-Conrad-
Ruushaan sat back and was silent for a time, considering Conrad's words. Naarviix was watching intently, her head swiveling back and forth from each of the others, very interested in this new information. Ruufarrl was, for his part, merely watching his son's reaction and waiting for him to reach his conclusions.
"Hmm, it is a wise warrior who tempers himself. But that is on an individual level. I wonder... what are your people's general objectives when it comes to war? A people that handicaps themselves during a life-or-death fight is not likely to see it in the same manner as others would." Ruushaan's ears flicked in anticipation as he continued mulling over the potential answers and waited for Conrad's response.
"I..." Conrad paused to get his thoughts in order, not wanting to misrepresent his entire species at what could be a critical juncture.
"The first thing to know is that I am not, nor ever have been, a soldier. My interpretations are those of a civilian who is more or less knowledgeable about our history. If you want a more informed answer, it would be best if you spoke to a soldier of some rank... Fair?"
Ruushaan nodded, accepting his caveat.
"Whoo, O.K. The answer is... complicated. Our wars are fought over a smaller series of objectives that work towards the larger end goal. We fight with the idea in mind of ending the fighting as quickly, efficiently and bloodlessly as possible. We don't fight wars of extermination or genocide. We fight over places and things, mostly. We consider genocide and extermination to be an abomination."
Conrad paused a moment to consider his words before continuing, "Well, for wars at least. When fighting terrorists, it becomes a different story. Those are our equivalent of Broken Fangs, people who care nothing for the same rules the rest follow and are willing to kill, or take advantage of, any and all to achieve their goals. They get whacked as soon as we can track them down.
But war, war is different. I think that we, as a people, have taken on a 'You Break it, You Buy it' approach to war. We don't try and destroy everything, because that means that we have to spend more resources to rebuild it. We focus on breaking only what is necessary to stop an opponent from effectively fighting back against us. Arms depots, bases, vehicle lots and the like. We can destroy everything if it comes down to it, but we don't like doing it. We don't like collateral damage, and we don't like innocents suffering because of the decisions made by those who dictated the war and who aren't even there fighting themselves. We don't just bomb someone back to the stone age and leave them there while dusting our hands of it. We could, I suppose. But in the end, what does that make us?
Even when we are in the midst of showing and using our teeth and claws, we try our best to show mercy and compassion, respect and honor. Even in the depths of the hell that is War, we seek to retain our humanity, our sense of self and being."
Realizing he had waxed a bit on the poetic side Conrad waved his hands in front of him, "But that is just a nobody's view on things, and individual warriors will have their own views on it. Like I said, I have never been to war, you would be better served talking to someone who has to get a better perspective on this subject."
With his own misgivings and opinions aired, he found himself surprised as Ruufarrl spoke up in support of his observations, "It does seem strange, a species that is almost at odds with itself in a way that means they shouldn't be capable warriors. But I have seen their soldiers, and their warships, and there are books in that pile that explain most of their military capabilities, all of which is truth. Make no mistake, they are plenty capable.
They also show the utmost respect to the dead, any dead. They gave Kiiroth full military honors when I visited their planet. Treating him as though he were one of their own fallen heroes. What other species do you know of that would do the same, Ruushaan?"
"None." Ruushaan sat staring at the ceiling before snorting, "Not even ourselves. Not to one that was unknown to us, at any rate. We have done it for those who have been witnessed to fight well, who have acquitted themselves or died well. But never for an unknown. As for Honor... unfortunately, Honor is subjective. What one considers to be a most respectful act could well be a vile and deathly insult to another.
But, having said that, I feel that perhaps our views on Honor aren't all that far apart. It is certainly something to explore, if time and circumstances permit."
"If time and circumstances permit," a frustrated Naarviix spat out. She had been listening intently, but now her mood turned a corner as she listened to Ruushaan's seemingly non-committal response.
"Grraahh, is this not why we are here? To create those circumstances? Why can we not speak plainly in here at least? We all tire of the games that we are forced to endure. I want to learn more, you want to learn more, and we all want our family back. His people are worthy and can be proven so if given the chance. So how are we going to go about proving it to others? And can we please drop the double speak for once?"
