Re-Creator of Universes - Book 4 of Re-Forge

Battle of the Binary

Point-seven of one Morf cycle later, accurate to the minute as promised by the Krell Ambassador, Ct Far felt the cylinder at his belt vibrate and give off an insistent tone.

He called Dhia to him, and both felt the extreme tension in the darkened room as they watched the uncut holovid of the Krell meeting with the human female.

Dhia sat with a fully depressed posture with her Gill ridges wholly deflated and with a crushed tone in her voice, Dhia said: "The worst-case scenario has befallen us. This alien, Adara has made it clear that our action has inspired a personal vendetta."

"She recognises me as the Morfin responsible for the unprovoked attack, and she wants to save the lives of my people by subtlety informing me that this will be the case if I face her as an individual."

"She is tiny. She seems frail, but I can see her power. She is an Empress, Far. I can see it in her baring. I know fear when I see it and this human had not the tiniest trace of fear in her as she touched a Krellen. Even after the Krellen told her that she should fear it and spores. Yet, she had no doubt of her immunity or anything the Krell could do to cause harm."

"Is it possible for someone to be so powerful? Are this Queen and her kind living outside the physical laws of our Universe? Did you see her clothing evolve into a spacesuit and how she flew without the visible support of thrust? Venturing into space so close to the hyperlight threshold would kill any known species if we tried such a stunt."

Ct Far said: "This unique situation is outside my understanding of reality but cements the fact that I must act to prevent the death of my Empress... or die trying."

"This human, Adara, is coming for you. I am your sworn protector, and she will have to kill me to get to you, and to kill me, she will have to kill my secretary and my military. That will be hard for any power."

Ct Far looked down at his beloved Empress as her tail curled around his waist and tugged him down beside her. Dhia's gill ridges became swollen red with proud affection."

Far said: "This is now my duty and honour as your Consort-Partner. I have no choice but to defend my lady with all the power at my disposal."

Dhia said: "My wonderful Far. I have been dying to see this side of you. Your power is intoxicating and exciting, but I'm seeing it at the wrong time."

"Look at what we are up against. I destroyed their entire System, but not them. It was a mistake. Far, this is a time for acceptance. We do not have the power to destroy the human species, and that empress, Adara, knows it."

"Listen, my line is assured, the last stage in the birthing pond has begun, and the survivors are honourable. I have spent enough time with them to ensure that. The winner: my princess heir, will be fully capable of taking over with your guidance. I have been loved by the strongest, most perfect male in the Empire. I am content."

Ct Far said: "Well I am not. There is not one soldier out there that will allow any alien to judge you, not to mention kill you. Yours was a mistake made from fear and the need to defend against a terrifying enemy. Nothing you have done is unforgivable. It is not worth your life. That is my final word. Do not dare try to forbid this as military activity is my authority."

Dhia said: "Ct Far, please don't do this. I was in the wrong... am in the wrong and I must pay the price, alone. It will destroy me to see millions or billions of my people die for my mistake and when they fail against this human power, my life will still be forfeit."

Ct Far bowed and placed his hands gently against the side of Dhia's Gill ridges in the most intimate manner possible for Morfin and said: "I will take one hundred thousand ships. It is less than one-tenth of our fleet and will accept volunteers. If there are none, then I will comply with your wishes. This is my final word."