Kressa decelerated as they entered the upper atmosphere and her sensors gathered data quickly.
"High levels of methane, traces of oxygen, argon, nitrogen, ozone is minimal, a little like your planet used to be," she teased, "Before your people ruined it!"
"Long before my time," sighed Maulik, "So you can't hold me responsible." he looked out of the side window and could see their escort clearly, the Diurian fighter looked menacing and advanced.
"I don't see any plasma exhaust?" he mused.
"Anti Matter drive," revealed Kressa, "Quite a feat of engineering really, but not very practical, we can scoop plasma from space, but they will have to manufacture their anti matter, expensive and very unstable."
"Agreed," he replied, "But imagine the power if it is channelled efficiently."
"I'm still faster," laughed Kressa, "Let’s just hope I don't have to prove it, I'm handing control over to their landing computer now, so we can both relax for a few moments."
"When you go outside to meet them, keep our link open, I will monitor your thoughts, if it is not going well and you are in danger I will know instantly... and I will come and find you."
"Kressa, that is the most reassuring thing I have ever heard," he answered as he understood he trusted the wild cat trapped inside a mechanical body more than any other being he had ever known, "But won't you be under the control of the landing computer?"
A deep rumble entered his mind, "If you can't control me when I am stimulated, what chance has a computer, don't you worry about me, if you need me, I will be there."
Seconds later they were guided down onto a landing pad and with no more sound than a gentle sigh Kressa dropped her side ramp and allowed the thick methane gases to enter, Maulik breathed deeply.
"So this is how Terrillia used to be,” the gas tasted pure and unsullied. "So fresh," he sighed, "This has never been recycled, it tastes so pure. Well wish me luck." he joked nervously as he stood at the top of the ramp and studied the reception committee approaching, five matching exoskeletons, sleek, smooth mottled grey and black, by the ease of their movement it looked light yet he was sure, light or not, the armour would be very effective.
"Go'an?" he questioned and was confused by the silence, "Just typical," he sighed, "When I don't want him around I can't keep him out, but now I really need him online... he's sleeping."
The five Diurians paused before the obvious leader stepped forward.
"Master Maulik of Terrillia, Welcome."
With surprise Maulik didn't feel the small translation device that had been surgically implanted as a hatchling react, it was an expensive but very useful implant and vital for a Harvester Master, yet it had not engaged.
"You speak Terrillian?" he questioned.
"On the contrary," replied the exoskeleton, "You speak very good Diurian,"
"We share a common language?" he replied not trying to mask the surprise in his voice.
"You will find that we share a great deal more than just language," came the reply and the Diurian reached up to his neck and pressed a small pad that illuminated briefly moments before there issued a sharp hiss as the controlled atmosphere inside the armour equalised with the pressure outside, gently he lifted the helmet gradually exposing shining smooth silver skin.
Maulik gasped, it was like looking into a mirror, the face that stared back at him was Terrillian, the only difference was the lack of a scar above his eye.
"My name is Ka'lan... and I think you will have guessed by now, we are probably distant cousins."
Chapter 7
Ka'lan led a confused Maulik across the landing pad and into a waiting transport.
"It is only a short ride to my offices," he announced as he sat opposite his Terrillian guest, "I am head of Diurian Intelligence, it is my responsibility to monitor all issues that could affect our security."
Maulik nodded, "It's good to meet you, and I don't know how much you know about my mission here but I am not really acting on behalf of the Terrillian Senate."
"We know all about that Watumian rogue," laughed Ka'lan, "The only reason we agreed to an audience was because he informed us he was sending you, we have long discussed if it was time to reveal ourselves to the people of Terrillia, news of your mission swung the vote."
"So you are aware of the threat?"
Ka'lan nodded, "Very aware... you see a planet that has been preparing for the final conflict for over one thousand years, and now the time is almost upon us."
"I've lost contact with Chancellor Go'an for some reason but I know he wants to propose an alliance with you, with all of the advanced races in this, and surrounding galaxies, so we can present a united defence against the Reapers when they arrive."
"The Reapers!" chuckled Ka'lan, "Quite an apt name for them, we simply refer to them as the Shadow, because a shadow of uncertainty has hung over us for so long."
"How did you learn the truth about them?" asked Maulik.
"Refugees fleeing devastated worlds, rumours," shrugged Ka'lan, "But how we discovered is not that important, it was the knowledge of our own genetic code being used to seed other worlds that interested us most, that knowledge gave my ancestors the desire to explore beyond our own solar system, that knowledge led us to the planet you call Terrillia."
"So you have known about us for some time," questioned Maulik, "So why no contact?"
"You weren't ready, we discovered a race identical to ourselves, yet very different, you had not developed inter stellar capabilities, you used verbal communication and you were slowly destroying your natural resources."
"You could have advised us, maybe prevented some of the mistakes we made?"
"We have laws that prevent interference with developing species, we simply observe until the time is right."
"And now is the right time?" replied Maulik feeling a little upset that such close genetic relations could have simply watched as his ancestors had destroyed his home world.
