Chapter 29: Changes

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity on the ship. Since Ek'tan and Ke'varde were appointed to their new positions, there were those who tried to oppose and stonewall them. It was expected but not really effective. Instead of being pissed at them or insulted, they knew what was going on… in reality the Clan and especially the Seniors, were testing their new Elder and his second in command, the emergencies, accidents and meetings were all for the sole reason to see if they were efficient, intelligent and patient enough to deal with what could be thrown at them at any time. So far, both hunters were passing with flying colors to the delight of Avi'ren, Joh'er and others of their likeminded Clan members. Though to be fair there were some, who would rather have the position be theirs, but those couldn't do much more then growl behind closed doors. The political game as we all know is rarely fair.

Standing in the huge conference room, Ke'varde finally had a few moments to himself. Looking around, he still couldn't quite grasp the enormity of his situation. The Elders private chambers were something he never thought to occupy in his lifetime. His personal belongings were moved into these quarters the day after the Crossing ceremony. It was strange living and working in here… his quarters... Subconsciously he still stood a bit straighter when entering, expecting Elder Selt'ox to be standing by the window or sitting behind the large council table giving orders or advice, doing a job he still wasn't sure he could handle the way his predecessor did. He wasn't even sure he wanted it, but it wasn't like he could say no. No one ever denied such a position and he would not be the first idiot to do so. Sitting in the chair, his thoughts turned to his female for a few moments. She was asleep at all hours, every time he tried to speak to her, she would mumble something incoherent and turn away. To say it was extremely odd was an understatement, but mostly after a week of such behavior it was starting to become annoying.

"…arch is coming to the ship; she wishes to spe…" Snapping out of his thoughts, Ke'varde turned to the only Yautja in the universe that had the most awful timing – the Chief of his Guard "What were you saying Ek'tan?" Sighing, the hunter sat across from his new Elder "I said, The High Matriarch is coming and she wishes to speak to you about recent events" Giving a swift nod, Ke'varde clicked "Make the preparations and have her usual quarters readied, she may wish to stay for a few days. At what time will she be docking?" Checking his wrist computer, Ek'tan clicked back after a few moments "In 18 hours. Do you wish me to do anything else Elder?" Waving his hand dismissively, Ke'varde clicked back "No, everyone involved knows the protocol. Were there anymore difficulties with the Guard?" Thrilling with laughter and proudly glancing at his broken arm, Ek'tan answered "No, after yesterday most are steering clear of any more challenges. I believe I have secured my position." The thing was that Ek'tan had been challenged by two large, efficient and high ranking members of the former Elders Guard for his new position. The first fight was easily won, because even though Ek'tan was young, he was well trained and an accomplished hunter. The second battle turned out to be longer and more difficult, but still the hunter persevered and with winning had secured his position and deterred any more challenges in the near future. All this still didn't mean he was in the clear, for the next few years he would be under scrutiny from his subordinates and if he made any kind of mistake, he would be challenged again, but for now it seemed everything was finally in order.

Changing the subject, the new Chief leaned back in his seat "The guards outside her door report that she has yet to leave her quarters. I tried to speak to her myself, but had no success. Do you think she is ill?" whispering and leaning forward at the last part, like he was afraid he would be overheard by someone… knowing that, THAT particular someone didn't like it when her personal matters were discussed without her knowledge. Looking at him strangely for it, Ke'varde clicked quietly as well "I do not know." After a pause "Though I must say I was thinking the same thing…perhaps we should summon a healer or a behaviorist to examine her?" before Ek'tan could confirm that he liked the idea, he was interrupted…

"I don't need a healer and even less a behaviorist." hearing her voice Ek'tan almost jumped out of his seat in surprise and a little guilt. Ke'varde on the other hand leaned back in his seat and waived her over with a curious look on his face. Giving a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Cat moved to the seat across from him and next to Ek'tan. After a minute of strained silence, she aimed her words to the hunter next to her "I'd like a few moments alone with the Elder if you don't mind." Glancing at Ke'varde and receiving a firm nod, Ek'tan bowed and left.

After the door swished closed, Cat leaned back in her seat. Looking around the familiar surroundings and then at her new Elder, she didn't know what exactly to say. Thankfully, it was Ke'varde that spoke first "I am surprised by your sudden reemergence. How are you feeling?" Hearing the slight reprimand in his voice, her eyebrow made a defiant rise. Squelching the impulse to be snarky, she cleared her throat before speaking, giving a cryptic response "As well as can be expected" He knew she was doing it on purpose. Sighing he clicked "I was worried" Relaxing in her seat she appreciated his honesty. Nodding, she spoke softly "I know. I'm sorry." It was the first time in a week that she was feeling like she could function at least a little more normally again.

