The Ripple of a Stone

The Ripple of a Stone


Lost and Found

Authors Note: This story I have written may not be exact with the customs and culture founded by the Predator movies, comics or stories but I have tired to stay in the area of their beliefs and ways. I have brought in elements from each of the categories and have combined them into one. I do not own Predator. Updates will be regular and changes will be made if any suggestions are made for me. Pronunciations at bottom. Some of the mentioned items in the Yautja world are made up by me. Good Reading.

E.M.

She said that word to me…Gratitude. It can’t be a coincidence. Ni’Atni...you used the same word. Oh Gods I miss you. How could I have done such a thing today? How could I have just stood there? But why is this bothering me? Is it how she reminds me of you…or how and of what she had done today for me and our son and my ship. I can’t even think right now… I did a dishonorable thing. What am I to do? Ni’Atni I need your guidance, I need to have you by my side, I need your words in my ear and I need you to tell me what to do. I cannot send her to the Oomans can I? How can I risk it? Is it even risk that frightens me? Or is it that silent question burning in the back of my mind…

“Lord Khupiee?” Ykas’e says over the COM.

“Yes.” He answers back, shaking his head of all thoughts.

“Sir I think you need to come to the Bridge. You need to see this.”

“See what?” Lord Khupiee asks as he starts out of the Hunters’ bay.


“You have no idea how fortunate we are to have left when we did Sir.” Ykas’e says with merit.

“Oh…” Lord Khupiee wasn’t sounding right. His voice was filled with misery. He was even walking with a lowered head as he made his way to the lift. And to his dismay there was a constant trail of Nalas’ blood making its way down the hallway. He was thankful that the corridor was empty. Around this time it was usually packed with Hunters coming and going but since the watchers were showing the video feeds in the galley and society rooms they were all there.

“The missiles have just hit the island we were on Sir.”

“I will be there in a moment.” Lord Khupiee says and then ends the COM. He waited for a minute after he punched the lift key as it came back down. He was dreading the scene when the lift door would open and he was right too. When it arrived and opened her blood was on the ground. He shook his head slightly as he made his way in the large box careful not to step in her pooled blood. All the lifts around the ship were the same size, they could hold up to 15 Yautja at one time. But no one would want to be that close to one another. “Bridge.” He says to the voice command and it started to carry him away. He just stood there in the black and red box, silent and unthinking. But when the lift prematurely stopped he lifted his head to the opening door to see a small group of Young Bloods who immediately bowed there heads and stepped back. They wouldn’t dare share a lift with him. When the door closed again he went back to his thoughtless state. He was trying with all he had to keep a question that was aflame in the back of his mind from coming forward. So he was grateful when the lift stopped at the Bridge.

“Sir.” Ykas’e chirps making all in the room stand and bow to him. All was silent as he made his way to his leaders chair and sat down. To his surprise he had forgotten about his arm but fully remembered its broken state when he attempted to rest it on the arm rest but got a menacing pain instead of comfort.

“What is it that is so important?” He hisses out of pain. Ykas’e nods to the sensors and the three viewing screens turn on. When Lord Khupiee looked up he realized that he still had his mask on and that he could not see the screens all that well, but as he took it off he paused in shock. The screens showed a picture of a blue blast cloud completely enveloping the entire display.

“Do you see that small little spot, right in the middle of the cloud that it a white color?” Ykas’e asks. Lord Khupiee just looks at him, his eyes telling that he did not want to deal with bullshit today. “Well, if we waited one minute more…that would have been us.” Lord Khupiee looks back to the screen. And then the question came into his mind…

~

Dhm’Ni was getting concerned as he and Sya ran to the lift. Nala had started to cough as he held her in his arms when he realized she couldn’t breathe this air. She was suffocating in his arms but that wasn’t all. He could feel the blood from her wound seep down his arms and down his waist covering his lower armor but he did care about the mess. He should have protected her. He should have kept her near him on both the planet and in the Hunters’ bay. Who knows what else his father did to her. He hit her broken rib with unbelievable precision and then hit her again in the head. Like she wasn’t in enough pain as it is. But why would she have gotten up when she was hurt so bad? It was as if she couldn’t feel a thing as she moved. Dhm’Ni growled as the anger for his fathers actions started to boil in him.

“Calm your self Dhm’Ni.” Sya says as he ran a little ahead to the lift. He punched the lift key and to his relief it opened right then and there. “You will do no good to her if you are crazy with anger. We need to get a mask on her. She needs more oxygen then us.” The healers’ level was only a few decks above them so it took only a few seconds to get there. As the door opened, it opened to a small group of Young Bloods. But when they didn’t move and just stared at Nala as she laid there motionless, both Sya and Dhm’Ni release a deafening roar to get them to move. Immediately they scurry out of the way, giving them room to pass. But as the small group turned back to the lift the doors were already closed.

“DHM’NI! SYA! Hurry!” Kh’Cho yells from the open door to the healers. There was only one healer on this DropShip and Kh’Cho was the best of the best when it came to medicine. On this DropShip half an entire deck was dedicated to the healer, while on a normal one they would only be given a small room. But with the number of Yautja here they needed larger accommodations. While the major part of the healers’ portion was a collective healing room, there was a small private room for personal healing. “I have been waiting!” He yells again. Kh’Cho had been in the galley as the watchers projected the videos feeds. And from what he saw, he was either going to have a crash course on Ooman physiology or a very angry Lord Khupiee with a broken arm. He was actually delighted when Nala came first.

“Sya!” Dhm’Ni barks. He had stopped in his sprint when Nala ended her coughing. Sya turned to him but when he looked to Nala he saw that she was breathing fine now. He just shook his head and grabbed Dhm’Nis’ arm and pulled him towards to door.

“She still breaths Dhm’Ni.” He says as they run into the room. There were many doors into the healers and they had purposely entered into the private room.

“Quick! Place her onto the block!” Kh’Cho orders to Dhm’Ni. He ran up to the white table and carefully placed Nala down. The room was all black except for the white slab of stone that sat in the middle of the space. It had all the necessary equipment but everything here was meant for just one person to heal in private. There was even a bathroom connected to it but it did not have a bath like others do. “Cj’na!” Kh’Cho calls for his assistant who comes running in but stops still when he saw Nala. Dhm’Ni and Sya had both moved off to give them room. Neither of them had the intention of leaving her alone. “Disrobe her.” Kh’Cho yells at his assistant but he remains still. Kh’Cho roars in frustration and starts to do it himself.

“Spare what clothing you can, she will need them when we leave her.” Dhm’Ni says in a gloomy tone to the healer. Both Sya and Kh’Cho look at Dhm’Ni wondering ‘what the hell’ but for different reasons. Sya didn’t want to leave her. He didn’t want to just drop her off somewhere. Who knows what would happen to her.

