{"id":336,"date":"2021-10-11T13:15:31","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T17:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=336"},"modified":"2021-10-17T20:10:32","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T00:10:32","slug":"chapter-28","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-28\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 028: Out of the Frying Pan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg\" alt=\"Etherno\" class=\"wp-image-52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm-300x113.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chapter 28:<\/strong> Out of the Frying Pan<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden growled in frustration and slammed her fist into the dirt. She\u2019d been out here in the wilderness outside the city for hours, and the only thing she\u2019d been able to do was make her hand glow softly. She\u2019d managed more than that just after she\u2019d transferred to this body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden jumped to her feet and paced back and forth. Perhaps she was over-thinking this. Back then, she hadn\u2019t thought, she\u2019d just acted. Now, she\u2019d been concentrating on trying to access this body\u2019s power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She sighed. This would be much easier if the host were conscious. The doctors were still undecided on whether or not the host personality was even still alive. Aiden refused to accept that possibility. Too much like those body-snatching Natas. She shivered. The Matari were supposed to exist in a partnership with the host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome on, snap out of it. How can I work with you if you won\u2019t respond?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">There was no answer. Not even a twinge of thought in response to Aiden\u2019s question. She huffed out a breath, then paused mid-stride. That might be it. What if the host was still alive, but too confused and terrified to respond? Some mammals reacted to extreme stress like that. One individual would fight to the bitter end, others would go comatose with fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden could certainly understand that response to a Natas forcing its way inside, shoving you aside, and treating you like an overly complicated puppet. If that was the case, the question was how to reach the host?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She closed her eyes and mentally drew back. In a normal joining, the host would now be in control. Aiden still didn\u2019t sense anything, but she didn\u2019t fall over, either. The host had to still be alive. She\u2019d spent most of her time over the past week in this state, hoping the host would come out, so to speak. The first time she\u2019d done it, she\u2019d fallen over and had to re-assert control to prevent her face from smashing un-checked into the duracrete floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>Please come out. You\u2019re safe now. I\u2019m a friend. I know you don\u2019t trust me, and I don\u2019t blame you, but give me a chance to prove it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">No response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden sighed mentally. There was a third possibility. The host may have suffered brain damage in the battle while the Natas was still in control. The physical damage had healed, but some of the personality\u2019s data may have been lost. Hmm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAiden!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden waited to see if the host would react to the Kagoshi soldier that was rapidly approaching from behind. Still nothing. Aiden ignored her disappointment for now and resumed control. She pivoted on her heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She didn\u2019t recognize the young Kagoshi enlisted man. Most likely he was sent on behalf of someone else. Presumably, he was here on a matter of some importance, as she\u2019d left instructions that she be left alone for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The young man jerked to a stop and saluted her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden returned the salute. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe Governor sent me to get you. We\u2019ve received word from Outpost 2D20 that they\u2019ve intercepted a cargo ship that was attempting to jump here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden raised an eyebrow. \u201cI assume there\u2019s more to this news than just an inbound cargo ship?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, ma&#8217;am. Sorry.\u201d He flushed and saluted her again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He\u2019d better be new. Aiden was going to give the Governor a piece of her mind about this idiot soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe ship is carrying seven Natas. One Nekotian, and the rest are that new strong type!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden took a step backward. Seven! One had almost killed her. \u201cYou\u2014you should have told me that first!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cPlease, hurry back. The Governor wants you to lead the team against them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden swore under her breath and ran for the city.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The ramp lowered and Kasai gasped. At least two dozen bipedal aliens were in the corridor outside the ship, guns drawn and pointed at her and the others. The aliens were short. The tallest of them came up to about Kasai\u2019s shoulder. They wore white armored uniforms that covered everything but their faces, which were angular, shiny, and purple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo!\u201d Tannin peeked over Onin\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPurple!