Boundless

Indulgence

For a long time now, there was only darkness.

Literal darkness. The kind that only closed cells, with no windows, and highly secured at the access door would provide.

(Or was he blind? He could not remember).

The kind that will make you lose your sense of self, of place and time. Of up and down.

There was silence too. Absolute, maddening silence. And then it was not 'silence' anymore, because...

Paya, he could hear his blood flowing through his veins. His breath, horribly loud. Once he thought he could walk silently, priding himself Forbes g considered skilled way above his peers.

Nax could hear every single time his body made contact with anything.

Eating became a nightmare; the sounds, strong smells, strong flavors. But his body didn't agree with his mind's disdain for life.

The Yautja's flesh still demanded food.

Normal, natural functions of his body were a complete pain. It was not only breathing; excreting the damn food and water.

For long periods he could only pray to lose his reason. To forget he ever knew something different. Other times, rage consumed his brain, and he could not wait to get out. And there were periods of nothing... nothing at all.

***

Have you ever been second guessed by your only family? Better yet, your whole clan?

Have you had your choices diminished? Been deemed a waste?

Lar'jar's decision to become a medic and step away from any political matters, choosing an exploratory scientific path came as a surprise, and not welcomed at all.

At his age, even career medics had other responsibilities, assuming leadership roles, sitting in councils, working on research.

Ah'kaedh's older brother had systematically untangled himself from the tentacles of expectations.

Lar'jar had a mind of his own, and no appreciation for societal ties. And helping his brother came with a price.

"Your motion to access our archives was granted", the female voice informed.

"I'm grateful for your generosity", Lar'jar deference wasn't fake.

"I wonder why a Medic of your clan would want such data. You don't keep slaves, nor servants".

That was a fair question. You see, clans rivalry and animosity had various reasons. Views and positioning about rational prey species... That was usually a great source of conflict.

Lar'jar clan kept no relationships with prey, condemning slavery and servitude. His people prided themselves on being self sufficient in all things, more attached to reason; control over one instincts and impulses was also highly regarded.

(Which was one of the reasons for Ah'kaedh being considered for his role early on).

"I've treated a ooman badly injured", Lar'jar tried to be non-committal in his answer, without dismissing the female Elder who had showed him goodwill.

"Would you be able to share data around this case?"

"It will be a pleasure".

"Where is this ooman now?"

Since all clans pretty much agreed on keeping their species a secret.

"Alive, traveling back to our system".