UNC014E

**STORIES**

**PREVIOUS**

**ESPAÑOL**

**Family reunion.**

At last, after resolving all the matters relating to his position, Yener  was able to leave presto for his  native region.

-I really wanted to come back. - It was said with growing desire to complete that trip. –

Despite being born in Yum, for many things, (except his usual team and some more mundane and urbanite customs) he considered himself almost  a  somerés. Above all, for his years in the monastery. Although now he was going to his most usual residence. At least in which he had grown up and made his main nucleus of friends.

-There is almost no one left there, everyone left, either for studies, work or other things. - He remembered. - I myself have been far from my house.

In the academy he spent at least five yares or as omega would say, years, just seeing his own and taking advantage of the leave and vacation to continue instructing in the monastery. After graduation he embarked immediately and since he made contact and spent some time there, in addition to what he needed to return had almost passed another yare. And now after so long he could be reunited with his family. The good thing is that it wasn't too far away, on a short slider, it would cover the distance in less than three sexdanes. During the trip he devoted his mind to thinking about his own, in his home, on the outskirts of the province of Dumlans, the capital of the Empire, in his friends and other acquaintances. How eager I was to see them again and tell them all their adventures! For a few days he was free to be himself, without complicated ceremonies, diplomacy, or confidential channels. (Although sometimes neighborhood gossip, especially knowing his mother and friends, was far worse than state secrets.)

Sometimes we have to be more diplomatic with our neighbours than with the representatives of other planetary powers. - It was said funny. -

In those thoughts I would hang out as the landscape changed from large glass buildings to trees and meadows. When he finally  saw the landscape of single-family houses approach, the old-fashioned cobbled walk and those tops of  big trees in a row smiled. In that place he had grown up and spent much of his life and always appreciated returning to the vicinity of his first environment. Along with the Monastery of Kail that was the place where he felt happiest and most carefree.

-I could have changed, but you will like to see me in uniform. - I thought not without a good dose of pride. -

And it is that after his visit to the Prehistarstadium, he decided to put on his gala uniform again. After all, he had been serving his world with honor and had been more than rewarded. Much more than he himself thought he deserved. But he wasn't going to be the one to complain.

-If the emperor himself and all the chiefdoms think so, who am I to take the opposite? - Thought between delighted and amused by it. –

And as those cabalsdrew to a halt, Yener got off at the reinr area station,  where his home was located. There he took a taxi vehicle that drove him to the gates of his parents' house. As soon as he arrived he discovered his mother waiting for him accompanied by his neighbor Lota and her daughter, her childhood friend Karie...

-Yener son! ,  what  joy! -  Andxclamó Aluria,  his  mother, running to hug him  -

- Mom! - he replenished it by narrowing it with great joy too. -  I wanted to see you again!

-How proud I am of you,  son! - his mother replied by listing atropelladamente. - Ihave told everything to Lota and her daughter,  your promotions, audience with the Emperor, and yesterday we learned of your appointment to the prayer of the Goddess Maray! I called the  Prehistoric  to tell them I imagined you were going to go see them and...

- Iknow! - rior  Yener. "They were using me as a ball to celebrate.

-And how handsome you are with the uniform of the  fleet! - He was flattered by his mother's friend. –

Thank you very much. - He was able to replicate it, even reddishing a bit. -

Well, it was actually the troop uniform associated with the fleet. Yener had graduated as a planetary officer. That is, dirt. Although his basic training had provided him with notions of piloting on light craft, he was not really a member of a cruise ship's crew. Those wore a dark blue jacket, but he wasn't going to be getting lost in technicalities with his mother and her friend either.  And it is that no matter how many experiences he had lived, whenever he was next to them  he felt again like that little boy  whosometimes praised him and sometimes scolded for some mischief. And then he could not help but notice that onthesidelines of that beautiful scene of reunion remained a younger woman.  It was  Karie,  Lota's daughter,  Yener's friend and neighbor since the days of her early  childhood,who    approached him shyly and dared to whisper to her.

- Welcome home.

The boy gavethat for a few moments of his own  mother, and after hugging Lota, he did the same with that girl while greeting them.

-How are you doing? - He was politely interested. -  We hadn't seen each other for a long time.

- Quitea lot ,  yes  - I re-accuse Lota  smiling and  inquisitive as she added. - Who was going to tell us that such an unruly child was going to become such a famous person! You have to keep us up to date with everything.

- Sí, it is true, You have to tell us your adventures. - Karie agreed with her mother. - We  haven't known about you for so long, it seems unbelievable that in this time you have become the most important person in the Quadruple Alliance. We have to celebrate! - Exclaimed the visibly excited girl-

- Don't be so exaggerated. -  Sonrió him rushing to downplay it, although that endeavor was doomed to failure beforehand.  -

The girl smiled too, her half chestnut mane swayed gracefully threatening to cover her pretty green eyes, Yener looked at her carefully for a few moments, Karie seemed much older, not so much the physical plane as in the presence of mood. Or maybe it was because he was with hismother. But there was something else, and I couldn't tell what it was. That brat of braids,  (in Yener's opinion, made to pull them and cause him great annoyance),  seemed quite changed.   His face was calmer and in general, detectabatgreater maturity. It's been a long time since the two of them spent a long time together, like when they were kids. Although I had been able to see her on a few occasions, since he graduated, the  lapse had become very long and now he remembered that, as they would say in Omega, it had been months since the lasttime. Other than that, she seemed to contemplate him as if it were a distant statue. More with admiration than with familiarity. As if Yener had become one of those myths that he always talked to her about when, as  children, he told her some of his stories or made her participate in his fantasies of great battles against the evil Dark Lords or enchanted sword quests. The funny thing was that now, much of those fictional adventures, had come true. Karie was always excited to hear him tell the stories and legends he himself hears  from his mother or his teachers. Whenever he returned from the monastery in the summer the girl would come to his house and many sexdanes would be spent playing and talking about those things. Then Karie herself started her career and went to study far away, they only saw each other on a few occasions. The last just as he left the Academy and was about to embark on his first destination. The one who had made him contact with a new civilization and was filled with so many honors. Anyway, now they saw each other again and with the great humor that Yener enjoyed, he was driven to remember old   customs, so,  unexpectedly,  he shook her and raised her in his  arms as a joke.

- Well, to start celebrating! I'm going to do with you what the guys on the team have done to me! - He exclaimed maliciously-

- Don't be silly you're going to make me dwell! - river she -

- Come on son, leave  poor Karie on the ground. - Asked his mother with a kind smile  as a reprimand-

- It's unbelievable- terció Lota smiling  in an accomplice way to his neighbor and insisting in view of such a demonstration. -  With how naughty he was as a child and the things he keeps doing and look at him, he became quite an ambassador.

Yener left her friend on the floor carefully and already more seriously asked.

-Where are Dad and Erel?

- They will not take long. - His mother replied. -  As soon as they found out they said they would come as fast as they could.

- I'm looking forward to seeing them - he confessed. -

- Hey Yener- terció Karie holding his hand with an unspooked impatience, typical of times past. -  Why don't we go ahead taking a walk and tell me all your adventures?

- Of course- agreed this frankly pleased. - So we'll make time.

- Do not take long,  dinner will be in two hours. - He was warned by his mother.  -

- Neglect,  mom  - smiled he who knew positively that his mother did not forgive delays in such meetings.  -

And the two boys walked away before the proud gaze of their mothers. Pleased,Lota followed them with her eyes as she commented to her neighbor and friend.

- They make a great couple, right?

Yener's mother nodded smilingly.  She thought  the same as her friend, even though those boys had practically grown up together and the girl was to her like another daughter. But  who knows? It wouldn't hurt if Yener chose a girl like Karie with whom she got along so much.  A girl from Somer, or at least the daughter of a  someresa  like herself. Prudent, intelligent and with a good family.   She sighed with a smile and offered to accompany Lota to the house. Meanwhile, the  two boys walked quickly and without saying anything until Karie slowed down, Yener did the same and the girl addressed him by grabbing  one of his arms and declaring with feigned pomp.

