Champion Loomi
Conclaves were very serious things. They were so serious and so rare, in fact, the assembled Champions were grudgingly willing to accept the indignities of a Stoneback Fang attacking and pinning them to the floor, scanning their skulls, then cuffing and carrying them all to the Conclave Hall. Loomi suppressed a wave of pride; his Brother-Clan acted efficiently, powerfully, aggressively, and with utter calm and detached decorum. That made all the difference and that meant Loomi had a chance to turn the evening around.
Of course being Brother-Clans, Stoneback and Highmountain weren’t so very different. They retained much of the same physical presence, for example. Both were very tall breeds, though a Highmountain tended to a big-boned and very lanky frame, while a Stoneback often had a slightly more compact yet much sturdier build paired with a hulking muscularity only Humans could match. Both grew heavy and shaggy pelts, and though a Stoneback’s was waterproof, a Highmountain’s pelt was adapted to the high mountain cold. One could often find a Highmountain covered in frost from the bitter chill of their monasteries.
And importantly, both Clans retained the same keen senses and untamed souls. Loomi prided himself on both and in particular his sensitive ears, which he used to listen in on the Champions whispering amongst themselves.
“He has a furry face! I didn’t know humans could be furry?”
“I’ve heard of this. It’s called a ‘beard.’ It’s meant to denote wisdom and experience.”
“Ah, so it’s like a good set of scars, then.” There was much duck-nodding and self-pleased flicking of ears.
“And he’s wearing all that gold and dangly stuff, too. I think that means he’s important.”
“He looks like a powerful fighter. I wonder if he has scars…”
“I heard Humans heal too quick an’ don’t get ‘em.”
“Nonsense! Maybe he’s just good…”
Loomi managed to suppress a snort of amusement. They weren’t entirely wrong, after all…
“…the four behind him—!”
The hall fell into dead silence when the “Beef Trio” and their commander stepped up behind Loomi and Templar, but only for a moment. The whispers grew into excited speculation almost instantly.
“Aren’t those SOR?”
“He’s bigger than—”
“Where’s Daar?”
“He’s training on Earth I heard!”
“He’s the best, I bet he’s showin’ them a trick or two!”
A proud consensus developed immediately, though the braggart was immediately subjected to teasing and insinuations about his minor Clan’s ongoing alliance negotiations with Stoneback.
“They look dangerous. Who do you think would win in a fight?”
A furious discussion took place, with the consensus being the only way to know for sure would be if Daar showed up and Challenged him. Right on cue…
“Nah, the Trio can usually rip my tail right off ‘less I surprise ‘em. Hi!”
Daar pranced right into the middle of the room all big and bad as always, bristling with that special brand of aggressively boisterous friendliness his Clan was so very good at projecting. In short order the other Champions swarmed him to say hello and sniff in friendly greeting. All by himself he elevated the mood of the room; Daar was one of the few Champions who remained aloof from most of the Clan politics and that proved valuable. After all, with an enormous and undisputed capability to defend Clan combined with a seemingly harmless personality? Genshi was right. Daar really was what a Champion should be and everyone knew it. Not even Hiyal of One-Fang could hold out on their old grudge and he offered respectful greetings and words.
The moment is ripe. “Shall we?” Loomi nodded at Templar who looked the very model of dignified, stately menace. Loomi gathered his wits and strode to middle of the dais. It projected into a large circular room bereft of chairs or any pleasantries of any kind except for four balconies. The room fell silent instantly.
“I call to order this Conclave.” He spoke in his most booming and formal voice. Then, in careful and ancient ritual, he began:
“To all who would witness these presents, greetings: come before me stand Templar, Admiral and Warfather amongst the Humans, joined by Father Stainless of the Worthy Clan SOR, Champion Genshi of the Most Honorable Clan Whitecrest, Champion and Stud-Prime Daar of the Most Ancient and Honorable Clan Stoneback. The protection of the Conclave is given!”
“We agree,” said in unison by all the Champions present. None would dare violate the terms because Daar padded over and stood with Loomi on the dais.
“Stoneback will Protect. Does any Champion offer Challenge?”
None did.
“It is done.” Loomi turned to Templar, and deviated from the script a little. “Honored guest, you have the protection of the Conclave. It will last as long as you live for any matter pertaining herein. All things discussed here are secret. The penalty for breaking this Oath is death. Do you accept?”
“I do, on behalf of my men.” Templar’s Gaori was so perfect, some of the attending Champions chittered in surprise.
“I accept your word of honor on behalf of the Conclave.” Loomi stepped forward and sat amiably at the edge of the dais, then addressed the Champions directly. “Okay. Formalities done, welcome and apologies. This morning was an insult to your dignity and I accept personal responsibility. I assure you it will not happen again. But I must note…” Loomi’s eyes looked up at the balconies, and in them stood Whitecrest sharpshooters with long-range rifles.
The crowd grumbled to itself. “Please understand. Today, the Humans are going to share with us the details of an existential threat to the Gao. I only learned of it two mornings ago and from what I learned, called this Conclave without a second thought. Does this convey the gravity of the situation?”
Loomi had their rapt attention, then looked towards Templar, who sat beside Loomi. He settled in both comfortable and dignified, but even he couldn’t help swinging his legs a bit over the ledge. Physics tested, he spoke:
“First order of business.” Templar grumbled, “Now, I have given this briefing many times and will give it many more. But before I give it to you fine gentlebeings, I must have your oaths of absolute secrecy. Among our people this is a legally binding contract and the penalty is as severe as the Oath I just swore to Champion Loomi.” Some of the Whitecrest Brothers walked among the crowd and distributed tablets with the non-disclosure agreement. “Please read carefully, and sign. If you cannot agree, we require you to leave.”
Within a few minutes all had signed and all signatures were verified.
“Excellent. Champion Genshi…would you do the honors? I find that speaking Gaori for any length of time tires my throat and jaw. There are some very subtle sounds in it!” He threw in an odd facial expression that was—somehow—charming and friendly, even if Loomi didn’t know it’s actual meaning.
“I would be honored.” Genshi stood forward and gathered his thoughts, carefully considering the best Angle for the pitch. “I suppose I should start where Admiral Templar always starts, in the Human’s former city of San Diego.”
Even hearing it all a second time, Loomi still found himself awed by it.