A few meters from the edge of the forest, Elder Scar stops and lightly grips Teresa's right elbow. Teresa reluctantly turns to meet his gaze.

  "I do not mean to make you nervous with my constant attentions. I have not had feelings like this in a long time. There have been other female travelers to this settlement, throughout the cycles. But none have captured my soul as much as you have. You are very much like my Lex. Even your laugh reminds me of her. It creates a feeling in my heart...Which I cannot truly articulate with words. I feel most at home when I am near you. And Vor'taalnis."

  Teresa leans forward, while drawing Scar downward at the same time. The settlement leader, believing she means to kiss him on the mouth, puts an arm around her waist. Having only meant to kiss him on the cheek, Teresa attempts to course correct. Only her movements are too late. Scar draws her into a deep kiss, wrapping both muscular arms around her middle.

  Teresa allows Scar to kiss her, but is quick to separate from him. She averts her gaze and adjusts her clothes. Without saying a word, she pushes the wooden stroller down the path, toward the settlement. Scar follows at a slower pace. The whole time, Vor'taalnis stares up at Scar, confusion on his small hybrid face.

  -

  -

  Back At The Settlement

  Teresa freezes before entering the main square. What appears to be the entire population of the settlement is gathered in front of the medical cabin. A tall hybrid wearing a gold robe spies Elder Scar and moves in their direction. Somewhat older than Scar, the hybrid's tusks and teeth are larger and discolored. He offers Teresa a small nod of acknowledgement before launching into his narrative.

  "Elder, one of the newest arrivals...An ooman female...Has taken her own life. And the old ooman has fallen ill. The death of the other female affected her greatly and her heart gave out. Yau-tala was able to revive her, but she is not expected to live."

  "Was the ooman who took her own life the offspring of the old one?" Scar inquires.

  "No, Elder. It was another. The female who refused food. She was angry that her mate was killed aboard the ooman station. She spoke of plans to have a childling. That is the reason she gave for taking her own life."

  Teresa's stomach lurches at the tragic news. She wrestles with the sudden urge to throw up what little food she has consumed that day. Scar's eyes shift in her direction and she attempts to straighten her face. The hybrid male in gold also observes her closely.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  "Are you well, Teresa?" the gold-wearer asks.

  Teresa's tries desperately to remember when she has met this particular yautja hybrid. In the meantime, she answers him as cordially as possible.

  "I'm fine," Teresa says. "But...I'm...I don't remember your name."

  "I am Halyiis. I am the archiver for V'Daha Settlement. I was under the impression that Yau-tala had informed you of my need for an assistant."

  "Oh. Yes. She did tell me. Today, in fact. I wasn't thinking. It will be my pleasure. Although, I'm not sure how much assistance I can offer you. I'm a scientist...Not a historian."

  Halyiis nods appreciatively, his eyelids drawing almost shut.

  "Any assistance...Will be appreciated."

  Scar is unable to stave off the sudden flash of envy which courses through him. However, Teresa's scent does not change. She is not at all interested in Halyiis. Their cordiality is simply that. Nature is nature. But Halylis has never been anything but a professional. Returning his attention to Scar, Halyiis offers his leader a solemn smile.

  "Would you like to see the ooman, Elder? So that you may utter warm words for her journey ahead?"

  Teresa glances from Halyiis to Scar. 'Warm words for her journey ahead?' Scar nods, his eyes narrowing.

  "Yes. I will sit with her as I have sat with many others. Lead the way, Halyiis. I will see you later, Teresa."

  Dr. Boyd watches as Halyiis and Scar head for the medical cabin. Neither male peers back. Teresa's heart aches with the knowledge that this is a rite Scar has performed many times. And will perform many more.

  Throughout her career with Dayshadow Industries, and other smaller companies within the United Space System Conglomerate, Teresa garnered the reputation of a scientist willing to push boundaries. Which simply meant, she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve success. If a few primates, insects, or rodents suffered in the process; that was just the price of doing great scientific work.

  Death was an integral part of the work she did. Right and wrong had rarely factored into it, where other species were concerned. Meeting a sentient, sapient species like the yautja had changed all of that. Creating something as wonderful as Vor'taalnis, with N-Vorl, had changed her.

  Viewing the sadness on Halyiis and Scar's faces, for an ooman, had almost been too much. Who really comes from a race of killers?

  -

  -

  Scar enters the back room of the medical cabin and peers at the bed in the far corner. A sheet has been drawn over the deceased female's body. However, the shape of her body is visible underneath. He shifts his gaze to the other bed, where the ailing ooman lies.

  Striding over to the examination bed, Scar places the palm of one hand on the dying woman's forehead. Her eyes flutter weakly open. She struggles to maintain focus on Scar's face. The settlement elder is surprised when the old ooman finds the strength to lightly touch his forearm with a frail hand. Her voice is faint and dry.

  "I do not blame you for what has happened. I am old. I have learned what it means to forgive. You have nothing to be sorry for. Believe that. I will be at peace soon."

  Scar's eyes soften and he offers the old ooman a kind smile.

  "Then, be at peace. You have earned it."

  When Scar exits the medical cabin, the settlement population has been reduced by one.