Chapter 16:

"We are gathering here to establish formal relations between the Terran Dominion and the Strunin Collective. I, Garden Ren, as the formal representative of our people, offer an extension of friendship to the honored Terran diplomat Mihajlovich Aleksandar, High Admiral of the Terran Armada. In the presence of our witness and honored secretaries, I owe my life and the safety of the craft I traveled on to High Admiral Mihajlovich Aleksandar. The aid provided to us must be repaid in kind. This selfless Terran act of honor is already documented and will be placed in the logs of our history. Honored Admiral, I thank you for this deed. Honored Admiral, I call upon you to join me as a guest of the Strunin Collective, where you and your people will be given the highest honors. Do you accept?

The old councilor gave his speech, and Mihajlovich listened. For a moment, he was lost in thought. He looked at Greg, who typed the Ambassador's words into his tablet, and simply shrugged. What was the old mammal playing at, Mihajlovich thought and said to himself, 'Okay, I'll bite,' and then gave his response.

"As High Admiral of the Terran Dominion, I, Mihajlovich Aleksandar, formally accept your invitation."

Mihajlovich stood up.

"Well, that was simple. Since the situation is settled, I would like to return to my ship. When do we leave?"

The old councilor wasn't expecting this to be so easy. This Terran either isn't as smart as we think, or he is plotting something. But considering the conversations they had so far, he decided on the former.

"As soon as our drive is FTL capable, we set off to Strunin space. The offer is extended to the rest of your crew."

Mihajlovich stopped for a moment, then spoke.

"Thank you, Ambassador. That was a quick agreement. I hate long meetings. Let me check on my people on your ship, and I will get back to you."

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Then he stood up and walked out of the room, leaving Greg with the Ambassador and his secretary. He didn't look too happy.

"Engineering team status?"

The head engineer responded immediately.

"The drive is fully shot, sir. We could repair it, but that would mean using one of our drives and fixing it on the Titan. I assume you don't want that."

"I don't. Well, this is getting more interesting. Return to the ship and wait."

"Aye, sir."

Then he switched comms.

"Medical team status?"

"We managed to assist in giving aid, but we are not familiar with their anatomy and genetics. Not much we can do here."

"Good. It was a little show of faith. Get back to the hangar. We will be leaving soon."

"Aye, sir."

Came the response. Mihajlovich felt alive. He turned around to the door and pressed the panel for access.

"Let's get this show on the road."

Gregory was sitting with his arms crossed, explaining the differences between humans and apes, when Aleks interrupted him.

"Excuse me, please, Ambassador. I am very sorry; we are unable to assist with the FTL drive. My people tried, but the drive is dead, meaning this ship only has standard thrusters. I have a proposition. Since we just made a diplomatic agreement, why don't you dock your vessels in our command ship, and we will take you home? How does that sound?"

The Ambassador eyed Mihajlovich with skepticism. This was very unexpected. It could be some kind of ploy, but they were in no position to negotiate.

"I would be honored to have you as our personal escort to the Strunin systems, but this is ShipMaster Dorfo's craft. Please ask him."

Dorfo was feeling sick. He didn't want to be close to a Terran, and now he should just dock in their ship, but there was nothing he could do. All he managed was,

"It would be an honor."