"Circumstances have pushed us to this decision, it is not entirely popular, especially as you have developed such a close allegiance with the Watu, but it was decided that time is short and despite our serious misgivings combining our forces offers the best chance of success against the impending attack."
"You talk as though you know when they are coming... the Reapers?"
"Of course we know," replied Ka'lan, "At their present rate, they will be here within eighteen months."
Maulik felt his skin contract as the information sunk in catching his breath, Go'an had mentioned twenty years, a number that had stuck in his mind and eased his initial concerns, "Plenty of time to prepare" he had told himself.
"Are you sure? I mean how do you know for sure?"
Ka'lan laughed, "We have been launching sensors for many years, following the path of destruction, it has taken only very basic calculations to estimate when they will arrive in our system, it has been a race for us to develop weaponry that can match them, a race that I am not sure we are winning, our factories are producing fighters and battle cruisers at maximum capacity but I am not sure it will be enough... but just maybe, if the Territes and Watu stand at our side... then we may stand an outside chance of victory."
"I think that is exactly what the Chancellor is proposing," added Maulik with enthusiasm, "And they have quite an advanced fleet now... far more advanced than our own," Maulik sensed confusion and a little disbelief blossom in Ka'lan's mind.
"If they have advanced then it has been in secret, we have always considered yourselves to be the dominant power in your system, in our eyes the Watu are little better than the Su'al."
"I hate to admit it, but it seems we were both wrong, believe me they have developed ships that have incredible capabilities." suddenly he felt the urge to hide the information about Kressa that he held in his mind, creating a mask he hoped the Diurians hadn't developed the same level of telepathy that Go'an displayed. "I wonder what has happened to him?" the thought crossed Maulik's mind, it was very strange to experie
nce a time without interruptions.
"This is interesting news," replied Ka'lan, "Very interesting, perhaps we will agree to Chancellor Go'an's offered peace summit... perhaps."
"Perhaps?" asked Maulik.
"We never considered the Watu as a serious ally, in our minds they would simply add to the numbers but not contribute greatly, our interest was an alliance with Terrillia, this new development will have to be debated and discussed by our own Senate, it will not be a popular decision if we ally ourselves formally," he shook his head, "Yes, this changes things drastically."
The transport slid to a graceful halt outside a wide and low, glass fronted building.
"These are my headquarters," announced Ka'lan as he led Maulik up the steps and passed him through the security check point, Maulik flashed a message to Kressa requesting a secure and private link.
"I'm monitoring you," she replied instantly, "And I detect no threat or deception."
"I agree," he replied, "I just wanted to let you know that I think we are safe here, and also ask if you have been in contact with Go'an?"
"Negative," she replied instantly, "But I am sure it will not be long before he requests an update."
"Understood," he replied, "I will be back as soon as I can."
***
"If you don't mind?" Ka'lan indicated the small hypodermic sensor in his hand, "I have flouted regulations simply allowing you to enter this building without submitting a sample, so if you please, let’s get the formalities out of the way."
Maulik shrugged mentally, sampling was common place at home, and standard verification for most transactions.
"There it is," growled Kressa as she monitored the conversation from the landing pad, it had all been too convenient, everything she knew about the Diurians promised her hostility and suspicion at their arrival, their welcome had been far to warm, regardless that Maulik and Ka'lan were the same species she didn't trust, her feral instincts couldn't handle the concept, trust was a luxury that couldn't exist in the wild, even though she had never lived a natural life the instincts were still strong, she knew she couldn't trust her own species any more than any other, family members would tear her to pieces for her fresh kill, and now she sensed the Diurian's reaction.
"It's not deception or threat," she whispered to herself as she attempted to understand the feeling that had set off her natural alarms, "It's more like anticipation, trepidation... almost fear... And hope." she suddenly understood.
"It's just routine," added Ka'lan as the sensor sampled Maulik's genetic code, "You would be surprised how many species there are in deep space that can mimic another entities form, not that I am suggesting you are a Morph," he added with a laugh, "But I would be in serious trouble if I took you into the heart of our central intelligence buildings on face value alone."
"No big deal," replied Maulik, "We do this at least twenty times a day back home." Ka'lan checked the reading before transmitting to the central data banks, "Well, that confirms it," he laughed, "Closer than cousins, our genetic codes are identical, the scanner accepts you as Diurian."
"Where do I apply for a residents permit?" joked Maulik, "I love the atmosphere here, so clean tasting."
"Come," instructed Ka'lan, "I'm sure something could be arranged if you were serious." and led Maulik deeper into the building.
"Relief, now he feels relief, like a burden has been lifted," whispered Kressa, "What is your true agenda Diurian?" she considered strengthening her link and warning Maulik, but what would that warning be, that the Diurian had been nervous and was now relieved beyond what would be considered normal. "I have nothing more than my instincts," she admitted, "But no proven threat." frustrated and filled with a growing concern she decided to wait a little longer, cooling her growing aggression she forced her reactor to settle, power had been surging as she fought with the urge to rescue her friend... but rescue him from what?
"What are your capabilities, size of fleet, class of ship?" asked Ka'lan as they sat in his plush office.
