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   **An interesting interview.**

The commodus would have loved to sigh ostentatiously as a relief, but he couldn't do that. What he did do was to receive the newcomer with a few words tinged with kindness, while giving him an admonitory greeting with his gaze.

- Good afternoon. We were waiting for you, Mr. Ambassador.

- Good afternoon,  gentlemen - greeted Yener in turn trying to appear natural and even a cordial indifference. -

- We waited impatiently for him - the consul could say with feigned courtesy. -

- I must tell you that you have already achieved something that almost nobody gets from me. They don't usually make me wait. - Ironically declared Tirelius with a dissying gesture masked by a sardonic smile. -

-I very much regret the delay-- Yener apologized in a conciliatory tone as he and the others took their seats around a table arranged for the conference. -Other matters of state demanded my attention, please understand that I am new to this position and I must put many responsibilities in order.

- I am intrigued to know how you put your diplomatic machinery in motion-  Tirelius smiled again. - Although we'd better leave that for another time. Ambassador, I am a man who likes to get to the point and I will explain the reason for my visit.

Yener was surprised because that man was fluent in the language of Omega's confederation of planets. Of course if he had still had the slightest impression that he would have to deal with some warmongering and brainless patán, that thought quickly vanished from his mind.

-Those of Omega make fun of him a lot, but I think it is the result of the fear they have, and I begin to understand the reason. - Reflected. -

And I also noticed in that man a strong personality, accompanied by quite an inner energy, the kind of individual who is used to always getting what he wants, in one way or another. It was certainly in tune with its robust constitution, was quite tall, a little more than Yener himself and wore countless military decorations in his already loaded uniform. But, as his basic senses indicated to him, despite his angry and pretentious appearance he wasn't going to be the classic galactic bluster he could handle. You should keep your disciplines of  monje-  guerrero at maximum concentration so as not tobe surprised.

- We would like to agree separately with you, outside our confederation. - He revealed Tirelius going straight to the point.-

- Well- Yener replied, becoming the surprised one. - I don't know if your Federation of Worlds forum will approve that. You will understand that we cannot commit ourselves to anything that could help our new allies.

Tirelius sketched a faint smile and walked around the room with his hands on his back as he responded.

- My world understands that you must also keep your covenants and your interests. That's why we offer you this mutual alliance. Let's say at the reserved level. As I assume you already know our military power, including our closest allied worlds, comprises almost eighty percent of that of the Federation.

"Yes, seventy-five,  eat seven to be exact. - Yener thought he immediately responded. -His position of strength in omega's alliance is more than proven, although we are not only guided by that when it comes to establishing coexistence pacts, general. Many Omega worlds that do not fit among their, say close allies, as you call them, have very interesting space corridors for us, routes that would speed up trade between  various solar systems and a lot of potential market. Surely you will not ignore those factors.

-My dear ambassador- smiled again Tirelius who even seemed to be pleased to hear that. - You are young, but I must admit that nothing is overlooked. I confess that I did not expect such a valid interlocutor in his person. - He claimed not to let Yener know if these words could be taken as a compliment or were the result of earlier disparagement, and added using the same ironic style. - Of course I am not unaware of the commercial, cultural and infrastructure advantages of the rest of the Federation. No one is asking them to choose one side or the other, because there are no sides to choose from. We only wish that, between our worlds, the bonds of friendship that have been built with the signing of the treaty between you and Omega will be further strengthened. For example, an agreement between us would make it possible to cooperate with each other in the surveillance of our borders and would make us safe from unpleasant incidents.

- Yes, I think they had a problem with Omega because of a solar system, am I wrong? - Insightfully inquired Yener trying to fight back. - And prior to that there was another incident in a system that is under Andromeda's control. Being such close allies, I am surprised by that number of misunderstandings.

         And it is that among the reports that he had consulted he could read that one of the Dragonfly-class ships, crewed precisely by Peter and Kira, had an accident in a sector of Andromeda, which was cassiopeia's most faithful ally in the Confederacy. His friends were captured as they tried to get to a city so they could communicate with Omega. They were accused of espionage and would have been executed were it not for the timely Hummingbird cruise ship to save them.

I couldn't ask them about that, surely they won't want to talk about it, but you never know. "Yener thought. - Officially the guys who were going to execute them were called rebels and terrorists by the Andromeda government. They were accused of seeking the separatism of their planet from the multi-world government of their metropolis. Extra officially it seems that Cassiopeia had interests there. What I don't know is whether for or against the rebels.

           Anyway, those words gave the impression of surprising Tirelius who admitted.

