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- I don't like this at all, Pierre...- Said that burly middle-aged guy with dark blond hair with a leafy mustache of the same color. - That boy didn't quite convince me. We do not know what their intentions are.

- Don't take it that way, Graham. - His interlocutor smiled in a more relaxed way. - It's just an officer.

- That's why I say it, a simple officer who has presented himself to the council as an interlocutor of a theoretical alliance of planets that seems to be very powerful. I don't trust myself, I could be an imposter.

- Kira would have known this thanks to her telepathic powers, but she has assured us that this lieutenant is telling the truth. At least as far as he believes. - Pierre reassured him. -

- Well, even worse. – Graham insisted. – I repeat that we do not know whether his intentions are in fact peaceful or whether he is merely an infiltrator who wants to assess our attacking forces. Or, admittedly, it could be a simple pawn who is unaware of his true mission. Because of plausible denial. Look at it this way, if you have verified that Kira is a telepath they would have sent someone who thinks that what she tells us is true, for her to confirm.

Pierre sighed, his friend was certainly very picky, but he was partly right. At least his theory was plausible. No possibility should be ruled out. But despite everything he wanted to believe that Kira was not wrong. And, at the end of the day, he was just an individual. So he responded.

- In any case, whether I was a conscious spy or not, I couldn't see much here. You already know that war fleets are forbidden in Omega. He is not unaware that our alliance is made up of quite a few worlds and it would be stupid if we based our military potential for what we see only on one. - Pierre rebutted his friend with a reassuring tone. -

- You're right - Graham conceded by lowering his blonde face and messing up his thick mustache. - But you know how I am, I don't trust my shadow.

That was true. As affable and friend of the revelry that graham was, he transformed himself into a ruthless inquisitor when it came to matters of planetary security. Pierre thought that sometimes, as in this case, he exceeded his zeal. However, he himself had doubts. The most prudent thing to do would be to see how events unfolded, of course, without lowering our guard. So trying to defuse the atmosphere he proposed to his partner, after passing an arm over his shoulders.

- Oh, my friend, let's have a drink and leave this to the diplomats. Then we will have to go to the council to give our opinion.

Yes, it is true. And you know what I hate about such boring meetings. - He confessed his interlocutor adding with joviality and nostalgia to the time. - Demons, Pierre! Remember when we were both on patrol? How well we had a good time near the Cassiopeia border of the Andromeda sector. Or hunting smugglers.

- What a time those, my friend! What a time! - Sighed his companion and superior claiming with resignation. - Of course it was better lived being a young lieutenant totally unconscious.  But the years go by, we've got older.

- Speak for you, Grandpa! - I casually recover his contertulio. - I'm still made a kid.

Pierre laughs with his friend and companion of so many adventures. He was glad to have him there, like his right hand. Perhaps Graham was somewhat impulsive in nature but always a noble guy, without bending and worthy of total confidence, as well as possessing a vitality and desire for bomb-proof revelry. Of course, Commander Stevens was always a type of action that loved to punch quarrelsome crew members in bars and then stop them, or have a few pitchers of beer with them, as it arose. Shaking his head Colonel Larans commented with patent pride now.

-If there is one thing that really makes me happy is to see our children following in our footsteps, and maintaining that same camaraderie.

It's true. Graham agreed adding with humor. - Yours is the most responsible and the one who thinks things the most. Mine is like me, he rams everything and then asks. And Pedrito also has better ratings. Come on, history repeats itself!

-Friend, both you and your son are excellent officers of the confederation. Your notes had nothing to envy to ours. - His interlocutor smiled. -

- You are too modest! - Rio Graham patting his partner on the back to nearly make him fall. -

And that man had so much strength that sometimes he wasn't even aware of it. Pierre smiled in turn, and more so when his old friend commented visibly pleased in turn.

-Well, and maybe, soon we will be even family. You know my guy, and your girl... well, they get along very well.

Yes, I know that Gina is not indifferent. - The colonel confessed, adding that yes, with his characteristic diplomacy and prudence. - But that's something that the two of them should deal with exclusively.

- Sure! At our age we are not going to dedicate ourselves to making marriagemakers! - Exclaimed a funny Graham to add humorously. - But it is that everything big and gross that my son has, and all the courage he shows in the face of any danger, become acute mieditis when it comes to inviting your daughter to go out. He'd rather stick with six bipedal lizards from the planet Okion  or the saurians from the Green planet, rather than ask your little girl for a date to go out.

- Well, Gina isn't as ugly as one of those lizards! - Rio his father. - Luckily he has gone out to his mother, not to me, ha, ha!

Man, I didn't mean to say that. - He was quick to say a whipped Graham. -

Although his friend was now laughing, finally understanding the chanza, the commander joined him and they both walked away towards the bar...

- Of course, you always play it for me! - A relieved Graham sighed with the laughter of his superior and friend still in the background. -

-Well, don't worry about your child. I remember the same thing happening to me when I saw Lora at the academy.

