The Stars Beyond (Twilight Imperium) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aconyte
Published: 2022-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

After his companions had retreated to their own suites, Reeth picked up his personal recorder. He tentatively tasted from the basket of unfamiliar fruit, initially without appetite, but that soon changed at the discovery that the fruits were individually delicious. He had not expected such warmth from these people.

He was no fool. Young, certainly, but he was also sharp, insightful, and a student of history. Curiosity as to why the Xxcha were finally opening up their space to the Hacan after years of polite but firm refusals gnawed at him. Reeth knew his history, or at least as much of the histories that had survived. He knew about the old wars, the Quann crisis and the conflict that had followed. What he did not know was how Xxcha history recorded these events.

This entire enterprise had been Reeth’s idea. It had been his ambition and his initiative that had led him to approach the Xxcha, fully aware of the previous failures and rejections. He emphasized his fascination with the history of the galaxy, of how he was maturing into a new era that was filled with endless opportunity. How he had no expectations and promised nothing, but that he hoped, how he very sincerely hoped, that the Xxcha may, one day soon, extend an invitation to the Hacan.

He had not pursued the issue when no immediate reply was forthcoming, but within a few short months a formally worded invitation had arrived addressed to Reeth, inviting the young trader and a delegation of his clan to Archon Ren. Everyone – other than Reeth – had been suspicious of this unexpected response. The Xxcha had been insular for decades, quietly keeping to their core systems with friendly but firm disregard for their galactic neighbors. Some whispered that the allegedly peaceful Xxcha were silently building their military into a planet-killing force following the years of warfare. Most dismissed such raw gossip as highly unlikely.

“It can’t be understated how hospitable the Xxcha have been since our arrival,” Reeth began as he looked out of the window of his suite. It overlooked the busy central hab-dome, and he watched as the locals went about their daily business. It was lively and colorful, and the muted babble of voices floated up through the plants and shrubbery that graced the dome’s interior.

“We have been welcomed into their culture with open arms. We have been given exceptional accommodation. Aaxac seems interested and open to conversation. On the surface at least, everything appears to be going as planned. Everything is just fine.”

He moved away from the window and sat on the huge and comfortable bed that was evidently designed with the Xxcha physique in mind. Given the exceptional circumstances, Reeth now had an almost unlimited mandate for negotiation on behalf of his clan. They had brought with them samples of Hacan herbs, fabrics, smelted ore, and other commodities from Kenara. There was also the possibility that the Xxcha might be interested in the trade of information. It sat at the back of Reeth’s mind.

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