“What are you still doing in here?” Kh’Cho hisses and he runs at the two standing hunters. “Get out! Get out!” He orders. “No males when healing an injured female! OUT!” He roars.

“But she’s Ooman…” Dhm’Ni tries to say but was cut short as Kh’Cho started to push them out. They would never raise a hand to him, that would be dim considering they are constantly at the healers and it is a stupid thing to anger the one with the pain killers.

“Yes, but female non-the-less. OUT!” He says again as he pushes them both out into the hallway. They couldn’t get a second word in when the door closed. So they just stood there, staring at the closed door knowing that she was right there beyond a small wall, bleeding to death.

“Hmm…I didn’t think Kh’Cho would take so easily to her.” Sya thrills.

“Right and she is sooo easy to get along with…” Dhm’Ni says angrily. He was huffing hard breaths as he waited. He didn’t like being away from her. If she got hurt, in ANY way, he would go insane!

“All we can do is cleanse and ready for the meeting.” Sya says. Dhm’Ni just looks to him and tilts his head. “We have a few things to discuss, your father and I, and all of the other Arbitrators for that matter.” Sya wasn’t sure what was going to happen at the gathering, he and Dhm’Ni are furious with Lord Khupiee and he isn’t too sure about how the others feel either. Dhm’Ni turns to completely face Sya and motions with his hand towards the door. “She will be safe with Kh’Cho, Dhm’Ni. Be sure of that! He will take the utmost care with her, Ooman or not. Would you look at that…” Sya chirps and he points to Dhm’Nis’ chest plate. “Seems you have been marked by blood today too.” Dhm’Ni peered down to his chest and his eyes meet with Nalas’ bloody hand print.

“She tried to push me away.” He said as he looked back up to Sya. But he only shrugged his shoulders.

“She thought she was died Dhm’Ni, beyond hope of healing. And my guess is she would have rather died down there then be thrown onto some island to die.” Dhm’Ni just grunted at that. He too would have rather died there than to be placed into a ‘safe’ island to die. Seeing how his father was acting just now…that was probably what he will do. Just throw her into the first piece of land he saw and leave her there to rot. Dhm’Ni was beginning to breathe ever harder, his breaths turning into roars at the ends. As he thought of his father he clenched his fists and his body began to feel like bugs were crawling all over him. He needed to vent now or he would take it out on his father the first moment he saw him. He swiftly turned down the opposite direction of the lift and started to walk. There are sets of stairs all through the ship and maybe climbing all the way to the residence decks would calm him or maybe tired him a little. “She will be in good health Dhm’Ni.” Sya yells down the hallway.

“I know that Sya. She is tough, even with her wounds. It is how she gained that one wound that infuriates me!” He roars back. Sya fell silent as he watched Dhm’Ni walk and turn the corner to the stairs. All Sya can do now is go to his room and cleanse and hope Dhm’Ni to do the same. But as Dhm’Ni scaled the fights of stairs it seemed to only irritate him even more. His rage and anger were fueling him as he made his way. It was over 32 decks up and even as he got to the residence deck that his room was on he was still fuming. As he turned the corner to the hallway all those standing in the passage spun in his direction. He didn’t care anymore, look at they want. They were probably looking at Nalas’ blood rather then at him. He just rammed through the crowds as they silenced and made his way into his room. This is all he needed, a small confined and restricted hole when he all he wants is space. Even before the door closed he tore off his mask, threw it onto his bed and belted out a thunderous roar as he bent his back and flared his mandibles as wide as they could go. He just stood there for a moment in an attempt to get back his breath.

“Djh’fah.” Dhm’Ni hisses and the lights turn on. A lot of things were by voice command, it’s a lot easier to just tell the lights to turn on then do it yourself. But for word such a lights, a different statement is used. Words that are common to everyday conversation tend to have a different word representing them so that you don’t keep turning on and off the lights throughout the day. The COM still blinked blue with messages for Dhm’Ni but in his rage he slams his fist down, deleting all them all. Thr’ik would just make him ever more heated. Right now Dhm’Ni just needs to cleanse. He swiftly makes his way to his Awu’asa stand and starts to take of his armor piece by piece. He stopped when he took off his chest plate and stared at it. Right over where his heart is was Nalas’ hand print in her blood. Unexpectedly he found himself blowing on it as if trying to dry it. What the hell am I doing? Do I want to keep her print on my chest plate? You know what…I do. After I cleanse I will take it to the K'daai, the armor makers, to seal it to my armor. If anything my memory will keep her alive. Oh Gods what if she dies? I don’t care if I am considered a Bad Blood anymore, she can’t die now. Am I even mad at my father or am I mad at myself for not helping? I should have been with her to keep her safe. She is my responsibility isn’t she? What the hell am I talking about no she isn’t! What debt do I have to her now? She saved me from a hard meat, I saved her. But we would all be dead right now if it weren’t for her…right? Would we still be alive if it wasn’t for her? No I guess not… He puts the plate down onto his bed as he continues to undress. He will have to take his entire Awu’asa to get it cleaned. But his body needs to be cleaned first. He strips naked and turns to his bathroom. As he made his way he fingered a horizontal scar that rested on his right side, just above his pelvis. As makes his way in, he grabs a sponge from the linen closet and walks up to the Usipa. Every hunter is taught at an early age to cleanse. Even if you come back from a hunt without stain, you must still cleanse. Dhm’Ni dipped the large sponge into the basin and lifted it over his head. With a tight squeeze he wrings all the water out. He lifts his head to allow water to fall onto his face. It cascades down the ribs of his forehead, splashes and spatters as it falls past his brow and his mandibles. He rewets the sponge and places it against his shoulder to squeeze it once more. The water rolls down his chest, arm and back then falls to the ground. Again he fills the sponge and does the same to the other shoulder. Then he moves his long tresses and places the wet sponge on the back of his neck.

The sensation of the water is calming even to the most riled hunter. Immediately he found himself to be at peace as he cleansed. But the moment he placed the wet sponge on his lower back, right where Nala stabbed him, he seethed in pain but soon started to laugh at the memory. His eyes caught the sight of red and green flowing on the ground. The black tile floor had a small tilt to it, making it so all water would drain away. For a moment he watched and the two bloods danced in the water. He continued his cleansing of his waist and legs. Then when he was finished he once more filled the sponge with water and raised it over his head and squeezed. He threw away the soiled sponge and dried himself with a large towel. He dressed himself in casual armor, which was basically just an animal skin loincloth with a metal covering and a pair of metal sandals. If a hunter wished they could wear more, but Dhm’Ni was fine with wearing just that. But as he dressed, he couldn’t get Nala out of his mind. He kept thinking of her just lying there bleeding, or maybe even dead. He didn’t know why he felt guilty but it filled his every thought. He couldn’t and wouldn’t just stand here and think of the worst when he needed to get his armor cleaned and Nalas’ print sealed. He gathered his Awu’asa, careful not to smear her print and made his way out of his room. The door opened with a little more sound then Dhm’Ni wished and everyone again looked to him. He stopped at the frame of his door and glared at all around him. He knew what they wanted to know.