It's true. Don't dare throw yourself. You said that about... I don't know her at all. I haven't even ventured to say good morning to him... also, a girl studying a diplomatic career is too smart for me. Ha, ha! - Graham recalled. -

"And you were the one who threw me. - Pierre smiled now. -

"If you say it because of that little push I gave you." He replied his contertulio, visibly funny. -

-I seem to remember that I explained to you, that that I needed a push to go for it, was something metaphorical. - Commented a now laughing Pierre. -

Although when that happened, a few years ago, he didn't exactly like it. Nor to Lora either. Although she went from the gesture of reprobation to the tenderness when she saw him so red.

-In my life I had been so ashamed. I don't think I're going to pass it back to that level. - Pierre reminded his friend who was now laughing. -

-Sorry boy.  I did it with all my good intentions. - Graham jokingly apologized. -

And that brute couldn't think of a better thing than to literally push his friend just as Lora was chatting with some fellow student. Poor Pierre couldn't help but take her ahead. Thank goodness that with his reflexes he made it to fall under it! At first Lora Flor Pierrette Dair, observed him with a mixture of stupor and anger. Although when he tried to babble an apology the girl's gesture went from irritation to smile. At least Graham intervened apologizing.

"I didn't think you were going to crash. - He alleged shrugging his shoulders. -

Of course Pierre excused himself, asking that young woman to allow him to invite her to something or help her to make amends. Lora said it wasn't necessary, but luckily he insisted and that beautiful young woman finally agreed to have a quick tea. And that quick tea turned into a more than two-hour date where they talked and started getting to know each other. Soon they were dating.

-Every time my wife remembers that she keeps laughing and saying we owe you one, Graham. - Pierre smiled. -

-You have already paid me more than enough. - His friend commented affably. -

Although Graham himself also did not stop reminding his friends of it from time to time, always provoking laughter. And in this same way, between laughs and recalling some episodes of youth, both officers headed towards the canteen. For her part, Yener was in a room she had been provided with, was quite comfortable and did not differ too much from those in her own world, which surprised her. Although no more similar the two civilizations were, differences would have to be observed. One of them was the impossibility of tuning into the sports channel through subspace. Curse! It was the fourth meeting of the basket mega league finals between Prehistar and the Campirians. And they were two to one...

- Shit!, we sure won and it's over. I don't think we're being hurt by another game. - Yener thought with some hints of contained unease. - Although now there is not much time to remember that. Well, as I see Larus' face I'll know what the result has been...

Of course this could only happen to him. Indeed, he was in the midst of the most momentous mission of his life, at least until then. He was the representative not only of his world but of the alliance in which he was immersed. Possibly, in addition, in his room they would have installed all kinds of microscopic cameras and microphones. Although his detector did not capture anything strange, he could not be trusted because his senses could not sharpen so much. And yet, what worried him most now, besides his work, was that his team would defeat eternal rivals. That's what he thought, reproaching himself for his frivolity, when the door to his room opened making him rise like a spring from the bed he had sat on. He discovered that one Peter and the brunette girl.

- What was it called? - He wanted to know mentally and the answer soon reached him in the same way, Kira... while she smiled without uttering a word -.

"I'm sad that you don't remember it. - He mentally commented on her. -

So do I. - He smiled slightly. - Sorry, it won't happen again. - Although he immediately claimed. -Something blocked me, it was as if he was telling me that, however, is not your real name...

The young woman smiled slightly and went on to admit...

-It's the nickname my friends call me... but my real name is Mercedes, I told you. And I think you also have another name besides the one you told us.

Yener nodded almost imperceptibly, it was true! He couldn't help but feel like an idiot, that young woman told him her real name upon meeting her, and then her nickname. And now, in addition, he was back to beat him by the hand realizing that nuance.

-I have to focus on this mission and stop thinking about other things, it disturbs not only my concentration to execute my disciplines but directly my memory. Look you don't remember any of their names! - It was censored, also considering how beautiful that young woman was. -

And as for what she had told him about her other name, he was sure it alluded to the one imposed on him in the Kail.  He had to admit that, but couldn't reveal what his other name was. In turn, oblivious to that exchange of friendly thoughts, Peter unwittingly prevented it, initiating the official conversation audibly.

- Good afternoon, Lieutenant, let's have dinner at the congress restaurant. If you feel like it and you are kind enough to join us, we would feel very honored. - He was cordially invited by the boy. -

- Thank you very much - Yener replied. - I will gladly accept. The truth is that I am hungry. Although for now I will stick with my energy capsules, I do not want you to take it for a discourtesy, but it is the most prudent until our scientists check the degree of compatibility between your food and ours. I will be the one who will be very honored to accompany you if you give me time to take a little ass.

- Of course- peter conceded. - We'll wait for you outside.

- Anyway, so we have checked breathe a mixture of compounds entirely similar to ours. - Kira testified as she left the room with her partner, adding. - The bio scanner of our ship, when you were in decontamination also showed very similar genetic patterns. Food should not be a problem.