- You are well informed. Omega's space police alleged that their spacecraft was hit by a meteorite and was forced to make an emergency landing. As far as I know they were captured by a faction of extremists who accused them of espionage. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. What were they going to spy on in the middle of a desert planet? Don't you think? Precisely for this reason, the strange thing is that they did not explain what was the reason for their presence in an exclusive area of Andromeda. It was embarrassing. We had no part in that incident, what ismore, we wanted to believe that that ship suffered a trajectory error and that explains its presence there. But that felt very bad for Andromeda and we took charge, we supported our allies.

          Yener nodded, that was in the reports. The police chief himself had to say that the Dragonfly had made a navigational error, the result of the inexperience of its patrollers. Although having met Peter and Kira he doubted it. However, I knew that, especially Peter, he was very curious. Surely they would be researching something or something strange must have caught their attention. However, officially they did not have the power to enter that restricted area of Andromeda, in which Tirelius was right. That's why the boy testified.

-You were very prudent in trying to mediate  and faithful friends of those of Andromeda in putting themselves on their side.

It's the way it should be. Although it was not pleasant, unnecessary tensions were created. And we certainly don't want that to happen to anyone again. Let us assume that the Confederation, by mistake, of course, gave you permission to cross an area that is only under our jurisdiction without having notified us.

- It would be embarrassing, yes, and quite a diplomatic problem. - He had to recognize Yener with a false smile and then kept a few moments of meditation taking his hand to his chin, got up walking around the room a little and declared reflective. - I find your proposal convincing, - he added to the visible complacency of the general and his consul.

       And after taking a few moments of studied pause, the young man added.

Of course, I must tell you that I am not only speaking with you in the capacity of ambassador of Yumlaiance, at this moment I have the privilege of representing the other worlds of the Quadruple Alliance. As you will understand, before I give you a definitive answer, I will have to start a round of consultations. But I can assure you that whatever I say to you will obey the wishes of all of them.

"Excellent," the general said moderately, but he was now visibly satisfied. - My friend, in that case, I won't entertain you anymore. You must get down to work. I assume that you will need a reasonable amount of time to get your answers. Let's say tomorrow at the same time? - Inquired with the assurance of the one who knows that it will not be corrected.  -

Cresat and Yener looked at each other stunned, of course that guy knew how to hurry. Fortunately what Tirelius did not know is that those queries were already made and that only the response of two planets was needed. With Akapler in her pocket and Ciloner about to accept, surely Nataclia wouldn't put up any obstacles, and even more so when Yener explained this conversation to them.

"I think it's fine," the Yumlaiance ambassador agreed with a broad smile. - I'll let you know tomorrow.

- Then, until tomorrow - Tirelius said goodbye leaving the room followed immediately by his servile consul. -

Cresat and Yener were left alone and the ambassador asked him.

- What do you think?

- That guy is very cunning and thinks he has us where he wants, I'm glad we have unified positions. - I replenish the Commodus. -

- The sooner we make sure of Nataclia and Ciloner's definitive answers the better. - Yener said he asked his superior - Comodoror, could you take care of collecting them, please? I have to attend to other matters.

- Very well- agreed the benevolent Cresat who imagined the boy stunned and overwhelmed by the multiple occupations of his new position. - Don't worry.

Yener greeted his superior, a detail that pleased Cresat, although now, and at the inferiority of his rank, the boy was in charge of diplomacy at Yumlaiance and technically above it. Once the formalities were completed, the young captain left for the restaurant. For his part, Tirelius boarded a shuttle that would take him to one of his star destroyers, the  flagship of the flotilla that had brought him to Omega.

-A magnificent ship. - The consul who was accompanying her declared, as soon as they saw her from the windows of the shuttle. -

And we have many more under construction. - Said the satisfied general, who immediately erased the smile of complacency he had exhibited and asked his subordinate. - What do you think of that guy? The ambassador yumlaincer.

-Well. - His acolyte replied after spending a few seconds meditating. - It gives the impression that it is more reasonable than it seemed at first glance. I was personally worried about the friendship that gives the impression of being cultivated with omega's.

- Oh, no! - Tirelius smiled once again, to sentence. - It merely polls all parties and obtains information to use as it sees fit. He looks like a smart guy.  And from the reports that have come to me from our intelligence services, their world has a powerful fleet and military tradition. That suits us very well. I think we will be able to understand each other.

- But do you think it could be a problem? I mean his world and the allies he's talking about.

       Tirelius scratched his head and asserted.

-Each thing in its own time. We will try to talk to the other representatives of those planets, we will see if they confirm what Ambassador Rant has said. But if my instinct doesn't fail me, and it doesn't usually, they will. However, I am convinced that your planet or the others will not get involved in our affairs. They would have nothing to gain or the potential benefit would not merit the risk of conflict. They are too far away.

