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A Union of Convenience II	By : Keen Category: M through R > Predator Views: 6269 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Predator movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
A/N:
Please rate and review�hopefully not with nit
picking over grammar. This was done WBA, Without Beta Advising, so fair
warning.

�� Isis
watched the procession in front of her, the line of flat polished black slabs carried
between the young warriors of the ship. The Ro�al�s remains were at the head,
flanked what remained of his own personal guard and behind him, Bahdri. Heron
was the last and closest to them as they traversed the receiving hall. Ali�shir
explained they would be carried into the hall in their order of rank, or
importance to the Clan, but Isis still thought it was wrong. Heron was a more
honourable male than the two combined and he did not deserve to be dragged
half-assedly by some novices. Yet, she bit her lip. Now was certainly not the
time to make her point, especially with her mate, linked to her arm, hurting in
pained silence.
�� After
he returned from making preparations for the reconnaissance and delivery, he
said not a word. Even during the long trip from Anuvis to Ge�tan he was silent.
It was his task to carry the remains back as it was his ship they were
travelling to but she knew he would have done it regardless. His greatest
friend and brother lay dead at his feet and Ali�shir trusted no one but himself
to look after his own.

�� They
reached the rotunda in the heart of the receiving entrance of the ship and the
march was at an end. The Ro�al�s remains were whisked away down another
corridor to be taken to his waiting ship accepted by his entourage, O�dari his
principal servant and his mate, Zinara. Isis
turned away from the bejewelled and decorated female as she flung herself onto
the flattened black case, draping it in gold beaded strands and fine fabric as
she wept and howled for her loss. O�dari moved to drag her away but she was so
overcome she fainted, needing to be carried behind her mate as he was. Prone,
on her back, between a pair of warriors. Seeing them depart, Isis
could not help but wonder what Gi�s reaction must have been and forced back
unshed tears for her friend.
�� Elder
Ali�shir,�
�� Isis looked up to see a male that looked like Fushel
stride toward them, long legs moving with purpose. He looked older, his black
locks turning grey at the roots and in places turning the entire strand, but as
he neared she knew it was him. He bent with that stiffness that came from an
abundance of pride to meet the Lead Elder with a fist against his chest and
then glanced coolly in her direction.
�� Female,�
�� Male,�
she returned without a shade of warmth.
�� Ali�shir,
for his part, was oblivious to their strained greeting. His attentions where
fixed elsewhere. His light eyes followed his friend as he made his final
journey toward the ceremonial chambers below behind Bhadri. It was curious Gi
was not there to accept him, but then again, neither was Bhadri�s mate, I�lana.
�� When
the glittering black case vanished from sight, swallowed up by the hall�s
yawning depths, Ali�shir�s daze came to an end. Squeezing the hand that held
his he turned away and blinked to see Fushel in front of him. Mara and Say�der,
familiar faces and newly minted Council members of Ge�tan were there as well.
�� He
returned their greetings stiffly, crossing an arm over his chest and bowing at
the waist, before inquiring about the ritual plans for both males although he
only had interest in Heron�s.
�� What
has been done so far?� he asked.
�� Nothing,�
Fushel grit, discontentedly. The Enforcer explained that since news reached the
ship of Bhadri�s death, the already present fighting and turmoil became that
much more intense. �All of our attentions have been on maintaining order and
control of the ship. There are many who would see themselves rise to take our
fallen Elder�s place as Leader. We are riding the edge of chaos as I speak.�
�� Then
my first task is clear,� Ali�shir said making a fist. The blades of his wrist
cuffs sprung open with a metallic chime. �Make an announcement. Tell anyone who
wishes to take Bhadri�s place must come through me first.�
�� I
am the acting Lead Elder,� Say�der interrupted, angered by the male�s sudden
bravado. He parted Mara and Fushel with his hands to stand before the visiting
Elder. �I will issue the commands on this ship.�
�� When
I return its control back to you, yes.� Ali�shir stepped forward, butting his
forehead against his childhood friend�s with a growl. �I will find out who is
to blame for our loss and exact revenge. This ship and its workings are gladly
yours to command but I, I will do
this and you will not stop me.�
�� Say�der
broke the icy lock of gazes to glance to his Enforcer. He nodded slightly,
careful not to make a move to sudden. �Do as he says,� he ordered firmly.� If
he wishes to become the target for entire ship, so be it.�
�� Fushel
bowed and turned to face his warriors at his back. He shouted orders that they
were to repeat what the Visiting Elder said as well as prepare themselves and
their families. There would be many takers to Ali�shir�s challenge and many
might not return.
�� I
will send word when we are ready,� Fushel said following behind his unit,
taking Say�der with him.
�� Ali�shir
nodded in approval and glanced up as his mate moved to his side. Without
asking, she helped him out of his cloak and official trappings as he readied
himself for battle. She did not approve of what he was doing�he could see it in
her stern expression�but she worked swiftly to help him still.
�� There
were other ways to resolve the issue at hand without needlessly risking his
life, but Isis understood why he did. His
sadness over his friend�s death was near done and now was the time for anger.
Ali�shir wanted someone to hurt as much as he did and the collection of
impetuous and vying dishonourable would satisfy for the moment. It would not
help him any to hear her lament over his choice as it was already made but she
still had to remind him of what was important.
�� Ali�shir
tugged at the amour on his shoulder a final time and turned to face his mate.
The muscled arm at his side flexed, his fingers curling into a fist, popping
his knuckles.
�� Just
promise you will return to me,� she said, reaching for him.
�� He
looked at where her hand fell and let his fist open to hold it. �To wherever
you are,� he nodded.
�� She
would have hugged him a final time but as she took the step toward him, Say�der
approached.
�� We
are ready now,� he announced. �Follow me.�
�� Ali�shir
let the showy display of dominance slide off his back. He would go where
ordered because he was getting his way. If it became an issue later, he would
confront Say�der then, but not now when his instinct to kill and mangle was
bursting in every muscle fibre.