That might be true in part, were it not for the fact that Yener carried a microfilter inside his nose. And also a small microcomputer that was analyzing the vital signs of its owner and the environment in which he was. For the moment, and to the surprise of the yumlaincer it was true that there were no major incompatibilities. He even gave the impression of being in one of the realms of his world. There were somewhat different customs from one to the other, but the terrain and atmosphere were practically the same.

I think I would be more uncomfortable in Tibinco. - It was said. – This looks more like a visit to Sommer's house than an unknown planet. In the name of the god Alex. How likely are we to have such a degree of similarities?

All this was crushed in his mind with a single question that summed up his doubts. How was so much affinity and similarity possible when there was no exact coincidence between this world and yours?  He kept circling everything while he was being snoted.

-The only thing that happens is that I notice something lighter since I set foot on the planet. - I thought. -

          He then had an intuition and wearing a computerized bracelet that he wore on his left wrist he made a quick calculation...

It was that. The gravity of this world is zero eighty-seven with respect to that of Yumlaiance.

That meant that his weight was obviously less than at home. He decided to adjust the weight of his suit to even the playing field.

-If I do not, a prolonged exposure like the one I imagine I will have to the gravity of this world, would weaken my bones and muscles. - Diagnosed. -

That was a basic workout once you went into space and you were exposed to zero gravity. Although on cruisers and other ships that was prevented by the use of artificial gravity. However, beyond that drawback, I hadn't noticed any other anomalous effects yet. Although I could not be completely sure that there was not since the action of the protective film and the filter could well give you a wrong impression. Sooner or later, despite the encouraging data, the microcompuer should take the risk and dispense with these protections. Although there was something else to which the young man gave more credit and it was his solid training in the techniques of the Monastery of Somer to which he also belonged and these indicated to him that he had nothing to fear. So, in a burst of courage and entrusting himself to all the gods, he took off that filter and made some inspirations. After a few moments of waiting, even fearing some pathogenic reaction in his body, he concluded that this atmosphere was really fully breathable to him. Would the same thing happen with the rest of the elements? Surely it wouldn't take too long to check.

-Perhaps I could venture to have a drink here, following the dictates of my kail disciplines. Although surely Goshawk Light would say something like, Sparrowhawk, you have all the time in the world for that. Don't waste it in an instant of thoughtlessness.

After this philosophical approach so in the style of his mentor, or so he believed, Yener  ended his toilet and left meeting his hosts whom he followed to the officers' dining room. For his part, Cassiopeia's attaché was addressing the assembly. He came from his office, where he had established an audio connection with his chief executive, through a security channel.

You know, I want you to be well-reported about the ambassador of that unknown planet. Find out how strong they are on their planet and if it could pose a threat to our plans.

I will do so, my general. - Submissively agreed to the aggregate. -

-Try to avoid that he sympathizes too much with Omega. - He indicated his contertulio. -

Yes, sir, I will do everything in my power.

       He promised this to his leader, he set out to fulfill it immediately. The general was someone of little patience and an absolute intolerance towards failures, so without further delay he went to the assembly that already had the presence of Pierre and Graham. They arrived only a few minutes ago and did not hesitate to take the floor to warn.

- We have to be very careful. Who knows if all this does not respond to an orchestrated plan of invasion against our world.

- By whom? - He wanted to know another of the delegates of Alpha Centaur. -

I don't know. - He admitted the questioner. - That is why we must be careful, and not just trust that individual.

Pierre looked at his partner with a disguised smile that he nevertheless noticed. Of course, none of them liked Cassiopeia's addition too well, but Graham had to admit that on this occasion he shared his misgivings.

- Sir added - pierre spoke serenely. - I don't think that with one man you can attempt an invasion. Rather, I think it was a chance encounter.

- Just in case, I propose to the president of the congress that a couple of our Nautilus-class attack destroyers patrol our borders along with a squadron of Murenas. - The little man responded with a sibylline tone. -

- And risk a possible confrontation with an alien power? - Terció Lora obviously worried about that possibility that she wanted to rule out immediately. - With all due respect, Mr. Consul. I do not think that is at all prudent.

- We are not afraid of a possible war - smiled the aggregate. - Our world is strong and well prepared. Not for nothing are we the first military power in the Confederation. - He underlined the latter with a tone of superiority that displeased everyone else, although realizing the effect of his words, he added in a more conciliatory way. – It is clear that we do not want it either, precisely for that reason I say... how did that old adage of your mother world pray? He asked himself to answer. - Si vis pacem, para bellum. Truth?

If you want peace, get ready for war. - He immediately translated Pierre, from that ancient terrestrial language having to recognize. - Yes, so it says.

I support the opinion of my illustrious ally, Mr Nabot, consul of Cassiopeia. - Terció the representative of Andromeda, a type of green complexion with two annites on the head, adding with tinges of superiority. - That will show that planet and its potential allies, that our confederacy is not an easy prey. In case they harbor sinister intentions. On this type of issue, General Tirelius knows very well that he will always be able to count on my government.

Yes, of course you can count on them. - Pierre whispered to his friend in a very low voice to his nod as he listened. - They are a puppet government of the Tiñoso...

