but in truth she really wasn't "…uninjured." Observing her, he didn't know how to make her feel better, how to help her through this, or cheer her up. Taking her hand he purred lightly "Do you wish for anything?" her first thought was that she wished for a time machine, for the opportunity to change events, but she couldn't say it, deciding on "No, thank you. I…" clearing her throat she moved back out of his hold "I'm tired, I'd just like to have some rest please" nodding, he stood to leave "Of course. There are things that need my attention, you will be alright on your own for a while?" giving a slight nod, she didn't wait for him to leave before crawling out of bed on the other side and heading for the bathroom.

He wanted to stay, to give comfort, but he didn't know how, the way to achieve it eluded him. She didn't seem to be responding to his purring or his attempts to touch her. Watching her disappear into the bathing chamber, he was worried, but it seemed she would need to get through this on her own. Turning to the door he knew that what now awaited him would be difficult. There were many things that needed to be done in the absence of Elder Selt'ox. Giving her direction one last glance, he left for the Elders gathering chambers. The council was no doubt already gathered.

The commotion that reached Ke'varde as he neared the gathering chamber made all his senses alert. Entering the large chamber, a loud discussion was in progress. All the seniors on the ship were present, even those that usually had better things to do then concern their selves with politics. More then fifty Yautja were here, all growling and clicking, the news of the Elders death the main topic. Ek'tan joined his friend by the back wall "All the seniors have assembled, some already vying for the newly opened position" the last part said with a slight growl. Grunting, Ke'varde knew that was inevitable and expected "The choice will be hard, there are many that are suitable for the position" interjecting ,Ek'tan growled "And many that are not!" changing the topic, he continued a bit more calmly "How is she?" sighing, the older hunter glanced at him, lowering his voice "I'm not sure. It is hard for me to tell. She looks lost, in some kind of pain. I do not understand it, nor do I know how to help her" thinking for a moment, Ek'tan clicked "Perhaps Azira'ah could speak to her, they have become close, maybe she could find some way…" seeing that Ke'varde wasn't paying any attention to him and that he'd become rigid, he turned his attention to the room.

"…what happened in there! For all we know it was the ooman that killed our esteemed Elder! We have no proof that she had not committed the foul deed, or that the Healer was to blame!" as this speech was concluded by a senior, another raised his voice growling "I agree! The oomans are known for their primitive morals and lack of honor! She could have been the one to lure both of them to the docked ship and disposed of them without interruption! Her presence here is an affront to all of us and what we stand for!" as a few cheers and grunted agreements were heard, they overpowered the sound of Ke'varde's wristblades popping out, and his quiet, but menacing growl. It was clear that he didn't care for their slander. Noticing his friend's anger and intentions, Ek'tan stepped in front of him, blocking his step forward "Don't. You can't kill them all and I don't think you murdering half the clan would be helpful to her right now" it was a tense few moments before the blades were slid back into their holstersand Ke'varde eased his posture a fraction "I know, but it is tempting." As his friend calmed, Ek'tan remembered the chip he took from the Elders wrist computer, nodding to Ke'varde he moved to the other side of the room.

His growling started again as more was heard from yet another Senior "She must be punished for her crimes against our clan! I propose her pun…" this senior however was interrupted by another, Ek'tan recognized him as Joh'er "Don't be ridicules! Are you actually proposing that a small ooman female with no training in the art of Jehdin-Jehdin felled not one, but two Yautja?" pausing for a moment he glared at the ones that were loud in opposing her and in the process smearing the late Elders honor "You would have me believe that she killed a hunter, who was legendary for his skills in battle and the sum of his trophies? That she what? Overpowered the healer, who was found wearing the plasma caster… took it off, shot the Elder in the back when he wasn't looking? Does that sound like what a hunter of his caliber would do?... and then she placed the weapon back on the healers shoulder, took a shuriken from the Elder while the healer stood by twiddling his claws, waiting for her to slice his organs in two?" the last part ending in a roar. He was visibly disgusted by the lot of them.