Both Ruufarrl and Ruushaan were taken aback by her outburst, if not for the content than at least for the act itself. But it was one particular part of it that caught Conrad's attention, bringing back to him observations he had made before.
"Wait, how long have you kept your family scattered to insulate them?"
Ruufarrl sighed and Ruushaan looked at him in surprise before unconsciously scratching at himself uneasily. "Close to four years." Ruufarrl answered, "Around the same time I realized that the Founders were looking in my direction because of my policies and intentions."
Conrad looked at his feet in thought. That was a long time, for anyone, he knew. His one-year tour on the ship had been bad enough, and he knew military personnel did similar tours, but for a family to willingly split itself for so long just to keep themselves safe was... He couldn't imagine the stress and difficulty.
Naarviix's outburst had surprised him as well. He had been astonished to see the brightly curious and bubbly woman who, though impulsive, seemed to be in perfect control of herself, lash out in frustration. "We all wear masks. Mostly for the benefit of others, but sometimes to hide from ourselves. Their masks are slipping and cracking. The long term situation they have imposed on themselves is wearing them to the bone. In a way, they have all Sheathed their Claws and are suffering from the absence of their clan and family. It won't be much longer before those cracks begin showing in public."
He heard a chair shift and looked up to see Ruushaan and Naarviix with their heads together, speaking quietly. It was an intimate moment that he knew he would never have seen if they did not trust him. He and Ruufarrl shared a look around the two and he nodded to his mentor as he took a deep breath and steeled himself, mind made up.
"What is required to expedite this? What do you need to nominate my people as being worthy Hunt Brothers? An impartial third-party evaluation?"
Ruushaan and Naarviix parted, somewhat abashed at their moment of tenderness. They recovered quickly and Ruushaan scratched his chin in thought as he mentally caught up with the conversation. "For you, that would be a good start. It would certainly bring some much-needed support to the table, and could get the talks started. But for it to be implemented fully? We would need a larger sample size of your people to also be evaluated. In days past that would be done by an observer witnessing your people in combat, but that isn't something that can be arranged discreetly.
We will need to start with you. Then, once that is set and you are shown to be more than worthy, we can start the rest of the process by placing individual Ruulothi in positions to meet and work with other humans. Unfortunately, it will still take some time. Probably several years."
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Conrad shook his head, "There has to be another way. I don't think your family is going to last that long."
"Don't you worry about us." Naarviix smiled at him. "Thank you for your consideration but, my previous outburst aside, we will endure. We always have and always will. So long as the light continues to breach the canopies, we will endure. My apologies, Uncle, Cousin. I let my emotions take hold."
Ruufarrl stood and went over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder, "There is no need to apologize, it is why you are a part of this circle."
Ruushaan nodded to her in turn, "You keep us grounded and on the path when we stray and get lost in our schemes. you are as important as either of us. With you, our future lies. Regardless of the outcomes of our machinations."
"I... thank you... I think." She gave them a playful scowl, "I may not much like being left to tend the homestead, but I agreed to it, and I suppose someone needs to navigate through this mess." She shook her head and chuckled with the others before turning back to Conrad.
"In short, this must be done in stages and be allowed to happen organically. If we move too quickly or too boldly, it puts you at risk. If you are removed from the board, then anything else we can hope to accomplish is as well, and we are back to the start of the path with all eyes on us. If we try and force things, we will get push back and many who might have been amenable to listening will dig their claws in against it when pushed. It will also give those who would patently oppose the issue all they need to shut it down."
Ruushaan gave her an appraising look. She grinned back at him, "See, I can play politics. It is still a stupid game, though."
He chuffed at her and shook his head in amusement, "What she says is true, and you have likely already suspected it as such. Given what I have seen of your attention to detail, I suspect that your people may be even more obtuse when it comes to politics."
"Oh, you have no idea how deep that rabbit hole goes." Conrad laughed. "But, it isn't generally one that simply takes without answer. There are a lot of deals made in our politics. Garnering support now for later considerations and such. We don't normally look to strip someone bare, just gain some sort of middle ground to say that something got done. But if you let the wrong person do it... well. There are just as many bad or selfish politicians as there are those who are looking to do right, however potentially misguided they may be."
"Oh, so your politicians are the same as the Galactic ones." Naarviix laughed, "At least they will be on even footing and in good company."