�� Isis let his hand go and watched as backed away, sparing
her a final look before joining the thick of battle ready warriors. She fought
with herself to keep her legs still, to keep her feet fixed in place. She
wanted to follow and make sure he would be alright but she knew she could not.
�� Mara
stepped up behind Isis and issued a soothing
trill, �He will be fine,� she assured, watching the human fight her instinct. �I
have seen him come against worst odds and emerge victorious.�
�� Nothing
is for certain,� Isis said quietly. The group
of males disappeared and she faced the female warrior, surprised that time had
not touched her spirited and beautiful features. Her blonde locks shone bright
as her blue eyes and her body just as cut and chiselled as ever. She still
trained to be an arbitrator and warrior like A�rah, which confused Isis some. �Why are you still here?� she wondered aloud.
�I would think you�d jump at the chance to bust a few heads too.�
�� Heron
was a great friend and I would gladly take the head of the one that killed him,
but I stay behind for the same reason you do.
�� For
Gi,� The female nodded her head, sending the twisting blonde curls over her
broad shoulders. �I wondered how she is taking the news.�
�� She
is not,� Mara replied stiffly. �From what I understand, she has not been told
yet. Elder Sala and the other Council females have kept her and her children in
isolation since it happened.�
�� Why?�
�� Mara
shrugged as she turned, drawing the female toward the lift. �She was already so
agitated and irrational. It made Sala concerned for the safety of the young
ones.�
�� Isis thought about the time Heron and Gi spoke via his
ship�s communication, his discomfiture at his mate�s visionary dreams. �Her
heart already knows the truth,� she sighed, slumping her shoulders.
�� I
would not see how. As I have said, she was kept in isolation.�
�� Isis nodded understandingly but kept her true thoughts to
herself. Gi knew. Her powers were something of an embarrassment to Heron so the
woman would help keep her friend�s gift a secret but she would not ignore them.
The Vae female saw the whole terrible end unfold and there was nothing and no
one who would be able to console her. Even her greatest friend�.

�� Can
you move female?� Isis looked up where she
lay, flat on her back on the floor. Mara, despite the gash that slashed across
her face and dribbled blood over her eyes, limped over to her side to check on
the human. �Try to get up.�
�� Isis twisted some and clutched at her chest, surprised
the aching burn still persisted. She was unconscious for a moment, how long she
did not know, but it had to be some time for things to be as quiet as they
were. The ringing in her ears subsiding, she realised there was no more
screaming or crying. Looking to her left and right, the bedroom suite was no
longer in shambles.
�� Isis felt Mara gather her around the waist. The female
lent her strength to her, pushing her up to sit on her bottom and steadying her
there. Isis turned to look over her shoulder.
Navin moved away from Gi who lay prone on the bed. His withered green hands
slid down her ivory skin, sliding the syringe from her willowy arm and tucking
it back into his kit.
�� The
old male waited until the female�s eyes fluttered closed and she eased into the
soft pillows of the bed before nodding to the guards to release their hold on
her. Just moments before, sitting on the female with their knees was all the
group of combat trained males could do to keep the willowy Vae from harming
herself and them.

�� Isis arrived with Mara to the Dressmaker�s suite. The
Elder females had been caring for the foreigner�s children, keeping them busy
and preoccupied while their mother wept and paced in her private quarters. She
stopped when Isis pushed the door open.
Staring friend�s dark eyes she collapsed to the floor with a whimper, her head
shaking those long curling ivory locks about her tearstained cheeks.
�� No�no,
don�t tell me. Do not tell me!�
�� Isis knelt at her side. She could barely breathe she hurt
so much but she swallowed to speak. She wanted to be strong and reassure her
friend. Isis wanted to tell Gi that although she had lost her mate and she felt
alone, she was not and never could be now that she had returned and that her
life did not end�although it certainly felt like it�but all the woman could
utter was, �I am so sorry, Gi.�
�� The
female crumbled against her with a shuddered cry, sobbing, wailing and Isis looked away, her eyes shiny and wet with unshed
tears. At the door, she could see Mara and the other females hang their heads
in grief. It seemed that the loss of one�s mate was a time the yautja saw fit
to allow public displays of sadness so Isis
let the female weep, pulling Gi against her with a strong arm. She hid her face
in the billowing white curls of her head as she cried with her and then held it
back, rubbing a soothing hand over her back as Gi heaved into the waste bin.
�� Like
Isis thought, in her heart, Gi already knew
her Heron was gone, but had only yet to hear it. And the news sent a chill
through her petite body followed by the sudden and overwhelming urge to wretch.
Her slender ivory hands deathly gripped the bin and it seemed like every muscle
in her tiny body worked in concert to empty her stomach until it felt like the
organ itself would fall out of mouth next.
�� Call
the Healer,� Isis winced at the putrid stink.
Mara glanced to Sala who took off like a shot to call her mate, Navin. �I think
she�s going into shock.�
�� Cover
her. Keep her warm until I return.� Sala called as she left.
�� Shaking,
Gi slumped against Isis, who tried to cover her with the cloak she wore. She
tore the thing from her neck to wrap it around the Vae�s slender shoulders. Gi
trembled and jerked in her arms, vibrated like she suffered with hypothermia,
teeth chattering yet her skin was beaded with sweat. It poured from her brows
and stung her already red eyes.
�� She
does not look good,� Mara observed, creeping closer.
�� I
know,� Isis stroked her hair from her face. It
was sopping wet, just like the rest of her. �I�ve heard of people falling
physically ill but this�.it scares me. It looks like she�s fighting something.�
�� Maybe
she is��
�� Gi�s
eyes were shut and she twisted her head back and forth with small growls. Her
ears and nostrils twitched and flared as he breathing became ragged and hoarse.
Isis touched her face to wipe away more sweat
and the female snarled. Mara took a step back, her hand touching the blade at
her hip. The Vae�s teeth had elongated, her canines now sharp ivory spikes.