Observing her in the silence, he noticed that she had gotten thinner in the last week, but that seemed to be the only thing that was different. He was glad that she decided to leave her sanctuary, though on a different level he wasn't sure what to do now that so many things have changed. He had no idea how she was coping with recent events, if she was happy for him or not. And more importantly, how she would handle the news he had yet to give her "I wish I did not have to disappoint her like this" he knew how excited she had been.

In turn, Cat was making her own observations, following him with her eyes as he rose and paced the room. She'd heard of his promotion as soon as it had happened. Azira'ah had barged into her room full of excited energy, telling her that her life mate had been granted one of the highest honors and that Ek'tan too had been elevated in his own right. She still hadn't decided how she felt about any of it or even what it meant in relation to her or them. In her time alone, she had come to some important decisions and those decisions were now her main focus and priority.

Hearing him start to click a bit hesitantly, she gave him her full attention "In light of recent events and my being appointed to this position… I think it wise that we postpone the bonding ceremony until a more proper and convenient time. The High Matriarch will be arriving soon and I will ask her to…" Interrupting his speech she, nodded "I agree." Stopping in his tracks, he turned to her in an instant, clicking a surprised "You do?" Standing as well, she did her own pacing "Yes of course. We will find a more appropriate time after every part of this mystery is solved and we can go on with our lives without the questions and doubts hanging over our heads and…" Interrupting her, he clicked in confusion "What are you talking about?" Stopping mid stride, she frowned at him "I'm talking about finding whoever was behind the blackmail and control of Mir'en. I know he didn't act completely of his own free will. I need to know who started everything. What did you think I was talking about?"

Seeing him glare and almost turn to stone in front of her, she raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms, giving every ounce of defiance she had into her stance and her voice "Don't give me that look and don't you dare ask me to butt out." Growling Ke'varde made his thoughts on this matter known instantly "Not under any condition or circumstance will I allow you to pursue this absurd idea!" clenching his fists he used every ounce of discipline he'd ever learned to calm himself down and not roar in her face, continuing a tiny bit more calmly "The matter has already been looked into and there are arbitrators that are still searching. If or when anyone will be apprehended, they will be dealt with by those in charge. If your interest continues, you will be notified of any discoveries after the fact. I will not have you risking your hide for any reason." Glaring at him, she balled her fists at her sides and almost growled herself "You are being unreasonable! I will not leave this matter alone and in the hands of some second rate Arbitrators who didn't know him and probably don't even give a damn! Selt'ox was a part of my family and I will not just let his death pass without at least trying to do something to find out who the hell started this mess in the first place!" Roaring, Ke'varde grabbed her arms and shook her "You will leave this matter and you will not meddle ooman! You do not have the training, the means or power to go gallivanting around in search of a traitor amongst a species that is composed of beings who are stronger, faster and smarter than you! We are born killers and I will be damned to Cetanu if I will let you risk your life for an errand that can be taken care of by others!" Squirming out of his hold, she moved a few paces away, still glaring and yelling "I hold no fear of your race Ke'varde and I can take care of myself if you hadn't noticed! You may be stronger and faster and god knows what else, but I think I have proved time and again that I can be unpredictable and smarter when it matters!" He gave her an brief but odd look before quickly avoiding her gaze as she finished speaking.

Staring at him for a moment she stumbled backwards as if punched in the gut. She knew what he'd thought for that split second, and he cursed himself for even letting the thought enter his mind at all. That if she indeed knew how to take care of herself, she'd never had gotten into that situation in the first place, nothing would be changed and everything would have been as it should have. Cat felt sick because she knew he was partially right. Looking up she saw the apology and pain in his eyes, it mirrored her own. Taking a calming breath, she willed herself not to cry, and gave him a hard stare instead "I am pursuing this with or without your support and there is nothing you can do to stop me." He would sooner be eaten by hard meats then allow her this course she was set upon. Moving to his table, he growled "Then you leave me no choice" pushing a button he spoke "Ek'tan, you are needed." When the summoned Yautja entered, Ke'varde turned to her and growled "As your new Elder I have given you an order you had decided to deliberately ignore, therefore you will be removed to your quarters, where you will be confined until further notice or your own acceptance and obedience of my ruling." giving a shocked Ek'tan the signal to restrain her in the process. Hearing this, Cat couldn't believe it! Seething with anger she watched with narrowed eyes as Ek'tan roped her wrists together, noticing that he avoided looking at her. As she was being led out of the Elders Chambers, she stopped on the threshold and caught Ke'varde's gaze over her shoulder "This is really low Yautja. Unforgivably low." She wanted to say more to the bloody bastard, but she was unceremoniously yanked out of the room. Glaring at Ek'tan's back, she followed in silence and without protest. On the inside she was fuming and calling him and Ke'varde every low down dirty name she could think of and even made up a few new ones to boot. "If that son of a hard meat thinks I'm just gonna roll over…he's got another thing commin'" whatever the case, she was stuck until she could figure something out.