Chapter 16
Extra Help
"Now they'll react differently to you than Jukid or I did. Let me explain," said Tormran.
I yawned and stretched in my cage, for it was early morning. Tormran had come up to my cage and told me we would be having some help making the Mgani Tero's. He was giving me some instructions on how to make a good first impression on the other Tanjas.
"Every Tanja likes female Tanjas. But, they know that you're a stranger and not a full blooded Tanja. After all, you are originally human, from what Jukid told me. So, they will act a little strange around you. They'll want to know a little bit about you, maybe they'll even start up a conversation. Be pleasant whenever you speak. Don't growl, lower your voice, or grow stern with them. They know those to be signs of hostility and anger. You have to make a very, very good first impression on all of them. Otherwise, they'll despise working with you and probably won't listen to your instructions. Don't brag, bribe, or flirt. You are not a true Tanja, and they will think you very odd if you do any of those three things. They won't accept any of it. Don't let them in on any secrets. Tanjas can be quite clumsy and forgetful. They drop stuff, leak secrets, and can't grasp complicated instructions. Therefore, be very precise and simple with them. Show them how to do things. Remember, don't get too close to them. You don't want them thinking you're flirting or anything. If they sense you doing something like the three previously mentioned, they will grow unfriendly. Be very careful about what you do, say, and even think! Tanjas can pick up on emotions quickly, so keep everything in line. Be an expert, but don't show off or get too complicated. Be simple, and know what you're talking about. I know this is a lot of information, but you have to know it to get them working with you. So deal with it. Any questions?"
I thought for a second and asked,"Do I have to wear the collar?"
Tormran seemed kind of uncomfortable as he answered,"Well, no. I guess you don't have to. I certainly don't want to be walking around everywhere with you. But they'll seem kind of... well...insecure without it. I mean, they'll think if you attack there's no way to stop you. And they know they aren't stronger than you from that fight a few nights ago...."
I quickly replied,"Is there any position I could walk in that would make me seem less threatening? Like, maybe if I stayed on all fours and just stood up and leaned against machinery when I needed to point something out? You know, like I'm some sort of instructor/servant or something."
"Yeah, I think that would work out. Just don't make any moves that look like you'll spring on someone. Tanjas can be quite nervous when put in new situations. We don't handle change or strangers very well. That's the way it is for most of us, anyway. Usually not me and a few of my friends," answered Tormran.
I walked to the cage door and watched Tormran open it. He picked me up and walked through the pyramid. He said it was for the ‘appearance that I'm still in control over you'. I let him do it, since we'd conceded to be friends a few days ago. He walked through the pyramid and out the door. I was a little nervous and wondered if everything would work out okay. Tormran reassured me I would do fine. We entered another pyramid and descended a few different stairways. We were deep into the ground, the pyramid about us, a stone floor below us. There was a small group of Tanjas gathered toward the back wall of the bottom floor of the pyramid. They looked rather nervous, but relaxed a little when Tormran dropped me on the floor and kicked me in the side.
He said later on that it was for good measure.
"This, workers, is a Tanja of the second type. A shapeshifter that has shapeshifted into a Tanja. Because you already now this, I will quickly outline what it is here for. This ‘Tanja', on the floor in front of me, will be instructing you on the precise cuts and measurements you are to make on the machines today. If you listen, it might be able to teach you something. Because it is a servant, it will stay on all fours most of the time. If it needs to point something out or show you something on the machines, it will stand on two legs. Other than that, it will be low to the ground. If you have any trouble, I will be two levels up on the main level of this pyramid. I have some things to work out up there. Now, I will introduce you to this ‘Tanja'. Her name is Wolfette. She should be very cooperative. Ask her anything you like, you may ask her about herself, your job, or anything else you would like to know. She is at your disposal. If you want to take her anywhere other than this floor, you must notify me and get my permission first. Is that all clearly understood?" said Tormran in Code.
"Yes, Dar Tormran," replied the crowd.
I looked up at Tormran and whispered,"What does ‘Dar' mean?"
"It means ‘sir' in our language," replied Tormran.
I nodded and moved forward when he gave me a shove. I listened to him walk back to the main level as I approached the crowd.
"Hello," I said as calmly as I could. I was a nervous wreck. I hoped it didn't show. I sat on the floor and looked at them all. They stared back at me. They seemed a bit uneasy, but not unfriendly.
"My name is Wolfette, as you know. I am here as your humble instructor today. I hope that whatever happens here will benefit all of the Tanjas here. Maybe it will even help other races someday," I suggested, saying everything in Code.
They stood there with blank looks on their faces. Somehow I felt I wasn't getting through to them. What would motivate them to work? How could I best befriend them?
"I watched you fight," came a voice from a Tanja in front.
I raised my head and looked around, trying to spot the Tanja who had spoken. A Tanja from the front and to the right stepped forward. He pointed at me.
"You beat Tormran in a fight," he explained. "I saw the whole thing."
All of the Tanjas turned their faces from the speaking Tanja to me.
"Yes, I was in a fight at one time," I said uncomfortably.
"And you beat Torman," the Tanja said, helping me along.
"Well, I kind of beat him, I guess," I said, growing more uncomfortable by the minute.
