Star Traders
Chapter 27

I am attempting to call the Earth ships attacking my base. Can I assume I have reached my goal?” The reptile spoke perfect English though it had a reptilian lisp, or hiss.

Jayne spoke for the rest of them.

“I am Captain Rice, Commander of the Earth Princess. Yes, you have reached our defensive force. What is the reason for this call, if I may ask?”

“You may, Captain. But I think you already know. We have no choice but to capitulate. We are out-gunned and overmatched. It’s obvious we cannot win this conflict. I do not wish to lose more of my people. We ask for terms.” The reptile made a human like shrug.

“I ask your name, sir. What do I call you?” Jayne asked.

“You would never be able to wrap your tongue around my name!” it said with some humor. “But please call me Aris. That is as good a name as any. My rank would correspond with your president, though I have far less constituents than he does.”

“You seem well versed in our culture and language,” Jayne observed. “How is this so?”

“We have studied your culture for many years through your television and radio. We are from Arcturus, some 40 light years away from your planet. 120 of your years ago, our planet began to change its weather patterns. It was estimated it would become unlivable in less than two centuries. We built this fleet and came to your system to save our race. I have brought 2 million of our people with me. Most are in stasis, or suspended animation to you. Being descended from what you would call reptiles, we are able to do that quite well. Your own descent from mammals prevents you from doing the same.

“Our plan was to wake them when we reached your sun. It was too bad there was life on your planet, but we had to try to take part of it from you for our own use. We had no intention of taking it all. Just enough for our race to survive. We felt we would negotiate in the future once we had established our superiority. Obviously we can no longer do that. It has taken us more than 100 years to reach this system. It is hard to admit the trip was all for naught. All of our study and work has been lost. You have bested our best. To continue this action would be pure suicide. I propose a peace between us until a solution can be found.”

“And what do you have in mind for a solution, Aris?” Jayne asked.

“My question is: are you of sufficient power to negotiate with us? We know there are several factions on this planet. Some are much more powerful than others. Which do you represent?” Aris asked.

“We represent none of them. We represent ourselves. We, however, have the power to force all of the factions to do what we wish. You were correct in assuming you are more powerful than all of the forces of all of the factions. Unfortunately for you, you are not more powerful than we are. Our estimates are that you would lose quickly in any conflict with us. We have better weapons and are much more maneuverable than you. So, the answer to you questions is this: Your question is moot. It doesn’t matter, for we hold the power of life and death over both you and the Earth forces. You will negotiate with us, or not at all.” Jayne sat back, enjoying the looks on the faces of her own group.

“You are correct, Captain, if all you say is true,” Aris said skeptically. “Your proof you are stronger than we are is very compelling. We have no desire to come up against you again. What do you propose for a meeting?”

“I’d love to come down and meet you and your people face to face. I replace that one cannot edit a recording when meeting face to face. Honesty is apparent in any session. I will trust my instincts before a written or recorded statement,” Jayne said. “Suppose we come down to whichever base you are in and meet with you. I will bring twenty of my men with me. They will be armed of course, but don’t be alarmed. You will have us badly outnumbered. I am not particularly worried about my safety. You, your base, and all of your people will be destroyed should you betray us.”

“I am at the base that you call the Amazon. You will be made welcome. Our thinking on a solution would be along the lines of allowing us time to regroup and replenish out supplies. We will then choose a destination that will yield the most likely livable planet and leave your system.” Aris said.

“We will study your proposal and discuss it when we meet.” Jayne signed off.

“What the hell is that all about, Jayne?” Eric screamed after she broke off. “What the hell do you have in mind this time?”

“I have a plan……,” Jayne began.

Jake and Lars groaned.

“Oh, shit!” Jake said. “Here we go again!”

“This will be a good plan, I think,” Jayne said excitedly. “I have to think it through, but right now it looks great!”

“Ok. What is it?” Eric sighed.

“Hey!” Jayne complained. “I’ve done all right so far, haven’t I?”

“I’ll have to admit,” Jake said, “she sure has had some good ones, right from the time we left Earth for Epsilon 4. That whole thing could have been a failure if not for one of her plans. And what has she done? Brought back 200,000 Gravity Wells and 50,000 Larn, both of which we needed badly. I’d listen if I were you, Eric.”

“I’m listening! I’m listening! So what’s the big plan Jayne?” Eric grinned.

Jayne explained what her plan entailed. Jake turned to Eric.

“You know, it just might work!” he said, nodding.

“Sure it will,” Lars added. “It’s pure genius!”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” Jayne blushed.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to agree with Lars, Jayne,” Eric cocked his head. “It’s pure genius. It takes everything into consideration. If completed it will solve all of our problems, including those of the Arcturians.”

“Well,” Jayne began, “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Jayne turned to her communications officer. “Adelle, get Aris back on the line and tell him I will meet him sometime tomorrow, and to make sure he can speak for all of his people.

“Now gentlemen, what would you like for dinner? I have some great cooks aboard. We’ve been teaching them for several months now and they’ve become quite adept at it. How about some baked whitefish with some lemon squeezed on it and dipped in tartar sauce? I’ll have them bake a potato and steam some asparagus. Look on it as maybe your last meal!” she laughed.

The meal was a success, and amid the aftermath they had cocktails. They had gone over the plan several times and could replace no negatives in it. It looked like a win-win situation. Now if only the Arcturians would agree.