“Ask it now or not at all!” He hisses. But they all stayed silent. Dhm’Ni starts to laugh and they all look at him strangely. “You will not gat an answer with out first asking a question…” He chirps.

“What is Lord Khupiee going to do with her?” Nder asks. He and a great number of other celebrated hunters of the Ehre Clan came along with Lord Khupiee when this voyage was set. He was beyond pleased when he found a lot of his friends and some of his enemies came along.

“He had already tried to kill her Nder, who knows what else he is going to do.” Dhm’Ni answers. He and Nder were friends to say the least. He was older then Dhm’Ni but he is Blooded and has many hunts on his belt. Nder and the others start to thrill in laugher.

“If she lives, I would be welcome to take her off his hands. What a trophy she will be…” Nder was shocked when Dhm’Ni started to growl at him.

“I would love to see you try Nder. But you would need to get through Sya and me to get to her. And then you can try to kill her. She is like nothing I or anyone had ever seen. True her skull would be a great addition to any hunters’ wall, but I highly doubt that that will ever happen.” He hisses. Everyone just quieted down. They didn’t understand why he was being so protective of her.

“Getting attached to the Ooman are we Dhm’Ni?” Nder jests.

“On my honor I must protect her Nder. And I am amazed that all of you do not hold the same thinking. Has anyone seen the island that we are on…has it been destroyed yet?” He asks smugly.

“I was in the Bridge not to long ago.” Ojhm spoke up. “I watched as the island we were on explode, but not by our arsenal.” They all just look at him with heads tilted.

“The Oomans obliterated the island, to ride them of the hard meats. But who do you think warned us of their plan?” Dhm’Ni thrills as he begins to walk down to hall of standing Yautja. “The female informed us of the islands emending doom, and if she had not…we would ALL be in the Judgment Hall of Cetanu.” Dhm’Ni reaches the lift and stands there waiting for it to come. He was amused that everyone became silent after he told them. He didn’t care if his father became angry with him for telling them, they needed to know. He stepped onto the lift when it arrived and turned to see them all staring at him. He just stared right back as the door closed but once it did he started to smile. “K'daai” The lift begins to shift to the right. Lifts on a Yautja ship did not simply go up and down, it could go right and left as well. The lift stopped and opened its doors to the K'daai deck. The entire floor is dedicated to the builders. Here armor is made and mended by the best welders and creators in the entire Yautja universe. They had everything their brilliant minds would ever need or want. Metal and crafting material from all over the universe for them to constantly be creating what ever their hands can make.

“Dhm’Ni, it is good to see you.” Kaine thrills at seeing Dhm’Ni enter his workshop. Dhm’Ni walks to a bench and places his armor down before walking to Kaine. They both welcome each other with shoulder shakes and grins.

“It is good to see you as well old man.” He thrills. Kaine had been with Lord Khupiee way before Dhm’Ni was borne. He made Dhm’Nis’ first Awu’asa and from then on he made everything for him, from his casual armor to ceremonial. “I need to ask a favor of you Kaine.”

“Anything for you Dhm’Ni.” He thrills as he and Dhm’Ni walk towards his the work bench. “What’s this here?” He clicks as he sees over the armor. “Messy, messy, messy! Does your father know you have muddled you armor in such away?” Dhm’Ni growled and turned his head away, Kaine instantly remembered the video he witnessed. “Of course he knows. The female…” He says making Dhm’Ni turn back to him. “She was quite a thing to watch wasn’t she?”

“And to fight. Do you see the print on my chest plate?” Dhm’Ni asks as he motions to his armor.

“It will be cleaned as well, do not worry about that!”

“I do not wish it to be cleaned Kaine. I hope that you would… seal it.” He asks slyly. Kaine just looks at him, one brow raised.

“You wish to keep the Ooman print?”

“You question me old man?” Dhm’Ni thrills. Kaine puts both his hands up.

“Just wondering… And yes it can be sealed. But any future scratches to it will make some come off. The color may fade but it will keep.” Kaine then picks up all but the chest plate and gives it to another worker. “Clean this at once, before all others.” He orders. Kaine then picks up the chest plate and motions to Dhm’Ni to follow him. “Now Dhm’Ni, I watched the female, along with the rest of the ship, and I have to say that I am impressed.”

“As am I…” Dhm’Ni didn’t know where he was going with his words but where ever it was he better be careful.

“I, as well as the rest of the ship, worry still.”

“About?” Dhm’Ni followed Kaine as he made his way past the entire room and into a Kaines private shop. He stopped when Kaine placed his armor down onto a table and went to find something.

“About her…the female and about what happened with the Queen and the warrior…and Lord Khupiee.” Kaine said carefully. “I over heard some talking in the galley, they wondered if perhaps Lord Khupiee was going to do something other then drop her off.” He stops when he found a small bottle on a shelf. He makes his way back over to Dhm’Nis’ chest plate and opens the bottle. But the second it opened both he and Dhm’Ni cringed at the stench. “Just the sealer.”

“What do you mean by that Kaine?” Dhm’Ni asks. He had to shake his head as the fumes from the

sealer were getting to him.

“We have gone into orbit around the Ooman planet Dhm’Ni. We were all notified that Lord Khupiee was moving her to an island but we are no where near an island now.”

“I did not know that we moved so far away…” Kaine took out a flat brush and started to paint over Nalas’ print with special care not to smudge it. “And I do not know what his plans to do with her.”

“She is healing yes?” Dhm’Ni nods to him. “Perhaps he is just waiting for her to heal then he will let her go. Who knows...” He then fastens the top to the bottle back on, to both his and Dhm’Nis delight, and places it back on the shelf. Then he grabs a lengthy rectangle box that’s about a foot long but only a few inches wide and places it over the newly painted plate. “Close you eyes Dhm’Ni, the light will blind you.” Dhm’Ni does as he was told and even with his eyes closed he could see the blue light that the little box was emitting. “Ok. All finished here. The light dried and preserved the print. ” Kaine says as he places it back down.

“Thank you Kaine.” Dhm’Ni says with a bow. He always had the highest respect for him. Normally one wouldn’t give such sophisticated courtesy to a worker but they are old friends. A knock at the door makes them both turn and they see the same worker Kaine told to clean Dhm’Nis’ Awu’asa and there in his hands was a cleaned set of armor. Dhm’Ni points to the same table his chest plate laid and the worker quickly placed the rest by it. Dhm’Ni nods to him as he makes his way out of the room.

“Why do you not allow me to give you Awu’asa some ‘substance’ Dhm’Ni? The others thrive to have a unique look and yet you do nothing.”

