All That Glitters Ch. 33

"We did meet them," Fayad assured her. "But there were representatives from four other species on their ship. Including ambassadors for each of the respective species. Fiona is giving the Byandi a tour of the embassy facilities here."

"Well, welcome to our home," Hanalei said with a bow of her head.

"You are gracious to allow us here when you know us not," said Porra. "Most would be frightened."

"Yes, but Hanaya likes you, that is enough for me," Hanalei explained, giving Hanaya a rub on her head with her finger.

"They are delightful and friendly," Porra stated.

"Not always so friendly," Junelliya said. "They are fierce when it comes to defending their family. The four of us and the three Cats are family. We have seen them aggressively defend the family recently. It would have been frightening to have been on the other side of that attack."

"It is good to know that she finds me friend, then," Porra said, the matrix getting the context of the message through if not the best form of it.

"Do I smell Anuuran stew?" Junelliya asked.

"Yes, but I don't think there is enough for all of our guests," Hanalei laughed.

"We can invite them to eat another time. I find myself a little hungry," Junelliya laughed.

"Constantly eating?" Hanalei replied with a wink. She knew what Junelliya was going through, having to eat smaller meals more frequently.

"When you have?" Porra asked of Junelliya, pointing at her distended belly.

"Soon," she replied to the ambassador with a smile.

"This first?" Porra asked.

"My first," Junelliya said, pointing to Ikekia just to throw another wrench into the works. "This second, for family, first for me," Junelliya explained.

"Three in family?" Porra asked, getting nods from Fayad, Junelliya, and Hanalei. "All human like this?"

"No all humans do not live in a Trine. That is unique to our home planet. We are unique on Liramor-23," Fayad explained, getting an understanding look from Nolra, if not from Porra and Mottu.

"These others with you?" Hanalei asked.

"Our staff, you meet next time, we not disturb much." Porra said. "Want much to see new human, sorry."

"You are welcome here in our home anytime. I can always use help with Ikekia," Hanalei stated.

"Ikekia?" Nolra asked.

"Ikekia Fatima Tema Dosri Piscium. Daughter of Fayad Piscium, Hanalei Anar, and Junelliya Herlan, our Trine," Hanalei explained.

"So many name for little human. You not so many name," Porra said, confused.

"Yes, she is a special little girl," Hanalei said with pride in her child.

"Time to see other things on the platform," Fiona interrupted.

"If the Byandi decide to include themselves in the embassy here, they have a standing invitation to visit," Junelliya said, giving Hanalei a smile.

The Byandi ambassadors bowed and smiled as they turned to leave with Fiona and her group, the Cats sounding a good-by call to their new friends.

"Well, that was interesting," Hanalei said, "Though I would have preferred a little notice so that I could clean up. What would have happened if I was running around nude?"

"With that lot? Probably not much," Fayad quipped.

"You are not following them?" Hanalei asked.

"No, we have been told to stand down as Junelliya has reached the end of her physical reserves for now," Fayad explained.

Hanalei took Junelliya by the elbow and pulled her to the table.

"Dinner is ready, I was just waiting on you two." She gave Junelliya the baby and went about bringing the pot over to the table, while Fayad quickly put place settings down.

Junelliya gave the baby to Fayad and got up to pull out some of the Cat's food, placing their little bowls in different locations to keep them from trying to steal each other's food, something that Juneya was prone to do as the alpha Cat.

As the Cats ate, the Trine sat down to their supper, Junelliya and Fayad explaining the goings on at the alien station to an enraptured Hanalei, Ikekia cooing in her front mounted baby carrier, the Cats calling to her from the sidelines, happy to be in the baby's presence again.

Conference Room One, Liramor-23, Piscium System

"According to the Insectoids, they are part of a community the consists of ten different species," Fiona explained to her senior personnel. "Put the Pod-Drran and Maha-Rrin into that mix and we could have representatives from eleven species and twelve cultural groups that we know of at the multi-cultural embassy here.

"The good thing is that the greater community is very interested in some of our technology, including our power source for jump technology, our miniaturized computers, especially the wrist comps, and the new force shield that we are got from the Pod-Drran that we working on recreating with our technical systems.