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShut up, Tannin,\u201d Saija hissed through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of the aliens in the front lifted his gun about an inch. \u201cAll right, Natas, you\u2019re surrounded. Come out one at a time, and keep your hands where we can see them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, we can understand them.\u201d Tannin sighed. \u201cThat\u2019s a relief.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot the time.\u201d Onin whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI think there\u2019s been a misunderstanding.\u201d Amaryllis squeezed between Kasai and Onin. Amaryllis was without her trademark staff. She took a step forward. \u201cWe\u2019re not Natas. We\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s a Nekotian!\u201d The lead alien jabbed in Amaryllis\u2019 direction with his gun. \u201cMust be one of the old hosts. If they move, take her out first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh\u2014\u201d Amaryllis scratched behind one of her ears. \u201cI think there\u2019s been a misunderstanding. We\u2019re not Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, come on!\u201d The leader scowled. \u201cI\u2019m not that dumb. Every time we\u2019ve encountered one of those aliens behind you, it\u2019s been a Natas. Now, are you going to surrender or not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere really has been a misunderstanding.\u201d Onin lifted his hands, palms up. \u201cWe\u2019re not Natas. They came to our planet and possessed a number of our people. We\u2019re here to track them down and bring them back to justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou expect me to believe that?\u201d The leader snorted. \u201cYeah, we fall for your little fib, let you in, and you kill us all. I don\u2019t think so. Are you going to do this the easy way or not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait! We need to speak with the Matari!\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The alien leader\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cA Natas actually wants a Matari to come? What kind of trick is this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo trick.\u201d Onin left his hands in the air. \u201cBack on Gesara, our planet, we worked with the Matari to stop the Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s true!\u201d Amaryllis smiled. \u201cThe Matari will be able to confirm that we\u2019re not Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou lie!\u201d One of the other soldiers in the front line took a step forward. \u201cDie alien scum!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He pulled the trigger. Kasai gasped. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. A yellow plasma beam snaked out from the gun. Amaryllis\u2019 eyes widened in shock. Kasai leapt forward and snapped her wings out to their full length. They seemed to take forever to extend. Ever so slowly the edge of Kasai\u2019s wing slid out in front of Amaryllis. The plasma beam curved over and absorbed into her wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai felt a rush of energy. Everything snapped back to regular speed. All the guards were firing. Kasai kept both wings extended to block the shots. Onin had generated a servitor. Cerina had her guitar unslung, and Saija was opening portals to redirect any shots that got past Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait!\u201d Kasai spun around and rested a hand on Onin\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe came here to stop the Natas. We\u2019re on the same side. We can\u2019t afford to get into a fight over a misunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin sighed and re-absorbed his servitors. \u201cYou\u2019re right. But how do we calm everyone down?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai frowned and looked around, being careful to keep her wings extended. Her gaze fell on Cerina. She held her guitar, but wasn\u2019t playing it. For once, she didn\u2019t seem to be over-reacting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCerina!\u201d Kasai waved her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina turned her head and raised an eyebrow. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe need to defuse this situation fast. Can you play some calming music, please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina\u2019s brow furrowed, and the side of her mouth pulled back in a sneer. She sighed, then leaned back to look over to Onin. Onin nodded to Cerina. She sighed again and strummed a soft chord. Kasai felt the tension drain out of her shoulders. Soon, the laser blasts stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin stepped around Kasai, and towards the alien soldiers. \u201cWe\u2019re on the same side. The Matari can back that up. Check with them, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The lead alien waved at his men to stand down. He stared at Onin for what felt like forever. \u201cYou didn\u2019t shoot back when we started it.\u201d He turned to glare at the soldier who had fired the first shot. \u201cIf you\u2019ll voluntarily place yourselves in our custody until a Matari can get here, we\u2019ll re-evaluate the situation based on what they have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Cerina stepped forward. \u201cThat\u2019s not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin waved a hand at her. \u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The alien leader snorted out a breath. \u201cHmm. Follow me, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He turned on his heel and led the way down a hallway. Onin followed him. Kasai stayed close to Onin, and the others fell in line behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey.\u201d Celina whispered and used her gift to carry the whisper so only Kasai, Onin, and the other Gesarans could hear her. \u201cHow do we know they\u2019re not just gonna lock us up and not bother to contact the Matari?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked over his shoulder and flicked his glance from Cerina to Saija and back. Cerina shrugged and followed them without another word.