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Updated: June 12, 2025
The brief physical touch had even given him the feeling of belonging shared by n'ruhar what English inadequately referred to as clanmates. Steve was worthy of Ch'kara; Hovan was convinced of that. And the sense of belonging in Steve's touch made it almost certain he would accept the offer.
Yarra returned his greeting, then said, "We have a new ruesten, Cor'naya?" "Yes, Ka'ruchaya. Esteban Tarlac, called Steve." Hovan gave her a brief yet complete account of everything that had happened since Steve had come aboard, finishing, "He has much to learn, Ka'ruchaya, and he may make mistakes, but he is true Ch'kara. He will not dishonor the clan."
His unease was stronger now, though no better defined, and he was still tense, alert for action. Something was definitely wrong here, something in the subtle readiness of a small group nearby Steve's voice broke into his thoughts. "Raise your right hand and repeat after me: 'I, Hovan of Clan Ch'kara, do solemnly swear . . ." Hovan did as Steve told him.
But there was no hostility in the soft, lilting voice that addressed him, and Valkan was smiling. "He says that you more dangerous are than you seem," Hovan translated. "And he says that if you not Ch'kara were already, his Ka'ruchaya might have wished, you into K'horan invite." Hovan was impressed himself. He had expected Steve to lose, if only after giving a creditable account of himself.
Out-clan it not usual is, names to use instead of titles, but I think it would fitting be." Tarlac nodded; under the circumstances, it did seem appropriate. "I'm called Steve, then, Hovan. That's the short form of my given name." "Steve. A name that much of strength bears, from the sound." Steve of Clan Ch'kara.
"Now," Davis said, his tone even more serious, "We understand that it is a cultural problem which has brought about this civil war between the Empire and some of Our separated citizens." "Yes, Your Majesty. Their culture and its imperatives are quite different from ours but I'm proud to have been adopted by Clan Ch'kara and to call Hovan my brother."
"As Ka'ruchaya of Ch'kara, I ask the Lords to receive this man, my ruesten." Daria inclined her head. "The Lords welcome those who die in honor. Who, Ka'ruchaya, do you choose to present him?" "He who is closest to him, who shares his blood and bears him now." Hovan thanked her silently for that.
The man was a guest on this ship, and he was now of Ch'kara but he was still human, and Hovan was well aware that there were those aboard the Hermnaen who thought honor was no more binding toward humans that it was toward vermin. Steve had the freedom of the ship, and while Hovan was sure nobody would take any overt action, he was equally sure "accidents" could be easily arranged.
He came to realize, however, that as long as Ch'kara existed he would have its love, giving him a peace he could never have imagined before attaining his new maturity. That night, while his body was surrounded by sleeping n'ruhar, Tarlac took advantage of his new powers to explore. Having the freedom of the galaxy was exhilarating, far better than the suit-enclosed EVA he'd enjoyed before.
"A story of the end times, ruhar, when all hinges on one man, for good or ill." "Me. I've known that since before I landed on Homeworld. So what? It looks like whatever I do, Traiti die." Tarlac was being rude and knew it, but he didn't particularly care. He was too caught up in an awful private vision of Ch'kara gone mad. Hovan spoke quietly, picking his words with care. "Yes.
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