Sturgeon

## Sturgeon

* Adult
* Young

## Biographical Information

### Aliases:

My Liege
My Queen

## Kin

### Half-Brother(s):

Hake

*"W-When I'm Queen... I am going to save every last cat on this island. Family. Daisy. Sick. Injured. All of them. I don't care what it costs. No one will be killed under my law."*
—**Sturgeon** to Thresher *What Lurks Beneath*, page 325
**Sturgeon** is one of the four main protagonists of *What Lurks Beneath*. She debuts in the prologue alongside Thresher, Trout, and Hake, and is one of Trout's Advisors.

*More Coming Soon*

## Physical Appearance

**Sturgeon** is a large, muscular, dark gray molly, with a lighter gray tail-tip, paws and cheek fur. She has a black nose, green eyes, and a mostly black tail, as well as black stripes on her shoulders, neck, and cheeks. Her fur is squared at the edges and downwards-pointing, and she has small ears.

## History

#### Prologue

**Sturgeon** sits by Thresher, confirming that it was time for his reign to end after he asks for confirmation. Thresher says that he's ready in that case, then calls for Trout and Hake to join them. He explains that his reign ends that night, but that he's confident he'll be leaving The Tide and The Family in capable paws.
Thresher asks Sturgeon if she would help the chosen leader if not herself, in which she replies that she would. The four then leave the cave, walking towards the beach. Sturgeon, Hake and Trout look out towards Thresher solemnly as he wades into the ocean to his death as the crowd around them chants. Sturgeon doesn't join in on these chants until later, after Thresher had died.
#### Chapter 2

When Trout and Skua catch a chicken, Trout says that it would be enough for her to share with Sturgeon and Hake.
Later on, Sturgeon crouches down by Hake, asking if there had been any other incidents. Hake says that there hadn't, only the one by the river that day. Trout greets them, sitting down beside Sturgeon. Sturgeon mentions that it was nice of her to finally join them, and Trout explains that she had been catching them dinner.
Sturgeon says that Trout's Lionheart had dropped it off, and says that some of them had work to do after Trout realises they hadn't eaten it yet. Hake quickly adds on that they were waiting for her to join them as well.
Trout begins walking towards the chicken, exclaiming that she was there now and that they should eat. Sturgeon and Hake join her, and Sturgeon points out that it was small for a chicken. Trout supposes it is, and asks if it were a problem. Sturgeon asks if it was in a flock or alone, though Trout cuts her off and answers that it was alone.
Sturgeon mentions that it is the first chicken they've seen in weeks, and that Trout should have left it be rather than catch it. Trout asks why, and as Sturgeon begins answering, Hake cuts her off, requesting she drop the subject. Sturgeon furrows her brows, continuing her rant by saying that if there were only a couple of chickens left on the island, they'll be gone for good soon enough.
She asks Trout what they were going to eat in a year, and Trout responds that she doesn't know, but she does know what they would be eating that night, so Sturgeon should be thanking her rather than complaining. Hake agrees, saying that Trout was right and thanking her for the dinner. Sturgeon is less impressed, and passive-aggressively thanks Trout for leading The Family to such a promising future.
Trout begins to retort, though Hake steps in-between them and attempts to mediate the argument, saying that they should just eat already. Sturgeon acknowledges this, but gets in a final remark that they should eat whilst they still can. Trout, having had enough, tells Sturgeon and Hake to enjoy the chicken without her and walks away. Hake looks back at Sturgeon with an angry expression.
#### Chapter 4