"No! You DID beat him!" corrected the Tanja.
I lowered my eyes to the floor and thought quickly. Where had this come from?
"Now one has ever beaten Tormran before," said the Tanja, his eyes yellow slits now.
I swallowed and looked up at him. He looked very dangerous. I was afraid the whole crowd would attack me. Who knew what a Tanja would do? They seemed very unpredictable. And I was right about their unpredictability.
"You beat Tormran. A feat no one has ever accomplished before. And so, I am honored to be serving under you, Dara Wolfette," concluded the Tanja.
He made a quick bow and stepped back into the crowd. I looked at him in disbelief. He had just called me ‘Dara' Wolfette! I could only guess ‘dara' mean miss. Oh, what a relief! They weren't going to attack me after all! All of the Tanjas had smirks on their faces, and they began mumbling amongst themselves. This was a much better atmosphere than the one a few minutes ago.
"Quiet!" growled the Tanja, and everyone hushed. "We will be listening to Dara Wolfette now. Keep your tails to yourself and listen up! We must show respect to the Dara."
He smiled, wagged his tail, and stepped forward. "I wish to be of further assistance to you, Dara. I don't know much, but I am brighter than most of these dimwits here. Please, acept my condolences on your family situation back at home. Also, I wish to stay by your side, wherever you shall go. It will make the others much more confident."
I watched all of the Tanjas turn their attention from the Tanja to me. I nodded slowly and smiled, trying to hide my fangs as much as possible so as not to alarm them. The group broke out in smiles and let out a few short howls of approval.
"They all know code, Dara. Though, they don't understand it as well as I. It's hard for most Tanjas to grasp the concept of other languages, but they are learning. Bear with them, as you teach them, please," the Tanja informed me.
"Yes, I will do as you say," I told him. "You know my name, but I don't know any of yours," I commented.
"You will learn their names as you work with them. For now, I will tell you mine. My name is Byte. I have a close friend who will be here shortly. He will tell you his name when he arrives. He is another of us ‘smart' Tanjas."
I smiled and began giving out orders. I told some to work on the machinery for cutting, others to handle the washing of the Brosbite, and still others to inspect the finished Magni Tero's. I told them the name of the crystals, and they all agreed it was a very clever and well thought up name. I walked around for an hour, instructing Tanjas on how to wash the crystals and being instructed on how to use the machinery. Byte told me how to use the machinery, which I communicated in the simplest of terms to the Tanjas. Together, we got it across to them how to work all of the cutting utensils and machinery in the room. An hour, yes an hour, had gone by. I was sweating from running around. I knew there would be a lot more work for me during the day, so I took a quick break and sat down by the steps leading to other levels of the pyramid.
"You did very well," complimented Byte.
"You think so?" I asked him.
He nodded and continued staring at me. I was a bit uncomfortable. I already had a husband and a daughter. He was a nice Tanja, but not my type. Apparently, he thought I was his type. He sat down next to me and looked at me.
"You are very nice. I hope to have a dog like you some day," he said and sighed afterward. "But, I already know that you've got a mate. I wish I could see the lucky dog that got you. You're a fine specimen."
I blushed and asked,"Who told you all this, about my daughter and husband?"
"Tormran, of course. He's one of my only friends. He doesn't let me go into a situation unprepared, most times."
I nodded and turned away, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, I'll leave," he said.
"No, I don't want you to go. I'm just a little embarrassed, that's all."
"Why?" he asked.
"I've never had anyone but Brayan, my husband, tell me I was ‘a fine specimen' as you call it," I chuckled.
He grinned and put his paw under my chin, saying,"Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I know I can't have you, and I don't want you because of your situation. But your husband must have been very special to have won your heart. I can see a conqueror's heart in you, dog. And I like it. I hope you stick around for a while. I would like to know you better."
Then Byte blushed and stood to his feet. I saw that he had just realized what he'd said and how it might have come off. He hurried around me and up the stairs. I felt bad for him. I hadn't taken it the wrong way. I knew his intentions, but I felt bad he'd been embarrassed. Poor old dog.
Byte didn't come back for two more hours, and when he did return, he would not make eye contact with me. He stayed on the opposite side of the room and tried to look busy with the workers who were getting along fine. I tried to go over and talk to him, but he always avoided me.
"Don't even bother with the scoundrel," said a nearby Tanja.
He had caught me looking at Byte, and I was a bit embarrassed.
"Why not?" I challenged the Tanja.
"Oh, my name's Clendon. I've been wanting to talk to you for so long! Thank goodness you're over here! But, anyway, he's a scoundrel. He looks at all the females around here. You don't want to get too close to him. He'll sweep you off your feet and steal you away from your husband. At least, that's what everyone tells me."
"Well, don't judge anyone until you've gotten a chance to really know them. I'll keep my eyes open. Just give him a chance, okay? He's a living, breathing, and hurting Tanja. I can see that. But I'm not quite sure of his motives as of yet. And it's very nice meeting you, Clendon," I finished.
He smiled, clearly honored at getting to talk to me personally, and went back to working his cutting machine.
We had about sixty-six Magni Tero's made in only two hours of work. I was glad it was going along so well. Then came the trouble.
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