I got back to camp with scraps and slashes that would become new scars. And I was alright with that. I had many scars, what was a few more.

I stare at the Theta tent, where Manava and her apprentices, Mohea and Timber, try to work miracles. Several of my pack ended up there today, injured and dying. It pulled at my heart. How many more would I have to loose before the war was over?

Rahiti Fang, my Dad's second Beta, taps me on the shoulder. He smiles sly as a fox, "Alpha Tane wants you and a group of your choosing to go to the Bronze Base. You know, as our representative."

I growl. I told Dad I didn't want any part of the politics that came with war. I was a Eta, not the Alpha Dad wanted me to be.

I storm away from Rahiti, barging into Dad's tent.

He was in the middle of telling Zeta Mire plans for the next fight. "We start at the groves and work our away to the valleys on the north side."

I shout, in the most unadult-like manner, "Alpha Tane, I must speak with you at once!"

Dad looked up from the hand drawn map at his claws. He smiled at me, "Why Poema, darling, why aren't you gathering up your team?  I thought I gave Fang proper instructions to tell you your new task."

I shout, "That's what I'm here about."

Dad nods at Zeta Mire, "Mire, please go, I need to deal with this personally."

I stopped myself from flinching. I shouldn't have shouted at him. When I was younger he'd beat me if I showed a single sign of weakness. He would have none if it from his own flesh and blood. But he knew how hard I worked to be an Eta, how I train relentlessly

Dad straightens, him towering over me easily. He says, "Eta Tane, what is wrong with the orders I gave you?"

My tail twitches and I can't help feeling inferior. I mutter, "I'm a solider not a representative, Dad."

He smiled slightly at the name I only called him when I was a pup. Dad nods, "I see. I wish I didn't need this of you daughter, but most our Upsilons are in Theta Flood's care. The only other member I trust with this mission is you."

I huff, knowing he had won before I even entered his tent. Dad sinks back over the map, dismissing me without another word.

I keep my chin set and my eyes proud.  If I had to do this, then I would.