As Sturgeon, Trout and Skua walk on the Beach, Sturgeon tells Trout that the birds are getting scarcer every day. Trout says she knows, but is unsure what she can do about it. She points out that it wasn't like she could just bring more prey to the island.
Sturgeon proposes that maybe they could go to the prey instead; if the island couldn't support them anymore, they should leave.
Trout laughs, finding the idea ridiculous. Sturgeon continues, beginning to suggest they swim together before Trout cuts her off, telling her that cats would drown or they'd join Thresher. Trout asks where they would even go, saying that the only other land around was the island opposite, but it was much smaller and for all they knew, it could be worse off.
Sturgeon states that it's still worth a shot, and that she could lead a small group to the island and back to report their findings, to which Trout exclaims that they'd never make it. Sturgeon elaborates, saying that she'd take five cats with her, and that at least one of them was bound to make it. She realises that she should instead take ten, so that someone would make it back.
Trout firmly shuts down her idea, stating that no one would be leaving and that she would not send cats to their deaths. Sturgeon proposes she take volunteers in that case, explaining that there are many cats happy to serve The Tide. Trout tells her off, saying that she'll hear nothing more of the subject. Sturgeon reluctantly complies.
Trout then walks away with Skua, leaving Sturgeon behind on the beach. Sturgeon walks along the beach towards the Graveyard, pausing in front of a skinny, dead mother and kitten. She walks through the Graveyard, counting eight bodies and jumping up on top of a boulder. She notices a Daisy attempting to crack open a crab nearby and approaches him, earning a hiss in return.
Sturgeon explains to him that he was going to break his teeth if he continues biting down on the crab, and tells him to come over to a rock and press the crab down on it, hard. She helps him, and the crab cracks open. As she walks away, she tells him to break the legs as well, as there was meat in there. Cricket thanks her, and she simply replies by telling him to not let the crab freaks see him.
Later on, Sturgeon approaches Fangtooth by the freshwater pools, saying that she'd just been walking the shores after Fangtooth asks where she'd been all morning. She says that she thought she'd check up on her Lionheart. Fangtooth jokes that she's the one who's supposed to check up on Sturgeon, and Sturgeon states that she was then bad at her job.
Fangtooth is shocked, trying to explain that Sturgeon had told her not to check up on her before Sturgeon cuts her off, saying that she was joking.
Fangtooth apologies, and explains that it was hard to tell if she was or not sometimes. Sturgeon says that she knows, and she shouldn't apologise to her. Sturgeon looks over towards Kelp and Hake, listening in on their conversation as Kelp demands Hake tell her who scratched him. Hake says that it wasn't a big deal, and that he was barely hurt.
*More Coming Soon*
Sturgeon approaches Trout with an idea to clear the stones protecting the from the sea, allowing fish to come and go as they'd please. Trout asks about her idea for their water supply, and Sturgeon explains that it would be the river; they'd build a dam at the base of the river, and rainwater would keep it full.
Sturgeon says that any fish that enter the pools would become acceptable prey; gifts from The Tide. Trout is uncertain whether or not they'd suddenly be allowed to eat sea life. Sturgeon states that she'd get permission from The Tide, pointing out that The Family has served him loyally for many generations and that he cares for their wellbeing. She encourages Trout to speak with him.
#### Chapter 16