�� How
much do you know of her kind?�
�� Isis shrugged to Mara�s question. She really knew nothing
of the Vae species other than what she observed from Gi. She assumed they were a
gaggle of overly friendly, perpetually happy and enthusiastic creatures�not too
unlike yapping toy puppies she had known on New Sussex�but she should have
guessed there was more than met the eyes. Everything in the universe was often
more complex than it seemed. And Mara, knowing this truth, was far more wary of
the situation than Isis seemed to be.
�� The
tall female paced, her blade in her hand and out at her side. �I have heard of
creatures that die when their partner does.� She said, �Others, like some
yautja I have known, simply go mad. They kill everything in sight.�
�� Isis gave a snorting scoff, �I don�t think we have to
fear that with Gi. Remember, this is the female who tried to change the
training uniforms to yellow because she did not like the way her son and his
classmates scowled during practice and thought the colour would make them
happy.�
�� Mara
snickered, holding her hand out to brace herself as she chuckled at the memory.
Especially Tu�shar�s, the then Lead Elder�s, expression as she made her son
model the hideously bright creation. She quieted to see the female sit up.
�� You
laugh?� she demanded. Gi�s eyes were narrowed slits, her mouth a tight line
across her neat face. She spoke with rattle, something on the verge of being a
growl, when she posed the question. Her head swivled to Mara and there was
complete silence in the room.
�� Isis backed away as Gi stood,
her arms out at her side. The female�s skin began to flush, reddening bright
and shiny as an apple, until her blue eyes looked frighteningly pale against
her skin. They looked like they were alight, burning,
as they glittered over Mara�s face. �My mate is dead and you laugh?!�
�� No,
Gi. We where just�oh shit!� Isis fell to the side as the chair flew by her head but
Mara took the strike head on. The seat exploded into pieces over her face,
cutting open her brow and knocking her back.
�� The
females at the door scattered with screams, shutting the door behind them as Gi
ripped another seat up and stalked over to the downed female. She knocked
everything in her path away with it before standing over Mara�s unconscious
body. Her slender arms flexed as her body arched. She readied to crack the
Elder�s head open when a hard strike in the centre of her back knocked her
away. The chair slipped from her hands and she fell onto her side. She flipped
her wild white hair over her shoulder to look at Isis who tied her skirt into a
knot. Gi did not bat an eye before she lunged at the female, knocking her flat
against the wall at her back.
�� Isis screamed. The female had a grip on her that rivalled
any warrior�s and her fingers gouged mercilessly into her skin. She thought Gi
would tear her apart with her bare hands, cut in to her flesh with her neatly
manicured fingers until the bone and pull her apart like two halves of fruit,
when one of the servants crept up behind her, knocking a piece of broken chair
over her head.
�� Isis scrunched her face, shielding her eyes and peeked an eye open when she heard the hit connect. The board
split in two, but Gi was unfazed. She turned with a snarl, forgetting the human
and attacked the trembling female who dared strike her.
�� The
female�s screams made Isis scramble to her
feet. Gi had the girl by the throat and shook her like nothing in her small
hands. Other servants still trapped inside, rushed to help one of their own but
they were deflected. Slapped, kicked, tossed away with
a shove by Gi who destroyed the room as she swiped at them. It seemed as if she
would kill the girl in her hands when Isis
gave a last ditch effort to talk some sense into the female.
�� Crouching,
digging her foot into the ground and pushing off with a grunt, Isis rushed her
friend and knocked her onto the bed, holding her down by her wrists, shaking
her as she did. She ordered her to snap out of it, to remember who they were
and that they were here to help but none of her pleas registered. Gi arched off
the downy plush and raised her leg, kicking the human square in the chest,
sending her flying like a doll into the wall across from the bed. Isis landed with a crunch and lay curled on her side as
Navin entered the room. At the older yautja�s back were scores of ship�s guards
who descended on the fighting female like a ravenous horde, holding her still
with knees in her chest so the Elder Healer could prepare a sedative.

�� Just
as the guards emptied the room and carried off the wounded females, Isis started to regain consciousness, drawn out of the
darkness by Mara�s voice. Standing up with the female�s help, she stumbled to
the bed and rubbed her aching chest.
�� She�s
got a kick like a donkey,� she whimpered.
�� I
know that creature,� Navin nodded. �The comparison is accurate.�
�� He
ambled to the human and lifted her arm. He felt along her sides with his
fingers and between her breasts, pausing at the awkward depression in its
centre. He remembered what made the hole and moved over, checking her other
side. Satisfied no bones were broken he moved to Mara who was definitely in
need of his attentions, her face cut and bleeding profusely.
�� Gi�s
grief enhanced her strength,� he began quietly. �It is a common phenomeon with
her kind. Intense emotions give rise to their merta and it turns them into something else.�
�� I
believe it,� Isis remembered how Gi changed
colours right before she flew into a rage. Her skin and hair
flushing with dark, blood red colour, setting off her blazing blue eyes.
�� In
an instant the female became a creature unlike the woman had ever seen, her
striking, pitiless eyes flashing coolly over her. Gi was utterly foreign to her
and it scared Isis deeply to realise, crushed
against the wall by the frenzied female, her best friend, the person she
considered to be like a sister to her, did not recognise her either. Not in the
slightest.
�� But
now asleep, prone in the bed, blissfully unawares she began to look familiar to
the woman again. Easing into the bed with her, Isis
brushed the hair from Gi�s face, making her comfortable in the pillows and
covers.
�� How
long will this �merta� thing rule her, my Love?� Sala came to stand by Navin. She
listened in on his explanation of the female�s condition grew disheartened.
What was worse, her mate�s response was not encouraging.
�� I
do not know,� Navin replied, closing his kit. �But I will do some research and
find out. Until then she will stay sedated.�
�� Isis looked up then. She stopped stroking the female�s
cheek to tell the Elder he would do no such thing. �That will only prolong
this. She needs to get better as soon as possible.�
�� Sala
gasped, appalled that Isis would be so
selfish, �Elder Female, I realise that you want to see your friend better, but
perhaps you should take her well being into consideration. She is in so much
pain. Let her be comfortable.�
�� Her
children need her more than she needs to be comfortable.�
�� Isis could be heard just beyond the door. Their crying
and questions became progressively louder until they literally clawed at the
door to get at their mother. They undoubtedly knew the awful truth too, the
rumour mill being what it is on the ship, and desperately needed to see that
she had not left them as well.