This is how they disparagingly called General Tirelius, the leader of Cassiopeia. Of course, they didn't trumpet it out loud. But it was clear that the rulers of Andromeda owed their power to a murky affair a few years earlier, in which cassiopeia's ships mediated. Unfortunately, the Confederation had no power to interfere in the politics of a sovereign world and they could not obtain sufficient evidence that a coup d'état had taken place there.

-We already have enough with the expansionist desires of Cassiopeia for them to try to imitate them. - Pierre thought with displeasure. -

        Meanwhile, in the assembly there was a brief moment of silence followed by some brief whispers among the representatives of each planet. It seemed to discuss the pros and cons of that proposal. Some even looked badly at the delegates of Andromeda and Cassiopeia for their arrogance. Others, on the other hand, gave the impression of agreeing with those theories they enunciated and thinking that, better to go from cautious to being taken by surprise. To this end, Cassiopeia's war fleet was unrivaled throughout the Confederacy and could well carry the weight of operations. I'm sure he'd make those strangers think twice. However, that had a serious drawback, it would give enormous importance to General Tirelius and that was something that few of those present wanted to happen. No one was unaware that it was one of the goals that he pursued, to be appointed a kind of military leader, with authority superior even to that of the interstellar police, which was the peace corps that guarded the Confederacy and served to mediate in any dispute that there was between the worlds that made it up.

Our antipathy is mutual. - Meditated Pierre. - Tirelius didn't like it too much either, he hates that someone is above him in terms of authority in the military sphere. But if a war were declared against another power outside the Confederacy, he would have the perfect excuse as the leader of the world with the greatest war power in our alliance to take command of the operations...

Those thoughts were interrupted. It was the president who spoke at the floor.

- I don't think, Mr. Cassiopeia' attaché, that's necessary. – Lora declared trying to appease the bad faces that could be seen around the conference table. - An excessive show of force could be counterproductive. Better to send two hummingbird-class light cruisers or even two Dragonfly-type patrol boats that can't be taken as a provocation.

Everyone agreed on that proposal, even the consul to his regret had to compromise, he had instructions not to force things too much.

At least, not yet. - Thought. – We must be very careful. More after this encounter with an unknown force power.

Although soon, an urgent report from the control tower left them pensive and above all worried. The face of a young officer appeared on the mini screen of the president that she moved to the giant that dominated the room.

- Madam President, gentlemen of the Council. We have detected a large number of ships on our northern border.

- Can you specify size and number? - Pierre asked -

- About two dozen, at least four of them much larger than our largest cruise ships, sir. - I replenish the young man with his face angry. -

- Well lieutenant, right now we're going there. - Terció Graham. -

- Keep us informed, Lieutenant. - He asked Lora. -

- To the order- nodded this one who,  after a military salute, cut off the transmission. -

- Do you see it? - The visibly nervous Cassiopean aggregate intervened. - They have taken very little time to put themselves in a threatening position.

-Things have changed, according to this new information I doubt that two light ships will be enough. - Added the member of Andromeda. -

That's if it's about them. - Graham intervened trying to sound calm when adding. - It could be those strange objects that have visited us on previous occasions.

I don't think so. – The leader of the constellation of Scorpion replied sharply, adding sharply. – Those visitors usually appear in a single ship. There are many here and they do not travel as fast as on previous occasions.

That's right. - Pierre admitted, declaring in a measured tone. - However, it is too early to judge that they are a threat.

- I agree with Colonel Larans. We do not yet know what intentions they may carry, - refuted a bluish being of long antennae belonging to a planet called Orion. -

- That is true for the time being it is in our best interest to be cautious, - Pierre agreed. - Right now we'll move to the control bridge. We will let the Yumlaiance officer know, if they are ships of his world, perhaps he can inform us of what is going on. In the meantime, we will try to establish diplomatic contact with that fleet.

Lora nodded in approval and the two officers left for their posts. Oblivious to that Yener, Peter and Kira met with Gina and Gordon who were sitting at the table.

- I hope you like our food, Lieutenant, when you can try it. - He wished Kira. -

- If it's like the company you can be sure it is. - He smiled at this one by politely distating him from the chair. -

The brunette sketched a pleased smile and took a seat, was next to Peter and confronted in the position with Yener, who in turn placed himself between Gordon and Gina. This didn't seem to please the red-haired boy much, but it didn't give him much time to protest even with gestures, as the general alert sounded.

- What will happen? - wanted to know Peter getting up like the others, quickly. -

- It's the class two alert- gordon replied with restless gesture. - It must be something serious. Incursion of unidentified objects into our territory Do you not know anything about this, Lieutenant? - He asked Yener with a little condescending and more formalistic tone. -

- I can assure you that it did not - the questioner replied bluntly and imitating the treatment of his interlocutor. - I have been cut off from my ship since I came here. - He stressed in such a way that his displeasure at such an effect would be perceived. -

- Don't worry, you're free to try to contact whenever you want. Surely it is that we have not been able to detect the presence of your ships until now. But if you want I can guide you to the communication room to come and pick you up. - He offered Gina, although her tone was sincerely cordial, wishing to relieve tensions, he even made Yener smile who, to the surprise of others, declared in a much kinder way. -

- If Omega's women are all like Kira and like you, I won't be assailed by the desire to leave.