“Then it is unique.” He says smugly as he gathered all the pieces into his arms. “You will have to excuse me Kaine, I have a meeting with…them.” He really didn’t want to say Lord Khupiee. He didn’t know what he was going to do once he got into the conference room and would have to sit next to his father. He would undoubtedly restrain from making eye contact. Just so he gets his point across that he is way past mad.

“Yes, I understand.” Kaine says as he follows Dhm’Ni out. But just as Dhm’Ni exited the room Kaine said something that made Dhm’Ni stop dead. “I cannot wait until I get to design an Awu’asa for her!” Kaine thrills then closes the door tight.

“Wait…WHAT?” Dhm’Ni hissed and he turned around but he came face to face with the door and not Kaine. Dhm’Ni knew not to knock, once Kaines’ door is closed, its closed. He just sighs as he turns around and walks out of the K’daai. The trip back to his room was uneventful. The hallways and lift were empty of anyone. Even his residence deck was void of life. But Dhm’Ni didn’t care. He couldn’t get what Kaine said out of his head. He couldn’t possibly have meant it…could he have? Father would never allow Nala to stay, could he? Would he? Dhm’Nis’ heart began to thump hard in his chest at the though of her staying. What if she stays with me… I MEAN US! Oh Gods…I can’t even imagine the unrest the ship would be in if Father took her in. Would she be apart of the clan or…just…here? Dhm’Ni let the thoughts slide as he made his way into his room and places his armor on its stand. He hastily made his way back to the lift and headed towards the conference room.

~

Just outside the conference room, Inkle, Rathe and M’Ho were standing by the doors. They didn’t know just what was going on. Lord Khupiee as ordered the ship into high orbit and for some reason he contacted the Clan Ship. No one, not even Ykas’e, knows what he had said and everyone has been speculating.

“Do you think he called them to tell about the Ooman?” Inkle asked.

“Why would he need too? We are just healing her are we not?” M’Ho added. “It would be a miracle from Paya of she survives her wounds. I heard that Lord Khupiee hasn’t even gone to Kh’Cho yet, in fear of the Ooman, she in there now.” He thrills.

“Lord Khupiee is afraid of no Ooman, M’Ho.” Rathe thrilled. “My guess is that he fears hurting her again. Do you honestly think he would have attacked her once more in the Hunters’ bay? He doesn’t wish to hurt her again. But I still wonder why we are so far from a place we can drop her off.” They all went silent as they fell into there own thoughts.

“Does he still wish to drop her off?” Inkle asked. Slowly the other two look to him but say nothing.

“Rathe, M’Ho, Inkle!” Dhm’Ni yells down the hallway. Together they all look to him and nod too him. “Why wait out here?”

“We are…discussing our predicament before we go in. The rest all wait in there, we just wished for a little time to talk before we go in ourselves.” Rathe chirps. “Dhm’Ni, during your fight with the Ooman…”

“Nala.” Dhm’Ni interrupts. “She deserves to have a name, don’t you think?” He asks. They just start to laugh.

“Yes I do, well…” Rathe continued. “During Nalas’ and your fight, Sya came up to me and told me that she asked him to thank me for her. I didn’t think that manners were in that species, but I am glad that they are in her.” Suddenly the doors to the conference room swung open and they see Pakka standing there with a sullied look on his face.

“I could hear you from in here.” He said as he turned back into the room. With out the possibility to talk any further they walk in. The guards closed the doors behind them as they made their way to their seats. Everyone was already in there, including Sya who was seated and silent. He kept his eyes down, not willing to make eye contact with Lord Khupiee or anyone. Lord Khupiee was seated as well, his damaged arm hanging off to one side. Dhm’Ni and the others leisurely get to their seats but Dhm’Ni never looked to his father. If he had he would have seen that Lord Khupiee was staring at him. For a moment everyone was silent. They just sat there and stared into nothingness.

“We have a problem.” Lord Khupiee finally began. He looked away from his son and stared into the air. “But I have a solution. It is not up for debate. It is not something that can be changed or influenced.” His voice was hard and commanding. It echoed in the room making it sound even more thunderous. “The Ooman named Nalani is in with our healer and he says that her recovery will take days, if not weeks. And I am alarmed with the thought that if we placed her back onto that planet, some may question her whereabouts from the time of the destruction of the island, to when she returned…I am even more troubled by the fact of all of you.” Everyone but Dhm’Ni and Sya look to him at his words. But Lord Khupiee still starred at nothing. “Do you truly think me to harm her even more after I hit her? It pains me to know what I had done. I dishonored myself and my clan with my inactions after what she had done for me. And I hope that in her future time with us, I will be able to repay her for everything.” Now Dhm’Ni and Sya looked up at him. Dhm’Ni was trying so hard to keep from smiling, if he was right in his thoughts, but it still came through.

“Her future time with us?” Pakka hissed slowly. “What future time with us?”

“I have contacted the Clan Ship and called for the Elders to meet us half way to the Homeworld.” He said, leaving Pakkas’ question momentarily unanswered. “I did not lie when I told Nalani that I was impressed with her. And I imagine that she will be an exceptional addition to the Ehre Clan.” Lord Khupiee fell silent as he finally looked up to the face of his son and saw him smiling. But as he drifted to the others, most were puzzled, Sya was gleaming but Pakka was furious. His mandibles were clattering in rage and his talons were digging into the table. “Careful Pakka, I do like this table. You claw marks will ruin it.” He says teasingly.

“…’an exceptional addition’ did you say?” Pakka finally got out. His eyes were bulging out of his head and his breathing was erratic.

“That I did. I also said that my decision is not to be questioned.” Lord Khupiee looked to Pakka.

“An Ooman in my clan…I think I need to go look out a window because I think I would rather see a Kainde Amedha Queen fly through space then have an Ooman in my clan.” Pakka says calmly.

“Then I suggest you start looking.” Lord Khupiee says as he turns back to the group. ”This meeting is done. But I request that until we meet with the Elders and until she is either completely welcomed into my clan or not, I ask that all of you stay here. If something comes up that needs an Arbitrators attention then one may leave but I ask that you come back. I need each and everyone of your testimony for when she is judged. For now we will sleep. And when Nalani wakes, we will tell her of her new membership to this clan.” Lord Khupiee stands up, making everyone else do the same, and started for the door. “I intend to tell her myself.” Just as Lord Khupiee was passing Sya he stopped and turned to him. “Sya…” He looks at Lord Khupiee, staring right into his eyes. “How am I to make things right with her?” Sya was stunned at the question. Never has Lord Khupiee even attempted to make things ‘right’ with someone. He either killed them or…no he just killed them.

“Apologize.” Was all Sya said. Lord Khupiee nodded to that and then continued out. As the doors opened he saw Ykas’e was waiting for him.

“Sir, are the rumors true?” Ykas’e asks as the doors closed.

“What rumors?” Lord Khupiee questions as he starts for the lift to get to the healers’ deck.