�� Sala
was not ignorant of their tears either but if anything it made set her frimer
in her opinion. She folded her arms dissaprovingly as she neared Isis. �It would be irresponsible to do what you ask. How
do you know she will not attack them as well? You are her greatest friend and
she tried to kill you.�
�� I
am not her flesh and blood,� Isis said,
standing. Gi was a great mother and always put her children�s needs before her
own. There was no way she�d let her �merta� or anything else consume her when
knowing their safety was in the balance. �I don�t know what she will do to us,
but she will not harm them.�
�� If
she does, will you be prepared to live with the consequences?� Isis tilted her head and Navin clarified his question.
�By law, I will be obligated to destroy her. A parent who slays their offspring
must be dispatched with immediately.�
�� The
children, if they survive will certainly never be the same. But then again, you
know best, do you not Elder Female?�
�� Isis looked at the faces that surrounded her with her
breath held. They all thought she was wrong and suddenly she questioned her
decision too, but her heart would not let it stand. She looked at the female
sleeping in the bed and let out a deep breath.
�� I
would stake my life on it.�
�� So
you shall,� Sala nodded. She gathered the other female Elders, corralling them
to the doors with tiny circular motions. �It will be you, and you alone, who
will be here when she wakes.�
�� Isis watched the Elder move past her. She turned when
Mara brushed against her shoulder, standing next to her to look over the
sleeping female.
�� Mara�s
hand went to her bandaged head, �For their sake, I hope you are right, Isis. They are too small to survive a beating from her.
Shit, we barely made it out.�
�� Isis wanted to admit to the female she was worried too,
but the door behind her opened. The children fell inside and streaked like
light to their mother�s bedside. There were eight of them now, the four
youngest Isis did not know, but it did not
stop her from hugging them while she explained their mum was merely resting and
not dead.
�� But
our father is,�
�� The
woman turned and was taken back to see Ur�van step toward her. The boy was
quickly becoming a warrior, the short lox that just brushed his shoulders said
as much. He was considerably taller, his body a lean tower of muscle that moved
with a sad grace as he moved to her side. He looked down at her with his
impossibly large black eyes and Isis took a
deep breath, steadying herself to answer his question with a yes.
�� The
muscles in Ur�van�s jaws worked noticeably. A roaring bellow grew in his chest
and slowly moved up his throat. He wanted to release it. He wanted to let the
whole universe know his agony but his brothers and sisters wept enough for all
of them. The twin girls held each other but the littler ones crushed their
tearstained faces into the bed and the chests of the females who waited nearby
with open arms. Sala, despite her objection to them being allowed in the room,
was among them. She looked up from Jaylar, the boy she held, and watched her
mate leave and then come back, tucking his tablet away and then resuming
packing up his kit with haste.
�� What
is wrong?� she asked.
�� Navin
did not look up when he responded. Continuing with his task.
�Ali�shir, by way of our acting Lead Elder Say�der, demanded Council to
convene.�
�� Tell
him I will not attend,� Sala motioned to the children all around her. �I am
needed here. So are Mara, Isis and the others.�
�� Navin stopped packing with an angry sigh. His hands gripped
the edge of his kit. �He knows,
Sala.�
�� Isis� ears perked up, �Knows what?�
�� Navin and Sala shared worried
glances until Mara spoke for them through clentched teeth, �Ali�shir has
learned what killed Bahdri.�
�� Seeing
the female warrior storm out of the room angrily, Ur�van came
foward. He listened now, as did the older twins, Cara and Meade. The pair of
girls stopped crying, wiping their pale fists over their cheeks in sync as Isis demanded to know what that meant.
�� I
will explain on the way if you like, Elder Isis� Navin
said crisply, closing his case and walking to the door.
�� The
woman moved to follow but Ja�lar, the child that clung to her legs made her
stop. Ur�van bent to take the boy, �It is ok,� he said, folding the pup in his
free arm. �I will look after them. I have been since my mother had her vision.�
�� He
whispered the last part as if it were a sin and prepared to explain more, but Isis pressed her finger to her mouth, hinting she
understood expressly what he meant.
�� I
know, but you should not bear this responsibility alone.�
�� It
is ok,� he repeated. �Go. I will feel better once I know why my father had to
die.�
�� So
will I,� Isis nodded.

�� The
Council Chambers doors flung open and Navin briskly moved inside, his arm
linked with his mate. Behind them, Mara tromped angrily and behind her Isis, who took the first empty seat she saw. She rolled
her eyes, regretting her choice immediately, when the male next to her turned
in his chair to face her. Fushel stared at her a while, looking at her with
child like curiosity and hand under his heavy jaw, before she turned with a
hiss. �What?!�
�� Why
is it that I can see your scalp?�
�� Because you are looking at it.�
�� He
growled, �You know what I meant, female.�
�� Yes,
but I do not want to answer you. Take the damn hint.� Isis
left the seat in a huff to move across the table, glowering at the male as she
seated herself some few chairs down from him between two other males. She did
not know Ali�shir was to her left until he prattled at her, amused that she
kicked the chair from the table to sit.
�� He
glanced away from the assistant Healer bandaging his battle wounds to Isis� scowling face. �So you know now too?�
�� Isis did not answer him. She did not trust herself not to
fly off into a screaming rant that would inflame and embarrass him but she
definately knew what he spoke of.
�� Bhadri, since taking over Ge�tan, had been indulging his
every impulse and desire. He took any female that pleased him, with or without
consent. Any one that refused him or tried to stop him was cut down by his
personal guard without mercy. By the time of his death, there were scores of
females locked away in the three floors he commandeered to make his extravagant
multi-level suite, nearly all of which joyously fled at hearing the news of his
demise. What was worse, not a single member of the Council that sat around them
thought to object or seek outside help. Not a one thought that the male,
ripping females from homes and families that cared for them, did not add to the
violence that seemed to consume the ship. All of them either bent under
Bhadir�s intimidation, sided with him, or in Mara and Fushel�s case, were sent
away and kept ingornant so they were not present to object.