"In other words, simply by ensuring your neutrality for thefuture, it would be enough."

         Faced with the ratonil and complacent expression of his subordinate, Tirelius simply nodded and declared.

"I have never been given anything. You know that well.  I climbed from below, earned my promotions and decorations with a pulse. When the time came I put our world in order. And I've achieved that partly because of my decision and partly because of my instinct. I did what needed to be done and when it was necessary. I have already told you that this formula has never failed me. And now my instinct tells me that those yumlaincer are not like those of the Confederacy. They are not bound by so much stupid morality and outdated ideals. They give the impression of not only respecting strength, but of admiring it. For example, that boy was late, and would swear deliberately. One of two, either he's a stupid upstart who had no idea who he was going to deal with or his intelligence services had provided him with reports about me and that delay was part of a deliberate plan to provoke me and get me out of my boxes.

I don't see how that would be possible, my general. - The consul said. -

-Very easy, you will have told you that I have a propensity to exalt myself easily and that in this way I could exasperate myself. Naïve. - Tirelius smiled, sentencing. - That's precisely the look I want to give and they've swallowed the hook from the beginning.

Of course, of course. - His interlocutor agreed. -

            Of course the general was aware of that, and that individuals with telepathic abilities in omega's service would try to snout information from him. That is why he went as little as possible in person to Council meetings and also behaved in such an irascible and abrupt manner. In this way anyone would think that his way of acting was flat and obvious. Although I could not deny that there was some truth and that a part of his character was quite volcanic when he was really angry.

So. - Added. - That young man almost seemed to want to challenge me with what he said, "his affairs to attend to" As if I were one of his top-tier administrators. If you allow me to speak in that mode, it is a sign that you must have a considerable war machine behind you. No, Consul Nabot. I don't think those at Yumlaiance have appointed an idiotic young man as an ambassador.  Those guys play with the security of the one who knows he has trumps hidden in his hand. Like us. That's why I think it's possibleto get to understand us with them. We see things from a very similar optimum.

-Omega's don't trust him either. Our spies point out that they are suspicious.  And they have even sent messages to the earth asking for the course of action to be taken. - His interlocutor pointed out with an obvious gesture of satisfaction. -

-Much better. – Tirelius said. – If Omega's mother planet is mixed in this is that they consider it of utmost importance.

In that case, perhaps they could even not only reach agreements with us about their neutrality, but also view our projects with sympathy and join us as allies. - The consul observed. –

           Tirelius adopted a reflective air then, and after a few moments he replied.

It could be. However, we should not be too hasty. Our plan is ambitious and must follow in its footsteps. We cannot risk it being unveiled ahead of time.  And we need to gather information. Of the Earth, of Omega and of these newcomers.

Yes, sir. And speaking of which, our friends have told us that we are ready for the next phase. - The consul revealed to him. -

-Very good, but with caution. - Sentenced Tirelius. -

So they boarded their ship ready to go ahead with their plans. Meanwhile, Yener, eager to take a break, called his friend Larus whom he pulled out of a game of holo games.

- Hey, do you feel like coming to dinner? I invite- he proposed with animation-

- Does it have to be now? I was winning - protested this one. -

- You would do me a favor, then I explain it to you - Yener told him with an accomplice gesture on his face.  -

- I can't refuse to help a captain and head of diplomacy! - river Larus with ironic sense of humor. - Fine there I'll be.

Yener smiled and headed towards the restaurant. He came and asked for a table, just as Kira had told him there were Gina and Gordon. He skillfully occupied one far enough away that they would not notice his presence.

- Where will Larus have gotten himself? - The young man wondered, uncomfortable having to wait there alone. -

He didn't want either of those two to discover him there in solitude.  And every nanodan  in which his friend didn't appear seemed to crawl and last for an eternity. He was asking for something light so as not to occupy an empty table. Apparently that was a normal applicable to the entire known universe, the robot waiters immediately arrived offering him some local specialty.  He opted for something he had tried before. Finally,  Larus was there at half an hour. Roughly three danes of time andumlaincer.

"You've been slow," Yener scoached him, despite everything with a tone of good humor. - I had to have an appetizer.

- Sorry, they didn't want to let me out - he apologized his friend with amusing gesture. -  As  he had won so much they wanted to recover some of their losses. So I let them take a couple of games.

-- Well, I'll make up for it with dinner-- Yener replied that he turned the talk towards the topic he was really interested in. - Notice that girl - he told her by looking discreetly at Gina's table. - What is a preciousness?

- yes, well, not bad. - He declared his friend without too much passion adding, yes, with acuity. - Is that the reason for your unexpected invitation?

Yener kept a silence that answered yes to that question, and then confirmed it with hisnext  words.

- Ever since I saw it I knew it was going to be for me.

