Ship's Log: November 8

[earlier that evening]

Hawkes stood outside the hatch watching the indicators as the transport completed its docking maneuvers. One by one, the glow of the lights switched from red to amber to green. There came the sounds of the lock disengaging and the hatch began to open. Hawkes stood at attention, taking a quick glance at the two-person security detachment that had accompanied him. There were ostensibly intended to serve as an honor guard, but Hawkes knew that they were more than capable of acting if a dangerous situation arose.

Through the open hatchway stepped a tall figure, towering several centimeters over Hawkes. It had dark hair that hang loose to its shoulders. It skin was a deep red, the color of human blood. What appeared to be a ceremonial sash was bound tightly at its waist. What initially appeared to be some kind of rough-hewn armor Hawkes knew to be an organic symbiote.

The figure regarded him with mild disdain. "You are their chief warrior?" The figure said, it voice deep and with a faint gravelly undertone.

The Tactical officer gazed impassively upward. "I'm Lieutenant Hawkes, Chief Tactical Officer."

The figure made a sound that might have been a snort, but it was difficult to know for certain. Different species had different customs for expressing themselves. In any case, Hawkes gave no reaction.

"Star Blood," the alien commanded. "You need no other name." His eyes never left Hawkes, but his hands gestured toward the similarly outfitted pair behind him. "My aides. Treat them as you would myself."

Hawkes' eyes quickly surveyed the pair before returning to the figure. noted that their sashes were less ornate and of a duller shade than that of the Star Blood.

"You will take me to your Captain now."

Hawkes paused a moment. "She is at the reception," he told the Star Blood mildly. "Do you wish to visit your quarters first?"

"I will see her now."

Hawke's expression remained frozen. "As you wish," he answered drily. "Please follow me."

He started down the corridor, followed by the Star Blood who then flanked by his two aides. The two members of the honor guard detachment allowed them to pass and then fell into step behind them. As a tight group, the five of them headed through the passageways toward the reception.



[later that evening]

Devereux led the group of delegates through the passageways of her ship. They had never really felt cramped and crowded before, but then they rarely had this many people traveling through them at one time. Most her guests kept silent or murmured with varying degrees of sincere appreciation as she pointed out interesting features of her vessel. Some of them, however, particularly the new arrivals demonstrated no such politeness.

"This is a not a ship of battle," Star Blood announced after only a few minutes into the tour.

"No, Star Blood," Devereux replied calmly, although she was certain that Elizabeth could sense the underlying tension in her voice. "It's not." She allowed herself a quick, but deep breath. "Our main purpose is transport and exploration."

"We were told that we would be safe here," he countered, his tone dripping with accusation and disdain.

Devereux paused and fixed her gaze on the Star Blood. "We can defend ourselves if necessary." She broke eye contact and gave the other delegates a practiced smile. "And it's only short trip. Hopefully you won't be on board long enough for any trouble to find us."

"You must always be prepared for battle," Star Blood declared. "Only a fool would believe otherwise."

Devereux felt her jaw tighten. She saw Elizabeth grow tense. Uncomfortable murmurs sounded from some of the other delegates.

"We hope to change that," Devereux responded tightly. "The goal of this conference, after all, is peace."

"Whatever its goals might be," Star Blood said, derision clear in his tone, "the result will not be peace."

"Let's hope you're wrong then," Devereux replied. She amended her statement with a smile to the other delegates.

"I have not achieved my victories by being wrong," Star Blood countered. "I know my enemies, Captain."