- Grand Admiral of the Yumlaiance Fleet. Have you had to fight many space monsters?

Yenerlaughs or  to admonish her with a funny mood.

- Don't be disrespectful to meHuh? I am now an authority– even ifI'm just a captain.

- What about me? - He mocked Karie. - I'm not in the army and I don't have to obey you, silly.

Yener twisted his nose to respond with false severity.

- Well, I won't tell you anything about what has happened to me, gusarapa. - Sentenced using that nickname that bothered her so much being a child. -

The girl outlined a grimace of purported disillusionment.

-Tell me,  walk! -  Iinsisted Karie once they had distanced themselves enough through the leafy tree-lined promenade that crossed their  urbanization. -

He accepted smiling and recounted all his adventures. Her  friend listened to her absorbed and even impressed. He intervened when Yener seemed to take a breather.

-It must be tremendously difficult to deal with all those issues of galactic Inter politics!

- Well,  that's what I thought at first,  but then you realize that it's enough to have good advisors, some common sense and above all good  will. - I replenish him by giving him a more everyday approach, althoughhe admitted. -But the truth is, it was a bit intimidating. Despite the disciplines of the Kai, and having commodor Cresat. These are more complicated issues than they seem. You can compromise your planet with a bad decision. - Riveted now with some feigned pomp. –

In the distance they heard the tinkling of a bell that would come from the nearby town. That reminded  Yenerof something, an old tune that started in a similar way, and smiled reciting it.

-The race is just beginning. Jump from the horse, jump off the train...

-Welcome to the real world. - Karie added. – You're running like the wind...

Yener nodded, smiling to respond.

Well, I would say yes. Do you still remember these old Yum songs?

Of course. - He claimed she returned the smile. - Welearned as children. Don't you remember?

That cannot be forgotten. - He sighed now, stating. - Although so much has happened since then.

Among them that his friend and companion Larus had repopularized them with their most modern versions. So she told her friend who really stunned exclaimed.

- Do you know Larus Daet?

Of course he is, and he is a great friend of mine. - He smiled at it. –

Larus Daet? Do you mean it? The winner of the Yum music talent show? - The perplexed girl inquired to make sure she was that celebrity, commenting. - It has been a long time since we knew about him. Have you enlisted in the fleet?

Yes, we were at the academy together. He's a really nice guy.

- You have to introduce it to me! - Asked her, really delighted. -

-Of course, when I return from leave I will invite you to come. We are very close friends. Although I'll tell you a secret about it. - He whispered to a young man with a tinge of complicity. -

And when Karie approached to see what she was saying, Yener, smiling malevolently, whispered to her.

-It's from the Campirians...

Karie opened her mouth, and after moving her head, she almost opened Yener, even though she did it in a funny way.

- So silly! And what do I care about that! In those things you have not changed anything, always with that nonsense of football.

There are things that one cannot, nor should one give up. So long live prehistoric!- he jokingly exclaimed. - And poor Larus could not be perfect.

-He's a great artist, and very handsome. - Karie said who wanted to know as a gossip. Do you know if he has a girlfriend?

- Girlfriend? - Yener repeated that he pretended to think for a few moments to sentence. - No, I don't think it has. Do not worry, if one day he comes here I will present it to you.

Her friend nodded smiling to put that aside and ask.

-And  what plans do you have now? -  Wanted to know Karie, adding with a tone of admiration. -  For someone who has been promoted so quickly, received by the Emperor and appointed for prayer to the goddess Maray, there should not be much left to achieve. Noteven to imagine! You've made the career that many can't make in their entire lives.

-No, that goes!, far fromit . -  Refuted Yener with enthusiasm. - Ithink that outsunmindto  start!, I have much to prove!, above all that I am deserving of all this, fulfilling my duties as best as possible. You know Karie? - He added on a more serious note. - A lot of times I think I've received all these things without deserving them. And I want to deserve them. I have to somehow give back what I have been given.

The girl watched him this time in silence, no jokes. He knew his lifelong friend well and was aware that, while he could be rogue and advantageous at times, deep down he did not like injustice, nor if it favored him. And Yener talked about it as if it were an injustice.

"But you were the one who made that contact with a new civilization. This is historic. - The girl commented. –

"It wasn't just me. On the ship we were hundreds of people. - He qualified the young man. –

-But only you were able to contact those people. - Karie commented, telling her to her surprise. - Only one monje warrior of the Kail was the indicated one. That's what they've said from the media. You communicated with them and managed to avoid a disaster. Many compare you to Karem Bount or even to Skarn Dailin himself.

- What? - He could exclaim. -

The boy looked at her perplexed. Where would that have come from? He was traveling on the ship like the rest, it was his captain who made the decision to send him perhaps because of his skills yes, but they had not been on alert. At least not in a combat one. They merely took precautions at the protocol level. However, Karie spoke as if he had avoided an intergalactic war or something.

-Really,I assure you  that it was not so much. - He was quick to refute all that, even blushing and uncomfortable. –

- How modest you've become! - The girl laughed. –

Seriously, anyone, my friend Larus Daet,  for example. I could have gone and talked to them. With due precautions.

- Or better to have sung something to them. That way we would have established many more alliances and faster. - Karie added trying to tease him. –

-Look, I hadn't thought about that! - Laugh your interlocutor. -

And Karie laughed with him, after that moment of jocularity,Yener resumed the conversation again in earnest.

-In truth, I complied with what they ordered me, no more and no less.

-Well, you should have done very well. I don't think they're so much promoted to anyone—  or filled with those honors without deserving them. - Her friend encouraged her.

-In any case, I will strive, when I return there I will do everything in my power so that the name of our world is respected and appreciated by the Confederation of Omega.

- Confederation of Omega? - The stunned girl repeated. –

-Yes, it is an association of quite a few planets of various systems, and even galaxies. - The boy explained. – They are as advanced as we are, although they also have their problems.

Nor could it be more explicit, too many official secrets and protocols. Anyway, Karie watched perplexed and declared.

-I thought you only made contact with one planet. It is even more formidable if there are many.

That's right, and I find it really fascinating.

- So, will you go back to that planet? - She asked him -.

- Yes, I must start within a few dares. My presence there is necessary.  Also,  there's one person I'm really looking forward to seeing again.

-So  soon? -  What a shame! - She added with slight  disappointment, although she added more animated and even jokingly. Do you mean Larus Daet?

-Well, he will also like to see him again, but in this case it is not about Larus. - The boy smiled. -

- Areyou waiting for a friend of the fleet? - Inquiried her with somewhat rogue tinge. -

- Not from the fleet, she's a very pretty girl I've met there. It has nothing to do with fleet leagues. On this occasion, I think I found the woman I had always been looking for.  - He replied with a confidential and sincere tone.  -

The girl's smile slowly faded and her face tried to mask a progressive disappointment. I knew  that he was popular with girls and that he had had some  girlfriends,  but never anything serious of course, and in the fleet from what was said, it was common to flirt. Anyway,   that didn't seem to be important to Yener. But now, Karie's intuition and the way she understood him, since they were both children,  coupled withthe toneof  those words, told him that he spoke more seriously. For a few moments he did not say anything to him until he assimilated what his friend said and was able to ask him, now with more gravity and desire to know details.

-A woman of that  world?

- Yes, that's right. - Nodded Yener who  oblivious to that metamorphosis  in the mood of his friend  added. -You see!, so long without finding anyone in our world that I really cared to pair up and I'm going to fall with an alien. - He kept another brief and uncomfortable silence, not because he believed that his  contertulia  had received that like a jug of cold water in the cout, but because mentally he spent a few moments to think about Gina. Afterwards, he didn't want to be less than Karie and asked him. - What about you? I guess such a pretty girl will already have a boyfriend or a few who will fight you.