Larus was perplexed. I've known Yener since they both entered the Port Duraior space academy and had never seen him so aware of a woman, or so hung up. Of course the latter term was more accurate. And that he had gone after many and came out with quite a few of them, but it didn't usually last.  Although it was fair to admit that many women had also tried to conquer him and he let himself be loved, although he never gave the impression of getting too involved in their relationships. And, above all, I didn't usually talk so much about any.  What would I have seen in that girl? Perhaps with her kail disciplines she detected something truly valuable in her. So, at first glance, larus didn't like anything special. Well, he was cute all the more, but to his liking with an air too naïve. He didn't seem to have much interest. Anyway, he of course didn't care about that but since his friend liked it... Anyway, and even more so now that Yener was in charge of ambassador, he should be careful, and he made that known to him.

- I think she is accompanied and by an officer of the confederation of Omega. - Larus objected to her by remarking the last words with warning tinges. -

Before Yener could answer a greeting came from a few meters behind her, as she turned she recognized the figure of Nataclia'sofficer,  Nerel Asety, who quickly reached them. Yener felt like taking his hands to his head, but he held back, he wouldn't give that individual that satisfaction...

-Enjoying a well-deserved  rest? - Asked the nataclier with a courtesy too affected. - I join the celebration and congratulate you.

- Thank you. We are here to rest.  Like any officer who has finished his shift," Yener replied in the same way. " I imagine you're coming to do the same.

- Just to have dinner before returning to my duties, we are very busy in the legation waiting for the response of our government. - Nerel answered by looking alternately at his two interlocutors. -

- Larus- reluctantly introduced Yener realizing that, this is Nerel Asety lieutenant in Nataclia's army. - Nerel, Larus Daet, also lieutenant... but  from Yumlaiance.

"Delighted," nerel smiled, offering his hand. - Yener's friends are my friends. - Remarked with some sarcasm that it did not go unnoticed by the target of this, although it did by Larus. -

- The taste is mine - lieutenant Daet stood staring at him because he could almost feel the interest of that man, although he was very careful not to show it. -

- If you want you can share a table with us - Yener offered him without much enthusiasm to say when he realized that if he was not going to propose it his partner out of mere courtesy -

Nerel didn't think twice and accepted the invitation by taking a seat.

- This already looks like a diplomatic meeting! - Rio Larus thus considerably refreshing the dry atmosphere and adding fun. - And that we had come for a very different thing.

Yener looked at his partner with disapproment, implying that he had talked too much, though Larus didn't seem to realize that when adding.

- Yener is interested in other kinds of conquests.

- Wow, wow! - nerel smiled, drilling the ambassador with his eyes. -

- Aebomin!,- Yener laughed feeling uncomfortable at times which didn't stop him from fulminating his friend with his eyes before adding. - Couldn't we leave this conversation for another time,  Larus?

- Is it a young girl from around here? - Nerel asked more and more amused with the troubles that the ambassador was going through for that cause.  -

- I think that's something I'm not required to answer for your government to make a decision, Nerel. - Yener replied in a cutting way. -

- Don't put yourself like this- Sonrió this in a conciliatory way enjoying that yes the dissociated gesture of the  andumlaincer - I only care as a friend, I know that it is nothing that concerns the security of the Quadruple Alliance. At least I think so. Keep in mind that you are the ambassador of your planet. - He finished off with a little disguised glee. -

- I take it into account and appreciate your interest, but I don't like to discuss details about my privatelife. -  Rspocid Yener barely containing his genius. –

And he also thought about looking at that guy to refocus on that girl.

- And who told you that you and I are friends?

Fortunately oblivious to his thoughts, Nerel took the floor.

-Nobody usually likes to do that. But this issue could affect interplanetary security. Don't you think? –  He declared  el  nataclier that he had followed the trajectory of the gaze of his contertulio and immediately discovered the object of his interest. -

Neither Larus who was beginning to realize that he had screwed up more than he thought, nor Yener,  responded to that, then as if nothing, Asety added.

- Wow, if she's  an Omega officer. This is what's called fostering ties, of course you're a very efficient ambassador.

- My friend doesn't like to waste time - Larus intervened trying to ease the moment, although he rather achieved the opposite. -

- And neither do you? - nerel asked him with malice. -

- I imagine that larus neither, - Yener terció trying not to get angry more with the visible pujas of that condemned nataclier. - What about you, Nerel? Don't you have anyone for after the service?

- I just got here, and I'm already looking for someone - answered this one. - Hopefully it will get a preciousness like that. What about you Larus? - He became interested in blatantly looking at the officer. - Do you already have a girlfriend?