"The politicians, yes. But don't get us started on our lawyers. They'll fleece you for everything you've got and then litigate you because you don't have more."
Another round of chuckles later and Ruushaan brought them back to the desired topic.
"As to your earlier questions... the idea holds merit, and it is one that we had been hoping to pursue. I believe we may have a path on which we can tread to reach that end. There are a number of smaller Cargo Runners that we employ. Each tour of duty is only 5-6 months with a month off in between. It is not the most glamorous of jobs, but it is one that you are familiar with, yes? There is one Captain that I have in mind that serves the Ruulothi people as a whole, and who has kept his nose clean by avoiding taking sides politically. He actively employs other Hunt Brother species in his crew and may be willing to be your evaluator. He is due to begin his next tour within the week. It would be a good time to introduce you and see where he stands on the subject."
"Understood, I will trust your judgement on the matter."
"Hmm, very well. I will send him a message and ask to meet. I should mention that Ruulothi Cargo Runners are not your typical cargo ships. They often go into caution zones to deliver their supplies. These Yellow and Red Zones are places that are either under threat of combative action, or are actively engaged in some sort of conflict. Our ships are smaller than the standard cargo ships, and are therefore faster and capable of planetary landings. Each member of the ship is also trained in and utilized for security. So it is entirely possible that you may see some sort of action depending on the location and circumstances. It is not without its risks, but it is a place where you and your skills can be quickly evaluated by multiple witnesses. Witnesses that will then go on to spread what they have seen and experienced alongside you. Amongst not only other clans of our people, but other Hunt-Brother species as well.”
Conrad found himself nodding. The plan was a solid one, and it would serve to expand his renown quickly among the people that could influence a decision to entreat with his own people outside of Founder oversight. But, like all things worth doing, it required the time to be put in.
“There really is no silver bullet answer to this. If we want it to get done at all, then there really is no choice but to hang on just a little longer.”
Conrad looked at the three Ruulothi in front of him, “Then what do you need from me?”
__________________________________________________
Three days later Conrad found himself in Ruushaan’s personal office yet again. This time it was only him, Ruushaan and their visitor. Ruufarrl and Naarviix had taken the opportunity to spend some family time together.
The introductions had been quick and to the point to give their guest the respect of honoring his valuable time. Lorthaal, the Captain of the Wind Runner, was a particularly stoic Ruulothi with Black and Tan colorations. He was a Bloodclaw himself and a member of the Ember Claw Clan. The Ember Claws were longstanding allies of the Night Manes and were well known for both their individual valor and they currently ran one of the most successful trading companies on Ruuloth.
Lorthaal currently had his head propped on one fist as he pondered the proposition that Ruushaan had laid out for him. But it didn’t look to Conrad as though he was going to bite.
“Ruushaan, you know I have the utmost respect for you. And I know you respect me and know of my personal political stance. So why would you ask me to open myself and my people up to becoming embroiled in the coming storm? The humans are interesting, sure, but that is not reason enough to take on such risk.”
Sitting up he turned to address Conrad directly, “No disrespect intended to you, youngblood, but I do not know you, nor do any of my crew. That you have been accepted as a Bloodclaw speaks well of you, but I carefully vet my people to prevent disasters. I have no realistic way of achieving that with you, not in the time we have available.”
Conrad tipped his head at the ship captain, “None taken, you have your people and your ship to look after. That takes precedence over all other considerations.”
Lorthaal gave Conrad a return nod as Ruushaan smiled and spoke to him, “But in that, we can offer all you need. He is here so that you may interview him if you desire, but also… Would you perhaps like to see how he became a Bloodclaw?”
The ship captain leaned back in his chair with an incredulous flick of his ears, “It was recorded?”
“It was indeed. For your benefit, Lorthaal, I will play the entire incident from start to finish. I believe as a Captain that it will provide you with more than enough evidence to stand in judgement of the youngblood’s credentials.”
“We shall see. Make your play, Ruushaan.”
Ruushaan pointed to the blank wall above the entry door as he pushed a hidden button to make a terminal pop out of his desk, “If you would direct your attention there.”
The terminal contained a projection unit and moments later it displayed the scene on the wall for the occupants of the room.