“That the Ooman is…staying?” He asks cautiously.

“Yes they are.” Lord Khupiee answers. Ykas’e stops still. “COM Kh’Cho and tell him I am on my way.”

“Uh…y…yes Sir.” Ykas’e staggers out of his mouth.

Back in the conference room, everyone sat back down to their chairs but remained quiet. They all just stared at one another, looking into the faces of the person next to them, all unbelieving and skeptical.

“So she stays?” Miy’Hota finally spoke.

“Seems that way.” Inkle added.

“He knew…” Sya suddenly barked. Everyone turned their head to him. “He knew that she was staying from the beginning. Since she killed the Queen and the warrior, he knew. Why else would he have told Dhm’Ni to get the Young Bloods to bring them into the ship?”

“He did say he had a peculiar feeling about her, didn’t he?” Bakkub chirps. “Perhaps he only thought something might happen. Perhaps he didn’t really know what was going to happen until…” Bakkub fell silent when Dhm’Ni suddenly growled at the memory.

“Perhaps a lot of things happened Bakkub.” Dhm’Ni started. “Perhaps he feels an unstable amount of guilt for his actions. Or perhaps he just wishes to keep her here until he decides it’s time to throw her away. But until we find out, we can do nothing.”

“NOTHING!” Pakka roars. “WE KILL HER, THAT’S WHAT WE CAN DO!” Pakka fell silent when all of the others growl back at him. “What? I will not allow a pathetic Ooman into my clan!”

“There are something’s you need to understand Pakka…” Bakkub hissed. “For one thing she is not pathetic. Ooman yes but pathetic no, I think she had shown us differently. And for another thing, you would not be here if it weren’t for her. None of us would be. AND we cannot change Lord Khupiees’ mind once it is set. I know that he feels guilt and even remorse for what he had done…”

“Then he is unfit to be Clan Leader!” Pakka hisses.

“And what do you plan to do about it Pakka?” Dh’Kn tested. “Challenge him? Do you truly think that you are fit to be Clan Leader? I think not! And I think that what he has done is the right thing to do. WE held a Chiva there, WE put a Queen there, WE missed her when we came for Shn’Di’Ka’Cha. WE took Nalas’ life from her, her friends, her mate, everything. WE even took her death from her when we took her into the DropShip. And now WE will give her a new life. Here…with us.”

“I think we need to do as Lord Khupiee suggested. WE need to sleep, let our minds come to terms with this.” Rathe starts and he stands up. “I for one am thrilled that she is now apart of the Ehre Clan. She will be an excellent addition, Pakka. I am just disappointed that I did not welcome her to my clan first.” He said laughing. He did think that she would have been a great addition to his own clan but he was still overjoyed when Lord Khupiee said she was now apart of this world. “Somehow I know she will be fine. I have heard some talk of how she was…enticing.” He chose his words carefully. “But we will discus that at a later time! For now we slumber.” He ended as he opened the doors and exited. Soon he was followed by everyone but Dhm’Ni and Sya. They remained still as the others left the room. Suddenly Sya started to laugh and Dhm’Ni just stared at him.

“What is so funny?” Dhm’Ni questioned.

“Well for one thing your hair is still the funniest thing I have ever seen,” Dhm’Ni just turns his head away, rolls his eyes and stares at the wall. “But really, did you wake up today and think that we would go on a hunt and come back with an Ooman…” He thrills in laugher. And it was infectious. Dhm’Ni tried to hold it in but he just couldn’t, he too started to laugh.

“No I can positively say that I didn’t.”

“I think it is time for us to sleep. Oomans’ usually sleep for about seven hours but with Nala hit like that I’m guessing she will be out for some time. Go and rest Dhm’Ni. I think I will sleep like a pup tonight.” Sya says as he and Dhm’Ni exit the conference room.

~

“Cj’na! Help me disrobe her!” Kh’Cho hisses at this helper but he still stands still.

“It’s an Ooman…” Cj’na chirps.

“Not just an Ooman Cj’na, the Ooman. Have you not seen the video?” He asked and Cj’na answered by shaking his head ‘no’. “Then go to the galley or any of the society rooms. They are replaying the videos and I think you should see them before you get too railed up about her being here.” But he just stood there. “Do I need to order it? GO! NOW!” He hisses and with out another second passing Cj’na was gone to the galley. “Stupid pup.” Kh’Cho mumbles to himself. He looks back to the bloodied Ooman before him and starts to cut away her shirt, it cannot be saved. His guess is that only her pants can be kept. Once her shirt was off he took of her boots, the tubes of cloth on her feet and unbuttoned her pants with a little difficulty but he got them off. He then cut off her undergarments and threw them away along with her shirt. He was not fazed by the fact he had a nude Ooman in his care, he is a professional. And nudity is not something that the Yautja are anxious of. For a moment he just stared at her body. “My Gods…What happened to you?” He asked. He looked over her body and witnessed a menagerie of scars. There were ones that looked like they came from a whip that were from top to bottom. There was a giant scar on her leg and even smaller ones all over but he couldn’t just stand and stare all day. Kh’Cho quickly made his way to the medical panel at the far side of the room and activated the drijer. It was a device used to elevate the body up into the air to alleviate any pressure one might have when they are laying on a hard surface. Instantly Nala was lifted into the air. Next Kh’Cho sent the scanners. Small round and flat flying objects flew out of no where and circled around Nala. Moments later an image of Nala, inside and out, came up on a screen on the medical panel. He would need to know what was wrong with her before he fixed her. “Hmm…There is the left shoulder, the right rib, a punctured right lung, a broken nose, a fractured jaw with a busted lip, a serious bump on the forehead and a small cut on the upper right arm. You my dear are lucky!” He said to her as he started to punch a command to the computer. The small scanners then flew back to the spots. Kh’Cho then made his way to a wall. He pushed a small button and a drawer opened up showing hundreds of small vials. He quickly took a sedative and a pain killer and placed them into an injector. He hoped that he put enough in it to keep her down. He didn’t want to kill her with a sedative. He made his way back to the floating form and just as he was about to introduce the liquid his caught a glimpse of her back. Up close to her right shoulder were four long scratch marks, by her lower back was a large round mark and then, with a bark coming from Kh’Cho, he saw what looked like scars from something that had bit her on her left butt cheek. Then he injected her and quickly made his way back to the medical panel. The moment he left her side the machines went to work. With a surgery like this, sanitation was key. So the machines would do the work, to Kh’Chos welcome though. He had no clue about Ooman physiology but because the computer has the image of her body and her injuries, it knows what to do. Giant instruments fell from the ceiling and rose from the ground surrounding her completely. While one would work on her shoulder another would tend to her lung and rib and another would work on this and that.

“Kh’Cho?” Ykas’es shrill voice came over the ships COM-link.

“Yes?” He quickly responds.

