-Conrad-

Conrad woke groggily, his body leadenly protesting with every stretch and movement.

He hadn't slept well, his nerves for the upcoming Confirmation and still unfamiliar surroundings served to keep him on a mental high alert. While the first day he had been too exhausted to not sleep and the days following had been more distracting and business as usual, today had gotten under his skin and into his head. He had slept enough to be functional but he was not, by any stretch of the imagination, rested.

He dearly hoped that he wouldn't make a fool of himself because of it.

Conrad gathered himself as he went through his morning routine, shaking off his stupor with a light workout and a brief session in the sanitation pod, about all he could stand of the sonic vibrations. But, it most definitely woke him up.

Today was the Galactic Community's Day of Celebration. So, most people would be enjoying their day with family, lifting their spirits after the previous day of mourning and preparing for the next year.

It was also, effectively, his Trial of Standing. Despite everything, he still felt unprepared, and Ruufarrl wasn't giving him any more hints either.

On the trip back to the manor he had asked Ruufarrl if there was anything that he specifically needed to learn or prepare for. His mentor had given him a cryptic grin and simply said, "Your skills will be more than sufficient."

Even now he was mildly irritated. "I know he is doing it on purpose... and that he would tell me if something was truly off. But damn is it annoying. I hate flying blind. Then again... maybe that is a part of this whole thing too. Perhaps they need a genuine reaction, to see the stranger at their most vulnerable and raw and see how they respond before making a decision that could greatly impact their Clan and entire species. Whatever it is, at least Ruufarrl seems to have confidence that I can meet the challenge."

He shook the thoughts and concerns from his head as he finished dressing. Now was certainly not the time to be getting cold feet. He sat for a couple minutes in a quiet meditative exercise then, focused and awake, he left his room to make his way to the Hall for breakfast.

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The first thing he noticed as he approached the hall was that it was far noisier than he had expected. "Maybe the staff has joined them? It is a day of celebration after all."

His stomach grumbled at him while he contemplated, the smells of cooked meat and something else wafting out to him.

"Right, doesn't matter, food first." He told himself, then started and shot glances around him to make sure no one had seen the crazy human talking to himself. Satisfied that his antics hadn't been observed, he stepped through the door and into the Hall.

The morning sun lit the place up with a nice orange hue, with the windows auto-tinted just enough to prevent them from going blind. He looked around and stood in surprise. There were far more people here than he had expected.

He was partially right in his earlier estimation. The staff had joined them, as well as what appeared to be their families if their interactions and mannerisms were any clue, beyond that there were four Ruulothi that he did not recognize. Two of them, both males, shared the family colorations that Ruufarrl had. They stood talking casually with Ruufarrl while the other two, a male and female were speaking with Naarviix and her husband.

Every one of the four new arrivals was a Bloodclaw.

Naarviix saw him first and nodded in his direction. This set off a wave of turning heads and the conversations either died or quieted as nearly everyone positioned themselves to see the alien in their midst.

"Did I sleep in?"

His comment got a chuckle out of both Naarviix and Ruufarrl, as well as a couple of others among the staff that had come to know him. The rest almost universally gave him an incredulous eyebrow with ear and whisker twitch. Ruufarrl waved him over and Naarviix excused herself from her husband and kids to bring her group over to the gathering.

"Worry not, Conrad. You are not late for anything. Some of our extended family arrived early this morning to catch up and prepare for the Confirmation this afternoon." He gestured to the two men standing next to him, "This is my brother Fiirnaal and his son Raashiin."

"And these are Muurvaan and Luufka." Naarviix said, respectively indicating the older male and younger female that were with her. "Muurvaan is a cousin, and Luufka earned her place as a Clan member through her Blooding. All of those before you now work in some fashion in Clan politics and were away on their duties. Fiirnaal and Raashiin both work in the Clan defense forces, and these two work together as Emissaries to other clans."

They all nodded to him as they were introduced and Muurvaan spoke up once she was finished, "Though not for much longer, I think. Luufka has more than learned what is necessary to find her own path from here. I believe you were looking at the Academy next?"

Luufka nodded, almost shyly, "I am. I want to get the best base of experience I can before moving into more responsibilities."

"A sensible goal. If only more youngbloods took the same approach." Ruufarrl responded. His answer was supported by sage nods from both Muurvaan and Fiirnaal, and a look of annoyed consternation from Raashiin to his father.