�� As
much as he angered her by just being, Isis knew like Bhadri did, Fushel would
have objected on principle and Mara, a warrior who would not stand for the
objectification of any fellow female anywhere, would have done the same. They
would not have cared that Go�meh, the leader of the Clan whole, appointed
Bhadri personally to the position or that he was good friends with the Ro�al.
They would have spoken up and forced the rest to do the same, which is
why�Ali�shir suspected�no one told them what was going on in their home ship.
�� Ali�shir
tore his arm away from the appetence Healer as he turned in his seat. Say�der
was not present to officially begin the assembly, but the male did not care. He
had questions that he wanted answered now.
He stood as he addressed Navin, who looked lost and frail in his flowing Elder
cloak.
�� What
is your excuse for keeping silent during all this, Elder?� he demanded. �You
were always the wisest of them. Surely you saw this as wrong.�
�� Wisdom
only comes with age, Ali�shir,� he replied quietly. It was hard for Navin to
admit he was no longer the spry male he was centuries ago but he swallowed his
pride to answer truthfully. �Bhadri and those that followed him were so young.
There was no way I could hope to stand against him and win.�
�� Ali�shir
growled his discontent, �But the least you could do was stand,� he snapped. �It
was the least you all could have done!� he roared at the assembly.
�� I�lana, Bhadri�s former mate, cautioned him to
change his tone, �Do not speak of what you do not know, male. It was not as if
we did not have our reasons to hold our tongues.�
�� Like?� Isis prompted.
�� Our families. Our children.�
I�lana listed, suprised she had to. �My sons were Bhadri�s but he kept them
ignorant of what was happening by sending them away. If I spoke up a war would
erupt. If a war erupted on the ship, he would call them back to fight with him.
I could not risk them seeing what their mother had become. A whoremonger in her
own home�� I�lana dropped her head.
�� Wa�i,
Say�der�s female, stretched to console her Council sister, scowling at Isis. �We are not so heartless, human,� she hissed,
stroking the female�s locks. �All of us stood lose a lot more than our lives if
we challenged the Lead Elder. Even your precious Pilot had his pups to force
his silence. His twins were quickly becoming of age�not that it would have
mattered any to the Lead Elder if he truly desired them,� she swallowed
thickly, remembering the debauchery she had witnessed.
�� Yes
well, it did not help that some of our Council members were not upset by the
arrangement,� Sala�s gaze could have incinerated the way she glowered at Wa�i.
And the female shrunk away from it like a scolded child, hiding as much as she
could. I�lana wrapped an arm around Wa�i, consoling her as much as she tried to
console her. �You cannot blame her for the actions of her mate,� she sniffed.
�I would perish if I was forced to answer for Bhadri�s crimes.�
�� Ali�shir
was taken back �You mean, Say�der participated in this?�
�� No
one answered his question as the acting Lead Elder strode into the hall. He sat
at his place at the table�s head and reclined in his chair, rocking in his
seat. He looked nonplussed, even as Ali�shir asked him to answer the charge.
�� Say�der
was unmoved, only caring to say, �It was necessary. As the governing body of
this ship, we must appear united or else there will be chaos. My own enjoyment
factored very little into my decision to follow him.�
�� Ali�shir
looked as if he would come across the table at the male for his flippancy but
Mara, trying to prevent yet more bloodshed, quickly changed the subject. �So
one,� she announced, gaining everyone�s attention, ��If not a group of these
angry family members and jilted mates, killed the Lead Elder?�
�� It
is not likely,� Fushel answered. �I checked the records. All our ships were
docked, their ammunition accounted for. It is my opinion someone outside Ge�tan
did this.�
�� Ali�shir
raised a thick eyebrow, intrigued by the male�s tone. �You have a suspect.�
�� The
Enforcer nodded. �Ka�meja. Clan Leader of E�rai.�
Ali�shir took up the tablet the male tossed at him. �She accused Bhadri of
killing her father and predecessor, Elder Cad�lik.�
�� Looking
at the images, Ali�shir remembered the slain male. He had been a guest on the
ship when Tu�shar ruled. �Did Bhadri do this?�
�� Absolutely
not,� Say�der snorted. �He only said he did to anger her.�
�� The
female refused his advances,� Navin explained, gaining a sound of understanding
from Ali�shir.
�� We
all remember how highly he thought of females in positions of power,� Mara
added. �Especially ones that had the sense to not get
involved with him. No offence, I�lana.�
�� None
taken,� the female nodded.
�� He
sought to anger her and it worked,� Ali�shir concluded, tossing the tablet back
as he stood. �Unfortunately he was not alone when she granted him his death
wish.�
�� Navin
rose as Ali�shir did, his eyes full of concern. �Where are you going?�
�� Back
to Anuvis after Heron�s ceremony,� Ali�shir wanted revenge for the Pilot�s
death but it seemed as if his murder died with him on his ship. �My obligation
to Ge�tan is done.�
�� No
it is not.� Na�run, who had been standing patiently against the wall at the
male�s back, stepped forward with tablet in hand. �Clan Elder Tu�shar has instructed
you remain as acting Lead Elder until another was selected.�
�� Say�der
sat up then, abandoning his lackadaisical slouch to look at his own Liaison,
Ennet. The male�s singular nod told him what Na�run said was truth and the
usurped male snarled. �This is not right!� He cut his ranting short when
Ali�shir agreed just as enthusiastically as he objected.
�� I
was not even asked if I would accept the task!�
�� Na�run
shrugged, �He did not ask, Elder. He commanded it. By the power his position on
the Clan Council grants.�
�� It
is just as well, Ali�shir.� Navin soothed, pleading the male to take a seat.
�Ka�meja might try to attack your ship next. She has declared war with us.�
�� Isis�s eyes widened, she sat bolt upright in her seat.