"Like us, the like the idea of being able to keep shuttle bay doors open and not lose gas," Fiona ended.

"There's a little hiccup there," Dr. Hitron interjected. "Ohi thinks that she can expand the force shield concept to extend it entirely around a ship. We will have to test things but we may have a means of defeating solid shot and maybe even torpedoes and missiles fired against ships in the same way that we currently stop plasma weapons with ship shields."

"That would be a useful item if it could be done," said Capt. Cage commanding NS Orion.

"I heard there is something odd about their power units," said Capt. Cèleste Dauphine commanding NS Kologn.

"Yes," Dr. Hitron admitted. "Their power units are organic in nature. That's why we could never get the stations power unit back online. It died from lack of care before we could get to it. That's also why their electrical system is so different from human standards. That Ohi was able to make sense of it and then plug it into our systems is a testament to her genius.

"That being said, she thinks that they require such large ships in order to allow for the organic material to create enough power for their jump use. However, there is a distinct upper limit to the power that organics can create. So Ohi believes that they jump with a lot less power than we use. She'll know when she tries to plug in some of our M/A generators to their system to see how much power draw it needs for their jumps.

"Ohi also thinks that the station was built elsewhere and jumped into location, which means that there is a possibility that there is an alien jump drive built into the station," Hitron told them.

"They could take the station whenever they like once they get some of their organic power system online," someone said.

"Technically, it is only our station by the fact that we came upon it after it was abandoned. If they want it, they can have it back, providing they can safely move it," Fiona stated.

"That is not the issue today though. All four of the ambassadors are on the station currently going over negotiations for recognizing the governments of the various peoples and there is a sixth species on their ship that we have not yet met.

"Once protocols are established, this platform will become the most important location in human space, the interface between humans and the greater galactic community with all that entails. That could mean a lot more traffic coming to this platform and the possibility of our having to shut down as a mining platform because of it.

"The next couple of months are going to be very important for this platform, for the Piscium system, for the Piscium Defence Force, for the Union, and for humanity as a whole.

"We are going to be neck deep in interplanetary political bullshit that none of us in this room have training for. We are going to need a lot more embassy staff and more space for the embassy staff of the various peoples who will likely ask for access to the multi-species embassy here.

"One of the impressions that I received from those that came to look at the embassy is that there is no equivalent single location amongst their peoples. Whenever they need to do something, they simply organize it wherever they need to.

"That can be a major headache when you are considering infrastructure for debates, negotiations, locations, equipment, personnel, and who is negotiating for whom and for what.

"This platform could play an important function for inter-species negotiations, as we would have everything in one location," Fiona said.

"We'd need a bigger platform to accomplish all of that," Fayad said.

"We would indeed," Fiona agreed.

"How did Hanalei fare after her shocked meeting with our guests?" Fiona asked Fayad.

"She did very well actually," Fayad admitted. "She was curious about all we saw and did on the station yesterday. Admittedly, she was somewhat surprised by our guests, however, Hanaya being friendly with them did much to calm her and help her connect with them as people."

"Damn those women of yours are amazing, Fayad," Fiona said, smiling. "Everyone we ran into on the platform was backing away from our guests, while Hanalei let one of them come to touch little Ikekia, all because her Cat said it was OK?

"You do know how fortunate you are as a man and as a husband, yes?" Fiona asked.

"I will have to do something special for Hanalei but I have no idea what I could do for her. For Junelliya, her love of music was self evident. However, I am at a loss as to what to do for Hanalei," Fayad admitted.

"Call her mom," someone said giggling.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea," Fiona said. "I think I could see my way to letting you borrow The Valour once Junelliya's baby is born. Then you could bring your Trine home to see your folks for a few days."

"That would be a truly wonderful gift for Hanalei and Junelliya, Fiona," Fayad said. "I have no idea how to thank you for such generosity."

"Fayad, there are a few people on this platform that I would bend over backwards to help," Fiona told him. "You and your Trine are included in that group."

"Since your children will have Imperial Godparents, it might be better to bring your families here for a few days, then everyone back to Anuura after the naming ceremony for a short family visit," Fiona said with a wink and a smile. "Why don't we keep that from the ladies for now, make it a special gift to them."

