Joste did as he was told, describing the human's torment, memory loss, and what the female Marine had told him. "Maybe he was being honest when he said the females volunteered for combat. Certainly the one I spoke to showed pain at his hurt. And he did prove himself honorable, sacrificing his mind—himself—as he did. Ka'ruchaya, he needs help, and I think that once he learns our ways, he will be a credit to N'chark."
"He lost only his memory?"
"Yes, Ka'ruchaya, according to the female Marine."
"And she called him your 'child,' your esten." Jarna paused, thinking. "No, Cor'naya Joste. Under the circumstances, I do not think adoption either possible or necessary; he cannot take the blood-oath if he cannot understand it. He is a Terran, and apparently newborn by their ways, regarding you as chaya. I accept him as es'ruesten, a clan-son of N'chark by birth. Care for him, see that he gets the medical help he needs—including regrowth treatments if they are available there— and bring him home as soon as he is able to travel. If you wish, I will arrange for his naming ceremony."
"Thank you, Ka'ruchaya. Let him be named Horst, of Clan N'chark."
"So be it, Cor'naya Joste." Jarna turned to Kunnos. "I will send a ship for them, Group-Leader. Will you need a linguist to replace Joste?"
"If you please, Ka'ruchaya. Stanek, if he has recovered."
"He will be on the ship." Jarna's expression became grim. "But hear my words, Group-Leader: none of my n'ruesten will force another to this living self-destruction again. I will not have them dishonor themselves so."
"I would not ask it, Ka'ruchaya," Kunnos said. "I will report this to the Supreme, with the recommendation that he order any found to have similar conditioning questioned no further." He extended claws to emphasize his determination. "I have no wish to be part of such dishonor, either."
"Well said, Group-Leader." Jarna inclined her head. "Now if you will excuse me, I must return to my duties."