Kira shook her head amused, Peter devoted a perplexed look to that guy, Gina smiled feeling flattered and lowering her head to avoid being seen slightly blushing. However, despite his precautions he could not stop others from noticing and that did Gordon no favors. Diplomacy was fine, but, in his opinion, that guy was passing and would have to remind him where he was, so he asked him with a tone of offended sarcasm.

- What do you intend to conquer first, Lieutenant? Our world or our women?

- Gordon what do you say?,- Peter intervened surprised and angered like the rest of his companions by the impropriety of his thoughtless friend. -

- It doesn't matter - Yener might smile as she stared at Gordon adding with retintin - Do I make him nervous perhaps? I am sorry, it was not my intention.

- I am a confederacy star patrol officer. - He declared his interlocutor with a clear sense of pride and defiance sentencing. - It takes a lot more than that to get me nervous.

- I celebrate it then- I replenish the yumlaincer without losing his poise or his sarcasm, when finishing. - Because otherwise your patrol would have disappointed me a lot.

Gordon tensed and even threatened to get up, fortunately his partner Kira sneakily held him by one arm.

- Enough is enough, please - she kindly but resoundingly said that she perceived an escalation of hostility between the two boys in the emotional charge of the environment. - We must go to the call. Come with us... I beg you. - He asked his guest to conciliatoryly. -

- It will be a pleasure - Yener conceded in a supposedly conciliatory tone after which and without further words everyone went to the checkpoint. -

Although the yumlaincer was walking next to Kira and a few steps ahead, Peter and his sister were still trying to appease their irascible companion.

- Who the hell would have believed that guy he is? - Spied between teeth. –

Well, he is the ambassador of his planet. It is not in our interest to provoke an incident. - Peter warned him with disapproment. –

That does not mean that certain freedoms can be taken. - Insisted his friend with manifest irritation. -

"Don't put it that way, I was just doing a compliment to Kira and my sister. Right Gina? - He tried to calm peter down. -

-Yes, of course, but I am very embarrassed, you know me. - He was able to add the hurried girl by adding wisely. - And maybe in your world the customs are those.

-I give a damn what the custom in your world is. Now it's in ours. - He sentenced his stubborn interlocutor. -

"Please try to control yourself, he's a diplomat. - He reminded him once again of his friend not without concern. -

-I've controlled myself, the proof is that that guy follows a piece. - Gordon smiled avidly. -

-You know I don't like to see you that way. - A dismayed Gina sighed, looking at him in dismay. -

That seemed to make the boy a balsamic effect. The previously impenetrable wall of stubbornness immediately cracked and the boy immediately replied with some haste.

"I'm sorry, sorry. You're right, maybe I've gone a little over the time. That guy may have no idea how we do things. I will apologize and discuss it calmly with him. I'm not going to screw up anymore, I assure you.

Peter smiled giving her a friendly pat on the back and sped up to leave her sister and her partner alone from fatigues and adventures. Once alone, he told her

-Really, it was not my intention to make you have a bad time. You know how much I care.

Gina just smiled, she appreciated Gordon very much, but that was about it. Although I wasn't sure it was something he would settle for. Anyway, he heard the young man add.

"Maybe, when this alert passes, you and I could go, you know, to have something more calm.

- We'll see what happens. I hope it is nothing serious. - The young woman replied trying to avoid that as they followed the others. –

Yener for his part didn't feel too good either. He had to reconvene mentally.

- Now you're the representative of your whole world and the Quadruple Alliance, idiot! You're not here to flirt, or to fight with anyone.

And he remembered one of those times when his phlegmatic teacher had to give him a lesson in humility and patience. In one of many fights in a tavern in Holmgard,when some stupid tourist  tibinqués  or even Dumlans herself, had laughed at the Kail or the names they carried. Yener of course had ended up saying four things to the clown on duty and the thing ended badly. Fortunately, he only flaunted his basic combat techniques, still ridiculing two guys,  who love to dye their eyes purple. But of course, having made the mistake of identifying himself as a warrior monk from Somer, that had immediate consequences. His own teacher had to go and apologize on behalf of his order. Fortunately there were witnesses who mediated, stating that Yener was provoked in the first instance. Not surprisingly, most of the people of Somer did feel respect and pride in the tradition. However, on the way back to the monastery the boy was halfway between indignation and sorrow.

"I'm very sorry, master, you shouldn't have been the one to apologize. The one who committed the mistake was me.

-I am your teacher, if I have taught you wrong, it is my responsibility. - He sentenced this with an unflappable tone. -

-You have not taught me badly, maybe it is me who has not learned well. - The young man was quick to reply, but he stressed. - But they started.

-And you finished it. - He said his contertulio. –

Of course, I wasn't going to let them insult our Order. - The young man said. –

-Listen gavilán. I'm going to ask you a question. - He asked his teacher with a calm tone. –

And the boy paid attention perhaps it was one of those riddles that his mentor always showed off and that invariably baffled him. Then, the old man asked him.