Sturgeon and Wrasse walk together at night. Sturgeon asks Wrasse if he was sure he heard what he told her about right, and he confirms that he's positive. Sturgeon states that he's been a reliable second set of ears, and tells him to keep up the good work. Wrasse explains that she'll find Krill in the woods near the fishing stones, if she hurried. Sturgeon says that she'll handle it.
Wrasse pauses, before asking if she was planning to kill Krill. Sturgeon looks back at him, hesitating, and eventually states that The Tide would decide his fate. She spots Tusk and Hake sitting together by the shore and tells Wrasse to keep an eye on them as she walks away.
In the morning, Sturgeon walks through the forest and finds Krill and Wahoo talking together. She hides and listens in on their conversation. Krill states that there was no other option than to kill Trout, and Wahoo points out that he wouldn't get a chance to with Skua around. Krill says that they'll figure it out together, but Wahoo objects and reminds him that it was treason and that he didn't want to get involved.
Krill calls Wahoo a coward, and Wahoo decides that he's going to go home and tells Krill to come apologize to him when he's got his head screwed back on. Sturgeon climbs down the rocks towards Krill, stating that what she had just heard was interesting. Krill calls her his Queen, and she snarls that she isn't. Krill says that she is, whether she accepts it or not, and that she's the only cat worth listening to on the island. Sturgeon tells him to then do as she says: he would drop the thoughts of treason from his head, and leave Trout alone.
Krill states that she knows he won't do that, and Sturgeon growls that his honesty now will be the death of him and that she will relay everything he said to Trout and he will be judged by The Tide and executed before dusk. Krill accepts this, and says that Sturgeon's loyalty only makes her more admirable. He adds that he isn't the only cat with these thoughts, and points out that if it isn't him to kill Trout, someone else will, and they'd not make it quick.
Sturgeon demands him to use his devotion to her and tell her the names of these cats, but Krill refuses and says that he isn't stupid. He tells her that she should accept her future as Queen. Sturgeon asks what he would do if Hake were chosen instead of her, and if he would murder everyone she loved just to see her in power. Krill states that he would do whatever it takes to ensure the future of the Family.
Sturgeon ends up walking away from him, telling him to enjoy his final hours. Sturgeon enters the caves and looks around for Trout, wondering where she was, before Fangtooth interrupts her thoughts and asks if she'd eaten yet, gifting her a fish caught from the freshwater pools when she says she hasn't. Sturgeon asks Fangtooth if she's seen Trout, and Fangtooth explains that she was out hunting with Skua and Kelp.
Sturgeon accepts that she should be safe enough with them, and Fangtooth says that she'll go and let Trout know Sturgeon was looking for her. Fangtooth stops her and asks if she's eaten yet, offering to share the fish with her if she hasn't, and Fangooth states that she's already had her meals for the day. Sturgeon insists, saying that it could be from her share, but Fangtooth declines, as it wouldn't be right, and suggests that they could share a meal another time. Sturgeon accepts this, and they walk away from each other, Fangtooth going to find Trout.
Sturgeon settles down in another cave and sighs, before being interrupted by Tansy and Cricket joining her. Tansy says that Sturgeon's conversation with Fangtooth sounded really awkward, and after Sturgeon scolds her for eavesdropping, she comments that her hearing was the only thing keeping her alive so long as a Daisy, and that she doesn't want to lose that talent. Sturgeon asks if she wants something, and Tansy simply states that she and Cricket were just checking to see if she was moping after Fangtooth's rejection.
Sturgeon states that it wasn't a rejection, and that Fangtooth had simply eaten her share for today, but Tansy reminds her that it was still dawn. Sturgeon sighs, and Tansy asks if she wants to talk about it. Sturgeon says no, so Tansy offers to change the subject, asking if she wants to talk about anything else. Sturgeon asks how she was adapting to cave life, and Tansy explains that she didn't actually hate it, even if some of her neighbors tend to glare.
Tansy and Sturgeon watch as Cricket plays with another young cat, and Tansy goes on to explain that Cricket likes cave life too, and that he's always wanted to see what was in the caves. She comments that she doesn't think he imagined it to be so colorful, and adds that he doesn't even notice the glares they get. She states that he wouldn't know a threat if it screamed in his face, but Sturgeon says that if it screamed, Cricket would recognise a threat.
Tansy then turns to look at Sturgeon and asks why she did what she did. Sturgeon says that she doesn't know what she means, and Tansy elaborates to say that Trout didn't seem like the Daisy-loving sort of cat. Sturgeon gets defensive, asking if *she* did instead, and Tansy points out that a cat doesn't just go around feeding dying strangers unless they have some sort of soft spot. She asks if Sturgeon's mother was a Daisy, to which Sturgeon firmly denies.
Sturgeon states that she has no particular fondness of Daisys, and Tansy asks why she'd helped her and Cricket, in that case. Sturgeon goes quiet after that, and Tansy encourages her not to stop speaking with her. Sturgeon eventually answers that if someone needs help, you help them. Tansy comments that that sounds like a dangerous way to live, sticking your neck out for others who may not give you more than a passing glance, and Sturgeon reminds her that the danger in her life was significantly less than others and that she can afford to take on some risk. Tansy says that she was lucky.
Cricket rushes up to them and interrupts their conversation, enthusiastically asking Tansy if they could go hunting, as he'd just spotted a cat with the biggest fish he'd ever seen and he wants to catch one even bigger. Tansy tells him that they can hunt in a bit, and Sturgeon states that she should go with him when Cricket runs off again. Tansy says that she'd rather keep on chatting with Sturgeon, and when Sturgeon asks why, she explains that Sturgeon was a busy cat, and that she hasn't had many chances to get her attention.
Sturgeon asks her why she would want to get her attention, and Tansy, confused, simply states that she was interesting and that she liked talking with her. Sturgeon looks away, stating that she doesn't think she's said much of interest, and that she wasn't very good company. Tansy asks who told her that, and Sturgeon says that not all things need to be said.
Gull approaches them, greeting Sturgeon, but not Tansy. She explains that she was looking for Trout, but her bones hurt, so she trusts Sturgeon to pass on her message: the Daisys all seem healthy, just underfed, and those showing signs of illness will get better after a few days of rest. Sturgeon thanks her for the information, and asks if she has any more to share. Gull says that she'd rather speak with Sturgeon alone, and Tansy gets the hint, leaving the two together.
*More Coming Soon*
## Relationships