- No, not  yet. - She could say barely going back to the tone that threatened to dye hervoice. -  I still haven't found anyone who might interest me to that extent.

-You'll find it, for sure! - Yener encouraged herby giving her a soft slap on the shoulder , tojovially tell her - Let's go back now! dinner must be ready.

Karie agreed to that with a slight nod. After  that revelation Yener had lost all enthusiasm. He would even like to go home.   But  he could not upset the boy's family or his own.

It would not be appropriate. And I have no real reason. - I thought. -

           After all, Yener didn't know how she felt about him. He had always treated her as a friend, at first a playmate and then someone to trust with their mutual secrets, dreams and hopes. He still remembered when he returned from the Monastery the last time. For a few years they almost saw each other only for the space of the short vacation that the boy had. Then, once he finished his basic training of the Kail, he entrusted her with his desire to enlist in the fleet and see space. She encouraged him, although she felt like they were separating again and now, after all this unexpected success in Yener's life, when she thought she had time to see him again and even take their relationship to a more intimate terrain that would lead to courtship, she found that. But despite his seemingly serious interest in the alien, perhaps it was just a momentary passion. That was the only hope I could treasure. Anyway, it was better to remain silent and hide.

-It's a great day for everyone. The important thing is that he has returned safely and rewarded with  so many honors. I'm lucky to have him with me, even if it's for a short time. - It was said the ailing girl. –

- Is everything going well, Karie? You've gotten very serious. - Wanted to know him. –

-No, ... I mean,  yes. - She was whipped, totally taken by surprise and trying to disguise, smiled and commented, with an imposted tone of joviality. - It's that she was thinking about what you're going to brag about from now on.

"Hey, my teacher Light Goshawk taught me to be humble. " He replied. –

Karie stared at him, he did the same, and after holding his eyes for a few moments Yener laughed, her friend smiled shaking her head and the boy admitted.

Ok, you might brac a little bit. It is seen that I cannot deceive you. You are more insightful than my own teacher!

-Yes, I have always known you well. - Musitó she. -

The two boys went back to Yener's house, he  talked and talked telling Karie everything she was going to do as soon as she got back and the girl just nodded mechanically. They finally entered and Yener's mother, seeing them, called them.

- Dinner is ready and more guests have also arrived, -  he smiled addressing his son.  -

Yener entered the living room and there she met her father and brother Erel. He smiled immediately when his little brother exclaimed as he saw him enter.

- Yener,  what a joy!

Both embraced effusively amid the smile of complacency of the rest. Especially from his mother, who was with the father of both boys.

- I'm also very glad to see you again, son. Quite a while has passed. - He added his progenitor with a more temperate tone. -

Yener devoted a more distant look to him while responding in an equally cold but courteous manner.

- yes, I imagine dad. How is it going? How are things going?

- Great - I replenish this now raising a wide smile and adding with casualness, gathered at the cost of a good and "worked" naturalness. "But let's leave that now, the main thing is that you tell me. Where do I start? Ambassador, Captain or Illustrious Guest to pray for the Goddess Maray. My friends and clients couldn't believe it. A member of the Rant family elevated to such distinctions.

- And I guess you, you couldn't at firsteither , couldn't  you? . - Yener declared with a tone marked by irony. -

- Well yes, of course it was hard to believe. - His father admitted by evading that hint. -

- Then you talk about all that, Nevis. - Terció Aluria addressing her husband to stop in his tracks those possible clouds - that dinner is arranged and will cool down.

Everyone agreed with it, not wanting to spoil the reunion. Above all, it was Aluria who feared that the very similar characters of her husband and son, and their very opposite conceptions of things, would collide again. The others evidently shared an interest in having a quiet evening. So they sat down at the table and had dinner.

-I don't know how you don't have service androids, mom. - Erel commented then, for bringing up a topic of conversation, while bringing a tray. -

-I do not like those pots, and the traditional thing has always been to serve us all at the table. - His mother replied. -

I agree. - Yener agreed that he helped her with a jug full of water with which she served Lota and Karie. - In Omega they have almost nothing else. They use robots even to put the spoon in their mouths.

- Really? - Asked the  perplexedor  Erel. -

No, well, just kidding. - His interlocutor admitted, stating that yes, already more serious. - But they suffer from an over-reliance on androids. Even on a planet of their Confederacy they suffered a rebellion of those who had there.

That is why we have banned them here for at least two hundred years. - Nevis intervened. – At least the most complex models. It was always feared that something like this would happen.

Yener nodded, his father among other things traded in fairly simple robots, as well as minerals and other raw materials or consumer products. The Rant supply company had a good network of diffusion between the worlds of the Quadruple Alliance and internally. It competed with others without being the largest or the leader, but its position in the market was good.  Yener's brother helped his father and was obviously the one who was destined to continue with the family business, so, among other things, he wanted to know.

-And what are those omega worlds like? Do they have good trade routes?

-Quite good. Although I could not inform myself as much as I would have liked.

-That's the first thing to learn. - Nevis intervened. –

Yener didn't like that comment, but trying not to argue he simply replied sincerely.

"I had so many things to catch up on that I couldn't cover everything. Like when I was eating as a kid, right mom?

Aluria nodded, they remembered funny how, as a child, Yener had a very good appetite and often tried to eat two dishes at once, stew, Yurix meat or larch soup.

-You were so hungry that you finished the soup before the rest was ready. And you wanted to eat each other's!

Yes, I remember that. - Lota commented. -

          His daughter nodded. They were both sitting there, handing out smiles, but barely saying a word. Karie was disappointed and hurt, although she should not externalize it, and Lota clearly perceived the problems that were coming up in the Rant family, under the apparent harmony and joy of her friends.

-And speaking of food. The larch soup is delicious. - Lota was right to say when he tasted that first course. -

-Family recipe. - Her friend Aluria smiled. -

-My mother doesn't want the home computer to make the food either. - Erel intervened. -

Well, it won't be because we didn't install the best one there was. - Added Nevis. -

"That's what we have the subresas. - Aluria replied. - We like to deal in person with the important things. -

"I must confess that I missed your larch soup and pinard stew a lot." Yener commented then, adding amusement. - One ends up fed up with the ships' food dispenser.

-Although you must admit, son, that you can not take an old-fashioned kitchen with the ingredients on a warship. - His father told him. -

"Well, our ships are huge, Dad. - I recover him who also did not wish to oppose that argument outright so he qualified. - At least those of the line, carriers ships and heavy cruisers. But of course, on light cruisers it's impossible.

         Nevis nodded, and it would seem that almost everyone at the table sighed in relief.

Those ships are small, yes. - The honoree's father agreed. -  It wouldn't make sense.

         They continued with dinner and after an inconsequential talk around the dishes Lota and her daughter said goodbye wishing Yener luck and hoping to see him again soon.

I hope it doesn't take so long next time. - Le said Lota. -

I hope so, although it is not up to me. - The boy replied. -

-I wish you a good trip and that you are happy. - Smiled tremulantly Karie. -

Thank you. - Musitó the boy. -

She noticed her friend somewhat strange, but she didn't want to probe her. It was as if I deemed it inappropriate. Truth be told, he had never dared to do that with the people closest to him. It was like invading their intimacy. Just as if I saw them naked. So she assumed that she would simply be tired or somewhat uneasy about the frictions of Yener's family.

-Yes, for them it must be embarrassing. And I'm not surprised at all. - Sighed. -

          Accustomed to living alone and in fairly good harmony since Karie's father passed away about four years ago, (it was one of the few times they had seen each other during that time when he attended the burial ceremony) neither Karie nor her mother felt comfortable when they were with the Rants and some spark jumped between Yener and her father. Now the young man, after accompanying them to the door, returned to the living room. Still sitting around the table, the conversation continued. Nevis then questioned his son in a particularly interested and cordial manner. So particular that it was even forced.