- If you saw someone stacking firewood and turning it on to burn the Monastery, what would you do?

Yener took his right hand to his chin, he was sure that question would have trick. When it came to his master Goshawk Light there was always one, something that escaped him. At last he replied.

-The first thing to put out the fire. - He was quite satisfied, thinking that, on this occasion, it was the obvious answer. –

And to his contentment, his teacher nodded slowly, to admit.

"You said that right. That would certainly be the most important thing. - And after a few moments of silence, his mentor added. - So... I do not understand why  in that tavern you chose to add fuel to the fire instead of putting it out.

- How? I don't understand you, master. - The bewildered young man could say. –

-It's simple, Gavilán. - Declared Light Goshawk, explaining. - A provocation is like a spark near firewood, not enough to ignite it. Various provocations can cause a flame to arise and the firewood will burn. It is at that moment that we must choose between ignoring the provocation and extinguishing the flame or responding to it and stoing it.

Yener sighed, once again her teacher had given her another lesson and he had been too clumsy to learn it the first time.

You're right. - Finally admitted. –

-From now on try to remember it and be more careful. - He suggested Light Goshawk. –

Yener nodded, of course visibly whipped. Now he was coming back from those memories and reproaching himself for his lack of tact.

"That guy was provoking me, or at least he believed that I was doing it with him and far from appeasing things I got into his game. Thank goodness master Goshawk hasn't seen me! I have to be more careful in the future, this time a mistake would not lead to a bar fight, it could lead to a whole interstellar war. - He thought really overwhelmed. –

Somewhat later Kira smiled and nodded slightly. Thinking as I watched him.

-Not a bad guy after all... he's as baffled as we are.

Meanwhile in space, an appreciable fleet of ships from Yumlaiance and their allies had headed for the course indicated by Yener's cruiser. Aboard the flagship, the spaceship carrier Dumlans, was commodious Doled Cresat, delegate of the Quadruple Alliance. The military veteran looked on the screen of the command bridge concentrating his attention on a set of colored lights that clearly marked the delimitation of a border, he seemed to meditate when an officer approached him with a report.

- Commodus, we have detected about three medium-sized ships approaching and our channels are receiving messages on all frequencies, sir.

- All right, work on deciphering them and when you get results let me know immediately. In the meantime we will maintain this position.

The officer greeted by walking away quickly to carry out the orders.

- I hope that lieutenant has been able to parliament, - cresat wished as he meditated. - Of all the situations I've seen myself in throughout my career this is undoubtedly the strangest and most ina advance.  And I can't understand those indications that I was given from the government. However, orders are orders.

And the veteran officer did not come out of his amazement yet. But those orders came from no less than the highest levels of government and bore the imperial seal, his superior, Admiral Siloris,had made him aware of what had happened and commented before sending them to him.

-Doled. - He said it using his first name and not the last name. – This is a situation that is of the utmost importance and gravity for the fate of our world and its allies. And I am afraid that Captain Conlet did  not make the most appropriate choice.

Apparently, sir, you could not do anything else, given the circumstances. - He opposed it. –

Possibly not, the situation may have decided for him. In any case, you are the nearest high command of the fleet. Go there with your squad and execute the orders I will send you.

- May I ask you what those orders consist of roughly, sir? - The Commodus wanted to know. –

- I only know that you should take care of contacting that supposed civilization and relieving Lieutenant Rant. There are more detailed instructions, but they are unknown to me. – The admiral replied, adding with a tone of even strangeness. - They are directly sanctioned by his majesty the Emperor.

Very well, sir. – Cresat said equally surprised. –

It was strange that his Majesty had dealt with that. It was not customary for him to interfere in the chain of hand, least of all in the provisions of the government. Although, on reflection, being a possible contact with a new civilization it made sense for the head of state to play a leading role.

In any case, I will read those orders immediately and execute them as soon as possible. - Sentenced Cresat. –

-Good luck.  And remember, we can't do without so many ships for a long time. Make sure those new civilizations are friendly. - He wished his superior, cutting off communication. –

Doled greeted and dismissed the transmission in turn. He had to order his squadron to accelerate by moving into hyperspace, thus camling the space-time fabric to travel the enormous distance that separated him from that enigmatic destination.

-May the sage Alex and his son the great Kail that that lieutenant has known how to do things well or we will have to entrust ourselves to the mercy of Maray and the grace of Ishir. - The commodor wanted. -

Yener for his part, and as soon as he reached the bridge with his companions, was requested by Pierre who exposed him bluntly.

- Thank you for coming, Lieutenant, we would appreciate your cooperation. We have detected a large number of unknown ships on the perimeter of our northern border.

- And he wants me to tell you if they are from my world and if their intentions are peaceful. - He added this one with a faint smile. –

He certainly didn't need any discipline or telepathy to realize that. And his impression was quickly confirmed.

- Well, yes- Pierre replied hesitantly at first and then reasserted himself more firmly. - That would be very convenient for everyone.