�And when the hell were you going to announce that, Healer? Before we left Anuvis?!�
�� Navin
patted her hand, �Ease yourself, female. There is no
reason for distress.�
�� How
can you say that? Why aren�t there alarms going off? Why is everyone sitting
here like it is just another damn day? Shouldn�t we be taking precautions?�
�� Fushel
growled at the human. She was calling into question his decision not to elevate the ship�s security. �They are a tiny
Clan. Insignificant,� he explained tersely. �They barely have two ships. We
could crush them easily. They are no threat.�
�� Isis rolled her eyes, �I�m so sure Bhadri would agree with you, Enforcer.�
�� The
Ro�al as well,� Mara clicked bitterly. It was the first time she heard of the
impending battle as well and while she understood Fushel�s confidence but still
thought it premature. �What will we do now? Take their invitation?�
�� Say�der
clenched his hands into fists, popping his knuckles. �I do not see why not. I
could stand a good battle right now.�
�� I
already have warriors in position,� Fushel added.
�� Squabbling
consumed the table of males and females until a voice shouted for them to
quiet. Navin banged a fist onto the mirrored metal surface until the raucous
noise evaporated. �Let our Lead Elder decide.�
�� Waiting
for his response, there was silence from those in the hall. They studied the
male instead who sulked in his seat, grinding his teeth. There was seemingly no
escaping the responsibility Tu�shar felt he was destined to carry. Every pair
of eyes in the room fixated on him, trying with looks lone to bury into his
head and read his thoughts�except one.
�� Ali�shir
nudged his mate�s arm and she lifted her head wearily. His voice carried the
hint of a trill as he asked her what she was thinking.
�� You
need to meet with Ka�meja.�
�� Are
you insane,� Fushel shouted. �Do you
want more of our blood shed? His blood?�
�� Isis slammed her hand on the table, �I do not remember
asking you a damn thing!�
�� Do
not raise your voice to me, human!�
�� Fushel�s
mandibles flared, the skin over his jagged inner teeth curling to say something
else, but the old Healer gripped the male�s arm.
�� Forgive
him, my dear. What you are proposing is a little unorthodox in our culture.�
�� Considering
the circumstances, it can�t hurt,� she explained. �If we talk to them, tell
them we did not sanction the attack on Cad�lik and that we are grieving for
their loss as well as our own, they might walk away.�
�� Why
is she still speaking?� Say�der wondered aloud. �The words are yautja but it
makes no sense. What is this foolishness?�
�� Let
me make it perfectly clear then!� Isis
snapped. �E�rai may not be grand but they are desperate and hell bent on
revenge. There is no way to predict what they will do next.�
�� All
the more reason to annihilate them now,� Fushel shirked off Navin�s hand. �They
have already declared war on us. We have the right.�
�� Isis screeched from exasperation, �But they declared it
without knowing the truth!�
�� That
is not my concern and I do not answer to you,� he said standing. �There are
some things �friendly human talk� will not pacify.�
�� I
agree with our Enforcer,� Say�der said, standing to join him. �If anything it
will galvanise Ge�tan against something other than her Council. Your display in
the hall will only send them back to lick their wounds,� he said looking at
Ali�shir. ��and plot retaliation.�
�� That
is not a reason to go to war,� Ali�shir countered, demanding they both sit. He
was quickly loosing control of the Council again and as much as he hated it, it
was his to control. He shoved a few Elders to sit as he approached the two
instigators of the mutiny. Under his unwavering glare, Say�der reluctantly
returned to his seat, but Fushel continued toward the doors.
�� The
Enforcer could not care less that the E�rai leader killed Bhadri. The male was
dishonourable in his eyes and it was only a matter of time before he himself
killed the sorry excuse for a male, but he was angered by the fact Ka�meja
managed to besmirch his flawless record as a protector. Fushel had never lost a
charge on his watch, ever. And now
that he had, only Ka�meja�s severed head would restore his broken pride.
�� His
hand grasped the door�s handle when Ali�shir stepped behind him, asking him
with as much calm as he could muster for him to reconsider. �Remember the task
I have asked of you,� he called after him. �You have already accepted it.
Walking away will mean you have failed at it before it has even begun.�
�� Fushel�s
grip on the door tightened, the veins underneath his
taught skin streatching and impirinting themselves on his heavy red fist. No
one commanded him. It was only through fortune that he became the ship�s
Enforcer as none of it�s leaders asked him to do
anything he did not want to yet. He answered to no one �but he did bow to his
pride, and Ali�shir wisely called him to remember it. His word was his bond and
he would not break it.
�� Sheath
your sword, Elder.� Fushel said dejectedly, backing away from the exit. �I
remember. And I will not fail a second time.�
�� Ali�shir
tucked the blade at his back into the secret holder again. He thought he was
being furtive. He moved so quickly and quietly, no one else in the room seemed
to know what he had done but the Enforcer, with his uncanny sense of hearing,
knew. Silently he thanked the gods the male, for now, was on his side.
�� He
watched as Fushel forced himself to sit, clasping his hand in front of him to
still their shaking. For once, his body warred with his instinct and his
muscles spasmed uncontrollably with the unspent tension. Navin moved to offer
the male the comfort with a vial of drug when the indicator of the hologram
monitor in the table�s centre sparked to life.
�� Just
in time,� Navin said wearily, clicking the device on with the tap of his
finger.

�� Tu�shar,
from his offices in the Clan Mainstay, spoke only a few words to the assembled
members before asking them to excuse themselves.
�� I
need to speak privately with Ali�shir�and Isis,� he added, noticing her move to
leave as well.
�� The
woman eased back into her seat and listened as Tu�shar spoke frankly. He, as
they had been, was angered to learn what Ge�tan had been reduced to under
Bhadri�s rule. He knew by word of mouth something was amiss and speaking with
Ka�meja only confirmed it. He called her to offer his condolences as her father
was a great friend to him. Tu�shar had not expected the call to turn into peace
negotiations.
�� Please
confirm that I was not wrong to tell her that grandiose moron had nothing to do
with her father�s untimely demise.�
�� You
were not,� Ali�shir nodded, explaining Bhadri�s motivations for letting the lie
persist.
