Deadly Gambits by Jucha S. H

Author:Jucha, S. H.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hannon Books, Inc.
Published: 2023-01-11T00:00:00+00:00

19: Cooperative Venture

ERASTAL ORBITAL CONSTRUCTION PLATFORM

ULELEU SYSTEM

Via the bridge holo-vid, the three Quellers watched the start of the Trident’s journey from the ship leaving Devona’s orbit to the moment before it entered the dark.

The holo-vid automatically blanked before the Trident transited. As well, the scouts kept sensors trained on the Quellers to ensure they didn’t have an adverse reaction to the transition. They were satisfied that there were no issues with their passengers.

“If we were to assist you with building your warships, could Quellers possess some of the travelers?” Lemtaca posited.

Iltaft caught the junior elders’ attention and touched her temple.

“Oh, yes, we must possess the implants,” Lemtaca quickly corrected.

“That’s not necessarily a negative,” Iltaft said, while she regarded the scouts’ faces.

“Many things are possible in this universe,” Bethley pronounced. “In our long lives, we’ve witnessed events and things that not even we would have posited.”

Iltaft’s grunts signified her pleasure with Bethley’s answer. Without doubt, she knew she would be one of the first Quellers to possess an implant. Although, she didn’t consider she would be employing it to pilot a traveler.

When the Trident reached its destination, the Uleleu system, the Quellers had to be woken. Careful of Queller customs of which the scouts knew little, Bethley woke Iltaft, and Killian woke the junior elders after they exited the dark.

When the Quellers assembled on the bridge, they saw via the holo-vid that the scouts were making for an enormous orbital construction platform near the system’s outermost planet.

“We presume this is our target,” Trium said to the Quellers.

“None of us have been here before,” Ergatisa admitted.

“Then we should ensure introductions are made,” Killian said, while Bethley linked into the platform’s comm system.

“We request the individuals aboard the unidentified ship that is entering our system explain your presence,” a Queller voice nervously requested.

“Junior Elders Lemtaca and Ergatisa with conclave visitors on a mission for Senior Elder Wymron,” Iltaft announced authoritatively.

Another voice from the platform was heard. This one said, “We welcome the elders and visitors. We regret we can’t accommodate a ship of your size in our landing bays.”

“This is Director Iltaft. This warship has travelers, transports to you, which can land within your bays. Please identify the particular location.”

“Immediately, Director Iltaft,” the voice replied. “When we see your shuttle ... um traveler exit the tri-hull, have the pilot look for twin-colored blinking lights.”

“Acknowledged,” Iltaft replied. “We require a meeting with senior administrators and engineers.”

“They’ll be made available after your landing,” the voice replied.

“The courtesy is appreciated,” Iltaft replied.

Bethley dropped the link, and scouts and junior elders eyed Iltaft, who wore a most satisfied air.

<Yes, we definitely want her SADE someday,> Bethley sent to her companions.

When the group exited the traveler into a platform bay, the scouts carefully schooled their faces. It was Iltaft who took the lead by introducing everyone and requesting to be led to the conference.

“Would you like to eat and rest before the meeting?” a senior administrator inquired.

“We’ve rested,” Iltaft replied. “We won’t be staying long if our visitors have an unsatisfactory meeting.

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