Conrad did his best to hide his grin at their antics. Realizing that he was failing, he chose to change the subject, "You said some had arrived early, does this mean that there will be more?"

Ruufarrl and Naarviix both nodded as she answered, "Yes. A Confirmation, or Blooding Ceremony of this nature is of great import to the Clan, so as many as can make it will be arriving. Those from our direct family, other close families, and those who are in positions of great responsibility will be in attendance. This is another reason why we are holding it today, on the Day of Celebration. It means that they will all be free to attend."

"So... Knowing that it is a responsibility and setting that aside, of course... They would rather attend a boring meeting than celebrate with their families?"

The adult Ruulothi all chuckled at this as Ruufarrl answered, "A Blooding Ceremony is no boring meeting... That is for sure. A good one is far more entertaining than most events for Celebration Day."

Conrad gave him a deadpan stare, which only made the old cat smile even wider, both of them knowing that he was enjoying the anticipation. "You are getting into Cheshire territory there Old Man. Be careful what you wish for."

The deadlock was broken by Naarviix, who was failing to hide her own smirk, "Well, shall we get back to breakfast then? Food is getting cold."

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Breakfast was just winding down when a new arrival came through the doors. The immediate reactions of all the Ruulothi in the room, children included, clued Conrad in to just who exactly it was that had arrived. Every person present bowed their heads in deference in some manner to the new arrival. All but Ruufarrl, who stood to meet him with more of a deep nod than a bow, a nod that was returned in kind.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Much like Kiiroth resembled his own father, this newcomer was almost a carbon copy of Ruufarrl, the only difference being a streak of black on both of his arms. His harness was of a finer make than any he had seen so far and he, too, wore a Greater Mantle like Ruufarrl, the symbols of his accolades cascading down the fabric.

"First Claw."

"Father... It is good to see you well."

The terseness of the exchange took Conrad by surprise. "They are father and son. Ruufarrl never once spoke of him in anything less than a favorable tone and pride and he absolutely looked forward to coming home again... So why are they so short with one another? Wait... He is the one that took Ruufarrl's place by ritual challenge and forced him to be a Sheathed Claw. Is there some bad blood because of that after all? But that still doesn't explain before."

There was an air of tension building in the room, the only one who seemed to be immune to it was Naarviix, who sat watching with a mouse-catcher's grin in the back. "She certainly doesn't seem to think it is anything serious. Come to think of it, she is the only other family member that Ruufarrl mentioned directly, and he spoke of her in the same approving manner as his own son. So maybe I should take my cues from her instead."

At the other end of the Hall, Ruushaan sighed, "I hope I am not too late for breakfast? These smells are almost too much to bear." He seemed to notice Conrad for the first time then and moved to greet him.

"You must be Conrad; I have heard much of your exploits. I hope you continue to live up to the impression you have given. This could be an incredible opportunity for us all. I think I speak for us all when I say that we are looking forward to this Ceremony and what lies beyond."

What could have been condescending was more of a friendly professionalism when it came from Ruushaan. He was very measured in his tone and soft spoken, his movements smooth and fluid, eyes intelligent and observant. Conrad could just as easily see him soothing angered representatives and guiding them to the conclusions that he wanted them to reach as he could see him ripping a challenger to shreds. "This... this man is dangerous. A Warrior and a Politician. This is different than Ruufarrl. He would hold people in check by sheer force of presence and personality. This one keeps people fighting themselves without them ever realizing it. If Ruufarrl could be seen as a Knight, then this one is a Duelist."

"I look forward to meeting and exceeding your expectations."

"Hah! Well said." Ruushaan grinned widely at him. Once again, Naarviix inserted herself handing Ruushaan a tray of food, "If all the flexing and posturing is done for now, we do still have some food for our late little cub. Is Siiyaan not coming?"

Ruushaan gave her an amused sideways glance before appearing to sink in on himself a bit, "Thank you, Cousin. Your hospitality and charm are as bright as ever, and no she is not. Sadly, she was needed to settle a trade dispute on Verrdinaat. She is not due to leave for home again for at least another week."