�� Tu�shar
nodded approvingly, �Good. Then the war between our Clans is at an end.�
�� But
it does leave a question as to who killed Heron,� Ali�shir messaged the nape of
his neck as he thought. �If the female was telling the truth to you and Ka�meja
did not order the attack, I have no suspects.�
�� Tu�shar�s
eyes dulled, �The Ro�al and the Lead Elder were killed as well Ali�shir.� The
male stared back apathetically as the Clan Elder explained why he should
remember that. �It is fine if you and I know Heron has been your true
motivation for seeking out the killer, but try to respond appropriately when
others ask.�
�� I
forget I am supposed to care,� he said gruffly. �When will the new Lead Elder
arrive? I am eager to begin my investigation and it is difficult to do when I
have Council foolishness to contend with.�
�� Ge�tan�s
new Lead Elder is already there,� Tu�shar said brightly. �He and his mate
arrived earlier today.�
�� Isis shook her head, crumpling her hand over her face and
Ali�shir rumbled a deep, �No.�
�� It
would not be forever,� Tu�shar began.
�� No.�
�� And
I will allow you full autonomy,�
�� No!� Ali�shir roared, �I am done with
this place!�
�� Tu�shar
exhaled heavily. He was not surprised by Ali�shir�s resistance but he was still
irritated by it. He had hoped time away would temper his anger to his home
clanship but at the least, he hoped the severity of the current situation would
allow him to shelve it all together.It had formally fallen upon his shoulders,
an order by the Clan Leader himself, to resolve the issue and the male was in
dire straights. �The Clan Council is very close to ejecting Ge�tan from the
Clan completely. They are beginning to see it as a waste of effort.�
�� Ali�shir
snorted, �I would agree.�
�� Tu�shar�s
cool burst then, vaulting his anger into the stratosphere, �Where is your sense
of pride, Ali�shir?� he shouted. �This is your home ship! Where
your mother and father joined. Where you and your
sister grew up. Where my sons, once like brothers to you, fought and
died!�
�� Where my mother bled to death because no one wanted to help birth
her half-breed son until it was too late. Where the
ruling yautja kept my human father hidden away like a slave, isolating him from
the children who needed him, forcing him to watch us grow through the grates
and pipes that connect the belly of this ship as he toiled in them. The place where my sons were taught to hate me and themselves for
not being of pure blood.�
�� Tu�shar
paled, his mandibles clasping tightly. �Those things about your parents�� he
began. �You were never meant to know those things, Ali�shir.�
�� I
know. But I do and so did A�rah. Which is why my fond
memories of this place are few and far between, Elder.�
�� Tu�shar
remained quiet, watching as Isis lay a hand on
her mate�s shoulder. It was not overly emotional so he allowed it, letting the
female console the male a bit before he asked her what she felt about the ship.
�� I
only think of this place because Heron and Gi call it home. Called it home,� she corrected,
realising she still talked of the male in the present tense. She thought a
little more about the ship as she squeezed Ali�shir�s shoulder and posed her
own question to the Clan Elder.
�� What
is the Clan Leader�s stance on all this? Wasn�t Go�meh himself born here?�
�� There
was surprise in Tu�shar�s voice, �He was. I am shocked you acquainted itself
with its history.�
�� I
didn�t, but I understand that the Clan Leader is something of an idol to many
here so I read a little on him,� she winked at Ali�shir. He rattled at her to
be quiet. Although it was expected of all males his age, he was never one to
readily admit he was a great fan of Go�meh.
�� Well
you are correct. He was born and raised there, but he has become quite absent
as of late� side-tracked with some new female.�
�� Tu�shar
muttered angrily to himself and Isis looked at
Ali�shir who snickered wit her. It was a compliant neither of them was too
unfamiliar with, although it was usually shouted at them by Na�run through
their tightly shut bedroom doors. While they chuckled, Tu�shar suddenly focused
and snapped at the two for joking.
�� This
is no laughing matter,� he boomed, bringing sobering silence. �I am under a lot
of pressure to produce results! Will you do what I ask or not?�
�� Ali�shir
reclined in his seat with a rumble, leering at the male�s sparking light image.
He winced to hear himself say yes. �Only because it will help you,� he said
quickly. �You and Pavi have always been kind to me. Even when I was not kind to
myself� so I feel as if I owe you this debt, but when the danger is over, I am
done here. You will find someone to replace me.�
�� I
thank you,� Tu�shar bowed. He was glad to hear the response he hoped for, but
he was not relieved yet. The female had to consent as well. �You both need to
be in agreement here. I cannot afford to have you two behaving like you did in
Anuvis.�
�� We
are in agreement,� she nodded.
�� Tu�shar
trilled. He could see Isis was not pleased
with the decision to stay as soon as Ali�shir cemented it, but she did not
object. �Your ability to shelve your own personal issues to band together as a
unit always amazed me. It took Pavi and I years to
learn this. You two are almost a proper couple,� he nodded approvingly.
�� Isis raised a questioning brow, �Almost?�
�� Tu�shar
nodded, �That was the other reason I needed you to stay behind,� he began. Now
that the eyes of the entire Clan were on them and what they did, he felt it
necessary to remind the two that they needed to act accordingly. Properly. �Which means no more
disappearing for days on end for you, Ali�shir and no hunting for you, Isis.
You will conduct yourselves in a manner befitting your station. Have I made
myself clear?�
�� Crystal,� Isis replied.
Ali�shir nodded as well.
�� That
was easier than I thought,� the Clan Elder prattled. He looked away to some off
screen and then returned. �I must go now, but Ali�shir I need to remind of you
of one thing. As I have said, I will give you complete autonomy. I will not
make deadlines for you as I know this will take some time, but I will ask you
to have your decision for I�lana and Gi�s Ah�sim
by the day�s end.�
�� Ali�shir
cleared his throat, sneaking a glance at Isis.
�It is already done. I will send you report after this.�
�� Good,�
he clicked, impressed he was already so on the ball.