- Don't worry, Colonel, I'll do my best to answer your question. But I need data, sir. - He politely asked for the Yumlaincer, claiming. Right now I have no idea what kind of ships they might be. Perhaps they come from one of their allied worlds. That would be more likely.

Yes, I have to agree with you on that. But it's too early to tell for sure. - Graham agreed that he was close to both of them. -

- Hasn't the communication been attempted yet? - Wanted to know Peter. -

-They are still a long way away. - His father replied. -

- Can you establish if they fly in formation? The ships of my world and their allies usually do so and if I am able to see that, I will be able to tell you if they are from my Alliance. - Yener said. -

-I immediately ask that everything we have pass on to him. - Pierre asserted. -

So they immediately informed the student of everything that was known up to that point. Attached to the latest images sent by the patrol cruisers. Seeing that Yener nodded and declared calmly.

- It's our twenty-six squad. It comes alongside some Allied ships. Two aircraft carriers, one super cruiser and four attack cruisers, plus other smaller ships. They must have followed my trail. Fear not, you will surely bring a more valid interlocutor than me, sir.

- In that case, could you send them a welcome message and an invitation for one of your ships to bring their representative here? - Pierre asked him. –

-For reasons of traffic safety and protocol, please. Instruct them to send only one ship. - Lora insisted that she had joined them. -

Yener wasn't so naïve as to swallow that. Nor did he need his disciplines this time to see clearly that his new "friends" were not yet trusted. It was logical. If such a contingent of ships, with that power and size, had headed towards Yumlaiance, he would have been the first to be suspicious. Of course, there were a lot of ships. Too many to be a mere mission of contact.

Ours do not trust either. - It conjectured. –

And what was even more serious. His new "friends" had apparently held a kind of deliberation about him. Or so it could capture in the minds of some.

I can't risk probing anyone in more depth. It could be detected. - It was said with prevention. -

        So, using his best smile and diplomatic tone, he responded.

- Nothing would please me more Colonel, Madam President. - The boy agreed. -

An officer of the bridge gave him his post and the young man, after studying the controls for a few moments, seemed to understand them without difficulty and transmitted.

-Sir- the warning of a holo radarist once again brought Commodious Cresat out of his reflections. We have received a message in community language. He says, "I'm First Lieutenant Yener Rant D, Lal. Established friendly contact with an alien confederation. They ask that the representative of our alliance come to parliament in a single ship for reasons of security and protocol. You also send us the data from your analysis computer. Green light. Compatible world for our way of life at least ninety-eight percent according to preliminary estimates.

- Excellent! - Cresat smiled obviously pleased and especially very surprised by that guarantee. -

At least that young lieutenant looked like a competent officer. Perhaps in government they did know what they were doing after all. Now it was his turn. Although it was not wise to make his entire fleet go into the space of those people. They could see it as a provocation.  And if all went well, I could order most of them to go back to the quadrant in which they operated.  So, addressing a captain on his right, he ordered him.

- Answer in the same key, I'm going over there on a minor cruise.

- A la orden, señor, - replicó el capitán. -

           The officer transferred the command to an escort ship which proceeded to fix the commodor's coordinates to transport him on board.

- Great! - Yener exclaimed as soon as he had the answer. - Message received, we are sent to Commodor Cresat no less.

- It's someone important, right? - Dared to ask Gina. -

- Yes, he is one of the best officers in our fleet. And a great diplomat. Now I have no doubt, our two alliances are going to establish good relations. - The boy said visibly excited. -

Everyone on the bridge celebrated those words with exclamations of joy and relief. No wonder. From fearing a risk of invasion, to being able to cement a lasting peace with a coalition of planets that seemed quite powerful. Although of course. That of believing that young officer. So, in a discreet aside, Lora asked Kira.

- How do you see it, sub-lieutenant? Do you think it's sincere? At least that is how it seems.

Yes ma'am, don't worry. - The young woman smiled. - In this case it has reacted in a natural way. This young man has a magnificent preparation and discipline, but he is also very spontaneous. Now he hasn't pretended. I also perceive goodness in him.  I'm sure of that.

He doesn't know how relieved I am to hear him say that. Thank you. - Lora smiled in turn. -

Although I must tell him that, being what he really thinks, I cannot answer for his superiors. - Mercedes clarified. -

Lora nodded, she already knew that. Anyway, why would they fool their own officer? But recalling some conversation she had with her husband, she said it with concern.

-He could be an involuntary Trojan Horse, as Graham told Pierre. Let us hope that is not the case. Be that as it may, there is no turning back.

Kira could feel that unease in the veteran president of the Council. I was not unaware of the great amount of pressure and responsibility to which this woman was subjected.

Any mistake would fall on her, and some, such as those of Cassiopeia or Andromeda, would be happy to put in the presidency someone more akin to their interests. - He meditated the young woman. -

I wish neither she nor Mercedes herself were wrong! Both preferred to bet on the good faith of their visitors. Meanwhile, in another part of the room, Yener was departing with Peter and Gordon.