This admission seemed... odd to Conrad. "That timeline doesn't add up. It means that she is already there... Which means that she was sent knowing that she would miss their most important holidays. Granted, it could happen, but with as important as these holidays seem to be, why wouldn't a 'trade dispute' be put on hold for couple of days, especially for an in-system jaunt that could just as easily be handled over comms or terminals. Judging from Naarviix and Ruufarrl's identical ear twitch, it seems they picked up on it too. It doesn't feel like a lie... more of a half truth? So why hide it... Wait. They weren't surprised by it, they just picked up on the double speak. This is just like when Ruufarrl played word games when it came to the Founders."

As the others turned back to their plates, he raised an eyebrow at Ruufarrl, who in turn merely gave him another ear twitch and a nearly imperceptible shake of his head.

"Welp, looks like I get to wait on that one too. Focus on the here and now, I guess. Just get through today, tomorrow will be there, figure it out then. At least he knows that I noticed."

The breakfast continued for about another thirty minutes as the various parties exchanged information. During that time Conrad was approached, but for little more than casual conversation. Once things wound down again the various visitors began to beg their leaves to go and prepare.

Though he was the last of the newcomers to leave, Ruushaan turned to speak with them again. "Naarviix, thank you again for your patience. I know how quiet things have been lately, and it is my hope that soon our individual duties will loosen their grips and allow us to bring life back to these halls."

She gave him a soft smile, "I don't know, the quiet has kind of grown on me. It is most definitely easier to think without the distractions."

He chuffed in amusement at her answer, then turned toward Ruufarrl and Conrad, his face now professionally neutral again. "Father, Conrad, I will see you this afternoon. Good luck."

Ruufarrl merely gave a slight bow of his head and gave a short response, "First Claw."

Conrad, unsure of how to proceed, gave a deeper bow and managed to mutter, "Thank you, First Claw."

After Ruushaan left Naarviix dismissed the remaining staff and their families to enjoy the rest of their day however they desired. Then she came over to address them.

"We really only have around an hour before we need to leave. Are all preparations handled, Uncle?"

"Yes. I have the appropriate materials with me, the rest will come from Conrad." Ruufarrl turned to consider him and gave an approving nod, "We are ready."

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The Council Hall chambers were cascading benches situated in an almost full oval around a lower staging area. At one of the small ends of the oval sat a raised platform from which the First Claw and his chosen associates watched and led the proceedings. At the other was a flat wall that contained a large viewing screen. It reminded Conrad of a small coliseum more than anything else. He currently stood on the lower floor under the First Claw's section. At the doors to either side of him stood an armed guard, with two more standing at the doors on the far side under the viewscreen. He looked again at the gathered Ruulothi and was taken again by the awe of the situation.

The seats were full.

There couldn't have been much more than a hundred that could fit on each side, but they were definitely at capacity. The air buzzed with conversation while they waited, many scrutinizing him from afar, this unknown alien that was being presented to them.

Naarviix, Ruufarrl, Ruushaan and Kiiyoor were in the raised area behind him, along with yet another Ruulothi that he was unfamiliar with. Given their universal cold shoulders to this other representative… giving off the vibe that he was not one that they could trust. Along with them stood two more guards, each on one flank of the leader’s box.

Once all the seats were filled, Ruushaan addressed the gathering, his voice picked up by his wristlink and broadcast over the facilities speakers.

“Masters and Teachers. Council Folk and Leaders. Today we judge the merits of the one placed before us, to review their sponsored petition for the Honor of Bloodclaw. That individual is a Human, by the name of Conrad Mclaughlin. This Human now stands before you, ready for your considerations.

Evidence of his deeds has been collected. There is video recording of the primary incident, as well as written statements to both his prowess and Honor from Loormar, a Mentor of the Bloodcoat Clan. Finally, we have the testimony of his Sponsor and Mentor, Ruufarrl of the Nightmanes.

But before we begin, the Representative from the Grand Council wishes to speak.”

The Ruulothi in attendance were too disciplined to growl in irritation, but it clearly showed on some of their faces and the set of their ears.

The Representative stepped forward, his tan and red fur standing out amongst the much bolder and darker Nightmanes flanking him, as did his lack of a Mantle.

“I just wanted to remind those gathered here that this is an unprecedented moment. One that sped down the paths before any could get a hold of it. Remember that we are a people of traditions, and those traditions are what keep us who we are. If we forsake them, then we invite disaster.”

His message delivered, he stepped back to watch the proceedings. Conrad’s eyes narrowed at his speech, and his mind started to go to dark places when Ruushaan stepped forward again.