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden yawned. She\u2019d never been able to sleep well sitting up and the full burn through hyperspace that the escort ship was making didn\u2019t help. Every time she got comfortable, the ship would either bump or something would beep. She\u2019d been up for fourteen hours now, and had only managed to doze off for a few minutes a couple of times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She sighed. If she was being honest with herself, the thought of a whole team of Natas on the outpost scared her to the core. What was left of the face of her old host flashed through her mind. She shivered. Sure, she had the same type of body now, but she hadn\u2019t mastered it yet. She squared her shoulders. Nothing to be done about that. The Natas had to be stopped before they made it off the outpost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden drifted in and out of consciousness, but didn\u2019t quite manage to get any decent sleep. A beep sounded over the intercom. Aiden sat up and rubbed her eyes. The outpost was a dull gray dot out the window. The transport ship took a few more minutes to finish its approach. Aiden took a few deep breaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A clang rang out as the docking collar latched. Air hissed, then the light above the door changed to green. Aiden stood, took another breath, and took a moment to search for the host body\u2019s personality. Still nothing. She sighed, squared her shoulders, and stepped through the hatch onto the outpost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A Kagoshi captain waited for her. He was tall\u2014for a Kagoshi\u2014his head still only came to the top of Aiden\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He snapped off a salute. \u201cMatari. We\u2019ve been expecting you.\u201d He looked her up and down. \u201cGood. You\u2019ll need that body if they\u2019re lying to us. This way, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden followed the captain down the hallway. \u201cThe Natas are in the newer hosts, then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The captain\u2019s head cocked to the side. \u201cSame species, yes, but they claim not to be Natas.\u201d He paused and looked over his shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019ll be able to tell, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d Aiden nodded. \u201cIt will be immediately apparent to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood.\u201d The captain spun on his heel and continued down the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They rounded two corners and stopped in front of a reinforced door. Two guards stood on each side of the door and at least Aiden paused. She felt something\u2026 familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of the guards swung the door open. None of them were Natas, and none of them looked familiar, but something in the slightly older looking black-haired man resonated with Aiden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She took a step towards him. \u201cRyogin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The room\u2019s walls, floor, and ceiling were metal. Four long metal benches lined each of the bare walls. Kasai sat on one of the benches and tried to lean back against the wall without crushing a wing. They weren\u2019t that delicate, but it was still uncomfortable to lay on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, now what?\u201d Cerina crossed her arms and leaned against the far wall. \u201cI still say they\u2019re not gonna bother contacting the Matari.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot a problem.\u201d Saija waved a hand. \u201cIf that\u2019s the case, I just portal us back to the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo! That\u2019s a good idea!\u201d Tannin jumped to his feet. \u201cCan you bop me back there just for a second? I\u2019m getting hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina slapped the back of his head. \u201cIdiot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019re probably on camera.\u201d Onin looked up into each of the corners of the ceiling. \u201cI don\u2019t see anything obvious, but they\u2019d be pretty foolish to leave suspected Natas alone. We should just stay here and wait patiently to prove we\u2019re not a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone sat down after that. Tannin drummed his fingers on his leg. Cerina tapped a rhythm on the side of the bench. Saija played with her hair. Amaryllis, Onin, and Ryogin sat and stared at the wall. Probably thinking about something. Maybe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">After what felt like hours, but according to Kasai\u2019s phone was only fifteen minutes, the door to the room creaked open. Kasai rolled her head to the side to see who or what came in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She jumped to her feet when a Gesaran leg entered the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShanay!\u201d Tannin jumped to his feet and pulled a rubber chicken out of his pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The others jumped their feet and formed a line in front of the door. Onin had a servitor out already, and was generating two more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something was weird though. For one, she was modestly dressed. Second, she stopped in the doorway and had a confused look on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay turned to her left. \u201cRyogin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai and the others turned their heads as one to look at Ryogin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He blinked a few times and stepped forward. \u201cAiden? Is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, wait a minute!