- No, I didn't have time. I've been very busy playing a lot of holovideo. - He answered this with a nervous tone.  -

-I also like toplay. Virtual reality. It's excellent as a workout.  - Nerel said  he seemed interested in that topic. - We could stay someday.

- That would be fine. - Accepted Larus. -

- Stop by my legation one day and we'll talk - Nerel offered him with a very cordial and simple tone that contrasted with the contrived and sarcastic he had previously employed with Yener. -

He, for his part, looked at both alternately with a grimace of surprise and even disapplement. What the hell did all that mean? It was he who was interested in having dinner there to observe Gina, he had even invited his friend not to be alone and now it seemed to him that it was he himself who was left over at that table. But Asety did have an interest and wanted to include him back in the conversation by asking with a professional interest.

- How did you get the interview?

- What interview? - Yener in turn inquired, becoming the clueless one. -

-The meeting that you were going to have, it has been reported that General Tirelius of Casiopea had come to meet and greet the ambassador andumlaincer, and that, if I'm not mistaken, it's you, isn't it? - That guy smiled.

- Ah, yes! sure, but it wasn't an interview, it was a diplomatic meeting. - Yener qualified, adding with appreciable cynicism. - That's why I didn't understand what you meant.

Of course he had picked it up immediately, but officially he couldn't lend himself to commenting on any of that. And he had no doubt at all that his contertulio was aware of that.

My apologies, sometimes I confuse a few words of community language. - Nerel rightly claimed to insist. - How did you do?

Well, he's an interesting individual. - Yener replied. -

-I guess you have explained that you negotiated representing your world, until we have reached an agreement. - Said the nataclier. -

-I see you very aware of what we discussed in the meeting to four. Has that also been said out there? - Counterattacked Yener now using the retintin. -

Well, not explicitly, but between the officerd  and the commanders it was an open secret. More so when our diplomatic representatives, as well as those of Ciloner and Akapler arrived. - Nerel declared. That meeting was predictable.

The meeting does, but not its content. His interlocutor pointed out. -

I certainly suspected that Asety knew a lot more than he should at first glance. How is it that a simple lieutenant was aware of that? Unless it was what Yener was sure he was, an agent of the Nastralsy, nataclier secret service, because of Kail that guy hadn't come to greet them by chance! I was trying to snout information to him. But of course his attempts were very crude. Did you just think you were going to tell it?

"I was only interested as a companion," Nerel told him, stating precisely. - I know full well that you can't talk about what happened at that meeting.

Of course. - Yener thought. - But you throw the cane to see if I pick up and make any slip. - And smiling, yes, he responded with a tone that showed his desire  to settle that. - I appreciate your kindness, everything went well.

Meanwhile, Gordon discovered the presence of the Quadruple Alliance officers. He made it noticeable to Gina by discreetly pointing them out with her gaze and commenting with an annoying whisper.

- Even here we can't get rid of that kind.

- Come on Gordon! - she replied jovially. - They will have come to dinner just like us. This restaurant is very frequented. In addition. He is accompanied by two more officers. They must be dealing with matters on their planets.

- Yes, it will be that. They haven't stopped charlar between them since I've seen them. Although I would swear they've looked here.

        His companion dedicated a look of disbelief to him. And the boy shrugged his shoulders adding right away.

"Well, I may have only thought so. I confess that sometimes I am suspicious. - Admitted this already more relaxed-  without wishing either that the girl interpreted that as a fit of jealousy. - I don't think they even know we're here.

Gina smiled at him, but at the same time he noticed that group looking away. Even from afar it seemed to him that Yener was uncomfortable. Surely he would be getting bored in a heavy conversation about strategic interests of the galaxy. Poor! He couldn't help but remember what Kira and Peter told him about their experience in Onis IV. They had to thank that Yumlaiance officer very much for coming out of it with good. She didn't look like a bad person, far from it, she knew it from experience, they had talked and the truth is that she liked it.

- Where do you think they will send us? - Gordon asked her with a newly acquired enthusiasm by pulling her out of her thoughts. -

- Huh? - I recover Gina who was totally out of wave at the time.  -

- I say what doyou think will be our next  mission? - Repeated the boy-

- I have no idea, but hopefully it will not be as risky as the last one from which my brother and Kira have returned, "she replied atlast.  -

-- yes, I think they had a hard time in that world," Gordon acknowledged in light of what he had been told. -

- And if it weren't for that Yumlaiance officer they would have had an even worse time. My brother told me that he has some skills that helped them a lot. - Commented Gina with an unsguised admiration -.

- I don't think Peter and Kira would have been helpless without him-rebutted his partner who seemed uncomfortable bringing up that guy. - In addition, my father's ship came immediately to his aid.

