Boundless

Familiar Talons

Ah'kaedh and Lar'jar got to one of the largest communal areas, where people socialized over food. The enforcer was wearing an add-on to his bioware instead of a prosthetic, per Kar'jal's request; the piece sent constant stimuli to his nerves, reading the response.

The new prosthetic with scales had an extra sensorial feature; it allowed the user a level of feeling on each tiny scale, which in turn would help their brain understand which part was being touched.

Great progress, no doubts there. But the damn add-on was also causing some phantom sensations; movement, itch, pressure, and pain.

Lar'jar halted for a second, keying his gauntlet. The Hall had such proportions that simply walking around searching for people was plain stupid.

"Zinah paid me a visit today", Lar'jar informed. That was one of his own daughters, a century older than Ah'kaedh.

"How is she?", the Enforcer asked.

"Healthy, two new hunting scars, asking questions", the Medic grinned, pointing the way.

Females of their Clan would often choose the Hunter's path, once they were done having children.

"Will she join us today?"

"Maybe, if she can untangle herself from the engineers on maintenance", that seemed to amuse the Medic, somehow.

"How many auxiliary ships did Zinah blow up this time?"

"She was unwilling to disclose the reason for being held there." Zinah's father's grin widened.

When Ze'ev and Kahir saw the two dark Yautjas approaching, they both stood.

Father and sons were seated after greetings, since Lar'jar went to arrange the meals for the group.

"That one is new, father", he pointed to a scar in his chest, the one Lance had nuzzled while doped on sedatives.

"Bad Blood's blade", Ah'kaedh was usually economical with his words.

"I heard you went after a large group", Karhir commented.

And there it was. His hunt was not yet completed, nor were the elders done with questioning him. Why would Kahir know any details of his activities?

Yes, it could be the rumor mill, but the most likely source of Kahir's knowledge was his children's paternal grandmother.

"From Ah'shka, I suppose", Ah'kaedh's tone had not shifted one bit. But the Enforcer thought it would be better to cut the crap.

It took a second, but Kahir acquiesced.

The uncomfortable silence that followed could be cut with a knife, so dense it was. Uncomfortable for Ah'kaedh's children - their father was waiting for the next question, and pretty much undisturbed.

"Can you share with us the details about the hunt for the abomination Queen?", Ze'ev finally asked.

"You know how protocol works for this type of Hunt, Ze'ev", was Ah'kaedh's answer.

The youngest nodded once, resigned.

"Which trophies had you brought home, father?" Kahir tried a different approach.

"Bad Bloods, a good number of ooman mercenaries, some Kiande Amedha", still cold business.

"How many mercenaries this time?" Kahir asked.

"Over 30. I probably won't keep all; some of them are quite damaged", but that was something Ah'kaedh would decide in the peace of his home. "How about you, Kahir? How was your last hunt?"