“Lord Khupiee is on his way.” He warns with panic in his tone. “And I suggest moving the Ooman, I do not want to think of what will happen if those two are in the same room...again.”

“You and me both Ykas’e but I cannot stop in the middle. She is at a focal point in the process and I cannot just stop.” Kh’Cho hisses.

“You may not have another choice.” Ykas’e says as he ends the COM. Kh’Cho doesn’t know what to do. He can’t stop her healing can he? Lord Khupiee only has a broken elbow, five minutes tops, to heal him. Maybe he can place her in the collective healing room while Lord Khupiee is in the private? But is she far enough along to even wait that long? Kh’Cho quickly exams her progress and reluctantly decides that she can wait. He stops all the equipment and watches as it all goes back into there hiding spots. He then turns off the drijer and Nala falls softly back to the white slab. Kh’Cho hastily makes his way to her and picks her up effortlessly. With Nala in hand he walks towards a door that opens automatically. He walks to the closest healing pod. In this room there were over 25 separate healing pods, all white slabs of stone with a white circling of fabric to hide the one healing. It is uncomfortable to see seen when one is healing so they white sheet is the best thing to keep everything ‘easy’. All pods are active, even if there is no occupant. The slab raised and fabric lowered. But once the person moves, or attempts to get off, the block lowers to the ground and the white cloth would rise into the ceiling. Kh’Cho was glad for a lot of reasons but mostly because it would hide her if someone should wake and see her.

“Open pod 17.” He orders. The top fabric lifts up, half way into the ceiling and Kh’Cho places Nala down. But as he takes his hands back he accidentally catches on of his talons on a tie that she was using on the bottom of her hair and instantly tares it apart. He just shrugs it off. “Activate pod 17.” Kh’Cho sighed as she was again lifted into the air and as the white cloth came down concealing her from all eyes.

Once he was back in the private healing room, he cleaned all he could with a towel. Her blood was trailed in by Dhm’Ni and Sya and it had pooled on the stone. Just as Kh’Cho disposed of the soiled towels the doors opened.

“Lord Khupiee.” He says as he bows.

“Kh’Cho.” Lord Khupiee chirped as he makes his way to the white block. But he did not sit on it, he just stood by it as Kh’Cho gathered what ever it was he needed to heal his arm. “Please by swift with this Kh’Cho. I have had a long day.”

“So I have seen. Arm.” He says as he takes Lord Khupiees arm. He uses a small hand held scanner to look over his elbow. Once it was done he walks to the medical panel and looks at the image. “Not that bad bearing in mind what it could have been or considering what you have had before.” He thrills. He had mended Lord Khupiee since he was a pup. He knows every scar on him. Kh’Cho taps a few commands to the computer and a small apparatus rose from the floor. Lord Khupiee extends his arm, as best he could, into the air as the machine wraps itself around his elbow. With out moving, flinching or showing any pain the machine starts to cut and scrape around in his arm. Adding gel around certain areas to induce quicker healing and then resetting the bones. Once it was done with its job it fell back into the floor and Kh’Cho walked back to him. The machines weren’t fine enough to apply the sealing gel to a wound. Someone would actually have to apply it. And again as Kh’Cho applied the burning gel Lord Khupiee didn’t show pain. Once it was completely healed Lord Khupiee stood tall and looked around the room.

“Where is the Ooman?” He hissed. She should have been in here, why didn’t he notice it before?

“Ykas’e warned me to keep you and her apart so I, temporarily, placed her in the collective healing room.”

“YOU DID WHAT!” Lord Khupiee roars. “Bring me too her now!” He orders and follows Kh’Cho out of the private room.

“PAUK!” Kh’Cho howls. Lord Khupiee stepped to the side and saw a healing pod was deactivated. The slab was recoiled into the ground and the white fabric was gone. Kh’Cho suddenly turns right around and runs around Lord Khupiee. “We must close all the doors and lock them. She couldn’t have gotten far.” He yelps in panic as he and Lord Khupiee run towards to medical control room. The medical control room was simply the room that controlled all things related to healing. From the healing pods to the doors. Kh’Cho runs up to a panel but swears when he realizes that he doesn’t know half of these controls. It was his assistants’ job to work this. He tried anyways and hit a button labeled ‘Entry Doors” but the moment he punched it, all the doors near him opened. “C’jit.” With out warning Lord Khupiee grabbed Kh’Cho by the color of his healers garment and lifts him up into the air.

“If she is harmed, in any way, I will hold you personally responsible.” Lord Khupiee roars at the cowering form of Kh’Cho. He then dropped him to the ground and stormed out of the healers.

~

“So it is true?” One of the watchers asks Ykas’e on the Bridge.

“I asked him myself and he said yes. The Ooman is staying on this ship!” He answers back.

“But how can that be? And if she was truly staying why did Lord Khupiee order the ship to stay in orbit?”

“I do not know but…” They both stop talking and turn around as they hear the sound of the lift doors opening. It was late so they wondered just who it could be but they got their answer when Lord Khupiee came rushing in. “Lord Khupiee!” Ykas’e says as Lord Khupiee stood just in front of his chair.

“I need the watchers to go over the camera recording of all the doors leading in and out of the collective healing room now.” He orders. With out question all the watchers scurry back to their posts and begin going over the footage. “The Ooman somehow awoke and she made her way out of the room. She is not healed and is considered dangerous.” Who knows what she would do. An injured being will do anything to survive.

“Got her!” One yells out. “She exited the second door on the east side and is heading down the corridor.”

“Are there any Yautja near there?” Lord Khupiee barks to the sensors.

“There are four Sir.” One answers a moment later.

“Ykas’e, get the closest to head towards her.”

“Yes sir.” Ykas’e says as he makes his way to the communication post and contacts Dyne, the Yautja closest to the Ooman. “Dyne?” Ykas’e says when the COM-link came through.

“Yes Ykas’e?” Dyne answers a little irritated. He was making his way to the residence decks to go to sleep.

“Listen to me very carefully and do not do something stupid!” Ykas’e starts. He knew that if anyone was given the chance they would kill the Ooman. “The Ooman is near you. She left Kh’Cho and is not completely healed. Lord Khupiee needs you to go get her and bring her back to Kh’Cho. ALIVE!”

“To do what?” Dyne barks.

“DO NOT QUESTION ME DYNE! LORD KHUPIEE IS ORDERING ALL YAUTJA CLOSE TO GO TO HER AND YOU ARE THE CLOSEST. GET TO HER NOW!” Ykas’e roars.

“Where is she?” Dyne says finally giving in. Ykas’e had to pause, he didn’t know.

“Where is she?” He asks.

“She is heading towards The Ka'rik'na Hall.“ One answers. The Ka'rik'na Hall, The Summoning Hall, shared the deck with the healers. Lord Khupiee was becoming frantic and everyone could smell it. They had never seen him so agitated.