### Fangtooth

**Sturgeon**: "*Your paw still hurts from that slip you had, right?*"

**Fangtooth**: "*Not really...*"

**Sturgeon**: "*Well, we can't be too careful. I can't keep an eye on you the whole time, if you fall again I may not catch you.*"

—**Sturgeon** worrying about Fangtooth *What Lurks Beneath*, page 167

**Sturgeon** and Fangtooth have a strained relationship. Whilst they appear familiar with each other, they mutually struggle to understand each other and often end conversations on an awkward note.

*More Coming Soon*

### Thresher

*"I want to kill him. With my own claws I want him dead."*
—**Sturgeon** to Petrel about Thresher *What Lurks Beneath*, page 440
*Coming Soon*

## Trivia

### Interesting Facts

* She used to have dark gray ear-tips, more stripes and a light-gray underbelly.
	+ On the old cover, she's shown to have yellow eyes and a light-gray chin.

### Errors

* When she had dark gray ear-tips, she was mistakenly portrayed without them.
* While she had scrapes from sparring with Thresher, she was briefly portrayed without them.

## Kin

### Members

**Father:**

Thresher (*Deceased*)
**Mother:**

Urchin (*Deceased*)
**Half-Sister:**

Trout (*Living*)
**Half-Brother:**

Hake (*Living*)
**Uncle:**

Auklet (*Status unknown*)
### Tree

    = **Male**

    = **Female**

    = **Non-Binary**

    = **Gender Unknown**

## Appearances

* *Prologue* (First appearance)
* *Chapter 2*
* *Chapter 4*
* *Chapter 5*
* *Chapter 5*
* *Chapter 7*
* *Chapter 8*
* *Chapter 9*
* *Chapter 10*
* *Chapter 12*
* *Chapter 13*
* *Chapter 14*
* *Chapter 16*
* *Chapter 17*
* *Chapter 18*
* *Chapter 19*
* *Chapter 20*
* *Chapter 21* (Mentioned only)
* *Chapter 22*
* *Chapter 23*

## References

1. ↑ Revealed in chapter 4, page 85
2. ↑ Revealed in chapter 14, page 362
3. ↑ Revealed by ArualMeow in their post, What Lurks Beneath Pride 2020
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Revealed in the prologue, page 1
5. ↑ Revealed on the cover
6. ↑ Revealed in the prologue, page 2
7. ↑ Revealed in chapter 6, page 133
8. ↑ Revealed on the Rank Chart
9. ↑ Revealed on the old cover
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Revealed in page 3
11. ↑ Revealed in the prologue, page 7
12. ↑ Revealed in the prologue, page 10
13. ↑ Revealed in chapter 22, page 553
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Revealed in page 111
15. ↑ Revealed in page 303