- Sent among other things to look for the ambassador of Yumlaiance. -  Le reminded Gina that she was really starting to have fun playing around. -

-- I don't like that guy at all," Gordon sincerely declared, now dedicating an irritated look to him. - Vale, I admit that he must have helped your brother and Kira, but, for starters, if he hadn't insisted on going with them none of that would have happened. Surely your brother wanted to approach that world to have something to show him during the patrol. In addition, it is believed to be too important. I know he's an ambassador for his world, I don't need you to remind me - he added in anticipation of his partner. - But that doesn't entitle you to treat us like your subordinates. Or as mere tour guides.

- Gordon, please! He hasn't done that - Gina defended him that he also didn't expect that reaction from his companion. – When I  have spoken to him he has  always been very kind.

-- With women it must be different--smiled Gordon maliciously. -- He knows how to get a girl to notice him. So much so as not to see other of their attitudes.

- Oh come on, you won't be saying I'm washed by him, right? - Gina replied with an annoyed tone, thus wishing to settle the matter.

That conversation was really going too far and Gina  didn't want embarrassing things to be said for either of us.

- I didn't say that. -  Sand was quick todeny it, although if he had wanted to drop a camouflaged pulla and of course, he had been pleased with Gina's reaction, but he had to be careful not to offend her. - Excuse me! I will have expressed myself badly. He's an educated guy, he wears  his uniform well and he's even attractive, I admit. Such a combination, coupled with the fact that she has a high rank and interest,will be very attractive to women. All of them in general, I think.

- He is attractive, - she admitted - but that time I had dinner with him, I did so on instructions - He reminded him again of the girl. -  My duty was to sound him out about his policy towards our confederation.

- Oh, Gina! I haven't asked you to tell me anything about that, - Gordon smiled more and more relieved and adding now with a very conciliatory tinge. - Come on, let it run!

- Yes, let's devote ourselves to enjoying the rest of our permission –  She agreed to leave that topic behind.  -

The two finished dinner and left to continue the talk at a well-known drinking place in the city. Yener, forhis part, saw himleave more worried about what was happening at his own table. Nor did he want to extend the evening too long and announced that he was retiring, managing not to tell him anything that could be committed to that nataclier of the devil. At least nothing from a diplomatic point of view.

-There goes that girl, with her companion. - Asety stressed precisely. -

"And I'm leavingtoo, I have to rest."

Wise decision, I will do the same. - Nerel agreed. - Me alegro  de to have seenyou, and it has been a pleasure to meet you.- Smiled looking at Larus. -

-Likewise. - The questioner answered affably. –

The nataclier was the first to get up and left. After a few moments it was Larus who proposed to his friend.

- Do you feel like having a drink in the city disco?

- No thanks - Yener declined. - I'm tired, it's been a busy day.

-I thought you had said it because of Nataclia's guy. - Larus commented. –

I could tell you yes, but it wouldn't be entirely true. It is true that I am very tired. And I have to get up early tomorrow to have another consultation with the allies and talk to that Tirelius. He's not an easy guy, and I'll have to be very focused.

Larus did not insist and giving him good night got up and took the way to the disco. Yener for his part returned to his accommodation and went to bed. Her head was full of thoughts, on the one hand, the arduous negotiations and on the other that girl who could not get out of her head. I even thought about how weird Nerel and Larus had been at dinner. Although that was the least of it.

-I have to send a holo message home. Tell them a few things, and say I'm fine.

         Nevertheless, he still maintained the intention of hiding his promotions and appointment by way of surprise. But he did not know if that news transcended military information and would be made known in Yumlaiance by the media.

-Mom was going to get very angry if she found out about everything from the press or the holo TV. - Sighed. -

He fell asleep and fell asleep. He also  dreamed. It was something that had nothing to do with their concerns, strangely breathed an atmosphere of great peace and was in a green meadow. Yener wore green as well and seemed to be attached to that place by deep, though unknown, ties. It was like when as a child he trained in the monastery. The love of the land and his homeland seemed to beat in him in a very pronounced way. They almost customized in the same figure. Walking through that field he entered a wide expanse of tall grass that reached above his knees. Yener felt that all that was beauty and that it was good, and that it should be preserved, preserved from something, but from what?

I don't know where I am. Is this Somer? It's familiar to me. - He wondered in the midst of that dream. -

I looked around as if trying to find some threat, but it was all peace and harmony. However, something warned him that this was not the case. Then a soft female voice whispered in his ear.

-Watch over all this, lord of the Kail.