"You're asking the wrong guy," laughed Maulik, "I'm just a Harvester Master, I have no connection to the military, as I told you, I'm not even here on behalf of my own people, Chancellor Go'an sent me to represent him and present his proposal."
Ka'lan nodded, "That information we can get when official diplomatic links have been established."
***
On Watuma Go'an followed the developments with growing interest, it was by design not accident that he had remained silent, his input was unnecessary while Maulik was doing such a good job of first contact, and he knew that the conversation would flow more freely if neither party knew of his eavesdropping. It gave him a warm satisfaction when he learned how under estimated his race had been, the secrecy and security had been worth the loss of face for such a proud warrior people, often he had been pressed by the High Council to reveal the Watumian might, to flex their muscles in the galaxy, but he was cautious and calculating, and now his patience was about to pay dividends.
It had been a gamble on his part, trusting such a vital mission to the wilful and headstrong Terrillian but he congratulated himself on a wager won. Of course he could have probably achieved the same result through diplomatic channels, but that would have taken time, time he knew was in short supply, it wasn't only the Diurians who had knowledge of the impending arrival of the Reapers, but it was a knowledge that he had withheld from the High Council. Their dithering and scepticism had played right into his hands, true he had pushed his own convictions in public, but in the background he had secretly spread dissent, effectively dividing the Council, weeding out his most ardent detractors and revealing the truth faith of his followers.
His plans were falling into place very nicely and he allowed himself a rare genuine smile, a sign of deep satisfaction rather than the feigned reasonable and approachable façade that he showed both friend and potential foe alike, "Emperor Go'an." he repeated secretly, shielding his thoughts from his brother, the Vice Chancellor who had just entered his palatial new office in the recently completed Citadel.
"Negotiations go well with the Diurians," he announced with pride, "Our three fleets, combined with those animals the Su'al should prove to be an effective match for the Reapers when they arrive, they will not take our system quite so easily." he chuckled.
"Now is the time for diplomacy, for agreements to be signed, alliances forged... the foundations for my Federation will be laid, this is a historic moment Na'ta. I sense your mind is troubled brother." he glanced up and bared his teeth, "Tell me?"
"It is of little importance," sighed Na'ta, "A delegation from the dominant clan of the Su'al are here seeking an audience."
"And the meaning of this?" replied Go'an.
"There appears to be a reluctance for the clans to cease their own hostilities, they are like animals," he sighed, the task of bringing a united Su'al to the alliance had been delegated to him, a task he was finding tedious and frustrating, "It is impossible to hold their complete attention while they insist on fighting amongst themselves."
"They are your responsibility," snapped Go'an, "But let me give you a little brotherly advice, races like the Su'al only respect dominance and aggression... if I were faced with your task..." he paused for a moment deciding if his proposed action would be revealing too much before continuing, "If I had your task, I would select a smaller Su'al clan at random, and then send a squadron of Kressa, leave not one alive... then demand to meet with all of the other Clan Lords," he laughed, "Explain to them that you will no-longer tolerate their behaviour."
"With your leave," smiled Na'ta, "Chancellor... brother." he bowed low with his fist tight against his powerful chest.
***
Maulik stood before the Diurian Senate and delivered the message that he had quickly prepared on behalf of his people, he felt that a proposal for alliance would sound better if it was coming from Terrillia rather than Chancellor Go'an, and with the Chancellors marked absence he relied on Ka'lan for advise on protocol
and procedure.
"Do not mention the Shadow... Reapers," he corrected himself, "Simply say that you are here by chance and that you wish to suggest a diplomatic exchange between our worlds... you will appear before the Senate to be seen more than heard anyway, some of the old guard distrust reports and data, but they do trust their own eyes, just be natural and answer their questions as best you can, do not, I repeat DO NOT mention the Watu at this moment, they are an issue that will need gradual introduction into the minds of the Senators, that will be for my department to propose."
Maulik had nodded, and feeling ready for anything he had taken his place before the rows of ancient mirrored eyes, the questions had been polite and none specific, news of his world, similarities in customs and beliefs were discussed before an elderly Senator dragged the questioning down a new path."
"Surely a Harvester Master should remain with his ship?" he felt a shrewd mind probing for hidden answers.
"Very true" he admitted, "But during this mission I have also learned that I have finally been awarded my Scouts Licence, so you could say at this moment in time I am "acting Master" but "active scout," that is the reason that I stumbled into your space."
"So you came to harvest us," chuckled the old Senator, his comment generating a ripple of laughter amongst his peers.
"Indeed," laughed Maulik, "But sadly our laws prohibit that course of action." again there was a ripple of laughter.
"I wish to talk with you privately," the Senator forced a secure link to deliver his message, on the landing pad Kressa growled but restrained herself, there was still not sufficient threat but she sensed a new agenda was about to be revealed, "Patience." she told her feral instincts.
***
"You are no diplomat." the Senator chuckled as the doors to his private chambers sealed
"Very true." agreed Maulik.
"You do not have the shroud of secrecy practised by the diplomatic corps, you must be more careful of your thoughts," added the ancient mind that probed him, "You are revealed to me, but not to my peers, now deliver the message from the Watu, that is what you are here for... is it not?"
Maulik thought quickly, the Senator laughed.