Interstellar War (The Pike Chronicles Book 5) (25 page)

Grand Sovereign Tsogt, leader of the Kemmar Empire, studied the creatures standing before him. They were large, intimidating beasts, with green skin, and long, threatening looking claws. They had used intermediaries first to arrange a meeting. Those intermediaries had promised a mutually beneficial arrangement, but had also warned against treachery. They said they represented the Juttari Empire.

Tsogt had seen intelligence reports regarding this species. He didn’t possess a lot of information on them, but from what he saw, they were quite powerful. It occurred to Tsogt that this meeting might be a prelude to invasion. A way to assess Kemmar defenses. That fear increased when their ships arrived, and were strikingly similar to the vanishing ships that had plagued his forces of late. Some of those same ships were even responsible for the Kemmar defeat in human space. Something entirely unexpected.

Now the creatures stood before him, and Tsogt couldn’t help but wonder what that green flesh tasted like. He toyed with the idea of simply falling on them, and sinking his teeth into their throats. He glanced at their claws again and thought better of the idea.

These creatures were not like the humans. Their bodies had natural defensive capabilities, and Tsogt didn’t relish the idea of those talons tearing at his hide. Besides, the failed invasion of human space had been a severe setback. Replacing those ships would be costly. The Empire might benefit from cooperation with these creatures. He needed to keep an open mind.

“The Juttari Empire has seen fit to offer you the privilege of an alliance,” said one of the Juttari.

Tsogt felt his anger rise. “Privilege? Do you have any understanding of who you are speaking to in this manner?”

“Yes. You are Grand Sovereign Tsogt, of the Kemmar Empire.”

“And you dare speak to me with such disrespect?”

The Juttari glanced at each other, and Tsogt noticed ripples run across their lean, muscular flesh. Likely too tough to make a decent meal.

“The Juttari Empire conquers. We do not normally accept allies.”

Now things were getting interesting. Tsogt sensed potential leverage. “Yet you offer the Kemmar an alliance. Why?”

“We have mutual enemies. The humans. We know of your recent defeat. An alliance would be beneficial to both.”

“The humans? Your ships have sided with the humans against my forces. Why do you now turn against them?”

“Those ships are rebels. They will be destroyed.”

“What do you offer the Kemmar Empire in return for its assistance?”

“You will have the privilege of an alliance with the Juttari Empire. That is more than enough.”

“Again, I don’t see the advantage. I am sure your empire is powerful, but this is Kemmar space. You do not rule here. I do. Kemmar space borders human space. Juttari space does not. In fact, your species is unknown in this region of space.”

“We are legion,” the Juttari said in a menacing tone.

“Not here, you are not. So, I ask you again. How does an alliance benefit the Kemmar?”

The Juttari looked at each other once again, as if silently debating the issue. The lead Juttari looked back at Tsogt and said, “We possess advanced technology. We are willing to share some of that knowledge with the Kemmar.”

“There is only one type of technology I am interested in. Give me the secret of the vanishing ships, and we will become your allies.”

The Juttari conferred with each other again in silence, and then seemed to agree on a response.

“We agree to your terms,” said the lead Juttari. “We will give you the jump technology.”
 

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