The Yautja that was the first to start this campaign against the ooman spoke up again "It is possible she distracted Selt'ox, we all know the affect she had on him! She could easily take advantage of his absurd familial feelings for her! Thinking of her as his family, he let his guard down; it is the thing that most likely got him killed!" immediately a heated argument commenced; some arguing in the humans favor, others against, all divided by their opinions. The loud noise was silenced after a few more moments by a loud roar of "QUIET!" All turned in the direction it came from and instantly stopped mid-sentence, lowering their gazes. Stepping forward, Avi'ren growled "This will end now. I have been informed a video chip was found in Selt'ox's wrist computer. We will have our answers" noticing that, the Yautja who was growling before opened his mandibles again… The former Elder glared and growled at him, before he could make a sound "I said shut your mandibles! I may be old as dust, but I can still run you through!" emphasizing his words with the motion of extending his spear. Glaring in return, the predator knew what was good for his health and stepped back.

As the chip was placed in its slot in the middle of the large table and the holographic video popped up, everyone was quiet and focused as they watched what had happened in the docking bay only a few hours earlier; from the Elders arrival, until his death. After it was concluded, there was a strained silence in the room which Avi'ren broke "We have our evidence and more importantly the truth." Looking around at all the familiar faces he once led and watched grow to become great warriors and now seniors, his gaze stopped for a moment by the back wall on two well known hunters, before it continued forward "Selt'ox was my choice as my replacement. I expect you all agree that I choose his successor as well?" it was obvious that not everyone was comfortable with such an arrangement, but none could reasonably oppose it. After all, Avi'ren was once their commander and the trust that was placed in him in the past still remained strong today amongst the Senior members. After the majority grunted their affirmation, Avi'ren moved to where Ek'tan and Ke'varde were standing, a path to them opened as other hunters moved aside.

Observing both of them, the old Yautja caught the gaze of the green and striped hunter. Though he didn't know him personally, he knew who he was. Selt'ox often spoke highly of this one and that was all it took really. Well that… and the fact that Avi'ren's instincts were never wrong. "I choose you, young one."

After her shower, she crawled into bed and fell asleep instantly, waking up screaming and crying after what felt like every few minutes, but was probably between every few hours. She'd heard Azira'ah come in and felt her sit next to her on the bed. Neither spoke for a long while. The large female just purred to her and combed through her hair with her claws. Cat didn't answer when she asked if she would be attending the Crossing ceremony in the Great Hall. She just waited for her to leave her alone again.

Cat had heard of the Crossing ceremony before, it was held whenever a hunter died aboard ship or was brought back from a hunt. From what she understood, it was almost like a Viking burial is some ways and Egyptian in others. The Yautjas body would be taken aboard a small ship, his most treasured possessions and trophies placed around him/her. The ship would be set on autopilot to reach a safe distance from the clan-ship and then it would self destruct. Destroying the remains and possessions of the one that was crossing to the Eternal Hunting Grounds, with the intention to severe any ties the spirit had to this world, helping Cetanu take him or her to meet the Goddess Paya, where the soul would be either allowed to enter the hunting grounds or be discarded to Cetanus mercy.

Waiting a few minutes after Azira'ah left, Cat jumped out of bed, dressed and ran to the main door. Looking out to the hallway just in case someone was guarding her, she was glad that no one was there and she could leave without anyone being the wiser. Moving quickly, she sprinted to the domed room, searching the space behind the giant glass dome for any sign of the Elder's ship. Running up to the bridge, she spotted it a few seconds before it exploded in a brilliant blue flash, whispering a tearful "Bye, I'll miss you…"

She was never a religious person; she respected religions, but didn't believe in them herself…but somehow, she was sure he would be welcomed into the Hunting Grounds with Payas blessings. And oddly enough, knowing that… it did give her a small measure of comfort, because she knew he believed…and that reason alone was good enough for her.