Clan Leader, Danielle said, we would welcome their participation, would they take part in the discussions?
No, their task is to observe and counsel me. I think it would give them a rare opportunity to know our clan brothers better.
Tag said, I apologize, we would certainly like to have them participate. Then he rubbed his ribs and mouthed to Danielle, Im Sorry.
Admiral Dorg said, Alright. Everyone be on call. Ill contact the Ambassador now, and he broke the connection.
Admiral Dorg and Ambassador Tgon-Gee were looking at each other on their respective communication monitors. Dorg asked, Is this a secure channel?
Tgon-Gee reached forward and flipped a lever, It is now. You want something; what is it this time?
Ive been told that your race has been chosen to lead the next invasion of the Humans. Is there any truth to that?
Yes we have as a matter of fact. They destroyed 360 of the ships we loaned to the previous invasion fleet and we owe these Humans a blood debt. Dorg didnt say anything; he just stared at the Ambassador. Tgon-Gee said, You know something, dont you?
Ambassador, you have been a valued ally that has always been helpful to my government. I find that I must trust you if Im to share this information with you, then Dorg was silent.
What is it?
Have you heard what the Humans did to our home fleet?
Ive heard they wiped it out.
They did, Ambassador, which members of the Alliance are the strongest militarily?
We are and the Hargons and you were, before the conflict, one of the three strongest in the Alliance.
Why do you think it is that the Alliance leadership has chosen two of the strongest members to attack these Humans; especially two that arent on the Safety Prime Council? Why have the Hargons not been asked to lead?
Because we are the strongest, Tgon-Gee said.
Could it possibly be that with the two strongest weakened, it makes the Alliance Leaders stronger. I have reason to believe we were set up in the previous battle and now the Alliance has refused to send us protection after the Humans destroyed our fleets. Does that sound like they appreciate what we did or the sacrifices we endured. I think they were afraid of us and wanted to see our power removed. Do you ever get the impression that the Alliance is afraid of your race?
Tgon-Gee sat and thought about how many times he had heard from the Alliance how powerful his ships were. Then Dorg said, They probably told you that the Humans only have a few ships remaining.
Tgon-Gee leaned into the screen, Thats exactly what they said. What do you know? Do they have more? Are we being set up like you?
Ambassador, in all of our past dealings, have I ever been wrong in my opinions?
No. Youve been quite accurate on most things.
Then consider this. No one knows how many ships the humans have. What happens when you arrive to occupy the Humans world and youre confronted with a thousand of those ships that destroyed my fleet?
Do they have that many?
I honestly dont know, but have they agreed to the occupation?
Not yet.
If they were afraid, wouldnt they quickly agree?
Tgon-Gee was thinking of the consequences of facing that many nightmare ships and it didnt matter if he had 10,000 ships. He had seen the Glod survivors recording of what those small ships could do. How could we avoid this now that the Alliance has chosen us?
Perhaps you can tell them that your race has to complete the religious burial of every member of the destroyed ships. Dream up some ancient ceremony that you practice in your warrior religion. Tell them that so many were killed that it is going to take half a cycle before you can participate but that after that time youll be ready to take your vengeance on the Humans. Then you can see what the Alliance was planning for you. I might be wrong and they eradicate the Humans. But what if Im right? Youve seen what they can do. Im telling you as an ally; avoid these Humans at all costs.
Ill discuss this with our leader. I think hell see the wisdom of your words. Do you want us to send some ships to protect your home world?
Thats a great idea. You could also use that as a reason for not being able to go right now. Tell them half your fleet is tied up protecting another member that was refused help from the Alliance Leaders. You really only need send ten or twenty; they wont know how many are here or out in the colonies.
Tgon-Gee laughed, You are the sneaky one, Admiral. I think we will do as you say.
You have no idea, Dorg thought, Please; I trust you will keep this to yourself. The Alliance will not appreciate our trying to help you against their desires.
You can count on it.
Terl stood up from where he had been sitting out of the monitors view and said, Admiral, I think he underestimates just how sneaky you are.
You think.
Do you think hell be able to persuade their leadership?
Clan Leader, he is their leader. Hes the crown prince and the government is his toy. He played at being an ambassador so he could learn about our race. Hell do whatever pleases him.
How do you know this?
When I first met him at an Alliance function several years ago, he was introduced as an ambassador but not to where he served. I enjoyed his company and promised to keep in touch and when I returned, I looked up all the news footage to see if I could find where he was assigned. I found nothing but I did see an old news holo of the royal family and there was a young boy that was the crown prince that had a mark just below his left ear. He looked like the ambassador and next time I saw him I noticed the same mark.
Terl was genuinely surprised. Admiral, I have questioned your ability in the past. Now that you have removed those ghosts that were haunting you, I see someone that possesses remarkable skills.
Clan Leader, all my ghosts are not gone. The Human ones scream at me every night. I just pray I can repay them before I die.
Youve gone a long way in doing that today. Lets contact the Humans.
The video conference was a large one. The Humans had the Director, the Command Staff, and the SFT on Earth and Tag, Danielle, Kosiev, and Captain Mikado with the fleet. The Cainth had Terl, Dorg, and the fourteen other clan leaders on their end.
The Director called the meeting to order and introduced everyone. After Terl introduced all the Clan leaders, he made a suggestion. Director, may I suggest that this meeting be directed by the Human known as Danielle Gardner? She has shown a remarkable skill at understanding our differences and we might avoid any misunderstandings.
Misty Nicole nodded, I think that is an excellent idea. Lead us on, Danielle.
Danielle stood up, Im truly honored and humbled by your confidence. Lets start with Admiral Dorg. What were you able to find out from the Glod?
Admiral Dorg remained seated and leaned back in his chair, Ive just received news from my contact that the Glod will be unable to lead the fleet due to ongoing burial rites that will take half a cycle to perform. They are also going to send ten ships to insure the safety of our home world.
Even his Clan Leaders were impressed by this information. Misty said, Thank you for your help, Admiral. Its good to know they wont be involved.
Youre welcome, Madam Director, is that the right way to say it? However, I feel somewhat guilty deceiving a race that has been faithful and honest with us over the years.
Danielle said, Perhaps the Clan Assembly could use another member? You dont lose your freedom to join the Clans; you gain partners in surviving what the universe might throw at you.
Terl looked at the Clan Leaders and could tell they were intrigued by this suggestion. He looked at Admiral Dorg with a look that said well talk about this later.
Have we received any confirmation from the Alliance, Danielle asked?