Chapter 12:

At this point, the Strunin ambassador was at a loss for words. These Terrans were obviously trying to get a reaction out of them. They were apex predators; they had no fear and even found amusement in trying to frighten them. The old councilor was starting to think that inviting the Terrans was a grave error on his part. He was a seasoned diplomat, but what use is that when the other party has no common sense? He composed himself and was about to speak, but the Terran spoke first.

"Now, ambassador, as the pleasantries are out of the way, I have brought our best engineering experts and medical staff to provide assistance."

He gestured with one of his arms to the group of unarmed Terrans standing next to their ship.

"If you would kindly provide escorts to the affected areas on your ship, they will do their best to render aid."

Was this a ploy, or was he actually offering aid? The counselor couldn't tell. He looked at Dorfo.

"ShipMaster, would you please provide the staff to escort the Terran specialists?"

Dorfo didn't want the Terrans anywhere on his ship, but he understood that he didn't have much choice.

After a period of communication with his crew and their obvious displeasure at having to be in the same room as a Terran, he assigned a few guards as escorts for the Terran engineers and medical staff, and guards to escort them. He assigned one guard for the two groups of Terrans, those that looked least afraid, not that they would do much if the Terrans got violent.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The old councilor looked at Dorfo.

"ShipMaster, since you are a neutral party, would you be a witness to our meeting? I must remind you that it will be strictly confidential."

Dorfo hoped he wouldn't be asked that, but he agreed anyway. Again, he had no real choice; the old councilor was making all the decisions for him.

The Terran leader looked amused.

"Excuse the question, a witness for what, and I do not mean to be rude, but I sent the ShipMaster of the same species as you, Ambassador. How is he considered neutral?"

The councilor realized that the Terrans don't have such a custom.

"Ah, forgive me. ShipMaster Dorfo is not an active part of the collective; he has no official position. He is a ShipMaster of an independent organization dealing with transportation. In this regard, he is considered neutral. Also, since this is an official contact of our two species by the laws of the Strunin Collective, there must be a neutral witness present. Is this an issue?"

The Terran just looked at him and replied.

"No."

He wasn't expecting the Terran to just agree, but he had also forgotten to inform him of the Strunin procedure. Well, at least that's a relief.

"Then, Admiral, would you please grant me the honor of joining me in my chambers?"

The Terran curved his lips and just said.

"Gladly."

The counselor was pleased by the Terran's quick answer and gestured to Dorfo to act as an escort.