- Well, now tell us how things are in that world.

- Yes, of course - Yener replied without containing some irritation. - If you want I tell you where to install a branch for your business.

There was an uncomfortable silence until Aluria took it upon herself to break it by reproaching her son with conciliatory softness.

- Yener, you shouldn't answer your father like that, it's not right.

- Déjale Aluria - intervened Nevis with the same tone. - It makes sense.

- You should bury your differences once and for all. - She added with a sense of discomfort.  -

- I'm trying - Yener's father declared, tightening the tone on the already forced rope of his patience. -

- Yes, now that I have been granted all those appointments. - The boy was terrified with a visible gesture of anger to reproach him in a measured voice. - You never approved that he went to the Monastery, nor that he entered the Academy, you were only interested in him continuing with the family business. But once I'm at this level everything looks great. If I had listened to you I don't think you'd be as proud as you seem to be now.

- Son I would have been very proud too if you had decided to follow in my footsteps. Just like I am of your brother. Don't belittle what he does. - His father also visibly upset replied. -

- I don't despise him, it's more-  I admire him for his work. - Yener defended himself. - I just wanted freedom to live my own life, Dad.

"Well, you've had it," Nevis replied forcefully now with a higher tinge of voice - You've always done what you've wanted, you won't be able to complain!

- Yes, but both mom and I have had to fight your opposition quite a bit to get it. - He was reminded of his son trying not to lose his apparent poise. -

Both Aluria and Erel looked alternately at each other without daring to intervene. At last it was Yener's mother who directed a pleading glance at her husband who understood that message, took deep inspiration and took the floor.

- Okay. - Admitted Nevis with again conciliatory tone to acknowledge. - All of us who thought otherwise were wrong, you and your mother were right. A military career is your thing.

-- Yes, Yener-agreed his brother trying to help calm tempers. - Of course you have succeeded, although not even I in my best dreams imagined that so much How have you done it? Who have you cajoled? - Asked funny to relieve the tension. -

- If I tell you the truth, I don't even know. - Humbly acknowledged Yener finally lowering his guard and feeling satisfied, at least in part, that he had obtained that concession from his father. Now he was more serene and continued in reflective mode. - True, I did well at the Academy, even when we contacted the Omega Confederation. For some reason I was the only one able to communicate acceptably, so the captain of my ship commissioned me to go to talk to them without another officer of higher rank to accompany me and the rest, you know.

- It was a wonderful coincidence! Other than that you had to be the only one on your ship with preparation in kail disciplines. - Her mother added with a palpable tone of pride that in passing vindicated her even more in front of her already surrendered husband. -

-I'd like to go with you to that planet," declared Erel, assaulted out of a curiosity that was not exclusively sycophanting. Maybe when I take the university vacation. If Dad doesn't need me.

- Sure, that's how you tell me what that world is like. - His father agreed that he laughed adding as a self-parody with which he offered even more clearly his unconditional surrender. - Let your brother show it to you! Maybe Yener had a good idea with that branch!

- You have no arrangement- smiled this one, already completely relaxed, accepting that bridge laid by his father and thus giving up his anger -

The whole family laughed, at last the climate of tension seemed to have dissipated. Yener even added more seriously.

-And it's no nonsense, dad. There are a lot of investment opportunities there, if we have some time, I could tell you a few. There are quite a few planets and we are surely going to establish important trade agreements. When I come back I will take you at your word and investigate in that regard. I will do my utmost to help the family business.

-That I would like very much, son. - Affirmed a now visibly satisfied Nevis. -

That earned him the approving smile of his mother and brother. Even his father looked at him with something he wanted to interpret as pride. Maybe because of his last words rather than everything he had achieved, but that didn't matter. The important thing was that she felt proud of him. The young man was happy, his father had been slow, but  in this way he recognized that  Yener  did well and that he was right. That gave him new strength to return to his occupations. It wouldn't take long to do so.

-I promise you that if I find out anything I will inform you. - Riveted for the convenience of the rest of his family. -

-We will have a new franchise in Interplanetary Rant Exports. - Erel intervened. -

-Well, you know, little brother, you come with me to Omega. - Yener casually proposed to him. -

I don't think they've given permission for that yet. - He objected however to his contertulio. -

-That is solved in a very easy way. - It was now Yener's turn to joke about proposing. - Get enlisted in the fleet!

         And luckily everyone took that comment with smiles. They finally said goodbye. Yener's father and brother left for the capital to attend to their business. He instead chose to spend the night at home, in his room.  Before bedtime he told his mother.

-A pity that they could not stay tonight.

-They are always very busy, son. - She replied with a somewhat duller tone. -

             Yener did not doubt his brother, Erel was a good boy, quite transparent and easy to understand. With him he did not need in any case the use of his dipillins, if he had not thought it wrong to use them with the members of his family. However, his father was different. He was still attached to his mother, but that was a more fictitious and apparent union than anything else.

-I don't doubt that I will be seeing other women in Dumlans, but I will not make my mother suffer. - It was said with a mixture of regret and contrariety.-

After all, that womanizing gene of the Rants had inherited it more than probably from its progenitor. The difference was that he wasn't engaged to any woman. He sighed, wanting to take that out of his mind. What did make  him still animate his face with a smile  was to tell his mother.

-Many times I remember the stories you told me before bed. About the legends and gods of Yumlaiance. As a child I wanted to see them. To see that they were so magnificent with of them was narrated.

-Question of having faith, son. - His mother recovered. -

-Yes, and now with the contact I made I believe that they truly exist and that they are all over the cosmos. Otherwise. How could there be worlds with so many maray children? - He wondered aloud as he sat on his bed. -

            Aluria kissed her firstborn on the forehead and smiled. At least he had always been like her. He differed in being somewhat brusque and temperamental at times, but shared that love for tradition and legends. Yes, she always knew it was him. Unlike her other son Erel who had gone out to her husband. More restful and calm and much more pragmatic and aware of the day to day. Being as he was another excellent boy and wanting him just like the eldest, I didn't connect so much with him.

-The gods Alex and Maray watch over all of us, they created countless worlds with their children, and the gods Kail and Ishir, their direct offspring, helped them by being the mentors and guides of many of them.- Herecalled the young man. -

"Yes," Yener agreed, commenting on that. - I hope to have opportunity someday to talk to the emperor again and be able to tell him that you told me about our family.

He was referring to an old story that the D'lylal were descendants of the Earls Fry of Somer, a lineage that was related to none other than Skarn Dailin himself. Yener didn't bring up the latter, though, and he did just comment amusingly.

- That all D ́lal women had a name that began with A, as a symbol that our lineage is one of the first of Somer! - Smiled now. -

-You may take it as a joke, but that's the way it is. - His interlocutor replied, recounting. - Your grandmother, my mother, was called Altia, her mother Amara...

-Like the aunt. - He remembered it, since a younger sister of his mother was so named. –

Although she had not been seen for a long time, she went to live in Anlad and was almost more Anladesa than Yumcer. Not to say that he sympathized with those separatist ideas that some had over there. That's why she wasn't mentioned much in the Rant's home, though on this occasion, Aluria just nodded and added.

- And her mother, Anlina.

So if one day I join a woman and we have a daughter, I know how her name should start. - He sentenced. -

            His mother nodded, to wish him good night, to which he commented between amusing and longing.

-The song of good night. I also remember sometimes you sang it to me.

            Aluria smiled, leaving him alone in the room. Yener took little time to fall asleep. I was tired after so many events and emotions. And while he recovered strength he dreamed of some moments of his childhood, when precisely his mother was the one who told him those stories about the gods and the myths of his world.

-And it was when the goddess Ishir, at the behest of Mother Maray, took charge of the Magnamud.