He hoped that did not extend into the investigation. �Remember, finding out who
killed the Ro�al is job of my special group. Focus all your attention on
restoring and maintaining order in the ship. Getting Ge�tan back in the
Council�s good graces is the most important thing, understand?�
�� Of
course,�
�� Tu�shar
bowed and the screen flickered to dark. Isis
turned to face her mate with a knowing smile. He asked her what she found so
funny.
�� You
were lying your ass off just now.�
�� Ali�shir
had no intention of leaving the investigation alone. The only reason he came
back at all was to learn who killed his friend.
�� And
you were not?� he countered. �I am surprised Tu�shar believed you when you said
you would not hunt anymore.�
�� I
said he was �crystal clear�. I never
said I would obey,� she said, stressing the distinction. �Now tell me what an
Ah�sim is and why Gi needs one by the day�s end.�
�� A
Council appointed protector. Usually they are assigned to orphaned pups that
have yet to be placed or those who are viciously unpopular, but they are given
to a Le�a, a female who has lost her
mate.�
�� Le�a,�
Isis repeated quietly. �Pretty
name for something so ugly. Who have you chosen?�
�� Now-je,
Bhadri and I�lana�s eldest son, will protect his mother.�
�� And for Gi?�
�� Isis swallowed when the male turned to take her by the
shoulders. His tone dropped, becoming firmer and more serious. �You will not like
it, but I need you to not object. Gi will not like my choice either, but she
will not fight it if you do not.�
�� Isis tried to shrug him off of her, �Wait, how do you
know she won�t and what creature have
you unearthed to protect my friend?� Her mind worked furiously as she tried to
think of who it could be, but she repeatedly drew a blank. The Ro�al and Bhadri
were dead, Kai and Yash�in were still on the run, Joi�en had gone rogue but her
heart skipped to think that they had found him and that he was Ali�shir pick.
�� Isis faced him, suddenly fearful, �Who did you choose,
Ali?� He told her and she pushed his hands away with a hiss. �Fushel?� she
repeated incredulously. �Fushel?!
Crazy, murderous, can�t-ever-get-enough-ass, Fushel?!
Have you lost your mind?!�
�� He
is the only one I trust,� he hushed, urging her to quiet. The male, with his
sharp ears, was waiting just outside, surely he would hear.
�� What
about Mara or Say�der?�
�� Ali�shir
explained that although it was insanely convenient for him, Bhadir had a
legitimate reason for sending Mara away and she would soon have to return. As
for Say�der, he did not trust the male as far as he could throw him anymore.
Things had not been the same between them since Yash�in�s sentencing, but the
events of the meeting just cemented his distrust. Fushel just seemed the
obvious and proper choice for the task.
�� What
about Ra�daei or Kajal? Hell even Q�sim is a better choice!�
�� They
are not here!�
�� Neither
were we until a few hours ago. Send for them!�
�� I-sis!� he grit. He told her to calm but
the woman was gaining a second wind. When her pointed argument against his
choice degraded into a steady stream of near unintelligible expletives,
Ali�shir slammed a heavy fist on the table and told her to be silent. �Enough!�
he shouted. �I have made my decision. Fushel is this ship�s greatest warrior
and he would sooner die than fail in this. She will be well protected, I swear
it.�
�� Isis bit her lip to button her mouth shut. She crossed
her arms and legs, agitatedly bouncing in her seat. Suddenly the cryptic
conversation between Ali�shir and Fushel made sense. This was the task he asked
of him and it did not bode well with the woman that Fushel�insatiable bastard
that he was�so readily accepted it. It also irritated her that Ali�shir did not
step up to the task himself.
�� At
the time, I thought I would be looking for Heron�s killer instead of running
this ship,� he explained. �I could not drag her and eight pups from quadrant to
quadrant while I did this�but I also worried who Say�der would pick, so I asked
Fushel to make his choice easy.�
�� Why not me then? Is there some rule that a human cannot
protect her?�
�� Isis, you are an admirable fighter but you are no match
for a group of determined yautja. And if Gi goes into heat in a public place,
you will need to be.� Ali�shir scooted closer, drawing her into his arms. �Say
you trust me,� he whispered.
�� He
pulled her into his lap and Isis stiffly
rested against him. Closing her eyes she could feel the thrum of his heart. His
pulse was even as his breaths, not a trace of trepidation or anxiousness. He
sincerely believed in his choice but the issue was never him or his
motivations. The issue was Fushel. But she would put faith in Ali�shir and his
decision. He had earned that much from her.
�� If
you trust him, I will too,� she said laying her arms over his. �I don�t like
him and I won�t pretend to, but I will not undermine your decision.�
�� To Gi? In public?�
�� At
all,� she said, looking him in the eyes. �But if he hurts her�� she warned,
wagging a finger.
�� Ali�shir
took her and hand and kissed her soft finger tips, �I will gut him myself.�
�� I�d
appreciate the sentiment, but I would like the honour.� Ali�shir leaned forward
and Isis smiled. Pressing her lips against his
she kissed him softly. Despite the fact he would not waver in his decision, he
thought enough try to make her understand. And she could, which was not to say
she would not keep a close and very, very
careful eye on Fushel.

�� A
knock at the door made them turn, breaking their liplock. It was Sala bringing
news Gi had woken. �It is time for you to honour your word, Elder Female.�
�� Yes,�
Isis slid from her mate�s lap and smoothed out
her skirt. �I suppose now is just as good a time as any to tell her more bad news.�
�� Ali�shir
caught her hand, squeezing. She looked in his quicksilver eyes and nodded,
understanding the unspoken words in the action. He was reminding her to watch
herself, to mind her promise to swallow her objections�of which she did have
many.
�� Following
the Female into the hall, Isis passed Fushel.
He looked overly smug, hanging his long red body against the doorway, his
muscled arms folded. He heard their entire argument, right up to her reluctant
acceptance of Ali�shir�s will and looked ripe to gloat her submission but the
male held his tongue, letting his eyes speak his amusement. Isis
only glanced at them and him as she passed in silence. Stepping into the lift
chamber, she closed her eyes, praying to every god she knew of that Ali�shir
knew what the hell he was doing.
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A Union of Convenience II