Once again Conrad saw his actions play out through a third-party lens. It was getting less strange each time he saw it, but he wasn’t watching it as much this time. He was watching his next potential boss.
Lorthaal remained stoic throughout the entire scene, showing no overt emotion or surprise on his face. However, Conrad did notice his ears and whiskers flicking about, displaying that there was some serious thought and observations going on in his head.
When the video ended, Lorthaal said just one word.
“Again.”
After the video ended the second time, he repeated himself.
It wasn’t until the end of the third viewing that he turned back to Rushaan and told him, “Enough.”
After that he remained quiet and lost in thought for several minutes. Ruushaan took that time to turn off the display and put the terminal away again.
Finally, he spoke again, his eyes still closed in thought, “Fine. I have no more reservations about his worthiness for being on the crew, nor any for his mentor, who would be joining him, yes?”
“Correct. Ruufarrl would be joining the crew with him, to continue to teach him and work as an intermediary as necessary.”
“How then do you propose to deal with the other issues. That of the politics and risk?”
“Politics are, as always, nebulous and open to interpretation. If it soothes you, you could simply say that you allowed a fledgling Bloodclaw to serve on your ship to gain valuable experience and training. You are well known for employing other species on your ship, so it would not be a stretch for you to take the opportunity to see what this new species could offer you and your Clan.”
“That is thin Ruushaan, and you know it.”
“Not as thin as it could be. The humans are beginning to make a name for themselves wherever they work. It could indeed be a grand opportunity for your Clan. A potential new pool of strong and skilled workers, as well as potential new trade routes and goods to access. Trade with them is regulated, but only for now, and none of your Clan have sought to gain access just yet. Getting ahead of the waiting pack to jump on new opportunities is what your Clan does best, no?”
“Hmm, perhaps… And the rest?”
“That is… trickier.” Ruushaan sighed, “What I can offer off hand is compensation for catastrophic failure. What little comfort it may provide. Unless you have something else in mind?”
Lorthaal winced in sympathy. “That… Wouldn’t be cheap. With the time we have left… No, nothing comes to mind. It will be in writing I presume?”
“Of course. Are there any other concerns?”
Captain Lorthaal looked at Conrad, “You have made it this far into Galactic space and served on a ship already, you can eat Galactic Standard food and have Standard Immunizations?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are there any abnormal space or housing considerations?”
“No, sir. I travel light and don’t need anything special.”
“Good.” He stood up and made ready to leave. “We depart in two days, two hours after sunrise at the main Shuttle Port of the Capital, Berth Seven. Make sure I have the full list of needs by then. Be there early and ready to work, or don’t come at all.”
He headed for the door but paused as he touched the handle and spoke over his shoulder, “I hope you know what you are doing, Ruushaan. This is either going to make or break us all, and there will be many who will be angry that you made the decision for them. Tread carefully.”
His warning given, Captain Lorthaal left the room, letting the door swing shut on its own.
Conrad watched him leave. When the door shut, he fell back into his chair and looked at the First Claw, “That was a sudden change. How exactly did you convince him to allow it?”
Ruushaan smiled at him “I didn’t, you did. He was already assessing you the moment he stepped through the door. You talked to him with respect and didn’t take offense when you could have, showing you could use logic and reason and control your emotions. Then he watched as you showed leadership qualities, leading your crewmates to relative safety.
He saw in you a willingness to stand between your crew and harm, and no hesitation when it came time to act, even though the odds should have been impossible to overcome. An expert’s familiarity with a loading rig certainly added a sweet touch to the pile.
After that, it was just a matter of business. I did nothing really. I simply told him what he wanted to hear, and what he already knew himself. He just wanted to be sure that we were on the same path.”
He stood up and motioned for Conrad to do the same. “Now, come. We have only a few days to give you a rundown on how Ruulothi ships and employment work as well as security procedures and tactics. We have much to go over, and not enough time to do it. You are going to be tested constantly and worked hard, by both the Captain and the crew. My Father and Naarviix will teach you as much of that as they can in the time that we have.”
He stopped, standing still for a moment before sighing, “And I have to go back to being the First Claw. This is likely the last I will see of you for some time, so…
Good Hunting, Claw Brother.”