“She is along the corridor to The Ka'rik'na Hall.” Ykas’e says to Dyne.

“I’ll be right there.” Dyne says as he ends the COM. He couldn’t believe that he was going after the Ooman. He had watched her from start to finish and was beyond excited to hear that she was on the ship, for more then one reason.

“He says he is on his way.” Ykas’e tells Lord Khupiee as he made his way back to him. Together they watch the sensors screen as they followed Dyne walk down the hallway. He was getting close to her, real close but she ducked into one of the many doors to the collective room and Dyne just walked right by her. “C’jit! Get him back on the COM!” Ykas’e orders.

“Tell him to go to the Ka'rik'na Hall.” Lord Khupiee says.

“Sir?” Ykas’e chirps.

“And open the door to the Ka'rik'na Hall when she gets close. She will go into the first door that opens…lets hope.” Lord Khupiee hisses and Ykas’e goes to tell Dyne. Maybe if she goes in, they can keep her there.

“Doors open.” One from the sensors chirps. “And she is in!” He barks.

“Close the doors!” Lord Khupiee orders.

“Doors closed.”

“Dyne is heading back to The Ka'rik'na Hall Lord Khupiee. What now?” Ykas’e asks.

“Now we go to her.” He answers as he turns back to the lift.

“We sir?”

“Yes, we Ykas’e. Hurry or you will have take another lift to that deck.” Ykas’e then ran, as best he could, after Lord Khupiee. Once they were both in the lift Lord Khupiee told Ykas’e to COM Dhm’Ni and Sya to get to The Ka'rik'na Hall.

~

The very moment Dhm’Ni walked into his room he just sat on the corner of his bed. He couldn’t believe it, Nala is staying. He couldn’t get another thought in before he yawned. His mandibles spread wide in a yawn/groan and he lifted his hands above his head to stretch. Sya wasn’t the only one to sleep like a pup tonight. Dhm’Ni striped bare, lifted the fur lined covers to his bed and just as he placed a knee on to it Ykas’e ruined the wonderful moment.

“Dhm’Ni?” Ykas’e chirped in a stoic tone. Dhm’Ni just sighed.

“Yes Ykas’e?”

“Could you come to The Ka'rik'na Hall please?”

“Now? Why?” He questioned.

“It seems that the Ooman is doing some sight seeing.” He paused. Dhm’Ni stood tall and turned on his lights. “She got out of the healers when Kh’Cho put her in the collective healing room and she awoke, then escaped. She made her way to The Ka'rik'na Hall, eluding all those we sent to get her and now we have trapped her there. Your father wishes you to be there when we get her.”

“I understand. I’ll meet you there but DO NOT GO IN WITHOUT ME! Who knows what she will do when she sees my father. Wait until I get there.” Dhm’Ni hisses as he starts to put on his Awu’asa. Nala is not going to be happy so he’s going to be ready for anything.

“Dhm’Ni asks that…” Ykas’e starts.

“I heard Ykas’e and he is right. The little Ooman packs a lot of strength and I do not plan to kill her if she goes after me. She is injured and I do not want to kill our newest member of our clan.” Ykas’e whips his head to Lord Khupiee.

“She’s…Our Clan…What?” He asks but Lord Khupiee only laughs at him.

“All with come out soon enough.” He says between shrills of laugher. He stopped suddenly when he realized that all the other Yautja were not warned to keep a safe distance from her. As the door opened Lord Khupiee contacted the communications sect.

“Put me ship wide.” Lord Khupiee orders.

“Eight away sir.” When Lord Khupiee hears a loud siren he knew that everyone was now awake and that everyone was listening.

“What I am about to say is something that I hope all will understand for being woken for. The Ooman is loose on the ship and is in The Ka'rik'na Hall. Keep a safe distance between her and you if you come into contact with her, I will severely discipline any who cause harm to our new clan member. But I will not discipline her if she is to cause harm to any of you!” He roars then ends the COM. As he and Ykas’e walked the hall he saw Dhm’Ni running their way.

“Where is Sya?” Lord Khupiee asks Ykas’e.

“He said he would be here in a moment.” He answered.

“COM Kh’Cho and tell him to be ready with a sedative when we get her. She needs to rest.” Lord Khupiee chirps just as he reached the door to The Ka'rik'na Hall. He only waited for a moment as Dhm’Ni made his way to him. And close behind Dhm’Ni were Nder and Khanna.

“They followed me here after you woke the ENTIRE ship.” Dhm’Ni thrilled.

“Good. Dhm’Ni you follow me, then Ykas’e, Nder and Khanna.” They all nod to him as Lord Khupiee opened the door. The door swished open and the walked in and around to the ramp. Dhm’Ni was dwarfed by his fathers’ size but he still stayed right behind him. He was just worried that Nala wouldn’t see him and only look at his father and become frightened. As they walked in Dhm’Ni could see some others had made there way into The Ka'rik'na Hall and that they had trapped her on the pyramid used by his father when he gathered all the Yautja on the ship. When Lord Khupiee stopped he motioned with his right hand, his left would still be sore for a few days, to get all the others to back away.

“Father, I don’t think you should go get her.” But Lord Khupiee didn’t say anything back because earlier he saw Nala say something but was to far away to hear her. Lord Khupiee steps towards her but when he saw her flinch in fear he thought it best for Dhm’Ni to go. He turned his head and whispers…

“I think you are right, go.” Dhm’Ni nodded and took a step out from behind his father. When he looked up to Nala he stared at him oddly, like she didn’t know him.

“Something’s wrong…she doesn’t remember me.” He softly clicks to his father. When Dhm’Ni saw her closer her eyes he started to walk up to the ramp but stops at the base. He slowly stepped onto the ramp, taking one tiny step after another to watch how she will react. He didn’t want to alarm her anymore then he already is. Dhm’Ni never took his eyes from hers as he made his way up the ramp. That was until Nala suddenly pitched forward towards his fathers’ chair. He inadvertently lunged for her, to keep her from falling but when Nala glared at him with those eyes, he actually felt chills run down his spine. But Dhm’Ni was a modestly relieved when Nala stood tall, a little wobbly but up. He was happy when he saw her finger her Blooding mark. Maybe she does recognize something. When Nala stepped towards him he didn’t move, he would wait for her to come to him and she stopped when she was a few feet away.

“…h how do I know you?” She asks. She looks down to Dhm’Nis’ chest and then she took up her hand and looked at her palm. Dhm’Ni knew exactly what to do. He brought up his control panel and opened it. While some may have thought he didn’t record sound on the hunt, he actually did. He pressed a few keys until he found the right recording and then looked back to Nala.