“Sadly, we were unable to secure the presence of representative Bloodclaws from the Culgari or the Risspal for this Confirmation, as it would have been of great interest to them as well. Now, without any further divergences, let us begin.”

Conrad’s thoughts ground to a halt before kicking back into gear, “Oh you clever bastard. With one sentence, you not only reminded anyone who may have taken what that Rep said to heart that there IS precedent already set, but reminded them of the two most trusted allies of the Ruulothi, and that the Rep isn’t a Bloodclaw. All without setting it up as an argument too. Damn, you are good.”

Ruushaan had gone to a terminal and began tinkering with the display. A few moments later he looked up and an image showed on the giant viewscreen on the other side of the chambers. It was a still image of the moments just before the Pirates gave their speech.

“I believe we should begin with the original incident. I should also mention that Kiiroth, the youngblood you are about to see, has been awarded the Bloodclaw Honors posthumously, and has been returned home for the proper funeral.”

A low growl of approval swept the room, and then the picture went into motion.

It was the first time that Conrad had seen the events from this angle. Just seeing the big bugs moving again sent a shiver down his spine from the memories that surfaced.

He watched as Kiiroth launched himself forward like an arrow fired from a bow. He had barely managed to even move his arm and shift forward by the time Kiiroth moved. Kiiroth’s ultimate end was shown clearly, though without the sounds and smells the impact of it felt less than before.

Even though the end was gruesome, and perhaps even hopeless, the growl of approval that made the rounds upon his death showed that those gathered shared the same values that he had. He managed a brief glance to Kiiyoor and saw in him a mixture of both pride and the remnants of his raw grief.

“Damn, that can’t have been easy for him to watch.”

What came next felt strange to him. Watching himself make his desperate last stand on screen carried with it an odd sense of detachment. He eyed the gathered Ruulothi as the clip continued. Most were confused but some watched intently, trying to piece together what his actions were leading to, but they all had the same look of shock when the Matron disappeared into the cloud of smoke and returned to view in pieces. That got them cheering.

Thereafter it was mostly nods and quiet musings and conversations as they discussed the video, merits and tactics on display. But the highlight had definitely been the Matron. When the video ended he saw a lot more lean in to one another to converse quietly before Ruushaan moved the proceedings along.

As the rest of the process continued, he began to feel more like he had been placed on trial. Ruufarrl gave his accounting of the entire time he had known him in cliff notes and highlights at least. What surprised him most was Loormar’s accounting of what had happened during their layover. Apparently, he saw the small mercy of Conrad just brushing the whole confrontation off as a grand gesture, one that set the stage for him to see his charges’ true natures revealed.

There wasn’t any video of that encounter… from their perspective anyway. Conrad did have a recording from his shoulder drone but hadn’t been asked for it. “More than likely, Ruufarrl had forgotten about its capabilities given the time spent in the cramped ship.”

Eventually the observance of the physical evidence and dissertations came to an end, and Ruushaan again began speaking.

“You have all seen the evidence, heard the testimonies, discussed among yourselves and made your own observations. Now, we move on to the final test.”

The only phrase that Conrad had to describe what he felt occur in the room before the last shoe dropped on his head was that a power surge ran through those attending. Anticipation had built and was now being held in check by the barest of margins.

“Clansmen and Clanswomen, who wishes to test the applicant’s mettle before the assembly.”

The mental gates holding them back dropped, and an echoing chorus of growls and cheers rang out as hands started going up. Ruushaan allowed it to continue until he had a satisfactory display of interest.

In all truth, he needn’t have waited.

"Human, a call for challengers has been placed, and they have answered. Who do you choose to face?"

"That sneaky son of a.." He shot a glance at a very smug looking Ruufarrl. "He isn't even trying to hide it. So THAT is what he meant when he said I would be 'sufficient' to meet the challenge."

Conrad looked away from his mentor to the veritable forest of hands... claws?... paws?... hands, that excitedly waved in the air. It seemed like EVERY single Clan Ruulothi in attendance had jumped at the chance to face him, even the elders in back.

He felt his gut chill as the adrenaline started to surge, and then he smiled. He smiled to himself as much as to the Ruulothi in attendance as that dormant, caged part of him awoke again.

"Well, I'm afraid I don't really know anybody. So, I suppose let’s do it right... Who's your best?"