-What is the Magnamud? – He wanted to know the little one, watching his mother with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment. –

-Well, it is the term that was used in ancient days to talk about ourplanet, now it is said  Magmud. Although some say that, in reality, it was the original planet that all humans came from. And that from there the gods were distributing us through the Cosmos to other worlds. That's what I think too.

- And they put us here? - He wanted to know the child. –

His mother nodded, sketching a warm smile.

That's right, honey. Here we are ever since.

-So there are many other human beings on many planets. - He deduced the child, stating. – I wish I could go visit them.

"Someday maybe you will. - He was predicted by his father. -

"Yes, someday...- repeated an adult Yener, as he opened his eyes. -

He found himself in his childhood bed, but already by day. He joined after having almost completely forgotten that dream.

I must hurry. - He said himself when he remembered that he should leave. -

So after breakfast he said goodbye to his mother promising that they would return as soon as possible. He regretted not being able to say goodbye to Karie and Lota, but they weren't at home when he went to greet them before leaving.

-There will be an opportunity to see each other again. - Wanted. -

He took the opportunity to walk instead of taking a slider, he liked to go unhurriedly as well as soaking up his surroundings again. Who knows what it would take to get back! So,  he arrived at the transport station. He boarded one that took him to the Dumlans airport, and from there he embarked on a shuttle that took him to one of the fleet's cruisers bound for Omega. This escorted the first commercial ships departing from Yumlaiance.

-Wow. - He said he was surprised - So I can tell Dad and Erel that the trade is already underway. I assume that it was Cresat that reached this agreement. In any case, I have to wait for further orders.

And I only knew the date when I had to come back. But nothing more concrete. He assumed that he would return to his diplomatic duties. Therefore, during the trip his head was already assaulted by countless projects and desires to be able to show his efficiency and his ability. Especially now that in a short time he was going to be Officiating to the singing of Maray. So he finally reached Omega, heading straight to the headquarters of his embassy. He was installed, as a provisional attaché pending his instructions, and in the meantime became aware of the latest matters at the diplomatic level. However, when asked about Cresat he was told he was not there.

The ambassador is not here, he has left. Tenía a meeting with members of the Quadruple  Alliance. -  Landreported. –

It's true. Now he is the one who represents Yumlaiance. At least so far. - Thought. -

And he decided to take the opportunity to see a companion, as soon as he could he soon looked for Larus. He found him in one of the officers' entertainment rooms and they both greeted each other with joy. His friend immediately asked him with obvious interest.

- How was the return home? How about the audience?

- Great! You know? I have finally been able to make peace with my father. - Yener replied with the illusion painted on his countenance.  -

- I'm glad, you were very concerned with that issue. - Larus agreed with him since they had talked about it since the days of the academy, when his partner had the worst time. -

- And, besides. Can't you imagine who's going to do the singing to the Goddess Maray this year? - He asked this with a tone full of amusing irony. -

His friend at first did not understand, but moments later he looked at him with his mouth open and his eyes like dishes to be able to babble...

- You? It is not possible, what has it been like? You have to tell me! - He urged him to be stuned. -

Yener explained to him in essence what happened to him when he was received by the Emperor. And  then ask questions with great interest.

- And around here? How have things been?

- There doesn't seem to be any news, I guess as far as diplomacy you'll already know from Cresat. The rest of our allies have done, as we have, a common aid policy and good relations. - He summed up Larus without much zeal. -

The truth is that no, he told him that he had not had time to catch up talking to his superior and successor in the position of ambassador. That's why he changed the subject, wanting to know, even if that took the conversation to a somewhat more embarrassing point.

- And what about you? Is everything going well?

- Well, I'm fine, Nerel and I have seen each other frequently. He's a good guy!, really. Maybe you don't think so because you don't know him too much. - Larus replied that he was trying to make the matter less vexing, knowing of his friend's misgivings about the Nataclier. -

Yener preferred not to answer that, that Asety still seemed to him to be someone who could not be openly trusted, but, he assumed that his relationship with Larus did not compromise any military or diplomatic secrets. Also, he respected his friend and felt too good to spoil his humor with it, so he let him be and responded in a friendly voice.

- I'm glad for you and forgive me if I seemed brusque the other time.

- No, don't worry! - He was quick to say this justifying even the attitude of his partner. - It's natural that you were surprised, instead of meeting a woman, you saw me with her.

- I don't care. - Yener smiled, making him see that Larus was deflecting the issue. - Everyone has the private life they want. What I can't stand is that you're a fan of such a bad team and you play with one type of another even worse, if that's possible. Because it will be from the Natclis, fixed. - He added derisively conjuring up the envaramiento-

"Hey," replied his friend, displaying that tone aswell. - Who has won the last football league  six? huh?

- Who has been crushed the other day at Realem by fourteen points eh? - Jokingly answered Yener -

- You had luck with the refereeing- larus immediately replied between funny and chopped.  -

- Ya, well go two fools that are Nerel and you, his team we have eliminated in the quarters of the Planetary league.

- I've heard. - The nataclier's voice answered that had reached them without them noticing -

-This football distracts me so much that not even with my senses of kail I noticed that he approachedabto this guy. - Yener reproached himself with reprobation and then greeted in the same line that he was carrying with Larus, although now his joy was noticeably greater. - How about Nerel? Annoyed? Well, I don't think, those of the  Natclis  are accustomed to the role of second-in-ones when prehistoric walks.

- We'll eliminate you the next one. No problem. - He simply answered this one without appearing too worried. -

- Keep dreaming! - He mocked hisinterlocutor, riveting with evident glee. - If you did not do it with the mythical comeback from four to zero, you will never do it.

-Anda that you do not go back in time. - The nataclier smiled. –

"Not as much as you thinkand ,  besides, I was there watching it in the stadium. - Yener boasted. -

It really was a kid of just nine or ten yares  then, when  prehistoric  came back a four to one conceded in Nataclia, thrashing  Natclis by four to zero at home. Yener still remembered the jumps he hit and the screams he let out singing his team's soul goals.

- He came to look for Larus and pass to greet you. -  Then said the nataclier changing the subject, although yes, explaining with exquisite correctness. - We stayed for a walk and I assumed that before I would be having a drink with you to know the new ones of your world.

- yes, well, I think that's fine. - Yener agreed, maneuvering in turn in an irreproachably diplomatic manner. - I must also go in search of a certain person.

- I guess you're referring to Gina Margarite Larans, Omega's lieutenant. Am I wrong? - Nerel smiled with a certain derision. -

- Well, that's up to me and not nastralsand.  Don't you think? - Yener replied by getting defensive now  while  qualifying. -  And he's a sub-lieutenant.

-No longer. - Nerelsmiled, informing him. - He has ascended recently.

           That's right, by merit and score obtained in her last patrols, Gina had been promoted at last. That's what that irritating nataclier told him, who gave the impression of being more interested in that girl than he was, when, in addition, he revealed it to him.

But that young woman prefers to focus on a diplomatic career. He's not so worried about moving up in the space police. That's what his suitor, Lieutenant Stevens, is for.

-I see you very well informed in this matter. What's up, Asety? Now the Nastralsy is engaged in gossip? - He sharply inquired about his contertulio, without bothering to hide his irritation at hearing the latter. -

- Don't get angry, Yener. - He asked Larus to always alert to any possible source of friction between his partner and his friend. - Nerel solamente  wants to give you some advice.

Yener studied nataclier with an incredulous gesture while watching his friend Larus who now seemed as if he was on the edge of a tightrope. Especially when Asety added with a certain retintin.

- Yes, it's not for nothing, but maybe you're getting into dangerous waters. Believe me, I know what I am talkingabout. -  He assured him with calm sufficiency.  -

- Wow, sorry, not that I'm a conqueror, but I think I don't need too much advice on women. In addition, it is clear that yours are not exactly the females, Nerel. Don't you think? - Yener smiled despotically while adding the latter as a whiplash.  -

- I'vehad relations  with women too,  Yener. -  Le corrected this, giving a surprise to his interlocutor and without appearing to accuse the blow. Especially when he added in a paternalistic way, as if addressing a reckless mob. - And I don't go around  bragging, I just want to tell you something I've heard. You will see, - he explained to him now ignoring the cynicism. -   I've been close to her as my legation is located almost next to the main offices of omega's  federation and that girl has been  stationed there now. You may not like to know, but  as I've already told you, she has a boyfriend.