“…okay you saved my life, don’t expect me to kiss you on your cheek. And just because I saved yours, doesn't mean you have to give me one…” Echoed in the large room. Some of the others that surrounded the pyramid started to softly laugh but Dhm’Ni just dismissed it. He watched Nalas’ eye widen as she realized it was her. He takes one last step to her and stops when he and Nala were at eye level. He noticed she was staring at his Blooding mark and didn’t really know what to do when she reached for him. She was doing the same thing as before when he broke her nose. After Dhm’Ni took back his head for a moment he let her touch him again.

“I remember now…” She says aloud.

“Nala?” Dhm’Ni finally speaks to her. Nala just smiled and lowered her head while still staring into Dhm’Nis’ eyes. He didn’t like where she was going, he had seen this too many times but it was too late to do anything.

“Hello gorgeous!” She said in a tranquil tone but not a millisecond later she punched him right in the chin, making Dhm’Ni fly backwards. He landed just at the base of the ramp and quickly stood back up. Nala started to walk down after him but when her eyes caught sight of Lord Khupiee she changed her aim. But just as she made it to the bottom and was about to charge at Lord Khupiee, Dhm’Ni moved in between them. “Get out of the way Dhm’Ni!” She yells and she sidesteps him intent on still going after Lord Khupiee.

“…no…” Dhm’Ni says as he reaches out and places his hand on her abdomen, basically the only place on her entire body not broken. Immediately Nala stops, maybe she shouldn’t make things worse? Who is she kidding! She wouldn’t be herself if she just left it alone. She just starts to laugh and she stood there with Dhm’Ni holding her back.

“How is your arm?” She asks in an evil tone. Lord Khupiee just looks down at her. He knew she is angry so he just stood there as Kh’Cho went to work. He and Sya walked in with out a fuss and Kh’Cho had made his way to the side as Nala started for Lord Khupiee. But just as Kh’Cho lifted his hands with an injector-shooter filled with a sedative the could knock out a Yautja, Nala saw him as she shot it. She stunned everyone when she twisted in Dhm’Nis’ arm and hit the dart away. She started to back into Dhm’Nis’ body as Kh’Cho reloaded. Dhm’Ni wrapped on arm around Nalas’ waist to hold her to him while he raised the other to stop Kh’Cho but he was too late.

“Don’t Shoot!” Dhm’Ni roars just as Kh’Cho fired once more. It flew past Dhm’Nis’ hand and hit Nala in her upper arm. She yelped from the pinch but she quickly tore it out of her arm. After a few moments she soon found her legs going numb. Her legs finally buckled and she started to fall. Dhm’Ni went down with as she collapsed to the floor. Nalas’ head at last fell forward, telling Dhm’Ni that she was finally out. He just remained there for a moment, holding her in his arms as he waited for the others to come.

“That would have taken down a full ground Yautja in half the time.” Kh’Cho gasped.

“Dhm’Ni!” Sya barked as he ran around Lord Khupiee and all the others and kneeled down in front of Nala. He lifted her head with one hand and gently opened her eyes one by one. “”C’jit Kh’Cho, you could have killed her! You shouldn’t have sedated her with out knowing what she can take!” He hissed.

“I told him to sedate her Sya, do not scold him for following orders.” Lord Khupiee chirps as he made his way closer to Dhm’Ni. “Get her to the healers Dhm’Ni.” He said to his son. Dhm’Ni nods and quickly but smoothly lifts her. Without looking at his father both he and Sya exited The Ka'rik'na Hall. “Go back to bed. Tomorrow everything will be clearer.” Lord Khupiee said to all in the room as he turned and followed the fleeting form of his son and Sya. He looked to Kh’Cho just as he left the Hall and motioned with his head to follow him. Kh’Cho rapidly runs after Lord Khupiee and follows him into his own healing room. When they entered Dhm’Ni had already placed her onto the same white block as before and backed away. Sya however was leaning over her and hand his hand on her forehead.

“If she lives past this night Kh’Cho, I think you will have a new enemy.” Sya thrilled in laughter. No one else laughed though. Lord Khupiee made his way next to his son and for a single moment they looked into each others eyes but they quickly stared back to Nala.

“I sincerely apologize for this happening. I should have kept an eye on her.” Kh’Cho pleaded as he moved to the medical panel. Dhm’Ni and Sya just grunt. They didn’t hold Kh’Cho responsible for this. She should have been under constant supervision but they all slipped up. “Please stand back Sya.” Kh’Cho chirped as he activated the drijer once more. Nala rose in the air for the third time but as she did the white cloth she used to cover herself fell to the floor. Everyone’s eyes, but Kh’Chos of course, went wide as they looked at her naked form.

“Oh Gods…What happened to her?” Lord Khupiee finally barked. Sya and Dhm’Ni just stared in silence. Never before had any of them seen such scars on a person. Ooman or Yautja.

“I will allow one to stay with her. Only one.” Kh’Cho chirped, taking them all out of their trance.

“I will stay with her.” Sya hissed. He could help but feel responsible for this. He had simply left her with Kh’Cho when he should have stayed with her.

“No Sya.” Dhm’Ni started. “I think I should, she knows me.”

“And yet she still punched you. I am on better terms with her then anyone else on this ship.” He says sternly. “I will stay, you go and sleep. She will need you when she wakes.” Dhm’Ni was about oppose him but when Lord Khupiee placed his hand on Dhm’Nis’ shoulder, he stopped. Sya was right. Right now he was the only one that Nala didn’t clearly hate. He nods to Sya and both he and his father move out of the healers.

In silence they walk to the lift. Those who were already waiting moved to the side to allow them to get the next one. They didn’t wait long before the door opened letting them enter and empty lift. They just stood there in silence after Dhm’Ni told it to go to Lord Khupiees deck. He had his own deck as his residence.

“Dhm’Ni…” Lord Khupiee began.

“I know father…but it is not me who needs you apology.”

“I know that.” Lord Khupiee says sadly.

“Did you mean it?” Dhm’Ni said as he finally looked up at his father. “Are you actually going to allow Nala to join our clan?”

“I absolutely meant it Dhm’Ni.” He said as he looked down to his son. They just stared at each other until the lift stopped and Lord Khupiees residence. When the doors opened Lord Khupiee swiftly entered.

“Good night Dhm’Ni and do not worry. She is with Sya now…and with us now.” Lord Khupiee says with out looking back as the doors close.

“Residence deck: number two.” Dhm’Ni said he stood there alone with nothing but his thoughts. Truthfully he was too tired to think he, just wished to go to sleep and tomorrow he will go to Nala. Tomorrow it will begin.

Authors Note: I cannot keep writing like this! Its 3:20 AM! What ever…I’ll sleep when I’m dead… By the way…11,422 words…

Current Pronunciations (Previous on chapters 3, 4, 6 & 9.)
Cj’na Cheena
Djh’fah Dah Fah
K'daai Kid-a eye
Ojhm Oogem
Kaine Cane
Drijer Dry Gear
Dyne Dine-e
Ka'rik'na Ka Rick Na
Khanna Ka Na