Teresa watches the small yautja transport vessel rise into the air. Erilnis is held in the crook of her left arm, while she grips Vor'taalnis' hand with her right hand. Beside Teresa, Yau-tala holds Enilka to her chest, the sleeping childling's head supported with her left hand.

  The female settlement leader tries to appear unaffected by the ship's departure. However, her mouth droops with sadness. Dr. Boyd sneaks a glance at Yau-tala, her eyes narrowing. She puts on her most wicked smile and continues to peer at Yau-tala.

  "Shame about Mau-Nis...Being of the old ways. He and your father might have gotten along just fine. Too bad he had to leave as well."

  Yau-tala's mouth twists into an unhappy scowl. She cuts her eyes in Teresa's direction, and catches sight of the sly expression on the former scientist's face. The settlement leader's voice becomes a low whisper.

  "Do not tell my father of me and Mau-Nis. Mau-Nis may be of the old ways, but my father despises elders. And their eril'k followers."

  "Elder Scar hates elders? Then, why does he carry the title?"

  "It is more in mockery than in the truest sense. He believes that the elders have abandoned the true way of the yautja. By stranding their offspring on this dead planet, they have violated the code. They have vacated their most sacred of duties. To their vil'pars and to their descendants. He has no love for either Elder N-Vorl...Or Mau-Nis. He simply tolerated them. For your sake."

  "My sake? What do I have to do with it?" Teresa says with an uneasy laugh.

  "Do you not see what my father feels for you? Do you not understand?"

  "No," Teresa says, her eyes narrowing again. "Tell me."

  "You...Resemble my ooman mother a great deal. I thought you would have noticed this...When my father invited you to the temple. My father has not been the same since your arrival. He is not as solemn or angry. He does not brood nearly as much as before. He has taken your son under his tutelage, because he believes he is helping you. He has very strong feelings for you."

  "Oh no!" Teresa says, taking a step backwards. "You must be mistaken!"

  "There is no mistake," Yau-tala replies, certainty in her voice. "Mark my words. You will see I am telling the truth. Now, we should return to the settlement. I have a birthing to prep for."

  The entire walk back to the settlement, Teresa's mind is a whirl of thoughts and images. Could it be possible that Yau-tala is correct in her assertion?

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  -

  -

  Elder Scar is standing beside the blood pressure wheel when Teresa and Yau-tala enter the medical cabin. Scar's amber eyes fall to the tiny bundle held against the left side of Teresa's chest. He also glances down at Vor'taalnis, a grin touching his mottled face.

  "D'oij!" Vor'taalnis exclaims.

  Breaking free from Teresa, Vor'taalnis runs to Scar. The slightly older settlement elder bends and spreads his arms wide. The toddler hybrid chitters softly as Scar lifts him into the air. Teresa watches the exchange with weary eyes.

  Turning to look in Dr. Boyd's direction, Scar offers her the same wide grin. Teresa only stares back, words failing to come to her lips.

  "Your vil'par has returned to Yautja Prime already? Was he called away on urgent business? Is there a fierce battle brewing somewhere?"

  Teresa opens her mouth as if to speak. In the end, she only shakes her head from side to side. She is saved from replying when Enilka cries softly.

  The newborn childling utters a trembling cry, her tiny clawed hand slipping from beneath the blanket. Yau-tala rocks the newborn gently, shifting her large brown eyes over to the uncomfortable ooman.

  "I think it is time for her feeding. I will take the other childling and you can use the relaxation room to nurse. Or you may return to your cabin. Whichever place is more comfortable for you, Teresa."

  "You have a planned birthing to attend later. I think it would be best if we all return home. I will take Enilka with me."

  Teresa moves to take Enilka into the crook of her other arm, but Elder Scar steps forward.

  "I can take the other childling while you nurse. There is no need for you to be burdened carrying them both to your cabin."

  "Noo!" Teresa yelps, almost too hastily.

  Yau-tala's eyes widen and she shoots Teresa a 'What the hell?' look. Scar's mouth twists sideways. He stares at Teresa in bewilderment.

  "No?"

  "I mean...No, you don't have to do that! I'll be fine. Vor'taalnis...Come with Mommy."

  Scar's eyes narrow to tiny slits and he studies Teresa carefully. Something has happened since the arrival, and sudden departure, of her long absent vil'par. Does she now intend to avoid him?

  Putting Vor'taalnis down, Scar nods respectfully in Teresa's direction. To Vor'taalnis, he chitters softly.

  "D'oij...U'felh juyr!" Vor'taalnis exclaims with a tiny nod and hand wave.

  Watching Vor'taalnis communicate with Elder Scar suddenly fills Teresa with unfounded dread. Maybe she can convince Vildif to teach her the yautja language. Since the day he mistakenly viewed her nakedness, Vildif has been more than cordial.

  Of course, he was never unfriendly. From the moment they'd met, he'd seemed smitten with her. And he is a rather adorable hybrid. With his brown mottled skin and somewhat human nose; so much like Vor'taalnis'.

  Judging by Vildif's outward appearance, he seems slightly older than N-Vorl. At least, as far as human years go. But not by much. Human aging is a mixed pot. And according to Glotis, yautja can live for close to a thousand years. When not killed in glorious battle.

  Age is of no consequence in a situation like this. Every hybrid in the settlement will outlive her. Even Elder Scar, who is barely a day over one hundred and thirty years old. Maybe she will have to take Vildif up on his cordiality. Only a little. It might help to cool his father's jets. Or backfire royally.

  Carrying both childlings, Teresa strolls from the medical cabin. Vor'taalnis is close at her side.