As soon as the Commodus comes, I assume that I will be relieved of this task. If you are interested I will ask permission to show you any of our ships. What do you tell me?

Well, that's a really interesting offer. - He had to admit Gordon who, for the sake of those good relations, added. - As for the above, I am sorry if I behaved rudely.

-Don't worry. It was a simple misunderstanding. - I replenish Yener downplaying it. -

The yumlaincer was very happy to have the opportunity to extinguish that flame once and for all. For his part, Peter sighed in relief. It was always good for those two of them to iron out rough edges. And then he stepped in to finish that off.

-It will be a pleasure for us to have the opportunity to visit one of the ships of your world. Thank you, it is a gesture of trust that we very much appreciate.

And after that statement they continued to talk with or among other members of the confederation's government. At last, after a couple of hours a cruise ship from Yumlaiance asked for permission to land, andthis was naturally granted immediately. Yener and a large representation of omega's council came to receive the commodus who descended escorted by a detachment that only carried small arms that were also sheathed.

- Welcome, sir. - Yener declared immediately squared up and greeted his superior. -

- You have done admirably well, Lieutenant - I recall the Commodus who went on to greet his hosts by formally introducing himself. - It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Commodus Doled Cresat, Duke of Yastrania and plenipotentiary envoy of his Imperial Majesty of Yumlaiance.

Yener then proceeded to translate, at the end there was a silence of just two seconds.

- I'm Lora Dair, - replied omega's representative - president of the Council of the Federation of United Planets. On behalf of all its worlds, I welcome you and your allies. I hope that together we can get to know each other better and establish a long and close friendship between our planets.

I am sure of that. I'm honored to meet them. - Cresat said. -

On this occasion and doing an almost simultaneous translation between Yener and Kira éste crossing of messages could be understood. It was then agreed that everyone would go to the congress headquarters to immediately begin talks aimed at bringing the two civilizations closer together. And as they moved through the terminal, Cresat asked Yener in the post to get a more complete report.

- You see sir. - I replenish the boy. - So far the members of this world's diplomacy and their military forces have behaved very kindly with me. I have no complaints and analyzing something above the composition of his council I think thatthis is made up of many planets. It could be very interesting not only for strategic purposes, but also for commercial purposes.

- I am convinced that this is a chapter that will be of great interest to Dumlans. - Cresat agreed. However, our obligation now is to cement alliance ties that are primarily military. By the way, lieutenant. - He asked Yener with visible interest. - How have you been able to familiarize yourself in so few Danes  with local customs?

- Thanks to my Somer Kail techniques. - He said this one with pride -.

- Wow, it's an honor for me to meet another warrior monk! - Smiled Cresat. -

- Are you too? - He wanted to know the boy evidently surprised. -

- Yes, but I only completed a very basic training. I am afraid that the skill required to understand foreign languages is not among those I master. - Cresat admitted that he added. - So your collaboration is going to be very important in these conversations, Lieutenant.

- I will do everything in my power, sir. - Yener said with a non-contained enthusiasm. - It is a privilege and an honor for me to be able to serve under your command.

The commodus nodded with a half smile of satisfaction. That young man did indeed seem to have good wood. And Cresat was amused to some extent that this boy was not aware of the orders he brought him from Yumlaiance.  But he didn't say anything, it wasn't the time yet. So they both continued to walk.

-Surely it will do very well, as it has done so far.

-Many of our ships have come. - Yener told him. –

Caution is better. – I laconically revive Cresat that's more animated, he added. - But if all goes well and these people try to be friendly, there will be no reason for them to stay long.

-A shame, I would love to visit one of the ship carriers. - Yener said, visibly relieved and happy now. –

"Well lieutenant, we can fix that. - His superior smiled. -

Those wits were the biggest in the fleet. Huge ships with capacity for hundreds of Dronic orbital fighters  and dozens of light ships. Yumlaiance had eight, plus two others that were under construction. Or so it was said until there were budget cuts. That as always provoked the eternal debate between those who claimed that for what much fleet, forming part of a defensive alliance with three other worlds and those who warned that it was necessary to remain protected in the neutral zone and in case of other possible fronts. And in Yener's opinion, the contact he had established with Omega's Confederation of Planets proved everyone partly right. Although he believed it would never hurt to have any more ship carriers.

And they've sent two, that's the fourth part, each one is the flagship of a fleet or squadron. - Thought the boy. -

So it was very clear that the contact he had established was of enormous importance, perhaps the most significant since the border wars.

-I will have to work as never before in my life so that everything goes well. - He gritted himself mentally. -

For their part, Pierre and Graham followed them a short distance away, both wondering what it would all end up in. The Confederation of Worlds seemed to have found a new and powerful ally, if only it did.

-This man does give me the impression of knowing well the ground he treads. - Graham opined. -

I agree. - His superior and friend claimed. -

And after entering a large building and crossing various enclosures, then taking an elevator, they finally flanked the entrance to the headquarters of the Council of United Worlds. Politely Lora offered some seats to the yumlaincers. Once they occupied them with the rest of the parliamentarians, the conference could begin.

ESPAÑOL

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