\u201d Tannin thrust his chicken out at Shanay\u2019s nose. \u201cI\u2019m not that bright, but did you get rid of the Natas? \u2018Cause you\u2019re not try\u2019n\u2019 to kill us. So it\u2019s either that, or this is a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned to Ryogin. \u201cI believe you owe us that explanation now.\u201d His voice was low and clipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d Ryogin ran his fingers through his hair. \u201cAiden, if you\u2019ll step in and close the door, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Shanay entered the room, nodded to the guard, and closed the door behind her. \u201cBut who\u2019s Shanay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked over at Onin. His eyes hadn\u2019t left Shanay. Kasai wrapped her arms around Onin\u2019s right arm and pressed up against him. Something weird was going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, uh, you\u2019re probably all wondering how we recognized each other, right?\u201d Ryogin looked around at everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nodded. He still hadn\u2019t re-absorbed his servitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhere to start?\u201d Ryogin ran his hand through his hair again. \u201cYou know how the Matari and Natas are related species, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Saija snorted. \u201cWe found that lovely tidbit out when the Natas forced an unwilling Matari into a Gesaran host. What else are they hiding?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, uh\u2014\u201d Ryogin wiped his brow and looked around the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d Amaryllis pulled him into a hug. \u201cThey\u2019re our friends. You can tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin gripped her hand. \u201cWell, there are two factions among the Matari. A long time ago, before the Natas drove them from their homeworld, the Matari co-inhabited bodies with a willing host to form a merged entity. There were a number of benefits for both parties, and it was only done when the host wanted it. The Natas forced the issue, and were banished for it. Eventually they were able to gain enough power to drive the Matari off their homeworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhen this happened, some of the Matari vowed never to take hosts again to prevent this from ever happening again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait a minute.\u201d Cerina raised her hand. \u201cThat wouldn\u2019t help anything. That wouldn\u2019t prevent some wack-job from breaking that rule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cExactly.\u201d Ryogin nodded. \u201cMost of the Matari argued that same thing, and continued to take willing hosts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Onin glanced back and forth between Ryogin and Shanay. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t explain any of what\u2019s going on right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell.\u201d Ryogin took a deep breath. Amaryllis patted his arm and smiled at him. \u201cUh, I\u2019m blended with a Matari.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blinked. Did she hear that right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait.\u201d Tannin tilted his head to the side. \u201cSo you\u2019ve been a Matari all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo, you idiot.\u201d Cerina poked Tannin in the ribs. \u201cHe said he\u2019s been blended.\u201d She looked off to the side. \u201cWhatever that means.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo&#8230;\u201d Saija drew the word out and turned to Amaryllis. \u201cYou knew about this the whole time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMmm-hmm.\u201d Amaryllis smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt happened a long time ago, when I was a teenager. I\u2019d always been fascinated by the Matari, so I was poking around the compound\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIsn\u2019t that illegal?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin ducked his head. \u201cYeah. Then I fell down part of a mountain and broke my leg. One of the Matari found me and joined with me to heal me. And we\u2019ve been together since.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked at Amaryllis. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us? We really should have known about this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry.\u201d Amaryllis looked at the floor. \u201cI wanted to, but it wasn\u2019t my secret to share.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat was my fault.\u201d Ryogin put his arm around Amaryllis\u2019 shoulder. \u201cI asked her not to tell anyone. As freaked out as people get with the Natas possessing people, I was afraid none of you would trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo.\u201d Cerina put her hand on her hip. \u201cInstead of a difficult truth, you lie to us.\u201d She snorted. \u201cAnd you expect us to trust either of you ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Kasai turned to Cerina. \u201cFirst, it wasn\u2019t Amaryllis\u2019 fault. If you told me something in confidence, you wouldn\u2019t want me telling everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s a good point.\u201d Saija looked back and forth between Kasai and Ryogin. \u201cI can understand why he didn\u2019t want to tell anyone. I know the Natas and Matari say they\u2019re different, but we really don\u2019t know them that well. And after what happened to me\u2014\u201d Saija wrapped her arms around her chest. \u201cYeah\u2026 I\u2019d have a hard time trusting them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shuddered. Being possessed by a Natas would terrify anyone. She walked over and pulled Saija into a hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, I\u2019m confused.\u201d Tannin scratched his scalp. \u201cHave we been talking to Ryogin, or the Matari this whole time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBoth. We\u2019re blended together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow does that work?