He immediately wanted to turn his attention to the source of that voice, to his right. But there was no one. He felt the warmth of the sun that flooded the plain with its light and had to cover his eyes. He finally opened them. He was in his bed, in the legation residence. Surely it was the first lights of the day that woke him up. The computer had activated the blinds so that they could let through the first rays of the sun from Omega. The alarm had sounded seconds later. Yener stopped her. Even trying to remember confusingly his dream he got up. In the first moments of awakening he was oblivious to everything, he was between two worlds, trying to make memory about that dream vision and at the same time becoming aware of the environment that surrounded him. But the dayding soon disappeared when the alarm again claimed his attention. He stopped her for good and cancelled her and realized that she had to hurry...

- Wow! I don't have much time. I must make another round of consultations and give the answer to that Tirelius. - It was said with haste. -

At the same time Peter and Kira were warned by the president of the council. Problems had arisen in another of the worlds belonging to the  Federation. Disturbing reports  from the planet Leto that one of the prime minister's aides had brought them about a rebellion. Both showed up at Ome g a's council office,at that early hour occupied by Lora,  Pierre and Graham.

- Theugarteniente  Peter Larans and the  sub-lieutenant  Mercedes Carriónare presented  ...- Peter declared making the as protocolary as unnecessary salutation.  -

- Rest and leavehoopof formalisms – cut off by his father who seemed interested in getting straight to the point.  -

"We must tell you that we have received very worrying news," added Lora, stirring nervously in her armchair. -

The president went on to explain the situation. In Leto, a heavily robotic world, machines had taken control. It was seemingly absurd but the androids,  who were theoretically made to serve humans, had turned against their own creators by refusing to obey the orders they gave them. A member of Leto's government had managed to escape the siege of the presidential palace to warn Omega.  He was a young brown-haired man who was going to tell them what happened when Pierre  arrested him.

-Please give us a moment, let's call Professor Enius  Master. He is our highest authority on cybernetics and robotics, among other topics.

Of course. - That man agreed. -

      So they waited for the eminent sage who took a few minutes to make an appearance.

-Good morning. Excuse me, I'm sorry for the delay, I was working on one of my androids. - The professor told them when they arrived.  -

No one responded, simply accepting that without any problem. At least Pierre,Lora and Graham already knew enius' eccentric personality well. Once the teacher settled into an armchair,  that individual told them.

-It all started like any normal day. We were about to go to work. The prime minister told me that he left his house, said goodbye to his wife and daughter and the members of his domestic robotic service without any news. He boarded his shuttle and was traveling through the communication tubes to the government headquarters when everything stopped.

Everyone listened to him very carefully, that guy even brought a recording in which you could see the panorama of the streets buzzing with activity on a day like any other.

I was surprised already in the government legation. I was able to record this with a manual computer. - He explained to them while everyone was watching that. –

Suddenly, however,  the shrill sound of a siren sounded and everything stopped as if frozen in time, much to the astonishment of humans. Alittle while, a metallic voice announced.

-Men, we,  the machines of the planet Leto, we have decreed the general strike. Men, go back to your homes and wait for our instructions. I repeat, this is the general strike. The activity will cease immediately. Everyone to their homes to wait for our instructions.

The faces of omega's board chairwoman and the two police commanders clearly expressed their astonishment. It was Graham who wanted to know.

- What happened then?

            Prime Minister Gerard gathered support, luckily the police remained loyal to us. - That man explained to him. –

It's funny. And how do you explain that? - Wanted to know Pierre. –

- Tell me you, young man. - The Master professor, addressing that envoy. - Where do you make police androids?

-Well, in a facility on the outskirts of the city. It is quite recent, there was no room already in the city and it was put at a good distance. - He informed him. –

- Do you have any relationship or share programs with those of military or other androids? - Wanted to know Pierre. -

No, sir. Police androids are relatively new and their programming codes are somewhat different, with more security. - That man replied. – Other robots program theothers.

That left everyone thinking. And Graham riveted.

In my opinion, there is no doubt about that. Someone has plotted all this.

We should investigate, but we do not have time. - Piersaid re, toconclude. – Those men are in danger.

I can't believe it. - Lora said. - It is not possible for robots to reveal themselves, profesor Master, give us your opinion. - He asked the distinguished sage. -

-Well, you will see the robots are like all wits and therefore have been controlled and numbered. - The professor said. – Usually the machines are programmed following some routines, some established parameters, but it has been enough that a hand alevosa intervened  reprogramming some robotic units of which they deal with the programs of the rest, so that everything was possible.

And addressing Leto's envoy, Professor Enius asked him.

- Could you tell me if the robots have been subject to a review?

Yes, a year ago. All KD models have been standardized in order to give the same performance as the others. Why is it important? - He asked with manifest naivety. -

- And why didn't they warn me? - The professor complained. –

-Well, they were routine checks, carried out by programmed robots. And so far there have been no incidents. That was the answer. –

Enius then walked through the room while gesturing as he declared.