- Yes, of course and that's me. - He cut Yener if you believe that at all. -

- No, I really don't tell you , nor doI tell you to annoyyou . -Nerel continued giving his words an increasing nuance of seriousness. - He is dating that omega officer, Lieutenant Stevens, who looks like a brute and who is redheaded.

- With that imbecile? - Yener exclaimed in astonished, wrongly assuming that it was a new mockery. - Don't Make Me Laugh, Nerel!

- I've seen them in very affectionate attitudes these days. - He informed the nataclier leaving him stunned, to sentence. - My advice is to be careful, it wouldn't be good for Yumlaiance if their formerambassador were to crash into Omega for a woman.

- And since when does a nataclier care what happens to our planet? - He inquired grumpyly looking at his friend Larus and tacitly including him in his side.  -

- It doesn't tell you with malicious intent. It's just a friend's advice. - His hurried  comrade-in-arms tried to calm Yener down and loosen that situation.  -

- Yes it is. And it's good advice. - Nerel agreed with his usual cold attitude, which he went on to soften when he added now in a more conciliatory tone. - Look, you know I go out with Larus and he appreciates you very much, you are his best friend, that's why I made some inquiries. Yes, soy of the intelligence service of my world, you know that well. Just as you are not unaware that, despite the rivalry that our planets have always had with each other, we are now allies and we must unite our forces and interests. A problem of theyumlaiance exembajador compromises our world as well. And I've discovered that this girl, after being promoted, has been transferred precisely so that she doesn't participate in star missions.  And she has also bequeathed to me the breath that en Omega do not want her and you to get toomixed, do not ask me why because I do not know. But the truth is that it is.

Yener was left pensive. It didn't seem to him that this guy was now trying to prick him, far from it. I was really giving you some interesting information and good advice. Another thing is that he liked what he had heard. But even  he had to admit that it wasn't Asety's fault. So he swallowed his  discomfort to say in a rather calmer and more reasonable tone.

- I thank you for your help,  Nerel, sorry, maybe I haven't judged you as I should.

- There is no what  and you do not have to apologize. - I replenish this one offering him the hand that Yener accepted.  -Now we must leave you.

Larus got up and said goodbye to his friend while Nerel added before leaving.

- Remember, be careful.

Yener nodded slowly and sat there, now he wasn't as happy as before, to  tell the truth, he felt pretty snappy. He had been out for only a month and a few days of time from Omega. Anyway... maybe that girl wasn't appropriate for him either. Anyway,  it would be better not to think about it anymore. He decided to take a walk around the city to clear himself.

-There are always beautiful girls to meet. Especially among my own compatriots. - It was said in a vain attempt to cheer up and turn the page. -

As soon as Peter and Kyra found out that Yener had returned they rejoiced, he wasn't  a bad guy, despite looking at times somewhat cocky deep down they liked it. Gordon certainly didn't think so. That guy had  come back and again would be a  threat, although now he was different. He had finally managed to get out with Gina seriously and wouldn't let that yumlaincer get any closer as he had done until then.   After  all that it had cost him he would defend their relationship well. It all happened just two weeks ago. He asked her again, using all his poise and capacity for conviction and it turned out. She said yes and now they were boyfriends, so if that stupid man tried to stick to her again he would know what's good! Now the cards were face up and he had the best play, that reassured him.

I suppose that presumptuous has already found out. And if not, I will gladlyinform you officially. -  Prejoiced.

Gina on the other hand was confused, at first she was almost relieved that Yener was going away, the situation with Gordon was increasingly tense and she was afraid that he and that guy from Yumlaiance would have some serious displeasure. On the other hand,  she had been attracted to him. However, whenhe thought he was returning to his planet and that he would not see him again,  perhaps it had only meant a conquest of another world for that boy, something that he could show off when he returned with his friends from there. Then, when he sometimes saw Larus Daet and Nerel Asety, he would ask them about Yener, but neither knew anything.

-Possibly he has been assigned back to Yumlaiance permanently. - I speculated the nataclier. -

Of course. - She replied, with as neutral a tone as possible. -

So, in part, he decided to finally accept Gordon's proposal, he was a good boy and he wanted it. Things between them seemed to be going well, especially now that he was her boyfriend and Yener wasn't there, that had made him a much more open and blissful person. But now... Yener had returned and that would surely bringproblems. Gina realized  that both Larus and Nerel had been watching her in turn with interest, and was aware that  this  was not  theirs.

I think those two are a couple. So I am not interested in that regard. - Meditated. -

She mayhave informed Yener  of what she was doing,so  Gina didn't refuse to have Gordon kiss her in public. Perhaps it would be better that way and that yumlaincer would give up his efforts. Although, with her hand on her heart, she wouldn't want him to do it.

I'm confused. I wish he hadn't come back, but he did! - I was thinking uneasyly. -  NowI can't turn back. Gordon wouldn't deserve that. I must give it a try.

          He thought about all this as he made his way to his appointment with that boy, once his workday at his new destination, Omega's inter-federal relations office, was over. She wanted to go there because in the future she wanted to pursue the same political career as her mother, maybe she would also become president and the truth is that her parents loved the idea.

-You do very well, if it is what you really want. - Her father said, when she made that request to be transferred. -

Yes, of course. - The young woman confirmed. - And I would like to gain experience.

-The oppositions to diplomatic position will come out shortly, you are studying a lot and this position will give you the opportunity to earn points. - His mother intervened, who of course warned him. - You've earned it, along with the promotion of lieutenant in the reserve. But understand that neither your father, nor I, can do anything else to help you, daughter.

I wouldn't even want that. - He was quick to respond. - I want to show that I am perfectly capable of achieving it on my own.

We do not doubt it at all. - Smiled Pierre. -

            That she remembered walking distracted when chance again made the two meet in one of the corridors. Yener watched her between incredulous and admired. She was dressed in a one-piece white and gray dress and her hair was longer than she remembered. It was really beautiful. However, he said nothing, it was she who greeted him first bewildered still by that unexpected encounter and above all somewhat uncomfortable.

- Hi Yener, glad  to see you again.

- I say the same thing. - He responded colder than usual. - I have just returned from my world and it seems that fate always insists on bringing us together, even if it is to our regret, in the middle of a narrow corridor. - Added the latter with some retintin.  -

- yes, well, that seems. - She was able to respond by deflecting her gaze since the boy had made her feel extremely uncomfortable with that comment.-

- How about your new destination? - He inquired by loosening that harsh mood. - I've been told you were moved.

- That's right, to the diplomatic section, I'd like to focus on interplanetary relations tomorrow. - Gina explained trying to tactfully groar the ground. -

- Noble task, and difficult, perhaps too much for me, I am instead thinking of asking for my definitive replacement as Ambassador. - He replied by looking vaguely towards the corridor roof. -

She looked at him surprised, she hadn't thought Yener was upset. He  himself was surprised to hear himself speak. The truth is that he was in a kind of limbo. He was neither the ambassador again nor had he been formally relieved. In theory Cresat held his post until he returned from Yumlaiance, however, he had not had a chance to talk to him, nor had he received any new ones yet in one way or another. And if he ceases to be the ambassador, he would have to hold another position, possibly in the fleet, or as a permanent attaché. In truth, he hadn't even thought about it very seriously,  but  now, especially after his hearing and the responsibilities that fell on him, it might not be so far-fetched. Should it rejoin the fleet it would return to active duty. It could be that he was demoted since his promotion could be just to be in tune with the position.  No, I didn't  think they did.

