“Was that your intention?”
The commander’s tail flicked. “No. I was hoping they would reveal their intentions.”
“That would be an unwise move, if they truly are alone,” Erlyn commented.
“I agree.”
They watched in silence as the fighter came within tractor beam range. Three green glowing magnetic rays attached themselves to the vessel and started pulling it in. The blue-lighted lines on the floor indicated its landing path.
“I want everyone to be on high alert, but display absolutely no sign of hostility,” Idris addressed those who were gathered as they surrounded the ship’s landing pad. “This is supposed to be a diplomatic meeting. Let us have faith that they have come in peace.”
“Prince, I believe you should get behind the shields,” Commander Ajexk advised, as his gaze never left the ship. “We don’t know if they will shoot.”
“Will do.”
Idris knew his place. While he may be the person left in charge of the starbase, the commander had more experience when it came to security. For such a vital mission, he wouldn’t jeopardize his safety just because he was royalty. Idris retreated behind the nearest shielding, Erlyn followed as he worked frantically on his tablet.
“Erlyn, I want you to be prepared to page Doctor Qatszo if needed. We don’t know why they didn’t answer our hails,” he commanded, watching the ship break through the magnetic shield.
“Already ahead of you.”
“What do you think our next step should be?” Idris asked, watching the fighter slowly make its way down the landing strip. There was no resistance from the vessel. He could see the pilot’s silhouette sitting calmly in the cockpit.
“Continue as planned, perhaps reduce the amount of security present once we confirm that no other ships are incoming.”
“I will leave that task to you.” Idris shot him a look, as Erlyn glanced up from his tablet, meeting his gaze. “What do you think about assigning them Raizxl as their personal guard?”
“Raizxl?” Erlyn hissed, narrowing his pale green eyes in confusion. “Wouldn’t there be a . . . more pleasant person to assign on security duty?”
“What is wrong with Raizxl?”
“I don’t know . . . it might be the fact that he lost his mate. He hasn’t been the same since,” he whispered, returning his attention to the vessel.
Idris followed his gaze and watched as the tractor beams slowed the ship to a halt, positioned perfectly on the landing pad. The grounds crew waited along the walls, ready to inspect the fighter for any damages and recharge its energy cells.
Idris wasn’t foolish. He knew the grounds crew would take full advantage of the opportunity to inspect the vessel, now that a seemingly undamaged one had landed in their hangar bay like a gift. Studying their weaponry could help them improve their own defenses, even though most of the human-technology was outdated compared to their own.
It was their resources and manpower that the Daextru were interested in, in hopes it would change the course of the war.
Sounds of the engines powering down filled the otherwise silent hangar, as all attention landed on the display before them.
The cockpit’s dome opened as a ladder rolled out from its compartment. The pilot rapidly worked their control board, focused on the task at hand.
Idris took it as a sign that it was safe to approach and stepped out from behind the shields. He couldn’t keep his eyes off the pilot as he worked his way to the commander’s side.
The pilot placed their hands upon their steering wheel, seemingly oblivious to everyone’s stares as they waited for the next action.
After a few moments that seemed to take an eternity, they removed their helmet and placed it on their steering wheel before combing through their short black hair.
Something about the pilot seemed familiar . . .
“Erlyn,” he breathed, unable to pull his gaze from the pale human. “What is the diplomat’s name?”
“Aydin Lian, Sire.”