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh-oh, he\u2019s thinking.\u201d Cerina smirked. \u201cI smell smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnyway\u2014\u201d Onin stepped between Tannin and Cerina. \u201cWhat happened to Shanay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone turned to look at Shanay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMe?\u201d She held a hand to her chest. \u201cWhat do you all keep calling me that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai let go of Saija and took a step back. \u201cWait, I thought you\u2019d be back after the Natas left?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSupposed to.\u201d Shanay blushed and looked down at the floor. \u201cThe host was injured when I fought the Natas. I don\u2019t know if she\u2019s still in here or not.\u201d She looked up at Kasai. \u201cDid you know her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, not really.\u201d Kasai scratched the back of her neck. \u201cShe was captured by the Natas, then possessed before we could save her. We got there a few seconds too late and watched it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shuddered at the memory. Onin put his arm around her shoulders, and Kasai leaned into him, grateful for the support. \u201cI don\u2019t want that to happen to anyone else. That\u2019s why we\u2019re out here, chasing one of the Natas that got away from us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood.\u201d Shanay let out a breath. \u201cI heard a bunch of Natas invaded the station, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m here. I\u2019m very glad to hear that there are some of your species resisting them. The prevailing theory was that the Natas conquered the entire planet of super-hosts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait, super-hosts?\u201d Tannin\u2019s eyebrows scrunched up. \u201cUs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d Shanay brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. \u201cYour race has physical abilities far beyond the Kagoshi or the Nekotians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019ve heard of the Nekotians.\u201d Onin jerked his chin back to Amaryllis. \u201cAre the guards here Kagoshi?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cExactly.\u201d Shanay nodded. \u201cMy name is Aiden. I\u2019m a Matari who\u2019s been working with the Kagoshi to defend against the Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blinked. It really was Shanay\u2019s body, but it clearly wasn\u2019t inhabited by the Natas they\u2019d fought before. Was Shanay really gone? Kasai sighed and hugged Onin\u2019s arm tighter. She\u2019d really hoped they could save her. Perhaps fighting the Natas was as difficult as Ambassador Miton had said it would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked up at Aiden. \u201cSo, Shanay is gone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden shrugged and looked at the floor. \u201cI\u2019m not sure. She shouldn\u2019t be, and at times it feels like she\u2019s hiding in here somewhere, but I haven\u2019t been able to make contact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat is unusual.\u201d Ryogin stroked his chin. \u201cIt must have been a stressful situation, but even at that you should be able to communicate with the host. Have you seen a Matari doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden shook her head. \u201cHaven\u2019t had the time. I barely defeated the Natas that was in this body at the cost of my previous host\u2019s life. A Matari doctor was supposed to see me on Kagoum, but I got the notification from the outpost here that they\u2019d captured a bunch of Natas.\u201d Aiden shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin drummed his fingers on his thigh. \u201cSounds like you should see a doctor about that. Also, if you could ask the Kagoshi to let us go, we\u2019ve got a Natas to catch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden scratched the back of her head. \u201cYeah. I\u2019d love to, and we really can use all the help we can get against the Natas, but the Kagoshi can be\u2026 stubborn. I\u2019ll see what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A beep sounded. Aiden pulled a phone\u2014or something that looked like a phone, anyway\u2014out of her pocket. Her eyes widened and her face paled as she looked at the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s\u2014\u201d Aiden\u2019s voice caught. \u201cThere\u2019s been another attack. Thirty Natas just raided the main supply depot for this entire sector.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-27\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"327\">&lt;&lt; Previous Chapter<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/table-of-contents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"34\">Contents<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-029\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"352\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/env_sm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" width=\"33\" height=\"20\"> Be notified when the next chapter comes out!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ko-fi.com\/cdn\/widget\/Widget_2.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">kofiwidget2.init('Buy me a cup of tea', '#29abe0', 'V7V05ASUY');kofiwidget2.draw();<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 28: Out of the Frying Pan Aiden growled in frustration and slammed her fist into the dirt. She\u2019d been out here in the wilderness&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-336","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/336","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=336"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/336\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":357,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/336\/revisions\/357"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=336"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}