Fayad smiled back at Fiona, giving her a nod. He couldn't wait to see his wives faces when their family's suddenly showed up on Liramor-23.

Insectoid Ship, Parking Orbit, Alien Station, Piscium System

The senior Sister called a meeting of the Sister's Council on the great ship. Included in the meeting were her, the Sister who acted as the ambassador to other species, the two other Sisters currently on the great ship, all of their Drones, the Drone Rikki, the great ship's Science Officer, all of the attendants to the Sisters, and the Cooliand named Augraf, who was of the only member species that could see into the minds of other species.

Cooliands looked like large cephalopods, though they did not require water to live in. They had ten arms that could alternately by used as arms or legs. Like Terran cephalopods, they had suction cups on their arms that aided them in moving or in holding objects.

"Augraf, have you had the chance to peer into their minds yet?" the senior Sister asked.

"No Sister," Augraf said. "There are those amongst them that could sense my touch. I would not be legally allowed to search a mind that can sense my touch."

"Legal, if you did it with permission," the Ambassador noted. "If we gave you permission to do this search, would you do it?"

"Yes, Sister," Augraf agreed. "If this Council makes this request then I or another on this ship can do this thing."

"Are there any arguments against this option?" she asked of those in the room.

"I would advise against this, Sister," Rikki stated for the record. "These humans may not be telepaths; however, they have power of their own, power that would allow them to sense being scanned, and perhaps to repel such an action. You do this at risk of angering those who have showed our species compassion and support."

"So noted. A requirement has been made, what say the Sisters of this Council?" asked the senior Sister.

"We need to determine the level of trust that we can give these humans. I would allow this task," two of the Sisters answered.

"I have misgivings about allowing this, though I understand why it must be done," the Insectoid Ambassador stated. "While I do not object, I do give warning that we could step on those we wish to make friends with."

"Are there any dissenters among the Sisters?" the senior Sister asked again. There were none.

"This Council has determined that the need overrides the legal parameters, Augraf," the senior Sister intoned. "You, or another, will accompany us the next time we go to the station and assess the minds of these humans."

Augraf waved its tentacles in a pattern of surrender to the request.

Pallanders-4, HD-115153 (Punarjanm) System

Cmdre. Dostier was talking to seven ship's captains in a borrowed conference room. Four of the captains were hers, Capt. Beverly Davis, commanding NS Pegasus, Fairling Class (Refit) Frigate, Cdr. George Drake, commanding NS Panther, Whippet Class (Refit) Escort Vessel, Cdr. Sarah Verdin, commanding NS Corsair, Whippet Class (Refit) Escort Vessel. Then there was Capt. Nigel Green, commanding NS La Plume, Fairling Class Frigate, and Capt. Kelly Martin, NS Norton, Fairling Class Frigate, the two Fairling Class Frigates that FAdm. Holstern had ordered to the system to relieve the NS Dewfall of its burden of prisoners. The last of her ship's captains were Capt. Henadi Noor of the NS Dewfall and Lt. Joyce Nyalla, commanding NS Styles Dixon, Valour Class and Dostier's personal transport.

VAdm. Thomas Chaulker, JAG of Sector Twenty-Three was in the meeting along with his aide Capt. Bohdanko Morosov, having arrived on NS Rose. Also in the meeting was Mr. David Sprawl, Director of Operations for the shipyard.

"At the moment, the probes are showing no activity on the outskirts of the system, nor in the likely hiding spots such as where we found the Maderan's Reach," Dostier was saying. "That doesn't mean they are not out there, just that we don't see them.

"I want to keep up our intermittent patrols and keep up our use of probes. The current set of probes have now been out more than a month. They need to be replaced. You can take your cue for the replacements from Capt. Davis, who launched the original thirty.

"I want a new probe on station before we recall the old probe. No gaps in our surveillance pattern will be permitted.

"Beverly, if you can send out replacement probes and have the old probes return, that would be preferable. I'm not sure where would be a good location to collect them with all the activity around this station, however, Mr. Sprawl can probably help us out by providing us with a suitable sight for recovery," she said, getting a nod from Sprawl.

