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

The Visitor

Twelve hours after leaving the Neanda System, Matt's ship came to a dead stop in the void, very close to where the Infinity Hub had once been located.

Matts team relaxed and chatted on the Bridge, but the ship warned that an alien craft was observing them from one AU distance.

Matt shook his head with frustrated annoyance and asked: "Does the drama never end?"

Then Matt ordered: "Ship, come to battle readiness."

The ship replied: "Full battle readiness is my permanent state, Administrator. I have notified Eden, but she was already aware of the 'visitor' and has deployed the fleet in battle formation. She is awaiting your command."

Matt said: "Nice. Deploy the signal beacon."

The ship replied: "Deployed."

Matt asked: "Eden, what is your status?"

Sharon replied: "Battle-ready Administrator. SP ships are patrolling at extreme range as we deployed them on approach. This alien ship appears to be the only one in the vicinity."

Matt said: "Eden, maintain an open channel and listen to proceedings."

Adara said: "Administrator, technically, we are the visitor. That ship was already here when we arrived, and it has made no attempt at contact. I sense there are several lifeforms onboard. Their minds are shielded, but I think they're waiting for us to contact them. It may be a superiority ploy."

Matt said: "Let's give them ten minutes to say hello, then I will extend the olive branch. It will let them know that we are not overly eager to make friends."

Sharon said: "They probably see we are ready for a fight, especially as Eden and the fleet have formed a battle-ready formation."

'B' Sharp sent: "Administrator, I sense that they are curious and surprised at their inability to penetrate any of our vessels with scans. I also think we are about to begin negotiations with the Judges of Prophesy."

Matt said: "I would hate to think anyone out there would give us time to gather ourselves to recover from each bashing." He looked at the time and said: "Ship; open a general comms channel to the alien vessel."

The ship replied: "Comms channel open, Sir."

Matt said: "Alien vessel, I am the leader of this fleet and I kindly ask how you found yourself so far from any universe? If you are in trouble or lost, we are glad to help."

There was a delay of five minutes, and then the alien ship replied: "This vessel belongs to the company that manages the multiverse and are investigators for our species. Our species is called the Judges of Prophesy."

"We were sent to investigate a recent occurrence of note, and we find many questions needing answers. Prepare to be boarded."

The Judge attempted to board Matt's ship three times, and each time, Matt's spaceship gently pushed him away. Without a word, the Judge returned to his own spacecraft and remained silent for several hours.

Matt's ship said: "Administrator, you have an incoming call from the Judge species, ship."

Matt said: "Open the channel."

The Judge began: "We do not understand how it is possible for a species to refuse access to company investigators. To do so is against the law."

Matt said: "Kind sir, may I ask what it is that you need. There are no species other than ours permitted to board any human spacecraft. This is the unbendable policy. Please tell us what you need, and we will gladly give you the answers you seek."