-With all the pomp I have been given, it would be quite rare and difficult to explain for the command. - I thought I was feeling calm to that effect. -

But it's not like he cared too much, either. From being a first lieutenant he had gone on to captain in record time. If he were demoted to major commander or lieutenant he would still have a significant rank and far fewer responsibilities. However, it was perhaps worse. They could keep him in the rank and put him on hold for yares  to make up for that jump from many other older and higher-ranking officers when he was promoted. That would mean he would languish  forever as a simple cruise ship captain. Anyway, that wasn't  the case now, he had said that almost with disdain, when asked about that girl. As she now belonged to the legation of her  world, by logic they would be seen more frequently in diplomatic meetings.   But  he didn't want to have her in front of him so often, not since Nerel revealed to him that he was serious about  that zopenco. It would be as if his defeat was rubbed to his face.

- We all have bad times, or have doubts. - She intervened sympathetically trying to put an end to a dense and uncomfortable atmosphere that seemed to grow at times around the two of them. - Don't be discouraged.

- No, of course I won't, I don't even know why I said that. - She could smile at last, thinking he was acting like an idiot. -

- Well, I must go, I'm staying. - Confessed the girl with envarada reserve adding with voice remains. - See you later Yener, I hope to see you again soon.

- Surely yes- agreed he remaking his words with irony. -  We'll be very close from now on.

Gina went on his way without looking back and he did the same, he hadn't even probed her with his mental kail's ability to figure out her feelings. For what, he himself felt very confused and preferred to get the ideas in order. Nor did he want to debase himself to that extent.

At the end of the day, it's your decision. - Sentenced for himself. -

In short, better to return to your stay, rest and let things pass until, as they said in Omega, better days arrived. Meanwhile, Peter and Kira were fully involved in another mission. In that case it was one relating to his neighbors in Cassiopeia. Tirelius himself was more than fed up with the meddling of the space police. In the capital of his world he organized a meeting of the senate to report on the progress of his plans. Although he knew that he would have to face the opposition of the most liberal group, headed by the master Nerus. Anyway, thanks to those primitive receptacles of information called cassettes  that his faithful consul had brought him, he hoped to overcome any objections.

And I also have my supporters among the Senate. - I told the consul, omega's newcomer. -

Yes, boss. Of course it does. Starting with me. - I slavishly answered that guy. -

          In fact, in Cassiopeia there were three delimited factions. The supporters of the party of the great Cassiopeia, loyal to Tirelius, who, although they did not have an absolute majority, controlled thirty-five percent of the chamber, the liberals of Nerus, who were around thirty percent of the seats in the senate and a third group, composed of two other parties, the progressives, in general more akin to Nerus, with almost fifteen percent of that assembly and the traditionalists, who, with their little more than twenty percent, oscillated as they seized and for now it was in their interest to be at tirelius' side. They all attended that call, and two of the senators from the traditionalist party were speaking relaxedly.

-And I think we should let him do, encourage him even, when he has defeated the terrestrials with his subtlety of Bulldozer we will sweep that imbecile. - Commented one of the leaders, brown hair and somewhat graying, while a group of guards presented him with weapons. -

Let us ensure that it does not achieve too much power. - He answered his contertulio, blond hair - Sometimes it is so grotesque that one wonders why the masses follow him instead of laughing in their own noses. But we already know that the masses need an authoritarian and charismatic boss.

-Our friends would follow us, for sure. But from the liberals of the teacher we can not expect anything, they are ignorant in high politics. - His partner declared. -

Those people will never have the majority, they can't understand it. Thanks to our general we will soon dominate the universe.

And in truth, Tirelius was being very helpful to them. On the one hand, he capitalized on popular attention with his extravagant methods of doing politics. And they had to admit that he was able to fulfill quite a few of his promises. On the inner plane, he made that world develop by adopting a martial discipline that involved almost the entire population. It reduced quite a few rights and freedoms, but secured scarce resources and put them at the service of a collective enterprise, expansion.  When  the general became president Cassiopeia had a second-rate role in his quadrant, with little relevance in omega's confederation. It was  Tirelius himself who had the initiative to begin to mark his territory and oppose some policies of the  Confederation,thatearned him the support of the traditionalists who were always in favor of an autonomy with respect to the control of Omega and his allies, but without breaking with them. The expansionist policy of Tirelius was in turn celebrated for considering it a means to achieve the end they wanted, a strong Cassiopeia,with deposits of minerals, and other resources capable of raising the standard of living of its inhabitants, even if it was at the expense of those of other worlds and, above all, to make possible a very powerful war machine, the strongest in the galaxy.

That's why I think, with a little more time and patience, that brute will be able to take us to where we want. Then there will be time to get rid of it. - Riveted the blond-haired one. -

-Although it has had quite a few setbacks lately. - He was reminded of his interlocutor. - And as a parliamentarian that fool  is no match for Nerus in the assembly.

-Nerus is a brilliant orator, Tirelius is not a fool, but he cannot match the eloquence of the leader of the liberals. - He valued the blond. -

           And it is that a military man involved in politics, as a rule did not have a high level of parliamentarian and also lacked the ability to maneuver within the environments of pacts, alliances, conspiracies and other types of underground games vital for survival in that circle. However, Tirelius had surprised them by being able to create a party with professional politicians who defended their interests in the senate for sheer convenience while he dealt with military strategy. Maybe it wasn't as silly as they thought.

"Well, I admit he's not stupid, but he's not as smart as he thinks he is."

           Itwas Tirelius who, in the use of the word, summed up the last events to those gathered there. Charging precisely against the Confederacy.

-Those of Omega, of whose confederation you have wanted to be part, are nothing more than a brake on the legitimate wishes of our people. And a control over all the worlds of the periphery.

I agree. - The consul intervened, who was seated at his right hand. -

          Tirelius nodded, taking the floor again to declare with bitterness.

Because of them, all our peaceful attempts have ended in failure. When we landed on the planet Lagos, they were already there. We went to the green planet, a paradise and they were there too. And my ships, my superb ships. - He sighed with sadness and anger. - Nautiluses and Murena made a thousand pieces. En  Clarus, where we had gotten allies to our liking, also them. I, however, have continued to endure everything despite our superiority, and how have you thanked us for it? - It took a slight dramatic pause and, in the face of the expectation of the assembly, continued. - We set our eyes on the planet Diana, her conditions were ideal and remember what happened. And our last intervention was the worst reception. We had invaluable allies there, and they ridiculed us!  - It exploded. -

- We were ridiculed!  - the consul repeated with the same tone of irritation. -

The same thing happened when they made contact with those of the Quadruple Alliance. Some very powerful worlds with which we wish to be well. But they seem to have biased them against us.  We have not yet been able to sign a separate treaty with them, because there have been some problems with their representative, the ambassador and the ambassador. When it seemed that everything was ready, they called him to his home world. And all because he is a friend of some members of the confederation. - Riveted the indignant general. -

Since Yener's departure to his world, Cresat had adopted a rather ambiguous position, without wanting to say a bad word, but also not confirming an alliance with Cassiopeia, claiming that this already existed de facto, since that world belonged to the Confederation of Omega. The other planets of the Quadruple Alliance had merely shared that position to tirelius' desperation, which was not exactly notable for hispatience,  nor his ability to receive negatives to his proposals.

- They, always them! - The general thundered with his screams on camera. -

            Hethen kept a few moments of silence while those present commented on those words among themselves. When he felt that these had been assimilated he resumed his speech, although now sketching a triumphalist smile when he declared.

But the situation is not the same as it was. We have achieved successes that will culminate in our triumph.

           Tras say this culminated that speech and the turn of debate was opened. One of the spokesmen for the Liberal party objected to him.

-Keep in mind that the Confederationis going to react.