"I do recall that you have a 'shitload' of probes so I know you can replace the thirty out there. That would give us thirty-two probes ready for immediate launch in the ready racks, sixteen on each of the Whippet Class ships.

"David, how are you for the newer probes on the station? I know you are building them, but can we steal a few? While it is unlikely, I want to send out an additional set of probes to the inner planets before they come around to this side of the sun.

"With the shipyard one minute light inside of the debris field towards the sun from Liramor-30, the station can scan most areas between the debris field and the sun, which is nine minutes light from us. We will be able to see everything as there are currently no planets between us and the sun. That will change in three months when the four inner planets will be on this side of the sun, two closer in and a binary pair in an arc two minutes light from us.

"If I was a pirate, I would jump into the geosynchronous orbit between the binary pair while it was on the other side of the sun and just let it's orbit bring their ship closer to us. So we need to send a stealth probe there before the pirates jump in.

"Adm. Chaulker, you will have to expedite the prosecution of the pirates, sir. This system could become a war zone at any time. We were lucky that we found the Maderan's Reach when we did but we have no idea how much information it was able to send to their HQs.

"The sudden loss of their ship could cause the Alnitah Pirate Syndicate to bring forward, time wise, any attack plans that they are looking at. We don't know where they were in their intel gathering and thus do not know where they are in their planning stages.

"The bad part of all of this, sir, is that this system used to belong to them, so they know it intimately. They have the necessary jump coordinates to jump right on top of the two stations and we have no means to move those stations to a different location.

"They faster you can conduct your trials the better for you, sir," Dostier finished.

"It's a pity that we have to conduct the trials here," Beverly Davis said. "If there had been just a few less ex CP Navy personnel, we could have taken the prisoners to Sector Twenty-Three HQ for the trials."

"I suspect that the ageing CP Navy personnel among the pirates will mean that fewer and fewer of them will be on their ships," Adm. Chaulker said. "Soon enough, we will not have to conduct trials under full Navy regulations in the closest location to the incident. We'll be able to pull them to HQ and conduct trials there.

"Very well, Commodore. I will attempt to complete the trials as expeditiously as possible but I must air on the side of justice and conduct the trials according to Navy regulations," Chaulker ended.

"Understood, sir, however, I would strongly suggest that your two support Captains conduct constant attack and defence drills on with their ships. They are possibly going to be in the heat of it and preparedness will be key to their survival," Dostier stated firmly.

She got nods from the two ship's captains and from VAdm. Chaulker.

"We are going to need a name for the new ship," Dostier said. "The boss has promised to send me a new captain and crew for the Reach within two weeks. Better if she had a name for her to send the crews to."

"How about 'Punarjanm's Trials'?" George Drake suggested. "I think it is kind of fitting considering."

That brought a laugh from around the table and Dostier promised she would add it to the list for Holstern to chose from.

VAdm. Chaulker and his aide left the conference room as Dostier and the captains started strategizing options for the defence of the system.

Gordon Family Estate, Guerille Continent, New Hadria

Armstrong Ignatius Gordon was a small man by anyone's standard. At only 162cm, he did not have an imposing figure. However, his will washed over everything that he did and allowed him to accomplish much that his stature did not.

Armstrong was the head of the Gordon Family and head of the Gordon Companies Ltd. His attitude to people came out of blustering over his small stature. He lorded over people in a vicious manner because of his height impediment and, quite frankly, he had never been taught another way. He was literally the master of all he surveyed.

This made him a difficult man for his trading partners to deal with, however, Armstrong was very astute when it came to business and usually made the better of many of the deals he worked directly on for the Gordon Companies.

Armstrong was working on a new deal with one of his slave trading partners, who needed more slaves. He called a meeting of his Alnitah Syndicate partners at his estate.

The senior members of the Alnitah Pirate Syndicate all arrived at noon on the day of the meeting.

"Good day, partners," Armstrong started the meeting. "I have a request from the Adenomere Company on Adenomere Planet for more slaves. They are looking for a total of 8,000 over the course of the next six months.