It's very clear, I don't know how we haven't thought about it before. It was enough for someone to replace the programming of only one of the controlling robots to make everything possible. With some of them retouched, control has slipped away. In these revisions they have touched the circuits of the old models and modified them.

So what do we do? Do we send our forces? - Wanted to know Graham. -

- No, we would be rejected. – Answered Pierre.–

We were barely able to resist  for an hour when his attack began. And that  before  ngave you a period of three hoursto surrender. The prime minister tried to buy time,  to communicate with you, but all transmissions were intercepted. Webarely had a few dozen police robots and some men and women armed with rifles and laser guns. They were hundreds, thousands even. They soon overstimat our meager resistance. I was able to get out on a small shuttle narrowly circumventing his fire. Then,  fortunately for me,  one of their cruise ships found me and brought me here.

-Yes, the Cobra cruise. I was informed by the capital  Aggar. - Graham nodded that he was aware of that. -

- Do you think they killed the humans? - Wanted to know Pierre.-

-It does not seem that they were hostile to such an extent, their commander an android named KD4, insisted that they did not want to hurt us. I recover that individual. -

The most certain thing is that, despite this reprogramming, its pattern of not attacking human life will remain in force. In my opinion it is clear that whoever planned this was not looking for an extermination, but to take control of Leto or create a distraction. - Elucided Professor Enius. -

So we have to assume that they have hostages, we will have to act with caution. - Lora said, with a thoughtful and worried gesture. –

Absolutely. - Agreed Enius, sentencing. - After all a machine is nothing more than a machine. And nothing beats a robot against robots.

Before the inquisitive glances of the rest who did not understand the meaning of those words,the sage explained to them that he had set up another of hisandroids. Assuring thatthese would be the most suitable emissaries. He added, addressing Leto's envoy.

Let's see, you say that the police robots remain faithful. Isn't that right?

Yes. - He answered this one, although he added with obvious demotivation. - But almost all of them are prisoners.

Well, the important thing is that they have not been deprogrammed. Because of violence their loyalty circuits are indestructible, and I propose that...

With everyone's attention on him,the teacher revealed his plan to them. Then he went to his workshop to try to set up his androids, Leto's delegate went to rest and soon Graham was going to prepare the Hummingbird for the game. For their part, Lora and Pier called Peter and Kira, they made an appearance and listened to that story with great attention.

"I want to give you that mission," the colonelsaid. - I think  you are the most qualified for  it, you already have experience in diplomatic tasks and also your service sheet is the best of the space patrol.

-We will be happy to do everything possible to help the inhabitants of Leto. - Peter said. –

But first, Sub-Lieutenant, the colonel wants to tell him something. - Lora smiled. –

And with the girl's attention on him, Pier told him.

"I would have liked to tell you earlier, Mercedes, but we didn't have time. From now on consider yourself promoted to lieutenant. You've done more than enough.

Thank you very much, my colonel. - The girl answered in a firm position. -

-Congratulations, Kira. - Le said his patrol partner. –

-Congratulations. -  Added Lora. –

Once they completed the newly promoted Pier once again took the floor to get to the point and explain to both boys the details of the mission.

-You will see, you will have to accompany Metro and the other android of Professor Enius. Officially they will go to parliament, meanwhile, you must arrive at the assembly factory of the police robots, activate it and gather the more the better. Aim to free the hostages without suffering damage and regain control of the planet.

-It can be very difficult to defeat the military androids with a few simple police robots. - Peter objected, adding. - Can we expect reinforcements?

It will be very difficult, if not unlikely. Our ships would be detected if they approached too much and perhaps that could provoke reprisals on the captives. - His father replied, qualifying. - Of course, if you are able to free the prisoners and nullify their planetary defenses, something could be done.

-Very good. - Peter nodded. -

-Metro will try to give you as much time as it can. Chain activation and access codes have already been programmed on the Hummingbird Cruise. - Colonel Larans added. -

-We trust you. - Lora pointed out. –

"Yes, you have shown yourself to be very skilful and  courageous, although somewhat reckless at times. - He smiled at the latter to add with visible pride. - You are a magnificent patrol and I know that you will carry the mission to a successful conclusion.

- All right, then with your permission we will leave for there right away  -  seriously agreed Peter even though  his face was illuminated thanks to all those praises poured by his own father. –

-Go ahead, lieutenants. - Pier told them. - Join Commander Stevens' crew.

-To the order- the two boys returned greeting inunison.  -

- You can leave - he also granted them Lora adding with a much more familiar tint. - And  be very  careful, guys.

Both tilted their heads slightly and without further ate immediately left for the hangar of the flight deck to board their ship...

**ESPAÑOL**

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