AVP Rift War 21

Ca'toll glared at the newcomer. From her xenobiological studies, she knew of the oomans, and while she'd known they were busy conducting their own business on the planet, she'd never felt interaction was necessary. Now this one, a male so puny and looking diseased, had the temerity to come along and act as if they were battlemates.

He wasn't armed and was trying to communicate with her. She watched as he drew and knew immediately what he was trying to relate. She glanced at Vai'ke, who was also watching carefully. Let her eyes range to where the ooman inferred another Yautja stood, but saw only a tree. Was she to believe the ooman? Was there another Yautja, using a cloaking device to avoid being seen? That was illogical. Why wouldn't a fellow Yautja reveal him or herself? Ca'toll's thoughts flashed to Vai'ke, and how he'd pushed Sta'kta in front of the plasmacaster. Her teeth wanted to click inside her helmet but she forced them to be still. Something was going on here that she hadn't yet figured out, and she had a gut feeling she would pay dearly if she didn't do so, and soon. Why would this ooman want to be involved?-pg.277 chpt.44

 "Let's see what he wants." The ooman cocked his head and gestured again, more emphatically, to the childish drawing and then over toward the trees. Again, Ca'toll glanced in that direction.

There.

Had she seen something? A flash or a movement, a displacement of air? She shook her head and looked back at the small ooman. He stood, his full height barely coming to her chest.-pg.278 chpt.44

"Still, there is a time for celebration, and a time for care and concern. That was not the time for festivity."

Watching Vai'ke carefully, she waited for him to respond, but he went still. It was if he were staring at something behind her. Frowning, Ca'toll turned just in time to get a kick in the face.

Another Yautja!

As befit an experienced hunter, she caught the details even as the kick connected. Finally visible, he was wearing all black-no clan colors. This was what the ooman had been trying to tell her!-pg.280 chpt.44