Yes, I am sure, but do not forget that we have the right of veto in the assembly. - The general recalled with satisfaction. -

             Of course it was, his and that of Andromeda, who was a faithful ally. Any decision that could be taken against Cassiopeia would be blocked and led to a dead end of appeals or searches for sufficient qualified majorities, in practice that would delay it long enough to be de facto useless.

-Inaddition,  Omega does not have any heavy cruisers to face us. Omega will not be an obstacle. - Tirelius alleged. -

             He received a lot of applause from his caucus and also from the traditionalists. Although it was the turn of a young representative of the progressives to object.

- What about the Earth?

- Ah yes! Let's talk about the Earth. - The general replied with a tone typical of the one who had already hoped to address this issue. - The Earth is the one whodirects the Confederation and who imposes its policy. When that role belongs to us by right. And why, I ask. Huh?

-For its culture, for its past, for its civilization travels. - That woman answered. -

         Tirelius sketched a somewhat perfidious smile. He gave the impression that he had waited for that same reply and then he said.

Very well, let's talk about that civilization and also what it has become. Consul report. - Land ordered his subordinate. -

          He took the floor to explain.

-I have just arrived from Omega, I invite you gentlemen to know that civilization that wants to dominate the universe. - Re dispatched with a mixture of glee, retintin and derision. -

          Sand made the silence when those two boxes that the consul called cassettes were projected on the big screen of the plenary hall. The senators opened their mouths as they witnessed the horrors and disasters that appeared there. Pollution, exterminating animal species, systematic destruction of natural resources and great inequalities between the population. In addition, a technology and a really outdated weaponry. When that documentary concluded, widespread murmurs of amazement and disapproval rose.

As you've seen, it's really disturbing. - Tirelius declared. -

- Those earthlings are crazy! - A senator from the traditionalist party exclaimed. -

That planet is a mess. - Even a member of the progressive party admitted. -

Tirelius' bench also rebuked those landers. Their leader smiled with satisfaction. In that, even Nerus would have to prove him right. And even if it weren't, he was convinced that traditionalists and even progressives would vote for his next proposals. It was precisely his greatest rival in the Senate who commented with a more condescending tinge than his colleagues.

No, they are sick, which is not the same thing.

I propose a plan. - The consul, without hinting for sure whether he was serious or ironic. - We deport all its inhabitants and use the planet to dump on it all the garbage of our galaxy. And when it's full it burns everything, it's going to be a lovely bonfire, don't you think?

         And without leaving time for anyone to answer such a strange proposal, Tirelius asked rhetoricically.

- Have you seen that ridiculous weaponry? Have you seen those retrogrades, those primates? We will bring them civilization and order.

           But there was someone who refuted that, a young woman from the progressive party who made everyone notice.

But those documents go back thousands of years. The Earth is our ally, it is loyal to us.

No, they are very arrogant people. - The leader of the traditionalists intervened, supporting Tirelius. -

We will cut the fumes. - The consul added. -

-Fear the response of earthlings, it has numerous allies. - Nerus warned them. -

-The Earth will have to surrender to us, we are the strongest and we will prove it. - Sentenced Tirelius. -

Yes, we are going to prove it. - The consul repeated. -

-And when we have dominated the Earth, the control of the Confederacy and therefore of the galaxy, will be ours. - The general said. -

I agree with you, General. - Confirmed one of the leaders of the traditionalist party, who, however, objected. - But let's not forget that Omega has powerful means.

Tirelius nodded, that mention was unequivocal to his friendship with those of the Quadruple Alliance, although he doubted that those planets were involved in a conflict that was alien to them. But he  had another trump card, one he believed given the time to start playing.

At this very moment, I am negotiating a secret treaty with a new world, whose power has no limits. And nothing in the universe can resist us. This is my plan, cold war to Omega. We will cut off communication with them and establish our basis.

And after a signal to the consul, he nodded, in turn telling one of the guards to activate a projector. Everyone there then saw a couple of stars as the consul explained.

-The Constellation of the Triton forms only a small system. A red giant sun, a white dwarf and a small pink planet. That's it, that system is ideally located halfway between our constellation and the edge of the galaxy. - He indicated that a vision of the Milky Way appeared on the screen. –

-A moment. - Terció Nerus, objecting alarmed. – Do not forget that the living conditions there are very difficult. The high carbon dioxide content accelerates the pulse. The survival time in it would be very limited.

It was the sinister giggle of the consul who interrupted him admitting.

- Ji, ji, ji, ji! You are very well informed, Professor. - He said alluding to the title held by his contertulio. – We have already planned to send all those who oppose our policy there. And so we killed two birds with one stone.

The Liberal Group could not believe it, they looked at each other horrified at such a disaffection. Progressives shared that view, although traditionalists remained silent. Only the members of the general's party greeted the consul's response with applause. When these ceased it was Tirelius himself who took the floor.

And once the base is ready we will send our best warships, our best equipment and our best soldiers. The Earth will have to bendse, or else...

Although his threat was suspended by the interruption of Nerus, who dared to question that with a tone between indignant and conciliatory.

But general. Kohler's sun is less than two billion kilometers from the Triton, is unstable and can explode in supernova at any time. Think about what would happen to humans.

-Always your scruples, professor, even when it comes to the enemies of the nation. - Tirelius despised visibly irritated. –

It's a shame that none of you have been able to learn the injuries of history. - Declared Nerus, just before standing up and leaving the senate. –

His group did the same by following him, soon the progressives imitated them. Tirelius just smiled, sentencing.

-So much the better. It will be voted on and we will have unanimity.

That was done and of course it won the vote, albeit with some abstentions among those who remained there. Soon the general adjourned the session and ordered the consul to follow him to his office. They talked about their plans alone.

It is strictly secret, no one should know anything about this. – Tirelius warned his servile consul, ordering him. – Alert all ships. Intercept everything that comes from the outside. Above all, from Omega.

-Yes boss, very good, but what if Omega retaliates with our six hundred men who are still there.

- What do I care about those men! - Tirelius replied. – What interests me is to know if the works of the base are advanced.

-Very advanced, boss, as you can see for yourself. - He was assured by his interlocutor. - projecting some images of this. –

Before the rejoicing eyes of Tirelius appeared enormous infrastructures comprising a large tramport and numerousbuildings heavily armed with particle pipeand energy launchers. Including some large ships, military and civilian, such as a transport full of ore, recently obtained from Omega.

-Well, good, but. What about the workers? - The general asked. –

-There, there, boss. Look at them. - He was pointed out by his subordinate. – Guarded by the robots and by the technicians chosen among the most faithful.

The images showed a large crowd of men, women and even children, crammed into labour camps in really precarious conditions, watched very closely by companies of soldiers of the most adept at the regime.

-Well, perfect. Omega will have to surrender or she will be destroyed. - Sentenced Tirelius. –

-Yes... destroyed, ji, ji, ji! - the consul is avidly avidly. –

For his part, and shortly after leaving the plenary,  Nerus told one of his trusted men to contact Omega.

We need to inform you of this. Tirelius is losing control of his own ambition. If it continues like this it will drag us into a war and there will be pain and suffering for many worlds. I can't try to talk to President Dair in person, because they'll be watching me, but you do have the option of contacting the space police command, through an encrypted line. That's if you want to take a chance. I will not impose it on you. He could even be arrested and charged with treason. He warned his faithful collaborator. –

-Don't worry, Professor. - That guy answered, a young man with brown hair and spiz ears, in the style of cassiopeia. -The risk is worth it, and I will not be detected. I know how  to pass the message between other frequencies.

Nerus nodded slowly, worried nonetheless about that brave boy. It was a pity that the image of his planet was not that of many like him, people of good will who did not wish evil on anyone. Instead,  everyone had tirelius and that consul's creeper, his lackey, in mind when they thought of Cassiopeia.

"Go ahead then," he said, and good luck. –

And that young man did not hesitate for a moment, proceeding quickly to warn the Confederacy of the plans of that insought that they had as head of Estado.

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